Blog Archives

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 13, 2013

Photos: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images - NJ.com - AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

Photos: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images – NJ.com – AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

While I deal with the fact that Pope Francis won Time Magazine Person of the Year over me, I talk a little bit about Joba Chamberlain’s future and the direction of the Diamondbacks.

It is a blessed episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 13, 2013

Updated Odds To Win The 2014 World Series As Of Right Now

The last time the Tigers won a World Series was 1984.  They have not improved their chances quite yet in the offseason.  Absolute worst odd on the board as the #3 favorite

The last time the Tigers won a World Series was 1984. They have not improved their chances quite yet in the offseason. Absolute worst odd on the board as the #3 favorite

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

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It is unbelievable to me that the oddsmakers are giving the Angels and Blue Jays a better chance to win next year’s World Series trophy – over the San Francisco Giants and Pittsburgh Pirates.

The two defending LCS champions are listed as tied for 4th at +1000, meaning you would win 1000 dollars for every 100 dollars wagered.

The Yankees are given the same amount of odd to win next year as the Atlanta Braves and the Oakland A’s.  Based on these projections, these guys have the Yankees potentially making the playoffs. 

While I am a fan of the Bronx Bombers, this is a poor odd value, so STAY AWAY.  Wait for the Yankees to at least sign 2 – 3 Starting Pitchers before you place that kind of wager.

Let It Ride scene – A great way to find out who to bet

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 27, 2013

USA Today Sports

USA Today Sports

It is important to be negative and to consolidate our hate. Brian McCann is my least favorite player and he’s a Yankee! Hooray! And the Diamondbacks continue being phony tough.

Lots of reasons to be negative on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 27, 2013

Arizona May Have To Rethink Their Team Salary In The NL West With High Spending LA + SF

The Arizona Diamondbacks didn't have the type of year in 2013 that they had wished for, however the future looks really strong.  Aided by a slugging 1st Baseman (Paul Goldschmidt), and great young Staring Pitching like Wade Miley and Patrick Corbin, added with Veterans Miguel Montero, Martin Prado and Aaron Hill, with prospects A.J. Pollock and Adam Eaton being the future core, this team should see some heavy duty improvement from year to year.

The Arizona Diamondbacks didn’t have the type of year in 2013 that they had wished for, however the future looks really strong. Aided by a slugging 1st Baseman (Paul Goldschmidt), and great young Staring Pitching like Wade Miley and Patrick Corbin, added with Veterans Miguel Montero, Martin Prado and Aaron Hill, with prospects A.J. Pollock and Adam Eaton being the future core, this team should see some heavy duty improvement from year to year.  Having said this, they compete with the two most expensive payrolls in the NL – in their Division with the Dodgers and Giants.

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

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Chase Field is a pretty cool ballpark.  The Diamondbacks have been often voted as one of the better organizations in the MLB for how they treat their fanbases for guest services, value and overall baseball experiences.

While the D’Backs finished in 14th for NL Attendance this year, they cracked the 2 Million fan barrier for the 15th straight year since entering the league.

Over the last 8 years, the team has kept comfortably between 2.0 MIL and 2.5 MIL.

Back in the first few seasons of MLB in the desert, the franchise was drawing well over 3 Million fans..

Paul Goldschmidt 2013 Highlights

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 7, 2013

Photos: Andrew Wooley - Getty Images - USA Today - J. Meric/Getty Images North America - AP Photo/Toronto Blue Jays via The Canadian Press, Fred Thornhill

Photos: Andrew Wooley – Getty Images – USA Today – J. Meric/Getty Images North America – AP Photo/Toronto Blue Jays via The Canadian Press, Fred Thornhill

Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I review the finalists for the off season awards and give a good long look at the results of Who Owns Baseball (WOB.)

WOB was my great experiment to try and track players value based upon how they became the big performer of individual days, taking in account stats and the significance of the game.

Four of the final names very well might line up with the real awards.

But why are Matt Moore and R. A. Dickey there? Is that a flaw in WOB? Or is it a flaw in US?

The final tally for Who Owns Baseball can be found here.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 7, 2013

Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series + Around The MLB Horn For Quick Team Wish Lists

The Red Sox may have won the 2013 World Series, but they are not the 2014 favorites.  No team has repeated since the Yankees won 3 straight titles from 1998 - 2000.

The Red Sox may have won the 2013 World Series, but they are not the 2014 favorites. No team has repeated since the Yankees won 3 straight titles from 1998 – 2000.

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Now that the Boston Red Sox have won the 2013 World Series, the oddsmakers have already dropped them, plus fellow 2013 Fall Classic Participants (St. Louis) to be tied for the 3rd seed, with the Washington Nationals.

A massive surprise on the list are the Los Angeles Angels, who will have the 6th favorite slot to win the World Series at +1400.

If you are looking for value, you should consider the Reds (Tied for the 8th seed) at +1600.  They are merely a few players, and perhaps a few tweaks from going far in one of these playoffs.

