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Who Owned Baseball For 2014 – The Final Regular Season Tally
Getty Images, USA Today Sports and The Seattle Times
Andrew McCutchen of the Pirates… Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers… Mike Trout of the Angels… Felix Hernandez of the Mariners.
They all owned baseball in 2014.
After a full year of checking each game and determining which player owned the game for that day, there were 4 winners.
McCutchen beat out Atlanta’s Freddie Freeman by a 9 to 7 1/2 final.
Kershaw had the highest overall WOB total, 14 1/2, topping Johnny Cueto‘s 11.
The American League races were razor thin.
Trout beat Oakland’s Josh Donaldson by a final of 9 1/2 to 9. Meanwhile King Felix squeaked past Corey Kluber of the Indians 11 to 10 1/2 (with Chris Sale close by at 9)
If I turned in a ballot with McCutchen winning NL MVP, Kershaw winning NL Cy Young, Trout winning AL MVP and Hernandez winning the AL Cy Young, could anyone protest?
Sure I could make valid arguments for Giancarlo Stanton winning the NL MVP. (His WOB total was a surprisingly low 4.) And of course Kluber and Hernandez is basically a coin toss right now. But the above ballot would certainly be acceptable.
WOB works. Adding the 1/2 WOB dynamic made it more accurate than last year.
Thanks for following it for the year. For the post season, I will have new tallies for “Who Owned October?” (WOO) and “Who Owned the World Series?” (WOWS.)
To view the Final Tally of 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 Sept 28, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + FINAL 2014 #WOB Standings
Photo: Alex Brandon/AP
Jordan Zimmermann threw the first no hitter in Washington Nationals history (and the franchise’s first since Dennis Martinez‘s perfect game for the Expos in 1991). He allowed only 1 walk while striking out 10 Miami hitters en route to his 1-0 masterpiece.
Sonny Gray provided relief for 2 months of Oakland frustration with a post season clinching 6 hit complete game shutout of the Rangers, striking out 5 and walking none.
Anthony Rizzo went 3-4 with a homer and 2 RBI, helping the Cubs win against Milwaukee 5-2.
Ian Kinsler homered, hit an RBI single and added another hit to lead the Tigers to the Division Title with a 3-0 victory over Minnesota.
They all owned baseball on Sept 28, 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 Sept 27, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Eduardo Escobar got 4 hits, including a 3 run homer, and drove in 6 runs, helping the Twins spoil the Tigers hopes of clinching with a 12-3 blow out.
Mark Trumbo got on base 3 times and drove in 4, including a tie breaking 3 run homer in the 7th that was the difference in Arizona’s 5-2 win against the Cardinals.
John Danks gave the White Sox 7 strong innings, scattering 5 hits and allowing just 2 runs, earning the 5-4 decision over Kansas City.
Wily Peralta finished his season with 17 wins following his 7 innings, 1 run and 13 strikeout performance against the Cubs for a 2-1 final.
They all owned baseball on Sept 27, 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. Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Sept 26, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer
Corey Kluber helped his Cy Young cause with an 8 inning, 5 hit shutout performance, striking out 11 Rays, walking 2 in a 1-0 pitchers duel in Cleveland.
Doug Fister gave the bullpen a rest for the first game of a double header as he threw a 3 hit complete game shut out as the Nationals blanked the Marlins, 4-0.
Dalton Pompey Doubled and hit 2 triples (that is rare) driving in a pair, helping the Blue Jays top the Orioles, 4-2.
J.T. Realmuto missed the cycle by a homer, finished going 3-5 with 4 RBI in the Marlins wild 15-7 win in Washington.
They all owned baseball on Sept 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.
Who Owned Baseball Sept 25, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
ROBERT SABO/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Derek Jeter went out in Hollywood style, getting a double and a walk off single in the 9th, driving in 3 runs all together and giving Yankee fans one last thrill with a 6-5 win over Baltimore.
Pablo Sandoval went 3 for 3, driving in 4 runs, including one in the wild 3 run come from behind rally as the playoff bound Giants topped the Padres, 9-8.
Hiroki Kuroda let up homers to the first two batters he faced and then let up 1 hit and no walks the rest of the way. The bullpen blew his lead but he set up the Yankees dramatic 6-5 walk off victory over Baltimore.
Edinson Volquez inched the Pirates closer to the Division Lead with 7 brilliant innings, allowing 4 hits, 1 walk and 10 strikeouts, blowing out the Braves 10-1.
