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Odds To Win The 2017 MLB World Series
Edwin Encarnacion would be just what the doctor ordered for the Indians lineup. A guy that can mash big Homers, drive in plenty of runs. This contract is so awesome for the timing of it all as the team could absorb the $20 MIL guaranteed AAV for the next 3 years. EE will turn 34 on Jan 07, 2017, and is coming off a year where he slashed .263/.357/.529 – with 42 HRs and a league leading 127 RBI.He is a significant upgrade over the departed Mike Napoli. His power will elevate the Cleveland lineup for the next 3 seasons at least.
The Indians were our 4th best bet of the week last Friday at +1000 to win the Fall Classic in 2017. Now with the Edwin Encarnacion contract signing, the club has jumped to +700. We have just stated in a recent article today that they should not be below the Red Sox for odds to win the title next year.
Handicappers at the top of their profession always use the Strength of Schedule in their opinions, and with good reason. One could go either way in dealing with the rosters of the Red Sox and Indians, but the biggest difference are the 76 Divisional games the Tribe plays against the Royals, Tigers, Twins and White Sox, where Boston must play the Jays, yankees,O’s and Raus 76 times.
It is also the biggest reason the Nationals will likely stay as our favorite value on the board all off season. The Mets are about the only real competition in the NL East that may provide a hindrance for the Washington franchise to reel in their 2nd straight NL East title. Then it is – do you really think the Cubs should be a 3/1 odd favorite against the Nats in a NLCS matchup – no way.
We also love the Cardinals continuing to be a thorn in Chicago’s side for the 2017 year. St. Louis was a 100 win club in 2015, and fought many nagging injuries in 2016. Now they have a lot more healthy coming back in 2017, and a full year of Alex Reyes. The Red Birds also signed Dexter Fowler away from the Cubs. +2000 is about a 6/1 odd from the oddsmakers for the Cards to win the NL Central. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The 2017 MLB World Series
Jon Durr/Getty Images North America
With the Chris Sale deal the Red Sox went fro co-favorites with the Indians t0 near the Cubs stratosphere for overwhelming odds on winners to take home the League Pennants in either league.
While I have no issue with these two squads holding the edge against the rest of the pack, it is just not that much of a discrepancy.
One may argue that the Nationals path of resistance is actually a lot easier than the Cubs for the Division.
The Mets Starting Pitching is suspect for health reasons, and there are holes all around the positional lineup when it comes to lack of a Centerfielder. and 3 men in the Infield who could suffer back injuries all year.
Here is the funny thing though. the Mets still made the WildCard play in game in 2016 despite all of the turmoil that presented itself.
Miami has taken a setback with the tragic loss of Jose Fernandez. This will be felt in the standings in my opinion.
The biggest X factor is if Giancarlo Stanton could remain healthy for 145 Games, but odds dictate he will not, therefore this Division should be beat up pretty bad by the Nats and Mets.
Atlanta and Philly are just a year away from solidly competing. Read the rest of this entry
Early 2017 MLB Team Win Projections
Having a great offsesson despite David Ortiz retiring. Are the deepest all around team in the American League, with the greatest collection of veterans and young players. The biggest other move in the Division so far was the Yankees signing Aroldis Chapman, and that may just help the Bombers stay above .500 – and have a chance to compete.
Following the recent Winter Meetings, the new CBA being signed. and then the subsequent few weeks after, the projections are win totals based on the teams if over/unders were to be placed.
From the onset. the Boston Red Sox are the clear favorite in the AL East – with adding Chris Sale, Mitch Moreland, Tyler Thornburg to their ALL – Star cast, while David Ortiz (retired), Travis Shaw (traded) Koji Uehara (Signed with the Cubs), Brad Ziegler (Free Agent) are off the postseason roster that lost to the Tribe.
The players going back to the White Sox were not from the Major League Roster for the most part.
With the Jays having Edwin Encarnacion, Jose Bautista, Michael Saunders. R. A. Dickey, Brett Cecil off the 25 man roster, to replacing with Kendrys Morales and Steve Pearce for the most part as main transactions. this is a far cry from an even trade. However the club will still likely make some more moves.
Cleveland stands to benefit for the rest of the division all seeming to rebuild. but the Tigers have only dealt Cameron Maybin away – so they are sitting on the cusp of challenging for the AL Central again. Detroit may want to explore going for it one more year based on what the Royals have done, and the fact the White Sox and Twins might be the worst clubs in the Junior Circuit.
