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2016 MLB Preseason Power Rankings

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Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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With just 5 weeks to the regular season – and all of the important Free Agents finally being locked up with Ian Desmond signing with the Rangers, it is time to see where all 30 MLB clubs stack up.

We are going to be running weekly power rankings once the year starts on Apr.3, 2016.

The way I compile the Power Rankings is best on confidence to win the World Series.  Some clubs may be more talented (or playing better) than a squad they are behind in the rankings,  but the Division (and strength of opponents) plays a massive factor.

It is the reason why teams like the Royals or Astros will be selected above a team like the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Pittsburgh Pirates might win 90 games (which may only see one AL club join them), but because they have to contend with the Cards and Cubs in the NL Central, it will be tough for them to receive a great ranking (at least until games are played). Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast Archives June 1, 2013 – June 30, 2013 (Episodes 221 – 250)

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Paul Francis Sullivan (please call him Sully) does a podcast 365 days a year – unless it is a leap year – then he will do another 1. He has done a show everyday since Oct.24/2012. This to date represents a streak of 1219 days consecutively!

Past the CLICK TO READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY are episodes 221 – 250 of the Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

We will also archive all of his podcasts to date (in coming weeks) so they are easily accessible for all his fans. Check out all his Archived info here.

Our website followers have grown larger each year for his podcast.

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To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 26, 2016

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Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

The Orioles took their time with medical exams, which they should. So Dexter Fowler stunned us all and gave the Cubs a very crowded outfield.

It is a look this way and now that edition of the Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Read the rest of this entry

Get Ready For The ‘Zombie Cardinals’ Version 11.0 In 2016: Cubs Are Favored In Division – But Gap Isn’t Huge

St. Louis has been an elite team in the National League for the last 15 years. While Chicago deserves to be favorite in the NL Central - and to win the World Series, never sleep on the St. Louis Cardinals. This team has 9 LCS Appearances since 2000, and did win 100 win games last campaign. Throw in a championship pedigree - and a brilliant youth movement, aided by a few cagey veterans, and the gap is just not that great compared with the Cubs.

St. Louis has been an elite team in the National League for the last 15 years. While Chicago deserves to be favorite in the NL Central – and to win the World Series, never sleep on the St. Louis Cardinals. This team has 9 LCS Appearances since 2000, and did win 100 win games last campaign. Throw in a championship pedigree – and a brilliant youth movement, aided by a few cagey veterans, and the gap is just not that great compared with the Cubs.  A huge effort by Adam Wainwright, with less than perfect years from Arrieta and Lester may be all it takes for the RedBirds to remain the kings of the NL Central.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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The Cubs have signed Dexter Fowler and traded away Chris Coghlan yesterday, and the Cards will have another week this winter where they are not the focus of the NL Central.  It probably suits them just fine.

On the heels of a 100 win campaign during 2015, the gambling websites, PECOTA and FanGraphs are all projecting a massive regression for St. Louis in 2016.  I am not one of those people.

I, for one, think the Cardinals are still to be reckoned with.

Switch out a potentially healthy Matt Holliday, coupled with full years from Stephen Piscotty and Randal Grichuk – for the departed Jason Heyward to the Cubs, and I like that.

Throw in Adam Wainwright and Mike Leake, for the loss of Lance Lynn and John Lackey, and I still like that almost as even.

No doubt that Ben Zobrist was a good singing for the Chicago Cubs this offseason, but lets not throw St. Louis over the cliff just yet. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2016 MLB World Series

The Cardinals continued their great play in the MLB since the turn of the milennium - with an MLB best 100 wins in 2015. The organization has transitioned to the next core of young nucleus, while still holding on to a couple of capable veterans. Considering they have plenty of depth, and lots of payroll flexibility coming forth, the franchise could orchestrate a blockbuster trade soon. St. Louis could always sign 1 - 2 Starters via Free Agency as well. As it stands right now, the club has a payroll of around $133 MIL In 2016 listed. They can afford to add about $15 - $17 more million without batting an eye.

The Cardinals continued their great play in the MLB since the turn of the millennium – with an MLB best 100 wins in 2015. The organization has transitioned to the next core of a young nucleus, while still holding on to a couple of capable veterans. Considering they have plenty of depth, and lots of payroll flexibility coming forth, the franchise could orchestrate a blockbuster trade soon.  While I would favor Chicago over them slightly for the NL Central, the RedBirds, Mets, Dodgers Tigers and Mariners have the best value, while the Angels, Giants, Padres, Red Sox and D’Backs have the worst on the board this week.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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I was all set to pounce on my 1st American League bet for the Fall Classic in 2016 earlier this week – when the O’s were at +5000, and presumably bringing both Dexter Fowler and Yovani Gallardo into the stable. 

With Fowler opting back to Chicago, the odd also dropped to +4500 in the meantime (also following the Gallardo wait time for the physical fiasco), and the value is no longer there. 

Baltimore is a low 80 wins team in my view, and will not have enough for the postseason.  Fowler would have added a few W’s for sure.

Of course with the chaos that has ensued,  the Cubs have gone from +700 to +650 prohibitive best odd.  There is no doubt in my mind they should be the consensus favorite. 

One of these years the #1 seed will capitalize and win.  I am still not plunking down cabbage at that clip though.

If I were to do my year end picks right now, I would still have Chicago ending their World Series 108 seasons drought – but I can’t place them as twice the favorite as the St. Louis Cardinals.

Still not sold on the Cubs Bullpen either, and I think Jon Lester can be had in the postseason.  The Mets also line up favorably versus Chicago based on pitching matchups.  New York has the better odds to wager with.

I am currently writing a faceoff piece between the Cubbies and Cards that I will post over the weekend.  The difference is not a whopping 8 or 10 games like ‘FanGraphs’ and ‘PECOTA’ say.  St. Louis should still be in the mid 90’s for victories on the campaign.

I have them as one of my best bets again this week.

New York Yankees have been taken off the best odds list with their injury to Brett Gardner.  It is absolutely paramount that he and Jacoby Ellsbury set the table this campaign – and stay healthy. 

All of the incoming help with Starlin Castro, and internal improvement from Didi Gregorius will be for not.

Mark Teixeira, Carlos Beltran and Alex Rodriguez also will not hit a combined 79 dongs this year like in 2015.  The club is also substantially thinner in the Starting Rotation. 

They are a 85 win club as presently constituted, which should have them in the race for a Wild Card, but it is not worth betting at the +1600 odd. Read the rest of this entry

Orioles Setting A Dangerous Precedent With Physicals (Circa Gallardo): Fowler Leaves To The Cubs

Dexter Fowler re-signed with the Cubs for a minimum 1 year deal of $15 MIL in 2016 (with a mutual option for 2017) if he or Chicago don't want to opt out after the upcoming season.) Fowler had been said to have a 3 YR/$33 MIL in place with the Orioles before this happened. Maybe Fowler didn't act 100% in good faith with Baltimore - however the O's don't exactly have a great track record with treating players in regards to physicals anyway.

Dexter Fowler re-signed with the Cubs for a minimum 1 year deal of $15 MIL in 2016 (with a mutual option for 2017) if he or Chicago don’t want to opt out after the upcoming season. Fowler had been said to have a 3 YR/$33 MIL in place with the Orioles before this happened. Maybe Fowler didn’t act 100% in good faith with Baltimore – however the O’s don’t exactly have a great track record with treating players in regards to physicals anyway.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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Wow, didn’t see that coming did you Orioles brass?  Dexter Fowler leaves his deal with you guys and re-signs with his old team in Chicago.

I have to wonder if the way things went down with Yovani Gallardo didn’t weigh on Dexter Fowler’s mind.  The track record for Free Agent’s having deals going south is about a 50/50 proposition with the O’s.

In one way I am disappointed that Baltimore didn’t land Fowler, because I think that deal would have definitely narrowed the gap in the AL East. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 18, 2016

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Lionsgate – Millenium Films

 

Lots of players are still available as free agents.

Maybe they should team up and create a renegade team like The Expendables.

It is a “Loner Gun For Hire” episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Read the rest of this entry

The ‘PECOTA’ System For MLB Team Win Projections Should Be Thrown Into The ‘Woodchipper’ Fargo Style!

