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BBBA Audio/Video Casters Week In Review:

The Baseball Bloggers Alliance is not only a membership for writers, we also support podcasters/videocasters and vloggers. We have many talented people who are doing an awesome job covering the game of Major League Baseball. If you know a show that is good and think they should be on this page, check out our contact information and send us a note.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst) Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
We have an outstanding amount of baseball fans that are doing audio and video presentations for the game of baseball that are not even being paid for it.
I would put the content of these shows up against a lot of the paid professionals of the MLB – or any other entity that possesses the wherewithal to be able to do that.
If you want to keep scrolling down, all of the information listed below is all of the shows for the week from all, or maybe you have a favorite, then you can just click on one of the highlighted shows.
In this opening week we had Sully Baseball talk a lot about the Pirates, D’Backs, Cubs and the Cardinals in opening week. He keyed on where Tim Lincecum may end up, and the opening start for Zack Greinke. Like everyone else, he also submitted his yearly predictions.
Sully also delivered an emotional podcast where he implores everyone to love their extended family more on April 2, 2016 – because you don’t know when you may lose some one.
BBBA Audio/Video Shows
The “BBA” Live guys talked about the opening week, and a lot about what the NL East will look like this year.
The Hall Of Very Good Interviewed Kato Kaelin.
The Jays from the Couch guys continued to kill it on their coverage of Canada’s only team.
The Pirates Breakdown was happy to see their club begin 3 – 0 after sweeping the Cards after giving their predictions.
Seamheads (Gateway To Heaven) wondered if anyone was going to make it through the week for St. Louis in light of the Tommy Pham injury.
MLB This Week went through their season picks – and also talked about some of the technology of the game as a fan.
Past here is how to subscribe and listen to these shows.
Odds To Win The MLB Divisions In 2016: Best Value Bets

It seems about once every 3 years Ubaldo Jimenez puts together a Cy Young caliber type of year. If he can find all the stars aligned in the right direction he could throw like a suitable #1 pitcher in the league. The problem with the rotation is that Jimenez and Tillman are up and down – while Gausman and Bundy are unproven at the big league. At least the potential is there for one year. Decent Innings were thrown by both starters this week, and Bundy worked a nice frame out of the Bullpen last night.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
So less than a week of play has occurred and we are seeing some early trends. They jumped from +1300 to +900 in 3 games, and I still believe that is great value.
1st impressions are I am glad I bet a lot of money on the Baltimore Orioles for the Division and the American League Pennant overall. Yes they swept a Twins club at home, and have yet to play on the road, but the pitching looks decent.
Chris Tillman and Ubaldo Jimenez look decent in their limited work, and the offense has come up clutch.
If the O’s are able to get that Cy Young caliber type of chucker Jimenez seems to wharf into for half a year (for once every 3 seasons), than maybe Baltimore has a fighting chance to win the AL East in 2016.
Baltimore was 47 – 31, and played one of the weirdest home games ever in front of no fans after the Baltimore riots. For those scoring at home too, the Rays hosted 3 games with the civil unrest, and that is why there were only 78 games played at Camden Yards in 2015.
The Orioles were 34 – 50 on the road. If they are able to win some games away from home cooking, they will compete. Read the rest of this entry
Yasiel Puig: No Bravado, Just Baseball + Off To A Quick Start

Yasiel Puig is 6 for his 10 AB, with 1 HR, 2 Triples, 4 RBI and 5 runs scored through his 1st 3 games. His club outscored the Padres 25 – 0 in sweeping San Diego. This is somewhat reminiscent of 2013, when the Cuban player took the league by storm when he first made his debut. The better part if that he is doing it quietly. The 4th year player leads the league in BA, SLG and OPS through his 1st 3 games played.
Emily Siskin-Toy (Featured BBBA Writer – Owner Of The Website – behindenemylines32.blogspot.com) Follow @3BugBooks
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Dodgers have come blasting out of the opening gates, and the “Wild Horse,” Yasiel Puig, is leading the charge. In the first three games, Puig has been on base in 9 out of 13 Plate Appearances, including a Little League home run as well as an easy three-bagger, two walks, and a hit-by-pitch where he didn’t even so much as glance at the pitcher (first time ever?).
He has also knocked in 4 runs and scored 5. Puig showed us this explosiveness when he first hit the scene in 2013, but there is something different about this Puig and it could be the key to the Dodgers’ season…
This post was done before yesterday’s game, so the full article will have information prior to.
READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE
2016 MLB Shutout Survivor (KC Eliminated) + MLB Runs Scoring Survivor Update: 4 NL West Clubs With 10 Runs Or More, TB in Trouble

