Friday 7/31/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Del Mar

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


Race 6 - Optional Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $75000 Class Rating: 109

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON $10,000 TWICE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, OR STARTER OR STATE BRED OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $62,500. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF TWO RACES OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, OR STARTER AT A MILE OR OVER ALLOWED 3 LBS. ONE SUCH RACE ALLOWED 5 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $62,500


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 9 ALEX ROSSI (ARG) 4/1


# 5 DESERT DYNAMO 4/1


# 8 FAME AND POWER 5/2


ALEX ROSSI (ARG) looks very strong to best this field. Posted a formidable Equibase Speed Figure last time out. This colt obviously likes the distance, going 3 for 5 in his races recently. DESERT DYNAMO - Trainer has solid win rate (23 percent) at this distance and surface. Had one of the best speed figures of this group of horses in this race in his last race. FAME AND POWER - Have to suppose this equine will run well again this time around. Looks formidable for the conditions of this contest today, showing solid figs in dirt route races recently.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Marquis Downs

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


Race 6 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $4000 Class Rating: 69

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE IN 2015. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $2,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 2 KICKAPOLE 5/2


# 6 TOSS THE DICE 7/1


# 3 FACE YOUR FEAR 3/1


I think KICKAPOLE is a solid choice. Going in a dirt sprint race gives this gelding a competitive shot. TOSS THE DICE - He must be carefully examined given the competitive speed figures. This pony enters today's race now going off Lasix. FACE YOUR FEAR - The conditioner wheels this horse back quickly to race again. Could best this group based on the speed rating - 65 - of his last effort.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Valuline at Ruidoso Downs

Today's Most Likely Winner Is at:
Ruidoso Downs, Race 8 (Friday July 31, 2015)

SILENT PURPOSE

RUI-8 7.5f DIRT Seven Horses
"A" CLM 5,000 3YUP $7,600
P# dd ex p3 p4 t s ML WP TVL

6 SILENT PURPOSE 8/5 36% 9/5 Strong Favorite icon
5 R C DILLINGER 6/1 25% 3/1
7 BLACK CANYON 4/1 14% 6/1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Charles Town - Race #1 - Post: 7:05pm - Maiden Claiming - 4.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,500 Class Rating: 52

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 BIG BAD BUBBA (ML=5/2)


BIG BAD BUBBA - The rider/trainer tandem of Martinez and Martinez has a strong return on investment together. A horse coming back this quickly after a sharp race is a good omen. Just look at his most recent speed fig, 52. That one looks good in this bunch.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 KISS THE V I MASS (ML=3/1), #2 HE'S MY CHAMP (ML=9/2), #1 SILECTICO (ML=5/1),

KISS THE V I MASS - Finished second in his most recent race with a substandard speed rating. When I look at today's class rating, it would take an improved performance to win after that in this bunch. HE'S MY CHAMP - Didn't meet expectations when favored the last two times. SILECTICO - Multiple races for this questionable contender at Charles Town and still hasn't received his first victory here. This gelding hasn't been showing me anything positive in the last two races.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: The Brain - BIG BAD BUBBA - Looks like Martinez has been trying to find the right level for this horse. Took a big drop in class in last race, but returns to a similar level in this affair. To me, that's a good indication he may win today.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #5 BIG BAD BUBBA to win if we can get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
None

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Woodbine - Race #3 - Post: 1:57pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $32,900 Class Rating: 74

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 TOWN LEADER (ML=8/1)
#5 COURT ADJOURED (ML=3/1)
#1 COREY'S BEST (ML=6/1)


TOWN LEADER - Comparing how the horses in this field have fared under similar conditions, I see this horse has the highest Equibase speed figure for the distance-surface. Strong return on investment for this jockey and trainer tandem. Strong average class rating on this horse. Should have the ability to run well on the turf. Nosowenko drops her down to this class level. You don't need too much more information to think this thoroughbred will be one to beat at this level. COURT ADJOURED - Taking this rider/handler combination is a good move. In the last race on the sod, this animal was solid. Anything close in this race, and this one should win. This thoroughbred coming off a nice performance in the last month is a serious competitor in my humble opinion. COREY'S BEST - I am keen on that most recent effort on July 10th at Woodbine where she ran fourth. Wilson rode this mount for the first time last race out and comes right back in today's race. Looking like a possible overlay in this event at odds of 6/1. Finished fourth in last race at Woodbine but was close at the end. This thoroughbred has increased her speed ratings from a fig of 57 to 63 to 67 right in a row.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 FOREVER AFLEET (ML=8/5), #2 LILAH BIRD (ML=5/2), #7 MANHATTAN MOXY (ML=9/2),

FOREVER AFLEET - This animal hasn't been hitting the board in either of her last two races. LILAH BIRD - Not likely that this horse will finish better than she did last time when placing seventh. This filly notched a rating in her last event which probably isn't good enough in today's event. MANHATTAN MOXY - This horse just hasn't looked ready of late.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #3 TOWN LEADER to win if you can get at least 5/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
3 with [1,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,3,5] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[1,3,5] with [1,3,5] with [1,3,4,5,7] with [1,3,4,5,7] Total Cost: $36

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga

RACE #4 - SARATOGA RACE COURSE - 2:36 PM EASTERN POST


The Curlin Stakes

9.0 FURLONGS DIRT THREE YEAR OLDS STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#2 STANFORD
#7 TOMMY MACHO
#5 SMART TRANSITION
#3 TEKTON

Well folks ... restricted to 3-year-olds, the Curlin was first run in 2009 and named after the two-time Horse of the Year who won the 2008 Grade 1 Woodward at Saratoga. Trained by Steve Asmussen for the late Jess Jackson, Curlin won the 2007 Preakness and the 2007 Breeders' Cup Classic as a 3-year-old, and retired at the conclusion of his 4-year-old campaign as the first horse to break the $10 million mark in earnings, with $10,501,800. Here in the 7th renewal of this stakes test, #2 STANFORD has hit the board in each of his last five outings, including a pair of "POWER RUN WINS" being embedded in this recent streak of racing consistency. Jockey John Velazquez and Trainer Todd Pletcher send him to the post for the "Friday Feature" ... they've hit the board with 55% of nearly 300 entries saddled as a team to date. #7 TOMMY MACHO has hit the board in each of his four career starts to date, winning twice, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in his 2nd race back.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Friday 7/31 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

