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Who Owned Baseball July 25, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB

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Ronald Martinez / Getty Images

For an explanation of how WOB works, click here.

Khris Davis hit a 3 run homer to bring the A’s to within one and then launched a dramatic 2 out, 2 run top of the 9th come from behind go ahead homer to sink the Rangers, 6-5.

Adam Duvall reached base 3 times, including a solo homer, to help the Reds win over the Cardinals, 7-3.

Trevor Bauer tossed 7 shutout innings, allowing 2 hits and striking out 10 as the Indians blanked the Pirates, 4-0.

Tanner Roark struck out 11 Brewers over 8 scoreless innings, earning the 7-3 decision for Washington.

They all owned baseball on July 25, 2018

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Who Owned Baseball July 19, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB

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Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

For an explanation of how WOB works, click here.

Jason Heyward collected 3 hits, including a game tying single, driving in 2 and stole a base, scoring twice as the Cubs topped the Cardinals, 9-6.

Steve Chisek threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief, striking out 2 Cardinals and helped preserve the Cubs 9-6 win.

They both owned baseball on July 19, 2018

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 June 23, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB

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AP Photo/Morry Gash

For an explanation of how WOB works, click here.

Yadier Molina homered twice, driving in all 3 St. Louis runs to defeat Milwaukee, 3-2.

Stephen Piscotty reached base 3 times, including a homer, as the A’s took a 7-6 thriller from the White Sox.

Zack Greinke threw 6 shutout innings, striking out 7 Pirates to earn the 7-2 decision for Arizona.

Mike Leake held Boston scoreless over 8 innings, allowing 3 hits will striking out 5 as Seattle rolled, 7-2.

They all owned baseball on June 23, 2018

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Who Owned Baseball June 20, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB

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Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

For an explanation of how WOB works, click here.

Jose Altuve homered twice and added a third hit to help the Astros become the first team to 50 wins with a 5-1 final over Tampa Bay.

Corey Kluber allowed 1 hit over 7 shutout innings as the Indians blanked the White Sox, 12-0.

Javier Baez went 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored and a stolen base to lead the Cubs past the Dodgers, 4-0.

Jon Lester pitched 7 scoreless innings, allowing 5 Dodger hits and earned the 4-0 decision for the Cubs.

They all owned baseball on June 20, 2018

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Who Owned Baseball June 18, 2018 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2018 #WOB

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AP

For an explanation of how WOB works, click here.

 

Brandon Nimmo led off the game with an inside the park homer, added a standard homer and 2 singles, driving in 4 to help the Mets rock Colorado, 12-2.

Trevor Williams allowed 1 hit over 7 shutout innings as the Pirates blanked Milwaukee, 1-0.

Shin-Soo Choo homered to lead off the game and got on base 5 times during the game as Texas doubled up Kansas City, 6-3.

Trevor Bauer held the White Sox scoreless over his 7 innings, striking out 8 and earned the 6-2 decision for Cleveland.

They all owned baseball on June 18, 2018

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.

Sully Baseball Podcast – I have a vision about the 2018 World Series – March 3, 2018

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Jeff Curry – USA Today

In my sleep, I saw a clear and specific vision regarding Game 7 of the yet to be played 2018 World Series. Was it a prophecy? Was it a dream? Should I play PowerBall?

Seeing images of the future on this episode of Sully Baseball.

While we are at it, enjoy the In Memoriam video.

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Who Owned Baseball August 2, 2017 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2017 #WOB Standings

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GREGORY BULL – ASSOCIATED PRESS

 

Ervin Santana threw a complete game victory, striking out 9 Padres and allowing just 4 hits and 2 runs and drove in a pair himself with a hit as the Twins got a much needed 5-2 win.

Vance Worley held the Nationals scoreless for 7 innings, giving up 2 hits to earn the 7-0 decision for the Marlins.

Elvis Andrus got 3 hits, including a homer, in the Rangers 5-1 victory over Seattle.

