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FanDuel Daily Fantasy Sports Selections For MLB Action Apr 12, 2016

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Josh Robbins (Featured Fantasy Writer/60ft6in.com) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

Hi, my name is Josh Robbins.  I would like to share my Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) strategy with you throughout the MLB season.  Fanduel is my preferred game of skill.

Welcome to the 2nd week of the 2016 MLB season.

3-Strikes: Here’s what you expect from my daily articles:

My Top 3 Starting Pitchers (aces, mid-level, bargain)

My Top 3 Stacking Options (multiple players from the same team)

My Top 3 BVP (Batter vs. Pitcher) Options Read the rest of this entry

San Francisco Giants Payroll In 2016 + Contracts Going Forward

The Giants have won the World Series in 2010, 2012 and 2014 recently. A lot of the core is still intact for 2016 - and they could add in Free Agency over the winter, while the Dodgers may not be as formidable in 2016 either. With some flexibility coming in the forms of finances, the San Fran club should spend what they can in 2016 - go for another few premiere players, before trying any form of rebuilding afterwards. The Giants finished the 2015 season a disappointing 83 - 79 - which continued their odd curse.

The Giants have won the World Series in 2010, 2012 and 2014 recently. A lot of the core is still intact for 2016 – and they added Johnny Cueto, Jeff Samardija and Denard Span as key Free Agency overs the winter, while the Dodgers may not be as formidable in 2016 either.  The Giants finished the 2015 season a disappointing 84 – 78 – which continued their odd year curse. Already at about a total team salary of $176 MIL in 2016 – with an AAV of about $189 MIL – and may be over it before the season ends.  They would just be 1st time abusers, so they should go for it if a deal can be struck to improve the club. 

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

Yep.  The Giants are heading into an even year this decade – and will try for a fourth time in a row to become World Champions.

The 1st thing we look at when it comes to payroll is how much a team has in guaranteed contracts.  This franchise is looking at $176 MIL in 2016.

Jake Peavy, Angel Pagan, Santiago Casilla and Javier Lopez are on the last year of their individual pacts and are not on the payroll beyond this year.

Brian Sabean may consider this when he makes some midseason moves for guys who may be on the last year of their contracts elsewhere. 

The Giants spent almost $40 MIL on Disabled List stints in 2015 – and it may have cost them a chance to make the playoffs. 

They are the 2nd favored team (+900) to win the World Series (in overall MLB and the NL) to the Cubs (+650)

San Fran has a chance to win 4 rings in 7 seasons, and should not be dissuaded from going over the $189 MIL Luxury Tax Threshold either.  The club has paid off all of its debt – and is raking in the cash.

The Giants routinely sellout AT & T Park, and will continue to do so.  This venue is considered the #1 stadium by most of the percentage of people who have seen all 30 MLB Parks. 

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast Archives May.1, 2013 – May.31, 2013 (Episodes 190 – 220)

sunkenDFiamond

Paul Francis Sullivan (please call him Sully) does a podcast 365 days a year – unless it is a leap year – then he will do another 1. He has done a show everyday since Oct.24/2012. This to date represents a streak of 1219 days consecutively!

Past the CLICK TO READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY are episodes 190 – 220 of the Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

We will also archive all of his podcasts to date (in coming weeks) so they are easily accessible for all his fans. Check out all his Archived info here.

Our website followers have grown larger each year for his podcast.

Follow Sully Baseball On Twitter

To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.
Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2016 MLB World Series

The Nationals were 36 - 25 in the games that Denard Span appeared in for the 2015 year.  He is going to help some offense as a legitimate leadoff man in 2016 who can play a decent CF.  HIs pending departure will be felt significantly more if Jayson Werth has another injury riddled year - or if Michael Taylor can't take the next step in 2016.

