MLB Reports ‘Junior Reporter’ Haley Smilow Interviews Padres OF Will Venable

venable

Will Venable  Q&A With Haley Smilow

The Padres OF recently had a chance to talk about some things with our Junior Reporter Haley Smilow.

The questions covered a lot of parameters that Venable is not asked on a regular basis.

He is a baseball lifer, coming from a long standing tradition of baseball that goes back to his dad Max.

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What is ‘My Favorite Baseball Game’ Ever Attended?: A New Method To Historically Score As A Ballpark Fan

 

yankee stadium

By Josh Robbins (Special Guest Writer And Co – Creator for The Factor12 Rating Pitching Metric.)

The Factor 12 (F12) is an analytic measurement utilizing league average performance to compare the value of all MLB pitchers on 60ft6in.com.

 “Bill James has a pitcher stat called game score. So, I renamed my stat, “My Favorite Game.”

What is My Favorite Game?

Baseball fans often rekindle memories of their favorite games using anecdotal stories.  The accounts are often muddled by faint and inaccurate details lost over time.

My Favorite Game is intended to provide an unbiased statistical analysis using a points-based system to properly assign a value to every MLB game attended.

Here’s the breakdown of each event: Read the rest of this entry

30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 15 – 2014

The Atlanta Braves were hovering around .500, and in serious jeopardy of watching the Nationals blow by them with a healthy roster.  Instead, they are the biggest mover of the week, riding a 9 game win streak.   All of this coming on the heels of losing Evan Gattis for awhile.

The Atlanta Braves were hovering around .500, and in serious jeopardy of watching the Nationals blow by them with a healthy roster. Instead, they are the biggest mover of the week, riding a 9 game win streak. All of this coming on the heels of losing Evan Gattis for awhile.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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*** Denotes Division Leaders

Records are before play Thursday July.06, 2014

RK Team   Last Wk Rnk  ()      Current Rec –  Last 10 Days Rec

1.  ***Oakland A’s (1) 54 – 33:  6 – 3  The A’s are the only team that has an above .600 Win Percentage.

What is not to like.  They have the best record since 2012, are even better over the last 2 years (July 2012, July 2014, about .615 Baseball), have won 2 AL West in a row as well.

Added to the fold is a great trade bringing in Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel, and not yielding anything from the current MLB Roster in return.

2. ***Detroit Tigers (2) 48 – 36: 6 – 4: Tigers beat the better teams, and have troubles with the lesserlites.

Emergence of J.D. Martinez is a major bonus for a team starving for OF help.  Still need more Bullpen arms.

Great division for opponents down the 2nd half. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 6, 2014

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

It is Sunday and man do I have a challenging Sunday Request!

Should the Giants do it?

Should the Red Sox pursue it?

It is a tougher decision than you would think when you consider how quickly closers flame out!

I take on the challenge on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Matt Garza, Casey McGehee, Chris Archer, Nelson Cruz, Homer Bailey, Yasiel Puig, Jose Quintana andDanny Valencia all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 5th) – Updated Yearly WOB Totals For 2014

Al Behrman, Associated Press

Al Behrman, Associated Press

Matt Garza won a tight pitchers duel for the Brewers, 1-0, with a complete game 2 hit shutout in Cincinnati.

Casey McGehee went 3-5, the last one was a 2 out, 2 strike game tying hit. He would come around and score the winning run for the Marlins, 6-5, in St. Louis.

Chris Archer pitched into the 9th inning, allowing just 2 runs on 2 solo homers and 6 hits over 8 1/3. He got the 7-2 decision for the Rays over the Tigers.

Nelson Cruz went 5-5 with 2 doubles and a homer, helping the Orioles top the Red Sox in the second half of the double header, 7-4.

They owned baseball on July 5, 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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Beane Spins Magic Again In World Series Quest: Picks Up Samardzija + Hammel For Straily + Prospects

Billy Beane - and the Athletics have seen their team post the best record in the MLB during the regular season for the last 2 years (190 Wins). The franchise has completed the most incredible amount of wins per dollar spent. Enough so, that they should really come out with the movie MoneyBall 2. Beane has been awesome in acquiring his Bullpen for 2014 - without surrendering any assets from the MLB club currently (with Dan Straily having been in AAA). the A's GM has made his move to anchor the Starting Rotation for a playoff run, by adding Samardija and Hammel. Addison Russell (20) was a high prospect, as was Billy Mckinney (19) as the 1st RD Draft Pick of the 2013 MLB Amateur Draft.  With the team's core becoming increasingly more expensive going forwards, the window to win is right now.  The trade also helps deepen the starting staff, who have suffered season ending injuries to Griffin and Parker (Tj Surgeries).

