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Who Owned Baseball April 23, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES

JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES

Daniel Murphy got the Mets on the board early with a 3 run double and added an insurance run with an RBI single in the 7th to extend their winning streak to 10 with a 6-3 final over Atlanta.

David Phelps gave the Marlins a much needed with with 7 shutout innings, allowing just 3 hits and 2 walks and got the 9-1 decision in Philadelphia.

Jacoby Ellsbury hustled to force a double, reached base two other times, stole a base and scored both Yankee runs to win a tight 2-1 victory in Detroit.

Masahiro Tanaka gave the Yankees another good outing, pitching into the 7th, keeping the mighty Tiger bats to only 3 hits and 1 run over 6 1/3 innings. He did not get the decision but the Yankees prevailed, 2-1.

 

They all owned baseball on April 23, 2015.

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Who Owned Baseball April 22, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

 

MORRY GASH/AP

MORRY GASH/AP

Johnny Cueto threw 8 dominant innings, allowing just 5 hits and 2 walks and 1 run. He got the 2-1 decision for the Reds in Milwaukee.

Sonny Gray stopped an Angels lineup that the night before bombarded Oakland. He went 7 innings, giving up 2 hits while striking out 7 as the A’s rolled 9-2.

Kolten Wong singled, doubled and homered, driving in 3 and provided some highlight reel defense, helping the Cardinals take a wild 7-5 game in Washington.

Devon Travis hit a 2 run homer to give the Blue Jays the lead for good and added a second hit in a 4-2 win over Baltimore.

 

They all owned baseball on April 22, 2015.

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Who Owned Baseball April 21, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

Photo: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Photo: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Zack Cozart went 3-5 with a pair of homers, a stolen base and 3 RBI and 3 runs scored in the wild 16-10 slugfest Reds victory in Milwaukee.

Edwin Encarnacion homered twice in the tense 13-6 Blue Jays win over Baltimore.

Jonathon Niese pitched into the 7th, allowing 1 run on a solo homer and just 3 other hits, helping the Mets to their 9th straight win in a 7-1 blow out of the Braves.

Hector Santiago pitched 6 strong innings, allowing 3 hits and striking out 8, earning the 14-1 decision for the Angels over their division rival A’s.

They all owned baseball on April 21, 2015.

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Who Owned Baseball April 20, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

Elaine Thompson - AP

Elaine Thompson – AP

Luis Valbuena hit a pair of homers, driving in 3, including a go ahead shot in the 8th leading the Astros to a 7-5 win in Seattle.

Matt Kemp led a torrid San Diego attack with 3 hits, including a double, 3 runs scored and 4 RBI in a 14-3 laugher in Colorado.

Alfredo Simon pitched into the 8th inning, striking out 7, walking none and allowing a single run, winning a 2-1 pitchers duel over the Yankees in Detroit.

Anthony DeSclafani pitched 8 shutout innings, allowing 2 hits and 1 walk, striking out 5, earning the 6-1 decision for the Reds over Milwaukee.

They all owned baseball on April 20, 2015.

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Who Owned Baseball April 19, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

GREG FIUME/GETTY IMAGES

GREG FIUME/GETTY IMAGESSte

Stephen Strasburg pitched into the 8th, allowing just 5 hits and 1 run while striking out 7 Phillies in 7 1/3 innings. He warned the 4-1 decision for Washington.

Scott Van Slyke led the red hot Dodgers to a 7-0 drubbing of the Rockies with a pair of doubles and a homer, driving in 3 and scoring a pair.

Shane Greene gave the Tigers another solid start, going 7 innings, allowing just 1 run and improving his record to 3-0 in a 9-1 blowout of the White Sox.

Nelson Cruz got three hits, including a pair of homers and a walk off single, driving in 5 runs as the Mariners erased a 10-5 hole and walked off 11-10 winners over Texas.

They all owned baseball on April 19, 2015.

