Blog Archives
Sully Baseball Podcast – The Roller Coaster Diamondbacks Season – September 10, 2018
Ralph Freso/Getty Images North America
Are the Diamondbacks a dominant team powering their way into the post season? Or are they a maddeningly inconsistent team who find new ways to lose critical games?
They have been both this year and that could cost them a chance at a winnable pennant.
Running out of time for the snakes in this episode of Sully Baseball.
While we are at it, enjoy the NEW In Memoriam video.
Who Owned Baseball September 6, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB
For an explanation of how WOB works, click here.
Nick Markakis went 4 for 5 with a double and a pair of RBI to lead the Braves to a wild 7-6 extra inning victory in Arizona.
Francisco Lindor homered twice and singled twice, driving in 4, leading the Indians closer to another Division Title with a 9-4 final over Toronto.
Anibal Sanchez struck out 8 Diamondbacks in 5 innings in the 7-6 win for the Braves.
Shane Bieber pitched into the 7th, allowing 3 earned runs in 6 1/3 innings and earned the 9-4 decision for the Indians over Toronto.
They all owned baseball on September 6, 2018
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Who Owned Baseball August 31, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB
Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer
For an explanation of how WOB works, click here.
Corey Kluber threw 7 innings of 2 hit shutout ball, striking out 8 as the Indians blanked the Rays, 3-0.
Andrew Suarez struck out 5 Mets over 7 shutout frames earning the 7-0 decision for San Francisco.
Mitch Garver went 3 for 5 with a pair of doubles and 4 RBI to lead Minnesota past Texas, 10-7.
Paul DeJong smacked a 2 run single and a 2 run homer as the Cardinals blasted the Reds, 12-5.
They all owned baseball on August 31, 2018
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 18, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB
AP
For an explanation of how WOB works, click here.
Jacob deGrom built his Cy Young argument with a complete game and no earned runs while striking out 9 Phillies to give the Mets a 3-1 victory.
Alex Cobb threw a complete game victory, allowing 5 hits and 2 runs, giving the Orioles a 4-2 win over the Indians.
JT Riddle reached base 4 times, including a homer, driving in 4 runs, leading Miami past Washington, 7-5.
Miguel Andujar went 3 for 5, homered and drove in 3 runs as the Yankees took a 11-6 slugfest from Toronto.
They all owned baseball on August 18, 2018
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Who Owned Baseball August 12, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB
Jim Young
For an explanation of how WOB works, click here.
Carlos Carrasco struck out 9 White Sox over 7 innings, allowing 3 hits and 1 earned run as the Indians held on to win, 9-7.
Jed Lowrie reached base 3 times, including a homer, driving in 2, leading the surging A’s to an 8-7 victory over the Angels.
Cole Hamels allowed 1 hit and 1 run over 7 masterful innings, striking out 9 Washington batters. He did not get the decision but helped set up the dramatic 4-3 walk off win for the Cubs.
Paul Goldschmidt homered twice and added a third hit in the Diamondbacks 9-2 final over Cincinnati.
They all owned baseball on August 12, 2018
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 July 2, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
For an explanation of how WOB works, click here.
Matt Kemp collected 5 hits, including a homer and a double, driving in 4 and scoring 4 as the Dodgers clobbered Pittsburgh, 17-1.
Francisco Lindor homered twice and drove in a whopping 7 runs to lead the Indians past Kansas City, 9-3.
Kyle Freeland gave up 3 hits and 2 runs over 7 strong innings, earning the 5-2 decision for Colorado over San Francisco.
Mike Fiers allowed 1 run over 8 innings, striking out 5 Blue Jays. The Tigers blew his lead but won the 3-2 game in 10 innings.
They all owned baseball on July 2, 2018
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 June 9, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB
Ben Margot – The Associated Press
For an explanation of how WOB works, click here.
Danny Duffy struck out 10 Oakland batters over 7 shutout innings, earning the 2-0 win for Kansas City.
Miguel Andujar singled and homered, driving in 2, as the Yankees came from behind to top the Mets, 4-3.
Jon Lester held Pittsburgh to 1 hit and no runs over 7 innings as the Cubs took the 2-0 final.
Paul Goldschmidt continued his hot hitting by reaching base 4 times, including a pair of homers, driving in 4, sparking the Diamondbacks 12-7 slug fest victory in Colorado
They all owned baseball on June 9, 2018
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 June 8, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB
Isaiah J. Downing, Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
For an explanation of how WOB works, click here.
Paul Goldschmidt went 3 for 5 with a pair of homers, driving in 3, as the Diamondbacks topped Colorado, 9-4.
Khris Davis homered twice in the A’s 7-2 win over the Royals.
Mike Montgomery allowed 1 run over 6 innings to lead the Cubs past Pittsburgh, 3-1.
Trevor Bauer threw 8 strong innings, allowing 1 run and struck out 12 Tigers to earn the 4-1 victory for Cleveland.
