Cnotes Sports Page For Friday July 24th Best Bets-Trends-News !

[CNOTES]

Report: Ohio State's Miller shifting from QB to receiver


July 23, 2015


COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Braxton Miller is shifting from quarterback to receiver, whittling Ohio State's QB competition to two star passers.


Miller told SI.com on Thursday night that he plans to start the season in the H-back position and also hopes to return punts. He had surgery to repair of torn labrum in his throwing shoulder before the start of last season and sat out while J.T. Barrett and Cardale Jones led the Buckeyes to their first national title since 2002.


Barrett led Ohio State to an 11-1 record before breaking his ankle. Jones then guided the Buckeyes to victories in the Big Ten title game against Wisconsin, the national semifinal against Alabama and the championship game against Oregon.


The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Miller was Big Ten player of the year in 2012 and 2013.

 

[CNOTES]

AFC East Breakdown


July 24, 2015




It has been a wild offseason for the AFC Eastern Division. Free agent signings, trades and two coaching changes, has brought a lot of attention to this Conference.


Beside the fact that the New England Patriots are coming off their fourth Super Bowl victory in the past 14 years and sixth appearance overall in the big game during that period, the division has had a number of other interesting twists.


History


Odds to win AFC East - per Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook
New England Patriots 5/9
Miami Dolphins 7/2
Buffalo Bills 9/2
New York Jets 10/1


AFC East Win Totals - per Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook
New England Patriots - 10 (Over -180, Under +160)
Miami Dolphins – 9 (Over +105, Under -125)
Buffalo Bills – 8.5 (Over -130, Under +110)
New York Jets – 7.5 (Over -120, Under +100)


Odds Subject to Change – Updated 7.23.15


The Patriots are dealing with the deflation controversy that has potentially left them without the services of Tom Brady for the first four regular season games. Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone opted out of his contract. In the process, Marrone picked up a four million dollar payment because of an unusual clause contained in his contract. The Bills replaced Marrone with former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan, whose Jets were an unimpressive 4-12 last season.


If that wasn’t enough, the Jets hired their third general manager in the past four years. Add to the mix a very average Miami Dolphins team and who knows how this division will turn out.


Listed below are my notes on all four teams and predicted order of finish.


1) New England Patriots


The New England Patriots have been the class of the division during the past 12 seasons, winning six straight and 11 of the past 12 division titles. Bill Belichick is one of the best coaches in NFL history. He always seems to find a way to put his team in contention. The Patriots are expected to be without Tom Brady for the first four games of the season but that could change in the coming weeks.


He will be replaced by second-year quarterback, 2014 second round selection Jimmy Garoppolo, who passed for 5,050 yards and 53 touchdowns during his senior season at Eastern Illinois. Belichick has a knack for replace aging veterans that are asking for a lot of money, with serviceable veteran replacements or younger players. The Patriots remain the class of the division and should be able to find a way to win their seventh straight division title. Look for the football genius Belichick to have Garoppolo ready for the first four games of the season. I’m not going out on a limb, but I like New England to win the division regardless of the Brady suspension.


2) Buffalo Bills


The Buffalo Bills were 9-7 in 2014 and have high hopes for the upcoming season. They have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball. The Bills were fourth in total team defence, third in pass defence and eleventh in rushing defence last season. They upgraded at the skilled offensive positions with the additions of all-pro running back LeSean McCoy and controversial wide receiver Percy Harvin. The big question remains at quarterback. The Bills reached for E J Manuel with the 16th pick in the 2013 draft. This was a terrible and surprising pick. Manuel struggled with accuracy at the college level and continues to do so at the pro level.


The Bills have brought in veterans Matt Cassel and Tyrod Taylor to compete for the starting job. Cassel 33, should be an upgrade over last year’s starter Kyle Orton. Taylor spent the first four years of his career with the Ravens as a backup and has thrown just 35 passes during his career. The Bills would be a serious threat if they had a quarterback. Their defence should be better with new head coach Rex Ryan, but this will not be enough to overcome their deficiency at the quarterback position. That problem will be compounded by a poor offensive line. The Bills should have enough to contend for second place in the division and a Wild card spot in the playoffs.


3) Miami Dolphins


The Miami Dolphins are coming off another average season. They finished third in the conference with an 8-8 record. Starting third year quarterback Ryan Tannehill had a very good season, passing for 4,045 yards with 27 touchdown passes with only 12 interceptions. The Dolphins finished 14th overall in team offense. The defense finished 12th overall. They struggled against the run, finishing 24th in that category.


The addition of defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh should help this unit and ownership is certainly for him to pay dividends considered they invested millions in the All-Pro player. The Dolphins were lucky to pick up former Louisville wide receiver Devante Parker with the 14th overall pick in this year’s draft. Parker should help improve Miami’s 17th ranked passing attack. Miami finished close to the middle of the pack in overall offensive and defensive statistics last season. They will need to improve on both sides of the ball if they hope to compete for a playoff spot. I expect the Dolphins to finish third in the division. The Fins could surprise but I’m not buying them in what could be the final season for head coach Joe Philbin.


