Chicago Cubs State Of The Union For 2016

I absolutely love the singing of Zobrist for the Cubs. He is a quality veteran Utility guy for this young versatile club. Zobrist at 35 may have been pricey at the four year deal work, but they were able to trade away Starlin Castro as a result. Zobrist was vital to the Royals postseason run - and is Joe Maddon's favorite all time player. His ability to switch all over the field will give guys like Schwarber, Baez, Soler and Russell all the availability to thrive with matchup maneuvers. The Cubs should not stop here though. They need to acquire a CF - and trade for a #3 starter at some point in the next 8 months.

I absolutely love the signing of Zobrist for the Cubs. He is a quality veteran Utility guy for this young versatile club. Zobrist at 35 may have been pricey at the four year deal work, but they were able to trade away Starlin Castro as a result. Zobrist was vital to the Royals 2015 World Series Playoff run – and is Joe Maddon’s favorite all time player. His ability to switch all over the field will give guys like Schwarber, Baez, Soler and Russell all the availability to thrive with matchup maneuvers. The Cubs should not stop here though. They need to acquire a CF – and trade for a #3 starter at some point in the next 8 months.

Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead  Analyst) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

The Cubs finally threw their names in the ring on the Free Agent front this week by first signing ultra  Utility man Ben Zobrist to a 4 YR/$56 MIL -on the heels of  John Lackey to a 2 YR/$32 MIL deal.

The club also dealt Starlin Castro away for another team controllable pitcher in Adam Warren.  These are significant steps in the right direction to start their run at the 2016 NL Central Division Title,

2015 was a nice breakout season – and the furthest the team has gone in 12 years however this franchise needs to spend as much money and continue to pursue an end to their century plus World Series drought.

There is no question all other 29 clubs would trade their offensive rosters for the value the young Chicago NL squad is going to put forth the next 5 years. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 9, 2015

14956173

AP Photo

The Diamondbacks are going for it. Did the Braves just pick up a franchise player from Georgia in the process?

Will Dansby Swanson be the new John Smoltz?

It is long term/short term gain episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 8, 2015

IaMReRm4

Events at the winter meetings are going so quickly that they render doing a daily podcast almost an exercise in being incorrect.

Trying to make predictions during this winter meeting… an impossibility

It is an unpredictable episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 7, 2015

carl-crawford-andre-ethier

Elsa/Getty Images

The Dodgers had a devastating blow handed to them when Greinke left.

They need to make some moves and for some of them, quantity will matter as much as quality.

And by the way, BACK UP YOUR FILES!

It is a Bleed Dodger Blue episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 6, 2015

PRICE

Winslow Townson/Associated Press

 

It is Sunday and time for The Sunday Request.

 

No Trades and opt outs are not going anywhere soon. And fans should be happy about that.

It is a collectively bargained for episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Read the rest of this entry

Arizona Diamondbacks Payroll In 2016 + Contracts Going Forward

The Diamondbacks didn't have many ling term contracts that carry out big $ - so they were able to throw a whole bunch of dough to sign Zack Greinke to the biggest Annual Average Contract in MLB History. Despite that deal, there maybe more signings and acquisitions on the way with the total team payroll still being under $100 MIL thus far for next campaign.

The Diamondbacks doesn’t have many long term contracts that carry out big $ – so they were able to throw a whole bunch of dough to sign Zack Greinke to the biggest Annual Average Contract in MLB History. Despite that deal, there maybe more signings and acquisitions on the way with the total team payroll still being under $100 MIL thus far for next campaign.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

So in one signing of Zack Greinke, the Diamondbacks effectively doubled their 2016 salary outlook for the year.  There was a reason Arizona could make such an expensive deal – and it wasn’t just because of their recent TV contract.

The franchise has done a decent job in slashing payroll over the last few years.  They also have the best value on the board with the Paul Goldschmidt contract through 2019.

The big lanky 1B finished runnerup for the MVP in the National League for the second time in 3 years during 2015 – and will only earn $40 MIL over the next four seasons.  Only Andrew McCutchen’s 6 YRs/$51 MIL extension rivals the kind of value the club has received in the league.

