Blog Archives
It Is Time For The MLB To Eliminate Defensive Shifts + Why I Won’t Use Sabermetrics In My Posts
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I am all for a good game of chess on the baseball field, but when one wonders how come games are 4 hours, you have to add defensive shifts into the mix.
Other big sports such as the NFL, NHL and even the NBA have implemented rules in order to preserve offense in the game.
It is time to make a rule having the 3B and SS not be able to shift over to the 1B and 2B side of the field, and vice versa, before a pitch is thrown.
Credit to MLB Broadcaster Seth Everett Follow @Seth_Everett, for being one of the only public figures I have heard that has also advocated this thought process.
Defense and technology have come light years ahead in the last 15 years or so, and it is affecting the game. 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, 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): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
There is only so much one can read in an article, otherwise I would make these lists up from the turn of the 20th century.
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.
I Give The Captain More Accolades: Jeter To Play Last Game In The Bronx + Last Series In Boston
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead/Analyst – with assist to Jonathan Hacohen, Website Founder) Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I understand the “Jeter Fatigue” that has gone on all year, and half of me just wishes that he never mentioned that he was done after the 2014 campaign. I just hate giving any ammunition to the ‘hater’s’, and definitely when I have agreed it was overkill at some points.
But then I would have missed his brilliant series at Safeco Field, that was worth the price of admission, if I hadn’t known it was his last year.
While he has struggled for some of this season, he had hits in his 1st AB, all three games of that series I attended, and reached base 9 times in 3 straight Yankee wins, giving me yet more memories for my favorite current Pinstriper.
I was there in person for that, and bought my only t-shirt of the year from a street vendor afterwards.
While everyone is not a Yankees fan. and are growing tired of the talk, this is the greatest Yankees player in my years of watching the sport. So, because I have a forum to write about him, Damnit I will!!
Sure I had grown up on Don Mattingly (the last captain of the team prior to #2).. Heck…he is still my favorite player of ALL – Time, but Jeter came into the mix about the same time I graduated from high school.
I am sure I can say this about a lot of “Bronx Bombers’ fans my age. I wanted to be a New York Yankee while playing organized baseball. It was my dream.
Derek Jeter has lived the life all of us would have wanted as a Yankee Stadium ‘hero’. Read the rest of this entry
MLB Baseball Clubs Should Make Single Game Tickets Available Before Christmas
The home site of the 2015 MLB ALL – Star Game, The Great American Ball Park..Baseball owners, and the MLB alike, should really think about having tickets made available for purchase prior to the Christmas season every year Both of the NBA and NHL have free rein on this concept, with their season’s barely being midway yet in each calendar year at the end of December. The supply and demand for NFL tickets only reaches 8 games, and is never in question whether most stadiums will have good turnouts. You would think that kids especially, with love to receive game tickets as gifts on Christmas morning Instead, all that is available are gift certificates at this point in the year.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst) Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
First off, the MLB has done a great job in posting their following year schedules earlier each consecutive year over the last half-dozen or so.
I give these guys full marks for that. It also looks like they are improving their coverage of each team, to include more splits in each of the 30 squad’s itineraries.
I still wish they would follow the NHL (god did I just say that), in providing better splits for their 2430 Games Master Schedule, to include 7 day splits (you can go to ESPN.com for those), monthly splits and one year long page.
This past year, I did all of the schedules I just mentioned, and even added an Interleague Master Schedule.
It has been quite the undertaking, and I am not doing all facets of it again – going forward in 2015. Read the rest of this entry
“Stoking The Fire Segment” – MLB Games Are Too Long But Fantasy Baseball Is a Godsend!
More and more fans are accessing the MLB from their own personal phones these days. Here is the problem. With games going too long, people lose interest in a real hurry – and especially just the casual fan..
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I tried to watch the Mariners vs Rangers a few months ago on MLBTV.
