Blog Archives

Who Owns October (#WOO) Tallies Updated For October 11, 2017

 

didi

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

We live in a world where the Yankees played the Indians… one team was a group of scrappy new comers and the other was the World Series bound super power… and the scrappy new comers won. And the roles are reversed. Didi Gregorius homered twice off of Corey Kluber and one of the great upsets in recent playoff history was complete.

Meanwhile Stephen Strasburg has his critics and guess what? HE ANSWERED THEM!

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 11

2017 American League Division Series Game 5
2017 National League Division Series Game 4:

Receiving 1 WOO

Didi Gregorius homered twice, driving in 3 and set up the shocking Yankee 5-2 clinching victory in Cleveland.

 

David Robertson threw 2 2/3 no hit shutout innings, stopping the Indians best rally and setting up the Yankees 5-2 win.

Stephen Strasburg struck out 12 Cubs over 7 shutout innings to earn the 5-0 decision for Washington.

Michael Taylor launched a back breaking grand slam in the 8th inning as the Nationals blanked the Cubs, 5-0.

 

Receiving 1/2 WOO

Jay Bruce reached base twice, scoring a run, in the Indians season ending 5-2 loss to the Yankees.

Jon Lester came out of the bullpen to throw 3 2/3 innings, striking out 3 and gave up 1 hit, 1 walk and was charged with a single run in the Cubs 5-0 loss to Washington.

Andrew Miller struck out 5 Yankees over 2 relief innings of shutout ball but the Indians fell short, 5-2.

Ben Zobrist doubled but was stranded in the Cubs 5-0 shutout at the hands of the Nationals.

 

 

Current WOO Totals MLB 2017

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2017,

Jay Bruce – Indians 1 1/2, Anthony Rizzo – Cubs 1 1/2, Ryan Zimmerman – Nationals 1 1/2,  Jose Altuve – Astros 1, Greg Bird – Yankees 1, Alex Bregman – Astros 1, Cody Bellinger – Dodgers 1, Kris Bryant – Cubs 1, Carlos Correa – Astros 1, Logan Forsythe – Dodgers 1, Brett Gardner – Yankees 1, Yan Gomes – Indians 1, Didi Gregorius – Yankees 1, Aaron Judge – Yankees 1, Ketel Marte – Diamondbacks 1, Hanley Ramirez – Red Sox 1, Michael Taylor – Nationals 1,  Justin Turner – Dodgers 1, Andrew Benitendi – Red Sox 1/2, Starlin Castro – Yankees 1/2, Daniel Descalso – Diamondbacks 1/2, Brian Dozier – Twins 1/2, Paul Goldschmidt – Diamondbacks 1/2, Yuli Gurriel – Astros 1/2, Jason Kipnis – Indians 1/2, Sandy Leon – Red Sox 1/2, J. D. Martinez – Diamondbacks 1/2, Gary Sanchez – Yankees 1/2, Carlos Santana – Indians 1/2, Trevor Story – Rockies 1/2, Christian Vazquez – Red Sox 1/2, Ben Zobrist – Cubs 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2017,

David Robertson – Yankees 2, David Price – Red Sox 1 1/2, Stephen Strasburg – Nationals 1 1/2, Trevor Bauer – Indians 1, Archie Bradley – Diamondbacks 1, Yu Darvish – Dodgers 1, Sean Doolittle – Nationals 1, Ken Giles – Astros 1, Kyle Hendricks – Cubs 1, Kenley Jansen – Dodgers 1, Clayton Kershaw – Dodgers 1, Dallas Keuchel – Astros 1, Jon Lester – Cubs 1, Jose Quintana – Cubs 1,  Robbie Ray – Diamondbacks 1, Masahiro Tanaka – Yankees 1, Josh Tomlin – Indians 1, Justin Verlander – Astros 1, Carlos Carrasco – Indians 1/2, Jaime Garcia – Yankees 1/2, Zack Godley – Diamondbacks 1/2, Andrew Miller – Indians 1/2, Chris Rusin – Rockies 1/2, Chris Sale – Red Sox 1/2, Max Scherzer – Nationals 1/2,

Who Owns October (#WOO) Tallies Updated For October 9, 2017

giles

Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle

Ohhhh we were so close to a Game 5 in Houston with no clue what pitchers were available. Ah well… congrats to the Astros and nice season Red Sox.

The Dodgers have their groove back and finished the only sweep so far. I guess the Diamondbacks weren’t the threat we all thought they were going to be.

Meanwhile Max Scherzer wanted to make history. Instead the Nationals are almost history themselves.

The Yankees of all teams have pushed the mighty Indians to the brink

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 9

2017 American League Division Series Game 4
2017 National League Division Series Game 3:

Receiving 1 WOO

Cody Bellinger reached base 3 times, homered and made a highlight reel catch to help the Dodgers clinch with a 3-1 victory over Arizona.

Alex Bregman launched a stunning game tying homer off of Sale in the 8th inning and saved the Division Series for the Astros in the 5-4 win against the Red Sox.

Yu Darvish allowed 2 hits and 1 run over 5 innings, striking out 7 Arizona batters in the process as the Dodgers swept the Diamondbacks with a 3-1 win.

Ken Giles closed out an epic Division Series match up with a six out save that clinched the 5-4 Houston victory in Boston.

Aaron Judge doubled home a pair to pad the lead and help the Yankees stun Cleveland, 7-3.

Jose Quintana struck out 7 Nationals over 5 2/3 innings where he allowed 1 unearned run. He did not get the decision but the Cubs won 2-1.

Anthony Rizzo singled home the go ahead run in the 8th inning to push the Cubs past Washington, 2-1.

Luis Severino redeemed his Wild Card Game disaster with 7 innings of 4 hits ball, striking out 9 Indians, winning 7-3 and giving the Yankees a chance to clinch with a Game 5.

 

 

Receiving 1/2 WOO

Andrew Benitendi hit a 2 run go ahead homer to give Boston hope. But the Astros came back to win 5-4 and clinch.

Archie Bradley threw 2 2/3 innings of 1 hit shutout ball to keep the Diamondbacks in the game but the Dodgers topped them 3-1 to finish the series.

Daniel Descalso homered to give the Diamondbacks their only run which was not enough to keep the Dodgers from sweeping the series with a 3-1 final.

Chris Sale kept the Astros scoreless for 4 brilliant innings out of the bullpen. But he could not stretch it to a 5th when he was charged with 2 runs, lost the 5-4 decision and saw the Red Sox get eliminated.

Carlos Santana hit a run homer but it wasn’t enough as the Indians could not close out the Yankees with a 7-3 final.

Max Scherzer took a no hitter into the 7th, whiffing 7 Cubs along the way. He would give up one hit and be charged with one run and the Nationals bullpen took the 2-1 defeat.

Ryan Zimmerman doubled home the Nationals only run as they were pushed to the brink by the Cubs, 2-1.

