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How Many Years Will It Take Of The AL Clubbing The NL In Interleague (On A 12 Year Win Streak) Before Things Change?

AL vs NL

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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With a modest 4 – 3 lead in the season series heading into yesterday’s action. the National League was in foreign territory by leading the Interleague yearly contest.  You see that have not won a yearly series vs the AL since 2003.  Houston tied the current campaign series at 4 with a 6 – 4 win Satuday.

The Junior Circuit has won the last 12 years of play, and own a decisive .552 win percentage since 2004 (when the 1st 8 years were split 4 – 4 in the seasons, with the NL holding a 30 games wins lead) in that time frame.

I am a bigger fan of the American League game over the National League, yet I am torn because if these splits continue for more seasons, we will never have more Interleague ever. We may stay the same – or god forbid, eliminate Interleague altogether if expansion leads to 32 clubs (16 in each league) and negating an odd amount of teams per league, not necessarily needing to play it anymore.

Right now there are 20 games for each club against the other League. It boils down to just one division playing another division, and then in most cases, a natural geographical rivalry.

Determining how many games there ought to really be, I turn to the “Team Fatigue card” a lot of my fellow westerners have expressed in so much out this way over the years.

I am close enough to see both NL and AL parks play, but there are several cities that are without a league park of the other for hundreds of miles (like Seattle, Arizona, Colorado, Minneapolis), then KC and St. Louis to a lesser extent, but far away enough to classify a full road trip should you partake in a journey to see.

You can add Texas and Houston, with Tampa and Miami in that mix as well. Read the rest of this entry

Mets + Twins Get Eliminated In MLB Shutout Survivor 2016: MLB Runs Scoring Survivor Update

Bartolo Colon’s Magical Catch

Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead  Analyst) 

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The Mets were blanked yesterday by the hapless Phillies for their 1st win of the year.  Both New York clubs are now out of this competition.  One has to think this clubs pitching staff will take many other teams out of this category.

It is a shame too because the legend of Bartolo Colon reaches new heights with his Willie Mays ‘style’ catch on a popout.

Speaking of winless, the Minnesota Twins extended their losing streak to 5 games to begin the year in their loss to the Royals 7 – 0 yesterday.

The only Division not to feature a club with 0 runs in a game for 2016 is now the NL Central.

For the MLB Runs Scoring Survivor, the whole NL West has now had their teams score 10+ runs in a contest.

Incredibly after 3 straight games of being bageled, the Padres have put forth 29 runs in the last 2 games.  It is a good thing they went to Coors Field to kickstart their campaign.  They were also able to end Trevor Story‘s HR streak at 4. (In which he hit 6 jacks).

The Cubs also extended their variations streak to 5 games without having the same run total, and are the favorite to win this competition considering they have a 6, 9, and 10 (or 10+) game already. Read the rest of this entry

NY Yankees Player Milestones In 2016: A-Rod, Teixeira, Beltran + CC

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Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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There is no doubt about it that the Yankees are old.  However, they have some guys who are chasing down some historical numbers this season in Alex Rodriguez, CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira and Carlos Beltran.

A-Rod is chasing down Babe Ruth next on the ALL – Time HR list with just trailing him 714 – 686.  If he can crack 28 jacks, he will tie the “Sultan of Swat” and with 29 he will surpass him.

If #13 manages just 23 HRs, he would become the ALL – Time American League HR champ, as Babe Ruth hit 708 of his 714 big fly’s in the Junior Circuit, before tallying 6 more with the Boston Braves.

Rodriguez is also chasing down many other categories like Hits, Runs, RBI, GP, XBH and Strikeouts.  Of course he already holds the record for Career Grandslams with 24.

If he can somehow reach the 30 HR barrier, it will be his 16th year of that many, and break a tie with Aaron for that honor.

A-Rod is just 60 Runs Scored behind Willie Mays. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast Archives May.1, 2013 – May.31, 2013 (Episodes 190 – 220)

sunkenDFiamond

Paul Francis Sullivan (please call him Sully) does a podcast 365 days a year – unless it is a leap year – then he will do another 1. He has done a show everyday since Oct.24/2012. This to date represents a streak of 1219 days consecutively!

Past the CLICK TO READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY are episodes 190 – 220 of the Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

We will also archive all of his podcasts to date (in coming weeks) so they are easily accessible for all his fans. Check out all his Archived info here.

Our website followers have grown larger each year for his podcast.

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To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.
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Greinke Signs With Arizona: 12th Best Deal ALL – Time Of 50 MLB Richest Contracts.

Zack Greinke opted of his deal after this season, even though he will stay have nearly $26 MIL per year left on his deal running through 2018. There is no doubt in my mind that LA will probably walk away from Greinke. I base that on the comments from GM Andrew Friedman - who isn't looking to spend a lot of money, and also shed payroll. If the brass is able to pull of some swift financing, they should be able to absorb a ne deal with the RHP, and not have the salary for the club be blown out of proportion.