2013 World Series Champion – Red Sox

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The Detroit Tigers Roster Tree Part 1: How All Of The Hitters Were Acquired

It is tough to believe that someone once wanted to trade Miguel Cabrera.  The Marlins were so desperate to rid themselves of the Dontrelle Willis contract, that they unloaded Miguel Cabrera as part of a package for 5 different players in return from Detroit.  It will go down as one of the worst trades in MLB History by the time it is all said and done.  Cabrera has evolved into the best Right Handed Batter in this generation.  He only gets better each year that passes by.

It is tough to believe that someone once wanted to trade Miguel Cabrera. The Marlins were so desperate to rid themselves of the Dontrelle Willis contract, that they unloaded Miguel Cabrera as part of a package for 5 different players in return from Detroit. It will go down as one of the worst trades in MLB History by the time it is all said and done. Cabrera has evolved into the best Right Handed Batter in this generation. He only gets better each year that passes by.

How All Of The Tigers Hitters Were Acquired:

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

At the MLB Reports, we intend to show you the Roster Tree for the Detroit Tigers  – and how they assembled their current roster for hitting and Pitching.  It will work in a six degrees of separation like format.

Once we figure out the origin of how many trades going back in time it takes to see where the tree started, it will be time to dissect how the team fared on the deals.

If a player has never left the organization at all, the tree will be easy – as it will just be the year they were drafted or signed.

For the 2nd part of the Roster Tree for the Tigers: The Pitchers – click here

For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries Posts that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.

Miguel Cabrera 2013 Highlights Before The All – Star Break – Mature Lyrics

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MLB’s Payroll Matters Part 2: Just Because Some Low Payroll Teams Have Bucked The Trend – Doesn’t Mean It Will Continue

It seems the only to way to build a team successfully - is to be atrocious for several (talking 6 - 8 seasons), stockpile top 5 Draft Picks, and have them all become your nucleus for a matter of a few seasons. The reason is because of Team Control Salaries.  Teams like the Rays and Pirates have also held players in the Minor Leagues longer than needed - due to salary and Arbitration implications.  I can think of Desmond Jennings, Wil Myers, Chris Archer for the Rays, while Gerrit Cole and Jeff Locke come to mind for the Bucs.

It seems the only to way to build a team successfully – is to be atrocious for several (talking 6 – 8 seasons like the Twins, Nationals, Pirates, Rays in recent years – and now the Astros are following suit), stockpile top 5 Draft Picks, and have them all become your nucleus for a matter of a few seasons. The reason is because of Team Controllable Salaries. Teams like the Rays and Pirates have also held players in the Minor Leagues longer than needed – due to salary and Arbitration implications. I can think of Desmond Jennings, Wil Myers, Chris Archer for the Rays, while Gerrit Cole and Jeff Locke come to mind for the Bucs.  If a player is ready for action in the Majors, he should playing – end of story.

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

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Lets just take a look at the teams that have played well above their value.  The Twins are a story much like the Marlins in 1997 and 2003.

The Twins had a good team in the late 80’s, and won 2 World Series Titles in 1987 and 1991.  However the economics of the game hit them hard, and they struggled for an 8 year stretch in the AL Central.

For Part 1 of the MLB’s State Of the Union Part 1:  Click here.

Major League Contraction Talk Again?

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Arizona Diamondbacks Roster in 2014: State Of The Union

Patrick Corbin pitched like the ace of the staff for Arizona and gave them a chance to win every time he pitched. The DBacks went 23-9 in the games that he started. He used the combination of a good fastball and a devastating slider that confused when they came up to the plate against him. The southpaw won 14 games and pitched over 200 innings in his first full season in the rotation. He struck out 178 batters and only walked 54 with a 1.16 WHIP.  Corbin held opposing batters to a .240 average and left-handers only hit .203 against him. He did struggle in the final month, as it looked like he ran out of gas.  The rotation for Arizona is promising with him leading the way.

Patrick Corbin pitched like the ace of the staff for Arizona and gave them a chance to win every time he pitched. The DBacks went 23-9 in the games that he started. He used the combination of a good fastball and a devastating slider that confused hitters  when they came up to the plate against him. The southpaw won 14 games and pitched over 200 innings in his first full season in the rotation. He struck out 178 batters and only walked 54 with a 1.16 WHIP. Corbin held opposing batters to a .240 average and left-handers only hit .203 against him. He did struggle in the final month, as it looked like he ran out of gas. The rotation for Arizona is promising with him leading the way.

By Chris Lacey (Lead Baseball Columnist/Minority Website Owner)

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

The Arizona Diamondbacks had some expectations that the team would play better in 2013 and they made some moves to ensure that this would happen.

However this did not happen, as the team finished for the second consecutive season at 81-81. They ended up finishing second in the National League West division behind the Los Angeles Dodgers.

For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.

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Interleague Master Schedule For The 2014 MLB Season

For the 2014 MLB Schedule Links Page – that has Monthly, Weekly, Daily, 30 MLB Teams  and all 2430 Games for on 1 running  Page Post, click here

Do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here

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

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The AL have won 13 out of the 17 years for Interleague play.  The American League has also won every year since the start of the 2004 year.

