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Washington Nationals Payroll In 2017 + Contracts Going Forward

People can throw stones on Mike Rizo all they want- but the GM has never lost a trade ever, and he ensured the club reeeived

People can throw stones on Mike Rizzo all they want- but the GM has never lost a trade ever, and he ensured the club received a Starting CF in Adam Eaton to the tune of only $38.4 MIL over the nxxt 5 years – even if it cost a boatload of prospects.  This is part to compensate balloon payments on the horizon that are due to both Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg.  The club is projected to spend around $154 MIL on salary in 2015, but that is without a proven closer.  The real question is how far the club will go in money to win in the next 2 seasons before Bryce Harper is a Free Agent?

With the rest of the MLB landscape just obliterating Mike Rizzo for the Adam Eaton trade i will defend him on the caveat that he spends the full amount of available funds saved – in order to take a run at the World Series for the next 2 years while Bryce Harper is still on the club.

At this point. it is a long shot that the DC franchise will be able to retain the 2015 NL MVP’s services as the Nationals already have Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg to historical contracts (both top 20).

Washington sees Jayson Werth finally come off the books after this next year.  While he will have earned $126 MIL from 2011 – 2017 in his total contract, the club can’t point to this as the worst deal on the club currently.

Ryan Zimmerman is still owed at least $47 MIL over the next 3 years – and has seen his production slip for the last few years.

The Max Scherzer contract does pay him $210 MIL over 7 years (in which he is now in year 3)  – however this is deferred over 14 years, so the club can conduct more flexibility in their contracts for the next few years.

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Nationals Are Banking On A Trio Of Players To Have Comeback Seasons In 2016

The Nationals have made the playoffs in 2 of the last 4 years with 2012 and 2014 being sandwiched between poor 2013 and 2015 campaigns of failed expectations. With 2 .300 hitters fleeing the club this past winter, coupled with the loss of Ian Desmond to Free Agency, this club needs Ryan Zimmerman, Jayson Werth and Anthony Rendon healthy and on the field in 2016. If they struggle in production or health, the efforts of reigning NL MVP Bryce Harper will not matter.

The Nationals have made the playoffs in 2 of the last 4 years with 2012 and 2014 being sandwiched between poor 2013 and 2015 campaigns of failed expectations. With 2 .300 hitters fleeing the club this past winter, coupled with the loss of Ian Desmond to Free Agency, this club needs Ryan Zimmerman, Jayson Werth and Anthony Rendon healthy and on the field in 2016. If they struggle in production or health, the efforts of reigning NL MVP Bryce Harper will not matter.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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Bryce Harper fashioned one of the greatest years we have ever seen by a 22 year old, and the Washington Nationals still only finished with a 83 – 79 record – and plenty of victories behind the NL Playoff Bar.

Harper took home the MVP efforts, and has to be wondering if his supporting cast has his back for the 2016 campaign – if he can make it safely to base at least 300 times again like he did in 2015.

Perhaps the biggest factor Washington struggled down the stretch was injury.  Ryan Zimmerman couldn’t stay on the field – despite racking up a productive 74 RBI on 346 PA.

Denard Span missed 101 games, which is definitely too bad considering the squad was 36 – 25 in games he was featured in.

Jayson Werth never got on track after injuries plagued him early and often – and had his worst year in a decade – after finishing with top 18 votes for MVP in the previous two seasons.

2014 stalwart Anthony Rendon only mustered a half a season of injury riddled play at a .707 OPS after putting forth a Silver Slugger campaign – with a top 5 MVP vote the previous year.

Ian Desmond also had added a horrible 1st half of the year, before he corrected his problems at the plate, and stopped booting the ball around in the second half. Read the rest of this entry

Nats Sign Daniel Murphy: Why Not Have Just Kept Escobar And Sign Denard Span?

