Blog Archives
Who Owned Baseball April 12, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
Mark Duncan – AP
Miguel Cabrera missed the cycle by a triple, reaching base 5 times, homering twice, scoring 3 and driving in 4 as the Tigers out slugged Cleveland, 8-5.
Nathan Karns pitched 7 strong innings, allowing just 2 hits and 1 earned run and earned the 8-5 Rays victory in Miami.
Andrew McCutchen hit a come from behind 3 run homer to give Pittsburgh the lead in the 6th. He added an RBI single in the 9th and helped top Milwaukee 10-2.
Zack Greinke threw 7 shutout innings, letting up just 5 hits and no walks while striking out 7. He won the 7-4 game for the Dodgers in Arizona.
They all owned baseball on April 12, 2015.
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Who Owned Baseball April 11, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
Jeffrey Phelps – Getty Images
Jimmy Nelson pitched 7 shutout innings,allowing 2 hits and striking out 9, getting the first win for Milwaukee in 2015, 6-0 over Pittsburgh.
Starlin Castro got 3 hits, including a solo homer, and drove in a pair as the Cubs gave the Rockies their first defeat of the season, 9-5.
Ian Kinsler drove in the go ahead run in the 9th inning. He finished with 4 hits, 3 runs scored, 2 RBI and led to the Tigers 9-6 victory in Cleveland.
Joe Kelly gave an exhausted Red Sox pitching staff a rest after the 19 inning Friday night marathon. He pitched 7 strong innings, allowing a single hit and striking out 8, earning the 8-4 win against the Yankees.
They all owned baseball on April 11, 2015.
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 April 10, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
DAVID KOHL/AP
Joey Votto homered twice, walked and stole a base in the Reds 8th inning game winning rally to top St. Louis, 5-4.
Brandon Morrow pitched 7 shutout innings, allowing just 4 hits and struck out 7. He did not get the decision but his Padres topped the Giants, 1-0.
Xander Bogaerts got 4 hits, all in extra innings, stole a base, scored the eventual winning run and started the game ending double play that game the Red Sox a dramatic and exhausting 6-5 19 inning victory over the Yankees..
Tommy Milone pitched shutout ball into the 8th, finishing with 7 2/3, 2 hits and 7 strikeouts while allowing no runs helping the Twins to their first win of the year, 6-0 over the White Sox.
They all owned baseball on April 10, 2015.
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 April 9, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
ALEX BRANDON/AP
Matt Harvey dominated the Nationals, striking out 9 and walking 1 and allowing just 4 hits in 6 shutout innings, earning the 6-3 decision for the Mets.
David Wright collected a pair of hits including a back breaking 2 run single and added a run to help the Mets take the game 6-3 and the series in Washington.
Edinson Volquez pitched 8 strong innings, allowing 4 hits, 1 walk and 1 run and beat the White Sox 4-1 and helped the defending AL Champion Royals complete the 3 game sweep.
Xander Bogaerts reached base 4 times including a bases clearing 3 run triple that broke open the game early and helped the Red Sox cruise to a 6-2 win in Philadelphia.
They all owned baseball on April 9, 2015.
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 April 8, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
Alex Gallardo / Associated Press
Adrian Gonzalez became the first player in Major League history to hit 5 homers in the first 3 games of the season. He clocked 3 solo shots and added an RBI single, leading the Dodgers to a 7-4 win against San Diego.
Jose Iglesias reached base 5 times, scored 3 runs and doubled, helping the Tigers thrash the Twins, 11-0.
Jake Arrieta won a tight pitchers duel against St. Louis, tossing 7 shutout innings, allowing just 3 hits and while striking out 7 as the Cubs got their first victory, 2–0.
Scott Kazmir allowed a hit to the lead off batter and didn’t give up another one. He finished with 7 shutout innings, 1 hit, 2 walks and 10 strikeouts, earning the 10-0 decision against the Rangers in Oakland.
They all owned baseball on April 5, 2015.
