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MLB Master Doubleheader Schedule For 2018

AT &T Park in San Francisco and O.co Coliseum in Oakland are part of this year’s first doubleheader opportunity available by ground in 2018. The Bay Area usually holds 3 – 4 doubleheader chances a year to attend full games in both parks.

Each year we write the full doubleheader master schedule to see all games you can in one year (within reasonable driving or ground distance to cover, if not see all of both games). 

This season is no different, although this amount of contests is rapidly dwindling each campaign with staggered start times for a lot of clubs (in particular in April and on Saturdays), coupled with the time per game increasing, it makes it tougher than ever to watch 2 full games at venues.

We will add much more to this list as the year goes on, and definitely one thing to watch for is the ESPN Sunday Night Games TBD’s as the summer progresses. 

Like Ernie Banks once said “Let’s Play 2.”

Tues Apr 3

SF 12:45/OAK 7:05

Wed Apr 4

LAA 1:07/SD 7:10

Sun Apr 8

PHI 1:35/WSH 8:08

NYY 1:05/WSH 8:08 Read the rest of this entry

Boston Red Sox Entire 2017 MLB Schedule On One Page Post.

fenway park 2

ALL TIMES  DISPLAYED IN EASTERN TIME ZONE

WEEK 1 (Includes Season Opener Sunday Apr 2, 2017)

INTERLEAGUE GAMES IN MAROON

APR  2017

Sunday, Apr 2  MLB OPENING DAY

DAY OFF Read the rest of this entry

Toronto Blue Jays Entire 2017 MLB Schedule On One Page Post.

Rogers Home Opener will be on Monday Apr 10, 2017, to kick off the 29th year the ballpark has been playing games there. Last year the Jays drew 3.4 Million Fans. and that is the biggest total since the World Series Years - or the 1st 5 years of the venue.

Rogers Home Opener will be on Tuesday Apr 111, 2017, to kick off the 29th year the ballpark has been playing games there. Last year the Jays drew 3.4 Million Fans. and that is the biggest total since the World Series Years – or the 1st 5 years of the venue.

ALL TIMES  DISPLAYED IN EASTERN TIME ZONE

WEEK 1 (Includes Season Opener Sunday Apr 2, 2017)

INTERLEAGUE GAMES IN MAROON

APR  2017

Sunday, Apr 2  MLB OPENING DAY

DAY OFF

Monday, Apr 3

Blue Jays @ O’s 3:05 Oriole Park  (Camden Yards) Home Opener, Baltimore, MD  (Baltimore Orioles)

Tuesday Apr 4 

DAY OFF

Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2017 MLB League Pennants: You Will Never Guess Who May Have The Best Value

No teams in the AL would be faoored against the Cubs should they face the reigning Champs, so it mau be easier to bet them just to win the Pennant

No teams in the AL would be favored against the Cubs should they face the reigning Champs, so it may be easier to bet them just to win the AL Pennant.

There is a reason why these odds value favorites are not any real difference for the Odds To Win The World Series and these will be any different. 

Basically, you could just go ahead with a World Series bet for anyone you think that can win the Title, and then simply hedge when it comes  to the Fall Classic.

I always say that MLB Power Rankings should have a lot to do with odds to win any type of Division, League Pennant or World Series.

The 1st thing that jumped out to me here was that the LA Angels are at 35/1 for the Junior Circuit.  Should they face any of the Senior Circuit’s top clubs, they would probably all be +150 underdogs.

If you were to pick the Angels at +3500, and then parlay that into a +150 wager in the World Series, than the overall odd shoots +8750 rather than the +7500.

Personally, the Angels have had a great winter to shore up the defense – and have addressed a few roster spots with a deeper bench. 

Is it that foreign to think that the Los Angeles Angels could jump out quickly if Mike Trout can carry them?

In their 1st 60 games of the season, the Halo's effectively miss the Indians and Red Sox on the docket, and only have to play 3 games versus the Tigers as well. Yes, they play a huge chunk of their games vs the AL West, but they have improved against all of the clubs as of right now. Mike Scioscia's squad gets to play 4 games at Tampa - and 4 games vs the Twins, 3 vs Toronto and Atlanta at home, with 3 at Kc and Miami. The club are slated to host the Braves for 3 games. Did I mention they play the A's 10 times in their 1st 60 contests as well? I could see them with 34 or 36 wins at the 60 game mark In an exhausting stretch from Apr 3, to May 15, the team also plays 43 games in 46 nights, with 20 of them at home, but that is a great itinerary to kick off the campaign.

In their 1st 60 games of the season, the Halo’s effectively miss the Indians and Red Sox on the docket, and only have to play 3 games versus the Tigers as well. Yes, they play a huge chunk of their games vs the AL West, but they have improved against all of the clubs as of right now. Mike Scioscia’s squad gets to play 4 games at Tampa – and 4 games vs the Twins, 3 vs Toronto and Atlanta at home, with 3 at KC and Miami. Did I mention they play the A’s 10 times in their 1st 60 contests as well? I could see them with 34 or 36 wins at the 60 game mark In an exhausting stretch from Apr 3, to May 15, the team also plays 43 games in 46 nights, with 20 of them at home, but that is a great itinerary to kick off the campaign.

Lets say they are 8 or 10 games over at that point, I could actually see the organization spending a little bit more money in the 2nd half to acquire talent. 

Also if they can withstand until Albert Pujols gets back healthy everyday as the permanent DH.

