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Who Owned Baseball – August 29, 2019 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVPs) + 2019

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Joe Mahoney – Getty Images

Let’s see owned baseball on August 29, 2019

Earning Full WOBs:

Mike Clevinger threw 8 shutout innings, allowing 4 hits while striking out 10 as the Indians blanked the Tigers, 2-0.

Robert Duggar kept the Reds scoreless over 7 innings of 3 hit ball to set up the Marlins 4-3 walk off victory.

Kevin Newman went 4 for 4 with 2 homers to power the Pirates past Colorado in an 11-8 slugfest.

Jurickson Profar got 3 hits, including a homer, to help the A’s to a much needed 9-8 win over Kansas City.

Earning 1/2 WOBs:

José Abreu went 4 for 5 but the White Sox were doubled up by the Twins, 10-5.

Aristedes Aquino continued his blistering start with another homer and two more hits in the Reds 4-3 loss in extra innings to Miami.

Jacob deGrom did not allow a walk and struck out 7 Cubs over 7 innings. But a late rally sunk him and the Mets, 4-1.

Lance Lynn allowed one earned run and two unearned runs over 6 innings but did not fare in the decision as the Rangers fell to Seattle, 5-3.

For an explanation of how WOB works, click here.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings   – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Who Owned Baseball – July 17, 2019 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVPs) + 2019

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Wilfredo Lee/AP

Let’s see owned baseball on July 17, 2019

Earning Full WOBs:

Gerrit Cole struck out 11 Angels in 7 innings, allowing 1 run as the Astros cruised to an 11-2 final.

Chris Paddack went into the 8th, trying to finish the first no hitter in San Diego Padres history. He allowed a leadoff homer, his lone hit and run over 7 2/3 frames. He struck out 8 Marlins en route to a 3-2 decision.

Jurickson Profar homered twice and walked in the A’s 10-2 beating of the Mariners.

Amed Rosario reached base 4 times, including a home run, to help the Mets top Minnesota, 14-4.

Earning 1/2 WOBs:

Chris Archer struck out 8 Cardinals in 6 innings but did not factor in the decision as the Pirates fell 6-5.

Teoscar Hernández homered two times in the Blue Jays 5-4 loss in Boston.

Martín Pérez held the Mets to 1 run and 5 hits over 6 innings. The Twins bullpen collapsed and the final score was a lopsided 14-4.

Trevor Story went 3 for 5 with a homer and 2 RBI but the Rockies were out slugged by the Giants in an 11-8 final.

For an explanation of how WOB works, click here.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings  – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 28, 2017

Jurickson+Profar+World+Baseball+Classic+Pool+Powf45W8zW2l

Matt Roberts/Getty Images AsiaPac

A few years ago, Jurickson Profar was the consensus best prospect in baseball.

Now he is a man without a position with the Rangers.

Jurickson Profar could still be a star shortstop… maybe not in Texas but in San Diego

Proposing moves on this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Read the rest of this entry

Texas Rangers State Of The Union For 2017: Jon Daniels Must Counter To Houston/Seattle’s Early Moves

The Texas Rangers won an American League best 95 games last season - to win their 2nd AL west Division. and to make the playoffs for the 5th time since 2010. The winter has not gotten off to a good start, as they have watched the Astros and Mariners all add depth to their teams - while Texas has lost players from their year end roster. The team has to get involved right now to change the course of this offseason. The time to win is now with Yu Darvish and Jonathon Lucroy in walk contract years - while their ALL - Star Veterans like Cole Hamels and Adrian Beltre become another year older.

The Texas Rangers won an American League best 95 games last season – to win their 2nd AL west Division. and to make the playoffs for the 5th time since 2010. The winter has not gotten off to a good start, as they have watched the Astros and Mariners all add depth to their teams – while Texas has lost players from their own year end roster. The team has to get involved right now to change the course of this offseason. The time to win is now with Yu Darvish and Jonathon Lucroy in walk contract years – while their ALL – Star Veterans like Cole Hamels and Adrian Beltre become another year older.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

The Rangers have been one of the better teams in the MLB since the 2010 season.  Back to Back AL Pennants, and now back to back AL West Division wins have seen them reach the playoff 5 times out of the last 7 campaigns.

For those who like pitching – the franchise has 2 number one aces for at least one more year in Yu Darvish and Cole Hamels.

Simply put, the development of all of their Draft Picks, domestically or international, coupled with the management’s keen eye for talent, have the club still in the conversation for another few years.

Here is the thing though….The Astros and Mariners have been the two busiest clubs in acquiring talent thus far in the winter.  Both of these teams have closed or narrowed the gap on Texas already,

Houston has signed Free Agents Josh Reddick and Carlos Beltran – with also dealing for Brian McCann.  This will not affect their 2017 squad as both didn’t require anybody from the Major League Roster to get it done.

Seattle has not made as big of a splash like Houston, but has shored up some depth, and have nicely added Jean Segura (who was an ALL – Star and top 15 NL MVP in 2016 – without losing anything of note.)

Texas has signed Andrew Cashner and lost Beltran for sure…yikes.. Read the rest of this entry

Daily Fantasy MLB DFS Picks For DraftKings 8/3/16

P- Cole Hamels (vs. Baltimore Orioles): $11,100. Hamels is red hot and the Orioles’ bats are ice cold, seems like a good combination. Over the last seven games, Baltimore is batting .203, with a .272 OBP, and a .332 slugging percentage. Meanwhile, over Hamels’ last three starts he has a 0.84 ERA and a 3-0 record. He has lasted eight innings in two of his last three starts. He has also been absolutely dominant on the road this year, going 8-1 with a 1.71 ERA.

P- Jake Odorizzi (vs. Kansas City Royals): $9,100. Just when you thought Baltimore was ice cold, Kansas City is even worse. Over their last seven games, the Royals are batting .202, with a .255 OBP, and a .304 slugging percentage. Odorizzi has not allowed a run over his last 14.2 innings pitched, so clearly he is throwing the ball well.

