Blog Archives
Dodgers Brass’ Is Brutalizing The 2015 Payroll ($267 MIL) With Dead Money + Injury Plagued Chuckers!
Since Andrew Friedman has taken over, he has shown a blatant disregard for payroll, by cutting pitchers that had guaranteed deals, while doling out cash to often injured chuckers, or players that have limited success on their resume. The LA NL franchise is nearing $267 MIL for 2015 patyroll and are in the 3rd year of the Luxury Tax Penalty (40%). The franchise located at Chavez Ravine, are looking at a $30 MIL stipend to pay the MLB for that very infraction. Next year(9nd every year after till they drop under the Threshold once, they will rise to a 50% penalty/) One certainly has to question their last 5 or 6 moves in accordance with payroll. The Dodgers better hope that the forthcoming CBA doesn’t throw the hammer down on high salary teams over the Luxury Tax – when the new deal with the MLB and MLBPA is put into place before the 2017 season.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
What the hell is Andrew Friedman doing? Lets just eat the contracts on Brian Wilson and maybe Brandon League, while paying the freight on Dan Haren’s 2015 salary ($10 MIL) to play for the Marlins, and also forking out money to Brett Anderson, Brandon Beachy and also coming to a theater near you soon. If that weren’t enough, they have signed perennially injured/malcontent guys in Erik Bedard and Dustin McGowan on Minor League deals.
The club will also digest half (or more) of Andre Ethier‘s remaining deal (3 YRs, $56 MIL) if another franchise will take them off of their hands. Yes that was not the current front office’s deal, however the throwing away of money is still directly tied to their decisions now.
Pretty soon the entire total for the dead money in the Dodgers team salary will rival the contract marks of the Tampa Bay Rays and Oakland A’s if this trend persists.
The Los Angeles payroll was supposed to be reigned in – and not jumping to an ALL – Time record.
Even with losing the albatross contract of Matt Kemp, the Dodgers are sitting at nearly $266 MIL in projected team payroll. Let’s add a 40% penalty for being a 3rd time offender to the mix, and you can kiss another $30 MIL out the door at Chavez Ravine. Maybe the club should hope for a Zack Greinke opt out.
For a Full Player Breakdown off all Salaries in 2015 – and going forward click here .
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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 19, 2015
The Dodgers have a shot to win the World Series this year. But will they fix their bullpen? Should they make a big move? Recent World Series winners suggest maybe they shouldn’t.
Meanwhile I sneaked onto the field of Sunken Diamond at Stanford for this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Confessions Of A Ball Park Chaser – 2015 Edition: Why I Will Attend 220+ MLB Games This Year Part 1
Donnie Baseball holds the record for most HRs hit in a 8 game HR streak stretch ever – with big flies in July of 1987. The Yankees 1B also would establish a record for 6 grandslams in one year that campaign, (since tied by Travis Hafner in 2006. Mattingly knocked in 23 RBI with those 10 HRs.
Confessions Of A Ball Park Chaser – 2015 Edition Part 2: Why I will See 220+ MLB Games in 2015
Confessions Of A Ball Park Chaser – 2015 Edition Part 3: Why I Will See 220+ Games In 2015
When I was a kid I wanted to be baseball player for the New York Yankees. Don Mattingly was my favorite hitter. Funny saying this as a Canadian, where our national pastime is hockey. Don’t get me wrong, I loved that sport too.. Just not as much as baseball.
My mom was talking me to my dad’s fastball league games when I was in a stroller in the late 1970’s.
By the time I was 3, my 2 older brothers were already playing baseball and I was hooked. It wasn’t too long after that I was joining them in practice.
For the next 16 years I ate, lived and breathed the sport. Some real life issues popped up, and I never recovered from injuries sustained growing up. I still can’t play recreational baseball because of a deep concussion history. I turned my back on the sport live in late 1996, never coming back until 2005. Now I am about to go my 4th epic journey to all 30 MLB Parks in the last 7 years.
This season, I will be live for a game every day all year. So how does one come to this lifestyle and crazy fandomness? We must go back in time…..
Quick Blurbs:
From Ages 10 – 15, I would hit baseballs to my dog every day. He was an English Springer Spaniel named Patches, and he was the quickest outfielder of ALL-Time, and handy when no one else wanted to play ball in the rainy winter months in Vancouver B.C, Canada. All I had to do was to bring a towel to wipe the slobber off of the baseballs.
