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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.30) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

Allen Craig collected 4 hits, missing the cycle by a triple, and drove in 3 runs as the Cardinals avoided a Milwaukee sweep, 9-3.

Tim Hudson was a strike from a complete game victory. He settled for 8 2/3 brilliant innings as the Giants topped the Padres, 3-2.

Hank Conger got on base 3 times and hit a go ahead 2 run homer as the Angels cruised past the Indians, 7-1.

Jesse Chavez shut down the Rangers bats. He held them to one hit, one walk and no runs while striking out 8. Oakland demolished their rival in Arlington, 12-1.

They owned baseball on April.30, 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.

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Home Run Leaders In 2014, HR Streaks (3 Active) + Multi HR Games: Tulo Keeps On Fire – Stanton Ties For NL Lead!

Giancarlo Stanton tied the NL For the lead with 8 HRs yesterday, when he went deep in the Marlins 9 - 0 romp of the Atlanta Braves.  Stanton also leads the NL in RBI with 32.  He is one of each a HR and an RBI behind Jose Abreu for the MLB lead.  Is this the year Stanton finally reaches projections?  The MLB Reports picked him to lead the MLB in HRs all the way back in FEB of this year.

Giancarlo Stanton tied the NL For the lead with 8 HRs yesterday, when he went deep in the Marlins 9 – 0 romp of the Atlanta Braves. Stanton also leads the NL in RBI with 32. He is one of each a HR and an RBI behind Jose Abreu for the MLB lead. Is this the year Stanton finally reaches projections? The MLB Reports picked him to lead the MLB in HRs all the way back in FEB of this year.

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

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Troy Tulowitzki is on fire.  He homered for the 2nd consecutive game, and is now just 1 Roundtrip behind Giancarlo Stanton and Adrian Gonzalez for the NL Lead.

TULO is also tied with teammate Justin Morneau, for third in RBI this season at 22.

His efforts help the Rockies win last night in Arizona, and the club is now 16 – 12 on the young season, just 0.5 Games behind the Giants. 

Mark Teixeira hit a HR for the second straight contest, and has now clubbed 3 HRs in the week he has been back from injury. 

While the rest of the teams pitching is struggling  or be hurt outside of Masahiro Tanaka, having the 1B hitting like this bodes well for the lineup.

Carlos Santana must be giving fantasy players a collective sigh of relief after putting forth another HR and 3 RBI effort for the 2nd time in as many games in Los Angeles, too bad they were both losses to the Angels. Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.29) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Steve Mitchell / USA Today Sports

Steve Mitchell / USA Today Sports

Jose Fernandez simply dominated the Atlanta Braves. He pitched 8 shutout 2 hit innings, striking out 8 and walking 2. He also made an amazing fake throw to draw off a runner from third and record an out at the plate. The best baseball show in Miami won the game, 9-0.

Lyle Overbay got two RBI singles, including one in the 11th inning that gave the Brewers a 5-4 lead they would not give up against the Cardinals.

John Lackey threw another solid game, going 8 innings, letting up 2 runs and walking just 1. He got the decision for Boston’s 7-4 win against Tampa Bay.

Mike Zunino collected 4 hits, driving in a run and scoring another, leading the Mariners to a 6-3 win against the Yankees.

They owned baseball on April.29, 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.

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2014′s Top 5 Home Runs AL + NL, HR Streaks (2 Active) + Multi HR Games:

Heading into play last Thursday night, fantasy players and everyone surrounding the Mariners was wondering what had happened to 3B Kyle Seager.  He has nailed 5 HRs in his last 4 games, and is now hitting for a .798 OPS - with 13 RBI in 79 AB on the young season.  The last 2 years, Seager has hit 20 and 22 HRs respectively - and been the only player on the squad to have decent RBI totals.

Heading into play last Thursday night, fantasy players and everyone surrounding the Mariners was wondering what had happened to 3B Kyle Seager? He has since nailed 5 HRs in his last 4 games, and is now hitting for a .798 OPS – with 13 RBI in 79 AB on the young season. The last 2 years, Seager has hit 20 and 22 HRs respectively – and been the only player on the squad to have decent RBI totals.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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With only 6 games being played last night, there were not too many HRs hit for the contests.

