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Texas Rangers Roster For 2014: State Of The Union

Prince Fielder's 2013 - 3 Slash Line (.279/.362/.819) is far below his Career Mark of .286/.389/.916.  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.

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): 

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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

Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images

Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images

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.

Read the rest of this entry

Colorado Rockies State Of The Union For 2014

 This club often reminds me of an aging heavyweight fighter.  You may beat on them for a time, but there is always that chance the team will land a haymaker on you.  2007 was one of their days in the sunshine.  2014 may see them at least make the postseason again.  With a 20 - 1 odd for the club, the value is there for a longshot pick.

This club often reminds me of an aging heavyweight fighter. You may beat on them for a time, but there is always that chance the team will land a haymaker on you. 2007 was one of their days in the sunshine. 2014 may see them at least make the postseason for the 1st time since 2009. With a 20 – 1 odd for the club to win the NL west, the value is there for a longshot pick – should you be allowed to gamble on this chance.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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The Colorado Rockies brass were a busy bunch in the 2013 winter, heading into the 2014 year.  They have picked up several solid players for the upcoming campaign.

I simply hate that this club plays in the NL West with the Dodgers and Giants.

This year, just like any in recent memory, will depend heavily on whether the team can keep Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki.

When both are clubbing it, this 3 – 4 punch may be the best in baseball now that Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera have been separated. Read the rest of this entry

Miami Marlins 2014 Preview Part 2: The Pitchers

By Nicholas Rossoletti (Lead Baseball Columnist):

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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

More Tommy John Surgeries By The Numbers + Who Is the 1st $100 MIL Pitcher To Go Down With It? + A Scherzer Angle?

 

Yes Max Scherzer wrapped up the AL Cy Young with a most impressive season in 2013, but the club will be hard pressed to lock up his services beyond the 2014 campaign - when you factor the team wants to re-sign Cabrera in 2016, and also the club is already spending upwards of $45 MIL per year on Justin Verlander and Anibal Sanchez as part of the Starting Pitching Staff.  The team just put out a press release saying 'The club gave a substantial offer, that would have made the RHP, one of the highest paid pitchers in baseball, and he doth refused it."

Yes Max Scherzer wrapped up the AL Cy Young with a most impressive season in 2013, but with TJ surgery becoming so common place with today’s chuckers, who would want to risk that kind of jack for a pitcher one throw way from being sidelined for 12 – 14 months?  In my view it was a mistake not to accept the $$.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): – Credit to Bill Chuck For the Idea:  

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I think Max Scherzer should have taken the contract offer the Tigers threw his way this past weekend.  Reports say it was in the Cole Hamels and Zack Greinke range of 6 YRs/$144 – $147 MIL.

So now that the reigning AL Cy Young Winner didn’t take the deal, he must hope to replicate his 2013 campaign, or at least come some where near it.

Do I think he could make more on the open market, potentially yes.  But for a guy who has never been under a 3 ERA in any one given year, that is a tall order.

Also keep in mind his arm could sideline him with an injury at any point, so there is an inherent risk to not taking the deal.

One of out every 3 Major League Pitchers will go undergo Tommy John Surgery.

If you don’t think this procedure is an epidemic, go follow our ALL – Time TJ Surgery Tracker here.

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 23, 2014

Picture by Brady Black

Picture by Brady Black

It is The Sunday Request on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast and it is a dandy that took TWO tweets to ask.

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (March 22) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

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.

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 22, 2014

Photo: Mark Kolbe - Getty Images

Photo: Mark Kolbe – Getty Images

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.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (March 21) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

 

Gary Vazquez -  USA Today Sports

Gary Vazquez – USA Today Sports

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.

Read the rest of this entry

Arizona Diamondbacks 2014 Payroll + Contracts Going Forward

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth + Payroll Expert – find his website here)

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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

San Francisco Giants State Of The Union: 2014 Preview

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Okay so it is an even year, so most fans in the Bay Area can only think of one thing…Another World Series ring right?

Come on, they won in 2010 and 2012, why not 2014?

The win in 2012 was a nice statistical oddity, but when you factor in that the hunger to win a World Series must dissipate a little bit when you have just cashed one in, then maybe another one can be achieved when the next year hits again.

The Giants went 76 – 86 in 2013, this is more of a stretch, for when they completed the 2011 campaign at 86 – 76 following their 1st World Series Title.

There is room for optimism though, from their top 7 hitters in the Batting Order, this team features some of the streakiest guys at the plate in the MLB. Read the rest of this entry

MLB’s 2014 Most Likely To Class…….