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Who Owned Baseball April 18, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

TOM SZCZERBOWSKI/GETTY IMAGES

TOM SZCZERBOWSKI/GETTY IMAGES

Josh Donaldson reached base 4 times and launched a walk off 10th inning homer that sealed Toronto’s 6-5 win over Atlanta.

Felix Hernandez pitched 7 solid innings, allowing just 2 hits, 1 run while striking out 12 Rangers and earning the 3-1 decision in Seattle.

Odubel Herrera reached base 4 times, doubled, scored twice, drove in a run and stole 2 bases as the Phillies won in Washington, 5-3.

Chris Heston pitched into the 8th inning, finishing with 7 2/3 and allowing 5 hits and 1 run on a solo homer, earning a much needed 4-1 win for the defending champion Giants over Arizona.

They all owned baseball on April 18, 2015.

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Who Owned Baseball April 16, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

TOM  SZCZERBOWSKI - GETTY IMAGES

TOM SZCZERBOWSKI – GETTY IMAGES

Chris Archer threw 7 shutout innings, allowing 2 hits and 2 walks while striking out 11 as the Rays stopped Toronto, 4-2.

John Lackey kept the Brewers scoreless for 7 innings, striking out 8 and walking just one, earning the 4-0 decision in St. Louis.

Kurt Suzuki went 2-4 with a homer and 2 runs batted in, helping the Twins win the game 8-5 and take the series from Kansas City.

Lucas Duda collected 3 hits, including a pair of doubles, and drove in the eventual winning run in the 7th as the Mets snuck past Miami, 7-5.

They all owned baseball on April 16, 2015.

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Who Owned Baseball April 15, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

Jared Wickerham - Getty Images

Jared Wickerham – Getty Images

Alfredo Simon helped continue the dominant start by Detroit with 8 innings of 2 hit shutout ball, walking none and getting the 1-0 decision in Pittsburgh.

Devon Travis went 3-4 with a double and a homer, driving in a pair as the Blue Jays rolled over Tampa Bay, 12-7.

Travis Wood threw 7 shutout innings, striking out 7 Reds and allowing just 3 hits and 2 walks, earning the 5-0 win for the Cubs.

Adeiny Hechavarria went 3-3 with a homers and a sacrifice fly, driving in 3 and scoring 2 for the Marlins 6-2 victory in Atlanta.

They all owned baseball on April 15, 2015.

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.

Who Owned Baseball April 14, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

KEVIN C. COX/GETTY IMAGES

KEVIN C. COX/GETTY IMAGES

Giancarlo Stanton reached base 5 times, doubled, scored twice and drove in 4 as the Marlins cruised to an 8-2 final in Atlanta.

Anthony DeSclafani threw 7 shutout innings, letting up only 2 hits and 2 walks while getting the 3-2 win for the Reds over the Cubs.

Steven Souza, Jr. went 3-5 with a homer and scored the go ahead run in 8th as Tampa Bay topped Toronto, 3-2.

Shane Greene pitched 8 shutout innings, allowing just 3 hits and walking none, earning the 2-0 decision for Detroit in Pittsburgh.

They all owned baseball on April 14, 2015.

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Who Owned Baseball April 13, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

MOOKIECapture

Photo – Matt Stone, Boston Herald

Mookie Betts reached base 3 times, homered, stole two bases on the same play, drove in 4 and stole a homer, leading the Red Sox to a 9-4 victory in their home opener against Washington.

Jake Odorizzi allowed just 2 hits and 1 run over 8 innings, earning the 2-1 decision for the Rays over Toronto.

Jorge Soler went 3-5 with two homers, including a game tying shit, driving in 4 and scoring 3 runs including the game winner in the 7-6 extra inning triumph for the Cubs over Cincinnati.

Jacob deGrom pitched shutout ball into the 7th, finishing with 6 1/3 scoreless frames as the Mets topped Philadelphia, 2-0.

They all owned baseball on April 13, 2015.

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Who Owned Baseball April 12, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

Mark Duncan - AP

Mark Duncan – AP

Miguel Cabrera missed the cycle by a triple, reaching base 5 times, homering twice, scoring 3 and driving in 4 as the Tigers out slugged Cleveland, 8-5.