1997:  NL won 117 – 97 (.547) NL up yearly series 1 – 0

1998:  AL won 114 – 110 (.509) Yearly series tied 1 – 1

1999:  NL won 135 – 116 (.538) NL up yearly series 2 – 1

2000:  AL won 136 – 115 (.542) Yearly series tied 2 – 2

2001:  AL won 132 – 120 (.524) AL up yearly series 3 – 2

2002:  NL won 129 – 123 ( .512) Yearly series tied  3 – 3

2003:  NL won 137 – 115 (.544) NL up yearly series 4 – 3

2004:  AL won 127 – 125 (.504) Yearly series tied  4 – 4

2005:  AL won 136 – 116 (.540) AL up yearly series 5 – 4

2006:  AL won 154 – 98 (.611) AL up yearly series 6 – 4

2007:  AL won 137 – 115 (.544) AL up yearly series 7 – 4

2008:  AL won 149 – 103 (.591) AL up yearly series 8 – 4

2009:  AL won 154 – 98 (.611) AL up yearly series 9 – 4

2010:  AL won 138 – 114 (.548) AL up yearly series 10 – 4

2011:  AL won 134 – 118 (.532) AL up yearly series 11 – 4

2012:  AL won 142 – 110 (.611) AL up yearly series 12 – 4

2013:  AL won 154 – 146 (.513) AL up yearly series 13 – 4

2014:  AL Won Season Series for the 11th straight campaign – yearly season  series  AL Up 14 – 4

SUN Sept.28, 2014 Results: NYM 8 HOU 3,  2014 – AL wins season series 163 – 137 (.543) 

ALL Time: AL leads the NL 2353 – 2126 (.525)

See Ya All in 2015 for Interleague

 

 

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Its Gut Check Time For The Rangers: Indians + Rays In The AL Wild Card Driver Seats

Baltimore entered last Friday night just 1 game behind the playoff bar.  They were swept in a 4 game series down in Tampa Bay, in a wraparound series, that included a devastating 18 inning loss among the tough defeats.  The club also lost Manny Machado to injury.  The magic number to eliminate the club is just 3.

Baltimore entered last Friday night just 1 game behind the playoff bar. They were swept in a 4 game series down in Tampa Bay, in a wraparound series, that included a devastating 18 inning loss among the tough defeats. The club also lost Manny Machado to injury yesterday. The magic number to eliminate the team is just 3.  The guys end the regular season with 6 straight at Camden Yards.  The only real meaningful resolutions will be if Chris Davis can crack 4 Home Runs, to tie Ken Griffey Jr. (56 HRs) for the most HRs by a LHB in the AL for the last 52 years?

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

2013 WILDCARD Race Breakdown in AL

Team                         W –  L   GBL Games Left Upcoming in Sequence

Tampa Bay Rays       87 – 69     –   ( 3 @ NYY, 3 @ TOR)

Cleveland Indians     86 – 70     –   ( 2 vs CWS, 4 @ MIN)

Texas Rangers           85 – 71    1   (2 vs HOU, 4 vs LAA)

Kansas City Royals  83 –  73   3.0  (2 @ SEA, 4 @ CWS)

New York Yankees   82 – 74   4.0   (3 vs TB, 3 @ HOU)

Baltimore Orioles     81 – 75   5.0  ( 3 vs TOR, 3 vs BOS)

We have had some clarification occur over the last week in the AL Wild Card Race as the Rays and Indians have both won 4 straight in their goal to make the playoffs.

The Yankees went 3 – 3 for the week, including a heart – wrenching loss to the Giants late on Sunday,  It must have pained them even more to see the Rays come back in the late innings versus the Orioles.

Had Baltimore won that game, the Yankees would start the series in New York versus the Rays tonight with a chance to cut their deficit to them by 3 games via a sweep.

The Bronx Bombers then waltz into Houston, where they might win their last 3 games.  However, with Tampa’s come from behind win yesterday, it makes their Magic number versus the Yanks to 3. 

Manny Machado’s Gruesome Injury – Sept.23/2013

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 20, 2013

(AP Photo/Matt York)

(AP Photo/Matt York)

The Dodgers earned their NL West title with an amazing second half. Remember they were only a game above .500 after the All Star Break.

Meanwhile the Diamondbacks look like a bunch of whining spineless wimps and I compared them to Sweathog Arnold Horshack.

More thoughts like that on today’s Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Hanley Ramirez, Gerrit Cole, Coco Crisp and John Lackey all owned baseball on September 20, 2013.

To see the up to date tally of “Who Owns Baseball?,” click HERE
Subscribe on iTunes HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 20, 2013

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 19, 2013

Photo: David Kadlubowski / The Arizona Republic

Photo: David Kadlubowski / The Arizona Republic

Virtually no team I was rooting for last night won and Baseball-Reference.com is down this morning.

It is a nightmare for your pal Sully.

On The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast I talk about the frustrating night and managers on the bubble. Also Kirk Gibson needs another year for his plan of Mini Kirk Gibsons in Arizona to take shape.

Billy Hamilton, Josh Hamilton, Adam Wainwright and Hisashi Iwakuma all owned baseball for September 18, 2013.

