Blog Archives
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (Aug 05) – Updated Yearly 2014 #WOB Standings
Photo: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Colby Lewis pitched a complete game 6 hit shutout, striking out 7 and walking just 1 as the Rangers cruised to a 16-0 blow out of the White Sox.
Billy Butler went 4-5, with a double and a 3 run homer, helping the Royals clobber the Diamondbacks, 12-2.
Johnny Cueto threw his fourth complete game of the season, allowing just 5 hits and 2 runs and earning his 13th win of the season as the Reds topped the Indians, 9-2.
Juan Uribe hit a 3 run homer and then scored the winning run in the bottom of the 9th, giving the Dodgers a 5-4 victory against their freeway rival Angels.
They owned baseball on Aug 05, 2014.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (Aug 04) – Updated Yearly 2014 #WOB Standings
Andrew Nelles – AP
Tyler Flowers went 3-3 with 3 RBI and missed the cycle by a double in the White Sox rain shortened 5-3 victory over Texas.
Pablo Sandoval went 3-5 with a pair of 2 out RBI doubles. One tied the game and the other put the Giants ahead of the Mets for good in the 9th inning and led to the 4-3 final.
Garrett Richards threw a complete game, 5 hit shutout, striking out 9 Dodgers and giving the Angels the 5-0 win.
Santiago Casilla threw a perfect 9th to save the game for the Giants over the Mets, 4-3. (I couldn’t give it to Hudson!)
They owned baseball on Aug 04, 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.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (Aug 03) – Updated Yearly 2014 #WOB Standings
JOE ROBBINS/GETTY IMAGES
David Murphy reached base 4 times, doubled, made two terrific catches and hit a 2 run bottom of the 9th homer to tie the game and set up Cleveland’s 4-3 walk off win in the 12th against Texas.
Chris Tillman threw 7 shutout innings, letting up 4 hits and walking none, helping the Orioles take a tense 1-0 game against Seattle.
Hunter Pence went 3-5 with a pair of homers and a double, driving in 4 runs and helping the Giants crush the Mets, 9-0.
Madison Bumgarner threw a complete game 2 hit shutout, walking just 1 while striking out 10 Mets and as the Giants took the 9-0 laugher.
They owned baseball on Aug 03, 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.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (Aug 02) – Updated Yearly 2014 #WOB Standings
Pat Sullivan – AP
Brett Oberholtzer went 7 innings, allowing 6 hits, 2 runs and walking only 1 Blue Jays batter to get the 8-2 decision for Houston.
Ben Zobrist went 4-5 with a double, a stolen base, a run scored and an RBI in the Rays 10-3 win over the Angels.
Jacob deGrom pitched scoreless ball for the Mets into the 8th, finishing with 7 1/3 innings, 4 hits, 1 walk, 7 strikeouts and getting the 4-2 victory against the Giants.
Josh Harrison got on base 4 times, missing the cycle by a triple, and scored 3 of the Pirates runs as they won 8-3 in Arizona.
They owned baseball on Aug 02, 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.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (Aug 1st) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014
FRANK FRANKLIN II/AP
Ryan Vogelsong threw a complete game, facing the minimum into the 8th inning. He finished allowing 2 hits, 1 run, 1 walk and earning the 5-1 decision over the Mets.
Jordy Mercer reached base 3 times including a go ahead RBI double in the 9th, helping the Pirates come from behind to take the 9-4 final in Arizona.
Justin Verlander threw 8 strong innings, allowing just 2 runs and walking no Rockies batter as the Tigers prevailed 4-2.
David Murphy went 4 for 4 with a pair of doubles, two runs scored and two RBI as the Indians cruised to a 12-2 win over Texas.
They owned baseball on Aug 01, 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.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 31st) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014
David J. Phillip – AP
Nolan Reimold homered twice including a go ahead 9th inning shot that gave the Blue Jays a 6-5 win in Houston.
Ben Revere got 4 hits, scored 2, drove in one and stole a base, helping the Phillies top the Nationals, 10-4.
