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Who Owned Baseball June 15, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

Peter Diana/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Peter Diana/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Francisco Liriano struck out 12 and walked just 1 White Sox batter over 8 innings of 2 hit shutout ball as the Pirates took a laugher, 11-0.

Paul Goldschmidt reached base 4 times including a single, a double and a homer, driving in 3 runs helping Arizona win a controversial 7-3 game over the Angels.

Anibal Sanchez threw a complete game 2 hit shutout, striking out 7 while walking no Reds batter for the 6-0 victory in Detroit.

George Springer went 3 for 4 with a pair of homers, leading the Astros past the Rockies 6-3.

They all owned baseball on June 15, 2015.

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.

 


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Who Owned Baseball June 14, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

Mike McGinnis - Getty Images

Mike McGinnis – Getty Images

Max Schezrer retired the first 18 Milwaukee batters he faced, finishing with a complete game 1 hit shutout, allowing just 1 walk while striking out a career high 16 batters to earn the 4-0 decision for Washington.

Sonny Gray pitched into the 8th inning, allowing just 5 hits, no walks and one unearned runs while striking out 9 Angels, winning the 8-1 game for the A’s.

Juan Lagares collected 3 hits including a double and a go ahead 3 run homer to give the Mets a dramatic come from behind 10-8 victory over Atlanta.

Russell Martin reached base 4 times, including a double, scored 3 runs and drove in 2 more helping the Blue Jays clobber the Red Sox 13-5.

They all owned baseball on June 14, 2015.

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.

 

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Who Owned Baseball June 13, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

Maria Lorenzino / Sun Sentinel

Maria Lorenzino / Sun Sentinel

Giancarlo Stanton reached base 3 times including a double off the wall and a homer, driving in all of the Marlins runs in their 4-1 win over the Rockies.

Mat Latos struck out 11 Rockies batters over 7 innings, allowing just 4 hits and 1 run and getting the 4-1 decision in Miami.

Manny Machado got 3 hits, including a homer, and drove in 4 runs, leading the surging Orioles past the Yankees, 9-4.

C. J. Wilson stifled Oakland with 7 shutout innings, allowing 2 hits and striking out 8, earning the razor thin 1-0 victory for the Angels.

They all owned baseball on June 13, 2015.

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.

 

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Who Owned Baseball June 11, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

(Michael Dwyer/AP Photo)

(Michael Dwyer/AP Photo)

Justin Smoak singled, homered and blasted a triple that broke the tie in the Blue Jays wild come from behind 13-10 triumph in Boston.

Todd Frazier doubled, homered and scored 3 runs including the go ahead run in the 10th to give the Reds a 5-4 win against the Cubs.

David Price threw a complete game shutout, allowing 7 hits, no walks and struck out 8 Cleveland batters to give Detroit a 4-0 victory.

Chase Anderson threw a no hitter into the 7th and finished with 7 shutout frames with 1 hit and walked just 1 Giants batter, getting the 1-0 decision for the Diamondbacks.

They all owned baseball on June 12, 2015.

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.

 

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Who Owned Baseball June 11, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Scott Kazmir allowed just 1 hit and 2 walks over 8 shutout innings as he dominated the Rangers to a 7-0 final in Oakland.

Mike Trout singled, doubled and homered, helping the Angels beat the Rays, 6-2.

David Phelps pitched 8 shutout innings, allowing just 4 hits and 1 walk and earned the 6-0 decision for the Marlins over Colorado.

Giancarlo Stanton singled and homered, driving in 4 runs and leading Miami to a 6-0 win against the Rockies.

They all owned baseball on June 11, 2015.

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.

 

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Who Owned Baseball June 10, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

Stephen Dunn - Getty Images

Stephen Dunn – Getty Images

Yasiel Puig reached base 5 times, with a pair of singles, a double, a walk and a 3 run homer and came around to score the game ending run as the Dodgers walked off against Arizona, 7-6.