4) New York Jets


The New York Jets are coming off a terrible 4-12 season. They fired head coach Rex Ryan and replaced him with former Arizona Cardinals defensive guru Todd Bowles. Mike Maccagnan takes over for John Idzik as general manager. The Jets are a team in disarray. Maccagnan is their third general manager in the past four years. They have brought back cornerbacks Darrelle Revis, after a two-year absence and Antonio Cromartie who played with the Cardinals last season. The Jets released Percy Harvin and acquired all-pro receiver Brandon Marshall from the Bears to replace him. The nine-year veteran has over 100 receptions in five of his nine seasons.


This is a transition year for the Jets. They could be in for a long season because of their weakness at quarterback. New York drafted Gino Smith in the second round of the 2013 draft. Smith was recently ranked last out of 32 starting quarterbacks in a NFL opinion poll of coaches and talent evaluators. Journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick has been brought in to compete for the starting job, although the Jets will probably want to see if Smith can be a starting NFL quarterback. Bryce Petty was drafted in the fourth round and is probably a few years away from being ready to compete for the starting position. The Jets have made some upgrades, but I cannot see them being competitive in a strong AFC conference with Smith as their starting quarterback. Despite having arguably the best secondary in football, I still expect the Jets to finish last in the AFC East due to the unanswered question mark behind center.

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack


Favorites to win these six college football conferences this season.......


AAC-- Cincinnati/Memphis 2-1, Houston 4-1, Central Florida 4-1


ACC-- Clemson 2-1, Florida State 5-2, Georgia Tech 7-2


Big 14-- Ohio State 1-4, Wisconsin 7-1, Michigan State 8-1


Mountain West-- Boise State 1-3, San Diego State 7-1, Utah State 10-1


Pac-12-- Oregon 5-4, USC 2-1, Stanford/UCLA 3-1, Arizona State 8-1


SEC-- Alabama 9-5, Auburn 3-1, Georgia 6-1, Ole Miss 8-1


**********


Armadillo: Friday's List of 13: Random stuff with weekend here..........


13) I invented a new basketball statistic yesterday, while watching a one-sided game at Bishop Gorman HS. NegAssists, the amount of points scored off liveball turnovers, as opposed to deadball ones. Let me explain.......


12) A deadball turnover is a ball thrown out of bounds or anything where the clock is stopped and the ball has to be inbounded. A live ball tuenover often results in a fast break opportunity for the opposition and tends to be much more damaging- these are the results we want to track with NegAssists.


11) You can call it NegAssists when tracking how often your own players' mistakes result in opponents' points, but we need a word for points our team scores off liveball turnovers. It is late here, let me think-- until we come up with something better, we'll call them FastForce points-- FF points.


10) Anyway, they ran out of roster books for the media by the time I got to Bishop Gorman yesterday (how the hell is anyone awake in Las Vegas at 8am???) so I cannot write about individual players, since I don't know who they are. I'll be back downtown at Cashman Center today at the adidas event, where I have a book with players' names.


9) I'm not inferring anything here, but a team sponsored by Allen Iverson with nice purple uniforms warmed up for its game with each player throwing lob passes to himself off the floor and then trying to dunk. This with 20 or 30 college coaches sitting there watching their every move, out of sheer boredom. No bueno.


You'd think the geniuses who coach this team would resort to layup lines or a drill to showcase their players' immense athletic skill. Phil Martelli was sitting next to me and he is recruiting the big man off that team-- strong kid.


8) I see Tom Izzo, Steve Alford and Roy Williams watching a game, thats pretty much a game I'm interested in watching-- has to be one or two high level kids there.


7) Any big kid at this level of basketball should be expert at finishing around the basket with both hands; it is inexcusable not to be, since you can practice that by yourself, for hours on end if need be. Yet you watch these games and see a lot of missed layups by big kids.


6) Hint to prospects: dribbling behind your back in traffic is a bad idea, behind-the-back passes in transition do not impress too many coaches. Simple, effective plays that result in points scored impress coaches and result in scholarships offered.


5) When a coach yells out "swing the ball!!!" he wants the ball passed around the perimeter to the other side of the court. When a kid hears this command but jacks a 3-pointer instead, college coaches notice and wonder if that kid is coachable.


4) A's traded Scott Kazmir to Houston; not unexpected, since he will be a free agent in the fall. Kazmir is hurt but fighting thru it because of the free agency-- A's had to make sure they got something for him. It'll hurt more when they trade Ben Zobrist.


3) Zach Greinke's wife is having the couple's first child, so Greinke will probably miss tonight's game against the weak-hitting Mets, but he could be back later this weekend. Kershaw had a perfect game thru six against the Mets last night.


2) Ohio State's Braxton Miller will switch from QB to WR this fall, easing the crush of talent the Buckeyes had at QB. Kid could've transferred and played QB at ton of other schools, but they must've convinced him he can play WR in the NFL.


1) It is funny to see a prominent coach sit near a court to watch a game and casually look around to see who else s there, to see who his competition for players is.

 

[CNOTES]

Red Sox struggles continue with eight straight losses


The Boston Red Sox continue to limp along as one of the worst teams in baseball, as they have dropped their past eight games. Those games have seen the Red Sox lose by an average of 3.5 runs per game.


