Blog Archives

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June.07) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Frank Gunn

AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Frank Gunn

Shelby Miller pitched a complete game 3 hit shutout, earning the 5-0 St. Louis win in Toronto,

Kyle Gibson threw 7 shutout innings, letting up just 3 hits, as the Twins blanked the Astros, 8-0.

Hunter Pence got on base 4 times, tied the game with a 9th inning double and scored the walk off run for the Giants wild 5-4 victory against the Mets.

Salvador Perez went 3-4, missing the cycle by a triple and driving in 3 key runs for the Royals as they topped the Yankees, 8-4.

They owned baseball on June 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.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June.06) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Justin Edmonds / Getty Images

Justin Edmonds / Getty Images

Dee Gordon got on base 4 times with a pair of triples, a stolen base, two runs scored and three runs batted in, leading the Dodgers to a much needed 7-2 win in Colorado.

Torii Hunter went 3-4 with a homer and a pair of runs scored, stopping Detroit’s slide as they beat Boston 6-2.

Tanner Roark threw 8 innings of 3 hit, no walk shutout ball, striking out 11 Padres. The Nationals inched closer to first place with the 6-0 victory.

Dallas Keuchel tossed 6 innings of shutout ball in Minnesota. The bullpen nearly blew it but he got the decision for the Astros, 5-4.

They owned baseball on June 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.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June.05) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Al Behrman, Associated Press

Al Behrman, Associated Press

Madison Bumgarner pitched 8 innings of 3 hit ball, letting up a single run and walking no Reds batters. He earned his 8th victory for the Giants, 6-1.

Masahiro Tanaka cooled the hot Oakland bats with 6 innings of solid pitching, letting up a single run, as the Yankees held on to win, 2-1.

Casey McGehee went 4-5, including a double, and scored 4 runs helping the Marlins tie for first place while topping the Rays, 11-6.

Dexter Fowler got on base 4 times, scoring a pair and driving in a run, helping the Astros take a 8-5 game against the Angels.

They owned baseball on June 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.

Read the rest of this entry

Multi HR Games In 2014

Multi HR Games in MLB 2014

 

For Games Played Through June 4, 2014

Chris Davis

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 (June.04) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Photo: JACK DEMPSEY, AP

Photo: JACK DEMPSEY, AP

Miguel Montero went 3-4, drove in 6 and helped the Diamondbacks score 11 unanswered runs in the final 2 innings in a wild 16-8 victory in Colorado.

Adam Wainwright threw a shutout into the 9th inning. The bullpen would lose the lead for him but his 8 plus innings of 4 hit, 2 walk 8 strikeout ball set up the extra inning 5-2 win for the Cardinals in Kansas City,

Asdrubal Cabrera got on base 3 times including a bottom of the 12th walk off 3 run homer that sunk Boston and continued Cleveland’s winning streak, 7-4.

Hisashi Iwakuma  threw 7 shutout innings, walking no Atlanta batters and helped the Mariners continue their hot streak, 2-0.

They owned baseball on June 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.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June.03) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Henderson Alvarez pitching a complete game shutout where he walked no batters and threw only 88 pitches. The Marlins beat the Rays by the slimmest of margins, 1-0.

Drew Hutchison engaged in one of the best pitchers duels of the year. He threw 7 shutout innings against the mighty Tigers. He didn’t get the decision but he helped the Blue Jays win, 5-3.

Brandon Moss homered twice including a tie breaking shot in the 10th innings, leading the A’s to a 5-2 victory in the Bronx.

Chris Owings missed the cycle by a single, driving in a pair as the Diamondbacks topped the Rockies, 4-2.

They owned baseball on June 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.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June.02) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

USATSI

USATSI

Kyle Seager missed the cycle by a single. He doubled, tripled twice and launched a back breaking homer as the Mariners blew out the Yankees, 10-2.

Justin Masterson dominated his former team, throwing 7 innings of 3 hit shutout ball, striking out 10 and ending the Red Sox winning streak with a 3-2 win in Cleveland.

Jordy Mercer got on base 5 times, including a homer, drove in a pair and scored 4 times in the Pirates 10-3 romp in San Diego.