SEE THE REST OF THE PICKS

Daily Fantasy MLB DFS Picks For DraftKings 7/2/16

P – Jose Fernandez (vs. Atlanta Braves): $13,800. Jose is expensive on Saturday, but he is worth it. He is facing one of the worst offenses in baseball and he has been red hot recently. Fernandez is coming off an absolute gem against the Chicago Cubs, in which he threw seven innings, striking out 13, and allowing only one run. He is now averaging 13.12 strikeouts per nine innings this season.

P – Adam Wainwright (vs. Milwaukee Brewers): $7,500. This is a bit of a risky pick, but it was necessary to choose a cheaper option since Jose Fernandez was so expensive. Wainwright has struggled this season, but he is facing an offense he has dominated throughout his career and they are ice cold over the last seven days. In 137 career at bats against Wainwright, the Brewers’ offense is batting .234, with two home runs, and a .274 OBP.

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Daily Fantasy MLB DFS Picks For DraftKings 7/1/16

P –  Michael Fulmer (vs. Tampa Bay Rays): $10,900. Fulmer has been dominant this season. In 63.2 innings pitched, he owns a 7-2 record, 2.54 ERA, 50 hits against, 60 strikeouts, and 24 walks. The Rays offense has struggled quite a bit in 2016, so Fulmer should be able to take care of business. Prior to Fulmer’s last start, he threw 33.1 consecutive scoreless innings.

P – Tanner Roark (vs. Cincinnati Reds): $9,800. Roark struggled his last time out against the Reds, but he has been spectacular for the rest of the 2016 season. In 16 starts, he owns a 7-5 record, with a 2.96 ERA, 90 hits against, 89 strikeouts, and 32 walks in 100.1 innings pitched. The Reds offense has been miserable over the past seven games, which is a great sign for Roark.

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Daily Fantasy MLB DFS Picks For DraftKings 6/16/16

P- Tanner Roark (vs. San Diego Padres): $10,300. Roark is by far the best pitching matchup on the slate for Thursday. He is facing a San Diego Padres offense that has struggled all season, and more importantly, recently. Over the last seven games, the Padres are batting .229 (25th overall), with 23 runs (26th overall), and a .286 OBP (28th overall). He will also be pitching at PetCo Park, which is known as a pitchers’ park. In 2016, Roark owns a 5-4 record, with 73 strikeouts, and a 2.93 ERA.

 

P- Dan Straily (vs. Atlanta Braves): $9,200. Honestly, I think any pitcher is a good start against the Atlanta Braves. Unless I’m stepping on that mound, you should feel comfortable that any MLB pitcher has a good shot at taking care of the Atlanta offense. In Straily’s last 10 starts, he has gone at least six innings in nine of those starts. He has gone at least seven innings in three of his last four starts. So far this season, he is 4-2, with 64 strikeouts, and a 3.15 ERA.

 

To see the rest of the picks, click the following link:

 

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MLB DFS Daily Picks For FanDuel – 6/14/16

fanduel

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

One of the biggest blunders made by many gamblers is betting against themselves.  We are going to simplify the process, so if you win, you can really win – none of this barely break even nonsense.

Our new Draft Strategy is now here.  Please read after the post.

Now here is what we are going to do for today’s MLB DFS FanDuel style.

We Will Give You – Daily

5 team stacking options ( We are going to draw most of our players from these 5 squads).

3 Pitching candidates (High level, midlevel and budget). Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The American League Rookie Of The Year

The American League has some young talent, however about only half of the guys on this list will even break camp with their parent big clubs,and others will be blocked for various reasons -including against each other on their own squads. There is really only one good bet and one bad for entire 15 guy list.

The American League has some young talent, however about only half of the guys on this list will even break camp with their parent big clubs,and others will be blocked for various reasons -including against each other on their own squads. There is really only one good bet and one bad for entire 15 guy list.

Hunter Stokes (MLB Reports Part _Owner – Chief Writer) 

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1st off the Twins have the top 3 players listed for the category in Buxton, Ho-Park and Berrios.

All Minnesota youngsters could make the squad, although Buxton is posting just a .567 OPS  in Spring Training –  after only putting up a .576 OPS in his 129 AB for 2015. He will be given the starting job to either make it or not, after the trade of Aaron Hicks.  Don’t like the favorite status for most of these categories, this will ring true one more time.

Ho-Park has looked solid at the dish so far with a 3 Slash of .283/.306/.543 – with 3 HRs and 13 RBI in his 46 AB, and at 29 years of age – coming over from the KBO, he has years of experience next to his classmates.

Jose Abreu and Ichiro Suzuki both came over as later in life rookies to the Junior Circuit and took the honors  Ho-Park was a beast in Korea – blasting over 50+ HRs in each of the last 2 years there for his club team Nexen.

While you have to temper expectations coming overseas to North America from there, what I love is that the guy improved his numbers in each of the last 5 years.  This bodes well for him in Minny.

With a 4 year deal in his back pocket, Park will and should remain on the big roster based on his early success.

I am not sure he will win the Award, and I am not placing any cabbage on him too, but at least he won’t be subjected to service time restrictions like other rookies. Read the rest of this entry

2016 MLB Preseason Power Rankings

Featured Image -- 1364

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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With just 5 weeks to the regular season – and all of the important Free Agents finally being locked up with Ian Desmond signing with the Rangers, it is time to see where all 30 MLB clubs stack up.

We are going to be running weekly power rankings once the year starts on Apr.3, 2016.

The way I compile the Power Rankings is best on confidence to win the World Series.  Some clubs may be more talented (or playing better) than a squad they are behind in the rankings,  but the Division (and strength of opponents) plays a massive factor.

It is the reason why teams like the Royals or Astros will be selected above a team like the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Pittsburgh Pirates might win 90 games (which may only see one AL club join them), but because they have to contend with the Cards and Cubs in the NL Central, it will be tough for them to receive a great ranking (at least until games are played). Read the rest of this entry

What To Expect From The Dutchies This Year? Jurickson Profar

 (AP Photo/Jim Cowsert)

(AP Photo/Jim Cowsert)

Chris Kabout (Featured Baseball Writer – Owner www.yankeebiscuitfansdutchblog.mlblogs.com/) 

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With Spring Training at full swing now, it is time to see how the players from the Kingdom of the Netherlands will do in the upcoming season.

