Blog Archives
Who Owned Baseball Sept 18, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Felix Hernandez established a career high in strikeouts while throwing 7 shutout innings, allowing 3 hits, 2 walks and fanning 11 Angels. He did not get the decision but the Mariners stayed alive in the playoff chase with a 3-1 victory.
Logan Morrison hit a potential season saving 3 run homer with 2 outs in the 9th inning that gave Seattle a 3-1 win over the Angels.
Gerrit Cole pitched 7 strong inings, giving up 6 hits and 2 runs while walking none and striking out 7. His Pirates would complete the sweep of the Red Sox, 3-2.
Wilin Rosario went 4-5 with a double and a towering 2 run, bottom of the 9th, come from behind walk off homer to give the Rockies a 7-6 win over Arizona.
They all owned baseball on Sept 18, 2014.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball Sept 17, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
AP Photo
Adam Wainwright pitched a complete game 7 hit shutout of the Brewers and inching the Cardinals closer to another division title with a 2-0 victory.
Carlos Carrasco tossed a 2 hit, 1 walk, 12 strikeout complete game shutout of the Astros, giving the Indians a 2-0 victory.
Charlie Blackmon led a potent Colorado attacked with a 5 for 5 performance, homering, scoring 4 times and driving in a pair in the 16-2 blow out of the Dodgers.
C.J. Cron broke open a game that was scoreless in the 7th with a 2 out, 3 run homer that helped the Angels beat the Mariners 5-0 and clinch the AL West.
They all owned baseball on Sept 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.
Who Owned Baseball Sept 16, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
Paul Beaty/AP
Jake Arrieta took a no hitter into the 8th and finished with a complete game 1 hit, 1 walk, thirteen strikeout masterpiece of the Reds, giving the Cubs a 7-0 shutout.
Wilmer Flores doubled and homered twice, scoring 3 times and driving in 6, leading the Mets offense in a 9-1 drubbing of the Marlins.
Ricky Nolasco kept the mighty Tigers off the board with 8 shutout innings, allowing 5 hits and 1 walk. He would get a no decision as the bullpen blew the lead but the Twins would come back to win, 4-3.
Adam Eaton went 4-5, missing the cycle by a homer, and scored a pair of runs as the White Sox frustrated the Royals, 7-5.
They all owned baseball on Sept 16, 2014.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball Sept 15, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
(Photo: Jim Mone/AP)
Miguel Cabrera went 3-5 with a double and a homer in the 9th inning to help the Tigers beat the Twins, 8-6.
Mark Trumbo hit a grand slam and drove in a 5 run, helping the the Diamondbacks top the Giants 6-2.
Matt Shoemaker pitched the Angels into the playoffs with a 7 2/3 inning performance, allowing 5 hits and 1 run, walking none and getting the 8-1 victory over Seattle.
Andrew Cashner threw a complete game 2 hit shuout, winning a tense 1-0 pitchers duel against the Phillies in San Diego.
They all owned baseball on Sept 15, 2014.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball Sept 14, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
Photo By Gene J. Puskar/AP
Josh Harrison hit a 2 run, game tying double, came around to score the go ahead run, collected another hit and in the field started a triple play, leading the current Wild Card Pirates to a 7-3 win over the Cubs.
J. D. Martinez got on base 3 times with a homer and an RBI single, helping the Tigers come from behind and defeat division rival Cleveland, 6-4.
Clayton Kershaw threw 8 solid innings, allowing 2 runs, striking out 9 and walking 1 as the Dodgers put some distance between the Giants, winning 4-2.
Dallas Keuchel pitched no hit ball into the 7th and stopped the Angels 10 game winning streak with his 7 innings, 3 hit, 1 run performance, getting the 6-1 decision for Houston.
They all owned baseball on Sept 14, 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.
HR Streaks Of 2 Or More In MLB – 2014: A-Gon, Miggy + Anthony Recker With Active Steaks
Through Sept 7, 2014
All Streaks Of 2 or more in 2014.
