Blog Archives
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.29) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Steve Mitchell / USA Today Sports
Jose Fernandez simply dominated the Atlanta Braves. He pitched 8 shutout 2 hit innings, striking out 8 and walking 2. He also made an amazing fake throw to draw off a runner from third and record an out at the plate. The best baseball show in Miami won the game, 9-0.
Lyle Overbay got two RBI singles, including one in the 11th inning that gave the Brewers a 5-4 lead they would not give up against the Cardinals.
John Lackey threw another solid game, going 8 innings, letting up 2 runs and walking just 1. He got the decision for Boston’s 7-4 win against Tampa Bay.
Mike Zunino collected 4 hits, driving in a run and scoring another, leading the Mariners to a 6-3 win against the Yankees.
They owned baseball on April.29, 2014.
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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.25) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Chris Sweda/ Chicago Tribune
Jose Abreu got three hits including a pair of homers. The second was a 2 out, bottom of the 9th, come from behind, walk off grand slam. Safe to say that was the highlight of the White Sox’s 9-6 win over the Rays.
Yordano Ventura pitched 8 shutout innings, striking out 8, and getting the 5-0 win for the Royals in Baltimore.
Carlos Gomez went 3-5 with a double, a stolen base and two runs scored, leading the Brewers to a 5-2 win over the Cubs.
Stephen Strasburg pitched seven dominating shutout innings. He struck out 11 Padres, walking just 2 and got the 11-1 victory for the Nationals.
They owned baseball on April.25, 2014.
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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.24) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images
Carlos Ruiz got on base 5 times, scored twice, hit two doubles including one that drove in 2 runs and broke a 9th inning tie. The Phillies would top the Dodgers 7-3.
Josh Donaldson got on 5 times, clubbed 2 homers and hit another double, driving in 4 and scoring 3 as the A’s rolled 10-1 in Houston.
Bartolo Colon was excellent against the Cardinals. He pitched 7 strong innings, letting up just 1 run, 4 hits and walked none while striking out 8. He got the 4-1 win for the Mets.
Corey Kluber pitched his first complete game against the Royals. He went the full nine, giving up just 4 hits, 1 unearned run, 11 strikeouts and walking none, earning the 5-1 win for the Indians.
They owned baseball on April.24, 2014.
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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.23) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Photo: Ben Margot, AP
Martin Perez threw a complete game, 3 hit shutout in Oakland. The 3-0 victory propelled the Rangers into first place by themselves.
Kyle Seager launched a pair of homers, driving in all 5 Seattle runs, including a 3 run bottom of the ninth come from behind walk off homer to give the Mariners a 5-3 win over Houston.
Zack Greinke pitched 7 strong innings, letting up just 5 hits, 2 earned runs and walking 1 while striking out 11. He improved to 4-0 for the Dodgers with the 5-2 win over the Phillies.
Hector Sanchez hit two homers including an 11th inning grand slam, collecting 5 RBI in all and propelling the Giants to a 12-10 win over the Rockies.
They owned baseball on April.23, 2014.
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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.22) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Photo: Tommy Gilligan, USA TODAY Sports
Albert Pujols homered twice, driving in a pair of runs. His second home run was career homer number 500. He helped the Angels top the Nations, 7-2.
Matt Holliday got on base four times, scored, drove in a run and pulled a home run back over the fence with a great catch as the Cardinals topped the Mets, 3-0.
Jose Fernandez won one of the most startling pitching duels of the year, striking out 14 over 8 shutout innings and letting up just 3 hits and walking none. The Marlins would sneak past the Braves, 1-0.
David Price overcame a pair of homers to throw a complete game, striking out 12 and walking one. The Rays beat the Twins, 7-3.
They owned baseball on April.22, 2014.
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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.21) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Mark J. Terrill/AP
Cliff Lee pitched 8 dominating innings against the Dodgers. No runs, no walks, 4 hits and 10 strikeouts as the Phillies rolled, 7-0.
Andrew McCutchen got on base 5 times, crushed a game tying homer in the 8th and drew a walk in the game winning 9th inning rally as the Pirates came from behind to beat the Reds, 6-5.
