Friday 7/10/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Penn National

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


Race 8 - Maiden Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $10500 Class Rating: 41

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 10 ABUGINMYMARGARITA 9/2


# 4 WHERE'S MY TAIL 9/2


# 7 EVER SO NASTY 3/1


ABUGINMYMARGARITA looks respectable to best this field. Has been running very well lately and ought to be close to the lead early on. EVER SO NASTY - Lately Corujo has been on fire which may give the edge to this filly. This filly ought to be given a shot just off the earnings per start in dirt sprint events alone.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Lone Star - Race #9 - Post: 10:19pm - Claiming - 8.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $7,500 Class Rating: 81

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#9 ALEX IN MOTION (ML=7/2)


ALEX IN MOTION - Taking a trip down the ladder based on class rating points; has the capability to make his presence felt. This is the only real presser in the race. Sub-par effort last time around the track at Lone Star was due to the off-going (he finished fourth). Has to do better right here in this race under better track conditions. This gelding is number one in earnings per race entered. Check out this animal in the post parade.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 THATLLEAVEAMARK (ML=5/2), #1 WAR CHARGER (ML=3/1), #6 PAINTED SLEW (ML=5/1),

THATLLEAVEAMARK - You always think this animal has a shot to cross the finish line in first, but he falls short often. Tough to support any racer that runs as well as he did and then lays up and doesn't workout at all. WAR CHARGER - Just don't think he is priced right at the probable odds. PAINTED SLEW - This gelding is always close, but just doesn't win. Hard to invest in him on the win end. Ran a great speed fig last time around the track, but the battle will probably take too much out of him.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #9 ALEX IN MOTION to win if you can get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
9 with [1,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Monmouth - Race #4 - Post: 2:10pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $17,000 Class Rating: 79

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#8 HOLD EVERYTHING (ML=6/1)
#4 ATAJO (ML=4/1)


HOLD EVERYTHING - His win on February 1st in a $12,500 Claiming race, at 6 furlongs, is a big plus for this gelding. EPS (earnings per start) is something that I believe can be a very important factor. This entrant is ranked at the top in this bunch. Getting a weight break of 6 pounds from last race at Monmouth on Jun 6th. Should be helpful today. ATAJO - The return on investment when Garcia and Nunn hook up is terrific. This horse has increased his speed ratings from a fig of 64 to 66 to 71 right in a row.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 BROTHER MARK (ML=7/5), #2 GERRY WITH A G (ML=3/1),

BROTHER MARK - This gelding finished out of the money on June 14th and wasn't near the winner last out either. GERRY WITH A G - This entrant didn't go to the front and didn't close any ground in the lane last time he ran. Recorded a disappointing speed rating last time around the track in a $10,000 Claiming race on June 14th. Improbable to see an improved performance off of that number.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #8 HOLD EVERYTHING on the nose if you can get odds of 5/2 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [4,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #2 - BELMONT PARK - 1:51 PM EASTERN POST

6½ FURLONGS DIRT THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD $35,000.00 CLAIMING $42,000.00 PURSE

#6 S'MAVERLOUS
#5 CLEANCUT KID
#2 MISCHIEVIOUSLY
#1 HAMPDEN FIVEONE

#6 S'MAVERLOUS is the overall speed leader in this claiming field sprinting at, or about, today's distance of 6½ furlongs on the dirt, and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in three of his last five outings, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in his 3rd race back. He's coming off a "POWER RUN PLACE" finish in his last start, missing a "Circle Trip" in that race by just a "photographed head" at the wire. Jockey Irad Ortiz and Trainer Rudy Rodriguez send him to the post ... they've hit the board with an impressive 64% of more than 150 entries saddled as a team to date. #5 CLEANCUT KID has hit the board in three of his last five outings, with two of those "board hit efforts," including a win in his 4th race back, also qualifying as "POWER RUNS."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Friday 7/10 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 111 - 567 / $794.50 BEST BETS: 12 - 49 / $51.50

Best Bet: GOOD DAY MATE (12th)

Spot Play: MR BIG LOAD (4th)


Race 1

(5) COSMICPEDIA Very fast pacer can boss these down the road. (2) OUTA MY HEAD was nailed for win honors last out. (4) ALLSTAR BLUES put in a mild rally in his most recent trip.

