Blog Archives
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May 30th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Dillon Gee pitched 7 1/3 innings, letting up one run, 4 hits no walks and 12 strikeouts as the Mets beat the Yankees 3-1 and completed the season sweep of the Subway Series.
Luis Valbuena went 3-4, a triple shy of the cycle, scoring three runs as the Cubs swept the White Sox with an 8-3 win.
Jacoby Ellsbury went on a franchise record setting stolen base binge, swiping 5 bags against the Phillies while getting on base 4 times including 3 hits as the Red Sox beat the Phillies, 9-2.
And Freddy Garcia pitched 8 shutout innings, letting up only 3 hits and no walks as the Orioles topped the Nats 2-0.
They all owned baseball on May 30th, 2013.
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
.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.29th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Dioner Navarro crushed three homers in the Cubs 9-3 WIN over the White Sox. (Sorry Ryan Zimmerman.)
Mr. Zimmerman’s night (and baseball ownership) was foiled by the Orioles 9-6 comeback over the Nationals, led by Chris Davis‘ 4-4, 2 homer, 3 RBI performance.
Eric Stults did not get the decision, but his 8 inning, 3 hit, 1 run, 12 strikeout and no walk performance set up the Padres 3-2 10 inning victory over Seattle.
Sam Deduno held down the Brewers bats for 7 innings and a single run, letting up 4 hits and 2 walks as the Twins won, 4-1.
They all owned baseball on May 28th, 2013.
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.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Triple Play Podcast #10: An Interview With MLB Reports Cards Correspondent Landen Crouch + Poor Show Of Brett Lawrie!
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsTuesday, May 28th, 2013
The Triple Play Show will have 5 shows per month. Each show will be about 1 hour.
By The Big Ticket Show ( AKA Triple Play Podcast on http://www.mlbreports.com) Follow @bigticketshow
Guests in this Podcast – Landen Crouch (Cardinals Correspondent) of mlbreports.com ( Follow @landencrouch
Landen Crouch of mlbreports.com is our guest on this episode as we discuss the continuous success of the cardinals. We also cover their rich history as Landen gives us his Mt Rushmore of Cards greats. Finally we bat around Brett Lawrie‘s recent run-ins and lack of maturity.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.27) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Aaron Harang threw a complete game 4 hit shutout as the Mariners beat the Padres, 9-0.
Kelly Johnson went 4-5 with 2 homers and a stolen base as the Rays topped the Marlins, 10-6.
Jeff Samardzija went the distance, throwing a two hit shutout over the crosstown White Sox, striking out 8 and walking 2 as the Cubs prevailed, 7-0.
And David Wright hit a triple, went 2-3 and his towering home run tied the game in the 7th and sparked the Mets come from behind 2-1 victory in the first game of the Subway Series with the Yankees, 2-1.
They all owned baseball on May 27th, 2013.
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.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 8
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsMonday May.27/2013
The Detroit Tigers were second on the list for moving up rankings with 5 spots. They have overtaken the Indians in the AL Central – and have 5 players that are hitting north of .300. Their top 4 Starters may be the best in the game – and they play in an extremely winnable division where teams can`t match them for payroll or talent. Miguel Cabrera is the best hitter on the planet – and has great support.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
The Oakland Athletics are making another run at the expense of the lesser lites in the Division. This team feasts on the Astros and Mariners – and are not half bad at playing the Rangers and Angels either. The goal for them is to continue to pitch. They must try to at least take 2 games versus San Francisco in the 4 game set.
The Kansas City Royals may have rolled up snake eyes in gambling on their 2013 season. Suffering the longest playoff drought in the majors at 28 years, the franchise traded away its best prospect player in Wil Myers for a 2 year pitching solution in James Shields.
The problem is that their nucleus of young talented hitters have failed them. Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas are being outpowered by some teams Pitching cores in the NL.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.26th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Stephen Strasburg pitched 8 solid innings, letting up 5 hits and 1 run, striking out 9 against no walks as the Nationals beat the Phillies, 6-1.
Pete Kozma went 4-4 with 3 doubles, 3 runs batted in and scored the winning run as the Cardinals beat the Dodgers, 5-3.
