Blog Archives
The Top 5 Home Run Hitters AL/NL in 2014, HR Streaks (6 Active) + Multi HR Games

Desmond Jennings was counted on to fill the void left by B.J. Upton when he took over the CF position in 2013. It wasn’t a banner year – although he still stole 20 bags and scored 82 Runs – with a .748 OPs.. With him hitting a HR for the 2nd straight game in a 10 – 5 14 Inning marathon tilt versus the Yankees, it vaulted the Rays to a 3 game winning Streak. 2014 has been a kinder campaign to the 27 Year Old originally from Birmingham, AL – as he has slashed .277/.378/.463 – with 16 Walks, 6 SB and 16 Runs Scored in his 28 Games Played. That is great production for the 5 year Veteran.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Last night we had a nice complement of big flies – so that we have 6 streaks active going into today’s play.
There is one Carlos Gonzalez who is still active on his HR streak, but is out of the Rox lineup.
We have not had a multiple HR game since last Sunday when Jhonny Peralta went yard twice. That Cards SS went deep last night, joining Mike Morse, and a bevy of other NL hitters tied for 5th place with 7 HRs.
Other movers were Nelson Cruz grabbed a share of third place by smacking his 8th HR – and Jose Abreu clubbed his 11th HR to open up a 2 Tater lead on Albert Pujols. Read the rest of this entry
The Top 5 Home Run Hitters AL/NL in 2014, HR Streaks (3 Active) + Multi HR Games: Markakis Smacks 2 + Miami On Fire

The HR contraption that is the CF wall in MIA. Could the club be relaying signals from opposing catchers by having the fish illuminate during play at New Marlins Ball Park. “Oh Bull Durham” on that. The huge device goes spiraling around once a Marlins jacks a ball that goes over the wall for a Homer. While the 1st 2 years the device never saw much action, it is being worn out by Miami this year. This has teams like Atlanta speculating on some “TomFoolery.”
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Braves had themselves a weird 3 game set in Miami, where they lost 3 games, gave up 23 runs, and have accused the Marlins of stealing signs for pitches.
It is a weird phenomenon how devastating the Miami squad has bashed at New Marlins Ballpark, but for young guys on their team to figure out cadences and relays from the Braves backstoppers is a little bit too far fetched,
I love how the Home Run monstrosity in CF may be the culprit of sending the secret codes out to the hitters.
Miami has added several (3TO guys this year like Garrett Jones and Jarrod Saltalamacchia.) 3TO stands for 3 True Outs, either via a BB/SO or you round the Bases without having the ball touch the field inside the playing surface.
Also, Florida has been one of the only places not to be plagued by weather in the MLB. Bash on Miami, you are an entertaining team to watch – and have joined your 4 other teams in the NL East at .500 or better – at least for one day. Read the rest of this entry
Home Run Leaders In 2014, HR Streaks (3 Active) + Multi HR Games: Tulo Keeps On Fire – Stanton Ties For NL Lead!

Giancarlo Stanton tied the NL For the lead with 8 HRs yesterday, when he went deep in the Marlins 9 – 0 romp of the Atlanta Braves. Stanton also leads the NL in RBI with 32. He is one of each a HR and an RBI behind Jose Abreu for the MLB lead. Is this the year Stanton finally reaches projections? The MLB Reports picked him to lead the MLB in HRs all the way back in FEB of this year.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Troy Tulowitzki is on fire. He homered for the 2nd consecutive game, and is now just 1 Roundtrip behind Giancarlo Stanton and Adrian Gonzalez for the NL Lead.
TULO is also tied with teammate Justin Morneau, for third in RBI this season at 22.
His efforts help the Rockies win last night in Arizona, and the club is now 16 – 12 on the young season, just 0.5 Games behind the Giants.
Mark Teixeira hit a HR for the second straight contest, and has now clubbed 3 HRs in the week he has been back from injury.
While the rest of the teams pitching is struggling or be hurt outside of Masahiro Tanaka, having the 1B hitting like this bodes well for the lineup.
Carlos Santana must be giving fantasy players a collective sigh of relief after putting forth another HR and 3 RBI effort for the 2nd time in as many games in Los Angeles, too bad they were both losses to the Angels. Read the rest of this entry
2014′s Top 5 Home Runs AL + NL, HR Streaks (2 Active) + Multi HR Games:

Heading into play last Thursday night, fantasy players and everyone surrounding the Mariners was wondering what had happened to 3B Kyle Seager? He has since nailed 5 HRs in his last 4 games, and is now hitting for a .798 OPS – with 13 RBI in 79 AB on the young season. The last 2 years, Seager has hit 20 and 22 HRs respectively – and been the only player on the squad to have decent RBI totals.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
With only 6 games being played last night, there were not too many HRs hit for the contests.
This has left the MLB with 2 current players with HR streaks.
Those players both have clubbed HRs in back to back games, and they are Giants SS Brandon Hicks and Seattle Mariners 3B Kyle Seager, who hit 3 HRs over the Saturday and Sunday games – and has 5 Tater-Trots in the last 4 games.
Seager had exactly zero Home Runs, before squaring 2 baseballs up last Thursday at home versus the Houston Astros, He was blanked by the Rangers on Friday, before doing yard work on Saturday.
Sunday saw the man have his 2n 2 HR game out of 4 contests. Read the rest of this entry
2014′s Top 5 HRs AL + NL, HR Streaks (4 Active) + Multi HR Games: Adrian Gonzalez Streaking Again

On a team that has desperately be in need of offense – due to early season woes from Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier and Hanley Ramirez, A – Gon has delivered the goods. Yesterday, he hit a HR for the 3rd straight game, and today he has a chance to match the 4 HR streak he already put up earlier in the Month. The Dodgers 1B is showing signs of his early career power prowess. He is currently 3 Slashing .309/.362/.639 – with 8 HRs and 22 RBI in his 1st 18 Games Played. LA has managed to stick in the NL West race, with a 14 -11 clip thus far, I can’t imagine where they would be with such a hot start from Gonzalez.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Early season power surges are quite common the MLB. I mean everyone remember Chris Shelton jumping out of the box with 9 HRs, and also remember Tuffy Rhodes clubbing 3 HRs on Opening Day one year against Dwight Gooden.
The key is parlaying a fast start into some sustainable durability.
Brandon Belt, Brian Dozier are unlikely HR leaders right now, and a lot of people must wonder if Jose Abreu can keep up this kind of pace.
Bautista, Trumbo, Pujols and Stanton had to be penciled in for a lot of HR leaders by experts, fantasy players and scouts alike.
Josh Donaldson has also turned it an, clubbing 7 HRs in the last 15 calendar days, and is looking more like the player that finished 4th in AL MVP balloting.
I still think we will see Miguel Cabera and Prince Fielder enter this race at some point once their bats heat up. Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.26) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Justin Upton got on base 4 times, stole a base and hit a key homer as the Braves topped the Reds, 4-1..
A.J. Pierzynski clobbered a come from behind grand slam that helped turn around the Red Sox 7-6 win in Toronto.
Tanner Roark threw a complete game 3 hit shutout, striking out 8 and walking one, leading the Nationals to a 4-0 topping of the Padres.
Phil Hughes was terrific over 7 innings, letting up 4 hits, 1 earned run and no walks. He got the decision in the Twins’ 5-3 win over the Tigers.
They owned baseball on April.26, 2014.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
2014′s Top 5 HRs AL + NL, HR Streaks (4 Active) + Multi HR Games: Breakouts For Colabello + Abreu

Chris Colabello is the most unlikely early RBI leader in the AL, with 26 knocked in during his 1st 20 Games Played this year. While he is leading the AL in Doubles with 9, he has now added HRs in back to back games. The Team Italy player for the last WBC tournament has been hitting in the middle of the lineup for the 10 – 10 Minnesota Twins. The RHB originally from Framington, MA came into the 2013 season with just 160 AB last year (his rookie campaign in the MLB). So far in 2014, he has 3 Slashed .346/.386/.577 – and has played 1B/RF and DH.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
It was a great night for Tater Trot’s yesterday. The Giants had teammates crack 2 HRs each in Morse and Sanchez, while Blackmon extended his consecutive HR games streak to 3, and Tulowitzki clubbed a big fly for the 2nd straight contest.
2 men (McCutchen and Blackmon enter play today with 3 games straight with a HR. The 2013 NL MVP will try to extend his mark versus Tony Cingrani of the Reds in a Thursday afternoon game at PNC Park – while Blackmon will travel to LA – trying to extend his streak versus Josh Beckett tomorrow night.
Kyle Seager, of the Mariners, and Hector Santiago of the Giants, hit their 1st 2 HRs of the year, in Multi HR efforts Wednesday.
Mike Morse and Nelson Cruz continued to pad their early starts towards 2015 Free Agency, also with 2 HR games yesterday. Read the rest of this entry
2014’s Top 5 HRs AL + NL, HR Streaks + Multi HR Games + Pujols Nets Career HR #500

