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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June.07) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Frank Gunn

AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Frank Gunn

Shelby Miller pitched a complete game 3 hit shutout, earning the 5-0 St. Louis win in Toronto,

Kyle Gibson threw 7 shutout innings, letting up just 3 hits, as the Twins blanked the Astros, 8-0.

Hunter Pence got on base 4 times, tied the game with a 9th inning double and scored the walk off run for the Giants wild 5-4 victory against the Mets.

Salvador Perez went 3-4, missing the cycle by a triple and driving in 3 key runs for the Royals as they topped the Yankees, 8-4.

They owned baseball on June 07, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June.06) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Justin Edmonds / Getty Images

Justin Edmonds / Getty Images

Dee Gordon got on base 4 times with a pair of triples, a stolen base, two runs scored and three runs batted in, leading the Dodgers to a much needed 7-2 win in Colorado.

Torii Hunter went 3-4 with a homer and a pair of runs scored, stopping Detroit’s slide as they beat Boston 6-2.

Tanner Roark threw 8 innings of 3 hit, no walk shutout ball, striking out 11 Padres. The Nationals inched closer to first place with the 6-0 victory.

Dallas Keuchel tossed 6 innings of shutout ball in Minnesota. The bullpen nearly blew it but he got the decision for the Astros, 5-4.

They owned baseball on June 06, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June.05) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Al Behrman, Associated Press

Al Behrman, Associated Press

Madison Bumgarner pitched 8 innings of 3 hit ball, letting up a single run and walking no Reds batters. He earned his 8th victory for the Giants, 6-1.

Masahiro Tanaka cooled the hot Oakland bats with 6 innings of solid pitching, letting up a single run, as the Yankees held on to win, 2-1.

Casey McGehee went 4-5, including a double, and scored 4 runs helping the Marlins tie for first place while topping the Rays, 11-6.

Dexter Fowler got on base 4 times, scoring a pair and driving in a run, helping the Astros take a 8-5 game against the Angels.

They owned baseball on June 05, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June.04) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Photo: JACK DEMPSEY, AP

Photo: JACK DEMPSEY, AP

Miguel Montero went 3-4, drove in 6 and helped the Diamondbacks score 11 unanswered runs in the final 2 innings in a wild 16-8 victory in Colorado.

Adam Wainwright threw a shutout into the 9th inning. The bullpen would lose the lead for him but his 8 plus innings of 4 hit, 2 walk 8 strikeout ball set up the extra inning 5-2 win for the Cardinals in Kansas City,

Asdrubal Cabrera got on base 3 times including a bottom of the 12th walk off 3 run homer that sunk Boston and continued Cleveland’s winning streak, 7-4.

Hisashi Iwakuma  threw 7 shutout innings, walking no Atlanta batters and helped the Mariners continue their hot streak, 2-0.

They owned baseball on June 04, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June.03) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Henderson Alvarez pitching a complete game shutout where he walked no batters and threw only 88 pitches. The Marlins beat the Rays by the slimmest of margins, 1-0.

Drew Hutchison engaged in one of the best pitchers duels of the year. He threw 7 shutout innings against the mighty Tigers. He didn’t get the decision but he helped the Blue Jays win, 5-3.

Brandon Moss homered twice including a tie breaking shot in the 10th innings, leading the A’s to a 5-2 victory in the Bronx.

Chris Owings missed the cycle by a single, driving in a pair as the Diamondbacks topped the Rockies, 4-2.

They owned baseball on June 03, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June.02) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

USATSI

USATSI

Kyle Seager missed the cycle by a single. He doubled, tripled twice and launched a back breaking homer as the Mariners blew out the Yankees, 10-2.

Justin Masterson dominated his former team, throwing 7 innings of 3 hit shutout ball, striking out 10 and ending the Red Sox winning streak with a 3-2 win in Cleveland.

Jordy Mercer got on base 5 times, including a homer, drove in a pair and scored 4 times in the Pirates 10-3 romp in San Diego.

