Blog Archives
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – May 30, 2015
Last night was strange in the big leagues.
The Mariners keep giving the ball to a closer who is having a terrible season and he was awful last night. Derrek Norris had a rotten night at the plate. And yet both were celebrating at the end!
Meanwhile in Little League, a nice friendly game turned petty because of one coach and competitive because of my nature!
It is a good sportsman Episode 947 of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Josh Hamilton, Buster Posey, Taijuan Walker, Chad Bettis, Adam Lind, Cole Hamels, Hanley Ramirez and Trevor Bauer all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?
Odds To Win The 2015 MLB World Series Week 8

The Tigers have captured the AL Central in 4 straight years, and I think this year will mark the 5th. This is the highest odd this team has had to win the Fall Classic in years. Full value, and you best jump on it now.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Heading into week 8 I still love the Tigers for the best value currently at +1200.
It seems I bang this drum all the time for the Motown Boys, however Miguel Cabrera is healthy this year, they have Yoenis Cespedes, and David Price is a legit ace.
There is no doubt that KC is a formidable opponent to the AL Central, but I like them to play just .500 the rest of the way through.
The whole Royals lineup is north of .300 (or career bests), and Chris Young can’t continue this torrid stretch of brilliant pitching.
I think the KC club is still and, 85 – 89 win club all day long, and I am happy I marked them as one of my favorite over/unders in the preseason, with a low total of 81 victories as the line.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 26, 2015
The AL East is wide open and Rangers fans need to welcome Josh Hamilton back with open arms.
That and more on Episode 915 of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Matt Harvey, Angel Pagan, Wei-Yin Chen, Jimmy Paredes, Justin Upton, Michael Brantley, Rubby De La Rosa and Daniel Norris all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 4, 2015
The Angels reaction to the Josh Hamilton decision was deplorable. They don’t deserve Mike Trout.
Ervin Santana’s reaction to his positive test made me roll my eyes.
That and positive news from Montreal in this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 26, 2015
Josh Hamilton’s fight with drug addiction was supposed to have its happy ending. But addiction is more complicated than that. And so is baseball’s relationship with things that get you hooked.
That and more on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
The Struggles Of Josh Hamilton: Despite Massive Talent, He Has Underwhelmed in LA, But Layoff The Guy For His Addiction Battle!

Josh Hamilton from a much younger time in his life. He fought off his drug addiction in his early 20’s, to become one of the best players in the game from 2008 – 2012. Following a recent list of injuries and personal battles, he has suffered a relapse in his addiction. Hamilton met with the MLB yesterday in New York, and has reportedly admitted to at least using cocaine.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst) Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
In the first two months of 2012 Josh Hamilton was putting up historic numbers and was on his way to a Cooperstown resume. I even wrote a column on how he was the best baseball player on the planet.
I had evidence to support my statement. In his 1st 47 Games, the man had 21 HRs and 57 RBI, while batting nearly .400, with an OPS that neared 1.200. Included in those impressive totals was a 4 HR game at Camden Yards.
During my 30 MLB Park streak the 1st 4 weeks of the season, I saw Hamilton play four games. He clubbed 3 HRs and added 3 doubles in his AB during the games I witnessed, and he hit one jack at Target Field that may have not landed yet. This man was pistol hot. I had no doubt he would continue to post Hall Of Fame credentials in that season, and for many years to come.
Right after that he quit chewing tobacco, and has been plagued with problems since. He has left the Texas Rangers, been hurt and underperformed since signing with the Angels. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 30, 2015
What the Hell are the Angels going to do with Josh Hamilton? And why is his wife appearing on a reality show?
That and an I told you so moment on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Read my 2012 Bleacher Report post by clicking HERE.
Dear Mr. Manfred: Shifts, Trying To Help Offense – How About 9 Fielders And 8 Hitters In Both AL + NL?

