Blog Archives

Who Owned The Home Run Derby July 16, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB

image

Susan Walsh – AP

For an explanation of how WOB works, click here.

Bryce Harper came from behind, homering in 9 of his last 10 swings, to hit a total of 19 in the final round to take the Home Run Derby. He earned a full WOB.

Kyle Schwarber launched 18 homers and looked like the winner until Harper’s barrage. He finished in second place, earning 1/2 a WOB.

They all owned the Home Run Derby on July 16, 2018

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 April 12, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB

IMG_3888

FSW

For an explanation of how WOB works, click here.

Mike Trout got on base 4 times, homered and scored a pair as the red hot Angels won again, beating KC, 7-1.

Jose Martinez drove in 6, got on 5 times including a homer and helped the Cardinals slug their way past the Reds, 13-4.

Rick Porcello held the Yankees hitless for the first six innings and wound up tossing 7 shutout 2 hit frames for the 6-3 victory in Boston.

Chris Stratton allowed 1 hit in 7 shutout innings, striking out 4 Padres and earning the 7-0 decision for the Giants.

They all owned baseball on April 12, 2018

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 Owns October (#WOO) Tallies Updated For October 17, 2017

Taylor

Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune

If the Astros bullpen did not have an epic meltdown, we might have a pair of clinchers tomorrow.

Instead the Yankees are VERY much in it and Houston should be a little nervous.

Meanwhile the Cubs dreams of a repeat could be over in less than 24 hours and the Dodgers post season remains perfect. Remind me about September momentum again?

So who owned October?

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.

At the end of the post season, we will see who had the highest WOO total as a pitcher and a hitter.

A complete description of the rules can be found HERE.

From October 17

2017 ALCS Game 4:

2017 NLCS Game 3:

Receiving 1 WOO

Yu Darvish struck out 7 Cubs in 6 1/3 innings, allowing 1 run to get the 6-1 win for the Dodgers.

Sonny Gray allowed 1 hit, 1 earned run and 1 unearned run over 5 plus strong innings. He did not get the decision but helped set up the Yankees 6-4 victory against the Astros.

Aaron Judge  put the Yankees on the board with a 7th inning homer and then tied the game with an 8th inning RBI double. He would score on the go ahead double to complete the Yankees 6-4 comeback over Houston.

Chris Taylor homered and tripled, driving in 2, to lead the Dodgers past the Cubs, 6-1.

 

Receiving 1/2 WOO

Yuli Gurriel smacked a 3 run double that looked like it put the Astros up for good. But the Yankees came back for a 6-4 win.

Lance McCullers Jr. dominated the Yankees over 6 shutout innings, allowing 1 hit. He gave up a homer in the 7th and gave way to the Houston bullpen who melted down and gave up the 6-4 final.

Kyle Schwarber homered, walked and threw a runner out at second but the Cubs were no match for the Dodgers and fell 6-1.

 

Current WOO Totals MLB 2017

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2017,

Aaron Judge – Yankees 3, Jose Altuve – Astros 2, Carlos Correa – Astros 2, Justin Turner – Dodgers 2, Greg Bird – Yankees 1 1/2, Alex Bregman – Astros 1 1/2, Jay Bruce – Indians 1 1/2, Anthony Rizzo – Cubs 1 1/2, Michael Taylor – Nationals 1 1/2,  Ryan Zimmerman – Nationals 1 1/2,  Cody Bellinger – Dodgers 1, Kris Bryant – Cubs 1, Willson Contreras – Cubs 1, Logan Forsythe – Dodgers 1, Brett Gardner – Yankees 1, Yan Gomes – Indians 1, Didi Gregorius – Yankees 1, Yuli Gurriel – Astros 1, Ketel Marte – Diamondbacks 1, Yasiel Puig – Dodgers 1, Hanley Ramirez – Red Sox 1, Chris Taylor – Dodgers 1, Albert Almora Jr. – Yankees 1/2, Andrew Benitendi – Red Sox 1/2, Starlin Castro – Yankees 1/2, Daniel Descalso – Diamondbacks 1/2, Brian Dozier – Twins 1/2, Todd Frazier – Yankees 1/2, Paul Goldschmidt – Diamondbacks 1/2,  Jason Kipnis – Indians 1/2, Sandy Leon – Red Sox 1/2, J. D. Martinez – Diamondbacks 1/2, Addison Russell – Cubs 1/2, Gary Sanchez – Yankees 1/2, Carlos Santana – Indians 1/2, Kyle Schwarber – Cubs 1/2, Trevor Story – Rockies 1/2, Christian Vazquez – Red Sox 1/2, Ben Zobrist – Cubs 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2017,

Yu Darvish – Dodgers 2,  Kenley Jansen – Dodgers 2, David Robertson – Yankees 2, Justin Verlander – Astros 2, Sean Doolittle – Nationals 1 1/2, Dallas Keuchel – Astros 1 1/2, David Price – Red Sox 1 1/2, Stephen Strasburg – Nationals 1 1/2, Masahiro Tanaka – Yankees 1 1/2, Trevor Bauer – Indians 1, Archie Bradley – Diamondbacks 1, Wade Davis – Cubs 1, Ken Giles – Astros 1, Sonny Gray – Yankees 1, Kyle Hendricks – Cubs 1, Clayton Kershaw – Dodgers 1, Jon Lester – Cubs 1, Brandon Morrow – Dodgers 1, Jose Quintana – Cubs 1,  Robbie Ray – Diamondbacks 1, CC Sabathia – Yankees 1, Josh Tomlin – Indians 1, Carlos Carrasco – Indians 1/2, Carl Edwards Jr – Cubs 1/2, Jaime Garcia – Yankees 1/2, Zack Godley – Diamondbacks 1/2, Tommy Kahnle – Yankees 1/2, Collin McHugh – Astros 1/2, Lance McCullers Jr – Astros 1/2, Andrew Miller – Indians 1/2, Chris Rusin – Rockies 1/2, Chris Sale – Red Sox 1/2, Max Scherzer – Nationals 1/2,

Chicago Cubs Payroll In 2017 + Contracts Going Forward

cubs

Look, there is no way to sugar coat it, the Jason Heyward contract is about the biggest dumpster fire of a contract there may ever be.  Having said that, everyone receives one mulligan. 

Even 3 time World Series winning GM Brian Sabean has had a horrible Matt Cain contract to contend with the last half decade.

Theo Epstein hasn’t made too many blunders – and winning a World Series with both the Red Sox and now the Cubs has solidified a position for him in Cooperstown.

Also lucky is the brilliant signing of Anthony Rizzo of a 7 YR deal prior to 2013, and when he asserted himself as a perennial MVP contender.

Despite carrying a projected payroll in 2017 of around $171 MIL – the team has plenty of expiring contracts in the name of Jake Arrieta, Wade Davis, Jon Lackey, Jon Jay, Pedro Strop, Miguel Montero and Koji Uehara. to replenisg te talent again in 2018 – and going forward

There are only 4 players signed for $79.2 MIL so far.

This is a perfect contrast to the Heyward pact.  Should Rizzo's Team Options be picked up for 2020 and 2021 (for $16.5 MIL each year), then the club will still only have paid him $74 MIL from 2013 - 2021, spanning 9 years at an Annual Value of $8.2 MIL.  That is completely lights out for the organization going forward.

The Rizzo longterm deal a perfect contrast to the Heyward pact. Should Rizzo’s Team Options be picked up for 2020 and 2021 (for $16.5 MIL each year), then the club will still only have paid him $74 MIL from 2013 – 2021, spanning 9 years at an Annual Value of $8.2 MIL. That is completely lights out for the organization going forward.

The one factor of brilliantly drafting and then rostering a club full of guys the same age is that they are all on entry level contracts for a few years before the squad becomes increasingly expensive before Arbitration rights kick in.

2018 will see Kris Bryant, Kyle Hendricks and Addison Russell all hit 1st year Eligible on Arbitration, and then 2019 has Javier Baez, Kyle Schwarber, Willson Contreras and Carl Edwards JR. hit the 1st year. 

it will be at this point the team shoots up the salary page.

Other than Jon Lester, Heyward and Ben Zobrist,  there are no real big salaries on the table for the team to digest.

The biggest dilemma will be the status of Jake Arrieta.  My guess is that he will want too much money and walk away from the Cubs.

More important than that even is simply signing Free Agents (not named Arrieta) by Epstein.

Epstein is creative.  It is okay to figure out a Starting Pitcher in Free Agency, and also add another Closer if need be.  Who knows, by 2018, Hector Rondon and Carl Edwards JR. may be able to lock down that role.

There is still money to spend in the 2017 and 2018 winter markets for sure.