They all owned baseball on June 8, 2018
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.
Sully Baseball Podcast – What to do with the Diamondbacks – May 24, 2018
Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America
The Diamondbacks got off to an amazing start and then went into a free fall.
Now they are mediocre and need to do something to rise above it.
Talking snakes in this episode of Sully Baseball.
While we are at it, enjoy the In Memoriam video.
Who Owns October (#WOO) Tallies Updated For October 7, 2017
John McDonnell/The Wahington Post
With 2 swings of a bat the entire post season changed for the Nationals. They were about to go down 0-2 and looked limp heading to Wrigley. Now they are tied with Max Scherzer in the bump.
That’s a big difference.
Meanwhile, despite having starters prone to the long ball, LA is back to their winning ways and just needs one win in the desert to move on.
So who owned October?
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.
At the end of the post season, we will see who had the highest WOO total as a pitcher and a hitter.
A complete description of the rules can be found HERE.
From October 67
2017 National League Division Series Game 2:
Receiving 1 WOO
Sean Doolittle locked down the Nationals 6-3 final against the Cubs to knot up the series, 1-1.
Logan Forsythe singled 3 times, drove in a run and scored 3 times in the Dodgers 8-5 win against Arizona.
Kenley Jansen retired all 5 batters he faced to record the save as the Dodgers topped the Diamondbacks, 8-5.
Ryan Zimmerman broke an 8th inning tie with a dramatic 3 run homer to lead the Nationals to a 6-3 victory over the Cubs.
Receiving 1/2 WOO
Archie Bradley struck out 4 batters in 2 innings, allowing 1 unearned run but it was too little too late in the Diamondbacks 8-5 loss to the Dodgers.
Paul Goldschmidt hit a 2 run homer in the first to give the Diamondbacks and early lead against the Dodgers but they did not hold it for an 8-5 final.
Jon Lester allowed 2 hits and 1 run over 6 strong innings. He did not get the decision in the Cubs 6-3 defeat in Washington.
Anthony Rizzo launched a 2 run homer that broke a tie but the Cubs bullpen blew the 6-3 game to Washington.
Current WOO Totals MLB 2017
Hitters ‘WOO’ MLB 2017,
Jose Altuve – Astros 1, Jay Bruce – Indians 1, Kris Bryant – Cubs 1, Carlos Correa – Astros 1, Logan Forsythe – Dodgers 1, Brett Gardner – Yankees 1, Yan Gomes – Indians 1, Ketel Marte – Diamondbacks 1, Justin Turner – Dodgers 1, Ryan Zimmerman – Nationals 1, Starlin Castro – Yankees 1/2, Brian Dozier – Twins 1/2, Paul Goldschmidt – Diamondbacks 1/2, Sandy Leon – Red Sox 1/2, J. D. Martinez – Diamondbacks 1/2, Anthony Rizzo – Cubs 1/2, Gary Sanchez – Yankees 1/2, Trevor Story – Rockies 1/2, Christian Vazquez – Red Sox 1/2,
Pitchers ‘WOO’ MLB 2017,
Trevor Bauer – Indians 1, Sean Doolittle – Nationals 1, Kyle Hendricks – Cubs 1, Kenley Jansen – Dodgers 1, Clayton Kershaw – Dodgers 1, Dallas Keuchel – Astros 1, Robbie Ray – Diamondbacks 1, David Robertson – Yankees 1, Josh Tomlin – Indians 1, Justin Verlander – Astros 1, Archie Bradley – Diamondbacks 1/2, Jaime Garcia – Yankees 1/2, Zack Godley – Diamondbacks 1/2, Jon Lester – Cubs 1/2, David Price – Red Sox 1/2, Chris Rusin – Rockies 1/2, Stephen Strasburg – Nationals 1,
Who Owned Baseball August 3, 2017 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2017 #WOB Standings
Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune
Paul Goldschmidt launched 3 homers, drove in 6 and scored 4 to help the Diamondbacks win a wild, rain soaked 10-8 slugfest over the Cubs.
Brandon Moss hit 2 homers as the Royals beat the surging Mariners, 6-4.
Ty Blach pitched 8 strong innings, allowing 2 hits and launched a 3 run home run of his own as the Giants took the final Bay Bridge match up over Oakland, 11-2.
Corey Kluber gave the Indians a much needed complete game victory, allowing 3 hits and 1 run while striking out 11 Yankees in the 5-1 final.
They all owned baseball on August 3, 2017
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Sully Baseball Podcast – Talking DBacks with Jesse Friedman and Remembering the 1995 Indians – July 1, 2017
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America
Jessie Friedman, host of The Rattle podcast, joins the podcast to talk about the surprising Arizona Diamondbacks. And I decide which Indians team was the one that should have won.
We find hope in the desert in this episode of Sully Baseball.
Subscribe to The Rattle by clicking HERE.