Nathan Karns pitched 7 strong innings, allowing just 2 hits and 1 earned run and earned the 8-5 Rays victory in Miami.

Andrew McCutchen hit a come from behind 3 run homer to give Pittsburgh the lead in the 6th. He added an RBI single in the 9th and helped top Milwaukee 10-2.

Zack Greinke threw 7 shutout innings, letting up just 5 hits and no walks while striking out 7. He won the 7-4 game for the Dodgers in Arizona.

They all owned baseball on April 12, 2015.

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.

Who Owned Baseball April 11, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

Jeffrey Phelps - Getty Images

Jeffrey Phelps – Getty Images

Jimmy Nelson pitched 7 shutout innings,allowing 2 hits and striking out 9, getting the first win for Milwaukee in 2015, 6-0 over Pittsburgh.

Starlin Castro got 3 hits, including a solo homer, and drove in a pair as the Cubs gave the Rockies their first defeat of the season, 9-5.

Ian Kinsler drove in the go ahead run in the 9th inning. He finished with 4 hits, 3 runs scored, 2 RBI and led to the Tigers 9-6 victory in Cleveland.

Joe Kelly gave an exhausted Red Sox pitching staff a rest after the 19 inning Friday night marathon. He pitched 7 strong innings, allowing a single hit and striking out 8, earning the 8-4 win against the Yankees.

 

They all owned baseball on April 11, 2015.

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.

Who Owned Baseball April 10, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

DAVID KOHL/AP

DAVID KOHL/AP

Joey Votto homered twice, walked and stole a base in the Reds 8th inning game winning rally to top St. Louis, 5-4.

Brandon Morrow pitched 7 shutout innings, allowing just 4 hits and struck out 7. He did not get the decision but his Padres topped the Giants, 1-0.

Xander Bogaerts got 4 hits, all in extra innings, stole a base, scored the eventual winning run and started the game ending double play that game the Red Sox a dramatic and exhausting 6-5 19 inning victory over the Yankees..

Tommy Milone pitched shutout ball into the 8th, finishing with 7 2/3, 2 hits and 7 strikeouts while allowing no runs helping the Twins to their first win of the year, 6-0 over the White Sox.

 

They all owned baseball on April 10, 2015.

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Who Owned Baseball April 9, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

ALEX BRANDON/AP

ALEX BRANDON/AP

Matt Harvey dominated the Nationals, striking out 9 and walking 1 and allowing just 4 hits in 6 shutout innings, earning the 6-3 decision for the Mets.

David Wright collected a pair of hits including a back breaking 2 run single and added a run to help the Mets take the game 6-3 and the series in Washington.

Edinson Volquez pitched 8 strong innings, allowing 4 hits, 1 walk and 1 run and beat the White Sox 4-1 and helped the defending AL Champion Royals complete the 3 game sweep.

Xander Bogaerts reached base 4 times including a bases clearing 3 run triple that broke open the game early and helped the Red Sox cruise to a 6-2 win in Philadelphia.

They all owned baseball on April 9, 2015.

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.

Who Owned Baseball April 8, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

Alex Gallardo / Associated Press

Alex Gallardo / Associated Press

Adrian Gonzalez became the first player in Major League history to hit 5 homers in the first 3 games of the season. He clocked 3 solo shots and added an RBI single, leading the Dodgers to a 7-4 win against San Diego.

Jose Iglesias reached base 5 times, scored 3 runs and doubled, helping the Tigers thrash the Twins, 11-0.

Jake Arrieta won a tight pitchers duel against St. Louis, tossing 7 shutout innings, allowing just 3 hits and while striking out 7 as the Cubs got their first victory, 2–0.

Scott Kazmir allowed a hit to the lead off batter and didn’t give up another one. He finished with 7 shutout innings, 1 hit, 2 walks and 10 strikeouts, earning the 10-0 decision against the Rangers in Oakland.

