Blog Archives
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 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) Follow @stokes_hunter21
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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
Los Angeles Angels State Of The Union For 2016
The Angels could easily upgrade their 2B and LF positions, and will need to compensate for Albert Pujols to at least miss the start of the 2016 season as well. They have great depth in the Pitching Rotation, however are bogged down by the Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson costing them a combined $40 MIL. Add in $30 MIL in buyout/dead money and the team will have a tough time competing in 2016 without nearing $200 MIL in total team payroll. This means that Arte Moreno will have to give new GM Billy Eppler some more money to dole out to Free Agents. Will he do it? I am afraid for the Halo’s in 2016 if he doesn’t bring in 2 – 3 more upgrades..
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_hunter21
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It has been a slow but somewhat productive winter for the Angels brass, and in particular for new GM Billy Eppler. They have done the kind of deals that will work only if they still pull the trigger on signing a premiere player.
Los Angeles acquired a 3B already in Yunel Escobar, who was only traded for by flipping Trevor Gott and a mid level prospect. Not bad for a guy who batted .315/.374/.415 over the past year, makes $7 MIL in 2016, and has a Team Option for 2017 at another $7 MIL – or the club can Buy him out for a cool million.
This came on the heels of trading for Andrelton Simmons, who has 5 years of Team Control left for a guy that only had one more year of salary on the books in Erick Aybar. Read the rest of this entry
Chicago White Sox State Of The Union For 2016
The White Sox should be decisively better in 2016, however to lump them in with the Royals right now for the Division is just not practical yet. However the team could hit on all cylinders and then add players as the year goes on. Chicago only stands to lose four player to Free Agency after 2016 in John Danks, Adam LaRoche, Al Avila and Dioner Navarro. The latter 2 were brought in on one year deals to provide the Catching tandem in 2015.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst) Follow @chuckbooth3024
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Chicago has finally thrown their hat into the ring for the AL Central Race. They have pulled off a trade to acquire Todd Frazier in as 3 way deal with the Reds and Dodgers.
The end result is they get 2 years from the former Reds, while parting with Trayce Thompson, Frankie Montas and Micah Johnson away from the club. It is a quality versus quantity deal.
This comes on the heels of the club picking up Brett Lawrie for 3 years worth of service for a couple of Minor Leaguers.
Before these deals, the club really only hand secured a tandem of Catchers with Alex Avila and Dioner Navarro for the offense. Now they have much more depth, and are asserting themselves with one of the better lineups in the AL Central.
If Adam LaRoche can bounce back with his usual 25 HRs and 80 RBI power, you could have 3 Infielders and the Designated Hitter all crack 20+ HRs in the 2016 campaign.
Jose Abreu also stands to benefit with bringing in a hitter like Todd Frazier. You could see a lineup that goes Adam Eaton, Melky Cabrera, Jose Abreu, Adam LaRoche, Frazier, Lawrie, Avisail Garcia, Avila or Navarro and Tyler Saladino. This looks a lot lengthier than a few days ago.
By the moves they made, they could also trade LaRoche to another club if they were so inclined. There is no reason to think the Avila and Navarro couldn’t see some DH action for their roles in the 2016 club. Read the rest of this entry
Los Angeles Angels Payroll in 2016 + Contracts Going Forward
The Angels have needs at Catcher, 3B, 2B and a OF spot. They have great depth in the Pitching Rotation, however are bogged down by the Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson costing them a combined $40 MIL. Add in $30 MIL in buyout/dead money and the team will have a tough time competing in 2016 without nearing $200 MIL in total team payroll.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Halo’s will reel from the Josh Hamilton contract for a few more years, however they will see C.J. Wilson and Jered Weaver come off the books for 2017. But that also leaves a massive void in a Starter staff.
Mike Scioscia needs all sorts of help on offense and defense to compete in the AL West, but they should really try to solidify the Starting Staff for future years.
I would try for one legitimate ace, and then I would go after 1B/OF and AL HR king Chris Davis.
It is time for Albert Pujols to retire to a permanent DH like David Ortiz. Having a legitimate 1B like Davis to sneak in between Trout and Pujols would be dynamite. All 3 guys could club 35+ HRs and Davis and Trout may near 45 again each. Read the rest of this entry
How To Fix The M’s For 2016: Seattle Mariners State Of The Union
Seattle was a lot of peoples pick to win the American League in 2015. A 76 – 86 season record ensued, causing the franchise to fire their GM and coach. Now with a tough AL West to contend with in the near future, we look on how the M’s may go about their business this fall.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Seattle Mariners made a lot of prognosticators look bad this year (including yours truly). Of course the Washington Nationals also did as well. Yep..Guilty again.
