Friday 10/7/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Friday
By Mike Dempsey

Keeneland opens on Friday for a 17-day fall meeting which features eight Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” races over the first four days of the meeting.

Friday’s opening day card features two—the $250,000 Phoenix (G2) and the $400,000 Alcibiades (G1).

The winner of the Phoenix stamps his ticket to the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1), with a field of seven going to the post led by the streaking A.P. Indian, who is the 4-5 morning line favorite.

The Arnaud Delacour trainee has won four in a row, taking the Forego (G1) at Saratoga in his last outing. The colt would have been the favorite for last Saturday’s Vosburgh (G1) but his trainer elected to scratch him because of a wet track and wait for the Phoenix.

The Alcibiades drew a wide open field of 14 fillies with the winner earning a fees-paid trip to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1).

There are two stakes winners in the field and they both drew poorly. Diadora (5-1) won the Arlington Washington Lassie at Arlington Park in her last outing and will break from the 11 post.

Daddys Lil Darling is coming off a victory in the Pocahontas (G2) and drew the 14 post. She is also listed at 5-1.

There are three more “Win and You’re In” races on Saturday and two more on Sunday at Keeneland. At Belmont Park on Saturday we have seven stakes including four Breeders’ Cup Challenge races.


Here is the opening race from Belmont Park to get the day off to a good start:

BEL Race 1 Clm $16,000N2L (12:55 ET)
#5 Gregg's Beauty 12-1
#2 Mary Pray for Us 3-1
#6 Redneck Gold 7-2
#4 Ragazza Piu' Bella 4-1

Analysis: Gregg's Beauty returns off a three-month break here after pressing the early pace and fading badly in her first start against winners. The filly took the field gate to wire two back to beat $25,000 state breds in a sharp effort. She owns solid early and mid pace numbers and the Sciacca barn is 25% winners (with a +ROI) with runners coming back off a 61-180-day layoff. With Carmouche up this gal figures to be sent and she catches a pretty weak looking group here.

Mary Pray for Us was off a beat slow, tracked the early pace and finished up well in a runner up finish last out at this level. She broke her maiden over the main track here back in May against state bred $25,000 maiden claimers. She looks headed in the right direction but our top pick is going to offer more value for the top spot.

Wagering
WIN: #5 to win at 8-1 or better.
EX: 2,5 / 2,4,5,6
TRI: 2,5 / 2,4,5,6 / 2,3,4,5,6

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Belmont Park:

BEL Race 7 Clm $40,000 (4:13 ET)
#2 Run for Logistics 5-1
#8 Make a Decision 3-1
#5 Burndines 5-2
#9 The Imposter 4-1

Analysis: Run for Logistics was not much of a threat last out after a wide trip in the Turf Monster (G3) at Philly, checking in seventh beaten 3 1/2 lengths for the top spot. The gelding beat Alw-2 optional claimers four back at Monmouth Park going 5 1/2 furlongs on turf and drops into a good spot her tagged for $40,000. He has run over the turf here four times and has landed in the exacta in all four trips. The extra ground here will suit.

Make a Decision cuts back from a route where he tracked the early pace and finished gamely coming up just a nose shy as the beaten favorite against state bred Alw-2 optional claimers. He was claimed out of the race by the Englehart barn that is 22% winners first off the claim. He has beaten tougher and has enough tactical speed he should be able to handle the cut back to seven panels.

Wagering
WIN: #2 to win at 7-2 or better.
EX: 2,8 / 2,5,8,9
TRI: 2,8 / 2,5,8,9 / 2,5,6,8,9

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Keeneland:

KEE Race 9 The Darley Alcibiades G1 (5:30 ET)
#4 Dancing Rags 12-1
#8 Dream Dancing 6-1
#14 Daddys Lil Darling 5-1
#11 Diadora 5-1

Analysis: Dancing Rags prompted the early pace and finished gamely to pick up her diploma going a one turn mile at Laurel Park in her second career start. The filly was third in her debut going 5 1/2 furlongs on turf. She adds lasix here for the Motion barn and looks primed for her first start around two turns. She was a $210,000 Ocala purchase by Union Rags out of a stakes placed Storm Cat mare that has dropped six other winners, top earner stakes winner Coup de Grace ($494,160)

Dream Dancing was the beaten favorite in the Pocahontas (G2) last out at Churchill Downs in the mud. The filly came with a six wide run but did not have enough punch left late and weakened to finish fourth in her first trip on dirt. She broke her maiden two back at Saratoga in her second career start. This will be her first start over a fast main track and worth another look if she goes off near her 6-1 morning line.

Wagering
WIN: #4 to win at 6-1 or better.
EX: 4,8 / 4,8,11,14
TRI: 4,8 / 4,8,11,14 / 1,4,8,11,14

Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Belmont Park
R1: #5 Gregg’s Beauty 12-1
R4: #2 Modiste 12-1
R5: #5 Queen of Castle 15-1
R5: #4 Fire King 8-1
R6: #2 Dan the Man 10-1
R8: #5 Transparent 12-1
R8: #6 Wake Up in Malibu 8-1
R9: #9 Policy Portfolio 10-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Friday 10/7 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool


20-CENT PICK 5: 2,6,7/6/2,6/1,2,5/1,2,3 = $10.80

EARLY PICK 4: 1,2,5/1,2,3/1,3,8,9/7,9 = $72

LATE PICK 4: 7,9/2,8/1,2,6/2,5,8 = $36

MEET STATS: 402 - 1186 / $2080.30 BEST BETS: 66 - 109 / $205.50

SPOT PLAYS: 24 - 109 / $162.80

Best Bet: SELLING THE DREAM (2nd)

Spot Play: SOUTHWIND GEISHA (11th)


Race 1

(6) WINDSUN REVENGE dug in down the lane to win in this class last week and he's never been better; call to repeat. (2) LOOKSLIKEACHPNDALE has faced the best in North America in his past two starts and wasn't disgraced. He should be the main foe to the choice. (7) ETRUSCAN HANOVER has hit his best stride now and could take this with a better trip. (4) CATCH THE DREAM will be closing for a share here.

Race 2

(6) SELLING THE DREAM exploded down the lane to win last week. She is as sharp as they come; call to repeat. (2) PARTY IN ROME should like the easier company here and get a decent trip from the inside; using. (5) BRING ME DIAMONDS can threaten from close range at a square price here. (7) TOP ROYAL can go some long trips and keep coming. She should make the ticket here.

Race 3

(2) MAGICAL STEPH should get a good stalking trip close to the leaders here and pounce in the last 1/4. (6) MIAMI MAGIC should get plenty of pace to close into here. (7) ANNELI HANOVER is another that should be closing on some suspect leaders. (3) WORK THAT MAGIC can sit a trip near the front and take a share.

Race 4

(2) AINSELYNOELLE paced a gritty mile to win in this class last week. Expect a similarly aggressive drive here. (1) RIDE AWAY SHARK was nailed by the choice in the final stride last week. She should contend again from a good post. (5) DONTBRUISECARRIE always fires a quick final 1/4 which makes her a threat here. (6) LIGHTS GO OUT may get more aggressive early in the mile here which could improve her chances.

Race 5

(3) SHE LIGHTS OUT qualified sharply for a return from a break here; slight nod in a contentious dash. (2) SHOW TIME HILL raced gamely late last week to dead-heat for the win. She is worth a look despite stepping up in class. (1) STYLISH BEACHWHERE should be able to work out a decent trip starting from the inside here; using. (8) TONIGHTIMLOVINGYOU can be a pace threat early but she's unlikely to get soft fractions like she did last time.

Race 6

(8) SMASH HIT trotted a 28 flat third 1/4 last time to get into contention now he returns quicker. He can beat these if he lays a bit closer early. (1) FRENCH BASTILLE faces easier from a good post; using. (9) PENNIES FROM ABOVE is one of the best in here but it might be tough for her to work out a winning trip starting from out there. (3) SECRETCODE HANOVER returns from a break and shows a race in July that would put him right there vs. these; consider for multi-race bets.

Race 7

(9) PRETTY HOT has been in great form for weeks and she could be a square price starting from out there; top call. (7) DONNA PARTY is always dangerous from close range; using. (8) MYSTERY WRITER is worth a look dropping back into a claimer and picking a WEG regular up to drive again. (10) BADLANDS DELIGHT is as consistent as they come but post 10 is likely the great equalizer for her here.

