Friday 6/26/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Game of the Day: Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Calgary Stampeders

Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Calgary Stampeders (-6.5, 52)

The Calgary Stampeders begin defense of their Grey Cup title against the team they defeated when they open the 2015 CFL season versus the visiting Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Friday. Calgary won its last seven meetings with Hamilton, including both regular-season contests in 2014 before posting a 20-16 triumph for the league title Nov. 30.

"It's a great start to the season and will get us ready for the rest of the year," Stampeders coach John Hufnagel told reporters of the rematch with the Tiger-Cats. Grey Cup MVP Bo Levi Mitchell was named one of the team's four captains in 2015 and remains at the helm of a potent offense with running back Jon Cornish, who ran for a league-best 1,082 yards last year before being held to 25 by Hamilton in the title game. The Tiger-Cats are attempting to return to the Grey Cup final for the third straight time and look for quarterback Zach Collaros to grow more comfortable in his second year in coach Kent Austin's offense. Collaros' task in the season opener was made all the more difficult as wide receiver Luke Tasker (team-leading 937 yards) has been ruled out after suffering a knee injury last week.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, TSN, RDS

LINE HISTORY: Books opened the Stamps as 6.5-point home favorites and the total at 52.

INJURY REPORT: Tiger-Cats - WR Luke Tasker (Questionable, lower body). Stampeders - OL Shane Bergman (Questionable, head), LB Karl McCartney (Out, knee), DL Brandon Boudreax (Out, knee), WR Kamar Jorden (Out, undisclosed), OL Karl Lavoie (Out, undisclosed), DL Corey Mace (Out, back), RB Tim St. Pierre (Out, undisclosed), DL Shomari Williams (Out, undisclosed).

ABOUT THE TIGER-CATS (2014: 9-9 SU, 9-9 ATS, 6-12 O/U): Hamilton was in position to return 22 of 24 starters, with the only departures being All-Star cornerback Delvin Breaux's shift to New Orleans of the NFL and slotback Sam Giguere moving on to Montreal. Unfortunately for the Tiger-Cats, injuries have played a significant role already - most notably defensive end Eric Norwood (team-leading 13 sacks) being placed on the six-game injured list. "Our guys are good," Austin told reporters. "They understand it's next guy up, and the expectations for everybody who plays are the same."

ABOUT THE STAMPEDERS (2014: 15-3 SU, 12-5-1 ATS, 8-10 O/U): The NFL also improved at Calgary's expense as 2014 CFL Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman Brett Jones is now with the New York Giants while defensive lineman Shawn Lemon (team-high 13 sacks) was signed by Pittsburgh. Pierre Lavertu, who was the first overall pick of the 2014 draft, is expected to replace Jones at center. Calgary also made news in the offseason by signing former BC Lions standout Tim Brown, who logged 27.6 yards per kick return and 11.4 yards on each punt in 2014.

TRENDS:

* Tiger-Cats are 0-5 ATS in their last five games in June.
* Stampeders are 4-1 ATS in their last five games in Week 1.
* Under is 5-0 in the last five meetings.
* Tiger-Cats are 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings in Calgary.

CONSENSUS: Fifty-four percent are backing the Stampeders.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Week 1 CFL games

Not lot of info in Week 1 games, but we'll give you what we have........

Hamilton @ Calgary-- Stampeders won last seven games with Hamilton, last of which was a 20-16 (-7.5) win in LY's Grey Cup game. Last five series games stayed under the total. TiCats lost last ten visits here, but covered four of last six. Hamilton covered its last five road tilts.

Edmonton @ Toronto-- Argos won four of last five series games; eight of last nine in series went over total. Eskimos lost 36-33/33-32 in last two visits here. Eskimos covered 11 of last 16 road games, eight of last 10 games overall. Edmonton covered five of last six visits here. Toronto QB Ray is still hurt, will miss first few weeks......