I wish the "PECOTA" system allowed for wagers based on their totals like Atlantis Casino did last week. Plenty of cabbage would be flung around on those totals

I wish the “PECOTA” system allowed for wagers based on their totals like Atlantis Casino did last week. Plenty of cabbage would be flung around on those totals.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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This winter has brought my attention to the gambling world more often than I ever would have guessed.  I already spent an impromptu weekend in Reno/Carson City after throwing down some serious cabbage at Atlantis Casino based on their over/unders last week.

I have been fortunate to nail down two straight years in which I have turned a $1000 profit on MLB futures.  For those people who have been following our Gambling 101 series of bets, this is one of the best streaks I have been on all – time, and maybe it will end with me ‘letting it ride’ this year, but I am also confident it won’t.

I only wish that PECOTA’s win totals (BY BP) would come with the ability to win moolah just like Atlantis offered.

Oh, where to begin.  LOL. Read the rest of this entry

Don’t Cry For Players That Were Given The Qualifying Offer: And Are Not Being Signed

The Players of the MLBPA will have their chance to collectively bargain the rule of Qualifying Offer after the current CBA ends at the end of this year. Despite hearing a ton of groaning on radio airwaves from MLB hosts, the problem is just not as direr as they project. I may say they are trying to shock their audience for 24/7/365 programming. I argue the point that the 'QO' is not that bad.

The Players of the MLBPA will have their chance to collectively bargain the rule of Qualifying Offer after the current CBA ends at the end of this year. Despite hearing a ton of groaning on radio airwaves from MLB hosts, the problem is just not as dire as they project. I may say they are trying to shock their audience for 24/7/365 programming. I argue the point that the ‘QO’ is not that bad.  The Draft Picks assigned for the players should not dissuade teams from singing them, as the percentage of picks 11 – 30 of the 1st Round do not have a huge conversion rate in the Majors that would trump these players current production anyway.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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I will spare a ton of rhetoric and cut right to the chase.  3 out of the 20 players are still without a deal that were linked to the Qualifying Offer of $15.8 MIL in November.  This not egregious in any way in my view.

Dexter Fowler, Yovani Gallardo and Ian Desmond all could have taken the deal, played one more year and then hit the open market again.  Heck, they still can, but probably are not going to get in the vicinity of that cash for a one year deal with a Draft Pick nailed to it.

If anyone is to blame it is their agents.  This is simply the price of doing business.

Desmond for sure has no one to blame when the Nats hit him with a 7 year deal worth $107 MIL prior to 2014. Don’t you think he would love a Mulligan on that one? Read the rest of this entry

Forget Prospects When Your Window Is Open To Win With Good (To ALL – Star) MLB Players Available!

I am sick and tired of hearing about Draft Picks being coveted by clubs, and in particular with the picks 11 - 30th having to be given up as compensation for signing a guy who was extended a Qualifying Offer. Prospects turn into Suspects in a real hurry. Only 4 or 5 out of the picks 11 - 30 contribute significantly within 4 years. Meaning if your roster is poised now, go ahead and burn your pick by signing proven players that can help your squad right now!

I am sick and tired of hearing about Draft Picks being coveted by clubs, and in particular with the picks 11 – 30th having to be given up as compensation for signing a guy who was extended a Qualifying Offer. Prospects turn into Suspects in a real hurry. Only 4 or 5 out of the picks 11 – 30 contribute significantly within 4 years usually. Meaning if your roster is poised to win right now, go ahead and burn your pick by signing proven players that can help your squad right now!

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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I can’t stand it when I hear that ready to win Major League Clubs are holding off on good Free Agent Signing because of a pending Draft Pick in the coming MLB Amateur Draft being forfeited.

For current organizations like the  Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Angels, Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Mets, Detroit Tigers, KC Royals, Washington Nationals, Arizona Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants – all of them project to be contenders in 2016 except the O’s, and the last 6 clubs listed here are acting on that – while the 1st 4 are not.

Let me kind of qualify that.  The Jays did in 2015 – and may do so in 2016.  The real truth will be told by the August.1 Trade Deadline.  Not picking up a top end rotation guy by then will hurt their chances to win in the last few months and definitely in the playoffs. Read the rest of this entry

The White Sox Need To Sign 1 Of Fowler Or Desmond To Stay Competitive

The White Sox have had a decent offseason however every team that was near or beneath them in the standings have also upgrade their rosters going into 2016. With a need for an upgrade for the OF, and the chance to out forth an incredible homer centric Infield, I would love to see them go after Ian Desmond, and/or Dexter Fowler.

The White Sox have had a decent offseason – however every team that was near or beneath them in the standings have also upgrade their rosters going into 2016. With a need for an upgrade for the OF, and the chance to put forth an incredible homer-centric Infield, I would love to see them go after Ian Desmond, and or Dexter Fowler.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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I like the moves the White Sox have done in the offseason.  The only problem is what the Royals and Tigers also have done this winter will make it tough for Chicago to keep up.

The Pale Hose finished a disappointing 76 – 86 in 2015 – and almost 20 games behind Division winner KC for the AL Central.

2014 winter moves of Adam LaRoche, Jeff Samardzija and Melky Cabrera just didn’t work out like they thought.

Despite the poor results off those player acquisitions Rich Hahn acquired Todd Frazier and Brett Lawrie so far in the hot stove this year, and also inked catchers Alex Avila and Dioner Navarro as key moves.

I love this aggression – and even believe that LaRoche and Cabrera will have bounce back seasons for the White Sox this season.  Cabrera was pretty decent in the 2nd half, and LaRoche suffered the Adam Dunn NL to AL syndrome.

Having said this already, the Royals are sitting with a talented squad as reigning World Series Champs, and the Tigers added Jordan Zimmermann, Justin Upton, and bushel full of relievers and Cameron Maybin.

There is no doubt in my mind that Detroit will be much better than their cellar dweller 2015 campaign.

The White Sox have a decent pitching staff in its entirety. Maybe not as talented as the Cleveland Indians, but the Tribe doesn’t have the sticks as Chicago either.

KC has the best bullpen in the Division, and will rely heavily on it again with their grinder offense backing it up.

Minnesota has a ton of young offensive superstars in Miguel Sano, Brian Dozier and Byron Buxton, yet also lost team leader Torii Hunter.

Chicago is still spending at a decent clip – having a budget of near $123 MIL so far, but Detroit has crept up to near $200 MIL, and KC has paid for its title, by going near the $140 MIL team salary barrier. Read the rest of this entry

The 5 Most Questionable Moves Of The 2015 – 16 MLB Offseason

Jason Heyward

Matt Musico (Featured Baseball Writer/Founder – chinmusicbaseball.com)  

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No baseball fan truly likes winter, but it’s a necessary evil. It allows MLB players to rest their tired and sore bodies while front office executives make roster moves to load up for another try at making the postseason.

The 2015-16 offseason has appeared to be more slow moving than in recent memory, and although guys like Ian Desmond, Yovani Gallardo, Dexter Fowler (among others) continue looking for new homes, teams have committed over $2 billion to free agents. So, the purse strings aren’t exactly being pinched.

Spring Training is now under two weeks away, but that’s still plenty of time to critique the moves made during the Hot Stove season. Let’s take a look at five free-agent signings and trades that have brought more questions than answers before Opening Day.

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The Angels Are Going Cheap In 2016 When They Need To Buck Up One More Time: Sign Fowler!

Billy Eppler and Arte Moreno really need to evaluate how much the 2016 Angels are going to need offense. Easily the worst bench in 2015, coupled with the loss of David Freese so far, the club has not addressed the weaknesses they have at LF and 2B. With Pujols hurt to start the year, this club may be out of it before he returns. At $164 MIL projected they are $25 MIL underneath the limit for payrolls before paying a penalty. Many players are coming off the books after 2016 as well. Spend the dough needed to compete, or risk missing the playoffs - and burning another year of Mike Trout.

