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Sully Baseball Podcast – Yankee Bats Are Not Hot While Tampa Bay’s Pitching System Works – September 19, 2018

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Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images North America

The Yankees should be very worried if their bats remain this dead into October. Meanwhile, say what you want about the Rays new “Opener System.” But it works and since late May, they are one of the best teams in baseball.

Making One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest references in this episode of Sully Baseball.

While we are at it, enjoy the NEW In Memoriam video.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 9, 2017

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Doug Pensinger/Getty Images North America


The Giants wonderful bullpen was kept together for probably one season too long. But as it is broken up, salute the 4 rings of Javier Lopez, bid farewell to Sergio Romo and possibly welcome back Brian Wilson.

Even year or Odd year, it is a San Francisco episode of the Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

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Latest on RHP Sergio Romo

sergioromofanfest

I’m sure you’ve heard by now that the San Francisco Giants aren’t likely to bring back any of their free agent bullpen arms. There still hasn’t been many teams linked to any Giants free agents.

Giants sources have said that reliever Sergio Romo has a few offers on the table from other clubs. The Brawley native is confident that he’ll find a good fit.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 12, 2016

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Scott Strazzante, San Francisco Chronicle

The Giants season is over and it was a crushing surreal game. Meanwhile super fan Cubs Fan with an 8 (@CU8SFAN ) asked an interesting question.

This could be wrapping up.

It is an Even Year episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast

Adrian Gonzalez, Aroldis Chapman, Clayton Kershaw, Ben Zobrist, Matt Moore, Conor Gillaspie and Daniel Murphy all added to their Who Owns October totals.

For the up to date standings of Who Owns October, Click MLB Reports

What is “Who Owns October”? Click HERE for an explanation.

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MLB Power Rankings: April 2016

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Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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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 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 83 - 79 - which continued their odd curse.

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 The MLB Reports On Twitter 

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. 

Read the rest of this entry

2016 MLB Preseason Power Rankings

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Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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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

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.

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) 

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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.

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) 

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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. 

Read the rest of this entry

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.

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) 

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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 83 - 79 - which continued their odd curse.

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 The MLB Reports On Twitter 

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 37 Year Old, to a 2 YR/$14 MIL deal.  Rodney did feature a career best 11.1/SO Per 9 IP rate last year, but he also walked 4.9/Per IP as well.  His work translated better in the AL West, 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.  Still expect more of the same in 2015, with the M's having one of the better clubs this campaign.

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): 

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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. 

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 19, 2015

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The Dodgers have a shot to win the World Series this year. But will they fix their bullpen? Should they make a big move? Recent World Series winners suggest maybe they shouldn’t.

Meanwhile I sneaked onto the field of Sunken Diamond at Stanford for this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

 

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Baltimore Orioles State Of The Union For 2015

Baltimore Orioles

By Nicholas Delahanty (MLB Reports Writer)  

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Even with some key players being out of the lineup for long periods of time (due to injuries/suspensions), the Baltimore Orioles still found a way to win 96 games during the 2014 regular season, and advanced to the ALCS after sweeping the Detroit Tigers in the ALDS.

Unfortunately, the Orioles’ World Series hopes were crushed by the Kansas City Royals in the Final Four, as the O’s struggled mightily against this year’s “Cinderella story.”

It turned out to be an ugly end for a great season, but the Orioles now need to look forward to the off-season.

With some key players heading towards free agency and arbitration, the Orioles need to make some moves in order to put themselves in contention to compete once again come 2015. 

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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.

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):

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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

Getty Images

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

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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

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 lumbering, 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.

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): 

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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. 

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30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 15 – 2014

The Atlanta Braves were hovering around .500, and in serious jeopardy of watching the Nationals blow by them with a healthy roster.  Instead, they are the biggest mover of the week, riding a 9 game win streak.   All of this coming on the heels of losing Evan Gattis for awhile.