Alex Cobb pitched a shutout into the 9th, finishing with an 8 1/3 inning star with 5 hits and 2 runs as the Rays beat the Yankees 8-3.
J. B. Shuck went 3-4, driving in the go ahead run in the 7th and a key insurance run in the 8th as the Angels won 5-2 and completed the 4 game sweep of Kansas City..
They all owned baseball on May 26th, 2013.
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.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May 25th) – Updated Yearly “WOB” Standings
Josh Donaldson got on base 5 times with a homer, three other hits and a walk, scored twice and drove in two as the A’s won another slug fest in Houston, 11-5.
Jake Peavy pitched a complete game victory, letting up only 6 hits. He lost his bid for a shutout when he let up a game tying homer to Derek Dietrich. But Connor Gillaspie’s walk off hit gave Peavy and the White Sox a 2-1 victory over the Marlins.
Mike Minor pitched 7 1/3 shutout innings, letting up just 3 hits and striking out 10. He also went 2-4 at the plate, hitting a 2 out 2 run homer that helped Atlanta beat the Mets, 6-0.
And Angel Pagan helped wipe away a day full of frustrations and bad calls against the Giants with a 2 run, 1 out, walk off come from behind 10th inning inside the park home run. He went 2-6 as the Giants shocked the Rockies by a final of 6-5.
They all owned baseball on May 25th, 2013.
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.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Sophomore Slumping: Will Middlebrooks
Like us on Facebook here
Thursday, May.23/2013
Although Middlebrooks is 24 Years Old and has shown the ability to be productive in the Majors already, he should still be given a time to continue developing. He was drafted in ’07 out of High School where he was a Shortstop/Pitcher and also spent a lot of time playing football. Then he didn’t start playing in the Minors until ’08 in which he played just 59 Games so he has actually progressed pretty far in a short period of time.
By Ryan Dana (MLB Reports Writer and Red Sox Correspondent): Follow @ryandana1
Entering his second season in Boston, Will Middlebrooks is coming off a productive rookie season despite the turmoil on the team and a season ending wrist injury in which he had to endure.
He hit .288/.325/.509 in 2012 with 15 HRs and 54 RBI in 75 Games. So far in 2013 he has been experiencing the dreaded “Sophomore Slump”. He has hit .208/.243/.423 with 8 HRs and 20 RBI thru 44 games so far this season.
Middlebrooks’ numbers will improve over the course of the season, of this I am certain. However, it is concerning for the Red Sox as they really don’t have any other options at Third Base.
Middlebrooks’ struggles bring to light one of the reasons Jose Iglesias is getting some experience at 2nd and 3rd in Pawtucket. Will Middlebrooks’ job isn’t in jeopardy by any stretch, but it is vital that he performs because he is all they have.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May 22nd) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Jose Bautista went 4-4 with 2 homers and drove in all four of Toronto’s runs, including a game tying shot in the 9th and a walk off hit in the 10th as the Blue Jays beat the Rays 4-3 in 10.
C. J. Wilson went 8 strong, letting up only one run and striking out 10 as the Angels beat the Mariners, 7-1.
Carlos Gonzalez homered, hit an RBI triple then scored on a wild pitch as the Rockies beat the Diamondbacks, 4-1.
And Francisco Liriano pitched 7 shutout innings as the Pirates beat the Cubs 1-0.
They all owned baseball on May 22nd, 2013.
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.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – May 22, 2013
Mike Trout hit for the cycle. Did he also save Mike Scioscia‘s job?
Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I ponder the future of the 2013 Los Angeles California Angels of Anaheim in Orange County. Will they tail off? Or will the night that Mike Trout had the best night of his career also be the turning point of a championship season?
Gregor Blanco, Adam Wainwright, Max Scherzer and Mike Trout all owned baseball on May 20, 2013.
To see the up to date tally of “Who Owns Baseball?,” click HERE.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – May 22, 2013
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May 21st) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Alex Gallardo / Associated Press / May 21, 2013
Max Scherzer pitched 8 strong against the first place Indians, striking out 7 and walking 1 as the Tigers pulled a game closer, winning 5-1.