Garrett Richards let up just 1 hit and 1 run, striking out 6 over 6 innings. He was lifted for a pinch hitter and did not get the decision. But the Angels would top the Nationals, 4-2.
Matt Dominguez homered, doubled and walked, driving in 3 and lead Houston’s surprising attack against Felix Hernandez and the Mariners for a 7-2 win.
They owned baseball on April.21, 2014.
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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.20) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Mathew Sumner, Associated Press
Josh Donaldson homered, doubled and singled, driving in 3 of the A’s 4 runs in Oakland’s 4-1 victory over the Astros.
Ryan Howard was a double shy of the cycle, going 4-5 and scoring 3 and driving in 3. The Phillies would hold on to the 10-9 victory in Colorado.
Rick Porcello pitched 7 strong innings, letting up just one run and one walk, getting the 2-1 Tiger win over the Angels.
Homer Bailey threw 6 shutout innings, striking out 8 Cubs along the way. He got the 8-2 victory for Cincinnati.
They owned baseball on April.20, 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 Yesterday (April.19) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
J Pat Carter / AP Photo
Henderson Alvarez pitched a complete game 2 hit, no walk shutout, his first victory since his season ending no hitter last fall. This time won the game for the Marlins 7-0 over Seattle.
Ryan Braun went 3-5, scored 4 times and homered twice. His second homer was a 1 out, 2 run, come from behind 9th inning homer that gave the Brewers a dramatic 8-7 win in Pittsburgh.
Mark Buehrle pitched 7 shutout innings, letting up 4 hits as he earned his 4th win for the Blue Jays this year, 5-0 in Cleveland.
Wil Myers got on base 4 times and scored all 4 times. He clubbed a pair of homers, driving in 4 and helped lead the Rays to a 16-1 thrashing of the Yankees.
They owned baseball on April.19, 2014.
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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.18) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
DAVID SANTIAGO / EL NUEVO STAFF
Giancarlo Stanton got on base 5 times, drove in 5 runs including a walk off bottom of the 9th grand slam, sealing the Marlins 8-4 win over the Mariners.
Howie Kendrick went 3-5 including a pair of homers and 4 RBI as the Angels topped the Tigers, 11-6.
Aaron Harang threw 7 no hit innings for the Braves. His wildness and high pitch count kept him from finishing the game (the Mets would eventually get a hit) but he got the 6-0 win.
Martin Perez threw a complete game 3 hit shutout, striking out 8 and walking just 1 as the Rangers slammed the White Sox, 12-0.
They owned baseball on April.18, 2014.
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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.17) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Adam Wainwright pitched a brilliant 2 hit complete game shutout and hit a double, another hit and an RBI for good measure. He won his third decision of the season for the Cardinals, 8-0 in Washington.
Pedro Alvarez got on base four times and launched a three run homer as the Pirates crushed the Brewers, 11-2.
Jon Lester was brilliant against the White Sox. He was perfect into the 6th, finishing with 8 innings, 1 run, no walks and 9 strikeouts, getting the 3-1 win for the Red Sox.
Yangervis Solarte got 3 hits including his first big league homer and started a triple play as the Yankees crushed the Rays, 10-2.
They owned baseball on April.17, 2014.
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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.16) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
AP Photo/Matt Slocum
Julio Teheran won the best pitcher’s duel of the year. He pitched a complete game 3 hit shutout, walking none and narrowly topping the Phillies 1-0.
Masahiro Tanaka ,continued his hot start for the Yankees. He pitched 8 shutout innings, letting up 2 hits, striking out 10 Cubs and only walking one. He earned the 3-0 win as the Yankees took both games of a double header.
Aramis Ramirez went 3-4 with a run scored and an RBI as the Brewers beat St. Louis, 5-1.
Leonys Martin got a pair of hits including a walk off single that gave the Rangers a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Mariners.
They owned baseball on April.16, 2014.
