Blog Archives
Who Owned Baseball July 8, 2016 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2016 #WOB Standings
Bob Levey – Getty Images
Luis Valbuena went 3 for 5, launching a 9th inning, 3 run come from behind walk off homer to give the Astros a stunning 10-9 victory over the A’s.
Yasmani Grandal went 5 for 5 with 3 homers and 6 RBI to lead the Dodgers in a wild 10-6 slugfest against San Diego.
Corey Kluber threw 8 strong innings, allowing 5 hits and 1 run, striking out 8 and walking no Yankee batters as Cleveland took the laugher, 10-2.
Stephen Strasburg struck out 9 Mets and gave up only 2 hits and 1 run as the Nationals won the critical divisional match up, 3-1.
They All Owned Baseball July 8, 2016
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball July 2, 2016 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2016 #WOB Standings
Michael Dwyer – AP
C.J. Cron overshadowed a cycle with 13 total bases, 6 hits, a pair of homers and 5 RBI as the Angels humiliated the Red Sox 21-2.
Melvin Upton Jr. got 3 hits including a walk off shot as the Padres topped the Yankees, 2-1.
Danny Duffy pitched into the 9th, finishing with 8 2/3 innings, 2 runs and 8 Phillies strikeouts as the Royals won, 6-2.
Scott Kazmir struck out 10 Rockies over 6 shutout innings and earned the 6-1 decision for the Dodgers.
They All Owned Baseball July 2, 2016
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
The Most Recent Cycle Hit For All Teams (Updated for Freddie Freeman, 6-15-2016)
KEVIN C. COX/GETTY IMAGES
The First Cycle of the Year!
And true to 2016 Atlanta Braves style, the team almost lost the damn game. It took extra innings, but Freddie Freeman made the list. This might be the highlight of Atlanta’s season!
Here is the list, updated for today’s action!
Who Owned Baseball May 22, 2016 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2016 #WOB Standings
Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images
Cole Hamels struck out 11 Astros over 8 innings, allowing just 5 hits and 1 run and earned the decision in the Rangers 9-2 blow out.
David Ortiz reached base 5 times, including 2 doubles and a homer, driving in 3 and helping the Red Sox top Cleveland, 5-2. If not for a strange hop in centerfield, he would have had the cycle.
Madison Bumgarner not only threw 7 2/3 innings of 3 hit shutout ball, but he drove in the only run of the game in the Giants 1-0 thriller against the Cubs.
Cameron Rupp went 3 for 4 with a homer in Philadelphia’s 5-0 victory over Atlanta.
They all owned baseball on May 22, 2016.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball April 16, 2016 (Daily MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2016 #WOB Standings
DENIS POROY/GETTY IMAGES
Melvin Upton Jr. got three hits, including a walk off 2 run homer that ended a 14 inning marathon for the Padres over Arizona, 5-3.
Trevor Plouffe went 3 for 4 with a homer and a pair of RBI as the Twins scored late to beat the Angels, 6-4.
Jake Arrieta dominated the Rockies with 8 shutout 5 hit games and 8 strike outs and got the 6-2 decision for the Cubs.
David Price threw 7 innings, 2 runs and recorded 9 strikeouts t0 help the Red Sox beat Toronto 4-2.
They all owned baseball on April 16, 2016.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast Archives Oct. 24, 2012 – Nov.30, 2012 (Lost Eps 1 – 38)
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 1214 days consecutively!
Past the CLICK TO READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY are Sully’s 1st 38 episodes of the Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Sully starting posting his daily podcasts at the mlbreports.com on Feb.6, 2013. So we will add the dates between Oct.24, 2012 and Feb.6, 2013 in case you missed any of his awesome 1st 103 episodes.
But we will also archive all of his podcasts to date (in coming weeks) so they are easily accessible for all his fans.
Our website followers have grown larger each year for his podcast.
Follow Sully Baseball On Twitter Follow @sullybaseball
To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.
