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Who Owned Baseball May 31, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

 

AP Photo/Billy Hurst

AP Photo/Billy Hurst

Carlos Martinez pitched an emotional game in honor of his late friend Oscar Tavares. He threw 7 shutout innings, allowing 1 hit, 3 walks and struck out 8 Dodger batters en route to a 3-1 decision in St. Louis.

Martin Maldonado reached base 6 times, hit a pair of doubles, caught all 17 innings and ended the marathon game with a walk off homer, giving the Brewers a 7-6 win over the Diamondbacks.

John Danks worked in and out of trouble, scattering 10 hits and a walk en route to a complete game, 6-0 shutout for the White Sox in Houston.

Brian Dozier scored three times on his 3 hits including two doubles and a key single in the Twins come from behind game winning rally in the 7th, leading to a 6-5 victory over Toronto.

They all owned baseball on May 31, 2015.

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

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Paul Goldschmidt went 3 for 5 with a pair of homers and 4 RBI, leading the Diamondbacks to a 7-3 win in Milwaukee.

Carlos Beltran singled and homered, driving in 3, helping the Yankees come from behind against Oakland, 5-3

Carlos Frias held the Cardinals to one unearned run over 7 innings and got the 5-1 victory for the Dodgers.

Dallas Keuchel pitched a complete game 4 hit shutout, striking out 11 White Sox batters and walking none for the 3-0 decision in Houston.

 

They all owned baseball on May 30, 2015.

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

 (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News)

(Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News)

Josh Hamilton scored all three times he reached base, including his first 2 homers of the season, leading Texas past Boston, 7-4.

Buster Posey hit a 2 run homer in the first, an RBI double in the 8th and came around to score the Giants’ 4th run to help top Atlanta, 4-2.

Taijuan Walker struck out 8 and walked none in 8 shutout innings, allowing just 2 hits and beating the Indians 2-1 in Seattle.

Chad Bettis took a perfect game into the 7th and a no hitter into the 8th. He settled for 8 innings of 2 hit shutout ball, striking out 7 and walking no Phillies batter, getting the 4-1 win for the Rockies.

 

They all owned baseball on May 29, 2015.

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

Rob Carr, Getty Images

Rob Carr, Getty Images

Chris Sale pitched into the 8th, allowing 4 hits and no walks over 7 2/3 shutout innings and struck out 12 Orioles along the way to get the 3-2 decision for the White Sox.

Chris Heston continued the Giants home shutout streak with 7 2/3 frames allowing 3 hits, 2 walks and striking out 7, earning the 7-0 victory over Atlanta.

Chris Iannetta doubled and hit a grand slam to help the Angels clobber the Tigers, 12-2.

Andrew McCutchen went 3-5 with a pair of doubles, 2 runs scored and 2 RBI, leading the red hot Pirates past San Diego 11-5.

They all owned baseball on May 28, 2015.

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

 Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports

Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports

Felix Hernandez was the first pitcher to reach the 8 win mark with a complete game 4 hit shutout of the Rays, walking 1 and striking out 8 leading to a 3-0 Seattle final.

Noah Syndergaard dominated with his arm and his bat. He went 7 1/3 innings of shutout ball, allowing only 6 hits and walked none. At the plate he went 3 for 3 with a home run, taking complete control of the Mets 7-0 thrashing of Philadelphia.

Chris Davis homered twice, including a tie breaking shot in the 8th, driving in 3 runs for the Orioles 5-4 win over Houston.

Lucas Duda smacked a double and 2 homers in the Mets 7-0 victory over the Phillies.

They all owned baseball on May 27, 2015.

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

 (John E. Sokolowski/USA TODAY Sports)

(John E. Sokolowski/USA TODAY Sports)

Josh Donaldson scored all 5 times he reached base, doubling and hitting 2 homers. His second shot was a walk off 3 run homer that gave the Blue Jays a 10-9 victory over Chicago.

