Blog Archives

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May 20th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Screen Shot 2013-05-21 at 7.21.26 AM

Yan Gomes hit a walk off, come from behind, 3 run homer in the bottom of the 10th to cap off a 3-5 day as the Indians won a bizarre 10-8 game over the Mariners.

R. A. Dickey pitched 8 strong innings letting up only 4 hits and 2 earned runs as the Blue Jays got a much needed win over the Rays, 7-5.

Brandon Belt went 4-5, homering and scoring 4 times as the Giants demolished the Nationals 8-0.

And Patrick Corbin threw his first career complete game, improving to 7-0, as he let up only 3 hits and 1 run in Coors Field, striking out 10 for the Diamondbacks 5-1 win over the Rockies.

They all owned baseball on May 20th, 2013

My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.

At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.

To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.19) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Miguel Cabrera

In a losing cause, Miguel Cabrera hit three homers, reached base 5 times, scored three and drove in 5 runs. (His critics would point out that he made an error.) Despite his best efforts, the Tigers lost to Texas 11-8.

Matt Moore pitched seven terrific innings, holding the Orioles to a single run. The Tampa Bay Rays won 3-1 and swept a series in Baltimore that could come back to haunt the Birds later.

Carlos Gonzalez got on base four times and got RBI hits in the first and fifth as the Rockies blanked the Champion Giants 5-0 in Coors Field.

And Ricky Nolasco pitched 8 strong innings, letting up only 1 run and struck out 11 as the Marlins enjoyed a rare win, 2-1 over the Diamondbacks.

They all owned baseball on May 19th, 2013

My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.

At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.

To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry

MLB Top Teams 1 – 30 + (Best 200 Stats of 2013)

Like us on Facebook here

Monday May.06/2013

Matt Harvey with his stellar outings so far this season may have just become the New York Mets "ace". Harvey is now 4-0 with a 1.66 ERA. Harvey has pitched 40.1 innings - only given up 21 hits, 12 Walks for a League Leading WHIP of .0818  For his awesome 5 weeks we name him the MLB Reports NL Pitcher Of The Month

Matt Harvey with his stellar outings so far this season – may have just become the New York Mets “ace”. Harvey is now 4-0 with a 1.66 ERA. Harvey has pitched 40.1 innings – only given up 21 hits, 12 Walks for a League Leading WHIP of .0818. For his awesome 5 weeks – we name him the MLB Reports NL Pitcher Of The Month

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

Stats all Prior to May.06th games. 

The time has come for the 1sy May Power Rankings.  There will be one each for May, June, July, August, September – and then a special playoff edition Power Rankings will be done in October.

I will not do a weekly Power Rankings during this weeks, because in essence, these are the weekly rankings done on a much larger scale.

These Reports are done with a heavy thought to how the teams project by the end of the season – along with how the clubs have fared so far.

I will point out who has had great months for the all 30 MLB Teams.  I reward the good performances in these rankings – and leave the poor ones for the Podcasts or future articles. CLICK THE READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON

Read the rest of this entry

The Pitching Artist Formerly Known As Fausto Carmona Needs To Be DFA’d!

Like us on Facebook here

Sunday, Apr.28/2013

Through five outings Hernandez is 1-4 record with a 5.28 ERA in just over thirty innings of work. His kryptonite this season has been the long ball in almost every start Hernandez gives up at least one long ball.The long ball has been a big issue for Hernandez this season, giving up eighteen earned runs in a little over thirty innings this season. One good spot is that even though the sinker baller is not getting many of those groundballs he is used to, he has been striking hitters out at a good rate.  In three out of his five starts, Hernandez has struck out seven batters and in the other two he struck out at least four per start. While only walking an average of three per start.

Through 5 outings, Hernandez is 1-4 record with a 5.28 ERA in just over 30 IP of work. His kryptonite this season has been the long ball.  In almost every start Hernandez gives up at least one long ball – giving up 18 ER in his time thus far in total.  One good spot is that even though the sinkerballer is not getting many of those groundballs he is used to, he has been striking hitters out at a good rate. In three out of his five starts, Hernandez has fanned 7 batters and in the other two Game Starts – he punched out at least four per start. He is also walking an average of 3 hitters per start.

