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MLB Shutout Survivor: 4 Teams Blanked Yesterday – 26 Teams Still Alive
Neil Walker has hit for a Career 3 Slash Line of – .273/.339/.423 in 5 years, with an average of 16 HRs. 80 RBI and 35 – 2B’s per 162 Games. This is above average for a Second Baseman. He broke up a 0 – 0 score in extra innings during the home opener at PNC Park, with a solo Walk Off HR.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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In this post, (which we are also going to feature in a Subpage at the site called ‘Shutout Survivor’), we will document who wins this race for all 30 MLB Teams, meaning we will state the date a teams gets Shoutout for the 1st time of the year.
There were no Shutouts in the 1st games the Dodgers were involved in.
Among yesterdays scores, including 2, 1 – 0 Shutouts, with the Pirates winning their home opener (extra innings no less, on a walk off HR by Neil Walker,)
The Cardinals used a HR by Yadier Molina to beat their division rival Reds to ruin the opener at The Great American Ballpark.
Neil Walker Walk Off HR – Opening Day PNC Park
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (March 31) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Mandi Wright/Detroit Free Press
Alex Gonzalez tripled home the tying run and then got the walk off single, helping the Tigers come from behind against Division Rival Kansas City, 4-3.
Justin Masterson pitched seven shutout innings, letting up just 3 hits and 1 walk. He got a no decision, but his gem set up Cleveland’s 2-0 victory, spoiling the Oakland A’s home opener.
Anthony Rendon doubled in a run and scored the tying run in the 7th and broke open the game with a home run in the 10th as the Nationals came from ehind and stunned the Mets in their home opener, 9-7.
Adam Wainwright pitched seven shutout 3 hit innings, striking out 9 Cincinnati batters. He got the tense 1-0 win for the Cardinals in a sometimes bitter NL Central showdown on the road.
They owned baseball on March 31, 2014.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
More Tommy John Surgeries By The Numbers + Who Is the 1st $100 MIL Pitcher To Go Down With It? + A Scherzer Angle?
Yes Max Scherzer wrapped up the AL Cy Young with a most impressive season in 2013, but with TJ surgery becoming so common place with today’s chuckers, who would want to risk that kind of jack for a pitcher one throw way from being sidelined for 12 – 14 months? In my view it was a mistake not to accept the $$.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 – Credit to Bill Chuck For the Idea: Follow @billyball
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I think Max Scherzer should have taken the contract offer the Tigers threw his way this past weekend. Reports say it was in the Cole Hamels and Zack Greinke range of 6 YRs/$144 – $147 MIL.
So now that the reigning AL Cy Young Winner didn’t take the deal, he must hope to replicate his 2013 campaign, or at least come some where near it.
Do I think he could make more on the open market, potentially yes. But for a guy who has never been under a 3 ERA in any one given year, that is a tall order.
Also keep in mind his arm could sideline him with an injury at any point, so there is an inherent risk to not taking the deal.
One of out every 3 Major League Pitchers will go undergo Tommy John Surgery.
If you don’t think this procedure is an epidemic, go follow our ALL – Time TJ Surgery Tracker here.
St. Louis Cardinals State Of The Union: 2014 Preview
2013 was a stellar year for the Saint Louis Cardinals, just falling short of capturing the franchises 12th World Series title. Though St. Louis may have arguably lost their best offensive power hitter of 2013, Carlos Beltran, St. Louis is well armed and poised to return to the Fall Classic for the 2nd straight season an 5th Fall Classic Appearance since 2004. The franchise has also been to 8 NLCS’s since the turn of the millennium.
By Steven Hines (Guest Cardinals Writer view his website here): Follow @hinesis2nd
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Much like the offseason of a year ago, St. Louis made little moves. Despite little deals made, big changes are coming to the way this team operates in 2014.
Just because the Cardinals will look different does not mean you should expect less success than that of their World Series run of 2013.
In fact, expect the 2014 Cardinals to capture their 12th World Series Championship this season.
Bold prediction or reality, you decide. Read the rest of this entry
The St. Louis Cardinals Organizational Depth Charts – Spring 2014 (Majors and MInors)
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth Chart + Payroll Expert – find his website here) Follow @prosportsroster
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For all of those websites that put off writing about the Cardinals after the World Series due to fatigue, it is time to brush up on the best run franchise in the Major Leagues.
