Blog Archives

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.

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 The MLB Reports On Twitter

*** 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

MLB Week 15 Schedule: July 7th – July 13th, 2014: (101 Games)

Home Of Sully Baseball + #WOB, #SullyMetrics, Baseball Analysis (Audio + Written, Roster Trees, Salaries, Org. Depth Charts,+ State Of The Unions + Stats + Wicked Daily Content,) + the best coverage on the 2014 MLB schedule in the world.)   We are not your average "Cookie Cutter" Website.  Also our motto is "THE TRUTH STINGS LIKE A CATCUS!"

Home Of Sully Baseball + #WOB, #SullyMetrics, Baseball Analysis (Audio + Written, Roster Trees, Salaries, Org. Depth Charts,+ State Of The Unions + Stats + Wicked Daily Content,) + the best coverage on the 2014 MLB schedule in the world.) We are not your average “Cookie Cutter” Website. Also our motto is “THE TRUTH STINGS LIKE A CATCUS!”

Week 15

MLB Scheduling 2014

Day + Date     Away and Home, Times Start In EST

Monday, July.07/2014 (14 Games)

1.  Braves @ Mets 7:10

2.  Orioles @ Nationals 7:05 (Interleague)

3.  White Sox @ Red Sox 7:10

4.  Cubs @ Reds 7:10

5.  Astros @ Rangers 8:05

6.  Royals @ Rays 7:10

7.  Yankees @ Indians 7:05

8.  Pirates @ Cardinals 8:15

9.  Blue Jays @ Angels 10:05

  1. Phillies @ Brewers 8:10
  2. Padres @ Rockies 8:40

  3. Marlins @ D-Backs 9:40

  4. Twins @ Mariners 10:10

14.  Giants @ Athletics 10:05 (Interleague) Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2014 World Series Currently + Best/Worst Value Bets

I Have hammered this point to a fault, and sound like a broken record, but look at the proof.  The Cincinnati squad has reeled off 4 wins in a row, 7 out of 10, climbing within  a game of the playoff bar.  With a winning pedigree over the last several years, how are they tied for 16th only in odds to win the World Series with Boston?

I Have hammered this point to a fault, and sound like a broken record, but look at the proof. The Cincinnati squad has reeled off 4 wins in a row, 7 out of 10, and have climbed within a game of the playoff bar. With a winning pedigree over the last several years, how are they tied for 16th only in odds to win the World Series with Boston?  Give me the Redlegs any day with their 42 – 38. and a healthy team for the 1st time all year, and many ALL – Star toting the uniforms.  I nailed the odd when it was +6600, so I am definitely on the bandwagon for a hot team, that is still paying great value.  If they make poststeason, you can extensively hedge if need be with starting base that high.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

So I have finally had a sub-par week for predicting World Series Odds.  My worst selection was putting faith in the Royals, only to see them jump from +2500 – +3300, and the Red Sox plunged a +700 mark to +4000 from +3300.

It was somewhat diffused by picks for Baltimore to shoot upwards as a favorite, and I am still miffed at the Reds receiving no love at all.

Cincy has won 4 in a row and 7 – 10, and are climbing heavily into the Wild Card Race with the Dodgers and Cardinals.

With how fast the Giants are coming back to LA in the NL west, it may be these three teams fighting it out for 2 berths, with the loser of the Nats/Braves division, SF, and the Bucs still right in the loop.

Right now the oldest professional baseball team is playing some great baseball, have a fully healthy squad for the first time all season, and we are talking about a club who has made the playoffs in 3 of the last 4 years.

Billy Hamilton has batting over .300 since the end of April, and now Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce are coming around, and it is only a matter of time before Joey Votto gets right.

Todd Frazier has been one of the best baseball players in the NL this campaign, and is currently tied for 3rd in NL HRs.

Devin Mesoraco is almost averaging an RBI per game, and is slugging .627 as a Catcher, with 14 HRs and 40 RBI in 47 Games Played.

Aroldis Chapman is lighting the lamp with 100 MPH. Jonathan Broxton is filthy. and the Starters are throwing the ball.