Yadier Molina homered twice and added another hit as the Cardinals edged the Brewers, 5-4.

They all owned baseball on August 2, 2017

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Who Owned the All Star Game (July 11, 2017)

WhatDoYouKnow

Getty Images

Robinson Cano hit a go ahead homer in the top of the 10th that put the American League up for good, 2-1.

Andrew Miller worked around a walk to get the final 3 outs on the 10th and the save on the American League’s 2-1 All Star Game win.

They Owned the All Star Game on July 10, 2017

Receiving 1/2 WOBs for the All Star Game:

Yadier Molina hit a game tying homer and walked to lead off the bottom of the 9th and got all the way to third but could not score and the NL wound up losing in 10 innings, 2-1.

Carlos Martinez struck out 4 in two innings of shutout ball in the National League’s 2-1 loss in the All Star Game.

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 April 10, 2017 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2017 #WOB Standings

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Photo: David Zalubowski, AP

Wil Myers hit the second cycle in the history of the San Diego Padres, going 4 for 4, driving in 2 and scoring 2 in the 5-3 win in Colorado.

Matt Moore threw 8 innings, allowing 3 hits, no walks and 1 run and earned the 4-1 decision for the Giants over Arizona.

Michael Pineda was brilliant into the 8th, striking out 11 Rays batters, allowing 2 hits and 1 walk and won the 8-1 final for the Yankees.

Chase Headley reached base 3 times, including a homer, scoring twice to help the Yankees past Tampa Bay, 8-1.

They all owned baseball on April 10, 2017 

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.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 8, 2017

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Justin Edmonds/Getty Images North America

The Cardinals may have missed the post season last year (barely) and have flown under the radar this off season. But sleep on this team at your own peril. They have a combination of veterans, young players, and a bunch of comeback candidates poised to make 2017 fun for the Red Birds.

Two little birds are perched on a bat for this episode of the Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

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The San Francisco Giants Should Sign Matt Wieters, Play Posey At 1B + Belt In LF

Matt Wieters accepted the 1 Year Qualifying Offer with the Baltimore Orioles last year - and he payed his first full campaign since 2013. At Age 30, he is still a decent Catcher both offensively and defensively. I first came up with this idea a few years ago, but Posey was still putting world class numbers out of the backstopper position, and they and several Outfielders. Now.there is an opening beyond the grass, so Brandon Belt could move there - freeing up Posey to play First Base.

Matt Wieters accepted the 1 Year Qualifying Offer with the Baltimore Orioles last year – and he played his first full campaign since 2013. At Age 30, he is still a decent Catcher both offensively and defensively. I first came up with this idea a few years ago, but Posey was still putting world class numbers out of the backstopper position, and they had several Outfielders on the depth chart. Now.there is an opening beyond the grass, so Brandon Belt could move there – freeing up Posey to play First Base – and the team to sign Wieters.

The Giants are one of the best franchises at fostering their home grown talent.  It has culminated in 3 World Series from 2010 – 2014, and the franchise has several of its core players locked up for the next 3 – 5 years.

With the recent news of the Luxury Tax Threshold penalizing the Dodgers something fierce for obliterating their payroll, the NL West has come back to the Giants to win – considering the LA squad has taken down 4 straight Division Titles.

San Francisco started the process of healing their Bullpen this winter. by forking out some big dollars to secure Closer Mark Melancon ( 4YRs/$62 MIL).  There is still a long way to go in shoring up the Relief Core, but they should have the funds to do it.

Which brings me to my next point.  Beyond the suspicion that Eduardo Nunez may not be a great long=term fit in the Bay Area, the Roster is pretty secure in the rest of the lineup – except for say the LF position.

There are not a lot of prime Free Agents on the open market that can play the OF.  Michael Saunders will cost too much money…Angel Pagan..well the Giants should just say no…Colby Rasmus…yikes…Brandon Moss….um….should be a 1B/DH type in the American League.

