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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 11, 2013

Photo:  Justin K. Aller/Getty Images North America

Photo: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images North America

Oakland Athletics left handed reliever Sean Doolittle was the guest on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

He talked about his career, the A’s, having two Champagne celebrations in three days and an interesting story about Josh Donaldson and his knowledge of a pitcher he faced in a critical game.

Follow Sean Doolittle on Twitter HERE.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 11, 2013

To Listen to Part 2, just scroll down some more….

Photo Source: Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images North America

Photo Source: Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images North America

Today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast is the second part of my conversation with A’s relief pitcher Sean Doolittle.

I took questions from some of my Oakland A’s fan friends and passed them along to Sean.

And along the way, we got to the bottom of the meaning of a unicorn and the identity of a juggler. It all makes sense.

To listen to Part 1 of the conversation, listen below.

Follow Sean Doolittle on Twitter HERE.

To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 12, 201

Should MLB Have A Salary Cap? – “Hard Cheddar” With Steve Cheeseman Takes Another Crack At It

The MLB can talk about parity all they want in the new era of modern baseball, but ever since the mid 90's the Yankees have 5 WS, Red Sox 3 WS, Giants 2 WS, Cardinals Marlins 2 WS, White Sox 1 WS, Braves 1 WS, D-Backs 1 WS, Angels 1 WS, Philies - WS.  That is 10 teams in the last 20 years of action.  Out of those teams, only the 2002 Angels, 2003 Marlins and 2010 version of the Giants had Payrolls that weren't considered tops in the MLB.

The MLB can talk about parity all they want in the new era of modern baseball, but ever since the mid 90’s the Yankees have 5 WS, Red Sox 3 WS, Giants 2 WS, Cardinals, Marlins 2 WS, White Sox 1 WS, Braves 1 WS, D-Backs 1 WS, Angels 1 WS, Philies – WS. That is 10 teams in the last 20 years of action. Out of those teams, only the 2002 Angels, 2003 Marlins, 2006 version of the Cardinals and  2010 version of the Giants had Payrolls that weren’t considered tops in the MLB.  Baseball can talk about parity all they want, but with the Dodgers new rogue spending, the rich and poor difference is about to escalate.

By ‘Special Guest Writer’ Steve Cheeseman 

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“Hard Cheddar” – with Steve Cheeseman

Should MLB Have a Salary Cap?

During this years “fall classic”, a thought occurred to me.  Other than the Pittsburgh Pirates, it seems like that for the most part, the same teams compete for the title of world champions each year.  

What MLB introduced a salary cap?  Would more teams gain the ability to compete on an even playing ground?  Within all 30 teams of the NL and AL, payrolls for these clubs are drastically different.  

Boston Red Sox World Champs in 2013 (3rd WS Title in 10 Years)

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 5, 2013

Google Earth

Google Earth

The controversy over where the A’s are going to play is hitting a petty and infantile fever pitch.
And MLB is FINALLY acting like a parent in the situation.

What does this have to do with my son’s dinosaur toy?

Better listen to today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 5, 2013

Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series + Around The MLB Horn For Quick Team Wish Lists

The Red Sox may have won the 2013 World Series, but they are not the 2014 favorites.  No team has repeated since the Yankees won 3 straight titles from 1998 - 2000.

The Red Sox may have won the 2013 World Series, but they are not the 2014 favorites. No team has repeated since the Yankees won 3 straight titles from 1998 – 2000.

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

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Now that the Boston Red Sox have won the 2013 World Series, the oddsmakers have already dropped them, plus fellow 2013 Fall Classic Participants (St. Louis) to be tied for the 3rd seed, with the Washington Nationals.

A massive surprise on the list are the Los Angeles Angels, who will have the 6th favorite slot to win the World Series at +1400.

If you are looking for value, you should consider the Reds (Tied for the 8th seed) at +1600.  They are merely a few players, and perhaps a few tweaks from going far in one of these playoffs.

2013 World Series Champion – Red Sox

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Jack Morris: It Is Time To Elect This Winner Into The Baseball Hall Of Fame!

Jack Morris was a winner, a true throwback pitcher who came after hitters with reckless abandon. He pitched based on what the score was - and had no personal regard for his own personal statistics. It is this very reason why the debate has hit epic proportions on social media hubs, amongst bloggers, former players, analysts, broadcaster and statisticians.   I intend to prove the case for the guy in a manner that will have some similarities to other pieces you may have read, yet promote a big look into the numbers that I have been bouncing around in my head for months.

Jack Morris was a winner, a true throwback pitcher who came after hitters with reckless abandon. He pitched based on what the score was – and had no personal regard for his own personal statistics. It is this very reason why the debate has hit epic proportions on social media hubs, amongst bloggers, former players, analysts, broadcaster and statisticians. I intend to prove the case for the guy in a manner that will have some similarities to other pieces you may have read, yet promote a big look into the numbers that I have been bouncing around in my head for months.

