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Odds To Win The 2013 World Series As Of Right Now + Playoff Notes Tues Oct.01 (+ Pick Of The Day)
The National League is up for grabs – and I can’t believe that the Reds are +1800 right now to win the World Series. If they win the Wild Card game, the team could be extremely dangerous afterwards. Honestly, the Indians and Rays should not be favored ahead of them. TIP OF THE DAY: Bet $53 on the Reds to win the World Series, for a win of $1007. Then to offset a loss today, wager $70.52 on the Pirates at -133. If the Bucs win, you break even, and if the Cincy club escapes PNC Park, you are alive for your big payday, having bet $123.52, however your payout would still be $1007.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Odds To Win the World Series:
Boston Red Sox +340
LA Dodgers +450
Detroit Tigers +500
St. Louis Cardinals +550
Atlanta Braves +700
Oakland Athletics +750
Tampa Bay Rays +1500
Cleveland Indians +1600
Pittsburgh Pirates +1600
Cincinnati Reds +1800
ODDS Courtesy of http://www.bet365.com
Rays Take Out The Rangers 5 – 2
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.30th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
David Price went the distance, wiggling out of trouble and letting up just 2 runs as he beat the Rangers, 5-2 and gave the Rays one of the two Wild Card spots.
Evan Longoria nearly hit for the cycle, going 3-4, driving in a pair with a homer and was the offensive hero in the Rays 5-2 playoff ticket punching victory in Texas.
They all owned baseball on September 30, 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
OR SCROLL DOWN.
Odds To Win The 2013 World Series As Of Right Now – Playoff Quick Notes Mon Sept.30
The Red Sox went worst to first in the AL East from last year to this year, and took the best record in the American League to boot along the way. The Boston club now will be able to sit around and watch 2 playoff games, in which their 1st round opponents will throw 1 if not 2 pitchers out of their rotation before heading to Fenway Friday night to start the ALDS series. Boston is the new favorite to win the World Series – as they possess home field advantage all the way through the Post Season, including the World Series – thanks to the AL winning the ALL – Star Game this past summer.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Odds To Win the World Series:
Boston Red Sox +340
LA Dodgers +450
Detroit Tigers +525
St. Louis Cardinals +600
Atlanta Braves +700
Oakland Athletics +750
Cleveland Indians +1500
Pittsburgh Pirates +1600
Cincinnati Reds +1800
Tampa Bay Rays +2200
Texas Rangers +2200
Pirates Celebrate breaking 21 year playoff drought
Odds To Win The 2013 World Series As Of Right Now – Playoff Quick Notes
As of today, the best value on the board to win the World Series is the Atlanta ball club. As tied for the 5th best odd to take home the trophy, the Braves can still win home field advantage throughout the National League Series play this weekend. The Braves have a deep lineup, a solid Bullpen – and will have home advantage in the 1st round. The odd reflects that they may have to play the favorite (Dodgers) in the NLDS- should they finish behind the St. Louis Cardinals in the Standings in the last 2 days of the season.
Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Odds To Win the World Series:
LA Dodgers +250
Boston Red Sox +350
Detroit Tigers +450
St. Louis Cardinals +600
Atlanta Braves +800
Oakland Athletics +800
Cincinnati Reds +1500
Pittsburgh Pirates +1700
Tampa Bay Rays +1800
Cleveland Indians +2000
Texas Rangers +2000
Cardinals Clinch the NL Central Sept.27/2013
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 28, 2013
MLB.com
What do I want?
I want anarchy in the AL Wild Card. I want it to be a total mess with a 3 way tie.
Meanwhile in Texas, why are the Angels and Rangers basically wearing identical uniforms? How hard is it to coordinate which jersey each team is wearing?
That and more on Today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast
Matt Holliday, A.J. Burnett, Drew Stubbs and James Shields all owned baseball for September 27, 2013.
To see the up to date tally of “Who Owns Baseball?,” click HERE.
Subscribe on iTunes HERE.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.26th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
(AP Photo/Jim Cowsert)
Jurickson Profar came off the bench to crush a walk off homer that kept the Rangers in the Wild Card hunt by topping the Angels, 6-5.
