Blog Archives
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.1st) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
AP Photo: Pat Sullivan
Brett Oberholtzer threw a complete game, 2 hit shutout that was scoreless until the bottom of the 8th inning. The Astros squeaked past the Mariners, 2-0.
J. J. Hardy turned the Yankees/Orioles game around with one swing of his bat. A 3-1 Yankee lead turned into a 4-3 Baltimore advantage. It sparked the 7 run outburst as the Birds won in the Bronx, 7-3.
Zack Greinke threw 7 solid innings, letting up 2 hits, 1 run and striking out 7 Padres. He earned his 14th win for the Dodgers, 2-1.
Hunter Pence homered, doubled and singled, knocked in a pair and scored three times as the Giants topped the Diamondbacks, 8-2.
They all owned baseball on September 1, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON
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To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here
Key Players Mixed With Comeback Players Are Keeping The Indians In The Race For A Playoff Spot
The Indians currently sit with a 71-63 record which puts them only 4.5 games out of a Wild Card spot and 7.5 games out of the division. Many people didn’t really expect Cleveland to do too much but with better than expected performances from Giambi, Jimenez, and Kazmir – they are keeping up in the race for the playoffs.
By Dan Wanser (MLB Reports Writer) Follow @DanWanser
Follow @mlbreports
The Cleveland Indians currently sit in second place in the American League Central behind the Detroit Tigers and are in fourth place in the Wild Card behind Oakland, Tampa Bay, and Baltimore.
Right now, Key players like Ubaldo Jimenez, Jason Kipnis and Just Masterson are leading the way, but is also surprise contributions from Jason Giambi, and Scott Kazmir that are also keeping them in the race for the playoffs.
With time running out, these players need to continue to lead and more players need to start to step up if this team wants to make the playoffs.
Kazmir Dominates:
Aug.31 Trade Deadline Maneuvers Part 1
Mike Morse had his best year in 2011 with the Nationals, where he hit .303, with 31 HRs and 95 RBI during his 515 AB. The Orioles would love that kind of production to aid their DH core of hitters. The club however, would simply settle for his Career 3 Slash Line of .284/.338/.816 in parts of 9 seasons and 1827 At-Bats. Morse makes $6.75 MIL this year, and will be a Free Agent after the campaign is finished.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst and Website Owner) Follow @mlbreports
The Orioles picking up Mike Morse is a good move. The guy is familiar with Region, is a nice contrast to Chris Davis – and cost the club a minimal amount to bring over.
I think the big 6 FT 5 players is just the kind of guy the Baltimore team has missed over the year.
The Designated Hitters slot has been abysmal – and if Morse can to the back of his bubblegum card, this move will pan out.
The team’s lineup will now feature Manny Machado 3B, , Nick Markakis RF, Chris Davis 1B, Adam Jones CF, Matt Wieters C, J.J. Hardy SS, Mike Morse DH, Nate McLouth LF and Brian Roberts 2B.
Morse joins Scott Feldman, Francisco Rodriguez and Bud Norris as late season acquisitions. All of them have contributed to the franchise.
All of a sudden having a 7 – 9, with a 25 – 30 HR powers in Morse, added with veteran Brian Roberts (if healthy) and Nate McLouth, could add a speed element when the team swings around back to the top of the lineup.
It is good for depth and when consider the team is only 5 games out of the 2nd Wild Card Spot, this is plausible with 3o games left.
Chris Tillman has asserted himself an up and coming #2 Pitcher on the team. I must say, him doing this 2 years in a row, has made a believer out of me now.
The man is 24 – 7 over his last 31 decisions – and has a mid tier 3 ERA – competing in a donnybrook of a Division. Yesterday’s win over Boston was just another example of how much the 25 year old has bailed the club out of a losing streak.
You know Buck Showalter will have his guys ‘game ready’ for the challenge.
The Traveling Salesman Problem: 30 MLB Stadiums In Record Time
The 30 MLB Park Road Trip has been mastered by about 25 people who have accomplished the feat in under a month. We are going to keep giving the extreme ballpark chasers some more food for thought here.
By Josh Robbins (Special Guest Writer And Co – Creator for The Factor12 Rating Pitching Metric.)