Clayton Kershaw threw 8 strong innings, striking out 9 and walking none, allowing the Dodgers to come from behind and beat the White Sox, 5-2.

They owned baseball on June 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.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June.01) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

ED S. WARREN/AP

ED S. WARREN/AP

In a day full of remarkable pitching performances, Roenis Elias stood out with a masterful 3 hit shutout of the mighty Detroit Tigers. The Mariners won 4-0.

Brock Holt got on base 5 times with 4 doubles and a stolen base helping the Red Sox sweep the Rays with a 4-0 win and extend their winning streak to 7 games.

Kyle Lohse threw a complete game 3 hit shutout against the Cubs, 9-0, and padded the Brewers divisional lead.

Andrew McCutchen homered, smacked a pair of doubles and made a sliding catch, starring in the nationally broadcast 5-3 Pirates victory in Los Angeles.

They owned baseball on June 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.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.31) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Ben Margot, Associated Press

Ben Margot, Associated Press

Yoenis Cespedes was a single shy of the cycle. He hit a go ahead triple in the 7th, blasted a game busting 3 run homer in the 8th and threw out a pair of runners at the plate, doing it all in the A’s 11-3 thumping of the Angels.

Hanley Ramirez went 4-5 with a pair of homers, 5 RBI and 4 runs scored, helping the Dodgers blow out Pittsburgh 12-2.

Masahiro Tanaka did not let up an earned run over 8 innings, giving up just 4 hits and struck out 9 Twins, picking up his 8th win for the Yankees, 3-1.

Johnny Cueto threw shutout ball into the 8th inning. He finished with 7 1/3 innings with 7 strikeouts and 1 walk leading the Reds to a 5-0 win in Arizona.

They owned baseball on May.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.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.30) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Dilip Vishwanat, Getty Images

Dilip Vishwanat, Getty Images

Madison Bumgarner threw 7 three hit shutout innings, striking out 10 while only walking 1 Cardinal batter, leading the Giants to a 9-4 win.

Devin Mesoraco hit a second inning grand slam and later added a solo shot, providing most of the spark for Cincinnati’s 6-4 victory in Arizona.

Corey Kluber pitched into the 8th inning, finishing with 5 hits over 7 1/3, striking out 12 and walking 1 as the Indians topped Colorado, 5-2.

Josh Donaldson had another amazing day at the plate. He got on four times, including a pair of homers and 4 RBI as Oakland topped the Angels, 9-4

They owned baseball on May.30, 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.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.29) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Photo: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Photo: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Collmenter faced the minimum 27 batters in his brilliant 3 hit no walk complete game shutout against the Reds, earning the 4-0 win in Arizona.

Michael Morse homered and drove in the go ahead runs with an 8th inning double as the Giants came from behind to beat the Cardinals, 6-5.

Brad Peacock threw 6 solid innings, striking out 8, walking no Orioles and allowing just one run. He did not get the win but he kept Houston in the game long enough to top Baltimore 3-1 and extend their winning streak to 6 games.

Erick Aybar went 3-5 with a homer, a stolen base and 3 RBI, leading the Angels to a 7-5 win in Seattle.

They owned baseball on May.29, 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.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.28) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Ted S. Warren - AP

Ted S. Warren – AP

Felix Hernandez came within an out of a complete game, finishing with 8 2/3 innings of 4 hit, 1 walk and 9 strikeout ball. He got the 3-1 win for the Mariners over the Angels.

Josh Donaldson made his second hit of the game count. He clocked a 3 run, bottom of the 9th, come from behind walk off homer that stunned the Tigers and made the A’s 3-1 winners.

Bartolo Colon pitched shutout ball into the 8th inning. He threw 7 1/3 innings, striking out 9 and walking just one Pirate, earning the 5-0 victory for the Mets.

Paul Goldschmidt missed the cycle by a triple, driving in 3 and scoring 2, leading the Diamondbacks in a 12-6 bombing of the Padres.

They owned baseball on May.28, 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.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.27) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Lance Lynn threw a complete game 5 hit shutout, dominating the Yankees 6-0 in St. Louis.

Andre Ethier homered and hit a three run triple, leading the Dodgers past the Reds 6-3.

Collin McHugh won a tense pitchers duel by throwing 7 scoreless innings, striking out 9 Royals and walking none as the Astros won 3-0.