Race 2

(1) CASHONTHEROCS Trotting gelding has tactical speed and the rail slot can help his cause; threat at his best. (4) THERAPUTIC just missed the victory in his last try. (6) FOX VALLEY VETO was sent down the road last out at Saratoga for all the glory.

Race 3

(1) ROADWAY moves down in class and has the rail slot. Gelding has every right to move forward. (3) IM BLUE TOO closed mildly for the show spot; main danger in here. (5) SOMEPLACE SPECIAL will get involved in the early stages; not out of this.

Race 4

(2) MR BIG LOAD has some early speed in his latest. Seems to be fit and ready to get back into the winner's circle. (1) MISTER ACCUMULATOR flashed good speed in his last try; dangerous. (4) TOO DARN HOT rallied strongly to nail down the show spot; watch out.

Race 5

(6) JDS CALEB MAN gets serious class relief and has some early zip. Pacer can put his best foot forward tonight. (3) MEETBEHINDTHEBARN & (1) IDEAL CARVER both of these fit well and should contend.

Race 6

(1) ROAD BET just got up for all the glory last out. She retains the rail position so two straight is clearly not out of the question. (3) SET ME UP has wheeled off two in a row; player again. (8) KRISPY APPLE post hurts, but the drop in class can help her cause; beware.

Race 7

(5) SPREESTER zoomed on by the in the stretch drive to grab the victory in her latest. Moves up the ladder but her last start indicates she can make it two straight. (1) CHERRY BLISS should fare well from the fence. (3) OUR ELS DREAM N took the pocket route last time out to bring home the score.

Race 8

(2) FOR THE LADIES N seems to be knocking at the door based on her sharp effort last week. Pacing miss can boss these at her best. (6) LETS GO HIGHER has hit the board 10 of 12 trips to the post this year and has gotten the job done two in a row. (1) HANDSOFFMYCUPCAKE should be right in the mix from the fence.

Race 9

(2) MISSISSIPPI HIPPY gets post relief and a slight drop in class. Gelding will once again have the services of Brennan; the pick. (3) DONAU will need a better trip that his last to contend with these; maybe. (4) THE LUNCH PAIL leaves the 8-hole for a cozy slot; watch out.

Race 10

This looks to be a perfect spot for (4) MOMMA ROCK to put it all together and greet the cameraman. (6) MAJOR DANCER was caught for win honors last time around. (5) MARTY PARTY could have a say in the outcome.

Race 11

(1) ROYAL MALINDA returns to the rail slot where she got the job done two trips ago; ready for action. (3) MARCH AWARENESS is knocking at the door based on her last three tries. (4) WATKINS has good early zip; can't dismiss

Race 12

(6) GOOD DAY MATE Three sharp efforts for this pacing 5-year-old. He is good enough to make tonight a winning one with Brennan on the return call. (1) MARTINI HANOVER has every right to contend with these from the fence. (2) INTHEPERFECTSTORM just held on for the victory recently.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Friday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Arlington Park (2nd) Wildwoodsgreatest, 6-1
(7th) Case Cracker, 3-1