It was a good thing I put some money on the Blue Jays to win the World Series in preseason, and then hedged against them in the ALCS with KC. I was also fortunate enough to go 9 – 4 with my prop bets as well, and did decent in picking the Mets over the Dodgers in Game 5 of the NLDS, then win over the Cubs, otherwise I would have taken a beating for the year.
Anyways, enough about me, how about the 76 – 86 Mariners? This team dropped 11 wins from the 2014 campaign, and it looked ugly on them. Read the rest of this entry
WHO OWNED BASEBALL – THE FINAL RESULTS FOR 2015
The regular season is over. My daily tally for Who Owns Baseball is at an end. Every day I determine which player had the best individual day on a winning team to earn a full WOB and on a losing team for a 1/2 WOB.
These are final leaders in each categor for Who Owns Baseball
NATIONAL LEAGUE HITTER WHO OWNED BASEBALL
(AP Photo/Al Behrman)
JOEY VOTTO – Cincinnati Reds
(Final Total – 7 1/2 WOB.)
Second Place (TIE):
Paul Goldschmidt, Arizona Diamondbacks.
Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates.
(Final Total – 7 WOB.)
NATIONAL LEAGUE PITCHER WHO OWNED BASEBALL
Alex Brandon / Associated Press
CLAYTON KERSHAW – Los Angeles Dodgers
(Final Total – 13 1/2 WOB.)
Second Place:
Jake Arrieta, Chicago Cubs
(Final Total – 11 WOB)
Third Place
Zack Greinke, Los Angeles Dodgers
(Final Total – 9 1/2 WOB.)
AMERICAN LEAGUE HITTER WHO OWNED BASEBALL
Rob Carr – Getty Image Sports
MIKE TROUT – Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
(Final Total – 10 1/2 WOB.)
Second Place:
Josh Donaldson, Toronto Blue Jays
(Final Total – 6 1/2 WOB)
Third Place
Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
(Final Total – 6 WOB.)
AMERICAN LEAGUE PITCHER WHO OWNED BASEBALL
Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle
DALLAS KEUCHEL – Houston Astros
(Final Total – 10 WOB.)
Second Place (TIE):
Sonny Gray, Oakland Athletics.
Chris Sale, Chicago White Sox.
(Final Total – 7 WOB.)
THE WINNERS FROM PREVIOUS SEASONS:
2013
NL Batter: Paul Goldschmidt, Arizona Diamondbacks
NL Pitcher: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers
AL Batter: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
AL Pitcher: (3 Way Tie) R. A. Dickey, Toronto Blue Jays
Matt Moore, Tampa Bay Rays
Max Scherzer, Detroit Tigers
2013
NL Pitcher: Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates
NL Pitcher: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers
AL Batter: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
AL Pitcher: Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners
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.
Who Owned Baseball October 4, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings
Brandon Wade – Getty Images
Cole Hamels settled down after a shaky first inning to throw a complete game, allowing 3 hits and 2 runs, striking out 8 and topped the Angels, 9-2 to clinch the AL West title for the Texas Rangers.
Chris Davis homered twice and reached base 4 times altogether, driving in 4 and helping the Orioles beat the Yankees, 9-4.
Shelby Miller finally recorded another win, throwing 8 shutout innings, allowing 3 hits and 7 strikeouts, as Atlanta was victorious over St. Louis, 6-0.
A. J. Pollock went 3 for 5, homering and driving in a pair to have the Diamondbacks crush Houston’s hopes to host the Wild Card Game with a 5-3 final.
They all owned baseball on October 4, 2015
Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.
Rick Porcello allowed 2 earned runs and 1 unearned run over 7 innings but was saddled with the 3-1 Red Sox loss in Cleveland.
Jose Altuve went 3 for 5 with a triple and two runs scored. His Astros would fall just short to Arizona, 5-3.
Tanner Roark threw 6 shutout innings, allowing 3 hits and 1 walk. He would not factor into the decision as the Nationals lost to the Mets, 1-0.
Dee Gordon captured the NL Batting Title with a single, double and homer, scoring both Marlins runs along the way but Philadelphia won, 7-2.
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Who Owned Baseball October 3, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings
AL BELLO/GETTY IMAGES
Max Scherzer threw his second no hitter of the season, walking none and striking out 17 Mets along the way for the 2-0 Washington final.
Corey Kluber struck out 9 over 8 shutout innings, allowing 3 hits and 2 walks and earning the 2-0 decision for the Indians over Boston.
Christian Yelich had a terrific double header. In all he went reached base nine times, going 5-5 in one game and 3 for 4 with a walk in the other, combining for 3 runs scored and 2 RBI as the Marlins beat the Phillies twice, 7-6 and 5-2.
