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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (Aug 06) – Updated Yearly 2014 #WOB Standings

Jim Mone - AP Photo

Jim Mone – AP Photo

Seth Smith got on base 3 times including a double and a go ahead 10th inning home run that proved to be the game winner, leading the Padres to a 5-4 win in Minnesota.

Dan Haren retired the first 16 hitters he faced. He pitched into the 8th inning and finished with 7 1/3 innings of 3 hit, 1 run ball, earning the 2-1 decision for the Dodgers over the Angels.

Jose Bautista singled, doubled and homered, giving the Blue Jays a critical 5-1 victory over Baltimore.

Drew Hutchison came within one out of a complete game, allowing one hit on a solo homer, striking out 8 and walking 1 as he dominated Baltimore 5-1 in Toronto.

They owned baseball on Aug 06, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (Aug 05) – Updated Yearly 2014 #WOB Standings

Photo: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Photo: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Colby Lewis pitched a complete game 6 hit shutout, striking out 7 and walking just 1 as the Rangers cruised to a 16-0 blow out of the White Sox.

Billy Butler went 4-5, with a double and a 3 run homer, helping the Royals clobber the Diamondbacks, 12-2.

Johnny Cueto threw his fourth complete game of the season, allowing just 5 hits and 2 runs and earning his 13th win of the season as the Reds topped the Indians, 9-2.

Juan Uribe hit a 3 run homer and then scored the winning run in the bottom of the 9th, giving the Dodgers a 5-4 victory against their freeway rival Angels.

They owned baseball on Aug 05, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (Aug 04) – Updated Yearly 2014 #WOB Standings

 

Andrew Nelles - AP

Andrew Nelles – AP

 

Tyler Flowers went 3-3 with 3 RBI and missed the cycle by a double in the White Sox rain shortened 5-3 victory over Texas.

Pablo Sandoval went 3-5 with a pair of 2 out RBI doubles. One tied the game and the other put the Giants ahead of the Mets for good in the 9th inning and led to the 4-3 final.

Garrett Richards threw a complete game, 5 hit shutout, striking out 9 Dodgers and giving the Angels the 5-0 win.

Santiago Casilla threw a perfect 9th to save the game for the Giants over the Mets, 4-3. (I couldn’t give it to Hudson!)

They owned baseball on Aug 04, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (Aug 03) – Updated Yearly 2014 #WOB Standings

JOE ROBBINS/GETTY IMAGES

JOE ROBBINS/GETTY IMAGES

 

David Murphy reached base 4 times, doubled, made two terrific catches and hit a 2 run bottom of the 9th homer to tie the game and set up Cleveland’s 4-3 walk off win in the 12th against Texas.

Chris Tillman threw 7 shutout innings, letting up 4 hits and walking none, helping the Orioles take a tense 1-0 game against Seattle.

Hunter Pence went 3-5 with a pair of homers and a double, driving in 4 runs and helping the Giants crush the Mets, 9-0.

Madison Bumgarner threw a complete game 2 hit shutout, walking just 1 while striking out 10 Mets and as the Giants took the 9-0 laugher.

They owned baseball on Aug 03, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (Aug 02) – Updated Yearly 2014 #WOB Standings

Pat Sullivan - AP

Pat Sullivan – AP

Brett Oberholtzer went 7 innings, allowing 6 hits, 2 runs and walking only 1 Blue Jays batter to get the 8-2 decision for Houston.

Ben Zobrist went 4-5 with a double, a stolen base, a run scored and an RBI in the Rays 10-3 win over the Angels.

Jacob deGrom pitched scoreless ball for the Mets into the 8th, finishing with 7 1/3 innings, 4 hits, 1 walk, 7 strikeouts and getting the 4-2 victory against the Giants.

Josh Harrison got on base 4 times, missing the cycle by a triple, and scored 3 of the Pirates runs as they won 8-3 in Arizona.