To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE. Read the rest of this entry
Atlanta Braves State Of The Union For 2016
Before the recent deal for Shelby Miller the Braves had been questioned on whether the rebuild they are currently going through was going to work. Now all of a sudden, the club going through trading of all veterans – starting with Jason Heyward a year ago, looks so much better. The next year or 2 is still going to be painstakingly to endure, but the organization now has a promising future. Atlanta will enter a new park in Sun Trust Park, located in Cobb County, GA for 2017 after playing one more year at Turner Field in 2016.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst) Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
John Hart knows how to build teams in the Majors. He was at the forefront of the Cleveland Indians in the 1990’s when they signed a bunch of young nucleus players to multi year extensions. It was a trend that worked out for nearly a decade.
A pile of organizations copied this template. I must admit I thought he may have been a bit past his prime when the Braves finally hired him on last year, but he seems to carrying out the mission with Atlanta as well.
Of course taking over for Frank Wren – there was not much to go but up. Dan Uggla, Derek Lowe and B.J. Upton ultimately cost the former GM his job, but it should be noted he did orchestrate 3 decent trades in acquiring Justin Upton, Michael Bourn and Javier Vasquez much earlier.
The Braves did the right thing in dismantling the 2013 to 2014 squad. It would have cost too much money to re-sign Brian McCann and Jason Heyward – and Justin Upton may soon reel in a 9 figure sum.
Atlanta also traded away Craig Kimbrel and Andrelton of late. The haul for Kimbrel was nice, while Simmons was set to make $53 MIL over 5 years. Not huge cash, but for a guy more noted for defense, and with a team rebuilding, losing the dollars owed was a more significant move.
I also can’t emphasize enough how awesome it was to rid themselves of the Melvin Upton JR. contract. Read the rest of this entry
The Most Recent Cycle Hit For Each Team (Updated for Matt Kemp, August 14, 2015 )
DAVID ZALUBOWSKI/AP
THE FIRST PADRE CYCLE!!!
No Padre has ever thrown a no hitter. No Padres team has ever won the World Series. No Padre had ever hit for the cycle… until now.
Matt Kemp hit a fly ball that ricocheted off the right center field wall in Coors Field. By the time he stood at third base, the cycle was achieved.
This has been a rough year for the Padres and for Kemp, but this hit must have felt sweet.
Here is the list, updated for today’s action!
The Most Recent Cycle Hit For Each Team (Updated for Adrian Beltre, August 3, 2015 )
SportsGrid.com
Adrian Beltre with the Tri Cycle.
The Rangers third baseman, who is quietly assembling a Hall of Fame resume, joined Bob Meusel, Babe Herman and Long John Reilly in the exclusive “Three Cycles in a Career” club.
OK, it isn’t quite Bonds, Aaron, Ruth, Mays… but it is kind of cool.
Bad news for Shin-Soo Choo who didn’t even last 3 weeks on this list!
Meanwhile Beltre is on here twice as the most recent cycle for the Rangers and the Mariners.
Here is the list, updated for today’s action!
The Most Recent Cycle Hit For Each Team (Updated for Shin-Soo Choo, July 21, 2015)
DAVID ZALUBOWSKI/AP
First Texas cycle in 2 years!
Lots of people hit their cycles in Colorado. Choo is the latest. In fact his teammate Delino DeShields almost joined him if only he could have connected for a Coors homer himself.
Either way, it was safe to say that humidor or no humidor, it was a good night to hit in Colorado (except for the Rockies who were shutout, 9-0.
Here is the list, updated for today’s action!
The Most Recent Cycle Hit For Each Team (Updated for Brock Holt – June 16, 2015)
(AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
The First Cycle Hit for 2015!
With all the great hitters in baseball, naturally it is BROCK HOLT of the Red Sox who gets a single, double, triple and homer. Granted, I am not thrilled that he wears Wade Boggs’ number 26, but this is a day to celebrate.
Good bye John Valentin, no longer on this list.