David Price threw 7 shutout innings, allowing 5 hits and 1 walk, earning the razor thin 1-0 decision for the Tigers in Oakland.

Addison Russell went 3 for 4 with 2 doubles, the second was the walk off hit, leading the Cubs past Washington, 3-2.

Clayton Kershaw threw 7 shutout innings, allowing just 4 hits, walking none and striking out 10 Atlanta batters as the Dodgers rolled, 8-0.

They all owned baseball on May 26, 2015.

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

Corey Sipkin - NY Daily News

Corey Sipkin – NY Daily News

Chase Headley reached base 4 times, driving in 3, including a 2 run homer and a double as the Yankees got a much needed laugher 14-1 win over the Royals.

Nori Aoki got on base 4 times, scoring 2, driving in 2, stealing a base and homering as the Giants came from behind to top Milwaukee 8-4.

Drew Hutchinson pitched a brilliant 4 hit, no walk, 8 strikeout, 6-0 complete game shutout of the White Sox in Toronto.

Carlos Martinez blanked Arizona over 7 shutout innings, striking out 8 along the way. The bullpen would blow his lead but the Cardinals would walk off 3-2 winners in the 10th.

They all owned baseball on May 25, 2015.

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

(Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)

(Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)

Justin Upton homered and doubled, driving in 6 runs in the first two innings and led the Padres to a 11-3 laugher against the Dodgers.

Chad Bettis threw a shutout into the 9th, finishing with 8 1/3 innings, 6 hits, 2 runs and 7 strikeouts, leading the Rockies past the red hot Giants, 11-2.

Brian Dozier homered twice, driving in 4 runs as the Twins topped the White Sox, 8-1.

Kyle Gibson pitched 8 innings, allowing 4 hits and 8 strikeouts while walking no White Sox batter, getting an 8-1 decision for the Twins.

They all owned baseball on May 24, 2015.

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

Chicago Sun Times

Chicago Sun Times

Anthony Rizzo doubled and hit a 3 run homer in the top of the 9th, finishing with 6 RBI altogether, leading the Cubs to a 9-6 victory in Arizona.

Mike Napoli got on base 3 times including a pair of homers, giving the Red Sox an 8-3 win against the Angels.

Mike Bolsinger threw 8 shutout innings, allowing 1 hit and no walks while striking out 8, earning the 2-0 decision for the Dodgers against San Diego.

Corey Kluber pitched 8 innings, allowing just 1 run, striking out 7 while walking no Reds batters as the Indians won 2-1.

They all owned baseball on May 23, 2015.

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

John Sleezer - KC Times ( JSleezer@kcstar.com )

John Sleezer – KC Times ( JSleezer@kcstar.com )

Kendrys Morales went 3 for 5 with a pair of homers and 5 RBI as the Royals became the best team in baseball with a 5-0 shutout of the Cardinals.

Jeff Samardzjia pitched 8 solid innings, striking out 9 and walking just one Minnesota batter, earning the 3-2 decision for the White Sox.

Gerrit Cole pitched into the 9th, striking out 10 in 8 1/3 innings, walking 1 and allowing just 1 unearned run, beating the Mets 4-1 in Pittsburgh.

Paul Goldschmidt reached base 4 times, stole a pair and hit a 2 out, 2 run, 2 strike game tying homer in the 10th inning that set up Arizona’s 5-4 victory against the Cubs.

They all owned baseball on May 22, 2015.

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

Andrew Savulich - NY Daily News

Andrew Savulich – NY Daily News

Jacob deGrom pitched 8 shutout innings, allowing just 1 hit, no walks and 11 strikeouts in the Mets dominating 5-0 victory over St. Louis.

Michael McKenry hit a go ahead homer while reaching base 4 times as the Rockies topped the Phillies, 7-3.

R. A. Dickey pitched a complete game victory allowing 5 hits and striking out 7 as the Blue Jays beat the Angels 8-4.

Mike Aviles went 4-5 with a  homer to help the Indians top the White Sox, 5-2.