They owned baseball on Aug 02, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (Aug 1st) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014

FRANK FRANKLIN II/AP

FRANK FRANKLIN II/AP

 

Ryan Vogelsong threw a complete game, facing the minimum into the 8th inning. He finished allowing 2 hits, 1 run, 1 walk and earning the 5-1 decision over the Mets.

Jordy Mercer reached base 3 times including a go ahead RBI double in the 9th, helping the Pirates come from behind to take the 9-4 final in Arizona.

Justin Verlander threw 8 strong innings, allowing just 2 runs and walking no Rockies batter as the Tigers prevailed 4-2.

David Murphy went 4 for 4 with a pair of doubles, two runs scored and two RBI as the Indians cruised to a 12-2 win over Texas.

They owned baseball on Aug 01, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 31st) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014

David J. Phillip - AP

David J. Phillip – AP

Nolan Reimold homered twice including a go ahead 9th inning shot that gave the Blue Jays a 6-5 win in Houston.

Ben Revere got 4 hits, scored 2, drove in one and stole a base, helping the Phillies top the Nationals, 10-4.

Yordano Ventura pitched 7 strong innings, allowing just 1 earned run and struckout 7, getting the 6-3 decision for the Royals over the Twins, 6-3.

Clayton Kershaw threw a complete game, letting up a single run, struck out 9 and walked no Atlanta batters and earned the 2-1 victory for the Dodgers.

They owned baseball on July 31, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 30th) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014

Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times

Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times

Matt Kemp reached base 4 times including a homer and a walk off single in the 10th, giving the Dodgers a 3-2 victory over the Braves.

Nick Castellanos went 2-4 with a homer and 4 RBI in Detroit’s 7-2 win over the White Sox.

Zack Greinke dominated the Braves with an 8 innings, 1 run 13 strikeout performance. The bullpen blew his chance for a decision but the Dodgers walked off 3-2 winners.

Corey Kluber pitched a complete game 3 hit no walk shutout, striking out 8 as the Indians squeaked past the Mariners, 2-0.

They owned baseball on July 30, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 29th) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014

JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES

JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES

Cole Hamels pitched 8 shutout innings, striking out 8 and walking none, beating the Mets, 6-0, in what could be his final start as a Philadelphia Phillie.

Matt Kemp went 3-4 with a pair of homers in what could be HIS final day as a Dodger, helping them to an 8-4 victory over the Braves.

Alex Cobb threw 8 strong innings, allowing just 3 hits, 1 run, striking out 12 and got the 5-1 decision for the surging Rays over the Brewers.

Brett Gardner continued his hot hitting with a 4-5 performance, smacking a homer and a pair of doubles and helping the Yankees hold on in a 12-11 slugfest in Texas.

They owned baseball on July 29, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 28th) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014

Blue Jays Red Sox Baseball

Melky Cabrera reached base three times including 2 homers, 3 runs and 5 RBI, leading the Blue Jays in a 14-1 demolishing of the Red Sox.

Jake Odorizzi pitched 7 innings allowing 3 hits, 1 run and no walks, earning the decision for the Rays 2-1 over the Brewers.

Adeiny Hechavarria went 2-4 including an RBI triple that tied the game in the 9th and scored the walk off run in the Marlins wild comeback 7-6 win over the Nationals.

Vance Worley threw a 4 hit shutout over the Giants and got the 5-0 victory for the Pirates.

They owned baseball on July 28, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 27th) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014

COLIN E. BRALEY/AP

COLIN E. BRALEY/AP

Carlos Santana capped off a 9 for 14 series by getting on base 5 times with a pair of homers and 2 RBI helping the Indians top the Royals, 10-3.

Josh Harrison went 4-6 with a double and a homer and a pair of stolen bases as the Pirates won 7-5 in Colorado.

Yohan Pino allowed just 4 hits and 1 walk in 6 innings while striking out 6 White Sox batters. He did not get the decision but set up Minnesota’s 4-3 victory.

Doug Fister pitched 7 shutout innings, giving up just 3 hits and walking 1 as the Nationals took a tense 4-2 game in Cincinnati.

