Blog Archives

Having A Great DH Can Mean Winning The AL Pennant: For Other Teams – The Position Is A Waste!

David Ortiz has been the quintessential DH in the AL over the last 11 years.  Boston is in contention perenially because he put up great #s compared to his competition.

David Ortiz has been the quintessential DH in the AL over the last 11 years. Boston are perennial contenders because he put up great #s compared to his competition.  Ortiz had a great 2013 campaign – where he 3 Slashed .309/.395./.959 – with 30 HRs and 103 RBI in just 137 Games Played.  Ortiz is .292/.390/.962 in 11 Years with Boston, with 373 HRs and 1191 RBI.  The Red Sox won the World Series in 2004 and 2007 with him at DH, and are looking to win again this year.

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

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Watching the 2013 season, something really resonated with me while watching the American League:  ‘Where have all the great designated hitters in MLB gone?’  

It is surprising to me that teams haven’t figured out that having a dominant DH in the league could mean the difference in winning the AL pennant or not.

I also believe that players should be moved their earlier than in their mid 30’s.  If they can’t play the field at all, or are not superior at offense, they should be made to Pinch-hit in the NL. 

It seemed only a few years ago that every team had a bopper capable of hitting .300 with 30 HR’S and 100 RBI’s.  Upon further investigation, I found out some interesting facts.

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Mike Napoli Is A Clutch Performer In The Post Season – And Is Potentially Earning A Nice New Contract!

Mike Napoli agreed to a 1 YR/$13 MIL deal prior to the 2013 season.  While he struggled at various times in the regular season, he still Slashed for .259/.360/.842 - with 23 HRs and 92 RBI.  It was his 6th straight season with 20+ HRs - and his 498 2013 ABs - still have left him without ever reaching 500 AB in any of his seasons.

Mike Napoli agreed to a 1 YR/$13 MIL deal prior to the 2013 season. While he struggled at various times in the regular season, he still Slashed for .259/.360/.842 – with 23 HRs and 92 RBI. It was his 6th straight season with 20+ HRs – and his 498 2013 ABs – still have left him without ever reaching 500 AB in any of his seasons.  The man averages a HR for every 16.38 AB in his Career. (169 HRs in 2768 AB). He will turn 32 on Oct.31/2013.

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

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If you have followed this website for very long, you will realize that we have made some great prognostications from the time of its inception.

We called the emergence of the Oakland A’s half way through the campaign last year.  We also called Adam Dunn to be the bargain of the 2012 season.

We also stated that the Tigers would make the 2012 World Series.

We said the Dodgers were going to go nuts and spend like there was no tomorrow, probably make the World Series, sign Zack Greinke.

We called every aspect of the New York Yankees season this year, including trading for Mark Reynolds, Vernon Wells and for Alfonso Soriano to thrive back in pinstripes.

Then there was the predicting of Yasiel Puig, Yoenis Cespedes, Mike Trout and Wil Myers at the verge of breaking out.

Previous Owner Jonathan Hacohen also predicted the emergence of Mike Napoli in 2011, and thoroughly admonished the Blue Jays for trading him – after having the Catcher for about a week.

Mike Napoli Game #5 HR 2013 ALCS

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Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated For October 17, 2013 Games

(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.

For a full explanation, click HERE.

From today’s games:

Receiving 1 WOO:

Mike Napoli hit one of the longest homers you will ever see to straight away center field. He finished a triple shy of the cycle, scored twice and drove in a run for the Red Sox 4-3 nail biter in Detroit.

Koji Uehara continued his dominance of Tigers batters. He faced 5 batters, retired them all including a pair of strikeouts as he slammed the door shut in Boston’s 4-3 win.

Receiving 1/2 WOO:

Jose Iglesias singled, scored a run and made a remarkable circus catch on an Ortiz pop fly, giving the Tigers a chance in their 4-3 loss to Boston.

Anibal Sanchez was not his no hitter self. But he cut his walks down to zero and let up only 3 earned runs in his 6 innings of work. He kept the Tigers in the game but they couldn’t catch Boston, 4-3.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 17, 2013

p-533498-1989-world-series-battle-of-the-bay-mlb-baseball-patch-oakland-a-s-san-fra-bjp-es-85192-0225

I remember the 1989 World Series earthquake, 24 years after it happened, and its aftermath.

That and more on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Doug Fister, Adrian Gonzalez, Zack Greinke and Austin Jackson received full WOO’s.

Matt Holliday and Jacoby Ellsbury received 1/2 WOO’s.

Confused what a WOO is? An explanation for Who Owns October can be found HERE.

An updated WOO tally can be found HERE.

To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 17, 2013

Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated For October 16, 2013 Games

(AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

(AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

 

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.

For a full explanation, click HERE.

