Blog Archives
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 9, 2016
Rob Carr/Getty Images North America, Tim Bradbury/Getty Images North America and Elsa/Getty Images North America
It looks like Koji Uehara is heading to the Cubs. They will have three pitchers who have clinched a World Series title out of the pen.
Why not try to get more?
It is time to celebrate and clinch in this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Enjoy this video podcast.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 29, 2016
AP Photo/Frank Franklin II
Um… yay?
The Red Sox clinched the AL East in the strangest way possible. But go celebrate Sox. It isn’t for one game. It was for 162 games.
It is a “JUST GET IN” episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
John Jaso, Carlos Gomez, Tyler Chatwood, Miguel Gonzalez, Adrian Gonzalez, Evan Gattis, Jeff Samardzija and Clay Buchholz all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball yesterday.
See the updated listing of WOB on MLB Reports
MLB’s Flawed 2 – 3 – 2 Format Exposed Again In 2015 World Series
The Royals had home field advantage in the 2015 World Series, yet played 1 less game at their park than the Mets, who they defeated in 5 games. Since the ALL – Star Game deciding which League would host more games, the winning team has actually had their park be the home venue for 2 less dates than the loser. There is a culprit in this fiasco, and that is the 2 – 3 – 2 format. I am proposing a 3 – 3 – 1 format or 2 – 4 – 1 change to the Fall Classic, Because of travel they would never do the 2-2-2-1 format ever again. ALEX TRAUTWIG/GETTY IMAGES
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Now while the team winning the ALL – Star Game is 8 – 4 overall in the World Series itself, only 2 teams have actually had to use Game #7 for home field advantage. That was the 2011 St. Louis Cardinals and the 2014 World Series – where the visiting Giants took down the Royals.
There have been 4 Sweeps, 3 series ended in 5 games, 3 series in 6 games, and only two series in 7 games.
In 2003, the Yankees had the best record and they both played 3 games in each others field.
In 2004, Each club played 2 games each in their home park.
In 2005, Each club played 2 games each in their home park.
In 2006, Detroit had home advantage – but were split by the Cards in Detroit, before St. Louis swept them in The Show Me State! Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – June 3, 2015
AP Photo/Charles Krupa
Red Sox fans need to get a grip. It hasn’t even been 20 months since our team has won a World Series. And the building blocks for a new title are being placed.
Eduardo Rodriguez is one of those pieces. But we need a better nickname for him than E-ROD!
Plus I talk about umps ejecting players and Lloyd McClendon’s use of Fernando Rodney.
It is a calm yourself Boston Episode 951 of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Joey Gallo, Andrew McCutchen, Chris Archer, Jordan Zimmermann, Tyler Cravy, Hunter Pence, Mike Pelfrey and Austin Jackson all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 19, 2015
It is Sunday and time for The Sunday Request
.
@sullybaseball This or a Red Sox 2015 WS win? Star Wars: The Force Awakens Official Teaser #2 https://t.co/Hi3qgFneS7 via @YouTube
— Pete McKenzie (@PeteMcKenzie) April 16, 2015
Oh man… a Red Sox title or a Good Star Wars movie? That is a debate that brings back memories of both 1983 and 199.
The Force is With Me on Episode 908 of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Odubel Herrera, Chris Heston, Josh Donaldson, Felix Hernandez, David Ortiz, C. J. Wilson and Zack Cozart all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 25, 2015
SIPKIN, COREY/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Why is it a big deal that Bartolo Colon is starting opening day for the Mets? Lots of pitchers you wouldn’t expect take the bump for the opener.
Plus why the Red Sox might be feeling good about not giving Lester and Ellsbury long term deals.