I have compiled a list of the most current no hitter for each franchise, but here is the companion list for the cycle. Is it harder to hit for the cycle? Probably. But Holt did it!
Here is the list, updated for today’s action!
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 6, 2015
MLB on ESPN
REGULAR SEASON BASEBALL HAS STARTED.
My son feels pity for the Cubs. I have more pity for people who needed to pee in Wrigley Field.
Meanwhile the Padres pull off a blockbuster in time for Easter.
It is a Get The Season Started episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast
Adam Wainwright, Jason Heyward and David Ross all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?
The Royals Or O’s Winning The Title Would Be Good And Bad: MLB Payrolls Part 2
Kauffman Stadium was newly renovated about 5 years ago. It is a nice visual display of a ballpark, however it is far being in the top venues in the Majors for earning money. The Royals fans saw the club struggle to finally end a 3 decade long playoff drought this year. It is imperative that the MLB work with ‘cost control’ in the upcoming ‘Collective Bargaining Agreement. Both KC and Baltimore had to endure lengthy stints of losing campaigns, before compiling enough top-level draft picks to compete in their respective divisions. Hopefully other small to mid market teams will not have to be bad for that amount of time in the future to obtain success finally.
Yesterday I addressed the Dodgers potentially winning the World Series in the next few years while bringing more attention to the inequities of the big and small market clubs.
Even with LAD losing today and being eliminated, it doesn’t change the fact they will be playoff contenders for years to come based on their talent level, and super imposed revenue stream to outspend every team in the National League.
I identified the last several lower revenue teams that have had success, and pointed out that it took them big stretches of poor campaigns in order to collect on some good.
This is the biggest reason why baseball needs to adopt a salary cap – in order to leveling off the field.
Kansas City and Baltimore are perfect examples of this. The narrative is great here Franchises that haven’t appeared in the Fall Classic since 1985 and 1983 respectively, when both organization won their last Titles.
The Royals 29 years since that has been tough to stomach. The later George Brett years, the core from the championship had aged or moved on by the time he hung up the cleats.
After the 1994 strike/1995 lockout, the Royals found themselves at the bottom of the division for years. Read the rest of this entry
Ichiro Suzuki Is Closer To Setting The ALL-Time Professional Hits Record: Provided He Keeps Playing
Ichiro Suzuki fashioned 10 straight 200 hit campaigns to start his career (2001 – 2010), tying Pete Rose for the most 200 Hit seasons ALL-Time, and setting the most consecutive years with the feat. He may only be a .270 – .280 hitter now as a 4th OF, but he still plays decent defense, and makes nice contact. Suzuki is about a full season of AB’s away from setting the professional hits record. He is a Free Agent after this year, and at 40, he may have a few campaigns left to offer a club. His 2841 Career Hits come during what will end in 2014, as his 14th year only in the MLB.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst) Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
He is not receiving the kind of fanfare that Derek Jeter is this year, (although maybe he would if he was retiring too and had announced it), by Ichiro Suzuki has put forth a decent year in 2014.
His .284/.323/.338 Slash Line is not something to write home about, but he is a nice 3A Outfielder on a club that has seen its fair share of injuries.
Heading into the last 4 games of the year, the 10 time 200 hit man, has 99 hits on the season, thus giving him 2841 Hits in his MLB Lifetime.
After Derek Jeter retires this year. Ichiro will be 2nd in active total hits to Alex Rodriguez. Read the rest of this entry
B.J. Upton And Dan Uggla Were The Biggest Reasons Why Wren Was Shown The Door!
