Blog Archives
Houston Astros Roster In 2014 Part 1: How All Of The Hitters Were Acquired
The Astros decided to rebuild a few years ago In doing so they traded away Lance Berkman, Roy Oswalt, Hunter Pence, Carlos Lee, at first, and then have since also traded Bud Norris, Jed Lowrie, Jordan Lyles and Brandon Barnes. Many of the transactions have given the team many of its current roster today, with many of the players also with the organization – while hardly any of the departing guys are with the team that dealt for them. Today is the 1st part of a 2 parter seeing how the current club was assembled by the Astros.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @chuckbooth3024
At the MLB Reports, we intend to show you the Roster Tree for the Houston Astros – and how they assembled their current roster for hitting and Pitching.
It will work in a six degrees of separation like format.
Once we figure out the origin of how many trades going back in time it takes to see where the tree started, it will be time to dissect how the team fared on the deals.
If a player has never left the organization at all, the tree will be easy – as it will just be the year they were drafted or signed.
Sometimes pitchers will be in the hitters part of the write-up and vice versa. This is simply done when one side of hitter or pitcher is dealt for each other. Read the rest of this entry
MLB Shutout Survivor 2014: 12 Teams Have Been Blanked, 18 Still Alive
The Pirates are the only NL Central team not to have been blanked yet in 2013, Technically they scored 0 runs in the home opener through 9 Innings, but that was erased when Neil Walker hit a Walk off HR at PNC in extra innings,
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
In this post, which we are also going to feature in a Subpage at the site called ‘Shutout Survivor’, we will document who wins this race for all 30 MLB Teams, meaning we will state the date a teams gets Shutout for the 1st time of the year.
After the games on Apr.08, there are 12 teams taken out of this competition. The AL still has 10 teams remaining in this and the NL has 8. The NL Central only has Pittsburgh alive.
The AL Central only has seen Kansas City eliminated, while the AL West hasn’t lost a team since the A’s were blanked on Mar.31st.
Should be a great contest to see who can be the last team to score zero runs in a game,
BTW, Pittsburgh has gone though 9 innings in a game without scoring, but won the PNC opener Mar.31st vs the Cubs, essentially knocking them out with a walk off 1 – 0 victory via a HR.
Neil Walker WALK OFF HR – Opening Day PNC Park
MLB Odds To Win The 2014 Divisions – With Full Breakdowns After 1 Week
The Yankees are leading the AL East, having won 4 of their last 5 games – after dropping 2 straight to begin the year. As the listed #3 team in the division, their +275 odd is a nice bit of value, and it flies onto the radar of one the best bets of the week. Of course they do have a tough schedule coming up in April – with 7 games versus Boston, 4 versus Tampa, and 3 game sets with the Angels and Mariners will not be a picnic either. Still the team looks better than everyone thought with their pitching, and they can actually manufacture runs with new found team speed. My gut would still be with Tampa or Boston to win out the AL East, but the value is just not there this week.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
We wake this morning to see the betting world has finally clued in the Tampa Bay Rays are a good team. What is weird about this is that it comes off the heels of them losing their 2nd straight and falling to 4 – 4.
The Yankees are now favored 3rd in the AL East. Even with Mark Teixeira going down to injury, I like this club. For a change, they have finally been seeded 3rd in the Division – yet they are leading the AL Beast after week 1.
Boston showed many weaknesses versus the Milwaukee Brewers. One of my things I also wrote about in their season preview is that they will miss Jacoby Ellsbury, and that no one in their OF will see 500+ AB.
Also worth mentioning is that the Jays are tied for the 13th best World Series odd at +2500, yet are listed as #4 in the AL East, Stay away from this team in all directions for these odds.
