Blog Archives
30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 6 – May. 2014
The Motown Boys won all 4 games they played this week and have opened up a 4 game lead on the Royals. This team has the easiest schedule left on the board. The squad also announced they have picked up Reliever Joel Hanrahan, This is a great depth move on their part, and insurance for the Closers position.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
As we enter the 2nd month of play in the Major League Baseball, we really start to delve into who is playing good and who is playing bad.
How about we begin with the National League holding a 26 – 17 record versus the American League in Interleague play.
The last stat is the main reason why there is only 3 teams out of the 15 with a positive Run Differential. (No team in the AL East has a club in the plus, and only the Tigers have one in the AL Central.
The Angels and A’s also yield nice Run Differentials – however a lot of that was from beating up the Houston Astros.
The NL possesses 9 clubs with a positive mark.
The NL East has all 5 teams with a .500 clip or better heading into today’s action. Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.03) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
(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.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.02) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
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.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.01) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
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.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.30) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
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.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.29) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
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.
30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 5 – Apr. 2014
The Astros have helped pad the stats for teams like the A’s, Rangers and Angels offenses and Run Differentials so far in 2014, Having this cupcake team will definitely help your playoff chances with the weighted divisional play. I will be amazed if they finish out of last in the American League this year, and maybe only the Chicago Cubs will challenge them for the 1st overall pick again for the 2015 MLB Amateur Draft.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
We are now at the 13 – 14% pole of the MLB year. Parity is reigning supreme on the standings.
For the record, while I love the Milwaukee start, they are just too many variables for them to keep up this pace.
Don’t get me wrong, i think this team is capable of making the playoffs, winning 90 games, but it could be eliminated as fast as they have compiled this record.
Ryan Braun’s thumb could require surgery. Ramirez’s knee’s could fail him.
Considering last night’s situation with Braun and Gomez, that could alter the playing field for the NL.
The suspension laid down for the brawl with the Pirates could also sway some momentum. Good on Milwaukee for starting 18 – 6. I just think the Cards will track them down in the next 138 games. Read the rest of this entry
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.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
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.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 18, 2014
Red Sox fans might have to be satisfied with the surprise season they got from John Lackey last season.
Meanwhile, I beg Omar Vizquel to come back.
That and more on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Jon Lester, Adam Wainwright, Pedro Alvarez, Yangervis Solarte, Hunter Pence, Alex Wood, Michael Brantley and Chris Sale all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball.
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 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): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
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.
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.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
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
The Boston Red Sox Payroll In 2014 + Contracts Going Forward
Dustin Pedroia is an example of how to handle your own talent as far as payment. He was signed from 2009 – 2015 , which is 7 YRs/$55 MIL, and then they extended him from 2016 – 2021 (6 YRs/$85 MIL). Being a bit of a bargain on a yearly basis, this natural leader – and former MVP, has given the franchise money flexibility for every year during the duration of his deal. The now 30 Year Old, has a Career 3 Slash of .302/.370/.823. His numbers are great for his 162 game average, with 104 Runs Scored and 194 Hits. Pedroia is pesky with his 46 Doubles, 16 HRs per year.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart Expert) Follow @prosportsroster
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Boston Red Sox pulled of a major “Hoodini Act” by freeing themselves of the long term contracts of Carl Crawford, Adrian Gonzalez and Josh Beckett in an Aug, 2012 trade.
The club used the dollars saved to reel in Mike Napoli, Stephen Drew, Shane Victorino and Jonny Gomes in 2013. All of these guys were massive contributors to the 2013 World Series team.
The Beantowners still live and die by their Starting Pitching. Jon Lester and unpredicted Jon Lackey had renaissance campaigns – while Clay Buchholz cobbled enough health together for a 12 – 1, 1.74 ERA season.
Replicating their championship season will be tougher in 2014.