Under my proposed format of 9 fielders, with only 8 hitters – eliminating both the pitcher and DH from entering the box, having 8 batters only in every lineup would allow players such as Mike Trout a helluva lot more Plate Appearances in a full year. The National League would stand to gain almost a quarter of a run, and the American League would also knock off its worst hitter from each squad. So how do you do this with the players union? Offer a 26 man roster (with 25 activated for each game). Creating 30 new jobs would be a better way than having the NL adopt the DH into their game. That would not go well, and longtime would throw a conniption fit. The best way to uniform both leagues is to go with a lineup of 8 guys.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I like the way Rob Manfred came out blazing Sunday on heels of his 1st 24 hours as commissioner. I agree completely that we need more offense infused into the game.
Whether any of us like or not, the ;PED’ era while it was going, was at least fun to watch on the offensive side of it. I have even talked to fans that in my shop that would love for them not to be illegal – so we could see that HR’s creep up again. I can’t say I would go that far, but the recent trend of Runs scored on the decline is alarming.
I grew up in the 80’s, and if there were any season that has been similar to that timeframe, last season was. Pitching, speed, defense and clutch hitting was the key to winning in that decade, and there was a degree of parity that existed too.
I am still stunned that more people can tell the real reason why games take so long. How about Strikeouts at an ALL – Time rate? This is the biggest factor, and it is not even debatable. You add in the “Moneyball” concept of taking a pile of pitches, combined with tonnes of pitching changes, instant replay, TV time out, and players going through per pitch rituals that would make golf’s Sergio Garcia seem like a speed demon in contrast, and no wonder why games take forever. Read the rest of this entry
Dear Santa: All AL Teams 2015 Wish List (By The Fans)
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Okay, so it is time to ask old Saint Nick, for some help for teams in the MLB to have their wishes come true.
New York Yankees:
Can someone please knock some sense into the brass in the Bronx to realize they are the friggin Yanks? Since we can’t bring the “Boss” back to kick some ass, maybe a losing season would force the team to pilfer the payroll, and believe it or not, if Cashman behaves himself before Spring Training, the club could get under the Luxury Tax Threshold this year with a few Trade Deals, and go an attack the 2016 Free Agent core of Jason Heyward, Jordan Zimmermann, David Price and Johnny Cueto…
Would it be too much to ask if the team could just release Alex Rodriguez? There is no way he should hit his 660th HR in Pinstripes. Release him before that day, or way prior, and don’t pay him that dumb $6 MIL Bonus. He ain’t worth it. Also don’t want him passing Lou Gehrig for the RBI list ALL – Time in a New York uniform either. Read the rest of this entry
With V – Mart’s 4 YR Deal For $68 MIL, The Market Threshold Is Set For Nelson Cruz

Victor Martinez has thrived offensively in Detroit hitting behind Miguel Cabrera. Aside from the 2012 injury where he missed the whole season to a broken ankle. V-Mart’s 3 Slash Line for the Tigers is .321/.381/.487 – with 58 HR and 289 RBI in 1706 AB for the squad. 2014 was the last year of the 35 year old’s 4 YRs/$50 MIL deal. There was no guarantee the Tigers could afford to bring him back for 2015 or beyond because of the chance they would move Cabrera to DH in a few years. However, the “Motown Boys” will have the best Designated Hitter in the game right now, back in the fold for the next 4 campaigns. The one person who may not like the $ portion of the contract is Nelson Cruz, who is seeking a deal of 5 years at above the dollars per year V-Mart just reeled in.
Chuck Booth (Lead Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Yesterday Victor Martinez finalized re-signing with the Detroit Tigers for 4 YRs/$68 MIL. This both was a great deal for the “Motown Boys” and also set a likely threshold for Free Agent DH slugger Nelson Cruz.
The Orioles DH/OF must not be happy with the amount of cash that V-Mart signed with, because there is no way he should reach that stratosphere.
2014 Stats
Victor Martinez (35): .335/.409/.565, with 32 HRs 103 RBI and only 42 SO in 561 AB.
Nelson Cruz (34): .271/.333/.525, with 40 HRs 108 RBI and 140 SO in 613 AB.
Career
Martinez: .306/.373/.475
Cruz: .268/.328/.501 Read the rest of this entry
The Best Teams In The MLB From 1980 – Now: SF Cements Their Place From 2010 – 2014 With WS Birth