They all owned baseball on April 5, 2015.

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Who Owned Baseball April 6, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

Carlos Avila Gonzalez / San Francisco Chronicle

Carlos Avila Gonzalez / San Francisco Chronicle

In an opening day filled with terrific pitching performances, Sonny Gray shone brightest, taking a no hitter into the 8th inning and finishing with 8 innings of shutout ball allowing 1 hit, 1 walk, 1 hit batsman while striking out 3 as the A’s rolled over Texas 8-0.

Hanley Ramirez reached base 3 times including a grand slam and a solo shot, driving in 5 and helping the Red Sox cruise to an 8-0 win in Philadelphia.

Johnny Cueto pitched 7 shutout innings, allowing 4 hits, 1 walk and striking out 10. The bullpen would blow his lead but the Reds would beat the Pirates 5-2.

Jimmy Rollins reached base 3 times, stole a base and hit a go ahead 3 run homer in the 8th inning to give the Dodgers a come from behind 6-3 win in their opener against the Padres.

They all owned baseball on April 5, 2015.

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.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 6, 2015

MLB on ESPN

MLB on ESPN

REGULAR SEASON BASEBALL HAS STARTED.

My son feels pity for the Cubs. I have more pity for people who needed to pee in Wrigley Field.

Meanwhile the Padres pull off a blockbuster in time for Easter.

It is a Get The Season Started episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast

Adam Wainwright, Jason Heyward and David Ross all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball April 5, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

Photo: Chris Lee - St. Louis Post Dispatch

Photo: Chris Lee – St. Louis Post Dispatch

Jason Heyward went 3-5 with a pair of doubles and scored the first of the Cardinals 3 runs as they won the opener in Chicago, 3-0.

Adam Wainwright pitched 6 shutout innings, allowing 5 hits, no walks and 6 strikeouts, earning the 3-0 opening night win for the Cardinals over the Cubs.

They all owned baseball on April 5, 2015.

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.

MLB Shutout Survivor Night 1 2015: Cubs Are Blanked By Cards And Eliminated

Jon Lester towed the hill in the season opener for the Cubbies, but was ineffective on the contest.  Chicago took a blanking for the 2nd straight year in their 1st game of the campaign. Let's hope it is not a sign of things to come

Jon Lester towed the hill in the season opener for the Cubbies, but was ineffective on the contest. Chicago took a blanking for the 2nd straight year in their 1st game of the campaign. Let’s hope it is not a sign of things to come

Adam Wainwright showed no signs of not having an entire Spring Training.   His effort helped eliminate the Cubs from the 2015 Shutout Survivor. They are also in danger of finishing last in the competition

Adam Wainwright showed no signs of not having an entire Spring Training. His effort helped eliminate the Cubs from the 2015 Shutout Survivor. They are also in danger of finishing last in the competition

MLB Shutout Survivor 2015:  Which Team Do You Have Last To Be Blanked This Year?

Last Year the D’Backs, A’s, Braves and  Cubs were the 1st teams to be blanked before March was even over.  To their credit, Arizona was in their 3rd game while the others were in their season openers. Read the rest of this entry

The Top 5 Closers In The MLB For 2015

Rodney had 48 Saves, 0.777 WHIP and a 0.60 ERA in 2012, to place 5th in AL Cy Young Voting and was an ALL-Star.  2013 wasn't as kind (although he did win the WBC) with a 3.34 ERA and a WHIP of 1.335.  The Mariners not armed with many better Options, brought in the 37 Year Old, to a 2 YR/$14 MIL deal.  Rodney did feature a career best 11.1/SO Per 9 IP rate last year, but he also walked 4.9/Per IP as well.  His work translated better in the AL West, where 2/3rds of his games are in Seattle, Los Angeles and Oakland.  Rodney led the AL in both Saves (48) and Games Finished in 2014 (64) - while having a 2.85 ERA, but a high 1.342 WHIP.  The latter is right near his career totals.  Still expect more of the same in 2015, with the M's having one of the better clubs this campaign.