5 Instant Replay reviews, many pitching changes, and the game lasted 3 hours and 30 minutes – and this was a 4 – 3 9 inning game.
It is not hard to figure out why games are longer in length.
Money Ball has forced every team to wear down pitchers, see as many tosses from the Starting Chuckers as humanly possible.
30 years ago, it was more of a rip it and grip it approach.
Strikeouts and Walks are at an all time high, but also are some pre-pitch rituals. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 20, 2014
San Diego Padres – MLB.com – FSSD / HD
It is time for The Sunday Request on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
@sullybaseball What can be done to get rid of the ridiculous blackout policy & why is there no media pressure on @mlb to change it?
— Greatness (@greatnessvp) July 20, 2014
A potential no hitter in San Diego today showed why blacking out local games makes no sense.
Corey Kluber, Cole Hamels, Adam Jones, Paul Goldschmidt, Garrett Richards, Brett Anderson, Miguel Cabrera and Dee Gordon all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?
Every MLB ASG Going Fwd Should Have A Tribute To Those Fallen In Previous Year: A Comment On Sully Baseball’s Blog
Paul Sullivan’s Follow @sullybaseball brilliant tribute video – They should hire him to do one of these every year!
MLB Reports Lead Personality ‘Sully’ did a fantastic job of writing an article about the way FOX did not give any acknowledgement towards Tony Gwynn during Tuesday’s ALL – Star Game on a post for his own website. I was going to write a similar article, but he nailed it perfectly, and you should read it here
My 2 cents:
The MLB has had several baseball men die in the last year: Ralph Kiner, Tony Gwynn, Bob Welch, Don Zimmer, Jim Fregosi, Jerry Coleman, and former executive (MLBPA president) Michael Weiner.
I think it would be a great job by baseball – if they were to add a segment to the ALL – Star Game, in which they pay homage to the heroes of yesteryear. Read the rest of this entry
MLB Reports ‘Junior Reporter’ Haley Smilow Interviews Padres OF Will Venable
Will Venable Q&A With Haley Smilow
The Padres OF recently had a chance to talk about some things with our Junior Reporter Haley Smilow.
The questions covered a lot of parameters that Venable is not asked on a regular basis.
He is a baseball lifer, coming from a long standing tradition of baseball that goes back to his dad Max.
Should The Orioles Make A Blockbuster Deal Before the Deadline?
The Orioles are kicking around the top of the AL East, and may have three players that crack 30+ HRs by years end with Cruz, Jones and Davis. The team hasn’t even had normal contributions from Hardy and Machado – while Matt Wieters is out for the year. The time to strike is now with just being behind the AL East by 2 Games, and in barely trailing for the 2nd Wild Card Spot.
By Nicholas Delahanty (MLB Reports Writer) Follow @Nick_Delahanty
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
As July rapidly approaches, the Orioles find themselves in the middle of the competitive AL East division trying to make a run at a division title in 2014.
Although the team finds themselves currently in second place in the division, the O’s have seen inconsistency throughout the first half of the season.
There are definitely places where the team can improve before the July 31st trade deadline, but the question remains of whether or not Dan Duquette and the Orioles front office want to part ways with some of the club’s promising young talent for a possible rental player.
The AL Has Been Dominating The NL During Interleague For Over A Decade Now
After the 1st 7 years of Interleague, the AL trailed the season series 4 – 3, and the overall games mark 853 – 833 (.506). Since 2004 it has been 10 years straight of AL beatdowns, winning each campaign for Won – Loss record, with a clip of 1437 – 1206 (.544). Despite a promising start of 26 – 17 this season for the Senior Circuit, the AL has reeled off a 63 – 45 run, to hold an overall mark of 80 – 71 (.530) – which is slightly above the Lifetime mark of .524 baseball
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The American League holds a decisive ALL – Time Record on the National League in Interleague play – and perhaps that is why a lot of traditional fans hate the concept even more.