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Oakland Athletics Roster In 2014: How All Of The Pitchers Were Acquired
Jarrod Parker is out for the year with Tommy John Surgery. You are talking about a guy that was 25 – 16 with a 3.68 ERA over the last 2 years combined. He has top of the rotation stuff and will be greatly missed. The A’s also had a TJ scare with A.J. Griffin, but it has been downgraded to an elbow strain for now. Parker was traded for by the Athletics in a major package sent to Oakland with Collin Cowgill and Ryan Cook for Starter Trevor Cahill. The club still has Parker and Cahill. While it is bad Parker is out in 2014, he will be back. Cahill has been ineffective for the D’backs in 2014 – with a 9.17 ERA and an MLB leading 4 losses.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I just finished writing an article about how Billy Beane was smart not to have signed Barry Zito, Mark Mulder and Tim Hudson to extensions here.
You really wont find him do this anytime soon with any of his chuckers.
The Scott Kazmir deal is the one he likes to do. It is simple as to why the man operates like this. He doesn’t have to give up any assets in the process.
Beane is a “Baseball Rounder”.
It is not unlike him to do manage 50 – 60 transactions per year. He was won more than he has lost – whether it is Free Agency or trades. His ballclub has the best record in the Majors since the start of play in 2012 – at 200 – 144 (.581 baseball).
We will go through the Pitching First, and then the hitting by the weekend. Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.15) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Jeff Gross / Getty Images North America
Josh Donaldson got three hits including a tie breaking RBI in the 11th to give the A’s a dramatic 10-9 win in Anaheim.
Joey Votto got on base 5 times with 4 hits, a game tying RBI and scored in the key 7th inning rally as the Reds squeaked past the Pirates, 7-5..
Robbie Ross Jr. pitched shutout ball into the 8th inning, walking none and finishing with 7 2/3 innings and the 5-0 Rangers win over the Mariners.
Tom Koehler threw 7 innings of 1 hit shutout ball, leading the Marlins to an 11-2 blowout of the Nationals.
They owned baseball on April.15, 2014.
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With Moore Out For TJ Surgery – The Rays Should Hold Onto Price Through 2015
Matt Moore finished 17 – 4 with a 3.29 ERA in 2013, but was off to an even better start in the 1st half before he had some elbow soreness. Losing this LHP to TJ Surgery hurts the club, however the team was deep with Price, Archer and Cobb still manning the 1 – 3 slots in the rotation. That was, until Cobb went down with an injury himself. The squad will have to weather the storm for a few months with some organizational players that might include the players: Erik Bedard, Nate Karns or Cesar Ramos. With the teams projected #2 Starter being down for the next 12 – 18 months from his very best, the franchise should not trade Price at any cost in 2014 and 2015.. Moore is under Team Control through the 2019 year, and when he comes back to the fold at 100% in 2015, hopefully the Rays will be vying for another postseason berth in the second half.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Lets face it. The Tampa Bay Rays have had an incredible run at it. The Florida squad trails only the Yankees for wins since the start of the 2008 season in baseball.
The club has made it to the postseason 4 out of the last 6 years, and possess 5 out of 6 years with 90+ Wins.
All of this with a shoestring budget, and incredible use of stretching dollars on player talent.
Every year, Andrew Freidman finds a bargain Free Agent that becomes an ALL – Star once he dawns the blue and purple. Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.14) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Yong Kim/Philly.com Staff Photographer
Dan Uggla homered twice including a one out, 9th inning, come from behind grand slam that stunned the Phillies and gave the Braves the lead in their bizarre 9-6 win.
Lance Lynn halted the Brewers winning streak with 7 masterful shutout innings. He let up just 3 hits and 3 walks while striking out 11, getting the 4-0 win for the Cardinals.
John Jaso came off the bench to hit a dramatic 2 run homer that gave the A’s a 3-2 win in Anaheim.
Roenis Elias dominated the Rangers, pitching into the 7th, letting up just 1 run as the Mariners bats exploded to a 7-1 win..
They owned baseball on April.14, 2014.