Tommy Medica got on base 3 times and scored the winning run in the bottom of the 11th, giving Padres fans something to cheer about in PetCo’s season finale, 3-2 over Arizona.
Alex Cobb was not intimidated by an emotional Yankee Stadium crowd. He kept New York off the scoreboard with 7 innings of 3 hit shutout ball, giving Tampa Bay the 4-0 victory and inched closer to the post season.
Tim Lincecum pitched what could have been his final game as a member of the Giants. He made it a good one, letting up only 2 runs over 7 innings. He did not get the decision but was the star of San Francisco’s 3-2 victory over the arch rival Dodgers.
They all owned baseball on September 26, 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 OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.25th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
(AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Max Scherzer truly earned his 21st victory of the season. He threw 7 shutout innings, striking out 10 Twins and letting only 2 get hits. The 1-0 triumph clinched the AL Central for the Tigers.
Evan Longoria pushed Tampa Bay closer to a playoff spot and eliminated the Yankees altogether. He went 3-5 with a pair of homers and 4 RBI, leading the way as the Rayswon another laugher in the Bronx, 8-3.
Kyle Lohse was effective and economical in his dominating shutout of the Braves. He needed only 89 pitches to go 9 innings where he let up only 2 hits and no walks as the Brewers won, 4-0.
Darnell McDonald broke open a 1-1 tie with a three run homer that gave the Cubs a lead they would never relinquish against the Pirates. The final score in Wrigley was 4-2, Chicago.
They all owned baseball on September 25, 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 OR SCROLL DOWN.
Its Gut Check Time For The Rangers: Indians + Rays In The AL Wild Card Driver Seats
Baltimore entered last Friday night just 1 game behind the playoff bar. They were swept in a 4 game series down in Tampa Bay, in a wraparound series, that included a devastating 18 inning loss among the tough defeats. The club also lost Manny Machado to injury yesterday. The magic number to eliminate the team is just 3. The guys end the regular season with 6 straight at Camden Yards. The only real meaningful resolutions will be if Chris Davis can crack 4 Home Runs, to tie Ken Griffey Jr. (56 HRs) for the most HRs by a LHB in the AL for the last 52 years?
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
2013 WILDCARD Race Breakdown in AL
Team W – L GBL Games Left Upcoming in Sequence
Tampa Bay Rays 87 – 69 – ( 3 @ NYY, 3 @ TOR)
Cleveland Indians 86 – 70 – ( 2 vs CWS, 4 @ MIN)
Texas Rangers 85 – 71 1 (2 vs HOU, 4 vs LAA)
Kansas City Royals 83 – 73 3.0 (2 @ SEA, 4 @ CWS)
New York Yankees 82 – 74 4.0 (3 vs TB, 3 @ HOU)
Baltimore Orioles 81 – 75 5.0 ( 3 vs TOR, 3 vs BOS)
We have had some clarification occur over the last week in the AL Wild Card Race as the Rays and Indians have both won 4 straight in their goal to make the playoffs.
The Yankees went 3 – 3 for the week, including a heart – wrenching loss to the Giants late on Sunday, It must have pained them even more to see the Rays come back in the late innings versus the Orioles.
Had Baltimore won that game, the Yankees would start the series in New York versus the Rays tonight with a chance to cut their deficit to them by 3 games via a sweep.
The Bronx Bombers then waltz into Houston, where they might win their last 3 games. However, with Tampa’s come from behind win yesterday, it makes their Magic number versus the Yanks to 3.
Manny Machado’s Gruesome Injury – Sept.23/2013
Oakland + Tampa Bay Are Building Their Teams The Old School Way
The A’s wrapped up their 16th AL West Title in 46 years since moving to Oakland yesterday. They have clinched the Division at home the last 2 years. They beat out the Rangers and Angels – clubs that double their Team Salary of roughly $65 MIL in 2013.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst and Website Owner) Follow @mlbreports
It is a simple rule of economics how these teams have built their teams. Yep, but you must look a little deeper. Over the course of the last year, I have constructed both teams entire Roster Trees.
Both managements constructed these teams by selling high on players (usually trading their ALL – Stars for 2 – 3 players back in return, and continuing the cycle.)
The Athletics and Rays have been incredible at finding Free Agents, that cost exactly zero assets back in return.
