Blog Archives

Houston Astros State Of The Union For 2016

The Houston Astros were the worst team in the Major Leagues from 2011 - 2013, where they topped the 100 Loss barrier for each of those seasons, underwent an ownership change, and also moved from the tough NL Central to the AL West. Last year the Astros finally turned the corner with the 2nd Wild Card Spot, won that game in New York and took the KC Royals to the brink of elimination before they lost. They are young, have a core nucleus of team controllable superstars and exceptional depth that they can use for upgrades. It is a great time to be a 'Stros fan.

The Houston Astros were the worst team in the Major Leagues from 2011 – 2013, where they topped the 100 Loss barrier for each of those seasons, underwent an ownership change, and also moved from the tough NL Central to the AL West. Last year the Astros finally turned the corner with the 2nd Wild Card Spot, won that game in New York and took the KC Royals to the brink of elimination before they lost. They are young, have a core nucleus of team controllable superstars and exceptional depth that they can use for upgrades. It is a great time to be a ‘Stros fan.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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The Houston Astros are set to contend for the foreseeable future.  A 6 year stretch in which they revamped their entire Minor League System – and kept payroll down to grab top Draft Picks finally reeled in the teams 1st playoff spot in a decade in 2016.

After taking a 6 – 2 lead in Game 4 of the ALDS series against the Royals with  2 – 1 lead the Bullpen coughed up the margin – with the club also losing the next game to the eventual World Series winner.

It was a tough lesson to learn in the postseason – but it may be the 1st of many appearances in October in the near future.

The #1 task of acquiring a lock down Closer has been addressed in the recent trade for Ken Giles.  Yes it cost them Brett Oberholtzer, former #1 overall Draft Pick Mark Appel, and a few other prospects, but it also sets up the nucleus core for 4 – 5 more years.

The clubs offense featured 11 guys with double digit Homers in the lineup, and 2 others that fell just a dinger shy of the clip. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2016 MLB Divisions

Even with the Cubs signing Jason Heyward and being the favorite to win bot the NL Pennant and World Series, they have to contend with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2016 once again. The Redbirds won 100 games and are coming back with another great squad. That is the sole reason why they are not the biggest favorite to win their own Division.

Even with the Cubs signing Jason Heyward and being the favorite to win bot the NL Pennant and World Series, they have to contend with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2016 once again. The Redbirds won 100 games and are coming back with another great squad. That is the sole reason why the Cubs are not the biggest favorite to win their own Division.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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These odds are a pretty good reflection of the landscape in the MLB right now.  The best value on the board would be the NY Yankees are +240 and Detroit at +250.  Both of these clubs are old, but if they can play to their talent level and avoid injury, could win their Divisions.

I fully expect the Cubs will win the National League Central Division, but the +140 odd doesn’t pay enough to entice a wager.

The worst odd on the board has to be the Texas Rangers.  I am not sure they are that much better than the Houston Astros right now, and they have not had a banner winter yet – while Houston has solidified their Bullpen by adding flamethrower Ken Giles.

Add in a full year of Carlos Correa – and Houston should be the Division favorite.

I think the Twins might be a nice long shot wager at +310.  This club did finished 2nd in the American League Central Division during the 2015 year with 83 victories. Read the rest of this entry

MLB Power Rankings: Early Predictions For 2016

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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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 6 teams (NYM/CHC/SF/WSH/STL/PIT) 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

Dear Santa 2015: A Xmas Letter (Wishlist) From All 30 MLB Teams And Their Fanbases

santa claus

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

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It is that time of year.  All the executives should be toting their favorite team pencil and get ready for a letter to old Saint Nick.

The Winter Meetings have concluded, and as of right now, the Cubs went four hours without acquiring someone so the rest of the league can quickly exhale for a few minutes.

This is the lull of the offseason right now with not much happening from right now all the way through to the Baseball Hall Of Fame Vote.

Speaking of the Hall of Fame – do you think Pete Rose does autograph signings in Vegas on Dec.25 – before gambling the winnings at the craps table right after?  Okay sorry Pete. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The American And National League For 2016

The National League has 4 favorites ahead of the odds on fave Jays to win the 2016 League Pennant. It is a more top heavy league for sure. I am just not sold the Cubs shouldn't be the overwhelming favorite here.

The National League has 4 favorites ahead of the odds on fave Jays to win the 2016 League Pennant. It is a more top-heavy league for sure. I am just not sold the Cubs shouldn’t be the overwhelming favorite here.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

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I love watching the odds fluctuate when deals are made in the Major Leagues.  I often keep my mind on the European Oddsmakers.  There is some hardcore nice value for your buck in betting some cash on the American and National League Pennant winners currently.

