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Baltimore Orioles State Of The Union For 2015

Baltimore Orioles

By Nicholas Delahanty (MLB Reports Writer)  

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Even with some key players being out of the lineup for long periods of time (due to injuries/suspensions), the Baltimore Orioles still found a way to win 96 games during the 2014 regular season, and advanced to the ALCS after sweeping the Detroit Tigers in the ALDS.

Unfortunately, the Orioles’ World Series hopes were crushed by the Kansas City Royals in the Final Four, as the O’s struggled mightily against this year’s “Cinderella story.”

It turned out to be an ugly end for a great season, but the Orioles now need to look forward to the off-season.

With some key players heading towards free agency and arbitration, the Orioles need to make some moves in order to put themselves in contention to compete once again come 2015. 

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How All Of The Royals Were Acquired – 2014 Roster Tree: They Could Also Use An Injection Via Trade

The Royals rode a 11 game winning streak to 1st place in the AL Central in June.  What is more impressive is that they smashed the Tigers in the 1st 3 games of that 4 game series currently.  However a brutal stretch of play, culminating in a 9 - 18 record post the streak, has them wallowing near the .500 mark, and could fall out fast if the offense can't turn it around.  Today, we will examine how the Royals received all of their offense.

The Royals rode a 11 game winning streak to 1st place in the AL Central in June of this year. What is more impressive is that they smashed the Tigers in the 1st 3 games of that 4 game series – before relenting the last game of the series,  however a brutal stretch of play happened after that, culminating in a 9 – 18 record post the streak, and has them wallowing near the .500 mark.  This squad could fall out contention fast if the offense can’t turn it around. Today, we will examine how the Royals received all of their offense.

How All Of The Royals Hitters Were Acquired:

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

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The time to sit around and watch this club struggle is no more.

The Kansas City Royals must take decisive action either way to avoid future years of bashing from their already tepid fanbase.

The problem for years has been the offense – and especially since James Shields and Wade Davis came to town in a deal that saw massive prospect OF Wil Myers go back the other way.

It was an aggressive move and bold outlook for the 2013 and 2014 years, but Dayton Moore and David Glass have underestimated just how much power you need in the lineup on a daily basis.

This roster of batters is comprised mostly of their homegrown talent, or speedy light hitting talent they have acquired by trades.

Alcides Escobar and Lorenzo Cain were both picked up in the 2010 trade of Zack Greinke tot the Brewers.  A deal that also saw the club pick up Jake Odorizzi, who was packaged in the deal for Shields and Davis. Read the rest of this entry

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

Adam Jones was brought over in a trade with Chris Tillman, George Sherrill from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Erik Bedard in the 2007 offeseson. Jones is a 3 time Gold Glove Winner, and has 2 straight season of 30+ HRs, and might well be in the top 5 AL MVP consideration this year by the time it is all said and done. This trade started the pendulum swinging back in the other direction - after a horrible 10 year stretch for the O's. Baltimore broke a 15 year playoff drought n 2012 with a Post Season Berth.  This 4 time ALL - Star  is on pace for career highs in HRs and RBI for 2014. Jones, now 28, signed a 7 YRs/$91.7 MIL deal prior to the 2012 season, which means he is with Baltimore until the end of 2018

Adam Jones was brought over in a trade with Chris Tillman, George Sherrill from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Erik Bedard in the 2007 offeseson. Jones is a 3 time Gold Glove Winner, and has 2 straight season of 30+ HRs, and might well be in the top 5 AL MVP consideration this year by the time it is all said and done. This trade started the pendulum swinging back in the other direction – after a horrible 10 year stretch for the O’s. Baltimore broke a 15 year playoff drought n 2012 with a Post Season Berth. This 4 time ALL – Star is on pace for career highs in HRs and RBI for 2014. Jones, now 28, signed a 7 YRs/$91.7 MIL deal prior to the 2012 season, which means he is with Baltimore until the end of 2018

How All Of The Orioles Hitters Were Acquired:

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

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The fortunes of the Orioles have all come based on the heels of 2 nice trades and a 3rd one also tilting the scales in their favor.

1 of the deals was the Erik Bedard for Adam Jones and Chris Tillman, the other great trade was acquiring Chris Davis and Tommy Hunter for Koji Uehara.

These deals gave the club a bonafide Starting Pitcher, a Gold Glove and 30 HRs a year hitting Adam Jones, a 50+ HR guy in 2013 with Chris Davis, and a flamethrowing arm out of the Bullpen with Hunter.

Bedard was lackluster in Seattle briefly, and Koji Uehara wasn’t good in Texas, like he was in Baltimore or now Boston.

