Blog Archives
Where Will Brian Wilson End Up?

Brian Wilson has a great comeback bid in the 2013 campaign. When you add up his Appearances in the regular season – and playoffs, he threw 19.2 IP – in which he entered 24 Games, and only gave up 1 ER in the process. Good for a cumulative 0.47 ERA. He also has yet to yield an ER in 17.2 Post Season Career Innings. Boston, New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers and the Los Angeles Dodgers should be his top suitors this winter.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Perhaps nobody is happier than Brian Wilson, that Tim Lincecum resigned in San Francisco for 2 YRs/$35 MIL. While I think that is a bit of an overspend, it was what the Free Agency Market is dictating.
Having said this, the Relief Core of Pitchers available on the open market is quite interesting.
It is my contention, that Brian Wilson has the best value out there for clubs.
Forget about ‘lets wear my hat at a 45 degree angle’ Fernando Rodney, who was a world beater in 2012, before he almost cost the Rays a playoff spot in 2013.
Grant Balfour has a good case for a big raise, however he will be 36 years old in a few months. My guess is Billy Beane will find a way for him to sign a short term deal anyway.
Its Gut Check Time For The Rangers: Indians + Rays In The AL Wild Card Driver Seats

Baltimore entered last Friday night just 1 game behind the playoff bar. They were swept in a 4 game series down in Tampa Bay, in a wraparound series, that included a devastating 18 inning loss among the tough defeats. The club also lost Manny Machado to injury yesterday. The magic number to eliminate the team is just 3. The guys end the regular season with 6 straight at Camden Yards. The only real meaningful resolutions will be if Chris Davis can crack 4 Home Runs, to tie Ken Griffey Jr. (56 HRs) for the most HRs by a LHB in the AL for the last 52 years?
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
2013 WILDCARD Race Breakdown in AL
Team W – L GBL Games Left Upcoming in Sequence
Tampa Bay Rays 87 – 69 – ( 3 @ NYY, 3 @ TOR)
Cleveland Indians 86 – 70 – ( 2 vs CWS, 4 @ MIN)
Texas Rangers 85 – 71 1 (2 vs HOU, 4 vs LAA)
Kansas City Royals 83 – 73 3.0 (2 @ SEA, 4 @ CWS)
New York Yankees 82 – 74 4.0 (3 vs TB, 3 @ HOU)
Baltimore Orioles 81 – 75 5.0 ( 3 vs TOR, 3 vs BOS)
We have had some clarification occur over the last week in the AL Wild Card Race as the Rays and Indians have both won 4 straight in their goal to make the playoffs.
The Yankees went 3 – 3 for the week, including a heart – wrenching loss to the Giants late on Sunday, It must have pained them even more to see the Rays come back in the late innings versus the Orioles.
Had Baltimore won that game, the Yankees would start the series in New York versus the Rays tonight with a chance to cut their deficit to them by 3 games via a sweep.
The Bronx Bombers then waltz into Houston, where they might win their last 3 games. However, with Tampa’s come from behind win yesterday, it makes their Magic number versus the Yanks to 3.
Manny Machado’s Gruesome Injury – Sept.23/2013
Aug.31 Trade Deadline Maneuvers Part 1

