Blog Archives

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.06) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

DOUG PENSINGER/GETTY IMAGES

DOUG PENSINGER/GETTY IMAGES

Carlos Gonzalez went 5-5 with 3 RBI, leading the relentless Colorado attack against Texas, 12-1.

Henderson Alvarez threw his second complete game shutout of the season. His 6 hitter against the Mets gave the Marlins a 3-0 victory.

Grady Sizemore got 3 hits including a walk off single off of the Green Monster in the 12th, sealing the Red Sox 4-3 win over Cincinnati.

Hiroki Kuroda was solid pitching into the 8th inning, letting up 1 earned run, striking out 8 Angels and walking none. The bullpen blew his lead but the Yankees won 4-3.

They owned baseball on May.06, 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.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.05) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

 

Morry Gash - AP

Morry Gash – AP

Carlos Gomez launched a lead off homer, got on base 5 times, scored twice and drove in 3 as the Brewers won the 22nd game, 8-3 over Arizona.

Stefan Romero hit his first big league homer and scored another run for the Mariners, who topped the A’s, 4-2.

Nathan Eovaldi pitched 7 solid innings, striking out 10 and walking just 1. He left the game down 3-0 but the Marlins bats picked up up, walking off against the Mets, 4-3.

Jered Weaver kept the Yankees from a big rally with 8 terrific if not dominating innings. He let up 6 hits but walked just 1 and let up only 1 run over 8 innings, earning the 4-1 Angels victory.

They owned baseball on May.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.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.04) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution/MCT

Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution/MCT

Brandon Crawford homered twice, driving in 3 runs, leading the Giants to a 4-1 win and a 3 game sweep of the Braves.

Dayan Viciedo‘s second hit of the day was a 3 run, come from behind go ahead 9th inning home run that gave the White Sox a 4-3 victory over the Indians.

Roberto Hernandez pitched into the 8th inning, finishing with 7 1/3 shutout innings, letting up just 4 hits and 3 walks, helping the Phillies sneak past the Nationals, 1-0.

Justin Verlander had a no hitter into the 6th inning. He finished with 7 strong, 4 hit innings, striking out 7 Royals. He got Detroit’s 9-4 victory.

They owned baseball on May.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.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.03) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Joe Mauer homered, scored from first on a hit, drove in another run and finished 3-4 with 4 RBI as the Twins won 6-1 over Baltimore.

Jon Lester dominated the A’s over 8 shutout innings. He let up just 1 hit, walking 2 and striking out a career high 15 as Boston won 6-3.

Dee Gordon went 5-6 in the leadoff spot. He also stole three bases, scored twice and drove in a pair as the Dodgers would top the Marlins in Miami, 9-7 in 11 innings.

Johnny Cueto topped the Brewers by throwing 8 innings of 3 hit ball. He let up a pair of solo homers and just a hit and a walk other than that. He struck out 10 in the process, earning the 6-2 victory in Cincinnati.

They owned baseball on May.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.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.02) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

NESN - MLB.com

NESN – MLB.com

Dustin Pedroia hit a grandslam, doubled, stole a base and got on 4 times as the Red Sox clobbered the A’s, 7-1.

Starling Marte went 4-5 and hit a walk off homer, sealing Pittsburgh’s come from behind victory over the Blue Jays, 6-5.

Ubaldo Jimenez pitched the Orioles into first place by dominating the Twins with 7 1/3 shutout innings, 3 hits, 1 walk and 10 strikeouts getting the 3-0 decision.

Wily Peralta threw 8 shutout frames, giving up just 3 hits and striking out 7 Reds, getting the decision in the 2-0 thriller for the Brewers.

They owned baseball on May.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.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.01) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Getty Images

Getty Images

Yunel Escobar hit a tie breaking, 9th inning homer off of the seemingly impervious Koji Uehara to give the Rays a 6-5 win and a double header sweep in Boston.

Juan Uribe combined to get on base 8 times over the course of the Dodgers double header sweep of the Twins. He doubled and drove in a pair in the 9-4 opener. He hit a game tying single in the 4-3 12 inning nightcap.

Roenis Elias shut down the Yankees offense with 7 innings, 6 hits and 1 earned run. He struck out 10 along the way to a Seattle 4-2 victory in the Bronx.

