Blog Archives
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 5, 20016
David Banks, Associated Press
Santiago Casilla is NOT an automatic closer.
STOP TREATING HIM LIKE HE IS ONE! This not a small sample size anymore!
I don’t take Labor Day off for this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Jose Abreu, Kendall Graveman, Domingo Santana, Julio Teheran, Eduardo Rodriguez, Byron Buxton, Yangervis Solarte and Johnny Cueto 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 – July 17, 2016
DENIS POROY/GETTY IMAGES
It is time for the Sunday Request.
@sullybaseball Panik is on the mend and Gillaspie has held his ground, usually youre spot on but #SFGiants dont need infield help
— The Anti-Circus (@TheAnti_Circus) July 17, 2016
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Sure the Giants infield is intact, but man their bullpen is looking mighty bad now.
It is a “Plug the Leaks” episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Matt Shoemaker, Khris Davis, Jake Lamb, Adam Wainwright, James Shields, Brandon McCarthy, Ian Kinsler and Buster Posey. all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball yesterday.
See the updated listing of WOB on MLB Reports
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
San Francisco Giants Payroll In 2016 + Contracts Going Forward
The Giants have won the World Series in 2010, 2012 and 2014 recently. A lot of the core is still intact for 2016 – and they added Johnny Cueto, Jeff Samardija and Denard Span as key Free Agency overs the winter, while the Dodgers may not be as formidable in 2016 either. The Giants finished the 2015 season a disappointing 84 – 78 – which continued their odd year curse. Already at about a total team salary of $176 MIL in 2016 – with an AAV of about $189 MIL – and may be over it before the season ends. They would just be 1st time abusers, so they should go for it if a deal can be struck to improve the club.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Yep. The Giants are heading into an even year this decade – and will try for a fourth time in a row to become World Champions.
The 1st thing we look at when it comes to payroll is how much a team has in guaranteed contracts. This franchise is looking at $176 MIL in 2016.
Jake Peavy, Angel Pagan, Santiago Casilla and Javier Lopez are on the last year of their individual pacts and are not on the payroll beyond this year.
Brian Sabean may consider this when he makes some midseason moves for guys who may be on the last year of their contracts elsewhere.
The Giants spent almost $40 MIL on Disabled List stints in 2015 – and it may have cost them a chance to make the playoffs.
They are the 2nd favored team (+900) to win the World Series (in overall MLB and the NL) to the Cubs (+650)
San Fran has a chance to win 4 rings in 7 seasons, and should not be dissuaded from going over the $189 MIL Luxury Tax Threshold either. The club has paid off all of its debt – and is raking in the cash.
The Giants routinely sellout AT & T Park, and will continue to do so. This venue is considered the #1 stadium by most of the percentage of people who have seen all 30 MLB Parks.
2016 MLB Preseason Power Rankings
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
With just 5 weeks to the regular season – and all of the important Free Agents finally being locked up with Ian Desmond signing with the Rangers, it is time to see where all 30 MLB clubs stack up.
We are going to be running weekly power rankings once the year starts on Apr.3, 2016.
The way I compile the Power Rankings is best on confidence to win the World Series. Some clubs may be more talented (or playing better) than a squad they are behind in the rankings, but the Division (and strength of opponents) plays a massive factor.
It is the reason why teams like the Royals or Astros will be selected above a team like the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Pittsburgh Pirates might win 90 games (which may only see one AL club join them), but because they have to contend with the Cards and Cubs in the NL Central, it will be tough for them to receive a great ranking (at least until games are played). Read the rest of this entry
Projected Top 5 Save Leaders In The American And National League For MLB 2016
Craig Kimbrel is still about as filthy as they come in nailing down games in the Majors. With 225 Saves and a 1.63 ERA in the last 5 years of his career, this 27 year old flamethrower brings his talents to Beantown and a top rated club. Last year was the 1st season he didn’t lead the National League after four consecutive years of leading the Senior Circuit. He still managed 39 Saves for a 74 win San Diego team. Since the Red Sox are going to be somewhere in the 90 win range, Kimbrel should at least be in the mid 40’s in Saves again for 2016.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Figuring out the Saves Leaders for the 2016 year is a lot easier to project than the Holds Leaders we did last week. Perhaps the easiest to discern is also the National League.