Mike Morse had his best year in 2011 with the Nationals, where he hit .303, with 31 HRs and 95 RBI during his 515 AB. The Orioles would love that kind of production to aid their DH core of hitters. The club however, would simply settle for his Career 3 Slash Line of .284/.338/.816 in parts of 9 seasons and 1827 At-Bats. Morse makes $6.75 MIL this year, and will be a Free Agent after the campaign is finished.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst and Website Owner) Follow @mlbreports
The Orioles picking up Mike Morse is a good move. The guy is familiar with Region, is a nice contrast to Chris Davis – and cost the club a minimal amount to bring over.
I think the big 6 FT 5 players is just the kind of guy the Baltimore team has missed over the year.
The Designated Hitters slot has been abysmal – and if Morse can to the back of his bubblegum card, this move will pan out.
The team’s lineup will now feature Manny Machado 3B, , Nick Markakis RF, Chris Davis 1B, Adam Jones CF, Matt Wieters C, J.J. Hardy SS, Mike Morse DH, Nate McLouth LF and Brian Roberts 2B.
Morse joins Scott Feldman, Francisco Rodriguez and Bud Norris as late season acquisitions. All of them have contributed to the franchise.
All of a sudden having a 7 – 9, with a 25 – 30 HR powers in Morse, added with veteran Brian Roberts (if healthy) and Nate McLouth, could add a speed element when the team swings around back to the top of the lineup.
It is good for depth and when consider the team is only 5 games out of the 2nd Wild Card Spot, this is plausible with 3o games left.
Chris Tillman has asserted himself an up and coming #2 Pitcher on the team. I must say, him doing this 2 years in a row, has made a believer out of me now.
The man is 24 – 7 over his last 31 decisions – and has a mid tier 3 ERA – competing in a donnybrook of a Division. Yesterday’s win over Boston was just another example of how much the 25 year old has bailed the club out of a losing streak.
You know Buck Showalter will have his guys ‘game ready’ for the challenge.
2 And A Hook Podcast #13: MLB Reports State Of The Union Address + MLB Fancave Top 7 Finalist Aaron Roberts
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Follow @mlbreportsFriday, Aug.16 2013
‘2 And A Hook’ is an expression from Baseball: ‘Throw the guy 2 Fast balls and then a Hook’ (AKA Curve Ball, Wiggly one, Chair etc..)
By James Acevedo – Host (Podcast Veteran ) Follow @yankeeman1973
Guests On The Show:
On today’s show, brought to you by www.mlbreports.com
& yours truly The Bench Warmers Show.
Follow @tbwarmers I start off with the new replay rules that mlb wants to put in starting next season in 2014.
Chuck Booth (16 minute mark and a 40 Minute Segment) calls in on his segment to talk about the HUGE changes that are taking place on the MLB Reports website so make sure you all check that out!!
Also I got to talk to Thomas Aaron Roberts (1 hour in and 50 minutes) Follow @bertsball)
Roberts was one of the last 7 MLB Fancave Dwellers & was our first LA Dodgers correspondent back in the infancy of MLB Reports!!
We talked about his experience in the MLB Fancave, all of the ball players he met & advice on being a MLB Fancave Dweller for future contestants…
then we get into about his team the Dodgers & if he thinks they have a chance to go to the World Series!!
Plus i get into my future award winning segment & everyone’s favorite Stats & Facts so pull up a chair, download/play this podcast & SPREAD THE WORD!!! Thank you all for your continuous support!!!
Either click the link just below here… or you can go past the show logo or CLICK THE READ TO READ THIS ENTRY – to listen to it on our Player
The Kings of Pop: Who Are The Five Best Home Run Hitters In Each League?
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Follow @mlbreportsWednesday July 24th, 2013

The Home Run might be the most exciting aspect of baseball, and this year we have some players who are definitely spoiling us with the shows they have been putting on so far. One of these players is Chris Davis. Davis lead the American League in Home Runs at the All-Star break but he is not the only player who has enjoyed going yard numerous times this season. Who are the best Home Run hitters in the league right now? Here’s my thoughts:
By Dan Wanser (MLB Reports Writer) Follow @danwanser
Whether you’re a casual fan who just enjoys watching whatever games on or you’re a diehard who eats, sleeps, and breathes the game we can all agree that everyone loves the longball.
This season, numerous players are entertaining us by showing off their power whenever they can with some mid-game fireworks.
From the big names like Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera to the rising stars in Yoenis Cespedes and we definitely have some powerhouse hitters who are fun to watch.
So who are the best Home Run hitters in the game today? Lets rank them:
Chris Davis 2013 Home Runs:
MVP Candidates For The First Half: AL + NL
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Follow @mlbreportsMonday July 15, 2013