The Cubs should be the overall favorite to win both the National League and the World Series.  At +450 this is a fantastic odd.  I am not calling it a best bet of the week though. Read the rest of this entry

Assessing Adrian Beltre’s Place ALL – Time: Rangers Should Lock Him Up For A Few More Years

 

Adrian Beltre has earned every cent of his 6 years/$96 MIL deal signed before the 2011 season so far. He has 3 slashed .309/.358/.514 in his tenure and has finished in the top 15 for MVP voting in each of those campaigns. The Rangers should try to extend him for 2 or 3 more years past 2016 - and lock up the future Hall Of Famer so he can end his career in Arlington. Beltre will play next season at Age 37 - and will make $16 MIL in the final year of his pact.

Adrian Beltre has earned every cent of his 6 years/$96 MIL deal signed before the 2011 season so far. He has 3 slashed .309/.358/.514 in his tenure and has finished in the top 15 for MVP voting in each of those campaigns. The Rangers should try to extend him for 2 or 3 more years past 2016 – and lock up the future Hall Of Famer so he can end his career in Arlington. Beltre will play next season at Age 37 – and will make $16 MIL in the final year of his pact.

Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead  Analyst) 

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When Adrian Beltre arrived in Texas for the 2011 season he had a fine career that was started at age 20 in Los Angeles.  What he has achieved in Arlington was turn a decent lifetime of playing baseball into a Hall of Fame Career.

The 36 year old Third Baseman could hold records for the hot corner for XBH, 2B’s, R, GP, PA, AB, Hits and RBI just to start with – and cement his legacy in Cooperstown.

So how many years can he play beyond next year? I think it is realistic to say he could play until he is 40.  That would mean playing in the 2017, 2018 and 2019 seasons. Read the rest of this entry

Texas Rangers Payroll In 2016 + Contracts Going Forward

The Rangers rose from the AL West ashes in 2015 and won their first Division Title in 4 years. It came off the heels of 2 injury riddled seasons that plagued any chance to make the playoffs. The club has about $140 MIL worth of salaries to pay in 2016 but should consider spending out another $10 - $15 MIL. They have a need for a Starting Pitcher and could use a breakout campaign from either Joey Gallo or Jurickson Profar to add depth for mid year trade to acquire a proven playoff Starter to add. The club will also hope Yu Darvish can come back at full strength. While they have 5 of the top 46 contracts of ALL - Time on their salary, 3 of them came via trade where the former team is picking up some of the dough.

The Rangers rose from the AL West ashes in 2015 and won their first Division Title in 4 years. It came off the heels of 2 injury riddled seasons that plagued any chance to make the playoffs. The club has about $140 MIL worth of salaries to pay in 2016 but should consider spending out another $10 – $15 MIL. They have a need for a Starting Pitcher and could use a breakout campaign from either Joey Gallo or Jurickson Profar to add depth for mid year trade to acquire a proven playoff Starter. The club will also hope Yu Darvish can come back at full strength. While they have 5 of the top 46 contracts of ALL – Time on their salary, 3 of them came via trade where the former team is picking up some of the dough.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

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The Texas Rangers have 5 of the top 50 MLB Contracts of ALL – Time on their roster with Prince Fielder (10th), Cole Hamels (32nd), Shin-Soo Choo (37th), Josh Hamilton (42nd) and Elvis Andrus (tied for 46th).

Yes 3 of them came over via trade after chunks were already off, and their former team is still subsidizing some of the money going forward as well, but the Rangers are still already at over $120 MIL already committed in total team salary for 2016.

We have also heard grumblings that the team will look to extend Adrian Beltre this week in order to have him finish out his potential Hall Of Fame Career in Texas.  This won’t hurt the bottom line in 2016 – but will also put some dough on the future of the teams finances should it occur. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2016 MLB World Series

Pittsburgh had the 2nd best record in the Majors with 98 wins, yet were samarily dismissed in the Wild Card Game by the Cubs - and a lightning hot Jake Arrieta at the time It may actually get worse for the Bucs in coming years with the emergence of the young NL Chicago squad and the continued dominance of the St. Louis franchise. My idea is to spend some money this offseason, but if you are 5 or 6 games behind the playoff bar near the Trade Deadline, to deal all guys on the remainder year of their contracts and to retool for 2017.

Pittsburgh had the 2nd best record in the Majors with 98 wins, yet were simirarily dismissed in the Wild Card Game by the Cubs – and a lightning hot Jake Arrieta at the time. It may actually get worse for the Bucs in coming years with the emergence of the young NL Chicago squad and the continued dominance of the St. Louis franchise. My idea was to spend some money this offseason, but if you are 5 or 6 games behind the playoff bar near the Trade Deadline, to deal all guys on the remainder year of their contracts and retool for 2017.  Instead they have made a boneheaded trade in doling out Neil Walker for Jon Niese this week.  Their odd should not be +1400 as the #3 ranked team in the NL Central.  I don’t think 3 teams qualify for the playoffs out of that Division in 2016.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

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Okay hands up, how many of you followed my advice minutes after the Zack Greinke deal – and pounced on that 40/1 play?  I am happy to say I did, and voila, they jumped from +4000 all the way to+1600.