Colby Rasmus homered twice and added a single to lead the Astros closer to a playoff spot, 6-2 over the Diamondbacks.
They all owned baseball on October 3, 2015
Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.
Noah Syndergaard allowed 2 hits and 1 run and 1 walk while striking out 10 Washington batters. But the Mets were no hit, 2-0.
Marco Estrada pitched into the 7th, finishing with 6 2/3 innings, striking out 9 while giving up 3 hits and walking none. He would get a no decision as the Blue Jays lost to Tampa Bay 4-3.
Paul Goldschmidt reached base 3 times and homered in the Diamondbacks 6-2 loss to the Astros.
Josh Hamilton‘s two homers off the Angels (on their dime) was almost the greatest middle finger in recent years. Unfortunately for him, the Angels made a dramatic rally in the 9th inning to put the Division Clinching on hold and beat the Rangers 11-10.
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Who Owned Baseball October 2, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings
PAUL BEATY/AP
Chris Sale set the single season strikeout mark for a White Sox pitcher with 274, finishing the game with 7 whiffs in 7 innings, allowing 1 run and 5 hits in the 2-1 final over Detroit.
Carlos Correa kept Houston’s playoff hopes alive by leading a mind boggling offensive attack. He reached base 4 times, including a homer and a stolen base, scoring 4 and driving in 4 as the Astros obliterated the Diamondbacks 21-5.
Jake Arrieta finished his regular season with another shutout performance, striking out 7, allowing just 2 hits over 6 innings and sealing the 6-1 Cubs victory in Milwaukee.
Daniel Castro collected 3 hits including a homer, driving in a pair in the Braves 4-0 blanking of St. Louis.
They all owned baseball on October 2, 2015
Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.
Martin Perez allowed 1 run over 7 innings but got a no decision as the Rangers fell to the Angels, 2-1.
Brad Miller went 3 for 3 with a homer in the Mariners 4-2 defeat to the A’s.
Eugenio Suarez homered and singled, driving in 3 in Cincinnati’s 6-4 loss in Pittsburgh.
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Who Owned Baseball October 1, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings
AP Photo – Patrick Semansky
Manny Machado reached base 4 times, including 2 homers, a pair of stolen bases, 3 runs scored and 3 RBI to help Baltimore win a rain soaked 6-4 game over the Blue Jays.
Jake Odorizzi topped Miami with 7 innings, one unearned run and 7 strikeouts and earned the 4-1 decision for Tampa Bay.
Socrates Brito came off the bench and went 3 for 3, including a triple and a stolen base, scoring twice and driving in a run, scoring in the game winning rally in Diamondbacks come from behind victory, 8-6.
Jerad Eickhoff pitched 7 shutout innings, striking out 10 and 4 hits to lead the Phillies past the Mets, 3-0.
They all owned baseball on October 1, 2015
Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.
Albert Pujols doubled and homered, scoring twice, but saw the Rangers beat his Angels 5-3.
Trevor Bauer was terrific for 7 innings, giving up 2 hits and a run and 3 walks. He got no decision as the Twins won in Cleveland, 4-2.
Kirk Nieuwenhuis doubled twice and singled in the Mets 3-0 loss to Philadelphia.
Ryan Weber went 7 innings, allowing 1 run, no walks and 10 strikeouts. He would get a hard luck loss as the Braves lost to the Nationals, 3-0.
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Who Owned Baseball September 30, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings
Gene J. Puskar – AP Photo
Jason Heyward reached base 4 times, including a grand slam and made some terrific catches in right field in the Cardinals Division Clinching 11-1 laugher over the Pirates. He also added another hit in the opening game of the double header.
Mike Leake threw a complete game 2 hit, no walk shutout to give the Giants a too little too late 5-0 victory over the NL West champion Dodgers.
Ryan Goins reached base 6 times, scoring 3 times and driving in another to led the Blue Jays to a 15-2 blow out of the Orioles and Toronto’s first AL East title since 1993.
Kevin Gausman picked up the Orioles in the second game of the double header with 8 innings, 5 hits and no walks while striking out 10 en route to an 8-1 win over the Blue Jays.
They all owned baseball on September 30, 2015
Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.
Matt Carpenter doubled and homered, driving in a pair in the Cardinals 8-2 defeat by the Pirates in the opening game of their double header. In the night cap, he reached base 4 times, scoring 3 and doubling.
Chad Bettis allowed 1 earned run and 1 unearned run over 6 solid innings but took the 3-1 Rockies loss to Arizona.
Mike Trout reached base 5 times including a homer and a walk in the 9th that made him the tying run. He would be stranded as the Angels come back came just short, 8-7 to Oakland.