Heading into play in 2014, the AL has won the last decade straight of seasonal play (10 years), and now possess an overall yearly record of 13 – 4 over the Senior Circuit.
It wasn’t always this dominant for the Junior Circuit. 4 of the 1st 7 campaigns were taken by the NL, however ever since the start of 2004, the American League has routinely speedbagged their opposition league.
The MLB Opens On Saturday With ARI/LAD Playing In Sydney: Opening Series Prediction
The Dodgers open up the year against the DBacks in the MLB Opening Series. For those hardcore home fans, the games start at 1 AM PST and 7 PM PST on Saturday. Look for an article on Friday that will have an in depth look at some of the bets that will be available for this 2 game set. This series does scream a split between the feel of a Doubleheader, and the weirdness of the neutral site and country.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
It should have been Clayton Kershaw vs Patrick Corbin in Game #1, and Zack Greinke and Trevor Cahill in Game #2 in Sydney this Saturday.
While technically it is two different days in Sydney, the games are held at 4:00 AM and 8 PM EST on Saturday Mar.22.
For those brave enough to watch the early game, it is listed as Kershaw vs TBD (MLB.com not listing it, although Miley has been named., and Game #2 is listed as Hyun-jin Ryu vs Trevor Cahill. Read the rest of this entry
Arizona Diamondbacks 2014 Payroll + Contracts Going Forward
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth + Payroll Expert – find his website here) Follow @prosportsroster
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Diamondbacks brass hit a proverbial HR, when they extended Paul Goldschmidt to a 5 YRs/$32 MIL deal prior to the 2013 campaign.
The Then 25 Year Old finished runner up to the NL MVP Voting, and likely would have won it based on his .302/.401/.551 year with an NL leading 36 HRs, 125 RBI, (he also led in Slugging, OPS and Scored 103 Runs.)
Having a franchise player for the next 4 years at such a feasible rate in terms of payroll enables them to do so many things with their salary structure.
The club added Bronson Arroyo (2 YRs, min $23.5 MIL – or 3 YRs/$30 MIL), were able to deal for Mark Trumbo (who entered 1st Year of Arbitration at $4.8 MIL in 2014) and recently signed Reliever Oliver Perez to a modest 2 YRs/$4.25 MIL deal. Read the rest of this entry
MLB Odds To Win Both Of The AL And NL Pennants In 2014: Awesome Bet Idea For The TB Rays
Because of a statistical oddity in the website of the Rays, I present you an awesome chance to win some money if the Rays have a great year. If they don’t, chances are great you could still break even. The Rays have won 90 games or more 5 out of the last 6 years. It is my contention, if they win 90 games this year, they win the Division. From there, if. Who knows, the winner out of this tough Division might win 86 or 87 games. Heck, that may even be a Wild card game with how parity is going. I present you the Ray of Cash Opportunity.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
This is so crazy…it may just work.. Every once in a while, I see an anomaly in the odds of a website. I will go through this in great detail here.
Lets just say the Rays are offering great odds on the board, yet the website has them as co-favorites in one odd (Regular season wins with Boston). I take this fact and twist the fork in it, to present my idea.
Ray Of Cash Opportunity
Rays Odds on the board at http://www.bet365.com
Division Odds + 250 (to win the AL East)
ALCS Win +900
World Series + 1800
Regular Season Over/Under 88.0: Over -110, Under -120
Once again the Rays don’t receive any respect. If someone were to bet the Tampa club on a Divisional win, ALCS win and a World Series win, they may cash in severely at the ticket wicket.