They all owned baseball on May 21, 2015.

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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Milwaukee Brewers: Rebuild Or Reload?

brewers

Milwaukee Brewers: Rebuild or Reload?

Jordan (Part-Owner/Organizational Expert): 

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The Brewers are off to an awful start this year due to a number of factors but primarily horrendous starting pitching. Their farm system is somewhere from below average to bad and their payroll is over $100Mthis season for a small market team.

So the questions I will ask and answer are why are they so bad? Why have they failed to develop starting pitching? How can they try to fix it.? and How long is it going to take?

First lets look at their roster which when it first meets the eye doesn’t look like a team 10 games under .500 but more like an average team. Yes I under stand that Jonathan Lucroy is injured which is a big factor as he’s a middle of the order bat, handles the pitching staff and is a team leader. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 28, 2014

 (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Tonight is Game 6 of the World Series.

Those words can bring up so many different memories. Who will be the Reggie Jackson, Carlton Fisk, Don Denkinger, Bill Buckner, Kirby Puckett, Joe Carter, Tom Glavine, Josh Beckett, David Freese or Nelson Cruz of the night?

Meanwhile I all but beg Joe Maddon to take over the Dodgers.

It could be a memorable night that is previewed on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

 

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Royals Vs Angels Preview 2014 ALDS

The Angels are finally back in the postseason after a couple of years absence.  They have the best 1 - 9 lineup in the AL, an extremely deep and revamped Bullpen, and starters like Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson have lots of playoff experience.  Add a roster full of World Series heroes of not so long ago, and it could be a recipe for a long postseason run.  They also have the luck of the draw with playing the Royals in the 1st Round, with only having to face James Shields once, while their top duo of Jered Weaver and Matt Shoemaker are slated to tow the hill in 4 of the 5 games.

The Angels are finally back in the postseason after a couple of years absence. They have the best 1 – 9 lineup in the AL, an extremely deep and revamped Bullpen, and starters like Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson have lots of playoff experience. Add a roster full of World Series heroes of not so long ago, and it could be a recipe for a long postseason run. They also have the luck of the draw with playing the Royals in the 1st Round, with only having to face James Shields once, while their top duo of Jered Weaver and Matt Shoemaker are slated to tow the hill in 4 of the 5 games.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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No time to rest for the tired and weary.  After an emotional, and jaw dropping game for the Royals on Tuesday night, they will fly to Anaheim to meet the top seeded  Los Angeles Angels in the LDS Round.

You have to realize that Mike Scioscia is running the gauntlet on the running prowess of Kansas City even as we speak,

There will be no 2 – 3 or extra jackrabbit’s for the Royals squad, who were definitely aided by a lax Roster enforcement for Wild Card play, and also by the early game injury to Geovany Soto.

Chris Iannetta and Hank Conger will have to be ready for the speed demon club, that features several guys who can swipe bags on a whim.

If there is one thing going for Kansas City right now it is rhythm of repetition having played on Tuesday, while the Halo’s have been licking their chops in Orange County all week at the beach.

The Angels clinched so early, it would have been about 15 days since they have played a meaningful game in Game #1. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 9, 2014

Photo by Matt Brown/Angels Baseball LP

Photo by Matt Brown/Angels Baseball LP

 

There is a real possibility that the Angels and Cardinals could meet in the World Series.

If that happens, my advice to Texas Rangers fans is DO NOT WATCH!

It is a missed opportunity episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Tyler Flowers, Marcus Stroman, Carl Crawford, Jeff Locke, Lonnie Chisenhall, Sonny Gray, Nolan Arenado and David Holmberg all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?

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How All Of The Angels Pitchers Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree Shows A Nice Year Revamp!

Jered Weaver

How All Of The Angels Pitchers Were Acquired:

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

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The Angels management had to look back on the 2013 Relief Core – and worry about their long term future.  This was because not one guy had a decent year, and most guys were well north of 4 ERA’s.