Jose Quintana went 9 innings, allowing 5 hits, 3 runs and striking out 8. He would get a no decision as the White Sox fell to Kansas City in 10 innings, 5-3.
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Who Owned Baseball September 29, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings
Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com
A. J. Pierzynski went 3 for 3 with 2 homers, providing all of Atlanta’s offense as they snuck past Washington, 2-1.
Clayton Kershaw threw a complete game 1 hit, 1 walk, 13 strikeout shutout to top the Giants 8-0 and clinch the National League West crown for the Dodgers.
Blake Swihart homered twice, driving in 5 runs, helping Boston clobber the Yankees in the Bronx, 10-4
Nick Tropeano struck out 11 and walked just 1 in 6 2/3 innings, earning the 8-1 decision for the Angels over Oakland.
They all owned baseball on September 29, 2015
Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.
Lucas Duda collected 3 hits, 2 of them home runs, and drove in 3, but it was not enough as the Phillies edged the playoff bound Mets, 4-3.
Tanner Roark pitched into the 7th, finishing with 6 2/3 innings, allowing 2 runs and 5 hits. He would be saddled with the loss, however, as the Nationals fell to Atlanta, 2-1.
Eric Hosmer homered and singled in the Royals 4-2 loss to the White Sox.
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Who Owned Baseball September 28, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Max Scherzer threw a no hitter into the 8th and finished with 8 innings, 2 hits, 1 run, 3 walks and 10 strikeouts, giving the Nationals a controversy free 5-1 decision over the Reds.
Matt den Dekker got 3 hits, including a homer, driving in 2 and scored 2 in Washington’s 5-1 victory over Cincinnati.
Marco Estrada pitched into the 8th inning, settling down after some early trouble to finish with 7 1/3 innings, 4 hits, 3 runs and 1 walk. He did not get the decision but helped set up Toronto’s 4-3 win over the Orioles.
Jackie Bradley Jr. reached base 3 times, including a 2 run homer, driving in 3 and stealing a pair of extra base hits away with his defense as the Red Sox topped the Yankees 5-1 and delayed a post season clinching for their rivals for at least a day.
They all owned baseball on September 28, 2015
Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.
J. A. Happ allowed 1 hit and no walks over 6 shutout innings. He did not get the decision in the Pirates heart breaking 3-0 loss to St. Louis.
Andre Ethier got a pair of hits and drove in the tying run in the 9th inning but the Dodgers fell to San Francisco in the 12th inning, 3-2.
Yordano Ventura was perfect through 5, finishing with 7 shutout frames, allowing 2 hits, 1 walk and striking out 6. He would not get a decision as the Cubs walked off 1-0 winners in the 11th.
Prince Fielder singled, doubled and homered, driving in 4 but the Rangers came up short to Detroit, 7-4.
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Who Owned Baseball September 27, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings
NAM Y. HUH/AP
Jake Arrieta was perfect through 6 and finished with 7 innings, 1 hit, 1 hit batsman, no walks, 9 strikeouts and a home run of his own as the playoff bound Cubs blanked Pittsburgh, 4-0.
Dallas Keuchel solidified his Cy Young bid by striking out 10 Rangers in 7 innings, allowing 2 hits, 2 walks and 1 run and giving the Astros a critical 4-2 victory.
Ender Inciarte went 4 for 5 with a pair of homers and 3 RBI to lead Arizona past San Diego, 4-2.
Byron Buxton doubled and homered, driving in a pair and scoring 2 to help the still contending Twins clobber the Tigers, 7-1.
They all owned baseball on September 27, 2015
Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.
John Lackey threw 7 strong innings, striking out 7 and giving up just 1 run. The bullpen would implode and the Brewers beat the Cardinals, 8-4.
Hisashi Iwakuma pitched into the 8th, finishing with 7 1/3 innings and giving up 3 runs while walking no Angels. He would be saddled with the decision in the 3-2 Mariners loss.
Matt den Dekker collected 4 hits, homered and scored 3 times in the Nationals 12-5 defeat at the hands of the Phillies.
Mikie Mahtook got 2 hits including a homer and 2 RBI but Tampa Bay fell to Toronto, 5-4.
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Who Owned Baseball September 26, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings
Ben Margot – AP
Jarrett Parker put on a mind boggling show, launching 3 homers, including a grand slam, to drive in 7 runs in the football sounding 14-10 San Francisco over Oakland final score.
Stephen Strasburg struck out 13 in 8 innings, allowing 3 hits, 1 walk and 1 run. He did not factor in the decision but helped set up Washington’s 2-1 victory over Philadelphia.