Josh Donaldson went 2 for 4 with a homer and provided some highlight reel defense at third as the Blue Jays beat the Marlins again, 7-2.

Charlie Morton pitched shutout ball into the 8th, finishing with 7 1/3 innings, 3 hits, no runs and 6 strikeouts as the Pirates topped the Brewers, 2-0.

Edinson Volquez pitched 7 strong innings, allowing just 1 run and 6 hits and getting the 7-2 decision for the Royals over Minnesota.

They all owned baseball on June 10, 2015.

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.

 

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Who Owned Baseball June 9, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

 

Al Bello - Getty Images

Al Bello – Getty Images

Chris Heston threw the 17th no hitter in the history of the Giants franchise, blanking the Mets with 11 strikeouts, no walks and 3 batters hit for a 5-0 masterpiece.

Joey Votto homered three times and added a walk and another run scored to his 4 RBI as Cincinnati demolished Philadelphia, 11-2.

Masahiro Tanaka pitched 7 strong innings, walking none and allowing 5 hits and 1 run, getting the 6-1 decision for the Yankees over Washington.

Edwin Encarnacion hit a 2 run, walk off, come from behind homer in the bottom of the 9th to give the Blue Jays a 4-3 win over the Marlins.

They all owned baseball on June 9, 2015.

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.

 

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Who Owned Baseball June 8, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

AP Photo - Paul Beaty

AP Photo – Paul Beaty

Chris Sale pitched 8 dominant innings, allowing 5 hits, 1 run, 1 walk and striking out 14 Houston batters to give the White Sox a 3-1 victory.

Josh Donaldson singled and homered, driving in 3 runs and helping the red hot Blue Jays clobber the Marlins, 11-3.

Mike Bolsinger allowed just 3 hits and 2 walks over 7 innings, striking out 8 Diamondbacks in the process of earning the 9-3 decision for the Dodgers.

Zack Cozart singled, doubled and homered, driving in 2 and leading the Reds to a 6-4 win over Philadelphia.

They all owned baseball on June 8, 2015.

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.

 

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Who Owned Baseball June 7, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

Jerry Holt – Dml - Star Tribune Star Tribune

Jerry Holt – Dml – Star Tribune Star Tribune

Mike Pelfrey kept the Twins in the win column by throwing 8 shutout innings, striking out 7 Brewers and getting the 2-0 decision.

Jose Bautista homered twice, reached base 4 times and scored the winning run in a wild 9th inning rally as Toronto topped Houston, 7-6.

Johnny Cueto pitched 7 shutout innings, striking out 9 and allowed only 4 hits as the Reds beat San Diego 4-0.

Jay Bruce homered twice and drove in all 4 Reds run in a 4-0 victory over the Padres.

They all owned baseball on June 7, 2015.

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.

 

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Who Owned Baseball June 6, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

 Jonathan Daniel Getty Images

Jonathan Daniel Getty Images

David Price pitched a complete game, allowing just 1 run and 5 hits while striking out 11, giving the Tigers a much needed 7-1 victory over the White Sox.

Hanley Ramirez went 3 for 5 with a homer and 2 RBI, leading Boston to a 4-2 win over Oakland.

Clayton Kershaw gave the Dodgers 8 shutout innings, allowing 1 hit and striking out 11 Cardinals and earning the 2-0 decision in Los Angeles.

Matt Kemp reached base 4 times, doubled, homered and drove in 5 runs including the go ahead runs as the Padres came from behind to win in Cincinnati, 9-7.

They all owned baseball on June 6, 2015.

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.

 

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Who Owned Baseball June 5, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Chi Chi Gonzalez pitched his first complete game shutout in just his second big league start, allowing 3 hits and 2 walks leading the Rangers past the Royals 4-0.

Carlos Martinez pitched another gem, going 7 innings, allowing only 3 hits, 1 run while striking out 11 Dodgers and got the 2-1 decision for St. Louis.

Adam Jones put the Orioles on top with a homer and tripled in an insurance run in the 5-2 win in Cleveland.