Clayton Kershaw threw 8 strong innings, striking out 9 and walking none, allowing the Dodgers to come from behind and beat the White Sox, 5-2.

They owned baseball on June 02, 2014.

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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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June.01) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

ED S. WARREN/AP

ED S. WARREN/AP

In a day full of remarkable pitching performances, Roenis Elias stood out with a masterful 3 hit shutout of the mighty Detroit Tigers. The Mariners won 4-0.

Brock Holt got on base 5 times with 4 doubles and a stolen base helping the Red Sox sweep the Rays with a 4-0 win and extend their winning streak to 7 games.

Kyle Lohse threw a complete game 3 hit shutout against the Cubs, 9-0, and padded the Brewers divisional lead.

Andrew McCutchen homered, smacked a pair of doubles and made a sliding catch, starring in the nationally broadcast 5-3 Pirates victory in Los Angeles.

They owned baseball on June 01, 2014.

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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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.31) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Ben Margot, Associated Press

Ben Margot, Associated Press

Yoenis Cespedes was a single shy of the cycle. He hit a go ahead triple in the 7th, blasted a game busting 3 run homer in the 8th and threw out a pair of runners at the plate, doing it all in the A’s 11-3 thumping of the Angels.

Hanley Ramirez went 4-5 with a pair of homers, 5 RBI and 4 runs scored, helping the Dodgers blow out Pittsburgh 12-2.

Masahiro Tanaka did not let up an earned run over 8 innings, giving up just 4 hits and struck out 9 Twins, picking up his 8th win for the Yankees, 3-1.

Johnny Cueto threw shutout ball into the 8th inning. He finished with 7 1/3 innings with 7 strikeouts and 1 walk leading the Reds to a 5-0 win in Arizona.

They owned baseball on May.31, 2014.

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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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.30) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Dilip Vishwanat, Getty Images

Dilip Vishwanat, Getty Images

Madison Bumgarner threw 7 three hit shutout innings, striking out 10 while only walking 1 Cardinal batter, leading the Giants to a 9-4 win.

Devin Mesoraco hit a second inning grand slam and later added a solo shot, providing most of the spark for Cincinnati’s 6-4 victory in Arizona.

Corey Kluber pitched into the 8th inning, finishing with 5 hits over 7 1/3, striking out 12 and walking 1 as the Indians topped Colorado, 5-2.

Josh Donaldson had another amazing day at the plate. He got on four times, including a pair of homers and 4 RBI as Oakland topped the Angels, 9-4

They owned baseball on May.30, 2014.

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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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.29) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Photo: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Photo: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Collmenter faced the minimum 27 batters in his brilliant 3 hit no walk complete game shutout against the Reds, earning the 4-0 win in Arizona.

Michael Morse homered and drove in the go ahead runs with an 8th inning double as the Giants came from behind to beat the Cardinals, 6-5.

Brad Peacock threw 6 solid innings, striking out 8, walking no Orioles and allowing just one run. He did not get the win but he kept Houston in the game long enough to top Baltimore 3-1 and extend their winning streak to 6 games.

Erick Aybar went 3-5 with a homer, a stolen base and 3 RBI, leading the Angels to a 7-5 win in Seattle.

They owned baseball on May.29, 2014.

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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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.28) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Ted S. Warren - AP

Ted S. Warren – AP

Felix Hernandez came within an out of a complete game, finishing with 8 2/3 innings of 4 hit, 1 walk and 9 strikeout ball. He got the 3-1 win for the Mariners over the Angels.

Josh Donaldson made his second hit of the game count. He clocked a 3 run, bottom of the 9th, come from behind walk off homer that stunned the Tigers and made the A’s 3-1 winners.

Bartolo Colon pitched shutout ball into the 8th inning. He threw 7 1/3 innings, striking out 9 and walking just one Pirate, earning the 5-0 victory for the Mets.

