Blog Archives

Who Owned Baseball Aug.13, 2014 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2014 #WOB Standings

Charlie Riedel, AP

Charlie Riedel, AP

Jason Vargas kept the Royals in first place with a complete game, 3 hit, no walk shutout of the A’s, 3-0.

Kendrys Morales reached base 3 times and his first inning 2 run homer provided all the offense in Seattle’s 2-0 win over Toronto.

Justin Masterson pitched 7 shutout innings, letting up 3 hits and no walks, earning the 5-2 decision for the Cardinals in Miami.

Jedd Gyorko went 4-4 with a pair of doubles and a run scored as the Padres continued their winning ways, 5-3 over Colorado.

They owned baseball on Aug 13, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Who Owned Baseball Aug.12’14 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher+Hitter MVP’s ) + 2014 #WOB Standings

 (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Josh Donaldson kick started a dormant A’s offense by getting 3 hits including 2 homers, driving in 4 and scoring 3, crushing Kansas City 11-3.

Chris Sale threw 8 dominating 4 hit shutout innings, walking just 2 and striking out 12. The White Sox bullpen blew the lead but came back to beat the Giants, 3-2.

Carl Crawford got on base 4 times including a double and scored, helping the Dodgers top the Braves 4-2.

Jarred Cosart pitched 7 shutout innings against the Cardinals and earned the 3-0 win in Miami.

They owned baseball on Aug 12, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (Aug 11) – Updated Yearly 2014 #WOB Standings

 

AP Photo

AP Photo

Drew Smyly pitched 7 2/3 shutout innings, allowing just 3 hits and struck out 9, earning the 7-0 Rays win in Texas.

Robinson Cano homered, doubled, walked, scored a pair and drove in 2 as the Mariners demolished Toronto, 11-1.

Yovani Gallardo threw 7 strong innings, letting up a single run, 6 hits and no walks, and got the 3-1 decision for the Brewers over the Cubs.

Travis Snider homered twice and doubled, scoring 3 runs while driving in 4 as the Pirates took an 11-6 slugfest against the Tigers.

They owned baseball on Aug 11, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (Aug 10) – Updated Yearly 2014 #WOB Standings

 

Darren Hauck / Associated Press

Darren Hauck / Associated Press

Clayton Kershaw pitched 8 brilliant innings allowing just 1 run, got a hit, drove in a run, scored a run and saved another run with a remarkable defensive play, doing it all in the Dodgers 5-1 victory in Milwaukee.

Phil Hughes pitched 7 strong innings, allowing just 1 run and striking out 7, leading the Twins to a 6-1 win in Oakland.

Chase Utley reached base 4 times with a triple and a homer helping the Phillies erase a 6-1 deficit and top the Mets, 7-6.

Melky Cabrera got on base 8 times, driving in a run in the Blue Jays 6-5 19 inning marathon triumph over the Tigers.

They owned baseball on Aug 10, 2014.

 

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

HR Streaks Of 2 Games Or More – 2014 MLB: Joseph’s Historic HRs, Davis On Track, Carter Underrated!

Caleb Joseph is putting up a historic HR run this week, setting a new franchise mark for hitting a long ball in his last 5 straight games, and is throwing out over 50% of the baserunners on the basepaths as a defensive Catcher.  The 28 Year Old RHB is giving the management a lot to think about for the future, with the Catchers, First Base and Designated Hitters positions all featuring players who will become Free Agents in the next 1 - 2 years.

Caleb Joseph is putting up a historic HR run this week, setting a new franchise mark for hitting a long ball in his last 5 straight games, and is throwing out over 50% of the baserunners on the basepaths as a defensive Catcher. The 28 Year Old RHB is giving the management a lot to think about for the future, with the Catchers, First Base and Designated Hitters positions all featuring players who will become Free Agents in the next 1 – 2 years.

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter 

There Is 1 active streak of 5 Games:  Caleb Joseph, who is the 2nd player this year to carry a 5 consecutive tilts with a HR ( the other was Devin Mesoraco.

The only other current streak is Adrian Gonzalez ( who is in his 4th streak right now, with the other 3 being at least 3 games, and one of them a 4 games.