From today’s games:

Receiving 1 WOO:

Doug Fister kept the Red Sox from rallying all game. He went 6 innings and despite letting up 8 hits, only surrendered 1 run and got the decision in the Tigers’ 7-3 victory.

Adrian Gonzalez crushed a pair of homers, collected 3 hits in all and sparked the offense for LA, 6-4 over the Cardinals.

Zack Greinke kept the Dodgers from elimination after wiggling out of early trouble. He pitched 7 innings, let up only 6 hits and 2 runs and got the win, 6-4 over St. Louis.

Dropped to the 8th spot, Austin Jackson got on base 4 times with a pair of walks and a pair of hits. He scored a run, drove in 2 and stole a base, sparking the Tigers 7-3 win over the Red Sox.

Receiving 1/2 WOO:

Jacoby Ellsbury collected four hits and missed the cycle by a homer, scored and drove in a run, one of the few bright lights for the Red Sox in their 7-3 loss to Detroit.

Matt Holliday got 3 hits, including a double, scored and drove in a run and gave the Cardinals hope to clinch. St. Louis fell just short, 6-4 to Los Angeles.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 16, 2013

Al Bello - Getty Images

Al Bello – Getty Images


The Dodgers are down 3-1 in their series… but have the best pitchers to help them climb out.
Justin Verlander‘s luck in this post season has been dreadful.
And 10 years after “The Aaron Boone Game”, nothing is the same for Red Sox fans.

All this and more on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

John Lackey, Matt Holliday, Carlos Martinez and Mike Napoli all earned full WOO’s.
Justin Verlander, Victor Martinez and Andre Ethier received 1/2 WOO’s.

Confused what a WOO is? An explanation for Who Owns October can be found HERE.

An updated WOO tally can be found HERE.

To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 16, 2013

Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated For October 15, 2013 Games

(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.

For a full explanation, click HERE.

From today’s games:

Receiving 1 WOO:

Matt Holliday got a pair of hits including a massive 2 run homer in the 3rd inning that wound up being the difference in the Cardinals 4-2 win over the Dodgers.

John Lackey was magnificent, pitching shutout ball into the seventh inning. He finished with 6 2/3 innings, no runs, 4 hits, 8 strikeouts and no walks. He got the decision in Boston’s 1-0 heart stopping win in Detroit.

Carlos Martinez not only threw 2 key innings of shutout relief but also picked off Nick Punto at second base when the Dodgers were threatening to rally. St. Louis would hold on to win, 4-2.

Mike Napoli homered in the 7th inning and provided all of the offense of the game as the Red Sox beat the Tigers, 1-0.

Receiving 1/2 WOO:

Andre Ethier got on base three times and scored, giving the Dodgers some hope in their 4-2 loss to the Cardinals.

Victor Martinez was one of the only Tiger hitters whose bats were not totally dead. He went 2-4, including a single that put the go ahead run on base and the winning run at the plate in the 9th. The runs would not score and neither would Detroit who fell to Boston, 1-0.

Justin Verlander gave a performance on par with the other dominant Tiger starts in the ALCS. He finished with 8 innings, 4 hits, a single walk and 10 strikeouts. A solo home run in the 7th was his lone blemish, which was enough to lose the game 1-0 to the Red Sox.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 15, 2013

(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Both League Championship Series look like they can go a long way.

Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I look at the two series that are now pretty interesting. And I praise Puig, I don’t bury him.

Hyun-Jin Ryu and the notorious Yasiel Puig got full WOOs last night.
Adam Wainwright got a 1/2 WOO.

Confused what a WOO is? An explanation for Who Owns October can be found HERE.

An updated WOO tally can be found HERE.

To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 15, 2013

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 14, 2013

JARED WICKERHAM/GETTY IMAGES

JARED WICKERHAM/GETTY IMAGES

Right after the miraculous victory by the Red Sox in Game 2 of the 2013 ALCS, I recorded an impromptu episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

No prep. No notes. Just me and my dad sitting at the kitchen table, talking about the game.

David Ortiz and Koji Uehara got full WOOs last night.
Max Scherzer and Alex Avila got half WOOs.

Confused what a WOO is? An explanation for Who Owns October can be found HERE.

An updated WOO tally can be found HERE.

To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 14, 2013

Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated For October 13, 2013 Games

ELISE AMENDOLA/AP

ELISE AMENDOLA/AP

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.

For a full explanation, click HERE.

From today’s games:

Receiving 1 WOO:

David Ortiz hit what could have been the most dramatic home run of his career, which is saying something. With one swing of his bat, he turned a 5-1 8th inning hole with 2 outs into a 5-5 tie as his grand slam landed in the bullpen.

It was the first time in a playoff history that a grand slam was hit to tie the game in the 8th inning or later. It changed the tide of the series and set up the 9th inning walk off win for the Red Sox over Detroit.