Adam Lind went 3 for 5 with a double, a homer, driving in 6 including the go ahead run as the Brewers topped Minnesota 10-5.

They all owned baseball on June 4, 2015.

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.

 

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Who Owned Baseball June 3, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

Scott Halleran / Getty Images

Scott Halleran / Getty Images

Adam Jones went 3 for 4 with a game winning 8th inning solo homer to give Baltimore a much needed 3-2 victory in Houston.

John Mayberry Jr singled, doubled twice and homered, helping the Mets top Arizona, 6-2.

Jesse Hahn went 7 strong innings, allowing 1 run and 5 hits and got the decision as the suddenly hot A’s finished a sweep of Detroit, 7-5.

Michael Wacha held the Dodgers to a single run over 7 innings, walking none along the way as St. Louis cruised, 7-1.

They all owned baseball on June 4, 2015.

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.

 

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Who Owned Baseball June 3, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

Bob Levey - AP

Bob Levey – AP

Lance McCullers threw his first career complete game, allowing 4 hits, 1 run, no walks and striking out 11 Orioles to give the surging Astros a 3-1 victory.

Chris Carter homered twice in the Astros 3-1 win over the Orioles.

Francisco Liriano pitched 7 innings allowing 1 run, 4 hits and 1 walk, getting the 5-2 decision and leading the Pirates to a sweep of the World Champion Giants.

Charlie Blackmon went 4 for 5 with a pair of doubles, stole a base and scored 3 times including the tying run in a Rockies wild 3 run come from behind 9th inning rally to beat the Dodgers, 7-6.

They all owned baseball on June 3, 2015.

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.

 

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Who Owned Baseball June 2, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News

Joey Gallo had a remarkable first game. He walked, singled, doubled and hit a towering homer, scoring 3 times and driving in 4 as the red hot Rangers clobbered the White Sox, 15-2.

Andrew McCutchen got 4 hits including a double and a triple, scored twice and drove 2, helping the Pirates come from behind and beat San Francisco, 7-4.

Chris Archer set a Tampa Bay single game record with 15 strike outs while walking none and allowing just 6 hits and one run over 8 innings to top the Angels, 6-1.

Jordan Zimmermann pitched 8 strong innings, allowing just 6 hits and 1 walk as the Nationals became the first team to shutout the Blue Jays all season long with a 2-0 final in the opening game of a split double header.

They all owned baseball on June 2, 2015.

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.

 

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Seattle Is Poised For 2015 Dominance: But Off To A Slow Start

 

Seattle was everyone's pick to win the American League it seemed. A slow start mirrored the beginning of the 2014 season as well.  There are some outliers though, as they spent 10 of their 1st 13 games on the road.  The club has looked a lot better of the last week. included in that were awesome starts by Felix Hernandez.  Nelson Cruz has also picked up where he left off in 2014, with an MLB leading 9 HRs and 18 RBI in the teams first 16 games.

Seattle was everyone’s pick to win the American League it seemed. A slow start mirrored the beginning of the 2014 season as well. There are some outliers though, as they spent 10 of their 1st 13 games on the road. The club has looked a lot better of the last week. included in that were awesome starts by Felix Hernandez. Nelson Cruz has also picked up where he left off in 2014, with an MLB leading 9 HRs and 18 RBI in the teams first 16 games.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer)

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Forgive me for a second while I didn’t lose sleep on the Mariners losing Chris Taylor for some time early this year  I actually think that Brad Miller may have a chance to breakout this year.

But more importantly Seattle had themselves a great offseason.  Yes.. you read that right.  I am endorsing Jack Z. for a job well done, even though he saw fit to sign Endy Chavez and Franklin Gutierrez for yet one more year.  But since the club is full with depth, I am hoping the guys wont be counted on.

