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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.18) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

Ryan Vogelsong threw 7 shutout innings, letting up just 5 hits and 1 walk as the Giants beat the Marlins, 4-1.

Felix Hernandez gave the Mariners 8 innings, giving up 2 runs and earning the 6-2 win in Minnesota.

Freddie Freeman went 3-3 with a homer and a 9th inning lead off single that sparked the come from behind rally for the Braves who topped the Cardinals 6-5.

Alex Gordon went 4-4 with a pair of homers and 6 runs batted in, powering the Royals past the Orioles, 8-6.

They owned baseball on May.18, 2014.

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

JAMIE SQUIRE/GETTY IMAGES

JAMIE SQUIRE/GETTY IMAGES

Danny Duffy retired the first 20 Orioles he faced and threw into the 8th letting up only 2 hits. He got the decision in the dramatic 1-0 Kansas City win.

Brandon Moss hit a 3 run homer to give the A’s a lead and wipe away the bad taste of an unwarranted ejection of their starting pitcher. Oakland would beat Cleveland, 6-2.

Edwin Jackson pitched 7 shutout innings, letting up just 4 hits and one walk while striking out 11 Brewers, getting the 3-0 win for the Cubs.

Paul Goldschmidt launched a pair of homers, a pair of homers and got on base 5 times, driving in 6, powering the Diamondbacks past the Dodgers, 18-7.

They owned baseball on May.17, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.16) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Tony Dejak, Associated Press

Tony Dejak, Associated Press

Josh Reddick continues to be inspired by Careless Whisper. He homered twice, including a grand slam, and drove in 6 runs, leading the A’s to an 11-1 blow out in Cleveland.

Christian Yelich got on base 3 times, homered, stole a base and scored the go ahead run in the 9th as the Marlins held on in San Francisco, 7-5.

Chris Tillman kept the Orioles in first place with a complete game 5 hit shutout, walking just 1, beating the Royals, 4-0.

Jorge De La Rosa threw 7 innings of 1 hit, shutout ball in Coors Field, no easy feat. He got the decision in the Rockies 3-1 win against the Padres.

They owned baseball on May.16, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.15) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

The Enquirer/Cara Owsley

The Enquirer/Cara Owsley

Johnny Cueto pitched his third complete game and second shutout of the season, dominating the Padres with a 5-0 three hitter for the Reds.

Phil Hughes pitched 6 solid innings against the Red Sox. He let up a single run, striking out 8 and not walking anyone. He did not get the decision but the Twins would win in extra innings, 4-3.

Michael Morse homered to get the Giants back into the game and then drove in another insurance run. He would finish 3-4 against the Marlins in the 6-4 victory.

Edwin Encarnacion hit a pair of homers and drove in 3 of the Blue Jays 4 runs as the beat Cleveland 4-2.

They owned baseball on May.15, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.14) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

(William Perlman/The Star-Ledger)

(William Perlman/The Star-Ledger)

Masahiro Tanaka threw a complete game, 4 hit shutout against the Mets, striking out 8, walking none and getting a base hit for good measure. The Yankees won, 4-0.

Doug Fister gave the Nationals 7 strong innings, with 1 earned run, 5 hits and no walks. He did not get the decision but Washington would beat Arizona, 5-1.

David Murphy went 5-6 with three doubles, driving in five runs, leading Cleveland’s offense in the 15-4 thrashing of the Blue Jays.

Hunter Pence finished 4-5 with a homer and drove in 3 runs as the Giants blew out the Braves, 10-4.

They owned baseball on May.14, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.13) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

AP Photo: Gail Burton

AP Photo: Gail Burton

Miguel Cabrera came up with the Tigers trailing Baltimore  1-0 with 2 outs in the 9th. He got his second hit of the night, a 3 run homer that put Detroit on top for good. The final was 4-1.

David Price fell behind the Mariners 1-0 in the first inning. He would shut down Seattle’s offense after that. The Rays would score 2 in the 9th and Price finished the game with the 2-1Rays win, going all 9 innings, striking out 12 and walking none.

Curtis Granderson‘s 3 run homer in the first inning gave the Mets an early 4-0 lead. He would get on base 4 times while helping beat the Yankees, 12-7.

Bronson Arroyo went all 9 innings, letting up a single run and one walk while striking out 7 Nationals. He would get the decision in Arizona’s 3-1 victory.

They owned baseball on May.13, 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.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.12) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Jason O. Watson, Getty Images

Jason O. Watson, Getty Images

Tim Lincecum pitched like the ace of 2008-2010. He threw 7 2/3 innings, 2 hit, 1 run ball, striking out 11 Braves. He got the decision in San Francisco’s 4-2 win.

