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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.27) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Lance Lynn threw a complete game 5 hit shutout, dominating the Yankees 6-0 in St. Louis.

Andre Ethier homered and hit a three run triple, leading the Dodgers past the Reds 6-3.

Collin McHugh won a tense pitchers duel by throwing 7 scoreless innings, striking out 9 Royals and walking none as the Astros won 3-0.

Adam Lind kept the torrid bats alive for Toronto, going 3-5 with a homer and 2 RBI in the 9-6 slugfest against Tampa.

They owned baseball on May.27, 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.

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30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Month Of May

San_francisco_giants_alternate_logo

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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*** Denotes Division Leaders

Records are before play Monday May.26, 2014

RK Team   Last Wk Rnk  ()      Current Rec –  Last 16 Days Rec

1.  ***San Francisco Giants 32 – 19 (3) 10 – 4:  The Giants have the best team in the Majors record wise, and have done so without dominate pitching, and Buster Posey hasn’t taken off yet.

The San Fran players are using the ‘someone is always on fire’ offense.  Even Brandon Hicks is clobbering HRs out of 2B.  Depth prevails here.  4 Games up on the Dodgers.

2.  ***Oakland Athletics 31 – 20 (2) 8 – 5:  The A’s did lose 3 straight to the Blue Jays, however they had scored 76 runs in 11 Games prior, and pasted 10 on the board yesterday.

Brandon Moss is an underrated slugger, and Josh Donaldson has 4 separate game HR streaks this year.

Showing that depth at Starting Pitching can do well even if players go down with TJ Surgery. Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.26) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Photo: Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photo: Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

A.J. Pollock finished a 3 hit day with a 2 out, bottom of the 9th, 2 run walk off homer to give Arizona a 7-5 win over the Padres.

Hyun-jin Ryu tried to make it back to back no hitters for the Dodgers. He took a perfect game into the 8th against the Reds before needing help from the bullpen. He would finish with 7 1/3 strong innings and a 3-2 win over the Reds.

Jonathan Schoop went 3-5 with 2 homers, leading the Orioles in a 7-6 come from behind win in Milwaukee.

Tommy Milone pitched shutout ball into the 7th inning, letting up 4 hits and helped the A’s trounce the Tigers, 10-0.

They owned baseball on May.26, 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.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.25) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Ron Cortes / McClatchy-Tribune

Ron Cortes / McClatchy-Tribune

Josh Beckett threw the first no hitter of 2014 and the first Dodger no no since 1996 as he dominated the Phillies, 6-0.

Evan Gattis homered twice, driving in 3 runs and led the Braves to a 7-0 victory against the Rockies.

Dallas Keuchel pitched a complete game victory, letting up just one unearned run, walking none, as the Astros topped the Mariners, 4-1/

Derek Jeter had a 4 hit game in the Yankees 7-1 thrashing of the White Sox.

They owned baseball on May.25, 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.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.24) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Duane Burleson, AP

Duane Burleson, AP

Rougned Odor went 4-5 with 5 RBI including a pair of triples helping the hobbled Rangers blow out the Tigers, 12-2.

R. A. Dickey pitched into the 9th innings, giving the Blue Jays 8 1/3 innings of 5 hit, 1 walk, 2 run ball. He got the victory over Oakland, 5-2.

Ben Revere went 4-4, including a double, drove in a run and scored 3, leading the Phillies to a 5-3 over the Dodgers.

Travis Wood threw 7 1/3 innings of 3 hit ball, walking just 2 batters. He earned the 3-2 decision for the Cubs in San Diego.

They owned baseball on May.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.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.23) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Photo: Nick Wass, AP

Photo: Nick Wass, AP

 

Chris Davis got on base 3 times, homered and drove in 4 runs, powering the Orioles to an 8-4 victory over Cleveland.

Felix Hernandez dominated the Astros with 8 strong innings, 5 hits, 1 run, 1 walk and 9 strikeouts as the Mariners rolled, 6-1.

Mark Reynolds homered twice and helped Milwaukee win a slugfest against Miami, 9-5.

Gavin Floyd pitched into the 7th, letting up just 2 runs in 6 2/3 innings, striking out 7 and walking none. He didn’t get the decision but helped set up Atlanta’s 3-2 topping of Colorado.

