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Who Owned Baseball September 13, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

 

LM OTERO/AP

LM OTERO/AP

Adrian Beltre slammed a pair of homers, driving in 5 runs and helping the Rangers keep pace in the AL West race with a 12-4 drubbing of Oakland.

Rich Hill made a dazzling season debut, throwing 7 innings of 1 hit shutout ball, striking out 10 Rays along the way. He would not get the decision but helped set up Boston’s 13 inning 2-0 victory.

Daniel Murphy drove in 4 runs, 3 of them on a 2 out 9th inning game tying homer as the Mets continued to win in dramatic fashion, this one a 10-7 shocker in 10 against Atlanta.

Zack Greinke padded his Cy Young Award resume with 8 shutout innings, allowing 3 hits and earning his 17th win for the Dodgers 4-3 in Arizona.

They all owned baseball on Septemb.er 13, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

C. J. Cron homered twice but the Angels bullpen melted down in the 9th and Houston won 5-3.

Drew Smyly struck out 11 and walked only 2 over 6 shutout innings. He would not factor into the decision as Tampa Bay lost to Boston 2-0 in 13 innings.

Chris Coghlan singled, homered and tripled twice, scoring 2 but could not prevent the Cubs from losing to Philadelphia 7-4.

 

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Who Owned Baseball September 12, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

ERIC RISBERG/AP

ERIC RISBERG/AP

 

Madison Bumgarner pitched a perfect game until there were 2 outs in the 8th inning. He settled for his third career one hitter, striking out 9 and walking none as the Giants shut down the Padres 8-0.

Corey Seager reached base 5 times, with a homer, 3 runs scored and 3 RBI to help the Dodgers win in Arizona, 9-5.

Hector Santiago threw 7 strong innings, allowing 2 runs and 5 hits. He would not get the decision but the Angels went on to beat the White Sox, 3-2.

Jose Bautista hit a pair of homers in the opening game of the double header. He would combine to get on base 7 times over the two games, scoring 4 runs and driving in 5 as Toronto took both games from the Yankees, 9-5 and 10-7.

They all owned baseball on September 12, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

John Lackey began the suspended game on Friday that was finished today. His 7 innings allowing just 2 runs would normally be enough to win. But the Cardinals bullpen faltered when the game was resumed and the Reds won 4-2.

Greg Garcia collected a pair of hits including a homer in the Cardinals 4-2 loss to the Reds.

Brett Gardner hit a combined 3 homers in the double header between the Yankees and Blue Jays. He reached base 5 times altogether, driving in a combined 7 runs. The Yankees dropped both games, 9-5 and 10-7.

 

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Who Owned Baseball September 11, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

TONY GUTIERREZ/AP

TONY GUTIERREZ/AP

 

Colby Lewis was perfect for 7 innings before finishing with a complete game 2 hit shutout of the A’s as the Rangers took the 4-0 final.

Jake Arrieta once again was brilliant with 8 innings, 6 hits and 1 run, earning the 5-1 decision for the Cubs over Philadelphia.

Russell Martin singled and homered twice, driving in 4 runs in the Blue Jays 11-5 win over the Yankees.

Nick Ahmed went 4 for 4 with a homer and 3 RBI to help Arizona clobber the Dodgers, 12-4.

They all owned baseball on September 11, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

 

Dallas Keuchel did not allow an earned run over six innings and struck out 7 batters along the way. 3 unearned runs in the second were his downfall as he and the Astros fell to the Angels, 3-2.

Lorenzo Cain reached base 4 times, including 2 homers, and scored 4 runs. He could not stop a pair of grand slams in the 8th, however, as Baltimore came back to stun Kansas City 14-8.

Justin Upton went 2 for 3 with a homer in the Padres 9-1 loss to San Francisco.

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Who Owned Baseball September 10, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

AP Photo/Ted S. Warren

AP Photo/Ted S. Warren

Felix Hernandez threw 8 shutout innings, allowing 3 hits and 8 strikeouts to earn the 5-0 decision for the Mariners against Texas.

Michael Brantley hit a pair of go ahead homers, driving in 3 altogether in Cleveland’s 7-5 victory over Detroit.

Bartolo Colon pitched a shutout into the 7th before leaving with 6 2/3 innings, 2 runs, 1 walk and the 7-2 win for the Mets over Atlanta.

