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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.17) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

JAMIE SQUIRE/GETTY IMAGES

JAMIE SQUIRE/GETTY IMAGES

Danny Duffy retired the first 20 Orioles he faced and threw into the 8th letting up only 2 hits. He got the decision in the dramatic 1-0 Kansas City win.

Brandon Moss hit a 3 run homer to give the A’s a lead and wipe away the bad taste of an unwarranted ejection of their starting pitcher. Oakland would beat Cleveland, 6-2.

Edwin Jackson pitched 7 shutout innings, letting up just 4 hits and one walk while striking out 11 Brewers, getting the 3-0 win for the Cubs.

Paul Goldschmidt launched a pair of homers, a pair of homers and got on base 5 times, driving in 6, powering the Diamondbacks past the Dodgers, 18-7.

They owned baseball on May.17, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.16) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Tony Dejak, Associated Press

Tony Dejak, Associated Press

Josh Reddick continues to be inspired by Careless Whisper. He homered twice, including a grand slam, and drove in 6 runs, leading the A’s to an 11-1 blow out in Cleveland.

Christian Yelich got on base 3 times, homered, stole a base and scored the go ahead run in the 9th as the Marlins held on in San Francisco, 7-5.

Chris Tillman kept the Orioles in first place with a complete game 5 hit shutout, walking just 1, beating the Royals, 4-0.

Jorge De La Rosa threw 7 innings of 1 hit, shutout ball in Coors Field, no easy feat. He got the decision in the Rockies 3-1 win against the Padres.

They owned baseball on May.16, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.15) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

The Enquirer/Cara Owsley

The Enquirer/Cara Owsley

Johnny Cueto pitched his third complete game and second shutout of the season, dominating the Padres with a 5-0 three hitter for the Reds.

Phil Hughes pitched 6 solid innings against the Red Sox. He let up a single run, striking out 8 and not walking anyone. He did not get the decision but the Twins would win in extra innings, 4-3.

Michael Morse homered to get the Giants back into the game and then drove in another insurance run. He would finish 3-4 against the Marlins in the 6-4 victory.

Edwin Encarnacion hit a pair of homers and drove in 3 of the Blue Jays 4 runs as the beat Cleveland 4-2.

They owned baseball on May.15, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.14) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

(William Perlman/The Star-Ledger)

(William Perlman/The Star-Ledger)

Masahiro Tanaka threw a complete game, 4 hit shutout against the Mets, striking out 8, walking none and getting a base hit for good measure. The Yankees won, 4-0.

Doug Fister gave the Nationals 7 strong innings, with 1 earned run, 5 hits and no walks. He did not get the decision but Washington would beat Arizona, 5-1.

David Murphy went 5-6 with three doubles, driving in five runs, leading Cleveland’s offense in the 15-4 thrashing of the Blue Jays.

Hunter Pence finished 4-5 with a homer and drove in 3 runs as the Giants blew out the Braves, 10-4.

They owned baseball on May.14, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.13) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

AP Photo: Gail Burton

AP Photo: Gail Burton

Miguel Cabrera came up with the Tigers trailing Baltimore  1-0 with 2 outs in the 9th. He got his second hit of the night, a 3 run homer that put Detroit on top for good. The final was 4-1.

David Price fell behind the Mariners 1-0 in the first inning. He would shut down Seattle’s offense after that. The Rays would score 2 in the 9th and Price finished the game with the 2-1Rays win, going all 9 innings, striking out 12 and walking none.

Curtis Granderson‘s 3 run homer in the first inning gave the Mets an early 4-0 lead. He would get on base 4 times while helping beat the Yankees, 12-7.

Bronson Arroyo went all 9 innings, letting up a single run and one walk while striking out 7 Nationals. He would get the decision in Arizona’s 3-1 victory.

They owned baseball on May.13, 2014.

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Oakland Keeps The Magic Elixir Running With Pitching Staff In 2014: Lead The AL In Wins

Billy Beane made some great trades to bolster his Relief Core - and rotation for the 2014 year.  Despite 3 of the slated Opening Day starters not currently with the club due to Tommy John Surgeries (Griffin and Parke - Straily (Optioned to the Minors), added with early Bullpen woes, the team has righted the ship, and lead AL pitchers in collective ERA, (OBP and OPS against).  Beane has allocated just around $34 MIL in players salary to his staff.  he also made great judgement calls on departing pitcher Bartolo Colon, Brett Anderson and Grant Balfour not duplicating key roles in the previous two seasons.  Once again the "Moneyball Man" looks like he may come up roses one more year in the Division at least.