Yordano Ventura pitched 7 strong innings, allowing just 1 earned run and struckout 7, getting the 6-3 decision for the Royals over the Twins, 6-3.
Clayton Kershaw threw a complete game, letting up a single run, struck out 9 and walked no Atlanta batters and earned the 2-1 victory for the Dodgers.
They owned baseball on July 31, 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.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 30th) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014
Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times
Matt Kemp reached base 4 times including a homer and a walk off single in the 10th, giving the Dodgers a 3-2 victory over the Braves.
Nick Castellanos went 2-4 with a homer and 4 RBI in Detroit’s 7-2 win over the White Sox.
Zack Greinke dominated the Braves with an 8 innings, 1 run 13 strikeout performance. The bullpen blew his chance for a decision but the Dodgers walked off 3-2 winners.
Corey Kluber pitched a complete game 3 hit no walk shutout, striking out 8 as the Indians squeaked past the Mariners, 2-0.
They owned baseball on July 30, 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.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 29th) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014
JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES
Cole Hamels pitched 8 shutout innings, striking out 8 and walking none, beating the Mets, 6-0, in what could be his final start as a Philadelphia Phillie.
Matt Kemp went 3-4 with a pair of homers in what could be HIS final day as a Dodger, helping them to an 8-4 victory over the Braves.
Alex Cobb threw 8 strong innings, allowing just 3 hits, 1 run, striking out 12 and got the 5-1 decision for the surging Rays over the Brewers.
Brett Gardner continued his hot hitting with a 4-5 performance, smacking a homer and a pair of doubles and helping the Yankees hold on in a 12-11 slugfest in Texas.
They owned baseball on July 29, 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.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 28th) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014
Melky Cabrera reached base three times including 2 homers, 3 runs and 5 RBI, leading the Blue Jays in a 14-1 demolishing of the Red Sox.
Jake Odorizzi pitched 7 innings allowing 3 hits, 1 run and no walks, earning the decision for the Rays 2-1 over the Brewers.
Adeiny Hechavarria went 2-4 including an RBI triple that tied the game in the 9th and scored the walk off run in the Marlins wild comeback 7-6 win over the Nationals.
Vance Worley threw a 4 hit shutout over the Giants and got the 5-0 victory for the Pirates.
They owned baseball on July 28, 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.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 27th) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014
COLIN E. BRALEY/AP
Carlos Santana capped off a 9 for 14 series by getting on base 5 times with a pair of homers and 2 RBI helping the Indians top the Royals, 10-3.
Josh Harrison went 4-6 with a double and a homer and a pair of stolen bases as the Pirates won 7-5 in Colorado.
Yohan Pino allowed just 4 hits and 1 walk in 6 innings while striking out 6 White Sox batters. He did not get the decision but set up Minnesota’s 4-3 victory.
Doug Fister pitched 7 shutout innings, giving up just 3 hits and walking 1 as the Nationals took a tense 4-2 game in Cincinnati.
They owned baseball on July 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.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 26th) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014
(Beck Diefenbach / Associated Press)
Clayton Kershaw pitched the Dodgers into first place over the Giants with a complete game 2 hit 5-0 shutout in San Francisco.
Martin Prado reached base 4 times, , including a double and a homer, and drove in 5 runs. His last RBI put the Diamondbacks ahead for good in the 10th inning of their 10-6 victory in Philadelphia.
Chris Sale threw 8 shutout frames, allowing just 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 12 Minnesota batters, earning the 7-0 decision for the White Sox.
Nori Aoki went 2-4, including a key 2 run triple that sparked the Royals come from behind 7-5 win over Cleveland.
They owned baseball on July 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.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 25th) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014
AP Photo
Yasiel Puig tied a 113 year old Dodger franchise record by smashing 3 triples in a single game. He added a double for good measure, driving in 2 and scoring twice as the Dodgers demolished the Giants, 8-1.
Zack Greinke inched the Dodgers closer to first with 7 dazzling shutout innings, striking out 10 (including 4 in one inning) in the 8-1 blow out in San Francisco.
Ben Zobrist did not hit them hard, but he hit them often. His 4 hits helped the Rays beat the Red Sox 6-4 and win their 8th in a row.