Todd Frazier collected 3 hits including a homer, scoring 3 and driving in 3 to help the Reds clobber St. Louis 11-0.

They all owned baseball on September 10, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

Andrew Romine went 3 for 4 with a run scored and an RBI but the Tigers lost 7-5 to Cleveland.

Tyson Ross threw 7 innings, allowing 4 hits and 3 runs, waking none. He would not get the decision as the Padres bullpen fell to the Rockies, 4-3.

Matt Kemp got on base 3 times including a homer but it was not enough as the Padres fell to Colorado, 4-3.

 

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Who Owned Baseball September 9, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

 (Dean Rutz / The Seattle Times)

(Dean Rutz / The Seattle Times)

Vidal Nuno won his first game of the season by tossing 7 innings of 1 hit shutout ball, striking out 10 and earning the 6-0 decision for the Mariners over Texas.

Tom Koehler threw 8 strong innings, allowing 4 hits, 2 runs and 10 strikeouts to lead the Marlins past Milwaukee, 5-2.

Kyle Seager went 4 for 4 with a shift beating bunt and later a homer, 3 runs scored and 2 driven in as Seattle topped the Rangers, 6-0.

Yoenis Cespedes continued his magical run with the Mets by getting a pair of hits, the second being a 2 run 8th inning go ahead homer that put the finishing touches on the sweep of Washington and a 5-3 victory.

 

They all owned baseball on September 9, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

Jon Lester allowed 2 hits, 1 walk and 1 run over 7 innings while striking out 7. The Cubs bullpen would blow his lead, though, and St. Louis won 4-3.

Billy Butler got on base 3 times including a homer in the A’s 11-5 loss to Houston.

Bryce Harper went 3 for 4 with a pair of homers in the Nationals heart breaking 5-3 loss to the Mets.

 

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Who Owned Baseball September 8, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

ANDY LYONS/GETTY IMAGES

ANDY LYONS/GETTY IMAGES

 

Francisco Liriano struck out 10 batters, walking 1 and allowed just 3 hits in 6 shutout innings and got a single and double as a hitter to lead the Pirates past Cincinnati, 7-3.

Carlos Rodon allowed 1 run, 1 walk and 5 hits over 7 innings and earned the 7-4 decision for the White Sox over Cleveland.

J. T Realmuto homered twice in the Marlins 6-4 win over the Brewers.

Jose Abreu went 3 for 4 with 2 homers as the White Sox beat Cleveland 7-4.

They all owned baseball on September 8, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

 

Masahiro Tanaka pitched 8 strong innings, allowing 1 run and 1 walk and struck out 10. He got a no decision as the Yankees lost to the Orioles, 2-1.

Domingo Santana reached base 4 times including a homer and 2 RBI but the Brewers lost to the Marlins 6-4.

Alex Rodriguez hit his 30th homer of the year, which tied the game. The Yankees would eventually drop the game, 2-1 to Baltimore.

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Who Owned Baseball September 7, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

ROB FOLDY/GETTY IMAGES

ROB FOLDY/GETTY IMAGES

 

Zach Davies earned his first major league win in his second start, throwing 7 strong innings, allowing 1 run, 4 hits and no walks as the Brewers won in Miami, 9-1.

Trevor Bauer allowed just 2 hits and 2 runs over 7 innings, out dueling Sale and the White Sox to give the Indians a 3-2 victory.

Scott Van Slyke collected 4 hits, including a pair of doubles, scored a run, drove in 4, twice driving in insurance runs to help the Dodgers inch closer to another division title with a 7-5 win over the Angels.

Jackie Bradley Jr. went 4 for 4 with a double, a homer and 4 RBI as the Red Sox ran over Toronto, 11-4.

They all owned baseball on September 7, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

Chris Sale struck out 8 and walked 1 in 7 innings but earned a hard luck 3-2 loss as the White Sox fell to Cleveland.

Wilson Ramos launched a go ahead grand slam that briefly gave the Nationals the lead. The Mets would come back to win, 8-5.

Evan Longoria reached base 4 times, including a 2 run homer, but the Rays lost to Detroit, 5-4.

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Who Owned Baseball September 6, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

DARREN CALABRESE/AP

DARREN CALABRESE/AP

Jose Bautista reached base 3 times, launched a 3 run homer in the first and added a double while scoring 3 in the Blue Jays 20-4 rout of Baltimore.