Gregor Blanco stole a base and scored the first and then hit the 2 out, 2 strike bottom of the 9th game tying triple that set up the dramatic 4-2 Giants win over the Nationals.
Adam Wainwright pitched 7 1/3 innings, letting up only 4 hits and one walk as the Cardinals manhandled the Padres, 10-2.
And while it was a hard decision, I guess Mike Trout had an OK day. He went 4-5 with a single, a double, a triple and a homer, and that would be the cycle. He also drove in 5 runs and stole a base. I guess that is a good enough day to own baseball.
They all owned baseball on May 21st, 2013
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.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Current Top 5 MLB Home Run Leaders in the AL + NL: Home Runs Hit May 15th
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsThursday May.16/2013
Ibanez had 1004 RBI in the last 11 Years and he clubbed 338 of those from 2006-2008 with the Mariners. He is likely to see around 350-400 AB this year. Ibanez has hit HRs in consecutive days – hitting 1 HR on Tuesday versus the Yankees – before exploding for a Grand Slam and a 2 run shot yesterday against his old teammates. He is currently on a 5 Game Hitting Streak ( 8 – 19, .421) – with 5 HRs and 12 RBI.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
DH on our home site pages – Stands for Daily HR Hitters in the Majors.
We are going to run the gauntlet on the previous days HRs for all MLB Players.
I loved it when MLB XM Radio used to do a running total every night on their Roundtrip with Mike Ferrin (Laser Show). So I am bringing it every day on this website. To view every nights big boppers for the whole year (from May 8th on) visit the DH page!
Click beyond the Youtube link or click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON to see who hit yesterdays big flies.
Current Top 5 MLB Home Run Leaders in the AL + NL: Home Runs Hit May 14th
Like us on Facebook here
Wednesday May 15th, 2013
CARGO had himself quite the day at Wrigley Field – doing yard work at the dish twice. While his career home and away splits favor his Coors Field Play (.348/.409/1.041 – Coors Field Career), his 2013 numbers look better on the road OPS of 1.063 to .858 thus far. Gonzalez is leading the NL with Runs Scored this year. It still must be noted that 4 of his Road HRs have come in hitter friendly Miller Park and Wrigley Field. Wait to see what the Averages are at the end of the year. Has he matured as a hitter – or is this just a small sample size?
DH on our home site pages – Stands for Daily HR Hitters in the Majors.
We are going to run the gauntlet on the previous days HRs for all MLB Players.
I loved it when MLB XM Radio used to do a running total every night on their Roundtrip with Mike Ferrin (Laser Show). So I am bringing it every day on this website. To view every nights big boppers for the whole year (from May 8th on) visit the DH page!
Click beyond the Youtube link or click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON to see who hit yesterdays big flies.
Current Top 5 MLB Home Run Leaders in the AL + NL: Home Runs Hit May.11th
Like us on Facebook here
Sunday May 12th, 2013
Ryan Doumit has proved to be a great roaming player for the Minnesota Twins.He can play DH (16 Games in 2013) and Catch (10 Games in 2013) He can also play 1B and OF. Doumit has clubbed 3 HRs in the last week – and could play Jack Parkman if Major League 2 was ever re – done.
DH on our home site pages – Stands for Daily HR Hitters in the Majors.
We are going to run the gauntlet on the previous days HRs for all MLB Players.
I loved it when MLB XM Radio used to do a running total every night on their Roundtrip with Mike Ferrin (Laser Show). So I am bringing it every day on this website. To view every nights big boppers for the whole year (from May 8th on) visit the DH page!
Click beyond the Youtube link or click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON to see who hit yesterdays big flies.
Nelson Cruz Highlights 2012 – Mature Highlights so Parental Guidance is advised:
MLB Top Teams 1 – 30 + (Best 200 Stats of 2013)
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsMonday May.06/2013
Matt Harvey with his stellar outings so far this season – may have just become the New York Mets “ace”. Harvey is now 4-0 with a 1.66 ERA. Harvey has pitched 40.1 innings – only given up 21 hits, 12 Walks for a League Leading WHIP of .0818. For his awesome 5 weeks – we name him the MLB Reports NL Pitcher Of The Month
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Stats all Prior to May.06th games.
