Finally, Some Worth While Free Agents Sign In The MLB 2013 Winter!

With his career winding down and Tim Hudson being 38 years old, will he be able to recover from a gruesome ankle injury in 2014. Should the Braves resign him for depth in the rotation - or cut ties outright? Mr. Hudson will need   He was 114 - 72 (.611) in 9 seasons with the Braves.

With his career winding down and Tim Hudson being 38 years old, will he be able to recover from a gruesome ankle injury in 2014 with the SF Giants?  Mr. Hudson was 114 – 72 (.611) in 9 seasons with the Braves – with a 3.56 ERA.  He will make his return to the Bay Area in California, where he started his 1st 6 years with the Oakland A’s.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twiter

After playing Baseball Stars 1 and 2 on my old Nintendo Entertainment System for 3 weeks, I was happy to receive my baseball fix from the MLB once again..

Yesterday, a slew of Free Agents signed.. Okay… not true….2 noteworthy players inked deals to prolong their careers.

I am talking about Tim Hudson signing a 2 YR/$23 MIL with the Giants, and Carlos Ruiz, signing a 3 Year Deal worth potentially $26.5 MIL, with a Team Option for a 4th year at $4.5 MIL.

Tim Hudson’s 2013 Season Ending Ankle Injury – Not for the weak of heart!

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 19, 2013

MLB

MLB

Going into the 2014 season, is it better to be a Yankees fan, a Phillies fan or an Astros fan?

Don’t answer right away. It is a hard philosophical question on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 19, 2013

Stoking The Fire – Week 6: The ‘Royals’ MUST Sign James Shields To An Extension Right Away!

Shields was brought into do a job in the 2013 year, and he did just that, leading the American League In Innings Pitched, Game Starts - and Batters Faced - en route to a 13 - 9 year, with a 3.15 ERA.  The Royals have him for an exercised $12.5 MIL Team Option in 2014, but the ALL - Star Pitcher has expressed interest in signing an extension long - term.

Shields was brought into do a job (via trade) in the 2013 year, and he did just that, leading the American League In Innings Pitched, Game Starts – and Batters Faced – en route to a 13 – 9 year, with a 3.15 ERA. The Royals have him for an exercised $12.5 MIL Team Option in 2014, but the ALL – Star Pitcher has expressed interest in signing an extension long – term.  My question is – why are they not backing up the Brinks truck right now?

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twiter

I have been writing for this fine website for a few weeks now.  I must say that I have been bored with my bleeping mind since the World Series – from lack of excitement.

One of my 1st articles a few weeks back, also addressed the Kansas City Royals need to go for it in 2014.  It is not time to sit back any longer.  At the end of this post, I will provide a link to read that post too.

I was commuting to my business last week, and I heard that James Shields likes it in KC – and would be willing to stay long-term if possible.

Okay, so why aren’t David Glass and Dayton Moore at Shields house right now, hammering away on an extension deal?

James Shields 2013 HIghlights

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Hey Nationals Fans: Don’t Forget About Danny Espinosa As A Utility Infielder!

In 2011 Danny Espinosa finished sixth in Rookie of the Year voting and was a 3.2 fWAR player. In 2012 he took a small step backwards offensively but was off the charts defensively and was a 3.4 fWAR player. As an offensive player his OPS was average to above for a second baseman and his defense was above average. He could also play short when needed and did so very well 2012 When Ian Desmond spent a month on the DL. Add it all up and for two seasons Danny Espinosa was a decent offensive middle infielder and played above average defense at two positions.

In 2011 Danny Espinosa finished sixth in Rookie of the Year voting and was a 3.2 fWAR player. In 2012 he took a small step backwards offensively but was off the charts defensively and was a 3.4 fWAR player. As an offensive player his OPS was average to above for a second baseman and his defense was above average. He could also play short when needed and did so very well 2012 When Ian Desmond spent a month on the DL. Add it all up and for two seasons Danny Espinosa was a decent offensive middle infielder and played above average defense at two positions.