By Jake Bullington (Rays Correspondent): 

Roberto Hernandez,  ( AKA Fausto Carmona), was supposed to be insurance for the Tampa Bay Rays this year.  The club was supposed to have Jeff Niemann re-assume his spot in the Starting Pitching Rotation – along with David Price, Jeremy Hellickson, Alex Cobb and  Matt Moore to round out the top 5.

James Shields and Wade Davis. were dealt away to acquire Wil Myers on the basis of this assumption.  However, Niemann was been hurt – and we are still a few weeks away before Chris Archer is brought up for good.  Thus the club has had to use the beleagured ex Indians chucker.

Roberto Hernandez lone good start for Tampa Bay:

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owns Baseball – Updated Apr.28/2013

Travis Hafner

Travis Hafner homered and tripled as the Yankees overcame shaky pitching to beat the Toronto Blue Jays.

Matt Moore of the Rays dominated the White Sox, striking out 9 in just six innings.

Bryce Harper continued his torrent pace as the Nationals once again beat the Cincinnati Reds.

Travis Wood shut down the Marlins lineup giving the Cubs a rare series win.

They all owned baseball on April 27, 2013

My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.

At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON Read the rest of this entry

Who Owns Baseball – Updated Apr.27/2013

Anibal Sanchez

Pitching ruled Friday in an unbelievable way.

How much so?
Kyle Kendrick threw a complete game shutout against the Mets and Wei-Yin Chen threw 8 shut out innings on the road against the A’s. And neither of them owned baseball last night!

Jordan Zimmermann of the Washington Nationals threw a masterful one hit shutout against the Cincinnati Reds.

For the American League, Detroit’s Anibal Sanchez set a franchise record of 17 strikeouts as he dominated the Atlanta Braves.

Meanwhile some hitters had quite a good night as well. Carlos Beltran‘s two home runs helped the Cardinals beat Pittsburgh.

With all the star power in the Tiger lineup, it was Matt Tuiasosopo who dominated, driving in five of Detroit’s 10 runs.

They all owned baseball on April 26, 2013

My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.

At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON Read the rest of this entry

Who Owns Baseball – Updated Apr.26/2013

Clay Buchholz

Clay Buchholz of the Red Sox dominated the Astros and improved to 5-0.

Alex Gordon of the Royals smashed a grand slam that sunk the Tigers.

Gio Gonzalez shut down the Reds as the Nationals prevailed.

Gabby Sanchez homered the Pirates to a come from behind victory against the Phillies..

They all owned baseball on April 25, 2013

My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.

At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON Read the rest of this entry

Who Owns Baseball – Updated Apr.25/2013

Jordany Valdespin

Last night was another wild and loopy night of baseball with come from behind wins, dramatic homers and dominating pitching.

But with all the drama in the National League yesterday, was I really NOT supposed to pick Jordany Valdespin and his walk off grand slam for the Mets?

The National League pitcher who owned baseball was Edinson Volquez of the Padres. He shutdown the hottest team in baseball, the Brewers, for seven shutout innings giving San Diego (the coldest team in baseball) a much needed win.

J. P. Arencibia of the Blue Jays owned baseball with his home run and key 11th inning single that sparked Toronto’s victory over the Orioles.

And all due respect to Yu Darvish and his amazing start against the Angels, but Alex Cobb of the Rays owned baseball as Tampa Bay beat the Yankees 2-0 behind his 8 1/3 shutout innings. 

They all owned baseball on April 24, 2013

My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.

At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON Read the rest of this entry

Who Owns Baseball – Updated April.24/2013

Adam Wainwright

Lots of terrific performances in baseball last night, and none by the Red Sox, whose only positive quality was seeing their game shortened by rain.

Oakland pitcher Bartolo Colon owned the American League with seven shutout innings in Boston as the A’s got back into the win column.

Howie Kendrick of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim owned the American League as a hitter. He homered twice including a walk off shot in the 11th inning, giving the Angels a much needed win over the first place Rangers. In all, Kendrick went 3-5 with two homers and four runs batted in.

Atlanta Braves star Justin Upton homered in both ends of a double header sweep against the Colorado Rockies. He has 11 for the year so far and is making the Diamondbacks look foolish for dealing him. He owned the National League last night.

Meanwhile the amazing Adam Wainwright of the Cardinals easily owned the National League as a pitcher. He let up his first walk of the year (he has one in 37 1/3 innings) and got the win pitching into the 9th, letting up no runs and striking out 9.