As for the depth chart currently for Bruce Bochy‘s squad…..Mac Williamson, Jarrett Parker and Gorkys Hernandez…Not sure that cuts the mustard on a playoff caliber squad.

My thought is – why not sign Matt Wieters to a 3 – 4 year contract worth about $33 – $44 MIL ($11 MIL AAV) – to be the prime Catcher for the Giants – then move Posey to First Base and Brandon Belt to LF? To me it makes sense. Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball September 29, 2016 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2016 #WOB Standings

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DILIP VISHWANAT/GETTY IMAGES

Yadier Molina homered and hit a controversial walk off 9th inning double to keep the Cardinals in the Wild Card chase by beating the Reds, 4-3.

Byron Buxton doubled, tripled and walked, scoring 2 and driving in 3 as the Royals rallied to top Kansas City, 7-6.

Johnny Cueto settled down after a shaky first and struck out 11 Rockies over 7 innings and put down a bunt that helped spark a key rally in the Giants 7-2 victory.

Ubaldo Jimenez allowed 1 hit over 6 2/3 shutout innings and helped pull the Orioles in a flatfooted Wild Card tie with Toronto with a 4-0 final.

 

They all owned baseball on September 29, 2016.

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.

Daily Fantasy MLB DFS Picks For DraftKings 9/8/16

P- Ivan Nova (vs. Cincinatti Reds): $9,800. Over his last three starts, Nova has a 2-0 record, 1.71 ERA, and 16 strikeouts in 21 innings pitched. He has been absolutely dominant since joining the Pirates at the trade deadline. In six starts in the Pirates rotation, he is 4-0 with a 2.89 ERA. The Reds offense is average at best, so hopefully Nova can take care of business at his home field on Thursday.

P- Trevor Bauer (vs. Houston Astros): $7,900. Considering there is only seven match-ups on Thursday, there were some very slim pickings for starting pitching. The Houston Astros offense can be dangerous, but Bauer has done a great job against them in his career. In 51 career at bats against Bauer, the Astros are batting .137, with a .226 OBP, and 21 strikeouts.

 

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Who Owned Baseball September 6, 2016 (Daily #MLB AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2016 #WOB Standings

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JUSTIN K. ALLER/GETTY IMAGES

Yadier Molina got 4 hits, including a grand slam, to help the Cardinals win a wild 9-7 game in Pittsburgh.

Elvis Andrus homered and his 3 doubles, scoring 3 and driving in 2 as the Rangers took a 10-7 slugfest in Seattle.

Jeff Samardzija struck out 9 Rockies over 7 strong innings. He did not get a decision but helped set up the Giants much needed 3-2 victory.

Miguel Gonzalez threw 6 1/3 shutout innings as the White Sox blanked the Tigers, 2-0.

 

They all owned baseball on September 6, 2016.

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.

Joey Votto, Jose Altuve Aren’t the Only MLB Hitters Enjoying a Huge Second Half

The MLB regular-season schedule is a grind, and there’s a reason why they call it the “dog days of August.” For some reason, Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto and Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve aren’t paying much attention to that as they each chase history with torrid runs through the second half.

Basically, no opposing pitcher is safe, as they’re each looking to become the first hitters to hit over .400 after the All-Star game since some guy named Ichiro Suzuki did it in 2004.

While they’re grabbing all the headlines, they’re not the only ones tearing the cover off baseballs since the league’s brightest stars met up in San Diego. In fact, Votto and Altuve are just two of seven hitters with at least 30 second-half games played and a batting average higher than .350. Here’s a look at the list with some stats for perspective:

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Daily Fantasy MLB DFS Picks For DraftKings 8/23/16

P- Madison Bumgarner (vs. Los Angeles Dodgers): $13,100. Bumgarner has been a beast all season long in daily fantasy. Over his last three starts, he has a 2-1 record, 21 strikeouts, and a 2.25 ERA in 20 inning pitched. During his career, he has shown plenty of success against the Dodgers at their home stadium. He currently owns a 8-5 record to go along with a 2.40 ERA at Dodger Stadium.