The majority of the players in the system and in the Majors were developed by the Cardinals franchise.
Last year, I did a Roster Tree of how all of the players were acquired. Something like 18 of the 25 players were Drafted by the club.
That is light years ahead of the next team in the race.
When you see that St. Louis has made it to the final four clubs 8 teams in 13 years, and now has made 4 trips to the World Series in a decade, you are leaving another chapter in the legacy of the franchise. Read the rest of this entry
The Top 5 Players In Baseball
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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It should come as no shock for anyone on this list. Notice how I did not mention the MVP word anywhere in the Title.
This is solely for the purpose of pushing Mike Trout on the list.
In terms of all around play, there is no doubt in most experts minds, that the 22 Year Old is best overall player in the game of baseball.
If you are picking it just solely on a hitter, I am still giving the nod to Miguel Cabrera. Read the rest of this entry
The Homer Bailey Extension Is Good For The Short Term In Cincy: Not Sure About The Long – Term Though
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Homer Bailey may be the 3rd Starting Pitcher on the depth chart, but he happened to be the 1st guy up on Free Agency out of Mat Latos (2016 FA) and Johnny Cueto (2016 FA).
For this reason alone, I like the team extending the 27 Year Old to a 6 YR deal worth a minimum of $105 MIL, and with a Mutual Option for $25 MIL for the 2020 campaign – that could make it a 7 YRs/$125 MIL pact.
The deal starts off pretty good for dollar sense in the first two years, with Bailey making $8 MIL in 2014, and $9 MIL in 2015.
From there if I can borrow a line from Anchorman “That escalated quickly”, the next few years go like this, $18 MIL, $19 MIL, $21 MIL and $23 MIL for the years starting in 2016 – and finishing in 2019. Read the rest of this entry
MLB Futures (Regular Season Prop Specials): Gambling 101
Get set for another season of throwing some cash around when it comes to baseball. MLB Reports will have you ready with what we are looking at as well.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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We all love to see if we can be a good gambler right?
Of course some of it is just bragging rights with our buddies, and of course no one is allowed to gamble in the USA, unless you are living in a state that allows it either.
So, whether you want to just play for winning amongst friends, or actually want to risk some sheckels, here are some fun specials to wager on in 2014 Read the rest of this entry
The Top 50 Contracts Of ALL – Time IN MLB: Freddie Freeman Is 29th With His New Deal – But It Makes Sense
Freddie Freeman Highlights 2013 – Mature Content – Parental Guidance is Advised
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Freddie Freeman is worth the money he just signed for when it comes to his talent level, age and production thus far.
Yesterday, the 24 Year Old First Baseman inked a 8 YR deal worth $135 MIL with the Tomahawk Choppers. As someone who was just entering the 1st year of Arbitration Eligibility, he was bought out of that negotiation.
The Braves will pay more money in the short – term, but will make up for it in the long run – by not having to dole out 200+ MIL bucks for the guy once he could have hit Free Agency. Read the rest of this entry
The Top 50 Contracts Of ALL – Time IN MLB: Masahiro Tanaka Is 18th
Darvish has provided Texas with ace-like material ever since coming over from Japan. At his current $10 MIL a year salary, he is a complete bargain compared to what Tanaka received from the Yankees. It was because of the record posting fee the Rangers doled out – to have the exclusive rights to talk to Darvish. You have to wonder what he must be thinking of the Tanaka deal. Texas reaped the benefits of financial freedom to sign other long term deals like Choo, and acquire Fielder based on this move. Darvish finished 2nd in AL CY Young Voting with a 13 – 9 record, a 2.83 ERA and a league leading 277 SO in his 209.2 IP worth of work in 2013. His high posting bid was not part of his salary, or converted towards the total team payroll.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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With Masahiro Tanaka’s new deal – for the 1st time all of the MLB’s ALL-Time top 50 contracts are $100 MIL or more.