Chris Davis is having a breakout season for the Baltimore Orioles. He has already hit 37 Home Runs at the ALL – Star Break (Tied 1st ALL – Time for HRs at break with Reggie Jackson in 1969 (A’s) is the only person – that is keeping Miguel Cabrera from a potential second Triple Crown. Davis has always been a player that swings for the fences but this season he is connecting and sending balls a long way. Will he end up winning the Most Valuable Player Award? We will have to wait and see – but here are my predictions.
Ryan Ritchey (Baseball Writer): Follow @BaseballAddicts
The American League has three worthy candidates for the Most Valuable Player Award. Chris Davis, Max Scherzer and Miguel Cabrera. It will be a tight race until game 162 is played but here are my predictions are the first half comes to a close…
First I will start with Chris Davis. Does he deserve to win the MVP? Yes, but will he? That is a whole other question. He has the numbers that deserves the MVP.
He has already surpassed his Home Run and RBI totals from last season and has only played in 93 games. It could be the change of scenery, knowing his name will be on the line up card every day, it could be something else. We will never know.
But there is one thing stopping him. If you took Chris Davis out of the Oriole line-up I still think they win games. They have enough fire power in other guys to survive without him.
If you are going to win the MVP you have to be the best player first for your team, and second in the entire league.
That is why I don’t have Chris Davis as my American League Most Valuable Player. There is one player better than him.
Chris Davis 2013 Highlights:
How Will This Years Home Run Derby Play Out At Citi Field?
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Follow @mlbreportsSaturday July 13th, 2013

This years annual Homerun Derby will be held during All-Star weekend at Citi Field. Like every year, four players from each league will compete to see who is the best Homerun hitter in the MLB right now. Prince Fielder will once again compete in the Derby looking to win in back-to-back years. We are definitely in for an exciting treat this year as we will get to see the likes of Prince Fielder, David Wright, Robinson Cano, Chris Davis, and several others compete to see who can hit the most big flies.
By Dan Wanser (Baseball Writer): Follow @DanWanser
During this years All-Star break festivities that will take place at Citi Field, we will be lucky to see players such as Chris Davis, Prince Fielder, David Wright, and Robinson Cano take the field and try to hit as many Tater Trots as they can.
Players like Robinson Cano and Prince Fielder will look to add to their previous victories, as players like Chris Davis and Bryce Harper will look to make a name for themselves by being first time winners.
How will the different players do in this years State Farm Homerun Derby? Here’s my take:
2012 MLB Homerun Derby Slow Motion Swings:
Can Cleveland Keep Pace in the Second Half?
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Follow @mlbreportsSunday July 7th, 2013

The Cleveland Indians are in second place in the American League Central 3.5 games back of the Detroit Tigers. Jason Kipnis has come out of his shell and is leading the team in Hits, RBI, Average, and On Base Percentage. Kipnis will be an All-Star on July 16th at Citi Field. The pitching is below average ranked throughout the league but for them to keep pace with the Tigers in the second half they will have to pick it up and try to carry the team. Guys like Jimenez, Swisher, Bourn and Kazmir will have to have a great second half for the Indians to make the playoffs. As it sits right now the only way they will make the playoffs is by winning the American League Central and beating the Detroit Tigers.
By Ryan Ritchey (Baseball Writer): Follow @BaseballAddicts
The Cleveland Indians are three games above .500 but are still 3.5 games behind the first place Detroit Tigers after losing the first two game of the series at home.
New manager Terry Francona has done a great job with this club but he still has a lot more to do in order for them to make the playoffs.
Big names that have produced so far this season are Jason Kipnis and Justin Masterson.
Swisher came over to Cleveland this winter by signing a four-year $56 million contract. The contract includes a fifth year vesting option worth $14 million.
Swisher has given the team a huge boost with his personality but hasn’t produced as much as wanted on the field. Only having 30 RBI has really hurt this club as it has put a lot of pressure on other guys to perform.
Cleveland Indians 2013 Preview- MLB Network:
The Impressive 2013 Orioles Should Be Sending 3 All – Stars to Citi Field
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Thursday, July 4th, 2013

