Blog Archives

White Sox 2014 Questions

This season was Flowers first chance at being the every day catcher, and he has also disappointed. Flowers was part of the Javier Vasquez trade to the Atlanta Braves a few years ago, and at the time, was a highly touted prospect. But, Flowers has fought through mediocrity ever since his acquisition. He has since hurt his shoulder, and will miss the rest of the 2013 season. While Tyler Flowers continued to struggle this season, the Sox called up catching prospect Josh Phegley from Triple A Charlotte in July.   Flowers is Arbitration Eligible in 2015 - and under team control until 2018

This season was Flowers first chance at being the every day catcher, and he has also disappointed.Flowers was part of the Javier Vasquez trade to the Atlanta Braves a few years ago, and at the time, was a highly touted prospect. But, he has fought through mediocrity ever since his acquisition.  Flowers has since hurt his shoulder, and will miss the rest of the 2013 season.
While the young backstopper continued to struggle this season, the Sox called up catching prospect Josh Phegley from Triple A Charlotte in July. Flowers is Arbitration Eligible in 2015 – and under team control until 2018.

By ‘White Sox Correspondent’ Brian Madsen 


As a very disappointing 2013 season winds down for the Chicago White Sox, several questions arise heading into 2014. Who will be the starting third baseman?

Who will be the starting catcher? Who will be in center field? Who’s at first base? And, maybe even, who will be the White Sox manager?

Let’s start at third base. Jeff Keppinger was signed during the 2012-2013 offseason with the expectations of being the every day third basemen, and a quality bat in the lineup.

A career .281 hitter, Keppinger has disappointed in 2013. While he’s come around the passed month or so, he’s hitting just .244, well below expectations.

Jeff Keppinger Highlights

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.10th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

 (AP Photo/Andrew A. Nell

(AP Photo/Andrew A. Nell

Rick Porcello went the distance, letting up only 1 run and scattering 7 hits, giving the Tigers a key victory over the White Sox, 9-1.

Alfonso Soriano hit a pair of home runs that could have saved the Yankees season. The second one came in a come from behind rally that sealed a 7-5 win in Baltimore.

Shelby Miller pitched shutout ball into the 7th inning and held off the Brewers as the Cardinals won 4-2 and stayed a game up in first place.

Welington Castillo went 3-5 with a pair of homers and 3 RBI, helping the Cubs stop the stampeding Reds by a 9-1 final.

They all owned baseball on September 10, 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

2014 MLB Season Schedule – Week 2 (April.07 – April.13/2014)

The MLB Reports is going to be the #1 place to come for the 2014 Major League Baseball Schedule: Dates, Days, Home Openers, # Games Per Day: Break Downs into pages of a Year Long Calendar, Monthly Calendar, Weekly Calendar - all on one page for each, so you can know your favorite teams schedule, or plan to do a MLB Road Trip. I will also do a doubleheader Master Schedule for - two parks in one day for that extreme Ball Park Chaser (Coming in Feb).  Also, we will have a Sunday Night ESPN schedule page, an Interleague Schedule Page for all year, 6 different 30 Ballparks in 30 days trip schedulers, and a couple of schedules I feel could break the records for ballpark viewing.  Those last few pages all are coming in February.

The MLB Reports is going to be the #1 place to come for the 2014 Major League Baseball Schedule: Dates, Days, Home Openers, # Games Per Day: Break Downs into pages of a Year Long Calendar, Monthly Calendar, Weekly Calendar – all on one page for each, so you can know your favorite teams schedule, or plan to do a MLB Road Trip. I will also do a doubleheader Master Schedule for – two parks in one day for that extreme Ball Park Chaser (Coming in Feb). Also, we will have a Sunday Night ESPN schedule page, an Interleague Schedule Page for all year, 6 different 30 Ballparks in 30 days trip schedules, and a couple of schedules I feel could break the records for ballpark viewing. Those last few pages all are coming in February.

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

A lot of things that will affect any given schedule for the ‘MLB’ are weather cancellations, ESPN Sunday Night Game positioning and of course if there any other delays.

The MLB Reports will work hard to keep up with the schedule changes as they come.  While we are not going to be a big proponent of putting up links for tickets, we have many friends that do such a thing.

Plus if you haven’t done so yet. join http://www.ballparkchasers.com – and join the discussion with the gang over at Facebook here.

You will be doing yourselves a favor by joining – as a lot of the people in there have vast knowledge and expertise about all of the 30 MLB Parks.

All 30 MLB Parks – in 30 Days by Blind Fan Reggie Deal (He is the man!)