Rodney had 48 Saves, 0.777 WHIP and a 0.60 ERA in 2012, to place 5th in AL Cy Young Voting and was an ALL-Star. 2013 wasn’t as kind (although he did win the WBC) with a 3.34 ERA and a WHIP of 1.335. The Mariners not armed with many better Options, brought in the  then 37 Year Old, to a 2 YR/$14 MIL deal. Rodney did feature a career best 11.1/SO Per 9 IP rate in 2013,  but he also walked 4.9 /Per IP as well. His work translated better in the AL West during 2014, where 2/3rds of his games are in Seattle, Los Angeles and Oakland. Rodney led the AL in both Saves (48) and Games Finished in 2014 (64) – while having a 2.85 ERA, but a high 1.342 WHIP. The latter is right near his career totals. His Walk Rate was 3.8, but that is less than his 4.4 clip for his lifetime.  The man fashioned a 10.3/9 IP SO rate.  I expect more of the same in 2015, with the M’s having one of the better clubs this campaign.  There will be more arrows slings after games.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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With the fiasco that is the Detroit Tigers Bullpen. I look for these guys to roll through several different Closers in 2015.  Joakim Soria would be the 1st one to attempt after Joe Nathan fails.

I also think the Yankees are going dually use Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller depending on the situational maneuvering matchups.  New York will be hard pressed to make the playoffs, but I do think they will net one of the higher team Save totals.

The same could probably said for the Boston Red Sox.  I think the near 40 year old Koji Uehara will have a tough time staying healthy for 100% of the opportunities, however he will be just outside the mark.

St. Louis may end up using someone different from Trevor Rosenthal, because we are due for them to change 9th inning guys. Adam Wainwright, Jason Isringhausen Jason Motte, Ryan Franklin and Edward Mujica have all seen the mantle over the last several years for the RedBirds. 

Rosenthal has actually had one of the longer stints, however he really struggled at the end of the 2014 year (despite 45 Saves), and it carried over to the playoffs, where he featured 10 base runners, while only recording 11 outs.  I am thinking he will not have as many chances in 2015 as well. 

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MLB Power Rankings March 2015

Once again, the National League is very top heavy. with the Nationals, Dodgers and Cards reeling in 3 of the first 4 rankings spots.

Once again, the National League is very top-heavy. with the Nationals, Dodgers and Cards reeling in 3 of the first 5 rankings spots.  The American League has more parity in the league this year. and could feature several new entrants into postseason play.  This includes the two longest playoff drought teams in the Toronto Blue Jays (the last team to make the playoffs since the Strike/Lockout in 1994 and 1995 – and the M’s haven’t since their 116 win campaign in 2001. The Marlins own the longest such dry spell in the NL<- with their last playoff berth coming in their 2003 World Series win.  You also have many young franchises like the Houston Astros and Minnesota Twins having several of their young studs coming into the fold, and teams like the Rangers trying to be relevant again following a league record for DL Stints in 2014.  This will mean there are no easy wins on the J’unior Circuit’ this campaign.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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1.  Washington Nationals – This team is so far above the rest of the MLB, they should be everyones unanimous pick to win the best record in the MLB.  Their Division is weaker the NL West, and the teams in the NL Central are a lot closer in parity.

2.  LA Dodgers – Too many changes will take the club time to gel.  Emphasis on Joc Pederson to do well may be too much to ask.  Not enough is being said about the club losing the offense of Matt Kemp and Hanley Ramirez. Any club with Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke as their top 2 starting pitchers will never be to far from the top ranking.

3.  Detroit Tigers – This is all based on the American League Central.  While I believe the team is not as strong as last year in the pitching department with Max Scherzer, they may be better in the lineup with Yoenis Cespedes. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The MLB 2015 World Series + Best Bets

 One of these years the absolute favorite of the preseason will take the home the World Series.  I think 2015 will be that year.  I am calling for the last 2 franchises not to make the Fall Classic, end up facing off in this year championship series.  That would make it Washington vs Seattle.  I believe the Nationals will win that series.

