Blog Archives
Beane Spins Magic Again In World Series Quest: Picks Up Samardzija + Hammel For Straily + Prospects
Without surrendering any assets from the MLB club currently (with Dan Straily having been in AAA). the A’s GM has made his move to anchor the Starting Rotation for a playoff run, by adding Samardija and Hammel. Going the other way are: Addison Russell (20) was a high prospect, as was Billy Mckinney (19) as the 1st RD Draft Pick of the 2013 MLB Amateur Draft, Dan Straily and cash compensation, or a PTBNL. With the team’s core becoming increasingly more expensive going forwards, the window to win is right now. The trade also helps deepen the starting staff, who have suffered season ending injuries to Griffin and Parker (TJ Surgeries).
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Billy Beane knows his current squad’s best chance to win the World Series now.
He has upped the ante, by acquiring Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel from the Chicago Cubs for highly rated SS Addison Russell, SP Dan Straily, and young prospect OF Billy McKinney, with a player to be named later or cash finalizing the deal at a later date.
I like this move…rather I love this move.
The A’s GM saw what happened to his club the last few weeks when matched against the pitching of the Tigers, and knew he had to bolster his team for the stretch – to replace A.J. Griffin and Jarrod Parker, who both went down to Tommy John Surgeries this campaign. Read the rest of this entry
MLB Week 15 Schedule: July 7th – July 13th, 2014: (101 Games)
Home Of Sully Baseball + #WOB, #SullyMetrics, Baseball Analysis (Audio + Written, Roster Trees, Salaries, Org. Depth Charts,+ State Of The Unions + Stats + Wicked Daily Content,) + the best coverage on the 2014 MLB schedule in the world.) We are not your average “Cookie Cutter” Website. Also our motto is “THE TRUTH STINGS LIKE A CATCUS!”
Week 15
MLB Scheduling 2014
Day + Date Away and Home, Times Start In EST
Monday, July.07/2014 (14 Games)
1. Braves @ Mets 7:10
2. Orioles @ Nationals 7:05 (Interleague)
3. White Sox @ Red Sox 7:10
4. Cubs @ Reds 7:10
5. Astros @ Rangers 8:05
6. Royals @ Rays 7:10
7. Yankees @ Indians 7:05
8. Pirates @ Cardinals 8:15
9. Blue Jays @ Angels 10:05
- Phillies @ Brewers 8:10
-
Padres @ Rockies 8:40
-
Marlins @ D-Backs 9:40
-
Twins @ Mariners 10:10
14. Giants @ Athletics 10:05 (Interleague) Read the rest of this entry
How All Of The Yankees Hitters Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree
How All Of The Yankees Hitters Were Acquired:
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The success of most franchises usually occurs when a huge core is built up through a drafting system, and then the club can piece the rest of the club together.
The 2nd best way to create a winning squad is to trade for players with the organizational pieces you have supplanted in the Minors or Majors.
Then there is the Yankees way of doing things. Hiring Free Agents – and spend boatloads of dollars.
Out of the majority of their hitting roster in 2014, most of them came through the Free Agent route.
Mark Teixeira, Brian McCann, Carlos Beltran, Brian Roberts, Kelly Johnson and Yangervis Solarte were acquired through outright Free Agency.
Ichiro Suzuki and Brendan Ryan were both acquired in deals, then have since re-signed as Free Agents in the open market afterwards.
Alfonso Soriano, was brought over in a deal, and is in the last year of his current contract signed back in 2007.
Yes, he was originally signed by the “Pinstripers”, but the new chain of transaction, had the club giving away a pitching prospect for his services, even though he is still tied to A’Rod.
Derek Jeter, Brett Gardner and Francisco Cervelli stand alone as the only 3 players to have been drafted by the club – and have remained Yanks their whole playing time thus far. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The 2014 World Series Currently + Best/Worst Value Bets
I Have hammered this point to a fault, and sound like a broken record, but look at the proof. The Cincinnati squad has reeled off 4 wins in a row, 7 out of 10, and have climbed within a game of the playoff bar. With a winning pedigree over the last several years, how are they tied for 16th only in odds to win the World Series with Boston? Give me the Redlegs any day with their 42 – 38. and a healthy team for the 1st time all year, and many ALL – Star toting the uniforms. I nailed the odd when it was +6600, so I am definitely on the bandwagon for a hot team, that is still paying great value. If they make poststeason, you can extensively hedge if need be with starting base that high.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
So I have finally had a sub-par week for predicting World Series Odds. My worst selection was putting faith in the Royals, only to see them jump from +2500 – +3300, and the Red Sox plunged a +700 mark to +4000 from +3300.
It was somewhat diffused by picks for Baltimore to shoot upwards as a favorite, and I am still miffed at the Reds receiving no love at all.
