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MLB Fantasy Daily (DFS) Picks For DraftKings – 5/17/16
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner)
Follow @stokes_Hunter21 @mlbreports
We are ramping up our coverage on DFS play at MLB Reports, and will include some strategy articles in the forthcoming days and weeks. We come from a high level of handicapping backgrounds, and have been given the go ahead from the braintrust at MLB Reports to start sharing some of these with you.
Of course Chuck Booth and I spearheaded this movement back in a few years ago with just regular baseball futures. We were not sure if we wanted to go ahead with the MLB DFS Fantasy at all, but were finally convinced for demand by a couple of our BBBA writers (Josh Robbins and Trey Rose). The need is there and we are looking to deliver.
I have played DFS long enough to be the guy who writes the posts here. The gambling philosophy championed by Booth in the 90’s is brilliant for any sources of tournaments or gambling period. It weaves the Martingale Betting System (progressive betting with the double up theory) and it fosters it with several other techniques so you don’t bet against yourself.
One of the biggest blunders made by many gamblers is betting against themselves. We are going to simplify the process, so if you win, you can really win – none of this barely break even nonsense.
Look for that in coming days. Now here is what we are going to do for today’s MLB DFS Draft Kings style.
We Will Give You – Daily
5 team stacking options ( We are going to draw most of our players from these 5 squads).
3 Pitching candidates (High level, midlevel and budget).
MLB Daily Fantasy Picks (DFS) For FanDuel – 5/15/16
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner)
Sunday is always a crapshoot with everything involved, so make sure you check your starting lineups, weather and backup Catcher roles.
The game I am keying on more than others today is the game at Camden Yards. With contests in Coors Field, Chase Field and Miller Park also featuring on massive hitter friendly venues, I will be playing a roster on all of them.
The Tigers are still criminally underpriced on FanDuel right now, as their losing streak has a ton more to do with their horrific Late Inning Relief of late.
I am waiting for Justin Upton to start cracking the ball, and will play him on a roster for 2 – 3 weeks once he starts rolling. He is a type of guy who will bash 10 HRs in a month at least once in a baseball year.
In the same game, I am running with Jonathan Schoop, who clubbed 2 jacks Saturday – and could easily go yard again on Sunday.
Adam Jones is also on fire – after early season struggles, and is a nice bargain at $2800. Manny Machado took a goose egg for FPP – and I simply can’t think he will do this two games in a row.
Tentatively, I also have put Nolan Reimold into the lineup, should he not be played, I am going to use Yasiel Puig on a wildcard throw out there at $2400.
I would have loved to have implored the Jays lineup – however they were all way out of whack for the price – so I am only going to use Troy Tulowitzki.
The Tigers are facing Kevin Gausman, yet have several hitters that just lace fastballs.
As for my pitcher – I am going with Masahiro Tanaka. The White Sox have guys that whiff in their lineup something fierce, and I like Tanaka over Miguel Gonzalez in this matchup.
MAY 15, 2016…All Day Slate – Camden Heavy
P – Masahiro Tanaka, CWS @ NYY, $9800
C – Victor Martinez. DET @ BAL, $3500
1B – Miguel Cabrera. DET @ BAL, $3700
2B – Jonathan Schoop. DET @ BAL, $2800
3B – Manny Machado, DET @ BAL, $4200
SS – Troy Tulowitzki, TOR @ TEX, $2800
OF – Justin Upton, DET @ BAL, $2900
OF – Adam Jones, DET @ BAL, $2800
OF – Nolan Reimold, DET @ BAL, $2600 (Or Yasiel Puig, STL @ LAD, $2400, vs Mike Leake)
$35, 000, 000 ($0 Left)
2nd Sample Lineup – Coors Field Stack
P – Danny Duffy, ATL @ KC, $6800
C – Victor Martinez, DET @ BAL, $3500 or Buster Posey SF @ ARI, $3400
1B – Lucas Duda, NYM @ COL, $3800
2B – Neil Walker, NYM @ COL, $3500
3B – Danny Valencia, OAK @ TB, $2400
SS – Marcus Semien, OAK @ TB $2200
OF – Yoenis Cespedes, NYM @ COL, $5000
OF – Curtis Granderson, NYM @ COL, $3700
OF – Carlos Gonzalez, NYM @ COL, $4000
$35, 000, 000 ($0 Left)
If you’re not familiar with the points breakdown, here’s the format utilizing a $35 million salary cap.
Scoring System: https://www.fanduel.com/spring-training?t=lobby
1 Starting Pitcher (SP)
1 Catcher (C)
1 First Baseman (1B)
1 Second Baseman (2B)
1 Third Baseman (3B)
1 Short Stop (SS)
3 Outfielders (OF)
Game Types: https://www.fanduel.com/how-it-works
50-50s
If you’re interested in playing DFS games, please use my Fanduel referral link to signup.