Adam Wainwright was effectively bumped out of the #50 slot, leaving 4 guys tied for 47th, all registering deals of $100 MIL (Carlos Lee, Ryan Zimmerman, Albert Pujols (2004 – 2010) and Evan Longoria.
Masahiro Tanaka also joins Robinson Cano, Clayton Kershaw, Shin-Soo Choo and new teammate Jacoby Ellsbury, as players that have made it to the list this offseason.
Masahiro Tanaka’s Japan Highlights
“The Record” Clayton Kershaw Contract By The Numbers: How It All Stacks Up
Clayton Kershaw has agreed to a 7 YRs/$215 MIL extension – that will run through the years of 2014 – 2020 with the LA Dodgers. The deal is slated for an opt out clause after the 2018 season by Kershaw, when he will be only 30 years old. The terms go like this for years. 2014: $22 MIL ( $18 MIL signing bonus is part of that), 2015: $30 MIL, 2016: $32 MIL, 2017 and 2018 he will earn $33 MIL). From here that will have been $150 MIL for the 1st 5 years of the contract. If Kershaw remains past this, the deal pays $32 MIL in 2019 – and finally $33 MIL in 2020.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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The verdict is in. Clayton Kershaw has agreed to a 7 YR Extension for $215 Million.
It is the highest Annual Average Contract ($30.7 MIL) in the history of Major League Baseball, topping A-Rod’s previously set deal worth $27.5 MIL.
The deal is also the richest contract ever in Pitching history – surpassing Justin Verlander’s 7 YRs/$180 MIL extension from 2013 – 2019.
It is the 6th highest deal ever in the MLB, and Kershaw becomes the 7th player ever to receive a contract north of $200 MIL.
Clayton Kershaw Highlights 2013
The Top 10 Active MLB Pitchers In Win Percentage
Jered Weaver is the ace of the staff for the Angels, but has had issues avoiding the disabled last year. When healthy, Weaver is one of the best pitchers in the AL. He was 11 – 8 last year for the Halos, while sporting a 3.277 ERA in 154.1 innings pitched. In 2012, he fared much better putting up an AL Leading 20 wins against just 5 losses for an .800 Win PCTG. Despite just a .579 mark in 2013, he took the reigns of Active Win PCTG once Ropy Halladay hung up his cleats for good. Weaver is 113 – 60 (.6531%) for his 8 year career so far, with a 3.24 ERA. Weaver is signed for the next 3 years, and will collect $54 MIL for his efforts – including a full no-trade clause from the Angels.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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I think people might be a little surprised to see that Jered Weaver was atop on this list. Last year, Roy Halladay held the mark, but as soon as he retired, it immediately fell to Weaver.
With Andy Pettitte also taking off of his cleats for the last time, we see 2013 AL Cy Young Winner Max Scherzer also enter the top 10 list with his .6186 Win Percentage.
Just on the outside looking in is Cliff Lee at 11th (.6178) and another guy who you might not expect is Yovani Gallardo at (.6045).
If Roy Oswalt were to sign with a team – instead of possibly retiring, I will re-insert him into the list.
Roy Halladay Retirement Press Conference
Tommy John Surgery List From 2000 – 2013
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Website Founder Jonathan Hacohen Follow @jhacohen
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We talked last week about the Tommy John Surgeries from 1974 – 1999. Well, after the millennium hit in 2000, it has really come to the forefront.
It is now estimated that 1 out of every three pitchers will now undergo the procedure once in their career.
Whether they make the Major Leagues, or stay in the Minor Leagues, this surgery is becoming a predominant part of baseball culture.
Tommy John Surgeries from 1974 – 1999 here.
What is Tommy John Surgery?
The Nationals Case Against Extending Jordan Zimmermann
The problem with any of the Nationals players not named Harper or Strasburg, is that any time the club is talking about extending one of their players before them, those guys have to be kept in mind for when they hit Free Agency.. The Nationals are creeping up the payroll scale each year that their core is together. Whether it is Arbitration, or players like Jayson Werth and Gio Gonzalez being paid more as their own contracts mature. 2014 will see the club set another record for player salaries, adding to the fuel that it will be tough to extend Zimmermann.
