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Projected Top 5 Home Run Hitters In Major League Baseball For 2017

Having nothing to do with the ALL - Star Game, and a ton to prove after inviting himselfto the HR derby in San Diego, we placed a $125 bet on Stanton to win the event at +325 odds. He destroyed the field, This was the difference in us turning a small little profit for the year. ).

Having nothing to do with the ALL – Star Game, and a ton to prove after inviting himself to the HR derby in San Diego, we placed a $125 bet on Stanton to win the event at +325 odds – and he won the whole thing.  Now only if he could refrain from beingthe DL for 1 campaign.  It was another injury plagued season for the veteran in 2016, but I still claim he will lead the league in HRs one of these years and possibly challenge 50 HRs in the process.  He is our #1 pick to win the overall MLB HR crown in 2017.

With apologies to the pending Free Agents who cracked 40+ HRs in Mark Trumbo (47) and Chris Carter (41), I just don’t see them duplicating their 2016 campaigns. 

I also foresee a bunch of changes to the top 6 Home Run hitters in the American League in 2017. 

Newly signed Indians player Edwin Encarnacion is quite possibly the only returning top 5 guy that will be in there back to back seasons for the Junior Circuit.

Chris Carter. actually tied was the co-leader for the HR title with Nolan Arenado in 2016. and then was promptly non-tendered by the Brewers for his efforts. 

Mark Trumbo hasn’t been able to parlay his HR title into a Free Agent deal either.  I think this may play a huge factor in a 2017 regression of sorts.

Don’t get me wrong. i fully expect these gentlemen to eclipse 30+ HRs each still in 2017.

Since the top 5 overall Major League HR totals all resided in the AL in 2016 – I suspect this won’t be the case next year.

Ultimately, career years from Khris Davis and Brian Dozier will be hard to do again.

(RELATED – Top 5 Saves Leaders Projected For The MLB in 2017) Read the rest of this entry

The Dodgers Should Do Another Trade With The White Sox In Order To Bolster Their 2017 Roster

The Dodgers have spent over $300 MIL in back to back years, and are the clubhouse leaders in Luxury Tax penalties paid. At a 50% penalty, the Los Angeles forked out $40 MIL in Luxury Taxes in 2016. With an estimated $193 MIL payroll - considering there are several roster holes now created by departing players, the team will need to spend around $235 MIL in 2017 total payroll. With a 50% penalty - and an additional 40$ hit for going $40 MIL over the new $195 MIL limit in 2017, I highly expect the organization will be less willing to spend 90 cents extra for every dollar spent beyond that.

The Dodgers have spent over $300 MIL in back to back years, and are the clubhouse leaders in Luxury Tax penalties paid. At a 50% penalty, the Los Angeles forked out $40 MIL in Luxury Taxes in 2016. With an estimated $204 MIL payroll – considering there are several roster holes now created by departing players, the team will need to spend around $235 MIL in 2017 total payroll. With a 50% penalty – and an additional 45% hit  – for going $40 MIL over the new $195 MIL limit in 2017, I highly expect the organization will be less willing to spend 90 cents extra for every dollar spent beyond that.  This means that they should not re-sign Kenley Jansen or Turner.  The White Sox have the Closer, Third Baseman and Second Baseman needed to complete their roster/winter shopping – if a deal can be reached.

Last year the Dodgers were in the middle of a 3 way trade with the Reds and White Sox.

December 16, 2015: Todd Frazier was Traded as part of a 3-team trade by the Cincinnati Reds to the Chicago White Sox. The Los Angeles Dodgers sent Brandon Dixon (minors), Jose Peraza and Scott Schebler to the Cincinnati Reds. The Chicago White Sox sent Micah Johnson, Frankie Montas and Trayce Thompson to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

with the full rebuild going on in the south side of Chicago now, the Los Angeles Dodgers brass should be targeting some players back in return.  This time they should acquire Todd Frazier, but I also think they should go for Brett Lawrie and White Sox team Closer David Robertson.

The total net projected salary of those 3 players would equal $28.5 MIL – which would be substantially less than what it would take to re-sign Justin Turner and Kenley Jansen.  David Robertson has pitched for a big market like New York before, so playoff baseball is not foreign to him.

Lawrie would adequately replace the production the club had with Chase Utley and Howie Kendrick this past year for a fraction of the cost.

