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

(Michael Dwyer/AP Photo)

(Michael Dwyer/AP Photo)

Justin Smoak singled, homered and blasted a triple that broke the tie in the Blue Jays wild come from behind 13-10 triumph in Boston.

Todd Frazier doubled, homered and scored 3 runs including the go ahead run in the 10th to give the Reds a 5-4 win against the Cubs.

David Price threw a complete game shutout, allowing 7 hits, no walks and struck out 8 Cleveland batters to give Detroit a 4-0 victory.

Chase Anderson threw a no hitter into the 7th and finished with 7 shutout frames with 1 hit and walked just 1 Giants batter, getting the 1-0 decision for the Diamondbacks.

They all owned baseball on June 12, 2015.

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

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Scott Kazmir allowed just 1 hit and 2 walks over 8 shutout innings as he dominated the Rangers to a 7-0 final in Oakland.

Mike Trout singled, doubled and homered, helping the Angels beat the Rays, 6-2.

David Phelps pitched 8 shutout innings, allowing just 4 hits and 1 walk and earned the 6-0 decision for the Marlins over Colorado.

Giancarlo Stanton singled and homered, driving in 4 runs and leading Miami to a 6-0 win against the Rockies.

They all owned baseball on June 11, 2015.

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

Stephen Dunn - Getty Images

Stephen Dunn – Getty Images

Yasiel Puig reached base 5 times, with a pair of singles, a double, a walk and a 3 run homer and came around to score the game ending run as the Dodgers walked off against Arizona, 7-6.

Josh Donaldson went 2 for 4 with a homer and provided some highlight reel defense at third as the Blue Jays beat the Marlins again, 7-2.

Charlie Morton pitched shutout ball into the 8th, finishing with 7 1/3 innings, 3 hits, no runs and 6 strikeouts as the Pirates topped the Brewers, 2-0.

Edinson Volquez pitched 7 strong innings, allowing just 1 run and 6 hits and getting the 7-2 decision for the Royals over Minnesota.

They all owned baseball on June 10, 2015.

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

 

Al Bello - Getty Images

Al Bello – Getty Images

Chris Heston threw the 17th no hitter in the history of the Giants franchise, blanking the Mets with 11 strikeouts, no walks and 3 batters hit for a 5-0 masterpiece.

Joey Votto homered three times and added a walk and another run scored to his 4 RBI as Cincinnati demolished Philadelphia, 11-2.

Masahiro Tanaka pitched 7 strong innings, walking none and allowing 5 hits and 1 run, getting the 6-1 decision for the Yankees over Washington.

Edwin Encarnacion hit a 2 run, walk off, come from behind homer in the bottom of the 9th to give the Blue Jays a 4-3 win over the Marlins.

They all owned baseball on June 9, 2015.

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

AP Photo - Paul Beaty

AP Photo – Paul Beaty

Chris Sale pitched 8 dominant innings, allowing 5 hits, 1 run, 1 walk and striking out 14 Houston batters to give the White Sox a 3-1 victory.

Josh Donaldson singled and homered, driving in 3 runs and helping the red hot Blue Jays clobber the Marlins, 11-3.

Mike Bolsinger allowed just 3 hits and 2 walks over 7 innings, striking out 8 Diamondbacks in the process of earning the 9-3 decision for the Dodgers.

Zack Cozart singled, doubled and homered, driving in 2 and leading the Reds to a 6-4 win over Philadelphia.

They all owned baseball on June 8, 2015.

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

Jerry Holt – Dml - Star Tribune Star Tribune

Jerry Holt – Dml – Star Tribune Star Tribune

Mike Pelfrey kept the Twins in the win column by throwing 8 shutout innings, striking out 7 Brewers and getting the 2-0 decision.

Jose Bautista homered twice, reached base 4 times and scored the winning run in a wild 9th inning rally as Toronto topped Houston, 7-6.