Several Catcher flexed their muscles during this particular week.

1 for one, would love to see Joseph tie the club record set by Chris Davis (who was the last MLB to crank HRs in 6 straight (last week of 2012).

Speaking of the Home Run Ball, the Orioles have been obliterating baseball into orbit versus the Cardinals the last few nights.  Baltimore has outscored St. Louis 22 – 5, with hammering 9 jacks over the wall. Read the rest of this entry

Multi HR Games MLB 2014

Javier Baez clubbed a tater in his MLB debut, took a game off, then knocked off his 1st Multi HR effort in his 3rd game.  The Cubs 21 Year Old 2B from Puerto Rico, was the 9th overall selection by Chicago in the 2011 MLB Amateur Draft.  This kid has scary power, and I thus think he will be adding him name to many future multiple HR games in his lifetime.

Javier Baez clubbed a tater in his MLB debut, took a game off, then knocked off his 1st Multi HR effort in his 3rd game. The Cubs 21 Year Old 2B from Puerto Rico, was the 9th overall selection by Chicago in the 2011 MLB Amateur Draft. This kid has scary power, and I thus think he will be adding him name to many future multiple HR games in his lifetime.  Even in going Homerless in the last 2 games, Baez still has smacked 3 Roundtrippers in his 1st 23 AB.  While he may not reach Kevin Mass like status (10 HRs hit  in his 1st 72 AB for the MLB record of ‘quickest 10″ he is off to a fast start.)

Multi HR Games in MLB 2014

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For Games Played Through Aug 9, 2014 (J.J. Hardy with last 2 HR game – Aug 8, 2014, Lonnie Chisenhall last with 3 HR Game – June 9th, 2014 Last 4 HR game – Josh Hamilton – May 8, 2012)

 

LM Otero/AP

LM Otero/AP

Lonnie Chisenhall (3 HR Game) June 9th

Chris Davis, Orioles (3 HR Game) May 20th

Ryan Braun – Brewers (3 HR Game) – April.8th

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (Aug 09) – Updated Yearly 2014 #WOB Standings

JAMIE SQUIRE/GETTY IMAGES

JAMIE SQUIRE/GETTY IMAGES

James Shields threw a complete game 4 hit shutout of the Giants, earning the 5-0 decision and helping the Royals inch closer to first place.

Mike Trout reached base 4 times in the 19 inning marathon game, including a game tying homer in the 8th inning, helping the Angels survive 5-4.

Mike Fiers pitched 8 dominating innings, letting up just 3 hits and 1 run, while beating the Dodgers, 4-1 in Milwaukee.

David Peralta doubled and crushed a grand slam, leading a dynamic attack as the Diamondbacks blew out the Rockies 14-4.

They owned baseball on Aug 09, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

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How All Of The A’s Hitters Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree Shows Incredible Beane Trading Record

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How All Of The Athletics Hitters Were Acquired:

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter 

Truthfully this blog took me forever to do the research for, simply because the A’s GM Billy Beane has been so proactive at the trading helm.

From flipping Mark Mulder several years ago which fetched Dan Haren as part of the haul, to the massive deal with Dan Haren sent to the D’Backs, he added enough depth to pull off several other moves.

Yes, along the way he may have been burned by Colorado for Carlos Gonzalez, but in a the Dbacks deal still is paying off.

The Roster deals include several Oakland draft picks being flipped for current A’s.

Nick Swisher was traded for Gio Gonzalez, who in turn the club can thank for the Catching tandem of Derek Norris and John Jaso as assets received from Swisher initially.

Jaso was brought back in a 3 way deal from Washington, where the A’s sent the SP back to the team they traded Gio Gonzalez for.

Ryan Sweeney (another player brought in for the Swisher) was packaged with Andrew Bailey to obtain Josh Reddick. Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (Aug 08) – Updated Yearly 2014 #WOB Standings

MIKE STOBE/GETTY IMAGES

MIKE STOBE/GETTY IMAGES

Carlos Beltran clobbered a grand slam and added an RBI single, driving in 5 and scoring 2 as the Yankees topped the Indians in a wild 10-6 game.