David Price threw 8 strong innings, striking out 10 and walking none, topping his arch rival Red Sox for a 6-4 victory in Tampa Bay.
They owned baseball on July 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.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 24th) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014
TOM SZCZERBOWSKI/GETTY IMAGES
Marcus Stroman pitched a no hitter into the 7th, finishing the game with 7 shutout 1 hit innings, striking out 7 as the Blue Jays thrashed the Red Sox, 8-0.
Brandon Moss got on base 3 times and hit a grand slam (that won me and everyone else in attendance a pizza!) helping the A’s clobber the Astros 13-1.
Matt Garza threw 8 innings of 2 hit ball, allowing just 1 run on a solo homer and earned the 9-1 win for the Brewers over the Mets.
Rene Rivera led a rare offensive outburst for the Padres, going 3-5 with a homer and 3 RBI in the 13-3 drubbing of the Cubs.
They owned baseball on July 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.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 23rd) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014
AP
Bartolo Colon threw a no hitter for 6 2/3 innings and finished with 7 1/3 innings of 3 hit 1 walk ball and the Mets hung on for a 3-2 win in Seattle.
Mark Reynolds helped the Brewers continue their winning ways with 3 hits including a pair of homers in the 5-1 victory over Cincinnati.
Alex Cobb pitched 7 innings of shutout ball, striking out 10 and walking none as the surging Rays topped St. Louis, 3-0.
Yoenis Cespedes homered twice, driving in 5 runs. The game would tighten up but Oakland won 9-7 over Houston.
They owned baseball on July 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.
How All Of The Twins Hitters Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree
The Twins won World Series in 1987 and 1991 based on a great number of Draft Picks. When the team struggled for a decade after the 91 Title, the club used another core of players drafted for another successful run. Now after a 3 year plus hiatus from contention, the club has been stockpiling great talent in the Minors, and maybe ready for another run really soon.
How All Of The Twins Hitters Were Acquired:
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Quite frankly, the Twins Roster Tree for the hitters was pretty uneventful.
The majority of the players were drafted by the team – or signed as a Free Agent. The greatest form of a chain of transactions revolve around Eduardo Escobar.
The Twins Utility Infielder can be traced all the way back to them drafting A.J. Pierzynski. That trade enabled the franchise for a string of Division wins based on the players brought back.
Joe Nathan and Francisco Liriano were key contributors for almost a decade each. Liriano was dealt in 2012 for the Utility Infielder.
Josh Willingham and Kurt Suzuki highlight the club’s Free Agent signings. These guys may be made available for the pending Trade Deadline.
The Twins are an organization that has built within a couple of separate times for lengthy success runs.
In the late 80’s and early 90’s, the franchise parlayed drafts of Kirby Puckett, Kent Hrbek, Gary Gaetti, Frank Viola, Chuck Knoblauch and Scott Erickson into 2 World Series wins. Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 22nd) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014
Morry Gash – AP
Jonathan Lucroy homered twice, including a walkoff shot in the 9th inning, giving the Brewers a 4-3 win over the Reds.
Carlos Santana went 4-5 with a homer and a pair of doubles, driving in a pair and scoring twice, leading the Indians past the Twins, 8-2.
Jacob deGrom pitched 7 strong innings, allowing just 1 run and 1 walk while striking out 7 Mariners, earning the 3-1 decision for the Mets.
Miguel Gonzalez pitched into the 8th, finishing with 7 2/3 innings of 3 hit, 2 run ball as the Orioles defeated the Angels, 4-2.
They owned baseball on July 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.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 21st) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014
Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images
Chris Sale struck out 8 Kansas City batters in 7 innings, letting up just 1 run and earning the 3-1 victory for the White Sox.
David Ortiz homered twice, driving in 4, as the Red Sox crushed the Blue Jays 14-1.
Wily Peralta allowed just 3 hits, 1 run and 2 walks over 7 innings as the Brewers beat the Reds 5-2 and retained first place.
Hunter Pence went 3 for 5, drove in a pair of key runs, including an RBI triple and scored another, helping the Giants come from behind in Philadelphia, 7-4.