Juan Nicasio pitched 7 shutout innings (in Coors no less), holding the Mets to 3 hits and one walk as the Rockies won 7-4.

They owned baseball on May.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.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.30) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

Allen Craig collected 4 hits, missing the cycle by a triple, and drove in 3 runs as the Cardinals avoided a Milwaukee sweep, 9-3.

Tim Hudson was a strike from a complete game victory. He settled for 8 2/3 brilliant innings as the Giants topped the Padres, 3-2.

Hank Conger got on base 3 times and hit a go ahead 2 run homer as the Angels cruised past the Indians, 7-1.

Jesse Chavez shut down the Rangers bats. He held them to one hit, one walk and no runs while striking out 8. Oakland demolished their rival in Arlington, 12-1.

They owned baseball on April.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.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.29) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Steve Mitchell / USA Today Sports

Steve Mitchell / USA Today Sports

Jose Fernandez simply dominated the Atlanta Braves. He pitched 8 shutout 2 hit innings, striking out 8 and walking 2. He also made an amazing fake throw to draw off a runner from third and record an out at the plate. The best baseball show in Miami won the game, 9-0.

Lyle Overbay got two RBI singles, including one in the 11th inning that gave the Brewers a 5-4 lead they would not give up against the Cardinals.

John Lackey threw another solid game, going 8 innings, letting up 2 runs and walking just 1. He got the decision for Boston’s 7-4 win against Tampa Bay.

Mike Zunino collected 4 hits, driving in a run and scoring another, leading the Mariners to a 6-3 win against the Yankees.

They owned baseball on April.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.

Read the rest of this entry

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

Chris Sweda/ Chicago Tribune

Chris Sweda/ Chicago Tribune

Jose Abreu got three hits including a pair of homers. The second was a 2 out, bottom of the 9th, come from behind, walk off grand slam. Safe to say that was the highlight of the White Sox’s 9-6 win over the Rays.

Yordano Ventura pitched 8 shutout innings, striking out 8, and getting the 5-0 win for the Royals in Baltimore.

Carlos Gomez went 3-5 with a double, a stolen base and two runs scored, leading the Brewers to a 5-2 win over the Cubs.

Stephen Strasburg pitched seven dominating shutout innings. He struck out 11 Padres, walking just 2 and got the 11-1 victory for the Nationals.

They owned baseball on April.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.

Read the rest of this entry

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

Photo: Ben Margot, AP

Photo: Ben Margot, AP

Martin Perez threw a complete game, 3 hit shutout in Oakland. The 3-0 victory propelled the Rangers into first place by themselves.

Kyle Seager launched a pair of homers, driving in all 5 Seattle runs, including a 3 run bottom of the ninth come from behind walk off homer to give the Mariners a 5-3 win over Houston.

Zack Greinke pitched 7 strong innings, letting up just 5 hits, 2 earned runs and walking 1 while striking out 11. He improved to 4-0 for the Dodgers with the 5-2 win over the Phillies.

Hector Sanchez hit two homers including an 11th inning grand slam, collecting 5 RBI in all and propelling the Giants to a 12-10 win over the Rockies.

They owned baseball on April.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.

Read the rest of this entry

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

Photo: Tommy Gilligan, USA TODAY Sports

Photo: Tommy Gilligan, USA TODAY Sports

Albert Pujols homered twice, driving in a pair of runs. His second home run was career homer number 500. He helped the Angels top the Nations, 7-2.

Matt Holliday got on base four times, scored, drove in a run and pulled a home run back over the fence with a great catch as the Cardinals topped the Mets, 3-0.

Jose Fernandez won one of the most startling pitching duels of the year, striking out 14 over 8 shutout innings and letting up just 3 hits and walking none. The Marlins would sneak past the Braves, 1-0.

David Price overcame a pair of homers to throw a complete game, striking out 12 and walking one. The Rays beat the Twins, 7-3.

They owned baseball on April.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.

Read the rest of this entry

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

Mark J. Terrill/AP

Mark J. Terrill/AP

Cliff Lee pitched 8 dominating innings against the Dodgers. No runs, no walks, 4 hits and 10 strikeouts as the Phillies rolled, 7-0.

