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MLB Runs Survivor 2014: 11 Different Run Totals For Each Team – Results Thus Far

The Dodgers have already played 3 games and put up 3 different run totals, tonight's 4th game, will give them the chance to move ahead of their Australian and Division opponent Arizona, with 4 different run totals to start the year.  Will they be the 1st team to score 11 different run total ranging from 0 - 10 (or 10+)?

The Dodgers have already played 3 games and put up 3 different run totals, tonight’s 4th game, will give them the chance to move ahead of their Australian and Division opponent Arizona, with 4 different run totals to start the year. Will they be the 1st team to score 11 different run total ranging from 0 – 10 (or 10+)?

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

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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.

Breakdown of the 14 – 10 Win for the Phillies on Opening Day @ Rangers

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MLB Shutout Survivor: 4 Teams Blanked Yesterday – 26 Teams Still Alive

Neil Walker has hit for a Career 3 Slash Line of - .273/.339/.423 in 5 years, with an average of 16 HRs. 80 RBI and 35 - 2B's  per 162 Games.  This is above average for a Second Baseman.  He broke up a 0 - 0 score in extra innings during the home opener at PNC Park, with a solo Walk Off HR.

Neil Walker has hit for a Career 3 Slash Line of – .273/.339/.423 in 5 years, with an average of 16 HRs. 80 RBI and 35 – 2B’s per 162 Games. This is above average for a Second Baseman. He broke up a 0 – 0 score in extra innings during the home opener at PNC Park, with a solo Walk Off HR.

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

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In this post, (which we are also going to feature in a Subpage at the site called ‘Shutout Survivor’), we will document who wins this race for all 30 MLB Teams, meaning we will state the date a teams gets Shoutout for the 1st time of the year.

There were no Shutouts in the 1st games the Dodgers were involved in.

Among yesterdays scores, including 2, 1 – 0 Shutouts, with the Pirates winning their home opener (extra innings no less, on a walk off HR by Neil Walker,)

The Cardinals used a HR by Yadier Molina to beat their division rival Reds to ruin the opener at The Great American Ballpark.

Neil Walker Walk Off HR – Opening Day PNC Park

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Current Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series

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

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Odds To Win The 2014 World Series

1.  LA Dodgers +600

2.  Washington Nationals +750 

3. Boston Red Sox +850

T4. St. Louis Cardinals +1000

T4.  Detroit Tigers +1000 Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (March 31) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Mandi Wright/Detroit Free Press

Mandi Wright/Detroit Free Press

Alex Gonzalez tripled home the tying run and then got the walk off single, helping the Tigers come from behind against Division Rival Kansas City, 4-3.

Justin Masterson pitched seven shutout innings, letting up just 3 hits and 1 walk. He got a no decision, but his gem set up Cleveland’s 2-0 victory, spoiling the Oakland A’s home opener.

Anthony Rendon doubled in a run and scored the tying run in the 7th and broke open the game with a home run in the 10th as the Nationals came from ehind and stunned the Mets in their home opener, 9-7.

Adam Wainwright pitched seven shutout 3 hit innings, striking out 9 Cincinnati batters. He got the tense 1-0 win for the Cardinals in a sometimes bitter NL Central showdown on the road.

They owned baseball on March 31, 2014.

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.

Read the rest of this entry

Texas Rangers Roster For 2014: State Of The Union

Prince Fielder's 2013 - 3 Slash Line (.279/.362/.819) is far below his Career Mark of .286/.389/.916.  The man has not hit a HR in his last 74 AB in the playoffs either.  Fielder at least had 5 HRs in 1st 70 AB for his playoff Career.  Maybe that will change in Texas, after he clubs his way to be an AL MVP Candidate for the Rangers in 2014.  I expect him to return to the 40+ HR plateau, drive in well over 100+ RBI - and lead his team to a World Series Appearance this year.

Prince Fielder’s 2013 – 3 Slash Line (.279/.362/.457) is far below his Career Mark of .286/.389/.527. The man has not hit a HR in his last 74 AB in the playoffs either. Fielder at least had 5 HRs in 1st 70 AB for his playoff Career. Maybe that will change in Texas, after he clubs his way to be an AL MVP Candidate for the Rangers in 2014. I expect him to return to the 40+ HR plateau, drive in well over 100+ RBI – and lead his team to a World Series Appearance this year.  Fielder will be in Texas for the next 7 years, and the Rangers only have to pay $20 MIL per year, with Detroit eating $4 MIL each season as part of the trade that saw Ian Kinsler go to Motown.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Stay Alive Until Re-Inforcements Arrive

The Texas Rangers bolstered their 2014 offensive lineup with 2 new .400+ OBP Players.