Who Owned Baseball June 11, 2017 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2016 #WOB Standings
Anthony Gruppuso/USA Today Sports, via Reuters
Aaron Judge continued his insane month, reaching base 5 times, launching a pair of homers, one being the longest tracked in New Yankee Stadium and drove in 4 as the Yankees demolished Baltimore again, 14-3.
Paul Goldschmidt collected 3 hits, including a homer and 4 RBI to lead Arizona past Milwaukee, 11-1.
Austin Bibens-Dirkx threw 7 innings, allowing 3 hits and 1 run, earning the 5-1 decision for the Rangers over Washington.
Robbie Ray struck out 12 Brewers over 6 2/3 shutout innings as the Diamondbacks rolled, 11-1.
They all owned baseball on June 11, 2017
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Who Owned Baseball May 5, 2017 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2017 #WOB Standings
Getty Images
Paul Goldschmidt reached base 4 times, homered twice and drove in 5 of the Diamondbacks 6 runs as they held on against Colorado, 6-3.
Lance Lynn pitched 6 shutout innings, allowing 4 hits and struck out 6 Braves as the Cardinals rolled, 10-0.
Kendrys Morales launched 2 homers, added a third hit and finished with 5 RBI as the Blue Jays beat the Rays, 8-4.
Michael Fullmer struck out 9 Oakland batters over 8 innings, giving up 1 earned run and 1 unearned run as Detroit won, 7-2.
They all owned baseball on May 5, 2017
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Can These 11 MLB Hitters Continue Making the Most of Their Fly Balls in 2017?
You’d be hard-pressed to find a baseball fan who doesn’t dig watching home runs. If you indeed dig them, the 2016 season was one of the best years to track the long ball in recent memory.
There were 111 different players who reached the 20-homer plateau, which is a new record and a substantial increase to 2015, where only 64 players slugged that many baseballs over the fence. The most beautiful part of it all? Not all 20-plus homer hitters are created equally, which we’ve touched upon a couple of times this winter.
While they can also happen on line drives, the home runs usually result from fly balls. Obviously, for someone to accumulate a lot of round-trippers in any given season, a healthy fly-ball rate (FB%) is necessary.
So, it makes sense as to why 100 of the above players produced a fly-ball rate in 2016 north of 30% (including 53 with a fly-ball rate of at least 40%). That also leaves us with an interesting group who didn’t put the ball in the air as frequently, and they probably wouldn’t mind it happening again in 2017.
Here are the 11 hitters who managed to enter the 20-homer club last year without a fly-ball rate above 30%.
2017 MLB Regular Season Player Prop Bet Odds Part 1
On this list of player over/unders it may be worth a well solution to wager over on all bets across the board and go for about a 60 percent win factor. I did bet a few unders on the sheet towards the end. I continue to find value on the whole gambling aspect of listed odds. I will throw down some more money on these selections. I am just hoping that I don’t become too over-confident for my own good.
With less than 2 months until the regular season begins, we are starting to see some prop bets show up online and in Las Vegas.
Come back by the start of March to see Over/Under wins for all 30 MLB clubs, and also when they decide to implement individual player prop bets.
With so many MVP candidates and Cy Young type pitchers, we are favoring Over a lot more than Under yet again in 2017.
We compiled a 6 – 0 individual player bet prop record, and were not so hot on these props listed, but we still managed a .500 record even for those.
part 2 will be at the end of February.. Read the rest of this entry
Chicago Cubs Payroll In 2017 + Contracts Going Forward
Look, there is no way to sugar coat it, the Jason Heyward contract is about the biggest dumpster fire of a contract there may ever be. Having said that, everyone receives one mulligan.
Even 3 time World Series winning GM Brian Sabean has had a horrible Matt Cain contract to contend with the last half decade.
Theo Epstein hasn’t made too many blunders – and winning a World Series with both the Red Sox and now the Cubs has solidified a position for him in Cooperstown.
Also lucky is the brilliant signing of Anthony Rizzo of a 7 YR deal prior to 2013, and when he asserted himself as a perennial MVP contender.
Despite carrying a projected payroll in 2017 of around $171 MIL – the team has plenty of expiring contracts in the name of Jake Arrieta, Wade Davis, Jon Lackey, Jon Jay, Pedro Strop, Miguel Montero and Koji Uehara. to replenisg te talent again in 2018 – and going forward
There are only 4 players signed for $79.2 MIL so far.
The Rizzo longterm deal a perfect contrast to the Heyward pact. Should Rizzo’s Team Options be picked up for 2020 and 2021 (for $16.5 MIL each year), then the club will still only have paid him $74 MIL from 2013 – 2021, spanning 9 years at an Annual Value of $8.2 MIL. That is completely lights out for the organization going forward.
The one factor of brilliantly drafting and then rostering a club full of guys the same age is that they are all on entry level contracts for a few years before the squad becomes increasingly expensive before Arbitration rights kick in.
2018 will see Kris Bryant, Kyle Hendricks and Addison Russell all hit 1st year Eligible on Arbitration, and then 2019 has Javier Baez, Kyle Schwarber, Willson Contreras and Carl Edwards JR. hit the 1st year.
it will be at this point the team shoots up the salary page.
Other than Jon Lester, Heyward and Ben Zobrist, there are no real big salaries on the table for the team to digest.
The biggest dilemma will be the status of Jake Arrieta. My guess is that he will want too much money and walk away from the Cubs.
More important than that even is simply signing Free Agents (not named Arrieta) by Epstein.
Epstein is creative. It is okay to figure out a Starting Pitcher in Free Agency, and also add another Closer if need be. Who knows, by 2018, Hector Rondon and Carl Edwards JR. may be able to lock down that role.
There is still money to spend in the 2017 and 2018 winter markets for sure.
Also playing in the NL Central provides them with security of being able to outspend all the other teams – with the Cardinals only being in the atmosphere.
It is not like they are fighting in the tough NL West with the Giants and high spending Dodgers. It will still mean facing off against those clubs. and contending with the aging Nationals roster, and New York Mets young staff for a few seasons.
Wrigley Field will be sold out, the revenue streams will break out to record levels, all freely flowing cash into the Ricketts family pockets.
The good news is they are not in cap hell yet The bad news is that it would only take one more bad deal/paired with Heyward, in order to prevent the club from signing all of their young superstars to extensions.
Epstein is too smart for that. Look for high value Annual Average Value’s that have expiring contracts before the 2018 and 2019 seasons. I wouldn’t be surprised if they trade for an existing ace pitcher.
Think Zack Greinke now, or a guy like Justin Verlander in 2018 or 2019, where the other club may eat some of the salary, ask for a high level prospect, and then have a legitimate Starter to lug some innings in the playoffs.
I also wouldn’t be surprised if the brass orchestrates a trade for a guy like Chris Archer – or Sonny Gray (midway through this year if he has healed himself).
Maybe it would cost you a Javier Baez, or a combinations of Carl Edwards JR./Albert Almora JR. to do it, however with Ben Zobrist still in town, defense alignment can be configured in a lot of different ways for at least the next 2 – 3 years.
Like I stated in the Giants Payroll article, the new CBA has also reeled in the Dodgers spending $300 MIL on team payroll. The best thing that could happen for the Cubs is if Clayton Kershaw were to opt out of his deal beyond 2017.
That would either bring up the price for the Dodgers to sign him, or even give them the chance to sign the guy themselves. Yes. the Cubs have more flexibility than the Dodgers for at least a couple of offseasons.
Guaranteed Contracts/POS/AGE:
Jason Heyward – OF (28): With a grand sum of $184 MIL from 2016 – 2023 ( 8 years) this is a brutal deal – and the club is lucky to have already won a World Series in season 1 of this pact.
Heyward will make an astonishing $28.2 MIL for both the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Epstein at least frontloaded the contract to erase some of the burden by the time the young talent comes up for raises.
This deal is the 13th richest in history for a guy who carried a .631 OPS. in 2016 I tend to think that Heyward will be closer to his Career OPS of .761 the next few years with the pressure somewhat off him now.
Hit him 7th or 8th and let him work out his kinks. Defense is at least not a problem here with him winning a 4th Gold Glove.
This could end bad in 2017 – with Heyward riding pine for some of the year – if the club opts to use Zobrist, Schwarber and the tandem of Jon Jay and Almora JR. as the OF.
You also have to think that Joe Maddon won’t hesitate to find Willson Contreras reps as well.
Jon Lester – SP (33): Lester is in the 3rd year of a 7 YR/$165 MIL deal, and is set to reel in $25 MIL in 2017. The deal calls for $27.5 MIL in both 2018 and 2019, before scaling back to $20 MIL in 2020.
There is a 2021 Club Option as well. Details on that: $25M Team Option, $10M Buyout option guaranteed with 200 innings in 2020 or 400 IP in 2019-20.
With the Buyout that large, the man would have to fall from grace hard, to not get the Option. Although he would be nearly 40, $15 MIL extra will probably not be that bad.
Lester is worth every dollar the club has spent so far. It is hard to find playoff proven commodities on the open market.
Ben Zobrist – UT (36): Zobrist is the only player in the MLB who was won 2 straight World Series, as also being a member of the 2015 WS Champ KC Royals.
With the availability to play 5 defensive positions, Zobrist was the perfect compliment to the Cubs defensive roster in 2016 – although he played predominantly at 2B.
With the emergence of Baez in the playoffs, he will likely rove more around in 2017.
Zobrist earns $16.5 MIL in both 2017 and 2018 – before retreating back to $12.5 MIL in 2019. He will be in his Age 39 season at that point, and it may not look so hot at that point, but one can’t argue at his flexibility on the Roster providing so many options in the title run.