Of course there is no crystal ball and it is still up in the air, but in general you can make a decent prediction based on the performance of previous years.

Jurickson Profar is finally on the way back from a very long stint on the DL.

Jurickson Profar started the 2014 season on the 60-day DL and was expected to return to the Rangers mid June. But somewhere in May 2014 the Rangers announced that Jurickson had re-injured his shoulder again. He opted for rest instead of surgery.

But as Profar becmae injured again in February 2015, it was decided that he would get surgery. This would cost him almost the entire season.

In August he started his rehab stint with several MiLB teams of the Rangers and he was added to the Arizona Fall League to get ready in time for the 2016 campaign. In both cases he served as a DH.

READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY

Other Dutch Profiles:

What To Expect From The Dutchies This Year? Andrelton Simmons

Texas, You Are Dreaming If You Think The Current Starting Rotation Will Be Good Enough In 2016!

The Rangers rose from the AL West ashes in 2015 and won their first Division Title in 4 years. It came off the heels of 2 injury riddled seasons that plagued any chance to make the playoffs. The club has about $140 MIL worth of salaries to pay in 2016 but should consider spending out another $10 - $15 MIL. They have a need for a Starting Pitcher and could use a breakout campaign from either Joey Gallo or Jurickson Profar to add depth for mid year trade to acquire a proven playoff Starter to add. The club will also hope Yu Darvish can come back at full strength. While they have 5 of the top 46 contracts of ALL - Time on their salary, 3 of them came via trade where the former team is picking up some of the dough.

The Rangers rose from the AL West ashes in 2015 and won their first Division Title in 4 years. It came off the heels of 2 injury riddled seasons that plagued any chance to make the playoffs. The club has about $150 MIL worth of salaries to pay in 2016 but should consider spending out another $10 – $15 MIL for one more piece in the rotation. They have a need for a Starting Pitcher and could use a breakout campaign from either Joey Gallo or Jurickson Profar to add depth for a mid year trade to acquire a proven playoff Starter. The club will also hope Yu Darvish can come back at full strength.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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I am quite perplexed on the thought process of the Texas Rangers this offseason.  I mean, talk about resting on your laurel’s fellas!

This club was quite lucky to have run down the Houston Astros in 2015 when it did for the AL West. It took renaissance years from Shin-Soo Choo and Prince Fielder, and a hot Adrian Beltre over the last few months to get it done.

While I praised them big time for the addition of Cole Hamels at the Trade Dealine in 2015, I am giving them guff now for not surrounding him with ample playoff caliber pitching this winter.

Yu Darvish is a world class talent, but he is just coming back from Tommy John Surgery, and may take at least 6 weeks to begin the year.

Derek Holland is slated up high on your staff even though he has towed the hill just 13 games over the last 3 campaigns.
Read the rest of this entry

MLB Power Rankings: Early Win Total Predictions For Spring Of 2016

Just because there is parity in the American League it doesn't mean that the Junior Circuit will not club the National League in Interleague this upcoming season. In fact, I am calling for them to be 50 games over .500 versus the Senior Circuit in the AL vs NL schedule. Most of that will be versus the weaker NL clubs, however the better NL clubs will not entirely dominate the whole AL either.

Just because there is parity in the American League it doesn’t mean that the Junior Circuit will not club the National League in Interleague this upcoming season. In fact, I am calling for them to be 50 games over .500 versus the Senior Circuit in the AL vs NL schedule. Most of that will be versus the weaker NL clubs, however the better NL clubs will not entirely dominate the whole AL either.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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Updated on Feb.18, 2015

There is parity in the American League and their is a growing distance between the good and the bad clubs in the National League.

One could argue that the top 7 teams (NYM/CHC/SF/WSH/STL/PIT, LAD) in all of the Majors reside in the NL right now, and you then you can counter that by saying they have the 6 worst squads as well (PHI/ATL/MIL/CIN/SD/COL).

The funny thing about this whole ordeal is that the AL is absolutely going to cream the NL in Interleague this forthcoming season.  On a 12 year win streak already,  I am predicting a 175 – 125 W – L for the games between both leagues. The AL speedbags the National League in my view.

Last year, the American League held a 167 – 133 mark over the National League so that prediction up there is not foreign by any means. 

Read the rest of this entry

Texas Rangers State Of The Union For 2016

The Rangers rose from the AL West ashes in 2015 and won their first Division Title in 4 years. It came off the heels of 2 injury riddled seasons that plagued any chance to make the playoffs. The club has about $140 MIL worth of salaries to pay in 2016 but should consider spending out another $10 - $15 MIL. They have a need for a Starting Pitcher and could use a breakout campaign from either Joey Gallo or Jurickson Profar to add depth for mid year trade to acquire a proven playoff Starter to add. The club will also hope Yu Darvish can come back at full strength. While they have 5 of the top 46 contracts of ALL - Time on their salary, 3 of them came via trade where the former team is picking up some of the dough.

The Rangers rose from the AL West ashes in 2015 and won their first Division Title in 4 years. It came off the heels of 2 injury riddled seasons that plagued any chance to make the playoffs. The club has about $140 MIL worth of salaries to pay in 2016 but should consider spending out another $10 – $15 MIL. They recently filled their need for Starting Pitching and could use a breakout campaign from either Joey Gallo or Jurickson Profar to help the cause.  The club will also hope Yu Darvish can come back at full strength.

Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead  Analyst) 

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The Rangers have done a decent job in adding depth in the last few days to the Starting Rotation.  The club has brought back fan favorite and 17 game winner for them in 2015 – Colby Lewis on a 1 Year deal worth $6 MIL.

Then John Daniels agreed to sign A.J. Griffin to the Pitching Staff even though he hasn’t pitched in the Majors of the last 2 years in recovering from Tommy John Surgery.

These are small moves in the grand scheme of things, but should help make sure that Yu Darvish can come back from his own Tommy John Surgery in his own good time.