Paul Goldschmidt missed the cycle by a triple, driving in 3 and scoring 2, leading the Diamondbacks in a 12-6 bombing of the Padres.

They owned baseball on May.28, 2014.

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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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.27) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Lance Lynn threw a complete game 5 hit shutout, dominating the Yankees 6-0 in St. Louis.

Andre Ethier homered and hit a three run triple, leading the Dodgers past the Reds 6-3.

Collin McHugh won a tense pitchers duel by throwing 7 scoreless innings, striking out 9 Royals and walking none as the Astros won 3-0.

Adam Lind kept the torrid bats alive for Toronto, going 3-5 with a homer and 2 RBI in the 9-6 slugfest against Tampa.

They owned baseball on May.27, 2014.

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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30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Month Of May

San_francisco_giants_alternate_logo

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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*** Denotes Division Leaders

Records are before play Monday May.26, 2014

RK Team   Last Wk Rnk  ()      Current Rec –  Last 16 Days Rec

1.  ***San Francisco Giants 32 – 19 (3) 10 – 4:  The Giants have the best team in the Majors record wise, and have done so without dominate pitching, and Buster Posey hasn’t taken off yet.

The San Fran players are using the ‘someone is always on fire’ offense.  Even Brandon Hicks is clobbering HRs out of 2B.  Depth prevails here.  4 Games up on the Dodgers.

2.  ***Oakland Athletics 31 – 20 (2) 8 – 5:  The A’s did lose 3 straight to the Blue Jays, however they had scored 76 runs in 11 Games prior, and pasted 10 on the board yesterday.

Brandon Moss is an underrated slugger, and Josh Donaldson has 4 separate game HR streaks this year.

Showing that depth at Starting Pitching can do well even if players go down with TJ Surgery. Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.26) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Photo: Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photo: Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

A.J. Pollock finished a 3 hit day with a 2 out, bottom of the 9th, 2 run walk off homer to give Arizona a 7-5 win over the Padres.

Hyun-jin Ryu tried to make it back to back no hitters for the Dodgers. He took a perfect game into the 8th against the Reds before needing help from the bullpen. He would finish with 7 1/3 strong innings and a 3-2 win over the Reds.

Jonathan Schoop went 3-5 with 2 homers, leading the Orioles in a 7-6 come from behind win in Milwaukee.

Tommy Milone pitched shutout ball into the 7th inning, letting up 4 hits and helped the A’s trounce the Tigers, 10-0.

They owned baseball on May.26, 2014.

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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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.25) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Ron Cortes / McClatchy-Tribune

Ron Cortes / McClatchy-Tribune

Josh Beckett threw the first no hitter of 2014 and the first Dodger no no since 1996 as he dominated the Phillies, 6-0.

Evan Gattis homered twice, driving in 3 runs and led the Braves to a 7-0 victory against the Rockies.

Dallas Keuchel pitched a complete game victory, letting up just one unearned run, walking none, as the Astros topped the Mariners, 4-1/

Derek Jeter had a 4 hit game in the Yankees 7-1 thrashing of the White Sox.

They owned baseball on May.25, 2014.

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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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.24) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Duane Burleson, AP

Duane Burleson, AP

Rougned Odor went 4-5 with 5 RBI including a pair of triples helping the hobbled Rangers blow out the Tigers, 12-2.

R. A. Dickey pitched into the 9th innings, giving the Blue Jays 8 1/3 innings of 5 hit, 1 walk, 2 run ball. He got the victory over Oakland, 5-2.

Ben Revere went 4-4, including a double, drove in a run and scored 3, leading the Phillies to a 5-3 over the Dodgers.

Travis Wood threw 7 1/3 innings of 3 hit ball, walking just 2 batters. He earned the 3-2 decision for the Cubs in San Diego.

They owned baseball on May.24, 2014.