They owned baseball on May.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.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.22) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Nam Y. Huh/AP

Nam Y. Huh/AP

Chris Sale came off the DL and retired the first 17 Yankees he faced. A base hit prevented him from pushing the no hitter issue and finished with 6 innings of 1 hit shutout ball with 10 strikeouts and no walks. He got the 3-2 win for the White Sox.

Jose Bautista went 3-5 with a homer leading the Blue Jays to a 7-2 victory and a sweep of the slumping defending champion Red Sox.

Henderson Alvarez gave the Marlins 7 innings of 4 hit shutout ball, walking just 2 Phillies in the process. He did not get the decision but the Marlins walked off a 4-3 winner.

Shane Robinson went 3-4, hit a game tying double and scored an insurance run in the Cardinals come from behind 4-2 win over Arizona.

They owned baseball on May.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.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.21) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Photo: Harry How, Getty Images

Photo: Harry How, Getty Images

Jered Weaver threw a complete game 2 hitter, let up one run on a solo shot and picked off a runner at first in the 9th to give the Angels a 2-1 win over the Astros.

Kyle Lohse went 8 strong, letting up just 1 run, striking out 8 and walking no Braves as the Brewers took the showdown between first place clubs, 6-1.

Edwin Encarnacion had another 2 homer day, driving in 3 and pushing the Blue Jays past the Red Sox, 6-4, and into a first place tie.

Marcell Ozuna hit a grand slam and drove in a fifth run, getting on base 3 times in the Marlins 14-5 drubbing of the Phillies.

They owned baseball on May.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.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.20) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports

Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports

Chris Davis clobbered 3 homers, collected another hit, scored 4 runs and drove in 5, leading the Orioles to a 9-2 blowout in Pittsburgh.

Denard Span went 5 for 5 with a pair of doubles, two runs batted in and a stolen base as the Nationals beat the Reds, 9-4.

Hisashi Iwakuma gave the Mariners 8 strong innings with 6 hits and 2 earned runs, earning the 6-2 victory in Texas.

In a night of multiple complete game shutouts,Julio Teheran gets the nod, holding the first place Brewers scoreless and giving the Braves a memorable 5-0 six hit triumph.

They owned baseball on May.20, 2014.

Why Julio Teheran and NOT Adam Wainwright? Listen to today’s The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

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.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.19) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Chuck Crow - The Cleveland Plain Dealer

Chuck Crow – The Cleveland Plain Dealer

Michael Brantley got on base 4 times and launched a walk off, bottom of the 10th home run to give the Indians a 5-4 win over the Tigers.

Dallas Keuchel threw a shutout into the 9th before needing some help to finish the game. He ended up with 8 2/3 innings, 5 hits, 2 runs, 8 strikeouts and walked just one Angel, earning the 5-2 victory for the Astros.

Jason Heyward got on base 4 times, stole a pair and scored in two of the Braves rallies as they topped the Brewers 9-3.

Mike Leake pitched into the 7th inning, finishing with 6 2/3 innings of 1 run ball. He did not get the decision but helped set up the Reds’ extra inning 4-3 win over Washington.

They owned baseball on May.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.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.18) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

Ryan Vogelsong threw 7 shutout innings, letting up just 5 hits and 1 walk as the Giants beat the Marlins, 4-1.

Felix Hernandez gave the Mariners 8 innings, giving up 2 runs and earning the 6-2 win in Minnesota.

Freddie Freeman went 3-3 with a homer and a 9th inning lead off single that sparked the come from behind rally for the Braves who topped the Cardinals 6-5.

Alex Gordon went 4-4 with a pair of homers and 6 runs batted in, powering the Royals past the Orioles, 8-6.

They owned baseball on May.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.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.17) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

JAMIE SQUIRE/GETTY IMAGES

JAMIE SQUIRE/GETTY IMAGES

Danny Duffy retired the first 20 Orioles he faced and threw into the 8th letting up only 2 hits. He got the decision in the dramatic 1-0 Kansas City win.

Brandon Moss hit a 3 run homer to give the A’s a lead and wipe away the bad taste of an unwarranted ejection of their starting pitcher. Oakland would beat Cleveland, 6-2.