Winnipeg @ Saskatchewan-- Riders won 14 of last 16 games vs Winnipeg, sweeping three games LY, by 6-5-6 points. Blue Bombers lost last 11 visits to Regina, covering only twice in last seven visits here (last three here went over). Winnipeg struggled last year because they moved to the much stronger Western Division, with Ottawa re-joining CFL.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

UFC: Aldo-McGregor expected to go
By Brian Edwards

The fight will go on. Shortly after 10:00 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday night, the Ultimate Fighting Championship released the following statement:

In light of recent reports regarding the status of UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo, UFC has received official medical confirmation from several doctors that Aldo did not suffer a broken rib. Following a review of the scans, it has been determined that the champion suffered a bone bruise to his rib and cartilage injury during training.

With this news, Aldo has expressed that he has every intention of facing Conor McGregor at UFC 189.

While Aldo has indicated that he will compete in Las Vegas on July 11, UFC has confirmed a contingency plan. No.1 featherweight contender Chad Mendes will face McGregor for the interim UFC featherweight championship in the event Aldo cannot compete.

Therefore, McGregor (17-2 MMA, 5-0 UFC) will fight for the 145-pound belt regardless. It will either be for the real strap vs. Aldo or the interim title vs. Mendes, who has never lost an MMA fight to someone not named Aldo.

Aldo (25-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC) was injured by a spinning back kick during a sparring session on Tuesday morning. When word filtered out from Brazil on Tuesday afternoon, there was speculation that Aldo could be out until October.

As of early Thursday morning, Aldo was a -115 favorite at 5Dimes, while McGregor had -105 odds.

Upon hearing the news, McGregor sent the following tweet to 500,000-plus followers: "It turned out [Aldo] just had a little period pain."

Update - 6.23.15 - 7:45 p.m. ET

In what is probably the most anticipated event since Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman fought for the second time at UFC 162, Jose Aldo (25-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC) and Conor 'The Notorious' McGregor are scheduled to fight on July 11 in the main event for UFC 189 in Las Vegas.

The promotion has spent more money promoting this fight than any other in the history of the UFC. In fact, Aldo and McGregor went on a world tour that featured stops in eight different cities, including Dublin and Rio.

But now the fight could be in jeopardy. According to reports out of Brazil, Aldo suffered a fractured rib during a sparring session Tuesday morning.

The only response from the UFC so far has been a tweet from Dana White that stated, "relax everyone."

Perhaps Aldo will still be able to go in less than three weeks? Maybe the fight will be moved to UFC 191 on Sept. 5 in Las Vegas? (That card doesn't have a main event yet.)

Aldo and McGregor are both unbeaten inside the Octagon, as the brash Irishman has demolished Max Holloway, Diego Brandao, Dustin Poirier and Dennis Siver in four UFC bouts.

Sportsbooks currently show Aldo as a -125 favorite, while McGregor has -105 odds. The total is 2.5 rounds (-135 for the 'over,' +105 for the 'under).

In other UFC news, quite a few fresh numbers have been released for upcoming fights. You can check those out below.

Stephen Thompson -205 vs. Jake Ellenberger +165 (7/12)
Todd Duffee -175 vs. Frank Mir +145 (7/15)
Glover Teixeira -140 vs. Ovince St. Preux +110 (8/8)
Max Holloway -165 vs. Charles Oliveira +135 (8/23)
Josh Barnett -205 vs. Roy Nelson +165 (9/26)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Mohawk Racetrack

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


Race 9 - Post: 10:05 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 81 - Purse:$18000 - TOWN PRO - 1ST LEG - 3 YEAR OLD FILLIES. NON-WINNERS $30,000 LIFETIME AS OF MARCH 31, 2015.