You also have to factor that Derek Holland has faced a multitude of health issues over the last 2 years, most notably his spinal injury in 2015.  It is a good thing the club traded for Cole Hamels last year. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2014 World Series + Best Value Bets Based On Trade Deadline Speculation

Welcome to your new World Series Favorite. according to the oddsmakers.  I see their rationale.  The A's have the best record in the Majors, and also the biggest lead within their Division.  Oh yeah..this club has back to back West Titles, and a deep lineup in a parity league that is the AL.  While I don't endorse them as the favorite for the World Series right now (based on predicting playoffs solely), there is no doubt I would rank them #1 in power rankings currently.

Welcome to your new World Series Favorite. according to the oddsmakers. I see their rationale. The A’s have the best record in the Majors, and also the biggest lead within their Division. Oh yeah..this club has back to back West Titles, and a deep lineup in a parity league that is the AL. While I don’t endorse them as the favorite for the World Series right now (based on predicting playoffs solely), there is no doubt I would rank them #1 in power rankings currently.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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I had another on fire week last week, with 5 right predictions, and 5 draws, with zero outright losses.

Furthermore, Cincinnati jumped from +5500 to now being +4000 – with making it back to .500 last night.

I also have seen the KC Royals skyrocket from +8000 2 weeks ago, to now be sitting pretty at +2500.  The Royals were my best bets 2 weeks ago.

Your new favorite to win the World Series is the Oakland A’s at +650.  I understand the odd believe me, but this will be temporary.

I fully expect the Nationals to take over this position if their recent pitching trends continue.

Also if the Dodgers can come within 2 games of the Giants, they will take over as the Fall Classic Favorites once again.

Again this week I hate the Blue Jays being among the heavy favorites for the title.  These guys gave been slipping recently, and the Orioles and Yankees are breathing down their necks in the AL East.

I also firmly believe with the AL West stranglehold the A’s are sure to bury the Angels, and if Detroit is a matchup for any WILD Card winner out of the AL West, heck even the Royals with James Shields, I favor them over any Halo’s pitcher for 1 game. Read the rest of this entry

How All Of The Texas Rangers Hitters Were Acquired (2014 Roster Tree)

The Rangers had back to back World Series Appearances in 2010 and 2011 - and have 4 straight seasons of collecting 90+ Wins - with 370 victories overall.  2014 has been an injury plagued season, robbing the club perhaps of putting forth a 5th consecutive 90 win campaign.  Despite this, the organization has done spade work to be mentioned as a top franchise over the last 5 years.  This Roster Tree proves a little of this.

The Rangers had back to back World Series Appearances in 2010 and 2011 – and have 4 straight seasons of collecting 90+ Wins – with 370 victories overall. 2014 has been an injury plagued season, robbing the club perhaps of putting forth a 5th consecutive 90 win campaign. Despite this, the organization has done spade work to be mentioned as a top franchise over the last 5 years. This Roster Tree proves a little of this.

How All Of The Rangers Hitters Were Acquired:

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner):

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The Rangers set up their franchise for years to come in 2007, when they pulled off a trade of ALL – Star Mark Teixeira – to acquire several players in the franchise that they are still seeing solid returns.

My absolute favorite transaction tree is finding out the Michael Choice branch of trades.

It dates back to the team signing Todd Van Poppel as a Free Agent before the 1998 season.

Out of all of the players the team currently has, only Leonys Martin, Mitch Moreland and Rougned Odor and Jurickson Profar are composed of team draft picks – with the latter being hurt right now,

The rest of them were picked up via another route. Read the rest of this entry

Texas Rangers Roster For 2014: State Of The Union

Prince Fielder's 2013 - 3 Slash Line (.279/.362/.819) is far below his Career Mark of .286/.389/.916.  The man has not hit a HR in his last 74 AB in the playoffs either.  Fielder at least had 5 HRs in 1st 70 AB for his playoff Career.  Maybe that will change in Texas, after he clubs his way to be an AL MVP Candidate for the Rangers in 2014.  I expect him to return to the 40+ HR plateau, drive in well over 100+ RBI - and lead his team to a World Series Appearance this year.

Prince Fielder’s 2013 – 3 Slash Line (.279/.362/.457) is far below his Career Mark of .286/.389/.527. The man has not hit a HR in his last 74 AB in the playoffs either. Fielder at least had 5 HRs in 1st 70 AB for his playoff Career. Maybe that will change in Texas, after he clubs his way to be an AL MVP Candidate for the Rangers in 2014. I expect him to return to the 40+ HR plateau, drive in well over 100+ RBI – and lead his team to a World Series Appearance this year.  Fielder will be in Texas for the next 7 years, and the Rangers only have to pay $20 MIL per year, with Detroit eating $4 MIL each season as part of the trade that saw Ian Kinsler go to Motown.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Stay Alive Until Re-Inforcements Arrive

The Texas Rangers bolstered their 2014 offensive lineup with 2 new .400+ OBP Players.

Shin-Soo Choo (.423 OBP in 2013, and a Career .389 OBP), and Prince Fielder (.362 OBP, but was .400 OBP+ in 4 out of the last 5 years and .389 OBP for his lifetime) – will be front and center into the Rangers new lineup.

These gentlemen will be surrounded by Adrian Beltre, Elvis Andrus and Alex Rios as guys to help offset their walk totals.

This is not an indictment of the 3 right handed hitters either though, Beltre is a .312 hitter for Texas during his 3 campaigns, while Alex Rios and Andrus should hit anywhere from .280 to .290 this year.

You add Andrus’s speed with Leonys Martin – and these two guys could swipe 40+ bags each.  Even Alex Rios thieved 16 Bags in 2013 – and Choo had 20 SB yet again. Read the rest of this entry

Angels State Of The Union For 2014: A Hot Start Is Paramount For Success

The Angels have spent almost a half of a billion in Free Agency over the last 3 years, and all they have to show for it, is back to back 3rd place finishes in the AL West.  The team also featured an anemic Bullpen in the 2013 campaign. But with AL West rivals all having significant injuries both to start the year and long-term for 2014, this has opened up the door for the start of campaign at least.  It is incumbent that their top guys stay injury free, and spend exactly no days on the DL, because they don't have suitable replacements to step in.  With poor starts to both of the last 2 years, this squad looks to break this trend in 2014.

