Blog Archives

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 28, 2017

mikesciosciamiketroutseattlemarinerswl9d3tuokthl

Jeff Gross/Getty Images North America

Mike Trout might never be universally recognized and that MAY just be a product of the current way we consume culture. Meanwhile Mike Scioscia might have outstayed his welcome.

Adapt with the times in this episode of Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Read the rest of this entry

Atlantis Casino Wagers For 2017 MLB Win Totals

over-under

The old adage here is ‘you want to know the truth, follow the money.

We have been talking projections for win totals in the upcoming MLB Year on a all offseason basis here at the MLB Reports. While we agreed a lot with the fangraphs.com prognostications, we had a problem with Baseball Prospectis’s PECOTA System yet again.

In the 1st total listed below are the official Win/Loss Over/Unders For All 30 MLB Clubs posted by Atlantis Casino.

We have to say that they pretty much mirrored what we have on the board for our projections.

Casino’s have a vested interest since it will cost them serious money if there are poor predictions.

In the last week, we have seen the Royals ink Travis Wood, but more importantly Alex Reyes was lost for the season by the Cardinals due to his upcoming Tommy John Surgery. Read the rest of this entry

5 MLB Teams That Could Be Real Contenders – Or Real Pretenders In 2017

tbrays1

Each year we are enlightened to a few surprises in the MLB we were not expecting.  This year there are 5 teams that seem could flip either way based on the talent coming to fruition.

We tried to pick a club for each Division here, but simply couldn’t come out with a AL Central team.

Tampa Bay Rays:

With Alex Cobb potentially coming back healthy to the rotation that features Chris Archer and Jake Odorizzi already. the Rays will have decent chuckers to start this campaign.

Add Blake Snell, Matt Andriese and recently acquired Jose DeLeon (who should contribute quality innings this campaign and all of a sudden this club doesn’t look too shabby for depth.

The Relief Core is also solid if Brad Boxberger can reclaim his form, and see a similar year for Alex Colome.

Evan Longoria,  and Brad Miller both put forth 30 HR seasons in 2016, and Matt Duffy may prove to be a decent Batting Average guy at Shortstop now.

The Rays Outfield will feature Kevin keirmaier, Mallex Smith, Corey Dickerson and Steven Souza, while one of those guys may also see some time at Designated Hitter. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Be The 1st MLB Manager Fired In 2016: Who Is On The Hotseat?

a hot seat

Hunter Stokes (MLB Reports Part Owner – Chief Writer) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

Every year there are certain managers that have a ton of pressure to win.  This is always a tough process to think of who will be nixed first.

On one hand, many clubs that should be in contention for the playoffs will see an axe come to their tenure, however sometimes clubs are so bad record wise (even though they were projected to be) that the franchise will just slay the field general in the name of mercy.

As far as under the gun goes. guys like Brad Ausmus, John Farrell and John Gibbons.  are tops on the list. 

Ausmus doesn’t have a track record of any postseason series wins like the latter two here, so he is going to be the #1 favorite out of this group of skippers that could go fast with playoff aspirations if their team struggles out of the starting block.

Gibbons did a great job with Toronto in 2015, but a slow start would really put his name on the block. Say if they are 6 or 7 games behind the playoff bar near Memorial Day.

Farrell has put up back to back 5th place finishes in the AL East after winning the World Series Title in his 1st year of being the skipper in 2013.

Then there is a perennial bad losing club that have long tenured coaches like Walt Weiss and Robin Ventura. I am not sure they should not have been shown the door following last years campaigns. 

Weiss has losing years for every year under his belt, and Ventura rode out 2013 with his late season collapse, but his club has underachieved in every other year.

Still the two most managers on the hot seat are Fredi Gonzalez of the Braves on top of the favorite list at +331, followed by Bryan Price at +441. But I hate putting money on either of these gentlemen with their clubs both being on track to challenge for the worst record in the Majors this year.

Heck, Gonzalez’s predecessor Bobby Cox was the well into his 3rd decade with the “Tomahawk” Choppers when he finally stepped down to a front office job. Gonzalez at least had the Braves in the playoffs in 2012. 