Race 8

(8) NAHAR faces much easier here and he brings a sharp qualifier with him. He should be tough in here. (2) RUBBER DUCK squandered a sure win last week when he broke halfway down the lane. Perhaps the wet conditions contributed to his demise; using. (7) ELEGANT SERENITY raced a bit flat in Delaware off a good trip. She fits here but seems destined for a smaller share. (1) DEWEYKEEPUMNWHY couldn't close off a great trip last week. He is likely to grab another minor share here.

Race 9

(2) SAYITALL BB went a huge trip to win last week despite missing a month. She should be even sharper here returning much quicker. (6) STACIA HANOVER closed rapidly vs. the choice but she was too far back. She could turn the tables if kept close enough here. (1) WRANGLER MAGIC drops and she should be tough from close range but she may be overbet. (3) WITCH DALI also faces easier and she should share here.

Race 10

(5) UTOPIA continues to race well and can take this group if he is close enough to the leaders turning home. (8) NEILS GOLDEN GIRL stopped late when racing on a wet track. She can go better here if conditions are dry. (2) HARPER BLUE CHIP should get a good trip near the front here and he could break through for his first score in two years. (1) ITS HUW YOU KNOW won in a similar class three back and he will likely get put into play early here.

Race 11

(3) SOUTHWIND GEISHA finally gets an inside post. She should be heard from here. (4) YOUR MY SECRET is in sharp form and may get a more aggressive steer this time and try to seize control before the stretch drive. (1) WILDCAT MAGIC gets to drop to the bottom here and she is fresh; toss on Pick 4 tickets. (2) BAROCKEY should take a share racing near the front. (10) THATLL BE FRANNY also drops but post 10 is no picnic for her here; smaller share predicted.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Friday 10/7 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF

MEET STATS: 250 - 1039 / $1,610.90

BEST BETS: 30 - 98 / $144.40

Best Bet: DRUNKEN DESIRE A (5th)

Spot Play: SOUTHWIND ROULETTE (9th)


Race 1

(2) AUTOMATIC SLIMS moves back inside where he was a sharp second two trips ago; primed to take these to task for all the cash. (5) RESTLESS YANKEE blasted out from the 8-hole but tired badly in deep stretch last out; can turn things around. (1) LISCLOON showed good early pace last time out and could make some serious noise.

Race 2

(1) POWDER KEG just missed glory by a nose last time out and the gelding is quite sharp. Retains the fence where he clearly has had great success; threat. (2) WILD AGAIN came up the cones but was no match for Ace of Clubs last week; contender. (3) IMTOOFASTFORYOU has speed and could have a say in the outcome.

Race 3

(3) ALL ARTIST 3-year-old gets post relief and has every right to return to his winning ways. (5) PAN STREET USA was sent down the road in his latest for all the glory; dangerous. (2) ACE OF CLUBS rallied strongly on his way to victory at 53-1 recently; watch out again.

Race 4

(3) WHAT I BELIEVE was uncovered most of the way but still grinded out a victory last time around so with that said this gelding is very capable of repeating. (5) DIABANDO has been in the exacta five straight and this 5-year-old must be considered in all the exotic slots. (2) ELRAMA N was on the engine from the far outside post but ran out of gas in his latest; don't overlook from door number two.

Race 5

(2) DRUNKEN DESIRE A is knocking at the door based on his most recent try missing all the marbles by a length; can boss these. (4) STARSKYS DREAM N moves down the ladder and that might help his cause; maybe. (3) CHEYENNE JEFFREY has done well in his last two trips to the post and he should not be counted out of this.

Race 6

(4) SELL A BIT N seems to be coming back to her winning form and moving to the 4-hole can only make things better for this pacing mare. With a well judged drive she can greet the cameraman for pictures. (7) TESSA SEELSTER was very dull last out but clearly she is much better than her last flop; contender. (8) MACH IT A PAR got the job done wire to window last week; must be considered despite the return to the 8-hole.

Race 7

(1) HEY KOBE moves back inside where she has done quite well. All systems go for this mare to pick them up and lay them down. (2) ANALYZE gets class relief and has some early zip; big threat. (6) ALHAMBRA put in a nice qualifier here last week and she could be right in the hunt.

Race 8

(2) CAROLSIDEAL Pacing miss seems to be heading in the right direction based on her last two outings and with her tactical speed a winning move is not out of the question. (4) BETTOR N BETTER was on the engine turning for home but tired badly in the stretch drive last time around so the drop in class should help her chances tonight. (1) DILLY DALI was facing Open foes in her last try upstate now she moves back downstate; watch out.

Race 9

(6) SOUTHWIND ROULETTE did not fire in her Philly finale but the good news is she is back at the Hilltop were she has a win and a second respectfully; the pick. (4) JUNGLE GENIE N leaves the Open ranks and this should be a better spot for her to contend. (3) MOSQUITO BLUE CHIP raced evenly for third money last week; don't overlook.

Race 10

(2) MASTERSON is returning back to winning form based on his sharp second against the fast and consistent Rampage Jackson; a favorable trip will help his cause. (3) SPORTSKEEPER Even trip in his latest and has good tactical speed; the main threat. (1) ROETHBLISSBERGER has scored in his last three starts against lesser and he retains the fence tonight. The speedy (8) RAMPAGE JACKSON will try for glory once again from the 8-hole; not a tough task for this gelding so beware.

Race 11

(1) NOT AFRAID Sharp in his last three starts and in his last one was sitting a 3-hole trip came outside but could not get to the winner; ready for action from the fence. (4) ZOOMING Gelding was game at this level last time out; big threat. (2) FASHION CREDITOR was sent down the road last week at Philly for the victory; can be right in the mix.

Race 12

(5) HIPNUMBERONE was first over at the 3/4 pole but she could not go forward in the stretch drive last time out; this pacing mare does know how to greet the cameraman for pictures so with that said a fine-timed drive could put this 4-year-old miss back into the winner's circle. (2) SWEETNSINFUL came very wide and got up for the top prize recently; the one to fear. (4) SHEEZA SHARK N had live cover and got the job done in her last try.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at The Red Mile

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 7 - Post: 2:54 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 82 - Purse:$63750 - INTERNATIONAL STALLION STAKE TWO YEAR OLD FILLIES SPONSORED BY: EXPLOSIVE MATTER SYNDICATE & HANOVER SHOE FARM SIANNA HANOVER & MYAMMIE DRAMA SEPERATED FOR WAGERING PURPOSES
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 1 FINE TUNED LADY 2/1
# 4 SIANNA HANOVER 6/1
# 3 BROADWAY IDOLE 3/1

Feel pretty confident putting some green stuff down on FINE TUNED LADY. When Callahan drives this interesting entrant you can bet they'll be in the top 3, numbers show them there 100 percent of the time. Can't pass over the connections here, a 22 winning figure, one of the strongest at getting into the winners circle. Could very well be the most solid in the field of horses here, showing very nice ratings of late. Avg speed is a solid 84. SIANNA HANOVER - She has nice class figures, averaging 74. Worth considering for a bet in this contest. Really liked this filly's last race. Ran a big 79 TrackMaster SR. Major contender. BROADWAY IDOLE - Would appear to have a chance at being helped with second time Lasix here. Seems to have a really good class edge based on the field of horses she has faced.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Fresno

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 10 - Maiden Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $7000 Class Rating: 75

FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 3 KAT MOBILE 7/2

# 6 CALL CODE RED 8/1

# 1 IFHECOULDHEWOOD 15/1

I have to consider KAT MOBILE here. Has to be given a chance against this group displaying strong numbers as of late and an average speed rating of 69 under similar conditions. With Cedillo getting the mount, watch out for this pony. Ran a solid last race. CALL CODE RED - Is a solid choice - given the 71 Equibase Speed Fig from his most recent race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Retama Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 6 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Turf. Purse: $8000 Class Rating: 75

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 117 LBS.; OLDER, 119 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $20,000. TEXAS BRED CLAIMING PRICE $25,000.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 5 U. S. A. COWBOY 7/2

# 4 TALL TALES 12/1

# 3 SONGOFTEXAS 5/2

U. S. A. COWBOY looks quite good to best this field. Could best this field here, showing very good figs of late. This colt gets a boost with Arellano in the saddle. Had one of the best Equibase Speed Figs of this field in his last competition. TALL TALES - Shows solid Equibase Speed Figs on average overall when measured up against the rest of this field. Perez and Gonzalez are a strong pair for gains. SONGOFTEXAS - Players ought to feel comfortable with this choice given Purcell's recent gains at the window. Recorded a solid Equibase speed fig in the last race. Can run another good one in this race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Saratoga Harness

