Blog Archives
Who Owned Baseball Aug.15, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
JIM COWSERT/AP
Kole Calhoun inched the Angels closer to first place by going 3-4 with a single, a double and a homer, driving in 3 to win 5-4 in Texas.
Cody Asche got a pair of hits including a game tying 8th inning homer that set up the Phillies 5-3 defeat of the Giants in 10 innings.
Corey Kluber pitched into the 8th innings, finishing with 7 2/3 frames, 1 run, 10 strikeouts and 2 walks. The bullpen would blow his lead but the Indians would beat Baltimore, 2-1.
Johnny Cueto pitched 8 innings, allowing just 2 runs in Coors Field, earning the 3-2 victory for the Reds over Colorado.
They owned baseball on Aug 15, 2014.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball Aug.14, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
AP Photo
Max Scherzer threw 8 shutout innings, letting up just 3 hits and struck out 14 Pirates en route to a 5-2 Detroit victory.
Dustin Pedroia went 3-5 with a double, 2 runs scored and 2 runs batted in as the Red Sox came from behind to beat the Astros, 9-4.
Stephen Strasburg pitched 7 strong innings, allowing one unearned run, striking out 8 Met batters and earning the 4-1 decision for the Nationals.
Adeiny Hechavarria hit an RBI triple in the 6th and a game tying RBI single with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th, setting up Miami’s dramatic 5-4 walk off win against Arizona.
They owned baseball on Aug 14, 2014.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball Aug.13, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
Charlie Riedel, AP
Jason Vargas kept the Royals in first place with a complete game, 3 hit, no walk shutout of the A’s, 3-0.
Kendrys Morales reached base 3 times and his first inning 2 run homer provided all the offense in Seattle’s 2-0 win over Toronto.
Justin Masterson pitched 7 shutout innings, letting up 3 hits and no walks, earning the 5-2 decision for the Cardinals in Miami.
Jedd Gyorko went 4-4 with a pair of doubles and a run scored as the Padres continued their winning ways, 5-3 over Colorado.
They owned baseball on Aug 13, 2014.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball Aug.12’14 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher+Hitter MVP’s ) + 2014 #WOB Standings
(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Josh Donaldson kick started a dormant A’s offense by getting 3 hits including 2 homers, driving in 4 and scoring 3, crushing Kansas City 11-3.
Chris Sale threw 8 dominating 4 hit shutout innings, walking just 2 and striking out 12. The White Sox bullpen blew the lead but came back to beat the Giants, 3-2.
Carl Crawford got on base 4 times including a double and scored, helping the Dodgers top the Braves 4-2.
Jarred Cosart pitched 7 shutout innings against the Cardinals and earned the 3-0 win in Miami.
They owned baseball on Aug 12, 2014.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
How All Of The Dodgers Hitters Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree
Yasiel Puig was signed as an International Free Agent in 2012 (7 YRs/$42 MIL).. He was 22 Years old last year when he exploded onto scene in the National League in 3 Slashing .319/.381/.544 – with 19 HRs, 42 RBI and 66 Runs Scored in his 1st 104 Games Played. In 2014, he has been a tad better all around year: (.313/.397/.529 – with 13 HRs and 55 RBI thus far), but has clubbed 53 Extra Base Hits (31 – 2B and 9 3B to go with his HRs) – which is about 10 more extra base knocks than in 2014, whereas the rest of the numbers are pretty identical.
How All Of The Dodgers Hitters Were Acquired:
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
At the MLB Reports, we intend to show you the Roster Tree for the Los Angeles Dodgers – and how they assembled their current roster for hitting and Pitching. It will work in a six degrees of separation like format.
Once we figure out the origin of how many trades going back in time it takes to see where the tree started, it will be time to dissect how the team fared on the deals.
If a player has never left the organization at all, the tree will be easy – as it will just be the year they were drafted or signed.
For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here. Read the rest of this entry
HR Streaks Of 2 Games Or More – 2014 MLB: Joseph’s Historic HRs, Davis On Track, Carter Underrated!