Cody Anderson threw 7 shutout innings, allowing 2 hits and 2 walks and earned the 4-0 decision for the Indians over the Tigers.

Miguel Montero got on base 3 times including a tie breaking grand slam to help the Cubs beat the Diamondbacks 6-4.

Gerrit Cole kept the Cardinals off the board with 7 innings of 2 hit shutout ball, striking out 7 and winning the 7-1 game for the Pirates.

They all owned baseball on September 6, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

Asdrubel Cabrera got 3 hits including a homer and a stolen base in the Rays 6-4 defeat to the Yankees.

Tyler Duffey pitched shutout ball into the 7th before finishing with 6 2/3 strong innings. The bullpen would allow 2 inherited runners to score and then implode as the Astros beat the Twins, 8-5.

Wellington Castillo went 3 for 4 with a homer and a double in the Diamondbacks 6-4 loss to the Cubs.

John Lackey pitched into the 8th inning, allowing 3 runs over 7 1/3 innings but was saddled with the loss as the Cardinals fell to Pittsburgh, 7-1.

 

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Who Owned Baseball September 5, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

VICTOR DECOLONGON/GETTY IMAGES

VICTOR DECOLONGON/GETTY IMAGES

Derek Holland threw 8 solid innings, allowing 3 hits, 1 run and 2 walks and earned a critical 2-1 victory for the Rangers over the Angels.

Jake Arrieta continued his dominance with 8 shutout innings of the Diamondbacks, allowing 4 hits, no walks and fanning 7 as the Cubs won in Wrigley, 2-0.

Shawn O’Malley reached base 4 times with a homer, a double and a pair of runs scored as the Mariners topped the A’s 8-3.

Bryce Harper doubled twice and homered, leading the Nationals past the Braves, 8-2.

They all owned baseball on September 5, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

Lance McCullers held the Twins to 1 run, 3 hits and 2 walks over 7 innings, striking out 8. He would get a no decision as the Astros lost 3-2.

Alex Gordon went 3 for 4 with a double and an RBI. The rest of the Royals bats were held in check as they fell to the White Sox, 6-1.

Brandon Phillips reached base 5 times, scoring 1 and driving in another in the Reds 8-6 loss to Milwaukee.

 

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Who Owned Baseball September 4, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

JONATHAN DANIEL/GETTY IMAGES

JONATHAN DANIEL/GETTY IMAGES

 

Addison Russell hit 2 homers, scored 3 runs and drove in 3 to help the red hot Cubs clobber the Diamondbacks, 14-5.

Chris Davis homered twice, driving in 3 as the Orioles topped Toronto 10-2.

J. A. Happ shutout the Cardinals over 7 innings, allowing 3 hits, no walks and 8 strikeouts, as the Pirates cruised to a 9-3 win.

Josh Tomlin threw a complete game victory, allowing 4 hits, 1 run, 1 walk and 6 strikes outs as the Indians beat the Tigers, 8-1.

They all owned baseball on September 4, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

 

Odubel Herrera went 3 for 5 with a 2 run homer in the Phillies 7-5 loss in Boston.

Shin-Soo Choo went 3 for 5 with a triple and an RBI in the Rangers 5-2 loss in Anaheim.

Julio Teheran threw 6 strong innings, allowing 1 run. The bullpen blew the game late and the Braves lost to Washington, 5-2 in 10 innings.

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Who Owned Baseball September 3, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

DUSTIN BRADFORD/GETTY IMAGES

DUSTIN BRADFORD/GETTY IMAGES

Carlos Gonzalez went 4 for 5 with a pair of homers, driving in 4 as the Rockies clobbered the reeling Giants, 11-3.

Chris Rusin threw a complete game in Coors Field, letting up 6 hits, 1 walk and 3 runs to seal the Rockies 11-3 win over the Giants.

Kendrys Morales collected 4 hits, including a double, scored 3 and drove in 4 more as the Royals offense lit up Detroit, 15-7.

Jeff Samardzija pitched into the 7th, allowing 5 hits and 4 runs over 6 1/3 innings, earning the 6-4 decision for the White Sox in Minnesota.

They all owned baseball on September 3, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

Corey Seager hit a double and a single, driving in 2 and scoring 2 in his big league debut. The Dodgers bullpen would fall apart and lose in San Diego, 10-7.

Nick Castellanos got on base 4 times, including a pair of doubles, scored a run and knocked in 3 in the Tigers wild 15-7 loss to Kansas City.

