Blog Archives

Regular Season Over And Unders For MLB Wins Per Club 2014: Gambling 101

It is time for all of the predictions to come forth for the MLB season.  Just a note here, make sure your totals equal 2430 games worth of wins and losses.  As you can see in this articles, I broke it down also for Division Records.  Remember when betting on futures, that the AL usually holds a decisive Interleague record over the National League.  In 2014, I believe the AL will register 32 more wins than the NL.  Many of the top FA sluggers headed to the Junior Circuit.

It is time for all of the predictions to come forth for the MLB season. Just a note here, make sure your totals equal 2430 games worth of wins and losses. As you can see in this articles, I broke it down also for Division Records. Remember when betting on futures, that the AL usually holds a decisive Interleague record over the National League. In 2014, I believe the AL will register  32 more wins than the NL. Many of the top FA sluggers headed to the Junior Circuit.  You must also have 810 games each for divisional record (5 x 162).

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

These are my predictions as of today for 2014.  Also the Odd Over/Under as listed by the Atlantic Casino In Reno and my ultimate pick for the year win totals.

The American League continues to reign supreme every year in Interleague.  Notice I have placed the AL Record at 1231 – 1199, versus the National League’s 1199 – 1231.

The AL has 2 of the 3 best divisions in baseball, and the AL East might feature the best out of the pack.  Even with these odds, we could see 8 out of the 10 teams in those division land records over .500

If I were to rank Divisions, I am going AL East, NL Central, Al West (don’t let the Houston Astros record take down the rest of the fleet), NL West, AL Central and NL East. Read the rest of this entry

All Double Headers (Possibilities) Master Schedule For MLB Park Road Trips: 2014 Season

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here

Gone are the days when baseball teams deliberately schedule two games in one stadium like teams used to do in past generations.  

If there is not a postponed game for the duration of your team’s schedule, you will not even have this occurrence.   I am here to tell that modern-day traveling has opened up possibilities for two games in one day for separate cities like never before.

For the extreme ballpark chasers, nothing is more exciting for a baseball fan when Major League Baseball posts the new season’s calendar.  Usually the brass does this in mid-September.  

On this post, I have gone through the MLB schedule with a fine-tooth comb, and have listed all Doubleheader Attempts that could be attended in 2014.

I will keep a keen eye on this stuff all season, and add more doubleheaders as they come available.

If you ever have a question, just tweet us or send an email to mlbreports@gmail.com

Happy Ballpark Chasing in 2014

Read the rest of this entry

Master Schedule For All MLB Doubleheader Attempts In Sept 2014

All 2430 games will be posted at MLB reports, and we will also have schedules for interleague, doable doubleheaders attempts at parks, weekly, monthly and a running page with all games on 1 page post.  All at www.mlbreports.com

All 2430 games in the 2014 MLB schedule  are now posted at MLB reports, and we will also have schedules for interleague, doable doubleheaders attempts at parks, weekly, monthly and a running page with all games on 1 page post. All at http://www.mlbreports.com

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Over the last few years the MLB has made doubleheaders more capable – by scheduling so many matinees in the month of April.

While these games are subject to many weather delays because of how early it is in the year, the most amount of action for doubleheader attempts will be in this month.

The other months will not have as many attempts, but there are still more than ever.  This month of September has the least amount of DH attempts.

I will also be adding doubleheader attempts as they role in from scheduling.

Now a lot of people think this is a crazy way to witness contests in the Majors, as some would prefer to soak up all of the sights in the park – and not rush in veering off to another ballpark.

For this, I understand, I am just crafting out another way to do this. Read the rest of this entry

Master Schedule For All MLB Doubleheader Attempts In Aug 2014

All 2430 games will be posted at MLB reports, and we will also have schedules for interleague, doable doubleheaders attempts at parks, weekly, monthly and a running page with all games on 1 page post.  All at www.mlbreports.com

All 2430 games in the 2014 MLB schedule  are now posted at MLB reports, and we will also have schedules for interleague, doable doubleheaders attempts at parks, weekly, monthly and a running page with all games on 1 page post. All at http://www.mlbreports.com

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Over the last few years the MLB has made doubleheaders more capable – by scheduling so many matinees in the month of April.

While these games are subject to many weather delays because of how early it is in the year, the most amount of action for doubleheader attempts will be in this month.

The other months will not have as many attempts, but there are still more than ever.

I will also be adding doubleheader attempts as they role in from scheduling.

Now a lot of people think this is a crazy way to witness contests in the Majors, as some would prefer to soak up all of the sights in the park – and not rush in veering off to another ballpark.

For this, I understand, I am just crafting out another way to do this. Read the rest of this entry

Master Schedule For All MLB Doubleheader Attempts In July 2014

All 2430 games will be posted at MLB reports, and we will also have schedules for interleague, doable doubleheaders attempts at parks, weekly, monthly and a running page with all games on 1 page post.  All at www.mlbreports.com

All 2430 games in the 2014 MLB schedule  are now posted at MLB reports, and we will also have schedules for interleague, doable doubleheaders attempts at parks, weekly, monthly and a running page with all games on 1 page post. All at http://www.mlbreports.com

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Over the last few years the MLB has made doubleheaders more capable – by scheduling so many matinees in the month of April.

While these games are subject to many weather delays because of how early it is in the year, the most amount of action for doubleheader attempts will be this month.

Now a lot of people think this is a crazy way to witness contests in the Majors, as some would prefer to soak up all of the sights in the park – and not rush in veering off to another ballpark.

For this, I understand, I am just crafting out another way to do this. Read the rest of this entry

30 MLB Team Power Rankings FEB 2014

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

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

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

There are no real surprises to be had here.

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

30 MLB Team Power Rankings MAR 2014

Read the rest of this entry

MLB Odds To Win Both Of The AL And NL Pennants In 2014

The Rays have one of the 2 best Starting Pitcher staffs in the American league, and have averaged over 90 wins for the last 6 years.  Having them to win the American league at +1200 (8th favorite among the clubs) is still a steal.

The Rays have one of the 2 best Starting Pitcher staffs in the American league, and have averaged over 90 wins for the last 6 years. Having them to win the American league at +1200 (8th favorite among the clubs) is still a steal.  With an ace like David Price, the emergence of Wil Myers and Chris Archer for a full year, plus the acquisition of Grant Balfour, gives the team more depth and a stronger club than even last year.

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

I have scoured this list and have come up with some deep recommendations.  If you are picking an AL team to go to the World Series, you are better off just picking the AL odds, and not going for a World Series win.

Virtually every team has better odds in the AL just to win the American League – as opposed to the World Series.  The Tigers are +500 to win the AL, yet are +900 to capture the World Series.

Based on the top three teams of LAD, WSH and STL likely countering the AL, the World Series is more up in the air. 

For the National League teams, it is a much better wager to just pick the World Series outright.  On these numbers, every time you pick favors the World Series odds compared to just the NL win. Read the rest of this entry

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

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Odds To Win The 2014 World Series

1.  LA Dodgers +700

2.  Washington Nationals +800

3.  Detroit Tigers +900

T4. St. Louis Cardinals +1000

T4. Boston Red Sox +1000

6.  Texas Rangers +1100

7. New York Yankees +1200

T8. Oakland Athletics +1400

T8. Atlanta Braves +1400

10. Cincinnati Reds +1500 Read the rest of this entry

Master Schedule For All MLB Doubleheader Attempts In June 2014

All 2430 games will be posted at MLB reports, and we will also have schedules for interleague, doable doubleheaders attempts at parks, weekly, monthly and a running page with all games on 1 page post.  All at www.mlbreports.com

All 2430 games in the 2014 MLB schedule  are now posted at MLB reports, and we will also have schedules for interleague, doable doubleheaders attempts at parks, weekly, monthly and a running page with all games on 1 page post. All at http://www.mlbreports.com

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Over the last few years the MLB has made doubleheaders more capable – by scheduling so many matinees in the month of April.

While these games are subject to many weather delays because of how early it is in the year, the most amount of action for doubleheader attempts will be this month.

Now a lot of people think this is a crazy way to witness contests in the Majors, as some would prefer to soak up all of the sights in the park – and not rush in veering off to another ballpark.

For this, I understand, I am just crafting out another way to do this. Read the rest of this entry

Master Schedule For All MLB Doubleheader Attempts In May 2014

All 2430 games will be posted at MLB reports, and we will also have schedules for interleague, doable doubleheaders attempts at parks, weekly, monthly and a running page with all games on 1 page post.  All at www.mlbreports.com

All 2430 games in the 2014 MLB schedule  are now posted at MLB reports, and we will also have schedules for interleague, doable doubleheaders attempts at parks, weekly, monthly and a running page with all games on 1 page post. All at http://www.mlbreports.com

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Over the last few years the MLB has made doubleheaders more capable – by scheduling so many matinees in the month of April.

While these games are subject to many weather delays because of how early it is in the year, the most amount of action for doubleheader attempts will be this month.

Now a lot of people think this is a crazy way to witness contests in the Majors, as some would prefer to soak up all of the sights in the park – and not rush in veering off to another ballpark.

For this, I understand, I am just crafting out another way to do this. Read the rest of this entry

Re – Aligning To 4 Divisions May Help The MLB

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

Since the MLB doth refuses to address their salary discrepancies among teams in the league, how about we take another radical approach?

How about eliminate the 6 Divisions – and come back with 4 new divisions!

We can also go back to 14 teams in the AL and 16 in the NL.

I have long since agreed with this websites philosophy on re-aligning the Divisions for payroll and geography reasons. Read the rest of this entry

Master Schedule For All MLB Doubleheader Attempts In April 2014

All 2430 games will be posted at MLB reports, and we will also have schedules for interleague, doable doubleheaders attempts at parks, weekly, monthly and a running page with all games on 1 page post.  All at www.mlbreports.com

All 2430 games in the 2014 MLB schedule  are now posted at MLB reports, and we will also have schedules for interleague, doable doubleheaders attempts at parks, weekly, monthly and a running page with all games on 1 page post. All at http://www.mlbreports.com

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Over the last few years the MLB has made doubleheaders more capable – by scheduling so many matinees in the month of April.

While these games are subject to many weather delays because of how early it is in the year, the most amount of action for doubleheader attempts will be this month.

Now a lot of people think this is a crazy way to witness contests in the Majors, as some would prefer to soak up all of the sights in the park – and not rush in veering off to another ballpark.

For this, I understand, I am just crafting out another way to do this. Read the rest of this entry

The Modern Day Doubleheader For Baseball Fans Of The MLB

Breaking the World Record for "Fastest To See all 30 MLB Park (every pitch): caused me to study every possible scenario for all Doubleheader Attempt humanly possible for all MLB Teams.  Over the course of the next week - I will dissecting the 2014 MLB schedule - in order to list every 2 games in one day scenarios this year.  I will list them by month blogs first, and then have a dedicated page at this website - that has the whole year on one page post!

Breaking the World Record for “Fastest To See all 30 MLB Parks” (every pitch): caused me to study every scenario for all Doubleheader Attempts humanly possible for all MLB Teams. Over the course of the next week – I will dissecting the 2014 MLB schedule – in order to list every 2 games in one day maneuver this year. I will list them by month blogs first, and then have a dedicated page at this website – that has the whole year on one page post!

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Gone are the days when baseball teams deliberately schedule two games in one stadium like teams used to do in past generations.  

If there is not a postponed game for the duration of your team’s schedule, you will not even have this occurrence.   I am here to tell that modern-day traveling has opened up possibilities for two games in one day for separate cities like never before.

For the extreme ballpark chasers, nothing is more exciting for a baseball fan when Major League Baseball posts the new season’s calendar.  Usually the brass does this in mid-September.  

Across the world, ballpark goers mark their favorite teams mapped out schedule.

A lot of fans check off what new or old baseball parks they want to visit in the next season.  Plans formulate with a heavy thought to their own planned vacation time.  ‘

For the most hard-core baseball fan, their whole lives revolve around this process.

Posting the schedule mind you, is only part one of itinerary.

Read the rest of this entry

2014 Prognostications As Of Right Now In The MLB

The Royals may be the benefactors of a vaunted AL East Division - and a massively improved AL West this year.  I think Cleveland, Minnesota and Chicago will struggle to nail down 70 wins, and Detroit may also regress a couple of wins.  This could help Kansas City break a 29 year playoff drought.

The Royals may be the benefactors of a vaunted AL East Division – and a massively improved AL West this year. I think Cleveland, Minnesota and Chicago will struggle to nail down 70 wins, and Detroit may also regress a couple of wins. This could help Kansas City break a 29 year playoff drought – via a Wild Card Berth..

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

Okay, yes these may very well change in the next two months, however I must report on the early front runners to how things are shaping up from where teams stand today.

It is important when you are looking over people’s predictions that the sum of all wins equals 2430 wins.  The reason is because that is the number of games played in the Majors each year.

The ‘MLB Fancave’ in New York may have been the first ones to make that mainstream knowledge, yet smart baseball handicappers have been figuring this out for years. Read the rest of this entry

All 2430 MLB Regular Season Games On 1 Page Post (Game Times Given So Far)

Do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here

Before You read the whole 2014 MLB season, just wanted to say that MLB Reports is going to be the best website on the planet for the MLB 2014 scheduling.

For Weekly/Monthly MLB Schedules or all 2430 MLB games in 2014 on 1 page post – find the links master grid right here Read the rest of this entry

MLB Schedule Sept 2014

Do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here

Before You read the Month Schedule for Sept 2014, just wanted to say that MLB Reports is going to be the best website on the planet for MLB 2014 scheduling.

For Weekly/Monthly MLB Schedules or all 2430 MLB games in 2014 on 1 page post – find the links master grid right here Read the rest of this entry

MLB Schedule Aug 2014

Do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here

Before You read the Month Schedule for Aug 2014, just wanted to say that MLB Reports is going to be the best website on the planet for MLB 2014 scheduling.

For Weekly/Monthly MLB Schedules or all 2430 MLB games in 2014 on 1 page post – find the links master grid right here Read the rest of this entry

MLB Schedule July 2014

Do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here

Before You read the Month Schedule for July 2014, just wanted to say that MLB Reports is going to be the best website on the planet for MLB 2014 scheduling.

For Weekly/Monthly MLB Schedules or all 2430 MLB games in 2014 on 1 page post – find the links master grid right here Read the rest of this entry

MLB Schedule June 2014

Do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here

Before You read the Month Schedule for June 2014, just wanted to say that MLB Reports is going to be the best website on the planet for MLB 2014 scheduling.

For Weekly/Monthly MLB Schedules or all 2430 MLB games in 2014 on 1 page post – find the links master grid right here Read the rest of this entry

MLB Schedule May 2014

Do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here

Before You read the Month Schedule for May 2014, just wanted to say that MLB Reports is going to be the best website on the planet for MLB 2014 scheduling.

For Weekly/Monthly MLB Schedules or all 2430 MLB games in 2014 on 1 page post – find the links master grid right here Read the rest of this entry

Interleague Master Schedule For The 2014 MLB Season

Do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here

In this blog, we look at the start times, plus home an away teams for all of the Interleague schedule during the 2014 season.

For Weekly/Monthly MLB Schedules or all 2430 MLB games in 2014 on 1 page post – find the links master grid right here

Read the rest of this entry

MLB 2014 March – April Schedule – Includes All Home Openers

Ballpark Chaser Guides Links Courtesy of http://www.ballparkchasers.com:

Also do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here

Before You read the Month Schedule for March-April/2014, here are 30 Links to Ballpark Chaser Guides, that will aid you in your road trip quests.

American League

AL EAST

Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY  (New York Yankees)

Fenway Park, Boston, MA (Boston Red Sox)

Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON (Toronto Blue Jays)

Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL (Tampa Bay Rays)

Oriole Park, Baltimore, MD  (Baltimore Orioles)

AL CENTRAL

Comerica Park, Detroit, MI (Detroit Tigers)

U.S. Cellular, Chicago, IL (Chicago White Sox)

Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH (Cleveland Indians)

Target Field, Minneapolis, MN (Minnesota Twins)

Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO (Kansas City Royals)

AL WEST

Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, CA (Los Angeles Angels)

Rangers Ballpark, Arlington, TX (Texas Rangers)

Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX (Houston Astros)

Safeco Field, Seattle, WA (Seattle Mariners)

O.co Coliseum, Oakland, CA (Oakland Athletics)

National League

NL EAST

Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia Phillies)

Nationals Park, Washington, DC (Washington Nationals)

Marlins Park, Miami, FL (Miami Marlins)

Citi Field, Flushing, NY (New York Mets)

Turner Field, Atlanta, GA (Atlanta Braves)

NL CENTRAL

Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH (Cincinnati Reds)

Miller Park, Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee Brewers)

Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL  (Chicago Cubs)

PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA (Pittsburgh Pirates)

Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO (St. Louis Cardinals)

NL WEST

AT&T Park, San Francisco, CA (San Francisco Giants)

Petco Park, San Diego, CA (San Diego Padres)

Chase Field, Phoenix, AR (Arizona Diamondbacks)

Coors Field, Denver, CO (Colorado Rockies)

Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA (LA Dodgers) Read the rest of this entry

All 30 MLB Parks In 21 Days – 2014?

All 2430 games will be posted at MLB reports, and we will also have schedules for interleague, doable doubleheaders attempts at parks, weekly, monthly and a running page with all games on 1 page post.  All at www.mlbreports.com

All 2430 games will be posted at MLB reports, and we will also have schedules for interleague, doable doubleheaders attempts at parks, weekly, monthly and a running page with all games on 1 page post. All at http://www.mlbreports.com.  I have spent thousands of hours dissecting the MLB schedule for the last 7 years.  It helped aid me in becoming the fastest human ever to witness (every pitch for all 30 MLB home games) – when I made it to all stadiums in 23 calendar days from Apr.6th – Apr.28/2012.  I broke my own record that was set in 2009 (30 – 24). It takes countless hours figuring out geography, finances – and setting up contingency plans if you fail at a game.  You will see a snippet of my work here.

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

I haven’t been able to sleep for a few days.  After blowing off the snail speed website of http://www.mlb.com for not converting the last 7 teams home start times, I decided to try my luck with http://www.espn.com.

Much to my delight, they have posted all of the games times for all 30 MLB clubs – in coordination with the teams doing so themselves on their own sites.

I have done this for the last 7 years.  Yes, it is sad in a way, but we all have our vices in life, mine just happens to be the master schedule for Major League Baseball.

My interest this year was ramped up even more when Craig Calcaterra wrote a blog about how somebody was doing 30 Ballparks in 30 days.

I am not going to say this is not still a great feat – because it is, I just wish he would have taken 5 seconds to google the record holder for “Fastest To See All 30 MLB Ballparks.”

Once again, this wasn’t done, so half of the story wasn’t told.

For those that have followed this website over the course of 2011 – 2014, or even have been a part of ballparkchasers.com – will be aware we have a fraternity of insane stadium goers.

ALL Games Attended – you must be there from 1st to last pitch.  You have to go to all 30 parks before returning to another one, otherwise it starts all over.

For Weekly/Monthly MLB Schedules or all 2430 MLB games in 2014 on 1 page post – find the links master grid right here

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 24, 2014

John Iacono/SI

John Iacono/SI

Greg Maddux… people will remember you as a Brave… not a Cub.

Maybe that’s why I picked a picture of you pitching as a Dodger for the website.

Writers… a unanimous Hall of Fame vote is NOT a vote for best player of all time.

That and a few other things have my goat on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

To subscribe to The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 24, 2014

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 6, 2014

Photographer: Andy Hayt/San Diego Padres/Getty Images

Photographer: Andy Hayt/San Diego Padres/Getty Images

Today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast is a salute to Jerry Coleman.

The man did so many things with his life as a baseball player, a soldier and an announcer and reached the pinnacle in all of them.

His was a life worth celebrating.

To subscribe to The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 6, 2014

Some MLB Teams Need To Place Their Starting Times For The Majority Of Their Schedules Earlier

The Rays are always at the bottom for attendance in the Major Leagues, so it boggles my mind how they can't have their game times for the next year up that quick.  Weather is never a factor at all, and they have no geographical MLB teams remotely close to them.  The Royals and the Padres are also teams that do not post their times early enough - while sagging at the gates.

The Rays are always at the bottom for attendance in the Major Leagues, so it boggles my mind how they can’t have their game times for the next year up that quick. Weather is never a factor at all, and they have no geographical MLB teams remotely close to them. The Royals and the Padres are also teams that do not post their times early enough – while sagging at the gates.

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

I am a big fan of the MLB posting their schedules  so early compared to other sporting entities.  However with this being said, there are several teams who have not completed their start times for the majority of their home ballparks 2014 campaign yet.

My question is, why the hell not?

In an economy starving for our entertainment dollar, what is the hold up? 

Look I am all for the quirks in the variances for each club based on ESPN Sunday night baseball, heck, even coordinating with the other geographical rivals in your area, to have the most potential ticket buyers head through the wickets at your turnstiles.

As of right now, the Tigers, Astros, Rays, Angels, Red Sox, Rangers, Padres, Indians, Royals, Braves, and White Sox have not posted these. Read the rest of this entry

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

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

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

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

The top 12 clubs have opened up a little lead on all of the guys tied for 14th, which includes the Royals and Indians (more of a longshot, but +300 and +200 more respectively.

The Dodgers continue to be the current leaders to take home the prize.  If they are able to land Masahiro Tanaka for any reason, their +700 will be even lower.

I still think the Rangers are a bit of a bargain at +1100. They are behind Boston and Detroit in the AL leaderboard.

I would wait for to place a bet on the Boston Red Sox, if you are so inclined, because they are said to be out of the running.  Since this is the case, whomever shall acquire the NPB superstar, their odds will lower – and Boston may rise after.

The AL East is reigning supreme in this with 4 of the top 12 spots being positioned by them.  The worst Division is the AL Central who only possess 1 member in the top 12.

The Yankees were +1500 last week, and now have moved up to +1400 with the A’s and the Braves.

Again, if they are to bring Tanaka in the fold, I believe they will blow the luxury tax out of the water next year.  If you want to bet this club to win, I suggest you do so now.

Next to the totals, I have weighed in on what I think the odd should be. Read the rest of this entry

Updated Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series As Of Right Now: Tanaka Could Influence These Later

Masahiro Tanaka has finally been posted by his team from the NPB (Golden Lions).  Mark my words, with the exception of a crazy bid coming from the Dodgers way out West, no one will outbid the Yankees for this guys services.  Based on his age and wherewithal, the Pinstripers can alter their immediate future by landing the 25 Year Old Japanese Phenom.  If they spend the $125 MIL - $140 MIL for a 6 or 7 year total ($20 MIL post, plus player contract, look for them to blow their $189 MIL budget out of control in 2014, - and opt to reset in 2015 instead.)

Masahiro Tanaka has finally been posted by his team from the NPBL (Golden Lions). Mark my words, with the exception of a crazy bid coming from the Dodgers way out West, no one will outbid the Yankees for this guys services. Based on his age and wherewithal, the Pinstripers can alter their immediate future by landing the 25 Year Old Japanese Phenom. If they spend the $125 MIL – $140 MIL for a 6 or 7 year total ($20 MIL post, plus player contract, look for them to blow their $189 MIL budget out of control in 2014, – and opt to reset in 2015 instead.)  Tanaka was 24 – 0 – with a miniscule 1.27 ERA in 2013.

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Since nothing has changed since last week, I have two bets for you to take – and one for you to avoid.

As I mentioned last Saturday, the Rangers have confirmed on the Shin-Soo Choo signing.  In my expert opinion this should have moved the line on Texas.

Instead, they are still the 3rd favorite to win the World Series coming out of the AL.

This is not right.  Maybe I could see the Tigers still ahead of them based on the Division they are in, but the Red Sox have no business being ahead of them.

The Best Of Masahiro Tanaka

Read the rest of this entry

The Astros Are Having A Decent Winter

The Astros had a collection of players that only equaled a little over the league minimum for the entire roster.  This year, the club has filled some holes, and will spend more on 3 Free Agent acquisition's, than what the team payroll was in 2013.  The club picks #1 in the 2014 MLB Amateur Draft yet again, so saving money for future years is a smart practice.

The Astros had a collection of players that only equaled a little over the league minimum for the entire roster. This year, the club has filled some holes, and will spend more on 3 Free Agent acquisition’s, than what the team payroll was in 2013. The club picks #1 in the 2014 MLB Amateur Draft yet again, so saving money for future years is a smart practice.  Houston is easily the lowest payroll team in the AL West, with the Angels hovering around the Luxury Tax Threshold, the Rangers spending in the $140 MIL range, the Mariners pole vaulting up the team salaries chart – by signing Cano, while still employing “King” Felix Hernandez.  The Athletics are even nearing the $70 MIL mark, still about $25 – $30 MIL more than the Astros projected budget.

By Lee White (Astros Correspondent) 

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The Houston Astros came into the offseason with bolstering the bullpen in mind. They have done just that, but still have work to do. Early during the offseason, the Astros signed Peter Moylan to a minor league contract with an invite to Spring Training.

Just before the Winter Meetings, they added Chad Qualls, who will make a nice addition to the back end of the bullpen.

During the Winter Meetings, they traded their first round pick in the Rule 5 draft for Anthony Bass from the San Diego Padres, who could pitch out of the pen or the rotation.

Monday the 16th, the Astros signed Matt Albers. If you’re keeping tabs, that’s the second reliever from the 2007 the Astros have signed this offseason.

Matt Albers Ejected

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Final 2013 Major League Attendances In The MLB

The "Trop" was frequented less in 2013 than any other MLB stadium and it is a shame.  The team has made 4 playoff spots in the last 6 years, has the 2nd best record in the game since the start of the 2008 campaign (NYY are 1st) and are sniffing the AL East crown out every year. Tropicana Field has been the only MLB Park for the Rays.  Unfortunately the club has a lease that runs through the year 2027.  There have been several talks of a downtown Tampa Stadium right off of Highway 4. All have plans have been derailed.  With limited revenues generated playing out of Tropicana Field, it will be tough to keep doing this year after year, however the management had the good foresight to see the MLB game switching back to more pitching and defense.  With some of the best players on the club locked up under team control,

The “Trop” was frequented less in 2013 than any other MLB stadium and it is a shame. The team has made 4 playoff spots in the last 6 years, has the 2nd best record in the game since the start of the 2008 campaign (NYY are 1st) and are sniffing the AL East crown out every year. Tropicana Field has been the only MLB Park for the Rays. Unfortunately the club has a lease that runs through the year 2027. There have been several talks of a downtown Tampa Stadium right off of Highway 4. All have plans have been derailed. With limited revenues generated playing out of Tropicana Field, it will be tough to keep doing this year after year, however the management had the good foresight to see the MLB game switching back to more pitching and defense. With some of the best players on the club locked up under team control, the management has been able to overcome all of these obstacles to field a competitive club.

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

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It is funny how all of the top Free Agents have been signing with the American League teams in recent years.

Out of the 1.5 Billion Dollars in contracts offered this winter to guys, more than 1.1 Billion of those bucks have been given to guys like the M’s Robinson Cano (10 YRs.$240 MIL), Jacoby Ellsbury (7 YRs/$153 MIL), Shin-Soo Choo (7 YRs/$130 MIL) and potentially 6 YRs/$100 MIL for Brian McCann (5 YRs/85 MIL is guaranteed.).

For these reasons, you would think the AL is dominating the attendance every year.

As you will read here, they are not.

New Marlins BallPark 2012

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