Blog Archives

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June 24th) – Updated Yearly WOB Totals For 2014

Photo - Norm Hall/Getty Images

Photo – Norm Hall/Getty Images

Gerardo Parra got on base 6 times, doubled, stole a base and scored two runs including the game winner as the Diamondbacks won a marathon against Cleveland, 9-8 in 14 innings.

Kyle Seager doubled, homered and drove in 4 runs, leading the Mariners past the Red Sox, 8-2.

Clayton Kershaw followed up his no hitter with 8 innings of 6 hit shutout ball, striking out 8 Royals and earning the 2-0 victory for the Dodgers.

Jose Quintana pitched 7 solid innings, letting up just 1 run and striking out 8 as the White Sox beat the Orioles, 4-2.

They owned baseball on June 24, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June 23rd) – Updated Yearly WOB Totals For 2014

NATHAN DENETTE/AP

NATHAN DENETTE/AP

Marcus Stroman threw 8 innings, allowing 3 hits, 1 run and 1 walk, earning the 8-3 win for Toronto against the Yankees.

Logan Morrison reached base 5 times, including a pair of homers, 4 RBI and 3 runs scored, as the Mariners clocked the Red Sox, 12-3.

Lance Lynn pitched 8 shutout 3 hit no walk innings, no easy feat in Denver, and got the 8-0 decision for the Cardinals.

Adam LaRoche provided almost all the offense in a match up of division leaders with a 3 run homer, pushing the Nationals to a 3-0 victory in Milwaukee.

They owned baseball on June 23, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June 22nd) – Updated Yearly WOB Totals For 2014

Kathy Willens - AP

Kathy Willens – AP

Chris Tillman threw 7 shutout innings, allowing just 4 hits as the Orioles took the final game of the series in the Bronx, 8-0.

Madison Bumgarner pitched into the 9th inning, finishing with 8+ innings of 2 hit ball with 1 unearned run, getting the 4-1 decision for the Giants in Arizona.

Miguel Cabrera finished 2-4 with a homer and 3 RBI, leading the Tigers to a 10-4 win and a sweep in Cleveland.

Daniel Murphy led the Mets attack, going 2-5 with a homer and 3 RBI, beating the Marlins in Miami 11-5.

They owned baseball on June 22, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June 21st) – Updated Yearly WOB Totals For 2014

DILIP VISHWANAT - GETTY IMAGES

DILIP VISHWANAT – GETTY IMAGES

Adam Wainwright won a pitchers duel in Philadelphia by pitching 8 outstanding innings and earning the 4-1 victory for St. Louis.

Jake Odorizzi threw 7 1/3 1 hit shutout innings, striking out 10 Astros and getting the 8-0 win for the Rays.

Aramis Ramirez went 3-4 with a homer, leading the Brewers past the Rockies, 9-4.

Steve Pearce got on base 3 times and homered as Baltimore topped the Yankees, 6-1.

They owned baseball on June 21, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June 20th) – Updated Yearly WOB Totals For 2014

 

MITCHELL LAYTON/GETTY IMAGES

MITCHELL LAYTON/GETTY IMAGES

Freddie Freeman went 3-6 including a homer and scored in the 13 inning, leading the Braves to a 6-4 victory in Washington.

A.J. Burnett pitched a complete game, allowing just 1 run and walking only 1 as the Phillies topped the Cardinals, 5-1.

Edwin Encarnacion got on base 3 times, clubbed a pair of homers and drove in 6 runs to charge Toronto’s shocking 14-9 comeback in Cincinnati.

Jarred Cosart pitched 8 shutout innings, allowing 6 hits and walking 1, earning the 3-1 decision for the Astros over the Rays.

They owned baseball on June 20, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June 19th) – Updated Yearly WOB Totals For 2014

(Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)

(Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)

Zack Wheeler faced one batter over the minimum, throwing a complete game, 3 hits, 1 walk, 8 strikeout shutout of the Marlins, getting the 1-0 win for the Mets.

Freddie Freeman went 3-5 with a pair of doubles and 2 runs scored helping the Braves beat the Nationals in a 3-0 NL East showdown.

Scott Kazmir threw 7 strong innings, striking out 8 and walking no Boston batter for the 4-2 victory in Oakland.