*** Denotes Active Streak
5 Games
Jose Bautista – Blue Jays – Aug 26 – Aug 31`
3rd HR streak for Joey Bats!
Devin Mesoraco, Reds, June 18 – June 24
2nd HR Steak For Mesoraco Read the rest of this entry
HR Streaks Of 2 Or More In MLB – 2014:
Through Sept 7, 2014
All Streaks Of 2 or more in 2014.
*** Denotes Active Streak
5 Games
Jose Bautista – Blue Jays – Aug 26 – Aug 31`
3rd HR streak for Joey Bats!
Devin Mesoraco, Reds, June 18 – June 24
2nd HR Steak For Mesoraco Read the rest of this entry
HR Streaks Of 2 Or More In MLB – 2014: (Ike Davis + Joey Bats Only Guys With Active Ones)
Chris Carter is bashing his way to the top of all HR charts again in 2014 – after a sub par start to the campaign. He has 6 streaks of 2 or more HRs, and has added 6 multiple HR affairs to his resume – and all done in the last 100 days or so. Carter sits tied for 2nd in the AL with 33 HRs on the year, but don’t be surprised if he takes a run at the lead by years end. Carter, 27, belted 29 HRs last campaign – and could well surpass with 40 is he keep his pace up.
Through Aug 28, 2014
All Streaks Of 2 or more in 2014.
*** Denotes Active Streak
5 Games
Devin Mesoraco, Reds, June 18 – June 24
2nd HR Steak For Mesoraco Read the rest of this entry
HR Streaks Of 2 Or More 2014 In The MLB
Rizzo leads the MLB with 7 Home Run Streaks on the year. The Cubs 1B is also 2nf in the NL with 29 big fly’s on the campaign.
Through Aug 23, 2014
All Streaks Of 2 or more in 2014.
*** Denotes Active Streak
5 Games
Devin Mesoraco, Reds, June 18 – June 24
2nd HR Steak For Mesoraco Read the rest of this entry
All Streaks Of 2 Or More Straight Games With Home Runs In 2014 MLB: Stanton Setting Pace Since ASG
Stanton with 4 different HR streaks since the ALL – Star Break already. He has the NL lead, and is tied with Nelson Cruz and Jose Abreu fro the Major League Lead in 2014 bombs, Stanton also fared well in this year’s HR derby. May I remind everyone that this guys is still only 24.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Through Aug 18, 2014
All Streaks Of 2 or more in 2014.
*** Denotes Active Streak
5 Games
Devin Mesoraco, Reds, June 18 – June 24
2nd HR Steak For Mesoraco Read the rest of this entry
HR Streaks Of 2 Games Or More – 2014 MLB: Joseph’s Historic HRs, Davis On Track, Carter Underrated!
Caleb Joseph is putting up a historic HR run this week, setting a new franchise mark for hitting a long ball in his last 5 straight games, and is throwing out over 50% of the baserunners on the basepaths as a defensive Catcher. The 28 Year Old RHB is giving the management a lot to think about for the future, with the Catchers, First Base and Designated Hitters positions all featuring players who will become Free Agents in the next 1 – 2 years.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
There Is 1 active streak of 5 Games: Caleb Joseph, who is the 2nd player this year to carry a 5 consecutive tilts with a HR ( the other was Devin Mesoraco.
The only other current streak is Adrian Gonzalez ( who is in his 4th streak right now, with the other 3 being at least 3 games, and one of them a 4 games.
Several Catcher flexed their muscles during this particular week.
1 for one, would love to see Joseph tie the club record set by Chris Davis (who was the last MLB to crank HRs in 6 straight (last week of 2012).