Yankees Roll Call – Opening Day @ Yankee Stadium Apr.07, 2014
Triple Play Podcast Episode 2 Of 2014: Empire State Of Mind: NYM + NYY + TOR Chat
The Triple Play Show will have 2 shows per month. Each show will be about 1 hour. Chuck Booth will guest once a month for MLB Reports Power Rankings,
By The Big Ticket Show ( AKA Triple Play Podcast on http://www.mlbreports.com) Follow @bigticketshow
Mike Silva (Radio Host 1240 AM WGBB, Long Island New York – 19 Minute Mark and a 31 Min segment) ) Follow @mikesilvamedia
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
New York, New York big city of dreams where not everything is as it seems, so we had Mike Silva (http://www.mikesilvamedia.com)of WGBB1240 AM break down the Mets and a bit of the Yankees + our new Mt .Flushmore segment. Read the rest of this entry
30 MLB Team Power Rankings: April
The Tigers fought off a tough KC club in the 1st series and now have battled their own bullpen and injury woes against the Orioles – to be the only unbeaten team left in the MLB a. Add that to one of the weaker divisions, and you see the #1 ranked team in our list this week.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Well, we have seen one week come and go. It is important to realize that only about 3% of the entire season has gone by.
People tend to panic when their team isn’t doing so well, and some fanbases are ready to project their club as a playoff contender.
While it is still a good idea never to bury yourself with a bad first few week or 2, as long as you are hovering around the .500 clip, you should be fine.
How we do these rankings at the MLB Reports is based on 1 thing. The chances of the club winning the World Series.
After all, that is why we have 45 days of Spring Training, 186 days in the regular season, and another 30 or so in the playoffs.
Some teams will have their number predicated on the strength of their divisions are not.
Nearly 47% of any teams schedule is within their own division. So the AL East and NL West would be tough divisions.
The NL East and AL Central have 2 playoff contenders in each division, while 3 teams may be easier opponents. Read the rest of this entry
Week 2 Fantasy Baseball: MLB Schedule Mon Apr.07 – Sun Apr.13
Home Of Sully Baseball + #WOB, #SullyMetrics, Baseball Analysis (Audio + Written, Roster Trees, Salaries, Org. Depth Charts, Historical Series for All 30 Clubs + State Of The Unions + Stats + Wicked Daily Content,) + the best coverage on the 2014 MLB schedule in the world.) We are not your average “Cookie Cutter” Website. Also our motto is “THE TRUTH STINGS LIKE A CATCUS!”
For Weekly/Monthly MLB Schedules or all 2430 MLB games in 2014 on 1 page post – find the links master grid right here
MLB Scheduling 2014
Day + Date Away and Home, Times Start In EST
Week 2
Monday April.07/2014 – (9 games)
1. Angels @ Astros 2:10
2. Orioles @ Yankees 1:05 (Yankees Stadium Home Opener)
3. White Sox @ Rockies 8:40 (Interleague)
4. Reds @ Cardinals 4:15 (Busch Stadium Home Opener)
5. Brewers @ Phillies 3:05 (Citizens Bank Ballpark Opener)
6. Padres @ Indians 7:05 (Interleague)
7. Rays @ Royals 8:10
8. Rangers @ Red Sox 6:10
9. Athletics @ Twins 4:15 Read the rest of this entry
How All Of The St. Louis Cardinals Roster Was Acquired: 2014 Season
The Cardinals Roster Tree has been the easiest to do by far. This organization has Drafted so incredibly well, that there has been no real need for trading of late. We will still see how drafting J.D. Drew has turned into Adam Wainwright, and how Albert Pujols signing with the Angels, made for the Cards to select young phenom Michael Wacha. St. Louis is made to their 8th NLCS in the last 13 years, and 4th World Series Appearance in the last 10, with a multitude of young stars coming in the horizon. They are going to be players in the National League for some time to come.
How All Of The Cardinals Were Acquired:
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @chuckbooth3024
At the MLB Reports, we intend to show you the Roster Tree for the St. Louis Cardinals – and how they assembled their current roster for hitting and Pitching. It will work in a six degrees of separation like format.
Once we figure out the origin of how many trades going back in time it takes to see where the tree started, it will be time to dissect how the team fared on the deals.
If a player has never left the organization at all, the tree will be easy – as it will just be the year they were drafted or signed.
Odds To Win The 2014 World Series As Of Right Now: Many Changes After 1 Series
I still don’t get why they are the current AL favorite over Detroit. Despite that fact, Boston won their opening series – while all of the 4 other teams have tied or losing records through their 1st series. i don’t think a slight drop was warranted – especially when you consider only the Tigers and Mariners have a better record than the Red Sox right now. They are tied with the Indians, Rangers, Astros and White Sox for their 2 – 1 record.