 

They owned baseball on July 27, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 26th) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014

(Beck Diefenbach / Associated Press)

(Beck Diefenbach / Associated Press)

Clayton Kershaw pitched the Dodgers into first place over the Giants with a complete game 2 hit 5-0 shutout in San Francisco.

Martin Prado reached base 4 times, , including a double and a homer, and drove in 5 runs. His last RBI put the Diamondbacks ahead for good in the 10th inning of their 10-6 victory in Philadelphia.

Chris Sale threw 8 shutout frames, allowing just 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 12 Minnesota batters, earning the 7-0 decision for the White Sox.

Nori Aoki went 2-4, including a key 2 run triple that sparked the Royals come from behind 7-5 win over Cleveland.

They owned baseball on July 26, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 25th) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014

AP Photo

AP Photo

Yasiel Puig tied a 113 year old Dodger franchise record by smashing 3 triples in a single game. He added a double for good measure, driving in 2 and scoring twice as the Dodgers demolished the Giants, 8-1.

Zack Greinke inched the Dodgers closer to first with 7 dazzling shutout innings, striking out 10 (including 4 in one inning) in the 8-1 blow out in San Francisco.

Ben Zobrist did not hit them hard, but he hit them often. His 4 hits helped the Rays beat the Red Sox 6-4 and win their 8th in a row.

David Price threw 8 strong innings, striking out 10 and walking none, topping his arch rival Red Sox for a 6-4 victory in Tampa Bay.

They owned baseball on July 25, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 24th) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014

TOM SZCZERBOWSKI/GETTY IMAGES

TOM SZCZERBOWSKI/GETTY IMAGES

Marcus Stroman pitched a no hitter into the 7th, finishing the game with 7 shutout 1 hit innings, striking out 7 as the Blue Jays thrashed the Red Sox, 8-0.

Brandon Moss got on base 3 times and hit a grand slam (that won me and everyone else in attendance a pizza!) helping the A’s clobber the Astros 13-1.

Matt Garza threw 8 innings of 2 hit ball, allowing just 1 run on a solo homer and earned the 9-1 win for the Brewers over the Mets.

Rene Rivera led a rare offensive outburst for the Padres, going 3-5 with a homer and 3 RBI in the 13-3 drubbing of the Cubs.

They owned baseball on July 24, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 23rd) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014

AP

AP

Bartolo Colon threw a no hitter for 6 2/3 innings and finished with 7 1/3 innings of 3 hit 1 walk ball and the Mets hung on for a 3-2 win in Seattle.

Mark Reynolds helped the Brewers continue their winning ways with 3 hits including a pair of homers in the 5-1 victory over Cincinnati.

Alex Cobb pitched 7 innings of shutout ball, striking out 10 and walking none as the surging Rays topped St. Louis, 3-0.

Yoenis Cespedes homered twice, driving in 5 runs. The game would tighten up but Oakland won 9-7 over Houston.

They owned baseball on July 23, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 22nd) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014

Morry Gash - AP

Morry Gash – AP

Jonathan Lucroy homered twice, including a walkoff shot in the 9th inning, giving the Brewers a 4-3 win over the Reds.

Carlos Santana went 4-5 with a homer and a pair of doubles, driving in a pair and scoring twice, leading the Indians past the Twins, 8-2.

Jacob deGrom pitched 7 strong innings, allowing just 1 run and 1 walk while striking out 7 Mariners, earning the 3-1 decision for the Mets.

Miguel Gonzalez pitched into the 8th, finishing with 7 2/3 innings of 3 hit, 2 run ball as the Orioles defeated the Angels, 4-2.

They owned baseball on July 22, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 21st) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014

Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images

Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images

Chris Sale struck out 8 Kansas City batters in 7 innings, letting up just 1 run and earning the 3-1 victory for the White Sox.

David Ortiz homered twice, driving in 4, as the Red Sox crushed the Blue Jays 14-1.

Wily Peralta allowed just 3 hits, 1 run and 2 walks over 7 innings as the Brewers beat the Reds 5-2 and retained first place.