I caught for 10 years, and loved the position as I could lead from the backstop of the diamond. At 9 years old, I began to umpire baseball games like my father. Read the rest of this entry
2015 MLB Hall of Fame Voting: Who Deserves to Get In?
The MLB Hall of Fame will announce which players will be part of the Class of 2015. With players such as Randy Johnson and Pedro Martinez being added to the ballot this year, the question remains as to which players will ultimately make the final cut this year?
By Nicholas Delahanty (MLB Reports Writer) Follow @Nick_Delahanty
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
It is very possible that history is made with regards to this year’s MLB Hall of Fame induction class. In the past, the committee has been hesitant to vote in more than three players in one class, and it has been very rare to see more than three voted in at one time. In the past, the committee voted in four players twice (1947 and 1955) and five players only once (1936- the first year of the voting process).
As the decision day quickly approaches, there is speculation that the BBWAA could possibly end the long drought and elect five players this year. With this year’s ballot having a ton of players who could make a legitimate case to be inducted, I decided to go to the process of picking my own ballot (which doesn’t count for the BBWAA), and after taking the time and effort to research my ballet, I realized that it was a much harder process then I anticipated it would be.
Yankees Off-Season Outlook: Big Shoes To Fill For Jeter, But How Do They?
By Nicholas Delahanty (MLB Reports Writer) Follow @Nick_Delahanty
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The 2015 off-season is very important for the New York Yankees, as they have a lot of major questions surrounding their current roster. With an aging roster and the return of recently reinstated Alex Rodriguez, the Yankees have some holes to fix, but those issues might not be their biggest concern this off-season.
We all knew the time would come, but no one was ready to start talking about how the Yankees would replace Derek Jeter. Jeter leaves very big shoes to fill in the Bronx, and the Yankees must try their best to find a successor who can not only handle the pressures of New York, but also can step up and produce.
Filling the void might be difficult at first, as past experiences have shown that Yankee fans are very impatient when it comes to replacing some of the best to wear the Yankee pinstripes. The only legitimate shortstop on the roster, Brendan Ryan, won’t be the Yankees everyday shortstop in 2015, so the Bronx Bombers must go through the trade market or free agency to fill a void that right now is larger than life.
It Is Time For The MLB To Eliminate Defensive Shifts + Why I Won’t Use Sabermetrics In My Posts
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I am all for a good game of chess on the baseball field, but when one wonders how come games are 4 hours, you have to add defensive shifts into the mix.
Other big sports such as the NFL, NHL and even the NBA have implemented rules in order to preserve offense in the game.
It is time to make a rule having the 3B and SS not be able to shift over to the 1B and 2B side of the field, and vice versa, before a pitch is thrown.
Credit to MLB Broadcaster Seth Everett Follow @Seth_Everett, for being one of the only public figures I have heard that has also advocated this thought process.
Defense and technology have come light years ahead in the last 15 years or so, and it is affecting the game. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 1, 2014
AP Photo, The Canadian Press – Fred Thornhill
Joe Maddon looks like he is heading to the Cubs. Why didn’t the Dodgers back up the Brinks truck and offer him the sun, moon and stars?
They will regret this for the rest of the decade.
The off season is beginning in earnest on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 28, 2014
(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
Tonight is Game 6 of the World Series.
Those words can bring up so many different memories. Who will be the Reggie Jackson, Carlton Fisk, Don Denkinger, Bill Buckner, Kirby Puckett, Joe Carter, Tom Glavine, Josh Beckett, David Freese or Nelson Cruz of the night?
Meanwhile I all but beg Joe Maddon to take over the Dodgers.
It could be a memorable night that is previewed on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 14, 2014
Talking new Dodgers front office and remembering Chambliss and Bartman.
The Cardinals Catching Situation is not the same without Yadier Molina, but at least they rostered 3 backstoppers.
Also speaking more about the LCS during this version of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Nobody Owned October last night as there were no games
Brian Wilson Exercises His 2015 Player Option + Hopes To Rebound Like 2nd Half Of 2014 Indicated
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Brian Wilson has let the Dodgers know he is picking up his 2015 Player Option for $9.0 MIL.
The character Reliever, did not have a great season with Los Angeles, however he straightened it out in the 2nd half, and added a 1/3rd of an inning in the Postseason, to run his lifetime total to 18 scoreless innings to start his playoff career.
The man has a proven playoff pedigree and it baffled me on the reluctance to use the bearded fellow. Maybe we will find out his was really hurt, from what seemed to plague him from the 1st half.