They all owned baseball on April 23, 2013

My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.

At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.

 To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON Read the rest of this entry

Who owns baseball? Updated for April 22, 2013

Buster Posey

My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.

There are four categories: American League Hitter, American League Pitcher, National League Hitter and National League Pitcher.

At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.

Is it subjective? Sure.

But so are the MVP and Cy Young votes.

On April 22, 2013, A.J. Pierzynski , Matt Moore, Buster Posey and Shelby Miller all owned baseball.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 21, 2013

Photo: NY Daily News

Photo: NY Daily News

On today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I ask if Don Mattingly‘s job as Dodger manager is in danger? Should it be?

Lance Lynn, Bryce Harper, Hiroki Kuroda and yes Daniel Nava owned baseball on April 20, 2013.



Subscribe on iTunes HERE.

To find out the Player who owned baseball for a Day yearly standings leaders – click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY icon Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 20, 2013

IMG_5742

Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I talk about how the Red Sox are a symbolic healing of Boston. They need to also offer some real tangible methods of healing.

How about free admission to police officers?
And oh yeah, help out the medical bills of those injured.
Small potatoes money wise and a big way to get the love of fans back.

Travis Hafner, Yu Darvish, Angel Pagan and Wandy Rodriguez owned baseball on April 19, 2013.



Subscribe on iTunes HERE.

To find out the Player who owned baseball for a Day yearly standings leaders – click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY icon Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 19, 2013

Photo: ESPN.com

Photo: ESPN.com

On today’s episode, I make a plea to the many eccentric billionaires who listen to The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast:

Please buy the Miami Marlins! You get to be a famous rich big shot in Miami, and if you are even competent, fans will love you.

Troy Tulowitzki, Yovani Gallardo, Matt Wieters and R.A. Dickey owned baseball on April 18, 2013.



Subscribe on iTunes HERE.

For the Yearly Leaders of Players who owned baseball for A Day click the READ THE REST OF THE ICON  Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 18, 2013

IMG_5696entrance

Today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast was taped during the San Jose Giants and Stockton Ports game played at San Jose Municipal Stadium on April 17, 2013.

The Ports won 7-2. It wasn’t a very good game.

I talked a little baseball, shared some memories, made some observations and bumped into comedian Garret Gonzales.

The G-Man is a San Jose native and Giants fans and had some clear points of view about where his heart lies in baseball and thoughts about mascots.

Check out Garret’s album on iTunes and he will be appearing on CBS later this year.

Wade Davis, James Loney, A.J. Burnett and Zack Cozart owned baseball on April 17, 2013.



Subscribe on iTunes HERE.

Click the READ THE REST OF THE ENTRY icon to find out who owned Baseball for a Day Yearly Standings Read the rest of this entry

The Rays Need To Call Up Wil Myers Pronto!

2 And A Hook Podcast Talks About Calling UP Wil Myers – 25 Minute Mark

download the episode here

Like us on Facebook here

Thursday Apr.18/2013

Myers ascended onto the PCL scene last year and ripped out 24 HRs in just 99 Games at Omaha. The Rays will be counting on him for their offensive future for many years to come. The club has featured a futile attack with the bats - hitting for a 3 Slash Line of .204//284/.588. They have scored only 39 Runs - while allowing 59 Runs through 13 Games.

Myers ascended onto the PCL scene last year and ripped out 24 HRs in just 99 Games at Omaha. The Rays will be counting on him for their offensive future for many years to come. The club has featured a futile attack with the bats – hitting for a 3 Slash Line of .204//284/.588. They have scored only 39 Runs – while allowing 59 Runs through 13 Games.

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

First off, I wanted to say that I completely respect the Tampa Bay Rays – and especially am an avid supporter of the head office – including GM Andrew Freidman.  I will get to all of this in this article.

It is time to call up Wil Myers to the big club! 

The club is mired in a slow start at 4 – 9 and are already 5 Games Behind the AL East Division Leaders ‘Boston Red Sox.

The team traded away Veteran Pitchers James Shields and Wade Davis to Kansas City in order to acquire the top hitting prospect.

Here is why the time makes sense.

Service time for Super 2 Arbitration Status and Free Agency Year aside, this clubs current offense is abysmal despite having great pitching ability.