Read the rest of this entry

2014 MLB Season Opener Date for Games In Sydney, Australia + Week 1 Of The MLB Schedule (March.23 – April.06/2014)

The MLB Reports is going to be the #1 place to come for the 2014 Major League Baseball Schedule: Dates, Days, Home Openers, # Games Per Day: Break Downs into pages of a Year Long Calendar, Monthly Calendar, Weekly Calendar - all on one page for each, so you can know your favorite teams schedule, or plan to do a MLB Road Trip. I will also do a doubleheader Master Schedule for - two parks in one day for that extreme Ball Park Chaser (Coming in Feb).  Also, we will have a Sunday Night ESPN schedule page, an Interleague Schedule Page for all year, 6 different 30 Ballparks in 30 days trip schedulers, and a couple of schedules I feel could break the records for ballpark viewing.  Those last few pages all are coming in February.

The MLB Reports is going to be the #1 place to come for the 2014 Major League Baseball Schedule: Dates, Days, Home Openers, # Games Per Day: Break Downs into pages of a Year Long Calendar, Monthly Calendar, Weekly Calendar – all on one page for each, so you can know your favorite teams schedule, or plan to do a MLB Road Trip. I will also do a doubleheader Master Schedule for – two parks in one day for that extreme Ball Park Chaser (Coming in Feb). Also, we will have a Sunday Night ESPN schedule page, an Interleague Schedule Page for all year, 6 different 30 Ballparks in 30 days trip schedulers, and a couple of schedules I feel could break the records for ballpark viewing. Those last few pages all are coming in February.

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

With the exception of that we don’t know who is going to have the North American Home Opener on Sunday March.30/2014 yet, these are the tentative schedule – and I have highlighted home openers for each club.

Only a few teams like:  St. Louis, New York (AL), Seattle, and San Francisco will not have hosted games from Mar.30 – April.06.  Everybody will have played a home game by April.08/2014.

All 30 MLB Parks – Mature Lyrics So Parental Guidance Is Advised

Read the rest of this entry

Official Home Openers At All 30 MLB Parks In 2014

The MLB Reports is going to be the #1 place to come for the 2014 Major League Baseball Schedule: Dates, Days, Home Openers, # Games Per Day: Break Downs into pages of a Year Long Calendar, Monthly Calendar, Weekly Calendar - all on one page for each, so you can know your favorite teams schedule, or plan to do a MLB Road Trip. I will also do a doubleheader Master Schedule for - two parks in one day for that extreme Ball Park Chaser (Coming in Feb).  Also, we will have a Sunday Night ESPN schedule page, an Interleague Schedule Page for all year, 6 different 30 Ballparks in 30 days trip schedulers, and a couple of schedules I feel could break the records for ballpark viewing.  Those last few pages all are coming in February.

The MLB Reports is going to be the #1 place to come for the 2014 Major League Baseball Schedule: Dates, Days, Home Openers, # Games Per Day: Break Downs into pages of a Year Long Calendar, Monthly Calendar, Weekly Calendar – all on one page for each, so you can know your favorite teams schedule, or plan to do a MLB Road Trip. I will also do a doubleheader Master Schedule for – two parks in one day for that extreme Ball Park Chaser (Coming in Feb). Also, we will have a Sunday Night ESPN schedule page, an Interleague Schedule Page for all year, 6 different 30 Ballparks in 30 days trip schedules, and a couple of schedules I feel could break the records for ballpark viewing. Those last few pages all are coming in February.

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

With the exception of that we don’t know who is going to have the North American Home Opener on Sunday March.30/2014 yet, these are the tentative home openers for each club.

30 MLB Park Rankings – According to a Fan

Read the rest of this entry

Is A Chief Needed For The Braves Young Rotation?

At first thought of Freddy Garcia stepping any where near the hill to start a playoff game, may have fans cringe at the thought, but keep in mind of his prior playoff pedigree.  In a spot start or pinch, the wily veteran chucker may be up for the challenge.  The 36 Year Old from Venezuela holds a 6 - 3 record - with a 3.28 ERA in 10 Game Starts, and in particular was 3 - 0, with a 2.14 ERA for the 2005 World Champion White Sox.  Could he channel some of his experience for Atlanta if called upon?

At first thought of Freddy Garcia stepping anywhere near the hill to start a playoff game, may have fans cringe at the thought, but keep in mind of his prior playoff pedigree. In a spot start or a pinch, the wily veteran chucker may be up for the challenge. The 36 Year Old from Venezuela, holds a 6 – 3 record – with a 3.28 ERA in 10 Post Season Game Starts, and in particular was 3 – 0, with a 2.14 ERA for the 2005 World Champion White Sox. Could he channel some of his experience for Atlanta if called upon?