This is not the same team that started 3 – 8.  Look the hell out in the 2nd half.  Certainly they should not be tied for the 16th favorite on the odds board. Read the rest of this entry

MLB Schedule 2014 Week 14 – June.30 – July.6

Home Of Sully Baseball + #WOB, #SullyMetrics, Baseball Analysis (Audio + Written, Roster Trees, Salaries, Org. Depth Charts,+ State Of The Unions + Stats + Wicked Daily Content,) + the best coverage on the 2014 MLB schedule in the world.)   We are not your average "Cookie Cutter" Website.  Also our motto is "THE TRUTH STINGS LIKE A CATCUS!"

Home Of Sully Baseball + #WOB, #SullyMetrics, Baseball Analysis (Audio + Written, Roster Trees, Salaries, Org. Depth Charts,+ State Of The Unions + Stats + Wicked Daily Content,) + the best coverage on the 2014 MLB schedule in the world.) We are not your average “Cookie Cutter” Website. Also our motto is “THE TRUTH STINGS LIKE A CATCUS!”

Ballpark Chaser Guides Links Courtesy of http://www.ballparkchasers.com:

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

Before You read the Month Schedule, here are 30 Links to Ballpark Chaser Guides, that will aid you in your road trip quests. Read the rest of this entry

Should The Orioles Make A Blockbuster Deal Before the Deadline?

The Orioles are kicking around the top of the AL East, and may have three players that crack 30+ HRs by years end with Cruz, Jones and Davis.  The team hasn't even had normal contributions from Hardy and Machado - while Matt Wieters is out for the year.  The time to strike is now with just being behind the AL East by 2 Games, and in barely trailing for the 2nd Wild Card Spot.

The Orioles are kicking around the top of the AL East, and may have three players that crack 30+ HRs by years end with Cruz, Jones and Davis. The team hasn’t even had normal contributions from Hardy and Machado – while Matt Wieters is out for the year. The time to strike is now with just being behind the AL East by 2 Games, and in barely trailing for the 2nd Wild Card Spot.

By Nicholas Delahanty (MLB Reports Writer)  

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

As July rapidly approaches, the Orioles find themselves in the middle of the competitive AL East division trying to make a run at a division title in 2014.

Although the team finds themselves currently in second place in the division, the O’s have seen inconsistency throughout the first half of the season.

There are definitely places where the team can improve before the July 31st trade deadline, but the question remains of whether or not Dan Duquette and the Orioles front office want to part ways with some of the club’s promising young talent for a possible rental player.

Read the rest of this entry

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

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 The MLB Reports On Twitter

*** 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

The Most Recent No Hitter For Each Franchise (Updated For Tim Lincecum, June 25, 2014)

AP Photo/Eric Risberg

AP Photo/Eric Risberg

Is Tim Lincecum done? NOT TODAY!

The Giants needed to have a decent pitching performance and give their bullpen a break. What did they get? A masterpiece from Tim Lincecum. For the second straight season, Giant fans can say “Tim is not a Cy Young contender anymore, but at least he gave us a no hitter this year.)

The list of Giants pitchers with more than one no hitter? It is short but impressive:

Christy Mathewson
Tim Lincecum

Good company to be in.

And like last year, Lincecum did it against the Padres, the only remaining franchise without a no hitter.

(Yes, I know, the Washington Nationals haven’t had a no hitter either. They had no hitters when they were the Montreal Expos.)

 

It is time to update my list!

The AL Has Been Dominating The NL During Interleague For Over A Decade Now

After 7 years of Interleague, the AL trailed the season series 4 - 3, and the overall games mark 853 - 833 (.506).  Since 2004 it has been 10- years straight of AL beatdowns, winning each campaign for Won - Loss record - 1437 - 1206 (.544).

After the 1st 7 years of Interleague, the AL trailed the season series 4 – 3, and the overall games mark 853 – 833 (.506). Since 2004 it has been 10 years straight of AL beatdowns, winning each campaign for Won – Loss record, with a clip of  1437 – 1206 (.544).  Despite a promising start of 26 – 17 this season for the Senior Circuit, the AL has reeled off a 63 – 45 run, to hold an overall mark of 80 – 71 (.530) – which is slightly above the Lifetime mark of .524 baseball

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

The American League holds a decisive ALL – Time Record on the National League in Interleague play – and perhaps that is why a lot of traditional fans hate the concept even more.

Heading into play in 2014, the AL has won the last decade straight of seasonal play (10 years), and now possess an overall yearly record of 13 – 4 over the Senior Circuit.