A large reason as to why is the Sox faltering offense, as they have averaged a mere 2.4 runs which is more than two less runs per game than their season average.


The Red Sox are currently -134 when they host the Tigers Friday.


-----------------------------


Total for Phillies-Cubs matchup gets posted


The total for Friday's matchup between the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs has hit the board at offshores and it has opened at 8.5.


Weather looks to be decent at Wrigley with wind blowing out to left-centerfield at around 11 miles per hour. Temperatures will be in the mid-80s under partly cloudy skies.


Probable starters are Jerome Williams for the Phils (+241) and Jon Lester for the Cubs (-265).

 

[CNOTES]

Head coaches in waiting: Top candidates for every NFL team


Jul 23, 2015


While retread coaches have become a hot item in recent years, there's still room for some newcomers in the NFL, too.


Three times in the last decade, two coaches on their first NFL job met in the Super Bowl — the Harbaugh brothers following the 2012 season and Mike Tomlin against Ken Whisenhunt and Mike McCarthy, respectively, following 2008 and 2010.


So who are the hot assistants now who could be in that next wave of successful, first-time head coaches? Here are some of the best:


Arizona: Coordinators James Bettcher and Harold Goodwin. Bettcher, early in his career, has established a commanding presence, and players seems to like him. The only thing that seems to be holding back Goodwin is that he does not call plays.


Buffalo: Offensive coordinator Greg Roman is considered an innovative offensive mind who isn't married to one particular style and can adapt to the talent on the roster. In San Francisco he made the offense work with dink and dunk quarterback Alex Smith and a power running game, and then was able to utilize the particular skill set of Colin Kaepernick in a slightly different scheme.


Carolina: Assistant head coach/defensive backs coach Steve Wilkins is coach Ron Rivera's right-hand man. He has done a good job for the last three years with a patchwork secondary.


Chicago: Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio did a terrific job in San Francisco and some were surprised he didn't get the call to replace Jim Harbaugh. If his 3-4 scheme turns around a defense that ranked 30th in the NFL the last two years, he's become a hot prospect.


Cincinnati: Offensive coordinator Hue Jackson actually had a head-coaching gig, of sorts — 8-8 with the Raiders in 2011, their best record in 13 years. Then he was fired. He did a good job re-tooling an offense that rose to sixth in the league a year ago, its best rating in more than a decade.


Cleveland: Defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil has shown real leadership skills and gotten players to respond.


Dallas: Special teams coaches don't often become head coaches, but John Harbaugh did — successfully — and so might Cowboys special teams coach Rich Basaccia. He had a head-coach interview in Cleveland last year.


Denver: Running backs coach Eric Studesville has endured two coaching changes and served four games as interim boss in 2010. He's a good teacher.


Detroit: Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin nearly landed a head coaching job this offseason, and seems almost certain to get one next year unless the Lions' defensive suddenly implodes.


Green Bay: Cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt is held in high esteem by the players he has coached in Green Bay the last seven years, and the Packers lead the NFL with 114 interceptions on defense as well as 63 interceptions made by cornerbacks since 2009, Whitt's first season in his current position. He'll be only 37 this season.


Houston: George Godsey has risen from quarterbacks coach to the Texans' offensive coordinator in just one season. Now, head coach Bill O'Brien, who used to be the playcaller, has given Godsey those responsibilities.


Indianapolis: The name of offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton has come up a lot in college coaching searches already. It may be just a matter of time before it happens in the NFL, too.


Miami: Offensive coordinator Bill Lazor rubbed some veteran wide receivers the wrong way with his candor last year, but he helped Nick Foles develop in Philadelphia and has done a fine job with Ryan Tannehill in Miami.


Minnesota: Scott Turner, son of Norv, is in his fifth year as an NFL assistant and, as the Vikings QB coach, did a terrific last year with rookie Teddy Bridgewater. The return of Adrian Peterson should give the Vikings offense a big boost this year.


Oakland: Defensive coordinator Ken Norton, a fiery leader, has worked under Seattle coach Pete Carroll and now he works for a former Dallas teammate, Jack Del Rio.


San Diego: Defensive coordinator John Pagano is the brother of Colts coach Chuck. He does a good job scheming to cover up a lack of talent.


Tennessee: Offensive coordinator Jason Michael will get a chance to polish his resume this year working with rookie QB Marcus Mariota, who must transition from a college spread offense to a traditional NFL system.


Washington: Offensive coordinator Sean McVay, just 29 years old, is the grandson of former Giants coach/longtime 49ers executive John McVay. Head coach Jay Gruden said the two of them think alike, and McVay's development should get speed along this year from two old vets added to the coaching staff, Bill Callahan and Matt Cavanaugh.


--Ira Miller is an award-winning sportswriter who has covered the National Football League for more than four decades and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee. He is a national columnist for The Sports Xchange.

 

[CNOTES]

Christmas in July: Pacers get forward from Cavs


The Indiana Pacers acquired rookie forward Rakeem Christmas from the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday in exchange for a 2019 second-round draft pick.


The Pacers used a pick recently acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers in the deal for center Roy Hibbert to obtain Christmas. The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that Christmas and the Pacers reached agreement on a four-year, $4.5 million contract with two years guaranteed.