Don’t get me wrong, I like the Astros, M’s and Rangers still better for the Division, but the gap is not that much….Particularly if the Astros don’t add a Starting Pitcher, the Mariners don’t add a slugging First Baseman, and Texas is hesitant to spend more money on payroll.

The Angels did win 98 Games in 2014 and 85 games in 2015, before receding to 74 victories last campaign. 

Mike Trout is due for one of those just carry the club on his back seasons, (not that he hasn’t been awesome individually in that time span.

If the Cubs make the World Series, than only the Boston Red Sox or Cleveland Indians may even come close to an even match for an opponent, with the reigning champs still holding a distinct advantage.

Boston’s +270 is a brutal look at an odd for the AL.  I am not infatuated with the odd of +600 for the World Series either.  They play in a tough AL East where all 5 teams could compete.

Both the Indians and Astros are fairly pitted for their odds towards the AL Pennant.

Texas continues to be the oddball 2nd favorite in the AL West despite having a poor winter thus far. 

News that they will probably sign Mike Napoli should buoy some spirits, and I am willing to acknowledge that when it happens, yet I feel they still need more.

If the Rangers also swing a Jurickson Profar for a Tampa Bay starter like Jake Odorizzi, then I could par them up with Houston.  As of right now, they are two players short.

I still love the odds for the Nationals even though I wish they wouldn’t have come to near Spring Training without a proven Closer.

The more we draw near to the regular season, the less I like the Yankees too in 2017.  They are going to be way too dependent on Gary Sanchez setting the world on fire to contend in my opinion.

New York’s rotation does not instill confidence despite having a lock down Relief Core.  Jacoby Ellsbury and Brett Gardner are in their mid 30’s now – where the speed doesn’t play as good.

Starlin Castro and Didi Gregorius clubbed 20 HRs each in 2016, but so did 116 other players last campaign. 

These guys never walk either with OBP’s of .300 and .304 respectivelY.  Chase Headley is average at best.

For the Bronx Bombers to duplicate even their 84 win season last year, I think Sanchez will have to destroy 40 – 50 Jacks into the seats. 

Detroit has better Starting pitching and a world-class offense compared to the Pinstripers, yet are behind them in the odds?

Speaking of Detroit.  For being the 2nd favorite team in the AL Central, they possess the 6th place odd out of all 2nd place listed clubs. 

The Tigers can beat up the White Sox and Twins all years, and the Royals are all of a sudden not looking as good either,  I am all over the Motown Boys.

St. Louis, for the record, are the 5th out of 6th 2nd place listed odds, and are fully valued at +1250.

The Cubs are the cream of the crop, but wagering the club for +180 is not worth it.  You are better off wagering them to win the Fall Classic at +370 instead. 

There is no AL team that Chicago would be an underdog against.  Having said that, the money is not there to plunk down any cabbage for this.

I only wish you could bet the field in the NL vs the Cubs.  The Dodgers are also not a good at +435, mostly because Chicago sits in their path.

If I were to bet the Mets ever to win the NL Pennant, it would be in the mid season when I could see their rotation in action and remain healthy.

Odds To Win The American League

Blue Bold Means Good Vale with #value confidence in parenthesis

Maroon Bold Means Bad Vale with # value confidence in parenthesis

Boston Red Sox +270 (3)

Cleveland Indians +445

Houston Astros +680

Texas Rangers +900 (1)

Toronto Blue Jays +960 (3)

Seattle Mariners +1250

NY Yankees +1350 (2)

Detroit Tigers +1550 (5)

Baltimore O’s +1550

KC Royals +1850

LA Angels +3500 (1)

TB Rays +3700

Oakland A’s +7000

Minnesota Twins +7000

Chicago White Sox +7000

Odds To Win The Nationals League

Chicago Cubs +180 (5)

Dodgers +435 (4)

Washington Nationals +600 (2)

NY Mets +735

SF Giants +740

St.Louis Cardinals +1250 (4)

Colorado Rockies +2400

Pittsburgh Pirates +2400

Miami Marlins +3800

Arizona D’Backs +5000

Philadelphia Phillies +6000

Cincinnati Reds +7500

Atlanta Braves +9000

Milwaukee Brewers +10000

SD Padres +10000

Odds courtesy of betdsi.eu

AL vs NL

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New York Yankees Entire 2017 MLB Schedule On One Page Post.

ALL TIMES  DISPLAYED IN EASTERN TIME ZONE

WEEK 1 (Includes Season Opener Sunday Apr 2, 2017)

INTERLEAGUE GAMES IN MAROON

APR  2017

Sunday, Apr 2  MLB OPENING DAY

Yankees @ Rays 1:10 Tropicana Field Home Opener, St. Petersburg, FL (Tampa Bay Rays)

Monday Apr 3

Off Day

Tuesday Apr 4

Yankees @ Rays 7:10 Read the rest of this entry

All 2430 MLB Games Schedule In 2017 On One Page Post

 

ALL TIMES  DISPLAYED IN EASTERN TIME ZONE

WEEK 1 (Includes Season Opener Sunday Apr 2, 2017)

INTERLEAGUE GAMES IN MAROON

APR  2017

Sunday, Apr 2  MLB OPENING DAY (3 Games):

Yankees @ Rays 1:10 Tropicana Field Home Opener, St. Petersburg, FL (Tampa Bay Rays)

Giants @ D’Backs 4:10 Chase Field Home Opener, Phoenix, AR (Arizona Diamondbacks)

Cubs @ Cardinals 8:35 (ESPN SUNDAY NIGHT GAME) Busch Stadium Home Opener, St. Louis, MO (St. Louis Cardinals)