EARLY PICK 4:

8/1,2,3,6,8,10/7/2,5,9,10 = $24

LATE PICK 4: 5,7/7/2,3,5/1,2,3,5 = $24



MEET STATS: 197 - 648 / $1123.00 BEST BETS: 27 - 58 / $92.50

SPOT PLAYS: 7 - 58 / $57.30

Best Bet: SOUTHWIND INDY (9th)

Spot Play: COLORATURA (1st)


Race 1

(3) COLORATURA switched back to Zeron at the controls last week and raced much better. There should be enough early speed in here to set up her late kick; top call. (1) SHEGUINDAH broke her maiden in style last week, setting strong fractions and recording the fastest mile of any of these fillies. She's the one to catch. (9) SUMMERS JEWEL adds Lasix and should be heard from at some point of the mile.

Race 2

(1) DICKS SECRET wasn't close vs. better on Monday, now drops back into a claimer and gets a positive driver change; top call. (5) JOSEPH GERARD fits well in this class and is the one to chase down. (2) GIRL DRAMA faces much easier here but has also missed some time; mixed signals.

Race 3

(2) THE FIRE WITHIN showed little last time at Grand River but last time he raced at Mohawk he was taking a new life's mark. Perhaps he prefers the bigger oval. (7) SHIPPEN OUT raced very well last week only to be beaten by a pocket-sitter late. His 1-37 win record is concerning, obviously. (1) THUNDERSTRUCK won by the largest margin we've seen in some time last time out at Grand River. He can be a factor starting from the inside here.

Race 4

(8) BOB BEN AND JOHN faces by far the easiest field he has seen all year and should get the job done here. (9) IM A GIFT - the trotting-bred pacer - was impressive in his debut firing home quickly for 2nd. He could threaten the choice if he is kept closer early. (6) WINDSONG LORD is a good one for the tri, but still has only one win vs. seven slices.

Race 5

(8) HILLSONATOR has a useful Mohawk debut off a break last week and is one of many that can win this in a leg you should go deep in the pick 4. (3) TSWALU finally broke his maiden in good time at Kawartha last time. He can be dangerous if he steals a breather to the 1/2. (10) STEEL RESERVE closed a big gap late and beat the choice out of 2nd. He's another in with a chance.

Race 6

(7) MACH CODE faced the speedy P L Idaho last time on a speed-favoring track and raced well, considering. This Grassroots company should be more to his liking; top call. (4) SPORTING THE LOOK couldn't close into an accelerating late pace last week but wasn't that far out of 2nd at the wire. He should be close here. (8) MYSTICAL JET raced well coming off a 3-week break Monday night with his trainer at the controls and now picks up a catch driver. He should get a share here.

Race 7

(2) JET HOT STUFF closed with a rush for 2nd last week in her best performance in several months. She looks like she is in top form now and should be a square price here; top call. (5) ANDRO MADI threw in a clunker last week but was claimed by a top claiming outfit and could rebound here. (10) MILEYS BIG WORLD comes off a vet scratch following a claim. She's handled the 10-hole before; beware.

Race 8

(7) HAPE roared up late to notch a comfortable win from the 10-hole last week and looks best here in her current form. (5) MEADOW SEELSTER tried the Dream of Glory elims over Hanover's 1/2 miler and broke both early and late. He has been solid on bigger ovals; contender. (4) OH MY MAGIC when last seen at Mohawk was winning easily in Grassroots company. She should be along late for a good share here.

Race 9

(7) SOUTHWIND INDY raced well on the speed-biased track two-back then parlayed that into an impressive win last week vs. tougher. He looks like a single in this late pick 4 but will also be a big chalk here. (5) FEELING CAM LUCKY made two moves after leaving from an outer post and still hung on for third; exacta factor. (3) SPORTS LIGHTNING broke early last week losing all chance. The start previous he had no shot in a rapid mile aided by the surface. He could factor at a big price here.

Race 10

(3) HIS BOY ELROY closed impressively last week but the winner was already long gone. He has a big shot vs. these. (2) MACH ON THE BEACH took a new life's mark over the 1/2 mile oval at Three Rivers last Sunday and is an obvious danger here. (5) SUGARSAM was only narrowly beaten by the one above despite breaking stride early. Keep this one on your late pick 4 tickets.

Race 11

(3) KISS ME OR NOT got hung the mile from the outermost post at Georgian last time but two back was just 3/4 of a length behind a good stakes filly. She can handle this group. (1) LOTSA MATZAH parlayed a perfect trip into an easy win last week but most of these aren't much tougher. She can contend here. (2) MEA LILLEY MARK set solid splits but picked off late by the one above. She can get a share here.

Race 12

(8) PICTONIAN CAPER was claimed two back then out the route in his Mohawk return and understandably tired. He would be far more dangerous if he blasted right to the front here. (6) CASIMIR OVERDRIVE won at a big price first time in a claimer. Maybe he's found the right level. (5) SHARK LEAP HANOVER drops into a claimer for the first time off a break and dramatic improvement here wouldn't be a shock. (2) ART OF DARKNESS rarely wins but often shares; use in your super and high-5 tickets. (1) LCM NUKULAR STRIKE is another that can make the lower rungs of vertical wagers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Meadowlands: Friday 7/31 Analysis
By Derick Giwner

DRF HARNESS

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 3 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Race 7 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

CHAMPIONSHIP MEET STATS: 95 - 331 / $482.70 BEST BETS: 13 - 25 / $47.30

Best Bet: KATHY PARKER (8th)

Spot Play: TOM HILL (10th)


Race 1

(1) GIFTED WAY gets a nice post adjustment and has the early speed to take charge versus a suspect group. (8) FASHION CREDITOR has been facing mostly better foes and has a big shot on the class drop. (3) FIRST IN FLIGHT qualified with a good final quarter and unlike many in here, she doesn’t have a history of losing behind her.