Johnny Cueto pitched 7 shutout innings, striking out 9 and allowed only 4 hits as the Reds beat San Diego 4-0.

Jay Bruce homered twice and drove in all 4 Reds run in a 4-0 victory over the Padres.

They all owned baseball on June 7, 2015.

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

 Jonathan Daniel Getty Images

Jonathan Daniel Getty Images

David Price pitched a complete game, allowing just 1 run and 5 hits while striking out 11, giving the Tigers a much needed 7-1 victory over the White Sox.

Hanley Ramirez went 3 for 5 with a homer and 2 RBI, leading Boston to a 4-2 win over Oakland.

Clayton Kershaw gave the Dodgers 8 shutout innings, allowing 1 hit and striking out 11 Cardinals and earning the 2-0 decision in Los Angeles.

Matt Kemp reached base 4 times, doubled, homered and drove in 5 runs including the go ahead runs as the Padres came from behind to win in Cincinnati, 9-7.

They all owned baseball on June 6, 2015.

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

John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Chi Chi Gonzalez pitched his first complete game shutout in just his second big league start, allowing 3 hits and 2 walks leading the Rangers past the Royals 4-0.

Carlos Martinez pitched another gem, going 7 innings, allowing only 3 hits, 1 run while striking out 11 Dodgers and got the 2-1 decision for St. Louis.

Adam Jones put the Orioles on top with a homer and tripled in an insurance run in the 5-2 win in Cleveland.

Adam Lind went 3 for 5 with a double, a homer, driving in 6 including the go ahead run as the Brewers topped Minnesota 10-5.

They all owned baseball on June 4, 2015.

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

Scott Halleran / Getty Images

Scott Halleran / Getty Images

Adam Jones went 3 for 4 with a game winning 8th inning solo homer to give Baltimore a much needed 3-2 victory in Houston.

John Mayberry Jr singled, doubled twice and homered, helping the Mets top Arizona, 6-2.

Jesse Hahn went 7 strong innings, allowing 1 run and 5 hits and got the decision as the suddenly hot A’s finished a sweep of Detroit, 7-5.

Michael Wacha held the Dodgers to a single run over 7 innings, walking none along the way as St. Louis cruised, 7-1.

They all owned baseball on June 4, 2015.

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

Bob Levey - AP

Bob Levey – AP

Lance McCullers threw his first career complete game, allowing 4 hits, 1 run, no walks and striking out 11 Orioles to give the surging Astros a 3-1 victory.

Chris Carter homered twice in the Astros 3-1 win over the Orioles.

Francisco Liriano pitched 7 innings allowing 1 run, 4 hits and 1 walk, getting the 5-2 decision and leading the Pirates to a sweep of the World Champion Giants.

Charlie Blackmon went 4 for 5 with a pair of doubles, stole a base and scored 3 times including the tying run in a Rockies wild 3 run come from behind 9th inning rally to beat the Dodgers, 7-6.

They all owned baseball on June 3, 2015.

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Who Owned Baseball June 2, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News

Joey Gallo had a remarkable first game. He walked, singled, doubled and hit a towering homer, scoring 3 times and driving in 4 as the red hot Rangers clobbered the White Sox, 15-2.

Andrew McCutchen got 4 hits including a double and a triple, scored twice and drove 2, helping the Pirates come from behind and beat San Francisco, 7-4.

Chris Archer set a Tampa Bay single game record with 15 strike outs while walking none and allowing just 6 hits and one run over 8 innings to top the Angels, 6-1.

Jordan Zimmermann pitched 8 strong innings, allowing just 6 hits and 1 walk as the Nationals became the first team to shutout the Blue Jays all season long with a 2-0 final in the opening game of a split double header.

They all owned baseball on June 2, 2015.

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

Stephen Dunn / Getty Images

Stephen Dunn / Getty Images

Albert Pujols went 3 for 5 with a pair of homers and drove in 3 as the Angels topped Tampa Bay 7-3.

Adrian Gonzalez reached base 5 times, including a pair of doubles, as the Dodgers cruised to an 11-4 victory in Colorado.

Michael Pineda haunted his old team by pitching a shutout into the 7th and striking out 9 Mariner batters over his 6 plus innings and earning the 7-2 decision for the Yankees.

Jacob deGrom pitched 8 shutout innings, allowing 2 hits, no walks and 8 strikeouts, winning the 7-0 game for the Mets in San Diego.

They all owned baseball on June 1, 2015.

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

 

AP Photo/Billy Hurst

AP Photo/Billy Hurst

Carlos Martinez pitched an emotional game in honor of his late friend Oscar Tavares. He threw 7 shutout innings, allowing 1 hit, 3 walks and struck out 8 Dodger batters en route to a 3-1 decision in St. Louis.

Martin Maldonado reached base 6 times, hit a pair of doubles, caught all 17 innings and ended the marathon game with a walk off homer, giving the Brewers a 7-6 win over the Diamondbacks.

John Danks worked in and out of trouble, scattering 10 hits and a walk en route to a complete game, 6-0 shutout for the White Sox in Houston.

Brian Dozier scored three times on his 3 hits including two doubles and a key single in the Twins come from behind game winning rally in the 7th, leading to a 6-5 victory over Toronto.

They all owned baseball on May 31, 2015.

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Who Owned Baseball May 30, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Paul Goldschmidt went 3 for 5 with a pair of homers and 4 RBI, leading the Diamondbacks to a 7-3 win in Milwaukee.

Carlos Beltran singled and homered, driving in 3, helping the Yankees come from behind against Oakland, 5-3

Carlos Frias held the Cardinals to one unearned run over 7 innings and got the 5-1 victory for the Dodgers.

Dallas Keuchel pitched a complete game 4 hit shutout, striking out 11 White Sox batters and walking none for the 3-0 decision in Houston.

 

They all owned baseball on May 30, 2015.

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Who Owned Baseball May 29, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

 (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News)

(Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News)

Josh Hamilton scored all three times he reached base, including his first 2 homers of the season, leading Texas past Boston, 7-4.

Buster Posey hit a 2 run homer in the first, an RBI double in the 8th and came around to score the Giants’ 4th run to help top Atlanta, 4-2.

Taijuan Walker struck out 8 and walked none in 8 shutout innings, allowing just 2 hits and beating the Indians 2-1 in Seattle.

Chad Bettis took a perfect game into the 7th and a no hitter into the 8th. He settled for 8 innings of 2 hit shutout ball, striking out 7 and walking no Phillies batter, getting the 4-1 win for the Rockies.

 

They all owned baseball on May 29, 2015.

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Who Owned Baseball May 28, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

Rob Carr, Getty Images

Rob Carr, Getty Images

Chris Sale pitched into the 8th, allowing 4 hits and no walks over 7 2/3 shutout innings and struck out 12 Orioles along the way to get the 3-2 decision for the White Sox.

Chris Heston continued the Giants home shutout streak with 7 2/3 frames allowing 3 hits, 2 walks and striking out 7, earning the 7-0 victory over Atlanta.

Chris Iannetta doubled and hit a grand slam to help the Angels clobber the Tigers, 12-2.

Andrew McCutchen went 3-5 with a pair of doubles, 2 runs scored and 2 RBI, leading the red hot Pirates past San Diego 11-5.

They all owned baseball on May 28, 2015.

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Who Owned Baseball May 27, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

 Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports

Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports

Felix Hernandez was the first pitcher to reach the 8 win mark with a complete game 4 hit shutout of the Rays, walking 1 and striking out 8 leading to a 3-0 Seattle final.

Noah Syndergaard dominated with his arm and his bat. He went 7 1/3 innings of shutout ball, allowing only 6 hits and walked none. At the plate he went 3 for 3 with a home run, taking complete control of the Mets 7-0 thrashing of Philadelphia.