Edwin Jackson pitched 7 shutout innings, letting up just 4 hits and one walk while striking out 11 Brewers, getting the 3-0 win for the Cubs.

Paul Goldschmidt launched a pair of homers, a pair of homers and got on base 5 times, driving in 6, powering the Diamondbacks past the Dodgers, 18-7.

They owned baseball on May.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.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.16) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Tony Dejak, Associated Press

Tony Dejak, Associated Press

Josh Reddick continues to be inspired by Careless Whisper. He homered twice, including a grand slam, and drove in 6 runs, leading the A’s to an 11-1 blow out in Cleveland.

Christian Yelich got on base 3 times, homered, stole a base and scored the go ahead run in the 9th as the Marlins held on in San Francisco, 7-5.

Chris Tillman kept the Orioles in first place with a complete game 5 hit shutout, walking just 1, beating the Royals, 4-0.

Jorge De La Rosa threw 7 innings of 1 hit, shutout ball in Coors Field, no easy feat. He got the decision in the Rockies 3-1 win against the Padres.

They owned baseball on May.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.

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

The Enquirer/Cara Owsley

The Enquirer/Cara Owsley

Johnny Cueto pitched his third complete game and second shutout of the season, dominating the Padres with a 5-0 three hitter for the Reds.

Phil Hughes pitched 6 solid innings against the Red Sox. He let up a single run, striking out 8 and not walking anyone. He did not get the decision but the Twins would win in extra innings, 4-3.

Michael Morse homered to get the Giants back into the game and then drove in another insurance run. He would finish 3-4 against the Marlins in the 6-4 victory.

Edwin Encarnacion hit a pair of homers and drove in 3 of the Blue Jays 4 runs as the beat Cleveland 4-2.

They owned baseball on May.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.

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

(William Perlman/The Star-Ledger)

(William Perlman/The Star-Ledger)

Masahiro Tanaka threw a complete game, 4 hit shutout against the Mets, striking out 8, walking none and getting a base hit for good measure. The Yankees won, 4-0.

Doug Fister gave the Nationals 7 strong innings, with 1 earned run, 5 hits and no walks. He did not get the decision but Washington would beat Arizona, 5-1.

David Murphy went 5-6 with three doubles, driving in five runs, leading Cleveland’s offense in the 15-4 thrashing of the Blue Jays.

Hunter Pence finished 4-5 with a homer and drove in 3 runs as the Giants blew out the Braves, 10-4.

They owned baseball on May.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.

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Oakland Athletics Roster In 2014: How All Of The Pitchers Were Acquired

Jarrod Parker is out for the year with  Tommy John Surgery.  You are talking about a guy that was 25 - 16 with a 3.68 ERA over the last 2 years combined.  He has top of the rotation stuff and will be greatly missed.  The A's also had a TJ scare with A.J. Griffin, but it has been downgraded to an elbow strain for now.  Parker was traded for by the Athletics in a major package sent to Oakland - including Chris Carter< Carlos Gonzalez and Ryan Cook for Starter Dan Haren.  The club still has many of the components left as assets from that very deal. While it is bad Parker is out in 2014, he will be back.

Jarrod Parker is out for the year with Tommy John Surgery. You are talking about a guy that was 25 – 16 with a 3.68 ERA over the last 2 years combined. He has top of the rotation stuff and will be greatly missed. The A’s also had a TJ scare with A.J. Griffin, but it has been downgraded to an elbow strain for now. Parker was traded for by the Athletics in a major package sent to Oakland with Collin Cowgill and  Ryan Cook for Starter Trevor Cahill. The club still has Parker and Cahill.  While it is bad Parker is out in 2014, he will be back. Cahill has been ineffective for the D’backs in 2014 – with a 9.17 ERA and an MLB leading 4 losses.

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

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I just finished writing an article about how Billy Beane was smart not to have signed Barry Zito, Mark Mulder and Tim Hudson to extensions here.

You really wont find him do this anytime soon with any of his chuckers.

The Scott Kazmir deal is the one he likes to do.  It is simple as to why the man operates like this.  He doesn’t have to give up any assets in the process.

