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Who Owns October and Who Owns the 2016 World Series (#WOO and #WOWS) Tallies Updated For October 23, 2018

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Bob DeChiara, USA TODAY Sports

Wasn’t that supposed to be a pitcher’s duel? Neither Sale nor Kershaw went 5 innings, despite a great first inning by Boston’s ace.

Instead, we had a back and forth offensive battle where Andrew Benintendi piled up the hits and Eduardo Núñez put the game away with one swing of the bat.

And remember when the Red Sox bullpen was a weakness? Not anymore. Los Angeles is now in a hole and need to figure out how to stop the Boston attack tomorrow.

So who owned October and the World Series?

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO(Who Owns October.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.

But the World Series deserves its own stats. WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)

At the end of the post season, we will see who had the highest WOO total as a pitcher and a hitter. The WOWS total will be kept separately. Each game now counts towards both tallies.

A complete description of the rules can be found HERE.

From October 23
2018 World Series Game 1:

Receiving 1 WOO and 1 WOWS

Andrew Benintendi made the most of his World Series debut. He went 4 for 5 with a bloop double, scored 3 and drove in another to lead Boston to an 8-4 beating of LA.

Joe Kelly came out of the bullpen and threw a critical shutout, hitless inning, striking out 2 Dodgers and holding the Boston lead the led to an 8-4 final.

Receiving 1/2 WOO and 1/2 WOWS

 Manny Machado drove in 3 of the Dodgers 4 runs but it was not enough as Boston won, 8-4.

Current WOWS Totals MLB 2018

Hitters ‘WOWS’ MLB 2018

Andrew Benintendi – Red Sox 1, Manny Machado – Dodgers 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOWS’ MLB 2018

Joe Kelly – Red Sox 1,

Current WOO Totals MLB 2018

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2018,

Manny Machado – Dodgers 3 1/2, Andrew Benintendi – Red Sox 2, Jackie Bradley Jr. – Red Sox 2, Alex Bregman – Astros 2, George Springer – Astros 2, Justin Turner – Dodgers 2, Ronald Acuña, Jr – Braves 1 1/2, Orlando Arcia – Brewers 1 1/2, Lorenzo Cain – Brewers 1 1/2, Marwin Gonzalez – Astros 1 1/2, Aaron Judge – Yankees 1 1/2, Francisco Lindor – Indians 1 1/2, Christian Yelich – Brewers 1 1/2, Jesús Aguilar – Brewers 1, Cody Bellinger – Dodgers 1, Rafael Devers – Red Sox 1, Brock Holt – Red Sox 1, Erik Kratz – Brewers 1,  J. D. Martinez – Red Sox 1, Mike Moustakas Brewers – 1, Eduardo Nunez – Red Sox  1, Yasiel Puig – Dodgers 1, Gary Sanchez – Yankees 1, Tony Wolters – Rockies 1, Jose Altuve – Astros 1/2, Nolan Arenado – Rockies 1 /2, Javier Baez – Cubs 1/2, Charlie Blackmon – Rockies 1/2, Xander Bogaerts – Red Sox 1/2, Ryan Braun – Brewers 1/2, Khris Davis – Athletics 1/2, Freddie Freeman – Braves 1/2, David Freese – Dodgers 1/2, Didi Gregorius – Yankees 1/2, Steve Pearce – Red Sox 1/2, Freddy Peralta – Brewers 1/2, Trevor Story – Rockies 1/2, Kurt Suzuki  – Braves 1/2, Chris Taylor  – Dodgers 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2018,

Brandon Woodruff – Brewers 2 1/2, Justin Verlander – Astros 2 1/2, Corbin Burnes – Brewers 2, Nathan Eovaldi – Red Sox 2, Clayton Kershaw –  Dodgers 2, Matt Barnes – Red Sox 1 1/2, Joe Kelly – Red Sox 1 1/2, Pedro Baez – Dodgers 1, Dellin Betances – Yankees 1, Ryan Brasier – Red Sox 1, Jhoulys Chacín – Brewers 1, Gerrit Cole – Astros 1, Kyle Freeland – Rockies 1, Kenley Jansen – Dodgers 1, Jeremy Jeffress Brewers – 1, Ryan Madson – Dodgers 1, Collin McHugh – Astros 1, Rick Porcello – Red Sox 1, David Price – Red Sox 1, Hyun-Jin Ryu – Dodgers 1, Chris Sale – Red Sox 1, Masahiro Tanaka – Yankeees 1, Arodys Vizcaino – Braves 1,  Tyler Anderson – Rockies 1/2, Walker Buehler – Yankees 1/2, Carlos Carrasco – Indians 1/2, Mike Clevinger – Indians 1/2, Chad Green – Yankees 1/2, Josh Hader – Brewers 1/2,  Dallas Keuchel – Astros 1/2, Jon Lester – Cubs 1/2, Wade Miley – Brewers 1/2, Sean Newcomb – Braves 1/2, David Robertson – Yankees 1/2, Touki Toussaint – 1 /2 Braves, Lou Trivino – Athletics 1/2