Price can’t really be expected to do anything with this anemic Pitching Staff, and all veterans except for Votto may be available for trade at any point.

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast Archives May.1, 2013 – May.31, 2013 (Episodes 190 – 220)

sunkenDFiamond

Paul Francis Sullivan (please call him Sully) does a podcast 365 days a year – unless it is a leap year – then he will do another 1. He has done a show everyday since Oct.24/2012. This to date represents a streak of 1219 days consecutively!

Past the CLICK TO READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY are episodes 190 – 220 of the Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

We will also archive all of his podcasts to date (in coming weeks) so they are easily accessible for all his fans. Check out all his Archived info here.

Our website followers have grown larger each year for his podcast.

Follow Sully Baseball On Twitter

To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.
Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast Archives Apr.1, 2013 – Apr.30, 2013 (Episodes 160 – 189)

sunkenDFiamond

Paul Francis Sullivan (please call him Sully) does a podcast 365 days a year – unless it is a leap year – then he will do another 1. He has done a show everyday since Oct.24/2012. This to date represents a streak of 1216 days consecutively!

Past the CLICK TO READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY are episodes 160 – 189 of the Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

We will also archive all of his podcasts to date (in coming weeks) so they are easily accessible for all his fans. Check out all his Archived info here.

Our website followers have grown larger each year for his podcast.

Follow Sully Baseball On Twitter

To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE. Read the rest of this entry

Los Angeles Angels State Of The Union For 2016

The Angels could easily upgrade 2B and an LF spots, and will need to compensate for Albert Pujols to at least miss the start of the 2016 season as well. They have great depth in the Pitching Rotation, however are bogged down by the Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson costing them a combined $40 MIL. Add in $30 MIL in buyout/dead money and the team will have a tough time competing in 2016 without nearing $200 MIL in total team payroll.

The Angels could easily upgrade their 2B and LF positions, and will need to compensate for Albert Pujols to at least miss the start of the 2016 season as well. They have great depth in the Pitching Rotation, however are bogged down by the Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson costing them a combined $40 MIL. Add in $30 MIL in buyout/dead money and the team will have a tough time competing in 2016 without nearing $200 MIL in total team payroll.  This means that Arte Moreno will have to give new GM Billy Eppler some more money to dole out to Free Agents.  Will he do it?  I am afraid for the Halo’s in 2016 if he doesn’t bring in 2 – 3 more upgrades..

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

It has been a slow but somewhat productive winter for the Angels brass, and in particular for new GM Billy Eppler.  They have done the kind of deals that will work only if they still pull the trigger on signing a premiere player.

Los Angeles acquired a 3B already in Yunel Escobar, who was only traded for by flipping Trevor Gott and a mid level prospect. Not bad for a guy who batted .315/.374/.415 over the past year, makes $7 MIL in 2016, and has a Team Option for 2017 at another $7 MIL – or the club can Buy him out for a cool million.

This came on the heels of trading for Andrelton Simmons, who has 5 years of Team Control left for a guy that only had one more year of salary on the books in Erick Aybar. Read the rest of this entry

Los Angeles Angels Payroll in 2016 + Contracts Going Forward

The Angels have needs at Catcher, 3B, 2B and an OF spot. They have great depth in the Pitching Rotation, however are bogged down by the Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson costing them a combined $40 MIL. Add in $30 MIL in buyout/dead money and the team will have a tough time competing in 2016 without nearing $200 MIL in total team payroll.

The Angels have needs at Catcher, 3B, 2B and a OF spot. They have great depth in the Pitching Rotation, however are bogged down by the Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson costing them a combined $40 MIL. Add in $30 MIL in buyout/dead money and the team will have a tough time competing in 2016 without nearing $200 MIL in total team payroll.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

The Halo’s will reel from the Josh Hamilton contract for a few more years, however they will see C.J. Wilson and Jered Weaver come off the books for 2017. But that also leaves a massive void in a Starter staff.

Mike Scioscia needs all sorts of help on offense and defense to compete in the AL West, but they should really try to solidify the Starting Staff for future years.