Please use the Referral Link for a signup bonus:
https://www.fanduel.com/?invitedby=bobadney&cnl=da
*** The views and opinions expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of mlbreports.com and their partners***
A big thanks goes out to our ‘Chief Writer/Part Owner’ Hunter Stokes for preparing today’s featured post.
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MLB Daily Fantasy Picks (DFS) For FanDuel – 5/12/16
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner)
Clayton Kershaw won me a lot of money last start, and I will use him every time he is Starting.
I like using an affordable stack alongside the LHP, so I am using the struggling Tigers at hitter friendly Camden Yards tomorrow night.
Again, love FanDuel with using Victor Martinez as a Catcher. he can go in a 4 player stack with J.D. Martinez, Miguel Cabrera and Justin Upton.
In order to afford this lineup, I am using the KC Royals in another mini stack, imploring the use of Alcides Escobar, Alex Gordon and Omar Infante. All 3 men are decent contact free swingers, who can do damage against Nate Eovaldi.
Since Aaron Hill crushed it last Saturday night with Kershaw’s start in the same day – I put him in the lineup again. Not bad value for $2100 the way he has performed recently.
Odds To Win The MLB Divisions In 2016: Best Value Bets
It seems about once every 3 years Ubaldo Jimenez puts together a Cy Young caliber type of year. If he can find all the stars aligned in the right direction he could throw like a suitable #1 pitcher in the league. The problem with the rotation is that Jimenez and Tillman are up and down – while Gausman and Bundy are unproven at the big league. At least the potential is there for one year. Decent Innings were thrown by both starters this week, and Bundy worked a nice frame out of the Bullpen last night.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
So less than a week of play has occurred and we are seeing some early trends. They jumped from +1300 to +900 in 3 games, and I still believe that is great value.
1st impressions are I am glad I bet a lot of money on the Baltimore Orioles for the Division and the American League Pennant overall. Yes they swept a Twins club at home, and have yet to play on the road, but the pitching looks decent.
Chris Tillman and Ubaldo Jimenez look decent in their limited work, and the offense has come up clutch.
If the O’s are able to get that Cy Young caliber type of chucker Jimenez seems to wharf into for half a year (for once every 3 seasons), than maybe Baltimore has a fighting chance to win the AL East in 2016.
Baltimore was 47 – 31, and played one of the weirdest home games ever in front of no fans after the Baltimore riots. For those scoring at home too, the Rays hosted 3 games with the civil unrest, and that is why there were only 78 games played at Camden Yards in 2015.
The Orioles were 34 – 50 on the road. If they are able to win some games away from home cooking, they will compete. Read the rest of this entry
Orioles Setting A Dangerous Precedent With Physicals (Circa Gallardo): Fowler Leaves To The Cubs
Dexter Fowler re-signed with the Cubs for a minimum 1 year deal of $15 MIL in 2016 (with a mutual option for 2017) if he or Chicago don’t want to opt out after the upcoming season. Fowler had been said to have a 3 YR/$33 MIL in place with the Orioles before this happened. Maybe Fowler didn’t act 100% in good faith with Baltimore – however the O’s don’t exactly have a great track record with treating players in regards to physicals anyway.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Wow, didn’t see that coming did you Orioles brass? Dexter Fowler leaves his deal with you guys and re-signs with his old team in Chicago.
I have to wonder if the way things went down with Yovani Gallardo didn’t weigh on Dexter Fowler’s mind. The track record for Free Agent’s having deals going south is about a 50/50 proposition with the O’s.
In one way I am disappointed that Baltimore didn’t land Fowler, because I think that deal would have definitely narrowed the gap in the AL East. Read the rest of this entry
Baltimore Orioles State Of The Union For 2016
The Baltimore Orioles needed a 5 game winning streak at the year’s end just to crack .500 last season. Now they might lose the reigning AL HR king and Wei Yin Chen from last years squad. Dan Duquette needs to be diligent with his roster over this winter otherwise the club could start a free fall back down the AL East Standings circa 1998 – 2011.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst) Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Baltimore Orioles are in serious jeopardy of falling back into a tailspin in the AL East if they don’t turn around their winter.
Last year you could at least fathom that they had 3 players coming back from injury in Manny Machado, Matt Wieters and Chris Davis that they could rebound and repeat as AL East champs
Buck Showalter saw his team scramble for a .500 record – yet the season was a massive disappointment from the previous 3 years.
Now the club might lose Chris Davis, Wei-Yin Chen and Gerardo Parra to Free Agency. The management stopped the bleeding a little with the recent re-signing of Darren O’Day. Read the rest of this entry
MLB Baseball Clubs Should Make Single Game Tickets Available Before Christmas
The home site of the 2016 MLB ALL – Star Game, Petco Park..Baseball owners, and the MLB alike, should really think about having tickets made available for purchase prior to the Christmas season every year. Both of the NBA and NHL have free reign on this concept, with their season’s barely being midway yet in each calendar year at the end of December. The supply and demand for NFL tickets only reaches 8 games, and is never in question whether most stadiums will have good turnouts. You would think that kids especially, with love to receive game tickets as gifts on Christmas morning Instead, all that is available are gift certificates at this point in the year.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst) Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
First off, the MLB has done a great job in posting their following year schedules earlier each consecutive year over the last half-dozen or so.