After the Red Sox tied the game, they needed a shut down inning. They got that from Koji Uehara, who prevented the Tigers big sluggers from getting a chance to bat by tossing a 1-2-3 9th. He would be credited with the victory in Boston’s 6-5 walk off win over Detroit.

Receiving 1/2 WOO:

Alex Avila drove in a run in the second and launched a 2 run shot in the 6th that gave the Tigers a 5-0 lead that they could not hold against Boston.

Max Scherzer became the latest Tigers pitcher to flirt with a post season no hitter. He was remarkable over 7 innings, letting up just 2 hits, 1 run and striking out 13. His bullpen betrayed him and he had to settle for a no decision in the Red Sox stunning 6-5 win.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 13, 2013

(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

The Red Sox and Dodgers seriously hurt their chances to get into the World Series.

The Dodgers are panicking against the Cardinals while I nearly matched the Red Sox hit total.

There is an air of desperation of today’s Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

The link to my short scene, a dialogue between two Fox execs, can be found HERE.

Anibal Sanchez, Michael Wacha, David Freese and Jhonny Peralta all earned full WOO’s.

Jon Lester, Clayton Kershaw and Daniel Nava earned 1/2 WOO’s.

Confused what a WOO is? An explanation for Who Owns October can be found HERE.

An updated WOO tally can be found HERE.

To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 13, 2013

Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated For October 12, 2013 Games

 (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.

For a full explanation, click HERE.

From today’s games:

Receiving 1 WOO:

David Freese doubled off of Clayton Kershaw to start the 5th. He would come around to score the games’ only run as the Cardinals topped Los Angeles, 1-0.

Jhonny Peralta hit a 2 out, 2 strike RBI single to centerfield in the 6th inning to give the Tigers all the runs they would need in their 1-0 victory over the Red Sox. He would finish the game 3-4.

Anibal Sanchez courted history by throwing 6 no hit innings in Fenway Park for Game 1 of the ALCS. His pitch count may have been high and so was his walk total, but the Red Sox could not get a hit until the 9th and he struck out 12 batters including 4 in the first. Sanchez was credited with the 1-0 victory for Detroit.

Michael Wacha shut down the Dodgers bats with 6 2/3 innings of 5 hit shutout ball. He walked only one while striking out 8, earning the 1-0 triumph for the Cardinals.

Receiving 1/2 WOO:

Clayton Kershaw pitched 6 innings of 2 hit ball and let up only an unearned run. He also would collect one of the Dodgers’ 5 hits. He got the loss, 1-0, at the hands of the Cardinals.

Jon Lester was outstanding, pitching into the 7th, going 6 1/3 innings, 1 run and 1 walk in a hard luck 1-0 defeat by Detroit.

Daniel Nava broke up the Tigers’ no hitter in the 9th inning and briefly gave Red Sox fans hope in their 1-0 loss to the Tigers.

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MLB’s Payroll Matters Part 2: Just Because Some Low Payroll Teams Have Bucked The Trend – Doesn’t Mean It Will Continue

It seems the only to way to build a team successfully - is to be atrocious for several (talking 6 - 8 seasons), stockpile top 5 Draft Picks, and have them all become your nucleus for a matter of a few seasons. The reason is because of Team Control Salaries.  Teams like the Rays and Pirates have also held players in the Minor Leagues longer than needed - due to salary and Arbitration implications.  I can think of Desmond Jennings, Wil Myers, Chris Archer for the Rays, while Gerrit Cole and Jeff Locke come to mind for the Bucs.

It seems the only to way to build a team successfully – is to be atrocious for several (talking 6 – 8 seasons like the Twins, Nationals, Pirates, Rays in recent years – and now the Astros are following suit), stockpile top 5 Draft Picks, and have them all become your nucleus for a matter of a few seasons. The reason is because of Team Controllable Salaries. Teams like the Rays and Pirates have also held players in the Minor Leagues longer than needed – due to salary and Arbitration implications. I can think of Desmond Jennings, Wil Myers, Chris Archer for the Rays, while Gerrit Cole and Jeff Locke come to mind for the Bucs.  If a player is ready for action in the Majors, he should playing – end of story.

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

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Lets just take a look at the teams that have played well above their value.  The Twins are a story much like the Marlins in 1997 and 2003.

The Twins had a good team in the late 80’s, and won 2 World Series Titles in 1987 and 1991.  However the economics of the game hit them hard, and they struggled for an 8 year stretch in the AL Central.

For Part 1 of the MLB’s State Of the Union Part 1:  Click here.

Major League Contraction Talk Again?