Nick Swisher atoned for a rough day at the plate with a 2 out, come from behind, walk off, extra inning grand slam that shocked the Angels, 5-3 in Cleveland.

They owned baseball on June 19, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June 18th) – Updated Yearly WOB Totals For 2014

Photo: Chris Carlson - AP

Photo: Chris Carlson – AP

Clayton Kershaw pitched a masterpiece of a no hitter, the second for the Dodgers this season. He walked none, struck out a career high 15 and only an error prevented his 8-0 triumph over the Rockies from being a perfect game.

John Lackey pitched 9 shutout innings, allowing just 3 hits, 1 walk and struck out 9 Twins. He got a no decision as the game went into extra innings, but the Red Sox walked off as 2-1 winners.

Starlin Castro went 3-5 with a pair of doubles, drove in a pair and scored twice, leading the Cubs past the Marlins, 6-1.

Brian McCann homered, tripled and drove in 5 runs as the Yankees beat the first place Blue Jays, 7-3.

They owned baseball on June 18, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June 17th) – Updated Yearly WOB Totals For 2014

Photo: Ross D. Franklin - AP

Photo: Ross D. Franklin – AP

Jonathan Lucroy had the final word in the beanball war in Arizona. He followed a hit by pitch with his second homer of the game, a grand slam, that gave him 5 RBI and put the Brewers up for good in their 7-5 embarrassment of the Diamondbacks.

Mike Trout got three extra base hits, including a pair of homers, drove in 4 runs and sparked the Angels 9-3 victory in Cleveland.

Matt Shoemaker pitched 8 strong innings, letting up 2 runs and struck out 10 Indians, earning the 9-3 decision for the Angels.

Michael Wacha pitched 6 innings, striking out 7, giving up just 5 hits and 1 run on a solo homer. He and the Cardinals beat the Mets, 5-2.

They owned baseball on June 17, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June 16th) – Updated Yearly WOB Totals For 2014

Photo: Todd Kirkland - AP

Photo: Todd Kirkland – AP

Cole Hamels pitched 7 shutout innings, giving up just 5 hits and 2 walks. The bullpen blew his lead but the Phillies wound up topping the Braves in 13 innings, 6-1.

Dee Gordon sparked the Dodgers offense by getting on base 5 times, including a triple, and scored twice in the 6-1 win against Colorado.

Rubby De La Rosa pitched 7 innings of 1 hit shutout ball, striking out 3 Twins batters and earned the tight 1-0 victory in Boston.

Donnie Murphy slammed a pair of homers, driving in 3 runs, in the 14-8 slugfest won by the Rangers in Oakland.

They owned baseball on June 16, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June.15) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

ASON O. WATSON/GETTY IMAGES

ASON O. WATSON/GETTY IMAGES

Derek Norris crushed a 3 run homer in the first inning and finished the game going 3-5 as the A’s pounded the Yankees, 10-5.

Troy Tulowitzki got on base 4 times, homered and drove in 2, helping the Rockies come from behind and stun the Giants 8-7.

Hisashi Iwakuma threw 8 strong innings, letting up only 6 hits, 1 run and walking no Rangers, earning the 5-1 victory for the Mariners.

Travis Wood held the Phillies hitless into the 6th inning and finished with 8 innings of 3 hit shutout ball for the Cubs 3-0 win.

They owned baseball on June 15, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June.14) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Nam Y. Huh/ Associated Press

Nam Y. Huh/ Associated Press

Danny Duffy pitched 7 innings of 5 hit shutout ball, getting the decision as Kansas City thrashed the White Sox, 9-1.

Eugenio Suarez missed the cycle by a single, got on base 4 times and led the Tigers to a wild 12-9 victory against the Twins.

Jesse Hahn pitched 6 innings of 1 hit, shutout ball for the Padres, beating the Mets, 5-0.

Andrew McCutchen got on base 3 times, including a homer, and drove in 3, helping the Pirates hold on to an 8-6 win in Miami.

They owned baseball on June 14, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June.13) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

J. Pat Carter

J. Pat Carter

Gregory Polanco capped off a 5 hit, 3 run scored game with a 2 run, go ahead 13th inning homer that gave the Pirates a wild 8-6 victory in Miami.