Daniel Murphy has a career 3 Slash of .288/.331/.424. The Nats signed him to a 3 YR deal worth $37.5 MIL - that will also cost the Nationals the 17th overall pick in the 2016 Draft next year. Some say that pick is worth $8 to $10 MIL. If this is the case, why wouldn't the Nats just have kept Yunel Escobar for $7 MIL over the next 2 years, and then sign Denard Span to the 3 Year deal that Murphy just signed. The Nats are better off today than they were yesterday, but I have to ask the question whether or not they did the right moves.

Daniel Murphy has a career 3 Slash of .288/.331/.424. The Nats signed him to a 3 YR deal worth $37.5 MIL – that will also cost the Nationals the 17th overall pick in the 2016 Draft next year. Some say that pick is worth $8 to $10 MIL. If this is the case, why wouldn’t the Nats just have kept Yunel Escobar for $7 MIL over the next 2 years, and then sign Denard Span to the 3 Year deal that Murphy just signed. The Nats are better off today than they were yesterday, but I have to ask the question whether or not they did the right moves.

Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead  Analyst) 

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The Nats finally got their First Baseman they needed in the upcoming year with a 3 YRS/$37.5 MIL deal with former Met Daniel Murphy.  It will cost the cash, plus the 17th overall pick in the 2016 as compensation for signing him.

It has been an offseason that has seen GM Mike Rizzo obtain several Bullpen pieces for the roster next year.

In the end here, I am not sure Washington wouldn’t have been better off just keeping Yunel Escobar, and signing Denard Span for the same deal that Murphy just got.

So I guess Anthony Rendon will leadoff for the Nationals in 2016?

New Manager Dusty Baker will probably see Bryce Harper move into the Starting Centerfielder position, play Jayson Werth in Left Field, and then use Clint Robinson and Michael Taylor as a platoon in RF. 

Taylor could also play CF, with Harper in Right, but the idea is have the reigning NL MVP not have to crash into fences down the foul pole line. Read the rest of this entry

Do It Cashman/Rizzo: Strasburg For Andrew Miller And Brett Gardner!

As good as Stephen Strasburg was in the 2nd half of the 2015 year, ( 6 - 2 with a 1.90 ERA post ALL - Star), he will be a Free Agent after 2016. The Nats need a leadoff man, and a lockdown Closer- after they potentially trade attitude problem Jonathan Papelbon. It makes for both clubs to pull the deal off. There will also not be any recourse action as they are all set to switch leagues. The trade would see the Yankees flip leadoff OF man Brett Gardner and Closer Andrew Miller in return. Both of those 2 Yankees have 3 years left on their current deals.

As good as Stephen Strasburg was in the 2nd half of the 2015 year, ( 6 – 2 with a 1.90 ERA post ALL – Star), he will be a Free Agent after 2016. The Nats need a leadoff man, and a lockdown Closer- after they potentially trade attitude problem Jonathan Papelbon. It makes for both clubs to pull the deal off. There will also not be any recourse action as they are all set to switch leagues. The trade would see the Yankees flip leadoff OF man Brett Gardner and Closer Andrew Miller in return. Both of those 2 Yankees have 3 years left on their current deals.

Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead  Analyst) 

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After seeing the trade go down for Alex Hicks, I then saw the trade proposal of Andrew Miller and Brett Gardner for Stephen Strasburg.  This was inferred by MLB.com columnist Richard Justice. Here are my thoughts on it.

This would be a phenomenal deal for both clubs.  The Yankees can clear some salary to sign another Starting Pitcher in addition to Strasburg coming in, and the Nats would get their new leadoff man and shutdown Closer.

Although there are some things to consider….It looks like the club will go forward with Bryce Harper at CF then.  This would mean that Gardner and Jayson Werth would round out the Outfield.

I also think the Nationals should include Jonathan Papelbon in this deal – or flip him in another deal to clear a spot for Miller to Close.

Straburg will make from $11 – $13 MIL for the 2016 season in his last year of Arbitration before hitting Free Agency – which would equal out Gardner’s salary.  Andrew Miller is set to make $9 MIL a year for the next 3 seasons.