Belmont Park (3rd) May Flowers, 3-1
(9th) Mohican Chief, 3-1


Belterra Park (2nd) Aurora's Secret, 3-1
(3rd) Sunlite Pool, 4-1


Canterbury Park (4th) Tale of Clairlyn, 3-1
(7th) Supremo's Rebel, 5-1


Charles Town (2nd) Fionn Mc Cool, 3-1
(3rd) Bright Bullet, 6-1


Ellis Park (1st) Myakka Prince, 3-1
(5th) Greely's Striker, 4-1


Emerald Downs (4th) Personal Image, 7-2
(6th) Coach Royal, 5-1


Evangeline Downs (2nd) Utopia's Virgin, 8-1
(6th) Stinnett's Love, 5-1


Finger Lakes (4th) Susan's Patriot, 6-1
(5th) Missed Count, 3-1


Gulfstream Park (2nd) Royal Fighter, 3-1
(9th) Empire Road, 4-1


Indiana Grand (3rd) Laddie Boy, 8-1
(5th) Germaine's Boy, 9-2

Laurel Park (6th) Downtown Hottie, 6-1
(8th) Tough Weather, 3-1


Lone Star Park (2nd) Wild Thought, 7-2
(3rd) Landfall, 7-2


Los Alamitos (2nd) Cleverly Beverly, 4-1
(7th) Dixieland Blues, 6-1


Louisiana Downs (1st) Hintofperfection, 3-1
(4th) Valid Prospector, 7-2


Monmouth Park (8th) Backwater Blues, 4-1
(9th) R U Dreaming, 9-2


Penn National (4th) Indian Street, 4-1
(6th) Joyful Thing, 7-2

Prairie Meadows (4th) J T Raider, 3-1
(6th) Drowningndiamonds, 7-2


Thistledown (3rd) Spark of the Year, 7-2
(8th) Dublin's Diamond, 8-1


Woodbine (6th) Green Waters, 7-2
(9th) She's a Sly Dragon, 3-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Beaten Favorites

In baseball just because a team is heavily 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. Diving into our trusted baseball database Heavy Favorites, that is chalk of -$1.71 or higher have won at a 66.9% clip (77-38) this season for a net return of +$284 for backers. Now, one would assume the 38 mentioned 'Beaten Heavy Favorites' would pick themselves up the following game providing solid betting choices. Well, in sports betting like life itself, Rule Number One - 'Never Assume Anything'. The Beaten Heavy Favorites were far from a sure thing the next outing posting a 20-18 record depleting betting accounts by -$616. Something to keep in mind throughout the season. As always best of luck but above all enjoy the games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yankees OF Gardner to replace Gordon in ASG
The Sports Xchange

NEW YORK -- Left fielder Brett Gardner of the New York Yankees was named to the American League All-Star team as an injury replacement for Kansas City Royals outfielder Alex Gordon on Thursday.

Gardner was one of five players competing for fans votes on the final ballot in a race that ends Friday afternoon. In the first set of results released by major league baseball, Gardner was fourth and well behind Kansas City third baseman Mike Moustakas.

Gordon was voted in by fans but injured his groin tracking a fly ball to the warning track during Wednesday's game with the Tampa Bay Rays and is expected to miss at least two months.

The announcement was made before the top of the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium and Gardner showed no emotion.

At the time of the announcement, Gardner had three hits in his first three at-bats, including a solo home run. He is batting .305 with 10 home runs and 40 RBI

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's six-pack

What college football expert Phil Steele thinks about the ACC Atlantic Division

7) Wake Forest-- Have only six seniors on whole squad, their least since WWII.

6) Syracuse-- My man Les Miles brings LSU to the Carrier Dome Sept 26.

5) Boston College-- Lost to Clemson/Florida State LY by total of seven points.

4) NC State-- Have 15 starters back this year, including a senior QB.

3) Louisville-- Petrino returns to Georgia Dome, plays Auburn in opener.

2) Clemson-- New OC, lost 29 lettermen but have QB and top four rushers back.

1) Florida State-- Went 13-1 LY, 3-11 vs spread; who will the QB be?

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jeff Saad of Las Vegas Sports Services

7/10/2015: Friday MLB Bonus Play:7:10 PM ET

(955) ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS VS (956) NEW YORK METS