The Brothers Upton both were acquired in the 2012 offseason by the Atlanta Braves. This was a risk for the organization, and while Justin has played extremely well in condensed pockets, B.J.Upton, now 30, is quickly establishing himself as one of the worst Free Agent contracts ever signed in Major League Baseball. with a .197/.276/.310 – Braves 3 Slash Line – with 20 HRs and 60 RBI in 902 AB during his 1st 2 years as a Brave is simply abysmal. The club’s brass should send him to the Winter Leagues this off-year, to correct his problems. Justin Upton, 27, has fared much better in his 2 seasons, with an OPS of .822, 54 HRs and 162 RBI for his 1108 AB. The worst part about this is that the younger brother only has 1 more year left on his deal in 2015, making $14.5 MIL, while B.J. has 3 more years left on his deal, paying him a sum of over $46 MIL for the duration.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I started writing for this website about a year ago. One of my first articles I put forth was one centered around the albatross contracts that were B.J. Upton and Dan Uggla.
True to prior blogs written here at the MLB Reports, the older Upton’s Free Agent contract of 5 YRs/$75 MIL will go down as one of the worst deals ever consummated on the open market.
You add the $15 AAV (Average Annual Value) to Uggla’s $11 MIL, and you are forking out over $26 MIL a year – for what are horrific numbers.
The genesis of my theory was simply the team would not recover financially, or be able to cover up any mistakes/injuries that may come to the club.
Atlanta has been one of the best franchises in the MLB for the last 24 years. Even after the organization claimed 14 straight NL East titles, they only took about 5 years to reload the troops for another wave of success.
Since the end of the 2012 year though, the franchise has seen Chipper Jones retire, longtime Catcher Brian McCann move on to New York, and former Brave great Tim Hudson move out to the San Francisco Giants. Read the rest of this entry
Current Odds To Win The 2014 MLB Divisions + The Week Ahead For The Contenders
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Based on last week’s 4 – 1 – 1 record for picking the best valued odds on the 6 Divisions, I am sticking with the same teams for value again as nothing has really changed.
My only loss for picking the selections, was that Atlanta dropped from +700 to +1000. I broke even with none of the NL West odds changing.
My AL East pick of the Yankees proved worthy – as they went from +1000 to +800.
My AL Central wager of the week was Cleveland, and they jumped from +2500 to +1800.
The Biggest registered bet was on the Mariners, shaving off a +3500 to a now +2500. This is the only prognostication I actually put real money on down.
It was a clean sweep for me to win on the American League.
I was 1 – 1 – 1 in the National League. My St. Louis to rise as a favorite worked in plotting the week. They are now tied with the Brewers for the odds to win the NL Central.
The Cardinals came up just enough to break me with a .500 record for NL picks.
I have eliminated the Jays and Rays from the Divisional races. Any double digit deficit will result in this automatically for the rest of the campaign.
Current Odds To Win The 2014 MLB Divisions: Betting The Longshots The Only Value Left
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Well its another banner prognostication period for me. Last time we checked on the Divisions, I had the Rays, Angels, Royals, Nationals, Dodgers and Pirates as the best value plays.
I wasn’t expecting Tampa to trade David Price at that point, so I will lose that wager. I also lost the Bucs value pick, even though they were better odds for the most part of the 3 weeks until the losing streak started.
Overall, the Royals jumped from +800 to just +125 as they skyrocketed up the Division – and now have amassed a 2 game lead over Detroit.
The Dodgers actually had some value 3 weeks ago at -225. Hope you put some cabbage on them, because now they are -800.
The same can be said for Baltimore, pole-vaulting from +160 – all the way to -900. They are the biggest favorite in any AL Division.
Washington has played great baseball in the last 21 days, opening up a 6 game lead in the NL East. They blitzed from -190, to now being -1600. That odd is not worth wagering anymore..
Los Angeles (on AL Side) have taken over the lead in the AL West by a half game on Oakland, and are still a +125 underdog, to the A’s -150 mark.
It was still good enough to venture from +175 to +125 now, and make me a 4 – 2 prediction selector for the last 3 weeks in duration. Let’s have it this time around. If I don’t feel a team has a chance at the Division, i will leave them off the lists.
The Bullet Version Of Monday’s MLB Games + Craig Kimbrel Is Filthy!
