Cnotes Major League Baseball Best Bets for July - Picks, News, Trends !

[CNOTES]

LEADING OFF: Derby day; timely break for Cubs, Rangers
July 11, 2016


A look at what's happening all around the majors today:




DERBY DAY


Todd Frazier will try to defend his title in the All-Star Home Run Derby at Petco Park. Frazier won last year's derby in Cincinnati while he was with the Reds, becoming the second player to win the long-ball competition in his home park. He edged Dodgers rookie Joc Pederson 15-14 with a late surge in the final round, and he'll have to hold off another L.A. rookie in Corey Seager to win this year. The field also includes Mark Trumbo, Carlos Gonzalez, Adam Duvall, Robinson Cano, Giancarlo Stanton and San Diego's Wil Myers.


MIDSUMMER BREAKERS


Two of baseball's best teams in the first half, the Cubs and Rangers, couldn't have hid the All-Star break at a better time. Chicago limped into the break 6-15 over its past 21 games, and of course many of the Cubs key players won't get much of a rest - Anthony Rizzo, Ben Zobrist, Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester are all headed to San Diego as All-Stars.


The AL-leading Rangers are only sending Cole Hamels and Ian Desmond to Petco Park, which might be good news for a team that lost nine of 12 to end the first half.


''There are points in the season where they don't look so well, don't feel so well. Today capped all that off. Hopefully, that's the bottom,'' manager Jeff Banister said. ''There's some times when you're not playing well, you kind of hope for a rainout. We get a four-day rainout.''


BRANTLEY PROGRESSING


Michael Brantley will begin a minor league rehab assignment Monday. The Indians outfielder has missed most of the season with a sore right shoulder following offseason surgery. He's hit .231 in 11 games this season and hasn't played since May 9.

 

[CNOTES]

MLB


Monday, July 11




If you've been blindly betting the @Cubs since June 20 through yesterday you'd be down a cool 20.38 positions in 21 games (dat…




Orioles now 13-0 in Tillman's last 13 starts at Camden Yards (9-4 covering -1.5) after 4-2 win over Angels on Sun.




W/ Twins' surprising offensive outburst yesterday, they tagged A.J. Griffin with 6 ERs - the 1st time he's allowed more than 3 ERs since 2013




Another OVER in a game umpired by Ramon De Jesus - that makes 8 in a row NYY/CLE Total: 7.5 Total runs scored: 18

 

[CNOTES]

Landon Donovan has go-ahead hit in celebrity softball
July 11, 2016


SAN DIEGO (AP) Former U.S. soccer star Landon Donovan hit a tiebreaking single off retired San Diego pitcher Trevor Hoffman in the fifth inning and scored on two errors by rock singer Tim Foreman for a Little League home run, lifting the American League over the National 8-7 on Sunday night in the All-Star legends and celebrity softball game.


Jamie Foxx doubled in the tying run. Donovan, who played in three World Cups, gave the AL an 8-6 lead in the six-inning game, scoring on the bobble and overthrow of third.


Olympic gold medal softball pitcher Jennie Finch hit an RBI single off Donovan in the bottom half. The game ended when Omar Miller tagged out fellow actor Cameron Boyce at the plate on a relay from Donovan following a flyout.


New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees hit a solo homer for the NL and an RBI double, and Billy Bean hit a three-run homer, with Donovan allowing both long balls. Bean, a former Padres outfielder, is now Major League Baseball's vice president for social responsibility and inclusion.


Ozzie Smith, Rickey Henderson and Andre Dawson were among the former players in the game, with Dawson appearing on his 62nd birthday.

 

[CNOTES]

My pick to win the HomeRun Derby:




Adam Duvall, Cincinnati Reds (6/1)

 

[DertyD]

Best of luck today, and I wish you continued success the second half of the year. Thanks again for your daily write ups. It's the quickest best read of sports on the net. Thank you.

~Derty D~

 

[CNOTES]

Owell Adam Duvall gave it a shot....But i must say Stanton was there to prove a point.....


Amazing power !!!

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Tuesday's six-pack


-- Jordan Spieth dropped out of Olympics; world's top four golfers are now out.


-- Wonder what %age of NBA players watch summmer league games on TV?


-- New Brooklyn coach Kenny Atkinson is coaching the Nets' summer games to get used to running an NBA game-- he's never been an NBA head coach before.


-- Still amazing to me that Butler played for national title in college hoop two years in a row, when they were in the Horizon League. Underrated feat.


-- SEC commish said Monday that last August was first time since 1984 that no SEC football teams were on probation.


-- Atlanta Braves were 9-29 when they changed managers; they're 13-12 in their last 25 games and playing a lot better. They hit 13 HRs in their first 38 games, have hit 42 HRs in their last 51.


**********


Armadillo: Tuesday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but........


13) Congrats to Tim Duncan, retiring with five championships in his 19 years, but more than being a great player, Duncan is a terrific guy who was universally lauded as a great teammate. It is good to know that being a great teammate is being honored.


12) In his career, counting playoff games, Duncan's total plus/minus was exactly +10,000; next best during that time is Dirk Nowitzki, at +6,725.


That means while Duncan was on the court, the Spurs outscored their opponents by 10,000 points, a staggering figure.


Enjoy your retirement, sir.


11) They used the Padres' old brown/gold color scheme for All-Star uniforms, but San Diego's uniforms now are blue and white. Like the brown/gold that Dave Winfield and Nate Colbert wore much, much better- they should switch back.


10) Daniel Murphy is hitting 22-52 (.423) against his old team the Mets this season, with seven HRs, 21 RBI.


9) UFC sold for $4B over the weekend, which is a lot of money. I've never watched it, but what do you do with $4B? The guys who used to own UFC, their kids went to Bishop Gorman HS in Las Vegas- the weight room in that school is better than most D-I football teams' weight room- the UFC guys paid for it.


8) I just don't like watching people fight; I'll turn a hockey game off if a fight starts, but apparently, if UFC sold for $4B, lot of people like watching fights.