Adam Lind kept the torrid bats alive for Toronto, going 3-5 with a homer and 2 RBI in the 9-6 slugfest against Tampa.

They owned baseball on May.27, 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.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.26) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Photo: Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photo: Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

A.J. Pollock finished a 3 hit day with a 2 out, bottom of the 9th, 2 run walk off homer to give Arizona a 7-5 win over the Padres.

Hyun-jin Ryu tried to make it back to back no hitters for the Dodgers. He took a perfect game into the 8th against the Reds before needing help from the bullpen. He would finish with 7 1/3 strong innings and a 3-2 win over the Reds.

Jonathan Schoop went 3-5 with 2 homers, leading the Orioles in a 7-6 come from behind win in Milwaukee.

Tommy Milone pitched shutout ball into the 7th inning, letting up 4 hits and helped the A’s trounce the Tigers, 10-0.

They owned baseball on May.26, 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.

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.25) – Updated MLB Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Ron Cortes / McClatchy-Tribune

Ron Cortes / McClatchy-Tribune

Josh Beckett threw the first no hitter of 2014 and the first Dodger no no since 1996 as he dominated the Phillies, 6-0.

Evan Gattis homered twice, driving in 3 runs and led the Braves to a 7-0 victory against the Rockies.

Dallas Keuchel pitched a complete game victory, letting up just one unearned run, walking none, as the Astros topped the Mariners, 4-1/

Derek Jeter had a 4 hit game in the Yankees 7-1 thrashing of the White Sox.

They owned baseball on May.25, 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.

Read the rest of this entry

2014’s Top Home Run Hitters (MLB): HR Streaks (3 Active) (Puig, Dozier, Crawford) + Goldy’s Big Night)

Paul Goldschmidt was the best hitter in the line up for Arizona. He carried the offense for the whole season and also played stellar defense at first base for the team. There were numerous occasions during the season where Arizona needed a clutch hit and Goldschmidt came through when it mattered most. He had a .302/.401/.952 triple-slash with 36 HRs and 125 RBIs and this also included him having 332 Total Bases. He also led the National League in Extra-Base hits with 75 and was third in runs scored at 103. He gave opposing pitchers nightmares when runners were in scoring position, where he had a .338 average with 12 HRs 84 RBIs. He proved to be a very good clutch hitter where he hit 13 HRs from the seventh inning on.  In 2014, he has continued his assault on NL pitching, despite the club not faring as well.  Heading into Sunday, he has a slash line of .324/.375/.571 - and leads the NL in GP (45) PA (202) AB (182) H (59) 2B (18) XBH (27) and TB (104) and is tied for 4th in HRs with 9.

Paul Goldschmidt  carried the offense for the whole season in 2013 and also played stellar defense at first base for the DBacks. . He had a .302/.401/.952 triple-slash with 36 HRs and 125 RBIs – and this also included him having 332 Total Bases. He also led the National League in Extra-Base hits with 75 and was third in runs scored at 103. He finished 2nd in NL MVP Voting for his efforts. . In 2014, he has continued his assault on NL pitching, despite the club not faring as well. Heading into Sunday, he has a slash line of .324/.375/.571 – and leads the NL in GP (45) PA (202) AB (182) H (59) 2B (18) XBH (27) and TB (104) and is tied for 4th in HRs with 9.

Paul Goldschmidt absolutely obliterated Dodgers Pitching on Saturday night, touching them up for 2 HRs, 2 – 2B, 6 RBI 5 Runs, Added 12 Total Bases, and even walked once for good measure.

Goldschmidt also was the only MLB’er to smack 2 big flies yesterday.  Furthermore he entered a logjam of players that are now tied for 4th place in the NL with Charlie Blackmon, Carlos Gomez, Brandon Belt, Justin Upton Adrian Gonzalez and Yasiel Puig.

Speaking of Puig, he hit a HR for a 2nd straight game, and his 4th smash over the fence of the week.  He finds himself back in the top 5 in several offensive categories.

Troy Tulowitzki enjoyed home cooking again, with his 3 – 4 night, with his 12th HR to stay tied with other NL Leader Giancarlo Stanton.