To see the up to date tally of “Who Owns Baseball?,” click HERE.
Subscribe on iTunes HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 19, 2013

The 4 Teams Chasing Texas + Tampa In The AL Wild Card Have A Great Chance (Mon – THU Game W – L Grid For All 6 Teams)

The Cleveland Indians are in the driver seat in the AL Wild Card Race.  While they may not overtake the #1 Wild Card Spot by Thursday, they can guarantee to be in a playoff position if they can simply win 3 out of the next 4 games.  After Thursday, the Tribe has the easiest path to the Post Season out of any of these 6 clubs when it comes to Strength Of Schedule!

The Cleveland Indians are in the driver seat in the AL Wild Card Race. While they may not overtake the #1 Wild Card Spot by Thursday, they can guarantee to be in a playoff position if they can simply win 3 out of the next 4 games. After Thursday, the Tribe has the easiest path to the Post Season out of any of these 6 clubs when it comes to Strength Of Schedule!  Cleveland last made the playoffs in 2007, when they blew a 3 – 1 ALCS to the Boston Red Sox.

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

2013 WILDCARD Race Breakdown in AL

Team                         W –  L   GBL Games Left Upcoming in Sequence

Tampa Bay Rays       81 – 67     –   (4 vs TEX, 4 vs BAL, 3 @ NYY, 3 @ TOR)

Texas Rangers           81 – 67     –   (4 @ TB, 3 @ KC, 3 vs HOU, 4 vs LAA)

Cleveland Indians     81 – 68   0.5  (3 @ KC, 4 vs HOU, 2 vs CWS, 4 @ MIN)

Baltimore Orioles     79 – 70   2.5  (3 @ BOS, 4 @ TB, 3 vs TOR, 3 vs BOS)

New York Yankees   79 – 71   3.0  (3 @ TOR, 3 @ SF, 3 vs TB, 3 vs HOU)

Kansas City Royals  78 –  71   3.5  (3 vs CLE, 3 vs TEX, 3 @ SEA, 4 @ CWS)

The American League Wild Card spots #1 and #2 are  considerably up for grabs. 

To make it an even tighter race, the teams trailing Tampa and Texas can all make up ground in their own individual series this week when those clubs play each other 4 times.

This is a perfect storm for these 4 clubs to narrow the gap.

What I am going to do is make in make a grid based on how the teams will do based on the Rays and the Rangers series.

KC Royals Win the 1985 World Series – Now Sit in a 28 Year Playoff Drought (Longest in the MLB)

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Arizona Diamondbacks 2014 MLB Season Full Schedule On 1 Post Page

Arizona Diamondbacks 2014 Full Year Schedule On 1 Page Post

By Chris Lacey (Lead Baseball Columnist/Minority Website Owner)

All times listed for games are local.

Saturday Mar. 22/2014

Dodgers @ Dbacks TBD

Sunday Mar.23/2014

Dodgers @ Dbacks TBD

Monday Mar.31/2014

Giants @ Dbacks 6:40 PM

Tuesday April.01/2014

Giants @ Dbacks 6:40PM

Wednesday April.02/2014

Giants @ Dbacks 6:40 PM

Thursday April.03/2014

Giants @ Dbacks 12:40 PM

Friday April.04/2014

Dbacks @ Rockies 1:10 PM

Saturday April.05/2014

Dbacks @ Rockies TBD

Sunday April.06/2014

Dbacks @ Rockies 1:10 PM Read the rest of this entry

2014 MLB Season Schedule – Week 2 (April.07 – April.13/2014)

The MLB Reports is going to be the #1 place to come for the 2014 Major League Baseball Schedule: Dates, Days, Home Openers, # Games Per Day: Break Downs into pages of a Year Long Calendar, Monthly Calendar, Weekly Calendar - all on one page for each, so you can know your favorite teams schedule, or plan to do a MLB Road Trip. I will also do a doubleheader Master Schedule for - two parks in one day for that extreme Ball Park Chaser (Coming in Feb).  Also, we will have a Sunday Night ESPN schedule page, an Interleague Schedule Page for all year, 6 different 30 Ballparks in 30 days trip schedulers, and a couple of schedules I feel could break the records for ballpark viewing.  Those last few pages all are coming in February.

The MLB Reports is going to be the #1 place to come for the 2014 Major League Baseball Schedule: Dates, Days, Home Openers, # Games Per Day: Break Downs into pages of a Year Long Calendar, Monthly Calendar, Weekly Calendar – all on one page for each, so you can know your favorite teams schedule, or plan to do a MLB Road Trip. I will also do a doubleheader Master Schedule for – two parks in one day for that extreme Ball Park Chaser (Coming in Feb). Also, we will have a Sunday Night ESPN schedule page, an Interleague Schedule Page for all year, 6 different 30 Ballparks in 30 days trip schedules, and a couple of schedules I feel could break the records for ballpark viewing. Those last few pages all are coming in February.

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

A lot of things that will affect any given schedule for the ‘MLB’ are weather cancellations, ESPN Sunday Night Game positioning and of course if there any other delays.