By Bob McVinua (Special Guest Braves Writer – visit his website here):

Freddy Garcia, nicknamed the “chief” has recently been called up from the minor leagues to add some relief to the Atlanta bullpen.

At first I was very skeptical of the move and didn’t really see it as being anymore then an inexpensive way to eat up innings down the stretch while the team sits on a large division lead.

Then when Garcia began to see minor league action and couldn’t seem to get anyone out I became even more convinced that this deal wouldn’t amount to anything.

Well we all know how quickly things can change in Major League Baseball and today’s zeros can become tomorrow’s hero’s in the blink of an eye.

Freddy Garcia hurls a SO versus the Nationals 5/30/2013

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.2nd) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Andre Ethier went 3-4 with three runs scored and three batted in. He homered, walked and hit a pair of doubles, leading the first place Dodgers past the Rockies, 10-8.

Erick Aybar hit a 2 run homer that broke open a tight ball game. He would finish the game going 2-4 with a homer, triple and 4 RBI as the Angels blew out the Rays, 11-2.

Mat Latos threw a critical complete game, 4 hit, 2 run victory. He stymied the Cardinals and gave the Reds a 7-2 victory that kept them in the Central race .

Doug Fister came into Fenway Park and shut out the Red Sox over 7 no run, 4 hit innings. The Tigers won the potential ALCS preview by a score of 3-0.

They all owned baseball on September 2, 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

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 1, 2013

AP Photo/Duane Burleson

AP Photo/Duane Burleson

It is THE SUNDAY REQUEST on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

If you aren’t following the races in the NL Central and AL Wild Card and West, then you are really missing out.

Lots of Tiger talk today, plus Magic Numbers

Ivan Nova, Brandon Phillips, Omar Infante and A. J. Burnett all owned baseball on August 31, 2013.

To see the up to date tally of “Who Owns Baseball?,” click HERE

Subscribe on iTunes HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 1, 2013

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (August.31st) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

Ivan Nova kept the Yankees playoff hopes alive by throwing a complete game 3 hit shutout against the Orioles for a final score of 2-0.

Omar Infante smacked a pair of home runs while driving in 5 runs. He led the Tigers past fading divisional rival Cleveland, 10-5

A. J. Burnett let up only 1 run and 4 hits, getting the 7-1 victory over St. Louis and propelled the Pirates into first place.

Brandon Phillips answered his critics by being a single short of the cycle. He finished going 3-5 with 3 runs scored and 2 batted in, leading the Reds in their 8-3 win over the Rockies.

They all owned baseball on August 31, 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

Key Players Mixed With Comeback Players Are Keeping The Indians In The Race For A Playoff Spot

The Indians currently sit with a 71-63 record which puts them only 4.5 games out of a Wild Card spot and &.5 games out of the division. Many people didnt really expect Cleveland to do to much but key players like Giambi, Jiminez, and Kazmir are keeping them in the race

The Indians currently sit with a 71-63 record which puts them only 4.5 games out of a Wild Card spot and 7.5 games out of the division. Many people didn’t really expect Cleveland to do too much but with better than expected performances from  Giambi, Jimenez, and Kazmir – they are keeping up in the race for the playoffs.

By Dan Wanser (MLB Reports Writer)   

The Cleveland Indians currently sit in second place in the American League Central behind the Detroit Tigers and are in fourth place  in the Wild Card behind Oakland, Tampa Bay, and  Baltimore.

Right now, Key players like Ubaldo Jimenez, Jason Kipnis and Just Masterson are leading the way, but is also surprise contributions from  Jason Giambi, and Scott Kazmir  that are also  keeping them in the race for the playoffs.

With time running out, these players need to continue to lead and more players need to start to step up if this team wants to make the playoffs.

Kazmir Dominates:

Read the rest of this entry

The Traveling Salesman Problem: 30 MLB Stadiums In Record Time

The MLB Road Trip has been mastered by about 25 people that have accomplished the feat in under a month.  We are going to keep giving the extreme ballpark chasers some more food for thought here

The 30 MLB Park Road Trip has been mastered by about 25 people who have accomplished the feat in under a month. We are going to keep giving the extreme ballpark chasers some more food for thought here.

By Josh Robbins (Special Guest Writer And Co – Creator for The Factor12 Rating Pitching Metric.)