Both Jose Bautista and Brian Dozier did yard work yesterday, to draw themselves in a tie for 3rd place each with Nelson Cruz of the Baltimore Orioles.

Current HR streaks that ended yesterday were Derek Dietrich at 2, and Josh Donaldson at 3 games straight, although the A’s 3B hit a Triple and added 3 RBI in the win versus the Indians in Cleveland Saturday. Read the rest of this entry

2014’s Top Home Run Hitters (MLB): HR Streaks (2 Active) (Donaldson-3,Dietrich-2) + Reddick WHAMS 2 Dingers FRI

Last year the RF was struggling mightily early in the year before he crushed a 3 HR game and a 2 HR game versus the Toronto Blue Jays at SkyDome. The LHB is a streaky hitter, but he has yet to duplicate his sustained success in the 2012 year, where he mashed 32 HRs for the year. If you look at his 2014 Slash Line, it looks a lot alike last campaign.  2013 - .226/.307/.379 - with 12 HRs and 56 RBI in 385 AB. 2014 #s now are .236/.297/.386  - with 4 HRs and 18 RBI, which is just about a 1/3rd of the totals pace from last year.

Last year Josh Reddick was struggling mightily early in the year before he crushed a 3 HR game and a 2 HR game versus the Toronto Blue Jays at SkyDome in 2 straight days.  .The LHB is a streaky hitter, but he has yet to duplicate his sustained success in the 2012 year, where he mashed 32 HRs for the whole season. If you look at his 2014 Slash Line, it looks a lot alike last campaign. 2013 – .226/.307/.379 – with 12 HRs and 56 RBI in 385 AB.  HIs 2014 #s now are .236/.297/.386 – with 4 HRs and 18 RBI, which is just about a 1/3rd of the totals pace from last year in a 1/3rd of the Games Played..

Josh Reddick has broken out of his slump and pasted the ball over the last 3 games.  His Grand Slam and 2 run HR effort last night, coupled with his HR a few nights ago, now give him 3 HRs on the year.

Reddick must continue his assault on pitching, as the team just picked up Kyle Blanks, and they are already armed with Coco Crisp, Yoenis Cespedes, Craig Gentry and Brandon Moss, all rotating through OF/DH/1B.

While Moss will see more action at the First Base Position, likely in a platoon with Blanks, both have capable ability to play RF like him.

Still for one night, it was good to see him rake the ball again, and all the Oakland fans are now bringing back the song ” Careless Whisper” by Wham, as it is the slugger’s walkup song.

Yeah, baseball players are not very superstitious are they? Read the rest of this entry

2014’s Top Home Run Hitters In The MLB: HR Streaks (3 Active): (Donaldson, Cruz, Morse) + EE IS Mashing!

Encarnacion has put together back to back great seasons in the middle of the Jays lineup, bashing out 42 HRs in 2012, and then knocking out another 36 in 2013.  At just a contract extension of 3 YRs/$29 MIL for 2014 - 2016, the Jays MGMT can be happy with the sluggers value. EE started off slow in April with just one HR, although he has exploded for 7 in May already, and he has vaulted into the RBI race with 30 knocked in as well.  Encarnacion is third in the Majors In HRs since the start of the 2012 season

Encarnacion has put together back to back great seasons in the middle of the Jays lineup, bashing out 42 HRs in 2012, and then knocking out another 36 in 2013. At just a contract extension of 3 YRs/$29 MIL for 2014 – 2016, the Jays MGMT can be happy with the sluggers value. EE started off slow in April with just one HR, although he has exploded for 7 in May already, and he has vaulted into the RBI race with 30 knocked in as well. Encarnacion is third in the Majors In HRs since the start of the 2012 season.  Last night, he had his 2nd 2 HR game in 8 days.  EE also has a 3 game HR streak this month as well.

Edwin Encarnacion had his 2nd Multi HR game of May already, and now after a slow start, has clubbed 8 HRs and added 30 RBI for the year.

Double EE has been one of the most consistent HR hitters in the MLB from the start of the 2012 campaign, as he trails only Miguel Cabrera (94 HRs) and Chris Davis (88 HRs) – with hit total tally of 86 Homers in that time frame.

Encarnacion hit 42 HRs in 2012, and nailed 36 of them last season.