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MLB Odds To Win Both Of The AL And NL Pennants In 2014: 5 Best Value Plays
With injuries to the Pitching Staff mounting fast for the Rays, and now with them not paying out such a great odd, the value pendulum has swung back to pick either the Yankees at +900 or the Red Sox at +750 for the AL Pennant. The Yankees just took 3 out of 4 from the Red Sox, have a better offense in this year’s lineup, and have decent pitching. Boston is the reigning champs – and will be part of the race before all is said and done. Factor in major injuries to Texas, Oakland and the LA Angels early, and a horrid Tigers Bullpen so far, and these two rivals have the best value on the board.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Rays are finally listed where they should be on the betting board.
3 teams start play today tied in the AL East in the Rays, Yankees and Jays. Baltimore has struggled along with Boston.
I think it is way too early to shovel dirt on the Red Sox season. While I think they may not take down another pennant, they are my 2nd favorite play in the AL Pennant Odd list for return.
The Yankees are my favorite odds pick right now with a +900 mark.
Yes they have injuries to old guys are their team, but the guys in the lineup can mash right now, and particularly at Yankee Stadium. Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.13) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings Standings 2014
Photo By Rick Wood – Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Kyle Lohse nearly threw a complete game, going 8 2/3 innings, letting up just 4 hits and 1 earned run, striking out 9 and walking none. He helped continue the Brewers 9 game winning streak with a 4-1 triumph over the Pirates.
Scott Kazmir dominated the Mariners with 6 innings of 2 hit shutout ball. He struck out 9 and walked none. While he didn’t get the win, he set up Oakland’s dramatic 3-0 victory.
Adrian Gonzalez homered in his 4th straight game, going 2-5 and drove in 3 as the Dodgers topped the Diamondbacks in Arizona (not Australia), 8-6.
Alexei Ramirez hit a 2 run, walk off, come from behind homer to give the White Sox a dramatic 4-3 win over the Indians.
They owned baseball on April.13, 2014.
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30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 3 MLB Baseball 2014
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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A little rant before the power rankings this week
Well, another 7 days has passed in baseball for this year.
There are no more home openers, attendance is down, fans are scattering about their Easter business and the NFL Draft is around to swing its mighty sword on the sports landscape. Read the rest of this entry
Cleveland Indians State Of The Union For 2014
The Indians hosted the Wild Card Play in Game for the right to play Boston in the ALDS in 2013, but were ultimately ousted by the Tampa Bay Rays. Now minus several pieces from last years team, they turn to their franchise depth in hopes of another playoff berth in 2014. The club ended the year on a 10 game winning streak – and extended it by 1 in the Season Opener at Oakland. The Indians are pretty much going with ‘status quo’ into this year. They lost key Starters Scott Kazmir and Ubaldo Jimenez to Free Agency. Of course they saw Joe Smith sign with the Angels and they released Chris Perez, so other than Terry Francona winning the Manager of The Year in the AL, it wasn’t a banner offseason.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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The Indians had one hell of a rollercoaster ride in the 2013 year. It ended with the club making their 1st playoff game since the 2007 ALCS.
To make it to the #1 Wild Card Slot, Cleveland reeled of 10 straight victories, and hosted the one game battle against the Rays.
Albeit the team could not beat the Rays, and were left to settle with one home date in the postseason.
With 92 Wins, with no lineup player having an exceptional year except for maybe Jason Kipnis, there was no doubt Terry Francona peeled off one of the great managerial jobs ever.
Almost instantly after the year, the club lost Ubaldo Jimenez, Scott Kazmir, Chris Perez, Joe Smith and Drew Stubbs (trade). Read the rest of this entry
Angels State Of The Union For 2014: A Hot Start Is Paramount For Success
The Angels have spent almost a half of a billion in Free Agency over the last 3 years, and all they have to show for it, is back to back 3rd place finishes in the AL West. The team also featured an anemic Bullpen in the 2013 campaign. But with AL West rivals all having significant injuries both to start the year and long-term for 2014, this has opened up the door for the start of the 2014 campaign at least. It is incumbent that their top guys stay injury free, and spend exactly no days on the DL, because they don’t have suitable replacements to step in. With poor starts to both of the last 2 years, this squad looks to break this trend this seasom.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Hunter Stokes (Our chief writer) wrote a piece that was picked up by MLB Trade Rumors blogroll, stating that Jerry DiPoto has done a poor job in constructing the current team based on the roster tree here.