I would try for one legitimate ace, and then I would go after 1B/OF and AL HR king Chris Davis.

It is time for Albert Pujols to retire to a permanent DH like David Ortiz.  Having a legitimate 1B like Davis to sneak in between Trout and Pujols would be dynamite.  All 3 guys could club 35+ HRs and Davis and Trout may near 45 again each. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 1, 2015

(Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)

(Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)

Happy Bobby Bonilla Day! And there is turmoil in Angels land, and I can understand both sides of the argument

Not a lot of halos to go around on Episode 980 of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

 

Howie Kendrick, Jordan Zimmermann, Mike Montgomery, Mitch Moreland, Chris Davis, Jon Niese and Randal Grichuk all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?

.
Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 26, 2015

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sportss

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sportss

Josh Hamilton’s fight with drug addiction was supposed to have its happy ending. But addiction is more complicated than that. And so is baseball’s relationship with things that get you hooked.

That and more on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

 

Read the rest of this entry

Royals Vs Angels Preview 2014 ALDS

The Angels are finally back in the postseason after a couple of years absence.  They have the best 1 - 9 lineup in the AL, an extremely deep and revamped Bullpen, and starters like Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson have lots of playoff experience.  Add a roster full of World Series heroes of not so long ago, and it could be a recipe for a long postseason run.  They also have the luck of the draw with playing the Royals in the 1st Round, with only having to face James Shields once, while their top duo of Jered Weaver and Matt Shoemaker are slated to tow the hill in 4 of the 5 games.

The Angels are finally back in the postseason after a couple of years absence. They have the best 1 – 9 lineup in the AL, an extremely deep and revamped Bullpen, and starters like Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson have lots of playoff experience. Add a roster full of World Series heroes of not so long ago, and it could be a recipe for a long postseason run. They also have the luck of the draw with playing the Royals in the 1st Round, with only having to face James Shields once, while their top duo of Jered Weaver and Matt Shoemaker are slated to tow the hill in 4 of the 5 games.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

No time to rest for the tired and weary.  After an emotional, and jaw dropping game for the Royals on Tuesday night, they will fly to Anaheim to meet the top seeded  Los Angeles Angels in the LDS Round.

You have to realize that Mike Scioscia is running the gauntlet on the running prowess of Kansas City even as we speak,

There will be no 2 – 3 or extra jackrabbit’s for the Royals squad, who were definitely aided by a lax Roster enforcement for Wild Card play, and also by the early game injury to Geovany Soto.

Chris Iannetta and Hank Conger will have to be ready for the speed demon club, that features several guys who can swipe bags on a whim.

If there is one thing going for Kansas City right now it is rhythm of repetition having played on Tuesday, while the Halo’s have been licking their chops in Orange County all week at the beach.

The Angels clinched so early, it would have been about 15 days since they have played a meaningful game in Game #1. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 19, 2014

GATORADE/VIA YOUTUBE

GATORADE/VIA YOUTUBE

In a vacuum, the Derek Jeter – Gatorade commercial was great. It is just getting to be a little bit of overkill!

Plus, Mike Scioscia can put any lineup on the field he wants. His team clinched. He owes no team a playoff spot but his own.

 It is a doing it MYYYYYY WAAAAAAAAY episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Felix Hernandez, Logan Morrison, Gerrit Cole, Wilin Rosario, Scott Feldman, Jose Bautista, Ender Inciarte and Kyle Lohse all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?

Read the rest of this entry

How All Of The Angels Pitchers Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree Shows A Nice Year Revamp!

Jered Weaver

How All Of The Angels Pitchers Were Acquired:

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner):

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

The Angels management had to look back on the 2013 Relief Core – and worry about their long term future.  This was because not one guy had a decent year, and most guys were well north of 4 ERA’s.

Jerry DiPoto has rapid fired a bunch of trades and signings since then, to solidify a great Bullpen it was once a late inning disaster waiting to happen on a nightly basis.

So how did he accomplish this?  What assets did he give out in order to make it happen?

The 1st domino to fall was signing Joe Smith to a 3 year deal as the team’s primary set up man for Ernesto Frieri.