Cincy has won 4 in a row and 7 – 10, and are climbing heavily into the Wild Card Race with the Dodgers and Cardinals.
With how fast the Giants are coming back to LA in the NL west, it may be these three teams fighting it out for 2 berths, with the loser of the Nats/Braves division, SF, and the Bucs still right in the loop.
Right now the oldest professional baseball team is playing some great baseball, have a fully healthy squad for the first time all season, and we are talking about a club who has made the playoffs in 3 of the last 4 years.
Billy Hamilton has batting over .300 since the end of April, and now Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce are coming around, and it is only a matter of time before Joey Votto gets right.
Todd Frazier has been one of the best baseball players in the NL this campaign, and is currently tied for 3rd in NL HRs.
Devin Mesoraco is almost averaging an RBI per game, and is slugging .627 as a Catcher, with 14 HRs and 40 RBI in 47 Games Played.
Aroldis Chapman is lighting the lamp with 100 MPH. Jonathan Broxton is filthy. and the Starters are throwing the ball.
This is not the same team that started 3 – 8. Look the hell out in the 2nd half. Certainly they should not be tied for the 16th favorite on the odds board. Read the rest of this entry
MLB Schedule 2014 Week 14 – June.30 – July.6
Home Of Sully Baseball + #WOB, #SullyMetrics, Baseball Analysis (Audio + Written, Roster Trees, Salaries, Org. Depth Charts,+ State Of The Unions + Stats + Wicked Daily Content,) + the best coverage on the 2014 MLB schedule in the world.) We are not your average “Cookie Cutter” Website. Also our motto is “THE TRUTH STINGS LIKE A CATCUS!”
Ballpark Chaser Guides Links Courtesy of http://www.ballparkchasers.com:
Also do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here
Before You read the Month Schedule, here are 30 Links to Ballpark Chaser Guides, that will aid you in your road trip quests. Read the rest of this entry
30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Month Of June 2014
Welcome to your new World Series Favorite. according to the oddsmakers. I see their rationale. The A’s have the best record in the Majors, and also the biggest lead within their Division. Oh yeah..this club has back to back West Titles, and a deep lineup in a parity league that is the AL. While I don’t endorse them as the favorite for the World Series right now (based on predicting playoffs solely), there is no doubt I ranked them #1 in power rankings
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
*** Denotes Division Leaders
Records are before play Thursday June.26, 2014
RK Team Last Wk Rnk () Current Rec – Last 31 Days Rec
1. ***Oakland A’s (2) 48 – 30: 17 – 10: The A’s are still the best team in the Majors for the last 2 1/2 years. Coco Crisp on another hot spell.
Josh Donaldson and Brandon Moss both in the top 5 for HRs, and Sonny Gray/Scott Kazmir among several starters for ERA, WHIP and quality starts.
Yoenis Cespedes has the power numbers to be a perfect complement to the top guys, and the bar can always be raised higher.
Sean Doolittle is authoring one of the greatest Bullpen efforts ever for a Closer. A 53/1 Strikeout to Walk ratio is beyond filthy.
2. ***Detroit Tigers (3) 42 – 32: 14 – 13: A nice rebound after they dropped out of 1st place temporarily.
Victor Martinez and J.D. Martinez will exceptional June’s, and Miguel Cabrera is still on pace for 130 RBI.
Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer had sub-par starts, but look to correct themselves now.
Joe Nathan is making the late innings nervous for Tiger’s fans, after they had to endure Joaquin Benoit, Phil Coke, Jose Veras and Jose Valverde over the last few years. Read the rest of this entry
The AL Has Been Dominating The NL During Interleague For Over A Decade Now
After the 1st 7 years of Interleague, the AL trailed the season series 4 – 3, and the overall games mark 853 – 833 (.506). Since 2004 it has been 10 years straight of AL beatdowns, winning each campaign for Won – Loss record, with a clip of 1437 – 1206 (.544). Despite a promising start of 26 – 17 this season for the Senior Circuit, the AL has reeled off a 63 – 45 run, to hold an overall mark of 80 – 71 (.530) – which is slightly above the Lifetime mark of .524 baseball
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The American League holds a decisive ALL – Time Record on the National League in Interleague play – and perhaps that is why a lot of traditional fans hate the concept even more.
Heading into play in 2014, the AL has won the last decade straight of seasonal play (10 years), and now possess an overall yearly record of 13 – 4 over the Senior Circuit.
It wasn’t always this dominant for the Junior Circuit. 4 of the 1st 7 campaigns were taken by the NL, however ever since the start of 2004, the American League has routinely speedbagged their opposition league.
