Blog Archives

Odds To Win The 2014 World Series As Of Right Now: Many Changes After 1 Series

I still don't get why they are the current AL favorite over Detroit.  Despite that fact, Boston won their opening series - while all of the 4 other teams have tied or losing records through their 1st series.  i don't think a slight drop was warranted - especially when you consider only the Tigers and Mariners have a better record than the Red Sox right now.  They are tied with the Indians, Rangers, Astros and White Sox for their 2 - 1 record.

I still don’t get why they are the current AL favorite over Detroit. Despite that fact, Boston won their opening series – while all of the 4 other teams have tied or losing records through their 1st series. i don’t think a slight drop was warranted – especially when you consider only the Tigers and Mariners have a better record than the Red Sox right now. They are tied with the Indians, Rangers, Astros and White Sox for their 2 – 1 record.

Odds To Win The 2014 World Series

1.  LA Dodgers +600

2.  Washington Nationals +750 

3. Boston Red Sox +900 (Down from +850)

I am not sure why this club has moved down as they took 2 out of 3 versus the Orioles, and the Yankees are 1 – 2, while Tampa and Toronto split a series.

T4. St. Louis Cardinals +1000

T4.  Detroit Tigers +1000 Read the rest of this entry

Doubleheaders Master Schedule For the 2014 MLB Season

ballpark chasing

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

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

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.  

On this post, I have gone through the MLB schedule with a fine-tooth comb, and have listed all Doubleheader Attempts that could be attended in 2014.

I will keep a keen eye on this stuff all season, and add more doubleheaders as they come available.

If you ever have a question, just tweet us or send an email to mlbreports@gmail.com

Happy Ballpark Chasing in 2014

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MLB Runs Survivor 2014: 11 Different Run Totals For Each Team – Results Thus Far

The Dodgers have already played 3 games and put up 3 different run totals, tonight's 4th game, will give them the chance to move ahead of their Australian and Division opponent Arizona, with 4 different run totals to start the year.  Will they be the 1st team to score 11 different run total ranging from 0 - 10 (or 10+)?

The Dodgers have already played 3 games and put up 3 different run totals, tonight’s 4th game, will give them the chance to move ahead of their Australian and Division opponent Arizona, with 4 different run totals to start the year. Will they be the 1st team to score 11 different run total ranging from 0 – 10 (or 10+)?

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

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This should turn out to be quite fun.  A lot of gambling establishments have this sort of deal, and it will be fun to see the results.

What Runs Survivor is, a MLB team scoring 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, 10 or (10+) in different games throughout the course of the season.

Once a club has one of these run totals once, you cross it off and keep going until they complete the 11 different variations.

Breakdown of the 14 – 10 Win for the Phillies on Opening Day @ Rangers

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MLB Shutout Survivor: 4 Teams Blanked Yesterday – 26 Teams Still Alive

Neil Walker has hit for a Career 3 Slash Line of - .273/.339/.423 in 5 years, with an average of 16 HRs. 80 RBI and 35 - 2B's  per 162 Games.  This is above average for a Second Baseman.  He broke up a 0 - 0 score in extra innings during the home opener at PNC Park, with a solo Walk Off HR.

Neil Walker has hit for a Career 3 Slash Line of – .273/.339/.423 in 5 years, with an average of 16 HRs. 80 RBI and 35 – 2B’s per 162 Games. This is above average for a Second Baseman. He broke up a 0 – 0 score in extra innings during the home opener at PNC Park, with a solo Walk Off HR.

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

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In this post, (which we are also going to feature in a Subpage at the site called ‘Shutout Survivor’), we will document who wins this race for all 30 MLB Teams, meaning we will state the date a teams gets Shoutout for the 1st time of the year.

There were no Shutouts in the 1st games the Dodgers were involved in.

Among yesterdays scores, including 2, 1 – 0 Shutouts, with the Pirates winning their home opener (extra innings no less, on a walk off HR by Neil Walker,)

The Cardinals used a HR by Yadier Molina to beat their division rival Reds to ruin the opener at The Great American Ballpark.

Neil Walker Walk Off HR – Opening Day PNC Park

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Current Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series

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

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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

All 290 MLB Interleague Games Schedule In 2014 With Start Times

Photo Ctedit - Eddie Bultman

Photo Ctedit – Eddie Bultman

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

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The ballpark franks are cooking, the beer should be cold, and lets hope the weather cooperates in all of your game journeys at the parks.