Caleb Joseph is putting up a historic HR run this week, setting a new franchise mark for hitting a long ball in his last 5 straight games, and is throwing out over 50% of the baserunners on the basepaths as a defensive Catcher. The 28 Year Old RHB is giving the management a lot to think about for the future, with the Catchers, First Base and Designated Hitters positions all featuring players who will become Free Agents in the next 1 – 2 years.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
There Is 1 active streak of 5 Games: Caleb Joseph, who is the 2nd player this year to carry a 5 consecutive tilts with a HR ( the other was Devin Mesoraco.
The only other current streak is Adrian Gonzalez ( who is in his 4th streak right now, with the other 3 being at least 3 games, and one of them a 4 games.
Several Catcher flexed their muscles during this particular week.
1 for one, would love to see Joseph tie the club record set by Chris Davis (who was the last MLB to crank HRs in 6 straight (last week of 2012).
Speaking of the Home Run Ball, the Orioles have been obliterating baseball into orbit versus the Cardinals the last few nights. Baltimore has outscored St. Louis 22 – 5, with hammering 9 jacks over the wall. Read the rest of this entry
HR Streaks Of 2 Or More 2014
Harrison may very well have not deserved his NL ALL – Star selection last month, but he is totally on fire now – playing awesome baseball. The Utility man for the Bucs is the latest MLB’er to hit Home Runs in 4 straight contests this year. Harrison also went yard again last night, after a brief 2 game hiatus from smacking a long ball. The Pirates have rode his tear into a tie for the Wild Card spot.
Through Aug 2, 2014
HRs Streaks (Games Consecutive in MLB)
0 active streaks of HRs more than 1
All Streaks Of 2 or more in 2014.
5 Games
Devin Mesoraco, Reds, June 18 – June 24
2nd HR Steak For Mesoraco Read the rest of this entry
How All Of The Red Sox Hitters Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree – Updated For Cespedes + Craig + Johnson Deals
David Ortiz is incredible based on the consistent numbers he has put forth since everyone thought his career was winding down several years ago. The 38 Year Old DH continues to bash homers, win games, and now with a flurry of trades, the organization has given him some reinforcements in the 1 -9 lineup for a few years.
How All Of The Red Sox Hitters Were Acquired:
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Boston Red Sox are smart enough to realize a retool was in order.
To kickstart the festivities, the club made a pair of moves that includes Jon Lester and Jonny Gomes to Oakland for Cuban OF Yoenis Cespedes, followed by dealing Jon Lackey to the Cardinals for 1B/OF Allen Craig and SP Joe Kelly.
These deals have helped the Red Sox be better balanced on offense, and has freed up roster spots for their young prospects to thrive. Read the rest of this entry
HR Streaks Of 2 Or More In 2014
Through July 19, 2014
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
HRs Streaks (Games Consecutive in MLB)
2 Active 2 Game HR streaks: Paul Goldschmidt (3rd Steak) Giancarlo Stanton (1st streak), Last player with 3 HRs (Conor Gillaspie), 4 HRs (George Springer), 5 HRs (Devin Mesoraco). Streaks not of this year: Last 6 HR streak (Chris Davis – 2012), 7 HR streak (Kevin Mench – 2006) and last 8 HR streak (Ken Griffey JR. in 1993)
8 Games (Last Done in 1993)
Ken Griffey JR, Mariners, July.20 – July.28
7 Games (Last Done in 2006)
Kevin Mench, Rangers , April.21 – Apr.28
6 Games (Last Done in 2012)
Chris Davis, Sept.25 – Oct.3, 2012 Read the rest of this entry
2014 Home Run Leaderboards + HR Streaks Of 2 Or More In 2014
THE LONG BALL In 2014
TOP 5 HRs AL/NL @ The ASG Break
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
For Games Played Through July 13, 2014
Top 5 HR Leaders AL
Jose Abreu, White Sox – 29 (Last Homered July 12)
Nelson Cruz, Orioles – 28 (Last Homered July 7th)
Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays – 26 – Injury Report: (15-day disabled list (July 6, strained right quadriceps.)
