Blog Archives

MLB Odds To Win Both Of The AL And NL Pennants In 2014

The Rays have one of the 2 best Starting Pitcher staffs in the American league, and have averaged over 90 wins for the last 6 years.  Having them to win the American league at +1200 (8th favorite among the clubs) is still a steal.

The Rays have one of the 2 best Starting Pitcher staffs in the American league, and have averaged over 90 wins for the last 6 years. Having them to win the American league at +1200 (8th favorite among the clubs) is still a steal.  With an ace like David Price, the emergence of Wil Myers and Chris Archer for a full year, plus the acquisition of Grant Balfour, gives the team more depth and a stronger club than even last year.

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

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I have scoured this list and have come up with some deep recommendations.  If you are picking an AL team to go to the World Series, you are better off just picking the AL odds, and not going for a World Series win.

Virtually every team has better odds in the AL just to win the American League – as opposed to the World Series.  The Tigers are +500 to win the AL, yet are +900 to capture the World Series.

Based on the top three teams of LAD, WSH and STL likely countering the AL, the World Series is more up in the air. 

For the National League teams, it is a much better wager to just pick the World Series outright.  On these numbers, every time you pick favors the World Series odds compared to just the NL win. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The MLB 2014 World Series As Of Right Now

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Odds To Win The 2014 World Series

1.  LA Dodgers +700

2.  Washington Nationals +800

3.  Detroit Tigers +900

T4. St. Louis Cardinals +1000

T4. Boston Red Sox +1000

6.  Texas Rangers +1100

7. New York Yankees +1200

T8. Oakland Athletics +1400

T8. Atlanta Braves +1400

10. Cincinnati Reds +1500 Read the rest of this entry

Master Schedule For All MLB Doubleheader Attempts In June 2014

All 2430 games will be posted at MLB reports, and we will also have schedules for interleague, doable doubleheaders attempts at parks, weekly, monthly and a running page with all games on 1 page post.  All at www.mlbreports.com

All 2430 games in the 2014 MLB schedule  are now posted at MLB reports, and we will also have schedules for interleague, doable doubleheaders attempts at parks, weekly, monthly and a running page with all games on 1 page post. All at http://www.mlbreports.com

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Over the last few years the MLB has made doubleheaders more capable – by scheduling so many matinees in the month of April.

While these games are subject to many weather delays because of how early it is in the year, the most amount of action for doubleheader attempts will be this month.

Now a lot of people think this is a crazy way to witness contests in the Majors, as some would prefer to soak up all of the sights in the park – and not rush in veering off to another ballpark.

For this, I understand, I am just crafting out another way to do this. Read the rest of this entry

Master Schedule For All MLB Doubleheader Attempts In May 2014

All 2430 games will be posted at MLB reports, and we will also have schedules for interleague, doable doubleheaders attempts at parks, weekly, monthly and a running page with all games on 1 page post.  All at www.mlbreports.com

All 2430 games in the 2014 MLB schedule  are now posted at MLB reports, and we will also have schedules for interleague, doable doubleheaders attempts at parks, weekly, monthly and a running page with all games on 1 page post. All at http://www.mlbreports.com

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Over the last few years the MLB has made doubleheaders more capable – by scheduling so many matinees in the month of April.

While these games are subject to many weather delays because of how early it is in the year, the most amount of action for doubleheader attempts will be this month.

Now a lot of people think this is a crazy way to witness contests in the Majors, as some would prefer to soak up all of the sights in the park – and not rush in veering off to another ballpark.

For this, I understand, I am just crafting out another way to do this. Read the rest of this entry

The Lighter Side Of The MLB: Memories, Characters And Things That Make Me Laugh

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

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Okay, the MLB has has had their fair share of characters and memories that illustrate how funny some things are.  We all like to blow these up on social media circles.

In this article, I just wanted to share some of these occurrences I have found amusing – also some of things that have cracked up some of our writers at this website.

Of course, we also have Paul Sullivan (AKA Sully) who usually makes people laugh once a podcast because he is a former comedian.

Some of his things that make us laugh are:  “Did you know that Mariano Rivera is retiring?” diatribes and explaining WAR to novice baseball people is also classic.

Sully likes to emphasize that he understands sabermetrics, but several other of our listeners have cracked up at his pronunciation of BABIP. Read the rest of this entry

Re – Aligning To 4 Divisions May Help The MLB

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Since the MLB doth refuses to address their salary discrepancies among teams in the league, how about we take another radical approach?