MLB Schedule June 23 – 29, 2014 (95 Games)
MLB Scheduling 2014
Day + Date Away and Home, Times Start In EST
Week 13
Monday, June.23/2014 (10 Games)
1. White Sox @ Orioles 7:05
2. Dodgers @ Royals 8:10 (Interleague)
3. Pirates @ Rays 7:10 (Interleague)
4. Padres @ Giants 10:15
5. Cardinals @ Rockies 8:40
6. Marlins @ Phillies 7:05
7. Yankees @ Blue Jays 7:07
8. Reds @ Cubs 8:05
- Nationals @ Brewers 8:10
10. Red Sox @ Mariners 10:10 Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The 2014 World Series + Best Value Bets Based On Trade Deadline Speculation
Welcome to your new World Series Favorite. according to the oddsmakers. I see their rationale. The A’s have the best record in the Majors, and also the biggest lead within their Division. Oh yeah..this club has back to back West Titles, and a deep lineup in a parity league that is the AL. While I don’t endorse them as the favorite for the World Series right now (based on predicting playoffs solely), there is no doubt I would rank them #1 in power rankings currently.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I had another on fire week last week, with 5 right predictions, and 5 draws, with zero outright losses.
Furthermore, Cincinnati jumped from +5500 to now being +4000 – with making it back to .500 last night.
I also have seen the KC Royals skyrocket from +8000 2 weeks ago, to now be sitting pretty at +2500. The Royals were my best bets 2 weeks ago.
Your new favorite to win the World Series is the Oakland A’s at +650. I understand the odd believe me, but this will be temporary.
I fully expect the Nationals to take over this position if their recent pitching trends continue.
Also if the Dodgers can come within 2 games of the Giants, they will take over as the Fall Classic Favorites once again.
Again this week I hate the Blue Jays being among the heavy favorites for the title. These guys gave been slipping recently, and the Orioles and Yankees are breathing down their necks in the AL East.
I also firmly believe with the AL West stranglehold the A’s are sure to bury the Angels, and if Detroit is a matchup for any WILD Card winner out of the AL West, heck even the Royals with James Shields, I favor them over any Halo’s pitcher for 1 game. Read the rest of this entry
Boston Latest Team To Complete MLB Runs Survivor 2014: NYY, NYM, ATL, CIN + ARI Left
It has not been a banner title defense for the BoSox thus far. What is worse is that the Yankees are ahead of them in the season series and in the standings. With the ‘Beantowners” plating 10 players in a 10 – 3 over Cleveland last night they have left the “Pinstripers” as the last AL team in 2014 MLB Runs Survivor to finish.”
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Boston Red Sox has a 10 run effort for the 1st time in 2014, and have finally finished their 11th different run scenario quest for the campaign.
This leaves the New York Yankees as the last club in the AL to complete the task.
The Bronx Bombers came really close with a 7 run contest in a win over Oakland on Friday, where they just require a 8 total for completion of their mission.
If New York had plated 8 guys in the match last night, they would have beat the Red Sox in 2014,
Over in the NL, the Mets and Braves still both need 8 runs in a game, while the Reds and D’Backs are still searching of 9 runs.
We will keep you posted. Read the rest of this entry
Gambling In Baseball, Hedging Your Bets + Value Plays: MLB Reports Picks Of The Year
Get set for another season of throwing some cash around when it comes to baseball. MLB Reports will have you ready with what we are looking at as well.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Staked with an initial bankroll of over $1000 thanks to a nice NFL Parlay in the 2013 – 2014 year, I set out to make some bank trying make luck at placing some moolah on the game of baseball.
I head to Vegas frequently enough that I have thrown down almost all of it already, but have a great chance of making my $ back and then some.
Before the year began, I placed a wager for each of the Texas Rangers (Yikes), Tampa Bay Rays (Or should I say Devil Rays?), but they best maneuver before campaign was to slot a $14.44 wager on the Giants at 25/1 odds for the World Series.
That pays about $380.00.
I then followed the Tampa Bays advice ticket Chuck Booth laid out for all of the website. Even though it will break even as a wager, I would do it every time.
The skinny of that was that I bet $120 on the Tampa squad to lose under 88 games, and I used the potential profit to bet on the team to win the AL East, the ALCS and World Series.
The whole caveat was that I was virtually guaranteed to make my money back if Joe Maddon‘s club struggled, but could make substantial amounts of profit if the organization had a long October run. Read the rest of this entry
Current Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series + Best Value Bets – Week 12
The Tigers were not always the favorite to win the World Series in 2014. At one point, they were listed at +1100 for the Fall Classic. It has been proven that placing money on the paper champion rarely comes to fruition. Regardless, this organization resonated with gamblers with 3 straight AL Central Titles, and appearing in 3 straight ALCS’s. I am not a proponent of the new odd listed, and would have to advise on staying clear of putting down cabbage on Detroit.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The art of placing a good futures bet in Baseball will always require due diligence on anyone’s part. In my next article today, I will reveal all of the bets I placed from Vegas so far this year.