One of these years the absolute favorite of the preseason will take the home the World Series. I think 2015 will be that year. I am calling for the last 2 franchises not to make the Fall Classic, end up facing off in this year championship series. That would make it Washington vs Seattle. I believe the Nationals will win that series.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Last year’s opening 3 wagers for the World Series netted us an eventual winner.  I plunked almost $14 down on a 25/1 bet for the Giants (and failed with Rangers and Rays bets).  Throughout the year, I was able to secure odds of 50/1 and 80/1 for the Royals during down times, and then hedged those bets in the playoffs.  It was a thousand dollar profit year for the selections.

In the next few weeks I will finalize the Over/Under Best bets that I put down yesterday.  Again, last season I was 3 out of 3 for top Over/Under picks, and will likely pick the same 3 teams (KC and WSH over their opening regular season wins of 81.5 and 93.5, while I picked SD under 84.5) out of  the 10 total wagers I go for this campaign).

But this article is about the Fall Classic Winner in 2015. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2015 World Series (Don’t Bet The Cubs Despite Of Back To The Future 2 Prediction)

Max Scherzer now is in the front of the best Starting Rotation in the National League in some time.  His signing has made the Nationals the leading favorite to win the 2015 World Series  This would mean the Expos/Nats franchise would make and win their 1st Fall Classic since Montreal joined the Major Leagues in 1969.  Only their franchise and the Mariners have yet to make an appearance in the World Series.

Max Scherzer now is in the front of the best Starting Rotation in the National League in some time. His signing has made the Nationals the leading favorite to win the 2015 World Series This would mean the Expos/Nats franchise would make and win their 1st Fall Classic since Montreal joined the Major Leagues in 1969. Only their franchise and the Mariners have yet to make an appearance in the World Series.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Max Scherzer has tipped the scale to the Nats being the World Series favorite, whereas we left them in December, with them being tied with the Dodgers as the lowest odds to win the Fall Classic in 2015.

Not only did he affect his new team, he affected his old team of the Tigers to drop from +950 to +1100 now.  The Mets also dipped from +3300 to +3500 on the news yesterday.

There is no doubt the Nationals are the best team in the National League now, and could very well improve on their 2014 win total of 96.  Look for them to continuously punch the Phillies in the neck this year, and should beat up the Atlanta Braves pretty well across the board too.

There is no doubt in my mind this should be Washington’s season to go to the dance.  I don’t think the Dodgers are as strong with their offense losing Dee Gordon and Hanley Ramirez, while adding Joc Pederson potentially, and stalwart 2B Howie Kendrick.

The Cardinals best 3 players of Adam Wainwright, Yadier Molina and Matt Holliday are another year older, and one of these years someone will take them out in the playoffs.  When you add in all 5 NL Central teams being competitive, it could beat them up over the regular season a little,

After all, it also an odd year, do don’t expect the Giants to make the Post Season.  But seriously, San Francisco has lost Pablo Sandoval and Michael Morse, while adding Nori Aoki and Casey McGehee.  I can’t see this being an upgrade at all.  Don’t forget the club also will not have Ryan Vogelsong either, while there are massive question marks surrounding the health of Matt Cain and pitching effectiveness of Tim Lincecum.

Tim Hudson is another year older, and Jake Peavy looked like he was hanging from a thread to finish the playoffs. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2015 World Series (CWS Best Value Currently)

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Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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We are back from an extended period of not writing articles here at the MLB Reports to weigh in on the World Series Odds for next campaign.

As we did last year, we will update this as a weekly segment for the next 10 months until the winner is crowned.

I can tell you right now, the favorites based on so-called “winning the offseason” hardly ever pay off.  If that were the case, the Yankees would have been crowned last year, with spending $503 MIL on 10 Free Agents, or also the Rangers would have been second with bringing in Prince Fielder and Shin Soo-Choo.