Shin-Soo Choo (.423 OBP in 2013, and a Career .389 OBP), and Prince Fielder (.362 OBP, but was .400 OBP+ in 4 out of the last 5 years and .389 OBP for his lifetime) – will be front and center into the Rangers new lineup.

These gentlemen will be surrounded by Adrian Beltre, Elvis Andrus and Alex Rios as guys to help offset their walk totals.

This is not an indictment of the 3 right handed hitters either though, Beltre is a .312 hitter for Texas during his 3 campaigns, while Alex Rios and Andrus should hit anywhere from .280 to .290 this year.

You add Andrus’s speed with Leonys Martin – and these two guys could swipe 40+ bags each.  Even Alex Rios thieved 16 Bags in 2013 – and Choo had 20 SB yet again. Read the rest of this entry

Could The Toronto Blue Jays Turn Into The Canada Blue Jays + Play In Montreal And Vancouver As Well?

Olympic Stadium was a building catastrophe from the get go.  It was a contributing factor of the Expos leaving Montreal.  Having said that, it would have been really cool if the North America opener were to have been opened in Montreal, with a series with Toronto and the New York Mets.  Instead the series in an exhibition.  At least the Canadian stadium has hosted regular season MLB games.

Olympic Stadium was a building catastrophe from the get go. It was a contributing factor of the Expos leaving Montreal. Having said that, it would have been really cool if the North America opener were to have been opened in Montreal, with this past series with Toronto and the New York Mets. Instead it was just an exhibition. At least the Canadian park has hosted regular season MLB games  unlike the Sydney Cricket Ground.  Will another city other than Toronto ever host a regular season game again?

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

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I must be out of my mind right?

Having the Toronto Blue Jays play in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver during a regular season – and re-brand the club to a national team in the MLB?  But stop and think about this for a minute.

The club just drew almost 100K total fans for the 2 exhibition games in Quebec on Mar.28 and Mar.29/2014. 

This just reaffirmed my stance of last week.  I admonished the MLB for not starting the season with this series in Montreal.

Having thought about it further this weekend, I came up with a new idea.  Why not play some games in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver – and name the club the Canada Blue Jays? Read the rest of this entry

Colorado Rockies State Of The Union For 2014

 This club often reminds me of an aging heavyweight fighter.  You may beat on them for a time, but there is always that chance the team will land a haymaker on you.  2007 was one of their days in the sunshine.  2014 may see them at least make the postseason again.  With a 20 - 1 odd for the club, the value is there for a longshot pick.

This club often reminds me of an aging heavyweight fighter. You may beat on them for a time, but there is always that chance the team will land a haymaker on you. 2007 was one of their days in the sunshine. 2014 may see them at least make the postseason for the 1st time since 2009. With a 20 – 1 odd for the club to win the NL west, the value is there for a longshot pick – should you be allowed to gamble on this chance.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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The Colorado Rockies brass were a busy bunch in the 2013 winter, heading into the 2014 year.  They have picked up several solid players for the upcoming campaign.

I simply hate that this club plays in the NL West with the Dodgers and Giants.

This year, just like any in recent memory, will depend heavily on whether the team can keep Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki.

When both are clubbing it, this 3 – 4 punch may be the best in baseball now that Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera have been separated. Read the rest of this entry

All 290 MLB Interleague Games Schedule In 2014 With Start Times

Photo Ctedit - Eddie Bultman

Photo Ctedit – Eddie Bultman

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

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The ballpark franks are cooking, the beer should be cold, and lets hope the weather cooperates in all of your game journeys at the parks.

We will be updating the Interleague results all year on a widget at our website.

Some of the MLB fans don’t like American League Vs National League Games in Regular Season, and we not only like it at our site, we embrace it and wish there was more of it.

