Blog Archives
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.09) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
AP
Yu Darvish got to within one out of a no hitter. He would “settle” for 8 2/3 of 1 hit, 2 walk, 12 strikeout dominance of the Red Sox as the Rangers rolled, 8-0.
Johnny Cueto threw a marvelous, hitting streak busting, 8 innings, 2 run ball, striking out 8 Rockies and walking just one. The bullpen once again blew his lead, but the Reds walked off a 4-3 winner.
Jose Abreu went 3-4 with another homer, pushing the White Sox past the Diamondbacks, 9-3.
Jedd Gyorko homered twice off of Fernandez, driving in 6 as the Padres stunned Miami, 10-1.
They owned baseball on May.09, 2014.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.08) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Darren Calabrese/AP
Edwin Encarnacion homered for the third straight game including 2 last night, giving him 200 for his career. His 3-4 performance with 3 RBI sparked the Blue Jays 12-6 drubbing of the Phillies.
Dallas Keuchel ended the Tigers winning streak by pitching into the 8th inning. He finished with 7 2/3 innings and 2 earned runs and no walks, giving Houston a rare win, 6-2.
Anthony Rizzo got on base 4 times, homered, doubled, drove in a pair and helped the Cubs top the White Sox, 12-5.
Ryan Volgelsong threw 7 1/3 innings, giving up just 5 hits and 1 earned run. He did not get the decision but he set up the Giants extra innings victory in Los Angeles, 3-1.
They owned baseball on May.08, 2014.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.07) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Tony Gutierrez, The Associated Press
Nolan Arenado extended his hitting streak to 27 games and helped the Rockies clobber the Rangers again, 9-2.
Tom Koehlert threw 8 shutout innings, letting up just 2 hits and 1 walk. He did not get the decision but the Marlins walked off 1-0 against the Mets.
Adam Jones homered twice as the Orioles stayed in first place with their 4-3 victory in Tampa Bay.
Mark Buehrle threw 7 shutout innings, letting up just 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out 6 Phillies. He got his 6th win as the Blue Jays cruised to a 10-0 beating.
They owned baseball on May.07, 2014.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.06) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
DOUG PENSINGER/GETTY IMAGES
Carlos Gonzalez went 5-5 with 3 RBI, leading the relentless Colorado attack against Texas, 12-1.
Henderson Alvarez threw his second complete game shutout of the season. His 6 hitter against the Mets gave the Marlins a 3-0 victory.
Grady Sizemore got 3 hits including a walk off single off of the Green Monster in the 12th, sealing the Red Sox 4-3 win over Cincinnati.
Hiroki Kuroda was solid pitching into the 8th inning, letting up 1 earned run, striking out 8 Angels and walking none. The bullpen blew his lead but the Yankees won 4-3.
They owned baseball on May.06, 2014.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.05) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Morry Gash – AP
Carlos Gomez launched a lead off homer, got on base 5 times, scored twice and drove in 3 as the Brewers won the 22nd game, 8-3 over Arizona.
Stefan Romero hit his first big league homer and scored another run for the Mariners, who topped the A’s, 4-2.
Nathan Eovaldi pitched 7 solid innings, striking out 10 and walking just 1. He left the game down 3-0 but the Marlins bats picked up up, walking off against the Mets, 4-3.
Jered Weaver kept the Yankees from a big rally with 8 terrific if not dominating innings. He let up 6 hits but walked just 1 and let up only 1 run over 8 innings, earning the 4-1 Angels victory.
They owned baseball on May.05, 2014.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.04) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution/MCT
Brandon Crawford homered twice, driving in 3 runs, leading the Giants to a 4-1 win and a 3 game sweep of the Braves.
Dayan Viciedo‘s second hit of the day was a 3 run, come from behind go ahead 9th inning home run that gave the White Sox a 4-3 victory over the Indians.
Roberto Hernandez pitched into the 8th inning, finishing with 7 1/3 shutout innings, letting up just 4 hits and 3 walks, helping the Phillies sneak past the Nationals, 1-0.
Justin Verlander had a no hitter into the 6th inning. He finished with 7 strong, 4 hit innings, striking out 7 Royals. He got Detroit’s 9-4 victory.