7) They just said on TV that Wil Myers hit a baseball off a tee, over the CF fence in San Diego- his coaches had bet him he couldn't do it.


6) Tony Padilla threw to Adam Duvall in HR Derby last night; he is also a college hoop ref who worked the Oklahoma-Villanova national semifinal game last April- his regular job is as a bail bondsman.


5) College basketball knowledge: Since 1987, the defending champ is 10-14 vs spread in its first NCAA tournament game the next season.


4) Since 2001, when the defending champ makes the Sweet 16, they're 1-7 SU, 0-8 against the spread in their Sweet 16 game. Only winner was Florida in 2008.


3) I'm tired of TV guys pumping up how much potential Joel Embiid has; he played one year (2013-14) at Kansas, scoring 11.2 ppg in 23.1 mpg. He then left for the NBA Draft, the 76ers took him and he's played in as many NBA games as I have-- zero.


Good teams draft productive players- they don't speculate on potential. Maybe some day the light bulb will come on over Embiid's head and he'll be a good player, but if he hasn't played in one game in two years, how likely is that to happen?


2) How hard is it to make an NBA roster? As I type this, Jimmer Fredette is on TV, playing for Denver's summer league team, trying to get back in the league. He is an elite shooter, which you would think makes him marketable, but Jimmer couldn't guard the chair I'm sitting on, so he has become a journeyman.


But he has an elite NBA skill and still struggles to make a roster. Lot of these kids who leave college early for the NBA- what elite skill do they have, other than potential?


1) Imagine my delight when I saw the Rams would be featured in not one, but two reality shows this summer/fall. No bueno.


First HBO has them on Hard Knocks, I'm sure part of the price they had to pay for moving to LA. Then, for better or worse, six Rams players will be featured on an E! Channel reality show during the season-- what could possibly go wrong there? Oy.

 

[CNOTES]

MLB


Tuesday, July 12




Top Earning Team At Home:
Baltimore Orioles +$1632 (33-14)




Bottom of the Barrel Earners At Home:
Arizona Diamondbacks -$2388 (15-32)




Top Earning Team On The Road:
San Francisco Giants +$1170 (28-16)




Bottom of the Barrel Earners On The Road:
Kansas City Royals -$1227 (16-30)




Marlins' Giancarlo "Don't Call Me Mike" Stanton wins the 2016 MLB Home Run Derby (7/2). 61 HRs...new record. Berman said "back" 6832 times.

 

[CNOTES]

86th MLB All-Star Game betting preview and odds

The National League will come into the 86th MLB All-Star Game as slight betting favorites over the American League despite losing the last three seasons.

National League at American League (+107, 7.5)

Game to be played at Petco Park in San Diego, California

The American League has secured home-field advantage in the World Series in each of the past three seasons - and would love to extend that streak as it tangles with the best players from the National League in the 86th annual Major League All-Star Game at San Diego’s Petco Park. The Kansas City Royals failed to use home field to their advantage in 2014, but put it to good use last year en route to their first championship since 1985.

Kansas City manager Ned Yost will be relying on a powerhouse Boston Red Sox lineup that has produced four members of the American League starting lineup. That group is anchored by ageless designated hitter David Ortiz, who will be making his 10th career All-Star Game appearance. He’s joined by teammates and All-Star newcomers Xander Bogaerts, Mookie Betts and Jackie Bradley Jr., while the Royals’ Salvador Perez and Eric Hosmer, the Orioles’ Manny Machado and the Astros’ Jose Altuve round out the starting nine.

New York Mets manager Terry Collins may not have the bats to counter the AL lineup, but he certainly has the arms to subdue them. Even without all-world ace Clayton Kershaw, Mets fireballer Noah Syndergaard and Nationals star Stephen Strasburg, the NL will send an armada of nasty pitchers to the hill. That list includes All-Star starter Johnny Cueto, Cubs No. 1 Jake Arrieta, Marlins fireballer Jose Fernandez and 42-year-old fan favorite Bartolo Colon. The lineup is no slouch, either, anchored by four Chicago Cubs - including home-run leader Kris Bryant.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FOX

LINE HISTORY: The line has moved slightly in favor of the National League after opening at AL +104, while the game total has remained unchanged. View full line history here.

WEATHER REPORT: Sunny skies are expected at Petco Park for first pitch, with temperatures sitting in the high 60s. Wind is expected to blow from left to right field at 6 mph.

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "Since the MLB All-Star game began in 1933, the National League has a slight 43-41-2 lead. However, it has been an incredibly streaky event. From 1960-1985, the National League went 25-3-1. Then from 1988-2009, the American League went 18-3-1. The past six years have seen a 3-0 NL run followed by the current 3-0 AL run."

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Chris Sale (14-3, 3.38 ERA) vs. Giants RH Johnny Cueto (13-1, 2.47 ERA)

Sale sliced through the majority of his opponents in the first half, and comes into the break as the majors’ only 14-game winner. While his K/9 rate has dipped below nine - after sitting at a league-best 11.8 last season - he has made up for it by pitching deeper into games, evidenced by his AL-high three complete games. Opponents are hitting just .223 against him.

Cueto has endured some trouble spots of late but has otherwise been one of the most dominant pitchers in the NL; He has allowed two runs or fewer in 13 of 18 starts, and is coming off a complete-game five-hitter against Colorado. Cueto’s 13 victories lead the National League, and the 30-year-old is on a personal 10-game winning streak dating back to his lone loss April 21.

 

[CNOTES]

2016 All-Star Game
July 12, 2016



AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STARS at NATIONAL LEAGUE ALL-STARS


Sportsbook.ag Line: American League +105, National League -115, Total: 7.5


The American League will be looking to win its fourth straight All-Star Game when it faces the National League at Petco Park on Tuesday.


The All-Star Game will be played in San Diego on Tuesday night and the winner of this game will secure home field advantage for the team that represents it in the World Series.


For the past three seasons, the American League has been the team that has earned the right to play the extra game at home. The AL won 3-0 in 2013, 5-3 in 2014 and 6-3 at Great American Ball Park last year.