Since I projected 7 teams will win 90+ games in the Senior Circuit I have listed 5 teams with their Closer out of the fold there. I did however, leave out Hector Rondon and Mark Melancon.
I feel the Bucs may trade Melancon despite being in a position to make the playoffs. I also think the Cubs will blow out a ton of clubs this season in games, and therefore not need Rondon to lockdown a 3 run or under lead.
This is the same reason why I won’t label Roberto Osuna for the top 5 in the American League either. It is also not unfathomable to see the Jays go with Drew Storen to close down games.
I fully think that Craig Kimbrel will lead the entire Major Leagues for the Boston Red Sox as their Closer.
I may have gone with Aroldis Chapman on the list as well, however his pending suspension for his domestic violence call in should see him riding pine for at least 25 games. The New York Yankees should still lead the Junior Circuit for total team Saves.
Read the rest of this entry
Top 5 Projected MLB Holds Leaders (AL + NL) In 2016
With so much uncertainty in the air about Mark Melancon’s fate with the club, I can’t pick Tony Watson to win this category for a 2nd straight year. He was also the runner-up in the 2014 season. I say he is the Closer in the 2nd half of the year. His teammate Jared Hughes will get plenty of opportunities all year in late inning relief.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
It is time to get our fantasy teams ready in 2016. Because of the long winter year for certain players, the Relievers market has a pile of roster moves to go down before opening weekend in April. There are some guys that could make the list, but I am itching to write my list.
For the reasons I was just talking about, Jeremy Affeldt, Matt Thornton, Casey Janssen, Manny Parra, Eric O’Flaherty, Tommy Hunter, Franklin Morales, Neal Cotts, Nathan Adcock, Wesley Wright, Matt Capps, Sergio Santos, Ryan Webb and Joe Beimel won’t appear – although only a couple of those guys are even relevant to the Holds stat.
The biggest questions to think of include trade possibilities. Will the Pirates trade Mark Melancon? If this happens, NL Leader of Holds last year, Tony Watson, may see some time as the Closer for the Bucs. Read the rest of this entry
MLB Power Rankings: Early Win Total Predictions For Spring Of 2016
Just because there is parity in the American League it doesn’t mean that the Junior Circuit will not club the National League in Interleague this upcoming season. In fact, I am calling for them to be 50 games over .500 versus the Senior Circuit in the AL vs NL schedule. Most of that will be versus the weaker NL clubs, however the better NL clubs will not entirely dominate the whole AL either.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Updated on Feb.18, 2015
There is parity in the American League and their is a growing distance between the good and the bad clubs in the National League.
One could argue that the top 7 teams (NYM/CHC/SF/WSH/STL/PIT, LAD) 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 175 – 125 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.
San Francisco Giants State Of The Union For 2016
With the club pretty much being set for players all around the Infield and Outfield, and now the Starting Staff, the Giants look poised to make another run at a World Series run for an even year this decade. 2016 will see several of its Bullpen members on the last year of their contracts.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part-Owner) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The only real need to upgrade could be at the Outfield level, with either a CF/LF. Angel Pagan is also in the last year of his deal, so maybe signing a guy to man the position beyond this coming year would be an option.
The Starting Rotation will be a lot stronger in 2016 with the additions of Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija.
You can say what you want about Cueto’s time in Kansas City not being as effective., but he has played most of his career in Cincinnati – and pitched extremely well at Great American Ball Park.
Funny enough his best years have also come in even years with finishing 4th in NL Cy Young Voting in 2012, and 2nd in 2014, when he led the NL in Innings Pitched with 249.2 – and Strikeouts with 241 for the Reds.