Having Todd Frazier’s power would really benefit the ailing/aging slugger of Adrian Gonzalez, and also the young and brilliant Corey Seager,

So who goes back in return for these guys? Read the rest of this entry

The Nats Pay A Steep Price For Eaton: The New CF Has A Team Friendly 5 Year Deal Which Is The Key To Salvage The Trade

For a second straight week we love the Nationals with the best odd value of the week. They have some financial flexibility to bring in a few more ALL - Star Caliber players and also possess the prospects in order to get it done. If you believe (like I do)

Mike Rizzo is getting scorched for the fact he gave up the #3 and #38 top MLB Pipeline Prospects.  Throw in their #6 prospect – and you can see how people have said the Nats GM orchestrated a bad deal.  I am not one of those people.  This was a move that is more financial based than even the young players.  If Washington is still able to get a top line Closer, and add several more pieces, while dancing around the Luxury Tax Threshold of $195 MIL – I am down with this trade if they re-spend the cash on another Starter that is MLB ready this season.

For the majority of the last week we heard the Nationals were trying to land Andrew McCutchen in a trade, but they shocked the world on Wednesday by acquiring CF Adam Eaton from the White Sox in exchange for three RHP (Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez and Dane Dunning). 

These three guys represent the club’s #1, #3 and #6 prospects.  Giolito was ranked #3 overall and Lopez #38 by MLBPipeline.com

This seems like a lot for just one player – but you have to look at several factors here.

Mike Rizzo landed a player that just turned 28 a few years ago.. He is the leadoff guy the team has needed ever since the departure of Denard Span.  This is so critical when you consider the Nats will likely only have Bryce Harper for the next 2 years. Read the rest of this entry

Dear Santa: An Open Letter To Saint Nick From All 30 MLB Teams Fanbases

It is time for our yearly letter to head to the north pole.  Perhaps the 'fat old jolly' guy will respond promptly at the 2016 Winter Meetings. NY Yankees:  They need to speed the clock up like Back To The Future 2.  The Pinstripers are resetting for the 2019 season and beyond Bryce Harper era.  Based on how good the Red Sox Winter meetings have gone this far, you have to know there will also be a lot of Yankees 27 World Series Rings to Boston's 8 on a T-Shirt scoreboard.


NY Yankees: They need to speed the clock up like Back To The Future 2. The Pinstripers are resetting for the 2019 season and beyond Bryce Harper era.
Based on how good the Red Sox Winter meetings have gone this far, you have to know there will also be a lot of Yankees 27 World Series Rings to Boston’s 8 on a T-Shirt scoreboard.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

It is time for our yearly letter to head to the north pole. Perhaps the ‘fat old jolly’ guy will respond promptly at the 2016 Winter Meetings.

The Bronx Bombers will also ask for their former Captain to please make more appearances in the public eye so they can milk the retiring of Derek Jeter‘s #2 on May 14, 2017 for about the next 6 months in a viable smokescreen to their 2017 performance.

Boston:  Can we ask that Richard Simmonds become Pablo Sandoval‘s personal trainer all offseason?.  For a guy who had more broken belts than hits in 2017, Sandoval can re-write his Boston legacy by proving what he can do when they are in the 2017 playoffs.

There also needs to be a discounted rack at Fenway Park for all of the S-Medium shirts that may have been there for the recently departed Yoan Moncada.

The Red Sox are always the clubhouse leaders in big tall lanky pitchers who herk and jerk when throwing, so can we ask the home broadcasting network for extra wide lenses.

Read the rest of this entry

6 MLB Teams That Will Benefit The Most By The New CBA

The Toronto Blue Jays have had to contend with the overspending in the last 25 years by the Yankees and Red Sox

The Toronto Blue Jays have had to contend with the overspending in the last 25 years by the Yankees and Red Sox.  With stiffer penalties now imposed on the higher payroll clubs. coupled with their recent back to back ALCS Appearances, the franchise draws enough to spend more money on total team salary in the next few years.  It will come down to the management’s ability on player personnel that should determine their success for the next 5 years and not sheer finances.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

Tomorrow we will point out the clubs that were hurt most in the short term.  today we talk  about the winners of the new deal.

I am calling the Nationals, Mariners, Astros, Jays, Cardinals and Giants the immediate victors under the new format.

When i was thinking about more the past two days, the new structure seems to favor mid level payroll teams more than the lower or higher payroll clubs.

With the new penalties for spending way more money than the Luxury Tax Threshold, the Yankees, Dodgers, Red Sox and Tigers are going to find that the impact will run pretty steep on their roster decisions for the next 5 years.