How about eliminate the 6 Divisions – and come back with 4 new divisions!

We can also go back to 14 teams in the AL and 16 in the NL.

I have long since agreed with this websites philosophy on re-aligning the Divisions for payroll and geography reasons. Read the rest of this entry

Master Schedule For All MLB Doubleheader Attempts In April 2014

All 2430 games will be posted at MLB reports, and we will also have schedules for interleague, doable doubleheaders attempts at parks, weekly, monthly and a running page with all games on 1 page post.  All at www.mlbreports.com

All 2430 games in the 2014 MLB schedule  are now posted at MLB reports, and we will also have schedules for interleague, doable doubleheaders attempts at parks, weekly, monthly and a running page with all games on 1 page post. All at http://www.mlbreports.com

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Over the last few years the MLB has made doubleheaders more capable – by scheduling so many matinees in the month of April.

While these games are subject to many weather delays because of how early it is in the year, the most amount of action for doubleheader attempts will be this month.

Now a lot of people think this is a crazy way to witness contests in the Majors, as some would prefer to soak up all of the sights in the park – and not rush in veering off to another ballpark.

For this, I understand, I am just crafting out another way to do this. Read the rest of this entry

The Modern Day Doubleheader For Baseball Fans Of The MLB

Breaking the World Record for "Fastest To See all 30 MLB Park (every pitch): caused me to study every possible scenario for all Doubleheader Attempt humanly possible for all MLB Teams.  Over the course of the next week - I will dissecting the 2014 MLB schedule - in order to list every 2 games in one day scenarios this year.  I will list them by month blogs first, and then have a dedicated page at this website - that has the whole year on one page post!

Breaking the World Record for “Fastest To See all 30 MLB Parks” (every pitch): caused me to study every scenario for all Doubleheader Attempts humanly possible for all MLB Teams. Over the course of the next week – I will dissecting the 2014 MLB schedule – in order to list every 2 games in one day maneuver this year. I will list them by month blogs first, and then have a dedicated page at this website – that has the whole year on one page post!

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Gone are the days when baseball teams deliberately schedule two games in one stadium like teams used to do in past generations.  

If there is not a postponed game for the duration of your team’s schedule, you will not even have this occurrence.   I am here to tell that modern-day traveling has opened up possibilities for two games in one day for separate cities like never before.

For the extreme ballpark chasers, nothing is more exciting for a baseball fan when Major League Baseball posts the new season’s calendar.  Usually the brass does this in mid-September.  

Across the world, ballpark goers mark their favorite teams mapped out schedule.

A lot of fans check off what new or old baseball parks they want to visit in the next season.  Plans formulate with a heavy thought to their own planned vacation time.  ‘

For the most hard-core baseball fan, their whole lives revolve around this process.

Posting the schedule mind you, is only part one of itinerary.

Read the rest of this entry

2014 Prognostications As Of Right Now In The MLB

The Royals may be the benefactors of a vaunted AL East Division - and a massively improved AL West this year.  I think Cleveland, Minnesota and Chicago will struggle to nail down 70 wins, and Detroit may also regress a couple of wins.  This could help Kansas City break a 29 year playoff drought.

The Royals may be the benefactors of a vaunted AL East Division – and a massively improved AL West this year. I think Cleveland, Minnesota and Chicago will struggle to nail down 70 wins, and Detroit may also regress a couple of wins. This could help Kansas City break a 29 year playoff drought – via a Wild Card Berth..

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

Okay, yes these may very well change in the next two months, however I must report on the early front runners to how things are shaping up from where teams stand today.

It is important when you are looking over people’s predictions that the sum of all wins equals 2430 wins.  The reason is because that is the number of games played in the Majors each year.

The ‘MLB Fancave’ in New York may have been the first ones to make that mainstream knowledge, yet smart baseball handicappers have been figuring this out for years. Read the rest of this entry

All 2430 MLB Regular Season Games On 1 Page Post (Game Times Given So Far)

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

Before You read the whole 2014 MLB season, just wanted to say that MLB Reports is going to be the best website on the planet for the MLB 2014 scheduling.

For Weekly/Monthly MLB Schedules or all 2430 MLB games in 2014 on 1 page post – find the links master grid right here Read the rest of this entry

MLB Schedule Sept 2014

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

Before You read the Month Schedule for Sept 2014, just wanted to say that MLB Reports is going to be the best website on the planet for MLB 2014 scheduling.