Zack Greinke opted of his deal (6 YRs/$147.6 MIL) after this last season with the Dodgers, even though he will still nearly $26 MIL per year left on his deal running through 2018. The 32 Year Old has been dynamite since moving to Los Angeles, featuring a 60 – 17 (.779) record with a mid 2 ERA since he was dealt to the Angels in mid 2012 from the Brewers.  He just inked the most lucrative deal ever signed for the MLB in AAV at $34.42 MIL per year.

Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead  Analyst) 

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A collective haymaker punch has just been thrown at the rest of the National League West.  The Diamondbacks have inked Zack Greinke to a 6 YRs/$206.5 MIL pact as of last night.

This is the 3rd richest Pitcher contract ever signed behind David Price‘s 7 YRs/$217 MIL deal – and Clayton Kerhsaw’s extension of 7 YRs/$210 MIL.

It is also the highest Average Annual contract  ahead at $34.42 MIL per season, edging out both Price and Miguel Cabrera at a clip of $31 MIL each a campaign for their respective deals.

Greinke, 32, who finished 2nd in NL Cy Young Voting with an incredible 1.66 ERA in 222.1 IP worth of work in 2015 had opted out of his 6 YRs/$147.5 MIL deal with the Dodgers after just 3 years.

The Right Handed Pitcher left 3 years and $77.5 MIL on the table – and this was the right move as he was slated to earn just under $26 MIL a season for that contract.

This is the 12th richest deal of ALL – Time in the Major Leagues – and is also the 12th player to crack the $200 MIL+ barrier.

Read the rest of this entry

Price With Richest Pitcher Contract In MLB History (8th Best In History): Top 50 ALL – Time Deals

David Price has just inked the most expensive pitcher contract in the history of the MLB. With his and Jordan Zimmermann both hitting the top 50 contracts of ALL - Time in the last week, it has pushed Homer Bailey out of the top 50 deals of all time for chuckers. Right now, there is no one that has had the Tommy John Surgery while having a contract as a pitcher in the top 50. Expect that to change. Which poses the question - are pitchers really worth 9 figure deals?

David Price has just inked the most expensive pitcher contract in the history of the MLB. With his and Jordan Zimmermann both hitting the top 50 contracts of ALL – Time in the last week, it has pushed Homer Bailey out of the top 50 deals of all time for chuckers. Right now, there is no one that has had the Tommy John Surgery while having a contract as a pitcher in the top 50. Expect that to change. Which poses the question – are pitchers really worth 9 figure deals?

Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead  Analyst) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

David Price just inked the richest deal in MLB history with the Boston Red Sox at 7 YRs/$217 MIL.  It is also the 8th richest contract ever doled out.

The question is whether or not it is a worthy investment to put that much dough on the table for a guy that will progressively decline as the deal goes on.

If you follow our Tommy John Surgery Tracker, you will find that 30 or so pitchers are having their names added to the list.  Last season, the first 9 figured player – and top 50 salaried player had their arm go under a TJ Surgery in Home Bailey.

The time is coming again when an even higher profile pitcher will have to go down with it while his name is on a pact for a huge 9 figure salary.

it is the main reason why some clubs just can’t afford the risk.  Boston has the funds to do this, and this clearly was the prudent move for the franchise to do after losing out on Jon Lester last season.

Most of the Starting Pitchers have not seen better years with their names on this list like Justin VerlanderFelix HernandezMatt CainBarry ZitoCole HamelsCC Sabathia and Mike Hampton. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 15, 2015

David Kohl - USA Today Sports

David Kohl – USA Today Sports

Thinking about Pluto, rain during the All Star Game and the new In Memoriam Video

It is Episode 995 of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Mike Trout, David Price, Andrew McCutchen and Jacob deGrom added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?

Watch the new In Memoriam Video HERE

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – May 9, 2015

Getty Images

Getty Images

Remembering the moments where both teams had a chance to clinch at the same time. Plus my brother witnesses another grand slam

It is a paying respect Episode 928 of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Jered Weaver, Cole Hamels, Ian Kinsler, Bryce Harper, Alex Gordon, Jimmy Nelson, Ryan Braun and Roberto Hernandez all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?

The link to my article about clinching can be found here.

 

Read the rest of this entry

MLB Shutout Survivor 2015: Then There Were 3: Yanks, Blue Jays and Tigers Last Clubs To Be Bageled.

Miggy Cabrera is cracking the ball around like he did in 20112 and 2013, and far more than the 2015 season he had last year.  With Victor Martinez showing signs of breaking out of his slump, along with the Cespedes and Cabrera factor, the Tigers might just have enough to fend off being Shutout the longest of this years contest.

Miggy Cabrera is cracking the ball around like he did in 20112 and 2013, and far more than the 2015 season he had last year. With Victor Martinez showing signs of breaking out of his slump, along with the Cespedes and Cabrera factor, the Tigers might just have enough to fend off being Shutout the longest of this years contest.

MLB Shutout Survivor 2015:  Which Team Do You Have Last To Be Blanked This Year?

Last Year the winners of the contest were the Angels, who lasted pretty much to Memorial Day Weekend without registering a 0.  It was a battle between them and Colorado late in the year, with Los Angeles finally prevailing.