I give these guys full marks for that. It also looks like they are improving their coverage of each team, to include more splits in each of the 30 squad’s itineraries.
I still wish they would follow the NHL (god did I just say that), in providing better splits for their 2430 Games Master Schedule, to include 7 day splits (you can go to ESPN.com for those), monthly splits and finally one year-long page on a post.
In 2014, I did all of the schedules I just mentioned, and even added an Interleague Master Schedule. In 2016, I have already put out the American League vs National League schedule here.
It has been quite the undertaking, but I am doing all facets of it again – going forward in 2016 after just putting out the Interleague Master Schedule in 2015 because I was on the road the whole year. Read the rest of this entry
What The Jays Did Wrong After Clinching The AL East: Never Take The Foot Off The Gas!
The Jays were the best team in the Major Leagues over the last two months, however some late season decisions may have cost them the #1 seed,and thus an easier opponent in the ALDS .
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I take you back to Wednesday Sept.30th when the Jays had a slim lead against the Royals for the #1 seed in the American League. Their magic number was also down to one game in the AL East. The object was to clinch with a win in either game of a doubleheader at Camden Yards that evening.
The club responded with an absolute speed-bagging of the home squad – clubbing them 15 – 2 in front of a large Canadian crowd that had made the trip from North of the border in the 1st game. What they did in the next 24 hours might have actually sealed their playoff doom.
Since it was a Division clincher, John Gibbons used the biggest scrub lineup for the next two games in Baltimore – including game 2 of the twin bill, and the following day game. Read the rest of this entry
183 Days MLB Road Trip, Game 56: Camden Yards
2015 MLB Trip Sponsors: Man Fish Brewery, Megabus.com, MLB Reports, National Car Rental and the MLB Ball Park Pass-Port.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
*** I Will be live tweeting from all ballpark venues I am watching games at. Join the discussion.
Chuck Booth’s 2015 MLB Park Historical Road Trip
The GOAL: 183 Straight Days (every single day at least 1 gm) Of ALL 30 MLB Parks Trip In 2015 (217 Games) view full year schedule.
The CAUSE: To Raise Money for Concussion Awareness (via Sports Legacy Institute. donate money here) Through Inspiring Others.
DAY DATE
Thursday May 21, 2015
Game #56 Day #47
Today’s game (s) Start Time (s) in EST and Venue (s):
Camden Yards (6th/20 games there in 2015), 12:35 vs M’s.
161 games left in 136 days
The Big Roady Review (183in2015): Week 3, Games 13 – 20 part 1
Trip Sponsors
2015 MLB Trip Sponsors: Man Fish Brewery, Megabus.com, MLB Reports, National Car Rental, MLB Ball Park Pass-Port
So how does one prepare for a 21 7game/183 Day trip to all 30 MLB Parks. Well, it is actually going to be another week in driving back through Canada.
Here is what I had to do just to make this venture.
The whole reason why I decided to do this trip was to recover from a bad car accident all the way back from mid 2010.
I was hit and runned by some guy who I still haven’t met.
Luckily I had some witnesses who came to my aid. I also received a payout for the incident. It was never enough, but it got me on the road now.
Going through the 1st two weeks of the year was tough. I have worked too many days in the last few years not to have an impact on my first leg of the trip.
We left off with me taking down my 2nd straight Phillies and Yankees home venues Doubleheaders.
On Apr 13 – i had an am early morning Megabus trip from New York to Philly, before I would later return to downtown Philadelphia to board a bus to Baltimore.
Lots of times in this year long odyssey I will be going back to the home base on Sicklerville, NJ. In order to shower and bring fresh clothes out for the next city Read the rest of this entry
183 in 2015: Ball Park Preview, Game 42 – CBP
2015 MLB Trip Sponsors: Man Fish Brewery, Megabus.com, MLB Reports, National Car Rental and the MLB Ball Park Pass-Port.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
*** I Will be live tweeting from all ballpark venues I am watching games at. Join the discussion.
Chuck Booth’s 2015 MLB Park Historical Road Trip
The GOAL: 183 Straight Days (every single day at least 1 gm) Of ALL 30 MLB Parks Trip In 2015 (218 Games) view full year schedule.
The CAUSE: To Raise Money for Concussion Awareness (via Sports Legacy Institute. donate money here) Through Inspiring Others.