For Weekly/Monthly MLB Schedules or all 2430 MLB games in 2014 on 1 page post – find the links master grid right here Read the rest of this entry

MLB Schedule Aug 2014

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

Before You read the Month Schedule for Aug 2014, just wanted to say that MLB Reports is going to be the best website on the planet for MLB 2014 scheduling.

For Weekly/Monthly MLB Schedules or all 2430 MLB games in 2014 on 1 page post – find the links master grid right here Read the rest of this entry

MLB Schedule July 2014

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

Before You read the Month Schedule for July 2014, just wanted to say that MLB Reports is going to be the best website on the planet for MLB 2014 scheduling.

For Weekly/Monthly MLB Schedules or all 2430 MLB games in 2014 on 1 page post – find the links master grid right here Read the rest of this entry

MLB Schedule June 2014

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

Before You read the Month Schedule for June 2014, just wanted to say that MLB Reports is going to be the best website on the planet for MLB 2014 scheduling.

For Weekly/Monthly MLB Schedules or all 2430 MLB games in 2014 on 1 page post – find the links master grid right here Read the rest of this entry

MLB Schedule May 2014

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

Before You read the Month Schedule for May 2014, just wanted to say that MLB Reports is going to be the best website on the planet for MLB 2014 scheduling.

For Weekly/Monthly MLB Schedules or all 2430 MLB games in 2014 on 1 page post – find the links master grid right here Read the rest of this entry

Interleague Master Schedule For The 2014 MLB Season

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

In this blog, we look at the start times, plus home an away teams for all of the Interleague schedule during the 2014 season.

For Weekly/Monthly MLB Schedules or all 2430 MLB games in 2014 on 1 page post – find the links master grid right here

Read the rest of this entry

MLB 2014 March – April Schedule – Includes All Home Openers

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 for March-April/2014, 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) Read the rest of this entry

All 30 MLB Parks In 21 Days – 2014?

All 2430 games will be posted at MLB reports, and we will also have schedules for interleague, doable doubleheaders attempts at parks, weekly, monthly and a running page with all games on 1 page post.  All at www.mlbreports.com

All 2430 games will be posted at MLB reports, and we will also have schedules for interleague, doable doubleheaders attempts at parks, weekly, monthly and a running page with all games on 1 page post. All at http://www.mlbreports.com.  I have spent thousands of hours dissecting the MLB schedule for the last 7 years.  It helped aid me in becoming the fastest human ever to witness (every pitch for all 30 MLB home games) – when I made it to all stadiums in 23 calendar days from Apr.6th – Apr.28/2012.  I broke my own record that was set in 2009 (30 – 24). It takes countless hours figuring out geography, finances – and setting up contingency plans if you fail at a game.  You will see a snippet of my work here.

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

I haven’t been able to sleep for a few days.  After blowing off the snail speed website of http://www.mlb.com for not converting the last 7 teams home start times, I decided to try my luck with http://www.espn.com.

Much to my delight, they have posted all of the games times for all 30 MLB clubs – in coordination with the teams doing so themselves on their own sites.

I have done this for the last 7 years.  Yes, it is sad in a way, but we all have our vices in life, mine just happens to be the master schedule for Major League Baseball.

My interest this year was ramped up even more when Craig Calcaterra wrote a blog about how somebody was doing 30 Ballparks in 30 days.

I am not going to say this is not still a great feat – because it is, I just wish he would have taken 5 seconds to google the record holder for “Fastest To See All 30 MLB Ballparks.”

Once again, this wasn’t done, so half of the story wasn’t told.

For those that have followed this website over the course of 2011 – 2014, or even have been a part of ballparkchasers.com – will be aware we have a fraternity of insane stadium goers.

ALL Games Attended – you must be there from 1st to last pitch.  You have to go to all 30 parks before returning to another one, otherwise it starts all over.

For Weekly/Monthly MLB Schedules or all 2430 MLB games in 2014 on 1 page post – find the links master grid right here

Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The MLB 2014 World Series As Of Right Now

With spending $503 MIL on contracts this winter, the Bronx Bombers have gone from an odd of +1500 to +1200.  They are still behind Detroit, Boston and Texas in the odds.

