Blog Archives
Early 2017 MLB Team Win Projections
Having a great offsesson despite David Ortiz retiring. Are the deepest all around team in the American League, with the greatest collection of veterans and young players. The biggest other move in the Division so far was the Yankees signing Aroldis Chapman, and that may just help the Bombers stay above .500 – and have a chance to compete.
Following the recent Winter Meetings, the new CBA being signed. and then the subsequent few weeks after, the projections are win totals based on the teams if over/unders were to be placed.
From the onset. the Boston Red Sox are the clear favorite in the AL East – with adding Chris Sale, Mitch Moreland, Tyler Thornburg to their ALL – Star cast, while David Ortiz (retired), Travis Shaw (traded) Koji Uehara (Signed with the Cubs), Brad Ziegler (Free Agent) are off the postseason roster that lost to the Tribe.
The players going back to the White Sox were not from the Major League Roster for the most part.
With the Jays having Edwin Encarnacion, Jose Bautista, Michael Saunders. R. A. Dickey, Brett Cecil off the 25 man roster, to replacing with Kendrys Morales and Steve Pearce for the most part as main transactions. this is a far cry from an even trade. However the club will still likely make some more moves.
Cleveland stands to benefit for the rest of the division all seeming to rebuild. but the Tigers have only dealt Cameron Maybin away – so they are sitting on the cusp of challenging for the AL Central again. Detroit may want to explore going for it one more year based on what the Royals have done, and the fact the White Sox and Twins might be the worst clubs in the Junior Circuit.
Houston has been super progressive with signing Josh Reddick and Carlos Beltran as Free Agents, while also flipping for Brian McCann. This was a squad that started 7 – 17,before reeling off a nice 77 – 62 mark down the stretch to fall just short of the playoff bar.
Seattle is also positioning themselves upward just by how bad the Rangers have fared this winter. Not only that, but they added strength to their worst 2 weaknesses in adding Jean Segura at SS. and Carlos Ruiz as a viable backup Catcher. Read the rest of this entry
Once Again: Why The MLB Should Consider A Geographical/Market Size Re-Alignment For The Next CBA:
The new CBA has been a godsend for the mid – market teams, and not so great for the 10 top markets, but even more devastating for the 10 lowest markets. One thing the CBA did address was to give the players an additional 4 days off during the league year – stretching from 183 Days to 187 – in lieu of expanding the rosters of 25 to 26.
This website has continued its stance since day 1, that while the economics have been a lot more fair to teams in the last 15 years, there is still much work to do. The best small market teams we have seen in the last 7 years have been the Oakland A’s, Tampa Bay Rays, Pittsburgh Pirates and of course the 2015 World Series winning Kansas City Royals. Only one of these teams actually were a decent franchise for some time before they took off.
Pittsburgh lost for 22 years before they finally made 3 straight postseason appearances. With the new CBA not giving them 1st RD Draft Picks for departing players in future seasons like Andrew McCutchen, Gregory Polanco, Starling Marter and Gerrit Cole, this is a sure fire way for the brass to cut the cord on their service team a lot of time ahead of them hitting Free Agency.
Kansas City was a laughable organization from the mid 90’s to 2013 as well, and despite winning back to back pennants in the AL< and being the first small market team to win the World Series since the 2003 Marlins, they will soon start to see their team ripped apart under the same Free Agent terms like the Bucs – with Eric Hosmer, Lorenzo Cain, Danny Duffy and Mike Moustakas likely all not re-signing with the franchise. Dayton Moore already had to trade ace Closer Wade Davis this past week.
The Tampa Bay Rays were awful from 1998 – 2007, and were able to stockpile #1 overall picks to build up the franchise. The Joe Maddon era ensued for 6 straight quality years where they competed beautifully, including a World Series Loss in 2008, but now they are at a crossroads again from a 68 win campaign. and teams all spending double what they can. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 8, 2016
Mike Stobe/Getty Images North America
The Cubs brought in Wade Davis, who will be the closer for the defending World Champions for the second straight year.
If he clinches a post season series in Chicago, he will join a select fraternity in terms pitchers for 2 different franchises.
Slam the door on this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Odds To Win The 2017 World Series: Nats/Giants/Astros Great Value – Bounce On KC/NYY
For a second straight week we love the Nationals with the best odd value of the week. They have some financial flexibility to bring in a few more ALL – Star Caliber players and also possess the prospects in order to get it done. If you believe (like I do) that the Nats are serious about trading for guys like Andrew McCutchen and Chris Sale, than it is imperative you get this club at their odd this week.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner)
Follow @stokes_Hunter21 @mlbreports
The Nationals are really making noise about trying to land Andrew McCutchen and Chris Sale. Even if they don’t fulfill the need, I still think they will add more depth via trade for another good Starting Pitcher and also add an impressive CF, and reliever.
