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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 9, 2017
Doug Pensinger/Getty Images North America
The Giants wonderful bullpen was kept together for probably one season too long. But as it is broken up, salute the 4 rings of Javier Lopez, bid farewell to Sergio Romo and possibly welcome back Brian Wilson.
Even year or Odd year, it is a San Francisco episode of the Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Dodgers Brass’ Is Brutalizing The 2015 Payroll ($267 MIL) With Dead Money + Injury Plagued Chuckers!
Since Andrew Friedman has taken over, he has shown a blatant disregard for payroll, by cutting pitchers that had guaranteed deals, while doling out cash to often injured chuckers, or players that have limited success on their resume. The LA NL franchise is nearing $267 MIL for 2015 patyroll and are in the 3rd year of the Luxury Tax Penalty (40%). The franchise located at Chavez Ravine, are looking at a $30 MIL stipend to pay the MLB for that very infraction. Next year(9nd every year after till they drop under the Threshold once, they will rise to a 50% penalty/) One certainly has to question their last 5 or 6 moves in accordance with payroll. The Dodgers better hope that the forthcoming CBA doesn’t throw the hammer down on high salary teams over the Luxury Tax – when the new deal with the MLB and MLBPA is put into place before the 2017 season.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
What the hell is Andrew Friedman doing? Lets just eat the contracts on Brian Wilson and maybe Brandon League, while paying the freight on Dan Haren’s 2015 salary ($10 MIL) to play for the Marlins, and also forking out money to Brett Anderson, Brandon Beachy and also coming to a theater near you soon. If that weren’t enough, they have signed perennially injured/malcontent guys in Erik Bedard and Dustin McGowan on Minor League deals.
The club will also digest half (or more) of Andre Ethier‘s remaining deal (3 YRs, $56 MIL) if another franchise will take them off of their hands. Yes that was not the current front office’s deal, however the throwing away of money is still directly tied to their decisions now.
Pretty soon the entire total for the dead money in the Dodgers team salary will rival the contract marks of the Tampa Bay Rays and Oakland A’s if this trend persists.
The Los Angeles payroll was supposed to be reigned in – and not jumping to an ALL – Time record.
Even with losing the albatross contract of Matt Kemp, the Dodgers are sitting at nearly $266 MIL in projected team payroll. Let’s add a 40% penalty for being a 3rd time offender to the mix, and you can kiss another $30 MIL out the door at Chavez Ravine. Maybe the club should hope for a Zack Greinke opt out.
For a Full Player Breakdown off all Salaries in 2015 – and going forward click here .
To keep reading the rest of this article CLICK THE READ THE REST OF THIS BLOG ICON, or simply continue scrolling down if there is no ICON like that.
Dear Santa: All AL Teams 2015 Wish List (By The Fans)
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Okay, so it is time to ask old Saint Nick, for some help for teams in the MLB to have their wishes come true.
New York Yankees:
Can someone please knock some sense into the brass in the Bronx to realize they are the friggin Yanks? Since we can’t bring the “Boss” back to kick some ass, maybe a losing season would force the team to pilfer the payroll, and believe it or not, if Cashman behaves himself before Spring Training, the club could get under the Luxury Tax Threshold this year with a few Trade Deals, and go an attack the 2016 Free Agent core of Jason Heyward, Jordan Zimmermann, David Price and Johnny Cueto…
Would it be too much to ask if the team could just release Alex Rodriguez? There is no way he should hit his 660th HR in Pinstripes. Release him before that day, or way prior, and don’t pay him that dumb $6 MIL Bonus. He ain’t worth it. Also don’t want him passing Lou Gehrig for the RBI list ALL – Time in a New York uniform either. Read the rest of this entry
Brian Wilson Exercises His 2015 Player Option + Hopes To Rebound Like 2nd Half Of 2014 Indicated
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Brian Wilson has let the Dodgers know he is picking up his 2015 Player Option for $9.0 MIL.
The character Reliever, did not have a great season with Los Angeles, however he straightened it out in the 2nd half, and added a 1/3rd of an inning in the Postseason, to run his lifetime total to 18 scoreless innings to start his playoff career.