Andrew McCutchen got on base 5 times, crushed a game tying homer in the 8th and drew a walk in the game winning 9th inning rally as the Pirates came from behind to beat the Reds, 6-5.

Garrett Richards let up just 1 hit and 1 run, striking out 6 over 6 innings. He was lifted for a pinch hitter and did not get the decision. But the Angels would top the Nationals, 4-2.

Matt Dominguez homered, doubled and walked, driving in 3 and lead Houston’s surprising attack against Felix Hernandez and the Mariners for a 7-2 win.

They owned baseball on April.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.

Read the rest of this entry

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

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Adam Wainwright pitched a brilliant 2 hit complete game shutout and hit a double, another hit and an RBI for good measure. He won his third decision of the season for the Cardinals, 8-0 in Washington.

Pedro Alvarez got on base four times and launched a three run homer as the Pirates crushed the Brewers, 11-2.

Jon Lester was brilliant against the White Sox. He was perfect into the 6th, finishing with 8 innings, 1 run, no walks and 9 strikeouts, getting the 3-1 win for the Red Sox.

Yangervis Solarte got 3 hits including his first big league homer and started a triple play as the Yankees crushed the Rays, 10-2.

They owned baseball on April.17, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Read the rest of this entry

HRs Streaks, Multiple HR Games + Top 5 HRs AL + NL IN MLB 2014 So Far: Through Games Apr.12

It was a slow start to the year for Adrian Gonzalez, but now he has hit a HR in 3 straight games, and is hitting for a 3 slash of .267/.333/.623 - with 4 HRs and 11 RBI through his 1st 45 AB.  His play this week is a big reason the Dodgers are back in 1st place heading into action today.

It was a slow start to the year for Adrian Gonzalez, but now he has hit a HR in 3 straight games, and is hitting for a 3 slash of .267/.333/.623 – with 4 HRs and 11 RBI through his 1st 45 AB. His play this week is a big reason the Dodgers are back in 1st place heading into action today.

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Here at the MLB Reports we look to do things different.  It is one of our many motto’s.

We simply can’t look over every stat, or even chart every HR for that matter, but I have decided that we will carry the top 5 HR hitters for each the AL and NL on a page we have dubbed Stats.

For the HR feature. we will also list multiple HR games for players… Or if they have HRs in multiple games.  Once a week we will post these on the home page for the site as a regular page post. Read the rest of this entry

Houston Astros Roster Part 2 In 2014: How All Of The Pitchers Were Acquired

From 1992 - 2006, Houston was one of the best franchises in the games of baseball, not having one losing season in that time span.  They won 4 Division Titles, 8 2nd place finishes, and appeared in 6 playoffs.  After being swept in the 2005 World Series, the core got old, and the team waited too long to rebuild.  Once it was time, the management actually did a smart thing in totally gutting the entire franchise, in order to restock the Minor League System.  Three trades with the Phillies kickstarted the youth movement, trailing all the way to Brad Lidge, and ending with Roy Oswalt and Hunter Pence.  2 out of the 3 have retired, and Pence now makes $18 MIL per year, which would be too much.

From 1992 – 2006, Houston was one of the best franchises in the games of baseball, not having one losing season in that time span. They won 4 Division Titles, 8 2nd place finishes, and appeared in 6 playoffs. After being swept in the 2005 World Series, the core got old, and the team waited too long to rebuild. Once it was time, the management actually did a smart thing in totally gutting the entire franchise, in order to restock the Minor League System. Three trades with the Phillies kickstarted the youth movement, trailing all the way to Brad Lidge, and ending with Roy Oswalt and Hunter Pence. 2 out of the 3 have retired, and Pence now makes $18 MIL per year, which would be too much.

How All Of The Astros Pitchers Were Acquired:

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

The other day we talked about the hitters for the Astros and how they were acquired.

Today we delve into the Pitching Staff.  The Bullpen is compromised with some familiar names, that were Free Agent Signings.

A lot of the Starters were brought in by trade, or signed as Free Agents.

The biggest tree in the roster comes from Brett Oberholtzer, who was traded for in the deal with the Braves for Michael Bourn.

Philadelphia has made 3 deals for Brad Lidge, Hunter Pence and Roy Oswalt, that have left Houston stocked in the current makeup for the depth chart by subsequent deals.