By David Huzzard (Nationals Correspondent via Citizens of Natstown.com – view website here): 

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The Nationals are currently in need of a utility infielder that can hit better and has more versatility than Steve Lombardozzi

In 2013, the Nationals considered Lombardozzi such a below average short stop and third baseman that they started Anthony Rendon and Chad Tracy at those positions when giving the starters days off.

Rendon looked good at second base and the advanced stats agreed, but he is not a short stop.

Danny Espinosa 2012 Highlights – Mature Lyrics – Parental Guidance Is Advised

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 18, 2013

Photo: Bob Stanton/USA TODAY Sports

Photo: Bob Stanton/USA TODAY Sports

It is too early to make 2014 predictions, but the A’s will probably win the West because unlike the Mariners, Rangers and Angels, they don’t look like they are panicking.

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

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 18, 2013

Time To Elect Don Mattingly Into Cooperstown

Don Mattingly won 3 straight AL Sporting News Player of The Years - and was the best ALL-Around player in the game from 1984-1986 leading 13 Offensive Categories for the 3 years.  His 145 RBI in 1985 was the most for a LHB since Stan Musial in 1949.  He hit .340 with 656 Hits, 145 2B, 88 HRs, 368 RBI and only SO 112 times in 2131 PA's.  He also led the league in Doubles from 1984-1986.  Mattingly’s 388 Total bases in 1986 had been the most in the Majors since Willie Mays back in the 1962 season.  Mattingly won the first of 9 gold gloves in 1985.  Donnie Baseball also won the AL MVP in 1985 and was boldly robbed in 1986 by the writers voting for Roger Clemens. In 1987, Mattingly hit 6 grand slams and also homered in 8 straight games(including 10 total which was higher than Dale Long and Ken Griffey‘s 8 during their consecutive streaks.)  His average year for the 4 year stretch was .337, with 30 HRs, 45 2B and 120 RBI.  He also averaged 110 runs and 210 hits.  Mattingly only struck out 37 times a year for this span.  He was clearly the best ball player in this era.

Don Mattingly won 3 straight AL Sporting News Player of The Years – and was the best ALL-Around player in the game from 1984-1986 leading 13 Offensive Categories for the 3 years. His 145 RBI in 1985 was the most for a LHB since Stan Musial in 1949. He hit .340 with 656 Hits, 145 2B, 88 HRs, 368 RBI and only SO 112 times in 2131 PA’s. He also led the league in Doubles from 1984-1986. Mattingly’s 388 Total bases in 1986 had been the most in the Majors since Willie Mays back in the 1962 season. Mattingly won the first of 9 gold gloves in 1985.

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

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Okay, it is time for me to make my argument for my favorite player of all time to be inducted into Baseball’s Hall of Fame. 

There will be several people that will say that Don Mattingly’s career stats of: H-2154, HR-222, RBI-1099, AVG-.307 and 9 Gold Gloves are not enough in just 14 seasons. 

I am not counting his 7 game-stint in 1982 with this.  As a rookie in 1983, Don only .hit .283 with 4 HRs and 32 RBIs.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 17, 2013

AP

AP

Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I pay tribute to Tom Seaver on his 69th birthday.

The man who meant so much to the Mets kept being traded or drafted away from the team. And actually could have been the latest in the line of Dodger greats.

And lest we forget, he was also one of my favorite announcers ever.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 17, 2013

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 16, 2013

Photo: Chris Carlson - AP

Photo: Chris Carlson – AP

I talk a little Seattle Mariners Baseball on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

The only city that has never hosted a World Series could turn things around if they learned the CORRECT lessons taught by the 2013 Red Sox. And with Felix Hernandez on the team, they have taken big steps towards the World Series.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 16, 2013

Baltimore Orioles State Of The Union Part 2: Ways to Address the Starting Pitching Weakness

In order to have a chance to win the very competitive AL East, pitching is crucial. For the Orioles, there are a few ways they can attack this offseason in hopes to find some quality pitchers to strengthen their staff.  2014 may represent their best chance to go far in the playoffs considering the struggles over the New York Yankees, the Blue Jays and the Rays will likely see a decline when they trade ace David Price.