Who Owns October (#WOO) Tallies Updated For October 17, 2018

ClaytonKershaw

Mark J. Terril – AP

I guess Clayton Kershaw is getting sick of the “Kershaw can’t pitch in October” narrative. He was great in the Division Series, not so great in his first outing in the NLCS. But look at what we’ve got here!

Kershaw pitched like an ace, 7 innings, 3 hits, 1 run and 9 strikeouts, putting the Dodgers on the brink of their second straight World Series and a date with the lone hole in his Hall of Fame resume.

Meanwhile Andrew Benintendi should have been credited with the save with an all time brilliant catch with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th to put the Red Sox up 3-1 over Houston.

So who owned October?

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.

At the end of the post season, we will see who had the highest WOO total as a pitcher and a hitter.

A complete description of the rules can be found HERE.

From October 17, 2018

NLCS Game 5:

ALCS Game 4:

Receiving 1 WOO

Andrew Benintendi doubled twice, scored twice and made a game saving catch with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th to seal the Red Sox heart stopping 8-6 victory over Houston.

Ryan Brasier got 5 key outs from the bullpen, allowing no runs and helped Boston beat Houston, 8-6.

Clayton Kershaw dominated Milwaukee, striking out 9 in 7 innings and earning the 5-2 victory for Los Angeles.

Justin Turner reached base 3 times, driving in a run and scoring another to help the Dodgers beat the Brewers, 5-2.

Receiving 1/2 WOO

Lorenzo Cain singled, doubled and drove in a run, but the Brewers fell short against the Dodgers, 5-2.

George Springer reached base 4 times, including a homer, but the Astros lost a dramatic 8-6 game to the Red Sox.

Brandon Woodruff came out of the bullpen in the first and threw 5 1/3 innings, striking out 8 Dodgers and allowing 2 earned runs and 1 unearned run. But he took the hard luck 5-2 loss for Milwaukee.

 Current WOO Totals MLB 2018

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2017,

Manny Machado – Dodgers 3, Jackie Bradley Jr. – Red Sox 2, Alex Bregman – Astros 2, George Springer – Astros 2, Justin Turner – Dodgers 2, Ronald Acuña, Jr – Braves 1 1/2, Orlando Arcia – Brewers 1 1/2, Lorenzo Cain – Brewers 1 1/2, Aaron Judge – Yankees 1 1/2, Andrew Benintendi – Red Sox 1, Francisco Lindor – Indians 1 1/2, Cody Bellinger – Dodgers 1, Marwin Gonzalez – Astros 1, Brock Holt – Red Sox 1, Erik Kratz – Brewers 1,  J. D. Martinez – Red Sox 1, Mike Moustakas Brewers – 1, Eduardo Nunez – Red Sox  1, Gary Sanchez – Yankees 1, Tony Wolters – Rockies 1, Christian Yelich – Brewers 1, Jose Altuve – Astros 1/2, Nolan Arenado Rockies – 1 /2, Javier Baez – Cubs 1/2, Charlie Blackmon – Rockies 1/2, Xander Bogaerts – Red Sox 1/2, Ryan Braun – Brewers 1/2, Khris Davis – Athletics 1/2, Freddie Freeman – Braves 1/2, Didi Gregorius – Yankees 1/2, Steve Pearce – Red Sox 1/2, Freddy Peralta – Brewers 1/2, Trevor Story – Rockies 1/2, Kurt Suzuki  – Braves 1/2, Chris Taylor  – Dodgers 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2017,