The Nationals were 36 – 25 in the games that Denard Span appeared in for the 2015 year. He is going to help  the Giants offense as a legitimate leadoff man in 2016 and can play all 3 positions in the Outfield.  They have 3 decent starting players beyond the grass, and should be able to fill all 162 games with Belt and Blanco also being on the depth chart out there.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

I absolutely love the Giants Free Agent Signing of Denard Span.  This is a club that has extreme depth in all 3 OF positions now, and Span has worked the role of a Leadoff man brilliantly in the last several years.

Yes between he, Hunter Pence and Angel Pagan they have spent time on the sick bay over the last few years, but when you add that Brandon Belt could play LF, or Gregor Blanco who filled in admirably well in 2015, than you see that the roster just became stronger.

It is for these reasons alone I have finally taken the +900 odd off as one of my worst picks on the betsheet.  This signing definitely tips the scales back in San Frans favor over the Dodgers.

The 1 – 8 lineup looks nice with Span, Joe Panik, Buster Posey, Hunter Pence, Brandon Belt, Matt Duffy, Brandon Crawford and Angel Pagan all capable MLB Starter.  I could see this squad leading the Batting Average in the Majors in the coming year.

While I love the club, the odd at +900 is bang on now. Read the rest of this entry

San Francisco Giants State Of The Union For 2016

With the club pretty much being set for players all around the Infield and Outfield, and now the Starting Staff, the Giants look poised to make another run at a World Series run for an even year this decade. 2016 will see several of its Bullpen members on the last year of their contracts.

With the club pretty much being set for players all around the Infield and Outfield, and now the Starting Staff, the Giants look poised to make another run at a World Series run for an even year this decade. 2016 will see several of its Bullpen members on the last year of their contracts.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part-Owner) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

The only real need to upgrade could be at the Outfield level, with either a CF/LF.    Angel Pagan is also in the last year of his deal, so maybe signing a guy to man the position beyond this coming year would be an option.

The Starting Rotation will be a lot stronger in 2016 with the additions of Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija

You can say what you want about Cueto’s time in Kansas City not being as effective., but he has played most of his career in Cincinnati – and pitched extremely well at Great American Ball Park.

Funny enough his best years have also come in even years with finishing 4th in NL Cy Young Voting in 2012, and 2nd   in 2014, when he led the NL in Innings Pitched with 249.2 – and Strikeouts with 241 for the Reds.

Samardzija still has great stuff, and as a #3 Starter, you could see him bouncing back with a nice year in San Francisco. Read the rest of this entry

San Francisco Giants Payroll In 2016 + Contracts Going Forward

The Giants have won the World Series in 2010, 2012 and 2014 recently. A lot of the core is still intact for 2016 - and they could add in Free Agency over the winter, while the Dodgers may not be as formidable in 2016 either. With some flexibility coming in the forms of finances, the San Fran club should spend what they can in 2016 - go for another few premiere players, before trying any form of rebuilding afterwards. The Giants finished the 2015 season a disappointing 83 - 79 - which continued their odd curse.

The Giants have won the World Series in 2010, 2012 and 2014 recently. A lot of the core is still intact for 2016 – and they could add in Free Agency over the winter, while the Dodgers may not be as formidable in 2016 either. With some flexibility coming in the forms of finances, the San Fran club should spend what they can in 2016 – go for another few premiere players, before trying any form of rebuilding afterwards. The Giants finished the 2015 season a disappointing 84 – 78 – which continued their odd year curse.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

Yep.  The Giants are heading into an even year this decade – and will try for a fourth time in a row to become World Champions.

The 1st thing we look at when it comes to payroll is how much a team has in guaranteed contracts.  So far for next year, this sum is $128.1 MIL for 11 players.

Jake Peavy, Angel Pagan, Santiago Casilla and Javier Lopez are on the last year of their individual pacts and are not on the payroll beyond this year. Read the rest of this entry

Madison Bumgarner and Lorenzo Cain Owned October (#WOO)

Scott Strazzante, SF Chronicle - David J. Phillip, AP

Scott Strazzante, SF Chronicle – David J. Phillip, AP

One threw a shutout in the Wild Card Game and captured NLCS and World Series MVP honors.