It wasn’t always this dominant for the Junior Circuit. 4 of the 1st 7 campaigns were taken by the NL, however ever since the start of 2004, the American League has routinely speedbagged their opposition league.

Read the rest of this entry

MLB Schedule June 23 – 29, 2014 (95 Games)

MLB Scheduling 2014

Day + Date     Away and Home, Times Start In EST

Week 13

Monday, June.23/2014 (10 Games)

1.  White Sox @ Orioles 7:05

2.  Dodgers @ Royals 8:10  (Interleague)

3.  Pirates @ Rays 7:10 (Interleague)

4.  Padres @ Giants 10:15

5.  Cardinals @ Rockies 8:40

6.  Marlins @ Phillies 7:05

7.  Yankees @ Blue Jays 7:07

8.  Reds @ Cubs 8:05

  1. Nationals @ Brewers 8:10

10.  Red Sox @ Mariners 10:10 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.

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 The MLB Reports On Twitter

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

The Most Recent No Hitter For Each Franchise (Updated For Clayton Kershaw, June 18, 2014)

Chris Carlson - AP

Chris Carlson – AP

The second Dodger no hitter this season!

Well Josh Beckett didn’t last long on this list! Less than a month ago, Beckett threw the first no no of the year. Tonight, the ace of the Dodger staff showed the Rockies why he is a multiple Cy Young winner.

In fact, only Hanley Ramirez‘s error kept him from being perfect.

It is safe to say that he will take it.

Still no San Diego Padres nor Washington Nationals no hitter yet (although the Nationals franchise have no hitters as the Expos and the city of Washington had some with the Senators.)

It is time to update my list!

Boston Latest Team To Complete MLB Runs Survivor 2014: NYY, NYM, ATL, CIN + ARI Left

It has not been a banner title defense for the BoSox thus far.  What is worse is that the Yankees are ahead of them in the season series and in the standings.  With the 'Beantowners" plating 10 players in a 10 - 3 over Cleveland last night they have left the "Pinstripers" as the last AL team in 2014 MLB Runs Survivor to finish."

It has not been a banner title defense for the BoSox thus far. What is worse is that the Yankees are ahead of them in the season series and in the standings. With the ‘Beantowners” plating 10 players in a 10 – 3 over Cleveland last night they have left the “Pinstripers” as the last AL team in 2014 MLB Runs Survivor to finish.”

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

The  Boston Red Sox has a 10 run effort for the 1st time in 2014, and have finally finished their 11th different run scenario quest for the campaign.

This leaves the New York Yankees as the last club in the AL to complete the task. 

The Bronx Bombers came really close with a 7 run contest in a win over Oakland on Friday, where they just require a 8 total for completion of their mission.

If New York had plated 8 guys in the match last night, they would have beat the Red Sox in 2014,

Over in the NL, the Mets and Braves still both need 8 runs in a game, while the Reds and D’Backs are still searching of 9 runs.

We will keep you posted. Read the rest of this entry

Gambling In Baseball, Hedging Your Bets + Value Plays: MLB Reports Picks Of The Year

Get set for another season of throwing some cash around when it comes to baseball.  MLB Reports will have you ready with what we are looking at as well.

Get set for another season of throwing some cash around when it comes to baseball. MLB Reports will have you ready with what we are looking at as well.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

Staked with an initial bankroll of over $1000 thanks to a nice NFL Parlay in the 2013 – 2014 year, I set out to make some bank trying make luck at placing some moolah on the game of baseball.

I head to Vegas frequently enough that I have thrown down almost all of it already, but have a great chance of making my $ back and then some.

Before the year began, I placed a wager for each of the Texas Rangers (Yikes), Tampa Bay Rays (Or should I say Devil Rays?), but they best maneuver before campaign was to slot a $14.44 wager on the Giants at 25/1 odds for the World Series.

That pays about $380.00.

I then followed the Tampa Bays advice ticket Chuck Booth laid out for all of the website.  Even though it will break even as a wager, I would do it every time.

The skinny of that was that I bet $120 on the Tampa squad to lose under 88 games, and I used the potential profit to bet on the team to win the AL East, the ALCS and World Series.

