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Texas Rangers Roster For 2014: State Of The Union

Prince Fielder’s 2013 – 3 Slash Line (.279/.362/.457) is far below his Career Mark of .286/.389/.527. The man has not hit a HR in his last 74 AB in the playoffs either. Fielder at least had 5 HRs in 1st 70 AB for his playoff Career. Maybe that will change in Texas, after he clubs his way to be an AL MVP Candidate for the Rangers in 2014. I expect him to return to the 40+ HR plateau, drive in well over 100+ RBI – and lead his team to a World Series Appearance this year. Fielder will be in Texas for the next 7 years, and the Rangers only have to pay $20 MIL per year, with Detroit eating $4 MIL each season as part of the trade that saw Ian Kinsler go to Motown.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Stay Alive Until Re-Inforcements Arrive
The Texas Rangers bolstered their 2014 offensive lineup with 2 new .400+ OBP Players.
Shin-Soo Choo (.423 OBP in 2013, and a Career .389 OBP), and Prince Fielder (.362 OBP, but was .400 OBP+ in 4 out of the last 5 years and .389 OBP for his lifetime) – will be front and center into the Rangers new lineup.
These gentlemen will be surrounded by Adrian Beltre, Elvis Andrus and Alex Rios as guys to help offset their walk totals.
This is not an indictment of the 3 right handed hitters either though, Beltre is a .312 hitter for Texas during his 3 campaigns, while Alex Rios and Andrus should hit anywhere from .280 to .290 this year.
You add Andrus’s speed with Leonys Martin – and these two guys could swipe 40+ bags each. Even Alex Rios thieved 16 Bags in 2013 – and Choo had 20 SB yet again. Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (March 30) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Chris Denorfia got a pair of hits, drove in the go ahead run and an insurance run and made a nice running catch in right field, leading the Padres to a come from behind 3-1 win over Los Angeles.
Andrew Cashner looked sharp as San Diego’s opening day starter. He went 6 innings, letting up a single run, 4 hits and struck out 5. He got a no decision as the Padres beat the Dodgers 3-1.
Hyun-Jin Ryu deserved better than a no decision. In his second start of the season, the Dodger left hander threw 7 scoreless innings, surrendering just 3 hits and 3 walks, striking out 7. The bullpen coughed up the lead and the Padres won 3-1. But Ryu earned a 1/2 WOB.
They owned baseball on March 30, 2014.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found HERE.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Miami Marlins 2014 Preview Part 2: The Pitchers
By Nicholas Rossoletti (Lead Baseball Columnist): Follow @nross56
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Earlier in the month, we touched on the Miami Marlins and their offense going into the 2014 season here.
The Miami offense has talent, but I believe it will be a frustrating lineup to follow due in large part to the team’s tendency to strike out a lot. The pitching staff has the potential to also be a frustrating unit to follow during the season.
While there is an elite player at the top of this rotation, the body of the staff lacks another stopper or really anyone to put any real faith in as a legit No. 2 or 3 starter at this point. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 23, 2014
It is The Sunday Request on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast and it is a dandy that took TWO tweets to ask.
@sullybaseball would you rather have been drafted but only have a few cups of coffee at the majors, OR
— James Amyx (@fireman_walrus) March 19, 2014
@sullybaseball become the most popular baseball personality and have your own #1 radio talk show, OR be a GM for the team of your choice?
— James Amyx (@fireman_walrus) March 19, 2014 Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (March 22) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Dee Gordon collected 3 hits, scored twice, drove in a run and led the Dodgers to a 7-5 win over Arizona.
Hyun-Jin Ryu pitched 5 shutout innings, letting up only 2 hits and 1 walk and striking out 5 as he got the 7-5 win for LA over the D’Backs.
Mark Trumbo gave the Diamondbacks hope with two hits, both which produced runs, including a 2 run homer in the 9th. It came up short as the Dodgers won 7-5.
They owned baseball on March 22, 2014.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found HERE.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON
OR SCROLL DOWN.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 22, 2014
I slept through the Major League Baseball opener last night. So did most of Los Angeles.
That’s a problem.
Also the Dodgers better not get cocky about their role in Los Angeles’ hearts.
That and more on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Clayton Kershaw and Scott Van Slyke added full WOB’s to their total.
Paul Goldschmidt added 1/2 a WOB.
For the updated tally of “Who Owns Baseball” on MLB Reports, Click HERE.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (March 21) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Clayton Kershaw pitched into the 7th inning, letting up one run and walking just won, getting the win for the Dodgers, 3-1.
Scott Van Slyke homered and doubled, leading the way to the Dodgers 3-1 triumph over the Diamondbacks.
Paul Goldschmidt’s 2 hits were in a losing effort for Arizona against Los Angeles in Sydney, but worthy for 1/2 a WOB.
They owned baseball on March 21, 2014.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found HERE.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON
OR SCROLL DOWN.
Arizona Diamondbacks 2014 Payroll + Contracts Going Forward
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth + Payroll Expert – find his website here) Follow @prosportsroster
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Diamondbacks brass hit a proverbial HR, when they extended Paul Goldschmidt to a 5 YRs/$32 MIL deal prior to the 2013 campaign.
The Then 25 Year Old finished runner up to the NL MVP Voting, and likely would have won it based on his .302/.401/.551 year with an NL leading 36 HRs, 125 RBI, (he also led in Slugging, OPS and Scored 103 Runs.)
Having a franchise player for the next 4 years at such a feasible rate in terms of payroll enables them to do so many things with their salary structure.
The club added Bronson Arroyo (2 YRs, min $23.5 MIL – or 3 YRs/$30 MIL), were able to deal for Mark Trumbo (who entered 1st Year of Arbitration at $4.8 MIL in 2014) and recently signed Reliever Oliver Perez to a modest 2 YRs/$4.25 MIL deal. Read the rest of this entry
Los Angeles Dodgers State Of The Union: 2014 Preview