Read the rest of this entry

Greinke Signs With Arizona: 12th Best Deal ALL – Time Of 50 MLB Richest Contracts.

Zack Greinke opted of his deal after this season, even though he will stay have nearly $26 MIL per year left on his deal running through 2018. There is no doubt in my mind that LA will probably walk away from Greinke. I base that on the comments from GM Andrew Friedman - who isn't looking to spend a lot of money, and also shed payroll. If the brass is able to pull of some swift financing, they should be able to absorb a ne deal with the RHP, and not have the salary for the club be blown out of proportion.

Zack Greinke opted of his deal (6 YRs/$147.6 MIL) after this last season with the Dodgers, even though he will still nearly $26 MIL per year left on his deal running through 2018. The 32 Year Old has been dynamite since moving to Los Angeles, featuring a 60 – 17 (.779) record with a mid 2 ERA since he was dealt to the Angels in mid 2012 from the Brewers.  He just inked the most lucrative deal ever signed for the MLB in AAV at $34.42 MIL per year.

Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead  Analyst) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

A collective haymaker punch has just been thrown at the rest of the National League West.  The Diamondbacks have inked Zack Greinke to a 6 YRs/$206.5 MIL pact as of last night.

This is the 3rd richest Pitcher contract ever signed behind David Price‘s 7 YRs/$217 MIL deal – and Clayton Kerhsaw’s extension of 7 YRs/$210 MIL.

It is also the highest Average Annual contract  ahead at $34.42 MIL per season, edging out both Price and Miguel Cabrera at a clip of $31 MIL each a campaign for their respective deals.

Greinke, 32, who finished 2nd in NL Cy Young Voting with an incredible 1.66 ERA in 222.1 IP worth of work in 2015 had opted out of his 6 YRs/$147.5 MIL deal with the Dodgers after just 3 years.

The Right Handed Pitcher left 3 years and $77.5 MIL on the table – and this was the right move as he was slated to earn just under $26 MIL a season for that contract.

This is the 12th richest deal of ALL – Time in the Major Leagues – and is also the 12th player to crack the $200 MIL+ barrier.

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 5, 2015

la-sp-greinke-shaikin-20151205-001

(Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)

Did you predict Zack Greinke leaving LA for the Diamondbacks? If you answered yes, you are a liar!

The NL West is upside down and Johnny Cueto’s agent is loving it.

Snakes in the desert in this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 4, 2015

photo

Fox Sports Arizona

With the Diamondbacks unveiling their new uniforms, I brought back Phil Hecken of Uni Watch to break them down.

It is a cluttered jersey episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Follow Phil Hecken on Twitter by clicking HERE.

Read the rest of this entry

Price With Richest Pitcher Contract In MLB History (8th Best In History): Top 50 ALL – Time Deals

David Price has just inked the most expensive pitcher contract in the history of the MLB. With his and Jordan Zimmermann both hitting the top 50 contracts of ALL - Time in the last week, it has pushed Homer Bailey out of the top 50 deals of all time for chuckers. Right now, there is no one that has had the Tommy John Surgery while having a contract as a pitcher in the top 50. Expect that to change. Which poses the question - are pitchers really worth 9 figure deals?

David Price has just inked the most expensive pitcher contract in the history of the MLB. With his and Jordan Zimmermann both hitting the top 50 contracts of ALL – Time in the last week, it has pushed Homer Bailey out of the top 50 deals of all time for chuckers. Right now, there is no one that has had the Tommy John Surgery while having a contract as a pitcher in the top 50. Expect that to change. Which poses the question – are pitchers really worth 9 figure deals?

Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead  Analyst) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

David Price just inked the richest deal in MLB history with the Boston Red Sox at 7 YRs/$217 MIL.  It is also the 8th richest contract ever doled out.

The question is whether or not it is a worthy investment to put that much dough on the table for a guy that will progressively decline as the deal goes on.

If you follow our Tommy John Surgery Tracker, you will find that 30 or so pitchers are having their names added to the list.  Last season, the first 9 figured player – and top 50 salaried player had their arm go under a TJ Surgery in Home Bailey.