Hisashi Iwakuma threw 7 innings, allowing just 1 run while striking out 7 White Sox, earning the Mariners 4-1 win.

David Peralta doubled, tripled, walked, stole a base, drove in a run and scored a pair, leading Arizona to a rare victory, 5-3 over the Rockies.

Nathan Eovaldi threw 8 shutout innings, letting up 5 hits and 1 walk as the Marlins snuck past the Reds, 2-1.

They owned baseball on Aug 08, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (Aug 07) – Updated Yearly 2014 #WOB Standings

Ezra Shaw, Getty Images

Ezra Shaw, Getty Images

Jon Lester threw a complete game 3 hit shutout, striking out 8 Twins batters along the way for the 3-0 victory in Oakland.

Edinson Volquez pitched no hit ball into the 5th and finished with 7 shutout 1 hit innings, earning the 7-2 decision for the Pirates over the Marlins.

Dustin Ackley reached base 3 times, homered and drove in 4 runs as the Mariners thrashed the White Sox, 13-3.

Javier Baez continued to dazzle in his big league introduction. He went 3-4 with a pair of homers and 4 RBI in the Cubs 6-2 win in Colorado.

They owned baseball on Aug 07, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (Aug 06) – Updated Yearly 2014 #WOB Standings

Jim Mone - AP Photo

Jim Mone – AP Photo

Seth Smith got on base 3 times including a double and a go ahead 10th inning home run that proved to be the game winner, leading the Padres to a 5-4 win in Minnesota.

Dan Haren retired the first 16 hitters he faced. He pitched into the 8th inning and finished with 7 1/3 innings of 3 hit, 1 run ball, earning the 2-1 decision for the Dodgers over the Angels.

Jose Bautista singled, doubled and homered, giving the Blue Jays a critical 5-1 victory over Baltimore.

Drew Hutchison came within one out of a complete game, allowing one hit on a solo homer, striking out 8 and walking 1 as he dominated Baltimore 5-1 in Toronto.

They owned baseball on Aug 06, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (Aug 05) – Updated Yearly 2014 #WOB Standings

Photo: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Photo: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Colby Lewis pitched a complete game 6 hit shutout, striking out 7 and walking just 1 as the Rangers cruised to a 16-0 blow out of the White Sox.

Billy Butler went 4-5, with a double and a 3 run homer, helping the Royals clobber the Diamondbacks, 12-2.

Johnny Cueto threw his fourth complete game of the season, allowing just 5 hits and 2 runs and earning his 13th win of the season as the Reds topped the Indians, 9-2.

Juan Uribe hit a 3 run homer and then scored the winning run in the bottom of the 9th, giving the Dodgers a 5-4 victory against their freeway rival Angels.

They owned baseball on Aug 05, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (Aug 04) – Updated Yearly 2014 #WOB Standings

 

Andrew Nelles - AP

Andrew Nelles – AP

 

Tyler Flowers went 3-3 with 3 RBI and missed the cycle by a double in the White Sox rain shortened 5-3 victory over Texas.

Pablo Sandoval went 3-5 with a pair of 2 out RBI doubles. One tied the game and the other put the Giants ahead of the Mets for good in the 9th inning and led to the 4-3 final.

Garrett Richards threw a complete game, 5 hit shutout, striking out 9 Dodgers and giving the Angels the 5-0 win.

Santiago Casilla threw a perfect 9th to save the game for the Giants over the Mets, 4-3. (I couldn’t give it to Hudson!)

They owned baseball on Aug 04, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

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Odds To Win The 2014 MLB World Series Currently + Best/Worst Value Bets

The Tigers should be a unanimous choice for the 1 odd to win the World Series.  It is only because the A's have to contend with the Angels, and all NL Divisions are close.

The Tigers should be a unanimous choice for the 1 odd to win the World Series. It is only because the A’s have to contend with the Angels, and all NL Divisions are close. I would take Detroit’s rotation and 1 – 9 lineup over Oakland in a series right now, with the A’s possessing a better Bullpen as their only advantage.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

With the trade deadline coming and going, the new odds have been posted to win the “Fall Classic.”

