Blog Archives

Odds To Win The 2014 World Series As Of Right Now: Many Changes After 1 Series

I still don't get why they are the current AL favorite over Detroit.  Despite that fact, Boston won their opening series - while all of the 4 other teams have tied or losing records through their 1st series.  i don't think a slight drop was warranted - especially when you consider only the Tigers and Mariners have a better record than the Red Sox right now.  They are tied with the Indians, Rangers, Astros and White Sox for their 2 - 1 record.

I still don’t get why they are the current AL favorite over Detroit. Despite that fact, Boston won their opening series – while all of the 4 other teams have tied or losing records through their 1st series. i don’t think a slight drop was warranted – especially when you consider only the Tigers and Mariners have a better record than the Red Sox right now. They are tied with the Indians, Rangers, Astros and White Sox for their 2 – 1 record.

Odds To Win The 2014 World Series

1.  LA Dodgers +600

2.  Washington Nationals +750 

3. Boston Red Sox +900 (Down from +850)

I am not sure why this club has moved down as they took 2 out of 3 versus the Orioles, and the Yankees are 1 – 2, while Tampa and Toronto split a series.

T4. St. Louis Cardinals +1000

T4.  Detroit Tigers +1000 Read the rest of this entry

Doubleheaders Master Schedule For the 2014 MLB Season

ballpark chasing

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

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Do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here

Gone are the days when baseball teams deliberately schedule two games in one stadium like teams used to do in past generations.  

If there is not a postponed game for the duration of your team’s schedule, you will not even have this occurrence.   I am here to tell that modern-day traveling has opened up possibilities for two games in one day for separate cities like never before.

For the extreme ballpark chasers, nothing is more exciting for a baseball fan when Major League Baseball posts the new season’s calendar.  Usually the brass does this in mid-September.  

On this post, I have gone through the MLB schedule with a fine-tooth comb, and have listed all Doubleheader Attempts that could be attended in 2014.

I will keep a keen eye on this stuff all season, and add more doubleheaders as they come available.

If you ever have a question, just tweet us or send an email to mlbreports@gmail.com

Happy Ballpark Chasing in 2014

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MLB Runs Survivor 2014: 11 Different Run Totals For Each Team – Results Thus Far

The Dodgers have already played 3 games and put up 3 different run totals, tonight's 4th game, will give them the chance to move ahead of their Australian and Division opponent Arizona, with 4 different run totals to start the year.  Will they be the 1st team to score 11 different run total ranging from 0 - 10 (or 10+)?

The Dodgers have already played 3 games and put up 3 different run totals, tonight’s 4th game, will give them the chance to move ahead of their Australian and Division opponent Arizona, with 4 different run totals to start the year. Will they be the 1st team to score 11 different run total ranging from 0 – 10 (or 10+)?

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

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This should turn out to be quite fun.  A lot of gambling establishments have this sort of deal, and it will be fun to see the results.

What Runs Survivor is, a MLB team scoring 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, 10 or (10+) in different games throughout the course of the season.

Once a club has one of these run totals once, you cross it off and keep going until they complete the 11 different variations.

Breakdown of the 14 – 10 Win for the Phillies on Opening Day @ Rangers

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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.

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):

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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

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Current Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series

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

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Odds To Win The 2014 World Series

1.  LA Dodgers +600

2.  Washington Nationals +750 

3. Boston Red Sox +850

T4. St. Louis Cardinals +1000

T4.  Detroit Tigers +1000 Read the rest of this entry

Could The Toronto Blue Jays Turn Into The Canada Blue Jays + Play In Montreal And Vancouver As Well?

Olympic Stadium was a building catastrophe from the get go.  It was a contributing factor of the Expos leaving Montreal.  Having said that, it would have been really cool if the North America opener were to have been opened in Montreal, with a series with Toronto and the New York Mets.  Instead the series in an exhibition.  At least the Canadian stadium has hosted regular season MLB games.

Olympic Stadium was a building catastrophe from the get go. It was a contributing factor of the Expos leaving Montreal. Having said that, it would have been really cool if the North America opener were to have been opened in Montreal, with this past series with Toronto and the New York Mets. Instead it was just an exhibition. At least the Canadian park has hosted regular season MLB games  unlike the Sydney Cricket Ground.  Will another city other than Toronto ever host a regular season game again?