Jerry DiPoto has rapid fired a bunch of trades and signings since then, to solidify a great Bullpen it was once a late inning disaster waiting to happen on a nightly basis.

So how did he accomplish this?  What assets did he give out in order to make it happen?

The 1st domino to fall was signing Joe Smith to a 3 year deal as the team’s primary set up man for Ernesto Frieri.

After that it was the David Freese deal – in which Reliever Fernando Salas came with him from the NL champion St. Louis Cardinals for Randal Grichuk and Peter Bourjos. Read the rest of this entry

How All Of The Angels Hitters Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree

 

DiPoto has constructed a team that has great power when healthy, and have the best player in baseball in Mike Trout, however a lot of the transactions on offense had nothing to do with the man.   As you will see in the Roster Tree, a lot of the guys have been Drafted before the DiPoto era.  I will say he has done a better job in the last year, than in his 1st 2 years at the helm.  The club has a short window to compete, before a lot of the team becomes older, all making too much money.

DiPoto has constructed a team that has great power when healthy, and have the best player in baseball in Mike Trout, however a lot of the transactions on offense had nothing to do with the man. As you will see in the Roster Tree, a lot of the guys have been Drafted before the DiPoto era. I will say he has done a better job in the last year, than in his 1st 2 years at the helm. The club has a short window to compete, before a lot of the team becomes older, all making too much money.  This is not an article about retracting our earlier stated points, but rather to say that maybe DiPoto is becoming a little wiser as a GM lately.   When all is said and done, with the payroll and talent within this team, they should be in contention for a Division Pennant and Post Season every year.

How All Of The Angels Hitters Were Acquired:

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

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Here at the MLB Reports we have taken a hard line at how the Angels have conducted business for the last several years.

From Sully (our lead Audio Personality and creator of “Sullymetrics”), to our ‘chief writer’ Hunter Stokes, to even myself at certain times – we have poured cold water on their efforts in assembling this current team.

I maybe the less culpable of the three, as I did predict this club to win the 2012 World Series, however one thing we all agreed on was Mike Scioscia‘s crazy insistence on batting Raul Ibanez 4th when he was so brutal for the team.

The fact they signed him wasn’t very great either, when Kendrys Morales would have fit the bill perfectly.

Among the observations we had, was criticizing GM Jerry DiPoto for some of his moves since taking over as GM of the club in late 2011.

A litany of poor roster decisions was part of the problem. 

The club wasted $16 MIL on Joe Blanton, paid for an injured Reliever in Ryan Madson, who never even pitched for the club.

The Sean Burnett injury problems I will not fault him for. Read the rest of this entry

The Cardinals Struggles In 2014 So Far Might Point To Accumulation Of Roster Changes Since 2011

After St. Louis won the 2011 World Series, they lost their world class 1B Free Agent player in Albert Pujols.  It was the right move, and Michael Wacha was the compensation pick, so one wouldn't even make the trade for the Cardinals former legend.  However much like the Mariners in the late 90's lost Johnson,  Griffey and Rodriguez, that team had a league record 116 wins in 2001.  The Cards have back to back NLCS Appearances, and lost the World Series in 2013, however despite being chalked with young talent, is that they still have lost several key components to their team in the last 3 years.  Somewhere the franchise might have to slow down for a brief spell.

After St. Louis won the 2011 World Series, they lost their world class 1B Free Agent player in Albert Pujols. It was the right move (10 YRs/$250 MIL is too much), and Michael Wacha was the compensation pick, so one wouldn’t even make the trade for the Cardinals former legend. However much like the Mariners in the late 90’s lost Johnson, Griffey and Rodriguez, that team had a league record 116 wins in 2001. The Cards have back to back NLCS Appearances, and lost the World Series in 2013, however despite being chalked with young talent, is that they still have lost several key components to their team in the last 3 years. Somewhere the franchise might have to slow down for a brief spell.