Hunter Pence went 3 for 5, drove in a pair of key runs, including an RBI triple and scored another, helping the Giants come from behind in Philadelphia, 7-4.

 

They owned baseball on July 21, 2014.

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How All Of The Angels Hitters Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree

 

DiPoto has constructed a team that has great power when healthy, and have the best player in baseball in Mike Trout, however a lot of the transactions on offense had nothing to do with the man.   As you will see in the Roster Tree, a lot of the guys have been Drafted before the DiPoto era.  I will say he has done a better job in the last year, than in his 1st 2 years at the helm.  The club has a short window to compete, before a lot of the team becomes older, all making too much money.

DiPoto has constructed a team that has great power when healthy, and have the best player in baseball in Mike Trout, however a lot of the transactions on offense had nothing to do with the man. As you will see in the Roster Tree, a lot of the guys have been Drafted before the DiPoto era. I will say he has done a better job in the last year, than in his 1st 2 years at the helm. The club has a short window to compete, before a lot of the team becomes older, all making too much money.  This is not an article about retracting our earlier stated points, but rather to say that maybe DiPoto is becoming a little wiser as a GM lately.   When all is said and done, with the payroll and talent within this team, they should be in contention for a Division Pennant and Post Season every year.

How All Of The Angels Hitters Were Acquired:

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

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Here at the MLB Reports we have taken a hard line at how the Angels have conducted business for the last several years.

From Sully (our lead Audio Personality and creator of “Sullymetrics”), to our ‘chief writer’ Hunter Stokes, to even myself at certain times – we have poured cold water on their efforts in assembling this current team.

I maybe the less culpable of the three, as I did predict this club to win the 2012 World Series, however one thing we all agreed on was Mike Scioscia‘s crazy insistence on batting Raul Ibanez 4th when he was so brutal for the team.

The fact they signed him wasn’t very great either, when Kendrys Morales would have fit the bill perfectly.

Among the observations we had, was criticizing GM Jerry DiPoto for some of his moves since taking over as GM of the club in late 2011.

A litany of poor roster decisions was part of the problem. 

The club wasted $16 MIL on Joe Blanton, paid for an injured Reliever in Ryan Madson, who never even pitched for the club.

The Sean Burnett injury problems I will not fault him for. Read the rest of this entry

The Cardinals Struggles In 2014 So Far Might Point To Accumulation Of Roster Changes Since 2011

After St. Louis won the 2011 World Series, they lost their world class 1B Free Agent player in Albert Pujols.  It was the right move, and Michael Wacha was the compensation pick, so one wouldn't even make the trade for the Cardinals former legend.  However much like the Mariners in the late 90's lost Johnson,  Griffey and Rodriguez, that team had a league record 116 wins in 2001.  The Cards have back to back NLCS Appearances, and lost the World Series in 2013, however despite being chalked with young talent, is that they still have lost several key components to their team in the last 3 years.  Somewhere the franchise might have to slow down for a brief spell.

After St. Louis won the 2011 World Series, they lost their world class 1B Free Agent player in Albert Pujols. It was the right move (10 YRs/$250 MIL is too much), and Michael Wacha was the compensation pick, so one wouldn’t even make the trade for the Cardinals former legend. However much like the Mariners in the late 90’s lost Johnson, Griffey and Rodriguez, that team had a league record 116 wins in 2001. The Cards have back to back NLCS Appearances, and lost the World Series in 2013, however despite being chalked with young talent, is that they still have lost several key components to their team in the last 3 years. Somewhere the franchise might have to slow down for a brief spell.

In no way am I going to slag the best run franchise in the MLB.  We are talking about the quintessential template of how to run your team in the modern world of baseball.

All I am projecting in this article is that every team goes through a stretch of play where they may not be performing to capabilities.

Some of these problems may even persist for a whole campaign.

The 2011 Cardinals won the World Series, and then after losing their future hall of fame legend in Albert Pujols, were able to bring in Free Agents Carlos Beltran to help offset the power headed out the door.

The move paved the way for another final four finish.  In fact, St. Louis held a 3 – 1 NLCS lead before the Giants won 3 straight.

