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The Atlanta Braves 2016 Over/Under Game

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Wayne Cavadi (Featured BBBA Writer/Owner – wayniacnation.com) 

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Yesterday was Opening Day. The Atlanta Braves teased their fans in the last home opener at The Ted as the Washington Nationals came back in extra innings to win the game.

Earlier in the day on the way to work, I tuned in to The Front Row on 680 the Fan. Steak Shapiro, Sandra Golden and Brian Finneran were playing what they called the Atlanta Braves Over/Under Game. Steak would read a stat and poll Finneran, Sandra and some of their listeners for their thoughts.

Well, now you get to hear mine.

Braves wins: o/u 70

Finneran said under, while Sandra said over. While I can agree that this rendition of the Braves looks better and more exciting on paper than last season, they did little to make me believe that they can improve on last seasons 67-win campaign.

Let’s be honest, does anyone think the Braves actually care if…

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2016 MLB Shutout Survivor (LAA + SD Eliminated) + MLB Runs Scoring Survivor Update (LAD, SF + COL All With 10 Runs Or More

It something small yes, however it took 49 games for the 2014 Los Angeles Angels to be shutout in that campaign. They won this competition. As of right now, they will finish 29th for this category, with being on the back end of a 9 - 0 drubbing in Interleague courtesy of the Chicago Cubs at Angel Stadium last night in Anaheim.

It something small yes, however it took 49 games for the 2014 Los Angeles Angels to be shutout in that campaign. They won this competition. As of right now, they will finish 29th for this category, with being on the back end of a 9 – 0 drubbing in Interleague courtesy of the Chicago Cubs at Angel Stadium last night in Anaheim.

Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead  Analyst) 

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It almost always happens in Game 1 for at least a few clubs.  Last night the Cubs blanked the Angels 9 – 0 and San Diego was massively speedbagged 15- 0 behind the brilliant pitching effort of Clayton Kershaw.

With the Tigers, Marlins, Red Sox, Indians,. Astros and Yankees all yet to play – it would take a 16 – 0 score or higher today for San Diego not to be the loser of this contest.

On the other side of the Survivor Pools was a bunch of high scoring games in the NL West.

The Dodgers,  Giants and the Rockies all plated at least 10 runs or more, with the totals of 15, 12 and 10 respectively in their games.  Scoring 10 or more runs is the second hardest mark to acquire in the contest for the 11 variations of 0 – 10+.

The Cubs racking up a 9 spot on the Angels bodes well for them to complete the quest early.  Scoring 9 men in a game is the single hardest amount. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2016 MLB World Series

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Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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Answer me a question bet365.com?  The Dodgers were a +1500 odd when the start of Spring Training commenced, are without Corey Seager, Howie Kendrick, Yasmani Grandal, Brett Anderson, Andre Ethier as of right now on the big roster, and you saw fit to move them to +1300.  Wrong.  They automatically go to a poor wager from a good one just weeks ago.

The Jays have also jumped from +1000 to +800 but since I have them and the Cubs winning their respective leagues. the odds are about where they should be.

Previously I had the Giants on the bad odd list, however with the recent rash of injuries to Los Angeles, and a horrible break for A.J. Pollock of the D’Backs, confidence is at an all time high for the Giants to take the NL West.

The Kansas City Royals have a lower win total on the year over/under than Cleveland. but have a +1300 odd to win the World Series.  Baffles me guys.

The Cardinals lose just one game and now are on par with the Pirates as the 10th best favorite to win.  Love the odds for both of these clubs.

Detroit was a good bet last month at +2500, but are now properly pegged, as are Cleveland.

With the Angels having such a thin roster it surprises me that they are sitting up with the Mariners for value, as opposed to being near the A’s,where they probably should be. Read the rest of this entry

MLB Power Rankings: April 2016

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Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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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.

Yesterday won’t change much for the rankings.  Although it kicked off interleague with the Royals beating the Mets 4 – 3, and starts the Junior Circuit looking to win the AL vs NL competition for a 13th straight year.

Pittsburgh also beat the Cardinals.  I have them both ending the year win 91 victories, but these squad’s really intrigue me.