| Bet Details | Date/Time | Stake | Return |
| Under 88 @ -120 $120.00 Single Reg Year Wins |
03/14/2014 10:36:50 | 120.00 | 220.00 |
| TB Rays @ +250 $63.00 Single AL East |
03/14/2014 10:36:50 | 63.00 | 220.50 |
| TB Rays @ +900 $22.00 Single ALCS |
03/14/2014 10:36:50 | 22.00 | 220.00 |
| TB Rays @ +1800 $12.00 Single WS |
03/14/2014 10:36:50 | 12.00 | 228.00 |
| Total for this period | 217.00 | 0.0 | |
The Toronto Blue Jays State Of The Union: 2014 Preview
The SkyDome was opened in May of 1989. For the championship ERA, the club drew 4 Million fans each per year. In recent years, it was tough for the club to draw 2 Million fans. In 2013, with the promise of a new club mantra, based on Free Agent signings, the team held the best year to year attendance boost in 2013. If the Jays can’t spring out of the gate fast in 2014, I think the Walkup single game tickets will be tremendously affected negatively. Toronto has not made the playoffs since winning back to back World Series in 1992 and 1993, and only them and Kansas City hold that dubious honor since the Player Strike/Lockout ensuing seasons of 1994 – 1995.
By ‘Baseball Writer’ Steve Cheeseman Follow @steveccheeseman
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Toronto Blue Jays have been a franchise in question for over 20 years. This floundering franchise has gone through 11 manager changes since winning the World Series in 1993 vs. the Philadelphia Phillies.
2 of those managers in Cito Gaston and John Gibbons have been hired twice! The 2013 season was supposed to be the year the Jays went all the way.
GM Alex Anthopolous numerous moves acquiring major pieces to what was supposed to be a contending team.
R.A. Dickey, Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson, Emilio Bonifacio, Maicer Izturis, Mark Buehrle, and Melky Cabrera. Despite these additions via trade or signing….same story, different season! Read the rest of this entry
Chris Duffy Contacts All MLB Teams: Will He Get A Second Chance?
Chris Duffy Looks for An MLB Opportunity
By Nicholas Delahanty (MLB Reports Writer) Follow @Nick_Delahanty
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
An interesting story broke out last week, as Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle wrote an article on Chris Duffy, A current independent ballplayer who has been searching for a chance to sign with a Major League team this spring.
During his senior season at the University of Central Florida, Duffy was nominated for the Golden Spikes Award, which is annually given to the country’s best amateur baseball player.
He was nominated among the likes of Bryce Harper (who won the award), Chris Sale, Drew Pomeranz, and Yasmani Grandal.
Unlike the other four nominees, Duffy was not a first-round draft pick and was unable to make it to the major leagues just yet. He fell to the 26th round, where the Philadelphia Phillies finally swooped him up.
Read the rest of this entry
Baltimore Orioles State Of The Union Spring 2014 Part 1: The Lineup Now With Cruz Added
By Nicholas Delahanty (MLB Reports O’s Writer) Follow @Nick_Delahanty
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Nelson Cruz Signs with Baltimore
It has been a very busy week for the Orioles as Spring Training gets started, as the team is set to announce the signing of Nelson Cruz to a one-year, $8 MM contract.
Earlier in the week, I wrote about guys the Orioles could target to help bolster their lineup, and Cruz seemed to be the most logical fit. Read the rest of this entry
The Giancarlo Stanton Extension Debate
The Marlins have one of the most prolific young power hitters in the game of baseball in Giancarlo Stanton. Stanton has 3 years left of Arbitration before he will be eligible for Free Agency heading into the 2017 season. Still, his price tag is only going to keep increasing so the franchise will have to act fast to keep their beloved outfielder in Miami for the long-term.
Sam Evans ( Baseball Writer and Marlins, Mariners Correspondent): Follow @RJA206
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Giancarlo Stanton is one of the most talented young hitters in baseball. He is a tremendous athlete with ridiculous power that already has 117 Major League home runs in less than 500 games.
Luckily enough for the city of Miami, they will likely get to enjoy watching Stanton for a couple more years, as he won’t hit free agency until 2017.
However, the club won’t have a competitive team during that time frame and it would make a lot of sense for their front office to do everything in their power to sign Stanton to an extension.