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

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I must be out of my mind right?

Having the Toronto Blue Jays play in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver during a regular season – and re-brand the club to a national team in the MLB?  But stop and think about this for a minute.

The club just drew almost 100K total fans for the 2 exhibition games in Quebec on Mar.28 and Mar.29/2014. 

This just reaffirmed my stance of last week.  I admonished the MLB for not starting the season with this series in Montreal.

Having thought about it further this weekend, I came up with a new idea.  Why not play some games in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver – and name the club the Canada Blue Jays? Read the rest of this entry

All 290 MLB Interleague Games Schedule In 2014 With Start Times

Photo Ctedit - Eddie Bultman

Photo Ctedit – Eddie Bultman

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

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The ballpark franks are cooking, the beer should be cold, and lets hope the weather cooperates in all of your game journeys at the parks.

We will be updating the Interleague results all year on a widget at our website.

Some of the MLB fans don’t like American League Vs National League Games in Regular Season, and we not only like it at our site, we embrace it and wish there was more of it.

Do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here Read the rest of this entry

Official Home Openers (With Local Times) At All 30 MLB Parks In 2014

The MLB Reports is going to be the #1 place to come for the 2014 Major League Baseball Schedule: Dates, Days, Home Openers, # Games Per Day: Break Downs into pages of a Year Long Calendar, Monthly Calendar, Weekly Calendar - all on one page for each, so you can know your favorite teams schedule, or plan to do a MLB Road Trip. I will also do a doubleheader Master Schedule for - two parks in one day for that extreme Ball Park Chaser (Coming in Feb).  Also, we will have a Sunday Night ESPN schedule page, an Interleague Schedule Page for all year, 6 different 30 Ballparks in 30 days trip schedulers, and a couple of schedules I feel could break the records for ballpark viewing.  Those last few pages all are coming in February.

The MLB Reports is going to be the #1 place to come for the 2014 Major League Baseball Schedule: Dates, Days, Home Openers, # Games Per Day: Break Downs into pages of a Year Long Calendar, Monthly Calendar, Weekly Calendar – all on one page for each, so you can know your favorite teams schedule, or plan to do a MLB Road Trip. I will also do a doubleheader Master Schedule for – two parks in one day for that extreme Ball Park Chaser (Coming in Feb). Also, we will have a Sunday Night ESPN schedule page, an Interleague Schedule Page for all year, 6 different 30 Ballparks in 30 days trip schedules, and a couple of schedules I feel could break the records for ballpark viewing. Those last few pages all are coming in February.

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

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The ballpark franks are cooking, the beer should be cold, and lets hope the weather cooperates.

30 MLB Park Rankings – According to a Fan

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Current Odds To Win Each MLB Division 2014

 This club often reminds me of an aging heavyweight fighter.  You may beat on them for a time, but there is always that chance the team will land a haymaker on you.  2007 was one of their days in the sunshine.  2014 may see them at least make the postseason again.  With a 20 - 1 odd for the club, the value is there for a longshot pick.

This club often reminds me of an aging heavyweight fighter. You may beat on them for a time, but there is always that chance the team will land a haymaker on you. 2007 was one of their days in the sunshine. 2014 may see them at least make the postseason again. With a 20 – 1 odd for the club, the value is there for a longshot pick.  I mean the Dodgers could always run into injuries as well.

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

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The season is upon us this weekend for real.

The LA Dodgers have a chance to do some serious damage with the North America Opener versus the San Diego Padres, as part of a 3 game series.

If they win 2 out of 3 in that set, this will go a long way in burying the San Diego team early.

In the NL West, since LA is 2 – 0 already, the Rockies are now paying 20 – 1 odds to win the Division.

While I am not saying this will happen, the value is there.