Chris Davis homered twice, including a tie breaking shot in the 8th, driving in 3 runs for the Orioles 5-4 win over Houston.

Lucas Duda smacked a double and 2 homers in the Mets 7-0 victory over the Phillies.

They all owned baseball on May 27, 2015.

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Who Owned Baseball May 26, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

 (John E. Sokolowski/USA TODAY Sports)

(John E. Sokolowski/USA TODAY Sports)

Josh Donaldson scored all 5 times he reached base, doubling and hitting 2 homers. His second shot was a walk off 3 run homer that gave the Blue Jays a 10-9 victory over Chicago.

David Price threw 7 shutout innings, allowing 5 hits and 1 walk, earning the razor thin 1-0 decision for the Tigers in Oakland.

Addison Russell went 3 for 4 with 2 doubles, the second was the walk off hit, leading the Cubs past Washington, 3-2.

Clayton Kershaw threw 7 shutout innings, allowing just 4 hits, walking none and striking out 10 Atlanta batters as the Dodgers rolled, 8-0.

They all owned baseball on May 26, 2015.

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Who Owned Baseball May 25, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings

Corey Sipkin - NY Daily News

Corey Sipkin – NY Daily News

Chase Headley reached base 4 times, driving in 3, including a 2 run homer and a double as the Yankees got a much needed laugher 14-1 win over the Royals.

Nori Aoki got on base 4 times, scoring 2, driving in 2, stealing a base and homering as the Giants came from behind to top Milwaukee 8-4.

Drew Hutchinson pitched a brilliant 4 hit, no walk, 8 strikeout, 6-0 complete game shutout of the White Sox in Toronto.

Carlos Martinez blanked Arizona over 7 shutout innings, striking out 8 along the way. The bullpen would blow his lead but the Cardinals would walk off 3-2 winners in the 10th.

They all owned baseball on May 25, 2015.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – May 9, 2015

Getty Images

Getty Images

Remembering the moments where both teams had a chance to clinch at the same time. Plus my brother witnesses another grand slam

It is a paying respect Episode 928 of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Jered Weaver, Cole Hamels, Ian Kinsler, Bryce Harper, Alex Gordon, Jimmy Nelson, Ryan Braun and Roberto Hernandez all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?

The link to my article about clinching can be found here.

 

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 16, 2015

AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

The Giants offense is bad. We knew that going into the season. We are seeing it now. Why wait to fix it?

The Giants could call someone up from AAA, shift Posey to the infield or give Carlos Quentin a shot.

Or… bring back Barry Bonds

It is in case of emergency break glass Episode 905 of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Alfredo Simon, Devon Travis, Adeiny Hechavarria, Travis Wood, Edinson Volquez, Odubel Herrera, Francisco Liriano and Steven Souza  all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?

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MLB Power Rankings March 2015

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

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

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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

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

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

Odds To Win The MLB 2015 World Series + Best Bets

 One of these years the absolute favorite of the preseason will take the home the World Series.  I think 2015 will be that year.  I am calling for the last 2 franchises not to make the Fall Classic, end up facing off in this year championship series.  That would make it Washington vs Seattle.  I believe the Nationals will win that series.

One of these years the absolute favorite of the preseason will take the home the World Series. I think 2015 will be that year. I am calling for the last 2 franchises not to make the Fall Classic, end up facing off in this year championship series. That would make it Washington vs Seattle. I believe the Nationals will win that series.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Last year’s opening 3 wagers for the World Series netted us an eventual winner.  I plunked almost $14 down on a 25/1 bet for the Giants (and failed with Rangers and Rays bets).  Throughout the year, I was able to secure odds of 50/1 and 80/1 for the Royals during down times, and then hedged those bets in the playoffs.  It was a thousand dollar profit year for the selections.