Without surrendering any assets from the MLB club currently (with Dan Straily having been in AAA). the A’s GM has made his move to anchor the Starting Rotation for a playoff run, by adding Samardija and Hammel.  Going the other way are: Addison Russell (20) was a high prospect, as was Billy Mckinney (19) as the 1st RD Draft Pick of the 2013 MLB Amateur Draft, Dan Straily and cash compensation, or a PTBNL. With the team’s core becoming increasingly more expensive going forwards, the window to win is right now. The trade also helps deepen the starting staff, who have suffered season ending injuries to Griffin and Parker (TJ Surgeries).

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

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Billy Beane knows his current squad’s best chance to win the World Series now.

He has upped the ante, by acquiring  Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel from the Chicago Cubs for highly rated SS Addison Russell, SP Dan Straily, and young prospect OF Billy McKinney, with a player to be named later or cash finalizing the deal at a later date.

I like this move…rather I love this move.

The A’s GM saw what happened to his club the last few weeks when matched against the pitching of the Tigers, and knew he had to bolster his team for the stretch – to replace A.J. Griffin and Jarrod Parker, who both went down to Tommy John Surgeries this campaign. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 5, 2014

PHOTO BY BRIAN KERSEY/GETTY IMAGES

PHOTO BY BRIAN KERSEY/GETTY IMAGES

The A’s and the Cubs clearly didn’t treat the 4th of July like a holiday. They pulled off a stunning blockbuster that sent Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel to Oakland for some of their top young players and Dan Straily, a fan favorite of one of my dear friends.

Does this sound like a day to put on an evergreen podcast?

Hell no! Let’s record an emergency episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.!!!

Chris Sale, Andrew McCutchen, Clayton Kershaw, Brian Roberts, Jayson Werth, Matt Cain, Shin-Soo Choo and Marcus Stroman all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 4th) – Updated Yearly WOB Totals For 2014

Peter Diana/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Peter Diana/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Andrew McCutchen was a home run shy of the cycle, going 4-5 with a pair of doubles, a triple, 2 runs batted in and a run scored, leading the Pirates to an 8-2 win over the Phillies.

Clayton Kershaw was brilliant, once again. He tossed 8 shutout frames, letting up just 2 hits and 1 walk while striking out 8 Rockies, earning the 9-0 decision for the Dodgers.

Brian Roberts collected 4 extra base hits, 3 doubles and a triple, scoring 2 and driving in 1 as the Yankees held on, 6-5, in Minnesota.

Chris Sale threw a complete game, allowing 1 run, striking out 12 and walking no Mariner matter as the White Sox earned a 7-1 victory..

 

‘They owned baseball on July 4, 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 Angels Hitters Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree

 

DiPoto has constructed a team that has great power when healthy, and have the best player in baseball in Mike Trout, however a lot of the transactions on offense had nothing to do with the man.   As you will see in the Roster Tree, a lot of the guys have been Drafted before the DiPoto era.  I will say he has done a better job in the last year, than in his 1st 2 years at the helm.  The club has a short window to compete, before a lot of the team becomes older, all making too much money.

DiPoto has constructed a team that has great power when healthy, and have the best player in baseball in Mike Trout, however a lot of the transactions on offense had nothing to do with the man. As you will see in the Roster Tree, a lot of the guys have been Drafted before the DiPoto era. I will say he has done a better job in the last year, than in his 1st 2 years at the helm. The club has a short window to compete, before a lot of the team becomes older, all making too much money.  This is not an article about retracting our earlier stated points, but rather to say that maybe DiPoto is becoming a little wiser as a GM lately.   When all is said and done, with the payroll and talent within this team, they should be in contention for a Division Pennant and Post Season every year.

How All Of The Angels Hitters Were Acquired:

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

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Here at the MLB Reports we have taken a hard line at how the Angels have conducted business for the last several years.