The time is coming again when an even higher profile pitcher will have to go down with it while his name is on a pact for a huge 9 figure salary.

it is the main reason why some clubs just can’t afford the risk.  Boston has the funds to do this, and this clearly was the prudent move for the franchise to do after losing out on Jon Lester last season.

Most of the Starting Pitchers have not seen better years with their names on this list like Justin VerlanderFelix HernandezMatt CainBarry ZitoCole HamelsCC Sabathia and Mike Hampton. Read the rest of this entry

Billy Beane’s Decision To Not Extend Mulder, Zito And Hudson Was The Right One: Money Ball At Its Best

chuckbooth3023's avatarMLB Reports

Billy Beane will never spend a king's ransom for Pitchers on long-term deals or for big $$ because of injuries like Tommy John crippling your salary infrastructure for the whole time a player may be out.  Especially with smaller market teams, having too much invested with your pitchers can be catastrophic.  Even though Jarrod Parker is out for the year with TJ surgery, and A.J. Griffin may not be out of the wood for it either, the club is not hampered long-term financially by their injuries.  It hurts yes, but not as much as it could have.  He was forced into realizing the effects from losing Mulder, Zito and Hudson because the team couldn't afford to re-sign them.  But as you will read, it was a blessing. Billy Beane will never spend a king’s ransom for Pitchers on long-term deals or for big $$ because of injuries like Tommy John crippling your salary infrastructure for the whole time a player may be out. Especially with smaller market teams, having too much invested with your pitchers can be catastrophic. Even though Jarrod Parker is out for the year with TJ surgery, and A.J. Griffin may not be out of the woods for it either, the club is not hampered long-term financially by their injuries. It hurts yes, but not as much as it could have. He was forced into realizing the effects from losing Mulder, Zito and Hudson because the team couldn’t afford to re-sign them a decade ago. But as you will read, it was a blessing in disguise.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner):

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

This has been an organization…

View original post 1,216 more words

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 3, 2015

 

The Padres unveiled their new uniforms and I brought back Uni Watch deputy editor Phil Hecken to break them down. Needless to say, we both had some strong opinions.

Welcome back the Taco Bell Hat on this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Follow Phil Hecken on Twitter by clicking HERE.

pods2446109_sp_uniforms_mv_004_r900x493

Misael Virgen – San Diego Union Tribune

Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2016 MLB World Series: Price Is Right For Boston – But Not The Odds!

Strike while the iron is hot. The Red Sox have a ton of offensive talent that is under team control for many years. The way to compliment this is to add Free Agent aces. By adding Price to the staff, it takes the pressure off of the the rotation guys could compete in the

Strike while the iron is hot. The Red Sox have a ton of offensive talent that is under team control for many years. The way to compliment this is to add Free Agent aces. By adding Price to the staff, it takes the pressure off of the the rotation guys – so that they could compete in the next 3 – 4 years – with more suitable roles for the rest of the staff.  With David Ortiz being in his last year of his career, the move made sense.  Their quantum leap up the favorites board based on the signing is not a surprise.  The Jays not losing their odd of +800 is.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

So with news of David Price signing with the Sox – this has changed the landscape of the AL East.  The oddsmakers jumped them from +1600 last week – to now at +1000.  That is a huge leap.

The Yankees dropped from +1800 to +2000, but yet the Jays kept up as the overall MLB favorite to win the Fall Classic in 2016.  This is wrong without the Canadian franchise making another significant signing.

J.A. Happ and Jesse Chavez were decent moves,  but with the loss of Price, and Mark Buehrle – are they better off than  the team that ended 2015..Hell no..

One would say that Boston inking the Lefty Price has swung the momentum to their side like happened with Toronto this last year.

I would still be leery of wagering that much cabbage on the Boston squad early.  There is not much value there yet.  You are still talking about a club that finished last in the AL East – making a few moves, and now find themselves tied for the 3rd best off to win the World Series. 

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 2, 2015

David Price

 (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

David Price signed a contract to be the new ace for the Boston Red Sox. It cost my beloved team no players and no draft picks.