Samardzija still has great stuff, and as a #3 Starter, you could see him bouncing back with a nice year in San Francisco. Read the rest of this entry
San Francisco Giants Payroll In 2016 + Contracts Going Forward
The Giants have won the World Series in 2010, 2012 and 2014 recently. A lot of the core is still intact for 2016 – and they could add in Free Agency over the winter, while the Dodgers may not be as formidable in 2016 either. With some flexibility coming in the forms of finances, the San Fran club should spend what they can in 2016 – go for another few premiere players, before trying any form of rebuilding afterwards. The Giants finished the 2015 season a disappointing 84 – 78 – which continued their odd year curse.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Yep. The Giants are heading into an even year this decade – and will try for a fourth time in a row to become World Champions.
The 1st thing we look at when it comes to payroll is how much a team has in guaranteed contracts. So far for next year, this sum is $128.1 MIL for 11 players.
Jake Peavy, Angel Pagan, Santiago Casilla and Javier Lopez are on the last year of their individual pacts and are not on the payroll beyond this year. Read the rest of this entry
The Top 5 Closers In The MLB For 2015
Rodney had 48 Saves, 0.777 WHIP and a 0.60 ERA in 2012, to place 5th in AL Cy Young Voting and was an ALL-Star. 2013 wasn’t as kind (although he did win the WBC) with a 3.34 ERA and a WHIP of 1.335. The Mariners not armed with many better Options, brought in the then 37 Year Old, to a 2 YR/$14 MIL deal. Rodney did feature a career best 11.1/SO Per 9 IP rate in 2013, but he also walked 4.9 /Per IP as well. His work translated better in the AL West during 2014, where 2/3rds of his games are in Seattle, Los Angeles and Oakland. Rodney led the AL in both Saves (48) and Games Finished in 2014 (64) – while having a 2.85 ERA, but a high 1.342 WHIP. The latter is right near his career totals. His Walk Rate was 3.8, but that is less than his 4.4 clip for his lifetime. The man fashioned a 10.3/9 IP SO rate. I expect more of the same in 2015, with the M’s having one of the better clubs this campaign. There will be more arrows slings after games.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
With the fiasco that is the Detroit Tigers Bullpen. I look for these guys to roll through several different Closers in 2015. Joakim Soria would be the 1st one to attempt after Joe Nathan fails.
I also think the Yankees are going dually use Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller depending on the situational maneuvering matchups. New York will be hard pressed to make the playoffs, but I do think they will net one of the higher team Save totals.
The same could probably said for the Boston Red Sox. I think the near 40 year old Koji Uehara will have a tough time staying healthy for 100% of the opportunities, however he will be just outside the mark.
St. Louis may end up using someone different from Trevor Rosenthal, because we are due for them to change 9th inning guys. Adam Wainwright, Jason Isringhausen Jason Motte, Ryan Franklin and Edward Mujica have all seen the mantle over the last several years for the RedBirds.
Rosenthal has actually had one of the longer stints, however he really struggled at the end of the 2014 year (despite 45 Saves), and it carried over to the playoffs, where he featured 10 base runners, while only recording 11 outs. I am thinking he will not have as many chances in 2015 as well.
Madison Bumgarner and Lorenzo Cain Owned October (#WOO)
Scott Strazzante, SF Chronicle – David J. Phillip, AP
One threw a shutout in the Wild Card Game and captured NLCS and World Series MVP honors.
The other got a pair of hits and drove in a pair in the Wild Card Game, batted .533 with an OPS of 1.255 to win ALCS MVP and took his potent bat and highlight catches into the World Series.
Madison Bumgarner of the San Francisco Giants and Lorenzo Cain of the Kansas City Royals owned October in 2014.
I pick a pitcher and hitter every game from each winning post season team and award them a WOO (Who Owns October.)
And I also have the option to give a 1/2 WOO to a player on a losing team.
I awarded Who Owns the World Series to Bumgarner and his teammate Hunter Pence.
But WOO tallies every post season game, from the Wild Card Game all the way to the final pitch of Game 7 of the World Series.
So not only are the Giants and Royals represented, but so are the Orioles, Cardinals, Tigers, Athletics, Angels, Pirates, Dodgers and Nationals.