In no way am I going to slag the best run franchise in the MLB.  We are talking about the quintessential template of how to run your team in the modern world of baseball.

All I am projecting in this article is that every team goes through a stretch of play where they may not be performing to capabilities.

Some of these problems may even persist for a whole campaign.

The 2011 Cardinals won the World Series, and then after losing their future hall of fame legend in Albert Pujols, were able to bring in Free Agents Carlos Beltran to help offset the power headed out the door.

The move paved the way for another final four finish.  In fact, St. Louis held a 3 – 1 NLCS lead before the Giants won 3 straight.

2013 saw their young players come to fruition at the same time, and it mixed perfectly with their cagey Veteran core.

The organization had 6 players in the top 100 prospects as listed by http://www.mlb.com – and most of them have seen time with the big club thus far. Read the rest of this entry

Angels Last Remaining Team To Be Bageled In 2014, But The Offense Is Struggling Of Late

DiPoto has constructed a team that has great power when healthy, and have the best player in baseball in Mike Trout, but this club has a tough time not striking out, and worse is that they also don't draw Walks.  Their last few year offensive acquisitions in Ibanez, Stewart, Freese, Cowgill and Iannetta

DiPoto has constructed a team that has great power when healthy, and have the best player in baseball in Mike Trout, but this club has a tough time not striking out, and worse is that they also don’t draw Walks. Their last few year offensive acquisitions in Ibanez, Stewart, Freese, Cowgill and Iannetta have fanned 123 times in just 371 total AB in 2014, while only walking 41 total combined times in the same time frame.  They have only attributed 11 HRs and 47 RBI for their efforts as well.  The Slash Line is .202/.292/.340 for those guys. Can the core guys of Trout, Pujols, Hamilton (when back), Kendrick and Aybar make up for the anemic production they are receiving?

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Last night the Rangers finally did what no one else has done in 2014 thus far, Shutout the Rockies 5 – 0.

While Nolan Arenado was able to extend his hitting streak to 28, the Rox failed to plate a runner.

This leaves the Los Angeles Angels as the only team left in the MLB to not have suffered zero runs in a game.

I am not giving the title to LA yet, as they have played 4 less game than the Rockies.  Technically calendar wise, the Halo’s pulled of the feat, but lets see if they can make it through the weekend in Canada without being Shutout.

I think Los Angeles has a great chance in the next 4 games to score at Skydome, so if I could place a wager on the thing I would. 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.

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Angels State Of The Union For 2014: A Hot Start Is Paramount For Success

The Angels have spent almost a half of a billion in Free Agency over the last 3 years, and all they have to show for it, is back to back 3rd place finishes in the AL West.  The team also featured an anemic Bullpen in the 2013 campaign. But with AL West rivals all having significant injuries both to start the year and long-term for 2014, this has opened up the door for the start of campaign at least.  It is incumbent that their top guys stay injury free, and spend exactly no days on the DL, because they don't have suitable replacements to step in.  With poor starts to both of the last 2 years, this squad looks to break this trend in 2014.

The Angels have spent almost a half of a billion in Free Agency over the last 3 years, and all they have to show for it, is back to back 3rd place finishes in the AL West. The team also featured an anemic Bullpen in the 2013 campaign. But with AL West rivals all having significant injuries both to start the year and long-term for 2014, this has opened up the door for the start of the 2014 campaign at least. It is incumbent that their top guys stay injury free, and spend exactly no days on the DL, because they don’t have suitable replacements to step in. With poor starts to both of the last 2 years, this squad looks to break this trend this seasom.

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

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Hunter Stokes (Our chief writer) wrote a piece that was picked up by MLB Trade Rumors blogroll, stating that Jerry DiPoto has done a poor job in constructing the current team based on the roster tree here.

I agree with him 100% on this, especially on the moves, the Bullpen not being 100% finished yet, the Starting Rotation too reliant on their top 2 pitchers – and we have had several of their fans take some jabs at us for going with these notions.