In addition to his 2 Multi HR games, he also had HRs in 3 straight games earlier in this month.

Juan Francisco and he are carrying the club, with teams seemingly pitching around Jose Bautista.

Francisco himself as done yard work 7 times in just 82 AB this year.  The new Blue Jays 3B has given them an infusion of offense.

It is kind of weird that the Brewers gave up on him – after this 27 Year Old, (who can play 1B/3B and PH) cracked 13 HRs and 32 RBI in his 240 AB for the 2013 Year.

The Brew Crew opted for Mark Reynolds, who was more expensive, but could potentially draw more walks.  Both of them strike out a ton.

Anyways, Francisco had hit 20 HRs and added 50 RBI in his last 322 AB in the big leagues.  This will suit the Canadian franchise just fine, even if his whiff rate his high.

It is funny how names continue to pop out within this organization.  There was Juan Encarnacion, then Edwin Encarnacion.

Then you have Frank Francisco, Ben Francisco – and now Juan Francisco, which is a mix for Ben Francisco and Juan Encarnacion.

Of course they already have two Jose’s in Bautista and Reyes, and they also had  Perez’s last year.

And I digress. Read the rest of this entry

2014’s Top HR Hitters In The MLB: HR Streaks (3 Active): (Ortiz, Solarte, Donaldson) + Abreu’s Monster Start In 2014

 

For the 2nd straight game David Ortiz clubbed 2 HRs against his former team the Twins.  The big Red Sox DH now is tied for 2nd in the AL with 11 HRs (with Nelson Cruz).  The 38 Year Old Designated Hitter is pulverizing the ball of late, and has shown no signs of slowing down.  This bodes well for Boston, who can use the automatic advantage Ortiz gives them at a position that is struggling to find players that thrive in.

For the 2nd straight game David Ortiz clubbed 2 HRs against his former team the Twins. The big Red Sox DH now is tied for 2nd in the AL with 11 HRs (with Nelson Cruz). The 38 Year Old Designated Hitter is pulverizing the ball of late, and has shown no signs of slowing down. This bodes well for Boston, who can use the automatic advantage Ortiz gives them at a position that is struggling to find players that thrive in.  The LHB has sipped champagne after winning 3 World Series with Boston, and with the way he is slugging of late, the Beantowners will be back atop the AL East Division rather shortly

David Ortiz not only hit jacks in 2 consecutive games, the ALL – Time DH HR leader hit 2 of them, in both Tuesday and Wednesday’s game.

For his efforts, he has tied for 2nd in AL HRs.  The man keeps on ticking even at the age of 38.

Nelson Cruz blasted a shot that almost brought the O’s back in a game they trailed the Tigers 6 – 0.  The O’s may have lost 7 – 5, but they continue to receive great play from this man.

Cruz was a bargain basement deal at 1 YR/$8 MIL, for a guy who is currently on pace to smash over 40 HRs, and drive in well over 120 RBI.

These are the kind of numbers the 33 Year Old was posting for the Rangers in 2013, before being placed on 50 game suspension for his part in the Biogenesis PED mess. Read the rest of this entry

2014’s Top Home Run Hitters In The MLB: AL/NL, HR Streaks (1 Active) + Multi HRs Games

Brandon Moss has unleashed some serious power in the Bay Area since becoming  a member of the A's.  He has clubbed 59 HRs and added 172 RBI in just 844 AB.  This means he is averaging a big fly for every 14.3 AB, and about an RBI every 4.90 AB.  This is outstanding production.  In 550 AB, he would club about 38 HRs and add about 112 RBI.  Oakland has him under team control for 2015 and 2016 in Arbitration before he can hit Free Agency.  Moss has 8 HRs (2 last night) and knocked in 33 - while carrying a 3 Slash of .286/.364/.526 - which is close to his .894 Lifetime OPS with the A's,

Brandon Moss has unleashed some serious power in the Bay Area since becoming a member of the A’s. He has clubbed 59 HRs and added 172 RBI in just 844 AB. This means he is averaging a big fly for every 14.3 AB, and about an RBI every 4.90 AB. This is outstanding production. In 550 AB, he would club about 38 HRs and add about 112 RBI. Oakland has him under team control for 2015 and 2016 in Arbitration before he can hit Free Agency in 2017. Moss has 8 HRs (2 last night) and knocked in 33 this season – while carrying a 3 Slash of .286/.364/.526 – which is close to his .894 Lifetime OPS with the A’s,

Brandon Moss continued to raise his stock in the realms of the power hitting players pantheon Tuesday by doing yard work twice.