Clayton Kershaw aside, no one had a worse trip to Australia and back then Wilson. as he came back with injuries to his back and neck, stemming from the quick turnaround flight after playing 2 games in Sydney.
The 32 Year Old Wilson posted a 5.66 ERA – and a 1.847 WHIP prior to the ALL – Star Break in 30.1 IP.
Post ALL – Star he was more familiar to what he has authored in career, having a 3.00 ERA and a 1.147 WHIP in his last 18.1 IP.
Wilson came to the Dodgers in August of 2013, after he recovered from a 2nd Tommy John Surgery that had sidelined him since April of 2012. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 7, 2014
It is episode 715 of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
I did not think Don Mattingly was making smart decisions leading up to Game 4 of the Division Series. I talked before and then after the game about my thoughts.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – August 17, 2014
Topps
It is time for The Sunday Request!
Roy White averaged over 5 WAR per year for Yankees from 1968-1972 when team was a shade over .500. Why isn’t he loved as much as Mattingly?
— High Heat Stats MLB (@HighHeatStats) August 15, 2014
@sullybaseball white was by far the best player on teams that didn’t have a lot of other talent. Very similar to Mattingly. — High Heat Stats MLB (@HighHeatStats) August 15, 2014
It is an interesting comparison but one that stats can’t quantify. Love cant be dictated solely by numbers.
It is an emotion and logic episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
David Ortiz, David Price, Yovani Gallardo, Michael Morse, Drew Smyly, Matt Adams, Clayton Kershaw and Avisail Garcia all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?
Please Subscribe to High Heat Stats on Twitter by clicking HERE.
How All Of The Dodgers Hitters Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree
Yasiel Puig was signed as an International Free Agent in 2012 (7 YRs/$42 MIL).. He was 22 Years old last year when he exploded onto scene in the National League in 3 Slashing .319/.381/.544 – with 19 HRs, 42 RBI and 66 Runs Scored in his 1st 104 Games Played. In 2014, he has been a tad better all around year: (.313/.397/.529 – with 13 HRs and 55 RBI thus far), but has clubbed 53 Extra Base Hits (31 – 2B and 9 3B to go with his HRs) – which is about 10 more extra base knocks than in 2014, whereas the rest of the numbers are pretty identical.
How All Of The Dodgers Hitters Were Acquired:
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
At the MLB Reports, we intend to show you the Roster Tree for the Los Angeles Dodgers – 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.
For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 17, 2014
Donruss
Billy Sample visits the podcast again to talk about his movie Reunion 108 and his days with the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves.
Plus I put together a new video on this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Check out Billy Sample’s website for information regarding Reunion 108 by clicking HERE.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – June 15, 2014
It is time for The Sunday Request on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
@sullybaseball Yeah Lets talk Trades, Managers for Managers
— Lonnie Collins (@aplayatobenamed) June 13, 2014
It is a novel concept… dealing one manager for another. And maybe there are a few possibilities, including one between the two teams that claim to play in Los Angeles.
I recorded today’s podcast during a game between the A’s and the Yankees in the O.co Coliseum. The end was recorded during a fireworks show.
Danny Duffy, Jesse Hahn, Andrew McCutchen, Eugenio Suarez, Mat Latos, Buster Posey and Evan Longoria all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball
Top 5 Home Run Hitters In MLB For 2014: AL/NL, HR Streaks + Multi HR Games
Mark Trumbo has homered in 4 straight games, which is halfway to the ALL – Time Record held by Don Mattingly, Ken Griffey JR and Dale Long. Mattingly owns the aggregate total of 10 HRs hit for those 8 games. Despite his efforts, the D’Backs enter today’s game at 2 – 7. Trumbo also leads the MLB with 5 HRs overall. The slugger has 2 more years left of Arbitration Eligibility after the 2014, and will become a Free Agent in 2017. He was acquired in a trade from the LA Angels that saw the D’Backs part with Starter Tyler Skaggs. Arizona also sent OF Adam Eaton to the White Sox, and received Minor Leagues A.J. Shugel and Brandon Jacobs in the deal. Chicago parted with Hector Santiago as well to LA.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Here at the MLB Reports we look to do things different. It is one of our many motto’s.
We simply can’t look over every stat, or even chart every HR for that matter, but I have decided that we will carry the top 5 HR hitters for each the AL and NL on a page we have dubbed Stats.
For the HR feature. we will also list multiple HR games for players… Or if they have HRs in multiple games. Once a week we will post these on the home page for the site as a regular page post.
