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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.30) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

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

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

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

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

They owned baseball on April.30, 2014.

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

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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 – April 29, 2014

USATSI

USATSI

The Brewers and Cardinals played the game of the night and any Yankee fan who wants to boo Robinson Cano is a fool.

That and more on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Troy TulowitzkiMike Trout, Sonny Gray, Yovani Gallardo, Carlos Santana and Matt Holliday all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball.

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

Chris Sweda/ Chicago Tribune

Chris Sweda/ Chicago Tribune

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

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

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

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

They owned baseball on April.25, 2014.

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

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.24) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Carlos Ruiz got on base 5 times, scored twice, hit two doubles including one that drove in 2 runs and broke a 9th inning tie. The Phillies would top the Dodgers 7-3.

Josh Donaldson got on 5 times, clubbed 2 homers and hit another double, driving in 4 and scoring 3 as the A’s rolled 10-1 in Houston.

Bartolo Colon was excellent against the Cardinals. He pitched 7 strong innings, letting up just 1 run, 4 hits and walked none while striking out 8. He got the 4-1 win for the Mets.

Corey Kluber pitched his first complete game against the Royals. He went the full nine, giving up just 4 hits, 1 unearned run, 11 strikeouts and walking none, earning the 5-1 win for the Indians.

They owned baseball on April.24, 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.23) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Photo: Ben Margot, AP

Photo: Ben Margot, AP

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

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

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

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

They owned baseball on April.23, 2014.

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

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Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series – Updated For Week 4

Wrigley Field is about the best all natural ballpark experience out of all of the 30 teams in the MLB - however the attendance has started to sag with the recent play of the franchise.  Wrigley Field has seen a decline in fans attended every year since 2008, down from 3.3 Million fans in 2008, to 2.65 Million people in 2013 (only good for 7th out of 15 NL Teams).  Today's 100th birthday of the field should be the best game of the year at Addison and Clark.

Wrigley Field is about the best all natural ballpark experience out of all of the 30 teams in the MLB – however the attendance has started to sag with the recent play of the franchise. Wrigley Field has seen a decline in fans attended every year since 2008, down from 3.3 Million fans in 2008, to 2.65 Million people in 2013 (only good for 7th out of 15 NL Teams). Today’s 100th birthday of the field should be the best game of the year at Addison and Clark.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Odds To Win The 2014 World Series

1.  LA Dodgers +600

2.  Detroit Tigers +700

T3.  Washington Nationals +900 (Down from +700)

They have only really beat the Marlins all year, haven’t fared well against the great clubs,

T3. St. Louis Cardinals +900 (Down From +850)

Surprising a little they have come down a little, still will be able to catch Milwaukee.  Poor start for Allen Craig and Jhonny Peralta should correct itself.

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

Photo: Tommy Gilligan, USA TODAY Sports

Photo: Tommy Gilligan, USA TODAY Sports

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

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

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

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

They owned baseball on April.22, 2014.

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

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

Mark J. Terrill/AP

Mark J. Terrill/AP

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

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

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

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

They owned baseball on April.21, 2014.

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

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.20) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Mathew Sumner, Associated Press

Mathew Sumner, Associated Press

Josh Donaldson homered, doubled and singled, driving in 3 of the A’s 4 runs in Oakland’s 4-1 victory over the Astros.

Ryan Howard was a double shy of the cycle, going 4-5 and scoring 3 and driving in 3. The Phillies would hold on to the 10-9 victory in Colorado.

Rick Porcello pitched 7 strong innings, letting up just one run and one walk, getting the 2-1 Tiger win over the Angels.

Homer Bailey threw 6 shutout innings, striking out 8 Cubs along the way. He got the 8-2 victory for Cincinnati.

They owned baseball on April.20, 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.19) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

 J Pat Carter / AP Photo

J Pat Carter / AP Photo

Henderson Alvarez pitched a complete game 2 hit, no walk shutout, his first victory since his season ending no hitter last fall. This time won the game for the Marlins 7-0 over Seattle.

Ryan Braun went 3-5, scored 4 times and homered twice. His second homer was a 1 out, 2 run, come from behind 9th inning homer that gave the Brewers a dramatic 8-7 win in Pittsburgh.

Mark Buehrle pitched 7 shutout innings, letting up 4 hits as he earned his 4th win for the Blue Jays this year, 5-0 in Cleveland.

Wil Myers got on base 4 times and scored all 4 times. He clubbed a pair of homers, driving in 4 and helped lead the Rays to a 16-1 thrashing of the Yankees.

They owned baseball on April.19, 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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30 MLB Team Power Rankings: April

The Tigers fought off a tough KC club in the 1st series and now have battled their own bullpen and injury woes to be the only unbeaten team.  Add that to one of the weaker divisions, and you see the #1 ranked team in our list this week.

The Tigers fought off a tough KC club in the 1st series and now have battled their own bullpen and injury woes against the Orioles –  to be the only unbeaten team left in the MLB a. Add that to one of the weaker divisions, and you see the #1 ranked team in our list this week.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Well, we have seen one week come and go.  It is important to realize that only about 3% of the entire season has gone by.

People tend to panic when their team isn’t doing so well, and some fanbases are ready to project their club as a playoff contender.

While it is still a good idea never to bury yourself with a bad first few week or 2, as long as you are hovering around the .500 clip, you should be fine.

How we do these rankings at the MLB Reports is based on 1 thing.  The chances of the club winning the World Series.

After all, that is why we have 45 days of Spring Training, 186 days in the regular season, and another 30 or so in the playoffs.

Some teams will have their number predicated on the strength of their divisions are not.

Nearly 47% of any teams schedule is within their own division.  So the AL East and NL West would be tough divisions.

The NL East and AL Central have 2 playoff contenders in each division, while 3 teams may be easier opponents. Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.05) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings 2014

Howard Simmons, New York Daily News

Howard Simmons, New York Daily News

Ike Davis came off the bench to launch a walk off, come from behind grand slam to give the Mets a 6-3 victory over the Reds.

James Loney smacked a 2 run 8th inning double that turned a 4-3 Rangers lead to a 5-4 Tampa Bay advantage that they would hold on to for the win.

Jose Fernandez dominated again. This time

Felix Hernandez retired the first 11 Oakland batters he faced. He continued his shutout into the 9th and finished with 1 run over 8 1/3 innings, getting the 3-1 win for the Mariners.

They owned baseball on April.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.

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What Miguel Cabrera’s New Contract Means To The Tigers And Him

Miguel Cabrera‘s new 8 YR/$248 MIL contract extension comes days after the club couldn’t come to terms with reigning AL Cy Young winner Max Scherzer.

The numbers are mind boggling.

He breaks the ALL – Time record for Average Annual Contract per year is at $31 MIL AAV (from 2016 – 2023), and also he is owed the most dollars at any given time by a contract at $292 MIL for the years of 2014 – 2023.

This man is the best pure offensive player in the game, and has only become better with age, but a lot of people are worried about the back end of this deal.

I fully understand that. Read the rest of this entry

The Boston Red Sox State Of The Union Part 2 – The Pitchers: 2014 Preview

This is a not a slight on the Red Sox at all, but they should not be favored to win the American League right now.  Detroit should be that placeholder.  I am not sure the Red Sox will even in the AL East.  I would go with the Rays or Yankees before them right now.  The Rays had one of the best second half records in 2013, and the Yankees are a lot better as well.  I am also not sure of the team losing Ellsbury, Drew, Dempster and Saltalamacchia has improved itself with Capuano, Middlebrooks, Pierzynski and the tandem of Sizemore and Bradley JR.

This is a not a slight on the Red Sox at all, but they should not be favored to win the American League right now. Detroit should be that placeholder. I am not sure the Red Sox will even win the AL East. I would go with the Rays or Yankees before them right now. The Rays had one of the best second half records in 2013, and the Yankees are a lot better as well. I am also not sure of the team losing Ellsbury, Drew, Dempster and Saltalamacchia has improved itself with Capuano, Middlebrooks, Pierzynski and the tandem of Sizemore and Bradley JR.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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For added depth in the Bullpen, the franchise added Edward Mujica, amply giving the team multiple options at Closer should Koji Uehara not duplicate his 2013 success in 2014.

The management did a great job in peacemealing this Pitching Rotation in 2014.

Big injuries, 3 different Closers, and finally won the hottest Closers to end a year in Uehara pitching for the clubs final outs to win the Fall Classic.

The latest addition as of now for the 2014 season, are Chris Capuano for the Starting staff and also Bullpen arm Burke Badenhop, who came over from a nice year in the pen for the Milwaukee Brewers.

The club will sees Ryan Dempster take the year off for injury, but are stoked about saving his $14 MIL pricetag that he is forfeiting this season.

The Bullpen features Koji Uehara, Craig Breslow, Edward Mujica, Brandon Workman, Burke Badenhop, Andrew Miller, Junichi Tazawa and Alex Wilson round out the potential Relief Core.

The Starting Rotation was also held together with duct tape and barbed wire in 2013, but it was enough to aid the awesome offense, and the team will sporting championship rings because of it.

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The Boston Red Sox State Of The Union Part 1 – The Hitters: 2014 Preview

The now 30 Year Old, is the only player the team has signed for massive cash and term.  Pedroia is locked up until 2021, and his AAV is around $14.0 MIL for the duration. This was a considerable hometown discount and affords the club wiggle room in payroll each year, while the 2 time World Series champ received security.

Dustin Pedroia, the now 30 Year Old, is the only player the team has signed for massive cash and term. Pedroia is locked up until 2021, and his AAV is around $14.0 MIL for the duration. This was a considerable hometown discount and affords the club wiggle room in payroll each year, while the 2 time World Series champ received security.  This contract was similar to how the New England Patriots do business with their top players.  Maybe others will follow down the same pike.  Pedroia had an incredible run in 2013, and that was despite of a bad injury. Project him to be his usual and consistent self in 2014.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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The Red Sox embark on a chance to repeat a World Series win for the 3rd time in 10 years.  2005 didn’t work out so well, and Boston narrowly missed in the 2008 ALCS (TB won 4 – 3).

This year, the teams brass has decided the 2014 Roster is a lot like the 2013 Roster, and then you add in the mix of a bunch of youngsters.

There were some acquisitions brought in with A.J. Pierzynski (replacing Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Jackie Bradley JR or Grady Sizemore will take over for departing CF Jacoby Ellsbury.

While they gave SS Stephen Drew a 1 YR/$14.1 MIL Qualifying Offer which he doth refused.

The Beantowners will go ahead with Xander Bogaerts there, and see Will Middlebrooks have another crack at the hot corner.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 20, 2014

Red Sox fanatic and actress Hilary Barraford, from John Sayles’ Go For Sisters, is the guest for today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

We discussed staying loyal to a team 3,000 miles away, how greedy Boston sports fans have become, and why I should refer to her as “Your Honor.” Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 18, 2014

 Lindsey Bleem/South Pole Telescope blog

Lindsey Bleem/South Pole Telescope blog

Today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast starts with the very formation of the universe and ends with Derek Jeter.

The progression makes sense. Read the rest of this entry

The New York Yankees Organizational Depth Charts (All Affiliates) – Spring 2014 (Majors and Minors)

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

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Brian Cashman has signed 10 new Free Agents this winter, and also made a mockery of the waiver wire list, with his 2013 pluckings last campaign to aid an injury riddled squad of veterans.

Simply put, this franchise has done a brutal job of drafting over the course of the last decade or so. Cashman has to take his share of the blame for that.

Luckily for the big market club, these can be overlooked when you feature a payroll in the $235 MIL range.

Having said this, the cupboard is not bare in the Minor Leagues. Read the rest of this entry

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

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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

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

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

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

The O’s Add Nelson Cruz + The AL Beast Just Got Stronger!

Nelson Cruz is 34 - and has a long history of injuries -  and now of PED use.In the last 5 years, he has only played over 128 games for the season once.  Now he was on pace to top that in 2013 - before his PED suspension from the Biogenesis Scandal.  Will he go to Seattle, another AL team, or is the NL going to be his final destination for next campaign.  I thoroughly believe he should just be a permanent DH.

Nelson Cruz is 34 – and has a long history of injuries – and now of PED use. In the last 5 years, he has only played over 128 games for the season once. Now he was on pace to top that in 2013 – before his PED suspension from the Biogenesis Scandal.  I thoroughly believe he should just be a permanent DH.  He will likely be used in that role with the O’s.  With a full season of AB, this slugger should probably hit between .260 – .270, with 25 – 30 HRs and range from 80 – 90 RBI.  To sign this guy to a 1 Year Deal – worth $8 MIL, when he was already given the Qualifying Offer by Texas is a fantastic acquisition for the Orioles.  It also comes in the same week they picked up Ubaldo Jimenez and Korean chucker Suk-Min Yoon.  Baltimore just entered back into the Division race!

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Dan Duquette has announced his presence with authority this week.

From Suk-min Yoon (3 YRs/$5.6 MIL), Ubaldo Jimenez (4 YRs/$48 MIL), to then flat out rob Nelson Cruz for a 1 YR/$8 MIL deal, the GM has served notice that the franchise is here to compete.

Frankly, this was a long time coming.  The team has now thrust its name into the conversation with the Rays, Red Sox and Yankees.

On the clock is the Toronto Blue Jays!! Read the rest of this entry

The Homer Bailey Extension Is Good For The Short Term In Cincy: Not Sure About The Long – Term Though

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Homer Bailey may be the 3rd Starting Pitcher on the depth chart, but he happened to be the 1st guy up on Free Agency out of Mat Latos (2016 FA) and Johnny Cueto (2016 FA).

For this reason alone, I like the team extending the 27 Year Old to a 6 YR deal worth a minimum of $105 MIL, and with a Mutual Option for $25 MIL for the 2020 campaign – that could make it a 7 YRs/$125 MIL pact.

The deal starts off pretty good for dollar sense in the first two years, with Bailey making $8 MIL in 2014, and $9 MIL in 2015.

From there if I can borrow a line from Anchorman “That escalated quickly”, the next few years go like this, $18 MIL, $19 MIL, $21 MIL and $23 MIL for the years starting in 2016 – and finishing in 2019. Read the rest of this entry

Top 5 HR Hitters In The MLB For 2014

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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You may be surprised at who I am going to pick to lead the Majors in tater – trots this upcoming campaign.  The names may not be foreign, yet I am betting on a couple of comebacks.

This is all really a crapshoot with injuries, lineups, whether or not a guy has protection in the lineup.

I also think this will be another season without a 50+ HR mark.  God I would love to be wrong.  Nothing would make me happier than someone approaching 60 RoundTrippers.

While it is a sham that Roger Maris‘s 61 HR year of 1961 has been dwarfed by the ‘PED’ use era, a lot of purists would still look favorably at somebody passing this mark clean for a change.

If a batter does it in the American League, then it would break the former Yankees Slugger’s AL record.

Just falling short of this list will be Pedro Alvarez, Paul Goldschmidt, Ryan Braun and Bryce Harper. I believe those gentlemen may hit in the high 30’s for HRs. Read the rest of this entry

The Top 50 Contracts Of ALL – Time IN MLB: Freddie Freeman Is 29th With His New Deal – But It Makes Sense

Freddie Freeman Highlights 2013 – Mature Content – Parental Guidance is Advised

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Freddie Freeman is worth the money he just signed for when it comes to his talent level, age and production thus far.

Yesterday, the 24 Year Old First Baseman inked a 8 YR deal worth $135 MIL with the Tomahawk Choppers.  As someone who was just entering the 1st year of Arbitration Eligibility, he was bought out of that negotiation.

The Braves will pay more money in the short – term, but will make up for it in the long run – by not having to dole out 200+ MIL bucks for the guy once he could have hit Free Agency. Read the rest of this entry

For Those Thinking The Yankees Are So Much Older Than The Red Sox, Think Again

With spending $503 MIL on contracts this winter, however they are not as old of a club as they were last year.  That doesn't mean the problem won't come back in future years, it just means this is their best year to compete for some time.

With spending $503 MIL on contracts this winter, however they are not as old of a club as they were last year. That doesn’t mean the problem won’t come back in future years, it just means this is their best year to compete for some time.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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I am not a Yankees fan, and am definitely not a Red Sox fan either, however it is funny how this rivalry has captivated most baseball followers.

After this winter signings have occurred, I finally decided to do some investigating, because of all the venom fired towards the Bronx Bombers.

Immediately after Carlos Beltran signed, you saw, ‘hey, the Yankees are signing old fogies again.’

I also watched as Boston Red Sox Nation piled on the New York franchise for this.

So after reviewing both rosters, guess what….Both teams have similarly aged players.  It is almost dead on. Read the rest of this entry

New York Yankees Payroll In 2014 Is Now $197 MIL (AAV) With Tanaka Added

2014 Contracts in MIL Annual Average Vakue – AKA AAV (Age) – Running $ Total

1. 1B Mark Teixeira – 23.0  (32) 23.0

2. SP CC Sabathia – 22.8  (32) 45.8

NEW: SP Masahiro Tanaka – 22.1 (25)  67.9

3. CF Jacoby Ellsbury – 21.9 (30) 89.6

4. C  Brian McCann – 17.0  (29) 106.6

5. SP Hiroki Kuroda – 16.5  (37) 123.1

6. LF/DH Carlos Beltran – 15.0 (36) 138.6

7. SS Derek Jeter – 12.0 (40) 150.6 Read the rest of this entry

The Top 50 Contracts Of ALL – Time IN MLB: Masahiro Tanaka Is 18th

Darvish has provided Texas with ace-like material ever since coming over from Japan.  At his current $10 MIL a year salary, he is a complete bargain compared to what Tanaka received from the Yankees.  It was because of the record posting fee the Rangers doled out - to have the exclusive rights to talk to Darvish.  You have to wonder what he must be thinking of the Tanaka deal.  bunch of financial freedom to sign other long term deals.  Darvish finished 2nd in AL CY Young Voting with a 13 - 9 record, a 2.83 ERA and a league leading 277 SO in his 209.2 IP worth of work in 2013.  Darvish's high posting bid was not part of his salary, or converted towards the total team payroll.

Darvish has provided Texas with ace-like material ever since coming over from Japan. At his current $10 MIL a year salary, he is a complete bargain compared to what Tanaka received from the Yankees. It was because of the record posting fee the Rangers doled out – to have the exclusive rights to talk to Darvish. You have to wonder what he must be thinking of the Tanaka deal. Texas reaped the benefits of financial freedom to sign other long term deals like Choo, and acquire Fielder based on this move. Darvish finished 2nd in AL CY Young Voting with a 13 – 9 record, a 2.83 ERA and a league leading 277 SO in his 209.2 IP worth of work in 2013. His high posting bid was not part of his salary, or converted towards the total team payroll.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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With Masahiro Tanaka’s new deal – for the 1st time all of the MLB’s ALL-Time top 50 contracts are $100 MIL or more.

Adam Wainwright was effectively bumped out of the #50 slot, leaving 4 guys tied for 47th, all registering deals of $100 MIL (Carlos Lee, Ryan Zimmerman, Albert Pujols (2004 – 2010) and Evan Longoria.

Masahiro Tanaka also joins Robinson CanoClayton KershawShin-Soo Choo and new teammate Jacoby Ellsbury, as players that have made it to the list this offseason.

Masahiro Tanaka’s Japan Highlights

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