New York will need to replace Miller in some capacity for sure.  Whether that is another late inning arm to set up Dellin Betances – or even sign another Closer would have to be the idea.  Miller and Betances were the two best pitchers for the club in 2015.

The team would be well served to land the services of Joakim Soria.

For the record, Papelbon only makes $11 MIL in 2016 before becoming an outright Free Agent in 2017. Read the rest of this entry

How To Fix The Nats For 2016: Washington Nationals State Of The Union

In 2012, the Nationals won the NL East and then followed up with a disappointing 2013 year. The same pattern happened in 2014 and 2015. The Nats window is closing as the club only has one more of team control on Stephen Strasburg - and the total salary for the club escalates with Bryce Harper being Arbitration Eligible starting next year. The team has solid Starting Pitching and a lineup that is coming back for the most part. A key acquisition for both the offense and defense may suffice.

In 2012, the Nationals won the NL East and then followed up with a disappointing 2013 year. The same pattern happened in 2014 and 2015. The Nats window is closing as the club only has one more of team control on Stephen Strasburg – and the total salary for the club escalates with Bryce Harper being Arbitration Eligible starting next year. The team has solid Starting Pitching and a lineup that is coming back for the most part. A key acquisition for both the offense and defense may suffice.

Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst)

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So having been back from my 224 MLB Game all year trip in 2015 – I was happy to have put in such a great season of witnessing games.  My real disappointment was the Nationals not making the playoffs in 2015.

I am guilty as charged for having a National League favorite team in Washington, and also be a Yankees fan for the American League.

I am a Nats fan because they used to be the Montreal Expos before 2005.  It was a tough negotiation to have been a fan when they moved to D.C., but I followed the team. I saw some bad baseball via MLB.TV for about 6 or 7 years. Read the rest of this entry

WHO OWNED BASEBALL – THE FINAL RESULTS FOR 2015

Slide1

The regular season is over. My daily tally for Who Owns Baseball is at an end. Every day I determine which player had the best individual day on a winning team to earn a full WOB and on a losing team for a 1/2 WOB.

These are final leaders in each categor for Who Owns Baseball

NATIONAL LEAGUE HITTER WHO OWNED BASEBALL

(AP Photo/Al Behrman)

(AP Photo/Al Behrman)

JOEY VOTTOCincinnati Reds

(Final Total – 7 1/2 WOB.)

Second Place (TIE):

Paul Goldschmidt, Arizona Diamondbacks.
Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates.
(Final Total – 7 WOB.)

NATIONAL LEAGUE PITCHER WHO OWNED BASEBALL

Alex Brandon / Associated Press

Alex Brandon / Associated Press

CLAYTON KERSHAW – Los Angeles Dodgers

(Final Total – 13 1/2 WOB.)

Second Place:
Jake Arrieta, Chicago Cubs
(Final Total – 11 WOB)

Third Place
Zack Greinke, Los Angeles Dodgers
(Final Total – 9 1/2 WOB.)

AMERICAN LEAGUE HITTER WHO OWNED BASEBALL

Rob Carr - Getty Image Sports

Rob Carr – Getty Image Sports

MIKE TROUT – Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

(Final Total – 10 1/2 WOB.)

Second Place:
Josh Donaldson, Toronto Blue Jays
(Final Total – 6 1/2 WOB)

Third Place
Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
(Final Total – 6 WOB.)

AMERICAN LEAGUE PITCHER WHO OWNED BASEBALL

Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle

Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle

DALLAS KEUCHEL – Houston Astros

(Final Total – 10  WOB.)

Second Place (TIE):

Sonny Gray, Oakland Athletics.
Chris Sale, Chicago White Sox.
(Final Total – 7 WOB.)