Last year the club had to start the year without Hisashi Iwakuma, James Paxton and Taijuan Walker for the majority of the 1st half, and while Paxton has still been bothered my a flexor strain early in the year, his arsenal speaks to the of an ace. Read the rest of this entry

How John Hart Is Quickly Fixing The Braves

The Braves GM has traded the entire OF, shed payroll, and tried to stockpile the Minor Leagues with a boatload of prospects - that should coincide with the opening for the new ballpark in 2017.  The transformation has been swift and just.

The Braves  acting GM John Hart has traded the entire OF, shed payroll, and tried to stockpile the Minor Leagues with a boatload of prospects – that should coincide with the opening for the new ballpark in 2017. The transformation has been swift and just.

By Jordan Gluck (MLB Reports Writer/Part-Owner): 

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How John Hart is quickly fixing the Braves

When you think of the Atlanta Braves you think of three things:

Their dominant pitching once composed of Hall of Fame trio Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz.
Their former brash manager Bobby Cox.
The face of this franchise since Hank Aaron Chipper Jones.

They were perennially the best team in the NL for about 15 years and they are looking to get back to that especially once their new stadium opens in Cobb County in 2017. Read the rest of this entry

2015 Regular Season Win Over/Unders In The MLB + Best Bets

What are your best Over/Under Bets for the upcoming 2015 MLB Season?  We have selected our top 10.

What are your best Over/Under Bets for the upcoming 2015 MLB Season? We have selected our top 10.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

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Over/Unders for the year, based on odds given by http://www.bovada.com sports book

Arizona – 71.5 (over is -115) (under is -115)

I gotta go with the under.  San Diego, LA and SF are all much better, and even Colorado is tough on the road. Like them at just around 70 wins.  Is a rebuilding year, and they might fetch a heavy ransom if Mark Trumbo can have a bounce back 1st half.  2016 maybe the year the can contend again.

Atlanta – 73.5 (over is -115) (under is -115)

I like the over on this one big time.  This club lost a ton of offense, yet I like their run prevention more than ever.  Shelby Miller was a great acquisition, and they still have a nasty Bullpen.  I am not as bullish on the rest of the NL East as a lot of clubs are too.  Wouldn’t call this a best bet, however, like them to win 75 – 77 games. Read the rest of this entry

Even With The Awesome Farewell To Jeter, There Are Others Who Are Hanging Up The Cleats This Year

Paul Konerko announced that the 2014 season will be his last. Konerko has 439 career HR, 1412 RBI, and 6 All Star appearances in his 18 year career. What will most likely not be a HOF career, will certainly go down as one of the best in White Sox history. Konerko was the direct replacement for Frank Thomas.  Konerko is only 16 HRs behind Thomas for the White Sox franchise record.  While he will not reach that mark, his role may increase now with some DH AB.  Konerko, now 38, was a 1998 trade acquisition - with OF Mike Cameron going back the other way.  while Cameron was a nice Major Leaguer in his time.  Konerko should have his number retired by the club, and is the current active leader for HRs hit for just one team.

Paul Konerko announced that the 2014 season will be his last. Konerko has 439 career HR, 1412 RBI, and 6 All Star appearances in his 18 year career. What will most likely not be a HOF career, will certainly go down as one of the best in White Sox history. Konerko was the direct replacement for Frank Thomas.He is only 16 HRs behind Thomas for the White Sox franchise record. Konerko, now 38, was a 1998 trade acquisition – with OF Mike Cameron going back the other way. while Cameron was a nice Major Leaguer in his time. Konerko should have his number retired by the club, and is the 2nd active leader for HRs hit for just one team.(432 HRs) to Albert Pujols (having hit 445 HRs with STL).  His 3 Slash Line for his career is .279/.354/.487 – and he has collected 2340 hits.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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1st off, mad respect to Derek Jeter, for giving everyone a last night to remember on Thursday.  He embodied what a class act superstar should be his whole career.

The MLB world is fully justified to praise him as much as they want. So the ‘hater’s’ will just have to suffer.

I am happy to see a lot of our brethren of website writers all chime in some of the other guys hanging them up too.