I decided to talk about this with (and rub it in the nose of) Yankee super fan Lisa Swan, co creator of the blog Subway Squawkers.

The Rivalry is alive and well in this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Follow Subway Squawkers on Twitter by clicking HERE

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 1, 2015

NLCS - St Louis Cardinals v San Francisco Giants - Game Four

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Barry Bonds could be the Marlins new hitting coach?

That is great but they should take it a step further. He should be a PLAYER coach!

It is a return of the King episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 30, 2015

635844997578435962-IMG-4726-1-

Photo  – Ryan Garza, Detroit Free Press

It is November. Thanksgiving is over. Can you believe baseball was played this month?

Plus the signing of Jordan Zimmermann by the Tigers will be felt by other teams throughout the winter.

Tis the season for more episodes of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 29, 2015

texas10300276_10153092560124937_1417198226169897665_nIt is Sunday and time for the SUNDAY REQUEST.

 

 

I had to break down the likely and unlikely teams a hypothetical Major League Sully would play for.

Some I would play for and NOT play for surprised me.

It is a call your own shots episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 28, 2015

kansas-city-royals-manager-ned-yost-holds-the-world-series-trophy-during-a-victory-parade-in-kansas-city

AP Photo – Orlin Wagner

Perceptions are sometimes hard to break, even if all the facts in the world can be presented against them.

Many people are still making the argument that the same big budgeted teams win every year, even though the parity in baseball has never been better.

This leads me to talking about my high school reunion.

Trust me, it makes sense.

Shatter your preconceived notions in this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 27, 2015

Screen Shot 2015-11-25 at 8.31.27 AM

Photo Credit – Brian Wilmer

We came so very close to having a major league team whose stadium was in South Carolina.

Their ballpark was built in 1990. By 1992, it was totally obsolete.

It is a parallel universe episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Read the rest of this entry

Canadian MLB Expansion Or: Should The Jays Play At Least 1 Series In Vancouver + Montreal Per Year?

Olympic Stadium was a building catastrophe from the get go. It was a contributing factor of the Expos leaving Montreal. Having said that, it would have been really cool if the North America opener were to have been opened in Montreal, with a series with Toronto and the New York Mets. Instead the series in an exhibition. At least the Canadian stadium has hosted regular season MLB games.

Olympic Stadium was a building catastrophe from the get go. It was a contributing factor of the Expos leaving Montreal. Having said that, it would have been really cool if the MLB were to at least designate the Canadian stadium to host some regular season games in the next few years.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

I must be out of my mind right?

Having the Toronto Blue Jays play in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver  allduring a regular season – and re-brand the club to a national team in the MLB?  But stop and think about this for a minute.

The club as drawn almost 100K total fans for the 2 exhibition games in Quebec during the last 2 years in exhibition series right before the season started.

Why not play some games in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver – and rename the club the Canada Blue Jays?  Okay.. that is a little drastic here.  Keep them the Toronto Blue Jays, but what would be wrong with selling 40K+ fans a game for 12 total games?  Maybe 6 games in each city.

Since the MLB insists on having 19 Divisional games a year – with 3 series in each city, would it be that bad if the Tampa Bay Rays or Baltimore Orioles were to visit Montreal to play the Blue Jays  a series?

Or how about and grow the brand on the West Coast by playing a 3 game set at BC Place Stadium followed up with Toronto heading down to Seattle right afterwards for another series?  Read the rest of this entry

Toronto Blue Jays Payroll In 2016 + Contracts Going Forward

The Blue Jays are at the unique crossroads where they have grown massively in attendance - but are exponentially growing in cost of payroll each year. Based on some great front office decisions on Bautista, Encarnacion and Donaldson - the club as their best chance to in a championship is right now. Push all of your chips in, sign some more players - and take on salary. You may just lead the American League in attendance if you do (just like in the early 90's). The Jays have talked about cutting payroll in 2016. That would be a grave mistake. Right now they are at about $130 MIL in total team salary for next season.