Michael Bourn (with a few others) came over for the 2007 trade for the former Closer Lidge, and then was flipped to Atlanta for Oberholtzer and a package of players.

The other meaningful deal was Jarred Cosart and Jonathan Singleton brought into Houston for outgoing Hunter Pence.

One of the unfortunate deals the team did was for Miguel Tejada, but it certainly didn’t backfire as bad as it could have.

Read the rest of this entry

Houston Astros Roster In 2014 Part 1: How All Of The Hitters Were Acquired

The Astros decided to rebuild a few years ago  In doing so they traded away Lance Berkman, Roy Oswalt, Hunter Pence, Carlos Lee, at first, and then have since also traded Bud Norris, Jed Lowrie, Jordan Lyles and Brandon Barnes.  Many of the transactions have given the team many of its current roster today, with many of the players also with the organization - while hardly any of the departing guys are with the team that dealt for them.  Today is the 1st part of a 2 parter seeing how the current club was assembled by the Astros.

The Astros decided to rebuild a few years ago In doing so they traded away Lance Berkman, Roy Oswalt, Hunter Pence, Carlos Lee, at first, and then have since also traded Bud Norris, Jed Lowrie, Jordan Lyles and Brandon Barnes. Many of the transactions have given the team many of its current roster today, with many of the players also with the organization – while hardly any of the departing guys are with the team that dealt for them. Today is the 1st part of a 2 parter seeing how the current club was assembled by the Astros.

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

At the MLB Reports, we intend to show you the Roster Tree for the Houston Astros – 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.

Sometimes pitchers will be in the hitters part of the write-up and vice versa.  This is simply done when one side of hitter or pitcher is dealt for each other.  Read the rest of this entry

San Francisco Giants State Of The Union: 2014 Preview

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

Okay so it is an even year, so most fans in the Bay Area can only think of one thing…Another World Series ring right?

Come on, they won in 2010 and 2012, why not 2014?

The win in 2012 was a nice statistical oddity, but when you factor in that the hunger to win a World Series must dissipate a little bit when you have just cashed one in, then maybe another one can be achieved when the next year hits again.

The Giants went 76 – 86 in 2013, this is more of a stretch, for when they completed the 2011 campaign at 86 – 76 following their 1st World Series Title.

There is room for optimism though, from their top 7 hitters in the Batting Order, this team features some of the streakiest guys at the plate in the MLB. Read the rest of this entry

Master List Of All Free Agents Signed In 2013 Winter – Heading Into 2014 MLB Year

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

It has been a record setting year for contract $ doled out for players.  When you factor in the player extensions, we are talking about 7 contracts registering in the top 50 Player contracts in the history of the game.

Robinson Cano, Clayton Kershaw, Masahiro Tanaka, Jacoby Ellsbury, Freddie Freeman, Shin-Soo Choo and Homer Bailey have inked deal for between $105 MIL to $240 MIL.

Now there is word the Angels are working on an extension with Mike Trout, to the tune of 6 YRs/$150 MIL,  from 2015 – 2020.  This would be the 22nd highest contract in MLB History.

For the record, Trout’s deal for 2014 is already set at $510 K, and any extension wouldn’t have Luxury Tax Ramifications until his new deal would start in 2015. Read the rest of this entry

San Francisco Giants Payroll In 2014 + Contracts Going Forward

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth + Payroll Expert – find his website here) [twitter-follow screen_name=’prosportsroster’ show_screen_name=’yes’]

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

The Giants won the 2010 World Series with a payroll nowhere near the stratosphere of the top MLB clubs, however escalating salaries have arisen from sustained success (also winning another World Series in 2012).

The franchise now hovers around the $140 – $150 MIL mark for the upcoming campaign.

A lot of this cash has come for simply retaining their own talent.

To start the winter off, the squad signed Tim Lincecum 2 YRs/$35 MIL – and then nailed down Hunter Pence to a 5 YRs/$90 MIL deal. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The MLB 2014 World Series As Of Right Now

Yes it has taken years for the Mariners to build their Minor League Systems up, and begin to see the fruits of their labour, however risking all a huge chunk of their team salary on a player - who might see a harsh decline in his production - based on variant factors, is a gamble they simply shouldn't delve into.  Perhaps with the outcome of the meeting the club had with Cano, it has effectively burned the bridges between the two parties?  The M's are on the cusp of breaking through to success, but they should take the Pirates mode of getting there, instead of trying to jump the shark too early.