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

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The debate for whether or not Jack Morris belongs in the Baseball Hall Of Fame has heated up to an ALL-Time high with the big vote going down in Jan of 2014 for the final time.

575 members of  BBWAA fraternity will decide whether or not the big man from Minnesota will enter one of the hardest Hall Of Fame’s to enter in pro sports (if not the hardest). 

Morris will need a 75% (432 Minimum Votes) of them to write down his name on their ballot for enshrinement into Cooperstown.

Last year, Morris received 67.7 % of the writers votes in his 14th year of eligibility.  He will have his name on a 14th ballot this year. 

He has been trending up in recent years, so if he can improve in 2014, with the same amount of 2011-2012 jump of (+13.2%), then he will make it in.

If he fails to reach the Hall this year, it would be his last year of eligibility for the BBWAA Vote. 

He could still make it via the Veterans Committee after that.  But that could take some significant time.

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The Detroit Tigers Roster Tree Part 2: How All Of The Pitchers Were Acquired

has been the best pitcher in the American League over the last 5 years. Verlander is 137 - 77 (.640) with a 3.41 ERA in the 1st 9 years of his career. The 2011 AL Cy Young Winner and 2012 Cy Young runner up is signed with the club until at least 2019, and it could be 2020 with a Vesting Option. Verlander has thrown over 200+ IP each year since 2007.he Detroit Tigers are certainly lucky the San Diego Padres took Matt Bush with the 1st overall pick - as JVerlander has been the best pitcher in the American League over the last 5 years. Verlander is 137 - 77 (.640) with a 3.41 ERA in the 1st 9 years of his career. The 2011 AL Cy Young Winner and 2012 Cy Young runner up is signed with the club until at least 2019, and it could be 2020 with a Vesting Option. Verlander has thrown over 200+ IP each year since 2007.  The 30 Year old has added a 7 - 5 record in 15 Career Post Season Games and a 3.28 ERA - among 0 - 3 with a 7.20 in 3 World Series Starts

Justin Verlander has been the best pitcher in the American League over the last 5 years. He is 137 – 77 (.640) with a 3.41 ERA in the 1st 9 years of his career. The 2011 AL Cy Young Winner and 2012 Cy Young runner up is signed with the club until at least 2019, and it could be 2020 with a Vesting Option. Verlander has thrown over 200+ IP each year since 2007. The Detroit Tigers are certainly lucky the San Diego Padres took Matt Bush with the 1st overall pick – .  The 30 Year old has added a 7 – 5 record in 15 Career Post Season Games and a 3.28 ERA – among 0 – 3 with a 7.20 in 3 World Series Starts.

How All Of The Tigers Pitchers Were Acquired:

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

At the MLB Reports, we intend to show you the Roster Tree for the Detroit Tigers  – 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.

For a couple of the Pitchers, they will be in the Hitters side of this Roster Tree – as they were traded with a hitter to become a member of the Tigers. 

For the 1st part of the Roster Tree for the Tigers: The Hitters – click here

For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries Posts that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.

Justin Verlander 2012 ALDS Game #5

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Where Will Brian Wilson End Up?

Brian Wilson has a great comeback bid in the 2013 campaign.  When you add up his Appearances in the regular season - and playoffs, he threw 19.2 IP - in which he entered 24 Games, and only gave up 1 ER in the process.  Good for a cumulative 0.47 ERA.  He also has yet to yield an ER in 17.2 Post Season Career Innings.  Boston, New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers and the Los Angeles Dodgers should be his top suitors this winter.

Brian Wilson has a great comeback bid in the 2013 campaign. When you add up his Appearances in the regular season – and playoffs, he threw 19.2 IP – in which he entered 24 Games, and only gave up 1 ER in the process. Good for a cumulative 0.47 ERA. He also has yet to yield an ER in 17.2 Post Season Career Innings. Boston, New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers and the Los Angeles Dodgers should be his top suitors this winter.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Perhaps nobody is happier than Brian Wilson, that Tim Lincecum resigned in San Francisco for 2 YRs/$35 MIL.  While I think that is a bit of an overspend, it was what the Free Agency Market is dictating.

Having said this, the Relief Core of Pitchers available on the open market is quite interesting.

It is my contention, that Brian Wilson has the best value out there for clubs.

Forget about ‘lets wear my hat at a 45 degree angle’ Fernando Rodney, who was a world beater in 2012, before he almost cost the Rays a playoff spot in 2013.

Grant Balfour has a good case for a big raise, however he will be 36 years old in a few months.  My guess is Billy Beane will find a way for him to sign a short term deal anyway.