 

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Who Owned Baseball September 12, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP

Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP

R. A. Dickey went the distance, allowing 4 hits, 1 run and no walks over 9 innings, striking out 6 Indians as Toronto won again, 5-1.

Clayton Kershaw needed 132 pitches, but his complete games, 6 hits 1 run, 1 walk and 15 strikeout performance earned him a 2-1 victory over the Giants and a clean sweep for the Dodgers.

Chris Davis smacked 3 hits including 2 homers. The second was a walk off shot in the 11th that gave Baltimore a much needed 7-6 win over the Rays.

Ryan Zimmerman homered twice and doubled, driving in 3 runs to help the Nationals top St. Louis, 4-3.

 

They all owned baseball on September 2, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

 

Mike Leake gave the Giants a solid effort with 7 innings and 2 earned runs, walking none along the way. But he earned the hard luck 2-1 loss to the Dodgers.

Evan Longoria hit a pair of homers in the Rays 7-6 extra inning loss in Baltimore.

Anthony Rizzo went 2 for 4 with a homer but the Cubs lost 7-4 to Cincinnati.

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Who Owned Baseball September 1, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

Stephen Dunn / Getty Images

Stephen Dunn / Getty Images

 

Zack Greinke helped strengthen his Cy Young case by pitching a shutout into the 8th and finishing with 1 run over 7 1/3 innings and earning the critical 2-1 victory for the Dodgers over rival San Francisco.

Darin Ruf went 3 for 5 with a homer and 6 RBI to lead the Phillies past the Mets, 14-8.

Drew Smyly pitched 7 innings of shutout ball, allowing 4 hits, 1 walk and striking out 10 Orioles to earn the 11-2 decision for Tampa Bay.

J. P. Arencibia got 3 hits, including a 2 run homer, and drove in 6 as the Rays thrashed the Orioles, 11-2.

They all owned baseball on September 1, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

Madison Bumgarner pitched well, striking out 8, walking 1 and allowing just 2 runs in 7 innings. He would be the hard luck loser as the Giants fell to LA, 2-1.

Rick Porcello allowed 1 earned run, 1 walk and 5 hits over 8 innings, striking out 13 Yankees along the way. 2 unearned runs would be his undoing as the Red Sox lost, 3-1.

Matt Kemp reached base 4 times, including a double and a homer, driving in 4. His Padres fell short against Texas, 8-6.

Yan Gomes hit a pair of homers, including a game tying shot in the 9th inning. The Indians would lose 5-3 as the Blue Jays walked off in 10.

 

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Who Owned Baseball August 31, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

 

CHRIS CARLSON/AP

CHRIS CARLSON/AP

Adrian Gonzalez hit a game tying homer in the 6th inning and a walk off single in the 14th inning to cap off a critical 5-4 win for the Dodgers over the Giants.

David Ortiz reached base 3 times and put the Red Sox ahead for good with career homer number 495 as Boston hung on to top the Yankees, 4-3.

Bartolo Colon threw 8 shutout innings, giving up 4 hits and 1 walk while striking out 9 Phillies and got a hit and scored a run while earning the 3-1 decision for the Mets.

Dallas Keuchel went 7 strong innings, allowing 1 run on a solo homer and 6 hits and 1 walk while striking out 8 and was credited with Houston’s 8-3 victory over the Mariners.

They all owned baseball on August 31, 2015

Earning 1/2 WOBs on losing efforts.

 

Ryan Zimmerman clubbed a 3 run homer to give Washington the lead and finished the night with 3 hits, including a double, 2 runs scored and 4 RBI. The Cardinals would come back to win, 8-5.

Mark Trumbo hit a pair of homers, driving in 3, in Seattle’s 8-3 loss to Houston.

Shelby Miller saw his miserable luck continue. He pitched another solid game, allowing 1 run over 7 innings, walking no Miami batter but still got the loss as Atlanta fell 4-0.

David Price struck out 9 and walked 1 in 7 innings, holding the Indians to 3 runs. Normally that would be enough for a Toronto win, but not this night as they lost 4-2.

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Projected Top 5 Home Run Hitters In The MLB For 2015

Giancarlo Stanton

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Fantasy Baseball is turning out to be a 365 day year proposition these days.  A lot of the talk over the airwaves centers around the best power hitters in the game right now.  I think we can all agree on that the game’s power has declined over the last few years – without the aid of PED’s/Amphetamine use.