Yes it has taken years for the Mariners to build their Minor League Systems up, and begin to see the fruits of their labor, however risking  a huge chunk of their team salary on a player – who might see a harsh decline in his production – based on variant factors, is a gamble they simply shouldn’t have delved into.  The M’s are on the cusp of breaking through to success, but they should take the Pirates mode of getting there, instead of trying to jump the shark too early.  While the ramifications of the Cano deal might blow up long-term, look for this team to be better for the next couple of years.  They also make our ‘good valued teams’ for Winning the 2014 World Series.

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

The Oddsmakers have finally dropped the Angels in the rankings.  At +1600, they are still not down as far as I would put them, however they are outside the top 10 now.

As you will see in a post this weekend done by Hunter Stokes, I am still surprised to see the Yankees more of an underdog than the Boston Red Sox.

In his report, Hunter will show you the age of both teams is similar – while the lineups are more comparable in 2014 then they were in 2013.

Tampa Bay is still the class of the bunch at +2000.  In some Vegas Casino’s – this club may be posted as more of a favorite, but at http://www.bet365.com, they are still at that mark. Read the rest of this entry

The Rest Of The Best Free Agents Are Now Up For Auction: Some Deals Already Done

Grant Balfour has been throwing verbal jabs to the Orioles on XM Radio concerning the club bowing out of his 2 YRs/$15 MIL  deal - and justifiably so.  The Orioles lost credibility around the league for this bow out maneuver.  Now Balfour will look to administer some payback to the O's 19 times a year for the 2014 and 2015.  The Aussie just signed a 2 Year Deal - to return to the Rays for $12 MIL.

Grant Balfour has recently been throwing verbal jabs to the Orioles on XM Radio concerning the club bowing out of his 2 YRs/$15 MIL deal – and justifiably so. The Orioles lost credibility around the league for this bow out maneuver. Now Balfour will look to administer some payback to the O’s 19 times a year for the 2014 and 2015 campaings. The Aussie just signed a 2 Year Deal – to return to the Rays for $12 MIL.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

It was a tough time being an MLB fan the last 3 or 4 weeks – waiting for the Masahiro Tanaka deal to get done.

As of today, we are about 18 days away from Pitchers and Catchers to report.

With the logjam now being freed up with the Japanese superstar being inked to a deal with New York, a bevy of transactions have already occurred.

Grant Balfour is all set to sign a 2 YR deal worth $12 MIL, and will be ready to stick it to the Baltimore Orioles 19 times a year for the next 2 campaigns. Read the rest of this entry

Top 10 Stolen Base Leaders in 2013

Ellsbury missed 88 Games in 2012 (and also missed 144 Games in 2010), which brings into question his long - term durability. Heck, even this year, he was seen with a walking boot only a few weeks prior to the playoffs. You can't deny the man has put up some great numbers out of the leadoff spot for the Red Sox since 2007. Ellsbury has a Career 3 Slash of .297/.350/.789 - and averages 57 XBH, 55 SB, 198 Hits and 108 RBI for every 162 Games Played. The Yankees have inked him to a 7 year deal, and will bank on him staying healthy for most of the contract.

Ellsbury missed 88 Games in 2012 (and also missed 144 Games in 2010), which brings into question his long – term durability. Heck, even this year, he was seen with a walking boot only a few weeks prior to the playoffs. You can’t deny the man has put up some great numbers out of the leadoff spot for the Red Sox since 2007. Ellsbury has a Career 3 Slash of .297/.350/.789 – and averages 57 XBH, 55 SB, 198 Hits and 108 RBI for every 162 Games Played. The Yankees have inked him to a 7 year deal, and will bank on him staying healthy for most of the contract.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

With a decrease in the total amount of players taking PED’s in the MLB, speed is a more important factor to help manufacture runs than it was even a decade ago.

Jacoby Ellsbury leads the list last year with 52 bag swipes.  The Yankees will need him to duplicate what he did in 2013 if they want any chance to compete in 2014.