There are a multitude of reasons why I have picked the Cubs as the #1 team.  I explain them in the writeup.

Each Monday, we will post a new set of power rankings and go over the week that was. Read the rest of this entry

2016 MLB Reports Staff MLB Predictions

Despite having a top heavy league - where I have predicted 7 teams will 90 games or more, the National League also has 6 clubs that will challenge 100 losses with Cincinnati, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, San Diego and Colorado all tanking it this year - and possibly providing all the talent for the Trade Deadline in July. The last two months of the year for these teams could be brutal record wise.

Despite having a top heavy league – where I have predicted 7 teams will 90 games or more, the National League also has 6 clubs that will challenge 100 losses with Cincinnati, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, San Diego and Colorado all tanking it this year – and possibly providing all the talent for the Trade Deadline in July. The last two months of the year for these teams could be brutal record wise.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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One could argue that the top 6 teams (NYM/CHC/SF/WSH/STL/PIT) in all of the Majors reside in the NL right now, and you then you can counter that by saying they have the 6 worst squads as well (PHI/ATL/MIL/CIN/SD/COL).

The funny thing about this whole ordeal is that the AL is absolutely going to cream the NL in Interleague this forthcoming season.  On a 12 year win streak already,  I am predicting a 178 – 122 W – L for the games between both leagues. The AL speedbags the National League in my view.

Last year, the American League held a 167 – 133 mark over the National League so that prediction up there is not foreign by any means.
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Who Will Win All Of The MLB Divisions Polls In 2016? Your Chance To Cast Your Vote

It is different when you are the 'hunted' instead of the 'hunters' and Chicago has many players that could suffer from a sophomore slump in their second go around the Senior Circuit. These guys are still favored heavily to win the NL Central, and are by the far the biggest consensus Division winner pick among experts.

It is different when you are the ‘hunted’ instead of the ‘hunters’ and Chicago has many players that could suffer from a sophomore slump in their second go around the Senior Circuit. These guys are still favored heavily to win the NL Central, and are by the far the biggest consensus Division winner pick among experts.

Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead  Analyst) 

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Milwaukee Baseball History – 50 Years Ago: The Opening Day that Wasn’t

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Chris Zantow (Featured BBBA Writer/Owner – chriszantowauthor.wordpress.com)

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In early April, 1966, Milwaukee County Stadium sat silent for the first time since 1953. It was a quiet time in Milwaukee baseball history – and certainly no April Fools’ Day joke.  The field didn’t need any special attention, stadium workers weren’t hired for the season, and concessions weren’t purchased.  The Braves skipped town after the 1965 season and there would be no professional baseball played in the Cream City for the first time in 80 years.

Tickets were sold in Atlanta for the 1966 season starting in January of that year.  The team was caught between two state court injunctions.  In Wisconsin, Judge Elmer Roller ordered the team to play in Milwaukee until a replacement franchise could be obtained.  Judge Sam Phillips of Atlanta issued a temporary injunction that called for the Braves to play games that season in Atlanta.

Braves owner, insurance industry executive Bill Bartholomay, acknowledged both injunctions in interviews. Yet he said, “The Braves fully intend to honor our contract with the Stadium Authority and all our larger obligations to the citizens of Atlanta, of Georgia, and the entire southeast, as the Braves have always honored our agreement with the county of Milwaukee.”

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Odds To Be The 1st MLB Manager Fired In 2016: Who Is On The Hotseat?

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Hunter Stokes (MLB Reports Part Owner – Chief Writer) 

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Every year there are certain managers that have a ton of pressure to win.  This is always a tough process to think of who will be nixed first.

On one hand, many clubs that should be in contention for the playoffs will see an axe come to their tenure, however sometimes clubs are so bad record wise (even though they were projected to be) that the franchise will just slay the field general in the name of mercy.

As far as under the gun goes. guys like Brad Ausmus, John Farrell and John Gibbons.  are tops on the list. 

Ausmus doesn’t have a track record of any postseason series wins like the latter two here, so he is going to be the #1 favorite out of this group of skippers that could go fast with playoff aspirations if their team struggles out of the starting block.