The time has come for the 1sy May Power Rankings. There will be one each for May, June, July, August, September – and then a special playoff edition Power Rankings will be done in October.
I will not do a weekly Power Rankings during this weeks, because in essence, these are the weekly rankings done on a much larger scale.
These Reports are done with a heavy thought to how the teams project by the end of the season – along with how the clubs have fared so far.
I will point out who has had great months for the all 30 MLB Teams. I reward the good performances in these rankings – and leave the poor ones for the Podcasts or future articles. CLICK THE READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON
Early Season Power Outage For The Royals Corner Infielders
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsSunday, May.05/2013
Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas and Jeff Francoeur have a combined 2 HRs between them to start the 2013 MLB Campaign. Despite KC being tied for fewest HRs in the Major Leagues (and last in the AL with 16 HRs) – the club is 15 – 10 and only trails Detroit by one half game in the American League Central heading into play Sunday. For the Royals to compete all season, it would be nice if all of these guys could crack 20+ HRs each like they are capable of.
By Michael McGraw ( Royals Correspondent) Follow @quickdraw29
The good news . . .
As of May.04 , the Royals record stood at 16 -10, good enough to claim second spot in the American League Central after the first five weeks of the 2013 season – behind the Tigers who are a half game behind them.
The Royals’ focus on pitching in the offseason has paid dividends up to this point, as the team ranks among the league leaders in staff ERA and walks and hits allowed.
As cliché as it sounds, good pitching gives teams a chance to win every day. Look no farther than the San Francisco Giants championship team in 2012, who won the World Series despite finishing last in the Majors in Home Runs during the regular season.
Mike Moustakas early season power surge 2012
2 And A Hook Podcast Episode #4: The Blue Jays Are Finished in 2013 + The Angels Are Close
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsFriday, May.02/2013
MLB reports and The Benchwarmers Show present 2 and A Hook Podcast.
People in this Podcast:
Chuck Booth – Guest (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
By James Acevedo – Host (Podcast Veteran) Follow @yankeeman1973
‘2 And A Hook’ is an expression from Baseball: ‘Throw the guy 2 Fast balls and then a Hook’ (AKA Curve Ball, Wiggly one, Chair etc..)
On today’s show, brought to you by MLB Reports (www.mlbreports.com ) & yours truly (The Bench Warmers Show), I had Chuck Booth talk for over an hour about a bunch of topics.
We started off with the horrible season the Toronto Blue Jays have had thus far. We also talked about the Angels, what Robin Ventura is thinking – hitting Adam Dunn #4 still and how the Braves must regret paying B.J. Upton $15 MIL a year – while they are ecstatic about paying Justin Upton only about half of that. Read the rest of this entry
Triple Play Podcast Ep #5 – An Interview With James Paxton And A Full Farm Report
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsMonday, April.22/2013
The Triple Play Show will have 5 shows per month. Each show will be about 1 hour.
By The Big Ticket Show ( AKA Triple Play Podcast on http://www.mlbreports.com) Follow @bigticketshow
This week we introduce our first edition of Down on the Farm, a in-depth look at the hot prospects and future big league superstars. Former Astros and Mariners scout and current rotowire.com and mlb.com analyst Bernie Pleskoff joined us to give a scouts view .
We also spent a few minutes with Seattle Mariners pitching prospect James Paxton. Finally Curt Gill of atlantabaseball.com stopped by to give us the goods on what’s going on in Atlanta. All that plus our Bethubb.com best bets. Read the rest of this entry
MLB (R) Weekly Power Rankings – Week 2
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsMonday Apr.15/2013
Billy Beane has seen his club roar out of the gates – leading in most offensive and defensive categories so far. This year’s team is 9 – 4 (Leading the AL West) – and have put up a 81 – 40 Record since starting last year 23 – 32. The Tigers seem to be the only toxic for the franchise. The Athletics at least played in front of decent crows at 0.co Coliseum on Saturday drawing 35K – with the team trying to go for a 10th straight win. Justin Verlander stopped the streak.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Well, the Atlanta Braves are the toast of the MLB right now, Prince Fielder is the hottest hitter on the planet, John Buck is doing his best Johnny Bench impersonation – while Chris Davis is giving new definition to the nickname ‘Crash’.