THE WINNERS FROM PREVIOUS SEASONS:

2013

NL Batter: Paul Goldschmidt, Arizona Diamondbacks

NL Pitcher: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers

AL Batter: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers

AL Pitcher: (3 Way Tie) R. A. Dickey, Toronto Blue Jays
Matt Moore, Tampa Bay Rays
Max Scherzer, Detroit Tigers

2013

NL Pitcher: Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates

NL Pitcher: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers

AL Batter: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

AL Pitcher:  Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners

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Who Owned Baseball October 4, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings

 

Brandon Wade - Getty Images

Brandon Wade – Getty Images

Cole Hamels settled down after a shaky first inning to throw a complete game, allowing 3 hits and 2 runs, striking out 8 and topped the Angels, 9-2 to clinch the AL West title for the Texas Rangers.

Chris Davis homered twice and reached base 4 times altogether, driving in 4 and helping the Orioles beat the Yankees, 9-4.

Shelby Miller finally recorded another win, throwing 8 shutout innings, allowing 3 hits and 7 strikeouts, as Atlanta was victorious over St. Louis, 6-0.

A. J. Pollock went 3 for 5, homering and driving in a pair to have the Diamondbacks crush Houston’s hopes to host the Wild Card Game with a 5-3 final.

They all owned baseball on October 4, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

 

Rick Porcello allowed 2 earned runs and 1 unearned run over 7 innings but was saddled with the 3-1 Red Sox loss in Cleveland.

Jose Altuve went 3 for 5 with a triple and two runs scored. His Astros would fall just short to Arizona, 5-3.

Tanner Roark threw 6 shutout innings, allowing 3 hits and 1 walk. He would not factor into the decision as the Nationals lost to the Mets, 1-0.

Dee Gordon captured the NL Batting Title with a single, double and homer, scoring both Marlins runs along the way but Philadelphia won, 7-2.

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Who Owned Baseball October 3, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings

AL BELLO/GETTY IMAGES

AL BELLO/GETTY IMAGES

Max Scherzer threw his second no hitter of the season, walking none and striking out 17 Mets along the way for the 2-0 Washington final.

Corey Kluber struck out 9 over 8 shutout innings, allowing 3 hits and 2 walks and earning the 2-0 decision for the Indians over Boston.

Christian Yelich had a terrific double header. In all he went reached base nine times, going 5-5 in one game and 3 for 4 with a walk in the other, combining for 3 runs scored and 2 RBI as the Marlins beat the Phillies twice, 7-6 and 5-2.

Colby Rasmus homered twice and added a single to lead the Astros closer to a playoff spot, 6-2 over the Diamondbacks.

They all owned baseball on October 3, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

Noah Syndergaard allowed 2 hits and 1 run and 1 walk while striking out 10 Washington batters. But the Mets were no hit, 2-0.

Marco Estrada pitched into the 7th, finishing with 6 2/3 innings, striking out 9 while giving up 3 hits and walking none. He would get a no decision as the Blue Jays lost to Tampa Bay 4-3.

Paul Goldschmidt reached base 3 times and homered in the Diamondbacks 6-2 loss to the Astros.

Josh Hamilton‘s two homers off the Angels (on their dime) was almost the greatest middle finger in recent years. Unfortunately for him, the Angels made a dramatic rally in the 9th inning to put the Division Clinching on hold and beat the Rangers 11-10.

 

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Who Owned Baseball October 2, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings

PAUL BEATY/AP

PAUL BEATY/AP

Chris Sale set the single season strikeout mark for a White Sox pitcher with 274, finishing the game with 7 whiffs in 7 innings, allowing 1 run and 5 hits in the 2-1 final over Detroit.

Carlos Correa kept Houston’s playoff hopes alive by leading a mind boggling offensive attack. He reached base 4 times, including a homer and a stolen base, scoring 4 and driving in 4 as the Astros obliterated the Diamondbacks 21-5.

Jake Arrieta finished his regular season with another shutout performance, striking out 7, allowing just 2 hits over 6 innings and sealing the 6-1 Cubs victory in Milwaukee.

Daniel Castro collected 3 hits including a homer, driving in a pair in the Braves 4-0 blanking of St. Louis.

They all owned baseball on October 2, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

Martin Perez allowed 1 run over 7 innings but got a no decision as the Rangers fell to the Angels, 2-1.

Brad Miller went 3 for 3 with a homer in the Mariners 4-2 defeat to the A’s.