David Ortiz did all he could to help Boston win with a 2 HR effort.  There you go, looking at his year numbers for 2014, as they bare resemblance to his career 3 Slash.

The only active MLB’er to carry HRs in consecutive games this day is Mets OF Curtis Granderson.

This fine gentlemen showed the New York fans what they are missing, as he has clubbed shots over the wall in back to back games.

Granderson had back to back 40+ HR campaigns with the Bronx Bombers, and will always be compared to Carlos Beltran in the next 3 years.  They both have 5 HRs – and Granderson has 4 more RBI, while Beltran has better averages.

Beltran is also hurt now with a bone spur.  The Yankes felt his postseason pedigree was the deciding factor of signing him over Granderson.

Both Ortiz and Victor Martinez climbed into the top 5 in HRs last evening.

All 5 HR streaks ended for the guys who had walked into the night from previous games – including C.J. Cron losing his consecutive games bid via pinch hitting against the Phillies. Read the rest of this entry

Oakland Keeps The Magic Elixir Running With Pitching Staff In 2014: Lead The AL In Wins

Billy Beane made some great trades to bolster his Relief Core - and rotation for the 2014 year.  Despite 3 of the slated Opening Day starters not currently with the club due to Tommy John Surgeries (Griffin and Parke - Straily (Optioned to the Minors), added with early Bullpen woes, the team has righted the ship, and lead AL pitchers in collective ERA, (OBP and OPS against).  Beane has allocated just around $34 MIL in players salary to his staff.  he also made great judgement calls on departing pitcher Bartolo Colon, Brett Anderson and Grant Balfour not duplicating key roles in the previous two seasons.  Once again the "Moneyball Man" looks like he may come up roses one more year in the Division at least.

Billy Beane made some great trades to bolster his Relief Core – and rotation for the 2014 year. Despite 3 of the slated Opening Day starters not currently with the club due to Tommy John Surgeries (Griffin and Parker) + Straily (Optioned to the Minors), added with early Bullpen woes, the team has righted the ship, and lead AL pitchers in collective ERA, (OBP and OPS against). Beane has allocated just around $34 MIL in players salary to his staff in 2014. He also made great judgement calls on departing pitcher Bartolo Colon, Brett Anderson and Grant Balfour – not duplicating key roles in the previous two seasons. Once again the “Moneyball Man” looks like he may come up roses one more year in the Division at least.

Billy Beane knows how to construct a Pitching Staff on a shoe string budget.

Not enough Pitching with double TJ Surgeries to A.J. Griffin and Jarrod Parker to have slowed the Rotation? Nope.

What about the loss of Bartolo Colon?  Hell no, that big guy is sporting an ERA of over 5.50 in an easier NL hitting league.

Scott Kazmir a risk?  Nope, wrong answer again thus far. The recipient of a 2 YRs Deal worth $22 MIL is a lot of money doled out from the A’s organization for a Free Agent Hurler.

All the 30 Year Old LHP has done in 2014, is lead the AL with a WHIP of 0.974, carried forth a 5 – 1 record, and a sparkling 2.28 ERA to date.

How about sophomore Sonny Gray having a tougher time peddling through the league for a second time?  Not a chance.

Gray is 3rd in the AL – with an ERA of 2.17, and has a 4 – 1 record himself. Read the rest of this entry

2014’s Top Home Run Hitters: AL/NL, HR Streaks (5 Active) + Multi HRs Games

5ebb0-puig

There were a lot of HRs hit for how few games there were on a shortened Monday schedule last evening.  Yasiel Puig hit a mammoth HR to erase a 2 run deficit into a lead.

The 2nd Year Dodger is on fire right now, and has hit back to back HRs in the last few games. 

After a slower start, the 23 Year Old is now resembling the player he was last year, featuring a .318/.408/.551 3 Slash Line for the campaign – with 7 HRs and 29 RBI.