Gibbons did a great job with Toronto in 2015, but a slow start would really put his name on the block. Say if they are 6 or 7 games behind the playoff bar near Memorial Day.

Farrell has put up back to back 5th place finishes in the AL East after winning the World Series Title in his 1st year of being the skipper in 2013.

Then there is a perennial bad losing club that have long tenured coaches like Walt Weiss and Robin Ventura. I am not sure they should not have been shown the door following last years campaigns. 

Weiss has losing years for every year under his belt, and Ventura rode out 2013 with his late season collapse, but his club has underachieved in every other year.

Still the two most managers on the hot seat are Fredi Gonzalez of the Braves on top of the favorite list at +331, followed by Bryan Price at +441. But I hate putting money on either of these gentlemen with their clubs both being on track to challenge for the worst record in the Majors this year.

Heck, Gonzalez’s predecessor Bobby Cox was the well into his 3rd decade with the “Tomahawk” Choppers when he finally stepped down to a front office job. Gonzalez at least had the Braves in the playoffs in 2012. 

Price can’t really be expected to do anything with this anemic Pitching Staff, and all veterans except for Votto may be available for trade at any point.

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Get Ready For Another MLB Year Of Runs Scoring Survivor In 2016

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Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead  Analyst) 

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This should turn out to be quite fun.  A lot of gambling establishments have this sort of deal, and we will keep a running total of this on a daily basis, in addition to MLB Shutout Survivor, Who Owned Baseball (Daily MVP of the pitcher/hitter in both the American and National League) and also our Interleague results.

What Runs Survivor is: A MLB team scoring 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, 10 or (10+) (in different games throughout the course of the season.

Once a club has one of these run totals once, you cross it off and keep going until they complete the 11 different variations.

A Bold Italic illustrates it has been done for runs by the club.

Previous Winners include the SF Giants, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Angels and Toronto Blue Jays all over the last 4 years.

My money in 2016 would have to be on the Baltimore Orioles who could score a lot of runs, but also whiff so fast against top pitchers, that they would be able to rack up the lower run efforts along with the high end scoring totals.

My money in 2016 would have to be on the Baltimore Orioles who could score a lot of runs, but also whiff so fast against top pitchers, that they would be able to rack up the lower run efforts along with the high end scoring totals.

 

The hardest total to pick off is scoring 9 runs. 

We will also be doing the MLB Shutout Survivor as well.  I would peg 2014 and 2015 winners (Toronto) as the last team to be blanked yet again.  Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The MLB Divisions In 2016: Best Value Bets

Should win between 82 - 85 games in my view - and is one the best odds on the board for this wagering.

Should win between 82 – 85 games in my view – and is the best odds on the board for this wagering in any category this week.  Picking them to win the AL East for a +1200 is full value.

Hunter Stokes (BBBA Featured Writer) 

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ODDS courtesy of bet365.com

Bad Value – Red Block

Good Value – Blue Block

AL East

As stated in an article this week, I am loving the value of the O’s across the board.  Picking them to win the Division at +1200 should be ranked 1st, to win the American League Pennant at +2800 is 2nd – and to win the World Series at +5000 is third.

Since Baltimore would have a tough NL matchup for the Fall Classic, the best cash should be thrown on the AL East win, then to win the Pennant.

Boston and Toronto are both listed at 87.5 regular season win odds – whereas the Jays are favored to win over that amount just slightly ahead of the Sox.  Here they are evenly slated.

David Price is a regular season beast, and Craig Kimbrel solidifies the Bullpen, but I just can’t put money behind them winning this Division.

It was a good job by BET365 handicapping the AL East

Boston Red Sox +175 (6)

Toronto Blue Jays +175

NY Yankees +350

TB Rays +800

Baltimore Orioles +1200 (1)
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Regular Season Win Over/Under Totals Updated For MLB 2016 Wagering + Best Bets

I think the Mets have a chance to win in the mid 90's for wins, which is way less than the 89.5 over/under total they are listed for. They will beat up on the Braves, Phillies and I also believe they will truck the Marlins too. I like the Nationals a few wins behind them.