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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2014’s Top Home Run Hitters (MLB): HR Streaks (3 Active) (Puig, Dozier, Crawford) + Goldy’s Big Night)

Paul Goldschmidt was the best hitter in the line up for Arizona. He carried the offense for the whole season and also played stellar defense at first base for the team. There were numerous occasions during the season where Arizona needed a clutch hit and Goldschmidt came through when it mattered most. He had a .302/.401/.952 triple-slash with 36 HRs and 125 RBIs and this also included him having 332 Total Bases. He also led the National League in Extra-Base hits with 75 and was third in runs scored at 103. He gave opposing pitchers nightmares when runners were in scoring position, where he had a .338 average with 12 HRs 84 RBIs. He proved to be a very good clutch hitter where he hit 13 HRs from the seventh inning on.  In 2014, he has continued his assault on NL pitching, despite the club not faring as well.  Heading into Sunday, he has a slash line of .324/.375/.571 - and leads the NL in GP (45) PA (202) AB (182) H (59) 2B (18) XBH (27) and TB (104) and is tied for 4th in HRs with 9.

Paul Goldschmidt  carried the offense for the whole season in 2013 and also played stellar defense at first base for the DBacks. . He had a .302/.401/.952 triple-slash with 36 HRs and 125 RBIs – and this also included him having 332 Total Bases. He also led the National League in Extra-Base hits with 75 and was third in runs scored at 103. He finished 2nd in NL MVP Voting for his efforts. . In 2014, he has continued his assault on NL pitching, despite the club not faring as well. Heading into Sunday, he has a slash line of .324/.375/.571 – and leads the NL in GP (45) PA (202) AB (182) H (59) 2B (18) XBH (27) and TB (104) and is tied for 4th in HRs with 9.

Paul Goldschmidt absolutely obliterated Dodgers Pitching on Saturday night, touching them up for 2 HRs, 2 – 2B, 6 RBI 5 Runs, Added 12 Total Bases, and even walked once for good measure.

Goldschmidt also was the only MLB’er to smack 2 big flies yesterday.  Furthermore he entered a logjam of players that are now tied for 4th place in the NL with Charlie Blackmon, Carlos Gomez, Brandon Belt, Justin Upton Adrian Gonzalez and Yasiel Puig.

Speaking of Puig, he hit a HR for a 2nd straight game, and his 4th smash over the fence of the week.  He finds himself back in the top 5 in several offensive categories.

Troy Tulowitzki enjoyed home cooking again, with his 3 – 4 night, with his 12th HR to stay tied with other NL Leader Giancarlo Stanton.

Both Jose Bautista and Brian Dozier did yard work yesterday, to draw themselves in a tie for 3rd place each with Nelson Cruz of the Baltimore Orioles.

Current HR streaks that ended yesterday were Derek Dietrich at 2, and Josh Donaldson at 3 games straight, although the A’s 3B hit a Triple and added 3 RBI in the win versus the Indians in Cleveland Saturday. Read the rest of this entry

2014’s Top Home Run Hitters (MLB): HR Streaks (2 Active) (Donaldson-3,Dietrich-2) + Reddick WHAMS 2 Dingers FRI

Last year the RF was struggling mightily early in the year before he crushed a 3 HR game and a 2 HR game versus the Toronto Blue Jays at SkyDome. The LHB is a streaky hitter, but he has yet to duplicate his sustained success in the 2012 year, where he mashed 32 HRs for the year. If you look at his 2014 Slash Line, it looks a lot alike last campaign.  2013 - .226/.307/.379 - with 12 HRs and 56 RBI in 385 AB. 2014 #s now are .236/.297/.386  - with 4 HRs and 18 RBI, which is just about a 1/3rd of the totals pace from last year.