The man has a proven playoff pedigree and it baffled me on the reluctance to use the bearded fellow. Maybe we will find out his was really hurt, from what seemed to plague him from the 1st half.
Clayton Kershaw aside, no one had a worse trip to Australia and back then Wilson. as he came back with injuries to his back and neck, stemming from the quick turnaround flight after playing 2 games in Sydney.
The 32 Year Old Wilson posted a 5.66 ERA – and a 1.847 WHIP prior to the ALL – Star Break in 30.1 IP.
Post ALL – Star he was more familiar to what he has authored in career, having a 3.00 ERA and a 1.147 WHIP in his last 18.1 IP.
Wilson came to the Dodgers in August of 2013, after he recovered from a 2nd Tommy John Surgery that had sidelined him since April of 2012. Read the rest of this entry
The Royals Or O’s Winning The Title Would Be Good And Bad: MLB Payrolls Part 2
Kauffman Stadium was newly renovated about 5 years ago. It is a nice visual display of a ballpark, however it is far being in the top venues in the Majors for earning money. The Royals fans saw the club struggle to finally end a 3 decade long playoff drought this year. It is imperative that the MLB work with ‘cost control’ in the upcoming ‘Collective Bargaining Agreement. Both KC and Baltimore had to endure lengthy stints of losing campaigns, before compiling enough top-level draft picks to compete in their respective divisions. Hopefully other small to mid market teams will not have to be bad for that amount of time in the future to obtain success finally.
Yesterday I addressed the Dodgers potentially winning the World Series in the next few years while bringing more attention to the inequities of the big and small market clubs.
Even with LAD losing today and being eliminated, it doesn’t change the fact they will be playoff contenders for years to come based on their talent level, and super imposed revenue stream to outspend every team in the National League.
I identified the last several lower revenue teams that have had success, and pointed out that it took them big stretches of poor campaigns in order to collect on some good.
This is the biggest reason why baseball needs to adopt a salary cap – in order to leveling off the field.
Kansas City and Baltimore are perfect examples of this. The narrative is great here Franchises that haven’t appeared in the Fall Classic since 1985 and 1983 respectively, when both organization won their last Titles.
The Royals 29 years since that has been tough to stomach. The later George Brett years, the core from the championship had aged or moved on by the time he hung up the cleats.
After the 1994 strike/1995 lockout, the Royals found themselves at the bottom of the division for years. Read the rest of this entry
ALL – Time TJ Surgery Tracker 1974 – 2014 (30 Updates Including Jonny Venters 3rd Time)
Dr. James Andrews – leading Tommy John surgeon is the new senior leader on this innovative and break through procedure, championed 1st over 40 years ago, and responsible for extending over 700 players careers now.
For all the talk of baseball players (pitchers mostly) that will be undergoing Tommy John Surgery, we will be keeping a running list! E-mail us at mlbreports@gmail.com if you have any names to add to our totals.
How many players are having or had TJ in history? You are about to find out:
Links
TOMMY JOHN SURGERY – 2014 (30)
2014
Jonny Venters – (3rd Time Probable) Braves: Aug/Sept 2014Jeremy Hefner, NYM Aug 2014 (TJ Watch List – Possible 2nd TJ Surgery)
Tyler Skaggs, Angels, Aug 10 – will have season ending TJ surgery soon. expected to be out til 2016
Nate Jones, White Sox, July.30
Tyler Chatwood, Rockies, July,19
Masahiro Tanaka, Yankees (Partially Torn UCL, (TJ Watch List), July 10th
Bronson Arroyo, D’Backs July Surgery.
Matt Wieters, Orioles, June 17th
Sean Burnett, Angels, June 5th
Chris Withrow, Dodgers, June 3rd
Jose Cisnero, Astros, May 28th
Martin Perez, Rangers, May 19th.
Jose Fernandez, Marlins, May 16th
A.J. Griffin, Athletics, Apr.25th .
Pedro Figueroa, Rangers, Apr.30th
Ivan Nova, Yankees, – Apr.29th
Josh Johnson, Padres, – Apr.24
Matt Moore, Rays – Apr.24, 2014 – Link: With Moore Out For TJ Surgery – The Rays Should Hold Onto Price Through 2015
Jameson Taillon – Pirates – April 9, 2014
Bobby Parnell – Mets – April 8th
Cory Gearrin – Braves – Mar.29 – Went on the 60 Day DL with partial ligament tear of right elbow Mar.29, 2014 – May Require TJ Surgery.”
