Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 29, 2016

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In a few days one team will no longer be suffering through a big drought. One team will continue their drought.

And time has gone on, some surprising franchises will make their fans “Long Suffering” soon.

Drink a glass of water for this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast

Andrew Miller, Coco Crisp, Kyle Hendricks and Jorge Soler all added to their Who Owns October and Who Owns the World Series totals.

For the up to date standings of Who Owns October and Who Owns the World Series, go to MLB Reports.

What is “Who Owns October”? Click HERE for an explanation.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owns October and Who Owns the 2016 World Series (#WOO and #WOWS) Tallies Updated For October 28, 2016

29wsblog12-master675Will this be a 5 game series over soon or a seven game series unfolding? Nobody knows yet. Cub fans are HOPING to return to Cleveland!

So who owned October and the World Series?

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.

But the World Series deserves its own stats. WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)

At the end of the post season, we will see who had the highest WOO total as a pitcher and a hitter. The WOWS total will be kept separately. Each game now counts towards both tallies.

A complete description of the rules can be found HERE.

From October 28th.
2016 World Series Game 3:

Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS

Coco Crisp delivered a pinch hit RBI single that resulted in the only run of the game as Cleveland blanked the Cubs 1-0.

Andrew Miller came into the game in the 5th, retired all 4 Cubs he faced, including 3 by strikeout and earned the decision in the Indians 1-0 Game 3 victory.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS

Kyle Hendricks struck out 6 Indians in 4 1/3 shutout innings, wiggling out of trouble before being lifted in the 5th. He did not get the decision in the Cubs 1-0 defeat at the hands of Cleveland.

Jorge Soler singled, doubled and threw out a runner at third in the Cubs 1-0 loss to the Indians.

Current ‘WOWS’ Totals MLB 2016:

Hitters ‘WOWS’ MLB 2016,

Coco Crisp  – Indians 1, Roberto Perez – Indians 1, Kyle Schwarber – Cubs 1, Mike Napoli – Indians 1/2, Jorge Soler – Cubs 1/2, Ben Zobrist – Cubs 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOWS’ MLB 2016,

Jake Arrieta – Cubs 1, Corey Kluber – Indians 1, Andrew Miller – Indians 1, Kyle Hendricks – Cubs 1/3,

HCurrent WOO Totals MLB 2016

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2016,

Josh Donaldson – Blue Jays 3 1/2, Francisco Lindor – Indians 3, Adrian Gonzalez – Dodgers 2 1/2, Coco Crisp – Indians 2,   Daniel Murphy – Nationals 2, Addison Russell – Cubs 2, Justin Turner – Dodgers 2,  Javier Baez – Cubs 1 1/2, Edwin Encarnacion – Blue Jays 1 1/2, Conor Gillaspie – Giants 1 1/2, Mike Napoli – Indians 1 1/2,  Roberto Perez – Indians 1 1/2, Ben Zobrist – Cubs 1 1/2,  Mookie Betts – Red Sox 1, Kris Bryant – Cubs 1,  Dexter Fowler – Cubs 1, Brandon Guyer – Indians 1, Yasmani Grandal – Dodgers 1, Shawn Kelley – Nationals 1,  Jason Kipnis – Indians 1, Miguel Montero – Cubs 1, Joe Panik – Giants 1, Joc Pederson – Dodgers 1, Anthony Rizzo – Cubs 1, Kyle Schwarber – Cubs 1, Troy Tulowitzki – Blue Jays 1, Jayson Werth – Nationals 1, Elvis Andrus – Rangers 1/2, Jose Bautista – Blue Jays 1/2,  Andrew Benintendi  – Red Sox 1/2, Gregor Blanco – Giants 1/2, Ian Desmond – Rangers 1/2, Curtis Granderson – Mets 1/2, Rougned Odor – Rangers 1/2, Buster Posey – Giants 1/2, Carlos Ruiz – Dodgers 1/2, Michael Saunders – Blue Jays 1/2, Corey Seager – Dodgers 1/2, Jorge Soler – Cubs 1/2, Mark Trumbo – Orioles 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2016,

Corey Kluber – Indians 3,  Jon Lester – Cubs 3, Andrew Miller – Indians 3,  Kenley Jansen – Dodgers 2 1/2, Kyle Hendricks – Cubs 2,  Clayton Kershaw – Dodgers 2,   Roberto Osuna – Blue Jays 2, Josh Tomlin – Indians 2, Jake Arrieta – Cubs 1 1/2, Marco Estrada – Blue Jays 1 1/2, Madison Bumgarner – Giants 1, Aroldis Chapman – Cubs 1, Rich Hill – Dodgers 1, Derek Law – Giants 1,  Mark Melancon– Nationals 1, Ryan Merritt – Indians 1, Mike Montgomery – Cubs 1, Aaron Sanchez – Blue Jays 1, Marcus Stroman – Blue Jays 1, Travis Wood – Cubs 1,  Johnny Cueto – Giants 1/2, Matt Moore – Giants 1/2, Darren O’Day – Orioles 1/2, Max Scherzer – Nationals 1/2, Noah Syndergaard – Mets 1/2,

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 28, 2016

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Andy Allbee

World Series narratives can be impossible to predict even after three games. Meanwhile I ponder a $2 million ticket to Wrigley.

I could buy a ticket or a mansion in Corvallis, Oregon.

It is a financially responsible episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast

For the up to date standings of Who Owns October and Who Owns the World Series, go to MLB Reports

What is “Who Owns October”? Click HERE for an explanation.

Read the rest of this entry

These 6 MLB Free Agents Will be Intriguing to Follow This Winter

Compared to previous years, the 2016-17 MLB free-agent market leaves a lot to be desired, but that doesn’t mean there still aren’t intriguing players to follow as they search for new homes.