This has left the MLB with 2 current players with HR streaks. 

Those players both have clubbed HRs in back to back games, and they are Giants SS Brandon Hicks and Seattle Mariners 3B Kyle Seager, who hit 3 HRs over the Saturday and Sunday games – and has 5 Tater-Trots in the last 4 games.

Seager had exactly zero Home Runs, before squaring 2 baseballs up last Thursday at home versus the Houston Astros, He was blanked by the Rangers on Friday, before doing yard work on Saturday.

Sunday saw the man have his 2n 2 HR game out of 4 contests. Read the rest of this entry

30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 5 – Apr. 2014

The Astros have helped pad the stats for teams like the A's, Rangers and Angels offenses and Run Differentials so far,  Having this cupcake team will definitely help your playoff chances with the weighted divisional play.

The Astros have helped pad the stats for teams like the A’s, Rangers and Angels offenses and Run Differentials so far in 2014, Having this cupcake team will definitely help your playoff chances with the weighted divisional play.  I will be amazed if they finish out of last in the American League this year, and maybe only the Chicago Cubs will challenge them for the 1st overall pick again for the 2015 MLB Amateur Draft.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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We are now at the 13 – 14% pole of the MLB year.  Parity is reigning supreme on the standings.

For the record, while I love the Milwaukee start, they are just too many variables for them to keep up this pace.

Don’t get me wrong, i think this team is capable of making the playoffs, winning 90 games, but it could be eliminated as fast as they have compiled this record.

Ryan Braun’s thumb could require surgery. Ramirez’s knee’s could fail him.

Considering last night’s situation with Braun and Gomez, that could alter the playing field for the NL.

The suspension laid down for the brawl with the Pirates could also sway some momentum.  Good on Milwaukee for starting 18 – 6.  I just think the Cards will track them down in the next 138 games. Read the rest of this entry

2014′s Top 5 HRs AL + NL, HR Streaks (4 Active) + Multi HR Games: Adrian Gonzalez Streaking Again

On a team that has desperately be in need of offense - due to early season woes from Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier and Hanley Ramirez, A - Gon has delivered the goods.  Yesterday, he hit a HR for the 3rd straight game, and today he has a chance to match the 4 HR streak he already put up earlier in the Month.  The Dodgers 1B is showing signs of his early career power prowess.  He is currently 3 Slashing .309/.362/.639 - with 8 HRs and 22 RBI in his 1st 18 Games Played.  LA has managed to stick in the NL West race, with a 14 -11 clip thus far, I can't imagine where they would be with such a hot start from Gonzalez.

On a team that has desperately be in need of offense – due to early season woes from Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier and Hanley Ramirez, A – Gon has delivered the goods. Yesterday, he hit a HR for the 3rd straight game, and today he has a chance to match the 4 HR streak he already put up earlier in the Month. The Dodgers 1B is showing signs of his early career power prowess. He is currently 3 Slashing .309/.362/.639 – with 8 HRs and 22 RBI in his 1st 18 Games Played. LA has managed to stick in the NL West race, with a 14 -11 clip thus far, I can’t imagine where they would be with such a hot start from Gonzalez.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Early season power surges are quite common the MLB.  I mean everyone remember Chris Shelton jumping out of the box with 9 HRs, and also remember Tuffy Rhodes clubbing 3 HRs on Opening Day one year against Dwight Gooden.

The key is parlaying a fast start into some sustainable durability.

Brandon Belt, Brian Dozier are unlikely HR leaders right now, and a lot of people must wonder if Jose Abreu can keep up this kind of pace.

Bautista, Trumbo, Pujols and Stanton had to be penciled in for a lot of HR leaders by experts, fantasy players and scouts alike.

Josh Donaldson has also turned it an, clubbing 7 HRs in the last 15 calendar days, and is looking more like the player that finished 4th in AL MVP balloting.

I still think we will see Miguel Cabera and Prince Fielder enter this race at some point once their bats heat up.  Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.25) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Chris Sweda/ Chicago Tribune

Chris Sweda/ Chicago Tribune

Jose Abreu got three hits including a pair of homers. The second was a 2 out, bottom of the 9th, come from behind, walk off grand slam. Safe to say that was the highlight of the White Sox’s 9-6 win over the Rays.