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 1 - Post: 6:45 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 73 - Purse:$7450 - FILLIES & MARES - WINNERS OF 2 BUT NOT MORE THAN 4 EXTENDED PARI-MUTUEL RACES OR $36,000 LIFE. AE: NW $13,000 LIFE - DRAW INSIDE SARATOGA
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 7 ADDY GIRL 9/2
# 1 ART ANGEL BABY 6/5
# 2 FOX VALLEY BAILEY 7/2

Look no further than ADDY GIRL as the wager for this one. Worth considering here based on the ratings in the TrackMaster Speed Rating department alone. Has a very compelling shot in this event, if she can perform to her back class. Could positively take this race given the 86 TrackMaster SR earned in her last race. ART ANGEL BABY - Had one of the strongest speed ratings of the group of animals in her last race. Must use in your wagers. Driver-handler are no strangers to the winners circle and should have this filly breaking away from the field of horses. FOX VALLEY BAILEY - Post 2 has been winning at an above average pct, suggesting good probability of success today. Unquestionably the class of the group with an average rating of 74. A nice choice.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Penn National - Race #2 - Post: 6:27pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,500 Class Rating: 83

Rating:

#5 BAY STATE JUSTICE (ML=6/1)
#1 ONE DIEGO (ML=9/2)


BAY STATE JUSTICE - Is ranked uppermost in earnings per race. A dominant performance in this race will boost that bankroll. ONE DIEGO - I think the shorter trip will help this gelding stay the distance.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 CRUISE DIRECTOR (ML=9/5), #4 ISOLATION ROAD (ML=7/2), #2 FIRST RONIN (ML=4/1),

CRUISE DIRECTOR - This pony will probably need at least one more start after the lackluster showing following the very long layoff. ISOLATION ROAD - Difficult to wager on any runner in a short distance clash if he hasn't finished in the money in a sprint in the last couple of months. Hasn't been close at all recently. You think this horse is going to be victorious just because he's always close. Just doesn't win frequently. FIRST RONIN - Just can't wager on this runner. Didn't show me anything positive in the last race or on Jul 14th.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:

#5 BAY STATE JUSTICE is going to be the play if we are getting 3/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [1,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Thistledown - Race #1 - Post: 1:40pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $9,000 Class Rating: 76

Rating:

#4 HINTOFPERFECTION (ML=5/2)
#3 WIRED WARRIOR (ML=6/1)


HINTOFPERFECTION - This gelding runs very well off of a layoff. WIRED WARRIOR - I like this horse. Should be familiar with this class since he ran against the same type last time out at Thistledown. Ranked numero uno in earnings per start. Another sign that this horse has the class to win.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 ACE RICH (ML=3/1), #2 FALSELY ALARMED (ML=4/1), #7 ARKY BILL (ML=6/1),

ACE RICH - Tough to put your money on the win end of any horse that finishes second and third as often as this entrant does. Showed very little in the last event. Really don't expect a reversal of fortune today. FALSELY ALARMED - 82/72/65, are the decreasing speed figs for this questionable contender. This animal likes to be there at the wire, but doesn't usually finish on top. Don't play in the top spot. ARKY BILL - Finished sixth last time. Would have to get better to be there at the wire in today's event.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:

#4 HINTOFPERFECTION is the play if we get odds of 7/5 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [3,4]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #8 - BELMONT PARK - 4:46 PM EASTERN POST

8.0 FURLONGS DIRT THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD $62,500.00 OPTIONAL CLAIMING $80,000.00 PURSE

#1 KEEN ICE
#7 ADULATOR
#9 VOLUNTARIO
#5 TRANSPARENT

#1 KEEN ICE takes a BIG class drop (-17), and has turned in "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" facing substantially better company in each of his last five starts. Jockey Javier Castellano and Trainer Todd Pletcher send him to the post ... they've hit the board with 58% of some 200 entries saddled as a team to date. #7 ADULATOR has hit the board in four of his last five outings, winning twice in this recent streak of racing consistency, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in his 2nd race back. He's coming off a "POWER RUN PLACE" finish in his last start, missing another "Circle Trip" in that race by less than a length.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Friday

TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Belmont Park (3rd) Are We Not Men, 3-1
(9th) Simon Kenton, 4-1


Belterra Park (5th) Tenacious Sally, 9-2
(7th) Dreaming of Joey, 9-2


Charles Town (2nd) Rapid Distinction, 3-1
(5th) Middle of Winter, 9-2


Fresno (6th) He's a Dandy, 4-1
(10th) Union Legend, 9-2


Hawthorne (1st) Gray Cotton, 9-2
(5th) Aphrodite's Quest, 6-1


Indiana Grand (5th) Federal Agent, 4-1
(6th) Somali Byrd, 7-2


Keeneland (2nd) Union Label, 9-2
(5th) What's Your Thesis, 8-1


Laurel Park (1st) Haircut Bill, 4-1
(5th) Beautiful Nite Sky, 3-1


Meadowlands (1st) Saratoga Design, 8-1
(5th) Braveman, 6-1


Penn National (2nd) Isolation Road, 7-2
(6th) S W Jaybird, 5-1


Remington Park (3rd) Highly Contagious, 4-1
(6th) Medal of Courage, 3-1


Retama Park (2nd) Fifty Two Thousand, 4-1
(8th) Got Shades, 6-1


Santa Anita (3rd) Heir of Storm, 3-1
(4th) Fast Magoo, 4-1


Thistledown (2nd) Porter Central, 7-2
(5th) Semillon, 3-1


Woodbine (5th) Allwehaveisnow, 4-1
(9th) Avenue Road, 3-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's MLB Division Series Betting Preview and Odds

After an exciting first day of games in the American League Division Series, the National League joins the action Friday and we break it all down for you in our betting preview.

Toronto Blue Jays at Texas Rangers (-120, 9)

Blue Jays lead series 1-0

The Toronto Blue Jays attempt to take a commanding lead in their American League Division Series when they visit the Texas Rangers for Game 2 on Friday afternoon. Less than 48 hours after outlasting Baltimore in 11 innings in the Wild-Card Game, Toronto put the boots to Texas ace Cole Hamels by tagging the left-hander for seven runs over 3 1/3 frames en route to a 10-1 triumph in the series opener.

Jose Bautista homered and drove in four runs, Troy Tulowitzki collected three RBIs and Josh Donaldson went 4-for-4 while plating a pair as the Blue Jays drew first blood in their attempt to knock off the Rangers in the ALDS for the second straight year. Toronto is hoping Bautista can solve Texas' Yu Darvish in Game 2 as the slugger is 1-for-18 lifetime versus the three-time All-Star. Elvis Andrus recorded two of the Rangers' four hits in the opener while Shin-Soo Choo drove in their lone run with a groundout in the ninth inning. Jonathan Lucroy, who recorded 11 homers and 31 RBIs in 47 games for Texas after being acquired from Milwaukee, looks to continue to batter Toronto Game 2 starter J.A. Happ as he is 7-for-19 lifetime with five RBIs against the left-hander.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, TBS, Sportsnet (Toronto)

LINE HISTORY: The Rangers have opened Game 2 as -120 home favorites. The total opened at 9.

WEATHER REPORT: The forecast is calling for mostly cloudy skies with temperatures in the low 70's and a 60 percent chance of rain. There will also be a moderate hitters wind gusting out to right field at approximately nine to 11 miles per hour.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH J.A. Happ (20-4, 3.18 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Yu Darvish (7-5, 3.41)

Happ is coming off the best season of his career, finishing as one of the major league's three 20-game winners while also posting a career best in strikeouts (163). The 33-year-old native of Illinois won his only start against Texas this year, limiting the Rangers to one run and six hits over seven innings on May 5. Happ has posted a 4.82 ERA in eight career postseason games, including one start at Colorado on Oct. 11, 2009 in which he yielded three runs and five hits over three frames while with Philadelphia.

Darvish finished his injury-plagued campaign strong, allowing fewer than two runs in three of his final four outings - including a six-inning victory over Tampa Bay in his final start on Sept. 30 in which he gave up one run and three hits while registering a season-high 12 strikeouts. The 30-year-old from Japan is 3-2 with a 2.45 ERA in seven career turns against the Blue Jays but did not face them this year. Darvish lost the only previous postseason start, yielding three runs - two earned - and five hits over 6 2/3 innings in the 2012 AL Wild-Card Game versus Baltimore.

TRENDS:

* Blue Jays are 4-0 in Happ's last four road starts.
* Rangers are 8-2 in Darvish's last 10 starts.
* Under is 18-3-1 in Darvish's last 22 starts versus American League East opponents.
* Under is 12-2 in Blue Jays' last 14 games versus a right-handed starter.