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The Los Angeles Dodgers Roster Tree: How All Of The Hitters Were Acquired

Andre Ethier finished 6th in NL MVP Voting during the 2009 season. It has been his best year to date. He hit 31 HRs, added 106 RBI, 76 XBH Overall and scored 92 Runs.  He won a Silver Slugger Award for his efforts.  Ethier was acquired through a chain of transactions that goes all the way back to when the team drafted Mike Piazza (who was traded for Gary Sheffield), who was traded for

Andre Ethier finished 6th in NL MVP Voting during the 2009 season. It has been his best year to date. He hit 31 HRs, added 106 RBI, 76 XBH Overall and scored 92 Runs. He won a Silver Slugger Award for his efforts. Ethier was acquired through a chain of transactions that goes all the way back to when the team drafted Mike Piazza (who was traded for Gary Sheffield), who was traded for Andrew Brown from Atlanta, (who was later flipped for Milton Bradley from Cleveland, before lA turned around and traded Bradley to the A’s for Andre Ethier.)

How All Of The Dodgers Hitters Were Acquired:

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

At the MLB Reports, we intend to show you the Roster Tree for the Los Angeles Dodgers – 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.

For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.

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Odds To Win The 2013 MLB World Series, Plus Odds To Win The NLCS + ALCS Matchups

Its funny how one Anibal Sanchez Start can sway your opinion.  While I am still picking Boston to win the ALCS, you should wait til after Game #3 to see if Verlander wins, then you can bet some money on the Red Sox to win the ALCS, when they are underdogs.  Right now, they are both about even.  Both of the Tigers and Red Sox are +240 to win the World Series.

Its funny how one Anibal Sanchez Start can sway your opinion. While I am still picking Boston to win the ALCS, you should wait til after Game #3 to see if Verlander wins, then you can bet some money on the Red Sox to win the ALCS, when they are underdogs. Right now, they are both about even. Both of the Tigers and Red Sox are +240 to win the World Series.

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

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Odds To Win the World Series Today:

St. Louis Cardinals +160

Boston Red Sox +240

Detroit Tigers +240

LA Dodgers +800

Ortiz Slams the Red Sox back into a tie (Credit FOX)

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St. Louis Cardinals Current Roster Tree: How All Of The Team Was Acquired

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 in their 8th NLCS in the last 13 years, with a multitude of young stars coming.  They are going to be players in the National League for some time to come.

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 in their 8th NLCS in the last 13 years, with a multitude of young stars coming. 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 MLB Reports On Twitter

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.

For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.

Carlos Beltran Steals Game #1 of the 2013 NLCS for the Cards

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MLB’s Payroll Matters Part 2: Just Because Some Low Payroll Teams Have Bucked The Trend – Doesn’t Mean It Will Continue

It seems the only to way to build a team successfully - is to be atrocious for several (talking 6 - 8 seasons), stockpile top 5 Draft Picks, and have them all become your nucleus for a matter of a few seasons. The reason is because of Team Control Salaries.  Teams like the Rays and Pirates have also held players in the Minor Leagues longer than needed - due to salary and Arbitration implications.  I can think of Desmond Jennings, Wil Myers, Chris Archer for the Rays, while Gerrit Cole and Jeff Locke come to mind for the Bucs.

It seems the only to way to build a team successfully – is to be atrocious for several (talking 6 – 8 seasons like the Twins, Nationals, Pirates, Rays in recent years – and now the Astros are following suit), stockpile top 5 Draft Picks, and have them all become your nucleus for a matter of a few seasons. The reason is because of Team Controllable Salaries. Teams like the Rays and Pirates have also held players in the Minor Leagues longer than needed – due to salary and Arbitration implications. I can think of Desmond Jennings, Wil Myers, Chris Archer for the Rays, while Gerrit Cole and Jeff Locke come to mind for the Bucs.  If a player is ready for action in the Majors, he should playing – end of story.

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

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Lets just take a look at the teams that have played well above their value.  The Twins are a story much like the Marlins in 1997 and 2003.

The Twins had a good team in the late 80’s, and won 2 World Series Titles in 1987 and 1991.  However the economics of the game hit them hard, and they struggled for an 8 year stretch in the AL Central.

For Part 1 of the MLB’s State Of the Union Part 1:  Click here.

Major League Contraction Talk Again?

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Major League Baseball’s State Of The Union – Payroll Matters Part 1: Oakland Loses Again In Playoffs

The MLB used to be the favorite Past time in America.  Now with the NFL ruling the country as #1, the game continues to miss the mark of implementing a salary system - that helps all 30 MLB Teams be competitive from a spending type of structure on a yearly basis.  Either you run your franchise perfectly from a transactions standpoint - or if you make a few contract mistakes - it could cripple your franchise for years.  Despite many of different teams bucking the trend over the last decade - it doesn't mean there isn't a problem.