They owned baseball on May.04, 2014.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.03) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
Joe Mauer homered, scored from first on a hit, drove in another run and finished 3-4 with 4 RBI as the Twins won 6-1 over Baltimore.
Jon Lester dominated the A’s over 8 shutout innings. He let up just 1 hit, walking 2 and striking out a career high 15 as Boston won 6-3.
Dee Gordon went 5-6 in the leadoff spot. He also stole three bases, scored twice and drove in a pair as the Dodgers would top the Marlins in Miami, 9-7 in 11 innings.
Johnny Cueto topped the Brewers by throwing 8 innings of 3 hit ball. He let up a pair of solo homers and just a hit and a walk other than that. He struck out 10 in the process, earning the 6-2 victory in Cincinnati.
They owned baseball on May.03, 2014.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.02) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
NESN – MLB.com
Dustin Pedroia hit a grandslam, doubled, stole a base and got on 4 times as the Red Sox clobbered the A’s, 7-1.
Starling Marte went 4-5 and hit a walk off homer, sealing Pittsburgh’s come from behind victory over the Blue Jays, 6-5.
Ubaldo Jimenez pitched the Orioles into first place by dominating the Twins with 7 1/3 shutout innings, 3 hits, 1 walk and 10 strikeouts getting the 3-0 decision.
Wily Peralta threw 8 shutout frames, giving up just 3 hits and striking out 7 Reds, getting the decision in the 2-0 thriller for the Brewers.
They owned baseball on May.02, 2014.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Baltimore Orioles Early Season Grades
By Nicholas Delahanty (MLB Reports Writer) Follow @Nick_Delahanty
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
As the first full month of the season reaches its final week, the Orioles need to get away from the .500 baseball they have been playing in order to make a push towards the 2014 postseason.
Of course, the season is still very young, as there are about 140 games left to play.
The O’s got an early taste of the competitive AL East Division, as six of their first seven series were against division rivals, including two series verse the defending World Series Champion Boston Red Sox.
As we are about 1/8th through the season, I decided to grade the Orioles up to this point of the season, looking for ways for them to improve. Read the rest of this entry
Current Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Odds To Win The 2014 World Series
1. LA Dodgers +600
2. Washington Nationals +750
3. Boston Red Sox +850
T4. St. Louis Cardinals +1000
T4. Detroit Tigers +1000 Read the rest of this entry
Colorado Rockies State Of The Union For 2014
This club often reminds me of an aging heavyweight fighter. You may beat on them for a time, but there is always that chance the team will land a haymaker on you. 2007 was one of their days in the sunshine. 2014 may see them at least make the postseason for the 1st time since 2009. With a 20 – 1 odd for the club to win the NL west, the value is there for a longshot pick – should you be allowed to gamble on this chance.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Colorado Rockies brass were a busy bunch in the 2013 winter, heading into the 2014 year. They have picked up several solid players for the upcoming campaign.
I simply hate that this club plays in the NL West with the Dodgers and Giants.
This year, just like any in recent memory, will depend heavily on whether the team can keep Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki.
When both are clubbing it, this 3 – 4 punch may be the best in baseball now that Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera have been separated. Read the rest of this entry
2 And A Hook Podcast #16: 2014 MLB Preview + Predictions – Over/Unders + Post Season + Opening Series in Sydney
’2 And A Hook’ is an expression from Baseball: ‘Throw the guy 2 Fast balls and then a Hook’ (AKA Curve Ball, Wiggly one, Chair etc..)
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & TBWS Podcast Host James Acevedo Follow @yankeeman1973
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
WE ARE BACK!! On this podcast I have on the owner & head writer of www.mlbreports.com, Chuck Booth as we go over first the Australian series to start the 2014 MLB season with a double header with the Dodgers & the Diamondbacks!!
Then we go over each division in the American League & the National League with our division predictions!!
But not only do we do that but we also give our wild card & championship series predictions for both leagues!!