Wil Myers Highlight Reel:

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 17, 2013

Screen Shot 2013-04-17 at 6.21.52 PM

On today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I look at the negative things in our life that we can express as fans in a healthy way. Also, the James Shields and Wade Davis trade for Wil Myers doesn’t look so stupid right now.

Mike Napoli, Derek Holland, Alexi Amarista and Homer Bailey owned baseball on April 16, 2013.



Subscribe on iTunes HERE.

To find out the year leaders for Players who owned baseball for a Day click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY icon Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 16, 2013

Screen Shot 2013-04-17 at 12.43.37 AM

Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I ask Is Mike Scioscia‘s job safe? Are the Angels making a stupid lineup decision? It sure looks that way.

Also, Bronson Arroyo, Ryan Zimmerman, Kevin Correia and Joe Mauer owned baseball on April 15, 2013.



Subscribe on iTunes HERE.

To See The Yearly  Race for  Players who owned baseball for a Day click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 15, 2013

Larry-Doby-01

Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I discuss Jackie Robinson Day and ask to pay tribute to Larry Doby, the second pioneer to break the color barrier.

I quote an article by Kim Geralds of The Oakland Press.



Also, Michael McKenry, Paul Maholm, Austin Jackson and Clay Buchholz owned baseball on April 14, 2013.

The podcast was recorded before the events in Boston took place.



Subscribe on iTunes HERE.

If You want to see the Players who owned Baseball for a Day Yearly Standings click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY icon Read the rest of this entry

Rays Say No Time To Panic: It Has Just Been 10 Games

Like us on Facebook here

Sunday, Apr.14/2013

Ben Zobrist has quietly tuned into one of the best all around players in the game.  He has finished in the top for WAR in 3 of the 4 years - including 1st in 2011 and 2nd in 2009.  At Age 31, Zobrist goes into a contract year.    Ben Zobrist has been a big bright spot for the Rays this season. Zobrist who continues this season with his musical chairs role on the team has not let his bat cool down 10 games into the season. Rays fans need not worry this early. With only 10 games played in the young season now is not the time to start throwing in the towel and saying that GM Andrew Friedman and his staff have lost their touch.

Ben Zobrist has quietly tuned into one of the best all around players in the game. He has finished in the top for WAR in 3 of the 4 years – including 1st in 2011 and 2nd in 2009. At Age 31, Zobrist goes into a contract year. Ben Zobrist has been a big bright spot for the Rays this season. Zobrist who continues this season with his musical chairs role on the team has not let his bat cool down 10 games into the season. Rays fans need not worry this early. With only 10 games played in the young season now is not the time to start throwing in the towel and saying that GM Andrew Friedman and his staff have lost their touch.

By Jake Bullington (Rays Correspondent): 

Ben Zobrist aside, the Rays have started this season with a four and six record and are currently in last place in the American League East division, but this is not cause for concern.

Sure David Price does not have his first win of the season and has an ERA up to almost six ( 5.82 to be exact), but the Rays are not worried so why should we be.  

The club started at 0 – 6, before making the playoffs in 2011, so there is no way Joe Maddon will hit the panic button in 2013.

David Price Highlights 2012 – Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance is Advised:

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 14, 2013

42-movie

Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I review the movie 42.

I also look at the famous moment when Pee Wee Reese put his arm around Jackie and wonder if it ever really happened.



Also, Prince Fielder, Jon Lester, Adam Wainwright and Wilin Rosario owned baseball on April 13, 2013.



Subscribe on iTunes HERE.

To See the Yearly Results of Players who owned baseball for the Day – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY icon Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 13, 2013

Tommy Hanson


On today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I talk about the parity in the American League and why the Angels resemble a little league team.


Also, Andrew McCutchen, Shelby Miller, Justin Maxwell and Justin Masterson owned baseball.


Subscribe on iTunes HERE.

To See the Yearly Results For Players who owned baseball – click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY Icon.. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 12, 2013

I recorded today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast in the parking lot of Trader Joe’s. Don’t ask. I hate bean ball wars and brawls in baseball. And I let me feelings known to all the shoppers today. Meanwhile Manny Machado, A. J. Griffin, Bryce Harper and Sergio Romo owned baseball on April 11, 2013. Subscribe on iTunes HERE.

