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San Francisco Giants Payroll In 2017 + Contracts Going Forward

San Francisco has seen the LA Dodgers spend more than 1 Billion Dollars on player contracts over the last 4 years – all culminating into 4 straight Division titles in the process. Under the new Luxury Tax Yes the organization has handed out big money recently to Johnny Cueto (6 Years/$130 MIL) and both Hunter Pence and Jeff Samardzija are on 5 year pacts that call for $90 MIL. The only blip against the radar is the Matt Cain contract. Brian Sabean can actually stomach that abysmal deal because of the sweetheart pact he put forth in retaining Madison Bumgarner early for 6 Years and $35.9 MIL of total money, in which he is in the 6th year of currently. The team still holds two more Team Options for him additionally in 2018 & 2019 which they will surely activate. His deal paved the way for the team to add valuable players after.
We have been saying for years that the LA Dodgers were going to force the rest of the MLB into many changes as soon as they switched ownership group to the Guggenheim Consortium.
Since that proclamation, the Dodger Blue has spent over 1 Billion Dollars in players salaries over the last 4 years, and are on pace to whisk away $240 MIL more in 2017 (without adding any more players to their current salary structure.)
It has caused a chain reaction among the top clubs competing in the Senior Circuit. One of those said clubs is the San Francisco Giants. The team that has won the World Series in 2010, 2012 and 2014 has seen a rapid escalation in the money they are doling out on an annual basis.
The major difference between the Giants and Dodgers is how many of the players are being paid that the club originally drafted.
During last year’s Trade Deadline, also threw heavy praise at the brass for picking up Matt Moore, who is listed as the clubs 4th Starting Pitcher, and has 3 separate Team Option for a total of $25 MIL over the next 3 campaigns if picked up.
Another team friendly option as they can decide each offseason whether it is worth it.
Moore also provides protection in case Cueto opts out of his contract after 2017.
Who Will Win The 2017 National League Divisions Polls? Your Chance As A Reader To Vote

The National League is a very top heavy league with the Nats, Dodgers, Cubs Mets, Giants and Cardinals and having the best odds to qualify for the postseason in 2016. With 6 teams possibly challenging the 100 loss barrier in the Senior Circuit (Padres, Reds, Brewers, Braves and Phillies),
Since it is the middle part of January, we will offer these polls for all teams in all of the Divisions.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 14, 2017

Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images North America
Wil Myers looks like he is sticking around in San Diego. The Padres might play in a pitchers park but some hitters found their mojo in Petco Park.
Hit it off the warehouse on this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
MLB Teams Taking A Powder In 2017 So Far

Some MLB Teams have had a tough winter so far, and we take a look at why this is. We understand that not all clubs have to be in win mode, and some maybe rebuilding, however the process and mindset is what we are questioning here. For a team that is not going all in and should be based on their limited window of winning opportunity, we also call them to the carpet. Stop taking a powder in 2017 and give your head a shake!
MLB Teams Taking A Powder In 2017 So Far
There are certain clubs who have done a nice job improving their clubs year over year, some that have done nicely in maintaining, well, and there are teams that are not looking so hot in 2017.
Let me also qualify this in saying that the Toronto Blue Jays are dangerously close to falling into this pegging themselves. You guys can’t seriously think that you can enter into the 2017 campaign with the Outfield trio of Melvin Upton Jr., Kevin Pillar and Ezequiel Carrera can you?
Give Jose Bautista a 1 Year Deal worth $15 MIL – with a 2nd year Team Option of $19.4 MIL – or a Buyout Clause of $2.2 MIL The Player could also opt out if he wants to after 2017. You may risk losing a Draft Pick at all with the way this is going Toronto.
With the 1st ED pick attached to Joey Bats. and the looming future QO’s never receiving as much again, how could a team justify losing that high of Amateur Draft Selection for an aging 36 year old slugger.
Here is the thing though Blue Jays brass: You need him..Both at the turnstiles and in the lineup. He doesn’t cost you anything but money – and the guy still carried out a .815 OPS despite a rough down year.
With a chip on his shoulder, I think he will bounce back big time. You can defensive replace him every night if you wish, or use Kendrys Morales at First, and let Justin Smoak ride pine for some DH AB to open up for Bautista.
Losing Edwin Encarnacion, Bautista and Michael Saunders is not made up by Morales and Steve Pearce fellas! You drew 3.4 Million Fans in 2016. Toronto will keep the faith if you bring back #19 for one more year. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The 2017 MLB World Series: Detroit + Seattle Best Value Right Now