They all owned baseball on Sept 25, 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 Sept 24, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
ANDY LYONS/GETTY IMAGES
Kyle Lohse kept the Brewers dim playoff hopes alive with a complete game 2 hit shutout with 6 strike outs and no walks, blanking the Reds 5-0.
Carl Crawford got on base 4 times, broke open the game with a 2 run double in the 6th and scored 3 more runs as the Dodgers clinched the NL West with a 9-1 blow out of the Giants.
Mark Buehrle pitched 8 shutout innings, allowing 3 hits, 1 walk and 10 strikeouts as the Blue Jays snuck past the fading Mariners, 1-0.
Ryan Flaherty collected 3 hits, including a 2 run double, and helped the Orioles come from behind to beat the Yankees, 9-5.
They all owned baseball on Sept 24, 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 Sept 23, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
JAE C. HONG/AP
Justin Turner hit a pair of homers off of Bumgarner and led the Dodgers to a 4-2 victory over the Giants.
Zack Greinke pitched 8 strong innings, allowing just 2 runs and walking no San Francisco batter, bringing the Dodgers a little closer to the NL West title with a 4-2.
Nick Markakis went 4-5 with a homer and 3 RBI, helping Baltimore top the Yankees, 5-4.
David Price pitched a shutout into the 9th and was an out from a complete game. While he blew the lead, he pitched 8 2/3, striking out 8 and walking none. The Tigers would walk off in the 9th 4-3 winners against the White Sox.
They all owned baseball on Sept 23, 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 Sept 22, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Adam Wainwright extended his scoreless inning streak to 21 while notching win number 20, throwing 7 scoreless 3 hit innings, striking out 8 Cubs for an 8-0 St. Louis triumph.
Michael Pineda kept the Yankees dim post season hopes alive with 7 1/3 innings of 1 hit shutout ball, striking out 8 and walking 1, beating the Orioles 5-0.
Gregor Blanco led off the game with a homer, scored in the third and hit a double that drove in a critical insurance run in the 13th as the Giants won a thrilling 5-2 extra inning marathon against the Dodgers.
Jose Bautista reached base 4 times, scored 3 times, drove in a pair, homered and made several fine defensive plays as the Blue Jays played spoiler to the Mariners 14-4.
They all owned baseball on Sept 22, 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 Sept 21, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
Bob Stanton, USA TODAY Sports
Josh Donaldson reached base 4 times, scored 3 and ended a wild 10 inning game with a 2 run walk off homer to give the A’s an 8-6 win over the Phillies.
Corey Kluber pitched 8 dominating innings, letting up 2 hits and 1 walk while striking out 14, as the Indians beat the White sox 7-2.
Matt Kemp went 4-5 with a homer and 4 RBI leading the Dodgers to an 8-5 win against the Cubs.
Vance Worley pitched the Pirates closer to contention with 8 innings of 4 hit shutout ball to get the 1-0 decision over Milwaukee.
They all owned baseball on Sept 21, 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 Sept 20, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
BILL KOSTROUN/AP
Jose Bautista reached base 5 times, scored 4 runs, lead off the go ahead rally with a walk where he would come around to score, launched a homer and had fun with the Yankee Stadium Bleacher Creatures as the Blue Jays beat the Yankees 6-3.
Chris Coghlan got on base 5 times, drove in 3, scored 3 and homered twice, the second one giving the Cubs the lead in a stunning come from behind 8-7 victory over the Dodgers.
Dallas Keuchel beat the Mariners in a game they could ill afford to lose. By going 8 innings, allowing 1 run and striking out 8, he got the decision in Houston’s 10-1 blow out.
Andrew Cashner took a shutout into the 9th inning. He would finish with 8 plus innings with 4 hits, 2 runs and 1 walk as the Padres held on against San Francisco, 3-2.
They all owned baseball on Sept 20, 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 Sept 19, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
BEN MARGOT/AP
Jon Lester gave the A’s another stellar outing, going 7 innings, allowing 1 run on a solo homer and striking out 7, earning the 3-1 decision over Philadelphia.
David Ortiz went 3-5 with a pair of homers, including a go ahead shot in the 10th and 3 RBI leading the Red Sox past Baltimore 5-3.
John Lackey went into the 8th, finishing with 7 2/3 innings, allowing 1 run and no walks, inching the Cardinals closer to a post season berth with a 2-1 win over the Reds.