Eric Young Jr. led the Mets offense in a wild back and forth game in the Bronx. He went 3-5 with a two run homer and a stolen base in the 9-7 comeback victory against the Yankees.

Jesse Chavez pitched into the 9th, letting up just a pair of solo homers and keeping the White Sox from rallying. The A’s held on, 5-4.

Jose Bautista went 3-4 with his 10th homer of the season as the Blue Jays topped the Angels, 7-3.

They owned baseball on May.12, 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.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.11) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images

Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images

Derek Norris hit a pair of three run homers and helped the A’s clobber Washington, 9-1.

John Lackey shut down the Rangers bats over 7 strong innings, walking none, letting up just a pair of runs and striking out 9, getting the 5-2 Red Sox win.

Daniel Murphy got on base 5 times including a 2 run homer in the Mets game tying 9th inning rally. They would walk off against Philadelphia, 5-4.

Homer Bailey pitched into the 8th inning, finishing with 7 1/3 innings, 4 hits and 1 run, striking out 6 as the Reds topped Colorado, 4-1.

They owned baseball on May.11, 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.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.10) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Photo: Ben Margot, Associated Press

Photo: Ben Margot, Associated Press

John Jaso went 3-5 with a home run, started a 9th inning comeback with a lead off single and launched a walk off double in the 10th as the A’s stunned Washington, 4-3.

Tyler Skaggs retired 21 consecutive batters and pitched into the 9th. He finished with 8 plus innings, 4 hits, 2 earned runs and walked no Blue Jay batters, getting the 5-3 win for the Angels.

Corey Dickerson doubled twice and homered twice, leading the Rockies to an 11-2 thrashing of the Reds.

Zack Greinke held the Giants to just 2 runs over 7 innings and put the Dodgers in a position to come back, which they did 6-2.

They owned baseball on May.10, 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.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.09) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

AP

AP

Yu Darvish got to within one out of a no hitter. He would “settle” for 8 2/3 of 1 hit, 2 walk, 12 strikeout dominance of the Red Sox as the Rangers rolled, 8-0.

Johnny Cueto threw a marvelous, hitting streak busting, 8 innings, 2 run ball, striking out 8 Rockies and walking just one. The bullpen once again blew his lead, but the Reds walked off a 4-3 winner.

Jose Abreu went 3-4 with another homer, pushing the White Sox past the Diamondbacks, 9-3.

Jedd Gyorko homered twice off of Fernandez, driving in 6 as the Padres stunned Miami, 10-1.

They owned baseball on May.09, 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.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.08) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Darren Calabrese/AP

Darren Calabrese/AP

Edwin Encarnacion homered for the third straight game including 2 last night, giving him 200 for his career. His 3-4 performance with 3 RBI sparked the Blue Jays 12-6 drubbing of the Phillies.

Dallas Keuchel ended the Tigers winning streak by pitching into the 8th inning. He finished with 7 2/3 innings and 2 earned runs and no walks, giving Houston a rare win, 6-2.

Anthony Rizzo got on base 4 times, homered, doubled, drove in a pair and helped the Cubs top the White Sox, 12-5.

Ryan Volgelsong threw 7 1/3 innings, giving up just 5 hits and 1 earned run. He did not get the decision but he set up the Giants extra innings victory in Los Angeles, 3-1.

They owned baseball on May.08, 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.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.07) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Tony Gutierrez, The Associated Press

Tony Gutierrez, The Associated Press

Nolan Arenado extended his hitting streak to 27 games and helped the Rockies clobber the Rangers again, 9-2.

Tom Koehlert threw 8 shutout innings, letting up just 2 hits and 1 walk. He did not get the decision but the Marlins walked off 1-0 against the Mets.

Adam Jones homered twice as the Orioles stayed in first place with their 4-3 victory in Tampa Bay.

Mark Buehrle threw 7 shutout innings, letting up just 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out 6 Phillies. He got his 6th win as the Blue Jays cruised to a 10-0 beating.

They owned baseball on May.07, 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 31, 2014

AP

AP

It is opening day!

That’s one of the happiest days of the year for any fan of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Of course this being opening day, the Dodgers already have three games in the books. On today’s episode, I come up with another Opening Day concept.

It could be a great idea based on one of the WORST ideas MLB ever had: The Baseball Network.

Andrew Cashner, Chris Denorfia and Hyun-Jin Ryu all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball. Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (March 30) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images

Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images

Chris Denorfia got a pair of hits, drove in the go ahead run and an insurance run and made a nice running catch in right field, leading the Padres to a come from behind 3-1 win over Los Angeles.