They owned baseball on July 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.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 20th) – Updated Yearly WOB Totals For 2014
AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi
Odrisamer Despaigne threw no hit ball until there were 2 outs in the 8th inning. He wound up going 7 2/3 innings with 2 hits and 3 walks, allowing just one run. He didn’t get the decision but the Padres walked off 2-1 winners against the Mets.
Jon Lester threw 8 shutout innings, giving up 4 hits and striking out 8, earning the 6-0 victory for the Red Sox and completing the sweep of the Royals.
Neil Walker got 3 hits including a homer, scoring a pair as the Pirates topped the Rockies 5-3.
Jacoby Ellsbury got on base 5 times, including a double and a pair of stolen bases. He scored the game winning run as the Yankees walked off as 3-2 winners over the Reds.
They owned baseball on July 20, 2014.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 19th) – Updated Yearly WOB Totals For 2014
DUANE BURLESON/GETTY IMAGES
Corey Kluber game within an out of a complete game, finishing with 10 strikeouts over 8 2/3 innings allowing just 2 runs in the Indians 6-2 win that began a double header sweep of the Tigers.
Cole Hamels dominated Atlanta with 7 strong innings, allowing just 4 hits and 1 run, striking out 9 while walking none, earning the 2-1 decision for Philadelphia.
Adam Jones reached base 3 times, homered and drove in 5 runs as the Orioles took a potential playoff preview 8-4 in Oakland.
Paul Goldschmidt reached base 5 times, doubled, homered, drove in 3 runs and scored 3, powering the Diamondbacks past the Cubs, 9-3.
They owned baseball on July 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.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 18th) – Updated Yearly WOB Totals For 2014
Denis Poroy – Getty Images
Travis d’Arnaud got 3 hits including an RBI single in the first and the go ahead RBI single in the 9th that lead the Mets to a 5-4 victory in San Diego.
Jason Kipnis homered twice including a 3 run homer that gave Cleveland the lead in a 7 run 7th inning and a 9-3 win over Detroit.
Madison Bumgarner pitched 6 strong innings, allowing just 4 hits and 1 run while striking out 7 Marlins. He was lifted as the game got out of hand and the Giants took a 9-1 laugher.
Yu Darvish struck out 12 batters in 6 2/3 in 5 innings, allowing just 1 run and got the decision as the Rangers topped Toronto 5-1.
They owned baseball on July 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.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 16, 2014
JEFF ROBERSON/AP
Lousy hats, Derek Jeter overkill, pitchers not going long enough, a few rule changes and wondering where the tribute to Tony Gwynn was.
It is the All Star Game episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Mike Trout, Glen Perkins, Jonathan LuCroy and Tony Watson used the All Star Game to add to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 15th – ALL – Star Game Edition) – Updated Yearly WOB Totals For 2014
L.G. PATTERSON/MLB.COM
Mike Trout earned All Star Game MVP honors by doubling and tripling, driving in a pair of runs including the eventual game winning run for the American League.
Glen Perkins closed out the game and home field advantage for the American League in front of his home town fans with a 1-2-3 ninth.
They owned baseball on July 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.
The Minnesota Twins Players, Organizational Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB)
Ron Gardenhire and Tom Kelly have been the only 2 men to manage the Twins in the last 27 years. Having stability in the Manager and GM position lends itself for a proper run franchise in terms of on the field success. The Twins will give Gardenhire the chance to rebuild with this club yet again. Stocked with several young prospects, we could the club turn around to be a contender again in the next few years.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @mlbreports and Jeff Kleiner (Salary, Roster and Depth Chart Expert for the MLB) – visit his website here Follow @prosportsroster
The Minnesota Twins have had 3 – 90+ Losses Seasons in a row. This came right on the heels of the franchise having made the playoffs 6 out of 9 years.
All of those Post Season Appearances were made as Division Champions from the AL Central.
The Twins had enough smarts about them to understand where they were in the 1990’s. The management knew the club was better off building within – rather than spending via Free Agency.