The other got a pair of hits and drove in a pair in the Wild Card Game, batted .533 with an OPS of 1.255 to win ALCS MVP and took his potent bat and highlight catches into the World Series.

Madison Bumgarner of the San Francisco Giants and Lorenzo Cain of the Kansas City Royals owned October in 2014.

I pick a pitcher and hitter every game from each winning post season team and award them a WOO (Who Owns October.)

And I also have the option to give a 1/2 WOO to a player on a losing team.

I awarded Who Owns the World Series to Bumgarner and his teammate Hunter Pence.

But WOO tallies every post season game, from the Wild Card Game all the way to the final pitch of Game 7 of the World Series.

So not only are the Giants and Royals represented, but so are the Orioles, Cardinals, Tigers, Athletics, Angels, Pirates, Dodgers and Nationals.

Hunter Pence, Pablo Sandoval, Brandon Crawford, Nelson Cruz, Alcides Escobar, Eric Hosmer, Travis Ishikawa, Buster Posey and Kolten Wong all got 2 or higher WOO as hitters to trail Cain’s total of 4. Interestingly Bryce Harper also got 2 WOO even though his Nationals lost the Division Series and did not have the ability to pad his total in the LCS and World Series.

Bumgarner’s 6 1/2 WOO total was more than double the next name, his teammate Yusmeiro Petit who pitched to a 3 WOO all in relief.

Kelvin Herrera and Greg Holland got 2 WOO in relief. Jason Vargas and Yordano Ventura got 2 WOOs as starters.

So they Bumgarner and Cain had amazing post seasons and that will remembered by their fans forever.

They did more than show up for October. They owned it.

Madison Bumgarner And Hunter Pence Owned The 2014 World Series (#WOWS)

MLB.com

MLB.com

Did Madison Bumgarner get the Win or Save tonight? Oh it doesn’t matter. All that matters is that he dominated like no pitcher I have ever seen in my life. 1 run in 21 World Series innings? Being the pitcher to clinch the World Series?

It was a World Series for the ages.

Hunter Pence hit the homer in the top of the first in Game 1 that set the tone of the World Series. He would hit ,429 with a homer and 5 RBI. He got 2 more hits in the Game 7 finale and scored a run.

They were the pitcher and the hitter who owned the 2014 World Series.

Kelvin Herrera with his stellar relief work for the Royals earned 1 1/2 WOWs as well.

Each winning team for every World Series game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns the World Series.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOWS to a worthy player on the losing team.

For a full explanation, click HERE

Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) + Who Owns the World Series? (#WOWS) Final Tallies Updated For Game 7 – 2014 World Series

Scott Strazzante - San Francisco Chronicle

Scott Strazzante – San Francisco Chronicle

So October 2014 is officially owned by Madison Bumgarner. Savor this amazing post season.

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.

When it comes to the World Series, I do a separate tally: WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.) This is still up for grabs

It is important to separate Postseason and World Series accomplishments. It is the purist in me.

For a full explanation, click HERE

From October 29th World Series Game 7:

Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS

Madison Bumgarner finished his historic post season with 5 shutout innings out of the bullpen, holding Kansas City to 2 hits and clinched the World Series for the Giants with a 3-2 win. 

Pablo Sandoval capped off a marvelous World Series with a 3-3 performance, reaching base 4 times, scoring twice played solid defense and caught the final out as the Giants took Game 7, 3-2 in Kansas City.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS

Alex Gordon went 2-4, scored a run, drove in a run and hit the dramatic 2 out hit that took him all the way to third in the bottom of the 9th. He was stranded as the Royals fell 3-2 to the Giants.

Kelvin Herrera pitched the Royals out of trouble with 2 2/3 shutout innings of relief, striking out 4 and walking none. San Francisco would hold on to win, 3-2.

Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) + Who Owns the World Series? (#WOWS) Tallies Updated For Game 6 – 2014 World Series

USA Today Sports

USA Today Sports

So October 2014 is officially owned by Madison Bumgarner. Savor this amazing post season.

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.

