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Who Owned Baseball September 3, 2017 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2017 #WOB Standings

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Jose Ramirez amassed an eye popping 14 total bases with 3 doubles and 2 homers, scoring 3 and driving 3 as the white hot Indians demolished the Tigers, 11-1.

Luis Severino struck out 9 Red Sox, allowing 1 unearned run and 2 hits in 6 innings, setting up the Yankees 9-2 laugher.

Domingo Santana reached base 4 times with a pair of himers, 3 RBI and a stolen base to help the surging Brewers and their playoff hopes with a 7-2 victory over the Nationals.

Trevor Williams threw 7 shutout innings earning the 3-1 decision for Pittsburgh over the Reds.

They all owned baseball on September 3, 2017

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.

Who Owned Baseball August 27, 2017 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2017 #WOB Standings

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(Photo: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports)

Byron Buxton collected 13 total bases by homering 3 times, adding a single, stealing a base and driving in 5 runs as Minnesota beat Toronto, 7-2.

Carlos Carrasco threw 7 shutout innings, striking out 8 Royals in Cleveland’s 12-0 romp.

Giancarlo Stanton reached base 4 times, including his 50th homer, driving in 3, to help the red hot Marlins win again, 6-2 over the Padres.

Patrick Corbin struck out 8 Giants over 7 shutout innings earning the 11-0 decision for Arizona.

They all owned baseball on August 27, 2017

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.

San Francisco Giants Payroll In 2016 + Contracts Going Forward

The Giants have won the World Series in 2010, 2012 and 2014 recently. A lot of the core is still intact for 2016 - and they could add in Free Agency over the winter, while the Dodgers may not be as formidable in 2016 either. With some flexibility coming in the forms of finances, the San Fran club should spend what they can in 2016 - go for another few premiere players, before trying any form of rebuilding afterwards. The Giants finished the 2015 season a disappointing 83 - 79 - which continued their odd curse.

The Giants have won the World Series in 2010, 2012 and 2014 recently. A lot of the core is still intact for 2016 – and they added Johnny Cueto, Jeff Samardija and Denard Span as key Free Agency overs the winter, while the Dodgers may not be as formidable in 2016 either.  The Giants finished the 2015 season a disappointing 84 – 78 – which continued their odd year curse. Already at about a total team salary of $176 MIL in 2016 – with an AAV of about $189 MIL – and may be over it before the season ends.  They would just be 1st time abusers, so they should go for it if a deal can be struck to improve the club. 

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

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Yep.  The Giants are heading into an even year this decade – and will try for a fourth time in a row to become World Champions.

The 1st thing we look at when it comes to payroll is how much a team has in guaranteed contracts.  This franchise is looking at $176 MIL in 2016.

Jake Peavy, Angel Pagan, Santiago Casilla and Javier Lopez are on the last year of their individual pacts and are not on the payroll beyond this year.

Brian Sabean may consider this when he makes some midseason moves for guys who may be on the last year of their contracts elsewhere. 

The Giants spent almost $40 MIL on Disabled List stints in 2015 – and it may have cost them a chance to make the playoffs. 

They are the 2nd favored team (+900) to win the World Series (in overall MLB and the NL) to the Cubs (+650)

San Fran has a chance to win 4 rings in 7 seasons, and should not be dissuaded from going over the $189 MIL Luxury Tax Threshold either.  The club has paid off all of its debt – and is raking in the cash.

The Giants routinely sellout AT & T Park, and will continue to do so.  This venue is considered the #1 stadium by most of the percentage of people who have seen all 30 MLB Parks. 

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San Francisco Giants State Of The Union For 2016

With the club pretty much being set for players all around the Infield and Outfield, and now the Starting Staff, the Giants look poised to make another run at a World Series run for an even year this decade. 2016 will see several of its Bullpen members on the last year of their contracts.

