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The New Luxury Tax Threshold Means The Top 11 Salaried Clubs Will All Be Affected In The Present + Future
The Dodgers have spent over $300 MIL on salary in back to back years, and are the clubhouse leaders in Luxury Tax penalties paid in that time frame. At a 50% penalty currently until falling under the limit for a year, the Los Angeles forked out $40 MIL in Luxury Taxes in 2016. With an estimated $193 MIL payroll already is signed and team controlled players – considering there are several roster holes now created by departing guys, the team will need to spend around $235 MIL in 2017 total payroll in order to be competitive.. With a 50% penalty – and an additional 45% hit for going $40 MIL over the new $195 MIL limit in 2017, I highly expect the organization will be less willing to spend 90 cents extra for every dollar spent beyond that.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_hunter21
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With the new CBA being tentatively signed yesterday through 2021 – the lower payroll teams will finally see some steeper enforcement of higher payroll squads.
With several penalties that range up to a 90% max penalty for spending over the limit, the dollars finally make sense for the MLB to curtail a team going rogue on their payroll spending.
Under the new deal, the format will jump from a team’s AAV (Average Annual Value) limit of $189 MIL to $195 MIL in 2017, $197 MIL in 2018, $206 MIL in 2019, $208 MIL in 2020 and $210 MIL on 2021.
The penalty for a 1st year abuser went from 12.5% to 20%, The 2nd year Still remains at 30%, the 3rd season escalates from 40% previously to 50% already. Each campaign the team is over following 3 years, the team is nailed for 50% of money spent over the limit.
Additionally, the franchise will pay a fee of 12% for spending between $20 MIL to $40 MIL over the Threshold.
If a organization goes $40 MIL over, they are faced with a surcharge of 42%.
3rd time abusers will pay 45% for every dollar doled out past $40 MIL over.
This means a 1st time penalty would still spank a team to the tune of 60% if a club spends more than $40 MIL over the limit. Read the rest of this entry
Which Relief Pitcher Will The Washington Nationals Acquire At The Trade Deadline?
The Washington Nationals are currently in first place in the National League East, but they are in desperate need of some help in their bullpen. Their current closer, Jonathan Papelbon, has struggled all season long, which has cost the Nationals multiple games. He currently has a 4.18 ERA, 19 saves, and three blown saves in 34 appearances. Due to these struggles, the Washington Nationals could consider many options near the trade deadline. Some possibilities are mentioned in the link below:
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Trade Rumor: Will The Los Angeles Angels Flip Mike Trout?
Trey Rose (Featured BBBA Fantasy Baseball Writer/Owner – dynastydigest.sportsblog.com)
Follow @dynasty_digest Follow @mlbreports
As of right now, the Angels only have 3 starting pitchers listed on their depth chart (Jared Weaver, Hector Santiago, and Nick Tropeano).
This team is falling apart and it could be time to make a drastic move.
They are currently 13 – 18, but they are expected to continue to drop in the standings considering their team can’t stay healthy. Just to make matters worse, their farm system is widely considered to be the worst minor league system in baseball.
With that said, is it time for the Angels to consider trading Mike Trout to restock their farm system and focus on building their team for the future?
To read the rest of the article, click the link below:
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Projected Top 5 Save Leaders In The American And National League For MLB 2016
Craig Kimbrel is still about as filthy as they come in nailing down games in the Majors. With 225 Saves and a 1.63 ERA in the last 5 years of his career, this 27 year old flamethrower brings his talents to Beantown and a top rated club. Last year was the 1st season he didn’t lead the National League after four consecutive years of leading the Senior Circuit. He still managed 39 Saves for a 74 win San Diego team. Since the Red Sox are going to be somewhere in the 90 win range, Kimbrel should at least be in the mid 40’s in Saves again for 2016.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Figuring out the Saves Leaders for the 2016 year is a lot easier to project than the Holds Leaders we did last week. Perhaps the easiest to discern is also the National League.
Since I projected 7 teams will win 90+ games in the Senior Circuit I have listed 5 teams with their Closer out of the fold there. I did however, leave out Hector Rondon and Mark Melancon.
I feel the Bucs may trade Melancon despite being in a position to make the playoffs. I also think the Cubs will blow out a ton of clubs this season in games, and therefore not need Rondon to lockdown a 3 run or under lead.
This is the same reason why I won’t label Roberto Osuna for the top 5 in the American League either. It is also not unfathomable to see the Jays go with Drew Storen to close down games.