When it comes to the World Series, I do a separate tally: WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.) This is still up for grabs

It is important to separate Postseason and World Series accomplishments. It is the purist in me.

For a full explanation, click HERE

From October 28th World Series Game 6:

Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS

Yordano Ventura dominated the Giants with 7 shutout innings, allowing just 3 hits and forced a game 7 with a 10-0 victory in Kansas City.

Lorenzo Cain drove in 3 runs, scored another, doubled and reached base 4 times, leading the Royals offense to the 10-0 season saving thrashing of San Francisco.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS

No Giants hitter nor pitcher earned a WOO or a WOWS

Madison Bumgarner clinched Owning October! (Plus #WOO and #WOWS updates for World Series Game 5)

JAMIE SQUIRE/GETTY IMAGES

JAMIE SQUIRE/GETTY IMAGES

Madison Bumgarner‘s complete game shutout tonight was obviously worth his title of Owning October and the World Series tonight. But it did more than that.

His 5 1/2 WOO (Who Owns October) total for the post season can not be passed. With only 2 games left, nobody can pass Bumgarner. Hunter Pence, Lorenzo Cain and Yusmeiro Petit all have a total of 3. Even if they pick up a WOO the last 2 games, they can not pass Bumgarner.

So October 2014 is officially owned by Madison Bumgarner. Savor this amazing post season.

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.

When it comes to the World Series, I do a separate tally: WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)

It is important to separate Postseason and World Series accomplishments. It is the purist in me.

For a full explanation, click HERE

From October 26th World Series Game 5:

Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS

Madison Bumgarner continued his October dominance with his second complete game shutout of the month and second win of the series. He allowed just 4 Kansas City hits, walked, none and struck out 8, giving the Giants a 5-0 victory.

Brandon Crawford got 2 hits and drove in 3 runs, leading the Giants offense to beat the Royals 5-0.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS

James Shields kept the Royals in the game with 6 solid innings, working out of jams and let up just 2 runs. He would be the hard luck loser to the Giants 5-0.

Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) + Who Owns the World Series? (#WOWS) Tallies Updated For Game 4 – 2014 World Series

ROB CARR/GETTY IMAGES

ROB CARR/GETTY IMAGES

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.

When it comes to the World Series, I do a separate tally: WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)

It is important to separate Postseason and World Series accomplishments. It is the purist in me.

For a full explanation, click HERE

From October 25th World Series Game 4:

Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS

Hunter Pence, went 3-5, drove in 3, beat out a double play grounder to let another run come in, scored twice and played terrific defense in the Giants surreal 11-4 victory against Kansas City.

Yusmeiro Petit was his usual dominating self, giving the Giants 3 shutout innings of relief and contributing a basehit as well. He got the 11-4 victory over the Royals.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS

Salvador Perez collected 3 hits including an RBI single in the third that gave the Royals a 4-1 lead. The Giants would eventually respond with 10 unanswered runs and win 11-4.

Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) + Who Owns the World Series? (#WOWS) Tallies Updated For Game 3 – 2014 World Series

Screen shot 2014-10-24 at 10.19.03 PM

EZRA SHAW/GETTY IMAGES

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.

When it comes to the World Series, I do a separate tally: WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)

It is important to separate Postseason and World Series accomplishments. It is the purist in me.

For a full explanation, click HERE

From October 24th World Series Game 3:

Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS

Alcides Escobar doubled on the first pitch of the game and scored a pair of runs, helping the Royals edge the Giants 3-2.

Greg Holland needed just 8 pitches to dispatch the heart of the Giants order in the bottom of the 9th, making a terrific play on the final out of Kansas City’s 3-2 victory.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS

Tim Hudson pitched into the 6th inning, going 5 2/3, letting up 4 hits and 1 walk. The Giants bullpen allowed an inherited run to score and he was a hard luck loser to the Royals

Michael Morse came off the bench to drill a pinch hit RBI double and came around to score. That would be all the Giants offense as they lost to the Royals 3-2.