Sure there was an added bonus of the club picking up Shelby Miller via the trade route – but that is how quickly the odds fluctuate.  The job is to render value.

So far we have given really sound advice on this whole off season.  The first time the new odd was posted we said to stay clear of the Dodgers as the favorite.  Look at them right now – they are considered the 5th favorite in the NL.

Now if you think the Los Angeles franchise is not done on the winter with high priced talent, you can get them at this nice odd.  I personally believe they need to add 1 more #2, #3 starter in addition to the latest Dodgers Hisashi Iwakuma signing – and another premiere Outfielder as well. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2016 MLB World Series: Price Is Right For Boston – But Not The Odds!

Strike while the iron is hot. The Red Sox have a ton of offensive talent that is under team control for many years. The way to compliment this is to add Free Agent aces. By adding Price to the staff, it takes the pressure off of the the rotation guys could compete in the

Strike while the iron is hot. The Red Sox have a ton of offensive talent that is under team control for many years. The way to compliment this is to add Free Agent aces. By adding Price to the staff, it takes the pressure off of the the rotation guys – so that they could compete in the next 3 – 4 years – with more suitable roles for the rest of the staff.  With David Ortiz being in his last year of his career, the move made sense.  Their quantum leap up the favorites board based on the signing is not a surprise.  The Jays not losing their odd of +800 is.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

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So with news of David Price signing with the Sox – this has changed the landscape of the AL East.  The oddsmakers jumped them from +1600 last week – to now at +1000.  That is a huge leap.

The Yankees dropped from +1800 to +2000, but yet the Jays kept up as the overall MLB favorite to win the Fall Classic in 2016.  This is wrong without the Canadian franchise making another significant signing.

J.A. Happ and Jesse Chavez were decent moves,  but with the loss of Price, and Mark Buehrle – are they better off than  the team that ended 2015..Hell no..

One would say that Boston inking the Lefty Price has swung the momentum to their side like happened with Toronto this last year.

I would still be leery of wagering that much cabbage on the Boston squad early.  There is not much value there yet.  You are still talking about a club that finished last in the AL East – making a few moves, and now find themselves tied for the 3rd best off to win the World Series. 

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 29, 2015

texas10300276_10153092560124937_1417198226169897665_nIt is Sunday and time for the SUNDAY REQUEST.

 

 

I had to break down the likely and unlikely teams a hypothetical Major League Sully would play for.

Some I would play for and NOT play for surprised me.

It is a call your own shots episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2016 MLB World Series

The Twins finished 2nd in the AL Central and could be the Houston Astros type of 2015 club in 2016. If you think they can finish 2nd in the AL Central one more time, it may be enough to secure a Wild Card Spot. I think the AL East will beat each other up - and will only produce one playoff team in 2016.

The Twins finished 2nd in the AL Central and could be the Houston Astros type of 2015 club in 2016. If you think they can finish 2nd in the AL Central one more time, it may be enough to secure a Wild Card Spot. I think the AL East will beat each other up – and will only produce one playoff team in 2016.  At +3500, there is enough off an odd to work with.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

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So the offseason has started in the MLB – and the oddsmakers are doing their odds before any sweeping changes have occurred for clubs.

Some of the best bets you can do are based on your own speculation on how you think teams are going to do.

I don’t like many of the teams odds once you past the 25/1 barrier to win the World Series.  The only club I would even stab at – to hedge later – is the Minnesota Twins.

Once again the 2015 Standings don’t seem to mean much for the AL Central.  The Twinkies managed to finish second in the Division with 83 win – despite playing the 1st half without Ervin Santana and power slugging rookie Miguel Sano.

I am not suggesting the Indians don’t deserve to be the 2nd favorite in the AL Central either.  It is just the discrepancy between the Tribe and the Twins is too far.  Even the Tigers are at +2500 (which is about right). Read the rest of this entry

2016 MLB Odds To Win The League Pennants

american league

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Onwer) 

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It is a little early in the winter to predict who will win each League right now, but what we are looking for is value.

In the ‘Junior Circuit’, I hate every odd on the board except for the Minnesota Twins at +1500 and the Rays at +2000.

If you like a team and just have to bet some cabbage down – simply pick any team in the AL to win the World Series, and then if they win the American League Pennant, use the National League team as a hedge bet.

The same theory can be applied to the National League flock of teams.  All of them are better to bet to just win the Fall Classic. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The MLB 2016 World Series

The Cubs are the NL favorite to win the championship, and are tied with the Jays for the overall favorite. You have to think they will do anything to sign a premiere Starting Pitcher this winter. David Price, Johnny Cueto and Jordan Zimmermann should all be on their list to sign. The only real loss from their roster this winter is Dexter Fowler at the CF position. They may even try to re-sign him, or another version of him with Denard Span.