Do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here Read the rest of this entry

Official Home Openers (With Local Times) At All 30 MLB Parks In 2014

The MLB Reports is going to be the #1 place to come for the 2014 Major League Baseball Schedule: Dates, Days, Home Openers, # Games Per Day: Break Downs into pages of a Year Long Calendar, Monthly Calendar, Weekly Calendar - all on one page for each, so you can know your favorite teams schedule, or plan to do a MLB Road Trip. I will also do a doubleheader Master Schedule for - two parks in one day for that extreme Ball Park Chaser (Coming in Feb).  Also, we will have a Sunday Night ESPN schedule page, an Interleague Schedule Page for all year, 6 different 30 Ballparks in 30 days trip schedulers, and a couple of schedules I feel could break the records for ballpark viewing.  Those last few pages all are coming in February.

The MLB Reports is going to be the #1 place to come for the 2014 Major League Baseball Schedule: Dates, Days, Home Openers, # Games Per Day: Break Downs into pages of a Year Long Calendar, Monthly Calendar, Weekly Calendar – all on one page for each, so you can know your favorite teams schedule, or plan to do a MLB Road Trip. I will also do a doubleheader Master Schedule for – two parks in one day for that extreme Ball Park Chaser (Coming in Feb). Also, we will have a Sunday Night ESPN schedule page, an Interleague Schedule Page for all year, 6 different 30 Ballparks in 30 days trip schedules, and a couple of schedules I feel could break the records for ballpark viewing. Those last few pages all are coming in February.

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

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The ballpark franks are cooking, the beer should be cold, and lets hope the weather cooperates.

30 MLB Park Rankings – According to a Fan

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Current Odds To Win Each MLB Division 2014

 This club often reminds me of an aging heavyweight fighter.  You may beat on them for a time, but there is always that chance the team will land a haymaker on you.  2007 was one of their days in the sunshine.  2014 may see them at least make the postseason again.  With a 20 - 1 odd for the club, the value is there for a longshot pick.

This club often reminds me of an aging heavyweight fighter. You may beat on them for a time, but there is always that chance the team will land a haymaker on you. 2007 was one of their days in the sunshine. 2014 may see them at least make the postseason again. With a 20 – 1 odd for the club, the value is there for a longshot pick.  I mean the Dodgers could always run into injuries as well.

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

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The season is upon us this weekend for real.

The LA Dodgers have a chance to do some serious damage with the North America Opener versus the San Diego Padres, as part of a 3 game series.

If they win 2 out of 3 in that set, this will go a long way in burying the San Diego team early.

In the NL West, since LA is 2 – 0 already, the Rockies are now paying 20 – 1 odds to win the Division.

While I am not saying this will happen, the value is there.

Also I can’t believe how the injuries have not effected the odds on the Tigers. Read the rest of this entry

What Miguel Cabrera’s New Contract Means To The Tigers And Him

Miguel Cabrera‘s new 8 YR/$248 MIL contract extension comes days after the club couldn’t come to terms with reigning AL Cy Young winner Max Scherzer.

The numbers are mind boggling.

He breaks the ALL – Time record for Average Annual Contract per year is at $31 MIL AAV (from 2016 – 2023), and also he is owed the most dollars at any given time by a contract at $292 MIL for the years of 2014 – 2023.

This man is the best pure offensive player in the game, and has only become better with age, but a lot of people are worried about the back end of this deal.

I fully understand that. Read the rest of this entry

MLB 2014 Bold Predictions Including Awards Categories

Prince Fielder's 2013 - 3 Slash Line (.279/.362/.819) is far below his Career Mark of .286/.389/.916.  The man has not hit a HR in his last 74 AB.  Fielder at least had 5 HRs in 1st 70 AB for his playoff Career.  Maybe that will change in Texas, after he clubs his way to an AL MVP for the Rangers

Prince Fielder’s 2013 – 3 Slash Line (.279/.362/.819) is far below his Career Mark of .286/.389/.916. The man also has not hit a HR in his last 74 AB in the postseason. for the last 2 years of 2012 and 2013.  Fielder at least had 5 HRs in 1st 70 AB for his playoff Career. Maybe that will change in Texas, after he clubs his way to an AL MVP for the Rangers.  He is capable of putting up monster numbers in Texas, and should enjoy hitting at ‘The BallPark In Arlington” 81` times a year.

By Jordan Gluck (Prospects/Baseball Operations Correspondent)

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Since everyone else was making their predictions for the upcoming seasons, I am throwing down my picks too.  But first there are some categories to rifle through 1st.