Click The READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON  in order to see the yearly Players Who Owned baseball for the day Read the rest of this entry

Tampa Bay Rays Player Roster In 2013 Part 2 – The Pitchers: State Of The Union

Like us on Facebook here

Sunday, Mar.03/2013

The Rays led the Major Leagues last year in ERA (3.19) and were 3rd in team SO.  They also converted 50 of 58 Saves.  Even more impressive was that they were 45-31 with a 2.60 ERA after the ALL-Star Break.  They traded veterans Wade Davis and James Shields away for top level prospects.  Will they be able to duplicate their 2012 numbers with their young talented pitchers improving the club internally?

The Rays led the Major Leagues last year in ERA (3.19) and were 3rd in team SO. They also converted 50 of 58 Saves. Even more impressive was that they were 45-31 with a 2.60 ERA after the ALL-Star Break. They traded veterans Wade Davis and James Shields away for top level prospects. Will they be able to duplicate their 2012 numbers with their young talented pitchers improving the club internally?

Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner):

The Rays are a team built on their strong pitching and timely hits.  The majority of their hurlers are homegrown.  The unfortunate part about all of this is that the Rays have a Stadium problem.  Tropicana Field just doesn’t bring in enough revenue in order to pay their pitchers once they become eligible to be Free Agents.  Let’s face it, when you can’t bank on a pitcher being healthy for the duration of his contract, the management will be hard pressed to sign a pitcher to a long – term, 9 figure contract.

The Tampa fans had better enjoy seeing David Price for the next 3 years – because he is on a path to the kind of dollars that will see him leave town.  The Rays have made their investment in their franchise player already in Evan Longoria.  So here continues the continual revolving door.  The good news is that the organization has stockpiled the kind of talented Minor League System that should be able to brunt the force of such a catastrophic loss forthcoming with the reigning AL CY Young winner.

Price might just be the premier Left Handed Pitcher in the MLB right now.  After him in the Starting Rotation is Jeremy HellicksonMatt Moore, Alex Cobb and Jeff Niemann.  The team alsoadded Roberto Hernandez (Don’t call me Fausto,) for added insurance.  There are 2 highly touted prospects with both Chris Archer and Mike Montgomery possibly seeing some time up with the big club.  They also could see Jake Odorizzi challenge for a spot in the rotation.

David Price Highlights in 2012:

Read the rest of this entry

Tampa Bay Rays Player Roster In 2013 Part 1 – The Hitters: State Of The Union

Like us on Facebook here

Sunday, Mar.03/2013

Ben Zobrist has quietly tuned into one of the best all around players in the game.  He has finished in the top for WAR in 3 of the 4 years - including 1st in 2011 and 2nd in 2009.  At Age 31, Zobrist goes into a contract year.

Ben Zobrist has quietly turned into one of the best all around players in the game. He has finished in the top 10 for WAR in 3 of the last 4 years – including 1st in 2011 and 2nd in 2009. At Age 31, Zobrist goes into a contract year in 2013.  It may be his last season with TB.

By Jake Bullington (Rays Correspondent)

Part 1: The hitters:

2012 saw the Tampa Bay Rays miss the playoffs for the first time since 2009. They would finish a very respectable 90-win season and finish third in the AL Wild card. The offseason saw much of what Rays fans are used to from this small market club. Impact players such as B.J. Upton (ATL), Jeff Keppinger (CHW),  and Carlos Pena (HOU),  would move on to greener pastures and sign elsewhere. That meant GM Andrew Friedman and his team would get to work. They would pick up options on SP James Shields, CL Fernando Rodney, and C Jose Molina. They would decline the option on DH Luke Scott and later sign him back.

The offseason would also see the reworking of a long-term deal to keep the Rays 3B Evan Longoria in a Rays uniform at least through the 2022 season. But with Free Agency looming for “Big Game” James the Rays would do what they do best and send Shields, Wade Davis, and a PTBNL (Elliot Johnson) to the Royals for a prospect package that included future rotation regulars Mike Montgomery and Jake Odorizzi and MLB.com 2nd best prospect OF Wil Myers. The Rays would shore up the middle of the infield by Signing and trading for the Blue Jays previous middle infield of Yunel Escobar (MIA) and Kelly Johnson (FA). To replace Carlos Pena, the Rays would sign Free Agent James Loney.   The organization also brought back Joel Peralta on a deal that included a record three Club Options.