The whole caveat was that I was virtually guaranteed to make my money back if Joe Maddon‘s club struggled, but could make substantial amounts of profit if the organization had a long October run. Read the rest of this entry

Current Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series + Best Value Bets – Week 12

The Tigers were not always the favorite to win the World Series in 2014.  At one point, they were listed at +1100 for the Fall Classic.  It has been proven that placing money on the paper champion rarely comes to fruition.  Regardless, this organization resonated with gamblers with 3 straight AL Central Titles, and appearing in 3 straight ALCS's.  I am not a proponent of the new odd listed, and would have to advise on staying clear of putting down cabbage on Detroit.

The Tigers were not always the favorite to win the World Series in 2014. At one point, they were listed at +1100 for the Fall Classic. It has been proven that placing money on the paper champion rarely comes to fruition. Regardless, this organization resonated with gamblers with 3 straight AL Central Titles, and appearing in 3 straight ALCS’s. I am not a proponent of the new odd listed, and would have to advise on staying clear of putting down cabbage on Detroit.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

The art of placing a good futures bet in Baseball will always require due diligence on anyone’s part.  In my next article today, I will reveal all of the bets I placed from Vegas so far this year.

The method to my madness is figuring out when to wager on a team based on their value.

In my set of picks to start the year, I selected TB, TEX and SF.  Mind you the 1st 2 look horrid now, but I managed to secure the Giants at a +2500 World Series odd because the LA Dodgers were so heavily favored.

I also pounced on the Tigers having a bad 1st week, and were at +1100 (highest odd on the board this season), before they then jumped out to 27 – 12 for the year.

Detroit has since regressed to a 7 – 18 clip – corresponding with a late plane trip when they left Boston 4 Sundays ago, owners of the MLB best record.

Again gamblers have all the confidence in the “Motown Boys” because they are the 3 time reigning AL Central Champs, have an abundance of premiere talent, and the easiest path of resistance in their own AL Central Division.

I am elated I had the odd at twice the current value.

In the last several days I have hedged a bet with all AL Central teams in forms of a World Series and Division Winner wager.  I am divulging all in the next article. Read the rest of this entry

The Latest Odds To Win Each MLB Division In 2014

Baltimore_orioles_logo_2012_-_present

 

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Best Value Odd Highlighted in Red

AL EAST

Analysis: I fully expect the Baltimore Orioles to be involved in trade talks to land an ace pitcher, with using either Kevin Gausman or Dylan Bundy as bait. This year represents the teams best chance to win.

If the Yankees fall out of it, they will drop under the $189 MIL Luxury Tax Threshold, by jettisoning players, and will then sign everyone in the offseason with a fresh slate for a salary tax 1st time offense at only 17.5% – instead of a 50% clip now

The X factors are if Chris Davis can find his 2013 swing, and Ubaldo Jimenez remembers how to throw like his 2nd half 2013 self. Toronto has enough bashers to club their way to the Division Title, and their -133 is not a bad odd either to wager on.

1. TOR -133

2. NYY +320

3.  BOS +500

4.  BAL +650

5.  TB +5000

Read the rest of this entry

Houston Latest Team To Complete MLB Runs Survivor 2014: 6 Teams Left

The Astros lost the last 15 games to end the 2013 campaign, and put forth an 111 game loss season, and it looked bleak for the franchise in 2014 just 5 weeks ago.  Since then, Springer has smashed 12 HRs, added almost an RBI a game, and has lit a fire under the teams offense.  Oh Yeah.  Jose Altuve is also in the top 5 for AL Batting, Chris Carter has hit HRs of late, and Dallas Keuchel and Collin McHugh are both pitching fantastic for the squad that is now 29 - 36.

The Astros lost the last 15 games to end the 2013 campaign, and put forth an 111 game loss season, and it looked bleak for the franchise in 2014 just 5 weeks ago. Since then, Springer has smashed 12 HRs, added almost an RBI a game, and has lit a fire under the teams offense. Oh Yeah. Jose Altuve is also in the top 5 for AL Batting, Chris Carter has hit HRs of late, and Dallas Keuchel and Collin McHugh are both pitching fantastic for the squad that is now 29 – 36.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

The Houston Astros are playing a great brand of ball over the last several weeks.  George Springer has ignited this offense to scoring more runs than have plated since the Killer B’s.