We shall wait and see whether or not that could be the likes of Dexter Fowler or a reunion with Ian Desmond to play CF, Aroldis Chapman or Kenley Jansen to be added to for late inning work. At +1200 the Nats are full value for the best odd of the week.
The NL East may be easier to win than the NL West and NL Central if you think the way that most good handicappers are right now. The Mets are dreaming if they think they can contend with 3 Infield Starters with bad backs, and a declining metrics Shortstop, added to not a true CF, and a horrible Catcher offensive situation.
I am trying not to bag on the Mets too much here, as I think they could still rally to win 85 – 90 wins again next year based on the strength of the rest of the Division, it is just the health concerns that would frighten me to pieces. Read the rest of this entry
6 MLB Teams That Will Be Hurt Most By The New CBA
Billy Beane was the king of the front offices just a few years ago, but a future loss of MLB Revenue Sharing and not being able to recoup 1st RD Draft picks by losing star players will hurt them even greater. The AL West also has 4 big market clubs residing it now, with Houston being a lot better than they were in 2013 and 2014 when they first joined the Division from the National League, This time frame was the best the A’s have seen of recent vintage. it will be a tough grind for Oakland to compete until a new stadium is built.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Yesterday we talked about 6 teams that stand to gain an advantage under the new CBA, Today we explore the 6 teams that were hurt most.
While the news of taxing the higher revenue generating teams will work to bridge the top teams to the mid – market revenue clubs. the abolishing of a 1st RD Draft Pick compensation pick being lost to franchises for having signed one of their Qualifying Offer rejected players will hurt many franchises.
Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Oakland. Colorado, San Diego and Milwaukee all had days in my opinion. The Rays, Twins, Reds and Marlins are not too far from list either, however all of those organizations also are not good shape with the new pact either, however they are not as bad as the top 6 clubs.
The Pirates were already thinking about trading Andrew McCutchen, and this should give a violent shove in that direction.
It will also show that players such as Carlos Gonzalez, Sonny Gray, Charlie Blackmon, Starling Marte, Gregory Polanco, Gerrit Cole, Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas and Nolan Arenado will all be dealt before their Team Control expires. It is the new landscape of the CBA.
I would hate the new CBA as these clubs.
Under the old agreement . these teams may have been more apt to take their chances on a playoff run – sighting at least a 1st RD Draft Pick would be coming back their way should their superstars leave their squads. Read the rest of this entry
Royals Acquire RHP Jared Ruxer From Angels For RHP Brooks Pounders
The Kansas City Royals announced today that they have acquired right-handed pitcher Jared Ruxer from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for right-handed pitcher Brooks Pounders.
Ruxer, 24, split the 2016 season between Burlington [Iowa] (A) and Inland Empire (A), posting a combined 3.08 ERA in 29 appearances and 19 starts and a 4-8 record. He opened the season with the Bees, going 3-2 with a 1.44 ERA (10 ER in 62.1 IP) in his first 18 outings, before being promoted to the 66ers on July 8, where he was 1-6 with a 5.18 ERA in his final 11 outings (all starts). Last season marked Ruxer’s second year in professional baseball after being selected by the Angels in the 12th round the of the 2014 First-Year Player Draft.
MLB Reports Bettting Results For The 2016 Year: We Made A Profit For The Third Straight Campaign!
I take my betting style from a philosophy used from a few decades of research. This book was one of the templates followed for success.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Disclaimer: All bets were made in the State Of Nevada, or via Canada (by Chuck Booth) where bets are legal online.
So it was an interesting wager year. I nailed the World Series winner, but never did place on money on them in any futures. I was able to hedge bet because I had the Dodgers at a 15/1 Odds from the previous winter.
I absolutely killed it on Player Prop Betting – running the whole table. I was on fire in the playoffs. My best regular season wager for wins ( TB Rays under) was nice, but I took a beating on the rest of the over/under on victories across the board.
My pick of the Baltimore Orioles at 28/1 – to win the American League Pennant – set me up to hedge bet enough of the Junior Circuit playoffs, that I could help rescue my wagering season.
Chuck Booth and I combined for all of these picks, and we use the same gambling template for how we put down cabbage.
The real difference of profit came down to our perfect prognostication of Giancarlo Stanton winning the Derby helped us in breaking even and winning some cash at the end of the campaign.
Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The 2017 World Series:
The Nationals feature 3 potential MVPs and 2 Cy Young Pitchers as their top talent – while the rest of the Division struggles with overcoming roster hauls, rebuilding and tragedy. The Cubs are the expected overwhelming favorite, however they don’t pay nearly enough, and nothing is ever certain in the playoffs. Give me the Nats as the best on the board currently.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner)
Follow @stokes_Hunter21 @mlbreports
If you bet with your mind and not your heart in the last 12 months, than you would have lost on the World Series predictions. I prognosticated in my yearly preseason bets that I thought the Cubs would win the Fall Classic, but profusely hated the odds of +500 to begin the campaign.