The Mets and Rockies have had the biggest ‘Cupcake Schedules’ thus far in the Major Leagues – and I am still not buying stock in these teams.
The Angels pulled out a couple of wins versus the Houston Astros to end the week 5 – 8 (You guys are supposed to beat Houston whenever you play them this year!
The Yankees rode a 4 – 1 week among a schedule that was blown apart by weather induced cancellations in Cleveland, to climb the standings.
To quote Joe Pesci in (‘ My Cousin Vinny” when Fred Gwynne tells him he is in contempt of court) in response to Jose Reyes being injured. “There is a f—— surprise!
Angels Two Week Review: The (Mostly) Bad And The (Somewhat) Good
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsSunday, April.14, 2013
Albert Pujols kicked off the 2012 year by struggling brutally for the 1st 6 weeks. This year the man is off to a hot start – and can’t be faulted for the teams failures so far. The Active Leader for Batting Average at .325 is back to his MVP form. The most telling stat the he is in the Zone is his Walks to Strikeout Rate being 11 – 3. The 33 Year old is also the Active Leader for OPS among players at 1.022.
By Josh Jones (Angels Correspondent): Follow @joshjones4
For the second consecutive season the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have come out of the gates at an utterly slow pace. The 2013 version of the Angels followed in the footsteps of the 2012 team which started 6-14 and found themselves failing to dig themselves out of the April hole when it came down to making the playoffs.
The 2013 Angels have actually started worse than their 2012 campaign, posting a meager 3-8 record through 11 games. If it wasn’t for Albert Pujols’ 2 -run Double which gave the Halos a walk-off victory a few hours ago, this team would have been 2-9 and looking at the worst record to start the season in franchise history.
LA Angels Preview – They haven’t lived up to the Hype yet:
Nate Freiman: Beane Finds Yet Another Hidden Gem… And The A’s Next 1st Baseman
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsFriday April 5th, 2013
All Nate Freiman did was carry the Country of Israel during the recent World Baseball Classic Qualifying Tournament. Can this First Base giant do the same in Oakland?
Jonathan Hacohen (Lead Baseball Columnist, Oakland A’s Correspondent and Website Founder): Follow @Jhacohen
Baseball is a funny game sometimes. One minute you’re crying the Chris Carter blues. Then before you know it, Nate Freiman appears. That is how Billy Beane works my friends. Just when you think he might be slipping, he pulls a magic rabbit out of his hat (better known as the waiver wire in baseball terms).
On February 11, 2013, I wrote an article outlining Billy Beane’s error in trading Chris Carter. While I have always endorsed the talents of Jed Lowrie, it was my opinion that giving up a future star in Chris Carter was too high of a price to pay.
The trade (which actually took place on February 4th) saw the Astros acquire yet another stud First Base prospect. I wondered out loud what the Astros would do with all their First Base talent (Brett Wallace, Jonathan Singleton, Nate Freiman and veteran Carlos Pena).
It seemed like too many bats and not enough positions in Houston, despite the newfound need for a Designated Hitter. A little over a month later, March 23rd to be exact- I had my answer. Nate Freiman was on his way to Oakland.
The star for Israel in this year’s World Baseball Classic qualifying tournament was going to get the opportunity of a lifetime.
While some felt the A’s were simply acquiring roster depth, I saw a different vision. The A’s had their replacement for Brandon Moss at First Base.
Billy Beane had an uncovered yet another gem that was going to thrive in Oakland. Remember Josh Reddick 2012? Meet Nate Freiman 2013.
Nate Freiman Interview:
What Will It Take For Bryce Harper To Be An NL MVP This Year?
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsTuesday, Mar. 19/2013
Just how far can Bryce Harper improve during his 2nd season? If he can improve by about 15% – might we see a 30 HR/30 SB year, with around 120 Runs Scored and 80 Extra Base Hits? With the Nationals being the consensus favorite in the National League amongst experts, this would definitely put him in the NL MVP discussion. Seasons of improvement between the age of 19 and 20 for MLB Players of the past has proved to show this could happen. Harper will look to avoid the similar fates of the last 5 NL Rookie Of The Year Awards with a 2nd year regression.