I have been preaching the Mariners as a bet for a couple of months now. I was able to grab them at +2800 for a $50 bet already, and this was my 2nd bet to the $100 I plunked down on the Nationals at +1200.
Jerry DiPoto has been wheeling and dealing to the tune of 11 trades already this offseason.
With the exception of the Outfield not possessing not much power (but a ton of speed that could round out the bottom of the order with SB), and the First Base position being manned by unproven commodities, the rest of the roster is pretty solid.
We noted that the Mariners threesome of Kyle Seager, Robinson Cano and Jean Segura combined for 99 HRs and then the prime DH Nelson Cruz clubbed 43 Bolts. These guys will make up enough power to compensate for that.
While I still feel they should upgrade at 1B or another OF (Guys such as Mark Trumbo, Chris Carter or Mike Napoli) this team should have enough offense to compete in the American League.
With acquiring Yovani Gallardo and Drew Smyly in the last week, the club has added depth = and have the best 1 – 5 rotation in the AL West now.
I believe that James Paxton may also see a breakout season similar to what Danny Duffy did for the Kansas City Royals in 2916. The LHP can reach 98 – 99 MPH on his fastball, and he has great movement.
The Relief Core has also been added to with great numbers. Seattle’s brass has definitely robbed the Minor League System, yet this is the window of winning.
Houston deserves to be slightly favored in the AL West with the rosters as currently constructed – however if the Mariners pick up another big bat then I would give the nod to them as the Division favorite. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 11, 2017

The city of San Diego is now a one team city. The Padres have the city to themselves. Fans need to support them like never before.
It is a Gaslamp episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 9, 2017

Jason O. Watson/Getty Images North America)
I would like to see a Padres and A’s World Series. Do you know why? Because California is filled with all sorts of regional insecurities and this would be a great face off for two cities with an inferiority complex.
It is a World Series about Identities with a West Coast Bias episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
For those of you who do not know what the Suffering Index is, here is my explanation.
MLB Power Rankings: Early Predictions For 2017

The week wasn’t really putting forth any big news until Edwin Encarnacion signed with the Indians a few days ago. This changed the landscape of the favorite in the American League.
Other deals included the Phillies acquiring Clay Buchholz, the Pirates inking Ivan Nova to the a 3 Year Deal, the Angels bringing in Ben Revere, and the Tigers dotting the line with Alex Avila on a contract to be the backup Catcher in Motown.
I added a few wins to Cleveland’s win total, and added a few losses to the AL Central.
For the confidence I have in the Pirates making a new baseball deal for Major League ready talent in Andrew McCutchen, I also boosted the Bucs for a few more W’s on the season prediction, and tacked on a few more losses for the Reds, Cubs and Brewers. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The 2017 MLB World Series

Edwin Encarnacion would be just what the doctor ordered for the Indians lineup. A guy that can mash big Homers, drive in plenty of runs. This contract is so awesome for the timing of it all as the team could absorb the $20 MIL guaranteed AAV for the next 3 years. EE will turn 34 on Jan 07, 2017, and is coming off a year where he slashed .263/.357/.529 – with 42 HRs and a league leading 127 RBI.He is a significant upgrade over the departed Mike Napoli. His power will elevate the Cleveland lineup for the next 3 seasons at least.
The Indians were our 4th best bet of the week last Friday at +1000 to win the Fall Classic in 2017. Now with the Edwin Encarnacion contract signing, the club has jumped to +700. We have just stated in a recent article today that they should not be below the Red Sox for odds to win the title next year.
Handicappers at the top of their profession always use the Strength of Schedule in their opinions, and with good reason. One could go either way in dealing with the rosters of the Red Sox and Indians, but the biggest difference are the 76 Divisional games the Tribe plays against the Royals, Tigers, Twins and White Sox, where Boston must play the Jays, yankees,O’s and Raus 76 times.
It is also the biggest reason the Nationals will likely stay as our favorite value on the board all off season. The Mets are about the only real competition in the NL East that may provide a hindrance for the Washington franchise to reel in their 2nd straight NL East title. Then it is – do you really think the Cubs should be a 3/1 odd favorite against the Nats in a NLCS matchup – no way.
We also love the Cardinals continuing to be a thorn in Chicago’s side for the 2017 year. St. Louis was a 100 win club in 2015, and fought many nagging injuries in 2016. Now they have a lot more healthy coming back in 2017, and a full year of Alex Reyes. The Red Birds also signed Dexter Fowler away from the Cubs. +2000 is about a 6/1 odd from the oddsmakers for the Cards to win the NL Central. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The 2017 MLB World Series