You can also trace J.J. Hardy (yet another Gold Glover) back to the assets received from Aubrey Huff. Read the rest of this entry

Baltimore Orioles Organizational Depth Charts (All Affiliates) – Spring 2014 (Majors and Minors)

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

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Management

CEO- Peter G. Angelos
GM- Dan Duquette
MGR- Buck Showalter
PCO- Dave Wallace
HCO- Jim Presley
1BCO- Wayne Kirby
3BCO- Bobby Dickerson
BHCO- John Russell
BPCO- Dom Chiti

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Baltimore Orioles State Of The Union Spring 2014 Part 1: The Lineup Now With Cruz Added

By Nicholas Delahanty (MLB Reports O’s Writer)  

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Nelson Cruz Signs with Baltimore

It has been a very busy week for the Orioles as Spring Training gets started, as the team is set to announce the signing of Nelson Cruz to a one-year, $8 MM contract.

Earlier in the week, I wrote about guys the Orioles could target to help bolster their lineup, and Cruz seemed to be the most logical fit. Read the rest of this entry

Baltimore Orioles Payroll In 2014 + Contracts Going Forward Part 1

The Orioles are dreaming if they think they can remain dormant in Free Agent Signing's - and going into 2014 with the same club they resembled at the end of the 2013 year.  Small transactions are just not going to cut it.  Spending a projected $80 MIL - without superior pitching is not a good game plan to contend the AL East

The Orioles are dreaming if they think they can remain dormant in Free Agent Signing’s – and going into 2014 with the same club they resembled at the end of the 2013 year. Small transactions are just not going to cut it. Spending a projected $80 MIL – without superior pitching is not a good game plan to contend the AL East.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart/Payroll Expert)

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The Baltimore Orioles have not had a banner offseason, and their reluctance to up the ante in payroll might become the biggest reason why the team goes backwards in progression for 2014.

The franchise has Chris Davis in his 2nd year of Arbitration – and will enter the 8 figure salary ranger for the 2014 campaign.  MLB Trade Rumors has listed him as possibly making $10 MIL based on their grid.

The organization is also likely to spend (on Arbitration or come to terms) $20 MIL on the players Matt Wieters, Bud Norris, Tommy Hunter, Nolan Reimold, Brian Matusz, Troy Patton and Steve Pearce.

Matt Wieters Highlights 2013

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Orioles Fill Closer Void With Signing Of Grant Balfour

The Baltimore Orioles signed Closer Grant Balfour to a 2 YR/ 14 Million dollar contract on Tuesday. Balfour will replace Jim Johnson, who was traded to Balfour’s previous team, the Oakland Athletics, earlier in the offseason.  In an overall picture, the club almost essentially traded Jim Johnson for Jemile Weeks and Grant Balfour.  The club will save $2 – $3 MIL in payroll next campaign, while they added Second Base depth, and perhaps may have the better Relief Pitcher out of the two.  Better yet, Baltimore has their Closer scenario sewn up for the 2015 season now as well.

By Nicholas Delahanty (MLB Reports O’s Writer)  

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What the signing of Grant Balfour means to the Orioles

As the winter moves along, the Oriole faithful keeps asking the same question: when are the Orioles going to make a big move?

The beginning of the MLB Free Agency period has not been friendly to Orioles fans, as they saw their team trade away Jim Johnson, one of the best Closers in baseball, as well as part ways with Left Fielder Nate McLouth and Starting Pitcher Scott Feldman through free agency.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Orioles found out that rumors surrounding the team were actually truth, as it was announced that Grant Balfour signed a 2 YR/ 14 Million dollar deal, with $500,000 deferred each season.

Grant Balfour Rage versus the Rangers

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“Stoking The Fire” Week 3: Kansas City Royals State Of The Union 2014 Part 1

James Shields turned in a workman like effort for the Royals - only to have received little run support.  With the Trade having going down seemingly to correct each other main ailments with the Rays needing offense and the Royals needing defense.  It has worked for both teams.  2014 becomes the most pivotal year in the last 3 decades for the franchise - as it is "Big Game" James' last year under contract.

James Shields turned in a workman like effort for the Royals (13 – 9, with a 3.15 ERA – AL leading 228.2 IP and 34 Game Starts) – only to have received little run support. With the Trade having going down seemingly to correct each other main ailments with the Rays needing offense and the Royals needing defense. It has worked for both teams. 2014 becomes the most pivotal year in the last 3 decades for the franchise – as it is “Big Game” James’ last year under contract.  With them trading away Wil Myers for his services, the team needs to capitalize on this year.  Ultimately the franchise should spend any amount of $$$ necessary in 2014 to compete with the big boys of the AL.  With so many of their own core young players due to start receiving salaries increases, this next year has to be the time to go for it!!

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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I am officially calling out the Royals Management and ownership to buck up again for the 2014 season.  If ever there was a year to spend the money it is now!