Race 2

(1) BROADWAY DONNA arrives on the big stage after successfully destroying her PASS competition. Homebred Fashion Farms filly from the combination of Donato Hanover-Broadway Schooner could be something special. (5) CELEBRITY EVENTSY had to wait for room and closed fast in her debut mile, plus Brett Miller chose her over a Jimmy Takter-trained horse. If she was in another division, I would have picked her on top. (4) HOLLYWOOD HILL has raced well so far but needs to find a few seconds to compete tonight.

Race 3

(7) ROCK ME BABY finally didn’t make a break when qualifying on Saturday and paced home with a visually impressive burst of speed. This daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven has some untapped ability and should offer a price. (6) SHOW TIME HILL has been right there at the wire in all three lifetime starts. (4) ALBANY GIRL picks up a catch-driver and could be handled aggressively. (3) SOULMATE HANOVER looks fast enough to compete.

Race 4

(3) WOMANS WILL won her first two career starts before running into Broadway Donna in her most recent outing. She looks as good as any in a wide-open elimination of the Jim Doherty. (5) GIFTED LADY couldn’t quite keep up with the speedy All The Time, who wasn’t eligible for this series. John Campbell should have her forwardly placed. (7) TWICE IS RIGHT could end up as the favorite and I didn’t like her most recent effort enough to back her at a short price. (8) HOT CURRY has displayed enough ability to compete given a reasonable trip.

Race 5

(1) SOUTHWIND FRANK blasted down the road in the NJSS final and went much faster in that start than any of these have ever travelled. (8) TACO TUESDAY qualified very well but blew up at the start in his pari-mutuel debut. I’m not ready to give up on this guy yet. (5) EARN AND BURN comes off a decent try and figures to be close to the action. (6) ALEXANDER HANOVER bested the former from the pocket last time out.

Race 6

(2) GURAL HANOVER looks like one of three potential early speed players in the race and he is perfectly drawn in the middle of the trio, ensuring no worse than a pocket trip. You have to think this guy will like the idea of not having to face JL Cruze for the first time since June 28, also the last time he won. (5) WIND OF THE NORTH qualified nicely in his return from Sweden and figures prominently. (4) CLASSIC MARTINE seems likely to get away third if she leaves and might need some stretch luck. (2A) HANDOVER BELLE just missed a week ago in the Open Handicap; insurance for the top choice.

Race 7

(4) REAL DRAMA has been stuck in bad posts in her last two starts and didn’t exactly get perfect trip in her previous pair of outings. Four-year-old seems as fast as any in here when on her game and should have a big shot in here. (9) CAVIART SHELLY is 15-for-19 in the money this year and has the early zip to overcome the outside post. (1) WITCH DALI is going to win one of these weeks and I hope I have her on my tickets that night. (7) INITTOWINAFORTUNE drops down and this barn is capable of sending out a winner at any time.

Race 8

(4) KATHY PARKER comes off a nice win at Pocono and may just be a small step ahead of this group right now. We see driver Johnny Takter come in from Sweden every year at this time and win a race, so don’t count him as a negative. (8) ENCORE GOLD comes off a win and picks up a catch-driver this time. (6) SILVIA was a sharp winner two starts back. Can she find that form?

Race 9

In a race that is loaded with talented youngster, (9) WINTER HARBOR was a very impressive winner pulling away from weaker foes with ease in his career debut. The post and more talented competition are obstacles, but he may just be that good. (6) BAR HOPPING always seems to be coming hard late in the mile and he may offer value with Jimmy Takter in the bike. (8) BROOKLYN HILL dropped two seconds in his most recent race, but that was only good for fifth. Another step forward puts him right there with this bunch. (4) LAGERFELD doesn’t seem to mind taking some air on the rim; quality I like.

Race 10

(1) TOM HILL impressed in his latest qualifier and seems to have some ability. (3) MICHAEL’S VICTORY tried to blast down the road at Pocono and came up just short. That can be a good learning experience. (9) BOTTOM DEALS is another young colt that has shown me some promise. The outside draw is the main negative.

Race 11

(1A) THE BANK raced huge in the Stanley Dancer but I could also see him getting an easy week with the Hambletonian coming up; he’s best, but have mixed feelings. (5) DONATOMITE has been progressing slowly as he gets down to the time he needs to compete in the Hambo next week. I’ll be using him tonight and keeping an eye on him for next week if he races well. (1) FRENCH LAUNDRY is coupled with the top choice and a strong alternate if he decides to get an ‘easy’ race. (2A) CRESCENT FASHION is off consecutive wins and steps up on the big track now.

Race 12

(1) LIGHTNING STORM almost went down the road despite missing a few weeks last time. It seems the trotting hobbles have worked. (5) DREAM ROCKER moves from an amateur driver to Gingras; at least some improvement expected. (4) ELIN has been racing well lately and should be along for a good piece. (3) JACKIE GOLDSTEIN was caught up in a fast pace most recently; exotics player.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Friday 7/31 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 127 - 639 / $908.80 BEST BETS: 15 - 55 / $70.40

Best Bet: DUE WEST HANOVER (10th)

Spot Play: JUMP THE SHARK (1st)


Race 1

(3) JUMP THE SHARK moves back inside when he did show signs of life on July 2nd rallying to finish in a dead heat for third; can take this with Sears with the assignment. (1) TRIP HANOVER needs a better trip from his rail slot to contend; maybe. (4) SODYS MOONSHINE has good tactical speed; possible with a favorable trip.

Race 2

(5) THERAPUTIC rallied on the rim to finish third just missing by a length and three quarters. Trotting gelding appears to be moving in the right direction and could boss this group at his best. (1) OUTBURST makes his return to Yonkers after a slight vacation at Philly. Sharp in victory last out and should be a threat from the fence. (2) LAUDERDALE leaves from the 2-hole and is back with NW18k where he was very sharp to hold on for the place spot on July 3rd; watch out.