Brandon Woodruff – Brewers 2 1/2, Nathan Eovaldi – Red Sox 2, Clayton Kershaw –  Dodgers 2, Justin Verlander – 2 Astros, Matt Barnes – Red Sox 1 1/2, Pedro Baez – Dodgers 1, Dellin Betances – Yankees 1, Ryan Brasier – Red Sox 1, Corbin Burnes – Brewers 1, Jhoulys Chacín – Brewers 1, Gerrit Cole – Astros 1, Kyle Freeland – Rockies 1, Kenley Jansen – Dodgers 1, Jeremy Jeffress Brewers – 1, Collin McHugh – Astros 1, Rick Porcello – Red Sox 1, Hyun-Jin Ryu – Dodgers 1, Chris Sale 1 – Red Sox, Masahiro Tanaka – Yankeees 1, Arodys Vizcaino – Braves 1,  Tyler Anderson – Rockies 1/2, Walker Buehler – Yankees 1/2, Carlos Carrasco – Indians 1/2, Mike Clevinger – Indians 1/2, Chad Green – Yankees 1/2, Joe Kelly – Red Sox 1/2, Dallas Keuchel – Astros 1/2, Jon Lester – Cubs 1/2, Wade Miley – Brewers 1/2, Sean Newcomb – Braves 1/2, David Robertson – Yankees 1/2, Touki Toussaint – 1 /2 Braves, Lou Trivino – Athletics 1/2

Who Owned Baseball July 7, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB

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(AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

For an explanation of how WOB works, click here.

Mark Reynolds became the 15th player in MLB history to drive in 10 runs in a single game by collecting 5 hits, including 2 homers, propelling the Nationals to an 18-4 thrashing of the Marlins.

Andrew Benintendi reached base 6 times, homered, scored 4 times and drove in a pair of runs as the Red Sox rolled over the Royals, 15-4.

Anibal Sanchez pitched into the 7th, striking out 8 Brewers in 6 2/3 innings, giving up 2 hits and 1 run, earning the 5-1 win for Atlanta.

Blake Snell struck out 9 Mets in 7 1/3 shutout innings as the Rays won, 3-0.

They all owned baseball on July 7, 2018

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Who Owned Baseball May 28, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB

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Boston Herald Staff photo by Christopher Evans

For an explanation of how WOB works, click here.

Andrew Benintendi singled, tripled and homered, driving in 4 to help Boston beat Toronto, 8-3.

Justin Verlander pitched 6 2/3 innings in Yankee Stadium, allowing 1 run and 4 hits and won the 5-1 game for the Astros.

Anthony Rizzo reached base 4 times, homered and drove in 3 as the Cubs shutout the Pirates 7-0.

Gio Gonzalez pitched a shutout into the 8th, finishing with 7 2/3 scoreless frames, striking out 3 Orioles and earning the 6-0 decision for Washington.

They all owned baseball on May 28, 2018

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Who Owned Baseball May 15, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB

Rockies Padres Baseball

(AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

For an explanation of how WOB works, click here.

Jordan Lyles was perfect into the 8th and came within 5 outs of the first no hitter in San Diego Padres history. He finished with 7 1/3 shutout innings, 1 hit, struck out 10 Rockies and earned the 4-0 decision.

Jose Berrios struck out 10 Cardinals over 7 1/3 innings, giving up just 2 hits and 1 run to help the Twins win, 4-1.

Devin Mesoraco reached base 5 times, including a homer, scoring 4 times and driving in a pair as the Mets clobbered the Blue Jays, 12-2.

Mitch Haniger got 3 hits, including a triple, walked, drove in 2 and helped the Mariners top the Rangers 9-8 in 11 innings.

They all owned baseball on May 15, 2018

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Who Owned Baseball August 12, 2017 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2017 #WOB Standings

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Philly.com – YOUNG KIM

Aaron Nola struck out 8 Mets in 7 innings, allowing 2 hits and 1 run. He earned the 3-1 decision for Philadelphia.

Mike Clevinger shutout the Rays over 7 innings of 4 hit ball, throwing 9 strikeouts and winning the 3-0 game for Cleveland.

Giancarlo Stanton got 3 hits, including a homer, driving in 3 as the Marlins edged Colorado, 4-3.

Andrew Benintendi hit 2 homers, driving in 6 and put the Red Sox ahead of the Yankees for good in a 10-5 final

They all owned baseball on August 12, 2017

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Who Owned Baseball July 4, 2017 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2016 #WOB Standings

Andrew Benintendi

AP

Andrew Benintendi got 5 hits, including a double and 2 homers, scoring 4 and driving home 6 as the Red Sox clobbered Texas, 11-4.

Andrew McCutchen homered twice and added a third hit as Pittsburgh blanked Philadelphia, 3-0.