In order to have a chance to win the very competitive AL East, pitching is crucial. For the Orioles, there are a few ways they can attack this offseason in hopes to find some quality pitchers to strengthen their staff. 2014 may represent their best chance to go far in the playoffs considering the struggles of the New York Yankees, the Blue Jays and the Rays will likely see a decline when they trade ace David Price in 2014.

By Nicholas Delahanty (Guest MLB Reports Writer)   

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After a season in which they won 85 games and finished tied for 3rd place in the AL East, the Baltimore Orioles need to bolster their starting rotation in order to make a push towards the top of the division in 2014.

The numbers don’t lie, as the Orioles starting rotation ranked in the bottom part of the league in most categories, including ERA and innings pitched.

As of right now, the Orioles have four guys penciled in to their rotation next season (Chris Tillman, Miguel Gonzalez, Wei-Yin Chen, and Bud Norris), so they need to try to bring in one or two arms to compete for rotation spots.

Chris Tillman Highlights of A Shutout

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Baltimore Orioles State Of The Union Part 1: What Will the O’s Hitters Look Like In 2014?

Baltimore Orioles

Even though they fell short of the playoffs this year, I don’t think the Orioles need to change much as they move forward and begin to focus on next season. With very few Free Agents at the end of this year, the 2014 line-up is likely to be very similar to last years.

By Dan Wanser (MLB Reports Writer)   

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Despite not making the playoffs at 85 – 77, the Baltimore Orioles had a very successful season that they just couldn’t finish off.

With leaders in the line-up like First Baseman Chris Davis and Manny Machado at the Hot Corner, the O’s are poised to be playoff contenders from the very start of next season.

Although there aren’t too many holes to fill, there are some things that need fixing so here’s what I think the Orioles will look like next year.

Chris Davis 2013 Highlights of all HRs – Mature Lyrics So Parental Guidance is A Must

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The Mark Trumbo Trade Watch Continues in LA: Could He Be Headed To STL, TB, MIA, PIT Or Other?

The Angels have spent almost a half of a billion in Free Agency over the last 3 years, and all they have to show for it, is back to back 3rd place finishes in the AL West.  The team will lose Jason Vargas this year, and the Angels are expected to non-tender Tommy Hanson.  The team also featured an anemic Bullpen in the 2013 campaign.  If the Angels are wishing to trade Mark Trumbo, they best acquire 2 Pitchers that can fill in their weaknesses.  Los Angeles have a surplus of OF/DH and 1B on the Roster with Hamilton, Pujols and Bourjos.  Trumbo will be a heavy commodity sought after because he has 3 years of Team Control left with any aspiring club that brings him in.

The Angels have spent almost a half of a billion in Free Agency over the last 3 years, and all they have to show for it, is back to back 3rd place finishes in the AL West. The team will lose Jason Vargas this year, and the Angels are expected to non-tender Tommy Hanson. The team also featured an anemic Bullpen in the 2013 campaign. If the Angels are wishing to trade Mark Trumbo, they best acquire 2 Pitchers that can fill in their weaknesses. Los Angeles have a surplus of OF/DH and 1B on the Roster with Hamilton, Pujols and Bourjos. Trumbo will be a heavy commodity sought after because he has 3 years of Team Control left with any aspiring club that brings him in.

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

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The Angels have doled out nearly half a Billion in contracts over the last 3 winters of Free Agency and have nothing to show for it but heartache, misery – and a team that was once a perennial playoff favorite dropped under .500 for only the 2nd time in the last decade during the 2013 season.

Hemorrhaging funds for a club not competing can’t sit well with the team owner Arte Moreno.  Amidst in all of this would be a contract for Mike Scioscia as manager for $5 MIL a year, that renders him unfireable, and  even untradeable.

This team is loaded with talented players like Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton, Jered Weaver, C.J. Wilson, Howie Kendrick – and of course Mark Trumbo.