Houston has been super progressive with signing Josh Reddick and Carlos Beltran as Free Agents, while also flipping for Brian McCann. This was a squad that started 7 – 17,before reeling off a nice 77 – 62 mark down the stretch to fall just short of the playoff bar.
Seattle is also positioning themselves upward just by how bad the Rangers have fared this winter. Not only that, but they added strength to their worst 2 weaknesses in adding Jean Segura at SS. and Carlos Ruiz as a viable backup Catcher. Read the rest of this entry
Once Again: Why The MLB Should Consider A Geographical/Market Size Re-Alignment For The Next CBA:
The new CBA has been a godsend for the mid – market teams, and not so great for the 10 top markets, but even more devastating for the 10 lowest markets. One thing the CBA did address was to give the players an additional 4 days off during the league year – stretching from 183 Days to 187 – in lieu of expanding the rosters of 25 to 26.
This website has continued its stance since day 1, that while the economics have been a lot more fair to teams in the last 15 years, there is still much work to do. The best small market teams we have seen in the last 7 years have been the Oakland A’s, Tampa Bay Rays, Pittsburgh Pirates and of course the 2015 World Series winning Kansas City Royals. Only one of these teams actually were a decent franchise for some time before they took off.
Pittsburgh lost for 22 years before they finally made 3 straight postseason appearances. With the new CBA not giving them 1st RD Draft Picks for departing players in future seasons like Andrew McCutchen, Gregory Polanco, Starling Marter and Gerrit Cole, this is a sure fire way for the brass to cut the cord on their service team a lot of time ahead of them hitting Free Agency.
Kansas City was a laughable organization from the mid 90’s to 2013 as well, and despite winning back to back pennants in the AL< and being the first small market team to win the World Series since the 2003 Marlins, they will soon start to see their team ripped apart under the same Free Agent terms like the Bucs – with Eric Hosmer, Lorenzo Cain, Danny Duffy and Mike Moustakas likely all not re-signing with the franchise. Dayton Moore already had to trade ace Closer Wade Davis this past week.
The Tampa Bay Rays were awful from 1998 – 2007, and were able to stockpile #1 overall picks to build up the franchise. The Joe Maddon era ensued for 6 straight quality years where they competed beautifully, including a World Series Loss in 2008, but now they are at a crossroads again from a 68 win campaign. and teams all spending double what they can. Read the rest of this entry
Aroldis Chapman Signing Is The First Step In Yankees Reload
Aroldis Chapman is on pace to be one of the best ALL – Time Closers in the game. Toting a Career ERA of 2.08 – and a incredible 15.2/Per 9 IP SO rate, this man is about as hard to hit as they come. At entering the 2017 season at just Age 28, a 5 year deal worth $86 MIL is not as risky as it sounds. This organization is used to having elite Closers like him during their 23 year over .500 streak, so this is par for the course.
Brian Cashman is handling the offseason like he should. If the brass can somehow pull off a few more trades, than I would really like the projections for future years.
Aroldis Chapman inked a 5 year deal worth $86 MIL (or exactly 5 times the what the Qualifying Offer was this year.) New York didn’t have to pay the Cubs any compensation for the signing since he was traded to Chicago by these very Yankees at the Trade Deadline.
The whole concept of trading players though the year, only to re-ink them after those said seasons, is a practice that MLB clubs have not done in the past.
This is a common maneuver for NHL teams over the last 15 – 20 years, and we may it see it happen a whole lot more in future campaigns.
Not only do the Yankees get their man, but they also are armed with all of the prospects they acquired from the July trade. (Rashad Crawford (minors), Billy McKinney (minors), Gleyber Torres (minors) and Adam Warren. )
Out of those 4 players. Torres may be the best down the road. He may also even free up the ability to deal a Starlin Castro or Didi Gregorius in the next few years.