We will be updating the Interleague results all year on a widget at our website.

Some of the MLB fans don’t like American League Vs National League Games in Regular Season, and we not only like it at our site, we embrace it and wish there was more of it.

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

Official Home Openers (With Local Times) At All 30 MLB Parks In 2014

The MLB Reports is going to be the #1 place to come for the 2014 Major League Baseball Schedule: Dates, Days, Home Openers, # Games Per Day: Break Downs into pages of a Year Long Calendar, Monthly Calendar, Weekly Calendar - all on one page for each, so you can know your favorite teams schedule, or plan to do a MLB Road Trip. I will also do a doubleheader Master Schedule for - two parks in one day for that extreme Ball Park Chaser (Coming in Feb).  Also, we will have a Sunday Night ESPN schedule page, an Interleague Schedule Page for all year, 6 different 30 Ballparks in 30 days trip schedulers, and a couple of schedules I feel could break the records for ballpark viewing.  Those last few pages all are coming in February.

The MLB Reports is going to be the #1 place to come for the 2014 Major League Baseball Schedule: Dates, Days, Home Openers, # Games Per Day: Break Downs into pages of a Year Long Calendar, Monthly Calendar, Weekly Calendar – all on one page for each, so you can know your favorite teams schedule, or plan to do a MLB Road Trip. I will also do a doubleheader Master Schedule for – two parks in one day for that extreme Ball Park Chaser (Coming in Feb). Also, we will have a Sunday Night ESPN schedule page, an Interleague Schedule Page for all year, 6 different 30 Ballparks in 30 days trip schedules, and a couple of schedules I feel could break the records for ballpark viewing. Those last few pages all are coming in February.

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

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The ballpark franks are cooking, the beer should be cold, and lets hope the weather cooperates.

30 MLB Park Rankings – According to a Fan

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Current Odds To Win Each MLB Division 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 again.  With a 20 - 1 odd for the club, the value is there for a longshot pick.

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 again. With a 20 – 1 odd for the club, the value is there for a longshot pick.  I mean the Dodgers could always run into injuries as well.

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

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The season is upon us this weekend for real.

The LA Dodgers have a chance to do some serious damage with the North America Opener versus the San Diego Padres, as part of a 3 game series.

If they win 2 out of 3 in that set, this will go a long way in burying the San Diego team early.

In the NL West, since LA is 2 – 0 already, the Rockies are now paying 20 – 1 odds to win the Division.

While I am not saying this will happen, the value is there.

Also I can’t believe how the injuries have not effected the odds on the Tigers. Read the rest of this entry

MLB 2014 Bold Predictions Including Awards Categories

Prince Fielder's 2013 - 3 Slash Line (.279/.362/.819) is far below his Career Mark of .286/.389/.916.  The man has not hit a HR in his last 74 AB.  Fielder at least had 5 HRs in 1st 70 AB for his playoff Career.  Maybe that will change in Texas, after he clubs his way to an AL MVP for the Rangers

Prince Fielder’s 2013 – 3 Slash Line (.279/.362/.819) is far below his Career Mark of .286/.389/.916. The man also has not hit a HR in his last 74 AB in the postseason. for the last 2 years of 2012 and 2013.  Fielder at least had 5 HRs in 1st 70 AB for his playoff Career. Maybe that will change in Texas, after he clubs his way to an AL MVP for the Rangers.  He is capable of putting up monster numbers in Texas, and should enjoy hitting at ‘The BallPark In Arlington” 81` times a year.

By Jordan Gluck (Prospects/Baseball Operations Correspondent)

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Since everyone else was making their predictions for the upcoming seasons, I am throwing down my picks too.  But first there are some categories to rifle through 1st.

AL MVP:
Prince Fielder

Read the rest of this entry

Atlanta Braves State Of The Union 2014: The Hitters

Freddie Freeman and Jason Heyward are the future of this team.  Having said that, Freeman has displayed a little bit more consistency in his play to start their Careers.  In 1908 AB so far (about 3 full years), Freeman has a 3 Slash Line of .285/.355/.466 with 68 HRs and 280 RBI.  2013 saw him make his 1st ALL - Star Game, and finish 5th in NL MVP Voting by going .319/.396/.501 - with 23 HRs and 109 RBI despite missing 15 games.