The Factor 12 (F12) is an analytic measurement utilizing league average performance to compare the value of all MLB pitchers on 60ft6in.com.

My grandfather was a traveling salesman for most of his working life.  Frequently, he recalls stories about selling his wares in exotic places such as Keokuk, Iowa, Hannibal, Missouri, and Cairo, Illinois.

However, the real Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) asks this question: “Given a list of cities and the distances between each pair of cities, what is the shortest possible route that visits each city exactly once and returns to the origin city?”

Applying this computation to all 30 MLB stadiums is more complex given the nature of the regular season schedule.  A handful of metropolitan cities host two clubs enabling for travel to occur in the same city more than once.

Without using a complex algorithm or formula based system, google maps will be utilized to determine the shortest distances between each city/stadium to determine the most logical route.  

Extreme ballpark chasers are often left to the mercy of the schedule eliminating a perfect directional path.

After optimizing the mileage breakdown between stadiums, this is the shortest possible DRIVING route discovered:

30 Ballparks in 30 Days Documentary

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (August.29th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Photo: Gene J. Puskar - AP

Photo: Gene J. Puskar – AP

Yovani Gallardo kept the Pirates out of first place with 7 shutout innings, getting the 4-0 win for the Brewers.

Daniel Murphy went 4-5 with a pair of doubles, a run scored, 2 RBI and a stolen base, leading the Mets offense in a 11-3 mauling of the Phillies.

Jason Vargas continued the Angels winning ways in Tampa Bay by blanking the Rays over 7 innings of 3 hit shutout ball and getting the 2-0 decision .

Torii Hunter launched a 2 out, 3 run, come from behind, walk off homer that salvaged a game for the Tigers and avoided an Oakland sweep, 7-6.


They all owned baseball on August 29, 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

The Orioles’ Best Time To Strike Is 2013 Or 2014: Especially While The Yankees Are Down!

Chris Davis was awarded a 1 YR/$3.3 MIL contract in Arbitration for 2013, but based on his possible 55+ HRs and 130+ RBI. exactly what stratosphere of money will he enter based on those totals.  The Baltimore franchise must consider 2013 - 2014 to be their best chance for a deep playoff run.  After this year, Davis will be making megabucks in 2014 and 2015 - before hitting the Free Agency Market in 2016

Chris Davis was awarded a 1 YR/$3.3 MIL contract in Arbitration for 2013, but based on his possible 55+ HRs and 130+ RBI. exactly what stratosphere of money will he enter based on those totals? The Baltimore franchise must consider 2013 – 2014 to be their best chance for a deep playoff run. After this year, Davis will be making megabucks in 2014 and 2015 – before hitting the Free Agency Market in 2016.  Hardy and Markakis are signed through the 2014 year, while other salaries only escalate – including Matt Wieters becoming eligible for Arbitration next season.  Whenever you have a team where the nucleus is all around the same age, you have team control on $$ for only a short period of time.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst and Website Owner)

Buck Showalter is no dummy.  There was a reason why he flew off the handle a few weeks ago – when he showed bitterness towards the Yankees receiving salary relief via the Alex Rodriguez suspension.

With a mind like his, he realizes the Yankees had painted themselves into a corner for a few seasons, and one of the biggest reasons why, was the albatross of a contract for #13.

The Yankees are sure to receive the ‘biggest get out of jail free card’ ever – and Buck is eyeballing the fallout. Showalter should be asking management to go for it now.

I have been talking all season (and prior to) about the O’s not having a #1 ace, and it will cost them extensively.

Read the rest of this entry

Breaking Down A Potential Suitor For My World Record Of 30 MLB Parks in 23 Days with a 30 – 21 bid

30 in 21 chance by Jake Beham

The schedule of Jake Beham, who is trying to chase down my World Record of Seeing all 30 MLB Parks (every pitch) in 23 calendar days or less.

The schedule of Jake Beham, who is trying to chase down my World Record of Seeing all 30 MLB Parks (every pitch) in 23 calendar days or less.  This schedule must have been done without knowing you have to witness all plays of the game to qualify.  Jake is going to have a tough time dodging a miss on day 2 – where he will try to beat Labor Day Monday traffic from after the game – in order to make 1st pitch at CBP.  He will never make it by car.  The Yankees always play games that are 3 Hours or longer as well.  Even Amtrak train is a longshot.  I give him a 10% chance to make it on his 1st Doubleheader attempt.

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

2 days later he flies to Chase Field – and has scheduled a Doubleheader with Angel Stadium For DH #2.  I am assuming he is planning on taking a Southwest Airlines flight that arrives at John Wayne Arpt.  The flight leaves Phoenix at 455 PM.