Jon Durr/Getty Images North America
With the Chris Sale deal the Red Sox went fro co-favorites with the Indians t0 near the Cubs stratosphere for overwhelming odds on winners to take home the League Pennants in either league.
While I have no issue with these two squads holding the edge against the rest of the pack, it is just not that much of a discrepancy.
One may argue that the Nationals path of resistance is actually a lot easier than the Cubs for the Division.
The Mets Starting Pitching is suspect for health reasons, and there are holes all around the positional lineup when it comes to lack of a Centerfielder. and 3 men in the Infield who could suffer back injuries all year.
Here is the funny thing though. the Mets still made the WildCard play in game in 2016 despite all of the turmoil that presented itself.
Miami has taken a setback with the tragic loss of Jose Fernandez. This will be felt in the standings in my opinion.
The biggest X factor is if Giancarlo Stanton could remain healthy for 145 Games, but odds dictate he will not, therefore this Division should be beat up pretty bad by the Nats and Mets.
Atlanta and Philly are just a year away from solidly competing. Read the rest of this entry
Early 2017 MLB Team Win Projections

Having a great offsesson despite David Ortiz retiring. Are the deepest all around team in the American League, with the greatest collection of veterans and young players. The biggest other move in the Division so far was the Yankees signing Aroldis Chapman, and that may just help the Bombers stay above .500 – and have a chance to compete.
Following the recent Winter Meetings, the new CBA being signed. and then the subsequent few weeks after, the projections are win totals based on the teams if over/unders were to be placed.
From the onset. the Boston Red Sox are the clear favorite in the AL East – with adding Chris Sale, Mitch Moreland, Tyler Thornburg to their ALL – Star cast, while David Ortiz (retired), Travis Shaw (traded) Koji Uehara (Signed with the Cubs), Brad Ziegler (Free Agent) are off the postseason roster that lost to the Tribe.
The players going back to the White Sox were not from the Major League Roster for the most part.
With the Jays having Edwin Encarnacion, Jose Bautista, Michael Saunders. R. A. Dickey, Brett Cecil off the 25 man roster, to replacing with Kendrys Morales and Steve Pearce for the most part as main transactions. this is a far cry from an even trade. However the club will still likely make some more moves.
Cleveland stands to benefit for the rest of the division all seeming to rebuild. but the Tigers have only dealt Cameron Maybin away – so they are sitting on the cusp of challenging for the AL Central again. Detroit may want to explore going for it one more year based on what the Royals have done, and the fact the White Sox and Twins might be the worst clubs in the Junior Circuit.
Houston has been super progressive with signing Josh Reddick and Carlos Beltran as Free Agents, while also flipping for Brian McCann. This was a squad that started 7 – 17,before reeling off a nice 77 – 62 mark down the stretch to fall just short of the playoff bar.
Seattle is also positioning themselves upward just by how bad the Rangers have fared this winter. Not only that, but they added strength to their worst 2 weaknesses in adding Jean Segura at SS. and Carlos Ruiz as a viable backup Catcher. Read the rest of this entry
Once Again: Why The MLB Should Consider A Geographical/Market Size Re-Alignment For The Next CBA:

The new CBA has been a godsend for the mid – market teams, and not so great for the 10 top markets, but even more devastating for the 10 lowest markets. One thing the CBA did address was to give the players an additional 4 days off during the league year – stretching from 183 Days to 187 – in lieu of expanding the rosters of 25 to 26.
This website has continued its stance since day 1, that while the economics have been a lot more fair to teams in the last 15 years, there is still much work to do. The best small market teams we have seen in the last 7 years have been the Oakland A’s, Tampa Bay Rays, Pittsburgh Pirates and of course the 2015 World Series winning Kansas City Royals. Only one of these teams actually were a decent franchise for some time before they took off.
Pittsburgh lost for 22 years before they finally made 3 straight postseason appearances. With the new CBA not giving them 1st RD Draft Picks for departing players in future seasons like Andrew McCutchen, Gregory Polanco, Starling Marter and Gerrit Cole, this is a sure fire way for the brass to cut the cord on their service team a lot of time ahead of them hitting Free Agency.
Kansas City was a laughable organization from the mid 90’s to 2013 as well, and despite winning back to back pennants in the AL< and being the first small market team to win the World Series since the 2003 Marlins, they will soon start to see their team ripped apart under the same Free Agent terms like the Bucs – with Eric Hosmer, Lorenzo Cain, Danny Duffy and Mike Moustakas likely all not re-signing with the franchise. Dayton Moore already had to trade ace Closer Wade Davis this past week.
The Tampa Bay Rays were awful from 1998 – 2007, and were able to stockpile #1 overall picks to build up the franchise. The Joe Maddon era ensued for 6 straight quality years where they competed beautifully, including a World Series Loss in 2008, but now they are at a crossroads again from a 68 win campaign. and teams all spending double what they can. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The 2017 World Series: Nats/Giants/Astros Great Value – Bounce On KC/NYY