The club’s brass has had a better winter in 2013 going into 2014, then they had last year, however it still doesn’t alleviate the fact, this team can’t sustain one injury to any of their top players because of said moves to deplete their depth.

The Starting Staff is composed of 60% of youth that is not used to toting long innings in Garrett Richards, Hector Santiago and Tyler Skaggs.

The team has a lot of players that will strikeout a lot, so it is also important to receive key HRs at crucial times in the game.

The club will also lose 34 HRs worth of power they received from Mark Trumbo in 2013, but it was the right time to move him.  Whether they received enough of a return is yet to be determined, but it also cut down the whiffs for 2014.

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St. Louis Cardinals State Of The Union: 2014 Preview

2013 was a stellar year for the Saint Louis Cardinals, just falling short of capturing the franchises 12th World Series title. Though St. Louis may have arguably lost their best offensive power hitter of 2013, Carlos Beltran, St. Louis is well armed and poised to return to the Fall Classic for the 2nd straight season.

2013 was a stellar year for the Saint Louis Cardinals, just falling short of capturing the franchises 12th World Series title. Though St. Louis may have arguably lost their best offensive power hitter of 2013, Carlos Beltran, St. Louis is well armed and poised to return to the Fall Classic for the 2nd straight season an 5th Fall Classic Appearance since 2004.  The franchise has also been to 8 NLCS’s since the turn of the millennium.

By Steven Hines (Guest Cardinals Writer view his website here): 

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Much like the offseason of a year ago, St. Louis made little moves. Despite little deals made, big changes are coming to the way this team operates in 2014.

Just because the Cardinals will look different does not mean you should expect less success than that of their World Series run of 2013.

In fact, expect the 2014 Cardinals to capture their 12th World Series Championship this season.

Bold prediction or reality, you decide. 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

Ortiz Is Almost Done Playing: Who Will Be The Next Great DH Among The AL Clubs??

David Ortiz has been the quintessential DH in the AL over the last 11 years.  Boston is in contention perennially because he put up great #s compared to his competition.  With all of the teams imploring several employees to scouting staffs - trying to find advantages to bring to Major League Lineups - why aren't teams focusing on the DH position more.  Ortiz has been a full time DH since joining the Red Sox, and has been instrumental in the club bringing home 3 World Series Titles.  In fact, the only time the team has struggled in the last decade, was if "Big Papi" is hurt or struggling.

David Ortiz has been the quintessential DH in the AL over the last 11 years. Boston is in contention perennially because he put up great #s compared to his competition. With all of the teams imploring several employees to scouting staffs – trying to find advantages to bring to Major League Lineups – why aren’t teams focusing on the DH position more. Ortiz has been a full time DH since joining the Red Sox, and has been instrumental in the club bringing home 3 World Series Titles. In fact, the only time the team has struggled in the last decade, was if “Big Papi” is hurt or struggling.

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

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There is no doubt in my mind that the Red Sox has won 3 World Series Titles in the last 10 years because they have had the quintessential DH in the American League.

While other teams have used the position as a rest stop for aging players, or stop-gap measure for players with defensive faulty, clubs have not seemed to have stressed emphasis on the slot in the lineup.

My question is why?  With everyone always searching for an edge in today’s game, you have one sitting right in front of you, that equates to over 600 AB a year.

David Ortiz (Post Season Heroics 2013)

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Los Angeles Angels Of Anaheim State Of The Union: Is It Time For Jerry DiPoto To Be Fired?

Mike Trout must feel like he will receive some better help from a full season of Pujols coming.  Heading into the 2013 campaign, they looked to have almost a historic 1 - 4 lineup.  Instead. it was a disaster.  Maybe the 2014 year will be different.