Warren is probably headed back to the Bullpen permanently again in 2017, however he can still grant you a spot start for the rotation. Read the rest of this entry
The Dodgers Will Regret The Rich Hill Deal: Yet Another Injury Prone Chucker In The Rotation
The Dodgers have spent over $300 MIL in back to back years, and are the clubhouse leaders in Luxury Tax penalties paid. At a 50% penalty, the Los Angeles forked out $40 MIL in Luxury Taxes in 2016. With an estimated $204 MIL payroll – considering there are several roster holes now created by departing players, the team will need to spend around $235 MIL in 2017 total payroll. With a 50% penalty – and an additional 45% hit for going $40 MIL over the new $195 MIL limit in 2017, I highly expect the organization will be less willing to spend 95 cents extra for every dollar spent beyond that. Because of the Rich Hill signing, it will make it tough to get back Justin Turner and land a Closer – without paying the maximum surcharges for payroll.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner)
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I don’t hide the fact that I have been a Dodgers fan for some time. I have continuously ripped the past and present management for signing players that are injury prone. For the last 4 years the Injury/Dead money the club has doled out has rivaled what some of the lowest payroll clubs on an annual basis.
So what do the brass do? They ink a guy, who is 37, and could barely toe the mound for a handful of starts due to a blister, to a 3 Year Deal worth $16 MIL per year. Didn’t they learn their lesson with the Scott Kazmir contract? How about Chad Billingsley, Josh Beckett, Brandon McCarthy, Hyun-jin Ryu, Brett Anderson or Bronson Arroyo?
This is not even taking into a factor all of the positional players and Relief Guys they have taken a powder on (hit the ground and dust flies up because of being knocked out). The Franchise ate $41 MIL in 2013, $37 MIL in salary for 2014, $86 MIL in 2015, and $71 MIL in 2016.
For those scoring at home, that is a whopping $233 MIL in lost cash since the beginning of 2013, which was the Guggenheim Consortium’s first full year at the helm.
When you factor in some more penalties for exceeding the Luxury Tax Threshold, the organization is well over the $250 MIL mark in 4 seasons. Now 2017 doesn’t look to be much different – with $47 MIL in dead money already on the board.
Carl Crawford ($21.9 MIL), Alex Guerrero ($7.5 MIL), Hector Olivera ($4.7 MIL), Matt Kemp ($3.7 MIL) and Jose Tabata (250K) are not even on the active roster anymore, yet they will see some serious coin paid out by the Dodger Blue.
The Dodgers are also paying guys $10 MIL to play in the Minor Leagues. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The 2017 World Series: Nats/Giants/Astros Great Value – Bounce On KC/NYY
For a second straight week we love the Nationals with the best odd value of the week. They have some financial flexibility to bring in a few more ALL – Star Caliber players and also possess the prospects in order to get it done. If you believe (like I do) that the Nats are serious about trading for guys like Andrew McCutchen and Chris Sale, than it is imperative you get this club at their odd this week.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner)
Follow @stokes_Hunter21 @mlbreports
The Nationals are really making noise about trying to land Andrew McCutchen and Chris Sale. Even if they don’t fulfill the need, I still think they will add more depth via trade for another good Starting Pitcher and also add an impressive CF, and reliever.
We shall wait and see whether or not that could be the likes of Dexter Fowler or a reunion with Ian Desmond to play CF, Aroldis Chapman or Kenley Jansen to be added to for late inning work. At +1200 the Nats are full value for the best odd of the week.
The NL East may be easier to win than the NL West and NL Central if you think the way that most good handicappers are right now. The Mets are dreaming if they think they can contend with 3 Infield Starters with bad backs, and a declining metrics Shortstop, added to not a true CF, and a horrible Catcher offensive situation.
I am trying not to bag on the Mets too much here, as I think they could still rally to win 85 – 90 wins again next year based on the strength of the rest of the Division, it is just the health concerns that would frighten me to pieces. Read the rest of this entry
6 MLB Teams That Will Benefit The Most By The New CBA
The Toronto Blue Jays have had to contend with the overspending in the last 25 years by the Yankees and Red Sox. With stiffer penalties now imposed on the higher payroll clubs. coupled with their recent back to back ALCS Appearances, the franchise draws enough to spend more money on total team salary in the next few years. It will come down to the management’s ability on player personnel that should determine their success for the next 5 years and not sheer finances.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Tomorrow we will point out the clubs that were hurt most in the short term. today we talk about the winners of the new deal.
I am calling the Nationals, Mariners, Astros, Jays, Cardinals and Giants the immediate victors under the new format.
When i was thinking about more the past two days, the new structure seems to favor mid level payroll teams more than the lower or higher payroll clubs.