Just look to Bartolo Colon, Coco Crisp and Yoenis Cespedes for the A’s, while Fernando Rodney, James Loney, Casey Kotchman and Rafael Soriano all have signed Free Agent contracts on limited years recently over the last several seasons.
It corresponded with the players having the best years of their careers, or complete renaissance’s for a bargain based salary.
Oakland A’s Clinch The 2013 AL WEST
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.21st) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
AP Photo/Chris O’Meara
Alex Cobb gave the Rays bullpen a much needed rest after Friday’s 18 inning marathon with 8 1/3 excellent innings, letting up one run and striking out 12 Orioles as Tampa Bay stayed in the Wild Card lead, 5-1.
Clayton Kershaw pitched 7 scoreless innings, striking out 10 and walking 2, earning the 4-0 win for the Dodgers in San Diego and solidifying his Cy Young credentials.
Alberto Callaspo went 4-5 including a homer, driving in 3, helping the A’s top the Twins 9-1 and cut the AL West magic number to 1..
Russell Martin clubbed a game tying home run off of Homer Bailey and helped the Pirates win a critical Wild Card match up against Cincinnati, 4-2.
They all owned baseball on September 21, 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.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.16th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
(AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Alexei Ramirez scored twice in the first inning and reached base five times, homering and missing the cycle by just a triple. He also drove in three as the White Sox embarrassed the Twins, 12-1.
Alex Cobb retired the first 9 batters he faced and gave the Rays 8 strong innings, letting up just 2 runs and striking out 10 Rangers as Tampa Bay finally won a crucial game, 6-2.
Andrew Cashner nearly threw the first no hitter in San Diego Padres history when he held the Pirates hitless for the first six frames. He settled for a 1 hit, 2-0 shutout of Pittsbugh for his first major league complete game.
And Cliff Lee was brilliant on the mound with his 8 inning, 14 strikeout domination of the Marlins. But he is on this list for his bat as he went 3-4 with a triple and 4 RBI, winning the game for the Phillies in every way, 12-2.
They all owned baseball on September 16, 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
The 4 Teams Chasing Texas + Tampa In The AL Wild Card Have A Great Chance (Mon – THU Game W – L Grid For All 6 Teams)
The Cleveland Indians are in the driver seat in the AL Wild Card Race. While they may not overtake the #1 Wild Card Spot by Thursday, they can guarantee to be in a playoff position if they can simply win 3 out of the next 4 games. After Thursday, the Tribe has the easiest path to the Post Season out of any of these 6 clubs when it comes to Strength Of Schedule! Cleveland last made the playoffs in 2007, when they blew a 3 – 1 ALCS to the Boston Red Sox.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
2013 WILDCARD Race Breakdown in AL
Team W – L GBL Games Left Upcoming in Sequence
Tampa Bay Rays 81 – 67 – (4 vs TEX, 4 vs BAL, 3 @ NYY, 3 @ TOR)
Texas Rangers 81 – 67 – (4 @ TB, 3 @ KC, 3 vs HOU, 4 vs LAA)
Cleveland Indians 81 – 68 0.5 (3 @ KC, 4 vs HOU, 2 vs CWS, 4 @ MIN)
Baltimore Orioles 79 – 70 2.5 (3 @ BOS, 4 @ TB, 3 vs TOR, 3 vs BOS)
New York Yankees 79 – 71 3.0 (3 @ TOR, 3 @ SF, 3 vs TB, 3 vs HOU)
Kansas City Royals 78 – 71 3.5 (3 vs CLE, 3 vs TEX, 3 @ SEA, 4 @ CWS)
The American League Wild Card spots #1 and #2 are considerably up for grabs.
To make it an even tighter race, the teams trailing Tampa and Texas can all make up ground in their own individual series this week when those clubs play each other 4 times.
This is a perfect storm for these 4 clubs to narrow the gap.
What I am going to do is make in make a grid based on how the teams will do based on the Rays and the Rangers series.