Overall, there are several players who still possess sick power.  For anyone that watches batting practice at the games, a lot of the guys can all yak it over the fence at will when they know where the ball is going from their BP chucker.  Doing it in the game is another matter.

Last season’s HR winners were Nelson Cruz and Giancarlo Stanton, even though the latter missed the last month of the campaign when he was horrendously beaned in the face.  The OF formerly known as Mike, is back to claim the title again. Read the rest of this entry

I Understand The River Boat Gambler Mentality, But Preller’s Method To Build SD Into A Winner Will Fail

A.J. Preller has revamped the roster of the Padres so much in the offseason, that I think it will take a full season for everyone to get used to their surroundings.  Much like the 2012 Angels and Marlins, 2013 Blue Jays and 2014 Yankees, just when you thought they won the winter, it took them half to a full year to round out their talent.  Having 10+ new faces on the roster usually doesn't translate to immediate impact on the field.  The Padres are listed as about an 84 win game club based on their squad.  I think they will be far below that.  For now, I have them ranked below the Dodgers, Giants, Mets, Cardinals, Pirates and Marlins in the National League.

A.J. Preller has revamped the roster of the Padres so much in the offseason, that I think it will take a full season for everyone to get used to their surroundings. Much like the 2012 Angels and Marlins, 2013 Blue Jays and 2014 Yankees, just when you thought they won the winter, it took them half to a full year to round out their talent. Having 10+ new faces on the roster usually doesn’t translate to immediate impact on the field. The Padres are listed as about an 84 win game club based on their squad. I think they will be far below that. For now, I have them ranked below the Dodgers, Giants, Mets, Cardinals, Pirates and Marlins in the National League.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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You are the San Diego Padres, and are looking at the Dodgers (north of $230 MIL in payroll the last 2 years and $267 MIL in 2015), and also the 3 times in 5 year champions (Giants) that also hail in your Division. Your franchise barely can scrape up enough dollars to crack the $100 MIL salary barrier, and you have 2 Pennants since your inception in 1969.

Petco Park’s attendance has been dropping since the park opened over a decade ago, and you needed to shake things up.  I get that.  Everyone and their grandma is calling A.J. Preller’s winter as a landmark win for any new executive that there has been.

Similar words were spoken in the winter of 2012 – going into 2013, when Alex Anthopoulos pulled off that mega trade with the Marlins, and everyone was casting them for the World Series (even the oddsmakers).  He based that trade with several components from Miami that were riddled with injury troubles in their career. Read the rest of this entry

MLB Power Rankings March 2015

Once again, the National League is very top heavy. with the Nationals, Dodgers and Cards reeling in 3 of the first 4 rankings spots.

Once again, the National League is very top-heavy. with the Nationals, Dodgers and Cards reeling in 3 of the first 5 rankings spots.  The American League has more parity in the league this year. and could feature several new entrants into postseason play.  This includes the two longest playoff drought teams in the Toronto Blue Jays (the last team to make the playoffs since the Strike/Lockout in 1994 and 1995 – and the M’s haven’t since their 116 win campaign in 2001. The Marlins own the longest such dry spell in the NL<- with their last playoff berth coming in their 2003 World Series win.  You also have many young franchises like the Houston Astros and Minnesota Twins having several of their young studs coming into the fold, and teams like the Rangers trying to be relevant again following a league record for DL Stints in 2014.  This will mean there are no easy wins on the J’unior Circuit’ this campaign.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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1.  Washington Nationals – This team is so far above the rest of the MLB, they should be everyones unanimous pick to win the best record in the MLB.  Their Division is weaker the NL West, and the teams in the NL Central are a lot closer in parity.

2.  LA Dodgers – Too many changes will take the club time to gel.  Emphasis on Joc Pederson to do well may be too much to ask.  Not enough is being said about the club losing the offense of Matt Kemp and Hanley Ramirez. Any club with Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke as their top 2 starting pitchers will never be to far from the top ranking.

3.  Detroit Tigers – This is all based on the American League Central.  While I believe the team is not as strong as last year in the pitching department with Max Scherzer, they may be better in the lineup with Yoenis Cespedes. Read the rest of this entry

2015 Regular Season Win Over/Unders In The MLB + Best Bets

What are your best Over/Under Bets for the upcoming 2015 MLB Season?  We have selected our top 10.

