Blog Archives
Astros vs. Yankees Lineup Plus the Tampa Bay and Montreal Connection: Locked On MLB – June 21, 2019
A wild weekend of games are about to kick off, including those involving the surging Rockies and the free falling Phillies.
Meanwhile Twitter followers ask about the Astros lineup vs. the Yankees lineup plus thoughts on the Rays splitting time between Montreal and Tampa Bay.
This is the Locked On MLB Podcast hosted by me, Paul Francis Sullivan. Please call me Sully.
Click HERE to listen to the episode
Sully Baseball Podcast – Eric Hosmer Contract and other Signing Thoughts – February 21, 2018
John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star via AP
The Padres signed Eric Hosmer to a contract that is too long and won’t make a difference. At least they aren’t colluding.
Plus I look at the Rays dismantling, the Red Sox signing of JD Martinez and Commissioner Manfred’s to do list.
Hey! We are talking about signings on this episode of Sully Baseball.
While we are at it, enjoy the In Memoriam video.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 22, 2017
Joseph Garnett Jr./Getty Images North America
Some teams pick badly in the MLB Draft.
But two teams whiffed on picks where they could have put a star in a pennant winning situation.
Essentially they are the Darko Milicics of baseball.
It is a crapshoot on this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Evan Gattis Hits A Walk-Off Home Run That Could Spark An Astros Playoff Run
For those of you who don’t know, I’m a huge Astros fan. I’m actually in Houston to see the weekend series as I write this article. This is my first time at an Astros’ home game since 2005 and I was not disappointed by the first game of the weekend. I was lucky enough to see by far the best game I’ve ever seen in person last night.
The Astros were down by one going into the bottom of the ninth inning, but that quickly changed. Carlos Correa hit a beautiful opposite field home run to tie the game in the first at bat of the inning. Evan Gattis followed the reigning AL Rookie of the Year with an absolute mammoth walk-off home run. Gattis swung at a pitch at his eye-level and that pitch ended up on the train tracks at Minute Maid Park. You can see the video I recorded of the walk-off home run and other videos posted by the Houston Astros Twitter account below:
SEE THE REST OF THE ARTICLE
Midseason Top 100 MLB Prospect Rankings Analysis (21-30)
Below you can find my analysis for the prospects ranked between 21-30 for the 2016 midseason top prospect list. If you want to see the full top 100 list, please visit the following link: SEE THE TOP 100 PROSPECT RANKINGS. I will be posting daily analysis of every player listed in the top 100, so please follow my blog and other social media for updates.
- Orlando Arcia (MIL, 21 Years Old, SS): The smooth-fielding shortstop has struggled a little during the 2016 season, but his future remains bright. In 382 plate appearances at Triple-A, Arcia is batting .269, with seven home runs, 44 RBIs, 56 runs, 13 stolen bases, .325 OBP, and a .407 slugging percentage. He still profiles as an above average shortstop in the big leagues, but I’m not convinced he is going to be an elite fantasy baseball player. He has the ceiling to produce 15-20 stolen bases, .270 BA, 10-15 home runs, and a .340 OBP once he reaches the bigs. If he does put up those numbers, I retract my statement about his fantasy baseball value.
SEE THE REST OF THE ARTICLE
Midseason Top 100 MLB Prospect Rankings Analysis (31-40)
Below you can find my analysis for the prospects ranked between 31-40 for the 2016 midseason top prospect list. If you want to see the full top 100 list, please visit the following link: SEE THE TOP 100 PROSPECT RANKINGS. I will be posting daily analysis of every player listed in the top 100, so please follow my blog and other social media for updates.
- Willy Adames (TB, 20 Years Old, SS): Adames has developed quite nicely over the last few seasons. At 20 years old, he is showing great success in Double-A. In 360 plate appearances, he is batting .264, with eight home runs, nine stolen bases, and a .365 OBP. After a slow 2015 season, Adames has rebounded very nicely after his promotion in 2016. He is starting to show more power, speed, and he is getting on base at a better rate. I don’t think he will ever be an elite fantasy baseball player, but he should be average-to-above average.