Billy Eppler and Arte Moreno really need to evaluate how much the 2016 Angels are going to need offense. Easily the worst bench in 2015, coupled with the loss of David Freese so far, the club has not addressed the weaknesses they have at LF and 2B. With Pujols hurt to start the year, this club may be out of it before he returns. At $164 MIL projected they are $25 MIL underneath the limit for payrolls before paying a penalty. Many players are coming off the books after 2016 as well. Spend the dough needed to compete, or risk missing the playoffs – and burning another year of Mike Trout.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part – Owner) 

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I won’t be the first one to be on this wave of people who think that the Angels are rotting away the career of Mike Trout in a Halo’s uniform.

The best overall player in the American League (and at least for right now) plus the Major Leagues, must be furious with the lack of offensive help arriving in Anaheim this off season.

New Angels GM Billy Eppler is following the directive of Arte Moreno not to spend over the Luxury Tax Threshold.  Now it is catching up with them on the field.

Throw in a disastrous move of bringing in Josh Hamilton a few years back – a debacle that will see the club fork out $53.4 MIL over the next 2 year to see him play in Texas. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2016 MLB World Series

best odd value on the board this week.

best odd value on the board this week.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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Howie Kendrick signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers this past week, and the club has learned that Yasiel Puig has dropped 15 LBS in the offseason.

While I still peg the Dodgers for about 90 – 91 wins as of right now, they have the best odds on the board this week.

There is no doubt the San Francisco Giants lineup 1 – 8 is way better and Pitching Staff is also more rounded, however the gap between the two clubs is not a difference of +600.

I would put the Giants about 93 – 94 wins.  Their roster moves while decent this winter with Johnny Cueto, Jeff Samardzija and Denard Span, they all come with a little question mark here or there. Read the rest of this entry

MLB Power Rankings: Early Win Total Predictions For Spring Of 2016

Just because there is parity in the American League it doesn't mean that the Junior Circuit will not club the National League in Interleague this upcoming season. In fact, I am calling for them to be 50 games over .500 versus the Senior Circuit in the AL vs NL schedule. Most of that will be versus the weaker NL clubs, however the better NL clubs will not entirely dominate the whole AL either.

Just because there is parity in the American League it doesn’t mean that the Junior Circuit will not club the National League in Interleague this upcoming season. In fact, I am calling for them to be 50 games over .500 versus the Senior Circuit in the AL vs NL schedule. Most of that will be versus the weaker NL clubs, however the better NL clubs will not entirely dominate the whole AL either.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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Updated on Feb.18, 2015

There is parity in the American League and their is a growing distance between the good and the bad clubs in the National League.

One could argue that the top 7 teams (NYM/CHC/SF/WSH/STL/PIT, LAD) in all of the Majors reside in the NL right now, and you then you can counter that by saying they have the 6 worst squads as well (PHI/ATL/MIL/CIN/SD/COL).

The funny thing about this whole ordeal is that the AL is absolutely going to cream the NL in Interleague this forthcoming season.  On a 12 year win streak already,  I am predicting a 175 – 125 W – L for the games between both leagues. The AL speedbags the National League in my view.

Last year, the American League held a 167 – 133 mark over the National League so that prediction up there is not foreign by any means. 

Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2016 MLB World Series

Yoenis Cespedes led all LF for HRs with 35 on the campaign in 2015. He picked a contract year for his best season to date out of the 4 years he has been in the Major Leagues. Cespedes hit 17 HRs with the Mets in 2 months, after smacking out just 18 in the first four months with Detroit. Cespedes finished in the top 40 for both leagues in respective big fly's, and was tied for 13th overall with Manny Machado and David Ortiz.  New York brought him back for at least another year, where he helped the Mets go 34 - 23 down the stretch.  Expect more of the same in 2016.  Mets are the best bet of the week for the 'Fall Classic' value wise.

Yoenis Cespedes led all LF for HRs with 35 on the campaign in 2015. He picked a contract year for his best season to date out of the 4 years he has been in the Major Leagues. Cespedes hit 17 HRs with the Mets in 2 months, after smacking out just 18 in the first four months with Detroit. Cespedes finished in the top 40 for both leagues in respective big fly’s, and was tied for 13th overall with Manny Machado and David Ortiz. New York brought him back for at least another year, where he helped the Mets go 34 – 23 down the stretch. Expect more of the same in 2016. Mets are the best bet of the week for the ‘Fall Classic’ value wise.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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A couple of things have happened over the last week.  The Mets signed Yoenis Cespedes and no odd was changed after this.  Very strange indeed.

With adding the Cuban slugger, the Mets have almost assured their fanbase for another post season berth in 2016.  This club is more like it was in the last 2 months than it was in the 1st four months.

Even if the Nationals were to have an unbelievable year – the Mets should still make the postseason as the #1 Wild Card seed.

I have the Mets as a 96 win team after this move, with the Nats listed about 93 victories.  Had the Nats picked up Cespedes, I would have given Washington a 95 – 92 win advantage over New York. Read the rest of this entry

The Miami Marlins In 2016: Contenders Or Pretenders?

The Miami Marlins have not had a winning season since finishing 87 - 75 in 2009. With some deft maneuvers and the right allocation of team salary (like the latest Chen signing) - this club could contend in the NL East with Atlanta and Philadelphia both rebuilding. With all questions pointing to how Jeffrey Loria will behave if they were in contention halfway through, it will be an entertaining season.

The Miami Marlins have not had a winning season since finishing 87 – 75 in 2009. With some deft maneuvers and the right allocation of team salary (like the latest Chen signing) – this club could contend in the NL East with Atlanta and Philadelphia both rebuilding. With all questions pointing to how Jeffrey Loria will behave if they were in contention halfway through, it will be an entertaining season.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

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The Marlins finally threw down some money on a relevant Free Agent in the past week when they signed LHP Wei-Yin Chen.  The former Oriole received a 5 YR deal worth $80 MIL – that also has a Vesting Option for a 6th year.

Financially speaking, Chen will only earn $14 MIL of that pact in 2016 – thus bringing the Fish to about $77 MIL total team salary to start the campaign.

Miami is one of the middle of the pack teams in the National League – much like the Arizona Diamondbacks are.  These teams should be predicted to be just around .500.  The rest of the clubs should be well north or south of the even record mark. Read the rest of this entry

How To Stop Tanking Maneuvers In Order To ‘Rebuild’ MLB Teams

In the last year of the current CBA there may be a change to the new agreement that would stop teams from intentionally losing under the "integrity of competitiveness" clause. Teams such as Houston and Chicago have laid the template down, and now other teams are following suit.

In the last year of the current ‘CBA’ there may be a change to the new agreement that would stop teams from intentionally losing under the “integrity of competitiveness” clause. Teams such as Houston and the Chicago  Cubs have laid the template down, and now other teams are following suit like the Phillies, Braves, Reds, Padres, Rockies and Brewers.

Jordan Gluck (Part Owner/Featured Writer): 

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How to stop Tanking?

Spearheaded by Jeff Luhnow – the complete ‘tank philosophy’ has taken off across sports which is a terrible thing for competitive balance.

Teams in other leagues such as the Philadelphia 76ers, Chicago Cubs, Buffalo Sabres, Minnesota Timberwolves and Indianapolis Colts have had completely terrible teams with the goal of landing the top selection in that draft(s).

Tanking has become much more widespread and is EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE. The problem is losing this badly leads to teams being terrible likely for long periods of time so they can be at the top of the draft and have a chance at elite players.

The differences in tanking differ by league though, in basketball if you don’t have the elite talent then you will never win and that talent is found almost always at the top of the draft.

In football you need a quarterback to be a super bowl contender and tanking will likely be just for the quarterback as the Colts did for Andrew Luck.

Hockey (like baseball) requires depth but top line players carry a huge premium and are available at the top of the draft and you defiantly need at least a few to be Stanley Cup contenders. Read the rest of this entry

Teams That Should Take Advantage Of A Weak Penalty For The Luxury Tax In 2016

In the last year of the current CBA, there is potentially only one more year to take advantage of a feeble penalty as a first time abuser in 2016. With Boston set to join the Dodgers and Yankees as abusers, I took a look at other teams who should consider the 2016 campaign as a rare gamble to dole out some cash in seeking a World Series trophy before the new CBA is authored in prior to the 2017 season.