What are your best Over/Under Bets for the upcoming 2015 MLB Season? We have selected our top 10.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

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Over/Unders for the year, based on odds given by http://www.bovada.com sports book

Arizona – 71.5 (over is -115) (under is -115)

I gotta go with the under.  San Diego, LA and SF are all much better, and even Colorado is tough on the road. Like them at just around 70 wins.  Is a rebuilding year, and they might fetch a heavy ransom if Mark Trumbo can have a bounce back 1st half.  2016 maybe the year the can contend again.

Atlanta – 73.5 (over is -115) (under is -115)

I like the over on this one big time.  This club lost a ton of offense, yet I like their run prevention more than ever.  Shelby Miller was a great acquisition, and they still have a nasty Bullpen.  I am not as bullish on the rest of the NL East as a lot of clubs are too.  Wouldn’t call this a best bet, however, like them to win 75 – 77 games. Read the rest of this entry

With V – Mart’s 4 YR Deal For $68 MIL, The Market Threshold Is Set For Nelson Cruz

Victor Martinez has thrived offensively in Detroit hitting behind Miguel Cabrera.  Aside from the 2012 injury where he missed the whole season to a broken ankle.  V-Mart's 3 Slash Line for the Tigers is .321/.379/.486 - with 56 HR and 283 RBI in 1656 AB for the squad.  2014 is the last year of the 35 year old's 4 YRs/$50 MIL deal, and he will be on the open market after this campaign.  This was another good reason to bring in David Price by trade to win the elusive World Series.  There is no guarantee the Tigers could afford to bring him back for 2015 or beyond.

Victor Martinez has thrived offensively in Detroit hitting behind Miguel Cabrera. Aside from the 2012 injury where he missed the whole season to a broken ankle. V-Mart’s 3 Slash Line for the Tigers is .321/.381/.487 – with 58 HR and 289 RBI in 1706 AB for the squad. 2014 was the last year of the 35 year old’s 4 YRs/$50 MIL deal.  There was no guarantee the Tigers could afford to bring him back for 2015 or beyond because of the chance they would move Cabrera to DH in a few years.  However, the “Motown Boys” will have the best Designated Hitter in the game right now, back in the fold for the next 4 campaigns.  The one person who may not like the $ portion of the contract is Nelson Cruz, who is seeking a deal of 5 years at above the dollars per year V-Mart just reeled in.

Chuck Booth (Lead Analyst/Website Owner): 

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Yesterday Victor Martinez finalized re-signing with the Detroit Tigers for 4 YRs/$68 MIL.  This both was a great deal for the “Motown Boys” and also set a likely threshold for Free Agent DH slugger Nelson Cruz.

The Orioles DH/OF must not be happy with the amount of cash that V-Mart signed with, because there is no way he should reach that stratosphere.

2014 Stats

Victor Martinez (35):  .335/.409/.565, with 32 HRs 103 RBI and only 42 SO in 561 AB.

Nelson Cruz  (34):  .271/.333/.525, with 40 HRs 108 RBI and 140 SO in 613 AB.

 

Career

Martinez:  .306/.373/.475

Cruz:  .268/.328/.501 Read the rest of this entry

The Best Teams In The MLB From 1980 – Now: SF Cements Their Place From 2010 – 2014 With WS Birth

The Giants won the World Series in 2010 and 2012, if they make a World Series Appearance in 2013, they could break up the best teams for the years to include the Red Sox from 2004 - 2007, the Phillies from 2008 - 2009, and then you would have to place the Giants as the best overall team from 2010 - 2014.  Can they keep up the format of winning a World Series every 2 years again next campaign?

The Giants won the World Series in 2010 and 2012, and now are in the 2014 World Series – with a great chance to win 3 titles in 5 years against Kansas City.   The best teams for the last several years include the Red Sox from 2004 – 2007, the Phillies from 2008 – 2009, and then you would have to place the Giants as the best overall team from 2010 – 2014. Can they keep up the format of winning a World Series every 2 years again this year? The Red Sox (3 Titles), plus the Giants and Cards each having 2 Fall Classics, are the only 3 teams to have multiple World Series Trophies since the 2004 year.

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. 

If you gave me enough time as a reader, I promise to backdate this topic with another article featuring the best teams dating back further in years. 

Eventually, all of the years may be dissected and we can have a healthy debate on some of my selections.  I really started watching baseball in the early 1980’s. 