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Major League Baseball’s State Of The Union – Payroll Matters Part 1: Oakland Loses Again In Playoffs

The MLB used to be the favorite Past time in America.  Now with the NFL ruling the country as #1, the game continues to miss the mark of implementing a salary system - that helps all 30 MLB Teams be competitive from a spending type of structure on a yearly basis.  Either you run your franchise perfectly from a transactions standpoint - or if you make a few contract mistakes - it could cripple your franchise for years.  Despite many of different teams bucking the trend over the last decade - it doesn't mean there isn't a problem.

The MLB used to be the favorite Past time in America. Now with the NFL ruling the country as #1, the game continues to miss the mark of implementing a salary system – that helps all 30 MLB Teams be competitive from a spending type of structure on a yearly basis. Either you run your franchise perfectly from a transactions standpoint – or if you make a few contract mistakes – it could cripple your franchise for years. Despite many of different teams bucking the trend over the last decade – it doesn’t mean there isn’t a problem.

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

As I started a minor fight on Twitter last night (with a supposedly respected writer), it reminded me of how much I hate that social media outlet, yet how it is a necessary evil.

While there were some words caught up in a misunderstanding, it left me thinking about the state of Major League Baseball.

I love this game..I have centered my life around being fan, writer, website owner, by having a job that affords me that highest capacity to receive my fix.

I have gone on crazy ballpark chasing tours, that have also helped feed my addiction.

Yet watching the Oakland A’s lose last night, and then having someone mention a joke aimed at Billy Beane (not sure how much of a joke it was – another stupid flaw of Twitter’s 140 Characters), I began thinking of everything I don’t like about the MLB.

Part 2 of this Series: MLB’s Payroll Matters Part 2: Just Because Some Low Payroll Teams Have Bucked The Trend – Doesn’t Mean It Will Continue

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Odds To Win The 2013 MLB World Series, Plus Odds To Win The NLCS + ALCS Matchups

Boston is only a -125 favorite to win the ALCS, however this is a better odd than banking on Jon Lester to win Game #1 at -158.  If Boston wins tonight's game, they will have an obvious decisive advantage.  Play the better odd here and pick them to win the ALCS>.  You will profit .80 Cents on every dollar wagered.

Boston is only a -125 favorite to win the ALCS, however this is a better odd than banking on Jon Lester to win Game #1 at -158. If Boston wins tonight’s game, they will have an obvious decisive advantage. Play the better odd here and pick them to win the ALCS>. You will profit .80 Cents on every dollar wagered.  If you are a fan of Anibal Sanchez, picking them at +142 is a good value for a guy that won the AL ERA championship this season.  While he was lit up by Oakland in the ALDS this year, Sanchez featured a 1.77 ERA – in 3 Game Starts in 2012. 

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Odds To Win the World Series:

Boston Red Sox +220

St. Louis Cardinals +250

Detroit Tigers +270

LA Dodgers +325

 

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2013 MLB Playoff Predictions: ALCS + NLCS Matchups

The Red Sox went from 69 Wins in 2012 - to World Series favorite in one year.  The 'Beantowners' have assembled a playoff tested crew to arm them in their quest to make it to the World Series for the 1st time in 6 years.  Will the Red Sox take out the Tigers and go for the team of the decade, with a 3rd World Series Bid (out of the last 10 years) in 2013?

The Red Sox went from 69 Wins in 2012 – to World Series favorite in one year. The ‘Beantowners’ have assembled a playoff tested crew to arm them in their quest to make it to the World Series for the 1st time in 6 years. Will the Red Sox take out the Tigers and go for the team of the decade, with a 3rd World Series Bid (out of the last 10 years) in 2013?

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

After nailing the National League straight on in picks for the LDS Round, I failed in either of my upset predictions of Tampa Bay or Oakland to advance.

I am not displeased though, I won money on the Rays losing the series (that came from a bet for them to win the World Series in June that paid +2000 or so, I bet the Red Sox to win the Series as a hedge.

Heading into last nights game, I could have still gone 3 – 1 for the Series prediction if Oakland could come up with a win.

Really the A’s failing to wrap up Game #4 was the big blow.

Thanks to a nice odd of Justin Verlander -107 @ Sonny Gray (-103), I nailed the game last for a nice little profit.

I never bet one dime on the other series in the NLCS.

So I went 2 – 2 in the Round, but plus some nice cash for my effort. Including the playoff game and Wild Card game, I am now 4 – 3 this Post Season.

The Red Sox win the LDS vs the Tampa Bay Rays

youtube=http://youtu.be/Y4m4eeyhFks

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Odds To Win The 2013 MLB World Series, Plus Odds To Win The NLCS + ALCS Matchups

Jon Lester will be the biggest key to for the Red Sox to establish early dominance over the Detroit Tigers.  He gets the nod in Game #1 of the ALCS on Saturday at Fenway Park.  The Boston team is favored to win the World Series out of the 4 remaining teams.  This makes sense - as they have home park advantage via the best AL record, plus the American League won the ALL - Star Game this summer for the "Fall Classic Series.'