With the club pretty much being set for players all around the Infield and Outfield, and now the Starting Staff, the Giants look poised to make another run at a World Series run for an even year this decade. 2016 will see several of its Bullpen members on the last year of their contracts.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part-Owner) 

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The only real need to upgrade could be at the Outfield level, with either a CF/LF.    Angel Pagan is also in the last year of his deal, so maybe signing a guy to man the position beyond this coming year would be an option.

The Starting Rotation will be a lot stronger in 2016 with the additions of Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija

You can say what you want about Cueto’s time in Kansas City not being as effective., but he has played most of his career in Cincinnati – and pitched extremely well at Great American Ball Park.

Funny enough his best years have also come in even years with finishing 4th in NL Cy Young Voting in 2012, and 2nd   in 2014, when he led the NL in Innings Pitched with 249.2 – and Strikeouts with 241 for the Reds.

Samardzija still has great stuff, and as a #3 Starter, you could see him bouncing back with a nice year in San Francisco. Read the rest of this entry

San Francisco Giants Payroll In 2016 + Contracts Going Forward

The Giants have won the World Series in 2010, 2012 and 2014 recently. A lot of the core is still intact for 2016 - and they could add in Free Agency over the winter, while the Dodgers may not be as formidable in 2016 either. With some flexibility coming in the forms of finances, the San Fran club should spend what they can in 2016 - go for another few premiere players, before trying any form of rebuilding afterwards. The Giants finished the 2015 season a disappointing 83 - 79 - which continued their odd curse.

The Giants have won the World Series in 2010, 2012 and 2014 recently. A lot of the core is still intact for 2016 – and they could add in Free Agency over the winter, while the Dodgers may not be as formidable in 2016 either. With some flexibility coming in the forms of finances, the San Fran club should spend what they can in 2016 – go for another few premiere players, before trying any form of rebuilding afterwards. The Giants finished the 2015 season a disappointing 84 – 78 – which continued their odd year curse.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

Yep.  The Giants are heading into an even year this decade – and will try for a fourth time in a row to become World Champions.

The 1st thing we look at when it comes to payroll is how much a team has in guaranteed contracts.  So far for next year, this sum is $128.1 MIL for 11 players.

Jake Peavy, Angel Pagan, Santiago Casilla and Javier Lopez are on the last year of their individual pacts and are not on the payroll beyond this year. Read the rest of this entry

Baltimore Orioles State Of The Union For 2015

Baltimore Orioles

By Nicholas Delahanty (MLB Reports Writer)  

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Even with some key players being out of the lineup for long periods of time (due to injuries/suspensions), the Baltimore Orioles still found a way to win 96 games during the 2014 regular season, and advanced to the ALCS after sweeping the Detroit Tigers in the ALDS.

Unfortunately, the Orioles’ World Series hopes were crushed by the Kansas City Royals in the Final Four, as the O’s struggled mightily against this year’s “Cinderella story.”

It turned out to be an ugly end for a great season, but the Orioles now need to look forward to the off-season.

With some key players heading towards free agency and arbitration, the Orioles need to make some moves in order to put themselves in contention to compete once again come 2015. 

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 3, 2014

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I recorded today’s podcast from the center field bleachers of PetCo Park in San Diego California, home of the Padres.

That’s right, I was in the ONLY Southern California baseball stadium not hosting a playoff game today.

I discussed the underrated misery of San Diego fans, the predictability of the Tigers’ bullpen failure, the insanity of the Royals playoff games and my love for a Quadruple Header in baseball today.

 It is a Staying Classy in San Diego episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

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Kansas City Royals Payroll In 2014 + Contracts Going Forward

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth + Payroll Expert – find his website here)

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Whether or not the Kansas City Royals make the playoffs this year or not  – I still agree with their decision a few years back to trade Wil Myers for James Shields.

I still think they should pay a hefty sum to extend the 32 Year old RHP for 3 or 4 years beyond this year.