DAY DATE
Friday, May.08, 2015
Game # 42 Day #34
Today’s game (s) Start Time (s) in EST and Venue (s):
CBP, (GM 11/36 There this year ), 42 overall, spanning 14 MLB Parks on 34 days. 175 Games left in 149 days and 16 ballparks remain
183 in 2015: Ball Park Preview, Game 41 – Yankee Stadium
2015 MLB Trip Sponsors: Man Fish Brewery, Megabus.com, MLB Reports, National Car Rental and the MLB Ball Park Pass-Port.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
*** I Will be live tweeting from all ballpark venues I am watching games at. Join the discussion.
Chuck Booth’s 2015 MLB Park Historical Road Trip
The GOAL: 183 Straight Days (every single day at least 1 gm) Of ALL 30 MLB Parks Trip In 2015 (218 Games) view full year schedule.
The CAUSE: To Raise Money for Concussion Awareness (via Sports Legacy Institute. donate money here) Through Inspiring Others.
DAY DATE
Thursday May 7th, 2015
Game #41 Day #33
Today’s game (s) Start Time (s) in EST and Venue (s):
Yankee Stadium, (6th game of 25 there), 7:05 vs Orioles.
175 Games left to watch in 150 days after this.
Read the rest of this entry
183 in 2015: Ball Park Preview, Game 33 – Yankee Stadium
2015 MLB Trip Sponsors: Man Fish Brewery, Megabus.com, MLB Reports, National Car Rental and the MLB Ball Park Pass-Port.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
*** I Will be live tweeting from all ballpark venues I am watching games at. Join the discussion.
Chuck Booth’s 2015 MLB Park Historical Road Trip
The GOAL: 183 Straight Days (every single day at least 1 gm) Of ALL 30 MLB Parks Trip In 2015 (218 Games) view full year schedule.
The CAUSE: To Raise Money for Concussion Awareness (via Sports Legacy Institute. donate money here) Through Inspiring Others.
DAY DATE
Wednesday Apr 29th/2015
Game 33 Day 25
Today’s game (s) Start Time (s) in EST and Venue (s):
Yankee Stadium – 1:05 vs Rays
183 in 2015: Ball Park Preview, Game 31 – Fenway Park
2015 MLB Trip Sponsors: Man Fish Brewery, Megabus.com, MLB Reports, National Car Rental and the MLB Ball Park Pass-Port.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
*** I Will be live tweeting from all ballpark venues I am watching games at. Join the discussion.
Chuck Booth’s 2015 MLB Park Historical Road Trip
The GOAL: 183 Straight Days (every single day at least 1 gm) Of ALL 30 MLB Parks Trip In 2015 (218 Games) view full year schedule.
The CAUSE: To Raise Money for Concussion Awareness (via Sports Legacy Institute. donate money here) Through Inspiring Others.
DAY DATE
Monday April 27th, 2015
Game #31 Day #23
Today’s game (s) Start Time (s) in EST and Venue (s):
$ SPENT so far – $14577, MILES driven, (7232) miles Air (1079), ground transport miles (1950), public transportation ( 550). Total Miles so far (10801)
Chili*s eaten (6) Subs (10.5), beers (3), hot dogs (10)
Energy drinks consumed (24). Games left ( 186) days (162)
Song scoreboard at MLB games #UptownFunk (25) take me out to the ballgame (25)
Read the rest of this entry
183 in 2015: Ball Park Previews, Games 14 + 15 – Fenway Park + Camden Yards
2015 MLB Trip Sponsors: Man Fish Brewery, Megabus.com, MLB Reports, National Car Rental and the MLB Ball Park Pass-Port.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
*** I Will be live tweeting from all ballpark venues I am watching games at. Join the discussion.
Chuck Booth’s 2015 MLB Park Historical Road Trip
The GOAL: 183 Straight Days (every single day at least 1 gm) Of ALL 30 MLB Parks Trip In 2015 (218 Games) view full year schedule.
The CAUSE: To Raise Money for Concussion Awareness (via Sports Legacy Institute. donate money here) Through Inspiring Others.
DAY DATE
WED Apr.15 (Jackie Robinson Day )
Games #14, 15 Day #11
Today’s game (s) Start Time (s) in EST and Venue (s):
Fenway Park, 1:35 vs Nationals, Camden Yards, 7:05 vs Yankees
Read the rest of this entry
183 in 2015: Ball Park Preview, Game 13 – Fenway Park
2015 MLB Trip Sponsors: Man Fish Brewery, Megabus.com, MLB Reports, National Car Rental and the MLB Ball Park Pass-Port.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
After having some brief scares with making a baseball game in Baltimore, the focus turns to Fenway Park today for my 1st visit.
This is the 10th day of travel, and I am still trying to land on my feet so to speak of..
*** I Will be live tweeting from all ballpark venues I am watching games at. Join the discussion.
Chuck Booth’s 2015 MLB Park Historical Road Trip
The GOAL: 183 Straight Days (every single day at least 1 gm) Of ALL 30 MLB Parks Trip In 2015 (218 Games) view full year schedule.