Lance Lynn was perfect into the 6th inning and finished with 8 innings of 2 hit shutout ball, walking nobody and striking out 8 Nationals as St. Louis hung on, 1-0.

Ben Zobrist singled, doubled and tripled, driving in a pair and scoring one, helping Tampa Bay to a much needed 6-1 win over Houston.

David Phelps pitched shutout ball into the 7th inning, finishing with 6 2/3, no runs, 2 hits and kept the A’s from rallying and earning the 7-0 decision for the Yankees.

They owned baseball on June 13, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June.12) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

TED S. WARREN/AP

TED S. WARREN/AP

Derek Jeter got on base 4 times, scored a pair and drove in a pair as the Yankees topped Seattle, 6-3.

Max Scherzer threw a complete game 3 hit shutout, striking out 8 White Sox and earning the 4-0 win for Detroit.

John Mayberry Jr hit a pair of doubles and broke the game open with a 3 run homer in the 7th inning, contributing to the Phillies 7-3 victory against the Padres.

Jhoulys Chacin threw 7 innings of 2 hit shutout ball in Coors Field, getting the decision as the Rockies thrashed the Braves 10-3.

They owned baseball on June 12, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June.11) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Jim Cowsert, USA TODAY Sports

Jim Cowsert, USA TODAY Sports

Yu Darvish tossed a complete game, 6 hit shutout, striking out 10 Marlins and getting the 6-0 victory.

Jose Abreu got on base 4 times and launched a homer, helping the White Sox beat the Tigers in an AL Central showdown, 8-2

Cole Hamels threw 8 dominating shutout innings. He let up just 5 hits, 1 walk and struck out 11 Padres. He did not get the decision but the Phillies won, 3-0.

Andrew McCutchen reached base 4 times, including a homer, a double and he stole a base for good measure, leading the Pirates to a 4-2 win over the Cubs,

They owned baseball on June 11, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June.10) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

Anthony Rizzo went 3-4 with a homer and a pair of doubles, driving in 3 and scoring 3 as the Cubs took the game 7-3 in Pittsburgh.

Collin Cowgill went 3-6 including a 2 out, 2 strike walk off homer in the bottom of the 14th inning that gave the Angels a 2-1 triumph over the A’s.

A. J. Burnett went 7 1/3 innings letting up just 3 hits and 2 runs, earning the Phillies 5-2 victory over San Diego.

Brandon Workman retired the first 13 batters he faced and took a no hitter into the 6th. He finished with 6 2/3 innings of 1 hit shutout ball, winning the 1-0 game for the Red Sox in Baltimore.

They owned baseball on June 10, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June.09) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

LM Otero/AP

LM Otero/AP

Lonnie Chisenhall had a historic night at the plate. He went 5-5, missing the cycle by a triple, clubbing three homers and driving in 9 runs in the Indians’ 17-7 thrashing of Texas.

Scott Van Slyke got on base 5 times, homered twice and drove in 4 while scoring 3, helping the Dodgers top Cincinnati 6-2.

Bud Norris threw 8 shutout innings, allowing just 3 hits, earning the 4-0 Baltimore victory over Boston.

Charlie Morton went 7 innings, letting just one Cub run and walked none leading the Pirates to a 6-2 win.

They owned baseball on June 09, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June.08) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports

Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports

Jordan Zimmermann pitched perfect ball into the 6th and finished with a 2 hit 6-0 shutout of the Padres that put the Nationals into a first place tie.

Felix Hernandez threw 7 dominating shutout innings, letting up just 4 hits and 1 walk while striking out 15 Rays, a career high. He did not get the decision but helped set up Seattle’s 5-0 victory.

Paul Goldschmidt got on base 3 times, stole a base and crushed a towering 2 run homer to centerfield, helping the Diamondbacks come from behind against Atlanta, 6-5.

Brock Holt got 4 hits including a triple and a single that started the 9th inning comeback rally as the Red Sox stunned the Tigers, 5-3.