That and more in this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Max Scherzer’s $185 MIL Deal (Inflation Pro-Rated) Puts Him 11th In MLB History For Top Contracts
Scherzer’s 7 Year/$210 MIL deal is actually worth $185 against the cap, and we are giving him the same for the ALL-Time Contracts. This sum puts him just behind Derek Jeter for 11th in MLB History. Jon Lester and he are the only 2 men to enter the top 50 this year after 7 players made the cut last off year. Cabrera, Cano, Kershaw, Tanaka, Ellsbury, Trout and Choo all have made the chart since the end of the 2013 World Series. The deal called for a $50 MIL signing bonus. The 2013 former AL Cy Young winner, will make $15 MIL in deferred salary for the next 14 seasons. The 30 Year Old, will join the NL’s best club of 2014, as far as wins are concerned, bringing in a 96 – 66 record. The RHP has led the AL in wins the last 2 years (21 Wins and 18 Wins respectively), and has compiled a 55 – 15 (.786 Winning Percentage) since the start of the 2012 campaign.
The highest contracts in MLB history (Red means Active Contract)
1. Giancarlo Stanton, $325, 000, 000 (2015 – 2027)
*2. Alex Rodriguez, $275,000,000 (2008-17)
*** With A-Rod’s suspension in 2014, he forfeited $22.13 MIL bucks, so it will now end up 10 YRs/$252.87 MIL for the duration of his deal. You can’t tell me he will be worth 40% of what the Yankees will be paying him next year, and all the way till the end of 2017.
3. Alex Rodriguez, $252,000,000 (2001-10)
*4. Miguel Cabrera $248,000, 000 (2016 – 2023)
Go see #25. He has the 4th and 25th top contracts of ALL – Time. This contract doesn’t start until 2016.
*5. Albert Pujols, $250,000,000 (2012-21)
*6. Robinson Cano, $240,000,000 (2014 – 2023) Read the rest of this entry
Giancarlo Stanton Signs Record 13 YRs/$325 MIL Deal, Will He Be Worth It? + Top 50 Salary Deals ALL – Time
Giancarlo Stanton, who will turn just 25 in a few days, ended the year with the HR crown at 37 and added 105 RBI in just 539 AB before having his season ended with a Hit By Pitch. With the big slugger due for huge Arbitration awards in the next few years, the club started bargaining withe their young superstar towards a long-term contract once the year was over. They came up with a record breaking 13 Year Deal worth $325 MIL at the end of it. Stanton also holds his own ticket for the future as well, with a full no no-trade clause, and an opt year after the 2020 campaign.
Chuck Booth (Lead Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
With the ink not even being finalized on the historic deal between the Marlins and Giancarlo Stanton, it has been confirmed the deal is for 13 years at a clip of $325 MIL.
Among the provisions includes a no-trade clause, and an opt-out after the 2020 season, which would be 6 years into the deal.
It will be interesting to see how the dollars are broken up per year. If I were Stanton, I would have wanted for the Annual Average money be even throughout the pact, otherwise I may be leery of the club trying to let him walk out after the 6 years – by not having a competitive club.
Although, if it is back end loaded the team would certainly have the flexibility to spend more cash on their current roster for the next 6 campaigns, Tough dilemma for sure to be in.
No matter how long the 2014 NL MVP runnerup stays in South Beach, this is a smart business transaction for the franchise, regardless of the outcome. It just may backfire from a baseball operational sense in terms of finances for signing other players too.
The Miami Marlins had to do this contract to save face from the 2012 break up of the squad. Now while the big blockbuster trade has given the team the ability to contend for a playoff spot in the near future – and was a smart organizational move, as the fans also have been sold a bill of goods from the Marlins ownership since day 1 of the teams existence.
This is a marketing plan as much as anything that will be brought forth by the baseball impact. Stanton is the marquee player on the team, and trading him away in the next 2 years would have had a devastating effect on the fanbase.
One isn’t sure whether they can sustain enough revenues to produce a winning product on the field for an extended period of time, however having the most dynamic power hitter in your lineup for the next 13 years will be a nice reason to come to the yard. Read the rest of this entry
2014 Final American League Attendances Show A Slight Decline
Robinson Cano’s arrival helped stopped the plummeting turnstiles revenue at Safeco Field this year, as the club topped 2 Million fans for the 1st time since 2010, and saw the greatest percentage jump in park draw from 2013 to 2014. With a young nucleus surrounding the ALL-Star 2B, the club should contend for the next several years, and maybe Seattle will crack the top half of attendance in the AL once again.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Baseball is in trouble, that is what everyone will say in the newspapers, however the attendances in the game are doing well compared to year to year totals.