Clayton Kershaw agreed to a 7 YRs/$215 MIL extension in the offseason – that will run through the years of 2014 – 2020 with the LA Dodgers. The deal is slated for an opt out clause after the 2018 season by Kershaw, when he will be only 30 years old. This is the greatest single Annual Average Salary ALL – Time of $30.7 MIL per annum, and is the 6th biggest contract ever in the history of the MLB. Last year was his most dominant to date, with a 16 – 9 record, an NL Leading 1.83 ERA and 232 SO. The about to be 26 Year Old, also nailed down his 2nd NL Cy Young win in 3 years, and the other year he was the runner up in that time frame. He may be the single most important player to any franchise in the National League. Kershaw is the 3 time reigning NL ERA champ.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Dodgers are beginning year 2 of potentially a half-dozen years of dominance. They have a team filled with ALL – Stars, superior Starting Pitching, and have deep pockets to seal the deal with necessary changes.
The NL West might be stronger this year with more competitive rosters from the D’Backs, Rockies and Giants, yet I still think the Dodger Blue will pulverize the competition, particularly in their own division.
Our Chief Writer Hunter Stokes wrote a great article on the Dodgers taking the 1st few series of the year not as seriously as the rest of the year here.
I fully agree with his stance, yet I don’t think it will make much of a difference.
Injuries aside this team is ready to take down the National League. Read the rest of this entry
The Dodgers On Field Management Should Be Showing As Much Urgency As The D’Backs For The 2014 MLB Opening Series!
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I started talking about something in my Power Rankings yesterday and it festered with me all day until I decided to expand on the subject a little more today.
As I was listening to XM Radio explain that Kirk Gibson was going to start Patrick Corbin and Trevor Cahill in the 1st 2 games of the MLB Season in Australia, the Dodgers have been quiet to name a starter.
I wrote a few months back, that I would like to have seen them throw Clayton Kershaw for that opener, pitch versus the San Diego Padres a week later, and to conclude with the Dodger Stadium Opener.
We all know now that Zack Greinke won’t even be making the trip due to health concerns.
I understand that one fully, but don’t sit there and tell me that the 2 time NL Cy Young Winner is now going to throw in either of the 1st 2 games. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 26, 2014
Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I salute Zack Greinke who is evolving into one of my favorite players.
To subscribe to The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast on iTunes, click HERE. Read the rest of this entry
“Mr. Puig” And “Mr. Montero” More Namely: Step Away From The Buffet Table In The Offseason!
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
It happens to a few guys every year. Seldomly does it threaten to plague a guys career.
I can think of Carl Everett blossoming over his transition to the 2005 World Series White Sox win, to a big man in Seattle, who could hardly swing his hips around.
We remember how big Kevin Mitchell became after he was in such phenomenal condition early in his career. But 40 pounds overweight like Jesus Montero waddled into the Mariners Spring Training? C’mon Man!
The only happy guy out of this news has to be Yasiel Puig, who is donning the scales 26 LBS heavier than when we saw him last. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 4, 2014
Don Mattingly might be batting Yasiel Puig in the leadoff spot. I think it is a great idea and could mean a change in attitude that I completely embrace.
Talking lead off hitting on this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 24, 2014
Greg Maddux… people will remember you as a Brave… not a Cub.
Maybe that’s why I picked a picture of you pitching as a Dodger for the website.
Writers… a unanimous Hall of Fame vote is NOT a vote for best player of all time.
That and a few other things have my goat on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 19, 2014
It is time for THE SUNDAY REQUEST on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
@sullybaseball The money is fine but would you give 7 years to a pitcher?
— Bob Buscaglia (@BobBuscaglia) January 16, 2014
Usually I would NEVER give a seven year contract to a pitcher, but Clayton Kershaw is not your usual pitcher.
I think the contract is justified. Listen in to find out why.
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Atlanta Braves Payroll in 2014 + Contracts Going Forward Part 1