With the new penalties for spending way more money than the Luxury Tax Threshold, the Yankees, Dodgers, Red Sox and Tigers are going to find that the impact will run pretty steep on their roster decisions for the next 5 years.
Being that that all of those franchises are still going to dole out the kind of money on player contracts they are, I am not calling them losers for the new CBA either. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 28, 2016
Jeff Gross/Getty Images North America
Are the Dodgers going to be a cost cutting team? Then their front office will have to remember their Tampa Bay Rays days to finally bring a pennant to Chavez Ravine.
Make every penny count on this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
MLB Reports Bettting Results For The 2016 Year: We Made A Profit For The Third Straight Campaign!
I take my betting style from a philosophy used from a few decades of research. This book was one of the templates followed for success.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Disclaimer: All bets were made in the State Of Nevada, or via Canada (by Chuck Booth) where bets are legal online.
So it was an interesting wager year. I nailed the World Series winner, but never did place on money on them in any futures. I was able to hedge bet because I had the Dodgers at a 15/1 Odds from the previous winter.
I absolutely killed it on Player Prop Betting – running the whole table. I was on fire in the playoffs. My best regular season wager for wins ( TB Rays under) was nice, but I took a beating on the rest of the over/under on victories across the board.
My pick of the Baltimore Orioles at 28/1 – to win the American League Pennant – set me up to hedge bet enough of the Junior Circuit playoffs, that I could help rescue my wagering season.
Chuck Booth and I combined for all of these picks, and we use the same gambling template for how we put down cabbage.
The real difference of profit came down to our perfect prognostication of Giancarlo Stanton winning the Derby helped us in breaking even and winning some cash at the end of the campaign.
Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The 2017 World Series:
The Nationals feature 3 potential MVPs and 2 Cy Young Pitchers as their top talent – while the rest of the Division struggles with overcoming roster hauls, rebuilding and tragedy. The Cubs are the expected overwhelming favorite, however they don’t pay nearly enough, and nothing is ever certain in the playoffs. Give me the Nats as the best on the board currently.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner)
Follow @stokes_Hunter21 @mlbreports
If you bet with your mind and not your heart in the last 12 months, than you would have lost on the World Series predictions. I prognosticated in my yearly preseason bets that I thought the Cubs would win the Fall Classic, but profusely hated the odds of +500 to begin the campaign.
I still fully capitalized on my preseason wager of picking the Dodgers at +1500 for $50, along with the Mets and Nationals at +1100 for $50 a piece as well.
That, coupled with my Baltimore Orioles AL pick to win the AL Pennant at 28/1 Odds served to put me into a position to hedge several bets in the playoffs to turn a nice profit. Later in the week we will delve into the websites entire wagers for the whole calendar season.
The reigning champions are also extreme favorites again heading into 2017 – at a +280 clip. I may pick them to win another World Series again in my actual predictions, however those are still horrible odds to throw some cabbage down on.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 22, 2016
Harry How/Getty Images North America
What team has the most pressure on them going into 2017?
It has to be the Dodgers, who despite a galaxy of stars could be going into their third decade without a pennant.
Bleed Dodger Blue on this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 22, 2016
Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times
Sure there are long suffering Cub fans. There are also long suffering Dodger fans. And they suffered tonight.
Meanwhile Joe Maddon’s decision to celebrate Chapman made me turn off the game.
It is a trade one pain for another episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast
For the up to date standings of Who Owns October, click MLB Reports.
What is “Who Owns October”? Click HERE for an explanation.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 20, 2016
MARK J. TERRILL/AP
What was going to be one of the great games of the year turned into a slow paced frustrating game between the Dodgers and Cubs.
It is a “Race a Glacier” episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Jon Lester, Addison Russell and Corey Seager all owned October.
For the up to date standings of Who Owns October,Go to MLB Reports
What is “Who Owns October”? Click HERE for an explanation.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 13, 2016
Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times
The Nationals and Dodgers played not only for a game and a series but an October identity.
They gave us a wonderful classic game.
It is a gut check episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast
Joc Pederson, Kenley Jansen, Daniel Murphy and Max Scherzerand Daniel Murphy all added to their Who Owns October totals.