By virtue of them pasting the Twins with a 14 – 5 routing on Sunday, it nailed down their elusive 10 or 10+ Runs column for their 11th different run scenario.

No Longer is this team a laughing stock in the Majors.

The Astros have turned out a 10 – 5 record since May 24th, and are quietly inching towards the .500 mark,  Not bad for a club that lost 111 contests in 2013.

I even have to admit I love the move skipper Bo Porter did last night in bringing in Tony Sipp for a batter, then moving him to right field, enabling Jerome Williams to face the next batter, before bringing him back to the mound again.

Now that is thinking outside of the box.

The Astros have runs scored of 7, 8, 9 and 10 or 10+ in the last 2 weeks.  It looked like they were a shoe in to lose this entire competition back then.

Now there is only the Yankees (8 runs) and Red Sox (10 or 10+) left in the AL (who would have thought that with those perennial high octane offenses?),

The AL Central and West have all teams that have fulfilled their obligations on the MLB Runs Survivor.

The teams needing 1 more result in the NL are the Diamondbacks, Reds, Mets and Braves.  Arizona and Cincy need 9 runs in a game, and New York and Atlanta need games where 8 cross the plate. Read the rest of this entry

30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 11 MLB 2014

battle of the bay

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

Well, another few weeks have gone by, and there has been some separation from all the Divisions and the 2nd place squads, except for the NL East dogfight right now between the Nats and Braves.

9 teams are within the top 2 Wild Card Slots in the AL, with the Angels and Mariners holding onto the 1st and 2nd spots respectively.

Preseason NL favorites Los Angeles joins the reigning NL champs ‘The Cards’ at 0.5 Games behind the playoff bar – constituting either Atlanta or Washington (presently in a dead heat) – and the upstart Marlins. 

The Reds, Rockies and Pirates are within striking distance as well, but look for the Dodgers and Cardinals to take off from here, leaving the current Division leaders and those 2 as the 5 playoff teams.

Arizona and Houston have at least jumped into the conversation with recent good stretches of play, after brutal starts.

*** Denotes Division Leaders

Records are before play Monday June 9, 2014

RK Team  Current Rec  Last Wk Rnk  ()  –  Last 13 Days Rec

***1. SF 42 – 21: (1) 9 – 3:  Must be an even year in the teens of this century.  The offense has a different hero everyday.

Playing .667 ball this late into the year bodes well.  9.5 Games ahead of next club in your Division also will land you as slot #1.

***2. OAK 39 – 24: (2) 8 – 4: Brandon Moss and Josh Donaldson both towers of strength and Sean Doolittle is the best Closer no one has heard about 40+SO/1 BB rate is sick.

Billy Beane continues to find gems like Drew Pomeranz, Jesse Chavez – and Kyle Blanks has fitted in well.

The team could still trade for a 2B that can hit, or bring up Billy Burns, flip Jed Lowrie over to 2B.

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – June 7, 2014

Patrick Semansky, Associated Press

Patrick Semansky, Associated Press

The 10th inning of the A’s and Orioles game last night was so surreal that we all need to savor it for a few moments.

That and some unusual draft picks on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Dee Gordon, Torii Hunter, Tanner Roark, Dallas Keuchel, Nathan EovaldiDaniel Descalso and Adam Dunn  all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball
Read the rest of this entry

Current Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series + Best Value Bets

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

An absolutely abysmal week for predicting which teams would jump on the leaderboard for odds.

Even though I did go 4 – 6 in the weeks prognostications, I pegged the massive loss for the Rockies.

This team plummeted from a +4000 to a +10000 odd to win the Fall Classic.  I had the Indians (who skyrocketed from +8000 – +5500 by virtue of a 6 game win streak.)

The Reds also have  a +5500 odd, as oppose to +6600.

The Jays are all the way up to tied for 5th on the favorite board, going from +1600 to +850.

Baltimore, Boston and New York all took drops in odds this week that were fairly minor. Read the rest of this entry

Record Corrections May Be Coming With Home + Road Splits: Then Again, Maybe Not

Coors Field is still a hitting haven.  While the averages have all dipped approximately 10% since the Humidor was placed into the facility over a decade ago, it still remains the premiere place for any of the MLB'ers to bat.  Some of the organizational players will not hit as good on the road, with playing in the NL West, in cavernous parks like Dodger Stadium, Petco Park and AT & T Park, however the weight will only affect their overall numbers away from the thin air.  Historic players like Larry Walker and Todd Helton displayed good road numbers, despite their gawdy home statistics, however they will never be looked in the same eye.