It would be one thing if B.J. Upton were the only player on the Braves who had an abysmal season. When you add the injuries and the season of Dan Uggla to Upton worst year of his career, it is actually amazing this team ended with 96 Wins. With the club losing Brian McCann, Paul Maholm and Tim Hudson, they will need Upton and CO. to rebound for the team to contend again in 2014. Upton has to get back to 20/20 years for powers and steals, and at least hit to 85% of his career 3 slash – to justify the contract doled out by the Atlanta Braves. Uggla must correct his vision problems and get back to raking again. These 2 guys are the #2 and #3 paid guys on the squad in 2014 behind Justin Upton.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart/Payroll Expert) Follow @prosportsroster
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The ‘Tomahawk Choppers’ have 2 players that are killing them for Free Agent signings this winter.
B.J. Upton is only in the 2nd year of his 5 YRs/$75 MIL – and underachieving Dan Uggla is still on the books for 2 more years.
Between these 2 gentleman, they will bring down $26.25 MIL in 2014. The Braves are hoping for more than under the ‘Mendoza Line’ Batting Averages – and an occasional big fly.
The Braves are also headed to Arbitration with Freddie Freeman, Jason Heyward and Craig Kimbrel. This is certainly bound to cost the organization a pretty penny.
In fact, those 3 players will likely exceed the amount of the B.J Upton and Uggla contracts.
Craig Kimbrel 2013 Highlights – Mature Lyrics Parental Guidance Is Advised:
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 28, 2013
With Masahiro Tanaka posting soon, there will be a feeding frenzy for the services of a pitcher who has yet to pitch in the majors.
The Yankees, Mariners and Cubs will be desperate for him.
The Rangers and Dodgers would probably be the best landing spot for him.
The reasons and more on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
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The Best Teams In The MLB From 1980 – 2017: The Biggest Question Is, Who Owns 2015 – 2017 Mark? Early Favorite Lends 2 Cubs With 3 Straight LCS Appearances, 1 World Series

With 3 straight LCS appearances and 1 World Series – the Cubs can lay claim to the best team from 2015 – 2017. If Houston were to win the 2018 World Series, they could be turned back to the 2015 – 2016 stretch, however Chicago can advance the years if they are able to go farther than the Stros this campaign
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
There is only so much one can read in an article, otherwise I would make these lists up from the turn of the 20th century.
As I became older and discovered ways to research the history of the game, my knowledge and curious mind grew for more information.
I have studied and read baseball stat books and breezed through the odd Bill James novel.
If I ever take a break from writing or baseball park chasing, I may find some time down the road to watch the 9 part PBS documentary that Ken Burns did on baseball’s history.
Brian Wilson And The Detroit Tigers: A Better Fit Than You Think

From 2008-2011, Brian Wilson was one of the top closers in the Majors with 163 Saves. He Saved 48 Games with a 1.81 ERA only 3 years ago in 2010 for the World Champ Giants. He went through TJ Surgery for a 2nd time in April of 2012 – who will give him a chance in 2014, by signing the pending Free Agent? Tigers fans are hoping that he is the answer to the ailing Relief Core in Detroit.
By Matthew Lafave (Tigers Correspondent) Follow @MatthewLafave
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter: Follow @Mlbreports
Not the Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys.
The other Brian Wilson, the crazy one with the creepy beard.
Some Detroit fans will remember him from one of his tantrums at Comerica Park. He went ballistic on a water cooler after blowing a save back in July of 2011.
Sad to report, the water cooler never recovered.
Brian Wilson loses it on watercooler
Finally, Some Worth While Free Agents Sign In The MLB 2013 Winter!