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 5 INVEST IN ART 5/2


# 7 KARLEE SUE 10/1


# 4 LINDYS OLD LADY 2/1


INVEST IN ART will not be denied the victory in here. Could surprise us at a fair price. Don't leave out. This entrant earned a great TrackMaster Speed Rating last out. Looks to be racing sharply to come right back. Post 5 has been winning at a better than expected rate, suggesting very good probability of success here. KARLEE SUE - Have a feeling this one might sneak by in here. LINDYS OLD LADY - Has really strong speed ratings and quite possibly has to be thought of for a wager for this race. It's risky to consider based only on class, but this filly has among the most respectable class numbers of the grouping.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Scioto Downs

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


Race 10 - Post: 9:30 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 85 - Purse:$11000 - FILLIES AND MARES NON WINNERS OF $5000 IN THE LAST 4 STARTS: NO. 10 STARTS FROM 2ND TIER K.ATER LISTED 6-7


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 4 BETIT TO GETIT 3/1


# 5 LADY JULIE 6/1


# 2 CHEAT SHEET 9/2


After thorough analysis by the group, BETIT TO GETIT comes out as the top pick. May provide us a win based on good recent speed ratings - earning an avg of 90. This horse looks very good considering the high class rankings. We wouldn't recommend tossing out of any exotics. Could beat this field of horses, just look at the TrackMaster speed fig - 87 - from her most recent contest. LADY JULIE - When starting from the 5 hole, a much better than average win percentage has resulted. This mare has the ability to take positive advantage of a favorable pace scenario in this contest. CHEAT SHEET - Don't let a entrant with such a bang-up winning percentage like this be overlooked. More than likely think these two have a good thing going. Kauffman sending the horse out means a competitive chance to get the win.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Camarero

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


Race 1 - Allowance - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $11050 Class Rating: 67

FOR TWO YEAR OLDS. WEIGHT, 118 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE MAY 26, 2015 ALLOWED 1 LBS. A RACE SINCE APRIL 26, 2015 ALLOWED 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 1 HOLY WARRIOR 10/1


# 4 MIAMI KID E. 1/1


# 3 MI ABUELO MACHO 20/1


I like HOLY WARRIOR here and is a solid value bet given the line at 10/1. Will most likely come out very solid - I have liked the way this colt has moved speedily to the front end recently. Make a note that this entrant runs with second time Lasix today. Must be carefully examined given the class of races run as of late. MIAMI KID E. - Bettors should probably note that this pony runs with second time Lasix today. Could provide positive returns based on solid recent Equibase Speed Figures with an average of 68.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Louisiana Downs

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


Race 4 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $10000 Class Rating: 58

FOR ACCREDITED LA BRED FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE MAY 26 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 7 PREDEFINED 4/1


# 2 SHEZAKNOCKOUT 9/2


# 8 ALL IN THE ART 10/1


I think PREDEFINED is a respectable choice. Earnings per start in dirt sprint races is strong for this animal. Will most likely go to the front end and should never look back. The speed figure of 59 from her most recent affair looks decent in here. SHEZAKNOCKOUT - Overall the Equibase Speed Figures of this equine look very good in this contest. The average class rating of 51 makes this one tough to beat. ALL IN THE ART - Had one of the top speed figures of this group in her last race. She should be given a chance given the very good speed figures.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Woodbine - Race #8 - Post: 4:42pm - Claiming - 6.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $39,500 Class Rating: 93

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 TOP PROSPECT (ML=5/1)
#2 HEMLOCK CHANNEL (ML=3/1)
#4 KING FORESTER (ML=6/1)
#1 GENTLEMAN JACKSON (ML=15/1)
#9 DUPES (ML=2/1)


TOP PROSPECT - In this race here, this thoroughbred has clearly shown signs that he likes the turf. His Equibase speed figures are the highest in the field for this dist-surf. Dasilva and Armata perform well when they are put together. It's hard to beat a +81 ROI for a jockey and conditioner. This gelding is in nice form. Finished third on June 10th. HEMLOCK CHANNEL - Have to give this gelding a good shot. Ran a solid race in the last race within the last month. This gelding should be at the fitness peak, this far into his form cycle. You'll be making money right and left by turning your gambling cash onto this jockey/trainer combination. KING FORESTER - After the event aboard this horse on June 14th, the rider is going to know the gelding much better. Gelding took a little vacation, but has been racing into shape. GENTLEMAN JACKSON - Last workout was the second fastest of the day. Undeniably on edge for a good one today. I just may give this one a chance. Should rebound off last race where he did run out of the money, but was within 5 lengths at the finish line. DUPES - Trainer, Fournier, has been deliberate with this gelding off the layoff. Look for a solid effort today. Based on his last TrackMaster turf rating alone, I'm going to play this thoroughbred. Fournier brings him right back. I advise you stick with this strong gelding. Ran a speedy time for the last quarter on May 29th at Woodbine. Anything close in this event should get the job done.