It still remains unlikely that Stanton will want to stay in Miami and the Marlins will be willing to shell out the money to keep him, but if an extension is going to happen, it will happen sooner rather than later.
Re – Aligning To 4 Divisions May Help The MLB
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Since the MLB doth refuses to address their salary discrepancies among teams in the league, how about we take another radical approach?
How about eliminate the 6 Divisions – and come back with 4 new divisions!
We can also go back to 14 teams in the AL and 16 in the NL.
I have long since agreed with this websites philosophy on re-aligning the Divisions for payroll and geography reasons. Read the rest of this entry
Milwaukee Brewers State Of The Union For 2014
The Milwaukee Brewers had a modest 2013 season, yielding a 74 – 88 record. They finished 23 games back in the NL Central (ahead of only the Chicago Cubs) which saw three of its five teams reach the playoffs. The farm system cupboards are bare, with not one single top 50 prospect in it’s ranks. A rebuild is necessary but general manager Doug Melvin seems more in tune with adding free agents instead of using home grown youth (Although they do have a few on their current roster). The Brewers are picking a respectable 12th in this years Major League draft, and every effort must be make to start making those picks count, or the club may find themselves on the outside looking in while division opponents Cincinnati and Pittsburgh regularly see post season play.
Milwaukee Brewers State of the Union: A Long Road Ahead
By Robert Villarreal (MLB Reports Columnist): Follow @RobMVillarreal
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
As recently as 2011, the Brewers held the National League Central Division title.
Historically the fans are still biding their time though, having not seen a pennant since the Brewers were in the American League and won it in 1982.
Milwaukee’s own Robin Yount won the AL MVP that year, but the Brewers inevitably lost out in the World Series to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Besides a 2008 Wild Card birth – and a 2011 NLCS appearance – it’s been a rough ride for this ball club for the last 32 years.
Milwaukee Brewers 2013 Highlights
As Washington Fans Return To Baseball, Remember That OBP Equals Time Of Possession
With a brutal season of football just put recently behind them, many fans in the DC will look to baseball to stoke their fire in sports. The Nationals are still a favorite to win the NL East. With NFL fans hating the complexities of the MLB game, this blog gives a simile of a concept adaptation. It boggles my mind why more analysts do not try and use parallel’s between the two sports to attract more football fans to the MLB brand.
By David Huzzard (Nationals Correspondent via Citizens of Natstown.com – view website here): Follow @davidhuzzard
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
When baseball fans huddle together and complain about the masses one of the biggest complaints about Washington DC’s sports fan base is that there are too many football fans.
That they view baseball through the football colored glasses of a short season and reactionary moves.
A player has a bad week or two to start the season and it is time to get rid of them, or a pitcher has a bad inning and it is time for the manager to come get them.
The type of responses to baseball that a baseball fan wouldn’t have.
Anthony Rendon’s Sac Fly
The Chicago Cubs Should Pass On Tanaka
The Chicago Cubs are currently in the running for Masahiro Tanaka, the best pitcher in Japan over the last few years. In fact, near the end of this week he will be visiting Chicago to speak with both the Cubs and White Sox about his future employment, possibly with one of these teams. However the Cubs are currently on a path set for building, and shouldn’t put themselves in a position to throw off those plans by acquiring someone who’s ready for a “win now” type of team.
Chicago Cubs: Just Let Tanaka Go
By Robert Villarreal (MLB Reports Cubs Writer): Follow @robmvillarreal
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Let me start by saying this: I have never seen Masahiro Tanaka play but from the footage I’ve seen I’d love to see him in Cubbie blue.
He’s an incredible talent; So good in fact that once Yu Darvish left for America and the Major Leagues, he automatically became the best pitcher currently in Japan.
There are only 17 more days left in Tanaka’s 30-day signing period, with multiple teams anxiously awaiting a shot at the next pitching phenom.
However it would be in the Cubs best interest to pass on Tanaka at this time, no matter how incredible that argument may seem right now.