I fully think that Craig Kimbrel will lead the entire Major Leagues for the Boston Red Sox as their Closer.
I may have gone with Aroldis Chapman on the list as well, however his pending suspension for his domestic violence call in should see him riding pine for at least 25 games. The New York Yankees should still lead the Junior Circuit for total team Saves.
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Top 5 Projected MLB Holds Leaders (AL + NL) In 2016
With so much uncertainty in the air about Mark Melancon’s fate with the club, I can’t pick Tony Watson to win this category for a 2nd straight year. He was also the runner-up in the 2014 season. I say he is the Closer in the 2nd half of the year. His teammate Jared Hughes will get plenty of opportunities all year in late inning relief.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_hunter21
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It is time to get our fantasy teams ready in 2016. Because of the long winter year for certain players, the Relievers market has a pile of roster moves to go down before opening weekend in April. There are some guys that could make the list, but I am itching to write my list.
For the reasons I was just talking about, Jeremy Affeldt, Matt Thornton, Casey Janssen, Manny Parra, Eric O’Flaherty, Tommy Hunter, Franklin Morales, Neal Cotts, Nathan Adcock, Wesley Wright, Matt Capps, Sergio Santos, Ryan Webb and Joe Beimel won’t appear – although only a couple of those guys are even relevant to the Holds stat.
The biggest questions to think of include trade possibilities. Will the Pirates trade Mark Melancon? If this happens, NL Leader of Holds last year, Tony Watson, may see some time as the Closer for the Bucs. Read the rest of this entry
The Top 5 Closers In The MLB For 2015
Rodney had 48 Saves, 0.777 WHIP and a 0.60 ERA in 2012, to place 5th in AL Cy Young Voting and was an ALL-Star. 2013 wasn’t as kind (although he did win the WBC) with a 3.34 ERA and a WHIP of 1.335. The Mariners not armed with many better Options, brought in the then 37 Year Old, to a 2 YR/$14 MIL deal. Rodney did feature a career best 11.1/SO Per 9 IP rate in 2013, but he also walked 4.9 /Per IP as well. His work translated better in the AL West during 2014, where 2/3rds of his games are in Seattle, Los Angeles and Oakland. Rodney led the AL in both Saves (48) and Games Finished in 2014 (64) – while having a 2.85 ERA, but a high 1.342 WHIP. The latter is right near his career totals. His Walk Rate was 3.8, but that is less than his 4.4 clip for his lifetime. The man fashioned a 10.3/9 IP SO rate. I expect more of the same in 2015, with the M’s having one of the better clubs this campaign. There will be more arrows slings after games.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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With the fiasco that is the Detroit Tigers Bullpen. I look for these guys to roll through several different Closers in 2015. Joakim Soria would be the 1st one to attempt after Joe Nathan fails.
I also think the Yankees are going dually use Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller depending on the situational maneuvering matchups. New York will be hard pressed to make the playoffs, but I do think they will net one of the higher team Save totals.
The same could probably said for the Boston Red Sox. I think the near 40 year old Koji Uehara will have a tough time staying healthy for 100% of the opportunities, however he will be just outside the mark.
St. Louis may end up using someone different from Trevor Rosenthal, because we are due for them to change 9th inning guys. Adam Wainwright, Jason Isringhausen Jason Motte, Ryan Franklin and Edward Mujica have all seen the mantle over the last several years for the RedBirds.
Rosenthal has actually had one of the longer stints, however he really struggled at the end of the 2014 year (despite 45 Saves), and it carried over to the playoffs, where he featured 10 base runners, while only recording 11 outs. I am thinking he will not have as many chances in 2015 as well.
The Evil Empire Is About To Crumble In The Bronx!
With almost $100 MIL tied up in contracts for Sabathia, A-Rod, Teixeira and a potential Tommy John Surgery candidate in Masahiro Tanaka, this New York squad is in some deep trouble for next season. Despite the recent playoff misses, and injury prone players brought in by Brian Cashman, the club saw fit to grant him a 3 year extension last month. It may take a small miracle for them to make a playoff spot next campaign.
The Evil Empire Is About To Crumble In The Bronx!
Jordan Gluck (Featured Writer): Follow @jgluck777
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The Yankees have long used the prolong success of the “core four” to drive them to go far in the playoffs. They then surrounded them by free agents and other homegrown players.
Today the Yankees are in some trouble and if they aren’t smart this offseason they will remain hampered by large contracts for a long time instead of a quick retool to be VERY competitive in two years.