Kansas City Royals Pitching Roster Tree In 2014 – World Series Edition: Shields Pivotal Despite Playoff Struggles

How All Of The 2014 Royals Pitchers Were Acquired:

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

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While James Shields has not had a banner postseason – however it is important to remember his influence on culture change in the Royals clubhouse for this successful franchise turnaround.

The trade that brought the RHP, also brought in Wade Davis, who may be the most important pitcher on the squad other than Greg Holland this campaign.

Dayton Moore has done a fantastic job of assembling this franchise’s roster over the last 5 – 7 years.  It came on the heels of a quarter century of futility yes, but the future definitely looks  bright.

As we have said before, teams residing in either league’s Central Division have a fair chance of competing in a season every year.

The highest payroll team is the Detroit Tigers, but they are not in the stratosphere of the Dodgers, Yankees, Rangers, Angels and Phillies, were there is a 2nd team in the division who can go buck wild in contracts.

The Nationals and Giants are able to spend in the $150 MIL range to join Philly and the Dodgers.  In the AL West, Texas and the Angels can mirror each other, whereas the Red Sox and Yankees own the AL East payroll leaders.

St. Louis is the highest NL Central club, and are always near the fringe of the top 10 for dollars spent annually only.  

The Tigers are the only franchise spending big cash in the AL Central, although the White Sox have delved into higher salaries in previous seasons – when they drew well following the 2005 World Series.  They have since scaled back.

The Royals should be able to field a nice team for the next 2 – 3 years, and it shouldn’t break the bank for the ownership.

  Detroit has aging and hefty contract problems coming up, and KC has more depth for the  1 – 25 Roster, when it comes to withstanding injuries

For the foreseeable few seasons ahead, you will bank on the emergence of Yordano Ventura and Danny Duffy to continue their development as aces, and the Relief Core is the still the strongest asset of the equation. Read the rest of this entry

Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) + Who Owns the World Series? (#WOWS) Tallies Updated For WED Oct.22, 2014

 Photo: David J. Phillip, AP

Photo: David J. Phillip, AP

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.

When it comes to the World Series, I do a separate tally: WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)

It is important to separate Postseason and World Series accomplishments. It is the purist in me.

For a full explanation, click HERE

From October 22nd World Series Game 2:

Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS

Kelvin Herrera threw 1 2/3 key innings in relief, allowing no hits and earning the 7-2 win for the Royals over San Francisco.

Omar Infante made several solid defensive plays, doubled and hit a back breaking 2 run homer that put the 7-2 victory for the Royals over the Giants on ice.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS

Gregor Blanco led off the game with a home run to right. The Giants momentum would not last as they lost 7-2 in Kansas City.

Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) Who Owns the World Series? (#WOWS) Tallies Updated For TUES Oct.21, 2014

DAVID J. PHILLIP/AP

DAVID J. PHILLIP/AP

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.

When it comes to the World Series, I do a separate tally: WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)

It is important to separate Postseason and World Series accomplishments. It is the purist in me.

For a full explanation, click HERE

From October 21st World Series Game 1:

Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS.

Madison Bumgarner continued his post season dominance by throwing 6 shutout innings before letting up his first ever World Series run. He would get the win, throwing 7 innings of 1 run, 3 hit, 1 walk ball, earning the 7-1 decision for the Giants in Kansas City.

Hunter Pence clocked a 2 run homer that gave the Giants a cushion in the first inning. He reached base 4 times, also getting a double and scoring a pair, leading the Giants to a 7-1 Game 1 thrashing of the Royals.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS

 Salvador Perez homered in the 7th for the Royals only run in their 7-1 loss to San Francisco.

Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) Tallies Updated For NLCS Game THU Oct.16, 2014

San Francisco Chronicle

San Francisco Chronicle

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.

For a full explanation, click HERE

From October 16th NLCS Game:

Receiving 1 WOO’s.

Travis Ishikawa hit the dramatic, pennant clinching 3 run homer in the bottom of the 9th to down the Cardinals and send the Giants to the World Series, 6-3.