Season high 7 game winning streak – including 3 straight walk off hits at Nats Park. They hold a 6 game lead over 2nd place Atlanta, and the Nationals haven’t even hit full stride with several key players not maximizing on their talent level. With a weaker NL East schedule down the stretch, they just may hold home field advantage by season’s end in the National League.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Erik Kratz smacked 2 HRs and now has 23 HRs in just 472 AB. Thats a HR for every 20.52 AB or would equal about 29 Bolts in a 600 AB campaign. The guy is 34 so that is not likely to happen… but smart move on KC’s part to bring him in. Beats the alternative for what they had.
Washington is starting to heat up, and if you play them into late and extra innings, any of their hitters can beat you right now. This does not bode well for Atlanta.
Everybody just back off of Trevor Rosenthal, as all young relievers go through this. Besides what is a season if the Cardinals didn’t changeup their Closer at least once…
Everyone also needs to take a chill pill on the A’s missing Yoenis Cespedes so much it has destroyed the unity of the offense. Teams go through stretches where they don’t play well. It is just 17 games of a sample size so far. Read the rest of this entry
How All Of The Braves Hitters Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree – Upton/Uggla Deals Still Looming Doom
How All Of The Braves Hitters Were Acquired:
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Atlanta Braves are moving into a new ballpark in Cobb County GA in a few years.. Unfortunately the club will still be paying the contract of B.J. Upton.
At least Dan Uggla will be off the books by then.
Atlanta has been an awesome franchise in the last quarter-century, and far from me to admonish these guys on just a few deals doled out, when they have done it right as an organization for 25 years.
The current roster of hitters resembles a ton of Draft Picks by the franchise. Not only that, but several of the players have inked their names long term for the Braves.
Freddie Freeman, Jason Heyward, Evan Gattis, Andrelton Simmons and Tommy La Stella were all selected by the squad in the MLB Amateur Draft over the last several years. Read the rest of this entry
Current Odds To Win The 2014 MLB Divisions
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
With the trade deadline lurking this week, you have to factor this in when you are making bets.
I would be shocked if the Rays trade David Price before July.31, 2014. This team has erased so many deficits since 2008, and they have been the best team in the league for the last 25% of the year.
I would also predict the Royals to add a bat for the last 2 months.
Pittsburgh has a lot of money in their wallets for a few salary dumps even if they have to wait for the non-waiver deadline.
Cincinnati is fading fast and needs to wheel and deal for some replacement help.
St. Louis has never played well without Molina, and while I love the A.J. Pierzynski addition, they must not stay stagnant here.
The Yankees should break the bank on several more trades now that they are going to be Luxury Tax Abusers yet again!
The Braves should do a deal, yet they have been hampered by all of the payroll B.J. Upton and Dan Uggla eat up. Maybe 2014 is not their year.
Current 2014 MLB Team Payrolls: Trade Deadline Manuevering
Clayton Kershaw is the highest paid player on the highest payroll of the Majors with the Dodgers. Los Angeles is currently sitting at nearly $240 MIL for total team payroll, and will enter the 2nd year of their Luxury Tax Threshold Penalty, where they will pay a 30% surcharge on any monies spent over $189 MIL. As it stands right now, the club will pay somewhere north of $15 MIL this year. If the Dodgers are in penalty again for 2015, they will pa 40% of any cash over the Threshold. Abusers of the tax for 4 years and beyond pay $50%. With their payroll this year, it would cost Los Angeles over $25 MIL if they were at that limit.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
2014 Team Salaries Rank (In Millions)
1. LAD – $239.8 ( 2nd time abuser – Luxury Tax Penalty at 30% over $189 MIL = $15.24 MIL to be added at the end of the year.) (1st in NLW)
2. NYY – $200.0 ( 4 or more time abuser – Tax Penalty at 50% over $189 MIL for an additional $5.5 MIL to be added at end of the year.) (1st In ALE)
3. PHI – $177.4 (1st in NLE)
4. DET – $163.0 MIL (1st in ALC)
5. BOS – $157.9 (2nd in ALE)
Read the rest of this entry
MLB ALL – Star Break Report Cards – National League
The best letter grade we gave out was to the Milwaukee Brewers, The team pole vaulted out to a fast start, and despite other clubs having a lot more talent than this bunch, young players have emerged for the Brew Crew. Even with recent play, the other teams have had injury trouble while Milwaukee is relatively healthy. Still with 4 clubs within 3.5 games or better in the NL Central, this should be a dogfight to the bitter end.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Division GBL Letter Grade
NL EAST
T1. WSH 51 – 42: – (C+)
Have dealt with a plethora of injuries to Bryce Harper, Ryan Zimmerman, Wilson Ramos, Adam LaRoche and Doug Fister.