Desmond Jennings Highlights:

Read the rest of this entry

Tampa Bay Rays Payroll 2013 And Contracts Going Forward: Part 4 Of A 5 Part Rays Series

Like us on Facebook here

Sunday Mar.03/2013

Will ascended onto the PCL scene last year and ripped out 24 HRs in just 99 Games at Omaha.  The Rays will be counting on him for their offensive future

Will Myers ascended onto the PCL scene last year and ripped out 24 HRs in just 99 Games at Omaha. The Rays will be counting on him for their offensive future.  As a Controllable Player for years, he changes the Salary structure of the Team to Lower the committed dollars from what Shields and Davis would have made.

Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner):

New Changes to the old article in Purple: 

I am of the belief that the Andrew Friedman and Stu Sternberg have been the ‘model franchise’ in the MLB over the last 5 years.  Not only do they compete in the vaunted AL East versus the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, but they have made the playoffs 3 times in that span, including a World Series Loss to the Philadelphia in the 2008 year.  Had Evan Longoria not been hurt for the majority of the season, one could argue that the club was poised to make another playoff appearance.  So how are they doing this?  Their team payroll is roughly one-third of the Yankees and the 40 % of the Red Sox total Payroll.  The Rays are smart enough to let their higher priced Free Agents walk, or even trading them before they are due significant pay raises. 

They are also using the philosophy of the ‘John Hart‘ Indians of the Pre-Milennium Cleveland Indians.  Once it was established that Evan Longoria could play at the MLB Level, they signed him to an 8 year contract.  They did the same thing with Starting Pitching Matt Moore last year with a 5 year deal for the rookie based on one playoffs of decent pitching.  It is a risk sometimes to do this, yet the rewards can save you Millions in future payroll if they player outperforms his contract.

Rays Highlights 2012 Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance Is advised:

Read the rest of this entry

The Tampa Bay Rays: The Franchise 1998-2012: Part 1 Of A 5 Part Article Series

Thursday, December.20, 2012

Note from Chuck Booth:  I am attempting to bring the history for each of the 30 MLB Franchises into a 5 part series that will focus on 1. The teams history.  2. The hitters 3. The pitchers. 4. The Teams Payroll going into 2013 and 5. The Ball Park that they play in. (The stadium articles will all be done next summer when I go to all of the parks in under a month again.)  Be sure to check my author page with a list of all of  my archived articles section here.

The many Rays Logo's over the years.  Is the best of this franchise yet tom come

The many Rays Logo’s over the years. Is the best of this franchise yet to come?

Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Writer/Website Owner):

The Tampa Bay Rays Franchise can be summarized into two different categories:  “The Devil Rays Days” and the “Rays Days.”  The Devil Rays endured 10 straight losing seasons to start the club’s history.  From 1998-2007, was a complete gong show (645-972) and last place finishes in a tough AL East every year, except for 2004, when they finished 4th, although they did stockpile several top Draft Picks based on their horrid regular seasons.  In 2008, all of that changed when the ‘Devil’ was literally and figuratively knocked away from the Tampa Bay team.  Their young stars finally saw their potential realized and they appeared in the 2008 World Series versus the Philadelphia Phillies.  The Franchise would lose in 5 hard-fought, weather fulfilled games, however the team was now one of the model clubs in baseball.  From 2008-2012, the club has gone 458-352.

The Rays have made the playoffs in 2010 and 2011 since, plus featured two other over .500 records in 2009 and 2012.  The club has now had 5 winning seasons in a row.  There is still a long way to go as they feature the worst winning percentage in MLB History, with a 1103-1327 Franchise Record (.454).  The next worst team is the Padres at .463.  The Arizona DiamondBacks were the NL Expansion cousins of the Rays and they feature a Win Percentage of (.498), which is second overall for the Expansion teams.  The Arizona DiamondBacks also have made the playoffs 5 times and won the World Series in 2001.  Still if you asked anyone right now, the Rays would gladly be the team everyone picked.