Hunter Pence, Pablo Sandoval, Brandon Crawford, Nelson Cruz, Alcides Escobar, Eric Hosmer, Travis Ishikawa, Buster Posey and Kolten Wong all got 2 or higher WOO as hitters to trail Cain’s total of 4. Interestingly Bryce Harper also got 2 WOO even though his Nationals lost the Division Series and did not have the ability to pad his total in the LCS and World Series.
Bumgarner’s 6 1/2 WOO total was more than double the next name, his teammate Yusmeiro Petit who pitched to a 3 WOO all in relief.
Kelvin Herrera and Greg Holland got 2 WOO in relief. Jason Vargas and Yordano Ventura got 2 WOOs as starters.
So they Bumgarner and Cain had amazing post seasons and that will remembered by their fans forever.
They did more than show up for October. They owned it.
Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) + Who Owns the World Series? (#WOWS) Final Tallies Updated For Game 7 – 2014 World Series
Scott Strazzante – San Francisco Chronicle
So October 2014 is officially owned by Madison Bumgarner. Savor this amazing post season.
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.
When it comes to the World Series, I do a separate tally: WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.) This is still up for grabs
It is important to separate Postseason and World Series accomplishments. It is the purist in me.
For a full explanation, click HERE
From October 29th World Series Game 7:
Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS
Madison Bumgarner finished his historic post season with 5 shutout innings out of the bullpen, holding Kansas City to 2 hits and clinched the World Series for the Giants with a 3-2 win.
Pablo Sandoval capped off a marvelous World Series with a 3-3 performance, reaching base 4 times, scoring twice played solid defense and caught the final out as the Giants took Game 7, 3-2 in Kansas City.
Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS
Alex Gordon went 2-4, scored a run, drove in a run and hit the dramatic 2 out hit that took him all the way to third in the bottom of the 9th. He was stranded as the Royals fell 3-2 to the Giants.
Kelvin Herrera pitched the Royals out of trouble with 2 2/3 shutout innings of relief, striking out 4 and walking none. San Francisco would hold on to win, 3-2.
Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) + Who Owns the World Series? (#WOWS) Tallies Updated For Game 6 – 2014 World Series
USA Today Sports
So October 2014 is officially owned by Madison Bumgarner. Savor this amazing post season.
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.
When it comes to the World Series, I do a separate tally: WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.) This is still up for grabs
It is important to separate Postseason and World Series accomplishments. It is the purist in me.
For a full explanation, click HERE
From October 28th World Series Game 6:
Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS
Yordano Ventura dominated the Giants with 7 shutout innings, allowing just 3 hits and forced a game 7 with a 10-0 victory in Kansas City.
Lorenzo Cain drove in 3 runs, scored another, doubled and reached base 4 times, leading the Royals offense to the 10-0 season saving thrashing of San Francisco.
Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS
No Giants hitter nor pitcher earned a WOO or a WOWS
Madison Bumgarner clinched Owning October! (Plus #WOO and #WOWS updates for World Series Game 5)
JAMIE SQUIRE/GETTY IMAGES
Madison Bumgarner‘s complete game shutout tonight was obviously worth his title of Owning October and the World Series tonight. But it did more than that.
His 5 1/2 WOO (Who Owns October) total for the post season can not be passed. With only 2 games left, nobody can pass Bumgarner. Hunter Pence, Lorenzo Cain and Yusmeiro Petit all have a total of 3. Even if they pick up a WOO the last 2 games, they can not pass Bumgarner.
So October 2014 is officially owned by Madison Bumgarner. Savor this amazing post season.
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.
When it comes to the World Series, I do a separate tally: WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)
It is important to separate Postseason and World Series accomplishments. It is the purist in me.
For a full explanation, click HERE
From October 26th World Series Game 5:
Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS
Madison Bumgarner continued his October dominance with his second complete game shutout of the month and second win of the series. He allowed just 4 Kansas City hits, walked, none and struck out 8, giving the Giants a 5-0 victory.
Brandon Crawford got 2 hits and drove in 3 runs, leading the Giants offense to beat the Royals 5-0.
Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS
James Shields kept the Royals in the game with 6 solid innings, working out of jams and let up just 2 runs. He would be the hard luck loser to the Giants 5-0.
Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) + Who Owns the World Series? (#WOWS) Tallies Updated For Game 4 – 2014 World Series
ROB CARR/GETTY IMAGES
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.
When it comes to the World Series, I do a separate tally: WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)
It is important to separate Postseason and World Series accomplishments. It is the purist in me.
For a full explanation, click HERE
From October 25th World Series Game 4:
Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS
Hunter Pence, went 3-5, drove in 3, beat out a double play grounder to let another run come in, scored twice and played terrific defense in the Giants surreal 11-4 victory against Kansas City.
Yusmeiro Petit was his usual dominating self, giving the Giants 3 shutout innings of relief and contributing a basehit as well. He got the 11-4 victory over the Royals.
Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS
Salvador Perez collected 3 hits including an RBI single in the third that gave the Royals a 4-1 lead. The Giants would eventually respond with 10 unanswered runs and win 11-4.
Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) + Who Owns the World Series? (#WOWS) Tallies Updated For Game 3 – 2014 World Series
EZRA SHAW/GETTY IMAGES
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.
When it comes to the World Series, I do a separate tally: WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)
It is important to separate Postseason and World Series accomplishments. It is the purist in me.
For a full explanation, click HERE
From October 24th World Series Game 3:
Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS
Alcides Escobar doubled on the first pitch of the game and scored a pair of runs, helping the Royals edge the Giants 3-2.
Greg Holland needed just 8 pitches to dispatch the heart of the Giants order in the bottom of the 9th, making a terrific play on the final out of Kansas City’s 3-2 victory.
Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS
Tim Hudson pitched into the 6th inning, going 5 2/3, letting up 4 hits and 1 walk. The Giants bullpen allowed an inherited run to score and he was a hard luck loser to the Royals
Michael Morse came off the bench to drill a pinch hit RBI double and came around to score. That would be all the Giants offense as they lost to the Royals 3-2.
Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) + Who Owns the World Series? (#WOWS) Tallies Updated For WED Oct.22, 2014
Photo: David J. Phillip, AP
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.
When it comes to the World Series, I do a separate tally: WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)
It is important to separate Postseason and World Series accomplishments. It is the purist in me.
For a full explanation, click HERE
From October 22nd World Series Game 2:
Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS
Kelvin Herrera threw 1 2/3 key innings in relief, allowing no hits and earning the 7-2 win for the Royals over San Francisco.
Omar Infante made several solid defensive plays, doubled and hit a back breaking 2 run homer that put the 7-2 victory for the Royals over the Giants on ice.
Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS
Gregor Blanco led off the game with a home run to right. The Giants momentum would not last as they lost 7-2 in Kansas City.
San Francisco Giants Pitching Roster Tree In 2014: Sabean Should Not Be Overshadowed By Beane Any Longer!
Brian Sabean has been the architect behind the Giants brilliant 5 year run. His attention to building a Pitching Staff has to be noted, with several winning draft selections, mixed with key Free Agent signings, and waiver claims. With all of the hype surrounding the other “Bay Area” GM, it is time that this man is giving his due.
How All Of The Giants Pitchers Were Acquired:
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
With having gone through this exercise of finding out where all of the Giants Pitching Staff came from, there is a new-found appreciation for San Francisco Giants GM Brian Sabean.
While his fellow “Bay Area” counterpart Billy Beane is having books and movie’s written about him, Sabean has put forth a club that is on the verge of potentially winning its 3rd World Series Title in 5 years.
Most of the roster of hurlers was drafted by the franchise, or brought in by a nice Free Agent signing. The franchise hasn’t lost that many players the other way for their current pitchers, so that has to be commended.
Bumgarner, Lincecum and Cain were all team draft selections, as was Vogelsong, although he came back to the team after several season away in Japan.
Jake Peavy was acquired midway through this year, when the club knew Cain would be out for the year, and that Lincecum was heading to the Bullpen.
Hudson came into the fold this season, following the lead of his former A’s teammate Barry Zito. The deal was a smart one, as it cost the franchise nothing but money.