2013 saw their young players come to fruition at the same time, and it mixed perfectly with their cagey Veteran core.

The organization had 6 players in the top 100 prospects as listed by http://www.mlb.com – and most of them have seen time with the big club thus far. Read the rest of this entry

Angels Last Remaining Team To Be Bageled In 2014, But The Offense Is Struggling Of Late

DiPoto has constructed a team that has great power when healthy, and have the best player in baseball in Mike Trout, but this club has a tough time not striking out, and worse is that they also don't draw Walks.  Their last few year offensive acquisitions in Ibanez, Stewart, Freese, Cowgill and Iannetta

DiPoto has constructed a team that has great power when healthy, and have the best player in baseball in Mike Trout, but this club has a tough time not striking out, and worse is that they also don’t draw Walks. Their last few year offensive acquisitions in Ibanez, Stewart, Freese, Cowgill and Iannetta have fanned 123 times in just 371 total AB in 2014, while only walking 41 total combined times in the same time frame.  They have only attributed 11 HRs and 47 RBI for their efforts as well.  The Slash Line is .202/.292/.340 for those guys. Can the core guys of Trout, Pujols, Hamilton (when back), Kendrick and Aybar make up for the anemic production they are receiving?

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Last night the Rangers finally did what no one else has done in 2014 thus far, Shutout the Rockies 5 – 0.

While Nolan Arenado was able to extend his hitting streak to 28, the Rox failed to plate a runner.

This leaves the Los Angeles Angels as the only team left in the MLB to not have suffered zero runs in a game.

I am not giving the title to LA yet, as they have played 4 less game than the Rockies.  Technically calendar wise, the Halo’s pulled of the feat, but lets see if they can make it through the weekend in Canada without being Shutout.

I think Los Angeles has a great chance in the next 4 games to score at Skydome, so if I could place a wager on the thing I would. Read the rest of this entry

30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 5 – Apr. 2014

The Astros have helped pad the stats for teams like the A's, Rangers and Angels offenses and Run Differentials so far,  Having this cupcake team will definitely help your playoff chances with the weighted divisional play.

The Astros have helped pad the stats for teams like the A’s, Rangers and Angels offenses and Run Differentials so far in 2014, Having this cupcake team will definitely help your playoff chances with the weighted divisional play.  I will be amazed if they finish out of last in the American League this year, and maybe only the Chicago Cubs will challenge them for the 1st overall pick again for the 2015 MLB Amateur Draft.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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We are now at the 13 – 14% pole of the MLB year.  Parity is reigning supreme on the standings.

For the record, while I love the Milwaukee start, they are just too many variables for them to keep up this pace.

Don’t get me wrong, i think this team is capable of making the playoffs, winning 90 games, but it could be eliminated as fast as they have compiled this record.

Ryan Braun’s thumb could require surgery. Ramirez’s knee’s could fail him.

Considering last night’s situation with Braun and Gomez, that could alter the playing field for the NL.

The suspension laid down for the brawl with the Pirates could also sway some momentum.  Good on Milwaukee for starting 18 – 6.  I just think the Cards will track them down in the next 138 games. 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 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 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):

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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.

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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 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 in 2014.

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):

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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.

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St. Louis Cardinals State Of The Union: 2014 Preview

2013 was a stellar year for the Saint Louis Cardinals, just falling short of capturing the franchises 12th World Series title. Though St. Louis may have arguably lost their best offensive power hitter of 2013, Carlos Beltran, St. Louis is well armed and poised to return to the Fall Classic for the 2nd straight season.

2013 was a stellar year for the Saint Louis Cardinals, just falling short of capturing the franchises 12th World Series title. Though St. Louis may have arguably lost their best offensive power hitter of 2013, Carlos Beltran, St. Louis is well armed and poised to return to the Fall Classic for the 2nd straight season an 5th Fall Classic Appearance since 2004.  The franchise has also been to 8 NLCS’s since the turn of the millennium.