Also playing in the NL Central provides them with security of being able to outspend all the other teams – with the Cardinals only being in the atmosphere.

It is not like they are fighting in the tough NL West with the Giants and high spending Dodgers.  It will still mean facing off against those clubs. and contending with the aging Nationals roster, and New York Mets young staff for a few seasons.

Wrigley Field will be sold out, the revenue streams will break out to record levels, all freely flowing cash into the Ricketts family pockets.

The good news is they are not in cap hell yet  The bad news is that it would only take one more bad deal/paired with Heyward, in order to prevent the club from signing all of their young superstars to extensions.

Epstein is too smart for that.  Look for high value Annual Average Value’s that have expiring contracts before the 2018 and 2019 seasons.  I wouldn’t be surprised if they trade for an existing ace pitcher.

Think Zack Greinke now, or a guy like Justin Verlander in 2018 or 2019, where the other club may eat some of the salary, ask for a high level prospect, and then have a legitimate Starter to lug some innings in the playoffs.

I also wouldn’t be surprised if the brass orchestrates a trade for a guy like Chris Archer – or Sonny Gray (midway through this year if he has healed himself).

Maybe it would cost you a Javier Baez, or a combinations of Carl Edwards JR./Albert Almora JR. to do it, however with Ben Zobrist still in town, defense alignment can be configured in a lot of different ways for at least the next 2 – 3 years.

Like I stated in the Giants Payroll article, the new CBA has also reeled in the Dodgers spending $300 MIL on team payroll.  The best thing that could happen for the Cubs is if Clayton Kershaw were to opt out of his deal beyond 2017.

That would either bring up the price for the Dodgers to sign him, or even give them the chance to sign the guy themselves.  Yes. the Cubs have more flexibility than the Dodgers for at least a couple of offseasons.

Guaranteed Contracts/POS/AGE:

Jason Heyward – OF (28):  With a grand sum of $184 MIL from 2016 – 2023 ( 8 years) this is a brutal deal – and the club is lucky to have already won a World Series in season 1 of this pact.

Heyward will make an astonishing $28.2 MIL for both the 2017 and 2018 seasons.  Epstein at least frontloaded the contract to erase some of the burden by the time the young talent comes up for raises.

This deal is the 13th richest in history for a guy who carried a .631 OPS. in 2016  I tend to think that Heyward will be closer to his Career OPS of .761 the next few years with the pressure somewhat off him now. 

Hit him 7th or 8th and let him work out his kinks. Defense is at least not a problem here with him winning a 4th Gold Glove.

This could end bad in 2017 – with Heyward riding pine for some of the year – if the club opts to use Zobrist, Schwarber and the tandem of Jon Jay and Almora JR. as the OF.

You also have to think that Joe Maddon won’t hesitate to find Willson Contreras reps as well.

Jon Lester – SP (33):  Lester is in the 3rd year of a 7 YR/$165 MIL deal, and is set to reel in $25 MIL in 2017. The deal calls for $27.5 MIL in both 2018 and 2019, before scaling back to $20 MIL in 2020. 

There is a 2021 Club Option as well. Details on that: $25M Team Option, $10M Buyout option guaranteed with 200 innings in 2020 or 400 IP in 2019-20. 

With the Buyout that large, the man would have to fall from grace hard, to not get the Option.  Although he would be nearly 40, $15 MIL extra will probably not be that bad.

Lester is worth every dollar the club has spent so far.  It is hard to find playoff proven commodities on the open market.

Ben Zobrist – UT (36):  Zobrist is the only player in the MLB who was won 2 straight World Series, as also being a member of the 2015 WS Champ KC Royals.

With the availability to play 5 defensive positions, Zobrist was the perfect compliment to the Cubs defensive roster in 2016 – although he played predominantly at 2B. 

With the emergence of Baez in the playoffs, he will likely rove more around in 2017.

Zobrist earns $16.5 MIL in both 2017 and 2018 – before retreating back to $12.5 MIL in 2019.  He will be in his Age 39 season at that point, and it may not look so hot at that point, but one can’t argue at his flexibility on the Roster providing so many options in the title run.

You can even say that his positional switching gives the club a better chance to hold onto Kyle Schwarber (instead of trading him in the American League).

John Lackey – SP (38):  Lackey joined Lester, David Ross. and Epstein as guys who have won World Series in 2013 with Boston and the Cubs in 2016.  He will make $16 MIL in 2017 before hitting Free Agency in 2018.

Lackey lugged 188.1 IP and gave the Cubs a 3.35 ERA in the process.  It doesn’t even matter that he was being pulled in the early innings of the postseason.

Jake Arrieta – SP (31):  Arrieta earns a tidy $15.6 MIL this year and will likely head out into Free Agency as a Scott Boras client.  Unfortunately the man is going to be 32 heading into 2018.

I would not offer him higher than a 4 year deal at $20 – $21 MIL after, yet that will not get the job done when he hits the open market.  Someone will pony up 5 YRs/$125 MIL for him, you watch.

Miguel Montero – C (34);  Montero will make $14 MIL in 2017 – and I am not sure he will Catch more than about 60 games.  Contreras at last is on an entry level contract to offset this salary.  I am surprised the team has not ventured out to trade him.

Wade Davis – CL (32):  It cost the club Jorge Soler and 4 years of Team Control, yet this was the way to go.  $10 MIL for one year of Davis (who Closed for the 2015 wS Champion Royals) is smart business practice.

To acquire an elite Reliever such as this is a great move – when you consider the Yankees, Dodgers and Giants spent $86 MIL, $80 MIL and $62 MIL to sign Aroldis Chapman, Kenley Jansen and Mark Melancon respectively.

Soler was going to be their 7th option as an OF.  Davis, by the way, has a 0.83 ERA in 32.2 IP for his postseason career – and has carried a mid 1 ERA from 2014 – 2016 as a late inning Reliever – spanning 183 IP.

I would also think the club will extend the Qualifying Offer to him this winter ( $17.5 – $19 MIL range for one year), so they may even recover a 2nd or 3rd Draft Pick back all for just $10 MIL.

Jon Jay – OF (32): Has a 2017 contract or $8 MIL to play OF.  He has a career .352 OBP, so could hit 1st or 9th for Maddon, working as an on base guy for the big boppers.  Brilliant little move.

Anthony Rizzo – 1B (28):  Rizzo will take him $7 MIL for 2017, coming after the heels of an ALL-Star, Gold Glove, Silver Slugger and top 4 MVP season in which he clubbed 30+ HRs and added 100 RBI for a 2nd straight season.

Rizzo also makes $7 MIL in 2018, $12 MIL in 2019, and two Team Options in a row call for $16.5 MIL and $2 MIL Buyouts for both 2020 and 2021.

It is contracts like this that setup championship caliber clubs for the organization.

Other valued deals that compare to it last decade or so.  Paul Goldschmidt (5 YRs/$32.5 MIL), Madison Bumgarner (6 YRS/$35.6 MIL) and Andrew McCutchen ( 6 YRs/$51 MIL)  that coincided with 4 straight top 5 NL MVP finishes.

Rizzo should challenge for an MVP every year of that remains on this deal.

Koji Uehara – RP (42):  $6 MIL for one year seems like a lot or a guy of his age, but Uehara has plenty of playoff/Closer experience that is invaluable to a club like this.  I would take it easy on him in the regular season and save the bullets for playoffs.

Hector Rondon – RP (29):  $5.8 MIL for this former Closer is not a bad deal in 2017. Rondon has one more year left of Arbitration before hitting Free Agency in 2019.  He has 77 Saves and a career ERA of 2.97.

Brian Duensing – SP/RP (33):  Makes $2 MIL in 2017 and a Free Agent in 2018. A spot start here and extra Bullpen arm,

Justin Grimm – RP (29): Avoided Arbitration with a $1.8 MIL, has 2 more years left of Arbitration before he is a Free Agent.

Total Money for this Category for 2017: $157.5 MIL (13 Players)

Arbitration Eligible/POS/AGE

3rd  year

Pedro Strop – RP (33):  Is projected to to earn $5.5 MIL in Arbitration, and is a Free Agent in 2018.

Total Money for this Category for 2017: $5.5 MI:  Total money is now $163 MIL

Pre-Arbitration – Entry Level Contracts:

Tommy La Stella – INF (28):  Is Arbitration Eligible from 2018 – 2020 and a Free Agent in 2021.

Kyle Hendricks – SP (27): Is Arbitration Eligible from 2018 – 2020 and a Free Agent in 2021.

Kris Bryant – 3B Is Arbitration Eligible from 2018 – 2021 as a “Super 2” and a Free Agent in 2021.  Bryant is only 25 Years old, and will have 4 years of Arbitration kick in starting next season.