From Sully (our lead Audio Personality and creator of “Sullymetrics”), to our ‘chief writer’ Hunter Stokes, to even myself at certain times – we have poured cold water on their efforts in assembling this current team.

I maybe the less culpable of the three, as I did predict this club to win the 2012 World Series, however one thing we all agreed on was Mike Scioscia‘s crazy insistence on batting Raul Ibanez 4th when he was so brutal for the team.

The fact they signed him wasn’t very great either, when Kendrys Morales would have fit the bill perfectly.

Among the observations we had, was criticizing GM Jerry DiPoto for some of his moves since taking over as GM of the club in late 2011.

A litany of poor roster decisions was part of the problem. 

The club wasted $16 MIL on Joe Blanton, paid for an injured Reliever in Ryan Madson, who never even pitched for the club.

The Sean Burnett injury problems I will not fault him for. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 4, 2014

 (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

(AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Did Max Scherzer make a mistake turning down the big contract by the Tigers? And what is the risk of signing an ace?

WFAN’s Jason Keidel and I talk about that and go on a few other tangents on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Zack Greinke, Max Scherzer, David Peralta, Steve Pearce, Vance Worley, R.A. Dickey, Marcell Ozuna and Jose Altuve   all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball.

Follow Jason Keidel on Twitter HERE.
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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 3rd) – Updated Yearly WOB Totals For 2014

David Zalubowski / Associated Press

David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Zack Greinke pitched 8 innings, allowing 2 runs, only one being earned and striking out 8 in Coors Field, earning Los Angeles’ 3-2 victory against Colorado.

Max Scherzer threw 2 hit ball over 8 innings, walking just one, beating the Rays 8-1 in Detroit.

David Peralta went 3 for 4 with a homer and 4 RBI as the Diamondbacks crushed the Pirates, 10-2.

Steve Pearce slugged the Orioles into a first place tie with his 4-5 performance, including a pair of doubles and runs batted in, topping Texas 5-2.

They owned baseball on July 3, 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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MLB Week 15 Schedule: July 7th – July 13th, 2014: (101 Games)

Home Of Sully Baseball + #WOB, #SullyMetrics, Baseball Analysis (Audio + Written, Roster Trees, Salaries, Org. Depth Charts,+ State Of The Unions + Stats + Wicked Daily Content,) + the best coverage on the 2014 MLB schedule in the world.)   We are not your average "Cookie Cutter" Website.  Also our motto is "THE TRUTH STINGS LIKE A CATCUS!"

Home Of Sully Baseball + #WOB, #SullyMetrics, Baseball Analysis (Audio + Written, Roster Trees, Salaries, Org. Depth Charts,+ State Of The Unions + Stats + Wicked Daily Content,) + the best coverage on the 2014 MLB schedule in the world.) We are not your average “Cookie Cutter” Website. Also our motto is “THE TRUTH STINGS LIKE A CATCUS!”

Week 15

MLB Scheduling 2014

Day + Date     Away and Home, Times Start In EST

Monday, July.07/2014 (14 Games)

1.  Braves @ Mets 7:10

2.  Orioles @ Nationals 7:05 (Interleague)

3.  White Sox @ Red Sox 7:10

4.  Cubs @ Reds 7:10

5.  Astros @ Rangers 8:05

6.  Royals @ Rays 7:10

7.  Yankees @ Indians 7:05

8.  Pirates @ Cardinals 8:15

9.  Blue Jays @ Angels 10:05

  1. Phillies @ Brewers 8:10
  2. Padres @ Rockies 8:40

  3. Marlins @ D-Backs 9:40

  4. Twins @ Mariners 10:10

14.  Giants @ Athletics 10:05 (Interleague) Read the rest of this entry

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

The Mets brass has kept a patient roster approach in a not so tolerant market for too long.  So how have they done?  This is part 1 of a 2 part blog series to find out.  The waiting still continues.  The team has grown a lot of their own talent.  Whether or not the guys are good enough for a competitive club remains to be seen.

The Mets brass has kept a patient roster approach in a not so tolerant market for too long. So how have they done? This is part 1 of a 2 part blog series to find out. The waiting still continues. The team has grown a lot of their own talent. Whether or not the guys are good enough for a competitive club remains to be seen.

How All Of The Mets Hitters Were Acquired:

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

The success of most franchises usually occurs when a huge core is built up through a drafting system, and then the club can piece the rest of the club together.