Paul Konerko is about us unheralded as their is for a near Hall of Famer these. days.  He is second actively when it comes to HRs for a select team, with his total of 432 bombs for the White Sox.  Only Albert Pujols‘s 445 HRs for the Cards is more.

Only David Ortiz has hit over 400 HRs for one active team besides Pujols and Konerko..

It is only too bad, that the big 2005 World Champion, saw a lot of his power evaporate before he passed Frank Thomas‘s career mark of 448 big fly’s for the franchise.

Still, #14 will be missed, and I definitely will be watching on my computer, with it being “Paul Konerko Day” today (Saturday Sept.27th) at Us Cellular Field. Read the rest of this entry

D’Backs Pitching Staff In 2014: The Roster Tree Shows Now Ex – GM Towers Fault(y) On Assembly

Kevin Towers had been at the GM helm since Sept.22, 2010 before having his duties relinquished today.  He authored some of the worst trades in club history, and has seen his team pay the price for it the most this year, with a 59 - 81 record, after back to back 81 seasons in 2012 and 2013, and a NL West Title in his 1st year on the job in 2011.  Tower traded away Stephen Drew, Justin Upton, Mark Reynolds, Chris Young, Tyler Skaggs, Adam Eaton, Matt Davidson, Martin Prado all without much of talent brought back to the fold in return.  It was time to go.

Kevin Towers had been at the GM helm since Sept.22, 2010 before having his duties relinquished today. He authored some of the worst trades in club history, and has seen his team pay the price for it the most this year, with a 59 – 81 record, after back to back 81 seasons in 2012 and 2013, and a NL West Title in his 1st year on the job in 2011. Towers traded away Stephen Drew, Justin Upton, Mark Reynolds, Chris Young, Tyler Skaggs, Adam Eaton, Matt Davidson and Martin Prado – all without much of talent brought back to the fold in return. It was time to go.

How All Of The D’Backs Pitchers Were Acquired:

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

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It has not been a banner year for the Arizona Diamondbacks.  I don’t need to beleaguer that point out to much to the common fan of the franchise.

What I found most disturbing out of the Roster Tree, is the team’s brass continued reliance and insistence on Relief arms.

But before we divulge into that, the name Dan Haren is still haunting this franchise. (Not Towers fault, but still an important trade historically) Read the rest of this entry

How All Of The Tigers Hitters Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree – Is It A ‘Title Worthy’ Lineup?

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):

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The Tigers have built a winning tradition on the backs of former Marlins.

1st it was GM Dave Dombrowski, then Jim Leyland, before the club pulled off the biggest trade in the modern day franchise – by landing Miguel Cabrera for not much in return as it stands now.

This started a string of roster moves that enabled this club to have a great run of success since 2006.

Back in 2003, the ‘Motown Boys’ had to win their last game of the year to avoid the worst season ever for losses by an MLB squad – with 119 losses.

The team drafted Justin Verlander the next year – and traded for future ALL – Star Carlos Guillen.

With a horrific lineup from the 2003 campaign, the Tigers GM, inked Free Agents Ivan Rodriguez and then Magglio Ordonez in subsequent years.

Guys like Gary Sheffield and Placido Polanco were also mainstays on the club for different stints of the lineup.

The pursuit of the club’s offense led them to a 2006 World Series Appearance.  The club lost to the Cardinals, and Dombrowski continued to build.

Prior to the 2008 year, the team traded for Miguel Cabrera, and the franchise would start a new era of dominance in the AL Central. Read the rest of this entry

How All Of The Yankees Hitters Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree

derek jeter

How All Of The Yankees Hitters Were Acquired:

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

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The success of most franchises usually occurs when a huge core is built up through a drafting system, and then the club can piece the rest of the club together.

The 2nd best way to create a winning squad is to trade for players with the organizational pieces you have supplanted in the Minors or Majors.

Then there is the Yankees way of doing things.  Hiring Free Agents – and spend boatloads of dollars.

Out of the majority of their hitting roster in 2014, most of them came through the Free Agent route.