AL MVP:
Prince Fielder

Read the rest of this entry

Week 1 + Of MLB Schedule: ( 9 Game Days) Mar.22 – Apr.06

MLB Scheduling 2014

Day + Date     Away and Home, Times Start In EST

For Weekly/Monthly MLB Schedules or all 2430 MLB games in 2014 on 1 page post – find the links master grid right here

There are 2 games in Sydney Australia for people to watch over in North America. 

Because the games are being played on Sat Night and Sunday afternoon there, you can actually watched 2 games in one day here.

If this weren’t weird enough, the Dodgers then fly across the world – to arrive in San Diego for the MLB opener on North America Soil on Sunday March.30/2014.

So if Los Angeles can go 2 – 1 – or 3 – 0 to begin the year, they may just hold onto the NL West for the rest of the campaign.

These 3 games are listed – and then it is the rest of the 26 weeks listed individually in perfect 7 game sequencing.  Read the rest of this entry

MLB Monthly Schedule – March and April Games 2014

MLB Scheduling 2014

Day + Date     Away and Home, Time Start In EST

MLB Scheduling 2014

Day + Date     Away and Home, Times Start In EST

MLB Season Opening Series

Saturday Mar. 22/2014 (2 games)

Opening Series In Sydney, Australia (Sydney Cricket Ground)

Dodgers @ D’backs 4:00 AM (local time 8 PM in Australia).

Dodgers @ D-backs 10:00 PM (local time 2 PM in Australia). Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win Each Division In Major League Baseball 2014 Change With TJ Surgeries

Medlen was only 2nd to Clayton Kershaw for ERA in the NL since mid 2012.  Unfortunately for the RHP, he is on his way for a 2nd Tommy John Surgery recovery.  Medlen injured himself earlier this week in Spring Training.  He was projected to be Atlanta's #1 Starting Pitcher,

Medlen was only 2nd to Clayton Kershaw for ERA in the NL since mid 2012. Unfortunately for the RHP, he is on his way for a 2nd Tommy John Surgery recovery. Medlen injured himself earlier this week in Spring Training. He was projected to be Atlanta’s #1 Starting Pitcher,

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

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The theme of the week is Tommy John Surgery . It has affected the Athletics, Braves and Diamondbacks on the odds board all over.

Brandon Beachy and Kris Medlen moved the line for the Braves from a +120 Mark to +140.  Arizona went from +650 to +700 on the heels of Patrick Corbin being lost.

The Athletics have 60% of their rosters on injury watch.  Jarrod Parker is gone for the 2014 year because of a torn UCL.  A.J. Griffin has a UCL strain – and Scott Kazmir has triceps soreness. Read the rest of this entry

The Boston Red Sox State Of The Union Part 2 – The Pitchers: 2014 Preview

This is a not a slight on the Red Sox at all, but they should not be favored to win the American League right now.  Detroit should be that placeholder.  I am not sure the Red Sox will even in the AL East.  I would go with the Rays or Yankees before them right now.  The Rays had one of the best second half records in 2013, and the Yankees are a lot better as well.  I am also not sure of the team losing Ellsbury, Drew, Dempster and Saltalamacchia has improved itself with Capuano, Middlebrooks, Pierzynski and the tandem of Sizemore and Bradley JR.

This is a not a slight on the Red Sox at all, but they should not be favored to win the American League right now. Detroit should be that placeholder. I am not sure the Red Sox will even win the AL East. I would go with the Rays or Yankees before them right now. The Rays had one of the best second half records in 2013, and the Yankees are a lot better as well. I am also not sure of the team losing Ellsbury, Drew, Dempster and Saltalamacchia has improved itself with Capuano, Middlebrooks, Pierzynski and the tandem of Sizemore and Bradley JR.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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For added depth in the Bullpen, the franchise added Edward Mujica, amply giving the team multiple options at Closer should Koji Uehara not duplicate his 2013 success in 2014.

The management did a great job in peacemealing this Pitching Rotation in 2014.

Big injuries, 3 different Closers, and finally won the hottest Closers to end a year in Uehara pitching for the clubs final outs to win the Fall Classic.

The latest addition as of now for the 2014 season, are Chris Capuano for the Starting staff and also Bullpen arm Burke Badenhop, who came over from a nice year in the pen for the Milwaukee Brewers.

The club will sees Ryan Dempster take the year off for injury, but are stoked about saving his $14 MIL pricetag that he is forfeiting this season.

The Bullpen features Koji Uehara, Craig Breslow, Edward Mujica, Brandon Workman, Burke Badenhop, Andrew Miller, Junichi Tazawa and Alex Wilson round out the potential Relief Core.