I still fully capitalized on my preseason wager of picking the Dodgers at +1500 for $50, along with the Mets and Nationals at +1100 for $50 a piece as well.
That, coupled with my Baltimore Orioles AL pick to win the AL Pennant at 28/1 Odds served to put me into a position to hedge several bets in the playoffs to turn a nice profit. Later in the week we will delve into the websites entire wagers for the whole calendar season.
The reigning champions are also extreme favorites again heading into 2017 – at a +280 clip. I may pick them to win another World Series again in my actual predictions, however those are still horrible odds to throw some cabbage down on.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – August 18, 2016
Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images
The San Francisco Giants are reeling, but they aren’t getting blown out so perhaps this is simply chance working against them.
Meanwhile the Kansas City Royals are lurking in the weeds.
It is a “feels like 2014” episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast
Chris Archer, Carlos Martinez, Yasmany Tomas, Adam Eaton, Bryce Harper, Anibal Sanchez, Christian Friedrich and Yunel Escobarall added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball yesterday.
See the updated listing of WOB on MLB Reports
Midseason Top 100 Prospect Rankings Analysis (61-70)
Below you can find my analysis for the prospects ranked between 71-80 for the 2016 midseason top prospect list. If you want to see the full top 100 list, please visit the following link: SEE THE TOP 100 PROSPECT RANKINGS. I will be posting daily analysis of every player listed in the top 100, so please follow my blog and other social media for updates.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ANALYSIS OF THE PROSPECTS RANKED 71-80
- Kyle Lewis (SEA, 20 Years Old, OF): Kyle Lewis was drafted 11th overall by the Seattle Mariners in the 2016 MLB Draft. Lewis went to a small college named Mercer University, but nothing about Lewis is small. He puts up HUGE numbers at the plate, he is a massive human being, and he is going to be a big-time prospect. He stands 6’4 and weighs about 210 pounds. He currently plays centerfield, but as he fills out, he is expected to play one of the corner spots in the outfield. In his last season at Mercer, Lewis hit .395, with 20 home runs, 72 RBIs, and a .525 OBP. In his short time in the minors, he hasn’t been overmatched at all, which is a great sign. Lewis has immense potential and could be a serious home run threat down the line.
SEE THE REST OF THE ARTICLE
For Whatever League Wins The 2016 ALL – Star Game: Chances Are Home Field Wont Matter In The World Series Because Of The Dumb 2 – 3 – 2 Format
Chances are that whichever League wins this game tonight will actually plays less games at home in the World Series, as a 5 games Fall Classic is more likely to happen, than a 7 game set in the World Series.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner)
Follow @stokes_Hunter21 @mlbreports
Yeah I said it… and fully mean it. This is my annual gripe of how the ALL – Star Game winner will likely not play more games at their home park because of the 2 – 3 – 2 format. I am sure that a lot of people hate the fact the Midsummer Classic even determines home field advantage.
I actually don’t think the game meaning something is a bad idea. I guess no one remembers that drab games we suffered from about 1995 – 2002 – where more players would exit the game and hop on a pending flight, than actually stayed?
For the most part, the MLB has made nice changes to the ALL – Star Game. Having the fans only vote on the starters, the players on the reserves, with the managers picking their pitchers. I also like that Catchers can reenter the contest.
As for the league winner of this game and home field advantage for the Fall Classic. You are way more likely to a series go 5 games as opposed to 7. It also baffles me how the team with a home field advantage for a series ever trails in games played at their venue. There will be another follow up article near the playoffs in pertaining to this article.
The MLB should use a 3 – 3 – 1 format instead of the 2 – 3 – 2 as a counter, for this would be ideal to clone what clubs go through in the regular season. Series of 3 are perfect. I understand it is too hard with travel, to use the best series setup of 2 – 2 – 1 – 1 – 1. Read the rest of this entry
The Most Recent Cycle Hit For All Teams (Updated for Freddie Freeman, 6-15-2016)
KEVIN C. COX/GETTY IMAGES
The First Cycle of the Year!
And true to 2016 Atlanta Braves style, the team almost lost the damn game. It took extra innings, but Freddie Freeman made the list. This might be the highlight of Atlanta’s season!
Here is the list, updated for today’s action!
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – May 20, 2016
A new stadium for the Rangers? They would have avoided this mess if they had planned ahead in the first place!
I mess with Texas on this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Chris Sale, Jeff Samardzija, Mike Trout, Matt Carpenter, Ervin Santana, James Shields, Josh Reddick and Trevor Story all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball yesterday.