KC Royals Win the 1985 World Series – Now Sit in a 28 Year Playoff Drought (Longest in the MLB)
The Yankees Keep The Pedal To The Metal For A Playoff Spot
Despite not having a top Catcher in the mix, and also not wishing for Soriano to be a Yankee, Cashman has still done a decent job maneuvering the team through some murky times, by finding a bunch of guys on the scrap heap, to help this club. Recently, the teams offense is resembling the ‘Bronx Bombers’ mantra, and the club has gone 22 – 12 over their last 34 game, to pull within 1 game of the last playoff spot, with 15 games left on the schedule.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst and Website Owner) Follow @mlbreports
This season has seen the Yankees face a multitude of injuries to their best players, plus a lot of the key components to the 2012 version of the club are playing elsewhere.
The Bronx Bombers surprising flew out of the gate in April, led by Vernon Wells and Travis Hafner of all people. If it weren’t for New York, Wells would be rusting on the Anaheim bench, and “Pronk” might be looking for work still.
Despite a fast start, the team was counting on Curtis Granderson and Derek Jeter to return after a few weeks into the season, both of them ended up going back on the DL. Jeter is now on his 4th stint on the Disabled List – and is out for the remainder of the regular year.
I will say that while I was ultra choked at Brian Cashman for not bringing in an experienced Catcher like A.J. Pierzynski, or potentially trading for a guy like John Buck, that he did acquire Vernon Wells and brought back Alfonso Soriano.
I wrote an article back when Curtis Granderson was hurt in the preseason, that these should be the 1st and 2nd options for the team (Soriano and Wells. It simply made sense for this year, and even for the 2014 year.
In early July, right before the ALL – Star break, the Yankees were hovering around .500 again, and I send it was time for the team’s Management to become ‘Riverboat Gamblers.’
Alfonso Soriano 2 HR Game August versus the Angels
2014 MLB Season Schedule – Week 2 (April.07 – April.13/2014)
The MLB Reports is going to be the #1 place to come for the 2014 Major League Baseball Schedule: Dates, Days, Home Openers, # Games Per Day: Break Downs into pages of a Year Long Calendar, Monthly Calendar, Weekly Calendar – all on one page for each, so you can know your favorite teams schedule, or plan to do a MLB Road Trip. I will also do a doubleheader Master Schedule for – two parks in one day for that extreme Ball Park Chaser (Coming in Feb). Also, we will have a Sunday Night ESPN schedule page, an Interleague Schedule Page for all year, 6 different 30 Ballparks in 30 days trip schedules, and a couple of schedules I feel could break the records for ballpark viewing. Those last few pages all are coming in February.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @mlbreports
A lot of things that will affect any given schedule for the ‘MLB’ are weather cancellations, ESPN Sunday Night Game positioning and of course if there any other delays.
The MLB Reports will work hard to keep up with the schedule changes as they come. While we are not going to be a big proponent of putting up links for tickets, we have many friends that do such a thing.
Plus if you haven’t done so yet. join http://www.ballparkchasers.com – and join the discussion with the gang over at Facebook here.
You will be doing yourselves a favor by joining – as a lot of the people in there have vast knowledge and expertise about all of the 30 MLB Parks.
All 30 MLB Parks – in 30 Days by Blind Fan Reggie Deal (He is the man!)
2014 MLB Season Opener Date for Games In Sydney, Australia + Week 1 Of The MLB Schedule (March.23 – April.06/2014)
The MLB Reports is going to be the #1 place to come for the 2014 Major League Baseball Schedule: Dates, Days, Home Openers, # Games Per Day: Break Downs into pages of a Year Long Calendar, Monthly Calendar, Weekly Calendar – all on one page for each, so you can know your favorite teams schedule, or plan to do a MLB Road Trip. I will also do a doubleheader Master Schedule for – two parks in one day for that extreme Ball Park Chaser (Coming in Feb). Also, we will have a Sunday Night ESPN schedule page, an Interleague Schedule Page for all year, 6 different 30 Ballparks in 30 days trip schedulers, and a couple of schedules I feel could break the records for ballpark viewing. Those last few pages all are coming in February.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @mlbreports
With the exception of that we don’t know who is going to have the North American Home Opener on Sunday March.30/2014 yet, these are the tentative schedule – and I have highlighted home openers for each club.
Only a few teams like: St. Louis, New York (AL), Seattle, and San Francisco will not have hosted games from Mar.30 – April.06. Everybody will have played a home game by April.08/2014.