Kemp and Ramirez Both Hit 2 HRs 4 – 6 – 14
The MLB Opens On Saturday With ARI/LAD Playing In Sydney: Opening Series Prediction
The Dodgers open up the year against the DBacks in the MLB Opening Series. For those hardcore home fans, the games start at 1 AM PST and 7 PM PST on Saturday. Look for an article on Friday that will have an in depth look at some of the bets that will be available for this 2 game set. This series does scream a split between the feel of a Doubleheader, and the weirdness of the neutral site and country.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
It should have been Clayton Kershaw vs Patrick Corbin in Game #1, and Zack Greinke and Trevor Cahill in Game #2 in Sydney this Saturday.
While technically it is two different days in Sydney, the games are held at 4:00 AM and 8 PM EST on Saturday Mar.22.
For those brave enough to watch the early game, it is listed as Kershaw vs TBD (MLB.com not listing it, although Miley has been named., and Game #2 is listed as Hyun-jin Ryu vs Trevor Cahill. Read the rest of this entry
Forget The DH, Forget The Pitcher Hitting, Lets Hit With 8! Also Teams Should Hit Best Players At The Top
Disagree with me all you want, but I think the MLB would be better served to have just 8 hitters hit in one rotation of the batting order. It is time to eliminate the DH and the pitcher both from hitting. Give the fans more of what they want, the most feared hitters in baseball potentially batting 70 – 80 times more a year. I also agree with Sully Baseball, that your best hitters should be afforded the most opportunities to contribute to your offense. This means hitting in the highest slot in the order they can based on OBP, Slugging and overall Run production.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 w/assist to “Lead Personality” Paul Sullivan (Sully) Follow @sullybaseball
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
(The 8 hitters in lineup concept is my idea solely, I am agreeing with Sully on his lineup relevance for his approach for 1 and 2 hitters) – CB
I was listening to an archived show I did with James Acevedo, on our inaugural “2 And A Hook Podcast” show last March.
We were talking about the Designated Hitter position weakening by the year, and the Pitcher not doing any justice at the plate either.
In the show, I haphazardly referred to “they should just hit with 8 hitters.”
I forgot about the whole thing soon after saying it last year, but now I haven’t stopped thinking about for the last hour of today.
Baseball writers often will tell you it is best to write what is fresh on your mind. Read the rest of this entry
Los Angeles Dodgers State Of The Union: 2014 Preview
Clayton Kershaw agreed to a 7 YRs/$215 MIL extension in the offseason – that will run through the years of 2014 – 2020 with the LA Dodgers. The deal is slated for an opt out clause after the 2018 season by Kershaw, when he will be only 30 years old. This is the greatest single Annual Average Salary ALL – Time of $30.7 MIL per annum, and is the 6th biggest contract ever in the history of the MLB. Last year was his most dominant to date, with a 16 – 9 record, an NL Leading 1.83 ERA and 232 SO. The about to be 26 Year Old, also nailed down his 2nd NL Cy Young win in 3 years, and the other year he was the runner up in that time frame. He may be the single most important player to any franchise in the National League. Kershaw is the 3 time reigning NL ERA champ.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Dodgers are beginning year 2 of potentially a half-dozen years of dominance. They have a team filled with ALL – Stars, superior Starting Pitching, and have deep pockets to seal the deal with necessary changes.
The NL West might be stronger this year with more competitive rosters from the D’Backs, Rockies and Giants, yet I still think the Dodger Blue will pulverize the competition, particularly in their own division.
Our Chief Writer Hunter Stokes wrote a great article on the Dodgers taking the 1st few series of the year not as seriously as the rest of the year here.
I fully agree with his stance, yet I don’t think it will make much of a difference.
Injuries aside this team is ready to take down the National League. Read the rest of this entry
The Dodgers On Field Management Should Be Showing As Much Urgency As The D’Backs For The 2014 MLB Opening Series!
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I started talking about something in my Power Rankings yesterday and it festered with me all day until I decided to expand on the subject a little more today.
As I was listening to XM Radio explain that Kirk Gibson was going to start Patrick Corbin and Trevor Cahill in the 1st 2 games of the MLB Season in Australia, the Dodgers have been quiet to name a starter.
I wrote a few months back, that I would like to have seen them throw Clayton Kershaw for that opener, pitch versus the San Diego Padres a week later, and to conclude with the Dodger Stadium Opener.
We all know now that Zack Greinke won’t even be making the trip due to health concerns.