Current WOO Totals MLB 2017

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2017,

Anthony Rizzo – Cubs 1 1/2, Ryan Zimmerman – Nationals 1 1/2,  Jose Altuve – Astros 1, Greg Bird – Yankees 1, Alex Bregman – Astros 1, Cody Bellinger – Dodgers 1,  Jay Bruce – Indians 1, Kris Bryant – Cubs 1, Carlos Correa – Astros 1, Logan Forsythe – Dodgers 1, Brett Gardner – Yankees 1, Yan Gomes – Indians 1, Aaron Judge – Yankees 1, Ketel Marte – Diamondbacks 1, Hanley Ramirez – Red Sox 1, Justin Turner – Dodgers 1, Andrew Benitendi – Red Sox 1/2, Starlin Castro – Yankees 1/2, Daniel Descalso – Diamondbacks 1/2, Brian Dozier – Twins 1/2, Paul Goldschmidt – Diamondbacks 1/2, Yuli Gurriel – Astros 1/2, Jason Kipnis – Indians 1/2, Sandy Leon – Red Sox 1/2, J. D. Martinez – Diamondbacks 1/2, Gary Sanchez – Yankees 1/2, Carlos Santana – Indians 1/2, Trevor Story – Rockies 1/2, Christian Vazquez – Red Sox 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2017,

David Price – Red Sox 1 1/2, Trevor Bauer – Indians 1, Archie Bradley – Diamondbacks 1, Yu Darvish – Dodgers 1, Sean Doolittle – Nationals 1, Ken Giles – Astros 1, Kyle Hendricks – Cubs 1, Kenley Jansen – Dodgers 1, Clayton Kershaw – Dodgers 1, Dallas Keuchel – Astros 1, Jose Quintana – Cubs 1,  Robbie Ray – Diamondbacks 1, David Robertson – Yankees 1, Masahiro Tanaka – Yankees 1, Josh Tomlin – Indians 1, Justin Verlander – Astros 1, Carlos Carrasco – Indians 1/2, Jaime Garcia – Yankees 1/2, Zack Godley – Diamondbacks 1/2, Jon Lester – Cubs 1/2, Chris Rusin – Rockies 1/2, Chris Sale – Red Sox 1/2, Max Scherzer – Nationals 1/2, Stephen Strasburg – Nationals 1/2,

Who Owned the All Star Game (July 11, 2017)

WhatDoYouKnow

Getty Images

Robinson Cano hit a go ahead homer in the top of the 10th that put the American League up for good, 2-1.

Andrew Miller worked around a walk to get the final 3 outs on the 10th and the save on the American League’s 2-1 All Star Game win.

They Owned the All Star Game on July 10, 2017

Receiving 1/2 WOBs for the All Star Game:

Yadier Molina hit a game tying homer and walked to lead off the bottom of the 9th and got all the way to third but could not score and the NL wound up losing in 10 innings, 2-1.

Carlos Martinez struck out 4 in two innings of shutout ball in the National League’s 2-1 loss in the All Star Game.

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.

Top 5 Projected Holds Leaders For The MLB In 2017

a betances and miller

It is one of the harder stats to predict every year, and we are talking about the category of Holds.  Last season the New York Yankees disrupted the flow of the entire landscape.

Since the New York club traded both Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman, this affected the chances of Dellin Betances winning the year, with him moving to Closer.

Miller himself finished 2nd in the Majors having worked setup for Chapman – and then predominantly clearing the deck for Indians Closer Cody Allen.

Falling into the same atmosphere was perennial winner Tony Watson coming into the 9th inning role once Mark Melancon was dealt to the Washington Nationals. Read the rest of this entry

Top 5 Projected Save Leaders For The MLB In 2017

Aroldis Chapman appeared in 31 Games for the Yankees in 2016, holding 20 Saves and a crisp 2l01 ERA and WHIP of .867

Aroldis Chapman appeared in 31 Games for the Yankees in 2016, holding 20 Saves and a crisp 2l01 ERA and WHIP of  .867.  This was done in just over 3 months.  With the Yankees kickstarting him up from Spring Training, and without the aid of Andrew Miller as a fallback option, I expect the flamethrowing southpaw to have one of his best seasons ever out of the pen in 2017.

What  a scene it will be at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW in he District today where Aroldis Chapman and Joe Maddon will reunite to celebrate their 2016 World Series Championship.

The big Lefty Cuban should be the favorite to win the 2017 Saves Title for the entire MLB.  It is not that the Yankees will lead the league in wins – heck they may finish 4th in the AL East.  I just believe that with the pop gun offense (say for Gary Sanchez) that the victories will all be closely contested.

I highly thought of Kenley Jansen and Craig Kimbrel for this honor as well, however I like their managers to give them the odd day off ans Save Opportunities.

As of today, we have the Cubs nearing the 100 in plateau again, but just like the aforementioned players above, I think Maddon will use several guys to register Saves for Chicago in 2017 – like Wade Davis, Hector Rondon and Carl Edwards JR.

The reigning World Series Champs are also a lot more prone to blow out teams in a weakened National League where 6 clubs may lose 90 Games or more.

For the sake of preserving arms and fatigue, I would also not be surprised to see a few more SVO’s going to Andrew Miller in lieu of Cody Allen for the AL Pennant winners Cleveland.

(RELATED – Top 5 Home Runs Hitters Projected For The MLB in 2017) Read the rest of this entry

The Cleveland Indians Should Be The Favorite In The AL For 2017 With Encarnacion Signing

Cleveland was one innning away from winning the World Series in 2017, knocked out the Boston Red Sox (who are the odds favorite in the AL currently) and have now added slugger Edwin Encarnacion to their lineup for 2017. Cleveland will also see AL MVP candidate Michael Brantley back to the roster for a full healthy year = after playing the majority of 2016 without his services. A great Pitching Staff, all around defense, combined with a well adjusted lineup, and cupcake Division to play in - and the Tribe should be the favorite to win the AL Pennant next campaign and not the Red Sox.

Cleveland was one inning away from winning the World Series in 2017, knocked out the Boston Red Sox (who are the odds favorite in the AL currently) and have now added slugger Edwin Encarnacion to their lineup for 2017. Cleveland will also see AL MVP candidate Michael Brantley back to the roster for a full healthy year = after playing the majority of 2016 without his services. A great Pitching Staff, all around defense, combined with a well adjusted lineup, and cupcake Division to play in – and the Tribe should be the favorite to win the AL Pennant next campaign and not the Red Sox.

With the news that Edwin Encarnacion signing a 3 Year Deal Worth $55 MIL< and a Team Option for a 4th season that is $25 MIL – or a $5 MIL Buyout, the Indians have put themselves back into the lead as the favorite in the Junior Circuit.

So far, the oddsmakers don’t agree with that last statement, as the Red Sox are currently +475 to win the World Series – while Cleveland is listed at +700 to win the Fall Classic, but lets look at what Cleveland has going for it.

