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Boston Red Sox Payroll In 2016 + Contracts Going Forward

With adding the contracts of David Price and Craig Kimbrel in recent player moves, this pushes Boston to near $200 MIL in team payroll for 2016. I think they should try to add a few pitchers near the 2016 Trade deadline. With a lot of money tied up in the future, any player they take on should have their contracts end in 2016. Boston stands to pay 17.5% for money spent over the $189 MIL limit. They could run with a $220 MIL salaried club in 2016 and only pay around $6 MIL in additional fees. Do it, and pale it back afterwards.

With adding the contracts of David Price and Craig Kimbrel in recent player moves, this pushes Boston to near $200 MIL in team payroll for 2016. I think they should try to add a few pitchers near the 2016 Trade deadline. With a lot of money tied up in the future, any player they take on should have their contracts end in 2016. Boston stands to pay 17.5% for money spent over the $189 MIL limit. They could run with a $220 MIL salaried club in 2016 and only pay around $6 MIL in additional fees. Do it, and pale it back afterwards.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part-Owner) 

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Well the Boston Red Sox are finally going to join the Dodgers and Yankees as teams that cross the Luxury Tax Threshold for 2016.  This was made possible by recently picking up  David Price for 7 YRs at $31 MIL average per year.

Already in 2017, the team is committed for around $162 MIL – and that is without their stalwart DH of David Ortiz anymore.  2018, the salary obligations are at $151 MIL, and the franchise has already lumped $139 MIL on the books fr the 2019 cash.

This is a leap of faith for the franchise, as they were always reluctant to pay top dollars for Free Agent Pitchers.

Last year’s signings of Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez are looking like poor moves right now, however they can be helped with bounce back years in 2016. Read the rest of this entry

Multi HR Games In The MLB – 2014: Cruz Pads His AL/MLB Home Run Lead Sunday

Nelson Cruz refuses to relinquish his lead in the AL HR race.  The big man clubbed 2 HRs yesterday for his 3rd Multi HR effort of the campaign.  This has now given him a 3 Home Run lead over Chris Carter.  Of course he is trailing the big Astro for 2 HR games this year by 4 contests.  REINHOLD MATAY/AP

Nelson Cruz refuses to relinquish his lead in the AL HR race. The big man clubbed 2 HRs yesterday for his 3rd Multi HR effort of the campaign. This has now given him a 3 Home Run lead over Chris Carter. Of course he is trailing the big Astro for 2 HR games this year by 4 contests. Cruz plated all 7 runs with his offense yesterday, crossing the 100 RBI plateau on the season.  All of his offense should bode well in he is a Free Agent again this winter..  REINHOLD MATAY/AP

Multi HR Games in MLB 2014

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter  For Games Played Through Sept 8th, 2014 (Tyler Flowers with last 2 HR games – Sept 7th, 2014, Lonnie Chisenhall last with 3 HR Game – June 9th, 2014 Last 4 HR game – Josh Hamilton – May 8, 2012)

LM Otero/AP

LM Otero/AP

Lonnie Chisenhall (3 HR Game) June 9th

Chris Davis, Orioles (3 HR Game) May 20th

Ryan Braun – Brewers (3 HR Game) – April.8th Read the rest of this entry

D’Backs Pitching Staff In 2014: The Roster Tree Shows Now Ex – GM Towers Fault(y) On Assembly

Kevin Towers had been at the GM helm since Sept.22, 2010 before having his duties relinquished today.  He authored some of the worst trades in club history, and has seen his team pay the price for it the most this year, with a 59 - 81 record, after back to back 81 seasons in 2012 and 2013, and a NL West Title in his 1st year on the job in 2011.  Tower traded away Stephen Drew, Justin Upton, Mark Reynolds, Chris Young, Tyler Skaggs, Adam Eaton, Matt Davidson, Martin Prado all without much of talent brought back to the fold in return.  It was time to go.

Kevin Towers had been at the GM helm since Sept.22, 2010 before having his duties relinquished today. He authored some of the worst trades in club history, and has seen his team pay the price for it the most this year, with a 59 – 81 record, after back to back 81 seasons in 2012 and 2013, and a NL West Title in his 1st year on the job in 2011. Towers traded away Stephen Drew, Justin Upton, Mark Reynolds, Chris Young, Tyler Skaggs, Adam Eaton, Matt Davidson and Martin Prado – all without much of talent brought back to the fold in return. It was time to go.

How All Of The D’Backs Pitchers Were Acquired:

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

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It has not been a banner year for the Arizona Diamondbacks.  I don’t need to beleaguer that point out to much to the common fan of the franchise.

What I found most disturbing out of the Roster Tree, is the team’s brass continued reliance and insistence on Relief arms.

