Blog Archives

Who Owned Baseball Sept 10, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

AP Photo/Carlos Osorio

AP Photo/Carlos Osorio

James Shields pitched 7 shutout innings, allowing 2 hits, 1 walk and 8 strikeouts and propelled the Royals into first place by themselves by winning 3-0 in Detroit.

Aaron Harang threw 7 innings, allowing 1 unearned run, striking out 9 and walking none, giving the Braves a much needed 6-2 win against Washington.

Albert Pujols singled, doubled and tripled, scoring 2 and driving in another as the Angels became the first to reach 90 wins, clobbering the Rangers, 8-1.

Carl Crawford went 4-4 with 3 doubles, a pair of RBI and a run scored, helping the Dodgers move closer to a Division Title, topping the Padres 4-0.

They owned baseball on Sept 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.

Who Owned Baseball Sept 9, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

CHARLES REX ARBOGAST/AP

CHARLES REX ARBOGAST/AP

Josh Donaldson went 5-6 with a doubles, 2 runs scored and 4 RBI, leading a resurgent Oakland offense to an 11-2 drubbing of the White Sox.

Collin McHugh pitched 8 dominant innings, allowing 2 hits and no walks and 1 run on a solo homer as the Astros topped Seattle, 2-1.

Yusmeiro Petit needed only 84 pitches to throw a complete game, 4 hit, 9 strikeout and no walk 5-1 victory for the Giants over the Diamondbacks.

Marcell Ozuna reached base 5 times, scoring twice, driving in 2 and homered in the go ahead 9th inning rally as the Marlins beat the fading Brewers 6-3.

They owned baseball on Sept 9, 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 8, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

CHARLES REX ARBOGAST/AP

CHARLES REX ARBOGAST/AP

Tyler Flowers hit a 9th inning game tying homer and then launched a walk off homer in the 12th as the White Sox stunned the A’s, 5-4.

Marcus Stroman threw a complete game 3 hit shutout, walking no batters and striking out 8 Cubs as the Blue Jays won 8-0.

Carl Crawford reached base 4 times, including a homer, drove in 3 runs and scored 2 in the Dodgers 9-4 win over the Padres.

Jeff Locke allowed just 3 hits and no walks while striking 9 Phillies out over 7 innings of 1 run ball. He got the decision as the Pirates topped the Phillies, 6-4.

They owned baseball on Sept 8, 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 7, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

REINHOLD MATAY/AP

REINHOLD MATAY/AP

Nelson Cruz nearly hit for the cycle, reaching base 5 times, tripling, homering twice, including in the 11th inning, and driving in all of Baltimore’s 7 runs, leading the way to a 7-5 victory in Tampa Bay.

Adrian Gonzalez hit a 3 run homer in the 6th inning to give the Dodgers the lead and hit another 3 run homer the next inning to pad the score, leading the Dodgers to a 7-2 win against the Diamondbacks.

Carlos Carrasco pitched into the 9th, finishing with 8 2/3 innings of 4 hit, shutout ball, striking out 8 White Sox while walking none as Cleveland won, 2-0.

Adam Wainwright pitched a complete game, allowing 7 hits and 1 run and earning his 17th win for the Cardinals this season in the 9-1 blow out in Milwaukee.

They owned baseball on Sept 7, 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 6, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

Ann Heisenfelt / Associated Press

Ann Heisenfelt / Associated Press

Albert Pujols went 3-5, scoring 3, driving in 3, homering and clubbing a go ahead 9th inning 2 run double to help the Angels come from behind and win 8-5 in Minnesota.

Buster Posey sparked a Giants attack by getting on 4 times, scoring twice and launching a homer in San Francisco’s 5-4 victory against Detroit.

Corey Kluber went the distance with a 5 hit complete game, allowing just 1 unearned run and helping the Indians keep their faint playoff hopes alive, 3-1 over the White Sox.

Johnny Cueto went 7 strong innings, allowing 6 hits and 1 run, earning the 2-1 win for the Reds over the Mets.

They owned baseball on Sept 6, 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 5, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

Photo By Julio Cortez/AP

Photo By Julio Cortez/AP

James Shields pitched shutout ball into the 9th, finishing with 8 1/3 scoreless innings allowing 3 hits and no walks as Kansas City shutout the Yankees 1-0.

Tyler Matzek threw a complete game 3 hit shutout in Coors Field, walking 1 while striking out 6 Padres, earning the 3-0 Rockies victory.

Yoenis Cespedes collected 4 hits, included a double, stole a base and drove home the game winning run as the Red Sox walked off 9-8 winners in 10 against the Blue Jays.

Travis d’Arnaud reached base 4 times including a homer, scored twice and drive in 4, leading the Mets to a 14-5 laugher in Cincinnati.

They owned baseball on Sept 5, 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 4, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

STEVE NESIUS/AP

STEVE NESIUS/AP

Mark Buehrle threw 8 shutout innings, allowing 5 hits and 1 walk. He did not get the decision but helped pitch the Blue Jays to a 1-0 ten inning victory in Tampa Bay.

Victor Martinez reached base 4 times including a back breaking 3 run homer in the 11th that helped the Tigers hold on and defeat the Indians 11-4.

Randall Delgado pitched 5 innings of 2 hit shutout ball before being lifted for a pinch hitter. He would get the 5-1 win for Arizona over San Diego.

A.J. Pollock went 3-4 with a stolen base, a double and a run scored helping the Diamondbacks top the Padres, 5-1.

They owned baseball on Sept 4, 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 3, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

TONY DEJAK/AP

TONY DEJAK/AP

Danny Salazar came up big in an interdivision matchup, throwing the first complete game shutout of his career, walking none, striking out 9 and scattering 8 hits as the Indians dominated the Tigers, 7-0.

Brian McCann went 4-4 with a homer and 3 RBI, leading the Yankees past rival Boston, 5-1.

Josh Collmenter pitched 7 strong innings, allowing 5 hits and 1 run, earning the 6-1 decision for the Diamondbacks in San Diego.

Adam LaRoche came off the bench to swat a game tying pinch hit homer in the top of the 9th. He would stay in the game to drive in a total of 5 runs, driving in runs in two extra inning rallies, and leading the Nationals to a wild 8-5 victory against the Dodgers.

They owned baseball on Sept 3, 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 2, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

AP Photo: Jack Dempsey

AP Photo: Jack Dempsey

Buster Posey homered and hit a pair of doubles, driving in 4, leading the Giants in a wild comeback against the Rockies, 12-7.

Jose Altuve went 4-5 with a homer, a pair of doubles, 3 runs scored and 4 RBI, helping the Astros stun the Angels, 8-3.

Clayton Kershaw allowed 3 hits (including a solo homer) 1 run, and 2 walks while striking out 8 Nationals while getting the 4-1 decision for the Dodgers.

James Paxton pitched shutout ball into the 8th, finishing with 7 2/3 innings, 4 hits and 2 earned runs as the Mariners held on in Oakland, 6-5.

They owned baseball on Sept 2, 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.

Why Ruben Amaro Jr. Should Be Fired Right Now!

Ruben Amaro JR and the brass of the Phils should have faced the facts - and started dismantling their team before they lost any relevant value

Ruben Amaro JR and the brass of the Phils should have faced the facts – and started dismantling their team before they lost any relevant value over the last few years.  Now players like Rollins, Burnett and Utley have had their Vesting Options all exercised – and with the exception of the 2nd baseman, none of them have any trade value. Add brutal dollars owed to Howard and Papelbon, and this team is headed for financial peril.

Why Ruben Amaro Jr should be fired

Jordan Gluck (Prospects/Organization Expert): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

I believe that if any GM were asked what is the organization that they would least like to take over the answer would be the Phillies. This team is a train wreck and it starts with up top where a new general manager is needed.

The Phillies even with the money that they generate are a long-term project that won’t be easy to fix. Rubens tenure started November 3rd 2008.  The team had just won the World Series under the tutelage of Pat Gillick.

Amaro had a team that could have brought a dynasty type of run to the franchise.  After a slow-moving regression that went from World Series Appearance in 2009, to NLCS in 2010, and then NLDS in 2011, the team finally missed the playoffs.

The core began to grow older and become expensive.  It has been apparent the squad needed a rebuild on the fly, but the powers that be have sat on their diminishing assets too long, and now the apples have become rotten, and not useful to other 29 teams.  

It is a flawed way of thinking – and will set the organization back 3 – 5 years.  

Out of our entire staff here at MLB Reports, we all hold the same opinion about Amaro JR.  – and in this article, we have all added our 2 cents in some form. Be sure to listen to Sully’s great podcasts about the Phillies at the end of the blog.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Sept 1, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

Brett Davis/USA TODAY Sports

Brett Davis/USA TODAY Sports

Cole Hamels pitched the first 6 innings of a combined no hitter as the Phillies topped the Braves 7-0.

Jake DiekmanKen Giles and Jonathan Papelbon all receive 1/2 WOB’s for their role in the no hitter.

Denard Span homered twice, driving in 3, as the Natonals beat the Dodgers 6-4.

Phil Hughes threw 8 innings, allowing no earned runs (3 unearned), striking out 5 and walking none, earning the 6-4 win for the Twins in Baltimore.

Miguel Cabrera went 4-5 with 2 homers, helping the Tigers hold back the Indians, 12-1.

They owned baseball on Sept 1, 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 Aug.31, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

Photo By Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP

Photo By Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP

Pablo Sandoval missed the cycle by a double, got on base 4 times, scored 3 and drove in 3, leading the Giants to a sweep of the Brewers, 15-5.

Alex Wood threw 8 shutout innings, allowing just 5 hits and no walks while striking out 12, winning the tight 1-0 game for the Braves over Miami.

Mike Trout went 2-4 with a homer and 3 RBI, leading the Angels to a crushing 4 game sweep of the A’s, 8-1.

Clay Buchholz threw a complete game 3 hits, no walk shutout as the Red Sox beat the Rays, 3-0

They owned baseball on Aug 31, 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 Aug.30, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle

Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle

Scott Feldman threw a complete game 3 hit shutout, walking just 1 Ranger batter for a 2-0 final in Houston.

Jake Peavy threw no hit ball for 7 1/3 innings. He finished with 7 2/3 one hit shutout innings with 8 strikeouts, earning the 3-1 decision for the Giants over the Brewers.

Jimmy Paredes homered and doubled, driving in a pair, leading the Orioles to a 3-2 win over Minnesota.

Matt Holliday got on base 4 times including a pair of homers with 5 RBI in the Cardinals 13-2 pounding of the Cubs in the night cap of their double header.

They owned baseball on Aug 30, 2014.

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

Who Owned Baseball Aug.29, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

AP Photo - Bill Boyce

AP Photo – Bill Boyce

Jorge Soler reached base 4 times including a pair of homers (the second one was an astonishing no doubter.) He would drive in 3 as the Cubs cruised 7-2 in St. Louis.

Jacoby Ellsbury tripled and homered, leading the Yankees to a 6-3 win against Toronto.

Edinson Volquez took a no hitter into the 7th and finished with 3 hits and 1 run. He got a no decision but the Pirates prevailed over the Reds, 2-1

Jered Weaver pitched 7 shutout innings earning the decision in the Angels 4-0 AL West showdown against Oakland.

They owned baseball on Aug 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.

Who Owned Baseball Aug.28, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

(Cincinnati Enquirer/Cara Owsley)

(Cincinnati Enquirer/Cara Owsley)

Billy Hamilton got on base 4 times, including a double, stole a base, scored twice and drive in a pair as the Reds topped the Cubs 7-2.

Mike Minor threw 7 innings, allowing 1 run and 4 hits and earned the 6-1 decision for the Braves against the Mets.

Jordan Schafer went 3-5, scoring 3 and driving in 4 including 2 in the 10th inning of the Twins 11-5 victory in Kansas City.

Collin McHugh pitched 7 strong innings, allowing 2 runs and got the 4-2 win for the Astros over Texas.

They owned baseball on Aug 28, 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 Aug.27, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

Bob Levey/Getty Images

Bob Levey/Getty Images

Sam Fuld got 3 hits including a double and a 2 run 9th inning go ahead homer that completed Oakland’s 5-4 comeback in Houston.

Drew Smyly threw 7 strong innings, allowing just 2 hits and a run on a solo homer, earning Tampa Bay’s 3-1 victory in Baltimore.

Buster Posey threw out a runner, collected a go ahead RBI single and then launched a 2 out, bottom of the 9th walk off homer, as the Giants topped Colorado 4-2.

Clayton Kershaw was his usual brilliant self, pitching 8 dominant innings, allowing 1 unearned run, striking out 10 Diamondbacks and walking just 2 and winning his 16th decision for the Dodgers, 3-1.

They owned baseball on Aug 27, 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.

The Toronto Blue Jays Prospects + Org. Depth Charts For All Affiliates – 2014 (MLB + MiLB)

marcus stroman

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth Chart + Payroll Expert – find his website here)

The Blue Jays have used their system well to acquire several key pieces from other organizations via trade over recent years.

Despite all of the prospects that have left, several are still on their way to the Majors for the big club and several are highly touted.

In 2014, the Blue Jays will try to erase a 21 year playoff drought.  Will the franchise part with some more of its youth, or may they hold steady with the personnel in the MiLB?

If you are a fan, get to know these players we list in the post, and follow their progress in the Minors.  if you click their name, it will take you to baseballreference.com’s player page of them. Read the rest of this entry

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

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

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

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

At the MLB Reports, we intend to show you the Roster Tree for the Houston Astros – and how they assembled their current roster for hitting and Pitching. 

It will work in a six degrees of separation like format.

Once we figure out the origin of how many trades going back in time it takes to see where the tree started, it will be time to dissect how the team fared on the deals.

If a player has never left the organization at all, the tree will be easy – as it will just be the year they were drafted or signed.

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

Is Rushing Marcus Stroman A Good Idea? Anybody Remember A Young Roy Halladay?

Video by E. Tyler Bullock

By ‘Baseball Writer’ Steve Cheeseman 

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Is Rushing Marcus Stroman a Good Idea?

Prime pitching prospect Marcus Stroman is the pride and joy prospect of the Toronto Blue Jays.

The 22 year old out of Medford, New York is front and centre with many media outlets heading into the spring training. Consider his age, and little professional experience under his hat. Why rush him?

Stroman was drafted 22nd overall in the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft, after finishing a college career at Duke where he set the school record for strikeouts with 290 (over 222.0 innings). Read the rest of this entry

The Toronto Blue Jays State Of The Union: 2014 Preview

The SkyDome was opened in May of 1989.  For the championship ERA, the club drew 4 Million fans each per year.  In recent years, it was tough for the club to draw 2 Million fans.  In 2013, with the promise of a new club mantra, based on Free Agent signings, the team held the best year to year attendance boost in 2013.  I doubt they will be able to do this again in 2014.

The SkyDome was opened in May of 1989. For the championship ERA, the club drew 4 Million fans each per year. In recent years, it was tough for the club to draw 2 Million fans. In 2013, with the promise of a new club mantra, based on Free Agent signings, the team held the best year to year attendance boost in 2013.  If the Jays can’t spring out of the gate fast in 2014, I think the Walkup single game tickets will be tremendously affected negatively.  Toronto has not made the playoffs since winning back to back World Series in 1992 and 1993, and only them and Kansas City hold that dubious honor since the Player Strike/Lockout ensuing seasons of 1994 – 1995.

By ‘Baseball Writer’ Steve Cheeseman 

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

The Toronto Blue Jays have been a franchise in question for over 20 years.  This floundering franchise has gone through 11 manager changes since winning the World Series in 1993 vs. the Philadelphia Phillies. 

2 of those managers in Cito Gaston and John Gibbons have been hired twice! The 2013 season was supposed to be the year the Jays went all the way. 

GM Alex Anthopolous numerous moves acquiring major pieces to what was supposed to be a contending team.

R.A. Dickey, Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson, Emilio Bonifacio, Maicer Izturis, Mark Buehrle, and Melky Cabrera.  Despite these additions via trade or signing….same story, different season! Read the rest of this entry

Toronto Blue Jays Payroll In 2014 + Contracts Going Forward

The Blue Jays were the odds on favorite to win the World Series in 2013 among oddsmakers.  After a failure of a season, these guys are still placing way too much faith in the team.  To have them listed as tied with the Rays for the 12th best odd to win the World Series is a joke.  Stay away from this bet.  The odd should be +3000 - and not +1800.  Toronto is listed as tied for the 3rd favorite in the AL East, behind Boston and New York respectively.  It could really be another last place finish in the Division for the Canadian franchise.

The Blue Jays were the odds on favorite to win the World Series in 2013 among oddsmakers. After a failure of a season, the gambling websites  are still placing way too much faith in the team. To have them listed as tied with the Rays for the 12th best odd (+1800) to win the World Series is a stretch.  This team has committed $129 MIL already for 2014 payroll, and have not much room to gamble any more cash on the Roster.  This is incredible considering the bargain the team has with Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista being just paid $23 MIL between the two of them.

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

It was a 2013 season that saw the team have the biggest spike in attendance in the majors, but it also came at a hefty price in total team salary.

For as much as the team forked out in payroll, they must not have been able to recoup all of their money.

Their payroll places them right in the middle of AL East pack.  The Yankees are right near the Luxury Tax Threshold right now of $189 MIL at $182 MIL – and the Boston Red Sox are hovering at around $160 MIL.

The Orioles will be near the $100 MIL range, and the Rays figure to be in the low $70 MIL area. Read the rest of this entry

The Toronto Blue Jays Players, Organizational Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB)

The Blue Jays have been trading away all of their top prospects in recent years, and so far, not one of the players has come back to burn them.  Unfortunately, the veterans brought in via trade haven't pushed them over the top either.

The Blue Jays have been trading away all of their top prospects in recent years, and so far, not one of the players has come back to burn them. Unfortunately, the veterans brought in via trade haven’t pushed them over the top either.

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

For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries Posts that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.

The Blue Jays have invested a great deal of their future in trades in recent years.  First they traded away several prospects to acquire Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, Josh Johnson and John Buck.

The 2nd move was to also trade Travis d’Arnaud and Buck for R.A.Dickey.  However the moves backfired on them in 2013.

What is worse for the team, is the franchise has not been able to develop their own talent over the last several years.  Their best players on the club were all brought in via trades.

Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion were absolute steals for the guys they doled out to reel them in (Robinson Diaz, never played in the Majors for Pit in the Joey Bats deal, and they originally acquired in the Scott Rolen traded to Cincy.  He was selected off of waivers by Oakland, before he came to the club via Free Agency.

Jose Bautista 2013 Highlights

Read the rest of this entry

The Disaster That Was The Blue Jays 2013 Season: State Of The Union

Following the 2012 Major League Baseball season, Toronto Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopolous made some noticeable moves, to seemingly re-invent Canada’s team.  Jay’s fans everywhere were ecstatic and pumped for the upcoming season, thinking that playoff baseball would finally return to Canada after 20 long seasons.

Following the 2012 Major League Baseball season, Toronto Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos made some noticeable moves, to seemingly re-invent Canada’s team. Jay’s fans everywhere were ecstatic and pumped for the upcoming season, thinking that playoff baseball would finally return to Canada after 20 long seasons.

By ‘Special Guest  Blue Jays Writer’ Steve Cheeseman 

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Another Season, Another Disaster.

The off-season started with a boom, with the signings of Maicer Izturis (3 yr-$9 million), and Melky Cabrera (2 yr-$16million).  This was followed by acquiring hard throwing Esmil Rogers from Cleveland.  

They weren’t done yet.

On November 14th, Anthopoulos completed a blockbuster trade with the Miami Marlins, receiving pitchers  Josh Johnson  (2-time All-Star)and Mark Buehrle (4-time All-Star), short-stop Jose Reyes (4-time All-Star, 2011 NL Batting Champion),   catcher John Buck,  utility man Emilio Bonifacio, and $8 million in cash in exchange for pitcher Henderson Alvarez, short-stop Yunel Escobar, catcher Jeff Mathis, and prospects.  

It was a steal.  Toronto then sent John Buck and prospects to the New York Mets, for reigning NL Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey, catcher Josh Thole and a prospect.   

Odd makers out of Las Vegas named the Toronto Blue Jays as the favorites to win the 2013 World Series.  Too good to be true right? Pretty much.

Munenori Kawasaki – See You Tomorrow

Read the rest of this entry

Toronto Blue Jays Payroll In 2013 And Contracts Going Forward

Like us on Facebook here

Friday, August.16, 2013

Jose Bautista is one of the  power threats in the line up for Toronto. He has rebounded nicely this season, after injuries cut his 2012 season short. He has a .261/.357/.857 triple-slash in 2013 with 27 HRs and 72 RBIs in 440 at-bats. He has 51 extra-base hits on the season, with 115 hits overall to go along with 220 Total Bases. He fares better against right-handers with a .263 batting average in 350 at-bats against them, while he is just hitting .256 facing southpaws. Bautista is still a threat with runners in scoring position, as indicated by his .301/.410/1.002 triple-slash with 6 HRs and 45 RBIs in this situation. He is still solid with two outs and runners in scoring position with a .306 batting average and 17 RBIs. They need him to stay healthy to contend in 2014.

Jose Bautista is one of the power threats in the line up for Toronto. He has rebounded nicely this season, after injuries cut his 2012 season short. He has a .261/.357/.857 triple-slash in 2013 with 27 HRs and 72 RBIs in 440 at-bats. He has 51 extra-base hits on the season, with 115 hits overall to go along with 220 Total Bases. He fares better against right-handers with a .263 batting average in 350 at-bats against them, while he is just hitting .256 facing southpaws. Bautista is still a threat with runners in scoring position, as indicated by his .301/.410/1.002 triple-slash with 6 HRs and 45 RBIs in this situation. He is still solid with two outs and runners in scoring position with a .306 batting average and 17 RBIs. They need him to stay healthy to contend in 2014.

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

The Toronto Blue Jays have not had the greatest of seasons with them dead last in the American League East division. They trail the Boston Red Sox by 15 games and the chances of them being a Wild Card team are slim at best.

One of the reasons that this season has been a nightmare for the team that made plenty of noise during the offseason is with their pitching. They have allowed 590 runs this season, and only the Houston Astros have allowed more runs at 633 this season.

J.P. Arencibia Toronto Blue Jays Highlights – Parental Guidance Is Advised

  Read the rest of this entry

Toronto Blue Jays Organizational Charts: Payroll, Depth Charts And Rosters, (MLB + MiLB)

Like us on Facebook here

Saturday, June.14/2013

The Blue Jays have played better baseball of late, are now 30 - 36.  They sit in last place in the AL East.  Mark Buerhle was great in a 8 - 0 win versus Texas Fri.

The Blue Jays have played better baseball of late, are now 30 – 36. They sit in last place in the AL East – 9.5 Games Behind the Boston Red Sox. Mark Buerhle was great in a 8 – 0 win versus Texas Fri.  The two teams continue a Series today.

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

You guys are all in for a treat.  Jeff Kleiner recently contacted me about a partnership merge for the website.  He has developed a site (prosportsrosters.com) that covers all organizational affiliates in the Minors for all of the Major League Baseball Clubs.  We are going to combine efforts to bring you the best look at salaries, current 25 Man Player Rosters and Depth Charts for all 30 teams. 

Jeff is going to provide the documents in form of spreadsheets and I am going to accompany the posts with deep analysis of what the numbers tell us from my perspective.  If you can’t wait for all of my assessments for each club, go and visit Jeff’s website over at http://www.prosportsrosters.com.

In Speaking with Jeff, he is one of the more passionate fans I have come across towards the game of baseball.  He spends enough time in updating his MLB Facts for it to be a Full-Time Job.  So after the usual Video Clip and READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY button, you will find some serious &*!@?!#!

Jeff updates this page below on a daily basis.  After you click on it….Bookmark it.  There is a 3 year salary forecast and stats not listed here on this page.  Jeff updates these pages daily and these changes include any Roster moves!

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

Read the rest of this entry

Triple Play Podcast Ep #8 – Bucs And Nats Time In The Around The Horn Feature

Like us on Facebook here

Monday, May  13th, 2013

The Triple Play Show will have 5 shows per month.  Each show will be about 1 hour

The Triple Play Show will have 5 shows per month. Each show will be about 1 hour.

By The Big Ticket Show ( AKA Triple Play Podcast on http://www.mlbreports.com)

Guests in this Podcast – MLB Reports Nationals Correspondent David Huzzard of Citizensofnatstown.com ( and MLB Reports Pirates Correspondent Brad Cuprik

On a Mother’s day edition of the triple play podcast we heed the advice of our mother’s and turn the lemon of our original guest being unable to join us into the lemonade of Bard Cuprik of mlbreports.com  (Check out his latest Roster Tree piece – where he goes through the 6 degrees of separation of a how each pitcher arrived in a Bucs uniform here ) – and David Huzzard of the Citizens of Natstown podcast (and Writer) dissects the pitching and the Nationals start to the 2013 Season. Read the rest of this entry

Can The Blue Jays Weather The Jose Reyes Injury?

Like us on Facebook here

Wednesday Apr.17/2013

Anthopoulos is about as prudent a man as you will find.  He is all smiles in this press conference, but he knows what is at stake.  He has deemed that the "time is now" for the Blue Jays to go for it all, and convinced his bosses to risk hundreds of millions of dollars.  If the team he has assembled does not compete, for any reason, he may be out of a job.  He is not the kind of guy who puts his feet up and becomes content.  His focus right now is on eliminating any causes for concern from the 2013 Blue Jays as possible, because they do still exist, despite the recent mania.

Anthopoulos is about as prudent a man as you will find. He is all smiles in this press conference, but he knows what is at stake. He has deemed that the “time is now” for the Blue Jays to go for it all, and convinced his bosses to risk hundreds of millions of dollars. If the team he has assembled does not compete, for any reason, he may be out of a job. The team has had a mediocre start at 6 – 7 in the tough AL East – and have lost their prime Leadoff Man for 3 months.  Going the extra mile to add depth in the franchise may enable the club to stay in contention until Jose Reyes comes back in July.

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

Jose Reyes was the best player acquired over the winter by the Toronto Blue Jays.  He was supposed to be the Leadoff Hitter, provide speed and flash the glove at the Short Stop position.

The 30 Year Old was doing just that before going down in a heap at Second Base over the weekend stealing a bag.

Incredibly, the guy almost was injured even weeks doing the very same thing just a few weeks back.

Brett Lawrie was activated from the Disabled List last night.  The initial plan was to maybe play him at Second Base, with Jose Bautista moving back to Third Base.  This would put Maicer Izturis at Shortstop, with relegating Emilio Bonifacio to Right Field.

Jose Reyes Injury:

Read the rest of this entry

The Toronto Blue Jays Franchise 1994-2012: Part 2 of a 7 Part Series

Wednesday, Nov.28th, 2012

Note from Chuck Booth:  I am attempting to bring the history for each of the 30 MLB Franchises into a 5-7 part series that will focus on 1. The teams history.  2. The hitters 3. The pitchers. 4. The Teams Payroll going into 2013 and 5.The Ball Park that they play in. (The stadium articles will all be done next summer when I go to all of the parks in under a month again.)  Be sure to check my author page with a list of all of  my archived articles section here.

Today’s Part 2 Feature of the Blue Jays Franchise will be written by our Baseball Writer Alex Mednick.  To do this franchise series service, Alex has studied this club a lot more than I have in the last 20 years and will do this article better justice for you the reader!

Alex Mednick (Baseball Writer and Analyst):

Note from Alex Mednick:  Chuck Booth offered to me the opportunity to step in to his Franchise Series and cover the Blue Jays history from 1994-Present. I gladly accepted the honor.

In Part 1 of this series, Chuck covered the Blue Jays history from their humble beginnings at Exhibition Stadium in 1977, through the glory years in the late 80s and early 90s.  The story dropped off right after the Blue Jays won back-to-back World Championships in 1992 and 1993.  We closed the books with the walk-off winning home run by Joe Carter to win the World Series, and the parties and celebrations that were to follow across Ontario, Canada.  I will pick it back up at the beginning of the 1994 season, when the Blue Jays had high hopes to win a third consecutive world championship.

(Scroll Down Past the Links or Click the READ MORE OF THIS ENTRY ICON.)

Franchise Series Links:

Franchise History Part 1 1977-1993:  https://mlbreports.com/2012/11/09/jays1/

The Hitters:  The Toronto Blue Jays Franchise Hitters: Part 3 Of A 7 Part Article Series: 

The Pitchers:  The Toronto Blue Jays Franchise Pitchers Part 4 Of A 7 Part Series

Skydome:  An Interview with ‘Rogers Centre Expert’ and “MLB reports Founder” Jonathan Hacohen Part 5 of 7

2013 Team Payroll:  https://mlbreports.com/2012/09/10/tor/

Special Bonus Fan Blog Of 2013 Team Payroll:   https://mlbreports.com/2012/09/12/torfanalex/

Read the rest of this entry

Melk! It’s Good For Your Outfield: Where Does Toronto’s New Outfield Stand?

 

Thursday, November 22nd, 2013

Photo Courtesy of bleacherreport.com

Alex Mednick (Baseball Writer and Analyst)

Since the Blue Jays and Marlins blockbuster trade, there has been a lot of discussion about Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle.  Jose Reyes is going to have an amazing presence at the top of the lineup, getting on base, steal bases and playing beautiful shortstop on the left side of the infield with Brett Lawrie for the Blue Jays ground ball pitchers. Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle immediately make the Blue Jays rotation a top rotation in all of baseball by being inserted in. Effectively, they got two top of the line starters to create an elite rotation that makes them serious contenders.

Read the rest of this entry

Alex Mednick (Blue Jays Fan and Writer for MLB Reports): Gibbons May Work Out!

 

Tuesday November 20th, 2013

Note from Lead Writer Chuck Booth:  Just to be fair on this whole John Gibbons hire, I am posting this article written by my fellow colleague/Baseball Writer at the MLB Reports) in order to give a different vantage point.  Alex is a Blue Jays fan, so he has a passion for the team.  His thoughts are of his own and while I may not agree with his opinion, that is okay.  That is why we all have our own minds and are not all sheep!  So here is his article (based on a question he answered on my previous piece this morning.)

The Blue Jays have not qualified for the Playoffs since they won Back to Back World Series in 1992 and 1993. Only Pittsburgh and Kansas City and Toronto have not made a playoffs appearance since the 1994 strike. Will 2013 be any different with OLD/NEW MGR John Gibbons?

Alex Mednick (Baseball Writer and Analyst):

I responded to our Lead Baseball Writers Message about not liking the Gibbons hiring in this article earlier today here

It was, frankly, my initial reaction as well..I was not pleased when I first read this news about Gibbons.  I think AA also realizes the consequences of spending his bosses money and then making a poor decision.  If it does not pan out, it could mean his job…AA is not untouchable, even though there has been a  demi-god status applied to him.  Bosses don’t like when you squander their money…period.

But for some reason I am intrigued by this hiring.  I was absolutely fed up with the Ricciardi/Gibbons regime, and thought that they should have been fired 2 years before they were.  But Gibbons acted largely as the puppet of an egotistical, and nonsensical J.P. Ricciardi, which I can attribute to a lot the reasons he was criticized.  There is no doubt, even though managers do not take any at bats themselves, they have a large impact on the team.  Look at Bobby V and Boston.

I think that Gibbons was a stooge for JP Ricciardi and that is part of why he is so attractive to AA.  AA actually stated during the hiring process he was looking for someone who could fall in line with his and the organization’s theory.  Farrell was the opposite of that, a free thinking executive type, who also seemed disinterested in the organization as a whole.  He didn’t take the job seriously.

“At first, I was not happy with the signing, having thought about it a little more, lets give it a shot.” Alex Mednick

Read the rest of this entry