SEE THE REST OF THE ARTICLE
Midseason Top 100 MLB Prospect Rankings Analysis (51-60)
Below you can find my analysis for the prospects ranked between 51-60 for the 2016 midseason top prospect list. If you want to see the full top 100 list, please visit the following link: SEE THE TOP 100 PROSPECT RANKINGS. I will be posting daily analysis of every player listed in the top 100, so please follow my blog and other social media for updates.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ANALYSIS OF THE PROSPECTS RANKED 61-70
51. Jake Bauers (TB, 20 Years Old, 1B): Bauers has improved his game a lot in 2016. Last season, he hit .272, with 11 home runs, eight stolen bases, .342 OBP, and a .418 slugging percentage in 534 plate appearances. In only 368 plate appearances this season at Double-A, Bauers is batting .285, with 10 home runs, seven stolen bases, .373 OBP, and a .430 slugging percentage. He also has very advanced plate discipline, which should serve him well in his career. Bauers has one of the prettiest left-handed swings you will see, so it is no surprise that he is hitting so well this year.
SEE THE REST OF THE ARTICLE
I Give The Captain More Accolades: Jeter To Play Last Game In The Bronx + Last Series In Boston
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead/Analyst – with assist to Jonathan Hacohen, Website Founder) Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I understand the “Jeter Fatigue” that has gone on all year, and half of me just wishes that he never mentioned that he was done after the 2014 campaign. I just hate giving any ammunition to the ‘hater’s’, and definitely when I have agreed it was overkill at some points.
But then I would have missed his brilliant series at Safeco Field, that was worth the price of admission, if I hadn’t known it was his last year.
While he has struggled for some of this season, he had hits in his 1st AB, all three games of that series I attended, and reached base 9 times in 3 straight Yankee wins, giving me yet more memories for my favorite current Pinstriper.
I was there in person for that, and bought my only t-shirt of the year from a street vendor afterwards.
While everyone is not a Yankees fan. and are growing tired of the talk, this is the greatest Yankees player in my years of watching the sport. So, because I have a forum to write about him, Damnit I will!!
Sure I had grown up on Don Mattingly (the last captain of the team prior to #2).. Heck…he is still my favorite player of ALL – Time, but Jeter came into the mix about the same time I graduated from high school.
I am sure I can say this about a lot of “Bronx Bombers’ fans my age. I wanted to be a New York Yankee while playing organized baseball. It was my dream.
Derek Jeter has lived the life all of us would have wanted as a Yankee Stadium ‘hero’. Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.21st) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
AP Photo/Chris O’Meara
Alex Cobb gave the Rays bullpen a much needed rest after Friday’s 18 inning marathon with 8 1/3 excellent innings, letting up one run and striking out 12 Orioles as Tampa Bay stayed in the Wild Card lead, 5-1.
Clayton Kershaw pitched 7 scoreless innings, striking out 10 and walking 2, earning the 4-0 win for the Dodgers in San Diego and solidifying his Cy Young credentials.
Alberto Callaspo went 4-5 including a homer, driving in 3, helping the A’s top the Twins 9-1 and cut the AL West magic number to 1..
Russell Martin clubbed a game tying home run off of Homer Bailey and helped the Pirates win a critical Wild Card match up against Cincinnati, 4-2.
They all owned baseball on September 21, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON
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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.16th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
(AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Alexei Ramirez scored twice in the first inning and reached base five times, homering and missing the cycle by just a triple. He also drove in three as the White Sox embarrassed the Twins, 12-1.
Alex Cobb retired the first 9 batters he faced and gave the Rays 8 strong innings, letting up just 2 runs and striking out 10 Rangers as Tampa Bay finally won a crucial game, 6-2.
Andrew Cashner nearly threw the first no hitter in San Diego Padres history when he held the Pirates hitless for the first six frames. He settled for a 1 hit, 2-0 shutout of Pittsbugh for his first major league complete game.