With his career winding down and Tim Hudson being 38 years old, will he be able to recover from a gruesome ankle injury in 2014 with the SF Giants? Mr. Hudson was 114 – 72 (.611) in 9 seasons with the Braves – with a 3.56 ERA. He will make his return to the Bay Area in California, where he started his 1st 6 years with the Oakland A’s.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twiter Follow @mlbreports
After playing Baseball Stars 1 and 2 on my old Nintendo Entertainment System for 3 weeks, I was happy to receive my baseball fix from the MLB once again..
Yesterday, a slew of Free Agents signed.. Okay… not true….2 noteworthy players inked deals to prolong their careers.
I am talking about Tim Hudson signing a 2 YR/$23 MIL with the Giants, and Carlos Ruiz, signing a 3 Year Deal worth potentially $26.5 MIL, with a Team Option for a 4th year at $4.5 MIL.
Tim Hudson’s 2013 Season Ending Ankle Injury – Not for the weak of heart!
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 7, 2013

Photos: Andrew Wooley – Getty Images – USA Today – J. Meric/Getty Images North America – AP Photo/Toronto Blue Jays via The Canadian Press, Fred Thornhill
Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I review the finalists for the off season awards and give a good long look at the results of Who Owns Baseball (WOB.)
WOB was my great experiment to try and track players value based upon how they became the big performer of individual days, taking in account stats and the significance of the game.
Four of the final names very well might line up with the real awards.
But why are Matt Moore and R. A. Dickey there? Is that a flaw in WOB? Or is it a flaw in US?
The final tally for Who Owns Baseball can be found here.
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Where Will Brian Wilson End Up?

Brian Wilson has a great comeback bid in the 2013 campaign. When you add up his Appearances in the regular season – and playoffs, he threw 19.2 IP – in which he entered 24 Games, and only gave up 1 ER in the process. Good for a cumulative 0.47 ERA. He also has yet to yield an ER in 17.2 Post Season Career Innings. Boston, New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers and the Los Angeles Dodgers should be his top suitors this winter.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twiter Follow @mlbreports
Perhaps nobody is happier than Brian Wilson, that Tim Lincecum resigned in San Francisco for 2 YRs/$35 MIL. While I think that is a bit of an overspend, it was what the Free Agency Market is dictating.
Having said this, the Relief Core of Pitchers available on the open market is quite interesting.
It is my contention, that Brian Wilson has the best value out there for clubs.
Forget about ‘lets wear my hat at a 45 degree angle’ Fernando Rodney, who was a world beater in 2012, before he almost cost the Rays a playoff spot in 2013.
Grant Balfour has a good case for a big raise, however he will be 36 years old in a few months. My guess is Billy Beane will find a way for him to sign a short term deal anyway.
Odds To Win The 2013 MLB World Series, Plus Odds To Win Game #1

Fenway Park is not just a place – it is a community around the ballpark. This fence also made the Stadium Journey’s top 10 quirks of baseball. Boston will have home field advantage for the World Series – since the AL won the ALL – Star Game in 2013. If it makes anybody feel any better, the Red Sox had the best record in baseball this season anyway. The Red Sox will face the St. Louis Cardinals in the Fall Classic for the 3rd time (St. Louis won in 1967, and Boston won in 2004). The winner will emerge as the only team in the MLB – to have won 3 World Series in the last 10 years. Boston would be 3 out of 10, and the Cardinals would be 3 Titles in 7 years. Pic by http://www.ballparkreviews.com
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Odds To Win the World Series Today:
Boston Red Sox -145
St. Louis Cardinals +125
Ortiz Slams the Red Sox back into a tie (Credit FOX)
Mike Napoli Is A Clutch Performer In The Post Season – And Is Potentially Earning A Nice New Contract!

Mike Napoli agreed to a 1 YR/$13 MIL deal prior to the 2013 season. While he struggled at various times in the regular season, he still Slashed for .259/.360/.842 – with 23 HRs and 92 RBI. It was his 6th straight season with 20+ HRs – and his 498 2013 ABs – still have left him without ever reaching 500 AB in any of his seasons. The man averages a HR for every 16.38 AB in his Career. (169 HRs in 2768 AB). He will turn 32 on Oct.31/2013.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @chuckbooth3024
If you have followed this website for very long, you will realize that we have made some great prognostications from the time of its inception.
We called the emergence of the Oakland A’s half way through the campaign last year. We also called Adam Dunn to be the bargain of the 2012 season.
We also stated that the Tigers would make the 2012 World Series.
We said the Dodgers were going to go nuts and spend like there was no tomorrow, probably make the World Series, sign Zack Greinke.
We called every aspect of the New York Yankees season this year, including trading for Mark Reynolds, Vernon Wells and for Alfonso Soriano to thrive back in pinstripes.
Then there was the predicting of Yasiel Puig, Yoenis Cespedes, Mike Trout and Wil Myers at the verge of breaking out.
Previous Owner Jonathan Hacohen also predicted the emergence of Mike Napoli in 2011, and thoroughly admonished the Blue Jays for trading him – after having the Catcher for about a week.
Mike Napoli Game #5 HR 2013 ALCS















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