There are no Interleague Games On this Day

Monday, Apr 3 (12 Games):

Marlins @ Nationals 1:05 Nationals Park Home Opener, Washington, DC (Washington Nationals)

Braves @ Mets 1:10 Citi Field Home Opener, Flushing, NY (New York Mets)

Pirates @ Red Sox  2:05 Fenway Park Home Opener, Boston, MA (Boston Red Sox)

Rockies @ Brewers 2:10 Miller Park Home Opener, Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee Brewers)

Blue Jays @ O’s 3:05 Oriole Park  (Camden Yards) Home Opener, Baltimore, MD  (Baltimore Orioles)

Tigers @ White Sox 4:10 Guaranteed Rate Field Home Opener, Chicago, IL (Chicago White Sox)

Royals @ Twins 4:10 Target Field Home Opener, Minneapolis, MN (Minnesota Twins)

Phillies @ Reds 4:10 Great American Ball Park Home Opener, Cincinnati, OH (Cincinnati Reds)

Dodgers @ Padres 4:10 Dodger Stadium Home Opener, Los Angeles, CA (LA Dodgers)

Indians @ Rangers 7:05 Globe Life Park Home Opener, Arlington, TX (Texas Rangers)

M’s @ Astros 8:10 Minute Maid Park Home Opener, Houston, TX (Houston Astros)

Angels @ A’s 10:10  O.co Coliseum Home Opener, Oakland, CA (Oakland Athletics)

Tuesday Apr 4  (8 Games):

Yankees @ Rays 7:10

Rockies @ Brewers 7:40

Indians @ Rangers 8:05

M’s @ Astros 8:10

Cubs @ Cardinals 8:15

Giants @ D’Backs 9:40

Angels @ A’s 10:05

Padres @ Dodgers 10:10

There are no Interleague Games On this Day
Read the rest of this entry

MLB Schedule For MLB In Sept/Oct Of 2017 On One Page Post

INTERLEAGUE GAMES IN MAROON

ALL TIMES  DISPLAYED IN EASTERN TIME ZONE

SEPT/OCT

Friday  Sept 1 (15 Games):

Braves @ Cubs 2:20

Red Sox @ Yankees 7:05

Reds @ Pirates 7:05

Blue Jays @ O’s 7:05

Indians @ Tigers 7:10

Phillies @ Marlins 7:10

Angels @ Rangers 8:05

Mets @ Astros 8:10

Royals @ Twins 8:10

Rays @ White Sox 8:10

Nationals @ Brewers 8:10

D’Backs @ Rockies 8:40

Dodgers @ Padres 10:10

A’s @ M’s 10:10

Cardinals @ Giants 10:15 Read the rest of this entry

MLB Schedule For MLB In Aug Of 2017 On One Page Post

INTERLEAGUE GAMES IN MAROON

ALL TIMES  DISPLAYED IN EASTERN TIME ZONE

Tuesday Aug 1 (15 Games)

Reds @ Pirates 7:05

Tigers @ Yankees 7:05

Royals @ Tigers 7:05

Indians @ Red Sox 7:10

Nationals @ Marlins 7:10

Dodgers @ Braves 7:35

Cardinals @ Brewers 7:40

D’Backs @ Cubs 8:05

M’s @ Rangers 8:05

Rays @ Astros 8:10

Blue Jays @ White Sox 8:10

Mets @ Rockies 8:40

Giants @ A’s 10:05

Phillies @ Angels 10:07

Twins @ Padres 10:10 Read the rest of this entry

MLB Schedule For ML:B In July Of 2017 On One Page Post

ALL TIMES  DISPLAYED IN EASTERN TIME ZONE

INTERLEAGUE GAMES IN MAROON

JULY: 

Saturday July 1 (15 Games):

Red Sox @ Blue Jays 1:07

Rangers @ White Sox 2:10

Twins @ Royals 2:15

Braves @ A’s 4:05

Giants @ Pirates 4:05

Rays @ O’s 4:05

Cubs @ Reds 4:10

Marlins @ Brewers 4:10

Phillies @ Mets 4:10

Indians @ Tigers 7:15

Yankees @ Astros 7:15

Nationals @ Cardinals 7;15

M’s @ Angels 10:07

Rockies @ D’Backs 10:10

Dodgers @ Padres 10:10 Read the rest of this entry

MLB Schedule In June 2017 On One Page Post

ALL TIMES  DISPLAYED IN EASTERN TIME ZONE

INTERLEAGUE GAMES IN MAROON

JUNE

Thursday June 1 (8 Games):

A’s @ Indians 1:10

Brewers @ Mets 1:10

Dodgers @ Cardinals 1:45

Rockies @ M’s 3:40

Red Sox @ O’s 7:05

Yankees @ Blue Jays 7:07

D’Backs @ Marlins 7:10

Twins @ Angels 10:07 Read the rest of this entry

MLB Schedule In May 2017 On One Page Post

ALL TIMES  DISPLAYED IN EASTERN TIME ZONE

MAY

INTERLEAGUE GAMES IN MAROON

Week 5

Monday May 1 (11 Games):

Blue Jays @ Yankees 7:05

Rays @ Marlins 7:10

Indians @ Tigers 7:10

O’s @ Red Sox 7:10

Pirates @ Reds

Mets @ Braves

Phillies @ Cubs 8:05

Rangers @ Astros 8:10

White Sox @ Royals 8:15

Brewers @ Cardinals 8:15

Giants @ Dodgers 10:10 Read the rest of this entry

MLB Schedule In April 2017 On One Page Post

ALL TIMES  DISPLAYED IN EASTERN TIME ZONE

WEEK 1 (Includes Season Opener Sunday Apr 2, 2017)