Being that that all of those franchises are still going to dole out the kind of money on player contracts they are, I am not calling them losers for the new CBA either. Read the rest of this entry

The New Luxury Tax Threshold Means The Top 11 Salaried Clubs Will All Be Affected In The Present + Future

The Dodgers have spent over $300 MIL in back to back years, and are the clubhouse leaders in Luxury Tax penalties paid. At a 50% penalty, the Los Angeles forked out $40 MIL in Luxury Taxes in 2016. With an estimated $193 MIL payroll - considering there are several roster holes now created by departing players, the team will need to spend around $235 MIL in 2017 total payroll. With a 50% penalty - and an additional 40$ hit for going $40 MIL over the new $195 MIL limit in 2017, I highly expect the organization will be less willing to spend 90 cents extra for every dollar spent beyond that.

The Dodgers have spent over $300 MIL on salary in back to back years, and are the clubhouse leaders in Luxury Tax penalties paid in that time frame. At a 50% penalty currently until falling under the limit for a year, the Los Angeles forked out $40 MIL in Luxury Taxes in 2016. With an estimated $193 MIL payroll already is signed and team controlled players – considering there are several roster holes now created by departing guys, the team will need to spend around $235 MIL in 2017 total payroll in order to be competitive.. With a 50% penalty – and an additional 45% hit for going $40 MIL over the new $195 MIL limit in 2017, I highly expect the organization will be less willing to spend 90 cents extra for every dollar spent beyond that.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

With the new CBA being tentatively signed yesterday through 2021 – the lower payroll teams will finally see some steeper enforcement of higher payroll squads.

With several penalties that range up to a 90% max penalty for spending over the limit, the dollars finally make sense for the MLB to curtail a team going rogue on their payroll spending.

Under the new deal, the format will jump from a team’s AAV (Average Annual Value) limit of $189 MIL to $195 MIL in 2017, $197 MIL in 2018, $206 MIL in 2019,  $208 MIL in 2020 and $210 MIL on 2021.

The penalty for a 1st year abuser went from 12.5% to 20%, The 2nd year Still remains at 30%, the 3rd season escalates from 40% previously to 50% already.  Each campaign the team is over following 3 years, the team is nailed for 50% of money spent over the limit.

Additionally, the franchise will pay a fee of 12% for spending between $20 MIL to $40 MIL over the Threshold. 

If a organization goes $40 MIL over, they are faced with a surcharge of 42%.

3rd time abusers will pay 45% for every dollar doled out past $40 MIL over.

This means a 1st time penalty would still spank a team to the tune of 60% if a club spends more than $40 MIL over the limit. Read the rest of this entry

New York Yankees State Of The Union For 2017: Stemming The Tide For Upcoming Seasons

The Yankees shocked the baseball world by contending for the last 2 months after dealing away Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Miller and Carlos Beltran at the Deadline. With a the young '"Baby Bombers" on the way, tt will take a few good veterans to compliment the talent in order for the Yankees to become extremely dangerous once again. It all starts with the GM Brian Cashman.

The Yankees shocked the baseball world by contending for the last 2 months in 2016 after dealing away Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Miller and Carlos Beltran at the Deadline. With a the young ‘”Baby Bombers” on the way, tt will take a few good veterans to compliment the talent in order for the Yankees to become extremely dangerous once again. It all starts with the GM Brian Cashman.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

I will be the first one to give credit to Brian Cashman for arranging the July Trade Deadline deal moves to free up a rebuild on the fly.  The Yankees rewarded their longterm GM by continuing their season streak of over .500 to 22 years.

The management has also been fortunate that Gary Sanchez fared so incredibly well – so they could sell Brian McCann to the Astros, and effectively free up another $10 MIL into their couch cushions.

As it sits right now the clubs projected roster is looking to be in the $167 MIL range for total team salary.  Unfortunately they are still on the hook to CC Sabathia for $25 MIL and Alex Rodriguez for $21 MIL in 2017. even though latter is not even on the roster anymore.

So what do the Yanks do this winter?  They are perennial abusers of the Salary Tax Threshold, and have been paying 50% of their dollars spent beyond the limit for the last several years. 

With the news of talks proceeding on that number potentially reaching $200 MIL or under the new CBA, the Pinstripers should definitely dole out some bread for Free Agents this offseason.