See the updated listing of WOB on MLB Reports
MLB Power Rankings 2016: Week 7 – May
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner)
Follow @stokes_Hunter21 Follow The MLBreports On Twitter
MAY 15, 2016
Well not much has changed from this week as compared to last week. Detroit carried its free fall to 4th in the AL Central, the Yankees took 5 of 7 contests – and 7/10 in their homestand to save their season for now.
Miami and Philadelphia continue to stick around in the NL East, and the Giants and Dodgers finally had winning weeks to make the NL West Division Leader respectable.
Nobody looks scarier right now than the Boston Red Sox offense, who led by David Ortiz, Jackie Bradley JR. and Xander Bogaerts, plated 10 runs or more in 5 of the last 6 games, after going their 1st 32 games without doing so.
I am still awaiting for a Jays big winning streak. Houston has not played winning baseball since the 1st 6 weeks of the 2015 – and are tending to resemble the 2007 Tampa Bay Rays more than anything.
All offense and little pitching and defense.
There is nobody struggling worse than Logan Morrison, Russell Martin, Carlos Gomez and the consortium of LF’s in Anaheim! Recently bouncing out of this list are Jason Heyward and Chase Headley.
We are nearing the quarter pole and rapidly approaching Memorial Day Weekend, so it is not early anymore.
Read the rest of this entry
Red Sox + Padres Have Completed 2016 MLB Runs Scoring Survivor, 23 Teams Left
Waited 32 games to score 10 or more runs, then did the feat 2 times in 3 nights thanks to the heroics of Jackie Bradley JR. and a crazy good lineup.
Chuck Booth (MLB Reports Majority Owner/Lead Analyst)
Follow @chuckbooth3024 Follow @mlbreports
We are starting to get down to the nitty gritty of this contest. 7 of the 23 clubs have now completed their 11 different run variations, now that the Red Sox and Padres have accomplished the feat over the last few days.
Boston finishes 6th, and unless the Indians knockout run scores of 8 and 9 runs in any order over the next 2 contests.
San Diego looked to end as one of the last to finish this category early in the year being shutout 3 straight games to start the campaign, and also 5 of their 1st 11 matches. They have been better as an offense of late.
The Padres swept a twinbill versus the mighty Cubs on Wednesday, and are just 2.5 Games Behind the Giants and Dodgers for the NL West lead at 15 – 20. Good rally for these guys to finish in the top 10.
The Red Sox waited until game 32 to score more than 10 runs, and then they did the maneuver 2 nights later versus the A’s yet again, with another 2 HR, 6 RBI game from Jackie Bradley JR.
Most of the teams now have 9 or 10 variations covered, with the trailing squad in the whole MLB being the Philadelphia Phillies with just different 7 totals.
The Phightins’ are at least one of 4 rosters still alive in the MLB Shutout Survivor (A’s. Rockies and Pirates). Read the rest of this entry
MLB Daily Fantasy Picks (DFS) For FanDuel – 5/12/16
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner)
Clayton Kershaw won me a lot of money last start, and I will use him every time he is Starting.
I like using an affordable stack alongside the LHP, so I am using the struggling Tigers at hitter friendly Camden Yards tomorrow night.
Again, love FanDuel with using Victor Martinez as a Catcher. he can go in a 4 player stack with J.D. Martinez, Miguel Cabrera and Justin Upton.
In order to afford this lineup, I am using the KC Royals in another mini stack, imploring the use of Alcides Escobar, Alex Gordon and Omar Infante. All 3 men are decent contact free swingers, who can do damage against Nate Eovaldi.
Since Aaron Hill crushed it last Saturday night with Kershaw’s start in the same day – I put him in the lineup again. Not bad value for $2100 the way he has performed recently.
MLB Power Rankings 2016: Week 6 May
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner)
Follow @stokes_Hunter21 Follow The MLBreports On Twitter
MAY 8, 2016
Disclaimer: We based these rankings on best strength to win the World Series. Therefore some teams that have an easier division to play in, with the least path of resistance to the postseason overall may be ranked a lot higher than a club who is equally talented, yet may play in a juggernaut of a division.
Rank – Team Record (Last week rank) (Up down) (W – L Record Last week)
(1) (1) Chicago Cubs (E) (24 – 6) : A real bad day for the Cubs is battling with a team like Washington on Sunday, to see whether or not they are going to sweep them or go 3 – 1 in a series.
Yep, they swept the 4 game set in a 13 inning walk off HR by Javier Baez – to cap a 7 – 0 week. They are on pace for about 129 wins right now.
Depth of the Starting Rotation is looking solid with Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester, John Lackey, Jason Hammel (Killer J’s) and Kyle Hendricks.