Eugenio Suarez homered and singled, driving in 3 in Cincinnati’s 6-4 loss in Pittsburgh.

 

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Who Owned Baseball October 1, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings

AP Photo - Patrick Semansky

AP Photo – Patrick Semansky

Manny Machado reached base 4 times, including 2 homers, a pair of stolen bases, 3 runs scored and 3 RBI to help Baltimore win a rain soaked 6-4 game over the Blue Jays.

Jake Odorizzi topped Miami with 7 innings, one unearned run and 7 strikeouts and earned the 4-1 decision for Tampa Bay.

Socrates Brito came off the bench and went 3 for 3, including a triple and a stolen base, scoring twice and driving in a run, scoring in the game winning rally in Diamondbacks come from behind victory, 8-6.

Jerad Eickhoff pitched 7 shutout innings, striking out 10 and 4 hits to lead the Phillies past the Mets, 3-0.

 

They all owned baseball on October 1, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

 

Albert Pujols doubled and homered, scoring twice, but saw the Rangers beat his Angels 5-3.

Trevor Bauer was terrific for 7 innings, giving up 2 hits and a run and 3 walks. He got no decision as the Twins won in Cleveland, 4-2.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis doubled twice and singled in the Mets 3-0 loss to Philadelphia.

Ryan Weber went 7 innings, allowing 1 run, no walks and 10 strikeouts. He would get a hard luck loss as the Braves lost to the Nationals, 3-0.

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Who Owned Baseball September 30, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings

Gene J. Puskar - AP Photo

Gene J. Puskar – AP Photo

 

Jason Heyward reached base 4 times, including a grand slam and made some terrific catches in right field in the Cardinals Division Clinching 11-1 laugher over the Pirates. He also added another hit in the opening game of the double header.

Mike Leake threw a complete game 2 hit, no walk shutout to give the Giants a too little too late 5-0 victory over the NL West champion Dodgers.

Ryan Goins reached base 6 times, scoring 3 times and driving in another to led the Blue Jays to a 15-2 blow out of the Orioles and Toronto’s first AL East title since 1993.

Kevin Gausman picked up the Orioles in the second game of the double header with 8 innings, 5 hits and no walks while striking out 10 en route to an 8-1 win over the Blue Jays.

They all owned baseball on September 30, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

Matt Carpenter doubled and homered, driving in a pair in the Cardinals 8-2 defeat by the Pirates in the opening game of their double header. In the night cap, he reached base 4 times, scoring 3 and doubling.

Chad Bettis allowed 1 earned run and 1 unearned run over 6 solid innings but took the 3-1 Rockies loss to Arizona.

Mike Trout reached base 5 times including a homer and a walk in the 9th that made him the tying run. He would be stranded as the Angels come back came just short, 8-7 to Oakland.

Jose Quintana went 9 innings, allowing 5 hits, 3 runs and striking out 8. He would get a no decision as the White Sox fell to Kansas City in 10 innings, 5-3.

 

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Who Owned Baseball September 29, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings

Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com

Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com

A. J. Pierzynski went 3 for 3 with 2 homers, providing all of Atlanta’s offense as they snuck past Washington, 2-1.

Clayton Kershaw threw a complete game 1 hit, 1 walk, 13 strikeout shutout to top the Giants 8-0 and clinch the National League West crown for the Dodgers.

Blake Swihart homered twice, driving in 5 runs, helping Boston clobber the Yankees in the Bronx, 10-4

Nick Tropeano struck out 11 and walked just 1 in 6 2/3 innings, earning the 8-1 decision for the Angels over Oakland.

They all owned baseball on September 29, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

Lucas Duda collected 3 hits, 2 of them home runs, and drove in 3, but it was not enough as the Phillies edged the playoff bound Mets, 4-3.

Tanner Roark pitched into the 7th, finishing with 6 2/3 innings, allowing 2 runs and 5 hits. He would be saddled with the loss, however, as the Nationals fell to Atlanta, 2-1.