Everth Cabrera would have been the odds on favorite to take the title – had he not been suspended 50 games for his part in the Biogenesis clinic.

Rajai Davis also enters the list.  The Blue Jay in 2013, and Tiger in 2014, swiped 45 bags despite only coming in with 331 AB.

Jacoby Ellsbury 5 Stolen Base Game 2013

Read the rest of this entry

Stoking The Fire: Blog 5 – The Giants Should Move Posey To 1B, Belt To LF – And Sign Ruiz

Buster Posey is one of the best players in the game of baseball pure and simple.  The 2012 NL MVP has Buster Posey is the leader of the Giants offense and game caller for the pitching staff. He has had a down year in respect to his numbers in recent years. He will finish 2013 with another 20 Home Run season and he will be looking forward to 2014 and another chance at a ring. The two time champion signed a contract extension that will see him make $164 MIL from 2013 - 2021.  Will he be able to play the duration of his contract as a backstopper - or will he eventually be moved to 1st Base?

Buster Posey is one of the best players in the game of baseball pure and simple. The 2010 NL Rookie Of The Year is the leader of the Giants offense and game caller for the pitching staff. In 2013, he had down year in respect to his incredible 2013 season.  Posey still slashed .294/.371/.821   The two time champion signed a contract extension that will see him make $164 MIL from 2013 – 2021.  In this article, I explain why I think the team has to move the Slugger to 1B.  The 26 Year Old has a career slash of .308/.377/.864.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twiter

The Giants are at a crossroads in their nucleus.  When healthy and at optimum levels, the Giants can hang with any team in the MLB – as shown by taking home 2 out of the last 4 World Series Titles.

But here is the problem.  This club needs two Starting Pitchers, potentially an OF, a Utility Infielder, meanwhile the franchise must address their long term goals.

The Twins were smart enough to make Joe Mauer a permanent 1B – and it is time for the San Francisco Giants to do the same with Buster Posey.

Read the rest of this entry

Houston Astros State Of The Union Address: Fall 2013

From 1992 - 2006, Houston was one of the best franchises in the games of baseball, not having one losing season in that time span.  They won 4 Division Titles, 8 2nd place finishes, and appeared in 6 playoffs.  After being swept in the 2005 World Series, the core got old, and the team waited too long to rebuild.  Once it was time, the management actually did a smart thing in totally gutting the entire franchise, in order to restock the Minor League System.

From 1992 – 2006, Houston was one of the best franchises in the games of baseball, not having one losing season in that time span. They won 4 Division Titles, 8 – 2nd place finishes, and appeared in 6 playoffs. After being swept in the 2005 World Series, the core got old, and the team waited too long to rebuild. Once it was time, the management actually did a smart thing in totally gutting the entire franchise, in order to restock the Minor League System.  Now with 3 105+ Loss seasons, and back to back 1st overall picks, the team has begun the process.  An ownership changed mirrored the last transference of all the remaining Veterans from the previous regime.  How long will it take for the Astros to compete again?

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

The Astros had one of the easiest years to peg down in the game of baseball for 2013.

They were horrible early, traded away every possible Veteran that were making any kind of cash on the Major League Level, and then proceeded to be even worse after the ALL – Star Game.

The worst part of the campaign was left for the end, where they promptly lost their last 15 games – to finish with a record of 51 – 111.

It was their 3rd straight 100+ Loss season.  But overlooking the obvious is that they actual drew a few more fans in 2013 – compared to 2012.

That was more a symptom of the club moving to the American League.  At least they were not last in the league for Attendance, like payroll.

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 30, 2013

Photo - Chuck Crow: Cleveland Plain Dealer

Photo – Chuck Crow: Cleveland Plain Dealer

I wanted anarchy!

I got it! The season and the playoff picture can not be decided in 162 games. We need one more to settle it out.

Meanwhile, the day to day friend of listening and watching baseball has come to a close.

Those topics plus talking about never ending games in Houston, triumph in Cleveland and the wild no hitter in Miami on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Henderson Alvarez, Hunter Pence, Geovany Soto and Ubaldo Jimenez all owned baseball for September 29, 2013.

To see the up to date tally of “Who Owns Baseball?,” click HERE.