All 30 MLB Parks – Mature Lyrics So Parental Guidance Is Advised
Official Home Openers At All 30 MLB Parks In 2014
The MLB Reports is going to be the #1 place to come for the 2014 Major League Baseball Schedule: Dates, Days, Home Openers, # Games Per Day: Break Downs into pages of a Year Long Calendar, Monthly Calendar, Weekly Calendar – all on one page for each, so you can know your favorite teams schedule, or plan to do a MLB Road Trip. I will also do a doubleheader Master Schedule for – two parks in one day for that extreme Ball Park Chaser (Coming in Feb). Also, we will have a Sunday Night ESPN schedule page, an Interleague Schedule Page for all year, 6 different 30 Ballparks in 30 days trip schedules, and a couple of schedules I feel could break the records for ballpark viewing. Those last few pages all are coming in February.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @mlbreports
With the exception of that we don’t know who is going to have the North American Home Opener on Sunday March.30/2014 yet, these are the tentative home openers for each club.
30 MLB Park Rankings – According to a Fan
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.8th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Photo: John Sleezer – KC Star
Bruce Chen kept the Royals in the playoff picture with 7 strong innings, giving up 2 runs and walking none, getting the 5-2 win over the Tigers.
Michael Wacha not only pitched 7 shutout inning against division rival Pittsburgh, but he drove in a pair of runs as well, earning the decision as St. Louis topped the Pirates, 9-2 to complete the sweep.
James Loney woke up a dormant Tampa lineup by getting on base 4 times and sparking the 8th inning come from behind rally with a game tying double and coming around to score later in the frame. The Rays would get a desperately needed victory over Seattle, 4-1.
Jay Bruce homered twice off of Clayton Kershaw, setting up the Reds eventual walk off 3-2 win over the Dodgers.
They all owned baseball on September 7, 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
Pirates, Dodgers, & Rays Improve Team With Good Deals
Justin Morneau is a great addition to the Pittsburgh Pirates. The team is hoping that he can propel them to a division title along with the other new faces to their squad. Morneau is having a very productive season with him hitting .259 to include 17 HRs and and 74 RBIs. He is not the guy who was the AL MVP in 2006 that hit 34 HRs while driving in 130 RBIs and had an average of .321. He can still provide a team with solid at-bats in a game and is a good guy to have in the clubhouse. The left-hander can hit righties as good as southpaws. He has a .286 average facing right-handers and hist .282 against left-handed pitchers. He still knows how to handle the bat with runners in scoring position, as indicated by him having 54 RBIs in this situation.
By Chris Lacey (Lead Baseball Columnist/Minority Website Owner) Follow @aecanada12
The waiver wire during the month of August is way for teams that are either contending for a playoff spot or leading their respective division to improve their team.
Since we are in the final month of the baseball season, there are a couple of teams that made moves to ensure that they have players to help them for the stretch run.
Justin Morneau Career Highlights– Parental Guidance Is Advised
The Tampa Bay Rays Starting Pitching Is Not As Strong As It Was In 2012: They Miss James Shields!
The Tampa Bay Rays came into 2013 off of a great 2012 campaign. They finished third in the East but they did end the season with 90 wins. Doing so, they were expected to win the American League East this season. Picking up Wil Myers from the Royals for James Shields was a huge move for them. Was it a mistake now that we look back and the Rays pitching is falling apart without Shields’ 200 innings? Tampa has many teams nipping at their heels for the 2nd Wild Card Spot in New York (2.5 Games back), Baltimore (3.0 Games Back), Cleveland (3.5 Games Back) and the Kansas City Royals are 4.5 Games Back. They must correct their pitching for the final 3 weeks.
Ryan Ritchey (Featured Baseball Columnist): Follow @baseballaddicts
Follow @mlbreportsThe Tampa Bay Rays rely on their pitching and defense more than any aspect of the game. Having great young pitchers is what they live by, and it has worked for their team.
But, it has been the complete opposite in 2013.
Injuries to multiple guys in the rotation has set them off track and now have to catch up to the Red Sox in the division. David Price and Matt Moore are the studs of their staff, but David Price struggled early and also went on the Disabled List along with Moore.
