Blog Archives
Seattle Is Poised For 2015 Dominance: But Off To A Slow Start
Seattle was everyone’s pick to win the American League it seemed. A slow start mirrored the beginning of the 2014 season as well. There are some outliers though, as they spent 10 of their 1st 13 games on the road. The club has looked a lot better of the last week. included in that were awesome starts by Felix Hernandez. Nelson Cruz has also picked up where he left off in 2014, with an MLB leading 9 HRs and 18 RBI in the teams first 16 games.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Forgive me for a second while I didn’t lose sleep on the Mariners losing Chris Taylor for some time early this year I actually think that Brad Miller may have a chance to breakout this year.
But more importantly Seattle had themselves a great offseason. Yes.. you read that right. I am endorsing Jack Z. for a job well done, even though he saw fit to sign Endy Chavez and Franklin Gutierrez for yet one more year. But since the club is full with depth, I am hoping the guys wont be counted on.
Last year the club had to start the year without Hisashi Iwakuma, James Paxton and Taijuan Walker for the majority of the 1st half, and while Paxton has still been bothered my a flexor strain early in the year, his arsenal speaks to the of an ace. Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball April 24, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
BILL KOSTROUN/AP
Mark Teixeira homered twice, driving in 4 runs and helped the Yankees stop the Mets winning streak, 6-1 in the Bronx.
Dallas Keuchel gave the Astros 9 shutout innings, allowing just 2 hits and 2 walks. The Astros bats were silent and the game went into extra innings. The Astros would hold on after a wild 10th and 11th inning game them a 5-4 win in Oakland.
Anthony Rizzo reached base 4 times, doubled, hit a game tying 2 run homer and scored a pair, including the go ahead run in the 11th as the Cubs topped the Reds, 7-3.
Aaron Harang held Atlanta hitless into the 5th and pitched 8 shutout innings, surrendering just 2 hits and 1 walk. He would not get a decision but the Phillies walked off 1-0 winners over the Braves.
They all owned baseball on April 24, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball April 23, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES
Daniel Murphy got the Mets on the board early with a 3 run double and added an insurance run with an RBI single in the 7th to extend their winning streak to 10 with a 6-3 final over Atlanta.
David Phelps gave the Marlins a much needed with with 7 shutout innings, allowing just 3 hits and 2 walks and got the 9-1 decision in Philadelphia.
Jacoby Ellsbury hustled to force a double, reached base two other times, stole a base and scored both Yankee runs to win a tight 2-1 victory in Detroit.
Masahiro Tanaka gave the Yankees another good outing, pitching into the 7th, keeping the mighty Tiger bats to only 3 hits and 1 run over 6 1/3 innings. He did not get the decision but the Yankees prevailed, 2-1.
They all owned baseball on April 23, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball April 22, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
MORRY GASH/AP
Johnny Cueto threw 8 dominant innings, allowing just 5 hits and 2 walks and 1 run. He got the 2-1 decision for the Reds in Milwaukee.
Sonny Gray stopped an Angels lineup that the night before bombarded Oakland. He went 7 innings, giving up 2 hits while striking out 7 as the A’s rolled 9-2.
Kolten Wong singled, doubled and homered, driving in 3 and provided some highlight reel defense, helping the Cardinals take a wild 7-5 game in Washington.
Devon Travis hit a 2 run homer to give the Blue Jays the lead for good and added a second hit in a 4-2 win over Baltimore.
They all owned baseball on April 22, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball April 21, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
Photo: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Zack Cozart went 3-5 with a pair of homers, a stolen base and 3 RBI and 3 runs scored in the wild 16-10 slugfest Reds victory in Milwaukee.
Edwin Encarnacion homered twice in the tense 13-6 Blue Jays win over Baltimore.
Jonathon Niese pitched into the 7th, allowing 1 run on a solo homer and just 3 other hits, helping the Mets to their 9th straight win in a 7-1 blow out of the Braves.
Hector Santiago pitched 6 strong innings, allowing 3 hits and striking out 8, earning the 14-1 decision for the Angels over their division rival A’s.
They all owned baseball on April 21, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball April 20, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
Elaine Thompson – AP
Luis Valbuena hit a pair of homers, driving in 3, including a go ahead shot in the 8th leading the Astros to a 7-5 win in Seattle.