INTERLEAGUE GAMES IN MAROON

APR  2017

Sunday, Apr 2  MLB OPENING DAY (3 Games):

Yankees @ Rays 1:10 Tropicana Field Home Opener, St. Petersburg, FL (Tampa Bay Rays)

Giants @ D’Backs 4:10 Chase Field Home Opener, Phoenix, AR (Arizona Diamondbacks)

Cubs @ Cardinals 8:35 (ESPN SUNDAY NIGHT GAME) Busch Stadium Home Opener, St. Louis, MO (St. Louis Cardinals)

There are no Interleague Games On this Day

Monday, Apr 3 (12 Games):

Marlins @ Nationals 1:05 Nationals Park Home Opener, Washington, DC (Washington Nationals)

Braves @ Mets 1:10 Citi Field Home Opener, Flushing, NY (New York Mets)

Pirates @ Red Sox  2:05 Fenway Park Home Opener, Boston, MA (Boston Red Sox)

Rockies @ Brewers 2:10 Miller Park Home Opener, Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee Brewers)

Blue Jays @ O’s 3:05 Oriole Park  (Camden Yards) Home Opener, Baltimore, MD  (Baltimore Orioles)

Tigers @ White Sox 4:10 Guaranteed Rate Field Home Opener, Chicago, IL (Chicago White Sox)

Royals @ Twins 4:10 Target Field Home Opener, Minneapolis, MN (Minnesota Twins)

Phillies @ Reds 4:10 Great American Ball Park Home Opener, Cincinnati, OH (Cincinnati Reds)

Dodgers @ Padres 4:10 Dodger Stadium Home Opener, Los Angeles, CA (LA Dodgers)

Indians @ Rangers 7:05 Globe Life Park Home Opener, Arlington, TX (Texas Rangers)

M’s @ Astros 8:10 Minute Maid Park Home Opener, Houston, TX (Houston Astros)

Angels @ A’s 10:10  O.co Coliseum Home Opener, Oakland, CA (Oakland Athletics)

Tuesday  Apr 4  (8 Games):

Yankees @ Rays 7:10

Rockies @ Brewers 7:40

Indians @ Rangers 8:05

M’s @ Astros 8:10

Cubs @ Cardinals 8:15

Giants @ D’Backs 9:40

Angels @ A’s 10:05

Padres @ Dodgers 10:10

There are no Interleague Games On this Day
Read the rest of this entry

1st 2 Weeks Schedule Of The 2017 MLB Season (Includes All Home Openers + Interleague)

Hosts the 1st ESPN SUNDAY NIGHT GAME of the year,,

Busch Stadium Hosts the 1st ESPN SUNDAY NIGHT GAME of the year vs the World Series reigning champs the Chicago Cubs.

ALL TIMES  DISPLAYED IN EASTERN TIME

WEEK 1 (Includes Season Opener Sunday Apr 2, 2017)

INTERLEAGUE GAMES IN MAROON

APR  2017

Sunday, Apr 2  MLB OPENING DAY (3 Games):

Yankees @ Rays 1:10 Tropicana Field Home Opener, St. Petersburg, FL (Tampa Bay Rays)

Giants @ D’Backs 4:10 Chase Field Home Opener, Phoenix, AR (Arizona Diamondbacks)

Cubs @ Cardinals 8:35 (ESPN SUNDAY NIGHT GAME) Busch Stadium Home Opener, St. Louis, MO (St. Louis Cardinals)

There are no Interleague Games On this Day Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2017 MLB Divisions

chicago-cubs-logo

It is coming to that time where we all start making our predictions, and also plunk down more cabbage on the yearly bets. The 1st week of the February usually will come out with Player Prop Bets, and Teams Win Totals of Over and Under.

I don’t need to remind our long term readers that we have excelled in this foray since the beginning of introducing Gambling 101 as a category to mlbreports.com.

We look to continue our 70% best bet percentage.  I am looking to bounce back in the regular season in particularly as I made up the most of the money in player props, HR Derby and World Series Odds.

Today we are focusing on the MLB Divisions.

The AL East is the strongest Division in the game as 4 clubs are at least half decent. and even Tampa Bay is not that bad. Read the rest of this entry

You Could Try To Attempt A World Record By Going To All 30 MLB Parks In 25 Days In 2017 By Driving!

baseball-map-framed-with-plaque

So I have done about everything there is to do in for World Records in going to all the 30 MLB Parks.  I was able to hit all 30 MLB Parks in just 23 Days during 2012, besting my own 2009 record of 30/24.

The only way I could have done anything more substantial was to do what my idea was in 2015.  I went to 224 MLB Games in all the 183 Days of MLB Action – live at all 30 MLB Parks, spanning the entire season – and showing up at a ballpark every single day.

I am now 40 years old and don’t feel like doing this anymore, but every year I put out a schedule for all 30 MLB Parks in the forms of a record.

I honestly don’t think that I would top 30 MLB Parks in 23 Days since there is practically never any schedule that would allow that to be attempted.  If someone on this globe wants to take a run at – I welcome it.