The Blue Jays are at the unique crossroads where they have grown massively in attendance – but are exponentially growing in cost of payroll each year. Based on some great front office decisions on Bautista, Encarnacion and Donaldson – the club has their best chance to in a championship is right now. Push all of your chips in, sign some more players – and take on salary. You may just lead the American League in attendance if you do (just like in the early 90’s). The Jays have talked about cutting payroll in 2016. That would be a grave mistake. Right now they are at about $140 MIL in total team salary for next season.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

The Blue Jays have $94 MIL in guaranteed contracts already in commitments for Troy Tulowitzki, Russell Martin, Jose Bautista, Marco Estrada, R.A. Dickey J.A. Happ and Edwin Encarnacion.

The club also will have about another $35 – $38 MIL in Arbitration dealing with another 10 players.

This would mean the team is hovering around the $130 MIL already before they pull the trigger on any moves this offseason.

We made it abundantly clear in our Toronto Blue Jays State Of The Union that this is no time to slow down in going for a championship.

One of the biggest things we mentioned there was the lack of an ace in the AL East.  For Toronto to win the Division they may not need a #1 guy again.  They will only need another #1 guy in the postseason. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 26, 2015

WorldSeries1903-640

Baseball Hall of Fame

Today I give thanks to the Pilgrims… specifically the Boston Pilgrims, whose victory in the 1903 World Series paved the way to baseball in its current state.

It is the Thanksgiving episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Read the rest of this entry

San Francisco Giants Payroll In 2016 + Contracts Going Forward

The Giants have won the World Series in 2010, 2012 and 2014 recently. A lot of the core is still intact for 2016 - and they could add in Free Agency over the winter, while the Dodgers may not be as formidable in 2016 either. With some flexibility coming in the forms of finances, the San Fran club should spend what they can in 2016 - go for another few premiere players, before trying any form of rebuilding afterwards. The Giants finished the 2015 season a disappointing 83 - 79 - which continued their odd curse.

The Giants have won the World Series in 2010, 2012 and 2014 recently. A lot of the core is still intact for 2016 – and they could add in Free Agency over the winter, while the Dodgers may not be as formidable in 2016 either. With some flexibility coming in the forms of finances, the San Fran club should spend what they can in 2016 – go for another few premiere players, before trying any form of rebuilding afterwards. The Giants finished the 2015 season a disappointing 84 – 78 – which continued their odd year curse.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

Yep.  The Giants are heading into an even year this decade – and will try for a fourth time in a row to become World Champions.

The 1st thing we look at when it comes to payroll is how much a team has in guaranteed contracts.  So far for next year, this sum is $128.1 MIL for 11 players.

Jake Peavy, Angel Pagan, Santiago Casilla and Javier Lopez are on the last year of their individual pacts and are not on the payroll beyond this year. Read the rest of this entry

Tommy John Surgery Thursdays: David “Boomer” Wells

David Wells was the 1st Yankee to throw a perfect game since Don Larsen had thrown one in the 1956 World Series. It was the 15th perfect game in World Series history. This underrated Lefty was a 3 time ALL - Star, 2 time World Series winners and is tied with Kenny Lofton for appearing with 6 teams in the playoffs. He also was the last player to have been carried off at Yankee Stadium.

David Wells was the 1st Yankee to throw a perfect game since Don Larsen had thrown one in the 1956 World Series. It was the 15th perfect game in World Series history. This underrated Lefty was a 3 time ALL – Star and is  2 time World Series winner –  and he also was the last player to have been carried off the field at Yankee Stadium.  Wells led the American League in 1999 with 20 wins, had the best win percentage with the Yankees in 1998 (.818) – and had several years in which he led for Walks/Strikeouts Ratio, Complete Games and even had a year of each leading the league in Innings Pitched and Shutours wih the Yankee.

Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead  Analyst) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

David Wells is one of the most criminally underrated Left Handed Pitchers of ALL – Time.  I put him right up there with Jamie Moyer for never being recognized for just how good they were.  But it was almost not to be.

David Wells was about the 10th Pitcher to undergo the Tommy John Surgery ever.  This was back in 1985 – before he even made it to the big leagues.