Also I can’t believe how the injuries have not effected the odds on the Tigers. Read the rest of this entry

MLB 2014 Bold Predictions Including Awards Categories

Prince Fielder's 2013 - 3 Slash Line (.279/.362/.819) is far below his Career Mark of .286/.389/.916.  The man has not hit a HR in his last 74 AB.  Fielder at least had 5 HRs in 1st 70 AB for his playoff Career.  Maybe that will change in Texas, after he clubs his way to an AL MVP for the Rangers

Prince Fielder’s 2013 – 3 Slash Line (.279/.362/.819) is far below his Career Mark of .286/.389/.916. The man also has not hit a HR in his last 74 AB in the postseason. for the last 2 years of 2012 and 2013.  Fielder at least had 5 HRs in 1st 70 AB for his playoff Career. Maybe that will change in Texas, after he clubs his way to an AL MVP for the Rangers.  He is capable of putting up monster numbers in Texas, and should enjoy hitting at ‘The BallPark In Arlington” 81` times a year.

By Jordan Gluck (Prospects/Baseball Operations Correspondent)

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Since everyone else was making their predictions for the upcoming seasons, I am throwing down my picks too.  But first there are some categories to rifle through 1st.

AL MVP:
Prince Fielder

Read the rest of this entry

Week 1 + Of MLB Schedule: ( 9 Game Days) Mar.22 – Apr.06

MLB Scheduling 2014

Day + Date     Away and Home, Times Start In EST

For Weekly/Monthly MLB Schedules or all 2430 MLB games in 2014 on 1 page post – find the links master grid right here

There are 2 games in Sydney Australia for people to watch over in North America. 

Because the games are being played on Sat Night and Sunday afternoon there, you can actually watched 2 games in one day here.

If this weren’t weird enough, the Dodgers then fly across the world – to arrive in San Diego for the MLB opener on North America Soil on Sunday March.30/2014.

So if Los Angeles can go 2 – 1 – or 3 – 0 to begin the year, they may just hold onto the NL West for the rest of the campaign.

These 3 games are listed – and then it is the rest of the 26 weeks listed individually in perfect 7 game sequencing.  Read the rest of this entry

MLB Monthly Schedule – March and April Games 2014

MLB Scheduling 2014

Day + Date     Away and Home, Time Start In EST

MLB Scheduling 2014

Day + Date     Away and Home, Times Start In EST

MLB Season Opening Series

Saturday Mar. 22/2014 (2 games)

Opening Series In Sydney, Australia (Sydney Cricket Ground)

Dodgers @ D’backs 4:00 AM (local time 8 PM in Australia).

Dodgers @ D-backs 10:00 PM (local time 2 PM in Australia). Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win Each Division In Major League Baseball 2014 Change With TJ Surgeries

Medlen was only 2nd to Clayton Kershaw for ERA in the NL since mid 2012.  Unfortunately for the RHP, he is on his way for a 2nd Tommy John Surgery recovery.  Medlen injured himself earlier this week in Spring Training.  He was projected to be Atlanta's #1 Starting Pitcher,

Medlen was only 2nd to Clayton Kershaw for ERA in the NL since mid 2012. Unfortunately for the RHP, he is on his way for a 2nd Tommy John Surgery recovery. Medlen injured himself earlier this week in Spring Training. He was projected to be Atlanta’s #1 Starting Pitcher,

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

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The theme of the week is Tommy John Surgery . It has affected the Athletics, Braves and Diamondbacks on the odds board all over.

Brandon Beachy and Kris Medlen moved the line for the Braves from a +120 Mark to +140.  Arizona went from +650 to +700 on the heels of Patrick Corbin being lost.

The Athletics have 60% of their rosters on injury watch.  Jarrod Parker is gone for the 2014 year because of a torn UCL.  A.J. Griffin has a UCL strain – and Scott Kazmir has triceps soreness. Read the rest of this entry

2 And A Hook Podcast #16: 2014 MLB Preview + Predictions – Over/Unders + Post Season + Opening Series in Sydney

’2 And A Hook’ is an expression from Baseball:  ‘Throw the guy 2 Fast balls and then a Hook’ (AKA Curve Ball, Wiggly one, Chair etc..)

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): & TBWS Podcast Host James Acevedo

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WE ARE BACK!! On this podcast I have on the owner & head writer of www.mlbreports.com, Chuck Booth as we go over first the Australian series to start the 2014 MLB season with a double header with the Dodgers & the Diamondbacks!!

Then we go over each division in the American League & the National League with our division predictions!!

But not only do we do that but we also give our wild card & championship series predictions for both leagues!!