Boston took the zero on Friday night, and were eliminated by the Jays, who are still among the 3 squads yet to register no runs in a contest.

The New York Yankees are leading the AL East, and a big reason why they are doing this is also the top of the lineup. Jacoby Ellsbury and Brett Gardner are always on the basepaths, creating havoc for power hitters like Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira and Brian McCann to reel them in.

While we were all laughing at Carlos Beltran for his start of the year, he has hit better recently, and has mustered 9 doubles of the year, and is hitting a lot of warning track outs.  He is scraping by near the Mendoza Line, but is faring much better in May.

To me there is no surprise the Detroit Tigers are among the final clubs alive, nor is it a stretch to see the only Canadian franchise vying for the crown as well. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – May 8, 2015

Getty Images

Getty Images

Why isn’t Joey Votto the best lead off hitter in baseball?

Oh yeah. Because the Reds won’t lead him off.

Plus I show love to both Bill Simmons AND Alex Rodriguez (again.)

It is a paying respect Episode 927 of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Yasmani Grandal, John Lackey, Eric Hosmer, Kyle Lobstein, Ike Davis, Todd Frazier and Hector Santiago all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?

 

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – May 2, 2015

Corey Sipkin - New York Daily News

Corey Sipkin – New York Daily News

 

CONGRATS TO ALEX RODRIGUEZ!!!

HOME RUN 660! TYING WILLIE MAYS!

If the Yankees won’t do that for someone who has done everything right in 2015, I will!

It is episode 921 of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Marcell Ozuna, Jon Lester, Michael Brantley, Kyle Gibson, Joey Votto, Max Scherzer, Logan Morrison and Colby Lewis all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?

 

Read the rest of this entry

Max Scherzer’s $185 MIL Deal (Inflation Pro-Rated) Puts Him 11th In MLB History For Top Contracts

Scherzer's 7 Year/$210 MIL deal is actually worth $185 against the cap, and we are giving him the same for the ALL-Time Contracts. This sum puts him just behind Derek Jeter for 11th in MLB History. Jon Lester and he are the only 2 men to enter the top 50 this year after 7 players made the cut last off year. Cabrera, Cano, Kershaw, Tanaka, Ellsbury,Trout and Choo all have made the chart since the end of the 2013 World Series.  The deal called for a $50 MIL signing bonus. The 2013 former AL Cy Young winner, will make $15 MIL in deferred salary for the next 14 seasons.  The 30 Year Old, will join the NL's best club of 2014, as far as wins are concerned, bringing in a 96 - 66 record.  The RHP has led the AL in wins the last 2 years (21 Wins and 18 Wins respectively), and has compiled a 55 - 15 (.786 Winning Percentage) since the start of the 2012 campaign.

Scherzer’s 7 Year/$210 MIL deal is actually worth $185 against the cap, and we are giving him the same for the ALL-Time Contracts. This sum puts him just behind Derek Jeter for 11th in MLB History. Jon Lester and he are the only 2 men to enter the top 50 this year after 7 players made the cut last off year. Cabrera, Cano, Kershaw, Tanaka, Ellsbury, Trout and Choo all have made the chart since the end of the 2013 World Series. The deal called for a $50 MIL signing bonus. The 2013 former AL Cy Young winner, will make $15 MIL in deferred salary for the next 14 seasons. The 30 Year Old, will join the NL’s best club of 2014, as far as wins are concerned, bringing in a 96 – 66 record. The RHP has led the AL in wins the last 2 years (21 Wins and 18 Wins respectively), and has compiled a 55 – 15 (.786 Winning Percentage) since the start of the 2012 campaign.

The highest contracts in MLB history (Red means Active Contract)

 1. Giancarlo Stanton, $325, 000, 000 (2015 – 2027)

*2. Alex Rodriguez, $275,000,000 (2008-17)

*** With A-Rod’s suspension in 2014, he forfeited $22.13 MIL bucks, so it will now end up 10 YRs/$252.87 MIL for the duration of his deal.  You can’t tell me he will be worth 40% of what the Yankees will be paying him next year, and all the way till the end of 2017.

3. Alex Rodriguez, $252,000,000 (2001-10)

*4. Miguel Cabrera $248,000, 000 (2016 – 2023)

Go see #25.  He has the 4th and 25th top contracts of ALL – Time.  This contract doesn’t start until 2016.

*5Albert Pujols, $250,000,000 (2012-21)

*6. Robinson Cano$240,000,000 (2014 – 2023) Read the rest of this entry

Giancarlo Stanton Signs Record 13 YRs/$325 MIL Deal, Will He Be Worth It? + Top 50 Salary Deals ALL – Time

 

Giancarlo Stanton, who will turn just 25 in a few days, ended the year with the HR crown at 37 and added 105 RBI - to win the Hank Aaron Award. With the big slugger due for huge Arbitration awards in the next few years, the club starting

Giancarlo Stanton, who will turn just 25 in a few days, ended the year with the HR crown at 37 and added 105 RBI in just 539 AB before having his season ended with a Hit By Pitch. With the big slugger due for huge Arbitration awards in the next few years, the club started bargaining withe their young superstar towards a long-term contract once the year was over.  They came up with a record breaking 13 Year Deal worth $325 MIL at the end of it.  Stanton also holds his own ticket for the future as well, with a full no no-trade clause, and an opt year after the 2020 campaign.