However, my buddy Josh Robbins holds the Ground Record (all 30 MLB Parks) done by land – in just 26 Calendar Days during the 2008 season.) Read the rest of this entry

All 30 MLB Clubs Ball Park Home Openers In 2017 With Starting Times

SunTrust Park will open up its gates for baseball for the 1st time ever on Friday Apr 14, 2017. It is the last home opener to have its game on the schedule for the 2017 Regular Season.. IMAGE - Ballparksofbaseball.com

SunTrust Park will open up its gates for baseball for the 1st time ever on Friday Apr 14, 2017. It is the last home opener to have its game on the schedule for the 2017 Regular Season..
IMAGE – Ballparksofbaseball.com

We are not too far away from Spring Training folks.  That also means that the majority of the clubs have posted start times for all of their home openers upcoming to start the season.

After this post is published we will continue to monitor the schedule for any changes and will have them updated.

The season kicks off with a trio of games in Tampa Bay, Arizona and St. Louis on Sunday Apr 2, 2017 – and the last home opener will be at the new ballpark in Atlanta (SunTrust Stadium) on Friday Apr 14, (7:35).

For those of you that love ballparks as much as I do, if you click on the actual stadium highlighted itself, it will take you to some of the best advice on how to gameplan your Ball Park Chasing adventures.

Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2017 MLB World Series:

world2520series2520trophy

Last time we did these odds we talked more about why clubs should be wagered on, and now I will explain how we listed our top 5 bad value bets.

The New York Yankees head the category for this one.  There is no rhyme or reason this club should be parallel with their crosstown rivals the Mets – and ahead of the Cardinals, Rangers or Mariners for their odd.

Quite simply, the club is not as good as those other squads right now.  The direction of the organization to the youth movement may change that scenario in the near future – however can you really bank on any of their Starting Pitchers in a playoff series?

Also if you have the Blue Jays and Red Sox already ahead of you on the list, a lot of other 2nd place clubs in each of the other Divisions may hav a better leg up on you to snare the 2nd Wild Card Spot.

I like the Detroit Tigers as more of a chance to make the playoffs the Bronx Bombers in 2017. I will say that if they are in contention, that the money is always there to  acquire guys midway through the year (hopefully all on expiring contracts.) Read the rest of this entry

MLB Power Rankings: Early Win Predictions In 2017

Indians_Logo

Last Updated: Jan 24, 2017

Over the last week we have seen some factors that have changed some win totals and rankings.  Unfortunately the saddening loss of Yordano Ventura will cause the Royals to lose a win or 2.

We saw Jose Bautista re-sign with the Jays, Mark Trumbo re-sign with the O’s and the Phillies sign Michael Saunders.  These are significant signings for the 1st 2 – and Saunders becomes one of Phlladelphia’s best clubs.

The Marlins also traded for Dan Straily.

For the MLB Rankings, we are also factoring in the World Series chances of each club.

It is important to also recognize the 300 games of the MLB Interleague.  The American League holds a 13 year winning streak, and adds to their victories in the year.

So far in 2017, we have the Junior Circuit registering a record of 167 – 133 vs the Senior Circuit.  Before you throw stones at me – it was exactly this record that the AL hung vs the NL in 2015.

Going back to Kansas City….I really hope I am wrong about their pending 2017 record.  Hopefully they also go and sign a Jason Gammel or Doug Fister to help the rotation.

Lets also hope that we don’t have any more deaths have to be figure out where we have teams wins at.  It is awful.  I hate using the Miami Marlins win total as a struggle to grip with the loss of Jose Fernandez. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2017 MLB World Series: Detroit + Seattle Best Value Right Now

Mariners-web-logo

I have been preaching the Mariners as a bet for a couple of months now.  I was able to grab them at +2800 for a $50 bet already, and this was my 2nd bet to the $100 I plunked down on the Nationals at +1200.

Jerry DiPoto has been wheeling and dealing to the tune of 11 trades already this offseason. 

With the exception of the Outfield not possessing not much power (but a ton of speed that could round out the bottom of the order with SB), and the First Base position being manned by unproven commodities, the rest of the roster is pretty solid.

We noted that the Mariners threesome of Kyle Seager, Robinson Cano and Jean Segura combined for 99 HRs and then the prime DH Nelson Cruz clubbed 43 Bolts.  These guys will make up enough power to compensate for that.

While I still feel they should upgrade at 1B or another OF (Guys such as Mark Trumbo, Chris Carter or Mike Napoli) this team should have enough offense to compete in the American League.

With acquiring Yovani Gallardo and Drew Smyly in the last week, the club has added depth = and have the best 1 – 5 rotation in the AL West now.

I believe that James Paxton may also see a breakout season similar to what Danny Duffy did for the Kansas City Royals in 2916.  The LHP can reach 98 – 99 MPH on his fastball, and he has great movement.

The Relief Core has also been added to with great numbers.  Seattle’s brass has definitely robbed the Minor League System, yet this is the window of winning.

Houston deserves to be slightly favored in the AL West with the rosters as currently constructed – however if the Mariners pick up another big bat then I would give the nod to them as the Division favorite. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2017 MLB World Series

Edwin Enarnacion would be just what the doctor ordered for the Rangers lineup. A guy that can mash big Homers, drive in plenty of runs. and also not strikeout that much compared to a roster that already does just that. With only Cole Hamels and Choo being on the books beyond 2018, Texas could find the financial wherewithal to dole out a 4 or 5 year pact in the $20 - $23 MIL AAV range.

Edwin Encarnacion would be just what the doctor ordered for the Indians lineup. A guy that can mash big Homers, drive in plenty of runs. This contract is so awesome for the timing of it all as the team could absorb the $20 MIL guaranteed AAV for the next 3 years.  EE will turn 34 on Jan 07, 2017, and is coming off a year where he slashed .263/.357/.529 – with 42 HRs and a league leading 127 RBI.He is a significant upgrade over the departed Mike Napoli.  His power will elevate the Cleveland lineup for the next 3 seasons at least.