Freddie Freeman and Jason Heyward are the future of this team. Having said that, Freeman has displayed a little bit more consistency in his play to start their Careers. In 1908 AB so far (about 3 full years), Freeman has a 3 Slash Line of .285/.355/.466 with 68 HRs and 280 RBI. 2013 saw him make his 1st ALL – Star Game, and finish 5th in NL MVP Voting by going .319/.396/.501 – with 23 HRs and 109 RBI despite missing 15 games.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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The Braves won 95 Games in 2013, and the NL East was a runaway by 9 games over Washington.

This was done even though of paltry numbers posted by Dan Uggla and B.J. Upton, and a half year with Jason Heyward hitting underneath the Mendoza Line.

The game changer for the offense was a surprise performance by 3B Chris Johnson, who contended for the NL Batting Title for the better part of the whole year.

Evan Gattis and Brian McCann also hit near 20+ HRs each for just about a seasons worth of Plate Appearances out of the Catchers position.

Justin Upton charged out of the gates in April with 12 HRs, and then after going cold in the next 3 months. bounced back in August to take a run at it again.

The younger brother to B.J., had stretches were he carried the club. Read the rest of this entry

Detroit Tigers State Of The Union 2014 – Part 2: The Pitchers

Joe Nathan is still one of the best closers the game of baseball has ever seen. The 39 year old came off one of his best seasons, registering a WHIP of .90 and an ERA of 1.33 amidst his 43 Saves and 74 SO.  Nathan will also bring plenty of playoff experience to Detroit. Lets just hope if the Tigers make it back to the playoffs, that he can improve in his career postseason ERA of 9.00 in 9 IP.  Nathan was inked to a 2 YR Deal this winter, worth $20 MIL, with a Team Option of $10 MIL for 2016.  This doesn't end all of the teams Relief woes, but it gives them the best Closer that was on the Free Agent Market.

Joe Nathan is still one of the best closers the game of baseball has ever seen. The 39 year old came off one of his best seasons, registering a WHIP of .90 and an ERA of 1.33 amidst his 43 Saves and 74 SO. Nathan will also bring plenty of playoff experience to Detroit. Lets just hope if the Tigers make it back to the playoffs, that he can improve in his career postseason ERA of 9.00 in 9 IP. Nathan was inked to a 2 YR Deal this winter, worth $20 MIL, with a Team Option of $10 MIL for 2016. This doesn’t end all of the teams Relief woes, but it gives them the best Closer that was on the Free Agent Market.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Here we go again.  Bruce Rondon is out for the year with Tommy John Surgery, Joba Chamberlain is throwing at Minor Leaguer’s, and Anibal Sanchez is hurting.

No team had better Starting Pitching in the game of baseball than the Tigers in 2014, while I love their top 3 Starters again, I am worried about their depth in the rotation at the back end.

The Bullpen is a lot better at the Closer’s position with Joe Nathan.

Gone are Jose Veras, underrated Joaquin Benoit, Drew Smyly moves to the Rotation,  and the ‘human dumpster fire’ Jose Valverde is also long removed from the relief core.

Added to the bringing in Nathan, the team also signed Chamberlain for 1 year, and added Ian Krol through the Doug Fister trade.

Among several returnees are Luke Putkonen, Phil Coke, Al Alburquerque, Jose Ortega and Evan Reed. Read the rest of this entry

Week 1 + Of MLB Schedule: ( 9 Game Days) Mar.22 – Apr.06

MLB Scheduling 2014

Day + Date     Away and Home, Times Start In EST

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

There are 2 games in Sydney Australia for people to watch over in North America. 

Because the games are being played on Sat Night and Sunday afternoon there, you can actually watched 2 games in one day here.

If this weren’t weird enough, the Dodgers then fly across the world – to arrive in San Diego for the MLB opener on North America Soil on Sunday March.30/2014.

So if Los Angeles can go 2 – 1 – or 3 – 0 to begin the year, they may just hold onto the NL West for the rest of the campaign.

These 3 games are listed – and then it is the rest of the 26 weeks listed individually in perfect 7 game sequencing.  Read the rest of this entry

MLB Monthly Schedule – March and April Games 2014

MLB Scheduling 2014

Day + Date     Away and Home, Time Start In EST

MLB Scheduling 2014

Day + Date     Away and Home, Times Start In EST

MLB Season Opening Series

Saturday Mar. 22/2014 (2 games)

Opening Series In Sydney, Australia (Sydney Cricket Ground)

Dodgers @ D’backs 4:00 AM (local time 8 PM in Australia).