You can even say that his positional switching gives the club a better chance to hold onto Kyle Schwarber (instead of trading him in the American League).
John Lackey – SP (38): Lackey joined Lester, David Ross. and Epstein as guys who have won World Series in 2013 with Boston and the Cubs in 2016. He will make $16 MIL in 2017 before hitting Free Agency in 2018.
Lackey lugged 188.1 IP and gave the Cubs a 3.35 ERA in the process. It doesn’t even matter that he was being pulled in the early innings of the postseason.
Jake Arrieta – SP (31): Arrieta earns a tidy $15.6 MIL this year and will likely head out into Free Agency as a Scott Boras client. Unfortunately the man is going to be 32 heading into 2018.
I would not offer him higher than a 4 year deal at $20 – $21 MIL after, yet that will not get the job done when he hits the open market. Someone will pony up 5 YRs/$125 MIL for him, you watch.
Miguel Montero – C (34); Montero will make $14 MIL in 2017 – and I am not sure he will Catch more than about 60 games. Contreras at last is on an entry level contract to offset this salary. I am surprised the team has not ventured out to trade him.
Wade Davis – CL (32): It cost the club Jorge Soler and 4 years of Team Control, yet this was the way to go. $10 MIL for one year of Davis (who Closed for the 2015 wS Champion Royals) is smart business practice.
To acquire an elite Reliever such as this is a great move – when you consider the Yankees, Dodgers and Giants spent $86 MIL, $80 MIL and $62 MIL to sign Aroldis Chapman, Kenley Jansen and Mark Melancon respectively.
Soler was going to be their 7th option as an OF. Davis, by the way, has a 0.83 ERA in 32.2 IP for his postseason career – and has carried a mid 1 ERA from 2014 – 2016 as a late inning Reliever – spanning 183 IP.
I would also think the club will extend the Qualifying Offer to him this winter ( $17.5 – $19 MIL range for one year), so they may even recover a 2nd or 3rd Draft Pick back all for just $10 MIL.
Jon Jay – OF (32): Has a 2017 contract or $8 MIL to play OF. He has a career .352 OBP, so could hit 1st or 9th for Maddon, working as an on base guy for the big boppers. Brilliant little move.
Anthony Rizzo – 1B (28): Rizzo will take him $7 MIL for 2017, coming after the heels of an ALL-Star, Gold Glove, Silver Slugger and top 4 MVP season in which he clubbed 30+ HRs and added 100 RBI for a 2nd straight season.
Rizzo also makes $7 MIL in 2018, $12 MIL in 2019, and two Team Options in a row call for $16.5 MIL and $2 MIL Buyouts for both 2020 and 2021.
It is contracts like this that setup championship caliber clubs for the organization.
Other valued deals that compare to it last decade or so. Paul Goldschmidt (5 YRs/$32.5 MIL), Madison Bumgarner (6 YRS/$35.6 MIL) and Andrew McCutchen ( 6 YRs/$51 MIL) that coincided with 4 straight top 5 NL MVP finishes.
Rizzo should challenge for an MVP every year of that remains on this deal.
Koji Uehara – RP (42): $6 MIL for one year seems like a lot or a guy of his age, but Uehara has plenty of playoff/Closer experience that is invaluable to a club like this. I would take it easy on him in the regular season and save the bullets for playoffs.
Hector Rondon – RP (29): $5.8 MIL for this former Closer is not a bad deal in 2017. Rondon has one more year left of Arbitration before hitting Free Agency in 2019. He has 77 Saves and a career ERA of 2.97.
Brian Duensing – SP/RP (33): Makes $2 MIL in 2017 and a Free Agent in 2018. A spot start here and extra Bullpen arm,
Justin Grimm – RP (29): Avoided Arbitration with a $1.8 MIL, has 2 more years left of Arbitration before he is a Free Agent.
Total Money for this Category for 2017: $157.5 MIL (13 Players)
Arbitration Eligible/POS/AGE
3rd year
Pedro Strop – RP (33): Is projected to to earn $5.5 MIL in Arbitration, and is a Free Agent in 2018.
Total Money for this Category for 2017: $5.5 MI: Total money is now $163 MIL
Pre-Arbitration – Entry Level Contracts:
Tommy La Stella – INF (28): Is Arbitration Eligible from 2018 – 2020 and a Free Agent in 2021.
Kyle Hendricks – SP (27): Is Arbitration Eligible from 2018 – 2020 and a Free Agent in 2021.
Kris Bryant – 3B Is Arbitration Eligible from 2018 – 2021 as a “Super 2” and a Free Agent in 2021. Bryant is only 25 Years old, and will have 4 years of Arbitration kick in starting next season.
Since the club opted to start his 2015 after the 10 days of service time, they wll retian his rights until the end of 2021. Bryant is on pace to end up recording Arbitration cash if he keeps his career trajectory.
The club should really look to extend him similar to the Mike Trout 6 YRs.$144 MIL deal he got.