Mike Trout, Angels – 22 (Last Homered July 11)
Brandon Moss, A’s – 21 (Last Homered July 13)
Victor Martinez, Tigers – 21 – Injury Report – Day to Day. (Last Homered July 3)
Top 5 HR Leaders NL
Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins – 21
Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies – 21 (Last Homered July.11)
Anthony Rizzo, Cubs – 20 (Last Homered July.9)
Todd Frazier, Reds – 19 (Last Homered July.13)
Marlon Byrd, Phillies – 18 (Last Homered July.6) 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
Multi HR Games + Consecutive HR Streaks in 2014
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
For Games Played Through July 7, 2014
Multi HR Games in MLB 2014
For Games Played Through July 7, 2014 ( Steve Pearce with Last 2 HR game – June 30th, Lonnie Chisenhall last with 3 HRs – June 9th, Last 4 HR game – Josh Hamilton – May 8, 2012)
Last 4 HR Game
Josh Hamilton, Rangers (4) – May 8, 2012
Last 3 HR Game
LM Otero/AP
Lonnie Chisenhall (3 HR Game) June 9th
Chris Davis, Orioles (3 HR Game) May 20th
Ryan Braun – Brewers (3 HR Game) – April.8th Read the rest of this entry
There Was A Power Outage In The MLB SAT, But Not At Camden Yards: HR Leaderboards 2014
There were just 20 HRs hit in 17 games played worth of action on Sat. June 28th, 2014, or 0.59 Bolts per team.
Added to that, were that no one hit 2 in a game, and none of the 15 players currently in the top 5 of either the AL or NL hit a big fly yesterday either.
Among the HRs hit, was a 5 HR contest held at Orioles Park At Camden Yards in Baltimore on Saturday.
It was not Chris Davis, Nelson Cruz or even Evan Longoria doing the deed, but Manny Machado, Nick Markakis for the O’s – and Desmond Jennings, newcomer Kevin Keirmaier – and Logan Forsythe also hit his 1st blast of the year.
Darin Mastrorianni also went yard for his 1st long ball with the Blue Jays (2nd game) and first for the season.
Seldom used David Ross – and Dayan Viciedo are the only 2 players in the MLB carrying a HR streak, after no one entered Saturday’s play with a consecutive streak.
Really other than C.J. Cron‘s and Jose Abreu‘s 2 tater trots, it hasn’t been a banger weekend for the power bats.
For those that love the long ball we have updated our list on Multi HR Game to add the last 4 HR game in the Majors, along with the fellas that have the last 3 HR and 2 HR contests.
We have done the same with consecutive HR list, where we have 2 games through 8 listed as the last streaks.
Devin Mesoraco is the only one to have a 5 gamer in 2014, where 6, 7, 8 vary from 2012, to 2006, to 1993 respectively. Read the rest of this entry
Devin Mesoraco Hits A Homer For The 5th Straight Game: ALL Streaks Of 2 Or More 2014
Devin Mesoraco is hitting HRs at a record pace this year, with 14 HRs in just 150 AB. He is among the leaderboards in all of the Catchers offensive categories despite a heavy DL stint. Heading into play today, he has 3 Slashed .320/.387/.667 – and added 40 RBI in his 43 Games Played this campaign. He has also hit a HR in 5 consecutive games. If he can hit a HR in the next game he plays, Mesoraco will be entering extremely rarified air. Only 20 MLB’ers have ever hit a long ball in 6 straight games. The last time the feat was done in the MLB – was by Chris Davis back in 2012. Don Mattinglty, Dale Long and Ken Griffey JR. all share the record – with blasts in 8 straight.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Devin Mesoraco has finally arrived for the Reds.
The Catcher is completely on fire, homering for his 5th straight game on Tuesday night, and giving him 14 on the year in just 150 AB (1 HR/10.72 AB).
The 26 Year Old Catcher is now trailing just Evan Gattis for the NL and MLB lead for the position despite playing in just 43 Games.