Albert Pujols has fought back from his injury in 2013, to lead the Majors in HRs (8) – including 2 big bombs last night in Washington. His 2nd smash, was the 500th of his career, joining 25 other men who have accomplished the feat. The Angels squared their season record at 10 – 10, and are 7 – 4 away from Los Angeles. Pujols became the 3rd youngest MLB’ER to this feat – as only Alex Rodriguez and Ken Griffey JR. were younger.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
ALL TIME HR List In Baseball
| Rank | Player (yrs, age) | Home Runs | Bats | HR Log |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Barry Bonds (22) | 762 | L | HR Log |
| 2. | Hank Aaron+ (23) | 755 | R | HR Log |
| 3. | Babe Ruth+ (22) | 714 | L | HR Log |
| 4. | Willie Mays+ (22) | 660 | R | HR Log |
| 5. | Alex Rodriguez (20, 38) | 654 | R | HR Log |
| 6. | Ken Griffey (22) | 630 | L | HR Log |
| 7. | Jim Thome (22) | 612 | L | HR Log |
| 8. | Sammy Sosa (18) | 609 | R | HR Log |
| 9. | Frank Robinson+ (21) | 586 | R | HR Log |
| 10. | Mark McGwire (16) | 583 | R | HR Log |
| 11. | Harmon Killebrew+ (22) | 573 | R | HR Log |
| 12. | Rafael Palmeiro (20) | 569 | L | HR Log |
| 13. | Reggie Jackson+ (21) | 563 | L | HR Log |
| 14. | Manny Ramirez (19) | 555 | R | HR Log |
| 15. | Mike Schmidt+ (18) | 548 | R | HR Log |
| 16. | Mickey Mantle+ (18) | 536 | B | HR Log |
| 17. | Jimmie Foxx+ (20) | 534 | R | HR Log |
| 18. | Willie McCovey+ (22) | 521 | L | HR Log |
| Frank Thomas+ (19) | 521 | R | HR Log | |
| Ted Williams+ (19) | 521 | L | HR Log | |
| 21. | Ernie Banks+ (19) | 512 | R | HR Log |
| Eddie Mathews+ (17) | 512 | L | HR Log | |
| 23. | Mel Ott+ (22) | 511 | L | HR Log |
| 24. | Gary Sheffield (22) | 509 | R | HR Log |
| 25. | Eddie Murray+ (21) | 504 | B | HR Log |
| 26. | Albert Pujols (14, 34) | 500 | R | HR Log |
Chicks Dig The Long Ball: Top 5 HRs AL/NL, HR Streaks and Multi HR Games

Charlie Blackmon continued his assault on NL Pitching yesterday with a pair of HRs. They represented the second straight game he has clubbed a Tater – Trot, and for that he found himself on our Multi HR board and consecutive leader for 2 games right now. The 27 Year Old OF has fashioned a 3 Slash in 2014 of .411/.450/.671 – with 4 HRs and 13 RBI. He leads the NL in: BA, Hits (30), TB (39) – and slugging. Blackmon has played at least 4 games in every position beyond the grass this campaign, and is making the fans not miss Dexter Fowler.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
So far in 2014 we have some of our usual candidates holding down front and center with the HR race. Jose Bautista is back to his old leading ways in Toronto, and Albert Pujols has re-emerged as a legitimate threat to circle the bases.
In the NL, Mark Trumbo broke a horrendous slump – to paste a big fly (#7) in yesterdays game. Unfortunately, it came in another D’Backs loss. Pedro Alvarez (who tied for the NL Lead with Paul Goldschmidt in 2013) is right behind him with a pack of 5 sluggers at 6 jacks.
Ryan Braun and Albert Pujols are on the leaderboard because of torrid stretches. Pujols has had 3 back to back HR games, and Braun has smacked his 6 HRs in just 3 games of play.
The Pirates are only seemingly scoring when they can smash balls over the wall. Read the rest of this entry
HRs Streaks, Multiple HR Games + Top 5 HRs AL + NL