Addison Russell – SS (23): Is Arbitration Eligible from 2018 – 2021 as a “Super 2” and a Free Agent in 2022.
Comparisons to an extension similar to what he may get are: Jason Kipnis and Matt Carpenter (6 YRs and $52 MIL)
Matt Szczur – UT (28): Is Arbitration Eligible from 2019 – 2021 and a Free Agent in 2022.
Javier Baez – 2B/3B (24): Is Arbitration Eligible from 2019 – 2021 and a Free Agent in 2022.
Mike Montgomery – SP/RP (29): Is Arbitration Eligible from 2019 – 2021 and a Free Agent in 2022.
Kyle Schwarber – OF (24): Is Arbitration Eligible from 2019 – 2021 and a Free Agent in 2022.
Willson Contreras – C (25): Is Arbitration Eligible from 2022 – 2022 and a Free Agent in 2023.
Albert Almora JR – OF (23): Is Arbitration Eligible from 2022 – 2022 and a Free Agent in 2023.
Rob Zastryzny – RP (25) Is Arbitration Eligible from 2022 – 2022 and a Free Agent in 2023.
Total Money for this Category for 2017: $6.0 MIL MIL Toral Money Oveall – $169.0 MIL
Buyouts/Dead Money
Jason Hammel – $2 Million Buyout for 2017 that was agreed to in a gentleman’s deal. There is no dead money on he books past 2017 thus far.
Conclusions:
Despite the Heyward mistake of a deal, Epstein has done everything right. It will be a constant maneuvering of the incoming talent – to surround the plethora of young superstars the club has.
The Cubs have the availability to sign an elite pitcher in Free Agency in the year or 2, or trade for one. Beyond that, the team can’t make another top 50 ALL – Time Salary roster mistake.
The brass should also investigate early extensions for Bryant, Ruseell and Contreras immediately while they may afford to wait for Hendricks and Schwarber yet.
Some sort of guaranteed money to the budget would be wise
As for Arrieta, he is just too old – an unorthodox in order to grant him the cash he will seek. Epstein has to find creative ways to bring in a #1 or $2 beyond this campaign.
Chicago is fantastic shape financially to spend as much as it takes to ensure a dynasty in the next half-dozen years.
If I were in charge I would try to limit any big historic contracts to their own young superstars from this point forwards.
Also don’t be afraid to trade one of the premiere young offensive players for a quality Starter (#1 or #2 Starter)like Baez, Contreras or Almora.
Follow @chuckbooth3024 @mlbreports
*** The views and opinions expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of mlbreports.com and their partners***
I am happy to be back at the helm of the MLB Reports, after completing my record 224 Games in the MLB Trip in 2015. It was the 4th time I have seen all 30 MLB Parks since 2008. During that time away I was fortunate to do 100 Media Interviews
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Projected Top 5 Home Run Hitters In Major League Baseball For 2017
Having nothing to do with the ALL – Star Game, and a ton to prove after inviting himself to the HR derby in San Diego, we placed a $125 bet on Stanton to win the event at +325 odds – and he won the whole thing. Now only if he could refrain from beingthe DL for 1 campaign. It was another injury plagued season for the veteran in 2016, but I still claim he will lead the league in HRs one of these years and possibly challenge 50 HRs in the process. He is our #1 pick to win the overall MLB HR crown in 2017.
With apologies to the pending Free Agents who cracked 40+ HRs in Mark Trumbo (47) and Chris Carter (41), I just don’t see them duplicating their 2016 campaigns.
I also foresee a bunch of changes to the top 6 Home Run hitters in the American League in 2017.
Newly signed Indians player Edwin Encarnacion is quite possibly the only returning top 5 guy that will be in there back to back seasons for the Junior Circuit.
Chris Carter. actually tied was the co-leader for the HR title with Nolan Arenado in 2016. and then was promptly non-tendered by the Brewers for his efforts.
Mark Trumbo hasn’t been able to parlay his HR title into a Free Agent deal either. I think this may play a huge factor in a 2017 regression of sorts.
Don’t get me wrong. i fully expect these gentlemen to eclipse 30+ HRs each still in 2017.
Since the top 5 overall Major League HR totals all resided in the AL in 2016 – I suspect this won’t be the case next year.
Ultimately, career years from Khris Davis and Brian Dozier will be hard to do again.
(RELATED – Top 5 Saves Leaders Projected For The MLB in 2017) Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball September 21, 2016 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2016 #WOB Standings
Gary Sanchez reached base 4 times, homering twice and powered the Yankees to an 11-5 thumping of the Rays.
Felix Hernandez threw 7 shutout innings against Toronto. He did not get the decision but the Mariners walked off 2-1 winners.
Paul Goldschmidt homered twice and provided all the offense as the Diamondbacks pushed past San Diego, 3-2.
Chad Kuhl struck out 6 Brewers in 6 innings, allowing 1 run and got the 4-1 victory for the Pirates.