Like everyone else, I knew this winter’s class of available players wasn’t great, but the reminder was an unpleasant one while looking at the list again this week. Seriously, just take a look at who is expected to hit the market at shortstop and third base this year and tell me that doesn’t make you shake your head.

With that in mind, it means the few MLB free agents who would’ve been rather intriguing during a normal winter get super intriguing this winter. The following six players have unique situations that will shape their trip into the market over the coming months, and here’s why it’s worth following them on their journey.

READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 27, 2016

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John Kuntz – Cleveland.com

I have some thoughts of Game 2 of the World Series and I began to think of Frank Thomas and Clay Buchholz and participating and NOT participating in the World Series.

Lots of meandering ideas on this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast

For the up to date standings of Who Owns October and Who Owns the World Series, go to MLB Reports

What is “Who Owns October”? Click HERE for an explanation.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owns October and Who Owns the 2016 World Series (#WOO and #WOWS) Tallies Updated For October 26, 2016

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Brian Cassella – Chicago Tribune

The Cubs have won their first World Series game since Game 6 of the 1945 World Series. Meanwhile Terry Francona lost a World Series game for the first time ever as a manager.

So who owned October and the World Series?

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.

But the World Series deserves its own stats. WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)

At the end of the post season, we will see who had the highest WOO total as a pitcher and a hitter. The WOWS total will be kept separately. Each game now counts towards both tallies.

A complete description of the rules can be found HERE.

From October 26th.
2016 World Series Game 2:

Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS

Jake Arrieta took a no hitter into the 6th and finished with 5 2/3 innings, 2 hits, 1 run and 6 strikeouts, earning the 5-1 decision for the Cubs over the Indians.

Kyle Schwarber continued his improbable World Series comeback by reaching base 3 times, scoring a run and driving in 2 to lead the Cubs to a 5-1 Game 2 victory in Cleveland.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS

Mike Napoli reached base 3 times but was stranded each time as the Indians fell to the Cubs, 5-1.

Current ‘WOWS’ Totals MLB 2016:

Hitters ‘WOWS’ MLB 2016,

Roberto Perez – Indians 1, Kyle Schwarber – Cubs 1, Mike Napoli – Indians 1, Ben Zobrist – Cubs 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOWS’ MLB 2016,

Jake Arrieta – Cubs 1, Corey Kluber – Indians 1,

HCurrent WOO Totals MLB 2016

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2016,

Josh Donaldson – Blue Jays 3 1/2, Francisco Lindor – Indians 3, Adrian Gonzalez – Dodgers 2 1/2,  Daniel Murphy – Nationals 2, Addison Russell – Cubs 2, Justin Turner – Dodgers 2,  Javier Baez – Cubs 1 1/2, Edwin Encarnacion – Blue Jays 1 1/2, Conor Gillaspie – Giants 1 1/2, Mike Napoli – Indians 1 1/2,  Roberto Perez – Indians 1 1/2, Ben Zobrist – Cubs 1 1/2,  Mookie Betts – Red Sox 1, Kris Bryant – Cubs 1,  Coco Crisp – Indians 1,  Dexter Fowler – Cubs 1, Brandon Guyer – Indians 1, Yasmani Grandal – Dodgers 1, Shawn Kelley – Nationals 1,  Jason Kipnis – Indians 1, Miguel Montero – Cubs 1, Joe Panik – Giants 1, Joc Pederson – Dodgers 1, Anthony Rizzo – Cubs 1, Kyle Schwarber – Cubs 1, Troy Tulowitzki – Blue Jays 1, Jayson Werth – Nationals 1, Elvis Andrus – Rangers 1/2, Jose Bautista – Blue Jays 1/2,  Andrew Benintendi  – Red Sox 1/2, Gregor Blanco – Giants 1/2, Ian Desmond – Rangers 1/2, Curtis Granderson – Mets 1/2, Rougned Odor – Rangers 1/2, Buster Posey – Giants 1/2, Carlos Ruiz – Dodgers 1/2, Michael Saunders – Blue Jays 1/2, Corey Seager – Dodgers 1/2, Mark Trumbo – Orioles 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2016,

Corey Kluber – Indians 3,  Jon Lester – Cubs 3, Kenley Jansen – Dodgers 2 1/2, Clayton Kershaw – Dodgers 2, Andrew Miller – Indians 2,   Roberto Osuna – Blue Jays 2, Josh Tomlin – Indians 2, Jake Arrieta – Cubs 1 1/2, Marco Estrada – Blue Jays 1 1/2, Kyle Hendricks – Cubs 1 1/2,  Madison Bumgarner – Giants 1, Aroldis Chapman – Cubs 1, Rich Hill – Dodgers 1, Derek Law – Giants 1,  Mark Melancon– Nationals 1, Ryan Merritt – Indians 1, Mike Montgomery – Cubs 1, Aaron Sanchez – Blue Jays 1, Marcus Stroman – Blue Jays 1, Travis Wood – Cubs 1,  Johnny Cueto – Giants 1/2, Matt Moore – Giants 1/2, Darren O’Day – Orioles 1/2, Max Scherzer – Nationals 1/2, Noah Syndergaard – Mets 1/2,

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 26, 2016

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Getty Images

Baseball is a distraction from reality. And some days that is a very useful service

Take your mind off of things with this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast

For the up to date standings of Who Owns October and Who Owns the World Series, click MLB Reports

What is “Who Owns October”? Click HERE for an explanation.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owns October and Who Owns the 2016 World Series (#WOO and #WOWS) Tallies Updated For October 25, 2016

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Fox

The World Series has begun and the Cubs STILL haven’t scored a World Series run since 1945!

And now the Sully Metrics of October get a little more complicated.