Let me show you what I’m talking about
Here is their Starting lineup and their ages:
LF Brett Gardner 31
3B/2B Martin Prado 31
CF Jacoby Ellsbury 31
C Brian McCann 30
RF Carlos Beltran 37
1B Mark Teixeira 34
DH Alex Rodriguez 39
2B Robert Refsnyder 23 (Or acquisition at 3B, Prado plays 2B)
SS Brendan Ryan 32
Not exactly Spring chickens over there. The only player under 30 is one that will almost absolutely be replaced by someone who is most likely over 30. This at this moment isn’t exactly a star studded lineup, but the way that their being paid might make it seem that way. Read the rest of this entry
As Of Right Now – The Yankees Are A Mess For 2015: End Of The Year ‘State Of The Union’
With almost $100 MIL tied up in contracts for Sabathia, A-Rod, Teixeira and a potential Tommy John Surgery candidate in Masahiro Tanaka, this New York squad is in some deep trouble for next season. Despite the recent playoff misses, and injury prone players brought in by Brian Cashman, the club saw fit to grant him a 3 year extension last week
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Let me get this straight…The ‘Bronx Bombers’ have missed the playoff for 2 years straight and no one has lost their jobs? Man how times have changed in Yankees land.
If George Steinbrenner were alive still right now, the twitter and social media world would be trending his name for all of October.
Since when is it acceptable to miss the playoffs, underachieve and spend to the best payroll in the American League?
Firing Kevin Long is not going to solve the hit crisis the club has.
Before any of you throw daggers at our site, we have had this stance for a couple of years now.
The 1st mistake was to not get under the Luxury Tax Threshold this season. That was soon followed by inking Brett Gardner to a 4 Year Deal, when you have such a similar player in the Outfield like Jacoby Ellsbury. Read the rest of this entry
Royals Vs Angels Preview 2014 ALDS
The Angels are finally back in the postseason after a couple of years absence. They have the best 1 – 9 lineup in the AL, an extremely deep and revamped Bullpen, and starters like Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson have lots of playoff experience. Add a roster full of World Series heroes of not so long ago, and it could be a recipe for a long postseason run. They also have the luck of the draw with playing the Royals in the 1st Round, with only having to face James Shields once, while their top duo of Jered Weaver and Matt Shoemaker are slated to tow the hill in 4 of the 5 games.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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No time to rest for the tired and weary. After an emotional, and jaw dropping game for the Royals on Tuesday night, they will fly to Anaheim to meet the top seeded Los Angeles Angels in the LDS Round.
You have to realize that Mike Scioscia is running the gauntlet on the running prowess of Kansas City even as we speak,
There will be no 2 – 3 or extra jackrabbit’s for the Royals squad, who were definitely aided by a lax Roster enforcement for Wild Card play, and also by the early game injury to Geovany Soto.
Chris Iannetta and Hank Conger will have to be ready for the speed demon club, that features several guys who can swipe bags on a whim.
If there is one thing going for Kansas City right now it is rhythm of repetition having played on Tuesday, while the Halo’s have been licking their chops in Orange County all week at the beach.
The Angels clinched so early, it would have been about 15 days since they have played a meaningful game in Game #1. Read the rest of this entry
Stop Praising The Yankees For 2014! + Someone Should Be Held Accountable For This Disaster!
The Yankees can’t stop themselves from spending!! A self-imposed cap of under $189 MIL was shot when injuries began to mount. The club should have packed it in for the year, traded veterans near the deadline, with nothing but a hope and a prayer to make the playoffs. Now because they couldn’t fall under the Salary Tax Threshold, it will take a miracle to reach underneath this mark before the 2016 CBA. Welcome to financial hell Yanks, and your team is old – and have no Starting Pitcher’s likely above the #5 slot to begin the 2015 season currently on your 40 man roster under contract, and your payroll is already nearing $175 MIL on just 17 players as it is. Despite all of this, the Yankees are set to offer Cashman an extension? Are they for real?
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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I am sick and tired of hearing all this praise being bestowed on Brian Cashman for the job he is done.
I will not lump Joe Girardi into this conversation, Heck, he has done a great job manipulating the roster he has been given. With the amount of injuries (which happens to old players – hello!) the Yanks are lucky they are not cellar dwelling with the Red Sox.