The MLB used to be the favorite Past time in America. Now with the NFL ruling the country as #1, the game continues to miss the mark of implementing a salary system – that helps all 30 MLB Teams be competitive from a spending type of structure on a yearly basis. Either you run your franchise perfectly from a transactions standpoint – or if you make a few contract mistakes – it could cripple your franchise for years. Despite many of different teams bucking the trend over the last decade – it doesn’t mean there isn’t a problem.

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

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As I started a minor fight on Twitter last night (with a supposedly respected writer), it reminded me of how much I hate that social media outlet, yet how it is a necessary evil.

While there were some words caught up in a misunderstanding, it left me thinking about the state of Major League Baseball.

I love this game..I have centered my life around being fan, writer, website owner, by having a job that affords me that highest capacity to receive my fix.

I have gone on crazy ballpark chasing tours, that have also helped feed my addiction.

Yet watching the Oakland A’s lose last night, and then having someone mention a joke aimed at Billy Beane (not sure how much of a joke it was – another stupid flaw of Twitter’s 140 Characters), I began thinking of everything I don’t like about the MLB.

Part 2 of this Series: MLB’s Payroll Matters Part 2: Just Because Some Low Payroll Teams Have Bucked The Trend – Doesn’t Mean It Will Continue

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Odds To Win The 2013 MLB World Series, Plus Odds To Win The NLCS + ALCS Matchups

Boston is only a -125 favorite to win the ALCS, however this is a better odd than banking on Jon Lester to win Game #1 at -158.  If Boston wins tonight's game, they will have an obvious decisive advantage.  Play the better odd here and pick them to win the ALCS>.  You will profit .80 Cents on every dollar wagered.

Boston is only a -125 favorite to win the ALCS, however this is a better odd than banking on Jon Lester to win Game #1 at -158. If Boston wins tonight’s game, they will have an obvious decisive advantage. Play the better odd here and pick them to win the ALCS>. You will profit .80 Cents on every dollar wagered.  If you are a fan of Anibal Sanchez, picking them at +142 is a good value for a guy that won the AL ERA championship this season.  While he was lit up by Oakland in the ALDS this year, Sanchez featured a 1.77 ERA – in 3 Game Starts in 2012. 

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

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Odds To Win the World Series:

Boston Red Sox +220

St. Louis Cardinals +250

Detroit Tigers +270

LA Dodgers +325

 

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 11, 2013

AP Photo

AP Photo

The Cardinals are a team of recent champs.

The A’s are a franchise of staggeringly close post season failures.

The difference between those two franchises is agonizingly slim and the topic for today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Also I reward the Division Series MVP

Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera earned a full WOO and Sonny Gray has a 1/2 WOO.

Confused about what WOO (Who Owns October) is? Click HERE.
For an up to date WOO tally, click HERE.

To subscribe on iTunes click here.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 11, 2013

2013 MLB Playoff Predictions: ALCS + NLCS Matchups

The Red Sox went from 69 Wins in 2012 - to World Series favorite in one year.  The 'Beantowners' have assembled a playoff tested crew to arm them in their quest to make it to the World Series for the 1st time in 6 years.  Will the Red Sox take out the Tigers and go for the team of the decade, with a 3rd World Series Bid (out of the last 10 years) in 2013?

The Red Sox went from 69 Wins in 2012 – to World Series favorite in one year. The ‘Beantowners’ have assembled a playoff tested crew to arm them in their quest to make it to the World Series for the 1st time in 6 years. Will the Red Sox take out the Tigers and go for the team of the decade, with a 3rd World Series Bid (out of the last 10 years) in 2013?

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

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After nailing the National League straight on in picks for the LDS Round, I failed in either of my upset predictions of Tampa Bay or Oakland to advance.

I am not displeased though, I won money on the Rays losing the series (that came from a bet for them to win the World Series in June that paid +2000 or so, I bet the Red Sox to win the Series as a hedge.

Heading into last nights game, I could have still gone 3 – 1 for the Series prediction if Oakland could come up with a win.

Really the A’s failing to wrap up Game #4 was the big blow.

Thanks to a nice odd of Justin Verlander -107 @ Sonny Gray (-103), I nailed the game last for a nice little profit.

I never bet one dime on the other series in the NLCS.

So I went 2 – 2 in the Round, but plus some nice cash for my effort. Including the playoff game and Wild Card game, I am now 4 – 3 this Post Season.

The Red Sox win the LDS vs the Tampa Bay Rays

youtube=http://youtu.be/Y4m4eeyhFks

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Odds To Win The 2013 MLB World Series, Plus Odds To Win The NLCS + ALCS Matchups

Jon Lester will be the biggest key to for the Red Sox to establish early dominance over the Detroit Tigers.  He gets the nod in Game #1 of the ALCS on Saturday at Fenway Park.  The Boston team is favored to win the World Series out of the 4 remaining teams.  This makes sense - as they have home park advantage via the best AL record, plus the American League won the ALL - Star Game this summer for the "Fall Classic Series.'