Over 34.45 Million Fans viewed games in the ‘Junior Circuit’ during the 2014 campaign. While this total is down from 34.6 MIL fans in 2013, it only represents a drop of 0.5% or 150,000 people.
Cleveland fell back into the cellar of attendance at Progressive Field, barely drawing 1.43 Million butts in the seats. It was an 8.6% drop for the 2013 season, where they drew 1.57 Million fans amidst a playoff race.
The biggest percentage in lost attendance goes to the Rangers, who struggled though an injury filled year, to bring in 14.4% less people than in 2013.
Seattle paid $240 MIL for Robinson Cano last winter, and were rewarded at the turnstiles, with the biggest jump at 13.8% more people going through the wickets at Safeco Field. It was the 1st time they drew more than 2 MIllion since 2010. Read the rest of this entry
For The Most Part – The Top Salaried Players (#1 – #25 In The MLB Are Certainly Not Playing Like It!
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Some of the highest paid athletes are really struggling to earn their keep. Even if A – Rod were playing, it is quite possible he would be a shell of his former self, and way overpaid.
You add in the horrific injury riddled years for Joey Votto and Prince Fielder, and you are talking about a lot of dough for players not even in uniform presently.
Then there is a productive hitter like Troy Tulowitzki, who can’t remain on the field, despite putting up world caliber numbers when he is in the lineup.
Joe Mauer and Matt Kemp have also dealt with injuries and timing issues at the plate, but they still could turn it around for the tail end of the season – and going forward.
Justin Verlander tops the list of the paying the man too late in the game, and this will not bode well for the Free Agent Max Scherzer.
You also have aging veterans that are helping their teams win games like Albert Pujols and Adrian Gonzalez, but they are also not where they were at the time all of that cash was thrown their way.
Miguel Cabrera and Mike Trout‘s deal don’t even start yet on this list, and somehow I think they will do alright.
Robinson Cano has looked decent in the 1st of a 10 year deal, but lets reassess this in 2018…
The Yankees have a huge problem on their hands with their representatives out of these players.
Mark Teixeira only has power left, and can hardly stay on the field, while CC Sabathia may be done as a top of the end starter.
Masahiro Tanaka was lights out in his time in New York this year, however he could be facing Tommy John Surgery soon, and may cost the franchise a lot of money to sit out.
Not even the Jacoby Ellsbury deal has reason for them to feel comfort. His numbers are similar to the ones he put up in Boston, yet he will see his speed evaporate over the years going forward.
This is part 1 of a 2 part blog series on player contracts. Tomorrow we address players 26 – 50. Read the rest of this entry
KC/TOR/SEA/MIA All Trying To Break Long Playoff Droughts: Last Appearances In October For Each Squad
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Kansas City has rolled into the 3 quarter mark with a slim AL Central lead on the Detroit Tigers, and may finally stare down their best chance to make the playoffs since winning the World Series Title.
The Royals playoff futility is the ‘clubhouse leader’ in the MLB by 8 years. The Toronto Blue Jays have not yielded a postseason berth since winning back to back World Series in 1992 and 1993.
Both of these two AL clubs have not made it to October baseball since the 1994 strike (the last 2 remaining clubs).
Toronto starts play today at 63 – 59, and have their best look at the playoffs since the team had Roy Halladay and A.J. Burnett back in 2007 – 2008.
The Canadian franchise had more of an excuse for years – competing with the Red Sox and Yankees when the economics 1st went out of whack during these two AL Beast 8 combined Titles, 10 ALCS appearances and all Division Titles but two during the last 20 years (Tampa Bay in 2008, 2010 being the exception. Read the rest of this entry
The Biggest Stretch Of Interleague Has Arrived In the 2014 MLB Season
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Here we go….Starting tonight, there is a season 7 games for Interleague in the next two days, and are several more game lists on the docket for the next 15 days (46 Games in all)..