CONSENSUS: Bettors are backing the home team in Game 2, with 55 percent of wagers backing the Rangers. Meanwhile for the total, 64 percent of bettors are on the Under.


Boston Red Sox at Cleveland Indians (OFF)

Indians lead series 1-0

David Price looks to continue his success at Progressive Field as the Boston Red Sox try to even the American League Division Series at one contest apiece when they visit the Cleveland Indians for Game 2 on Friday. The veteran left-hander boasts a 5-0 record in seven outings at Cleveland in his career, but has struggled in the postseason with a 2-7 mark and 5.12 ERA in 14 games – eight of them starts.

Price, who has never won a postseason start, hopes to keep the ball in the park after the Indians belted three homers in the third inning and held on for a 5-4 victory in the series opener Thursday. Cleveland’s Jason Kipnis hit one of those blasts and finished with three hits to go along with two RBIs in Game 1 while catcher Roberto Perez came up big with a homer, a single and two runs scored. The Indians need a big performance from scheduled starter Corey Kluber after their top relievers Andrew Miller and Cody Allen each threw 40 pitches Thursday. Kluber was deemed healthy after a quad strain caused him to miss his final start of the regular season, and the former Cy Young winner makes his first playoff appearance.

TV: 4:30 p.m. ET, TBS

LINE HISTORY: The line for this game is currently off the board.

WEATHER REPORT: It should be a beautiful afternoon for baseball in Cleveland. The forecast is calling for clear skies with temperatures in the mid 70's. There will also be a six to seven mile per hour hitters wind gusting out to center field.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH David Price (17-9, 3.99 ERA) vs. Indians RH Corey Kluber (18-9, 3.14)

Price finished the season strong by going 8-1 with a 3.27 ERA over his last 11 starts and has won 10 of 12 decisions with a 2.24 ERA in 14 lifetime games against the Indians. The 31-year-old Vanderbilt product ended up fourth in the AL in strikeouts with 228 and completed 230 innings — the second most of his career. Carlos Santana is 10-for-31 with four doubles versus Price, who beat Cleveland with six innings of two-run ball April 5.

Kluber was one of the best pitchers in the majors after the All-Star break, registering a 9-1 record with a 2.52 ERA in 14 starts. The 30-year-old Alabama native finished one strikeout behind Price at 227 – his third straight season with at least that many. David Ortiz and Jackie Bradley Jr. have each gone deep twice while Mookie Betts is 4-for-10 with one blast against Kluber, who went 1-1 with a 4.38 ERA in two starts versus the Red Sox this season.

TRENDS:

* Red Sox are 1-6 in their last seven overall.
* Indians are 6-1 in Klubers last seven starts versus a team with a winning record.
* Over is 7-1 in Price's last eight road starts.
* Over is 5-1-1 in Indians last seven overall.

CONSENSUS: With the game off the board there is currently no consensus.


Los Angeles Dodgers at Washington Nationals (+138, 6)

Series tied 0-0

Everybody agrees that Clayton Kershaw is one of the top pitchers in baseball but his postseason history hasn't come close to matching his regular season success. The left-hander gets another opportunity to alter his October reputation when the Los Angeles Dodgers open the National League Division Series against the host Washington Nationals on Friday.

Kershaw, a three-time NL Cy Young Award winner, is 2-6 with a 4.59 ERA in 13 career postseason appearances (10 starts) and bristles at the notion that he is an underachiever on baseball's big stage. "Nobody talks about the success I've had in the postseason," Kershaw told reporters. "That's fine. Ultimately, what it comes down to is if we win the World Series, everybody will stop saying everything, good or bad. That mindset is what I have to think about." Washington counters with Max Scherzer and the right-hander - a candidate to win his second Cy Young award - has experienced mixed results in the playoffs by going 4-3 with a 3.73 ERA in 12 career appearances (10 starts). Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy (strained buttocks muscle) said he expects to be in the starting lineup and manager Dusty Baker said he thought the 2015 playoff hero looked good during Thursday's workout.

TV: 5:38 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

LINE HISTORY: The Nationals opened as +126 home dogs going up against Kershaw and have been faded to as high as +138. Since then they have come back down to the current number of Nationals +133. The total for this matchup is a super low 6.

WEATHER REPORT: There will be a slight 20 percent chance of rain in D.C. tomorrow with temperatures in the low 70's. There will also be a slight five to six mile per hour wind blowing out to center field.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (12-4, 1.69 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Max Scherzer (20-7, 2.96)

Kershaw has thrived against Washington with a 10-2 mark and 2.02 ERA in 14 career appearances (13 starts), including a victory June 20 when he gave up one run and six hits over seven innings. The left-handed hitting Murphy smacked two homers off Kershaw in last season's NLDS as a member of the New York Mets. Kershaw missed more than two months with back issues but finished the season strong by compiling an 0.72 ERA over his last four starts.

Scherzer didn't face the Dodgers this season and is 2-4 with a 3.29 ERA in 10 career appearances (eight starts) against Los Angeles. The 32-year-old won his past eight decisions and aims to carry his regular-season success into the postseason when he faces Kershaw. "It's what you play this game for. You don't measure yourself against the worst; you measure yourself against the best," Scherzer said at Thursday's press conference. "And I think this is best opponent I could possibly face with the Dodgers and Kershaw throwing."

TRENDS:

* Dodgers are 1-6 in their last seven road games.
* Nationals are 5-0 in Scherzer's last five home starts.
* Under is 8-1-1 in Kershaw's last 10 road starts.
* Under is 9-2 in Scherzer's last 11 home starts.

CONSENSUS: Bettors are almost split down the middle for this classic pitchers duel, with 52 percent of wagers giving Kershaw and the Dodgers the slightest of edges. As for the total 54 percent of wagers are on the Under.


San Francisco Giants at Chicago Cubs (-175, 7)

Series tied 0-0

The Chicago Cubs led the majors with 103 regular-season victories but that doesn't guarantee them rare postseason success when they open the National League Division Series on Friday against the visiting San Francisco Giants. Chicago was swept out of the playoffs last season in the NL Championship Series by the New York Mets and hasn't won the World Series since 1908.

San Francisco won three World Series crowns this decade and earned the trip to Chicago by blanking the Mets 3-0 in Wednesday's NL wild-card game. "We're looking forward to the next series, and it's good to be moving on, trust me because we had to scratch and claw just to get to this point," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said in a press conference. "But it's all about persevering, and this club has done a great job of that." The Cubs are led by budding superstar third baseman Kris Bryant, the probable NL MVP after having 39 homers and 102 RBIs in his second big-league season. "For me, it's never going to be good enough," Bryant told reporters. "I'm so stubborn. I'm so hard on myself. There's always going to be ways for me to look at my game and say, 'I can do this better.'"

TV: 9:15 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

LINE HISTORY: The Cubs opened as -175 home favorites and have already been bet up to -181. The total for this game opened at 7.

WEATHER REPORT: It should be a great night for baseball in the Windy City. The forecast is calling for clear skies with temperatures in the mid 50's for the game. There will also be an eight to 10 mile per hour pitchers wind blowing in from left field.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Johnny Cueto (18-5, 2.79 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Jon Lester (19-5, 2.44)

Cueto went 4-0 with a 1.91 ERA over his final four outings to reach the third-highest victory total of his nine-year career. The 30-year-old is 2-3 with a 5.35 ERA in seven career postseason starts and struggled badly in his first three outings in last year's postseason with Kansas City before coming up big in Game 2 of the World Series with a complete-game two-hitter in a 7-1 victory over the New York Mets. Cueto is 9-8 with a 3.24 ERA in 24 career starts against the Cubs and is 5-5 with a 3.07 ERA in 15 outings at Wrigley Field.

The 32-year-old Lester was superb at home this season with a 10-2 mark and 1.74 ERA and that helped make him an easy Game 1 choice for manager Joe Maddon. "He always embraces the moment. Good things tend to happen," Maddon told reporters. "He really does rise to the occasion. Everything locks in and he tends to execute at a really high level." Lester, who is 4-1 with a 2.25 ERA in five career starts against the Giants, dropped both turns last postseason for the Cubs but is 6-6 with a 2.85 ERA in 16 career appearances (14 starts).

TRENDS:

* Giants are 7-0 in their last seven Divisional Playoff road games.
* Cubs are 7-0 in Lester's last seven home starts versus a team with a winning record.
* Under is 7-0 in Giants last seven road games versus a left-handed starter.
* Over is 10-2 in Cubs last 12 playoff home games.