Eric Hosmer homered and singled in the Royals 4-2 loss to the White Sox.

 

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Who Owned Baseball September 28, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings

 

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Max Scherzer threw a no hitter into the 8th and finished with 8 innings, 2 hits, 1 run, 3 walks and 10 strikeouts, giving the Nationals a controversy free 5-1 decision over the Reds.

Matt den Dekker got 3 hits, including a homer, driving in 2 and scored 2 in Washington’s 5-1 victory over Cincinnati.

Marco Estrada pitched into the 8th inning, settling down after some early trouble to finish with 7 1/3 innings, 4 hits, 3 runs and 1 walk. He did not get the decision but helped set up Toronto’s 4-3 win over the Orioles.

Jackie Bradley Jr. reached base 3 times, including a 2 run homer, driving in 3 and stealing a pair of extra base hits away with his defense as the Red Sox topped the Yankees 5-1 and delayed a post season clinching for their rivals for at least a day.

They all owned baseball on September 28, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

J. A. Happ allowed 1 hit and no walks over 6 shutout innings. He did not get the decision in the Pirates heart breaking 3-0 loss to St. Louis.

Andre Ethier got a pair of hits and drove in the tying run in the 9th inning but the Dodgers fell to San Francisco in the 12th inning, 3-2.

Yordano Ventura was perfect through 5, finishing with 7 shutout frames, allowing 2 hits, 1 walk and striking out 6. He would not get a decision as the Cubs walked off 1-0 winners in the 11th.

Prince Fielder singled, doubled and homered, driving in 4 but the Rangers came up short to Detroit, 7-4.

 

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Who Owned Baseball September 27, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings

 

NAM Y. HUH/AP

NAM Y. HUH/AP

Jake Arrieta was perfect through 6 and finished with 7 innings, 1 hit, 1 hit batsman, no walks, 9 strikeouts and a home run of his own as the playoff bound Cubs blanked Pittsburgh, 4-0.

Dallas Keuchel solidified his Cy Young bid by striking out 10 Rangers in 7 innings, allowing 2 hits, 2 walks and 1 run and giving the Astros a critical 4-2 victory.

Ender Inciarte went 4 for 5 with a pair of homers and 3 RBI to lead Arizona past San Diego, 4-2.

Byron Buxton doubled and homered, driving in a pair and scoring 2 to help the still contending Twins clobber the Tigers, 7-1.

They all owned baseball on September 27, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

 

John Lackey threw 7 strong innings, striking out 7 and giving up just 1 run. The bullpen would implode and the Brewers beat the Cardinals, 8-4.

Hisashi Iwakuma pitched into the 8th, finishing with 7 1/3 innings and giving up 3 runs while walking no Angels. He would be saddled with the decision in the 3-2 Mariners loss.

Matt den Dekker collected 4 hits, homered and scored 3 times in the Nationals 12-5 defeat at the hands of the Phillies.

Mikie Mahtook got 2 hits including a homer and 2 RBI but Tampa Bay fell to Toronto, 5-4.

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Who Owned Baseball September 26, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings

Ben Margot - AP

Ben Margot – AP

Jarrett Parker put on a mind boggling show, launching 3 homers, including a grand slam, to drive in 7 runs in the football sounding 14-10 San Francisco over Oakland final score.

Stephen Strasburg struck out 13 in 8 innings, allowing 3 hits, 1 walk and 1 run. He did not factor in the decision but helped set up Washington’s 2-1 victory over Philadelphia.

Carlos Correa gave the Astros a much needed burst of energy by going 3 for 4 with 2 homers, including a game tying shot, and 3 RBI to beat Houston 9-7.

Adam Warren pitched 6 strong innings, allowing 3 hits and 1 run, earning the 2-1 win for the Yankees over the White Sox.

They all owned baseball on September 26, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

Andre Ethier went 2 for 4 with a homer and 3 RBI but the Dodgers lost on a walk off homer to the Rockies, 8-6.