Highlighted by tonight’s LA Series, the Battle of Ohio, the 2013 World Series, and MLB Trade Deadline dance partners BOS @ STL.
Yes, there also duds on the itinerary, as I am sure there are not too many people pining for a Astros @ Phillies series, or a Padres @ Twins, or even the Royals in the desert to take on the D’Backs,
The one other set of games to pique one’s interest is the Braves stumbling into Safeco Field on a 6 game losing streak – and having the daunting task to face Felix Hernandez this evening.
Good luck fella’s, a high strikeout team, facing the best AL Pitcher, (which is a rarity), and in one of the worst hitting ballparks with Seattle. This could be an ugly night.
The fans could not need air conditioning with the amount of wind generated by bats missing balls. Read the rest of this entry
Beane Acquires Lester + Gomes For Cespedes: Then Acquires Fuld For Millone
Jon Lester, 30, is in the last year of his contract, which will make him around $4 MIL for the last 2 months of the 2014 season. While there is no way he signs with Oakland past this campaign, this is a calculated move to land a playoff assassin that can front a franchise a #1 starter for a playoff series – or as the pitcher in a Play in Wild Card game should the Angels run the A’s down for the AL West. Much like Samardzija, the Athletics brass knows these guys could never be acquired via Free Agency, and have the wherewithal to know that inking longterm aces to deals past the age of 30 is just not in the cards for the franchise. The A’s were put in the position to rent them because of Beane’s nice deals to build the organization’s depth. Lester features a 2.11 ERA in 76.2 IP worth of work in the Post season lifetime. Lester is 10 – 7, with a 2.52 ERA in 143.2 IP this season in 21 Game Starts.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Billy Beane has been adamant about his team winning the World Series in 2014, and he fired yet another salvo on the July 31st deadline.
The A’s GM acquired Jon Lester and Jonny Gomes for the popular Cuban OF Yoenis Cespedes.
Lets have the finances out of the way 1st.
Jon Lester, 30, is in the last year of his contract, and will be a Free Agent after this year.
There is no shot at the man signing with the Athletics after this year. however the A’s will receive a compensatory pick for giving him a qualifying offer following 2014.
The LHP wll make approximately $4 MIL the rest of the season.
Yoenis Cespedes, 28, is signed through the 2015 at $10.5 MIL per year the next 2 seasons, and will become a Free Agent after next year.
As per the article 20B section of the CBA, he negotiated that he would be free and clear once his original 4 YRs/$36 MIL deal with the A’s was completed – prior to the 2012 campaign.
The 2013 and 2014 HR Derby winner will make just south of $3.3 MIL for the rest of this year.
Jonny Gomes 33, will make about $1.5 MIL for the duration of the 2014 year, and will become a Free Agent this winter. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 6, 2014
AP Photo/Charles Krupa
It is Sunday and man do I have a challenging Sunday Request!
@sullybaseball MT jtomase: Sergio Romo is out as Giants closer. If you’re GM Brian Sabean, don’t you at least think about inquiring on Koji?
— Pete Sonski (@29sonski) June 29, 2014
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.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 2, 2014
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.
Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – May 20, 2014
Photo by Matt West, Boston Herald
Stephen Drew comes back to the Red Sox and some teams just can’t hit.
That and more on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Michael Brantley, Dallas Keuchel, Jason Heyward, Mike Leake, Khris Davis, Eric Hosmer and Stephen Strasburg all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball
The Cardinals Struggles In 2014 So Far Might Point To Accumulation Of Roster Changes Since 2011
After St. Louis won the 2011 World Series, they lost their world class 1B Free Agent player in Albert Pujols. It was the right move (10 YRs/$250 MIL is too much), and Michael Wacha was the compensation pick, so one wouldn’t even make the trade for the Cardinals former legend. However much like the Mariners in the late 90’s lost Johnson, Griffey and Rodriguez, that team had a league record 116 wins in 2001. The Cards have back to back NLCS Appearances, and lost the World Series in 2013, however despite being chalked with young talent, is that they still have lost several key components to their team in the last 3 years. Somewhere the franchise might have to slow down for a brief spell.