CONSENSUS: Bettors are backing the North Siders in Game 1 with 62 percent of wagers on the Cubs. Wagers on the total are almost split down the middle with 51 percent of them on the Under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers (91-71) at Nationals (95-67)

Game: 1
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: October 07, 2016 5:38 PM EDT

WASHINGTON - Washington Nationals right-hander Max Scherzer said he learned a lesson from his first postseason start, which came on Oct. 2, 2011, at Yankee Stadium when he played for the Detroit Tigers.

Scherzer entered that game with a different mindset than he used in regular-season games, and he proceeded to walk two batters in the first inning and four overall in six innings. Scherzer won the game but from then on tried to have the same approach for every outing.

On Friday he will take the mound at about 5:38 p.m. ET to face lefty Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the National League Division Series at Nationals Park. Scherzer was 20-7 with a 2.96 ERA in regular-season play while Kershaw was 12-4 with a 1.69 ERA.

"All of the chips are on the line," Scherzer said Thursday. "That fact that I get the ball, man, you couldn't ask for a better situation. It is going to be fun. It is what you play this game for. This is the best opportunity I could face. You want to be in these situations. It should be a good experience. I can't wait to come out here. It is the same game (but) every pitch is just a little bit more magnified."

Washington manager Dusty Baker said Thursday that rookie Pedro Severino would be the catcher Friday. But Baker would not say which pitcher the Nationals will start in Game 2 Saturday.

Kershaw was on the disabled list in July and August but returned to make five starts late in the season.

"There is no other person I would rather have on the mound tomorrow night," Dodgers first-year manager Dave Roberts said before a workout at Nationals Park on Thursday. "What I learned to appreciate was the four days in between (starts). That is what makes him great."

Kershaw is 2-3 in NLDS series and 0-3 in the NLCS.

"It is always fun to start the series, get to pitch in Game 1. It is an honor," Kershaw said Thursday. "The team wants you to be out there. That is a good feeling. I think in the past I have felt that (postseason) pressure more. This year has been a little bit different for me, watching on the sidelines for two months. (Scherzer) has had an amazing year. We know we have our hands full for sure. Hopefully it should be a good game."

Kershaw allowed one run in seven innings against the Nationals on June 20 in Los Angeles, but has a 4.59 career postseason ERA.

"He is one of the best. I can't wait to compete against him," Scherzer said. "You don't shy about from it. You embrace it."

Washington first baseman Ryan Zimmerman also welcomes the challenge. He is hitting .318 in 22 at-bats against Kershaw. Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth is hitting .313 with two homers in 32 at-bats against him.

"Just go out there and try to hit strikes. There is no secret to it; he is really good at what he does," said Zimmerman, who hit just .218 overall this season. "In the playoffs it comes down to pitching and defense."

Scherzer is 2-4 with a 3.29 ERA in 10 games, with eight starts, in his career against the Dodgers.

Kershaw is 10-2 with a 2.02 ERA in 14 games, with 13 starts, against Washington. He was 1-0 this year after giving up six hits and one run in seven innings on June 20 in Los Angeles.

Washington right fielder Bryce Harper is 1-for-15 against Kershaw. "He is one of the great pitchers in baseball. But we have a great lineup," Harper said.

Nationals center fielder Trea Turner, who has also played short and second, will leadoff in his first postseason game at the Major League level. He hit .342 with 13 homers and 33 steals in 39 tries in 73 games after spending the first half of the year at Triple-A Syracuse.

"You just try to go up there and have good at-bats. He is one of the best pitchers in baseball," Turner said.

That lineup got a boost when speedy Turner became the regular leadoff hitter.

"Walks turns into doubles," Harper said of Turner. "He loves to play the game. He is going to help us out tremendously."

Scherzer was reminded this week that the Nationals lost in the NLDS in 2012 and 2014 and have never won a playoff series.

"That was the past. This is a whole new team," said Scherzer, who joined the Nationals prior to the 2015 season. "There is no reason why we can't win."

Baker said that infielder Daniel Murphy, who hit .347 this year, should be ready to start on Friday. He has been out of the starting lineup for about two weeks with a strained glute but took part in batting practice and did some running againThursday.

"We think he's ready. He looks good," Baker said after Thursday's workout.

Severino hit .321 in 16 games and 28 at-bats for the Nationals. Regular catcher Wilson Ramos is out for the year after he tore an ACL in the last week of the season.

"He is one our two catchers," Washington general manager Mike Rizzo said of Severino. "He is going to handle a staff he doesn't know so well. He has gone from a prospect to big leaguer."

Dodgers won five of six this year against the Nationals, including two of three in Washington.

"Dusty is one of the best in the game in keeping the clubhouse together," Roberts said.

Washington right-hander Stephen Strasburg has been ruled out of the NLDS due to a flexor mass strain. "It would be easy if we had Strasburg," Baker said, when asked about a Game 2 starter. Most likely it will be right-hander Tanner Roark or lefty Gio Gonzalez against Rich Hill of the Dodgers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays (89-73) at Rangers (95-67)

Game: 2
Venue: Globe Life Park in Arlington
Date: October 07, 2016 1:08 PM EDT

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Right-hander Yu Darvish was a spectator last year when the Texas Rangers lost to the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Division Series.

Darvish missed the entire 2015 season while he was recovering from Tommy John surgery. Now Darvish is all the way back and hoping to help the Rangers win their first World Series title.

He'll have a chance to help Friday when he starts a pivotal Game 2 of the ALDS against the Jays and 20-game winner J.A. Happ. After Thursday's 10-1 loss the Rangers are now 1-10 in ALDS history in games at Globe Life Park.

They desperately need a strong outing from Darvish to turn the series around and avoid going to Toronto down 0-2. Darvish, who went 7-5 in the regular season, is eager to pitch in his first playoff game since he got the nod for Texas in the wild-card game in 2013.

"Last year I couldn't pitch," Darvish said. "I wanted to pitch but I couldn't. And this year I'm physically healthy and I'm ready. I can pitch in the game. So I'm happy about that."

The Rangers need Darvish to pitch like his did to end the season. Over his final two starts, Darvish allowed just one earned run in 13 innings. He gave up five hits and struck out 21.

"The last few years I've been working on my command," Darvish said. "Maybe I was overthinking it. I was thinking too much about commanding my stuff. And then I was able to fix those mental adjustments and just a few minor mechanical changes on those days that I was able to work on. And I'm in a good place right now."

While Darvish has been considered an ace since he joined the Rangers in 2012, he's never had a 20-win season like Happ did this year for the Blue Jays. Happ went 20-4 for Toronto, reaching the 20-win mark for the first time in his career.

He's a key reason Toronto made the postseason, and now he'll be pitching in the postseason for the first time since he was pitching for Philadelphia in 2009.

He spent three years with Toronto from 2012-2014 but had nowhere near the success he's had this year. He won a total of 19 games in his first stint.

"He kind of reinvented himself," Toronto manager John Gibbons said. "He was always considered kind of a power pitcher, a lot of strikeouts, throw a lot of pitches, five innings, 100-plus pitches was nothing to him. That's just the way he worked. He's a control guy now. And he's got some power behind it too."

This version of Happ faced the Rangers earlier this year and was dominant, giving up one run on six hits in a victory. He doesn't plan on changing up his game plan for Texas on Friday either.

"I think the biggest thing is to keep my mentality the same and that's to be aggressive," Happ said. "I think you're always searching for maybe tinkering with a few things to make certain pitches a little better or maybe trying to come up a new pitch that can work for you. But keep that same aggressive mentality, and I think that will be huge for me going forward."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Giants (87-75) at Cubs (103-58)

Game: 1
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: October 07, 2016 9:15 PM EDT

CHICAGO -- The San Francisco Giants won't have ace Madison Bumgarner available Friday for the National League Division Series opener against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

However, the Giants will start a pitcher who is arguably just as good, as right-hander Johnny Cueto (18-5, 2.79 ERA) goes against Cubs left hander Jon Lester (19-5, 2.44 ERA) in Game 1 of the best-of-five series.

"I think you look at Johnny and Bum, and they're both number ones," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said after a lengthy travel day and late arrival in Chicago on Thursday. "We'd be comfortable with them in any game. The fact that we used our guy (Bumgarner) to get here and then we have Johnny, that's a nice luxury. And I like the way the rest of them are throwing.

"It's nice to have a rotation with this depth."

Bumgarner (15-9, 2.74 ERA) worked a complete-game four-hitter Wednesday in the Giants' 3-0 wild-card victory over the New York Mets at Citi Field.

The Cubs likely will have to contend with him as a possible Game 3 starter when the series shifts to AT&T Park on Monday. Bochy said he still had not decided on the rotation beyond Friday.