The consensus among bettors is that the Athletics and Tigers by virtue of their trades are the top favorites.

1st off, there is no way the A’s should be rated higher than Detroit.  The Angels are just 1 game behind Oakland, which would force them into the Wild Card Game.

The ‘Motown Boys’ hold a 5 game lead on their nearest Division rival Kansas City, therefore should be a heavier rated club.

Detroit has a playoff pedigree of going to three straight ALCS’s, and the A’s haven’t won a playoff series since 2006.

I am not putting down the A’s, the odds are just so low, that it is not worth a wager.

Tampa Bay is also a big longshot.  They should be pegged worse than what they are right now.  David Price is not on the squad anymore, and the +5000 is based on the run they did when he was on their staff.

The Rays have climbed from +13000 all the way to +5000 in about a 6 week stretch, however this team is more likely to finish around the .500 mark for the rest of the year. Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (Aug 03) – Updated Yearly 2014 #WOB Standings

JOE ROBBINS/GETTY IMAGES

JOE ROBBINS/GETTY IMAGES

 

David Murphy reached base 4 times, doubled, made two terrific catches and hit a 2 run bottom of the 9th homer to tie the game and set up Cleveland’s 4-3 walk off win in the 12th against Texas.

Chris Tillman threw 7 shutout innings, letting up 4 hits and walking none, helping the Orioles take a tense 1-0 game against Seattle.

Hunter Pence went 3-5 with a pair of homers and a double, driving in 4 runs and helping the Giants crush the Mets, 9-0.

Madison Bumgarner threw a complete game 2 hit shutout, walking just 1 while striking out 10 Mets and as the Giants took the 9-0 laugher.

They owned baseball on Aug 03, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

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HR Streaks Of 2 Or More 2014

Harrison may very well have not deserved his NL ALL - Star selection last month, but he is totally on fire now - playing awesome baseball.  The Utility man for the Bucs is the latest MLB'er to hit Home Runs in 4 straight contests.  Harrison also went yard again last night.

Harrison may very well have not deserved his NL ALL – Star selection last month, but he is totally on fire now – playing awesome baseball. The Utility man for the Bucs is the latest MLB’er to hit Home Runs in 4 straight contests this year. Harrison also went yard again last night, after a brief 2 game hiatus from smacking a long ball.  The Pirates have rode his tear into a tie for the Wild Card spot.

Through Aug 2, 2014 

HRs Streaks (Games Consecutive in MLB)

0 active streaks of HRs more than 1

All Streaks Of 2 or more in 2014.

5 Games

Meroraco

Devin Mesoraco, Reds, June 18 – June 24

2nd HR Steak For Mesoraco Read the rest of this entry

Multi HR Games MLB 2014

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Multi HR Games in MLB 2014

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

For Games Played Through Aug 2, 2014

(Lucas Duda with last 2 HR Game Aug 1st, Lonnie Chisenhall last with 3 HR Game – June 9th, 2014 Last 4 HR game – Josh Hamilton – May 8, 2012)

 

LM Otero/AP

LM Otero/AP

Lonnie Chisenhall (3 HR Game) June 9th

Chris Davis, Orioles (3 HR Game) May 20th

Ryan Braun – Brewers (3 HR Game) – April.8th Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (Aug 02) – Updated Yearly 2014 #WOB Standings

Pat Sullivan - AP

Pat Sullivan – AP

Brett Oberholtzer went 7 innings, allowing 6 hits, 2 runs and walking only 1 Blue Jays batter to get the 8-2 decision for Houston.

Ben Zobrist went 4-5 with a double, a stolen base, a run scored and an RBI in the Rays 10-3 win over the Angels.

Jacob deGrom pitched scoreless ball for the Mets into the 8th, finishing with 7 1/3 innings, 4 hits, 1 walk, 7 strikeouts and getting the 4-2 victory against the Giants.

Josh Harrison got on base 4 times, missing the cycle by a triple, and scored 3 of the Pirates runs as they won 8-3 in Arizona.