It would significantly open up the competitive window a little further in duration – and I think they are the 2nd best team in the AL Central, with a chance to knock on Detroit’s door shortly. Read the rest of this entry

The Kansas City Royals State Of The Union Part 2: Lineup Depth And Versatility

Mike Moustakas was a high school shortstop and was named California High School Player of the Year in both his Sophmore and Junior seasons.  His teammate and left side of the infield counterpart is fellow big leaguer, and first round draft pick Matt Dominguez.  He also launched 52 career home runs in high school, a California record, but then again, I launched a home run at Chatsworth, and I was a skinny pitcher who typically wasn’t allowed to hit, so take that record as you will.

Mike Moustakas was a high school shortstop and was named California High School Player of the Year in both his Sophmore and Junior seasons. His teammate and left side of the infield counterpart is fellow big leaguer, and first round draft pick Matt Dominguez. He also launched 52 career home runs in high school, a California record, but then again, I launched a home run at Chatsworth, and I was a skinny pitcher who typically wasn’t allowed to hit, so take that record as you will.

Shaun Kernahan (Guest Royals Writer): 

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The Tampa Bay Rays do it by getting career years out of castoffs like James Loney.  The Oakland A’s do it with a platoon at nearly every position.

Now the Kansas City Royals will try to be the latest small market club to make a run at the playoffs with an unorthodox roster strategy, of utility and multi-positional players.

Given their roster today, the only player in any likely starting lineup the Royals will throw out there this season that has not played multiple positions in the major leagues is Mike Moustakas.

But even Moustakas has a past that includes him playing other positions. 

When at Chatsworth High School, he played shortstop because current Houston Astros third baseman, Matt Dominguez, played third base on that same high school team.

Pat Venditte – Switch Pitcher Vs Switch Hitter

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The Milwaukee Brewers Payroll In 2014 + Contracts Going Forward

Ramirez has 786 Extra Base Hits by the age of 34 - including 80 last year in 2011 (1st in the NL) and managed another 30 XBH this past year.  However the long time veteran has been battling knee problems for years, and it sidelined him for 70 games during the 2013 season.  The Brew Crew desperately needs a healthy campaign in 2014 out of him, as he is the highest paid player of the club at $16 MIL next year.

Ramirez had 786 Extra Base Hits by the age of 34 – including 80 of them in 2011 (1st in the NL) and managed another 30 XBH this past year – in just 304 AB. However the long time veteran has been battling knee problems for years, and it sidelined him for 70 games during the 2013 year. The Brew Crew desperately needs a healthy campaign in 2014 out of him, as he is the highest paid player of the club at $16 MIL next year.  Ramirez has a 2015 Mutual Option for $14 MIL – with a $4 MIL Buyout, so he is looking to have a productive year for sure. At 816 Extra Base Hits for his Career – he also has an outside shot at 1000 for his time in the MLB.  He may be better suited to DH in the AL going forward

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

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It wasn’t so long ago that the Brewers carried Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun and Zack Greinke on the same squad.

The 2013 season represented the worst year Milwaukee has seen since Braun entered the league.  It also featured several Brewers players fighting the injury plague, or having career worst years.

I guess asking Aramis Ramirez to play consecutive healthy seasons was too much ask?

The team’s attendance also dropped another 300K+ – and finished 9th overall for the NL. 

But who could blame them when their superstar took a 65 game suspension – and was drinking Pina Colada’s in Hawaii – while his team suffered in Wisconsin?

Gomez And Lohse Shine 7/24/2013

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Milwaukee Should Put Ryan Braun On The Trading Block

Ryan Braun is coming back to start the 2014 year with the Brewers, but maybe the brass should be thinking about trading him to spread out the talent pool on their young squad?  Chances are the Pirates, Reds and Cardinals are going to get the best of the you for the next few years, and you really have to take stock in the 2013 winter Free Agent's.  Their is a huge need out there for an OF like Braun.  One has to think whether or not he will be 100% ready to come back to Milwaukee - as that is a lot of baggage to go through initially.  Read the rest of the piece to see who I think could be a potential suitor!