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.
Max Scherzer’s $185 MIL Deal (Inflation Pro-Rated) Puts Him 11th In MLB History For Top Contracts
Scherzer’s 7 Year/$210 MIL deal is actually worth $185 against the cap, and we are giving him the same for the ALL-Time Contracts. This sum puts him just behind Derek Jeter for 11th in MLB History. Jon Lester and he are the only 2 men to enter the top 50 this year after 7 players made the cut last off year. Cabrera, Cano, Kershaw, Tanaka, Ellsbury, Trout and Choo all have made the chart since the end of the 2013 World Series. The deal called for a $50 MIL signing bonus. The 2013 former AL Cy Young winner, will make $15 MIL in deferred salary for the next 14 seasons. The 30 Year Old, will join the NL’s best club of 2014, as far as wins are concerned, bringing in a 96 – 66 record. The RHP has led the AL in wins the last 2 years (21 Wins and 18 Wins respectively), and has compiled a 55 – 15 (.786 Winning Percentage) since the start of the 2012 campaign.
The highest contracts in MLB history (Red means Active Contract)
1. Giancarlo Stanton, $325, 000, 000 (2015 – 2027)
*2. Alex Rodriguez, $275,000,000 (2008-17)
*** With A-Rod’s suspension in 2014, he forfeited $22.13 MIL bucks, so it will now end up 10 YRs/$252.87 MIL for the duration of his deal. You can’t tell me he will be worth 40% of what the Yankees will be paying him next year, and all the way till the end of 2017.
3. Alex Rodriguez, $252,000,000 (2001-10)
*4. Miguel Cabrera $248,000, 000 (2016 – 2023)
Go see #25. He has the 4th and 25th top contracts of ALL – Time. This contract doesn’t start until 2016.
*5. Albert Pujols, $250,000,000 (2012-21)
*6. Robinson Cano, $240,000,000 (2014 – 2023) Read the rest of this entry
Yankees Off-Season Outlook: Big Shoes To Fill For Jeter, But How Do They?
By Nicholas Delahanty (MLB Reports Writer) Follow @Nick_Delahanty
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The 2015 off-season is very important for the New York Yankees, as they have a lot of major questions surrounding their current roster. With an aging roster and the return of recently reinstated Alex Rodriguez, the Yankees have some holes to fix, but those issues might not be their biggest concern this off-season.
We all knew the time would come, but no one was ready to start talking about how the Yankees would replace Derek Jeter. Jeter leaves very big shoes to fill in the Bronx, and the Yankees must try their best to find a successor who can not only handle the pressures of New York, but also can step up and produce.
Filling the void might be difficult at first, as past experiences have shown that Yankee fans are very impatient when it comes to replacing some of the best to wear the Yankee pinstripes. The only legitimate shortstop on the roster, Brendan Ryan, won’t be the Yankees everyday shortstop in 2015, so the Bronx Bombers must go through the trade market or free agency to fill a void that right now is larger than life.
Giancarlo Stanton Signs Record 13 YRs/$325 MIL Deal, Will He Be Worth It? + Top 50 Salary Deals ALL – Time
Giancarlo Stanton, who will turn just 25 in a few days, ended the year with the HR crown at 37 and added 105 RBI in just 539 AB before having his season ended with a Hit By Pitch. With the big slugger due for huge Arbitration awards in the next few years, the club started bargaining withe their young superstar towards a long-term contract once the year was over. They came up with a record breaking 13 Year Deal worth $325 MIL at the end of it. Stanton also holds his own ticket for the future as well, with a full no no-trade clause, and an opt year after the 2020 campaign.
Chuck Booth (Lead Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
With the ink not even being finalized on the historic deal between the Marlins and Giancarlo Stanton, it has been confirmed the deal is for 13 years at a clip of $325 MIL.
Among the provisions includes a no-trade clause, and an opt-out after the 2020 season, which would be 6 years into the deal.