Jayson Werth had a nice hot streak right before the end of the 1st half.
The team with limited flaws has just not taken off like it should.
Gio Gonzalez hasn’t found his form yet.
T1. ATL 52 – 43: – (B-)
This team has a nice 14 – 6 stretch to end the 1st half.
When you consider the club has withstood year ending injuries to Kris Medlen, Brandon Beachy and Gavin Floyd.
Dan Uggla and B.J. Upton are making 25% of the team payroll and are posting anemic numbers. The older Upton has done better in the last 10 games.
Evan Gattis and Freddie Freeman have kept the team afloat, and whenever Justin Upton hits, this team wins.
A great patchwork job done by the Starting Pitchers replacements. Aaron Harang and Alex Wood have done spade work.
Still one of the best Bullpens in the game. Read the rest of this entry
MLB Teams Pitching Payroll vs Positional Players Payroll In 2014
The Dodgers are the new kings of spending money on payroll in the MLB. They already spend the most money their Pitching Staff, are the only team well over the $200 MIL mark, and are also creeping up on the New York Yankees for position player spending. With the Bronx Bombers not in a playoff spot currently, the Dodgers may pass the Pinstripers by adding salary to their lineup, or by New York deciding to trade a few players from their position lineup.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The LA Dodgers have 5 quality Starting Pitchers, and a bevy of former Closers in their Relief Core.
The boys who play their home games at Chavez Ravine, would fit into the top half of entire team payrolls for the majors with each of their pitching and offense separately.
If the Yankees trade 1 or 2 hitters before the Deadline, or the Dodgers add an offense player to their depth, they will hold the #1 spot in both distinctions.
New York, Detroit, Philadelphia, Washington, Boston and both of the Los Angeles franchises are in the top 10 in each. Read the rest of this entry
30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 15 – 2014
The Atlanta Braves were hovering around .500, and in serious jeopardy of watching the Nationals blow by them with a healthy roster. Instead, they are the biggest mover of the week, riding a 9 game win streak. All of this coming on the heels of losing Evan Gattis for awhile.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
*** Denotes Division Leaders
Records are before play Thursday July.06, 2014
RK Team Last Wk Rnk () Current Rec – Last 10 Days Rec
1. ***Oakland A’s (1) 54 – 33: 6 – 3 The A’s are the only team that has an above .600 Win Percentage.
What is not to like. They have the best record since 2012, are even better over the last 2 years (July 2012, July 2014, about .615 Baseball), have won 2 AL West in a row as well.
Added to the fold is a great trade bringing in Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel, and not yielding anything from the current MLB Roster in return.
2. ***Detroit Tigers (2) 48 – 36: 6 – 4: Tigers beat the better teams, and have troubles with the lesserlites.
Emergence of J.D. Martinez is a major bonus for a team starving for OF help. Still need more Bullpen arms.
Great division for opponents down the 2nd half. Read the rest of this entry
The Atlanta Braves Prospects + Organizational Depth Charts For All Affiliates – 2014 (MLB + MiLB)
The Atlanta Braves went to the World Series 5 times in the 90’s, only winning the title in 1995. The team won 14 Division Titles from 1991 – 2005, and have been very competitive for the last 4 years, after a short dry spell from 2006 – 2009.. A lot of it has to do with their Minor League System.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth Chart + Payroll Expert – find his website here) Follow @prosportsroster
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Do you ever wonder how the Atlanta Braves have been so successful as an organization for the last quarter century? The answer is they are able to develop within.