But before we divulge into that, the name Dan Haren is still haunting this franchise. (Not Towers fault, but still an important trade historically) Read the rest of this entry

Multi HR Games In The MLB – 2014: 5 Guys Do The Feat Over The Weekend For 1st Efforts On The Year

Since a near demotion a few weeks ago, Harper has really heated up including 7 HRs in August.  He hit 3 HRs over the weekend in his 1st visit to Safeco Field in Seattle.  Among those was Harper's 1st Multi HR Game since Apr.20, 2013.  The 21 Year Old Slugger now has 10 HRs on the year.

Since a near demotion a few weeks ago, Harper has really heated up including 7 HRs in August. He hit 3 HRs over the weekend in his 1st visit to Safeco Field in Seattle. Among those was Harper’s 1st Multi HR Game since Apr.20, 2013. The 21 Year Old Slugger now has 10 HRs on the year.  His teammate Wilson Ramos also added his 1st Multi HR effort on Friday night, as the club bashed 6 HRs (park record) over fence, with 4 of them coming off Felix Hernandez.  The Nats tallied 10 HRs total in the 3 game set – while taking 2 out of three contests.

Multi HR Games in MLB 2014

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For Games Played Through Sept 6th, 2014 (Miguel Cabrera with last 2 HR game – Sept 6th, 2014, Lonnie Chisenhall last with 3 HR Game – June 9th, 2014 Last 4 HR game – Josh Hamilton – May 8, 2012)

LM Otero/AP

LM Otero/AP

Lonnie Chisenhall (3 HR Game) June 9th

Chris Davis, Orioles (3 HR Game) May 20th

Ryan Braun – Brewers (3 HR Game) – April.8th Read the rest of this entry

Multi HR Games In The MLB – 2014: (Ellsbury, Posey + Duda With Efforts This Week)

Lucas Duda is providing the Mets with everything they wished he would.  With 26 HRs on the year, he is tied for 3rd in the NL, and he has also driven 76 RBI amidst a .249/.355/.476

Lucas Duda is providing the Mets with everything they wished he would. With 26 HRs on the year, he is tied for 3rd in the NL, and he has also driven 76 RBI amidst a .249/.355/.476,  The Mets 1b has also had 2 Multi HR Games (including this weeK) – and has had  different HR Streaks.

Multi HR Games in MLB 2014

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For Games Played Through Aug 28th, 2014 (Jacoby Ellsbury/Buster Posey with last 2 HR games – Aug 26th, 2014, Lonnie Chisenhall last with 3 HR Game – June 9th, 2014 Last 4 HR game – Josh Hamilton – May 8, 2012)

LM Otero/AP

LM Otero/AP

Lonnie Chisenhall (3 HR Game) June 9th

Chris Davis, Orioles (3 HR Game) May 20th

Ryan Braun – Brewers (3 HR Game) – April.8th

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Multi HR Games in MLB 2014: Alvarez Makes List Again As a 1B

Erik Kratz came into a game for the injured Salvador Perez this week, and proceeded to smack homers in consecutive AB.  The 34 Year Old Catcher has now clubbed 23 HRs in 474 Lifetime AB.  Perhaps always overlooked, this back up Backstopper should help out KC down the stretch - whenever they want to rest their ALL - Star Catcher.  He is surely a better option than Brett Hayes was.

Erik Kratz came into a game for the injured Salvador Perez this week, and proceeded to smack homers in consecutive AB. The 34 Year Old Catcher has now clubbed 23 HRs in 474 Lifetime AB. Perhaps always overlooked, this back up Backstopper should help out KC down the stretch – whenever they want to rest their ALL – Star Catcher. He is surely a better option than Brett Hayes was.

Multi HR Games in MLB 2014

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For Games Played Through Aug 23, 2014 (Pedro Alvarez with last 2 HR game – Aug 20th, 2014, Lonnie Chisenhall last with 3 HR Game – June 9th, 2014 Last 4 HR game – Josh Hamilton – May 8, 2012)

LM Otero/AP

LM Otero/AP

Lonnie Chisenhall (3 HR Game) June 9th

Chris Davis, Orioles (3 HR Game) May 20th

Ryan Braun – Brewers (3 HR Game) – April.8th

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Multi HR Games in MLB 2014: Chris Carter + David Ortiz Doing Some Damage This Week

 

Edwin Encarnacion has been out of the Jays Lineup for almost a month.  Even with that fact, he is still tied for the Major League lead in Multi HR contests for 2014, with 6.  Chris Carter of the Astros just tied him this week, although he has played way more games. EE has 6 multi HR games in about a 7 week span from May 8 to July.  Encarnacion is also still just 5 HRs off of the Major League Lead for Bolts heading into action on Sunday Aug.17, 2014.