Hector Rondon is not even needed in most leads, with the team almost at a +100 differential through 30 games,
(2) (3) Chicago White Sox (+1) (22 – 10) ( 4 – 2): Chris Sale is 7 – 0, and may go Ron Guidry (circa 1979 on us). If anyone will win 25 games in a year, it would be him or Jake Arrieta.
Bob Welch won 27 games in 1990 for the A’s was the last guy to do that.
Has anyone noticed that Brett Lawrie has an OBP closer to .400 – than his usual .310 – .320?
Jose Quintana is finally receiving some run support. If Todd Frazier and Jose Abreu start hitting for BA, than look he the hell out. We could see a “Windy City” World Series for the 1st time since 1906. Read the rest of this entry
MLB Power Rankings 2016: Week 5 – May
The Bucs have the best Batting Average and OBP in the majors this year, and are waiting for the Starting Pitching to join them. Considering they have talent in the Minor Leagues to address this, and won 98 Games last year, it is not surprising to see them jump 10 spots in the rankings on a great week of play – where so many of their fellow NL clubs (besides the Nats and Cubs struggled so mightily).
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_Hunter21
Follow The MLBreports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Disclaimer: We based these rankings on best strength to win the World Series. Therefore some teams that have an easier division to play in, with the least path of resistance to the postseason overall may be ranked a lot higher than a club who is equally talented, yet may play in a juggernaut of a division.
Game Records were before the results of the ESPN Sunday Night Game was played
Gone are the days right now where a Yankees and Red Sox Sunday Night matchup wasn’t important in the pantheon that are the weekly MLB Power Rankings.
Boston is still going to be in the top 10 as the AL East lone representative on the heels of their offensive output.
Every time I look up the Beantown Boys are into the double digits in hits for the game, and David Ortiz and Dustin Pedroia are in the thick of it.
While they also didn’t make the biggest movers and shakers either, John Farrell‘s club is looking poised to be cracking the top 5 soon.
The NL West have all teams .500 or worse, and I am shocked at how that has translated for the Dodgers and Giants. Read the rest of this entry
Trio Of Teams Blanked WED (WSH/TOR/LAD) Leaves 6 Clubs Remaining In 2016 MLB Shutout Survivor
Toronto were the two time reigning champs heading into this season, but will not win for a 3rd straight year, but will still finish in the top 10. The Jays lineup is not firing on all cylinders yet. and it has contributed to a 10 – 13 start.
Chuck Booth (MLB Reports Majority Owner/Lead Analyst)
Follow @chuckbooth3024 Follow @mlbreports
The biggest favorites were taken off the board, and perhaps 2 of the strongest contenders also followed suit Wednesday night. 2 time reigning champions, the Toronto Blue Jays were swept by the White Sox, and bageled courtesy of Jose Quintana.
Canada’s only franchise still will finish no worse than 7th, as this was still their 23rd game of the year.
Washington automatically ends at 9th – while the Dodgers will finish at 8th in an likelihood, unless the Phillies (1 of 6 clubs remaining: OAK/SEA/PIT/COL and ARI) lose Thursday by 2 – 0 or less. Maybe it could happen, but not banking on it.
The A’s still hanging around this competition is a pretty good testament to their scrappy play this year at 11 – 11.
Philadelphia itself has a winning record at 11 – 10, and one reason is they haven’t been zeroed yet in a game.
With the Jays out, the favorite will turn to the Rockies – who play at Coors Field, and have a great lineup.
Seattle is a precarious team left in the field.
Houston is struggling at 7 – 15, but their offense has not been that bad at all. They should change it around. They and Oakland are the hopes of the AL to win the category. The AL East joined the AL Central in having all teams be eliminated with the Toronto exodus. Read the rest of this entry
The Oakland A’s Call Up Top Pitching Prospect Sean Manaea
Jen Rainwater (Featured BBBA Writer/Owner – bbstmlb.com)
Follow @OakAsSockGrl Follow @mlbreports
The Oakland Athletics had a choice to make. They had options for who would be their fifth starter this week and it’s not the more obvious of choices. It’s 24-year-old Sean Manaea, the A’s number two overall prospect and top pitching prospect.
According to multiple sources, including Sports Illustrated, MLB.com and the San Francisco Chronicle, the A’s will call up Manaea to start Friday against the Houston Astros.
Manaea has barely spent time in the minors but vice president of baseball operations for the A’s Billy Beane has said that he wouldn’t bring him up unless he thought he was ready.