Matt Kemp led a torrid San Diego attack with 3 hits, including a double, 3 runs scored and 4 RBI in a 14-3 laugher in Colorado.
Alfredo Simon pitched into the 8th inning, striking out 7, walking none and allowing a single run, winning a 2-1 pitchers duel over the Yankees in Detroit.
Anthony DeSclafani pitched 8 shutout innings, allowing 2 hits and 1 walk, striking out 5, earning the 6-1 decision for the Reds over Milwaukee.
They all owned baseball on April 20, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball April 19, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
GREG FIUME/GETTY IMAGESSte
Stephen Strasburg pitched into the 8th, allowing just 5 hits and 1 run while striking out 7 Phillies in 7 1/3 innings. He warned the 4-1 decision for Washington.
Scott Van Slyke led the red hot Dodgers to a 7-0 drubbing of the Rockies with a pair of doubles and a homer, driving in 3 and scoring a pair.
Shane Greene gave the Tigers another solid start, going 7 innings, allowing just 1 run and improving his record to 3-0 in a 9-1 blowout of the White Sox.
Nelson Cruz got three hits, including a pair of homers and a walk off single, driving in 5 runs as the Mariners erased a 10-5 hole and walked off 11-10 winners over Texas.
They all owned baseball on April 19, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball April 18, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
TOM SZCZERBOWSKI/GETTY IMAGES
Josh Donaldson reached base 4 times and launched a walk off 10th inning homer that sealed Toronto’s 6-5 win over Atlanta.
Felix Hernandez pitched 7 solid innings, allowing just 2 hits, 1 run while striking out 12 Rangers and earning the 3-1 decision in Seattle.
Odubel Herrera reached base 4 times, doubled, scored twice, drove in a run and stole 2 bases as the Phillies won in Washington, 5-3.
Chris Heston pitched into the 8th inning, finishing with 7 2/3 and allowing 5 hits and 1 run on a solo homer, earning a much needed 4-1 win for the defending champion Giants over Arizona.
They all owned baseball on April 18, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball April 16, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
TOM SZCZERBOWSKI – GETTY IMAGES
Chris Archer threw 7 shutout innings, allowing 2 hits and 2 walks while striking out 11 as the Rays stopped Toronto, 4-2.
John Lackey kept the Brewers scoreless for 7 innings, striking out 8 and walking just one, earning the 4-0 decision in St. Louis.
Kurt Suzuki went 2-4 with a homer and 2 runs batted in, helping the Twins win the game 8-5 and take the series from Kansas City.
Lucas Duda collected 3 hits, including a pair of doubles, and drove in the eventual winning run in the 7th as the Mets snuck past Miami, 7-5.
They all owned baseball on April 16, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball April 15, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
Jared Wickerham – Getty Images
Alfredo Simon helped continue the dominant start by Detroit with 8 innings of 2 hit shutout ball, walking none and getting the 1-0 decision in Pittsburgh.
Devon Travis went 3-4 with a double and a homer, driving in a pair as the Blue Jays rolled over Tampa Bay, 12-7.
Travis Wood threw 7 shutout innings, striking out 7 Reds and allowing just 3 hits and 2 walks, earning the 5-0 win for the Cubs.
Adeiny Hechavarria went 3-3 with a homers and a sacrifice fly, driving in 3 and scoring 2 for the Marlins 6-2 victory in Atlanta.
They all owned baseball on April 15, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball April 14, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
KEVIN C. COX/GETTY IMAGES
Giancarlo Stanton reached base 5 times, doubled, scored twice and drove in 4 as the Marlins cruised to an 8-2 final in Atlanta.
Anthony DeSclafani threw 7 shutout innings, letting up only 2 hits and 2 walks while getting the 3-2 win for the Reds over the Cubs.
Steven Souza, Jr. went 3-5 with a homer and scored the go ahead run in 8th as Tampa Bay topped Toronto, 3-2.
Shane Greene pitched 8 shutout innings, allowing just 3 hits and walking none, earning the 2-0 decision for Detroit in Pittsburgh.
They all owned baseball on April 14, 2015.
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.
MLB Player Futures Bets In 2015: Player Performance Props
What are your best Over/Under Bets for player performances in the upcoming campaign. We delve deep into the numbers and have given you our selections. Its time to throw down some cabbage!