Andrew Cashner looked sharp as San Diego’s opening day starter. He went 6 innings, letting up a single run, 4 hits and struck out 5. He got a no decision as the Padres beat the Dodgers 3-1.

Hyun-Jin Ryu deserved better than a no decision. In his second start of the season, the Dodger left hander threw 7 scoreless innings, surrendering just 3 hits and 3 walks, striking out 7. The bullpen coughed up the lead and the Padres won 3-1. But Ryu earned a 1/2 WOB.

They owned baseball on March 30, 2014.

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.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (March 22) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Dee Gordon collected 3 hits, scored twice, drove in a run and led the Dodgers to a 7-5 win over Arizona.

Hyun-Jin Ryu pitched 5 shutout innings, letting up only 2 hits and 1 walk and striking out 5 as he got the 7-5 win for LA over the D’Backs.

Mark Trumbo gave the Diamondbacks hope with two hits, both which produced runs, including a 2 run homer in the 9th. It came up short as the Dodgers won 7-5.

They owned baseball on March 22, 2014.

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.

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The Game Odds Are Posted For Opening Series MLB 2014 in Sydney: Dodgers Vs Dbacks + Picks

Clayton Kershaw gets the nod in Sydney, Australia for the MLB opener.  He may also pitch the MLB North American Opener next Sunday in San Diego, before potentially throwing 5 days later for the Dodgers Season Opener.  This could mean he Starts 3 of the clubs 6 games.  If Greinke follows him in SD, that could mean 5 Starts for these guys in the teams first 8 games, with potentially Ryu also throwing 2 matches.

Clayton Kershaw gets the nod in Sydney, Australia for the MLB opener. He may also pitch the MLB North American Opener next Sunday in San Diego, before potentially throwing 5 days later for the Dodgers Season Opener. This could mean he Starts 3 of the clubs 6 games. If Greinke follows him in SD, that could mean 5 Starts for these guys in the teams first 8 games, with potentially Ryu also throwing 2 starts in.  For those people who don’t think this season starter in Australia could benefit the Dodgers, think again.  They could lead the NL West for every day of the 2014 season, and could net 3 wins before anyone in the NL West or MLB in total has their 1st victory.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Chuck Booth gave me this mission to kick of the year writing this article.  We both come from a long history of predicting outcomes of games.

Some years we have done well, and some years have not been okay.

It has been researched and studied that Doubleheaders have a high probability of seeing a split for the 2 games.

You throw in the neutral site factor of this series, and all home field advantage is thrown out the window.

Chuck nailed the prediction of what they would put the game odds for the 2 games – based on the Starting Pitchers. Read the rest of this entry

Los Angeles Dodgers State Of The Union: 2014 Preview

Clayton Kershaw agreed to a 7 YRs/$215 MIL extension last week - that will run through the years of 2014 - 2020 with the LA Dodgers.   The deal is slated for an opt out clause after the 2018 season by Kershaw, when he will be only 30 years old.     This is the greatest single Annual Average Salary ALL - Time of $30.7 MIL per year, and is the 6th biggest contract ever in the history of the MLB.  Last year was his mos dominant to date, with a 16 - 9 record, an NL Leading 1.83 ERA and 232 SO.  The about to be 26 Year Old, also nailed down his 2nd NL Cy Young win in 3 years, and the other year he was the runner up in that time frame.  He may be the single most important player to any franchise in the National League.

Clayton Kershaw agreed to a 7 YRs/$215 MIL extension in the offseason – that will run through the years of 2014 – 2020 with the LA Dodgers. The deal is slated for an opt out clause after the 2018 season by Kershaw, when he will be only 30 years old. This is the greatest single Annual Average Salary ALL – Time of $30.7 MIL per annum, and is the 6th biggest contract ever in the history of the MLB. Last year was his most dominant to date, with a 16 – 9 record, an NL Leading 1.83 ERA and 232 SO. The about to be 26 Year Old, also nailed down his 2nd NL Cy Young win in 3 years, and the other year he was the runner up in that time frame. He may be the single most important player to any franchise in the National League.  Kershaw is the 3 time reigning NL ERA champ.

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

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The Dodgers are beginning year 2 of potentially a half-dozen years of dominance.  They have a team filled with ALL – Stars, superior Starting Pitching, and have deep pockets to seal the deal with necessary changes.

The NL West might be stronger this year with more competitive rosters from the D’Backs, Rockies and Giants, yet I still think the Dodger Blue will pulverize the competition, particularly in their own division.