The A’s are likely just testing the waters, seeing if Manaea transition his unbelievable number of strike outs effectively in the majors.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF THE POST
Odds To Win The MLB 2016 World Series
The RedBirds are 11 – 6 since the 1st series sweep against them was levied by the Bucs. The oddsmakers are placing too much faith in the Cubs with the astronomical favorites that they are in being 5 times the favorite to the Cards, and 7 times to the Pirates. Injuries could happen,…Trades…Heck, either club could avoid them until the NLCS and be on a roll. I believe that one of Washington or New York will be the 1st wildcard slot, with the Cards or Pirates being the 2nd team. They are both among the best bets this week – with the STL #1 for value wagering
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner)
Follow @stokes_Hunter21 Follow @mlbreports
What a bunch of movement on the odds to win the World Series. There is plenty of value for a lot of plays here. The Mets are just a few games behind the Nats and absolutely owned them in head to head action last year down the stretch. New York is 10 – 2 over their last 12 contests, and their offense has been huge.
I don’t see almost double the odds for New York as opposed to Washington. At last check, the Nats were ahead of the Mets by 4.5 games, and now the gap is just 2 games.
I almost did a double take when I see the confidence of the A’s and Rays on this list. The two squad vaulted up the rankings with ferocity. Settle down gamblers. Oakland is 11 – 10, and Tampa is just 10 – 10, and their lineup is still highly suspect.
The Rays should be somewhere in the +3300 range with new York. in no way should they be projected higher than the Indians and the Pirates – and on par with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Equally as weird is the faith in the Angels at +2500. Really? Look the AL West is wide open, with anyone being able to win this, but to have Seattle and Oakland tied is dumb The Mariners have the better roster all the way around, and have actually played better of late. Read the rest of this entry
MLB Power Rankings 2016: Week 4 – April
One is the #1 club in the whole MLB right now, and the other was the biggest mover and shaker of the week for week 3 of MLB action. Both are leading the Central Divisions in their respective leagues behind awesome starting pitching and timely power.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_Hunter21
Follow The MLBreports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Disclaimer: We based these rankings on best strength to win the World Series. Therefore some teams that have an easier division to play in, with the least path of resistance to the postseason overall may be ranked a lot higher than a club who is equally talented, yet may play in a juggernaut of a division.
Game Records were before the results of the ESPN Sunday Night Game was played.
After a crazy week in which we saw our 1st no hitter, and massive long 16 inning game in Washington, we have for you the MLB Power Rankings.
There was no movement from the top 3 clubs. The NL West saw the Dodgers take a decent lead on the Giants – and that is major critical, as that is the team most likely to give them trouble in their quest for a 4th straight Division crown.
Bryce Harper has pulverized the Phillies, Marlins, Braves and Twins thus far. His late inning heroics are taking him to the next level.
The biggest mover and shaker this week was the White Sox, who climbed up 7 slots. The Giants dropping 8 positions was the biggest decline.
Bad weeks were had by the Tigers, Red Sox, Yankees and Astros. All clubs in the AL who are supposed to contend for a playoff slot.
The Mariners won their 3rd straight road series against the Angels (after beating the Yankees and Tribe 1s), and sit just a half game back in the AL West.
Oakland had started 7 – 0 on the road, before yielding 15 runs over the last 2 losses to the Blue Jays. They are tied with the Rangers for the lead in the Division, but it is just a matter of time before they are bounced out in my opinion.
Cleveland had a nice week of 4 – 2 to jump up 5 spots in the rankings. and are that much closer to bringing back Michael Brantley.
Gaining only one spot but having an awesome week were the New York Mets. All the boys are hitting now, and they are 8 – 2 in their last 10 contests. Read the rest of this entry
MLB Schedule For Week 4 Of 2016: April 25th To May 1st (95 Games)
These teams have combined for 8 out of the last 20 World Series wins (in 10 appeareancs – but at least one of them had represented in the AL during the playoffs for every year since the WildCard was alotted – until 2014 saw that come to an end. The last time neither team participated in the postseason prior to that was 1993. The Yankees ended up making the Wild Card Game in 2015 to start a new streak. The Bronx Bombers are struggling and aging rapidly, while Boston tries to see a bunch of new players all gel into a club that could contend. They are the ESPN Sunday night game on May 1st.
BOLD Red is Interleague Play
MLB Schedule For Week 4 Of 2016: April 25th To May 1st (96 Games)
MLB Scheduling 2016
Day + Date Away and Home, Times Start In EST
Week 4
Monday Apr 25 (12 Games)
White Sox @ Blue Jays 7:07
A’s @ Tigers 7:08
O’s @ Rays 7:10
Reds @ Mets 7:10
Red Sox @ Braves 7:10
Yankees @ Rangers 8:05
Indians @ Twins 8:10
Pirates @ Rockies 8:40
Cards @ D’Backs 9:40
Royals @ Angels 10:05
Padres @ Giants 10:15
Astros @ M’s 10:10
Marlins @ Dodgers 10:10 Read the rest of this entry
Texas Is Blanked By The White Sox FRI: Then There Were 10 Teams Left In 2016 MLB Shutout Survivor:
Texas is always a favorite for this competition, but they were knocked out on Friday night by the Chicago White Sox and Jose Quintana. On a good note, being blanked has them tied for the AL lead in quickest to 11 variations in 3026 MLB Runs Scoring Survivor with the Seattle Mariners – with 9 out of the 11 runs scored scenarios in games thus far.