By David Huzzard (Nationals Correspondent via Citizens of Natstown.com – view website here): Follow @davidhuzzard
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With how much love role players like Michael Morse and Steve Lombardozzi have garnered from Nats fans as they’ve left town it will be amazing to see what happens when the Washington Nationals lose a legitimate star player.
With Ian Desmond and Jordan Zimmermann both two years away from free agency there is a high likelihood that that day is soon approaching.
The Nationals have made several overtures to Jordan Zimmermann but no deal has been reached or even come close. Zimmermann wants fair market value which is understandable but what is fair market value for a pitcher like him?
Zack Greinke with a career 3.65 ERA and one Cy Young under his belt set the record for free agent pitchers with the $147 million contract he signed last off-season heading into his age 29 season.
Jordan Zimmermann April 2013 Shutout – Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance is Advised
The Top 50 Contracts Of All – Time In The MLB
Technically A-Rod has received the two top contracts in baseball history, however he opted out after the 2007 year for the 1st one, so really it was a 7 Year Deal worth approximately $158 MIL that was paid out to him between 2000 and the end of the year in 2007. Rodriguez contract from 2008 – 2017 also includes $30 MIL worth of player performances for passing milestones.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I start this paragraph saying that it blows my mind away that Alex Rodriguez has the #1 and #2 best contracts of ALL-Time. This is sick.
At least he might forfeit up to $21 MIL of his salary in 2014, and another $5 – $7 MIL in 2015 – if the 211 game ban sticks.
Therefore can we really say that he would have the top 2 earnings leaders for any given contract? He would have to give up $27.51 MIL of it for that to happen.
Pujols would take over the reigns as the #2 contract with his 10 YRs/$250 MIL deal then.
Some of them are classic overpays, and others actually have netted the franchise their true value back and then more. You can be your own judge.
Albert Pujols 2012 Highlight Mix – Mature Lyrics So Parental Guidance is Advised
Cards State Of The Union – Fall 2013: John Mozeliak + STL Brass Are Baseball’s Best ‘Rounders’
The Cardinals are the model NL Franchise, having gone to 8 out of the last 13 NLCS Matchups. They also stand to benefit that the highest revenue teams in the MLB like New York, Boston, Los Angles (x2), Detroit, Texas and San Francisco do not reside in their Division. Their team has been run the best in the MLB for over a decade. At a just north of a $115 MIL payroll, they slightly hover over the Reds for highest team salary in the NL Central. if the Cards continue to display “Rounding techniques” in player acquisitions, they will keep contending every year with the other big boys across baseball. When you add the fact that the brass knows how to run a club like the Oakland A’s and Tampa Bays Rays do, but also have money to spend, then you can see how dangerous this organization has been since 2000.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
What is not to like about this team?
The club has appeared in 4 World Series in the last decade, 8 NLCS series since the turn of the millennium, and now with brilliant drafting and trades, the club is in outstanding position to keep it up for the next decade.
While I hated the fact they recently signed Jhonny Peralta, I understand the move because it was so smart.
This franchise addressed their two top needs this offseason, without surrendering any of their top young Pitching prospects, or even Oscar Taveras for that matter.
Did I also mention that when Carlos Beltran signs somewhere else – the club receives another pick?
Michael Wacha Tosses 8.2 IP Of No – Hit Ball 9/24/13
Who Owns the World Series (WOWS) – Tally Updated For WS Game #5 October 28, 2013
L.G. Patterson/MLB.COM
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.
For a full explanation, click HERE.
From October 28th’s game:
Receiving 1 WOWS:
Jon Lester won his second game of the World Series, pitching 7 2/3 innings and allowing just 1 run, striking out 7 and walking none as he dominated the Cardinals, 3-1.
David Ortiz went 3-4, drove in a run in the first and raised his mindboggling World Series average to .733 as he helped the Red Sox top St. Louis, 3-1.
Receiving 1/2 WOWS:
Matt Holliday launched a game tying home run that supplied basically all the offense for St. Louis as they lost 3-1 to Boston.
Adam Wainwright threw 7 innings and struck out 10 to only one walk. It wouldn’t be enough as he was the hard luck loser, 3-1 to Boston.
Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated For WS Game #5 October 28, 2013
Photo: L.G. Patterson/MLB.COM
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE.