Even more impressive of how the roster was constructed, is how the Relief Core was put together.
Hunter Strickland was claimed off of waivers from Pittsburgh. and the club also pick-pocketed Javier Lopez from the Bucs for the talents of John Bowker and the immortal Joe Martinez.
Jeremy Affeldt, Santiago Casilla, Jean Machi and Yusmeiro Petit were all brought in through Free Agency, and the club drafted Sergio Romo to round out the late innings arms. Read the rest of this entry
Based On The World Series Odds Today – Bet The Royals To Win
Getty Images
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
We said it before the World Series started, if you were going to bet KC for the “Fall Classic” wait until after Game 1, when a loss to Madison Bumgarner was well within the realm.
The Royals jumped from a -120 favorite, to a +170 underdog on the completion of last night’s game. Clearly the website is working out formula’s without human’s listing the odds before this series began.
It still baffles me how the Giants weren’t favored to win this series to begin with.
Having said this, the time to bet the American League Champions is right now if you were going to bet them at all. I still believe the Giants will win the series, however the odd has jumped so far in their favor, it doesn’t have enough value to throw some cabbage down on.
Tonight’s matchup (Jake Peavy +106 @ Yordano Ventura -116) favors Kansas City slightly. But it is more than that.
The young flamethrowing rookie (Ventura) has great hit and miss stuff, and has never faced the Giants lineup, this ultimately is in Ned Yost squad’s favor.
Peavy on the other hand, spent numerous years and season series opposing the Royals as a member of the Chicago White Sox formerly. He has struggled mightily, owning a 5 – 7 record, with a 4.97 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in 14 game starts against Kansas City lifetime.
Billy Butler has had a field day on the RHP. Hitting .500 with 3 HRs for his career versus the former Red Sox champ. Read the rest of this entry
Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) Who Owns the World Series? (#WOWS) Tallies Updated For TUES Oct.21, 2014
DAVID J. PHILLIP/AP
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.
When it comes to the World Series, I do a separate tally: WOWS (Who Owns the World Series.)
It is important to separate Postseason and World Series accomplishments. It is the purist in me.
For a full explanation, click HERE
From October 21st World Series Game 1:
Receiving 1 WOO’s and WOWS.
Madison Bumgarner continued his post season dominance by throwing 6 shutout innings before letting up his first ever World Series run. He would get the win, throwing 7 innings of 1 run, 3 hit, 1 walk ball, earning the 7-1 decision for the Giants in Kansas City.
Hunter Pence clocked a 2 run homer that gave the Giants a cushion in the first inning. He reached base 4 times, also getting a double and scoring a pair, leading the Giants to a 7-1 Game 1 thrashing of the Royals.
Receiving 1/2 WOO’s and WOWS
Salvador Perez homered in the 7th for the Royals only run in their 7-1 loss to San Francisco.
Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series (Kansas City Vs San Francisco) + Prediction Time
Kansas City is making the most of their 1st playoff appearance since winning the World Series in 1985. The club has won 8 straight games over 3 series, and have shown they have power in their lumber, homering in most of their games. They have a slight advantage with their Relief Core, and must amp up their speed game again versus the Giants in order to win the 2014 Fall Classic. KC has home field advantage with the AL having won the ALL – Star Game. I personally think this is a hinderance, based on the way the team plays on the road. Whatever I feel, the oddsmakers have listed them as the Favorite.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I awoke this morning to a text stating that the Giants were the longshots in the MLB World Series this year at +100 when I placed my wager.
Kansas City was a -120 Favorite in the early morning Friday.
I exclaimed ‘yes’ because I was hoping for a nice odd for the NLCS Champs.
Chuck Booth and I stand to win $1477.50 on KC to win the World Series based on a $20 (50/1 Bet) and a $6 (80/1 Bet).
San Francisco was also the subject of my 1st bet on the Fall Classic to start the year. It was a 25/1 Odd back in January of this year, and we threw down $14 each.
Now since we could win $1477 on the Royals, and just $389 on the Giants, came the hedge bet for $500 on SF at Even money.