Beane is a “Baseball Rounder”.

It is not unlike him to do manage 50 – 60 transactions per year.  He was won more than he has lost – whether it is Free Agency or trades.  His ballclub has the best record in the Majors since the start of play in 2012 – at 200 – 144 (.581 baseball).

We will go through the Pitching First, and then the hitting by the weekend. Read the rest of this entry

The Tigers Bullpen Has Had A Brutal Start For The 2014 Campaign

Even with his early season woes, Joe Nathan is still one of the best closers the game of baseball has ever seen. The 39 year old came off one of his best seasons, registering a WHIP of .90 and an ERA of 1.33 amidst his 43 Saves and 74 SO.  Nathan will also bring plenty of playoff experience to Detroit. Lets just hope if the Tigers make it back to the playoffs, that he can improve in his career postseason ERA of 9.00 in 9 IP.  Nathan was inked to a 2 YR Deal this winter, worth $20 MIL, with a Team Option of $10 MIL for 2016.  This doesn't end all of the teams Relief woes, but it gives them the best Closer that was on the Free Agent Market.

Even with his early season woes, Joe Nathan is still one of the best closers the game of baseball has ever seen. The 39 year old came off one of his best seasons in 2013, registering a WHIP of .90 and an ERA of 1.33 amidst his 43 Saves and 74 SO. Nathan will also bring plenty of playoff experience to Detroit. Lets just hope if the Tigers make it back to the playoffs, that he can improve in his career postseason ERA of 9.00 in 9 IP. Nathan was inked to a 2 YR Deal this past winter, worth $20 MIL, with a Team Option of $10 MIL for 2016. This doesn’t end all of the teams Relief problems, but it gave them the best Closer that was on the Free Agent Market. There is still plenty of work to do

By Matthew Lafave (Tigers Correspondent)

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The bats are rolling, the starters are clicking, and the bullpen is failing.

It’s no secret that the Detroit Tigers bullpen is struggling. Through the first five games of the season they have allowed 9 runs. To make it even worse, all 9 have come in the 9th inning.

That’s 9 runs on 18 hits through only 13.1 innings for the bullpen. To put that into a harsher perspective, the starters have given up 8 runs on 20 hits through 32.2 innings.

Yes, the bullpen has given up more runs and almost as many hits through less than half the innings. Read the rest of this entry

Detroit Tigers State Of The Union 2014 – Part 2: The Pitchers

Joe Nathan is still one of the best closers the game of baseball has ever seen. The 39 year old came off one of his best seasons, registering a WHIP of .90 and an ERA of 1.33 amidst his 43 Saves and 74 SO.  Nathan will also bring plenty of playoff experience to Detroit. Lets just hope if the Tigers make it back to the playoffs, that he can improve in his career postseason ERA of 9.00 in 9 IP.  Nathan was inked to a 2 YR Deal this winter, worth $20 MIL, with a Team Option of $10 MIL for 2016.  This doesn't end all of the teams Relief woes, but it gives them the best Closer that was on the Free Agent Market.

Joe Nathan is still one of the best closers the game of baseball has ever seen. The 39 year old came off one of his best seasons, registering a WHIP of .90 and an ERA of 1.33 amidst his 43 Saves and 74 SO. Nathan will also bring plenty of playoff experience to Detroit. Lets just hope if the Tigers make it back to the playoffs, that he can improve in his career postseason ERA of 9.00 in 9 IP. Nathan was inked to a 2 YR Deal this winter, worth $20 MIL, with a Team Option of $10 MIL for 2016. This doesn’t end all of the teams Relief woes, but it gives them the best Closer that was on the Free Agent Market.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Here we go again.  Bruce Rondon is out for the year with Tommy John Surgery, Joba Chamberlain is throwing at Minor Leaguer’s, and Anibal Sanchez is hurting.

No team had better Starting Pitching in the game of baseball than the Tigers in 2014, while I love their top 3 Starters again, I am worried about their depth in the rotation at the back end.

The Bullpen is a lot better at the Closer’s position with Joe Nathan.

Gone are Jose Veras, underrated Joaquin Benoit, Drew Smyly moves to the Rotation,  and the ‘human dumpster fire’ Jose Valverde is also long removed from the relief core.