The 6-foot-9 Christmas was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the NBA Draft last month and then traded on draft night to the Cavaliers.


As a senior at Syracuse last season, Christmas averaged 17.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per game.


"We really liked Rakeem when he came in for pre-draft workouts," Pacers president of basketball operations Larry Bird said. "He is a solid player who was a contributor all four years at Syracuse and we look forward to having him on our team."

 

[CNOTES]

Wager on Ohio State going unbeaten in 2015-16


Online shop TopBet.eu has released a college football prop bet on the Ohio State Buckeyes going on undefeated during the 2015-16 regular season and post season.


The book is offering NO at 1/4 and YES at 3/1.


The Buckeyes finished 14-1 last season en route to winning the National Championship. Their only loss coming against the Virginia Tech Hokies in their second game of the season.


They open their regular season against the Hokies at Lane Stadium on Sept. 7.

 

[CNOTES]

MLB

Friday, July 24


Nationals have had Pirates' number

The Washington Nationals have emerged triumphant in seven out of their past eight games against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Both clubs will renew acquaintances at the scenic PNC Park Friday. Max Scherzer and Jeff Locke are slated to get the ball for the Nats and Bucs, respectively.

Washington has been tabbed as a -126 favorite at Pinnacle Sports for the National League tilt.

 

[CNOTES]

B]MLB
[/B]
Friday, July 24




Division foes owning Indians' Kluber as of late


Last year's AL Cy Young Award winner hasn't been producing versus teams in his division this season.


Cleveland's Corey Kluber is winless in his previous eight games against AL Central squads. He'll have an opportunity to buck that trend when the Tribe welcome Jose Quintana and the Chicago White Sox to town in MLB action Friday.


As of this writing, the Indians were -160 favorites on the moneyline.




Under backers are loving the Twins


The Minnesota Twins have been one of the hottest teams in baseball recently when it comes to cashing Under tickets.


The Under is 5-1-1 in the Twinkies' last seven contests. Phil Hughes is the probable starter at home versus Michael Pineda and the Bronx Bombers Friday.


Oddsmakers have tabbed the clash with an eight run total.




Under bets have been cashing in Orioles-Rays games


The Under has cashed in six of the last seven meetings between the Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays heading into Friday night's matchup.


That said, the last time the two played (May 31) was the one Over in that stretch of seven meetings. Still, the teams have combined to average just 5.88 runs per game in nine meetings this season (3-6 O/U).


Chris Tillman is probable for the Orioles with Chris Archer expected to start for the Rays. The total opened at 7 but that has since been bumped down to 6.5.




Padres, Cashner cashing Over tickets with ease


San Diego Padres right-hander Andrew Cashner has had a penchant for participating in a lot of high-scoring games lately, and Over bettors are reaping the rewards as a result.


In the last nine games Cashner has taken the bump, the Over has gone a sizzling 7-1-1. He'll get the nod once again versus Dan Haren and the Miami Marlins in California Friday.


Sportsbooks are currently dealing the total for the game at 6.5.




Overs aplenty at Safeco Field


Safeco Field has been a haven for Over bettors recently, as the Seattle Mariners have gone 7-1-1 to the Over in the team's previous nine games at home.


Toronto invades Safeco Friday for a date with King Felix Hernandez and the M's. Drew Hutchinson is the probable starter for the Jays.


The total for the game is currently sitting at seven.




Road woes plaguing Braves


The Atlanta Braves have been far from road warriors as of late, dropping each of their last five matchups away from home.


That's a trend that won't appeal to Braves backers when the squad takes on the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium Friday. Manuel Banuelos and Tim Cooney are scheduled to get the nod for the Braves and Cards, respectively.


Atlanta is priced at +173 for the game at online book Pinnacle Sports.

 

[CNOTES]

Diamond Trends - Friday


July 24, 2015




SU TREND OF THE DAY:


-- The Cardinals are 12-0 since May 02, 2015 at home after a one run win in a home game.


MLB BIBLE TREND:


-- None


PITCHER TREND OF THE DAY:


-- When Justin Verlander starts the Tigers are 10-0 since August 16, 2008 after he went less than five innings in his last start.


SDQL CHOICE TREND:


-- When Jeff Locke starts the Pirates are 10-0 since October 01, 2012 after the team lost his last two starts.


ACTIVE TRENDS:


-- The Nationals are 16-0 OU since Aug 29, 2014 on the road after allowing 6+ runs in a road game.


-- The Rockies are 0-10 SU since Jun 03, 2014 at home after allowing 6+ runs in a loss and it is the first game of a series.

 

[CNOTES]

Friday's Tip Sheet


July 24, 2015




Washington Nationals at Pittsburgh Pirates | 7:05 p.m. ET (MLB Network)

A couple of weeks ago, Max Scherzer (10-8, 2.09 ERA) endured his worst start of the year at home against the Cincinnati Reds, who knocked him out of the game in the fifth inning after plating five runs against the frontrunner for the 2015 NL Cy Young award. Since then, however, Scherzer has seemingly returned to form, allowing just three runs combined over two starts spanning 14 2/3 innings, while also racking up 15 strikeouts compared to just one walk. Considering how banged up the Pirates lineup is at the moment, not to mention that this assignment will be taking place in a pitcher-friendly PNC Park, Scherzer has a nice opportunity here to further pad his Cy Young-aspiring résumé. He’s currently a -120 favorite.

Pittsburgh took game one of this four-game series last night behind Francisco Liriano, and now they hope for the same result in the second affair with Jeff Locke (5-6, 4.01 ERA) toeing the rubber. The mercurial left-hander had gone through an extensive stretch of inconsistency earlier in the season, but appears to have settled down, as he’s yielded three runs or less in seven straights, and in six of those, it was two or less. In the process, the ‘under’ has gone 6-1 over that stretch. Given the fact that he’s matched up against an elite starter like Scherzer this evening, the linesmakers have wisely set the over/under at 6.5, rather than 7, which is what many were probably hoping for (me being one).

Detroit Tigers at Boston Red Sox | 7:10 p.m. ET

For the past six years, Rick Porcello (5-10, 5.79 ERA) pitched only for the Detroit Tigers, the only team he’s ever known throughout his big league career. The Red Sox thought they were getting an upper echelon starter when they dealt, essentially, Yoenis Cespedes for his services over the winter, especially considering the fact that Porcello was coming off a season that saw him record career-bests in wins (15), ERA (3.43), and WHIP (1.23). Instead, the move has failed considerably, as Porcello has been one of baseball’s disappointments, while Boston starting pitching has been anchored at the bottom of the league all season long.

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Starting for Porcello’s old club this evening is his ex-teammate Justin Verlander (0-3, 6.62 ERA), who has also been a large disappointment thus far in 2015. Verlander missed the first two-and-a-half months, and since coming back in mid-June, he’s made six starts, only producing poor results. In fact, he’s allowed six runs or more in half of those assignments, although in the other half of the slate, Verlander has flashed signs of his former self, yielding two runs or less in those three outings. The linesmakers have understandably set the over/under at 9 for this one, while Verlander is a +125 road ’dog, which could be great value if he’s in form.

Houston Astros at Kansas City Royals | 8:10 p.m. ET

In acquiring left-hander Scott Kazmir (5-5, 2.38 ERA) yesterday from division rival Oakland, the Astros made a really, really tremendous move in legitimizing their starting rotation. Kazmir is a proven veteran who has been enjoying his best campaign to date, even having high standing amongst the league leaders in ERA. Furthermore, Kazmir may be even more motivated than when a player is typically dealt from a downtrodden team to a contender, as the southpaw’s hometown is Houston. And to think Kazmir was out of baseball only a few years ago. He’s been truly sparkling in ’15, as in his 18 starts this season, he’s surrendered three runs or less in all but one of them. The former Mets prospect opened up as a slight underdog, and the linesmakers already have shifted him to the favorite side for his Astros debut.

For the AL’s best team, Jeremy Guthrie (7-5, 5.36 ERA) will be tasked with spoiling his counterpart’s first start with his hometown team, and fortunately for the Royals, their World Series Game 7 starter has shown much improvement over the past couple of months following a woeful beginning to the year. Heading into June, Guthrie’s ERA stood closer to 7, but the veteran right-hander has turned it around, having given up three earned runs or less in all but one of his nine starts since. The over/under is currently 8.

Texas Rangers at Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | 10:05 p.m. ET

Is there a team in baseball hotter than the Angels right now? It’d be hard to argue against them, seeing as how Anaheim is 13-4 in the month of July, and although their seven-game winning streak was snapped yesterday by former Halo Ervin Santana and the Twins, this is a team that looks poised to finish what they started last year. That, of course, involved a monster run in the second half as well, before anticlimactically being swept in the Divisional Series by the Royals. ‘Zylbert Guy’ Nick Tropeano (1-0, 0.00 ERA), whom you might remember as being a sleeper of mine coming into the campaign, will aim to start a new winning streak for the club in only his second start of the year. In his lone big league start this season back in late-April, Tropeano was terrific in blanking the Athletics over six shutout innings, scattering only five hits and striking out five.

The Rangers, meanwhile, have been heading in the opposite direction, trying to ride through a stretch that has sunk them under .500 for the first time in almost two months. Thus, this is a huge series for Texas if they want to gain some ground back right away. They’ll turn to veteran hurler Colby Lewis (9-4, 4.63 ERA) in game one, hoping the right-hander can continue trending upwards after his brutal stretch at the end of May. In fact, ever since getting out of that month, Lewis has recorded nine starts, and eight of them registered as quality ones (six-plus innings, three runs or less). The one time this did not occur, however, came against these Angels, when they blasted him for ten runs on 12 hits in four innings on July 5. As a result, the over/under is as high as 8.5 for this series opener.

 

[CNOTES]

MLB rips ESPN host for DR remarks


July 24, 2015


NEW YORK (AP) Major League Baseball says ESPN Radio host Colin Cowherd owes Dominican players an apology for remarks he made during his show.


In a statement Friday, baseball says it ''condemns the remarks,'' calling them ''inappropriate, offensive and completely inconsistent with the values of our game.''


Cowherd had said Thursday that he didn't believe baseball was complex, saying a third of the sport was from the Dominican Republic, which had ''not been known, in my lifetime, as having, you know, world-class academic abilities.''


There were 83 Dominican players on opening-day rosters, representing about 10 percent of all players in the majors.


One of them, Blue Jays star Jose Bautista, asked Cowherd on Twitter on Thursday for an explanation.


MLB followed Friday, saying: ''Mr. Cowherd owes our players of Dominican origin, and Dominican people generally, an apology.''


In a statement about Cowherd's remarks, players' union head Tony Clark said ''to make an ignorant point by denigrating the intelligence of our Dominican members was not `clunky' - it was offensive.''


ESPN recently said Cowherd is leaving the network amid reports he's going to Fox Sports 1.

 

[CNOTES]

Cardinals acquire Marlins RHP Cishek


July 24, 2015


ST. LOUIS (AP) The NL Central-leading St. Louis Cardinals have bolstered their bullpen, getting Steve Cishek in a trade with the Miami Marlins.


The Cardinals sent Double-A pitcher Kyle Barraclough to the Miami on Friday for the sidearming Cishek. The deal came a week before baseball's trading deadline.


Cishek is 2-6 with three saves and a 4.50 ERA this year. The 29-year-old righty struggled and was sent down to Double-A earlier this season, but had an 0.71 ERA in 13 games since returning to Miami in mid-June.


Cishek has recently been among the most durable relievers in the majors, pitching at least 67 games in each of the past three seasons. He had 39 saves for the Marlins last year and 34 in 2013.


The Cardinals have the best record in the majors. Miami is fourth in the NL East.


Barraclough was a combined 3-0 with 12 saves and a 2.27 ERA in Single-A and Double-A this season. The 25-year-old righty was drafted in the seventh round by St. Louis in 2012.

 

[CNOTES]

Dodgers put Greinke on paternity list


July 24, 2015


NEW YORK (AP) The Los Angeles Dodgers have put All-Star pitcher Zack Greinke on the paternity list while he's with his wife for the birth of their first child.


Greinke has a streak of 43 2-3 scoreless innings, and it hasn't been determined when his next start will come.


The NL West leaders made the move before Friday night's game against the Mets in New York. Greinke was originally scheduled to start the game before returning to Los Angeles on Thursday to be with wife Emily.


Greinke can remain on the paternity list for up to three days. In the meantime, the Dodgers called up right-hander Josh Ravin from Triple-A Oklahoma City.


After Greinke left on Thursday, manager Don Mattingly said there was a chance the ace could pitch later this weekend against the Mets.

 

[CNOTES]

Angels acquire Gillaspie from White Sox


July 24, 2015


ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) The Los Angeles Angels have acquired infielder Conor Gillaspie from the Chicago White Sox for cash.


Gillaspie was designated for assignment by the White Sox last Sunday. He hit .237 with 15 RBIs in 58 games, with 50 starts at third base for last-place Chicago.


The 28-year-old Gillaspie is expected to join the AL West leaders this weekend.


The Angels also designated left-hander Adam Wilk for assignment. He pitched one game for Los Angeles this season.


-----------------------------------


Indians 'not motivated' to trade any starting pitchers


July 24, 2015


CLEVELAND (AP) Indians general manager Chris Antonetti says he has ''no motivation'' to trade any young starting pitchers.


With a week left before the trading deadline, Antonetti said Friday the club has received numerous calls from teams interested in Cleveland's starters.


The Indians have one of baseball's best young staffs and Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Trevor Bauer, Danny Salazar and Cody Anderson are under the team's control for several years.


Cleveland remains in the AL wild-card race despite an inconsistent offense, and Antonetti remains confident the club's current lineup can get hot and string together some wins.


As far as making a deal, Antonetti said the Indians are ''open to a lot of different things,'' but the club is not interested in adding

 

[CNOTES]

LEADING OFF: Greinke streak on hold, Kazmir goes for Astros


July 24, 2015


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


NO ZZZZZS FOR ZACK


Zack Greinke's scoreless streak is on hold after the Dodgers ace returned to LA to wait with his wife for the birth of their first child. Greinke has pitched 43 2-3 shutout innings and was set to start Friday night vs. the Mets in New York. Manager Don Mattingly says there's still a chance Greinke will pitch this weekend at Citi Field.


WELCOME ABOARD


Scott Kazmir starts for the hometown Houston Astros, a day after they got him in a trade with Oakland. The 31-year-old lefty joins his new club and pitches at Kansas City. He was 5-5 with a 2.38 ERA in 18 starts for the A's.


TRY AGAIN


Detroit star Justin Verlander makes his seventh start of the year, still aiming for his first win. The former AL MVP and Cy Young winner began the season on the disabled list and has a 6.62 ERA so far. He'll pitch at Fenway Park against former Tigers teammate Rick Porcello.


SET THOSE CLOCKS


The Yankees open a 10-game trip when they face former teammate Phil Hughes and the Twins at Target Field. After this road swing to Minnesota, Texas and the Chicago White Sox, the AL East leaders aren't scheduled to leave the Eastern time zone for the rest of the regular season.