A.J. Ellis reached base 3 times, scored all three times and homered twice, driving in 4 runs as the Dodgers clobbered the Cubs, 14-5, and clinched a post season berth.
They all owned baseball on Sept 19, 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 Sept 18, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Felix Hernandez established a career high in strikeouts while throwing 7 shutout innings, allowing 3 hits, 2 walks and fanning 11 Angels. He did not get the decision but the Mariners stayed alive in the playoff chase with a 3-1 victory.
Logan Morrison hit a potential season saving 3 run homer with 2 outs in the 9th inning that gave Seattle a 3-1 win over the Angels.
Gerrit Cole pitched 7 strong inings, giving up 6 hits and 2 runs while walking none and striking out 7. His Pirates would complete the sweep of the Red Sox, 3-2.
Wilin Rosario went 4-5 with a double and a towering 2 run, bottom of the 9th, come from behind walk off homer to give the Rockies a 7-6 win over Arizona.
They all owned baseball on Sept 18, 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 Sept 17, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
AP Photo
Adam Wainwright pitched a complete game 7 hit shutout of the Brewers and inching the Cardinals closer to another division title with a 2-0 victory.
Carlos Carrasco tossed a 2 hit, 1 walk, 12 strikeout complete game shutout of the Astros, giving the Indians a 2-0 victory.
Charlie Blackmon led a potent Colorado attacked with a 5 for 5 performance, homering, scoring 4 times and driving in a pair in the 16-2 blow out of the Dodgers.
C.J. Cron broke open a game that was scoreless in the 7th with a 2 out, 3 run homer that helped the Angels beat the Mariners 5-0 and clinch the AL West.
They all owned baseball on Sept 17, 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 Sept 16, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
Paul Beaty/AP
Jake Arrieta took a no hitter into the 8th and finished with a complete game 1 hit, 1 walk, thirteen strikeout masterpiece of the Reds, giving the Cubs a 7-0 shutout.
Wilmer Flores doubled and homered twice, scoring 3 times and driving in 6, leading the Mets offense in a 9-1 drubbing of the Marlins.
Ricky Nolasco kept the mighty Tigers off the board with 8 shutout innings, allowing 5 hits and 1 walk. He would get a no decision as the bullpen blew the lead but the Twins would come back to win, 4-3.
Adam Eaton went 4-5, missing the cycle by a homer, and scored a pair of runs as the White Sox frustrated the Royals, 7-5.
They all owned baseball on Sept 16, 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 Sept 15, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
(Photo: Jim Mone/AP)
Miguel Cabrera went 3-5 with a double and a homer in the 9th inning to help the Tigers beat the Twins, 8-6.
Mark Trumbo hit a grand slam and drove in a 5 run, helping the the Diamondbacks top the Giants 6-2.
Matt Shoemaker pitched the Angels into the playoffs with a 7 2/3 inning performance, allowing 5 hits and 1 run, walking none and getting the 8-1 victory over Seattle.
Andrew Cashner threw a complete game 2 hit shuout, winning a tense 1-0 pitchers duel against the Phillies in San Diego.
They all owned baseball on Sept 15, 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 Sept 14, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
Photo By Gene J. Puskar/AP
Josh Harrison hit a 2 run, game tying double, came around to score the go ahead run, collected another hit and in the field started a triple play, leading the current Wild Card Pirates to a 7-3 win over the Cubs.
J. D. Martinez got on base 3 times with a homer and an RBI single, helping the Tigers come from behind and defeat division rival Cleveland, 6-4.
Clayton Kershaw threw 8 solid innings, allowing 2 runs, striking out 9 and walking 1 as the Dodgers put some distance between the Giants, winning 4-2.
Dallas Keuchel pitched no hit ball into the 7th and stopped the Angels 10 game winning streak with his 7 innings, 3 hit, 1 run performance, getting the 6-1 decision for Houston.
They all owned baseball on Sept 14, 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 Sept 13, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WO
Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times
Mike Trout reached base 4 times, doubling, homering twice, leading the Angels to a 5-2 victory over the Astros.
Jeremy Guthrie kept Kansas City in the playoff picture with 8 innings of 3 hit no earned run ball to beat the Red Sox, 7-1.
Ian Desmond reached base 4 times, scoring a pair, driving in 3 and stole a pair of bases as the Nationals moved closer to clinching the Division with a 10-3 thrashing of the Mets.