Vulnerable Contenders: #8 BATHSHEBA STATION (ML=8/1),

BATHSHEBA STATION - The move down the homestretch on May 15th indicated to me that this horse will have a tough go of it versus this field of stronger opponents.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - KING FORESTER - Better than looked last race out. Expect a nice effort this time.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #3 TOP PROSPECT on the nose if you can get odds of 5/1 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,3]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
[2,3,4] with [1,2,3,4,9] with [1,2,3,4,9] Total Cost: $36

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[2,3] with [2,3,4] with [1,2,3,4,9] with [1,2,3,4,9] Total Cost: $24

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Thistledown - Race #1 - Post: 12:55pm - Maiden Special - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $32,500 Class Rating: 64

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 REDNECK MARGARITA (ML=5/1)


REDNECK MARGARITA - Rodriguez rode this racer for the first time last time around the track and comes right back today. This racer coming off a nice try in the last month is a solid contender in my book.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 RIDGE DEFENSE (ML=2/1), #1 SPARK OF THE YEAR (ML=3/1), #6 PAP PAP LONDON (ML=6/1),

RIDGE DEFENSE - This racer has been a bummer for the bettors as the favorite time and time again. SPARK OF THE YEAR - In any event of 5 1/2 furlongs, I like to wager on a contender that has been on the board in sprint events recently. PAP PAP LONDON - The Brain tells me to keep my distance from horses in short distance races that haven't finished in the money in sprint events of late. Didn't end up on the board on Jun 12th after the extended layoff. Be doubtful of this one this time out.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Play #3 REDNECK MARGARITA to win if you can get odds of 1/1 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
None

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #4 - BELMONT PARK - 4:30 PM EASTERN POST

6½ FURLONGS DIRT FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD $25,000.00 CLAIMING $34,000.00 PURSE

#1 UNDERTHEMOONLIGHT
#4 SAMUS
#6 BI LIGHT OF DAY
#2 BUSTED HANDLE

#1 UNDERTHEMOONLIGHT is the overall speed leader in this claiming field sprinting at, or about, today's distance of 6½ furlongs on the dirt, and has produced a trio of "POWER RUN BOARD HITS" in her last four outings, hitting the board in three, including a "POWER RUN PLACE" finish in her last start, missing a "Circle Trip" in that race by just a "photographed neck" at the wire. #4 SAMUS, the morning line favorite, is the pace profile leader, and has hit the board in two of his last four outings, winning in her 2nd race back.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB Preview: Royals (41-28) at Athletics (34-41)

Game: 1
Venue: O.co Coliseum
Date: June 26, 2015 10:05 PM EDT

It's time to see whether the bad blood between the Kansas City Royals and Oakland Athletics from more than two months ago has carried over.

These clubs open a three-game set Friday night in Oakland, meeting for the first time since a melee-filled weekend back in April.

Kansas City (41-28) took two of three at home from Oakland from April 17-19 in the teams' first matchup since last year's AL wild-card game. The series also marked Billy Butler's return to face his former team.

None of that became the story, though, as the teams cleared the benches in all three games. The issues started when Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar was run over by the Athletics' Brett Lawrie covering second base in the series opener.

Lawrie was plunked the next day in what Oakland (34-41) saw as retaliation. Kansas City's Lorenzo Cain was then hit by a pitch from Scott Kazmir in a series finale in which Escobar, Kelvin Herrera, manager Ned Yost, pitching coach Dave Eiland and bench coach Don Wakamatsu were all tossed for Kansas City.