Chuck Booth (Lead Analyst/Website Owner): 

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With the ink not even being finalized on the historic deal between the Marlins and Giancarlo Stanton, it has been confirmed the deal is for 13 years at a clip of $325 MIL.

Among the provisions includes a no-trade clause, and an opt-out after the 2020 season, which would be 6 years into the deal.

It will be interesting to see how the dollars are broken up per year.  If I were Stanton, I would have wanted for the Annual Average money be even throughout the pact, otherwise I may be leery of the club trying to let him walk out after the 6 years – by not having a competitive club.

Although, if it is back end loaded the team would certainly have the flexibility to spend more cash on their current roster for the next 6 campaigns,  Tough dilemma for sure to be in.

No matter how long the 2014 NL MVP runnerup stays in South Beach, this is a smart business transaction for the franchise, regardless of the outcome.  It just may backfire from a baseball operational sense in terms of finances for signing other players too.

The Miami Marlins had to do this contract to save face from the 2012 break up of the squad.  Now while the big blockbuster trade has given the team the ability to contend for a playoff spot in the near future – and was a smart organizational move, as the fans also have been sold a bill of goods from the Marlins ownership since day 1 of the teams existence.

This is a marketing plan as much as anything that will be brought forth by the baseball impact.  Stanton is the marquee player on the team, and trading him away in the next 2 years would have had a devastating effect on the fanbase.

One isn’t sure whether they can sustain enough revenues to produce a winning product on the field for an extended period of time, however having the most dynamic power hitter in your lineup for the next 13 years will be a nice reason to come to the yard. Read the rest of this entry

Baseball News Of The Week, Baseball News Of The Weak, Baseball News That Wreaks

Joe Maddon signing with the Cubs to skipper the club for the next 5 years is the biggest story of the hotstove so far.  He is also the clubhouse leader of adult beverages bought, although we will still give the consumed adult beverage lead to Madison Bumgarner

Joe Maddon signing with the Cubs to skipper the club for the next 5 years/at $5 MIL per annum is the biggest story of the hotstove season so far. He is also the clubhouse leader of adult beverages bought, although we will still give the consumed adult beverage lead to Madison Bumgarner.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Welcome to the new offseason segment.  I will try to do this once again.  It has been a slower winter than the previous two years, however it is starting to pick up.

Anybody miss the live action yet?  Yes there is still the Japan exhibition series and the Arizona Fall League,  but for the people like myself, I live and die for the major league action.

I would much rather watch Major League Baseball any day of the week.  It is not that I begrudge anyone for attending Minor League attendance, heck in some campaigns, the Minor Leagues have outdrawn the MLB.

This will be sort of like the good, the bad and the ugly from (insert show here). Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 24, 2014

AP

AP

There is a possibility that Derek Jeter‘s final game at Yankee Stadium could get rained out. That is hilarious.

Next year, how about a 30 ballpark tour celebrating Hank Aaron and Willie Mays while they are still with us?

That and Wild Card scenarios on this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Justin Turner, Zack Greinke, Nick Markakis, David Price, Matt Holliday, Cole Hamels, Brian McCann and Sonny Gray all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?

Read the rest of this entry

For The Most Part – The Top Salaried Players (#1 – #25 In The MLB Are Certainly Not Playing Like It!

Prince Fielder

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Some of the highest paid athletes are really struggling to earn their keep.  Even if A – Rod were playing, it is quite possible he would be a shell of his former self, and way overpaid.

You add in the horrific injury riddled years for Joey Votto and Prince Fielder, and you are talking about a lot of dough for players not even in uniform presently.

Then there is a productive hitter like Troy Tulowitzki, who can’t remain on the field, despite putting up world caliber numbers when he is in the lineup.

Joe Mauer and Matt Kemp have also dealt with injuries and timing issues at the plate, but they still could turn it around for the tail end of the season – and going forward.

Justin Verlander tops the list of the paying the man too late in the game, and this will not bode well for the Free Agent Max Scherzer.

You also have aging veterans that are helping their teams win games like Albert Pujols and Adrian Gonzalez, but they are also not where they were at the time all of that cash was thrown their way.

Miguel Cabrera and Mike Trout‘s deal don’t even start yet on this list, and somehow I think they will do alright.

Robinson Cano has looked decent in the 1st of a 10 year deal, but lets reassess this in 2018…

The Yankees have a huge problem on their hands with their representatives out of these players.

Mark Teixeira only has power left, and can hardly stay on the field, while CC Sabathia may be done as a top of the end starter.

Masahiro Tanaka was lights out in his time in New York this year, however he could be facing Tommy John Surgery soon, and may cost the franchise a lot of money to sit out.