Mark Teixeira, Brian McCann, Carlos Beltran, Brian Roberts, Kelly Johnson and Yangervis Solarte were acquired through outright Free Agency.

Ichiro Suzuki and Brendan Ryan were both acquired in deals, then have since re-signed as Free Agents in the open market afterwards.

Alfonso Soriano, was brought over in a deal, and is in the last year of his current contract signed back in 2007.

Yes, he was originally signed by the “Pinstripers”, but the new chain of transaction, had the club giving away a pitching prospect for his services, even though he is still tied to A’Rod.

Derek Jeter, Brett Gardner and Francisco Cervelli stand alone as the only 3 players to have been drafted by the club – and have remained Yanks their whole playing time thus far. Read the rest of this entry

How All Of The Diamondbacks Hitters Were Acquired (2014 Roster Tree)

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How All Of The D’Backs Hitters Were Acquired:

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

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The Diamondbacks are having a brutal season at 30 – 44 thus far, and are now under the microscope of Tony La Russa.

This has to be done for good reason.  The club’s transaction record recently is highly suspect even though they are being led by veteran GM Kevin Towers.

When covering this Roster Tree (just for the hitters) I have found a disturbing trend of 2 team and 3 way trades that may not be beneficial to the long term success for the snakes.

The 1st one coming to mind is shipping out Trevor Bauer, Bryan Shaw and Matt Albers for a fringe 1B prospect in Lars Anderson, Reliever Tony Sipp and shortstop Didi Gregorius (even though Chris Owings was already in the system). Read the rest of this entry

Detroit Tigers State Of The Union 2014 – Part 2: The Pitchers

Joe Nathan is still one of the best closers the game of baseball has ever seen. The 39 year old came off one of his best seasons, registering a WHIP of .90 and an ERA of 1.33 amidst his 43 Saves and 74 SO.  Nathan will also bring plenty of playoff experience to Detroit. Lets just hope if the Tigers make it back to the playoffs, that he can improve in his career postseason ERA of 9.00 in 9 IP.  Nathan was inked to a 2 YR Deal this winter, worth $20 MIL, with a Team Option of $10 MIL for 2016.  This doesn't end all of the teams Relief woes, but it gives them the best Closer that was on the Free Agent Market.

Joe Nathan is still one of the best closers the game of baseball has ever seen. The 39 year old came off one of his best seasons, registering a WHIP of .90 and an ERA of 1.33 amidst his 43 Saves and 74 SO. Nathan will also bring plenty of playoff experience to Detroit. Lets just hope if the Tigers make it back to the playoffs, that he can improve in his career postseason ERA of 9.00 in 9 IP. Nathan was inked to a 2 YR Deal this winter, worth $20 MIL, with a Team Option of $10 MIL for 2016. This doesn’t end all of the teams Relief woes, but it gives them the best Closer that was on the Free Agent Market.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Here we go again.  Bruce Rondon is out for the year with Tommy John Surgery, Joba Chamberlain is throwing at Minor Leaguer’s, and Anibal Sanchez is hurting.

No team had better Starting Pitching in the game of baseball than the Tigers in 2014, while I love their top 3 Starters again, I am worried about their depth in the rotation at the back end.

The Bullpen is a lot better at the Closer’s position with Joe Nathan.

Gone are Jose Veras, underrated Joaquin Benoit, Drew Smyly moves to the Rotation,  and the ‘human dumpster fire’ Jose Valverde is also long removed from the relief core.

Added to the bringing in Nathan, the team also signed Chamberlain for 1 year, and added Ian Krol through the Doug Fister trade.

Among several returnees are Luke Putkonen, Phil Coke, Al Alburquerque, Jose Ortega and Evan Reed. Read the rest of this entry

The Detroit Tigers Organizational Depth Charts (All Affiliates) – Spring 2014 (Majors and Minors)

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth Chart + Payroll Expert – find his website here)

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The Detroit Tigers will be relying on their Minor League System more in 2014 than in the previous few years.  Players have been traded or lost to Free Agency, carving a path and opportunity for some.