Ryan Braun is coming back to start the 2014 year with the Brewers, but maybe the brass should be thinking about trading him to spread out the talent pool on their young squad? Chances are the Pirates, Reds and Cardinals are going to get the best of the you for the next few years, and you really have to take stock in the 2013 winter Free Agent’s. There is a huge need out there for an OF like Braun – if he were to be made available via trade. . One has to think whether or not he will be 100% ready to come back to Milwaukee – as that is a lot of baggage to go through initially. Read the rest of the piece to see who I think could be a potential suitor!

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Okay, I maybe a little late on my thoughts of Ryan Braun, but I wasn’t writing for this website at the time the fiasco went down.  I am not going to spend too much time talking about his suspension either.

My purpose of writing this piece is to say that the Brewers should trade the jaded superstar before they even start play in 2014.

Let’s face it, the man’s talents may be in question, however the dude put up monster numbers during 2012 – when the entire world had their sights set on him.  Yet this is different.

Braun has been exposed for the ‘Fraud’ that he is.  More than just setting a bad example, he lied to the fans of the Brewers, and to that entire town of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 8

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Monday May.27/2013

The Detroit Tigers were second on the list for moving up rankings with 5 spots.  They have overtaken the Indians - and have 5 players that are hitting north of .300.  Their top 4 Starters may be the best in the game - and they play in an extremely winnable division where teams can`t match them for payroll or talent.

The Detroit Tigers were second on the list for moving up rankings with 5 spots. They have overtaken the Indians in the AL Central  – and have 5 players that are hitting north of .300. Their top 4 Starters may be the best in the game – and they play in an extremely winnable division where teams can`t match them for payroll or talent.  Miguel Cabrera is the best hitter on the planet – and has great support.

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

The Oakland Athletics are making another run at the expense of the lesser lites  in the Division.  This team feasts on the Astros and Mariners – and are not half bad at playing the Rangers and Angels either.  The goal for them is to continue to pitch.  They must try to at least take 2 games versus San Francisco in the 4 game set.

The Kansas City Royals may have rolled up snake eyes in gambling on their 2013 season.  Suffering the longest playoff drought in the majors at 28 years, the franchise traded away its best prospect player in Wil Myers for a 2 year pitching solution in James Shields.

The problem is that their nucleus of young talented hitters have failed them.  Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas are being outpowered by some teams Pitching cores in the NL.

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Current Top 5 MLB Home Run Leaders in the AL + NL: Home Runs Hit May.11th

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Sunday May 12th, 2013

Ryan Doumit has proved to be a great roaming player for the Minnesota Twins.He can play DH (16 Games in 2013) and Catch (10 Games in 2013)  He can also play 1B and OF.  Doumit has clubbed 3 HRs in the last week - and could play Jack Parkman if Major League 2 was ever re - done.

Ryan Doumit has proved to be a great roaming player for the Minnesota Twins.He can play DH (16 Games in 2013) and Catch (10 Games in 2013) He can also play 1B and OF. Doumit has clubbed 3 HRs in the last week – and could play Jack Parkman if Major League 2 was ever re – done.

DH on our home site pages – Stands for Daily HR Hitters in the Majors.

We are going to run the gauntlet on the previous days HRs for all MLB Players.

I loved it when MLB XM Radio used to do a running total every night on their Roundtrip with Mike Ferrin (Laser Show).  So I am bringing it every day on this website.  To view every nights big boppers for the whole year (from May 8th on) visit the DH page!

Click beyond the Youtube link or click  the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON to see who hit yesterdays big flies.

Nelson Cruz Highlights 2012 – Mature Highlights so Parental Guidance is advised:

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Milwaukee Brewers Payroll In 2013: And Contracts Going Fwd – Org Rosters + Depth Charts – (MLB + MiLB)

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Thursday, May 9th, 2013

Miller Park is a place that promotes tailgating before the game - and even offers incentive for it.  This place routinely draws over 3 Million Fans - and is one of the most profitable clubs.  In recent years, the management has taken runs at CC Sabathia,, Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum.  The franchise has given a lot of prospect back in these trades.  Is there anything left in cupboard - yep!