Back near the Trade Deadline, Chuck Booth explained the “Pinstripers” were foolish to not take advantage of a seller’s market, giving them the ability to deal some veterans – in order to get under the $189 MIL Luxury Tax Threshold. They were 47 – 47 at the ALL – Star Break. Read the rest of this entry
How All Of The A’s Pitchers Were Acquired: Lots Of Depth Even For 2015 Without Breaking The Bank!
Part of the lure in acquiring Samardzija was that he had 1 year left of Arbitration. He will likely cost in the $12 – 15 MIL range for 2015. He tops the list of several A’s players that will be ARB eligible in 2015 like Moss, Donaldson, Cook, Parker, Jaso, Reddick and Gentry. While the club is going for it in 2014, their unloading of Cespdes’s $10.5 MIL 2015 salary will be used to pay these guys raises for next year, which should ensure them of another chance to compete for it all.. The Pitching Staff will remain almost intact, with losing just Lester, Hammel and Gregerson, while 12 guys are still under Team control, and 3 more guys with lots of MLB experience are in Sacramento waiting for a callup.
How All Of The A’s Pitchers Were Acquired:
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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Billy Beane has assembled quite the Pitching Staff for his 2014 final playoff push despite having both Jarrod Parker and A.J. Griffin out for the year with Tommy John Surgery.
Sonny Gray, A.J. Griffin and Sean Doolittle (although he was drafted as a hitter) are the only active pitchers on their staff that are homegrown products.
Jon Lester was acquired with Yoenis Cespedes (who signed as an International Free Agent.
Much like the hitters, the ‘Moneyball GM’ has wheeled and dealt until he put together one of the best run prevention teams in the game baseball.
Bringing in Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel cost the team 2 young prospects and Dan Straily, all of whom were team draft picks. Read the rest of this entry
How All Of The Rockies Hitters Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree – Injuries + A Coors Field Factor
How All Of The Rockies Hitters Were Acquired:
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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The Rockies are one of the weirdest franchises around in the game of baseball today.
Thin air, humidors, pitcher who struggle, however where they are one of the most dynamic teams is in fantasy baseball.
I have said it before and will say it again…I would love to watch games at Coors Field 81 times a year.
For everyone that loves offense, then watching this squad bash the ball around is awesome. Unfortunately the hitters have had a tough problem staying healthy in recent years.
Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki are world class players. Both would be in the running for NL MVP every year, it is just they can’t maintain in the lineup.
When you look at the roster, it is composed mostly of draft picks. Read the rest of this entry
How All Of The A’s Hitters Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree Shows Incredible Beane Trading Record
How All Of The Athletics Hitters Were Acquired:
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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Truthfully this blog took me forever to do the research for, simply because the A’s GM Billy Beane has been so proactive at the trading helm.
From flipping Mark Mulder several years ago which fetched Dan Haren as part of the haul, to the massive deal with Dan Haren sent to the D’Backs, he added enough depth to pull off several other moves.
Yes, along the way he may have been burned by Colorado for Carlos Gonzalez, but in a the Dbacks deal still is paying off.
The Roster deals include several Oakland draft picks being flipped for current A’s.
Nick Swisher was traded for Gio Gonzalez, who in turn the club can thank for the Catching tandem of Derek Norris and John Jaso as assets received from Swisher initially.
Jaso was brought back in a 3 way deal from Washington, where the A’s sent the SP back to the team they traded Gio Gonzalez for.
Ryan Sweeney (another player brought in for the Swisher) was packaged with Andrew Bailey to obtain Josh Reddick. Read the rest of this entry
What Masahiro Tanaka’s Injury Means For The Yankees In 2014 + 2015
With Masahiro Tanaka out for at least 6 weeks with a UCL tear, the Yankees are dealing with 4/5ths of their opening day rotation now on the DL – and their 5th starter (Kuroda) having struggled in the 2nd half of 2013. The club is barely at .500, and must realize there is an opportunity to reset the 50% Luxury Tax Threshold to 0, by slashing some payroll via trades in the next 3 weeks. The worst thing this organization could do would try to salvage this year, like they did in 2013, by adding payroll, flipping prospects, for an ill-advised playoff run that the odds are stacked up against.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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I have talked at length about the Yankees precarious position of defining whether or not they are contenders or not, and whether they should seek selling off some assets, to fall below the $189 MIL Luxury Tax Threshold – or if the franchise should run at a postseason berth in Derek Jeter‘s last season.
Seeing that Masahiro Tanaka will be out for at least 6 weeks with a partially torn UCL on his pitching arm, and possibly be out with Tommy John Surgery afterwards, this season outlook is becoming bleak.