The MLB Reports will work hard to keep up with the schedule changes as they come.  While we are not going to be a big proponent of putting up links for tickets, we have many friends that do such a thing.

Plus if you haven’t done so yet. join http://www.ballparkchasers.com – and join the discussion with the gang over at Facebook here.

You will be doing yourselves a favor by joining – as a lot of the people in there have vast knowledge and expertise about all of the 30 MLB Parks.

All 30 MLB Parks – in 30 Days by Blind Fan Reggie Deal (He is the man!)

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2014 MLB Season Opener Date for Games In Sydney, Australia + Week 1 Of The MLB Schedule (March.23 – April.06/2014)

The MLB Reports is going to be the #1 place to come for the 2014 Major League Baseball Schedule: Dates, Days, Home Openers, # Games Per Day: Break Downs into pages of a Year Long Calendar, Monthly Calendar, Weekly Calendar - all on one page for each, so you can know your favorite teams schedule, or plan to do a MLB Road Trip. I will also do a doubleheader Master Schedule for - two parks in one day for that extreme Ball Park Chaser (Coming in Feb).  Also, we will have a Sunday Night ESPN schedule page, an Interleague Schedule Page for all year, 6 different 30 Ballparks in 30 days trip schedulers, and a couple of schedules I feel could break the records for ballpark viewing.  Those last few pages all are coming in February.

The MLB Reports is going to be the #1 place to come for the 2014 Major League Baseball Schedule: Dates, Days, Home Openers, # Games Per Day: Break Downs into pages of a Year Long Calendar, Monthly Calendar, Weekly Calendar – all on one page for each, so you can know your favorite teams schedule, or plan to do a MLB Road Trip. I will also do a doubleheader Master Schedule for – two parks in one day for that extreme Ball Park Chaser (Coming in Feb). Also, we will have a Sunday Night ESPN schedule page, an Interleague Schedule Page for all year, 6 different 30 Ballparks in 30 days trip schedulers, and a couple of schedules I feel could break the records for ballpark viewing. Those last few pages all are coming in February.

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

With the exception of that we don’t know who is going to have the North American Home Opener on Sunday March.30/2014 yet, these are the tentative schedule – and I have highlighted home openers for each club.

Only a few teams like:  St. Louis, New York (AL), Seattle, and San Francisco will not have hosted games from Mar.30 – April.06.  Everybody will have played a home game by April.08/2014.

All 30 MLB Parks – Mature Lyrics So Parental Guidance Is Advised

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Official Home Openers At All 30 MLB Parks In 2014

The MLB Reports is going to be the #1 place to come for the 2014 Major League Baseball Schedule: Dates, Days, Home Openers, # Games Per Day: Break Downs into pages of a Year Long Calendar, Monthly Calendar, Weekly Calendar - all on one page for each, so you can know your favorite teams schedule, or plan to do a MLB Road Trip. I will also do a doubleheader Master Schedule for - two parks in one day for that extreme Ball Park Chaser (Coming in Feb).  Also, we will have a Sunday Night ESPN schedule page, an Interleague Schedule Page for all year, 6 different 30 Ballparks in 30 days trip schedulers, and a couple of schedules I feel could break the records for ballpark viewing.  Those last few pages all are coming in February.

The MLB Reports is going to be the #1 place to come for the 2014 Major League Baseball Schedule: Dates, Days, Home Openers, # Games Per Day: Break Downs into pages of a Year Long Calendar, Monthly Calendar, Weekly Calendar – all on one page for each, so you can know your favorite teams schedule, or plan to do a MLB Road Trip. I will also do a doubleheader Master Schedule for – two parks in one day for that extreme Ball Park Chaser (Coming in Feb). Also, we will have a Sunday Night ESPN schedule page, an Interleague Schedule Page for all year, 6 different 30 Ballparks in 30 days trip schedules, and a couple of schedules I feel could break the records for ballpark viewing. Those last few pages all are coming in February.

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

With the exception of that we don’t know who is going to have the North American Home Opener on Sunday March.30/2014 yet, these are the tentative home openers for each club.

30 MLB Park Rankings – According to a Fan

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.5th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

AP Photo/Bill Kostroun

AP Photo/Bill Kostroun

Shane Victorino homered, stole a base and drove in the game winning run in the 10th inning as the Red Sox won a mind boggling 9-8 thriller against the Yankees.

Todd Frazier homered twice and finished going 3-4 as the Reds topped the Cardinals, 6-2.

Miguel Gonzalez gave the Orioles 7 innings 4 hit, 1 run ball, getting the decision as the Birds topped the White Sox, 3-1.

With no dominating starting pitching in the National League, Brad Ziegler closed out the Diamondbacks victory against the Giants and kept their thin playoff hopes alive.

They all owned baseball on September 5, 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

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 2, 2013

MLB.tv

MLB.tv

There is no day off for The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast… not even on Labor Day.

The lost careers of Joba Chamberlain and Daniel Bard plus September’s post season chase is the topic for the day.

This is the video made in 2011 about finishing the season on Labor Day.

Brett Oberholtzer, J. J. Hardy, Zack Greinke and Hunter Penceand A. J. Burnett all owned baseball on September 1, 2013.