The Starting Rotation was also held together with duct tape and barbed wire in 2013, but it was enough to aid the awesome offense, and the team will sporting championship rings because of it.

Read the rest of this entry

The Boston Red Sox State Of The Union Part 1 – The Hitters: 2014 Preview

The now 30 Year Old, is the only player the team has signed for massive cash and term.  Pedroia is locked up until 2021, and his AAV is around $14.0 MIL for the duration. This was a considerable hometown discount and affords the club wiggle room in payroll each year, while the 2 time World Series champ received security.

Dustin Pedroia, the now 30 Year Old, is the only player the team has signed for massive cash and term. Pedroia is locked up until 2021, and his AAV is around $14.0 MIL for the duration. This was a considerable hometown discount and affords the club wiggle room in payroll each year, while the 2 time World Series champ received security.  This contract was similar to how the New England Patriots do business with their top players.  Maybe others will follow down the same pike.  Pedroia had an incredible run in 2013, and that was despite of a bad injury. Project him to be his usual and consistent self in 2014.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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The Red Sox embark on a chance to repeat a World Series win for the 3rd time in 10 years.  2005 didn’t work out so well, and Boston narrowly missed in the 2008 ALCS (TB won 4 – 3).

This year, the teams brass has decided the 2014 Roster is a lot like the 2013 Roster, and then you add in the mix of a bunch of youngsters.

There were some acquisitions brought in with A.J. Pierzynski (replacing Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Jackie Bradley JR or Grady Sizemore will take over for departing CF Jacoby Ellsbury.

While they gave SS Stephen Drew a 1 YR/$14.1 MIL Qualifying Offer which he doth refused.

The Beantowners will go ahead with Xander Bogaerts there, and see Will Middlebrooks have another crack at the hot corner.

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 20, 2014

Red Sox fanatic and actress Hilary Barraford, from John Sayles’ Go For Sisters, is the guest for today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

We discussed staying loyal to a team 3,000 miles away, how greedy Boston sports fans have become, and why I should refer to her as “Your Honor.” Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 17, 2014

Boston Herald

Boston Herald

Happy St. Patrick’s Day on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast!

In Boston, there remains the great tradition of seeing games at Fenway Park. But how close did we get to seeing Fenway torn down for a domed park? Very close. Read the rest of this entry

MLB Odds To Win Both Of The AL And NL Pennants In 2014: Awesome Bet Idea For The TB Rays

Because of a statistical oddity in the website of the Rays, I present you an awesome chance to win some money if the Rays have a great year.  If they don't, chances are great you could still break even.  The Rays have won 90 games or more 5 out of the last 6 years. It is my contention, if they win 90 games this year, they win the Division.  From there, if. Who knows, the winner out of this tough Division might win 86 or 87 games.  Heck, that may even be a Wild card game with how parity is going.  I present you the Ray of Cash Opportunity.

Because of a statistical oddity in the website of the Rays, I present you an awesome chance to win some money if the Rays have a great year. If they don’t, chances are great you could still break even. The Rays have won 90 games or more 5 out of the last 6 years. It is my contention, if they win 90 games this year, they win the Division. From there, if. Who knows, the winner out of this tough Division might win 86 or 87 games. Heck, that may even be a Wild card game with how parity is going. I present you the Ray of Cash Opportunity.

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

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This is so crazy…it may just work..  Every once in a while, I see an anomaly in the odds of a website.  I will go through this in great detail here.

Lets just say the Rays are offering great odds on the board, yet the website has them as co-favorites in one odd (Regular season wins with Boston).  I take this fact and twist the fork in it, to present my idea.

Ray Of Cash Opportunity

Rays Odds on the board at http://www.bet365.com

Division Odds + 250 (to win the AL East)

ALCS Win +900

World Series + 1800

Regular Season Over/Under 88.0: Over -110, Under -120

Once again the Rays don’t receive any respect.  If someone were to bet the Tampa club on a Divisional win, ALCS win and a World Series win, they may cash in severely at the ticket wicket.