David Hernandez – D’Backs – Surgery April 2014.
Bruce Rondon – Tigers – Mar.2014
Patrick Corbin – D’Backs – Mar.2014.
Jarrod Parker – Athletics – March 2014
Brandon Beachy – Braves – “2nd TJ Surgery” Mar 2014
Kris Medlen– Braves – Mar 2014
Luke Hochevar– Royals – March.07, 2014.
Miguel Sano – Twins (Position Player) Mar, 2014.
Cory Luebke – Padres: Luebke went under the knife for his 2nd TJ Surgery Feb 2014. Read the rest of this entry
ALL – Time Tommy John Surgery List 1974 – Present
For all the talk of baseball players (pitchers mostly) that will be undergoing Tommy John Surgery, we will be keeping a running list! E-mail us at mlbreports@gmail.com if you have any names to add to our totals.
How many players are having or had TJ in history? You are about to find out: 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
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
*** Denotes Division Leaders
Records are before play Thursday June.26, 2014
RK Team Last Wk Rnk () Current Rec – Last 31 Days Rec
1. ***Oakland A’s (2) 48 – 30: 17 – 10: The A’s are still the best team in the Majors for the last 2 1/2 years. Coco Crisp on another hot spell.
Josh Donaldson and Brandon Moss both in the top 5 for HRs, and Sonny Gray/Scott Kazmir among several starters for ERA, WHIP and quality starts.
Yoenis Cespedes has the power numbers to be a perfect complement to the top guys, and the bar can always be raised higher.
Sean Doolittle is authoring one of the greatest Bullpen efforts ever for a Closer. A 53/1 Strikeout to Walk ratio is beyond filthy.
2. ***Detroit Tigers (3) 42 – 32: 14 – 13: A nice rebound after they dropped out of 1st place temporarily.
Victor Martinez and J.D. Martinez will exceptional June’s, and Miguel Cabrera is still on pace for 130 RBI.
Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer had sub-par starts, but look to correct themselves now.
Joe Nathan is making the late innings nervous for Tiger’s fans, after they had to endure Joaquin Benoit, Phil Coke, Jose Veras and Jose Valverde over the last few years. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 31, 2014
AP
It is opening day!
That’s one of the happiest days of the year for any fan of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Of course this being opening day, the Dodgers already have three games in the books. On today’s episode, I come up with another Opening Day concept.
It could be a great idea based on one of the WORST ideas MLB ever had: The Baseball Network.
Andrew Cashner, Chris Denorfia and Hyun-Jin Ryu all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball. Read the rest of this entry
More Tommy John Surgeries By The Numbers + Who Is the 1st $100 MIL Pitcher To Go Down With It? + A Scherzer Angle?
Yes Max Scherzer wrapped up the AL Cy Young with a most impressive season in 2013, but with TJ surgery becoming so common place with today’s chuckers, who would want to risk that kind of jack for a pitcher one throw way from being sidelined for 12 – 14 months? In my view it was a mistake not to accept the $$.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 – Credit to Bill Chuck For the Idea: Follow @billyball
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I think Max Scherzer should have taken the contract offer the Tigers threw his way this past weekend. Reports say it was in the Cole Hamels and Zack Greinke range of 6 YRs/$144 – $147 MIL.
So now that the reigning AL Cy Young Winner didn’t take the deal, he must hope to replicate his 2013 campaign, or at least come some where near it.
Do I think he could make more on the open market, potentially yes. But for a guy who has never been under a 3 ERA in any one given year, that is a tall order.
Also keep in mind his arm could sideline him with an injury at any point, so there is an inherent risk to not taking the deal.
One of out every 3 Major League Pitchers will go undergo Tommy John Surgery.
If you don’t think this procedure is an epidemic, go follow our ALL – Time TJ Surgery Tracker here.