Race 3

(7) MR BIG LOAD If you throw out his previous outing, back on July 10th this gelding came close to getting the job done against Too Darn Hot; should be up to the task to make tonight a winning one. (2) PREMIUM STOCK ships in from Pocono where he beat lesser company last time out; dangerous. (1) VIRGINONTHEBEACH did not fire in his last start but might fare quite well from the fence and Brennan signs on to drive; beware.

Race 4

(1) ART FOR ARTS SAKE I cannot figure out what happened in his last try. Hopefully he will enjoy a better chance from the rail. Three starts back this gelding was late on the scene from 8th to land the place spot; return to his winning ways is not out of the question. (2) LIGHTNING STRIKE was sitting in the pocket but had nothing left in the tank and faded to fifth in his recent trip. Sharp on June 22nd, 29th and July 2nd respectably so he must be considered in the exotics. (7) DUKES UP gets a bad post but clearly he was very good last out to just miss by a head; dangerous.

Race 5

(4) ROCK TO GLORY returns from a brief period at Saratoga with a win and a second. This pacer fits with this group and can boss these with a fine-timed drive from Eric Carlson. (1) HYPNOTIST closed very fast in his latest to just miss the victory by a length and a quarter; big factor. (2) GOLD ROCKS comes by way of Ohio facing Open foes there and his last one he showed good early zip; not out of this.

Race 6

This Open pace event seems to be a match between (7) VENUS DELIGHT and (8) CINAMONY. The former could not handle the big track at The Meadowlands so she's back to her stomping grounds. Pacing miss will try once again to mow down the likely favorite (8) CINAMONY, who is on one fine streak. So we will see if she still has plenty of gas left in the tank to grab her sixth in a row. (6) SKIPPIN BY has nailed down two straight victories and a hard fought finish to victory last out; contender.

Race 7

(2) MATTIE TERROR GIRL moved outside and was charging from fifth to grab the place spot missing by only a length in her recent trip to the post. Mare figures to put her best foot forward. (8) SENSATIONALGABBY A made her U.S. debut a winning one just to hold on for the score in a sharp 1:52 2/5; the one to fear. (3) SIR JILLIAN Z TAM gets class relief and that might help her cause against these; watch out.

Race 8

(6) I DO IT MYSELF gets the class relief she needs in this event. Pacing mare does have tactical speed so with a favorable trip she can get back to her winning self just like she did on June 25th sitting in the pocket to win by 2 1/2 lengths. (3) ROYAL KNOCKOUT Two starts back this gal took off like a shot to get the job done by a head; dangerous. (1) COCOA BEACH took the pocket route from the rail last out to be the boss over lesser; can't ignore.

Race 9

(5) BRETT MCFAVRELOUS tried to make some noise from the pocket but could not get to the top pair last time around. Gelding is knocking at the door and should be up to the task to break it down with a fine-timed drive from Jordan Stratton. (2) LIVE ON was sharp in his recent try but could not get by from the passing lane; big threat. (3) BOILER BREES Invades Yonkers with 13 of 23 on the board finishes; not out of this.

Race 10

(5) DUE WEST HANOVER did put in a mild rally for fifth in his last start. Gelding was sharp on the rim to grab the place spot on July 13th; could top these at his best. (4) ROLLWITHITHARRY was sitting in the pocket the entire trip but could close any ground on the top two last out; could be a factor against this group. (1) SAMS ESCAPE closed outside to nail down the score last time out. Steps up in class but is capable.

Race 11

Contestants from last week's event square off (1) RAMPAGE JACKSON was sent to the front by Brennan from the 8-hole. Led every step of the way but could not hold off Santanna One and the charging JD's Caleb Man and lasted for the show spot. Now gelding moves to the fence; expect a tour de force assignment. (5) SANTANNA ONE was chasing the former in the pocket throughout, caught that one in the passing lane and had the lead briefly but was nailed by JD's Caleb Man by a neck. (6) JDS CALEB MAN was sitting fifth, came out on the rim and closed down the center of the track to get the job done against the top pair; consistent to factor again.

Race 12

(2) HOT LIST was facing open foes at Vernon last time out and was sent off as the 3-5 choice but could not get the job done there. The escalation should help her cause; threat at her best. (8) FOR THE LADIES N draws badly but moves back to the NW25k ranks where she was second missing by only a length and a half; watch out. (6) RD IOU the drop in class has given this gal some confidence to be a fast closing second recently; can't be eliminated.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Friday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Arlington Park (3rd) O No Not U Again, 7-2
(7th) Madamoiselle Bond, 3-1

Belterra Park (2nd) Camp Zippy, 3-1
(4th) Dig Blue Water, 4-1

Canterbury Park (3rd) Crossed Boundary, 4-1
(4th) Dear Fay, 7-2


Charles Town (3rd) Stormy Witch, 3-1
(4th) Orland Flash, 7-2


Del Mar (5th) Fast Track, 5-1
(6th) Desert Dynamo, 4-1


Ellis Park (3rd) Susans Quest, 5-1
(8th) Cold Spice, 9-2


Emerald Downs (3rd) Cats Ransom, 7-2
(6th) Mo's Flashy Date, 3-1


Evangeline Downs (2nd) Lily Camellia, 4-1
(8th) Friend of Indy, 5-1


Finger Lakes (3rd) Hi Ho Silverman, 4-1
(6th) Patron Saint, 3-1


Gulfstream Park (3rd) Little Twitch, 7-2
(10th) Siccar, 3-1


Indiana Grand (7th) Bonnie Brette, 5-1
(8th) Two If by Sea, 3-1


Laurel Park (2nd) Heidi's Holiday, 7-2
(7th) Angel of the Nile, 3-1


Louisiana Downs (4th) Hey Meestermeester, 7-2
(6th) Wolf City, 3-1


Monmouth Park (2nd) Hopefally, 3-1
(8th) Prague, 3-1


Penn National (2nd) Run for Luck, 9-2
(8th) Repentless Lady, 3-1


Prairie Meadows (6th) Successful Show, 4-1
(7th) Weknewuweretrouble, 5-1


Santa Rosa (5th) Lucky Silverdollar, 9-2
(7th) Time and Tides, 3-1


Saratoga (7th) Kabang, 7-2
(9th) Big Looie, 6-1


Thistledown (2nd) Fivefeethi Nrisen, 4-1
(7th) Magna Rex, 7-2


Woodbine (4th) Don't Worry, 6-1
(7th) Absolute, 3-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Win Total Update - July

Entering August, division races are starting to tighten up in the AL West and NL West, while the Wild Card races are getting closer by the day. Several teams have made major moves at the trade deadline to improve their playoff chances (Toronto) or solidify postseason spots (Kansas City and Houston). Looking back at July, a handful of clubs stepped up during the dog days of baseball, highlighted by the South Siders.