I think the Mets have a chance to win in the mid 90’s for wins, which is way less than the 89.5 over/under total they are listed for. They will beat up on the Braves, Phillies and I also believe they will truck the Marlins too. I like the Nationals a few wins behind them.  New York should also have a good look at returning to the World Series this fall with that pitching staff.

Hunter Stokes (MLB Reports Part Owner + Chief Writer) 

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I am continuing the theme of wagering on the Baltimore Orioles.  They were my favorite American League club growing up.  Now I favor no one but the clubs I can win money on.  Perhaps this season I will rekindle my fondness again for the Birds.

This set of odds represents the best set of over/under win total odds I have seen for any establishment thus far.

These are better than PECOTA, FanGraphs and most Las Vegas odds.

The best bet on the board has to be the KC Royals over 84.5   At least these guys give them a projected winning season, but how can KC be a +1200 World Series favorite, to the Indians +2200 mark, meanwhile the Indians listed as an over/under of 84.5.

I am not even questioning the ‘Tribe’s” win total here.  This is a nice reflection of what they should have in their victory pile for the upcoming campaign.

Out of a lot of things that don’t make sense, I point this out. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast Archives Jan 1, 2015 – Jan 31, 2015 (Episodes 800 – 830)

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Paul Francis Sullivan (please call him Sully) does a podcast 365 days a year – unless it is a leap year – then he will do another 1. He has done a show everyday since Oct.24/2012. This to date represents a streak of 1238 days consecutively!

Past the CLICK TO READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY are episodes 800 – 830 of the Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

We will also archive all of his podcasts to date (in coming weeks) so they are easily accessible for all his fans. Check out all his Archived info here.

Our website followers have grown larger each year for his podcast.

Follow Sully Baseball On Twitter

To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast Archives Dec 1, 2015 – Dec 31, 2015 (Episodes 1134 – 1164)

sunkenDFiamond

Paul Francis Sullivan (please call him Sully) does a podcast 365 days a year – unless it is a leap year – then he will do another 1. He has done a show everyday since Oct.24/2012. This to date represents a streak of 1235 days consecutively!

Past the CLICK TO READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY are episodes 1134 – 1164 of the Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

We will also archive all of his podcasts to date (in coming weeks) so they are easily accessible for all his fans. Check out all his Archived info here.

Our website followers have grown larger each year for his podcast.

Follow Sully Baseball On Twitter

To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast Archives Dec 1, 2014 – Dec 31, 2014 (Episodes 769 – 799)

sunkenDFiamond

Paul Francis Sullivan (please call him Sully) does a podcast 365 days a year – unless it is a leap year – then he will do another 1. He has done a show everyday since Oct.24/2012. This to date represents a streak of 1235 days consecutively!

Past the CLICK TO READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY are episodes 769 – 799 of the Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

We will also archive all of his podcasts to date (in coming weeks) so they are easily accessible for all his fans. Check out all his Archived info here.

Our website followers have grown larger each year for his podcast.

Follow Sully Baseball On Twitter

To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE. Read the rest of this entry

2016 MLB Preseason Power Rankings

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Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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With just 5 weeks to the regular season – and all of the important Free Agents finally being locked up with Ian Desmond signing with the Rangers, it is time to see where all 30 MLB clubs stack up.

We are going to be running weekly power rankings once the year starts on Apr.3, 2016.

The way I compile the Power Rankings is best on confidence to win the World Series.  Some clubs may be more talented (or playing better) than a squad they are behind in the rankings,  but the Division (and strength of opponents) plays a massive factor.

It is the reason why teams like the Royals or Astros will be selected above a team like the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Pittsburgh Pirates might win 90 games (which may only see one AL club join them), but because they have to contend with the Cards and Cubs in the NL Central, it will be tough for them to receive a great ranking (at least until games are played). Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2016 MLB Divisions

best Division odd value on the board this week.

Best Division odd value on the board this week.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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As the season approaches we are seeing more and more gambling entities finally display and update their Division odds on a daily basis.

Over the course of the year we will be doing a weekly post on both the World Series and the MLB Divisions for best value.

I have selected one good value pick and one bad value pick for each Division.  Next to a good pick, or a bad one, there will be an assigned parenthesis number for the degree I love the wager compared to the other Division picks.