The Factor 12 (F12) is an analytic measurement utilizing league average performance to compare the value of all MLB pitchers on 60ft6in.com.
My grandfather was a traveling salesman for most of his working life. Frequently, he recalls stories about selling his wares in exotic places such as Keokuk, Iowa, Hannibal, Missouri, and Cairo, Illinois.
However, the real Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) asks this question: “Given a list of cities and the distances between each pair of cities, what is the shortest possible route that visits each city exactly once and returns to the origin city?”
Applying this computation to all 30 MLB stadiums is more complex given the nature of the regular season schedule. A handful of metropolitan cities host two clubs enabling for travel to occur in the same city more than once.
Without using a complex algorithm or formula based system, google maps will be utilized to determine the shortest distances between each city/stadium to determine the most logical route.
Extreme ballpark chasers are often left to the mercy of the schedule eliminating a perfect directional path.
After optimizing the mileage breakdown between stadiums, this is the shortest possible DRIVING route discovered:
30 Ballparks in 30 Days Documentary
The Orioles’ Best Time To Strike Is 2013 Or 2014: Especially While The Yankees Are Down!
Chris Davis was awarded a 1 YR/$3.3 MIL contract in Arbitration for 2013, but based on his possible 55+ HRs and 130+ RBI. exactly what stratosphere of money will he enter based on those totals? The Baltimore franchise must consider 2013 – 2014 to be their best chance for a deep playoff run. After this year, Davis will be making megabucks in 2014 and 2015 – before hitting the Free Agency Market in 2016. Hardy and Markakis are signed through the 2014 year, while other salaries only escalate – including Matt Wieters becoming eligible for Arbitration next season. Whenever you have a team where the nucleus is all around the same age, you have team control on $$ for only a short period of time.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst and Website Owner) Follow @mlbreports
Buck Showalter is no dummy. There was a reason why he flew off the handle a few weeks ago – when he showed bitterness towards the Yankees receiving salary relief via the Alex Rodriguez suspension.
With a mind like his, he realizes the Yankees had painted themselves into a corner for a few seasons, and one of the biggest reasons why, was the albatross of a contract for #13.
The Yankees are sure to receive the ‘biggest get out of jail free card’ ever – and Buck is eyeballing the fallout. Showalter should be asking management to go for it now.
I have been talking all season (and prior to) about the O’s not having a #1 ace, and it will cost them extensively.
Breaking Down A Potential Suitor For My World Record Of 30 MLB Parks in 23 Days with a 30 – 21 bid
30 in 21 chance by Jake Beham
The schedule of Jake Beham, who is trying to chase down my World Record of Seeing all 30 MLB Parks (every pitch) in 23 calendar days or less. This schedule must have been done without knowing you have to witness all plays of the game to qualify. Jake is going to have a tough time dodging a miss on day 2 – where he will try to beat Labor Day Monday traffic from after the game – in order to make 1st pitch at CBP. He will never make it by car. The Yankees always play games that are 3 Hours or longer as well. Even Amtrak train is a longshot. I give him a 10% chance to make it on his 1st Doubleheader attempt.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @mlbreports
2 days later he flies to Chase Field – and has scheduled a Doubleheader with Angel Stadium For DH #2. I am assuming he is planning on taking a Southwest Airlines flight that arrives at John Wayne Arpt. The flight leaves Phoenix at 455 PM.
That is 4 hours and 15 minutes after 1st pitch. The flight that arrives in SNA at 605. If he makes the flight, he could make this. However it is about a 67% chance. Most NL games last about 2 hours and 35 minutes.
The airport is close enough to the park in PHX – as is SNA airport. Any extra innings though, and it is over.
On FRI, Sept.6th, he has scheduled a Wrigley Field and Kauffman Stadium doubleheader for DH #3. This one is impossible. The game starts at 120 PM local Chicago Time.
The closest flight I saw that leaves ORD or MDW in time for Kansas City, leaves at 441 PM. That is 3 hours and 21 minutes from 1st pitch at Wrigley Field.
The History Of Extreme Ballpark Chasing (1993 – 2013)
The days of not being able to visit all MLB parks in consecutive days ended in 1993, when the Rockies were introduced, and enhanced even more with the Arizona Diamondbacks entering the league in 1998. In the last 15 years, several people have tried to see all 30 MLB parks in under a month. Some successful, some broke some rules, and one guy even bought this website 6 months after he set the World Record for visiting all 30 MLB Parks in just 23 Calendar Days – completing 7 Doubleheaders.