Los Angeles Dodgers State Of The Union: 2014 Preview
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): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
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
Master List Of All Free Agents Signed In 2013 Winter – Heading Into 2014 MLB Year
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
It has been a record setting year for contract $ doled out for players. When you factor in the player extensions, we are talking about 7 contracts registering in the top 50 Player contracts in the history of the game.
Robinson Cano, Clayton Kershaw, Masahiro Tanaka, Jacoby Ellsbury, Freddie Freeman, Shin-Soo Choo and Homer Bailey have inked deal for between $105 MIL to $240 MIL.
Now there is word the Angels are working on an extension with Mike Trout, to the tune of 6 YRs/$150 MIL, from 2015 – 2020. This would be the 22nd highest contract in MLB History.
For the record, Trout’s deal for 2014 is already set at $510 K, and any extension wouldn’t have Luxury Tax Ramifications until his new deal would start in 2015. Read the rest of this entry
Top 5 Saves Leaders In MLB 2014
Coffee Is For Closers Only – “Always Be Closing! _(Profanity Laced Tirade Here)
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Closers job in the MLB is a rough negotiation. Saving games does not necessarily quantify an awesome reliever or not, but the stat category still remains both played up for fantasy, and something to reference.
For the tops in most of the leagues in 2014, you must have look towards the top clubs 1st.
In Oakland, I think Jim Johnson and Luke Gregerson will take turns saving contests. The same thing may happen in Los Angeles – where Brian Wilson and Kenley Jansen may also both see time as the clubs Closer. Read the rest of this entry
Los Angeles Dodgers Payroll In 2014 + Contracts Going Forward: Updated For Kershaw Deal
The Dodgers already have salary commitments that are over $225 Million now – with the $$ given to their reigning NL Cy Young Winner. Kenley Jansen and A.J. Ellis have yet to be paid in Arbitration. The club will certainly pass last years $235 MIL plus payroll. By doing the Kershaw deal also does not prevent them from trying to sign Masahiro Tanaka either. Last year, the Dodgers paid out around $10 MIL for their part in going over the Luxury Tax Threshold for the 1st time – at a 17.5% penalty. Under the current CBA, even if the team went to $300 MIL for 2014, they would only have to dole out roughly $25 MIL in penalties for a 2nd time offender. LAD have taken full advantage of the salary structure – and don’t look for them to relent any time soon. In 2014, the club will pay a 22.5% penalty for every buck spent over $189 MIL.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I wrote an article just 16 months ago on how the LA Dodgers were going to force the economics of baseball the way they were conduct business with the new ownership.
As someone who has worked the majority of the time on the site for the last 3 years, I take great pride in my research. So far it has worked out.
The Dodgers following what I said is nice vindication as a writer.
I am not here to toot my own horn, but our website was also on the forefront of the Athletics renaissance a few years back, the Rays coming back to fight in the 2013 year, and also we were one of the 1st to report the Shields for Myers deal.
2013 NLDS Post Season highlights – Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance is Advised
Tommy John Surgery List From 2000 – 2013
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Website Founder Jonathan Hacohen Follow @jhacohen
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
We talked last week about the Tommy John Surgeries from 1974 – 1999. Well, after the millennium hit in 2000, it has really come to the forefront.
It is now estimated that 1 out of every three pitchers will now undergo the procedure once in their career.
Whether they make the Major Leagues, or stay in the Minor Leagues, this surgery is becoming a predominant part of baseball culture.
Tommy John Surgeries from 1974 – 1999 here.
What is Tommy John Surgery?
The Final Tallies On All 30 MLB Teams Payroll In 2013
The A’s wrapped up their 16th AL West Title in 46 years since moving to Oakland in late September of this previous campaign. They have clinched the Division at home the last 2 years. It is even more impressive when they have been 29th and 27th in the team payroll respectively during that time span.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The bills have been totaled up, and the final dollars have been put forth – to have the team salaries for all 30 MLB teams.
These totals reflect the 40 man rosters the clubs all carried in 2013, and what position they finished in cash wise versus the other 29 franchises.
We will definitely have many of different articles this offseason, dissecting all of these numbers.
With all of the Free Agents signed recently inked to big deals like: Robinson Cano, Jacoby Ellsbury, Hunter Pence, Brian McCann and Curtis Granderson, we should a bigger spike across the board in 2014.