The Cubs are the NL favorite to win the championship, and are tied with the Jays for the overall favorite. You have to think they will do anything to sign a premiere Starting Pitcher this winter. David Price, Johnny Cueto and Jordan Zimmermann should all be on their list to sign. The only real loss from their roster this winter is Dexter Fowler at the CF position. They may even try to re-sign him, or another version of him with Denard Span.  I would say to lay off this bet, as the NL Central is a tough division to win.  They may have the top 3 teams in the MLB again next campaign.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

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I said last week that vegasodds.com had the wrong odd for the KC Royals to win the 2016 World Series.  Every other gambling entity I have seen since has had the club almost favored doubly to that.

In the recent website check at bet365.com – we see the defending champions tied with the Washington Nationals for the 6th best favorite odd of +1100.

We also said the Los Angeles Dodgers should not be the favorite.  They are not on this site either.  The Doyers are tied for 3rd with the Cards and Mets for the odd with a +1000 clip.

The two top clubs are the Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays.  I can’t say I disagree with these two picks necessarily.  Read the rest of this entry

30 MLB Teams Needs/Notes And Financials For The Offseason

Perhaps no team is more top-heavy than the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. They need a Catcher/3B/OF/2B and have Erick Aybar, C.J. Wilson and Jered Weaver clearing off the books after next campaign. It is an important off year for them.

Perhaps no team is more top-heavy than the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. They need a Catcher/3B/OF/2B and have Erick Aybar, C.J. Wilson and Jered Weaver clearing off the books after next campaign. It is an important off year for them.  Will they spend a lot of money, or will they wait until next winter?

Jordan Gluck (Part Owner/Featured Writer): 

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Team Needs notes and financials

Braves: need 4/5 SP depth Setup/Closer type and Catcher budget 15-30M -but will likely save huge splash signings for next years new stadium.

Marlins: maybe 1B Could trade Marcell Ozuna and sign an OF will likely acquire 2 SP one of them being a #2 starter the other lower end. needs lefty reliever. Budget 10-25M.

Mets: Could trade Matt Harvey or Jon Niese/Need MI (at least 1)/ and a big bat for Yoenis Cespedes replacement. Budget 20 -30M.

Phillies: Needs all over especially SP Needs all over offense except SS and 3B Bullpen can use beefing up 10-100M Budget don’t know what they are going for but should wait for next season to make some game changing moves new GM.  Unknown philosophy could sell Odubel Herrera high.

Nationals: 7th/8th inning man maybe SP (Would only be high end) Possible CF. Budget could be -10M to upwards of 30M.

Cubs: SP 3/CF/RF/CL. if needed but not urgent Quagmire at 2B High end SP a priority Should acquire shutdown closer. 40-80M budget. Read the rest of this entry

2015 Final MLB Attendances + Analysis

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Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead  Analyst) 

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Attendance was up 162, 221 fans over the 2014 total, or 0.2%. The same five teams topped over 3 Million fans in 2015 as did in 2014. Dodgers, Cards, Giants, Yankees and Angels.

Philadelphia lost almost 600K fans year over year – and were the MLB’s club with the worst fall.

Oakland had that distinction the AL – taking a hit of 235K – amongst their 1st non playoff year in 4 seasons.

The World Series Royals set an all time franchise record for attendance in 2015, and had the biggest climb at the turnstiles at +752K.  The club rounded out the top 10 for the MLB as well.

The Mets had the best jump in attendance at 420K in the NL.  The other teams to eclipse a 400K jump were the Toronto Blue Jays (419K) Houston Astros (401K).  All 3 teams made the postseason. Read the rest of this entry

MLB Scheduling 2016: Sept And Oct Of 2016

Best Source of Information for all 30 MLB Ballparks - and network of stadium afficionado's

Best Source of Information for all 30 MLB Ballparks – and network of stadium afficionado’s

Ballpark Chaser Guides Links Courtesy of http://www.ballparkchasers.com:

Also do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here

Before You read the Month Schedule, here are 30 Links to Ballpark Chaser Guides, that will aid you in your road trip quests.

American League

AL EAST

Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY  (New York Yankees)

Fenway Park, Boston, MA (Boston Red Sox)

Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON (Toronto Blue Jays)

Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL (Tampa Bay Rays)

Oriole Park, Baltimore, MD  (Baltimore Orioles)

AL CENTRAL

Comerica Park, Detroit, MI (Detroit Tigers)

U.S. Cellular, Chicago, IL (Chicago White Sox)

Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH (Cleveland Indians)

Target Field, Minneapolis, MN (Minnesota Twins)

Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO (Kansas City Royals)

AL WEST

Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, CA (Los Angeles Angels)

Rangers Ballpark, Arlington, TX (Texas Rangers)

Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX (Houston Astros)

Safeco Field, Seattle, WA (Seattle Mariners)

O.co Coliseum, Oakland, CA (Oakland Athletics)

National League

NL EAST

Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia Phillies)

Nationals Park, Washington, DC (Washington Nationals)

Marlins Park, Miami, FL (Miami Marlins)

Citi Field, Flushing, NY (New York Mets)

Turner Field, Atlanta, GA (Atlanta Braves)