In the next few weeks I will finalize the Over/Under Best bets that I put down yesterday.  Again, last season I was 3 out of 3 for top Over/Under picks, and will likely pick the same 3 teams (KC and WSH over their opening regular season wins of 81.5 and 93.5, while I picked SD under 84.5) out of  the 10 total wagers I go for this campaign).

But this article is about the Fall Classic Winner in 2015. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2015 World Series (Don’t Bet The Cubs Despite Of Back To The Future 2 Prediction)

Max Scherzer now is in the front of the best Starting Rotation in the National League in some time.  His signing has made the Nationals the leading favorite to win the 2015 World Series  This would mean the Expos/Nats franchise would make and win their 1st Fall Classic since Montreal joined the Major Leagues in 1969.  Only their franchise and the Mariners have yet to make an appearance in the World Series.

Max Scherzer now is in the front of the best Starting Rotation in the National League in some time. His signing has made the Nationals the leading favorite to win the 2015 World Series This would mean the Expos/Nats franchise would make and win their 1st Fall Classic since Montreal joined the Major Leagues in 1969. Only their franchise and the Mariners have yet to make an appearance in the World Series.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Max Scherzer has tipped the scale to the Nats being the World Series favorite, whereas we left them in December, with them being tied with the Dodgers as the lowest odds to win the Fall Classic in 2015.

Not only did he affect his new team, he affected his old team of the Tigers to drop from +950 to +1100 now.  The Mets also dipped from +3300 to +3500 on the news yesterday.

There is no doubt the Nationals are the best team in the National League now, and could very well improve on their 2014 win total of 96.  Look for them to continuously punch the Phillies in the neck this year, and should beat up the Atlanta Braves pretty well across the board too.

There is no doubt in my mind this should be Washington’s season to go to the dance.  I don’t think the Dodgers are as strong with their offense losing Dee Gordon and Hanley Ramirez, while adding Joc Pederson potentially, and stalwart 2B Howie Kendrick.

The Cardinals best 3 players of Adam Wainwright, Yadier Molina and Matt Holliday are another year older, and one of these years someone will take them out in the playoffs.  When you add in all 5 NL Central teams being competitive, it could beat them up over the regular season a little,

After all, it also an odd year, do don’t expect the Giants to make the Post Season.  But seriously, San Francisco has lost Pablo Sandoval and Michael Morse, while adding Nori Aoki and Casey McGehee.  I can’t see this being an upgrade at all.  Don’t forget the club also will not have Ryan Vogelsong either, while there are massive question marks surrounding the health of Matt Cain and pitching effectiveness of Tim Lincecum.

Tim Hudson is another year older, and Jake Peavy looked like he was hanging from a thread to finish the playoffs. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 16, 2013

Ted S. Warren - AP

Ted S. Warren – AP

Nori Aoki left the Royals for a one year deal with the Giants.

I am not sure why the Royals are being so cheap. But I think it is a smart move for the World Champs who could be setting up for an even bigger move.

It is a review the pennant winners episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

 

 

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Dear Santa: All AL Teams 2015 Wish List (By The Fans)

santa claus

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Okay, so it is time to ask old Saint Nick, for some help for teams in the MLB to have their wishes come true.

New York Yankees:

Can someone please knock some sense into the brass in the Bronx to realize they are the friggin Yanks?  Since we can’t bring the “Boss” back to kick some ass, maybe a losing season would force the team to pilfer the payroll, and believe it or not, if Cashman behaves himself before Spring Training, the club could get under the Luxury Tax Threshold this year with a few Trade Deals, and go an attack the 2016 Free Agent core of Jason Heyward, Jordan Zimmermann, David Price and Johnny Cueto

hi-res-180336882-third-baseman-alex-rodriguez-of-the-new-york-yankees_crop_650x440

Would it be too much to ask if the team could just release Alex Rodriguez?  There is no way he should hit his 660th HR in Pinstripes.  Release him before that day, or way prior, and don’t pay him that dumb $6 MIL Bonus.  He ain’t worth it.  Also don’t want him passing Lou Gehrig for the RBI list ALL – Time in a New York uniform either. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2015 World Series (CWS Best Value Currently)

white-sox-logo-white

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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We are back from an extended period of not writing articles here at the MLB Reports to weigh in on the World Series Odds for next campaign.