Coors Field is still a hitting haven. While the averages have all dipped approximately 10% since the Humidor was placed into the facility over a decade ago, it still remains the premiere place for any of the MLB’ers to bat. Some of the organizational players will not hit as good on the road, with playing in the NL West, in cavernous parks like Dodger Stadium, Petco Park and AT & T Park, however the weight will only affect their overall numbers away from the thin air. Historic players like Larry Walker and Todd Helton displayed good road numbers, despite their gawdy home statistics, however they will never be looked in the same eye.  2014 sees the Rockies lead massively in all categories at home, yet at this point, they have played 10 more games away from Denver.  Among the players that are killing it at the park in 2014 are  TULO and Charlie Blackmon.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

If you look at the current home and road records in the MLB Standings, you will see some weird differentials.

Take for instance the Rockies have only logged 23 games at Coors Field, where they are a staunch 16 – 7, meanwhile they have traveled abroad for 33 contests so far, putting forth a clip of 12 – 21.

This is a 10 game difference that could see the ‘Rox’ post a 7 – 3 win-loss record when the games are made up. Read the rest of this entry

Dodgers 20th Team To Complete MLB Runs Survivor 2014

los_angeles_dodgers_logo-9460

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

This should turn out to be quite fun.  A lot of gambling establishments have this sort of deal, and it will be fun to see the 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.  We are going to keep tracking this category – until all 30 MLB clubs are finished this season!

The Dodgers completed their task of scoring 10 or more runs in a game Saturday, and are the 20th team to finish.

The Yankees, Red Sox, Angels and Astros have yet to fill out their 11 game scenarios in the AL, and the Rockies, DBacks, Cubs, Mets, Phillies and the Braves also need to end the games differential with just one specific run total.

All of the Central teams in both leagues have conquered the mission Read the rest of this entry

Current Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series – Updated For Week 10 + Best Value Bets

zhpefl9igzlfjc8j7yql0qewy

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

In lieu of doing the Power rankings today, in which we just completed our Monthly rankings a few days ago, here are the current odds to win the World Series.

These kind of work as a defacto slotting of positions in their own right.

I had a full .500 of predicting last weeks totals in best bets.  Toronto’s big streak of 9 games were the big culprits of this affair to my demise.  They have jumped all the way to +1600, and are the top favorite out of the AL East.

If you are a New York Yankees fan or Boston Red Sox Nation subscriber, and think your squad could win the Fall Classic each, pounce on this weeks odds.  At +2000 and +2200 respectively, they are the highest they have been all year for the Eastern Seaboard clubs.

Boston has reeled of 6 wins in a row following their 10 game swan dive, and New York is only 2.5 Games Behind Toronto.

Honestly as the teams are constructed right now, I am all in favor of picking the Jays, but there is one problem.  If the ‘Pinstripers’ are in contention a month from now, Brian Cashman will be handed an influx of cash to dole out in forms of trades.

Toronto is over the payroll they want to be at for the campaign, although they might be able to add a Starter as said by the brass, “if the club is playing well.”.

Boston just inked Stephen Drew back, and they have some Benjamin Franklin’s in reserve somewhere if they want to throw some down, just not sure they will do so. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – May 28, 2014

AP Photo/Al Behrman

AP Photo/Al Behrman

Should the Cubs deal Jeff Samardzija? Could he actually help their rebuilding?

If they do deal him, the Orioles and Blue Jays should offer up the farm for him.

It is a trade talking episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Lance Lynn, Collin McHugh, Adam Lind, Andre Ethier, Nelson Cruz, Scott Baker, Wade Miley and Justin Upton all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball

Read the rest of this entry

Stanton + Cruz Take Over NL + AL Leads For HRs: 3 Hit Multi HRs FRI – 0 HR Streaks For Sat

It is scary to only think the Giancarlo Stanton is just 25 years of age.  This man is asserting himself as the premiere HR hitter in the National League in 2014 with 14 HRs so far, The Marlins OF has also netted 47 RBI. and 114 Total Bases, both of which are NL leading.  Teams have already intentionally walked him 9 times, which is another league leading category for him.  Miami is 25 - 24 on the season, and they owe Stanton a huge amount of thanks for why.