In no way am I going to slag the best run franchise in the MLB. We are talking about the quintessential template of how to run your team in the modern world of baseball.
All I am projecting in this article is that every team goes through a stretch of play where they may not be performing to capabilities.
Some of these problems may even persist for a whole campaign.
The 2011 Cardinals won the World Series, and then after losing their future hall of fame legend in Albert Pujols, were able to bring in Free Agents Carlos Beltran to help offset the power headed out the door.
The move paved the way for another final four finish. In fact, St. Louis held a 3 – 1 NLCS lead before the Giants won 3 straight.
2013 saw their young players come to fruition at the same time, and it mixed perfectly with their cagey Veteran core.
The organization had 6 players in the top 100 prospects as listed by http://www.mlb.com – and most of them have seen time with the big club thus far. Read the rest of this entry
What Miguel Cabrera’s New Contract Means To The Tigers And Him
Miguel Cabrera‘s new 8 YR/$248 MIL contract extension comes days after the club couldn’t come to terms with reigning AL Cy Young winner Max Scherzer.
The numbers are mind boggling.
He breaks the ALL – Time record for Average Annual Contract per year is at $31 MIL AAV (from 2016 – 2023), and also he is owed the most dollars at any given time by a contract at $292 MIL for the years of 2014 – 2023.
This man is the best pure offensive player in the game, and has only become better with age, but a lot of people are worried about the back end of this deal.
I fully understand that. Read the rest of this entry
The Boston Red Sox State Of The Union Part 2 – The Pitchers: 2014 Preview
This is a not a slight on the Red Sox at all, but they should not be favored to win the American League right now. Detroit should be that placeholder. I am not sure the Red Sox will even win the AL East. I would go with the Rays or Yankees before them right now. The Rays had one of the best second half records in 2013, and the Yankees are a lot better as well. I am also not sure of the team losing Ellsbury, Drew, Dempster and Saltalamacchia has improved itself with Capuano, Middlebrooks, Pierzynski and the tandem of Sizemore and Bradley JR.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
For added depth in the Bullpen, the franchise added Edward Mujica, amply giving the team multiple options at Closer should Koji Uehara not duplicate his 2013 success in 2014.
The management did a great job in peacemealing this Pitching Rotation in 2014.
Big injuries, 3 different Closers, and finally won the hottest Closers to end a year in Uehara pitching for the clubs final outs to win the Fall Classic.
The latest addition as of now for the 2014 season, are Chris Capuano for the Starting staff and also Bullpen arm Burke Badenhop, who came over from a nice year in the pen for the Milwaukee Brewers.
The club will sees Ryan Dempster take the year off for injury, but are stoked about saving his $14 MIL pricetag that he is forfeiting this season.
The Bullpen features Koji Uehara, Craig Breslow, Edward Mujica, Brandon Workman, Burke Badenhop, Andrew Miller, Junichi Tazawa and Alex Wilson round out the potential Relief Core.
The Starting Rotation was also held together with duct tape and barbed wire in 2013, but it was enough to aid the awesome offense, and the team will sporting championship rings because of it.
The Boston Red Sox State Of The Union Part 1 – The Hitters: 2014 Preview
Dustin Pedroia, the now 30 Year Old, is the only player the team has signed for massive cash and term. Pedroia is locked up until 2021, and his AAV is around $14.0 MIL for the duration. This was a considerable hometown discount and affords the club wiggle room in payroll each year, while the 2 time World Series champ received security. This contract was similar to how the New England Patriots do business with their top players. Maybe others will follow down the same pike. Pedroia had an incredible run in 2013, and that was despite of a bad injury. Project him to be his usual and consistent self in 2014.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Red Sox embark on a chance to repeat a World Series win for the 3rd time in 10 years. 2005 didn’t work out so well, and Boston narrowly missed in the 2008 ALCS (TB won 4 – 3).