I agree with him 100% on this, especially on the moves, the Bullpen not being 100% finished yet, the Starting Rotation too reliant on their top 2 pitchers – and we have had several of their fans take some jabs at us for going with these notions.
The club’s brass has had a better winter in 2013 going into 2014, then they had last year, however it still doesn’t alleviate the fact, this team can’t sustain one injury to any of their top players because of said moves to deplete their depth.
The Starting Staff is composed of 60% of youth that is not used to toting long innings in Garrett Richards, Hector Santiago and Tyler Skaggs.
The team has a lot of players that will strikeout a lot, so it is also important to receive key HRs at crucial times in the game.
The club will also lose 34 HRs worth of power they received from Mark Trumbo in 2013, but it was the right time to move him. Whether they received enough of a return is yet to be determined, but it also cut down the whiffs for 2014.
Oakland Athletics State Of The Union: 2014 Preview
When does Beane ever sleep? 56 transactions over the last calendar year, and he may be prepping the phone with another rash of injuries to 60% of his Starting Staff. Beane has at least addressed the teams depth for next 2 – 3 years, and when you look at the salary for their Pitchers, you will be able to detect why. They never overpay on long-term deals for Starters.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
It has been a tough week in Oakland for the Starting Pitching. Jarrod Parker will need Tommy John Surgery and is out for the 2014 year.
A.J. Griffin received better news, but also will be sidelined for the near future with a UCL strain.
To complicate the opening roster even more, Scott Kazmir has Triceps soreness and is currently also on the shelf.
Billy Beane doesn’t seem that worried, as he has Tommy Milone and Jesse Chavez stretched out to work some starts if needed. Read the rest of this entry
Master List Of All Free Agents Signed In 2013 Winter – Heading Into 2014 MLB Year
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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It has been a record setting year for contract $ doled out for players. When you factor in the player extensions, we are talking about 7 contracts registering in the top 50 Player contracts in the history of the game.
Robinson Cano, Clayton Kershaw, Masahiro Tanaka, Jacoby Ellsbury, Freddie Freeman, Shin-Soo Choo and Homer Bailey have inked deal for between $105 MIL to $240 MIL.
Now there is word the Angels are working on an extension with Mike Trout, to the tune of 6 YRs/$150 MIL, from 2015 – 2020. This would be the 22nd highest contract in MLB History.
For the record, Trout’s deal for 2014 is already set at $510 K, and any extension wouldn’t have Luxury Tax Ramifications until his new deal would start in 2015. Read the rest of this entry
30 MLB Team Power Rankings FEB 2014
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Not withstanding the last few signings in the MLB, noteworthy is Bronson Arroyo to the Diamondbacks, and Paul Maholm to the Los Angeles Dodgers, these will not effect the grand scheme for the rankings of all clubs.
Nelson Cruz is still available, and I would be very surprised if he doesn’t ink a deal with the Mariners. This would put them slightly ahead of the Angels if done, as oppose to a dead heat right now.
There are no real surprises to be had here.
The Orioles, Blue Jays and Pirates have had the worst offseasons, while the Rangers, Royals, Rays, Giants, Yankees, Cardinals and Dodgers have helped out their causes for the upcoming campaign.
Oakland Athletics Payroll In 2014 + Contracts Going Forward
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Billy Beane is a master tactician when it comes to freeing up some cash in order to acquire more players.
Oakland ended last year with a payroll of about $70 MIL. So far this offseason, the A’s GM has picked up several relief pitchers and also signed Scott Kazmir to a 2 YR deal worth $22 MIL.
The team also said goodbye to Bartolo Colon,(who signed with the Mets for a 2 YRs/$20 MIL deal).