Even with the Japanese superstar throwing at a premium level, the club would have a longshot chance to make the playoffs – and do some damage. Read the rest of this entry
Should The Orioles Make A Blockbuster Deal Before the Deadline?
The Orioles are kicking around the top of the AL East, and may have three players that crack 30+ HRs by years end with Cruz, Jones and Davis. The team hasn’t even had normal contributions from Hardy and Machado – while Matt Wieters is out for the year. The time to strike is now with just being behind the AL East by 2 Games, and in barely trailing for the 2nd Wild Card Spot.
By Nicholas Delahanty (MLB Reports Writer) Follow @Nick_Delahanty
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As July rapidly approaches, the Orioles find themselves in the middle of the competitive AL East division trying to make a run at a division title in 2014.
Although the team finds themselves currently in second place in the division, the O’s have seen inconsistency throughout the first half of the season.
There are definitely places where the team can improve before the July 31st trade deadline, but the question remains of whether or not Dan Duquette and the Orioles front office want to part ways with some of the club’s promising young talent for a possible rental player.
30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 11 MLB 2014
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Well, another few weeks have gone by, and there has been some separation from all the Divisions and the 2nd place squads, except for the NL East dogfight right now between the Nats and Braves.
9 teams are within the top 2 Wild Card Slots in the AL, with the Angels and Mariners holding onto the 1st and 2nd spots respectively.
Preseason NL favorites Los Angeles joins the reigning NL champs ‘The Cards’ at 0.5 Games behind the playoff bar – constituting either Atlanta or Washington (presently in a dead heat) – and the upstart Marlins.
The Reds, Rockies and Pirates are within striking distance as well, but look for the Dodgers and Cardinals to take off from here, leaving the current Division leaders and those 2 as the 5 playoff teams.
Arizona and Houston have at least jumped into the conversation with recent good stretches of play, after brutal starts.
*** Denotes Division Leaders
Records are before play Monday June 9, 2014
RK Team Current Rec Last Wk Rnk () – Last 13 Days Rec
***1. SF 42 – 21: (1) 9 – 3: Must be an even year in the teens of this century. The offense has a different hero everyday.
Playing .667 ball this late into the year bodes well. 9.5 Games ahead of next club in your Division also will land you as slot #1.
***2. OAK 39 – 24: (2) 8 – 4: Brandon Moss and Josh Donaldson both towers of strength and Sean Doolittle is the best Closer no one has heard about 40+SO/1 BB rate is sick.
Billy Beane continues to find gems like Drew Pomeranz, Jesse Chavez – and Kyle Blanks has fitted in well.
The team could still trade for a 2B that can hit, or bring up Billy Burns, flip Jed Lowrie over to 2B.
The Rockies Exploding 2014 Offense – A Bigger Advantage Than Ever At Home: This Team Is Lethal
Coors Field is one of the better places in the MLB to watch a game – and this year (much like the last 21 years) the team is crippling opposing pitching. With run prevention beginning to reign supreme in the MLB realms, the offense attack put forth by Colorado may be enough of an advantage to outslug teams. The Rockies have potential ALL – Stars at many of the positions, and just a sick amount of speed, defense plus power. The team just needs to receive adequate pitching and to remain healthy, and this could be the best year in Denver since 2007!
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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I always have likened the Colorado Rockies to a heavyweight puncher that is capable of a knockout blow when you are least expecting it.
In 2014, they are making their best 45 Year Old George Foreman impression vs. James Buster Douglas!
If they have all of their players performing on the field like Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez, then look the hell out.
You add in ALL – Star performances from Justin Morneau (looking like a Todd Helton clone circa 2007), Charlie Blackmon (putting up Dexter Fowler‘s best numbers) – and torrid play on defense and offense from 26 game hitting streak man ‘Nolan Arenado,” and you are talking about some haymakers being thrown.
The club assembled a decent Bullpen, and have an array of Starting Pitchers throw well on the bump. Read the rest of this entry
Oakland Athletics Roster In 2014: How All Of The Pitchers Were Acquired
Jarrod Parker is out for the year with Tommy John Surgery. You are talking about a guy that was 25 – 16 with a 3.68 ERA over the last 2 years combined. He has top of the rotation stuff and will be greatly missed. The A’s also had a TJ scare with A.J. Griffin, but it has been downgraded to an elbow strain for now. Parker was traded for by the Athletics in a major package sent to Oakland with Collin Cowgill and Ryan Cook for Starter Trevor Cahill. The club still has Parker and Cahill. While it is bad Parker is out in 2014, he will be back. Cahill has been ineffective for the D’backs in 2014 – with a 9.17 ERA and an MLB leading 4 losses.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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I just finished writing an article about how Billy Beane was smart not to have signed Barry Zito, Mark Mulder and Tim Hudson to extensions here.