The Indians were our 4th best bet of the week last Friday at +1000 to win the Fall Classic in 2017.  Now with the Edwin Encarnacion contract signing, the club has jumped to +700.  We have just stated in a recent article today that they should not be below the Red Sox for odds to win the title next year.

Handicappers at the top of their profession always use the Strength of Schedule in their opinions, and with good reason.  One could go either way in dealing with the rosters of the Red Sox and Indians, but the biggest difference are the 76 Divisional games the Tribe plays against the Royals, Tigers, Twins and White Sox, where Boston must play the Jays, yankees,O’s and Raus 76 times.

It is also the biggest reason the Nationals will likely stay as our favorite value on the board all off season. The Mets are about the only real competition in the NL East that may provide a hindrance for the Washington franchise to reel in their 2nd straight NL East title.  Then it is – do you really think the Cubs should be a 3/1 odd favorite against the Nats in a NLCS matchup – no way.

We also love the Cardinals continuing to be a thorn in Chicago’s side for the 2017 year.  St. Louis was a 100 win club in 2015, and fought many nagging injuries in 2016.  Now they have a lot more healthy coming back in 2017, and a full year of Alex Reyes.  The Red Birds also signed Dexter Fowler away from the Cubs. +2000 is about a 6/1 odd from the oddsmakers for the Cards to win the NL Central. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2017 MLB World Series

Jon Durr/Getty Images North America

Jon Durr/Getty Images North America

With the Chris Sale deal the Red Sox went fro co-favorites with the Indians t0 near the Cubs stratosphere for overwhelming odds on winners to take home the League Pennants in either league. 

While I have no issue with these two squads holding the edge against the rest of the pack, it is just not that much of a discrepancy.

One may argue that the Nationals path of resistance is actually a lot easier than the Cubs for the Division. 

The Mets Starting Pitching is suspect for health reasons, and there are holes all around the positional lineup when it comes to lack of a Centerfielder. and 3 men in the Infield who could suffer back injuries all year.

Here is the funny thing though. the Mets still made the WildCard play in game in 2016 despite all of the turmoil that presented itself.

Miami has taken a setback with the tragic loss of Jose Fernandez.  This will be felt in the standings in my opinion. 

The biggest X factor is if Giancarlo Stanton could remain healthy for 145 Games, but odds dictate he will not, therefore this Division should be beat up pretty bad  by the Nats and Mets.

Atlanta and Philly are just a year away from solidly competing. Read the rest of this entry

Once Again: Why The MLB Should Consider A Geographical/Market Size Re-Alignment For The Next CBA:

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The new CBA has been a godsend for the mid – market teams, and not so great for the 10 top markets, but even more devastating for the 10 lowest markets.  One thing the CBA did address was to give the players an additional 4 days off during the league year – stretching from 183 Days to 187 – in lieu of expanding the rosters of 25 to 26.

This website has continued its stance since day 1, that while the economics have been a lot more fair to teams in the last 15 years, there is still much work to do.  The best small market teams we have seen in the last 7 years have been the Oakland A’s, Tampa Bay Rays, Pittsburgh Pirates and of course the 2015 World Series winning Kansas City Royals.  Only one of these teams actually were a decent franchise for some time before they took off.

Pittsburgh lost for 22 years before they finally made 3 straight postseason appearances.  With the new CBA not giving them 1st RD Draft Picks for departing players in future seasons like Andrew McCutchen, Gregory Polanco, Starling Marter and Gerrit Cole, this is a sure fire way for the brass to cut the cord on their service team a lot of time ahead of them hitting Free Agency.

Kansas City was a laughable organization from the mid 90’s to 2013 as well, and despite winning back to back pennants in the AL< and being the first small market team to win the World Series since the 2003 Marlins, they will soon start to see their team ripped apart under the same Free Agent terms like the Bucs – with Eric Hosmer, Lorenzo Cain, Danny Duffy and Mike Moustakas likely all not re-signing with the franchise.  Dayton Moore already had to trade ace Closer Wade Davis this past week.

The Tampa Bay Rays were awful from 1998 – 2007, and were able to stockpile #1 overall picks to build up the franchise.  The Joe Maddon era ensued for 6 straight quality years where they competed beautifully, including a World Series Loss in 2008, but now they are at a crossroads again from a 68 win campaign. and teams all spending double what they can. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2017 World Series: Nats/Giants/Astros Great Value – Bounce On KC/NYY

For a second straight week we love the Nationals with the best odd value of the week. They have some financial flexibility to bring in a few more ALL - Star Caliber players and also possess the prospects in order to get it done. If you believe (like I do)

For a second straight week we love the Nationals with the best odd value of the week. They have some financial flexibility to bring in a few more ALL – Star Caliber players and also possess the prospects in order to get it done. If you believe (like I do) that the Nats are serious about trading for guys like Andrew McCutchen and Chris Sale, than it is imperative you get this club at their odd this week.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

The Nationals are really making noise about trying to land Andrew McCutchen and Chris Sale.  Even if they don’t fulfill the need, I still think they will add more depth via trade for another good Starting Pitcher and also add an impressive CF, and reliever.

We shall wait and see whether or not that could be the likes of Dexter Fowler or a reunion with Ian Desmond to play CF, Aroldis Chapman or Kenley Jansen to be added to for late inning work.  At +1200 the Nats are full value for the best odd of the week.