Since the club opted to start his 2015 after the 10 days of service time, they wll retian his rights until the end of 2021.  Bryant is on pace to end up recording Arbitration cash if he keeps his career trajectory.

The club should really look to extend him similar to the Mike Trout 6 YRs.$144 MIL deal he got.

Addison Russell – SS (23):  Is Arbitration Eligible from 2018 – 2021 as a “Super 2” and a Free Agent in 2022.

Comparisons to an extension similar to what he may get are:  Jason Kipnis and Matt Carpenter (6 YRs and $52 MIL)

Matt Szczur – UT (28): Is Arbitration Eligible from 2019 – 2021 and a Free Agent in 2022.

Javier Baez – 2B/3B (24):  Is Arbitration Eligible from 2019 – 2021 and a Free Agent in 2022.

Mike Montgomery – SP/RP (29): Is Arbitration Eligible from 2019 – 2021 and a Free Agent in 2022.

Kyle Schwarber – OF (24): Is Arbitration Eligible from 2019 – 2021 and a Free Agent in 2022.

Willson Contreras – C (25): Is Arbitration Eligible from 2022 – 2022 and a Free Agent in 2023.

Albert Almora JR – OF (23):   Is Arbitration Eligible from 2022 – 2022 and a Free Agent in 2023.

Rob Zastryzny – RP (25) Is Arbitration Eligible from 2022 – 2022 and a Free Agent in 2023.

Total Money for this Category for 2017: $6.0 MIL MIL Toral Money Oveall – $169.0 MIL

Buyouts/Dead Money

Jason Hammel – $2 Million Buyout for 2017 that was agreed to in a gentleman’s deal. There is no dead money on he books past 2017 thus far.

Conclusions:

Despite the Heyward mistake of a deal, Epstein has done everything right.  It will be a constant maneuvering of the incoming talent – to surround the plethora of young superstars the club has.

The Cubs have the availability to sign an elite pitcher in Free Agency in the year or 2, or trade for one.  Beyond that, the team can’t make another top 50 ALL – Time Salary roster mistake.

The brass should also investigate early extensions for Bryant, Ruseell and Contreras immediately while they may afford to wait for Hendricks and Schwarber yet. 

Some sort of guaranteed money to the budget would be wise

As for Arrieta, he is just too old – an unorthodox in order to grant him the cash he will seek.  Epstein has to find creative ways to bring in a #1 or $2 beyond this campaign. 

Chicago is fantastic shape financially to spend as much as it takes to ensure a dynasty in the next half-dozen years. 

If I were in charge I would try to limit any big historic contracts to their own young superstars from this point forwards. 

Also don’t be afraid to trade one of the premiere young offensive players for a quality Starter (#1 or #2 Starter)like Baez, Contreras or Almora.

CubsWS

*** The views and opinions expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of mlbreports.com and their partners***

I am happy to be back at the helm of the MLB Reports, after completing my record 224 Games in the MLB Trip in 2015.  It was the 4th time I have seen all 30 MLB Parks since 2008. During that time away I was fortunate to do 100 Media Interviews

Interview on CSN Philly during the month of July.

To Subscribe and listen daily to  ‘Our Lead Personality’  Sully’s 20 Minutes Daily (every day since Oct.24, 2012) Podcast click here.  Guaranteed listening to the Sully Baseball Daily Podcast will be the best time you invest in online!

Projected Top 5 Home Run Hitters In Major League Baseball For 2017

Having nothing to do with the ALL - Star Game, and a ton to prove after inviting himselfto the HR derby in San Diego, we placed a $125 bet on Stanton to win the event at +325 odds. He destroyed the field, This was the difference in us turning a small little profit for the year. ).

Having nothing to do with the ALL – Star Game, and a ton to prove after inviting himself to the HR derby in San Diego, we placed a $125 bet on Stanton to win the event at +325 odds – and he won the whole thing.  Now only if he could refrain from beingthe DL for 1 campaign.  It was another injury plagued season for the veteran in 2016, but I still claim he will lead the league in HRs one of these years and possibly challenge 50 HRs in the process.  He is our #1 pick to win the overall MLB HR crown in 2017.

With apologies to the pending Free Agents who cracked 40+ HRs in Mark Trumbo (47) and Chris Carter (41), I just don’t see them duplicating their 2016 campaigns. 

I also foresee a bunch of changes to the top 6 Home Run hitters in the American League in 2017. 

Newly signed Indians player Edwin Encarnacion is quite possibly the only returning top 5 guy that will be in there back to back seasons for the Junior Circuit.

Chris Carter. actually tied was the co-leader for the HR title with Nolan Arenado in 2016. and then was promptly non-tendered by the Brewers for his efforts. 

Mark Trumbo hasn’t been able to parlay his HR title into a Free Agent deal either.  I think this may play a huge factor in a 2017 regression of sorts.

Don’t get me wrong. i fully expect these gentlemen to eclipse 30+ HRs each still in 2017.

Since the top 5 overall Major League HR totals all resided in the AL in 2016 – I suspect this won’t be the case next year.

Ultimately, career years from Khris Davis and Brian Dozier will be hard to do again.

(RELATED – Top 5 Saves Leaders Projected For The MLB in 2017) Read the rest of this entry

Cubs Acquire Closer Wade Davis: It’s A Smarter Maneuver Than You Think

Wade Davis has been one of the filthiest late inning Relievers in the game over last three years, and only comes with a salary for one year at $10 MIL.

Wade Davis has been one of the filthiest late inning Relievers in the game over last three years, and only comes with a salary for one year at $10 MIL.  Chicago is really smart for doing this as Aroldis Chapman cost the Yankees $86 MIL for 5 years yesterday, and Kenley Jansen is not far behind.  he Cubs may also give Davis a Qualifying Offer after next season is over.  Who knows, maybe he would accept a one year deal at $18 MIL to stay on this World Series Contender.  The most important factor in landing Davis is his playoff pedigree.  He has proved he is an elite Closer on the grandest of stages – something that Chicago plans to be involved in again to defend their championship.

With the news that the Cubs brought in Wade Davis in exchange for Jorge Soler, the Cubs have effectively brought in a 9th Inning Man – who won the World Series for the Royals in 2015 as their stopper.

Davis will earn $10 MIL in 2017, and can may be extended the Qualifying Offer for 2018 in the process.  With another spike potentially in the top 125 salaries (this years total was $17.2 MIL) maybe Davis would take the one year deal for 2018 after this next season.

As one of the game’s premiere Late Inning arms since the 2014 season, Davis is also a perfect replacement for the departing Aroldis Chapman.

With a team that has a World Series under its belt, they just added a Pitcher with a 4 – 0 record, with a 0.84 ERA and 0.959 WHIP in 32 Innings worth of work – spanning the 2014 and 2015 World Series trip for Kansas City. He has performed at the optimal level – under the most pressure. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 27, 2016

chicago-cubs-vs-cleveland-indians-world-series-game-2-b3b5eabee03f9313

John Kuntz – Cleveland.com

I have some thoughts of Game 2 of the World Series and I began to think of Frank Thomas and Clay Buchholz and participating and NOT participating in the World Series.

Lots of meandering ideas on this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast

For the up to date standings of Who Owns October and Who Owns the World Series, go to MLB Reports

What is “Who Owns October”? Click HERE for an explanation.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owns October and Who Owns the 2016 World Series (#WOO and #WOWS) Tallies Updated For October 26, 2016

ct-cubs-indians-world-series-game2-photos-052

Brian Cassella – Chicago Tribune

The Cubs have won their first World Series game since Game 6 of the 1945 World Series. Meanwhile Terry Francona lost a World Series game for the first time ever as a manager.

So who owned October and the World Series?

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.

But the World Series deserves its own stats. WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)

At the end of the post season, we will see who had the highest WOO total as a pitcher and a hitter. The WOWS total will be kept separately. Each game now counts towards both tallies.

A complete description of the rules can be found HERE.

From October 26th.
2016 World Series Game 2:

Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS

Jake Arrieta took a no hitter into the 6th and finished with 5 2/3 innings, 2 hits, 1 run and 6 strikeouts, earning the 5-1 decision for the Cubs over the Indians.

Kyle Schwarber continued his improbable World Series comeback by reaching base 3 times, scoring a run and driving in 2 to lead the Cubs to a 5-1 Game 2 victory in Cleveland.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS

Mike Napoli reached base 3 times but was stranded each time as the Indians fell to the Cubs, 5-1.