Miller Park is a place that promotes tailgating before the game – and even offers incentive for it. This place routinely draws over 3 Million Fans – and is one of the most profitable clubs. In recent years, the management has taken runs at CC Sabathia,, Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum. The franchise has given a lot of prospects back in these trades. Is there anything left in cupboard – yep!

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

Jeff is going to provide the documents in form of spreadsheets and I am going to accompany the posts with deep analysis of what the numbers tell us from my perspective.  If you can’t wait for all of my assessments for each club, go and visit Jeff’s website over at http://www.prosportsrosters.com.

In Speaking with Jeff, he is one of the more passionate fans I have come across towards the game of baseball.  He spends enough time in updating his MLB Facts for it to be a Full-Time Job.  So after the usual Video Clip and READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY button, you will find some serious &*!@?!#!

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

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

Ryan Braun Highlights – Viewer discretion is advised:

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The Milwaukee Brewers Player Roster in 2013: State Of The Union Mar.10

There is a Hyperlink below to download our American League Podcast.

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Sunday, March.10, 2013

Ryan Braun's 162 Game Average is scary for Pitches.  .37 HRs, 118 RBI, 113 Runs Scored, 41-2B, 23 SB, 200 Hits and a .313/.374/.943 Slash Line

Ryan Braun’s 162 Game Average is scary for Pitches. .37 HRs, 118 RBI, 113 Runs Scored, 41-2B, 23 SB, 200 Hits and a .313/.374/.943 Slash Line.  He will be looked upon to carry the Brew Crew for yet another season in 2013.

Ben Dobson (Brewers Correspondent):

Disastrous? Horrifying? Cataclysmic? Damning? Ruinous? Unfortunately for Milwaukee Brewer baseball fans this small collection of words described the 2012 version of the Milwaukee Brewers bullpen. No season in recent memory has produced as many highs, and as many lows as did the 2012 season.

The 2013 Milwaukee Brewers will thrive with an improved bullpen, an upgraded pitching staff, and the continued success of one of the best offensive lineups in baseball. That’s a lot to go right but the ingredients are in place and currently being collected to provide Brewer fans with a World Series contender.

Back to the bullpen in 2013:  29 blown saves & ERA’s of 4.67, 4.38, 4.61, 7.68, and 3.63. Yeah, those types of numbers aren’t going to get it done as a Major League bullpen. The 2012 Milwaukee Brewers bullpen was one of the worst in baseball. On a daily basis Brewer fans rode the Bullpen Roller Coaster not knowing if they would survive.

Most Brewer fans figured John Axford and Francisco Rodriguez (K-Rod) would level out and perform like that had in the past. Looking at 2011 and 2012 comparisons that Brewer fans logic just didn’t pan-out: Axford 2011 (1.95 ERA, 46 saves, 1.140 WHIP, and 16 earned runs) 2012 (4.67 ERA, 35 saves, 1.442 WHIP, and 36 earned runs): K-Rod 2011 (1.86 ERA, 1.138 WHIP, and 6 earned runs) 2012 (4.38 ERA, 1.333 WHIP, and 35 earned runs). Axford has the potential to bounce back from his poor 2012 season but history is not kind to Brewer closers. 

Take Derrick Turnbow for example: 2005 (1.74 ERA, 39 saves) 2006 (6.87 ERA, 24 saves) and 2007 (4.63 ERA, 1 save). Hopefully the saying “the best predictor of the future is past behavior” applies with Axford as the Brewers long-term solution at closing games. K-Rod would be a welcome addition back to the bullpen (said no one) so the Brewers will have to look elsewhere for the much-needed bullpen help.

Milwaukee Brewers Highlights 2012:

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What To Expect From The Brewers OF Norichika Aoki In 2013

Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013

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Sam Evans (Baseball Writer): 

Norichika Aoki entered 2012 as the 4th Outfielder in Milwaukee. By the time the season ended, Aoki was the 27th ranked outfielder on ESPN’s Fantasy Baseball Player Rater. It’s not very often a player with no minor league experience makes the kind of impact Aoki did in his first season. In 2013, Aoki will need to replicate his numbers from last year in order to stay as a top 30 outfielder in fantasy baseball. With his rare combination of speed, runs, and to a lesser extent power, Aoki has the tools to repeat his success again in 2013.