Zack Greinke not only gave the Dodgers 6 strong shutout innings but he got on base 3 times, driving in a pair and homering as Los Angeles throttled San Francisco, 17-0.
They all owned baseball on Sept 13, 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 Sept 12, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
Beck Diefenbach, Contributor / Special To The San Francisco Chronicle
Madison Bumgarner pitched 7 shutout innings and set the San Francisco record for most strikeouts by a left hander in a season as the Giants beat the Dodgers 9-0.
Bud Norris helped the Baltimore pitching domination of the Yankees in a double header sweep with 7 innings, no runs, 3 hits and 10 strikeouts in the second game’s 5-0 win.
Matt Holliday went 2-4 with a homers, 3 runs batted in and a stolen base as the Cardinals closed in on a playoff spot, 5-1 over the Rockies.
J.D. Martinez homered and tripled, driving in 4 runs as the Tigers beat the Indians, 7-2.
They owned baseball on Sept 12, 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 Sept 11, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
AP Photo/Al Behrman
Johnny Cueto pitched 8 shutout innings, allowing just 3 hits and walking one Cardinal batter and won the 1-0 pitchers duel for the Reds.
Chris Sale dominated the A’s over 8 shutout innings, letting up 2 hits, 2 walks while striking out 9 and earned the 1-0 victory for the White Sox.
Anthony Rendon went 3-5 with a homer, 2 runs scored and 2 RBI, helping the Nationals beat the Mets, 6-2 and inch closer to a Division Title.
Chris Young broke up the Tampa no hitter in the 8th with a double and then crushed a walk off, come from behind 3 run homer to win it in the 9th for the Yankees, 5-4.
They owned baseball on Sept 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 Sept 10, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
AP Photo/Carlos Osorio
James Shields pitched 7 shutout innings, allowing 2 hits, 1 walk and 8 strikeouts and propelled the Royals into first place by themselves by winning 3-0 in Detroit.
Aaron Harang threw 7 innings, allowing 1 unearned run, striking out 9 and walking none, giving the Braves a much needed 6-2 win against Washington.
Albert Pujols singled, doubled and tripled, scoring 2 and driving in another as the Angels became the first to reach 90 wins, clobbering the Rangers, 8-1.
Carl Crawford went 4-4 with 3 doubles, a pair of RBI and a run scored, helping the Dodgers move closer to a Division Title, topping the Padres 4-0.
They owned baseball on Sept 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.
How All Of The Nationals Hitters Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree
The city of Washington hasn’t hosted a World Series game since 1933, and while the club didn’t have an MLB organization for 30+ years, this 2014 team may mark the best year for the franchise to win the World Series ever. It was only 4 years ago that this franchise was wallowing in below average baseball. The team then singed a big cheque to haul in Jayson Werth as Free Agent. A few years later, through a couple of key trades, coupled with other Free Agent pickups and the team’s offensive core maturing, the club has complete depth from 1 – 8 in the lineup
How All Of The Nationals Hitters Were Acquired:
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Nationals came over to Washington from Montreal, Quebec, Canada to start the 2005 year. It took several last place finishes to stockpile draft picks, in order for this club to turn its fortunes around.
Aside from offensive lineup signing key Free Agents Jayson Werth and Adam LaRoche in recent years, the club has been built within.
Some of the players like Wilson Ramos, Denard Span, Asdrubal Cabrera and Jose Lobaton were acquired from other teams with Draft Picks the Nats had already selected.
This team has been competitive since the beginning of the 2011 year, and made the franchise’s 1st playoff appearance in 2012, after a 31 Year absence.
Much will always be made about the Stephen Strasburg decision, and the only way to alleviate those causes and concerns – is for the team to win the World Series Title.
The ownership changed the culture of the team when he inked Werth to a 7 YR deal worth $126 MIL prior to the 2011 campaign. It shifted the 1 – 8 lineup with a new direction.
While the 1st year wasn’t kind to the former Phillies player, he has been an above average OF since, posting a near .300 Batting Average – with a high OBP and nice SLG% that falls within his career numbers.