Beane has held a fantastic track record of assessing talent, so don’t be surprised if the stocky 40 year old breaks down in the Mets uniform – and not under the A’s watch. Read the rest of this entry
The Cleveland Indians Players In All Organizational Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB) 2014
The Indians hosted the Wild Card Play in Game for the right to play Boston in the ALDS, but were ultimately ousted by the Tampa Bay Rays. Now minus several pieces from last years team, they turn to their franchise depth in hopes of another playoff birth in 2014.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart Expert) Follow @prosportsroster
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The Indians had a triumphant and surprising year in 2013. They blasted their way out of the gate led by Mark Reynolds and Jason Kipnis and Justin Masterson.
Halfway through the year, renaissance pitching from Ubaldo Jimenez and Scott Kazmir helped jump into the foray among all the best AL clubs.
This club took advantage of a cupcake schedule – in order to reel off a 10 game winning streak to tend the campaign.
For those people who failed to see what a tough May.15 – June.15 schedule they had, in which they played almost all of the Division leaders across the board in the MLB, being all over .500 teams.
Because of that stretch, they deserved the late season ease of sked.
Jason Kipnis Highlight Reel 2013
The Mets Signing Colon To 2 YRs/$20 MIL – Is Just Par For The Course Of Insane!
PED use or not, Stem Cell technology, and who knows what else has aided Colon’s body over the last 3 seasons of success. Yes he was 18 – 6, with a 2.65 ERA – finishing 6th in AL Voting, however the A’s went and paid someone else to fill his spot (Scott Kazmir), and usually they are not wrong on guys. The 40 Year Old from Dominican Republic, is also a gigantic man who decimated his hamstring during a routine PFP in 2011 with the Yankees. You have to think his lucky streak is numbered sooner or later. Whether it is another failed drug test, or he blows out a ligament running anything down, or just has father time come down on him, signing this man to a 2 YR deal, for a team not probably contending in 2014, is downright absurd.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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‘Stoking The Fire’ – Week 9
The Mets are like a gambling addict that has been clean for a few years, before suffering a serious relapse.
This club is just coming off a season where they doled out $18 MIL for Jason Bay (who they released – and still owe $3 MIL in 2014) and Johan Santana ($25.5 MIL and a $5 MIL Buyout for 2014).
These are guys that never played for you during the 2013 season. Oh yeah…They still contribute annually to the Bobby Bonilla ‘liquor fund’ – thanks to a long restructured contract from many moons ago.
So now that they have altered their club to don a new era of “Strike out Champs”, they have gone overboard in throwing down a 2 YR/$20 MIL contract for a 300 LB PED user like Bartolo Colon.
“It Was A Little More Than Stem Cell Technology”
The A’s Pickup Another Quality Bullpen Arm In Gregerson
Luke Gregerson has authored 5 brilliant seasons coming out of the Padres Bullpen. He has a 2.78 ERA and 1.092 WHIP in his 347 IP worth of work. The 29 Year Old from Park Ridge, IL originally, has averaged appearing in 68 games a year. The A’s will use him as a late inning arm with Jim Johnson, Ryan Cook and Sean Doolittle also being capable inning’s eater to nail down shut victories. Gregerson is in his 3rd Year (made $3.2 MIL) of Arbitration before he hits the Free Agent Market in 2015.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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Billy Beane ended his whirlwind day on Tuesday. by flipping just signed OF/DH/PH Seth Smith to the San Diego Padres for Relief Pitcher Luke Gregerson.
In what can only be described as shock, I can’t believe the Padres could be this brutal in talent evaluation.
Beane has continued his pillaging from all other franchises.
The result was that he never touched any of the 9 Starting Players from his offense, zero from his Rotation, and only 2 Minor League Players from last season, to acquire 2 potential Closers/late inning relievers, a premiere CF defender, and a nice #5 Starter in return.