They owned baseball on Aug 02, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (Aug 1st) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014

FRANK FRANKLIN II/AP

FRANK FRANKLIN II/AP

 

Ryan Vogelsong threw a complete game, facing the minimum into the 8th inning. He finished allowing 2 hits, 1 run, 1 walk and earning the 5-1 decision over the Mets.

Jordy Mercer reached base 3 times including a go ahead RBI double in the 9th, helping the Pirates come from behind to take the 9-4 final in Arizona.

Justin Verlander threw 8 strong innings, allowing just 2 runs and walking no Rockies batter as the Tigers prevailed 4-2.

David Murphy went 4 for 4 with a pair of doubles, two runs scored and two RBI as the Indians cruised to a 12-2 win over Texas.

They owned baseball on Aug 01, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

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MLB Trade Deadline Breakdown 2014 + The August Aftermath

jonah hill

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter 

It was a flurry of action that baseball really needed.  Half way through the day, I was amazed their was actually day games.

Oakland and Detroit pushed all of their chips in, and you have to think they are pretty much done with transactions, although one of them doing an August deal could prompt the other to do the same.

I am holding back reservations for judging the Pirates, Blue Jays and Royals….however they all must be the “MLB clubhouse leaders” in August acquisitions to challenge for playoff slots.

Although KC better have a better idea than having Raul Ibanez take regular AB at 1B..That is horrible..

It wasn’t like the club didn’t know Eric Hosmer was injured badly.

I am also about throwing Ruben Amaro‘s career about 10 second from a toe-tag (and those ten seconds are August), for standing pat on his 47 – 60 aging core.

Like I have said so many times on twitter and social media outlets.  Someone teach this man some basic economics.

Take a lesson from Boston, and trade-off assets, to receive younger ones in the process, then you can turn around and spend every red cent in Free Agency in the offseason.. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – August 1, 2014

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The trade deadline has come and gone, but the seasons for the Red Sox and Mets are still lost this year.

No better time to talk with comedian and rabid Mets fan Poppi Kramer and talk about the day’s events.

It is a misery loves company episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Follow Poppi Kramer on Twitter by clicking HERE.

Clayton Kershaw, Nolan Reimold, Ben Revere, Yordano Ventura, Neil Walker, Tom Koehler, Bud Norris and Michael Brantley all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 31st) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014

David J. Phillip - AP

David J. Phillip – AP

Nolan Reimold homered twice including a go ahead 9th inning shot that gave the Blue Jays a 6-5 win in Houston.

Ben Revere got 4 hits, scored 2, drove in one and stole a base, helping the Phillies top the Nationals, 10-4.

Yordano Ventura pitched 7 strong innings, allowing just 1 earned run and struckout 7, getting the 6-3 decision for the Royals over the Twins, 6-3.

Clayton Kershaw threw a complete game, letting up a single run, struck out 9 and walked no Atlanta batters and earned the 2-1 victory for the Dodgers.

They owned baseball on July 31, 2014.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 31, 2014

(Boston Herald Staff photo by Stuart Cahill)

(Boston Herald Staff photo by Stuart Cahill)

I woke up this morning by a text from my Red Sox loving friend Kenny Mack that Jon Lester and Jonny Gomes were dealt to the A’s for Yoenis Cespedes.

Good morning.

Kenny and I discussed the move and the legacies of both teams. We sometimes got off topic.

It is a trade deadline episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Follow Kenny Mack on Twitter by clicking HERE.

Matt Kemp, Zack Greinke, Corey Kluber, Nick Castellanos, Brad Hand, Felix Hernandez, Justin Upton and Josh Willingham all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?

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How All Of The Red Sox Hitters Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree – Updated For Cespedes + Craig + Johnson Deals

David Ortiz is incredible based on the consistent numbers he has put forth since everyone thought his career was winding down several years ago.  The 38 Year Old DH continues to bash homers, win games, and now with a flurry of trades, the organization has given him some reinforcements.

David Ortiz is incredible based on the consistent numbers he has put forth since everyone thought his career was winding down several years ago. The 38 Year Old DH continues to bash homers, win games, and now with a flurry of trades, the organization has given him some reinforcements in the 1 -9 lineup for a few years.

How All Of The Red Sox Hitters Were Acquired:

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

The Boston Red Sox are smart enough to realize a retool was in order.