He is also in 2nd for RBI with 40 (2nd to Miguel Montero‘s – 43) which is almost a man knocked in per game.
Mesoraco was drafted in the 1st round (15th) of the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft.
The franchise has thought so much of his potential, they have traded away Ramon Hernandez, Yasmani Grandal and Ryan Hanigan to clear a spot for him to thrive.
Kevin Mench is the last MLB’r to have a 7 game HR Streak. He did this in April of 2006
2014 Multi Home Run Efforts + HR Streaks Of 2 Or More In the MLB
George Springer was the last man to hit HRs in 4 games this year..
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
For Games Played Through June 16, 2014
Multi HR Games in MLB 2014
For Games Played Through June 16, 2014 Donnie Murphy Last 2 HR effort – June 16)
LM Otero/AP
Lonnie Chisenhall (3 HR Game) June 9th
Chris Davis, Orioles (3 HR Game) May 20th
Ryan Braun – Brewers (3 HR Game) – April.8th Read the rest of this entry
The Long Ball, HR Leaders, Multi HR Gms, Consecutive Streaks MLB 2014
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
For Games Played Through June 9, 2014
Top 5 HR Leaders AL
Nelson Cruz, Orioles – 21
Edwin Encarnacion. Blue Jays – 20 (Homered June 9th)
Jose Abreu, White Sox – 18 (Homered June 9th)
Josh Donaldson, A’s – 17
Brandon Moss, A’s – 16 Read the rest of this entry
What Miguel Cabrera’s New Contract Means To The Tigers And Him
Miguel Cabrera‘s new 8 YR/$248 MIL contract extension comes days after the club couldn’t come to terms with reigning AL Cy Young winner Max Scherzer.
The numbers are mind boggling.
He breaks the ALL – Time record for Average Annual Contract per year is at $31 MIL AAV (from 2016 – 2023), and also he is owed the most dollars at any given time by a contract at $292 MIL for the years of 2014 – 2023.
This man is the best pure offensive player in the game, and has only become better with age, but a lot of people are worried about the back end of this deal.
I fully understand that. Read the rest of this entry
The Game Odds Are Posted For Opening Series MLB 2014 in Sydney: Dodgers Vs Dbacks + Picks
Clayton Kershaw gets the nod in Sydney, Australia for the MLB opener. He may also pitch the MLB North American Opener next Sunday in San Diego, before potentially throwing 5 days later for the Dodgers Season Opener. This could mean he Starts 3 of the clubs 6 games. If Greinke follows him in SD, that could mean 5 Starts for these guys in the teams first 8 games, with potentially Ryu also throwing 2 starts in. For those people who don’t think this season starter in Australia could benefit the Dodgers, think again. They could lead the NL West for every day of the 2014 season, and could net 3 wins before anyone in the NL West or MLB in total has their 1st victory.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Chuck Booth gave me this mission to kick of the year writing this article. We both come from a long history of predicting outcomes of games.
Some years we have done well, and some years have not been okay.
It has been researched and studied that Doubleheaders have a high probability of seeing a split for the 2 games.
You throw in the neutral site factor of this series, and all home field advantage is thrown out the window.
Chuck nailed the prediction of what they would put the game odds for the 2 games – based on the Starting Pitchers. Read the rest of this entry
The MLB Opens On Saturday With ARI/LAD Playing In Sydney: Opening Series Prediction
The Dodgers open up the year against the DBacks in the MLB Opening Series. For those hardcore home fans, the games start at 1 AM PST and 7 PM PST on Saturday. Look for an article on Friday that will have an in depth look at some of the bets that will be available for this 2 game set. This series does scream a split between the feel of a Doubleheader, and the weirdness of the neutral site and country.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
It should have been Clayton Kershaw vs Patrick Corbin in Game #1, and Zack Greinke and Trevor Cahill in Game #2 in Sydney this Saturday.
While technically it is two different days in Sydney, the games are held at 4:00 AM and 8 PM EST on Saturday Mar.22.