For the up to date standings of Who Owns October, Click MLB Reports
What is “Who Owns October”? Click HERE for an explanation.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 13, 2016
Norm Hall/Getty Images North America
The difference between winning and losing for the Giants recently has just been chance. But why not slightly improve their chances by batting the red hot Hunter Pence higher in the order for a few weeks?
Plus some no hitter thoughts on this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Kyle Hendricks, Yasmany Tomas, David Price, Rougned Odor, Carlos Gonzalez, Starlin Castro and Jake Odorizzi all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball yesterday.
See the updated listing of WOB on MLB Reports
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 3, 2016
Ralph Freso/Getty Images North America
Evidently the Dodgers and Brewers were discussing a Ryan Braun for Yasiel Puig swap.
Why didn’t that happen?
It would have been great for both sides!
It is a “Pull the Trigger Already!” episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Jon Lester, Carlos Carrasco, Matt Kemp, Miguel Cabrera, J.T. Realmuto, Noah Syndergaard and Mike Trout all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball yesterday.
See the updated listing of WOB on MLB Reports
ORDER SPACEMAN ON iTUNES BY CLICKING HERE
Los Angeles Dodgers Acquire Rich Hill and Josh Reddick From The Oakland A’s
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!! The trade deadline will end at 4 PM EST today, so that means we will see plenty of trades in baseball. The first big trade of the day includes the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Oakland A’s. The Dodgers will acquire starting pitcher, Rich Hill, and outfielder, Josh Reddick. Considering the Dodgers are only two games out of first place in the National League West, this is a huge move to win now. Both players are rentals since their contracts are up at the conclusion of the season.
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Phenom Prospect, Julio Urias, Called Up To The Big Leagues And Ready To Shine
Trey Rose (Featured BBBA Fantasy Baseball Writer/Owner – dynastydigest.sportsblog.com)
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The Los Angeles Dodgers have called up top prospect, Julio Urias, to pitch against the New York Mets on Friday. Urias is ranked as the #2 overall prospect my MLB.com.
This left-handed pitcher is only 19 years old, which makes him the youngest pitcher to start in an MLB game since Felix Hernandez in 2005.
Urias might be 19 years old, but he pitches with the maturity of a 10-year veteran. His future for the Los Angles Dodgers and fantasy baseball owners should be very bright.
READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY
Nine Innings/Questions With Dodgers Blue Heaven: A New BBBA Featured Series Of Its Members
Note From Chuck Booth: We have some talented bloggers at the Baseball Bloggers Alliance, and our Executive Committee member (Peter Schiller) is going to start doing an article series interviewing them. Today he asks our friend Ernest Reyes about his Dodgers site.
If you are a fan of these teams, I recommend to read their insights – and to also follow their blogs. Peter is a good man. He gave me my first chance ever to have an authorship page at his site over 7 years ago.
Peter Schiller (Featured BBBA Executive Committee Member/Writer/Owner – baseballreflections.com)
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If you like what you read below, check out more from Ernest Reyes Follow @ernestreyes at his site, Dodgers Blue Heaven!
This is the first in a series of me asking fellow bloggers from the Baseball Bloggers Alliance (BBBA) 9 innings worth of questions about their team.
The goal is to do this for as many teams as possible (all 30 would be ideal) a few times a season. This one is a pre-All Star edition, then a post-All Star edition, another down the stretch (towards the end of the season) and then either a playoffs edition or off season edition or both!
So, without further ado …
- How are the Dodgers’ offseason acquisitions working out so far? Any concerns?
This is a bit of a mixed bag.
To read the rest of this article on BaseballReflections.com, follow this link!
MLB Fantasy Daily (DFS) Picks For DraftKings – 5/17/16
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner)
Follow @stokes_Hunter21 @mlbreports
We are ramping up our coverage on DFS play at MLB Reports, and will include some strategy articles in the forthcoming days and weeks. We come from a high level of handicapping backgrounds, and have been given the go ahead from the braintrust at MLB Reports to start sharing some of these with you.
Of course Chuck Booth and I spearheaded this movement back in a few years ago with just regular baseball futures. We were not sure if we wanted to go ahead with the MLB DFS Fantasy at all, but were finally convinced for demand by a couple of our BBBA writers (Josh Robbins and Trey Rose). The need is there and we are looking to deliver.