Last year Josh Reddick was struggling mightily early in the year before he crushed a 3 HR game and a 2 HR game versus the Toronto Blue Jays at SkyDome in 2 straight days.  .The LHB is a streaky hitter, but he has yet to duplicate his sustained success in the 2012 year, where he mashed 32 HRs for the whole season. If you look at his 2014 Slash Line, it looks a lot alike last campaign. 2013 – .226/.307/.379 – with 12 HRs and 56 RBI in 385 AB.  HIs 2014 #s now are .236/.297/.386 – with 4 HRs and 18 RBI, which is just about a 1/3rd of the totals pace from last year in a 1/3rd of the Games Played..

Josh Reddick has broken out of his slump and pasted the ball over the last 3 games.  His Grand Slam and 2 run HR effort last night, coupled with his HR a few nights ago, now give him 3 HRs on the year.

Reddick must continue his assault on pitching, as the team just picked up Kyle Blanks, and they are already armed with Coco Crisp, Yoenis Cespedes, Craig Gentry and Brandon Moss, all rotating through OF/DH/1B.

While Moss will see more action at the First Base Position, likely in a platoon with Blanks, both have capable ability to play RF like him.

Still for one night, it was good to see him rake the ball again, and all the Oakland fans are now bringing back the song ” Careless Whisper” by Wham, as it is the slugger’s walkup song.

Yeah, baseball players are not very superstitious are they? Read the rest of this entry

Who Owns Baseball? – 2014

Shutterstock

Shutterstock

For the second year in a row, I will be doing my own personal metric for the player and pitcher of the year.

It is called “WOB”.

I explained it last year HERE, but let me do my best to explain again, because I made some adjustments for the new season.

So what is WOB?

“Who Owns Baseball?” is my own personal “SullyMetric” for determining which player had the best performance of the day.

At the end of each day, I figure out which American League and which National League pitcher had the most memorable and admirable day. I declare each one of them as the ones who “Owned Baseball” for that day.

And because I am an absolute lunatic, I keep a tally for the whole season and see which player has the highest “WOB”.

It is not a random selection. Statistical analysis plays a big part in determining who adds to their WOB total. But there are other factors. Read the rest of this entry

New York Mets State Of The Union: 2014 Preview

The Mets are destined of another catastrophic year in Flushing Meadows.  The only saving grace may lie with the young players starting to flourish in 2014, and the 10 Year Stalwart David Wright.  A bad Bullpen. shaky rotation dependent on health, and a Strikeout laden club, with HR power, but low OBP fuels a fan to think 'what the hell is the ownership doing?

The Mets are destined for another catastrophic year in Flushing Meadows. The only saving grace may lie with the young players starting to flourish in 2014, and the 10 Year Stalwart David Wright continue to stake his claim as an ALL – Time Met. A bad Bullpen. shaky rotation dependent on health, and a Strikeout laden club, with HR power, but low OBP –  fuels a fan to think ‘what the hell is the ownership doing?  As tough a situation as it has been for the teams brass, Sandy Alderson and Moneyball’s Paul DePodesta’ have actually done spade work in rebuilding the Minor League System and big club with prospects.  I am afraid 2014 will be another dull year at Citi Field.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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To fully describe the current state of the ‘Big Apple’ franchise we must go back to Sept of 2013.

New Team icon, and filthy dominant Right Handed Pitcher, Matt Harvey was looking to put up an awesome end to his 2013 campaign, and give the Mets fans full fledged hope for the following season.

Harvey underwent Tommy John Surgery just a few months later, which has both curbed expectations, but also excitement at the same time for the upcoming year.

Sandy Alderson pursued Curtis Granderson and landed him on a 4 YRs/$60 MIL deal, and also signed SP Bartolo Colon to a 2 YR Deal worth $20 MIL.

In a smaller move, he also inked Chris Young to a deal for one year. Read the rest of this entry

Is Rushing Marcus Stroman A Good Idea? Anybody Remember A Young Roy Halladay?

Video by E. Tyler Bullock

By ‘Baseball Writer’ Steve Cheeseman 

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Is Rushing Marcus Stroman a Good Idea?