A’s Win Back To Back AL WEST Titles
Brian Wilson Re-signs For 2014 With The Dodgers – And Potentially In 2015 Too
Brian Wilson was given a 1 YR/$10 MIL deal with the Dodgers, that also has him having a Player Option for the 2015 year at $9 MIL. If Wilson has a great year in 2014, it will still benefit the Dodgers, but at the same time it may have been the deciding factor in retaining ‘The Beard’s’ services. Wilson has a 3.11 ERA in 333.2 IP worth of work in career, with 171 Saves in 196 Chances for an 87.2 % conversion Rate, Wilson is a 3 Time ALL – Star and 2 time World Series Winner. His winning pedigree will continue to be cherished in the Dodgers Pitching Relief Core.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twiter Follow @mlbreports
Brian Wilson is a California guy now through and through and I couldn’t be happier that my favorite player of ALL – Time is still playing his home games as the closest park to my residence in Bakersfield, CA.
The Dodgers and Wilson both agreed on a 1 YR/$10 MIL in 2014 – with a $9 MIL Player Option in 2015 for the man originally from Londonderry, NH.
Wilson will turn 32 before next season, and has successfully returned from 2 Tommy John Surgeries to resume his career.
2013 saw him only give up 1 ER in his 24 Appearances – combining both the regular and post season in 19.2 IP – good for an ERA of 0.47 in that time frame.
Brian Wilson Contract Explained
AL Central Hot Stove Round Up – Updated For The Joe Nathan Signing With The Tigers
Doug Fister was just traded away last night for Steve Lombardozzi, Ian Krol and a Minor League Pitcher. I definitely am seeing the vibe that this franchise is about to make another huge move towards a player in Free Agency. If this wasn’t the case, then what the hell are the Tigers doing trading away a pitcher like this?
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twiter Follow @mlbreports
The Detroit Tigers threw down the first gauntlet in transactions of the Division. But have they made their team any stronger? As of right now they are still weaker to start the 2014 year than they ended the 2013 campaign.
Things have been quiet out of Motown on offensive players, however they have been circling the world of Brian Wilson for the Relief core, before they finally lost interest.
Joe Nathan was signed to a 2 Year Deal today by the Tigers. It was a swift move to sign the guy, although financial terms have not been entirely disclosed yet.
By singing Joe Nathan to amp up the status of the Bullpen, the teams looks decisively better already.
They should not stop there for relievers.
I would still try to bring in a Grant Balfour or Jesse Crain as late inning assassins – before having any of the old crew of Joaquin Benoit or Jose Veras be the guys to depend on. Do not resign them Dombrowski!
Look for an upcoming article I am writing about the Detroit Tigers, that will ask the question, who would you rather have long – term, Miguel Cabrera or Max Scherzer?
Of course a lot of this is dependent on how much Mike Ilitch wants to spend on his club.
Brian Wilson 2013 Highlights – Mature Lyrics So Parental Guidance Is Advised
AL West Hot Stove Roundup – Around The Horn
Grant Balfour maybe perfectly situated to change teams in the AL West from the Oakland Athletics to the Seattle Mariners. The PAC NW club could use a guy stopper – to mop up games from a great young pitching staff. in 2013, Balfour has nailed down 62 Saves in the last season and a half, and has carried a great ERA in the 2.50 range – with a WHIP slightly above 1. If Seattle is willing to pay about 3 YRs/$33 – 36 MIL, then the Aussie could be headed their way.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twiter Follow @mlbreports
Seattle Mariners: Jack Z. and the brass have some money to spend, will there be any takers?? Mike Napoli, Jacoby Ellsbury, Nelson Cruz, Shin-Soo Choo should all be on the offensive list.
On the Pitching side, Bronson Arroyo is the kind of Innings eater that could favor your Bullpen. Fernando Rodney or Grant Balfour could close games for you as I don’t think Joe Nathan or Brian Wilson are coming.
Go big with your Free Agent signings, even if it is one or 2 players.