The Chicago Cubs are the biggest favorite to win their own Division which is not surprising.  In the American League, the KC Royals have the lowest odd.

I like how this establishment has the Royals as their favorite lock to make the postseason, yet still have the Red Sox and Blue Jays favored over them for the World Series odds.

This goes the same for the Giants in the National League.  San Francisco is +900 to win the ‘Fall Classic’, yet the Mets and Nationals are more of a favorite to win the NL East, then they are the NL West. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2016 MLB World Series

The Cardinals continued their great play in the MLB since the turn of the milennium - with an MLB best 100 wins in 2015. The organization has transitioned to the next core of young nucleus, while still holding on to a couple of capable veterans. Considering they have plenty of depth, and lots of payroll flexibility coming forth, the franchise could orchestrate a blockbuster trade soon. St. Louis could always sign 1 - 2 Starters via Free Agency as well. As it stands right now, the club has a payroll of around $133 MIL In 2016 listed. They can afford to add about $15 - $17 more million without batting an eye.

The Cardinals continued their great play in the MLB since the turn of the millennium – with an MLB best 100 wins in 2015. The organization has transitioned to the next core of a young nucleus, while still holding on to a couple of capable veterans. Considering they have plenty of depth, and lots of payroll flexibility coming forth, the franchise could orchestrate a blockbuster trade soon.  While I would favor Chicago over them slightly for the NL Central, the RedBirds, Mets, Dodgers Tigers and Mariners have the best value, while the Angels, Giants, Padres, Red Sox and D’Backs have the worst on the board this week.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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I was all set to pounce on my 1st American League bet for the Fall Classic in 2016 earlier this week – when the O’s were at +5000, and presumably bringing both Dexter Fowler and Yovani Gallardo into the stable. 

With Fowler opting back to Chicago, the odd also dropped to +4500 in the meantime (also following the Gallardo wait time for the physical fiasco), and the value is no longer there. 

Baltimore is a low 80 wins team in my view, and will not have enough for the postseason.  Fowler would have added a few W’s for sure.

Of course with the chaos that has ensued,  the Cubs have gone from +700 to +650 prohibitive best odd.  There is no doubt in my mind they should be the consensus favorite. 

One of these years the #1 seed will capitalize and win.  I am still not plunking down cabbage at that clip though.

If I were to do my year end picks right now, I would still have Chicago ending their World Series 108 seasons drought – but I can’t place them as twice the favorite as the St. Louis Cardinals.

Still not sold on the Cubs Bullpen either, and I think Jon Lester can be had in the postseason.  The Mets also line up favorably versus Chicago based on pitching matchups.  New York has the better odds to wager with.

I am currently writing a faceoff piece between the Cubbies and Cards that I will post over the weekend.  The difference is not a whopping 8 or 10 games like ‘FanGraphs’ and ‘PECOTA’ say.  St. Louis should still be in the mid 90’s for victories on the campaign.

I have them as one of my best bets again this week.

New York Yankees have been taken off the best odds list with their injury to Brett Gardner.  It is absolutely paramount that he and Jacoby Ellsbury set the table this campaign – and stay healthy. 

All of the incoming help with Starlin Castro, and internal improvement from Didi Gregorius will be for not.

Mark Teixeira, Carlos Beltran and Alex Rodriguez also will not hit a combined 79 dongs this year like in 2015.  The club is also substantially thinner in the Starting Rotation. 

They are a 85 win club as presently constituted, which should have them in the race for a Wild Card, but it is not worth betting at the +1600 odd. Read the rest of this entry

Orioles Setting A Dangerous Precedent With Physicals (Circa Gallardo): Fowler Leaves To The Cubs

Dexter Fowler re-signed with the Cubs for a minimum 1 year deal of $15 MIL in 2016 (with a mutual option for 2017) if he or Chicago don't want to opt out after the upcoming season.) Fowler had been said to have a 3 YR/$33 MIL in place with the Orioles before this happened. Maybe Fowler didn't act 100% in good faith with Baltimore - however the O's don't exactly have a great track record with treating players in regards to physicals anyway.