It is scary to only think the Giancarlo Stanton is just 25 years of age. This man is asserting himself as the premiere HR hitter in the National League in 2014 with 14 HRs so far,. The Marlins OF has also netted 47 RBI. and 114 Total Bases, both of which are NL leading. Teams have already intentionally walked him 9 times, which is another league leading category for him. Miami is 25 – 24 on the season, and they owe Stanton a huge amount of thanks for why.  Miami has also hit 48 HRs in 26 home games so far this year.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

Giancarlo Stanton (don’t call him Mike, even though everyone wants to be like him) had his 3rd Multi HR game of the year, and took over sole possession of 1st place in the NL HR Race.

Stanton’s teammate Garrett Jones also did yard two times (7th teammates of 2014 to accomplish the feat).

Even though these Marlins did this, Mark Reynolds destroyed 2 baseballs over the fence himself, to help the Brewers overcome the 4 HR barrage by the Fish.

Given up for dead by many clubs, Reynolds also pole vaulted himself into 4th place in the HR Race. Read the rest of this entry

Run Survivor 2014 MLB: 18 Teams Complete With O’s + Bucs + Brew Crew Finishing Up – 12 Teams Left

The Orioles are kicking around the top of the AL East, and may have two players that crack 40+ HRs by years end with Cruz and Davis.  The team hasn't even had normal contributions from Hardy, Jones and Machado.

The Orioles are kicking around the top of the AL East, and may have two players that crack 40+ HRs by years end with Cruz and Davis. The team hasn’t even had normal contributions from Hardy, Jones and Machado.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

This should turn out to be quite fun.  A lot of gambling establishments have this sort of deal, and it will be fun to see the 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.  We are going to keep tracking this category – until all 30 MLB clubs are finished this season!

The Orioles and Pirates both won the last two nights while scoring 9 runs as the victor in the Interleague Series between them.  Baltimore won 9 – 2 on Tuesday, and the Bucs won 9 – 8 over the O’s last night.

They became the 16th and 17th teams to complete the 11 totals.

Scoring 9 runs is the hardest total to come across for the clubs.

Milwaukee finally accomplished the 9 run game Friday night, to join the party as the 18 team to complete.

In a surprise, the Dodgers still haven’t scored 10 runs in a game yet.  They would still be the favorite to be the next club to finish this task. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series – Updated For Week 8 + Best Value Bets

If Chris Davis is at his HR centric best, all of a sudden this team is lethal from Nelson Cruz, to Adam Jones, and hence should I say a healthy Matt Wieters crushing from the DH slot, or potentially this team could ink a Morales, or trade for another guy.  Pitching Staff is holding up, and now it is time for this team to roll.  Having New York, Toronto and Boston so heavily favored over them for this category is a farce.  Take the +3500 value.

If Chris Davis is at his HR centric best, all of a sudden this team is lethal from Nelson Cruz, to Adam Jones, and hence should I say a healthy Matt Wieters crushing from the DH slot, or potentially this team could ink a Morales, or trade for another guy. Pitching Staff is holding up, and now it is time for this team to roll. Having New York, Toronto and Boston so heavily favored over them for this category is a farce. Take the +3500 value.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

I had my worst week for prognosticating the best odds, however I made up for it, with the worst odds of the week.  In all, I was 4 – 4 – 2 for the week.  I still have not had a losing record, and many winning ones.

The Rays and Royals have plummeted in their odds for the World Series.  I am not sure about either one of them getting back into the race, although that Tampa +5000 this week is very tempting.

The Kansas City offense is a joke.  They should sign Kendrys Morales after June, and then turn around and trade Billy Butler.  Morales won’t make much more than “Country Breakfast” and is a more consistent hitter all around.

You could also acquire some more depth somewhere else for Butler’s services.  Heck, Seattle needs a DH right now, and they aren’t even calling Morales for all we know, and are going with Nick Franklin until Corey Hart is back. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – May 15, 2014

AP Photo

AP Photo

With roughly 25% of the season already in the books, the AL East is hovering around .500.

For the Orioles, Blue Jays and Rays, this is a chance to take the Division and run with it. Push the chips all in NOW!