I understand that one fully, but don’t sit there and tell me that the 2 time NL Cy Young Winner is now going to throw in either of the 1st 2 games. Read the rest of this entry
30 MLB Team Power Rankings MAR 2014
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
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
“Mr. Puig” And “Mr. Montero” More Namely: Step Away From The Buffet Table In The Offseason!
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
It happens to a few guys every year. Seldomly does it threaten to plague a guys career.
I can think of Carl Everett blossoming over his transition to the 2005 World Series White Sox win, to a big man in Seattle, who could hardly swing his hips around.
We remember how big Kevin Mitchell became after he was in such phenomenal condition early in his career. But 40 pounds overweight like Jesus Montero waddled into the Mariners Spring Training? C’mon Man!
The only happy guy out of this news has to be Yasiel Puig, who is donning the scales 26 LBS heavier than when we saw him last. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 4, 2014
(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Don Mattingly might be batting Yasiel Puig in the leadoff spot. I think it is a great idea and could mean a change in attitude that I completely embrace.
Talking lead off hitting on this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
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Los Angeles Dodgers Payroll In 2014 + Contracts Going Forward: Updated For Kershaw Deal
The Dodgers already have salary commitments that are over $225 Million now – with the $$ given to their reigning NL Cy Young Winner. Kenley Jansen and A.J. Ellis have yet to be paid in Arbitration. The club will certainly pass last years $235 MIL plus payroll. By doing the Kershaw deal also does not prevent them from trying to sign Masahiro Tanaka either. Last year, the Dodgers paid out around $10 MIL for their part in going over the Luxury Tax Threshold for the 1st time – at a 17.5% penalty. Under the current CBA, even if the team went to $300 MIL for 2014, they would only have to dole out roughly $25 MIL in penalties for a 2nd time offender. LAD have taken full advantage of the salary structure – and don’t look for them to relent any time soon. In 2014, the club will pay a 22.5% penalty for every buck spent over $189 MIL.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I wrote an article just 16 months ago on how the LA Dodgers were going to force the economics of baseball the way they were conduct business with the new ownership.
As someone who has worked the majority of the time on the site for the last 3 years, I take great pride in my research. So far it has worked out.
The Dodgers following what I said is nice vindication as a writer.
I am not here to toot my own horn, but our website was also on the forefront of the Athletics renaissance a few years back, the Rays coming back to fight in the 2013 year, and also we were one of the 1st to report the Shields for Myers deal.
2013 NLDS Post Season highlights – Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance is Advised
The Los Angeles Dodgers Players In All Organizational Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB) 2014
Puig slowed down a shade from his torrid 1st month pace – however still slashed .319/.392/.925 – with 19 HRs, 42 RBI. 66 Runs Scored and 122 Hits in just 434 AB for the 2013 year. He has now in the 2nd YR of a 7 YR/$42 MIL contract in his pocket, and that may be the bargain of ALL – Time if he continues these type of numbers all the way throughout his length of the deal. Puig, 23, finished in 2nd for NL Rookie of The Year Voting, and placed 15th in NL MVP balloting as well.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart Expert) Follow @prosportsroster
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Los Angeles Dodgers had a rollercoaster 2013 campaign. After a late season 2012 trade, the club went on a spending bonanza to enter the 2013 year.
In late May. it looked bleak. The franchise wanted to fire Don Mattingly, Matt Kemp and Hanley Ramirez were battling various injuries, and the club was 23 – 32.
Enter Yasiel Puig with his historic 1st month, and the team then went on a torrid pace at that hadn’t been done in nearly 60 years.
The crux of this crestwave, was a 42 – 8 stretch that saw the club bypass all 4 Division foes, putting a stranglehold on the NL West once and for all.
Dodgers own the West
MLB Reports Hall Of Fame Predictions: Class Of 2014 Players
The deadline of December 31st has come and gone for The Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA). Members were asked to submit no more than 10 names of players they “deem” worthy of induction towards this year’s National Baseball Hall of Fame ceremony set for July.
By Patrick Languzzi (Cooperstown Correspondent) Follow @patricklanguzzi
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Results are scheduled to be announced on January 8th.
Players must receive at least 75 percent of the votes in order to be inducted by a voting body of roughly over 500 eligible writers.
There are many player names worthy of discussion, however, few will see enshrinement, now or ever.