NL CENTRAL

Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH (Cincinnati Reds)

Miller Park, Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee Brewers)

Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL  (Chicago Cubs)

PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA (Pittsburgh Pirates)

Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO (St. Louis Cardinals)

NL WEST

AT&T Park, San Francisco, CA (San Francisco Giants)

Petco Park, San Diego, CA (San Diego Padres)

Chase Field, Phoenix, AR (Arizona Diamondbacks)

Coors Field, Denver, CO (Colorado Rockies)

Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA (LA Dodgers)

Also do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here

 

Read the rest of this entry

All 2430 MLB Games In 2016 On One Page Post

Best Source of Information for all 30 MLB Ballparks - and network of stadium afficionado's

Best Source of Information for all 30 MLB Ballparks – and network of stadium afficionado’s

Ballpark Chaser Guides Links Courtesy of http://www.ballparkchasers.com:

Also do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here

Before You read the Month Schedule, here are 30 Links to Ballpark Chaser Guides, that will aid you in your road trip quests.

American League

AL EAST

Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY  (New York Yankees)

Fenway Park, Boston, MA (Boston Red Sox)

Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON (Toronto Blue Jays)

Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL (Tampa Bay Rays)

Oriole Park, Baltimore, MD  (Baltimore Orioles)

AL CENTRAL

Comerica Park, Detroit, MI (Detroit Tigers)

U.S. Cellular, Chicago, IL (Chicago White Sox)

Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH (Cleveland Indians)

Target Field, Minneapolis, MN (Minnesota Twins)

Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO (Kansas City Royals)

AL WEST

Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, CA (Los Angeles Angels)

Rangers Ballpark, Arlington, TX (Texas Rangers)

Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX (Houston Astros)

Safeco Field, Seattle, WA (Seattle Mariners)

O.co Coliseum, Oakland, CA (Oakland Athletics)

National League

NL EAST

Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia Phillies)

Nationals Park, Washington, DC (Washington Nationals)

Marlins Park, Miami, FL (Miami Marlins)

Citi Field, Flushing, NY (New York Mets)

Turner Field, Atlanta, GA (Atlanta Braves)

NL CENTRAL

Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH (Cincinnati Reds)

Miller Park, Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee Brewers)

Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL  (Chicago Cubs)

PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA (Pittsburgh Pirates)

Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO (St. Louis Cardinals)

NL WEST

AT&T Park, San Francisco, CA (San Francisco Giants)

Petco Park, San Diego, CA (San Diego Padres)

Chase Field, Phoenix, AR (Arizona Diamondbacks)

Coors Field, Denver, CO (Colorado Rockies)

Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA (LA Dodgers)

Also do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here

MLB Scheduling 2016

Day + Date     Away and Home, Times Start In EST

MLB Season Opening Series

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MLB Scheduling: Month Of August 2016

Best Source of Information for all 30 MLB Ballparks - and network of stadium afficionado's

Best Source of Information for all 30 MLB Ballparks – and network of stadium afficionado’s

Ballpark Chaser Guides Links Courtesy of http://www.ballparkchasers.com:

Also do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here

Before You read the Month Schedule, here are 30 Links to Ballpark Chaser Guides, that will aid you in your road trip quests.

American League

AL EAST

Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY  (New York Yankees)

Fenway Park, Boston, MA (Boston Red Sox)

Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON (Toronto Blue Jays)

Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL (Tampa Bay Rays)

Oriole Park, Baltimore, MD  (Baltimore Orioles)

AL CENTRAL

Comerica Park, Detroit, MI (Detroit Tigers)

U.S. Cellular, Chicago, IL (Chicago White Sox)

Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH (Cleveland Indians)

Target Field, Minneapolis, MN (Minnesota Twins)

Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO (Kansas City Royals)

AL WEST

Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, CA (Los Angeles Angels)

Rangers Ballpark, Arlington, TX (Texas Rangers)

Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX (Houston Astros)

Safeco Field, Seattle, WA (Seattle Mariners)

O.co Coliseum, Oakland, CA (Oakland Athletics)

National League

NL EAST

Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia Phillies)

Nationals Park, Washington, DC (Washington Nationals)

Marlins Park, Miami, FL (Miami Marlins)

Citi Field, Flushing, NY (New York Mets)

Turner Field, Atlanta, GA (Atlanta Braves)

NL CENTRAL

Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH (Cincinnati Reds)

Miller Park, Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee Brewers)

Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL  (Chicago Cubs)

PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA (Pittsburgh Pirates)

Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO (St. Louis Cardinals)

NL WEST

AT&T Park, San Francisco, CA (San Francisco Giants)

Petco Park, San Diego, CA (San Diego Padres)

Chase Field, Phoenix, AR (Arizona Diamondbacks)

Coors Field, Denver, CO (Colorado Rockies)

Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA (LA Dodgers)

Also do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here

 

Read the rest of this entry

Ranking The MLB Divisions For 2016

The NL may have the best division in best with the NL Central, however this is a top heavy league. In the other Divisions. the Mets and the Nats in the NL East, and the Giants and Dodgers have been beating up the rest of their respective Divisions.  With that being said they own the 1st, 5th and 6th best divisions. Of course a 12 year losing streak in Interleague has killed their win totals of late.