The Giants won the World Series in 2010 and 2012, and now are in the 2014 World Series – with a great chance to win 3 titles in 5 years against Kansas City. The best teams for the last several years include the Red Sox from 2004 – 2007, the Phillies from 2008 – 2009, and then you would have to place the Giants as the best overall team from 2010 – 2014. Can they keep up the format of winning a World Series every 2 years again this year? The Red Sox (3 Titles), plus the Giants and Cards each having 2 Fall Classics, are the only 3 teams to have multiple World Series Trophies since the 2004 year.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
There is only so much one can read in an article, otherwise I would make these lists up from the turn of the 20th century.
If you gave me enough time as a reader, I promise to backdate this topic with another article featuring the best teams dating back further in years.
Eventually, all of the years may be dissected and we can have a healthy debate on some of my selections. I really started watching baseball in the early 1980’s.
As I became older and discovered ways to research the history of the game, my knowledge and curious mind grew for more information.
I have studied and read baseball stat books and breezed through the odd Bill James novel.
If I ever take a break from writing or baseball park chasing, I may find some time down the road to watch the 9 part PBS documentary that Ken Burns did on baseball’s history.
The Dodgers Winning The Title Could Cure Baseball In The Future – Part 1

Magic Johnson said the new ownership group would put their money down on the players to stay or come to the franchise, and man he wasn’t kidding. The Los Angeles Dodgers now own 5 of the top 23 player contracts of ALL – Time in the MLB. With a total team payroll likely to be north of $240 MIL for the next few years, he was right. The team is presently the highest salaried team, and they will pay about $16 MIL in Luxury Tax, based on 30% penalty for $51 over the $189 MIL mark in 2014. Their cash infusion to the NL has spawned a rapid ascent for other teams in the Senior Circuit – who are looking just to keep up, while some franchises have no chance at all with their revenue streams.
A couple of years ago I wrote an article on how the Dodgers were going to change the way the MLB operates. I may be proven right this fall.
4 of the top 5 clubs were alive in the LDS round
1. LA Dodgers $240.7 MIL
2. NY Yankees $227 MIL
3. SF Giants – $172.4 MIL
4. Detroit Tigers – $170.5 MIL
5. LA Angels – $170.5 MIL Read the rest of this entry
It Is Time To Move Miguel Cabrera Permanently To The DH Role

Someone should be tackled if they put Cabrera back in the field for the remainder of the 2014 season. I personally believe he should be transitioned to the DH position permanently. You are speaking about the best pure offensive player in the game. The man has to play for the next decade. Cabrera has fought his off season surgery for a torn groin, to put up decent numbers in 2014 – .310/.370/.514 3 Slash Line with 22 HRs and 101 RBI. Yes, he is leading the league with 45 Doubles, but he will likely fail to hit 30 HRs for the 1st time as a Tiger this campaign. The .885 OPS would also mark his worst total since his rookie year. He has shown this week he can handle the DH role.
I am not talking just about 2014 here. Miguel Cabrera has come off his short rest, to bash out 8 hits in 3 games – since taking the position of DH on the club. So I say…just leave him there forever.
Often I have wondered why more teams don’t just take advantage of the slot in the American League. Instead, for most clubs, the Designated Hitter is used as an off day, or for matchup preferences.
You want to know why Boston has 3 World Series in the last 10 years… I will tell you… David Ortiz!!
Big Papi has been so much more productive than every other player at the role, that having him against the pack gives the Red Sox a clear cut upper hand.
I know Cabrera is making megabucks now, but are you really going to miss his defensive prowess at 1B?
Who cares about piling up AL MVP’s because the voters are always biased about 1 way players. The Tigers should be going for World Series Titles, and what better way to preserve their #1 commodity. Read the rest of this entry
HR Streaks Of 2 Or More In MLB – 2014: A-Gon, Miggy + Anthony Recker With Active Steaks
Through Sept 7, 2014
All Streaks Of 2 or more in 2014.
*** Denotes Active Streak
5 Games
Jose Bautista – Blue Jays – Aug 26 – Aug 31`
3rd HR streak for Joey Bats!
Devin Mesoraco, Reds, June 18 – June 24
2nd HR Steak For Mesoraco Read the rest of this entry
HR Streaks Of 2 Or More In MLB – 2014:
Through Sept 7, 2014
All Streaks Of 2 or more in 2014.
*** Denotes Active Streak
5 Games
Jose Bautista – Blue Jays – Aug 26 – Aug 31`
3rd HR streak for Joey Bats!
Devin Mesoraco, Reds, June 18 – June 24
2nd HR Steak For Mesoraco Read the rest of this entry
HR Streaks Of 2 Or More In MLB – 2014: (Ike Davis + Joey Bats Only Guys With Active Ones)