Ballpark Chaser definition: Someone who is actively pursuing quests to view Baseball Parks.
Guys talked about in this Article: Completely Insane!
By Josh Robbins (Special Guest Writer And Co – Creator for The Factor12 Rating Pitching Metric.) Factor 12 (F12) is an analytic measurement utilizing league average performance to compare the value of all MLB pitchers on 60ft6in.com.
MLB Expansion Makes Ballpark Chasing Possible
Twenty years ago, the course of history changed for ballpark chasing. In 1993, the Colorado Rockies and Florida Marlins debuted in the National League, increasing the total number of MLB teams to twenty-eight.
The two new franchises created positions for fifty players and expanded the pursuits for ballpark chasers.
In prior years, the nearest connection between a west coast team and the mid-west was Anaheim Stadium to Royals Stadium, a 23-hour drive covering 1,619 miles.
As a result, it was impossible for fans to attend games in consecutive days at every MLB stadium during one concurrent driving trip. Consequently, the only method to complete the entire circuit was to combine land and air travel.
The new league structure dramatically altered the traveling landscape by adding Mile High Stadium in Denver, a 14-hour, 1,011-mile drive from Anaheim Stadium.
Reggie Deal’s- 30 Day. 30 Park Compilation (A Blind Fan Who visited all 30 MLB Parks in 30 Days last year)
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (August.21st) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images
Shin-Soo Choo led off the game with a home run and finished with 4 hits, driving in 3 and scoring 3 as the Reds hung on to top the Diamondbacks, 10-7.
Ian Kennedy threw 7 shutout innings, giving up just 4 hits and striking out 8, leading the Padres past the Pirates, 2-1.
Jacoby Ellsbury led a Boston attack with three hits, including a double, a stolen base and a pair of runs scored, as the Red Sox won a much needed laugher in San Francisco, 12-1.
Wei-Yin Chen helped keep the struggling Orioles in playoff contention. He threw 7 strong innings, allowing only a pair of solo homers, and got the 4-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.
They all owned baseball on August 21, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Audio Version
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The Triple Play Show will have 5 shows per month. Each show will be about 1 hour. Chuck Booth will guest once a month for MLB Power Rankings,
By The Big Ticket Show ( AKA Triple Play Podcast on http://www.mlbreports.com) Follow @bigticketshow
Patrick sits in as the Producer and only representative of the Big Ticket Show – and Chuck Booth joins him to break down all 30 current rankings, plus what the clubs are up to.
To listen to the audio for this Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY logo or past the Triple Play Logo.
If you want the written version of these rankings click here Read the rest of this entry
MLB 30 Team Power Rankings: Week 20
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Texas has fought off a July slump – and are 9 – 1 in their last 10 games. They have added reinforcements in the way of Alex Rios and Matt Garza. If they can just hold the course – and win the AL West, they have the horses and experience to challenge every other team in October. The club was the biggest mover upwards in our rankings this week – going from #10 – #4. It was not too long ago that the Rangers were sitting at just a half – dozen games above .500 – and behind the playoff bar.
Audio Version Of These Power Rankings
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
It is time for the MLB Power Rankings. These are based on my thoughts on whether who has the best chance to win the World Series.
A lot of these positions are based on who has the toughest Strength of Schedule left, who their competition is for the Division, and possibly even the League they are in,
The races for the Divisions in the NL are becoming less competitive every week. The NL East and NL West look to be done. The Pirates are within weeks of ending a 20 year playoff drought.
The Braves rattled off a 14 game winning streak – and should cruise to the NL East crown.
The Athletics are in big trouble with some of their talented offensive players not putting up numbers like they did in 2012. They now find themselves in 2nd place in the AL West.
Adrian Beltre 2 HR day in July
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (August.6th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images
Andrew Albers had a remarkable big league debut. The Twins left hander pitched shutout ball into the 9th inning. He finished with 8 1/3 innings, no runs, 4 hits and only one walk, topping the Kansas City Royals, 7-0.
