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30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 4 MLB Baseball Apr. 2014
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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We are now at the 10% pole of the MLB year. The American League looks to have some serious battles taking place in the divisions, while the National League has teams who are separating from others.
Kansas City put themselves back on the map with a 5 – 2 week, and now have a tie for the AL Central lead.
The Yankees started the week winning 4 straight, before dropping the last contests with the Rays, but look good for the long haul.
The Rays officially lost Matt Moore for the year, and Alex Cobb is gone for a while too.
Albert Pujols is bouncing towards 500 HRs, but his Halo’s are in the midst of a tough 3 city road trip.
The Nationals are learning once again that nothing is handed to you. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series – Updated For Week 3
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Odds To Win The 2014 World Series
1. LA Dodgers +600 (Up from +650)
Dodgers are still a good pick, but with SF lurking and Clayton Kershaw not back yet, that +600 looks bad. Plus SF beat them 5 out of 6 so far.
2. Washington Nationals +800
I like this club – but Stephen Strasburg‘s slow start, and injuries are plaguing Ryan Zimmerman and even Bryce Harper to an extent. Plus Atlanta is right there with them right now.
3. Detroit Tigers +700 (Up From +900)
Lets see. They can’t score that well yet, and have a horrid start with the Bullpen. The odds has swung to far to the favorite side here. Stay Away.
4. St. Louis Cardinals +850 (Up From +1000)
This has to do with ownership over the Reds and Pirates so far. Read the rest of this entry
MLB Odds To Win Both Of The AL And NL Pennants In 2014: 5 Best Value Plays
With injuries to the Pitching Staff mounting fast for the Rays, and now with them not paying out such a great odd, the value pendulum has swung back to pick either the Yankees at +900 or the Red Sox at +750 for the AL Pennant. The Yankees just took 3 out of 4 from the Red Sox, have a better offense in this year’s lineup, and have decent pitching. Boston is the reigning champs – and will be part of the race before all is said and done. Factor in major injuries to Texas, Oakland and the LA Angels early, and a horrid Tigers Bullpen so far, and these two rivals have the best value on the board.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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The Rays are finally listed where they should be on the betting board.
3 teams start play today tied in the AL East in the Rays, Yankees and Jays. Baltimore has struggled along with Boston.
I think it is way too early to shovel dirt on the Red Sox season. While I think they may not take down another pennant, they are my 2nd favorite play in the AL Pennant Odd list for return.
The Yankees are my favorite odds pick right now with a +900 mark.
Yes they have injuries to old guys are their team, but the guys in the lineup can mash right now, and particularly at Yankee Stadium. Read the rest of this entry
30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 3 MLB Baseball 2014
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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A little rant before the power rankings this week
Well, another 7 days has passed in baseball for this year.
There are no more home openers, attendance is down, fans are scattering about their Easter business and the NFL Draft is around to swing its mighty sword on the sports landscape. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The 2014 World Series – Updated For Week 2
Milwaukee just pulverized the Red Sox and Phillies in a 6 – 0 road trip – that featured a great offensive output from the lineup. Braun is hitting, Gomez is looking to back up his 2013 campaign. Jean Segura has not slowed down. Mark Reynolds looks decent for some power at 1B, and Jonathan Lucroy and Aramis Ramirez have added torque as well. The Pitching is performing well. The Brew Crew hosts a pivotal weekend series against Division Rival Pittsburgh starting tonight in Miller Park. They moved the most up the charts this week – but are still full value for a World Series odd this week nonetheless
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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The have and the have not’ s have started to dictate their positions in the game of baseball.
The Milwaukee Brewers, Colorado Rockies, Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants were the biggest movers and shakers up the leaderboard.
On the other side of the coin, bettors have lost faith in the Orioles, Reds, Angels, Phillies and Diamondbacks.