Michael Brantley is coming back (potentially fully healthy, and was a legitimate AL MVP candidate in 2014 and 2015.  Now to have him as a 3/4 tandem with EE, you are talking about a great heart of the lineup.

Jason Kipnis and Francisco Lindor are full value to kickstart the offense. Both guys are capable of playing all world ALL – Star campaigns upcoming.

Carlos Santana had a career year for HRs (34) RBI (87) OPS (.865) and will still bring in his 100 Walks a year.

Jose Ramirez can hit 6th for me any time.  Tyler Naquin held an .886 OPS in half a years worth AB en route to finishing 3rd in Rookie Of The Year Voting.

The club can fend enough offense in RF a Catcher to hit 8th and 9th. Read the rest of this entry

New York Yankees State Of The Union For 2017: Stemming The Tide For Upcoming Seasons

The Yankees shocked the baseball world by contending for the last 2 months after dealing away Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Miller and Carlos Beltran at the Deadline. With a the young '"Baby Bombers" on the way, tt will take a few good veterans to compliment the talent in order for the Yankees to become extremely dangerous once again. It all starts with the GM Brian Cashman.

The Yankees shocked the baseball world by contending for the last 2 months in 2016 after dealing away Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Miller and Carlos Beltran at the Deadline. With a the young ‘”Baby Bombers” on the way, tt will take a few good veterans to compliment the talent in order for the Yankees to become extremely dangerous once again. It all starts with the GM Brian Cashman.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

I will be the first one to give credit to Brian Cashman for arranging the July Trade Deadline deal moves to free up a rebuild on the fly.  The Yankees rewarded their longterm GM by continuing their season streak of over .500 to 22 years.

The management has also been fortunate that Gary Sanchez fared so incredibly well – so they could sell Brian McCann to the Astros, and effectively free up another $10 MIL into their couch cushions.

As it sits right now the clubs projected roster is looking to be in the $167 MIL range for total team salary.  Unfortunately they are still on the hook to CC Sabathia for $25 MIL and Alex Rodriguez for $21 MIL in 2017. even though latter is not even on the roster anymore.

So what do the Yanks do this winter?  They are perennial abusers of the Salary Tax Threshold, and have been paying 50% of their dollars spent beyond the limit for the last several years. 

With the news of talks proceeding on that number potentially reaching $200 MIL or under the new CBA, the Pinstripers should definitely dole out some bread for Free Agents this offseason.

I would say that for the Bronx Bombers to be competitive for the AL East, they need to add at least $50 MIL in players salaries this winter in order to fight the Jays and Red Sox for the Division.

Read the rest of this entry

Cleveland Indians State Of The Union For 2017: The Tribe Better Not Trade Andrew Miller!

The Cleveland has ridden great drafting, trades and salaried contracts to put themselves into contention for the AL Pennant over the next couple of years. The last thing they need to do is try and deal the one Bullpen who helped pushed them over the top in the Junior Circuit in 2016. At worst start the season with Andrew Miller - and if things go horribly, you can always trade him midway through the year with other guys as well.

The Cleveland has ridden great drafting, trades and salaried contracts to put themselves into contention for the AL Pennant over the next couple of years. The last thing they need to do is try to deal the one Bullpen member who helped pushed them over the top in the Junior Circuit in 2016. At worst, start the season with Andrew Miller – and if things go horribly, you can always trade him midway through the year with ome other guys as well.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

The 2016 season showed us just how valuable that a Relief Pitcher like Andrew Miller can be.  Loaded with an arsenal of great Bullpen guys, Terry Francona flipped the coaching book on its keester by bringing back the old way that Relievers used to be implemented late in the games.  I was a kid who would watch Goose Gossage mow down hitters as a hired gun late in contests.

We all saw it before our very own eyes.  Now comes the most ridiculous notion ever of considering trading him?  Really Cleveland??  You better not even fathom this until at least midway through the 2017 campaign.

I understand it is tough for a mid market club doling out $9M a year for a guy who might log 70 Innings – and not save the games he is in, but they just need to look at how good they fared in 2016.

The Tribe was without its best player all year in Michael Brantley, and also without Danny Salazar/Carlos Carrasco for the majority of the playoffs too.  There is no way this club should have gone this far, and pushed the Cubs to the brink of elimination in the Fall Classic, before the reigning champs came back to ruin the party in Cleveland.

If I were in Chris Antonetti’s shoes I don’t start any dialogue about 2017’s roster without Andrew Miller on the opening day squad.

$9 Million is not earth shattering cash when you consider Andrew Cashner - and his bloated ERA of 5.25 just backed up his dome into Texas and settled for a cool $10 MIL for the 2017 season. If Cleveland can't afford the guy they might as well pack up town in the middle of the night and head elsewhere (something that has happened in Cleveland before.)

$9 Million is not earth shattering cash when you consider Andrew Cashner – and his bloated ERA of 5.25 just backed up his dome into Texas and settled for a cool $10 MIL for the 2017 season. If Cleveland can’t afford the guy they might as well pack up town in the middle of the night and head elsewhere (something that has happened in Cleveland before.)  The 6 FT 7 – 31 Year old-fashioned a 10 – 1 record this year. with an incredible 123 Ks and just 9 BB in his 74.1 IP worth of work.  Miller then fanned 30 batters, walked just five, while sporting a 1.40 ERA in 20.1 IP in the postseason, winning the ALCS MVP honors and nearly helped lead his team to Cleveland’s first WS win since 1948.  If the goal is to win in the playoffs you can’t trade this guy right now.  He is money there, and you have a chance to go back to October baseball again in 2017.

This 2016 AL Pennant squad should be conceivably better with a healthy Michael Brantley coming back, equaled with more seasoning from Tyler Naquin, and topped off with the emergence of Francisco Lindor/Jason Kipnis as an awesome double play combination.

it may be hard to fill the 34 HRs and 101 RBI that Mike Napoli brought forth, but one could still find a few cheap replacements to pull in some nice numbers. They could employ another DH full time like Pedro Alvarez on the cheap, and work in some against LHP – by bringing back Rajai Davis who crushes southpaws.  Davis could act as a 4th OF in the midst of Naquin, Brantley and Lonnie Chisenhall.

The Indians still also have Brandou Guyer – who can handle a stick against LHP as well  – and act as a DH/OF.

Cleveland is currently slated to pay around $105 MIL to all of its current guys.  Maybe there is only a few million in the coffers to play in Free Agency this offseason, yet this teams strength is its Bullpen – so don’t trade from that position of strength.

Terry Francona should be given all ample bodies to begin the campaign.  If it all goes awry during the season you can always trade some players midway through the year if it looks like it will not be their year.

Furthermore, I would ride the beginning of the year just like they ended the playoffs.  I would not change anything at all out of the gate.  I would start the year off by playing with a huge sense of urgency.

The way the rest of the AL  Central is looking, with the Tigers and white Sox talking a bot cutting payroll and maybe going for a rebuild, combined with KC potentially selling on their pending Free Agents in the next couple of years like Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Lorenzo Cain and Wade Davis, then you could see how a quick Cleveland start could discourage the rest of the pack.