That is 4 hours and 15 minutes after 1st pitch.  The flight that arrives in SNA at 605.   If he makes the flight, he could make this.  However it is about a 67% chance.  Most NL games last about 2 hours and 35 minutes.

The airport is close enough to the park in PHX – as is SNA airport.  Any extra innings though, and it is over.

On FRI, Sept.6th, he has scheduled a Wrigley Field and Kauffman Stadium doubleheader for DH #3.  This one is impossible.  The game starts at 120 PM local Chicago Time.

The closest flight I saw that leaves ORD or MDW in time for Kansas City, leaves at 441 PM.  That is 3 hours and 21 minutes from 1st pitch at Wrigley Field.

Read the rest of this entry

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

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

Miguel Cabrera homered in the first and got on base four times, scored twice and drove in a pair, leading the Tigers in a 11-3 romp over the Mets.

Jake Peavy pitched a complete game victory in Dodger Stadium, letting up three hits and one walk as the Red Sox prevailed, 8-1.

Jordan Schafer scored in the first and drove home run in the second, setting the stage for the Braves 5-2 win in St. Louis.

Ryan Vogelsong pitched 8 dominating shutout innings, letting up 2 hits and walking just one as the Giants beat the first place Pirates, 4-0.  

They all owned baseball on August 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.

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

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (August.23rd) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

Adam Wainwright pitched a complete game against the Braves, surrendering just a single run and no walks while striking out 9. He also drove in a run with a sacrifice fly as the Cardinals prevailed, 3-1.

Khris Davis hit a pair of homers, driving in 4, leading the Brewers to a 6-4 victory over the Reds .

Chris Archer tamed the hot Yankee bats with 7 strong innings, allowing just 4 hits and a pair of runs, getting the 7-2 win for the Rays.

Torii Hunter homered in the first, hit an RBI double in the second and came around to score as the Tigers made short work of the Mets, 6-1.  

They all owned baseball on August 23, 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

The History Of Extreme Ballpark Chasing (1993 – 2013)

The days of not being able to visit all MLB parks in consecutive days ended in 1993, when the Rockies were introduced, and enhanced even more with the Arizona Diamondbacks entering the league in 1998.  In the last 15 years, several people have tried to see all 30 MLB parks in under a month.  Some successful, some broke some rules, and one guy even bought this website 6 months after he set the World Record for visiting all 30 MLB Parks in just 23 Calendar Days - completing 7 Doubleheaders.

The days of not being able to visit all MLB parks in consecutive days ended in 1993, when the Rockies were introduced, and enhanced even more with the Arizona Diamondbacks entering the league in 1998. In the last 15 years, several people have tried to see all 30 MLB parks in under a month. Some successful, some broke some rules, and one guy even bought this website 6 months after he set the World Record for visiting all 30 MLB Parks in just 23 Calendar Days – completing 7 Doubleheaders.

Ballpark Chaser definition:  Someone who is actively pursuing quests to view Baseball Parks.

Guys talked about in this Article:  Completely Insane!

By Josh Robbins (Special Guest Writer And Co – Creator for The Factor12 Rating Pitching Metric.)  Factor 12 (F12) is an analytic measurement utilizing league average performance to compare the value of all MLB pitchers on 60ft6in.com.

MLB Expansion Makes Ballpark Chasing Possible

Twenty years ago, the course of history changed for ballpark chasing.  In 1993, the Colorado Rockies and Florida Marlins debuted in the National League, increasing the total number of MLB teams to twenty-eight. 

The two new franchises created positions for fifty players and expanded the pursuits for ballpark chasers.

In prior years, the nearest connection between a west coast team and the mid-west was Anaheim Stadium to Royals Stadium, a 23-hour drive covering 1,619 miles. 

As a result, it was impossible for fans to attend games in consecutive days at every MLB stadium during one concurrent driving trip.  Consequently, the only method to complete the entire circuit was to combine land and air travel.

The new league structure dramatically altered the traveling landscape by adding Mile High Stadium in Denver, a 14-hour, 1,011-mile drive from Anaheim Stadium. 

Reggie Deal’s- 30 Day. 30 Park Compilation (A Blind Fan Who visited all 30 MLB Parks in 30 Days last year)

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (August.18th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Photo: Michael Dwyer - AP

Photo: Michael Dwyer – AP

Alex Rodriguez homered, reached base 4 times, scored twice, drove in a pair and seemed to effect every single aspect of the game, sparking the Yankees past the Red Sox in Fenway, 9-6.

