The Biggest Stretch Of Interleague Has Arrived In the 2014 MLB Season

Interleague_Logo

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Here we go….Starting tonight, there is a season 7 games for Interleague in the next two days, and are several more game lists on the docket for the next 15 days (46 Games in all)..

Highlighted by tonight’s LA Series, the Battle of Ohio, the 2013 World Series, and MLB Trade Deadline dance partners BOS @ STL.

Yes, there also duds on the itinerary, as I am sure there are not too many people pining for a Astros @ Phillies series, or a Padres @ Twins, or even the Royals in the desert to take on the D’Backs,

The one other set of games to pique one’s interest is the Braves stumbling into Safeco Field on a 6 game losing streak – and having the daunting task to face Felix Hernandez this evening. 

Good luck fella’s, a high strikeout team, facing the best AL Pitcher, (which is a rarity), and in one of the worst hitting ballparks with Seattle. This could be an ugly night.

The fans could not need air conditioning with the amount of wind generated by bats missing balls. Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (Aug 04) – Updated Yearly 2014 #WOB Standings

 

Andrew Nelles - AP

Andrew Nelles – AP

 

Tyler Flowers went 3-3 with 3 RBI and missed the cycle by a double in the White Sox rain shortened 5-3 victory over Texas.

Pablo Sandoval went 3-5 with a pair of 2 out RBI doubles. One tied the game and the other put the Giants ahead of the Mets for good in the 9th inning and led to the 4-3 final.

Garrett Richards threw a complete game, 5 hit shutout, striking out 9 Dodgers and giving the Angels the 5-0 win.

Santiago Casilla threw a perfect 9th to save the game for the Giants over the Mets, 4-3. (I couldn’t give it to Hudson!)

They owned baseball on Aug 04, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – August 4, 2014

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The blackout rules continue to shutout fans from enjoying baseball, never a smart business model.

Meanwhile the Giants should consider a strange suggestion I have about Barry Bonds.

That and my plea to ESPN to stop showing Red Sox and Yankees games in this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Chris Tillman, Madison Bumgarner, Hunter Pence, David Murphy, Hisashi Iwakuma, Cole Hamels, Josh Reddick and Jason Heyward all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?

Read the rest of this entry

MLB Expansion, Possible Destination: Portland, Oregon

Portland:  One of the largest cities without a team, this would be a safe bet for Major League Baseball.  This city has been thrown around in almost every discussion on expansion.  This one will likely happen.  The population is over 625,000 -  but it has a couple more Million in the Metropolitan area.

Portland: One of the largest cities without a team, this would be a safe bet for Major League Baseball. This city has been thrown around in almost every discussion on expansion. This one will likely happen. The population is over 600,000 – but it has a couple more Million in the Metropolitan area.

Jordan Gluck (Baseball Operations Analyst): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

MLB Expansion Destinations: Portland Oregon

The second city I think is a contender for MLB expansion is Portland Oregon. I think that MLB in the next 8 or so years will expand to 32 teams with one team absolutely somewhere on the west coast.

I think the west coast is a necessity due to division alignment and that the Astros who are located in the central time zone are in the American League West. Which West Coast team is the answer that we don’t know about yet.

I will Clarify that Portland WILL NOT receive the Oakland Athletics!!!!!!!!!!!

Portland due to high precipitation will require a retractable roof stadium. I would make the stadium kind of funky like the young “hip” town of Portland which is commonly referred by its natives as “Portlandia”. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series Currently + Best/Worst Value Bets

The Tigers should be a unanimous choice for the 1 odd to win the World Series.  It is only because the A's have to contend with the Angels, and all NL Divisions are close.

The Tigers should be a unanimous choice for the 1 odd to win the World Series. It is only because the A’s have to contend with the Angels, and all NL Divisions are close. I would take Detroit’s rotation and 1 – 9 lineup over Oakland in a series right now, with the A’s possessing a better Bullpen as their only advantage.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

With the trade deadline coming and going, the new odds have been posted to win the “Fall Classic.”

The consensus among bettors is that the Athletics and Tigers by virtue of their trades are the top favorites.

1st off, there is no way the A’s should be rated higher than Detroit.  The Angels are just 1 game behind Oakland, which would force them into the Wild Card Game.

The ‘Motown Boys’ hold a 5 game lead on their nearest Division rival Kansas City, therefore should be a heavier rated club.