I have played DFS long enough to be the guy who writes the posts here. The gambling philosophy championed by Booth in the 90’s is brilliant for any sources of tournaments or gambling period. It weaves the Martingale Betting System (progressive betting with the double up theory) and it fosters it with several other techniques so you don’t bet against yourself.
One of the biggest blunders made by many gamblers is betting against themselves. We are going to simplify the process, so if you win, you can really win – none of this barely break even nonsense.
Look for that in coming days. Now here is what we are going to do for today’s MLB DFS Draft Kings style.
We Will Give You – Daily
5 team stacking options ( We are going to draw most of our players from these 5 squads).
3 Pitching candidates (High level, midlevel and budget).
MLB Power Rankings 2016: Week 7 – May
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner)
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MAY 15, 2016
Well not much has changed from this week as compared to last week. Detroit carried its free fall to 4th in the AL Central, the Yankees took 5 of 7 contests – and 7/10 in their homestand to save their season for now.
Miami and Philadelphia continue to stick around in the NL East, and the Giants and Dodgers finally had winning weeks to make the NL West Division Leader respectable.
Nobody looks scarier right now than the Boston Red Sox offense, who led by David Ortiz, Jackie Bradley JR. and Xander Bogaerts, plated 10 runs or more in 5 of the last 6 games, after going their 1st 32 games without doing so.
I am still awaiting for a Jays big winning streak. Houston has not played winning baseball since the 1st 6 weeks of the 2015 – and are tending to resemble the 2007 Tampa Bay Rays more than anything.
All offense and little pitching and defense.
There is nobody struggling worse than Logan Morrison, Russell Martin, Carlos Gomez and the consortium of LF’s in Anaheim! Recently bouncing out of this list are Jason Heyward and Chase Headley.
We are nearing the quarter pole and rapidly approaching Memorial Day Weekend, so it is not early anymore.
Read the rest of this entry
Red Sox + Padres Have Completed 2016 MLB Runs Scoring Survivor, 23 Teams Left
Waited 32 games to score 10 or more runs, then did the feat 2 times in 3 nights thanks to the heroics of Jackie Bradley JR. and a crazy good lineup.
Chuck Booth (MLB Reports Majority Owner/Lead Analyst)
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We are starting to get down to the nitty gritty of this contest. 7 of the 23 clubs have now completed their 11 different run variations, now that the Red Sox and Padres have accomplished the feat over the last few days.
Boston finishes 6th, and unless the Indians knockout run scores of 8 and 9 runs in any order over the next 2 contests.
San Diego looked to end as one of the last to finish this category early in the year being shutout 3 straight games to start the campaign, and also 5 of their 1st 11 matches. They have been better as an offense of late.
The Padres swept a twinbill versus the mighty Cubs on Wednesday, and are just 2.5 Games Behind the Giants and Dodgers for the NL West lead at 15 – 20. Good rally for these guys to finish in the top 10.
The Red Sox waited until game 32 to score more than 10 runs, and then they did the maneuver 2 nights later versus the A’s yet again, with another 2 HR, 6 RBI game from Jackie Bradley JR.
Most of the teams now have 9 or 10 variations covered, with the trailing squad in the whole MLB being the Philadelphia Phillies with just different 7 totals.
The Phightins’ are at least one of 4 rosters still alive in the MLB Shutout Survivor (A’s. Rockies and Pirates). Read the rest of this entry
Trade Rumor: Will The Los Angeles Angels Flip Mike Trout?
Trey Rose (Featured BBBA Fantasy Baseball Writer/Owner – dynastydigest.sportsblog.com)
Follow @dynasty_digest Follow @mlbreports
As of right now, the Angels only have 3 starting pitchers listed on their depth chart (Jared Weaver, Hector 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:
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MLB Power Rankings 2016: Week 6 May
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner)
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MAY 8, 2016
Disclaimer: We based these rankings on best strength to win the World Series. Therefore some teams that have an easier division to play in, with the least path of resistance to the postseason overall may be ranked a lot higher than a club who is equally talented, yet may play in a juggernaut of a division.
Rank – Team Record (Last week rank) (Up down) (W – L Record Last week)
(1) (1) Chicago Cubs (E) (24 – 6) : A real bad day for the Cubs is battling with a team like Washington on Sunday, to see whether or not they are going to sweep them or go 3 – 1 in a series.
Yep, they swept the 4 game set in a 13 inning walk off HR by Javier Baez – to cap a 7 – 0 week. They are on pace for about 129 wins right now.