At the end of the article, there will be the top 5 best and worst odds to wager on this week Read the rest of this entry
Triple Play Podcast Episode 2 Of 2014: Empire State Of Mind: NYM + NYY + TOR Chat
The Triple Play Show will have 2 shows per month. Each show will be about 1 hour. Chuck Booth will guest once a month for MLB Reports Power Rankings,
By The Big Ticket Show ( AKA Triple Play Podcast on http://www.mlbreports.com) Follow @bigticketshow
Mike Silva (Radio Host 1240 AM WGBB, Long Island New York – 19 Minute Mark and a 31 Min segment) ) Follow @mikesilvamedia
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New York, New York big city of dreams where not everything is as it seems, so we had Mike Silva (http://www.mikesilvamedia.com)of WGBB1240 AM break down the Mets and a bit of the Yankees + our new Mt .Flushmore segment. Read the rest of this entry
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 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): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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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
Odds To Win The 2014 World Series As Of Right Now: Many Changes After 1 Series
I still don’t get why they are the current AL favorite over Detroit. Despite that fact, Boston won their opening series – while all of the 4 other teams have tied or losing records through their 1st series. i don’t think a slight drop was warranted – especially when you consider only the Tigers and Mariners have a better record than the Red Sox right now. They are tied with the Indians, Rangers, Astros and White Sox for their 2 – 1 record.
Odds To Win The 2014 World Series
1. LA Dodgers +600
2. Washington Nationals +750
3. Boston Red Sox +900 (Down from +850)
I am not sure why this club has moved down as they took 2 out of 3 versus the Orioles, and the Yankees are 1 – 2, while Tampa and Toronto split a series.
T4. St. Louis Cardinals +1000
T4. Detroit Tigers +1000 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
New York Mets State Of The Union: 2014 Preview
The Mets are destined for another catastrophic year in Flushing Meadows. The only saving grace may lie with the young players starting to flourish in 2014, and the 10 Year Stalwart David Wright continue to stake his claim as an ALL – Time Met. A bad Bullpen. shaky rotation dependent on health, and a Strikeout laden club, with HR power, but low OBP – fuels a fan to think ‘what the hell is the ownership doing? As tough a situation as it has been for the teams brass, Sandy Alderson and Moneyball’s Paul DePodesta’ have actually done spade work in rebuilding the Minor League System and big club with prospects. I am afraid 2014 will be another dull year at Citi Field.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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To fully describe the current state of the ‘Big Apple’ franchise we must go back to Sept of 2013.
New Team icon, and filthy dominant Right Handed Pitcher, Matt Harvey was looking to put up an awesome end to his 2013 campaign, and give the Mets fans full fledged hope for the following season.
Harvey underwent Tommy John Surgery just a few months later, which has both curbed expectations, but also excitement at the same time for the upcoming year.
Sandy Alderson pursued Curtis Granderson and landed him on a 4 YRs/$60 MIL deal, and also signed SP Bartolo Colon to a 2 YR Deal worth $20 MIL.
In a smaller move, he also inked Chris Young to a deal for one year. Read the rest of this entry
The Toronto Blue Jays State Of The Union: 2014 Preview
The SkyDome was opened in May of 1989. For the championship ERA, the club drew 4 Million fans each per year. In recent years, it was tough for the club to draw 2 Million fans. In 2013, with the promise of a new club mantra, based on Free Agent signings, the team held the best year to year attendance boost in 2013. If the Jays can’t spring out of the gate fast in 2014, I think the Walkup single game tickets will be tremendously affected negatively. Toronto has not made the playoffs since winning back to back World Series in 1992 and 1993, and only them and Kansas City hold that dubious honor since the Player Strike/Lockout ensuing seasons of 1994 – 1995.
By ‘Baseball Writer’ Steve Cheeseman Follow @steveccheeseman
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The Toronto Blue Jays have been a franchise in question for over 20 years. This floundering franchise has gone through 11 manager changes since winning the World Series in 1993 vs. the Philadelphia Phillies.
2 of those managers in Cito Gaston and John Gibbons have been hired twice! The 2013 season was supposed to be the year the Jays went all the way.
GM Alex Anthopolous numerous moves acquiring major pieces to what was supposed to be a contending team.
R.A. Dickey, Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson, Emilio Bonifacio, Maicer Izturis, Mark Buehrle, and Melky Cabrera. Despite these additions via trade or signing….same story, different season! Read the rest of this entry
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. 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): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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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): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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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
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): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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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
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. 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): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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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 Cano, Clayton Kershaw, Shin-Soo Choo and new teammate Jacoby Ellsbury, as players that have made it to the list this offseason.