In the last year of the current CBA, there is potentially only one more year to take advantage of a feeble penalty as a first time abuser in 2016. With Boston set to join the Dodgers and Yankees as abusers, I took a look at other teams who should consider the 2016 campaign as a rare gamble to dole out some cash in seeking a World Series trophy before the new CBA is authored in prior to the 2017 season.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part-Owner) 

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The Boston Red Sox might just be on to something.  They will be penalized for the 1st year of going over the new $189 MIL limit in 2016, but it is also the last year the CBA may have the percentages.

Currently right now, there is a 17.5% penalty for spending dollars over $189 MIL.  The Dodgers and Yankees are the only other teams that are budgeted over the mark in addition to Boston.

On the cusp are the Detroit Tigers, sitting at around $177 MIL – while the Giants and Angels are nearly at $170 MIL.  The Cubs are also near the $165 MIL area.

Why not spend like crazy in 2016 – and take advantage of the system as it is presented towards you? Read the rest of this entry

Baltimore Orioles State Of The Union For 2016

The Baltimore Orioles needed a 5 game winning streak at the year's end just to crack .500 last season. Now they might lose the reigning AL HR king and Wei Yin Chen from last years squad. Dan Duquette needs to be diligent with his roster over this winter otherwise the club could start a free fall back down the AL East Standings circa 1998 - 2011.

The Baltimore Orioles needed a 5 game winning streak at the year’s end just to crack .500 last season. Now they might lose the reigning AL HR king and Wei Yin Chen from last years squad. Dan Duquette needs to be diligent with his roster over this winter otherwise the club could start a free fall back down the AL East Standings circa 1998 – 2011.

Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead  Analyst) 

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The Baltimore Orioles are in serious jeopardy of falling back into a tailspin in the AL East if they don’t turn around their winter. 

Last year you could at least fathom that they had 3 players coming back from injury in Manny Machado, Matt Wieters and Chris Davis that they could rebound and repeat as AL East champs

Buck Showalter saw his team scramble for a .500 record – yet the season was a massive disappointment from the previous 3 years.

Now the club might lose Chris Davis, Wei-Yin Chen and Gerardo Parra to Free Agency.  The management stopped the bleeding a little with the recent re-signing of Darren O’Day. Read the rest of this entry

Toronto Should Sign A Free Agent Slugger/Leadoff Guy Then Flip Encarnacion: Blue Jays State Of The Union 2016

The Blue Jays ended the longest MLB playoff drought in 2015 - and made it to game 6 of the ALCS. With losing David Price and Mark Buehrle after this year, how should the team work this off year? I say they should treat 2016 as World Series or bust. Sign a bopping Left Handed Bat, or at least a left handed Leadoff Batter, and then trade everyone they possibly can at the Deadline for a run at the World Series. After next season, Edwin Encarnacion and Joey Bats are also Free Agents. More onus to go for it this upcoming year.

The Blue Jays ended the longest MLB playoff drought in 2015 – and made it to game 6 of the ALCS. With losing David Price and Mark Buehrle after this year, how should the team work this off year? I say they should treat 2016 as World Series or bust. Sign a bopping Left Handed Bat, or at least a Lef Handed Leadoff Batter, and then trade everyone they possibly can at the Deadline for a run at the World Series. After next season, Edwin Encarnacion and Joey Bats are also Free Agents. More onus to go for it this upcoming year.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

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The Jays are coming off an awesome year for the franchise.  Yet all of this coincided with them losing GM Alex Anthopoulos and may see David Price and Mark Buehrle not return in 2016.

This offense and fielding defense is hands above the rest of the Division right now.  With the Yankees holding off father time in 2015, they may not be able to do it in 2016, and the Red Sox not having enough resources to sign a pile of Free Agents in the winter, the only Canadian franchise should be favored heavily to win the AL East in 2016 right now.

For the organization there within lies a dilemma.  The team is on the cusp of a championship so how do they add the last pieces? Read the rest of this entry

MLB Top Free Agent Predictions (Picks 1 – 25)

The Red Sox will need to spend some money on Pitching this season. But don't be surprised if they overstock on a few more offensive pieces in the lineup, and then use some of their prospects to obtain even more pitching. They orchestrated a trade for Closer Craig KImbrel on Friday. A bona fide shutdown guy with 225 Career Saves and an ERA of 1.63 lifetime. The winter has just started for the Beantowners.

The Red Sox will need to spend some money on Pitching this season. But don’t be surprised if they overstock on a few more offensive pieces in the lineup, and then use some of their prospects to obtain even more pitching. They orchestrated a trade for Closer Craig Kimbrel on Friday. A bona fide shutdown guy with 225 Career Saves and an ERA of 1.63 lifetime. The winter has just started for the Beantowners.

Jordan Gluck (Part Owner/Featured Writer)

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MLB Free Agent Predictions

I will be using mlbtraderumors.com top 50 free agents to make things easy. To be clear there are other free agents outside this list (some who I think should be on it) who will be available and many could have breakout or comeback seasons.

Additionally there will be players that get non tendered during arbitration. Well so here are my predictions.

 

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owns October and Who Owns the 2015 World Series (#WOO and #WOWS) Tallies Updated For November 1, 2015

RON VESELY/MLB PHOTOS

RON VESELY/MLB PHOTOS

The Royals earned their crown as 3 of their 4 World Series wins were won in the 8th or later.

What a strange ending.

Now comes for the final entry of Who Owns October and Who Owns the World Series.

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

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

But the World Series deserves its own stats. WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)

At the end of the post season, we will see who had the highest WOO total as a pitcher and a hitter. The WOWS total will be kept separately. Each game now counts towards both tallies.

A complete description of the rules can be found HERE.

From November 1st, World Series Game 4:

Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS

Luke Hochevar gave the Royals 2 critical shutout innings in the 10th and the 11th where a single Mets run would have forced a game 6. He allowed no hits and walked just 1 and earned the World Series clinching victory in relief for Kansas City, 7-2.

Eric Hosmer  broke the Mets shutout with a double in the 9th and dashed home to score the tying run on a wild play with 2 outs in the 9th.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS

Curtis Granderson led off the game with a homer and later scored on a sacrifice fly. In the end, the Mets would collapse in the 9th and lose in the 12th to the Royals, 7-2.

Matt Harvey took a World Series saving shutout into the 9th inning, striking out 9 along the way. He finished with 8 plus innings, 5 hits, 2 runs and 2 walks but would get a heart breaking no decision as the Royals rallied to beat the Mets in 12 innings, 7-2.

Current‘WOWS’ and ‘WOO’ Totals MLB 2015:

Hitters ‘WOWS’ MLB 2015,

Salvador Perez – Royals 1 1/2, Alcides Escobar – Royals 1, Eric Hosmer – Royals 1, David Wright – Mets 1, Ben Zobrist – Royals 1, Michael Conforto – Mets 1/2, Lucas Duda – Mets 1/2, Curtis Granderson – Mets 1/2, Daniel Murphy – Mets 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOWS’ MLB 2015,

Johnny Cueto – Royals 1, Wade Davis – Royals 1, Luke Hochevar – Royals 1, Noah Syndergaard – Mets 1,  Chris Young – Royals 1, Matt Harvey – Mets 1/2, , Jonathon Niese – Mets 1/2,