P- Anibal Sanchez (vs. Minnesota Twins): $6,900. Sanchez is coming off a start which he took a no-hitter into the seventh inning. In 124 career at bats against Sanchez, the Twins’ lineup is batting .242, with one home run, and a .291 OBP. Over the last seven days, the Twins offense is ranked last in OPS and slugging.

 

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Daily Fantasy MLB DFS Picks For DraftKings 8/17/16

P- Homer Bailey (vs. Miami Marlins): $8,900. Bailey looked really good in his last start. He went six innings, giving up three hits, one walk, and 11 strikeouts. He will be facing the Marlins on Wednesday, who just recently lost Giancarlo Stanton for the year. Over the last seven games, the Marlins have a .686 OPS, which ranks 26th in Major League Baseball.

P- Yordano Ventura (vs. Detroit Tigers): $7,800. In his three starts against the Detroit Tigers in 2016, Ventura has put up 15.85, 24.65, and 18.35 points in DraftKings. He has also not allowed more than three runs in a start since July 3rd. In his last three starts, he has a 2-0 record, 2.89 ERA, and 15 strikeouts. Over the last seven games, Detroit has a .693 OPS, which ranks 24th in Major League Baseball.

 

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Daily Fantasy MLB DFS Picks For DraftKings 8/14/16

P- Jake Odorizzi (vs. New York Yankees): $8,200. Odorizzi entered his last start with a 20.2 inning scoreless streak. Unfortunately, he lost that streak, but he still pitched decent. In his last three starts, he is 2-0, with a 1.00 ERA, and 15 strikeouts in 18 innings pitched. In two starts against the Yankees in 2016, he has a 1-1 record, 1.12 ERA, and 11 strikeouts.

P- Tom Koehler (vs. Chicago White Sox): $8,600. Koehler has been lights out recently. Over his last three starts, he has a 2-0 record, 0.47 ERA, and 18 strikeouts in 19 innings pitched. With that said, he is going up against a pretty weak Chicago White Sox lineup. Over the last seven days, the White Sox have a .695 OPS, which ranks 20th in Major League Baseball.

 

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Daily Fantasy MLB DFS Picks For DraftKings 8/7/16

P- Gerrit Cole (vs. Cincinnati Reds): $9,200. Cole has been on fire recently. Over his last three starts, he has only given up one earned run in each start. During that time, hitters are only batting .219 against Cole. The Reds’ offense has been pretty lackluster in 2016, so Cole should be able to take care of business.

P- Adam Wainwright (vs. Atlanta Braves): $8,000. Over Wainwright’s last six starts, he has a 1.99 ERA. He will be facing the Braves’ offense, which shouldn’t pose a huge threat to the righty. At only $8,000, Wainwright provides a lot of value to this lineup.

 

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Daily Fantasy MLB DFS Picks For DraftKings 8/2/16

P- Masahiro Tanaka (vs. New York Mets): $9,700. In two career starts against the Mets, Tanaka owns a 1-1 record with a 1.20 ERA. The Mets offense has struggled all season long, so hopefully Tanaka can take advantage of their struggling bats. Over the last seven games, the Mets’ offense has a .622 OPS, which is ranked 27th in baseball.

P- Gerrit Cole (vs. Atlanta Braves): $9,000. Cole is coming off a beautiful complete game performance. He is also facing one of the worst offenses in baseball, so this should be a favorable matchup. In his last two starts, he has allowed two runs on nine hits and a walk, while striking out 13 batters.

 

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Daily Fantasy MLB DFS Picks For DraftKings 7/4/16

Due to the holiday weekend, I will not be posting explanations to all players. If you have a specific questions, you can direct them to my social media, which you can find listed later in the article. Sorry for the inconvenience, but I hope everyone has a great July 4th weekend!