After that it was the David Freese deal – in which Reliever Fernando Salas came with him from the NL champion St. Louis Cardinals for Randal Grichuk and Peter Bourjos. Read the rest of this entry

How All Of The Angels Hitters Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree

 

DiPoto has constructed a team that has great power when healthy, and have the best player in baseball in Mike Trout, however a lot of the transactions on offense had nothing to do with the man.   As you will see in the Roster Tree, a lot of the guys have been Drafted before the DiPoto era.  I will say he has done a better job in the last year, than in his 1st 2 years at the helm.  The club has a short window to compete, before a lot of the team becomes older, all making too much money.

DiPoto has constructed a team that has great power when healthy, and have the best player in baseball in Mike Trout, however a lot of the transactions on offense had nothing to do with the man. As you will see in the Roster Tree, a lot of the guys have been Drafted before the DiPoto era. I will say he has done a better job in the last year, than in his 1st 2 years at the helm. The club has a short window to compete, before a lot of the team becomes older, all making too much money.  This is not an article about retracting our earlier stated points, but rather to say that maybe DiPoto is becoming a little wiser as a GM lately.   When all is said and done, with the payroll and talent within this team, they should be in contention for a Division Pennant and Post Season every year.

How All Of The Angels Hitters Were Acquired:

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner):

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Here at the MLB Reports we have taken a hard line at how the Angels have conducted business for the last several years.

From Sully (our lead Audio Personality and creator of “Sullymetrics”), to our ‘chief writer’ Hunter Stokes, to even myself at certain times – we have poured cold water on their efforts in assembling this current team.

I maybe the less culpable of the three, as I did predict this club to win the 2012 World Series, however one thing we all agreed on was Mike Scioscia‘s crazy insistence on batting Raul Ibanez 4th when he was so brutal for the team.

The fact they signed him wasn’t very great either, when Kendrys Morales would have fit the bill perfectly.

Among the observations we had, was criticizing GM Jerry DiPoto for some of his moves since taking over as GM of the club in late 2011.

A litany of poor roster decisions was part of the problem. 

The club wasted $16 MIL on Joe Blanton, paid for an injured Reliever in Ryan Madson, who never even pitched for the club.

The Sean Burnett injury problems I will not fault him for. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – June 15, 2014

BqEhYJ-CAAA8oIT

It is time for The Sunday Request on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

It is a novel concept… dealing one manager for another. And maybe there are a few possibilities, including one between the two teams that claim to play in Los Angeles.

I recorded today’s podcast during a game between the A’s and the Yankees in the O.co Coliseum. The end was recorded during a fireworks show.

Danny Duffy, Jesse Hahn, Andrew McCutchen, Eugenio Suarez, Mat Latos, Buster Posey and Evan Longoria all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball

Read the rest of this entry

2014 MLB Shutout Survivor Results: Angels Are The Winner This Year

The Angels are holding their own in the AL West, and have watched as other teams in the Division have suffered massive pitching injuries.  This team should be in the hunt all year for the playoffs.  Mike Scioscia can also be thankful his team is playing better too.  In 2012 and 2013, the club struggled mightily in the 1st 6 - 7 weeks into the year. It cost them a playoff spot in 2012, even with a late charge, and last year was a losing season, which is a rarity in the Scioscia era.

The Angels are holding their own in the AL West, and have watched as other teams in the Division have suffered massive pitching injuries. This team should be in the hunt all year for the playoffs. Mike Scioscia can also be thankful his team is playing better too. In 2012 and 2013, the club struggled mightily in the 1st 6 – 7 weeks into the year. It cost them a playoff spot in 2012, even with a late charge, and last year was a losing season, which is a rarity in the Scioscia era.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

The Angels have been flashing lumber all year.  Despite me railing on them last week, it is also a respect factor for them having not being Shutout at that point.

On Friday night, the Rays finally bageled the Halo’s, with a 3 – 0 loss to Chris Archer and the Bullpen of Tampa Bay.  LA returned a blanking to the Rays on Saturday.

The team only managed 4 hits in the game.  Nevertheless, the lasted more 5 more games this year than the Colorado Rockies.