The 2nd best way to create a winning squad is to trade for players with the organizational pieces you have supplanted in the Minors or Majors.

The Mets method of acquiring players is all based on the team’s finances of late. 

Citi Field has not been a banner home ballpark to the club since it opened its doors for the 1st time in 2009.

The Wilpons inability to not spend money on payroll has hurt, and also a lot of the money was tied up in paying for players not with the team anymore over the last several years.. ie..Jason Bay, Oliver Perez, Bobby Bonilla and Johan Santana.

For the most part, the current hitters were all brought up via the draft, or by Free Agency. 

Travis d’Arnaud highlights one of the players that was brought in by way of trade in the R.A. Dickey deal. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 3, 2014

Jeff Gross/Getty Images North America

Jeff Gross/Getty Images North America

Forget East Coast Bias! All the northeastern teams are sub .500.

But as of right now, the A’s, Angels, Dodgers, Giants and Mariners would ALL make the post season! It is time for West Coast Bias!

That and more on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Tyson Ross, Edwin Encarnacion, Justin Ruggiano, John Danks, Brandon Moss, Tyler Skaggs, Paul Goldschmidt and Hyun-Jin Ryu  all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball.
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How All Of The Pirates Hitters Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree

The Pittsburgh Pirates organization is looking a lot better over the last few years.  They have had 20 Losing seasons in a row - and are one of the 3 teams to not make the playoffs since the 1994 Player Strike (KC and Toronto) and are the the only National League team to hold this distinction.  The club were one of the best franchises around the game of the MLB in the 1970's.  Their recent struggles have been because of drafting prior to the Huntington reign as GM.

The Pittsburgh Pirates organization havebeen looking a lot better over the last few years. They had 20 Losing seasons in a row finally end in 2013, – and at the time were one of the 3 teams to not make the playoffs since the 1994 Player Strike (KC and Toronto) and were the only National League team to hold this distinction until they clinched a wildcard berth in last year’s postseason. The squad even won a game at PNC Park for the 1st time ever in playoffs against the Reds in the NL Wildcard game.  They were ousted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 5 games during the NLDS round.   The club was one of the best franchises around the game of the MLB in the 1970’s. Their recent struggles (prior to 2013) have been because of drafting prior to the Huntington reign as GM.  This Roster Tree will show you they have done well via the trade route for several years.

How All Of The Pirates Hitters Were Acquired:

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

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Neil Huntington has done a great job assembling this Pirates team – and has spun some great trades in order to see his club actually be competitive over the last few years.

He may have taken some flak over not spending any money over the 2013 off season, but let’s see if he is active towards the Trade Deadline.

If the club has money to spend, they could really do some damage with picking up some help to bolster the squad.

Making the playoffs is just not good enough anymore.

You have been given a gift with the longterm deals that Andrew McCutchen and Starling Marte have inked, and with the service clock just starting on Gregory Polanco.

It is an OF that hasn’t seen this much talent in Steeltown since the days of Barry Bonds, Bobby Bonilla and Andy Van Slyke. Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 2nd) – Updated Yearly WOB Totals For 2014

Photo: Dan Hamilton, USA TODAY Sports

Photo: Dan Hamilton, USA TODAY Sports

Edwin Encarnacion got on base 3 times including a 3 run, 2 out, bottom of the 9th walk off home run that gave the 7-4 game to Toronto against Milwaukee.

John Danks pitched into the 8th inning, finishing with 7 2/3, letting up 2 runs while striking out 10. He did not get the decision but helped set up the White Sox 3-2 walk off win against the Angels.

Justin Ruggiano singled,doubled and homered, driving in 5 runs in the Cubs 16-9 drubbing of the Red Sox.

Tyson Ross threw a 3 hit shutout with 9 strikeouts and none helping the Padres blank Cincinnati, 3-0.

 

They owned baseball on July 2, 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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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 2, 2014

SmallTraditions.com

SmallTraditions.com

Today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast. talks about following sports and avoiding other in the digital age..

It has never been easier to tailor your sports watching experience to exactly what your tastes need. So there is no need to complain about coverage of your sport and other games over exposed!