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The Case for Bryce Harper as the 2012 National League ROY

Friday September 21st, 2012

Sam Evans: Bryce Harper is two years removed from high school and he is a young leader on a team leading the competitive N.L. East. Baseball has never seen a high school prospect draw as much attention that Harper got yet somehow, he has managed to live up to the hype at every level he’s faced. As with any rookie, Harper has had struggles. What has impressed me the most about him is how he responded to those slumps. Harper has a 181 wRC+ in the month of September and he is showing no signs of slowing up. For these reasons and others, I believe Bryce Harper deserves to be the National Rookie of the Year. Read the rest of this entry

MLB Reports Monthly Power Rankings: September 2012

Monday, September.3/2012

Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Writer):   To say that this year has been a good year for baseball is an humongous understatement.  I thought after last years finish, that nothing was going to duplicate the experience.  Everyone forgets (or maybe not) that there should not even have been many races last year with Atlanta and Boston having such substantial leads on playoff spots.  The Red Sox and Braves collapsed like a couple of bowling pins with King Kong Bundy splashing down on them!  

This year, there are 15 teams still vying for 10 playoff spots.  So far the only probable locks are Washington for a playoff spot-and Cincinnati to probably win their division  The player races for all of the categories is almost as fascinating.  Will Andrew McCutcheon catch Melky Cabrera for the Batting title? Or will 2012 be forever cemented in baseball folklore by a stained player like Cabrera?  He could still end up determining who wins the World Series in the Fall Classic by his Testosterone filled antics in his MVP ALL-Star Game.  The big question is, will the San Francisco Giants fans cheer for him if he comes back in the playoffs?  They cheered for another league leader before when it was obvious he was guilty.  Right now if you are the Giants, you will take an opportunity to boo or cheer for Cabrera because that means you would  be in the playoffs.

Will the spending happy Dodgers have to wait another year to capitalize on their new plan to make the playoffs? If they ultimately  miss the playoffs outright, are they going to buy every player they can in the off-season?  I sure hope Magic knows that there are Luxury Tax penalties for spending over 178 Million Next Year.  1st year fine is 22.5%, 2nd year is 30%, 3rd year and beyond is 40%.  So if they plan on having a 250 Million Dollar Payroll in 2013 (by adding 2 or 3 more top Free Agents) will the Dodgers just forego the worry of any financial penalties on a yearly basis– just to dominate the whole National League (plus baseball for that matter.) Every other team has to consider the urgency in cashing out a World Series right now while the Dodgers have not had a full off season with the new management yet.  Can Oakland and their ‘New Money Ball philosophy’ make it to the playoffs for the first time since 2006? 

The Best Players over the last month were:  Buster Posey, Prince Fielder, Giancarlo Stanton, Adrian Beltre, Josh Hamilton, Yovani Gallardo, Kris Medlen, Adam Wainwright, Aroldis Chapman and Felix Hernandez.  The best teams have been Oakland, Washington, San Francisco, San Diego, Baltimore and Texas.  The worst teams have been Houston (at least its better to go down hard and stockpile #1 Draft Picks guys.)  I have a feeling you will be there for a while with the division you are heading into and may even challenge the 120 Loss Single Season Record.  At least you are not going into the NL West  to compete with the LA Dodgers!  The Cleveland Indians have fallen to an epic drop-off as well.  Toronto misses their top sluggers.  What has happened to the Minnesota Twins? The Mets have ownership and payroll problems, so at least they have an excuse.  Plus they lead the world in guys being hurt.  When David Wright has been your healthiest player, you know the season has been backwards!  So sit back, get your notebook and popcorn ready for this Month’s Rankings! Read the rest of this entry

MLB Reports Monthly Power Rankings: July 2012

Wednesday July.4, 2012

Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Writer and @chuckbooth3024 on twitter)-We are going to bring you monthly power rankings every month of the season.  There will be a few notes written for each team.  Please feel free to let us know your thoughts.  The Texas Rangers are the top ranked team yet once again, although teams are certainly gaining on the them in the last month. If this report was being done last week I might have put the New York Yankees in 1st and Texas in 2nd.  A 7 game winning streak help preserve another month for Texas on the leader-board.  There were superior months by Aaron Hill, Jose Bautista, Joey Votto , Jason Heyward and a new phenomenon was born with Jose Altuve.  It was a great month for the MLB.  With 20 teams within 5.5 games or less for the playoff races, we are sure to see some serious movements in the Power Rankings in the 2nd half of the season.