The Dodgers just set a record for innings logged into the playoffs and it served them well.  The good news is the Indians can rely on their starters to provide some much needed rest for their late inning arms, by logging some of their own innings.

Go into frontrunner mode and let Francona figure out a way to get the likes of Miller, Allen and Shaw enough rest – so they can patchwork it through the end of the season.

Winning a bunch of games early, added with an awesome 2016 season – should see the Indians organization see a rise in attendance through the wickets to start the year.  An early lead would only help the situation out.  Cleveland should go all out to win in 2017.  Go the way of the 2014 Royals turning a World Series loss into a repeat trip the next year.

Cleveland will need Miller’s skill set when it comes time for the playoffs too.  This guy just seems to get better the more work he gets.  Keep riding the horse.

The franchise is so lucky that they have Lindor in Pre-Arbitration status – and that despite missing almost all of the 2016 season – that Michael Brantley is criminally underpaid for his services on the board. 

Kipnis, Kluber and Carrasco were also extended contracts at the exact perfect time. Having all these guys not cost a boatload is the reason you could have afforded Miller in the 1st place

Bryan Shaw and Carlos Santana are the only guys that are free after the 2017 year anyways.  Those guys while vital to the team this year, can be replaced – whereas a guy like Miller is a game changer in his role.  If they really need to keep the finances in line, they would be better served to dangle these players as trade bait first.

Terry Francona has won 2 Manager of the Year Awards in his 4 seasons in Cleveland. He is also underrated in his Bullpen management. The organization should let him have all of the weapons in the Relief Core. I think he should also run with the style he used in the playoffs to start the year. Worry about resting the guys later in the year if they come flying out of the gates early. This way of thinking could have us return to what Relievers used to be implored for in game use.

Terry Francona has won 2 Manager of the Year Awards in his 4 seasons in Cleveland. He is also underrated in his Bullpen management. The organization should let him have all of the weapons in the Relief Core. I think he should also run with the style he used in the playoffs to start the year. Worry about resting the guys later in the year if they come flying out of the gates early. This way of thinking could have us return to what Relievers used to be implored for in game use.

*** The views and opinions expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of mlbreports.com and their partners***

"<strong

A big thanks goes out to our ‘Chief Writer/Part Owner’ Hunter Stokes for preparing today’s featured post.

To Subscribe and listen daily to  ‘Our Lead Personality’  Sully’s 20 Minutes Daily (every day since Oct.24, 2012) Podcast click here.  Guaranteed listening to the Sully Baseball Daily Podcast will be the best time you invest in online!

Who Owns October and Who Owns the 2016 World Series (#WOO and #WOWS) Tallies Updated For October 28, 2016

29wsblog12-master675Will this be a 5 game series over soon or a seven game series unfolding? Nobody knows yet. Cub fans are HOPING to return to Cleveland!

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 28th.
2016 World Series Game 3:

Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS

Coco Crisp delivered a pinch hit RBI single that resulted in the only run of the game as Cleveland blanked the Cubs 1-0.

Andrew Miller came into the game in the 5th, retired all 4 Cubs he faced, including 3 by strikeout and earned the decision in the Indians 1-0 Game 3 victory.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS

Kyle Hendricks struck out 6 Indians in 4 1/3 shutout innings, wiggling out of trouble before being lifted in the 5th. He did not get the decision in the Cubs 1-0 defeat at the hands of Cleveland.

Jorge Soler singled, doubled and threw out a runner at third in the Cubs 1-0 loss to the Indians.

Current ‘WOWS’ Totals MLB 2016:

Hitters ‘WOWS’ MLB 2016,

Coco Crisp  – Indians 1, Roberto Perez – Indians 1, Kyle Schwarber – Cubs 1, Mike Napoli – Indians 1/2, Jorge Soler – Cubs 1/2, Ben Zobrist – Cubs 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOWS’ MLB 2016,

Jake Arrieta – Cubs 1, Corey Kluber – Indians 1, Andrew Miller – Indians 1, Kyle Hendricks – Cubs 1/3,

HCurrent WOO Totals MLB 2016

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2016,

Josh Donaldson – Blue Jays 3 1/2, Francisco Lindor – Indians 3, Adrian Gonzalez – Dodgers 2 1/2, Coco Crisp – Indians 2,   Daniel Murphy – Nationals 2, Addison Russell – Cubs 2, Justin Turner – Dodgers 2,  Javier Baez – Cubs 1 1/2, Edwin Encarnacion – Blue Jays 1 1/2, Conor Gillaspie – Giants 1 1/2, Mike Napoli – Indians 1 1/2,  Roberto Perez – Indians 1 1/2, Ben Zobrist – Cubs 1 1/2,  Mookie Betts – Red Sox 1, Kris Bryant – Cubs 1,  Dexter Fowler – Cubs 1, Brandon Guyer – Indians 1, Yasmani Grandal – Dodgers 1, Shawn Kelley – Nationals 1,  Jason Kipnis – Indians 1, Miguel Montero – Cubs 1, Joe Panik – Giants 1, Joc Pederson – Dodgers 1, Anthony Rizzo – Cubs 1, Kyle Schwarber – Cubs 1, Troy Tulowitzki – Blue Jays 1, Jayson Werth – Nationals 1, Elvis Andrus – Rangers 1/2, Jose Bautista – Blue Jays 1/2,  Andrew Benintendi  – Red Sox 1/2, Gregor Blanco – Giants 1/2, Ian Desmond – Rangers 1/2, Curtis Granderson – Mets 1/2, Rougned Odor – Rangers 1/2, Buster Posey – Giants 1/2, Carlos Ruiz – Dodgers 1/2, Michael Saunders – Blue Jays 1/2, Corey Seager – Dodgers 1/2, Jorge Soler – Cubs 1/2, Mark Trumbo – Orioles 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2016,

Corey Kluber – Indians 3,  Jon Lester – Cubs 3, Andrew Miller – Indians 3,  Kenley Jansen – Dodgers 2 1/2, Kyle Hendricks – Cubs 2,  Clayton Kershaw – Dodgers 2,   Roberto Osuna – Blue Jays 2, Josh Tomlin – Indians 2, Jake Arrieta – Cubs 1 1/2, Marco Estrada – Blue Jays 1 1/2, Madison Bumgarner – Giants 1, Aroldis Chapman – Cubs 1, Rich Hill – Dodgers 1, Derek Law – Giants 1,  Mark Melancon– Nationals 1, Ryan Merritt – Indians 1, Mike Montgomery – Cubs 1, Aaron Sanchez – Blue Jays 1, Marcus Stroman – Blue Jays 1, Travis Wood – Cubs 1,  Johnny Cueto – Giants 1/2, Matt Moore – Giants 1/2, Darren O’Day – Orioles 1/2, Max Scherzer – Nationals 1/2, Noah Syndergaard – Mets 1/2,

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 18, 2016

17kepner-superjumbo

Matt Slocum/Associated Press

The Indians may not have clinched the pennant today but they are in the middle of doing something really special.