Carlos Gomez had a breakout season in 2013 with a career high 40 SB. Gomez added 61 Extra Base Hits, his 1st ALL – Star Game and brought home his 1st Gold Glove Award for CF. ” Carlos Gomez, 28, had a breakout season in 2013 with a career high 40 SB. Gomez added 61 Extra Base Hits, his 1st ALL – Star Game and brought home his 1st Gold Glove Award for CF – and also was among players who had 20 HRs and 20 SB . So far he is tied for 5th in the NL with 5 HRs, but only has 1 SB heading into action today.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Here at the MLB Reports we look to do things different. It is one of our many motto’s.
We simply can’t look over every stat, or even chart every HR for that matter, but I have decided that we will carry the top 5 HR hitters for each the AL and NL on a page we have dubbed Stats.
For the HR feature. we will also list multiple HR games for players… Or if they have HRs in multiple games. Once a week we will post these on the home page for the site as a regular page post. Read the rest of this entry
HRs Streaks, Multiple HR Games + Top 5 HRs AL + NL
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Here at the MLB Reports we look to do things different. It is one of our many motto’s.
We simply can’t look over every stat, or even chart every HR for that matter, but I have decided that we will carry the top 5 HR hitters for each the AL and NL on a page we have dubbed Stats.
For the HR feature. we will also list multiple HR games for players… Or if they have HRs in multiple games. Once a week we will post these on the home page for the site as a regular page post. Read the rest of this entry
HRs Streaks, Multiple HR Games + Top 5 HRs AL + NL IN MLB 2014 So Far: Through Games Apr.12

It was a slow start to the year for Adrian Gonzalez, but now he has hit a HR in 3 straight games, and is hitting for a 3 slash of .267/.333/.623 – with 4 HRs and 11 RBI through his 1st 45 AB. His play this week is a big reason the Dodgers are back in 1st place heading into action today.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Here at the MLB Reports we look to do things different. It is one of our many motto’s.
We simply can’t look over every stat, or even chart every HR for that matter, but I have decided that we will carry the top 5 HR hitters for each the AL and NL on a page we have dubbed Stats.
For the HR feature. we will also list multiple HR games for players… Or if they have HRs in multiple games. Once a week we will post these on the home page for the site as a regular page post. Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.11) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings 2014
Andrew Cashner threw a complete game 1 hit shutout of the mighty Detroit Tigers, getting the 6-0 win for the Padres.
Justin Upton got on base 5 times and clubbed a game tying homer and a walk off hit, dominating the Braves’ dramatic 7-6 10 inning win over the Nationals.
Yu Darvish pitched amazingly well over 8 1 hit innings against the Astros. He struck out 9 and let up no runs. He got no decision but the Rangers won 1-0.
Grady Sizemore went 2-4 including a dramatic 3 run homer, giving the Red Sox a 4-2 win over the Yankees in the Bronx.
They owned baseball on April.11, 2014.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.10) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings 2014
Jose Abreu launched a pair of homers and drove in 3 runs, leading the White Sox to a 7-3 victory over the Indians.
Daniel Murphy got on base 4 times with 3 hits (including a double) and a walk. He scored twice (including the go ahead run) and drove in 3 (including a key insurance run) as the Mets came from behind to top the Braves, 6-4.
Dan Straily pitched 7 strong innings, letting up just 3 hits and 1 run as the A’s cruised to a 6-1 victory in Minnesota.
Stephen Strasburg dominated the Marlins. He pitched into the 7th inning, letting up just 3 hits, 1 run and 1 walk while striking out an eye popping 12 batters. He got the 7-1 victory for the Nationals.
They owned baseball on April.10, 2014.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Atlanta Braves State Of The Union 2014: The Hitters