Not even the Jacoby Ellsbury deal has reason for them to feel comfort.  His numbers are similar to the ones he put up in Boston, yet he will see his speed evaporate over the years going forward.

This is part 1 of a 2 part blog series on player contracts. Tomorrow we address players 26 – 50. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – May 6, 2014

Sesame_Street_Ernie_Rubber_Duckie_1970-500x322

I’m sick.

My being sick didn’t prevent me from recording a podcast today. I did so from the tub.

I talked Rivera, Cano, pinch running and Willie Mays.

That and more on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Carlos Gomez, Stefen Romero, Nathan Eovaldi, Jered Weaver, Jeff Samardzija, Jarred Cosart, Eric Hosmer andAndrew McCutchen all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball.

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 16, 2014

BASEBALL SWING

It is a musical episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast..

Michael Bernard, host of “Live from the Piano Kitchen’s Podcast” is my guest today. He is the writer of the musical/multimedia live show “Baseball Swing with the All Star Baseball Jazz Band.”

We talked about the creation of the show, baseball music and his love for the song “Van Lingle Mungo.”

Josh Donaldson, Joey Votto, Robbie Ross, Tom Koehler, Juan Uribe and Mike Trout all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball.

Subscribe to “Live from the Piano Kitchen’s Podcast” by clicking HERE.

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What Miguel Cabrera’s New Contract Means To The Tigers And Him

Miguel Cabrera‘s new 8 YR/$248 MIL contract extension comes days after the club couldn’t come to terms with reigning AL Cy Young winner Max Scherzer.

The numbers are mind boggling.

He breaks the ALL – Time record for Average Annual Contract per year is at $31 MIL AAV (from 2016 – 2023), and also he is owed the most dollars at any given time by a contract at $292 MIL for the years of 2014 – 2023.

This man is the best pure offensive player in the game, and has only become better with age, but a lot of people are worried about the back end of this deal.

I fully understand that. 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

Top 10 Active MLB Extra Base Hits Leaders

Cabrera has had back to back AL MVP seasons in 2012 and 2013.  He has also won 3 straight AL Batting Titles. Cabrera is the best player offensively in the universe.  He has put up 10 straight 100+ RBI campaigns, but he has racked in 276 RBI, and also 88 HRs.  The 11 Year Veterans totals would have even been higher in 2013, but he fought a torn groin for the last half of the year.  In his 10.5 seasons, he has smacked 791 XBH, if he can muscle out 674 XBH for the next decade, he could surpass Hank Aaron for 1st on the ALL - Time Extra Base Hits List.

Cabrera has had back to back AL MVP seasons in 2012 and 2013. He has also won 3 straight AL Batting Titles. Cabrera is the best player offensively in the universe. He has put up 10 straight 100+ RBI campaigns, but he has racked in 276 RBI, and also 88 HRs. The 11 Year Veterans totals would have even been higher in 2013, but he fought a torn groin for the last half of the year. In his 10.5 seasons, he has smacked 791 XBH, if he can muscle out 674 XBH for the next decade, he could surpass Hank Aaron for 1st on the ALL – Time Extra Base Hits List.  As he stands right now, he is already on the periphery of the Active top 10 list for the category right now at 12th (791 XBH).

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Now that I have taken a break from the MLB Active players list, I am going to do what I was supposed to do yesterday.

Just remember that this is the list we are going to do at the MLB Reports.

If a player has been removed from the MLB for at least 1 year, and it is not injury related, or the guy is not plugging away in the Minors for a comeback.

Having said this, I am still going to leave Bobby Abreu off of this active list.

I am also throwing out Todd Helton, because he has put forth his retirement papers.

Adrian Beltre Highlights 2013 Season

Read the rest of this entry

Passing The Torch From Greatest MLB Player To Player During The Years 1979 – 2013: From Brett To Cabrera

Cabrera has had back to back AL MVP seasons in 2012 and 2013.  He has also won 3 straight AL Batting Titles.  Cabrera is the best player offensively in the universe.  He has put up 10 straight 100+ RBI campaigns, but he has racked in 276 RBI, and also 88 HRs.  The 11 Year Veterans totals would have even been higher in 2013, but he fought a torn groin for the last half of the year.

Cabrera has had back to back AL MVP seasons in 2012 and 2013. He has also won 3 straight AL Batting Titles. Cabrera is the best player offensively in the universe. He has put up 10 straight 100+ RBI campaigns, but he has racked in 276 RBI, and also 88 HRs – while featuring an OPS well north of 1.000. The 11 Year Veterans totals would have even been higher in 2013, but he fought a torn groin for the last half of the year.  The 8 time ALL – Star and 5 time Silver Slugger Award Winner has improved even greater on his totals over the last decade.  Cabrera has a Career 3 Slash Line of .321/.399/.967 – with 365 HRs and 1260 RBI in just 1660 Games Played.

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

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While watching Miguel Cabrera this year, I started thinking about the best players in the MLB over the last 33 years.  I am talking the best player of the game at any point of time. 