Los Angeles is in 2nd place in the AL West, and are looking to get Josh Hamilton back shortly.

I am still not relinquishing my request not to have Raul Ibanez hit 4th in the lineup.  I wouldn’t play him as a starter to begin with, and leave the guy to Pinch Hit duty late in games. Read the rest of this entry

Angels Last Remaining Team To Be Bageled In 2014, But The Offense Is Struggling Of Late

DiPoto has constructed a team that has great power when healthy, and have the best player in baseball in Mike Trout, but this club has a tough time not striking out, and worse is that they also don't draw Walks.  Their last few year offensive acquisitions in Ibanez, Stewart, Freese, Cowgill and Iannetta

DiPoto has constructed a team that has great power when healthy, and have the best player in baseball in Mike Trout, but this club has a tough time not striking out, and worse is that they also don’t draw Walks. Their last few year offensive acquisitions in Ibanez, Stewart, Freese, Cowgill and Iannetta have fanned 123 times in just 371 total AB in 2014, while only walking 41 total combined times in the same time frame.  They have only attributed 11 HRs and 47 RBI for their efforts as well.  The Slash Line is .202/.292/.340 for those guys. Can the core guys of Trout, Pujols, Hamilton (when back), Kendrick and Aybar make up for the anemic production they are receiving?

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

Last night the Rangers finally did what no one else has done in 2014 thus far, Shutout the Rockies 5 – 0.

While Nolan Arenado was able to extend his hitting streak to 28, the Rox failed to plate a runner.

This leaves the Los Angeles Angels as the only team left in the MLB to not have suffered zero runs in a game.

I am not giving the title to LA yet, as they have played 4 less game than the Rockies.  Technically calendar wise, the Halo’s pulled of the feat, but lets see if they can make it through the weekend in Canada without being Shutout.

I think Los Angeles has a great chance in the next 4 games to score at Skydome, so if I could place a wager on the thing I would. Read the rest of this entry

Injuries In The MLB: Hamilton, Garcia + Moore Out Could Change Outlook For Clubs In 2014

Josh Hamilton had his worst year as a Major Leaguer in 2013 with a 3 slash of .250/.307/.432 - with 21 HRs and 79 RBI last year.  This campaign looked to have been better, with the OF hitting .444/.545/.741 through 27 AB.  Injuries just seem to happen for the man.  He underwent thumb surgery two days ago after jamming his hand trying to slide into 1st base.  His loss will be felt big by Los Angeles, and they may not be in position to contend by the time he comes back.  The Angels are at home for 6 games before a killer 9 game road trip at Detroit, Washington and New York.

Josh Hamilton had his worst year as a Major Leaguer in 2013 with a 3 slash of .250/.307/.432 – with 21 HRs and 79 RBI last year. This campaign looked to have been better, with the OF hitting .444/.545/.741 through 27 AB. Injuries just seem to happen for the man. He underwent thumb surgery two days ago after jamming his hand trying to slide into 1st base. His loss will be felt big by Los Angeles, and they may not be in position to contend by the time he comes back. The Angels are at home for 6 games before a killer 9 game road trip at Detroit, Washington and New York.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

The Angels Josh Hamilton is out for 6 – 8 weeks after sliding in head down to first base at Safeco Field on Apr.8.

I would never accuse the guy of being a slacker, but this was not a bright move at all.

Doesn’t he remember suffering a major injury when the Rangers had him barrel down on home plate a few years back.

It came on the heels of the man having a great start.  Nothing seems to go right for Hamilton to play a full healthy season.

The Angels needed this player, with Albert Pujols and Mike Trout hitting on all cylinders to put forth a competitive year.

This curbs the process down badly.

Josh Hamilton’s Injury – 2 Minute Mark

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 4, 2014

 

Beck Diefenbach, AP

Beck Diefenbach, AP

 

The A’s have great uniforms, the Angels and Mets could be getting new managers and the Red Sox will need new goals.

All Topics on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Angel Pagan Jason Hammel, Chris Archer, Xander Bogaerts, Todd Frazier and Tyler Flowers all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 25, 2014

Bjlc2SmCAAASNUK

FROM THE MGM GRAND HOTEL IN LAS VEGAS… IT IS THE SULLY BASEBALL DAILY PODCAST!