Andrew Miller is having an all time post season.

It is a good feeling in Ohio episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

For the up to date standings of Who Owns October,Go to MLB Reports

What is “Who Owns October”? Click HERE for an explanation.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owns October in MLB Playoffs 2016 (#WOO) Tallies Updated for October 17, 2016

21334176-mmmain

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

So many relievers to pick from… but one name towers over the rest. Meanwhile a former Boston Strong slugger has brought Cleveland to the brink of the World Series.

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 17th.
ALCS Game 3:

Receiving 1 WOO’s 

Andrew Miller highlighted a brilliant performance by the Cleveland bullpen, who combined for 8 1/3 innings. Miller earned the save by recording the final 4 Toronto outs, 3 by strikeouts, giving him 20 K’s in 9 post season innings, as the Indians won, 4-2.

Mike Napoli homered and later scored a key insurance run to help Cleveland beat Toronto, 4-2.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s 

Michael Saunders launched a game tying homer in the second inning. The Blue Jays would end up dropping the game to Cleveland 4-2.

Current ‘WOO’ Totals MLB 2016:

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2016,

Josh Donaldson – Blue Jays 2 1/2, Adrian Gonzalez – Dodgers 2 1/2, Francisco Lindor – Indians 2, Daniel Murphy – Nationals 2, Javier Baez – Cubs 1 1/2,  Edwin Encarnacion – Blue Jays 1 1/2, Conor Gillaspie – Giants 1 1/2, Justin Turner – Dodgers 1 1/2, Mookie Betts – Red Sox 1,  Coco Crisp – Indians 1,  Dexter Fowler – Cubs 1, Brandon Guyer – Indians 1, Shawn Kelley – Nationals 1,  Jason Kipnis – Indians 1, Miguel Montero – Cubs 1, Mike Napoli – Indians 1, Joe Panik – Giants 1, Joc Pederson – Dodgers 1, Troy Tulowitzki – Blue Jays 1, Jayson Werth – Nationals 1, Ben Zobrist – Cubs 1,  Elvis Andrus – Rangers 1/2,  Andrew Benintendi  – Red Sox 1/2, Gregor Blanco – Giants 1/2, Kris Bryant – Cubs 1/2,  Ian Desmond – Rangers 1/2, Curtis Granderson – Mets 1/2, Rougned Odor – Rangers 1/2, Buster Posey – Giants 1/2, Carlos Ruiz – Dodgers 1/2, Michael Saunders – Blue Jays 1/2, Mark Trumbo – Orioles 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2016,

Kenley Jansen – Dodgers 2, Clayton Kershaw – Dodgers 2, Corey Kluber – Indians 2, Jon Lester – Cubs 2Andrew Miller – Indians 2,   Roberto Osuna – Blue Jays 2, Josh Tomlin – Indians 2, Marco Estrada – Blue Jays 1 1/2,  Madison Bumgarner – Giants 1, Aroldis Chapman – Cubs 1,, Derek Law – Giants 1,  Mark Melancon– Nationals 1, Marcus Stroman – Blue Jays 1, Travis Wood – Cubs 1, Jake Arrieta – Cubs 1/2,  Johnny Cueto – Giants 1/2, Kyle Hendricks – Cubs 1/2, Matt Moore – Giants 1/2, Darren O’Day – Orioles 1/2, Max Scherzer – Nationals 1/2, Noah Syndergaard – Mets 1/2,

Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2016? (#WOO) Tallies Updated For October 10, 2016

panku

EZRA SHAW/GETTY IMAGES

One series ended, one saw a team break a tie and a classic played out in San Francisco.

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 10th.
NL Division Series and AL Division Series Game 3:

Receiving 1 WOO’s 

Coco Crisp hit a key two run homer that helped the Indians sweep the Red Sox, 4-3.

Shawn Kelley stopped any Dodger momentum by retiring all the batters he faced in the 7th and 8th, striking out 8. The Nationals would put the game away in the 9th and win Game 3, 8-3.

Derek Law threw 2 no hit shutout innings after Bumgarner was lifted that helped set up the Giants come from behind rally and ultimately a 6-5 win over the Cubs.

Joe Panik reached base 5 times and delivered the walk off double in the 13th as the Giants held on to beat the Cubs, 6-5.

Josh Tomlin baffled the Red Sox over 5 plus innings, allowing 4 hits and 2 runs but kept getting first pitch strikes with his slow stuff while earning the 4-3 decision for the clinching Indians.

Jayson Werth got 3 hits, including a towering homer, and a walk, driving in 2 and scoring 2 to lead the Nationals past Los Angeles, 8-3.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s 

Jake Arrieta threw 6 strong innings and hit a 3 run homer that looked like would be enough for the win. He would not factor in the decision of the Cubs 6-5 loss to the Giants.
Mookie Betts doubled off of Miller, scored and made a terrific catch in right field. It would not be enough as the Red Sox season ended at the hands of Cleveland, 4-3.
Kris Bryant collected 7 total bases, including a dramatic 2 run, 9th inning, game tying homer. The Cubs would fall in 13 to the Giants, 6-5.
Carlos Ruiz made it a ballgame with a pinch hit 3 run homer that pulled the Dodgers to within one run. The Nationals would pad their lead and win 8-3.

Current ‘WOO’ Totals MLB 2016:

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2016,

Josh Donaldson – Blue Jays 2, Justin Turner – Dodgers 1 1/2, Javier Baez – Cubs 1, Mookie Betts – Red Sox 1,  Coco Crisp – Indians 1,  Edwin Encarnacion – Blue Jays 1, Dexter Fowler – Cubs 1, Conor Gillaspie – Giants 1, Brandon Guyer – Indians 1, Shawn Kelley – Nationals 1,  Jason Kipnis – Indians 1, Daniel Murphy – Nationals 1, Joe Panik – Giants 1,  Troy Tulowitzki – Blue Jays 1, Jayson Werth – Nationals 1,  Elvis Andrus – Rangers 1/2,  Andrew Benintendi  – Red Sox 1/2, Gregor Blanco – Giants 1/2, Kris Bryant – Cubs 1/2,  Ian Desmond – Rangers 1/2, Curtis Granderson – Mets 1/2, Rougned Odor – Rangers 1/2, Buster Posey – Giants 1/2, Carlos Ruiz – Dodgers 1/2, Mark Trumbo – Orioles 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2016,

Roberto Osuna – Blue Jays 2,  Madison Bumgarner – Giants 1, Marco Estrada – Blue Jays 1, Kenley Jansen – Dodgers 1, Derek Law – Giants 1, Jon Lester – Cubs 1, Mark Melancon – Nationals 1, Andrew Miller – Indians 1,  Marcus Stroman – Blue Jays 1, Josh Tomlin – Indians 1,  Travis Wood – Cubs 1, Jake Arrieta – Cubs 1/2,  Johnny Cueto – Giants 1/2, Darren O’Day – Orioles 1/2, Noah Syndergaard – Mets 1/2,

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

estrada100616

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 September 26, 2016 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2016 #WOB Standings

84a1749fe746f019299181ce644ebb86

Getty Images

Dee Gordon started an emotional game in Miami with a homer dedicated to his late friend Jose Fernandez. He would finish with 4 hits and a stolen base to inspire the Marlins past the Mets, 7-3.