They owned baseball on June 08, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June.07) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Frank Gunn

AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Frank Gunn

Shelby Miller pitched a complete game 3 hit shutout, earning the 5-0 St. Louis win in Toronto,

Kyle Gibson threw 7 shutout innings, letting up just 3 hits, as the Twins blanked the Astros, 8-0.

Hunter Pence got on base 4 times, tied the game with a 9th inning double and scored the walk off run for the Giants wild 5-4 victory against the Mets.

Salvador Perez went 3-4, missing the cycle by a triple and driving in 3 key runs for the Royals as they topped the Yankees, 8-4.

They owned baseball on June 07, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June.06) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Justin Edmonds / Getty Images

Justin Edmonds / Getty Images

Dee Gordon got on base 4 times with a pair of triples, a stolen base, two runs scored and three runs batted in, leading the Dodgers to a much needed 7-2 win in Colorado.

Torii Hunter went 3-4 with a homer and a pair of runs scored, stopping Detroit’s slide as they beat Boston 6-2.

Tanner Roark threw 8 innings of 3 hit, no walk shutout ball, striking out 11 Padres. The Nationals inched closer to first place with the 6-0 victory.

Dallas Keuchel tossed 6 innings of shutout ball in Minnesota. The bullpen nearly blew it but he got the decision for the Astros, 5-4.

They owned baseball on June 06, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June.05) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Al Behrman, Associated Press

Al Behrman, Associated Press

Madison Bumgarner pitched 8 innings of 3 hit ball, letting up a single run and walking no Reds batters. He earned his 8th victory for the Giants, 6-1.

Masahiro Tanaka cooled the hot Oakland bats with 6 innings of solid pitching, letting up a single run, as the Yankees held on to win, 2-1.

Casey McGehee went 4-5, including a double, and scored 4 runs helping the Marlins tie for first place while topping the Rays, 11-6.

Dexter Fowler got on base 4 times, scoring a pair and driving in a run, helping the Astros take a 8-5 game against the Angels.

They owned baseball on June 05, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Read the rest of this entry

The Rockies Exploding 2014 Offense – A Bigger Advantage Than Ever At Home: This Team Is Lethal

Coors Field is one of the better places in the MLB to watch a game - and this year (much like the last 21 year) the team is crippling opposing pitching.  With pitching beginning ro reign supreme in the MLB realms, the offensive attack put forth by Colorado may be enough of an advantage to outslug teams.  The Rockies have potential ALL - Stars at many of the positions, and just a sick amount of speed, defense plus power.  The team just needs to receive adequate pitching and remain healthy, and this could be the best year in Denver since 2007!

Coors Field is one of the better places in the MLB to watch a game – and this year (much like the last 21 years) the team is crippling opposing pitching. With run prevention beginning to reign supreme in the MLB realms, the offense attack put forth by Colorado may be enough of an advantage to outslug teams. The Rockies have potential ALL – Stars at many of the positions, and just a sick amount of speed, defense plus power. The team just needs to receive adequate pitching and to remain healthy, and this could be the best year in Denver since 2007!

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

I always have likened the Colorado Rockies to a heavyweight puncher that is capable of a knockout blow when you are least expecting it. 

In 2014, they are making their best 45 Year Old George Foreman impression vs. James Buster Douglas!

If they have all of their players performing on the field like Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez, then look the hell out.

You add in ALL – Star performances from Justin Morneau (looking like a Todd Helton clone circa 2007), Charlie Blackmon (putting up Dexter Fowler‘s best numbers) – and torrid play on defense and offense from 26 game hitting streak man ‘Nolan Arenado,” and you are talking about some haymakers being thrown.

The club assembled a decent Bullpen, and have an array of Starting Pitchers throw well on the bump. Read the rest of this entry

30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 5 – Apr. 2014

The Astros have helped pad the stats for teams like the A's, Rangers and Angels offenses and Run Differentials so far,  Having this cupcake team will definitely help your playoff chances with the weighted divisional play.

The Astros have helped pad the stats for teams like the A’s, Rangers and Angels offenses and Run Differentials so far in 2014, Having this cupcake team will definitely help your playoff chances with the weighted divisional play.  I will be amazed if they finish out of last in the American League this year, and maybe only the Chicago Cubs will challenge them for the 1st overall pick again for the 2015 MLB Amateur Draft.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

We are now at the 13 – 14% pole of the MLB year.  Parity is reigning supreme on the standings.