The NL East may be easier to win than the NL West and NL Central if you think the way that most good handicappers are right now.  The Mets are dreaming if they think they can contend with 3 Infield Starters with bad backs, and a declining metrics Shortstop, added to not a true CF, and a horrible Catcher offensive situation.

I am trying not to bag on the Mets too much here, as I think they could still rally to win 85 – 90 wins again next year based on the strength of the rest of the Division, it is just the health concerns that would frighten me to pieces. Read the rest of this entry

MLB Reports Bettting Results For The 2016 Year: We Made A Profit For The Third Straight Campaign!

I take my betting style from a philosophy used from a few decades of research. This book was one of the templates followed for success

I take my betting style from a philosophy used from a few decades of research. This book was one of the templates followed for success.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

Disclaimer:  All bets were made in the State Of Nevada, or via Canada (by Chuck Booth) where bets are legal online. 

So it was an interesting wager year.  I nailed the World Series winner, but never did place on money on them in any futures.  I was able to hedge bet because I had the Dodgers at a 15/1 Odds from the previous winter.

I absolutely killed it on Player Prop Betting – running the whole table.  I was on fire in the playoffs.  My best regular season wager for wins ( TB Rays under) was nice, but I took a beating on the rest of the over/under on victories across the board.

My pick of the Baltimore Orioles at 28/1 – to win the American League Pennant – set me up to hedge bet enough of the Junior Circuit playoffs, that I could help rescue my wagering season.

Chuck Booth and I combined for all of these picks, and we use the same gambling template for how we put down cabbage.

The real difference of profit came down to our perfect prognostication of Giancarlo Stanton winning the Derby helped us in breaking even and winning some cash at the end of the campaign.
Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2017 World Series:

The Nationals feature 3 potential MVPs and 2 Cy Young Pitchers as their top talent - while the rest of the Division struggles with overcoming roster hauls, rebuilding and tragedy. The Cubs are the expected overwhelming favorite, however they don't pay nearly enough, and nothing is ever certain in the playoffs. Give me the Nats as the best on the board currently.

The Nationals feature 3 potential MVPs and 2 Cy Young Pitchers as their top talent – while the rest of the Division struggles with overcoming roster hauls, rebuilding and tragedy. The Cubs are the expected overwhelming favorite, however they don’t pay nearly enough, and nothing is ever certain in the playoffs. Give me the Nats as the best on the board currently.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

If you bet with your mind and not your heart in the last 12 months, than you would have lost on the World Series predictions.  I prognosticated in my yearly preseason bets that I thought the Cubs would win the Fall Classic, but profusely hated the odds of +500 to begin the campaign.

I still fully capitalized on my preseason wager of picking the Dodgers at +1500 for $50, along with the Mets and Nationals at +1100 for $50 a piece as well. 

That, coupled with my Baltimore Orioles AL pick to win the AL Pennant at 28/1 Odds served to put me into a position to hedge several bets in the playoffs to turn a nice profit.  Later in the week we will delve into the websites entire wagers for the whole calendar season.

The reigning champions are also extreme favorites again heading into 2017 – at a +280 clip.  I may pick them to win another World Series again in my actual predictions, however those are still horrible odds to throw some cabbage down on.

Read the rest of this entry

MLB Power Rankings 2016: Week 7 – May

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Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

Follow The MLBreports On Twitter

MAY 15, 2016

Well not much has changed from this week as compared to last week.  Detroit carried its free fall to 4th in the AL Central, the Yankees took 5 of 7 contests – and 7/10 in their homestand to save their season for now.

Miami and Philadelphia continue to stick around in the NL East, and the Giants and Dodgers finally had winning weeks to make the NL West Division Leader respectable.

Nobody looks scarier right now than the Boston Red Sox offense, who led by David Ortiz, Jackie Bradley JR. and Xander Bogaerts, plated 10 runs or more in 5 of the last 6 games, after going their 1st 32 games without doing so.

I am still awaiting for a Jays big winning streak.  Houston has not played winning baseball since the 1st 6 weeks of the 2015 – and are tending to resemble the 2007 Tampa Bay Rays more than anything.

All offense and little pitching and defense.

There is nobody struggling worse than Logan Morrison, Russell Martin, Carlos Gomez and the consortium of LF’s in Anaheim! Recently bouncing out of this list are Jason Heyward and Chase Headley.

We are nearing the quarter pole and rapidly approaching Memorial Day Weekend, so it is not early anymore.
Read the rest of this entry

Red Sox + Padres Have Completed 2016 MLB Runs Scoring Survivor, 23 Teams Left

Waited 32 games to score 10 or more runs, then did the feat 2 times in 3 nights thanks to the heroics of Jackie Bradley JR. and a crazy good lineup.

Waited 32 games to score 10 or more runs, then did the feat 2 times in 3 nights thanks to the heroics of Jackie Bradley JR. and a crazy good lineup.

Chuck Booth (MLB Reports Majority Owner/Lead  Analyst)

We are starting to get down to the nitty gritty of this contest.  7 of the 23 clubs have now completed their 11 different run variations, now that the Red Sox and Padres have accomplished the feat over the last few days.

Boston finishes 6th, and unless the Indians knockout run scores of 8 and 9 runs in any order over the next 2 contests.

San Diego looked to end as one of the last to finish this category early in the year being shutout 3 straight games to start the campaign, and also 5 of their 1st 11 matches.  They have been better as an offense of late.

The Padres swept a twinbill versus the mighty Cubs on Wednesday, and are just 2.5 Games Behind the Giants and Dodgers for the NL West lead at 15 – 20.  Good rally for these guys to finish in the top 10.