Michael Fulmer threw 8 solid innings, allowing 5 hits and 3 runs as the Tigers stopped the Giants winning streak with a 5-3 final.

Clayton Kershaw took a no hitter into the 7th and finished with 7 innings of 2 hit shutout ball, striking out 11 Diamondbacks as the Dodgers took a key NL West match up, 4-3.

They all owned baseball on July 4, 2017

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Who Owned Baseball June 4, 2017 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2016 #WOB Standings

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Gail Burton – AP Photo

Andrew Benintendi reached base 4 times, including a pair of homers, drove in 3 and stole a base as the Red Sox topped Baltimore, 7-3.

Ariel Miranda went the distance, striking out 9 Rays to get the 7-1 decision for the Mariners.

Ender Inciarte got on 6 times, homered and drove in 5 to push the Braves past the Reds, 13-8.

Jeff Hoffman threw 7 strong innings, allowing 3 hits and 1 run while striking out 9 Padres in the Rockies 3-1 win.

They all owned baseball on June 4, 2017

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Should The Red Sox Extend Chris Sale For 3 Or More Years Right Now?

We will be delving a lot more into all team payrolls on the MLB Reports as part of our regular features from now on. One of the things that I have been thinking about a lot is the Red Sox Payroll. I wonder if they shouldn't just extend Chris Sale for an additional 3 years. Yes it is risky with a guy who throws with a whipping motion, but you have a lot to consider on this. First you could offer him a 3 Year deal extension worth about $90 MIL total. It would be an awesome move to align Sale on the same years of service with David Price. IMAGE by Sports Mockery

We will be delving a lot more into all team payrolls on the MLB Reports as part of our regular features from now on. One of the things that I have been thinking about a lot is the Red Sox Payroll. I wonder if they shouldn’t just extend Chris Sale for an additional 3 years. Yes it is risky with a guy who throws with a whipping motion, but you have a lot to consider on this. First you could offer him a 3 Year deal extension worth about $90 MIL total. It would be an awesome move to align Sale on the same years of service with David Price. IMAGE by Sports Mockery

Chris Sale will enter the year at age 28, and while his current deal will take him to age 31 before he hits Free Agency prior to the 2020 season, maybe the Red Sox could capitalize on him maybe seeking some security.

I am suggesting the starting point of a AAV of $30 MIL.  Maybe the club adds a Mutual Option for the 4th and 5th year of the extension with a Buyout, but this is a smart concept from the Red Sox perspective.

Never in their long standing organization have they had such rich young superstars just entering the league at the same time.

Mookie Betts/Jackie Bradley Jr – and Xander Bogaerts are both under Team Control until 2021 and 202o respectively- with Betts/Bogaerts as perennial MVP contenders.

Even better than that are Andrew Benintendi (2023) and Blake Swihart (2022) rounding out a nice nucleus of talent held for cheap on the longterm. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2017 MLB World Series:

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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

2017 Top-100 Major League Baseball Prospects

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As the baseball season quickly approaches, it’s time to take a look at the top-100 prospects for 2017. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to follow and tweet me @dynasty_digest. You can also find more of my articles at www.dynastydigest.sportsblogs.com.

 