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2015,

Troy Tulowitzki – Blue Jays 3 1/2, Daniel Murphy – Mets 3, Salvador Perez – Royals 3, Jorge Soler – Cubs 3, Alcides Escobar – Royals 2 1/2,  Jorge Soler – Cubs 2 1/2, , Justin Turner – Dodgers 2 1/2, Jose Bautista – Blue Jays 2, Delino DeShields – Rangers 2, Eric Hosmer – Royals 2, Mike Moustakas – Royals 2, David Wright – Mets 2, Lorenzo Cain – Royals 1 1/2, Yoenis Cespedes – Mets 1 1/2, Lucas Duda – Mets 1 1/2, Dexter Fowler – Cubs 1 1/2, Curtis Granderson – Mets 1 1/2, Stephen Piscotty – Cardinals 1 1/2, Colby Rasmus – Astros 1 1/2, Kyle Schwarber – Cubs 1 1/2, Jose Altuve – Astros 1, Chris Carter – Astros 1, Travis d’Arnaud – Mets , Rougned Odor – Rangers 1,  Kevin Pillar – Blue Jays 1, Ben Revere – Blue Jays 1, Alex Rios – Royals 1, Ben Zobrist – Royals 1, Starlin Castro – Cubs 1/2, Francisco Cervelli – Pirates 1/2, Michael Conforto – Mets 1/2, Carlos Correa – Astros 1/2, Josh Donaldson – Blue Jays 1/2, Edwin Encarnacion – Blue Jays 1/2, Adrian Gonzalez – Dodgers 1/2, Didi Gregorius – Yankees 1/2, Jason Heyward – Cardinals 1/2, Howie Kendrick – Dodgers 1/2, Kendrys Morales – Royals 1/2, Luis Valbuena – Astros 1/2, Kolten Wong – Cardinals 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2015,

Wade Davis – Royals 4,  Jacob deGrom – Mets 3, Matt Harvey – Mets 2 1/2, Noah Syndergaard – Mets 2 1/2, Marcus Stroman – Blue Jays 2 1/2, Chris Young – Royals 2 1/2, Jake Arrieta – Cubs 2,  Johnny Cueto – Royals 2, Marco Estrada – Blue Jays 2,  Dallas Keuchel – Astros 2, Zack Greinke – Dodgers 1 1/2, Cole Hamels – Rangers 1 1/2, Clayton Kershaw – Dodgers 1 1/2,  R. A. Dickey – Blue Jays 1, Jake Diekman – Rangers 1,  Kelvin Herrera – Royals 1, Luke Hochevar – Royals 1, John Lackey – Cardinals 1, Jon Lester – Cubs 1, Steven Matz – Mets 1, Collin McHugh – Astros 1, Hector Rondon – Cubs 1, Edinson Vólquez – Royals 1, Travis Wood – Cubs 1, Bartolo Colon – Mets 1/2, Liam Hendriks 1/2Lance McCullers – Astros 1/2, Jonathon Niese – Mets 1/2, David Price– Blue Jays 1/2,

Who Owns October and Who Owns the 2015 World Series (#WOO and #WOWS) Tallies Updated For October 31, 2015

SEAN M. HAFFEY/GETTY IMAGES

SEAN M. HAFFEY/GETTY IMAGES

Trick for the Mets! Treat for the Royals! It is Halloween Baseball!

We have ourselves a World Series.

And now the Sully Metrics of October get a little more complicated.

I will continue to figure out Who Owns October.Time to figure out who owns October!

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

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

But the World Series deserves its own stats. WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)

At the end of the post season, we will see who had the highest WOO total as a pitcher and a hitter. The WOWS total will be kept separately. Each game now counts towards both tallies.

A complete description of the rules can be found HERE.

From October 31st, World Series Game 4:

Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS

Wade Davis continued his post season dominance with 2 shutout innings (plus an at bat) to shut down the Mets and earn the save in Kansas City’s 5-3 win.

Salvador Perez went 3 for 4 with a double, scored in the 5th and drove in a critical insurance run in the 8th to lead Kansas City to a stunning 5-3 win over the Mets.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS

Michael Conforto launched a pair of homers that put the Mets ahead. But the bullpen and defense would conspire against him as the Mets lost to the Royals, 5-3.

Current‘WOWS’ and ‘WOO’ Totals MLB 2015:

Hitters ‘WOWS’ MLB 2015,

Salvador Perez – Royals 1 1/2, Alcides Escobar – Royals 1, David Wright – Mets 1, Ben Zobrist – Royals 1, Michael Conforto – Mets 1/2, Lucas Duda – Mets 1/2, Daniel Murphy – Mets 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOWS’ MLB 2015,

Johnny Cueto – Royals 1, Wade Davis – Royals 1, Noah Syndergaard – Mets 1,  Chris Young – Royals 1, Jonathon Niese – Mets 1/2,

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2015,

Troy Tulowitzki – Blue Jays 3 1/2, Daniel Murphy – Mets 3, Salvador Perez – Royals 3, Jorge Soler – Cubs 3, Alcides Escobar – Royals 2 1/2,  Jorge Soler – Cubs 2 1/2, , Justin Turner – Dodgers 2 1/2, Jose Bautista – Blue Jays 2, Delino DeShields – Rangers 2, Mike Moustakas – Royals 2, David Wright – Mets 2, Lorenzo Cain – Royals 1 1/2, Yoenis Cespedes – Mets 1 1/2, Lucas Duda – Mets 1 1/2, Dexter Fowler – Cubs 1 1/2, Stephen Piscotty – Cardinals 1 1/2, Colby Rasmus – Astros 1 1/2, Kyle Schwarber – Cubs 1 1/2, Jose Altuve – Astros 1, Chris Carter – Astros 1, Travis d’Arnaud – Mets , Curtis Granderson – Mets 1, Eric Hosmer – Royals 1, Rougned Odor – Rangers 1,  Kevin Pillar – Blue Jays 1, Ben Revere – Blue Jays 1, Alex Rios – Royals 1, Ben Zobrist – Royals 1, Starlin Castro – Cubs 1/2, Francisco Cervelli – Pirates 1/2, Michael Conforto – Mets 1/2, Carlos Correa – Astros 1/2, Josh Donaldson – Blue Jays 1/2, Edwin Encarnacion – Blue Jays 1/2, Adrian Gonzalez – Dodgers 1/2, Didi Gregorius – Yankees 1/2, Jason Heyward – Cardinals 1/2, Howie Kendrick – Dodgers 1/2, Kendrys Morales – Royals 1/2, Luis Valbuena – Astros 1/2, Kolten Wong – Cardinals 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2015,

Wade Davis – Royals 4,  Jacob deGrom – Mets 3, Noah Syndergaard – Mets 2 1/2, Marcus Stroman – Blue Jays 2 1/2, Chris Young – Royals 2 1/2, Jake Arrieta – Cubs 2,  Johnny Cueto – Royals 2, Marco Estrada – Blue Jays 2, Matt Harvey – Mets 2, Dallas Keuchel – Astros 2, Zack Greinke – Dodgers 1 1/2, Cole Hamels – Rangers 1 1/2, Clayton Kershaw – Dodgers 1 1/2,  R. A. Dickey – Blue Jays 1, Jake Diekman – Rangers 1,  Kelvin Herrera – Royals 1, John Lackey – Cardinals 1, Jon Lester – Cubs 1, Steven Matz – Mets 1, Collin McHugh – Astros 1, Hector Rondon – Cubs 1, Edinson Vólquez – Royals 1, Travis Wood – Cubs 1, Bartolo Colon – Mets 1/2, Liam Hendriks 1/2Lance McCullers – Astros 1/2, Jonathon Niese – Mets 1/2, David Price– Blue Jays 1/2,

Who Owns October and Who Owns the 2015 World Series (#WOO and #WOWS) Tallies Updated For October 30, 2015

Doug Mills/The New York Times

Doug Mills/The New York Times

My my my!

We have ourselves a World Series.

And now the Sully Metrics of October get a little more complicated.

I will continue to figure out Who Owns October.Time to figure out who owns October!

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

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

But the World Series deserves its own stats. WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)

At the end of the post season, we will see who had the highest WOO total as a pitcher and a hitter. The WOWS total will be kept separately. Each game now counts towards both tallies.

A complete description of the rules can be found HERE.

From October 30th, World Series Game 3:

Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS

Noah Syndergaard did not have his ace stuff but pitched well enough over 6 innings with 6 strikeouts to earn the 9-3 decision for the Mets over the Royals.

David Wright hit a 2 run homer and a 2 run single to lead the Mets to a critical 9-3 victory over the Royals.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS

Salvador Perez reached base twice and scored a run in the Royals 9-3 loss to the Mets.