With spending $503 MIL on contracts this winter, the Bronx Bombers have gone from an odd of +1500 to +1200. They are still behind Detroit, Boston and Texas in the odds and are 7th overall in the MLB.

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Right on cue with the Masahiro Tanaka signing, the Yankees jumped from +1400 to +1200 to win the World Series.  if you heeded my advice, you received them at the 1st odd.

it was the 2nd recommendation that came in really nicely.  I also said the Mariners were great value at +4000, and once they signed Robinson Cano, they vaulted to +3300.

So who is a bigger longshot to win the World Series now.  The Gambling Pundits, dropped the Rays to +2000 now.  It is now one of the best value picks on the board.

I finally decided to put my money where my mouth is with a wager.  After the Superbowl, I will likely throw down so more cash.

Read the rest of this entry

The Tampa Bay Rays State Of The Union For 2014

The Rays are always at the bottom for attendance in the Major Leagues, which is a shame for how successful this team has been for the last 6 years - posting 4 playoff berths and an AL Pennant.  This has all been done on a shoestring budget - and facing the toughest strength of schedule in the bigs,

The Rays are always at the bottom for attendance in the Major Leagues, which is a shame for how successful this team has been for the last 6 years – posting 4 playoff berths and an AL Pennant. This has all been done on a shoestring budget – and facing the toughest strength of schedule in the bigs.  The 2014 season will pose the same kind of challenges and problems that have arisen in the teams history.  The Rays have to contend with high payroll teams like Boston and New York fielding ALL – Star squad’s throughout their lineups.  The management has done a fantastic job to stay competitive, and will rely on their franchise depth to post yet another nice record for a 7th consecutive year.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

The Tampa Bay Rays are still one of the best run franchises in baseball, and have put themselves in a position to contend for the AL East for yet another campaign.

I hope the Rays Management decides against trading David Price in the next 2 years, and just goes for a World Series trophy.

Being the 13th biggest city, and yielding the 28th lowest payroll in the game should not be conducive to sustained success, yet there the Rays are pesky every year.

It has been noted on this website plenty, that since the beginning of 2008, the Rays have the second best record in the game to the Yankees in this time frame.

In that span, they trail the Bronx Bombers by just around 10 wins.

Wil Myers 2013 Highlights

Read the rest of this entry

Confessions Of A BallPark Chaser: 2014 + The Real Price To See All 30 MLB Parks In A Month

The MLB Reports is going to step up our coverage of talking about the ballparks.  We are part of the biggest fraternity of balllpark experts, all lending creative information to help out others.  Stay tuned for future posts.  But all you really have to do is to see all of our links of interest on the left hand side of our home page, to click on all of these aforementioned sites.

The MLB Reports is going to step up our coverage of talking about the ballparks. We are part of the biggest fraternity of balllpark experts, all lending creative information to help out others. Stay tuned for future posts. But all you really have to do is to see all of our links of interest on the left hand side of our home page, to click on all of these aforementioned sites.

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

There is nothing that revs my adrenaline more than knowing I am going to chase a ballpark this year.

In 2013, between running this website, and juggling my work, I only went to 2 games in MLB Parks.

Nicely I made the opener at Dodger Stadium, and then captured a late season game in Safeco.

After breaking my own World Record for witnessing 30 MLB Games (All Parks in 23 days – every pitch) in 2012, I was left with my worst total in a decade last year.

I wanted to change that in 2014.  Unfortunately I wont be chasing any records this upcoming year, but I will potentially be going on a historic run in 2015.

I will get to that in a minute.  This year I do plan on seeing 20 games at Safeco Field.  It is important for me to see games live in person, so I forked out $750 yesterday to do just that.

I bought a 17 game flex plan for the Mariners, and it involves an array of games from April to September.

While it will trounce my records ever for a ballpark in one year, there are no plans for attending a game in any other ballpark on the road this season.

Now that we have talked about, let’s chat about my plans for 2015.

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 12, 2014

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It is the SUNDAY REQUEST on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Lots of great teams missed out on winning it all, but few as perplexing as the Blue Jays of the late 1980’s.

To subscribe to The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 12, 2014

Top 5 Home Run Leaders in 2013

Chris Davis was awarded a 1 YR/$3.3 MIL contract in Arbitration for 2013, but based on his AL and MLB leading 53 HRs and 139 RBI. exactly what stratosphere of money will he enter based on those totals?  The Baltimore franchise must consider 2014 to be their best chance for a deep playoff run.  After this year, Davis will be making megabucks in 2014 and 2015 even in Arbitration - before hitting the Free Agency Market in 2016.