Plus we gave our World Series & World series winner predictions to put the cherry on this baseball podcast sundae.
so go check it out baseball fans & SPREAD THE WORD!!! Thank you all for your continuous support!!! Read the rest of this entry
Baltimore Orioles Organizational Depth Charts (All Affiliates) – Spring 2014 (Majors and Minors)
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth Chart + Payroll Expert – find his website here) Follow @prosportsroster
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Management
| CEO- | Peter G. Angelos |
| GM- | Dan Duquette |
| MGR- | Buck Showalter |
| PCO- | Dave Wallace |
| HCO- | Jim Presley |
| 1BCO- | Wayne Kirby |
| 3BCO- | Bobby Dickerson |
| BHCO- | John Russell |
| BPCO- | Dom Chiti |
Odds For Regular Season Wins Over/Unders 2014 MLB Year
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Last Week, Hunter Stokes (MLB Reports Chief Writer) picked through http://www.bovada.com – and what value was to be had in their odds sheet for regular year win over/unders.
This time, I am looking at bet365.com for some of the same.
Hunter and I both come from the handicapping landscape, and have done quite well in the last few years.
While I predicted a Detroit and Cincinnati World Series pre 2012, Hunter picked the Giants and Yankees. That was a much better year than the 2013 season.
In 2013, I did say it was going to be Los Angeles Dodgers versus the Angels in a freeway Series, and Hunter picked Detroit and Atlanta. You do okay if you can have a final 4 participant.
This year, it looks like we both have the LA Dodgers to win in the Fall Classic, but I have them beating the Tigers, while Mr. Stokes likes the Rangers to faceoff against them.
We could be wrong mind you. but at least we are putting our necks on the line for it. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The MLB 2014 World Series
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Just to reset this, we will be bringing you this column once a week during the regular season.
This is worth paying attention to. Think of them as power rankings as put forth by the website.
For the love me, I can’t understand how the Red Sox have climbed to +850, while the Rays are sitting at +1800 for the WS. It also boggles my mind why bettors don’t take stock in Strength of Schedule. Read the rest of this entry
30 MLB Team Power Rankings MAR 2014
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Okay, not much has changed in the last month.
They are about 20 unsigned Free Agents left in the open market pool, Baltimore inked Nelson Cruz and Ubaldo Jimenez – and Chris Capuano is with the Red Sox, Paul Maholm replaces him LA for the 2014 campaign.
Of note of the things I am watching in Spring Training. The Dodger Blue is also experiencing many injuries – and Yasiel Puig showed up to camp overweight.
LA is talking about not sending Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke to Australia in a few weeks.
I can understand with the RHP because he was yanked after four pitches last week, but withholding your star ace from the season opener, and possibly the North America starter the following week. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win Each Division In Major League Baseball 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. Bringing back Price, and having Myers and Archer for a full year should make the team even better in 2013. Keep in mind they have also added Heath Bell and Grant Balfour to anchor the Bullpen, an obvious upgrade over the inconsistent Fernando Rodney. They have been more consistent than the Red Sox and Yankees the last 2 years. As such should not be the 3rd favorite in the Division.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
We have gone through several weeks and months in the off year for gambling odds, and now with the Dodgers and Diamondbacks Opening MLB Series less than 3 weeks away, it is the Division Winners.
Much like my predictions are for the National League and the American League Winners, along with the World Series Winners, I love the Rays, Rangers and Giants for the value.
The worst dollars won for teams being favorites are the Tigers at -270, and Dodgers at -275. I am picking both of these teams to crush it this season, but I will not be wagering on the high favorites prices.
Like I have said before, the LA Dodgers are a couple of injuries away from opening up the NL West. Even the Arizona Diamondbacks at +650 are worth a stab. Read the rest of this entry
Odds To Win The MLB 2014 World Series: Tigers Best Value Of The Week
The Tigers are my pick of the week for value. They were the AL favorite just two weeks ago outright, before being tied with Boston last week. This odd is favorable for sure. The AL Central provides the Tigers with an easier path to the World Series because of 76 games within the Division. The AL East had 4 teams over 85 wins last year. Baltimore and New York are better than they were in 2013, and Boston plus Tampa should maintain. The AL East has 5 of the top 13 odds for the World Series (5 of the top 8 clips for the AL.) The AL West is also going to beat up each other a little. Take this AL Central team that has appeared in 3 straight League Championships, and has the best Pitching Staff in the American League.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Well, it is nice to be vindicated on the market again. Just like I said when the Mariners roamed up from +4000 to +2800 after the Cano signing. I told people to pounce on that odd.