And Cliff Lee was brilliant on the mound with his 8 inning, 14 strikeout domination of the Marlins. But he is on this list for his bat as he went 3-4 with a triple and 4 RBI, winning the game for the Phillies in every way, 12-2.
They all owned baseball on September 16, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.8th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Photo: John Sleezer – KC Star
Bruce Chen kept the Royals in the playoff picture with 7 strong innings, giving up 2 runs and walking none, getting the 5-2 win over the Tigers.
Michael Wacha not only pitched 7 shutout inning against division rival Pittsburgh, but he drove in a pair of runs as well, earning the decision as St. Louis topped the Pirates, 9-2 to complete the sweep.
James Loney woke up a dormant Tampa lineup by getting on base 4 times and sparking the 8th inning come from behind rally with a game tying double and coming around to score later in the frame. The Rays would get a desperately needed victory over Seattle, 4-1.
Jay Bruce homered twice off of Clayton Kershaw, setting up the Reds eventual walk off 3-2 win over the Dodgers.
They all owned baseball on September 7, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.3rd) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
AP Photo/Morry Gash
Andrew McCutchen homered, singled and walked, scoring 3 of Pittsburgh’s 4 runs, as the Pirates clinched at least a .500 season, beating Milwaukee in a 4-3 thriller.
Ben Zobrist reached base 4 times and drove in 2 with a double, helping end the Rays losing streak by pounding the Angels, 7-1.
Homer Bailey was magnificent over 7 two hit shutout innings, striking out 8 and walking just one, leading the Reds in a tight 1-0 win against division rival St. Louis.
Jon Lester won a tense pitchers duel in Fenway, pitching 7 innings of one run ball. He struck out 9 while not walking a single batter as the Red Sox held on to the 2-1 victory over the Tigers.
They all owned baseball on September 3, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (August.24th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Photo: J. Meric – Getty Images
Evan Longoria smacked a go ahead RBI single in the 6th and added a home run in the 8th, leading the Rays in a come from behind victory over the Yankees, 4-2.
Jon Lester dominated the Dodgers in Chavez Ravine, pitching shutout ball into the 8th. Eventually he gave way to the bullpen but finished with an impressive 7 1/3, 1 run, 3 hit performance and got the decision in the Red Sox 4-2 win.
Carlos Beltran helped slug the Cardinals back into a first place tie by collecting three hits including a tie breaking home run in the third and an RBI single in the 8th. St. Louis would beat Atlanta, 6-2
Trevor Cahill gave the Diamondbacks 4 innings of shutout ball out of the bullpen on a night where he was supposed to have the night off. Instead he entered a game critical for Arizona’s thin playoff hopes in the 15th inning and proceeded to keep the Phillies off of the board, despite having the winning run at the plate for every batter he faced in the 15th, 16th and 17th innings. Eventually Philadelphia ran out of pitchers. But Cahill was triumphant as Arizona outlasted the Phils, 12-7 in 18 innings.
They all owned baseball on August 24, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (August.23rd) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
AP Photo/Jeff Roberson
Adam Wainwright pitched a complete game against the Braves, surrendering just a single run and no walks while striking out 9. He also drove in a run with a sacrifice fly as the Cardinals prevailed, 3-1.
Khris Davis hit a pair of homers, driving in 4, leading the Brewers to a 6-4 victory over the Reds .
Chris Archer tamed the hot Yankee bats with 7 strong innings, allowing just 4 hits and a pair of runs, getting the 7-2 win for the Rays.
Torii Hunter homered in the first, hit an RBI double in the second and came around to score as the Tigers made short work of the Mets, 6-1.
They all owned baseball on August 23, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (August.9th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images
Josh Reddick homered three times and drove in 5 runs as the Oakland offense demolished Toronto pitching, 14-6.
David Price pitched 7 innings and letting up no earned runs. However Tampa’s bullpen betrayed him after the Dodgers rallied for 4 runs in the bottom of the 9th and shocked the Rays, 7-6.