Mike Trout was the guy that ended up taking home the MVP honors and it was his second year in a row earning that award. It’s also worth noting that David Price was the winning pitcher for the American League last year, but he will not be playing in this year’s game.


While the AL has won this game three years in a row, it is worth noting that the NL won three years in a row before that. The series has been pretty even in its history, as the National League has won this game 43 times and the American League has won the game 41 times.


One last thing worth noting is that last year’s game was the first time the All-Star Game went OVER in the past 10 years. It will be interesting to see if that will happen two years in a row, but clearly it is unlikely with the way these games have gone in the past.


The American League will be hoping to make it four straight All-Star Game victories on Tuesday and should have an excellent chance at doing so.


The starter to keep an eye on for the AL in this game is LHP Chris Sale (14-3, 3.38 ERA, 123 K). Sale is one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball, but he has struggled a bit coming into this thing. He has allowed four or more earned runs in five of his past nine starts and will need to be better for his team on Tuesday. He will be facing some of the best hitters in the world, but won’t need to pitch that many innings.


The All-Star Game usually sees a ton of different relievers coming in to get some outs and the AL has guys like LHP Andrew Miller (5-1, 1.37 ERA, 69 K, 7 SV) and RHP Dellin Betances (2-4, 2.66 ERA, 78 K) to do just that. Both guys will be ready to pitch an inning or two in this one and if their seasons show anything, it’s that they won’t be letting their opponents do much hitting on Tuesday.


Offensively, it’s hard not to start off with OF Mike Trout (.322, 18 HR, 58 RBI). Trout has won the past two All-Star Game MVP awards and has been his usual dominant self all season. He’ll be hoping to drive in some runs in this one.


The team also features 2B Jose Altuve (.341, 14 HR, 51 RBI), DH Edwin Encarnacion (.267, 23 HR, 80 RBI), DH David Ortiz (.332, 22 HR, 72 RBI), SS Xander Bogaerts (.329, 10 HR, 56 RBI), 3B Miguel Cabrera (.293, 18 HR, 53 RBI), OF Mark Trumbo (.288, 28 HR, 68 RBI) and 1B Eric Hosmer (.299, 13 HR, 49 RBI). Every guy you’ll find in the lineups for this game can hit, but these players have been exceptional this year.


The National League will be banking on its pitching to win this matchup, as the team has guys like RHP Jake Arrieta (12-4, 2.68 ERA, 121 K), RHP Johnny Cueto (13-1, 2.47 ERA, 115 K) and RHP Jose Fernandez (11-4, 2.52 ERA, 154 K) on the roster.


All of these guys have been pitching extremely well this season and would be considered Cy Young candidates if Kershaw wasn’t around. They’ll only need to pitch an inning or two each in this one, so they should have their best stuff and be tough to hit.


Offensively, the National League will need a lot from guys like 3B Nolan Arenado (.287, 23 HR, 70 RBI), C Buster Posey (.293, 11 HR, 42 RBI), 3B Kris Bryant (.286, 25 HR, 65 RBI), 2B Daniel Murphy (.348, 17 HR, 66 RBI) and OF Bryce Harper (.256, 19 HR, 52 RBI). This lineup has a nice mix of guys that hit for power and guys that can get on base, but they likely won’t need to do as much as the AL lineup.


The NL team has far superior starting pitching and likely will not need too much run support in this one. But that could change if Arrieta does not pitch like he is capable of on Tuesday.


2016 MLB All-Star Game Propositions - per Sportsbook.ag


First Full 5 Innings Line and Total


American League -105
National League -115


American League +0.5 (-140)
National League -0.5 (+120)


Over 4 (-130)
Under 4 (+110)


Total Runs+Hits+Errors
Over 24 (-115)
Under 24 (-115)


Team to Score First
American League -135
National League +115


Adjusted Runline A
American League -1.5 (+225)
National League +1.5 (-290)


Adjusted Runline B
American League +2.5 (-300)
National League -2.5 (+235)


American League - Total Runs
Over 3.5 (-130)
Under 3.5 (Even)


National League - Total Runs
Over 4 (Even)
Under 4 (-130)


Will there be a score in the 1st Inning?
Yes +125
No -155


Total Runs
Odd -155
Even +125


Will the game go to Extra Innings?
Yes +625
No -1000


1st Inning Winner (3-way)
American League +325
National League +300
Tie -150


1st 5 Innings Winner (3-way)
American League +140
National League +120
Tie +375


Margin of Victory
AL to win by 1 +425
AL to win by 2 +700
AL to win by 3 +950
AL to win by 4 +1350
AL to win by 5 or +650
NL to win by 1 +400
NL to win by 2 +650
NL to win by 3 +850
NL to win by 4 +1200
NL to win by 5 or +550


Double Result (1st 5 Innings / Game Winner)
AL / AL +160
AL / NL +850
NL / AL +950
NL / NL +135
Tie / AL +1000
Tie / NL +900


Odds Subject to Change

 

[CNOTES]

Individual Award Odds
July 12, 2016


The first half of the MLB season is in the books and there aren’t many surprises atop the individual leaderboards. Past the pennant races, there are several close races for awards such as Most Valuable Player and Cy Young. Familiar names sit on this list that look to continue solid efforts moving into the second half of the season.


The National League Cy Young award is up for grabs with plenty of aces that have solid cases to capture this honor. In spite of not pitching since June 26, Dodgers’ southpaw Clayton Kershaw is the favorite to win his third Cy Young in the last four seasons. Kershaw is listed at 8/5 odds (Bet $100 to win $160) to be named the top NL hurler, owning an 11-2 record and ERA of 1.79, but is currently on the disabled list with a strained back.


Last season’s Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta started the season on fire, but the Cubs’ right-hander has dropped three of his last four starts to fall to 12-4 on the campaign.