From World Series Game #5
Receiving 1 WOO:
Jon Lester won his second game of the World Series, pitching 7 2/3 innings and allowing just 1 run, striking out 7 and walking none as he dominated the Cardinals, 3-1.
David Ortiz went 3-4, drove in a run in the first and raised his mindboggling World Series average to .733 as he helped the Red Sox top St. Louis, 3-1.
Receiving 1/2 WOO:
Matt Holliday launched a game tying home run that supplied basically all the offense for St. Louis as they lost 3-1 to Boston.
Adam Wainwright threw 7 innings and struck out 10 to only one walk. It wouldn’t be enough as he was the hard luck loser, 3-1 to Boston. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The 2013 MLB World Series, Plus Odds To Win Game #3
After Beltran went 2 – 4 with an RBI in Game #2 – he has improved his career Post Season Slash Line to .339/.448/1.163 – with 16 HRs and 38 RBI for his 168 AB. Beltran is in the last year of his 2 YR/$26 MIL deal with St. Louis. He will be a Free Agent after this Series, win or lose. The 36 Year Old, has a .907 OPS in the playoffs this year, with 2 HRs and 13 RBI in his 13 Games Played.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The World Series resumes today at Busch Stadium. David Ortiz takes his hot hitting to St. Louis, and will see some action at 1st Base – while Mike Napoli will be relegated tot he bench.
The Cardinals will be without Allen Craig in lineup, however Carlos Beltran made a triumphant return to the Outfield in Game #2.
Odds To Win the World Series Today:
Boston Red Sox -110
St. Louis Cardinals -110
Ortiz Homers Twice in 2 Games for the the Red Sox (Credit FOX)
MLB Playoff Predictions: Who Will Win The 2013 World Series?
Boston will be at a slight offensive advantage at Busch Stadium for Games #3. #4 and #5 – with losing Napoli out of the lineup – if John Farrell decides to have David Ortiz face all of the Cards Right Handed Starting Pitchers. Despite that fact, I can’t ignore the clutch playoff performers that the Boston club have for this series. The Cards team has fought injuries and used their system brilliantly to get this far, but I think they fall just short in the World Series.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The last thing I wanted to be in my 2013 ALCS Prediction was right. I am a New York Yankees fan, but I have to give it up to the Boston Red Sox.
Much like the 2001 New York Yankees made the World Series after 9/11, how could any begrudge the city of Boston having something to rally around like this?
This matchup will feature the winner laying claim to team of the time frame of 2004 – 2013. No one will contest the Yankees were the best team in the MLB from 1996 – 2003.
Odds To Win The 2013 MLB World Series, Plus Odds To Win Game #1
Fenway Park is not just a place – it is a community around the ballpark. This fence also made the Stadium Journey’s top 10 quirks of baseball. Boston will have home field advantage for the World Series – since the AL won the ALL – Star Game in 2013. If it makes anybody feel any better, the Red Sox had the best record in baseball this season anyway. The Red Sox will face the St. Louis Cardinals in the Fall Classic for the 3rd time (St. Louis won in 1967, and Boston won in 2004). The winner will emerge as the only team in the MLB – to have won 3 World Series in the last 10 years. Boston would be 3 out of 10, and the Cardinals would be 3 Titles in 7 years. Pic by http://www.ballparkreviews.com
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Odds To Win the World Series Today:
Boston Red Sox -145
St. Louis Cardinals +125
Ortiz Slams the Red Sox back into a tie (Credit FOX)
Mr. Fielder’s Name Might Be Prince, But He Is No King Of The Playoffs!
In 39 games for his Playoff Career, he holds a miniature .194 batting average with 5 home runs and 11 RBIs. This Playoff stretch of 11 Games in 2013 – there were no big flies and not even a solitary RBI. Fielder had 9 Hits out of 40 AB (.225) with just one Double.fans, we cannot blame Prince Fielder for wanting to play everyday. When you are going through personal issues, you may like to keep busy to stay away from the negative. You just have to wonder that if Fielder didn’t have an active consecutive games streak, would Leyland have rested him down the stretch when they had a commanding lead over the rest of the AL Central?. The bat points towards yes.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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I am still amazed that the Boston Red Sox won the ALCS. I mean they were leading Game #2 5 – 1 in the Bottom of the 8th, and the Red Sox players had a collective Batting Average – not much higher than their wives watching the game.