The Angels have spent almost a half of a billion in Free Agency over the last 3 years, and all they have to show for it, is back to back 3rd place finishes in the AL West. The team also featured an anemic Bullpen in the 2013 campaign. But with AL West rivals all having significant injuries both to start the year and long-term for 2014, this has opened up the door for the start of the 2014 campaign at least. It is incumbent that their top guys stay injury free, and spend exactly no days on the DL, because they don’t have suitable replacements to step in. With poor starts to both of the last 2 years, this squad looks to break this trend this seasom.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner):

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Hunter Stokes (Our chief writer) wrote a piece that was picked up by MLB Trade Rumors blogroll, stating that Jerry DiPoto has done a poor job in constructing the current team based on the roster tree here.

I agree with him 100% on this, especially on the moves, the Bullpen not being 100% finished yet, the Starting Rotation too reliant on their top 2 pitchers – and we have had several of their fans take some jabs at us for going with these notions.

The club’s brass has had a better winter in 2013 going into 2014, then they had last year, however it still doesn’t alleviate the fact, this team can’t sustain one injury to any of their top players because of said moves to deplete their depth.

The Starting Staff is composed of 60% of youth that is not used to toting long innings in Garrett Richards, Hector Santiago and Tyler Skaggs.

The team has a lot of players that will strikeout a lot, so it is also important to receive key HRs at crucial times in the game.

The club will also lose 34 HRs worth of power they received from Mark Trumbo in 2013, but it was the right time to move him.  Whether they received enough of a return is yet to be determined, but it also cut down the whiffs for 2014.

Read the rest of this entry

Ian Kinsler Steps Over The Line: It Is Best To Say Nothing At Times Like These

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Ian Kinsler had himself a bad day yesterday, and in my mind he totally deserves it.

You only have to have a few smarts in your brain to realize that something wasn’t right in Texas for the last few years in how that team handled the Nolan Ryan situation – and some treatment of some of the departing players.

Kinsler was interviewed by a reporter and spoke that Rangers GM Jon Daniels is a “sleazeball” – and that he was wrong in the treatment in Michael Young and also in the handling of his own affairs, citing the request for a position trade, and the eventual trade to Detroit that happened over this past winter.

Okay, blasting Daniels is not very wise to do this to begin with, but you can almost understand that theory, because other players have left the franchise recently with much aghast. Read the rest of this entry

The Texas Rangers Organizational Depth Charts (All Affiliates) – Spring 2014 (Majors and Minors)

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

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This has been the most successful run in Rangers history in the last 4 years.  2 World Series Appearances (albeit losses) – and the club has 4 straight 90+ Win Seasons.

Nolan Ryan envisioned this kind of progress when he anchored the current regime.  While he has left the nest, many of the players have been stocked up in the Minors and Majors.

The Rangers have many young players like Jurickson Profar, Leonys Martin, Martin Perez and Elvis Andrus that are entering their prime.

The greatest job done by the brass was to assemble a pitching unit of homegrown products, as this has kept the teams payroll within reason – even as some of these guys mature. Read the rest of this entry

Texas Rangers Payroll in 2014 + Contracts Going Forward Part 1

Darvish has provided Texas with ace-like material ever since coming over from Japan.  At his current $10 MIL a year salary, this gives the club a bunch of financial freedom to sign other long term deals.  Darvish finished 2nd in AL CY Young Voting with a 13 - 9 record, a 2.83 ERA and a league leading 277 SO in his 209.2 IP worth of work in 2013.  Darvish's high posting bid was not part of his salary, or converted towards the total team payroll

Darvish has provided Texas with ace-like material ever since coming over from Japan. At his current $10 MIL a year salary, this gives the club a bunch of financial freedom to sign other long term deals. Darvish finished 2nd in AL CY Young Voting with a 13 – 9 record, a 2.83 ERA and a league leading 277 SO in his 209.2 IP worth of work in 2013. Darvish’s high posting bid was not part of his salary prior to 2012, or converted towards the total team payroll.  Texas is lucky his yearly hit is so low – as the team already has $116 MIL towards the Luxury Tax Threshold before Arbitration Players are paid in the next couple of weeks.  The Rangers could still potentially sign more guys to raise this figure even more.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart/Payroll Expert)

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This is part 1 of our 2 part payroll piece we will do for each club.   The Rangers are entering with the heavy payroll clubs in the game of MLB.

Their salaries after Arbitration Eligibles are paid, could range anywhere from $125 – $140 MIL, and even higher if they are able to land another Free Agent Pitcher or hitter.

They have spoken loud with the checkbook.  With 370 wins over the last 4 seasons, and 4 straight 90+ win campaigns, the Rangers are hoping to cash in with the 2014 squad.

For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries Posts that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.

Yu Darvish Highlights Mature Lyrics So parental guidance is advised

By the time this offseason ends, the Rangers may have acquired the two best players for it.  Placing Choo at the top of the lineup - as the OBP machine that he ends, followed by Adrian Beltre hitting 3rd - and Prince Fielder 4th, all of a sudden the Texas Rangers are looking like their vintage "offensive" selves.  Based on this, go and pick up their World Series ODD win at +1100 (3rd favorite in the AL) anywhere you can as they should be the favorite.  Choo signed for a 7 Year Deal worth $130 MIL this winter

By the time this offseason ends, the Rangers may have acquired the two best players for it. Placing Choo at the top of the lineup – as the OBP machine that he ends, followed by Adrian Beltre hitting 3rd – and Prince Fielder 4th, all of a sudden the Texas Rangers are looking like their vintage “offensive” selves. Based on this, go and pick up their World Series ODD win at +1100 (3rd favorite in the AL) anywhere you can as they should be the favorite. Choo signed for a 7 Year Deal worth $130 MIL this winter. It is an annual average contract of $18.43 MIL, but the man will only pocket $14 MIL for his services in 2014 and 2015 as well..