By Steven Hines (Guest Cardinals Writer view his website here): 

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Much like the offseason of a year ago, St. Louis made little moves. Despite little deals made, big changes are coming to the way this team operates in 2014.

Just because the Cardinals will look different does not mean you should expect less success than that of their World Series run of 2013.

In fact, expect the 2014 Cardinals to capture their 12th World Series Championship this season.

Bold prediction or reality, you decide. Read the rest of this entry

The St. Louis Cardinals Organizational Depth Charts – Spring 2014 (Majors and MInors)

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

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For all of those websites that put off writing about the Cardinals after the World Series due to fatigue, it is time to brush up on the best run franchise in the Major Leagues.

The majority of the players in the system and in the Majors were developed by the Cardinals franchise.

Last year, I did a Roster Tree of how all of the players were acquired.  Something like 18 of the 25 players were Drafted by the club.

That is light years ahead of the next team in the race.

When you see that St. Louis has made it to the final four clubs 8 teams in 13 years, and now has made 4 trips to the World Series in a decade, you are leaving another chapter in the legacy of the franchise. Read the rest of this entry

30 MLB Team Power Rankings FEB 2014

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Not withstanding the last few signings in the MLB, noteworthy is Bronson Arroyo to the Diamondbacks, and Paul Maholm to the Los Angeles Dodgers, these will not effect the grand scheme for the rankings of all clubs.

Nelson Cruz is still available, and I would be very surprised if he doesn’t ink a deal with the Mariners.  This would put them slightly ahead of the Angels if done, as oppose to a dead heat right now.

There are no real surprises to be had here.

The Orioles, Blue Jays and Pirates have had the worst offseasons, while the Rangers, Royals, Rays, Giants, Yankees, Cardinals and Dodgers have helped out their causes for the upcoming campaign.

30 MLB Team Power Rankings MAR 2014

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Los Angeles Angels Of Anaheim State Of The Union: Is It Time For Jerry DiPoto To Be Fired?

Mike Trout must feel like he will receive some better help from a full season of Pujols coming.  Heading into the 2013 campaign, they looked to have almost a historic 1 - 4 lineup.  Instead. it was a disaster.  Maybe the 2014 year will be different.

Mike Trout must feel like he will receive some better help from a full season of Pujols coming. Heading into the 2013 campaign, they looked to have almost a historic 1 – 4 lineup. Instead. it was a disaster. Maybe the 2014 year will be different.  With players like Vernon Wells and Joe Blanton still collecting money on the payroll – to the tune of $26 MIL in 2014, their teams salary structure is a disaster.  Those two guys are really horrible – or not even playing for LA anymore.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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“Stoking The Fire” – Week 10

As someone who follows the Angels from a distance, I have had it with Jerry DiPoto.

Whether it is the direction of the team’s brass that has been affected, or Arte Moreno himself, this team is heading on a one way ticket to salary hell.

So how does the GM respond this winter?

He trades his 2nd, 4th and possibly 5th best OF on the Roster Depth away – without yielding a OF back in return.

He has added on a couple of players (David Freese and Raul Ibanez) that Strikeout as much as the rest of the clan.  Good work man!

Am I missing something? Does he not see this is the recipe for disaster?

Angels 2013 preview – 2014 wont be as optimistic:

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Updated Odds To Win The 2014 World Series As Of Right Now

The last time the Tigers won a World Series was 1984.  They have not improved their chances quite yet in the offseason.  Absolute worst odd on the board as the #3 favorite

The last time the Tigers won a World Series was 1984. They have not improved their chances quite yet in the offseason. Absolute worst odd on the board as the #3 favorite

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

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It is unbelievable to me that the oddsmakers are giving the Angels and Blue Jays a better chance to win next year’s World Series trophy – over the San Francisco Giants and Pittsburgh Pirates.

The two defending LCS champions are listed as tied for 4th at +1000, meaning you would win 1000 dollars for every 100 dollars wagered.

The Yankees are given the same amount of odd to win next year as the Atlanta Braves and the Oakland A’s.  Based on these projections, these guys have the Yankees potentially making the playoffs. 