Current‘WOWS’ and ‘WOO’ Totals MLB 2015:

Hitters ‘WOWS’ MLB 2015,

Alcides Escobar – Royals 1, David Wright – Mets 1, Ben Zobrist – Royals 1, Lucas Duda – Mets 1/2, Daniel Murphy – Mets 1/2, Salvador Perez – Royals 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOWS’ MLB 2015,

Johnny Cueto – Royals 1, Noah Syndergaard – Mets 1,  Chris Young – Royals 1, Jonathon Niese – Mets 1/2,

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2015,

Troy Tulowitzki – Blue Jays 3 1/2, Daniel Murphy – Mets 3, Jorge Soler – Cubs 3, Alcides Escobar – Royals 2 1/2,  Jorge Soler – Cubs 2 1/2, , Justin Turner – Dodgers 2 1/2, Jose Bautista – Blue Jays 2, Delino DeShields – Rangers 2, Mike Moustakas – Royals 2, Salvador Perez – Royals 2, David Wright – Mets 2, Lorenzo Cain – Royals 1 1/2, Yoenis Cespedes – Mets 1 1/2, Lucas Duda – Mets 1 1/2, Dexter Fowler – Cubs 1 1/2, Stephen Piscotty – Cardinals 1 1/2, Colby Rasmus – Astros 1 1/2, Kyle Schwarber – Cubs 1 1/2, Jose Altuve – Astros 1, Chris Carter – Astros 1, Travis d’Arnaud – Mets , Curtis Granderson – Mets 1, Eric Hosmer – Royals 1, Rougned Odor – Rangers 1,  Kevin Pillar – Blue Jays 1, Ben Revere – Blue Jays 1, Alex Rios – Royals 1, Ben Zobrist – Royals 1, Starlin Castro – Cubs 1/2, Francisco Cervelli – Pirates 1/2, Carlos Correa – Astros 1/2, Josh Donaldson – Blue Jays 1/2, Edwin Encarnacion – Blue Jays 1/2, Adrian Gonzalez – Dodgers 1/2, Didi Gregorius – Yankees 1/2, Jason Heyward – Cardinals 1/2, Howie Kendrick – Dodgers 1/2, Kendrys Morales – Royals 1/2, Luis Valbuena – Astros 1/2, Kolten Wong – Cardinals 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2015,

Wade Davis – Royals 3,  Jacob deGrom – Mets 3, Noah Syndergaard – Mets 2 1/2, Marcus Stroman – Blue Jays 2 1/2, Chris Young – Royals 2 1/2, Jake Arrieta – Cubs 2,  Johnny Cueto – Royals 2, Marco Estrada – Blue Jays 2, Matt Harvey – Mets 2, Dallas Keuchel – Astros 2, Zack Greinke – Dodgers 1 1/2, Cole Hamels – Rangers 1 1/2, Clayton Kershaw – Dodgers 1 1/2,  R. A. Dickey – Blue Jays 1, Jake Diekman – Rangers 1,  Kelvin Herrera – Royals 1, John Lackey – Cardinals 1, Jon Lester – Cubs 1, Steven Matz – Mets 1, Collin McHugh – Astros 1, Hector Rondon – Cubs 1, Edinson Vólquez – Royals 1, Travis Wood – Cubs 1, Bartolo Colon – Mets 1/2, Liam Hendriks 1/2Lance McCullers – Astros 1/2, Jonathon Niese – Mets 1/2, David Price– Blue Jays 1/2,

Who Owns October and Who Owns the 2015 World Series (#WOO and #WOWS) Tallies Updated For October 28, 2015

AP Photo/David J. Phillip

AP Photo/David J. Phillip

The Royals are in control! And now the Sully Metrics of October get a little more complicated.

I will continue to figure out Who Owns October.Time to figure out who owns October!

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

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

But the World Series deserves its own stats. WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)

At the end of the post season, we will see who had the highest WOO total as a pitcher and a hitter. The WOWS total will be kept separately. Each game now counts towards both tallies.

A complete description of the rules can be found HERE.

From October 28th, World Series Game 2:

Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS

Johnny Cueto pitched the first AL complete game victory in the World Series since 1991, allowing 2 hits and 1 run and giving a weary bullpen the night off as the Royals cruised to a 7-1 victory over the Mets.

Alcides Escobar tied the game with an RBI single and broke it open with a 2 run triple to lead Kansas City to a 7-1 thumping of the Mets.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS

Lucas Duda was the Mets offense, collecting their only 2 hits and driving in their only run as they got crushed by the Royals, 7-1.

Current‘WOWS’ and ‘WOO’ Totals MLB 2015:

Hitters ‘WOWS’ MLB 2015,

Alcides Escobar – Royals 1, Ben Zobrist – Royals 1, Lucas Duda – Mets 1, Daniel Murphy – Mets 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOWS’ MLB 2015,

Johnny Cueto – Royals 1,  Chris Young – Royals 1, Jonathon Niese – Mets 1/2,

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2015,

Troy Tulowitzki – Blue Jays 3 1/2, Daniel Murphy – Mets 3, Jorge Soler – Cubs 3, Alcides Escobar – Royals 2 1/2, , Jorge Soler – Cubs 2 1/2, , Justin Turner – Dodgers 2 1/2, Delino DeShields – Rangers 2, Mike Moustakas – Royals 2, Jose Bautista – Blue Jays 2, Lorenzo Cain – Royals 1 1/2, Yoenis Cespedes – Mets 1 1/2, Lucas Duda – Mets 1 1/2, Dexter Fowler – Cubs 1 1/2, Salvador Perez – Royals 1 1/2, Stephen Piscotty – Cardinals 1 1/2, Colby Rasmus – Astros 1 1/2, Kyle Schwarber – Cubs 1 1/2, Jose Altuve – Astros 1, Chris Carter – Astros 1, Travis d’Arnaud – Mets , Curtis Granderson – Mets 1, Eric Hosmer – Royals 1, Rougned Odor – Rangers 1,  Kevin Pillar – Blue Jays 1, Ben Revere – Blue Jays 1, Alex Rios – Royals 1, David Wright – Mets 1, Ben Zobrist – Royals 1, Starlin Castro – Cubs 1/2, Francisco Cervelli – Pirates 1/2, Carlos Correa – Astros 1/2, Josh Donaldson – Blue Jays 1/2, Edwin Encarnacion – Blue Jays 1/2, Adrian Gonzalez – Dodgers 1/2, Didi Gregorius – Yankees 1/2, Jason Heyward – Cardinals 1/2, Howie Kendrick – Dodgers 1/2, Kendrys Morales – Royals 1/2, Luis Valbuena – Astros 1/2, Kolten Wong – Cardinals 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2015,

Wade Davis – Royals 3,  Jacob deGrom – Mets 3, Marcus Stroman – Blue Jays 2 1/2, Chris Young – Royals 2 1/2, Jake Arrieta – Cubs 2,  Johnny Cueto – Royals 2, Marco Estrada – Blue Jays 2, Matt Harvey – Mets 2, Dallas Keuchel – Astros 2, Zack Greinke – Dodgers 1 1/2, Cole Hamels – Rangers 1 1/2, Clayton Kershaw – Dodgers 1 1/2,  Noah Syndergaard – Mets 1 1/2, R. A. Dickey – Blue Jays 1, Jake Diekman – Rangers 1,  Kelvin Herrera – Royals 1, John Lackey – Cardinals 1, Jon Lester – Cubs 1, Steven Matz – Mets 1, Collin McHugh – Astros 1, Hector Rondon – Cubs 1, Edinson Vólquez – Royals 1, Travis Wood – Cubs 1, Bartolo Colon – Mets 1/2, Liam Hendriks 1/2Lance McCullers – Astros 1/2, Jonathon Niese – Mets 1/2, David Price– Blue Jays 1/2,

Who Owns October and Who Owns the 2015 World Series (#WOO and #WOWS) Tallies Updated For October 27, 2015

Shane Keyser - Kansas City Star skeyser@kcstar.com

Shane Keyser – Kansas City Star skeyser@kcstar.com

The World Series has begun! And now the Sully Metrics of October get a little more complicated.

I will continue to figure out Who Owns October.Time to figure out who owns October!

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

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

But the World Series deserves its own stats. WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)

At the end of the post season, we will see who had the highest WOO total as a pitcher and a hitter. The WOWS total will be kept separately. Each game now counts towards both tallies.