Tim Lincecum, Seth Smith, Eduardo Nunez, Rick Porcello, Hiroki Kuroda, Cody Asche, Wade Miley and Conor Gillaspie all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball.
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How All Of The Yankees Hitters Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree

derek jeter

How All Of The Yankees Hitters Were Acquired:

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

The success of most franchises usually occurs when a huge core is built up through a drafting system, and then the club can piece the rest of the club together.

The 2nd best way to create a winning squad is to trade for players with the organizational pieces you have supplanted in the Minors or Majors.

Then there is the Yankees way of doing things.  Hiring Free Agents – and spend boatloads of dollars.

Out of the majority of their hitting roster in 2014, most of them came through the Free Agent route.

Mark Teixeira, Brian McCann, Carlos Beltran, Brian Roberts, Kelly Johnson and Yangervis Solarte were acquired through outright Free Agency.

Ichiro Suzuki and Brendan Ryan were both acquired in deals, then have since re-signed as Free Agents in the open market afterwards.

Alfonso Soriano, was brought over in a deal, and is in the last year of his current contract signed back in 2007.

Yes, he was originally signed by the “Pinstripers”, but the new chain of transaction, had the club giving away a pitching prospect for his services, even though he is still tied to A’Rod.

Derek Jeter, Brett Gardner and Francisco Cervelli stand alone as the only 3 players to have been drafted by the club – and have remained Yanks their whole playing time thus far. Read the rest of this entry

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

Photo: Denis Poroy - Getty Images

Photo: Denis Poroy – Getty Images

Seth Smith was a triple shy of being the first Padres hitter to hit for the cycle. He would reach base 4 times, finish 3-4 in the 8-2 laugher against the Reds.

Eduardo Nunez reached base 4 times, homered, scored 3 runs and drove in a pair, helping the Twins blow out the Royals, 10-2.

Rick Porcello threw the first complete game shutout without a walk nor strikeout since 1989. He allowed 4 Oakland hits as the Tigers won 3-0.

Tim Lincecum followed up his no hitter with 8 innings of 4 hit shutout ball, earning the 5-0 victory over St. Louis in San Francisco.

They owned baseball on July 1, 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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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 1, 2014

Troy Taormina, USA TODAY Sports

Troy Taormina, USA TODAY Sports

The Astros front office leak is interesting, but its contents shouldn’t be surprising to anyone!

Best thing we found out is they were essentially playing fantasy baseball.

That and more on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Jake Arrieta, Rajai Davis, Ubaldo Jimenez, Ryan Zimmerman, Mat Latos, George Springer, Curtis Granderson and Corey Kluber all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball.
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The Philadelphia Phillies Prospects + Organizational Depth Charts For All Affiliates – 2014 (MLB + MiLB)

Among Amaro's staff of scouts and underlings, there must be some level of discomfort because no group of baseball men this large who evaluate talent for a living can make that many mistakes on a professional level. Unless, of course, these men are afraid to go against Amaro's will. If that's the case, it will be up to Phillies President and team ownership to hear that the citizens of Philadelphia have already figured out that the emperor has no clothes. It's time for Amaro to go.  It won't happen soon enough, and with Montgomery's latest proclamation, this club will set themselves back for a few more years by not selling off some players in a futile season.

Among Amaro’s staff of scouts and underlings, there must be some level of discomfort because no group of baseball men this large who evaluate talent for a living can make that many mistakes on a professional level. Unless, of course, these men are afraid to go against Amaro’s will. If that’s the case, it will be up to Phillies President and team ownership to hear that the citizens of Philadelphia have already figured out that the emperor has no clothes. It’s time for Amaro to go. It won’t happen soon enough, and with Montgomery’s latest proclamation, this club will set themselves back for a few more years by not selling off some players in a futile season.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth Chart + Payroll Expert – find his website here)

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

TRADE DEADLINE CHAT/Build your system by trading veterans and regroup for 2015.

I have a newsflash for David Montomery (President, part -owner of the Phillies), your fanbase already hates the team right now, and it is not like you won’t spend money on the club in 2015.

The Boston Red Sox were smart enough to realize that 2012 was a lost season.  Instead of riding it out, they made huge changes to the roster.

Deals that led to numerous Free Agent signings in that winter, that helped them win the 2013 World Series..

A lot of the trades they did were based on the team dumping payroll, becoming younger, and also not having lengthy contracts plaguing their franchises for many years to come.