Last week, I posted in this column, that your bet of the week for value as the Orioles.
I have also been calling for the Rays to be higher on the oddsmakers list, and while they have passed the Jays finally, how come they are so far behind the Yankees and Red Sox? Market correction is needed there.
For the record, I called the Yankees a great value at +1500 in December, before they signed Masahiro Tanaka. If you have listened at home, this has worked out for you. Don’t bet the, at +1200, tied for the 6th best odd in the AL, there is no value there. Tampa at +1800 is still a better option. Read the rest of this entry
Baltimore Orioles State Of The Union Spring 2014 Part 1: The Lineup Now With Cruz Added
By Nicholas Delahanty (MLB Reports O’s Writer) Follow @Nick_Delahanty
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Nelson Cruz Signs with Baltimore
It has been a very busy week for the Orioles as Spring Training gets started, as the team is set to announce the signing of Nelson Cruz to a one-year, $8 MM contract.
Earlier in the week, I wrote about guys the Orioles could target to help bolster their lineup, and Cruz seemed to be the most logical fit. Read the rest of this entry
The Top Remaining Free Agents Left In The MLB 2014 Season + The Rest
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
With the latest signings (by Baltimore) of Nelson Cruz and Ubaldo Jimenez, there is now just 3 Free Agents who come with the price tag of your 1st RD pick (or 1st available pick if you have been busy already this winter).
SS Stephen Drew is still on the open market despite several rumors about the Big Apple, DH/1B Kendrys Morales is on the board, with teams dwindling in interest, and SP Ervin Santana rounds out the list.
Agents of these gentlemen are now threatening to hold out their players until after the MLB Amateur Draft (when the Draft Pick is no longer forfeited), in order to turn the leverage back to their guys.
I am not sure that is such a great idea, particularly in the cases of the hitters, who are not likely to warrant more than 3 year deals apiece. Read the rest of this entry
The O’s Add Nelson Cruz + The AL Beast Just Got Stronger!
Nelson Cruz is 34 – and has a long history of injuries – and now of PED use. In the last 5 years, he has only played over 128 games for the season once. Now he was on pace to top that in 2013 – before his PED suspension from the Biogenesis Scandal. I thoroughly believe he should just be a permanent DH. He will likely be used in that role with the O’s. With a full season of AB, this slugger should probably hit between .260 – .270, with 25 – 30 HRs and range from 80 – 90 RBI. To sign this guy to a 1 Year Deal – worth $8 MIL, when he was already given the Qualifying Offer by Texas is a fantastic acquisition for the Orioles. It also comes in the same week they picked up Ubaldo Jimenez and Korean chucker Suk-Min Yoon. Baltimore just entered back into the Division race!
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Dan Duquette has announced his presence with authority this week.
From Suk-min Yoon (3 YRs/$5.6 MIL), Ubaldo Jimenez (4 YRs/$48 MIL), to then flat out rob Nelson Cruz for a 1 YR/$8 MIL deal, the GM has served notice that the franchise is here to compete.
Frankly, this was a long time coming. The team has now thrust its name into the conversation with the Rays, Red Sox and Yankees.
On the clock is the Toronto Blue Jays!! Read the rest of this entry
Orioles Finally Make A Free Agent Splash To Salvage Winter
By Nicholas Delahanty (MLB Reports O’s Writer) Follow @Nick_Delahanty
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Orioles Sign Ubaldo Jimenez
The Orioles could not catch a break this off-season, as they lost out on free agents that they coveted as well as missing out on closer Grant Balfour , after he failed the team’s physical.
Bronson Arroyo balked at even going for a physical seeing what happened to the Aussie – opting to sign with the D-Backs even though the money was similar, rather than have his worth devalued by flunking the doctor’s visit from the O’s.