Madison Bumgarner gave the Giants 8 strong innings, allowing just 5 hits and 3 runs. He didn’t get the win but set up the Giants 6-3 clincher over the Cardinals and earned NLCS MVP honors.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s

Jon Jay collected 2 hits, including a double, drove in a run and played solid defense in the Cardinals 6-3 loss in San Francisco.

Adam Wainwright was excellent over 7 innings, allowing 4 hits and 2 runs, striking out 7 and left with the lead. The bullpen would blow the game and the Giants would eliminate St. Louis, 6-3.

 

Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) Tallies Updated For LCS Games Wed Oct.15, 2014

L.G. PATTERSON/MLB.COM

L.G. PATTERSON/MLB.COM

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.

For a full explanation, click HERE

From October 15th LCS Games:

Receiving 1 WOO’s

Alcides Escobar went 2-4, scored a run and kicked the ball out of the catchers glove to score another and then started a pair of double plays, helping the Royals clinch the pennant with a 2-1 win against Baltimore.

Yusmeiro Petit was brilliant again out of the bullpen, giving the Giants 3 innings of 1 hit shutout ball and earning the 6-4 decision against the Cardinals.

Buster Posey reached base 3 times and got a pair of RBI hits, driving in 3 in all as the Giants came from behind to beat St. Louis, 6-4

Jason Vargas allowed just 2 hits and struck out 6 in 5 1/3 innings while getting the pennant clinching 2-1 win over the Orioles in Kansas City.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s

Ryan Flaherty homered in the third, which proved to be the Orioles’ last run of the year as they lost the game 2-1 and the series to the Royals.

Kolten Wong doubled and homered, scoring a pair of runs, in the Cardinals 6-4 loss in San Francisco.

 

Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) Tallies Updated For LCS Games Mon Oct.14, 2014

Photo: Scott Strazzante / San Francisco Chronicle

Photo: Scott Strazzante / San Francisco Chronicle

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.

For a full explanation, click HERE

From October 14th LCS Games:

Receiving 1 WOO’s

Travis Ishikawa drove in 3 runs with a towering bases clearing double in the first innings. Without that big inning, the Giants would not have been in a position to top the Cardinals, 5-4 in 10 innings.

Lorenzo Cain made a fine catch for the second out in the 9th inning, collected a pair of hits and scored the tying run as the amazing Royals won again, 2-1 over Baltimore.

Jason Frasor earned the decision in the 6th inning by retiring Baltimore’s best hitters, Jones, Cruz and Pearce, in order and setting up the Kansas City go ahead rally which led to a 2-1 final.

Santiago Casilla continued his dominant pitching with a 9 pitch ninth inning that would set up the Giants 5-4 victory over the Cardinals in extra innings.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s

Kolten Wong doubled and tripled, driving in 2 runs in the Cardinals 5-4 extra inning loss in San Francisco.

J.J. Hardy doubled home the Orioles lone run in their 2-1 loss to the Royals.

Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) Tallies Updated For NLCS GAME SUN Oct.12, 2014

Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com

Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.

For a full explanation, click HERE

From October 12th NLCS Game:

Receiving 1 WOO’s

Kolten Wong launched a 9th inning walk off homer that sent Busch Stadium into a frenzy as the Cardinals topped the Giants 5-4.

Seth Maness was brought into a bases loaded situation in the 9th inning with the game tied and got out of the jam. He would earn the decision as the Cardinals walked off 5-4 winners.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s

 Gregor Blanco got a pair of hits including a go ahead single in the 7th. The Giants would lose to the Cardinals, 5-4.

Who Owned Baseball For 2014 – The Final Regular Season Tally

Getty Images, USA Today Sports and The Seattle Times

Getty Images, USA Today Sports and The Seattle Times

Andrew McCutchen of the Pirates… Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers… Mike Trout of the Angels… Felix Hernandez of the Mariners.

They all owned baseball in 2014.

After a full year of checking each game and determining which player owned the game for that day, there were 4 winners.

McCutchen beat out Atlanta’s Freddie Freeman by a 9 to 7 1/2 final.