Detroit has a playoff pedigree of going to three straight ALCS’s, and the A’s haven’t won a playoff series since 2006.

I am not putting down the A’s, the odds are just so low, that it is not worth a wager.

Tampa Bay is also a big longshot.  They should be pegged worse than what they are right now.  David Price is not on the squad anymore, and the +5000 is based on the run they did when he was on their staff.

The Rays have climbed from +13000 all the way to +5000 in about a 6 week stretch, however this team is more likely to finish around the .500 mark for the rest of the year. Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (Aug 03) – Updated Yearly 2014 #WOB Standings

JOE ROBBINS/GETTY IMAGES

JOE ROBBINS/GETTY IMAGES

 

David Murphy reached base 4 times, doubled, made two terrific catches and hit a 2 run bottom of the 9th homer to tie the game and set up Cleveland’s 4-3 walk off win in the 12th against Texas.

Chris Tillman threw 7 shutout innings, letting up 4 hits and walking none, helping the Orioles take a tense 1-0 game against Seattle.

Hunter Pence went 3-5 with a pair of homers and a double, driving in 4 runs and helping the Giants crush the Mets, 9-0.

Madison Bumgarner threw a complete game 2 hit shutout, walking just 1 while striking out 10 Mets and as the Giants took the 9-0 laugher.

They owned baseball on Aug 03, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Read the rest of this entry

MLB Reports Top 100 Prospects In Mid – 2014 (51 – 100)

 

The Texas Rangers possess 5 of the players we have in our 51 - 100 prospects.  If this team is serious about getting younger even more with trades of Alex Rios or Adrian Beltre, perhaps they can add even more to the list  In a year where they have had 20+ DL stints, maybe some of these young guys will find themselves in Arlington sooner - rather than later.

The Texas Rangers possess 5 of the players we have in our 51 – 100 prospects. If this team is serious about getting younger even more with trades of Alex Rios or Adrian Beltre, perhaps they can add even more to the list In a year where they have had 20+ DL stints, maybe some of these young guys will find themselves in Arlington sooner – rather than later.

 

Top 100 Prospects (51 – 100)

Jordan Gluck (Baseball Operations Analyst): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

To make this list you must be able to meet rookie eligibility. To be eligible for a list, a player must have rookie eligibility.

To qualify for rookie status, a player must not have exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the Major Leagues, or accumulated more than 45 days on the active roster of a Major League club or clubs during the 25-player limit period, excluding time on the disabled list or in military service.

This list doesn’t include players in the 2014 Draft nor the 2014 international signing period.

For Part 1 of our list – Click the Link Below

MLB Reports Top 100 MLB Prospects In Mid – 2014 (1 – 50)

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – August 3, 2014

Screen shot 2014-08-03 at 3.29.14 AM

It is time for The Sunday Request.

 

I make my best predictions and stare into the crystal ball in this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Brett Oberholtzer, Josh Harrison, Ben Zobrist, Jacob deGrom, Miles Mikolas, Aramis Ramirez, Homer Bailey and Adam Eaton,  all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?

Read the rest of this entry

MLB Interleague Results 2014 + Historical Records

AL vs NL

 

Through Aug 2, 2014 

The AL have won 13 out of the 17 years for Interleague play.  The American League has also won every year since the start of the 2004 season.

ALL – Time Interleague Results Year by Year

1997:  NL won 117 – 97 (.547) NL up yearly series 1 – 0

1998:  AL won 114 – 110 (.509) Yearly series tied 1 – 1

1999:  NL won 135 – 116 (.538) NL up yearly series 2 – 1

2000:  AL won 136 – 115 (.542) Yearly series tied 2 – 2

2001:  AL won 132 – 120 (.524) AL up yearly series 3 – 2

2002:  NL won 129 – 123 ( .512) Yearly series tied  3 – 3

2003:  NL won 137 – 115 (.544) NL up yearly series 4 – 3

2004:  AL won 127 – 125 (.504) Yearly series tied  4 – 4

2005:  AL won 136 – 116 (.540) AL up yearly series 5 – 4

2006:  AL won 154 – 98 (.611) AL up yearly series 6 – 4

2007:  AL won 137 – 115 (.544) AL up yearly series 7 – 4

2008:  AL won 149 – 103 (.591) AL up yearly series 8 – 4

2009:  AL won 154 – 98 (.611) AL up yearly series 9 – 4

2010:  AL won 138 – 114 (.548) AL up yearly series 10 – 4

2011:  AL won 134 – 118 (.532) AL up yearly series 11 – 4

2012:  AL won 142 – 110 (.611) AL up yearly series 12 – 4

2013:  AL won 154 – 146 (.513) AL up yearly series 13 – 4

Sat  AUG 2 Result:

DET 11 COL 5

2014: AL UP currently 114 – 95 (.545)

ALL Time: AL leads the NL 2304 – 2083 (.525):

Current Series COL @ DET FRI Aug.01 – Sun Aug.03, 2014 Read the rest of this entry

HR Streaks Of 2 Or More 2014

Harrison may very well have not deserved his NL ALL - Star selection last month, but he is totally on fire now - playing awesome baseball.  The Utility man for the Bucs is the latest MLB'er to hit Home Runs in 4 straight contests.  Harrison also went yard again last night.

Harrison may very well have not deserved his NL ALL – Star selection last month, but he is totally on fire now – playing awesome baseball. The Utility man for the Bucs is the latest MLB’er to hit Home Runs in 4 straight contests this year. Harrison also went yard again last night, after a brief 2 game hiatus from smacking a long ball.  The Pirates have rode his tear into a tie for the Wild Card spot.

Through Aug 2, 2014 

HRs Streaks (Games Consecutive in MLB)

0 active streaks of HRs more than 1

All Streaks Of 2 or more in 2014.

5 Games

Meroraco

Devin Mesoraco, Reds, June 18 – June 24

2nd HR Steak For Mesoraco Read the rest of this entry

Multi HR Games MLB 2014

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Multi HR Games in MLB 2014

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

For Games Played Through Aug 2, 2014

(Lucas Duda with last 2 HR Game Aug 1st, Lonnie Chisenhall last with 3 HR Game – June 9th, 2014 Last 4 HR game – Josh Hamilton – May 8, 2012)

 

LM Otero/AP

LM Otero/AP

Lonnie Chisenhall (3 HR Game) June 9th

Chris Davis, Orioles (3 HR Game) May 20th

Ryan Braun – Brewers (3 HR Game) – April.8th Read the rest of this entry

THE LONG BALL In 2014 TOP 5 HRs AL/NL Thru Aug 2, 2014

THE LONG BALL In 2014

TOP 5 HRs AL/NL,

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

For Games Played Through Aug 2, 2014

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Top 5 HR Leaders AL(no HRS hit Aug 2)

Jose Abreu, White Sox – 31 (Last Homered July 29th)

Nelson Cruz, Orioles – 29 (Last Homered July 25th)

Edwin Encarnacion,  Blue Jays – 26 – Injury Report: (Currently on the 15-day disabled list (July 6, strained right quadriceps.)

David Ortiz, Red Sox – 25 ( Last Homered on July 27)

Mike Trout, Angels – 25 (Last Homered Aug 01) Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (Aug 02) – Updated Yearly 2014 #WOB Standings

Pat Sullivan - AP

Pat Sullivan – AP

Brett Oberholtzer went 7 innings, allowing 6 hits, 2 runs and walking only 1 Blue Jays batter to get the 8-2 decision for Houston.

Ben Zobrist went 4-5 with a double, a stolen base, a run scored and an RBI in the Rays 10-3 win over the Angels.

Jacob deGrom pitched scoreless ball for the Mets into the 8th, finishing with 7 1/3 innings, 4 hits, 1 walk, 7 strikeouts and getting the 4-2 victory against the Giants.

Josh Harrison got on base 4 times, missing the cycle by a triple, and scored 3 of the Pirates runs as they won 8-3 in Arizona.

They owned baseball on Aug 02, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – August 2, 2014

ALEX BRANDON/AP

ALEX BRANDON/AP

What were the Phillies thinking not rebuilding?

How could the Giants, Blue Jays and Royals stand pat?

Why were the Marlins more productive than contenders this year?

And oddly did the Rays make sense in the trade for David Price?

All this and more on this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Jordy Mercer, Ryan Vogelsong, Justin Verlander, David Murphy, Sonny Gray, Doug Fister, Brian Dozier and Matt Carpenter all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?