Adam Jones went 4-4 with a homer and a stolen base. He drove in runs in the first and fourth and scored in the 8th as the Orioles beat the Padres, 4-1 at PetcoPark.
Matt Latos kept the Oakland A’s off the board during his 7 1/3 shutout innings, letting up only 4 hits. He got the win for the Reds, 3-1.
Eric Chavez hit a game tying RBI double and then added another run scoring double to extend the lead as Arizona topped Tampa Bay, 6-1.
They all owned baseball on August 6, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
MLB 30 Team Power Rankings: Week 19
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The Braves have charged out of the ALL – Star Break at a pace like they did to start the year. They have an 11.5 Games Lead in the NL East over Washington, and most of their offense is starting to click – which have helped contributed to the team hold down the fort now that the pitching has had vast injuries.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
It is time for the MLB Power Rankings. These are based on my thoughts on whether who has the best chance to win the World Series.
A lot of these positions are based on who has the toughest Strength of Schedule left, who their competition is for the Division, and possibly even the League they are in.
How unfortunate it is for the Indians and the Royals to have the Tigers winning 9 of their last ten – to fend off their those absurdly hot AL Central counterparts?
The good news for the KC and CLE teams is that the AL East are beating up on each other in the last month, while Texas will see a Nelson Cruz suspension dampen their odds of making the Post Season.
Check out the Show we did on AL and NL Rankings Here on the 2 And A Hook Podcast
The MLB Needs To Amend Its Weighted Schedule/Payroll Flaws By The 2016 CBA Renewal!!
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Follow @mlbreportsThursday August.1/2013
If you are a Mariners fan, your park is the furthest geographically away from another Leagues (NL) home park or vice versa (806 Miles). If your favorite team is in the NL, get your bags packed, because chances are, you will need to head on a roady in order to see your team every year. The MLB needs to address the situation for complete fairness to every single team. My plan would still be to have 44 – 52 Divisional Games, 60 other games against the 10 teams in your own league, and then to play 50 Interleague Games. Of course this isn’t even possible until the MLB and MLBPA workout a new CBA in 2016.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Maybe it is because I am a West Cost (Vancouver B.C Canada) guy that lives 1100 Miles away from the nearest NL Ballpark, or maybe it is because I have seen it work well in other professional sports – when I worked as a pro handicapper for 3 plus years.
I am sick of seeing teams come in to town for 3 series in a year – when it might take another team 6 years to visit in Interleague.
Sure if I lived in the East Coast, in a place like New Jersey, I could have my pick of any home parks (AL + NL) within a 450 MILE radius, I may not feel the same, but even that I doubt it.
My friend Doug Miller (from Washington State), also wrote a column worth reading on this subject. He called it “Team Fatigue”. read that article here
I also wrote a similar column on MLB Baseball’s need to adapt a Payroll/Geographical Re – Alignment that could bring a huge amount of parity to the MLB in future years here.
With the Orioles playing good baseball all year, I fear they will not be playing baseball in October. You know why? It is not because they don’t deserve to be, and it will likely not be their fault. The reason is: they will have had the toughest Strength of Schedule: playing the Yankees, Blue Jays, Red Sox and Rays 76 times this year, while the Indians and Royals play extremely weak clubs like Minnesota and the White Sox a quarter of their schedules. The same can be said for the Oakland and Texas franchises feasting on the hapless (Trade Depleted Astros), and a steady dose of the Mariners (who are far easier to play than any of the 5 AL East teams).
Philadelphia Phillies Trade Possibilities
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The year started with the struggles of two of their three ace pitchers, followed by injuries off and on to other key players – including Doc Halladaay. With their former ‘CY Young Winner’ potentially coming back at the end of the year, plus talk of possibly signing him to an incentive laden contract for 2014, added with a new deal for Chase Utley, the Phils are hoping to extend their chance of a contender for at least one more year ‘next campaign’. Improved play from Domonic Brown and Ben Revere (before being hurt) – also has cause for optimism in 2014. They will need to find a 3B, a Catcher, a new Closer and a 3rd OF, however that won’t require the farm being spent. Today we examine the possible moves by Ruben Amaro Jr. at the Trade Deadline this year before we get to that point.