Mike Trout must feel like he will receive some better help from a full season of Pujols coming. Heading into the 2013 campaign, they looked to have almost a historic 1 – 4 lineup. Instead. it was a disaster. Maybe the 2014 year will be different.  With players like Vernon Wells and Joe Blanton still collecting money on the payroll – to the tune of $26 MIL in 2014, their teams salary structure is a disaster.  Those two guys are really horrible – or not even playing for LA anymore.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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“Stoking The Fire” – Week 10

As someone who follows the Angels from a distance, I have had it with Jerry DiPoto.

Whether it is the direction of the team’s brass that has been affected, or Arte Moreno himself, this team is heading on a one way ticket to salary hell.

So how does the GM respond this winter?

He trades his 2nd, 4th and possibly 5th best OF on the Roster Depth away – without yielding a OF back in return.

He has added on a couple of players (David Freese and Raul Ibanez) that Strikeout as much as the rest of the clan.  Good work man!

Am I missing something? Does he not see this is the recipe for disaster?

Angels 2013 preview – 2014 wont be as optimistic:

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Cards State Of The Union – Fall 2013: John Mozeliak + STL Brass Are Baseball’s Best ‘Rounders’

The Cardinals are the model NL Franchise, having gone to 8 out of the last 13 NLCS Matchups.  They also stand to benefit that the highest revenue teams in the MLB like New York, Boston, Los Angles (x2), Detroit, Texas and San Francisco do not reside in their Division.  At a just north of a $115 MIL payroll, they slightly hover over the Reds for highest team salary in the NL Central.  if the Cards continue to do well in player acquisitions, they will keep contending every year in the NL.

The Cardinals are the model NL Franchise, having gone to 8 out of the last 13 NLCS Matchups. They also stand to benefit that the highest revenue teams in the MLB like New York, Boston, Los Angles (x2), Detroit, Texas and San Francisco do not reside in their Division. Their team has been run the best in the MLB for over a decade.   At a just north of a $115 MIL payroll, they slightly hover over the Reds for highest team salary in the NL Central. if the Cards continue to display “Rounding techniques” in  player acquisitions, they will keep contending every year with the other big boys across baseball.  When you add the fact that the brass knows how to run a club like the Oakland A’s and Tampa Bays Rays do, but also have money to spend, then you can see how dangerous this organization has been since 2000.

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

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What is not to like about this team?

The club has appeared in 4 World Series in the last decade, 8 NLCS series since the turn of the millennium, and now with brilliant drafting and trades, the club is in outstanding position to keep it up for the next decade.

While I hated the fact they recently signed Jhonny Peralta, I understand the move because it was so smart.

This franchise addressed their two top needs this offseason, without surrendering any of their top young Pitching prospects, or even Oscar Taveras for that matter.

Did I also mention that when Carlos Beltran signs somewhere else – the club receives another pick?

Michael Wacha Tosses 8.2 IP Of No – Hit Ball 9/24/13

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Stoking The Fire – Week 7: Bullet Version Of Free Agent Signings + Trades This Winter

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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2014 Winter Transactions

Dodgers Sign SP Dan Haren -1 YR/$10 MIL: Great Depth move for the probable 2014 NL West Division champs!

Rays Sign C Jose Molina – 2 YRs/$4.5 MIL: Great Defensive Catcher, club doesn’t spend a ton either.

Cards Sign SS/OF – Jhonny Peralta 4 YRs/$52 MIL: Hate the PED aspect of this – smart deal for Cards.

Angels Sign RP – Joe Smith 3 YRs/$15.75 MIL: The club still needs 4 more relievers and 3 starters.

Yankees Sign C – Brian McCann 5 YRs/$85 MIL (6th Year Option at $15 MIL):  Great early strike for the Bombers!

Angels and Cards Trade OF Peter Bourjos for 3B David Freese: is Jerry DiPoto high?  Fight at the trainers table next year.