Eliminated from 2016 MLB Shutout Survivor last night.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst) Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Noah Syndergaard was filthy yesterday in the Mets 2 – 0 blanking of the KC Royals. They are the third team to be eliminated – however plenty of clubs are playing the second game of their schedule, and could be beat up worse than 2 – donut today.
San Diego officially places 30th in the tourney. and LAA was 29th.
Speaking of SD. For the second straight day “The Friars” were bageled by the Dodgers. They are seeing more zeroes on the scoreboard than Bill Gates estimated net worth so far this campaign.
They are also the only club in the NL West not to plate ten runs thus far in the season.
In MLB Runs Scoring Survivor – the Tampa Bay Rays scored 3 runs for the 3rd straight contest in their controversial victory against the Toronto Blue Jays last night. Repeating the same run total this early in the year is a big way to fall back in this competition.
Colorado and the Chicago Cubs scored 6 runs in their second game. and are the only team with 2 contests to have 2 variations north of 5. Read the rest of this entry
2016 MLB Shutout Survivor (LAA + SD Eliminated) + MLB Runs Scoring Survivor Update (LAD, SF + COL All With 10 Runs Or More

It something small yes, however it took 49 games for the 2014 Los Angeles Angels to be shutout in that campaign. They won this competition. As of right now, they will finish 29th for this category, with being on the back end of a 9 – 0 drubbing in Interleague courtesy of the Chicago Cubs at Angel Stadium last night in Anaheim.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst) Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
It almost always happens in Game 1 for at least a few clubs. Last night the Cubs blanked the Angels 9 – 0 and San Diego was massively speedbagged 15- 0 behind the brilliant pitching effort of Clayton Kershaw.
With the Tigers, Marlins, Red Sox, Indians,. Astros and Yankees all yet to play – it would take a 16 – 0 score or higher today for San Diego not to be the loser of this contest.
On the other side of the Survivor Pools was a bunch of high scoring games in the NL West.
The Dodgers, Giants and the Rockies all plated at least 10 runs or more, with the totals of 15, 12 and 10 respectively in their games. Scoring 10 or more runs is the second hardest mark to acquire in the contest for the 11 variations of 0 – 10+.
The Cubs racking up a 9 spot on the Angels bodes well for them to complete the quest early. Scoring 9 men in a game is the single hardest amount. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The 2016 MLB World Series

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Answer me a question bet365.com? The Dodgers were a +1500 odd when the start of Spring Training commenced, are without Corey Seager, Howie Kendrick, Yasmani Grandal, Brett Anderson, Andre Ethier as of right now on the big roster, and you saw fit to move them to +1300. Wrong. They automatically go to a poor wager from a good one just weeks ago.
The Jays have also jumped from +1000 to +800 but since I have them and the Cubs winning their respective leagues. the odds are about where they should be.
Previously I had the Giants on the bad odd list, however with the recent rash of injuries to Los Angeles, and a horrible break for A.J. Pollock of the D’Backs, confidence is at an all time high for the Giants to take the NL West.
The Kansas City Royals have a lower win total on the year over/under than Cleveland. but have a +1300 odd to win the World Series. Baffles me guys.
The Cardinals lose just one game and now are on par with the Pirates as the 10th best favorite to win. Love the odds for both of these clubs.
Detroit was a good bet last month at +2500, but are now properly pegged, as are Cleveland.
With the Angels having such a thin roster it surprises me that they are sitting up with the Mariners for value, as opposed to being near the A’s,where they probably should be. Read the rest of this entry
MLB Power Rankings: April 2016

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Disclaimer: We based these rankings on best strength to win the World Series. Therefore some teams that have an easier division to play in, with the least path of resistance to the postseason overall may be ranked a lot higher than a club who is equally talented, yet may play in a juggernaut of a division.
Yesterday won’t change much for the rankings. Although it kicked off interleague with the Royals beating the Mets 4 – 3, and starts the Junior Circuit looking to win the AL vs NL competition for a 13th straight year.
Pittsburgh also beat the Cardinals. I have them both ending the year win 91 victories, but these squad’s really intrigue me.
There are a multitude of reasons why I have picked the Cubs as the #1 team. I explain them in the writeup.
Each Monday, we will post a new set of power rankings and go over the week that was. Read the rest of this entry
2016 MLB Reports Staff MLB Predictions