Jon Lester will be the biggest key to for the Red Sox to establish early dominance over the Detroit Tigers. He gets the nod in Game #1 of the ALCS on Saturday at Fenway Park. The Boston team is favored to win the World Series out of the 4 remaining teams. This makes sense – as they have home park advantage via the best AL record, plus the American League won the ALL – Star Game this summer for the “Fall Classic Series.’

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Odds To Win the World Series:

Boston Red Sox +225

LA Dodgers +240

Detroit Tigers +270

St. Louis Cardinals +360

 

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Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated for October 10, 2013

Photo: Thearon W. Henderson - Getty Images

Photo: Thearon W. Henderson – Getty Images

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.

For a full explanation, click HERE.

From today’s games:

Receiving 1 WOO

Miguel Cabrera crushed a 2 run homer that seemed to give the Tigers an insurmountable lead. It would hold as the Tigers won 3-0.

Justin Verlander flirted first with perfection and then with a no hitter. He would finish with 8 innings of 2 hit, 1 walk shutout ball with 10 strikeouts, clinching the Division Series 3-0 over Oakland.

Receiving 1/2 WOO:

Sonny Gray matched Verlander over 3 innings. He was not as masterful as he was in Game 2, but he kept the A’s in the game. It wasn’t enough as the Tigers won 3-0.

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Odds To Win The 2013 MLB World Series, Plus Odds For Oakland And Detroit In Game #5 Of the ALDS

Today will be the last day you can receive such a decent odd for the Boston club to win the World Series at +210.  Whether the A's win, and the Odds will drop to the -150 range, or Detroit will win - and their odd pretty much stays the same.  If you were the Red Sox - who would you rather play?  I got to think they would want to play the Tigers, because Detroit is not hitting the ball, and Oakland makes for a far trip out West, and don't give those A's any momentum from knocking off Detroit!

Today will be the last day you can receive such a decent odd for the Boston club to win the World Series at +210. Whether the A’s win, and the Odds will drop to the -150 range, or Detroit will win – and their odd pretty much stays the same. If you were the Red Sox – who would you rather play? I got to think they would want to play the Tigers, because Detroit is not hitting the ball, and Oakland makes for a far trip out West, and don’t give those A’s any momentum from knocking off Detroit!

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Odds To Win the World Series:

Boston Red Sox +210

LA Dodgers +230

St. Louis Cardinals +360

Detroit Tigers +500

Oakland Athletics +900

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Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated for October 8, 2013

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Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.

For a full explanation, click HERE.

From today’s games:

Receiving 1 WOO

Craig Breslow pitched 1 2/3 solid innings of relief, striking out 4 and getting the decision as the Red Sox eliminated the Rays 3-1.

Jacoby Ellsbury got on base twice, stole a base, possibly helped cause Tampa’s catcher to miss a wild pitch and scored the go ahead run in the Red Sox 3-1 clinching victory.

Doug Fister may not have been dominant, but his 6 innings prevented the A’s from pulling away and helped set up the Tigers come from behind 8-6 win.

Jhonny Peralta clubbed a 3 run homer in the 5th that tied the game helped turn a potential elimination game for the Tigers into a wild 8-6 victory against Oakland.

Receiving 1/2 WOO:

Coco Crisp collected 4 hits, scored 3 times and drove in a run, doing everything he could to lead the A’s to victory as they fell short to Detroit, 8-6.

Yunel Escobar got 3 hits and scored the Rays lone run in their 3-1 loss to the Red Sox.

Matt Moore came out of the bullpen and prevented the Red Sox from putting up much of a fight over two scoreless innings in the Rays 3-1 defeat by Boston.

Dan Straily was brilliant the first four innings and solid through 6, letting up only 4 hits, striking out 8 and walking none. It wasn’t enough as the Tigers came back to win, 8-6.

To view the Playoff Leaders for ‘Who Owned October Standings’ – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

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Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated for October 7, 2013

Photo: Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports

Photo: Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.

For a full explanation, click HERE.

From today’s games:

Receiving 1 WOO

Alex Cobb was not on top of his game but he kept the Red Sox from breaking open the game in his 5 innings of work and helped set up Tampa’s 5-4 come from behind win.

Matt Holliday provided all the offense the Cardinals with need with his 2 run homer that sparked St. Louis’ 2-1 win over the Pirates.

Clayton Kershaw pitched on short rest and threw 6 innings with 2 unearned runs, 6 strikeouts and 1 walk. He would not get the decision but the Dodgers would prevail, 5-4.