Jeremy Hellickson allowed just 4 hits and 1 run over 6 innings but was saddled with the 3-0 loss as San Diego topped Arizona.

Kevin Kiermaier doubled and homered, scoring 3 times and driving in 2 in but the Rays fell 10-8 in Toronto.

 

 

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Who Owned Baseball September 25, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings

 (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

 

Rich Hill threw a complete game 2 hit shutout with 10 strikeouts and 1 walk to top the legit big league lineup (as opposed to who Carlos Carrasco faced with Kansas City) beating Baltimore 7-0.

Shin-Soo Choo went 3 for 5 and crushed a critical 3 run homer to help the Rangers win a critical divisional match up against Houston, 6-2.

Gerrit Cole pushed the playoff bound Pirates closer to the top of the Division with 7 innings of 1 run ball, allowing just 4 hits and 2 walks and earning the 3-2 decision over the Cubs.

Lucas Duda smacked a pair of 3 run homers to move the Mets closer to a division title with a 12-5 pasting of the Reds.

They all owned baseball on September 25, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

Luis Valbuena briefly gave the Astros hope with a two run homer to help cut their deficit down. But in the end they could not beat the Rangers, 6-2.

Jon Lester went 7 innings without walking a batter, 5 hits and 2 runs but got a tough luck loss as the Pirates won against the Cubs 3-2.

Freddie Freeman got on base 4 times, homered, scored 3 times and drove in 2 but his Braves lost a wild 12-11 slugfest against Miami.

 

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Who Owned Baseball September 24, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings

 

Charlie Ridel - AP Photo

Charlie Ridel – AP Photo

Mike Moustakas reached base 5 times with a double and a homer, driving in 3 and scoring 3 to help the Royals clobber the Mariners 10-4 and clinch their first Division Title since 1985.

Erasmo Ramirez pitched 7 strong innings, allowing 4 hits and 2 runs and earned the 4-2 decision for Tampa Bay in Boston.

Stephen Piscotty homered and had a pair of RBI singles, driving in 4 in all, helping the Cardinals erase an early hole and beat Milwaukee 7-3.

Steven Matz struck out 8 and walked none in 5 2/3 innings. He did not get the decision but the Mets won a wild 6-4 game in Cincinnati.

They all owned baseball on September 24, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

 

David Ortiz went 2 for 4 with a homer and 2 RBI in the Red Sox 4-2 defeat by Tampa Bay.

Chris Sale struck out 8 and walked 1 over 7 innings. But a 3 run homer doomed his chances as the White Sox fell to the Yankees, 3-2.

Brandon Crawford reached base 3 times including clubbing his 20th homer of the season, but the Giants bullpen blew the lead again and San Diego walked off 5-4 winners.

Alec Asher threw 7 terrific innings, allowing 3 hits, 1 run and 1 walk. He would be a hard luck loser as the Phillies were shutout by Miami, 1-0.

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Who Owned Baseball September 23, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings

 

DOUG PENSINGER/GETTY IMAGES

DOUG PENSINGER/GETTY IMAGES

Neil Walker slugged Pittsburgh back into the post season by reaching base 5 times, homering, driving in 6 runs and scoring 2 more in the 13-7 laugher at Colorado.

Adam Conley struck out 8 and allowed just 3 hits and 1 run over 6 innings. He did not get the win, but his Marlins did, 4-3 over the Phillies.

Steven Souza Jr. went 4 for 5 with a homer and 2 runs scored to help the Rays top the Red Sox, 6-2.

Marcus Stroman pitched the Blue Jays a little closer to an AL East title with 7 innings of 5 hit shutout ball to beat the Yankees 4-0.

They all owned baseball on September 23, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

Corey Dickerson 3 for 5 and homered, driving in 2, but the Rockies fell to Pittsburgh, 13-7.

Chase Anderson allowed just 1 hit, 1 run and 2 walks while striking out 10 over 6 innings. He did not get a decision as the Dodgers beat his Dimondbacks 4-1.

Melky Cabrera collected 3 hits, including a homer, driving in 3 in the White Sox 7-4 loss in Detroit.