Scott Boras, Is He Good For Major League Baseball?
A man ahead of his time, Boras was one of the original moneyball players. For his career in the Minor League, Boras had 133 walks and only 76 strikeouts. Those numbers were for good for a lifetime .363 OBP, to go along with his .288 AVG in the Minor Leagues. Knee injuries unfortunately cut his career short and Boras only made it as high as AA ball. With the baseball experience under his belt, Boras went on to practice law and from there become a full-time baseball agent in the early 1980s. (Caption courtesy of Jonathan Hacohen).
By Patrick Languzzi (Cooperstown Correspondent) Follow @patricklanguzzi
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
He has a billion dollar smile, a list of clients taller than Shaquille O’Neil and is considered Major League Baseball’s super agent.
In 2006 Baseball America named him the most influential non-player in 25 years, beating out Major League commissioner Bud Selig, yes, that Bud Selig!
Major League Baseball has had to change its rules in response to him on multiple occasions and he has a list of clients that include or have included Jayson Werth (126m), Matt Holliday (120m), Barry Zito (126m), Carlos Beltran (119m) and now the wealthier Jacoby Ellsbury (153m) – just to name a few, and the list goes on..
Fans, teams and general managers may despise him for fear that he is destroying Major League Baseball.
We’re talking about Scott Boras.
Boras Interview From 2009 (After being named the most influential non – player for last 25 years)
The Best Teams In The MLB From 1980 – 2017: The Biggest Question Is, Who Owns 2015 – 2017 Mark? Early Favorite Lends 2 Cubs With 3 Straight LCS Appearances, 1 World Series
With 3 straight LCS appearances and 1 World Series – the Cubs can lay claim to the best team from 2015 – 2017. If Houston were to win the 2018 World Series, they could be turned back to the 2015 – 2016 stretch, however Chicago can advance the years if they are able to go farther than the Stros this campaign
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
There is only so much one can read in an article, otherwise I would make these lists up from the turn of the 20th century.
As I became older and discovered ways to research the history of the game, my knowledge and curious mind grew for more information.
I have studied and read baseball stat books and breezed through the odd Bill James novel.
If I ever take a break from writing or baseball park chasing, I may find some time down the road to watch the 9 part PBS documentary that Ken Burns did on baseball’s history.
Detroit Tigers State Of The Union Part 1: What Will The Offense Look Like In 2014?
Despite losing to Boston in the American League Championship Series, the Detroit Tigers had a respectable season in 2013 finishing the Regular Season with a solid record of 93-69, 24 games above .500 and AL Central Winners. To top that off, they also beat the Oakland Athletics in 5 games to advance past the ALDS .
By Dan Wanser (MLB Reports Writer) Follow @DanWanser
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Moving into 2014, the Detroit Tigers look to have a season which takes them past the ALCS where their 2013 run ended, and potentially all the way to the Fall Classic in November which was just outside their grasp.
The Tigers have made it to the ALCS for 3 straight years, and will attempt to be the 1st franchise since the Yankees made it to 4 consecutive League Championships from 1998 – 2001 in the American League next campaign.
With great players on the diamond everyday like Miguel Cabrera, newcomer Ian Kinsler, and Right Fielder Torii Hunter, Detroit is poised to make another deep playoff run not only in the upcoming season, but in many years to come.
Looking back at the 2013 lineup, there isn’t much that needs to be changed so here’s what I think their 2014 starters will look like.
2013 Detroit Tigers Pump-Up Video:
Enough With PED Users Being Rewarded! Peralta Signs For 4 Years With St. Louis
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twiter Follow @mlbreports
For those fans that may not think about it very much, every time a PED user is gaining an advantage with the crap they are ingesting or shooting them, they are talking away another guys opportunity to make the big leagues.
The Cardinals signed Jhonny Peralta to a 4 YR/$52 MIL deal yesterday. I am not certainly not faulting the St. Louis for conducting business the way they have to. They are just following the rules.