At just age 22, he was also one of the youngest ever to have the procedure done. Only Dwayne Henry of the Mariners was younger at age 20 at the time. Read the rest of this entry

Cleveland Indians State Of The Union For 2016

The Indians had a disappointing 2015 with an 81 - 80 record, however some trades midway through the year have cleared the deck to acquire some upgrades at the OF and 1B positions. They should take advantage of this, and a lot of depth at the Starting Pitching to address their needs. If they play their cards right, they could some top players near the Trade Deadline next year and contend for a playoff spot in the American League.

The Indians had a disappointing 2015 with an 81 – 80 record, however some trades midway through the year have cleared the deck to acquire some upgrades at the OF and 1B positions. They should take advantage of this, and a lot of depth at the Starting Pitching to address their needs. If they play their cards right, they could some top players near the Trade Deadline next year and contend for a playoff spot in the American League.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

The Indians have had three straight losing seasons.  The problem is that they have gone from 92, to 85 to 81 wins over the last 3 years.  That is not the kind of trajectory you want to be on.

With the strong onus on the clubs drafting and decent trades over the last few years, it has been the Free Agency signings they haven’t fared so well on.

Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn killed their budget over the last few years, but at least they got from under those two players by dealing them both with some cash to Atlanta for 3B Chris Johnson.  The result is some better flexibility with cash going forward.

It is funny though, as they could use a CF and a 1B/DH type as their top two needs on the acquisitions market this winter.  They could use a guy with some pop from the right side as a Center Fielder.  The Tribe should definitely target Austin Jackson as a priority. Read the rest of this entry

Minnesota Twins State Of The Union: Looking For The Playoffs In 2016

The Twins finished 2nd in the AL Central and could be the Houston Astros type of 2015 club in 2016. If you think they can finish 2nd in the AL Central one more time, it may be enough to secure a Wild Card Spot. I think the AL East will beat each other up - and will only produce one playoff team in 2016. The management needs to realize that the next 2 or 3 years represent the best time for the organization to take back the helm of the AL Central like they did from 2001 - 2010.

The Twins finished 2nd in the AL Central and could be the Houston Astros type of 2015 club in 2016. If you think they can finish 2nd in the AL Central one more time, it may be enough to secure a Wild Card Spot. I think the AL East will beat each other up – and will only produce one playoff team in 2016. The management needs to realize that the next 2 or 3 years represents the best time for the organization to take back the helm of the AL Central like they did from 2001 – 2010.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

The Minnesota Twins know how to build a winner.  From 1992 – 1999 the team was not the greatest team around and they gradually built a ton of players through the draft like Torii Hunter, Justin Morneau and later Johan Santana, Francisco Liriano and Joe Mauer.

Being a good franchise means a smart game plan, and especially when you are a smaller market.

From 2001 – 2010 the club won 6 AL Central Titles and were always on the verge of sneaking through.  They never seemed to have great depth Starting Pitching to move past clubs in the postseason (despite having Santana).

After the club moved into Target Field, it should have alleviated some of the financial concerns the organization had.  They were in the top 10 for total team salary.  Except for the core was getting older.  Veterans were traded and the management focused on replenishing the Minor League System.

Lean years followed from 2011 – 2014, and it cost Ron Gardenhire his job after the 2014 campaign. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 25, 2015

650x366-1

Robert Gauthier – Los Angeles Times

 

Mark McGwire is joining the Padres coaching staff, which is good for helping us get past the steroid era. But I have a radical suggestion for a new coach in California.

It is not a day to talk about the past episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2016 MLB World Series

The Twins finished 2nd in the AL Central and could be the Houston Astros type of 2015 club in 2016. If you think they can finish 2nd in the AL Central one more time, it may be enough to secure a Wild Card Spot. I think the AL East will beat each other up - and will only produce one playoff team in 2016.

The Twins finished 2nd in the AL Central and could be the Houston Astros type of 2015 club in 2016. If you think they can finish 2nd in the AL Central one more time, it may be enough to secure a Wild Card Spot. I think the AL East will beat each other up – and will only produce one playoff team in 2016.  At +3500, there is enough off an odd to work with.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

So the offseason has started in the MLB – and the oddsmakers are doing their odds before any sweeping changes have occurred for clubs.