Chris Davis was awarded a 1 YR/$3.3 MIL contract in Arbitration for 2013, but based on his AL and MLB leading 53 HRs and 139 RBI. exactly what stratosphere of money will he enter based on those totals? The Baltimore franchise must consider 2014 to be their best chance for a deep playoff run. After this year, Davis will be making megabucks in 2014 and 2015 even in Arbitration – before hitting the Free Agency Market in 2016.  Can he duplicate his feats in 2013?  We will find out in about 9 and a half months.  I think with his swing, and playing in the AL East, he will have a chance to finish in the top 5 in HRs again in 2014 – if not take the crown again.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

It is time to start preparing for upcoming fantasy leagues.  While I don’t participate in them anymore, I will do some top 5 and top ten list in order to aid you in your quest.

I will stick with the main categories.  Over the next few weeks this site will be tackling Saves Leaders, Holds, Stolen Bases, Wins, and we may sprinkle in a few others.

In addition, Active Lists for top players in offensive and defensive stats are to be presented.  This is done so we can see who is close to making the mark historically.

Well, I guess we don’t have to worry about Alex Rodriguez breaking anymore historical records in 2014, so hallelujah!

Chicks Dig The Long Ball

Read the rest of this entry

Some MLB Teams Need To Place Their Starting Times For The Majority Of Their Schedules Earlier

The Rays are always at the bottom for attendance in the Major Leagues, so it boggles my mind how they can't have their game times for the next year up that quick.  Weather is never a factor at all, and they have no geographical MLB teams remotely close to them.  The Royals and the Padres are also teams that do not post their times early enough - while sagging at the gates.

The Rays are always at the bottom for attendance in the Major Leagues, so it boggles my mind how they can’t have their game times for the next year up that quick. Weather is never a factor at all, and they have no geographical MLB teams remotely close to them. The Royals and the Padres are also teams that do not post their times early enough – while sagging at the gates.

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

I am a big fan of the MLB posting their schedules  so early compared to other sporting entities.  However with this being said, there are several teams who have not completed their start times for the majority of their home ballparks 2014 campaign yet.

My question is, why the hell not?

In an economy starving for our entertainment dollar, what is the hold up? 

Look I am all for the quirks in the variances for each club based on ESPN Sunday night baseball, heck, even coordinating with the other geographical rivals in your area, to have the most potential ticket buyers head through the wickets at your turnstiles.

As of right now, the Tigers, Astros, Rays, Angels, Red Sox, Rangers, Padres, Indians, Royals, Braves, and White Sox have not posted these. Read the rest of this entry

Updated Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series As Of Right Now:

The Blue Jays were the odds on favorite to win the World Series in 2013 among oddsmakers.  After a failure of a season, these guys are still placing way too much faith in the team.  To have them listed as tied with the Rays for the 12th best odd to win the World Series is a joke.  Stay away from this bet.  The odd should be +3000 - and not +1800.  Toronto is listed as tied for the 3rd favorite in the AL East, behind Boston and New York respectively.  It could really be another last place finish in the Division for the Canadian franchise.

The Blue Jays were the odds on favorite to win the World Series in 2013 among oddsmakers. After a failure of a season, these guys are still placing way too much faith in the team. To have them listed as tied with the Rays for the 12th best odd to win the World Series is a joke. Stay away from this bet. The odd should be +3000 – and not +1800. Toronto is listed as tied for the 3rd favorite in the AL East, behind Boston and New York respectively. It could really be another last place finish in the Division for the Canadian franchise.

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

The top 12 clubs have opened up a little lead on all of the guys tied for 14th, which includes the Royals and Indians (more of a longshot, but +300 and +200 more respectively.

The Dodgers continue to be the current leaders to take home the prize.  If they are able to land Masahiro Tanaka for any reason, their +700 will be even lower.

I still think the Rangers are a bit of a bargain at +1100. They are behind Boston and Detroit in the AL leaderboard.

I would wait for to place a bet on the Boston Red Sox, if you are so inclined, because they are said to be out of the running.  Since this is the case, whomever shall acquire the NPB superstar, their odds will lower – and Boston may rise after.

The AL East is reigning supreme in this with 4 of the top 12 spots being positioned by them.  The worst Division is the AL Central who only possess 1 member in the top 12.