Mark Trumbo’s 1st 24 HRs of 2013

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 15, 2013

Paul Sancya/AP

Paul Sancya/AP

The MVP race has been decided. The debate over who should win the MVP? That is far from over. And I for one hope they never come up with a universal formula for the award.

That and more on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

The link to Gary Armida’s article can be found HERE.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 15, 2013

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 14, 2013

Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse by Matchack

Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse by Matchack

>

THE DAY OF RECKONING IS HERE!

The Most Valuable Player will be announced today. And no matter who wins, Twitter is going to explode. The Trout/Cabrera debate rages on.

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

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 14, 2013

Arizona May Have To Rethink Their Team Salary In The NL West With High Spending LA + SF

The Arizona Diamondbacks didn't have the type of year in 2013 that they had wished for, however the future looks really strong.  Aided by a slugging 1st Baseman (Paul Goldschmidt), and great young Staring Pitching like Wade Miley and Patrick Corbin, added with Veterans Miguel Montero, Martin Prado and Aaron Hill, with prospects A.J. Pollock and Adam Eaton being the future core, this team should see some heavy duty improvement from year to year.

The Arizona Diamondbacks didn’t have the type of year in 2013 that they had wished for, however the future looks really strong. Aided by a slugging 1st Baseman (Paul Goldschmidt), and great young Staring Pitching like Wade Miley and Patrick Corbin, added with Veterans Miguel Montero, Martin Prado and Aaron Hill, with prospects A.J. Pollock and Adam Eaton being the future core, this team should see some heavy duty improvement from year to year.  Having said this, they compete with the two most expensive payrolls in the NL – in their Division with the Dodgers and Giants.

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

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Chase Field is a pretty cool ballpark.  The Diamondbacks have been often voted as one of the better organizations in the MLB for how they treat their fanbases for guest services, value and overall baseball experiences.

While the D’Backs finished in 14th for NL Attendance this year, they cracked the 2 Million fan barrier for the 15th straight year since entering the league.

Over the last 8 years, the team has kept comfortably between 2.0 MIL and 2.5 MIL.

Back in the first few seasons of MLB in the desert, the franchise was drawing well over 3 Million fans..

Paul Goldschmidt 2013 Highlights

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 13, 2013

Photo: Joshua Gunter - Cleveland Plain Dealer

Photo: Joshua Gunter – Cleveland Plain Dealer

The Manager of the Year Award went to Terry Francona and NOT John Farrell.

I did not agree with the results but as a Red Sox fan, I’m not going to get worked up about it. Francona winning was similar to Morgan Freeman winning the Oscar for Million Dollar Baby and NOT The Shawshank Redemption. The analogy makes sense. Trust me.

That and also Ervin Santana’s contract demands on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 13, 2013

Photo: Matt Slocum - AP

Photo: Matt Slocum – AP

Stoking The Fire: Blog 5 – The Giants Should Move Posey To 1B, Belt To LF – And Sign Ruiz

Buster Posey is one of the best players in the game of baseball pure and simple.  The 2012 NL MVP has Buster Posey is the leader of the Giants offense and game caller for the pitching staff. He has had a down year in respect to his numbers in recent years. He will finish 2013 with another 20 Home Run season and he will be looking forward to 2014 and another chance at a ring. The two time champion signed a contract extension that will see him make $164 MIL from 2013 - 2021.  Will he be able to play the duration of his contract as a backstopper - or will he eventually be moved to 1st Base?

Buster Posey is one of the best players in the game of baseball pure and simple. The 2010 NL Rookie Of The Year is the leader of the Giants offense and game caller for the pitching staff. In 2013, he had down year in respect to his incredible 2013 season.  Posey still slashed .294/.371/.821   The two time champion signed a contract extension that will see him make $164 MIL from 2013 – 2021.  In this article, I explain why I think the team has to move the Slugger to 1B.  The 26 Year Old has a career slash of .308/.377/.864.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twiter

The Giants are at a crossroads in their nucleus.  When healthy and at optimum levels, the Giants can hang with any team in the MLB – as shown by taking home 2 out of the last 4 World Series Titles.