I tracked back to 1979 for this article.  I may expand further back in follow-up articles.  I didn’t rank defense as  highly as offense when I came up with the players. 

I agonized over players like Mike SchmidtJim Rice, Wade Boggs and Cal Ripken for some of the years given in specific time frames.  These gentlemen were given every consideration. 

In the end, we are talking about the best player in the game though and it is always subject to debate and personal opinion. 

The criteria had to involve leading the league in several different offensive and/or defensive categories, followed by routinely being in the top 7 in MVP balloting (if not taking home the honor), All-Star Appearances for every year I listed them for and most of them won silver sluggers and/or Gold Gloves as well.

Cabrera’s 3 HR Game – 2013

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The Mets Signing Colon To 2 YRs/$20 MIL – Is Just Par For The Course Of Insane!

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.

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 to fill his spot (Scott Kazmir), 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 routine PFP  in 2011 with the Yankees. You have to think his lucky streak is numbered sooner or later.  Whether it is another failed drug test, or he blows out a ligament running anything down, or just has father time come down on him, signing this man to a 2 YR deal, for a team not probably contending in 2014, is downright absurd.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twiter

‘Stoking The Fire’ – Week 9

The Mets are like a gambling addict that has been clean for a few years, before suffering a serious relapse.

This club is just coming off a season where they doled out $18 MIL for Jason Bay (who they released – and still owe $3 MIL in 2014) and Johan Santana ($25.5 MIL and a $5 MIL Buyout for 2014).

These are guys that never played for you during the 2013 season.  Oh yeah…They still contribute annually to the Bobby Bonilla ‘liquor fund’ – thanks to a long restructured contract from many moons ago.

So now that they have altered their club to don a new era of “Strike out Champs”, they have gone overboard in throwing down a 2 YR/$20 MIL contract for a 300 LB PED user like Bartolo Colon.

“It Was A Little More Than Stem Cell Technology”

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An American Hobby: Baseball Memorabilia – 1978 Topps Eddie Murray Card

Eddie Murray is second among active switch hitters ALL - Time in HRs to Mickey Mantle with 504 HRs.  This former Rookie of The Year Award Winner in 1977, 7 time ALL - Star, 3 time Silver Slugger and Glove Award Winner, also featured 6 top AL MVP finishes.  In a time where 3B weren't known for hitting that much, he was a masher.  Murra

Eddie Murray is second among  switch hitters ALL – Time in HRs to Mickey Mantle with 504 HRs. This former Rookie of The Year Award Winner in 1977, 7 time ALL – Star, 3 time Silver Slugger and Glove Award Winner, also featured 6 top AL MVP finishes. In a time where 3B weren’t known for hitting that much, he was a masher. Murray still is in the top 10 with his 1917 RBI (1st as a switch hitter).  He also is the Career Leader in SF with 128.

By Lee Edelstein (‘Baseball Memorabilia Enthusiast’ – visit his website here)

MLB Reports: twitter-follow screen_name=’MLBreports’ show_screen_name=’yes’]  We are pleased to present you with Baseball Author Lee Edelstein as the newest writer with us at the Reports.  Lee will be providing us with great stories about baseball memorabilia on a regular basis.

MLB Reports

An American Hobby

Blog 13

Eddie Murray

Today’s article features a member of the 3,000 Hit AND 500 Home Run clubs.  He is one of only four players in MLB history to accomplish this dual feat (Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Rafael Palmeiro).

His nickname was ‘Steady Eddie’ and it was the perfect moniker for Eddie Murray, who would go on to play more games at first base than anyone in baseball history.

As a rookie, Murray played in 160 games, hit .283, swatted 27 homers, and drove in 88 runs.  His debut performance earned him the Rookie of the Year Award for 1977.

No sophomore jinx for Murray who, over the next ten years, would average 28 home runs and 99 RBI per year.

Eddie Murray – Baseball Hall Of Fame Biographies

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BBA Awards 2013

As a member of the BBA, MLB Reports chooses the following for each award:

 

Please enter your choice for the Connie Mack Award: *

The Connie Mack Award is given to the top manager each year.

 
AL:  John Farrell, BOS – NL:  Clint Hurdle, PIT
 

Please enter your choice for the Willie Mays Award: *

The Willie Mays Award is given to the top rookie each year

 
AL:  Wil Myers, TB – NL:  Yasiel Puig, LAD

Please enter your choice for the Goose Gossage Award: *

The Goose Gossage Award is given to the top reliever each year.

AL:  Koji Uehara, BOS NL:  Craig Kimbrel, ATL

Please enter your choice for the Walter Johnson Award: *

The Walter Johnson Award is given to the top pitcher each year.

AL: Max Scherzer, DET – NL:  Clayton Kershaw, LAD

Please enter your choice for the Stan Musial Award: *

The Stan Musial Award is given to the top player each year.

AL:  Mike Trout  NL: Paul Goldschmidt

Its 4th And 40 A – ROD: Time For A ‘Bronx Tale’ Ultimatum!