Odds To Win The 2014 World Series
1. LA Dodgers +600
2. Washington Nationals +750
3. Boston Red Sox +900 (Down from +850)
I am not sure why this club has moved down as they took 2 out of 3 versus the Orioles, and the Yankees are 1 – 2, while Tampa and Toronto split a series.
T4. St. Louis Cardinals +1000
T4. Detroit Tigers +1000 Read the rest of this entry
Doubleheaders Master Schedule For the 2014 MLB Season
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here
Gone are the days when baseball teams deliberately schedule two games in one stadium like teams used to do in past generations.
If there is not a postponed game for the duration of your team’s schedule, you will not even have this occurrence. I am here to tell that modern-day traveling has opened up possibilities for two games in one day for separate cities like never before.
For the extreme ballpark chasers, nothing is more exciting for a baseball fan when Major League Baseball posts the new season’s calendar. Usually the brass does this in mid-September.
On this post, I have gone through the MLB schedule with a fine-tooth comb, and have listed all Doubleheader Attempts that could be attended in 2014.
I will keep a keen eye on this stuff all season, and add more doubleheaders as they come available.
If you ever have a question, just tweet us or send an email to mlbreports@gmail.com
Happy Ballpark Chasing in 2014
MLB Runs Survivor 2014: 11 Different Run Totals For Each Team – Results Thus Far
The Dodgers have already played 3 games and put up 3 different run totals, tonight’s 4th game, will give them the chance to move ahead of their Australian and Division opponent Arizona, with 4 different run totals to start the year. Will they be the 1st team to score 11 different run total ranging from 0 – 10 (or 10+)?
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
This should turn out to be quite fun. A lot of gambling establishments have this sort of deal, and it will be fun to see the results.
What Runs Survivor is, a MLB team scoring 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, 10 or (10+) in different games throughout the course of the season.
Once a club has one of these run totals once, you cross it off and keep going until they complete the 11 different variations.
Breakdown of the 14 – 10 Win for the Phillies on Opening Day @ Rangers
MLB Shutout Survivor: 4 Teams Blanked Yesterday – 26 Teams Still Alive
Neil Walker has hit for a Career 3 Slash Line of – .273/.339/.423 in 5 years, with an average of 16 HRs. 80 RBI and 35 – 2B’s per 162 Games. This is above average for a Second Baseman. He broke up a 0 – 0 score in extra innings during the home opener at PNC Park, with a solo Walk Off HR.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
In this post, (which we are also going to feature in a Subpage at the site called ‘Shutout Survivor’), we will document who wins this race for all 30 MLB Teams, meaning we will state the date a teams gets Shoutout for the 1st time of the year.
There were no Shutouts in the 1st games the Dodgers were involved in.
Among yesterdays scores, including 2, 1 – 0 Shutouts, with the Pirates winning their home opener (extra innings no less, on a walk off HR by Neil Walker,)
The Cardinals used a HR by Yadier Molina to beat their division rival Reds to ruin the opener at The Great American Ballpark.
Neil Walker Walk Off HR – Opening Day PNC Park
Current Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Odds To Win The 2014 World Series
1. LA Dodgers +600
2. Washington Nationals +750
3. Boston Red Sox +850
T4. St. Louis Cardinals +1000
T4. Detroit Tigers +1000 Read the rest of this entry
Colorado Rockies State Of The Union For 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 for the 1st time since 2009. With a 20 – 1 odd for the club to win the NL west, the value is there for a longshot pick – should you be allowed to gamble on this chance.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Colorado Rockies brass were a busy bunch in the 2013 winter, heading into the 2014 year. They have picked up several solid players for the upcoming campaign.
I simply hate that this club plays in the NL West with the Dodgers and Giants.
This year, just like any in recent memory, will depend heavily on whether the team can keep Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki.
When both are clubbing it, this 3 – 4 punch may be the best in baseball now that Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera have been separated. Read the rest of this entry
All 290 MLB Interleague Games Schedule In 2014 With Start Times
Photo Ctedit – Eddie Bultman
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The ballpark franks are cooking, the beer should be cold, and lets hope the weather cooperates in all of your game journeys at the parks.