Carlos Correa gave the Astros a much needed burst of energy by going 3 for 4 with 2 homers, including a game tying shot, and 3 RBI to beat Houston 9-7.
Adam Warren pitched 6 strong innings, allowing 3 hits and 1 run, earning the 2-1 win for the Yankees over the White Sox.
They all owned baseball on September 26, 2015
Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.
Andre Ethier went 2 for 4 with a homer and 3 RBI but the Dodgers lost on a walk off homer to the Rockies, 8-6.
Jeremy Hellickson allowed just 4 hits and 1 run over 6 innings but was saddled with the 3-0 loss as San Diego topped Arizona.
Kevin Kiermaier doubled and homered, scoring 3 times and driving in 2 in but the Rays fell 10-8 in Toronto.
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Who Owned Baseball September 25, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings
(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Rich Hill threw a complete game 2 hit shutout with 10 strikeouts and 1 walk to top the legit big league lineup (as opposed to who Carlos Carrasco faced with Kansas City) beating Baltimore 7-0.
Shin-Soo Choo went 3 for 5 and crushed a critical 3 run homer to help the Rangers win a critical divisional match up against Houston, 6-2.
Gerrit Cole pushed the playoff bound Pirates closer to the top of the Division with 7 innings of 1 run ball, allowing just 4 hits and 2 walks and earning the 3-2 decision over the Cubs.
Lucas Duda smacked a pair of 3 run homers to move the Mets closer to a division title with a 12-5 pasting of the Reds.
They all owned baseball on September 25, 2015
Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.
Luis Valbuena briefly gave the Astros hope with a two run homer to help cut their deficit down. But in the end they could not beat the Rangers, 6-2.
Jon Lester went 7 innings without walking a batter, 5 hits and 2 runs but got a tough luck loss as the Pirates won against the Cubs 3-2.
Freddie Freeman got on base 4 times, homered, scored 3 times and drove in 2 but his Braves lost a wild 12-11 slugfest against Miami.
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Who Owned Baseball September 24, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings
Charlie Ridel – AP Photo
Mike Moustakas reached base 5 times with a double and a homer, driving in 3 and scoring 3 to help the Royals clobber the Mariners 10-4 and clinch their first Division Title since 1985.
Erasmo Ramirez pitched 7 strong innings, allowing 4 hits and 2 runs and earned the 4-2 decision for Tampa Bay in Boston.
Stephen Piscotty homered and had a pair of RBI singles, driving in 4 in all, helping the Cardinals erase an early hole and beat Milwaukee 7-3.
Steven Matz struck out 8 and walked none in 5 2/3 innings. He did not get the decision but the Mets won a wild 6-4 game in Cincinnati.
They all owned baseball on September 24, 2015
Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.
David Ortiz went 2 for 4 with a homer and 2 RBI in the Red Sox 4-2 defeat by Tampa Bay.
Chris Sale struck out 8 and walked 1 over 7 innings. But a 3 run homer doomed his chances as the White Sox fell to the Yankees, 3-2.
Brandon Crawford reached base 3 times including clubbing his 20th homer of the season, but the Giants bullpen blew the lead again and San Diego walked off 5-4 winners.
Alec Asher threw 7 terrific innings, allowing 3 hits, 1 run and 1 walk. He would be a hard luck loser as the Phillies were shutout by Miami, 1-0.
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Who Owned Baseball September 23, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings
DOUG PENSINGER/GETTY IMAGES
Neil Walker slugged Pittsburgh back into the post season by reaching base 5 times, homering, driving in 6 runs and scoring 2 more in the 13-7 laugher at Colorado.
Adam Conley struck out 8 and allowed just 3 hits and 1 run over 6 innings. He did not get the win, but his Marlins did, 4-3 over the Phillies.
Steven Souza Jr. went 4 for 5 with a homer and 2 runs scored to help the Rays top the Red Sox, 6-2.
Marcus Stroman pitched the Blue Jays a little closer to an AL East title with 7 innings of 5 hit shutout ball to beat the Yankees 4-0.
They all owned baseball on September 23, 2015
Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.
Corey Dickerson 3 for 5 and homered, driving in 2, but the Rockies fell to Pittsburgh, 13-7.
Chase Anderson allowed just 1 hit, 1 run and 2 walks while striking out 10 over 6 innings. He did not get a decision as the Dodgers beat his Dimondbacks 4-1.
Melky Cabrera collected 3 hits, including a homer, driving in 3 in the White Sox 7-4 loss in Detroit.
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Who Owned Baseball September 22, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings
CHARLES REX ARBOGAST/AP
Jake Arrieta won his 20th game with a complete game 3 hit shutout, striking out 11 Brewers and walking just 1 for the 4-0 Cubs final.