It will be interesting to see how the dollars are broken up per year. If I were Stanton, I would have wanted for the Annual Average money be even throughout the pact, otherwise I may be leery of the club trying to let him walk out after the 6 years – by not having a competitive club.
Although, if it is back end loaded the team would certainly have the flexibility to spend more cash on their current roster for the next 6 campaigns, Tough dilemma for sure to be in.
No matter how long the 2014 NL MVP runnerup stays in South Beach, this is a smart business transaction for the franchise, regardless of the outcome. It just may backfire from a baseball operational sense in terms of finances for signing other players too.
The Miami Marlins had to do this contract to save face from the 2012 break up of the squad. Now while the big blockbuster trade has given the team the ability to contend for a playoff spot in the near future – and was a smart organizational move, as the fans also have been sold a bill of goods from the Marlins ownership since day 1 of the teams existence.
This is a marketing plan as much as anything that will be brought forth by the baseball impact. Stanton is the marquee player on the team, and trading him away in the next 2 years would have had a devastating effect on the fanbase.
One isn’t sure whether they can sustain enough revenues to produce a winning product on the field for an extended period of time, however having the most dynamic power hitter in your lineup for the next 13 years will be a nice reason to come to the yard. Read the rest of this entry
For The Most Part – The Top Salaried Players (#1 – #25 In The MLB Are Certainly Not Playing Like It!
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Some of the highest paid athletes are really struggling to earn their keep. Even if A – Rod were playing, it is quite possible he would be a shell of his former self, and way overpaid.
You add in the horrific injury riddled years for Joey Votto and Prince Fielder, and you are talking about a lot of dough for players not even in uniform presently.
Then there is a productive hitter like Troy Tulowitzki, who can’t remain on the field, despite putting up world caliber numbers when he is in the lineup.
Joe Mauer and Matt Kemp have also dealt with injuries and timing issues at the plate, but they still could turn it around for the tail end of the season – and going forward.
Justin Verlander tops the list of the paying the man too late in the game, and this will not bode well for the Free Agent Max Scherzer.
You also have aging veterans that are helping their teams win games like Albert Pujols and Adrian Gonzalez, but they are also not where they were at the time all of that cash was thrown their way.
Miguel Cabrera and Mike Trout‘s deal don’t even start yet on this list, and somehow I think they will do alright.
Robinson Cano has looked decent in the 1st of a 10 year deal, but lets reassess this in 2018…
The Yankees have a huge problem on their hands with their representatives out of these players.
Mark Teixeira only has power left, and can hardly stay on the field, while CC Sabathia may be done as a top of the end starter.
Masahiro Tanaka was lights out in his time in New York this year, however he could be facing Tommy John Surgery soon, and may cost the franchise a lot of money to sit out.
Not even the Jacoby Ellsbury deal has reason for them to feel comfort. His numbers are similar to the ones he put up in Boston, yet he will see his speed evaporate over the years going forward.
This is part 1 of a 2 part blog series on player contracts. Tomorrow we address players 26 – 50. Read the rest of this entry
How All Of The Tigers Hitters Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree – Is It A ‘Title Worthy’ Lineup?
It is tough to believe that someone once wanted to trade Miguel Cabrera. The Marlins were so desperate to rid themselves of the Dontrelle Willis contract, that they unloaded Miguel Cabrera as part of a package for 5 different players in return from Detroit. It will go down as one of the worst trades in MLB History by the time it is all said and done. Cabrera has evolved into the best Right Handed Batter in this generation. He only gets better each year that passes by.
How All Of The Tigers Hitters Were Acquired:
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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The Tigers have built a winning tradition on the backs of former Marlins.
1st it was GM Dave Dombrowski, then Jim Leyland, before the club pulled off the biggest trade in the modern day franchise – by landing Miguel Cabrera for not much in return as it stands now.
This started a string of roster moves that enabled this club to have a great run of success since 2006.
Back in 2003, the ‘Motown Boys’ had to win their last game of the year to avoid the worst season ever for losses by an MLB squad – with 119 losses.