Billy Beane made some great trades to bolster his Relief Core – and rotation for the 2014 year. Despite 3 of the slated Opening Day starters not currently with the club due to Tommy John Surgeries (Griffin and Parker) + Straily (Optioned to the Minors), added with early Bullpen woes, the team has righted the ship, and lead AL pitchers in collective ERA, (OBP and OPS against). Beane has allocated just around $34 MIL in players salary to his staff in 2014. He also made great judgement calls on departing pitcher Bartolo Colon, Brett Anderson and Grant Balfour – not duplicating key roles in the previous two seasons. Once again the “Moneyball Man” looks like he may come up roses one more year in the Division at least.

Billy Beane knows how to construct a Pitching Staff on a shoe string budget.

Not enough Pitching with double TJ Surgeries to A.J. Griffin and Jarrod Parker to have slowed the Rotation? Nope.

What about the loss of Bartolo Colon?  Hell no, that big guy is sporting an ERA of over 5.50 in an easier NL hitting league.

Scott Kazmir a risk?  Nope, wrong answer again thus far. The recipient of a 2 YRs Deal worth $22 MIL is a lot of money doled out from the A’s organization for a Free Agent Hurler.

All the 30 Year Old LHP has done in 2014, is lead the AL with a WHIP of 0.974, carried forth a 5 – 1 record, and a sparkling 2.28 ERA to date.

How about sophomore Sonny Gray having a tougher time peddling through the league for a second time?  Not a chance.

Gray is 3rd in the AL – with an ERA of 2.17, and has a 4 – 1 record himself. Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.12) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Jason O. Watson, Getty Images

Jason O. Watson, Getty Images

Tim Lincecum pitched like the ace of 2008-2010. He threw 7 2/3 innings, 2 hit, 1 run ball, striking out 11 Braves. He got the decision in San Francisco’s 4-2 win.

Eric Young Jr. led the Mets offense in a wild back and forth game in the Bronx. He went 3-5 with a two run homer and a stolen base in the 9-7 comeback victory against the Yankees.

Jesse Chavez pitched into the 9th, letting up just a pair of solo homers and keeping the White Sox from rallying. The A’s held on, 5-4.

Jose Bautista went 3-4 with his 10th homer of the season as the Blue Jays topped the Angels, 7-3.

They owned baseball on May.12, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.11) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images

Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images

Derek Norris hit a pair of three run homers and helped the A’s clobber Washington, 9-1.

John Lackey shut down the Rangers bats over 7 strong innings, walking none, letting up just a pair of runs and striking out 9, getting the 5-2 Red Sox win.

Daniel Murphy got on base 5 times including a 2 run homer in the Mets game tying 9th inning rally. They would walk off against Philadelphia, 5-4.

Homer Bailey pitched into the 8th inning, finishing with 7 1/3 innings, 4 hits and 1 run, striking out 6 as the Reds topped Colorado, 4-1.

They owned baseball on May.11, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.10) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Photo: Ben Margot, Associated Press

Photo: Ben Margot, Associated Press

John Jaso went 3-5 with a home run, started a 9th inning comeback with a lead off single and launched a walk off double in the 10th as the A’s stunned Washington, 4-3.

Tyler Skaggs retired 21 consecutive batters and pitched into the 9th. He finished with 8 plus innings, 4 hits, 2 earned runs and walked no Blue Jay batters, getting the 5-3 win for the Angels.

Corey Dickerson doubled twice and homered twice, leading the Rockies to an 11-2 thrashing of the Reds.

Zack Greinke held the Giants to just 2 runs over 7 innings and put the Dodgers in a position to come back, which they did 6-2.

They owned baseball on May.10, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.09) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

AP

AP

Yu Darvish got to within one out of a no hitter. He would “settle” for 8 2/3 of 1 hit, 2 walk, 12 strikeout dominance of the Red Sox as the Rangers rolled, 8-0.

Johnny Cueto threw a marvelous, hitting streak busting, 8 innings, 2 run ball, striking out 8 Rockies and walking just one. The bullpen once again blew his lead, but the Reds walked off a 4-3 winner.

Jose Abreu went 3-4 with another homer, pushing the White Sox past the Diamondbacks, 9-3.

Jedd Gyorko homered twice off of Fernandez, driving in 6 as the Padres stunned Miami, 10-1.

They owned baseball on May.09, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.08) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Darren Calabrese/AP

Darren Calabrese/AP

Edwin Encarnacion homered for the third straight game including 2 last night, giving him 200 for his career. His 3-4 performance with 3 RBI sparked the Blue Jays 12-6 drubbing of the Phillies.

Dallas Keuchel ended the Tigers winning streak by pitching into the 8th inning. He finished with 7 2/3 innings and 2 earned runs and no walks, giving Houston a rare win, 6-2.

Anthony Rizzo got on base 4 times, homered, doubled, drove in a pair and helped the Cubs top the White Sox, 12-5.