For those brave enough to watch the early game, it is listed as Kershaw vs TBD (MLB.com not listing it, although Miley has been named., and Game #2 is listed as Hyun-jin Ryu vs Trevor Cahill. Read the rest of this entry
Los Angeles Dodgers State Of The Union: 2014 Preview
Clayton Kershaw agreed to a 7 YRs/$215 MIL extension 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
The Homer Bailey Extension Is Good For The Short Term In Cincy: Not Sure About The Long – Term Though
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Homer Bailey may be the 3rd Starting Pitcher on the depth chart, but he happened to be the 1st guy up on Free Agency out of Mat Latos (2016 FA) and Johnny Cueto (2016 FA).
For this reason alone, I like the team extending the 27 Year Old to a 6 YR deal worth a minimum of $105 MIL, and with a Mutual Option for $25 MIL for the 2020 campaign – that could make it a 7 YRs/$125 MIL pact.
The deal starts off pretty good for dollar sense in the first two years, with Bailey making $8 MIL in 2014, and $9 MIL in 2015.
From there if I can borrow a line from Anchorman “That escalated quickly”, the next few years go like this, $18 MIL, $19 MIL, $21 MIL and $23 MIL for the years starting in 2016 – and finishing in 2019. Read the rest of this entry
The Top 50 Contracts Of ALL – Time IN MLB: Freddie Freeman Is 29th With His New Deal – But It Makes Sense
Freddie Freeman Highlights 2013 – Mature Content – Parental Guidance is Advised
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Freddie Freeman is worth the money he just signed for when it comes to his talent level, age and production thus far.
Yesterday, the 24 Year Old First Baseman inked a 8 YR deal worth $135 MIL with the Tomahawk Choppers. As someone who was just entering the 1st year of Arbitration Eligibility, he was bought out of that negotiation.
The Braves will pay more money in the short – term, but will make up for it in the long run – by not having to dole out 200+ MIL bucks for the guy once he could have hit Free Agency. Read the rest of this entry
The Boston Red Sox Payroll In 2014 + Contracts Going Forward
Dustin Pedroia is an example of how to handle your own talent as far as payment. He was signed from 2009 – 2015 , which is 7 YRs/$55 MIL, and then they extended him from 2016 – 2021 (6 YRs/$85 MIL). Being a bit of a bargain on a yearly basis, this natural leader – and former MVP, has given the franchise money flexibility for every year during the duration of his deal. The now 30 Year Old, has a Career 3 Slash of .302/.370/.823. His numbers are great for his 162 game average, with 104 Runs Scored and 194 Hits. Pedroia is pesky with his 46 Doubles, 16 HRs per year.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart Expert) Follow @prosportsroster
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Boston Red Sox pulled of a major “Hoodini Act” by freeing themselves of the long term contracts of Carl Crawford, Adrian Gonzalez and Josh Beckett in an Aug, 2012 trade.
The club used the dollars saved to reel in Mike Napoli, Stephen Drew, Shane Victorino and Jonny Gomes in 2013. All of these guys were massive contributors to the 2013 World Series team.
The Beantowners still live and die by their Starting Pitching. Jon Lester and unpredicted Jon Lackey had renaissance campaigns – while Clay Buchholz cobbled enough health together for a 12 – 1, 1.74 ERA season.
Replicating their championship season will be tougher in 2014.
David Ortiz Highlights
The Top 50 Contracts Of ALL – Time IN MLB: Masahiro Tanaka Is 18th
Darvish has provided Texas with ace-like material ever since coming over from Japan. At his current $10 MIL a year salary, he is a complete bargain compared to what Tanaka received from the Yankees. It was because of the record posting fee the Rangers doled out – to have the exclusive rights to talk to Darvish. You have to wonder what he must be thinking of the Tanaka deal. Texas reaped the benefits of financial freedom to sign other long term deals like Choo, and acquire Fielder based on this move. Darvish finished 2nd in AL CY Young Voting with a 13 – 9 record, a 2.83 ERA and a league leading 277 SO in his 209.2 IP worth of work in 2013. His high posting bid was not part of his salary, or converted towards the total team payroll.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
With Masahiro Tanaka’s new deal – for the 1st time all of the MLB’s ALL-Time top 50 contracts are $100 MIL or more.