Texas Rangers Payroll in 2014 – 2016

POS  Name  LG  XP  AGE 2014 2015 2016
SP1- Yu Darvish ML 0 x $10,000,000 $10,000,000 $10,000,000
SP2- Derek Holland ML 3 27 $5,400,000 $7,400,000 $10,000,000
SP3- Matt Garza ML 3 30 FA
SP4- Martin Perez ML 3 22 $750,000 $1,000,000 $2,900,000
SP5- Matt Harrison ML 6 28 $8,000,000 $13,000,000 $13,200,000
SP6- Nicholas Tepesch ML 0 25 NON-ARB2 NON-ARB3 ARB1
SPS- Alexi Ogando ML 6 30 ARB1 ARB2 ARB3
RHMR-
LHMR- Michael Kirkman ML 5 27 NON-ARB3 ARB1 ARB2
RHSU- Jason Frasor ML 5 36 $1,750,000 FA
RHSU- Tanner Scheppers ML 1 26 NON-ARB2 NON-ARB3 ARB1
RHSU- Chaz Roe ML 6 27 NON-ARB1 NON-ARB2 NON-ARB3
RHSU- Shawn Tolleson ML 1 25 NON-ARB3 ARB1 ARB2
LHSU- Robert Ross ML 2 24 NON-ARB3 ARB1 ARB2
LHSU- Joseph Ortiz ML 3 23 NON-ARB1 NON-ARB2 NON-ARB3
CL- Cory Burns ML 2 26 NON-ARB1 NON-ARB2 NON-ARB3
CL- Joakim Soria ML 3 30 $5,500,000 $7,000,000
CL- Neftali Feliz ML 5 25 ARB2 ARB3 FA
13 $21,400,000 $28,400,000 $26,100,000
POSITION PLAYERS LEV MiL AGE 2014 SALARY 2015 SALARY 2016 SALARY
C- Geovany Soto ML 7 30 $3,050,000 FA
1B- Prince Fielder ML 3 29 $24,000,000 $24,000,000 $24,000,000
2B- Jurickson Profar ML 1 20 NON-ARB2 NON-ARB3 ARB1
SS- Elvis Andrus ML 4 25 $6,750,000 $15,250,000 $15,250,000
3B- Adrian Beltre ML 4 34 $17,000,000 $18,000,000 $16,000,000
LF- Mitchell Moreland ML 4 28 ARB1 ARB2 ARB3
CF- Shin-Soo Choo ML 7 31 $14,000,000 $14,000,000 $20,000,000
RF- Alex Rios ML 5 32 $13,000,000 $13,500,000
DH- Lance Berkman ML 4 37 FA
C- J.P. Arencibia ML 4 27 $1,800,000 ARB2 ARB3
C- Robinson Chirinos ML 10 29 NON-ARB2 NON-ARB3 ARB1
1B-
3B-
UTL-
UTL-
OF- Leonys Martin ML 0 25 NON-ARB2 NON-ARB3 ARB1
OF- Engel Beltre ML 4 24 NON-ARB1 NON-ARB2 NON-ARB3
OF- Nelson Cruz ML 11 33 FA
OF- Michael Choice ML 1 24 NON-ARB1 NON-ARB2 NON-ARB3
10 $79,600,000 $84,750,000 $75,250,000
Prince Fielder was signed to a 9 YR/$214 MIL contract before the start of the 2013 season.  He is not Slugging as much as his Brewers days, however his OBP is just slightly lower in the regular season.  Fielder has a chance to have a Hall of Fame Career.  If he can bring a World Series to Detroit, he will enhance his chances.  The Big man has to step up in 2014, or the team may fail to capitalize on the World Series Caliber team they have built over the last half a dozen years.

Prince Fielder was signed to a 9 YR/$214 MIL contract before the start of the 2012 season. He is not Slugging as much as his Brewers days, however his OBP is just slightly lower in the regular season. Fielder has a chance to have a Hall of Fame Career. If he can bring a World Series to Texas, he will enhance his chances. The Big man has to step up in 2014, or the team may fail to capitalize on the World Series Caliber team they have built over the last half a dozen years.  After a few years with Detroit, that club will be on the hook to the big man for $76 MIL out of the deal, leaving Texas to pay $138 MIL over the 7 seasons he is signed with the club.

Note From Chuck Booth:

You guys are all in for a treat.  Jeff Kleiner has developed a site (prosportsrosters.comthat covers all organizational affiliates in the Minors for all of the Major League Baseball Clubs. 

We are going to combine efforts to bring you the best look at salaries, current 25 Man Player Rosters and Depth Charts for all 30 teams. 

Jeff is going to provide the documents in form of spreadsheets and I am going to accompany the posts with deep analysis of what the numbers tell us from my perspective. 

If you can’t wait for all of my assessments for each club, go and visit Jeff’s website over at http://www.prosportsrosters.com.

In Speaking with Jeff, he is one of the more passionate fans I have come across towards the game of baseball.  He spends enough time in updating his MLB Facts for it to be a Full-Time Job. 

Jeff updates this page below on a daily basis.  After you click on it….Bookmark it.  There is a 3 year salary forecast and stats not listed here on this page.  Jeff updates these pages daily and these changes include any Roster moves!

Authors for this post:

Jeff Kleiner:  “I have been a sports fan since the first Baseball game I went to at Comisky Park in Chicago in 1959, when baseball for me turned from black and white to color.

I have attended or watched thousands of games, always paying attention to statistics, rosters and salaries of all professional sports.

Luckily I had the advantage of watching WGN TV and seeing hundreds of games in the 60’s. Collecting Baseball Cards and then later dealing them gave me an extra sense of the sport, both good and bad.”

For all of your Salaries, Roster and Depth Charts for all 4 Major Sports (entire organization – Minors and Majors) click here or Follow Me on twitter 

prosportsrosters.com is the best source for following entire organizations in all 4 Major Sports

prosportsrosters.com is the best source for following entire organizations in all 4 Major Sports.