The White Sox pulled off a 7-1 road trip at Cleveland and Boston to post a 16-9 record in July. Chicago still has a long way to go as far as a playoff position, but dominated on the highway with a 10-2 mark away from U.S. Cellular Field. Twelve of the next 15 games for the Sox are at home, as Chicago tries to improve on a 1-5 record in the last six on the South Side.

The Yankees travel to Chicago this weekend, as the Bronx Bombers quietly put together a 16-7 record in July to open up a 6 ½-game edge in the AL East. New York dominated on the highway with a 7-3 ledger, including a 21-run output in Tuesday’s blowout of Texas. The Yankees compiled a solid 7-1 home record in their final eight July home games, while allowing three runs or less six times in this stretch.

Two of the teams chasing the Yankees in the AL East took a step back in July as the Orioles and Rays both stumbled. Baltimore began July with a dreadful 5-13 record, but won five of six towards the end of the month to pull back above the .500 mark. Tampa Bay had plenty of promise through the first two months of the season in spite of injuries to its rotation, but it caught up with the Rays in July. A 5-7 record following the All-Star break combined with New York’s hot stretch has separated the two teams in the division, as the Rays don’t face the Yankees again until early September.

Below are each team’s records for April, May, June, and July along with their current pace to cash their season ‘over’ or ‘under’ win totals.

National League Win Totals
Team Win Total - 2015 April Record May Record June Record July Record Projection
Arizona 72 ½ 10-11 13-15 14-14 12-11
Atlanta 73 ½ 10-12 15-13 11-16 10-15
Chicago 81 ½ 12-8 14-14 14-13 14-12
Cincinnati 79 11-11 11-16 13-14 11-13
Colorado 70 ½ 11-10 11-16 12-17 9-14
L.A. Dodgers 91 13-8 16-12 15-15 13-10
Miami 81 ½ 10-12 10-19 12-15 10-13
Milwaukee 80 5-17 12-17 14-14 13-11
N.Y. Mets 81 15-8 13-15 12-15 12-12
Philadelphia 67 8-15 11-18 8-19 12-12
Pittsburgh 85 ½ 12-10 14-13 17-9 17-8
San Diego 84 11-12 13-15 12-15 12-11
San Francisco 85 9-13 21-9 12-14 14-9
St. Louis 87 ½ 15-6 18-11 18-8 14-12
Washington 93 10-13 18-9 15-12 11-12


American League Win Totals
Team Win Total - 2015 April Record May Record June Record July Record Projection
Baltimore 84 ½ 10-10 13-16 18-10 10-14
Boston 86 12-10 10-19 14-14 9-15
Chicago 82 8-11 15-15 10-16 16-9
Cleveland 81 7-14 17-12 11-15 12-13
Detroit 81 15-8 13-15 11-13 11-15
Houston 73 ½ 15-7 16-13 15-14 12-11
Kansas City 83 15-7 14-12 15-11 17-10
L.A. Angels 87 ½ 11-11 15-13 14-13 14-9
Minnesota 68 ½ 10-12 20-7 11-17 12-15
N.Y. Yankees 80 13-9 13-16 15-12 16-7
Oakland 82 ½ 9-14 11-19 15-12 10-13
Seattle 85 10-12 14-14 11-16 11-15
Tampa Bay 77 ½ 12-10 14-15 16-12 9-15
Texas 76 ½ 7-14 19-11 14-13 9-14
Toronto 83 ½ 11-12 12-17 18-9 10-13

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB Preview: Angels (55-46) at Dodgers (57-45)

Game: 1
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: July 31, 2015 10:10 PM EDT

A day after the Los Angeles Dodgers bolstered their pitching staff, Clayton Kershaw appears ready to continue his recent dominance.

Riding the majors' longest active scoreless streak, the left-hander opens the Freeway Series on Friday night against the struggling Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium.

Though Kershaw (8-6, 2.51 ERA) saw his bid for a perfect game end in the seventh inning last Thursday against the New York Mets, he hasn't allowed a run in 29 innings after tossing a three-hitter with 11 strikeouts during that 3-0 win.

"That's what aces do. When he's like that, they've got no chance," teammate Jimmy Rollins told MLB's official website.

Kershaw last yielded a run in the fourth inning of a 2-1 loss to the Mets on July 3. In three starts since, he's recorded two complete games and struck out 38 without a walk over 26 innings to become the first pitcher in history with three straight scoreless starts that included no walks and at least 10 strikeouts.

Kershaw, 3-1 with an 0.97 ERA in his last five home starts, had this start pushed back from Wednesday due to hip soreness.

"He was still a little tender," manager Don Mattingly said. "So with the off day (Thursday), we didn't think there was any reason to push it."

Kershaw, 1-0 with a 2.57 ERA in three home starts against the Angels (55-46), tries to help the Dodgers to a fourth consecutive victory in the series. With Zack Greinke scheduled to pitch Saturday, it's possible Sunday's start could go to Mat Latos, who was acquired along with Alex Wood, relievers Jim Johnson, Luis Avilan, outfielder Michael Morse, injured veteran Bronson Arroyo and infield prospect Jose Peraza as part of a three-team, 13-player trade with Miami and Atlanta. Morse, however, also was designated for assignment.

