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2014 Top Home Run Hitters: AL/NL, HR Streaks (3 Active) + Multi HRs: Myers + Stanton W/Big Days
Giancarlo Stanton is healthy, motivated and when he is on, no ballparks can hold his behemoth blasts. Of his 10 HRs, 9 of them have traveled further than 400 Feet. In the young season, Stanton leads the NL with HRs (10), the Majors with RBI (36) and Total Bases (NL – 74). The 24 Year Old from Panorama, CA has Slashed .285/.362/.603 – and is a major reason why the Marlins are just a game and a half behind the NL Division Leading Braves.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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It was quite the day yesterday for the Tater Trots in the MLB. Giancarlo Stanton hit 2 big thunderous HRs – to take sole possession of the NL HR lead, in carrying his team to a series win versus the Dodgers, and the Marlins are now 14 – 5 at New Marlins Ball Park this year.
George Kottaras came off the scrap heap to paste 2 shots over the fence. These HRs represented the only two big flies of the year for the Catcher.
Brandon Crawford hit 2 HRs in the GIants sweep of the Atlanta Braves. Where Pablo Sandoval has failed for power so far, the INF tandem of “Team Brandon, Belt, Hicks and Crawford” have combined for 16 HRs in 277 AB from the 1B/2B and 3B.
When you throw in Buster Posey‘s totals, then it is 23 HRs in 382 AB. “Kung Fu” 3B needs to get off the snide in his contract year.
Wil Myers continues his ownership of the Yankees, with an Inside The Park 3 run HR, and adding an RBI Double – keying a 5 -1 win over the Bronx Bombers and CC Sabathia, clinching the series 2/3.
It was the 2nd straight game in which Myers did some yard work, and he also had a 2 HR game against the Pinstripers on Apr.19.. Read a Captioned picture at the end of this article to see his prowess over the Yanks thus far in his short career.
Jonathan Villar of the Houston Astros hit a HR for the 2nd straight contest.
Jose Abreu added to his MLB lead in HRs with his 12th Roundtripper. Read the rest of this entry
The Top 5 Home Run Hitters AL/NL in 2014, HR Streaks (6 Active) + Multi HR Games
Desmond Jennings was counted on to fill the void left by B.J. Upton when he took over the CF position in 2013. It wasn’t a banner year – although he still stole 20 bags and scored 82 Runs – with a .748 OPs.. With him hitting a HR for the 2nd straight game in a 10 – 5 14 Inning marathon tilt versus the Yankees, it vaulted the Rays to a 3 game winning Streak. 2014 has been a kinder campaign to the 27 Year Old originally from Birmingham, AL – as he has slashed .277/.378/.463 – with 16 Walks, 6 SB and 16 Runs Scored in his 28 Games Played. That is great production for the 5 year Veteran.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Last night we had a nice complement of big flies – so that we have 6 streaks active going into today’s play.
There is one Carlos Gonzalez who is still active on his HR streak, but is out of the Rox lineup.
We have not had a multiple HR game since last Sunday when Jhonny Peralta went yard twice. That Cards SS went deep last night, joining Mike Morse, and a bevy of other NL hitters tied for 5th place with 7 HRs.
Other movers were Nelson Cruz grabbed a share of third place by smacking his 8th HR – and Jose Abreu clubbed his 11th HR to open up a 2 Tater lead on Albert Pujols. Read the rest of this entry
The Top 5 Home Run Hitters AL/NL in 2014, HR Streaks (3 Active) + Multi HR Games: Markakis Smacks 2 + Miami On Fire
The HR contraption that is the CF wall in MIA. Could the club be relaying signals from opposing catchers by having the fish illuminate during play at New Marlins Ball Park. “Oh Bull Durham” on that. The huge device goes spiraling around once a Marlins jacks a ball that goes over the wall for a Homer. While the 1st 2 years the device never saw much action, it is being worn out by Miami this year. This has teams like Atlanta speculating on some “TomFoolery.”
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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The Braves had themselves a weird 3 game set in Miami, where they lost 3 games, gave up 23 runs, and have accused the Marlins of stealing signs for pitches.
It is a weird phenomenon how devastating the Miami squad has bashed at New Marlins Ballpark, but for young guys on their team to figure out cadences and relays from the Braves backstoppers is a little bit too far fetched,
I love how the Home Run monstrosity in CF may be the culprit of sending the secret codes out to the hitters.
Miami has added several (3TO guys this year like Garrett Jones and Jarrod Saltalamacchia.) 3TO stands for 3 True Outs, either via a BB/SO or you round the Bases without having the ball touch the field inside the playing surface.
Also, Florida has been one of the only places not to be plagued by weather in the MLB. Bash on Miami, you are an entertaining team to watch – and have joined your 4 other teams in the NL East at .500 or better – at least for one day. Read the rest of this entry
Home Run Leaders In 2014, HR Streaks (3 Active) + Multi HR Games: Tulo Keeps On Fire – Stanton Ties For NL Lead!