In the American League, the race isn’t as tight at the top as Chicago left-hander Chris Sale has separated himself from the pack with a 14-3 record and ERA of 3.38. Sale’s ERA blew up in his final start of the first half against Atlanta by allowing eight earned runs in five innings of work, but the White Sox ace is well on his way to setting a new career high in wins (17 in 2012).


Indians’ right-hander Danny Salazar ranks second in the American League in ERA at 2.75, while owning a solid 10-3 record. Salazar sits behind Sale for the AL Cy Young at 2/1 odds, while Sale is currently at 7/5 odds (Bet $100 to win $140) to win the award.


From an MVP standpoint, Rockies’ third baseman Nolan Arenado is the favorite at even odds to grab the honor. Arenado leads the NL in runs batted in (70) and ranks second in home runs (23) behind Cubs’ third baseman Kris Bryant.


Nationals’ right fielder Bryce Harper looks to bring home consecutive MVP awards, but is outside the top-10 in the NL in batting average and runs batted in, while being tied for 10th in home runs with 19. Bryant knocked out 26 homers in his rookie season with the Cubs, but already has drilled 25 home runs this season and is listed at 3/1 odds to win his first MVP award.


In the American League, Blue Jays’ third baseman Josh Donaldson seeks his second straight MVP honor. Donaldson is tied for third in the AL with 23 home runs and ranks fourth in RBI with 63, one season after posting 41 homers and 123 RBI, both career highs.


Red Sox’ slugger David Ortiz is on the doorstep of retirement, but “Big Papi” isn’t slowing down by ranking second in both batting average (.332) and RBI (72) in the American League. Ortiz sits at 6/1 odds to win the MVP, one of three Boston players that own odds of 15/1 or better (Jackie Bradley, Jr. and Xander Bogaerts).


Below are the latest MLB award odds courtesy of Sportsbook.ag:


2016 National League Cy Young


Clayton Kershaw (LAD) 8/5
Jake Arrieta (CHC) 3/1
Stephen Strasburg (WSH) 7/2
Madison Bumgarner (SF) 9/2
Noah Sydergaard (NYM) 10/1
Jose Fernandez (MIA) 15/1
Johnny Cueto (SF) 18/1
Max Scherzer (WSH) 20/1
Jon Lester (CHC) 30/1
Carlos Martinez (STL) 50/1
Jacob deGrom (NYM) 50/1
Zack Greinke (ARZ) 60/1
Jeff Samardzija (SF) 100/1
Adam Wainwright (STL) 200/1
Francisco Liriano (PIT) 200/1


2016 American League Cy Young


Chris Sale (CWS) 7/5
Danny Salazar (CLE) 2/1
Chris Tillman (BAL) 12/1
Cole Hamels (TEX) 15/1
Corey Kluber (CLE) 18/1
Dallas Keuchel (HOU) 18/1
Carlos Carrasco (CLE) 20/1
David Price (BOS) 20/1
Chris Archer (TB) 30/1
Zach Britton (BAL) 30/1
Masahiro Tanaka (NYY) 40/1
Justin Verlander (DET) 50/1
Marcus Stroman (TOR) 50/1
Sonny Gray (OAK) 50/1


2016 National League Regular Season MVP


Nolan Arenado (COL) Even
Bryce Harper (WSH) 2/1
Kris Bryant (CHC) 3/1
Clayton Kershaw (LAD) 8/1
Anthony Rizzo (CHC) 12/1
Giancarlo Stanton (MIA) 20/1
Yoenis Cespedes (NYM) 20/1
Paul Goldschmidt (ARZ) 25/1
Buster Posey (SF) 40/1
Starling Marte (PIT) 70/1


2016 American League Regular Season MVP


Josh Donaldson (TOR) 3/1
Jose Altuve (HOU) 4/1
Manny Machado (BAL) 5/1
Mike Trout (LAA) 6/1
David Ortiz (BOS) 8/1
Robinson Cano (SEA) 8/1
Edwin Encarnacion (TOR) 15/1
Jackie Bradley Jr (BOS) 15/1
Xander Bogaerts (BOS) 15/1
Todd Frazier (CWS) 20/1
Carlos Correa (HOU) 25/1
Nelson Cruz (SEA) 30/1
Chris Davis (BAL) 40/1
Lorenzo Cain (KC) 60/1
Adrian Beltre (TEX) 100/1
Jose Abreu (CWS) 100/1

 

[CNOTES]

Sale, Cueto to start All-Star Game
July 11, 2016


SAN DIEGO (AP) Chris Sale of the Chicago White Sox will start for the American League in Tuesday night's All-Star Game and Johnny Cueto of the San Francisco Giants for the National League.


Sale, a 27-year-old left-hander, is 14-3 with a 3.38 ERA and leads the major leagues in wins. He has 123 strikeouts and just 26 walks in 125 innings, and batters are hitting .225 against him.


Cueto, a 30-year-old right-hander who left Kansas City to sign with the Giants last offseason, tops NL pitchers in victories. He is 13-1 with a 2.47 ERA, striking out 115 in 131 1/3 innings. He has won 10 consecutive decisions since an April 21 loss to Arizona.


AL manager Ned Yost said Monday his batting order has Houston second baseman Jose Altuve leading off, followed by Angels center fielder Mike Trout, Baltimore third baseman Manny Machado, Boston designated hitter David Ortiz, Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts, Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer, Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts, Kansas City catcher Salvador Perez and Boston left fielder Jackie Bradley Jr.


NL manager Terry Collins has Cubs second baseman Ben Zobrist leading off, followed by Washington right fielder Bryce Harper, Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant, San Diego's Wil Myers at designated hitter, San Francisco catcher Buster Posey, Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, Miami center fielder Marcell Ozuna, Colorado left fielder Carlos Gonzalez and Cubs shortstop Addison Russell.


Ozuna and Gonzalez are replacements for the Cubs' Dexter Fowler and the Mets' Yoenis Cespedes, who are hurt.


The AL will be the home team for the game at Petco Park because this is the second straight year of at least four in which the NL will host the All-Stars.

 

[CNOTES]

LEADING OFF: Sale starts vs Cueto in 87th All-Star Game
July 12, 2016


A look at what's happening all around the majors today:


STARRY NIGHT


Petco Park in San Diego hosts the 87th All-Star Game, with White Sox ace Chris Sale (14-3) starting for the American League against Giants righty Johnny Cueto (13-1). The AL has won three in a row, but the National League leads 43-41 overall with two ties. Anthony Rizzo and a lot of Cubs take on David Ortiz and a bunch of Red Sox, and the league that wins gets home-field advantage in the World Series.


MURPH'S OUR MAN


NL manager Terry Collins of the Mets is glad to have Daniel Murphy back on his side. The Washington second baseman leads the majors in hitting at .348 - he's pounded the Mets, who let him go last winter. He is batting .423 with seven home runs and 21 RBIs vs. them this year, getting a hit in all 13 games. Murphy made the NL All-Star squad as a backup after finishing just 88 votes behind Ben Zobrist of the Cubs in fan balloting for starting spots.


VISITING HOME


Padres All-Stars Wil Myers and Drew Pomeranz get to see the other side of Petco Park - specifically, the visitors' clubhouse. With the NL hosting four straight All-Star Games, the AL is serving as the home team in alternate seasons, including this year in San Diego. That means the All-Star teams will use designated hitters in the NL park, and Myers found out Monday he'll bat fourth as the DH. ''I'm just going to soak up every minute of it,'' Myers said. ''I'm not going to take any of it for granted. I'm going to enjoy every second of it and just enjoy it.''


RECOVERING


All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel of the Red Sox moves into rehab mode, a day after having surgery for a tear in his left knee. The team says Kimbrel is expected to make a full recovery and be out for between three and six weeks.


IT GETS WORSE


The Angels' bid to avoid the basement in the AL West will continue without emerging slugger C.J. Cron. The first baseman and designated hitter is expected to miss at least six weeks after surgery on his broken left hand.


Cron had five of his 11 homers this season in his past eight games before being hit by a pitch from Baltimore's Mike Wright on Friday. Cron was on pace for career highs in batting average, homers and RBIs for last-place Los Angeles.

 

[CNOTES]

A capsule look at the All-Star Game on Tuesday in San Diego
July 11, 2016


A look at the 87th Major League Baseball All-Star Game on Tuesday at Petco Park in San Diego:

FIRST PITCH: 8:16 p.m. EDT.


TV: Fox.

RADIO: ESPN Radio, ESPN Radio Deportes.

SERIES: National League leads 43-41, with two ties

AT STAKE: The league that wins gets home-field advantage in the World Series.

STARTING PITCHERS: Chicago White Sox lefty Chris Sale (14-3, 3.38 ERA) for the AL vs. San Francisco Giants righty Johnny Cueto (13-1, 2.47 ERA) for the NL.


STARTING LINEUPS:


AL: Houston 2B Jose Altuve, Angels CF Mike Trout, Baltimore 3B Manny Machado, Boston DH David Ortiz, Boston SS Xander Bogaerts, Kansas City 1B Eric Hosmer, Boston RF Mookie Betts, Kansas City C Salvador Perez, Boston LF Jackie Bradley Jr.


NL: Cubs 2B Ben Zobrist, Washington RF Bryce Harper, Cubs 3B Kris Bryant, San Diego DH Wil Myers, San Francisco C Buster Posey, Chicago 1B Anthony Rizzo, Miami CF Marcell Ozuna, Colorado LF Carlos Gonzalez, Cubs SS Addison Russell.

MANAGERS: Ned Yost of Kansas City (AL), Terry Collins of the New York Mets (NL).


NOTES: The AL is the home team, even though the game is being played at Petco Park in San Diego. The switch was made because this is the second straight year of at least four in a row the NL hosts the All-Stars. Because of AL rules, there is a designated hitter. ... The AL plans to pitch Corey Kluber, Cole Hamels, Aaron Sanchez and Jose Quintana after Sale. The NL hasn't announced its order after Cueto. ... The AL holds a 10-3 edge since the All-Star Game has determined home-field advantage in the World Series.

NEXT YEAR'S SITE: Miami.

 

[CNOTES]

The Latest: Ortiz jersey most popular, judging by sales
July 12, 2016


SAN DIEGO (AP) The Latest on the All-Star Game (all times local):


9:35 a.m.


David Ortiz's jersey is the most popular this season, judging by sales on MLBShop.com between Jan. 1 and the All-Star Game.


Ortiz, 40, plans to retire at the end of the season and is a 10-time All-Star. He also topped the sales list during the 2013-14 offseason, after winning his third World Series title with the Boston Red Sox.


Kris Bryant of the Chicago Cubs is second, followed by Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Cubs' Anthony Rizzo, the Los Angeles Angels' Mike Trout, San Francisco's Buster Posey, the Cubs' Jake Arrieta, St. Louis' Yadier Molina, Washington's Bryce Harper and the New York Mets' Noah Syndergaard.


---


9:27 a.m.


The concessionaire at Petco Park expects to sell 24,000 hot dogs, 16,000 orders of chicken fingers, 18,000 pounds of French fries, 98,000 peanuts and 45,000 bottles of water at the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game.


Delaware North executive chef at Petco Carlos Vargas created two new items for the game: a Hashtag Dog featuring a hot dog, tempura butter, club soda and shredded potato, and ASG Michelada drink with Estrella beer, poached shrimp, lime, habanero pepper, Clamato juice, lime juice and tajin spice.


Given the fresh fish in the area, items also include mahi mahi tacos and Ahi tuna poke stuffed avocado.

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack


-- If you do nothing else today, go to ESPN.com and listen to Craig Sager's speech at the ESPYs. Courageous and inspirational; Sager is one tough dude.


-- If you ever see film of Hank Aaron's 715th homer, in 1974, the guy standing at home plate with a microphone is a much younger Craig Sager.


-- Red Sox landed P Drew Pomeranz from San Diego for Anderson Espinoza, who is having an average year in Class A Ball but is a highly touted prospect and only 18.


-- Chris Spielman moves from ESPN to FOX, will work with Dick Stockton on NFL games this fall. Spielman is really good; FOX makes good move.


-- According to Chris Fallica of ESPN, since WWII, five players have had 3+ shot lead after first round of British Open. Phil Mickelson is the 6th. None of the five won tourney or shot second round in 60s.


-- NBA Summer League makes this week tolerable, with no baseballl until today.


**********

Armadillo: Friday's List of 13: Things I'm looking for in rest of baseball season


13) First things will be the trading that happens between now and the August 1 trade deadline. Who buys? Who sells? With two Wild Cards in each league now, teams are more reluctant to throw in the towel on a season.


12) After the dust has cleared from whatever trades happen, what minor leaguers will get the call to the majors, as struggling teams look to the future?


11) Cubs are 6-15 in their last 21 games; was it just a slump or are wheels coming off? Can they hold off the Pirates and Cardinals?


10) Would the Angels consider trading Mike Trout? Their farm system isn't very good, so the only way to replensih their talent level could be to deal their best plsyer. Angels are woefully short on pitching.


9) Kershaw/Greinke both make roughly $1M per start, if they made all their starts this year, but they're both on the DL now; Dodgers are going to need Kershaw back in the rotation if they're going to make the playoffs.


8) Arizona's season is a debacle, an expensive debacle. They've already sold Ziegler to the Red Sox, will they make more deals? D'backs need to decide on which position guys they want to stick with, then deal for a pitcher or three.


7) Will the defending champ Royals make a run at first-place Cleveland, or will 2016 continue to be a magical year on Lake Erie?


6) Can the Orioles sustain their first-half success despite its substandard rotation? Baltimore is in bottom five in both IP, ERA for its starting pitchers.


5) Will Bronx Bombers sell their quality relievers or will they hang in there and try to get back in the Wild Card race? If I was a season ticket holder and they sold assets to slash their payroll, I'd ask for a damn refund- their tickets are exorbitant.


4) When I was 14, I met Dusty Baker when he was playing for the Braves, he was so nice to me for no reason, so I always, always root for him (except against the A's). It will make me smile if the Nationals make the playoffs.


3) What about the Mets' pitchers? Can they get healthy? Their healthiest pitcher is a 43-year old fat guy. Go figure.


2) Can Giancarlo Stanton build on his HR Derby showing to have a solid second half and lead the Marlins into the playoffs?


1) Houston Astros got hot before the break, while Texas stumbled; Rangers are said to be looking to make a lot of deals to strengthen their team. Astros have young Bregman to bring up from the minors and bolster their infield. Should be interesting.

 

[CNOTES]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up


Friday, July 15


National League


Pirates @ Nationals


Pirates won nine of last 11 games, are 10-6 in road series openers. Four of their last five games went over total. Washington won four of last five games, is 9-4 in home series openers. Five of last seven National games stayed under.


Mets @ Phillies


Mets lost seven of last nine road games, are 7-6 in road series openers. Five of last six New York games stayed under. Philly won 10 of last 13 games, is 4-10 in first game of a home series. Under is 6-2-1 in last nine Philly home games.


Brewers @ Reds


Brewers lost seven of last ten games, are 5-9 in road series openers. Under is 4-1-1 in last six Milwaukee games. Cincinnati lost seven of last eight home games, is 6-8 in first game of a home series. Over is 13-6 in Reds' last nineteen games.


Rockies @ Braves


Rockies lost six of last seven road games, are 3-6 in last nine road series openers. Under is 8-3 in last 11 Colorado games. Atlanta won three of last four games, is 5-2 in its last seven road series openers. Under is 5-3 in Braves' last eight games.


Marlins @ Cardinals


Marlins won four of last five games, are 8-6 in road series openers. Over is 15-4 in last 19 Miami road games. St Louis won three of last four games, is 5-10 in openers of home series. Under is 8-2-2 in Cardinals' last twelve games.


Dodgers @ Diamondbacks


Dodgers won 10 of last 14 games, are 4-10 in road series openers. Under is 7-3 in last 10 LA games. Arizona lost 12 of its last 14 games, is 3-12 in home series openers. Over is 6-0-1 in their last seven home games.


Giants @ Padres


Giants won eight of last ten games, are 8-6 in road series openers. Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Giant road games. San Diego lost its last three games, is 9-6 in openers of a home series. Nine of last ten games at Petco Park went over the total.


American League


Red Sox @ New York


Red Sox won six of last seven games, are 8-5 in road series openers. Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Boston games. New York won three of its last four games, is 7-6 in home series openers. Seven of last eight Bronx games went over the total.


Royals @ Tigers


Royals lost six of last seven games, are 4-11 in road series openers. Five of last seven KC games stayed under the total. Detroit lost five of last seven games, is 7-6 in home series openers; seven of its last nine games stayed under total.


Orioles @ Rays


Orioles won four of last five games, are 7-7 in road series openers. Four of O's last five road games went over total. Tampa Bay lost 22 of last 25 games; they're 6-9 in home series openers. Six of Rays' last nine games stayed under the total.


Indians @ Twins


Indians lost four of last five games, are 9-6 in road series openers. Eight of last nine Tribe games went over the total. Minnesota won seven of last nine games; over is 20-6 in their last 26 home games. Twins are 6-9 in home series openers.


White Sox @ Angels


White Sox won five of last seven road tilts, are 1-5 in last six road series openers. Under is 7-4 in their last 11 road games. Angels lost six of last seven home games, are 5-9 in home series openers. Nine of Halos' last 11 home games went over the total.


Blue Jays @ A's


Blue Jays won eight of last nine games, are 9-5 in road series openers. Six of Toronto's last seven games stayed under. Oakland lost 10 of last 13 home games, but won four of last five home series openers. Four of A's last five games stayed under the total.


Astros @ Mariners


Astros won five of last seven games, are 6-8 in road series openers. Under is 11-3 in last 14 Houston road games. Seattle lost five of last seven games but won four home games in row; they're 8-6 in home series openers. Five of last seven Seattle games stayed under.


Interleague


Rangers @ Cubs


Texas lost nine of last 12 games, are 8-6 in road series openers. Over is 8-0-1 in last nine Ranger games. Cubs lost nine of last 11 games, are 11-3 in home series openers. Over is 13-3-1 in Chicago's last 17 games.

Teams won-lost records when this pitcher starts:


NY-Phil-- Colon 11-6; Hellickson 9-9
Pitt-Wsh-- Liriano 8-9; Strasburg 15-1
Mil-Cin-- Garza 1-4; DeSclafani 4-2
Col-Atl-- De la Rosa 5-6; Harrell 2-0
Mia-StL-- Chen 10-7; Garcia 9-8
LA-Az-- Norris 1-1/5-5; Corbin 7-11
SF-SD-- Bumgarner 13-6; Cashner 6-7


Bos-NY-- Rodriguez 2-4; Pineda 8-9
Balt-TB-- Gallardo 6-3; Archer 5-14
KC-Det-- Kennedy 9-8; Verlander 10-7
Clev-Minn-- Carrasco 9-3; Santana 3-13
Chi-LA-- Gonzalez 6-6; Santiago 12-6
Tor-A's-- Stroman 9-9; Mengden 1-5
Hst-Sea-- Fister 11-6 (0-3 last 3); Paxton 2-6


Tex-Chi-- Perez 10-8; Hendricks 9-7 (4-0 last 4)

Starting pitchers allowing 1+ runs in first inning:


NY-Phil-- Colon 6-16; Hellickson 6-18
Pitt-Wsh-- Liriano 4-17; Strasburg 4-16
Mil-Cin-- Garza 2-5; DeSclafani 2-6
Col-Atl-- De la Rosa 5-11; Harrell 0-2
Mia-StL-- Chen 6-17; Garcia 6-17
LA-Az-- Norris 2-12; Corbin 7-18
SF-SD-- Bumgarner 3-19;; Cashner 4-12


Bos-NY-- Rodriguez 3-6; Pineda 7-17
Balt-TB-- Gallardo 4-9; Archer 9-19
KC-Det-- Kennedy 5-17; Verlander 7-17
Clev-Minn-- Carrasco 2-12; Santana 5-16
Chi-LA-- Gonzalez 6-12; Santiago 8-18
Tor-A's-- Stroman 4-18; Mengden 0-6
Hst-Sea-- Fister 3-17; Paxton 2-8


Tex-Chi-- Perez 6-18; Hendricks 4-16

 

[CNOTES]

MLB


Friday, July 15


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


2:20 PM
TEXAS vs. CHI CUBS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Texas's last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
Texas is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Texas
Chi Cubs are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games at home


7:05 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Washington
Washington is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games


7:05 PM
NY METS vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone OVER in 8 of NY Mets's last 11 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Mets's last 6 games
Philadelphia is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Philadelphia's last 20 games when playing NY Mets


7:05 PM
BOSTON vs. NY YANKEES
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of NY Yankees's last 8 games
NY Yankees are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games


7:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore's last 7 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing at home against Baltimore
Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Baltimore


7:10 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 7 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Milwaukee's last 9 games on the road
Cincinnati is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cincinnati's last 7 games when playing at home against Milwaukee


7:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. DETROIT
Kansas City is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Kansas City


7:35 PM
COLORADO vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 6 games on the road
Colorado is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games at home
Atlanta is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing Colorado


8:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cleveland's last 9 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Cleveland is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota's last 9 games when playing at home against Cleveland


8:15 PM
MIAMI vs. ST. LOUIS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
Miami is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
St. Louis is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Miami
St. Louis is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games at home


9:40 PM
LA DODGERS vs. ARIZONA
LA Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games when playing Arizona
Arizona is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Arizona's last 10 games


10:05 PM
TORONTO vs. OAKLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games
Toronto is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games
Oakland is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games


10:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. LA ANGELS
Chi White Sox are 7-14 SU in their last 21 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 6 games when playing LA Angels
LA Angels are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
LA Angels are 6-14 SU in their last 20 games


10:10 PM
HOUSTON vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing Seattle
Houston is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
Seattle is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Houston


10:40 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. SAN DIEGO
San Francisco is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 16 of San Diego's last 23 games
San Diego is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

 

[CNOTES]

MLB
Dunkel


Friday, July 15




Houston @ Seattle


Game 977-978
July 15, 2016 @ 10:10 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(Fister) 16.268
Seattle
(Paxton) 17.703
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
-125
8
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
(-125); Under


Colorado @ Atlanta


Game 957-958
July 15, 2016 @ 7:35 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
(DeLaRosa) 14.715
Atlanta
(Harrell) 13.787
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado
-115
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(-115); Over


Texas @ Chicago Cubs


Game 979-980
July 15, 2016 @ 2:20 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Texas
(Perez) 16.403
Chicago Cubs
(Hendrcks) 11.579
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 5
13
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-195
No Total
Dunkel Pick:
Texas
(+167); N/A


Miami @ St. Louis


Game 959-960
July 15, 2016 @ 8:15 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Miami
(Chen) 17.734
St. Louis
(Garcia) 13.688
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 4
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-145
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(+125); Under


LA Dodgers @ Arizona


Game 961-962
July 15, 2016 @ 9:40 pm


Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Norris) 15.890
Arizona
(Corbin) 16.855
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 1
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
N/A


San Francisco @ San Diego


Game 963-964
July 15, 2016 @ 10:40 pm


Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco
(Bmgrner) 13.393
San Diego
(Cshner) 11.806
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Francisco
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco
-205
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Francisco
(-205); Over


Boston @ NY Yankees


Game 965-966
July 15, 2016 @ 7:05 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Wright) 13.898
NY Yankees
(Pineda) 14.799
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-140
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
(-140); Under


Baltimore @ Tampa Bay


Game 967-968
July 15, 2016 @ 7:10 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
(Gallardo) 17.503
Tampa Bay
(Archer) 13.666
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 4
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-130
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(+110); Over


Kansas City @ Detroit


Game 969-970
July 15, 2016 @ 7:10 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Kennedy) 15.787
Detroit
(Verlnder) 17.341
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
-145
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(-145); Over


Cleveland @ Minnesota


Game 971-972
July 15, 2016 @ 8:10 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
(Carrsco) 19.441
Minnesota
(Santana) 15.347
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 4
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-165
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-165); Under


NY Mets @ Philadelphia


Game 951-952
July 15, 2016 @ 7:05 pm


Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(Colon) 16.403
Philadelphia
(Hllckson) 13.970
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Mets
by 2 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-130
9
Dunkel Pick:
NY Mets
(-130); Under


Chicago White Sox @ LA Angels


Game 973-974
July 15, 2016 @ 10:05 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Chicago White Sox
(Gnzalez) 15.544
LA Angels
(Sntiago) 14.601
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Angels
-145
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(+125); Over


Pittsburgh @ Washington


Game 953-954
July 15, 2016 @ 7:05 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Liriano) 15.890
Washington
(Strasburg) 14.503
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-215
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(+180); Under


Toronto @ Oakland


Game 975-976
July 15, 2016 @ 10:05 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Stroman) 17.734
Oakland
(Mngden) 16.222
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
N/A


Milwaukee @ Cincinnati


Game 955-956
July 15, 2016 @ 7:10 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Garza) 15.890
Cincinnati
(DeSclfni) 11.487
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 2 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cincinnati
-140
9
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(+120); Over

 

[CNOTES]

MLB betting cheat sheet: A "Who’s Best?" Interleague matchup


The Rangers visits the Cubs in an intriguing matchup of the AL's top team taking on the favorite in the NL.


Have no fear sports bettors! Major League Baseball returns from its All-Star break Friday and we have all the betting notes you need to know, as the second half of the season begins, highlighted by an intriguing interleague matchup.

Who’s Best?


The lone Interleague series of the weekend features the team with the best record in the American League (Texas) against the team that had the best record in all of baseball for much of the first half (Cubs). Both have given a little back in July with the Rangers dropping seven of 10 and the Cubs eight of 10. But what is most interesting to me in handicapping this series is the respective run differentials of the two teams. Chicago is an awesome +139 in runs scored vs. allowed while Texas is a modest +16. Based on those respective run differentials, you’d expect the Cubs to have a record of 59-29 and the Rangers should only be 47-43. Texas will get Yu Darvish back this weekend (Saturday), but I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if this was a losing weekend for them.


Daytime Domination


The Giants are the team with the best record in all of baseball right now. Having Madison Bumgarner certainly helps as does a 20-10 record in one-run games. But an overlooked factor in this team’s very strong first half is that they are 22-9 in day games, easily baseball’s best win percentage in the afternoon. This weekend, the Giants take on the team with the worst record in day games, San Diego, who is 6-23. Circle Sunday’s game as it’s a 1:40 local start time.


Ray of Hope?


Every first place team has a division lead of at least 5.5 games, except one. That would be Baltimore, who is just two games up on both Boston and Toronto in the American League East. The size of the lead alone makes the Orioles the most precarious division leader and I’ve been saying for a while now that I expect this club to fall. My biggest concern is an 18-22 road record (team is 33-14 at home). The O’s start the second half on the road, in Tampa, facing a Rays team that has lost six straight. But I would not be shocked if the home team plays spoiler this weekend. The Rays have revenge from being swept in Camden Yards (four games) last month and are actually favored on the money line for Friday’s opener.


Hitting Notes


* When you think about the top offensive teams in all of baseball, the Twins probably don’t come to mind. But they should. Since June 18th, they’ve scored the most runs (140) in all of baseball and have hit 28 home runs since June 26. But a matchup this weekend with Cleveland may slow them down a bit as the Indians have allowed the fewest runs in the American League. That said, Minnesota has scored a total of 32 runs in six games vs. the Tribe this season. They are the top Over team in the American League as well.


* Boston possessed the best offense in baseball in the first half (led in runs scored) and they have a ton of individual hitters getting the job done right now. Mookie Betts is batting .408 during an 11-game hitting streak, Dustin Pedroia has reached base safely in 18 consecutive games (batting .315) and Hanley Ramirez is batting .408 his last 14 games. Good luck to Yankees pitching this weekend!


Pitching Notes


* ICYMI, there was a pretty significant trade made on Thursday as the Red Sox acquired Drew Pomeranz from San Diego. Pomeranz is a name that regular readers of this column should be familiar with as he has been outstanding for a bad team. Opponents are batting just .184 against him for the season, the second lowest average in the majors. But it is worth noting that the 102 innings he’s logged already mark a career-high for him in any season.


* Stephen Strasburg still hasn’t dropped a decision this year (12-0!) and the Nationals have gone 15-1 overall with him starting. Strasburg toes the rubber Friday against Pittsburgh, a team that has gone 8-2 so far in July. Note that the Over is 13-3 in Strasburg’s 16 starts as well. Pittsburgh is one of three teams in baseball to have gone Over in at least 60% of their games this year.


Totals Trend


The Over is 16-9-1 since the start of last season when the Brewers and Reds match up, including a 5-1-1 mark so far in 2016.

Friday's Weather Report


* In the first game out the All-Star break the Cubs host the Rangers and there is a 21 percent chance of rain. There will also be a slight 7-10 mile per hour pitchers wind gusting in from left field. The total is currently 8.0.


* At Comerica Park in Detroit, there is a 27 percent chance of rain and a chance of thunderstorms in the are as the Tigers host the Royals. The total is currently 8.5.


* It could get messy in Atlanta when the Braves host hte Rockies. There is a 53 percent chance of rain and a chance of thunderstorms in the area for the game. The total is currently 8.5.


* Hitters could be given a hand in Seattle tonight when the Mariners host the Astros, as winds gusting between 11-14 miles per hour will be gusting out right center field. The total is currently 8.0.