You really wont find him do this anytime soon with any of his chuckers.
The Scott Kazmir deal is the one he likes to do. It is simple as to why the man operates like this. He doesn’t have to give up any assets in the process.
Beane is a “Baseball Rounder”.
It is not unlike him to do manage 50 – 60 transactions per year. He was won more than he has lost – whether it is Free Agency or trades. His ballclub has the best record in the Majors since the start of play in 2012 – at 200 – 144 (.581 baseball).
We will go through the Pitching First, and then the hitting by the weekend. Read the rest of this entry
San Diego Padres State Of The Union For 2014
The Padres have not made the playoffs since 2006, and have only authored 2 winning seasons in the last 7 years. It is not from a lack of the coach, rather the NL West has far superior talent, while the San Diego franchise has been trying to replenish the farm, went through an ownership change, and now the team needs to make some decisions this offseason, that will shape the fortunes of the club for the next several years. I think the Pad Squad are in the mid 60’s wins range by the time it is all said and done this year.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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This season could get real ugly for the Padres in 2014.
As of right now, here are the injuries the team has endured for Spring Training.
Cameron Maybin is out till mid to late April with ruptured biceps tendon. Josh Johnson will miss a month with a strained right forearm, Corey Luebke is gone for the year with his 2nd Tommy John Surgery, and Joe Wieland also had an elbow surgery.
Among the latest issues, Carlos Quentin is doubtful for the opener today with a sore knee, Catcher Yasmani Grandal is questionable, recovering from knee surgery – while Chase Headley (strained right calf) and Chris Denorfia (sore right shoulder) are probable for tonight’s North American MLB Opener. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 14, 2014
Tony Gutierrez, AP
Why should Padres fans be excited about the 2014 season?
What expectations should they have?
For today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I have a Latin Phrase that should provide hope to San Diego fans: Melior est: mediocribus esse terribiles
Being Mediocre is Better Than Being Terrible. Read the rest of this entry
San Diego Padres Payroll In 2014 + Contracts Going Forward
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth + Payroll Expert – find his website here) Follow @prosportsroster
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I am not going to beat up the Padres in this article. They have a tough division to contend with and need the new 2016 CBA to provide more of an equal playing field.
Here is some good news, the Padres only be losing 7 guys to Free Agency before the 2015 year, so if the young flock of talent can show some improvement, the future years look good.
Chase Headley, Chris Denorfia, Josh Johnson, Tim Stauffer, Huston Street, Seth Smith and Nick Hundley are up for the open market. Look for the franchise to trade most of these guys near the Trade Deadline. Read the rest of this entry
The Players In All Of The San Diego Padres Organization: Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB) Fall 2013
The Padres have not made the playoffs since 2006, and have only authored 2 winning seasons in the last 7 years. It is not from a lack of a good coach, rather the NL West has far superior talent, while the San Diego franchise has been trying to replenish the farm, went through an ownership change, and now the team needs to make some decisions this offseason, that will shape the fortunes of the club for the next several years.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @mlbreports and welcome Jeff Kleiner (Salary, Roster and Depth Chart Expert for the MLB) – visit his website here Follow @prosportsroster
The Padres didn’t have very much go right for them in terms of organizational prospects panning out at the Major League Level.
Although, the franchise must be stoked about the development of Andrew Cashner.
Trading away Adrian Gonzalez was tough enough, and right after that, the club flipped Anthony Rizzo to the Cubs, after a sub – par rookie campaign.
The Padres have a tough hoe ahead of them – competing with mega spending Los Angeles will prove very tough considering that team has a payroll in the $230 MIL range, while the ‘Pods’ are not in the $100 MIL range.
Having said that, the team still competed all year, and put up 76 Wins on the board.
They have one of the better skippers in the game with Bud Black.
The key will be the youth of the franchise, as that is how they can keep their payroll down, is to have their top prospects work out, be under team control – much like the way of the Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays models.
For the Up to Date Roster for the Padres all year around, please visit Jeff’s Website right here
For the Entire Page of teams links we have dedicated to Payroll, Rosters, Depth Chart, State Of the Unions and Roster Trees, please click right here. Please bookmark this page and check back, as we are busy on the analysis at MLB Reports always.