Plus we gave our World Series & World series winner predictions to put the cherry on this baseball podcast sundae.

so go check it out baseball fans & SPREAD THE WORD!!! Thank you all for your continuous support!!! 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 in 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.

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): 

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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.

Read the rest of this entry

The Boston Red Sox State Of The Union Part 1 – The Hitters: 2014 Preview

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.

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): 

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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.

Read the rest of this entry

MLB Odds To Win Both Of The AL And NL Pennants In 2014: Awesome Bet Idea For The TB Rays

Because of a statistical oddity in the website of the Rays, I present you an awesome chance to win some money if the Rays have a great year.  If they don't, chances are great you could still break even.  The Rays have won 90 games or more 5 out of the last 6 years. It is my contention, if they win 90 games this year, they win the Division.  From there, if. Who knows, the winner out of this tough Division might win 86 or 87 games.  Heck, that may even be a Wild card game with how parity is going.  I present you the Ray of Cash Opportunity.

Because of a statistical oddity in the website of the Rays, I present you an awesome chance to win some money if the Rays have a great year. If they don’t, chances are great you could still break even. The Rays have won 90 games or more 5 out of the last 6 years. It is my contention, if they win 90 games this year, they win the Division. From there, if. Who knows, the winner out of this tough Division might win 86 or 87 games. Heck, that may even be a Wild card game with how parity is going. I present you the Ray of Cash Opportunity.

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

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This is so crazy…it may just work..  Every once in a while, I see an anomaly in the odds of a website.  I will go through this in great detail here.

Lets just say the Rays are offering great odds on the board, yet the website has them as co-favorites in one odd (Regular season wins with Boston).  I take this fact and twist the fork in it, to present my idea.

Ray Of Cash Opportunity

Rays Odds on the board at http://www.bet365.com

Division Odds + 250 (to win the AL East)

ALCS Win +900

World Series + 1800

Regular Season Over/Under 88.0: Over -110, Under -120

Once again the Rays don’t receive any respect.  If someone were to bet the Tampa club on a Divisional win, ALCS win and a World Series win, they may cash in severely at the ticket wicket.

Bet Details Date/Time Stake Return
Under 88 @ -120
$120.00  Single
Reg Year Wins
03/14/2014 10:36:50 120.00 220.00
TB Rays @ +250
$63.00  Single
AL East
03/14/2014 10:36:50 63.00 220.50
TB Rays @ +900
$22.00  Single
ALCS
03/14/2014 10:36:50 22.00 220.00
TB Rays @ +1800
$12.00  Single
WS
03/14/2014 10:36:50 12.00 228.00
Total for this period 217.00 0.0

Read the rest of this entry

Odds For Regular Season Wins Over/Unders 2014 MLB Year

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

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Last Week, Hunter Stokes (MLB Reports Chief Writer) picked through http://www.bovada.com – and what value was to be had in their odds sheet for regular year win over/unders.

This time, I am looking at bet365.com for some of the same.

Hunter and I both come from the handicapping landscape, and have done quite well in the last few years. 

While I predicted a Detroit and Cincinnati World Series pre 2012, Hunter picked the Giants and Yankees.  That was a much better year than the 2013 season.

In 2013, I did say it was going to be Los Angeles Dodgers versus the Angels in a freeway Series, and Hunter picked Detroit and Atlanta.  You do okay if you can have a final 4 participant.

This year, it looks like we both have the LA Dodgers to win in the Fall Classic, but I have them beating the Tigers, while Mr. Stokes likes the Rangers to faceoff against them.

We could be wrong mind you. but at least we are putting our necks on the line for it.  Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The MLB 2014 World Series

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

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Just to reset this, we will be bringing you this column once a week during the regular season.

This is worth paying attention to.  Think of them as power rankings as put forth by the website.

For the love me, I can’t understand how the Red Sox have climbed to +850, while the Rays are sitting at +1800 for the WS.  It also boggles my mind why bettors don’t take stock in Strength of Schedule. Read the rest of this entry

Is Rushing Marcus Stroman A Good Idea? Anybody Remember A Young Roy Halladay?

Video by E. Tyler Bullock

By ‘Baseball Writer’ Steve Cheeseman 

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Is Rushing Marcus Stroman a Good Idea?