Ryan Volgelsong threw 7 1/3 innings, giving up just 5 hits and 1 earned run. He did not get the decision but he set up the Giants extra innings victory in Los Angeles, 3-1.

They owned baseball on May.08, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.07) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Tony Gutierrez, The Associated Press

Tony Gutierrez, The Associated Press

Nolan Arenado extended his hitting streak to 27 games and helped the Rockies clobber the Rangers again, 9-2.

Tom Koehlert threw 8 shutout innings, letting up just 2 hits and 1 walk. He did not get the decision but the Marlins walked off 1-0 against the Mets.

Adam Jones homered twice as the Orioles stayed in first place with their 4-3 victory in Tampa Bay.

Mark Buehrle threw 7 shutout innings, letting up just 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out 6 Phillies. He got his 6th win as the Blue Jays cruised to a 10-0 beating.

They owned baseball on May.07, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.06) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

DOUG PENSINGER/GETTY IMAGES

DOUG PENSINGER/GETTY IMAGES

Carlos Gonzalez went 5-5 with 3 RBI, leading the relentless Colorado attack against Texas, 12-1.

Henderson Alvarez threw his second complete game shutout of the season. His 6 hitter against the Mets gave the Marlins a 3-0 victory.

Grady Sizemore got 3 hits including a walk off single off of the Green Monster in the 12th, sealing the Red Sox 4-3 win over Cincinnati.

Hiroki Kuroda was solid pitching into the 8th inning, letting up 1 earned run, striking out 8 Angels and walking none. The bullpen blew his lead but the Yankees won 4-3.

They owned baseball on May.06, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.05) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

 

Morry Gash - AP

Morry Gash – AP

Carlos Gomez launched a lead off homer, got on base 5 times, scored twice and drove in 3 as the Brewers won the 22nd game, 8-3 over Arizona.

Stefan Romero hit his first big league homer and scored another run for the Mariners, who topped the A’s, 4-2.

Nathan Eovaldi pitched 7 solid innings, striking out 10 and walking just 1. He left the game down 3-0 but the Marlins bats picked up up, walking off against the Mets, 4-3.

Jered Weaver kept the Yankees from a big rally with 8 terrific if not dominating innings. He let up 6 hits but walked just 1 and let up only 1 run over 8 innings, earning the 4-1 Angels victory.

They owned baseball on May.05, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.04) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution/MCT

Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution/MCT

Brandon Crawford homered twice, driving in 3 runs, leading the Giants to a 4-1 win and a 3 game sweep of the Braves.

Dayan Viciedo‘s second hit of the day was a 3 run, come from behind go ahead 9th inning home run that gave the White Sox a 4-3 victory over the Indians.

Roberto Hernandez pitched into the 8th inning, finishing with 7 1/3 shutout innings, letting up just 4 hits and 3 walks, helping the Phillies sneak past the Nationals, 1-0.

Justin Verlander had a no hitter into the 6th inning. He finished with 7 strong, 4 hit innings, striking out 7 Royals. He got Detroit’s 9-4 victory.

They owned baseball on May.04, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.03) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Joe Mauer homered, scored from first on a hit, drove in another run and finished 3-4 with 4 RBI as the Twins won 6-1 over Baltimore.

Jon Lester dominated the A’s over 8 shutout innings. He let up just 1 hit, walking 2 and striking out a career high 15 as Boston won 6-3.

Dee Gordon went 5-6 in the leadoff spot. He also stole three bases, scored twice and drove in a pair as the Dodgers would top the Marlins in Miami, 9-7 in 11 innings.

Johnny Cueto topped the Brewers by throwing 8 innings of 3 hit ball. He let up a pair of solo homers and just a hit and a walk other than that. He struck out 10 in the process, earning the 6-2 victory in Cincinnati.

They owned baseball on May.03, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.02) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

NESN - MLB.com

NESN – MLB.com

Dustin Pedroia hit a grandslam, doubled, stole a base and got on 4 times as the Red Sox clobbered the A’s, 7-1.

Starling Marte went 4-5 and hit a walk off homer, sealing Pittsburgh’s come from behind victory over the Blue Jays, 6-5.

Ubaldo Jimenez pitched the Orioles into first place by dominating the Twins with 7 1/3 shutout innings, 3 hits, 1 walk and 10 strikeouts getting the 3-0 decision.

Wily Peralta threw 8 shutout frames, giving up just 3 hits and striking out 7 Reds, getting the decision in the 2-0 thriller for the Brewers.

They owned baseball on May.02, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.01) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Getty Images

Getty Images

Yunel Escobar hit a tie breaking, 9th inning homer off of the seemingly impervious Koji Uehara to give the Rays a 6-5 win and a double header sweep in Boston.

Juan Uribe combined to get on base 8 times over the course of the Dodgers double header sweep of the Twins. He doubled and drove in a pair in the 9-4 opener. He hit a game tying single in the 4-3 12 inning nightcap.