It is going to take a lot for them to win the division, but there is always the Wild Card, and when you are in the playoffs you never know what can happen.
Alex Cobb Hit In Head By Line Drive: Parental Guidance Advised!
Jeter Passes Eddie Collins For 10th On The ALL – Time Hit List: Next Up – Paul Molitor – Only 4 Hits Away!
I am sure that Derek Jeter will attempt to play in 2014 – regardless of how this season ends up. #2 has a Player Option for $8 MIL in 2014. It would behoove he and the club if Jeter exercises it. After he led the MLB in hits last year with 216, he is sitting on just 11 knocks in 2013 – due to 3 DL stints and just 49 AB. The Yanks are hoping that Jeter can provide them a spark towards a 2013 playoff spot. The worst the team has ever done in his 19 year career, is finish 87 -74 in 2000 (still won the WS). The only time the club missed the playoffs – was in 2008, when they were 89 – 73.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst and Website Owner) Follow @mlbreports
This season has to have been the most mentally grueling campaign for EL Capitan. Jeter has fought through several injuries, DL stints, and seen his teammates struggle for the 1st time in 5 years.
Despite all of that, Derek Jeter smacked two base hits last night (including his 3315th) – to pass Eddie Collins for 10th on the ALL – Time Hit List (If you are on mlb.com). It was just the Shortstops 11th hit on the year.
Next on the list is long time Brewer great, and Baseball Hall of Famer Paul Molitor at 3319 Career hits sitting 9th. With any luck, Jeter will pass this legend by the week’s end.
Derek Jeter’s only HR this year
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.3rd) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
AP Photo/Morry Gash
Andrew McCutchen homered, singled and walked, scoring 3 of Pittsburgh’s 4 runs, as the Pirates clinched at least a .500 season, beating Milwaukee in a 4-3 thriller.
Ben Zobrist reached base 4 times and drove in 2 with a double, helping end the Rays losing streak by pounding the Angels, 7-1.
Homer Bailey was magnificent over 7 two hit shutout innings, striking out 8 and walking just one, leading the Reds in a tight 1-0 win against division rival St. Louis.
Jon Lester won a tense pitchers duel in Fenway, pitching 7 innings of one run ball. He struck out 9 while not walking a single batter as the Red Sox held on to the 2-1 victory over the Tigers.
They all owned baseball on September 3, 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
Key Players Mixed With Comeback Players Are Keeping The Indians In The Race For A Playoff Spot
The Indians currently sit with a 71-63 record which puts them only 4.5 games out of a Wild Card spot and 7.5 games out of the division. Many people didn’t really expect Cleveland to do too much but with better than expected performances from Giambi, Jimenez, and Kazmir – they are keeping up in the race for the playoffs.
By Dan Wanser (MLB Reports Writer) Follow @DanWanser
Follow @mlbreports
The Cleveland Indians currently sit in second place in the American League Central behind the Detroit Tigers and are in fourth place in the Wild Card behind Oakland, Tampa Bay, and Baltimore.
Right now, Key players like Ubaldo Jimenez, Jason Kipnis and Just Masterson are leading the way, but is also surprise contributions from Jason Giambi, and Scott Kazmir that are also keeping them in the race for the playoffs.
With time running out, these players need to continue to lead and more players need to start to step up if this team wants to make the playoffs.
Kazmir Dominates:
Aug.31 Trade Deadline Maneuvers Part 1
Mike Morse had his best year in 2011 with the Nationals, where he hit .303, with 31 HRs and 95 RBI during his 515 AB. The Orioles would love that kind of production to aid their DH core of hitters. The club however, would simply settle for his Career 3 Slash Line of .284/.338/.816 in parts of 9 seasons and 1827 At-Bats. Morse makes $6.75 MIL this year, and will be a Free Agent after the campaign is finished.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst and Website Owner) Follow @mlbreports
The Orioles picking up Mike Morse is a good move. The guy is familiar with Region, is a nice contrast to Chris Davis – and cost the club a minimal amount to bring over.
I think the big 6 FT 5 players is just the kind of guy the Baltimore team has missed over the year.
The Designated Hitters slot has been abysmal – and if Morse can to the back of his bubblegum card, this move will pan out.