Added to the bringing in Nathan, the team also signed Chamberlain for 1 year, and added Ian Krol through the Doug Fister trade.

Among several returnees are Luke Putkonen, Phil Coke, Al Alburquerque, Jose Ortega and Evan Reed. Read the rest of this entry

Washington Nationals Payroll In 2014 + Contracts Going Forward

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth + Payroll Expert – find his website here)

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The Washington Nationals have had an escalating salary structure for the last few years.  The truth is that their talent needs to be paid as time goes on.

In 2014, the Budget is looking to be around $130 MIL so far, after just being over $110 MIL.

The situation is more expensive next year, with 10 players under the Arbitration Eligible – highlighted by Stephen Strasburg for his 2nd year of it.

Among the others are:  Craig Stammen, Danny Espinosa, Tyler Clippard, Doug Fister, Drew Storen, Ross Detwiler, Wilson Ramos, Jerry Blevins, Jose Lobaton and Ryan Mattheus. Read the rest of this entry

The Detroit Tigers Organizational Depth Charts (All Affiliates) – Spring 2014 (Majors and Minors)

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth Chart + Payroll Expert – find his website here)

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The Detroit Tigers will be relying on their Minor League System more in 2014 than in the previous few years.  Players have been traded or lost to Free Agency, carving a path and opportunity for some.

Nick Castellanos has the grandest shot at making some headway at the 3B position, and Jose Iglesias will see a full year at SS in Motown.

When you factor in Ian Kinsler at 2B – and Miguel Cabrera at 1B, then none of the 2014 opening days Infield positions will look the same.

Dave Dombrowski has done an exceptional job at replacing some of the Minor League levels.  This was a big reason why they traded Doug Fister. 

Robbie Ray is their best Starting Pitcher not to start the year in Detroit.  He may even get the call at some point this campaign.

If anything, the Tigers were able to become younger, quicker and cheaper, which could bode well for the future

For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries Posts that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here. Read the rest of this entry

How Winning Teams Are Built: How It Applies To The Nationals In 2014

The Nationals failed to meet expectations as the Preseason favorites to lock down the World Series in 2013.  Heck, they didn't even qualify for the playoffs.  Whether it was injury, or complacency, the talent of this team didn't maximize their potential this year.  However, the club did go 24 - 12 in their last 36 Games Played, and made a late charge at the 2nd Wild Card Spot.  Most of the nucleus is coming back for the 2014 year.  Their Starting Pitching Staff could have 3 potential Cy Young Winners, and Rafael Soriano is among the top Closers in the game of baseball.

The Nationals failed to meet expectations as the Preseason favorites to lock down the World Series in 2013. Heck, they didn’t even qualify for the playoffs. Whether it was injury, or complacency, the talent of this team didn’t maximize their potential this year. However, the club did go 24 – 12 in their last 36 Games Played, and made a late charge at the 2nd Wild Card Spot. Most of the nucleus is coming back for the 2014 year. Their Starting Pitching Staff could have 3 potential Cy Young Winners, and Rafael Soriano is among the top Closers in the game of baseball.

By David Huzzard (Nationals Correspondent via Citizens of Natstown.com – view website here): 

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Last week I wrote about the dangers of the WARpire (VoRPire) and why it is important to have a bottom of the roster that won’t cost a team any games, or to word it a different way won’t cancel out the contributions of the top of the roster.

Having a 5.0 fWAR player means nothing if there are enough negative players to cancel that out. The middle and bottom of the roster are the foundation upon which the stars stand.

A team needs that bottom of the roster in order to win because without them the stars cannot flourish. ‘

Think about the Red Sox and the changes they made going into 2013.

Mike Napoli, Shane Victorino, and Jonny Gomes aren’t stars, but they aren’t negative assets either and their presence on the roster allows David Ortiz and Dustin Pedroia contributions to matter. Read the rest of this entry

30 MLB Team Power Rankings FEB 2014

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Not withstanding the last few signings in the MLB, noteworthy is Bronson Arroyo to the Diamondbacks, and Paul Maholm to the Los Angeles Dodgers, these will not effect the grand scheme for the rankings of all clubs.