Giancarlo Stanton tied the NL For the lead with 8 HRs yesterday, when he went deep in the Marlins 9 – 0 romp of the Atlanta Braves. Stanton also leads the NL in RBI with 32. He is one of each a HR and an RBI behind Jose Abreu for the MLB lead. Is this the year Stanton finally reaches projections? The MLB Reports picked him to lead the MLB in HRs all the way back in FEB of this year.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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Troy Tulowitzki is on fire. He homered for the 2nd consecutive game, and is now just 1 Roundtrip behind Giancarlo Stanton and Adrian Gonzalez for the NL Lead.
TULO is also tied with teammate Justin Morneau, for third in RBI this season at 22.
His efforts help the Rockies win last night in Arizona, and the club is now 16 – 12 on the young season, just 0.5 Games behind the Giants.
Mark Teixeira hit a HR for the second straight contest, and has now clubbed 3 HRs in the week he has been back from injury.
While the rest of the teams pitching is struggling or be hurt outside of Masahiro Tanaka, having the 1B hitting like this bodes well for the lineup.
Carlos Santana must be giving fantasy players a collective sigh of relief after putting forth another HR and 3 RBI effort for the 2nd time in as many games in Los Angeles, too bad they were both losses to the Angels. Read the rest of this entry
2014′s Top 5 Home Runs AL + NL, HR Streaks (2 Active) + Multi HR Games:
Heading into play last Thursday night, fantasy players and everyone surrounding the Mariners was wondering what had happened to 3B Kyle Seager? He has since nailed 5 HRs in his last 4 games, and is now hitting for a .798 OPS – with 13 RBI in 79 AB on the young season. The last 2 years, Seager has hit 20 and 22 HRs respectively – and been the only player on the squad to have decent RBI totals.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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With only 6 games being played last night, there were not too many HRs hit for the contests.
This has left the MLB with 2 current players with HR streaks.
Those players both have clubbed HRs in back to back games, and they are Giants SS Brandon Hicks and Seattle Mariners 3B Kyle Seager, who hit 3 HRs over the Saturday and Sunday games – and has 5 Tater-Trots in the last 4 games.
Seager had exactly zero Home Runs, before squaring 2 baseballs up last Thursday at home versus the Houston Astros, He was blanked by the Rangers on Friday, before doing yard work on Saturday.
Sunday saw the man have his 2n 2 HR game out of 4 contests. Read the rest of this entry
2014′s Top 5 HRs AL + NL, HR Streaks (4 Active) + Multi HR Games: Adrian Gonzalez Streaking Again
On a team that has desperately be in need of offense – due to early season woes from Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier and Hanley Ramirez, A – Gon has delivered the goods. Yesterday, he hit a HR for the 3rd straight game, and today he has a chance to match the 4 HR streak he already put up earlier in the Month. The Dodgers 1B is showing signs of his early career power prowess. He is currently 3 Slashing .309/.362/.639 – with 8 HRs and 22 RBI in his 1st 18 Games Played. LA has managed to stick in the NL West race, with a 14 -11 clip thus far, I can’t imagine where they would be with such a hot start from Gonzalez.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Early season power surges are quite common the MLB. I mean everyone remember Chris Shelton jumping out of the box with 9 HRs, and also remember Tuffy Rhodes clubbing 3 HRs on Opening Day one year against Dwight Gooden.
The key is parlaying a fast start into some sustainable durability.
Brandon Belt, Brian Dozier are unlikely HR leaders right now, and a lot of people must wonder if Jose Abreu can keep up this kind of pace.
Bautista, Trumbo, Pujols and Stanton had to be penciled in for a lot of HR leaders by experts, fantasy players and scouts alike.
Josh Donaldson has also turned it an, clubbing 7 HRs in the last 15 calendar days, and is looking more like the player that finished 4th in AL MVP balloting.
I still think we will see Miguel Cabera and Prince Fielder enter this race at some point once their bats heat up. Read the rest of this entry
Baltimore Orioles Early Season Grades
By Nicholas Delahanty (MLB Reports Writer) Follow @Nick_Delahanty
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As the first full month of the season reaches its final week, the Orioles need to get away from the .500 baseball they have been playing in order to make a push towards the 2014 postseason.
Of course, the season is still very young, as there are about 140 games left to play.
The O’s got an early taste of the competitive AL East Division, as six of their first seven series were against division rivals, including two series verse the defending World Series Champion Boston Red Sox.