The team drafted Justin Verlander the next year – and traded for future ALL – Star Carlos Guillen.
With a horrific lineup from the 2003 campaign, the Tigers GM, inked Free Agents Ivan Rodriguez and then Magglio Ordonez in subsequent years.
Guys like Gary Sheffield and Placido Polanco were also mainstays on the club for different stints of the lineup.
The pursuit of the club’s offense led them to a 2006 World Series Appearance. The club lost to the Cardinals, and Dombrowski continued to build.
Prior to the 2008 year, the team traded for Miguel Cabrera, and the franchise would start a new era of dominance in the AL Central. Read the rest of this entry
How All Of The Red Sox Hitters Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree – Updated For Cespedes + Craig + Johnson Deals
David Ortiz is incredible based on the consistent numbers he has put forth since everyone thought his career was winding down several years ago. The 38 Year Old DH continues to bash homers, win games, and now with a flurry of trades, the organization has given him some reinforcements in the 1 -9 lineup for a few years.
How All Of The Red Sox Hitters Were Acquired:
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Boston Red Sox are smart enough to realize a retool was in order.
To kickstart the festivities, the club made a pair of moves that includes Jon Lester and Jonny Gomes to Oakland for Cuban OF Yoenis Cespedes, followed by dealing Jon Lackey to the Cardinals for 1B/OF Allen Craig and SP Joe Kelly.
These deals have helped the Red Sox be better balanced on offense, and has freed up roster spots for their young prospects to thrive. Read the rest of this entry
How All Of The White Sox Hitters Were Acquired – 2014 Roster Tree: A Nice Job By The Brass To Revamp The Offense
Paul Konerko announced that the 2014 season will be his last. He has 439 career HR, 1409 RBI, and 6 All Star appearances in his 18 year career. What will most likely not be a HOF career, will certainly go down as one of the best in White Sox history. Konerko was the direct replacement for Frank Thomas. Konerko is only 16 HRs behind the 2014 “Hall Of Fame Inductee” for the White Sox franchise record. While he will not reach that mark, his role may increase now with some DH AB If Dunn is traded later this week. Konerko, now 38, was a 1998 trade acquisition – with OF Mike Cameron going back the other way to Cincinnati. While Cameron was a nice Major Leaguer in his time. Konerko should have his number retired by the club, and is the current active leader for HRs hit for just one team. He will soon hand the reigns of the team over to Jose Abreu and CO.
How All Of The White Sox Hitters Were Acquired:
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The White Sox have done a fantastic job of reassembling their young offensive core in the last year.
Signing International Free Agent Jose Abreu has expedited the time in which the franchise will have to wait to be competitive again.
Paul Konerko is in his last year in the Majors, and his 17th season with the Pale Hose.
The 38 Year Old is the active leader in HRs with 1 current club (432 Hrs), and has been the foundation for the Southsiders for the time he has donned the uniform. Read the rest of this entry
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.
Current Odds To Win Each MLB Division 2014
This club often reminds me of an aging heavyweight fighter. You may beat on them for a time, but there is always that chance the team will land a haymaker on you. 2007 was one of their days in the sunshine. 2014 may see them at least make the postseason again. With a 20 – 1 odd for the club, the value is there for a longshot pick. I mean the Dodgers could always run into injuries as well.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The season is upon us this weekend for real.
The LA Dodgers have a chance to do some serious damage with the North America Opener versus the San Diego Padres, as part of a 3 game series.
If they win 2 out of 3 in that set, this will go a long way in burying the San Diego team early.
In the NL West, since LA is 2 – 0 already, the Rockies are now paying 20 – 1 odds to win the Division.
While I am not saying this will happen, the value is there.