In fact, the only times the club seems to do poorly is when it goes outside its comfort zone, and spend a bushel full of money for Free Agency.
Take the B.J. Upton abysmal deal, that may plague the franchise for spending until they reach their new stadium digs in Cobb County GA.
Yes, they hit a HR in the mid-90’s when they signed Greg Maddux, but times have changed for the economy of baseball.
The club also suffers from the trade to acquire Dan Uggla. These are small blips on a stellar establishment mostly comprised of homegrown talent.
Freddie Freeman, Jason Heyward, Craig Kimbrel, Alex Wood, Julio Teheran, Andrelton Simmons and Evan Gattis are the future of this team. Braves fans are hoping for another World Series Winner.
If you are a fan, get to know these players we list in the post, and follow their progress in the Minors. if you click their name, it will take you to baseballreference.com’s player page of them.
30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Month Of June 2014
Welcome to your new World Series Favorite. according to the oddsmakers. I see their rationale. The A’s have the best record in the Majors, and also the biggest lead within their Division. Oh yeah..this club has back to back West Titles, and a deep lineup in a parity league that is the AL. While I don’t endorse them as the favorite for the World Series right now (based on predicting playoffs solely), there is no doubt I ranked them #1 in power rankings
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
*** Denotes Division Leaders
Records are before play Thursday June.26, 2014
RK Team Last Wk Rnk () Current Rec – Last 31 Days Rec
1. ***Oakland A’s (2) 48 – 30: 17 – 10: The A’s are still the best team in the Majors for the last 2 1/2 years. Coco Crisp on another hot spell.
Josh Donaldson and Brandon Moss both in the top 5 for HRs, and Sonny Gray/Scott Kazmir among several starters for ERA, WHIP and quality starts.
Yoenis Cespedes has the power numbers to be a perfect complement to the top guys, and the bar can always be raised higher.
Sean Doolittle is authoring one of the greatest Bullpen efforts ever for a Closer. A 53/1 Strikeout to Walk ratio is beyond filthy.
2. ***Detroit Tigers (3) 42 – 32: 14 – 13: A nice rebound after they dropped out of 1st place temporarily.
Victor Martinez and J.D. Martinez will exceptional June’s, and Miguel Cabrera is still on pace for 130 RBI.
Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer had sub-par starts, but look to correct themselves now.
Joe Nathan is making the late innings nervous for Tiger’s fans, after they had to endure Joaquin Benoit, Phil Coke, Jose Veras and Jose Valverde over the last few years. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The 2014 World Series + Best Value Bets Based On Trade Deadline Speculation
Welcome to your new World Series Favorite. according to the oddsmakers. I see their rationale. The A’s have the best record in the Majors, and also the biggest lead within their Division. Oh yeah..this club has back to back West Titles, and a deep lineup in a parity league that is the AL. While I don’t endorse them as the favorite for the World Series right now (based on predicting playoffs solely), there is no doubt I would rank them #1 in power rankings currently.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I had another on fire week last week, with 5 right predictions, and 5 draws, with zero outright losses.
Furthermore, Cincinnati jumped from +5500 to now being +4000 – with making it back to .500 last night.
I also have seen the KC Royals skyrocket from +8000 2 weeks ago, to now be sitting pretty at +2500. The Royals were my best bets 2 weeks ago.
Your new favorite to win the World Series is the Oakland A’s at +650. I understand the odd believe me, but this will be temporary.
I fully expect the Nationals to take over this position if their recent pitching trends continue.
Also if the Dodgers can come within 2 games of the Giants, they will take over as the Fall Classic Favorites once again.