Hisahi Iwakuma threw 7 shutout innings, allowing 3 hits, and 1 walk and striking out 10 as the Mariners topped Kansas City 11-2.
Cody Asche got 3 hits, including a pair of homers, driving in 3 to help the Phillies beat the Marlins, 6-2.
Robinson Cano homered twice, driving in 4, to help the Mariners clobber the Royals, 11-2.
They all owned baseball on September 22, 2015
Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.
Tyson Ross struck out 11 batters in 6 innings, walking only 2 and allowing just 2 runs. He took the decision in San Diego’s 4-2 defeat to the Giants.
Lance McCullers gave the Astros 7 strong innings, allowing 3 runs while striking out 9 Angels batters and walking none. His reward was a tough luck 4-3 loss.
Wilin Rosario got on base 3 times with a homer in the Rockies 6-3 loss to the Pirates.
Kevin Pillar reached base 4 times including a homer and 2 RBI but the Blue Jays fell to the Yankees in extra innings, 6-4.
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Who Owned Baseball September 21, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings
Duane Burleson / Getty Images
Jeff Samardzija tossed a complete game 1 hit shutout, walking none and striking out 6, earning the 2-0 decision for the White Sox over the Tigers.
Xander Bogaerts collected a pair of hits, the second being a come from behind 2 out 8th inning grand slam that put the Red Sox over the top against the Rays. 8-7.
Jaime Garcia threw 7 strong innings, allowing 5 hits, 1 run and 2 walks. He would not get the decision in the Cardinals 2-1 win over the Reds.
Anthony Rizzo reached base 5 times, including a double, scoring twice in the Cubs 9-5 victory over the Brewers.
They all owned baseball on September 21, 2015
Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.
Kyle Ryan went 7 solid innings, walking 1, allowing 2 runs and 6 hits. He got a hard luck loss as the Tigers were nearly no hit by the White Sox, 2-0.
Brandon Guyer got on base 4 times including a homers and a pair of runs scored. The Rays bullpen would collapse, however, and Boston would take the game 8-7.
John Lamb gave the Reds 6 shutout innings, giving up just 5 hits and 1 walk. He got a no decision as the Cardinals came back to win, 2-1.
Tom Murphy homered, walked and drove in 3 runs in the Rockies 9-3 loss to Pittsburgh.
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.
Who Owned Baseball September 20, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB standings
AP Photo – Duane Burleson
Kendrys Morales reached base 5 times with 3 homers and a triple, 5 runs scored and 3 RBI, leading the Royals to a 10-3 blow out of the Tigers.
Collin McHugh struck out 8 in 8 innings with 4 hits and 1 run to earn the 5-1 decision for the Astros over Oakland.
Yunel Escobar went 4 for 4 with a walk and a double, scoring 3 and driving in 4, helping the Nationals to ease past the Marlins, 13-3.
Julio Teheran was perfect into the 7th and threw a shutout into the 9th. He allowed the Phillies to tie the game but finished with 8 1/3 innings, 1 run, 5 hits and 8 strikeouts. He did not get the decision but the Braves walked off 2-1 winners.
They all owned baseball on September 20, 2015
Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.
Dioner Navarro homered and singled, driving in 2 RBI, but the Blue Jays lost to Boston, 4-3.
Aaron Brooks allowed just 3 runs over 7 innings. He took the tough luck 5-1 loss as the A’s fell to the Astros.
Jay Bruce clubbed a pair of homers, driving in 3, but his Reds were beaten by Milwaukee 8-4.
Aaron Nola allowed just 1 run over 7 innings but his Phillies let the Braves walk off 2-1 winners.
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.
The Toronto Blue Jays Payroll In 2015 + Contracts Going Forward
Alex Anthopoulos had done a nice job of assembling his club with players from other teams. To construct a team with this type of caliber, it can be traced all the way back to the Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion brilliant extensions, while the Jays GM were able to break free from albatross contracts from Vernon Wells and Alex Rios. He is close to the finish line, but with a flailing Canadian Dollar, and his many guys with 1 or 2 years left on the club signed, he must go one step further to gun for a championship.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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What a difference from just a few seasons ago. Toronto is on the cusp of contention, and is yielding the best club they have probably since their 1993 World Series run. The payroll has crept up incrementally – and they are in the top 10 of the game.
The only Canadian franchise is estimated to have a budget of $127.3 MIL this year. This would slate them 10th in the Majors. The clubs ahead of them include: Dodgers, Yankees, Red Sox, Phillies, Nats, Angels, Giants, Rangers and Tigers. This total still only puts them 3rd in their own Division.