Prime pitching prospect Marcus Stroman is the pride and joy prospect of the Toronto Blue Jays.

The 22 year old out of Medford, New York is front and centre with many media outlets heading into the spring training. Consider his age, and little professional experience under his hat. Why rush him?

Stroman was drafted 22nd overall in the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft, after finishing a college career at Duke where he set the school record for strikeouts with 290 (over 222.0 innings). Read the rest of this entry

The Toronto Blue Jays State Of The Union: 2014 Preview

The SkyDome was opened in May of 1989.  For the championship ERA, the club drew 4 Million fans each per year.  In recent years, it was tough for the club to draw 2 Million fans.  In 2013, with the promise of a new club mantra, based on Free Agent signings, the team held the best year to year attendance boost in 2013.  I doubt they will be able to do this again in 2014.

The SkyDome was opened in May of 1989. For the championship ERA, the club drew 4 Million fans each per year. In recent years, it was tough for the club to draw 2 Million fans. In 2013, with the promise of a new club mantra, based on Free Agent signings, the team held the best year to year attendance boost in 2013.  If the Jays can’t spring out of the gate fast in 2014, I think the Walkup single game tickets will be tremendously affected negatively.  Toronto has not made the playoffs since winning back to back World Series in 1992 and 1993, and only them and Kansas City hold that dubious honor since the Player Strike/Lockout ensuing seasons of 1994 – 1995.

By ‘Baseball Writer’ Steve Cheeseman 

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The Toronto Blue Jays have been a franchise in question for over 20 years.  This floundering franchise has gone through 11 manager changes since winning the World Series in 1993 vs. the Philadelphia Phillies. 

2 of those managers in Cito Gaston and John Gibbons have been hired twice! The 2013 season was supposed to be the year the Jays went all the way. 

GM Alex Anthopolous numerous moves acquiring major pieces to what was supposed to be a contending team.

R.A. Dickey, Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson, Emilio Bonifacio, Maicer Izturis, Mark Buehrle, and Melky Cabrera.  Despite these additions via trade or signing….same story, different season! Read the rest of this entry

Young Guns To Watch In The MLB For 2014

“Hard Cheddar” – with ‘Baseball Writer’ Steve Cheeseman 

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Young Guns to Watch in 2014

The 2014 season is fast approaching.  With spring training just around the corner, there are many up and coming players who are on the brink of making it to the majors. Who knows!

It may also be the beginning of hall of fame careers for some of these guys.  There are also a couple of players, who are already in the majors, and look to continue their success. 

I’ve profiled 5 hitters and 5 pitchers for your reading pleasure.  Some of these guys may be a little under the radar; however I believe they have a tremendous upside, and are fun to watch.  Let’s take a look.  Read the rest of this entry

Toronto Blue Jays Payroll In 2014 + Contracts Going Forward

The Blue Jays were the odds on favorite to win the World Series in 2013 among oddsmakers.  After a failure of a season, these guys are still placing way too much faith in the team.  To have them listed as tied with the Rays for the 12th best odd to win the World Series is a joke.  Stay away from this bet.  The odd should be +3000 - and not +1800.  Toronto is listed as tied for the 3rd favorite in the AL East, behind Boston and New York respectively.  It could really be another last place finish in the Division for the Canadian franchise.

The Blue Jays were the odds on favorite to win the World Series in 2013 among oddsmakers. After a failure of a season, the gambling websites  are still placing way too much faith in the team. To have them listed as tied with the Rays for the 12th best odd (+1800) to win the World Series is a stretch.  This team has committed $129 MIL already for 2014 payroll, and have not much room to gamble any more cash on the Roster.  This is incredible considering the bargain the team has with Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista being just paid $23 MIL between the two of them.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart Expert)

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It was a 2013 season that saw the team have the biggest spike in attendance in the majors, but it also came at a hefty price in total team salary.

For as much as the team forked out in payroll, they must not have been able to recoup all of their money.