The Yankees were +1500 last week, and now have moved up to +1400 with the A’s and the Braves.

Again, if they are to bring Tanaka in the fold, I believe they will blow the luxury tax out of the water next year.  If you want to bet this club to win, I suggest you do so now.

Next to the totals, I have weighed in on what I think the odd should be. Read the rest of this entry

Updated Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series As Of Right Now: Tanaka Could Influence These Later

Masahiro Tanaka has finally been posted by his team from the NPB (Golden Lions).  Mark my words, with the exception of a crazy bid coming from the Dodgers way out West, no one will outbid the Yankees for this guys services.  Based on his age and wherewithal, the Pinstripers can alter their immediate future by landing the 25 Year Old Japanese Phenom.  If they spend the $125 MIL - $140 MIL for a 6 or 7 year total ($20 MIL post, plus player contract, look for them to blow their $189 MIL budget out of control in 2014, - and opt to reset in 2015 instead.)

Masahiro Tanaka has finally been posted by his team from the NPBL (Golden Lions). Mark my words, with the exception of a crazy bid coming from the Dodgers way out West, no one will outbid the Yankees for this guys services. Based on his age and wherewithal, the Pinstripers can alter their immediate future by landing the 25 Year Old Japanese Phenom. If they spend the $125 MIL – $140 MIL for a 6 or 7 year total ($20 MIL post, plus player contract, look for them to blow their $189 MIL budget out of control in 2014, – and opt to reset in 2015 instead.)  Tanaka was 24 – 0 – with a miniscule 1.27 ERA in 2013.

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Since nothing has changed since last week, I have two bets for you to take – and one for you to avoid.

As I mentioned last Saturday, the Rangers have confirmed on the Shin-Soo Choo signing.  In my expert opinion this should have moved the line on Texas.

Instead, they are still the 3rd favorite to win the World Series coming out of the AL.

This is not right.  Maybe I could see the Tigers still ahead of them based on the Division they are in, but the Red Sox have no business being ahead of them.

The Best Of Masahiro Tanaka

Read the rest of this entry

The O’s Have Continuously Dropped The Ball This Winter – The Latest Is The Grant Balfour Fiasco:

Grant Balfour has been throwing verbal jabs to the Orioles on XM Radio concerning the club bowing out of his 2 YRs/$15 MIL  deal - and justifiably so.  The Orioles are losing credibility around the league for this bow out maneuver.  So, good luck on signing a Free Agent Pitcher in the future.  The O's are also reeling on the Free Agency Market, having not signed anyone of real value, while Brian Roberts, Scott Feldman and Nate McLouth have left the city.  2013 saw the club win 85 games, and that was part of a superhuman effort from Chris Davis.

Grant Balfour has been throwing verbal jabs to the Orioles on XM Radio concerning the club bowing out of his 2 YRs/$15 MIL deal – and justifiably so. The Orioles are losing credibility around the league for this bow out maneuver. So, good luck on signing a Free Agent Pitcher in the future. The O’s are also reeling on the Free Agency Market, having not signed anyone of real value, while Brian Roberts, Scott Feldman and Nate McLouth have left the city. 2013 saw the club win 85 games, and that was part of a superhuman effort from Chris Davis.  The team is completely missing the ball in their chance to rundown a World Series Title by playing conservatively with their money.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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‘Stoking The Fire’ – Week 10

The Orioles have continued to stumble along in the offseason – meanwhile pissing off their fanbase.  The latest Grant Balfour fiasco is going to set the franchise back.

it is not just the future Free Agent players that will think twice about setting foot in Maryland for the sake of landing a deal, but this kind of move could definitely deflate attendance next campaign.

Up until the Buck Showalter era, this kind of move was vindictive of the 1999 – 2009 regime of the Baltimore brass.

Grant Balfour Deal with the O’s Negated.