The Atlanta Braves were hovering around .500, and in serious jeopardy of watching the Nationals blow by them with a healthy roster. Instead, they are the biggest mover of the week, riding a 9 game win streak. All of this coming on the heels of losing Evan Gattis for awhile.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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*** Denotes Division Leaders

Records are before play Thursday July.06, 2014

RK Team   Last Wk Rnk  ()      Current Rec –  Last 10 Days Rec

1.  ***Oakland A’s (1) 54 – 33:  6 – 3  The A’s are the only team that has an above .600 Win Percentage.

What is not to like.  They have the best record since 2012, are even better over the last 2 years (July 2012, July 2014, about .615 Baseball), have won 2 AL West in a row as well.

Added to the fold is a great trade bringing in Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel, and not yielding anything from the current MLB Roster in return.

2. ***Detroit Tigers (2) 48 – 36: 6 – 4: Tigers beat the better teams, and have troubles with the lesserlites.

Emergence of J.D. Martinez is a major bonus for a team starving for OF help.  Still need more Bullpen arms.

Great division for opponents down the 2nd half. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 6, 2014

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

It is Sunday and man do I have a challenging Sunday Request!

Should the Giants do it?

Should the Red Sox pursue it?

It is a tougher decision than you would think when you consider how quickly closers flame out!

I take on the challenge on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Matt Garza, Casey McGehee, Chris Archer, Nelson Cruz, Homer Bailey, Yasiel Puig, Jose Quintana andDanny Valencia all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball.

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – June 29, 2014

 Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The bad news for the Giants is they are in the middle of a historic free fall.

The good news is they have half a season to right the ship. First move they need to make? Remove Sergio Romo from the closer role.

It is a “Don’t Panic or Panik” episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Josh Tomlin, Ian Kinsler, Zack Greinke, Anthony Rendon, Masahiro Tanaka, Nick Markakis, Matt Cain andLuis Valbuena all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball.
Read the rest of this entry

San Francisco Giants State Of The Union: 2014 Preview

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Okay so it is an even year, so most fans in the Bay Area can only think of one thing…Another World Series ring right?

Come on, they won in 2010 and 2012, why not 2014?

The win in 2012 was a nice statistical oddity, but when you factor in that the hunger to win a World Series must dissipate a little bit when you have just cashed one in, then maybe another one can be achieved when the next year hits again.

The Giants went 76 – 86 in 2013, this is more of a stretch, for when they completed the 2011 campaign at 86 – 76 following their 1st World Series Title.

There is room for optimism though, from their top 7 hitters in the Batting Order, this team features some of the streakiest guys at the plate in the MLB. Read the rest of this entry

San Francisco Giants Payroll In 2014 + Contracts Going Forward

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth + Payroll Expert – find his website here) [twitter-follow screen_name=’prosportsroster’ show_screen_name=’yes’]

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The Giants won the 2010 World Series with a payroll nowhere near the stratosphere of the top MLB clubs, however escalating salaries have arisen from sustained success (also winning another World Series in 2012).

The franchise now hovers around the $140 – $150 MIL mark for the upcoming campaign.

A lot of this cash has come for simply retaining their own talent.

To start the winter off, the squad signed Tim Lincecum 2 YRs/$35 MIL – and then nailed down Hunter Pence to a 5 YRs/$90 MIL deal. Read the rest of this entry

Top 5 Holds Leaders In MLB 2014

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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It is the secondary stat category to Saves for Relievers, but it most cases, the guys pulling down innings in the last few frames play just as an important part of game – if not more.

Last year, two Tampa Bay Rays were in the top 5 – with Jake McGee sitting in 5th with 26 – while Joel Peralta was the clubhouse leader for the MLB at 41.

The guys have to be at the forefront for the 2014 race as well.

Lets just see who we the MLB Reports take for Holds Leaders in 2014. Read the rest of this entry

Top 5 Saves Leaders In MLB 2014

Coffee Is For Closers Only – “Always Be Closing! _(Profanity Laced Tirade Here)

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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The Closers job in the MLB is a rough negotiation.  Saving games does not necessarily quantify an awesome reliever or not, but the stat category still remains both played up for fantasy, and something to reference.

For the tops in most of the leagues in 2014, you must have look towards the top clubs 1st.