Jon Lester will be the biggest key to for the Red Sox to establish early dominance over the Detroit Tigers. He gets the nod in Game #1 of the ALCS on Saturday at Fenway Park. The Boston team is favored to win the World Series out of the 4 remaining teams. This makes sense – as they have home park advantage via the best AL record, plus the American League won the ALL – Star Game this summer for the “Fall Classic Series.’

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

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Odds To Win the World Series:

Boston Red Sox +225

LA Dodgers +240

Detroit Tigers +270

St. Louis Cardinals +360

 

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Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated for October 10, 2013

Photo: Thearon W. Henderson - Getty Images

Photo: Thearon W. Henderson – Getty Images

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.

For a full explanation, click HERE.

From today’s games:

Receiving 1 WOO

Miguel Cabrera crushed a 2 run homer that seemed to give the Tigers an insurmountable lead. It would hold as the Tigers won 3-0.

Justin Verlander flirted first with perfection and then with a no hitter. He would finish with 8 innings of 2 hit, 1 walk shutout ball with 10 strikeouts, clinching the Division Series 3-0 over Oakland.

Receiving 1/2 WOO:

Sonny Gray matched Verlander over 3 innings. He was not as masterful as he was in Game 2, but he kept the A’s in the game. It wasn’t enough as the Tigers won 3-0.

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Odds To Win The 2013 MLB World Series, Plus Odds For Oakland And Detroit In Game #5 Of the ALDS

Today will be the last day you can receive such a decent odd for the Boston club to win the World Series at +210.  Whether the A's win, and the Odds will drop to the -150 range, or Detroit will win - and their odd pretty much stays the same.  If you were the Red Sox - who would you rather play?  I got to think they would want to play the Tigers, because Detroit is not hitting the ball, and Oakland makes for a far trip out West, and don't give those A's any momentum from knocking off Detroit!

Today will be the last day you can receive such a decent odd for the Boston club to win the World Series at +210. Whether the A’s win, and the Odds will drop to the -150 range, or Detroit will win – and their odd pretty much stays the same. If you were the Red Sox – who would you rather play? I got to think they would want to play the Tigers, because Detroit is not hitting the ball, and Oakland makes for a far trip out West, and don’t give those A’s any momentum from knocking off Detroit!

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

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Odds To Win the World Series:

Boston Red Sox +210

LA Dodgers +230

St. Louis Cardinals +360

Detroit Tigers +500

Oakland Athletics +900

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The Players In All Of The San Diego Padres Organization: Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB) Fall 2013

The Padres have not made the playoffs since 2006, and have only authored 2 winning seasons in the last 7 years.  It is not from a lack of the coach, rather the NL West has far superior talent, while the San Diego franchise has been trying to replenish the farm, went through an ownership change, and now the team needs to make some decisions this offseason, that will shape the fortunes of the club for the next several years.

The Padres have not made the playoffs since 2006, and have only authored 2 winning seasons in the last 7 years. It is not from a lack of a good coach, rather the NL West has far superior talent, while the San Diego franchise has been trying to replenish the farm, went through an ownership change, and now the team needs to make some decisions this offseason, that will shape the fortunes of the club for the next several years.

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  

The Padres didn’t have very much go right for them in terms of organizational prospects panning out at the Major League Level.

Although, the franchise must be stoked about the development of Andrew Cashner.

Trading away Adrian Gonzalez was tough enough, and right after that, the club flipped Anthony Rizzo to the Cubs, after a sub – par rookie campaign.

The Padres have a tough hoe ahead of them – competing with mega spending Los Angeles will prove very tough considering that team has a payroll in the $230 MIL range, while the ‘Pods’ are not in the $100 MIL range.

Having said that, the team still competed all year, and put up 76 Wins on the board.

They have one of the better skippers in the game with Bud Black.

The key will be the youth of the franchise, as that is how they can keep their payroll down, is to have their top prospects work out, be under team control – much like the way of the Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays models.

For the Up to Date Roster for the Padres all year around, please visit Jeff’s Website right here

For the Entire Page of teams links we have dedicated to Payroll, Rosters, Depth Chart, State Of the Unions and Roster Trees, please click right here. Please bookmark this page and check back, as we are busy on the analysis at MLB Reports always.

Andrew Cashner uses his bat and arm

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Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated for October 8, 2013

CE1_2601.JPG

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.

And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.

For a full explanation, click HERE.

From today’s games:

Receiving 1 WOO

Craig Breslow pitched 1 2/3 solid innings of relief, striking out 4 and getting the decision as the Red Sox eliminated the Rays 3-1.