That and an interesting trade by the A’s on  The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Masahiro Tanaka, David Murphy, Doug Fister, Hunter Pence, Brandon McCarthy, Nelson Cruz and Chris Johnson all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball.

 

Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series – Updated For Week 7 + Best Value Bets

I sound like a broken record, but where is the love for this team.  Okay, they may not win this thing, but at +4500, and they have an easy AL Central schedule for the rest of the year, great pitching - and could trade for a batter.  Best Value on the Board - rated as the 19th longest shot.

I sound like a broken record, but where is the love for this team? Okay, they may not win this thing, but at +4500, and they have an easy AL Central schedule for the rest of the year, great pitching – and could trade for a batter. Best Value on the Board – rated as the 19th longest shot.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

For my best bets last week – I was 4 – 0 – 1.  Cleveland has stayed at +8000, TB has risen from +3300 to this week +3000.  The Pirates went from +6600 to +5000 and the Orioles went from +4500 to +4000.  I was also right on the the Royals going from +5000 – +4500.

With the +4500:  This is pretty stupid considering KC is 20 – 19, and would be considered tied for the Wild Card Spot.  Clearly with the White Sox, Twins and Indians, they have one of the better strength of schedules favoring them.

Also, love Yordano Ventura becoming better as the year carries on, and have Danny Duffy pitching frames again as a starter.  The offense is starting to heat up a little bit.  They will be my best bet of this week.

I went 2 – 2 – 1 with my worst odds on the board, as the A’ stayed the same for yet another week.  The Angels proved me wrong by climbing from +1400 – +1200 and SF shot up from +1400 all the way to +1100.

I had the Marlins on the way down, and they plummeted from +6600 last week to +12500 this week,

Toronto also went from +2800 + 3000 In my favor.

Be sure to scroll down who I pick this week (Haven’t deviated much from last week.) Read the rest of this entry

Oakland Keeps The Magic Elixir Running With Pitching Staff In 2014: Lead The AL In Wins

Billy Beane made some great trades to bolster his Relief Core - and rotation for the 2014 year.  Despite 3 of the slated Opening Day starters not currently with the club due to Tommy John Surgeries (Griffin and Parke - Straily (Optioned to the Minors), added with early Bullpen woes, the team has righted the ship, and lead AL pitchers in collective ERA, (OBP and OPS against).  Beane has allocated just around $34 MIL in players salary to his staff.  he also made great judgement calls on departing pitcher Bartolo Colon, Brett Anderson and Grant Balfour not duplicating key roles in the previous two seasons.  Once again the "Moneyball Man" looks like he may come up roses one more year in the Division at least.

Billy Beane made some great trades to bolster his Relief Core – and rotation for the 2014 year. Despite 3 of the slated Opening Day starters not currently with the club due to Tommy John Surgeries (Griffin and Parker) + Straily (Optioned to the Minors), added with early Bullpen woes, the team has righted the ship, and lead AL pitchers in collective ERA, (OBP and OPS against). Beane has allocated just around $34 MIL in players salary to his staff in 2014. He also made great judgement calls on departing pitcher Bartolo Colon, Brett Anderson and Grant Balfour – not duplicating key roles in the previous two seasons. Once again the “Moneyball Man” looks like he may come up roses one more year in the Division at least.

Billy Beane knows how to construct a Pitching Staff on a shoe string budget.

Not enough Pitching with double TJ Surgeries to A.J. Griffin and Jarrod Parker to have slowed the Rotation? Nope.

What about the loss of Bartolo Colon?  Hell no, that big guy is sporting an ERA of over 5.50 in an easier NL hitting league.

Scott Kazmir a risk?  Nope, wrong answer again thus far. The recipient of a 2 YRs Deal worth $22 MIL is a lot of money doled out from the A’s organization for a Free Agent Hurler.

All the 30 Year Old LHP has done in 2014, is lead the AL with a WHIP of 0.974, carried forth a 5 – 1 record, and a sparkling 2.28 ERA to date.

How about sophomore Sonny Gray having a tougher time peddling through the league for a second time?  Not a chance.

Gray is 3rd in the AL – with an ERA of 2.17, and has a 4 – 1 record himself. 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.

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 The MLB Reports On Twitter

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