By Chris Creighton (Phillies Correspondent via http://www.warrroomphilly.com – visit the website here) Follow @WARROOMPHLCHRIS
The time has come, Phillies fans. Make no mistake about what you’re seeing on the field and reading in the papers, sell mode has now become a reality.
Perhaps I may be channeling my inner Captain Obvious, but for the sake of those still holding out hope, change is a-comin’.
After the ugliest road trip in recent memory mercifully came to an end, the Philadelphia Sports Media pulled no punches welcoming several Phillies players to Seller-dome.
Carlos Ruiz Highlights 2012 – Mature Lyrics So Parental Guidance Is Advised
MLB 30 Team Power Rankings: Week 18: Trade Deadline Edition
Click The Link Below For A Great MLB Reports Podcast On The Trade Deadline
Triple Play Podcast Trade Speculation
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The Dodgers have won 25 out of their last 31, play in the weakest division in the MLB right now, and other than Arizona, do not have much competition. Solid Pitching and a revamped healthy lineup has led the charge. They climbed all the way up to 6th in this weeks rankings. The Dodgers have a 230 Million Dollar Plus payroll, and have no plans to slow down in this offseason. It may actually be a blessing in disguise if this team makes a long run in the playoffs. It has been speculated they will pursue Robinson Cano this winter. I have predicted they will offer him a 7 – 8 year deal worth $30 MIL per annum.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
The Detroit Tigers finds itself back on top of our rankings. It was a hard decision between them and the Atlanta Braves.
The prevailing thought is that I am more confident in the “Motown Boys” to make the World Series.
Since starting the year 12 – 11, the Braves have only gone 47 – 44. Lets just say the should finish the season with about 89 wins. That would force Washington to go 38 – 19 in their final 57 Games.
I fully expect the Nationals to take off at any part in the season, so this is not a foreign concept.
In contrast, I don’t believe in either the Indians or Royals to near 90 wins like the Tigers should have by seasons end.
With a bypass to eliminate the Wild Card Game, Detroit is our #1 team.
Clip is Francona talking about Fielder – (There are 2 more clips of C.Fielder + P.Fielder at end of this blog)
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July.26th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Nick Wass/AP
Adam Jones homered twice, driving in three runs, getting Baltimore back on track and knocking the Red Sox out of first with a 6-0 victory.
Felix Hernandez pitched a 9 inning, 1 run, 5 hit, no walk and 11 strikeout masterpiece. Sadly for him, Seattle’s bats were dead and he got a no decision in the 13 inning 3-2 Twins victory over the Mariners.
Daniel Murphy went 4-5 with 2 homers and 5 RBI in the Mets 11-0 rout of the Nationals for the first game of a double header. In the second game, a 2-1 Washington win, he went 2-4. In all, he got 6 hits in 9 at bats for the day.
Clayton Kershaw pitched brilliantly in a tense battle of potential playoff teams. He went 8 innings, letting up 6 hits and 1 run, striking out 8 and walking no Reds batters as the Dodgers won with no margin for error, 2-1.
They all owned baseball on July 26th, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July.22nd) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Andrew McCutchen homered in the first and in the third, driving in 4 of the Pirates 6 runs as they snuck past reeling Washington, 6-5.
Dillon Gee held the division leading Braves hitless into the 7th inning and pitched 2 hit shutout ball over 7. The bullpen betrayed him as he got a no decision in the Mets 2-1 loss.
J. J. Hardy went 3-5 with a homer, 3 RBI and a pair of runs scored as the Orioles clobbered Kansas City, 9-2.
Matt Moore pitched a complete game 2 hit shutout in Fenway Park to pull Tampa Bay within 1/2 a game of Boston, 3-0.
They all owned baseball on July 22nd, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Triple Play Podcast Ep #17: Interview With Former Closer Gregg Olson + Bucs + Pale Hose Chat!
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The Triple Play Show will have 5 shows per month. Each show will be about 1 hour. Chuck Booth will guest once a month for MLB Power Rankings,
By The Big Ticket Show ( AKA Triple Play Podcast on http://www.mlbreports.com) Follow @bigticketshow
Guest in this Podcast – Gregg Olson: Follow @greggolson30
Brian Madsen Follow @brianm731
Brad Cuprik Follow @bradcuprik
The weather is hot and this week’s show is even hotter! Former big league fireballer Gregg Olson stops by to talk some Oriole baseball as well as sharing his stories of major league life and what it was like being Cal Ripken’s teammate.