The team’s lineup will now feature Manny Machado 3B, , Nick Markakis RF, Chris Davis 1B, Adam Jones CF, Matt Wieters C, J.J. Hardy SS, Mike Morse DH, Nate McLouth LF and Brian Roberts 2B.
Morse joins Scott Feldman, Francisco Rodriguez and Bud Norris as late season acquisitions. All of them have contributed to the franchise.
All of a sudden having a 7 – 9, with a 25 – 30 HR powers in Morse, added with veteran Brian Roberts (if healthy) and Nate McLouth, could add a speed element when the team swings around back to the top of the lineup.
It is good for depth and when consider the team is only 5 games out of the 2nd Wild Card Spot, this is plausible with 3o games left.
Chris Tillman has asserted himself an up and coming #2 Pitcher on the team. I must say, him doing this 2 years in a row, has made a believer out of me now.
The man is 24 – 7 over his last 31 decisions – and has a mid tier 3 ERA – competing in a donnybrook of a Division. Yesterday’s win over Boston was just another example of how much the 25 year old has bailed the club out of a losing streak.
You know Buck Showalter will have his guys ‘game ready’ for the challenge.
The Traveling Salesman Problem: 30 MLB Stadiums In Record Time
The 30 MLB Park Road Trip has been mastered by about 25 people who have accomplished the feat in under a month. We are going to keep giving the extreme ballpark chasers some more food for thought here.
By Josh Robbins (Special Guest Writer And Co – Creator for The Factor12 Rating Pitching Metric.)
The Factor 12 (F12) is an analytic measurement utilizing league average performance to compare the value of all MLB pitchers on 60ft6in.com.
My grandfather was a traveling salesman for most of his working life. Frequently, he recalls stories about selling his wares in exotic places such as Keokuk, Iowa, Hannibal, Missouri, and Cairo, Illinois.
However, the real Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) asks this question: “Given a list of cities and the distances between each pair of cities, what is the shortest possible route that visits each city exactly once and returns to the origin city?”
Applying this computation to all 30 MLB stadiums is more complex given the nature of the regular season schedule. A handful of metropolitan cities host two clubs enabling for travel to occur in the same city more than once.
Without using a complex algorithm or formula based system, google maps will be utilized to determine the shortest distances between each city/stadium to determine the most logical route.
Extreme ballpark chasers are often left to the mercy of the schedule eliminating a perfect directional path.
After optimizing the mileage breakdown between stadiums, this is the shortest possible DRIVING route discovered:
30 Ballparks in 30 Days Documentary
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – August 28, 2013
Photo: Chris Lee – St. Louis Post Dispatch
The St. Louis Cardinals sure look like they are the team to beat with the playoffs looming. If this squad joins the ranks of great Cardinal teams of the past, which player is the face of this Red Birds squad?
Also more closer insanity and some thoughts about my grandfather on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Shane Victorino, Gerardo Parra, Jonathon Niese and Andy Pettitte all owned baseball on August 27, 2013.
To see the up to date tally of “Who Owns Baseball?,” click HERE
Subscribe on iTunes HERE.
The Orioles’ Best Time To Strike Is 2013 Or 2014: Especially While The Yankees Are Down!
Chris Davis was awarded a 1 YR/$3.3 MIL contract in Arbitration for 2013, but based on his possible 55+ HRs and 130+ RBI. exactly what stratosphere of money will he enter based on those totals? The Baltimore franchise must consider 2013 – 2014 to be their best chance for a deep playoff run. After this year, Davis will be making megabucks in 2014 and 2015 – before hitting the Free Agency Market in 2016. Hardy and Markakis are signed through the 2014 year, while other salaries only escalate – including Matt Wieters becoming eligible for Arbitration next season. Whenever you have a team where the nucleus is all around the same age, you have team control on $$ for only a short period of time.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst and Website Owner) Follow @mlbreports
Buck Showalter is no dummy. There was a reason why he flew off the handle a few weeks ago – when he showed bitterness towards the Yankees receiving salary relief via the Alex Rodriguez suspension.
With a mind like his, he realizes the Yankees had painted themselves into a corner for a few seasons, and one of the biggest reasons why, was the albatross of a contract for #13.