From 1993 – 2000, the team never finished better than 4th in the Division they played. The club drafted really high for this time period, and had a nice renaissance by the time 2001 started.
For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries Posts that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.
Joe Mauer 2013 Highlights
How All Of The Nats Players Were Acquired: (Trade, Signed, Drafted, Waiver Wire) + Analysis
How All Of The Washington Nationals Players Were Acquired:
Strasburg and Harper are the franchises future. Through drafting and smart trades, the club is now considered one of the best talented clubs in the MLB as of now. Despite dealing with several injuries this current 2013 season – the future is definitely bright in DC. The club has strong pitching in the Major Leagues – with some help coming for more years to come. They have potential ALL – Stars in almost every position. Lets see how all of the players were acquired.
Tuesday July.23/2013
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
At the MLB Reports, we intend to show you the Roster Tree for the Washington Nationals – 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.
The Rise of the Nationals
MLB 30 Team Power Rankings: Week 17
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Follow @mlbreportsSunday July.21/2013
The Cardinals are the big benefactor of an early July swoon by the Pirates. Will this team make some moves at the deadline – to aid the young Starting Rotation Innings? Will Chris Carpenter be able to make an impact for the club at some point this campaign? They sit perched back up upon the MLBR Power Rankings for now. The Cards have made 7 out of the last 12 NLCS showdowns – holding a 3 – 4 record in those years – and a 2 – 1 mark in the World Series.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
The Tampa Bay Rays are making a huge statement. Even as I write this post, they have a commanding 4 – 1 lead on the Toronto Blue Jays, which would make the 58 – 41, and no worse than 1.5 Games Behind the Boston Red Sox heading into play tomorrow.
The Rays will head to Fenway Park right after this for a four game series – before concluding a 10 game Road Swing at Yankee Stadium. They could end up in 1st place in the AL East by next week.
With their pitching strength – and new underrated offense, would anyone pick against them for the rest of the season? I have slotted them 7 positions higher than the previous week.
Chris Carpenter 5 months ago, He is now rehabbing in the Minor Leagues with a chance to come back in 2013 – Amazing!
Shutting The Door: Who Are The Top Five Closers In Each League At The Break?
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Follow @mlbreportsTuesday July 16th, 2013
Mariano Rivera holds the ALL-Time Record for any closer (active or retired) with 638 Saves. He has been the most dominant Relief Pitcher on the planet over the last two decades. What is incredible, is that he never has a bad season – which is prone to happen to even Hall Of Fame Relief Pitchers. Rivera also leads Active Pitchers in ERA (2.20), Games Finished (1089) and a WHIP 1.005. Add another 42 Saves, and a 0.70 ERA in 142 IP in his Post Season Career – and you are talking about the standard which any future Closer will be measured up to.
By Dan Wanser (Baseball Writer): Follow @DanWanser
You’re playing your rivals in a game that can put you in first place. You go in to the top of the 9th inning with the score 3-2.
Your starter went a solid seven innings, and then your middle reliever got you through the 8th. Three outs away, who do you call in from the pen?
This one guy will be the difference in whether you win or you lose. He needs to come in and get the next three outs, arguably the most important three outs of the game.
In this nerve-racking situation, you need a guy who can come in, put his nerves aside, and finish off this ballgame to get the win. Who are you bringing in from the pen? Your closer.
So if your team is in this situation, who do you want in the game? Here’s the pitchers who I think have been the best closers in this first half of the season.
Top MLB Teams 1 – 30: Monthly Rankings + (Top 200 Stats For Reading And Fantasy Baseball)
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Follow @mlbreportsThursday July.11/2013
The Giants have gone 9 – 23 in their last 32 Games – and are in danger of having a brutal campaign just one year after capturing the World Series. Key injuries and overlogged pitchers have been the main point of contention. They lost 8 Ranking Spots this past time. Should they also become sellers at the Trade Deadline, Tim Lincecum and Hunter Pence could fetch a few players in return. The Giants are currently 40 – 50 and 6.5 Games behind the NL West Leading DBACKS – but are in last in the NL West.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
The time has come for the July Power Rankings with Stats Edition. There will be one each for May, June, July, August, September – and then a special playoff edition Power Rankings will be done in October.