The Dodgers (57-45) gave up touted infielder prospect Hector Olivera, reliever Paco Rodriguez and a minor leaguer.

'To sit here having addressed the biggest areas of need for us in terms of rotation and bullpen, while adding future pieces and preserving the top guys in our farm system, that's a really good outcome,' team president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said.

The Angels acquired veteran outfielders Shane Victorino, David DeJesus and David Murphy this week but that trio is 2 for 15 with its new club. Losers in six of seven, the Angels were limited to eight runs while being swept in a three-game set at Houston, which leads them by two in the AL West.

"We need to regroup and start to build momentum again," manager Mike Scioscia said.

Mike Trout returned after sitting two games with a sore wrist but went 0 for 3 in Thursday's 3-0 defeat. He's 2 for 3 with a walk versus Kershaw.

Albert Pujols is 10 for 22 with four doubles during the regular season and playoffs against Kershaw. He's batted .375 with four homers and nine RBIs in his last 12 at Dodger Stadium.

All-Star Hector Santiago (7-4, 2.43) is 3-0 with a 1.70 ERA in his last six starts but allowed four runs, five hits and three walks over five innings of a 7-6 loss to Texas on Saturday.

The left-hander gave up four runs over 5 1-3 innings while not factoring in the decision of a 5-4 loss last season in his only start against the Dodgers.

Howie Kendrick, who batted .292 with 501 RBIs while playing his first nine seasons with the Angels before being dealt to the Dodgers in December, takes a .323 home batting average into his first meeting against his former team.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves (46-56) at Phillies (39-64)

Game: 2
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: July 31, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

This was scheduled to be Cole Hamels' turn in the Philadelphia Phillies' rotation, but as expected, it's not going to happen.

He's far from the only recently departed veteran being replaced on the field Friday night in Philadelphia with the Atlanta Braves in town continuing a series of two of the NL's biggest sellers before the trade deadline.

More deals could be on the way for these clubs. One of the top names being mentioned is Phillies leadoff hitter Ben Revere, who leads the team with a .298 average and 24 steals.

"Anything can happen. One phone call or one trade could happen," Revere told MLB's official website. "But really I'm not thinking about it."

Philadelphia (39-64) owns the majors' worst record despite going 10-2 since the All-Star break and began trading away some major pieces this week, sending Hamels to Texas after shipping closer Jonathan Papelbon to Washington.

"They're trying to rebuild the team. We just have to keep going," catcher Carlos Ruiz said. "But definitely it's sad when you're around one of your teammates for a long time and then they have to go away."

Ruiz had two RBIs in his 1,000th career game Thursday, helping the Phillies win the series opener 4-1. Ken Giles got his second save in as many chances since replacing Papelbon.

David Buchanan is taking Hamels' place Friday even though that trade hasn't been finalized. Matt Harrison could eventually join the rotation as part of the package from the Rangers along with four prospects, and reliever Jake Diekman is supposedly headed to Texas despite being in the Phillies' bullpen Thursday.

The Braves (46-56) have a new-look bullpen as well. They traded relievers Jim Johnson and Luis Avilan along with starter Alex Wood to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday in a 13-player deal which involved Miami. Atlanta also gave up top infield prospect Jose Peraza but received highly coveted Cuban infielder Hector Olivera.

"You build relationships and friendships," first baseman Freddie Freeman said. "It's always tough to see them leave. You wish them the best over there. But this is obviously tough from a personal standpoint."

Olivera could soon be batting behind Freeman, the No. 3 hitter who is 3 for 23 following a month-long absence for a bruised wrist. Adonis Garcia, a 30-year-old rookie, was moved into the cleanup spot for the past three games but went 1 for 11 without an RBI.

The Braves also received injured left-hander Paco Rodriguez and minor league pitcher Zachary Bird in Thursday's deal, which came six days after lineup regulars Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson were traded to the New York Mets for prospects. It has been rumored that A.J. Pierzynski, Cameron Maybin and Jonny Gomes could also be traded by Atlanta, a loser of 11 of 12 on the road and 14 of 18 overall.

Another part of looking toward the future will be seeing Williams Perez (4-0, 2.88) come off the disabled list to make his first start since June 26, when a comebacker resulted in a bruised foot.

The rookie right-hander had pitched very well after getting called up May 6, posting a 2.31 ERA in eight starts after originally coming out of the bullpen. Perez, though, averaged 4.14 walks per nine innings in 11 games and hit six batters. He showed better control during three rehab starts for Triple-A Gwinnett, walking one and striking out 15 in 11 2-3 innings as he allowed one earned run.

Buchanan (1-5, 7.00 ERA) is being recalled after a seven-inning victory for Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday. He was sent down five days earlier, just moments after getting his lone win of 2015 - allowing three runs in 6 1-3 innings of a 5-3 victory over Tampa Bay.

Philadelphia's Domonic Brown hit his first homer of the season Thursday and is batting .429 in his last eight games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tigers (50-52) at Orioles (51-50)

Game: 2
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: July 31, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

Detroit's front office is clearly looking to the future.

Brad Ausmus and the Tigers, though, are focusing on the present after a win over streaking Baltimore.

Detroit seeks its third straight victory Friday night against the Orioles at Camden Yards.

The Tigers (50-52) are only 3 1/2 games out of a wild-card spot in their bid for a fifth straight postseason appearance, though they're behind five teams, including Baltimore (51-50). Deals completed Thursday that sent ace David Price to Toronto and closer Joakim Soria to Pittsburgh spoke volumes about general manager Dave Dombrowski's priorities, however.

"I would much rather be acquiring than I would be trading," Dombrowski said. "But it's just where we are at this point.'

Detroit received three left-handed pitchers from the Blue Jays, including 2011 second-round pick Daniel Norris. From the Pirates, they acquired infielder JaCoby Jones, who has 60 RBIs and 15 stolen bases in 96 minor league games this year.

The Tigers held on for a 9-8 victory Thursday in Baltimore powered by 16 hits - including three each from Yoenis Cespedes, Ian Kinsler and Jose Iglesias. Cespedes, second on the club with 61 RBIs, has also been mentioned in trade speculation and could be gone before Friday's deadline.