Current ‘WOWS’ Totals MLB 2016:

Hitters ‘WOWS’ MLB 2016,

Roberto Perez – Indians 1, Kyle Schwarber – Cubs 1, Mike Napoli – Indians 1, Ben Zobrist – Cubs 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOWS’ MLB 2016,

Jake Arrieta – Cubs 1, Corey Kluber – Indians 1,

HCurrent WOO Totals MLB 2016

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2016,

Josh Donaldson – Blue Jays 3 1/2, Francisco Lindor – Indians 3, Adrian Gonzalez – Dodgers 2 1/2,  Daniel Murphy – Nationals 2, Addison Russell – Cubs 2, Justin Turner – Dodgers 2,  Javier Baez – Cubs 1 1/2, Edwin Encarnacion – Blue Jays 1 1/2, Conor Gillaspie – Giants 1 1/2, Mike Napoli – Indians 1 1/2,  Roberto Perez – Indians 1 1/2, Ben Zobrist – Cubs 1 1/2,  Mookie Betts – Red Sox 1, Kris Bryant – Cubs 1,  Coco Crisp – Indians 1,  Dexter Fowler – Cubs 1, Brandon Guyer – Indians 1, Yasmani Grandal – Dodgers 1, Shawn Kelley – Nationals 1,  Jason Kipnis – Indians 1, Miguel Montero – Cubs 1, Joe Panik – Giants 1, Joc Pederson – Dodgers 1, Anthony Rizzo – Cubs 1, Kyle Schwarber – Cubs 1, Troy Tulowitzki – Blue Jays 1, Jayson Werth – Nationals 1, Elvis Andrus – Rangers 1/2, Jose Bautista – Blue Jays 1/2,  Andrew Benintendi  – Red Sox 1/2, Gregor Blanco – Giants 1/2, Ian Desmond – Rangers 1/2, Curtis Granderson – Mets 1/2, Rougned Odor – Rangers 1/2, Buster Posey – Giants 1/2, Carlos Ruiz – Dodgers 1/2, Michael Saunders – Blue Jays 1/2, Corey Seager – Dodgers 1/2, Mark Trumbo – Orioles 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2016,

Corey Kluber – Indians 3,  Jon Lester – Cubs 3, Kenley Jansen – Dodgers 2 1/2, Clayton Kershaw – Dodgers 2, Andrew Miller – Indians 2,   Roberto Osuna – Blue Jays 2, Josh Tomlin – Indians 2, Jake Arrieta – Cubs 1 1/2, Marco Estrada – Blue Jays 1 1/2, Kyle Hendricks – Cubs 1 1/2,  Madison Bumgarner – Giants 1, Aroldis Chapman – Cubs 1, Rich Hill – Dodgers 1, Derek Law – Giants 1,  Mark Melancon– Nationals 1, Ryan Merritt – Indians 1, Mike Montgomery – Cubs 1, Aaron Sanchez – Blue Jays 1, Marcus Stroman – Blue Jays 1, Travis Wood – Cubs 1,  Johnny Cueto – Giants 1/2, Matt Moore – Giants 1/2, Darren O’Day – Orioles 1/2, Max Scherzer – Nationals 1/2, Noah Syndergaard – Mets 1/2,

Stephen Strasburg Ties Felix Hernandez For 17th On The MLB’s ALL – Time Top 50 Contract List With Extension

 Ed Zurga/Getty Images North America

Ed Zurga/Getty Images North America

Chuck Booth (MLB Reports Majority Owner/Lead  Analyst)

Stephen Strasburg shocked he baseball world the other day – by inking a 7 year extension worth from $175 – $180 MIL.  It ties him for 17th All – Time with Felix Hernandez to start with, but he can earn an additional $7 MIL with $1 MIL per year bonuses for reaching 180 IP.

The deal pays him $15 MIL annually from 2016 – 2023, and then the deferrals kick in from 2023 – 2030, in 7 installments of $10 MIL each.

Some will say his deal is worth more like $162 MIL in present day dollars, however we do not operate our top 50 contracts list like that.  The deal is guaranteed at $175 MIL for now, and we will change it if bonuses are hit.

With this contract, the Nats have 4 current players that are on this ALL – Time List with Scherzer (10th), Strasburg (T 17th), Zimmerman (37th) and Werth (Tied 44th).

This signing is a great move to open a 3 year window for Washington, as they also have Bryce Harper under team control until after the 2018 season, however it also may seal the fate the of the young reigning NL MVP to move elsewhere for 2019.

Werth’s contract does end at the end of the 2017 year. but Zimmerman is still on the books until at least 2020.

It will be tough to come up with the dough necessary to drop a 11 – 13 years contract worth $35 – 40 MIL per annum when it comes to Harper.

Even with Scherzer’s and Strasburg’s deals both containing a ton of deferred money- all of them will still run simultaneously to Harper’s deal – even if they are not on the roster each after the 2023 season.

I think you couldn’t risk trying to outbid everyone for Harper’s services, yet to pay Strasburg market value makes sense.

This club could even save some payroll by trading Gio Gonzalez, as they have Joe Ross and Tanner Roark starting in the rotation for depth, and Lucas Giolito has not started his time service clock. Read the rest of this entry

Trade Rumor: Will The Los Angeles Angels Flip Mike Trout?

Mike Trout

Trey Rose (Featured BBBA Fantasy Baseball Writer/Owner – dynastydigest.sportsblog.com) 

As of right now, the Angels only have 3 starting pitchers listed on their depth chart (Jared WeaverHector Santiago, and Nick Tropeano).

This team is falling apart and it could be time to make a drastic move.

They are currently 13 – 18, but they are expected to continue to drop in the standings considering their team can’t stay healthy. Just to make matters worse, their farm system is widely considered to be the worst minor league system in baseball.

With that said, is it time for the Angels to consider trading Mike Trout to restock their farm system and focus on building their team for the future?

To read the rest of the article, click the link below:

 READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY

 

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 9, 2016

Bananas

Ross Stripling took a no hitter into the 8th and all Hell broke loose. Dave Roberts watched a logical managerial move blow up in his face as an exciting night of baseball turned bananas in San Francisco.

And that is the word of the day… bananas.

It is a padded room level crazy episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast

Jordan Zimmermann, Brock Holt, Jacob deGrom, Starling Marte, Ervin Santana, Trevor Story. Tyler White and the incredibly unlucky Ross Stripling all added to their total of Who Owned Baseball.

See the updated listing of WOB on MLB REPORTS
Read the rest of this entry

Kyle Schwarber Carted Off The Field With A Leg Injury: Sprained Ankle Initial Prognosis – Full Leg MRI Today

z schwarber, kyle

Trey Rose (Featured BBBA Fantasy Baseball Writer/Owner – dynastydigest.sportsblog.com)  

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

FRIDAY UPDATE:   Negative on any knee injury, sprained ankle is  Initial Prognosis – is going for a full Leg MRI Today.

THURS NIGHT: Tonight is a rough night for Cubs fans. Young superstar, Kyle Schwarber, was carted off the of the field after a collision with fellow outfielder, Dexter Fowler, against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Nobody knows the severeness of the injury, but typically nothing good can come from being carted off the field. Based on the collision, it looks like there could be an injury to Schwarber’s upper leg (femur area), but that is a guess coming from a baseball blogger and not a doctor.

Hopefully this injury isn’t serious because this could be a huge loss for the Chicago Cubs offense. To read the rest of the article for updates and to see the collision (no apparent graphic content), click the link below:

READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE

Projected Top 5 Home Run Hitters In Major League Baseball For 2016

Giancarlo Stanton should contend for the NL HR championship crown in 2016. He is capable of cracking 40 - 50 HRs if he can play a year completely healthy. The Marlins are lucky to have one of the best young hitters in the game on offense, and to also have Jose Fernandez as their #1 Pitcher. Finances dictate the club will only be able to secure one long term - and Fernandez has more years left of team control, and is going to cost the team less cash.

Giancarlo Stanton should contend for the NL HR championship crown in 2016. He is capable of cracking 40 – 50 HRs if he can play a year completely healthy. The Marlins are lucky to have one of the best young hitters in the game on offense.  We will predict he will lead the overall MLB as well.  Stanton cracked 27 HRs in just 74 Games Played in 2015 before a broken hand derailed his last three months of the season.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

So I think I fared fairly well from my prognostications of last HR leaders last year – although I was seriously off on Mark Trumbo and George Springer and of course Nelson Cruz did not slow down in 2015.

I almost nailed the totals for the top 1 – 4 in the AL.  Bryce Harper did emerge.  I also said that Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista would be near the top of the list of near misses, but those continued to be productive past that.