The Red Sox waited until game 32 to score more than 10 runs, and then they did the maneuver 2 nights later versus the A’s yet again, with another 2 HR, 6 RBI game from Jackie Bradley JR.

Most of the teams now have 9 or 10 variations covered, with the trailing squad in the whole MLB being the Philadelphia Phillies with just different 7 totals.

The Phightins’ are at least one of 4 rosters still alive in the MLB Shutout Survivor (A’s. Rockies and Pirates). Read the rest of this entry

MLB Power Rankings 2016: Week 6 May

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Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

Follow The MLBreports On Twitter

MAY 8, 2016

Disclaimer:  We based these rankings on best strength to win the World Series.  Therefore some teams that have an easier division to play in, with the least path of resistance to the postseason overall may be ranked a lot higher than a club who is equally talented, yet may play in a juggernaut of a division.

Rank – Team Record (Last week rank) (Up down) (W – L Record Last week)

(1) (1)  Chicago Cubs (E) (24 – 6) :  A real bad day for the Cubs is battling with a team like Washington on Sunday, to see whether or not they are going to sweep them or go 3 – 1 in a series.

Yep, they swept the 4 game set in a 13 inning walk off HR by Javier Baez – to cap a 7 – 0 week. They are on pace for about 129 wins right now.

Depth of the Starting Rotation is looking solid with Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester, John Lackey, Jason Hammel (Killer J’s) and Kyle Hendricks.

Hector Rondon is not even needed in most leads, with the team almost at a +100 differential through 30 games,

(2) (3) Chicago White Sox (+1) (22 – 10) ( 4 – 2):  Chris Sale is 7 – 0, and may go Ron Guidry (circa 1979 on us).  If anyone will win 25 games in a year, it would be him or Jake Arrieta.

Bob Welch won 27 games in 1990 for the A’s was the last guy to do that.

Has anyone noticed that Brett Lawrie has an OBP closer to .400 – than his usual .310 – .320?

Jose Quintana is finally receiving some run support.  If Todd Frazier and Jose Abreu start hitting for BA, than look he the hell out.  We could see a “Windy City” World Series for the 1st time since 1906. Read the rest of this entry

MLB Power Rankings 2016: Week 5 – May

The Bucs have the best Batting Average and OBP in the majors this year, and are waiting for the Starting Pitching to join them. Considering they have talent in the Minor Leagues to address this, and won 98 Games last year, it is not surprising to see them jump 10 spots in the rankings on a great week of play.

The Bucs have the best Batting Average and OBP in the majors this year, and are waiting for the Starting Pitching to join them. Considering they have talent in the Minor Leagues to address this, and won 98 Games last year, it is not surprising to see them jump 10 spots in the rankings on a great week of play – where so many of their fellow NL clubs (besides the Nats and Cubs struggled so mightily).

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

Follow The MLBreports On Twitter

Disclaimer:  We based these rankings on best strength to win the World Series.  Therefore some teams that have an easier division to play in, with the least path of resistance to the postseason overall may be ranked a lot higher than a club who is equally talented, yet may play in a juggernaut of a division.

Game Records were before the results of the ESPN Sunday Night Game was played

Gone are the days right now where a Yankees and Red Sox Sunday Night matchup wasn’t important in the pantheon that are the weekly MLB Power Rankings.

Boston is still going to be in the top 10 as the AL East lone representative on the heels of their offensive output.

Every time I look up the Beantown Boys are into the double digits in hits for the game, and David Ortiz and Dustin Pedroia are in the thick of it.

While they also didn’t make the biggest movers and shakers either, John Farrell‘s club is looking poised to be cracking the top 5 soon.

The NL West have all teams .500 or worse, and I am shocked at how that has translated for the Dodgers and Giants. Read the rest of this entry

Trio Of Teams Blanked WED (WSH/TOR/LAD) Leaves 6 Clubs Remaining In 2016 MLB Shutout Survivor

Toronto were the two time reigning champs heading into this season, but will not win for a 3rd straight year, but will still finish in the top 10. The Jays lineup is not firing on all cylinders yet. and it has contributed to a 10 - 13 start.

Toronto were the two time reigning champs heading into this season, but will not win for a 3rd straight year, but will still finish in the top 10. The Jays lineup is not firing on all cylinders yet. and it has contributed to a 10 – 13 start.

Chuck Booth (MLB Reports Majority Owner/Lead  Analyst)

The biggest favorites were taken off the board, and perhaps 2 of the strongest contenders also followed suit Wednesday night.  2 time reigning champions, the Toronto Blue Jays were swept by the White Sox, and bageled courtesy of Jose Quintana.

Canada’s only franchise still will finish no worse than 7th, as this was still their 23rd game of the year.

Washington automatically ends at 9th – while the Dodgers will finish at 8th in an likelihood, unless the Phillies (1 of 6 clubs remaining: OAK/SEA/PIT/COL and ARI) lose Thursday by 2 – 0 or less.  Maybe it could happen, but not banking on it.

The A’s still hanging around this competition is a pretty good testament to their scrappy play this year at 11 – 11.

Philadelphia itself has a winning record at 11 – 10, and one reason is they haven’t been zeroed yet in a game.

With the Jays out, the favorite will turn to the Rockies – who play at Coors Field, and have a great lineup.

Seattle is a precarious team left in the field.

Houston is struggling at 7 – 15, but their offense has not been that bad at all.  They should change it around.  They and Oakland are the hopes of the AL to win the category.  The AL East joined the AL Central in having all teams be eliminated with the Toronto exodus. Read the rest of this entry

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