Chuck Booth – Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner and author of the Fastest 30 Ballgames:   To learn more about my  “The Fastest 30 Ballgames Book” and how to purchase it, click here .

You can also follow my Guinness Book of World Record Successful Bid to see all 30 MLB Park in 23 Days – click here

I am happy to be part of such an awesome Magazine-Style Baseball Website and am looking forward to talking to all of the fans of the MLB. 

You can reach me on Twitter here

Chuck At Arlington April.11/2012

Chuck At Arlington April.11/2012

Please e-mail me  at: mlbreports@gmail.com with any questions and feedback.   To subscribe to our website and have the Daily Reports sent directly to your inbox, click here and follow the link at the top of our homepage.

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AL West Hot Stove Roundup – Around The Horn

Grant Balfour maybe perfectly situated to change teams in the AL West from the Oakland Athletics to the Seattle Mariners.  The PAC NW club could use a guy stopper - to mop up games from a great young pitching staff.  in 2013, Balfour has nailed down 62 Saves in the last season and a half, and has carried a great ERA in the 2.50 range - with a WHIP slightly above 1.  If Seattle is willing to pay about 3 YRs/$33 - 36 MIL, then the Aussie could be headed their way.

Grant Balfour maybe perfectly situated to change teams in the AL West from the Oakland Athletics to the Seattle Mariners. The PAC NW club could use a guy stopper – to mop up games from a great young pitching staff. in 2013, Balfour has nailed down 62 Saves in the last season and a half, and has carried a great ERA in the 2.50 range – with a WHIP slightly above 1. If Seattle is willing to pay about 3 YRs/$33 – 36 MIL, then the Aussie could be headed their way.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Seattle Mariners:  Jack Z. and the brass have some money to spend, will there be any takers??  Mike Napoli, Jacoby Ellsbury, Nelson Cruz, Shin-Soo Choo should all be on the offensive list.

On the Pitching side, Bronson Arroyo is the kind of Innings eater that could favor your Bullpen.  Fernando Rodney or Grant Balfour could close games for you as I don’t think Joe Nathan or Brian Wilson are coming.

Go big with your Free Agent signings, even if it is one or 2 players.

Jacoby Ellsbury 2013 Highlights

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Dissecting The Prince Fielder For Ian Kinsler Trade

In 39 games for his Playoff Career, he holds a miniature .194 batting average with 5 home runs and 11 RBIs.  This Playoff stretch of 11 Games in 2013 - there were no big flies and not even a solitary RBI.  Fielder had 9 Hits out of 40 AB (.225) with just one Double.fans, we cannot blame Prince Fielder for wanting to play everyday. With this trade to Texas it is a great chance for the big man to redeem himself in a hitter friendly ballpark, and a great lineup also surrounding him.  Texas has put up 370 wins in the last 4 years.  The Rangers will pick up $138 of the $168 MIL contract that Fielder is due from 2014 - 2020.  Where will the Rangers play him defensively?  More important will be to sit him down and ask him to relinquish his consecutive streak, and to lose some weight in going forward.  Fielder brings a career 3 Slah of .286/.387/.916 - with 285 HRs and 870 RBI carried over his 9 years in the Major Leagues for the Tigers and Brewers.

In 39 games for Fielder’s Playoff Career, he holds a miniature .194 batting average with 5 home runs and 11 RBIs. This recent Playoff stretch of 11 Games in 2013 – there were no big flies and not even a solitary RBI. Fielder had 9 Hits out of 40 AB (.225) with just one Double. With this trade – it is a great chance for the big man to redeem himself in a hitter friendly ballpark, and a great lineup also surrounding him. Texas has put up 370 wins in the last 4 years. The Rangers will pick up $138 of the $168 MIL contract that Fielder is due from 2014 – 2020. Where will the Rangers play him defensively? More important will be to sit him down and ask him to relinquish his consecutive streak, and to lose some weight in going forward. Fielder brings a career 3 Slash of .286/.387/.916 – with 285 HRs and 870 RBI carried over his 9 years in the Major Leagues for the Tigers and Brewers.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner):

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After having a late phone call chat with our “Chief Writer” Hunter Stokes, I officially welcomed him to the world of being a sportswriter.

Hunter wrote an awesome piece on the Rangers State Of The Union yesterday.  In the article found here, he explained that Jon Daniels needs a power bat, and must address the Jurickson Profar/Elvis Andrus situation.

Well, no more than 6 hours later, Daniels pulled off the trade for the big lugging 1B, and now we will have to add a part 2 to yesterday’s feature article.

I like the move for the AL West resident’s.  Prince Fielder‘s Left Handed Bat will be a most welcomed addition to the foray in Texas.

Prince Fielder 2013 Highlights – Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance Is Advised

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.26th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

 (AP Photo/Jim Cowsert)

(AP Photo/Jim Cowsert)

Jurickson Profar came off the bench to crush a walk off homer that kept the Rangers in the Wild Card hunt by topping the Angels, 6-5.

Tommy Medica got on base 3 times and scored the winning run in the bottom of the 11th, giving Padres fans something to cheer about in PetCo’s season finale, 3-2 over Arizona.

Alex Cobb was not intimidated  by an emotional Yankee Stadium crowd. He kept New York off the scoreboard with 7 innings of 3 hit shutout ball, giving Tampa Bay the 4-0 victory and inched closer to the post season.

Tim Lincecum pitched what could have been his final game as a member of the Giants. He made it a good one, letting up only 2 runs over 7 innings. He did not get the decision but was the star of San Francisco’s 3-2 victory over the arch rival Dodgers.

They all owned baseball on September 26, 2013.

My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.

At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

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Texas Rangers: Different Year Than 2012, Or Same Result?

Yu Darvish, Adrian Beltre, Ian Kinsler, and Jurickson Profar are just a few of the great players up and down their roster. Last season they lost the American League West to the Oakland Athletics on the last day of the season. Will the same happen this season, or will their be a different result?