Take: (956) NEW YORK METS

Great value on this one, for a number of different reasons I look for Noah Syndergaard and company to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. The Diamondbacks have been rolling, having won five of their last six and three straight away from friendly confines, but as primarily a situational handicapper, these are exactly the types of games that I keep my eyes open for, there's no question that this does in fact set up as a classic letdown spot for Arizona as it embarks on its final series before the break. Conversely, the Mets come into this game with momentum and will be super eager to finish the first half on a high note after finally getting over an extended stretch of futility. Also note that the Diamondbacks have consistently struggled in New York, losing eight of the last 13 since 2011, while being limited to a meagre .217 average in the process. New York is 29-14 at home this year and turns to Syndergaard (3-4, 3.38 ERA) who is 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA and .174 opponent batting average over his last four starts and who is a near perfect 3-1 with a 1.89 ERA in five starts in The Big Apple. The visitors counter with Chase Anderson (4-2, 3.71 ERA) who gave up three runs over six innings in Friday's 4-3 home win over Colorado; Anderson is trending in the opposite direction of Syndergaard, he's 1-1 with deplorable 7.64 ERA over his last three starts. Your Bonus Play is on the Mets

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Friday

ASTROS (McHugh) @ RAYS (Ramirez) 7:10 PM

Take: ASTROS +105

I didn’t think it was likely the 2015 Rays could seriously contend in the AL East. Too many pitching injuries going in, not much offense to speak of, no more Joe Maddon in the dugout and no more Andrew Friedman running things upstairs.

So almost needless to say, I’m at least mildly surprised to see the Rays having hung tough for the first half of the season. Even with the recent nosedive, Tampa Bay is still very much in the mix. If they add a component for the stretch run at the trade deadline….oh wait, it’s the Rays, so forget about that. Regardless, I won’t be so bold as to shovel any dirt on this little engine that could just yet.

Nevertheless, the Rays are really scuffling right now. This is a team that has to get good pitching to survive and they’ve seen a bit of a fade inn that department the last couple weeks. I’m prepared to play against them tonight with the Astros arriving for the weekend set at the Slop.

Collin McHugh is actually the big risk here. The Houston righty has put up very pedestrian numbers lately for the most part and at this point I can’t look upon McHugh as anything more than league average. But Erasmo Ramirez is not a pitcher I’d look upon as a stopper, and while the more recent numbers would slightly favor Ramirez over McHugh, it’s not by enough to discourage me tonight.

The Astros have cooled off some, they’re missing one of their better offensive talents and the once large Houston lead in the AL West has been trimmed to a scant 1.5 games over the surging Angels. But even if the Astros are not playing their best baseball right now, they’re still in somewhat better form than the Rays, who are reeling badly.

From a purely numbers vantage point, my edge for the visitors here is fairly minimal. I made Tampa Bay -105 here. Note that’s a flat number, no vigorish included. The Rays are -115 as I’m writing this, so it’s not like this is a race to the window and grab it as so as you can value.

But the game does also fit a couple of reasonably decent angles I like to utilize in analyzing baseball games and I’m going to hope that McHugh has some reasonable stuff tonight against a lineup that can certainly be neutralized. The Astros at plus anything are on my card tonight.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jim Feist

Bonus Play for Friday, July 10, 2015 10:15 PM ET

(961) PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES VS (962) SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

Take: Over

Reason: Your Bonus Play for Friday, July 10, 2015 is in the MLB contest between the Phillies and Giants in San Francisco. The long road trip for Philadelphia continues out West. The Philadelphia offense is 28th in baseball in runs scored, worst in the NL. The over is 22-8 when the Phillies are an underdog. Ace Cole Hamels is great at home (2.33 ERA) but less so on the road (3.64 ERA). Phiadelphia is on a 23-9-1 run over the total, plus the over is 23-9-1 in the Phillies last 33 on grass. San Francisco has moved up to 13th in baseball in runs scored and the over is 6-2 when the Giants are a favorite. The Over is 13-3-3 when the Giants face a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15, plus 11-4 over against the National League East. Play the Phillies/Giants over the total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play FRI D'Backs w/Anderson +130