Standings taken before play Tuesday July.03/2012

July Power Rankings-Last Month Rank in Parenthesis

1. Texas-50-30 (1) The Rangers rode a 7 game winning streak to end up 18-8 for the last month. David Murphy, Adrian Beltre and Elvis Andrus all hit over .300 in the last 30 days.  The Rangers were able to weather a slow spurt from Josh Hamilton, in which he hit .222 with only 4 HRs for the month.  Matt Harrison has asserted himself as an ace on the staff with a 5-0 month with a 1.29 ERA, while leading the American League with 11 wins on the year.  The Rangers have 6 players going to the ALL-Star Game including 3 starters.  Yu Darvish can make a 7th if he is voted into the final roster spot with his rookie campaign of 10-5 so far.

2. NY Yankees 48-31(5)  The Yankees have ridden good pitching and a hot bat from Robinson Cano to a 19-7 record over the last month, with a 5 games lead over their competition in the AL East.  Cano hit .370 with 12 HRs and 24 RBI in the last month.  Derek Jeter is hitting .298 overall but saw his average go from .389 in April, to .283 in May to .232 in June.  He still tops a list of 4 Yankees heading to the ALL-Star Game including 23 HR homer man Curtis GrandersonPhil Hughes went 5-1 in the month with a 2.59 ERA and Ivan Nova won his 3 decisions with a miniscule 1.32 ERA.  Rafael Soriano has converted 18 out of 19 save opportunities since taking over as team closer.

3. San Francisco 45-30 (9)  The Giants went 16-11 in the month and saw a perfect game from Matt Cain, with a few other 1 hitters.  The team shutout the Dodgers 3 games in a row in a series last week.  The Giants have Pablo Sandoval, Buster Posey and Melky Cabrera starting in KC next week.  The Melkman continues to show that last year was no fluke with his .352 Average and he is leading the Major Leagues with 111 base hits.  The Giants pitching staff has coped with the loss of Brian Wilson and the ineffectiveness of starter Tim Lincecum, by the rest of the staff having career years.

4. LA Angels 45-35 (12) The Angels have been really steady since the end of May.  They just finished going 17-8 in the last 25 days on the backs of ALL-Stars Mike Trout, Mark Trumbo and resurgent Albert Pujols.  Trout might be the most exciting player on the planet these days and is a lock for AL Rookie of the Year if he keeps this up.  Trout hit .367 over the last month and has taken over the AL batting lead with a .342 AVG.  Trumbo hit 10 HRs and drove in 28 RBI for the month and Pujols hit .337. to raise his average 40 points.  C.J Wilson was good enough in June to be named as CC Sabathia‘s replacement at the ALL-Star game.

5.  Washington 45-32(9)  Mike Morse has returned to the lineup with a vengeance during the last week with a .484 average.   Super Sub Tyler Moore has also hit .415 in the last 14 games with 4 HRs and 12 RBI.  Ian Desmond had 16 Extra base hits for the month to go along with 20 RBI, while he made the ALL-Star game as a reserve.  Ryan Zimmerman awoke from a season long slump to plate 17 RBI.  Adam LaRoche still contributed 7 HRs and 15 RBI despite a paltry .191 average in June.  Stephen Strasburg is 9-3 on the year with a 2.81 ERA and a league leading 122 SO.  Gio Gonzalez is 11-3 with a 3.01 ERA.  Both Gonzalez and Strasburg made the ALL-Star squad. Read the rest of this entry

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