GOLDEN GATERS

Jake Peavy, who earned his first win of the season in his last outing, starts for the Giants against A's righty Jesse Chavez in the Bay Bridge Series opener at San Francisco.

 

[CNOTES]

Team Open Line Movements Current Moneyline Halftime Scores


7:05 PM EDT


121 CALGARY STAMPEDERS -5.5 -4.5 / -4.5 -05 / -4 -4.5 -195
122 OTTAWA REDBLACKS 47.5 46.5 / 46 / 46.5 46 +166

TV: ESPN3.com


10:05 PM EDT


123 TORONTO ARGONAUTS 54 54 / 53 / 53.5 53 +110
124 B.C. LIONS -3.5 -05 -2.5 -15 / -2.5 / -2 -2 -05 -130


TOR-QB-Ricky Ray-OUT | TV: ESPN3.com

 

[CNOTES]

CFL Consensus Picks




SIDES (ATS)


Time Away Line Picks Pct Home Line Picks Pct Detail Odds


10:00 PM Toronto +3 454 47.74% BC Lions -3 497 52.26% View View


7:00 PM Calgary -5 523 55.34% Ottawa +5 422 44.66% View View




TOTALS (OVER/UNDER)


Time Away Total Over Pct Home Total Under Pct Detail Odds


10:00 PM Toronto 54 348 43.28% BC Lions 54 456 56.72% View View


7:00 PM Calgary 46.5 414 50.24% Ottawa 46.5 410 49.76% View View

 

[CNOTES]

Team Pitcher Open Line Movements Current Runline Scores


4:05 PM EDT


951 PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (R) Williams, J 8.5o15 9o18 / 9o20 / 9o19 9o15 +1.5(+115) 2BOT 8
952 CHICAGO CUBS (L) Lester, J -260 -270 / -275 / -270 -280 -1.5(-135) 3


TV: WGN (America), DTV: 307 | PARTLY SUNNY, WIND OUT TO CENTER 8-13. GAME TEMP 86, RH 42% HEAT INDEX 87




7:05 PM EDT


953 WASHINGTON NATIONALS (R) Scherzer, M -125 -127 / -128 / -130 -128 -1.5(+135)
954 PITTSBURGH PIRATES (L) Locke, J 6.5o15 6.5u15 / 6.5 / 6.5u14 6.5 +1.5(-155)

TV: MASN2, ROOT-Pittsburgh, DTV: 641, 659 | MOSTLY FAIR, WIND OUT TO LEFT CENTER 3-8. GAME TEMP 83, RH 48% HEAT INDEX 84


7:10 PM EDT


955 LOS ANGELES DODGERS (L) Thomas, I -180 +103 / -114 / -113 -111 -1.5(+150)
956 NEW YORK METS (L) Niese, J 6.5u20 6.5u20 / 7.5o15 / 7.5u15 7.5u20 +1.5(-170)

Overnight Pitching Change: LA Dodgers - Ian Thomas (1) (L) for Undecided LAD | LAD-1B-Adrian Gonzalez-Doubtful | TV: SNY, DTV: 639 | MOSTLY FAIR, WIND OUT TO LEFT 4-9. GAME TEMP 83, RH 29% HEAT INDEX 81


8:15 PM EDT


957 ATLANTA BRAVES (L) Banuelos, M 8u15 7.5 / 7.5u15 / 7.5u20 7.5u25 +1.5(-135)
958 ST LOUIS CARDINALS (L) Cooney, T -170 -170 / -174 / -180 -190 -1.5(+115)

TV: FS-Midwest, FS-South, DTV: 646, 671 | PARTLY CLOUDY, 30% CHANCE THUNDERSTORMS EARLY. WIND RIGHT TO LEFT 4-9. GAME TEMP 87, RH 51% HEAT INDEX 91


8:40 PM EDT


959 CINCINNATI REDS (R) Desclafani, A 11o20 11o15 / 11o20 / 11u15 11u20 +1.5(-190)
960 COLORADO ROCKIES (R) Butler, E -120 -104 / -103 / -107 -106 -1.5(+160)

TV: FS-Ohio, ROOT-Rocky Mountain, DTV: 660, 683 | PARTLY CLOUDY, WIND IN FROM CENTER 11-16. GAME TEMP 86, RH 20% HEAT INDEX 82


9:40 PM EDT


961 MILWAUKEE BREWERS (R) Nelson, J 8o20 8o20 8u14 +1.5(-195)
962 ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (L) Corbin, P -120 -116 / -118 / -121 -122 -1.5(+165)


TV: FS-Arizona, DTV: 686 | PARTLY CLOUDY, WIND LEFT TO RIGHT 7-12. GAME TEMP 97, RH 26% HEAT INDEX 97 (CHASE FIELD ROOF MAY CLOSE IN HOT WEATHER)


10:10 PM EDT


963 MIAMI MARLINS (R) Haren, D 6.5 6.5o20 / 6.5o30 / 7u20 7u25 +1.5(-195)
964 SAN DIEGO PADRES (R) Cashner, A -145 -125 / -126 / -130 -143 -1.5(+165)