These totals put him on pace for about 33 HRs and 120 RBI for the year if he keeps it up.  He will quickly be reengaged into the NL MVP Voting if his is the case. Read the rest of this entry

2014’s Top Home Run Hitters: AL/NL, HR Streaks (3 Active) + Multi HRs Games

For the 3rd straight weekend, Mark Teixeira has hit HRs in back to back games.  He has begun his 2014 season with power we haven't seen from him in a few years.  Tex has 7 HRs in just 79 AB - with having knocked in 16 RBI.  He is on pace to crack about 40 HRs and add about 100 RBI.  Don't think he will maintain that pace, but a 25 - 30 HRs campaign, with 80 RBI is not out of the question,

For the 3rd straight weekend, Mark Teixeira has hit HRs in back to back games. He has begun his 2014 season with power we haven’t seen from him in a few years. Tex has 7 HRs in just 79 AB – with having knocked in 16 RBI. He is on pace to crack about 40 HRs and add about 100 RBI. Don’t think he will maintain that pace, but a 25 – 30 HRs campaign, with 80 RBI is not out of the question.

Yesterday, Derek Norris hit 2 HRs to lift the A’s to a sweep over the Nationals.  He also had back to back games of HRs early last month, and is featuring an OPS of nearly 1.100.

John Jaso, he is Catching tandem partner, had back to back games with dingers over the weekend.

Dustin Ackley hit HRs in both Saturday and Sunday games to put himself on our board of HRs.  On Sunday, the guy clobbered two balls over the wall to give him 4 on the year. 

Joey VottoTroy Tulowitzki and Mark Teixeira all have been hit big HRs over the last 20 calendar days, all featuring 3 different stints, where they carried HR streak of 2 or more games.

Victor Martinez is also creeping up on the leaderboard with his recent power surge.

Finally, Charlie Blackmon did some yard work giving him 9 HRs and 29 RBI on the young season.  He is tied for 5th in NL HRs. Read the rest of this entry

30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 4 MLB Baseball Apr. 2014

los_angeles_dodgers_logo-9460

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

We are now at the 10% pole of the MLB year.  The American League looks to have some serious battles taking place in the divisions, while the National League has teams who are separating from others.

Kansas City put themselves back on the map with a 5 – 2 week, and now have a tie for the AL Central lead.

The Yankees started the week winning 4 straight, before dropping the last contests with the Rays, but look good for the long haul.

The Rays officially lost Matt Moore for the year, and Alex Cobb is gone for a while too.

Albert Pujols is bouncing towards 500 HRs, but his Halo’s are in the midst of a tough 3 city road trip.

The Nationals are learning once again that nothing is handed to you. Read the rest of this entry

Oakland Athletics State Of The Union: 2014 Preview

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

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

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

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

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

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

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

White Sox What Ifs: 2014

Jose Abreu signed the most lucrative contract for an international signee in MLB history - at 6 YRs/$68 MIL, before Tanaka eclipsed his deal . He'll more than likely start the 2014 season with the big club, rather than starting in the minors.  He'll spend most of his time at first base, with (more than likely) some occasional starts at DH.

Jose Abreu signed the most lucrative contract for an international signee in MLB history – at 6 YRs/$68 MIL, before Tanaka eclipsed his deal (7 YRs/$155 MIL). He’ll more than likely start the 2014 season with the big club, rather than starting in the minors. He’ll spend most of his time at first base, with (more than likely) some occasional starts at DH.

By ‘White Sox Correspondent’ Brian Madsen  

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter 

Let’s play a game. Let’s play “White Sox What Ifs” 2014 version. And let’s assume that if 7 out of these 10 What Ifs come to fruition, our White Sox are going to the postseason in 2014. So let’s start….

(1.) What If Adam Eaton becomes the on-base machine it appears he could be so far in Spring Training? The White Sox haven’t had a lead-off hitter of his caliber since Scott Podsednik.

Not only can Eaton get on base with regularity, he can steal bases. He can stretch singles into doubles, and doubles into triples. He’s everything a lead off hitter should be. And he can bunt. Enough said.

Your mouth waters with just the above? Wait. He can play defense, unlike your beloved Scotty Pods (who also had the limp arm of an 8 year old). Eaton possesses similar daredevil-type maneuvers that Aaron Rowand possessed.