Robinson Cano got 3 hits, including two homers. The second one put the Mariners up for good in the 4-3 extra inning victory in Houston.

Tim Adleman held the Cardinals to 2 runs over 7 strong innings, walking none as Cincinnati ran up the score, 15-2.

Andrew Miller struck out 4 Tigers in 1 2/3 innings and earned the 7-4 decision as the Indians clinched the AL Central.

They all owned baseball on September 26, 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.

Yankees Switch Roles at Trade Deadline, Help Fuel Potentially Historic World Series Matchup

Whether you’re a fan of the New York Yankees or not, a couple things are universally known about the organization: they’ve won a lot of World Series titles and normally do whatever it takes to win. The Bronx Bombers could have an impact on the Fall Classic again come October, but not because they’re participating in it.

Actually deciding to be a seller at the MLB trade deadline wasn’t the shocking part. Given their average play, it made sense for general manager Brian Cashman to trade Aroldis Chapman and Andrew Miller (among others) when their perceived value was high. However, helping the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians – two teams suffering through very long championship droughts – possibly get over the hump was a rather interesting twist.

It’s been a while since either of these organizations reached the pinnacle of the sport, but they each have reason to believe this is the year it comes to an end.

READ REST OF ENTRY

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – August 1, 2016

IMG_6611

 

I woke up on Sunday thinking the trade deadline was counting down.

I didn’t realize that it was until the next day. That didn’t stop me from making my observations of a strange day of baseball.

Check the Calendar for this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Neil Walker, Carl Edwards Jr., Miguel Cabrera, Corey Kluber, Carlos Beltran, Gregory Polanco, Chad Bettis, and Aaron Sanchez all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball yesterday.

See the updated listing of WOB on MLB Reports

 

Read the rest of this entry

REPORT: New York Yankees Want More Than Lucas Giolito In A Deal For Andrew Miller

Well folks, the madness has started. The trade deadline is quickly approaching and the rumors are growing by the hour. The newest rumor surrounds the New York Yankees and Washington Nationals in a deal for closer, Andrew Miller, that includes top pitching prospect, Lucas Giolito. Before we get into the details of this rumor, you might want to sit down because this might get a little crazy. Clic the link below to see the rest of the article.

 

SEE THE REST OF THE ARTICLE

Which Relief Pitcher Will The Washington Nationals Acquire At The Trade Deadline?

The Washington Nationals are currently in first place in the National League East, but they are in desperate need of some help in their bullpen. Their current closer, Jonathan Papelbon, has struggled all season long, which has cost the Nationals multiple games. He currently has a 4.18 ERA, 19 saves, and three blown saves in 34 appearances. Due to these struggles, the Washington Nationals could consider many options near the trade deadline. Some possibilities are mentioned in the link below:

 

SEE THE REST OF THE ARTICLE

MLB Trade Rumors: Andrew Miller To The Texas Rangers

a andrew miller

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

Let me preface this article by saying that this deal will only be made if the New York Yankees are out of the playoff race near the trade deadline. As of right now, the New York Yankees are 22-24, and 6.5 games behind the Boston Red Sox.

Considering how competitive the American League East is, there is a good chance the Yankees will be out of contention near the trade deadline, which means they will be sellers in the trade market.

The Yankees’ number one asset to move will be one of their three elite relief pitchers, Dellin Betances, Andrew Miller, or Aroldis Chapman.

Of the three, Andrew Miller is the most likely to be dealt. Miller is under contract until 2018 (signed a four-year/$36 million contract in 2015), which is what makes him so valuable to a contending team. So far in 2016, Miller has appeared in 19 games, with a 2-0 record, 0.96 ERA, 33 strikeouts, and one walk in 18.2 innings pitched.

READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE

New York Yankees Must Make Changes To Take Advantage Of Their Greatest Asset

300px-NewYorkYankees_PrimaryLogo.svg

Matt Musico (Featured BBBA Writer/Owner – chinmusicbaseball.com) 

The New York Yankees entered 2016 with questions surrounding both the rotation and starting lineup, but nobody questioned one spot of the roster: the bullpen. Dellin Betances,Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman would combine for a three-headed monster of potentially historic proportions.

Games against the Bronx Bombers would basically be over before the seventh-inning stretch. Right?

While Chapman is still serving his 30-game suspension and hasn’t debuted yet, a sluggish April has prevented New York from utilizing what we all figured would be its greatest strength.

General manager Brian Cashman has toed the line between getting younger and remaining competitive for quite a while and has done a great job.

He found Derek Jeter’s successor in Didi Gregorius and despite not signing an MLB free agent this past winter, he made what appeared to be solid additions in Chapman, Starlin Castro and Aaron Hicks.

However, the one thing on Cashman’s to-do list that he couldn’t cross off was finding depth (or just better options) for the starting rotation.

He even sacrificed some depth by sending Adam Warren to the Chicago Cubs in the Castro trade.

This area was a cause for concern, but there seemed to be enough positives where an overwhelming bullpen would make up the difference.

It hasn’t.

READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY

MLB Power Rankings 2016: Week 4 – April

One is the #1 club in the whole MLB right now, and the other was the biggest mover and shaker of the week for week 3 of MLB action.

One is the #1 club in the whole MLB right now, and the other was the biggest mover and shaker of the week for week 3 of MLB action.  Both are leading the Central Divisions in their respective leagues behind awesome starting pitching and timely power.

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.

After a crazy week in which we saw our 1st no hitter, and massive long 16 inning game in Washington, we have for you the MLB Power Rankings.

There was no movement from the top 3 clubs.  The NL West saw the Dodgers take a decent lead on the Giants – and that is major critical, as that is the team most likely to give them trouble in their quest for a 4th straight Division crown.

Bryce Harper has pulverized the Phillies, Marlins, Braves and Twins thus far.  His late inning heroics are taking him to the next level.

The biggest mover and shaker this week was the White Sox, who climbed up 7 slots.  The Giants dropping 8 positions was the biggest decline.

Bad weeks were had by the Tigers, Red Sox, Yankees and Astros.  All clubs in the AL who are supposed to contend for a playoff slot.

The Mariners won their 3rd straight road series against the Angels (after beating the Yankees and Tribe 1s), and sit just a half game back in the AL West.

Oakland had started 7 – 0 on the road, before yielding 15 runs over the last 2 losses to the Blue Jays.  They are tied with the Rangers for the lead in the Division, but it is just a matter of time before they are bounced out in my opinion.