MIA-RF-Giancarlo Stanton-OUT | TV: FS-Florida, FS-San Diego, DTV: 654, 694 | PARTLY CLOUDY, WIND IN FROM LEFT 4-9. GAME TEMP 77, RH 59% HEAT INDEX 79


7:10 PM EDT


965 BALTIMORE ORIOLES (R) Tillman, C 7u20 6.5u25 / 6.5u30 / 6.5u20 6.5u25 +1.5(-160)
966 TAMPA BAY RAYS (R) Archer, C -160 -157 / -155 / -156 -157 -1.5(+140)
TV: MASN, SunSports, DTV: 640, 653 | Dome


7:10 PM EDT


967 CHICAGO WHITE SOX (L) Quintana, J 7u15 7u15 / 7u25 7u30 +1.5(-160)
968 CLEVELAND INDIANS (R) Kluber, C -180 -158 / -156 / -160 -158 -1.5(+140)

TV: CSN-Chicago, SportsTime Ohio, DTV: 662, 665 | MOSTLY FAIR, WIND IN FROM CENTER 5-10. GAME TEMP 80, RH 54% HEAT INDEX 82


7:10 PM EDT


969 DETROIT TIGERS (R) Verlander, J 9o25 9u20 / 9u25 / 8.5o23 8.5o20 +1.5(-165)
970 BOSTON RED SOX (R) Porcello, R -130 -130 / -134 / -142 -143 -1.5(+145)

DET-1B-Miguel Cabrera-OUT | BOS-DH-David Ortiz-Doubtful | TV: FS-Detroit, NESN, DTV: 628, 663 | MOSTLY CLOUDY, 40% CHANCE SHOWERS EARLY. WIND IN FROM LEFT CENTER 4-9. GAME TEMP 75, RH 53% HEAT INDEX 77


8:10 PM EDT


971 NEW YORK YANKEES (R) Pineda, M -140 -142 / -160 / -155 -156 -1.5(+105)
972 MINNESOTA TWINS (R) Hughes, P 8 8o20 / 8 / 8o15 8 +1.5(-125)

TV: YES, DTV: 631 | PARTLY CLOUDY, WIND OUT TO RIGHT CENTER 9-14. GAME TEMP 84, RH 58% HEAT INDEX 88


8:10 PM EDT


973 HOUSTON ASTROS (L) Kazmir, S 8.5 -111 / -120 / -118 8.5 -1.5(+140)
974 KANSAS CITY ROYALS (R) Guthrie, J -135 8.5 / 8 / 8u15 -135 +1.5(-160)

Overnight Pitching Change: Houston - S. Kazmir (L) for S. Feldman | TV: FS-Kansas City, ROOT-Southwest, DTV: 672, 674 | PARTLY CLOUDY, 30% CHANCE THUNDERSTORMS. WIND OUT TO LEFT 6-11. GAME TEMP 91, RH 61% HEAT INDEX 103


10:05 PM EDT


975 TEXAS RANGERS (R) Lewis, C 8o15 8 / 8u15 / 8u20 8 +1.5(-160)
976 LOS ANGELES ANGELS (R) Tropeano, N -160 -154 / -150 / -148 -147 -1.5(+140)


TV: FS-Southwest, FS-West, DTV: 676, 692 | MOSTLY FAIR, WIND OUT TO CENTER 4-9. GAME TEMP 79, RH 57% HEAT INDEX 81


10:10 PM EDT


977 TORONTO BLUE JAYS (R) Hutchison, D 7u15 6.5o15 / 6.5o13 / 6.5 6.5o20 +1.5(-175) betting closed
978 SEATTLE MARINERS (R) Hernandez, F -150 -148 / -143 / -142 -143 -1.5(+155)


TV: ROOT-Northwest, DTV: 687 | CLOUDY, 60% CHANCE RAIN. WIND OUT TO LEFT CENTER 6-11. GAME TEMP 65, RH 78% (SAFECO FIELD ROOF CLOSES IN WET WEATHER)


10:15 PM EDT


979 OAKLAND ATHLETICS (R) Chavez, J 7u15 7o10 / 7 / 7u15 7 +1.5(-200)
980 SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (R) Peavy, J -135 -123 / -121 / -122 -123 -1.5(+170)


TV: CSN-California, DTV: 698 | PARTLY CLOUDY, WIND OUT TO CENTER 10-15. GAME TEMP 70, RH 56%

 

[CNOTES]

WNBA JUNE/ JULY RECORD:


*****...............................8 - 10 - 2
DOUBLE PLAY....................24 - 25
TRIPLE PLAY......................11 - 8
SLAM DUNK.......................16 - 12


MLB RECORD FOR JUNE/JULY:


*****.............................65 - 80 - 1 .....................,........- 10.96
double play......................115 - 122 - 2 ..........................- 17.62
triple play........................48 - 42 - 1 .............................+ 7.23
grand slam......................70 - 72 - 2...............................- 27.86
double grand slam.............0 - 1.......................................- 8.00


CFL JUNE/JULY RECORD:


SINGLE PLAY.................................1 - 1
DOUBLE PLAY................................4 - 7
TRIPLE PLAY..................................3 - 1
BLOW OUT....................................0 - 2