For the record, while I love the Milwaukee start, they are just too many variables for them to keep up this pace.

Don’t get me wrong, i think this team is capable of making the playoffs, winning 90 games, but it could be eliminated as fast as they have compiled this record.

Ryan Braun’s thumb could require surgery. Ramirez’s knee’s could fail him.

Considering last night’s situation with Braun and Gomez, that could alter the playing field for the NL.

The suspension laid down for the brawl with the Pirates could also sway some momentum.  Good on Milwaukee for starting 18 – 6.  I just think the Cards will track them down in the next 138 games. Read the rest of this entry

Houston Astros Roster In 2014 Part 1: How All Of The Hitters Were Acquired

The Astros decided to rebuild a few years ago  In doing so they traded away Lance Berkman, Roy Oswalt, Hunter Pence, Carlos Lee, at first, and then have since also traded Bud Norris, Jed Lowrie, Jordan Lyles and Brandon Barnes.  Many of the transactions have given the team many of its current roster today, with many of the players also with the organization - while hardly any of the departing guys are with the team that dealt for them.  Today is the 1st part of a 2 parter seeing how the current club was assembled by the Astros.

The Astros decided to rebuild a few years ago In doing so they traded away Lance Berkman, Roy Oswalt, Hunter Pence, Carlos Lee, at first, and then have since also traded Bud Norris, Jed Lowrie, Jordan Lyles and Brandon Barnes. Many of the transactions have given the team many of its current roster today, with many of the players also with the organization – while hardly any of the departing guys are with the team that dealt for them. Today is the 1st part of a 2 parter seeing how the current club was assembled by the Astros.

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

At the MLB Reports, we intend to show you the Roster Tree for the Houston Astros – and how they assembled their current roster for hitting and Pitching. 

It will work in a six degrees of separation like format.

Once we figure out the origin of how many trades going back in time it takes to see where the tree started, it will be time to dissect how the team fared on the deals.

If a player has never left the organization at all, the tree will be easy – as it will just be the year they were drafted or signed.

Sometimes pitchers will be in the hitters part of the write-up and vice versa.  This is simply done when one side of hitter or pitcher is dealt for each other.  Read the rest of this entry

30 MLB Team Power Rankings MAR 2014

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

Okay, not much has changed in the last month.

They are about 20 unsigned Free Agents left in the open market pool, Baltimore inked Nelson Cruz and Ubaldo Jimenez – and Chris Capuano is with the Red Sox, Paul Maholm replaces him LA for the 2014 campaign.

Of note of the things I am watching in Spring Training.  The Dodger Blue is also experiencing many injuries – and Yasiel Puig showed up to camp overweight.

LA is talking about not sending Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke to Australia in a few weeks.

I can understand with the RHP because he was yanked after four pitches last week, but withholding your star ace from the season opener, and possibly the North America starter the following week. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The MLB 2014 World Series As Of Right Now

Odds To Win The 2014 World Series

1.  LA Dodgers +700

2.  Washington Nationals +800

3.  Detroit Tigers +900

T4. St. Louis Cardinals +1000

T4. Boston Red Sox +1000

6.  Texas Rangers +1100

T7. Oakland Athletics +1400

T7. Atlanta Braves +1400

T7. New York Yankees +1400

T10. LA Angels +1500

T10. Cincinnati Reds +1500

T12. Tampa Bay Rays +1800

T12. Toronto Blue Jays +1800

T14. Kansas City Royals +2500

T14. Cleveland Indians +2500

T14. San Francisco Giants +2500

T14. Pittsburgh Pirates +2500

T14. Baltimore Orioles +2500

T19.   Arizona Diamondbacks +3300

T19. Seattle Mariners +3300

21.   Philadelphia Phillies +3500

22. Milwaukee Brewers +4000

23.   Chicago White Sox +4500

T24.  Chicago Cubs +5500

T24. Colorado Rockies +5500

26.   San Diego Padres +6600

T27.   Minnesota Twins +8000 (+7700)

T27.   New York Mets +8000 (+7700)