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Stephen Nover

Bonus Play Toronto Blue Jays

The Royals are minus their best all-around player, outfielder Alex Gordon, and starting a lefty.
That's a bad combination going against the Blue Jays and hot pitcher Marco Estrada.
Toronto leads the majors in runs scored and is No. 2 in homers. The Blue Jays are batting .296 against lefties, easily the best mark in the majors. Detroit is second at a distant .284. Toronto is 12-9 versus southpaws this season, averaging 5.6 runs per game in those contests.
Both teams were in action on Thursday, but the Blue Jays rested Jose Reyes and Edward Encarnacion. Toronto should do plenty of damage against southpaw Danny Duffy, winless in his last six starts and with an 11.42 career ERA against Toronto in three appearances.
Estrada, on the other hand, has won five of his last six decisions. He has a 1.96 ERA in his last four starts. Toronto has won six of his last seven starts and is 4-0 the past four times he's started on the road.
The Royals have never faced Estrada. The few Kansas City players who have faced him before are a combined 0-for-11 against him.
The Royals still may be without Mike Moustakas, who has been absent since Sunday afternoon due to a family emergency. Gordon definitely is out due to a serious groin injury. Gordon is an outstanding two-way player who was worth 6.6 wins above replacement player last season, according to Fangraphs.
Toronto is 7-3 in its past 10 games at Kansas City.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Coach Fletcher’s

Friday MLB Scouting Edge

4:05 pm Chicago White Sox at Chicago Cubs

Crosstown Classic Kicks Off at Wrigley

Whether you call it the Crosstown Classic or the Windy City Showdown, the Cubs will host the White Sox Friday. Although the Pale Hose have been playing better as of late, the teams are basically on the opposite side of the fence in standings. The Chisox are 39-44 after shutting out Toronto 2-0 Thursday. The Cubbies are 46-38. The White Sox are at the bottom in the AL Central and the Cubs are in 3rd in the NL Central. The Cubs hold a 5-3 edge over the last 3 seasons. The 2 teams have split 4 games at Wrigley in the past 3 years. The White Sox have gone 7-3 their last 10 sweeping the Cards in a 2 game set and winning 2 of 3 versus the Orioles and 3 of 4 versus the Blue Jays. The Cubs have also gone 7-3 their last 10 sweeping the Mets in NY, winning 2 of 3 from Miami and splitting a 4 game set with the Cards. The run differential tilts strongly in the Cubs direction. The Cubs are PLUS 0.2 while the White Sox are MINUS 0.9. Neither starter has faced the opposition although Kyle Hendricks has been hot of late. Hendricks has picked up back to back wins allowing no runs. However, he gave up 10 earned runs in his previous 2 starts. Carlos Rodon goes for the White Sox. Rodon is a strike out pitcher mowing down 62 in 60 1/3 innings. But he has also walked 35 and given up 64 hits.

4:10 pm Houston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays

Cold Astros Invade Colder Rays

The Astros have only won 1 of their last 6. The Rays have only won 1 of their last 12. Both teams will be looking to take advantage of the other in this weekend matchup. The Astros and their long ball first offense can score runs but they’ve only scored more than 4 in 1 of their last 6. The Rays have scored more than 4 in 4 of their last 7 but only won 1 of those games. With Jake Odorizzi expected to come off the DL and start tomorrow, the Rays pitching may improve. Drew Smyly and Alex Cobb are done for the season. But it is the offense that may let them down against the Astros. The Rays are only averaging 3.7 runs per game against the Astros 4.5. At home they are even worse knocking in 3.6 runs per game to Astros 4.8 runs per game on the road. Tampa gets 3.6 rpg versus righty starters putting them the closest to the Astros 3.8 against LHP. Two hot pitchers are likely to keep the offenses in check. Houston sends Lance McCullers to the mound with a 2.16 era on the year and a splendid 1.50 era his last 3. The Rays counter with Erasmo Ramirez who has a 2.56 era at home and is clicking at 1.23 his last 3. The total opened at 7 for this contest.