Andrew Cashner uses his bat and arm
How All Of The Rockies Hitters Were Acquired Onto The Roster + Analysis: Fall 2013
Coors Field is still a hitting haven. While the averages have all dipped approximately 10% since the Humidor was placed into the facility over a decade ago, it still remains the premiere place for any of the MLB’ers to bat. Some of the organizational players will not hit as good on the road, with playing in the NL West, in cavernous parks like Dodger Stadium, Petco Park and AT & T Park, however the weight will only affect their overall numbers away from the thin air – and not their overall stats. Historic players like Larry Walker and Todd Helton displayed good road numbers, despite their gawdy home statistics, however they will never be looked in the same eye. In today’s post, we will examine how all of the hitters were acquired, tracking the teams Drafting and Trading Record in the process. We will also include all of their home and road splits.
How All Of The Rockies Hitters Were Acquired:
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @mlbreports
At the MLB Reports, we intend to show you the Roster Tree for the Colorado Rockies – 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. Today, we will cover the Hitters.
For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.
Todd Helton Retirement Announcement:
2 And A Hook Podcast #14: The Races, The Red Sox + The Crowd Hitter Concept
The 2 And A Hook Podcast will be running 7 consecutive shows on Thursdays Sept. 19 + 26, and Oct 3,10,17,24,31) – Join us for our extensive playoff coverage from Chuck Booth, Chris Lacey, James Acevedo and many other guests!
‘2 And A Hook’ is an expression from Baseball: ‘Throw the guy 2 Fast balls and then a Hook’ (AKA Curve Ball, Wiggly one, Chair etc..)
By James Acevedo – Host (Podcast Veteran ) Follow @yankeeman1973
Guests On The Show:
On today’s show, brought to you by www.mlbreports.com
& yours truly The Bench Warmers Show.
i start it off by wishing the head of MLB Reports Chuck Booth Follow @chuckbooth3024 a Happy Birthday today then i talked about the A.L. East race & who will prevail at the end…
I also get to talk to the return of the Vice Prez of MLB Reports.com Chris Lacey (30 MIN mark and a 25 MIN Segment)Follow @tbwarmers
We talked about all the division & wild card races in both leagues, Matt Harvey’s season ending injury which is a big blow to the mets & the mets trading Byrd & Buck to help the pirates…
CLICK THE READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON or CLICK PAST THE MLB REPORTS LOGO
Colorado Rockies Payroll in 2013 and Contracts Going Forward
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Follow @mlbreportsMonday, August.05, 2013
Troy Tulowitzki is one of the best all-round shortstops in baseball. He plays Gold Glove caliber defense, and is a great offensive player. He is the heart and soul of the Colorado Rockies. They are a better team when he is on the field. Tulo has a .321/.387/.977 triple-slash in 290 at-bats this season. He has 20HRs and 60 RBIs on the season to go along with 18 Doubles and 93 hits overall. He is first in the NL with a Fielding Percentage of .992. The young shortstop can hit righties or lefties. However he does have a higher average against righties with a .330 average facing them. He is also excellent with runners in scoring position, as indicated by his .330 batting average and 40 RBIs in 90 at-bats in this situation.
By Chris Lacey (Lead Baseball Columnist/Minority Website Owner) Follow @aecanada12
The season for the Colorado Rockies may be near its breaking point with the 10 ½ games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West division.
They might want to start thinking about next season and try to salvage what they can from the rest of this season. The biggest issue with the team right now is their pitching, as they are last in the NL with a 4.32 ERA from their pitching and they have allowed 514 runs.
Troy Tulowitzki 2011 Highlights – Parental Guidance Is Advised
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:
The Billy Beane Way Of Contracts + His Trade History Since MoneyBall!
Wednesday July.03, 2013
Updated January.05, 2014
Updated July.05, 2014 for Samardzija deal link
Beane Spins Magic Again In World Series Quest: Picks Up Samardzija + Hammel For Straily + Prospects
Updated July 31, 2014 for Trade Deadline deals.