To kickstart the festivities, the club made a pair of moves that includes Jon Lester and Jonny Gomes to Oakland for Cuban OF Yoenis Cespedes, followed by dealing Jon Lackey to the Cardinals for 1B/OF Allen Craig and SP Joe Kelly.

These deals have helped the Red Sox be better balanced on offense, and has freed up roster spots for their young prospects to thrive.  Read the rest of this entry

Oakland A’s Payroll In 2014 + Contracts Going FWD: Updated For Trade Deadline Deals

Part of the lure in acquiring Samardzija was that he had 1 year left of Arbitration.  He will likely cost in the $12 - 15 MIL range for 2015.  He tops the list of several A's players that will be ARB eligible in 2015 like Moss, Donaldson, Cook, Parker, Jaso, Reddick and Gentry.  While the club is going for it in 2014, there unloading of Cespdes's $10.5 MIL 2015 salary will be used to pay these guys raises.  Some of the club will be traded or released.  The A's should still have about $25 MIL to spend on 7 or 8 guys next year.  Their $95 MIL payroll in 2014 is their highest ever recorded for any one year.

Part of the lure in acquiring Samardzija was that he had 1 year left of Arbitration. He will likely cost in the $12 – 15 MIL range for 2015. He tops the list of several A’s players that will be ARB eligible in 2015 like Moss, Donaldson, Cook, Parker, Jaso, Reddick and Gentry. While the club is going for it in 2014, there unloading of Cespdes’s $10.5 MIL 2015 salary will be used to pay these guys raises. Some of the club will be traded or released. The A’s should still have about $25 MIL to spend on 7 or 8 guys next year. Their $95 MIL projected payroll in 2014 is their highest ever recorded for any one year.

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Wow.  What a roster that has been assembled by Billy Beane in the last 30 days or so.

Make no bones about it, the reason the Money Ball GM was able to this was one from depth strength – coupled with being the master of financial flexibility.

We all know that the A’s have shied away from giving long term pitching contracts, or heck, from lucrative long contracts to positional players.

Ever since the team offered Jermaine Dye a big deal at the time, only to see his production fall off, then to be resurrected in other uniforms, did the management learn to ply their craft.

The team also doled out megabucks for Eric Chavez after that, then to watch him suffer through countless injuries.

Players like Nick Swisher, Miguel Tejada, Johnny Damon, Tim Hudson, Barry Zito, Mark Mulder have left the nest to make fortunes in other locations.

Beane made off like a bandit dealing Rich Harden before he eventually broke down.  Oh yeah, the GM received Josh Donaldson for that trade.

It has been a brass that sees about 50 roster transactions every year.  The key is to always sell high, and mix in the right amount of Free Agent veterans.

All of that ‘baseball rounding’ afforded the “Moneyball” GM to go for it this year. Read the rest of this entry

Beane Acquires Lester + Gomes For Cespedes: Then Acquires Fuld For Millone

Jon Lester, 30, is in the last year of his contract, which will make him around $4 MIL for the last 2 months of the 2014 season.  While there is no way he signs with Oakland past this campaign, this is a calculated move to land a playoff assassin that can front a franchise a #1 starter for a playoff series - or as the pitcher in a Play in Wild Card game should the Angels run the A's down for the AL West.  Much like Samardzija, the Athletics brass knows these guys could never be acquired via Free Agency, and have the wherewithal to know that inking longterm aces to deals past the age of 30 is just not in the cards for the franchise.  The A's were put in the position to rent them because of Beane's nice deals to build the organization's depth.

Jon Lester, 30, is in the last year of his contract, which will make him around $4 MIL for the last 2 months of the 2014 season. While there is no way he signs with Oakland past this campaign, this is a calculated move to land a playoff assassin that can front a franchise a #1 starter for a playoff series – or as the pitcher in a Play in Wild Card game should the Angels run the A’s down for the AL West. Much like Samardzija, the Athletics brass knows these guys could never be acquired via Free Agency, and have the wherewithal to know that inking longterm aces to deals past the age of 30 is just not in the cards for the franchise. The A’s were put in the position to rent them because of Beane’s nice deals to build the organization’s depth. Lester features a 2.11 ERA in 76.2 IP worth of work in the Post season lifetime.  Lester is 10 – 7, with a 2.52 ERA in 143.2 IP this season in 21 Game Starts.