Cueto, the winningest Giants starter this season, won his past four outings since a Sept. 4 no-decision in the Giants' 3-2 loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field -- his only appearance against Chicago this year.

He allowed one run on five hits, struck out five and walked just one over seven innings.

Cueto missed a turn on Sept. 25 due to a left groin strain but returned to strike out 11 and allow two runs in a seven innings during a win over the Colorado Rockies on Sept. 29. He said Thursday through a translator that he feels fine.

The Cubs' NLDS rotation was a matter of who has pitched well and where.

Lester fell short of his first 20-win season but still had his best winning percentage (.792), matched his 2010 career high in victories and had quality starts in all 15 home games this season.

"He earned it," Chicago manager Joe Maddon said.

Right-hander Kyle Hendricks (16-8, 2.13 ERA) follows on Saturday at home, and right-hander Jake Arrieta (18-8, 3.10 ERA) gets the road start on Monday.

"A lot of it is based on recent productivity and the fact that Jon's just nailed it and Kyle has nailed it," Maddon said. "They've also been good at home, where Jake has also been good on the road. It kind of morphed into that the last couple of weeks."

Lester is 4-1 with a 2.25 all-time ERA against San Francisco, including 1-1 with a 4.63 ERA this season. He beat the Giants in a complete-game, 2-1 decision on Sept. 2 at Wrigley.

Cubs starting pitchers topped the major leagues with 81 victories, a 2.94 ERA and a .212 opponents' batting average. It was just the second time since 1913 that Chicago starters earned 81 wins. The 1945 Cubs staff had 87.

The Cubs and Giants meet in the postseason for only the second time. San Francisco claimed a 4-1 series victory in the 1989 NL Championship Series.

The Giants have won 11 consecutive postseason series, including wild-card victories in 2014 and on Wednesday.

Chicago (103-58) posted the major league's best record in 2016 and went 4-3 against San Francisco (87-75), including 3-1 at Wrigley Field.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox (93-69) at Indians (94-67)

Game: 2
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: October 07, 2016 4:38 PM EDT

CLEVELAND -- With the Indians' top setup man and closer extended to the limit in the opener of the American League Division Series, Cleveland goes into Game 2 against the Boston Red Sox on Friday afternoon at a bit of a disadvantage.

Thanks in large part to two scoreless midgame innings from Andrew Miller and 1 2/3 scoreless innings from Cody Allen for the save, the Indians emerged with a 5-4 in Game 1 on Thursday.

Miller and Allen each threw 40 pitches.

"We wanted to win the game tonight, and we did," Cleveland manager Terry Francona said. "Tomorrow might have to be a different design."

Francona also used Bryan Shaw for two outs, but he was able to avoid employing two other key relievers, Bryan Shaw and Dan Otero.

Even so, Francona will be looking for length out of his Game 2 starter, right-hander Corey Kluber (18-9, 3.14 ERA), who will oppose Boston left-hander David Price (17-9, 3.99).

Both pitchers will be facing potent lineups that bashed three home runs per side Thursday.

The Red Sox and Indians finished No. 1 and 2, respectively, in the American League in runs scored. Boston led the league in hitting and Cleveland led the league in stolen bases.

"Those guys are so balanced," Francona said of the Boston lineup. "If you keep putting guys on base, they are going to hurt you. They've built quite a lineup."

Price has done well against Cleveland historically. In 14 career starts against the Indians, he is 10-2 with a 2.24 ERA -- his second-lowest career ERA vs. any American League.

Price and Kluber were mound opponents on Opening Day in Cleveland, a 6-2 Red Sox victory on April 5. In that game, Price pitched six innings, allowing two runs on five hits with 10 strikeouts and two walks. Kluber pitched 5 1/3 innings, giving up four runs on nine hits with five strikeouts and two walks.

Kluber's other start against Boston this year came on May 20 in Fenway Park. Kluber got the win in a 6-2 Indians victory, pitching seven innings, allowing two runs on five hits with six strikeouts and two walks. In nine career appearances against the Red Sox, he is 2-3 with a 4.78 ERA.

"They know what I want to do, and I know what they want to do, so nobody is going to trick anybody," Kluber said. "I am going to try to execute my pitches, and they are going to try to hit my mistakes."

This will be the first career postseason appearance for the 2014 AL Cy Young Award winner.

"I'm sure there will be some nerves, but I get nerves if it's live batting practice in spring training," Kluber said. "That just means you care what you're doing."

Kluber was originally lined up to be Cleveland's Game 1 starter, but he sustained a slightly strained groin that forced him out of his last regular-season start after four innings. His start Friday will be his first in 10 days, as Indians officials wanted to give his groin some extra rest.

"I think the 10 days off did other parts of my body good," Kluber said, "but I'm not worried about (the groin). I had a good couple of bullpens, so I'm not worried about the 10 days' rest."

Unlike Kluber, Price has plenty of postseason experience, though most of it has been forgettable. He has appeared in 14 postseason games, eight of them starts, and has a record of 2-7 with a 5.12 ERA. However, he has never won a postseason game as a starter. In those eight outings, he is 0-7 with a 5.27 ERA.

Price is mindful of his dismal postseason track record.

"I want to go out there and win," he said. "I want to be dominant. I want to have that really good postseason game that I know I'm capable of."

Red Sox manager John Farrell said he gladly would take a start similar to most of Price's regular-season outings.

"When you consider the body of work and how he's been a very dependable guy standing on the mound every five days, he's been a very good starter for us," Farrell said.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's AL Tip Sheet

American League Divisional Series – Game 2
Toronto (90-73, 43-38 Away) at Texas (95-67, 53-28 Home)

Series Odds: Rangers -140, Blue Jays +120

2016 Head-to-Head Meetings (Toronto 4-3, Under 4-3)

Rogers Center (Toronto)
May 2 - Rangers 2 Blue Jays 1 (Under 9)
May 3 – Blue Jays 3 Rangers 1 (Under 9)<
May 4 - Blue Jays 4 Rangers 3 (Under 9)
May 5 - Blue Jays 12 Rangers 2 (Over 8.5)

Globe Life Park (Texas)
May 13 – Blue Jays 5 Rangers 0 (Under 10)
May 14 - Rangers 6 Blue Jays 5 (Over 9)
May 15 - Rangers 7 Blue Jays 6 (Over 9)

Starting Pitchers

Toronto – J.A. Happ (20-4, 3.18 ERA)
Overall Team Record: 24-8
Overall (O/U) Record: 15-16-1
Road Record: 9-2 (3.43 ERA)
Road Team Record: 12-5
Road O/U Record: 7-9-1

Record vs. Texas: Happ is 4-2 against the Rangers since 2011, including a dominating home victory in early May. The southpaw scattered six hits and allowed one earned run in seven innings of work, while Happ received plenty of support as the Jays plated 11 runs in the first three innings of a 12-2 rout.

Texas – Yu Darvish (7-5, 3.41 ERA)
Overall Team Record: 10-7
Overall (O/U) Record: 7-9
Home Record: 6-2 (4.26 ERA)
Home Team Record: 6-4
Home O/U Record: 6-4

Record vs. Toronto: The Rangers have split six starts against the Jays in Darvish’s career, but the right-hander has done his part when facing Toronto. Darvish didn’t see the Blue Jays this season, while lasting facing them in 2014. That season Darvish tossed 14.2 innings and allowed three hits and struck out 23 batters.

Divisional Records
Toronto: 18-15 versus AL West (9-8 on road)
Texas: 16-17 versus AL East (10-6 at home)

Umpire – Lance Barksdale
-- The home team has gone 17-14 in Barksdale’s 31 appearances behind home plate
-- The ‘under’ has gone 19-11 with Barksdale behind home plate


American League Divisional Series – Game 2
Boston (93-69, 46-35 Away) at Cleveland (94-67, 53-28 Home)

Exact Series Odds –
Red Sox 4 Games - Win 5/2
Red Sox 5 Games - Win 5/2
Red Sox 3 Games - Win 4/1
Indians 4 Games - Win 5/1
Indians 5 Games - Win 5/1
Indians 3 Games - Win 9/1

2016 Head-to-Head Meetings (Boston 4-2, Under 3-2-1)

Fenway Park (Boston)
May 22 - Indians 2 Red Sox 5 (Under 8.5)
May 21 - Indians 1 Red Sox 9 (Push 10)
May 20 - Indians 4 Red Sox 2 (Under 8.5)

Progressive Field (Cleveland)
Aug. 15 - Red Sox 3 Indians 2 (Under 9) - Makeup Game
Apr. 6 - Red Sox 6 Indians 7 (Over 7.5)
Apr. 5 - Red Sox 6 Indians 2 (Over 6)

Starting Pitchers

Boston – David Price (17-9, 3.99 ERA)
Overall Team Record: 20-15
Overall (O/U) Record: 21-13-1
Road Record: 8-6 (3.38 ERA)
Road Team Record: 10-8
Road O/U Record: 11-6

Record vs. Cleveland: Price has had his way with the Tribe in his career with his teams winning 10 of 13 starts since 2008. The southpaw faced Cleveland in the season opener and responded by striking out 10 batters in six innings of a 6-2 victory at Progressive Field. Price has been strong in Cleveland with his teams winning his past six starts in northern Ohio.