Masahiro Tanaka’s Japan Highlights
Toronto Blue Jays Payroll In 2014 + Contracts Going Forward
The Blue Jays were the odds on favorite to win the World Series in 2013 among oddsmakers. After a failure of a season, the gambling websites are still placing way too much faith in the team. To have them listed as tied with the Rays for the 12th best odd (+1800) to win the World Series is a stretch. This team has committed $129 MIL already for 2014 payroll, and have not much room to gamble any more cash on the Roster. This is incredible considering the bargain the team has with Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista being just paid $23 MIL between the two of them.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart Expert) Follow @prosportsroster
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It was a 2013 season that saw the team have the biggest spike in attendance in the majors, but it also came at a hefty price in total team salary.
For as much as the team forked out in payroll, they must not have been able to recoup all of their money.
Their payroll places them right in the middle of AL East pack. The Yankees are right near the Luxury Tax Threshold right now of $189 MIL at $182 MIL – and the Boston Red Sox are hovering at around $160 MIL.
The Orioles will be near the $100 MIL range, and the Rays figure to be in the low $70 MIL area. Read the rest of this entry
“The Record” Clayton Kershaw Contract By The Numbers: How It All Stacks Up
Clayton Kershaw has agreed to a 7 YRs/$215 MIL extension – that will run through the years of 2014 – 2020 with the LA Dodgers. The deal is slated for an opt out clause after the 2018 season by Kershaw, when he will be only 30 years old. The terms go like this for years. 2014: $22 MIL ( $18 MIL signing bonus is part of that), 2015: $30 MIL, 2016: $32 MIL, 2017 and 2018 he will earn $33 MIL). From here that will have been $150 MIL for the 1st 5 years of the contract. If Kershaw remains past this, the deal pays $32 MIL in 2019 – and finally $33 MIL in 2020.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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The verdict is in. Clayton Kershaw has agreed to a 7 YR Extension for $215 Million.
It is the highest Annual Average Contract ($30.7 MIL) in the history of Major League Baseball, topping A-Rod’s previously set deal worth $27.5 MIL.
The deal is also the richest contract ever in Pitching history – surpassing Justin Verlander’s 7 YRs/$180 MIL extension from 2013 – 2019.
It is the 6th highest deal ever in the MLB, and Kershaw becomes the 7th player ever to receive a contract north of $200 MIL.
Clayton Kershaw Highlights 2013
Top 10 Stolen Base Leaders in 2013
Ellsbury missed 88 Games in 2012 (and also missed 144 Games in 2010), which brings into question his long – term durability. Heck, even this year, he was seen with a walking boot only a few weeks prior to the playoffs. You can’t deny the man has put up some great numbers out of the leadoff spot for the Red Sox since 2007. Ellsbury has a Career 3 Slash of .297/.350/.789 – and averages 57 XBH, 55 SB, 198 Hits and 108 RBI for every 162 Games Played. The Yankees have inked him to a 7 year deal, and will bank on him staying healthy for most of the contract.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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With a decrease in the total amount of players taking PED’s in the MLB, speed is a more important factor to help manufacture runs than it was even a decade ago.
Jacoby Ellsbury leads the list last year with 52 bag swipes. The Yankees will need him to duplicate what he did in 2013 if they want any chance to compete in 2014.
Everth Cabrera would have been the odds on favorite to take the title – had he not been suspended 50 games for his part in the Biogenesis clinic.
Rajai Davis also enters the list. The Blue Jay in 2013, and Tiger in 2014, swiped 45 bags despite only coming in with 331 AB.
Jacoby Ellsbury 5 Stolen Base Game 2013
The Top 50 Contracts Of All – Time In The MLB
Technically A-Rod has received the two top contracts in baseball history, however he opted out after the 2007 year for the 1st one, so really it was a 7 Year Deal worth approximately $158 MIL that was paid out to him between 2000 and the end of the year in 2007. Rodriguez contract from 2008 – 2017 also includes $30 MIL worth of player performances for passing milestones.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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I start this paragraph saying that it blows my mind away that Alex Rodriguez has the #1 and #2 best contracts of ALL-Time. This is sick.