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Billy Beane has been adamant about his team winning the World Series in 2014, and he fired yet another salvo on the July 31st deadline.

The A’s GM acquired Jon Lester and Jonny Gomes for the popular Cuban OF Yoenis Cespedes.

Lets have the finances out of the way 1st.

Jon Lester, 30,  is in the last year of his contract, and will be a Free Agent after this year. 

There is no shot at the man signing with the Athletics after this year. however the A’s will receive a compensatory pick for giving him a qualifying offer following 2014.

The LHP wll make approximately $4 MIL the rest of the season.

Yoenis Cespedes, 28,  is signed through the 2015 at $10.5 MIL per year the next 2 seasons, and will become a Free Agent after next year. 

As per the article 20B section of the CBA, he negotiated that he would be free and clear once his original 4 YRs/$36 MIL deal with the A’s was completed – prior to the 2012 campaign.

The 2013 and 2014 HR Derby winner will make just south of $3.3 MIL for the rest of this year.

Jonny Gomes 33, will make about $1.5 MIL for the duration of the 2014 year, and will become a Free Agent this winter. Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 30th) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014

Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times

Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times

Matt Kemp reached base 4 times including a homer and a walk off single in the 10th, giving the Dodgers a 3-2 victory over the Braves.

Nick Castellanos went 2-4 with a homer and 4 RBI in Detroit’s 7-2 win over the White Sox.

Zack Greinke dominated the Braves with an 8 innings, 1 run 13 strikeout performance. The bullpen blew his chance for a decision but the Dodgers walked off 3-2 winners.

Corey Kluber pitched a complete game 3 hit no walk shutout, striking out 8 as the Indians squeaked past the Mariners, 2-0.

They owned baseball on July 30, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 29th) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014

JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES

JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES

Cole Hamels pitched 8 shutout innings, striking out 8 and walking none, beating the Mets, 6-0, in what could be his final start as a Philadelphia Phillie.

Matt Kemp went 3-4 with a pair of homers in what could be HIS final day as a Dodger, helping them to an 8-4 victory over the Braves.

Alex Cobb threw 8 strong innings, allowing just 3 hits, 1 run, striking out 12 and got the 5-1 decision for the surging Rays over the Brewers.

Brett Gardner continued his hot hitting with a 4-5 performance, smacking a homer and a pair of doubles and helping the Yankees hold on in a 12-11 slugfest in Texas.

They owned baseball on July 29, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 28th) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014

Blue Jays Red Sox Baseball

Melky Cabrera reached base three times including 2 homers, 3 runs and 5 RBI, leading the Blue Jays in a 14-1 demolishing of the Red Sox.

Jake Odorizzi pitched 7 innings allowing 3 hits, 1 run and no walks, earning the decision for the Rays 2-1 over the Brewers.

Adeiny Hechavarria went 2-4 including an RBI triple that tied the game in the 9th and scored the walk off run in the Marlins wild comeback 7-6 win over the Nationals.

Vance Worley threw a 4 hit shutout over the Giants and got the 5-0 victory for the Pirates.

They owned baseball on July 28, 2014.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 27th) – Updated Yearly #WOB Totals For 2014

COLIN E. BRALEY/AP

COLIN E. BRALEY/AP

Carlos Santana capped off a 9 for 14 series by getting on base 5 times with a pair of homers and 2 RBI helping the Indians top the Royals, 10-3.

Josh Harrison went 4-6 with a double and a homer and a pair of stolen bases as the Pirates won 7-5 in Colorado.

Yohan Pino allowed just 4 hits and 1 walk in 6 innings while striking out 6 White Sox batters. He did not get the decision but set up Minnesota’s 4-3 victory.

Doug Fister pitched 7 shutout innings, giving up just 3 hits and walking 1 as the Nationals took a tense 4-2 game in Cincinnati.

 

They owned baseball on July 27, 2014.

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