29.   Miami Marlins +10000 (+10000)

30.   Houston Astros +25000 (+25000)

odds brought to you by www.bet365.com

Updated Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series As Of Right Now: A – Rod Suspension Could Affect These

People so egotistical as Rodriguez can't be humble enough to realize that playing MLB Baseball is a privilege not a right.  He has sullied the game, alienating teammates, and now has sent his lawyers on a stupid campaign versus the MLB and the Yankees.  It was time to make an example out of him.  They did just that when the Arbitrator reduced his suspension from 211 games to 162 games.  While it wasn't the full amount of games, it was 97 more than Ryan Braun's previous record of a 65 game ban.  The Yankees will save $22 - $23 MIL on the ordeal, and will either sign Tanaka or stay under the $189 MIL mark to reset their penalty for the 2015 season.  Patrick Smith - Getty Images

People so egotistical as Rodriguez can’t be humble enough to realize that playing MLB Baseball is a privilege not a right. He has sullied the game, alienating teammates, and now has sent his lawyers on a stupid campaign versus the MLB and the Yankees. It was time to make an example out of him. They did just that when the Arbitrator reduced his suspension from 211 games to 162 games. While it wasn’t the full amount of games, it was 97 more than Ryan Braun’s previous record of a 65 game ban. The Yankees will save $22 – $23 MIL on the ordeal, and will either sign Tanaka or stay under the $189 MIL mark to reset their penalty for the 2015 season. Patrick Smith – Getty Images

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

With a pretty slow week for movements in the MLB, I think the Yankees had the best news with the Alex Rodriguez suspension for the whole year on Saturday.

The worst news of the week happened for the Texas Rangers, who will be without Starting Derek Holland for half of the 2014 MLB campaign because of his freak accident.

Also, the Dodgers and Yankees are still said to be the leaders on the Masahiro Tanaka sweepstakes.

Among other news, Carlos Gonzalez also had emergency appendectomy surgery Friday Night. 

While I have recently said Colorado is decent value at their World Series odd (+5500 as a good value pick), I would hold off until the team plays in Spring Training to see how he responds.

Alex Rodriguez Suspension Announced

Read the rest of this entry

The Astros Are Having A Decent Winter

The Astros had a collection of players that only equaled a little over the league minimum for the entire roster.  This year, the club has filled some holes, and will spend more on 3 Free Agent acquisition's, than what the team payroll was in 2013.  The club picks #1 in the 2014 MLB Amateur Draft yet again, so saving money for future years is a smart practice.

The Astros had a collection of players that only equaled a little over the league minimum for the entire roster. This year, the club has filled some holes, and will spend more on 3 Free Agent acquisition’s, than what the team payroll was in 2013. The club picks #1 in the 2014 MLB Amateur Draft yet again, so saving money for future years is a smart practice.  Houston is easily the lowest payroll team in the AL West, with the Angels hovering around the Luxury Tax Threshold, the Rangers spending in the $140 MIL range, the Mariners pole vaulting up the team salaries chart – by signing Cano, while still employing “King” Felix Hernandez.  The Athletics are even nearing the $70 MIL mark, still about $25 – $30 MIL more than the Astros projected budget.

By Lee White (Astros Correspondent) 

Follow MLB Reports ON Twitter

The Houston Astros came into the offseason with bolstering the bullpen in mind. They have done just that, but still have work to do. Early during the offseason, the Astros signed Peter Moylan to a minor league contract with an invite to Spring Training.

Just before the Winter Meetings, they added Chad Qualls, who will make a nice addition to the back end of the bullpen.

During the Winter Meetings, they traded their first round pick in the Rule 5 draft for Anthony Bass from the San Diego Padres, who could pitch out of the pen or the rotation.

Monday the 16th, the Astros signed Matt Albers. If you’re keeping tabs, that’s the second reliever from the 2007 the Astros have signed this offseason.

Matt Albers Ejected

Read the rest of this entry

The Winter Meetings Feel So Much Different For The Astros In 2013 Compared To 2012

Ankiel hit 5 HRs in his first 40 AB with the Astros to start last year - including a huge Opening Day long bomb, but he could not buy a hit after that.  The Astros released him soon after that.  Ankiel was one of the acquisitions from last winter, so we can at least see the club is going after more astute players.