Edwin Encarnacion has been out of the Jays Lineup for almost a month. Even with that fact, he is still tied for the Major League lead in Multi HR contests for 2014, with 6. Chris Carter of the Astros just tied him this week, although he has played way more games. EE has 6 multi HR games in about a 7 week span from May 8 to July. Encarnacion is also still just 5 HRs off of the Major League Lead for Bolts heading into action on Sunday Aug.17, 2014.  Toronto went 16 – 17 in his absence.

Multi HR Games in MLB 2014

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For Games Played Through Aug 18, 2014 (Erik Kraatz and Starling Marte with last 2 HR games- Aug 18th, 2014, Lonnie Chisenhall last with 3 HR Game – June 9th, 2014 Last 4 HR game – Josh Hamilton – May 8, 2012)

LM Otero/AP

LM Otero/AP

Lonnie Chisenhall (3 HR Game) June 9th

Chris Davis, Orioles (3 HR Game) May 20th

Ryan Braun – Brewers (3 HR Game) – April.8th Read the rest of this entry

Multi HR Games MLB 2014

Javier Baez clubbed a tater in his MLB debut, took a game off, then knocked off his 1st Multi HR effort in his 3rd game.  The Cubs 21 Year Old 2B from Puerto Rico, was the 9th overall selection by Chicago in the 2011 MLB Amateur Draft.  This kid has scary power, and I thus think he will be adding him name to many future multiple HR games in his lifetime.

Javier Baez clubbed a tater in his MLB debut, took a game off, then knocked off his 1st Multi HR effort in his 3rd game. The Cubs 21 Year Old 2B from Puerto Rico, was the 9th overall selection by Chicago in the 2011 MLB Amateur Draft. This kid has scary power, and I thus think he will be adding him name to many future multiple HR games in his lifetime.  Even in going Homerless in the last 2 games, Baez still has smacked 3 Roundtrippers in his 1st 23 AB.  While he may not reach Kevin Mass like status (10 HRs hit  in his 1st 72 AB for the MLB record of ‘quickest 10″ he is off to a fast start.)

Multi HR Games in MLB 2014

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For Games Played Through Aug 9, 2014 (J.J. Hardy with last 2 HR game – Aug 8, 2014, Lonnie Chisenhall last with 3 HR Game – June 9th, 2014 Last 4 HR game – Josh Hamilton – May 8, 2012)

 

LM Otero/AP

LM Otero/AP

Lonnie Chisenhall (3 HR Game) June 9th

Chris Davis, Orioles (3 HR Game) May 20th

Ryan Braun – Brewers (3 HR Game) – April.8th

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Multi HR Games MLB 2014

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Multi HR Games in MLB 2014

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For Games Played Through Aug 2, 2014

(Lucas Duda with last 2 HR Game Aug 1st, Lonnie Chisenhall last with 3 HR Game – June 9th, 2014 Last 4 HR game – Josh Hamilton – May 8, 2012)

 

LM Otero/AP

LM Otero/AP

Lonnie Chisenhall (3 HR Game) June 9th

Chris Davis, Orioles (3 HR Game) May 20th

Ryan Braun – Brewers (3 HR Game) – April.8th Read the rest of this entry

All Multi HR Games In 2014:

chris dickerson

Multi HR Games in MLB 2014

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

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For Games Played Through July 19, 2014 ( Chris Dickerson with Last 2 HR games – July 19th, 2014, Lonnie Chisenhall last with 3 HRs – June 9th, 2014 Last 4 HR game – Josh Hamilton – May 8, 2012)

josh hamilton

Josh Hamilton, Rangers (4) – May 8, 2012

LM Otero/AP

LM Otero/AP

Lonnie Chisenhall (3 HR Game) June 9th

Chris Davis, Orioles (3 HR Game) May 20th

Ryan Braun – Brewers (3 HR Game) – April.8th Read the rest of this entry

Multi HR Efforts In 2014 + Historical Leaders

mccutchen

Multi HR Games in MLB 2014

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

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For Games Played Through July 12, 2014 ( Chris Johnson + Andrew McCutchen with Last 2 HR games – July 12th, Lonnie Chisenhall last with 3 HRs – June 9th, Last 4 HR game – Josh Hamilton – May 8, 2012)

Last 4 HR Game

josh hamilton

Josh Hamilton, Rangers (4) – May 8, 2012

Last 3 HR Game

LM Otero/AP

LM Otero/AP

Lonnie Chisenhall (3 HR Game) June 9th

Chris Davis, Orioles (3 HR Game) May 20th

Ryan Braun – Brewers (3 HR Game) – April.8th Read the rest of this entry

Multi HR Games + Consecutive HR Streaks in 2014

 

steve pearce

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For Games Played Through July 7, 2014

Multi HR Games in MLB 2014

For Games Played Through July 7, 2014 ( Steve Pearce with Last 2 HR game – June 30th, Lonnie Chisenhall last with 3 HRs – June 9th, Last 4 HR game – Josh Hamilton – May 8, 2012)

Last 4 HR Game

josh hamilton

Josh Hamilton, Rangers (4) – May 8, 2012

Last 3 HR Game

LM Otero/AP

LM Otero/AP

Lonnie Chisenhall (3 HR Game) June 9th

Chris Davis, Orioles (3 HR Game) May 20th

Ryan Braun – Brewers (3 HR Game) – April.8th Read the rest of this entry

There Was A Power Outage In The MLB SAT, But Not At Camden Yards: HR Leaderboards 2014

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There were just 20 HRs hit in 17 games played worth of action on Sat. June 28th, 2014, or 0.59 Bolts per team.

Added to that, were that no one hit 2 in a game, and none of the 15 players currently in the top 5 of either the AL or NL hit a big fly yesterday either.

Among the HRs hit, was a 5 HR contest held at Orioles Park At Camden Yards in Baltimore on Saturday.

It was not Chris Davis, Nelson Cruz or even Evan Longoria doing the deed, but Manny Machado, Nick Markakis for the O’s – and Desmond Jennings, newcomer Kevin Keirmaier – and Logan Forsythe also hit his 1st blast of the year.

Darin Mastrorianni also went yard for his 1st long ball with the Blue Jays (2nd game) and first for the season.

Seldom used David Ross – and Dayan Viciedo are the only 2 players in the MLB carrying a HR streak, after no one entered Saturday’s play with a consecutive streak.

Really other than C.J. Cron‘s and Jose Abreu‘s 2 tater trots, it hasn’t been a banger weekend for the power bats.

For those that love the long ball we have updated our list on Multi HR Game to add the last 4 HR game in the Majors, along with the fellas that have the last 3 HR and 2 HR contests.

We have done the same with consecutive HR list, where we have 2 games through 8 listed as the last streaks.

Devin Mesoraco is the only one to have a 5 gamer in 2014, where 6, 7, 8 vary from 2012, to 2006, to 1993 respectively. Read the rest of this entry

Devin Mesoraco Hits A Homer For The 5th Straight Game: ALL Streaks Of 2 Or More 2014

 

Devin Mesoraco is hitting HRs at a record pace this year, with 14 HRs in just 150 AB. He is among the leaderboards in all of the Catchers offensive categories despite a heavy DL stint. Heading into play today, he has 3 Slashed .320/.387/.667 - and added 40 RBI in his 43 Games Played this campaign. He has also hit a HR in 5 consecutive games. If he can hit a HR in the next game he plays, Mesoraco will be entering extremely rarified air.  Only 20 MLB'ers have ever hit  a long ball in 6 straight games.  The last time the feat was done in the MLB - was by Chris Davis back in 2012.  Don Mattinglty, Dale Long and Ken Griffey JR. all share the record - with blasts in 8 straight.

Devin Mesoraco is hitting HRs at a record pace this year, with 14 HRs in just 150 AB. He is among the leaderboards in all of the Catchers offensive categories despite a heavy DL stint. Heading into play today, he has 3 Slashed .320/.387/.667 – and added 40 RBI in his 43 Games Played this campaign. He has also hit a HR in 5 consecutive games. If he can hit a HR in the next game he plays, Mesoraco will be entering extremely rarified air. Only 20 MLB’ers have ever hit a long ball in 6 straight games. The last time the feat was done in the MLB – was by Chris Davis back in 2012. Don Mattinglty, Dale Long and Ken Griffey JR. all share the record – with blasts in 8 straight.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Devin Mesoraco has finally arrived for the Reds.

The Catcher is completely on fire, homering for his 5th straight game on Tuesday night, and giving him 14 on the year in just 150 AB (1 HR/10.72 AB).

The 26 Year Old Catcher is now trailing just Evan Gattis for the NL and MLB lead for the position despite playing in just 43 Games.

He is also in 2nd for RBI with 40 (2nd to Miguel Montero‘s – 43) which is almost a man knocked in per game.

Mesoraco was drafted in the 1st round (15th) of the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft.

The franchise has thought so much of his potential, they have traded away Ramon Hernandez, Yasmani Grandal and Ryan Hanigan to clear a spot for him to thrive.