The team has even withstood constant injuries to Bryce Harper and Ryan Zimmerman this season. to lead the NL East right now. Read the rest of this entry
Philadelphia Phillies State Of The Union For 2014
The club was one of the premiere franchises from 2007 – 2011, with 5 straight NL East Titles, 2 World Series Appearances, and taking home the big prize in 2008. The Phightins have been battling old age, the injury bug, plus the management not knowing whether to pull the plug on the core talent of this squad – or to give it one more go at it. Charlie Manuel was finally the fall guy last year when he was let go from his managerial duties. Ryne Sandberg had the team playing better to end the year, but has had issues already with Veteran players. Will it be enough for the organization to back him beyond this season. Will the franchise play good enough for another kick at the can in 2014? .
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Last year was the 1st losing campaign for the Fightins in over a decade. It was a mediocre season to be sure, and followed the 3rd straight year of regression.
Since Ryan Howard went down in a heap of pain during the 2011 playoffs, it has ravaged through the fans perception of the club.
2013 wasn’t going to end nicely, however the aging veteran Chase Utley gave the brass and fanbase a nice exiting thought by inking a 2 YR deal.
Ryan Howard has not recovered to his former status, and now makes $25 MIL year. Read the rest of this entry
The Philadelphia Phillies Payroll In 2014 + 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 Phillies slide down the NL East Standings all started at the end of the 2011 NLCS. Gruesomely, Ryan Howard pulverized his ankle running down to 1st, and the team has not been right since.
A late charge in 2012 preserved a 81 – 81 record – to extend a decade of .500 or better baseball, however 2013 held a cruel fate of a 73 – 89 final mark.
Injuries to ‘now retired’ Roy Halladay and Howard helped plague the team to its first losing season in 11 years.
Ruben Amaro Jr. and the brass steadfastly approach this season like every other campaign in the last few years, “we will be better in 2014, and still have enough to compete.” Read the rest of this entry
The Philadelphia Phillies Players In All Organizational Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB) Fall 2013
The club was one of the premiere franchises from 2007 – 2011, with 5 straight NL East Titles, 2 World Series Appearances, and taking home the big prize in 2008. The ‘Phightins’ have been battling old age, the injury bug, plus the management not knowing whether to pull the plug on the core talent of this squad – or to give it one more go at it. Charlie Manuel was finally the fall guy last month when he was let go from his managerial duties. Ryne Sandberg has the team playing better. Will it be enough for the organization to back him beyond this season? Or maybe the franchise restocks for another kick at the can in 2014? Here is the players they currently possess in the system.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @mlbreports and welcome Jeff Kleiner (Salary, Roster and Depth Chart Expert for the MLB) – visit his website here Follow @prosportsroster
The Phillies have posted winning records since 2001. While the year may be getting away from them in 2013, there are some extremely encouraging signs for the future.’
Ben Revere was excelling at his position at CF and at the plate before he went down with a season ending injury.
The emergence of Domonic Brown in the 1st half, and 1B/OF Darin Ruf, have given the team a cost conscious alternative to combat huge salaries like Cliff Lee and Ryan Howard, that combine to be over $50 in the next 3 years, the latter, has been injured the most of the last 2 seasons.
You add high priced Veterans like Jimmy Rollins, and $22.5 MIL a year Cole Hamels, and you are talking about a lofty payroll for the next several years.
However, the team also extended franchise face Chase Utley, for 2 YRs/$25 – 30 MIL – that should see him possibly retire a Phillie.
The club has played much better since Ryne Sandberg assumed the helm as manager.
The team also has traded several veterans away in the last few years, to accrue Minor League Talent back in return. Among the departed have been Hunter Pence, Shane Victorino and Michael Young.
The question going forward is to what this team will do with Roy Halladay and Carlos Ruiz. Somehow, I think that Ruben Amaro JR, will find a way to re-sign these two guys for a limited years, and possibly incentive laden contracts this coming winter.
Whatever the case, it should be an interesting ride in Philly the next few years.
For a Full 3 year Salary Outlook plus last years Stats for every player in the Phillies Organization click here.
For the 3 Part Historical Series I did on the Phillies organization, click here.
Chase Utley Highlights
Current Top 5 MLB Home Run Leaders in the AL + NL: Home Runs Hit May 14th
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Wednesday May 15th, 2013
CARGO had himself quite the day at Wrigley Field – doing yard work at the dish twice. While his career home and away splits favor his Coors Field Play (.348/.409/1.041 – Coors Field Career), his 2013 numbers look better on the road OPS of 1.063 to .858 thus far. Gonzalez is leading the NL with Runs Scored this year. It still must be noted that 4 of his Road HRs have come in hitter friendly Miller Park and Wrigley Field. Wait to see what the Averages are at the end of the year. Has he matured as a hitter – or is this just a small sample size?