4:10 pm New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox

Buchholz is the Key as Red Sox Try to Keep Hot Streak Alive

In case you haven’t noticed, the Red Sox have won 8 of their last 10. They got Thursday off while the Yankees were beating Oakland 6-2 for their 5th win in their last 10. What’s happened to the BoSox? They are scoring runs. In fact, they have averaged 6.1 runs per game in their last 7. The Yankees have averaged only 3.3 runs per game their last 7. They may improve on that Friday since the Yanks average 4.7 runs per game against RHP, 4.6 rpg on grass and 4.9 rpg at night. They lead the Red Sox in all 3 categories. Clay Buchholz’s performance is the key to the game. He’s been outstanding recently recording a 1.12 era in his last 3. But Buchholz has had little success against the Yankees going 5-8 with a 6.38 era. In one start against the Bronx Bombers in 2015, Buchholz allowed 10 runs, 9 earned and 9 hits in only 3 1/3 inning. He’ll need to do better than that on Friday. Pineda goes for the Yanks with a 4.54 era on the road and 4.91 era his last 3.

5:10 pm Atlanta Braves at Colorado Rockies

Scoreboard Operator May Be Busy Again at Coors

Rockie starter David Hale and Brave starter Shelby Miller are at opposite ends of the spectrum. That should give the Braves some extra confidence as they make their way to Coors Field. David Hale has had a rough year. His era is at 5.89 and his whip is 1.42 in 8 starts. He’s 2-4 on the year and has an era of 7.02 in his last 3 starts. In his last 16 2/3 innings Hale has given up 14 runs, 13 earned and 22 hits. He’s also allowed 4 bombs. He may get some relief as the Braves are one of the weaker offensive clubs. They are 22nd in MLB runs per game. go to askthebookie. They improve to 9th in MLB in batting average and 12th in hits per game. That hasn’t stopped the Braves from success against the Rockies, however, since they are 10-4 in the last 3 years. They have gone 4-3 in Colorado where 4 games went over. Hale has never faced Atlanta. The Braves are without Freddie Freeman which won’t help their cause but starter Shelby Miller might. Miller is 5-4 but should be better with his 2.07 era. Miller’s era is 2.19 on the road and 2.45 his last 3. He’s 2-0 versus the Rockies but in his only start at Coors Field in 2014 he only lasted 2 2/3 innings giving up 3 runs on 6 hits.

5:10 pm Detroit Tigers vs Minnesota Twins

Verlander Tries to Find His Stroke

Justin Verlander is not the Justin Verlander we’ve seen in the past. After a long stint on the DL, Verlander has returned to go 0-2 with a 6.75 era. His mechanics were a big problem from the stretch last Sunday when he gave up 7 runs in 5 innings to Toronto. He also gave up 7 hits and 2 round trippers. The Tigers have lost all 4 of his starts. His best start was actually his first off the Dl where he gave up 2 runs and 3 hits to the Indians. The NYY blasted him for 10 hits and 6 runs in 6 2/3 innings where Verlander gave up 3 home runs. Overall Verlander has pitched 22 2/3 innings and given up 18 runs and 26 hits. 6 of those 26 went for the distance. In Verlander’s career he is 15-8 versus the Twins but in 2014 he gave up 6 runs in only 12 2/3 innings. His 2014 era was 4.54. At $28 million a year, it’s likely the Tigers will keep Verlander in the rotation whether he deserves it or not.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Friday, July 10

Trend Report

4:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. CHI CUBS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games on the road
Chi White Sox are 4-10 SU in their last 14 games on the road
Chi Cubs are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
Chi Cubs are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games

7:05 PM
WASHINGTON vs. BALTIMORE
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 7 games
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Baltimore's last 8 games when playing at home against Washington

7:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 7 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
St. Louis is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 8 games at home
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

7:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. CLEVELAND
Oakland is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Oakland's last 9 games on the road
Cleveland is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
Cleveland is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Oakland

7:10 PM
HOUSTON vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games
Houston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Tampa Bay's last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing Houston

7:10 PM
NY YANKEES vs. BOSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of NY Yankees's last 10 games
NY Yankees are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Boston is 1-7 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against NY Yankees

7:10 PM
CINCINNATI vs. MIAMI
Cincinnati is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 6 games on the road
Miami is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Miami is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games when playing Cincinnati

7:10 PM
ARIZONA vs. NY METS
Arizona is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing NY Mets
Arizona is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of NY Mets's last 22 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of NY Mets's last 8 games at home