David Ortiz Highlights
The Boston Red Sox Players In All Organizational Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB)
Jackie Bradley can go a long way to help BoSox fans forget about the departure of Jacoby Ellsbury. Known as a patient batter with tonnes of speed, and exceptional fielding, Bradley taking the next leap up to the MLB on a permanent basis would do wonder for the Red Sox in 2014. At 23, he has a Career Minor League 3 Slash of .297/.404/.876
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart Expert) Follow @prosportsroster
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
It has come time for us to flip the calendar at the MLB Reports and shift gears into all of our 2014 season previews.
Each of the 30 MLB teams will have a organizational depth chart blog, a payroll blog, and 1 or 2 State of the Union Pieces from this day – all the way until the 1st day of MLB play this campaign.
We start of with the defending World Series Champions, the Boston Red Sox.
Jackie Bradley Jr. and Xander Bogaerts Are Future Superstars
Updated Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series As Of Right Now: Tanaka Could Influence These Later
Masahiro Tanaka has finally been posted by his team from the NPBL (Golden Lions). Mark my words, with the exception of a crazy bid coming from the Dodgers way out West, no one will outbid the Yankees for this guys services. Based on his age and wherewithal, the Pinstripers can alter their immediate future by landing the 25 Year Old Japanese Phenom. If they spend the $125 MIL – $140 MIL for a 6 or 7 year total ($20 MIL post, plus player contract, look for them to blow their $189 MIL budget out of control in 2014, – and opt to reset in 2015 instead.) Tanaka was 24 – 0 – with a miniscule 1.27 ERA in 2013.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Since nothing has changed since last week, I have two bets for you to take – and one for you to avoid.
As I mentioned last Saturday, the Rangers have confirmed on the Shin-Soo Choo signing. In my expert opinion this should have moved the line on Texas.
Instead, they are still the 3rd favorite to win the World Series coming out of the AL.
This is not right. Maybe I could see the Tigers still ahead of them based on the Division they are in, but the Red Sox have no business being ahead of them.
The Best Of Masahiro Tanaka
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 8, 2013
Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images
Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast I point out some things that we never seem to learn every off season:
The teams that dominate the off season are rarely the team that wins and inevitably some player we all wrote off will become the great hero of the next October.
To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.
To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 31, 2013
(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
I listen to Game 6 of the 2013 World Series without knowing the outcome.
At 10:51, I react to the last strike of the World Series.
Then my dad and I sit down and talk about how great these years have been for Red Sox and Giants fans.
That and more on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
John Lackey and David Ortiz earned full WOOs and WOWS.
Matt Carpenter received 1/2 WOOs and WOWS.
Confused what a WOO and WOWS are?
An explanation for Who Owns October can be found HERE.
An explanation for Who Owns the World Series can be found HERE.
An updated WOO tally can be found HERE.
An updated WOWS tally can be found HERE.
To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.
To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.
Who Owns the World Series (WOWS) – Tally Updated For WS Game #6 October 30, 2013
Photo: Matt Slocum – AP
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOWS to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE.
From October 30th’s game:
Receiving 1 WOWS:
John Lackey redeemed his Red Sox career by pitching into the 7th, letting up a single run and getting the victory despite letting 10 Cardinals reach base. Red Sox won the game 6-1 and the World Series
David Ortiz overwhelmed the entire game. By walking 4 times (three of them intentionally) he set up rallies and put St. Louis on the defensive all night as the Red Sox won 6-1 and took the series.
Receiving 1/2 WOWS:
Matt Carpenter collected 3 hits and gave the Cardinals hope briefly in Game 6. He would ultimately strikeout to end the 6-1 victory for the Red Sox.
Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated For WS Game #6 October 30, 2013
photo by Matt West – Boston Herald
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE.
From World Series Game #6
Receiving 1 WOO:
John Lackey redeemed his Red Sox career by pitching into the 7th, letting up a single run and getting the victory despite letting 10 Cardinals reach base. Red Sox won the game 6-1 and the World Series
David Ortiz overwhelmed the entire game. By walking 4 times (three of them intentionally) he set up rallies and put St. Louis on the defensive all night as the Red Sox won 6-1 and took the series.