Chris Carter is bashing his way to the top of all HR charts again in 2014 – after a sub par start to the campaign. He has 6 streaks of 2 or more HRs, and has added 6 multiple HR affairs to his resume – and all done in the last 100 days or so. Carter sits tied for 2nd in the AL with 33 HRs on the year, but don’t be surprised if he takes a run at the lead by years end. Carter, 27, belted 29 HRs last campaign – and could well surpass with 40 is he keep his pace up.
Through Aug 28, 2014
All Streaks Of 2 or more in 2014.
*** Denotes Active Streak
5 Games
Devin Mesoraco, Reds, June 18 – June 24
2nd HR Steak For Mesoraco Read the rest of this entry
HR Streaks Of 2 Or More 2014 In The MLB

Rizzo leads the MLB with 7 Home Run Streaks on the year. The Cubs 1B is also 2nf in the NL with 29 big fly’s on the campaign.
Through Aug 23, 2014
All Streaks Of 2 or more in 2014.
*** Denotes Active Streak
5 Games
Devin Mesoraco, Reds, June 18 – June 24
2nd HR Steak For Mesoraco Read the rest of this entry
The Bullet Version Of Monday’s MLB Games + Craig Kimbrel Is Filthy!

Season high 7 game winning streak – including 3 straight walk off hits at Nats Park. They hold a 6 game lead over 2nd place Atlanta, and the Nationals haven’t even hit full stride with several key players not maximizing on their talent level. With a weaker NL East schedule down the stretch, they just may hold home field advantage by season’s end in the National League.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Erik Kratz smacked 2 HRs and now has 23 HRs in just 472 AB. Thats a HR for every 20.52 AB or would equal about 29 Bolts in a 600 AB campaign. The guy is 34 so that is not likely to happen… but smart move on KC’s part to bring him in. Beats the alternative for what they had.
Washington is starting to heat up, and if you play them into late and extra innings, any of their hitters can beat you right now. This does not bode well for Atlanta.
Everybody just back off of Trevor Rosenthal, as all young relievers go through this. Besides what is a season if the Cardinals didn’t changeup their Closer at least once…
Everyone also needs to take a chill pill on the A’s missing Yoenis Cespedes so much it has destroyed the unity of the offense. Teams go through stretches where they don’t play well. It is just 17 games of a sample size so far. Read the rest of this entry
All Streaks Of 2 Or More Straight Games With Home Runs In 2014 MLB: Stanton Setting Pace Since ASG

Stanton with 4 different HR streaks since the ALL – Star Break already. He has the NL lead, and is tied with Nelson Cruz and Jose Abreu fro the Major League Lead in 2014 bombs, Stanton also fared well in this year’s HR derby. May I remind everyone that this guys is still only 24.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Through Aug 18, 2014
All Streaks Of 2 or more in 2014.
*** Denotes Active Streak
5 Games
Devin Mesoraco, Reds, June 18 – June 24
2nd HR Steak For Mesoraco Read the rest of this entry























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