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Dissecting The Peter Bourjos For David Freese Deal

Peter Bourjos was moved into CF - and the LA Angels then shifted Mike Trout over to LF, based on the range of  Bourjos as an OF.  He is fast, and has shown that he can be a catalyst in a lineup.  His best year was in 2011, where he played a full season, 3 Slashing .271/.327/.765 - with 12 HRs, an AL leading 11 - 3B, 26 - 2B - and added 32 SB.  The Cardinals will have him patrol CF with them in St. Louis.  Bourjos has 3 years left of Arbitration, while Freese only has 2 years left.  The Angels also swapped their top OF prospect in the deal - for help in Reliever (but trending down) Fernando Salas.

Peter Bourjos was moved into CF – and the LA Angels then shifted Mike Trout over to LF, based on the range of Bourjos as an OF. He is fast, and has shown that he can be a catalyst in a lineup. His best year was in 2011, where he played a full season, 3 Slashing .271/.327/.765 – with 12 HRs, an AL leading 11 – 3B, 26 – 2B – and added 32 SB. The Cardinals will have him patrol CF with them in St. Louis. Bourjos has 3 years left of Arbitration, while Freese only has 2 years left. The Angels also swapped their top OF prospect in the deal – for help in Reliever (but trending down) Fernando Salas.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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It is funny how the complexion of a team can change with one deal.  For right now, I want to be on record as saying I hate the deal that the Angels made yesterday for David Freese.

The deal came down to Peter Bourjos being sent to St. Louis with Randal Gruchuk (or Grichuck as baseballreference.com lists him as –  for David Freese and Reliever Fernando Salas.)

I had thought all along (same with this website) that these two clubs should be trading partners.

But we were thinking of a heavy deal containing Mark Trumbo and Erick Aybar, for potentially Matt Adams, David Freese and/or a Starting Pitcher from the bountiful nest of the Cardinals Staff.

Peter Bourjos Inside The Park HR

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The Mark Trumbo Trade Watch Continues in LA: Could He Be Headed To STL, TB, MIA, PIT Or Other?

The Angels have spent almost a half of a billion in Free Agency over the last 3 years, and all they have to show for it, is back to back 3rd place finishes in the AL West.  The team will lose Jason Vargas this year, and the Angels are expected to non-tender Tommy Hanson.  The team also featured an anemic Bullpen in the 2013 campaign.  If the Angels are wishing to trade Mark Trumbo, they best acquire 2 Pitchers that can fill in their weaknesses.  Los Angeles have a surplus of OF/DH and 1B on the Roster with Hamilton, Pujols and Bourjos.  Trumbo will be a heavy commodity sought after because he has 3 years of Team Control left with any aspiring club that brings him in.

The Angels have spent almost a half of a billion in Free Agency over the last 3 years, and all they have to show for it, is back to back 3rd place finishes in the AL West. The team will lose Jason Vargas this year, and the Angels are expected to non-tender Tommy Hanson. The team also featured an anemic Bullpen in the 2013 campaign. If the Angels are wishing to trade Mark Trumbo, they best acquire 2 Pitchers that can fill in their weaknesses. Los Angeles have a surplus of OF/DH and 1B on the Roster with Hamilton, Pujols and Bourjos. Trumbo will be a heavy commodity sought after because he has 3 years of Team Control left with any aspiring club that brings him in.

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

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The Angels have doled out nearly half a Billion in contracts over the last 3 winters of Free Agency and have nothing to show for it but heartache, misery – and a team that was once a perennial playoff favorite dropped under .500 for only the 2nd time in the last decade during the 2013 season.

Hemorrhaging funds for a club not competing can’t sit well with the team owner Arte Moreno.  Amidst in all of this would be a contract for Mike Scioscia as manager for $5 MIL a year, that renders him unfireable, and  even untradeable.

This team is loaded with talented players like Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton, Jered Weaver, C.J. Wilson, Howie Kendrick – and of course Mark Trumbo.

Mark Trumbo’s 1st 24 HRs of 2013

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St. Louis Cardinals Current Roster Tree: How All Of The Team Was Acquired

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 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.

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.

For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.

Carlos Beltran Steals Game #1 of the 2013 NLCS for the Cards

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