Speaking of the Home Run Ball, the Orioles have been obliterating baseball into orbit versus the Cardinals the last few nights. Baltimore has outscored St. Louis 22 – 5, with hammering 9 jacks over the wall. Read the rest of this entry
How All Of The Nationals Hitters Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree
The city of Washington hasn’t hosted a World Series game since 1933, and while the club didn’t have an MLB organization for 30+ years, this 2014 team may mark the best year for the franchise to win the World Series ever. It was only 4 years ago that this franchise was wallowing in below average baseball. The team then singed a big cheque to haul in Jayson Werth as Free Agent. A few years later, through a couple of key trades, coupled with other Free Agent pickups and the team’s offensive core maturing, the club has complete depth from 1 – 8 in the lineup
How All Of The Nationals Hitters Were Acquired:
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Nationals came over to Washington from Montreal, Quebec, Canada to start the 2005 year. It took several last place finishes to stockpile draft picks, in order for this club to turn its fortunes around.
Aside from offensive lineup signing key Free Agents Jayson Werth and Adam LaRoche in recent years, the club has been built within.
Some of the players like Wilson Ramos, Denard Span, Asdrubal Cabrera and Jose Lobaton were acquired from other teams with Draft Picks the Nats had already selected.
This team has been competitive since the beginning of the 2011 year, and made the franchise’s 1st playoff appearance in 2012, after a 31 Year absence.
Much will always be made about the Stephen Strasburg decision, and the only way to alleviate those causes and concerns – is for the team to win the World Series Title.
The ownership changed the culture of the team when he inked Werth to a 7 YR deal worth $126 MIL prior to the 2011 campaign. It shifted the 1 – 8 lineup with a new direction.
While the 1st year wasn’t kind to the former Phillies player, he has been an above average OF since, posting a near .300 Batting Average – with a high OBP and nice SLG% that falls within his career numbers.
The team has even withstood constant injuries to Bryce Harper and Ryan Zimmerman this season. to lead the NL East right now. Read the rest of this entry
HR Streaks Of 2 Or More 2014
Harrison may very well have not deserved his NL ALL – Star selection last month, but he is totally on fire now – playing awesome baseball. The Utility man for the Bucs is the latest MLB’er to hit Home Runs in 4 straight contests this year. Harrison also went yard again last night, after a brief 2 game hiatus from smacking a long ball. The Pirates have rode his tear into a tie for the Wild Card spot.
Through Aug 2, 2014
HRs Streaks (Games Consecutive in MLB)
0 active streaks of HRs more than 1
All Streaks Of 2 or more in 2014.
5 Games
Devin Mesoraco, Reds, June 18 – June 24
2nd HR Steak For Mesoraco Read the rest of this entry
HR Streaks Of 2 Or More In 2014
Through July 19, 2014
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
HRs Streaks (Games Consecutive in MLB)
2 Active 2 Game HR streaks: Paul Goldschmidt (3rd Steak) Giancarlo Stanton (1st streak), Last player with 3 HRs (Conor Gillaspie), 4 HRs (George Springer), 5 HRs (Devin Mesoraco). Streaks not of this year: Last 6 HR streak (Chris Davis – 2012), 7 HR streak (Kevin Mench – 2006) and last 8 HR streak (Ken Griffey JR. in 1993)
8 Games (Last Done in 1993)
Ken Griffey JR, Mariners, July.20 – July.28
7 Games (Last Done in 2006)
Kevin Mench, Rangers , April.21 – Apr.28
6 Games (Last Done in 2012)
Chris Davis, Sept.25 – Oct.3, 2012 Read the rest of this entry
Current 2014 MLB Team Payrolls: Trade Deadline Manuevering