Nelson Cruz is still available, and I would be very surprised if he doesn’t ink a deal with the Mariners.  This would put them slightly ahead of the Angels if done, as oppose to a dead heat right now.

There are no real surprises to be had here.

The Orioles, Blue Jays and Pirates have had the worst offseasons, while the Rangers, Royals, Rays, Giants, Yankees, Cardinals and Dodgers have helped out their causes for the upcoming campaign.

30 MLB Team Power Rankings MAR 2014

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Just How Good Is The Washington Nationals Rotation?

By David Huzzard (Nationals Correspondent via Citizens of Natstown.com – view website here): 

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Around this time of year for the past three seasons this column has been written.

It was first sparked in 2012 when Davey Johnson said that the Nationals rotation was every bit as talented as the Phillies.

Then again in 2013, because Gio Gonzalez was coming off a third place Cy Young finish, Stephen Strasburg wasn’t being shut down, and the Nationals had signed Dan Haren.

This year it is time to once again explore the great question of how good is the Nats rotation because newly acquired Doug Fister says he believes them to be better than the Tigers.

This sounds a lot like Doug Fister believing in Doug Fister and that he was the key difference in making the Tigers’ rotation the best in baseball.  Read the rest of this entry

Nationals GM Mike Rizzo: January Man

By David Huzzard (Nationals Correspondent via Citizens of Natstown.com – view website here): 

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It was an innocent enough radio interview. The standard with Mike Rizzo late in the off-season with nothing happening.

He was asked if everything on the checklist had been marked off and answered in the affirmative and then was asked if there were still moves left to be made.

To this question Mike Rizzo gave the standard and cliched GM answer of anytime we can do anything to improve the club that makes sense for blah blah blah. You get the idea.

There was nothing special at all about this interview. It was a time filler between Redskins talk on a local Washington DC radio station, but there was something in Mike Rizzo’s voice.

He sounded ecstatic while talking about improving the team. Reading between the lines it was as if he was smirking into the phone and really saying watch what I’m about to do. Read the rest of this entry

Detroit Tigers Payroll In 2014 + Contracts Going Forward Part 1

With Team Payroll already at $125 MIL without even paying the Arbitration Eligible players of Austin Jackson, Max Scherzer, Alex Avila and, the club is sure to top the $150 MIL mark - without even solidifying the Bullpen from top to bottom, and potentially starting a Rookie at 3B - while Iglesias will assume the SS with less than a year of games played under his belt either.  Detroit still has more than $50 MIL invested on their team than any of the other AL Central foes.  The team would be better off saving some money, and then pay pro-rated salaries after the Trade Deadline - in order to cash in on a 1st World Series since 1984.  Entering the last years of their deals are Martinez, Scherzer and Hunter.

With Team Payroll already at $125 MIL without even paying the Arbitration Eligible players of Austin Jackson ($10 MIL range), Max Scherzer ($17 – $20 MIL), Alex Avila ($3 MIL), Rick Porcello ($4 – $5 MIL) and Andy Dirks  ($1 – $2 MIL , the club is sure to top the $160 MIL mark – without even solidifying the Bullpen from top to bottom, and potentially starting a Rookie at 3B – while Iglesias will assume the SS (with less than a year of games played under his belt either.) Detroit still has more than $50 MIL invested on their team than any of their other AL Central foes. The team would be better off saving some money, and then pay pro-rated salaries after the Trade Deadline – in order to cash in on a 1st World Series since 1984. Entering the last years of their deals are Martinez, Scherzer and Hunter.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart/Payroll Expert)

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I have been saying it since the club traded away Prince Fielder.  It was one year too early.

The club ended up forking out over $76 MIL for just 2 years of service from the big man – when you add his $30 MIL in payroll Detroit will pickup in the next 7 years, just to trade him.

I am also baffled on why the Tigers traded Doug Fister.  I thought the plan was to win in 2014?

Max Scherzer 2013 Cy Young Season highlights

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Cano Signs With Seattle 10 YRs/$240 MIL: Do You Want A Good Team Or A Good Business?