Evan Longoria saved the series with one swing of his bat by launching a 2 out 3 run homer in the 5th that woke the Rays up. Tampa would go on to win 5-4.

Dan Otero worked out of trouble in two scoreless innings from the bullpen and prevented the Tigers from staging a comeback as the A’s won 6-3.

Seth Smith got two hits including a 2 run homer that gave the A’s insurance in their 6-3 win in Detroit.

Juan Uribe launched a 2 run 8th inning go ahead come from behind homer that gave the Dodgers the clinching lead over the Braves that they would not relinquish, 5-4.

Michael Wacha threw a no hitter into the 8th inning and kept the Cardinals alive, defeating the Pirates in Pittsburgh, letting up just 1 run and 1 hit for a final of 2-1.

Receiving 1/2 WOO:

Jose Alvarez stopped the bleeding in Detroit with 3 innings of no hit shutout ball out of the bullpen. It would not be enough as the Tigers could not score or mount a comeback, losing 6-3.

Pedro Alvarez broke up the no hitter with a towering home run that brought the Pirates to within one run. It would be practically all of the Pirates offense in their 2-1 loss.

Jacoby Ellsbury got three hits, two of them doubles, and a stolen base and scored 2 of the Red Sox 4 runs in their 5-4 loss to the Rays.

Freddy Garcia stunned the Dodger Stadium crowd with a wonderful 6 inning performance where his lone blemishes came on a pair of solo homers. He struck out 6 and let up only 2 runs and would have received the win if the bullpen did not melt down in the 8th.

Charlie Morton let only 2 Cardinals score and allowed only 3 hits while pitching into the 6th in the Pirates 2-1 loss.

Jhonny Peralta drove in 1/3 of the Tigers entire run total for the series with his game tying 2 run single in the 4th. The Tigers would lose 6-3.

Ric Flair endorsing the new “SullyMetric” – WOO!!

To view the Playoff Leaders for ‘Who Owned October Standings’ – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 7, 2013

Photo by Matt West - Boston Herald

Photo by Matt West – Boston Herald

It could be a day of clinching in baseball today, or teams can get off the mat.

Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, we break down the 4 games being played today and why David Price should stay off of Twitter after a loss.

Chris Capuano, Francisco Liriano, Andrew McCutchen and Hanley Ramirez all earned full WOO’s.
Evan Gattis and Carlos Beltran earned half WOO’s.

Confused of what a WOO is? Click Here.

The updated WOO tally is HERE.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 7, 2013

Interleague Master Schedule For The 2014 MLB Season

For the 2014 MLB Schedule Links Page – that has Monthly, Weekly, Daily, 30 MLB Teams  and all 2430 Games for on 1 running  Page Post, click here

Do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here

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

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The AL have won 13 out of the 17 years for Interleague play.  The American League has also won every year since the start of the 2004 year.

1997:  NL won 117 – 97 (.547) NL up yearly series 1 – 0

1998:  AL won 114 – 110 (.509) Yearly series tied 1 – 1

1999:  NL won 135 – 116 (.538) NL up yearly series 2 – 1

2000:  AL won 136 – 115 (.542) Yearly series tied 2 – 2

2001:  AL won 132 – 120 (.524) AL up yearly series 3 – 2

2002:  NL won 129 – 123 ( .512) Yearly series tied  3 – 3

2003:  NL won 137 – 115 (.544) NL up yearly series 4 – 3

2004:  AL won 127 – 125 (.504) Yearly series tied  4 – 4

2005:  AL won 136 – 116 (.540) AL up yearly series 5 – 4

2006:  AL won 154 – 98 (.611) AL up yearly series 6 – 4

2007:  AL won 137 – 115 (.544) AL up yearly series 7 – 4

2008:  AL won 149 – 103 (.591) AL up yearly series 8 – 4

2009:  AL won 154 – 98 (.611) AL up yearly series 9 – 4

2010:  AL won 138 – 114 (.548) AL up yearly series 10 – 4

2011:  AL won 134 – 118 (.532) AL up yearly series 11 – 4

2012:  AL won 142 – 110 (.611) AL up yearly series 12 – 4

2013:  AL won 154 – 146 (.513) AL up yearly series 13 – 4

2014:  AL Won Season Series for the 11th straight campaign – yearly season  series  AL Up 14 – 4

SUN Sept.28, 2014 Results: NYM 8 HOU 3,  2014 – AL wins season series 163 – 137 (.543) 

ALL Time: AL leads the NL 2353 – 2126 (.525)

See Ya All in 2015 for Interleague

 

 

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New York Yankees Payroll In 2014 + Contracts Going Forward + The Cano And A – ROD Factors

The Yankees should not pay Robinson Cano more than $25 - $28 MIL per season for a max of 7 years.  The club was fortunate to have the relief of A - Rod's suspension - otherwise the percentage of inking the Free Agent 2B would not even be possible - and have a competitive team.