So it comes to another year of figuring out this maze of the top power hitters.  I still believe that if Giancarlo Stanton remains healthy for a full season – that he will bomb 50 HRs.  I am picking him to be the National League Leader. Read the rest of this entry

The Chicago Cubs Offense Will Lead To Many World Series Titles

Topps

It has been 108 years since the Cubs last won a World Series

Trey Rose (Featured Fantasy Baseball Writer/Owner – dynastydigest.sportsblog.com) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

Could this be the year that the Chicago Cubs break their curse of not winning a World Series title since 1908?

Many baseball fans and critics believe they have the best shot out of all teams in Major League Baseball.

The Chicago Cubs organization has done an amazing job at developing homegrown talent over the past 4 to 5 years and this young talent is starting to make a massive impact in the big leagues.

Not only are the Cubs producing homegrown talent, but they made a huge splash in the free agency market this Spring.

This team has so much talent that there are multiple very talented players who currently don’t have a spot in the lineup.

In this article I will highlight each position and share the key organizational depth that could possibly bring home a World Series title in 2016.

Each position will list players who are projected to start and prospects that could have an impact within the next 2-4 years.

Players with multi-positional eligibility will have this listed in their bio. Prospects will be listed at positions that they are projected to play when they arrive in the big leagues.

Please click the link below to see my analysis on Miguel Montero, Willson Contreras, Anthony Rizzo, Dan Vogelbach, Ben Zobrist, Javier Baez, Addison Russell, Gleyber Torres, Dexter Fowler, Jason Heyward, Kyle Schwarber, Jorge Soler, Ian Happ, Albert Almora, and more:

READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE

Get Ready For The ‘Zombie Cardinals’ Version 11.0 In 2016: Cubs Are Favored In Division – But Gap Isn’t Huge

St. Louis has been an elite team in the National League for the last 15 years. While Chicago deserves to be favorite in the NL Central - and to win the World Series, never sleep on the St. Louis Cardinals. This team has 9 LCS Appearances since 2000, and did win 100 win games last campaign. Throw in a championship pedigree - and a brilliant youth movement, aided by a few cagey veterans, and the gap is just not that great compared with the Cubs.

St. Louis has been an elite team in the National League for the last 15 years. While Chicago deserves to be favorite in the NL Central – and to win the World Series, never sleep on the St. Louis Cardinals. This team has 9 LCS Appearances since 2000, and did win 100 win games last campaign. Throw in a championship pedigree – and a brilliant youth movement, aided by a few cagey veterans, and the gap is just not that great compared with the Cubs.  A huge effort by Adam Wainwright, with less than perfect years from Arrieta and Lester may be all it takes for the RedBirds to remain the kings of the NL Central.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

The Cubs have signed Dexter Fowler and traded away Chris Coghlan yesterday, and the Cards will have another week this winter where they are not the focus of the NL Central.  It probably suits them just fine.

On the heels of a 100 win campaign during 2015, the gambling websites, PECOTA and FanGraphs are all projecting a massive regression for St. Louis in 2016.  I am not one of those people.

I, for one, think the Cardinals are still to be reckoned with.

Switch out a potentially healthy Matt Holliday, coupled with full years from Stephen Piscotty and Randal Grichuk – for the departed Jason Heyward to the Cubs, and I like that.

Throw in Adam Wainwright and Mike Leake, for the loss of Lance Lynn and John Lackey, and I still like that almost as even.

No doubt that Ben Zobrist was a good singing for the Chicago Cubs this offseason, but lets not throw St. Louis over the cliff just yet. Read the rest of this entry

3 Lessons We Learned During The First Week Of MLB Spring Training

2016_Spring_Training_Patches_c5hqavet_8xagb75r

Jen Rainwater (Featured Baseball Writer/Owner – www.bbstmlb.com) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

With one week of spring training in the books, here are the top three things we learned.

It’s’ the beginning of a new season. Spring Training began as pitchers and catchers reported late last week and position players started to arrive early on this week.

Of course there are going to be at least a few interesting situations that will go down in this first week or two of Spring Training.

It happens every year beginning with almost every player declaring “I’m in the best shape of my life” to there being so many new faces on some of the teams that the players literally need  to meet one another for the first time.

That was the case for the Oakland Athletics last year after many offseason trades and it appears to be the case in Seattle this season with the Mariners.

New GM Jerry Dipoto turned over more than 40% of the Mariners roster in hopes to improve the team enough that they can compete in what is going to be a very competitive race to win the AL West or at least slide in as one of the two AL Wild Card teams.

READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY

Youngsters Making An Impact In 2016; National League Central

Schwarber, Kyle

Shane Kay (Featured Baseball Writer/Owner – sonsof84tigers.mlblogs.com 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

Spring training camps are up and running with games just around the corner and we’re taking a look at a couple of young players for each team that I think will have a larger impact in 2016.

We started with the American League East, moved to the AL Central, hit the AL West, swung it to the National League East and today we touch on the NL Central. Keep on reading as we go division by division!

Chicago Cubs

Kyle Schwarber, OF – I’ve got Schwarber on this list for numerous reasons.  The first of course is his power potential and seeing that over the length of a season (played 69 games in 2015). 

Second, we’re going to see a more disciplined hitter I think.  Schwarber as a minor leaguer carried a .333 batting average in his two seasons, but only hit .246 with the Cubs, and struck out 28% of time in the Majors compared to 20% in the Minors, so adjustments will be made.  

Additionally, Schwarber had a very good .842 OPS for Chicago last year, but his Minor Leaguer career shows room for improvement as well where he had a 1.042 OPS. 

The main focus for Kyle this year though, will have to be working on hitting lefties much better, as he hit just .143 off of them, with just a .481 OPS in 61 plate appearances.  This is one guy I am seriously excited to watch grow this year.

READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY…

Odds To Win The Overall Homer Crown In 2016 MLB Baseball: Battle Of The Big Fly’s

Stanton has light tower power - and should lead the NL in Homers if he can remain healthy for a whole year. While it doesn't lock up a postseason berth having an MVP type season - coupled with a CY Young caliber pitcher on the field, it should translate in a chance to contend for the year.

Stanton has light tower power – and should lead the NL and MLB in Homers if he can remain healthy for a whole year.   In just 74 Games Played last campaign, the big slugger belted 27 HRs.  The problem is always staying on the field.  There is no reason to think he can’t crack 50+ HRs if he played a full season.  To aid his efforts as the biggest favorite to win this years MLB Homer crown – is that Marlins Park is bringing in the fences and also lowering them.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

I am flat-out wondering why these guys failed to include Chris Carter on this list?  For a prolific Home Run Hitter over the last 3 years (90 bombs), this guy is getting no respect.

I mean they have Corey Seager, Matt Adams and Freddie Freeman at the +20000 clip, but no word for a guy who finished 2nd in 2014 MLB Homers?

Carter is headed to the best home run park in the Major Leagues in Milwaukee, and will not be on a competitive club, where his AB may be in question.  Sure the guy might fan 250 times in 600 AB this season, but he may crack 40 taters for all we know.

I have requested this gambling website send me the odd for Carter (you can request a player that wasn’t listed), and I will get back to you shortly.

Let me start by saying that if Giancarlo Stanton remains healthy for a full year that he should definitely lead the Majors in longballs.  Despite us predicting him to do this, his odd only is listed as our #5 value best bet on the board. Read the rest of this entry

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

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

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

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

Updated on Feb.18, 2015

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

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

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

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

Read the rest of this entry

Chris Davis (Tied For 20th) + Justin Upton (38th) Join The Top 50 All – Time Salary List

Losing Chris Davis and his 45+ HR power would have been very difficult to replace. The O's have their man with a creative deferral payment plan that will see them pay Davis $119 MIL from 2016 - 2022, and then pay out $42 MIL over the next 15 years in deferrals.

Losing Chris Davis and his 45+ HR power would have been very difficult to replace. The O’s have their man with a creative deferral payment plan that will see them pay Davis $119 MIL from 2016 – 2022, and then pay out $42 MIL over the next 15 years in deferrals.  The $161 MIL has him tied for 19th ALL – Time in MLB Player Contracts with CC Sabathia.  The Orioles slugger led the league with 47 HRs (2nd time in 3 years), and has clubbed 126 HRs (led all of the MLB) in the last 3 seasons despite being levied a 25 game suspension for his medication in Sept of 2014.

Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead  Analyst) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

Chris Davis, 30 in 2016,  and Justin Upton, 28,  are now in the 9 figure club and among historical contracts of ALL – Time.  Davis inked a 7 YR deal for $161 MIL – while Upton is at 6 Years for $132.75 (distributed evenly throughout.)