But here is the problem.  This club needs two Starting Pitchers, potentially an OF, a Utility Infielder, meanwhile the franchise must address their long term goals.

The Twins were smart enough to make Joe Mauer a permanent 1B – and it is time for the San Francisco Giants to do the same with Buster Posey.

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MLB 50 Free Agent Predictions

It will all be following the money for many of the Free Agents this winter.  It all started when all 14 players that had Qualifying Offers politely declined them all over the weekend, and are all FA's with Draft Compensation due back to their 2013 club.

It will all be following the money for many of the Free Agents this winter. It all started when all 14 players that had Qualifying Offers politely declined them all over the weekend, and are all FA’s with Draft Compensation due back to their 2013 club.

Free Agent Predictions

By Jordan Gluck (Free Agency Correspondent)

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These are my personal predictions on where the top free agents will sign. This is the same kind of list of the top 50 free agents made by our friends at mlbtraderumors.com.

Please keep in mind there will be trades this offseason so holes will be filled that way as well (I believe the Cardinals will trade for a SS).

I am not going to estimate any dollar figures in this specific article but I do expect some overpayments this year.

Robinson Cano 2013 Highlights

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 12, 2013

Photo Source: Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images North America

Photo Source: Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images North America

Today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast is the second part of my conversation with A’s relief pitcher Sean Doolittle.

I took questions from some of my Oakland A’s fan friends and passed them along to Sean.

And along the way, we got to the bottom of the meaning of a unicorn and the identity of a juggler. It all makes sense.

To listen to Part 1 of the conversation, listen below.

Follow Sean Doolittle on Twitter HERE.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 12, 2013

The Colorado Rockies Players, Organizational Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB)

Troy Tulowitzki is one of the best all-round shortstops in baseball. he plays Gold Glove caliber defense, and he actually hits well pretty much anywhere whether home (.935 OPS) and Away (.819 OPS).  The team always plays better with their franchise Shortstop is in the lineup - and they have a punchers chance to compete in their Division.

Troy Tulowitzki is one of the best all-round shortstops in baseball. he plays Gold Glove caliber defense, and he actually hits well pretty much anywhere whether home (.934 OPS) and Away (.819 OPS). The team always plays better with their franchise Shortstop is in the lineup – and they have a punchers chance to compete in their Division. In 2013, he hit for a 3 Slash Line of .312/.391/.932 – with 23 HRS and 82 RBI in just 446 AB.  The 28 Year Old missed 36 games this past campaign, and that cost him a chance to win the NL MVP, as he was an early favorite.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): and Jeff Kleiner (Salary, Roster and Depth Chart Expert for the MLB) – visit his website  here  

For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries Posts that we do, please visit our dedicated page link her

The Rockies will enter the 2014 campaign without Todd Helton for the 1st time in 18 years.  The team is always in a precarious situation when it comes to prospects, talented veteran’s, and an uncertainty of how the team will fare year to year.

Colorado has been a streaky club from 2007 – now.  They made their only World Series Appearance ever in 2007, and the team has had chances for the playoffs most years that Troy Tulowitzki has played in significant AB.

The teams offensive prospects look great with Nolan Arenado, Jordan Pacheco. Dexter Fowler, Wilin Rosario and of course their big #2 Shortstop TULO.  For the most part, this team has been able to develop within.

Yes Carlos Gonzalez was brought in by trade, but that was with the asset the team drafted in Matt Holliday.

Todd Helton:   Look Back At A Franchise Player’s Career

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 11, 2013

Photo:  Justin K. Aller/Getty Images North America

Photo: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images North America

Oakland Athletics left handed reliever Sean Doolittle was the guest on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

He talked about his career, the A’s, having two Champagne celebrations in three days and an interesting story about Josh Donaldson and his knowledge of a pitcher he faced in a critical game.