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Fantasy Playes are dusting off their notes, and getting ready for the 2015 year. If we did not accompany a guys total with a picture and quick blurb, it means we think the total is fair. Injuries may play a factor, as a guys age and surrounding teammates, or the Division he plays in.
Some guys have contracts to play for, or have shown up out of shape.
Total by Cole Hamels (PHI)
Over 11½ Wins +100
Under 11½ Wins -130
Total by Adam Wainwright (STL)
Over 14½ Wins +100
Under 14½ Wins -130
Total by Andrew Cashner (SD)
Over 10½ Wins +105
Under 10½ Wins -135 Read the rest of this entry
If ‘Cash’ Was Handled Right – The Yankees Could Get 2015 Payroll Under The Luxury Tax This Year
A few years ago, the Yankees were trying to get under the Luxury Tax Threshold just a few years ago, before they dished out $175 MIL over 7 years to Masahiro Tanaka. Despite that, the club could have opted to get under last July by trading Kuroda, Suzuki and Gardner near the Deadline, instead of going for an ill-advised run at the playoffs. At an estimated $211 MIL team salary so far, there are options to drop the mark under the limit yet again if the club struggles. Should they not take advantage this time, they are completely dumb beyond recognition.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Losing out on Yoan Moncada Sweepstakes
The Yankees fans let out a collective groan. but the cost of Yoan Moncada would be even more money than his $31.5 MIL signing bonus – and additional $31.5 MIL penalty. How about tacking on another $15.75 MIL for part of their $50% Luxury Tax Penalty?
I agree with the Yankees not wanting to shell out nearly $80 MIL for an unproven teenager. There are a numerous of examples of can’t miss prospects that won’t pan out.
The Yankees are estimated to have a payroll of near $221 MIL. But the actual AAV is a little higher with the length of term bringing up the overall mark. Alex Rodriguez makes $21 MIL in 2015, but he 10 year pact, was for an AAV of $27.5 MIL overall, so that is the number that brings up the clip.
If the Yankees are on pace to have spent $215 MIL in 2015, so by July, that means they would have put out about $105 MIL at the ALL-Star Break. This gives about $84 MIL worth of room, but you must take off around $27 MIL to fall under the limit.
For a Year to Year Breakdown For all of the Yankees players please visit here.
2015 Regular Season Win Over/Unders In The MLB + Best Bets
What are your best Over/Under Bets for the upcoming 2015 MLB Season? We have selected our top 10.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Over/Unders for the year, based on odds given by http://www.bovada.com sports book
Arizona – 71.5 (over is -115) (under is -115)
I gotta go with the under. San Diego, LA and SF are all much better, and even Colorado is tough on the road. Like them at just around 70 wins. Is a rebuilding year, and they might fetch a heavy ransom if Mark Trumbo can have a bounce back 1st half. 2016 maybe the year the can contend again.
Atlanta – 73.5 (over is -115) (under is -115)
I like the over on this one big time. This club lost a ton of offense, yet I like their run prevention more than ever. Shelby Miller was a great acquisition, and they still have a nasty Bullpen. I am not as bullish on the rest of the NL East as a lot of clubs are too. Wouldn’t call this a best bet, however, like them to win 75 – 77 games. Read the rest of this entry
Dear Mr. Manfred: Shifts, Trying To Help Offense – How About 9 Fielders And 8 Hitters In Both AL + NL?
Under my proposed format of 9 fielders, with only 8 hitters – eliminating both the pitcher and DH from entering the box, having 8 batters only in every lineup would allow players such as Mike Trout a helluva lot more Plate Appearances in a full year. The National League would stand to gain almost a quarter of a run, and the American League would also knock off its worst hitter from each squad. So how do you do this with the players union? Offer a 26 man roster (with 25 activated for each game). Creating 30 new jobs would be a better way than having the NL adopt the DH into their game. That would not go well, and longtime would throw a conniption fit. The best way to uniform both leagues is to go with a lineup of 8 guys.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I like the way Rob Manfred came out blazing Sunday on heels of his 1st 24 hours as commissioner. I agree completely that we need more offense infused into the game.