As we are about 1/8th through the season, I decided to grade the Orioles up to this point of the season, looking for ways for them to improve. Read the rest of this entry
2014′s Top 5 HRs AL + NL, HR Streaks (4 Active) + Multi HR Games: Breakouts For Colabello + Abreu
Chris Colabello is the most unlikely early RBI leader in the AL, with 26 knocked in during his 1st 20 Games Played this year. While he is leading the AL in Doubles with 9, he has now added HRs in back to back games. The Team Italy player for the last WBC tournament has been hitting in the middle of the lineup for the 10 – 10 Minnesota Twins. The RHB originally from Framington, MA came into the 2013 season with just 160 AB last year (his rookie campaign in the MLB). So far in 2014, he has 3 Slashed .346/.386/.577 – and has played 1B/RF and DH.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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It was a great night for Tater Trot’s yesterday. The Giants had teammates crack 2 HRs each in Morse and Sanchez, while Blackmon extended his consecutive HR games streak to 3, and Tulowitzki clubbed a big fly for the 2nd straight contest.
2 men (McCutchen and Blackmon enter play today with 3 games straight with a HR. The 2013 NL MVP will try to extend his mark versus Tony Cingrani of the Reds in a Thursday afternoon game at PNC Park – while Blackmon will travel to LA – trying to extend his streak versus Josh Beckett tomorrow night.
Kyle Seager, of the Mariners, and Hector Santiago of the Giants, hit their 1st 2 HRs of the year, in Multi HR efforts Wednesday.
Mike Morse and Nelson Cruz continued to pad their early starts towards 2015 Free Agency, also with 2 HR games yesterday. Read the rest of this entry
2014’s Top 5 HRs AL + NL, HR Streaks + Multi HR Games + Pujols Nets Career HR #500
Albert Pujols has fought back from his injury in 2013, to lead the Majors in HRs (8) – including 2 big bombs last night in Washington. His 2nd smash, was the 500th of his career, joining 25 other men who have accomplished the feat. The Angels squared their season record at 10 – 10, and are 7 – 4 away from Los Angeles. Pujols became the 3rd youngest MLB’ER to this feat – as only Alex Rodriguez and Ken Griffey JR. were younger.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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ALL TIME HR List In Baseball
| Rank | Player (yrs, age) | Home Runs | Bats | HR Log |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Barry Bonds (22) | 762 | L | HR Log |
| 2. | Hank Aaron+ (23) | 755 | R | HR Log |
| 3. | Babe Ruth+ (22) | 714 | L | HR Log |
| 4. | Willie Mays+ (22) | 660 | R | HR Log |
| 5. | Alex Rodriguez (20, 38) | 654 | R | HR Log |
| 6. | Ken Griffey (22) | 630 | L | HR Log |
| 7. | Jim Thome (22) | 612 | L | HR Log |
| 8. | Sammy Sosa (18) | 609 | R | HR Log |
| 9. | Frank Robinson+ (21) | 586 | R | HR Log |
| 10. | Mark McGwire (16) | 583 | R | HR Log |
| 11. | Harmon Killebrew+ (22) | 573 | R | HR Log |
| 12. | Rafael Palmeiro (20) | 569 | L | HR Log |
| 13. | Reggie Jackson+ (21) | 563 | L | HR Log |
| 14. | Manny Ramirez (19) | 555 | R | HR Log |
| 15. | Mike Schmidt+ (18) | 548 | R | HR Log |
| 16. | Mickey Mantle+ (18) | 536 | B | HR Log |
| 17. | Jimmie Foxx+ (20) | 534 | R | HR Log |
| 18. | Willie McCovey+ (22) | 521 | L | HR Log |
| Frank Thomas+ (19) | 521 | R | HR Log | |
| Ted Williams+ (19) | 521 | L | HR Log | |
| 21. | Ernie Banks+ (19) | 512 | R | HR Log |
| Eddie Mathews+ (17) | 512 | L | HR Log | |
| 23. | Mel Ott+ (22) | 511 | L | HR Log |
| 24. | Gary Sheffield (22) | 509 | R | HR Log |
| 25. | Eddie Murray+ (21) | 504 | B | HR Log |
| 26. | Albert Pujols (14, 34) | 500 | R | HR Log |
Chicks Dig The Long Ball: Top 5 HRs AL/NL, HR Streaks and Multi HR Games
Charlie Blackmon continued his assault on NL Pitching yesterday with a pair of HRs. They represented the second straight game he has clubbed a Tater – Trot, and for that he found himself on our Multi HR board and consecutive leader for 2 games right now. The 27 Year Old OF has fashioned a 3 Slash in 2014 of .411/.450/.671 – with 4 HRs and 13 RBI. He leads the NL in: BA, Hits (30), TB (39) – and slugging. Blackmon has played at least 4 games in every position beyond the grass this campaign, and is making the fans not miss Dexter Fowler.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
So far in 2014 we have some of our usual candidates holding down front and center with the HR race. Jose Bautista is back to his old leading ways in Toronto, and Albert Pujols has re-emerged as a legitimate threat to circle the bases.
In the NL, Mark Trumbo broke a horrendous slump – to paste a big fly (#7) in yesterdays game. Unfortunately, it came in another D’Backs loss. Pedro Alvarez (who tied for the NL Lead with Paul Goldschmidt in 2013) is right behind him with a pack of 5 sluggers at 6 jacks.