I will continue to figure out Who Owns October.Time to figure out who owns October!

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.

But the World Series deserves its own stats. WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)

At the end of the post season, we will see who had the highest WOO total as a pitcher and a hitter. The WOWS total will be kept separately. Each game now counts towards both tallies.

 

A complete description of the rules can be found HERE.

From October 25nd.
2016 World Series Game 1:

Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS

Corey Kluber was up to the task for a World Series opening game start. He pitched into the 7th, going 6 plus shutout innings, 4 hits, no walks and struck out 9 Cubs, earning the 6-0 decision for the Indians.

Roberto Perez hit 2 homers, including a 3 run shot that put the game away, to give Cleveland a 6-0 victory over the Cubs in the World Series opener.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS

Ben Zobrist collected 3 hits, including a double, but could not be driven in as the Cubs were blanked by the Indians, 6-0.

Current ‘WOWS’ Totals MLB 2016:

Hitters ‘WOWS’ MLB 2016,

Roberto Perez – Indians 1, Ben Zobrist – Cubs 1/2,

Current ‘WOO’ Totals MLB 2016:

Corey Kluber – Indians 1,

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2016,

Josh Donaldson – Blue Jays 3 1/2, Francisco Lindor – Indians 3, Adrian Gonzalez – Dodgers 2 1/2,  Daniel Murphy – Nationals 2, Addison Russell – Cubs 2, Justin Turner – Dodgers 2,  Javier Baez – Cubs 1 1/2, Edwin Encarnacion – Blue Jays 1 1/2, Conor Gillaspie – Giants 1 1/2, Roberto Perez – Indians 1 1/2, Ben Zobrist – Cubs 1 1/2,  Mookie Betts – Red Sox 1, Kris Bryant – Cubs 1,  Coco Crisp – Indians 1,  Dexter Fowler – Cubs 1, Brandon Guyer – Indians 1, Yasmani Grandal – Dodgers 1, Shawn Kelley – Nationals 1,  Jason Kipnis – Indians 1, Miguel Montero – Cubs 1, Mike Napoli – Indians 1, Joe Panik – Giants 1, Joc Pederson – Dodgers 1, Anthony Rizzo – Cubs 1, Troy Tulowitzki – Blue Jays 1, Jayson Werth – Nationals 1, Elvis Andrus – Rangers 1/2, Jose Bautista – Blue Jays 1/2,  Andrew Benintendi  – Red Sox 1/2, Gregor Blanco – Giants 1/2, Ian Desmond – Rangers 1/2, Curtis Granderson – Mets 1/2, Rougned Odor – Rangers 1/2, Buster Posey – Giants 1/2, Carlos Ruiz – Dodgers 1/2, Michael Saunders – Blue Jays 1/2, Corey Seager – Dodgers 1/2, Mark Trumbo – Orioles 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2016,

Corey Kluber – Indians 3,  Jon Lester – Cubs 3, Kenley Jansen – Dodgers 2 1/2, Clayton Kershaw – Dodgers 2, Andrew Miller – Indians 2,   Roberto Osuna – Blue Jays 2, Josh Tomlin – Indians 2, Marco Estrada – Blue Jays 1 1/2, Kyle Hendricks – Cubs 1 1/2,  Madison Bumgarner – Giants 1, Aroldis Chapman – Cubs 1, Rich Hill – Dodgers 1, Derek Law – Giants 1,  Mark Melancon– Nationals 1, Ryan Merritt – Indians 1, Mike Montgomery – Cubs 1, Aaron Sanchez – Blue Jays 1, Marcus Stroman – Blue Jays 1, Travis Wood – Cubs 1, Jake Arrieta – Cubs 1/2,  Johnny Cueto – Giants 1/2, Matt Moore – Giants 1/2, Darren O’Day – Orioles 1/2, Max Scherzer – Nationals 1/2, Noah Syndergaard – Mets 1/2,

2016 Fantasy Baseball Dynasty League Trade Analysis (Part 2)

Now that the season is over, I wanted to go through my dynasty league trades throughout the 2016 season and give my analysis. I gave the analysis of my team earlier last week, but this analysis is for a very different team. This team is currently rebuilding and had by far the biggest roster turnover during the 2016 season. Austin, the owner of the team, asked me to analyze his team, so I figured I would share my analysis of his deals (there is A LOT of them). Before going into the trades, let me give you a quick overview of the rules and regulations of the league:

 

-16 team dynasty league founded 1.5 years ago

-Head to head categorical scoring (offensive categories include: Runs, RBIs, HRs, SBs, Slugging, OBP, Strikeouts for hitters, Total Bases…. Pitching categories include: H/IP, BB/9, Total Strikeouts, ERA, WHIP, Quality Start %, Saves, and Holds)

-Roster: 19 active on the roster (C, 1B, 2B, SS, 3B, LF, CF, RF, UTL, 5 SP, 5 RP), 12 bench players, and 21 minor league prospects

-Active salary cap (max of $20 million per player) of $168 million based on actual MLB contracts

-Annual amateur draft for the most recent MLB amateur draft during the offseason (if I mention a draft pick in a trade, that is what it is referring to)

 

SEE THE REST OF THE ARTICLE AND THE TRADE ANALYSIS

Dexter Fowler Has Been The Biggest Key During the Chicago Cubs’ World Series Run

For the first time in over 70 years, the Chicago Cubs are National League champions and have an opportunity to end the most excruciating drought in pro sports. While the roster is loaded with talent, a trip to the Fall Classic wouldn’t have been possible without one player in particular.

With the kind of star power Chicago possesses, Dexter Fowler probably isn’t the “X-factor” kind of player to roll off your tongue first, but he should be.