If that wasn’t enough Brad Cuprik and Brian Madsen of mlbreports.com give us the lowdown on the Pirates and White Sox heading toward the trade deadline. All that and our bethubb.com best bets! Read the rest of this entry
MLB 30 Team Power Rankings: Week 17
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The Cardinals are the big benefactor of an early July swoon by the Pirates. Will this team make some moves at the deadline – to aid the young Starting Rotation Innings? Will Chris Carpenter be able to make an impact for the club at some point this campaign? They sit perched back up upon the MLBR Power Rankings for now. The Cards have made 7 out of the last 12 NLCS showdowns – holding a 3 – 4 record in those years – and a 2 – 1 mark in the World Series.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
The Tampa Bay Rays are making a huge statement. Even as I write this post, they have a commanding 4 – 1 lead on the Toronto Blue Jays, which would make the 58 – 41, and no worse than 1.5 Games Behind the Boston Red Sox heading into play tomorrow.
The Rays will head to Fenway Park right after this for a four game series – before concluding a 10 game Road Swing at Yankee Stadium. They could end up in 1st place in the AL East by next week.
With their pitching strength – and new underrated offense, would anyone pick against them for the rest of the season? I have slotted them 7 positions higher than the previous week.
Chris Carpenter 5 months ago, He is now rehabbing in the Minor Leagues with a chance to come back in 2013 – Amazing!
Triple Play Podcast Predictions Revisited from The Beginning Of The Year: Over/Under Wins
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By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Back on Mar.10 and Mar.24th, the Triple Play Podcast predicted the season win totals over or under for each one of the 30 teams. Lets see how we are all doing.
I will say that my prediction of Dodgers and Angels in the World Series is not looking promising, however Patrick Beaulieu picked the Jays and Reds. Chris picked the Nationals and Tigers. Lets all say, we will probably not be taken out Vegas with these picks, however I think we are going to win more than losing here.
Check Out the Audio Podcasts Or Click past The Triple Play Logo – or CLICK THE REST OF THIS ENTRY past the Audio Links for the shows
On today’s 1st Podcast ever, Patrick, Chris and I shared our American League Predictions via Vegas Odds on Win totals. There was a bit more ‘Canadiana Flag waving’ than usual at the Reports – and Houston, you know I still love you right?? (was there for the beginning of Altuve Movement – however I did harp on the fact that AL West Teams are going to be fattening up their win totals on your club this year.)
Just Hit the Play Button and Enjoy the Ride For the AL Preview!
There is a Hyperlink below to download this Podcast.
National League Preview Show (Triple Play Podcast) – download it right here.
If you want to listen right here with our video player below.
Greg Holland’s Dominating 1st Half
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Greg Holland has picked up in the 2nd half exactly where he left off in the 1st half, with back to back Saves versus the AL Central leading Tigers to start the Post ALL – Star portion of their 2013 campaign. Holland, The 27 Year Old from Marion. NC, is 2 – 1, with a 1.70 ERA and 24 Saves in 35 IP – and a phenomenal 61 Strikeouts. He made his 1st ALL – Star game in New York City last week, and has provided a dominant Closer for the Royals.
By Michael McGraw ( Royals Correspondent) Follow @quickdraw29
It seems like a distant memory now, but controversy existed in the backend of the Royals bullpen during the first week of the 2013 season.
Greg Holland, the incumbent at the closer position, had a shaky first couple of appearances and some were anxious to have set-up man Kelvin Herrera take over the reins.
Herrera, the hard-throwing 23-year old, led the American League in 2012 in average speed per-pitch, according to PitchFX, at 97.4 MPH.
Herrera complicated the situation by gathering two early saves, striking out all four outs he recorded in those saves.
Greg Holland Highlights – Mature Lyrics – So Parental Guidance Is Advised:
MVP Candidates For The First Half: AL + NL
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Chris Davis is having a breakout season for the Baltimore Orioles. He has already hit 37 Home Runs at the ALL – Star Break (Tied 1st ALL – Time for HRs at break with Reggie Jackson in 1969 (A’s) is the only person – that is keeping Miguel Cabrera from a potential second Triple Crown. Davis has always been a player that swings for the fences but this season he is connecting and sending balls a long way. Will he end up winning the Most Valuable Player Award? We will have to wait and see – but here are my predictions.