Cue in David Ortiz‘s Grand Slam HR to tie the game – and pesto, the fortunes of the Boston club were soon changed with a win in the 9th.
The Red Sox only managed to squeak a HR from Mike Napoli in Game #3 to top Justin Verlander. They had another crazy Grand Slam HR hit against them by Shane Victorino in the Bottom of the 8th in Game #6 to seal their playoff fate
I am also at a loss for words, that throughout the ALCS/NLCS, that Clayton Kershaw, Justin Verlander, Adam Wainwright and Max Scherzer failed to win a game this round, yet other than Kershaw’s poor performance in Game #6 of the NLCS, these Cy Young Pitchers were virtually unhittable, but couldn’t win buy some run support.
Then there is Prince Fielder. I have been friends with Chuck Booth for 20 years, and he nailed it perfectly with the Reports in their coverage on this guy for the 2013 year.
Prince Fielder 2013 Highlights – Mature Lyrics so Parental guidance is advised.
Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated For October 14, 2013 Games
(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE.
From today’s games:
Receiving 1 WOO:
Yasiel Puig may have styled a little too long, but his RBI triple gave the Dodgers a 2-0 lead. He would finish the game 2-3, contributing to the 3-0 win over the Cardinals.
Hyun-Jin Ryu came up big in a must win game for the Dodgers. Down 0-2 in the series, he gave L.A. 7 shutout innings, letting up just 3 hits and 1 walk, getting the decision in the 3-0 series saving victory over St. Louis.
Receiving 1/2 WOO:
Adam Wainwright pitched well enough to win most games. He threw 7 innings letting up only 2 runs and didn’t walk a batter. St. Louis’ offense betrayed him and he was saddled with a 3-0 loss at the hands of the Dodgers.
Odds To Win The 2013 MLB World Series, Plus Odds To Win The NLCS + ALCS Matchups
Its funny how one Anibal Sanchez Start can sway your opinion. While I am still picking Boston to win the ALCS, you should wait til after Game #3 to see if Verlander wins, then you can bet some money on the Red Sox to win the ALCS, when they are underdogs. Right now, they are both about even. Both of the Tigers and Red Sox are +240 to win the World Series.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Odds To Win the World Series Today:
St. Louis Cardinals +160
Boston Red Sox +240
Detroit Tigers +240
LA Dodgers +800
Ortiz Slams the Red Sox back into a tie (Credit FOX)
St. Louis Cardinals Current Roster Tree: How All Of The Team Was Acquired
The Cardinals Roster Tree has been the easiest to do by far. This organization has Drafted so incredibly well, that there has been no real need for trading of late. We will still see how drafting J.D. Drew has turned into Adam Wainwright, and how Albert Pujols signing with the Angels, made for the Cards to select young phenom Michael Wacha. St. Louis is in their 8th NLCS in the last 13 years, with a multitude of young stars coming. They are going to be players in the National League for some time to come.
How All Of The Cardinals Were Acquired:
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @chuckbooth3024
At the MLB Reports, we intend to show you the Roster Tree for the St. Louis Cardinals – and how they assembled their current roster for hitting and Pitching. It will work in a six degrees of separation like format.
Once we figure out the origin of how many trades going back in time it takes to see where the tree started, it will be time to dissect how the team fared on the deals.
If a player has never left the organization at all, the tree will be easy – as it will just be the year they were drafted or signed.
For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.