By David Huzzard (Nationals Correspondent via Citizens of Natstown.com – view website here): Follow @davidhuzzard
A good part of analysis is knowing when numbers are useless. I was going to look back at the last 5 NL Rookies of the Year – and inform you of their average decrease in OPS, but two of the five are Geovany Soto and Chris Coghlan. On top of that Posey got injured his second full season after only 45 games and Ryan Braun hit like a madman in his rookie season with an OPS of 1.004. It did drop from that to .888, but seriously he OPS’d 1.004 in his rookie season.
The only one of the last five position player rookies of the year to not suffer any drop was Hanley Ramirez who saw his OPS rise from .833 in 2006 to .948 in 2007. If we go back one more season to the 2005 rookie of the year, Ryan Howard, his OPS rose from .924 in 2005 to 1.084 in 2006 when he won the MVP (Pujols had a 1.102 OPS that season, the third highest of his career and tops in the NL, but the vote went to Howard).
Bryce Harper Steals Home!
Andrew Of The “Baseball Romine’s” – The Next Maicer Izturis?
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsMonday, March.18, 2013
Andrew Romine was drafted in the 5th Round of the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft. He comes from a baseball pedigree with his dad (Kevin Romine having played for the Boston Red Sox from 1985 – 1991) and his brother Austin Romine Catching for the New York Yankees this year – after having a cup of coffee for the Bronx Bombers in 2011. This family has played in every defensive position in the Major Leagues except for the First Base position. Kevin and Austin have even played a game at the Designated Hitter.
Josh Jones (Angels Correspondent): Follow @joshjones4
While he has not made the roster yet, Utility Infielder Andrew Romine might already be atop of Manager Mike Scioscia’s go to weapons. Angel fans know how important recently departed Maicer Izturis was for the Angels, just as one-time fan favorite Chone Figgins, with the manager putting him in the lineup nearly every day at any of the three Infield positions.
Izturis gave a steady switch-hitting bat who had a quality batting eye, the ability to put the ball in play on hit-and-runs, and a steady glove. He looks and feels like a mirror image of Izturis, possessing all of the traits that the former Angels Infielder brought to the table except the fact that Romine now only bats exclusively from the left side.
Andrew Romine bunting for a base hit in 2009:
Giancarlo Stanton: Stuck In Miami
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsSatuday, March 16.2013
Giancarlo Stanton had 37 HRs in 2012 in only 123 Games which was 2nd most in the NL. Even more impressive, he averaged a true distance of 413 ft on those 37 dingers, coming off that bat at an average speed of 107.2 MPH. He also hit the longest Home Run in 2012 at 494 FT(true distance or about 95.5 Altuves if you use that measurement).
By Ryan Dana (MLB Reports Writer): Follow @ryandana1
Normally Miami is a desirable destination, but playing for their Major League Baseball team, the Miami Marlins, might be the one time it is not. It’s amazing how things have changed in the past year. Around this time in 2012 the Marlins moved into a brand new ballpark and opened up their wallets to sign big name free agents Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, and Heath Bell.
Now all 3 players have been traded, along with Marlins stars Hanley Ramirez, Anibal Sanchez, Josh Johnson, and other solid players like Omar Infante, Emilio Bonifacio, and John Buck. The Marlins traded away nearly all significant contracts and veteran talent to rebuild. That is not what the fans in Miami wanted, and certainly not something their lone remaining star Giancarlo Stanton would find desirable.
Giancarlo Stanton, the Marlins Right Fielder, is just 23 years of age, but his ability is on the baseball field is far beyond most players of his age. Stanton is 6’5” and weighs in around 245 lbs. He is about as intimidating a hitter as you will find. These days baseball talent evaluators will argue over the importance of how a player looks on the field, and what numbers are attached to their play.
There is no debating that Stanton is a top talent in both senses. He is a stud athlete who received offers to play for top colleges in his home state of California in both baseball and football, but he opted to go pro after being drafted by Miami (then Florida) in the 2nd round of the ’07 draft.