Adam Wainwright was effectively bumped out of the #50 slot, leaving 4 guys tied for 47th, all registering deals of $100 MIL (Carlos Lee, Ryan Zimmerman, Albert Pujols (2004 – 2010) and Evan Longoria.
Masahiro Tanaka also joins Robinson Cano, Clayton Kershaw, Shin-Soo Choo and new teammate Jacoby Ellsbury, as players that have made it to the list this offseason.
Masahiro Tanaka’s Japan Highlights
“The Record” Clayton Kershaw Contract By The Numbers: How It All Stacks Up
Clayton Kershaw has agreed to a 7 YRs/$215 MIL extension – 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. The terms go like this for years. 2014: $22 MIL ( $18 MIL signing bonus is part of that), 2015: $30 MIL, 2016: $32 MIL, 2017 and 2018 he will earn $33 MIL). From here that will have been $150 MIL for the 1st 5 years of the contract. If Kershaw remains past this, the deal pays $32 MIL in 2019 – and finally $33 MIL in 2020.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The verdict is in. Clayton Kershaw has agreed to a 7 YR Extension for $215 Million.
It is the highest Annual Average Contract ($30.7 MIL) in the history of Major League Baseball, topping A-Rod’s previously set deal worth $27.5 MIL.
The deal is also the richest contract ever in Pitching history – surpassing Justin Verlander’s 7 YRs/$180 MIL extension from 2013 – 2019.
It is the 6th highest deal ever in the MLB, and Kershaw becomes the 7th player ever to receive a contract north of $200 MIL.
Clayton Kershaw Highlights 2013
Top 10 Stolen Base Leaders in 2013
Ellsbury missed 88 Games in 2012 (and also missed 144 Games in 2010), which brings into question his long – term durability. Heck, even this year, he was seen with a walking boot only a few weeks prior to the playoffs. You can’t deny the man has put up some great numbers out of the leadoff spot for the Red Sox since 2007. Ellsbury has a Career 3 Slash of .297/.350/.789 – and averages 57 XBH, 55 SB, 198 Hits and 108 RBI for every 162 Games Played. The Yankees have inked him to a 7 year deal, and will bank on him staying healthy for most of the contract.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
With a decrease in the total amount of players taking PED’s in the MLB, speed is a more important factor to help manufacture runs than it was even a decade ago.
Jacoby Ellsbury leads the list last year with 52 bag swipes. The Yankees will need him to duplicate what he did in 2013 if they want any chance to compete in 2014.
Everth Cabrera would have been the odds on favorite to take the title – had he not been suspended 50 games for his part in the Biogenesis clinic.
Rajai Davis also enters the list. The Blue Jay in 2013, and Tiger in 2014, swiped 45 bags despite only coming in with 331 AB.
Jacoby Ellsbury 5 Stolen Base Game 2013
The Los Angeles Dodgers Players In All Organizational Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB) 2014
Puig slowed down a shade from his torrid 1st month pace – however still slashed .319/.392/.925 – with 19 HRs, 42 RBI. 66 Runs Scored and 122 Hits in just 434 AB for the 2013 year. He has now in the 2nd YR of a 7 YR/$42 MIL contract in his pocket, and that may be the bargain of ALL – Time if he continues these type of numbers all the way throughout his length of the deal. Puig, 23, finished in 2nd for NL Rookie of The Year Voting, and placed 15th in NL MVP balloting as well.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart Expert) Follow @prosportsroster
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Los Angeles Dodgers had a rollercoaster 2013 campaign. After a late season 2012 trade, the club went on a spending bonanza to enter the 2013 year.
In late May. it looked bleak. The franchise wanted to fire Don Mattingly, Matt Kemp and Hanley Ramirez were battling various injuries, and the club was 23 – 32.
Enter Yasiel Puig with his historic 1st month, and the team then went on a torrid pace at that hadn’t been done in nearly 60 years.