I would say that for the Bronx Bombers to be competitive for the AL East, they need to add at least $50 MIL in players salaries this winter in order to fight the Jays and Red Sox for the Division.

Read the rest of this entry

The Nationals Should Definitely Sign Aroldis Chapman!

Aroldis Chapman is on pace to be one of the best ALL - Time Closers in the game. Toting a Career ERA of 2.08 - and a incredible 15.2/Per 9 IP SO rate, this man is about as hard to hit as they come. At entering the 2017 season at just Age 28, I would have no qualms about inking this man to a 6 year deal - worth anywhere from $90 - $100 MIL

Aroldis Chapman is on pace to be one of the best ALL – Time Closers in the game. Toting a Career ERA of 2.08 – and a incredible 15.2/Per 9 IP SO rate, this man is about as hard to hit as they come. Entering the 2017 season at just Age 28, I would have no qualms about inking this man to a 6 year deal – worth anywhere from $90 – $100 MIL.  He will have a few suitors.  With the Nationals having an escalating payroll, this might be the best way to sign one guy to galvanize the team.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

This is an absolutely pivotal year for the Washington Nationals.  They have many of their players locked up for 1 – 2 more years, but an escalating payroll also has entered the fray, and now they are in deep trouble to re-sign Bryce Harper when he comes up for Free Agency in 2019.

Looking at the projected player payroll for the current roster – and this franchise sits at about $155 MIL in 2017.  They have some maneuvers they could pull off to take the money down slightly. 

I would start with trading Gio Gonzalez to free up $12 MIL.  This guy is the #4 or #5 at best.  Yes we have seen lesser pitchers like Andrew Cashner sign a deal for one year at $10 MIL with the Rangers, however that has more to do with the Texas depth.

By dealing Gonzalez. the Nationals still would have a rotation of Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Tanner Roark, Joe Ross and Lucas Giolito, with Reynaldo Lopez and A.J. Cole likely seeing some action first out of the “Taxi squad.”

Quite simply put, the Nationals are extremely talented with 2 pitchers that could win the Cy Young (Scherzer who won it in 2016 and Strasburg, who could have won it had they given out an award at the ALL – Star Break) and up to 3 players that would be listed among the top 15 NL MVP favorites (Harper, Daniel Murphy and Trea Turner), but they do possess a few holes with losing Wilson Ramos and Mar Melancon off the end of the year Roster.

I fully think they should shore up their Late Inning work by signing Aroldis Chapman to whatever he wants this winter. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2017 World Series:

The Nationals feature 3 potential MVPs and 2 Cy Young Pitchers as their top talent - while the rest of the Division struggles with overcoming roster hauls, rebuilding and tragedy. The Cubs are the expected overwhelming favorite, however they don't pay nearly enough, and nothing is ever certain in the playoffs. Give me the Nats as the best on the board currently.

The Nationals feature 3 potential MVPs and 2 Cy Young Pitchers as their top talent – while the rest of the Division struggles with overcoming roster hauls, rebuilding and tragedy. The Cubs are the expected overwhelming favorite, however they don’t pay nearly enough, and nothing is ever certain in the playoffs. Give me the Nats as the best on the board currently.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

If you bet with your mind and not your heart in the last 12 months, than you would have lost on the World Series predictions.  I prognosticated in my yearly preseason bets that I thought the Cubs would win the Fall Classic, but profusely hated the odds of +500 to begin the campaign.

I still fully capitalized on my preseason wager of picking the Dodgers at +1500 for $50, along with the Mets and Nationals at +1100 for $50 a piece as well. 

That, coupled with my Baltimore Orioles AL pick to win the AL Pennant at 28/1 Odds served to put me into a position to hedge several bets in the playoffs to turn a nice profit.  Later in the week we will delve into the websites entire wagers for the whole calendar season.

The reigning champions are also extreme favorites again heading into 2017 – at a +280 clip.  I may pick them to win another World Series again in my actual predictions, however those are still horrible odds to throw some cabbage down on.