Clayton Kershaw is the highest paid player on the highest payroll of the Majors with the Dodgers. Los Angeles is currently sitting at nearly $240 MIL for total team payroll, and will enter the 2nd year of their Luxury Tax Threshold Penalty, where they will pay a 30% surcharge on any monies spent over $189 MIL. As it stands right now, the club will pay somewhere north of $15 MIL this year. If the Dodgers are in penalty again for 2015, they will pa 40% of any cash over the Threshold. Abusers of the tax for 4 years and beyond pay $50%. With their payroll this year, it would cost Los Angeles over $25 MIL if they were at that limit.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
2014 Team Salaries Rank (In Millions)
1. LAD – $239.8 ( 2nd time abuser – Luxury Tax Penalty at 30% over $189 MIL = $15.24 MIL to be added at the end of the year.) (1st in NLW)
2. NYY – $200.0 ( 4 or more time abuser – Tax Penalty at 50% over $189 MIL for an additional $5.5 MIL to be added at end of the year.) (1st In ALE)
3. PHI – $177.4 (1st in NLE)
4. DET – $163.0 MIL (1st in ALC)
5. BOS – $157.9 (2nd in ALE)
Read the rest of this entry
MLB Teams Pitching Payroll vs Positional Players Payroll In 2014
The Dodgers are the new kings of spending money on payroll in the MLB. They already spend the most money their Pitching Staff, are the only team well over the $200 MIL mark, and are also creeping up on the New York Yankees for position player spending. With the Bronx Bombers not in a playoff spot currently, the Dodgers may pass the Pinstripers by adding salary to their lineup, or by New York deciding to trade a few players from their position lineup.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The LA Dodgers have 5 quality Starting Pitchers, and a bevy of former Closers in their Relief Core.
The boys who play their home games at Chavez Ravine, would fit into the top half of entire team payrolls for the majors with each of their pitching and offense separately.
If the Yankees trade 1 or 2 hitters before the Deadline, or the Dodgers add an offense player to their depth, they will hold the #1 spot in both distinctions.
New York, Detroit, Philadelphia, Washington, Boston and both of the Los Angeles franchises are in the top 10 in each. Read the rest of this entry
2014 Home Run Leaderboards + HR Streaks Of 2 Or More In 2014
THE LONG BALL In 2014
TOP 5 HRs AL/NL @ The ASG Break
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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For Games Played Through July 13, 2014
Top 5 HR Leaders AL
Jose Abreu, White Sox – 29 (Last Homered July 12)
Nelson Cruz, Orioles – 28 (Last Homered July 7th)
Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays – 26 – Injury Report: (15-day disabled list (July 6, strained right quadriceps.)
Mike Trout, Angels – 22 (Last Homered July 11)
Brandon Moss, A’s – 21 (Last Homered July 13)
Victor Martinez, Tigers – 21 – Injury Report – Day to Day. (Last Homered July 3)
Top 5 HR Leaders NL
Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins – 21
Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies – 21 (Last Homered July.11)
Anthony Rizzo, Cubs – 20 (Last Homered July.9)
Todd Frazier, Reds – 19 (Last Homered July.13)
Marlon Byrd, Phillies – 18 (Last Homered July.6) Read the rest of this entry
Multi HR Games + Consecutive HR Streaks in 2014
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For Games Played Through July 7, 2014
Multi HR Games in MLB 2014
For Games Played Through July 7, 2014 ( Steve Pearce with Last 2 HR game – June 30th, Lonnie Chisenhall last with 3 HRs – June 9th, Last 4 HR game – Josh Hamilton – May 8, 2012)
Last 4 HR Game
Josh Hamilton, Rangers (4) – May 8, 2012
Last 3 HR Game
LM Otero/AP
Lonnie Chisenhall (3 HR Game) June 9th
Chris Davis, Orioles (3 HR Game) May 20th
Ryan Braun – Brewers (3 HR Game) – April.8th Read the rest of this entry
There Was A Power Outage In The MLB SAT, But Not At Camden Yards: HR Leaderboards 2014
There were just 20 HRs hit in 17 games played worth of action on Sat. June 28th, 2014, or 0.59 Bolts per team.
Added to that, were that no one hit 2 in a game, and none of the 15 players currently in the top 5 of either the AL or NL hit a big fly yesterday either.
Among the HRs hit, was a 5 HR contest held at Orioles Park At Camden Yards in Baltimore on Saturday.
It was not Chris Davis, Nelson Cruz or even Evan Longoria doing the deed, but Manny Machado, Nick Markakis for the O’s – and Desmond Jennings, newcomer Kevin Keirmaier – and Logan Forsythe also hit his 1st blast of the year.
Darin Mastrorianni also went yard for his 1st long ball with the Blue Jays (2nd game) and first for the season.
Seldom used David Ross – and Dayan Viciedo are the only 2 players in the MLB carrying a HR streak, after no one entered Saturday’s play with a consecutive streak.
Really other than C.J. Cron‘s and Jose Abreu‘s 2 tater trots, it hasn’t been a banger weekend for the power bats.
For those that love the long ball we have updated our list on Multi HR Game to add the last 4 HR game in the Majors, along with the fellas that have the last 3 HR and 2 HR contests.
We have done the same with consecutive HR list, where we have 2 games through 8 listed as the last streaks.
Devin Mesoraco is the only one to have a 5 gamer in 2014, where 6, 7, 8 vary from 2012, to 2006, to 1993 respectively. Read the rest of this entry
Devin Mesoraco Hits A Homer For The 5th Straight Game: ALL Streaks Of 2 Or More 2014
Devin Mesoraco is hitting HRs at a record pace this year, with 14 HRs in just 150 AB. He is among the leaderboards in all of the Catchers offensive categories despite a heavy DL stint. Heading into play today, he has 3 Slashed .320/.387/.667 – and added 40 RBI in his 43 Games Played this campaign. He has also hit a HR in 5 consecutive games. If he can hit a HR in the next game he plays, Mesoraco will be entering extremely rarified air. Only 20 MLB’ers have ever hit a long ball in 6 straight games. The last time the feat was done in the MLB – was by Chris Davis back in 2012. Don Mattinglty, Dale Long and Ken Griffey JR. all share the record – with blasts in 8 straight.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Devin Mesoraco has finally arrived for the Reds.
The Catcher is completely on fire, homering for his 5th straight game on Tuesday night, and giving him 14 on the year in just 150 AB (1 HR/10.72 AB).
The 26 Year Old Catcher is now trailing just Evan Gattis for the NL and MLB lead for the position despite playing in just 43 Games.
He is also in 2nd for RBI with 40 (2nd to Miguel Montero‘s – 43) which is almost a man knocked in per game.
Mesoraco was drafted in the 1st round (15th) of the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft.
The franchise has thought so much of his potential, they have traded away Ramon Hernandez, Yasmani Grandal and Ryan Hanigan to clear a spot for him to thrive.
Kevin Mench is the last MLB’r to have a 7 game HR Streak. He did this in April of 2006
2014 Multi Home Run Efforts + HR Streaks Of 2 Or More In the MLB
George Springer was the last man to hit HRs in 4 games this year..
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For Games Played Through June 16, 2014
Multi HR Games in MLB 2014
For Games Played Through June 16, 2014 Donnie Murphy Last 2 HR effort – June 16)
LM Otero/AP
Lonnie Chisenhall (3 HR Game) June 9th
Chris Davis, Orioles (3 HR Game) May 20th
Ryan Braun – Brewers (3 HR Game) – April.8th Read the rest of this entry
The Long Ball, HR Leaders, Multi HR Gms, Consecutive Streaks MLB 2014
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
For Games Played Through June 9, 2014
Top 5 HR Leaders AL
Nelson Cruz, Orioles – 21
Edwin Encarnacion. Blue Jays – 20 (Homered June 9th)
Jose Abreu, White Sox – 18 (Homered June 9th)
Josh Donaldson, A’s – 17
Brandon Moss, A’s – 16 Read the rest of this entry
Top 5 Home Run Hitters In MLB For 2014: AL/NL, HR Streaks + Multi HR Games
Mark Trumbo has homered in 4 straight games, which is halfway to the ALL – Time Record held by Don Mattingly, Ken Griffey JR and Dale Long. Mattingly owns the aggregate total of 10 HRs hit for those 8 games. Despite his efforts, the D’Backs enter today’s game at 2 – 7. Trumbo also leads the MLB with 5 HRs overall. The slugger has 2 more years left of Arbitration Eligibility after the 2014, and will become a Free Agent in 2017. He was acquired in a trade from the LA Angels that saw the D’Backs part with Starter Tyler Skaggs. Arizona also sent OF Adam Eaton to the White Sox, and received Minor Leagues A.J. Shugel and Brandon Jacobs in the deal. Chicago parted with Hector Santiago as well to LA.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
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.
Kemp and Ramirez Both Hit 2 HRs 4 – 6 – 14
Washington Nationals 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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The Washington Nationals have had an escalating salary structure for the last few years. The truth is that their talent needs to be paid as time goes on.
In 2014, the Budget is looking to be around $130 MIL so far, after just being over $110 MIL.
The situation is more expensive next year, with 10 players under the Arbitration Eligible – highlighted by Stephen Strasburg for his 2nd year of it.
Among the others are: Craig Stammen, Danny Espinosa, Tyler Clippard, Doug Fister, Drew Storen, Ross Detwiler, Wilson Ramos, Jerry Blevins, Jose Lobaton and Ryan Mattheus. Read the rest of this entry
How Winning Teams Are Built: How It Applies To The Nationals In 2014
The Nationals failed to meet expectations as the Preseason favorites to lock down the World Series in 2013. Heck, they didn’t even qualify for the playoffs. Whether it was injury, or complacency, the talent of this team didn’t maximize their potential this year. However, the club did go 24 – 12 in their last 36 Games Played, and made a late charge at the 2nd Wild Card Spot. Most of the nucleus is coming back for the 2014 year. Their Starting Pitching Staff could have 3 potential Cy Young Winners, and Rafael Soriano is among the top Closers in the game of baseball.
By David Huzzard (Nationals Correspondent via Citizens of Natstown.com – view website here): Follow @davidhuzzard
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter: Follow @mlbreports
Last week I wrote about the dangers of the WARpire (VoRPire) and why it is important to have a bottom of the roster that won’t cost a team any games, or to word it a different way won’t cancel out the contributions of the top of the roster.
Having a 5.0 fWAR player means nothing if there are enough negative players to cancel that out. The middle and bottom of the roster are the foundation upon which the stars stand.
A team needs that bottom of the roster in order to win because without them the stars cannot flourish. ‘
Think about the Red Sox and the changes they made going into 2013.
Mike Napoli, Shane Victorino, and Jonny Gomes aren’t stars, but they aren’t negative assets either and their presence on the roster allows David Ortiz and Dustin Pedroia contributions to matter. 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.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
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
The Nationals Case Against Extending Jordan Zimmermann
The problem with any of the Nationals players not named Harper or Strasburg, is that any time the club is talking about extending one of their players before them, those guys have to be kept in mind for when they hit Free Agency.. The Nationals are creeping up the payroll scale each year that their core is together. Whether it is Arbitration, or players like Jayson Werth and Gio Gonzalez being paid more as their own contracts mature. 2014 will see the club set another record for player salaries, adding to the fuel that it will be tough to extend Zimmermann.
By David Huzzard (Nationals Correspondent via Citizens of Natstown.com – view website here): Follow @davidhuzzard
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
With how much love role players like Michael Morse and Steve Lombardozzi have garnered from Nats fans as they’ve left town it will be amazing to see what happens when the Washington Nationals lose a legitimate star player.
With Ian Desmond and Jordan Zimmermann both two years away from free agency there is a high likelihood that that day is soon approaching.
The Nationals have made several overtures to Jordan Zimmermann but no deal has been reached or even come close. Zimmermann wants fair market value which is understandable but what is fair market value for a pitcher like him?