Greg Maddux Tribute:
Passing The Torch From Greatest MLB Player To Player During The Years 1979 – 2013: From Brett To Cabrera
Cabrera has had back to back AL MVP seasons in 2012 and 2013. He has also won 3 straight AL Batting Titles. Cabrera is the best player offensively in the universe. He has put up 10 straight 100+ RBI campaigns, but he has racked in 276 RBI, and also 88 HRs – while featuring an OPS well north of 1.000. The 11 Year Veterans totals would have even been higher in 2013, but he fought a torn groin for the last half of the year. The 8 time ALL – Star and 5 time Silver Slugger Award Winner has improved even greater on his totals over the last decade. Cabrera has a Career 3 Slash Line of .321/.399/.967 – with 365 HRs and 1260 RBI in just 1660 Games Played.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
While watching Miguel Cabrera this year, I started thinking about the best players in the MLB over the last 33 years. I am talking the best player of the game at any point of time.
I tracked back to 1979 for this article. I may expand further back in follow-up articles. I didn’t rank defense as highly as offense when I came up with the players.
I agonized over players like Mike Schmidt, Jim Rice, Wade Boggs and Cal Ripken for some of the years given in specific time frames. These gentlemen were given every consideration.
In the end, we are talking about the best player in the game though and it is always subject to debate and personal opinion.
The criteria had to involve leading the league in several different offensive and/or defensive categories, followed by routinely being in the top 7 in MVP balloting (if not taking home the honor), All-Star Appearances for every year I listed them for and most of them won silver sluggers and/or Gold Gloves as well.
Cabrera’s 3 HR Game – 2013
“Hard Cheddar” With Steve Cheeseman – My BBHOF Ballot
The members of the BBWAA will vote on the BBHOF ballot in January of 2014, A player that is still on the ballot, needs to receive 75% of the vote in order to make in the Hall. A player needs receive 5% of the votes in order to remain on the list of players eligible for the next year.
“Hard Cheddar” – with ‘Special Guest Writer’ Steve Cheeseman Follow @cheeseman_s
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Hello baseball fans. I apologize for being away so long, as my career outside of sports writing has kept me busy these last few weeks.
With that being said, let’s get going. Since the end of the 2013 season, there are many things that crossed my mind.
However, for whatever reason, one of the things that has me extremely interested if the hall of fame ballot.
New names on this year’s ballot include Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and Frank Thomas. In my mind these guys deserve to be in the hall of fame.
Big Hurt Highlights
Time To Elect Don Mattingly Into Cooperstown
Don Mattingly won 3 straight AL Sporting News Player of The Years – and was the best ALL-Around player in the game from 1984-1986 leading 13 Offensive Categories for the 3 years. His 145 RBI in 1985 was the most for a LHB since Stan Musial in 1949. He hit .340 with 656 Hits, 145 2B, 88 HRs, 368 RBI and only SO 112 times in 2131 PA’s. He also led the league in Doubles from 1984-1986. Mattingly’s 388 Total bases in 1986 had been the most in the Majors since Willie Mays back in the 1962 season. Mattingly won the first of 9 gold gloves in 1985.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Okay, it is time for me to make my argument for my favorite player of all time to be inducted into Baseball’s Hall of Fame.
There will be several people that will say that Don Mattingly’s career stats of: H-2154, HR-222, RBI-1099, AVG-.307 and 9 Gold Gloves are not enough in just 14 seasons.
I am not counting his 7 game-stint in 1982 with this. As a rookie in 1983, Don only .hit .283 with 4 HRs and 32 RBIs.
Don Mattingly Would Be Perfect For The Nationals Or Tigers MGR Positions: Dodgers Skipper Is Still In Limbo
Don Mattingly has a Managerial Record of 260 -225 (.536) in his 1st 3 years as Dodgers Skipper. Among the totals in this year – was that he guided the club to a 62 – 30 record during the last 92 Games this year. The Dodgers were knocked out the NLCS Round versus the Cardinals. Mattingly’s $1.4 Vesting Option was picked up by that accord of being in the final 4 this season. The Dodgers are only offering the one year of 2014, and Mattingly believes he has done a great enough job to earn a multi-year deal.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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The Dodgers are making a mistake in not signing Don Mattingly to a multi – year deal. If you actually sit back and think about what he was able to do is a miracle this year.
Matt Kemp was 50% of himself – and also missed half of the year.
Hanley Ramirez played at an MVP caliber for the time he was in there, problem was – missed 74 games.
Carl Crawford was great, but he missed 45 Games.
Yasiel Puig came up – with 60 Games already taken off of the year.
Zack Greinke missed 2 months after Carlos Quentin charged him.
Brandon League was abysmal early as a Closer.
The 3rd base/Shortstop position featured an opening day of Luis Cruz and Justin Sellers.
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