Rank Player Team Position
1 Alex Reyes STL SP
2 Yoan Moncada CHW 2B/3B
3 Andrew Benintendi BOS OF
4 Brendan Rodgers COL SS
5 Gleyber Torres NYY SS
6 Victor Robles WSH OF
7 Dansby Swanson ATL SS
8 Ian Happ CHC 2B/OF
9 Rafael Devers BOS 3B
10 Lucas Giolito WSH SP
11 Eloy Jimenez CHC OF
12 Ozzie Albies ATL 2B/SS
13 Tyler Glasnow PIT SP
14 Cody Bellinger LAD 1B/OF
15 J.P. Crawford PHI SS
16 Austin Meadows PIT OF
17 Amed Rosario NYM SS
18 Clint Frazier NYY OF
19 Josh Bell PIT 1B/OF
20 Joey Gallo TEX 3B/OF
21 Manuel Margot SD OF
22 Francis Martes HOU SP
23 Brent Honeywell TB SP
24 Nick Senzel CIN 3B
25 Michael Kopech CHW SP
26 Kevin Maitan ATL SS
27 Willy Adames TB SS
28 Bradley Zimmer CLE OF
29 Jason Groome BOS SP
30 Anderson Espinoza SD SP
31 Jorge Mateo NYY SS
32 Yadier Alvarez LAD SP
33 Kyle Lewis SEA OF
34 Franklin Barreto OAK SS
35 Riley Pint COL SP
36 Blake Rutherford NYY OF
37 Josh Hader MIL SP
38 Corey Ray MIL OF
39 Alex Verdugo LAD OF
40 Hunter Renfroe SD OF
41 Lewis Brinson MIL OF
42 Isan Diaz MIL 2B/SS
43 Mickey Moniak PHI OF
44 Jose De Leon LAD SP
45 Erick Fedde WSH SP
46 Reynaldo Lopez CHW SP
47 Jake Bauers TB 1B/OF
48 Aaron Judge NYY OF
49 Lourdes Gurriel Jr. TOR SS
50 Willie Calhoun LAD 2B
51 Luke Weaver STL SP
52 Francisco Mejia CLE C
53 Raimel Tapia COL OF
54 James Kaprielian NYY SP
55 Harrison Bader STL OF
56 Braxton Garrett MIA SP
57 Kolby Allard ATL SP
58 Tyler Jay MIN SP
59 Rowdy Tellez TOR 1B
60 Kyle Tucker HOU OF
61 Tyler O’Neil SEA OF
62 Sean Newcomb ATL SP
63 David Paulino HOU SP
64 Derek Fisher HOU OF
65 Jeff Hoffman COL SP
66 Nick Gordon MIN SS
67 Nick Williams PHI OF
68 A.J. Puk OAK SP
69 Kevin Newman PIT SS
70 Luis Ortiz MIL SP
71 Mike Soroka ATL SP
72 Jesse Winker CIN OF
73 Zack Collins CHW C
74 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. TOR 3B
75 Amir Garrett CIN SP
76 Mitch Keller PIT SP
77 Jorge Alfaro PHI C
78 Dominic Smith NYM 1B
79 Ronald Acuna ATL OF
80 Bobby Bradley CLE 1B
81 Chance Sisco BAL C
82 Sean Reid-Foley TOR SP
83 Yusniel Diaz LAD OF
84 Matt Manning DET SP
85 Forrest Whitley HOU SP
86 Brady Aiken CLE SP
87 A.J. Reed HOU 1B
88 Brett Phillips MIL OF
89 Phil Bickford MIL SP
90 Walker Buehler LAD SP
91 Ian Anderson ATL SP
92 Tyler Beede SF SP
93 Richard Urena TOR SS
94 Sandy Alcantara STL SP
95 Max Schrock OAK 2B
96 Cal Quantrill SD SP
97 Triston McKenzie CLE SP
98 Carson Kelly STL C
99 Michael Gettys SD OF
100 Stephen Gonsalves MIN SP

2017 Baseball’s Breakout Players at Each Position

C- J.T. Realmuto (Miami Marlins): Realmuto had a great year in 2016, but I expect him to maintain, if not improve in 2017. At only 25 years old, Realmuto has plenty of room for growth, but he is moving in the right direction. He has a rare combination of on base potential, speed, and power at the catching position. While I am a little worried about his .357 BABIP in 2016, his 8.8% HR/FB ratio tells me he could really tap into his power potential moving forward. There are plenty of decent offensive players in the Marlins lineup in 2017, so Realmuto should have plenty of opportunities to drive in runs or score himself. While he isn’t the most exciting breakout player, the catching position is a tough position to get excited about except for the top 3-5 players.

Projection: .290 BA, .340 OBP, 15 home runs, 65 runs, 65 RBIs, 13 stolen bases

Other Potential Breakout: Tom Murphy

 

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE REST OF THE ARTICLE

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

Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2016? (#WOO) Tallies Updated For October 6, 2016

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USA Today Sports

Have you noticed that Marco Estrada is putting together a terrific October resume? I thought Cole Hamels was going to be a playoff hero. Nope. Turns out a new hero is emerging. And suddenly my pick to win the World Series could be on their heels.

Meanwhile Jason Kipnis wants to be beloved in Cleveland and Terry Francona showed how a bullpen is handed.

Time to see who owned October.

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.

At the end of the post season, we will see who had the highest WOO total as a pitcher and a hitter.

A complete description of the rules can be found HERE.

From October 6th. AL Division Series Game 1:

Receiving 1 WOO’s 

Josh Donaldson reached based 5 times, doubling twice, driving in 2 and scoring twice and sparked the Blue Jays to a 10-1 blow out in Texas.

Marco Estrada pitched a shutout into the 9th, finishing with 1 run over 8 1/3 innings, 4 hits and no walks, as the Blue Jays cruised to a 10-1 beating of the Rangers.