We will be updating the Interleague results all year on a widget at our website.
Some of the MLB fans don’t like American League Vs National League Games in Regular Season, and we not only like it at our site, we embrace it and wish there was more of it.
Do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here Read the rest of this entry
Official Home Openers (With Local Times) At All 30 MLB Parks In 2014
The MLB Reports is going to be the #1 place to come for the 2014 Major League Baseball Schedule: Dates, Days, Home Openers, # Games Per Day: Break Downs into pages of a Year Long Calendar, Monthly Calendar, Weekly Calendar – all on one page for each, so you can know your favorite teams schedule, or plan to do a MLB Road Trip. I will also do a doubleheader Master Schedule for – two parks in one day for that extreme Ball Park Chaser (Coming in Feb). Also, we will have a Sunday Night ESPN schedule page, an Interleague Schedule Page for all year, 6 different 30 Ballparks in 30 days trip schedules, and a couple of schedules I feel could break the records for ballpark viewing. Those last few pages all are coming in February.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @mlbreports
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The ballpark franks are cooking, the beer should be cold, and lets hope the weather cooperates.
30 MLB Park Rankings – According to a Fan
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
MLB 2014 Bold Predictions Including Awards Categories
Prince Fielder’s 2013 – 3 Slash Line (.279/.362/.819) is far below his Career Mark of .286/.389/.916. The man also has not hit a HR in his last 74 AB in the postseason. for the last 2 years of 2012 and 2013. Fielder at least had 5 HRs in 1st 70 AB for his playoff Career. Maybe that will change in Texas, after he clubs his way to an AL MVP for the Rangers. He is capable of putting up monster numbers in Texas, and should enjoy hitting at ‘The BallPark In Arlington” 81` times a year.
By Jordan Gluck (Prospects/Baseball Operations Correspondent) Follow @JGluck777
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Since everyone else was making their predictions for the upcoming seasons, I am throwing down my picks too. But first there are some categories to rifle through 1st.
AL MVP:
Prince Fielder
More Tommy John Surgeries By The Numbers + Who Is the 1st $100 MIL Pitcher To Go Down With It? + A Scherzer Angle?
Yes Max Scherzer wrapped up the AL Cy Young with a most impressive season in 2013, but with TJ surgery becoming so common place with today’s chuckers, who would want to risk that kind of jack for a pitcher one throw way from being sidelined for 12 – 14 months? In my view it was a mistake not to accept the $$.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 – Credit to Bill Chuck For the Idea: Follow @billyball
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I think Max Scherzer should have taken the contract offer the Tigers threw his way this past weekend. Reports say it was in the Cole Hamels and Zack Greinke range of 6 YRs/$144 – $147 MIL.
So now that the reigning AL Cy Young Winner didn’t take the deal, he must hope to replicate his 2013 campaign, or at least come some where near it.
Do I think he could make more on the open market, potentially yes. But for a guy who has never been under a 3 ERA in any one given year, that is a tall order.
Also keep in mind his arm could sideline him with an injury at any point, so there is an inherent risk to not taking the deal.
One of out every 3 Major League Pitchers will go undergo Tommy John Surgery.
If you don’t think this procedure is an epidemic, go follow our ALL – Time TJ Surgery Tracker here.
The Seattle Mariners State Of The Union For 2014 Part 1: Winter Deals + Pitchers
Felix Hernandez has been the face of the Seattle Mariners since 2009 when he won 19 games for the Mariners. He followed up with a CY Young season in 2010. The last 3 years, he has gone 39 – 33, with a lowe 3 ERA, but finished 4th in Cy Young Voting in 2012, and was one of the frontrunners to win the 2013 AL Cy Young – before the team shut him down for the rest of the year in Sept (still finished 8th in Voting). Hernandez sports a 110 – 86 record with a 3.20 ERA for his 9 year career. Expect nearly 16 – 18 wins this year with a near 3 ERA. The Mariners have only had 2 winning seasons out of the time “King Felix has been on the team. A start at Safeco Field for the team by him is worth about 10K fans extra. Photo: Chris Carlson – AP
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
A decade of frustration has set in after the clubs best stretch of success proceeded if from the time Ken Griffey Jr. arrived, until longtime MGR. Lou Piniella left the fold in 2003.