The Big 1B/OF for the O’s will make $119 MIL from 2016 – 2022 paid evenly by $17 MIL per year before the crazy deferral program kicks in.  From 2023 – 2030, Davis will earn $3.5 per annum for another $31 MIL.  The deal then goes from 2031 – 2037 at a 1.4 MIL per annum clip.   All told it is $161 MIL spread over 21 years. Read the rest of this entry

Teams That Should Take Advantage Of A Weak Penalty For The Luxury Tax In 2016

In the last year of the current CBA, there is potentially only one more year to take advantage of a feeble penalty as a first time abuser in 2016. With Boston set to join the Dodgers and Yankees as abusers, I took a look at other teams who should consider the 2016 campaign as a rare gamble to dole out some cash in seeking a World Series trophy before the new CBA is authored in prior to the 2017 season.

In the last year of the current CBA, there is potentially only one more year to take advantage of a feeble penalty as a first time abuser in 2016. With Boston set to join the Dodgers and Yankees as abusers, I took a look at other teams who should consider the 2016 campaign as a rare gamble to dole out some cash in seeking a World Series trophy before the new CBA is authored in prior to the 2017 season.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part-Owner) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

The Boston Red Sox might just be on to something.  They will be penalized for the 1st year of going over the new $189 MIL limit in 2016, but it is also the last year the CBA may have the percentages.

Currently right now, there is a 17.5% penalty for spending dollars over $189 MIL.  The Dodgers and Yankees are the only other teams that are budgeted over the mark in addition to Boston.

On the cusp are the Detroit Tigers, sitting at around $177 MIL – while the Giants and Angels are nearly at $170 MIL.  The Cubs are also near the $165 MIL area.

Why not spend like crazy in 2016 – and take advantage of the system as it is presented towards you? Read the rest of this entry

Giants Ink Johnny Cueto: It’s Tied For The 37th ALL – Time In MLB Contracts

Johnny Cueto is 97 - 70 (.578) career with a 3.30 ERA however he has put forth a 2.71 ERA since the start of the 2011 year. Much like his new team, Cueto has performed better in the even years of this decade, where he finished 2nd in Cy Young Voting in 2012 and 4th in 2014 Cy Young Voting.

Johnny Cueto is 97 – 70 (.578) career with a 3.30 ERA however he has put forth a 2.71 ERA since the start of the 2011 year. Much like his new team, Cueto has performed better in the even years of this decade, where he finished 2nd in Cy Young Voting in 2012 and 4th in 2014 Cy Young Voting.

Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead  Analyst) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

The landscape of the NL West just changed again. As of right now I give the Giants as equally a shot to win the NL West as I do the LA Dodgers.  Signing Johnny Cueto is an awesome move.

Even better than the 6 YRs/$130 MIL deal is an opt out clause after 2 years, when Cueto can forego the final 4 years of the pact – leaving the San Fran club with $84 MIL on the table.

The current contract also calls for a Team Option for a 7th year.

Cueto, who is 30, most likely will opt out after 2017 if he can put up great back to back seasons as good as his 2.71 ERA since the start of the 2011 campaign, – only bested by Clayton Kershaw in that time frame.

Read the rest of this entry

Projected Top 5 Home Run Hitters In Major League Baseball For 2016

Giancarlo Stanton should contend for the NL HR championship crown in 2016. He is capable of cracking 40 - 50 HRs if he can play a year completely healthy. The Marlins are lucky to have one of the best young hitters in the game on offense, and to also have Jose Fernandez as their #1 Pitcher. Finances dictate the club will only be able to secure one long term - and Fernandez has more years left of team control, and is going to cost the team less cash.

Giancarlo Stanton should contend for the NL HR championship crown in 2016. He is capable of cracking 40 – 50 HRs if he can play a year completely healthy. The Marlins are lucky to have one of the best young hitters in the game on offense.  We will predict he will lead the overall MLB as well.  Stanton cracked 27 HRs in just 74 Games Played in 2015 before a broken hand derailed his last three months of the season.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

So I think I fared fairly well from my prognostications of last HR leaders last year – although I was seriously off on Mark Trumbo and George Springer and of course Nelson Cruz did not slow down in 2015.

I almost nailed the totals for the top 1 – 4 in the AL.  Bryce Harper did emerge.  I also said that Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista would be near the top of the list of near misses, but those continued to be productive past that.

So it comes to another year of figuring out this maze of the top power hitters.  I still believe that if Giancarlo Stanton remains healthy for a full season – that he will bomb 50 HRs.  I am picking him to be the National League Leader. Read the rest of this entry

Jason Heyward Signs With The Cubs For The 13th Highest Contract In MLB History

Jason Heyward

Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead  Analyst) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

It has been announced that Jason Heyward has just inked an 8 YR deal with the Chicago Cubs for $184 MIL deal.  The contract calls for a player opt out after 3 years, but for now he is tied with Joe Mauer for 13th overall in total dollars during a deal.

Whether Heyward is worth that kind of dough in AAV is beside the point.  At 26, he was one of the youngest Free Agent players of all time that could garner that type of cash.

No question about the man’s defensive prowess being unique in the game right now.  He has also cut down on the amount of Strikeouts from early in his career. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 10, 2015

League Championship Series - New York Mets v Chicago Cubs - Game Four

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

I know it is only December. But MAN the Cubs look like the team to beat in 2016!

They have been filling in their holes while the other NL contenders have bigger question marks.

Dare Cub fans dream?

It is a tempt the fates episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Read the rest of this entry

Chicago Cubs State Of The Union For 2016

I absolutely love the singing of Zobrist for the Cubs. He is a quality veteran Utility guy for this young versatile club. Zobrist at 35 may have been pricey at the four year deal work, but they were able to trade away Starlin Castro as a result. Zobrist was vital to the Royals postseason run - and is Joe Maddon's favorite all time player. His ability to switch all over the field will give guys like Schwarber, Baez, Soler and Russell all the availability to thrive with matchup maneuvers. The Cubs should not stop here though. They need to acquire a CF - and trade for a #3 starter at some point in the next 8 months.

I absolutely love the signing of Zobrist for the Cubs. He is a quality veteran Utility guy for this young versatile club. Zobrist at 35 may have been pricey at the four year deal work, but they were able to trade away Starlin Castro as a result. Zobrist was vital to the Royals 2015 World Series Playoff run – and is Joe Maddon’s favorite all time player. His ability to switch all over the field will give guys like Schwarber, Baez, Soler and Russell all the availability to thrive with matchup maneuvers. The Cubs should not stop here though. They need to acquire a CF – and trade for a #3 starter at some point in the next 8 months.

Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead  Analyst) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

The Cubs finally threw their names in the ring on the Free Agent front this week by first signing ultra  Utility man Ben Zobrist to a 4 YR/$56 MIL -on the heels of  John Lackey to a 2 YR/$32 MIL deal.

The club also dealt Starlin Castro away for another team controllable pitcher in Adam Warren.  These are significant steps in the right direction to start their run at the 2016 NL Central Division Title,

2015 was a nice breakout season – and the furthest the team has gone in 12 years however this franchise needs to spend as much money and continue to pursue an end to their century plus World Series drought.

There is no question all other 29 clubs would trade their offensive rosters for the value the young Chicago NL squad is going to put forth the next 5 years. Read the rest of this entry

Who Owns October and Who Owns the 2015 World Series (#WOO and #WOWS) Tallies Updated For November 1, 2015

RON VESELY/MLB PHOTOS

RON VESELY/MLB PHOTOS

The Royals earned their crown as 3 of their 4 World Series wins were won in the 8th or later.

What a strange ending.

Now comes for the final entry of Who Owns October and Who Owns the World Series.

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.

But the World Series deserves its own stats. WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)

At the end of the post season, we will see who had the highest WOO total as a pitcher and a hitter. The WOWS total will be kept separately. Each game now counts towards both tallies.

A complete description of the rules can be found HERE.

From November 1st, World Series Game 4:

Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS

Luke Hochevar gave the Royals 2 critical shutout innings in the 10th and the 11th where a single Mets run would have forced a game 6. He allowed no hits and walked just 1 and earned the World Series clinching victory in relief for Kansas City, 7-2.

Eric Hosmer  broke the Mets shutout with a double in the 9th and dashed home to score the tying run on a wild play with 2 outs in the 9th.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS

Curtis Granderson led off the game with a homer and later scored on a sacrifice fly. In the end, the Mets would collapse in the 9th and lose in the 12th to the Royals, 7-2.

Matt Harvey took a World Series saving shutout into the 9th inning, striking out 9 along the way. He finished with 8 plus innings, 5 hits, 2 runs and 2 walks but would get a heart breaking no decision as the Royals rallied to beat the Mets in 12 innings, 7-2.