Prime pitching prospect Marcus Stroman is the pride and joy prospect of the Toronto Blue Jays.

The 22 year old out of Medford, New York is front and centre with many media outlets heading into the spring training. Consider his age, and little professional experience under his hat. Why rush him?

Stroman was drafted 22nd overall in the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft, after finishing a college career at Duke where he set the school record for strikeouts with 290 (over 222.0 innings). Read the rest of this entry

Current Odds Over/Under Wins For All 30 MLB Teams In 2014: Best Bets On The Board

The regular season over/unders have been updated yet again.  While most of them are right in the realm of where they should be - about 20% of the numbers scream out for me to bet some cabbage on.

The regular season over/unders have been updated yet again. While most of them are right in the realm of where they should be – about 20% of the numbers scream out for me to bet some cabbage on.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Yes these are my predictions for the current state of the MLB.

Right beside the wins and losses, is the over.under totals and odd.

Next to that will be whether that would make it Over/Under based on my selections.

If I think an odd is worthy of plunking down some pesos, I will highlight it. Read the rest of this entry

MLB 2014 Bold Division + Post Season Predictions, And Gambling Tips For Experts

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

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The 2014 season is quickly coming, and many people are putting together their yearly MLB Record predictions for both of the AL and NL.

One of the things people must remember to do, is to have their teams all equal 2430 wins. Since they are that many games in any given campaign (at least to start with before any cancellations are never played).

This is the 1st thing to look for.

Obviously every team should add to 162 games in the W – L columns of each squad.

Furthermore, you also have to account for the record in Interleague play between the AL in NL (this represents 290 games out of the 2430 game schedule.)

The AL and NL Records will also mirror reflect each other, as that determines a won – loss differential among the leagues. 

If you played all games without interleague all teams would perfect match up even – even on the W-L when you added up all teams in the American League.

Read the rest of this entry

30 MLB Team Power Rankings MAR 2014

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Okay, not much has changed in the last month.

They are about 20 unsigned Free Agents left in the open market pool, Baltimore inked Nelson Cruz and Ubaldo Jimenez – and Chris Capuano is with the Red Sox, Paul Maholm replaces him LA for the 2014 campaign.

Of note of the things I am watching in Spring Training.  The Dodger Blue is also experiencing many injuries – and Yasiel Puig showed up to camp overweight.

LA is talking about not sending Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke to Australia in a few weeks.

I can understand with the RHP because he was yanked after four pitches last week, but withholding your star ace from the season opener, and possibly the North America starter the following week. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win Each Division In Major League Baseball 2014

The Rays have one of the 2 best Starting Pitcher staffs in the American league, and have averaged over 90 wins for the last 6 years.  Bringing back Price, and having Myers and Archer for a full year should make the team even better in 2013.  Keep in mind they have also added Heath Bell and Grant Balfour to anchor the Bullpen, an obvious upgrade over the inconsistent Fernando Rodney.  They have been more consistent than the Red Sox and Yankees the last 2 years.  As such should not be the 3rd favorite in the Division,

The Rays have one of the 2 best Starting Pitcher staffs in the American league, and have averaged over 90 wins for the last 6 years. Bringing back Price, and having Myers and Archer for a full year should make the team even better in 2013. Keep in mind they have also added Heath Bell and Grant Balfour to anchor the Bullpen, an obvious upgrade over the inconsistent Fernando Rodney. They have been more consistent than the Red Sox and Yankees the last 2 years. As such should not be the 3rd favorite in the Division.

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

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We have gone through several weeks and months in the off year for gambling odds, and now with the Dodgers and Diamondbacks Opening MLB Series less than 3 weeks away, it is the Division Winners.

Much like my predictions are for the National League and the American League Winners, along with the World Series Winners, I love the Rays, Rangers and Giants for the value.

The worst dollars won for teams being favorites are the Tigers at -270, and Dodgers at -275.  I am picking both of these teams to crush it this season, but I will not be wagering on the high favorites prices.