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.

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Who Owned Baseball For 2014 – The Final Regular Season Tally

Getty Images, USA Today Sports and The Seattle Times

Getty Images, USA Today Sports and The Seattle Times

Andrew McCutchen of the Pirates… Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers… Mike Trout of the Angels… Felix Hernandez of the Mariners.

They all owned baseball in 2014.

After a full year of checking each game and determining which player owned the game for that day, there were 4 winners.

McCutchen beat out Atlanta’s Freddie Freeman by a 9 to 7 1/2 final.

Kershaw had the highest overall WOB total, 14 1/2, topping Johnny Cueto‘s 11.

The American League races were razor thin.

Trout beat Oakland’s Josh Donaldson by a final of 9 1/2 to 9. Meanwhile King Felix squeaked past Corey Kluber of the Indians 11 to 10 1/2 (with Chris Sale close by at 9)

If I turned in a ballot with McCutchen winning NL MVP, Kershaw winning NL Cy Young, Trout winning AL MVP and Hernandez winning the AL Cy Young, could anyone protest?

Sure I could make valid arguments for Giancarlo Stanton winning the NL MVP. (His WOB total was a surprisingly low 4.) And of course Kluber and Hernandez is basically a coin toss right now. But the above ballot would certainly be acceptable.

WOB works. Adding the 1/2 WOB dynamic made it more accurate than last year.

Thanks for following it for the year. For the post season, I will have new tallies for “Who Owned October?” (WOO) and “Who Owned the World Series?” (WOWS.)

To view the Final Tally of Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Who Owned Baseball Sept 28, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + FINAL 2014 #WOB Standings

Photo: Alex Brandon/AP

Photo: Alex Brandon/AP

Jordan Zimmermann threw the first no hitter in Washington Nationals history (and the franchise’s first since Dennis Martinez‘s perfect game for the Expos in 1991). He allowed only 1 walk while striking out 10 Miami hitters en route to his 1-0 masterpiece.

Sonny Gray provided relief for 2 months of Oakland frustration with a post season clinching 6 hit complete game shutout of the Rangers, striking out 5 and walking none.

Anthony Rizzo went 3-4 with a homer and 2 RBI, helping the Cubs win against Milwaukee 5-2.

Ian Kinsler homered, hit an RBI single and added another hit to lead the Tigers to the Division Title with a 3-0 victory over Minnesota.

They all owned baseball on Sept 28, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Who Owned Baseball Sept 27, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

 (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Eduardo Escobar got 4 hits, including a 3 run homer, and drove in 6 runs, helping the Twins spoil the Tigers hopes of clinching with a 12-3 blow out.

Mark Trumbo got on base 3 times and drove in 4, including a tie breaking 3 run homer in the 7th that was the difference in Arizona’s 5-2 win against the Cardinals.

John Danks gave the White Sox 7 strong innings, scattering 5 hits and allowing just 2 runs, earning the 5-4 decision over Kansas City.

Wily Peralta finished his season with 17 wins following his 7 innings, 1 run and 13 strikeout performance against the Cubs for a 2-1 final.

 

They all owned baseball on Sept 27, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN. Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Sept 26, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer

Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer

Corey Kluber helped his Cy Young cause with an 8 inning, 5 hit shutout performance, striking out 11 Rays, walking 2 in a 1-0 pitchers duel in Cleveland.

Doug Fister gave the bullpen a rest for the first game of a double header as he threw a 3 hit complete game shut out as the Nationals blanked the Marlins, 4-0.

Dalton Pompey  Doubled and hit 2 triples (that is rare) driving in a pair, helping the Blue Jays top the Orioles, 4-2.

J.T. Realmuto missed the cycle by a homer, finished going 3-5 with 4 RBI in the Marlins wild 15-7 win in Washington.

They all owned baseball on Sept 26, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Who Owned Baseball Sept 25, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

ROBERT SABO/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

ROBERT SABO/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Derek Jeter went out in Hollywood style, getting a double and a walk off single in the 9th, driving in 3 runs all together and giving Yankee fans one last thrill with a 6-5 win over Baltimore.

Pablo Sandoval went 3 for 3, driving in 4 runs, including one in the wild 3 run come from behind rally as the playoff bound Giants topped the Padres, 9-8.

Hiroki Kuroda let up homers to the first two batters he faced and then let up 1 hit and no walks the rest of the way. The bullpen blew his lead but he set up the Yankees dramatic 6-5 walk off victory over Baltimore.

Edinson Volquez inched the Pirates closer to the Division Lead with 7 brilliant innings, allowing 4 hits, 1 walk and 10 strikeouts, blowing out the Braves 10-1.

They all owned baseball on Sept 25, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Who Owned Baseball Sept 24, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

ANDY LYONS/GETTY IMAGES

ANDY LYONS/GETTY IMAGES

Kyle Lohse kept the Brewers dim playoff hopes alive with a complete game 2 hit shutout with 6 strike outs and no walks, blanking the Reds 5-0.

Carl Crawford got on base 4 times, broke open the game with a 2 run double in the 6th and scored 3 more runs as the Dodgers clinched the NL West with a 9-1 blow out of the Giants.

Mark Buehrle pitched 8 shutout innings, allowing 3 hits, 1 walk and 10 strikeouts as the Blue Jays snuck past the fading Mariners, 1-0.

Ryan Flaherty collected 3 hits, including a 2 run double, and helped the Orioles come from behind to beat the Yankees, 9-5.

They all owned baseball on Sept 24, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Who Owned Baseball Sept 23, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

JAE C. HONG/AP

JAE C. HONG/AP

Justin Turner hit a pair of homers off of Bumgarner and led the Dodgers to a 4-2 victory over the Giants.

Zack Greinke pitched 8 strong innings, allowing just 2 runs and walking no San Francisco batter, bringing the Dodgers a little closer to the NL West title with a 4-2.

Nick Markakis went 4-5 with a homer and 3 RBI, helping Baltimore top the Yankees, 5-4.

David Price pitched a shutout into the 9th and was an out from a complete game. While he blew the lead, he pitched 8 2/3, striking out 8 and walking none. The Tigers would walk off in the 9th 4-3 winners against the White Sox.

They all owned baseball on Sept 23, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Who Owned Baseball Sept 22, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Adam Wainwright extended his scoreless inning streak to 21 while notching win number 20, throwing 7 scoreless 3 hit innings, striking out 8 Cubs for an 8-0 St. Louis triumph.

Michael Pineda kept the Yankees dim post season hopes alive with 7 1/3 innings of 1 hit shutout ball, striking out 8 and walking 1, beating the Orioles 5-0.

Gregor Blanco led off the game with a homer, scored in the third and hit a double that drove in a critical insurance run in the 13th as the Giants won a thrilling 5-2 extra inning marathon against the Dodgers.

Jose Bautista reached base 4 times, scored 3 times, drove in a pair, homered and made several fine defensive plays as the Blue Jays played spoiler to the Mariners 14-4.

They all owned baseball on Sept 22, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Who Owned Baseball Sept 21, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

Bob Stanton, USA TODAY Sports

Bob Stanton, USA TODAY Sports

Josh Donaldson reached base 4 times, scored 3 and ended a wild 10 inning game with a 2 run walk off homer to give the A’s an 8-6 win over the Phillies.

Corey Kluber pitched 8 dominating innings, letting up 2 hits and 1 walk while striking out 14, as the Indians beat the White sox 7-2.

Matt Kemp went 4-5 with a homer and 4 RBI leading the Dodgers to an 8-5 win against the Cubs.

Vance Worley pitched the Pirates closer to contention with 8 innings of 4 hit shutout ball to get the 1-0 decision over Milwaukee.

They all owned baseball on Sept 21, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Who Owned Baseball Sept 20, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

BILL KOSTROUN/AP

BILL KOSTROUN/AP

Jose Bautista reached base 5 times, scored 4 runs, lead off the go ahead rally with a walk where he would come around to score, launched a homer and had fun with the Yankee Stadium Bleacher Creatures as the Blue Jays beat the Yankees 6-3.

Chris Coghlan got on base 5 times, drove in 3, scored 3 and homered twice, the second one giving the Cubs the lead in a stunning come from behind 8-7 victory over the Dodgers.

Dallas Keuchel beat the Mariners in a game they could ill afford to lose. By going 8 innings, allowing 1 run and striking out 8, he got the decision in Houston’s 10-1 blow out.

Andrew Cashner took a shutout into the 9th inning. He would finish with 8 plus innings with 4 hits, 2 runs and 1 walk as the Padres held on against San Francisco, 3-2.

They all owned baseball on Sept 20, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.