Kershaw had the highest overall WOB total, 14 1/2, topping Johnny Cueto‘s 11.

The American League races were razor thin.

Trout beat Oakland’s Josh Donaldson by a final of 9 1/2 to 9. Meanwhile King Felix squeaked past Corey Kluber of the Indians 11 to 10 1/2 (with Chris Sale close by at 9)

If I turned in a ballot with McCutchen winning NL MVP, Kershaw winning NL Cy Young, Trout winning AL MVP and Hernandez winning the AL Cy Young, could anyone protest?

Sure I could make valid arguments for Giancarlo Stanton winning the NL MVP. (His WOB total was a surprisingly low 4.) And of course Kluber and Hernandez is basically a coin toss right now. But the above ballot would certainly be acceptable.

WOB works. Adding the 1/2 WOB dynamic made it more accurate than last year.

Thanks for following it for the year. For the post season, I will have new tallies for “Who Owned October?” (WOO) and “Who Owned the World Series?” (WOWS.)

To view the Final Tally of 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 Sept 28, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + FINAL 2014 #WOB Standings

Photo: Alex Brandon/AP

Photo: Alex Brandon/AP

Jordan Zimmermann threw the first no hitter in Washington Nationals history (and the franchise’s first since Dennis Martinez‘s perfect game for the Expos in 1991). He allowed only 1 walk while striking out 10 Miami hitters en route to his 1-0 masterpiece.

Sonny Gray provided relief for 2 months of Oakland frustration with a post season clinching 6 hit complete game shutout of the Rangers, striking out 5 and walking none.

Anthony Rizzo went 3-4 with a homer and 2 RBI, helping the Cubs win against Milwaukee 5-2.

Ian Kinsler homered, hit an RBI single and added another hit to lead the Tigers to the Division Title with a 3-0 victory over Minnesota.

They all owned baseball on Sept 28, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Sept 27, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

 (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Eduardo Escobar got 4 hits, including a 3 run homer, and drove in 6 runs, helping the Twins spoil the Tigers hopes of clinching with a 12-3 blow out.

Mark Trumbo got on base 3 times and drove in 4, including a tie breaking 3 run homer in the 7th that was the difference in Arizona’s 5-2 win against the Cardinals.

John Danks gave the White Sox 7 strong innings, scattering 5 hits and allowing just 2 runs, earning the 5-4 decision over Kansas City.

Wily Peralta finished his season with 17 wins following his 7 innings, 1 run and 13 strikeout performance against the Cubs for a 2-1 final.

 

They all owned baseball on Sept 27, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Sept 26, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer

Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer

Corey Kluber helped his Cy Young cause with an 8 inning, 5 hit shutout performance, striking out 11 Rays, walking 2 in a 1-0 pitchers duel in Cleveland.

Doug Fister gave the bullpen a rest for the first game of a double header as he threw a 3 hit complete game shut out as the Nationals blanked the Marlins, 4-0.

Dalton Pompey  Doubled and hit 2 triples (that is rare) driving in a pair, helping the Blue Jays top the Orioles, 4-2.

J.T. Realmuto missed the cycle by a homer, finished going 3-5 with 4 RBI in the Marlins wild 15-7 win in Washington.

They all owned baseball on Sept 26, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Sept 25, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

ROBERT SABO/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

ROBERT SABO/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Derek Jeter went out in Hollywood style, getting a double and a walk off single in the 9th, driving in 3 runs all together and giving Yankee fans one last thrill with a 6-5 win over Baltimore.

Pablo Sandoval went 3 for 3, driving in 4 runs, including one in the wild 3 run come from behind rally as the playoff bound Giants topped the Padres, 9-8.

Hiroki Kuroda let up homers to the first two batters he faced and then let up 1 hit and no walks the rest of the way. The bullpen blew his lead but he set up the Yankees dramatic 6-5 walk off victory over Baltimore.

Edinson Volquez inched the Pirates closer to the Division Lead with 7 brilliant innings, allowing 4 hits, 1 walk and 10 strikeouts, blowing out the Braves 10-1.