Carlos Beltran Steals Game #1 of the 2013 NLCS for the Cards
Odds To Win The 2013 MLB World Series, Plus Odds To Win The NLCS + ALCS Matchups
Boston is only a -125 favorite to win the ALCS, however this is a better odd than banking on Jon Lester to win Game #1 at -158. If Boston wins tonight’s game, they will have an obvious decisive advantage. Play the better odd here and pick them to win the ALCS>. You will profit .80 Cents on every dollar wagered. If you are a fan of Anibal Sanchez, picking them at +142 is a good value for a guy that won the AL ERA championship this season. While he was lit up by Oakland in the ALDS this year, Sanchez featured a 1.77 ERA – in 3 Game Starts in 2012.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Odds To Win the World Series:
Boston Red Sox +220
St. Louis Cardinals +250
Detroit Tigers +270
LA Dodgers +325
2013 MLB Playoff Predictions: ALCS + NLCS Matchups
The Red Sox went from 69 Wins in 2012 – to World Series favorite in one year. The ‘Beantowners’ have assembled a playoff tested crew to arm them in their quest to make it to the World Series for the 1st time in 6 years. Will the Red Sox take out the Tigers and go for the team of the decade, with a 3rd World Series Bid (out of the last 10 years) in 2013?
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
After nailing the National League straight on in picks for the LDS Round, I failed in either of my upset predictions of Tampa Bay or Oakland to advance.
I am not displeased though, I won money on the Rays losing the series (that came from a bet for them to win the World Series in June that paid +2000 or so, I bet the Red Sox to win the Series as a hedge.
Heading into last nights game, I could have still gone 3 – 1 for the Series prediction if Oakland could come up with a win.
Really the A’s failing to wrap up Game #4 was the big blow.
Thanks to a nice odd of Justin Verlander -107 @ Sonny Gray (-103), I nailed the game last for a nice little profit.
I never bet one dime on the other series in the NLCS.
So I went 2 – 2 in the Round, but plus some nice cash for my effort. Including the playoff game and Wild Card game, I am now 4 – 3 this Post Season.
The Red Sox win the LDS vs the Tampa Bay Rays
youtube=http://youtu.be/Y4m4eeyhFks
Odds To Win The 2013 MLB World Series, Plus Odds To Win The NLCS + ALCS Matchups
Jon Lester will be the biggest key to for the Red Sox to establish early dominance over the Detroit Tigers. He gets the nod in Game #1 of the ALCS on Saturday at Fenway Park. The Boston team is favored to win the World Series out of the 4 remaining teams. This makes sense – as they have home park advantage via the best AL record, plus the American League won the ALL – Star Game this summer for the “Fall Classic Series.’
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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Odds To Win the World Series:
Boston Red Sox +225
LA Dodgers +240
Detroit Tigers +270
St. Louis Cardinals +360
Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated for October 9, 2013
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE.
From today’s games:
Receiving 1 WOO
David Freese launched a 2 run homer in the second inning that kept the Pirates on the defensive for most of the game. The Cardinals would win, 6-1.
Adam Wainwright pitched a masterpiece complete game, keeping Pittsburgh off the board until the 7th and clinched the Division Series for St. Louis, 6-1.
Receiving 1/2 WOO:
Gerrit Cole pitched well in a decisive game. His only blemish was the Freese homer. Other than that, he let up 2 other hits and struck out 5 in 5 innings. He would have gone longer had it not been an elimination game. The Pirates lost, 6-1. Read the rest of this entry
2013 MLB Playoff Predictions By MLB Reports
In my view, Evan Longoria could end up being the MVP of the entire playoffs – with his penchant for being clutch in the last games of years. I am predicting the Tampa Bay Rays are going to win the World Series versus the LA Dodgers, iIf Wil Myers and Ben Zobrist help bashing the ball around, then this team is scary. Also picking up proven playoff performer Delmon Young (yes that guy) (HR’d last night – and is .266/.328/.887 – with 9 HRs and 16 RBI In 109 AB) was also a good move by the Rays brass. If these guys hit, the Pitching should do enough.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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Okay, now that the Wild Card Games are over, I am 2 – 1 this week in predicting the outcomes of games. I had both Rays wins and lost with the Reds.
For those that have been reading my gambling pick posts, will also see that I have been discussing some of the odds posted for the playoffs. Check out those here.
I am not going with the masses this year, however I am picking 2 favorites and 2 underdogs in the 1st Round.
Really, I think the matchups are a lot more even than even some of the biggest betting industry odds are suggesting.
I may have also taken the Athletics all the way to the World Series if Cespedes wasn’t hampered by his injured Right Shoulder.
Yoenis Cespedes HR Derby Mashing
MLB Reports 
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