Yu Darvish, Adrian Beltre, Ian Kinsler, and Jurickson Profar are just a few of the great players up and down their roster. Last season they lost the American League West to the Oakland Athletics on the last day of the season. Will the same happen this season, or will their be a different result? With 25 Games left to play, and identical 79 – 58 records in the AL West, The A’s and the boys from Arlington are embattled in a tightly Division Race in 2013.

Ryan Ritchey (Featured Baseball Columnist): 

The 2012 season didn’t end as planned for the Texas Rangers. They had a five game lead over the Oakland Athletics in the American League West with nine games remaining and lost the division. It was crushing for the team and the fans.

Losing the division put them in a one game playoff with the Baltimore Orioles. Coming off the shock of losing the division, the Rangers lost to the Orioles 5-1 at home. 

Will this season be the same for the Rangers, or will there be a different result? Here are three reasons why it could be the same and three why it could be different…

Yu Darvish Dominates Diamondbacks with 14 K’s:

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Rangers’ Trade Deadline Possibilities

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Tuesday, July.30, 2013

Alex Rios is one option that the Rangers could go with to meet the need of a right-handed bat in their lineup. He has a .272 average and a .752 OPS in 397 at-bats for the White Sox this season to include hitting 12 HRs and having 49 RBIs. The right-handed outfielder is also very adept at stealing bases, as he has already stolen 22 bases while being caught just six times. He also play good defense in the outfield as well with only committing three errors. Rios is a right-hander, but he excels in facing left-handers with a .296 batting average and an OPS of .829.

Alex Rios is one option that the Rangers could go with to meet the need of a right-handed bat for their club. He has a .272 average and a .752 OPS in 397 at-bats for the White Sox this season to include hitting 12 HRs and having 49 RBIs. The right-handed outfielder is also very adept at stealing bases, as he has already stolen 22 bases while being caught just six times. He also play good defense in the outfield as well with only committing three errors. Rios is a right-hander, but he excels in facing left-handers with a .296 batting average and an OPS of .829. He does most of his damage in 6th inning, as indicated by him hitting .352 with 19 hits in 54 at-bats this season.

By Chris Lacey (Lead Baseball Columnist/Minority Website Owner)  

For most baseball teams that won’t make the playoffs, the Trade Deadline is a way for them to trade players away that will be impending free agents the following season.

The teams don’t see these players as a part of their long-term plans for the organization will want to get something in return rather than just allowing the player to sign with another team and they get nothing in return. 

Joe Nathan 2011 Highlights – Parental Guidance Is Advised

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MLB 30 Team Power Rankings: Week 17

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Sunday July.21/2013

The Cardinals are the big benefactor of an early July swoon by the Pirates.  Will this team make some moves at the deadline - to aid the young Starting Rotation Innings?  Will Chris Carpenter be able to make an impact for the club at some point this campaign?  They sit perched back up upon the MLBR Power Rankings for now.

The Cardinals are the big benefactor of an early July swoon by the Pirates. Will this team make some moves at the deadline – to aid the young Starting Rotation Innings? Will Chris Carpenter be able to make an impact for the club at some point this campaign? They sit perched back up upon the MLBR Power Rankings for now.  The Cards have made 7 out of the last 12 NLCS showdowns – holding a 3 – 4 record in those years – and a 2 – 1 mark in the World Series.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner):

The Tampa Bay Rays are making a huge statement.  Even as I write this post, they have a commanding 4 – 1 lead on the Toronto Blue Jays, which would make the 58 – 41, and no worse than 1.5 Games Behind the Boston Red Sox heading into play tomorrow.

The Rays will head to Fenway Park right after this for a four game series – before concluding a 10 game Road Swing at Yankee Stadium.  They could end up in 1st place in the AL East by next week.

With their pitching strength – and new underrated offense, would anyone pick against them for the rest of the season?  I have slotted them 7 positions higher than the previous week.

Chris Carpenter 5 months ago, He is now rehabbing in the Minor Leagues with a chance to come back in 2013 – Amazing!

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MLB 30 Team Rankings Week 15

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Monday July.08/2013

The Boston Red Sox started out the season 21 - 8 after their 1st 29 games, and have maintained over the last 61 games, with 33 wins and 28 wins.

The Boston Red Sox started out the season 21 – 8 after their 1st 29 games, and have maintained over the last 61 games, with 33 Wins and 28 Losses. They are #1 on our rankings charts.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner):

Past this page break or the Dodgers logo, is the written version of the rankings.  If you want to listen to the audio podcast we did for this, we have the links below to download or just listen.

Triple Play Podcast Ep #15 Monthly Rankings For All 30 Teams

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Rangers’ How Good Can This Team Be

If you want to listen to the audio podcast we did for our Monthly 30 Team Rankings, we have the links below to download or just listen

Triple Play Podcast Ep #15 Monthly Rankings For All 30 Teams

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Monday, July.08, 2013

Yu Darvish is one of the right-handed pitchers in baseball. He is a strikeout machine, and he leads the American League in strikeouts with 157.

Yu Darvish is one of the best right-handed pitchers in baseball and is the ace of  the Texas Rangers rotation. He is a strikeout machine, and he leads the American League in strikeouts with 157. He has a 3.02 ERA with 119.1 innings pitched with a WHIP of 1.04, and SO/9 of 11.8. Darvish has a SO/BB ratio of 3.83, and is second in the AL with a Hits per 9 IP of 6.33. He is sixth in the AL with a WAR of 3.2. The opposition is only hitting .194 against him this season, with right-handers just barely making contact with their .146 batting average. When there are runners in scoring position with two outs, he pretty much untouchable with teams hitting .146

 By Chris Lacey (Lead Baseball Columnist/Minority Website Owner)

The Texas Rangers are having a good season considering that they did not sign the two biggest free-agents this past off season in outfielder Josh Hamilton and starting pitcher Zack Greinke.

The Rangers sit just ½ a game behind Oakland Athletics in the American League West division with the All-Star break less than two weeks away. They are 9th in runs scored with 379 runs, and 6th with a batting average of .260. They have a runs differential of +26 this season.

Texas Rangers ALCS Highlights- So Parental Guidance Is Advised

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