Chuck Booth (MLB Reports Majority Owner/Lead Analyst)
Follow @chuckbooth3024 Follow @mlbreports
Texas was the 20th squad to see all of their run totals of a game all see zeroes on Friday night. The White Sox and Jose Quintana provided the opposition – and knocked out one of the best clubs to be left in this category.
So there are now 10 clubs left in this quest to be last team bageled in 2016.
The 4 American League teams remaining are overall favorite Toronto, and the potent offensive of Baltimore are also alive Surprisingly, the A’s have to be blanked, and not surprising, the Astros are still on the board.
I fully expect the O’s, Jays and Astros to lead the league in HRs 1, 2 and 3, so this is about right. Oakland on the other hand is the odd man still there. Kudos to them for a great start to the campaign.
In the NL, the Rockies are always hard to keep from scoring – and are blessed with a nice run scoring home stadium. Pittsburgh, Arizona and Los Angeles are worthy choices of being left in the running.
Washington should be a tough out here as well. Read the rest of this entry
Chicago Cubs Win Runs Scoring Survivor 2016 – Then Shutout Reds To Knock Them Out Of MLB Shutout Survivor
John Minchillo – AP
Chuck Booth (MLB Reports Majority Owner/Lead Analyst)
Follow @chuckbooth3024 Follow @mlbreports
Jake Arrieta through his 2nd no hitter in just 12 regular season starts, and effectively eliminated Cincinnati from the quest to be the last team blanked in the MLB.
The Reds will finish no worse than 13th.
Chicago also wrapped up the MLB Runs Scoring Survivor when the Marlins failed to tally either 8 or 9 runs in their 5 – 1 win vs the Nats Thursday. There are still plenty of things to look forward to in the contest, including who is the last to complete the journey.
What Runs Survivor is: A MLB team scoring 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or (10+) in different games throughout the course of the season.
Once a club has one of these run totals once, you cross it off and keep going until they complete the 11 different variations.
A Bold Italic illustrates it has been done for runs by the club. We are also doing the MLB Shutout Survivor as well.
Read the rest of this entry
MLB DFS Picks For FanDuel – 4/22/16
Longoria has bashed 6 HRs in 64 career AB vs CC Sabathia, and is the bargain of the night at just $2900 on FanDuel.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner)
Follow @stokes_Hunter21 Follow @mlbreports
Coming off a No hitter in Cincinnati on Thursday, I love the Cubs to continue their dominance over the Reds this weekend. While I would say that Chicago will win the game handedly, the prices are just too high for some of the hitters.
I love picking Bryce Harper in any lineup right now. You always know he will walk even if he doesn’t club the ball out of the yard. I am calling for a stack against the Twins Kyle Gibson.
I also went with 3 Baltimore Orioles vs Chris Young in KC – who is yet to his stride this year.
Chris Davis has got to be the best play in the Majors besides Bryce Harper tomorrow. He should get some lemons to hit over the wall.
I love playing Matt Moore against the struggling Yankees lineup. Their Left Handed hitters like Jacoby Ellsbury and Brett Gardner should have a tough time.
The Rays chucker has not allowed a HR to New York’s hitters through 54 AB. Meanwhile, the Rays should be able to score versus an aging CC Sabathia.
Evan Longoria has feasted on the man, and Logan Forsythe has a great short history versus him as well. Read the rest of this entry
The Most Recent No Hitter For Each Franchise (Updated for Jake Arrieta, April 21 2016 )
John Minchillo – AP
FIRST NO HITTER OF THE YEAR!!
Evidently Jake Arrieta and Max Scherzer are the only pitchers allowed to throw no hitters! Well, Arrieta was given plenty of run support and earned it with his second masterpiece in less than a year.
Who knows? Maybe it will be a magic year for the Cubs.
It is time to update my list!
Odds To Win The MLB 2016 World Series + Best And Worst Bets
The Mets made it to the World Series in 2015 after a subpar start heading into the Trade Deadline. With a ton of pitching and some decent positional players still on the roster, they could set themselves up for a lengthy run in the NL East. Especially if they can coordinate a couple of trades near the Trade Deadline. While they may have started slow, the bats are alive and well, and the rotation should come around soon. They are this week’s best odd.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_Hunter21
Follow The MLBreports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Nationals asserted themselves on this leaderboard thanks to a quick start. They were my 2nd best bet last week at +1100. Now the odd at +650 is not worth any money at all.
Since Washington was able to play so well, this has created the perfect storm to put some more cash on the Mets. At +1300, New York is just begging for a wager.