Ryan Braun and Albert Pujols are on the leaderboard because of torrid stretches. Pujols has had 3 back to back HR games, and Braun has smacked his 6 HRs in just 3 games of play.
The Pirates are only seemingly scoring when they can smash balls over the wall. Read the rest of this entry
HRs Streaks, Multiple HR Games + Top 5 HRs AL + NL
Carlos Gomez had a breakout season in 2013 with a career high 40 SB. Gomez added 61 Extra Base Hits, his 1st ALL – Star Game and brought home his 1st Gold Glove Award for CF. ” Carlos Gomez, 28, had a breakout season in 2013 with a career high 40 SB. Gomez added 61 Extra Base Hits, his 1st ALL – Star Game and brought home his 1st Gold Glove Award for CF – and also was among players who had 20 HRs and 20 SB . So far he is tied for 5th in the NL with 5 HRs, but only has 1 SB heading into action today.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Here at the MLB Reports we look to do things different. It is one of our many motto’s.
We simply can’t look over every stat, or even chart every HR for that matter, but I have decided that we will carry the top 5 HR hitters for each the AL and NL on a page we have dubbed Stats.
For the HR feature. we will also list multiple HR games for players… Or if they have HRs in multiple games. Once a week we will post these on the home page for the site as a regular page post. Read the rest of this entry
HRs Streaks, Multiple HR Games + Top 5 HRs AL + NL
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Here at the MLB Reports we look to do things different. It is one of our many motto’s.
We simply can’t look over every stat, or even chart every HR for that matter, but I have decided that we will carry the top 5 HR hitters for each the AL and NL on a page we have dubbed Stats.
For the HR feature. we will also list multiple HR games for players… Or if they have HRs in multiple games. Once a week we will post these on the home page for the site as a regular page post. Read the rest of this entry
Top 5 Home Run Hitters In MLB For 2014: AL/NL, HR Streaks + Multi HR Games
Mark Trumbo has homered in 4 straight games, which is halfway to the ALL – Time Record held by Don Mattingly, Ken Griffey JR and Dale Long. Mattingly owns the aggregate total of 10 HRs hit for those 8 games. Despite his efforts, the D’Backs enter today’s game at 2 – 7. Trumbo also leads the MLB with 5 HRs overall. The slugger has 2 more years left of Arbitration Eligibility after the 2014, and will become a Free Agent in 2017. He was acquired in a trade from the LA Angels that saw the D’Backs part with Starter Tyler Skaggs. Arizona also sent OF Adam Eaton to the White Sox, and received Minor Leagues A.J. Shugel and Brandon Jacobs in the deal. Chicago parted with Hector Santiago as well to LA.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Here at the MLB Reports we look to do things different. It is one of our many motto’s.
We simply can’t look over every stat, or even chart every HR for that matter, but I have decided that we will carry the top 5 HR hitters for each the AL and NL on a page we have dubbed Stats.
For the HR feature. we will also list multiple HR games for players… Or if they have HRs in multiple games. Once a week we will post these on the home page for the site as a regular page post.
Kemp and Ramirez Both Hit 2 HRs 4 – 6 – 14
HRs For 2014 So Far + HR Streaks, Multi – HR Games
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Here at the MLB Reports we look to do things different. It is one of our many motto’s.
We simply can’t look over every stat, or even chart every HR for that matter, but I have decided that we will carry the top 5 HR hitters for each the AL and NL on a page we have dubbed Stats.
For the HR feature. we will also list multiple HR games for players… Or if they have HRs in multiple games. Once a week we will post these on the home page for the site as a regular page post.
In this page, we are also going to feature in Subpages: A Shutout Survivor for all 30 MLB Teams, meaning we will state the date a teams gets Shutout for the 1st time of the year. Read the rest of this entry
Current Odds To Win Each MLB Division 2014
This club often reminds me of an aging heavyweight fighter. You may beat on them for a time, but there is always that chance the team will land a haymaker on you. 2007 was one of their days in the sunshine. 2014 may see them at least make the postseason again. With a 20 – 1 odd for the club, the value is there for a longshot pick. I mean the Dodgers could always run into injuries as well.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The season is upon us this weekend for real.
The LA Dodgers have a chance to do some serious damage with the North America Opener versus the San Diego Padres, as part of a 3 game series.
If they win 2 out of 3 in that set, this will go a long way in burying the San Diego team early.
In the NL West, since LA is 2 – 0 already, the Rockies are now paying 20 – 1 odds to win the Division.
While I am not saying this will happen, the value is there.