Luke Gregerson Interview from 2012
Billy Beane Adds 4 Pitchers To The A’s Flock, Plus Gentry – Only Surrenders Weeks. Choice + Smith
Billy Beane is the perfect ‘Baseball Rounder’. We all see that the moves the A’s GM made yesterday and today – where another way to gain assets in the short term – without losing much in the long run. With the A’s usually operating at around the $65 MIL mark the last few years, and now being somewhere in the $75 MIL range, look for Beane to stay active in the transactions throughout this winter to shed payroll – and to receive team controllable players. The Athletics gain 4 players in these acquisitions that all saw significant playing time in the MLB, where the outgoing guys spent the majority of (if not all) their time in the Minors last year
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I said it last week in a Cards article that there were 3 teams that have perfected ‘baseball rounding’, and these teams were the Cardinals, A’s and Tampa Bay.
While the Oakland and Tampa Bay teams don’t have the wherewithal to do this as extensively as the St. Louis franchise, they have the master of the trade in Billy Beane.
“Baseball Rounding” is defined by organizations who always roundup Free Agents, Waiver Wire Deals, Rule 5 guys, or sell high when they know a player is past his projections, in order to obtain assets coming back.
The purpose of these deals is that the organization never touches the main core, meaning the franchise will be in awesome shape if you know how to groom players in your Minor League System after you draft them.
Scott Kazmir 2013 Highlights – Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance Is Advised
AL Central Hot Stove Round Up – Updated For The Joe Nathan Signing With The Tigers
Doug Fister was just traded away last night for Steve Lombardozzi, Ian Krol and a Minor League Pitcher. I definitely am seeing the vibe that this franchise is about to make another huge move towards a player in Free Agency. If this wasn’t the case, then what the hell are the Tigers doing trading away a pitcher like this?
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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The Detroit Tigers threw down the first gauntlet in transactions of the Division. But have they made their team any stronger? As of right now they are still weaker to start the 2014 year than they ended the 2013 campaign.
Things have been quiet out of Motown on offensive players, however they have been circling the world of Brian Wilson for the Relief core, before they finally lost interest.
Joe Nathan was signed to a 2 Year Deal today by the Tigers. It was a swift move to sign the guy, although financial terms have not been entirely disclosed yet.
By singing Joe Nathan to amp up the status of the Bullpen, the teams looks decisively better already.
They should not stop there for relievers.
I would still try to bring in a Grant Balfour or Jesse Crain as late inning assassins – before having any of the old crew of Joaquin Benoit or Jose Veras be the guys to depend on. Do not resign them Dombrowski!
Look for an upcoming article I am writing about the Detroit Tigers, that will ask the question, who would you rather have long – term, Miguel Cabrera or Max Scherzer?
Of course a lot of this is dependent on how much Mike Ilitch wants to spend on his club.
Brian Wilson 2013 Highlights – Mature Lyrics So Parental Guidance Is Advised
Doug Fister Traded To The Nationals For A Meager Return
Doug Fister was acquired in a trade for Casper Wells, Charlie Furbush and Chance Ruffin back a few years ago. The Tigers have received a .615 Win Percentage (32 – 20, with a 3.20 ERA in 70 Game Starts) over his course of time in Detroit, Fister remains potentially the best #4 Starter in baseball. Included in his totals, was a 8 – 1 record down the stretch run in 2011, with a 1.79 ERA after joining the Motown boys. Fister has 2 years left of Arbitration Eligibility before he becomes a Free Agent in 2016. Look for his 2014 salary to be in the $7 – $8 MIL after his hearing. When you consider the 2 Yr deal that A’s just gave to Scott Kazmir, then you can understand how valuable known starters actually are, there must have been a better deal to made by the Tigers.
By Matthew Lafave (Tigers Correspondent) Follow @MatthewLafave
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In what can only be compared to the Curtis Granderson trade of 2009, the Tigers traded away fan favorite Doug Fister for three virtually unknown players on Monday night.
Although his ERA and WHIP has been on the rise, Fister saw moderate success the past two and half seasons in Detroit.
Tiger fans saw him compile a 32 – 20 regular season record and an impressive 2.98 ERA in 8 postseason games.
When the trade was announced, the fans outcry could be heard all around the world on social media.
Doug Fister Highlights – Mature Lyrics So parental guidance is advised
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