Depth of the Starting Rotation is looking solid with Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester, John Lackey, Jason Hammel (Killer J’s) and Kyle Hendricks.
Hector Rondon is not even needed in most leads, with the team almost at a +100 differential through 30 games,
(2) (3) Chicago White Sox (+1) (22 – 10) ( 4 – 2): Chris Sale is 7 – 0, and may go Ron Guidry (circa 1979 on us). If anyone will win 25 games in a year, it would be him or Jake Arrieta.
Bob Welch won 27 games in 1990 for the A’s was the last guy to do that.
Has anyone noticed that Brett Lawrie has an OBP closer to .400 – than his usual .310 – .320?
Jose Quintana is finally receiving some run support. If Todd Frazier and Jose Abreu start hitting for BA, than look he the hell out. We could see a “Windy City” World Series for the 1st time since 1906. Read the rest of this entry
MLB Power Rankings 2016: Week 5 – May
The Bucs have the best Batting Average and OBP in the majors this year, and are waiting for the Starting Pitching to join them. Considering they have talent in the Minor Leagues to address this, and won 98 Games last year, it is not surprising to see them jump 10 spots in the rankings on a great week of play – where so many of their fellow NL clubs (besides the Nats and Cubs struggled so mightily).
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_Hunter21
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Disclaimer: We based these rankings on best strength to win the World Series. Therefore some teams that have an easier division to play in, with the least path of resistance to the postseason overall may be ranked a lot higher than a club who is equally talented, yet may play in a juggernaut of a division.
Game Records were before the results of the ESPN Sunday Night Game was played
Gone are the days right now where a Yankees and Red Sox Sunday Night matchup wasn’t important in the pantheon that are the weekly MLB Power Rankings.
Boston is still going to be in the top 10 as the AL East lone representative on the heels of their offensive output.
Every time I look up the Beantown Boys are into the double digits in hits for the game, and David Ortiz and Dustin Pedroia are in the thick of it.
While they also didn’t make the biggest movers and shakers either, John Farrell‘s club is looking poised to be cracking the top 5 soon.
The NL West have all teams .500 or worse, and I am shocked at how that has translated for the Dodgers and Giants. Read the rest of this entry
Trio Of Teams Blanked WED (WSH/TOR/LAD) Leaves 6 Clubs Remaining In 2016 MLB Shutout Survivor
Toronto were the two time reigning champs heading into this season, but will not win for a 3rd straight year, but will still finish in the top 10. The Jays lineup is not firing on all cylinders yet. and it has contributed to a 10 – 13 start.
Chuck Booth (MLB Reports Majority Owner/Lead Analyst)
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The biggest favorites were taken off the board, and perhaps 2 of the strongest contenders also followed suit Wednesday night. 2 time reigning champions, the Toronto Blue Jays were swept by the White Sox, and bageled courtesy of Jose Quintana.
Canada’s only franchise still will finish no worse than 7th, as this was still their 23rd game of the year.
Washington automatically ends at 9th – while the Dodgers will finish at 8th in an likelihood, unless the Phillies (1 of 6 clubs remaining: OAK/SEA/PIT/COL and ARI) lose Thursday by 2 – 0 or less. Maybe it could happen, but not banking on it.
The A’s still hanging around this competition is a pretty good testament to their scrappy play this year at 11 – 11.
Philadelphia itself has a winning record at 11 – 10, and one reason is they haven’t been zeroed yet in a game.
With the Jays out, the favorite will turn to the Rockies – who play at Coors Field, and have a great lineup.
Seattle is a precarious team left in the field.
Houston is struggling at 7 – 15, but their offense has not been that bad at all. They should change it around. They and Oakland are the hopes of the AL to win the category. The AL East joined the AL Central in having all teams be eliminated with the Toronto exodus. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The MLB 2016 World Series
The RedBirds are 11 – 6 since the 1st series sweep against them was levied by the Bucs. The oddsmakers are placing too much faith in the Cubs with the astronomical favorites that they are in being 5 times the favorite to the Cards, and 7 times to the Pirates. Injuries could happen,…Trades…Heck, either club could avoid them until the NLCS and be on a roll. I believe that one of Washington or New York will be the 1st wildcard slot, with the Cards or Pirates being the 2nd team. They are both among the best bets this week – with the STL #1 for value wagering
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner)
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What a bunch of movement on the odds to win the World Series. There is plenty of value for a lot of plays here. The Mets are just a few games behind the Nats and absolutely owned them in head to head action last year down the stretch. New York is 10 – 2 over their last 12 contests, and their offense has been huge.