The strength of schedule to which the Nats have played has definitely factored in. 2 series versus the Braves and Marlins and one against the Phillies already, Dusty Baker‘s club has had about a ‘cupcake itinerary’ as you possibly could find.
It gets better for the District’s squad, as they go home for another series with Philadelphia – that comes on the heels of a weekend Interleague series versus the Twins.
If Washington wins those 2 series, they should be about 15 or 16 wins after 22 games. They should cement themselves in the playoffs with an easy NL East opponents schedule all year. I just want to see them play some tougher clubs.
The Mets offense has sprung to life behind the backs of Yoenis Cespedes, Neil Walker, David Wright and Michael Conforto. When the Pitching Rotation settles in a little bit, they should take off.
While Washington is leading the Division, they have yet to face the NL reigning pennant winners. The division win could come down to the 19 contests between the two clubs.
Terry Collins‘ team has 16 straight games versus squads with losing records. While the Giants are capable of contending all year, New York should be able to match them well for pitching. Read the rest of this entry
SF/MIA Both Zeroed Last Night As They Inch Closer To MLB Run Scoring Survivor Leaderboard: 12 Teams Remain In 2016 MLB Shutout Survivor 2016
The Marlins held steady with the Nats for 6 innings until it all unfolded quickly in the top of the 7th – where the Nats cracked 4 HRs en route to a 7 – 0 shutout. Miami may have been eliminated from MLB Shutout Survivor, but it was their 9th different run variation in 12 games. The Cubs have 10 different totals in 14 games to lead that contest.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst) Follow @chuckbooth3024 Follow @mlbreports
All of a sudden the Giants are below .500 ( at 7 – 8), and were zeroed out by the Diamondbacks on Tuesday night. San Francisco just couldn’t solve Robbie Ray. They were not the only ones to have no runs in a game last night.
The Miami Marlins were tied with Washington at 0 until the 7th inning – when the Nats exploded for four HRs in one frame, including 3 solo jacks and a Bryce Harper Grand Slam.
By the way….for those counting at home, the reigning NL MVP now has 20 RBI and 7 HRs on the year. This guy is amazing.
Stephen Strasburg helped hold the Fish scoreless, and we are now down to just 12 clubs left.
There was almost a 3rd squad to join the list yesterday, but the ‘Phightin Phillies’ ruined the Mets Shutout bid, by plating a runner in the bottom of the 8th at Citizens Bank Park. They were still clobbered 11 – 1, and yielded 6 big flies to New York.
For MLB Runs Scoring Survivor, there is team that is within earshot of the Cubs – with Miami being blanked yesterday.
After just 12 games, they now have 9 contests where they have scored runs that are not the same as any other.
Jeffrey Loria’s club needs games of 8 and 9 guys passing home plate exactly to complete the journey. These are the toughest marks.
The D’Backs have pulled out 9/11 variations thanks to a 9 – 7 11 inning tilt on Monday evening. In fact, the Giants joined them last night at 9/11 run scoring totals and have also played 15 games.
Tampa Bay, Toronto and San Diego all placed victories in action last night – but all failed to tally a new run total, and are all presently at just 5 different variations.
Cards + White Sox Eliminated From MLB Shutout Survivor 2016: ALL AL Central Teams Are Also Gone
The Cardinals were shutout 5 – 0 by NL Division rival Chicago last night (in the 1st game of a 19 game head versus head this season). At least the RedBirds prevented them from scoring 3 runs, and completing the MLB Runs Scoring Survivor last night. The Cards could still finish in the top 15 depending on some outcomes coming up.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst) Follow @chuckbooth3024 Follow @mlbreports
The teams are putting up zeroes faster than Vegas casino’s are padding their bottom lines now.
St. Louis couldn’t handle ex teammate John Lackey. and were effectively knocked out of the contest via a 5 – 0 loss.
The Angels wiped out the White Sox for a 7 – 0 victory on Monday night. In doing so, every club in the AL Central is now gone from MLB Shutout Survivor 2016.
Meanwhile the Padres are the squad that has been vanquished in the NL West by a Shutout so far. Yes, and they are making up for the other clubs by taking the egg-shaped number 5 separate times already.
There are only 5 teams left in the American League, and now there are 9 clubs still alive in the NL.
I am contemplating going all the way back to 1918 – in order to figure out who won this competition every year. That would be a lot easier than running through game scores for all of the seasons of MLB Runs Scoring Survivor.
With only 8 teams in play Monday night – there wasn’t much action in the MLB Runs Scoring Survivor. The only note was that the Cubs didn’t capitalize on their fist chance to complete the journey. They have another chance tonight against St. Louis (the magic number of runs is 3). Read the rest of this entry
MLB Reports 
You must be logged in to post a comment.