The Cubs won 103 games during the 2016 regular season, and it happened because their entire team is solid. Kyle Hendricks, Jon Lester and Jake Arrieta led a pitching staff that produced a league-best 3.15 ERA, while the offense boasts two MVP candidates in Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant.

So, why was it such a big deal when Theo Epstein and Co. agreed to a one-year dealwith Fowler (including an option for 2017)? Let us count the ways as the Cubs prepare for their first World Series appearance since 1945.

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World Series Predictions by Mike

world-seriesBy: Mike Carter

In the last few days, we have seen some amazing things happen in the baseball world. The World Series is upon us, with the upstart Cleveland Indians pitted against the spring favorite, the Chicago Cubs.

The coming week is what we long for when baseball season starts every year, when hope is eternal for all of our teams, and we hope for one good season from that aging veteran hurler, or a surprise year from an unexpected source. Both teams feature superstar players; both teams feature aging veterans looking for one more crack at glory; both teams ride hot streaks into the biggest series of their lives. The excitement is palpable and millions of fans are on edge. Which team will break their significant winless streaks? The Cubs have not been to the World Series since 1945; the Indians were last in the Fall Classic in 1997. The Cubs have not won it since 1908; the Indians last won in 1948. Someone is about to break a long streak of futility. Who will it be?

Read the rest of Mike’s World Series Predictions via 9 Inning Know It All.

World Series Thoughts

world-seriesBy Josh:

The clash of teams that haven’t won a World Series title in not only my lifetime but my father’s lifetime, is set to begin on Tuesday in Cleveland. A battle of Midwest team vs Midwest team will excite all of the East coast bias media outlets (don’t even try to deny it ESPN) and West coast ‘what about us’ whiners (yes I know they’re real because I live on the West coast and might be one).

Read the rest of Josh’s World Series Thoughts via 9 Inning Know It All.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 25, 2016

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Jamie Squire – Getty

Taking a very late night drive, I stay awake by talking about the World Series and the Hall of Fame legacies of some of the players and specifically the managers.

It is stay awake while driving episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast

For the up to date standings of Who Owns October, click MLB Reports.

What is “Who Owns October”? Click HERE for an explanation.

Read the rest of this entry

How the Cubs and Indians Overcame Injuries to Kyle Schwarber and Michael Brantley

The Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians will meet tomorrow in a World Series matchup that nobody thought possible. If it weren’t actually happening, I would have thought it unthinkable. The Cubs and Indians are both tortured franchises upon whom the baseball gods have picked for nigh on a century.

However, one is in for redemption in 2016, and for whichever one it is, that redemption will be all the sweeter having overcome a mountain of injuries, most notably the loss of an All-Star left fielder… The Indians and Cubs both lost their left fielders in April. Every team deals with injuries, but both these guys were absolute mainstay studs. Overcoming those losses to reach the World Series was extremely impressive.

For Cleveland, Michael Brantley received MVP votes in each of the last two years and was worth something like 10 WAR over that same timeframe. He was a top 10 outfielder in all of baseball, but played just 11 games for the Indians this season while battling shoulder problems. Meanwhile, the Cubs lost Kyle Schwarber to an “multiple-CL” injury just two games into the 2016 season. Last year, as a 22 year old, Schwarber looked every bit the part of a young Prince Fielder. He combined a solid regular season with an other-worldly postseason (5 HRs in 9 games) to lay the foundation for a solid career.

So how did they do it? How did both teams lose one of their best players and then bowl through the playoffs to reach the World Series?

To continue reading about how the Cubs and Indians overcame adversity to reach the World Series, please visit Off the Bench.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 24, 2016

fourmoreyears

Four Years… A New Podcast every single day. I reflect on what has changed since I started doing the show and what else needs to be done.

It is an entire Presidential Term worth of episodes on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast

For the up to date standings of Who Owns October, click MLB Reports.

What is “Who Owns October”? Click HERE for an explanation.

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 23, 2016

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ROBERT SULLIVAN/AFP/Getty Images

Time for a Sunday Request.

 

I give my thoughts on the Adrian Gonzalez slide. Plus my wife and I talk about the World Series match ups and Chief Wahoo.

It is wrapping up a 4th straight year of shows episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast

For the up to date standings of Who Owns October, click MLB Reports.

What is “Who Owns October”? Click HERE for an explanation.

Read the rest of this entry

David Ortiz Leaves Behind Best Legacy with Boston Red Sox

The illustrious career of the Boston Red Sox’s David Ortiz has come to a close. Given what he has meant to one of the flagship franchises of Major League Baseball for the past 14 years, his departure will create a crated-sized void. He will leave behind quite the legacy; one that had never been seen before and will never be seen again.

READ FULL POST

Who Owns October in MLB Playoffs 2016 (#WOO) Tallies Updated for October 22, 2016

NLCS - Los Angeles Dodgers v Chicago Cubs - Game Two

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Well, we have a World Series match up… and the Cubs will face off against the Indians in a “Hell Freezes Over” Series.

Time to see who owned October.

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.

At the end of the post season, we will see who had the highest WOO total as a pitcher and a hitter.

A complete description of the rules can be found HERE.

From October 22nd.
NLCS Game 6:

Receiving 1 WOO’s

Kyle Hendricks pitched the Cubs into the World Series with 7 1/3 shutout innings, allowing 2 hits and earning the 5-0 decision over the Dodgers.

Anthony Rizzo got 2 hits including a towering homer off of Kershaw that helped put the game away for the Cubs 5-0 over LA.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s 

Kenley Jansen threw 3 perfect innings out of the bullpen but it was too little and too late as the Dodgers were eliminated by the Cubs, 5-0.