Cleveland – Corey Kluber (18-9, 3.14 ERA)
Overall Team Record: 20-12
Overall (O/U) Record: 16-14-2
Home Record: 10-5 (3.24 ERA)
Home Team Record: 11-5
Home O/U Record: 7-8

Record vs. Boston: The Indians own a mediocre 3-4 mark against the Red Sox in Kluber’s seven career starts, while splitting a pair of starts this season. Kluber lost to Price in the season opener at Progressive Field, allowing four earned runs in 5.1 innings of a 6-2 defeat. However, Kluber rebounded in the next outing at Fenway Park in May by giving up five hits and two earned runs in seven innings of a 4-2 triumph.

Divisional Records

Boston: 15-18 versus AL Central (9-7 on road)
Cleveland: 14-18 versus AL East (8-8 at home)

Umpire – Phil Cuzzi

-- The home team has gone 14-8 in Cuzzi’s 22 appearances behind home plate
-- The ‘Under’ has gone 12-10 with Knight behind home plate

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's NL Tip Sheet

National League Divisional Series – Game 1
Los Angeles (91-71, 38-43 Away) at Washington (95-67, 50-31 Home)

Series Odds: Dodgers -160, Nationals +140

2016 Head-to-Head Meetings (Los Angeles 5-1, Under 3-3)

Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles)
June 20 - Dodgers 4 Nationals 1 (Under 6.5)
June 21 – Dodgers 3 Nationals 2 (Under 7.5)
June 22 - Dodgers 4 Nationals 3 (Under 7.5)

Nationals Park (Washington)
July 19 – Dodgers 8 Nationals 4 (Over 8.5)
July 20 - Nationals 8 Dodgers 1 (Over 8.5)
July 21 - Dodgers 6 Nationals 3 (Over 7.5)

Starting Pitchers

Los Angeles – Clayton Kershaw (12-4, 1.69 ERA)
Overall Team Record: 17-4
Overall (O/U) Record: 15-5-1
Road Record: 4-3 (2.31 ERA)
Road Team Record: 8-3
Road O/U Record: 2-8

Record vs. Washington: Kershaw has owned the Nationals in his career as the Dodgers have compiled a spectacular 11-2 record in 13 starts. The former Cy Young winner shut down Washington in June with a 4-1 victory as he struck out eight batters in seven innings, while allowing six hits. In his previous outing at Nationals Park in 2014, Kershaw struck out 14 batters in eight innings of a 4-2 triumph.

Washington – Max Scherzer (20-7, 2.96 ERA)
Overall Team Record: 24-10
Overall (O/U) Record: 15-16
Home Record: 8-3 (2.56 ERA)
Home Team Record: 10-5
Home O/U Record: 4-10

Record vs. Los Angeles: Scherzer’s career numbers against the Dodgers aren’t great, as his teams have posted a 2-5 ledger. The Washington ace didn’t face Los Angeles this season, while dropping a 5-0 decision to the Dodgers last July in spite of giving up seven hits and one earned run in seven innings of work.

Divisional Records
Los Angeles: 19-13 versus NL East (9-6 on road)
Washington: 15-18 versus NL West (7-9 at home)

Umpire – Dan Bellino

-- The home team has gone 13-15 in Bellino’s 28 appearances behind home plate
-- The ‘under’ has gone 13-13 with Bellino’s behind home plate


National League Divisional Series – Game 2
San Francisco (88-75, 43-39 Away) at Chicago (103-58, 57-24 Home)

Series Odds: Cubs -260, Giants +220

2016 Head-to-Head Meetings (Chicago 4-3, Under 4-3)

AT&T Park (San Francisco)
May 20 - Cubs 8 Giants 1 (Over 7)
May 21 - Giants 5 Cubs 3 (Over 7.5)
May 22 - Giants 1 Cubs 0 (Under 7)

Wrigley Field (Chicago)
Sept. 1 - Cubs 5 Giants 4 (Over 8)
Sept. 2 - Cubs 2 Giants 1 (Under 8)
Sept. 3 - Giants 3 Cubs 2 (Under 7)
Sept. 4 - Cubs 3 Giants 2 (Under 8)

Starting Pitchers

San Francisco – Johnny Cueto (18-5, 2.79 ERA)
Overall Team Record: 23-9
Overall (O/U) Record: 15-16-1
Road Record: 10-2 (2.78 ERA)
Road Team Record: 13-4
Road O/U Record: 7-10

Record vs. Chicago: It’s been a roller-coaster ride for Cueto against the Cubs, going 12-13 in 25 starts since 2008. A majority of those outings came as a member of the Reds, while Cueto picked up a no-decision in a 3-2 setback at Wrigley Field in September as he allowed five hits and one earned run in seven innings of work.

Chicago – Jon Lester (19-5, 2.44 ERA)
Overall Team Record: 24-8
Overall (O/U) Record: 13-17-2
Home Record: 10-2 (1.74 ERA)
Home Team Record: 13-2
Home O/U Record: 3-11

Record vs. San Francisco: Lester has pitched well against the Giants in his career with a 4-1 mark. The southpaw split a pair of matchups with San Francisco this season with dramatically different results. Lester was knocked around at AT&T Park in May as he couldn’t escape the third inning in a 5-3 loss as a -165 road favorite, allowing five earned runs and six hits. He bounced back against the Giants last month at Wrigley by tossing a complete-game three-hitter in a 2-1 triumph as a -220 favorite.

Divisional Records
San Francisco: 17-16 versus NL Central (9-8 on road)
Chicago: 19-14 versus NL West (10-7 at home)

Umpire – Larry Vanover

-- The home team has gone 21-11 in Vanover’s 32 appearances behind home plate
-- The ‘Under’ has gone 20-9 with Vanover behind home plate

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NL Division Series Game 1 MLB Betting Matchups & Odds with Expert Picks
by Alan Matthews

I'm sure I don't need to tell anyone that the Chicago Cubs haven't won a World Series since 1908. And if they don't win it this year, I really do think that franchise is cursed because this is clearly the best team in baseball on paper. The Cubbies are +245 favorites at 5Dimes to win the Fall Classic and +115 to win the pennant -- honestly, many aged Cubs fans would be happy enough just to see them get to the World Series. While Chicago had easily the best record in the majors, only four times since the playoffs shifted to the divisional era has the top regular-season team won it all. The Los Angeles Dodgers, with their suddenly healthy pitching staff, are the +350 second-favorites to win the pennant even though they don't have home-field advantage in the NLDS vs. Washington (+365). The winners of Wednesday's wild-card game, the San Francisco Giants, are +500 to win the pennant. Here's a look at Friday's NLDS openers. Both are on Fox Sports 1.


Dodgers at Nationals (+136, 6)

First pitch of 5:30 p.m., meaning it's nearly opposite of the ALDS Game 2 on TBS. Los Angeles won the season series 5-1, with the most recent game on July 21. Washington is banged up entering the playoffs. Stephen Strasburg, the one-time NL Cy Young favorite, will not be available in the series because of elbow troubles. Second baseman Daniel Murphy, who finished one point shy of sharing the NL batting title, hasn't started a game since Sept. 17 due to a strained left glute but he should be in there even if not 100 percent. Remember how good he was in last year's NL playoffs for the Mets? Bryce Harper has been battling reported injuries for months but will start. Catcher Wilson Ramos tore his ACL late in the regular season and is obviously out.

The Nationals are starting a guy who will likely join a very rare club most likely this winter when the MLB awards are announced in ace Max Scherzer (20-7, 2.96). He led the NL in wins, innings (228.1), strikeouts (284) and WHIP (0.97) and should win the Cy Young Award to go with his 2013 AL award. Only Gaylord Perry, Pedro Martinez, Randy Johnson, Roger Clemens and Roy Halladay have won the award in both leagues. Scherzer wasn't all that sharp in his regular-season finale on Sunday vs. Miami, but he really didn't have any reason to care. Scherzer gave up five runs and nine hits over five innings but did get that 20th win to likely clinch the Cy. Scherzer managed to avoid the Dodgers this season. Josh Reddick is 5-for-11 career off him with two RBIs. Chase Utley is 2-for-10 with two doubles. Adrian Gonzalez is just 5-for-26.