Also I can’t believe how the injuries have not effected the odds on the Tigers. Read the rest of this entry
Baltimore Orioles Organizational Depth Charts (All Affiliates) – Spring 2014 (Majors and Minors)
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth Chart + Payroll Expert – find his website here) Follow @prosportsroster
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Management
| CEO- | Peter G. Angelos |
| GM- | Dan Duquette |
| MGR- | Buck Showalter |
| PCO- | Dave Wallace |
| HCO- | Jim Presley |
| 1BCO- | Wayne Kirby |
| 3BCO- | Bobby Dickerson |
| BHCO- | John Russell |
| BPCO- | Dom Chiti |
Ian Kinsler Steps Over The Line: It Is Best To Say Nothing At Times Like These
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Ian Kinsler had himself a bad day yesterday, and in my mind he totally deserves it.
You only have to have a few smarts in your brain to realize that something wasn’t right in Texas for the last few years in how that team handled the Nolan Ryan situation – and some treatment of some of the departing players.
Kinsler was interviewed by a reporter and spoke that Rangers GM Jon Daniels is a “sleazeball” – and that he was wrong in the treatment in Michael Young and also in the handling of his own affairs, citing the request for a position trade, and the eventual trade to Detroit that happened over this past winter.
Okay, blasting Daniels is not very wise to do this to begin with, but you can almost understand that theory, because other players have left the franchise recently with much aghast. Read the rest of this entry
30 MLB Team Power Rankings MAR 2014
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Okay, not much has changed in the last month.
They are about 20 unsigned Free Agents left in the open market pool, Baltimore inked Nelson Cruz and Ubaldo Jimenez – and Chris Capuano is with the Red Sox, Paul Maholm replaces him LA for the 2014 campaign.
Of note of the things I am watching in Spring Training. The Dodger Blue is also experiencing many injuries – and Yasiel Puig showed up to camp overweight.
LA is talking about not sending Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke to Australia in a few weeks.
I can understand with the RHP because he was yanked after four pitches last week, but withholding your star ace from the season opener, and possibly the North America starter the following week. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win Each Division In Major League Baseball 2014
The Rays have one of the 2 best Starting Pitcher staffs in the American league, and have averaged over 90 wins for the last 6 years. Bringing back Price, and having Myers and Archer for a full year should make the team even better in 2013. Keep in mind they have also added Heath Bell and Grant Balfour to anchor the Bullpen, an obvious upgrade over the inconsistent Fernando Rodney. They have been more consistent than the Red Sox and Yankees the last 2 years. As such should not be the 3rd favorite in the Division.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
We have gone through several weeks and months in the off year for gambling odds, and now with the Dodgers and Diamondbacks Opening MLB Series less than 3 weeks away, it is the Division Winners.
Much like my predictions are for the National League and the American League Winners, along with the World Series Winners, I love the Rays, Rangers and Giants for the value.
The worst dollars won for teams being favorites are the Tigers at -270, and Dodgers at -275. I am picking both of these teams to crush it this season, but I will not be wagering on the high favorites prices.
Like I have said before, the LA Dodgers are a couple of injuries away from opening up the NL West. Even the Arizona Diamondbacks at +650 are worth a stab. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The MLB 2014 World Series: Tigers Best Value Of The Week
The Tigers are my pick of the week for value. They were the AL favorite just two weeks ago outright, before being tied with Boston last week. This odd is favorable for sure. The AL Central provides the Tigers with an easier path to the World Series because of 76 games within the Division. The AL East had 4 teams over 85 wins last year. Baltimore and New York are better than they were in 2013, and Boston plus Tampa should maintain. The AL East has 5 of the top 13 odds for the World Series (5 of the top 8 clips for the AL.) The AL West is also going to beat up each other a little. Take this AL Central team that has appeared in 3 straight League Championships, and has the best Pitching Staff in the American League.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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Well, it is nice to be vindicated on the market again. Just like I said when the Mariners roamed up from +4000 to +2800 after the Cano signing. I told people to pounce on that odd.
Last week, I posted in this column, that your bet of the week for value as the Orioles.
I have also been calling for the Rays to be higher on the oddsmakers list, and while they have passed the Jays finally, how come they are so far behind the Yankees and Red Sox? Market correction is needed there.
For the record, I called the Yankees a great value at +1500 in December, before they signed Masahiro Tanaka. If you have listened at home, this has worked out for you. Don’t bet the, at +1200, tied for the 6th best odd in the AL, there is no value there. Tampa at +1800 is still a better option. Read the rest of this entry
The Texas Rangers Organizational Depth Charts (All Affiliates) – Spring 2014 (Majors and Minors)
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth Chart + Payroll Expert – find his website here) Follow @prosportsroster
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
This has been the most successful run in Rangers history in the last 4 years. 2 World Series Appearances (albeit losses) – and the club has 4 straight 90+ Win Seasons.
Nolan Ryan envisioned this kind of progress when he anchored the current regime. While he has left the nest, many of the players have been stocked up in the Minors and Majors.
The Rangers have many young players like Jurickson Profar, Leonys Martin, Martin Perez and Elvis Andrus that are entering their prime.
The greatest job done by the brass was to assemble a pitching unit of homegrown products, as this has kept the teams payroll within reason – even as some of these guys mature. Read the rest of this entry
Master List Of All Free Agents Signed In 2013 Winter – Heading Into 2014 MLB Year
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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It has been a record setting year for contract $ doled out for players. When you factor in the player extensions, we are talking about 7 contracts registering in the top 50 Player contracts in the history of the game.
Robinson Cano, Clayton Kershaw, Masahiro Tanaka, Jacoby Ellsbury, Freddie Freeman, Shin-Soo Choo and Homer Bailey have inked deal for between $105 MIL to $240 MIL.
Now there is word the Angels are working on an extension with Mike Trout, to the tune of 6 YRs/$150 MIL, from 2015 – 2020. This would be the 22nd highest contract in MLB History.
For the record, Trout’s deal for 2014 is already set at $510 K, and any extension wouldn’t have Luxury Tax Ramifications until his new deal would start in 2015. 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
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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 Top Remaining Free Agents Left In The MLB 2014 Season + The Rest
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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With the latest signings (by Baltimore) of Nelson Cruz and Ubaldo Jimenez, there is now just 3 Free Agents who come with the price tag of your 1st RD pick (or 1st available pick if you have been busy already this winter).
SS Stephen Drew is still on the open market despite several rumors about the Big Apple, DH/1B Kendrys Morales is on the board, with teams dwindling in interest, and SP Ervin Santana rounds out the list.
Agents of these gentlemen are now threatening to hold out their players until after the MLB Amateur Draft (when the Draft Pick is no longer forfeited), in order to turn the leverage back to their guys.
I am not sure that is such a great idea, particularly in the cases of the hitters, who are not likely to warrant more than 3 year deals apiece. Read the rest of this entry
Orioles Finally Make A Free Agent Splash To Salvage Winter
By Nicholas Delahanty (MLB Reports O’s Writer) Follow @Nick_Delahanty
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Orioles Sign Ubaldo Jimenez
The Orioles could not catch a break this off-season, as they lost out on free agents that they coveted as well as missing out on closer Grant Balfour , after he failed the team’s physical.
Bronson Arroyo balked at even going for a physical seeing what happened to the Aussie – opting to sign with the D-Backs even though the money was similar, rather than have his worth devalued by flunking the doctor’s visit from the O’s.
Tyler Colvin also fell victim to Baltimore’s stringent doctors, while Grady Sizemore didn’t have a chance to pass a physical with the club either despite Orioles interest.
Orioles fans all over wondered what the team’s intentions were, as many felt the team could be a serious contender with the core they have in place, but some moves needed to be made to bolster the roster.
On Monday night, the Orioles finally made a big splash in free agency that everyone anxiously awaited. The team announced they agreed to a four-year, $48 MM deal with pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez.
This is a huge move for the Orioles as an organization, as it now shows their fan base that they are willing to spend big money on key free agents.
The O’s have been linked to many of the big name free agents throughout the offseason, only to come up short when it came to signing them.
Odds To Win The MLB 2014 World Series As Of Right Now
If you have read any of these odds listed prior, I had mentioned the M’s were great value at +4000 (even after Cano, in which I said pounce, they have since jumped to +3300 in January, and now are at +2800). However this team is suffering from early injury trouble, can’t seem to land an additional bat to the roster, and are banking on too many variables at the new odd. Stay clear.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
It has been a tough week for the Seattle Mariners. 1st a freak injury to Hisashi Iwakuma – has him out 4 – 6 with a bad finger that was caught into a batting cage net.
While Franklin Gutierrez being hurt is not a surprise, it still comes at a bad time.
To make matters worse, Nelson Cruz seems to balking at signing a deal with the PAC NW club.
At this point, the Mariners might want to just think about whether they really want that guy anyway.
30 MLB Team Power Rankings FEB 2014
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Not withstanding the last few signings in the MLB, noteworthy is Bronson Arroyo to the Diamondbacks, and Paul Maholm to the Los Angeles Dodgers, these will not effect the grand scheme for the rankings of all clubs.
Nelson Cruz is still available, and I would be very surprised if he doesn’t ink a deal with the Mariners. This would put them slightly ahead of the Angels if done, as oppose to a dead heat right now.
There are no real surprises to be had here.
The Orioles, Blue Jays and Pirates have had the worst offseasons, while the Rangers, Royals, Rays, Giants, Yankees, Cardinals and Dodgers have helped out their causes for the upcoming campaign.
Odds To Win The MLB 2014 World Series As Of Right Now
Yes it has taken years for the Mariners to build their Minor League Systems up, and begin to see the fruits of their labor, however risking a huge chunk of their team salary on a player – who might see a harsh decline in his production – based on variant factors, is a gamble they simply shouldn’t have delved into. The M’s are on the cusp of breaking through to success, but they should take the Pirates mode of getting there, instead of trying to jump the shark too early. While the ramifications of the Cano deal might blow up long-term, look for this team to be better for the next couple of years. They also make our ‘good valued teams’ for Winning the 2014 World Series.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Oddsmakers have finally dropped the Angels in the rankings. At +1600, they are still not down as far as I would put them, however they are outside the top 10 now.