Follow Sean Doolittle on Twitter HERE.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 11, 2013

To Listen to Part 2, just scroll down some more….

Photo Source: Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images North America

Photo Source: Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images North America

Today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast is the second part of my conversation with A’s relief pitcher Sean Doolittle.

I took questions from some of my Oakland A’s fan friends and passed them along to Sean.

And along the way, we got to the bottom of the meaning of a unicorn and the identity of a juggler. It all makes sense.

To listen to Part 1 of the conversation, listen below.

Follow Sean Doolittle on Twitter HERE.

To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 12, 201

Its Colorado Rockies Awareness Day

The Rockies jumped out to a 12 - 4 record to start this season - and finished off 62 -0 84 afterwards.  This club often reminds me of an aging heavyweight fighter.  You may beat on them for a time, but there is always that chance the team will land a haymaker on you.  2007 was one of their days in the sunshine.

The Rockies jumped out to a 12 – 4 record to start this season – and finished off 62 -0 84 afterwards. This club often reminds me of an aging heavyweight fighter. You may beat on them for a time, but there is always that chance the team will land a haymaker on you. 2007 was one of their days in the sunshine.

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

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We cover all 30 teams in the Majors, but some of the franchises are just more entertaining than others.

In the last 14 months, I have studied the Rockies and Athletics more than any other team in the MLB.

I am fascinated by the Coors Field effect on the baseball.  I wrote a 2 part blog going through the numbers for the park pre and post humidor, and the most significant players on in their history of what their road and home splits were.

Fireworks Display at Coors Field 2012

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An American Hobby: Baseball Memorabilia – 1978 Topps Eddie Murray Card

Eddie Murray is second among active switch hitters ALL - Time in HRs to Mickey Mantle with 504 HRs.  This former Rookie of The Year Award Winner in 1977, 7 time ALL - Star, 3 time Silver Slugger and Glove Award Winner, also featured 6 top AL MVP finishes.  In a time where 3B weren't known for hitting that much, he was a masher.  Murra

Eddie Murray is second among  switch hitters ALL – Time in HRs to Mickey Mantle with 504 HRs. This former Rookie of The Year Award Winner in 1977, 7 time ALL – Star, 3 time Silver Slugger and Glove Award Winner, also featured 6 top AL MVP finishes. In a time where 3B weren’t known for hitting that much, he was a masher. Murray still is in the top 10 with his 1917 RBI (1st as a switch hitter).  He also is the Career Leader in SF with 128.

By Lee Edelstein (‘Baseball Memorabilia Enthusiast’ – visit his website here)

MLB Reports: twitter-follow screen_name=’MLBreports’ show_screen_name=’yes’]  We are pleased to present you with Baseball Author Lee Edelstein as the newest writer with us at the Reports.  Lee will be providing us with great stories about baseball memorabilia on a regular basis.

MLB Reports

An American Hobby

Blog 13

Eddie Murray

Today’s article features a member of the 3,000 Hit AND 500 Home Run clubs.  He is one of only four players in MLB history to accomplish this dual feat (Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Rafael Palmeiro).

His nickname was ‘Steady Eddie’ and it was the perfect moniker for Eddie Murray, who would go on to play more games at first base than anyone in baseball history.

As a rookie, Murray played in 160 games, hit .283, swatted 27 homers, and drove in 88 runs.  His debut performance earned him the Rookie of the Year Award for 1977.

No sophomore jinx for Murray who, over the next ten years, would average 28 home runs and 99 RBI per year.

Eddie Murray – Baseball Hall Of Fame Biographies

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The Toronto Blue Jays Players, Organizational Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB)

The Blue Jays have been trading away all of their top prospects in recent years, and so far, not one of the players has come back to burn them.  Unfortunately, the veterans brought in via trade haven't pushed them over the top either.

The Blue Jays have been trading away all of their top prospects in recent years, and so far, not one of the players has come back to burn them. Unfortunately, the veterans brought in via trade haven’t pushed them over the top either.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): and Jeff Kleiner (Salary, Roster and Depth Chart Expert for the MLB) – visit his website  here  

For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries Posts that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.