In Oakland, I think Jim Johnson and Luke Gregerson will take turns saving contests.  The same thing may happen in Los Angeles – where Brian Wilson and Kenley Jansen may also both see time as the clubs Closer. Read the rest of this entry

Stoking The Fire: Blog 5 – The Giants Should Move Posey To 1B, Belt To LF – And Sign Ruiz

Buster Posey is one of the best players in the game of baseball pure and simple.  The 2012 NL MVP has Buster Posey is the leader of the Giants offense and game caller for the pitching staff. He has had a down year in respect to his numbers in recent years. He will finish 2013 with another 20 Home Run season and he will be looking forward to 2014 and another chance at a ring. The two time champion signed a contract extension that will see him make $164 MIL from 2013 - 2021.  Will he be able to play the duration of his contract as a backstopper - or will he eventually be moved to 1st Base?

Buster Posey is one of the best players in the game of baseball pure and simple. The 2010 NL Rookie Of The Year is the leader of the Giants offense and game caller for the pitching staff. In 2013, he had down year in respect to his incredible 2013 season.  Posey still slashed .294/.371/.821   The two time champion signed a contract extension that will see him make $164 MIL from 2013 – 2021.  In this article, I explain why I think the team has to move the Slugger to 1B.  The 26 Year Old has a career slash of .308/.377/.864.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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The Giants are at a crossroads in their nucleus.  When healthy and at optimum levels, the Giants can hang with any team in the MLB – as shown by taking home 2 out of the last 4 World Series Titles.

But here is the problem.  This club needs two Starting Pitchers, potentially an OF, a Utility Infielder, meanwhile the franchise must address their long term goals.

The Twins were smart enough to make Joe Mauer a permanent 1B – and it is time for the San Francisco Giants to do the same with Buster Posey.

Read the rest of this entry

MLB 30 Team Power Rankings: Week 21

42 - 8, 25 - 3, 19 - 1, 10 wins in a row.  These are all significant numbers put up with a team with deep pockets, the ability to outdraw everyone, and owners willing to do whatever it takes to bring home the 1st World Series Title since 1988.  No one can touch these guys right now. Best 3 Starters in the NL and hottest 2 NL Hitters in Puig and Ramirez.  Oh yeah, the Bullpen has been lights out for the last 50 contests!

42 – 8, 25 – 3, 19 – 1, 10 wins in a row. These are all significant numbers put up with a team with deep pockets, the ability to outdraw everyone for park attendance, and owners willing to do whatever it takes to bring home the 1st World Series Title since 1988. No one can touch these guys right now. Best 3 Starters in the NL and hottest 2 NL Hitters in Puig and Ramirez. Oh yeah, the Bullpen has been lights out for the last 50 contests!

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

It is time for the MLB Power Rankings.  These are based on my thoughts on whether who has the best chance to win the World Series.

A lot of these positions are based on who has the toughest Strength of Schedule left, who their competition is for the Division, and possibly even the League they are in,

The races for the Divisions (AL East, AL West and NL Central are starting to tighten up, while the NL West, AL Central and most notably NL East are looking to be foregone conclusions

The Braves have rattled of a 18 – 3 stretch, and have been ousted by the Dodgers for the #1 spot in the MLB Rankings .

The Rangers are trying to ricochet off of a couple of great deals, in order to flame down the Oakland Athletics.

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Could There Be A Giant Miracle In San Fran This Year?

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Monday August 5, 2013

The defending champion San Francisco Giants aren't having a championship season in 2013. They are 10 games back of the National League West leading Los Angeles Dodgers. The Giants of the past relied on pitching and little offense. In 2013 they have gotten little offense and even less pitching. The bright spot for the Giants pitching staff was Tim Lincecum's 148 pitch no-hitter. It will take a miracle for them to come back but it is possible.