What I am choked about is how an offender of the drug policy, can just resume his career, and double his last contract with no real consequences.
It is absurd on so many levels…
Time To Elect Don Mattingly Into Cooperstown
Don Mattingly won 3 straight AL Sporting News Player of The Years – and was the best ALL-Around player in the game from 1984-1986 leading 13 Offensive Categories for the 3 years. His 145 RBI in 1985 was the most for a LHB since Stan Musial in 1949. He hit .340 with 656 Hits, 145 2B, 88 HRs, 368 RBI and only SO 112 times in 2131 PA’s. He also led the league in Doubles from 1984-1986. Mattingly’s 388 Total bases in 1986 had been the most in the Majors since Willie Mays back in the 1962 season. Mattingly won the first of 9 gold gloves in 1985.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Okay, it is time for me to make my argument for my favorite player of all time to be inducted into Baseball’s Hall of Fame.
There will be several people that will say that Don Mattingly’s career stats of: H-2154, HR-222, RBI-1099, AVG-.307 and 9 Gold Gloves are not enough in just 14 seasons.
I am not counting his 7 game-stint in 1982 with this. As a rookie in 1983, Don only .hit .283 with 4 HRs and 32 RBIs.
Baltimore Orioles State Of The Union Part 1: What Will the O’s Hitters Look Like In 2014?
Even though they fell short of the playoffs this year, I don’t think the Orioles need to change much as they move forward and begin to focus on next season. With very few Free Agents at the end of this year, the 2014 line-up is likely to be very similar to last years.
By Dan Wanser (MLB Reports Writer) Follow @DanWanser
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Despite not making the playoffs at 85 – 77, the Baltimore Orioles had a very successful season that they just couldn’t finish off.
With leaders in the line-up like First Baseman Chris Davis and Manny Machado at the Hot Corner, the O’s are poised to be playoff contenders from the very start of next season.
Although there aren’t too many holes to fill, there are some things that need fixing so here’s what I think the Orioles will look like next year.
Chris Davis 2013 Highlights of all HRs – Mature Lyrics So Parental Guidance is A Must
The Mariners Managerial Search Continues
Former Ozzie Guillen assistant Joey Cora would be the popular choice for the Mariners open Managerial position. The man played a significant role on the the 1995 club that won their first Division Title since coming into the Majors in 1977.
Sam Evans ( Baseball Writer and Marlins, Mariners Correspondent): Follow @RJA206
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Mariners new manager needs to be someone who can turn around the recent trend of losing baseball at Safeco Field and help bring a new era of baseball to the pacific northwest.
General Manager Jack Zduriencik has exhaustively looked at a number of different options, with potential candidates ranging from young to old, some with Seattle connections, some completely new to the city.
However, it appears, although this is just an assumption, that he has narrowed his list to three option.
Chip Hale, the Athletics bench coach, Lloyd McClendon, the Tigers hitting coach, and Joey Cora, the former White Sox bench coach. Here is a look at each of the three top candidates and which one is my favorite of the bunch.
Joey Cora Game #5 (ALDS) HR versus the Yankees in 1995
Baltimore Orioles 2014 Full MLB Schedule On 1 Page Post
Baltimore Orioles 2014 Full Year Schedule On 1 Page Post
By Dan Wanser (MLB Reports Writer): Follow @DanWanser
Follow @mlbreports
Monday Mar.31/2014
Orioles vs. Red Sox – TBD
April 2014
Tuesday April.01/2014
Off
Wednesday April.02/2014
Orioles vs. Red Sox – TBD
Thursday April.03/2014
Orioles vs. Red Sox – TBD
Friday April.04/2014
Orioles @ Tigers – TBD
Saturday April.05/2014
Orioles @ Tigers – TBD
Sunday April.06/2014
Orioles @ Tigers – TBD Read the rest of this entry
MLB Reports 
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