Jacoby Ellsbury got on base twice, stole a base, possibly helped cause Tampa’s catcher to miss a wild pitch and scored the go ahead run in the Red Sox 3-1 clinching victory.

Doug Fister may not have been dominant, but his 6 innings prevented the A’s from pulling away and helped set up the Tigers come from behind 8-6 win.

Jhonny Peralta clubbed a 3 run homer in the 5th that tied the game helped turn a potential elimination game for the Tigers into a wild 8-6 victory against Oakland.

Receiving 1/2 WOO:

Coco Crisp collected 4 hits, scored 3 times and drove in a run, doing everything he could to lead the A’s to victory as they fell short to Detroit, 8-6.

Yunel Escobar got 3 hits and scored the Rays lone run in their 3-1 loss to the Red Sox.

Matt Moore came out of the bullpen and prevented the Red Sox from putting up much of a fight over two scoreless innings in the Rays 3-1 defeat by Boston.

Dan Straily was brilliant the first four innings and solid through 6, letting up only 4 hits, striking out 8 and walking none. It wasn’t enough as the Tigers came back to win, 8-6.

To view the Playoff Leaders for ‘Who Owned October Standings’ – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

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The Tigers Lose Their Temper, Plus The 1st 2013 Playoff Game At Comerica Park Yesterday

Victor Martinez took exception to Grant Balfour blurbing something under his breath.  Martinez has been around long enough to know that this is part of the Aussie's act, however, when you hear the verbal exchange, you get a sense that something set off V-Mart.

Victor Martinez took exception to Grant Balfour blurbing something under his breath. Martinez has been around long enough to know that this is part of the Aussie’s act, however, when you hear the verbal exchange, you get a sense that something set off V-Mart.  The Tigers ended up losing the game 6 – 3, and now face elimination in Game #4 at Comerica Park tonight, with Doug Fister towing the hill against Dan Straily.  The Tigers are favored at -151.

By Matthew Lafave (Tigers Correspondent)

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The first postseason game in Detroit didn’t go as expected. It wasn’t even due to the 1:00 PM start time either.

Tigers Anibal Sanchez went only 4 1/3 innings and gave up home runs to Josh Reddick, Brandon Moss, and Seth Smith. Yes, that’s 3 home runs.

Though the Athletics jumped to a 3-0 lead early, the Tigers were able to claw back with 3 of their own in the bottom of the 4th.

Martinez and Balfour in a heated foul mouthed exchange – Parental Guidance Is Advised

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Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated for October 7, 2013

Photo: Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports

Photo: Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports

Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.

For a full explanation, click HERE.

From today’s games:

Receiving 1 WOO

Alex Cobb was not on top of his game but he kept the Red Sox from breaking open the game in his 5 innings of work and helped set up Tampa’s 5-4 come from behind win.

Matt Holliday provided all the offense the Cardinals with need with his 2 run homer that sparked St. Louis’ 2-1 win over the Pirates.

Clayton Kershaw pitched on short rest and threw 6 innings with 2 unearned runs, 6 strikeouts and 1 walk. He would not get the decision but the Dodgers would prevail, 5-4.

Evan Longoria saved the series with one swing of his bat by launching a 2 out 3 run homer in the 5th that woke the Rays up. Tampa would go on to win 5-4.

Dan Otero worked out of trouble in two scoreless innings from the bullpen and prevented the Tigers from staging a comeback as the A’s won 6-3.

Seth Smith got two hits including a 2 run homer that gave the A’s insurance in their 6-3 win in Detroit.

Juan Uribe launched a 2 run 8th inning go ahead come from behind homer that gave the Dodgers the clinching lead over the Braves that they would not relinquish, 5-4.

Michael Wacha threw a no hitter into the 8th inning and kept the Cardinals alive, defeating the Pirates in Pittsburgh, letting up just 1 run and 1 hit for a final of 2-1.

Receiving 1/2 WOO:

Jose Alvarez stopped the bleeding in Detroit with 3 innings of no hit shutout ball out of the bullpen. It would not be enough as the Tigers could not score or mount a comeback, losing 6-3.

Pedro Alvarez broke up the no hitter with a towering home run that brought the Pirates to within one run. It would be practically all of the Pirates offense in their 2-1 loss.

Jacoby Ellsbury got three hits, two of them doubles, and a stolen base and scored 2 of the Red Sox 4 runs in their 5-4 loss to the Rays.

Freddy Garcia stunned the Dodger Stadium crowd with a wonderful 6 inning performance where his lone blemishes came on a pair of solo homers. He struck out 6 and let up only 2 runs and would have received the win if the bullpen did not melt down in the 8th.

Charlie Morton let only 2 Cardinals score and allowed only 3 hits while pitching into the 6th in the Pirates 2-1 loss.