Yordano Ventura pitched 8 shutout innings, striking out 8, and getting the 5-0 win for the Royals in Baltimore.

Carlos Gomez went 3-5 with a double, a stolen base and two runs scored, leading the Brewers to a 5-2 win over the Cubs.

Stephen Strasburg pitched seven dominating shutout innings. He struck out 11 Padres, walking just 2 and got the 11-1 victory for the Nationals.

They owned baseball on April.25, 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.

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2014′s Top 5 HRs AL + NL, HR Streaks (4 Active) + Multi HR Games: Breakouts For Colabello + Abreu

Chris Colabello is the most unlikely early RBI leader in the AL, with 26 knocked in during his 1st 20 Games Played this year.  While he is leading the AL in Doubles with 9, he has now added HRs in back to back games.  The Team Italy player for the last WBC tournament has been hitting in the middle of the lineup for the 10 - 10 Minnesota Twins.  The RHB originally from Framington, MA came into the 2013 season with just 160 AB last year (his rookie campaign in the MLB).  So far in 2014, he has 3 Slashed .346/.386/.577 - and has played 1B/RF and DH.

Chris Colabello is the most unlikely early RBI leader in the AL, with 26 knocked in during his 1st 20 Games Played this year. While he is leading the AL in Doubles with 9, he has now added HRs in back to back games. The Team Italy player for the last WBC tournament has been hitting in the middle of the lineup for the 10 – 10 Minnesota Twins. The RHB originally from Framington, MA came into the 2013 season with just 160 AB last year (his rookie campaign in the MLB). So far in 2014, he has 3 Slashed .346/.386/.577 – and has played 1B/RF and DH.

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

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It was a great night for Tater Trot’s yesterday.  The Giants had teammates crack 2 HRs each in Morse and Sanchez, while Blackmon extended his consecutive HR games streak to 3, and Tulowitzki clubbed a big fly for the 2nd straight contest.

2 men (McCutchen and Blackmon enter play today with 3 games straight with a HR.  The 2013 NL MVP will try to extend his mark versus Tony Cingrani of the Reds in a Thursday afternoon game at PNC Park – while Blackmon will travel to LA – trying to extend his streak versus Josh Beckett tomorrow night.

Kyle Seager, of the Mariners, and Hector Santiago of the Giants, hit their 1st 2 HRs of the year, in Multi HR efforts Wednesday.

Mike Morse and Nelson Cruz continued to pad their early starts towards 2015 Free Agency, also with 2 HR games yesterday. Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.23) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Photo: Ben Margot, AP

Photo: Ben Margot, AP

Martin Perez threw a complete game, 3 hit shutout in Oakland. The 3-0 victory propelled the Rangers into first place by themselves.

Kyle Seager launched a pair of homers, driving in all 5 Seattle runs, including a 3 run bottom of the ninth come from behind walk off homer to give the Mariners a 5-3 win over Houston.

Zack Greinke pitched 7 strong innings, letting up just 5 hits, 2 earned runs and walking 1 while striking out 11. He improved to 4-0 for the Dodgers with the 5-2 win over the Phillies.

Hector Sanchez hit two homers including an 11th inning grand slam, collecting 5 RBI in all and propelling the Giants to a 12-10 win over the Rockies.

They owned baseball on April.23, 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.

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Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series – Updated For Week 4

Wrigley Field is about the best all natural ballpark experience out of all of the 30 teams in the MLB - however the attendance has started to sag with the recent play of the franchise.  Wrigley Field has seen a decline in fans attended every year since 2008, down from 3.3 Million fans in 2008, to 2.65 Million people in 2013 (only good for 7th out of 15 NL Teams).  Today's 100th birthday of the field should be the best game of the year at Addison and Clark.

Wrigley Field is about the best all natural ballpark experience out of all of the 30 teams in the MLB – however the attendance has started to sag with the recent play of the franchise. Wrigley Field has seen a decline in fans attended every year since 2008, down from 3.3 Million fans in 2008, to 2.65 Million people in 2013 (only good for 7th out of 15 NL Teams). Today’s 100th birthday of the field should be the best game of the year at Addison and Clark.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Odds To Win The 2014 World Series

1.  LA Dodgers +600

2.  Detroit Tigers +700

T3.  Washington Nationals +900 (Down from +700)

They have only really beat the Marlins all year, haven’t fared well against the great clubs,

T3. St. Louis Cardinals +900 (Down From +850)

Surprising a little they have come down a little, still will be able to catch Milwaukee.  Poor start for Allen Craig and Jhonny Peralta should correct itself.