Their payroll places them right in the middle of AL East pack.  The Yankees are right near the Luxury Tax Threshold right now of $189 MIL at $182 MIL – and the Boston Red Sox are hovering at around $160 MIL.

The Orioles will be near the $100 MIL range, and the Rays figure to be in the low $70 MIL area. Read the rest of this entry

The Mets Signing Colon To 2 YRs/$20 MIL – Is Just Par For The Course Of Insane!

PED use or not, Stem Cell technology, and who knows what else has aided Colon's body over the last 3 seasons of success.  Yes he was 18 - 6, with a 2.65 ERA - finishing 6th in AL Voting, however the A's went and paid someone else, and usually they are not wrong on guys.  The 40 Year Old from Dominican Republic, is also a gigantic man that decimated his hamstring during a PFP out in 2011 with NYY.  You have to think his lucky streak is numbered sooner or later.

PED use or not, Stem Cell technology, and who knows what else has aided Colon’s body over the last 3 seasons of success. Yes he was 18 – 6, with a 2.65 ERA – finishing 6th in AL Voting, however the A’s went and paid someone else to fill his spot (Scott Kazmir), and usually they are not wrong on guys. The 40 Year Old from Dominican Republic, is also a gigantic man who decimated his hamstring during a routine PFP  in 2011 with the Yankees. You have to think his lucky streak is numbered sooner or later.  Whether it is another failed drug test, or he blows out a ligament running anything down, or just has father time come down on him, signing this man to a 2 YR deal, for a team not probably contending in 2014, is downright absurd.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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‘Stoking The Fire’ – Week 9

The Mets are like a gambling addict that has been clean for a few years, before suffering a serious relapse.

This club is just coming off a season where they doled out $18 MIL for Jason Bay (who they released – and still owe $3 MIL in 2014) and Johan Santana ($25.5 MIL and a $5 MIL Buyout for 2014).

These are guys that never played for you during the 2013 season.  Oh yeah…They still contribute annually to the Bobby Bonilla ‘liquor fund’ – thanks to a long restructured contract from many moons ago.

So now that they have altered their club to don a new era of “Strike out Champs”, they have gone overboard in throwing down a 2 YR/$20 MIL contract for a 300 LB PED user like Bartolo Colon.

“It Was A Little More Than Stem Cell Technology”

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The Toronto Blue Jays Players, Organizational Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB)

The Blue Jays have been trading away all of their top prospects in recent years, and so far, not one of the players has come back to burn them.  Unfortunately, the veterans brought in via trade haven't pushed them over the top either.

The Blue Jays have been trading away all of their top prospects in recent years, and so far, not one of the players has come back to burn them. Unfortunately, the veterans brought in via trade haven’t pushed them over the top either.

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

The Blue Jays have invested a great deal of their future in trades in recent years.  First they traded away several prospects to acquire Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, Josh Johnson and John Buck.

The 2nd move was to also trade Travis d’Arnaud and Buck for R.A.Dickey.  However the moves backfired on them in 2013.

What is worse for the team, is the franchise has not been able to develop their own talent over the last several years.  Their best players on the club were all brought in via trades.

Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion were absolute steals for the guys they doled out to reel them in (Robinson Diaz, never played in the Majors for Pit in the Joey Bats deal, and they originally acquired in the Scott Rolen traded to Cincy.  He was selected off of waivers by Oakland, before he came to the club via Free Agency.

Jose Bautista 2013 Highlights

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 7, 2013

Photos: Andrew Wooley - Getty Images - USA Today - J. Meric/Getty Images North America - AP Photo/Toronto Blue Jays via The Canadian Press, Fred Thornhill

Photos: Andrew Wooley – Getty Images – USA Today – J. Meric/Getty Images North America – AP Photo/Toronto Blue Jays via The Canadian Press, Fred Thornhill

Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I review the finalists for the off season awards and give a good long look at the results of Who Owns Baseball (WOB.)