The CAUSE: To Raise Money for Concussion Awareness (via Sports Legacy Institute. donate money here) Through Inspiring Others.
DAY DATE
Game #13 Day #10
Today’s game (s) Start Time (s) in EST and Venue (s):
Fenway Park (1st of 14 games there), 7:05 vs Nationals. With the exception of yesterday, I have seen, and will see Washington everyday from Apr.9 – Apr.17.
183 in 2015: Ball Park Preview, Game 12 – Camden Yards
2015 MLB Trip Sponsors: Man Fish Brewery, Megabus.com, MLB Reports, National Car Rental and the MLB Ball Park Pass-Port.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
*** I Will be live tweeting from all ballpark venues I am watching games at. Join the discussion.
Chuck Booth’s 2015 MLB Park Historical Road Trip
The GOAL: 183 Straight Days (every single day at least 1 gm) Of ALL 30 MLB Parks Trip In 2015 (218 Games) view full year schedule.
The CAUSE: To Raise Money for Concussion Awareness (via Sports Legacy Institute. donate money here) Through Inspiring Others.
DAY DATE
Game #12 Day #9
Today’s game (s) Start Time (s) in EST and Venue (s):
Camden Yards, 7:05 – Orioles vs Yankees
Read the rest of this entry
Megabus Saves The Day For Travel Savings On Year Long MLB Trip
To this minute, have booked over 70 bus rides that only cost me a $1 to book the journey with. With the majority of my baseball games watched on the road in Philadelphia, New York, Washington, Baltimore and Washington, one can spend a fortune on parking, gas, tolls and hotels from extended driving. Well, I am here to tell you that Megabus has rescued me from financial ruin on my upcoming journey. These are bus rides so cheap, that you can probably find the fares in seat cushions of your couch or car!
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Anayst): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Megabus Saves The Day For Travel Savings On Year Long MLB Trip
Go to their homepage and book a trip here.
I have changed my schedule so many times on the upcoming season that I never got around to posting the monthly and yearly master schedules. There is a reason for that.
Since the beginning of this ordeal it has come to down to every trick in the book I know to save on travel, and my new favorite go to is Megabus.com
It is a Bus Site that starts the bidding on many bus fares for just $1 on certain days and times. As the times approach for the date to arrive, the rates incrementally go up.
I am lucky to feature 120+ games with both New York clubs, Boston, Baltimore, Washington and Philadelphia this campaign, as such I am fortunate to reel in the savings.
To date, I have placed bookings on over 70 bus rides for $1.00 between these fine cities. I even found a few loopholes to circumnavigate the $10 fares that are customary between Pittsburgh with New York and Boston, while using the Beltway cities of Washington and Baltimore to do the same.
The hub for all of these fine cities, (median so to speak) is Philadelphia. If y ou stop there 1st , the journeys are a $1 there, and then repeat the fare to New York.
New York to Boston is always on the docket for just $1. Pretty much I spent all of Tuesday booking trips through Labor Day weekend. It was the 1st day these routes were live for purchasing. Task completed. Read the rest of this entry
The Struggles Of Josh Hamilton: Despite Massive Talent, He Has Underwhelmed in LA, But Layoff The Guy For His Addiction Battle!
Josh Hamilton from a much younger time in his life. He fought off his drug addiction in his early 20’s, to become one of the best players in the game from 2008 – 2012. Following a recent list of injuries and personal battles, he has suffered a relapse in his addiction. Hamilton met with the MLB yesterday in New York, and has reportedly admitted to at least using cocaine.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst) Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
In the first two months of 2012 Josh Hamilton was putting up historic numbers and was on his way to a Cooperstown resume. I even wrote a column on how he was the best baseball player on the planet.
I had evidence to support my statement. In his 1st 47 Games, the man had 21 HRs and 57 RBI, while batting nearly .400, with an OPS that neared 1.200. Included in those impressive totals was a 4 HR game at Camden Yards.
During my 30 MLB Park streak the 1st 4 weeks of the season, I saw Hamilton play four games. He clubbed 3 HRs and added 3 doubles in his AB during the games I witnessed, and he hit one jack at Target Field that may have not landed yet. This man was pistol hot. I had no doubt he would continue to post Hall Of Fame credentials in that season, and for many years to come.
Right after that he quit chewing tobacco, and has been plagued with problems since. He has left the Texas Rangers, been hurt and underperformed since signing with the Angels. Read the rest of this entry
Finalizing My Full Year Quest To See A Game Everyday Live In 2015
The 30 MLB Park tour by travel or air is one of the most adrenaline filled chases one can endure. It is like the Amazing Race, meets Survivor, against Planes, Trains and Automobiles. But even if you just love to travel, nothing beats going to the park!
I wanted to watch the 1st 2 months off of the West Coast, but the schedule didn’t allow it.