DH on our home site pages – Stands for Daily HR Hitters in the Majors.
We are going to run the gauntlet on the previous days HRs for all MLB Players.
I loved it when MLB XM Radio used to do a running total every night on their Roundtrip with Mike Ferrin (Laser Show). So I am bringing it every day on this website. To view every nights big boppers for the whole year (from May 8th on) visit the DH page!
Click beyond the Youtube link or click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON to see who hit yesterdays big flies.
Daily HR Hitters Update From May 8th, 2013: Top 5 AL + NL HR Leaders In The MLB
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Thursday May 9th, 2013
Alex Gordon has been ramping up his power over the last 2 seasons – with 72 XBH in 2011 and 70 XBH in 2012. Noted for being more of a Doubles hitter, Gordon has clubbed HRs in 2 straight games. The 29 Year Old has a 3 Slash Line of .311/.336/.836 with 5 HRs and 23 RBI out of the Leadoff Spot so far this year. The Man has also crossed home plate 22 times in just 30 Games Payed
DH on our home site pages – Stands for Daily HR Hitters in the Majors.
We are going to run the gauntlet on the previous days HRs for all MLB Players.
I loved it when MLB XM Radio used to do a running total every night on their Roundtrip with Mike Ferrin (Laser Show). So I am bringing it every day on this website. To view every nights big boppers for the whole year (from May 8th) visit the DH page!
Click beyond the Youtube link or click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON to see who hit yesterdays big flies.
Chris Carter hit a HR for the 2nd straight game for the Astros last night – and has hit 24 HRs in his last 336 AB dating back to last year in June (1 per every 14 AB).
With 27 HRs and 65 RBI (in just 450 Career AB – but a 3 Slash of .213/.303/.734) – he reminds me of a young Cecil Fielder with the Blue Jays .243/.308/.781 – with 31 HRs and 84 RBI in his first 506 AB – before being caught up in a numbers game in Toronto with Fred McGriff.
Last Year the former A hit 16 HRs and drove in 39 RBI in just 218 AB during the Oakland A’s big second half. CC was Walking more last year – and held a .350 OBP for the year. The Astros must be patient with this slugger to learn how to hit – despite his AL leading 51 SO. He should be one of the players they keep when the rebuild is finished.
Chris Carter Highlights
The Philadelphia Phillies Franchise Part 4 of 4: Team Payroll 2013 And Contracts Forward (Mar.1)
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Friday, Mar.01/2013
Since Roy Halladay missed almost 2 months of baseball in 2012, his 2014 (20 Million Dollar contract will only become exercised if he pitches 225 Innings in 2013) – Otherwise he becomes a Free Agent.
Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
The Phillies are top-heavy for their payroll in 2013. I talked a lot about this in Part 1 of this series (The Franchise). What they really need is for Domonic Brown, John Mayberry and Ben Revere to improve in their role with the club and get as much production as they can out of their superstars. 2013 looks a lot better than the years after. Roy Halladay must return to form in 2013.
I am predicting the team will win at least 90 games in this year with the Starting Pitching having a bounce back season. The fans should all come in droves to the park while this club is competitive. The Phillies will age really fast after 2013, so there will undoubtedly be some rougher times ahead, as Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard all fade into the back half of their careers.
The New York Yankees are facing a similar dilemma. You might even see a Yanks/Phillies World Series rematch in 2013. I am sure the Dodgers, Angels, Tigers and Nationals will try to have their say about that as well.
The smaller market teams might fight for another ring as well. You are starting to see some distances set forth from the high-priced salaried teams to the lower payroll clubs with both Los Angeles teams and Detroit nearing or going over the Luxury Tax Threshold of 178 Million Dollars in Player Salaries.
Again, I am thinking that MLB Baseball might have to realign soon-to make the divisions stack up for payroll and geography reasons. I wrote an article about this some time ago here. The Phillies have led the MLB in attendance for the last 3 years, so they will be able to keep the payroll at a high mark as long as the baseball revenue is able to match it. It is the long-term contracts that won’t garner them much value at the end of these deals, that will ultimately set the Franchise back awhile.
Ryan Howard highlights are below. He must return to his 40 HR self next year otherwise the Phillies will have a tough time competing.