Current‘WOWS’ and ‘WOO’ Totals MLB 2015:

Hitters ‘WOWS’ MLB 2015,

Salvador Perez – Royals 1 1/2, Alcides Escobar – Royals 1, Eric Hosmer – Royals 1, David Wright – Mets 1, Ben Zobrist – Royals 1, Michael Conforto – Mets 1/2, Lucas Duda – Mets 1/2, Curtis Granderson – Mets 1/2, Daniel Murphy – Mets 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOWS’ MLB 2015,

Johnny Cueto – Royals 1, Wade Davis – Royals 1, Luke Hochevar – Royals 1, Noah Syndergaard – Mets 1,  Chris Young – Royals 1, Matt Harvey – Mets 1/2, , Jonathon Niese – Mets 1/2,

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2015,

Troy Tulowitzki – Blue Jays 3 1/2, Daniel Murphy – Mets 3, Salvador Perez – Royals 3, Jorge Soler – Cubs 3, Alcides Escobar – Royals 2 1/2,  Jorge Soler – Cubs 2 1/2, , Justin Turner – Dodgers 2 1/2, Jose Bautista – Blue Jays 2, Delino DeShields – Rangers 2, Eric Hosmer – Royals 2, Mike Moustakas – Royals 2, David Wright – Mets 2, Lorenzo Cain – Royals 1 1/2, Yoenis Cespedes – Mets 1 1/2, Lucas Duda – Mets 1 1/2, Dexter Fowler – Cubs 1 1/2, Curtis Granderson – Mets 1 1/2, Stephen Piscotty – Cardinals 1 1/2, Colby Rasmus – Astros 1 1/2, Kyle Schwarber – Cubs 1 1/2, Jose Altuve – Astros 1, Chris Carter – Astros 1, Travis d’Arnaud – Mets , Rougned Odor – Rangers 1,  Kevin Pillar – Blue Jays 1, Ben Revere – Blue Jays 1, Alex Rios – Royals 1, Ben Zobrist – Royals 1, Starlin Castro – Cubs 1/2, Francisco Cervelli – Pirates 1/2, Michael Conforto – Mets 1/2, Carlos Correa – Astros 1/2, Josh Donaldson – Blue Jays 1/2, Edwin Encarnacion – Blue Jays 1/2, Adrian Gonzalez – Dodgers 1/2, Didi Gregorius – Yankees 1/2, Jason Heyward – Cardinals 1/2, Howie Kendrick – Dodgers 1/2, Kendrys Morales – Royals 1/2, Luis Valbuena – Astros 1/2, Kolten Wong – Cardinals 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2015,

Wade Davis – Royals 4,  Jacob deGrom – Mets 3, Matt Harvey – Mets 2 1/2, Noah Syndergaard – Mets 2 1/2, Marcus Stroman – Blue Jays 2 1/2, Chris Young – Royals 2 1/2, Jake Arrieta – Cubs 2,  Johnny Cueto – Royals 2, Marco Estrada – Blue Jays 2,  Dallas Keuchel – Astros 2, Zack Greinke – Dodgers 1 1/2, Cole Hamels – Rangers 1 1/2, Clayton Kershaw – Dodgers 1 1/2,  R. A. Dickey – Blue Jays 1, Jake Diekman – Rangers 1,  Kelvin Herrera – Royals 1, Luke Hochevar – Royals 1, John Lackey – Cardinals 1, Jon Lester – Cubs 1, Steven Matz – Mets 1, Collin McHugh – Astros 1, Hector Rondon – Cubs 1, Edinson Vólquez – Royals 1, Travis Wood – Cubs 1, Bartolo Colon – Mets 1/2, Liam Hendriks 1/2Lance McCullers – Astros 1/2, Jonathon Niese – Mets 1/2, David Price– Blue Jays 1/2,

Who Owns October and Who Owns the 2015 World Series (#WOO and #WOWS) Tallies Updated For October 31, 2015

SEAN M. HAFFEY/GETTY IMAGES

SEAN M. HAFFEY/GETTY IMAGES

Trick for the Mets! Treat for the Royals! It is Halloween Baseball!

We have ourselves a World Series.

And now the Sully Metrics of October get a little more complicated.

I will continue to figure out Who Owns October.Time to figure out who owns October!

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.

But the World Series deserves its own stats. WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)

At the end of the post season, we will see who had the highest WOO total as a pitcher and a hitter. The WOWS total will be kept separately. Each game now counts towards both tallies.

A complete description of the rules can be found HERE.

From October 31st, World Series Game 4:

Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS

Wade Davis continued his post season dominance with 2 shutout innings (plus an at bat) to shut down the Mets and earn the save in Kansas City’s 5-3 win.

Salvador Perez went 3 for 4 with a double, scored in the 5th and drove in a critical insurance run in the 8th to lead Kansas City to a stunning 5-3 win over the Mets.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS

Michael Conforto launched a pair of homers that put the Mets ahead. But the bullpen and defense would conspire against him as the Mets lost to the Royals, 5-3.

Current‘WOWS’ and ‘WOO’ Totals MLB 2015:

Hitters ‘WOWS’ MLB 2015,

Salvador Perez – Royals 1 1/2, Alcides Escobar – Royals 1, David Wright – Mets 1, Ben Zobrist – Royals 1, Michael Conforto – Mets 1/2, Lucas Duda – Mets 1/2, Daniel Murphy – Mets 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOWS’ MLB 2015,

Johnny Cueto – Royals 1, Wade Davis – Royals 1, Noah Syndergaard – Mets 1,  Chris Young – Royals 1, Jonathon Niese – Mets 1/2,

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2015,

Troy Tulowitzki – Blue Jays 3 1/2, Daniel Murphy – Mets 3, Salvador Perez – Royals 3, Jorge Soler – Cubs 3, Alcides Escobar – Royals 2 1/2,  Jorge Soler – Cubs 2 1/2, , Justin Turner – Dodgers 2 1/2, Jose Bautista – Blue Jays 2, Delino DeShields – Rangers 2, Mike Moustakas – Royals 2, David Wright – Mets 2, Lorenzo Cain – Royals 1 1/2, Yoenis Cespedes – Mets 1 1/2, Lucas Duda – Mets 1 1/2, Dexter Fowler – Cubs 1 1/2, Stephen Piscotty – Cardinals 1 1/2, Colby Rasmus – Astros 1 1/2, Kyle Schwarber – Cubs 1 1/2, Jose Altuve – Astros 1, Chris Carter – Astros 1, Travis d’Arnaud – Mets , Curtis Granderson – Mets 1, Eric Hosmer – Royals 1, Rougned Odor – Rangers 1,  Kevin Pillar – Blue Jays 1, Ben Revere – Blue Jays 1, Alex Rios – Royals 1, Ben Zobrist – Royals 1, Starlin Castro – Cubs 1/2, Francisco Cervelli – Pirates 1/2, Michael Conforto – Mets 1/2, Carlos Correa – Astros 1/2, Josh Donaldson – Blue Jays 1/2, Edwin Encarnacion – Blue Jays 1/2, Adrian Gonzalez – Dodgers 1/2, Didi Gregorius – Yankees 1/2, Jason Heyward – Cardinals 1/2, Howie Kendrick – Dodgers 1/2, Kendrys Morales – Royals 1/2, Luis Valbuena – Astros 1/2, Kolten Wong – Cardinals 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2015,

Wade Davis – Royals 4,  Jacob deGrom – Mets 3, Noah Syndergaard – Mets 2 1/2, Marcus Stroman – Blue Jays 2 1/2, Chris Young – Royals 2 1/2, Jake Arrieta – Cubs 2,  Johnny Cueto – Royals 2, Marco Estrada – Blue Jays 2, Matt Harvey – Mets 2, Dallas Keuchel – Astros 2, Zack Greinke – Dodgers 1 1/2, Cole Hamels – Rangers 1 1/2, Clayton Kershaw – Dodgers 1 1/2,  R. A. Dickey – Blue Jays 1, Jake Diekman – Rangers 1,  Kelvin Herrera – Royals 1, John Lackey – Cardinals 1, Jon Lester – Cubs 1, Steven Matz – Mets 1, Collin McHugh – Astros 1, Hector Rondon – Cubs 1, Edinson Vólquez – Royals 1, Travis Wood – Cubs 1, Bartolo Colon – Mets 1/2, Liam Hendriks 1/2Lance McCullers – Astros 1/2, Jonathon Niese – Mets 1/2, David Price– Blue Jays 1/2,

Who Owns October and Who Owns the 2015 World Series (#WOO and #WOWS) Tallies Updated For October 30, 2015

Doug Mills/The New York Times

Doug Mills/The New York Times

My my my!