Bet Details Date/Time Stake Return
Under 88 @ -120
$120.00  Single
Reg Year Wins
03/14/2014 10:36:50 120.00 220.00
TB Rays @ +250
$63.00  Single
AL East
03/14/2014 10:36:50 63.00 220.50
TB Rays @ +900
$22.00  Single
ALCS
03/14/2014 10:36:50 22.00 220.00
TB Rays @ +1800
$12.00  Single
WS
03/14/2014 10:36:50 12.00 228.00
Total for this period 217.00 0.0

Read the rest of this entry

Odds For Regular Season Wins Over/Unders 2014 MLB Year

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

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Last Week, Hunter Stokes (MLB Reports Chief Writer) picked through http://www.bovada.com – and what value was to be had in their odds sheet for regular year win over/unders.

This time, I am looking at bet365.com for some of the same.

Hunter and I both come from the handicapping landscape, and have done quite well in the last few years. 

While I predicted a Detroit and Cincinnati World Series pre 2012, Hunter picked the Giants and Yankees.  That was a much better year than the 2013 season.

In 2013, I did say it was going to be Los Angeles Dodgers versus the Angels in a freeway Series, and Hunter picked Detroit and Atlanta.  You do okay if you can have a final 4 participant.

This year, it looks like we both have the LA Dodgers to win in the Fall Classic, but I have them beating the Tigers, while Mr. Stokes likes the Rangers to faceoff against them.

We could be wrong mind you. but at least we are putting our necks on the line for it.  Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The MLB 2014 World Series

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

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Just to reset this, we will be bringing you this column once a week during the regular season.

This is worth paying attention to.  Think of them as power rankings as put forth by the website.

For the love me, I can’t understand how the Red Sox have climbed to +850, while the Rays are sitting at +1800 for the WS.  It also boggles my mind why bettors don’t take stock in Strength of Schedule. Read the rest of this entry

St. Louis Cardinals State Of The Union: 2014 Preview

2013 was a stellar year for the Saint Louis Cardinals, just falling short of capturing the franchises 12th World Series title. Though St. Louis may have arguably lost their best offensive power hitter of 2013, Carlos Beltran, St. Louis is well armed and poised to return to the Fall Classic for the 2nd straight season.

2013 was a stellar year for the Saint Louis Cardinals, just falling short of capturing the franchises 12th World Series title. Though St. Louis may have arguably lost their best offensive power hitter of 2013, Carlos Beltran, St. Louis is well armed and poised to return to the Fall Classic for the 2nd straight season an 5th Fall Classic Appearance since 2004.  The franchise has also been to 8 NLCS’s since the turn of the millennium.

By Steven Hines (Guest Cardinals Writer view his website here): 

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Much like the offseason of a year ago, St. Louis made little moves. Despite little deals made, big changes are coming to the way this team operates in 2014.

Just because the Cardinals will look different does not mean you should expect less success than that of their World Series run of 2013.

In fact, expect the 2014 Cardinals to capture their 12th World Series Championship this season.

Bold prediction or reality, you decide. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 10, 2014

USA Today

USA Today

It is a Grab Bag episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Little Leagues are getting screwed by MLB…
Alfonso Soriano should play first base…
Barry Bonds should admit SOMETHING…
And Mike Timlin holds a special place in my heart. Read the rest of this entry

Current Odds Over/Under Wins For All 30 MLB Teams In 2014: Best Bets On The Board

The regular season over/unders have been updated yet again.  While most of them are right in the realm of where they should be - about 20% of the numbers scream out for me to bet some cabbage on.

The regular season over/unders have been updated yet again. While most of them are right in the realm of where they should be – about 20% of the numbers scream out for me to bet some cabbage on.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Yes these are my predictions for the current state of the MLB.

Right beside the wins and losses, is the over.under totals and odd.

Next to that will be whether that would make it Over/Under based on my selections.

If I think an odd is worthy of plunking down some pesos, I will highlight it. Read the rest of this entry

MLB 2014 Bold Division + Post Season Predictions, And Gambling Tips For Experts

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

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The 2014 season is quickly coming, and many people are putting together their yearly MLB Record predictions for both of the AL and NL.

One of the things people must remember to do, is to have their teams all equal 2430 wins. Since they are that many games in any given campaign (at least to start with before any cancellations are never played).

This is the 1st thing to look for.

Obviously every team should add to 162 games in the W – L columns of each squad.

Furthermore, you also have to account for the record in Interleague play between the AL in NL (this represents 290 games out of the 2430 game schedule.)

The AL and NL Records will also mirror reflect each other, as that determines a won – loss differential among the leagues. 

If you played all games without interleague all teams would perfect match up even – even on the W-L when you added up all teams in the American League.