 

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Who Owned Baseball September 22, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings

CHARLES REX ARBOGAST/AP

CHARLES REX ARBOGAST/AP

 

Jake Arrieta won his 20th game with a complete game 3 hit shutout, striking out 11 Brewers and walking just 1 for the 4-0 Cubs final.

Hisahi Iwakuma threw 7 shutout innings, allowing 3 hits, and 1 walk and striking out 10 as the Mariners topped Kansas City 11-2.

Cody Asche got 3 hits, including a pair of homers, driving in 3 to help the Phillies beat the Marlins, 6-2.

Robinson Cano homered twice, driving in 4, to help the Mariners clobber the Royals, 11-2.

They all owned baseball on September 22, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

 

Tyson Ross struck out 11 batters in 6 innings, walking only 2 and allowing just 2 runs. He took the decision in San Diego’s 4-2 defeat to the Giants.

Lance McCullers gave the Astros 7 strong innings, allowing 3 runs while striking out 9 Angels batters and walking none. His reward was a tough luck 4-3 loss.

Wilin Rosario got on base 3 times with a homer in the Rockies 6-3 loss to the Pirates.

Kevin Pillar reached base 4 times including a homer and 2 RBI but the Blue Jays fell to the Yankees in extra innings, 6-4.

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Who Owned Baseball September 21, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings

Duane Burleson / Getty Images

Duane Burleson / Getty Images

Jeff Samardzija tossed a complete game 1 hit shutout, walking none and striking out 6, earning the 2-0 decision for the White Sox over the Tigers.

Xander Bogaerts collected a pair of hits, the second being a come from behind 2 out 8th inning grand slam that put the Red Sox over the top against the Rays. 8-7.

Jaime Garcia threw 7 strong innings, allowing 5 hits, 1 run and 2 walks. He would not get the decision in the Cardinals 2-1 win over the Reds.

Anthony Rizzo reached base 5 times, including a double, scoring twice in the Cubs 9-5 victory over the Brewers.

They all owned baseball on September 21, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

Kyle Ryan went 7 solid innings, walking 1, allowing 2 runs and 6 hits. He got a hard luck loss as the Tigers were nearly no hit by the White Sox, 2-0.

Brandon Guyer got on base 4 times including a homers and a pair of runs scored. The Rays bullpen would collapse, however, and Boston would take the game 8-7.

John Lamb gave the Reds 6 shutout innings, giving up just 5 hits and 1 walk. He got a no decision as the Cardinals came back to win, 2-1.

Tom Murphy homered, walked and drove in 3 runs in the Rockies 9-3 loss to Pittsburgh.

 

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Who Owned Baseball September 20, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings

AP Photo - Duane Burleson

AP Photo – Duane Burleson

Kendrys Morales reached base 5 times with 3 homers and a triple, 5 runs scored and 3 RBI, leading the Royals to a 10-3 blow out of the Tigers.

Collin McHugh struck out 8 in 8 innings with 4 hits and 1 run to earn the 5-1 decision for the Astros over Oakland.

Yunel Escobar went 4 for 4 with a walk and a double, scoring 3 and driving in 4, helping the Nationals to ease past the Marlins, 13-3.

Julio Teheran was perfect into the 7th and threw a shutout into the 9th. He allowed the Phillies to tie the game but finished with 8 1/3 innings, 1 run, 5 hits and 8 strikeouts. He did not get the decision but the Braves walked off 2-1 winners.

They all owned baseball on September 20, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

Dioner Navarro homered and singled, driving in 2 RBI, but the Blue Jays lost to Boston, 4-3.

Aaron Brooks allowed just 3 runs over 7 innings. He took the tough luck 5-1 loss as the A’s fell to the Astros.

Jay Bruce clubbed a pair of homers, driving in 3, but his Reds were beaten by Milwaukee 8-4.

Aaron Nola allowed just 1 run over 7 innings but his Phillies let the Braves walk off 2-1 winners.

 

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