I don’t see almost double the odds for New York as opposed to Washington. At last check, the Nats were ahead of the Mets by 4.5 games, and now the gap is just 2 games.
I almost did a double take when I see the confidence of the A’s and Rays on this list. The two squad vaulted up the rankings with ferocity. Settle down gamblers. Oakland is 11 – 10, and Tampa is just 10 – 10, and their lineup is still highly suspect.
The Rays should be somewhere in the +3300 range with new York. in no way should they be projected higher than the Indians and the Pirates – and on par with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Equally as weird is the faith in the Angels at +2500. Really? Look the AL West is wide open, with anyone being able to win this, but to have Seattle and Oakland tied is dumb The Mariners have the better roster all the way around, and have actually played better of late. Read the rest of this entry
MLB Power Rankings 2016: Week 4 – April
One is the #1 club in the whole MLB right now, and the other was the biggest mover and shaker of the week for week 3 of MLB action. Both are leading the Central Divisions in their respective leagues behind awesome starting pitching and timely power.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_Hunter21
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Disclaimer: We based these rankings on best strength to win the World Series. Therefore some teams that have an easier division to play in, with the least path of resistance to the postseason overall may be ranked a lot higher than a club who is equally talented, yet may play in a juggernaut of a division.
Game Records were before the results of the ESPN Sunday Night Game was played.
After a crazy week in which we saw our 1st no hitter, and massive long 16 inning game in Washington, we have for you the MLB Power Rankings.
There was no movement from the top 3 clubs. The NL West saw the Dodgers take a decent lead on the Giants – and that is major critical, as that is the team most likely to give them trouble in their quest for a 4th straight Division crown.
Bryce Harper has pulverized the Phillies, Marlins, Braves and Twins thus far. His late inning heroics are taking him to the next level.
The biggest mover and shaker this week was the White Sox, who climbed up 7 slots. The Giants dropping 8 positions was the biggest decline.
Bad weeks were had by the Tigers, Red Sox, Yankees and Astros. All clubs in the AL who are supposed to contend for a playoff slot.
The Mariners won their 3rd straight road series against the Angels (after beating the Yankees and Tribe 1s), and sit just a half game back in the AL West.
Oakland had started 7 – 0 on the road, before yielding 15 runs over the last 2 losses to the Blue Jays. They are tied with the Rangers for the lead in the Division, but it is just a matter of time before they are bounced out in my opinion.
Cleveland had a nice week of 4 – 2 to jump up 5 spots in the rankings. and are that much closer to bringing back Michael Brantley.
Gaining only one spot but having an awesome week were the New York Mets. All the boys are hitting now, and they are 8 – 2 in their last 10 contests. Read the rest of this entry
MLB Schedule For Week 4 Of 2016: April 25th To May 1st (95 Games)
These teams have combined for 8 out of the last 20 World Series wins (in 10 appeareancs – but at least one of them had represented in the AL during the playoffs for every year since the WildCard was alotted – until 2014 saw that come to an end. The last time neither team participated in the postseason prior to that was 1993. The Yankees ended up making the Wild Card Game in 2015 to start a new streak. The Bronx Bombers are struggling and aging rapidly, while Boston tries to see a bunch of new players all gel into a club that could contend. They are the ESPN Sunday night game on May 1st.
BOLD Red is Interleague Play
MLB Schedule For Week 4 Of 2016: April 25th To May 1st (96 Games)
MLB Scheduling 2016
Day + Date Away and Home, Times Start In EST
Week 4
Monday Apr 25 (12 Games)
White Sox @ Blue Jays 7:07
A’s @ Tigers 7:08
O’s @ Rays 7:10
Reds @ Mets 7:10
Red Sox @ Braves 7:10
Yankees @ Rangers 8:05
Indians @ Twins 8:10
Pirates @ Rockies 8:40
Cards @ D’Backs 9:40
Royals @ Angels 10:05
Padres @ Giants 10:15
Astros @ M’s 10:10
Marlins @ Dodgers 10:10 Read the rest of this entry
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