It's three-time Cy Young winner and lefty Clayton Kershaw (12-4, 1.69) for Los Angeles. He would have won the ERA title again and probably another Cy Young if not for missing more than two months with back troubles. He's the greatest pitcher of this era yet is 2-6 with a 4.59 ERA in 13 postseason appearances. Kershaw ended the regular season Saturday in San Francisco and took the loss (7 IP, 2 ER) but has given up just four earned runs combined in five starts since returning from the DL. Kershaw faced the Nationals on June 20 in L.A. and got the win, allowing a run and six hits with eight strikeouts over seven. That was his second-to-last start before landing on the DL. Harper is just 1-for-15 career off him with 10 strikeouts. Jayson Werth hits .313 against Kershaw with two homers in 32 at-bats. Murphy is 4-for-13.

Key trends: The Dodgers are 8-1 in Scherzer's past nine road starts vs. teams with a winning record. The Nats are 5-0 in Scherzer's past five at home. The "over/under" has gone under in eight of Kershaw's past 10 on the road. The under is 8-2 in Scherzer's past 11 at home.

Early lean: Can't remember the last time Scherzer was a home underdog -- if he ever has been with Washington. I have to take advantage of that. Go under.


Giants at Cubs (-175, TBA)

Start time of 9 p.m. ET. The Cubs players would never admit publicly which team they would have preferred to play in the NLDS, but I assure it would have been the Mets. New York is missing several key guys due to injury and its rotation staff after ace Noah Syndergaard (who would have only been available for Game 3) is 85-year-old Bartolo Colon and a bunch of no-names. But San Francisco's Madison Bumgarner continued his amazing postseason career domination with a complete-game shutout in New York on Wednesday night in a 3-0 win as the Giants kept their hopes alive of another even-numbered year World Series this decade. Cubs fans will be freaking out in a big way if Chicago only splits the first two games because Bumgarner is sitting there for Game 3. But at least they can take solace in that he only can pitch once in the series -- presumably. The Cubs won the season series 4-3.

In Game 1, San Francisco goes with Johnny Cueto (18-5, 2.79), who will get some Cy Young votes. He closed the season strong with four straight wins and allowing just six total runs over those starts with 30 strikeouts. Cueto pitched at Wrigley Field on Sept. 4 and took a no-decision in allowing one run and five hits over seven innings. Addison Russell is 3-for-6 off him with two doubles. Anthony Rizzo is 3-for-25 with eight strikeouts. Jason Heyward is 4-for-18 with two doubles. Kris Bryant is 3-for-5. Cueto had two shaky outings with the Royals last postseason but also two excellent ones.

Chicago lefty Jon Lester (19-5, 2.44) likely finishes second in the NL Cy Young voting behind Scherzer. Lester was 9-1 with a 1.46 ERA over his final 12 starts. However, in trying for his first career 20-win season Lester lost in Cincinnati on Saturday, giving up five runs and six hits over five innings. It was his worst outing of the second half by far. Lester had two very different results vs. the Giants this season. On Sept. 2 against them at Wrigley, he threw a complete game with a line of one run and three hits in a victory. On May 21 in San Francisco, he was roughed up for five runs and six hits over 2.2 innings in a loss. Keep in mind that Lester's personal catcher is David Ross, so the Cubs are better defensively behind the plate but worse offensively. Buster Posey is 5-for-16 career off Lester with a homer. Denard Span is 8-for-28 with three RBIs. Hunter Pence is 3-for-15 with a homer. Will the Giants have third baseman Eduardo Nunez? He was left off the wild-card roster as he's dealing with a hamstring injury. So naturally his replacement, Conor Gillaspie, hit the winning three-run homer in the ninth. Lester has a ton of playoff experience from his Red Sox days and last year with the Cubs. He's 6-6 with a 2.85 ERA in 98.0 innings.

Key trends: The Giants are 13-4 in their past 17 road starts. The Cubs are 7-0 in Lester's past seven at home vs. teams with a winning record. The under is 6-1 in Cueto's past seven road starts vs. teams with a winning record. The under is 9-1 in Lester's past 10. The Giants are 1-7 in their past eight at Chicago.

Early lean: Cubs and under -- regardless of number. It will be chilly at first pitch and I don't see wind blowing out this time of year. Total likely 6.5.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

AL Divisional Series

Blue Jays @ Rangers
Happ is 3-0, 2.93 in his last five starts; Toronto is 17-3 in his last 20 starts, 9-1 in his last ten on road. He beat Texas 12-2 on May 5, allowing one run in seven IP. Happ started one playoff game, for Phillies in 2009 (3 runs allowed in three IP); he relieved in seven other playoff tilts, allowing five runs in 9.1 IP overall in postseason.

Darvish is 2-0, 0.69 in his last two starts; Rangers won eight of his last ten starts. Texas is 6-4 in his home starts. He allowed three runs (two earned) in 6.2 IP in his only playoff start, a 2012 loss to Baltimore.

Blue Jays are 5-3 against Texas this year- Toronto won its last four games, is 10-5 in its last 15. Rangers are 7-6 in last 13 games. Road team won five of last six Toronto-Texas playoff games.

Jays are in playoffs for second year in row, only times they’ve made it since 1993. Texas is in for fifth time in last seven years- they’ve never won a World Series. Gibbons is 7-6 as a postseason manager. Banister is 2-4 as a postseason manager, with all six games against Toronto.


Red Sox @ Indians
Price is 1-1, 5.55 in his last four starts; over is 10-2-1 in his last 13 starts. Boston won five of his last six road starts. Price is 2-7, 5.12 in 14 postseason games (8 starts); he beat Cleveland 6-2 in his first start this year, allowing two runs in six IP (103 PT).

Kluber is 3-0, 3.33 in his last four starts; four of his last six home starts stayed under. He is 1-1, 4.38 against Boston this year; this is his postseason debut.

Red Sox are in playoffs for just second time in last seven years; they’re 4-3 vs Cleveland this year; they lost six of last seven games overall, which followed their 11-game win streak. Indians are in playoffs for just third time since 2001; they’re 9-4 in last 13 games overall.

Obvious subplot here is that Francona is manager who ended Boston’s championship drought when he won 2004 World Series, then won again with Sox in ‘07. Francona has a 29-18 career record in playoff games. Farrell is 11-6 as a postseason manager, with a World Series title in 2013.


Dodgers @ Nationals
Kershaw is 1-1, 1.44 in his last four starts; under is 8-1-1 in his last ten. Dodgers are 8-3 in his road starts, 1-3 in his last four. He beat Washington 4-1 June 20 (allowed one run in seven IP). Kershaw is 2-6, 4.59 in 13 postseason games (10 starts).

Scherzer is 8-0, 2.97 in his last nine starts; three of his last four went over total. He is 4-3, 3.73 in 12 postseason games (10 starts), and did not pitch against Los Angeles this season. Nationals are 9-5 in his home starts.

Dodgers are in playoffs for 4th year in a row- their last World Series title was in 1988. LA is 5-1 vs Washington this season; they lost six of last seven road games, but most of those losses came after they clinched the division. Nationals won six of last nine games; they jogged to NL East title— they’re in playoffs for third time in last five years.

Roberts is a rookie manager. Baker is 19-26 as postseason manager; he won NL pennant is 2002 with the Giants.


Giants @ Cubs
Cueto is 4-0, 1.91 in his last four starts; over is 8-3 in his last 11 starts. Giants are 13-3 in his road starts. Cueto allowed one run in 7.1 IP in his only start against Chicago this year. He is 2-3, 5.35 in seven postseason starts.

Lester is 5-1, 1.48 in his last six starts, 6-6, 2.84 in 14 career postseason starts, but 0-2, 5.49 in his last three- his last postseason win was in ’13 for Boston. Cubs won his last 10 home starts. Under is 9-1 in his last ten starts overall.

Giants were 3-4 against the Cubs this year; they’ve won last five games overall, after a dreadful second half of season. Chicago won nine of its last 12 games; they’re 15-13 against the other four NL playoff teams.

Bochy won three World Series in last six years; he is 43-30 as a postseason manager. Madden got Rays to ’08 World Series; he is 17-22 as a postseason manager.