Current ‘WOO’ Totals MLB 2016:

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2016,

Josh Donaldson – Blue Jays 3 1/2, Francisco Lindor – Indians 3, Adrian Gonzalez – Dodgers 2 1/2,  Daniel Murphy – Nationals 2, Addison Russell – Cubs 2, Justin Turner – Dodgers 2,  Javier Baez – Cubs 1 1/2, Edwin Encarnacion – Blue Jays 1 1/2, Conor Gillaspie – Giants 1 1/2, Mookie Betts – Red Sox 1, Kris Bryant – Cubs 1,  Coco Crisp – Indians 1,  Dexter Fowler – Cubs 1, Brandon Guyer – Indians 1, Yasmani Grandal – Dodgers 1, Shawn Kelley – Nationals 1,  Jason Kipnis – Indians 1, Miguel Montero – Cubs 1, Mike Napoli – Indians 1, Joe Panik – Giants 1, Joc Pederson – Dodgers 1, Anthony Rizzo – Cubs 1, Troy Tulowitzki – Blue Jays 1, Jayson Werth – Nationals 1, Ben Zobrist – Cubs 1,  Elvis Andrus – Rangers 1/2, Jose Bautista – Blue Jays 1/2,  Andrew Benintendi  – Red Sox 1/2, Gregor Blanco – Giants 1/2, Ian Desmond – Rangers 1/2, Curtis Granderson – Mets 1/2, Rougned Odor – Rangers 1/2, Roberto Perez – Indians 1/2, Buster Posey – Giants 1/2, Carlos Ruiz – Dodgers 1/2, Michael Saunders – Blue Jays 1/2, Corey Seager – Dodgers 1/2, Mark Trumbo – Orioles 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2016,

Jon Lester – Cubs 3, Kenley Jansen – Dodgers 2 1/2, Clayton Kershaw – Dodgers 2, Corey Kluber – Indians 2, Andrew Miller – Indians 2,   Roberto Osuna – Blue Jays 2, Josh Tomlin – Indians 2, Marco Estrada – Blue Jays 1 1/2, Kyle Hendricks – Cubs 1 1/2,  Madison Bumgarner – Giants 1, Aroldis Chapman – Cubs 1, Rich Hill – Dodgers 1, Derek Law – Giants 1,  Mark Melancon– Nationals 1, Ryan Merritt – Indians 1, Mike Montgomery – Cubs 1, Aaron Sanchez – Blue Jays 1, Marcus Stroman – Blue Jays 1, Travis Wood – Cubs 1, Jake Arrieta – Cubs 1/2,  Johnny Cueto – Giants 1/2, Matt Moore – Giants 1/2, Darren O’Day – Orioles 1/2, Max Scherzer – Nationals 1/2, Noah Syndergaard – Mets 1/2,

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 22, 2016

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Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

Sure there are long suffering Cub fans. There are also long suffering Dodger fans. And they suffered tonight.

Meanwhile Joe Maddon’s decision to celebrate Chapman made me turn off the game.

It is a trade one pain for another episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast

For the up to date standings of Who Owns October, click MLB Reports.

What is “Who Owns October”? Click HERE for an explanation.

Read the rest of this entry

Clayton Kershaw’s Legacy

Clayton+Kershaw+New+York+Mets+v+Los+Angeles+XVeAFkM8_OvlBy Josh:

Today’s start for Clayton Kershaw against the Chicago Cubs isn’t going to make or break his career. Whether he wins or not, he is still going to be seen as an extremely talented and dominate pitcher. With that being said he needs to pitch a good game and show that he can step it up when the stakes are highest.

Read the rest of Clayton Kershaw’s Legacy via 9 Inning Know It All

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 21, 2016

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Jason Miller/Getty Images North America

With no playoff games today, I decided to spend the dark day giving my choices for the off season awards.

Corey Kluber, Jose Fernandez, Mike Trout, Kris Bryant, Michael Fulmer, Corey Seager, Terry Francona and Dave Roberts all will show up with some hardware.

It is a “Blue Ribbon” episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast

For the up to date standings of Who Owns October, click MLB Reports.

What is “Who Owns October”? Click HERE for an explanation.

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 20, 2016

nlcscapture

MARK J. TERRILL/AP

 

What was going to be one of the great games of the year turned into a slow paced frustrating game between the Dodgers and Cubs.

It is a “Race a Glacier” episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Jon Lester, Addison Russell and Corey Seager all owned October.

For the up to date standings of Who Owns October,Go to MLB Reports

What is “Who Owns October”? Click HERE for an explanation.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owns October in MLB Playoffs 2016 (#WOO) Tallies Updated for October 20, 2016

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Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Well, the Cubs bats are awake and the pennant is there to lose.

Time to see who owned October.

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.

At the end of the post season, we will see who had the highest WOO total as a pitcher and a hitter.

A complete description of the rules can be found HERE.

From October 20th.
NLCS Game 5:

Receiving 1 WOO’s

Jon Lester threw 7 strong innings, allowing 1 run and 5 hits and pushed the Cubs past the Dodgers and within a game of the World Series, 8-4.

Addison Russell homered and doubled, scoring twice, and put the Cubs on top for good against the Dodgers, 8-4.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s 

Corey Seager got a pair of hits but could not be driven in as the Dodgers fell to the Cubs, 8-4..