The method to my madness is figuring out when to wager on a team based on their value.
In my set of picks to start the year, I selected TB, TEX and SF. Mind you the 1st 2 look horrid now, but I managed to secure the Giants at a +2500 World Series odd because the LA Dodgers were so heavily favored.
I also pounced on the Tigers having a bad 1st week, and were at +1100 (highest odd on the board this season), before they then jumped out to 27 – 12 for the year.
Detroit has since regressed to a 7 – 18 clip – corresponding with a late plane trip when they left Boston 4 Sundays ago, owners of the MLB best record.
Again gamblers have all the confidence in the “Motown Boys” because they are the 3 time reigning AL Central Champs, have an abundance of premiere talent, and the easiest path of resistance in their own AL Central Division.
I am elated I had the odd at twice the current value.
In the last several days I have hedged a bet with all AL Central teams in forms of a World Series and Division Winner wager. I am divulging all in the next article. Read the rest of this entry
The Latest Odds To Win Each MLB Division In 2014
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Best Value Odd Highlighted in Red
AL EAST
Analysis: I fully expect the Baltimore Orioles to be involved in trade talks to land an ace pitcher, with using either Kevin Gausman or Dylan Bundy as bait. This year represents the teams best chance to win.
If the Yankees fall out of it, they will drop under the $189 MIL Luxury Tax Threshold, by jettisoning players, and will then sign everyone in the offseason with a fresh slate for a salary tax 1st time offense at only 17.5% – instead of a 50% clip now
The X factors are if Chris Davis can find his 2013 swing, and Ubaldo Jimenez remembers how to throw like his 2nd half 2013 self. Toronto has enough bashers to club their way to the Division Title, and their -133 is not a bad odd either to wager on.
1. TOR -133
2. NYY +320
3. BOS +500
4. BAL +650
5. TB +5000
Houston Latest Team To Complete MLB Runs Survivor 2014: 6 Teams Left
The Astros lost the last 15 games to end the 2013 campaign, and put forth an 111 game loss season, and it looked bleak for the franchise in 2014 just 5 weeks ago. Since then, Springer has smashed 12 HRs, added almost an RBI a game, and has lit a fire under the teams offense. Oh Yeah. Jose Altuve is also in the top 5 for AL Batting, Chris Carter has hit HRs of late, and Dallas Keuchel and Collin McHugh are both pitching fantastic for the squad that is now 29 – 36.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Houston Astros are playing a great brand of ball over the last several weeks. George Springer has ignited this offense to scoring more runs than have plated since the Killer B’s.
By virtue of them pasting the Twins with a 14 – 5 routing on Sunday, it nailed down their elusive 10 or 10+ Runs column for their 11th different run scenario.
No Longer is this team a laughing stock in the Majors.
The Astros have turned out a 10 – 5 record since May 24th, and are quietly inching towards the .500 mark, Not bad for a club that lost 111 contests in 2013.
I even have to admit I love the move skipper Bo Porter did last night in bringing in Tony Sipp for a batter, then moving him to right field, enabling Jerome Williams to face the next batter, before bringing him back to the mound again.
Now that is thinking outside of the box.
The Astros have runs scored of 7, 8, 9 and 10 or 10+ in the last 2 weeks. It looked like they were a shoe in to lose this entire competition back then.
Now there is only the Yankees (8 runs) and Red Sox (10 or 10+) left in the AL (who would have thought that with those perennial high octane offenses?),
The AL Central and West have all teams that have fulfilled their obligations on the MLB Runs Survivor.
The teams needing 1 more result in the NL are the Diamondbacks, Reds, Mets and Braves. Arizona and Cincy need 9 runs in a game, and New York and Atlanta need games where 8 cross the plate. Read the rest of this entry
30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 11 MLB 2014
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Well, another few weeks have gone by, and there has been some separation from all the Divisions and the 2nd place squads, except for the NL East dogfight right now between the Nats and Braves.
9 teams are within the top 2 Wild Card Slots in the AL, with the Angels and Mariners holding onto the 1st and 2nd spots respectively.
Preseason NL favorites Los Angeles joins the reigning NL champs ‘The Cards’ at 0.5 Games behind the playoff bar – constituting either Atlanta or Washington (presently in a dead heat) – and the upstart Marlins.
The Reds, Rockies and Pirates are within striking distance as well, but look for the Dodgers and Cardinals to take off from here, leaving the current Division leaders and those 2 as the 5 playoff teams.
Arizona and Houston have at least jumped into the conversation with recent good stretches of play, after brutal starts.
*** Denotes Division Leaders
Records are before play Monday June 9, 2014
RK Team Current Rec Last Wk Rnk () – Last 13 Days Rec
***1. SF 42 – 21: (1) 9 – 3: Must be an even year in the teens of this century. The offense has a different hero everyday.