Despite having a top heavy league – where I have predicted 7 teams will 90 games or more, the National League also has 6 clubs that will challenge 100 losses with Cincinnati, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, San Diego and Colorado all tanking it this year – and possibly providing all the talent for the Trade Deadline in July. The last two months of the year for these teams could be brutal record wise.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
One could argue that the top 6 teams (NYM/CHC/SF/WSH/STL/PIT) in all of the Majors reside in the NL right now, and you then you can counter that by saying they have the 6 worst squads as well (PHI/ATL/MIL/CIN/SD/COL).
The funny thing about this whole ordeal is that the AL is absolutely going to cream the NL in Interleague this forthcoming season. On a 12 year win streak already, I am predicting a 178 – 122 W – L for the games between both leagues. The AL speedbags the National League in my view.
Last year, the American League held a 167 – 133 mark over the National League so that prediction up there is not foreign by any means.
Read the rest of this entry
Who Will Win All Of The MLB Divisions Polls In 2016? Your Chance To Cast Your Vote

It is different when you are the ‘hunted’ instead of the ‘hunters’ and Chicago has many players that could suffer from a sophomore slump in their second go around the Senior Circuit. These guys are still favored heavily to win the NL Central, and are by the far the biggest consensus Division winner pick among experts.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst) Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
All Of The MLB Reports Placed Bets Updated for 2016 MLB: Big On The NL Value for WS, Nice Value On O’s For AL

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 I have let my profits ride on this winter heading into futures betting in 2016 MLB. I thought I would take you into a little look on what I have thrown down so far – and what got me here over the last few seasons.
We have always fully disclosed our picks prior to the actual games being played. The track record is way above industry standards, so I hope our selections this year don’t get thrown into the woodchipper at the ends of the year.
In 2014, I made 3 over/under selections (Washington over 91.5 wins, Kansas City over 81.5 Wins, and the Padres under 79.5 wins). Made a nice profit of a few hundred dollars for that – sporting a perfect 3 – 0 clip.
For my initial World Series picks in 2014, I wagered the Rangers, Rays but I was smart enough to take a +2500 preseason SF Giants selection.
Halfway through the season I plunked down some money on the Royals when they were near .500, talking of firing Ned Yost, and running at an +8000 odd to win the World Series.
I also was able to win money on the Orioles for the AL East Division, and at +5000 to win the World Series, I was able to hedge bet both KC and BAL in the 1st round of the postseason, and also the World Series. Read the rest of this entry
San Diego Padres Show How Much Things Can Change In The Span Of A Year

A.J. Preller has been really active trying to replenish his prospect pool this year after making a big splash in his rookie offseason last year. The Padres finished a dismal 74 – 88. At least he recognizing the error of his ways – and trying to eradicate his mistakes that he made from putting up a squad that was saddled with injury riddled players.
Matt Musico (Featured BBBA Writer/Owner – chinmusicbaseball.com) Follow @mmusico8
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The first full year of A.J. Preller’s tenure as San Diego Padres general manager has basically been a roller coaster of emotions. With Opening Day just days away, it’s interesting to see how the narrative about the club has changed so drastically from the year before.
Upon getting hired in August 2014, San Diego’s biggest need was pretty clear: breathing life into an anemic offense that ranked last in runs scored (535). In the boldest way imaginable, Preller completely transformed the lineup by acquiring players like Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, Derek Norris and Wil Myers.
However, as we’ve seen in recent years, the winners of the offseason very rarely end up being winners of the World Series come October. That trend continued with the Padres, who missed the playoffs with a disappointing 74-88 record.
The goal of improving the offense was achieved (650 runs scored, 23rd-best in MLB), but not necessarily by leaps and bounds. The pitching and defense also suffered in the process.
READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY
Odds To Be The 1st MLB Manager Fired In 2016: Who Is On The Hotseat?
Hunter Stokes (MLB Reports Part Owner – Chief Writer) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Every year there are certain managers that have a ton of pressure to win. This is always a tough process to think of who will be nixed first.
On one hand, many clubs that should be in contention for the playoffs will see an axe come to their tenure, however sometimes clubs are so bad record wise (even though they were projected to be) that the franchise will just slay the field general in the name of mercy.
As far as under the gun goes. guys like Brad Ausmus, John Farrell and John Gibbons. are tops on the list.
Ausmus doesn’t have a track record of any postseason series wins like the latter two here, so he is going to be the #1 favorite out of this group of skippers that could go fast with playoff aspirations if their team struggles out of the starting block.
Gibbons did a great job with Toronto in 2015, but a slow start would really put his name on the block. Say if they are 6 or 7 games behind the playoff bar near Memorial Day.
Farrell has put up back to back 5th place finishes in the AL East after winning the World Series Title in his 1st year of being the skipper in 2013.
Then there is a perennial bad losing club that have long tenured coaches like Walt Weiss and Robin Ventura. I am not sure they should not have been shown the door following last years campaigns.
Weiss has losing years for every year under his belt, and Ventura rode out 2013 with his late season collapse, but his club has underachieved in every other year.
Still the two most managers on the hot seat are Fredi Gonzalez of the Braves on top of the favorite list at +331, followed by Bryan Price at +441. But I hate putting money on either of these gentlemen with their clubs both being on track to challenge for the worst record in the Majors this year.
Heck, Gonzalez’s predecessor Bobby Cox was the well into his 3rd decade with the “Tomahawk” Choppers when he finally stepped down to a front office job. Gonzalez at least had the Braves in the playoffs in 2012.
Price can’t really be expected to do anything with this anemic Pitching Staff, and all veterans except for Votto may be available for trade at any point.
Get Ready For Another MLB Year Of Runs Scoring Survivor In 2016

Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst) Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
This should turn out to be quite fun. A lot of gambling establishments have this sort of deal, and we will keep a running total of this on a daily basis, in addition to MLB Shutout Survivor, Who Owned Baseball (Daily MVP of the pitcher/hitter in both the American and National League) and also our Interleague results.
What Runs Survivor is: A MLB team scoring 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, 10 or (10+) (in different games throughout the course of the season.
Once a club has one of these run totals once, you cross it off and keep going until they complete the 11 different variations.
A Bold Italic illustrates it has been done for runs by the club.
Previous Winners include the SF Giants, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Angels and Toronto Blue Jays all over the last 4 years.

My money in 2016 would have to be on the Baltimore Orioles who could score a lot of runs, but also whiff so fast against top pitchers, that they would be able to rack up the lower run efforts along with the high end scoring totals.
The hardest total to pick off is scoring 9 runs.
We will also be doing the MLB Shutout Survivor as well. I would peg 2014 and 2015 winners (Toronto) as the last team to be blanked yet again. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The MLB Divisions In 2016: Best Value Bets

Should win between 82 – 85 games in my view – and is the best odds on the board for this wagering in any category this week. Picking them to win the AL East for a +1200 is full value.
Hunter Stokes (BBBA Featured Writer) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The BBBA On Twitter Follow @baseballblogs
Bad Value – Red Block
Good Value – Blue Block
AL East
As stated in an article this week, I am loving the value of the O’s across the board. Picking them to win the Division at +1200 should be ranked 1st, to win the American League Pennant at +2800 is 2nd – and to win the World Series at +5000 is third.
Since Baltimore would have a tough NL matchup for the Fall Classic, the best cash should be thrown on the AL East win, then to win the Pennant.
Boston and Toronto are both listed at 87.5 regular season win odds – whereas the Jays are favored to win over that amount just slightly ahead of the Sox. Here they are evenly slated.
David Price is a regular season beast, and Craig Kimbrel solidifies the Bullpen, but I just can’t put money behind them winning this Division.
It was a good job by BET365 handicapping the AL East
Boston Red Sox +175 (6)
Toronto Blue Jays +175
NY Yankees +350
TB Rays +800
Baltimore Orioles +1200 (1)
Read the rest of this entry
MLB Betting Specials: # Of No-Hitters, Will There Be A Guy With 50 Saves Or 16 Strikeouts In A Game For 2016?

Max Scherzer threw 2 no-hitters in 2015, and carried no – no’s into the late innings on a few other occasions. It seems every night there is a no – hit watch, so 4.5 on the over/under for the year seems like a big no-brainer to throw down some cabbage on. In 2015 alone, there were 7 no-hitters hurled out. At +115, it will pay you $1.15 for every dollar wagered
Hunter Stokes (MLB Reports Part Owner + Chief Writer) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
# Of No-Hitters For 2016 MLB Over/Under 4.5
Yes: +115 or No: -115
This is a resounding yes in my view. In 2015, Max Scherzer threw 2 no-no’s, and could have easily thrown 2 more. This was 2 of 7 doled out last campaign.
Mike Fiers, Cole Hamels, Jake Arrieta, Hisashi Iwakuma and Chris Heston also cemented their place in history by accomplishing the feat.
There are so many teams that are loaded with HR happy clubs that have plenty of swing and miss candidates like the Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles. This also brings us to our next stat. Read the rest of this entry
Regular Season Win Over/Under Totals Updated For MLB 2016 Wagering + Best Bets