P – Archie Bradley (vs. San Diego Padres): $8,500

P – Jerad Eickhoff (vs. Atlanta Braves): $8,400

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Daily Fantasy MLB DFS Picks For DraftKings 6/19/16

P- Jacob deGrom (vs. Atlanta Braves): $11,300. deGrom has had some pretty bad luck recently when it comes to run support, but this hasn’t affected how well he has pitched. In his last five starts, he has four quality starts and he dominated the Pirates’ over his last two starts. In six career starts against the Braves, deGrom owns a 3-2 record with a 1.89 ERA.

 

P- Mike Fiers (vs. Cincinnati Reds): $6,500. Fiers is coming off one of his best starts of the season, in which he gave up two runs and five hits against the Rays in seven innings of work. He is pitching at home, which is very good. He owns a 3.67 ERA at home, compared to a 6.19 ERA on the road. In 67 career at bats against Fiers, the Reds’ lineup is batting .179, with one home run, seven XBH, 10 RBIs, 14 strikeouts, and a .242 OBP.

 

To view the rest of the article, click the link below:

 

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The Top 8 Draftergies Guaranteed To Win Your Fantasy Baseball League

fantasy-baseball

Blog Off The Bench (Featured BBBA Website – offthebenchbaseball.com)   

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Imagine it’s March 28th, it’s 40 degrees out, it’s 6:31 pm, you’re at a chain restaurant called “Just Salad,” and you just finished your salad so you’re loitering before your next appointment at 7:00 pm. You know what that means: it’s fantasy baseball season!

In this column (column looks like it should be spelled differently), we will be going over a few different Baseball Dratergies (Draft-Strategies, Ihavetosaveonmywordcount) that will make you the Fantasy Baseball All-Star GM/Manager/Shortstop/Clicky Guy you’ve always wanted to be! Unless you wanted to be a doctor or in the Air Force or something. Then go for that.

Draftergy 1: Hoard all the catchers

Hoarding all the catchers is a great strategy! At some point in the season, everyone is going to need a catcher and will be willing to give up an extra player for these notoriously low-offense guys. You could end up trading for a valuable middle infielder or fourth outfielder. Better plan on having a lot of bench spots because if your roster only has one you’ll have two players. Also plan on buying lots of equipment.

Sample Lineup:

Catcher: Yadier Molina

Bench: Yasmani Grandal, Francisco Cervelli, Brian McCann, Salvador Perez, …

Draftergy 2: The “Moneyball” Strategy

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The Reds Might Be The Worst Team In The MLB At The End Of 2016

The Reds management started off the rebuild project nicely with the midsummer deals of Leake and Cueto last year. They also got a nice haul for 2 years left of Todd Frazier. However, due to a 10/5 rule for Brandon Phillips, and a domestic dispute killing the 1st Chapman deal (better deal than the Yanks forked out for his him), Cincinnati has been stymied in completing the quest. Our own Jordan Gluck ranked them as the 27th worst prospects team in 2015, and it has only slightly improved since then. It is going to be a long arduous process for the brass to pull themselves out of this predicament.

The Reds management started off the rebuild project nicely with the midsummer deals of Leake and Cueto last year. They also got a nice haul for 2 years left of Todd Frazier. However, due to a 10/5 rule for Brandon Phillips, and a domestic dispute killing the 1st Chapman deal (better deal than the Yanks forked out for his him), Cincinnati has been stymied in completing the quest. Our own Jordan Gluck ranked them as the 27th worst prospects team in 2015, and it has only slightly improved since then. It is going to be a long arduous process for the brass to pull themselves out of this predicament.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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The Reds are part of a 6 pack of National League clubs that are really bad, and should challenge each other for 100 losses and the worst record in the Majors for 2016.  What is worse is the financial flexibility is tied up in just a few players.