2012 Winter signing Rick Ankiel hit 5 HRs in his first 40 AB with the Astros to start last year – including a huge Opening Day long bomb, but he could not buy a hit after that. The Astros released him soon after that. Ankiel was one of the acquisitions from last winter, so we can at least see the club is going after more astute players.

By Lee White (Astros Correspondent) 

Follow MLB Reports ON Twitter

The Houston Astros haven’t been all that busy the past few years in the offseason. They’ve signed older veterans to get them through the year.

Last year’s offseason acquisitions included Jose Veras, Carlos Pena, and Rick Ankiel. However, this year, they’re actually spending real money.

They’ve traded for Dexter Fowler, and they’ve signed Scott Feldman to a three year, 30 million dollar contract.

They also brought in a former Astro Chad Qualls at two years 6 million dollars with an option for a third year at 3.5 million dollars.

Those acquisitions could just be the tip of the iceberg for the Astros as the head into the Winter Meetings.

Chad Qualls Fist Pump – Followed By A Tumble

Read the rest of this entry

The Houston Astros Bolster The 2014 Squad With A Couple Of Moves This Week

Truth be told, when the Houston Astros first signed Scott Feldman, I was skeptical. Still am a little bit. The more I think of it, the more I like the signing. When news of it first broke on twitter, there was a bit of a mixed reaction. If fact, mine was something like “NOOOOOO!!” I wasn’t a fan of the money, nor was I too thrilled about the years on the contract. The Yankees, Orioles, Twins, and Astros were all interested in the former Oriole. However, it was the Astros who locked him up for 3 years, 30 million dollars.

Truth be told, when the Houston Astros first signed Scott Feldman, I was skeptical. Still am a little bit. The more I think of it, the more I like the signing. When news of it first broke on twitter, there was a bit of a mixed reaction. If fact, mine was something like “NOOOOOO!!” I wasn’t a fan of the money, nor was I too thrilled about the years on the contract. The Yankees, Orioles, Twins, and Astros were all interested in the former Oriole. However, it was the Astros who locked him up for 3 years, 30 million dollars.

By Lee White (Astros Correspondent) 

Follow MLB Reports ON Twitter

Feldman isn’t a high profile signing, but he certainly makes the Astros better today than they were yesterday. He isn’t going to change this franchise, but he certainly adds some wins to the Astros this year.

Last year with the Chicago Cubs and the Baltimore Orioles, Feldman went 12-12 with a 3.86 ERA. According to Steamer, a FanGraphs projector, projects that Feldman will go 12-11 with a 3.91 ERA.

Scott Feldman Start

Read the rest of this entry

Notes On Free Agent Signings And Acquisitions Of The Last Week

Robinson Cano has seen his stock plummet down the river this winter.  While he still will likely sign a deal for more than $25 MIL per year, it may have to be somewhere other than the Bronx.  Meanwhile Jay - Z and his new baseball agent company is teetering with this client.

Robinson Cano has seen his stock plummet down the river this winter. While he still will likely sign a deal for more than $25 MIL per year, it may have to be somewhere other than the Bronx. Meanwhile Jay – Z and his new baseball agent company is teetering with this client.  The best move for that camp is to wait it out like Prince Fielder did 2 years ago.  It may take for an unexpected injury – or for a team to panic after the majority of the Free Agents have signed in order for him to maximize his dollars in 6 – 7 year deal.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twiter

2014 Winter Transactions Part 2

For part one of this transaction summary click here.

The White Sox sign 1B Paul Konerko (37) – 1 YR/$2.5 MIL (1.0 MIL deferred to 2021).

I like this deal for the White Sox.  He is the team leader and can pass on knowledge to the young guys.. Expect for them to try and trade Adam Dunn halfway through the year if Konerko is playing well.

The Rockies sign 1B Justin Morneau (32) – 2 YRs/$13 MIL.

Love this move.  The Rockies could potentially see this man hit 20+ HRs and knock about 30 – 40 Doubles per year.  He carries a decent average too.

Justin Morneau Minnesota Twins Highlights

Read the rest of this entry