No Seriously.
I’m in Vegas.

And in my hotel, I talk about my regrets of picking the Rangers and the unusual championships won by Mike Scioscia and Ozzie Guillen

Read the rest of this entry

Angels State Of The Union For 2014: A Hot Start Is Paramount For Success

The Angels have spent almost a half of a billion in Free Agency over the last 3 years, and all they have to show for it, is back to back 3rd place finishes in the AL West.  The team also featured an anemic Bullpen in the 2013 campaign. But with AL West rivals all having significant injuries both to start the year and long-term for 2014, this has opened up the door for the start of campaign at least.  It is incumbent that their top guys stay injury free, and spend exactly no days on the DL, because they don't have suitable replacements to step in.  With poor starts to both of the last 2 years, this squad looks to break this trend in 2014.

The Angels have spent almost a half of a billion in Free Agency over the last 3 years, and all they have to show for it, is back to back 3rd place finishes in the AL West. The team also featured an anemic Bullpen in the 2013 campaign. But with AL West rivals all having significant injuries both to start the year and long-term for 2014, this has opened up the door for the start of the 2014 campaign at least. It is incumbent that their top guys stay injury free, and spend exactly no days on the DL, because they don’t have suitable replacements to step in. With poor starts to both of the last 2 years, this squad looks to break this trend this seasom.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner):

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Hunter Stokes (Our chief writer) wrote a piece that was picked up by MLB Trade Rumors blogroll, stating that Jerry DiPoto has done a poor job in constructing the current team based on the roster tree here.

I agree with him 100% on this, especially on the moves, the Bullpen not being 100% finished yet, the Starting Rotation too reliant on their top 2 pitchers – and we have had several of their fans take some jabs at us for going with these notions.

The club’s brass has had a better winter in 2013 going into 2014, then they had last year, however it still doesn’t alleviate the fact, this team can’t sustain one injury to any of their top players because of said moves to deplete their depth.

The Starting Staff is composed of 60% of youth that is not used to toting long innings in Garrett Richards, Hector Santiago and Tyler Skaggs.

The team has a lot of players that will strikeout a lot, so it is also important to receive key HRs at crucial times in the game.

The club will also lose 34 HRs worth of power they received from Mark Trumbo in 2013, but it was the right time to move him.  Whether they received enough of a return is yet to be determined, but it also cut down the whiffs for 2014.

Read the rest of this entry

Which Manager’s Seat Is The Hottest In The MLB – 2014?

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

There are many expectations in 2014 for a lot of the MLB clubs. 

Realistically, only the Houston Astros and the Minnesota Twins could be ousted from playoff contention before we even play in the American League.

The National League has several more teams with improbable chances to post a postseason berth in 2014.

The Mets, Marlins, Twins, Cubs and Padres are the longest shots on the board to nail down play in October as well.

Out of those teams, Chicago just hired Rich Renteria, and the other 5 teams would likely let the year play itself out before thinking of a skipper’s switch.

With those teams listed, I highly doubt the current bench bosses will remain in position by the time the clubs become good. Read the rest of this entry

Is Masahiro Tanaka The Next Young International Superstar Pitcher?

Mashahiro Tanaka was 24 - 0, with a 1.27 ERA in with his team in the NPBL last year.  He has followed countrymen Yu Darvish, Hiroki Kuroda and of course the 1st man from Japan, Hideo Nomo as superstars to take their talents to North America.

Mashahiro Tanaka was 24 – 0, with a 1.27 ERA in with his team in the NPBL last year. He has followed countrymen Yu Darvish, Hiroki Kuroda and of course the 1st man from Japan, Hideo Nomo as superstars to take their talents to North America.  Tanaka has pitched with the whole world watching him, as part of the 2013 WBC team for Japan.  He will be counted on at the top of the New York Yankees rotation for years to come.  Fans in New York can only pray this guy is much more like the guys aforementioned in this caption – rather than former Yankees Starting Pitcher Kei Igawa, who never panned out in his time with New York.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner):

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Today we are talking about young International Phenom pitchers.  I picked 5 former and current pitchers that hailed from other places other than the USA to concentrate the story on. 