Current ‘WOO’ Totals MLB 2016:

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2016,

Josh Donaldson – Blue Jays 3 1/2, Francisco Lindor – Indians 3, Adrian Gonzalez – Dodgers 2 1/2,  Daniel Murphy – Nationals 2, Addison Russell – Cubs 2, Justin Turner – Dodgers 2,  Javier Baez – Cubs 1 1/2, Edwin Encarnacion – Blue Jays 1 1/2, Conor Gillaspie – Giants 1 1/2, Mookie Betts – Red Sox 1, Kris Bryant – Cubs 1,  Coco Crisp – Indians 1,  Dexter Fowler – Cubs 1, Brandon Guyer – Indians 1, Yasmani Grandal – Dodgers 1, Shawn Kelley – Nationals 1,  Jason Kipnis – Indians 1, Miguel Montero – Cubs 1, Mike Napoli – Indians 1, Joe Panik – Giants 1, Joc Pederson – Dodgers 1, Troy Tulowitzki – Blue Jays 1, Jayson Werth – Nationals 1, Ben Zobrist – Cubs 1,  Elvis Andrus – Rangers 1/2, Jose Bautista – Blue Jays 1/2,  Andrew Benintendi  – Red Sox 1/2, Gregor Blanco – Giants 1/2, Ian Desmond – Rangers 1/2, Curtis Granderson – Mets 1/2, Rougned Odor – Rangers 1/2, Roberto Perez – Indians 1/2, Buster Posey – Giants 1/2, Carlos Ruiz – Dodgers 1/2, Michael Saunders – Blue Jays 1/2, Corey Seager – Dodgers 1/2, Mark Trumbo – Orioles 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2016,

Jon Lester – Cubs 3Kenley Jansen – Dodgers 2, Clayton Kershaw – Dodgers 2, Corey Kluber – Indians 2, Andrew Miller – Indians 2,   Roberto Osuna – Blue Jays 2, Josh Tomlin – Indians 2, Marco Estrada – Blue Jays 1 1/2,  Madison Bumgarner – Giants 1, Aroldis Chapman – Cubs 1, Rich Hill – Dodgers 1, Derek Law – Giants 1,  Mark Melancon– Nationals 1, Ryan Merritt – Indians 1, Mike Montgomery – Cubs 1, Aaron Sanchez – Blue Jays 1, Marcus Stroman – Blue Jays 1, Travis Wood – Cubs 1, Jake Arrieta – Cubs 1/2,  Johnny Cueto – Giants 1/2, Kyle Hendricks – Cubs 1/2, Matt Moore – Giants 1/2, Darren O’Day – Orioles 1/2, Max Scherzer – Nationals 1/2, Noah Syndergaard – Mets 1/2,

Who Owns October in MLB Playoffs 2016 (#WOO) Tallies Updated for October 19, 2016

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Thomas Ondrey/The Cleveland Plain Dealer

One series is over while the other is all knotted up after four games.

Time to see who owned October.

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.

At the end of the post season, we will see who had the highest WOO total as a pitcher and a hitter.

A complete description of the rules can be found HERE.

From October 19th.
ALCS Game 5 and NLCS Game 4:

Receiving 1 WOO’s

Francisco Lindor collected 3 hits and scored the first run in the 3-0 Cleveland victory that clinched the pennant in Toronto.

Ryan Merritt threw only his second ever major league start and made it count. He pitched shutout ball into the 5th inning and allowed the Indians to tap into their bullpen, who finished up the games, series and pennant, 3-0 over the Blue Jays.

Mike Montgomery threw a pair of shutout innings out of the bullpen and stopped the Dodgers from getting back into the game as the Cubs poured it on, 10-2.

Addison Russell woke up from a nasty slump to go 3 for 5, including a 2 run homer, to lead the Cubs past the Dodgers, 10-2.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s 

Jose Bautista singled and hit a double in the 9th inning but was stranded as Toronto was eliminated in the ALCS by Cleveland, 3-0.

Justin Turner reached base twice and drove in the Dodgers only 2 runs as they were blown out in Game 4 by the Cubs, 10-2.

Current ‘WOO’ Totals MLB 2016:

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2016,

Josh Donaldson – Blue Jays 3 1/2, Francisco Lindor – Indians 3, Adrian Gonzalez – Dodgers 2 1/2,  Daniel Murphy – Nationals 2, Justin Turner – Dodgers 2,  Javier Baez – Cubs 1 1/2, Edwin Encarnacion – Blue Jays 1 1/2, Conor Gillaspie – Giants 1 1/2, Mookie Betts – Red Sox 1, Kris Bryant – Cubs 1,  Coco Crisp – Indians 1,  Dexter Fowler – Cubs 1, Brandon Guyer – Indians 1, Yasmani Grandal – Dodgers 1, Shawn Kelley – Nationals 1,  Jason Kipnis – Indians 1, Miguel Montero – Cubs 1, Mike Napoli – Indians 1, Joe Panik – Giants 1, Joc Pederson – Dodgers 1, Troy Tulowitzki – Blue Jays 1, Jayson Werth – Nationals 1, Ben Zobrist – Cubs 1,  Elvis Andrus – Rangers 1/2, Jose Bautista – Blue Jays 1/2,  Andrew Benintendi  – Red Sox 1/2, Gregor Blanco – Giants 1/2, Ian Desmond – Rangers 1/2, Curtis Granderson – Mets 1/2, Rougned Odor – Rangers 1/2, Roberto Perez – Indians 1/2, Buster Posey – Giants 1/2, Carlos Ruiz – Dodgers 1/2, Michael Saunders – Blue Jays 1/2, Mark Trumbo – Orioles 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2016,

Kenley Jansen – Dodgers 2, Clayton Kershaw – Dodgers 2, Corey Kluber – Indians 2, Jon Lester – Cubs 2Andrew Miller – Indians 2,   Roberto Osuna – Blue Jays 2, Josh Tomlin – Indians 2, Marco Estrada – Blue Jays 1 1/2,  Madison Bumgarner – Giants 1, Aroldis Chapman – Cubs 1, Rich Hill – Dodgers 1, Derek Law – Giants 1,  Mark Melancon– Nationals 1, Ryan Merritt – Indians 1, Mike Montgomery – Cubs 1, Aaron Sanchez – Blue Jays 1, Marcus Stroman – Blue Jays 1, Travis Wood – Cubs 1, Jake Arrieta – Cubs 1/2,  Johnny Cueto – Giants 1/2, Kyle Hendricks – Cubs 1/2, Matt Moore – Giants 1/2, Darren O’Day – Orioles 1/2, Max Scherzer – Nationals 1/2, Noah Syndergaard – Mets 1/2,

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 19, 2016

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The Indians won the pennant! And I talked about being a Cleveland fan in these happy times with super fan and comedian, Bill Sindelar.