Max Scherzer improved to 18-1 by throwing 8 solid innings against division rival Kansas City. He surrenders only 5 hits, 2 runs and no walks as the Tigers prevailed 6-3.

Adam Eaton went 4-7 and broke the tie in the 16th inning with a 2 run double, setting up the Diamondbacks’ 4-2 win it Pittsburgh.

Homer Bailey mystified the Brewers over 8 innings, letting up just 1 run, 3 hits and 1 walk. He got the decision in Cincinnati’s 9-1 thrashing of Milwaukee.

They all owned baseball on August 17, 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

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (August.17th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

AP Photo/Duane Burleson

AP Photo/Duane Burleson

Miguel Cabrera hit a walk off homer in a critical divisional showdown for the Tigers against the Royals. He also had an RBI double in Deroit’s 6-5 victory.

John Lackey  quieted the Yankees bats while pitching into the 7th inning. He let up a single run and got the 6-1 win for the Red Sox.

Martin Prado helped the Diamondbacks keep pace in the playoff hunt by collecting 4 hits including a 3 run homer and beating Pittsburgh 15-5.

Clayton Kershaw beat the Phillies in just about ever way possible. He dominated on the mound with 8 shutout 3 hit innings, striking out 8 and walking just one. With the bat, he smacked an RBI double, extending the Dodgers winning streak to 10 games, 5-0 over the Phillies.

They all owned baseball on August 17, 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

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

AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

Matt Carpenter went 4-5, launched an RBI triple in the Cardinals go ahead rally in the 5th and scored the winning run in the 12th, giving St. Louis a critical victory over the Pirates, 6-5.

Chris Nelson made several sparkling plays in the field and hit a pair of homers. His second shot was a grand slam that broke the game open, helping the Angels top the Yankees (his former club) 8-4. 

Zack Wheeler struck out 12 and walking only 1 in 6 innings against the San Diego Padres. He did not get the decision, but he set up the Mets’ 4-1 triumph.

Anibal Sanchez pitched into the 8th inning letting up only one run over 7 1/3 innings, getting the Tigers a win in an important division rival match up against the Royals, 4-1. 

 

They all owned baseball on August 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 Read the rest of this entry

The Indians 1st Year Under Francona Should End Up A Success – Even If It Doesn’t Mean Playoffs

Like us on Facebook here

Thursday August 15, 2013 

The Cleveland Indians are having a decent second half, but will it be enough to make the playoffs? It shouldn't really matter to Indians fans because they have a great future ahead of them. They have a great manager in Terry Francona and great young players in Jason Kipnis, Michael Bourn, Asdrubal Cabrera and many more.

The Cleveland Indians are having a decent second half, but will it be enough to make the playoffs? It shouldn’t really matter to Indians fans because they have a great future ahead of them. They have a great manager in Terry Francona and great young players in Jason Kipnis, Michael Bourn, Asdrubal Cabrera and many more.  The truth is that they just are not in the same competitive stratosphere as the Detroit Tigers at the present time.  They have a better chance to reel in a Wild Card Position.  As of today, they are 3.5 Games Behind Wild Card Leader #1 holder (Tampa Bay) – and are 3 Games Behind the Oakland Athletics for the 2nd spot.

Ryan Ritchey (Baseball Writer):

The Cleveland Indians have had a tremendous season under first year manager Terry Francona. It isn’t very often for a team like Cleveland to get a manager of his caliber.

Francona broke the curse in Boston, can he break the streak of Championshipless in Cleveland – since the days of Bob Feller via 1948?

I wrote an article right before the All-Star Break stating that the Indians would make a run in the second half and make the playoffs.

Well the best player on the planet Miguel Cabrera has spoiled that idea with all the Home Runs he has been hitting here lately. The Indians can’t make up any ground on the Tigers and they are running out of time.

It might not be this season but give Francona some time, he will make Cleveland a contender in no time. 

Kipnis – Inside The Park HR:

Read the rest of this entry

Prince Fielder’s Consecutive Games Streak Is Haunting The Team

Like us on Facebook here

Wednesday, August.14/2013

Prince Fielder was signed to a 9 YR/$214 MIL contract before the start of the 2013 season.  He is not Slugging as much as his Brewers days, however his OBP is just slightly lower.  Fielder has a chance to have a Hall of Fame Career.  If he can bring a World Series to Detroit, he will enhance his chances.