Tyler Colvin also fell victim to Baltimore’s stringent doctors, while Grady Sizemore didn’t have a chance to pass a physical with the club either despite Orioles interest.
Orioles fans all over wondered what the team’s intentions were, as many felt the team could be a serious contender with the core they have in place, but some moves needed to be made to bolster the roster.
On Monday night, the Orioles finally made a big splash in free agency that everyone anxiously awaited. The team announced they agreed to a four-year, $48 MM deal with pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez.
This is a huge move for the Orioles as an organization, as it now shows their fan base that they are willing to spend big money on key free agents.
The O’s have been linked to many of the big name free agents throughout the offseason, only to come up short when it came to signing them.
Odds To Win The MLB 2014 World Series As Of Right Now
If you have read any of these odds listed prior, I had mentioned the M’s were great value at +4000 (even after Cano, in which I said pounce, they have since jumped to +3300 in January, and now are at +2800). However this team is suffering from early injury trouble, can’t seem to land an additional bat to the roster, and are banking on too many variables at the new odd. Stay clear.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
It has been a tough week for the Seattle Mariners. 1st a freak injury to Hisashi Iwakuma – has him out 4 – 6 with a bad finger that was caught into a batting cage net.
While Franklin Gutierrez being hurt is not a surprise, it still comes at a bad time.
To make matters worse, Nelson Cruz seems to balking at signing a deal with the PAC NW club.
At this point, the Mariners might want to just think about whether they really want that guy anyway.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 18, 2014
AP
Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, the topic is the Baltimore Orioles.
The Birds made a pair of signings this weekend that confirm what I already believed about them: There is no predicting what is happening in Baltimore. They could be great or they could be one of the worst teams in the AL. And there is a lot of gray area in between.
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30 MLB Team Power Rankings FEB 2014
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Not withstanding the last few signings in the MLB, noteworthy is Bronson Arroyo to the Diamondbacks, and Paul Maholm to the Los Angeles Dodgers, these will not effect the grand scheme for the rankings of all clubs.
Nelson Cruz is still available, and I would be very surprised if he doesn’t ink a deal with the Mariners. This would put them slightly ahead of the Angels if done, as oppose to a dead heat right now.
There are no real surprises to be had here.
The Orioles, Blue Jays and Pirates have had the worst offseasons, while the Rangers, Royals, Rays, Giants, Yankees, Cardinals and Dodgers have helped out their causes for the upcoming campaign.
The Rest Of The Best Free Agents Are Now Up For Auction: Some Deals Already Done
Grant Balfour has recently 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 lost credibility around the league for this bow out maneuver. Now Balfour will look to administer some payback to the O’s 19 times a year for the 2014 and 2015 campaings. The Aussie just signed a 2 Year Deal – to return to the Rays for $12 MIL.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
It was a tough time being an MLB fan the last 3 or 4 weeks – waiting for the Masahiro Tanaka deal to get done.
As of today, we are about 18 days away from Pitchers and Catchers to report.
With the logjam now being freed up with the Japanese superstar being inked to a deal with New York, a bevy of transactions have already occurred.
Grant Balfour is all set to sign a 2 YR deal worth $12 MIL, and will be ready to stick it to the Baltimore Orioles 19 times a year for the next 2 campaigns. Read the rest of this entry
The Cleveland Indians Players In All Organizational Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB) 2014
The Indians hosted the Wild Card Play in Game for the right to play Boston in the ALDS, but were ultimately ousted by the Tampa Bay Rays. Now minus several pieces from last years team, they turn to their franchise depth in hopes of another playoff birth in 2014.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart Expert) Follow @prosportsroster
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Indians had a triumphant and surprising year in 2013. They blasted their way out of the gate led by Mark Reynolds and Jason Kipnis and Justin Masterson.
Halfway through the year, renaissance pitching from Ubaldo Jimenez and Scott Kazmir helped jump into the foray among all the best AL clubs.
This club took advantage of a cupcake schedule – in order to reel off a 10 game winning streak to tend the campaign.
For those people who failed to see what a tough May.15 – June.15 schedule they had, in which they played almost all of the Division leaders across the board in the MLB, being all over .500 teams.