Management has done a decent job already trading Mike Leake, Johnny Cueto, Todd Frazier and Aroldis Chapman in the last year, while Brandon Phillips continues to hold his 10/5 rights to maintain his name on Cincinnati’s roster.

Homer Bailey and Joey Votto both make $20 MIL, and Phillips isn’t too far behind.

So while the team is bad, it is not saving any real money yet.

Simply put, the organization is looking to trade any veteran player that makes money.  Jay Bruce has already been traded once before a deal was nixed from a few Minor Leaguer’s failing physicals. Read the rest of this entry

Cincinnati Reds Payroll In 2016 + Contracts Going Forward

Joey Votto had his best year since 2010 at the plate in 2015. It couldn't have come at a better time. The Canadian Slugger will make $199 MIL min over the next 8 years and will be counted on to help with a rebuild. Either that, or maybe he could create enough value to be traded and the club could gain some financial flexibility going forward. The Reds finished 64 - 98 in 2015 - and are in the same Division as the top three teams in the MLB.

Joey Votto had his best year since 2010 at the plate in 2015. It couldn’t have come at a better time. The Canadian Slugger will make $199 MIL min over the next 8 years and will be counted on to help with a rebuild. Either that, or maybe he could create enough value to be traded and the club could gain some financial flexibility going forward. The Reds finished 64 – 98 in 2015 – and are in the same Division as the top three teams in the MLB.  They should continue to trade veterans for as many young players as they can – and rebuild for 3 – 4 years down the road.

Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead  Analyst) 

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Homer Bailey was the 1st Pitcher to have a $100 Million Dollar Contract in place and undergo Tommy John Surgery. 

Carl Crawford holding onto a 7 YRs/$142 MIL deal originally signed with the Red Sox was the 1st guy to go down with the TJ Surgery as a position player.

Yes insurance will pay some of the money, but it is not a given that he will comeback and be as effective as he was before he went down with the UCL surgery.

The club is on the hook for Joey Votto to the tune of $199 MIL from 2016 – 2023 – and will jump another $13 MIL if the team picks up a $20 MIL Club Option for 2024.

The Reds are thanking their lucky stars that Votto posted his best baseball season since 2010 in 2015 with a 1.000 OPS and 143 Walks. Read the rest of this entry

Get Ready For The ‘Zombie Cardinals’ Version 11.0 In 2016: Cubs Are Favored In Division – But Gap Isn’t Huge

St. Louis has been an elite team in the National League for the last 15 years. While Chicago deserves to be favorite in the NL Central - and to win the World Series, never sleep on the St. Louis Cardinals. This team has 9 LCS Appearances since 2000, and did win 100 win games last campaign. Throw in a championship pedigree - and a brilliant youth movement, aided by a few cagey veterans, and the gap is just not that great compared with the Cubs.

St. Louis has been an elite team in the National League for the last 15 years. While Chicago deserves to be favorite in the NL Central – and to win the World Series, never sleep on the St. Louis Cardinals. This team has 9 LCS Appearances since 2000, and did win 100 win games last campaign. Throw in a championship pedigree – and a brilliant youth movement, aided by a few cagey veterans, and the gap is just not that great compared with the Cubs.  A huge effort by Adam Wainwright, with less than perfect years from Arrieta and Lester may be all it takes for the RedBirds to remain the kings of the NL Central.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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The Cubs have signed Dexter Fowler and traded away Chris Coghlan yesterday, and the Cards will have another week this winter where they are not the focus of the NL Central.  It probably suits them just fine.

On the heels of a 100 win campaign during 2015, the gambling websites, PECOTA and FanGraphs are all projecting a massive regression for St. Louis in 2016.  I am not one of those people.

I, for one, think the Cardinals are still to be reckoned with.

Switch out a potentially healthy Matt Holliday, coupled with full years from Stephen Piscotty and Randal Grichuk – for the departed Jason Heyward to the Cubs, and I like that.