As you will see in a post this weekend done by Hunter Stokes, I am still surprised to see the Yankees more of an underdog than the Boston Red Sox.
In his report, Hunter will show you the age of both teams is similar – while the lineups are more comparable in 2014 then they were in 2013.
Tampa Bay is still the class of the bunch at +2000. In some Vegas Casino’s – this club may be posted as more of a favorite, but at http://www.bet365.com, they are still at that mark. Read the rest of this entry
The Rest Of The Best Free Agents Are Now Up For Auction: Some Deals Already Done
Grant Balfour has recently been throwing verbal jabs to the Orioles on XM Radio concerning the club bowing out of his 2 YRs/$15 MIL deal – and justifiably so. The Orioles lost credibility around the league for this bow out maneuver. Now Balfour will look to administer some payback to the O’s 19 times a year for the 2014 and 2015 campaings. The Aussie just signed a 2 Year Deal – to return to the Rays for $12 MIL.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
It was a tough time being an MLB fan the last 3 or 4 weeks – waiting for the Masahiro Tanaka deal to get done.
As of today, we are about 18 days away from Pitchers and Catchers to report.
With the logjam now being freed up with the Japanese superstar being inked to a deal with New York, a bevy of transactions have already occurred.
Grant Balfour is all set to sign a 2 YR deal worth $12 MIL, and will be ready to stick it to the Baltimore Orioles 19 times a year for the next 2 campaigns. Read the rest of this entry
Texas Rangers Payroll in 2014 + Contracts Going Forward Part 1
Darvish has provided Texas with ace-like material ever since coming over from Japan. At his current $10 MIL a year salary, this gives the club a bunch of financial freedom to sign other long term deals. Darvish finished 2nd in AL CY Young Voting with a 13 – 9 record, a 2.83 ERA and a league leading 277 SO in his 209.2 IP worth of work in 2013. Darvish’s high posting bid was not part of his salary prior to 2012, or converted towards the total team payroll. Texas is lucky his yearly hit is so low – as the team already has $116 MIL towards the Luxury Tax Threshold before Arbitration Players are paid in the next couple of weeks. The Rangers could still potentially sign more guys to raise this figure even more.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart/Payroll Expert) Follow @prosportsroster
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
This is part 1 of our 2 part payroll piece we will do for each club. The Rangers are entering with the heavy payroll clubs in the game of MLB.
Their salaries after Arbitration Eligibles are paid, could range anywhere from $125 – $140 MIL, and even higher if they are able to land another Free Agent Pitcher or hitter.
They have spoken loud with the checkbook. With 370 wins over the last 4 seasons, and 4 straight 90+ win campaigns, the Rangers are hoping to cash in with the 2014 squad.
For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries Posts that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.
Yu Darvish Highlights Mature Lyrics So parental guidance is advised
By the time this offseason ends, the Rangers may have acquired the two best players for it. Placing Choo at the top of the lineup – as the OBP machine that he ends, followed by Adrian Beltre hitting 3rd – and Prince Fielder 4th, all of a sudden the Texas Rangers are looking like their vintage “offensive” selves. Based on this, go and pick up their World Series ODD win at +1100 (3rd favorite in the AL) anywhere you can as they should be the favorite. Choo signed for a 7 Year Deal worth $130 MIL this winter. It is an annual average contract of $18.43 MIL, but the man will only pocket $14 MIL for his services in 2014 and 2015 as well..