As we did last year, we will update this as a weekly segment for the next 10 months until the winner is crowned.

I can tell you right now, the favorites based on so-called “winning the offseason” hardly ever pay off.  If that were the case, the Yankees would have been crowned last year, with spending $503 MIL on 10 Free Agents, or also the Rangers would have been second with bringing in Prince Fielder and Shin Soo-Choo.

The odds doled out for free wheeling Padres and Cubs are my top two picks to stay clear of wagering with the value currently constituted.  There are two teams in a similar view, not given enough credit.

The White Sox are looking decent in the AL Central, and play in the fairest of the Division in the American League, boast a 1 – 2 that can battle you with Chris Sale and Jeff Samardzija, while inking Free Agents Adam LaRoche and David Robertson gives the team nice depth all around,

The ‘Southsiders’ are definitely much improved in every facet heading into 2015.,  To say the Cubs, with their exuberant youth has more of a chance to win the 2015 title is not justified without seeing them perform on the field yet. Read the rest of this entry

Why The Royals Can’t Sit Back After 2014: KC State Of The Union For 2015

Kansas City finally lived up to their expectations, and far exceeded beyond that, being just one swing away from calling themselves World Championships.  With the success the team had, it also creates payraises, roster turnover, and tough decisions from the brass on who to replace the outgoing cast.  Dayton Moore must be aggressive with some of the changes, and realize this core group of players have about a 2 - 3 year window to win before everyone becomes too expensive.  The time to strike is still now!

Kansas City finally lived up to their expectations, and far exceeded beyond that, being just one swing away from calling themselves World Championships. With the success the team had, it also creates pay raises, roster turnover, and tough decisions from the brass on who to replace the outgoing cast. Dayton Moore must be aggressive with some of the changes, and realize this core group of players have about a 2 – 3 year window to win before everyone becomes too expensive. The time to strike is still now!

Why The Royals Can’t Sit Back After 2014 AL Pennant

Jordan Gluck (Featured Writer): 

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First congrats to the San Fransisco Giants organization for winning a 3rd championship in 5 years!

Now for the losers who captured Americas heart, and why the Royals can’t sit back and do nothing all offseason.

Frequently after a team wins a championship (for almost any sport) and has that breakthrough season that team tends to try and retain its team from last year while making no additions.

Save for LeBrons Miami heat we haven’t had a team repeat in any sport since the 2004 Patriots and not in baseball since the 2000 Yankees.

Lets not forget that while the Royals did eventually get to game 7 of the World Series they barely got the wild card clinching the spot a couple games above the Mariners and winning that game late.

Here are recent examples of Championship teams who really made very few additions and flopped or performed less than expected the next year.

The 2013 Red Sox who basically retained the same team and suffered from injuries and substandard performance from players like Clay Buchholz and David Ortiz.

The biggest example might be the 2010 and 2012 San Francisco Giants who just retained their teams while making no additions and ended up making frantic moves such as trading for Carlos Beltran at the deadline to fill the holes.

They missed the 2011 and 2013 postseasons. When they made changes such as trading for Hunter Pence and signing Mike Morse they ended up winning it all again. Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball For 2014 – The Final Regular Season Tally

Getty Images, USA Today Sports and The Seattle Times

Getty Images, USA Today Sports and The Seattle Times

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

They all owned baseball in 2014.

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

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

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

The American League races were razor thin.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo: Alex Brandon/AP

Photo: Alex Brandon/AP

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

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

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

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

They all owned baseball on Sept 28, 2014.

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