Cleveland had a nice week of 4 – 2 to jump up 5 spots in the rankings. and are that much closer to bringing back Michael Brantley.

Gaining only one spot but having an awesome week were the New York Mets.  All the boys are hitting now, and they are 8 – 2 in their last 10 contests. Read the rest of this entry

“Stoking The Fire Segment” – Tanaka Will Miss Over A Years Worth Of Work In 7 Year Deal From ‘TJS’ Avoidance

Pitching with a partially torn UCL in his pitching arm since july of 2014, the Yankees and Tanaka's camp have avoided having Tommy John Surgery thus far, but how far can they go in avoiding the procedure. I also make the point that even if the Yankees ace somehow eludes the injury for the duration of his 7 year contract - that the fans are only seeing him at 85 - 90%. I thought the move was to have TJ Surgery have been able to turn it lose upon returning.

Pitching with a partially torn UCL in his pitching arm since July of 2014, the Yankees and Tanaka’s camp have avoided having Tommy John Surgery thus far, but how far can they go in avoiding the procedure? I also make the point that even if the Yankees ace somehow eludes the injury for the duration of his 7 year contract – that the fans are only seeing him at 85 – 90%. I thought the move was to have TJ Surgery in 2014, and upon returning from it, he would be able to turn it lose like an ace should.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

Follow The MLBreports On Twitter

What is better:  5 Years and an average of 200 Innings Thrown, or 6 years of throwing 150 – 165 IP?

The diagnosis of Masahiro Tanaka‘s slightly torn elbow was first disclosed in July of 2014.  Had he gone for Tommy John Surgery there for  repair, he could be back at full strength right about now in time.

Instead of going ahead with a procedure (that is operating at about an 86% rate of full return for pitchers,) the Japanese born Tanaka has been nursing the injury since the start of the 2015 season.

Having signed a 7 year deal worth $155 MIL – that also included a $20 MIL posting fee, the Yankees were hoping to land an ace that could pivot their rotation from 2014 – 2020.

While it is amazing the man can even throw with this lingering issue, Tanaka authored a great WHIP of 0.994 and a respectable ERA of 3.51 in 24 Game Starts during 2015.  Here is the problem though, he missed 2 months of the season when his elbow flared up.  Read the rest of this entry

New York Yankees Payroll In 2016 + Contracts Going Forward

 

With almost $100 MIL tied up in contracts for Sabathia, A-Rod, Teixeira and a potential Tommy John Surgery candidate in Masahiro Tanaka, this New York squad is in some deep trouble for next season. Despite the recent playoff misses, and injury prone players brought in by Brian Cashman, the club saw fit to grant him a 3 year extension last month. It may take a small miracle for them to make a playoff spot next campaign..

With almost $100 MIL tied up in contracts for Sabathia, A-Rod, Teixeira and a potential Tommy John Surgery candidate in Masahiro Tanaka, this New York squad is in some deep trouble for this season if injuries occur.  It may take a small miracle for them to make a playoff spot next campaign again without spending some cash.

Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead  Analyst) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

Brian Cashman can finally see some relief from some exorbitant contracts plaguing him from the last several years.

2016 sees the last year on deals for Aroldis Chapman,  C.C. Sabathia, Mark Teixeira and Carlos BeltranAlex Rodriguez is still on the book for one more year after this.

Sabathia does have a Vesting Option for $25 MIL if salary guaranteed if he 1) does not end 2016 on the disabled list with a left shoulder injury, 2) does not spend more than 45 days in 2016 on the disabled list with a left shoulder injury or 3) does not make more than six relief appearances in 2016 because of a left shoulder injury.

The Yankees can’t guarantee this will happen. Therefore the club must treat this contract as part of their deal for 2017 as well.  The Buyout would be $5 MIL.

Sabathia’s drinking aside, they are paying for the good years right now, and he is no better than a 5th Starter – and at 36 years of age with 3000+ IP logged for his career, there may be not much left in the tank. Read the rest of this entry

Did The Yankees Make A Mistake Trading For Aroldis Chapman?

Aroldis Chapman

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

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

On December 29th, 2015, the New York Yankees completed a trade with the Cincinnati Reds that solidified what could be one of the best bullpens in Major League Baseball history.

The Cincinnati Reds sent closer, Aroldis Chapman, to the New York Yankees for prospects Rookie Davis, Caleb Cotham, Tony Renda, and Eric Jagielo.

Prior to the trade, Jagielo was ranked as the Yankees 6th best prospect and Davis as the 10th best prospect in their system by MLB.com.

It is worth noting that prior to this trade, it was reported that the Los Angeles Dodgers completed a trade with the Cincinnati Reds, which involved top prospect Jose Peraza, but this trade fell through after some shocking news was released about Aroldis Chapman.

READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY

New York Yankees Need To Go Full Bore To Start 2016: Seek Reinforcements Midway Through If Need Be

The Yankees were almost flawless in their 1st 33 games to start the 2015 campaign. Quick starts by Teixeira and A-Rod fueled the offense, while Miller and Betances did not yield a run in this stretch either. Pineda was 5 - 0, Tanaka was healthy, and their duo of Ellsbury and Gardner were hitting north of .300

The Yankees were almost flawless in their 1st 33 games to start the 2015 campaign. Quick starts by Teixeira and A-Rod fueled the offense, while Miller and Betances did not yield a run in this stretch either. Pineda was 5 – 0, Tanaka was healthy, and their duo of Ellsbury and Gardner were hitting north of .300.  The club was able to coast for the last 129 games of the year when injuries and age caught up to them.  Considering they spent no real money in the winter, they should go for bore early in the season, and then bring in a boatload of people late via trade  to compensate for injuries that will probably occur to their roster.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

On May.11, 2015 – the New York Yankees had just finished an 11 – 5 drubbing of the Tampa Bay Rays – and this led to a record of 21 – 12 to start their first 33 games.  It would be important on so many levels in completing the campaign.

You see – in the next 129 games the club would go just 66 – 63 to secure the 1st Wild Card Berth.

Mark Teixeira had clubbed 11 HRs over the wall with 27 RBI.  Alex Rodriguez had 8 big fly’s with many of them giving the Bronx Bombers a shot in the arm for victory.

Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances both had not yielded a run to that point. Michael Pineda was a brilliant 5 – 0, and that was about the time that Masahiro Tanaka began having health issues.

You throw in Jacoby Ellsbury and Brett Gardner both hitting well over .300 – and it was easy to see how the Pinstripers had taken off to a great start. Read the rest of this entry

Top 5 Projected MLB Holds Leaders (AL + NL) In 2016

With so much uncertainty in the air about Mark Melancon's fate with the club, I can't pick Tony Watson to win this category for a 2nd straight year. He was also the runner up in the 2014 season. I say he is the Closer in the 2nd half of the year. His teammate Jared Hughes will get plenty of opportunities all year in late inning relief.