Paul Goldschmidt hit a walk off homer, walked twice and stole a base, giving the Diamondbacks a much needed 5-4 victory over the Mets.
14 months after going through TJ surgery, Brandon Beachy dominated the Marlins throwing 8 shutout innings and extending the Braves winning streak to 14 games with the 5-0 final.
They all owned baseball on August 9, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July.29th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
(Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
David Price dominated the Red Sox for the second time in less than a week. He pitched into the 8th inning, finishing with 7 1/3 innings, 2 hits, 1 run, 8 strikeouts and no walks, as the Rays leap frogged past Boston into first place, 2-1.
Yoenis Cespedes was a double shy of the cycle, driving in 3 runs, as the A’s defeated Toronto 9-4.
Francisco Liriano pitched another gem for the Pirates. He stifled the Cardinals over 7 innings, striking out 8 and letting up only 4 hits and 1 earned run. Pittsburgh’s 9-2 triumph over the Cardinals pulled the Bucs within 1/2 a game of first place.
Chris Denorfria came off the bench to club a bottom of the 9th, 2 run, walk off, come from behind homer off of Aroldis Chapman, as the Padres stunned the Reds, 2-1.
They all owned baseball on July 29th, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July.27th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
Chris Archer pitched a complete game 2 hit shutout in the Bronx as the first place Rays held off the Yankees by the slimmest of margins, 1-0.
Stephen Drew went 3-5 with a pair of home runs, including a bizarre reviewed homer. He drove in 5 of the Red Sox 7 runs as Boston topped Baltimor 7-3.
Hyun-jin Ryu threw 7 innings of 2 hit ball against the Reds, giving the Dodgers another hard fought victory, 4-1.
Andrelton Simmons 2 out 2 run double in the bottom of the 8th broke up a scoreless tie between playoff contenders. It was all the offense the Braves would get to beat the Cardinals in a 2-0 thriller.
They all owned baseball on July 27th, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July.24th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Tim Hudson was pitching a shutout into the 8th inning before his ankle was broken and his career was put in jeopardy. He wound up getting career win 205 in what could be his last game, an 8-2 win over the Mets.
Nate Schierholtz went 3-6 with a homer, 5 RBI and the go ahead 12th inning double that propelled the Cubs over the Diamondbacks, 7-6.
Eric Hosmer hit a pair of homers including a 2 run game winning shot. His slugging helped set up Kansas City’s 4-3 walk off victory against Baltimore.
David Price needed only 97 pitches to throw a complete game against the Red Sox, letting up only one run and walking none. The Rays won 5-1, moving just 1/2 a game out of first place.
They all owned baseball on July 24th, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July.22nd) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Andrew McCutchen homered in the first and in the third, driving in 4 of the Pirates 6 runs as they snuck past reeling Washington, 6-5.
Dillon Gee held the division leading Braves hitless into the 7th inning and pitched 2 hit shutout ball over 7. The bullpen betrayed him as he got a no decision in the Mets 2-1 loss.
J. J. Hardy went 3-5 with a homer, 3 RBI and a pair of runs scored as the Orioles clobbered Kansas City, 9-2.
Matt Moore pitched a complete game 2 hit shutout in Fenway Park to pull Tampa Bay within 1/2 a game of Boston, 3-0.
They all owned baseball on July 22nd, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July.11th) – Updated Yearly “WOB” Standings
(Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)
Matt Moore held Minnesota hitless until two outs in the 6th inning. He would finish going 7 1/3 innings with only 3 hits and 2 walks, striking out 10 as the Rays topped the Twins, 4-3.
Jacoby Ellsbury led off the game with a homer and reached based 4 times. He extended his hitting streak to 19 games as the Red Sox beat the Mariners in 10 innings, 8-7.
Edwin Jackson shut down his former team, the Cardinals, with a masterful 7 inning performance. He let up no runs and no walks and only 3 hits. The Cubs for at least one day topped St. Louis, 3-0.
And Freddie Freeman drove in three runs on the day he made the All Star team. His 3-4 performance helped lead the Braves to a tight 6-5 victory over the Reds.
They all owned baseball on July 11th, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 7th) – Updated Yearly “WOB” Standings
AP Photo/Kathy Willens
Adam Jones hit a two run 9th inning home run off of Mariano Rivera to give the Orioles a stunning 2-1 victory and avoid the sweep in the Bronx.
David Price went the distance, letting up only 1 run and walking none, getting the win and completing the Rays three game sweep of the White Sox.
Clayton Kershaw was brilliant over 8 innings, giving up only 3 hits, 1 walk and 1 run. He dominated the Giants and ,won a tense game for the Dodgers, 4-1.
Josh Satin scored the first run and drove in the other. The first baseman provided almost all the offense for New York, going 3-4 and leading the Mets to a 2-1 win in Milwaukee.
They all owned baseball on July 7th, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast July 7, 2013
Photo: Chris O’Meara – AP
Today is the Sunday Request Episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Today Ben Mankiewicz ( @benmank77 ) asked…
@sullybaseball who’ll be the first manager to let match-ups dictate who pitches in the 9th inning of a save situation? Will it ever happen?
— Ben Mankiewicz (@BenMank77) July 6, 2013
Today, I answered his question.
Wade Miley, Torii Hunter, Andrelton Simmons and Matt Moore all owned baseball on July 6, 2013.
To see the up to date tally of “Who Owns Baseball?,” click HERE.
Subscribe on iTunes HERE.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast July 7, 2013
The Yankees Youth Movement
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Follow @mlbreportsMonday, June 24/2013
The Yankees find themselves in the unfamiliar territory of having to rely on younger players to get the team back to the post-season. Hopefully, the youth movement in the Bronx can help keep the Yankees competitive. Almonte, Adams and Romine, who is exactly are these guys? 3 guys whom have seen regular duty in the lineup over the last few weeks. The Yankees managed to take the 1st 2 games of their weekend series with Tampa before losing the series finale on Sunday. At 41 – 34, they start play today at 2.5 Games Behind the Boston Red Sox in the AL East. A Division in which all teams are over .500.
By Nicholas Rossoletti (Yankees Correspondent/Trade Correspondent): Follow @nross56
As I sit here typing this, I feel a bit out of my element. My own life has been very much a roller coaster of late. I’m in the process of moving out of a place I’ve called home for the last four years. I’ve been traveling for most of the month, and generally, I feel about as out of touch with the Yankees as I have in quite a long time.
After preaching patience to Yankee fans everywhere over the last several months, its become abundantly clear that those All-Stars I’ve been waiting on to carry the team back to October may not show up. Mark Teixeira is back on the Disabled List with his bothersome wrist. Curtis Granderson just had pins removed from his hand and has yet to take a rehab swing.
Kevin Youkilis‘ back may end his career. Alex Rodriguez, well, is actually putting on a show in rehab, but god only knows if and when he will face the wrath of Major League Baseball for whatever role he played in this Biogenesis noise. 2013 was supposed to be the final ride of this Yankees group with the serious regrowing pains coming in 2014 and beyond.
In addition to the absolutely atrocious injuries, the glass slipper has shattered for the replacement Yankees, who carried the team through April. Vernon Wells, the most notable of the slumping replacements, has given the team little to no reason to continue to give him run.
After writing several pieces begging for patience and instructing fans to embrace Wells, I will admit to having a bit of mud on my face. Wells is what most people thought he was. An expensive piece with just enough left in his bat to give you a bit of hope. I was hoping for a 1-2 WAR player out of Wells. It is official. I am (and/or was) delusional.
ZOILO GOES DEEP:
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June 20th) – Updated Yearly “WOB” Standings
(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Evan Longoria drove in runs in three different innings, including a pair of home runs, as the Rays beat the Yankees 8-3.
John Lackey kept the Tigers off the board for 6 of his 7 innings of work. His terrific effort was for nothing as the Red Sox bullpen collapsed in Detroit’s 4-3 9th inning victory.