Nick Castellanos has the grandest shot at making some headway at the 3B position, and Jose Iglesias will see a full year at SS in Motown.

When you factor in Ian Kinsler at 2B – and Miguel Cabrera at 1B, then none of the 2014 opening days Infield positions will look the same.

Dave Dombrowski has done an exceptional job at replacing some of the Minor League levels.  This was a big reason why they traded Doug Fister. 

Robbie Ray is their best Starting Pitcher not to start the year in Detroit.  He may even get the call at some point this campaign.

If anything, the Tigers were able to become younger, quicker and cheaper, which could bode well for the future

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

Detroit Tigers Payroll In 2014 + Contracts Going Forward Part 1

With Team Payroll already at $125 MIL without even paying the Arbitration Eligible players of Austin Jackson, Max Scherzer, Alex Avila and, the club is sure to top the $150 MIL mark - without even solidifying the Bullpen from top to bottom, and potentially starting a Rookie at 3B - while Iglesias will assume the SS with less than a year of games played under his belt either.  Detroit still has more than $50 MIL invested on their team than any of the other AL Central foes.  The team would be better off saving some money, and then pay pro-rated salaries after the Trade Deadline - in order to cash in on a 1st World Series since 1984.  Entering the last years of their deals are Martinez, Scherzer and Hunter.

With Team Payroll already at $125 MIL without even paying the Arbitration Eligible players of Austin Jackson ($10 MIL range), Max Scherzer ($17 – $20 MIL), Alex Avila ($3 MIL), Rick Porcello ($4 – $5 MIL) and Andy Dirks  ($1 – $2 MIL , the club is sure to top the $160 MIL mark – without even solidifying the Bullpen from top to bottom, and potentially starting a Rookie at 3B – while Iglesias will assume the SS (with less than a year of games played under his belt either.) Detroit still has more than $50 MIL invested on their team than any of their other AL Central foes. The team would be better off saving some money, and then pay pro-rated salaries after the Trade Deadline – in order to cash in on a 1st World Series since 1984. Entering the last years of their deals are Martinez, Scherzer and Hunter.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart/Payroll Expert)

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I have been saying it since the club traded away Prince Fielder.  It was one year too early.

The club ended up forking out over $76 MIL for just 2 years of service from the big man – when you add his $30 MIL in payroll Detroit will pickup in the next 7 years, just to trade him.

I am also baffled on why the Tigers traded Doug Fister.  I thought the plan was to win in 2014?

Max Scherzer 2013 Cy Young Season highlights

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Detroit Tigers State Of The Union Part 1: What Will The Offense Look Like In 2014?

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Despite losing to Boston in the American League Championship Series, the Detroit Tigers had a respectable season in 2013 finishing the Regular Season with a solid record of 93-69, 24 games above .500 and AL Central Winners. To top that off, they also beat the Oakland Athletics in 5 games to advance past the ALDS .

By Dan Wanser (MLB Reports Writer)   

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Moving into 2014, the Detroit Tigers look to have a season which takes them past the ALCS where their 2013 run ended, and potentially all the way to the Fall Classic in November which was just outside their grasp.

The Tigers have made it to the ALCS for 3 straight years, and will attempt to be the 1st franchise since the Yankees made it to 4 consecutive League Championships from 1998 – 2001 in the American League next campaign.

With great players on the diamond everyday like Miguel Cabrera, newcomer Ian Kinsler, and Right Fielder Torii Hunter, Detroit is poised to make another deep playoff run not only in the upcoming season, but in many years to come.

Looking back at the 2013 lineup, there isn’t much that needs to be changed so here’s what I think their 2014 starters will look like.

2013 Detroit Tigers Pump-Up Video:

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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):

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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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Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated For October 16, 2013 Games

(AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

(AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

 

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.

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

For a full explanation, click HERE.

From today’s games:

Receiving 1 WOO:

Doug Fister kept the Red Sox from rallying all game. He went 6 innings and despite letting up 8 hits, only surrendered 1 run and got the decision in the Tigers’ 7-3 victory.

Adrian Gonzalez crushed a pair of homers, collected 3 hits in all and sparked the offense for LA, 6-4 over the Cardinals.

Zack Greinke kept the Dodgers from elimination after wiggling out of early trouble. He pitched 7 innings, let up only 6 hits and 2 runs and got the win, 6-4 over St. Louis.

Dropped to the 8th spot, Austin Jackson got on base 4 times with a pair of walks and a pair of hits. He scored a run, drove in 2 and stole a base, sparking the Tigers 7-3 win over the Red Sox.

Receiving 1/2 WOO:

Jacoby Ellsbury collected four hits and missed the cycle by a homer, scored and drove in a run, one of the few bright lights for the Red Sox in their 7-3 loss to Detroit.

Matt Holliday got 3 hits, including a double, scored and drove in a run and gave the Cardinals hope to clinch. St. Louis fell just short, 6-4 to Los Angeles.

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2013 MLB Playoff Predictions: ALCS + NLCS Matchups

The Red Sox went from 69 Wins in 2012 - to World Series favorite in one year.  The 'Beantowners' have assembled a playoff tested crew to arm them in their quest to make it to the World Series for the 1st time in 6 years.  Will the Red Sox take out the Tigers and go for the team of the decade, with a 3rd World Series Bid (out of the last 10 years) in 2013?

The Red Sox went from 69 Wins in 2012 – to World Series favorite in one year. The ‘Beantowners’ have assembled a playoff tested crew to arm them in their quest to make it to the World Series for the 1st time in 6 years. Will the Red Sox take out the Tigers and go for the team of the decade, with a 3rd World Series Bid (out of the last 10 years) in 2013?

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

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After nailing the National League straight on in picks for the LDS Round, I failed in either of my upset predictions of Tampa Bay or Oakland to advance.

I am not displeased though, I won money on the Rays losing the series (that came from a bet for them to win the World Series in June that paid +2000 or so, I bet the Red Sox to win the Series as a hedge.

Heading into last nights game, I could have still gone 3 – 1 for the Series prediction if Oakland could come up with a win.

Really the A’s failing to wrap up Game #4 was the big blow.

Thanks to a nice odd of Justin Verlander -107 @ Sonny Gray (-103), I nailed the game last for a nice little profit.

I never bet one dime on the other series in the NLCS.

So I went 2 – 2 in the Round, but plus some nice cash for my effort. Including the playoff game and Wild Card game, I am now 4 – 3 this Post Season.

The Red Sox win the LDS vs the Tampa Bay Rays

youtube=http://youtu.be/Y4m4eeyhFks

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The Tigers Lose Their Temper, Plus The 1st 2013 Playoff Game At Comerica Park Yesterday

Victor Martinez took exception to Grant Balfour blurbing something under his breath.  Martinez has been around long enough to know that this is part of the Aussie's act, however, when you hear the verbal exchange, you get a sense that something set off V-Mart.

Victor Martinez took exception to Grant Balfour blurbing something under his breath. Martinez has been around long enough to know that this is part of the Aussie’s act, however, when you hear the verbal exchange, you get a sense that something set off V-Mart.  The Tigers ended up losing the game 6 – 3, and now face elimination in Game #4 at Comerica Park tonight, with Doug Fister towing the hill against Dan Straily.  The Tigers are favored at -151.

By Matthew Lafave (Tigers Correspondent)

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The first postseason game in Detroit didn’t go as expected. It wasn’t even due to the 1:00 PM start time either.

Tigers Anibal Sanchez went only 4 1/3 innings and gave up home runs to Josh Reddick, Brandon Moss, and Seth Smith. Yes, that’s 3 home runs.

Though the Athletics jumped to a 3-0 lead early, the Tigers were able to claw back with 3 of their own in the bottom of the 4th.

Martinez and Balfour in a heated foul mouthed exchange – Parental Guidance Is Advised

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