With so much uncertainty in the air about Mark Melancon’s fate with the club, I can’t pick Tony Watson to win this category for a 2nd straight year. He was also the runner-up in the 2014 season. I say he is the Closer in the 2nd half of the year. His teammate Jared Hughes will get plenty of opportunities all year in late inning relief.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

It is time to get our fantasy teams ready in 2016.  Because of the long winter year for certain players, the Relievers market has a pile of roster moves to go down before opening weekend in April.  There are some guys that could make the list, but I am itching to write my list.

For the reasons I was just talking about, Jeremy Affeldt, Matt Thornton, Casey Janssen, Manny Parra, Eric O’Flaherty, Tommy Hunter, Franklin Morales, Neal Cotts, Nathan Adcock, Wesley Wright, Matt Capps, Sergio Santos, Ryan Webb and Joe Beimel won’t appear – although only a couple of those guys are even relevant to the Holds stat.

The biggest questions to think of include trade possibilities.  Will the Pirates trade Mark Melancon?  If this happens, NL Leader of Holds last year, Tony Watson, may see some time as the Closer for the Bucs. Read the rest of this entry

Chapman To The Yanks Means ‘New York’ is In It To Win It For 2016

Aroldis Chapman is the most dominant Left Handed Reliever in the game right now - and is heading to the Bronx with the 2 other top Strikeout Ratio artists in Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances.  The Yankees will be able to hold down plenty of leads.  But this deal means more than just the player coming to New York.  It is the first time we have seen the brass step up to say we are going to win this thing in 2016.  Look for subsequent moves to be made now that this is the mindset.

Aroldis Chapman is the most dominant Left Handed Reliever in the game right now – and is heading to the Bronx with the 2 other top Strikeout Ratio artists in Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances. The Yankees will be able to hold down plenty of leads. But this deal means more than just the player coming to New York. It is the first time we have seen the brass step up to say we are going to win this thing in 2016. Look for subsequent moves to be made now that this is the mindset.  Chapman has 1 Year of Arbitration left before hitting the open market next winter).

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

We have given Brian Cashman a lot of flak about how he has run the Yankees in the last half dozen year or so.  While I like the Aaron Hicks and Starlin Castro deals, this is the first deal where I felt the Pinstripers were serious about winning again.

Read about the deal for Chapman from MLB Trade Rumors

Everyone will be proclaiming them the best 1/2/3 knockout punch in late inning relief in the entire Majors.  You will also hear a ton of things about Strikeout Rates – and historical Bullpens.

You will also hear a lot about player integrity and character.  Since when do the Bronx Bombers ever care about whether a guy has some off field issues?

What I took out of yesterday’s deal is that the brass has given the green light to play ball in 2016.

With a payroll reaching $220 MIL now (easily payable with a team that makes as much as the Yankees), who cares if the team spends another $25 – $30 MIL after the Chapman deal? Read the rest of this entry

New York Yankees State Of The Union For 2016

The 2015 New York started off extremely strong at 21 - 12, before they finished the last 129 Games at just 66 - 63. With surprising years from Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira, the club still made the Wild Card Game with 87 wins. The club has done a couple of nice winter moves in picking up Starlin Castro and Aaron, however the Bullpen is weaker, and the Starting Rotation has many health concerns. New York will need to address those before the season opener.

The 2015 New York Yankees started off extremely strong at 21 – 12, before they finished the last 129 Games at just 66 – 63. With surprising years from Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira, the club still hosted the Wild Card Game with 87 wins. The club has done a couple of nice winter moves in picking up Starlin Castro and Aaron Hicks for backup players, however the Bullpen is weaker, and the Starting Rotation has many health concerns. New York will need to address those before the season opener.

Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead  Analyst) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

Okay so one of the things that happens when you own a website is you lose some of the hardcore enthusiasm for the team you love the most.  This is my story with he Yankees.  Don’t get me wrong, they are still my favorite club, it is just I cover all 30 MLB teams a lot more than I used to.

Having said this, I have been railing on the Yankees for a long time on how they have conducted themselves.  I traced it back to 2014, when they could have reset the Luxury Tax Threshold by trading Ichiro Suzuki, Hiroki Kuroda and Brett Gardner at the Deadline.

Instead, the club went for a half ass attempt to make the playoffs with Derek Jeter in his last season as Shortstop.

I do give Brian Cashman some credit in 2015 for the club making the postseason.  I maintain that his building of the team was still flawed.

Bullpen withstanding, he has known his Starting Pitching situation has been in health peril since  Masahiro Tanaka was diagnosed with a UCL injury in July of 2014.

Joe Girardi squeezed every ounce of the Veteran Lineup that he could last year.  Who would have predicted the squad would have had 30+ Homer years from Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira?

That helped the club jump out to a fantastic start, and then coasted with a .500 record for the last 4 plus months to the 1st playoff Wild Card spot.  They lost to the Houston Astros in that game at Yankee Stadium.

Read the rest of this entry

New York Yankees Payroll In 2016 + Contracts Going Forward

With almost $100 MIL tied up in contracts for Sabathia, A-Rod, Teixeira and a potential Tommy John Surgery candidate in Masahiro Tanaka, this New York squad is in some deep trouble for next season. Despite the recent playoff misses, and injury prone players brought in by Brian Cashman, the club saw fit to grant him a 3 year extension last month. It may take a small miracle for them to make a playoff spot next campaign..

With almost $100 MIL tied up in contracts for Sabathia, A-Rod, Teixeira and a potential Tommy John Surgery candidate in Masahiro Tanaka, this New York squad is in some deep trouble for next season.  It may take a small miracle for them to make a playoff spot next campaign again without spending some cash.

Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead  Analyst) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

Brian Cashman can finally see some relief from some exorbitant contracts plaguing him from the last several years.

2016 sees the last year on deals for C.C. Sabathia, Mark Teixeira and Carlos BeltranAlex Rodriguez is still on the book for one more year after this.

Sabathia does have a Vesting Option for $25 MIL if salary guaranteed if he 1) does not end 2016 on the disabled list with a left shoulder injury, 2) does not spend more than 45 days in 2016 on the disabled list with a left shoulder injury or 3) does not make more than six relief appearances in 2016 because of a left shoulder injury.

The Yankees can’t guarantee this will happen. Therefore the club must treat this contract as part of their deal for 2017 as well.  The Buyout would be $5 MIL.

Sabathia’s drinking aside, they are paying for the good years right now, and he is no better than a 5th Starter – and at 36 years of age with 3000+ IP logged for his career, there may be not much left in the tank. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – June 5, 2015

A crazy day almost ended the streak, but I am not going to avoid my duties to do a podcast every single day!

And along the way, I implore the Cincinnati Reds to emulate Clint Eastwood in A Fistful of Dollars.

It is a better late than never Episode 953 of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Adam Jones, Jesse, Hahn, John Mayberry Jr., Michael Wacha, Roenis Elias, Ben Revere,and Dustin Pedroia all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?

Read the rest of this entry

%d bloggers like this: