Blog Archives
Milwaukee Should Put Ryan Braun On The Trading Block
Ryan Braun is coming back to start the 2014 year with the Brewers, but maybe the brass should be thinking about trading him to spread out the talent pool on their young squad? Chances are the Pirates, Reds and Cardinals are going to get the best of the you for the next few years, and you really have to take stock in the 2013 winter Free Agent’s. There is a huge need out there for an OF like Braun – if he were to be made available via trade. . One has to think whether or not he will be 100% ready to come back to Milwaukee – as that is a lot of baggage to go through initially. Read the rest of the piece to see who I think could be a potential suitor!
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twiter Follow @mlbreports
Okay, I maybe a little late on my thoughts of Ryan Braun, but I wasn’t writing for this website at the time the fiasco went down. I am not going to spend too much time talking about his suspension either.
My purpose of writing this piece is to say that the Brewers should trade the jaded superstar before they even start play in 2014.
Let’s face it, the man’s talents may be in question, however the dude put up monster numbers during 2012 – when the entire world had their sights set on him. Yet this is different.
Braun has been exposed for the ‘Fraud’ that he is. More than just setting a bad example, he lied to the fans of the Brewers, and to that entire town of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Don Mattingly Would Be Perfect For The Nationals Or Tigers MGR Positions: Dodgers Skipper Is Still In Limbo
Don Mattingly has a Managerial Record of 260 -225 (.536) in his 1st 3 years as Dodgers Skipper. Among the totals in this year – was that he guided the club to a 62 – 30 record during the last 92 Games this year. The Dodgers were knocked out the NLCS Round versus the Cardinals. Mattingly’s $1.4 Vesting Option was picked up by that accord of being in the final 4 this season. The Dodgers are only offering the one year of 2014, and Mattingly believes he has done a great enough job to earn a multi-year deal.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twiter Follow @mlbreports
The Dodgers are making a mistake in not signing Don Mattingly to a multi – year deal. If you actually sit back and think about what he was able to do is a miracle this year.
Matt Kemp was 50% of himself – and also missed half of the year.
Hanley Ramirez played at an MVP caliber for the time he was in there, problem was – missed 74 games.
Carl Crawford was great, but he missed 45 Games.
Yasiel Puig came up – with 60 Games already taken off of the year.
Zack Greinke missed 2 months after Carlos Quentin charged him.
Brandon League was abysmal early as a Closer.
The 3rd base/Shortstop position featured an opening day of Luis Cruz and Justin Sellers.
Mike Napoli Is A Clutch Performer In The Post Season – And Is Potentially Earning A Nice New Contract!
Mike Napoli agreed to a 1 YR/$13 MIL deal prior to the 2013 season. While he struggled at various times in the regular season, he still Slashed for .259/.360/.842 – with 23 HRs and 92 RBI. It was his 6th straight season with 20+ HRs – and his 498 2013 ABs – still have left him without ever reaching 500 AB in any of his seasons. The man averages a HR for every 16.38 AB in his Career. (169 HRs in 2768 AB). He will turn 32 on Oct.31/2013.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @chuckbooth3024
If you have followed this website for very long, you will realize that we have made some great prognostications from the time of its inception.
We called the emergence of the Oakland A’s half way through the campaign last year. We also called Adam Dunn to be the bargain of the 2012 season.
We also stated that the Tigers would make the 2012 World Series.
We said the Dodgers were going to go nuts and spend like there was no tomorrow, probably make the World Series, sign Zack Greinke.
We called every aspect of the New York Yankees season this year, including trading for Mark Reynolds, Vernon Wells and for Alfonso Soriano to thrive back in pinstripes.
Then there was the predicting of Yasiel Puig, Yoenis Cespedes, Mike Trout and Wil Myers at the verge of breaking out.
Previous Owner Jonathan Hacohen also predicted the emergence of Mike Napoli in 2011, and thoroughly admonished the Blue Jays for trading him – after having the Catcher for about a week.
Mike Napoli Game #5 HR 2013 ALCS
Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated For October 16, 2013 Games
(AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE.
From today’s games:
Receiving 1 WOO:
Doug Fister kept the Red Sox from rallying all game. He went 6 innings and despite letting up 8 hits, only surrendered 1 run and got the decision in the Tigers’ 7-3 victory.
Adrian Gonzalez crushed a pair of homers, collected 3 hits in all and sparked the offense for LA, 6-4 over the Cardinals.
Zack Greinke kept the Dodgers from elimination after wiggling out of early trouble. He pitched 7 innings, let up only 6 hits and 2 runs and got the win, 6-4 over St. Louis.
Dropped to the 8th spot, Austin Jackson got on base 4 times with a pair of walks and a pair of hits. He scored a run, drove in 2 and stole a base, sparking the Tigers 7-3 win over the Red Sox.
Receiving 1/2 WOO:
Jacoby Ellsbury collected four hits and missed the cycle by a homer, scored and drove in a run, one of the few bright lights for the Red Sox in their 7-3 loss to Detroit.
Matt Holliday got 3 hits, including a double, scored and drove in a run and gave the Cardinals hope to clinch. St. Louis fell just short, 6-4 to Los Angeles.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 16, 2013
Al Bello – Getty Images
The Dodgers are down 3-1 in their series… but have the best pitchers to help them climb out.
Justin Verlander‘s luck in this post season has been dreadful.
And 10 years after “The Aaron Boone Game”, nothing is the same for Red Sox fans.
All this and more on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
John Lackey, Matt Holliday, Carlos Martinez and Mike Napoli all earned full WOO’s.
Justin Verlander, Victor Martinez and Andre Ethier received 1/2 WOO’s.
Confused what a WOO is? An explanation for Who Owns October can be found HERE.
An updated WOO tally can be found HERE.
To subscribe on iTunes, click HERE.
To subscribe on SoundCloud, click HERE.
Odds To Win The 2013 MLB World Series, Plus Odds To Win The NLCS + ALCS Matchups
Boston is only a -125 favorite to win the ALCS, however this is a better odd than banking on Jon Lester to win Game #1 at -158. If Boston wins tonight’s game, they will have an obvious decisive advantage. Play the better odd here and pick them to win the ALCS>. You will profit .80 Cents on every dollar wagered. If you are a fan of Anibal Sanchez, picking them at +142 is a good value for a guy that won the AL ERA championship this season. While he was lit up by Oakland in the ALDS this year, Sanchez featured a 1.77 ERA – in 3 Game Starts in 2012.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Odds To Win the World Series:
Boston Red Sox +220
St. Louis Cardinals +250
Detroit Tigers +270
LA Dodgers +325
Who Owns October? (WOO) Tally Updated For October 11, 2013 Games
(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Each winning team for every post season game gets a pitcher and a hitter who earn a full WOO.
And at my discretion, I award a 1/2 WOO to a worthy player on the losing team.
For a full explanation, click HERE.
From today’s games:
Receiving 1 WOO:
Carlos Beltran was a one man wrecking crew for the Cardinals. Not only did he drive in the game tying runs with a 3rd inning 2 run double and ended the game with a walk off single in the 13th, but he also threw out the go ahead run at the plate in the 10th. He carried the Cardinals to a 3-2 victory.
Joe Kelly was hardly dominant, but he wiggled out of enough trouble and enough jams to give the Dodgers only 2 runs in 6 innings. The bullpen took over in St. Louis’ 3-2 extra inning victory.
Receiving 1/2 WOO:
Zack Greinke was outstanding in 8 innings. He let up only 4 hits, walked 1 and struck out 10. One of the 4 hits was the 2 run double that tied the game. He would get a no decision in the Dodgers 13 inning 3-2 loss to the Cardinals.
2013 MLB Playoff Predictions: ALCS + NLCS Matchups
The Red Sox went from 69 Wins in 2012 – to World Series favorite in one year. The ‘Beantowners’ have assembled a playoff tested crew to arm them in their quest to make it to the World Series for the 1st time in 6 years. Will the Red Sox take out the Tigers and go for the team of the decade, with a 3rd World Series Bid (out of the last 10 years) in 2013?
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
After nailing the National League straight on in picks for the LDS Round, I failed in either of my upset predictions of Tampa Bay or Oakland to advance.
I am not displeased though, I won money on the Rays losing the series (that came from a bet for them to win the World Series in June that paid +2000 or so, I bet the Red Sox to win the Series as a hedge.
Heading into last nights game, I could have still gone 3 – 1 for the Series prediction if Oakland could come up with a win.
Really the A’s failing to wrap up Game #4 was the big blow.
Thanks to a nice odd of Justin Verlander -107 @ Sonny Gray (-103), I nailed the game last for a nice little profit.
I never bet one dime on the other series in the NLCS.
So I went 2 – 2 in the Round, but plus some nice cash for my effort. Including the playoff game and Wild Card game, I am now 4 – 3 this Post Season.
The Red Sox win the LDS vs the Tampa Bay Rays
youtube=http://youtu.be/Y4m4eeyhFks
Odds To Win The 2013 MLB World Series, Plus Odds To Win The NLCS + ALCS Matchups
Jon Lester will be the biggest key to for the Red Sox to establish early dominance over the Detroit Tigers. He gets the nod in Game #1 of the ALCS on Saturday at Fenway Park. The Boston team is favored to win the World Series out of the 4 remaining teams. This makes sense – as they have home park advantage via the best AL record, plus the American League won the ALL – Star Game this summer for the “Fall Classic Series.’
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Odds To Win the World Series:
Boston Red Sox +225
LA Dodgers +240
Detroit Tigers +270
St. Louis Cardinals +360
Odds To Win The 2013 MLB World Series, Plus Odds For Oakland And Detroit In Game #5 Of the ALDS
Today will be the last day you can receive such a decent odd for the Boston club to win the World Series at +210. Whether the A’s win, and the Odds will drop to the -150 range, or Detroit will win – and their odd pretty much stays the same. If you were the Red Sox – who would you rather play? I got to think they would want to play the Tigers, because Detroit is not hitting the ball, and Oakland makes for a far trip out West, and don’t give those A’s any momentum from knocking off Detroit!
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Odds To Win the World Series:
Boston Red Sox +210
LA Dodgers +230
St. Louis Cardinals +360
Detroit Tigers +500
Oakland Athletics +900
The Atlanta Braves State Of The Union – Fall 2013: Part 1
2013 was not an easy road traveled for Atlanta. The Braves suffered so many injuries and set backs this season that I think a lot of us almost forget about the ones that happened earlier on in the year. Johnny Venters never even threw a regular season pitch this year and he has been our premiere set up man. Eric O’Flaherty threw his last pitch somewhere around the middle of May against this very Dodger team at Turner Field.
By Bob McVinua (Special Guest Braves Writer – visit his website here): Follow @tomahawkchop95
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
At the point after Eric O’Flaherty went down, many of us Braves fans began to panic and wonder how Fredi Gonzalez would get the ball to arguably the best closer
in all of baseball Craig Kimbrel. What happened after that? The Braves would still go on to post the best bullpen ERA in all of baseball and on top of that set a franchise record for the same mark.
Jason Heyward missed significant time as did Brian McCann. Freddie Freeman spent a couple of weeks on the disabled list and still drove in over 100 runs on the season.
BJ Upton and Dan Uggla struggled throughout most of the 2013 season and BJ was one of the players expected to make a huge impact when he signed with the Braves this winter and it just never happened.
Other players stepped up and young players assumed roles that were well beyond the original expectations of them in 2013.
No one panicked and no one quit and as a fan I am appreciative of the heart and effort this team always put forth.
The Dodgers Celebrate winning the NLDS Series versus Atlanta (At Turner Field)
Odds To Win The 2013 MLB World Series + ALDS/NLDS Series + The ALCS/NLCS + Odds for 4 Games Fri Oct 4th/2013
Bartolo Colon is anchoring the rotation for the Athletics this season. He is not the strikeout pitcher he was in the past, but is still effective against the opposition. Colon has displayed great control this season. He starts tonight as the Game #1 Starter versus Max Scherzer. The Athletics and Rays are still the highest odds on the board at +800. I have already wagered on the Rays to win earlier in the season, and now have put $25 on the Athletics to take home the ultimate prize.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Odds To Win the World Series:
LA Dodgers +300
Boston Red Sox +375
St. Louis Cardinals +450
Detroit Tigers +475
Oakland Athletics +800
Tampa Bay Rays +800
Atlanta Braves +1300
Pittsburgh Pirates +1700
ODDS Courtesy of http://www.bet365.com
Ryu and Nolasco on facing the Braves in the NLDS
2013 MLB Playoff Predictions By MLB Reports
In my view, Evan Longoria could end up being the MVP of the entire playoffs – with his penchant for being clutch in the last games of years. I am predicting the Tampa Bay Rays are going to win the World Series versus the LA Dodgers, iIf Wil Myers and Ben Zobrist help bashing the ball around, then this team is scary. Also picking up proven playoff performer Delmon Young (yes that guy) (HR’d last night – and is .266/.328/.887 – with 9 HRs and 16 RBI In 109 AB) was also a good move by the Rays brass. If these guys hit, the Pitching should do enough.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Okay, now that the Wild Card Games are over, I am 2 – 1 this week in predicting the outcomes of games. I had both Rays wins and lost with the Reds.
For those that have been reading my gambling pick posts, will also see that I have been discussing some of the odds posted for the playoffs. Check out those here.
I am not going with the masses this year, however I am picking 2 favorites and 2 underdogs in the 1st Round.
Really, I think the matchups are a lot more even than even some of the biggest betting industry odds are suggesting.
I may have also taken the Athletics all the way to the World Series if Cespedes wasn’t hampered by his injured Right Shoulder.
Yoenis Cespedes HR Derby Mashing
Odds To Win The 2013 MLB World Series + ALDS/NLDS Series + The ALCS/NLCS
In my view, the Rays are the best odd on the board at +800. With David Price, Matt Moore and Alex Cobb all pitching so well, and the team have the best coach in Joe Maddon, I am really surprised that they are tied with Oakland for the 3rd in the AL in terms of longshots to win the whole Fall Classic. The Rays won a Game 163 vs the Rangers and the Wild Card Game versus the Indians. It was their 9th straight game on the road. This team just finds a way to win.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Odds To Win the World Series:
Boston Red Sox +360
LA Dodgers +450
Detroit Tigers +475
St. Louis Cardinals +500
Atlanta Braves +700
Oakland Athletics +800
Tampa Bay Rays +800
Pittsburgh Pirates +1150
ODDS Courtesy of http://www.bet365.com
Rays Take Out The Indians 4 – 0
Braves May Have The Medicine To Cure The “Blue Flu”
The Braves are National League Eastern Division champions and for that they deserve a large amount of recognition. When you think back to the start of Spring Training and look all of those “expert” predictions that said the Washington Nationals would win the East this year you have to realize that despite the busy off season activity the Braves were still labeled as under dogs in their own division.
By Bob McVinua (Special Guest Braves Writer – visit his website here): Follow @tomahawkchop95
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Despite injuries and struggles on the offensive end from highly paid players such as BJ Upton and Dan Uggla the Braves still manged to dominant the Eastern Division.
By “dominate” I mean they were in 1st place every single day of the season except for April 4th and they held at least an 8 game lead every single day for the final 60 of the season. If that’s not dominance I don’t know what is.
Besides the incredible season – and all that was achieved, the Braves did fail to secure the number one seed in the National League for the post season – which would have secured them home field throughout the playoffs and allowed them to play the winner of the Wild Card “play in game.” rather then having to face the Dodgers in the N.L.D.S.
Joe Morgan Weekend In Cincinnati: From A Fans Perspective
This weekend at Great American Ball Park was Joe Morgan Weekend. Once this was announced earlier this season, I decided that I was going to make the trip to Cincinnati from my home in Louisville, Kentucky. A part of Joe Morgan Weekend was Morgan getting his “Sculpture” out in front of the stadium. As a huge Reds fan and a historian of the Reds this was a great moment for me and my dad. The best thing about the weekend, the entire Big Red Machine made the trip, including the hit king Pete Rose.
Ryan Ritchey (Featured Baseball Columnist): Follow @baseballaddicts
Follow @mlbreportsIt was finally here, Joe Morgan Weekend.
As a life long Reds fan and a huge fan of Reds history, this was a huge weekend for me. I had it circled on my calendar since the day they announced it.
Joe Morgan was to become the sixth player in Cincinnati Reds history to have a statue put out in front of Great American Ball Park.
The other five were very good players as well, Ted Kluszewski, Ernie Lombardi, Frank Robinson, Joe Nuxhall, and Johnny Bench. Morgan would be joining great company to say the least.
The festivities were on Friday and Saturday, but Morgan would remain for the third game on Sunday, which happened to be the Sunday Night Baseball game.
I was lucky enough to be there both Friday and Saturday for both sets of festivities and here is my perspective on each day.
Joe Morgan Speech, Unveiling of Sculpture:
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.1st) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
AP Photo: Pat Sullivan
Brett Oberholtzer threw a complete game, 2 hit shutout that was scoreless until the bottom of the 8th inning. The Astros squeaked past the Mariners, 2-0.
J. J. Hardy turned the Yankees/Orioles game around with one swing of his bat. A 3-1 Yankee lead turned into a 4-3 Baltimore advantage. It sparked the 7 run outburst as the Birds won in the Bronx, 7-3.
Zack Greinke threw 7 solid innings, letting up 2 hits, 1 run and striking out 7 Padres. He earned his 14th win for the Dodgers, 2-1.
Hunter Pence homered, doubled and singled, knocked in a pair and scored three times as the Giants topped the Diamondbacks, 8-2.
They all owned baseball on September 1, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON
.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here
2 And A Hook Podcast #14: The Races, The Red Sox + The Crowd Hitter Concept
The 2 And A Hook Podcast will be running 7 consecutive shows on Thursdays Sept. 19 + 26, and Oct 3,10,17,24,31) – Join us for our extensive playoff coverage from Chuck Booth, Chris Lacey, James Acevedo and many other guests!
‘2 And A Hook’ is an expression from Baseball: ‘Throw the guy 2 Fast balls and then a Hook’ (AKA Curve Ball, Wiggly one, Chair etc..)
By James Acevedo – Host (Podcast Veteran ) Follow @yankeeman1973
Guests On The Show:
On today’s show, brought to you by www.mlbreports.com
& yours truly The Bench Warmers Show.
i start it off by wishing the head of MLB Reports Chuck Booth Follow @chuckbooth3024 a Happy Birthday today then i talked about the A.L. East race & who will prevail at the end…
I also get to talk to the return of the Vice Prez of MLB Reports.com Chris Lacey (30 MIN mark and a 25 MIN Segment)Follow @tbwarmers
We talked about all the division & wild card races in both leagues, Matt Harvey’s season ending injury which is a big blow to the mets & the mets trading Byrd & Buck to help the pirates…
CLICK THE READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON or CLICK PAST THE MLB REPORTS LOGO
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (August.26th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Photo: Julian H. Gonzalez – Detroit Free Press
Coco Crisp homered, doubled, singled, drove in 2, scored a pair and made a highlight film catch, helping the A’s win a wild back and forth 8-6 game over the Tigers.
Allan Craig was a triple shy of the cycle and hit a 2 out come from behind 7th inning grand slam to put St. Louis ahead of Cincinnati in a crucial divisional victory, 8-6.
Zack Greinke put the Dodgers back in the win column by pitching shutout ball into the 9th inning and finishing with 8 2/3 strong frames, letting up 2 runs and getting the 6-2 decision over the Cubs.
R. A. Dickey did not dominate the Yankees. But he pitched well enough into the 7th to give the Blue Jays a rare “W” against them, 5-2.
They all owned baseball on August 26, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
MLB 30 Team Power Rankings: Week 21
42 – 8, 25 – 3, 19 – 1, 10 wins in a row. These are all significant numbers put up with a team with deep pockets, the ability to outdraw everyone for park attendance, and owners willing to do whatever it takes to bring home the 1st World Series Title since 1988. No one can touch these guys right now. Best 3 Starters in the NL and hottest 2 NL Hitters in Puig and Ramirez. Oh yeah, the Bullpen has been lights out for the last 50 contests!
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @mlbreports
It is time for the MLB Power Rankings. These are based on my thoughts on whether who has the best chance to win the World Series.
A lot of these positions are based on who has the toughest Strength of Schedule left, who their competition is for the Division, and possibly even the League they are in,
The races for the Divisions (AL East, AL West and NL Central are starting to tighten up, while the NL West, AL Central and most notably NL East are looking to be foregone conclusions
The Braves have rattled of a 18 – 3 stretch, and have been ousted by the Dodgers for the #1 spot in the MLB Rankings .
The Rangers are trying to ricochet off of a couple of great deals, in order to flame down the Oakland Athletics.
30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Audio Version
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsMonday, Aug.12, 2013
The Triple Play Show will have 5 shows per month. Each show will be about 1 hour. Chuck Booth will guest once a month for MLB Power Rankings,
By The Big Ticket Show ( AKA Triple Play Podcast on http://www.mlbreports.com) Follow @bigticketshow
Patrick sits in as the Producer and only representative of the Big Ticket Show – and Chuck Booth joins him to break down all 30 current rankings, plus what the clubs are up to.
To listen to the audio for this Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY logo or past the Triple Play Logo.
If you want the written version of these rankings click here Read the rest of this entry
MLB 30 Team Power Rankings: Week 20
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsSunday Aug.11/2013
Texas has fought off a July slump – and are 9 – 1 in their last 10 games. They have added reinforcements in the way of Alex Rios and Matt Garza. If they can just hold the course – and win the AL West, they have the horses and experience to challenge every other team in October. The club was the biggest mover upwards in our rankings this week – going from #10 – #4. It was not too long ago that the Rangers were sitting at just a half – dozen games above .500 – and behind the playoff bar.
Audio Version Of These Power Rankings
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
It is time for the MLB Power Rankings. These are based on my thoughts on whether who has the best chance to win the World Series.
A lot of these positions are based on who has the toughest Strength of Schedule left, who their competition is for the Division, and possibly even the League they are in,
The races for the Divisions in the NL are becoming less competitive every week. The NL East and NL West look to be done. The Pirates are within weeks of ending a 20 year playoff drought.
The Braves rattled off a 14 game winning streak – and should cruise to the NL East crown.
The Athletics are in big trouble with some of their talented offensive players not putting up numbers like they did in 2012. They now find themselves in 2nd place in the AL West.
Adrian Beltre 2 HR day in July
Dodgers Have Been Pulverizing The Competition For Weeks – While The Rest Of The NL West Have Been Brutal
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsThursday Aug.08/2013
Despite early season rumors of Mattingly getting fired, Donnie has managed his team back into the division race after a private meeting with Dodger executives. The Dodgers are now 63 – 50 after setting a franchise record 15 game road winning streak earlier this week and are opening up a commanding lead versus their NL West brethren. Now with Yasiel Puig and Hanley Ramirez igniting the clubs offense, plus Zack Greinke coming back to the Starting Rotation, the team has begun to gel. But it is also the secondary players that have provided some clutch play of late. The team has won 33 of their last 41 Games. Now that is outstanding!
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
I was wrong to throw the towel in on the Dodgers at the beginning of June in an article.
While I initially had LA as my NL representative in the WS before the year started, I thought they were cooked.
Yasiel Puig was infused into the lineup, and the team has fed off of his electricity.
Zack Greinke and Hanley Ramirez then came back to facilitate the start of this hotstreak.
I am not sure I have ever seen an entire Division struggle so badly – with the exception of 1 team doing the polar opposite simultaneously, like has happened in the NL West over the last 8 weeks.
The Dodgers have been on a historical run in their ascent from last place (trailing by as much as 9.5 games on June 1st) – all the way to top of the Division (by 5 games as of right now.)
There have been countless reasons how the turnaround has transpired.
Don Mattingly has gone from the hotseat – to now being in the position where he could net himself a contract extension when the season is over.
The rest of the NL West Clubs have been incredibly anemic – and we will focus on the records since that date in this piece.
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (August.5th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
AP Photo/Mark Duncan
Alex Avila stunned the Cleveland crowd with a 3 run 9th inning home run that turned a 2-1 hole into a 4-2 lead that the Tigers would not relinquish.
Jeremy Guthrie threw a complete game shutout, holding the Twins to 4 hits as the Royals crushed Minnesota, 13-0.
Brandon Belt got on base 4 times with a walk and three hits, scoring twice, leading the Giants to a 4-2 victory over the Brewers.
Zack Greinke recovered from a shaky first inning to pitch into the 7th inning on the road in St. Louis, allowing only 2 runs. He drove in a run with a single and extended the Dodgers road winning streak to 15 with the 3-2 win.
They all owned baseball on August 5, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Top MLB Teams 1 – 30: Monthly Rankings + (Top 200 Stats For Reading And Fantasy Baseball)
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsThursday July.11/2013
The Giants have gone 9 – 23 in their last 32 Games – and are in danger of having a brutal campaign just one year after capturing the World Series. Key injuries and overlogged pitchers have been the main point of contention. They lost 8 Ranking Spots this past time. Should they also become sellers at the Trade Deadline, Tim Lincecum and Hunter Pence could fetch a few players in return. The Giants are currently 40 – 50 and 6.5 Games behind the NL West Leading DBACKS – but are in last in the NL West.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
The time has come for the July Power Rankings with Stats Edition. There will be one each for May, June, July, August, September – and then a special playoff edition Power Rankings will be done in October.
I will not do a weekly Power Rankings during these weeks, because in essence, these are the weekly rankings done on a much larger scale.
These Reports are done with a heavy thought to how the teams project by the end of the season – along with how the clubs have fared so far.
I will point out who has had great months for the all 30 MLB Teams. I reward the good performances in these rankings – and leave the poor ones for the Podcasts or future articles. CLICK THE READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON or scroll past the video and picture.
Brewers’ Jean Segura And Carlos Gomez Are A Great Offensive Pair
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsWednesday, July.10, 2013
Carlos Gomez is having a breakout year for the Brewers, even with them in last place in the Central division. Where the team stands has not affected his play at all, with his .305 batting average and .895 OPS this season in 318 at-bats. He is sixth in NL with a with a .547 Slugging %, and fifth with 174 Total Bases. He has a WAR of 5.5 this is second in the NL, and his defensive WAR is second at 2.6. He is fifth in the NL with 174 Total Bases and is third with 42 XBH. He hits left-hander better than right-handers, with an average of .330 facing lefties, while righties the average is only .300
By Chris Lacey (Lead Baseball Columnist/Minority Website Owner) Follow @aecanada12
The players for the All-Star game that will take place at Citi Field were just announced over the past weekend and there were some surprises with all teams having at least one player represent their team.
The Milwaukee Brewers have not had had a good season with it starting in spring training.
They lost one of their potential their first baseman when Mat Gamel for the second straight year tore his ACL. They were optimistic that Corey Hart would be able to make a recovery from off season surgery on his right knee.
2012 Carlos Gomez Highlights- So Parental Guidance Is Advised:
Dodgers Climb Into Second Place Behind Quiet Heroes
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsTuesday, July.09/2013
Ramirez had 5 hits including two triples during the weekend series against the San Francisco Giants as the Dodgers took two out of three games against the defending champions.Probably another impressive thing about Hanley’s recent success is the fact that he has SO’d only three times during the last 10 games. He hasn’t SO’d more than once in any of those 10 games.Hanley Ramirez has taking the role as the cleanup hitter pretty well as he has an 18-game hitting streak and is hitting .488 (20 Hits and 12 Runs Scored) – with 2 HRs and 7 RBIS in his last 10 games.
By Enrique Rivera (Dodgers Correspondent) Follow @eriqwiththeq
Much has been said about Dodgers’ rookie Yasiel Puig and rightfully so. He has had one of the most memorable first months in MLB history. He has played in 32 games and is hitting .409 with 8 HRs and 19 RBIs.
You can easily connect Puig’s success with the Dodgers’ success as they’ve quietly got back in the division and are in fact now 2nd place in the NL West.
But another guy who has had the same if not better success than Puig during their first 32 games of the season is Dodgers’ shortstop Hanley Ramirez.
Hanley Ramirez smashes a homerun to the third deck at Petco Park:
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July.8th) – Updated Yearly “WOB” Standings
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Zack Greinke allowed only 2 hits over 7 shutout innings and actually out hit the Diamondbacks as he went 3-3. The Dodgers won 6-1 and crept to within 3 1/2 games of first place.
Bartolo Colon was masterful over 7 innings, letting up only 1 walk and 1 run and 7 hits, leading the A’s to a air tight 2-1 victory of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Buster Posey did everything in his power to propel the Giants to a victory. He homered, got 2 doubles, collected 5 hits and was in scoring position throughout the game. Unfortunately for him, the rest of the Giants offense was dead and San Francisco lost a 16 inning heart breaker to the Mets, 4-3.
Victor Martinez scored in the first and then delivered a 2 out, 2 run, 10th inning tie breaking double that gave the Tigers a dramatic 4-2 triumph over second place Cleveland.
They all owned baseball on July 8th, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Rangers’ How Good Can This Team Be
If you want to listen to the audio podcast we did for our Monthly 30 Team Rankings, we have the links below to download or just listen
Triple Play Podcast Ep #15 Monthly Rankings For All 30 Teams
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsMonday, July.08, 2013
Yu Darvish is one of the best right-handed pitchers in baseball and is the ace of the Texas Rangers rotation. He is a strikeout machine, and he leads the American League in strikeouts with 157. He has a 3.02 ERA with 119.1 innings pitched with a WHIP of 1.04, and SO/9 of 11.8. Darvish has a SO/BB ratio of 3.83, and is second in the AL with a Hits per 9 IP of 6.33. He is sixth in the AL with a WAR of 3.2. The opposition is only hitting .194 against him this season, with right-handers just barely making contact with their .146 batting average. When there are runners in scoring position with two outs, he pretty much untouchable with teams hitting .146
The Texas Rangers are having a good season considering that they did not sign the two biggest free-agents this past off season in outfielder Josh Hamilton and starting pitcher Zack Greinke.
The Rangers sit just ½ a game behind Oakland Athletics in the American League West division with the All-Star break less than two weeks away. They are 9th in runs scored with 379 runs, and 6th with a batting average of .260. They have a runs differential of +26 this season.
Texas Rangers ALCS Highlights- So Parental Guidance Is Advised
30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 14
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsMonday July.01/2013
The Bucs have won 9 straight games and now possess a record of 51 – 30. You have to think that the club will finally put the nail in the coffin on its 20 year losing streak – with just needing to win 31 of their 81 games remaining. Better yet, ESPN has them listed as a 88 Percent chance to make the playoffs for the first time since the 1992 season. At the halfway point in the season, the Bucs have the best record in the MLB – and have reached #2 in our power rankings.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Another Week has come and gone in the MLB.
Week Stats Ending – June.29/2013
(MLB Reports) AL Hitter Of The Week – Jason Kipnis (CLE – He reached base 24 times in the 8 games (14 hits, 9 Walks and 1 HBP) – with 3 HRs, 6 – 2B, 9 Runs and 11 RBI. He hit .519 for the week).
Runners up were: Miguel Cabrera (DET – OPS of 1.583, with 4 HRs and 7 RBI), Dustin Pedroia (BOS – .560 BA, 14 hits), and Raul Ibanez (SEA – OPS of 1.455 – 3 HRs and 5 RBI.)
(MLB Reports) AL Pitcher Of The Week– R.A. Dickey (TOR – 2 hit CG Shutout versus the Tampa Bay Rays.)
Runners up were: Koji Uehara (BOS – 3 Perfect Saves) and Joe Blanton LAA (1 – 0, with a 1.88 ERA in 2 GS). Read the rest of this entry
MLB Reports 
You must be logged in to post a comment.