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2014’s Top 5 HRs AL + NL, HR Streaks + Multi HR Games + Pujols Nets Career HR #500

Albert Pujols has fought back from his injury in 2013, to lead the Majors  in HRs (8) - including 2 big bombs last night in Washington.  His 2nd smash, was the 500th of his career, joining 25 other men who have accomplished the feat.  The Angels squared their season record at 10 - 10, and  are 7 - 4 away from Los Angeles.  Pujols became the 3rd youngest MLB'ER to this feat - as only Alex Rodriguez and Ken Griffey JR. were younger.

Albert Pujols has fought back from his injury in 2013, to lead the Majors in HRs (8) – including 2 big bombs last night in Washington. His 2nd smash, was the 500th of his career, joining 25 other men who have accomplished the feat. The Angels squared their season record at 10 – 10, and are 7 – 4 away from Los Angeles. Pujols became the 3rd youngest MLB’ER to this feat – as only Alex Rodriguez and Ken Griffey JR. were younger.

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

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 ALL TIME HR List In Baseball

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.22) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Photo: Tommy Gilligan, USA TODAY Sports

Photo: Tommy Gilligan, USA TODAY Sports

Albert Pujols homered twice, driving in a pair of runs. His second home run was career homer number 500. He helped the Angels top the Nations, 7-2.

Matt Holliday got on base four times, scored, drove in a run and pulled a home run back over the fence with a great catch as the Cardinals topped the Mets, 3-0.

Jose Fernandez won one of the most startling pitching duels of the year, striking out 14 over 8 shutout innings and letting up just 3 hits and walking none. The Marlins would sneak past the Braves, 1-0.

David Price overcame a pair of homers to throw a complete game, striking out 12 and walking one. The Rays beat the Twins, 7-3.

They owned baseball on April.22, 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.

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Chicks Dig The Long Ball: Top 5 HRs AL/NL, HR Streaks and Multi HR Games

Charlie Blackmon continued his assault on NL Pitching yesterday with a pair of HRs.  They represented the second straight game he has clubbed a Tater - Trot, and for that he found himself on our Multi HR board and consecutive leader for 2 games right now.  The 27 Year Old OF has fashioned a 3 Slash in 2014 of .411/.450/.671 - with 4 HRs and 13 RBI.  He leads the NL in: BA, Hits (30), TB (39) - and slugging.  Blackmon has played at least 4 games in every position beyond the grass this campaign, and is making the fans not miss Dexter Fowler.

Charlie Blackmon continued his assault on NL Pitching yesterday with a pair of HRs. They represented the second straight game he has clubbed a Tater – Trot, and for that he found himself on our Multi HR board and consecutive leader for 2 games right now. The 27 Year Old OF has fashioned a 3 Slash in 2014 of .411/.450/.671 – with 4 HRs and 13 RBI. He leads the NL in: BA, Hits (30), TB (39) – and slugging. Blackmon has played at least 4 games in every position beyond the grass this campaign, and is making the fans not miss Dexter Fowler.

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

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So far in 2014 we have some of our usual candidates holding down front and center with the HR race. Jose Bautista is back to his old leading ways in Toronto, and  Albert Pujols has re-emerged as a legitimate threat to circle the bases.

In the NL, Mark Trumbo broke a horrendous slump – to paste a big fly (#7) in yesterdays game.  Unfortunately, it came in another D’Backs loss.  Pedro Alvarez (who tied for the NL Lead with Paul Goldschmidt in 2013) is right behind him with a pack of 5 sluggers at 6 jacks.

Ryan Braun and Albert Pujols are on the leaderboard because of torrid stretches.  Pujols has had 3 back to back HR games, and Braun has smacked his 6 HRs in just 3 games of play.