Herrera drew a five-game ban for throwing behind Lawrie in the 4-2 win in the finale.

The Royals, who started this nine-game trip by taking two of three over Seattle, insist there won't be a repeat of such behavior on their end.

"You know, for me, it's over," Escobar told MLB's official website. "I have no trouble with them. I just want to go there and play baseball."

Lawrie called it "probably the worst series of baseball that I've ever played."

'Water under the bridge. Just play baseball, that's the way I look at it,' Oakland manager Bob Melvin said. 'That was an uncomfortable three-game series to have to play through.'

Kansas City has taken eight of 11 from Oakland since the start of 2014, including the playoff game. The Athletics seek their first six-game win streak since July 3-8, 2014.

Cain is expected to return to the lineup after missing Wednesday's 8-2 win with a hamstring strain.

Mike Moustakas is hitting .389 with 10 RBIs in a nine-game hitting streak. Escobar is batting .439 with eight runs scored in his last 10 games.

Oakland's lone victory in the previous series against Kansas City came courtesy of Jesse Hahn (5-5, 3.40 ERA), who pitched 5 1-3 innings of three-hit ball in the 5-0 win April 18 in his first career outing against the Royals.

The right-hander improved to 3-0 with a 2.52 ERA in his last four starts by giving up one run over 7 2-3 innings in Saturday's 4-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

Royals starter Edinson Volquez (7-4, 3.33) moved to 3-0 with a 3.63 ERA in his last three outings that same day by yielding four runs in 5 1-3 innings in a 7-4 win over Boston.

The right-hander hasn't faced the A's since 2007. The Oakland hitter he has faced the most is Ike Davis, who is 2 for 9 in this matchup.

The A's completed a three-game sweep at Texas with a 6-3 victory Thursday. Stephen Vogt went 3 for 5 to improve to 14 for 28 in a seven-game hitting streak.

Rookie Billy Burns, who wasn't with Oakland in April, is batting .362 during a 15-game hitting streak.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB betting cheat sheet: Tigers look like locks to go over totals
By DOC'S SPORTS

Here's a comprehensive look at betting notes for this weekend’s major-league schedule:

Tigers burning bright—at least on offense

Seven consecutive contests involving the Detroit Tigers have gone over the total. They have scored 29 runs in their last four and they have allowed 54 runs in their last eight. Right fielder J.D. Martinez has hit safely in 14 of his last 17 games. First baseman Miguel Cabrera (.397 average in June) has a ridiculous nine multi-hit performances in his last 13 games.

Cashner not cashing in

San Diego Padres’ righty Andrew Cashner has not gone seven innings since May 27, a span of five starts. He is 2-9 this year partly because of a 4.35 ERA and also due to a horrendous defense behind him. Of Cashner’s 62 runs allowed in 2015, a whopping 19 have been unearned. The 28-year-old is 0-5 at home, where he will face the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday.

Beasts of the East?

Are the Washington Nationals finally taking control of the National League East? They have won five in a row (1-4 O/U) and have surrendered a mere five total runs during this current streak. Meanwhile, the New York Mets—now 3.5 games back—have lost seven in succession and have scored a miniscule nine runs during the skid. They are also 1-8 O/U in their last nine.

Pitching Notes

* Michael Wacha of the St. Louis Cardinals will start against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday at home, where he owns a 3.16 ERA compared to a 2.68 mark on the road. Wacha is 9-3 with a 2.85 ERA on the season, but he has given up 11 earned runs in his last three starts (18 innings).

* Scott Kazmir will also take the mound at home on Saturday, and that is outstanding news for the Oakland Athletics. Kazmir is 3-1 with a 1.27 ERA in Oakland this season; he is 1-3 with a 4.20 ERA on the road. The A’s have won the right-hander’s last three starts and he has allowed only three earned runs in his last 20.1 innings of work.