For Part 1 of the Phillies Article Series: The Franchise click here:
For Part 2 of the Phillies Article Series: The Hitters click here:
For Part 3 of the Phillies Article Series: The Pitcher click here
For the Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals Franchise 5 Part Series: click here
Kevin Youkilis: (The Greek God Of Walks) Can Still Help A Ball Club
Wednesday, Nov.28/2012
Youkilis was well short of his .388 Career OBP with the White Sox in 2012 (.346), however the guy is still better than over half of the 3B in the MLB. With the White Sox, his OPS was .772.
Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Writer/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Part of being a baseball writer is leaving some of your fandom behind in the wake of it. I never thought in a million years I would be writing a praise-full piece about Kevin Youkilis. But here it is… Last month, the White Sox declined his 13 Million Dollar 2013 Team Option and bought him out for a 1 Million Dollars. Anyone could have projected this, including Youkilis, but why didn’t Kenny Williams try to get creative with it? What if they could have offered Youkilis a 2 year extension for 5-6 Million Dollars and bring the total value of the contract up to around 19 Million Dollars for the 3 years with the added $? Youkilis stabilized the White Sox’s 3B position nicely during his 80 game stint. His 3 category stat line read .236/.346/.772, with 15 HRs and 46 RBI and 47 Runs in 292 AB.) If you double that production, his full year totals would have been about 30 HRs, 92 RBI and 95 Runs. Those numbers will still fetch a pretty penny on the open market. Now that the White Sox have bought him out, he can sign with anyone. Read the rest of this entry
MLB Reports Monthly Power Rankings: September 2012
Monday, September.3/2012
Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Writer): Follow @chuckbooth3024 To say that this year has been a good year for baseball is an humongous understatement. I thought after last years finish, that nothing was going to duplicate the experience. Everyone forgets (or maybe not) that there should not even have been many races last year with Atlanta and Boston having such substantial leads on playoff spots. The Red Sox and Braves collapsed like a couple of bowling pins with King Kong Bundy splashing down on them!
This year, there are 15 teams still vying for 10 playoff spots. So far the only probable locks are Washington for a playoff spot-and Cincinnati to probably win their division The player races for all of the categories is almost as fascinating. Will Andrew McCutcheon catch Melky Cabrera for the Batting title? Or will 2012 be forever cemented in baseball folklore by a stained player like Cabrera? He could still end up determining who wins the World Series in the Fall Classic by his Testosterone filled antics in his MVP ALL-Star Game. The big question is, will the San Francisco Giants fans cheer for him if he comes back in the playoffs? They cheered for another league leader before when it was obvious he was guilty. Right now if you are the Giants, you will take an opportunity to boo or cheer for Cabrera because that means you would be in the playoffs.
Will the spending happy Dodgers have to wait another year to capitalize on their new plan to make the playoffs? If they ultimately miss the playoffs outright, are they going to buy every player they can in the off-season? I sure hope Magic knows that there are Luxury Tax penalties for spending over 178 Million Next Year. 1st year fine is 22.5%, 2nd year is 30%, 3rd year and beyond is 40%. So if they plan on having a 250 Million Dollar Payroll in 2013 (by adding 2 or 3 more top Free Agents) will the Dodgers just forego the worry of any financial penalties on a yearly basis– just to dominate the whole National League (plus baseball for that matter.) Every other team has to consider the urgency in cashing out a World Series right now while the Dodgers have not had a full off season with the new management yet. Can Oakland and their ‘New Money Ball philosophy’ make it to the playoffs for the first time since 2006?
The Best Players over the last month were: Buster Posey, Prince Fielder, Giancarlo Stanton, Adrian Beltre, Josh Hamilton, Yovani Gallardo, Kris Medlen, Adam Wainwright, Aroldis Chapman and Felix Hernandez. The best teams have been Oakland, Washington, San Francisco, San Diego, Baltimore and Texas. The worst teams have been Houston (at least its better to go down hard and stockpile #1 Draft Picks guys.) I have a feeling you will be there for a while with the division you are heading into and may even challenge the 120 Loss Single Season Record. At least you are not going into the NL West to compete with the LA Dodgers! The Cleveland Indians have fallen to an epic drop-off as well. Toronto misses their top sluggers. What has happened to the Minnesota Twins? The Mets have ownership and payroll problems, so at least they have an excuse. Plus they lead the world in guys being hurt. When David Wright has been your healthiest player, you know the season has been backwards! So sit back, get your notebook and popcorn ready for this Month’s Rankings! Read the rest of this entry
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