Though Rowand would often mis-judge fly balls and make up for it with above average speed in CF to make a great catch,

Eaton has the speed and instincts to make a great grab in front of him, to his left or right, and over the shoulder. Very excited! Read the rest of this entry

30 MLB Team Power Rankings MAR 2014

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter

Okay, not much has changed in the last month.

They are about 20 unsigned Free Agents left in the open market pool, Baltimore inked Nelson Cruz and Ubaldo Jimenez – and Chris Capuano is with the Red Sox, Paul Maholm replaces him LA for the 2014 campaign.

Of note of the things I am watching in Spring Training.  The Dodger Blue is also experiencing many injuries – and Yasiel Puig showed up to camp overweight.

LA is talking about not sending Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke to Australia in a few weeks.

I can understand with the RHP because he was yanked after four pitches last week, but withholding your star ace from the season opener, and possibly the North America starter the following week. Read the rest of this entry

Oakland Athletics Payroll In 2014 + Contracts Going Forward

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Billy Beane is a master tactician when it comes to freeing up some cash in order to acquire more players.

Oakland ended last year with a payroll of about $70 MIL.  So far this offseason, the A’s GM has picked up several relief pitchers and also signed Scott Kazmir to a 2 YR deal worth $22 MIL.

The team also said goodbye to Bartolo Colon,(who signed with the Mets for a 2 YRs/$20 MIL deal).

Beane has held a fantastic track record of assessing talent, so don’t be surprised if the stocky 40 year old breaks down in the Mets uniform – and not under the A’s watch. Read the rest of this entry

Oakland A’s State Of The Union – Trust In Billy Beane To Find A Gem This Winter – Just Not Cruz!

Billy Beane saw his 2013 squad reel in their 2nd straight AL West Title.  The team will be hard pressed to do it again in 2014, but don't ever count out the A's.  It has been a quiet winter thus far, with just signing Nick Punto, and exercising options on Coco Crisp and Brett Anderson. What acquisition does the MoneyBall GM have up his sleeve this time around?

Billy Beane saw his 2013 squad reel in their 2nd straight AL West Title. The team will be hard pressed to do it again in 2014, but don’t ever count out the A’s. It has been a quiet winter thus far, with just signing Nick Punto, and exercising options on Coco Crisp and Brett Anderson. What acquisition does the MoneyBall GM have up his sleeve this time around?  I don’t think he will dip into the FA Market for a big name, but certainly a guy or two that can help his ballclub.

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

Follow MLB Reports On Twitter

Nelson Cruz is a sought after Free Agent for power, but it is my humble opinion that the A’s will just not fork out that type of money required to land his services.

Already, the club is projected to give out contracts that will estimate to in the $50 – $55 MIL range once some of their guys head to Arbitration like Seth Smith, Josh Reddick, Brandon Moss, Jed Lowrie, Jerry Blevins and John Jaso.

The franchise will likely see Bartolo Colon and Closer Grant Balfour also leave the nest from their 2013 Pitching Rotation.

Billy Beane hasn’t really been that busy in Free Agency, as he only  signed Utility Infielder Nick Punto for a 2 YR/$5.5 MIL deal, and he exercised the Team Options on Coco Crisp and Brett Anderson.

Cespedes 2013 Highights

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 11, 2013

Photo:  Justin K. Aller/Getty Images North America

Photo: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images North America

Oakland Athletics left handed reliever Sean Doolittle was the guest on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

He talked about his career, the A’s, having two Champagne celebrations in three days and an interesting story about Josh Donaldson and his knowledge of a pitcher he faced in a critical game.

Follow Sean Doolittle on Twitter HERE.

To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 11, 2013

To Listen to Part 2, just scroll down some more….

Photo Source: Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images North America

Photo Source: Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images North America

Today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast is the second part of my conversation with A’s relief pitcher Sean Doolittle.

I took questions from some of my Oakland A’s fan friends and passed them along to Sean.

And along the way, we got to the bottom of the meaning of a unicorn and the identity of a juggler. It all makes sense.

To listen to Part 1 of the conversation, listen below.

Follow Sean Doolittle on Twitter HERE.

To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.

To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – November 12, 201