The crux of this crestwave, was a 42 – 8 stretch that saw the club bypass all 4 Division foes, putting a stranglehold on the NL West once and for all.
Dodgers own the West
The Top 50 Contracts Of All – Time In The MLB
Technically A-Rod has received the two top contracts in baseball history, however he opted out after the 2007 year for the 1st one, so really it was a 7 Year Deal worth approximately $158 MIL that was paid out to him between 2000 and the end of the year in 2007. Rodriguez contract from 2008 – 2017 also includes $30 MIL worth of player performances for passing milestones.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I start this paragraph saying that it blows my mind away that Alex Rodriguez has the #1 and #2 best contracts of ALL-Time. This is sick.
At least he might forfeit up to $21 MIL of his salary in 2014, and another $5 – $7 MIL in 2015 – if the 211 game ban sticks.
Therefore can we really say that he would have the top 2 earnings leaders for any given contract? He would have to give up $27.51 MIL of it for that to happen.
Pujols would take over the reigns as the #2 contract with his 10 YRs/$250 MIL deal then.
Some of them are classic overpays, and others actually have netted the franchise their true value back and then more. You can be your own judge.
Albert Pujols 2012 Highlight Mix – Mature Lyrics So Parental Guidance is Advised
MLB Player Profile: How Valuable Has Ben Zobrist Been To The Rays?
Ben Zobrist has quietly tuned into one of the best all around players in the game of baseball. He has finished in the top for WAR in 3 of the last 5years – including 1st in 2011 and 2nd in 2009. Zobrist, 32, who continued this season with his musical chairs defensive role on the team this year, has two years left on his current contract, and will be a Free Agent at the end of the 2015 season. It was the summer of 2006, that the brass traded Aubrey Huff for the young player. Zobrist has played 1500+ Innings in 4 different defensive positions for the franchise (SS/2B/RF/LF – and it helps Joe Maddon bring in favorable platoon matchups for several other lineup spots). He has a career 3 Slash of .263/.354/.789 in 8 seasons for Tampa.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Picture how bad the Tampa Bay Devil Rays were when the Houston Astros traded Ben Zobrist with Mitch Talbot to the Tampa Bay Rays for Aubrey Huff and cash on July.12/2006.
The team was in the 8th season out of 9 years of under .500 ball. The guy he was traded for had great offensive acumen, and was the franchise leader in several career categories as he departed the door.
Zobrist had an auspicious beginning with the Rays, struggling during the 2006 – 2007 years. His OPS numbers for those years were .572 and .391 respectively.
Joe Maddon was not as worried as others were about the 6th Round Drat Pick of the Houston Astros back in 2004,because the guy would be a Maddon type of player.
Ben Zobrist 2 Part Interview
Don Mattingly Would Be Perfect For The Nationals Or Tigers MGR Positions: Dodgers Skipper Is Still In Limbo
Don Mattingly has a Managerial Record of 260 -225 (.536) in his 1st 3 years as Dodgers Skipper. Among the totals in this year – was that he guided the club to a 62 – 30 record during the last 92 Games this year. The Dodgers were knocked out the NLCS Round versus the Cardinals. Mattingly’s $1.4 Vesting Option was picked up by that accord of being in the final 4 this season. The Dodgers are only offering the one year of 2014, and Mattingly believes he has done a great enough job to earn a multi-year deal.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twiter Follow @mlbreports
The Dodgers are making a mistake in not signing Don Mattingly to a multi – year deal. If you actually sit back and think about what he was able to do is a miracle this year.
Matt Kemp was 50% of himself – and also missed half of the year.
Hanley Ramirez played at an MVP caliber for the time he was in there, problem was – missed 74 games.
Carl Crawford was great, but he missed 45 Games.
Yasiel Puig came up – with 60 Games already taken off of the year.
Zack Greinke missed 2 months after Carlos Quentin charged him.
Brandon League was abysmal early as a Closer.
The 3rd base/Shortstop position featured an opening day of Luis Cruz and Justin Sellers.
MLB Reports 
You must be logged in to post a comment.