Ryan Ritchey (Baseball Writer): Follow @BaseballAddicts
The American League has three worthy candidates for the Most Valuable Player Award. Chris Davis, Max Scherzer and Miguel Cabrera. It will be a tight race until game 162 is played but here are my predictions are the first half comes to a close…
First I will start with Chris Davis. Does he deserve to win the MVP? Yes, but will he? That is a whole other question. He has the numbers that deserves the MVP.
He has already surpassed his Home Run and RBI totals from last season and has only played in 93 games. It could be the change of scenery, knowing his name will be on the line up card every day, it could be something else. We will never know.
But there is one thing stopping him. If you took Chris Davis out of the Oriole line-up I still think they win games. They have enough fire power in other guys to survive without him.
If you are going to win the MVP you have to be the best player first for your team, and second in the entire league.
That is why I don’t have Chris Davis as my American League Most Valuable Player. There is one player better than him.
Chris Davis 2013 Highlights:
How Will This Years Home Run Derby Play Out At Citi Field?
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Follow @mlbreportsSaturday July 13th, 2013
This years annual Homerun Derby will be held during All-Star weekend at Citi Field. Like every year, four players from each league will compete to see who is the best Homerun hitter in the MLB right now. Prince Fielder will once again compete in the Derby looking to win in back-to-back years. We are definitely in for an exciting treat this year as we will get to see the likes of Prince Fielder, David Wright, Robinson Cano, Chris Davis, and several others compete to see who can hit the most big flies.
By Dan Wanser (Baseball Writer): Follow @DanWanser
During this years All-Star break festivities that will take place at Citi Field, we will be lucky to see players such as Chris Davis, Prince Fielder, David Wright, and Robinson Cano take the field and try to hit as many Tater Trots as they can.
Players like Robinson Cano and Prince Fielder will look to add to their previous victories, as players like Chris Davis and Bryce Harper will look to make a name for themselves by being first time winners.
How will the different players do in this years State Farm Homerun Derby? Here’s my take:
2012 MLB Homerun Derby Slow Motion Swings:
2 And A Hook Podcast #10: All Star Chat, Yankees, Dbacks + Trade Deadline Talk
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MLB reports and The Benchwarmers Show present 2 and A Hook Podcast.
‘2 And A Hook’ is an expression from Baseball: ‘Throw the guy 2 Fast balls and then a Hook’ (AKA Curve Ball, Wiggly one, Chair etc..)
By James Acevedo – Host (Podcast Veteran ) Follow @yankeeman1973
Guests On The Show
Im back & ready after being off during the 4th of July week to give you all another baseball packed podcast. On today’s show, brought to you by MLB Reports ( www.mlbreports.com ) & yours truly The Bench Warmers Show.
I star by paying respect to the great Yankee Stadium PA announcer Bob Sheppard on the 3 year anniversary to the day that he passed away…
I talk to the boss man Chuck Booth as he returns to do his segment! 16 Minutes in and a 31 Minute Segment Follow @chuckbooth3024
Chuck makes some notions about the New York Yankees and Brian Cashman needing to risk it all for this year – for the legacies of Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera and Robinson Cano. Plus whether the club can trade Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes – and maybe acquire a bat. Read the rest of this entry
Top MLB Teams 1 – 30: Monthly Rankings + (Top 200 Stats For Reading And Fantasy Baseball)
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Follow @mlbreportsThursday July.11/2013
The Giants have gone 9 – 23 in their last 32 Games – and are in danger of having a brutal campaign just one year after capturing the World Series. Key injuries and overlogged pitchers have been the main point of contention. They lost 8 Ranking Spots this past time. Should they also become sellers at the Trade Deadline, Tim Lincecum and Hunter Pence could fetch a few players in return. The Giants are currently 40 – 50 and 6.5 Games behind the NL West Leading DBACKS – but are in last in the NL West.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
The time has come for the July Power Rankings with Stats Edition. There will be one each for May, June, July, August, September – and then a special playoff edition Power Rankings will be done in October.