That was the last season the Mariners were sniffing around a playoff spot.
Back then, attendance was nearly 40K per game at Safeco, and you see tailgate parties, and the smell of garlic wafted through the surrounding area of the park.
In 2012, the club hit an all time low in attendance for the new stadium, and it wasn’t much better in 2013. Seattle drew just over 20,000 fans per game.
Something had to be done. Other than games that brought tonnes of excitement, and the King’s Court Section for Felix Hernandez home outings, there wasn’t much for the teams fanbase to be happy about with the home team.
Angels State Of The Union For 2014: A Hot Start Is Paramount For Success
The Angels have spent almost a half of a billion in Free Agency over the last 3 years, and all they have to show for it, is back to back 3rd place finishes in the AL West. The team also featured an anemic Bullpen in the 2013 campaign. But with AL West rivals all having significant injuries both to start the year and long-term for 2014, this has opened up the door for the start of the 2014 campaign at least. It is incumbent that their top guys stay injury free, and spend exactly no days on the DL, because they don’t have suitable replacements to step in. With poor starts to both of the last 2 years, this squad looks to break this trend this seasom.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Hunter Stokes (Our chief writer) wrote a piece that was picked up by MLB Trade Rumors blogroll, stating that Jerry DiPoto has done a poor job in constructing the current team based on the roster tree here.
I agree with him 100% on this, especially on the moves, the Bullpen not being 100% finished yet, the Starting Rotation too reliant on their top 2 pitchers – and we have had several of their fans take some jabs at us for going with these notions.
The club’s brass has had a better winter in 2013 going into 2014, then they had last year, however it still doesn’t alleviate the fact, this team can’t sustain one injury to any of their top players because of said moves to deplete their depth.
The Starting Staff is composed of 60% of youth that is not used to toting long innings in Garrett Richards, Hector Santiago and Tyler Skaggs.
The team has a lot of players that will strikeout a lot, so it is also important to receive key HRs at crucial times in the game.
The club will also lose 34 HRs worth of power they received from Mark Trumbo in 2013, but it was the right time to move him. Whether they received enough of a return is yet to be determined, but it also cut down the whiffs for 2014.
Detroit Tigers State Of The Union 2014 – Part 2: The Pitchers
Joe Nathan is still one of the best closers the game of baseball has ever seen. The 39 year old came off one of his best seasons, registering a WHIP of .90 and an ERA of 1.33 amidst his 43 Saves and 74 SO. Nathan will also bring plenty of playoff experience to Detroit. Lets just hope if the Tigers make it back to the playoffs, that he can improve in his career postseason ERA of 9.00 in 9 IP. Nathan was inked to a 2 YR Deal this winter, worth $20 MIL, with a Team Option of $10 MIL for 2016. This doesn’t end all of the teams Relief woes, but it gives them the best Closer that was on the Free Agent Market.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Here we go again. Bruce Rondon is out for the year with Tommy John Surgery, Joba Chamberlain is throwing at Minor Leaguer’s, and Anibal Sanchez is hurting.
No team had better Starting Pitching in the game of baseball than the Tigers in 2014, while I love their top 3 Starters again, I am worried about their depth in the rotation at the back end.
The Bullpen is a lot better at the Closer’s position with Joe Nathan.
Gone are Jose Veras, underrated Joaquin Benoit, Drew Smyly moves to the Rotation, and the ‘human dumpster fire’ Jose Valverde is also long removed from the relief core.
Added to the bringing in Nathan, the team also signed Chamberlain for 1 year, and added Ian Krol through the Doug Fister trade.
Among several returnees are Luke Putkonen, Phil Coke, Al Alburquerque, Jose Ortega and Evan Reed. Read the rest of this entry
Week 1 + Of MLB Schedule: ( 9 Game Days) Mar.22 – Apr.06
MLB Scheduling 2014
Day + Date Away and Home, Times Start In EST
For Weekly/Monthly MLB Schedules or all 2430 MLB games in 2014 on 1 page post – find the links master grid right here
There are 2 games in Sydney Australia for people to watch over in North America.
Because the games are being played on Sat Night and Sunday afternoon there, you can actually watched 2 games in one day here.