They all owned baseball on September 21, 2016.
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 July 29, 2016 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2016 #WOB Standings
BENNY SIEU/AP
Junior Guerra pitched into the 9th, going 8 2/3 innings, allowing 4 hits and 1 run to earn the 3-1 victory for Milwaukee over Pittsburgh.
Tommy Pham went 2 for 4 with a homer, driving in 3 and scoring twice as the Cardinals out slugged Miami, 11-6.
Ricky Nolasco allowed 3 hits and 1 run over 8 brilliant innings. He did not get the decision but set up the Twins 2-1 win over the White Sox.
Rougned Odor doubled and hit two homers to spark Texas past the defending champion Royals, 8-3.
They All Owned Baseball on July 29, 2016.
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.
In Memoriam Video For all baseball family who have passed since 2015 ASG.
2016 Dynasty & Keeper League Top 100 Midseason Rankings
Below you can find my list of the top 100 dynasty/keeper baseball league rankings after the first half of the season. These rankings are obviously subject to change based on the performance of each player throughout the rest of the season. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me on my social media, which you can find at the end of this article. Thank you and enjoy.
1. Mike Trout (OF; LAA)
- Bryce Harper (OF; WSH)
-
Clayton Kershaw (SP; LAD)
-
Mookie Betts (OF; BOS)
-
Manny Machado (3B; BAL)
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Jose Altuve (2B; HOU)
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Kris Bryant (3B; CHC)
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Carlos Correa (SS; HOU)
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Paul Goldschmidt (1B; ARI)
10. Nolan Arenado (3B; COL)
SEE THE REST OF THE RANKINGS
Daily Fantasy MLB DFS Picks For DraftKings 7/10/16
Due to the amount of time dedicated to the analysis of my midseason top 100 prospect rankings analysis, which you can find on my blog, I will not be providing reasonings behind my DFS picks for the next few days.
I can assure you my picks below have been chosen using the same research methods I use on a daily basis. These methods include weather, B v. P stats, recent success, splits, stacks and much more. If you have any questions or comments, I will be glad to answer via social media (@dynasty_digest).
P- Carlos Carrasco (vs. New York Yankees): $11,600
P- A.J. Griffin (vs. Minnesota Twins): $7,000
SEE THE REST OF THE PICKS
Who Owned Baseball June 26, 2016 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2016 #WOB Standings
RICH SCHULTZ/GETTY IMAGES
Tyler Duffey did not allow a hit until the 6th and finished with 8 innings, 2 hits, 8 strikeouts and 1 run as the Twins clobbered the Yankees, 7-1.
Jose Fernandez struck out 13 Cubs and allowed just 4 hits and 1 run to earn the 6-1 decision for the red hot Marlins.
Lonnie Chisenhall collected 9 total bases with his 4 hits, including a homer and 3 RBI as the Indians continued to roll, 9-3, in Detroit.
Freddie Freeman reached base 4 times, including a homer and a pair of runs scored in the Braves 5-2 victory over the Mets.
They all owned baseball on June 26, 2016.
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.
Trey Rose: Daily Fantasy MLB DFS Picks For Draft Kings 4/30/16
Trey Rose (Featured BBBA Fantasy Baseball Writer/Owner – dynastydigest.sportsblog.com)
Follow @dynasty_digest Follow @mlbreports
P – Jordan Zimmermann (vs. Minnesota Twins): $10,300. Zimmermann has been absolutely dominant since joining the Tigers in the offseason. In 26 innings this season, he is 4-0, with a 0.35 ERA, 16 strikeouts, and 7 walks.
He isn’t going to get a ton of strikeouts, which could hurt in daily fantasy, but he is going to limit the runs and pitch deep into games.
In the 4 starts he has dominated this year, he has faced some very good offenses, which includes the Yankees, Pirates, Royals, and A’s. He will be facing a very lackluster offense on Saturday, the Minnesota Twins, so this should be a great match-up for Zimmermann.
P – Kevin Gausman (vs. Chicago White Sox): $7,500. Gausman put on quite a show in his season debut earlier this week. In 5 innings against the Tampa Bay Rays, he gave up 1 earned run, on 3 hits, 2 walks, and 7 strikeouts.
He was pulled in 5 innings after throwing 91 pitches. Considering that was his first game since coming off the DL, it wasn’t surprising to see him pulled out of the game early. Now that he has a game under his belt, hopefully the Orioles will let him go a little longer on Saturday.
He will be facing the Chicago White Sox, but they shouldn’t be a very tough offense to take care of for Gausman.
To see the rest of the picks, click the link below:
SEE THE REST OF THE PICKS
MLB Fantasy Daily (DFS) Picks For FanDuel – 4/30/16 + Bonus 2nd Lineup
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner)
Follow @stokes_Hunter21 @mlbreports
The Tigers have definitely heated up their lineup in the last week – and are perhaps still vastly underrated on FanDuel right now. Looking to capitalize on low values for Miguel Cabrera, Justin Upton and J.D. Martinez.
