What better time then to sit down with Chris for The Pirates Breakdown Podcast? Without further ado, here’s the full interview with the Bucs’ backstop:
Blog Archives
The Pittsburgh Pirates Payroll In 2016 + Roster That Could Have Been
Jason Rollison (Featured BBBA Writer/Owner – piratesbreakdown.com)
Follow @pbcbreakdown Follow @mlbreports
After a second consecutive exit from the playoffs by way of the wild card game, the Pittsburgh Pirates promised a bigger payroll this season, but could they have done better?
In December, Neal Huntington and Frank Connelly both hinted the Pirates target payroll would be approximately $105 million for opening day. As it stands, the Pirates opening day payroll was about $100 million.
That wouldn’t be so bad if the team’s pitching staff wasn’t off to a rough start, the first base platoon partner wasn’t gone after two weeks, and the Cubs weren’t the center of the baseball universe at the moment. The saying goes, “hindsight is 20/20,” but we consider what could have been if the Pirates had spent their money a little differently.
Let’s start with the breakdown of the opening day payroll broken down by position: (Note: Only players included on opening day 25-man roster/DL are included below.)
The rules for this little experiment are simple. We cannot exceed $105 million, and our payroll has to include 28 players due to Jared Hughes, Elias Diaz, and Jung-Ho Kang starting the season on the major league disabled list.
If we choose any players the Pirates did not sign, we will assume the Pirates could have signed said player(s) to the same terms. Knowing what we know now, here’s a look at what the Pirates roster could have been.
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MLB Power Rankings 2016: Week 4 – April
One is the #1 club in the whole MLB right now, and the other was the biggest mover and shaker of the week for week 3 of MLB action. Both are leading the Central Divisions in their respective leagues behind awesome starting pitching and timely power.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_Hunter21
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Disclaimer: We based these rankings on best strength to win the World Series. Therefore some teams that have an easier division to play in, with the least path of resistance to the postseason overall may be ranked a lot higher than a club who is equally talented, yet may play in a juggernaut of a division.
Game Records were before the results of the ESPN Sunday Night Game was played.
After a crazy week in which we saw our 1st no hitter, and massive long 16 inning game in Washington, we have for you the MLB Power Rankings.
There was no movement from the top 3 clubs. The NL West saw the Dodgers take a decent lead on the Giants – and that is major critical, as that is the team most likely to give them trouble in their quest for a 4th straight Division crown.
Bryce Harper has pulverized the Phillies, Marlins, Braves and Twins thus far. His late inning heroics are taking him to the next level.
The biggest mover and shaker this week was the White Sox, who climbed up 7 slots. The Giants dropping 8 positions was the biggest decline.
Bad weeks were had by the Tigers, Red Sox, Yankees and Astros. All clubs in the AL who are supposed to contend for a playoff slot.
The Mariners won their 3rd straight road series against the Angels (after beating the Yankees and Tribe 1s), and sit just a half game back in the AL West.
Oakland had started 7 – 0 on the road, before yielding 15 runs over the last 2 losses to the Blue Jays. They are tied with the Rangers for the lead in the Division, but it is just a matter of time before they are bounced out in my opinion.
Cleveland had a nice week of 4 – 2 to jump up 5 spots in the rankings. and are that much closer to bringing back Michael Brantley.
Gaining only one spot but having an awesome week were the New York Mets. All the boys are hitting now, and they are 8 – 2 in their last 10 contests. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The 2016 NL Cy Young In The MLB: Best And Worst Bets
Max Scherzer threw 2 no-hitters in 2015, and carried no – no’s into the late innings on a few other occasions. The man set highs in Strikeouts, Innings Pitched, ERA, WHIP and BB per 9 innings. On a club that will win 90+ games, I believe Scherzer will mop up the NL East all season. I am calling for the guy to win his 1st Cy Young in the National League – after winning the AL honor in 2013.
Hunter Stokes (MLB Reports Part _Owner – Chief Writer) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Clayton Kershaw finally didn’t win a NL CY Young Award last season – and it took historical seasons by Jake Arrieta and Zack Greinke to usurp him of the throne.