A complete description of the rules can be found HERE.

From October 27th, World Series Game 1:

Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS

Chris Young came out of the bullpen to throw three no hit shutout innings, walking 1 and striking out 4 Mets, earning the 14 inning 5-4 Kansas City victory in relief.

Ben Zobrist reached base 4 times, including a pair of doubles, a run scored and a 14th inning hit that put the winning run at third with nobody out. The run would come into score eventually and the Royals took game 1, 5-4 over the Mets.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS

Daniel Murphy saw his home run streak end but he got 2 more hits and scored a run in the Mets 5-4 loss to Kansas City.

Jonathon Niese threw a pair of dynamic innings out of the bullpen, striking out 3 Royals and allowing just 1 hit and no runs. The Mets would lose 5-4 in 14 innings.

Current ‘WOO’ Totals MLB 2015:

Hitters ‘WOWS’ MLB 2015,

Ben Zobrist – Royals 1, Daniel Murphy – Mets 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2015,

Chris Young – Royals 1, Jonathon Niese – Mets 1/2,

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2015,

Troy Tulowitzki – Blue Jays 3 1/2, Daniel Murphy – Mets 3, Jorge Soler – Cubs 3, Jorge Soler – Cubs 2 1/2, , Justin Turner – Dodgers 2 1/2, Delino DeShields – Rangers 2, Mike Moustakas – Royals 2, Jose Bautista – Blue Jays 2, Lorenzo Cain – Royals 1 1/2, Yoenis Cespedes – Mets 1 1/2, , Alcides Escobar – Royals 1 1/2, Dexter Fowler – Cubs 1 1/2, Salvador Perez – Royals 1 1/2, Stephen Piscotty – Cardinals 1 1/2, Colby Rasmus – Astros 1 1/2, Kyle Schwarber – Cubs 1 1/2, Jose Altuve – Astros 1, Chris Carter – Astros 1, Travis d’Arnaud – Mets , Lucas Duda – Mets 1, Curtis Granderson – Mets 1, Eric Hosmer – Royals 1, Rougned Odor – Rangers 1,  Kevin Pillar – Blue Jays 1, Ben Revere – Blue Jays 1, Alex Rios – Royals 1, David Wright – Mets 1, Ben Zobrist – Royals 1, Starlin Castro – Cubs 1/2, Francisco Cervelli – Pirates 1/2, Carlos Correa – Astros 1/2, Josh Donaldson – Blue Jays 1/2, Edwin Encarnacion – Blue Jays 1/2, Adrian Gonzalez – Dodgers 1/2, Didi Gregorius – Yankees 1/2, Jason Heyward – Cardinals 1/2, Howie Kendrick – Dodgers 1/2, Kendrys Morales – Royals 1/2, Luis Valbuena – Astros 1/2, Kolten Wong – Cardinals 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2015,

Wade Davis – Royals 3,  Jacob deGrom – Mets 3, Marcus Stroman – Blue Jays 2 1/2, Chris Young – Royals 2 1/2, Jake Arrieta – Cubs 2, Marco Estrada – Blue Jays 2, Matt Harvey – Mets 2, Dallas Keuchel – Astros 2, Zack Greinke – Dodgers 1 1/2, Cole Hamels – Rangers 1 1/2, Clayton Kershaw – Dodgers 1 1/2,  Noah Syndergaard – Mets 1 1/2,  Johnny Cueto – Royals 1, R. A. Dickey – Blue Jays 1, Jake Diekman – Rangers 1,  Kelvin Herrera – Royals 1, John Lackey – Cardinals 1, Jon Lester – Cubs 1, Steven Matz – Mets 1, Collin McHugh – Astros 1, Hector Rondon – Cubs 1, Edinson Vólquez – Royals 1, Travis Wood – Cubs 1, Bartolo Colon – Mets 1/2, Liam Hendriks 1/2Lance McCullers – Astros 1/2, Jonathon Niese – Mets 1/2, David Price– Blue Jays 1/2,

Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2015? (#WOO) Tallies Updated For October 23, 2015

LG Patterson - MLB Photos

LG Patterson – MLB Photos

The World Series match up is set. The Royals and the Mets will face off.

Time to figure out who owns October!

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

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

At the end of the post season, we will see who had the highest WOO total as a pitcher and a hitter.

A complete description of the rules can be found HERE.

From October 23rd, ALCS Game 6:

Receiving 1 WOO’s

Wade Davis threw the final 1 2/3 innings, striking out 3 Blue Jays, earning the decision and closed out the ALCS with a 4-3 Royals clincher.

Mike Moustakas homered and singled, scoring a pair and made some sparkling defensive plays to lead the Royals past the Blue Jays, 4-3.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s

Jose Bautista homered twice including a dramatic game tying shot in the 8th inning. It would not be enough as the Royals came back to beat Toronto, 4-3 and advance to the World Series.

David Price gave the Blue Jays a quality start, pitching into the 7th, striking out 8 and walking 1. He did not get a decision as Toronto was eliminated by the Royals, 4-3.

Current ‘WOO’ Totals MLB 2015:

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2015,

Troy Tulowitzki – Blue Jays 3 1/2, Jorge Soler – Cubs 3, Daniel Murphy – Mets 2 1/2, Jorge Soler – Cubs 2 1/2, , Justin Turner – Dodgers 2 1/2, Delino DeShields – Rangers 2, Mike Moustakas – Royals 2, Jose Bautista – Blue Jays 2, Lorenzo Cain – Royals 1 1/2, Yoenis Cespedes – Mets 1 1/2, , Alcides Escobar – Royals 1 1/2, Dexter Fowler – Cubs 1 1/2, Salvador Perez – Royals 1 1/2, Stephen Piscotty – Cardinals 1 1/2, Colby Rasmus – Astros 1 1/2, Kyle Schwarber – Cubs 1 1/2, Jose Altuve – Astros 1, Chris Carter – Astros 1, Travis d’Arnaud – Mets , Lucas Duda – Mets 1, Curtis Granderson – Mets 1, Eric Hosmer – Royals 1, Rougned Odor – Rangers 1,  Kevin Pillar – Blue Jays 1, Ben Revere – Blue Jays 1, Alex Rios – Royals 1, David Wright – Mets 1, Starlin Castro – Cubs 1/2, Francisco Cervelli – Pirates 1/2, Carlos Correa – Astros 1/2, Josh Donaldson – Blue Jays 1/2, Edwin Encarnacion – Blue Jays 1/2, Adrian Gonzalez – Dodgers 1/2, Didi Gregorius – Yankees 1/2, Jason Heyward – Cardinals 1/2, Howie Kendrick – Dodgers 1/2, Kendrys Morales – Royals 1/2, Luis Valbuena – Astros 1/2, Kolten Wong – Cardinals 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2015,

Wade Davis – Royals 2,  Jacob deGrom – Mets 3, Marcus Stroman – Blue Jays 2 1/2, Jake Arrieta – Cubs 2, Marco Estrada – Blue Jays 2, Matt Harvey – Mets 2, Dallas Keuchel – Astros 2, Zack Greinke – Dodgers 1 1/2, Cole Hamels – Rangers 1 1/2, Clayton Kershaw – Dodgers 1 1/2,  Noah Syndergaard – Mets 1 1/2, Chris Young – Royals 1 1/2,, Johnny Cueto – Royals 1, R. A. Dickey – Blue Jays 1, Jake Diekman – Rangers 1,  Kelvin Herrera – Royals 1, John Lackey – Cardinals 1, Jon Lester – Cubs 1, Steven Matz – Mets 1, Collin McHugh – Astros 1, Hector Rondon – Cubs 1, Edinson Vólquez – Royals 1, Travis Wood – Cubs 1, Bartolo Colon – Mets 1/2, Liam Hendriks 1/2Lance McCullers – Astros 1/2, David Price– Blue Jays 1/2,

Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2015? (#WOO) Tallies Updated For October 21, 2015

RON VESELY/MLB PHOTOS

RON VESELY/MLB PHOTOS

One LCS is done and the other will see another day.

Time to figure out who owns October!

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

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

At the end of the post season, we will see who had the highest WOO total as a pitcher and a hitter.

A complete description of the rules can be found HERE.

From October 21st.

ALCS Game 5 and NLCS Game 4:

Receiving 1 WOO’s

Lucas Duda homered and doubled twice, driving in 5 and putting the Cubs on their heels from the start and set up the Mets 8-3 pennant clincher against the Cubs.

Marco Estrada kept the Royals off the board until the 8th, finishing with 7 2/3 innings, 3 hits, 1 run and 1 walk and kept the Blue Jays alive with a 7-1 victory over Kansas City.

Steven Matz kept the Cubs off the board early while the Mets put together a big lead. He did not get the decision but he set up the Mets 8-3 win.

Troy Tulowitzki went 2 for 4 with a bases clearing double that propelled the Blue Jays past the Royals, 7-1.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s

Salvador Perez homered to provide one of the few Royals highlights in their 7-1 loss to Toronto.

Jorge Soler singled and doubled twice, scoring 2 runs. But it was not enough as the Cubs lost 8-3 to the Mets.

Current ‘WOO’ Totals MLB 2015:

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2015,

Troy Tulowitzki – Blue Jays 3 1/2, Jorge Soler – Cubs 3, Daniel Murphy – Mets 2 1/2, Jorge Soler – Cubs 2 1/2, , Justin Turner – Dodgers 2 1/2, Delino DeShields – Rangers 2, Lorenzo Cain – Royals 1 1/2, Yoenis Cespedes – Mets 1 1/2, , Alcides Escobar – Royals 1 1/2, Dexter Fowler – Cubs 1 1/2, Salvador Perez – Royals 1 1/2, Stephen Piscotty – Cardinals 1 1/2, Colby Rasmus – Astros 1 1/2, Kyle Schwarber – Cubs 1 1/2, Jose Altuve – Astros 1, Jose Bautista – Blue Jays 1, Chris Carter – Astros 1, Travis d’Arnaud – Mets , Lucas Duda – Mets 1, Curtis Granderson – Mets 1, Eric Hosmer – Royals 1, Mike Moustakas – Royals 1, Rougned Odor – Rangers 1,  Kevin Pillar – Blue Jays 1, Ben Revere – Blue Jays 1, Alex Rios – Royals 1, David Wright – Mets 1, Starlin Castro – Cubs 1/2, Francisco Cervelli – Pirates 1/2, Carlos Correa – Astros 1/2, Josh Donaldson – Blue Jays 1/2, Edwin Encarnacion – Blue Jays 1/2, Adrian Gonzalez – Dodgers 1/2, Didi Gregorius – Yankees 1/2, Jason Heyward – Cardinals 1/2, Howie Kendrick – Dodgers 1/2, Kendrys Morales – Royals 1/2, Luis Valbuena – Astros 1/2, Kolten Wong – Cardinals 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2015,

Jacob deGrom – Mets 3, Marcus Stroman – Blue Jays 2 1/2, Jake Arrieta – Cubs 2, Wade Davis – Royals 2, Marco Estrada – Blue Jays 2, Matt Harvey – Mets 2, Dallas Keuchel – Astros 2, Zack Greinke – Dodgers 1 1/2, Cole Hamels – Rangers 1 1/2, Clayton Kershaw – Dodgers 1 1/2,  Noah Syndergaard – Mets 1 1/2, Chris Young – Royals 1 1/2,, Johnny Cueto – Royals 1, R. A. Dickey – Blue Jays 1, Jake Diekman – Rangers 1,  Kelvin Herrera – Royals 1, John Lackey – Cardinals 1, Jon Lester – Cubs 1, Steven Matz – Mets 1, Collin McHugh – Astros 1, Hector Rondon – Cubs 1, Edinson Vólquez – Royals 1, Travis Wood – Cubs 1, Bartolo Colon – Mets 1/2, Liam Hendriks 1/2Lance McCullers – Astros 1/2,

Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2015? (#WOO) Tallies Updated For October 20, 2015

RON VESELY/MLB PHOTOS

RON VESELY/MLB PHOTOS

The Mets and Royals are on the verge of winning their pennants.

Time to figure out who owns October!

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

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

At the end of the post season, we will see who had the highest WOO total as a pitcher and a hitter.

A complete description of the rules can be found HERE.

From October 20th. ALCS Game 4 and NLCS Game 3:

Receiving 1 WOO’s

Lorenzo Cain reached base 4 times, stealing a base, scoring a run and drove in 3 as the Royals clobbered the Blue Jays, 14-2.

Yoenis Cespedes collected 3 hits, including a double, stole a key base and scored the go ahead run on a wild pitch and drove in 2 other runs to lead the Mets past the Cubs, 5-2.

Jacob deGrom -threw 7 strong innings, striking out 7 and allowing 2 hits to earn the 5-2 decision for the Mets over the Cubs.

Chris Young allowed just 3 hits and 2 runs to the mighty Blue Jays. He didn’t pitch enough to get the decision but helped set up the Royals 14-2 blowout victory.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s

Liam Hendriks did his best to keep Toronto in the game with 4 1/3 shutout innings, 1 hit and no walks. But the damage had been done and the Royals won, 14-2.

Ben Revere reached base 3 times and scored in the Blue Jays humiliating 14-2 loss to Kansas City.

Jorge Soler crushed a game tying homer in the 4th but the Cubs would eventually fall to the Mets, 5-2.

Current ‘WOO’ Totals MLB 2015:

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2015,

Daniel Murphy – Mets 2 1/2, Jorge Soler – Cubs 2 1/2, Troy Tulowitzki – Blue Jays 2 1/2, , Justin Turner – Dodgers 2 1/2, Delino DeShields – Rangers 2, Lorenzo Cain – Royals 1 1/2, Yoenis Cespedes – Mets 1 1/2, , Alcides Escobar – Royals 1 1/2, Dexter Fowler – Cubs 1 1/2, Stephen Piscotty – Cardinals 1 1/2, Colby Rasmus – Astros 1 1/2, Kyle Schwarber – Cubs 1 1/2, Jose Altuve – Astros 1, Jose Bautista – Blue Jays 1, Chris Carter – Astros 1, Travis d’Arnaud – Mets 1, Curtis Granderson – Mets 1, Eric Hosmer – Royals 1, Mike Moustakas – Royals 1, Rougned Odor – Rangers 1, Salvador Perez – Royals 1, Kevin Pillar – Blue Jays 1, Ben Revere – Blue Jays 1, Alex Rios – Royals 1, David Wright – Mets 1, Starlin Castro – Cubs 1/2, Francisco Cervelli – Pirates 1/2, Carlos Correa – Astros 1/2, Josh Donaldson – Blue Jays 1/2, Edwin Encarnacion – Blue Jays 1/2, Adrian Gonzalez – Dodgers 1/2, Didi Gregorius – Yankees 1/2, Jason Heyward – Cardinals 1/2, Howie Kendrick – Dodgers 1/2, Kendrys Morales – Royals 1/2, Luis Valbuena – Astros 1/2, Kolten Wong – Cardinals 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2015,

Jacob deGrom – Mets 3, Marcus Stroman – Blue Jays 2 1/2, Jake Arrieta – Cubs 2, Wade Davis – Royals 2, Matt Harvey – Mets 2, Dallas Keuchel – Astros 2, Zack Greinke – Dodgers 1 1/2, Cole Hamels – Rangers 1 1/2, Clayton Kershaw – Dodgers 1 1/2,  Noah Syndergaard – Mets 1 1/2, Chris Young – Royals 1 1/2,, Johnny Cueto – Royals 1, R. A. Dickey – Blue Jays 1, Jake Diekman – Rangers 1, Marco Estrada – Blue Jays 1,  Kelvin Herrera – Royals 1, John Lackey – Cardinals 1, Jon Lester – Cubs 1, Collin McHugh – Astros 1, Hector Rondon – Cubs 1, Edinson Vólquez – Royals 1, Travis Wood – Cubs 1, Bartolo Colon – Mets 1/2, Liam Hendriks 1/2Lance McCullers – Astros 1/2,