Having signed Russell Martin to a 5 YR deal worth $82 MIL jumps the teams salary big time, but one could argue he will help the team lower its ERA.
For a Year to Year Breakdown For all of the Jays players salaries please visit here. Read the rest of this entry
2015 Regular Season Win Over/Unders In The MLB + Best Bets
What are your best Over/Under Bets for the upcoming 2015 MLB Season? We have selected our top 10.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Over/Unders for the year, based on odds given by http://www.bovada.com sports book
Arizona – 71.5 (over is -115) (under is -115)
I gotta go with the under. San Diego, LA and SF are all much better, and even Colorado is tough on the road. Like them at just around 70 wins. Is a rebuilding year, and they might fetch a heavy ransom if Mark Trumbo can have a bounce back 1st half. 2016 maybe the year the can contend again.
Atlanta – 73.5 (over is -115) (under is -115)
I like the over on this one big time. This club lost a ton of offense, yet I like their run prevention more than ever. Shelby Miller was a great acquisition, and they still have a nasty Bullpen. I am not as bullish on the rest of the NL East as a lot of clubs are too. Wouldn’t call this a best bet, however, like them to win 75 – 77 games. Read the rest of this entry
Dear Santa: All AL Teams 2015 Wish List (By The Fans)
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Okay, so it is time to ask old Saint Nick, for some help for teams in the MLB to have their wishes come true.
New York Yankees:
Can someone please knock some sense into the brass in the Bronx to realize they are the friggin Yanks? Since we can’t bring the “Boss” back to kick some ass, maybe a losing season would force the team to pilfer the payroll, and believe it or not, if Cashman behaves himself before Spring Training, the club could get under the Luxury Tax Threshold this year with a few Trade Deals, and go an attack the 2016 Free Agent core of Jason Heyward, Jordan Zimmermann, David Price and Johnny Cueto…
Would it be too much to ask if the team could just release Alex Rodriguez? There is no way he should hit his 660th HR in Pinstripes. Release him before that day, or way prior, and don’t pay him that dumb $6 MIL Bonus. He ain’t worth it. Also don’t want him passing Lou Gehrig for the RBI list ALL – Time in a New York uniform either. Read the rest of this entry
Russell Martin Inks A Deal With The Jays (5 YRs/$82.5 MIL) In A Classic Overpay
Russell Martin is a great game caller – and has been on teams making the playoffs in 6 of the last 7 years between LAD/NYY and Pit. He will turn 32 before next season, and has logged 1163 Games in the Majors as a backstopper. Signing him to a 5 Year deal, at $16.5 MIL per annum is not wise..
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Jays Acquire Russell Martin
I get it, the guy may help you for the next 2 years, but to spend $82 MIL on a 5 year contract for a Catcher north of 30, who doesn’t have 20 HRs per year is beyond stupid.
Keep in mind, you are now paying him more cash than you pay Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion, Those were steals for deals on signings, but that will be now trumped by Martin.
I will say the man will help the Pitching Staff in the future years. Honestly though, this team needed to sign an ace pitcher like Max Scherzer or Jon Lester, and at the least, a proven innings eater like James Shields. Now you have effectively killed that chance.
The Blue Jays better hope that Justin Smoak can fill the bill at DH in a tandem with Dioner Navarro or Juan Francisco in the upcoming year, because as it stands right now, they are very heavy at the Right Handed side of their lineup.
Bautista, Encarnacion and Lawrie are all right handed, as is the newly acquired Catcher.
They still don’t have a bonafide LF yet, with Melky Cabrera as a Free Agent, and Dalton Pompey is just 22, to be given the reigns as a permanent CF is not 100% ironclad. Read the rest of this entry
D’Backs Pitching Staff In 2014: The Roster Tree Shows Now Ex – GM Towers Fault(y) On Assembly
Kevin Towers had been at the GM helm since Sept.22, 2010 before having his duties relinquished today. He authored some of the worst trades in club history, and has seen his team pay the price for it the most this year, with a 59 – 81 record, after back to back 81 seasons in 2012 and 2013, and a NL West Title in his 1st year on the job in 2011. Towers traded away Stephen Drew, Justin Upton, Mark Reynolds, Chris Young, Tyler Skaggs, Adam Eaton, Matt Davidson and Martin Prado – all without much of talent brought back to the fold in return. It was time to go.
How All Of The D’Backs Pitchers Were Acquired:
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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It has not been a banner year for the Arizona Diamondbacks. I don’t need to beleaguer that point out to much to the common fan of the franchise.
What I found most disturbing out of the Roster Tree, is the team’s brass continued reliance and insistence on Relief arms.
But before we divulge into that, the name Dan Haren is still haunting this franchise. (Not Towers fault, but still an important trade historically) Read the rest of this entry
30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Month Of June 2014
Welcome to your new World Series Favorite. according to the oddsmakers. I see their rationale. The A’s have the best record in the Majors, and also the biggest lead within their Division. Oh yeah..this club has back to back West Titles, and a deep lineup in a parity league that is the AL. While I don’t endorse them as the favorite for the World Series right now (based on predicting playoffs solely), there is no doubt I ranked them #1 in power rankings
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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*** Denotes Division Leaders
Records are before play Thursday June.26, 2014
RK Team Last Wk Rnk () Current Rec – Last 31 Days Rec
1. ***Oakland A’s (2) 48 – 30: 17 – 10: The A’s are still the best team in the Majors for the last 2 1/2 years. Coco Crisp on another hot spell.
Josh Donaldson and Brandon Moss both in the top 5 for HRs, and Sonny Gray/Scott Kazmir among several starters for ERA, WHIP and quality starts.
Yoenis Cespedes has the power numbers to be a perfect complement to the top guys, and the bar can always be raised higher.
Sean Doolittle is authoring one of the greatest Bullpen efforts ever for a Closer. A 53/1 Strikeout to Walk ratio is beyond filthy.
2. ***Detroit Tigers (3) 42 – 32: 14 – 13: A nice rebound after they dropped out of 1st place temporarily.
Victor Martinez and J.D. Martinez will exceptional June’s, and Miguel Cabrera is still on pace for 130 RBI.
Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer had sub-par starts, but look to correct themselves now.
Joe Nathan is making the late innings nervous for Tiger’s fans, after they had to endure Joaquin Benoit, Phil Coke, Jose Veras and Jose Valverde over the last few years. Read the rest of this entry
How All Of The Diamondbacks Hitters Were Acquired (2014 Roster Tree)
How All Of The D’Backs Hitters Were Acquired:
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Diamondbacks are having a brutal season at 30 – 44 thus far, and are now under the microscope of Tony La Russa.
This has to be done for good reason. The club’s transaction record recently is highly suspect even though they are being led by veteran GM Kevin Towers.
When covering this Roster Tree (just for the hitters) I have found a disturbing trend of 2 team and 3 way trades that may not be beneficial to the long term success for the snakes.
The 1st one coming to mind is shipping out Trevor Bauer, Bryan Shaw and Matt Albers for a fringe 1B prospect in Lars Anderson, Reliever Tony Sipp and shortstop Didi Gregorius (even though Chris Owings was already in the system). Read the rest of this entry
How All Of The Blue Jays Hitters Were Acquired (2014 Roster Tree)
How All Of The Blue Jays Hitters Were Acquired:
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
For those that have never seen one of our Roster Trees, we go over how all of the players were acquired.
It works like 6 degrees of separation. By searching back to the origin of all the way back until a player is signed, drafted or purchased.
It totally gives you an idea on how the franchise has fared.
Toronto absolutely stole Jose Bautista from Pittsburgh, and then saw Edwin Encarnacion selected off of waivers by the A’s, only to see him return as a Free Agent 6 weeks later.
The Blue Jays have seen EE bash out several seasons worth of awesome since then.
You can track back some of the player to as far as Orlando Hudson and Roy Halladay. Read the rest of this entry
The Toronto Blue Jays State Of The Union: 2014 Preview
The SkyDome was opened in May of 1989. For the championship ERA, the club drew 4 Million fans each per year. In recent years, it was tough for the club to draw 2 Million fans. In 2013, with the promise of a new club mantra, based on Free Agent signings, the team held the best year to year attendance boost in 2013. If the Jays can’t spring out of the gate fast in 2014, I think the Walkup single game tickets will be tremendously affected negatively. Toronto has not made the playoffs since winning back to back World Series in 1992 and 1993, and only them and Kansas City hold that dubious honor since the Player Strike/Lockout ensuing seasons of 1994 – 1995.
By ‘Baseball Writer’ Steve Cheeseman Follow @steveccheeseman
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The Toronto Blue Jays have been a franchise in question for over 20 years. This floundering franchise has gone through 11 manager changes since winning the World Series in 1993 vs. the Philadelphia Phillies.
2 of those managers in Cito Gaston and John Gibbons have been hired twice! The 2013 season was supposed to be the year the Jays went all the way.
GM Alex Anthopolous numerous moves acquiring major pieces to what was supposed to be a contending team.
R.A. Dickey, Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson, Emilio Bonifacio, Maicer Izturis, Mark Buehrle, and Melky Cabrera. Despite these additions via trade or signing….same story, different season! Read the rest of this entry
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