The Dodgers chucker still fanned over 300 batters (301) for the 1st time in over a decade, was 16 – 7 – while leading the League in CG/SHO/IP/SO/SO per 9 IP – with still fashioning a ridiculous WHIP of 0.881.
Kershaw finished 3rd in the race, and now has 5 straight campaigns of top 3 finishes. His +125 odd to win again is about par for the course per this odd, however – just like the American League, I am going to go for the value play more on this list.
Last year’s winner (Arrieta) is next on the faves with a mark of +400. I absolutely hate this odd, and for one – think it will be an impossible feat to do what he did all over again. Based on the Cubs offense he won’t need to either.
I see Arrieta still putting forth a great season, with a top 15 Cy Young Vote, but have to call his odd of +400 value the 2nd worst on the board. Read the rest of this entry
Forget Prospects When Your Window Is Open To Win With Good (To ALL – Star) MLB Players Available!
I am sick and tired of hearing about Draft Picks being coveted by clubs, and in particular with the picks 11 – 30th having to be given up as compensation for signing a guy who was extended a Qualifying Offer. Prospects turn into Suspects in a real hurry. Only 4 or 5 out of the picks 11 – 30 contribute significantly within 4 years usually. Meaning if your roster is poised to win right now, go ahead and burn your pick by signing proven players that can help your squad right now!
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I can’t stand it when I hear that ready to win Major League Clubs are holding off on good Free Agent Signing because of a pending Draft Pick in the coming MLB Amateur Draft being forfeited.
For current organizations like the Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Angels, Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Mets, Detroit Tigers, KC Royals, Washington Nationals, Arizona Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants – all of them project to be contenders in 2016 except the O’s, and the last 6 clubs listed here are acting on that – while the 1st 4 are not.
Let me kind of qualify that. The Jays did in 2015 – and may do so in 2016. The real truth will be told by the August.1 Trade Deadline. Not picking up a top end rotation guy by then will hurt their chances to win in the last few months and definitely in the playoffs. Read the rest of this entry
BBBA Members Audio Podcasts + Links This Week
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast Follow @sullybaseball
(Sully has a Streak of 20 minute shows everyday since Oct.24/2012) |
(1207th Straight Day With An episode)
What the hell are the Angels doing?
It is a “far from heaven” episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 12, 2016
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 11, 2016
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 10, 2016
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 9, 2016
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 8, 2016
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 7, 2016
Can Gerrit Cole Rely On His Slider Again In 2016?
(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Jason Rollison (Featured Baseball Writer/piratesbreakdown.com) Follow @pbcbreakdown
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
In what seems like another lifetime ago, I wrote that Gerrit Cole was now relying on his slider in 2015 as his go-to pitch.
At the time, Cole’s development of a killer secondary pitch to complement his fastball was something that was in its infancy.
After bursting onto the scene in 2013 with a fastball that could tap 100mph on radar, Cole showed a greater reliance on his fastball while still mixing in his sinker, slider, and curveball.
He even put an emphasis on his still-burgeoning changeup early in the season before that, too, which also took a backseat to the heat.
Despite that emphasis on secondary pitches, Cole was often forced to go back to the fastball in 2014.
The simple fact is that the changeup, curveball, and sinker were getting knocked around a bit, with line drive rates of 30.43 percent, 35 percent, and 28.07 percent respectively.
The sinking fastball and changeup both had batting averages against of .300 or more, with the changeup also displaying a crooked .643 SLG percentage.
It was clear that Cole was still figuring out which weapon in his arsenal would be that second “go-to” pitch.
Enter the slider.
PiratesBreakdown.com Interview – With Pittsburgh Pirates Catcher Chris Stewart
Pittsburgh Pirates fans will want to hear this episode of The Pirates Breakdown Podcast as we welcome in Chris Stewart for an interview.
Chris Stewart recently signed an extension to remain a Pirate for the foreseeable future.
What better time then to sit down with Chris for The Pirates Breakdown Podcast?
Interview – Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Chris Stewart
WTF Pittsburgh? Are You Contenders Or Are You At The Kids Table?