Our Chief Writer Hunter Stokes wrote a great article on the Dodgers taking the 1st few series of the year not as seriously as the rest of the year here.

I fully agree with his stance, yet I don’t think it will make much of a difference.

Injuries aside this team is ready to take down the National League. Read the rest of this entry

Los Angeles Dodgers Payroll In 2014 + Contracts Going Forward: Updated For Kershaw Deal

The Dodgers already have salary commitments that are over $225 MIllion now - with the $$ given to their reigning NL Cy Young Winner.  Kenley Jansen and A.J. Ellis have yet to be paid in Arbitration yet.  The club will certainly pass last years $235 MIL plus payroll.  By doing the Kershaw deal also does not prevent them from trying to sign Masahiro Tanaa either.  Last year, the Dodgers paid out around $10 MIL for their part in going over the Luxury Tax Threshold for the 1st time - at a 17/5% penalty.  Under the current CBA, even if the team went to $300 MIL for 2014, they would only have to dole out roughly $25 MIL in penalties for a 2nd time offender.  LAD have taken full advantage of the salary structure - and don't look for them to relent any time soon.

The Dodgers already have salary commitments that are over $225 Million now – with the $$ given to their reigning NL Cy Young Winner. Kenley Jansen and A.J. Ellis have yet to be paid in Arbitration. The club will certainly pass last years $235 MIL plus payroll. By doing the Kershaw deal also does not prevent them from trying to sign Masahiro Tanaka either. Last year, the Dodgers paid out around $10 MIL for their part in going over the Luxury Tax Threshold for the 1st time – at a 17.5% penalty. Under the current CBA, even if the team went to $300 MIL for 2014, they would only have to dole out roughly $25 MIL in penalties for a 2nd time offender. LAD have taken full advantage of the salary structure – and don’t look for them to relent any time soon.  In 2014, the club will pay a 22.5% penalty for every buck spent over $189 MIL.

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

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I wrote an article just 16 months ago on how the LA Dodgers were going to force the economics of baseball the way they were conduct business with the new ownership.

As someone who has worked the majority of the time on the site for the last 3 years, I take great pride in my research.  So far it has worked out.

The Dodgers following what I said is nice vindication as a writer.

I am not here to toot my own horn, but our website was also on the forefront of the Athletics renaissance a few years back, the Rays coming back to fight in the 2013 year, and also we were one of the 1st to report the Shields for Myers deal.

2013 NLDS Post Season highlights – Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance is Advised

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“The Record” Clayton Kershaw Contract By The Numbers: How It All Stacks Up

Clayton Kershaw has agreed to a 7 YRs/$215 MIL extension t- that will run through the years of 2014 - 2020 with the LA Dodgers.   The deal is slated for an opt out clause after the 2018 season by Kershaw, when he will be only 30 years old.

Clayton Kershaw has agreed to a 7 YRs/$215 MIL extension – that will run through the years of 2014 – 2020 with the LA Dodgers. The deal is slated for an opt out clause after the 2018 season by Kershaw, when he will be only 30 years old.  The terms go like this for years.  2014:  $22 MIL ( $18 MIL signing bonus is part of that), 2015: $30 MIL, 2016: $32 MIL, 2017 and 2018 he will earn $33 MIL).  From here that will have been $150 MIL for the 1st 5 years of the contract.  If Kershaw remains past this, the deal pays $32 MIL in 2019 – and finally $33 MIL in 2020.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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The verdict is in.  Clayton Kershaw has agreed to a 7 YR Extension for $215 Million.

It is the highest Annual Average Contract ($30.7 MIL) in the history of Major League Baseball, topping A-Rod’s previously set deal worth $27.5 MIL.

The deal is also the richest contract ever in Pitching history – surpassing Justin Verlander’s 7 YRs/$180 MIL extension from 2013 – 2019.

It is the 6th highest deal ever in the MLB, and Kershaw becomes the 7th player ever to receive a contract north of $200 MIL.

Clayton Kershaw Highlights 2013

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The Los Angeles Dodgers Players In All Organizational Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB) 2014

Puig slowed down a shade from his torrid 1st month pace - however still slashed .319/.392/.925 - with 19 HRs, 42 RBI. 66  Runs Scored and 122 Hits in just 434 AB.  He has in the 2nd YR of a 7 YR/$42 MIL contract in his pocket, and that may be the bargain of ALL - Time if he continues these type of numbers all the way throughout his length of the deal.  Puig finished in 2nd for NL Rookie of The Year Voting, and placed 15th in NL MVP balloting as well.