The “Phigtins” are 8.5 Games the NL East leading Braves, and 8 behind the playoff bar, but here is the problem…. Read the rest of this entry

How All Of The Chicago Cubs Hitters Were Acquired: (2014 Roster Tree)

With Tom Ricketts being a long time fan himself, he wanted to change the organization -- to be rid of the "lovable losers" moniker and become one of the elite powers in all of Major League Baseball. To do this he needed help and in October 2011 he hired on Theo Epstein as Team President. Theo has a knack for building having helped the Boston Red Sox to a World Series Championship as the youngest general manager in all of baseball. Epstein then hired on current Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer, and the rebuild began. It's tough to swallow a combined record of 127-197 since the new regime began, and another year or two of enduring will be required. 2014 won't be the Cubs' year.  So the club will continue to trade all veterans and establish a great core of young players.  The offense coming down the pike looks to be electric.

With Tom Ricketts being a long time fan himself, he wanted to change the organization — to be rid of the “lovable losers” moniker and become one of the elite powers in all of Major League Baseball. To do this he needed help and in October 2011 he hired on Theo Epstein as Team President. Theo has a knack for building having helped the Boston Red Sox to a World Series Championship  Epstein then hired on current Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer, and the rebuild began. It’s tough to swallow a combined record of 162 – 243 since the new regime began, and another year or two of enduring will be required. 2014 also won’t be the Cubs’ year, so the club will continue to trade all veterans and establish a great core of young players. The offense coming down the pike looks to be electric.

How All Of The Cubs Hitters Were Acquired:

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

The Chicago Cubs have plenty of young talent on the big league roster, and many more in all of their Minor League affiliates.

The Roster Tree of most of the offense are guys that signed as Free Agents – or were drafted  by the organization.

Matt Garza plays prominently in several of the players leaving and coming into the franchise in 2 separate deals with the Tampa Bay Rays and Texas Rangers.

The good news is that the team looks to have done well in the mid-season trade with the Rangers last year.

Garza was actually acquired from Tampa with Chris Archer (picked up in a deal for Mark DeRosa from Cleveland). Read the rest of this entry

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

Photo: Charles Krupa - AP

Photo: Charles Krupa – AP

Jake Arrieta threw a no hitter into the 8th inning, finishing with 7 1/3 innings of 1 hit, 1 walk and 10 strikeout ball, earning the 2-0 win for the Cubs in Boston.

Ubaldo Jimenez gave the Orioles 8 innings, allowing just 4 hits and 1 unearned run, getting the 7-1 victory for the Orioles against the Rangers.

Ryan Zimmerman went 3-4 with a pair of doubles, scored twice and drove in a run, helping the Nationals past the Rockies, 7-3.

Rajai Davis got 2 hits, including a walk off come from behind grand slam that gave the Tigers a stunning 5-4 triumph over the A’s.

 

They owned baseball on June 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.

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How All Of The San Diego Padres Hitters Were Acquired: (2014 Roster Tree)

Headley led the NL with 115 RBI in 2012 amongst 31 HRs, he will need to put up monster numbers for the Padres to compete with the LA Dodgers going forward.  Headley caaptured a Gold Glove Award and Silver Slugger in 2012. He ended up finishing 5th in NL MVP voting.  He hit 23 HRs and 73 RBI in just 75 Games after the 2012 ALL-Star Game.. Chase Headley actually fared well at Petco Park in 2012 - with a 3 Slash Line of .272/.357/.812.  He added 13 HRs and 51 RBI.  He could potentially hit a few more out with the fences drawn in.

As a 2nd RD draft pick (2005) of the franchise, Chase Headley has pretty much been disappointment over the .last 2 seasons after setting the world on fire for the 2nd half of 2012.  Headley led the NL with 115 RBI in 2012 amongst 31 HRs, Headley also captured a Gold Glove Award and Silver Slugger in 2012. He ended up finishing 5th in NL MVP voting. He hit 23 HRs and 73 RBI in just 75 Games after the 2012 ALL-Star Game.. Chase Headley actually fared well at Petco Park in 2012 – with a 3 Slash Line of .272/.357/.812. He added 13 HRs and 51 RBI.  In 600 AB during 2013, the man only had an OPS of .747 – with 13 HRs.  2014 has been worse, with a .620 OPS, .204 BA – with just 6 HRs in 211 AB.  The franchise has been criticized for not capitalizing on his 2012 year via a trade.  At least they never gave him a huge extension.