Like I have said before, the LA Dodgers are a couple of injuries away from opening up the NL West.  Even the Arizona Diamondbacks at +650 are worth a stab. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The MLB 2014 World Series: Tigers Best Value Of The Week

The Tigers are my pick of the week for value.  They were the AL favorite just two weeks ago outright, before being tied with Boston last week.  This odd is favorable for sure.  The AL Central provides the Tigers with an easier path to the World Series because of 76 games within the Division.  The AL East had 4 teams over 85 wins last year.  Baltimore and New York are better than they were, and Boston plus Tampa should maintain.  The AL East has 5 of the top 13 odds for the World Series (5 of the top 8 clips for the AL.)  The AL West is also going to beat up each other a little.  Take the team that has appeared in 3 straight League Championships, and has the best Pitching Staff in the American League.

The Tigers are my pick of the week for value. They were the AL favorite just two weeks ago outright, before being tied with Boston last week. This odd is favorable for sure. The AL Central provides the Tigers with an easier path to the World Series because of 76 games within the Division. The AL East had 4 teams over 85 wins last year. Baltimore and New York are better than they were in 2013, and Boston plus Tampa should maintain. The AL East has 5 of the top 13 odds for the World Series (5 of the top 8 clips for the AL.) The AL West is also going to beat up each other a little. Take this AL Central team that has appeared in 3 straight League Championships, and has the best Pitching Staff in the American League.

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

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Well, it is nice to be vindicated on the market again.  Just like I said when the Mariners roamed up from +4000 to +2800 after the Cano signing.  I told people to pounce on that odd.

Last week, I posted in this column, that your bet of the week for value as the Orioles.

I have also been calling for the Rays to be higher on the oddsmakers list, and while they have passed the Jays finally, how come they are so far behind the Yankees and Red Sox?  Market correction is needed there.

For the record, I called the Yankees a great value at +1500 in December, before they signed Masahiro Tanaka.  If you have listened at home, this has worked out for you.  Don’t bet the, at +1200, tied for the 6th best odd in the AL, there is no value there.  Tampa at +1800 is still a better option. Read the rest of this entry

Which Manager’s Seat Is The Hottest In The MLB – 2014?

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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There are many expectations in 2014 for a lot of the MLB clubs. 

Realistically, only the Houston Astros and the Minnesota Twins could be ousted from playoff contention before we even play in the American League.

The National League has several more teams with improbable chances to post a postseason berth in 2014.

The Mets, Marlins, Twins, Cubs and Padres are the longest shots on the board to nail down play in October as well.

Out of those teams, Chicago just hired Rich Renteria, and the other 5 teams would likely let the year play itself out before thinking of a skipper’s switch.

With those teams listed, I highly doubt the current bench bosses will remain in position by the time the clubs become good. Read the rest of this entry

The O’s Add Nelson Cruz + The AL Beast Just Got Stronger!

Nelson Cruz is 34 - and has a long history of injuries -  and now of PED use.In the last 5 years, he has only played over 128 games for the season once.  Now he was on pace to top that in 2013 - before his PED suspension from the Biogenesis Scandal.  Will he go to Seattle, another AL team, or is the NL going to be his final destination for next campaign.  I thoroughly believe he should just be a permanent DH.

Nelson Cruz is 34 – and has a long history of injuries – and now of PED use. In the last 5 years, he has only played over 128 games for the season once. Now he was on pace to top that in 2013 – before his PED suspension from the Biogenesis Scandal.  I thoroughly believe he should just be a permanent DH.  He will likely be used in that role with the O’s.  With a full season of AB, this slugger should probably hit between .260 – .270, with 25 – 30 HRs and range from 80 – 90 RBI.  To sign this guy to a 1 Year Deal – worth $8 MIL, when he was already given the Qualifying Offer by Texas is a fantastic acquisition for the Orioles.  It also comes in the same week they picked up Ubaldo Jimenez and Korean chucker Suk-Min Yoon.  Baltimore just entered back into the Division race!

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Dan Duquette has announced his presence with authority this week.

From Suk-min Yoon (3 YRs/$5.6 MIL), Ubaldo Jimenez (4 YRs/$48 MIL), to then flat out rob Nelson Cruz for a 1 YR/$8 MIL deal, the GM has served notice that the franchise is here to compete.

Frankly, this was a long time coming.  The team has now thrust its name into the conversation with the Rays, Red Sox and Yankees.