I would have loved to chase down records (for land or air), but obligations to family, friends and also to this website had me thinking of the bigger picture, and I just couldn’t wear myself that thin…when the goal was originally a game a day all year at least
It has been a grueling journey to even plan this 179 day MLB Trip, but the end is in sight, and the baseball year is just 6 weeks away. You can view my pending journey here.
I have dealt with the Canadian $ plummeting to the lowest mark it has seen since I started ballpark chasing in 2005, but at least had the foresight to see it coming down in advance.
The cost of a venture like this changes on a daily basis with fuel prices, and also the rise of inflation. The best laid budgets can veer the wrong way on any given 24 hour stretch. Read the rest of this entry
The Evil Empire Is About To Crumble In The Bronx!
With almost $100 MIL tied up in contracts for Sabathia, A-Rod, Teixeira and a potential Tommy John Surgery candidate in Masahiro Tanaka, this New York squad is in some deep trouble for next season. Despite the recent playoff misses, and injury prone players brought in by Brian Cashman, the club saw fit to grant him a 3 year extension last month. It may take a small miracle for them to make a playoff spot next campaign.
The Evil Empire Is About To Crumble In The Bronx!
Jordan Gluck (Featured Writer): Follow @jgluck777
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Yankees have long used the prolong success of the “core four” to drive them to go far in the playoffs. They then surrounded them by free agents and other homegrown players.
Today the Yankees are in some trouble and if they aren’t smart this offseason they will remain hampered by large contracts for a long time instead of a quick retool to be VERY competitive in two years.
Let me show you what I’m talking about
Here is their Starting lineup and their ages:
LF Brett Gardner 31
3B/2B Martin Prado 31
CF Jacoby Ellsbury 31
C Brian McCann 30
RF Carlos Beltran 37
1B Mark Teixeira 34
DH Alex Rodriguez 39
2B Robert Refsnyder 23 (Or acquisition at 3B, Prado plays 2B)
SS Brendan Ryan 32
Not exactly Spring chickens over there. The only player under 30 is one that will almost absolutely be replaced by someone who is most likely over 30. This at this moment isn’t exactly a star studded lineup, but the way that their being paid might make it seem that way. Read the rest of this entry
2014 Final American League Attendances Show A Slight Decline
Robinson Cano’s arrival helped stopped the plummeting turnstiles revenue at Safeco Field this year, as the club topped 2 Million fans for the 1st time since 2010, and saw the greatest percentage jump in park draw from 2013 to 2014. With a young nucleus surrounding the ALL-Star 2B, the club should contend for the next several years, and maybe Seattle will crack the top half of attendance in the AL once again.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Baseball is in trouble, that is what everyone will say in the newspapers, however the attendances in the game are doing well compared to year to year totals.
Over 34.45 Million Fans viewed games in the ‘Junior Circuit’ during the 2014 campaign. While this total is down from 34.6 MIL fans in 2013, it only represents a drop of 0.5% or 150,000 people.
Cleveland fell back into the cellar of attendance at Progressive Field, barely drawing 1.43 Million butts in the seats. It was an 8.6% drop for the 2013 season, where they drew 1.57 Million fans amidst a playoff race.
The biggest percentage in lost attendance goes to the Rangers, who struggled though an injury filled year, to bring in 14.4% less people than in 2013.
Seattle paid $240 MIL for Robinson Cano last winter, and were rewarded at the turnstiles, with the biggest jump at 13.8% more people going through the wickets at Safeco Field. It was the 1st time they drew more than 2 MIllion since 2010. Read the rest of this entry
As Of Right Now – The Yankees Are A Mess For 2015: End Of The Year ‘State Of The Union’
With almost $100 MIL tied up in contracts for Sabathia, A-Rod, Teixeira and a potential Tommy John Surgery candidate in Masahiro Tanaka, this New York squad is in some deep trouble for next season. Despite the recent playoff misses, and injury prone players brought in by Brian Cashman, the club saw fit to grant him a 3 year extension last week
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Let me get this straight…The ‘Bronx Bombers’ have missed the playoff for 2 years straight and no one has lost their jobs? Man how times have changed in Yankees land.
If George Steinbrenner were alive still right now, the twitter and social media world would be trending his name for all of October.
Since when is it acceptable to miss the playoffs, underachieve and spend to the best payroll in the American League?
Firing Kevin Long is not going to solve the hit crisis the club has.
Before any of you throw daggers at our site, we have had this stance for a couple of years now.
The 1st mistake was to not get under the Luxury Tax Threshold this season. That was soon followed by inking Brett Gardner to a 4 Year Deal, when you have such a similar player in the Outfield like Jacoby Ellsbury. Read the rest of this entry
NLCS Preview: Cardinals vs Giants In A Battle For Decade Supremacy!
It’s all about the Pennants in the LCS Round, The Cards are competing in their 4th straight NLCS, and 9th out of 14 years, while the GIants are in the series for the 3rd time in 5 years, and have never lost a playoff series under head coach Bruce Bochy.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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I am not going to preview this from an analyst angle because our “Lead Podcast Personality” Paul Francis Sullivan ‘AKA Sully’ does a brilliant 20 minute podcast that he does daily, and he has described this matchup beautifully.