2012 Giancarlo Stanton Highlights – Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance is advised:
Baltimore Orioles Payroll In 2013 And Contracts Going Forward Mar.15/2013
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsFriday, March.15/2013
Buck Showalter had one of the best managerial season in recent vintage with the 2012 version of the Baltimore Orioles, will the fans and management turn on him if there is a small regression in 2013?
Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Writer): Follow @chuckbooth3024
I believe that 2013 will be a regressive season for the Baltimore Orioles. Much like the 2011 Arizona DiamondBacks in the National League, all of the bounces and luck went the Orioles way to have a magical year of a playoff berth in 2012. A crazy amount of 1 run wins, extra inning wins and a brilliant bullpen defied the odds in the American League in order to compete.
I still think the Baltimore Orioles will be competitive in 2013, I just don’t see a 90 win team. The team is not saddled with many outrageous contracts left, however it is a shame that Brian Roberts (10 Million Dollars Per Year) can’t stay healthy. They will need repeat years from Adam Jones and Chris Davis, plus significant increases in production from J.J. Hardy, Matt Wieters and Nick Markakis will need to hit his .300+.
This team has to take a run at a few players via trade or a remaining Free Agent. The need for a power hitting DH and another OF with Pop to play LF would be a wise decision. The ownership will need to extend the payroll for this very option. Also, they will need to plunk down some dough to sign an ace on the Free Agency market. You can’t tell me that a guy like Kyle Lohse won’t help the club!
2012 Winning Mix Highlights:
Burnett’s Career Comes Full Circle With 1st Opening Day Start
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsTuesday, March.12, 2013
The Yankees Dealt Burnett to the Bucs prior to the 2012 season. NYY ate 20 of the 33 Million Dollars remaining for 2012 and 2013 years. Burnett was was 10-2 in the 1st half for the Bucs.
By Brad Cuprik (Pirates Correspondent) Follow @bradcuprik
It’s hard to believe that in just a couple weeks time, Arkansas native A.J. Burnett will be making his first Opening Day start on the mound. The 36-year-old Burnett has been in the Major Leagues since 1999, pitching for the Marlins, Blue Jays, Yankees and now enters his second season with the Pirates. It also happens to be the last year of a 5-Year, $82.5 Million Contract he signed in December 2008.
His tenure in the Bronx was simply put, a disaster. When a player signs a contract of that magnitude and then posts an ERA nearly a run over his career mark for a ballclub like the Yankees, you can forgive a player for wanting to fade into obscurity. That’s not Burnett. He did not want to leave the Yanks, stating he had unfinished business but his trade to Pittsburgh and a return to the National League has been a blessing.
AJ Burnett takes a bunted ball to the face in 2012:
Yoenis Cespedes: While Cuba Misses Their Star in the 2013 WBC – the A’s Slugger Looks to be an A.L. MVP Candidate
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsFriday March 8th, 2013
From Cuba to A.L. MVP? Despite not being able to represent his native country in the WBC, Cespedes is a year older and wiser. The more he adjusts to North America life and baseball, opposing pitchers will shudder even more each time Cespedes comes to the plate.
Jonathan Hacohen (Lead Baseball Columnist, Oakland A’s Correspondent and Website Founder): Follow @Jhacohen
It’s pretty ironic if you ask me. The 2013 World Baseball Classic is here and Cuba is off to a huge start. I had to pick a winner and went with Cuba as my pre-tournament favorite. Considering that Japan has won both editions of the WBC, Cuba was definitely going to be in tough. To top it all off, they are starting off the first two rounds in Japan. Why is it ironic? For Cuba is missing its biggest star for the tournament. Yoenis Cespedes, the Oakland A’s star outfielder is in Arizona for Spring Training.
Far away from the bright lights of Japan, where Cuba finally beat its nemesis this week in WBC play after several failed attempts in the past. With that monkey off their back, Cuba has made the statement that they are ready to win it all. But yet without their biggest star. For when one defects from Cuba, they are forever banished from representing their country again in any baseball capacity.