Jason Kipnis collected 3 hits, including a homer, driving in 2, to lead the Indians past the Red Sox, 5-4.

Andrew Miller came out of the bullpen in the 5th innings and struck out 4 Red Sox in 2 shutout innings, earning the 5-4 decision for Cleveland.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s 

 

Elvis Andrus got a pair of hit, including a tripled, and scored the Rangers only run in Toronto’s 10-1 drubbing.
Andrew Benintendi homered and singled in the Red Sox 5-4 loss to Cleveland.

Current ‘WOO’ Totals MLB 2016:

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2016,

Josh Donaldson – Blue Jays 1, Edwin Encarnacion – Blue Jays 1, Conor Gillaspie – Giants 1, Jason Kipnis – Indians 1, Elvis Andrus – Rangers 1/2,  Andrew Benintendi  – Red Sox 1/2, Curtis Granderson – Mets 1/2, Mark Trumbo – Orioles 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2016,

Madison Bumgarner – Giants 1, Marco Estrada – Blue Jays 1, Andrew Miller – Indians 1,   Marcus Stroman – Blue Jays 1, Darren O’Day – Orioles 1/2, Noah Syndergaard – Mets 1/2,

Who Owned Baseball August 21, 2016 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2016 #WOB Standings

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Justin Edmonds, Getty Images

 

Nolan Arenado went 4 for 5 with a pair of homers and 6 RBI as the Rockies clobbered the Cubs, 11-4.

Noah Syndergaard shut the Giants out over 8 strong innings, allowing 2 hits and getting the 2-0 Mets victory.

Justin Upton drove in 6 with 2 homers to lead Detroit past Boston, 10-5.

Dallas Keuchel allowing 2 runs over 8 innings, striking out 7 Baltimore hitters and earning the 5-3 decision for Houston.

They All Owned Baseball on August 21, 2016.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Midseason Top 100 MLB Prospect Rankings Analysis (1-10)

Below you can find my analysis for the prospects ranked between 1-10 for the 2016 midseason top prospect list. If you want to see the full top 100 list, please visit the following link: SEE THE TOP 100 PROSPECT RANKINGS. If you want to see the analysis for the rest of the top 100, please visit my blog: www.dynastydigest.sportsblog.com 

 

  1. Yoan Moncada (BOS, 21 Years Old, 2B): Moncada has stolen my heart and he has stolen the top prospect in my midseason rankings. In 414 plate appearances between High-A and Double-A, Moncada is batting .294, with 12 home runs, 43 stolen bases, .404 OBP, and a .513 slugging percentage. He is blocked by Dustin Pedroia at second base, but there is a good chance the Red Sox move him to third base or to the outfield at some point. Regardless of what position he plays, Moncada will be an elite ball player, and an even better fantasy player. He has the ability to steal 40+ bases, with an on base percentage of .370+, and 20 home runs or more in a season. Needless to say, those statistics would put him in an elite class in fantasy baseball.

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Andrew Benintendi Could Be Promoted By The Boston Red Sox Very Soon

Following the promotion of Alex Bregman and David Dahl, Andrew Benintendicould be the next star prospect called up to the big leagues. The Boston Red Sox organization could use an everyday outfielder in left field, and Benintendi could be the answer.

 

Benintendi was drafted seventh overall by the Red Sox in the 2015 MLB Draft. Since stepping on the field as a Red Sox prospect, Benintendi has done nothing but impress. He has proven his bat is above average, possesses above average speed, and he has very good defense in centerfield. Over the past two years, he has started every game in centerfield, but the Red Sox have switched him to left field over the last two games. Many people believe this position change is prepping one of their top prospects for a move to the big leagues.

 

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Trade Rumor: Will The Los Angeles Angels Flip Mike Trout?

Mike Trout

Trey Rose (Featured BBBA Fantasy Baseball Writer/Owner – dynastydigest.sportsblog.com) 

As of right now, the Angels only have 3 starting pitchers listed on their depth chart (Jared WeaverHector Santiago, and Nick Tropeano).

This team is falling apart and it could be time to make a drastic move.

They are currently 13 – 18, but they are expected to continue to drop in the standings considering their team can’t stay healthy. Just to make matters worse, their farm system is widely considered to be the worst minor league system in baseball.

With that said, is it time for the Angels to consider trading Mike Trout to restock their farm system and focus on building their team for the future?

To read the rest of the article, click the link below:

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