Jhonny Peralta drove in 1/3 of the Tigers entire run total for the series with his game tying 2 run single in the 4th. The Tigers would lose 6-3.

Ric Flair endorsing the new “SullyMetric” – WOO!!

To view the Playoff Leaders for ‘Who Owned October Standings’ – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

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How All Of The Red Sox Hitters Were Acquired Onto The Roster + Analysis: Fall 2013

Ben Cherington pulled off the biggest salary dump in MLB History in 2012, with his clearing the deck of Gonzalez, Crawford and Beckett.  He replaced them with saavy, playoff tested Veterans - on lower value, and year contracts.  His club won the 2013 AL East with the revamped squad - that improved almost 30 Wins from 2012.

Ben Cherington pulled off the biggest salary dump in MLB History in 2012, with his clearing the deck of Gonzalez, Crawford and Beckett. He replaced them with saavy, playoff tested Veterans – on lower value, and year contracts. His club won the 2013 AL East with the revamped squad – that improved almost 30 Wins from 2012.  So how did the entire roster of hitters all come to be Boston Red Sox Property?   We will now tell you.

How All Of The Red Sox Hitters Were Acquired:

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

At the MLB Reports, we intend to show you the Roster Tree for the Boston Red Sox – 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.  Today, we will cover the Hitters.

For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.

David Ortiz Talks Up The Boston Crowd After The Boston Tragedy – Warning:  Explicit Word Used – Parental Discretion Is Advised

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 7, 2013

Photo by Matt West - Boston Herald

Photo by Matt West – Boston Herald

It could be a day of clinching in baseball today, or teams can get off the mat.

Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, we break down the 4 games being played today and why David Price should stay off of Twitter after a loss.

Chris Capuano, Francisco Liriano, Andrew McCutchen and Hanley Ramirez all earned full WOO’s.
Evan Gattis and Carlos Beltran earned half WOO’s.

Confused of what a WOO is? Click Here.

The updated WOO tally is HERE.

Subscribe on iTunes by clicking HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 7, 2013

Interleague Master Schedule For The 2014 MLB Season

For the 2014 MLB Schedule Links Page – that has Monthly, Weekly, Daily, 30 MLB Teams  and all 2430 Games for on 1 running  Page Post, click here

Do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

The AL have won 13 out of the 17 years for Interleague play.  The American League has also won every year since the start of the 2004 year.

1997:  NL won 117 – 97 (.547) NL up yearly series 1 – 0

1998:  AL won 114 – 110 (.509) Yearly series tied 1 – 1

1999:  NL won 135 – 116 (.538) NL up yearly series 2 – 1

2000:  AL won 136 – 115 (.542) Yearly series tied 2 – 2

2001:  AL won 132 – 120 (.524) AL up yearly series 3 – 2

2002:  NL won 129 – 123 ( .512) Yearly series tied  3 – 3

2003:  NL won 137 – 115 (.544) NL up yearly series 4 – 3

2004:  AL won 127 – 125 (.504) Yearly series tied  4 – 4

2005:  AL won 136 – 116 (.540) AL up yearly series 5 – 4

2006:  AL won 154 – 98 (.611) AL up yearly series 6 – 4

2007:  AL won 137 – 115 (.544) AL up yearly series 7 – 4

2008:  AL won 149 – 103 (.591) AL up yearly series 8 – 4

2009:  AL won 154 – 98 (.611) AL up yearly series 9 – 4

2010:  AL won 138 – 114 (.548) AL up yearly series 10 – 4

2011:  AL won 134 – 118 (.532) AL up yearly series 11 – 4

2012:  AL won 142 – 110 (.611) AL up yearly series 12 – 4

2013:  AL won 154 – 146 (.513) AL up yearly series 13 – 4

2014:  AL Won Season Series for the 11th straight campaign – yearly season  series  AL Up 14 – 4

SUN Sept.28, 2014 Results: NYM 8 HOU 3,  2014 – AL wins season series 163 – 137 (.543) 

ALL Time: AL leads the NL 2353 – 2126 (.525)

See Ya All in 2015 for Interleague

 

 

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 2, 2013

 (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

The playoffs have started and there are no shortage of topics for The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

The Pirates are advancing and the A’s are shuffling their rotation. Meanwhile I give one NON playoff team, the Yankees, some advice.

Subscribe on iTunes HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 2, 2013

Its Gut Check Time For The Rangers: Indians + Rays In The AL Wild Card Driver Seats

Baltimore entered last Friday night just 1 game behind the playoff bar.  They were swept in a 4 game series down in Tampa Bay, in a wraparound series, that included a devastating 18 inning loss among the tough defeats.  The club also lost Manny Machado to injury.  The magic number to eliminate the club is just 3.