The Pirates are only seemingly scoring when they can smash balls over the wall.  Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.21) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Mark J. Terrill/AP

Mark J. Terrill/AP

Cliff Lee pitched 8 dominating innings against the Dodgers. No runs, no walks, 4 hits and 10 strikeouts as the Phillies rolled, 7-0.

Andrew McCutchen got on base 5 times, crushed a game tying homer in the 8th and drew a walk in the game winning 9th inning rally as the Pirates came from behind to beat the Reds, 6-5.

Garrett Richards let up just 1 hit and 1 run, striking out 6 over 6 innings. He was lifted for a pinch hitter and did not get the decision. But the Angels would top the Nationals, 4-2.

Matt Dominguez homered, doubled and walked, driving in 3 and lead Houston’s surprising attack against Felix Hernandez and the Mariners for a 7-2 win.

They owned baseball on April.21, 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.

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30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 4 MLB Baseball Apr. 2014

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Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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We are now at the 10% pole of the MLB year.  The American League looks to have some serious battles taking place in the divisions, while the National League has teams who are separating from others.

Kansas City put themselves back on the map with a 5 – 2 week, and now have a tie for the AL Central lead.

The Yankees started the week winning 4 straight, before dropping the last contests with the Rays, but look good for the long haul.

The Rays officially lost Matt Moore for the year, and Alex Cobb is gone for a while too.

Albert Pujols is bouncing towards 500 HRs, but his Halo’s are in the midst of a tough 3 city road trip.

The Nationals are learning once again that nothing is handed to you. Read the rest of this entry

HRs Streaks, Multiple HR Games + Top 5 HRs AL + NL

Carlos Gomez had a breakout season in 2013 with a career high 40 SB. Gomez added 61 Extra Base Hits, his 1st ALL - Star Game and brought home his 1st Gold Glove Award for CF. " Carlos Gomez, 28,  had a breakout season in 2013 with a career high 40 SB. Gomez added 61 Extra Base Hits, his 1st ALL - Star Game and brought home his 1st Gold Glove Award for CF - and also was among players who had 20 HRs and 20 SB .  So far he is tied for 5th in the NL with 5 HRs, but only has 1 SB heading into action today.

Carlos Gomez had a breakout season in 2013 with a career high 40 SB. Gomez added 61 Extra Base Hits, his 1st ALL – Star Game and brought home his 1st Gold Glove Award for CF. ” Carlos Gomez, 28, had a breakout season in 2013 with a career high 40 SB. Gomez added 61 Extra Base Hits, his 1st ALL – Star Game and brought home his 1st Gold Glove Award for CF – and also was among players who had 20 HRs and 20 SB . So far he is tied for 5th in the NL with 5 HRs, but only has 1 SB heading into action today.

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

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Here at the MLB Reports we look to do things different.  It is one of our many motto’s.

We simply can’t look over every stat, or even chart every HR for that matter, but I have decided that we will carry the top 5 HR hitters for each the AL and NL on a page we have dubbed Stats.

For the HR feature. we will also list multiple HR games for players… Or if they have HRs in multiple games.  Once a week we will post these on the home page for the site as a regular page post. Read the rest of this entry

HRs Streaks, Multiple HR Games + Top 5 HRs AL + NL

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Here at the MLB Reports we look to do things different.  It is one of our many motto’s.

We simply can’t look over every stat, or even chart every HR for that matter, but I have decided that we will carry the top 5 HR hitters for each the AL and NL on a page we have dubbed Stats.

For the HR feature. we will also list multiple HR games for players… Or if they have HRs in multiple games.  Once a week we will post these on the home page for the site as a regular page post. Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.09) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings 2014

Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports

Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports

Victor Martinez reached base 4 times, drove in a pair including a 10th inning home run that put the Tigers ahead of the Dodgers for good, 7-6.

Billy Hamilton was magnificent in the Reds 4-0 victory over the Cardinals. He got three hits, including a triple, walked, stole a pair and scored twice. One of the runs was on a sacrifice fly hit just barely beyond the infield for the play of the season so far.

Garrett Richards threw 7 innings of 1 hit shutout ball and got the 2-0 win for the Angels in Seattle.

Mike Leake pitched 8 shutout innings, letting up just 4 hits and 1 walk, getting the 4-0 win for the Reds against St. Louis.

They owned baseball on April.9, 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.