The Yankees should not pay Robinson Cano more than $25 – $28 MIL per season for a max of 7 years. The club is fortunate to have the relief of A – Rod’s pending suspension – otherwise the percentage of inking the Free Agent 2B would not even be possible.  Cano’s agent -Jay – Z, has thrown out the first Salvo, saying the Slugger wants a 10 YR/$300 – 305 MIL Deal.  The Bronx Bombers would be crazy to offer any more than what I stated up in the 1st sentence of this Caption.  New York is looking to reset its Luxury Tax Penalty (when the Threshold is moved to $189 in 2014), in order to spend again commencing in 2015.

Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner):

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They are old and 2014 will not make them younger.  However, there are some small tweaks that the team could do in order to make the payroll make sense. 

The 2014 version of the Yankees may struggle. Exiting are Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte, Hiroki Kuroda, Boone Logan, Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, Curtis Granderson, Brendan Ryan and potentially Derek Jeter (although he has a Player Option for 2014) and Mark Reynolds.

To the Readers on our Payroll Breakdowns:   Keep in mind these are all just estimates as we are all not forensic payroll accountants.  For a better look at how Payrolls work in the MLB please check out this article here.

Derek Jeter Highlights:

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.25th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

(AP Photo/Jim Mone)

(AP Photo/Jim Mone)

Max Scherzer  truly earned his 21st victory of the season. He threw 7 shutout innings, striking out 10 Twins and letting only 2 get hits. The 1-0 triumph clinched the AL Central for the Tigers.

Evan Longoria  pushed Tampa Bay closer to a playoff spot and eliminated the Yankees altogether. He went 3-5 with a pair of homers and 4 RBI, leading the way as the Rayswon another laugher in the Bronx, 8-3.

Kyle Lohse was effective and economical in his dominating shutout of the Braves. He needed only 89 pitches to go 9 innings where he let up only 2 hits and no walks as the Brewers won, 4-0.

Darnell McDonald  broke open a 1-1 tie with a three run homer that gave the Cubs a lead they would never relinquish against the Pirates. The final score in Wrigley was 4-2, Chicago.

They all owned baseball on September 25, 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 OR SCROLL DOWN.

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Its Gut Check Time For The Rangers: Indians + Rays In The AL Wild Card Driver Seats

Baltimore entered last Friday night just 1 game behind the playoff bar.  They were swept in a 4 game series down in Tampa Bay, in a wraparound series, that included a devastating 18 inning loss among the tough defeats.  The club also lost Manny Machado to injury.  The magic number to eliminate the club is just 3.

Baltimore entered last Friday night just 1 game behind the playoff bar. They were swept in a 4 game series down in Tampa Bay, in a wraparound series, that included a devastating 18 inning loss among the tough defeats. The club also lost Manny Machado to injury yesterday. The magic number to eliminate the team is just 3.  The guys end the regular season with 6 straight at Camden Yards.  The only real meaningful resolutions will be if Chris Davis can crack 4 Home Runs, to tie Ken Griffey Jr. (56 HRs) for the most HRs by a LHB in the AL for the last 52 years?

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

2013 WILDCARD Race Breakdown in AL

Team                         W –  L   GBL Games Left Upcoming in Sequence

Tampa Bay Rays       87 – 69     –   ( 3 @ NYY, 3 @ TOR)

Cleveland Indians     86 – 70     –   ( 2 vs CWS, 4 @ MIN)

Texas Rangers           85 – 71    1   (2 vs HOU, 4 vs LAA)

Kansas City Royals  83 –  73   3.0  (2 @ SEA, 4 @ CWS)

New York Yankees   82 – 74   4.0   (3 vs TB, 3 @ HOU)

Baltimore Orioles     81 – 75   5.0  ( 3 vs TOR, 3 vs BOS)

We have had some clarification occur over the last week in the AL Wild Card Race as the Rays and Indians have both won 4 straight in their goal to make the playoffs.

The Yankees went 3 – 3 for the week, including a heart – wrenching loss to the Giants late on Sunday,  It must have pained them even more to see the Rays come back in the late innings versus the Orioles.

Had Baltimore won that game, the Yankees would start the series in New York versus the Rays tonight with a chance to cut their deficit to them by 3 games via a sweep.

The Bronx Bombers then waltz into Houston, where they might win their last 3 games.  However, with Tampa’s come from behind win yesterday, it makes their Magic number versus the Yanks to 3. 

Manny Machado’s Gruesome Injury – Sept.23/2013

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.20th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

 (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Jon Lester pitched 7 strong innings, giving up just 1 run and striking out 8 as he earned his 15th win, 6-3 over Toronto, and clinched the AL East crown for the Red Sox.