This Pirates club has made themselves relevant in the NL for the last 3 years with appearing in the Wild Card game – and pushing the Cards to the brink of elimination in 2014. However this organization has looked petty in looking too much to the bottom line so far this offseason. They have lost 4 players from the 98 win team of 2015 – and only have Jon Niese and Juan Nicasio as guys that help the MLB squad in 2016. They still have 3 months to go, but thus far the winter has been a tire fire.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
What the hell are the Pirates doing this offseason?!! I mean I have tonnes of respect for Neil Huntington – however the brass has made some highly questionable moves to save some money.
The Pittsburgh window to win is 2 – 3 more years, yet it almost looks likes the management is throwing a preemptive strike to blow the club up.
Okay, I may be overstating the facts a little here – as there is still well over 3 months before the club even hits Spring Training.
The club first non-tendered Pedro Alvarez – rather than head to the last year of Arbitration with him. He would have made in the neighborhood of $10 MIL in 2016 – I get that, but losing a 25 – 30 HR out of your lineup will be tough to adjust for. 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 26, 2015
Karen Warren – Houston Chronicle
The recent poor play by Houston and Minnesota could threaten any hope of a Cinderella story this year.
Plus the Pirates could make next week’s series with the Cardinals very interesting.
Line up the slots in the post season for Episode 1,069 of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Rich Hill (NOT Carlos Carrasco), Shin-Soo Choo, Gerrit Cole, Lucas Duda, Jon Lester, Luis Valbuena and Freddie Freeman all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball
Read the rest of this entry
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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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.
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Who Owned Baseball September 19, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
LM OTERO/AP
Cole Hamels struck out 12 Mariners batters in 7 innings, allowing 1 run and 7 hits and earning the 10-1 decision for the first place Rangers.
Carlos Beltran hit a 3 run homer in the first and added another hit and another run to help the Yankees bounce back and beat the Mets, 5-0.
Patrick Corbin threw 7 shutout innings, allowing 5 hits and pitching the Diamondbacks past the fading Giants, 6-0.
Kris Bryant reached base 3 times including a homer, driving in 2 as the Cubs won again over St. Louis, 5-4.
They all owned baseball on September 19, 2015
Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.
Erasmo Ramirez threw 7 innings, scattering 9 hits while walking none and allowing just 2 runs. He got a tough luck loss as the Rays fell to Baltimore, 2-1.
Eric Hosmer collected 3 hits including a game tying homer but the Royals fell to the Tigers again, 6-5 in 11 innings.
Jerad Eickhoff tossed 7 shutout innings, allowing just 5 hits. But he did not get a decision as the Phillies lost to Atlanta. 2-1.
Domingo Santana went 3 for 4 with a homer and 5 RBI in the Brewers 9-7 loss to Cincinnati.
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Who Owned Baseball September 18, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
BOB LEVEY/GETTY IMAGES
Danny Valencia reached base 3 times including a pair of homers, the second one was a 2 run come from behind shot in the 8th that put Oakland up for good 4-3 in Houston.
Starlin Castro led the red hot Cubs by getting on base 4 times, homering twice and driving in 6 runs in the 8-3 victory over first place St. Louis.
Justin Verlander pitched 8 2/3 innings, allowing 5 hits, 2 runs and just 1 walk. He would not get the decision but the Tigers walked off 5-4 winners against the Royals in 12.
Zack Greinke pitched into the 8th, finishing with 7+ innings, 4 hits, 2 runs and only 2 walks, while creeping closer to a Cy Young and a division title for the Dodgers by beating Pittsburgh 6-2.
They all owned baseball on September 18, 2015
Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.
Steve Pearce hit 2 homers and drove in 3 runs in Baltimore’s 8-6 loss to Tampa Bay.
Jason Rogers got on base 3 times, homered and drove in a pair but the Brewers lost to the Reds, 5-3.
Masahiro Tanaka pitched well in the opening game of the Subway Series, giving the Yankkes 6 innings, no walks and 5 hits. But 2 of the hits were solo homers and led to the 2 runs he allowed in a 5-1 loss to the Mets.