On the clock is the Toronto Blue Jays!! Read the rest of this entry

MLB Odds To Win Both Of The AL And NL Pennants In 2014

The Rays have one of the 2 best Starting Pitcher staffs in the American league, and have averaged over 90 wins for the last 6 years.  Having them to win the American league previously at +1200 (8th favorite among the clubs) was a steal - if you grabbed it 2 weeks ago.  The club

The Rays have one of the 2 best Starting Pitcher staffs in the American league, and have averaged over 90 wins for the last 6 years. Having them to win the American league previously at +1200 (8th favorite among the clubs) was a steal – if you grabbed it 2 weeks ago. The club jumped to +900 for the League Pennant and +1800 for the World Series.  This just happened overnight as they were also +2000 to win the Fall Classic as of yesterday.  TB as the 7th favorite in the AL is still great value even with the less money to win now – as opposed to just 24 hours ago.  The Yankees are not good value as the 3rd favorite in the AL now.

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

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Just as I predicted would happen, someone hammered the Tampa Bay Rays enough for them to switch spots with the Toronto Blue Jays on the odds list. 

The Rays shot up from +1050 to win the AL, and +2000 to win the World Series, to now +900 to win the AL, and +1800, while the Jays have gone to +1100 and +2000 overall, from +1000 and +1800 in for the AL Pennant and World Series respectively.

Most of the odds favor the American League to win in any Fall Classic Matchup versus the National League still.

The NL features heavy favorites of the both the LA Dodgers, Washington Nationals and St. Louis Cardinals.  These 3 teams are best not to pick them to win the NL as the odds are brutal.

If it is your intention to wager on them, pick them to win the World Series, as their odds exponentially increase. 

If you are picking ATL/CIN/PIT/SF/PHI/ARI/MIL and COL, pick them to win the NL, as they pay less than +100 (-105  to – 130) in the translation between NLCS Winner and World Series Winner. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The MLB 2014 World Series As Of Right Now

If you have read any of these odds listed prior, I had mentioned the M's were great value at +4000 (even after Cano, in which I said pounce, they have since jumped to +3300 in January, and now are at +2800).  However this team is suffering from early injury trouble, can't seem to land an additional bat to the roster, and are banking on too many variables at the new odd.  Stay clear.

If you have read any of these odds listed prior, I had mentioned the M’s were great value at +4000 (even after Cano, in which I said pounce, they have since jumped to +3300 in January, and now are at +2800). However this team is suffering from early injury trouble, can’t seem to land an additional bat to the roster, and are banking on too many variables at the new odd. Stay clear.

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

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It has been a tough week for the Seattle Mariners.  1st a freak injury to  Hisashi Iwakuma – has him out 4 – 6 with a bad finger that was caught into a batting cage net.

While Franklin Gutierrez being hurt is not a surprise, it still comes at a bad time.

To make matters worse, Nelson Cruz seems to balking at signing a deal with the PAC NW club.

At this point, the Mariners might want to just think about whether they really want that guy anyway.

Read the rest of this entry

All 30 MLB Parks By Ground In 25 Days? 2014’s Only Attempt To Break The World Record: Part 2

Going for trips that include all 30 MLB Parks in under a month has become common place.  There are a few select ballpark chasers that have tried every year for the last half dozen.  But seriously, this is the website to receive the best knowledge how to do these maniacal travel trips.

Going for trips that include all 30 MLB Parks in under a month has become common place. There are a few select ballpark chasers that have tried every year for the last half-dozen. But seriously, this is the website to receive the best knowledge how to do these maniacal travel trips.  This post contains a 25 day schedule that will make most people wince at the thought of it.  If there are a few of you who are crazy enough to try this, it will change you forever.

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

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So how does one plan for an all 30 MLB Parks trip in terms of geography, mileage, time zone changes and flipping through the 2014 MLB schedule in order to put forth a world record attempt of a 25 days itinerary?

Let me tell you, years of practice at this, and about 12 hours of crunching the computer.

When I set out to do this mission it was for my own personal know how.

A few friends and I have thrown out the idea of going for the World Record for fastest to see all parks by land (current record is 26 days).

Before we get into this, do yourself a favor and read the 1st installment of this 2 parter here . Read the rest of this entry