The odds doled out for free wheeling Padres and Cubs are my top two picks to stay clear of wagering with the value currently constituted.  There are two teams in a similar view, not given enough credit.

The White Sox are looking decent in the AL Central, and play in the fairest of the Division in the American League, boast a 1 – 2 that can battle you with Chris Sale and Jeff Samardzija, while inking Free Agents Adam LaRoche and David Robertson gives the team nice depth all around,

The ‘Southsiders’ are definitely much improved in every facet heading into 2015.,  To say the Cubs, with their exuberant youth has more of a chance to win the 2015 title is not justified without seeing them perform on the field yet. Read the rest of this entry

Madison Bumgarner and Lorenzo Cain Owned October (#WOO)

Scott Strazzante, SF Chronicle - David J. Phillip, AP

Scott Strazzante, SF Chronicle – David J. Phillip, AP

One threw a shutout in the Wild Card Game and captured NLCS and World Series MVP honors.

The other got a pair of hits and drove in a pair in the Wild Card Game, batted .533 with an OPS of 1.255 to win ALCS MVP and took his potent bat and highlight catches into the World Series.

Madison Bumgarner of the San Francisco Giants and Lorenzo Cain of the Kansas City Royals owned October in 2014.

I pick a pitcher and hitter every game from each winning post season team and award them a WOO (Who Owns October.)

And I also have the option to give a 1/2 WOO to a player on a losing team.

I awarded Who Owns the World Series to Bumgarner and his teammate Hunter Pence.

But WOO tallies every post season game, from the Wild Card Game all the way to the final pitch of Game 7 of the World Series.

So not only are the Giants and Royals represented, but so are the Orioles, Cardinals, Tigers, Athletics, Angels, Pirates, Dodgers and Nationals.

Hunter Pence, Pablo Sandoval, Brandon Crawford, Nelson Cruz, Alcides Escobar, Eric Hosmer, Travis Ishikawa, Buster Posey and Kolten Wong all got 2 or higher WOO as hitters to trail Cain’s total of 4. Interestingly Bryce Harper also got 2 WOO even though his Nationals lost the Division Series and did not have the ability to pad his total in the LCS and World Series.

Bumgarner’s 6 1/2 WOO total was more than double the next name, his teammate Yusmeiro Petit who pitched to a 3 WOO all in relief.

Kelvin Herrera and Greg Holland got 2 WOO in relief. Jason Vargas and Yordano Ventura got 2 WOOs as starters.

So they Bumgarner and Cain had amazing post seasons and that will remembered by their fans forever.

They did more than show up for October. They owned it.

Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) + Who Owns the World Series? (#WOWS) Final Tallies Updated For Game 7 – 2014 World Series

Scott Strazzante - San Francisco Chronicle

Scott Strazzante – San Francisco Chronicle

So October 2014 is officially owned by Madison Bumgarner. Savor this amazing post season.

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.

When it comes to the World Series, I do a separate tally: WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.) This is still up for grabs

It is important to separate Postseason and World Series accomplishments. It is the purist in me.

For a full explanation, click HERE

From October 29th World Series Game 7:

Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS

Madison Bumgarner finished his historic post season with 5 shutout innings out of the bullpen, holding Kansas City to 2 hits and clinched the World Series for the Giants with a 3-2 win. 

Pablo Sandoval capped off a marvelous World Series with a 3-3 performance, reaching base 4 times, scoring twice played solid defense and caught the final out as the Giants took Game 7, 3-2 in Kansas City.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS

Alex Gordon went 2-4, scored a run, drove in a run and hit the dramatic 2 out hit that took him all the way to third in the bottom of the 9th. He was stranded as the Royals fell 3-2 to the Giants.

Kelvin Herrera pitched the Royals out of trouble with 2 2/3 shutout innings of relief, striking out 4 and walking none. San Francisco would hold on to win, 3-2.

Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) + Who Owns the World Series? (#WOWS) Tallies Updated For Game 6 – 2014 World Series

USA Today Sports

USA Today Sports

So October 2014 is officially owned by Madison Bumgarner. Savor this amazing post season.