Dodgers @ D-backs 10:00 PM (local time 2 PM in Australia). Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win Each Division In Major League Baseball 2014 Change With TJ Surgeries

Medlen was only 2nd to Clayton Kershaw for ERA in the NL since mid 2012.  Unfortunately for the RHP, he is on his way for a 2nd Tommy John Surgery recovery.  Medlen injured himself earlier this week in Spring Training.  He was projected to be Atlanta's #1 Starting Pitcher,

Medlen was only 2nd to Clayton Kershaw for ERA in the NL since mid 2012. Unfortunately for the RHP, he is on his way for a 2nd Tommy John Surgery recovery. Medlen injured himself earlier this week in Spring Training. He was projected to be Atlanta’s #1 Starting Pitcher,

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

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The theme of the week is Tommy John Surgery . It has affected the Athletics, Braves and Diamondbacks on the odds board all over.

Brandon Beachy and Kris Medlen moved the line for the Braves from a +120 Mark to +140.  Arizona went from +650 to +700 on the heels of Patrick Corbin being lost.

The Athletics have 60% of their rosters on injury watch.  Jarrod Parker is gone for the 2014 year because of a torn UCL.  A.J. Griffin has a UCL strain – and Scott Kazmir has triceps soreness. 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): & TBWS Podcast Host James Acevedo

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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

Oakland Athletics State Of The Union: 2014 Preview

When does Beane ever sleep?   56 transactions over the last calendar year, and he may be prepping the phone with another rash of injuries to 60% of his Starting Staff.  Beane has at least addressed the teams depth for 15 years, and when you look at the salary for their Pitchers, you will be able to detect why.  They never overpay on long-term deals for Starters.

When does Beane ever sleep? 56 transactions over the last calendar year, and he may be prepping the phone with another rash of injuries to 60% of his Starting Staff. Beane has at least addressed the teams depth for next 2 – 3 years, and when you look at the salary for their Pitchers, you will be able to detect why. They never overpay on long-term deals for Starters.

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

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It has been a tough week in Oakland for the Starting Pitching.  Jarrod Parker will need Tommy John Surgery and is  out for the 2014 year.

A.J. Griffin received better news, but also will be sidelined for the near future with a UCL strain.

To complicate the opening roster even more, Scott Kazmir has Triceps soreness and is currently also on the shelf.

Billy Beane doesn’t seem that worried, as he has Tommy Milone and Jesse Chavez stretched out to work some starts if needed. Read the rest of this entry

MLB Odds To Win Both Of The AL And NL Pennants In 2014: Awesome Bet Idea For The TB Rays

Because of a statistical oddity in the website of the Rays, I present you an awesome chance to win some money if the Rays have a great year.  If they don't, chances are great you could still break even.  The Rays have won 90 games or more 5 out of the last 6 years. It is my contention, if they win 90 games this year, they win the Division.  From there, if. Who knows, the winner out of this tough Division might win 86 or 87 games.  Heck, that may even be a Wild card game with how parity is going.  I present you the Ray of Cash Opportunity.

Because of a statistical oddity in the website of the Rays, I present you an awesome chance to win some money if the Rays have a great year. If they don’t, chances are great you could still break even. The Rays have won 90 games or more 5 out of the last 6 years. It is my contention, if they win 90 games this year, they win the Division. From there, if. Who knows, the winner out of this tough Division might win 86 or 87 games. Heck, that may even be a Wild card game with how parity is going. I present you the Ray of Cash Opportunity.

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

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This is so crazy…it may just work..  Every once in a while, I see an anomaly in the odds of a website.  I will go through this in great detail here.

Lets just say the Rays are offering great odds on the board, yet the website has them as co-favorites in one odd (Regular season wins with Boston).  I take this fact and twist the fork in it, to present my idea.

Ray Of Cash Opportunity

Rays Odds on the board at http://www.bet365.com

Division Odds + 250 (to win the AL East)

ALCS Win +900

World Series + 1800

Regular Season Over/Under 88.0: Over -110, Under -120

Once again the Rays don’t receive any respect.  If someone were to bet the Tampa club on a Divisional win, ALCS win and a World Series win, they may cash in severely at the ticket wicket.