I will post the podcast at the end of the article.
Instead, I am looking at this series as a professional handicapper sense.
Opening Odds
STL -135
SF, +115
I have to give the nod to the Giants for value on this one. If you go down the rosters, the St. Louis franchise is a smidge better on the talent level, however how can you bet against San Francisco when they have won 8 straight playoff series from 2010 – 2014.
The Giants have also won 4 of 5 games in this year’s playoff. Read the rest of this entry
2014 ALCS Preview: O’s Vs Royals
This year’s 2014 ALCS matches up two teams that not many people predicted to get to this point, but as arguably the two hottest teams in baseball, the Baltimore Orioles and the Kansas City Royals definitely will be a fun and exciting series to watch.
By Nicholas Delahanty (MLB Reports Writer) Follow @Nick_Delahanty
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It’s been a while since the Baltimore Orioles and the Kansas City Royals have found themselves in the American League Championship Series, but the wait for these two fan bases is finally over.
These two teams will open up a best-of-seven series at Camden Yards on Friday night.
Although it isn’t the usual suspects we see in the series (such as the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox of the world), baseball fans should definitely keep an eye on this series, as two of the hottest teams in baseball will face off to determine who represents the American League in the World Series.
Odds To Win The 2014 ALCS + NLCS In The MLB
Camden Yards will see home games in the ALCS for the 1st time since the 1997 season. Buck Showalter has a decisive edge in the managerial department over the Royals skipper Ned Yost. The O’s are the new owners of home field advantage all the way throughout the postseason now, as the top seed left in the American League.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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The Dog Days Of October
The 4 teams in the League Championship Series were all underdogs in the last round.
When you also factor the Wild Card Games were both won by the Giants and Royals, (both not being the favorite), it marks the 1st 6 rounds of this postseason go to the “Dogs”.
Baltimore defeating the Tigers was probably the least surprising as the other clubs winning against their opponents. Again via a sweep of the 3 straight Cy Young Winners is impressive though.
The Nationals and Cards losing to the Giants and Cardinals had a lot to do with playoff pedigree with the teams moving on, as they handled the pressure better than the two upstart clubs. Read the rest of this entry
4 MLB Post Season Games Slated For Friday, All 3 Hours Apart – Call In Sick!
The 1st game of tomorrow’s play will be held at beautiful Camden Yards..
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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I am also an NFL fan, and while I love baseball more than life itself, these type of days are rare indeed, where the sport will carry four separate times, in order for all 4 games to be seen.
Now, good luck on all games to be under 3 hours, but it is possible with some of the ace pitchers throwing.
Here is the lineup..
All times EST
Detroit @ Baltimore 12:07 PM (Camden Yards) Justin Verlander vs TBD
San Fran @ Washington 3:07 PM (Nationals Park) Jake Peavy vs Stephen Strasburg
St. Louis @ LA Dodgers 6:37 PM (Dodger Stadium) Adam Wainwright vs Clayton Kershaw
Kansas City @ LA Angles 9:37 (Angel Stadium) Yordano Ventura. vs Matt Shoemaker
Now I for one, am thinking that the LA traffic will be gridlock with over 100, 000 people clogging up the freeways in Los Angeles on a October Friday night. Read the rest of this entry
Stop Praising The Yankees For 2014! + Someone Should Be Held Accountable For This Disaster!
The Yankees can’t stop themselves from spending!! A self-imposed cap of under $189 MIL was shot when injuries began to mount. The club should have packed it in for the year, traded veterans near the deadline, with nothing but a hope and a prayer to make the playoffs. Now because they couldn’t fall under the Salary Tax Threshold, it will take a miracle to reach underneath this mark before the 2016 CBA. Welcome to financial hell Yanks, and your team is old – and have no Starting Pitcher’s likely above the #5 slot to begin the 2015 season currently on your 40 man roster under contract, and your payroll is already nearing $175 MIL on just 17 players as it is. Despite all of this, the Yankees are set to offer Cashman an extension? Are they for real?
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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I am sick and tired of hearing all this praise being bestowed on Brian Cashman for the job he is done.
I will not lump Joe Girardi into this conversation, Heck, he has done a great job manipulating the roster he has been given. With the amount of injuries (which happens to old players – hello!) the Yanks are lucky they are not cellar dwelling with the Red Sox.
Back near the Trade Deadline, Chuck Booth explained the “Pinstripers” were foolish to not take advantage of a seller’s market, giving them the ability to deal some veterans – in order to get under the $189 MIL Luxury Tax Threshold. They were 47 – 47 at the ALL – Star Break. Read the rest of this entry
How All Of The O’s Pitchers Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree Explains That The Staff Was Created By Deft Transactions!