Whether any of us like or not, the ;PED’ era while it was going, was at least fun to watch on the offensive side of it. I have even talked to fans that in my shop that would love for them not to be illegal – so we could see that HR’s creep up again. I can’t say I would go that far, but the recent trend of Runs scored on the decline is alarming.
I grew up in the 80’s, and if there were any season that has been similar to that timeframe, last season was. Pitching, speed, defense and clutch hitting was the key to winning in that decade, and there was a degree of parity that existed too.
I am still stunned that more people can tell the real reason why games take so long. How about Strikeouts at an ALL – Time rate? This is the biggest factor, and it is not even debatable. You add in the “Moneyball” concept of taking a pile of pitches, combined with tonnes of pitching changes, instant replay, TV time out, and players going through per pitch rituals that would make golf’s Sergio Garcia seem like a speed demon in contrast, and no wonder why games take forever. Read the rest of this entry
Max Scherzer’s $185 MIL Deal (Inflation Pro-Rated) Puts Him 11th In MLB History For Top Contracts
Scherzer’s 7 Year/$210 MIL deal is actually worth $185 against the cap, and we are giving him the same for the ALL-Time Contracts. This sum puts him just behind Derek Jeter for 11th in MLB History. Jon Lester and he are the only 2 men to enter the top 50 this year after 7 players made the cut last off year. Cabrera, Cano, Kershaw, Tanaka, Ellsbury, Trout and Choo all have made the chart since the end of the 2013 World Series. The deal called for a $50 MIL signing bonus. The 2013 former AL Cy Young winner, will make $15 MIL in deferred salary for the next 14 seasons. The 30 Year Old, will join the NL’s best club of 2014, as far as wins are concerned, bringing in a 96 – 66 record. The RHP has led the AL in wins the last 2 years (21 Wins and 18 Wins respectively), and has compiled a 55 – 15 (.786 Winning Percentage) since the start of the 2012 campaign.
The highest contracts in MLB history (Red means Active Contract)
1. Giancarlo Stanton, $325, 000, 000 (2015 – 2027)
*2. Alex Rodriguez, $275,000,000 (2008-17)
*** With A-Rod’s suspension in 2014, he forfeited $22.13 MIL bucks, so it will now end up 10 YRs/$252.87 MIL for the duration of his deal. You can’t tell me he will be worth 40% of what the Yankees will be paying him next year, and all the way till the end of 2017.
3. Alex Rodriguez, $252,000,000 (2001-10)
*4. Miguel Cabrera $248,000, 000 (2016 – 2023)
Go see #25. He has the 4th and 25th top contracts of ALL – Time. This contract doesn’t start until 2016.
*5. Albert Pujols, $250,000,000 (2012-21)
*6. Robinson Cano, $240,000,000 (2014 – 2023) Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 2, 2014
MEGHAN KEMP/BOSTON RED SOX
Long time and beloved figure of the Red Sox organization Dick Bresciani passed away this weekend.
His thumbprint on the Red Sox was indelible.
His wife, my first grade teacher, was instrumental in making me a baseball fanatic.
If it wasn’t for Mrs. Bresciani, there would be no Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
To read Nick Cafardo’s article in The Boston Globe, click HERE.
To read my post about Mrs. Bresciani from 2011, click HERE.
Giancarlo Stanton Signs Record 13 YRs/$325 MIL Deal, Will He Be Worth It? + Top 50 Salary Deals ALL – Time
Giancarlo Stanton, who will turn just 25 in a few days, ended the year with the HR crown at 37 and added 105 RBI in just 539 AB before having his season ended with a Hit By Pitch. With the big slugger due for huge Arbitration awards in the next few years, the club started bargaining withe their young superstar towards a long-term contract once the year was over. They came up with a record breaking 13 Year Deal worth $325 MIL at the end of it. Stanton also holds his own ticket for the future as well, with a full no no-trade clause, and an opt year after the 2020 campaign.
Chuck Booth (Lead Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
With the ink not even being finalized on the historic deal between the Marlins and Giancarlo Stanton, it has been confirmed the deal is for 13 years at a clip of $325 MIL.
Among the provisions includes a no-trade clause, and an opt-out after the 2020 season, which would be 6 years into the deal.
It will be interesting to see how the dollars are broken up per year. If I were Stanton, I would have wanted for the Annual Average money be even throughout the pact, otherwise I may be leery of the club trying to let him walk out after the 6 years – by not having a competitive club.
Although, if it is back end loaded the team would certainly have the flexibility to spend more cash on their current roster for the next 6 campaigns, Tough dilemma for sure to be in.
No matter how long the 2014 NL MVP runnerup stays in South Beach, this is a smart business transaction for the franchise, regardless of the outcome. It just may backfire from a baseball operational sense in terms of finances for signing other players too.
The Miami Marlins had to do this contract to save face from the 2012 break up of the squad. Now while the big blockbuster trade has given the team the ability to contend for a playoff spot in the near future – and was a smart organizational move, as the fans also have been sold a bill of goods from the Marlins ownership since day 1 of the teams existence.
This is a marketing plan as much as anything that will be brought forth by the baseball impact. Stanton is the marquee player on the team, and trading him away in the next 2 years would have had a devastating effect on the fanbase.
One isn’t sure whether they can sustain enough revenues to produce a winning product on the field for an extended period of time, however having the most dynamic power hitter in your lineup for the next 13 years will be a nice reason to come to the yard. Read the rest of this entry
With V – Mart’s 4 YR Deal For $68 MIL, The Market Threshold Is Set For Nelson Cruz
Victor Martinez has thrived offensively in Detroit hitting behind Miguel Cabrera. Aside from the 2012 injury where he missed the whole season to a broken ankle. V-Mart’s 3 Slash Line for the Tigers is .321/.381/.487 – with 58 HR and 289 RBI in 1706 AB for the squad. 2014 was the last year of the 35 year old’s 4 YRs/$50 MIL deal. There was no guarantee the Tigers could afford to bring him back for 2015 or beyond because of the chance they would move Cabrera to DH in a few years. However, the “Motown Boys” will have the best Designated Hitter in the game right now, back in the fold for the next 4 campaigns. The one person who may not like the $ portion of the contract is Nelson Cruz, who is seeking a deal of 5 years at above the dollars per year V-Mart just reeled in.
Chuck Booth (Lead Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Yesterday Victor Martinez finalized re-signing with the Detroit Tigers for 4 YRs/$68 MIL. This both was a great deal for the “Motown Boys” and also set a likely threshold for Free Agent DH slugger Nelson Cruz.
The Orioles DH/OF must not be happy with the amount of cash that V-Mart signed with, because there is no way he should reach that stratosphere.
2014 Stats
Victor Martinez (35): .335/.409/.565, with 32 HRs 103 RBI and only 42 SO in 561 AB.
Nelson Cruz (34): .271/.333/.525, with 40 HRs 108 RBI and 140 SO in 613 AB.
Career
Martinez: .306/.373/.475
Cruz: .268/.328/.501 Read the rest of this entry
2014 Final American League Attendances Show A Slight Decline
Robinson Cano’s arrival helped stopped the plummeting turnstiles revenue at Safeco Field this year, as the club topped 2 Million fans for the 1st time since 2010, and saw the greatest percentage jump in park draw from 2013 to 2014. With a young nucleus surrounding the ALL-Star 2B, the club should contend for the next several years, and maybe Seattle will crack the top half of attendance in the AL once again.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Baseball is in trouble, that is what everyone will say in the newspapers, however the attendances in the game are doing well compared to year to year totals.
Over 34.45 Million Fans viewed games in the ‘Junior Circuit’ during the 2014 campaign. While this total is down from 34.6 MIL fans in 2013, it only represents a drop of 0.5% or 150,000 people.
Cleveland fell back into the cellar of attendance at Progressive Field, barely drawing 1.43 Million butts in the seats. It was an 8.6% drop for the 2013 season, where they drew 1.57 Million fans amidst a playoff race.
The biggest percentage in lost attendance goes to the Rangers, who struggled though an injury filled year, to bring in 14.4% less people than in 2013.
Seattle paid $240 MIL for Robinson Cano last winter, and were rewarded at the turnstiles, with the biggest jump at 13.8% more people going through the wickets at Safeco Field. It was the 1st time they drew more than 2 MIllion since 2010. Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball For 2014 – The Final Regular Season Tally
Getty Images, USA Today Sports and The Seattle Times
Andrew McCutchen of the Pirates… Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers… Mike Trout of the Angels… Felix Hernandez of the Mariners.
They all owned baseball in 2014.
After a full year of checking each game and determining which player owned the game for that day, there were 4 winners.
McCutchen beat out Atlanta’s Freddie Freeman by a 9 to 7 1/2 final.
Kershaw had the highest overall WOB total, 14 1/2, topping Johnny Cueto‘s 11.
The American League races were razor thin.
Trout beat Oakland’s Josh Donaldson by a final of 9 1/2 to 9. Meanwhile King Felix squeaked past Corey Kluber of the Indians 11 to 10 1/2 (with Chris Sale close by at 9)
If I turned in a ballot with McCutchen winning NL MVP, Kershaw winning NL Cy Young, Trout winning AL MVP and Hernandez winning the AL Cy Young, could anyone protest?
Sure I could make valid arguments for Giancarlo Stanton winning the NL MVP. (His WOB total was a surprisingly low 4.) And of course Kluber and Hernandez is basically a coin toss right now. But the above ballot would certainly be acceptable.
WOB works. Adding the 1/2 WOB dynamic made it more accurate than last year.
Thanks for following it for the year. For the post season, I will have new tallies for “Who Owned October?” (WOO) and “Who Owned the World Series?” (WOWS.)
To view the Final Tally of Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball Sept 28, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + FINAL 2014 #WOB Standings
Photo: Alex Brandon/AP
Jordan Zimmermann threw the first no hitter in Washington Nationals history (and the franchise’s first since Dennis Martinez‘s perfect game for the Expos in 1991). He allowed only 1 walk while striking out 10 Miami hitters en route to his 1-0 masterpiece.
Sonny Gray provided relief for 2 months of Oakland frustration with a post season clinching 6 hit complete game shutout of the Rangers, striking out 5 and walking none.
Anthony Rizzo went 3-4 with a homer and 2 RBI, helping the Cubs win against Milwaukee 5-2.
Ian Kinsler homered, hit an RBI single and added another hit to lead the Tigers to the Division Title with a 3-0 victory over Minnesota.
They all owned baseball on Sept 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.
Who Owned Baseball Sept 27, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Eduardo Escobar got 4 hits, including a 3 run homer, and drove in 6 runs, helping the Twins spoil the Tigers hopes of clinching with a 12-3 blow out.
Mark Trumbo got on base 3 times and drove in 4, including a tie breaking 3 run homer in the 7th that was the difference in Arizona’s 5-2 win against the Cardinals.
John Danks gave the White Sox 7 strong innings, scattering 5 hits and allowing just 2 runs, earning the 5-4 decision over Kansas City.
Wily Peralta finished his season with 17 wins following his 7 innings, 1 run and 13 strikeout performance against the Cubs for a 2-1 final.
They all owned baseball on Sept 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. Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Sept 26, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer
Corey Kluber helped his Cy Young cause with an 8 inning, 5 hit shutout performance, striking out 11 Rays, walking 2 in a 1-0 pitchers duel in Cleveland.
Doug Fister gave the bullpen a rest for the first game of a double header as he threw a 3 hit complete game shut out as the Nationals blanked the Marlins, 4-0.
Dalton Pompey Doubled and hit 2 triples (that is rare) driving in a pair, helping the Blue Jays top the Orioles, 4-2.
J.T. Realmuto missed the cycle by a homer, finished going 3-5 with 4 RBI in the Marlins wild 15-7 win in Washington.
They all owned baseball on Sept 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.
Who Owned Baseball Sept 25, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
ROBERT SABO/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Derek Jeter went out in Hollywood style, getting a double and a walk off single in the 9th, driving in 3 runs all together and giving Yankee fans one last thrill with a 6-5 win over Baltimore.
Pablo Sandoval went 3 for 3, driving in 4 runs, including one in the wild 3 run come from behind rally as the playoff bound Giants topped the Padres, 9-8.
Hiroki Kuroda let up homers to the first two batters he faced and then let up 1 hit and no walks the rest of the way. The bullpen blew his lead but he set up the Yankees dramatic 6-5 walk off victory over Baltimore.
Edinson Volquez inched the Pirates closer to the Division Lead with 7 brilliant innings, allowing 4 hits, 1 walk and 10 strikeouts, blowing out the Braves 10-1.
They all owned baseball on Sept 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.