Playing .667 ball this late into the year bodes well. 9.5 Games ahead of next club in your Division also will land you as slot #1.
***2. OAK 39 – 24: (2) 8 – 4: Brandon Moss and Josh Donaldson both towers of strength and Sean Doolittle is the best Closer no one has heard about 40+SO/1 BB rate is sick.
Billy Beane continues to find gems like Drew Pomeranz, Jesse Chavez – and Kyle Blanks has fitted in well.
The team could still trade for a 2B that can hit, or bring up Billy Burns, flip Jed Lowrie over to 2B.
Current Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series + Best Value Bets
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
An absolutely abysmal week for predicting which teams would jump on the leaderboard for odds.
Even though I did go 4 – 6 in the weeks prognostications, I pegged the massive loss for the Rockies.
This team plummeted from a +4000 to a +10000 odd to win the Fall Classic. I had the Indians (who skyrocketed from +8000 – +5500 by virtue of a 6 game win streak.)
The Reds also have a +5500 odd, as oppose to +6600.
The Jays are all the way up to tied for 5th on the favorite board, going from +1600 to +850.
Baltimore, Boston and New York all took drops in odds this week that were fairly minor. Read the rest of this entry
Record Corrections May Be Coming With Home + Road Splits: Then Again, Maybe Not
Coors Field is still a hitting haven. While the averages have all dipped approximately 10% since the Humidor was placed into the facility over a decade ago, it still remains the premiere place for any of the MLB’ers to bat. Some of the organizational players will not hit as good on the road, with playing in the NL West, in cavernous parks like Dodger Stadium, Petco Park and AT & T Park, however the weight will only affect their overall numbers away from the thin air. Historic players like Larry Walker and Todd Helton displayed good road numbers, despite their gawdy home statistics, however they will never be looked in the same eye. 2014 sees the Rockies lead massively in all categories at home, yet at this point, they have played 10 more games away from Denver. Among the players that are killing it at the park in 2014 are TULO and Charlie Blackmon.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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If you look at the current home and road records in the MLB Standings, you will see some weird differentials.
Take for instance the Rockies have only logged 23 games at Coors Field, where they are a staunch 16 – 7, meanwhile they have traveled abroad for 33 contests so far, putting forth a clip of 12 – 21.
This is a 10 game difference that could see the ‘Rox’ post a 7 – 3 win-loss record when the games are made up. Read the rest of this entry
Dodgers 20th Team To Complete MLB Runs Survivor 2014
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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This should turn out to be quite fun. A lot of gambling establishments have this sort of deal, and it will be fun to see the results.
What Runs Survivor is, a MLB team scoring 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, 10 or (10+) in different games throughout the course of the season.
Once a club has one of these run totals once, you cross it off and keep going until they complete the 11 different variations. We are going to keep tracking this category – until all 30 MLB clubs are finished this season!
The Dodgers completed their task of scoring 10 or more runs in a game Saturday, and are the 20th team to finish.
The Yankees, Red Sox, Angels and Astros have yet to fill out their 11 game scenarios in the AL, and the Rockies, DBacks, Cubs, Mets, Phillies and the Braves also need to end the games differential with just one specific run total.
All of the Central teams in both leagues have conquered the mission Read the rest of this entry
Current Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series – Updated For Week 10 + Best Value Bets
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
In lieu of doing the Power rankings today, in which we just completed our Monthly rankings a few days ago, here are the current odds to win the World Series.
These kind of work as a defacto slotting of positions in their own right.
I had a full .500 of predicting last weeks totals in best bets. Toronto’s big streak of 9 games were the big culprits of this affair to my demise. They have jumped all the way to +1600, and are the top favorite out of the AL East.
If you are a New York Yankees fan or Boston Red Sox Nation subscriber, and think your squad could win the Fall Classic each, pounce on this weeks odds. At +2000 and +2200 respectively, they are the highest they have been all year for the Eastern Seaboard clubs.
Boston has reeled of 6 wins in a row following their 10 game swan dive, and New York is only 2.5 Games Behind Toronto.
Honestly as the teams are constructed right now, I am all in favor of picking the Jays, but there is one problem. If the ‘Pinstripers’ are in contention a month from now, Brian Cashman will be handed an influx of cash to dole out in forms of trades.
Toronto is over the payroll they want to be at for the campaign, although they might be able to add a Starter as said by the brass, “if the club is playing well.”.