Hitting Notes

* Since last Thursday, the Philadelphia Phillies have four regulars who are hitting between .348 and .481. Third baseman Maikel Franco is leading the way with 13 hits, three homers, and 11 RBIs in his last six games. The over is 6-0 in the team’s last six and 8-1 in its last nine.

* Right fielder Shin-Soo Choo is among the Texas Rangers who have gone quiet with the bats. Choo (.233, 8 HR, 32 RBI) is hitting .227 in June and he has missed the past two games with back spasms. Texas has scored more than two runs only once in its last six outings.

Weather Notes

* Forecasts suggest a 54 percent chance of thunderstorms and winds blowing in from leftfield at around 12 mph when the Cubs visit the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday.

Totals Streak

New York Yankees (40-29-3 O/U): Thanks to seven straight games going over the total, the Yankees are one of the most profitable over teams in the business in 2015. The winning team has reached double-digits in the run column in each of New York’s last five contests. In their seven most recent outings, the Yankees have crossed the plate 58 times. They have also allowed 36 runs in their last four.

Injury Notes

* San Francisco Giants' left fielder Nori Aoki was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday because of small fracture in his right fibula. There is no timetable for his return, but Aoki (.317, 2 HR, 19 RBI, 12 SB) is expected to miss considerably more than 15 days. He has already been out since leaving last Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

* The Los Angeles Angels placed starter Jered Weaver on the 15-day disabled list earlier this week and they do not expect him back before the all-star break. L.A. has an off day on Thursday so they do not need an extra starter to fill in for Weaver (4-8, 4.75 ERA) during this weekend’s three-game series against the visiting Seattle Mariners.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yankees reinstate Drew, recall Petit
The Sports Xchange

The New York Yankees reinstated second baseman Stephen Drew from the paternity list Thursday.

Drew went on leave Tuesday and missed the last two games. He is hitting just .190, but has 11 home runs and 24 RBIs this season.

The club also recalled infielder Gregorio Petit from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He hit .200 with five RBIs for the Yankees earlier this season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Red Sox place Pedroia on DL
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

BOSTON -- Dustin Pedroia was placed on the 15-day disabled list with right hamstring strain Thursday after the Boston Red Sox second baseman pulled up limping on a two-run single in the sixth inning of Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park.

Infielder Deven Marrero was selected from Triple-A Pawtucket to take Pedroia's roster spot.

"He's the heart and soul of our team in the short description of it," Red Sox manager John Farrell said about Pedroia. "The way he plays, what he means in the clubhouse, what he means on the field with his performance -- probably having a career year to date.

"Hopefully, this is on the shorter end of the time missed."

Pedroia, 31, has hit a team-best .306 with 34 runs, 14 doubles, nine home runs and 33 RBIs in 69 games this season.

Left fielder Hanley Ramirez also left Wednesday's game after taking a line drive off the wrist while running to second base on a fifth-inning hit-and-run. Ramirez is officially listed as day-to-day.

Boston also made another notable roster move Thursday, optioning starting right-handed pitcher Joe Kelly to Triple-A Pawtucket. Kelly is 2-5 with a 5.67 ERA in 14 starts this season. Right-hander Justin Masterson takes his place in the starting rotation and will start Sunday.

Jonathan Aro, a right-handed pitcher, was selected from Pawtucket to take Kelly's place.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Over bettors rejoice as Tigers keep streak going
Andrew Caley

The Detroit Tigers fell to the Chicago White Sox 8-7 Thursday afternoon, going over the total for the eighth consecutive game.

The Tigers have been almost a perfect over play during their streak, scoring a run more than their season average a 5.63 runs per game, while giving up a whopping 7.13 runs per game at the same time.