Subscribe on iTunes HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 30, 2013.

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.29th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

(AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

(AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

Henderson Alvarez threw the 6th no hitter in Marlins history. He needed help from a run scoring wild pitch to end the game which he won and put himself in the history books, 1-0.

Hunter Pence brought the Giants back into the game with a 2 run single in the 7th then ended it with a walk off single in the 9th, polishing off a 7-6 win over the Padres.

Ubaldo Jimenez pitched into the 7th, giving up just one run and walking one while striking out 13. He led the Indians past the Twins, 5-1 and clinched a playoff spot for the Tribe.

Geovany Soto hit a tie breaking double in the 6th and smacked a home run for insurance in the 8th as the Rangers topped the Angels 6-2 and forced a tie breaker.

They all owned baseball on September 29, 2013.

My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.

At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Read the rest of this entry

Giants’ Tim Lincecum and Hunter Pence Forcing Team To Make Tough Decisons

Hunter Pence is having a great season for the Giants and has been one of their productive players on offense for the team this season. He always plays very good defense as well with him having a fielding percentage of .981 and has only committed seven errors in the outfield. Pence has a .286 average on the season with 174 hits to include him hitting 25 HRs and 93 RBIs. He has also stolen 21 bases and has only been caught three times. He loves to face left-handed pitchers with him having a .314 average against them. The right-handed hitter know what to do with runners in scoring position, as indicated by a .291 average with 68 RBIs in this situation.

Hunter Pence is having a great season for the Giants and has been one of their most productive players on offense for the team this season. He also plays very good defense as well with him having a fielding percentage of .981 and has only committed seven errors in the outfield. Pence has a .286 average on the season with 174 hits to include him hitting 25 HRs and having 93 RBIs. He has also stolen 21 bases and has only been caught three times. He loves to face left-handed pitchers with him having a .314 average against them. The right-handed hitter knows what to do with runners in scoring position, as indicated by a .291 average with 68 RBIs in this situation. He still hits well with two outs and runners in scoring position with a .317 batting average and 37 RBIs in 82 at-bats.

By Chris Lacey (Lead Baseball Columnist/Minority Website Owner)

The San Francisco Giants are finding out the hard way that defending a title is not so easy to do. They are going to finish the season with a record under .500 for the first time since 2008, when they went 72-90 and finished fourth in the National League West division. 

The team does have some decisions to make in the off season and one of them involves a very popular member of their starting rotation. The “Franchise” Tim Lincecum will be a free agent at the end of the season and the Giants will have to decide what they want to do.

There has been a decrease in velocity from his fastball and this has resulted in him having troubles getting opposing batters out. He has had to transform from a pitcher that could blow hitters away with a blazing fastball to one that now relies on spotting his various pitches.

Hunter Pence 2012 Highlights – Parental Guidance Is Advised

  Read the rest of this entry

The Philadelphia Phillies Players In All Organizational Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB) Fall 2013

The club was one of the premiere franchises from 2007 - 2011, with 5 straight NL East Titles, 2 World Series Appearances, and taking home the big prize in 2008.  The Phightins have been battling old age, the injury bug, plus the management not knowing whether to pull the plug on the core talent of this squad - or to give it one more go at it.  Charlie Manuel was finally the fall guy last month when he was let go from his managerial duties.  Ryne Sandberg has the team playing better.  Will it be enough for the organization to back him beyond this season.  Will the franchise restock for another kick at the can in 2014?  Here is the players they currently possess in the system.

The club was one of the premiere franchises from 2007 – 2011, with 5 straight NL East Titles, 2 World Series Appearances, and taking home the big prize in 2008. The ‘Phightins’ have been battling old age, the injury bug, plus the management not knowing whether to pull the plug on the core talent of this squad – or to give it one more go at it. Charlie Manuel was finally the fall guy last month when he was let go from his managerial duties. Ryne Sandberg has the team playing better. Will it be enough for the organization to back him beyond this season?  Or maybe  the franchise restocks for another kick at the can in 2014? Here is the players they currently possess in the system.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): and welcome Jeff Kleiner (Salary, Roster and Depth Chart Expert for the MLB) – visit his website  here  

The Phillies have posted winning records since 2001.  While the year may be getting away from them in 2013, there are some extremely encouraging signs for the future.’