Boston just inked Stephen Drew back, and they have some Benjamin Franklin’s in reserve somewhere if they want to throw some down, just not sure they will do so. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series – Updated For Week 8 + Best Value Bets
If Chris Davis is at his HR centric best, all of a sudden this team is lethal from Nelson Cruz, to Adam Jones, and hence should I say a healthy Matt Wieters crushing from the DH slot, or potentially this team could ink a Morales, or trade for another guy. Pitching Staff is holding up, and now it is time for this team to roll. Having New York, Toronto and Boston so heavily favored over them for this category is a farce. Take the +3500 value.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I had my worst week for prognosticating the best odds, however I made up for it, with the worst odds of the week. In all, I was 4 – 4 – 2 for the week. I still have not had a losing record, and many winning ones.
The Rays and Royals have plummeted in their odds for the World Series. I am not sure about either one of them getting back into the race, although that Tampa +5000 this week is very tempting.
The Kansas City offense is a joke. They should sign Kendrys Morales after June, and then turn around and trade Billy Butler. Morales won’t make much more than “Country Breakfast” and is a more consistent hitter all around.
You could also acquire some more depth somewhere else for Butler’s services. Heck, Seattle needs a DH right now, and they aren’t even calling Morales for all we know, and are going with Nick Franklin until Corey Hart is back. Read the rest of this entry
2014 MLB Shutout Survivor Results: Angels Are The Winner This Year
The Angels are holding their own in the AL West, and have watched as other teams in the Division have suffered massive pitching injuries. This team should be in the hunt all year for the playoffs. Mike Scioscia can also be thankful his team is playing better too. In 2012 and 2013, the club struggled mightily in the 1st 6 – 7 weeks into the year. It cost them a playoff spot in 2012, even with a late charge, and last year was a losing season, which is a rarity in the Scioscia era.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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The Angels have been flashing lumber all year. Despite me railing on them last week, it is also a respect factor for them having not being Shutout at that point.
On Friday night, the Rays finally bageled the Halo’s, with a 3 – 0 loss to Chris Archer and the Bullpen of Tampa Bay. LA returned a blanking to the Rays on Saturday.
The team only managed 4 hits in the game. Nevertheless, the lasted more 5 more games this year than the Colorado Rockies.
Los Angeles is in 2nd place in the AL West, and are looking to get Josh Hamilton back shortly.
I am still not relinquishing my request not to have Raul Ibanez hit 4th in the lineup. I wouldn’t play him as a starter to begin with, and leave the guy to Pinch Hit duty late in games. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series – Updated For Week 7 + Best Value Bets
I sound like a broken record, but where is the love for this team? Okay, they may not win this thing, but at +4500, and they have an easy AL Central schedule for the rest of the year, great pitching – and could trade for a batter. Best Value on the Board – rated as the 19th longest shot.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
For my best bets last week – I was 4 – 0 – 1. Cleveland has stayed at +8000, TB has risen from +3300 to this week +3000. The Pirates went from +6600 to +5000 and the Orioles went from +4500 to +4000. I was also right on the the Royals going from +5000 – +4500.
With the +4500: This is pretty stupid considering KC is 20 – 19, and would be considered tied for the Wild Card Spot. Clearly with the White Sox, Twins and Indians, they have one of the better strength of schedules favoring them.
Also, love Yordano Ventura becoming better as the year carries on, and have Danny Duffy pitching frames again as a starter. The offense is starting to heat up a little bit. They will be my best bet of this week.
I went 2 – 2 – 1 with my worst odds on the board, as the A’ stayed the same for yet another week. The Angels proved me wrong by climbing from +1400 – +1200 and SF shot up from +1400 all the way to +1100.
I had the Marlins on the way down, and they plummeted from +6600 last week to +12500 this week,
Toronto also went from +2800 + 3000 In my favor.
Be sure to scroll down who I pick this week (Haven’t deviated much from last week.) Read the rest of this entry
30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 7 – May 2014
The Mariners are 10 – 4 in their last 14 games – without receiving any outstanding play from one particular player. They are the biggest jumpers in this weeks rankings, going from #20 – #15. The club concludes a series vs the Kansas City Royals, before they welcome the Tampa Rays next into Safeco Field.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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We are almost at the quarter pole for action in the MLB.
The biggest mover and shakers this week were the Seattle Mariners, followed by Baltimore Orioles. LA Angels and San Francisco Giants.
Plummeting in the other directions were led by the Phils, who we dropped from 17th to 24th.
The Yankees, Nationals, Dodgers and Rangers all lost 4 places in the rankings based on sub-par weeks.
The AL New York franchise is about 1 bad week from free-falling to the AL East. Right now the team has received buoyancy because of ace Masahiro Tanaka being 5 – 0.
Brian McCann and Carlos Beltran are having a tough time finding their rhythm with the Bronx Bombers.
I believe the Dodgers will rectify their situation shortly and take off.
Washington is barely over .500 even though most of their players are playing to their capabilities.