The Blue Jays have invested a great deal of their future in trades in recent years.  First they traded away several prospects to acquire Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, Josh Johnson and John Buck.

The 2nd move was to also trade Travis d’Arnaud and Buck for R.A.Dickey.  However the moves backfired on them in 2013.

What is worse for the team, is the franchise has not been able to develop their own talent over the last several years.  Their best players on the club were all brought in via trades.

Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion were absolute steals for the guys they doled out to reel them in (Robinson Diaz, never played in the Majors for Pit in the Joey Bats deal, and they originally acquired in the Scott Rolen traded to Cincy.  He was selected off of waivers by Oakland, before he came to the club via Free Agency.

Jose Bautista 2013 Highlights

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 10, 2013

Photo: Troy Taormina, USA TODAY Sports

Photo: Troy Taormina, USA TODAY Sports

It is time for The Sunday Request on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

I’m not against changes nor do I cling to tradition. But I am not sure I am in line with Verducci’s scheme.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 10, 2013

The Milwaukee Brewers Payroll In 2014 + Contracts Going Forward

Ramirez has 786 Extra Base Hits by the age of 34 - including 80 last year in 2011 (1st in the NL) and managed another 30 XBH this past year.  However the long time veteran has been battling knee problems for years, and it sidelined him for 70 games during the 2013 season.  The Brew Crew desperately needs a healthy campaign in 2014 out of him, as he is the highest paid player of the club at $16 MIL next year.

Ramirez had 786 Extra Base Hits by the age of 34 – including 80 of them in 2011 (1st in the NL) and managed another 30 XBH this past year – in just 304 AB. However the long time veteran has been battling knee problems for years, and it sidelined him for 70 games during the 2013 year. The Brew Crew desperately needs a healthy campaign in 2014 out of him, as he is the highest paid player of the club at $16 MIL next year.  Ramirez has a 2015 Mutual Option for $14 MIL – with a $4 MIL Buyout, so he is looking to have a productive year for sure. At 816 Extra Base Hits for his Career – he also has an outside shot at 1000 for his time in the MLB.  He may be better suited to DH in the AL going forward

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

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It wasn’t so long ago that the Brewers carried Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun and Zack Greinke on the same squad.

The 2013 season represented the worst year Milwaukee has seen since Braun entered the league.  It also featured several Brewers players fighting the injury plague, or having career worst years.

I guess asking Aramis Ramirez to play consecutive healthy seasons was too much ask?

The team’s attendance also dropped another 300K+ – and finished 9th overall for the NL. 

But who could blame them when their superstar took a 65 game suspension – and was drinking Pina Colada’s in Hawaii – while his team suffered in Wisconsin?

Gomez And Lohse Shine 7/24/2013

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Milwaukee Should Put Ryan Braun On The Trading Block

Ryan Braun is coming back to start the 2014 year with the Brewers, but maybe the brass should be thinking about trading him to spread out the talent pool on their young squad?  Chances are the Pirates, Reds and Cardinals are going to get the best of the you for the next few years, and you really have to take stock in the 2013 winter Free Agent's.  Their is a huge need out there for an OF like Braun.  One has to think whether or not he will be 100% ready to come back to Milwaukee - as that is a lot of baggage to go through initially.  Read the rest of the piece to see who I think could be a potential suitor!

Ryan Braun is coming back to start the 2014 year with the Brewers, but maybe the brass should be thinking about trading him to spread out the talent pool on their young squad? Chances are the Pirates, Reds and Cardinals are going to get the best of the you for the next few years, and you really have to take stock in the 2013 winter Free Agent’s. There is a huge need out there for an OF like Braun – if he were to be made available via trade. . One has to think whether or not he will be 100% ready to come back to Milwaukee – as that is a lot of baggage to go through initially. Read the rest of the piece to see who I think could be a potential suitor!