Some of the best bets you can do are based on your own speculation on how you think teams are going to do.

I don’t like many of the teams odds once you past the 25/1 barrier to win the World Series.  The only club I would even stab at – to hedge later – is the Minnesota Twins.

Once again the 2015 Standings don’t seem to mean much for the AL Central.  The Twinkies managed to finish second in the Division with 83 win – despite playing the 1st half without Ervin Santana and power slugging rookie Miguel Sano.

I am not suggesting the Indians don’t deserve to be the 2nd favorite in the AL Central either.  It is just the discrepancy between the Tribe and the Twins is too far.  Even the Tigers are at +2500 (which is about right). Read the rest of this entry

Cincinnati Reds Payroll In 2016 + Contracts Going Forward

Joey Votto had his best year since 2010 at the plate in 2015. It couldn't have come at a better time. The Canadian Slugger will make $199 MIL min over the next 8 years and will be counted on to help with a rebuild. Either that, or maybe he could create enough value to be traded and the club could gain some financial flexibility going forward. The Reds finished 64 - 98 in 2015 - and are in the same Division as the top three teams in the MLB.

Joey Votto had his best year since 2010 at the plate in 2015. It couldn’t have come at a better time. The Canadian Slugger will make $199 MIL min over the next 8 years and will be counted on to help with a rebuild. Either that, or maybe he could create enough value to be traded and the club could gain some financial flexibility going forward. The Reds finished 64 – 98 in 2015 – and are in the same Division as the top three teams in the MLB.  They should continue to trade veterans for as many young players as they can – and rebuild for 2 – 3 years down the road.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

Homer Bailey was the 1st Pitcher to have a $100 Million Dollar Contract in place and undergo Tommy John Surgery.  Carl Crawford holding onto a 7 YRs/$142 MIL deal originally signed with the Red Sox was the 1st guy to go down with the TJ Surgery as a position player.

Yes insurance will pay some of the money, but it is not a given that he will comeback and be as effective as he was before he went down with the UCL surgery.

The club is on the hook for Joey Votto to the tune of $199 MIL from 2016 – 2023 – and will jump another $13 MIL if the team picks up a $20 MIL Club Option for 2024.

The Reds are thanking their lucky stars that Votto posted his best baseball season since 2010 in 2015 with a 1.000 OPS and 143 Walks. Read the rest of this entry

Figuring Out Miguel Cabrera’s Place ALL – Time When He is Done Playing: Can He Reach 4K Hits?

Whatever Cabrera ends up doing - he is already a Hall of Fame Player right now. He is a 2 time MVP, with 4 other top 5 finishes, and has won 6 Silver Slugger Awards. He has 11 100 RBI seasons, has won 2 Homerun Titles, and has won the 4 Batting Titles.

Whatever Cabrera ends up doing in the course of his next 8 – 10 years he is under contract with Detroit- he is already a Hall of Fame Player right now. He is a 2 time MVP, with 4 other top 5 finishes, and has won 6 Silver Slugger Awards. He has 11 100 RBI seasons, has won 2 Homerun Titles, and has won 4 Batting Titles in the last 5 years with the Tigers.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

Miguel Cabrera just won his 4th Batting Title in 5 years in 2015.  It was a year thaw saw him rack up his 400th HR and saw him reach 900 Extra Base Hits for his career.

Heading into 2016, Cabrera starts his 8 YR/$240 MIL contract with the Tigers, (with a few Vesting Options in 2024 and 2025).  He will turn 33 about a week into the season.

Just how far will he go into the historical record books will be determined by the duration of this contract.  Does he have a chance at 4000 Hits and 700 HRs?

The ALL-Time list he is capable of reaching (I feel) are the ALL – Time Extra Bases mark of 1477 set by Hank Aaron, ALL – Time RBI list (also held by Aaron) at 2297 and the ALL-Time Doubles mark of 792 held by Tris Speaker. Read the rest of this entry