Baltimore entered last Friday night just 1 game behind the playoff bar. They were swept in a 4 game series down in Tampa Bay, in a wraparound series, that included a devastating 18 inning loss among the tough defeats. The club also lost Manny Machado to injury yesterday. The magic number to eliminate the team is just 3.  The guys end the regular season with 6 straight at Camden Yards.  The only real meaningful resolutions will be if Chris Davis can crack 4 Home Runs, to tie Ken Griffey Jr. (56 HRs) for the most HRs by a LHB in the AL for the last 52 years?

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

2013 WILDCARD Race Breakdown in AL

Team                         W –  L   GBL Games Left Upcoming in Sequence

Tampa Bay Rays       87 – 69     –   ( 3 @ NYY, 3 @ TOR)

Cleveland Indians     86 – 70     –   ( 2 vs CWS, 4 @ MIN)

Texas Rangers           85 – 71    1   (2 vs HOU, 4 vs LAA)

Kansas City Royals  83 –  73   3.0  (2 @ SEA, 4 @ CWS)

New York Yankees   82 – 74   4.0   (3 vs TB, 3 @ HOU)

Baltimore Orioles     81 – 75   5.0  ( 3 vs TOR, 3 vs BOS)

We have had some clarification occur over the last week in the AL Wild Card Race as the Rays and Indians have both won 4 straight in their goal to make the playoffs.

The Yankees went 3 – 3 for the week, including a heart – wrenching loss to the Giants late on Sunday,  It must have pained them even more to see the Rays come back in the late innings versus the Orioles.

Had Baltimore won that game, the Yankees would start the series in New York versus the Rays tonight with a chance to cut their deficit to them by 3 games via a sweep.

The Bronx Bombers then waltz into Houston, where they might win their last 3 games.  However, with Tampa’s come from behind win yesterday, it makes their Magic number versus the Yanks to 3. 

Manny Machado’s Gruesome Injury – Sept.23/2013

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Oakland + Tampa Bay Are Building Their Teams The Old School Way

The A's wrapped up their 16th AL West Title in 46 years since moving to Oakland yesterday.  They have clinched the Division at home the last 2 years.

The A’s wrapped up their 16th AL West Title in 46 years since moving to Oakland yesterday. They have clinched the Division at home the last 2 years.  They beat out the Rangers and Angels  – clubs that double their Team Salary of  roughly $65 MIL in 2013.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst and Website Owner)

It is a simple rule of economics how these teams have built their teams.  Yep, but you must look a little deeper.  Over the course of the last year, I have constructed both teams entire Roster Trees.

Both managements constructed these teams by selling high on players (usually trading their ALL – Stars for 2 – 3 players back in return, and continuing the cycle.)

The Athletics and Rays have been incredible at finding Free Agents, that cost exactly zero assets back in return.

Just look to Bartolo Colon, Coco Crisp and Yoenis Cespedes for the A’s, while Fernando Rodney, James Loney, Casey Kotchman and Rafael Soriano all have signed Free Agent contracts on limited years recently over the last several seasons.

It corresponded with the players having the best years of their careers, or complete renaissance’s for a bargain based salary.

Oakland A’s Clinch The 2013 AL WEST

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.21st) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

AP Photo/Chris O'Meara

AP Photo/Chris O’Meara

Alex Cobb gave the Rays bullpen a much needed rest after Friday’s 18 inning marathon with 8 1/3 excellent innings, letting up one run and striking out 12 Orioles as Tampa Bay stayed in the Wild Card lead, 5-1.

Clayton Kershaw pitched 7 scoreless innings, striking out 10 and walking 2, earning the 4-0 win for the Dodgers in San Diego and solidifying his Cy Young credentials.

Alberto Callaspo went 4-5 including a homer, driving in 3, helping the A’s top the Twins 9-1 and cut the AL West magic number to 1..

Russell Martin clubbed a game tying home run off of Homer Bailey and helped the Pirates win a critical Wild Card match up against Cincinnati, 4-2.

They all owned baseball on September 21, 2013.

My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.

At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.19th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Hanley Ramirez hit a pair of homers including a game tying shot in the 7th. He would go 4-5 with 4 runs batted in and set up the Dodgers clinching of the NL West crown, 8-7 over the bitter Diamondbacks.

Gerrit Cole struck out 12 in 6 innings, letting up just one run and helping the Pirates inch closer to first place and avoid a sweep by San Diego, 10-1.

Coco Crisp got on base 3 times and smacked the go ahead 2 run homer in the 8th that put the A’s on top for good, 8-6 over Minnesota

John Lackey took a no hitter into the 7th and settled for a complete game 2 hit, 1 run masterpiece as the Red Sox won 3-1 over Baltimore and clinched at least a Wild Card berth this October.

They all owned baseball on September 19, 2013.

My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.

At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.

To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here

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