They all owned baseball on Sept 25, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Sept 24, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

ANDY LYONS/GETTY IMAGES

ANDY LYONS/GETTY IMAGES

Kyle Lohse kept the Brewers dim playoff hopes alive with a complete game 2 hit shutout with 6 strike outs and no walks, blanking the Reds 5-0.

Carl Crawford got on base 4 times, broke open the game with a 2 run double in the 6th and scored 3 more runs as the Dodgers clinched the NL West with a 9-1 blow out of the Giants.

Mark Buehrle pitched 8 shutout innings, allowing 3 hits, 1 walk and 10 strikeouts as the Blue Jays snuck past the fading Mariners, 1-0.

Ryan Flaherty collected 3 hits, including a 2 run double, and helped the Orioles come from behind to beat the Yankees, 9-5.

They all owned baseball on Sept 24, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Sept 23, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

JAE C. HONG/AP

JAE C. HONG/AP

Justin Turner hit a pair of homers off of Bumgarner and led the Dodgers to a 4-2 victory over the Giants.

Zack Greinke pitched 8 strong innings, allowing just 2 runs and walking no San Francisco batter, bringing the Dodgers a little closer to the NL West title with a 4-2.

Nick Markakis went 4-5 with a homer and 3 RBI, helping Baltimore top the Yankees, 5-4.

David Price pitched a shutout into the 9th and was an out from a complete game. While he blew the lead, he pitched 8 2/3, striking out 8 and walking none. The Tigers would walk off in the 9th 4-3 winners against the White Sox.

They all owned baseball on Sept 23, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Sept 22, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Adam Wainwright extended his scoreless inning streak to 21 while notching win number 20, throwing 7 scoreless 3 hit innings, striking out 8 Cubs for an 8-0 St. Louis triumph.

Michael Pineda kept the Yankees dim post season hopes alive with 7 1/3 innings of 1 hit shutout ball, striking out 8 and walking 1, beating the Orioles 5-0.

Gregor Blanco led off the game with a homer, scored in the third and hit a double that drove in a critical insurance run in the 13th as the Giants won a thrilling 5-2 extra inning marathon against the Dodgers.

Jose Bautista reached base 4 times, scored 3 times, drove in a pair, homered and made several fine defensive plays as the Blue Jays played spoiler to the Mariners 14-4.

They all owned baseball on Sept 22, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Sept 21, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

Bob Stanton, USA TODAY Sports

Bob Stanton, USA TODAY Sports

Josh Donaldson reached base 4 times, scored 3 and ended a wild 10 inning game with a 2 run walk off homer to give the A’s an 8-6 win over the Phillies.

Corey Kluber pitched 8 dominating innings, letting up 2 hits and 1 walk while striking out 14, as the Indians beat the White sox 7-2.

Matt Kemp went 4-5 with a homer and 4 RBI leading the Dodgers to an 8-5 win against the Cubs.

Vance Worley pitched the Pirates closer to contention with 8 innings of 4 hit shutout ball to get the 1-0 decision over Milwaukee.

They all owned baseball on Sept 21, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Sept 20, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

BILL KOSTROUN/AP

BILL KOSTROUN/AP

Jose Bautista reached base 5 times, scored 4 runs, lead off the go ahead rally with a walk where he would come around to score, launched a homer and had fun with the Yankee Stadium Bleacher Creatures as the Blue Jays beat the Yankees 6-3.

Chris Coghlan got on base 5 times, drove in 3, scored 3 and homered twice, the second one giving the Cubs the lead in a stunning come from behind 8-7 victory over the Dodgers.

Dallas Keuchel beat the Mariners in a game they could ill afford to lose. By going 8 innings, allowing 1 run and striking out 8, he got the decision in Houston’s 10-1 blow out.

Andrew Cashner took a shutout into the 9th inning. He would finish with 8 plus innings with 4 hits, 2 runs and 1 walk as the Padres held on against San Francisco, 3-2.

They all owned baseball on Sept 20, 2014.

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