Read the rest of this entry

MLB Reports Top 100 MLB Prospects In Mid – 2014 (1 – 50)

The Cubs have 4 players in our top 50 prospect lists, and are stockpiling an impressive arsenal of young talent at the Minor League Level, and some players have already seeped into the Major Leagues.  If most of these guys pan out, the Cubs will be a force to be reckoned with in the not too distant future!

The Cubs at tied for 1st in having  5 players in our top 50 prospect list (3 in the top 12), and are stockpiling an impressive arsenal of young talent at the Minor League Level, and some players have already seeped into the Major Leagues. If most of these guys pan out, the Cubs will be a force to be reckoned with in the not too distant future!

Top 100 Prospects (1 – 50)

 

Jordan Gluck (Baseball Operations Analyst): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

To make this list you must be able to meet rookie eligibility. To be eligible for a list, a player must have rookie eligibility.

To qualify for rookie status, a player must not have exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the Major Leagues, or accumulated more than 45 days on the active roster of a Major League club or clubs during the 25-player limit period, excluding time on the disabled list or in military service.

This list doesn’t include players in the 2014 Draft nor the 2014 international signing period.

For Part 2 of our list – Click the Link Below

MLB Reports Top 100 Prospects In Mid – 2014 (51 – 100)

Read the rest of this entry

MLB Schedule Week 19 – 2014 – AUG 4TH – AUG 10TH (94 Games)

mlbreportslogo

MLB Scheduling Week 19 – 2014

Day + Date     Away and Home, Times Start In EST

 

Week 19

Monday, Aug.04/2014 (6 Games)

1.  Angels @ Dodgers 10:10 (Interleague)

2.  Reds @ Indians 7:05

3.  Tigers @ Yankees 7:05

4.  Giants @ Mets 12:10

5.  Rays @ Athletics 10:05

6.  Rangers @ White Sox 8:10

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (Aug 1st) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014

FRANK FRANKLIN II/AP

FRANK FRANKLIN II/AP

 

Ryan Vogelsong threw a complete game, facing the minimum into the 8th inning. He finished allowing 2 hits, 1 run, 1 walk and earning the 5-1 decision over the Mets.

Jordy Mercer reached base 3 times including a go ahead RBI double in the 9th, helping the Pirates come from behind to take the 9-4 final in Arizona.

Justin Verlander threw 8 strong innings, allowing just 2 runs and walking no Rockies batter as the Tigers prevailed 4-2.

David Murphy went 4 for 4 with a pair of doubles, two runs scored and two RBI as the Indians cruised to a 12-2 win over Texas.

They owned baseball on Aug 01, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Read the rest of this entry

MLB Trade Deadline Breakdown 2014 + The August Aftermath

jonah hill

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

It was a flurry of action that baseball really needed.  Half way through the day, I was amazed their was actually day games.

Oakland and Detroit pushed all of their chips in, and you have to think they are pretty much done with transactions, although one of them doing an August deal could prompt the other to do the same.

I am holding back reservations for judging the Pirates, Blue Jays and Royals….however they all must be the “MLB clubhouse leaders” in August acquisitions to challenge for playoff slots.

Although KC better have a better idea than having Raul Ibanez take regular AB at 1B..That is horrible..

It wasn’t like the club didn’t know Eric Hosmer was injured badly.

I am also about throwing Ruben Amaro‘s career about 10 second from a toe-tag (and those ten seconds are August), for standing pat on his 47 – 60 aging core.

Like I have said so many times on twitter and social media outlets.  Someone teach this man some basic economics.

Take a lesson from Boston, and trade-off assets, to receive younger ones in the process, then you can turn around and spend every red cent in Free Agency in the offseason.. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – August 1, 2014

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The trade deadline has come and gone, but the seasons for the Red Sox and Mets are still lost this year.

No better time to talk with comedian and rabid Mets fan Poppi Kramer and talk about the day’s events.

It is a misery loves company episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Follow Poppi Kramer on Twitter by clicking HERE.

Clayton Kershaw, Nolan Reimold, Ben Revere, Yordano Ventura, Neil Walker, Tom Koehler, Bud Norris and Michael Brantley all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 31st) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014

David J. Phillip - AP

David J. Phillip – AP

Nolan Reimold homered twice including a go ahead 9th inning shot that gave the Blue Jays a 6-5 win in Houston.