Puig slowed down a shade from his torrid 1st month pace – however still slashed .319/.392/.925 – with 19 HRs, 42 RBI. 66 Runs Scored and 122 Hits in just 434 AB for the 2013 year. He has now in the 2nd YR of a 7 YR/$42 MIL contract in his pocket, and that may be the bargain of ALL – Time if he continues these type of numbers all the way throughout his length of the deal. Puig, 23,  finished in 2nd for NL Rookie of The Year Voting, and placed 15th in NL MVP balloting as well.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart Expert)

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The Los Angeles Dodgers had a rollercoaster 2013 campaign.  After a late season 2012 trade, the club went on a spending bonanza to enter the 2013 year.

In late May. it looked bleak. The franchise wanted to fire Don Mattingly, Matt Kemp and Hanley Ramirez were battling various injuries, and the club was 23 – 32.

Enter Yasiel Puig with his historic 1st month, and the team then went on a torrid pace at that hadn’t been done in nearly 60 years.

The crux of this crestwave, was a 42 – 8 stretch that saw the club bypass all 4 Division foes, putting a stranglehold on the NL West once and for all.

Dodgers own the West

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Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated For October 14, 2013 Games

(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.

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

For a full explanation, click HERE.

From today’s games:

Receiving 1 WOO:

Yasiel Puig may have styled a little too long, but his RBI triple gave the Dodgers a 2-0 lead. He would finish the game 2-3, contributing to the 3-0 win over the Cardinals.

Hyun-Jin Ryu came up big in a must win game for the Dodgers. Down 0-2 in the series, he gave L.A. 7 shutout innings, letting up just 3 hits and 1 walk, getting the decision in the 3-0 series saving victory over St. Louis.

Receiving 1/2 WOO:

Adam Wainwright pitched well enough to win most games. He threw 7 innings letting up only 2 runs and didn’t walk a batter. St. Louis’ offense betrayed him and he was saddled with a 3-0 loss at the hands of the Dodgers.

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Odds To Win The 2013 MLB World Series, Plus Odds To Win The NLCS + ALCS Matchups

Its funny how one Anibal Sanchez Start can sway your opinion.  While I am still picking Boston to win the ALCS, you should wait til after Game #3 to see if Verlander wins, then you can bet some money on the Red Sox to win the ALCS, when they are underdogs.  Right now, they are both about even.  Both of the Tigers and Red Sox are +240 to win the World Series.

Its funny how one Anibal Sanchez Start can sway your opinion. While I am still picking Boston to win the ALCS, you should wait til after Game #3 to see if Verlander wins, then you can bet some money on the Red Sox to win the ALCS, when they are underdogs. Right now, they are both about even. Both of the Tigers and Red Sox are +240 to win the World Series.

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

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Odds To Win the World Series Today:

St. Louis Cardinals +160

Boston Red Sox +240

Detroit Tigers +240

LA Dodgers +800

Ortiz Slams the Red Sox back into a tie (Credit FOX)

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MLB 30 Team Power Rankings: Week 21

42 - 8, 25 - 3, 19 - 1, 10 wins in a row.  These are all significant numbers put up with a team with deep pockets, the ability to outdraw everyone, and owners willing to do whatever it takes to bring home the 1st World Series Title since 1988.  No one can touch these guys right now. Best 3 Starters in the NL and hottest 2 NL Hitters in Puig and Ramirez.  Oh yeah, the Bullpen has been lights out for the last 50 contests!

42 – 8, 25 – 3, 19 – 1, 10 wins in a row. These are all significant numbers put up with a team with deep pockets, the ability to outdraw everyone for park attendance, and owners willing to do whatever it takes to bring home the 1st World Series Title since 1988. No one can touch these guys right now. Best 3 Starters in the NL and hottest 2 NL Hitters in Puig and Ramirez. Oh yeah, the Bullpen has been lights out for the last 50 contests!

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

It is time for the MLB Power Rankings.  These are based on my thoughts on whether who has the best chance to win the World Series.

A lot of these positions are based on who has the toughest Strength of Schedule left, who their competition is for the Division, and possibly even the League they are in,

The races for the Divisions (AL East, AL West and NL Central are starting to tighten up, while the NL West, AL Central and most notably NL East are looking to be foregone conclusions

The Braves have rattled of a 18 – 3 stretch, and have been ousted by the Dodgers for the #1 spot in the MLB Rankings .

The Rangers are trying to ricochet off of a couple of great deals, in order to flame down the Oakland Athletics.

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