This year, the teams brass has decided the 2014 Roster is a lot like the 2013 Roster, and then you add in the mix of a bunch of youngsters.
There were some acquisitions brought in with A.J. Pierzynski (replacing Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Jackie Bradley JR or Grady Sizemore will take over for departing CF Jacoby Ellsbury.
While they gave SS Stephen Drew a 1 YR/$14.1 MIL Qualifying Offer which he doth refused.
The Beantowners will go ahead with Xander Bogaerts there, and see Will Middlebrooks have another crack at the hot corner.
With Iglesias Out With A Shin Injury, The Tigers Must Sign Drew – And For A Few Years!!
Stephen Drew has definitely been hindered by the Draft Pick compensation for his services this winter. Now with Detroit losing their Starting Shortstop for potentially the entire 2014 year, the door has swung open for the 31 Year Old player from Georgia. If I were Drew and his agent Scott Boras, I would push the envelope for a 2 year deal, or at least have a total near the $14.1 MIL barrier for a one year deal . Drew is coming off a World Series year in 2013 with Boston, where he fashioned a .777 OPS and 50 Extra Base Hits in just 442 AB. It will see the Tigers payroll grow some, but is a necessary cost of doing business to preserve the best squad to compete in 2014.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
With news coming down the pike that Jose Iglesias could miss the entire year due to a shin splints injury, or at least until the ALL – Star Break, going to sign Stephen for a contract now is a must for the Detroit franchise.
Iglesias was supposed to solidify the Infield in Motown this upcoming campaign with his exceptional defense. However, lets be realistic in that his offense is a bit challenged.
Now with news of his injury wreaking havoc for most of 2014, the Tigers are left with a major void at the position.
Stephen Drew 2013 World Series HR
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 23, 2014
It is Sunday, so it is time for The Sunday Request on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, Topic: David Ortiz. Read the rest of this entry
The Boston Red Sox Players In All Organizational Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB)
Jackie Bradley can go a long way to help BoSox fans forget about the departure of Jacoby Ellsbury. Known as a patient batter with tonnes of speed, and exceptional fielding, Bradley taking the next leap up to the MLB on a permanent basis would do wonder for the Red Sox in 2014. At 23, he has a Career Minor League 3 Slash of .297/.404/.876
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart Expert) Follow @prosportsroster
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
It has come time for us to flip the calendar at the MLB Reports and shift gears into all of our 2014 season previews.
Each of the 30 MLB teams will have a organizational depth chart blog, a payroll blog, and 1 or 2 State of the Union Pieces from this day – all the way until the 1st day of MLB play this campaign.
We start of with the defending World Series Champions, the Boston Red Sox.
Jackie Bradley Jr. and Xander Bogaerts Are Future Superstars
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 2, 2014
Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I talk about the greatest moment of every baseball year: The moment a team wins it all and stands alone as the kings of baseball.
My fascination with the ending of the baseball year and how it is celebrated is something I can discuss for hours. Today I do so for a little more than 20 minutes.
And yes, I talk about that picture above of Charlie Hayes and Derek Jeter making the final out of the 1996 World Series.
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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 31, 2013
It is the final episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast for 2013.
It was a year of some great memories, some events that were impossible to predict and a tournament that showed the best talents from all over the world (that was played in October.)
Plus I explain why I will NOT rank the off season moves this year year.
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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 9, 2013
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.
Follow Dan on Twitter by clicking HERE.
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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 3, 2013
AP Photo/Ted S. Warren
Today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast is not so much a Sunday Request as it is a Sunday Response.
Andrés du Bouchet is one of the funniest and most talented comedic minds currently breathing in oxygen and breathing out carbon dioxide on the planet Earth. As an Emmy nominated writer and frequent performer on Conan, his brilliant comedic imagination and performing style can be seen on national TV.