I couldn’t help but think watching Cuba play in Japan this week that in fact Cespedes and the A’s opened their season last year in Japan. Cespedes actually started off his season with a bang out there and never looked back. On March 29th last year, Cespedes had a home run in the 2nd game of the A’s young season. That bomb in Japan was the start of the legend. Who knew that Cespedes would actually be in Japan a year too early? For all the success that Cuba has enjoyed thus far in the 2013 WBC, imagine if they had Cespedes anchoring that lineup?
Cuba may very still win the 2013 WBC. My money is on that happening. But if Cuba falls short yet again, the what if scenarios will endlessly get bounced around. What if the team had Aroldis Chapman? Alexei Ramirez? And most of all, Yoenis Cespedes? Until Cuba allows its defectors to come home again, the talent drain will continue to affect the country in international tournaments.
Yoenis Cespedes 2012 Highlights Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance is Advised:
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 4, 2013
Mike Trout will be making $500,000 as a 21 year old. Chances are that’s more than you made when you were his age.
What is stupider? The outrage over Mike Trout’s contract or Brian Cashman skydiving and breaking his ankle.
Those are the topics on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Subscribe to The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast on iTunes here.
Bryce Harper – The Nats LF
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsFriday, Mar. 02/2013
Bryce Harper won the NL Rookie Of The Year, made an ALL-Star Appearance – and even clubbed his 1st Post season HR in 2012. With a full season to play in 2013 – how high might his numbers go?
By David Huzzard (Nationals Correspondent via Citizens of Natstown.com – view website here): Follow @davidhuzzard
With the acquisition of Denard Span to play Center Field and bat Leadoff, a new defensive home had to be found for Harper. In 2012, advanced stats didn’t just rate Harper as a good defensive Center Fielder he was rated as a great one.
The Span move makes the Nats better in two positions of weakness and it also allows Harper to move to a more offensive position and focus on that aspect of his game. Left field is the second least important defensive position according to the defensive matrix, and often times it is the home of some of the games best sluggers.
For a quick comparison the average MLB Center Fielder hit for a 3 Slash Line of.265/.330/.418 in 2012 – and the average Left Fielder .261/.327/.431. While Left Field is traditionally a more offensive position current Left Fielders only managed a .009 OPS advantage over their CF brethren in 2012.
This doesn’t nor should it change the perception of Left Field as the less important defensive position of the higher offensive position. All it means is that there aren’t a lot of good Left Fielders right now. In WAR there are built-in bonuses for playing different positions, a good offensive player at an up the middle position will be rated higher than a good offensive player at a corner position, because an up the middle player that can hit is more valuable.
Bryce Harper Highlights as a 16 Year old hitting bombs and Tropicana Field 2009:
My Adventures As A MLB Fancave Top 30 Finalist In Phoenix!
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsFriday, February.22/2013
By Aaron Roberts (Dodgers Correspondent / MLB Fancave Top 30 Finalist 2013): Follow @Bertsball
Here are all of the videos I have done for the MLB Fancave and also my latest blog entries. Bookmark the next link here for this will have all of the dedicated information for my quest to be in New York as an MLBFancave Dweller all of the 2013 Year. Thanks to the MLB Reports for allowing me this platform! Right after the videos and a page break – are the 3 days I spent in Phoenix with 29 other prospective cave dwellers.
The Videos:
Interview with Adam Kennedy:
Dodgers and Angels Fan In Love – MLB Top 30 MLB Fancave Finalist Video:
Taking the Campaign to the streets of LA:
Get to know your LA Dodgers MLB Fancave Representative:
Vote For me (Thomas Roberts AKA – #CapeintheCave):
You can vote for me by either clicking on this link here: – This Link also contains my 2 minute application video.
Or going to the MLB Fan Cave website, clicking on “Vote” at the top and finding “Thomas Roberts.” I have my submission video on there so you can watch that as well. You can also come be my friend on Twitter Follow @bertsball Facebook (Facebook.com/Bertsball) Instagram (@Bertsball) and my Blog (Bertsball.blogspot.com) I post about the Dodgers, Baseball and my campaign frequently on each of them.
Thank You so much and I appreciate everyone’s support! Read the rest of this entry
MLB Reports 
You must be logged in to post a comment.