So we can win $1389.00 each on the Giants, and now $1477 still on KC.
The difference being, that we only had to wager $25 aggregate on the ALCS Champs.
The bet assures us of over $1000 each profit for the year.
Already, since the morning line, the odds have shifted to SF -105, to KC -115. I am not surprised, as the Sharps have spoken.
Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) Tallies Updated For NLCS Game THU Oct.16, 2014
San Francisco Chronicle
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE
From October 16th NLCS Game:
Receiving 1 WOO’s.
Travis Ishikawa hit the dramatic, pennant clinching 3 run homer in the bottom of the 9th to down the Cardinals and send the Giants to the World Series, 6-3.
Madison Bumgarner gave the Giants 8 strong innings, allowing just 5 hits and 3 runs. He didn’t get the win but set up the Giants 6-3 clincher over the Cardinals and earned NLCS MVP honors.
Receiving 1/2 WOO’s
Jon Jay collected 2 hits, including a double, drove in a run and played solid defense in the Cardinals 6-3 loss in San Francisco.
Adam Wainwright was excellent over 7 innings, allowing 4 hits and 2 runs, striking out 7 and left with the lead. The bullpen would blow the game and the Giants would eliminate St. Louis, 6-3.
Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) Tallies Updated For LCS Games Wed Oct.15, 2014
L.G. PATTERSON/MLB.COM
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE
From October 15th LCS Games:
Receiving 1 WOO’s
Alcides Escobar went 2-4, scored a run and kicked the ball out of the catchers glove to score another and then started a pair of double plays, helping the Royals clinch the pennant with a 2-1 win against Baltimore.
Yusmeiro Petit was brilliant again out of the bullpen, giving the Giants 3 innings of 1 hit shutout ball and earning the 6-4 decision against the Cardinals.
Buster Posey reached base 3 times and got a pair of RBI hits, driving in 3 in all as the Giants came from behind to beat St. Louis, 6-4
Jason Vargas allowed just 2 hits and struck out 6 in 5 1/3 innings while getting the pennant clinching 2-1 win over the Orioles in Kansas City.
Receiving 1/2 WOO’s
Ryan Flaherty homered in the third, which proved to be the Orioles’ last run of the year as they lost the game 2-1 and the series to the Royals.
Kolten Wong doubled and homered, scoring a pair of runs, in the Cardinals 6-4 loss in San Francisco.
Who Owns October In MLB Playoffs 2014? (#WOO) Tallies Updated For LCS Games Mon Oct.14, 2014
Photo: Scott Strazzante / San Francisco Chronicle
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO (Who Owns October.)
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO’S to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE
From October 14th LCS Games:
Receiving 1 WOO’s
Travis Ishikawa drove in 3 runs with a towering bases clearing double in the first innings. Without that big inning, the Giants would not have been in a position to top the Cardinals, 5-4 in 10 innings.
Lorenzo Cain made a fine catch for the second out in the 9th inning, collected a pair of hits and scored the tying run as the amazing Royals won again, 2-1 over Baltimore.
Jason Frasor earned the decision in the 6th inning by retiring Baltimore’s best hitters, Jones, Cruz and Pearce, in order and setting up the Kansas City go ahead rally which led to a 2-1 final.
Santiago Casilla continued his dominant pitching with a 9 pitch ninth inning that would set up the Giants 5-4 victory over the Cardinals in extra innings.
Receiving 1/2 WOO’s
Kolten Wong doubled and tripled, driving in 2 runs in the Cardinals 5-4 extra inning loss in San Francisco.
J.J. Hardy doubled home the Orioles lone run in their 2-1 loss to the Royals.
Who Owned Baseball For 2014 – The Final Regular Season Tally
Getty Images, USA Today Sports and The Seattle Times
Andrew McCutchen of the Pirates… Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers… Mike Trout of the Angels… Felix Hernandez of the Mariners.
They all owned baseball in 2014.
After a full year of checking each game and determining which player owned the game for that day, there were 4 winners.
McCutchen beat out Atlanta’s Freddie Freeman by a 9 to 7 1/2 final.