Freddie Freeman and Jason Heyward are the future of this team. Having said that, Freeman has displayed a little bit more consistency in his play to start their Careers. In 1908 AB so far (about 3 full years), Freeman has a 3 Slash Line of .285/.355/.466 with 68 HRs and 280 RBI. 2013 saw him make his 1st ALL – Star Game, and finish 5th in NL MVP Voting by going .319/.396/.501 – with 23 HRs and 109 RBI despite missing 15 games.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Braves won 95 Games in 2013, and the NL East was a runaway by 9 games over Washington.
This was done even though of paltry numbers posted by Dan Uggla and B.J. Upton, and a half year with Jason Heyward hitting underneath the Mendoza Line.
The game changer for the offense was a surprise performance by 3B Chris Johnson, who contended for the NL Batting Title for the better part of the whole year.
Evan Gattis and Brian McCann also hit near 20+ HRs each for just about a seasons worth of Plate Appearances out of the Catchers position.
Justin Upton charged out of the gates in April with 12 HRs, and then after going cold in the next 3 months. bounced back in August to take a run at it again.
The younger brother to B.J., had stretches were he carried the club. Read the rest of this entry
Arizona Diamondbacks 2014 Payroll + Contracts Going Forward
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth + Payroll Expert – find his website here) Follow @prosportsroster
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Diamondbacks brass hit a proverbial HR, when they extended Paul Goldschmidt to a 5 YRs/$32 MIL deal prior to the 2013 campaign.
The Then 25 Year Old finished runner up to the NL MVP Voting, and likely would have won it based on his .302/.401/.551 year with an NL leading 36 HRs, 125 RBI, (he also led in Slugging, OPS and Scored 103 Runs.)
Having a franchise player for the next 4 years at such a feasible rate in terms of payroll enables them to do so many things with their salary structure.
The club added Bronson Arroyo (2 YRs, min $23.5 MIL – or 3 YRs/$30 MIL), were able to deal for Mark Trumbo (who entered 1st Year of Arbitration at $4.8 MIL in 2014) and recently signed Reliever Oliver Perez to a modest 2 YRs/$4.25 MIL deal. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 13, 2014
Today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast is centered around Atlanta.
The Freddie Freeman extension could be a smart long term move for the Braves and good for baseball. Meanwhile they are a very hard team to predict. Meanwhile I have mike issues.
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Top 5 HR Hitters In The MLB For 2014
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
You may be surprised at who I am going to pick to lead the Majors in tater – trots this upcoming campaign. The names may not be foreign, yet I am betting on a couple of comebacks.
This is all really a crapshoot with injuries, lineups, whether or not a guy has protection in the lineup.
I also think this will be another season without a 50+ HR mark. God I would love to be wrong. Nothing would make me happier than someone approaching 60 RoundTrippers.
While it is a sham that Roger Maris‘s 61 HR year of 1961 has been dwarfed by the ‘PED’ use era, a lot of purists would still look favorably at somebody passing this mark clean for a change.
If a batter does it in the American League, then it would break the former Yankees Slugger’s AL record.
Just falling short of this list will be Pedro Alvarez, Paul Goldschmidt, Ryan Braun and Bryce Harper. I believe those gentlemen may hit in the high 30’s for HRs. Read the rest of this entry
Atlanta Braves Payroll in 2014 + Contracts Going Forward Part 1