Ben Revere got 4 hits, scored 2, drove in one and stole a base, helping the Phillies top the Nationals, 10-4.

Yordano Ventura pitched 7 strong innings, allowing just 1 earned run and struckout 7, getting the 6-3 decision for the Royals over the Twins, 6-3.

Clayton Kershaw threw a complete game, letting up a single run, struck out 9 and walked no Atlanta batters and earned the 2-1 victory for the Dodgers.

They owned baseball on July 31, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 31, 2014

(Boston Herald Staff photo by Stuart Cahill)

(Boston Herald Staff photo by Stuart Cahill)

I woke up this morning by a text from my Red Sox loving friend Kenny Mack that Jon Lester and Jonny Gomes were dealt to the A’s for Yoenis Cespedes.

Good morning.

Kenny and I discussed the move and the legacies of both teams. We sometimes got off topic.

It is a trade deadline episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Follow Kenny Mack on Twitter by clicking HERE.

Matt Kemp, Zack Greinke, Corey Kluber, Nick Castellanos, Brad Hand, Felix Hernandez, Justin Upton and Josh Willingham all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?

Read the rest of this entry

How All Of The Red Sox Hitters Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree – Updated For Cespedes + Craig + Johnson Deals

David Ortiz is incredible based on the consistent numbers he has put forth since everyone thought his career was winding down several years ago.  The 38 Year Old DH continues to bash homers, win games, and now with a flurry of trades, the organization has given him some reinforcements.

David Ortiz is incredible based on the consistent numbers he has put forth since everyone thought his career was winding down several years ago. The 38 Year Old DH continues to bash homers, win games, and now with a flurry of trades, the organization has given him some reinforcements in the 1 -9 lineup for a few years.

How All Of The Red Sox Hitters Were Acquired:

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

The Boston Red Sox are smart enough to realize a retool was in order.

To kickstart the festivities, the club made a pair of moves that includes Jon Lester and Jonny Gomes to Oakland for Cuban OF Yoenis Cespedes, followed by dealing Jon Lackey to the Cardinals for 1B/OF Allen Craig and SP Joe Kelly.

These deals have helped the Red Sox be better balanced on offense, and has freed up roster spots for their young prospects to thrive.  Read the rest of this entry

Oakland A’s Payroll In 2014 + Contracts Going FWD: Updated For Trade Deadline Deals

Part of the lure in acquiring Samardzija was that he had 1 year left of Arbitration.  He will likely cost in the $12 - 15 MIL range for 2015.  He tops the list of several A's players that will be ARB eligible in 2015 like Moss, Donaldson, Cook, Parker, Jaso, Reddick and Gentry.  While the club is going for it in 2014, there unloading of Cespdes's $10.5 MIL 2015 salary will be used to pay these guys raises.  Some of the club will be traded or released.  The A's should still have about $25 MIL to spend on 7 or 8 guys next year.  Their $95 MIL payroll in 2014 is their highest ever recorded for any one year.

Part of the lure in acquiring Samardzija was that he had 1 year left of Arbitration. He will likely cost in the $12 – 15 MIL range for 2015. He tops the list of several A’s players that will be ARB eligible in 2015 like Moss, Donaldson, Cook, Parker, Jaso, Reddick and Gentry. While the club is going for it in 2014, there unloading of Cespdes’s $10.5 MIL 2015 salary will be used to pay these guys raises. Some of the club will be traded or released. The A’s should still have about $25 MIL to spend on 7 or 8 guys next year. Their $95 MIL projected payroll in 2014 is their highest ever recorded for any one year.

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Wow.  What a roster that has been assembled by Billy Beane in the last 30 days or so.

Make no bones about it, the reason the Money Ball GM was able to this was one from depth strength – coupled with being the master of financial flexibility.

We all know that the A’s have shied away from giving long term pitching contracts, or heck, from lucrative long contracts to positional players.

Ever since the team offered Jermaine Dye a big deal at the time, only to see his production fall off, then to be resurrected in other uniforms, did the management learn to ply their craft.

The team also doled out megabucks for Eric Chavez after that, then to watch him suffer through countless injuries.

Players like Nick Swisher, Miguel Tejada, Johnny Damon, Tim Hudson, Barry Zito, Mark Mulder have left the nest to make fortunes in other locations.