Buck Showalter may finally break the curse of his previous managerial jobs – where his teams become stagnant after a few years of him being the clubs skipper. Baltimore is 48 – 37 on the year – as they sit in 2nd Place for the AL East – and would currently be the 2nd Wild Card team in the American League. Not bad for a team Vegas said was only going to win 78 games this year!
By Ben Kaplan (MLB Reports Baltimore Orioles Correspondent – visit his Battle of The Beltway website here): Follow @battleotbeltway
For the past season and a half, the Baltimore Orioles have been counted out more times than Gordon Bombay’s Mighty Ducks. But just like everyone’s favorite fictional pee-wee hockey time, the Orioles refuse to go away, and they refuse to listen to the doubters.
The 2013 Baltimore Orioles picked up right where the 2012 Baltimore Orioles left off, defying the odds and winning games that most “experts” don’t feel like they should. You may be asking yourselves, how are they doing it?
The answer is actually very simple, serviceable starting pitching, a shutdown bullpen, and impressive contributions from their lineup, namely Chris Davis, Manny Machado, and Adam Jones.
Chris Davis 2013 Highlights: Mature Content SO Parental Guidance Is Advised:
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July.3rd) – Updated Yearly “WOB” Standings
Andrew McCutchen reached base five times with a triple, two singles and a pair of walks. He came around to score a pair, leading the first place Pirates to a 6-5 win over Philadelphia.
Matt Garza pitched 8 innings, letting up just 4 hits and a single run, getting the win in a taught 3-1 Cubs win in Oakland.
Max Scherzer improved to 13-0 by pitching into the 7th innings, striking out 8 and walking one as the Tigers beat the Blue Jays 6-2.
And Chris Davis hit his big league leading 32nd homer, then broke an 8th inning tie with a 2 run double. He drove in 3 of the Orioles 4 runs as they beat the White Sox 4-2 and kept pace with first place Boston.
They all owned baseball on July 3rd, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON
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To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 1, 2013
It is now July and it is time to take stock on where teams stand at the midway point.
Meanwhile a 10 year old made a comment during the Yankees – Orioles game that makes me ask some hard questions about PEDs today.
That and more on this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Yasel Puig, Madison Bumgarner, David Lough and Justin Masterson all owned baseball on June 30, 2013.
To see the up to date tally of “Who Owns Baseball?,” click HERE.
Subscribe on iTunes HERE.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 1, 2013

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June 29th) – Updated Yearly “WOB” Standings
Adam Wainwright pitched a complete game victory on the road, letting up only 5 hits, 2 walks and 1 run as the Cardinals beat the Oakland A’s, 7-1.
Alfonso Soriano led the Cubs by going 3-5 with 3 RBI. Twice he drove in the go ahead run including an 11th inning homer to beat Seattle 5-3.
Chris Davis went 2-3 with a pair of homers and drove in 5 as the Orioles demolished the Yankees, 11-3.
And Joe Blanton threw 2 hit shutout ball into the 7th before letting up a pair of runs. He finished going 7 strong, 2 runs and only 3 hits as the Angels won their 5th straight, 7-2 over Houston. They all owned baseball on June 29th, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON
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To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 13
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Follow @mlbreportsMonday June.24/2013

EE continues to show his metal this year – by clutching up for 21 HRs thus far . He has a 3 Slash Line of .274/.355/.900. EE had an OPS of 1.326 – with 3 HRs and 3 Doubles over the last 6 games, and also scored 7 Runs. He was part of key rallies that led to the clubs 6 – 0 week. The 1B only Struckout 1 time for the 6 Games. Encarnacion is now tied with Miggy Cabrera with 63 HRs since the start of the 2012 year. He is the MLB Reports hitter of the week!
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Another Week has come and gone in the MLB.
(MLB Reports) AL Hitter Of The Week – Edwin Encarnacion (See Picture Above).
Runners up were: Chris Davis (BAL) – (1.357 OPS, with 4 HRs and 10 RBI), Nelson Cruz (TEX) – (.379 BA, 3 HRS and 11 RBI) and Miguel Cabrera (.536 BA, 20 times reached on base in 7 Games, 15 Hits – with 2 HRs and 6 RBI).
(MLB Reports) AL Pitcher Of The Week– Max Scherzer – who went 2 – 0 with a 2.08 ERA in 2 Game Starts and 16 SO in 13 IP.
Runners Up were: Casey Janssen (1 – 0, with 3 Saves – while only yielding 1 Hit and 1 Walk in 4 IP), Jarrod Parker 2 GS (1 – 0, with a 0.79 WHIP in 14 IP.)
2 And A Hook Podcast Ep #8: Dodgers (Puig Especially), White Sox + Braves Talk With Awesome Guests!
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Follow @mlbreportsThursday, June.20/2013
‘2 And A Hook’ is an expression from Baseball: ‘Throw the guy 2 Fast balls and then a Hook’ (AKA Curve Ball, Wiggly one, Chair etc..)
By James Acevedo – Host (Podcast Veteran ) Follow @yankeeman1973
On today’s show, brought to you by MLB Reports (www.mlbreports.com) & yours truly The Bench Warmers, I talked with MLB Reports Braves correspondent Bob McVinua (www.braveschoptalk.wordpress.com) about the Atlanta Braves season so far, what’s to come for them the rest of the season plus other things…
Then I talked to MLB Reports Dodgers correspondent Enrique Rivera about their phenom Yasiel Puig, if the Dodgers somehow can get back in the playoff race amongst other issues…
Also I interviewed MLB Reports White Sox correspondent Brian Madsen about the White Sox offensive struggles, is their farm system producing any future ball players & other stuff…also I do my Stats & Facts segment as usual so check out this baseball podcast that talks baseball like it outta be!!! SPREAD THE WORD!! Thank you all for your support!!!
People in this Podcast:
Bob McVinua (MLB Reports Guest Braves Correspondent – About 9 Minutes in and a 21 Minute Segment) Follow @tomahawkchop95
Enrique Rivera (MLB Reports LA Dodgers Correspondent – 31 Minute Mark and a 15 Minute Segment) Follow @eriqwiththeq
Brian Madsen (MLB Reports White Sox Correspondent- 53 Minutes In and a 17 Minute Segment) Follow @brianm731
(Stats and Facts done by James at the 1 Hour and 10 Minute Mark for 20 Minutes and for the 1st 9 Minutes.)
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June 19th) – Updated Yearly “WOB” Standings
Yasiel Puig wowed the crowd in New York by combining for a 4-9 performance in the Dodgers double header with the Yankees. He homered, reached on a bunt single and nearly threw a man out at first from right field as L.A. split the two games.
Chris Davis homered twice, pushing his big league leading total to 26 and he drove in 5 runs as the Orioles demolished Rick Porcello and the Tigers, 13-3.
Gio Gonzalez pitched 7 innings, letting up only 2 hits and striking out 11, setting up the Nationals extra inning victory over the Phillies, 6-2.
And C. J. Wilson threw seven shutout innings, letting up only 2 hits as the Angels snuck past the Mariners 1-0.
They all owned baseball on June 19th, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON
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To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Mike Carp(e) Diem
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Wednesday June 19th, 2013