Chris Tillman continues to assert himself as one of the emerging great arms in the American League. The 26 Year Old RHP is 26 – 12 in his last 38 game decisions with a mid 3 ERA. Not bad when you consider he and Adam Jones were brought to Maryland for former Draft Pick Erik Bedard, (who is barely hanging on to professional baseball – and was hurt or average in his Seattle days). That deal and the Tommy Hunter and Chris Davis/for Koli Uehara deals kickstarted the renaissance of this historic club. The O’s made the postseason for the 1st time in 15 years during he 2012 campaign, and now possess a massive lead in the AL East with 35 games to go. The O’s management and brass can take stock in a job well done in building this current group of ballplayers.
How All Of The Orioles Pitchers Were Acquired:
By Chuck Booth Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner) & Nick Delahanty (MLB Reports Featured Writer): Follow @chuckbooth3024 Follow @nick_delahanty
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The Orioles made a swift and blunt move last off season, when they traded their 2012 and 2013 Closer Jim Johnson for Jemile Weeks.
The club took some flak in virtually discarding a 101 save man over the last few years to save some money. Johnson was awarded $10 MIL for the year, and has flamed out in Oakland and Detroit since. Those dollars are about what the team receives collectively as a unit.
The team was also lambasted for the signing/not signing of Grant Balfour, because a sketchy physical. Again, they have looked good in the transaction.
The O’s have done a great job building their Bullpen and Rotation.
Chris Tillman was part of the now extremely lopsided deal, which saw Adam Jones for Erik Bedard several years back.
That coupled with some waiver claims (T.J. McFarland as a Rule 5 Draft Picks) and former team draft picks – converting in to late inning arms (Brian Matusz and Closer Zach Britton), and you have seen a brilliant molding of a Relief Core.
Darren O’Day was claimed off of waivers from Texas, in the same campaign the club also fleeced the Rangers, with the Chris Davis/Tommy Hunter deal for Koji Uehara.
Ryan Webb was actually optioned to the Minors, despite decent numbers, while clearing a path for Andrew Miller, as part of a deal from Boston. Miller is one of the better LHP out of the pen in the last year.
The team has supplanted the rotation, with a few key Free Agents over the years, starting with Wei-Yin Chen, and Miguel Gonzalez.
Kevin Gausman represents the only starter right now that was drafted by the team originally.
Bud Norris was brought into Baltimore for a couple of former draft picks and a 2014 RD A compensation pick.
The other significant 2013 deal for the staff – was dealing a Minor Leaguer for Brad Brach.
The Ubaldo Situation
Looking at the numbers, Buck Showalter has the right idea in taking Jimenez out of the rotation.Regardless of the contract figures, Jimenez has failed to be that ace that the Orioles expected to get when he signed his 4 YR $50 MM dollar contract in the winter.
It’s time to let Jimenez take some time to figure things out, as hopefully skipping a start or two will give him time to work on his mechanics to help get him back on track.
This is also familiar territory for the Orioles, as Showalter and crew have had some good success sending guys to the bullpen.
Remember, Zach Britton and Tommy Hunter, two of the best arms in the Orioles’ bullpen this season, were starters that struggled, but once they were shifted to the bullpen they seemed to have figured it out and have been very reliable throughout the season.
Maybe Jimenez can find a role in the pen that could help the team clinch a playoff spot. Read the rest of this entry
How All Of The Orioles Hitters Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree
Adam Jones was brought over in a trade with Chris Tillman, George Sherrill from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Erik Bedard in the 2007 offeseson. Jones is a 3 time Gold Glove Winner, and has 2 straight season of 30+ HRs, and might well be in the top 5 AL MVP consideration this year by the time it is all said and done. This trade started the pendulum swinging back in the other direction – after a horrible 10 year stretch for the O’s. Baltimore broke a 15 year playoff drought n 2012 with a Post Season Berth. This 4 time ALL – Star is on pace for career highs in HRs and RBI for 2014. Jones, now 28, signed a 7 YRs/$91.7 MIL deal prior to the 2012 season, which means he is with Baltimore until the end of 2018
How All Of The Orioles Hitters Were Acquired:
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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The fortunes of the Orioles have all come based on the heels of 2 nice trades and a 3rd one also tilting the scales in their favor.
1 of the deals was the Erik Bedard for Adam Jones and Chris Tillman, the other great trade was acquiring Chris Davis and Tommy Hunter for Koji Uehara.
These deals gave the club a bonafide Starting Pitcher, a Gold Glove and 30 HRs a year hitting Adam Jones, a 50+ HR guy in 2013 with Chris Davis, and a flamethrowing arm out of the Bullpen with Hunter.
Bedard was lackluster in Seattle briefly, and Koji Uehara wasn’t good in Texas, like he was in Baltimore or now Boston.
You can also trace J.J. Hardy (yet another Gold Glover) back to the assets received from Aubrey Huff. Read the rest of this entry
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