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twiter

Okay, I maybe a little late on my thoughts of Ryan Braun, but I wasn’t writing for this website at the time the fiasco went down.  I am not going to spend too much time talking about his suspension either.

My purpose of writing this piece is to say that the Brewers should trade the jaded superstar before they even start play in 2014.

Let’s face it, the man’s talents may be in question, however the dude put up monster numbers during 2012 – when the entire world had their sights set on him.  Yet this is different.

Braun has been exposed for the ‘Fraud’ that he is.  More than just setting a bad example, he lied to the fans of the Brewers, and to that entire town of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 9, 2013

Photos: ESPN - Rob Tringali/MLB Photos/Getty Images

Photos: ESPN – Rob Tringali/MLB Photos/Getty Images

Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I chatted with ESPN Insider writer and the creator of ZiPS, Dan Szymborski.

We talked about internet arguments, why fans will learn the wrong lesson from the 2013 Red Sox, predicted which teams would go on ill advised spending sprees and other topics.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 9, 2013

The Mets Should Be Careful Which Free Agents They Sign For 2014

Johan Santana is just another cautionary tale of why it is hard for teams to invest money long - term on Starting Pitching,  There are just far too many ways for hurlers to be injured in comparison to Roster Players.  The Mets will just have to bide time until 2014 when the team can finally take the former Cy Young winner of the teams payroll book.  Johan Santana signed a 6 YR/$137.5 MIL deal with the Mets

Johan Santana is just another cautionary tale of why it is hard for teams to invest money long – term on Starting Pitching, There are just far too many ways for hurlers to be injured in comparison to Roster Players. The Mets will just have to bide time until 2014 when the team can finally take the former Cy Young winner of the teams payroll book.  Santana signed a 6 YR/$137.5 MIL deal with the Mets after coming over from Minnesota.  While he was good in his 1st year (leading the NL with a 2.53 ERA), he just started 109 Games for his New York Career.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twiter

Lets face it, the Mets have had a poor track record of signing Free Agents lately.

Quickly to go over the list:  Jason Bay, Luis Castillo, (4 YRs/$24.75 MIL and they released him following a 2010 year – where he ballooned in weight – and hit just .235), their own Free Agent in Oliver Perez, (3 YRs/ $36 MIL for 3 wins and a ERA near 7 in that time), and  Johan Santana.

Lest we forget the horrible trades that ended the careers of Roberto Alomar (Made $13 MIL in a season and a half – before  New York jettisoned him to the White Sox for hitting .265 in 2002 – 2003 combined where he was a .300 Career Hitter).

Mo Vaughn. could barely move by the time he made it to New York city. The Mets paid him almost $48 MIL to have only 567 AB. 

Vaughn only played in 166 games for New York, and was out of league after 2003.  At least Kevin Appier (the traded player for him) was done playing by 2004 as well, but at $20 MIL less cost.

While I agree that the New York (NL) franchise should spend some money they have finally been hoarding up, the  brass have to be careful who they select to throw that dough on.

Jason Bay Hurt for the Mets in July 2010

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 8, 2013

Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast I point out some things that we never seem to learn every off season:

The teams that dominate the off season are rarely the team that wins and inevitably some player we all wrote off will become the great hero of the next October.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 8, 2013

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 7, 2013

Photos: Andrew Wooley - Getty Images - USA Today - J. Meric/Getty Images North America - AP Photo/Toronto Blue Jays via The Canadian Press, Fred Thornhill

Photos: Andrew Wooley – Getty Images – USA Today – J. Meric/Getty Images North America – AP Photo/Toronto Blue Jays via The Canadian Press, Fred Thornhill

Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I review the finalists for the off season awards and give a good long look at the results of Who Owns Baseball (WOB.)

WOB was my great experiment to try and track players value based upon how they became the big performer of individual days, taking in account stats and the significance of the game.

Four of the final names very well might line up with the real awards.

But why are Matt Moore and R. A. Dickey there? Is that a flaw in WOB? Or is it a flaw in US?

The final tally for Who Owns Baseball can be found here.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 7, 2013