Kershaw had the highest overall WOB total, 14 1/2, topping Johnny Cueto‘s 11.
The American League races were razor thin.
Trout beat Oakland’s Josh Donaldson by a final of 9 1/2 to 9. Meanwhile King Felix squeaked past Corey Kluber of the Indians 11 to 10 1/2 (with Chris Sale close by at 9)
If I turned in a ballot with McCutchen winning NL MVP, Kershaw winning NL Cy Young, Trout winning AL MVP and Hernandez winning the AL Cy Young, could anyone protest?
Sure I could make valid arguments for Giancarlo Stanton winning the NL MVP. (His WOB total was a surprisingly low 4.) And of course Kluber and Hernandez is basically a coin toss right now. But the above ballot would certainly be acceptable.
WOB works. Adding the 1/2 WOB dynamic made it more accurate than last year.
Thanks for following it for the year. For the post season, I will have new tallies for “Who Owned October?” (WOO) and “Who Owned the World Series?” (WOWS.)
To view the Final Tally of Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball Sept 28, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + FINAL 2014 #WOB Standings
Photo: Alex Brandon/AP
Jordan Zimmermann threw the first no hitter in Washington Nationals history (and the franchise’s first since Dennis Martinez‘s perfect game for the Expos in 1991). He allowed only 1 walk while striking out 10 Miami hitters en route to his 1-0 masterpiece.
Sonny Gray provided relief for 2 months of Oakland frustration with a post season clinching 6 hit complete game shutout of the Rangers, striking out 5 and walking none.
Anthony Rizzo went 3-4 with a homer and 2 RBI, helping the Cubs win against Milwaukee 5-2.
Ian Kinsler homered, hit an RBI single and added another hit to lead the Tigers to the Division Title with a 3-0 victory over Minnesota.
They all owned baseball on Sept 28, 2014.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball Sept 27, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Eduardo Escobar got 4 hits, including a 3 run homer, and drove in 6 runs, helping the Twins spoil the Tigers hopes of clinching with a 12-3 blow out.
Mark Trumbo got on base 3 times and drove in 4, including a tie breaking 3 run homer in the 7th that was the difference in Arizona’s 5-2 win against the Cardinals.
John Danks gave the White Sox 7 strong innings, scattering 5 hits and allowing just 2 runs, earning the 5-4 decision over Kansas City.
Wily Peralta finished his season with 17 wins following his 7 innings, 1 run and 13 strikeout performance against the Cubs for a 2-1 final.
They all owned baseball on Sept 27, 2014.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN. Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Sept 26, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer
Corey Kluber helped his Cy Young cause with an 8 inning, 5 hit shutout performance, striking out 11 Rays, walking 2 in a 1-0 pitchers duel in Cleveland.
Doug Fister gave the bullpen a rest for the first game of a double header as he threw a 3 hit complete game shut out as the Nationals blanked the Marlins, 4-0.
Dalton Pompey Doubled and hit 2 triples (that is rare) driving in a pair, helping the Blue Jays top the Orioles, 4-2.
J.T. Realmuto missed the cycle by a homer, finished going 3-5 with 4 RBI in the Marlins wild 15-7 win in Washington.
They all owned baseball on Sept 26, 2014.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball Sept 25, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings
ROBERT SABO/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Derek Jeter went out in Hollywood style, getting a double and a walk off single in the 9th, driving in 3 runs all together and giving Yankee fans one last thrill with a 6-5 win over Baltimore.
Pablo Sandoval went 3 for 3, driving in 4 runs, including one in the wild 3 run come from behind rally as the playoff bound Giants topped the Padres, 9-8.
Hiroki Kuroda let up homers to the first two batters he faced and then let up 1 hit and no walks the rest of the way. The bullpen blew his lead but he set up the Yankees dramatic 6-5 walk off victory over Baltimore.
Edinson Volquez inched the Pirates closer to the Division Lead with 7 brilliant innings, allowing 4 hits, 1 walk and 10 strikeouts, blowing out the Braves 10-1.
They all owned baseball on Sept 25, 2014.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
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