I will not do a weekly Power Rankings during these weeks, because in essence, these are the weekly rankings done on a much larger scale.
These Reports are done with a heavy thought to how the teams project by the end of the season – along with how the clubs have fared so far.
I will point out who has had great months for the all 30 MLB Teams. I reward the good performances in these rankings – and leave the poor ones for the Podcasts or future articles. CLICK THE READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON or scroll past the video and picture.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July.10th) – Updated Yearly “WOB” Standings
Hanley Ramirez went 3-6, contributed to the game tying rally in the 9th and launched a go ahead home run in the 14th inning that proved to be the game winner in Phoenix as the Dodgers crept to within 1 1/2 games of the Diamondbacks, 7-5.
Robinson Cano gave the dormant Yankee offense a much needed jolt by crushing a 3 run homer in the third. He would finish 3-4 as New York made short work of Kansas City, 8-1.
Francisco Liriano shut out the first place A’s over his 7 innings of masterful work, leading the Pirates to a 5-0 victory.
Wei-Yin Chen returned from the disabled list to 7 innings of 3 hit ball, getting the win as Baltimore topped Texas, 6-1.
They all owned baseball on July 10th, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
MLB 30 Team Rankings Week 15
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Follow @mlbreportsMonday July.08/2013
The Boston Red Sox started out the season 21 – 8 after their 1st 29 games, and have maintained over the last 61 games, with 33 Wins and 28 Losses. They are #1 on our rankings charts.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Past this page break or the Dodgers logo, is the written version of the rankings. If you want to listen to the audio podcast we did for this, we have the links below to download or just listen.
Triple Play Podcast Ep #15 Monthly Rankings For All 30 Teams
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 7th) – Updated Yearly “WOB” Standings
AP Photo/Kathy Willens
Adam Jones hit a two run 9th inning home run off of Mariano Rivera to give the Orioles a stunning 2-1 victory and avoid the sweep in the Bronx.
David Price went the distance, letting up only 1 run and walking none, getting the win and completing the Rays three game sweep of the White Sox.
Clayton Kershaw was brilliant over 8 innings, giving up only 3 hits, 1 walk and 1 run. He dominated the Giants and ,won a tense game for the Dodgers, 4-1.
Josh Satin scored the first run and drove in the other. The first baseman provided almost all the offense for New York, going 3-4 and leading the Mets to a 2-1 win in Milwaukee.
They all owned baseball on July 7th, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Potential All – Star Candidates For All 30 MLB Teams:
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Saturday, July.06/2013
Citi Field is one of the newest Ball Parks in the Majors and will be host to the 2013 ALL – Star Game. It is light years ahead of where Shea Stadium was. The home club should have the Starting Pitcher and Third Baseman for the NL, who else will be picked for the NL and AL – will all be revealed in a matter of hours. MLB Reports gave its candidates and choices in this blog. Citi Field also modified its fences last year in hopes of hosting this event. This is the RF cavernous portion that used to be what Right Field was. I took this photo in 2009 – during its 1st season in existence.
Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
I am doing this list based solely on whether the player is a viable candidate or not. I don’t care if the fans vote someone else in – although they have done a decent job.
This website’s stance on Yasiel Puig is known by know – if you are reading this for the 1st time. We feel the man belongs based on his numbers. He has numbers comparable to Bryce Harper – and his BA and OPS is far above and beyond.
In a recent article our Dodgers Correspondent Follow @eriqwiththeq also mentioned Hanley Ramirez deserves a shot to make the team.
Ordinarily, I would say no – but Troy Tulowitzki is hurt.
Han- Ram might be a victim of all teams needing to be represented as the Padres best candidate is definitely Everth Cabrera – unless Bochy takes Jason Marquis to replace him.
I think behind Bochy should take Ramirez behind David Wright and Pedro Alvarez at 3B. With Segura, Cabrera and Desmond taking spots at SS. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 6, 2013
(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I take a look at the save statistic and determine it has little to no value.
So I am proposing a NEW stat: YOP. What is YOP? Better listen to today’s episode.
Ivan Nova, Francisco Liriano, Jose Bautista and Kirk Nieuwenhuis all owned baseball on July 5, 2013.
To see the up to date tally of “Who Owns Baseball?,” click HERE.
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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 6, 2013
MLB Reports 
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