In a National League Central showdown, Pedro Alvarez drove in 5 runs over three different innings, clobbering a 6th inning homer and falling a triple short of the cycle as the Pirates beat the Reds, 5-3.
And Jordan Zimmermann‘s outstanding performance of 8 innings, no earned runs, 6 hits, 1 walk and 9 strikeouts, got the Nationals back to .500 with their 5-1 win over the Rockies.
They all owned baseball on June 20th, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
New York Yankees: What Goes Up, Must Come Down
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Follow @mlbreportsWednesday, June.5/2013
It had been a fun two months of the season for the Yankees until the last week in May lead to series losses to the Mets and Red Sox. No amidst more controversy and another injury, the Yankees must regroup and get ready for the heart of the summer. Heading into play Wednesday, they are 33 – 25 (.569) and 2.5 Games Behind the Boston Red Sox for the AL East.
By Nicholas Rossoletti (Yankees Correspondent/Trade Correspondent): Follow @nross56
There is no one that wishes that I could stop typing the words “Disabled List” and “Injury Replacements” more than me. It seems like each of my articles since I took over the Yankee Correspondent position for MLB Reports has focused on how the team would survive the first portion of the 2013 season after off-season and Spring Training injuries left the team without its most expensive and experienced pieces.
Thanks to elite pitching from almost the entire team as well as some timely hitting from some unlikely sources, the Yankees have not just managed to compete through injuries but succeed.
As May turns to June, the thought was that the regular Yankee bats would return, which is basically the same thing we were told as April turned to May.
Now more than ever it seems necessary as the team has been regressing back to a fairly disturbing mean. The team has lost five in a row and dropped to two (2) games back of the Red Sox.
It is imperative that the team get healthy quickly. The first of the Yankee regulars to return was Curtis Granderson, who got all of 31 Plate Appearances before lightning struck twice.
The injury bug continues to bite the Yankees moving forward. The offense will be without a bat that generated 84 Home Runs over the 2011 and 2012 seasons for a little while longer.
BIG TEX:
Yankees Current State Of The Union + The Phil Hughes Question
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Follow @mlbreportsWednesday, May.08/2013
As the Yankees enter May, they do so in second place trailing their rivals, the Boston Red Sox. This is a surprise for many who thought that Boston and New York would struggle in 2013
By Nicholas Rossoletti (Yankees Correspondent/Trade Correspondent): Follow @nross56
As April came to a close and May began, the Yankees found themselves in an all so familiar place. The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox were atop the American League East. It seems like this struggle between century old rivals has dominated the AL East for the better part of the last 15 years.
This year was supposed to be different as New York and Boston were both expected to cede the division to the Baltimore O’s, Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays, and perhaps that will still be the case, but after five weeks of the season, it certainly seems like the demise of the Yanks and Sox was greatly overstated.
Part of the reason that the Yankees have managed to prove their naysayers incorrect has been their stellar starting pitching. Each of the top four Yankee starters has pitched well to start the season, but as the title of the article suggests, there is one pitcher who has stood out especially in the last several weeks.
His performance leads to this question: Is Phil Hughes finally becoming the pitcher he was always touted to be? Is the 26-year old right hander finally blossoming into a strong 1/2 starter? The numbers, at least early on, scream YES.
The Phil Hughes Question:
Billy Butler: The Consistent Royal
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Thursday January 3rd, 2013
Billy Butler (Country Breakfast) heads into 2013 with a .300 Career Average and coming off a personal best year of 107 RBI in 2012. The big DH is perhaps the 2nd best player for the position in the AL next to Big Papi.