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.

When it comes to the World Series, I do a separate tally: WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.) This is still up for grabs

It is important to separate Postseason and World Series accomplishments. It is the purist in me.

For a full explanation, click HERE

From October 28th World Series Game 6:

Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS

Yordano Ventura dominated the Giants with 7 shutout innings, allowing just 3 hits and forced a game 7 with a 10-0 victory in Kansas City.

Lorenzo Cain drove in 3 runs, scored another, doubled and reached base 4 times, leading the Royals offense to the 10-0 season saving thrashing of San Francisco.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS

No Giants hitter nor pitcher earned a WOO or a WOWS

Madison Bumgarner clinched Owning October! (Plus #WOO and #WOWS updates for World Series Game 5)

JAMIE SQUIRE/GETTY IMAGES

JAMIE SQUIRE/GETTY IMAGES

Madison Bumgarner‘s complete game shutout tonight was obviously worth his title of Owning October and the World Series tonight. But it did more than that.

His 5 1/2 WOO (Who Owns October) total for the post season can not be passed. With only 2 games left, nobody can pass Bumgarner. Hunter Pence, Lorenzo Cain and Yusmeiro Petit all have a total of 3. Even if they pick up a WOO the last 2 games, they can not pass Bumgarner.

So October 2014 is officially owned by Madison Bumgarner. Savor this amazing post season.

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.

When it comes to the World Series, I do a separate tally: WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)

It is important to separate Postseason and World Series accomplishments. It is the purist in me.

For a full explanation, click HERE

From October 26th World Series Game 5:

Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS

Madison Bumgarner continued his October dominance with his second complete game shutout of the month and second win of the series. He allowed just 4 Kansas City hits, walked, none and struck out 8, giving the Giants a 5-0 victory.

Brandon Crawford got 2 hits and drove in 3 runs, leading the Giants offense to beat the Royals 5-0.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS

James Shields kept the Royals in the game with 6 solid innings, working out of jams and let up just 2 runs. He would be the hard luck loser to the Giants 5-0.

Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) + Who Owns the World Series? (#WOWS) Tallies Updated For Game 4 – 2014 World Series

ROB CARR/GETTY IMAGES

ROB CARR/GETTY IMAGES

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.

When it comes to the World Series, I do a separate tally: WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)

It is important to separate Postseason and World Series accomplishments. It is the purist in me.

For a full explanation, click HERE

From October 25th World Series Game 4:

Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS

Hunter Pence, went 3-5, drove in 3, beat out a double play grounder to let another run come in, scored twice and played terrific defense in the Giants surreal 11-4 victory against Kansas City.

Yusmeiro Petit was his usual dominating self, giving the Giants 3 shutout innings of relief and contributing a basehit as well. He got the 11-4 victory over the Royals.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS

Salvador Perez collected 3 hits including an RBI single in the third that gave the Royals a 4-1 lead. The Giants would eventually respond with 10 unanswered runs and win 11-4.

Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) + Who Owns the World Series? (#WOWS) Tallies Updated For Game 3 – 2014 World Series

Screen shot 2014-10-24 at 10.19.03 PM

EZRA SHAW/GETTY IMAGES

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.

When it comes to the World Series, I do a separate tally: WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)

It is important to separate Postseason and World Series accomplishments. It is the purist in me.

For a full explanation, click HERE

From October 24th World Series Game 3:

Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS

Alcides Escobar doubled on the first pitch of the game and scored a pair of runs, helping the Royals edge the Giants 3-2.

Greg Holland needed just 8 pitches to dispatch the heart of the Giants order in the bottom of the 9th, making a terrific play on the final out of Kansas City’s 3-2 victory.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS

Tim Hudson pitched into the 6th inning, going 5 2/3, letting up 4 hits and 1 walk. The Giants bullpen allowed an inherited run to score and he was a hard luck loser to the Royals

Michael Morse came off the bench to drill a pinch hit RBI double and came around to score. That would be all the Giants offense as they lost to the Royals 3-2.