Cano and his brass were in the Emerald City over night - to dicker with the Seattle Brass over a supposed 9 YR contract worth around $225 - $240 MIL.  But something went awry, and the Cano camp made the Seattle Mariners storm off with disgust over what the demands were. In a city where they have only had 2 winning seasons in the last 10 years, they do not need to put all of their eggs in just one basket.  We will go through the long decade of suffering in his blog, and come up with the conclusion, that the last thing the franchise needs - is another Free Agency flop.

Cano and his management posse were in the Emerald City over night – to dicker with the Seattle Brass over a supposed 9 YR contract worth around $225 – $240 MIL . But something went awry, and the Cano camp made the Seattle Mariners storm off with disgust over what the demands were originally.   It has now been reported the sides agreed to a 10 YR/$240 MIL deal.  This could be a colossal mistake from the club, despite seeing probable early returns on their investment and the ticket wicket and for TV Ratings. In a city where they have only had 2 winning seasons in the last 10 years, they didn’t need to put all of their eggs in just one basket. We will go through the long decade of suffering in his blog, and come up with the conclusion, that the last thing the franchise needs – is another Free Agency flop.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): (Big Credit to Paul Francis Sullivan)  

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The deal was supposed to be 9 YRs/$225 MIL for Robinson Cano‘s services to be taken to The Pacific Northwest, and play for the home fans of Safeco Field.

Somewhere in the deliberations, the Roc Nations Sports Agency (Jay – Z’s gang) made an unruly notion for something, to which the brass of the Seattle Mariners stormed off.

It would be nice to have been a fly on the wall for that sparing off of the minds.

The two sides finally agreed this morning to a 10 YR/$240 MIL deal for the ALL – Star, SIlver Slugger 2B.

Before the deal, a neutral fan had to ask Cano really taking the M’s seriously, or was it all for show – in hopes he could draw more cash from a team he really wants to play for?

Sully’s Daily Podcast from last night – truer words have never been spoken – Listen to this 20 Min show!

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 5, 2013

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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): 

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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

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AL Central Hot Stove Round Up – Updated For The Joe Nathan Signing With The Tigers

Doug Fister was just traded away last night for Steve Lombardozzi, Ian Krol and a Minor League Pitcher.  I definitely am seeing the vibe that this franchise is about to make another huge move towards a player in Free Agency.

Doug Fister was just traded away last night for Steve Lombardozzi, Ian Krol and a Minor League Pitcher. I definitely am seeing the vibe that this franchise is about to make another huge move towards a player in Free Agency.  If this wasn’t the case, then what the hell are the Tigers doing trading away a pitcher like this?

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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The Detroit Tigers threw down the first gauntlet in transactions of the Division.  But have they made their team any stronger?  As of right now they are still weaker to start the 2014 year than they ended the 2013 campaign.

Things have been quiet out of Motown on offensive players, however they have been circling the world of Brian Wilson for the Relief core, before they finally lost interest.

Joe Nathan was signed to a 2 Year Deal today by the Tigers.  It was a swift move to sign the guy, although financial terms have not been entirely disclosed yet.

By singing Joe Nathan to amp up the status of the Bullpen, the teams looks decisively better already.   

They should not stop there for relievers. 

I would still try to bring in a Grant Balfour or Jesse Crain as late inning assassins – before having any of the old crew of Joaquin Benoit or Jose Veras be the guys to depend on.  Do not resign them Dombrowski!

Look for an upcoming article I am writing about the Detroit Tigers, that will ask the question, who would you rather have long – term, Miguel Cabrera or Max Scherzer?

Of course a lot of this is dependent on how much Mike Ilitch wants to spend on his club.

Brian Wilson 2013 Highlights – Mature Lyrics So Parental Guidance Is Advised

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Doug Fister Traded To The Nationals For A Meager Return

Doug Fister was acquired in a trade for Casper Wells, Charlie Furbursh and Chance Ruffin back a few years ago. The Tigers have received a .615 Win Percentage over his course of time in Detroit, while Seattle has seen some haphazard Bullpen work in return. Fister remains potentially the best #4 Starter in baseball. Included in his totals, was a 8 - 1 record down the stretch run in 2011, with a 1.79 ERA after joining the Motown boys. Doug Fister was acquired in a trade for Casper Wells, Charlie Furbursh and Chance Ruffin. The Tigers have received a .615 Win Percentage over his course of time in Detroit, while Seattle has seen some haphazard Bullpen work in return. Fister remains potentially the best #4 Starter in baseball. Included in his totals, was a 8 - 1 record down the stretch run in 2011, with a 1.79 ERA after joining the Motown boys.