And I had the privilege of seeing him as a sketch performer in the late 1990s and 2000s in venues all around New York.
A big sports fan and a lifelong Mets supporter, Andrés went to Twitter to question the adoration of David Ortiz after the 2013 World Series.
So, when the inevitable evidence finally turns up that Ortiz has been on PEDs for the entire Boston portion of his career, is baseball over?
— Andrés du Bouchet (@dubouchet) October 31, 2013
I just think it’s a shame that a city’s biggest folk hero has so clearly been a PED user since he got there. Nothing against Boston.
— Andrés du Bouchet (@dubouchet) October 31, 2013
Meanwhile ESPN continues to mythologize the knucklehead.
— Andrés du Bouchet (@dubouchet) November 1, 2013
If he were a Yankee fan, I’d chalk it up to sour grapes and remind him that Andy Pettitte was practically deified in September.
But I decided to actually respond, not as a Red Sox fan, but as a baseball observer. Why does David Ortiz and Andy Pettitte get off Scott Free while the likes of A-Rod have to fight for their baseball lives.
My conclusion is that PED’s don’t really enter into the thought process.
Follow Andrés on Twitter HERE.
Here is Andrés as seen on TV.
© Atrossity Photography
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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 3, 2013
November 3, 2013
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 2, 2013
photo by Christopher Evans – Boston Herald
The Boston Red Sox are having their World Series victory parade today. And I am jealous of all the Bostonians who get to go and celebrate there while I am stuck in dreary California.
But instead of whining about it, I gave a call to my dear friend, the writer with a wonderful comedic mind, Jen Deaderick. She was at the parade with her daughter and she described the day over the phone on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Follow Jen Deaderick on Twitter @jendeaderick
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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 1, 2013
MLB.com
The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast continues into the off season.
I want a decent World Champion Red Sox T-Shirt, but most of them are just ugly.
Meanwhile Derek Jeter’s insanely rich contract has led to an interesting Twitter exchange.
@sullybaseball @Buster_ESPN they need a draw to do that. Jeter is currently their biggest draw…
— Q. Carter (@QCarter21) November 1, 2013
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DAVID ORTIZ AND JON LESTER OWNED THE WORLD SERIES – Final WOWS Tally
Photo – Jim Davis – Boston Globe Staff
I completed WOO, Who Owns October, and showed that Michael Wacha and David Ortiz were the two dominant forces of this October.
It is difficult to argue against that result.
Now let’s take a look at the other postseason SullyMetric. Beyond owning the Postseason, who specifically owned the World Series. Who owned the World Series as a pitcher and a hitter keeping both team’s production in mind.
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOWS to a worthy player on the losing team.
My explanation for Who Owns the World Series (WOWS) is HERE.
It should be no surprise that David Ortiz got the highest WOWS total. His .688 average, 1.948 OPS and 2 homers with 6 RBI were enough to earn that right. His 8 walks set the table for a lot of other heroics including the Jonny Gomes homer and the Shane Victorino double. He was the overwhelming shadow over the entire series, like it or not. His 3 1/2 WOWS total topped all hitters. Nobody else had 2.
Carlos Beltran and Matt Holliday each finished with 1 1/2. Jonny Gomes’ homer got his total to 1.
Meanwhile Jon Lester‘s two victories and 0.59 ERA in 15 1/3 innings almost got him World Series MVP honors. He struckout 15 and walked only 1, giving the Red Sox a pair wins in games where the Cardinals started Adam Wainwright.
His 2 WOWS led all pitchers.
John Lackey raised his total to 1 1/2 with the clinching win. Surprisingly Felix Doubront, who didn’t even pitch in the Division Series, also finished with a 1 1/2 total with his solid relief in Games 3 and 4.
So like WOO, WOWS crowned the two most worthy players for the World Series. Anyone who saw the Series and kept track of the games would have to agree that David Ortiz and Jon Lester owned it.
WOWS works!
MLB Reports 
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