Madison Bumgarner allowed 1 earned run and 1 unearned run over 8 strong innings but the Giants bats were dead and Arizona handed him a tough luck 2-0 loss.
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Who Owned Baseball September 17, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
KEVIN C. COX/GETTY IMAGES
Marco Estrada dominated over 8 shutout innings, allowing 3 hits and 2 walks as the Blue Jays moved closer to an AL East title, beating Atlanta 5-0.
Mike Trout reached base 5 times, hitting a grand slam and a solo shot, lead the Angels to an 11-8 victory in Minnesota.
John Lackey threw 7 shutout innings, striking out 8 Brewers batters and earning the 6-3 decision for St. Louis.
Matt Carpenter singled, doubled and homered, scoring 3 runs as the Cardinals topped the Brewers 6-3.
They all owned baseball on September 17, 2015
Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.
Matt Moore looked like an ace with 7 innings, no runs, 2 hits and 9 strikeouts. The Rays bullpen blew his lead and Baltimore won 4-3.
James Loney collected 3 hits with a double and a run scored but Tampa Bay lost to Baltimore, 4-3.
Ian Desmond got on base 3 times, including a homer and 4 RBI in Washington’s 6-4 loss to Miami.
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Who Owned Baseball September 16, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
BRANDON WADE/GETTY IMAGES
Prince Fielder slammed 2 homers, added another hit and drove in 5 runs and scored 3 to lead the first place Rangers past their cross state rival Astros, 14-3.
Henry Owens pitched shutout ball into the 8th, finishing with 7 2/3 innings, 6 hits, no walks and 4 strikeouts as the Red Sox waxed the Orioles, 10-1.
Tommy Pham totaled 11 bases on a pair of homers and a triple, knocking in 4 and lead the Cardinals past Milwaukee, 5-4.
Alex Wood pitched 8 innings of 1 hit shutout ball, walking none and earning the 2-0 decision for the Dodgers over the Rockies.
They all owned baseball on September 16, 2015
Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.
Evan Gattis went 3 for 4 with a homer and a pair of runs batted in. Little else went well for the Astros as they lost against to the Rangers, 14-3.
Ervin Santana pitching 7 strong innings, allowing 4 hits and 2 runs. He would not get the decision as the Twins lost to Detroit in 12 innings, 7-4.
Martin Maldonado launched a 3 run homer and added another hit and another walk. His efforts would come up a run short as the Brewers fell to St. Louis, 5-4.
Jorge de la Rosa gave the Rockies 8 solid innings the night after a marathon depleted bullpen game. He allowed 6 hits and 2 runs but was saddled with a tough luck 2-0 loss to the Dodgers.
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Who Owned Baseball September 15, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
MITCHELL LEFF/GETTY IMAGES
Bryce Harper kept padding his MVP candidacy by reaching base 4 times, homering twice and driving in all of the Nationals runs in the 4-0 win over Philadelphia.
Stephen Strasburg threw 8 shutout innings, allowing just 1 hit, one walk and struck out 14 Phillies to earn the 4-0 victory for the Nationals.
Josh Reddick walked, singled and homered, driving in 4 runs and scoring 3 as the A’s clobbered the White Sox, 17-6.
Kris Medlen pitched shutout ball into the 7th, allowing 5 hits and 1 walk. He handed it over to the bullpen and got the 2-0 decision for the Royals over Cleveland.
They all owned baseball on September 15, 2015
Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.
Buster Posey reached base 3 times including a homer and a game tying single in the bottom of the 9th, driving in 4 runs in all. The Giants would lose a heartbreaker, 9-8 in 10 innings.
Tyson Ross struck out 9 batters over 6 innings, allowing 1 run, but did not get a the decision as the Padres bullpen lost to Arizona 6-4.
Franklin Gutierrez drove in 2 and scored another with a walk, a single and a homer in Seattle’s 4-3 loss to the Angels.
Josh Tomlin threw a complete game allowing 2 runs, 4 hits and no walks. He would be on the losing end as the Indians were shutout by Kansas City, 2-0.
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