I will not do a weekly Power Rankings during these weeks, because in essence, these are the weekly rankings done on a much larger scale.
These Reports are done with a heavy thought to how the teams project by the end of the season – along with how the clubs have fared so far.
I will point out who has had great months for the all 30 MLB Teams. I reward the good performances in these rankings – and leave the poor ones for the Podcasts or future articles. CLICK THE READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON or scroll past the video and picture.
Streaking Tigers look To Run Away With The AL Central In The 2nd Half
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Follow @mlbreportsWednesday July.10/2013
As of the 10th of July, the Tigers are 49 -40 and sit 3.5 games in front of the Cleveland Indians in first place in the AL Central. The question is, should they be running away with the division instead of just treading water at the to? Luckily for the Tigers they have a very easy second half schedule, probably the easiest of all MLB division leaders. Can they run away with the division? We’ll find out soon.
By Dan Wanser (Baseball Writer): Follow @DanWanser
Going into play today, the Tigers sit 3.5 games ahead of the Cleveland Indians in the AL Central.
However, should they be further ahead. Because of last year, many people who follow the MLB expected Detroit to run away with the division,and that hasn’t been the case.
Last season, the Tigers finished their season with an 88 – 74 record – and won 33 of their last 44 home games down the stretch after a slow start. The Tigers need another run like that this year to solidify their spot in the playoffs.
2013 Detroit Tigers Pump-Up Video:
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Targets For The Trade Deadline
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Follow @mlbreportsWednesday, July.03, 2013
Patrick Corbin has been the ace of the Diamondbacks rotation this season, and Arizona is 15-2 in his starts this season. Corbin did suffer his first defeat this season, but he received almost no run support in this start and his previous five starts. Corbin has 2.49 ERA with a WHIP of 1.01 with 89 strikeouts in 115 innings pitched this season. He is holding opposing batters to a .209 average this season, and lefties are only hitting .140 against him this season. Corbin is especially tough when runners are in scoring position, as the opposition is only hitting .194. He is ranked 7th in the NL with a WAR of 3.0 for pitchers.
By Chris Lacey (Lead Baseball Columnist/Minority Website Owner) Follow @aecanada12
The Arizona Diamondbacks are the leaders in the National League West, and normally when a team leads a division they are considered the strongest or the best team in that division.
This is not the case with Arizona; they are one game over.500 at 42-41 and have lost five straight games. They are could be the weakest first place team in baseball.
Paul Goldschmidt Highlights- So Parental Guidance Is Advised
More Minnesota Twins Trade Candidates
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Wednesday July.03 /2013
Kevin Correia is, in my mind, the most likely Twin on the move. Not far behind are Morneau, Willingham, and Burton. Correia isn’t the best Starting Pitcher on the market, but he is pitching well and has shown the same ability in the past. He was an All-Star for Pittsburgh in 2011. He has turned out to be a pretty good sign this off-season by the Minnesota.
By Ryan Dana (MLB Reports Writer and Red Sox Correspondent): Follow @ryandana1
Our new ‘Lead Baseball Columnist’ Chris Lacey wrote about the Morneau and Willingham Trade Market yesterday here – and it had me thinking who else could be on the block – and my thoughts on those guys?
Much like the last article I wrote on the Chicago Cubs trade candidates, the Minnesota Twins will be in selling mode too as the 2013 trade deadline approaches.
With that being said, the Twins have less selling to do. Twins fans will remember they already did some of that this past offseason.
The Twins have a record of 36-44 just 7.5 Games Back of 1st place. However they are in 4th place only ahead of the Chicago White Sox, and it is my belief that is where they will end the 2013 season.
They won’t upgrade their Major League roster via trade this year, but they may add to the talent in their farm system which is growing to be pretty strong.
The Twins had the 4th ranked farm system at the start of the season according to Baseball Prospectus.
I’m not sure how much to trust the rankings because they have the Yankees ranked above the Red Sox which is laughable in my opinion, but my points stand, they are still in the rebuilding process and are doing well at it.
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