People so egotistical as Rodriguez can't be humble enough to realize that playing MLB Baseball is a privilege not a right.  He has sullied the game, alienating teammates, and now has sent his lawyers on a stupid campaign versus the MLB and the Yankees.  It is time to make an example out of him

People so egotistical as Rodriguez can’t be humble enough to realize that playing MLB Baseball is a privilege not a right! He has sullied the game, alienated and ratted on teammates, and now has sent his lawyers on a stupid campaign versus the MLB and the Yankees. It is time to make an example out of him.

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

I have finally had it…. I never like talking about PED use or anything in the near vicinity of the topic., however A – Rod’s antics over the last 2 weeks have driven me over the edge.

I am going to say this fast and smooth, so there are no delusions or equivocations about my stance on the subject.

Its 4th and 40 A – Rod!! I beg the Yankees to facilitate a plan to punt you.

The ill-advised maneuvers that Alex Rodriguez has been running with from his legal consortium has me questioning the man’s intellect.

I firmly believe that A – Rod has switched off of his drugs – and now resorts to inhaling a ‘platter of dumb’ every night for his dinner.

So here is how I would the Yankees so deal with #13.

1.  Let him play out right now – until you are eliminated from playoff contention.  This stops any leverage A – Rod and his contingency has towards making the Yankees and the MLB be out to be a bad guy.

I also believe that while it is blasphemy that the ‘cheater’ is able to play right now based on the CBA, and JDA, this was collectively bargained in by the players in the last labor negotiations.

The players have already been heard to amend stiffer penalties from guys who abuse the drug policy in the future.

Once the team is not going to play in the Post Season, sit Rodriguez on the bench.

The Yankees May Have to pay A – Rod, but they don’t have to play him.  Alex may not get a chance to redeem himself.

(The Natural Movie – 1984) “We May Pay You Hobbs (Or Alex Rodriguez)” – But you will never see the field 25:00 Mark – 33:33 Mark

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An American Hobby: Baseball Memorabilia – Warren Spahn’s Card (1948 Leaf Set)

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Sunday, May.05, 2013

Warren Spahn collected 363 wins during his Hall of Fame Career. After the age of 30 her trails only #1 Phil Niekro (297 wins) with 273 wins) all time in the MLB history.  Jamie Moyer is 3rd with 235 victories after his 30th Birthday  Spahn had a better  Win Percentage.(594) compared to  Niekro’s .540.  Incredibly, Jamie Moyer leads these three in the category of Win Percentage after 30 - with a .602 Mark.

Warren Spahn collected 363 wins during his Hall of Fame Career. After the age of 30, he trails only #1 Phil Niekro (297 wins) with 273 wins ALL – Time in the MLB history. Jamie Moyer is 3rd with 235 victories after his 30th Birthday. Spahn had a better Win Percentage.(594) compared to Niekro’s .540. Incredibly though, Jamie Moyer leads these three in the category of Win Percentage after 30 – with a .602 Mark.  Warren Spahn has the most wins ever by a Left Handed Pitcher in the history of the game – and the 6th most ALL – Time.

By Lee Edelstein (‘Baseball Memorabilia Enthusiast’ – visit his website here)

MLB Reports:  We are pleased to present you with Baseball Author Lee Edelstein as the newest writer with us at the Reports.  Lee will be providing us with great stories about baseball memorabilia on a regular basis.

MLB Reports

An American Hobby

Blog 10

Warren Spahn

This week’s article is about a member of the 300 Win Club.

Warren Spahn is one of the greatest pitchers of all time, but he didn’t win his first major league game until he was twenty-five.  So how did he become the winningest left-handed pitcher in MLB history? 

In a word, consistency.  Among his many achievements, Spahnie had thirteen 20+ win seasons, including a run of six consecutive years. 

Imagine if he didn’t lose four years to WWII (where he saw active duty and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star)?

Warren Spahn’s Career Highlights:

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An American Hobby: Baseball Memorabilia – Roberto Clemente’s 1955 Topps Rookie Card

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Saturday, April.27, 2013

Roberto Clemente was a 13 Time ALL - Star and a 12 time Gold Glove Award Winner.  He also led the NL in Batting Average 4 X - and in hits 2 X.  He was the 1966 NL MVP - setting Career highs in HRs (29) and RBI (119).  In the 13 years from 1960 - 1972, he hit under .312 only in 1 season (.291 in 1968).  Sadly, he died in an aviation accident on New Years Eve 1973, while he was delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua at the age of 38.  He and Lou Gehrig hold the distinctive honors of having the 5 year wait period waived for the Baseball Hall Of Fame.

Roberto Clemente was a 13 Time ALL – Star and a 12 time Gold Glove Award Winner. He also led the NL in Batting Average 4 X – and in hits 2 X. He was the 1966 NL MVP – setting Career highs in HRs, (29) Runs, (105) and RBI (119). In the 13 years from 1960 – 1972, he hit under .312 only in 1 season – (.291 in 1968). Sadly, he died in an aviation accident on New Years Eve 1973, while he was delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua at the age of 38. He and Lou Gehrig hold the distinctive honors of having the 5 year wait period waived for the Baseball Hall Of Fame.