If this weren’t weird enough, the Dodgers then fly across the world – to arrive in San Diego for the MLB opener on North America Soil on Sunday March.30/2014.
So if Los Angeles can go 2 – 1 – or 3 – 0 to begin the year, they may just hold onto the NL West for the rest of the campaign.
These 3 games are listed – and then it is the rest of the 26 weeks listed individually in perfect 7 game sequencing. Read the rest of this entry
MLB Monthly Schedule – March and April Games 2014
MLB Scheduling 2014
Day + Date Away and Home, Time Start In EST
MLB Scheduling 2014
Day + Date Away and Home, Times Start In EST
MLB Season Opening Series
Saturday Mar. 22/2014 (2 games)
Opening Series In Sydney, Australia (Sydney Cricket Ground)
Dodgers @ D’backs 4:00 AM (local time 8 PM in Australia).
Dodgers @ D-backs 10:00 PM (local time 2 PM in Australia). Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win Each Division In Major League Baseball 2014 Change With TJ Surgeries
Medlen was only 2nd to Clayton Kershaw for ERA in the NL since mid 2012. Unfortunately for the RHP, he is on his way for a 2nd Tommy John Surgery recovery. Medlen injured himself earlier this week in Spring Training. He was projected to be Atlanta’s #1 Starting Pitcher,
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The theme of the week is Tommy John Surgery . It has affected the Athletics, Braves and Diamondbacks on the odds board all over.
Brandon Beachy and Kris Medlen moved the line for the Braves from a +120 Mark to +140. Arizona went from +650 to +700 on the heels of Patrick Corbin being lost.
The Athletics have 60% of their rosters on injury watch. Jarrod Parker is gone for the 2014 year because of a torn UCL. A.J. Griffin has a UCL strain – and Scott Kazmir has triceps soreness. Read the rest of this entry
2 And A Hook Podcast #16: 2014 MLB Preview + Predictions – Over/Unders + Post Season + Opening Series in Sydney
’2 And A Hook’ is an expression from Baseball: ‘Throw the guy 2 Fast balls and then a Hook’ (AKA Curve Ball, Wiggly one, Chair etc..)
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & TBWS Podcast Host James Acevedo Follow @yankeeman1973
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
WE ARE BACK!! On this podcast I have on the owner & head writer of www.mlbreports.com, Chuck Booth as we go over first the Australian series to start the 2014 MLB season with a double header with the Dodgers & the Diamondbacks!!
Then we go over each division in the American League & the National League with our division predictions!!
But not only do we do that but we also give our wild card & championship series predictions for both leagues!!
Plus we gave our World Series & World series winner predictions to put the cherry on this baseball podcast sundae.
so go check it out baseball fans & SPREAD THE WORD!!! Thank you all for your continuous support!!! Read the rest of this entry
The Boston Red Sox State Of The Union Part 2 – The Pitchers: 2014 Preview
This is a not a slight on the Red Sox at all, but they should not be favored to win the American League right now. Detroit should be that placeholder. I am not sure the Red Sox will even win the AL East. I would go with the Rays or Yankees before them right now. The Rays had one of the best second half records in 2013, and the Yankees are a lot better as well. I am also not sure of the team losing Ellsbury, Drew, Dempster and Saltalamacchia has improved itself with Capuano, Middlebrooks, Pierzynski and the tandem of Sizemore and Bradley JR.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
For added depth in the Bullpen, the franchise added Edward Mujica, amply giving the team multiple options at Closer should Koji Uehara not duplicate his 2013 success in 2014.
The management did a great job in peacemealing this Pitching Rotation in 2014.
Big injuries, 3 different Closers, and finally won the hottest Closers to end a year in Uehara pitching for the clubs final outs to win the Fall Classic.
The latest addition as of now for the 2014 season, are Chris Capuano for the Starting staff and also Bullpen arm Burke Badenhop, who came over from a nice year in the pen for the Milwaukee Brewers.
The club will sees Ryan Dempster take the year off for injury, but are stoked about saving his $14 MIL pricetag that he is forfeiting this season.
The Bullpen features Koji Uehara, Craig Breslow, Edward Mujica, Brandon Workman, Burke Badenhop, Andrew Miller, Junichi Tazawa and Alex Wilson round out the potential Relief Core.