Read the rest of this entry

2016 Fantasy Baseball Dynasty League Trades Analysis

Following a 2nd place finish in 2015, this is the active roster I ended the year with:

C– Travis d’Arnaud

1B– Brandon Belt

2B– Robinson Cano

3B– Anthony Rendon

SS– Brandon Crawford

LF– Yoenis Cespedes

CF– David Peralta

RF– Bryce Harper

UTL– Daniel Murphy

Starting Pitchers– Madison Bumgarner, Matt Harvey, Noah Syndergaard, Sonny Gray, Justin Verlander

Relief Pitchers– Ken Giles, Daniel Hudson, Jonathan Papelbon, David Robertson, Shawn Tolleson

Off. Bench– Robinson Chirinos, Justin Bour, Jonathan Schoop, Alex Rodriguez

P. Bench– Nick Martinez, Carlos Rodon, Arquimedes Caminero, Jenrry Mejia, Drew Pomeranz, Tom Koehler

Offensive Prospects– Chance Sisco, A.J. Reed, Kean Wong, Tim Anderson, Jorge Mateo, Eloy Jimenez, Manuel Margot, Bradley Zimmer, Brett Phillips

Pitching Prospects– Edwin Diaz, Anderson Espinoza, Michael Fulmer, Taylor Guerrieri, Pierce Johnson, Yoan Lopez, Francis Martes, Alex Reyes, Jack Flaherty, Casey Meisner, Luis Ortiz

 

While I did finish the season in 2nd, my roster needed some serious improvements. I had a lot of faith in my ability to scout prospects, so I figured it was time to unload some prospects for win-now talent and trust my ability to refill my minor league system with less publicized talent. You can see all of the trades I made in the offseason and during the 2016 season in order from oldest to most recent below (all trades made prior to the season are in bold and in season is in italics):

 

SEE THE REST OF THE ARTICLE

Daily Fantasy MLB DFS Picks For DraftKings 8/25/16

P- Robbie Ray (vs. Atlanta Braves): $10,400. Over Ray’s last three starts, he has been absolutely dominant. Those starts include 19 innings pitched, 2-0 record, 0.95 ERA, and 22 strikeouts. He is facing a mediocre Braves lineup, so this shouldn’t be a tough matchup for the left-handed pitcher. His hot streak and opponent makes me believe he is the best top-tier pitcher available on Thursday.

P- Tom Koehler (vs. Kansas City Royals): $7,100. Koehler has been great since the All-Star break. Since July 21st, the righty has thrown 39 innings, with a 1.62 ERA, 26 hits allowed, and 30 strikeouts. Kansas City’s offense has been very average all year long, so it shouldn’t pose a huge threat for Koehler.

 

SEE THE REST OF THE ARTICLE

Daily Fantasy MLB DFS Picks For DraftKings 8/20/16

P- Max Scherzer (vs. Atlanta Braves): $13,600. Everyday is a good day to start Max Scherzer, unless he isn’t starting of course. In 162 career at bats against Scherzer, the Braves’ lineup is batting .204, with a .267 OBP, and a .358 slugging percentage. As you can tell by the numbers, they have not faired well against this righty. Over the last seven days the Braves’ offense has a .717 OPS, which ranks 26th in Major League Baseball.

P- Matt Moore (vs. New York Mets): $8,400. Over his last 13 starts, Moore has gone at least six innings, which is great for any daily fantasy league. Over the last seven days, the Mets have a .740 OPS, which ranks 24th in Major League Baseball. They also rank in the bottom third of the league in almost every offensive category against left-handed pitchers in 2016. The Mets have struggled offensively all year long, so hopefully that continues against Moore on Saturday.

 

SEE THE REST OF THE ARTICLE

Daily Fantasy MLB DFS Picks For DraftKings 8/19/16

P- Tanner Roark (vs. Atlanta Braves): $10,600. In nine career starts against Atlanta, Tanner Roark has a 1.77 ERA. In fact, his last start was against the Braves, where he went seven innings giving up five hits, one earned run, and he struck out three. In his two starts against Atlanta this year, Roark has given up one earned run in 14 innings pitched.

P- Adam Wainwright (vs. Philadelphia Phillies): $6,600. This pick does scare me a bit, but I’m going to stick with it. Over Wainwright’s last two starts, he has not been effective at all. Luckily, the Cardinals are giving Wainwright an extra two days of rest because he believes he has found the issue in his windup. This pick is risky, but the other options that are affordable are very risky as well.

 

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Who Owned Baseball August 17, 2016 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2016 #WOB Standings

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WILL VRAGOVIC | Tampa Bay Times

Chris Archer threw shutout ball into the 8th, finishing with 7 1/3 scoreless frames, striking out 9 Padres and earning the 2-0 decision for the Rays.

Carlos Martinez needed only 79 pitches to give the Cardinals 7 innings, allowing 1 run and 3 hits and got the 8-2 win in Houston.