By Lee Edelstein (‘Baseball Memorabilia Enthusiast’ – visit his website here)

MLB Reports:  We are pleased to present you with Baseball Author Lee Edelstein as the newest writer with us at the Reports.  Lee will be providing us with great stories about baseball memorabilia on a regular basis.

MLB Reports

An American Hobby

Blog 10

Roberto Clemente

This week’s article features a member of the 3,000 Hit Club.

Roberto Clemente is a beloved figure in baseball history, one of the greatest defensive right fielders of all time, and, in many ways, a pioneer – the Jackie Robinson of Hispanic and Latin ballplayers. 

While Robinson faced the monumental hurdle of integrating baseball, Clemente’s challenges included overcoming pervasive language and cultural barriers.

Consider this – he is the first Latin American in the Hall of Fame, the first Hispanic ballplayer to win a World Series as a starter (1960), win an MVP award (1966), and win a World Series MVP Award (1971). 

He played in the era of Aaron, Mays, and Mantle and, for much of his career, was under-appreciated.

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An American Hobby: Baseball Memorabilia – Harmon Killebrew’s 1955 Topps Rookie Card

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Saturday, April.20, 2013

Killer was an 11 Time All - Star and an 6 time HR King and led the AL in RBI 4 times as well. He also hit 40+ HRs 8 times. The man had a Hall Of Fame Career.  The Phillies could take a page out of Killebrew's patience...He Walked 1559 times  in 2435 Games Played.  His 3 Career Slash was .256/.376/.884. Killebrew also had a great eye leading the League in Walks in 4 separate seasons (66', 67', 69', 71).

Killer was an 11 Time All – Star and an 6 time HR King and led the AL in RBI 3  times as well. He also hit 40+ HRs 8 times. The man had a Hall Of Fame Career. Killenbrew also had a great eye – in leading the American League in  Walks in 4 separate years.  Overall, he Walked 1559 times in 2435 Games Played. His 3 Career Slash was .256/.376/.884.

By Lee Edelstein (‘Baseball Memorabilia Enthusiast’ – visit his website here)

MLB Reports:  We are pleased to present you with Baseball Author Lee Edelstein as the newest writer with us at the Reports.  Lee will be providing us with great stories about baseball memorabilia on a regular basis.

MLB Reports

An American Hobby

Blog 10

Harmon Killebrew

This week’s article features a member of the 500 Home Run club.

During the decade of the 1960’s, sluggers named Hank Aaron,Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, Willie McCovey, Ernie Banks, and Frank Robinson, in the prime of their careers, bashed balls out of the ballpark in record fashion.

In 1961, Mantle and Maris duked it out as the baseball world watched their assault on Babe Ruth’s single season Home Run record. But after the dust had settled on the 60’s, it was a quiet gentleman named Harmon Killebrew who wound up hitting more Home Runs in the decade than anyone else.

Nicknamed “The Killer”, although he was anything but, he pounded 393 Home Runs in that ten year period:

Harmon Killebrew Tribute:

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An American Hobby: Baseball Memorabilia – Eddie Mathews 1952 Topps Card

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Sunday, April.07, 2013

Edddie Matthews held the record for HRs by a 3rd Baseman until it was broken by Mike Schmidt.  The man is tied for 12th in ALL - Time HRs for one given teams (The Braves - (493) with Lou Gehrig of the New York Yankees.

Eddie Mathews held the record for HRs by a 3rd Baseman until it was broken by Mike Schmidt. The man is tied for 12th in ALL – Time HRs for one given teams (The Braves – (493) with Lou Gehrig of the New York Yankees. ) He was a 9 Time ALL – Star and finished 2nd in MVP Voting for the years of 1953 (Campanella) and 1959  (Banks).  It was those same two years in which he led the NL in HRs.  The man from Santa Barbara California also led the NL in Walks for a year on 4 separate occasions.  His 3 Career Slash Line was .271/.371/.885 in 17 years with the Braves, Astros and Tigers.

By Lee Edelstein (‘Baseball Memorabilia Enthusiast’ – visit his website here)

MLB Reports:  We are pleased to present you with Baseball Author Lee Edelstein as the newest writer with us at the Reports.  Lee will be providing us with great stories about baseball memorabilia on a regular basis.

MLB Reports

An American Hobby

Blog 8

Eddie Mathews

Trivia question: who is the only person to play for the Braves franchise in all three of its locations – Boston, Milwaukee, Atlanta? That’s right, Eddie Mathews. And what a Brave he turned out to be – a Hall of Famer, the second greatest Brave of all time (behind Aaron), and the person who redefined the position of Third Base.

Eddie Mathews reached the majors as a twenty-year-old, in 1952. It was the franchise’s final year in Boston and he hit 25 Home Runs, three in one game, and finished third in Rookie-Of-The-Year voting. They should have given him the award – he followed his freshman campaign by smacking 47 HRs to lead the Majors – while driving in 135 RBI. He would hit 30+ Home Runs for nine straight years.

Eddie Mathews Tribute:

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