To see the up to date tally of “Who Owns Baseball?,” click HERE.

Subscribe on iTunes HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 2, 2013

Aug.31 Trade Deadline Maneuvers Part 1

 had his best year in 2011 with the Nationals, where he hit .303, with 31 HRs and 95 RBI during his 515 AB.  The Orioles would love that kind of production to aid their DH core of hitters.  The club however, would simply settle for his Career 3 Slash Line of .284/.338/.816 in parts of 9 seasons and 1827 At-Bats.  Morse makes $6.75 MIL this year, and will be a Free Agent after the campaign is finished.

Mike Morse had his best year in 2011 with the Nationals, where he hit .303, with 31 HRs and 95 RBI during his 515 AB. The Orioles would love that kind of production to aid their DH core of hitters. The club however, would simply settle for his Career 3 Slash Line of .284/.338/.816 in parts of 9 seasons and 1827 At-Bats. Morse makes $6.75 MIL this year, and will be a Free Agent after the campaign is finished.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst and Website Owner)

The Orioles picking up Mike Morse is a good move.  The  guy is familiar with Region, is a nice contrast to Chris Davis – and cost the club a minimal amount to bring over.

I think the big 6 FT 5 players is just the kind of guy the Baltimore team has missed over the year.

The Designated Hitters slot has been abysmal – and if Morse can to the back of his bubblegum card, this move will pan out.

The team’s lineup will now feature  Manny Machado 3B, , Nick Markakis RF, Chris Davis 1B, Adam Jones CF, Matt Wieters C, J.J. Hardy SS, Mike Morse DH, Nate McLouth LF and Brian Roberts 2B.

Morse joins Scott Feldman, Francisco Rodriguez and Bud Norris as late season acquisitions.  All of them have contributed to the franchise.

All of a sudden having a 7 – 9, with a 25 – 30 HR powers in Morse, added with veteran Brian Roberts (if healthy) and Nate McLouth, could add a speed element when the team swings around back to the top of the lineup.

It is good for depth and when consider the team is only 5 games out of the 2nd Wild Card Spot, this is plausible with 3o games left.

Chris Tillman has asserted himself an up and coming #2 Pitcher on the team. I must say, him doing this 2 years in a row, has made a believer out of me now.

The man is 24 – 7 over his last 31 decisions – and has a mid tier 3 ERA – competing in a donnybrook of a Division.  Yesterday’s win over Boston was just another example of how much the 25 year old has bailed the club out of a losing streak.

You know Buck Showalter will have his guys ‘game ready’ for the challenge.

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2 And A Hook Podcast #14: The Races, The Red Sox + The Crowd Hitter Concept

The 2 And A Hook Podcast will be running 7 consecutive shows on Thursdays Sept. 19 + 26, and Oct 3,10,17,24,31) - Join us for our extensive playoff coverage from Chuck Booth, Chris Lacey, James Acevedo and many other guests!

The 2 And A Hook Podcast will be running 7 consecutive shows on Thursdays Sept. 19 + 26, and Oct 3,10,17,24,31) – Join us for our extensive playoff coverage from Chuck Booth, Chris Lacey, James Acevedo and many other guests!

‘2 And A Hook’ is an expression from Baseball:  ‘Throw the guy 2 Fast balls and then a Hook’ (AKA Curve Ball, Wiggly one, Chair etc..)

By James Acevedo – Host (Podcast Veteran )

Guests On The Show:

On today’s show, brought to you by www.mlbreports.com 

& yours truly The Bench Warmers Show.

i start it off by wishing the head of MLB Reports Chuck Booth    a Happy Birthday today then i talked about the A.L. East race & who will prevail at the end…

I also get to talk to the return of the Vice Prez of MLB Reports.com Chris Lacey (30 MIN mark and a 25 MIN Segment)

We talked about all the division & wild card races in both leagues, Matt Harvey’s season ending injury which is a big blow to the mets & the mets trading Byrd & Buck to help the pirates…

CLICK THE READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON or CLICK PAST THE MLB REPORTS LOGO

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A Preview Of The Dbacks Starting Rotation In 2014

Corbin has the ace of the rotation since he made his start of the season for Arizona and has not looked back. If the Dbacks make the postseason, he will be one of the reasons why this happens. The young left-hander leads the team in wins with 13 on the season. He also has a 2.79 ERA in 177.2 inning pitched while just walking 45 batters and striking out 154. He has a WHIP of 1.04 and is limiting batters to a .216 average on the season. Corbin is holding left-handed batters to a batting average of just .180 in 150 at-bats this season. He also knows how to pitch well at Chase Field with him winning eight games at home and having a 1.86 ERA. The youngster is stingy with runners in scoring position, as teams only have a .197 batting average in this situation.

Corbin has been the ace of the rotation since he made his first start of the season for Arizona and has not looked back. If the Dbacks make the postseason, he will be one of the reasons why this happens. The young left-hander leads the team in wins with 13 on the season. He also has a 2.79 ERA in 177.2 inning pitched while just walking 45 batters and striking out 154. He has a WHIP of 1.04 and is limiting batters to a .216 average on the season. Corbin is holding left-handed batters to a batting average of just .180 in 150 at-bats this season. He also knows how to pitch well at Chase Field with him winning eight games at home and having a 1.86 ERA. The youngster is stingy with runners in scoring position, as teams only have a .197 batting average in this situation.