The NL may have the best division in best with the NL Central, however this is a top-heavy league. In the other Divisions. the Mets and the Nats in the NL East, and the Giants and Dodgers have been beating up the rest of their respective Divisions. With that being said they own the 1st, 5th and 6th best divisions. Of course a 12 year losing streak in Interleague has killed their win totals of late.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

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(1) So the NL Central had 3 teams in the playoffs on the National League said and also boasted the best Divisional record at 427 – 383 (.527) – that was due largely to the Cards, Pirates and Cubs all posting 100, 98 and 95 Wins respectively.

(2) In a tough AL East, all teams almost made it to the even stature however just the Yankees and Blue Jays were over .500 – with both making the postseason.  That Division’s .517 Win Percentage ranked them 2nd in the Majors. Read the rest of this entry

MLB Scheduling: July Of 2016

Best Source of Information for all 30 MLB Ballparks - and network of stadium afficionado's

Best Source of Information for all 30 MLB Ballparks – and network of stadium afficionado’s

Ballpark Chaser Guides Links Courtesy of http://www.ballparkchasers.com:

Also do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here

Before You read the Month Schedule, here are 30 Links to Ballpark Chaser Guides, that will aid you in your road trip quests.

American League

AL EAST

Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY  (New York Yankees)

Fenway Park, Boston, MA (Boston Red Sox)

Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON (Toronto Blue Jays)

Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL (Tampa Bay Rays)

Oriole Park, Baltimore, MD  (Baltimore Orioles)

AL CENTRAL

Comerica Park, Detroit, MI (Detroit Tigers)

U.S. Cellular, Chicago, IL (Chicago White Sox)

Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH (Cleveland Indians)

Target Field, Minneapolis, MN (Minnesota Twins)

Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO (Kansas City Royals)

AL WEST

Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, CA (Los Angeles Angels)

Rangers Ballpark, Arlington, TX (Texas Rangers)

Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX (Houston Astros)

Safeco Field, Seattle, WA (Seattle Mariners)

O.co Coliseum, Oakland, CA (Oakland Athletics)

National League

NL EAST

Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia Phillies)

Nationals Park, Washington, DC (Washington Nationals)

Marlins Park, Miami, FL (Miami Marlins)

Citi Field, Flushing, NY (New York Mets)

Turner Field, Atlanta, GA (Atlanta Braves)

NL CENTRAL

Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH (Cincinnati Reds)

Miller Park, Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee Brewers)

Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL  (Chicago Cubs)

PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA (Pittsburgh Pirates)

Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO (St. Louis Cardinals)

NL WEST

AT&T Park, San Francisco, CA (San Francisco Giants)

Petco Park, San Diego, CA (San Diego Padres)

Chase Field, Phoenix, AR (Arizona Diamondbacks)

Coors Field, Denver, CO (Colorado Rockies)

Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA (LA Dodgers)

Also do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here

MLB Scheduling 2015

Day + Date     Away and Home, Times Start In EST

MLB Season Opening Series

Read the rest of this entry

Pick KC To Win The 2016 World Series At The 18/1 ODD: It’s Worth It Even To Hedge Later

Since the beginning of the 2014 playoffs, the underdogs have won 16 of the last 18 series, and the only favorites to win were the Royals and Blue Jays in the ALDS rounds this year. Series in which the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers had them on the brink of elimination. We take you behind the curtain to reveal some great gambling perspectives from this in this post.

Since the beginning of the 2014 playoffs, the underdogs have won 16 of the last 18 series, and the only favorites to win were the Royals and Blue Jays in the ALDS rounds this year. Series in which the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers had them on the brink of elimination. We take you behind the curtain to reveal some great gambling perspectives from this in this post.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

I was curious to see what the odds were for the 2016 World Series when they were first posted.  As a former professional gambler this is my favorite thing to do.  I was happy to see the early mistake made by Vegas.  KC at 18/1 odds?  Thanks fellas!

Odds courtesy of vegasodds.com

Dodgers 8/1

Mets 10/1

Blue Jays 10/1

Cubs 10/1

Nats 10/1

Cards 12/1

Astros 12/1

Pirates 12/1

Rangers 12/1

Yankees 16/1

Red Sox 18/1

Royals 18/1
Read the rest of this entry

MLB’s Flawed 2 – 3 – 2 Format Exposed Again In 2015 World Series

The Royals had home field in the 2015 World Series, yet played 1 less game at their park than the Mets, who they defeated in 5 games. Since the ALL - Star Game deciding which League would host more games, the winning team has actually had their park be the home venue for 2 less dates than the loser. There is a culprit in this fiasco, and that is the 2 - 3 - 2 format. I am proposing a 3 - 3 - 1 format or 2 - 4 - 1 change to the Fall Classic, Because of travel they would never do the 2-2-2-1 format ever again. ALEX TRAUTWIG/GETTY IMAGES