PED use or not, Stem Cell technology, and who knows what else has aided Colon's body over the last 3 seasons of success.  Yes he was 18 - 6, with a 2.65 ERA - finishing 6th in AL Voting, however the A's went and paid someone else, and usually they are not wrong on guys.  The 40 Year Old from Dominican Republic, is also a gigantic man that decimated his hamstring during a PFP out in 2011 with NYY.  You have to think his lucky streak is numbered sooner or later - and especially on the basepaths in the NL hitting a few times a game.

PED use or not, Stem Cell technology, and who knows what else has aided Colon’s body over the last 3 seasons of success. Yes he was 18 – 6, with a 2.65 ERA – finishing 6th in AL Voting, however the A’s went and paid someone else, and usually they are not wrong on guys. The 40 Year Old from Dominican Republic, is also a gigantic man who decimated his hamstring during a PFP out in 2011 with NYY. You have to think his lucky streak is numbered sooner or later – and especially on the basepaths in the NL hitting a few times a game.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Remember when you graduated, or just had a school yearbook, and one of the best features was a ‘Most Likely To‘ Section.

It could have been John is most likely to succeed at playing football, or Sally will make a fortune by selling her clothes fashions to Hollywood Diva’s.

Lets do this for the MLB 2014 as it sits.

The Most Likely To Hit The DL after running to 1st is Bartolo Colon. 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 last week - 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 year, and is the 6th biggest contract ever in the history of the MLB.  Last year was his mos 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.

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):

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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): 

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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

The Top 5 Players In Baseball

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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It should come as no shock for anyone on this list.  Notice how I did not mention the MVP word anywhere in the Title.

This is solely for the purpose of pushing Mike Trout on the list.

In terms of all around play, there is no doubt in most experts minds, that the 22 Year Old is best overall player in the game of baseball.

If you are picking it just solely on a hitter, I am still giving the nod to Miguel Cabrera. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 26, 2014

Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America

Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America

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): 

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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

(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

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 – February 4, 2014

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 24, 2014

John Iacono/SI

John Iacono/SI

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 24, 2014

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 19, 2014

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

It is time for THE SUNDAY REQUEST on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

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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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 19, 2014

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.

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): & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart/Payroll Expert)

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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:

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 28, 2013

Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

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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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 28, 2013

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):

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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.

Read the rest of this entry

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.

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)

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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

Read the rest of this entry

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. Should the Braves resign him for depth in the rotation - or cut ties outright? Mr. Hudson will need   He was 114 - 72 (.611) in 9 seasons with the Braves.

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 The MLB Reports On Twiter

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!

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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

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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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 7, 2013

“Hard Cheddar” Weekly Segment 2: MLB Heroes And Zeroes For 2013!

Yasiel Puig was signed as an International Free Agent in 2012.   The 22 Year old phenom exploded onto scene in the National League - 3 Slashing .319/.381/.925 - with 19 HRs, 42 RBI and 66 Runs Scored in his 104 Games Played.  He was a big part of the team winning the Division - and he will be a mainstay for years - being signed until 2018.  Puig's electrified the city of Los Angeles, and Dodger Stadium with his all out hustle, flamboyant play, and their flair for the dramatic.  Once fellow teammate Hanley Ramirez joined him, the club went on a historic 42 - 8 run, which hadn't happened in nearly 60 years for a 50 game stretch.

Yasiel Puig was signed as an International Free Agent in 2012. The 22 Year old phenom exploded onto scene in the National League – 3 Slashing .319/.381/.925 – with 19 HRs, 42 RBI and 66 Runs Scored in his 104 Games Played. He was a big part of the team winning the Division – and he will be a mainstay for years – being signed until 2018. Puig’s electrified the city of Los Angeles, and Dodger Stadium with his all out hustle, flamboyant play, and their flair for the dramatic. Once fellow teammate Hanley Ramirez joined him, the club went on a historic 42 – 8 run, which hadn’t happened in nearly 60 years for a 50 game stretch.

By ‘Special Guest Writer’ Steve Cheeseman 

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“Hard Cheddar” – with Steve Cheeseman

2013 Hero’s and Zero’s of MLB

Throughout the 2013 Major League Baseball season, there had been plenty to talk about. Lots of surprise players, as well as surprise teams.

This season in my opinion was as good as any.  However, like any sport, there was also plenty to forget, but not necessarily forgive, as you’ll see.  

Here are my hero’s and zero’s for the 2013 MLB season.

Yasiel Puig Highlights 2013 – Mature Content – Parental Guidance is Advised

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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.

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 The MLB Reports On Twiter

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.

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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.

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):

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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)

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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.

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):

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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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