By Chris Lacey (Lead Baseball Columnist/Minority Website Owner)

The Arizona Diamondbacks have had highs and lows this season, and there is still a chance they could make the playoffs. Arizona sits 8 ½ games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West division.

The Dodgers seem like they are running away with the division title, but Arizona still has seven games left against them in September to narrow the gap and put some pressure on them.

Patrick Corbin 2013 Highlights 

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Breaking Down A Potential Suitor For My World Record Of 30 MLB Parks in 23 Days with a 30 – 21 bid

30 in 21 chance by Jake Beham

The schedule of Jake Beham, who is trying to chase down my World Record of Seeing all 30 MLB Parks (every pitch) in 23 calendar days or less.

The schedule of Jake Beham, who is trying to chase down my World Record of Seeing all 30 MLB Parks (every pitch) in 23 calendar days or less.  This schedule must have been done without knowing you have to witness all plays of the game to qualify.  Jake is going to have a tough time dodging a miss on day 2 – where he will try to beat Labor Day Monday traffic from after the game – in order to make 1st pitch at CBP.  He will never make it by car.  The Yankees always play games that are 3 Hours or longer as well.  Even Amtrak train is a longshot.  I give him a 10% chance to make it on his 1st Doubleheader attempt.

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

2 days later he flies to Chase Field – and has scheduled a Doubleheader with Angel Stadium For DH #2.  I am assuming he is planning on taking a Southwest Airlines flight that arrives at John Wayne Arpt.  The flight leaves Phoenix at 455 PM.

That is 4 hours and 15 minutes after 1st pitch.  The flight that arrives in SNA at 605.   If he makes the flight, he could make this.  However it is about a 67% chance.  Most NL games last about 2 hours and 35 minutes.

The airport is close enough to the park in PHX – as is SNA airport.  Any extra innings though, and it is over.

On FRI, Sept.6th, he has scheduled a Wrigley Field and Kauffman Stadium doubleheader for DH #3.  This one is impossible.  The game starts at 120 PM local Chicago Time.

The closest flight I saw that leaves ORD or MDW in time for Kansas City, leaves at 441 PM.  That is 3 hours and 21 minutes from 1st pitch at Wrigley Field.

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The Red Sox Left Town With A Series Win, But Left The Dodgers With So Much More In 2012

A year after the big blockbuster Red Sox/Dodgers trade, both clubs have benefited from the trade. Both clubs lead their division and are looking stronger than ever.

A year after the big blockbuster Red Sox/Dodgers trade, both clubs have benefited from the salvation is created. The Red Sox were able to hit a reset button on their finances – and spend money on key Free Agents: Mike Napoli, Shane Victorino, take on Jake Peavy’s Salary, pick up Jonny Gomes and have a slightly lower payroll overall still.  For the LA Dodgers, they received a bonafide Leadoff hitter in Carl Crawford, plus a lethal Left Handed Bat in 1B Adrian Gonzalez.  The LA club was also willing to eat the $$ owed on bust Josh Beckett.  Los Angeles could bury lots of money for little given away talent wise.  Little did all of us know, that they had an electric ballplayer like Yasiel Puig ready to bust out.  Boston is leading the AL East, and the Dodgers are killing it in the NL West.  Perhaps this might be an October showdown?

BY Enrique Rivera (MLB Reports Dodgers Correspondent)

It has been a year since that big blockbuster Red Sox/Dodgers trade that sent a loaded bank of salary to the Dodgers along with superstar players like Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Josh Beckett and Nick Punto.

After a first half of struggles and criticism and watching the Red Sox play better baseball, the Dodgers have proven that the trade benefited them as well.

The Dodgers lead the NL West 9.5 games after being down by 9.5 earlier in the season. Meanwhile in the AL East, the Red Sox lead the division by 1 game.

Adrian Gonzalez’s first AB as a Dodger last year resulting in a HR

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (August.24th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Photo: J. Meric - Getty Images

Photo: J. Meric – Getty Images

Evan Longoria smacked a go ahead RBI single in the 6th and added a home run in the 8th, leading the Rays in a come from behind victory over the Yankees, 4-2.

Jon Lester dominated the Dodgers in Chavez Ravine, pitching shutout ball into the 8th. Eventually he gave way to the bullpen but finished with an impressive 7 1/3, 1 run, 3 hit performance and got the decision in the Red Sox 4-2 win.

Carlos Beltran helped slug the Cardinals back into a first place tie by collecting three hits including a tie breaking home run in the third and an RBI single in the 8th. St. Louis would beat Atlanta, 6-2

Trevor Cahill gave the Diamondbacks 4 innings of shutout ball out of the bullpen on a night where he was supposed to have the night off. Instead he entered a game critical for Arizona’s thin playoff hopes in the 15th inning and proceeded to keep the Phillies off of the board, despite having the winning run at the plate for every batter he faced in the 15th, 16th and 17th innings. Eventually Philadelphia ran out of pitchers. But Cahill was triumphant as Arizona outlasted the Phils, 12-7 in 18 innings.  