At least he might forfeit up to $21 MIL of his salary in 2014, and another $5 – $7 MIL in 2015 – if the 211 game ban sticks.
Therefore can we really say that he would have the top 2 earnings leaders for any given contract? He would have to give up $27.51 MIL of it for that to happen.
Pujols would take over the reigns as the #2 contract with his 10 YRs/$250 MIL deal then.
Some of them are classic overpays, and others actually have netted the franchise their true value back and then more. You can be your own judge.
Albert Pujols 2012 Highlight Mix – Mature Lyrics So Parental Guidance is Advised
The Toronto Blue Jays Players, Organizational Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB)
The Blue Jays have been trading away all of their top prospects in recent years, and so far, not one of the players has come back to burn them. Unfortunately, the veterans brought in via trade haven’t pushed them over the top either.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @mlbreports and Jeff Kleiner (Salary, Roster and Depth Chart Expert for the MLB) – visit his website here Follow @prosportsroster
For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries Posts that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.
The Blue Jays have invested a great deal of their future in trades in recent years. First they traded away several prospects to acquire Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, Josh Johnson and John Buck.
The 2nd move was to also trade Travis d’Arnaud and Buck for R.A.Dickey. However the moves backfired on them in 2013.
What is worse for the team, is the franchise has not been able to develop their own talent over the last several years. Their best players on the club were all brought in via trades.
Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion were absolute steals for the guys they doled out to reel them in (Robinson Diaz, never played in the Majors for Pit in the Joey Bats deal, and they originally acquired in the Scott Rolen traded to Cincy. He was selected off of waivers by Oakland, before he came to the club via Free Agency.
Jose Bautista 2013 Highlights
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.
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To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.
The Miami Marlins State Of The Union – Winter 2013 + A 1 Year Look Back At MIA/TOR Trade
It has almost been a year since the Blue Jays and Marlins deal that saw Josh Johnson, Jose Reyes, Emilio Bonifacio, John Buck, Josh Johnson come to Canada – in exchange for a bushel full of prospects, Yunel Escobar and Henderson Alvarez. Toronto suffered the same fate nearly as the 2012 Marlins – in terms of record. All of the Miami players struggled at the MLB level, but primarily that is because they were all 1st or 2nd year players. It will be plenty of seasons until the final verdict is handed down on this trade. Reyes still slashed .296/.353/.780 – and posted 113 Hits and 58 Runs in 93 Games Played the for Toronto Blue Jays. He did miss 69 Games due to injury.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @mlbreports
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A year has almost gone by since big blockbuster move made by the Miami Marlins and the Toronto Blue Jays.
In a bullet version of this story, the Miami team only finished with 7 wins less than the 2012 version of themselves, yet they have stockpiled many of young assets, and all for about a one-third of a payroll they had last year.
Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle and R.A. Dickey (parlayed by throwing Travis d’Arnaud and former Marlin John Buck via trade) had average years only, and Emilio Bonifacio was eventually moved to Kansas City for bad play.
The Disaster That Was The Blue Jays 2013 Season: State Of The Union
Following the 2012 Major League Baseball season, Toronto Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos made some noticeable moves, to seemingly re-invent Canada’s team. Jay’s fans everywhere were ecstatic and pumped for the upcoming season, thinking that playoff baseball would finally return to Canada after 20 long seasons.
By ‘Special Guest Blue Jays Writer’ Steve Cheeseman Follow @cheeseman_s
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Another Season, Another Disaster.
The off-season started with a boom, with the signings of Maicer Izturis (3 yr-$9 million), and Melky Cabrera (2 yr-$16million). This was followed by acquiring hard throwing Esmil Rogers from Cleveland.
They weren’t done yet.
On November 14th, Anthopoulos completed a blockbuster trade with the Miami Marlins, receiving pitchers Josh Johnson (2-time All-Star)and Mark Buehrle (4-time All-Star), short-stop Jose Reyes (4-time All-Star, 2011 NL Batting Champion), catcher John Buck, utility man Emilio Bonifacio, and $8 million in cash in exchange for pitcher Henderson Alvarez, short-stop Yunel Escobar, catcher Jeff Mathis, and prospects.
It was a steal. Toronto then sent John Buck and prospects to the New York Mets, for reigning NL Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey, catcher Josh Thole and a prospect.
Odd makers out of Las Vegas named the Toronto Blue Jays as the favorites to win the 2013 World Series. Too good to be true right? Pretty much.
Munenori Kawasaki – See You Tomorrow
Toronto Blue Jays Payroll In 2013 And Contracts Going Forward
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Follow @mlbreportsFriday, August.16, 2013
Jose Bautista is one of the power threats in the line up for Toronto. He has rebounded nicely this season, after injuries cut his 2012 season short. He has a .261/.357/.857 triple-slash in 2013 with 27 HRs and 72 RBIs in 440 at-bats. He has 51 extra-base hits on the season, with 115 hits overall to go along with 220 Total Bases. He fares better against right-handers with a .263 batting average in 350 at-bats against them, while he is just hitting .256 facing southpaws. Bautista is still a threat with runners in scoring position, as indicated by his .301/.410/1.002 triple-slash with 6 HRs and 45 RBIs in this situation. He is still solid with two outs and runners in scoring position with a .306 batting average and 17 RBIs. They need him to stay healthy to contend in 2014.
By Chris Lacey (Lead Baseball Columnist/Minority Website Owner) Follow @aecanada12
The Toronto Blue Jays have not had the greatest of seasons with them dead last in the American League East division. They trail the Boston Red Sox by 15 games and the chances of them being a Wild Card team are slim at best.
One of the reasons that this season has been a nightmare for the team that made plenty of noise during the offseason is with their pitching. They have allowed 590 runs this season, and only the Houston Astros have allowed more runs at 633 this season.
J.P. Arencibia Toronto Blue Jays Highlights – Parental Guidance Is Advised
30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Audio Version
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The Triple Play Show will have 5 shows per month. Each show will be about 1 hour. Chuck Booth will guest once a month for MLB Power Rankings,
By The Big Ticket Show ( AKA Triple Play Podcast on http://www.mlbreports.com) Follow @bigticketshow
Patrick sits in as the Producer and only representative of the Big Ticket Show – and Chuck Booth joins him to break down all 30 current rankings, plus what the clubs are up to.
To listen to the audio for this Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY logo or past the Triple Play Logo.
If you want the written version of these rankings click here Read the rest of this entry
MLB 30 Team Power Rankings: Week 20
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Texas has fought off a July slump – and are 9 – 1 in their last 10 games. They have added reinforcements in the way of Alex Rios and Matt Garza. If they can just hold the course – and win the AL West, they have the horses and experience to challenge every other team in October. The club was the biggest mover upwards in our rankings this week – going from #10 – #4. It was not too long ago that the Rangers were sitting at just a half – dozen games above .500 – and behind the playoff bar.
Audio Version Of These Power Rankings
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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 in the NL are becoming less competitive every week. The NL East and NL West look to be done. The Pirates are within weeks of ending a 20 year playoff drought.
The Braves rattled off a 14 game winning streak – and should cruise to the NL East crown.
The Athletics are in big trouble with some of their talented offensive players not putting up numbers like they did in 2012. They now find themselves in 2nd place in the AL West.
Adrian Beltre 2 HR day in July
Blue Jays Outlook For 2014 Season: 2013 Not A Total Loss Either
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Jose Reyes is a key component to the Blue Jays offense. They will need him to stay healthy going into next season for the club. He has a .312/.370/.842 triple-slash in 199 at-bats with eight HRs and 25 RBIs on the season for Toronto. He has stolen 11 bases, while only being caught four times to go along with having 62 hits on the season. He has a batting average of .311 against right-handers, and is hitting .313 facing left-handers. He does well with runners in scoring position, as indicated by his .269 average and .701 OPS in this situation. He is most dangerous in the 5th inning this season, with a .478/.538/1.191 triple-slash.
By Chris Lacey (Lead Baseball Columnist/Minority Website Owner) Follow @aecanada12
When the Toronto Blue Jays made a splash last off season by making a flurry of moves to improve the team, plenty was expected of the club coming into this season.
It’s safe to say that this season has been a major disappointment for the team.
Toronto is currently last in the American League East division with them trailing the Boston Red Sox by 16 games.
The Blue Jays chances of making the post season are slim at best, but the season has not been a total loss for the team.
Toronto Blue Jays Highlights – Parental Guidance Is Advised
Blue Jays Looking To Make Moves At The Deadline
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Follow @mlbreportsWednesday July.31/2013
The Toronto Blue Jays 2013 season hasn’t gone as planned after the winter that they had. Picking up names like Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle, and R.A Dickey to go along with Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion you would think they would be in contention for a division title. That is not the case as they are last in the American League East. The question now is if they will trade some of the big names at the deadline at 4:00 EST today.
Ryan Ritchey (Baseball Writer): Follow @baseballaddicts
Today at 4:00 EST is the trade deadline. It is one of the most exciting days of the Major League Baseball season because you find out if your favorite team traded for a superstar.
If you don’t have a favorite team but a favorite player you find out if he has a new home as well. The players might think about it differently but for us fans it is exciting.
The Toronto Blue Jays made a blockbuster trade this winter picking up Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, Josh Johnson, and Emilio Bonifacio. It hasn’t worked out as planned and they are looking to move some players according to reports.
Let’s not forget they also signed Melky Cabrera and R.A. Dickey this past winter. According to reports the biggest name from the Jays that has the possibility of getting moved is Bonifacio. Let’s not forget about Buehrle as well. He also has a chance to be moved.
Blue Jays’ Was It Worth The Risk?
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Follow @mlbreportsThursday, July.11, 2013
Dickey is not the same pitcher he was with the Mets a season ago. He had a 2.73 ERA in 233.7 innings pitched with 230 strike outs and a 1.05 WHIP. He was third in WAR for pitchers, with it at 5.8. This year for Toronto he has a 4.77 ERA in 122.2 innings with a WHIP of 1.28. The opposition is hitting .245 against him, with right-handers hitting .238 , and left-handers hitting .251. When runners are in scoring position this is where he has issues, as teams are hitting .333 with a .996 OPS. When its two outs, it gets even worse, as teams hit.347 facing him with a 1.090 OPS.
By Chris Lacey (Lead Baseball Columnist/Minority Website Owner) Follow @aecanada12
The Toronto Blue Jays 2013 season has not panned out how many envisioned it would. They made a flurry of moves to bring new players to the team. The reason was that their General Manager Alex Anthopoulos saw an opportunity and was willing to take a risk.
He traded away a bevy of prospects to the Miami Marlins, and some more to the New York Mets for proven players that have done well in their careers. The team on paper looked like they could win the American League East division and contend for a World Series title.
Jose Bautista 2011 Highlights- So Parental Guidance Is Advised
30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 14
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Follow @mlbreportsMonday July.01/2013
The Bucs have won 9 straight games and now possess a record of 51 – 30. You have to think that the club will finally put the nail in the coffin on its 20 year losing streak – with just needing to win 31 of their 81 games remaining. Better yet, ESPN has them listed as a 88 Percent chance to make the playoffs for the first time since the 1992 season. At the halfway point in the season, the Bucs have the best record in the MLB – and have reached #2 in our power rankings.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Another Week has come and gone in the MLB.
Week Stats Ending – June.29/2013
(MLB Reports) AL Hitter Of The Week – Jason Kipnis (CLE – He reached base 24 times in the 8 games (14 hits, 9 Walks and 1 HBP) – with 3 HRs, 6 – 2B, 9 Runs and 11 RBI. He hit .519 for the week).
Runners up were: Miguel Cabrera (DET – OPS of 1.583, with 4 HRs and 7 RBI), Dustin Pedroia (BOS – .560 BA, 14 hits), and Raul Ibanez (SEA – OPS of 1.455 – 3 HRs and 5 RBI.)
(MLB Reports) AL Pitcher Of The Week– R.A. Dickey (TOR – 2 hit CG Shutout versus the Tampa Bay Rays.)
Runners up were: Koji Uehara (BOS – 3 Perfect Saves) and Joe Blanton LAA (1 – 0, with a 1.88 ERA in 2 GS). Read the rest of this entry
MLB Reports 
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