Bet Details Date/Time Stake Return
Under 88 @ -120
$120.00  Single
Reg Year Wins
03/14/2014 10:36:50 120.00 220.00
TB Rays @ +250
$63.00  Single
AL East
03/14/2014 10:36:50 63.00 220.50
TB Rays @ +900
$22.00  Single
ALCS
03/14/2014 10:36:50 22.00 220.00
TB Rays @ +1800
$12.00  Single
WS
03/14/2014 10:36:50 12.00 228.00
Total for this period 217.00 0.0

Read the rest of this entry

Odds For Regular Season Wins Over/Unders 2014 MLB Year

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

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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):

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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

The Braves Continue To Step Up To The Plate In The Ervin Santana Signing

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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It was a move that had to be done in my view.  Atlanta has 60% of its Starting Rotation currently in the sick bay, or has questionable thoughts to whether it could pitch near Opening Day.

In the end it is a Win/Win situation for all above.

The Braves acquire a top end of the rotation guy, and it serves as great insurance, and Santana is able to play for a full season trying to re-establish his worth on next winter’s open market.

Sure Atlanta sacrifices a 1st RD pick, but they are still receiving the compensation Pick from the Yankees for the Brian McCann signing.

Santana flies right out the American League, and will look to pad his stats versus the likes of the Mets and Marlins this year, and to avoid the AL Beast, the only teams that were coveting him that he mutually was talking with Read the rest of this entry

MLB’s 2014 Most Likely To Class…….

PED use or not, Stem Cell technology, and who knows what else has aided Colon's body over the last 3 seasons of success.  Yes he was 18 - 6, with a 2.65 ERA - finishing 6th in AL Voting, however the A's went and paid someone else, and usually they are not wrong on guys.  The 40 Year Old from Dominican Republic, is also a gigantic man that decimated his hamstring during a PFP out in 2011 with NYY.  You have to think his lucky streak is numbered sooner or later - and especially on the basepaths in the NL hitting a few times a game.

PED use or not, Stem Cell technology, and who knows what else has aided Colon’s body over the last 3 seasons of success. Yes he was 18 – 6, with a 2.65 ERA – finishing 6th in AL Voting, however the A’s went and paid someone else, and usually they are not wrong on guys. The 40 Year Old from Dominican Republic, is also a gigantic man who decimated his hamstring during a PFP out in 2011 with NYY. You have to think his lucky streak is numbered sooner or later – and especially on the basepaths in the NL hitting a few times a game.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Remember when you graduated, or just had a school yearbook, and one of the best features was a ‘Most Likely To‘ Section.

It could have been John is most likely to succeed at playing football, or Sally will make a fortune by selling her clothes fashions to Hollywood Diva’s.

Lets do this for the MLB 2014 as it sits.

The Most Likely To Hit The DL after running to 1st is Bartolo Colon. Read the rest of this entry

Current Odds Over/Under Wins For All 30 MLB Teams In 2014: Best Bets On The Board

The regular season over/unders have been updated yet again.  While most of them are right in the realm of where they should be - about 20% of the numbers scream out for me to bet some cabbage on.

The regular season over/unders have been updated yet again. While most of them are right in the realm of where they should be – about 20% of the numbers scream out for me to bet some cabbage on.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Yes these are my predictions for the current state of the MLB.

Right beside the wins and losses, is the over.under totals and odd.

Next to that will be whether that would make it Over/Under based on my selections.

If I think an odd is worthy of plunking down some pesos, I will highlight it. Read the rest of this entry

MLB 2014 Bold Division + Post Season Predictions, And Gambling Tips For Experts

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

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The 2014 season is quickly coming, and many people are putting together their yearly MLB Record predictions for both of the AL and NL.

One of the things people must remember to do, is to have their teams all equal 2430 wins. Since they are that many games in any given campaign (at least to start with before any cancellations are never played).

This is the 1st thing to look for.

Obviously every team should add to 162 games in the W – L columns of each squad.

Furthermore, you also have to account for the record in Interleague play between the AL in NL (this represents 290 games out of the 2430 game schedule.)

The AL and NL Records will also mirror reflect each other, as that determines a won – loss differential among the leagues. 

If you played all games without interleague all teams would perfect match up even – even on the W-L when you added up all teams in the American League.

Read the rest of this entry

Chris Duffy Contacts All MLB Teams: Will He Get A Second Chance?