Mike Carp was originally a 9th round pick of the New York Mets out of High School in 2004. He made his Major League debut in 2009 with the Mariners at just 22 Years of Age. Over the last 4 years. he has hit for a Career 3 Slash Line of .266/.336/.796 in 650 AB. This is basically a season worth of At-Bats for the man from Long Beach. CA. With those numbers, the LHB has 26 HRs, 38 Doubles and 96 RBI. This pickup by the Red Sox may turn out to be a real bargain of the year.
By Ryan Dana (MLB Reports Writer and Red Sox Correspondent): Follow @ryandana1
I knew I would be devoting an article to this player sooner or later, but what better time than now? From top prospect to not being good enough for The Seattle Mariners 40 man roster, Mike Carp has emerged as a steady contributor to the current 1st place team in the AL East, The Boston Red Sox .
The 6 FT 2, 210 LB OF has been perhaps the most underrated pick up of the past offseason for the Boston Red Sox. At the time there was speculation whether he would even make the team, but questioning his viability as a Major League hitter has been put to rest at this point.
As Spring Training rolled around, the Red Sox were looking for depth at 1st Base behind newly signed Mike Napoli. They got Lyle Overbay into camp to compete for the spot and started giving Daniel Nava reps at the position too.
Then, falling into the Sox laps, came Mike Carp via the Seattle Mariners, the solution to the Red Sox 1B depth. All that was asked in return is the famous ‘PTBNL’ or cash.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June.13) – Updated Yearly “WOB” Standings
Matt Cain took a no hitter into the 5th on the first anniversary of his perfect game. He finished pitching shutout ball into the seventh. The Giants went on to clobber Pittsburgh 10-0.
Ben Revere went 4-6 with a triple, a stolen base and 2 runs scored including the go ahead run in the 8th inning as the Phillies squeaked past the Twins, 3-2.
Chris Davis drove in a pair of runs including on a walk off bloop single that ended a 13 inning 5-4 Oriole victory over the first place Red Sox.
And in a remarkable relief performance, Yankees middle reliever Adam Warren threw 6 shutout innings, throwing 85 pitches, every single one could have been a walk off hit for the A’s. In the end he got a no decision, and Oakland won 3-2 in 18 innings, but Warren’s performance was second to none..
They all owned baseball on June 13th, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON
.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry

















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