The Royals had home field advantage in the 2015 World Series, yet played 1 less game at their park than the Mets, who they defeated in 5 games. Since the ALL – Star Game deciding which League would host more games, the winning team has actually had their park be the home venue for 2 less dates than the loser. There is a culprit in this fiasco, and that is the 2 – 3 – 2 format. I am proposing a 3 – 3 – 1 format or 2 – 4 – 1 change to the Fall Classic, Because of travel they would never do the 2-2-2-1 format ever again. ALEX TRAUTWIG/GETTY IMAGES

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

Now while the team winning the ALL – Star Game is 8 – 4 overall in the World Series itself, only 2 teams have actually had to use Game #7 for home field advantage.  That was the 2011 St. Louis Cardinals and the 2014 World Series – where the visiting Giants took down the Royals.

There have been 4 Sweeps, 3 series ended in 5 games, 3 series in 6 games, and only two series in 7 games.

In 2003, the Yankees had the best record and they both played 3 games in each others field.

In 2004, Each club played 2 games each in their home park.

In 2005, Each club played 2 games each in their home park.

In 2006, Detroit had home advantage – but were split by the Cards in Detroit, before St. Louis swept them in The Show Me State! Read the rest of this entry

MLB Scheduling: June 2016

Best Source of Information for all 30 MLB Ballparks - and network of stadium afficionado's

Best Source of Information for all 30 MLB Ballparks – and network of stadium afficionado’s

Ballpark Chaser Guides Links Courtesy of http://www.ballparkchasers.com:

Also do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here

Before You read the Month Schedule, here are 30 Links to Ballpark Chaser Guides, that will aid you in your road trip quests.

American League

AL EAST

Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY  (New York Yankees)

Fenway Park, Boston, MA (Boston Red Sox)

Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON (Toronto Blue Jays)

Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL (Tampa Bay Rays)

Oriole Park, Baltimore, MD  (Baltimore Orioles)

AL CENTRAL

Comerica Park, Detroit, MI (Detroit Tigers)

U.S. Cellular, Chicago, IL (Chicago White Sox)

Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH (Cleveland Indians)

Target Field, Minneapolis, MN (Minnesota Twins)

Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO (Kansas City Royals)

AL WEST

Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, CA (Los Angeles Angels)

Rangers Ballpark, Arlington, TX (Texas Rangers)

Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX (Houston Astros)

Safeco Field, Seattle, WA (Seattle Mariners)

O.co Coliseum, Oakland, CA (Oakland Athletics)

National League

NL EAST

Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia Phillies)

Nationals Park, Washington, DC (Washington Nationals)

Marlins Park, Miami, FL (Miami Marlins)

Citi Field, Flushing, NY (New York Mets)

Turner Field, Atlanta, GA (Atlanta Braves)

NL CENTRAL

Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH (Cincinnati Reds)

Miller Park, Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee Brewers)

Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL  (Chicago Cubs)

PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA (Pittsburgh Pirates)

Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO (St. Louis Cardinals)

NL WEST

AT&T Park, San Francisco, CA (San Francisco Giants)

Petco Park, San Diego, CA (San Diego Padres)

Chase Field, Phoenix, AR (Arizona Diamondbacks)

Coors Field, Denver, CO (Colorado Rockies)

Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA (LA Dodgers)

Also do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here

MLB Scheduling 2015

Day + Date     Away and Home, Times Start In EST

MLB Season Opening Series

Read the rest of this entry

All 30 MLB Park Home Openers In 2016

Best Source of Information for all 30 MLB Ballparks - and network of stadium afficionado's

Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst)

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

The 2015 season is over and it is time to start planning for attending games in the 2016 year.  This is our third straight year of posting all of the Season Openers for all of the parks.

I have been fortunate enough to see home openers in 8 different parks already in the last 4 years.

We will update this post at the end of January when all of the times will be posted.

As of right now, there is no teams listed for the MLB Season Opener on Sunday Apr.3, 2016, so one of the 30 home opener dates posted right now will change.

We have also provided 30 links to all of the best chaser guides for the stadiums.  This will aid you in making your travel plans for the 2016 season.

Read the rest of this entry

MLB Scheduling: May 2016

Best Source of Information for all 30 MLB Ballparks - and network of stadium afficionado's

Best Source of Information for all 30 MLB Ballparks – and network of stadium afficionado’s

Ballpark Chaser Guides Links Courtesy of http://www.ballparkchasers.com:

Also do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here

Before You read the Month Schedule, here are 30 Links to Ballpark Chaser Guides, that will aid you in your road trip quests.