We partied like it was 1948 on this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Follow Bill on Twitter by clicking HERE.

For the up to date standings of Who Owns October,Go to MLB Reports

What is “Who Owns October”? Click HERE for an explanation.

Read the rest of this entry

Five Players to Watch in the Dominican Winter League

Tomorrow will be the fifth edition of Opening Day in the Dominican Winter League (DWL). The opening game will feature Aguilas Cibaeñas vs. their rivals from the northern region, Gigantes Del Cibao.

The DWL has functioned as a bridge to showcase players to major league clubs. This talent was on full display last year as the league produced quite a few notable storylines.

Joey Rickard was the league MVP during the DWL regular season and was deemed “MLB Ready” by scouts. Rickard was selected during the Rule 5 draft by the Baltimore Orioles serving as a part-time starter and backup role. Another interesting story was Tyler White, a Winter League MVP candidate, this performance helped him be considered for the starting job at first base for the Houston Astros. White ended up winning the position out of spring training and started the year off on a torrid pace before MLB pitchers figured him out.

The DWL has a competition level that is closely behind Japan. One of the keys to the league is making adjustments as the players face many different levels of pitching and batting. In one at bat you could be confronted with a 100 MPH fastball. Then next at bat you would be facing a veteran pitcher pitching low 80s with pinpoint accuracy and movement.

This article will cover the top 5 players to watch in the DWL, and then try to figure out who might be the next Joey Rickard or Tyler White.

To continue reading about the Five Players to Watch in the Dominican Winter League, please check out the full article at offthebenchbaseball.com

Who Owns October in MLB Playoffs 2016 (#WOO) Tallies Updated for October 18, 2016

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Nuccio DiNuzzo – Chicago Tribune

The Indians could not clinch but are still in control. Meanwhile the Cubs suddenly find their dream season on the brink.

Time to see who owned October.

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.

At the end of the post season, we will see who had the highest WOO total as a pitcher and a hitter.

A complete description of the rules can be found HERE.

From October 18th.
ALCS Game 4 and NLCS Game 3:

Receiving 1 WOO’s 

Josh Donaldson homered to put Toronto on top and played great defense to help the Blue Jays stay alive over the Indians, 5-1.

Yasmani Grandal hit a 2 run homer and drove in another to lead the Dodgers past the Cubs, 6-0.

Rich Hill shutout the Cubs over 6 strong innings, allowing 2 hits and striking out 6 as the Dodgers took control of the series, 6-0.

Aaron Sanchez kept the Blue Jays from getting swept by Cleveland by throwing 6 innings, allowing 2 hits and 1 run, earning the 5-1 decision.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s 

Kris Bryant went 2 for 4 but could not be driven in by his teammates as the Cubs fell to LA, 6-0.

Roberto Perez doubled home the Indians only run in their 5-1 loss in Toronto.

Current ‘WOO’ Totals MLB 2016:

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2016,

Josh Donaldson – Blue Jays 3 1/2, Adrian Gonzalez – Dodgers 2 1/2, Francisco Lindor – Indians 2, Daniel Murphy – Nationals 2, Javier Baez – Cubs 1 1/2, Edwin Encarnacion – Blue Jays 1 1/2, Conor Gillaspie – Giants 1 1/2, Justin Turner – Dodgers 1 1/2, Mookie Betts – Red Sox 1, Kris Bryant – Cubs 1,  Coco Crisp – Indians 1,  Dexter Fowler – Cubs 1, Brandon Guyer – Indians 1, Yasmani Grandal – Dodgers 1, Shawn Kelley – Nationals 1,  Jason Kipnis – Indians 1, Miguel Montero – Cubs 1, Mike Napoli – Indians 1, Joe Panik – Giants 1, Joc Pederson – Dodgers 1, Troy Tulowitzki – Blue Jays 1, Jayson Werth – Nationals 1, Ben Zobrist – Cubs 1,  Elvis Andrus – Rangers 1/2,  Andrew Benintendi  – Red Sox 1/2, Gregor Blanco – Giants 1/2, Ian Desmond – Rangers 1/2, Curtis Granderson – Mets 1/2, Rougned Odor – Rangers 1/2, Roberto Perez – Indians 1/2, Buster Posey – Giants 1/2, Carlos Ruiz – Dodgers 1/2, Michael Saunders – Blue Jays 1/2, Mark Trumbo – Orioles 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2016,

Kenley Jansen – Dodgers 2, Clayton Kershaw – Dodgers 2, Corey Kluber – Indians 2, Jon Lester – Cubs 2Andrew Miller – Indians 2,   Roberto Osuna – Blue Jays 2, Josh Tomlin – Indians 2, Marco Estrada – Blue Jays 1 1/2,  Madison Bumgarner – Giants 1, Aroldis Chapman – Cubs 1, Rich Hill – Dodgers 1, Derek Law – Giants 1,  Mark Melancon– Nationals 1, Aaron Sanchez – Blue Jays 1, Marcus Stroman – Blue Jays 1, Travis Wood – Cubs 1, Jake Arrieta – Cubs 1/2,  Johnny Cueto – Giants 1/2, Kyle Hendricks – Cubs 1/2, Matt Moore – Giants 1/2, Darren O’Day – Orioles 1/2, Max Scherzer – Nationals 1/2, Noah Syndergaard – Mets 1/2,

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 18, 2016

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Matt Slocum/Associated Press

The Indians may not have clinched the pennant today but they are in the middle of doing something really special.