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Triple Play Podcast Episode 2 Of 2014: Empire State Of Mind: NYM + NYY + TOR Chat

 

The Triple Play Show will have 5 shows per month.  Each show will be about 1 hour

The Triple Play Show will have 2 shows per month. Each show will be about 1 hour. Chuck Booth will guest once a month for MLB  Reports Power Rankings,

By The Big Ticket Show ( AKA Triple Play Podcast on http://www.mlbreports.com)

Mike Silva (Radio Host 1240 AM WGBB, Long Island New York – 19 Minute Mark and a 31 Min segment) )

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New York, New York big city of dreams where not everything is as it seems, so we had Mike Silva (http://www.mikesilvamedia.com)of WGBB1240 AM break down the Mets and a bit of the Yankees + our new Mt .Flushmore segment. Read the rest of this entry

How All Of The St. Louis Cardinals Roster Was Acquired: 2014 Season

The Cardinals Roster Tree has been the easiest to do by far.  This organization has Drafted so incredibly well, that there has been no real need for trading of late.  We will still see how drafting J.D. Drew has turned into Adam Wainwright, and how Albert Pujols signing with the Angels, made for the Cards to select young phenom Michael Wacha.  St. Louis is in their 8th NLCS in the last 13 years, with a multitude of young stars coming.  They are going to be players in the National League for some time to come.

The Cardinals Roster Tree has been the easiest to do by far. This organization has Drafted so incredibly well, that there has been no real need for trading of late. We will still see how drafting J.D. Drew has turned into Adam Wainwright, and how Albert Pujols signing with the Angels, made for the Cards to select young phenom Michael Wacha. St. Louis is made to their 8th NLCS in the last 13 years,  and 4th World Series Appearance in the last 10, with a multitude of young stars coming in the horizon. They are going to be players in the National League for some time to come.

How All Of The Cardinals Were Acquired:

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

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At the MLB Reports, we intend to show you the Roster Tree for the St. Louis Cardinals – 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.

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

Washington Nationals Payroll In 2014 + Contracts Going Forward

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth + Payroll Expert – find his website here)

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The Washington Nationals have had an escalating salary structure for the last few years.  The truth is that their talent needs to be paid as time goes on.

In 2014, the Budget is looking to be around $130 MIL so far, after just being over $110 MIL.

The situation is more expensive next year, with 10 players under the Arbitration Eligible – highlighted by Stephen Strasburg for his 2nd year of it.

Among the others are:  Craig Stammen, Danny Espinosa, Tyler Clippard, Doug Fister, Drew Storen, Ross Detwiler, Wilson Ramos, Jerry Blevins, Jose Lobaton and Ryan Mattheus. Read the rest of this entry

New York Mets State Of The Union: 2014 Preview

The Mets are destined of another catastrophic year in Flushing Meadows.  The only saving grace may lie with the young players starting to flourish in 2014, and the 10 Year Stalwart David Wright.  A bad Bullpen. shaky rotation dependent on health, and a Strikeout laden club, with HR power, but low OBP fuels a fan to think 'what the hell is the ownership doing?

The Mets are destined for another catastrophic year in Flushing Meadows. The only saving grace may lie with the young players starting to flourish in 2014, and the 10 Year Stalwart David Wright continue to stake his claim as an ALL – Time Met. A bad Bullpen. shaky rotation dependent on health, and a Strikeout laden club, with HR power, but low OBP –  fuels a fan to think ‘what the hell is the ownership doing?  As tough a situation as it has been for the teams brass, Sandy Alderson and Moneyball’s Paul DePodesta’ have actually done spade work in rebuilding the Minor League System and big club with prospects.  I am afraid 2014 will be another dull year at Citi Field.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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To fully describe the current state of the ‘Big Apple’ franchise we must go back to Sept of 2013.

New Team icon, and filthy dominant Right Handed Pitcher, Matt Harvey was looking to put up an awesome end to his 2013 campaign, and give the Mets fans full fledged hope for the following season.

Harvey underwent Tommy John Surgery just a few months later, which has both curbed expectations, but also excitement at the same time for the upcoming year.

Sandy Alderson pursued Curtis Granderson and landed him on a 4 YRs/$60 MIL deal, and also signed SP Bartolo Colon to a 2 YR Deal worth $20 MIL.