I think the Mets have a chance to win in the mid 90’s for wins, which is way less than the 89.5 over/under total they are listed for. They will beat up on the Braves, Phillies and I also believe they will truck the Marlins too. I like the Nationals a few wins behind them. New York should also have a good look at returning to the World Series this fall with that pitching staff.
Hunter Stokes (MLB Reports Part Owner + Chief Writer) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I am continuing the theme of wagering on the Baltimore Orioles. They were my favorite American League club growing up. Now I favor no one but the clubs I can win money on. Perhaps this season I will rekindle my fondness again for the Birds.
This set of odds represents the best set of over/under win total odds I have seen for any establishment thus far.
These are better than PECOTA, FanGraphs and most Las Vegas odds.
The best bet on the board has to be the KC Royals over 84.5 At least these guys give them a projected winning season, but how can KC be a +1200 World Series favorite, to the Indians +2200 mark, meanwhile the Indians listed as an over/under of 84.5.
I am not even questioning the ‘Tribe’s” win total here. This is a nice reflection of what they should have in their victory pile for the upcoming campaign.
Out of a lot of things that don’t make sense, I point this out. Read the rest of this entry
The American League Exploits Another Pitcher As Jordan Zimmermann’s Fantasy Stock Drops
Trey Rose (Featured Fantasy Baseball Writer/Owner – dynastydigest.sportsblog.com) Follow @dynasty_digest
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
After signing a 5-year/$110 million contract with the Detroit Tigers, Jordan Zimmermann will play a pivotal role in the Tigers’ rotation, but this move to Detroit could drastically hurt Zimmermann’s fantasy stock.
As you analyze and digest a pitcher switching from the National League to the American League, it doesn’t bode well for Zimmermann. In 2015, the National League ERA was 3.908, whereas the American League ERA was 4.006.
This is because the American League pitchers have to face a designated hitter, whereas the National League pitchers face the opposing pitcher instead.
To further illustrate the extreme difference between the two leagues, click on the link below:
2016 Fantasy Baseball Pitching Studs, Duds, Break Outs, and Bounce Backs Candidates
Trey Rose (Featured Fantasy Baseball Writer/Owner – dynastydigest.sportsblog.com) Follow @dynasty_digest
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Every year fantasy baseball GM’s search and search to find trends and statistical analysis on pitchers to get the upper hand in their leagues.
Well today I am here to give you that upper hand. I will be highlighting my 2016 studs, duds, breakout, and bounce back candidates for the upcoming fantasy season.
I will be highlighting the following players: Justin Verlander, Joe Ross, Jordan Zimmermann, Lance McCullers, Johnny Cueto, Marcus Stroman, Shelby Miller, and James Shields. To read the article and my analysis, click the link below:
Odds To Win The 2016 MLB Divisions

Best Division odd value on the board this week.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
As the season approaches we are seeing more and more gambling entities finally display and update their Division odds on a daily basis.
Over the course of the year we will be doing a weekly post on both the World Series and the MLB Divisions for best value.
I have selected one good value pick and one bad value pick for each Division. Next to a good pick, or a bad one, there will be an assigned parenthesis number for the degree I love the wager compared to the other Division picks.
The Chicago Cubs are the biggest favorite to win their own Division which is not surprising. In the American League, the KC Royals have the lowest odd.
I like how this establishment has the Royals as their favorite lock to make the postseason, yet still have the Red Sox and Blue Jays favored over them for the World Series odds.
This goes the same for the Giants in the National League. San Francisco is +900 to win the ‘Fall Classic’, yet the Mets and Nationals are more of a favorite to win the NL East, then they are the NL West. Read the rest of this entry
Youngsters Making An Impact In 2016; National League West

Shane Kay (Featured Baseball Writer/Owner – sonsof84tigers.mlblogs.com Follow @sonsof84tigers
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Position players are in camp and games are just around the corner! For the last week, we;ve been taking a look at a couple of young players for each team that I think will have a larger impact in 2016.
We started with theAmerican League East, moved to the AL Central, hit the AL West, swung it to the National League East, NL Central and today we take our final look at the NL West!
Arizona Diamondbacks
Archie Bradley, RHP – This one is part pipe dream and part reality as I’m not sure Robbie Raywill hold the 5th spot all year.
Bradley had been on top prospect lists since 2012 and finally made his debut in 2015 with Arizona and started off with four strong starts where he was 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA, but was hit in the face by a line drive by Carlos Gonzalez that knocked Bradley unconscious for 3-minutes.
Bradley made his way back two weeks later, but it was pretty clear he wasn’t the same pitcher. His ERA ballooned to 5.80 by June 1st and Bradley was sent to the minors shortly after.
The potential is there and Bradley showed it, if it wasn’t for bad luck, who knows what would have transpired last year and who knows if Bradley will be the pitcher he once was after this trauma.







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