How All Of The Padres Hitters Were Acquired:

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Omar Minaya, A.J. Hinch and Fred Uhlman Jr. took over the “office of the GM” on June 22nd, when the Padres fired Josh Byrnes from his post.

In order to see if the canning was valid, one has to search through the transactions the man did under is tenure at the helm.

Some of the current squad was brought in by Byrnes (hired in Oct of 2011, after Jed Hoyer left to take the GM position with the Chicago Cubs. although through the course of the Roster Tree, you will see some of the players go back to the Kevin Towers era.

Crazy enough is that Byrnes was fired by Towers current team (ARI) as the GM in July of 2010.

Towers is also responsible for some of the assembled roster in 2014 for San Diego.  KT is one of several possible replacements candidates for the vacant SD GM job.

It is a franchise that has made several ‘suspect’ trades over the last 10 years, and the drafting record hasn’t netted them the kind of ‘blue chippers’ to sustain a lengthy period of success despite drafting high a lot of years.

San Diego’s club in 2014 is injury prone, hitters and pitchers alike, and are headed for a brutal campaign, already at 35 – 47 heading into games June.30, 2014. 

They are already 8.5 games behind the playoff bar. and 11 out of the NL West.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – June 30, 2014

Photo: USA Today Sports

Photo: USA Today Sports

For the past month, no team has been hotter than the Cincinnati Reds.

Their pitching is incredibly deep and now they are starting to hit. A great second half is not out of the question.

That and an exhausting weekend of baseball on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Felix Hernandez, Homer Bailey, Matt Joyce, Pedro Alvarez, Carlos Beltran, Tim Hudson, Mark Buehrle and Marlon Byrd all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball.
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The Atlanta Braves Prospects + Organizational Depth Charts For All Affiliates – 2014 (MLB + MiLB)

The Atlanta Braves went to the World Series  5 times in the 90's, only winning the title in 1995.  The team won 14 Division Titles from 1991 - 2005, and have been very competitive for the last 4 years, after a short dry spell.  A lot of it has to do with their Minor League System.

The Atlanta Braves went to the World Series 5 times in the 90’s, only winning the title in 1995. The team won 14 Division Titles from 1991 – 2005, and have been very competitive for the last 4 years, after a short dry spell from 2006 – 2009.. A lot of it has to do with their Minor League System.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth Chart + Payroll Expert – find his website here)

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Do you ever wonder how the Atlanta Braves have been so successful as an organization for the last quarter century? The answer is they are able to develop within.

In fact, the only times the club seems to do poorly is when it goes outside its comfort zone, and spend a bushel full of money for Free Agency.

Take the B.J. Upton abysmal deal, that may plague the franchise for spending until they reach their new stadium digs in Cobb County GA.

Yes, they hit a HR in the mid-90’s when they signed Greg Maddux, but times have changed for the economy of baseball.

The club also suffers from the trade to acquire Dan Uggla. These are small blips on a stellar establishment mostly comprised of homegrown talent.

Freddie Freeman, Jason Heyward, Craig Kimbrel, Alex Wood, Julio Teheran, Andrelton Simmons and Evan Gattis are the future of this team. Braves fans are hoping for another World Series Winner.

If you are a fan, get to know these players we list in the post, and follow their progress in the Minors.  if you click their name, it will take you to baseballreference.com’s player page of them.

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

 

TED S. WARREN/AP

TED S. WARREN/AP

Felix Hernandez threw his 9th straight start of at least 7 innings and at most 2 earned runs. Today’s game was 8 innings of 1 hit, 9 strikeout shutout ball of the Indians, earning the 3-0 win for the surging Mariners.

Homer Bailey made a bid for his third career no hitter. He finished with a 3 hit complete game shutout and a 4-0 victory for the Reds in San Francisco.

Matt Joyce missed the cycle by a triple, went 5-6 with 4 RBI, 3 runs scored and a pair of homers as the Rays offense went berzerk on the Orioles, 12-7.

Pedro Alvarez went 2-4 with a 3 run homer, helping the Pirates past the Mets, 5-2.