Prince Fielder was signed to a 9 YR/$214 MIL contract before the start of the 2012 season.  With the Tigers thus far, he is not Slugging as much as his Brewers days, however his OBP is just slightly lower. Fielder has an opportunity to have a Hall of Fame Career. If he can bring a World Series to Detroit, he will enhance his chances.  Heading into play today, He has played 461 games in a row – and has held the longest active streak since May.15/2012.  He took over the ranks when Matt Kemp went out of the lineup for the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Apparently, this streak is very important to Fielder, but at what cost can he hold it against Jim Leyland and Dave Domnbrowski if they want to have the big guy take a game off?

By Matthew Lafave (Tigers Correspondent)

When Prince Fielder inked his monstrous 9 year/$214 million deal back in January of 2012, the Tigers knew exactly what they were getting: a very good hitter in his prime.

At the time of the signing, Fielder was hitting a career .282 with 230 home runs and 656 RBIs.

But the Tigers were also getting a little 181 consecutive game streak. Not too major at the time but following Tuesday night’s game against the White Sox, the streak now sits at 461 games.

Fielder once had a streak of 327 games but eventually ended due to flu-like symptoms on September 13, 2010. That was also the last game he missed.

Read the rest of this entry

30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Audio Version

Like us on Facebook here

Monday, Aug.12, 2013

The Triple Play Show will have 5 shows per month.  Each show will be about 1 hour

The Triple Play Show will have 5 shows per month. Each show will be about 1 hour. Chuck Booth will guest once a month for MLB Power Rankings,

By The Big Ticket Show ( AKA Triple Play Podcast on http://www.mlbreports.com)

Patrick sits in as the Producer and only representative of the Big Ticket Show – and Chuck Booth joins him to break down all 30 current rankings, plus what the clubs are up to.

To listen to the audio for this Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY logo or past the Triple Play Logo. 

If you want the written version of these rankings click here Read the rest of this entry

MLB 30 Team Power Rankings: Week 20

Like us on Facebook here

Sunday Aug.11/2013

Texas has fought off a July slump - and are 9 - 1 in their last 10 games.  They have added reinforcements in the way of Alex Rios and Matt Garza.  If they can just hold the course - and win the AL West, they have the horses and experience to challenge every other team.  The club was the biggest mover upwards in our rankings this week - going from #10 - #4

Texas has fought off a July slump – and are 9 – 1 in their last 10 games. They have added reinforcements in the way of Alex Rios and Matt Garza. If they can just hold the course – and win the AL West, they have the horses and experience to challenge every other team in October. The club was the biggest mover upwards in our rankings this week – going from #10 – #4.  It was not too long ago that the Rangers were sitting at just a half – dozen games above .500 – and behind the playoff bar.

Audio Version Of These Power Rankings

Audio Monthly Rankings – Aug

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 in the NL are becoming less competitive every week.  The NL East and NL West look to be done.  The Pirates are within weeks of ending a 20 year playoff drought.

The Braves rattled off a 14 game winning streak – and should cruise to the NL East crown.

The Athletics are in big trouble with some of their talented offensive players not putting up numbers like they did in 2012.  They now find themselves in 2nd place in the AL West.

Adrian Beltre 2 HR day in July

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (August.10th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Photo: Frank Franklin II/AP

Photo: Frank Franklin II/AP

Anibal Sanchez pitched 7 solid innings, letting up only 2 runs and striking out 8 while walking one, getting the win for the Tigers over the Yankees, 9-3.

Jacoby Ellsbury doubled home a run in the 4th and in the 6th, going 4-5 and leading the Red Sox to a 5-3 victory in Kansas City.

Wilmer Flores went 2-4 with RBI singles in the 4th and the 8th, providing almost all the Mets offense over the Diamondbacks, 4-1.

Nathan Eovaldi helped the Marlins stop the Braves winning streak at 14 games. He may not have got the decision, but his 7 shutout innings, letting up one hit and striking out 8, setting up Miami’s 1-0 win. 

They all owned baseball on August 10, 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

Why The MLB Should Move Back The Non-Waiver Deadline

Like us on Facebook here

Saturday, August.10, 2013

Cliff Lee is having another solid season in the rotation for the Phillies. If some team can pry him away from Philadelphia, their rotation improves dramatically. Lee has 10 games with a 3.13 ERA in 149.2 innings pitched to include him having a WHIP of 1.04. He has excellent command of the strike zone by walking just 24 batters and striking out 139 on the season. He is seventh in the NL with a WAR of 4.0 for pitchers. He also know how to pitch when the postseason starts, with him starting 11 career games to go along with a 2.52 ERA in those games. He is holding opposing batters to a .235 batting average, with left-handed batters hitting .253 against him this season. He is superb by limiting teams to a .236 average once runners are in scoring position.