American League

AL EAST

Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY  (New York Yankees)

Fenway Park, Boston, MA (Boston Red Sox)

Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON (Toronto Blue Jays)

Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL (Tampa Bay Rays)

Oriole Park, Baltimore, MD  (Baltimore Orioles)

AL CENTRAL

Comerica Park, Detroit, MI (Detroit Tigers)

U.S. Cellular, Chicago, IL (Chicago White Sox)

Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH (Cleveland Indians)

Target Field, Minneapolis, MN (Minnesota Twins)

Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO (Kansas City Royals)

AL WEST

Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, CA (Los Angeles Angels)

Rangers Ballpark, Arlington, TX (Texas Rangers)

Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX (Houston Astros)

Safeco Field, Seattle, WA (Seattle Mariners)

O.co Coliseum, Oakland, CA (Oakland Athletics)

National League

NL EAST

Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia Phillies)

Nationals Park, Washington, DC (Washington Nationals)

Marlins Park, Miami, FL (Miami Marlins)

Citi Field, Flushing, NY (New York Mets)

Turner Field, Atlanta, GA (Atlanta Braves)

NL CENTRAL

Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH (Cincinnati Reds)

Miller Park, Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee Brewers)

Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL  (Chicago Cubs)

PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA (Pittsburgh Pirates)

Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO (St. Louis Cardinals)

NL WEST

AT&T Park, San Francisco, CA (San Francisco Giants)

Petco Park, San Diego, CA (San Diego Padres)

Chase Field, Phoenix, AR (Arizona Diamondbacks)

Coors Field, Denver, CO (Colorado Rockies)

Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA (LA Dodgers)

Also do yourself a favor and read this blog on the 30 MLB Park Pass-Port here

MLB Scheduling 2016

Day + Date     Away and Home, Times Start In EST

Read the rest of this entry

Dodgers Are The 2016 World Series Odd Favorite: There Is No Way They Should Be

Back to Back AL pennants and this years World Series Winners. Yet by the Vegas odds board, they are not even in the top 10? Wrong... They play in the most winnable Division right now based on their talent, and are returning to 2016 with a great amount of their young nucleus. Pick them as the best bet on the board right now from this gambling establishment.

Back to Back AL pennants and this years World Series Winners. Yet by the Vegas odds board, they are not even in the top 10? Wrong… They play in the most winnable Division right now based on their talent, and are returning to 2016 with a great amount of their young nucleus. Pick them as the best bet on the board right now from this gambling establishment.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

These odds are courtesy of vegasodds.com for the 2016 World Series.

Dodgers 8/1

Worst odd on the board.  Losing Greinke will crush rotation.  There is a chemistry problem there too.

Mets 10/1

Should be the National League favorite if replace Cespedes and Murphy. Lots of salary room to spend if Wilpon’s can spend.

Blue Jays 10/1

Need to sign a capable #2 Starter like Samardzija and should be the AL favorite.

Cubs 10/1

Like them to sign Price and win the Division in 2016, however in tough with Bucs/Cards. This is a bad odd.

Nats 10/1

This odd is about right.  Washington and New York are going to get fat on the Phillies and Braves for a few years. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 15, 2015

JON BLACKER/MLB PHOTOS - CHARLIE RIEDEL/AP

JON BLACKER/MLB PHOTOS – CHARLIE RIEDEL/AP

Two game 5’s were played yesterday. I gave my thoughts before and after each game… and needless to say, I did not predict the events of the Texas/Toronto game accurately.

It is a winner take all episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Jose Bautista, Johnny Cueto, Alex Rios, Marcus Stroman, Luis Valbuena, Cole Hamels and Rougned Odor all added to their totals for Who Owns October
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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 14, 2015

 Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com

Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com

The last 4 game day of the year should be a great one! Plus the With the Cardinals out, the remaining 7 teams are all franchises who have waited a long time for a title with stars who haven’t won a ring yet.

It is a once in a generation episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Hector Rondon, Clayton Kershaw, Kyle Schwarber, Justin Turner, Bartolo Colon, Stephen Piscotty and Daniel Murphy all added to their totals for Who Owns October
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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 12, 2015

SARAH CRABILL/GETTY IMAGES

SARAH CRABILL/GETTY IMAGES

The last 4 game day of the year should be a great one! Plus the Utley suspension comes through and a devoted fan got married.

It is a full day of playoffs on this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Dallas Keuchel, Chris Carter, Marco Estrada, Troy Tulowitzki, Lorenzo Cain and Rougned Odor all added to their totals for Who Owns October
Read the rest of this entry

An Open Invitation For MLB To Hire Me

Chuck Booth and Larry Lucchino talk baseball in the RF reserved seats at Fenway.

Chuck Booth and Larry Lucchino talk baseball in the RF reserved seats at Fenway.

Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

Okay.  Lets start this blog by coming clean about my intentions.  I want for the MLB to hire me as a travel ‘host/public speaker/blogger – or whatever they want me to do for a salary to work out of New York.

I bring a vast amount of travel knowledge when it comes to the 30 MLB cities that are in the Majors. I have visited all of them five times or more in the last 7 years alone.

Just call me in for an interview and present me geography challenges involving a few ballparks, and see what I come with. Read the rest of this entry