Torii Hunter reached base 5 times, driving in 3 and scoring 2 as the Tigers moved closer to a Division Title with a 12-5 thrashing of the White Sox.

Jordan Zimmermann earned his 19th victory this season for the Nationals by tossing a 2 hit, 9 strikeout complete game shutout of the Marlins, 8-0.

Matt Adams got on base 4 times including a game tying single in the 7th and a go ahead homer in the 9th as the Cardinals won a wild game in Milwaukee, 7-6.

They all owned baseball on September 20, 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

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2 And A Hook Podcast #15: AL Wild Card Race Breakdown, NL Central Chat + The BallPark Pass-Port Inventor

The 2 And A Hook Podcast will be running 7 consecutive shows on Thursdays Sept. 19 + 26, and Oct 3,10,17,24,31) - Join us for our extensive playoff coverage from Chuck Booth, Chris Lacey, James Acevedo and many other guests!

The 2 And A Hook Podcast will be running 8 consecutive shows on Thursdays Sept. 19 + 26, and Oct 3,10,17,24,31) – Join us for our extensive playoff coverage from Chuck Booth, Chris Lacey, James Acevedo and many other guests!

‘2 And A Hook’ is an expression from Baseball:  ‘Throw the guy 2 Fast balls and then a Hook’ (AKA Curve Ball, Wiggly one, Chair etc..)

By James Acevedo – Host (Podcast Veteran )

Guests On The Show:

On today’s show, brought to you by www.mlbreports.com 

& yours truly The Bench Warmers Show.

I start it off with talking about the Yankees chances of getting the 2nd Wild Card Spot & giving them props for having a good season no matter what happens..

CLICK THE READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON or CLICK PAST THE MLB REPORTS LOGO

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The 4 Teams Chasing Texas + Tampa In The AL Wild Card Have A Great Chance (Mon – THU Game W – L Grid For All 6 Teams)

The Cleveland Indians are in the driver seat in the AL Wild Card Race.  While they may not overtake the #1 Wild Card Spot by Thursday, they can guarantee to be in a playoff position if they can simply win 3 out of the next 4 games.  After Thursday, the Tribe has the easiest path to the Post Season out of any of these 6 clubs when it comes to Strength Of Schedule!

The Cleveland Indians are in the driver seat in the AL Wild Card Race. While they may not overtake the #1 Wild Card Spot by Thursday, they can guarantee to be in a playoff position if they can simply win 3 out of the next 4 games. After Thursday, the Tribe has the easiest path to the Post Season out of any of these 6 clubs when it comes to Strength Of Schedule!  Cleveland last made the playoffs in 2007, when they blew a 3 – 1 ALCS to the Boston Red Sox.

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

2013 WILDCARD Race Breakdown in AL

Team                         W –  L   GBL Games Left Upcoming in Sequence

Tampa Bay Rays       81 – 67     –   (4 vs TEX, 4 vs BAL, 3 @ NYY, 3 @ TOR)

Texas Rangers           81 – 67     –   (4 @ TB, 3 @ KC, 3 vs HOU, 4 vs LAA)

Cleveland Indians     81 – 68   0.5  (3 @ KC, 4 vs HOU, 2 vs CWS, 4 @ MIN)

Baltimore Orioles     79 – 70   2.5  (3 @ BOS, 4 @ TB, 3 vs TOR, 3 vs BOS)

New York Yankees   79 – 71   3.0  (3 @ TOR, 3 @ SF, 3 vs TB, 3 vs HOU)

Kansas City Royals  78 –  71   3.5  (3 vs CLE, 3 vs TEX, 3 @ SEA, 4 @ CWS)

The American League Wild Card spots #1 and #2 are  considerably up for grabs. 

To make it an even tighter race, the teams trailing Tampa and Texas can all make up ground in their own individual series this week when those clubs play each other 4 times.

This is a perfect storm for these 4 clubs to narrow the gap.

What I am going to do is make in make a grid based on how the teams will do based on the Rays and the Rangers series.

KC Royals Win the 1985 World Series – Now Sit in a 28 Year Playoff Drought (Longest in the MLB)

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.15th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

 (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

(AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Hunter Pence kept his mad contract dash with a pair of homers and helped the Giants squeak past the Dodgers, 4-3.

Nick Swisher homered twice and helped the Indians pound the White Sox 7-1 and climb to within 1/2 a game of the playoffs.

Burch Smith threw 7 three hit shutout innings against the Braves, striking out 10 and walking just 2, getting the 4-0 win for the Padres.

Max Scherzer failed to get his 20th win, but it was not his fault. He held the Royals to 5 hits, 1 walk and a single run over 7 innings while striking out 11. The bullpen surrendered the lead but the Tigers would prevail, 3-2.

They all owned baseball on September 15, 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

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