While I am a fan of the Bronx Bombers, this is a poor odd value, so STAY AWAY.  Wait for the Yankees to at least sign 2 – 3 Starting Pitchers before you place that kind of wager.

Let It Ride scene – A great way to find out who to bet

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Cards State Of The Union – Fall 2013: John Mozeliak + STL Brass Are Baseball’s Best ‘Rounders’

The Cardinals are the model NL Franchise, having gone to 8 out of the last 13 NLCS Matchups.  They also stand to benefit that the highest revenue teams in the MLB like New York, Boston, Los Angles (x2), Detroit, Texas and San Francisco do not reside in their Division.  At a just north of a $115 MIL payroll, they slightly hover over the Reds for highest team salary in the NL Central.  if the Cards continue to do well in player acquisitions, they will keep contending every year in the NL.

The Cardinals are the model NL Franchise, having gone to 8 out of the last 13 NLCS Matchups. They also stand to benefit that the highest revenue teams in the MLB like New York, Boston, Los Angles (x2), Detroit, Texas and San Francisco do not reside in their Division. Their team has been run the best in the MLB for over a decade.   At a just north of a $115 MIL payroll, they slightly hover over the Reds for highest team salary in the NL Central. if the Cards continue to display “Rounding techniques” in  player acquisitions, they will keep contending every year with the other big boys across baseball.  When you add the fact that the brass knows how to run a club like the Oakland A’s and Tampa Bays Rays do, but also have money to spend, then you can see how dangerous this organization has been since 2000.

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

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What is not to like about this team?

The club has appeared in 4 World Series in the last decade, 8 NLCS series since the turn of the millennium, and now with brilliant drafting and trades, the club is in outstanding position to keep it up for the next decade.

While I hated the fact they recently signed Jhonny Peralta, I understand the move because it was so smart.

This franchise addressed their two top needs this offseason, without surrendering any of their top young Pitching prospects, or even Oscar Taveras for that matter.

Did I also mention that when Carlos Beltran signs somewhere else – the club receives another pick?

Michael Wacha Tosses 8.2 IP Of No – Hit Ball 9/24/13

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Dissecting The Peter Bourjos For David Freese Deal

Peter Bourjos was moved into CF - and the LA Angels then shifted Mike Trout over to LF, based on the range of  Bourjos as an OF.  He is fast, and has shown that he can be a catalyst in a lineup.  His best year was in 2011, where he played a full season, 3 Slashing .271/.327/.765 - with 12 HRs, an AL leading 11 - 3B, 26 - 2B - and added 32 SB.  The Cardinals will have him patrol CF with them in St. Louis.  Bourjos has 3 years left of Arbitration, while Freese only has 2 years left.  The Angels also swapped their top OF prospect in the deal - for help in Reliever (but trending down) Fernando Salas.

Peter Bourjos was moved into CF – and the LA Angels then shifted Mike Trout over to LF, based on the range of Bourjos as an OF. He is fast, and has shown that he can be a catalyst in a lineup. His best year was in 2011, where he played a full season, 3 Slashing .271/.327/.765 – with 12 HRs, an AL leading 11 – 3B, 26 – 2B – and added 32 SB. The Cardinals will have him patrol CF with them in St. Louis. Bourjos has 3 years left of Arbitration, while Freese only has 2 years left. The Angels also swapped their top OF prospect in the deal – for help in Reliever (but trending down) Fernando Salas.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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It is funny how the complexion of a team can change with one deal.  For right now, I want to be on record as saying I hate the deal that the Angels made yesterday for David Freese.

The deal came down to Peter Bourjos being sent to St. Louis with Randal Gruchuk (or Grichuck as baseballreference.com lists him as –  for David Freese and Reliever Fernando Salas.)

I had thought all along (same with this website) that these two clubs should be trading partners.

But we were thinking of a heavy deal containing Mark Trumbo and Erick Aybar, for potentially Matt Adams, David Freese and/or a Starting Pitcher from the bountiful nest of the Cardinals Staff.

Peter Bourjos Inside The Park HR

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