Read the rest of this entry

Los Angeles Dodgers State Of The Union: 2014 Preview

Clayton Kershaw agreed to a 7 YRs/$215 MIL extension last week - that will run through the years of 2014 - 2020 with the LA Dodgers.   The deal is slated for an opt out clause after the 2018 season by Kershaw, when he will be only 30 years old.     This is the greatest single Annual Average Salary ALL - Time of $30.7 MIL per year, and is the 6th biggest contract ever in the history of the MLB.  Last year was his mos dominant to date, with a 16 - 9 record, an NL Leading 1.83 ERA and 232 SO.  The about to be 26 Year Old, also nailed down his 2nd NL Cy Young win in 3 years, and the other year he was the runner up in that time frame.  He may be the single most important player to any franchise in the National League.

Clayton Kershaw agreed to a 7 YRs/$215 MIL extension in the offseason – that will run through the years of 2014 – 2020 with the LA Dodgers. The deal is slated for an opt out clause after the 2018 season by Kershaw, when he will be only 30 years old. This is the greatest single Annual Average Salary ALL – Time of $30.7 MIL per annum, and is the 6th biggest contract ever in the history of the MLB. Last year was his most dominant to date, with a 16 – 9 record, an NL Leading 1.83 ERA and 232 SO. The about to be 26 Year Old, also nailed down his 2nd NL Cy Young win in 3 years, and the other year he was the runner up in that time frame. He may be the single most important player to any franchise in the National League.  Kershaw is the 3 time reigning NL ERA champ.

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

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The Dodgers are beginning year 2 of potentially a half-dozen years of dominance.  They have a team filled with ALL – Stars, superior Starting Pitching, and have deep pockets to seal the deal with necessary changes.

The NL West might be stronger this year with more competitive rosters from the D’Backs, Rockies and Giants, yet I still think the Dodger Blue will pulverize the competition, particularly in their own division.

Our Chief Writer Hunter Stokes wrote a great article on the Dodgers taking the 1st few series of the year not as seriously as the rest of the year here.

I fully agree with his stance, yet I don’t think it will make much of a difference.

Injuries aside this team is ready to take down the National League. Read the rest of this entry

Ian Kinsler Steps Over The Line: It Is Best To Say Nothing At Times Like These

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Ian Kinsler had himself a bad day yesterday, and in my mind he totally deserves it.

You only have to have a few smarts in your brain to realize that something wasn’t right in Texas for the last few years in how that team handled the Nolan Ryan situation – and some treatment of some of the departing players.

Kinsler was interviewed by a reporter and spoke that Rangers GM Jon Daniels is a “sleazeball” – and that he was wrong in the treatment in Michael Young and also in the handling of his own affairs, citing the request for a position trade, and the eventual trade to Detroit that happened over this past winter.

Okay, blasting Daniels is not very wise to do this to begin with, but you can almost understand that theory, because other players have left the franchise recently with much aghast. Read the rest of this entry

Chris Duffy Contacts All MLB Teams: Will He Get A Second Chance?

Chris Duffy Looks for An MLB Opportunity

By Nicholas Delahanty (MLB Reports Writer)  

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An interesting story broke out last week, as Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle wrote an article on Chris Duffy, A current independent ballplayer who has been searching for a chance to sign with a Major League team this spring. 

During his senior season at the University of Central Florida, Duffy was nominated for the Golden Spikes Award, which is annually given to the country’s best amateur baseball player.

He was nominated among the likes of Bryce Harper (who won the award), Chris Sale, Drew Pomeranz, and Yasmani Grandal

Unlike the other four nominees, Duffy was not a first-round draft pick and was unable to make it to the major leagues just yet. He fell to the 26th round, where the Philadelphia Phillies finally swooped him up.
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30 MLB Team Power Rankings MAR 2014

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Okay, not much has changed in the last month.

They are about 20 unsigned Free Agents left in the open market pool, Baltimore inked Nelson Cruz and Ubaldo Jimenez – and Chris Capuano is with the Red Sox, Paul Maholm replaces him LA for the 2014 campaign.

Of note of the things I am watching in Spring Training.  The Dodger Blue is also experiencing many injuries – and Yasiel Puig showed up to camp overweight.

LA is talking about not sending Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke to Australia in a few weeks.

I can understand with the RHP because he was yanked after four pitches last week, but withholding your star ace from the season opener, and possibly the North America starter the following week. Read the rest of this entry