Yasmany Tomas homered twice and tripled, driving in 6 and helped propel the Diamondbacks past the Mets, 13-5.

Adam Eaton got a pair of hits including a 9th inning come from behind go ahead grand slam that gave the White Sox a stunning 10-7 victory in Cleveland.

They All Owned Baseball on August 17, 2016.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – August 14, 2016

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Getty Images

It is Sunday and time for The Sunday Request.

We need a good bad guy. With A-Rod gone, Bryce Harper has the chance to be that bad guy… but he needs to up his game a little.

It is a “born to be bad” episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast

Aaron Judge, Matt Boyd, Joey Votto, Madison Bumgarner, Brad Miller, Giancarlo Stanton and Kyle Hendricks all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball yesterday.

See the updated listing of WOB on MLB Reports

Read the rest of this entry

2016 Dynasty & Keeper League Top 100 Midseason Rankings

Below you can find my list of the top 100 dynasty/keeper baseball league rankings after the first half of the season. These rankings are obviously subject to change based on the performance of each player throughout the rest of the season. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me on my social media, which you can find at the end of this article. Thank you and enjoy.

 

1. Mike Trout (OF; LAA)

  1. Bryce Harper (OF; WSH)
  2. Clayton Kershaw (SP; LAD)

  3. Mookie Betts (OF; BOS)

  4. Manny Machado (3B; BAL)

  5. Jose Altuve (2B; HOU)

  6. Kris Bryant (3B; CHC)

  7. Carlos Correa (SS; HOU)

  8. Paul Goldschmidt (1B; ARI)

10. Nolan Arenado (3B; COL)

 

SEE THE REST OF THE RANKINGS

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 12, 2016

 

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Harry How/Getty Images North America

I have a few Home Run Derby thoughts. Then I address a question from super fan Cubs Fan with an 8 about Bryce Harper‘s lack of a cute and cuddly nature.

It is a brown and yellow uniform episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Giancarlo Stanton and Todd Frazier both added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball yesterday.

See the updated listing of WOB on MLB Reports

Follow Cubs Fan with an 8 on Twitter by clicking HERE.

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Jose Altuve Taking a Page out of Bryce Harper’s Book During Monster Year

Just when it looked like Houston Astros second baseman (and now four-time All-Star) Jose Altuve couldn’t get much better at the plate, he proves us wrong.

Since debuting in 2011 as a 21-year-old, Altuve has displayed quite the ability to collect base hits. Not only does he already have a batting title under his belt, but also no American League player has collected more hits than him since 2014. As Houston continued building a powerful lineup around him, he was incredibly valuable to the club has a top-of-the-lineup table setter.

From 2014-15, he posted a .327/.365/.456 triple slash with 22 homers, 87 doubles, 125 RBI, 171 runs scored and 94 stolen bases. It can’t get much better than that, right? Since Altuve is in the midst of his sixth MLB season, we tend to forget that he’s still young and can actually improve.

That’s exactly what he’s done this year as a 26-year-old, and it seems like he’s taken a page straight out of Bryce Harper’s book in the process.

Chances are slim he actually chatted with Harper about it – and Harper isn’t the first young player to experience the kind of jump in production he did in 2015 – but it’s interesting to see two very different hitters experience similar results with regard to a similar shift in plate approach.

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Daily Fantasy MLB DFS Picks For DraftKings 7/6/16

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P – Michael Pineda (vs. Chicago White Sox): $10,600. Over his last six starts, Pineda has been on fire. In that timespan, he owns a 2.74 ERA and his opponents are only batting .201. He is coming off one of his best starts of the season last time out against the Texas Rangers, in which he struck out 12 batters.

P – Sonny Gray (vs. Minnesota Twins): $5,900. Gray has faired very well against mediocre offensive teams (Rays, Reds, Brewers, Angels), but he has been blown up against elite offensive teams (Pirates, Rangers, Red Sox, Mariners) this season. Luckily, Gray will make the start against a team that has struggled offensively this year on Wednesday. During June, he had a very strong month, posting a 3.23 ERA.

SEE THE REST OF THE PICKS

Who Owned Baseball June 27, 2016 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2016 #WOB Standings

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JOE ROBBINS/GETTY IMAGES

Kris Bryant went 5 for 5 with 3 homers, driving in 6 and scoring 4 to lead the Cubs in a wild 11-8 slugfest in Cincinnati.