They owned baseball on June 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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Odds To Win The 2014 World Series Currently + Best/Worst Value Bets

I Have hammered this point to a fault, and sound like a broken record, but look at the proof.  The Cincinnati squad has reeled off 4 wins in a row, 7 out of 10, climbing within  a game of the playoff bar.  With a winning pedigree over the last several years, how are they tied for 16th only in odds to win the World Series with Boston?

I Have hammered this point to a fault, and sound like a broken record, but look at the proof. The Cincinnati squad has reeled off 4 wins in a row, 7 out of 10, and have climbed within a game of the playoff bar. With a winning pedigree over the last several years, how are they tied for 16th only in odds to win the World Series with Boston?  Give me the Redlegs any day with their 42 – 38. and a healthy team for the 1st time all year, and many ALL – Star toting the uniforms.  I nailed the odd when it was +6600, so I am definitely on the bandwagon for a hot team, that is still paying great value.  If they make poststeason, you can extensively hedge if need be with starting base that high.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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So I have finally had a sub-par week for predicting World Series Odds.  My worst selection was putting faith in the Royals, only to see them jump from +2500 – +3300, and the Red Sox plunged a +700 mark to +4000 from +3300.

It was somewhat diffused by picks for Baltimore to shoot upwards as a favorite, and I am still miffed at the Reds receiving no love at all.

Cincy has won 4 in a row and 7 – 10, and are climbing heavily into the Wild Card Race with the Dodgers and Cardinals.

With how fast the Giants are coming back to LA in the NL west, it may be these three teams fighting it out for 2 berths, with the loser of the Nats/Braves division, SF, and the Bucs still right in the loop.

Right now the oldest professional baseball team is playing some great baseball, have a fully healthy squad for the first time all season, and we are talking about a club who has made the playoffs in 3 of the last 4 years.

Billy Hamilton has batting over .300 since the end of April, and now Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce are coming around, and it is only a matter of time before Joey Votto gets right.

Todd Frazier has been one of the best baseball players in the NL this campaign, and is currently tied for 3rd in NL HRs.

Devin Mesoraco is almost averaging an RBI per game, and is slugging .627 as a Catcher, with 14 HRs and 40 RBI in 47 Games Played.

Aroldis Chapman is lighting the lamp with 100 MPH. Jonathan Broxton is filthy. and the Starters are throwing the ball.

This is not the same team that started 3 – 8.  Look the hell out in the 2nd half.  Certainly they should not be tied for the 16th favorite on the odds board. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – June 29, 2014

 Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The bad news for the Giants is they are in the middle of a historic free fall.

The good news is they have half a season to right the ship. First move they need to make? Remove Sergio Romo from the closer role.

It is a “Don’t Panic or Panik” episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Josh Tomlin, Ian Kinsler, Zack Greinke, Anthony Rendon, Masahiro Tanaka, Nick Markakis, Matt Cain andLuis Valbuena all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball.
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There Was A Power Outage In The MLB SAT, But Not At Camden Yards: HR Leaderboards 2014

machado

There were just 20 HRs hit in 17 games played worth of action on Sat. June 28th, 2014, or 0.59 Bolts per team.

Added to that, were that no one hit 2 in a game, and none of the 15 players currently in the top 5 of either the AL or NL hit a big fly yesterday either.

Among the HRs hit, was a 5 HR contest held at Orioles Park At Camden Yards in Baltimore on Saturday.

It was not Chris Davis, Nelson Cruz or even Evan Longoria doing the deed, but Manny Machado, Nick Markakis for the O’s – and Desmond Jennings, newcomer Kevin Keirmaier – and Logan Forsythe also hit his 1st blast of the year.

Darin Mastrorianni also went yard for his 1st long ball with the Blue Jays (2nd game) and first for the season.

Seldom used David Ross – and Dayan Viciedo are the only 2 players in the MLB carrying a HR streak, after no one entered Saturday’s play with a consecutive streak.

Really other than C.J. Cron‘s and Jose Abreu‘s 2 tater trots, it hasn’t been a banger weekend for the power bats.

For those that love the long ball we have updated our list on Multi HR Game to add the last 4 HR game in the Majors, along with the fellas that have the last 3 HR and 2 HR contests.

We have done the same with consecutive HR list, where we have 2 games through 8 listed as the last streaks.

Devin Mesoraco is the only one to have a 5 gamer in 2014, where 6, 7, 8 vary from 2012, to 2006, to 1993 respectively. Read the rest of this entry