Jacoby Ellsbury 2013 Highlights
Brian Wilson And The Detroit Tigers: A Better Fit Than You Think
From 2008-2011, Brian Wilson was one of the top closers in the Majors with 163 Saves. He Saved 48 Games with a 1.81 ERA only 3 years ago in 2010 for the World Champ Giants. He went through TJ Surgery for a 2nd time in April of 2012 – who will give him a chance in 2014, by signing the pending Free Agent? Tigers fans are hoping that he is the answer to the ailing Relief Core in Detroit.
By Matthew Lafave (Tigers Correspondent) Follow @MatthewLafave
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter: Follow @Mlbreports
Not the Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys.
The other Brian Wilson, the crazy one with the creepy beard.
Some Detroit fans will remember him from one of his tantrums at Comerica Park. He went ballistic on a water cooler after blowing a save back in July of 2011.
Sad to report, the water cooler never recovered.
Brian Wilson loses it on watercooler
White Sox Offseason: Looking For Success In 2014
Rick Hahn made his first major move as White Sox GM. when he signed 26 year old Cuban defector Jose Abreu to a 6 year $68 million contract ;;st month. While most are surprised that the White Sox were able to sign Abreu, most are also happy with the signing. So fans are hoping that, along with Avisail Garcia, Abreu can be one of the Sox cornerstones for years to come.
By ‘White Sox Correspondent’ Brian Madsen Follow @brianm731
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Rumors are flying. This team wants that guy. That team wants this guy. The Major League Baseball GM Meetings in Orlando have come and gone.
The Winter Meetings in January are on the horizon. Trades have been proposed. Some trades have already been made. Ideas have been shared. Laughs have been had. Who’s going where?
Fans of every MLB team want answers all of these questions regarding their respective favorite team.
Sometimes, one team’s move directly affects a given move of their competitor. It’s uncanny how it can happen, without it being glaringly obvious.
Garcia Hits Another Double
Dissecting The Prince Fielder For Ian Kinsler Trade
In 39 games for Fielder’s Playoff Career, he holds a miniature .194 batting average with 5 home runs and 11 RBIs. This recent Playoff stretch of 11 Games in 2013 – there were no big flies and not even a solitary RBI. Fielder had 9 Hits out of 40 AB (.225) with just one Double. With this trade – it is a great chance for the big man to redeem himself in a hitter friendly ballpark, and a great lineup also surrounding him. Texas has put up 370 wins in the last 4 years. The Rangers will pick up $138 of the $168 MIL contract that Fielder is due from 2014 – 2020. Where will the Rangers play him defensively? More important will be to sit him down and ask him to relinquish his consecutive streak, and to lose some weight in going forward. Fielder brings a career 3 Slash of .286/.387/.916 – with 285 HRs and 870 RBI carried over his 9 years in the Major Leagues for the Tigers and Brewers.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
After having a late phone call chat with our “Chief Writer” Hunter Stokes, I officially welcomed him to the world of being a sportswriter.
Hunter wrote an awesome piece on the Rangers State Of The Union yesterday. In the article found here, he explained that Jon Daniels needs a power bat, and must address the Jurickson Profar/Elvis Andrus situation.
Well, no more than 6 hours later, Daniels pulled off the trade for the big lugging 1B, and now we will have to add a part 2 to yesterday’s feature article.
I like the move for the AL West resident’s. Prince Fielder‘s Left Handed Bat will be a most welcomed addition to the foray in Texas.
Prince Fielder 2013 Highlights – Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance Is Advised
MLB 50 Free Agent Predictions
It will all be following the money for many of the Free Agents this winter. It all started when all 14 players that had Qualifying Offers politely declined them all over the weekend, and are all FA’s with Draft Compensation due back to their 2013 club.
Free Agent Predictions
By Jordan Gluck (Free Agency Correspondent) Follow @JGluck777
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
These are my personal predictions on where the top free agents will sign. This is the same kind of list of the top 50 free agents made by our friends at mlbtraderumors.com.
Please keep in mind there will be trades this offseason so holes will be filled that way as well (I believe the Cardinals will trade for a SS).
I am not going to estimate any dollar figures in this specific article but I do expect some overpayments this year.
Robinson Cano 2013 Highlights
Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series + Around The MLB Horn For Quick Team Wish Lists
The Red Sox may have won the 2013 World Series, but they are not the 2014 favorites. No team has repeated since the Yankees won 3 straight titles from 1998 – 2000.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Now that the Boston Red Sox have won the 2013 World Series, the oddsmakers have already dropped them, plus fellow 2013 Fall Classic Participants (St. Louis) to be tied for the 3rd seed, with the Washington Nationals.