Because of that stretch, they deserved the late season ease of sked.
Jason Kipnis Highlight Reel 2013
AL Central Hot Stove Round Up – Updated For The Joe Nathan Signing With The Tigers
Doug Fister was just traded away last night for Steve Lombardozzi, Ian Krol and a Minor League Pitcher. I definitely am seeing the vibe that this franchise is about to make another huge move towards a player in Free Agency. If this wasn’t the case, then what the hell are the Tigers doing trading away a pitcher like this?
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twiter Follow @mlbreports
The Detroit Tigers threw down the first gauntlet in transactions of the Division. But have they made their team any stronger? As of right now they are still weaker to start the 2014 year than they ended the 2013 campaign.
Things have been quiet out of Motown on offensive players, however they have been circling the world of Brian Wilson for the Relief core, before they finally lost interest.
Joe Nathan was signed to a 2 Year Deal today by the Tigers. It was a swift move to sign the guy, although financial terms have not been entirely disclosed yet.
By singing Joe Nathan to amp up the status of the Bullpen, the teams looks decisively better already.
They should not stop there for relievers.
I would still try to bring in a Grant Balfour or Jesse Crain as late inning assassins – before having any of the old crew of Joaquin Benoit or Jose Veras be the guys to depend on. Do not resign them Dombrowski!
Look for an upcoming article I am writing about the Detroit Tigers, that will ask the question, who would you rather have long – term, Miguel Cabrera or Max Scherzer?
Of course a lot of this is dependent on how much Mike Ilitch wants to spend on his club.
Brian Wilson 2013 Highlights – Mature Lyrics So Parental Guidance Is Advised
MLB 50 Free Agent Predictions
It will all be following the money for many of the Free Agents this winter. It all started when all 14 players that had Qualifying Offers politely declined them all over the weekend, and are all FA’s with Draft Compensation due back to their 2013 club.
Free Agent Predictions
By Jordan Gluck (Free Agency Correspondent) Follow @JGluck777
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
These are my personal predictions on where the top free agents will sign. This is the same kind of list of the top 50 free agents made by our friends at mlbtraderumors.com.
Please keep in mind there will be trades this offseason so holes will be filled that way as well (I believe the Cardinals will trade for a SS).
I am not going to estimate any dollar figures in this specific article but I do expect some overpayments this year.
Robinson Cano 2013 Highlights
The Mets Should Be Careful Which Free Agents They Sign For 2014
Johan Santana is just another cautionary tale of why it is hard for teams to invest money long – term on Starting Pitching, There are just far too many ways for hurlers to be injured in comparison to Roster Players. The Mets will just have to bide time until 2014 when the team can finally take the former Cy Young winner of the teams payroll book. Santana signed a 6 YR/$137.5 MIL deal with the Mets after coming over from Minnesota. While he was good in his 1st year (leading the NL with a 2.53 ERA), he just started 109 Games for his New York Career.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twiter Follow @mlbreports
Lets face it, the Mets have had a poor track record of signing Free Agents lately.
Quickly to go over the list: Jason Bay, Luis Castillo, (4 YRs/$24.75 MIL and they released him following a 2010 year – where he ballooned in weight – and hit just .235), their own Free Agent in Oliver Perez, (3 YRs/ $36 MIL for 3 wins and a ERA near 7 in that time), and Johan Santana.
Lest we forget the horrible trades that ended the careers of Roberto Alomar (Made $13 MIL in a season and a half – before New York jettisoned him to the White Sox for hitting .265 in 2002 – 2003 combined where he was a .300 Career Hitter).
Mo Vaughn. could barely move by the time he made it to New York city. The Mets paid him almost $48 MIL to have only 567 AB.
Vaughn only played in 166 games for New York, and was out of league after 2003. At least Kevin Appier (the traded player for him) was done playing by 2004 as well, but at $20 MIL less cost.
While I agree that the New York (NL) franchise should spend some money they have finally been hoarding up, the brass have to be careful who they select to throw that dough on.
Jason Bay Hurt for the Mets in July 2010
MLB Reports 
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