Beane made off like a bandit dealing Rich Harden before he eventually broke down.  Oh yeah, the GM received Josh Donaldson for that trade.

It has been a brass that sees about 50 roster transactions every year.  The key is to always sell high, and mix in the right amount of Free Agent veterans.

All of that ‘baseball rounding’ afforded the “Moneyball” GM to go for it this year. Read the rest of this entry

Beane Acquires Lester + Gomes For Cespedes: Then Acquires Fuld For Millone

Jon Lester, 30, is in the last year of his contract, which will make him around $4 MIL for the last 2 months of the 2014 season.  While there is no way he signs with Oakland past this campaign, this is a calculated move to land a playoff assassin that can front a franchise a #1 starter for a playoff series - or as the pitcher in a Play in Wild Card game should the Angels run the A's down for the AL West.  Much like Samardzija, the Athletics brass knows these guys could never be acquired via Free Agency, and have the wherewithal to know that inking longterm aces to deals past the age of 30 is just not in the cards for the franchise.  The A's were put in the position to rent them because of Beane's nice deals to build the organization's depth.

Jon Lester, 30, is in the last year of his contract, which will make him around $4 MIL for the last 2 months of the 2014 season. While there is no way he signs with Oakland past this campaign, this is a calculated move to land a playoff assassin that can front a franchise a #1 starter for a playoff series – or as the pitcher in a Play in Wild Card game should the Angels run the A’s down for the AL West. Much like Samardzija, the Athletics brass knows these guys could never be acquired via Free Agency, and have the wherewithal to know that inking longterm aces to deals past the age of 30 is just not in the cards for the franchise. The A’s were put in the position to rent them because of Beane’s nice deals to build the organization’s depth. Lester features a 2.11 ERA in 76.2 IP worth of work in the Post season lifetime.  Lester is 10 – 7, with a 2.52 ERA in 143.2 IP this season in 21 Game Starts.

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Billy Beane has been adamant about his team winning the World Series in 2014, and he fired yet another salvo on the July 31st deadline.

The A’s GM acquired Jon Lester and Jonny Gomes for the popular Cuban OF Yoenis Cespedes.

Lets have the finances out of the way 1st.

Jon Lester, 30,  is in the last year of his contract, and will be a Free Agent after this year. 

There is no shot at the man signing with the Athletics after this year. however the A’s will receive a compensatory pick for giving him a qualifying offer following 2014.

The LHP wll make approximately $4 MIL the rest of the season.

Yoenis Cespedes, 28,  is signed through the 2015 at $10.5 MIL per year the next 2 seasons, and will become a Free Agent after next year. 

As per the article 20B section of the CBA, he negotiated that he would be free and clear once his original 4 YRs/$36 MIL deal with the A’s was completed – prior to the 2012 campaign.

The 2013 and 2014 HR Derby winner will make just south of $3.3 MIL for the rest of this year.

Jonny Gomes 33, will make about $1.5 MIL for the duration of the 2014 year, and will become a Free Agent this winter. Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 30th) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014

Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times

Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times

Matt Kemp reached base 4 times including a homer and a walk off single in the 10th, giving the Dodgers a 3-2 victory over the Braves.

Nick Castellanos went 2-4 with a homer and 4 RBI in Detroit’s 7-2 win over the White Sox.

Zack Greinke dominated the Braves with an 8 innings, 1 run 13 strikeout performance. The bullpen blew his chance for a decision but the Dodgers walked off 3-2 winners.

Corey Kluber pitched a complete game 3 hit no walk shutout, striking out 8 as the Indians squeaked past the Mariners, 2-0.

They owned baseball on July 30, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Read the rest of this entry

ALL – Time Tommy John Surgery Tracker (1974 – Present) Updated For Nate Jones

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

For all the talk of baseball players (pitchers mostly) that will be undergoing Tommy John Surgery, we will be keeping a running list!  E-mail us at mlbreports@gmail.com if you have any names to add to our totals.

How many players are having or had TJ in history? You are about to find out: Read the rest of this entry

How All Of The Phillies Hitters Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree

a chase utley 2

How All Of The Phillies Hitters Were Acquired:

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

When you look at the Philadelphia Phillies lineup, you will see a long history of the club drafting their own players.

Out of the 8 starters right now, only Ben Revere was not brought up by the franchise.  He was dealt to the Phigtins, for Vance Worley.