Cliff Lee is having another solid season in the rotation for the Phillies. If some team can pry him away from Philadelphia, their rotation improves dramatically. Lee has won 10 games with a 3.13 ERA in 149.2 innings pitched to include him having a WHIP of 1.04. He has excellent command of the strike zone by walking just 24 batters and striking out 139 on the season. He is seventh in the NL with a WAR of 4.0 for pitchers. He also knows how to pitch when the post season starts, with him starting 11 career games to go along with a 2.52 ERA in those games. He is holding opposing batters to a .235 batting average, with left-handed batters hitting .253 against him this season. He is superb by limiting teams to a .236 average once runners are in scoring position.

By Chris Lacey (Lead Baseball Columnist/Minority Website Owner)

This year’s trade deadline just went by with not too many big trades taking place. The only one that could classify as a somewhat big deal was the three-team deal between the Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers.

This deal saw Jake Peavy go to Boston, with shortstop prospect Jose Iglesias and outfield prospect Avisail Garcia going to the Tigers and White Sox respectively.

Cliff Lee 2011 Highlights – Parental Guidance Is Advised

  Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (August.8th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

Tim Lincecum pitched 8 innings of 1 hit, shutout ball, surrendering only 1 walk, getting the victory for the Giants over Milwaukee, 4-1.

Bruce Chen slowed down the first place Red Sox with 7 2/3 shutout innings and leading the Kansas City Royals to a 5-1 win .

Neil Walker got on base 4 times with a pair of RBI and helped the Pirates erase an early 4 run hole before topping Miami 5-4 in 10 innings.

Victor Martinez  haunted his old team with a RBI hits in the 3rd and 4th innings and helped the Tigers complete the four game sweep of the Indians, 10-3.

They all owned baseball on August 8, 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

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (August.7th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Photo: Bob Levey - Getty Images

Photo: Bob Levey – Getty Images

Stephen Drew went 2-4 with a walk and a come from behind 3 run homer in the 9th inning to lead the Red Sox to a 7-5 win in Houston.

Martin Prado reached base 5 times, was a triple shy of the cycle and delivered the game winning, come from behind two run single that sealed the wild Diamondbacks 9-8 victory over the Rays .

Jeremy Bonderman returned to his old club, the Tigers, and gave a clutch relief performance. He entered the 11th inning in a critical game against the division rival Indians and each pitch he threw could have won the game for Cleveland. Instead he threw 3 shutout innings and got the win as the Tigers rallied in the 14th and took the game, 6-5. 

Matt Harvey  threw a complete game 4 hit shutout, walking none, as the Mets beat the Rockies 5-0 .


They all owned baseball on August 7, 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

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (August.5th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

AP Photo/Mark Duncan

AP Photo/Mark Duncan

Alex Avila stunned the Cleveland crowd with a 3 run 9th inning home run that turned a 2-1 hole into a 4-2 lead that the Tigers would not relinquish.

Jeremy Guthrie threw a complete game shutout, holding the Twins to 4 hits as the Royals crushed Minnesota, 13-0.

Brandon Belt got on base 4 times with a walk and three hits, scoring twice, leading the Giants to a 4-2 victory over the Brewers. 

Zack Greinke recovered from a shaky first inning to pitch into the 7th inning on the road in St. Louis, allowing only 2 runs. He drove in a run with a single and extended the Dodgers road winning streak to 15 with the 3-2 win.


They all owned baseball on August 5, 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

MLB 30 Team Power Rankings: Week 19

Like us on Facebook here

Sunday Aug.04/2013

The Braves have charged out of the ALL - Star Break at a pace like they did to start the year. an 11.5 Games Lead, most of their offense is starting to click have helped the team hold down the fort now that the pitching has had vast injuries

The Braves have charged out of the ALL – Star Break at a pace like they did to start the year. They have an 11.5 Games Lead in the NL East over Washington, and most of their offense is starting to click –  which have helped contributed to the team hold down the fort now that the pitching has had vast injuries.

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.

How unfortunate it is for the Indians and the Royals to have the Tigers winning 9 of their last ten – to fend off their those absurdly hot AL Central counterparts?

The good news for the KC and CLE teams is that the AL East are beating up on each other in the last month, while Texas will see a Nelson Cruz suspension dampen their odds of making the Post Season.

Check out the Show we did on AL and NL Rankings Here on the 2 And A Hook Podcast

Read the rest of this entry