Dexter Fowler re-signed with the Cubs for a minimum 1 year deal of $15 MIL in 2016 (with a mutual option for 2017) if he or Chicago don’t want to opt out after the upcoming season. Fowler had been said to have a 3 YR/$33 MIL in place with the Orioles before this happened. Maybe Fowler didn’t act 100% in good faith with Baltimore – however the O’s don’t exactly have a great track record with treating players in regards to physicals anyway.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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Wow, didn’t see that coming did you Orioles brass?  Dexter Fowler leaves his deal with you guys and re-signs with his old team in Chicago.

I have to wonder if the way things went down with Yovani Gallardo didn’t weigh on Dexter Fowler’s mind.  The track record for Free Agent’s having deals going south is about a 50/50 proposition with the O’s.

In one way I am disappointed that Baltimore didn’t land Fowler, because I think that deal would have definitely narrowed the gap in the AL East. Read the rest of this entry

What To Expect From The Dutchies This Year? Andrelton Simmons

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Chris Kabout (Featured Baseball Writer – Owner www.yankeebiscuitfansdutchblog.mlblogs.com/) 

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With Spring Training here, it is time to see how the players from the Kingdom of the Netherlands will do in the upcoming season.

Of course there is no crystal ball and it is still up in the air, but in general you can make a decent prediction based on the performance of previous years.

Andrelton Simmons, new shortstop of the Anaheim Angels (sorry, I refused to call them Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim), was acquired in a trade with the Braves  that sent Erick Aybar, Sean Newcomb, Chris Ellis and cash to the Braves.

Since the Braves are shedding salary and have two top prospects at the position of shortstop in the minors, they could make this move. One of the prospects is Simmons’ fellow countryman from Curacao, Ozainho Albies.

But with Aybar, they can let Albies mature a bit in the minors before calling him up.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast Archives Mar.1, 2013 – Mar.31, 2013 (Episodes 129 – 159)

sunkenDFiamond

Paul Francis Sullivan (please call him Sully) does a podcast 365 days a year – unless it is a leap year – then he will do another 1. He has done a show everyday since Oct.24/2012. This to date represents a streak of 1216 days consecutively!

Past the CLICK TO READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY are episodes 129 – 159 of the Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

We will also archive all of his podcasts to date (in coming weeks) so they are easily accessible for all his fans. Check out all his Archived info here.

Our website followers have grown larger each year for his podcast.

Follow Sully Baseball On Twitter

To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE. Read the rest of this entry

Can The Miami Marlins Be The Ones To Disrupt The NL East Narrative This Season?

The Miami Marlins have not had a winning season since finishing 87 - 75 in 2009. With some deft maneuvers and the right allocation of team salary (like the latest Chen signing) - this club could contend in the NL East with Atlanta and Philadelphia both rebuilding. With all questions pointing to how Jeffrey Loria will behave if they were in contention halfway through, it will be an entertaining season.

The Miami Marlins have not had a winning season since finishing 87 – 75 in 2009. With some deft maneuvers and the right allocation of team salary (like the latest Chen signing) – this club could contend in the NL East with Atlanta and Philadelphia both rebuilding. With all questions pointing to how Jeffrey Loria will behave if they were in contention halfway through, it will be an entertaining season.

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

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Heading into 2015, the narrative in the NL East was mostly focused on the Washington Nationals being heavy World Series favorites. Narratives are great, but they don’t always hold true once the season actually starts.

We all know how this one turned out. Instead of Bryce Harper and the Nats in the Fall Classic, it was David Wright and the New York Mets.

With 2016 officially kicking off as teams begin reporting for Spring Training, there’s a new narrative surrounding the NL East. It’s now about this division being a two-horse race between these squads, leaving the other three out in the proverbial cold. 

For the Miami Marlins, they’re hoping a strong finish to 2015, a new manager and a full season of Giancarlo Stanton and Jose Fernandez can help them crash the party and be the second consecutive team to disrupt this narrative.