A massive surprise on the list are the Los Angeles Angels, who will have the 6th favorite slot to win the World Series at +1400.
If you are looking for value, you should consider the Reds (Tied for the 8th seed) at +1600. They are merely a few players, and perhaps a few tweaks from going far in one of these playoffs.
2013 World Series Champion – Red Sox
Brian Wilson Has Earned Himself Some $$$ With His 2013 Showing: And Is The Best Relief Pitcher Left In The Playoffs!
From 2008-2011, Brian Wilson was one of the top closers in the Majors with 163 Saves. He Saved 48 Games with a 1.81 ERA only 3 years ago in 2010 for the World Champ Giants. He went through TJ Surgery for a 2nd time in April of 2012. He has since made an awesome comeback with the Dodgers, only giving up 1 ER in his Dodgers 24 Appearances, including 6 Scoreless frames in the 2013 playoffs. Who will give him a chance in 2014, by signing the pending Free Agent? Dodgers fans are hoping he stays.
Hunter Stokes (Featured Baseball Columnist): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I am big Brian Wilson fan. Part of me was devastated when the Giants won the World Series in 2012, because he was not on the team.
I was happy to learn that he bid his time this season, made sure he was fully healed up from his 2nd Tommy John Surgery, and made a triumphant return with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
He could have rushed back in the spring, signed with another club, and tried haphazardly to work through his pitching in game action, however the man knows his body tweaks.
Brian Wilson as Captain Highlander on George Lopez Show
The Red Sox Left Town With A Series Win, But Left The Dodgers With So Much More In 2012
A year after the big blockbuster Red Sox/Dodgers trade, both clubs have benefited from the salvation is created. The Red Sox were able to hit a reset button on their finances – and spend money on key Free Agents: Mike Napoli, Shane Victorino, take on Jake Peavy’s Salary, pick up Jonny Gomes and have a slightly lower payroll overall still. For the LA Dodgers, they received a bonafide Leadoff hitter in Carl Crawford, plus a lethal Left Handed Bat in 1B Adrian Gonzalez. The LA club was also willing to eat the $$ owed on bust Josh Beckett. Los Angeles could bury lots of money for little given away talent wise. Little did all of us know, that they had an electric ballplayer like Yasiel Puig ready to bust out. Boston is leading the AL East, and the Dodgers are killing it in the NL West. Perhaps this might be an October showdown?
BY Enrique Rivera (MLB Reports Dodgers Correspondent) Follow @mlbreports
It has been a year since that big blockbuster Red Sox/Dodgers trade that sent a loaded bank of salary to the Dodgers along with superstar players like Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Josh Beckett and Nick Punto.
After a first half of struggles and criticism and watching the Red Sox play better baseball, the Dodgers have proven that the trade benefited them as well.
The Dodgers lead the NL West 9.5 games after being down by 9.5 earlier in the season. Meanwhile in the AL East, the Red Sox lead the division by 1 game.
Adrian Gonzalez’s first AB as a Dodger last year resulting in a HR
2 And A Hook Podcast #13: MLB Reports State Of The Union Address + MLB Fancave Top 7 Finalist Aaron Roberts
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Follow @mlbreportsFriday, Aug.16 2013
‘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:
On today’s show, brought to you by www.mlbreports.com
& yours truly The Bench Warmers Show.
Follow @tbwarmers I start off with the new replay rules that mlb wants to put in starting next season in 2014.
Chuck Booth (16 minute mark and a 40 Minute Segment) calls in on his segment to talk about the HUGE changes that are taking place on the MLB Reports website so make sure you all check that out!!
Also I got to talk to Thomas Aaron Roberts (1 hour in and 50 minutes) Follow @bertsball)
Roberts was one of the last 7 MLB Fancave Dwellers & was our first LA Dodgers correspondent back in the infancy of MLB Reports!!
We talked about his experience in the MLB Fancave, all of the ball players he met & advice on being a MLB Fancave Dweller for future contestants…
then we get into about his team the Dodgers & if he thinks they have a chance to go to the World Series!!