The Yankees are sure to receive the ‘biggest get out of jail free card’ ever – and Buck is eyeballing the fallout. Showalter should be asking management to go for it now.
I have been talking all season (and prior to) about the O’s not having a #1 ace, and it will cost them extensively.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – August 26, 2013
Getty Images
Not too long ago, the Pirates and the Rays were poster children for the “Have Nots” in baseball.
They could face off in the World Series… but what will it take to get Rays fans to notice?
That is one of the questions raised on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
My thoughts on blackout rules, television regions and the future of watching baseball.
Miguel Cabrera, Jordan Schafer, Ryan Vogelsong and Jake Peavy all owned baseball on August 25, 2013.
To see the up to date tally of “Who Owns Baseball?,” click HERE.
Subscribe on iTunes HERE.
Breaking Down A Potential Suitor For My World Record Of 30 MLB Parks in 23 Days with a 30 – 21 bid
30 in 21 chance by Jake Beham
The schedule of Jake Beham, who is trying to chase down my World Record of Seeing all 30 MLB Parks (every pitch) in 23 calendar days or less. This schedule must have been done without knowing you have to witness all plays of the game to qualify. Jake is going to have a tough time dodging a miss on day 2 – where he will try to beat Labor Day Monday traffic from after the game – in order to make 1st pitch at CBP. He will never make it by car. The Yankees always play games that are 3 Hours or longer as well. Even Amtrak train is a longshot. I give him a 10% chance to make it on his 1st Doubleheader attempt.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @mlbreports
2 days later he flies to Chase Field – and has scheduled a Doubleheader with Angel Stadium For DH #2. I am assuming he is planning on taking a Southwest Airlines flight that arrives at John Wayne Arpt. The flight leaves Phoenix at 455 PM.
That is 4 hours and 15 minutes after 1st pitch. The flight that arrives in SNA at 605. If he makes the flight, he could make this. However it is about a 67% chance. Most NL games last about 2 hours and 35 minutes.
The airport is close enough to the park in PHX – as is SNA airport. Any extra innings though, and it is over.
On FRI, Sept.6th, he has scheduled a Wrigley Field and Kauffman Stadium doubleheader for DH #3. This one is impossible. The game starts at 120 PM local Chicago Time.
The closest flight I saw that leaves ORD or MDW in time for Kansas City, leaves at 441 PM. That is 3 hours and 21 minutes from 1st pitch at Wrigley Field.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (August.24th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Photo: J. Meric – Getty Images
Evan Longoria smacked a go ahead RBI single in the 6th and added a home run in the 8th, leading the Rays in a come from behind victory over the Yankees, 4-2.
Jon Lester dominated the Dodgers in Chavez Ravine, pitching shutout ball into the 8th. Eventually he gave way to the bullpen but finished with an impressive 7 1/3, 1 run, 3 hit performance and got the decision in the Red Sox 4-2 win.
Carlos Beltran helped slug the Cardinals back into a first place tie by collecting three hits including a tie breaking home run in the third and an RBI single in the 8th. St. Louis would beat Atlanta, 6-2
Trevor Cahill gave the Diamondbacks 4 innings of shutout ball out of the bullpen on a night where he was supposed to have the night off. Instead he entered a game critical for Arizona’s thin playoff hopes in the 15th inning and proceeded to keep the Phillies off of the board, despite having the winning run at the plate for every batter he faced in the 15th, 16th and 17th innings. Eventually Philadelphia ran out of pitchers. But Cahill was triumphant as Arizona outlasted the Phils, 12-7 in 18 innings.
They all owned baseball on August 24, 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
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (August.23rd) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
AP Photo/Jeff Roberson
Adam Wainwright pitched a complete game against the Braves, surrendering just a single run and no walks while striking out 9. He also drove in a run with a sacrifice fly as the Cardinals prevailed, 3-1.
Khris Davis hit a pair of homers, driving in 4, leading the Brewers to a 6-4 victory over the Reds .
Chris Archer tamed the hot Yankee bats with 7 strong innings, allowing just 4 hits and a pair of runs, getting the 7-2 win for the Rays.
Torii Hunter homered in the first, hit an RBI double in the second and came around to score as the Tigers made short work of the Mets, 6-1.
They all owned baseball on August 23, 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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