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Youngsters Making An Impact In 2016; National League East

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Shane Kay (Featured Baseball Writer/Owner – sonsof84tigers.mlblogs.com 

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Spring training camps are opening up and we’re taking a look at a couple of young players for each team that I think will have a larger impact in 2016. We started with the American League East, moved to the AL Central, hit the AL West and swung it around today to the National League East. Keep on reading as we go division by division!

Atlanta Braves

Matt Wisler, RHP – The 22-year old Wisler was a highly thought of prospect in the Padres organization before being part of the Craig Kimbrel trade. 

Wisler entering his age 23 season already has 19 starts (20 games) under his belt with mixed results. 

Regardless, he’s young, has much to learn, but will also be a building block as Atlanta tries to return to relevancy in the NL East over the next few years. 

Wisler impressed in his debut, as he went 8 innings giving up 6 hits and an earned run against the Mets for his first career win.   

He was then properly hit hard in his next start against Washington where he last just 4 innings.  His ERA remained a respectable 3.43 through his first 7 starts until he was shelled in for 12 combined runs his next two starts.  Wisler did finish …

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Perhaps It Is Time For The MLB To Adopt The ‘Boomerang Concept’ For Drafting Rounds In The Amateur Draft

The MLB should consider doing what all 'even level playing field' sports pools do and that is to use the boomerang method of each draft round. A team that drafts 1st in round one would draft last in round 2, before picking 1st in round 3 again and so forth. It wouldn't alleviate tanking altogether - with the best talent still being absorbed in the top 10 most times, but it would level out the middle rounds for sure.

The MLB should consider doing what all ‘even level playing field’ sports pools do and that is to use the boomerang method of each draft round. A team that drafts 1st in round one would draft last in round 2, before picking 1st in round 3 again and so forth. It wouldn’t alleviate tanking altogether – with the best talent still being absorbed in the top 10 most times, but it would level out the middle rounds for sure.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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We have all gone into pools/player drafts where we drew the worst card possible and then picked last.  To offset the sting of this a lot – in the ‘interest of fairness’, the draft worked like a boomerang.

If there are 30 guys picking, the 30th guy picks the last selection in the 1st round, but then he is able to pick 1st in the 2nd round.  Maybe it is time for the MLB to take this action for its Amateur Draft each year?

There has been so much talk about tanking by the teams like Phillies, Braves, Reds, Brewers, Padres and Rockies all following the path paved by the Cubs, Astros, Royals, Pirates, Nationals, Rays and Twins in yesteryear.

KC and Pittsburgh both had 2 decades of shame before they turned their franchises around to respectability.  The Rays (once named the Devil Rays) failed to top 72 wins for the first 9 seasons since their inception to the MLB in 1998. before showcasing 80 wins for every year since 2008. Read the rest of this entry

The ‘PECOTA’ System For MLB Team Win Projections Should Be Thrown Into The ‘Woodchipper’ Fargo Style!

I wish the "PECOTA" system allowed for wagers based on their totals like Atlantis Casino did last week. Plenty of cabbage would be flung around on those totals

I wish the “PECOTA” system allowed for wagers based on their totals like Atlantis Casino did last week. Plenty of cabbage would be flung around on those totals.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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This winter has brought my attention to the gambling world more often than I ever would have guessed.  I already spent an impromptu weekend in Reno/Carson City after throwing down some serious cabbage at Atlantis Casino based on their over/unders last week.

I have been fortunate to nail down two straight years in which I have turned a $1000 profit on MLB futures.  For those people who have been following our Gambling 101 series of bets, this is one of the best streaks I have been on all – time, and maybe it will end with me ‘letting it ride’ this year, but I am also confident it won’t.

I only wish that PECOTA’s win totals (BY BP) would come with the ability to win moolah just like Atlantis offered.

Oh, where to begin.  LOL. Read the rest of this entry

Dear Atlantis Casino: I Am Coming Right Away To Throw Down Some Cabbage On Your 2016 MLB Team Over/Unders!

 

It is time to start placing bets on what you think all 30 MLB Clubs will do victory wise. I can only hope that Atlantis Casino in Las Vegas keeps these win totals before I come crashing through the door with a bag full of dough to bet tonight.