Texas Rangers Payroll in 2014 – 2016
| POS | Name | LG | XP | AGE | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 |
| SP1- | Yu Darvish | ML | 0 | x | $10,000,000 | $10,000,000 | $10,000,000 |
| SP2- | Derek Holland | ML | 3 | 27 | $5,400,000 | $7,400,000 | $10,000,000 |
| SP3- | Matt Garza | ML | 3 | 30 | FA | ||
| SP4- | Martin Perez | ML | 3 | 22 | $750,000 | $1,000,000 | $2,900,000 |
| SP5- | Matt Harrison | ML | 6 | 28 | $8,000,000 | $13,000,000 | $13,200,000 |
| SP6- | Nicholas Tepesch | ML | 0 | 25 | NON-ARB2 | NON-ARB3 | ARB1 |
| SPS- | Alexi Ogando | ML | 6 | 30 | ARB1 | ARB2 | ARB3 |
| RHMR- | |||||||
| LHMR- | Michael Kirkman | ML | 5 | 27 | NON-ARB3 | ARB1 | ARB2 |
| RHSU- | Jason Frasor | ML | 5 | 36 | $1,750,000 | FA | |
| RHSU- | Tanner Scheppers | ML | 1 | 26 | NON-ARB2 | NON-ARB3 | ARB1 |
| RHSU- | Chaz Roe | ML | 6 | 27 | NON-ARB1 | NON-ARB2 | NON-ARB3 |
| RHSU- | Shawn Tolleson | ML | 1 | 25 | NON-ARB3 | ARB1 | ARB2 |
| LHSU- | Robert Ross | ML | 2 | 24 | NON-ARB3 | ARB1 | ARB2 |
| LHSU- | Joseph Ortiz | ML | 3 | 23 | NON-ARB1 | NON-ARB2 | NON-ARB3 |
| CL- | Cory Burns | ML | 2 | 26 | NON-ARB1 | NON-ARB2 | NON-ARB3 |
| CL- | Joakim Soria | ML | 3 | 30 | $5,500,000 | $7,000,000 | |
| CL- | Neftali Feliz | ML | 5 | 25 | ARB2 | ARB3 | FA |
| 13 | $21,400,000 | $28,400,000 | $26,100,000 | ||||
| POSITION PLAYERS | LEV | MiL | AGE | 2014 SALARY | 2015 SALARY | 2016 SALARY | |
| C- | Geovany Soto | ML | 7 | 30 | $3,050,000 | FA | |
| 1B- | Prince Fielder | ML | 3 | 29 | $24,000,000 | $24,000,000 | $24,000,000 |
| 2B- | Jurickson Profar | ML | 1 | 20 | NON-ARB2 | NON-ARB3 | ARB1 |
| SS- | Elvis Andrus | ML | 4 | 25 | $6,750,000 | $15,250,000 | $15,250,000 |
| 3B- | Adrian Beltre | ML | 4 | 34 | $17,000,000 | $18,000,000 | $16,000,000 |
| LF- | Mitchell Moreland | ML | 4 | 28 | ARB1 | ARB2 | ARB3 |
| CF- | Shin-Soo Choo | ML | 7 | 31 | $14,000,000 | $14,000,000 | $20,000,000 |
| RF- | Alex Rios | ML | 5 | 32 | $13,000,000 | $13,500,000 | |
| DH- | Lance Berkman | ML | 4 | 37 | FA | ||
| C- | J.P. Arencibia | ML | 4 | 27 | $1,800,000 | ARB2 | ARB3 |
| C- | Robinson Chirinos | ML | 10 | 29 | NON-ARB2 | NON-ARB3 | ARB1 |
| 1B- | |||||||
| 3B- | |||||||
| UTL- | |||||||
| UTL- | |||||||
| OF- | Leonys Martin | ML | 0 | 25 | NON-ARB2 | NON-ARB3 | ARB1 |
| OF- | Engel Beltre | ML | 4 | 24 | NON-ARB1 | NON-ARB2 | NON-ARB3 |
| OF- | Nelson Cruz | ML | 11 | 33 | FA | ||
| OF- | Michael Choice | ML | 1 | 24 | NON-ARB1 | NON-ARB2 | NON-ARB3 |
| 10 | $79,600,000 | $84,750,000 | $75,250,000 |
Prince Fielder was signed to a 9 YR/$214 MIL contract before the start of the 2012 season. He is not Slugging as much as his Brewers days, however his OBP is just slightly lower in the regular season. Fielder has a chance to have a Hall of Fame Career. If he can bring a World Series to Texas, he will enhance his chances. The Big man has to step up in 2014, or the team may fail to capitalize on the World Series Caliber team they have built over the last half a dozen years. After a few years with Detroit, that club will be on the hook to the big man for $76 MIL out of the deal, leaving Texas to pay $138 MIL over the 7 seasons he is signed with the club.
Note From Chuck Booth:
You guys are all in for a treat. Jeff Kleiner 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.
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!
Authors for this post:
Jeff Kleiner: “I have been a sports fan since the first Baseball game I went to at Comisky Park in Chicago in 1959, when baseball for me turned from black and white to color.
I have attended or watched thousands of games, always paying attention to statistics, rosters and salaries of all professional sports.
Luckily I had the advantage of watching WGN TV and seeing hundreds of games in the 60’s. Collecting Baseball Cards and then later dealing them gave me an extra sense of the sport, both good and bad.”
For all of your Salaries, Roster and Depth Charts for all 4 Major Sports (entire organization – Minors and Majors) click here or Follow Me on twitter Follow @prosportsroster
prosportsrosters.com is the best source for following entire organizations in all 4 Major Sports.
Chuck Booth – Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner and author of the Fastest 30 Ballgames: To learn more about my “The Fastest 30 Ballgames Book” and how to purchase it, click here .
You can also follow my Guinness Book of World Record Successful Bid to see all 30 MLB Park in 23 Days – click here.
I am happy to be part of such an awesome Magazine-Style Baseball Website and am looking forward to talking to all of the fans of the MLB.
You can reach me on Twitter here Follow @mlbreports
Chuck At Arlington April.11/2012
Please e-mail me at: mlbreports@gmail.com with any questions and feedback. To subscribe to our website and have the Daily Reports sent directly to your inbox, click here and follow the link at the top of our homepage.
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