It would be one thing if B.J. Upton were the only player on the Braves who had an abysmal season. When you add the injuries and the season of Dan Uggla to Upton worst year of his career, it is actually amazing this team ended with 96 Wins. With the club losing Brian McCann, Paul Maholm and Tim Hudson, they will need Upton and CO. to rebound for the team to contend again in 2014. Upton has to get back to 20/20 years for powers and steals, and at least hit to 85% of his career 3 slash – to justify the contract doled out by the Atlanta Braves. Uggla must correct his vision problems and get back to raking again. These 2 guys are the #2 and #3 paid guys on the squad in 2014 behind Justin Upton.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart/Payroll Expert) Follow @prosportsroster
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The ‘Tomahawk Choppers’ have 2 players that are killing them for Free Agent signings this winter.
B.J. Upton is only in the 2nd year of his 5 YRs/$75 MIL – and underachieving Dan Uggla is still on the books for 2 more years.
Between these 2 gentleman, they will bring down $26.25 MIL in 2014. The Braves are hoping for more than under the ‘Mendoza Line’ Batting Averages – and an occasional big fly.
The Braves are also headed to Arbitration with Freddie Freeman, Jason Heyward and Craig Kimbrel. This is certainly bound to cost the organization a pretty penny.
In fact, those 3 players will likely exceed the amount of the B.J Upton and Uggla contracts.
Craig Kimbrel 2013 Highlights – Mature Lyrics Parental Guidance Is Advised:
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 13, 2013
While I deal with the fact that Pope Francis won Time Magazine Person of the Year over me, I talk a little bit about Joba Chamberlain’s future and the direction of the Diamondbacks.
It is a blessed episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 6, 2013
Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I wonder why off season strategies need to be so difficult for teams.
The Mariners can get a decent second baseman without spending a quarter of a billion dollars.
The Diamondbacks could have a power hitting team if they didn’t trade Justin Upton.
And the Red Sox should look at 2014 as a rebuilding year while secretly trying to woo Clayton Kershaw.
To subscribe to The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast on iTunes, click HERE.
To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.
The Braves Will Be Paying The B.J. Upton Deal For Years – Not Just Money Either!

The Brothers Upton both were acquired last year’s offseason by the Atlanta Braves. This was a risk for the organization, and while Justin played extremely well in condensed pockets, B.J. Upton is quickly establishing himself as one of the worst contracts ever signed in Major League Baseball history, a .184/.268/.557 – with 9 HRs and 26 RBI is simply abysmal. The Braves brass should have sent him to the Winter Leagues, to correct his problems. The younger brother is still on the hook for 4 more years – and $60 MIL. Not only is the franchise jaded towards signing another Free Agent this winter to a similar deal, they have lost their 2 longest tenured players in Brian McCann and Tim Hudson.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
It is a not a shock the Braves are shying away from the Free Agency thus far in the winter. After all, the franchise spent the most they ever had for B.J. Upton last offseason, only to have been served a train wreck in 2013.
Honestly, besides the 1st month, and a torrid stretch in August, Justin Upton wasn’t far off the power production of his older brother in the other 4 months of play.
If it weren’t for the Chris Johnson add in that deal (Braves savior), plus his subsequent Batting Average race for the NL lead, this would be an even graver subject.
The last line was not an indictment on the Braves and D’Backs trade, rather just that Johnson helped make up for the lack of production from B.J. Upton.
We all know overall Justin Upton made the same numbers as were likely projected. That trade is yet to be determined, but adding Johnson was a nice little move.
B.J. Upton – rare good game in 2013
The Atlanta Braves State Of The Union – Fall 2013: Part 1

2013 was not an easy road traveled for Atlanta. The Braves suffered so many injuries and set backs this season that I think a lot of us almost forget about the ones that happened earlier on in the year. Johnny Venters never even threw a regular season pitch this year and he has been our premiere set up man. Eric O’Flaherty threw his last pitch somewhere around the middle of May against this very Dodger team at Turner Field.
By Bob McVinua (Special Guest Braves Writer – visit his website here): Follow @tomahawkchop95
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
At the point after Eric O’Flaherty went down, many of us Braves fans began to panic and wonder how Fredi Gonzalez would get the ball to arguably the best closer
in all of baseball Craig Kimbrel. What happened after that? The Braves would still go on to post the best bullpen ERA in all of baseball and on top of that set a franchise record for the same mark.
Jason Heyward missed significant time as did Brian McCann. Freddie Freeman spent a couple of weeks on the disabled list and still drove in over 100 runs on the season.
BJ Upton and Dan Uggla struggled throughout most of the 2013 season and BJ was one of the players expected to make a huge impact when he signed with the Braves this winter and it just never happened.
Other players stepped up and young players assumed roles that were well beyond the original expectations of them in 2013.
No one panicked and no one quit and as a fan I am appreciative of the heart and effort this team always put forth.
The Dodgers Celebrate winning the NLDS Series versus Atlanta (At Turner Field)













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