Ben Revere was excelling at his position at CF and at the plate before he went down with a season ending injury.

The emergence of Domonic Brown in the 1st half, and 1B/OF Darin Ruf, have given the team a cost conscious alternative to combat huge salaries like Cliff Lee and Ryan Howard, that combine to be over $50 in the next 3 years, the latter, has been injured the most of the last 2 seasons.

You add high priced Veterans like Jimmy Rollins, and $22.5 MIL a year Cole Hamels, and you are talking about a lofty payroll for the next several years.

However, the team also extended franchise face Chase Utley, for 2 YRs/$25 – 30 MIL – that should see him possibly retire a Phillie.

The club has played much better since Ryne Sandberg assumed the helm as manager.

The team also has traded several veterans away in the last few years, to accrue Minor League Talent back in return.  Among the departed have been Hunter Pence, Shane Victorino and Michael Young.

The question going forward is to what this team will do with Roy Halladay and Carlos Ruiz.  Somehow, I think that Ruben Amaro JR, will find a way to re-sign these two guys for a limited years, and possibly incentive laden contracts this coming winter.

Whatever the case, it should be an interesting ride in Philly the next few years.

For a Full 3 year Salary Outlook plus last years Stats for every player in the Phillies Organization click here.

For the 3 Part Historical Series I did on the  Phillies organization, click here.

Chase Utley Highlights

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.15th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

 (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

(AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Hunter Pence kept his mad contract dash with a pair of homers and helped the Giants squeak past the Dodgers, 4-3.

Nick Swisher homered twice and helped the Indians pound the White Sox 7-1 and climb to within 1/2 a game of the playoffs.

Burch Smith threw 7 three hit shutout innings against the Braves, striking out 10 and walking just 2, getting the 4-0 win for the Padres.

Max Scherzer failed to get his 20th win, but it was not his fault. He held the Royals to 5 hits, 1 walk and a single run over 7 innings while striking out 11. The bullpen surrendered the lead but the Tigers would prevail, 3-2.

They all owned baseball on September 15, 2013.

My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.

At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.

To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here

Read the rest of this entry

The San Francisco Giants Players – Organizational Affiliates, Prospects, Depth Charts, (MLB + MiLB)

The Giants won the World Series in 2010 and 2012, however 2013 will see the team have a losing record, and a bunch of question marks will soon follow with some impending Free Agents.  The game has changed in the NL West, with the Dodgers hoarding a Team Salary in the $230 MIL a year for the next several seasons.  The Giants have to spend the money to compete.  They have the resources, hold one the best attendances in the National League, and have the consensus #1 Ballpark in the Major Leagues when voted among the others.  Regardless of the money spent are not, the management team will have to work more diligently than ever.

The Giants won the World Series in 2010 and 2012, however 2013 will see the team have a losing record, and a bunch of question marks will soon follow with some impending Free Agents. The game has changed in the NL West, with the Dodgers hoarding a Team Salary in the $230 MIL a year range for the next several seasons. The Giants have to spend the money to compete. They have the resources, hold one the best attendances in the National League, and have the consensus #1 Ballpark in the Major Leagues when voted among the others. Regardless of the money spent or not, the management team will have to work more diligently than ever.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): and welcome Jeff Kleiner (Salary, Roster and Depth Chart Expert for the MLB) – visit his website  here  

The Giants have won 2 of the last 3 World Series Titles.  The club was built heavily on Starting Pitching that was drafted, however Brian Sabean has finagled the salary of the team to supplement the offense.

Great acquisitions such as Angel Pagan, Hunter Pence and Marco Scutaro joined the club last season – to help bolster the offense.

The team has had lots of hometgrown products grow up and become money players like Buster Posey, Pablo Sandoval, Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner and Tim Linceum.

The club will have to make some decisions in the offseason, as Hunter Pence, Barry Zito and Tim Lincecum all become Free Agents.  with that being said, their heavy dollar contracts also free up a lot of cash to replenish the team.

For a Full 3 year Salary Outlook plus last years Stats for every player in the GIants Organization click here.

GIants Highlights World Series Champions 2012 Celebration

Read the rest of this entry