Jon Gray struck out 8 Blue Jays over 7 innings, walking none and worked around a pair of homers to get the 9-5 victory for Colorado.

Nick Franklin singled, doubled and homered, driving in 5 runs as the Rays snapped their losing streak, 13-7 over Boston.

Danny Duffy pitched 8 innings, allowing 2 runs, walking none and struck out 8 Cardinals batters to earn the 6-2 decision for the Royals.

They all owned baseball on June 27, 2016.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Who Owned Baseball June 26, 2016 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2016 #WOB Standings

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RICH SCHULTZ/GETTY IMAGES

Tyler Duffey did not allow a hit until the 6th and finished with 8 innings, 2 hits, 8 strikeouts and 1 run as the Twins clobbered the Yankees, 7-1.

Jose Fernandez struck out 13 Cubs and allowed just 4 hits and 1 run to earn the 6-1 decision for the red hot Marlins.

Lonnie Chisenhall collected 9 total bases with his 4 hits, including a homer and 3 RBI as the Indians continued to roll, 9-3, in Detroit.

Freddie Freeman reached base 4 times, including a homer and a pair of runs scored in the Braves 5-2 victory over the Mets.

They all owned baseball on June 26, 2016.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – June 15, 2016

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Jamie Squire/Getty Images North America

If I can’t see my favorite team in the World Series, I would want to see some of the brightest and elite stars in the game. A shocking amount of superstars over the last few decades failed to play in even a single World Series.

It is a star power episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Jameson Taillon, Carlos Gonzalez, Doug Fister, Josh Donaldson, Julio Teheran, Jean Segura, David Price and Didi Gregorius all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball yesterday.

See the updated listing of WOB on MLB REPORTS

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Every Baseball Game Is Great

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By Josh Randolph (Featured BBBA Website – 9inningknowitall.com)

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about my time as a player, coach, fan and soon to be coach again. I’ve been thinking about all the times I got frustrated with the game of baseball and the reasons why I eventually just gave up on it. I’ve also been thinking about all the laughs and fun times I had in and around the game.

You see I have a 4 year old daughter who will be playing t-ball next year and I will be the coach. Also, my wife is pregnant and I’m really hoping it is a boy so I can coach baseball.

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Daily Fantasy MLB DFS Picks For DraftKings – 5/13/16

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Trey Rose (Featured BBBA Fantasy Baseball Writer/Owner – dynastydigest.sportsblog.com) 

If you have any questions or comments about this article or fantasy baseball, please Tweet me. I post daily DFS lineups for Draft Kings everyday, so please make sure to follow my blog.

P – Chris Tillman (vs. Detroit Tigers): $7,900

P – Josh Tomlin (vs. Minnesota Twins): $7,500

To view the rest of the picks, click the link below:

SEE THE REST OF THE PICKS

‘BBA Live’ Podcast – Year 2 Ep #12 – MLB Wk 6 ’16:

Ricky Keeler and AC Wayne host the flagship podcast of the BBBA!

BBBA Live is the flagship Podcast of the Baseball Bloggers Alliance since 2015.

Hosts Ricky Keeler

& AC Wayne

BBA Live! is entering its second season. Listen in as AC Wayne and Ricky Keeler of Yanks Go Yard and District On Deck (Nats) welcome in Christine E. of Boston Red Thoughts to the podcast.

As always, we’ll discuss all of the evening’s games and headlines.

Royals are struggling.  The Tigers may be digging themselves an insurmountable hole in the AL Central, and many clubs we thought would contend in the AL, are obviously not playing well.

Lorenzo Cain goes off on the Yankees, and Aroldis Chapman is off his suspension

Plus nobody is a better folk hero than Bartolo Colon

Bryce Harper is getting the Barry Bonds treatment and is starting to snap.

Follow and subscribe to the podcast http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mets-public-record

A casual look at Major League Baseball and The New York Mets. Call-in! #347-326-9300

Stephen Strasburg Ties Felix Hernandez For 17th On The MLB’s ALL – Time Top 50 Contract List With Extension

 Ed Zurga/Getty Images North America

Ed Zurga/Getty Images North America

Chuck Booth (MLB Reports Majority Owner/Lead  Analyst)

Stephen Strasburg shocked he baseball world the other day – by inking a 7 year extension worth from $175 – $180 MIL.  It ties him for 17th All – Time with Felix Hernandez to start with, but he can earn an additional $7 MIL with $1 MIL per year bonuses for reaching 180 IP.