Kevin Mench is the last MLB'r to have a 7 game HR Streak.  He did this in April of 2006

Kevin Mench is the last MLB’r to have a 7 game HR Streak. He did this in April of 2006

Read the rest of this entry

How All Of The Diamondbacks Hitters Were Acquired (2014 Roster Tree)

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How All Of The D’Backs Hitters Were Acquired:

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

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The Diamondbacks are having a brutal season at 30 – 44 thus far, and are now under the microscope of Tony La Russa.

This has to be done for good reason.  The club’s transaction record recently is highly suspect even though they are being led by veteran GM Kevin Towers.

When covering this Roster Tree (just for the hitters) I have found a disturbing trend of 2 team and 3 way trades that may not be beneficial to the long term success for the snakes.

The 1st one coming to mind is shipping out Trevor Bauer, Bryan Shaw and Matt Albers for a fringe 1B prospect in Lars Anderson, Reliever Tony Sipp and shortstop Didi Gregorius (even though Chris Owings was already in the system). Read the rest of this entry

2014 Multi Home Run Efforts + HR Streaks Of 2 Or More In the MLB

George Springer was the last man to hit HRs in 4 games this year..

George Springer was the last man to hit HRs in 4 games this year..

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For Games Played Through June 16, 2014

Multi HR Games in MLB 2014

 

For Games Played Through June 16, 2014 Donnie Murphy Last 2 HR effort – June 16)

LM Otero/AP

LM Otero/AP

Lonnie Chisenhall (3 HR Game) June 9th

Chris Davis, Orioles (3 HR Game) May 20th

Ryan Braun – Brewers (3 HR Game) – April.8th Read the rest of this entry

The Long Ball, HR Leaders, Multi HR Gms, Consecutive Streaks MLB 2014

nelson cruz

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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For Games Played Through June 9, 2014

Top 5 HR Leaders AL

Nelson Cruz, Orioles – 21

Edwin Encarnacion. Blue Jays – 20 (Homered June 9th)

Jose Abreu, White Sox – 18  (Homered June 9th)

Josh Donaldson, A’s  – 17

Brandon Moss, A’s – 16 Read the rest of this entry

Multi HR Games In 2014

Multi HR Games in MLB 2014

 

For Games Played Through June 4, 2014

Chris Davis

Chris Davis, Orioles (3 HR Game) May 20th

Ryan Braun – Brewers (3 HR Game) – April.8th Read the rest of this entry

30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 4 MLB Baseball Apr. 2014

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Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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We are now at the 10% pole of the MLB year.  The American League looks to have some serious battles taking place in the divisions, while the National League has teams who are separating from others.

Kansas City put themselves back on the map with a 5 – 2 week, and now have a tie for the AL Central lead.

The Yankees started the week winning 4 straight, before dropping the last contests with the Rays, but look good for the long haul.

The Rays officially lost Matt Moore for the year, and Alex Cobb is gone for a while too.

Albert Pujols is bouncing towards 500 HRs, but his Halo’s are in the midst of a tough 3 city road trip.

The Nationals are learning once again that nothing is handed to you. Read the rest of this entry

With Moore Out For TJ Surgery – The Rays Should Hold Onto Price Through 2015

Matt Moore finished 17 - 4 with a 3.29 ERA in 2013, but was off to an even better start in the 1st half before he had some elbow soreness.  Losing this LHP will hurt the club, however the team was deep with Price, Archer and Cobb still manning the 1 - 3 slots in the rotation.  That was, until Cobb went down with an injury himself.  With the teams projected #2 Starter being down for the next 12 - 18 months from his very best, the franchise should not trade Price at any cost.

Matt Moore finished 17 – 4 with a 3.29 ERA in 2013, but was off to an even better start in the 1st half before he had some elbow soreness. Losing this LHP to TJ Surgery hurts the club, however the team was deep with Price, Archer and Cobb still manning the 1 – 3 slots in the rotation. That was, until Cobb went down with an injury himself.  The squad will have to weather the storm for a few months with some organizational players that might include the players: Erik Bedard, Nate Karns or Cesar Ramos. With the teams projected #2 Starter being down for the next 12 – 18 months from his very best, the franchise should not trade Price at any cost in 2014 and 2015..  Moore is under Team Control through the 2019 year, and when he comes back to the fold at 100% in 2015, hopefully the Rays will be vying for another postseason berth in the second half.

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

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Lets face it.  The Tampa Bay Rays have had an incredible run at it.  The Florida squad trails only the Yankees for wins since the start of the 2008 season in baseball.

The club has made it to the postseason 4 out of the last 6 years, and possess 5 out of 6 years with 90+ Wins.

All of this with a shoestring budget, and incredible use of stretching dollars on player talent.

Every year, Andrew Freidman finds a bargain Free Agent that becomes an ALL – Star once he dawns the blue and purple. Read the rest of this entry

The Tampa Bay Rays State Of The Union For 2014

The Rays are always at the bottom for attendance in the Major Leagues, which is a shame for how successful this team has been for the last 6 years - posting 4 playoff berths and an AL Pennant.  This has all been done on a shoestring budget - and facing the toughest strength of schedule in the bigs,

The Rays are always at the bottom for attendance in the Major Leagues, which is a shame for how successful this team has been for the last 6 years – posting 4 playoff berths and an AL Pennant. This has all been done on a shoestring budget – and facing the toughest strength of schedule in the bigs.  The 2014 season will pose the same kind of challenges and problems that have arisen in the teams history.  The Rays have to contend with high payroll teams like Boston and New York fielding ALL – Star squad’s throughout their lineups.  The management has done a fantastic job to stay competitive, and will rely on their franchise depth to post yet another nice record for a 7th consecutive year.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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The Tampa Bay Rays are still one of the best run franchises in baseball, and have put themselves in a position to contend for the AL East for yet another campaign.

I hope the Rays Management decides against trading David Price in the next 2 years, and just goes for a World Series trophy.

Being the 13th biggest city, and yielding the 28th lowest payroll in the game should not be conducive to sustained success, yet there the Rays are pesky every year.

It has been noted on this website plenty, that since the beginning of 2008, the Rays have the second best record in the game to the Yankees in this time frame.

In that span, they trail the Bronx Bombers by just around 10 wins.

Wil Myers 2013 Highlights

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Notes On Free Agent Signings And Acquisitions Of The Last Week

Robinson Cano has seen his stock plummet down the river this winter.  While he still will likely sign a deal for more than $25 MIL per year, it may have to be somewhere other than the Bronx.  Meanwhile Jay - Z and his new baseball agent company is teetering with this client.

Robinson Cano has seen his stock plummet down the river this winter. While he still will likely sign a deal for more than $25 MIL per year, it may have to be somewhere other than the Bronx. Meanwhile Jay – Z and his new baseball agent company is teetering with this client.  The best move for that camp is to wait it out like Prince Fielder did 2 years ago.  It may take for an unexpected injury – or for a team to panic after the majority of the Free Agents have signed in order for him to maximize his dollars in 6 – 7 year deal.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twiter

2014 Winter Transactions Part 2

For part one of this transaction summary click here.

The White Sox sign 1B Paul Konerko (37) – 1 YR/$2.5 MIL (1.0 MIL deferred to 2021).

I like this deal for the White Sox.  He is the team leader and can pass on knowledge to the young guys.. Expect for them to try and trade Adam Dunn halfway through the year if Konerko is playing well.

The Rockies sign 1B Justin Morneau (32) – 2 YRs/$13 MIL.

Love this move.  The Rockies could potentially see this man hit 20+ HRs and knock about 30 – 40 Doubles per year.  He carries a decent average too.

Justin Morneau Minnesota Twins Highlights

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Joe Morgan Weekend In Cincinnati: From A Fans Perspective

This weekend at Great American Ball Park was Joe Morgan Weekend. Once this was announced earlier this season, I decided that I was going to make the trip to Cincinnati from my home in Louisville, Kentucky. A part of Joe Morgan Weekend was Morgan getting his "Sculpture" out in front of the stadium. As a huge Reds fan and a historian of the Reds this was a great moment for me and my dad. The best thing about the weekend, the entire Big Red Machine made the trip, including the hit king Pete Rose.

This weekend at Great American Ball Park was Joe Morgan Weekend. Once this was announced earlier this season, I decided that I was going to make the trip to Cincinnati from my home in Louisville, Kentucky. A part of Joe Morgan Weekend was Morgan getting his “Sculpture” out in front of the stadium. As a huge Reds fan and a historian of the Reds this was a great moment for me and my dad. The best thing about the weekend, the entire Big Red Machine made the trip, including the hit king Pete Rose.

Ryan Ritchey (Featured Baseball Columnist): 

It was finally here, Joe Morgan Weekend.

As a life long Reds fan and a huge fan of Reds history, this was a huge weekend for me. I had it circled on my calendar since the day they announced it.

Joe Morgan was to become the sixth player in Cincinnati Reds history to have a statue put out in front of Great American Ball Park.

The other five were very good players as well, Ted Kluszewski, Ernie Lombardi, Frank Robinson, Joe Nuxhall, and Johnny Bench. Morgan would be joining great company to say the least. 

The festivities were on Friday and Saturday, but Morgan would remain for the third game on Sunday, which happened to be the Sunday Night Baseball game.

I was lucky enough to be there both Friday and Saturday for both sets of festivities and here is my perspective on each day.

Joe Morgan Speech, Unveiling of Sculpture:

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5 Things To Watch About The Reds In The 2nd Half

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Tuesday  July 30, 2013 

 Ryan Ludwick has he has been out since Opening Day with a shoulder injuryThe Cincinnati Reds are trying to make a push for a division title again in 2013 but injuries have plagued them the entire season. Getting players healthy is going to be a huge factor if they expect to win the division and go deep into the playoffs. The major piece missing is Left Fielder Ryan Ludwick as he has been out since Opening Day with a shoulder injury. The other huge piece that has been missing for much of the season has been . He has been on the shelf three different times with a lagging right lat strain. The Reds look to have him back in late August. The last and final piece that needs to get healthy is the bullpen. Guys have been filling in great but that won't last forever. Look for Sean Marshall and Jonathon Broxton to come back and help through the rest of the season and the playoffs.

The Cincinnati Reds are trying to make a push for a division title again in 2013 . but injuries have plagued them the entire season. Getting players healthy is going to be a huge factor if they expect to win the division and go deep into the playoffs. The major piece missing is Left Fielder Ryan Ludwick as he has been out since Opening Day with a shoulder injury. The other huge piece that has been missing for much of the season has been . He has been on the shelf three different times with a lagging right lat strain. The Reds look to have him back in late August. The last and final piece that needs to get healthy is the bullpen. Guys have been filling in great but that won’t last forever. Look for Sean Marshall and Jonathon Broxton to come back and help through the rest of the season and the playoffs.

By Ryan Ritchey (MLB Reports Writer):

The Cincinnati Reds are five games back of the Cardinals going into play on Thursday.

They won the first two of their series after the ALL-Star Break, taking two of three from the Pittsburgh Pirates and three of four from the San Francisco Giants. But then lost three of four against the Dodgers in LA.

The Reds are playing a three game series with the Padres now and need a sweep going into the weekend with St. Louis coming to town. 

Ryan Ludwick 2012 Highlights – Mature Lyrics So Parental Guidance Is Advised:

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Cincinnati Reds Payroll in 2013 And Contracts Going Forward

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Monday, July.29, 2013

Joey Votto is having another good season for the Reds and he will be force in their lineup for years to come. The power numbers for him are down from years past with him only hitting 16 HRs and having 47 RBIs. However the opposition still has to respect his bat and if a pitcher makes a mistake expect him to hit the ball a long way. He has a .317/.429/.931 triple-slash in 388 at-bats this season with 20 Doubles. He is 7th in the NL with 195 Total Bases, and is also 8th with a WAR of 4.7. Votto is 1st in Times On Base in the NL at 202.

Joey Votto is having another good season for the Reds and he will be force in their lineup for years to come. The power numbers for him are down from years past with him only hitting 16 HRs and having 47 RBIs. However the opposition still has to respect his bat and if a pitcher makes a mistake expect him to hit the ball a long way. He has a .317/.429/.931 triple-slash in 388 at-bats this season with 20 Doubles. He is 7th in the NL with 195 Total Bases, and is also 8th with a WAR of 4.7. Votto is 1st in Times On Base in the NL at 202. He obliterates right-handed pitching with a .335 batting average, and handles left-handers just as good with a .286 average.

By Chris Lacey (Lead Baseball Columnist/Minority Website Owner)

The Cincinnati Reds are playing well this season with them winning 59 games, but they are five games out of first place. The Reds are 3rd in the National League Central division behind both the Pittsburgh Pirates and St.Louis Cardinals.

Cincinnati is third in the NL with them scoring 463 runs on the season. They are great at home, and have the 2nd best home record in the NL. The problem for them is hitting away Great American Ball Park with winning just 27 games and three games under .500 on the road.

Joey Votto Highlights – Parental Guidance Is Advised

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Current Top 5 MLB Home Run Leaders in the AL + NL: Home Runs Hit May 18th

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Saturday, May.19, 2013

David Ortiz has been crushing the ball at an all time rate since rejoining the club just 4 weeks ago.  In just 24 Games Played this season - he has a 3 Slash Line of .362/.408/1.089 - with 7 HRs and 29 RBI.  He is still the premiere DH in the AL - and could go along way in Boston making a return to the playoffs in 2013

David Ortiz has been crushing the ball at an all time rate since rejoining the club just 4 weeks ago. In just 24 Games Played this season – he has a 3 Slash Line of .362/.408/1.089 – with 7 HRs and 29 RBI. He is still the premiere DH in the AL – and could go along way in Boston making a return to the playoffs in 2013.

DH on our home site pages – Stands for Daily HR Hitters in the Majors.

We are going to run the gauntlet on the previous days HRs for all MLB Players.

I loved it when MLB XM Radio used to do a running total every night on their Roundtrip with Mike Ferrin (Laser Show).  So I am bringing it every day on this website.  To view every nights big boppers for the whole year (from May 8th on) visit the DH page!

Click beyond the Youtube link or click  the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON to see who hit yesterdays big flies.

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Reds Organizational Depth Chart, Rosters And 2013 Payroll Part 1 (Majors And Minors)

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Tuesday, Mar.26/2013

The core is as solid as ever and they could potentially add Stolen Base Threat Billy Hamilton to the arsenal of attack next year.  The Reds will be a fast, entertaining team with lots of power from both hitting and defense.

The core is as solid as ever and they could potentially add Stolen Base Threat Billy Hamilton to the arsenal of attack this year. The Reds will be a fast, entertaining team with lots of power from both hitting and defense.  The Reds feature a payroll that will range between $103 – 110 Million Dollars in 2013.  Other than Bronson Arroyo and Shin-Soo Choo, the whole team should be back again in 2014.  Will the fans continue to come in droves to the Great American Ball Park?  With 2 division crowns in the last 3 years, it seems likely.

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

You guys are all in for a treat.  Jeff Kleiner recently contacted me about a partnership merge for the website.  He has developed a site (prosportsrosters.com) that covers all organizational affiliates in the Minors for all of the Major League Baseball Clubs.  We are going to combine efforts to bring you the best look at salaries, current 25 Man Player Rosters and Depth Charts for all 30 teams.

Jeff is going to provide the documents in form of spreadsheets and I am going to accompany the posts with deep analysis of what the numbers tell us from my perspective.  If you can’t wait for all of my assessments for each club, go and visit Jeff’s website over at http://www.prosportsrosters.com.

In Speaking with Jeff, he is one of the more passionate fans I have come across towards the game of baseball.  He spends enough time in updating his MLB Facts for it to be a Full-Time Job.  So after the usual Video Clip and READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY button, you will find some serious &*!@?!#!

For a Full 3 year Salary Outlook plus last years Stats for every player in the Reds Organization click here

2012 Reds Clinch The Division:

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Cincinnati Reds Schedule In 2013: The Team Hopes For NL Central Dominance

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Thursday, January.24, 2013

By Richie Devotie (MLB Schedule Correspondent): and Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Writer/Website Owner) 

The Great American Ball Park is a great place to watch a game.  The Great American Ballpark is one of the best parks in the majors for scenery outside the yard. You get a close personal view of the Ohio River. The park also features the ‘Cincinnati Reds Hall Of Fame” that is directly adjacent to the park—great place to check out the 1st Major League Baseball Club. Particularly if you are a Pete Rose fan, you have to visit this Museum. Pete Rose is nowhere to be found at Great American because of his lifetime ban—but his career is nicely chronicled inside the doors of the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame.

The concourses at Great American are spacious, clean and the workers there offer the nicest hospitality. There is not a bad seat in the place. Cincinnati’s fans are amongst the smartest in baseball.  They have 3 mascots still in use that walk the field in:‘Gapper,’ ‘Mr. Redlegs’ and of course ‘Rosie Red,’ a truly great experience for the kids. The fireworks display on Friday nights in the summer are incredible against the back drop of the Ohio River.

From guys who also did 30 Ball Parks in 30 Days: 

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Week 4 – MLB 2012 Season: Fantasy Baseball Report

Monday April 30th, 2012

Peter Stein (Fantasy Baseball Analyst – MLB reports): This offseason, I told myself (and others) to stay away from names like Matt Kemp and Josh Hamilton. It wasn’t even a question. There was no way Kemp could repeat his 2011 season (and his .380 BAPIP). But he appears to be on his way to surpassing last year and making a hard push towards the triple crown. Josh Hamilton, who I also intentionally stayed away from, simply cannot be counted on to play 150 games. Hamilton has had a Kemp-like start to the season and is also single-handedly carrying fantasy teams throughout the first month of the season. However, he did leave Sunday’s game with back tightness (out Monday as well) and this could be a start of a trend that we have seen in seasons past. 

On the pitching side, Jake Peavy was another guy who fell in the same category as Hamilton, having only made 39 starts in his 2.5 seasons with the White Sox. Furthermore, the results were poor in those starts as he transitioned from a pitcher friendly park in baseball’s weakest hitting division to the American League.  But even more of an afterthought in addition to the health concerns, was Peavy’s transition from the NL West and the most pitcher friendly park to the hitting friendly confines of U.S. Cellular Field. However, Peavy looks like the Peavy of old and is pitching like a number one type pitcher again.  But will that last? Are you prepared to take that gamble? Read the rest of this entry

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