Doug Fister was acquired in a trade for Casper Wells, Charlie Furbush and Chance Ruffin back a few years ago. The Tigers have received a .615 Win Percentage (32 – 20, with a 3.20 ERA in 70 Game Starts) over his course of time in Detroit, Fister remains potentially the best #4 Starter in baseball. Included in his totals, was a 8 – 1 record down the stretch run in 2011, with a 1.79 ERA after joining the Motown boys.  Fister has 2 years left of Arbitration Eligibility before he becomes a Free Agent in 2016.  Look for his 2014 salary to be in the $7 – $8 MIL after his hearing.  When you consider the 2 Yr deal that A’s just gave to Scott Kazmir, then you can understand how valuable known starters actually are, there must have been a better deal to made by the Tigers.

By Matthew Lafave (Tigers Correspondent)

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In what can only be compared to the Curtis Granderson trade of 2009, the Tigers traded away fan favorite Doug Fister for three virtually unknown players on Monday night.

Although his ERA and WHIP has been on the rise, Fister saw moderate success the past two and half seasons in Detroit.

Tiger fans saw him compile a 32 – 20 regular season record and an impressive 2.98 ERA in 8 postseason games.

When the trade was announced, the fans outcry could be heard all around the world on social media.

Doug Fister Highlights – Mature Lyrics So parental guidance is advised

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Dissecting The Prince Fielder For Ian Kinsler Trade

In 39 games for his Playoff Career, he holds a miniature .194 batting average with 5 home runs and 11 RBIs.  This Playoff stretch of 11 Games in 2013 - there were no big flies and not even a solitary RBI.  Fielder had 9 Hits out of 40 AB (.225) with just one Double.fans, we cannot blame Prince Fielder for wanting to play everyday. With this trade to Texas it is a great chance for the big man to redeem himself in a hitter friendly ballpark, and a great lineup also surrounding him.  Texas has put up 370 wins in the last 4 years.  The Rangers will pick up $138 of the $168 MIL contract that Fielder is due from 2014 - 2020.  Where will the Rangers play him defensively?  More important will be to sit him down and ask him to relinquish his consecutive streak, and to lose some weight in going forward.  Fielder brings a career 3 Slah of .286/.387/.916 - with 285 HRs and 870 RBI carried over his 9 years in the Major Leagues for the Tigers and Brewers.

In 39 games for Fielder’s Playoff Career, he holds a miniature .194 batting average with 5 home runs and 11 RBIs. This recent Playoff stretch of 11 Games in 2013 – there were no big flies and not even a solitary RBI. Fielder had 9 Hits out of 40 AB (.225) with just one Double. With this trade – it is a great chance for the big man to redeem himself in a hitter friendly ballpark, and a great lineup also surrounding him. Texas has put up 370 wins in the last 4 years. The Rangers will pick up $138 of the $168 MIL contract that Fielder is due from 2014 – 2020. Where will the Rangers play him defensively? More important will be to sit him down and ask him to relinquish his consecutive streak, and to lose some weight in going forward. Fielder brings a career 3 Slash of .286/.387/.916 – with 285 HRs and 870 RBI carried over his 9 years in the Major Leagues for the Tigers and Brewers.

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

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After having a late phone call chat with our “Chief Writer” Hunter Stokes, I officially welcomed him to the world of being a sportswriter.

Hunter wrote an awesome piece on the Rangers State Of The Union yesterday.  In the article found here, he explained that Jon Daniels needs a power bat, and must address the Jurickson Profar/Elvis Andrus situation.

Well, no more than 6 hours later, Daniels pulled off the trade for the big lugging 1B, and now we will have to add a part 2 to yesterday’s feature article.

I like the move for the AL West resident’s.  Prince Fielder‘s Left Handed Bat will be a most welcomed addition to the foray in Texas.

Prince Fielder 2013 Highlights – Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance Is Advised

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