8:05 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. TEXAS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing Texas
San Diego is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Texas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas's last 5 games at home
Texas is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:10 PM
DETROIT vs. MINNESOTA
Detroit is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Minnesota's last 11 games when playing at home against Detroit

8:10 PM
TORONTO vs. KANSAS CITY
Toronto is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Toronto's last 12 games when playing Kansas City
Kansas City is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games

8:10 PM
ATLANTA vs. COLORADO
Atlanta17-5-1 SU in its last 23 games when playing Colorado
Atlanta is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games ,when playing on the road against Colorado
Colorado is 3-8-1 SU in its last 12 games ,when playing at home against Atlanta
Colorado is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games ,at home

10:10 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. LA DODGERS
Milwaukee is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 8 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
LA Dodgers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

10:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Angels's last 6 games on the road
LA Angels are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Seattle
Seattle is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 6 games when playing at home against LA Angels

10:15 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Philadelphia is 4-18 SU in its last 22 games on the road
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Francisco
San Francisco is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

BIG AL

Our complimentary selection for Friday, July 10 is:

Toronto (Estrada) over Kansas City (Duffy).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAMBLERS DATA

Brewers/Dodgers over 7

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox (39-44) at Cubs (46-38)
Game: 1
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: July 10, 2015 4:05 PM EDT

The White Sox enjoyed a dominant four-year run in their rivalry with the Cubs, but the tide appears to be shifting more recently in favor of their National League counterparts.

The Cubs hope that trend continues as Joe Maddon makes his first foray into the Crosstown Classic on Friday night when these teams open a three-game series at Wrigley Field.

The South Siders went 16-8 against the Cubs from 2009-12, winning each season series to take a 52-46 advantage in the all-time series. The Cubs, however, have won five of eight meetings since the start of 2013, and currently hold the NL's second wild-card spot while the White Sox own a worse record than all but two AL teams.

Maddon has plenty of experience managing against the White Sox, going 30-37 with the Rays from 2006-14.

"Coming from the American League I've known (the White Sox) for a long time, I know what they're all about," Maddon told MLB's official website. "But it will be exciting to see this rivalry firsthand."

Though the Cubs (46-38) have raised hopes on the North Side playing better than expected - they will reach the All-Star break above .500 for the first time since 2008 - they enter the series on a sour note. They swept a doubleheader Tuesday versus St. Louis, but settled for a split of the four-game set after a 6-5 loss Wednesday. Pedro Strop surrendered the go-ahead home run with two outs in the ninth inning.

At 39-44, the White Sox have been one of baseball's biggest disappointments, but they are surging to the finish of the season's first half. Thursday's 2-0 victory against Toronto was their seventh in nine games, a span in which the pitching staff owns a 2.12 ERA.

Melky Cabrera, who homered against the Blue Jays, is slugging .568 over his last 20 games after he slugged a major league-worst .277 through his first 62 contests. Alexei Ramirez is 10 of 28 in the last nine games, Avisail Garcia is batting .370 over his last 12 and Jose Abreu has hit safely in 11 straight.

"If we go out and do our job, we know what the outcome is gonna be," said Jeff Samardzija, who threw a four-hitter Thursday. "If we don't, and we don't have a strong last couple weeks of the month, we know what results gonna be, too.

"It's in our hands here in the clubhouse and we need to take care of it."

Taking the mound are two young hurlers whose seasons appear to be heading in opposite directions.

The Cubs' Kyle Hendricks (4-4, 3.82 ERA) has weathered a rough five-start stretch from June 2-24 in which he went 1-3 with a 5.88 ERA. He has given up eight hits over 13 1-3 shutout innings in back-to-back wins over the New York Mets and Miami, bringing a career-best 15 1-3 scoreless innings streak into this game.

Carlos Rodon (3-2, 4.18) is 1-2 with a 7.32 ERA over his last four outings and has surrendered three home runs in his last two after allowing one all season previously. He walked four and allowed four runs over five-plus innings in a 9-1 loss to Baltimore on Sunday.