You have James Shields for one more year, and all of your core young players like Billy Butler, Eric HosmerLuke Hochevar and Mike Moustakas are heading for some payraises in the near future for Arbitration.

Wade Davis also will see his money bumped in 2015.

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

The time to win is now!

Shields first inning as a Royal

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MLB 30 Team Power Rankings: Week 21

42 - 8, 25 - 3, 19 - 1, 10 wins in a row.  These are all significant numbers put up with a team with deep pockets, the ability to outdraw everyone, and owners willing to do whatever it takes to bring home the 1st World Series Title since 1988.  No one can touch these guys right now. Best 3 Starters in the NL and hottest 2 NL Hitters in Puig and Ramirez.  Oh yeah, the Bullpen has been lights out for the last 50 contests!

42 – 8, 25 – 3, 19 – 1, 10 wins in a row. These are all significant numbers put up with a team with deep pockets, the ability to outdraw everyone for park attendance, and owners willing to do whatever it takes to bring home the 1st World Series Title since 1988. No one can touch these guys right now. Best 3 Starters in the NL and hottest 2 NL Hitters in Puig and Ramirez. Oh yeah, the Bullpen has been lights out for the last 50 contests!

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

It is time for the MLB Power Rankings.  These are based on my thoughts on whether who has the best chance to win the World Series.

A lot of these positions are based on who has the toughest Strength of Schedule left, who their competition is for the Division, and possibly even the League they are in,

The races for the Divisions (AL East, AL West and NL Central are starting to tighten up, while the NL West, AL Central and most notably NL East are looking to be foregone conclusions

The Braves have rattled of a 18 – 3 stretch, and have been ousted by the Dodgers for the #1 spot in the MLB Rankings .

The Rangers are trying to ricochet off of a couple of great deals, in order to flame down the Oakland Athletics.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June 30th) – Updated Yearly “WOB” Standings

 (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

(AP Photo/Jim Mone)

David Lough went 4-4, including three doubles, four runs scored, three RBI and a go ahead 8th inning home run leading the Royals to a wild 9-8 win in Minnesota.

Justin Masterson pitched the Indians into a virtual tie with the Tigers as he tossed a masterful 6 hit shutout of the White Sox, 4-0.

Madison Bumgarner gave the Giants 7 innings letting up only 4 hits and 1 run as the champs halted a six game slide with a 5-2 win over the Rockies.

Yasiel Puig was a home run shy of the cycle, finishing 4-5 and scoring a pair as the Dodgers made quick work of the Phillies, 6-1.They all owned baseball on June 30th, 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

Kansas City Payroll In 2013: Royals Organizational Rosters + Depth Charts – (MLB + MiLB)

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Saturday, Apr.27/2013

Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Alex Gordon, Lorenzo Cain, Billy Butler are part of a young core of talent that could really all flourish at the same time.  The franchise had added Veteran  Starting Pitching this year and look as strong as ever to end the 28 year Playoff Drought.  The management and ownership has spent more money than any Royals team in club history.  The will probably battle with the Detroit Tigers all season long for the AL Central Division

Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Alex Gordon, Lorenzo Cain, Alcides Escobar, Billy Butler are part of a young core of talent that could really all flourish at the same time. The franchise had added Veteran Starting Pitching this year and look as strong as ever to end the 28 year Playoff Drought. The management and ownership has spent more money than any Royals team in club history. The will probably battle with the Detroit Tigers all season long for the AL Central Division.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): and welcome Jeff Kleiner (Salary, Roster and Depth Chart Expert for the MLB) – visit his website  here  

You guys are all in for a treat.  Jeff Kleiner recently contacted me about a partnership merge for the website.  He has developed a site (prosportsrosters.com) that covers all organizational affiliates in the Minors for all of the Major League Baseball Clubs.  We are going to combine efforts to bring you the best look at salaries, current 25 Man Player Rosters and Depth Charts for all 30 teams. 

Jeff is going to provide the documents in form of spreadsheets and I am going to accompany the posts with deep analysis of what the numbers tell us from my perspective.  If you can’t wait for all of my assessments for each club, go and visit Jeff’s website over at http://www.prosportsrosters.com.

In Speaking with Jeff, he is one of the more passionate fans I have come across towards the game of baseball.  He spends enough time in updating his MLB Facts for it to be a Full-Time Job.  So after the usual Video Clip and READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY button, you will find some serious &*!@?!#!

Jeff updates this page below on a daily basis.  After you click on it….Bookmark it.  There is a 3 year salary forecast and stats not listed here on this page.

For a Full 3 year Salary Outlook plus last years Stats for every player in the Royals Organization click here

Kansas City Royals World Series Victory Parade 1985:

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