I came up with Fernando Valenzuela from Mexico, Hideo Nomo and Yu Darvish from Japan, Eric Gagne from Canada and Juan Marichal from the Dominican Republic. 

The 5 baseball players all flashed onto the scene as young pitchers, 3 of them dominating their peers from the get go. 

Eric Gagne, the 5th member of this study, only started to dominate when the Los Angeles Dodgers sent him to the bullpen.  

Speaking of the Los Angeles Dodgers, three of these five pitchers were both with the club when they started out.  It is a credit to their scouting staff. 

There is a reason why no other team has turned out more ‘Rookie of the Year’ players in the last 30 years than the Dodgers.

Hideo Nomo’s No – Hitter Game

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 21, 2014

Harry How/Getty Images North America

Harry How/Getty Images North America

Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I discuss bias and impartiality.

Being called biased kind of hurt. I will never be impartial, but my impartiality will be tempered by a lack of bias.

Does that make sense?

I hope so.

To subscribe to The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 21, 2014

Los Angeles Angels Of Anaheim State Of The Union: Is It Time For Jerry DiPoto To Be Fired?

Mike Trout must feel like he will receive some better help from a full season of Pujols coming.  Heading into the 2013 campaign, they looked to have almost a historic 1 - 4 lineup.  Instead. it was a disaster.  Maybe the 2014 year will be different.

Mike Trout must feel like he will receive some better help from a full season of Pujols coming. Heading into the 2013 campaign, they looked to have almost a historic 1 – 4 lineup. Instead. it was a disaster. Maybe the 2014 year will be different.  With players like Vernon Wells and Joe Blanton still collecting money on the payroll – to the tune of $26 MIL in 2014, their teams salary structure is a disaster.  Those two guys are really horrible – or not even playing for LA anymore.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

“Stoking The Fire” – Week 10

As someone who follows the Angels from a distance, I have had it with Jerry DiPoto.

Whether it is the direction of the team’s brass that has been affected, or Arte Moreno himself, this team is heading on a one way ticket to salary hell.

So how does the GM respond this winter?

He trades his 2nd, 4th and possibly 5th best OF on the Roster Depth away – without yielding a OF back in return.

He has added on a couple of players (David Freese and Raul Ibanez) that Strikeout as much as the rest of the clan.  Good work man!

Am I missing something? Does he not see this is the recipe for disaster?

Angels 2013 preview – 2014 wont be as optimistic:

Read the rest of this entry

The Mark Trumbo Trade Watch Continues in LA: Could He Be Headed To STL, TB, MIA, PIT Or Other?

The Angels have spent almost a half of a billion in Free Agency over the last 3 years, and all they have to show for it, is back to back 3rd place finishes in the AL West.  The team will lose Jason Vargas this year, and the Angels are expected to non-tender Tommy Hanson.  The team also featured an anemic Bullpen in the 2013 campaign.  If the Angels are wishing to trade Mark Trumbo, they best acquire 2 Pitchers that can fill in their weaknesses.  Los Angeles have a surplus of OF/DH and 1B on the Roster with Hamilton, Pujols and Bourjos.  Trumbo will be a heavy commodity sought after because he has 3 years of Team Control left with any aspiring club that brings him in.

The Angels have spent almost a half of a billion in Free Agency over the last 3 years, and all they have to show for it, is back to back 3rd place finishes in the AL West. The team will lose Jason Vargas this year, and the Angels are expected to non-tender Tommy Hanson. The team also featured an anemic Bullpen in the 2013 campaign. If the Angels are wishing to trade Mark Trumbo, they best acquire 2 Pitchers that can fill in their weaknesses. Los Angeles have a surplus of OF/DH and 1B on the Roster with Hamilton, Pujols and Bourjos. Trumbo will be a heavy commodity sought after because he has 3 years of Team Control left with any aspiring club that brings him in.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner):

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

The Angels have doled out nearly half a Billion in contracts over the last 3 winters of Free Agency and have nothing to show for it but heartache, misery – and a team that was once a perennial playoff favorite dropped under .500 for only the 2nd time in the last decade during the 2013 season.