They all owned baseball on August 24, 2013.

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

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

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

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

The History Of Extreme Ballpark Chasing (1993 – 2013)

The days of not being able to visit all MLB parks in consecutive days ended in 1993, when the Rockies were introduced, and enhanced even more with the Arizona Diamondbacks entering the league in 1998.  In the last 15 years, several people have tried to see all 30 MLB parks in under a month.  Some successful, some broke some rules, and one guy even bought this website 6 months after he set the World Record for visiting all 30 MLB Parks in just 23 Calendar Days - completing 7 Doubleheaders.

The days of not being able to visit all MLB parks in consecutive days ended in 1993, when the Rockies were introduced, and enhanced even more with the Arizona Diamondbacks entering the league in 1998. In the last 15 years, several people have tried to see all 30 MLB parks in under a month. Some successful, some broke some rules, and one guy even bought this website 6 months after he set the World Record for visiting all 30 MLB Parks in just 23 Calendar Days – completing 7 Doubleheaders.

Ballpark Chaser definition:  Someone who is actively pursuing quests to view Baseball Parks.

Guys talked about in this Article:  Completely Insane!

By Josh Robbins (Special Guest Writer And Co – Creator for The Factor12 Rating Pitching Metric.)  Factor 12 (F12) is an analytic measurement utilizing league average performance to compare the value of all MLB pitchers on 60ft6in.com.

MLB Expansion Makes Ballpark Chasing Possible

Twenty years ago, the course of history changed for ballpark chasing.  In 1993, the Colorado Rockies and Florida Marlins debuted in the National League, increasing the total number of MLB teams to twenty-eight. 

The two new franchises created positions for fifty players and expanded the pursuits for ballpark chasers.

In prior years, the nearest connection between a west coast team and the mid-west was Anaheim Stadium to Royals Stadium, a 23-hour drive covering 1,619 miles. 

As a result, it was impossible for fans to attend games in consecutive days at every MLB stadium during one concurrent driving trip.  Consequently, the only method to complete the entire circuit was to combine land and air travel.

The new league structure dramatically altered the traveling landscape by adding Mile High Stadium in Denver, a 14-hour, 1,011-mile drive from Anaheim Stadium. 

Reggie Deal’s- 30 Day. 30 Park Compilation (A Blind Fan Who visited all 30 MLB Parks in 30 Days last year)

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

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

Robinson Cano was remarkable in the Yankees double header sweep of Toronto. He collected 4 hits including a three run game turning homer in the 8-4 opening win. Then in the 2-1 finale, he collected two more hits including an RBI single, getting six hits all together.

John Danks pitched 8 shutout innings, scattering 7 hits and walking just one, as the White Sox topped the fading Royals, 2-0.

Neil Walker went 2-4 with a home run, helping the Pirates clobber the Padres, 8-1 and build their lead in the NL Central.

Patrick Corbin threw a complete game victory, letting up only 2 runs, striking out 10 and walking none. The Diamondbacks stopped the Reds in Cincinnati, 5-2.

They all owned baseball on August 20, 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

Pressure Building For Pirates; Cardinals Winning Again – But Face Tough Schedule Coming Up

Cardinals

The Cardinals are only (12-15) since the All-Star Break in mid-July, far off the pace from their Major-League leading (57-36) record in the first half of the season. However, the recent series win over the Pirates gives the fans hope that the Cardinals can overcome their tough month and still win the NL Central Division.

By Landen Crouch (Cardinals Correspondent)

Early last week, the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates twice in a crucial mid-August three-game series.  

It was most definitely a thrilling series that saw two extra-inning walk-off singles (one on Tuesday by Adron Chambers in the 14th inning, and one Thursday afternoon by Matt Holliday in the 12th inning).  

The Cardinals definitely could have used a sweep in the series, but two out of three is the next best thing.

Over the weekend, the Cardinals took two of three on the road against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.  And then they topped that off with a come-from-behind win at Miller Park on Monday night to beat the Brewers 8-5.

Cardinals Walk-Off On Pirates in 12th:

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (August.18th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Photo: Michael Dwyer - AP

Photo: Michael Dwyer – AP

Alex Rodriguez homered, reached base 4 times, scored twice, drove in a pair and seemed to effect every single aspect of the game, sparking the Yankees past the Red Sox in Fenway, 9-6.

Max Scherzer improved to 18-1 by throwing 8 solid innings against division rival Kansas City. He surrenders only 5 hits, 2 runs and no walks as the Tigers prevailed 6-3.

Adam Eaton went 4-7 and broke the tie in the 16th inning with a 2 run double, setting up the Diamondbacks’ 4-2 win it Pittsburgh.

Homer Bailey mystified the Brewers over 8 innings, letting up just 1 run, 3 hits and 1 walk. He got the decision in Cincinnati’s 9-1 thrashing of Milwaukee.

They all owned baseball on August 17, 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