Also I can’t believe how the injuries have not effected the odds on the Tigers. Read the rest of this entry
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
Detroit Tigers State Of The Union 2014 – Part 2: The Pitchers
Joe Nathan is still one of the best closers the game of baseball has ever seen. The 39 year old came off one of his best seasons, registering a WHIP of .90 and an ERA of 1.33 amidst his 43 Saves and 74 SO. Nathan will also bring plenty of playoff experience to Detroit. Lets just hope if the Tigers make it back to the playoffs, that he can improve in his career postseason ERA of 9.00 in 9 IP. Nathan was inked to a 2 YR Deal this winter, worth $20 MIL, with a Team Option of $10 MIL for 2016. This doesn’t end all of the teams Relief woes, but it gives them the best Closer that was on the Free Agent Market.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Here we go again. Bruce Rondon is out for the year with Tommy John Surgery, Joba Chamberlain is throwing at Minor Leaguer’s, and Anibal Sanchez is hurting.
No team had better Starting Pitching in the game of baseball than the Tigers in 2014, while I love their top 3 Starters again, I am worried about their depth in the rotation at the back end.
The Bullpen is a lot better at the Closer’s position with Joe Nathan.
Gone are Jose Veras, underrated Joaquin Benoit, Drew Smyly moves to the Rotation, and the ‘human dumpster fire’ Jose Valverde is also long removed from the relief core.
Added to the bringing in Nathan, the team also signed Chamberlain for 1 year, and added Ian Krol through the Doug Fister trade.
Among several returnees are Luke Putkonen, Phil Coke, Al Alburquerque, Jose Ortega and Evan Reed. 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 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.
The Boston Red Sox State Of The Union Part 1 – The Hitters: 2014 Preview
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): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
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.
With Iglesias Out With A Shin Injury, The Tigers Must Sign Drew – And For A Few Years!!
Stephen Drew has definitely been hindered by the Draft Pick compensation for his services this winter. Now with Detroit losing their Starting Shortstop for potentially the entire 2014 year, the door has swung open for the 31 Year Old player from Georgia. If I were Drew and his agent Scott Boras, I would push the envelope for a 2 year deal, or at least have a total near the $14.1 MIL barrier for a one year deal . Drew is coming off a World Series year in 2013 with Boston, where he fashioned a .777 OPS and 50 Extra Base Hits in just 442 AB. It will see the Tigers payroll grow some, but is a necessary cost of doing business to preserve the best squad to compete in 2014.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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With news coming down the pike that Jose Iglesias could miss the entire year due to a shin splints injury, or at least until the ALL – Star Break, going to sign Stephen for a contract now is a must for the Detroit franchise.
Iglesias was supposed to solidify the Infield in Motown this upcoming campaign with his exceptional defense. However, lets be realistic in that his offense is a bit challenged.
Now with news of his injury wreaking havoc for most of 2014, the Tigers are left with a major void at the position.
Stephen Drew 2013 World Series HR
Just How Good Is The Washington Nationals Rotation?
By David Huzzard (Nationals Correspondent via Citizens of Natstown.com – view website here): Follow @davidhuzzard
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Around this time of year for the past three seasons this column has been written.
It was first sparked in 2012 when Davey Johnson said that the Nationals rotation was every bit as talented as the Phillies.
Then again in 2013, because Gio Gonzalez was coming off a third place Cy Young finish, Stephen Strasburg wasn’t being shut down, and the Nationals had signed Dan Haren.
This year it is time to once again explore the great question of how good is the Nats rotation because newly acquired Doug Fister says he believes them to be better than the Tigers.
This sounds a lot like Doug Fister believing in Doug Fister and that he was the key difference in making the Tigers’ rotation the best in baseball. Read the rest of this entry
Detroit Tigers Payroll In 2014 + Contracts Going Forward Part 1
With Team Payroll already at $125 MIL without even paying the Arbitration Eligible players of Austin Jackson ($10 MIL range), Max Scherzer ($17 – $20 MIL), Alex Avila ($3 MIL), Rick Porcello ($4 – $5 MIL) and Andy Dirks ($1 – $2 MIL , the club is sure to top the $160 MIL mark – without even solidifying the Bullpen from top to bottom, and potentially starting a Rookie at 3B – while Iglesias will assume the SS (with less than a year of games played under his belt either.) Detroit still has more than $50 MIL invested on their team than any of their other AL Central foes. The team would be better off saving some money, and then pay pro-rated salaries after the Trade Deadline – in order to cash in on a 1st World Series since 1984. Entering the last years of their deals are Martinez, Scherzer and Hunter.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart/Payroll Expert) Follow @prosportsroster
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I have been saying it since the club traded away Prince Fielder. It was one year too early.
The club ended up forking out over $76 MIL for just 2 years of service from the big man – when you add his $30 MIL in payroll Detroit will pickup in the next 7 years, just to trade him.
I am also baffled on why the Tigers traded Doug Fister. I thought the plan was to win in 2014?
Max Scherzer 2013 Cy Young Season 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
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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
Detroit Tigers State Of The Union Part 1: What Will The Offense Look Like In 2014?
Despite losing to Boston in the American League Championship Series, the Detroit Tigers had a respectable season in 2013 finishing the Regular Season with a solid record of 93-69, 24 games above .500 and AL Central Winners. To top that off, they also beat the Oakland Athletics in 5 games to advance past the ALDS .
By Dan Wanser (MLB Reports Writer) Follow @DanWanser
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Moving into 2014, the Detroit Tigers look to have a season which takes them past the ALCS where their 2013 run ended, and potentially all the way to the Fall Classic in November which was just outside their grasp.
The Tigers have made it to the ALCS for 3 straight years, and will attempt to be the 1st franchise since the Yankees made it to 4 consecutive League Championships from 1998 – 2001 in the American League next campaign.
With great players on the diamond everyday like Miguel Cabrera, newcomer Ian Kinsler, and Right Fielder Torii Hunter, Detroit is poised to make another deep playoff run not only in the upcoming season, but in many years to come.
Looking back at the 2013 lineup, there isn’t much that needs to be changed so here’s what I think their 2014 starters will look like.
2013 Detroit Tigers Pump-Up Video:
White Sox Offseason: Looking For Success In 2014
Rick Hahn made his first major move as White Sox GM. when he signed 26 year old Cuban defector Jose Abreu to a 6 year $68 million contract ;;st month. While most are surprised that the White Sox were able to sign Abreu, most are also happy with the signing. So fans are hoping that, along with Avisail Garcia, Abreu can be one of the Sox cornerstones for years to come.
By ‘White Sox Correspondent’ Brian Madsen Follow @brianm731
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Rumors are flying. This team wants that guy. That team wants this guy. The Major League Baseball GM Meetings in Orlando have come and gone.
The Winter Meetings in January are on the horizon. Trades have been proposed. Some trades have already been made. Ideas have been shared. Laughs have been had. Who’s going where?
Fans of every MLB team want answers all of these questions regarding their respective favorite team.
Sometimes, one team’s move directly affects a given move of their competitor. It’s uncanny how it can happen, without it being glaringly obvious.
Garcia Hits Another Double
The Detroit Tigers Roster Tree Part 1: How All Of The Hitters Were Acquired
It is tough to believe that someone once wanted to trade Miguel Cabrera. The Marlins were so desperate to rid themselves of the Dontrelle Willis contract, that they unloaded Miguel Cabrera as part of a package for 5 different players in return from Detroit. It will go down as one of the worst trades in MLB History by the time it is all said and done. Cabrera has evolved into the best Right Handed Batter in this generation. He only gets better each year that passes by.
How All Of The Tigers Hitters Were Acquired:
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
At the MLB Reports, we intend to show you the Roster Tree for the Detroit Tigers – 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.
For the 2nd part of the Roster Tree for the Tigers: The Pitchers – click 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.
Miguel Cabrera 2013 Highlights Before The All – Star Break – Mature Lyrics
Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated For October 17, 2013 Games
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
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:
Mike Napoli hit one of the longest homers you will ever see to straight away center field. He finished a triple shy of the cycle, scored twice and drove in a run for the Red Sox 4-3 nail biter in Detroit.
Koji Uehara continued his dominance of Tigers batters. He faced 5 batters, retired them all including a pair of strikeouts as he slammed the door shut in Boston’s 4-3 win.
Receiving 1/2 WOO:
Jose Iglesias singled, scored a run and made a remarkable circus catch on an Ortiz pop fly, giving the Tigers a chance in their 4-3 loss to Boston.
Anibal Sanchez was not his no hitter self. But he cut his walks down to zero and let up only 3 earned runs in his 6 innings of work. He kept the Tigers in the game but they couldn’t catch Boston, 4-3.
How All Of The Red Sox Hitters Were Acquired Onto The Roster + Analysis: Fall 2013
Ben Cherington pulled off the biggest salary dump in MLB History in 2012, with his clearing the deck of Gonzalez, Crawford and Beckett. He replaced them with saavy, playoff tested Veterans – on lower value, and year contracts. His club won the 2013 AL East with the revamped squad – that improved almost 30 Wins from 2012. So how did the entire roster of hitters all come to be Boston Red Sox Property? We will now tell you.
How All Of The Red Sox Hitters Were Acquired:
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @mlbreports
At the MLB Reports, we intend to show you the Roster Tree for the Boston Red Sox – 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. Today, we will cover the Hitters.
For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.
David Ortiz Talks Up The Boston Crowd After The Boston Tragedy – Warning: Explicit Word Used – Parental Discretion Is Advised
The Red Sox Infield Shuffle Down The Stretch
Xander Bogaerts is ranked as the 2nd best Shortstop prospect in baseball, and the 6th best overall prospect in the game on mlb.com. Some are comparing him to Manny Machado of Baltimore due to their similar skill set and maturity at such a young age. I think the Red Sox would be very happy if he produces similarly to the young Orioles Third Baseman. Boston traded away its top defense Infield prospect (in Jose Iglesias) to create room for Bogaerts.
By Ryan Dana (MLB Reports Writer and Red Sox Correspondent): Follow @ryandana1
As September approaches all teams have some uncertainty with their team heading towards the playoffs or the links.
Even serious contenders like the Red Sox have inefficiencies that they would like to correct.
Their decisions now will be under harsher criticism than ever as the franchise has missed out on the playoffs the past two seasons in dismal fashion.
There are certainly still big question marks on the clubs pitching staff like the health of Clay Buchholz.
The outfield also has question marks like Shane Victorino who is playing through injury right now to the point where he has dropped hitting from the left side (at the moment) because the injury affects his swing too much from that side of the plate.
Why The MLB Should Move Back The Non-Waiver Deadline
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Follow @mlbreportsSaturday, August.10, 2013
Cliff Lee is having another solid season in the rotation for the Phillies. If some team can pry him away from Philadelphia, their rotation improves dramatically. Lee has won 10 games with a 3.13 ERA in 149.2 innings pitched to include him having a WHIP of 1.04. He has excellent command of the strike zone by walking just 24 batters and striking out 139 on the season. He is seventh in the NL with a WAR of 4.0 for pitchers. He also knows how to pitch when the post season starts, with him starting 11 career games to go along with a 2.52 ERA in those games. He is holding opposing batters to a .235 batting average, with left-handed batters hitting .253 against him this season. He is superb by limiting teams to a .236 average once runners are in scoring position.
By Chris Lacey (Lead Baseball Columnist/Minority Website Owner) Follow @aecanada12
This year’s trade deadline just went by with not too many big trades taking place. The only one that could classify as a somewhat big deal was the three-team deal between the Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers.
This deal saw Jake Peavy go to Boston, with shortstop prospect Jose Iglesias and outfield prospect Avisail Garcia going to the Tigers and White Sox respectively.
Cliff Lee 2011 Highlights – Parental Guidance Is Advised
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