Hemorrhaging funds for a club not competing can’t sit well with the team owner Arte Moreno.  Amidst in all of this would be a contract for Mike Scioscia as manager for $5 MIL a year, that renders him unfireable, and  even untradeable.

This team is loaded with talented players like Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton, Jered Weaver, C.J. Wilson, Howie Kendrick – and of course Mark Trumbo.

Mark Trumbo’s 1st 24 HRs of 2013

Read the rest of this entry

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):

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

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

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 19, 2013

Photo: David Kadlubowski / The Arizona Republic

Photo: David Kadlubowski / The Arizona Republic

Virtually no team I was rooting for last night won and Baseball-Reference.com is down this morning.

It is a nightmare for your pal Sully.

On The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast I talk about the frustrating night and managers on the bubble. Also Kirk Gibson needs another year for his plan of Mini Kirk Gibsons in Arizona to take shape.

Billy Hamilton, Josh Hamilton, Adam Wainwright and Hisashi Iwakuma all owned baseball for September 18, 2013.

To see the up to date tally of “Who Owns Baseball?,” click HERE.
Subscribe on iTunes HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 19, 2013

The LA Angels Payroll In 2014, Organizational Affiliates, Prospects, Depth Charts, (MLB + MiLB)

Albert Pujols signed a 10 YR/$254 MIL contract with the Angels at the age of 31.  He has seen his numbers decline in th 1st year and now is injured for the rest of the year with a foot injury.  STL Career 3 Slash: .382/.420/1.037 - LAA:  .275/.338/.823.  Pujols needs to come back healthy for at least the duration of 2017, when Hamilton's crippling contract is finally over.

Albert Pujols signed a 10 YR/$254 MIL contract with the Angels in 2012 at the age of 31. He has seen his numbers decline in the past year and a half – and now is injured for the rest of the year with a foot injury. STL Career 3 Slash: .382/.420/1.037 – LAA: .275/.338/.823. Pujols needs to come back healthy for at least the duration of 2017, when Hamilton’s crippling contract is finally over.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): and welcome Jeff Kleiner (Salary, Roster and Depth Chart Expert for the MLB) – visit his website  here  

You guys are all in for a treat.  Jeff Kleiner recently contacted me about a partnership merge for the website.  He has developed a site (prosportsrosters.com) that covers all organizational affiliates in the Minors for all of the Major League Baseball Clubs. 

We are going to combine efforts to bring you the best look at salaries, current 25 Man Player Rosters and Depth Charts for all 30 teams. 

Jeff is going to provide the documents in form of spreadsheets and I am going to accompany the posts with deep analysis of what the numbers tell us from my perspective. 

If you can’t wait for all of my assessments for each club, go and visit Jeff’s website over at http://www.prosportsrosters.com.

In Speaking with Jeff, he is one of the more passionate fans I have come across towards the game of baseball.  He spends enough time in updating his MLB Facts for it to be a Full-Time Job. 

So after the usual Video Clip and READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY button, you will find some serious &*!@?!#!

Jeff updates this page below on a daily basis.  After you click on it….Bookmark it.  There is a 3 year salary forecast and stats not listed here on this page.  Jeff updates these pages daily and these changes include any Roster moves!

For a Full 3 year Salary Outlook plus last years Stats for every player in the Angels Organization click here.

Mike Trout Highlights 2013

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – August 24, 2013

Photo: Wally Skalij - LA Times

Photo: Wally Skalij – LA Times

Who is to blame for the mess that is the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim?

GM Jerry DiPoto?
Manager Mike Scioscia?
Maybe it is the fault of Arte Moreno.

Those questions and more on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Adam Wainwright, Chris Archer, Torii Hunter & Khris Davis (not Chris)  all owned baseball on August 23, 2013.

To see the up to date tally of “Who Owns Baseball?,” click HERE.

Subscribe on iTunes HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – August 24, 2013

%d bloggers like this: