Blog Archives
MLB Odds To Win Both Of The AL And NL Pennants In 2014: 5 Best Value Plays

With injuries to the Pitching Staff mounting fast for the Rays, and now with them not paying out such a great odd, the value pendulum has swung back to pick either the Yankees at +900 or the Red Sox at +750 for the AL Pennant. The Yankees just took 3 out of 4 from the Red Sox, have a better offense in this year’s lineup, and have decent pitching. Boston is the reigning champs – and will be part of the race before all is said and done. Factor in major injuries to Texas, Oakland and the LA Angels early, and a horrid Tigers Bullpen so far, and these two rivals have the best value on the board.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Rays are finally listed where they should be on the betting board.
3 teams start play today tied in the AL East in the Rays, Yankees and Jays. Baltimore has struggled along with Boston.
I think it is way too early to shovel dirt on the Red Sox season. While I think they may not take down another pennant, they are my 2nd favorite play in the AL Pennant Odd list for return.
The Yankees are my favorite odds pick right now with a +900 mark.
Yes they have injuries to old guys are their team, but the guys in the lineup can mash right now, and particularly at Yankee Stadium. Read the rest of this entry
30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 3 MLB Baseball 2014
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
A little rant before the power rankings this week
Well, another 7 days has passed in baseball for this year.
There are no more home openers, attendance is down, fans are scattering about their Easter business and the NFL Draft is around to swing its mighty sword on the sports landscape. Read the rest of this entry
30 MLB Team Power Rankings MAR 2014
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Okay, not much has changed in the last month.
They are about 20 unsigned Free Agents left in the open market pool, Baltimore inked Nelson Cruz and Ubaldo Jimenez – and Chris Capuano is with the Red Sox, Paul Maholm replaces him LA for the 2014 campaign.
Of note of the things I am watching in Spring Training. The Dodger Blue is also experiencing many injuries – and Yasiel Puig showed up to camp overweight.
LA is talking about not sending Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke to Australia in a few weeks.
I can understand with the RHP because he was yanked after four pitches last week, but withholding your star ace from the season opener, and possibly the North America starter the following week. Read the rest of this entry
Top 10 Stolen Base Leaders in 2013

Ellsbury missed 88 Games in 2012 (and also missed 144 Games in 2010), which brings into question his long – term durability. Heck, even this year, he was seen with a walking boot only a few weeks prior to the playoffs. You can’t deny the man has put up some great numbers out of the leadoff spot for the Red Sox since 2007. Ellsbury has a Career 3 Slash of .297/.350/.789 – and averages 57 XBH, 55 SB, 198 Hits and 108 RBI for every 162 Games Played. The Yankees have inked him to a 7 year deal, and will bank on him staying healthy for most of the contract.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
With a decrease in the total amount of players taking PED’s in the MLB, speed is a more important factor to help manufacture runs than it was even a decade ago.
Jacoby Ellsbury leads the list last year with 52 bag swipes. The Yankees will need him to duplicate what he did in 2013 if they want any chance to compete in 2014.
Everth Cabrera would have been the odds on favorite to take the title – had he not been suspended 50 games for his part in the Biogenesis clinic.
Rajai Davis also enters the list. The Blue Jay in 2013, and Tiger in 2014, swiped 45 bags despite only coming in with 331 AB.
Jacoby Ellsbury 5 Stolen Base Game 2013
Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated for October 6, 2013
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE.
From today’s games:
Receiving 1 WOO
Chris Capuano came out of the bullpen in the 4th inning and stopped the Braves offense. He threw 3 no hit scoreless innings, scattering 3 walks and allowed the Dodgers to pull away. He received the victory in Los Angeles’ 13-6 win.
Francisco Liriano was up to the challenge in Game 3 of the Division Series. He pitched 6 strong innings, letting up only 3 hits and 2 runs. He even walked for good measure as the Pirates won 5-3 over the Cardinals.
Andrew McCutchen might not have had the big highlight hit, but he was on base 4 times, scored 2 of the Pirates runs and hit the double that sparked the game winning rally as the Pirates won 5-3.
Hanley Ramirez was a home run short of the cycle, getting on base 4 times, scoring 3 runs and contributed to three different rallies as the Dodgers pushed the Braves to the brink, 13-6.
Receiving 1/2 WOO:
Carlos Beltran continued to be a force in post season play. He hit a game tying 2 run single in the 5th and crushed a game tying homer in the 8th, providing virtually all of St. Louis’ offense in a 5-3 loss to the Pirates.
Evan Gattis singled and scored in the first inning and singled in the Braves 3rd inning rally, pacing Atlanta’s offense early before they were shut down in the 13-6 loss to the Dodgers.
I’ll update the new names daily.
Ric Flair endorsing the new “SullyMetric” – WOO!!
To view the Playoff Leaders for ‘Who Owned October Standings’ – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON
OR SCROLL DOWN.
Cardinals’ Wrap Up Division, While Pirates’ & Reds’ Still Have Plenty To Play For

Francisco Liriano has been the best pitcher in the rotation for the Pirates’ this season. He now has the opportunity to send Pittsburgh back to NLDS. Liriano has been making hitters look foolish the whole season, by holding the opposition to a .224 average and left-handed batters can’t touch him with them only managing a .131 average. He loves to pitch at home, where he has an 8-1 mark with an ERA of 1.47. The southpaw handles pressure well by limiting teams to a .233 average with runners in scoring position and two outs. He has faced Cincinnati four times this season and his holding them to a .193 batting average.
By Chris Lacey (Lead Baseball Columnist/Minority Website Owner) Follow @aecanada12
The National League Central has been the most exciting division to watch in baseball this season. There were three teams each with their own strengths and weaknesses vying for one spot.
It was expected that it would take up to the final weekend in baseball to determine the winner of this division. The St.Louis Cardinals just recently wrapped up the division title and are now focusing on trying to finish the season with the best record in the NL.
Pittsburgh Pirates: 2013 Highlights – Parental Guidance Is Advised
Pirates, Dodgers, & Rays Improve Team With Good Deals

Justin Morneau is a great addition to the Pittsburgh Pirates. The team is hoping that he can propel them to a division title along with the other new faces to their squad. Morneau is having a very productive season with him hitting .259 to include 17 HRs and and 74 RBIs. He is not the guy who was the AL MVP in 2006 that hit 34 HRs while driving in 130 RBIs and had an average of .321. He can still provide a team with solid at-bats in a game and is a good guy to have in the clubhouse. The left-hander can hit righties as good as southpaws. He has a .286 average facing right-handers and hist .282 against left-handed pitchers. He still knows how to handle the bat with runners in scoring position, as indicated by him having 54 RBIs in this situation.
By Chris Lacey (Lead Baseball Columnist/Minority Website Owner) Follow @aecanada12
The waiver wire during the month of August is way for teams that are either contending for a playoff spot or leading their respective division to improve their team.
Since we are in the final month of the baseball season, there are a couple of teams that made moves to ensure that they have players to help them for the stretch run.
Justin Morneau Career Highlights– Parental Guidance Is Advised
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.3rd) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Andrew McCutchen homered, singled and walked, scoring 3 of Pittsburgh’s 4 runs, as the Pirates clinched at least a .500 season, beating Milwaukee in a 4-3 thriller.
Ben Zobrist reached base 4 times and drove in 2 with a double, helping end the Rays losing streak by pounding the Angels, 7-1.
Homer Bailey was magnificent over 7 two hit shutout innings, striking out 8 and walking just one, leading the Reds in a tight 1-0 win against division rival St. Louis.
Jon Lester won a tense pitchers duel in Fenway, pitching 7 innings of one run ball. He struck out 9 while not walking a single batter as the Red Sox held on to the 2-1 victory over the Tigers.
They all owned baseball on September 3, 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
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To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July.22nd) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Andrew McCutchen homered in the first and in the third, driving in 4 of the Pirates 6 runs as they snuck past reeling Washington, 6-5.
Dillon Gee held the division leading Braves hitless into the 7th inning and pitched 2 hit shutout ball over 7. The bullpen betrayed him as he got a no decision in the Mets 2-1 loss.
J. J. Hardy went 3-5 with a homer, 3 RBI and a pair of runs scored as the Orioles clobbered Kansas City, 9-2.
Matt Moore pitched a complete game 2 hit shutout in Fenway Park to pull Tampa Bay within 1/2 a game of Boston, 3-0.
They all owned baseball on July 22nd, 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
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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
Triple Play Podcast Ep #17: Interview With Former Closer Gregg Olson + Bucs + Pale Hose Chat!
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The Triple Play Show will have 5 shows per month. Each show will be about 1 hour. Chuck Booth will guest once a month for MLB Power Rankings,
By The Big Ticket Show ( AKA Triple Play Podcast on http://www.mlbreports.com) Follow @bigticketshow
Guest in this Podcast – Gregg Olson: Follow @greggolson30
Brian Madsen Follow @brianm731
Brad Cuprik Follow @bradcuprik
The weather is hot and this week’s show is even hotter! Former big league fireballer Gregg Olson stops by to talk some Oriole baseball as well as sharing his stories of major league life and what it was like being Cal Ripken’s teammate.
If that wasn’t enough Brad Cuprik and Brian Madsen of mlbreports.com give us the lowdown on the Pirates and White Sox heading toward the trade deadline. All that and our bethubb.com best bets! Read the rest of this entry
Pirates’ Will End The Playoff Drought This Season
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Grilli has done a phenomenal job in closing games for the Pirates this season. He has saved 28 games for the Pirates this season which is first in the NL, and has a chance to possibly save 60 games. Grilli has a 2.15 ERA with only one blown save, and has only surrendered two home runs in 37.2 innings pitched. The right-hander has struck out 60 batters, and has a strikeout rate of 14.3 SO/9. He also has a terrific SO/BB ratio of 8.57. The opposition is only hitting .187 against him this season, with right-handers hitting just .155. The Pirates know that with a lead in the ninth inning, he is the guy they trust the most.
By Chris Lacey (Lead Baseball Columnist/Minority Website Owner) Follow @aecanada12
Who can remember the last time the Pittsburgh Pirates were in the playoffs, because it seems like it has been a long time. The reason that I can’t remember is that it happened in 1992, when they went 96-66.
This is a long time for a sports franchise to go without at least making the playoffs. The Pirates in the past seasons have started out fast, only to fade away in the second half of the baseball season.
Pittsburgh Pirates Early 2013 Season Highlights- So Parental Guidance Is Advised
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July.3rd) – Updated Yearly “WOB” Standings
Andrew McCutchen reached base five times with a triple, two singles and a pair of walks. He came around to score a pair, leading the first place Pirates to a 6-5 win over Philadelphia.
Matt Garza pitched 8 innings, letting up just 4 hits and a single run, getting the win in a taught 3-1 Cubs win in Oakland.
Max Scherzer improved to 13-0 by pitching into the 7th innings, striking out 8 and walking one as the Tigers beat the Blue Jays 6-2.
And Chris Davis hit his big league leading 32nd homer, then broke an 8th inning tie with a 2 run double. He drove in 3 of the Orioles 4 runs as they beat the White Sox 4-2 and kept pace with first place Boston.
They all owned baseball on July 3rd, 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 Reports Junior Reporter Haley Smilow Interviews Andrew McCutchen!
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Andrew McCutchen is a star player at the age of 26. Last year he hit for a 3 Slash Line of .327/.400/.953 – with a NL leading 194 Hits, 31 HRs and 96 RBI. He enjoyed his 1st 100 Runs Scored Season (107) and finished 3rd in NL MVP Voting, while snagging himself a Gold Glove and A Silver Slugger Award. This year he looks to carry the Bucs to their first playoff birth and winning season since 1992. He started out slow in 2013, but is coming on strong in the last 2 months. He has his Slash up to .292/.360./822 – with 9 HRs and 42 RBI. He has 50 Runs Scored and 16 Stolen Bases in his 78 Games Played. He has great plate discipline and has been aided buy several teammates for clutch hits. None are as Clutch as “Cutch”!
Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Writer/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Haley Smilow is a lucky baseball fan. She was able to interview Andrew McCutchen Follow @cutch22 at PNC Park. Not only was he a bonafide NL MVP candidate last year, he is a great guy.
This year, McCutchen looks to lead Pittsburgh to their first winning campaign in 20 years, and the team is playing well. As of today, they are 51 – 30, good for the best record in the MLB – and a 2 Games Lead on the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Central.
Haley was able to take Andrew’s mind off of the usual questions he is asked, and it turned out to be a great interview.
Andrew McCutchen Highlights from 2013 – Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance Is Advised
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oceI3COXAY] Read the rest of this entry
Yasiel Puig Should Be Selected Into The All-Star Game
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Dodgers’ Yasiel Puig has been on fire ever since he joined the big club. He is hitting for a 3 Slash Line of .436 with 7 HRs and RBIs through his first 27 games. His 44 Hits collected in the 1st month of his career is 2nd All – Time to the great Joe Dimaggio. There is no doubt that the Cuban Player is one of the best 7 or 8 OF in the National League right now – and it would be blasphemy if he is not given the right to put into the Mid – Summers Classic!
By Enrique Rivera (MLB Reports – LA Dodgers Correspondent) Follow @eriqwiththeq
There is no doubt about it, Dodgers’ OF Yasiel Puig has been all over the sports media – and rightfully so.
Puig has only played in 27 games and he is batting an excellent .436 with 7 HRs and 16 RBIs.
The Dodgers are 15-11 during that stretch including 8-2 in their last 10 games.
Puig doesn’t seem like he’s ready to cool off as he has a 5 game hitting streak including a 4 for 5 game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday June. 30.
Yasiel Puig helps extend the Dodgers winning streak to six
Triple Play Podcast Ep #12 – Interview With MLB Fancave Dweller Aaron Roberts, Astros Chat + Lids
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By The Big Ticket Show ( AKA Triple Play Podcast on http://www.mlbreports.com) Follow @bigticketshow
Guests in this Podcast – Thomas Aaron Roberts (25 Minute Mark and a 17 Min Segment) (Former MLB Reports Dodgers Correspondent and 1 of 7 MLB FanCave Dwellers left in New York) Follow @bertsball
Richard Perez (www.strosbros.mlblogs.com and 1 of our 3 Astros Correspondents from there – (4 Minutes in and a 20 Minute Segment) Follow @yokorick
Guys (Frank and Carmen) from the @mydopehatgame (44 Minutes In and a 10 Minute Segment) Follow @mydopehatgame
To Keep Reading and Listen to this Podcast click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY or scroll past the Triple Play Logo
















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