The defending champion San Francisco Giants aren’t having a championship season in 2013. They are 12 games back of the National League West leading Los Angeles Dodgers. The clubs of the past have relied on pitching and little offense. In 2013, they have received little offense and even less pitching. Their number one starter (Matt Cain), has had one of his worst seasons since 2008. Lights out closer Sergio Romo hasn’t been lights out – and the bullpen has been iffy at best. The bright spot for the Giants pitching staff was Tim Lincecum’s 148 pitch no-hitter. It will take a miracle for them to come back, but it is possible.  The Dodgers, despite playing lights out baseball,  continue to fight the injury bug to Hanley Ramirez and Yasiel Puig, and it SF can encounter any hotstreak, they may be able to make up a lot of ground in a short-term, being the NL West.

Ryan Ritchey (Baseball Writer):

The defending champion San Francisco Giants aren’t playing like champions in 2013. They are 12 games under .500 and are 12 games back of the National League West leading Los Angeles Dodgers.

The pitching staff has carried them to greatness, but this season it has been far from great.

They will need to tear it up in the next 3 weeks to have any chance at all. 

Once the Divisions all play each other the majority of the way, 2 NL West playing each other – will ensure at least  one team SF is chasing in the Division – will put up a ‘W’ on a nightly basis.

Chances are, they would likely need to win about 86 or 87 Games minimum to be on the cusp of a spot in the Wild Card – and hope the Dodgers play under .500 the rest of the way in. 

The Giants would need to reel off a clip of about 37 – 15 mark in their last 52 games (over.700 baseball).  Of course this not PROBABLE!

Tim Lincecum’s No – Hitter

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 25, 2013

Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The names of the Joe Mauer Twins, why the Giants lousy month was a blessing in disguise and a salute to Tim Hudson.

Those topics and more on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Eric Hosmer, Nate Schierholtz, David Price and Tim Hudson  all owned baseball on July 24, 2013.

To see the up to date tally of “Who Owns Baseball?,” click HERE
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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 25, 2013
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Top MLB Teams 1 – 30: Monthly Rankings + (Top 200 Stats For Reading And Fantasy Baseball)

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Thursday July.11/2013

The Giants have gone 9 - 23 in their last 32 Games and are in danger of having a brutal campaign just one year after capturing the World Series.  Key injuries and overlogged pitchers have been the main point of contention. They lost 8 Ranking Spots.

The Giants have gone 9 – 23 in their last 32 Games – and are in danger of having a brutal campaign just one year after capturing the World Series. Key injuries and overlogged pitchers have been the main point of contention. They lost 8 Ranking Spots this past time.  Should they also become sellers at the Trade Deadline,  Tim Lincecum and Hunter Pence could fetch a few players in return.  The Giants are currently 40 – 50 and 6.5 Games behind the NL West Leading DBACKS – but are in last in the NL West.

 

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

The time has come for the July Power Rankings with Stats Edition.  There will be one each for May, June, July, August, September – and then a special playoff edition Power Rankings will be done in October.

I will not do a weekly Power Rankings during these weeks, because in essence, these are the weekly rankings done on a much larger scale.

These Reports are done with a heavy thought to how the teams project by the end of the season – along with how the clubs have fared so far.

I will point out who has had great months for the all 30 MLB Teams.  I reward the good performances in these rankings – and leave the poor ones for the Podcasts or future articles. CLICK THE READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON or scroll past the video and picture.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.31) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto was one of the four players who owned baseball on May 31, 2013. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto was one of the four players who owned baseball on May 31, 2013. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Johnny Cueto let up only one and one walk over 8 shutout innings as the Reds defeated the Pirates 6-0.

Jonathan Lucroy went 5-5 with two homers, three runs scored and four runs batted in as the Brewers topped Philadelphia 8-5.

Chris Dickerson crushed a 2 out, 3 run, walk off, come from behind homer to turn a Baltimore loss into an Oriole 7-5 win over the Tigers and bring the Birds to within 1 game in the loss column of first place.

And CC Sabathia shut down the Red Sox into the 8th inning, going 7 1/3 innings, letting up only 1 run, no walks and 10 strikeouts to end the Yankee losing streak, 4-1 and bring them to within a game of first.

They all owned baseball on May 31st, 2013.

My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.

At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.

To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry

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