As the Trade Deadline approaches, you can find Revere on his way out of town too.

Five years ago, the Infield was all in their prime, with Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, Carlos Ruiz and Chase Utley manning four of the 5 positions.

They could hit for high averages, and club 100+ HR for those four, and each one of  them were franchise players.

Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins both have taken home NL MVP Honors.

The organization won the 2008 World Series, appeared in the 2009 World Series, then the 2010 NLCS, and finally made their last appearance in the playoffs during a 1st round upset to St. Louis.

It was a gradual 5 year decline, and it all has happened under the watchful eye of Ruben Amaro Jr.

Pat Gillick was the one who orchestrated the majority of the transactions for the Phils success.  Well at least he was the guy in charge.

Amaro has let a few years pass, and is overseeing a core of players now entering their mid 30’s – and rapidly declining in production.

As we stated in our Trade Deadline blog recently, Philadelphia needs to start assembling a re-tool of their franchise by trading some commodities right now while they have any value at all. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 30, 2014

BARRY CHIN/BOSTON GLOBE STAFF

BARRY CHIN/BOSTON GLOBE STAFF

Trade Deadline hysteria is heating up. Jon Lester was scratched from his next start and everyone is panicking.

I give my latest thoughts on potential landing spots for the big trade chips less than 48 hours before the trade deadline passes.

It is a waiver free episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Cole Hamels, Brett Gardner, Alex Cobb, Matt Kemp, J.P. Arencibia, Scott Feldman, Freddie Freeman, Stephen Strasburg and Homer Bailey all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 29th) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014

JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES

JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES

Cole Hamels pitched 8 shutout innings, striking out 8 and walking none, beating the Mets, 6-0, in what could be his final start as a Philadelphia Phillie.

Matt Kemp went 3-4 with a pair of homers in what could be HIS final day as a Dodger, helping them to an 8-4 victory over the Braves.

Alex Cobb threw 8 strong innings, allowing just 3 hits, 1 run, striking out 12 and got the 5-1 decision for the surging Rays over the Brewers.

Brett Gardner continued his hot hitting with a 4-5 performance, smacking a homer and a pair of doubles and helping the Yankees hold on in a 12-11 slugfest in Texas.

They owned baseball on July 29, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

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How All Of The Brewers Hitters Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree

Milwaukee had a bad spell for the franchise from 1982 - 2007, where the club didn't make the playoffs at all.  Once Ryan Braun asserted himself on the team, the club started its transformation into a perennial contender.  They made the 2008 postseason, and 2011 NLCS.  Their team had to fight through the Ryan Braun saga's of 2012 and 2013, and now this team is back leading the NL Central.  The teams lineup has built up with draft picks, smart acquisitions, and key waiver wire pick ups.

Milwaukee had a bad spell for the franchise from 1983 – 2007, where the club didn’t make the playoffs at all. Once Ryan Braun asserted himself on the team, the club started its transformation into a club capable of making it to the playoffs in any season. They made the 2008 postseason for the 1st time in 26 years, and 2011 saw them make it to the NLCS – before bowing out to the Cardinals. Their team had to fight through the Ryan Braun saga’s of 2012 and 2013, and now this team is back leading the NL Central in 2014. The teams lineup has been built with draft picks, smart acquisitions, and key waiver wire pick ups.

How All Of The Brewers Hitters Were Acquired:

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

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Mark Attanasio and Doug Melvin have been aggressive of the brass for the ‘Brew Crew’ over the last half a dozen years.

They have made strides to make the team relevant – by making trades for ALL – Star Pitchers, but they have also done some great drafting on the offensive side.

Ryan Braun, Jonathan Lucroy, Khris Davis, Scooter Gennett and Rickie Weeks were all great draft selections in the lineup, while Carlos Gomez was acquired by trading another great player in J.J. Hardy.

You also have a bench player like Logan Schafer drafted by the squad.

Heck, even Jean Segura was brought in with Zack Greinke (who was brought in with 4 Milwaukee players heading into the other direction.)

Add in some veteran leadership with Aramis Ramirez, Mark Reynolds and Lyle Overbay, and some waiver and low prospect Free Agent deals for Martin Maldonado, Jeff Bianchi and Elian Herrera.

So what does this point out exactly? Read the rest of this entry