I also believe in the NY Yankees getting the better of Rick Porcello on Saturday with LHB Brett Gardner and Brian McCann. I added Starlin Castro to the fold at Fenway Park.
For some reason, the Yankees do well at Fenway for batting anyway. Plus I can’t think that Porcello will keep up his success either.
There is a lot of frontline pitchers throwing on Saturday, so I am steering clear of a a ton of cash on FanDuel. I do love Francisco Liriano vs the Reds. Heck, I love anyone against the Reds – who are starting their freefall.
The Yankees and Tigers are kind of an old unconventional duo for a couple of stacks, and that is what I am hoping for. I may play a Chase Field lineup as well – and just call it a day. Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball April 24, 2016 (Daily MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2016 #WOB Standings
JOHN MINCHILLO/AP
Anthony Rizzo hit a pair of homers, driving in four and led the Cubs to a 9-0 drubbing of the Reds.
Steven Souza Jr. homered twice and drove in three to help the Rays pound the Yankees, 8-1.
Stephen Strasburg pitched into the 8th, striking out 10 Twins batters in 7 1/3 innings. He would not get the decision but the Nationals took the wild and sometimes surreal 16 inning marathon, 6-5.
Yordano Ventura threw 7 strong innings, allowing 3 hits and 1 run as Kansas City cruised past Baltimore, 6-1.
They all owned baseball on April 24, 2016.
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.
All-Undervalued Team: Who are the MLB’s Most Under-Appreciated Players?
The Diamondbacks set themselves up for the bargain of the MLB when they signed Goldschmidt to a 5 YRs/$32 MIL deal a long time ago. The slugging 1B will only make $40 MIL over the next 4 years – which is a huge reason why the club is in such great financial position to contend right now. He would easily be worth $30 MIL+ a year on the open market right now.
Matt Musico (Featured BBBA Writer/Owner – chinmusicbaseball.com) Follow @mmusico8 Follow @mlbreports
The concept of being undervalued on the baseball field can mean different things to different people. The following players are, without a doubt, viewed as important – and most of them, crucial – pieces to the puzzle if their respective teams plan on contending in 2016.
But when it comes to public perception and the amount of media coverage popular players like Bryce Harper, Mike Trout and Clayton Kershaw get over others, there are some legitimately good ballplayers who don’t get nearly enough attention. So, I put together a starting lineup with a player from each position that I think deserves more love than they’re currently getting.
READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY
Who Owned Baseball April 5, 2016 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2016 #WOB Standings
ED ZURGA/GETTY IMAGES
Noah Syndergaard threw six shutout innings, allowing 3 hits and striking out 9 Royals in the Mets 2-0 victory.
Dallas Keuchel went 7 innings, keeping the Yankees to 3 hits and 2 runs and picked up the 5-3 decision for the Astros.
Paul Goldschmidt reached base three times, including a homer run and a bases clearing three run triple as the Diamondbacks came from behind, 11-6, over the Rockies.
Ian Kinsler went 3 for 6 with a homer, a go ahead single in the 11th and made a key defensive play in extra innings to lead the Tigers to a wild 8-7 win in Miami.
They all owned baseball on April 5, 2016.
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.
FanDuel Daily Fantasy Baseball Alert For Action Apr 5, 2016: Talking Strategy + Daily Selections
Josh Robbins (Featured Fantasy Writer/60ft6in.com) Follow @Qualcomm98
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Hi, my name is Josh Robbins. I would like to share my Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) strategy with you throughout the MLB season. Fanduel is my preferred game of skill.
If you’re not familiar with the points breakdown, here’s the format utilizing a $35 million salary cap.
Scoring System: https://www.fanduel.com/spring-training?t=lobby
1 Starting Pitcher (SP)
1 Catcher (C)
1 First Baseman (1B)
1 Second Baseman (2B)
1 Third Baseman (3B)
1 Short Stop (SS)
3 Outfielders (OF) Read the rest of this entry
MLB Reports 
Who Owned Baseball June 27, 2016 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2016 #WOB Standings
Jun 28
Posted by Paul Francis Sullivan
JOE ROBBINS/GETTY IMAGES
Kris Bryant went 5 for 5 with 3 homers, driving in 6 and scoring 4 to lead the Cubs in a wild 11-8 slugfest in Cincinnati.
Jon Gray struck out 8 Blue Jays over 7 innings, walking none and worked around a pair of homers to get the 9-5 victory for Colorado.
Nick Franklin singled, doubled and homered, driving in 5 runs as the Rays snapped their losing streak, 13-7 over Boston.
Danny Duffy pitched 8 innings, allowing 2 runs, walking none and struck out 8 Cardinals batters to earn the 6-2 decision for the Royals.
They all owned baseball on June 27, 2016.
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.
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