Andrew Miller is having an all time post season.

It is a good feeling in Ohio episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

For the up to date standings of Who Owns October,Go to MLB Reports

What is “Who Owns October”? Click HERE for an explanation.

Read the rest of this entry

2016 Fantasy Baseball Dynasty League Trades Analysis

Following a 2nd place finish in 2015, this is the active roster I ended the year with:

C– Travis d’Arnaud

1B– Brandon Belt

2B– Robinson Cano

3B– Anthony Rendon

SS– Brandon Crawford

LF– Yoenis Cespedes

CF– David Peralta

RF– Bryce Harper

UTL– Daniel Murphy

Starting Pitchers– Madison Bumgarner, Matt Harvey, Noah Syndergaard, Sonny Gray, Justin Verlander

Relief Pitchers– Ken Giles, Daniel Hudson, Jonathan Papelbon, David Robertson, Shawn Tolleson

Off. Bench– Robinson Chirinos, Justin Bour, Jonathan Schoop, Alex Rodriguez

P. Bench– Nick Martinez, Carlos Rodon, Arquimedes Caminero, Jenrry Mejia, Drew Pomeranz, Tom Koehler

Offensive Prospects– Chance Sisco, A.J. Reed, Kean Wong, Tim Anderson, Jorge Mateo, Eloy Jimenez, Manuel Margot, Bradley Zimmer, Brett Phillips

Pitching Prospects– Edwin Diaz, Anderson Espinoza, Michael Fulmer, Taylor Guerrieri, Pierce Johnson, Yoan Lopez, Francis Martes, Alex Reyes, Jack Flaherty, Casey Meisner, Luis Ortiz

 

While I did finish the season in 2nd, my roster needed some serious improvements. I had a lot of faith in my ability to scout prospects, so I figured it was time to unload some prospects for win-now talent and trust my ability to refill my minor league system with less publicized talent. You can see all of the trades I made in the offseason and during the 2016 season in order from oldest to most recent below (all trades made prior to the season are in bold and in season is in italics):

 

SEE THE REST OF THE ARTICLE

Who Owns October in MLB Playoffs 2016 (#WOO) Tallies Updated for October 17, 2016

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AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

So many relievers to pick from… but one name towers over the rest. Meanwhile a former Boston Strong slugger has brought Cleveland to the brink of the World Series.

Time to see who owned October.

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.

At the end of the post season, we will see who had the highest WOO total as a pitcher and a hitter.

A complete description of the rules can be found HERE.

From October 17th.
ALCS Game 3:

Receiving 1 WOO’s 

Andrew Miller highlighted a brilliant performance by the Cleveland bullpen, who combined for 8 1/3 innings. Miller earned the save by recording the final 4 Toronto outs, 3 by strikeouts, giving him 20 K’s in 9 post season innings, as the Indians won, 4-2.

Mike Napoli homered and later scored a key insurance run to help Cleveland beat Toronto, 4-2.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s 

Michael Saunders launched a game tying homer in the second inning. The Blue Jays would end up dropping the game to Cleveland 4-2.

Current ‘WOO’ Totals MLB 2016:

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2016,

Josh Donaldson – Blue Jays 2 1/2, Adrian Gonzalez – Dodgers 2 1/2, Francisco Lindor – Indians 2, Daniel Murphy – Nationals 2, Javier Baez – Cubs 1 1/2,  Edwin Encarnacion – Blue Jays 1 1/2, Conor Gillaspie – Giants 1 1/2, Justin Turner – Dodgers 1 1/2, Mookie Betts – Red Sox 1,  Coco Crisp – Indians 1,  Dexter Fowler – Cubs 1, Brandon Guyer – Indians 1, Shawn Kelley – Nationals 1,  Jason Kipnis – Indians 1, Miguel Montero – Cubs 1, Mike Napoli – Indians 1, Joe Panik – Giants 1, Joc Pederson – Dodgers 1, Troy Tulowitzki – Blue Jays 1, Jayson Werth – Nationals 1, Ben Zobrist – Cubs 1,  Elvis Andrus – Rangers 1/2,  Andrew Benintendi  – Red Sox 1/2, Gregor Blanco – Giants 1/2, Kris Bryant – Cubs 1/2,  Ian Desmond – Rangers 1/2, Curtis Granderson – Mets 1/2, Rougned Odor – Rangers 1/2, Buster Posey – Giants 1/2, Carlos Ruiz – Dodgers 1/2, Michael Saunders – Blue Jays 1/2, Mark Trumbo – Orioles 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2016,

Kenley Jansen – Dodgers 2, Clayton Kershaw – Dodgers 2, Corey Kluber – Indians 2, Jon Lester – Cubs 2Andrew Miller – Indians 2,   Roberto Osuna – Blue Jays 2, Josh Tomlin – Indians 2, Marco Estrada – Blue Jays 1 1/2,  Madison Bumgarner – Giants 1, Aroldis Chapman – Cubs 1,, Derek Law – Giants 1,  Mark Melancon– Nationals 1, Marcus Stroman – Blue Jays 1, Travis Wood – Cubs 1, Jake Arrieta – Cubs 1/2,  Johnny Cueto – Giants 1/2, Kyle Hendricks – Cubs 1/2, Matt Moore – Giants 1/2, Darren O’Day – Orioles 1/2, Max Scherzer – Nationals 1/2, Noah Syndergaard – Mets 1/2,