Beane Acquires Lester + Gomes For Cespedes: Then Acquires Fuld For Millone
Updated Aug 8, 2014 for Hitters Roster Tree
How All Of The A’s Hitters Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree Shows Incredible Beane Trading Record
Beane does his transactions throughout the entire year – and very little at the deadline. He is never finished with re-arranging his franchise. Perhaps his best Trade Deadline deal was to acquire Jermaine Dye in 2001. Conversely, he had to pay Dye a big FA contract afterwards (3 YRs/$30 MIL). Between he and Eric Chavez’s deal, (6 YR/$66 MIL deal) Beane learned not to be burned on long term contracts. He is a big fan of 1 – 2 Year Deals with Veterans. A lot of his players have not fared as well when they have left the organization. Even the guys that have, simply cost too much money for the A’s liking. The Oakland team received the same kind of production from them for a small percentage of the salary paid out.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter: Follow @mlbreports
We have talked a ton about Billy Beane‘s genius way on the website. The Website founder ‘Jonathan Hacohen’ was one of the first baseball writers to uncover the new Beane strategy last year.
I further studied some of his brilliant work – by figuring out the current roster tree for all of the current team last November. I was able to pick up a lot more patterns from his work as a GM.
2 And A Hook Podcast Ep #9: LAA, SD, MIA And SEA Chat With Great Guests
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Follow @mlbreportsFriday, June.28, 2013,
MLB reports and The Benchwarmers Show present 2 and A Hook Podcast.
‘2 And A Hook’ is an expression from Baseball: ‘Throw the guy 2 Fast balls and then a Hook’ (AKA Curve Ball, Wiggly one, Chair etc..)
By James Acevedo – Host (Podcast Veteran ) Follow @yankeeman1973
Guests On The Show
On today’s podcast, brought to you by MLB Reports ( www.mlbreports.com ) & yours truly The Bench Warmers Show, I talk to the boss man Chuck Booth as he returns to do his segment! 8 Minutes and a 18 Segment Follow @chuckbooth3024
Chuck makes a HUGE announcement about MLB Reports & then we talked about contract stuff like arbitration, Super 2, & service time…
Also we talk about these guys Wil Myers, Yasiel Puig & Chris Archer on why they should have been up in the major leagues since the beginning of the season!
Then I talk to LAA correspondent Joshua Jones (34 Minute Mark and a 18 Minute Segment) Follow @JoshJones4 about the Angels season & what might or might not happen…
Next up was Bernie Olshansky (53 Minute Mark and a 13 Minutes Segment) Follow @bernieolshansky about the padres & what moves they might make for the future…after that i talked to Mariners/Marlins correspondent.
The last guest of the show is the 2nd longest active writer on the MLB Reports website Sam Evans (1 HR and 12 Min Mark and a 25 Min Segment) ( @RJA206 ) as we get into the mariners/marlins & whats been going on with both of these teams!
I then get into everyone’s favorite segment Stats & Facts (29, Minute Mark (5 minutes) 1 HR, 7 Min Mark ( 5 Minutes ) and, 1 HR 37 MIN (20 Minutes) – so go check it out & SPREAD THE WORD!!! Thanks Read the rest of this entry
Tigers Are Rumored To Be Searching For A Closer: Papelbon Is High On The Hit List
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Follow @mlbreportsFriday, June.21/2013
It is starting to like familiar to the baseball world when it comes down to late Tigers Pitching in 2013. Dave Dombrowski simply can’t go into the Post Season with what he has on his current Roster – based on recent track record. This team needs to find a Premiere Closer via Trade – and be willing to mortgage some of the future – and take on even more salary if needed to accomplish this…otherwise the ramifications of a Bullpen Backfire would tarnish any success the club has had. It is paramount to have a shutdown Game Finisher at the end of a Pitching Staff. The Relief Core is a huge reason why Detroit has not run away with the AL Central already. They possess a 5 – 13 Record (Have also blown 9 Saves in 25 Chances) – while carrying a 3.99 ERA (22nd in MLB).
By Matthew Lafave (Tigers Correspondent) Follow @MatthewLafave
During the off-season Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski prematurely appointed rookie Bruce Rondon as the closer. It’s a lot of weight on a pitcher who has never thrown a pitch in the majors before that.
No surprise to anyone, it did not pan out and Rondon started the season with Triple-A affiliate Toledo Mud Hens.
The ‘closer by committee’ began the season but after 3 blown saves and Octavio Dotel to the disabled list, it was time for a certified closer to come to Detroit.
So in an act of desperation the Tigers signed Jose Valverde to a major league deal on April 23rd.
Shocking to most fans he was still cheered when he made his first appearance of the season and actually got the close. But his success came to an abrupt end and currently has 3 blown saves, a 5.59 ERA, and has given up 6 home runs.
Jose Valverde Blows A Save
MLB Reports 
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