Throw in Adam Wainwright and Mike Leake, for the loss of Lance Lynn and John Lackey, and I still like that almost as even.

No doubt that Ben Zobrist was a good singing for the Chicago Cubs this offseason, but lets not throw St. Louis over the cliff just yet. Read the rest of this entry

Odds To Win The 2016 MLB World Series

best odd value on the board this week.

best odd value on the board this week.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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Howie Kendrick signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers this past week, and the club has learned that Yasiel Puig has dropped 15 LBS in the offseason.

While I still peg the Dodgers for about 90 – 91 wins as of right now, they have the best odds on the board this week.

There is no doubt the San Francisco Giants lineup 1 – 8 is way better and Pitching Staff is also more rounded, however the gap between the two clubs is not a difference of +600.

I would put the Giants about 93 – 94 wins.  Their roster moves while decent this winter with Johnny Cueto, Jeff Samardzija and Denard Span, they all come with a little question mark here or there. Read the rest of this entry

Cincinnati Reds State Of The Union For 2016

The Reds management started off the rebuild project nicely with the midsummer deals of Leake and Cueto. They also got a nice haul for 2 years left of Todd Frazier. However, due to a 10/5 rule for Brandon Phillips, and a domestic dispute killing potential other deals, Cincinnati has been stymied in completing the quest. Our own Jordan Gluck ranked them as the 27th worst prospects team in 2015, and it has only slightly improved since the spring. It is going to be a long arduouas process for the brass to pull themselves out of thi predicament.

The Reds management started off the rebuild project nicely with the midsummer deals of Leake and Cueto. They also got a nice haul for 2 years left of Todd Frazier. However, due to a 10/5 rule for Brandon Phillips, and a domestic dispute killing potential other deals, Cincinnati has been stymied in completing the quest. Our own Jordan Gluck ranked them as the 27th worst prospects team in 2015, and it has only slightly improved since last spring. It is going to be a long arduous process for the brass to pull themselves out of this predicament.  Jesse Winker and Robert Stephenson join Jose Peraza as the top 3 prospects that could make the 2016 club.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

The Reds finished 64 – 98 in 2015 and the situation is going to get a lot worse before it gets any better.  I predict 100 losses for the Cincinnati club for 2016, and they could really rack up some L’s especially past the trade deadline of next year if they do their job right in managing the squad.

I like the path the management has taken for trading players, unfortunately a domestic dispute cost the chance to flip Aroldis Chapman to the Dodgers, and the 10 – 5 rule cost them another opportunity to deal Brandon Phillips to the Nationals.

Obviously there is still hope they can trade these guys before they can’t do so anymore.

Last season the club dealt Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake in separate deals at the deadline, and have 3 players on the current depth chart to show for it (Adam Duvall, Brandon Finnegan and John Lamb, while they have 2 more Minor League prospects in Keury Mella and Cody Reed.)

Cincinnati finished just 1 win ahead of the Phillies for the worst record in the Major Leagues.

There is no polite way to go about this rebuilding process.  Jay Bruce, Devin Mesoraco, Jumbo Diaz, J.J. Hoover, Tony Cingrani, Zack Cozart and Homer Bailey should all be considered to be traded in addition to Chapman and Phillips.

The only real players the club should keep are Joey Votto, Billy Hamilton, Anthony DeSclafani and all other players they traded for last season – or are in their Minor League system.

One only has to look in which Division they play in to realize that their Roster is overmatched and there is no short term solution to fix this organization.

The Cubs are set for an awesome 4 – 5 years stretch of play as all of their young offensive stars are groomed by their recent Free Agent signings over the last 2 winters.

St. Louis has reset their roster among the veteran core that aged together with Adam Wainwright, Yadier Molina and Matt Holliday. Read the rest of this entry

Cincinnati Reds Payroll In 2016 + Contracts Going Forward

Joey Votto had his best year since 2010 at the plate in 2015. It couldn't have come at a better time. The Canadian Slugger will make $199 MIL min over the next 8 years and will be counted on to help with a rebuild. Either that, or maybe he could create enough value to be traded and the club could gain some financial flexibility going forward. The Reds finished 64 - 98 in 2015 - and are in the same Division as the top three teams in the MLB.