The Royals offense is destroying their team morale, as is the Mets having a tough time with the Relief Core, and their Pitchers are still battling .000 for the year like you and me.
Oakland is still leading the MLB in wins since the start of the 2012 year.
The Red Sox are one of the most likely teams to climb the standings in the next few weeks.
With the Cards not playing well, keep in mind, 18 of the next 21 games reside in Busch Stadium for them. It is time to make some headway.
The AL has fashioned a 18 – 8 mark in Interleague this week to apply a 34 – 33 overall lead on the NL now.
The Rockies are blasting every baseball into orbit right now. These guys are hitting as well at home as the Pre-Humidor ERA. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series – Updated For Week 6
Yes the Rays are playing terrible baseball at 15 – 21, but they are only 4 games behind the playoff bar. They always start off the year slow – and the exponentially become better as the year wears on. When Alex Cobb comes back – they have the best Starting Rotation in the AL East, and I think they are most capable of making a run at a playoff berth. At +3300, Tied for 14th longest odd, I am placing them the best value on the board, given their pedigree for strong second half’s.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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My best value picks last week I was 3 – 2, 1. The Royals dropped from +3500 – +5000, 2. Reds went from +5000 – +4000, TB went from +2500 – +3300, as the Orioles went from +5000 – 4500, and the Cards went from +1100 – +1000.
I still believe the Royals will turn around their season – and may beat the AL teams cannibalizing each other for a Wild Card Stretch. They went 47 – 34 down the pike, and may just be a better 2nd half club.
The Orioles at +700 for the AL East is a better wager than the +4500 right now, as i don’t believe they have the tools to win the World Series, but they could eek out the Division.
The Reds are hanging in despite injury, and I think the Brewers will fall back, so it is just the Cards to contend with in the long run, and Cincy is just 1 Game behind those guys. +4000 is still a great value.
The Rays are totally struggling as we speak at 15 – 21, however they are just 4 games behind the playoff bar, and should be receiving Alex Cobb back shortly.
Out of all of the AL East teams, they are probably best suited for a 20 – 5 stretch with their pitching. They will be the best odd this week.
Worst Odds on the Board I was right in my assessment on 2, broke even on the other 2 – and neglected to think the Jays would move up, but they did from +3000 – +2800. SF and Oak were the draws both keeping their previous odd.
The #1 worst odd pick of last week was Boston, and they dropped from +1200 +1400.
My 2nd worst odd was Cleveland at +5500 – and they skyrocketed down the road all the way to +8000.
So for the week, I fashioned a 5 – 3 – 2 overall record for value plays. Keep reading at the end of this post too see my picks this week. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The 2014 Divisions: Colorado Biggest Jump As A Favorite
Matt Wieters is off to an outstanding start to the 2014 season, and it would be a crying shame if the Catcher had to be shelved with a position player Tommy John Surgery. The 27 Year Old Veteran has slashed .341/.374/.560 with 5 HRs and 18 RBI so far this campaign. Wieters has one more year of Arbitration Eligibility before he hits the open market in 2016. If Wieters is injured but could still play, he may be the Full Time DH for the rest of 2014. If he is cleared to play tonight, the O’s would be right up there with the Rays for value in terms of gambling who will win the AL East. New York and Boston simply don’t pay enough.
Odds To Win The 2014 Divisions
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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2 weeks ago I wrote my last Division Odds piece. You can read that article here.
I jumped on board the odd for the Colorado Rockies at +1800 for the NL West. Everyone was still buying into the San Diego Padres more.
With the early season slumping for the Dodgers, and injury woes, I liked the Rox value at the clip it was at.
Fast forward to today, and the odd is now at +750.
In the AL East, I talked about the Orioles doing a good job weathering the storm before Manny Machado was back.
This club still hasn’t received steady contributions from an injured Chris Davis, or a slumping Adam Jones, but they sit tied for 1st place with New York.
I would have picked them to be the best bet again this week in the AL East, except for the Matt Wieters UCL deal has me worried.
When has a visit to Dr. Andrews translated well lately?
In my article here today, I have highlighted my pick from last post, and I how I fared. The bold picks represent who I think is the best value play for the $ wagered. Read the rest of this entry
2014 MLB Team Runs Survivor Through Games Played May.04: DET/SEA Join The 11/11 Club ( 10 Teams Complete Now)
The Tigers are on fire right now, and showed who is boss in the AL Central by sweeping the Royals, running their record to 5 – 0 against KC for 2014 in the process. On Saturday, the new revamped offense notched their 11th total.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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This should turn out to be quite fun. A lot of gambling establishments have this sort of deal, and it will be fun to see the results.
What Runs Survivor is, a MLB team scoring 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, 10 or (10+) in different games throughout the course of the season.
Once a club has one of these run totals once, you cross it off and keep going until they complete the 11 different variations. We are going to keep tracking this category – until all 30 MLB clubs are finished this season!