"I'm not really happy about much," he told MLB's official website. "No one likes to lose."

The White Sox are 6-6 in interleague play while the Cubs are 5-5.

Chris Coghlan is batting .387 in his last nine against AL teams, while Anthony Rizzo is 8 for 21 with four homers in his last five.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
White Sox at Cubs
Fri, Jul 10 - 4:05PM EDT

GAME 2
White Sox at Cubs
Sat, Jul 11 - 4:05PM EDT

GAME 3
White Sox at Cubs
Sun, Jul 12 - 2:20PM EDT

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals (46-38) at Orioles (43-42)
Game: 1
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: July 10, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

The All-Star break will provide a respite for several injured Washington Nationals as the NL East leaders attempt to get healthy for a run at a third playoff appearance in four seasons.

Washington hopes having the last couple of days off will help it get on track offensively in the opener of a three-game Battle of the Beltways series against Baltimore Orioles on Friday night at Camden Yards.

The Nationals (46-38) were already without Anthony Rendon, Jayson Werth and Ryan Zimmerman when Stephen Strasburg joined them on the disabled list with an oblique strain suffered Saturday against San Francisco.

Denard Span then confirmed after Wednesday's series finale against Cincinnati was postponed that he would not be playing against the Orioles (43-42) and instead would see a specialist to deal with his lingering back pain.

"I'm definitely not helping the team by doing what I've been doing for the last three, four weeks," Span told MLB's official website. "Missing games here and there, (then) playing four games. Definitely, I've been putting the team in a bad spot."

The Nationals haven't been very good offensively lately, falling 3-2 on Monday and 5-0 on Tuesday to the Reds. They've scored three or fewer runs six times in a 3-4 stretch.

Baltimore had its own troubles at the plate during a three-game sweep at the hands of Minnesota, which concluded with Wednesday's 5-3 defeat. Manny Machado hit his third homer in five games and Chris Davis made it back-to-back shots leading off the eighth, but the Orioles have scored 19 runs over their last seven - nine coming during their only victory in that span.

'We're just not giving our pitchers much margin for error,' manager Buck Showalter said.

Chris Tillman turned in another rough start in an inconsistent season his last time out, though he's won four straight decisions.

Tillman (6-7, 5.57 ERA) gave up six runs in 1 1-3 innings of a 13-9 victory over Toronto on June 21, then bounced back to pitch seven innings to beat Cleveland 8-0 on June 28.

The right-hander struggled again Saturday, though, giving up two runs and 10 hits while throwing 103 pitches in 4 2-3 innings of a 3-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox.

'It was a grind,' Tillman said. 'They spoiled a lot of good pitches. I felt for the most part I had command of most of my stuff.'

Tillman has posted a 4.86 ERA in three career starts against the Nationals, failing to get a decision. He gave up two runs in seven innings of an 8-2, 11-inning win the last time he faced them July 7, 2014.

He'll oppose Gio Gonzalez, who has lost his last four starts against the Orioles with a 4.97 ERA. Steve Pearce, hitting .391 over his last seven, homered off Gonzalez in the Orioles' 4-3 victory last July 10 and improved to 4 for 9 in their matchups.

Gonzalez (6-4, 4.16) was scheduled to start Wednesday but now looks to snap his skid against Baltimore on six days' rest. He's won back-to-back starts, pitching seven scoreless innings of a 9-2 victory over Pittsburgh on June 21 and allowing one run in seven innings of last Friday's 2-1 win over San Francisco.

Both of those outings came at home, though, and the left-hander is 2-3 with a 5.89 ERA in eight road starts. Washington, loser of three of four on the road, has dropped 14 of 19 at Camden.

Baltimore reinstated outfielder Nolan Reimold from the paternity list Thursday and released Delmon Young.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Nationals at Orioles
Fri, Jul 10 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 2
Nationals at Orioles
Sat, Jul 11 - 7:15PM EDT

GAME 3
Nationals at Orioles
Sun, Jul 12 - 1:35PM EDT