For a second straight week we love the Nationals with the best odd value of the week. They have some financial flexibility to bring in a few more ALL – Star Caliber players and also possess the prospects in order to get it done. If you believe (like I do) that the Nats are serious about trading for guys like Andrew McCutchen and Chris Sale, than it is imperative you get this club at their odd this week.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner)
Follow @stokes_Hunter21 @mlbreports
The Nationals are really making noise about trying to land Andrew McCutchen and Chris Sale. Even if they don’t fulfill the need, I still think they will add more depth via trade for another good Starting Pitcher and also add an impressive CF, and reliever.
We shall wait and see whether or not that could be the likes of Dexter Fowler or a reunion with Ian Desmond to play CF, Aroldis Chapman or Kenley Jansen to be added to for late inning work. At +1200 the Nats are full value for the best odd of the week.
The NL East may be easier to win than the NL West and NL Central if you think the way that most good handicappers are right now. The Mets are dreaming if they think they can contend with 3 Infield Starters with bad backs, and a declining metrics Shortstop, added to not a true CF, and a horrible Catcher offensive situation.
I am trying not to bag on the Mets too much here, as I think they could still rally to win 85 – 90 wins again next year based on the strength of the rest of the Division, it is just the health concerns that would frighten me to pieces. Read the rest of this entry
MLB Reports Bettting Results For The 2016 Year: We Made A Profit For The Third Straight Campaign!

I take my betting style from a philosophy used from a few decades of research. This book was one of the templates followed for success.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Disclaimer: All bets were made in the State Of Nevada, or via Canada (by Chuck Booth) where bets are legal online.
So it was an interesting wager year. I nailed the World Series winner, but never did place on money on them in any futures. I was able to hedge bet because I had the Dodgers at a 15/1 Odds from the previous winter.
I absolutely killed it on Player Prop Betting – running the whole table. I was on fire in the playoffs. My best regular season wager for wins ( TB Rays under) was nice, but I took a beating on the rest of the over/under on victories across the board.
My pick of the Baltimore Orioles at 28/1 – to win the American League Pennant – set me up to hedge bet enough of the Junior Circuit playoffs, that I could help rescue my wagering season.
Chuck Booth and I combined for all of these picks, and we use the same gambling template for how we put down cabbage.
The real difference of profit came down to our perfect prognostication of Giancarlo Stanton winning the Derby helped us in breaking even and winning some cash at the end of the campaign.
Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 25, 2016

WHY WHY WHY won’t the Padres embrace their identity? Why won’t they put brown in their uniforms?
Fans want it! Baseball wants it! What do they gain with these boring uniforms?
Root for laundry, just not THIS laundry on this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 27, 2016

Fox
I watched the premiere of the new Fox baseball show Pitch.
There are good things about the show, some concerns but mainly with the prospect of a baseball TV show in the first place.
It is a Prime Time episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Dee Gordon, Robinson Cano, Tim Adleman, Andrew Miller, Trea Turner, Carlos Gomez and Sean Manaea all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball yesterday.
See the updated listing of WOB on MLB Reports
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 9, 2016

NESN
The Padres gave David Ortiz a surfboard… man could they be any lazier in giving gifts?
Plus I talk Instant Replay and pennant races on this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Ivan Nova, Hernan Perez, Kyle Seager, Nick Vincent, Kolten Wong and Kevin Kiermaier all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball yesterday.
See the updated listing of WOB on MLB Reports
ORDER SPACEMAN ON iTUNES BY CLICKING HERE
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – August 20, 2016

Bob Levey/Getty Images North America
Tiny changes in people’s lives could have altered the entire view of what we call reality. Naturally that concept reminded me of Pete Rose and Benedict Arnold.
It is a fragile reality episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast
Ryan Schimpf, Johnny Cueto, Adrian Beltre, Kendall Graveman, Jean Segura, Zack Greinke, Brian Dozier and Francisco Liriano all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball yesterday.
See the updated listing of WOB on MLB Reports
ORDER SPACEMAN ON iTUNES BY CLICKING HERE
Colin Rea Traded Back To The Padres After One Start With The Marlins
Colin Rea and Andrew Cashner were acquired by the Miami Marlins on July 29th from the San Diego Padres. The Marlins sent top prospect, Josh Naylor, and multiple other prospects to the Padres in return. Unfortunately, it looks like Rea’s time in Miami has been cut short after an arm injury suffered in his first start. Little did we all know, but there was a return policy also included in the original trade.
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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 13, 2016

(Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
I have thoughts on the All Star Game. Pitchers are not facing enough batters. Players are being lifted too quickly. And I still don’t understand why the American League was the home team in San Diego.
Plus I realize that being fair is irrelevant in baseball.
It is a START THE SECOND HALF ALREADY episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Eric Hosmer, Will Harris, Daniel Murphy and Kenley Jansen both added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball yesterday.
See the updated listing of WOB on MLB Reports
These 2 MLB Players have Unexpectedly Boosted Their Trade Value This Season
Just like beauty, MLB trade value is in the eye of the beholder. What one interested team deems as desirable may not float the next team’s boat and vice versa.
The non-waiver trade deadline is at the end of July (or in this case, the beginning of August) for a reason. Not only does it allow teams to figure out if they have a chance at contending, but it also gives players time to show whether or not they’re worth the inherent risk that comes with acquiring them.
Some players who carried trade value on Opening Day have either maintained or enhancedit – Jonathan Lucroy and Jay Bruce come to mind – while others lost what little value they appeared to have left – like Matt Kemp.
Then, there’s another group of players that already had zero value, but have surprised everyone with their current performance. And since this level of play has been sustained through the first half of the season, there’s a good chance they’ll be wearing a different uniform within the next few weeks.
Outside of relief pitchers, the midseason trade market may not be as robust as in recent years. Teams in need of a boost must overturn every rock to find the value needed in order to reach the postseason and find success. That can lead front office executives down some unlikely paths, but these two players in particular seem more unlikely than the rest.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – June 9, 2016

Denis Poroy/Getty Images North America
The Padres are going to have 4 picks of the first 48 chosen in the draft today. The organization is in disarray but a good draft could turn it around. A bad draft could cost everyone their jobs.
No pressure.
It is a save your job episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast
Taijuan Walker, Chris Parmelee, John Lackey, Jayson Werth, David Price, Wil Myers, Mike Trout and Kenta Maeda all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball yesterday.
See the updated listing of WOB on MLB Reports
James Shields To Be Traded In The Next 24 Hours, But To Which Team?
Well folks, we could have the first big trade of the 2016 season within the next 24 hours. The San Diego Padres are looking to deal right-handed pitcher, James Shields, as soon as they can. As of right now, it is reported that there are a few teams interested in Shields, but the Chicago White Sox are the front runners.
The White Sox could use another arm in their rotation. Currently, their rotation has four very solid starters, but the fifth starter has brought about many questions. Shields has struggled in 2016, but if he can turn it around, everyone knows how good he can really be.
If the White Sox were to land Shields, their rotation would include Chris Sale, Jose Quintana, Carlos Rodon, Mat Latos, and James Shields. Trading for Shields could not only bolster their rotation, but it would also bring about a pitcher who goes deep into games to give their bullpen a rest.
To view the rest of the article, click the link below:
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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – June 3, 2016

Hayne Palmour IV – San Diego Union Tribune
Things were already bad in San Diego.Then the Padres had tonight’s Atomic Meltdown.
It is about to get ugly in PetCo Park.
It is a “Nobody is Safe” episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Dae Ho Lee, Eugenio Suarez, Michael Pineda, Madison Bumgarner, Cheslor Cuthbert and Jon Jay – all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball yesterday.
See the updated listing of WOB on MLB Reports
MLB Trade Rumors: Matt Kemp To The Seattle Mariners

Trey Rose (Featured BBBA Fantasy Baseball Writer/Owner – dynastydigest.sportsblog.com)
Follow @dynasty_digest Follow @mlbreports
Matt Kemp has had quite the 2016 campaign so far for the San Diego Padres. In 167 plate appearances, he is batting .244, with 10 home runs, 29 RBIs, and 20 runs. While he doesn’t have the value he once did, he could improve many competing teams who have a lack of talent in their outfield.
His power and run production could be a big boost to many lineups, including the Seattle Mariners.
The Mariners are currently 22-17 and sitting at the top of the American League West. They aren’t necessarily struggling with run production, but their outfield doesn’t strike fear int
o many pitcher’s eyes. Their outfield is currently manned by Nori Aoki (.224 BA, 0 HR, 6 RBIs, 20 R, 2 SB), Leonys Martin (.203 BA, 6 HR, 14 RBIs, 16 R, 7 SB), and Seth Smith (.240 BA, 4 HR, 14 RBIs, 18 R). Realistically, Kemp could take over for any one of these players and provide an upgrade to the Mariners’ lineup.






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