Chris Duffy Looks for An MLB Opportunity

By Nicholas Delahanty (MLB Reports Writer)  

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An interesting story broke out last week, as Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle wrote an article on Chris Duffy, A current independent ballplayer who has been searching for a chance to sign with a Major League team this spring. 

During his senior season at the University of Central Florida, Duffy was nominated for the Golden Spikes Award, which is annually given to the country’s best amateur baseball player.

He was nominated among the likes of Bryce Harper (who won the award), Chris Sale, Drew Pomeranz, and Yasmani Grandal

Unlike the other four nominees, Duffy was not a first-round draft pick and was unable to make it to the major leagues just yet. He fell to the 26th round, where the Philadelphia Phillies finally swooped him up.
Read the rest of this entry

The Dodgers On Field Management Should Be Showing As Much Urgency As The D’Backs For The 2014 MLB Opening Series!

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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I started talking about something in my Power Rankings yesterday and it festered with me all day until I decided to expand on the subject a little more today.

As I was listening to XM Radio explain that Kirk Gibson was going to start Patrick Corbin and Trevor Cahill in the 1st 2 games of the MLB Season in Australia, the Dodgers have been quiet to name a starter.

I wrote a few months back, that I would like to have seen them throw Clayton Kershaw for that opener, pitch versus the San Diego Padres a week later, and to conclude with the Dodger Stadium Opener.

We all know now that Zack Greinke won’t even be making the trip due to health concerns. 

I understand that one fully, but don’t sit there and tell me that the 2 time NL Cy Young Winner is now going to throw in either of the 1st 2 games. Read the rest of this entry

30 MLB Team Power Rankings MAR 2014

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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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,

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):

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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, 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 the team that has appeared in 3 straight League Championships, and has the best Pitching Staff in the American League.

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):

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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

Which Manager’s Seat Is The Hottest In The MLB – 2014?

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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There are many expectations in 2014 for a lot of the MLB clubs. 

Realistically, only the Houston Astros and the Minnesota Twins could be ousted from playoff contention before we even play in the American League.

The National League has several more teams with improbable chances to post a postseason berth in 2014.

The Mets, Marlins, Twins, Cubs and Padres are the longest shots on the board to nail down play in October as well.

Out of those teams, Chicago just hired Rich Renteria, and the other 5 teams would likely let the year play itself out before thinking of a skipper’s switch.

With those teams listed, I highly doubt the current bench bosses will remain in position by the time the clubs become good. Read the rest of this entry

How Winning Teams Are Built: How It Applies To The Nationals In 2014

The Nationals failed to meet expectations as the Preseason favorites to lock down the World Series in 2013.  Heck, they didn't even qualify for the playoffs.  Whether it was injury, or complacency, the talent of this team didn't maximize their potential this year.  However, the club did go 24 - 12 in their last 36 Games Played, and made a late charge at the 2nd Wild Card Spot.  Most of the nucleus is coming back for the 2014 year.  Their Starting Pitching Staff could have 3 potential Cy Young Winners, and Rafael Soriano is among the top Closers in the game of baseball.

The Nationals failed to meet expectations as the Preseason favorites to lock down the World Series in 2013. Heck, they didn’t even qualify for the playoffs. Whether it was injury, or complacency, the talent of this team didn’t maximize their potential this year. However, the club did go 24 – 12 in their last 36 Games Played, and made a late charge at the 2nd Wild Card Spot. Most of the nucleus is coming back for the 2014 year. Their Starting Pitching Staff could have 3 potential Cy Young Winners, and Rafael Soriano is among the top Closers in the game of baseball.

By David Huzzard (Nationals Correspondent via Citizens of Natstown.com – view website here): 

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Last week I wrote about the dangers of the WARpire (VoRPire) and why it is important to have a bottom of the roster that won’t cost a team any games, or to word it a different way won’t cancel out the contributions of the top of the roster.

Having a 5.0 fWAR player means nothing if there are enough negative players to cancel that out. The middle and bottom of the roster are the foundation upon which the stars stand.

A team needs that bottom of the roster in order to win because without them the stars cannot flourish. ‘

Think about the Red Sox and the changes they made going into 2013.

Mike Napoli, Shane Victorino, and Jonny Gomes aren’t stars, but they aren’t negative assets either and their presence on the roster allows David Ortiz and Dustin Pedroia contributions to matter. Read the rest of this entry