WOB was my great experiment to try and track players value based upon how they became the big performer of individual days, taking in account stats and the significance of the game.

Four of the final names very well might line up with the real awards.

But why are Matt Moore and R. A. Dickey there? Is that a flaw in WOB? Or is it a flaw in US?

The final tally for Who Owns Baseball can be found here.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 7, 2013

The Miami Marlins State Of The Union – Winter 2013 + A 1 Year Look Back At MIA/TOR Trade

It has almost been a year since the Blue Jays and Marlins deal that saw Josh Johnson, Jose Reyes, Emilio Bonifacio, John Buck, Josh Johnson come to Canada - in exchange for a bushel full of prospects, Yunel Escobar and Henderson Alvarez.  Toronto suffered the same fate nearly as the 2012 Marlins - in terms of record.  All of the Miami players struggled at the MLB level, but primarily that is because they were all 1st or 2nd year players.  It will be plenty of seasons until the final verdict is handed down on this trade.

It has almost been a year since the Blue Jays and Marlins deal that saw Josh Johnson, Jose Reyes, Emilio Bonifacio, John Buck, Josh Johnson come to Canada – in exchange for a bushel full of prospects, Yunel Escobar and Henderson Alvarez. Toronto suffered the same fate nearly as the 2012 Marlins – in terms of record. All of the Miami players struggled at the MLB level, but primarily that is because they were all 1st or 2nd year players. It will be plenty of seasons until the final verdict is handed down on this trade.  Reyes still slashed .296/.353/.780 – and posted 113 Hits and 58 Runs in 93 Games Played the for Toronto Blue Jays.  He did miss 69 Games due to injury.

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

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A year has almost gone by since big blockbuster move made by the Miami Marlins and the Toronto Blue Jays.

In a bullet version of this story, the Miami team only finished with 7 wins less than the 2012 version of themselves, yet they have stockpiled many of young assets, and all for about a one-third of a payroll they had last year.

Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle and R.A. Dickey (parlayed by throwing Travis d’Arnaud and former Marlin John Buck via trade) had average years only, and Emilio Bonifacio was eventually moved to Kansas City for bad play.

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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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The Disaster That Was The Blue Jays 2013 Season: State Of The Union

Following the 2012 Major League Baseball season, Toronto Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopolous made some noticeable moves, to seemingly re-invent Canada’s team.  Jay’s fans everywhere were ecstatic and pumped for the upcoming season, thinking that playoff baseball would finally return to Canada after 20 long seasons.

Following the 2012 Major League Baseball season, Toronto Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos made some noticeable moves, to seemingly re-invent Canada’s team. Jay’s fans everywhere were ecstatic and pumped for the upcoming season, thinking that playoff baseball would finally return to Canada after 20 long seasons.

By ‘Special Guest  Blue Jays Writer’ Steve Cheeseman 

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Another Season, Another Disaster.

The off-season started with a boom, with the signings of Maicer Izturis (3 yr-$9 million), and Melky Cabrera (2 yr-$16million).  This was followed by acquiring hard throwing Esmil Rogers from Cleveland.  

They weren’t done yet.

On November 14th, Anthopoulos completed a blockbuster trade with the Miami Marlins, receiving pitchers  Josh Johnson  (2-time All-Star)and Mark Buehrle (4-time All-Star), short-stop Jose Reyes (4-time All-Star, 2011 NL Batting Champion),   catcher John Buck,  utility man Emilio Bonifacio, and $8 million in cash in exchange for pitcher Henderson Alvarez, short-stop Yunel Escobar, catcher Jeff Mathis, and prospects.  

It was a steal.  Toronto then sent John Buck and prospects to the New York Mets, for reigning NL Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey, catcher Josh Thole and a prospect.   

Odd makers out of Las Vegas named the Toronto Blue Jays as the favorites to win the 2013 World Series.  Too good to be true right? Pretty much.

Munenori Kawasaki – See You Tomorrow

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