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Final 2013 Major League Attendances In The MLB

The "Trop" was frequented less in 2013 than any other MLB stadium and it is a shame.  The team has made 4 playoff spots in the last 6 years, has the 2nd best record in the game since the start of the 2008 campaign (NYY are 1st) and are sniffing the AL East crown out every year. Tropicana Field has been the only MLB Park for the Rays.  Unfortunately the club has a lease that runs through the year 2027.  There have been several talks of a downtown Tampa Stadium right off of Highway 4. All have plans have been derailed.  With limited revenues generated playing out of Tropicana Field, it will be tough to keep doing this year after year, however the management had the good foresight to see the MLB game switching back to more pitching and defense.  With some of the best players on the club locked up under team control,

The “Trop” was frequented less in 2013 than any other MLB stadium and it is a shame. The team has made 4 playoff spots in the last 6 years, has the 2nd best record in the game since the start of the 2008 campaign (NYY are 1st) and are sniffing the AL East crown out every year. Tropicana Field has been the only MLB Park for the Rays. Unfortunately the club has a lease that runs through the year 2027. There have been several talks of a downtown Tampa Stadium right off of Highway 4. All have plans have been derailed. With limited revenues generated playing out of Tropicana Field, it will be tough to keep doing this year after year, however the management had the good foresight to see the MLB game switching back to more pitching and defense. With some of the best players on the club locked up under team control, the management has been able to overcome all of these obstacles to field a competitive club.

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

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It is funny how all of the top Free Agents have been signing with the American League teams in recent years.

Out of the 1.5 Billion Dollars in contracts offered this winter to guys, more than 1.1 Billion of those bucks have been given to guys like the M’s Robinson Cano (10 YRs.$240 MIL), Jacoby Ellsbury (7 YRs/$153 MIL), Shin-Soo Choo (7 YRs/$130 MIL) and potentially 6 YRs/$100 MIL for Brian McCann (5 YRs/85 MIL is guaranteed.).

For these reasons, you would think the AL is dominating the attendance every year.

As you will read here, they are not.

New Marlins BallPark 2012

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Updated Odds To Win The 2014 World Series As Of Right Now

Grant Balfour is a fiery Aussie, and has every right to be mad at the Baltimore Orioles.  Tests have shown his arm is no different than it was a few years ago.  Baltimore clearly decided at the last minute to weasel out of the deal.  The 35 Year Old has vowed revenge on Dan Duquette.  I hope he signs on with the Rays or Yankees - because then they play the O's 19 times a year.  You think Balfour is fired up to enter games - wait till he is called upon in games versus Baltimore from this point forward.

Grant Balfour is a fiery Aussie, and has every right to be mad at the Baltimore Orioles. Tests have shown his arm is no different from it was a few years ago. Baltimore clearly decided at the last-minute to weasel out of the deal. The 35 Year Old has vowed revenge on Dan Duquette. I hope he signs on with the Rays or Yankees – because then they play the O’s 19 times a year. You think Balfour is fired up to enter games – wait till he is called upon in games versus Baltimore from this point forward.  On a side note, with the Orioles penny-pinching their way through this winter, do not pick them to win anything in 2014.  Not very smart when you a have a tepid fanbase to begin with.  If the team has a shaky start, attendance and apathy will start.

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

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It was a controversial week for the Baltimore Orioles, who had signed Grant Balfour to a 2 YR/$15.0 MIL contract – before backing out at the last second.

The O’s are tied with the Pirates and GIants for the 16th best odd to win the World Series.  While I believe there is great value with the other two teams stated there, Baltimore has had a brutal off-year.

My hunch is that they are going to sign Fernando Rodney instead.  Bad move fella’s.  You missed the ball on this one, not only that, i think you have pissed off your faithful fans at Camden Yards.

If this club doesn’t pull off any significant player to come into the fold, the walkup crowds will be lessened.

Balfour lights up Martinez verbally – Swearing involved here, parental guidance is advised

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The Final Tallies On All 30 MLB Teams Payroll In 2013

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.  It is even more impressive when they have been 29th and 27th in team payroll respectively.

The A’s wrapped up their 16th AL West Title in 46 years since moving to Oakland in late September of this previous campaign. They have clinched the Division at home the last 2 years. It is even more impressive when they have been 29th and 27th in the team payroll respectively during that time span.

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

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The bills have been totaled up, and the final dollars have been put forth – to have the team salaries for all 30 MLB teams.

These totals reflect the 40 man rosters the clubs all carried in 2013, and what position they finished in cash wise versus the other 29 franchises.

We will definitely have many of different articles this offseason, dissecting all of these numbers.

With all of the Free Agents signed recently inked to big deals like: Robinson Cano, Jacoby Ellsbury, Hunter Pence, Brian McCann and Curtis Granderson, we should a bigger spike across the board in 2014.

A’s Win Back To Back AL WEST Titles

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