"We're not giving up," Ausmus said. "Would we rather have Price and Soria? Of course. But we don't."

Chris Davis and Adam Jones homered for the Orioles, who gave up two more runs than they had allowed during a five-game winning streak. Baltimore, conversely, could be looking to acquire a bat Friday - specifically to play left field. The Orioles have been one of baseball's least productive teams at that position, batting .210 with a major league-low 25 RBIs.

"That's the bet," manager Buck Showalter said of his team making a trade. "If you told me to be on which side of it, I'll take 51-49."

Wei-Yin Chen (5-6, 2.88 ERA) looks to bounce back for Baltimore after failing to record a quality start for the first time in seven games, allowing two runs over 5 1-3 innings of a 5-2 win at Tampa Bay on Sunday. He gave up two homers, something he's done in four of his last six outings. His 1.41 home runs allowed per nine innings are a career-worst.

The left-hander wasn't entirely pleased with being yanked after just 86 pitches.

"I was taken out of the game because I allowed a couple of runners to get on base," he said through a translator. "Anybody would be angry in that situation."

Detroit has been one of the majors' best teams against left-handed pitching, batting .274, and Jose Iglesias is hitting .375.

Chen won his last start against the Tigers, 7-5 in Detroit in 2012, despite giving up five runs in five innings.

Buck Farmer (0-2, 9.22) makes his first appearance for Detroit since a relief outing July 11 when he gave up two runs over 3 1-3 innings against Minnesota.

He's still seeking his first career win after struggling through his first four career starts. He has surrendered 23 runs in 16 2-3 innings, and opponents are hitting .373. He needed 103 pitches to complete 5 1-3 innings in his last start, an 8-2 loss at Cleveland on June 24.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals (61-40) at Blue Jays (52-51)

Game: 2
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: July 31, 2015 7:07 PM EDT

After receiving a warm welcome from his new team, Johnny Cueto is ready to show the Kansas City Royals they made the right move by adding him to the mix.

Cueto makes his Royals debut Friday night in Toronto against a Blue Jays club that's also bolstered its roster considerably this week.

Though Kansas City (61-40) enjoys a comfortable lead atop the AL Central, it lacked a true ace before acquiring Cueto from Cincinnati for left-handers Brandon Finnegan, John Lamb and Cody Reed on Sunday. Meeting his new teammates for the first time Tuesday with the Royals in Cleveland, the right-hander was greeted with a welcome sign from some players and staff and given a crown to wear.

"I'm just very happy and very proud to be part of this club," said Cueto, who won 92 games in seven-plus seasons for the Reds and was 7-6 with a 2.62 ERA this year.

"I'm excited about my next chapter," he added.

A passionate competitor, Cueto is expected to fit in well with a confident Kansas City group that continues to embrace the same team concept that led to the 2014 AL pennant.

"It's an easy group to get along with," said Eric Hosmer, batting .500 in his last 13 games. "We have a lot of fun. When the game starts we play, we give everything we've got. We know he's a similar type guy. We're looking forward to having him."

Cueto, third in the majors in opponent batting average (.196), gave up four hits in eight scoreless innings of a 5-2 victory at Colorado on Saturday.

He's 2-0 with a 3.86 ERA in two starts against the Blue Jays (52-51) and will see a familiar face in Troy Tulowitzki. The ex-Rockie is 3 for 13 with a double and a home run against him.

Tulowitzki has won both games he's played since being acquired, going 3 for 5 with two doubles and a home run in his debut Wednesday before going hitless in Thursday's 5-2 victory over the Royals. The Blue Jays made another huge move prior to that win by nabbing David Price from Detroit for left-hander Daniel Norris and two prospects.

"These types of players, the great superstar players, rarely become available," general manager Alex Anthopoulos said. "We think we're a good team and adding a guy like Price we think makes us that much stronger and will give us a chance to win. It's as simple as that."

While Price could make his Toronto debut in Sunday's finale, Drew Hutchison (9-2, 5.42 ERA) tries to become the first Blue Jay since A.J. Burnett in 2008 to win six consecutive home starts. He's yielded three earned runs over 32 2-3 innings during that five-start wining streak and is 7-1 with a 2.21 ERA in nine starts at Rogers Centre.

Hutchison, however, gave up six runs in four innings of Saturday's 8-6 victory at Seattle. He's received a major league-high 7.83 run support average.

The right-hander's only two starts against the Royals were in Kansas City, going 1-1 with a 6.57 ERA.

Ben Zobrist is 1 for 8 when facing Hutchison and went 0 for 4 in his Royals debut Thursday as they lost a second straight after winning four in a row.

Edwin Encarnacion went 2 for 4 with a home run against Cueto last season but could miss a third straight contest with a finger injury.

Cueto has not yielded a homer in five consecutive starts, but Toronto has hit at least one in 12 straight and is third in the majors with 135.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals (54-46) at Mets (52-50)

Game: 1
Venue: Citi Field
Date: July 31, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

For a team one day away from entering August in first place, a weekend visit to the club immediately behind it in the standings might generally be approached with a mindset of wanting to get out of town without losing any ground.

By the Washington Nationals' recent standard in New York, though, they shouldn't be happy with anything short of a sweep.

The NL East's top two teams square off Friday night with the Nationals out to double their three-game lead over the Mets.

The Nationals (54-46) haven't lost a road series with the Mets (52-50) since their first meeting in 2013, going 18-3 since with three shutouts in the last five games.

One of those was started by Gio Gonzalez, who's 6-1 with a 1.66 ERA in nine career road starts against the Mets. The left-hander limited them to six hits with nine strikeouts in seven innings of a 1-0 victory May 2. Gonzalez (8-4, 3.83 ERA) also limited the Mets to two runs and six hits in six innings of a 7-2 home victory July 20.

New York's struggles have been highlighted by Wilmer Flores (1 for 13), Curtis Granderson (3 for 27), Lucas Duda (3 for 17) and Travis d'Arnaud (2 for 11), while Juan Lagares is 10 for 22 with a home run, triple and three doubles.