Receiving 1/2 WOO:
Matt Carpenter collected 3 hits and gave the Cardinals hope briefly in Game 6. He would ultimately strikeout to end the 6-1 victory for the Red Sox.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 30, 2013
I am hoping the Red Sox win tonight, if for no other reason than to avoid baseball on Halloween.
Also I make the connection between Albert Pujols/Michael Wacha and Rogers Hornsby/Frankie Frisch.
That and more on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Confused what a WOO and WOWS are?
An explanation for Who Owns October can be found HERE.
An explanation for Who Owns the World Series can be found HERE.
An updated WOO tally can be found HERE.
An updated WOWS tally can be found HERE.
To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.
To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.
Who Owns the World Series (WOWS) – Tally Updated For WS Game #2 October 24, 2013
Photo: Mark L. Baer, USA TODAY Sports
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOWS to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE.
From October 24th’s game:
Receiving 1 WOWS:
Carlos Beltran came back from a rib injury to collect 2 hits including a key RBI single that gave St. Louis an insurance run against the Red Sox as they took Game 2 of the World Series, 4-2.
Michael Wacha pitched 6 electric innings, keeping the Red Sox off of the board for the first 5 innings. He finished surrendering just 3 hits and 2 runs while striking out 6, earning his 4th October win for the Cardinals, 4-2.
Receiving 1/2 WOWS:
John Lackey was a hard luck loser, pitching into the 7th innings, being charged with 3 runs and striking out 6 along the way as the Red Sox lost 4-2 to the Cardinals.
David Ortiz homered and briefly gave the Red Sox the lead against the Cardinals. It would not hold as St. Louis triumphed, 4-2.
Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated For WS Game #2 October 24, 2013
Photo: Elsa – Getty Images
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE.
From World Series Game #2
Receiving 1 WOO:
Carlos Beltran came back from a rib injury to collect 2 hits including a key RBI single that gave St. Louis an insurance run against the Red Sox as they took Game 2 of the World Series, 4-2.
Michael Wacha pitched 6 electric innings, keeping the Red Sox off of the board for the first 5 innings. He finished surrendering just 3 hits and 2 runs while striking out 6, earning his 4th October win for the Cardinals, 4-2.
Receiving 1/2 WOO:
John Lackey was a hard luck loser, pitching into the 7th innings, being charged with 3 runs and striking out 6 along the way as the Red Sox lost 4-2 to the Cardinals.
David Ortiz homered and briefly gave the Red Sox the lead against the Cardinals. It would not hold as St. Louis triumphed, 4-2.
MLB Playoff Predictions: Who Will Win The 2013 World Series?
Boston will be at a slight offensive advantage at Busch Stadium for Games #3. #4 and #5 – with losing Napoli out of the lineup – if John Farrell decides to have David Ortiz face all of the Cards Right Handed Starting Pitchers. Despite that fact, I can’t ignore the clutch playoff performers that the Boston club have for this series. The Cards team has fought injuries and used their system brilliantly to get this far, but I think they fall just short in the World Series.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The last thing I wanted to be in my 2013 ALCS Prediction was right. I am a New York Yankees fan, but I have to give it up to the Boston Red Sox.
Much like the 2001 New York Yankees made the World Series after 9/11, how could any begrudge the city of Boston having something to rally around like this?
This matchup will feature the winner laying claim to team of the time frame of 2004 – 2013. No one will contest the Yankees were the best team in the MLB from 1996 – 2003.
Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated For October 15, 2013 Games
(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE.
From today’s games:
Receiving 1 WOO:
Matt Holliday got a pair of hits including a massive 2 run homer in the 3rd inning that wound up being the difference in the Cardinals 4-2 win over the Dodgers.
John Lackey was magnificent, pitching shutout ball into the seventh inning. He finished with 6 2/3 innings, no runs, 4 hits, 8 strikeouts and no walks. He got the decision in Boston’s 1-0 heart stopping win in Detroit.
Carlos Martinez not only threw 2 key innings of shutout relief but also picked off Nick Punto at second base when the Dodgers were threatening to rally. St. Louis would hold on to win, 4-2.
Mike Napoli homered in the 7th inning and provided all of the offense of the game as the Red Sox beat the Tigers, 1-0.
Receiving 1/2 WOO:
Andre Ethier got on base three times and scored, giving the Dodgers some hope in their 4-2 loss to the Cardinals.
Victor Martinez was one of the only Tiger hitters whose bats were not totally dead. He went 2-4, including a single that put the go ahead run on base and the winning run at the plate in the 9th. The runs would not score and neither would Detroit who fell to Boston, 1-0.
Justin Verlander gave a performance on par with the other dominant Tiger starts in the ALCS. He finished with 8 innings, 4 hits, a single walk and 10 strikeouts. A solo home run in the 7th was his lone blemish, which was enough to lose the game 1-0 to the Red Sox.
Odds To Win The 2013 MLB World Series, Plus Odds To Win The NLCS + ALCS Matchups
Its funny how one Anibal Sanchez Start can sway your opinion. While I am still picking Boston to win the ALCS, you should wait til after Game #3 to see if Verlander wins, then you can bet some money on the Red Sox to win the ALCS, when they are underdogs. Right now, they are both about even. Both of the Tigers and Red Sox are +240 to win the World Series.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Odds To Win the World Series Today:
St. Louis Cardinals +160
Boston Red Sox +240
Detroit Tigers +240
LA Dodgers +800
Ortiz Slams the Red Sox back into a tie (Credit FOX)
2013 MLB Playoff Predictions By MLB Reports
In my view, Evan Longoria could end up being the MVP of the entire playoffs – with his penchant for being clutch in the last games of years. I am predicting the Tampa Bay Rays are going to win the World Series versus the LA Dodgers, iIf Wil Myers and Ben Zobrist help bashing the ball around, then this team is scary. Also picking up proven playoff performer Delmon Young (yes that guy) (HR’d last night – and is .266/.328/.887 – with 9 HRs and 16 RBI In 109 AB) was also a good move by the Rays brass. If these guys hit, the Pitching should do enough.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Okay, now that the Wild Card Games are over, I am 2 – 1 this week in predicting the outcomes of games. I had both Rays wins and lost with the Reds.
For those that have been reading my gambling pick posts, will also see that I have been discussing some of the odds posted for the playoffs. Check out those here.
I am not going with the masses this year, however I am picking 2 favorites and 2 underdogs in the 1st Round.
Really, I think the matchups are a lot more even than even some of the biggest betting industry odds are suggesting.
I may have also taken the Athletics all the way to the World Series if Cespedes wasn’t hampered by his injured Right Shoulder.
Yoenis Cespedes HR Derby Mashing
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.19th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Hanley Ramirez hit a pair of homers including a game tying shot in the 7th. He would go 4-5 with 4 runs batted in and set up the Dodgers clinching of the NL West crown, 8-7 over the bitter Diamondbacks.
Gerrit Cole struck out 12 in 6 innings, letting up just one run and helping the Pirates inch closer to first place and avoid a sweep by San Diego, 10-1.
Coco Crisp got on base 3 times and smacked the go ahead 2 run homer in the 8th that put the A’s on top for good, 8-6 over Minnesota
John Lackey took a no hitter into the 7th and settled for a complete game 2 hit, 1 run masterpiece as the Red Sox won 3-1 over Baltimore and clinched at least a Wild Card berth this October.
They all owned baseball on September 19, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON
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To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here
MLB 30 Team Power Rankings: Week 21
42 – 8, 25 – 3, 19 – 1, 10 wins in a row. These are all significant numbers put up with a team with deep pockets, the ability to outdraw everyone for park attendance, and owners willing to do whatever it takes to bring home the 1st World Series Title since 1988. No one can touch these guys right now. Best 3 Starters in the NL and hottest 2 NL Hitters in Puig and Ramirez. Oh yeah, the Bullpen has been lights out for the last 50 contests!
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @mlbreports
It is time for the MLB Power Rankings. These are based on my thoughts on whether who has the best chance to win the World Series.
A lot of these positions are based on who has the toughest Strength of Schedule left, who their competition is for the Division, and possibly even the League they are in,
The races for the Divisions (AL East, AL West and NL Central are starting to tighten up, while the NL West, AL Central and most notably NL East are looking to be foregone conclusions
The Braves have rattled of a 18 – 3 stretch, and have been ousted by the Dodgers for the #1 spot in the MLB Rankings .
The Rangers are trying to ricochet off of a couple of great deals, in order to flame down the Oakland Athletics.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (August.17th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
AP Photo/Duane Burleson
Miguel Cabrera hit a walk off homer in a critical divisional showdown for the Tigers against the Royals. He also had an RBI double in Deroit’s 6-5 victory.
John Lackey quieted the Yankees bats while pitching into the 7th inning. He let up a single run and got the 6-1 win for the Red Sox.
Martin Prado helped the Diamondbacks keep pace in the playoff hunt by collecting 4 hits including a 3 run homer and beating Pittsburgh 15-5.
Clayton Kershaw beat the Phillies in just about ever way possible. He dominated on the mound with 8 shutout 3 hit innings, striking out 8 and walking just one. With the bat, he smacked an RBI double, extending the Dodgers winning streak to 10 games, 5-0 over the Phillies.
They all owned baseball on August 17, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Dustin Pedroia’s Contract Extension + Jake Peavy Trade Thoughts
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Sat. August.3/2013
While Shortstop has been a revolving door since the days of Nomar Garciaparra, Second Base has been held down by one of the best in the game since his rookie season in 2007. As impressive an offensive player as Pedroia is, he’s equally impressive on defense, saving 73 Runs on at 2nd over his career. His UZR/150 is 9.4.
By Ryan Dana (MLB Reports Writer and Red Sox Correspondent): Follow @ryandana1
I think that one could refer to this time of the baseball season as the “dog days” of the summer.
While much is made of how a team finishes the regular season down the stretch in September, every game counts and August could definitely separate contenders from pretenders.
After ceding 1st place in the AL East briefly, the Red Sox are back where they want to be at the top.
The lead is just 1 game over the Rays currently, but the Red Sox are playing some very exciting baseball including two straight walkoff wins both technically taking place on the 1st of August.
While late July baseball news is usually dominated by trades, the Red Sox took care of some other business before getting involved in the trade scene.
The club signed Second Baseman Dustin Pedroia to a 7 Year $100 Million contract extension.
The deal will take him through the 2021 season, making it increasingly likely that he spends his entire career in a Red Sox uniform.
Top MLB Teams 1 – 30: Monthly Rankings + (Top 200 Stats For Reading And Fantasy Baseball)
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Follow @mlbreportsThursday July.11/2013
The Giants have gone 9 – 23 in their last 32 Games – and are in danger of having a brutal campaign just one year after capturing the World Series. Key injuries and overlogged pitchers have been the main point of contention. They lost 8 Ranking Spots this past time. Should they also become sellers at the Trade Deadline, Tim Lincecum and Hunter Pence could fetch a few players in return. The Giants are currently 40 – 50 and 6.5 Games behind the NL West Leading DBACKS – but are in last in the NL West.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
The time has come for the July Power Rankings with Stats Edition. There will be one each for May, June, July, August, September – and then a special playoff edition Power Rankings will be done in October.
I will not do a weekly Power Rankings during these weeks, because in essence, these are the weekly rankings done on a much larger scale.
These Reports are done with a heavy thought to how the teams project by the end of the season – along with how the clubs have fared so far.
I will point out who has had great months for the all 30 MLB Teams. I reward the good performances in these rankings – and leave the poor ones for the Podcasts or future articles. CLICK THE READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON or scroll past the video and picture.
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