Roenis Elias shut down the Yankees offense with 7 innings, 6 hits and 1 earned run. He struck out 10 along the way to a Seattle 4-2 victory in the Bronx.

Juan Nicasio pitched 7 shutout innings (in Coors no less), holding the Mets to 3 hits and one walk as the Rockies won 7-4.

They owned baseball on May.01, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.30) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

Allen Craig collected 4 hits, missing the cycle by a triple, and drove in 3 runs as the Cardinals avoided a Milwaukee sweep, 9-3.

Tim Hudson was a strike from a complete game victory. He settled for 8 2/3 brilliant innings as the Giants topped the Padres, 3-2.

Hank Conger got on base 3 times and hit a go ahead 2 run homer as the Angels cruised past the Indians, 7-1.

Jesse Chavez shut down the Rangers bats. He held them to one hit, one walk and no runs while striking out 8. Oakland demolished their rival in Arlington, 12-1.

They owned baseball on April.30, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.29) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Steve Mitchell / USA Today Sports

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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MLB Shutout Survivor 2014: Texas Were Shutout Last Night, Leaving COL + LAA Left

Tulowitzki nearly has an OPS of 1.200 - and has seen his club go 15 - 12 to start the 2014 season.  They along with the Angeles, are the only two teams remaining this year to be blanked.  Justin Morneau also clubbed a HR in yesterday's game - giving him 6 HRs (like Tulo) but the big 1B has a 1 RBI lead (21 - 20).  Tulowitzki had 2 Doubles and 2 Walks to add to his perfect evening Wed,

Tulowitzki nearly has an OPS of 1.200 – and has seen his club go 15 – 12 to start the 2014 season. They along with the Angeles, are the only two teams remaining this year to be blanked. Justin Morneau also clubbed a HR in yesterday’s game – giving him 6 HRs (like Tulo) but the big 1B has a 1 RBI lead (21 – 20). Tulowitzki had 2 Doubles and 2 Walks to add to his perfect evening Wed,

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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It is quite surprising that the Rangers held out this long when you consider the power outage from Prince Fielder – couples with injuries to Adrian Beltre and Shin-Soo Choo, but they were blanked for the 1st time last night in the 2014 Season.

Sonny Gray of the Oakland A’s threw a Complete Game Shutout against them, and Yu Darvish so his lifetime record fall to 1 – 7, with a 5.23 ERA versus the Bay Area franchise.

The Rangers have scored 1 run on multiple occasions this year, but had yet to be bageled.

The Angels beat the Indians last evening, by scoring 8 runs.  They have not been blanked.  The Rockies also used a HR barrage to knock off the SF Giants, and run their streak of not having zero runs in the year yet. Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.28) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Tulowitzki nearly has an OPS of 1.200 - and has seen his club go 15 - 12 to start the 2014 season.  They along with the Angeles, are the only two teams remaining this year to be blanked.  Justin Morneau also clubbed a HR in yesterday's game - giving him 6 HRs (like Tulo) but the big 1B has a 1 RBI lead (21 - 20).  Tulowitzki had 2 Doubles and 2 Walks to add to his perfect evening Wed,

Tulowitzki nearly has an OPS of 1.200 – and has seen his club go 15 – 12 to start the 2014 season. They along with the Angeles, are the only two teams remaining this year to be blanked. Justin Morneau also clubbed a HR in yesterday’s game – giving him 6 HRs (like Tulo) but the big 1B has a 1 RBI lead (21 – 20). Tulowitzki still had the better night, adding  2 Doubles and 2 Walks to add to his perfect evening Wed,

Troy Tulowitzki got on base 5 times, hit a pair of doubles and a homer and drove in 3 runs as the Rockies topped the spiraling Diamondbacks, 8-5.

Mike Trout went 2-4 with a triple and drove in the go ahead run in the 8th as the Angels came from behind to beat the Indians, 6-3.

Sonny Gray threw a complete game 3 hit shutout of the Rangers in Arlington, putting the A’s back in first place with a 4-0 win.

Yovani Gallardo was not dominant but kept the Cardinals from rallying. His 6 inning, 3 run performance set up the Brewers extra inning 5-3 victory.

They owned baseball on April.28, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (April.25) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Chris Sweda/ Chicago Tribune

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.23) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Photo: Ben Margot, AP

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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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 - including Chris Carter< Carlos Gonzalez and Ryan Cook for Starter Dan Haren.  The club still has many of the components left as assets from that very deal. While it is bad Parker is out in 2014, he will be back.

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):

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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

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.

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): 

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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

30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 3 MLB Baseball 2014

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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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

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 15 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.

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):

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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

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.

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):

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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

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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 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.

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):

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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

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