Plus i get into my future award winning segment & everyone’s favorite Stats & Facts so pull up a chair, download/play this podcast & SPREAD THE WORD!!! Thank you all for your continuous support!!!
Either click the link just below here… or you can go past the show logo or CLICK THE READ TO READ THIS ENTRY – to listen to it on our Player
The Dodgers Bullpen Has Been One Of The Biggest Strengths In 2013
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Follow @mlbreportsFriday, Aug.09/2013
Kenley Jansen has given Dodger fans confidence going into the 9th inning with the game on the line once again. He has picked up the 7 saves in his last 10 appearances and has not blown a save in that stretch. He also has 17 saves in 20 opportunities this year to close the dominance of the Dodger Starting Pitchers lately.
By Enrique Rivera (MLB Reports Dodgers Correspondent) Follow @eriqwiththeq
Sure, the Dodgers wouldn’t be where they are without the help of Yasiel Puig, Hanley Ramirez, and Clayton Kershaw but the Dodgers bullpen has also given the Dodgers the greatest effort during its two month stretch that has brought the Dodgers into first place.
Guys like Ronald Belisario, J.P. Howell, Brandon League, and Kenley Jansen has stepped up from their first half woes and have shined after picking up games from starters.
They’ve also brought in rookies like Paco Rodriguez and Chris Withrow to help out the pen and have brought in former Cubs closer Carlos Marmol.
Kenley Jansen closes out a hot Reds team as the Dodgers continued their amazing run
Dodgers Have Been Pulverizing The Competition For Weeks – While The Rest Of The NL West Have Been Brutal
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Follow @mlbreportsThursday Aug.08/2013
Despite early season rumors of Mattingly getting fired, Donnie has managed his team back into the division race after a private meeting with Dodger executives. The Dodgers are now 63 – 50 after setting a franchise record 15 game road winning streak earlier this week and are opening up a commanding lead versus their NL West brethren. Now with Yasiel Puig and Hanley Ramirez igniting the clubs offense, plus Zack Greinke coming back to the Starting Rotation, the team has begun to gel. But it is also the secondary players that have provided some clutch play of late. The team has won 33 of their last 41 Games. Now that is outstanding!
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
I was wrong to throw the towel in on the Dodgers at the beginning of June in an article.
While I initially had LA as my NL representative in the WS before the year started, I thought they were cooked.
Yasiel Puig was infused into the lineup, and the team has fed off of his electricity.
Zack Greinke and Hanley Ramirez then came back to facilitate the start of this hotstreak.
I am not sure I have ever seen an entire Division struggle so badly – with the exception of 1 team doing the polar opposite simultaneously, like has happened in the NL West over the last 8 weeks.
The Dodgers have been on a historical run in their ascent from last place (trailing by as much as 9.5 games on June 1st) – all the way to top of the Division (by 5 games as of right now.)
There have been countless reasons how the turnaround has transpired.
Don Mattingly has gone from the hotseat – to now being in the position where he could net himself a contract extension when the season is over.
The rest of the NL West Clubs have been incredibly anemic – and we will focus on the records since that date in this piece.
Streaking Tigers look To Run Away With The AL Central In The 2nd Half
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Follow @mlbreportsWednesday July.10/2013
As of the 10th of July, the Tigers are 49 -40 and sit 3.5 games in front of the Cleveland Indians in first place in the AL Central. The question is, should they be running away with the division instead of just treading water at the to? Luckily for the Tigers they have a very easy second half schedule, probably the easiest of all MLB division leaders. Can they run away with the division? We’ll find out soon.
By Dan Wanser (Baseball Writer): Follow @DanWanser
Going into play today, the Tigers sit 3.5 games ahead of the Cleveland Indians in the AL Central.
However, should they be further ahead. Because of last year, many people who follow the MLB expected Detroit to run away with the division,and that hasn’t been the case.
Last season, the Tigers finished their season with an 88 – 74 record – and won 33 of their last 44 home games down the stretch after a slow start. The Tigers need another run like that this year to solidify their spot in the playoffs.
2013 Detroit Tigers Pump-Up Video:
MLB Reports 
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