Zack Greinke with a career 3.65 ERA and one Cy Young under his belt set the record for free agent pitchers with the $147 million contract he signed last off-season heading into his age 29 season.
Jordan Zimmermann April 2013 Shutout – Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance is Advised
The Nate McLouth Signing Demonstrates A Lesson Learned For Washington About Bench Players
The Nationals failed to meet expectations as the Preseason favorites to lock down the World Series in 2013. Heck, they didn’t even qualify for the playoffs. Whether it was injury, or complacency, the talent of this team didn’t maximize their potential this year. However, the club did go 24 – 12 in their last 36 Games Played, and made a late charge at the 2nd Wild Card Spot. Most of the nucleus is coming back for the 2014 year. But a most underrated facet of an NL club sometimes is their bench. Washington hopes to have a better bunch of pine riders in 2014 – than they did in 2013.
By David Huzzard (Nationals Correspondent via Citizens of Natstown.com – view website here): Follow @davidhuzzard
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
When the Nats built a bench on the cheap in 2012 it worked.
Steve Lombardozzi, Roger Bernadina, Chad Tracy, and Tyler Moore all had outstanding seasons, and the four of them combined cost less than half of what the Nationals will be paying Nate McLouth in 2014, but when they tried to do the same thing in 2013 it was a disaster.
The only back-up outfielder to have a higher than .700 OPS was Corey Brown and that was in 15 plate appearances. Hardly enough of a sample size to be trusted.
Nate McLouth gives the Nationals bench something it severely lacked in 2013, a reliable veteran. McLouth’s numbers aren’t great.
Nate McLouth Highlights in 2012 – Mature Lyrics So parental guidance is advised
Hey Nationals Fans: Don’t Forget About Danny Espinosa As A Utility Infielder!
In 2011 Danny Espinosa finished sixth in Rookie of the Year voting and was a 3.2 fWAR player. In 2012 he took a small step backwards offensively but was off the charts defensively and was a 3.4 fWAR player. As an offensive player his OPS was average to above for a second baseman and his defense was above average. He could also play short when needed and did so very well 2012 When Ian Desmond spent a month on the DL. Add it all up and for two seasons Danny Espinosa was a decent offensive middle infielder and played above average defense at two positions.
By David Huzzard (Nationals Correspondent via Citizens of Natstown.com – view website here): Follow @davidhuzzard
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Nationals are currently in need of a utility infielder that can hit better and has more versatility than Steve Lombardozzi.
In 2013, the Nationals considered Lombardozzi such a below average short stop and third baseman that they started Anthony Rendon and Chad Tracy at those positions when giving the starters days off.
Rendon looked good at second base and the advanced stats agreed, but he is not a short stop.
Danny Espinosa 2012 Highlights – Mature Lyrics – Parental Guidance Is Advised
The Washington Nationals State Of The Union Part 1: Fall 2013 Through Spring 2014
The Nationals failed to meet expectations as the Preseason favorites to lock down the World Series in 2013. Heck, they didn’t even qualify for the playoffs. Whether it was injury, or complacency, the talent of this team didn’t maximize their potential this year. However, the club did go 24 – 12 in their last 36 Games Played, and made a late charge at the 2nd Wild Card Spot in the Nationals League. Most of the nucleus is coming back for the 2014 year. Here are some priorities for the winter.
By David Huzzard (Nationals Correspondent via Citizens of Natstown.com – view website here): Follow @davidhuzzard
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1. Find a Manager
There are moves that can be made without a new manager in place, but this is the most important thing the Nationals have to do this off-season. Not having the leader of the team will make all the other moves more difficult.
Players want to know who they are playing for and the manager is going to have a lot of input into what free agents the Nationals go after for the bench and bullpen, which happen to be their two biggest needs personnel-wise.
It is also important to get the new manager in place early so that he has an entire off-season to communicate with the players already in the majors and to familiarize himself with the system and the minor leaguers that could help during the season.
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