Again this week I hate the Blue Jays being among the heavy favorites for the title. These guys gave been slipping recently, and the Orioles and Yankees are breathing down their necks in the AL East.
I also firmly believe with the AL West stranglehold the A’s are sure to bury the Angels, and if Detroit is a matchup for any WILD Card winner out of the AL West, heck even the Royals with James Shields, I favor them over any Halo’s pitcher for 1 game. Read the rest of this entry
30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Month Of May
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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*** Denotes Division Leaders
Records are before play Monday May.26, 2014
RK Team Last Wk Rnk () Current Rec – Last 16 Days Rec
1. ***San Francisco Giants 32 – 19 (3) 10 – 4: The Giants have the best team in the Majors record wise, and have done so without dominate pitching, and Buster Posey hasn’t taken off yet.
The San Fran players are using the ‘someone is always on fire’ offense. Even Brandon Hicks is clobbering HRs out of 2B. Depth prevails here. 4 Games up on the Dodgers.
2. ***Oakland Athletics 31 – 20 (2) 8 – 5: The A’s did lose 3 straight to the Blue Jays, however they had scored 76 runs in 11 Games prior, and pasted 10 on the board yesterday.
Brandon Moss is an underrated slugger, and Josh Donaldson has 4 separate game HR streaks this year.
Showing that depth at Starting Pitching can do well even if players go down with TJ Surgery. Read the rest of this entry
30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 7 – May 2014
The Mariners are 10 – 4 in their last 14 games – without receiving any outstanding play from one particular player. They are the biggest jumpers in this weeks rankings, going from #20 – #15. The club concludes a series vs the Kansas City Royals, before they welcome the Tampa Rays next into Safeco Field.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
We are almost at the quarter pole for action in the MLB.
The biggest mover and shakers this week were the Seattle Mariners, followed by Baltimore Orioles. LA Angels and San Francisco Giants.
Plummeting in the other directions were led by the Phils, who we dropped from 17th to 24th.
The Yankees, Nationals, Dodgers and Rangers all lost 4 places in the rankings based on sub-par weeks.
The AL New York franchise is about 1 bad week from free-falling to the AL East. Right now the team has received buoyancy because of ace Masahiro Tanaka being 5 – 0.
Brian McCann and Carlos Beltran are having a tough time finding their rhythm with the Bronx Bombers.
I believe the Dodgers will rectify their situation shortly and take off.
Washington is barely over .500 even though most of their players are playing to their capabilities.
The Royals offense is destroying their team morale, as is the Mets having a tough time with the Relief Core, and their Pitchers are still battling .000 for the year like you and me.
Oakland is still leading the MLB in wins since the start of the 2012 year.
The Red Sox are one of the most likely teams to climb the standings in the next few weeks.
With the Cards not playing well, keep in mind, 18 of the next 21 games reside in Busch Stadium for them. It is time to make some headway.
The AL has fashioned a 18 – 8 mark in Interleague this week to apply a 34 – 33 overall lead on the NL now.
The Rockies are blasting every baseball into orbit right now. These guys are hitting as well at home as the Pre-Humidor ERA. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series – Updated For Week 4
Wrigley Field is about the best all natural ballpark experience out of all of the 30 teams in the MLB – however the attendance has started to sag with the recent play of the franchise. Wrigley Field has seen a decline in fans attended every year since 2008, down from 3.3 Million fans in 2008, to 2.65 Million people in 2013 (only good for 7th out of 15 NL Teams). Today’s 100th birthday of the field should be the best game of the year at Addison and Clark.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Odds To Win The 2014 World Series
1. LA Dodgers +600
2. Detroit Tigers +700
T3. Washington Nationals +900 (Down from +700)
They have only really beat the Marlins all year, haven’t fared well against the great clubs,
T3. St. Louis Cardinals +900 (Down From +850)
Surprising a little they have come down a little, still will be able to catch Milwaukee. Poor start for Allen Craig and Jhonny Peralta should correct itself.
MLB Reports 
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