It is time to start placing bets on what you think all 30 MLB Clubs will do victory wise. I can only hope that Atlantis Casino in Las Vegas keeps these win totals before I come crashing through the door with a bag full of dough to bet tonight.  While I agree with their stance on the American League for the most part, their National League prognostications border on dumb.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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2016 MLB win totals over / unders – baseball futures

 

Odds To Win The American And National League In 2016 MLB Action

a gambling ring

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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Spring time is coming fast and frequent and now we are seeing daily odds placed on the League Champions for the 2016 MLB Season.  In most cases I hate picking these odds since the World Series odds tend to be more valued for the punters.

But sometimes it is still easier to prognosticate an AL Or NL winner instead of winning the whole thing.  14 clubs in the Junior Circuit are in play in my view, as are 9 potential Senior Circuit squads.

If you are here to wager on the A’s, Reds, Brewers, Braves, Phillies, Padres or Rockies for the upcoming season you are certainly delusional about baseball betting.  However if you are only wishing to bet a few dollars, than who really cares. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2016 MLB World Series

best odd value on the board this week.

best odd value on the board this week.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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Howie Kendrick signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers this past week, and the club has learned that Yasiel Puig has dropped 15 LBS in the offseason.

While I still peg the Dodgers for about 90 – 91 wins as of right now, they have the best odds on the board this week.

There is no doubt the San Francisco Giants lineup 1 – 8 is way better and Pitching Staff is also more rounded, however the gap between the two clubs is not a difference of +600.

I would put the Giants about 93 – 94 wins.  Their roster moves while decent this winter with Johnny Cueto, Jeff Samardzija and Denard Span, they all come with a little question mark here or there. Read the rest of this entry

MLB.com Seeking Stats Stringers For 2016 Season

mlb logo

John Swol Baseball Writer/Owner @ (twinstrivia.com) 

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MLB.com, the official web site of Major League Baseball, is seeking stats stringers to cover these clubs in 2016 and beyond:

Atlanta
Baltimore/Washington DC
Boston
Houston
Los Angeles (both clubs)
Miami
Oakland/San Francisco
Pittsburgh
Texas
Toronto Read the rest of this entry

MLB Power Rankings: Early Win Total Predictions For Spring Of 2016

Just because there is parity in the American League it doesn't mean that the Junior Circuit will not club the National League in Interleague this upcoming season. In fact, I am calling for them to be 50 games over .500 versus the Senior Circuit in the AL vs NL schedule. Most of that will be versus the weaker NL clubs, however the better NL clubs will not entirely dominate the whole AL either.

Just because there is parity in the American League it doesn’t mean that the Junior Circuit will not club the National League in Interleague this upcoming season. In fact, I am calling for them to be 50 games over .500 versus the Senior Circuit in the AL vs NL schedule. Most of that will be versus the weaker NL clubs, however the better NL clubs will not entirely dominate the whole AL either.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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Updated on Feb.18, 2015

There is parity in the American League and their is a growing distance between the good and the bad clubs in the National League.

One could argue that the top 7 teams (NYM/CHC/SF/WSH/STL/PIT, LAD) in all of the Majors reside in the NL right now, and you then you can counter that by saying they have the 6 worst squads as well (PHI/ATL/MIL/CIN/SD/COL).

The funny thing about this whole ordeal is that the AL is absolutely going to cream the NL in Interleague this forthcoming season.  On a 12 year win streak already,  I am predicting a 175 – 125 W – L for the games between both leagues. The AL speedbags the National League in my view.

Last year, the American League held a 167 – 133 mark over the National League so that prediction up there is not foreign by any means. 

Read the rest of this entry

All 30 MLB Park Home Openers With Local Start Times For 2016

Best Source of Information for all 30 MLB Ballparks - and network of stadium afficionado's

Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst)

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The 2015 season is over and it is time to start planning for attending games in the 2016 year.  This is our third straight year of posting all of the Season Openers for all of the parks.

I have been fortunate enough to see home openers in 8 different parks already in the last 4 years.

We have updated the previous article on this because all of the home start times have been posted.

We have also provided 30 links to all of the best chaser guides for the stadiums.  This will aid you in making your travel plans for the 2016 season.

Read the rest of this entry