Detroit has now won 5 games straight, and on Saturday night, they completed their 11th variation. They beat Seattle by 3 games to the clip, even though the Mariners finally completed all 11 – finishing in 10th, even though they were the 1st club to 10. Read the rest of this entry
30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 6 – May. 2014
The Motown Boys won all 4 games they played this week and have opened up a 4 game lead on the Royals. This team has the easiest schedule left on the board. The squad also announced they have picked up Reliever Joel Hanrahan, This is a great depth move on their part, and insurance for the Closers position.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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As we enter the 2nd month of play in the Major League Baseball, we really start to delve into who is playing good and who is playing bad.
How about we begin with the National League holding a 26 – 17 record versus the American League in Interleague play.
The last stat is the main reason why there is only 3 teams out of the 15 with a positive Run Differential. (No team in the AL East has a club in the plus, and only the Tigers have one in the AL Central.
The Angels and A’s also yield nice Run Differentials – however a lot of that was from beating up the Houston Astros.
The NL possesses 9 clubs with a positive mark.
The NL East has all 5 teams with a .500 clip or better heading into today’s action. Read the rest of this entry
2014 MLB Team Runs Survivor Through Games Played May.02: MIA/STL Join The 11/11 Club ( 8 Teams Complete Now)
Charlie Blackmon and Troy Tulowitzki both have crossed home plate 26 times to start the 2014 season. With AL’s Brian Dozier, they are all in a tie for 1st place in Runs Scored in the MLB.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
This should turn out to be quite fun. A lot of gambling establishments have this sort of deal, and it will be fun to see the results.
What Runs Survivor is, a MLB team scoring 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, 10 or (10+) in different games throughout the course of the season.
Once a club has one of these run totals once, you cross it off and keep going until they complete the 11 different variations. We are going to keep tracking this category – until all 30 MLB clubs are finished this season!
Last night, both of the Marlins and Cards finished the task. As far as seeding goes – who goes 7th and 8th place in the finishing, I gave the nod to Miami because they accomplished the feat in 29 games – compared to 30 contests for the reigning NL Champs.
The Fish continue to play inspired baseball at New Marlins Ballpark, running their record to an impressive 13 – 4, while the record on the road remains a brutal 2 – 10.
The Cards on the other hand, nailed down their 11 different run variation amidst a 6 – 5 loss to the lowly Cubs. Adam Wainwright actually was touched up in the game – after running an excellent string of 25 frames consecutive without allowing a run scored. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series – Updated For Week 5
Kansas City is the latest best bet on the board for bang for the buck. I have fared well picking good weeks recently for the Tigers, Reds and Rockies, so lets see if we can keep this up. The Royals are 14 – 12 – and 1.5 GB the Tigers heading into play today. At +3500 to win the Fall Classic, there is value there.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Last Weeks best bet on the board that we slated was the Colorado Rockies at +6600. With a strong week, and 5 HRs in the last week plus, Troy Tulowitzki has elevated the Rox to near the top of the NL West.
This week, they jumped all the way to +3500, marking the second time in as many weeks, our best bet almost cut their odd in half. We also said the Yankees were a good play at +1600, and they vaulted up to +1200 again,
The Royals have gone 5 – 5 in their last 10 games, and have receded from +3300 – +3500, however this will be one of my top plays this week. These guys are 14 – 12 now, and haven’t even played to potential.
My #4 and #5 picks for best bets had struggles this week. Texas went from +1600 – +1800, which isn’t a massive fall, and the Reds went from +4000 – +5000. Again, I question the logic of placing these guys so far back. Read the rest of this entry
MLB Team Runs Survivor Through Games Played Apr.29: KC Joins The 11/11 Club (6th Team To Complete)
Salvador Perez hit a 2 run HR to make it a 5 -4 game, then hit a 2 run Double to break it open for KC in the 8th inning, as part of a 6 run frame against the Blue Jays Bullpen. The Royals pulled their record over .500 at 13 – 12 on a 10 – 7 win over the Canadian franchise. The win also marked the 1st time the squad had scored 10 or more runs for the year.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
This should turn out to be quite fun. A lot of gambling establishments have this sort of deal, and it will be fun to see the results.
What Runs Survivor is, a MLB team scoring 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, 10 or (10+) in different games throughout the course of the season.
Once a club has one of these run totals once, you cross it off and keep going until they complete the 11 different variations. We are going to keep tracking this category – until all 30 MLB clubs are finished this season!
The Kansas City Royals played their 25th game last night, and became the 6th fastest club to complete their 11 run totals. The club is far from their offense peak, but last night was promising, dropping a 6 spot in the BOT of 8 to seal a victory against the Blue Jays. Read the rest of this entry
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