Joey Votto had his best year since 2010 at the plate in 2015. It couldn’t have come at a better time. The Canadian Slugger will make $199 MIL min over the next 8 years and will be counted on to help with a rebuild. Either that, or maybe he could create enough value to be traded and the club could gain some financial flexibility going forward. The Reds finished 64 – 98 in 2015 – and are in the same Division as the top three teams in the MLB.  They should continue to trade veterans for as many young players as they can – and rebuild for 2 – 3 years down the road.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

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Homer Bailey was the 1st Pitcher to have a $100 Million Dollar Contract in place and undergo Tommy John Surgery.  Carl Crawford holding onto a 7 YRs/$142 MIL deal originally signed with the Red Sox was the 1st guy to go down with the TJ Surgery as a position player.

Yes insurance will pay some of the money, but it is not a given that he will comeback and be as effective as he was before he went down with the UCL surgery.

The club is on the hook for Joey Votto to the tune of $199 MIL from 2016 – 2023 – and will jump another $13 MIL if the team picks up a $20 MIL Club Option for 2024.

The Reds are thanking their lucky stars that Votto posted his best baseball season since 2010 in 2015 with a 1.000 OPS and 143 Walks. Read the rest of this entry

WHO OWNED BASEBALL – THE FINAL RESULTS FOR 2015

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The regular season is over. My daily tally for Who Owns Baseball is at an end. Every day I determine which player had the best individual day on a winning team to earn a full WOB and on a losing team for a 1/2 WOB.

These are final leaders in each categor for Who Owns Baseball

NATIONAL LEAGUE HITTER WHO OWNED BASEBALL

(AP Photo/Al Behrman)

(AP Photo/Al Behrman)

JOEY VOTTOCincinnati Reds

(Final Total – 7 1/2 WOB.)

Second Place (TIE):

Paul Goldschmidt, Arizona Diamondbacks.
Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates.
(Final Total – 7 WOB.)

NATIONAL LEAGUE PITCHER WHO OWNED BASEBALL

Alex Brandon / Associated Press

Alex Brandon / Associated Press

CLAYTON KERSHAW – Los Angeles Dodgers

(Final Total – 13 1/2 WOB.)

Second Place:
Jake Arrieta, Chicago Cubs
(Final Total – 11 WOB)

Third Place
Zack Greinke, Los Angeles Dodgers
(Final Total – 9 1/2 WOB.)

AMERICAN LEAGUE HITTER WHO OWNED BASEBALL

Rob Carr - Getty Image Sports

Rob Carr – Getty Image Sports

MIKE TROUT – Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

(Final Total – 10 1/2 WOB.)

Second Place:
Josh Donaldson, Toronto Blue Jays
(Final Total – 6 1/2 WOB)

Third Place
Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
(Final Total – 6 WOB.)

AMERICAN LEAGUE PITCHER WHO OWNED BASEBALL

Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle

Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle

DALLAS KEUCHEL – Houston Astros

(Final Total – 10  WOB.)

Second Place (TIE):

Sonny Gray, Oakland Athletics.
Chris Sale, Chicago White Sox.
(Final Total – 7 WOB.)

THE WINNERS FROM PREVIOUS SEASONS:

2013

NL Batter: Paul Goldschmidt, Arizona Diamondbacks

NL Pitcher: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers

AL Batter: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers

AL Pitcher: (3 Way Tie) R. A. Dickey, Toronto Blue Jays
Matt Moore, Tampa Bay Rays
Max Scherzer, Detroit Tigers

2013

NL Pitcher: Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates

NL Pitcher: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers

AL Batter: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

AL Pitcher:  Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners

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.

 


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