The total for the second of their four-game series against the Pale Hose has opened at 8.0 runs. Anibal Sanchez (4.59 ERA, 8-6 O/U) goes for the Tigers, while Jose Quintana (3.92 ERA, 3-11 O/U) goes for the White Sox.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Heavy Favorite Mid-June Swoon'

Just because a team is favored does not mean the club will win every time. The baseball season is a long, grueling one and there are days when teams don't give their best efforts, ace pitchers have an off day, relievers implode, hitters slump and/or costly errors are made. From June 15 to June 24 MLB gamblers with a penchant for betting heavy favorites, that is laying -$1.70 or higher lost huge sums of money as their teams won just 25% of the games (3-9) depleting betting accounts by a whopping -$1535. For the record, MLB gamblers that decided to bet the 'Big Favorites' (-$2.00 or more) saw teams go 3-3 which cost them -$535 at the betting window. When contemplating betting 'Big Favorites' keep in mind, winning 2 of of 3 won't cut it as the best teams usually win 60% of their games, the worst team are usually good for a win 40% of the time. Hell bent on backing one of these 'Big Favorites' a better proposition would be a run-line.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Baseball Betting: Streaks, Tips, Notes

Cincinnati Reds at New York Mets June 26, 7:10 EST

When the New York Mets and Cincinnati Reds open their three game set at Citi Field the clubs will look to continue a solid trend for 'Under' gamblers. In the last 17 meetings 'Under' has been the right choice 11 times with 4 'Over' and 2 'Push'. Another positive for 'Under' gamblers has been when the Mets hand the ball to Noah Syndergaard. In that case, the 'Under' has been the right choice in five of his eight trips to the mound (5-2-1 'Under'). Additionally, Mets will be facing Johnny Cueto who is 4-1 'Under' in this series and has also shown a penchant for keeping the score low when opening a series (6-2 'Under').

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Gamblers Data

Bonus Plays

Cubs/Cards Under 7

Minnesota +110

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Friday

DODGERS (Anderson) @ MARLINS (Nicolino) 7:10 PM

Take: MARLINS +120

The Miami Marlins have become regular members of the flop fraternity in recent years. This season is no different as the team was expected by many to be improved this year and that sure hasn’t happened, Mike Redmond was pink slipped as the manager, the GM moved to the dugout from the front office, and the team is lousy once again.

But none of this is the fault of one Giancarlo Stanton. What this guy is doing to baseballs thrown his way when he’s at the plate is just plain insane. Stanton hits the longest homers in the game, and some his stats are starting to get just plain silly.

Stanton now owns a .498 wOBA against lefties, and he’s facing one of those tonight. His home wOBA against southpaws is an outrageous .579. For the month of June against all pitchers, the Stanton wOBA is .529. In other words, and particularly if it’s a lefty, the best idea is to simply throw Stanton four balls if the situation allows for it and try to get the rest of the Marlins out.

Brett Anderson will toe the rubber for the Dodgers tonight. He hasn’t been bad at all for the most part, but Anderson has been considerably more effective at home than on the road, and his overall numbers have declined some in the current month. Don’t get me wrong, Anderson is still pitching reasonably well and his ground ball rate is enviable. He’s just not as sharp now as he was earlier.

The Marlins should have a chance to get some good licks in tonight. There’s the presence of Stanton against a lefty, and as a team Miami has put up some really good offensive stats at home against southpaws. I don’t expect them to blow up Anderson, but if they can make him exhaust the pitch count and get into that Dodgers pen reasonably early, then it’s mission accomplished.

Justin Nicolino gets his second big league start tonight. He’s going to have to fit that crafty southpaw label if he wants to succeed in The Show. Nicolino won’t get many K’s and I really don’t see him as more than a back on the rotation starting pitcher. But as is so often the case, Nicolino will have an advantage of sorts tonight, as the Dodgers have never seen him. I lost count long ago of the number of middling lefties who enjoy quite a bit of early success until the hitters get a book on them, and I’m hoping Nicolino fits into that category again tonight. The formula certainly worked in his debut and with the Dodgers anemic offense against southpaws, albeit better on the road than at home, Nicolino has a decent shot at success here.

My number on this game is Dodgers -105. So it’s basically pick ’em for me, and if I’m able to get the right price, the Marlins are clearly a good enough value to be worthy of a play tonight.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play Dodgers w/Anderson -131