Bernie Olshansky (Baseball Writer): Follow @BernieOlshansky
For the past few seasons, the Kansas City Royals have not had a lot of consistency. The pitching has been sub-par, and the hitting has been disappointing. But, there has been one guy the Royals have been able to rely on: Billy Butler. Butler, a First Round pick in the MLB Amateur Draft (14th Overall), is not the type of player that is a household name, but he gets the job done—very well for that matter. Not much attention has been paid to Butler, probably because of the lack of success that the Royals have had. From 2009 to 2012, Butler has played in no less than 158 Games—something that is very valuable to a team. His worst season (power-wise) in that 4 Year span was 2010, in which he hit .318 with 15 HRs and 78 RBI. In 2012, Butler was outstanding, hitting .313 with 29 HRs and 107 RBI. This season included his first All Star Game Appearance and a Silver Slugger Award.
In terms of defense, Butler has been squeezed out. The rise of star prospect Eric Hosmer eliminated any possibility of Butler playing First base. Butler did not play much defense before Hosmer came up anyway, but the call-up solidified this. Now, Butler is the everyday DH, similar to a David Ortiz-type. He occasionally gets some time in the field, notably in 2012 when Hosmer was mired in a deep slump. If Butler was more versatile, maybe he would be more recognized and could receive the attention he deserves. When Ortiz retires soon, Butler may take the reigns as the best DH in the game.
Billy Butler 2012 Highlights
The Padres May Never Compete With the Dodgers Financially, But They Are Making Strides
Tuesday November 27th, 2012
Jake Dal Porto (Baseball Writer):
The Padres seem poised to eventually become mild-spenders. For an organization that’s highest payroll since 2002 has been roughly $73 million (in 2008), moving up in the spending chain would certainly be good for a change. This transformation could come as soon as 2013 or maybe a few years down the road.
But let’s be sure of something—the Padres have a steep hill to climb before they can compete with the Los Angeles Dodgers in terms of financial freedom. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they won’t be able to compete with the newly labeled ‘Yankees’ of the West coast, but it surely prevents them from signing talented free agents. The A’s and Orioles are a pair of most recent teams to win on a cheaper payroll, while the Rays have been the very definition of that over the past few years. Read the rest of this entry
Florida Baseball and The San Juan Rays
Thursday November 15th, 2012
Alex Mednick (Baseball Writer and Analyst)
Last week Jonathan Hacohen, the founder of MLBReports.com called to my attention that the Tampa Bay Rays are an anomaly. Ultimately, if you look at the way their team is structured and where their talent lays, and the kind of game that Joe Maddon manages the Rays are ultimately a National League team; displaced in the AL East. The Rays greatest strength is their depth of pitching that they can reach into the bowels of an amazing farm system ripe with young talent. But from there on out, they rely on an offense that generates runs due to other inefficiencies.
Joe Maddon might very well be the best manager in baseball. He possesses a unique approach to the game, that if had to be categorized, is definitely more national league style than american league. He has to be creative in how he manufactures runs, as his offense does not boast the big sluggers other AL East teams do. He does, however, have a plethora of pitching talent available.
With B.J. Upton leaving town, and Carlos Pena only a carcass of what he once was, there is ultimately zero power left in their lineup. Their DH for the past two years have been the likes of an aging Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, and Luke Scott. Ownership is constantly complaining about attendance and looking for bargain free agents like Johnny Damon to bring in at the end of their careers and hopefully attract some Yankees and Red Sox fans to the stadium.
At this point, the Rays power hitters are Evan Longoria, Matt Joyce and Ben Zobrist. They have an amazing nucleus of pitching talent, including David Price who just won the AL Cy Young, and they are mentioning trading almost all of their starting pitchers. This is understandable, as you have to dish out talent to bring back offensive talent that they are in great need of. But I still have major gripes with the way owner Stuart Sternberg has approached the past 4 seasons in St. Petersburg, and I will get into more detail about this in a little while. Read the rest of this entry
2012 AL and NL Cy Young Award Winners
Thursday November 15th, 2012
Bernie Olshansky: Both Cy Young awards were announced yesterday. R.A. Dickey won in the National League and David Price won in the American League. Dickey won by a large margin; he had 209 points by 27 first place votes and five second place votes. This race was not even close. Price on the other hand, won by four points. He received just one more first place vote than Justin Verlander, who finished second. Here’s my take on how the voting went down.
MLB Reports 
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