In a smaller move, he also inked Chris Young to a deal for one year. Read the rest of this entry

The New York Yankees Organizational Depth Charts (All Affiliates) – Spring 2014 (Majors and Minors)

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth Chart + Payroll Expert – find his website here)

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Brian Cashman has signed 10 new Free Agents this winter, and also made a mockery of the waiver wire list, with his 2013 pluckings last campaign to aid an injury riddled squad of veterans.

Simply put, this franchise has done a brutal job of drafting over the course of the last decade or so. Cashman has to take his share of the blame for that.

Luckily for the big market club, these can be overlooked when you feature a payroll in the $235 MIL range.

Having said this, the cupboard is not bare in the Minor Leagues. Read the rest of this entry

The St. Louis Cardinals Organizational Depth Charts – Spring 2014 (Majors and MInors)

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth Chart + Payroll Expert – find his website here)

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For all of those websites that put off writing about the Cardinals after the World Series due to fatigue, it is time to brush up on the best run franchise in the Major Leagues.

The majority of the players in the system and in the Majors were developed by the Cardinals franchise.

Last year, I did a Roster Tree of how all of the players were acquired.  Something like 18 of the 25 players were Drafted by the club.

That is light years ahead of the next team in the race.

When you see that St. Louis has made it to the final four clubs 8 teams in 13 years, and now has made 4 trips to the World Series in a decade, you are leaving another chapter in the legacy of the franchise. Read the rest of this entry

Master List Of All Free Agents Signed In 2013 Winter – Heading Into 2014 MLB Year

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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It has been a record setting year for contract $ doled out for players.  When you factor in the player extensions, we are talking about 7 contracts registering in the top 50 Player contracts in the history of the game.

Robinson Cano, Clayton Kershaw, Masahiro Tanaka, Jacoby Ellsbury, Freddie Freeman, Shin-Soo Choo and Homer Bailey have inked deal for between $105 MIL to $240 MIL.

Now there is word the Angels are working on an extension with Mike Trout, to the tune of 6 YRs/$150 MIL,  from 2015 – 2020.  This would be the 22nd highest contract in MLB History.

For the record, Trout’s deal for 2014 is already set at $510 K, and any extension wouldn’t have Luxury Tax Ramifications until his new deal would start in 2015. Read the rest of this entry

The Homer Bailey Extension Is Good For The Short Term In Cincy: Not Sure About The Long – Term Though

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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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): 

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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

For Those Thinking The Yankees Are So Much Older Than The Red Sox, Think Again

With spending $503 MIL on contracts this winter, however they are not as old of a club as they were last year.  That doesn't mean the problem won't come back in future years, it just means this is their best year to compete for some time.

With spending $503 MIL on contracts this winter, however they are not as old of a club as they were last year. That doesn’t mean the problem won’t come back in future years, it just means this is their best year to compete for some time.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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I am not a Yankees fan, and am definitely not a Red Sox fan either, however it is funny how this rivalry has captivated most baseball followers.

After this winter signings have occurred, I finally decided to do some investigating, because of all the venom fired towards the Bronx Bombers.

Immediately after Carlos Beltran signed, you saw, ‘hey, the Yankees are signing old fogies again.’

I also watched as Boston Red Sox Nation piled on the New York franchise for this.

So after reviewing both rosters, guess what….Both teams have similarly aged players.  It is almost dead on. Read the rest of this entry

New York Yankees Payroll In 2014 Is Now $197 MIL (AAV) With Tanaka Added

2014 Contracts in MIL Annual Average Vakue – AKA AAV (Age) – Running $ Total

1. 1B Mark Teixeira – 23.0  (32) 23.0

2. SP CC Sabathia – 22.8  (32) 45.8

NEW: SP Masahiro Tanaka – 22.1 (25)  67.9

3. CF Jacoby Ellsbury – 21.9 (30) 89.6

4. C  Brian McCann – 17.0  (29) 106.6

5. SP Hiroki Kuroda – 16.5  (37) 123.1

6. LF/DH Carlos Beltran – 15.0 (36) 138.6

7. SS Derek Jeter – 12.0 (40) 150.6 Read the rest of this entry