Who Owned Baseball Sept 24, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
ANDY LYONS/GETTY IMAGES
Kyle Lohse kept the Brewers dim playoff hopes alive with a complete game 2 hit shutout with 6 strike outs and no walks, blanking the Reds 5-0.
Carl Crawford got on base 4 times, broke open the game with a 2 run double in the 6th and scored 3 more runs as the Dodgers clinched the NL West with a 9-1 blow out of the Giants.
Mark Buehrle pitched 8 shutout innings, allowing 3 hits, 1 walk and 10 strikeouts as the Blue Jays snuck past the fading Mariners, 1-0.
Ryan Flaherty collected 3 hits, including a 2 run double, and helped the Orioles come from behind to beat the Yankees, 9-5.
They all owned baseball on Sept 24, 2014.
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Ichiro Suzuki Is Closer To Setting The ALL-Time Professional Hits Record: Provided He Keeps Playing
Ichiro Suzuki fashioned 10 straight 200 hit campaigns to start his career (2001 – 2010), tying Pete Rose for the most 200 Hit seasons ALL-Time, and setting the most consecutive years with the feat. He may only be a .270 – .280 hitter now as a 4th OF, but he still plays decent defense, and makes nice contact. Suzuki is about a full season of AB’s away from setting the professional hits record. He is a Free Agent after this year, and at 40, he may have a few campaigns left to offer a club. His 2841 Career Hits come during what will end in 2014, as his 14th year only in the MLB.
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He is not receiving the kind of fanfare that Derek Jeter is this year, (although maybe he would if he was retiring too and had announced it), by Ichiro Suzuki has put forth a decent year in 2014.
His .284/.323/.338 Slash Line is not something to write home about, but he is a nice 3A Outfielder on a club that has seen its fair share of injuries.
Heading into the last 4 games of the year, the 10 time 200 hit man, has 99 hits on the season, thus giving him 2841 Hits in his MLB Lifetime.
After Derek Jeter retires this year. Ichiro will be 2nd in active total hits to Alex Rodriguez. Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Sept 23, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
JAE C. HONG/AP
Justin Turner hit a pair of homers off of Bumgarner and led the Dodgers to a 4-2 victory over the Giants.
Zack Greinke pitched 8 strong innings, allowing just 2 runs and walking no San Francisco batter, bringing the Dodgers a little closer to the NL West title with a 4-2.
Nick Markakis went 4-5 with a homer and 3 RBI, helping Baltimore top the Yankees, 5-4.
David Price pitched a shutout into the 9th and was an out from a complete game. While he blew the lead, he pitched 8 2/3, striking out 8 and walking none. The Tigers would walk off in the 9th 4-3 winners against the White Sox.
They all owned baseball on Sept 23, 2014.
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Who Owned Baseball Sept 22, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Adam Wainwright extended his scoreless inning streak to 21 while notching win number 20, throwing 7 scoreless 3 hit innings, striking out 8 Cubs for an 8-0 St. Louis triumph.
Michael Pineda kept the Yankees dim post season hopes alive with 7 1/3 innings of 1 hit shutout ball, striking out 8 and walking 1, beating the Orioles 5-0.
Gregor Blanco led off the game with a homer, scored in the third and hit a double that drove in a critical insurance run in the 13th as the Giants won a thrilling 5-2 extra inning marathon against the Dodgers.
Jose Bautista reached base 4 times, scored 3 times, drove in a pair, homered and made several fine defensive plays as the Blue Jays played spoiler to the Mariners 14-4.
They all owned baseball on Sept 22, 2014.
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Who Owned Baseball Sept 21, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
Bob Stanton, USA TODAY Sports
Josh Donaldson reached base 4 times, scored 3 and ended a wild 10 inning game with a 2 run walk off homer to give the A’s an 8-6 win over the Phillies.
Corey Kluber pitched 8 dominating innings, letting up 2 hits and 1 walk while striking out 14, as the Indians beat the White sox 7-2.
Matt Kemp went 4-5 with a homer and 4 RBI leading the Dodgers to an 8-5 win against the Cubs.
Vance Worley pitched the Pirates closer to contention with 8 innings of 4 hit shutout ball to get the 1-0 decision over Milwaukee.
They all owned baseball on Sept 21, 2014.
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