The deal pays him $15 MIL annually from 2016 – 2023, and then the deferrals kick in from 2023 – 2030, in 7 installments of $10 MIL each.

Some will say his deal is worth more like $162 MIL in present day dollars, however we do not operate our top 50 contracts list like that.  The deal is guaranteed at $175 MIL for now, and we will change it if bonuses are hit.

With this contract, the Nats have 4 current players that are on this ALL – Time List with Scherzer (10th), Strasburg (T 17th), Zimmerman (37th) and Werth (Tied 44th).

This signing is a great move to open a 3 year window for Washington, as they also have Bryce Harper under team control until after the 2018 season, however it also may seal the fate the of the young reigning NL MVP to move elsewhere for 2019.

Werth’s contract does end at the end of the 2017 year. but Zimmerman is still on the books until at least 2020.

It will be tough to come up with the dough necessary to drop a 11 – 13 years contract worth $35 – 40 MIL per annum when it comes to Harper.

Even with Scherzer’s and Strasburg’s deals both containing a ton of deferred money- all of them will still run simultaneously to Harper’s deal – even if they are not on the roster each after the 2023 season.

I think you couldn’t risk trying to outbid everyone for Harper’s services, yet to pay Strasburg market value makes sense.

This club could even save some payroll by trading Gio Gonzalez, as they have Joe Ross and Tanner Roark starting in the rotation for depth, and Lucas Giolito has not started his time service clock. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – May 11, 2016

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Ed Zurga/Getty Images North America

 

Bryce Harper should not of fired an F-Bomb. But the ump who tossed him from the bench was dead wrong.

Plus Stephen Strasburg‘s signing sent shockwaves throughout the universe.

It is a DC Follies episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

J.A. Happ, Ryan Rua, Mike Leake, Matt Carpenter, Lorenzo Cain, Chris Devenski, Matt Cain and Ryan Zimmerman  all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball yesterday.

See the updated listing of WOB on MLB REPORTS

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball May 8, 2016 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2016 #WOB Standings

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MIKE STOBE/GETTY IMAGES

Steven Wright came to within a pitch of a complete game shutout, settling for a complete game with 1 run and 3 hits, giving the Boston the 5-1 victory over the Yankees.

Manny Machado hit a go ahead two run homer and a game breaking grand slam to help Baltimore crush Oakland, 11-3.

Ross Stripling held the Toronto lineup to 1 hit and no runs over 6 innings. He did not factor in the decision but the Dodgers took the game, 4-2.

Chris Herrmann homered twice, driving in 3 including the go ahead 2 run blast in the 11th to give Arizona a 5-3 victory in Atlanta.

They all owned baseball on May 8, 2016.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

‘BBA Live’ Podcast – Year 2 Ep #11 – MLB Wk 5 ’16:

Ricky Keeler and AC Wayne host the flagship podcast of the BBBA!

BBBA Live is the flagship Podcast of the Baseball Bloggers Alliance since 2015.

Hosts Ricky Keeler

& AC Wayne

BBBA Live! is in its second season. Listen in as AC Wayne is again joined by Ricky Keeler of Yanks Go Yard and District On Deck (Nats).

Yankees are struggling and may have to reel off a bunch of wins soon or risk being a seller near the Trade Deadline.

Meanwhile the Mets are hardly losing at all. 

Follow and subscribe to the podcast http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mets-public-record

A casual look at Major League Baseball and The New York Mets. Call-in! #347-326-9300

MLB Fantasy Daily (DFS) Picks For DraftKings – 5/3/16

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Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

2nd Lineup (Look to hit on the Astros again tonight @ Minute Maid Park)

Last night was burned by Dallas Keuchel not pulling his weight on the mound.  I am laying off Collin McHugh tonight, as I feel there is to be lots of runs scored against the Twins – with Alex Meyer on the bump, and McHugh toting an over 6 ERA.

I also am feeling the Nationals breaking out the lumber versus Chris Young, and in particular Bryce Harper, who has had a slower 7 day stretch after a torrid pace the 1st 3 weeks.

I am still going to use the Buster Posey, Hunter Pence tandem versus Jon Moscot.

In order to field a huge amount of firepower, that comes with a Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, George Springer stack versus Meyer, I used bargain bids of the night in Matt Carpenter ($3900) and Brandon Moss ($2700) against 2nd year man Aaron Nola. Read the rest of this entry