We have ourselves a World Series.

And now the Sully Metrics of October get a little more complicated.

I will continue to figure out Who Owns October.Time to figure out who owns October!

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.

But the World Series deserves its own stats. WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)

At the end of the post season, we will see who had the highest WOO total as a pitcher and a hitter. The WOWS total will be kept separately. Each game now counts towards both tallies.

A complete description of the rules can be found HERE.

From October 30th, World Series Game 3:

Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS

Noah Syndergaard did not have his ace stuff but pitched well enough over 6 innings with 6 strikeouts to earn the 9-3 decision for the Mets over the Royals.

David Wright hit a 2 run homer and a 2 run single to lead the Mets to a critical 9-3 victory over the Royals.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS

Salvador Perez reached base twice and scored a run in the Royals 9-3 loss to the Mets.

Current‘WOWS’ and ‘WOO’ Totals MLB 2015:

Hitters ‘WOWS’ MLB 2015,

Alcides Escobar – Royals 1, David Wright – Mets 1, Ben Zobrist – Royals 1, Lucas Duda – Mets 1/2, Daniel Murphy – Mets 1/2, Salvador Perez – Royals 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOWS’ MLB 2015,

Johnny Cueto – Royals 1, Noah Syndergaard – Mets 1,  Chris Young – Royals 1, Jonathon Niese – Mets 1/2,

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2015,

Troy Tulowitzki – Blue Jays 3 1/2, Daniel Murphy – Mets 3, Jorge Soler – Cubs 3, Alcides Escobar – Royals 2 1/2,  Jorge Soler – Cubs 2 1/2, , Justin Turner – Dodgers 2 1/2, Jose Bautista – Blue Jays 2, Delino DeShields – Rangers 2, Mike Moustakas – Royals 2, Salvador Perez – Royals 2, David Wright – Mets 2, Lorenzo Cain – Royals 1 1/2, Yoenis Cespedes – Mets 1 1/2, Lucas Duda – Mets 1 1/2, Dexter Fowler – Cubs 1 1/2, Stephen Piscotty – Cardinals 1 1/2, Colby Rasmus – Astros 1 1/2, Kyle Schwarber – Cubs 1 1/2, Jose Altuve – Astros 1, Chris Carter – Astros 1, Travis d’Arnaud – Mets , Curtis Granderson – Mets 1, Eric Hosmer – Royals 1, Rougned Odor – Rangers 1,  Kevin Pillar – Blue Jays 1, Ben Revere – Blue Jays 1, Alex Rios – Royals 1, Ben Zobrist – Royals 1, Starlin Castro – Cubs 1/2, Francisco Cervelli – Pirates 1/2, Carlos Correa – Astros 1/2, Josh Donaldson – Blue Jays 1/2, Edwin Encarnacion – Blue Jays 1/2, Adrian Gonzalez – Dodgers 1/2, Didi Gregorius – Yankees 1/2, Jason Heyward – Cardinals 1/2, Howie Kendrick – Dodgers 1/2, Kendrys Morales – Royals 1/2, Luis Valbuena – Astros 1/2, Kolten Wong – Cardinals 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2015,

Wade Davis – Royals 3,  Jacob deGrom – Mets 3, Noah Syndergaard – Mets 2 1/2, Marcus Stroman – Blue Jays 2 1/2, Chris Young – Royals 2 1/2, Jake Arrieta – Cubs 2,  Johnny Cueto – Royals 2, Marco Estrada – Blue Jays 2, Matt Harvey – Mets 2, Dallas Keuchel – Astros 2, Zack Greinke – Dodgers 1 1/2, Cole Hamels – Rangers 1 1/2, Clayton Kershaw – Dodgers 1 1/2,  R. A. Dickey – Blue Jays 1, Jake Diekman – Rangers 1,  Kelvin Herrera – Royals 1, John Lackey – Cardinals 1, Jon Lester – Cubs 1, Steven Matz – Mets 1, Collin McHugh – Astros 1, Hector Rondon – Cubs 1, Edinson Vólquez – Royals 1, Travis Wood – Cubs 1, Bartolo Colon – Mets 1/2, Liam Hendriks 1/2Lance McCullers – Astros 1/2, Jonathon Niese – Mets 1/2, David Price– Blue Jays 1/2,

Who Owns October and Who Owns the 2015 World Series (#WOO and #WOWS) Tallies Updated For October 28, 2015

AP Photo/David J. Phillip

AP Photo/David J. Phillip

The Royals are in control! And now the Sully Metrics of October get a little more complicated.

I will continue to figure out Who Owns October.Time to figure out who owns October!

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.

But the World Series deserves its own stats. WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)

At the end of the post season, we will see who had the highest WOO total as a pitcher and a hitter. The WOWS total will be kept separately. Each game now counts towards both tallies.

A complete description of the rules can be found HERE.

From October 28th, World Series Game 2:

Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS

Johnny Cueto pitched the first AL complete game victory in the World Series since 1991, allowing 2 hits and 1 run and giving a weary bullpen the night off as the Royals cruised to a 7-1 victory over the Mets.

Alcides Escobar tied the game with an RBI single and broke it open with a 2 run triple to lead Kansas City to a 7-1 thumping of the Mets.

Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS

Lucas Duda was the Mets offense, collecting their only 2 hits and driving in their only run as they got crushed by the Royals, 7-1.

Current‘WOWS’ and ‘WOO’ Totals MLB 2015:

Hitters ‘WOWS’ MLB 2015,

Alcides Escobar – Royals 1, Ben Zobrist – Royals 1, Lucas Duda – Mets 1, Daniel Murphy – Mets 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOWS’ MLB 2015,

Johnny Cueto – Royals 1,  Chris Young – Royals 1, Jonathon Niese – Mets 1/2,

Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2015,

Troy Tulowitzki – Blue Jays 3 1/2, Daniel Murphy – Mets 3, Jorge Soler – Cubs 3, Alcides Escobar – Royals 2 1/2, , Jorge Soler – Cubs 2 1/2, , Justin Turner – Dodgers 2 1/2, Delino DeShields – Rangers 2, Mike Moustakas – Royals 2, Jose Bautista – Blue Jays 2, Lorenzo Cain – Royals 1 1/2, Yoenis Cespedes – Mets 1 1/2, Lucas Duda – Mets 1 1/2, Dexter Fowler – Cubs 1 1/2, Salvador Perez – Royals 1 1/2, Stephen Piscotty – Cardinals 1 1/2, Colby Rasmus – Astros 1 1/2, Kyle Schwarber – Cubs 1 1/2, Jose Altuve – Astros 1, Chris Carter – Astros 1, Travis d’Arnaud – Mets , Curtis Granderson – Mets 1, Eric Hosmer – Royals 1, Rougned Odor – Rangers 1,  Kevin Pillar – Blue Jays 1, Ben Revere – Blue Jays 1, Alex Rios – Royals 1, David Wright – Mets 1, Ben Zobrist – Royals 1, Starlin Castro – Cubs 1/2, Francisco Cervelli – Pirates 1/2, Carlos Correa – Astros 1/2, Josh Donaldson – Blue Jays 1/2, Edwin Encarnacion – Blue Jays 1/2, Adrian Gonzalez – Dodgers 1/2, Didi Gregorius – Yankees 1/2, Jason Heyward – Cardinals 1/2, Howie Kendrick – Dodgers 1/2, Kendrys Morales – Royals 1/2, Luis Valbuena – Astros 1/2, Kolten Wong – Cardinals 1/2,

Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2015,

Wade Davis – Royals 3,  Jacob deGrom – Mets 3, Marcus Stroman – Blue Jays 2 1/2, Chris Young – Royals 2 1/2, Jake Arrieta – Cubs 2,  Johnny Cueto – Royals 2, Marco Estrada – Blue Jays 2, Matt Harvey – Mets 2, Dallas Keuchel – Astros 2, Zack Greinke – Dodgers 1 1/2, Cole Hamels – Rangers 1 1/2, Clayton Kershaw – Dodgers 1 1/2,  Noah Syndergaard – Mets 1 1/2, R. A. Dickey – Blue Jays 1, Jake Diekman – Rangers 1,  Kelvin Herrera – Royals 1, John Lackey – Cardinals 1, Jon Lester – Cubs 1, Steven Matz – Mets 1, Collin McHugh – Astros 1, Hector Rondon – Cubs 1, Edinson Vólquez – Royals 1, Travis Wood – Cubs 1, Bartolo Colon – Mets 1/2, Liam Hendriks 1/2Lance McCullers – Astros 1/2, Jonathon Niese – Mets 1/2, David Price– Blue Jays 1/2,