The Starting Rotation was also held together with duct tape and barbed wire in 2013, but it was enough to aid the awesome offense, and the team will sporting championship rings because of it.
Oakland Athletics State Of The Union: 2014 Preview
When does Beane ever sleep? 56 transactions over the last calendar year, and he may be prepping the phone with another rash of injuries to 60% of his Starting Staff. Beane has at least addressed the teams depth for next 2 – 3 years, and when you look at the salary for their Pitchers, you will be able to detect why. They never overpay on long-term deals for Starters.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
It has been a tough week in Oakland for the Starting Pitching. Jarrod Parker will need Tommy John Surgery and is out for the 2014 year.
A.J. Griffin received better news, but also will be sidelined for the near future with a UCL strain.
To complicate the opening roster even more, Scott Kazmir has Triceps soreness and is currently also on the shelf.
Billy Beane doesn’t seem that worried, as he has Tommy Milone and Jesse Chavez stretched out to work some starts if needed. Read the rest of this entry
MLB Odds To Win Both Of The AL And NL Pennants In 2014: Awesome Bet Idea For The TB Rays
Because of a statistical oddity in the website of the Rays, I present you an awesome chance to win some money if the Rays have a great year. If they don’t, chances are great you could still break even. The Rays have won 90 games or more 5 out of the last 6 years. It is my contention, if they win 90 games this year, they win the Division. From there, if. Who knows, the winner out of this tough Division might win 86 or 87 games. Heck, that may even be a Wild card game with how parity is going. I present you the Ray of Cash Opportunity.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
This is so crazy…it may just work.. Every once in a while, I see an anomaly in the odds of a website. I will go through this in great detail here.
Lets just say the Rays are offering great odds on the board, yet the website has them as co-favorites in one odd (Regular season wins with Boston). I take this fact and twist the fork in it, to present my idea.
Ray Of Cash Opportunity
Rays Odds on the board at http://www.bet365.com
Division Odds + 250 (to win the AL East)
ALCS Win +900
World Series + 1800
Regular Season Over/Under 88.0: Over -110, Under -120
Once again the Rays don’t receive any respect. If someone were to bet the Tampa club on a Divisional win, ALCS win and a World Series win, they may cash in severely at the ticket wicket.
| Bet Details | Date/Time | Stake | Return |
| Under 88 @ -120 $120.00 Single Reg Year Wins |
03/14/2014 10:36:50 | 120.00 | 220.00 |
| TB Rays @ +250 $63.00 Single AL East |
03/14/2014 10:36:50 | 63.00 | 220.50 |
| TB Rays @ +900 $22.00 Single ALCS |
03/14/2014 10:36:50 | 22.00 | 220.00 |
| TB Rays @ +1800 $12.00 Single WS |
03/14/2014 10:36:50 | 12.00 | 228.00 |
| Total for this period | 217.00 | 0.0 | |
Odds For Regular Season Wins Over/Unders 2014 MLB Year
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Last Week, Hunter Stokes (MLB Reports Chief Writer) picked through http://www.bovada.com – and what value was to be had in their odds sheet for regular year win over/unders.
This time, I am looking at bet365.com for some of the same.
Hunter and I both come from the handicapping landscape, and have done quite well in the last few years.
While I predicted a Detroit and Cincinnati World Series pre 2012, Hunter picked the Giants and Yankees. That was a much better year than the 2013 season.
In 2013, I did say it was going to be Los Angeles Dodgers versus the Angels in a freeway Series, and Hunter picked Detroit and Atlanta. You do okay if you can have a final 4 participant.
This year, it looks like we both have the LA Dodgers to win in the Fall Classic, but I have them beating the Tigers, while Mr. Stokes likes the Rangers to faceoff against them.
We could be wrong mind you. but at least we are putting our necks on the line for it. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The MLB 2014 World Series
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Just to reset this, we will be bringing you this column once a week during the regular season.
This is worth paying attention to. Think of them as power rankings as put forth by the website.
For the love me, I can’t understand how the Red Sox have climbed to +850, while the Rays are sitting at +1800 for the WS. It also boggles my mind why bettors don’t take stock in Strength of Schedule. Read the rest of this entry
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