Franchise Series Links:

The Hitters:  The Tampa Bay Rays: The Hitters 1998-2012: Part 2 Of A 5 Part Article Series

The Pitchers:  The Tampa Bay Rays: The Pitchers 1998-2012: Part 3 Of A 5 Part Article Series

2013 Team Payroll:  Tampa Bay Rays Payroll 2013 And Contracts Going Forward: Updated for Myers Trade Dec.11/2012

Tropicana Field Expert:  An Interview with Tropicana Field Expert Kurt Smith

Read the rest of this entry

Dissecting The Royals And Rays Trade: Shields And Davis For Wil Myers + Prospects

Tuesday, Dec.11/2012

James Shields has 2 years left on his contract with the Rays.  He was the first player they signed to many years of Club Options.  It is a system they have used to sign Zobrist, Longoria and Moore.  It gives the team the flexibility to option out of a contract with a player heading into any year

James Shields has 2 years left on his contract with the Royals.  He is 31-22 with 448 Strikeouts in 477 IP in the last 2 years.  While he might not be a Premiere Ace, he is a front end starter that Kansas City has not had for a long ime.

Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Writer/Website Owner):

We at the MLB Reports have established that we are far more in favor of acquiring hitters than pitchers in today’s MLB.  Why do you ask?  It is simple. The amount of pitchers that end up injured for the year is mind boggling.  You can check out our Tommy John Surgery Tracker Page here.  Point being, is that is risky to trade away top tier offensive prospects for pitching in return.  Having said this, I like this trade of James Shields, Wade Davis and a player to be named later, for Wil Myers, Jake Odorizzi, Mike Montgomery and Patrick Leonard for both clubs.  It addresses immediate concerns with a look to the future.  To fully assess how this trade will break down we start with the Royals: Read the rest of this entry

MLB Reports Monthly Power Rankings: September 2012

Monday, September.3/2012

Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Writer):   To say that this year has been a good year for baseball is an humongous understatement.  I thought after last years finish, that nothing was going to duplicate the experience.  Everyone forgets (or maybe not) that there should not even have been many races last year with Atlanta and Boston having such substantial leads on playoff spots.  The Red Sox and Braves collapsed like a couple of bowling pins with King Kong Bundy splashing down on them!  

This year, there are 15 teams still vying for 10 playoff spots.  So far the only probable locks are Washington for a playoff spot-and Cincinnati to probably win their division  The player races for all of the categories is almost as fascinating.  Will Andrew McCutcheon catch Melky Cabrera for the Batting title? Or will 2012 be forever cemented in baseball folklore by a stained player like Cabrera?  He could still end up determining who wins the World Series in the Fall Classic by his Testosterone filled antics in his MVP ALL-Star Game.  The big question is, will the San Francisco Giants fans cheer for him if he comes back in the playoffs?  They cheered for another league leader before when it was obvious he was guilty.  Right now if you are the Giants, you will take an opportunity to boo or cheer for Cabrera because that means you would  be in the playoffs.

Will the spending happy Dodgers have to wait another year to capitalize on their new plan to make the playoffs? If they ultimately  miss the playoffs outright, are they going to buy every player they can in the off-season?  I sure hope Magic knows that there are Luxury Tax penalties for spending over 178 Million Next Year.  1st year fine is 22.5%, 2nd year is 30%, 3rd year and beyond is 40%.  So if they plan on having a 250 Million Dollar Payroll in 2013 (by adding 2 or 3 more top Free Agents) will the Dodgers just forego the worry of any financial penalties on a yearly basis– just to dominate the whole National League (plus baseball for that matter.) Every other team has to consider the urgency in cashing out a World Series right now while the Dodgers have not had a full off season with the new management yet.  Can Oakland and their ‘New Money Ball philosophy’ make it to the playoffs for the first time since 2006? 

The Best Players over the last month were:  Buster Posey, Prince Fielder, Giancarlo Stanton, Adrian Beltre, Josh Hamilton, Yovani Gallardo, Kris Medlen, Adam Wainwright, Aroldis Chapman and Felix Hernandez.  The best teams have been Oakland, Washington, San Francisco, San Diego, Baltimore and Texas.  The worst teams have been Houston (at least its better to go down hard and stockpile #1 Draft Picks guys.)  I have a feeling you will be there for a while with the division you are heading into and may even challenge the 120 Loss Single Season Record.  At least you are not going into the NL West  to compete with the LA Dodgers!  The Cleveland Indians have fallen to an epic drop-off as well.  Toronto misses their top sluggers.  What has happened to the Minnesota Twins? The Mets have ownership and payroll problems, so at least they have an excuse.  Plus they lead the world in guys being hurt.  When David Wright has been your healthiest player, you know the season has been backwards!  So sit back, get your notebook and popcorn ready for this Month’s Rankings! Read the rest of this entry