Gonzalez is up against Matt Harvey, who allowed two runs in seven innings of a 15-2 home win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday. Harvey (9-7, 3.16) improved to 3-0 with a 1.33 ERA in his last four home starts.

The right-hander matched up with Gonzalez on July 20 and was tagged with five runs and five hits in seven innings. Harvey had given up three earned runs in his previous six starts against the Nationals and remains 3-2 with a 1.34 ERA.

Bryce Harper is 0 for 14 with seven strikeouts against Harvey, the only of 49 pitchers he has more than eight at-bats against without a hit.

Some of that pressure could be relieved by Ryan Zimmerman, who's 4 for 14 with a home run off Harvey, and the first baseman homered for the first time in his three games back from the disabled list in Thursday's 1-0 victory in Miami. He's 4 for 11 since coming back, and along with the return of Jayson Werth and the trade for Jonathan Papelbon, Washington has talent new and old joining the mix to contribute.

"Just hitting the ball well and getting good at-bats is the key," Zimmerman told MLB's official website. "I'm not trying to hit home runs or anything like that. I'm just grinding out at-bats and getting my timing back. Everything feels good."

The Mets are hoping for similar production from a returning bat. D'Arnaud is likely to come off the disabled list Friday after missing 33 games with a sprained right elbow, but the club plans to ease the catcher into action.

"He won't be a four-in-a-row guy," manager Terry Collins said. "He might play two and get a day off. We'll see how he feels. The last time we did this, he played in two in a row and the second day, he was really sore at the end of the game."

In Thursday's 8-7 home loss to San Diego, pitching was the problem as New York dropped the last two of a three-game series. The Mets allowed 15 runs in the two defeats, and they led 7-1 after six innings in the latest.

Jeurys Familia tried to protect a two-run lead in the ninth Thursday but allowed a three-run homer with two outs to fall to 0 for 3 in save opportunities since the All-Star break.

'He just has to locate,' Collins said. 'The pitches he made were over the middle of the plate.'

Since being taxed with 10 1-3 innings of work in an 18-inning game July 19, the bullpen has a 5.59 ERA.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pirates (59-42) at Reds (46-54)

Game: 2
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: July 31, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

The Pittsburgh Pirates continue to have difficulty with the Cincinnati Reds but might face a different-looking team Friday night.

The Reds could make at least one deal ahead of the trade deadline and before their attempt at a ninth win in 11 games against the Pirates, who made a notable move of their own Thursday.

After winning five of six, Pittsburgh (59-42) was dominated in a 15-5 loss Thursday. It was the sixth loss in a row at Cincinnati for the Pirates, who have surrendered an average of 5.6 runs while going 2-8 in the season series.

Brandon Phillips became the first major leaguer with four hits, two homers, seven RBIs (a career high) and two stolen bases in a game since the RBI became an official statistic in 1920.

Pittsburgh's bullpen gave up seven runs and has a 5.97 ERA over the past 12 games but added a new piece Thursday, acquiring closer Joakim Soria from Detroit. He'll move into a setup role while Mark Melancon remains the closer.

Two Reds who have been in trade rumors, Jay Bruce and Marlon Byrd, each had three RBIs on Thursday. Starting pitcher Mike Leake was shipped to San Francisco for two prospects late Thursday, and closer Aroldis Chapman also could be traded before Friday afternoon's deadline.

"I don't think there (are) probably a lot of guys that are comfortable and are able to sit in front of their locker and not think about the trade deadline. When we get past it, I think we'll be in a better place," manager Bryan Price told MLB's official website. "Of course we've won three in a row with the trade deadline hanging over our head. I've been really impressed with how the guys have handled it."

Cincinnati (46-54) will pursue a season high-tying fourth consecutive victory and try to extend its longest home win streak over the Pirates since a seven-game run from 1996-97.

The Reds will likely need a much improved performance from Michael Lorenzen (3-5, 4.58 ERA) than in a 17-7 loss in Colorado on Sunday. The right-hander was charged with a career-worst eight runs in 2 1-3 innings in his third consecutive defeat.

Lorenzen's first major league win came in his only start against the Pirates, yielding one run and three hits in six innings of a 7-1 victory May 5.

Jeff Locke (5-6, 4.15) is 0-2 with a 5.18 ERA in his last five starts versus the Reds, and he's allowed eight runs and 16 hits in 11 innings against them this year.

The left-hander has one victory in his last six outings. Locke had a 2.15 ERA in the first five games in that stretch, then gave up four runs in the fourth of his five innings last Friday against Washington. He did not get a decision in a 7-5 victory.

Joey Votto is 6 for 17 with two doubles against Locke and is batting .568 with a 1.570 OPS in his last 13 games after going 3 for 4 on Thursday. Votto is 7 for 18 in his last four games against Pittsburgh.

Billy Hamilton, batting .333 in his last 10 games, is 6 for 13 lifetime versus Locke, and Todd Frazier is 9 for 20 with two homers. Frazier, 3 for 27 in his last seven games, is expected to return after getting the night off Thursday.

Pittsburgh's Aramis Ramirez has a home run and a double in four at-bats against Lorenzen. Starling Marte, batting .444 in a nine-game hit streak, has homered in two at-bats versus the right-hander.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres (49-53) at Marlins (42-60)

Game: 1
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: July 31, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

The San Diego Padres took on hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts this offseason in an attempt to return to the playoffs for the first time in nine years.

That quick-fix approach hasn't paid off, and some of those acquisitions could be dealt by the time the Padres open a three-game road series with the Miami Marlins on Friday night.

San Diego (49-53) brought in Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, Melvin Upton, Craig Kimbrel, Derek Norris, Will Middlebrooks and Wil Myers through trades and signed starter James Shields to a four-year, $75 million deal.

The Padres have underachieved, though, and manager Bud Black was fired June 15 and replaced on an interim basis by Pat Murphy. With the club's first playoff appearance since back-to-back NL West titles in 2005 and '06 seeming unlikely, San Diego has been rumored to be making available many of the players from general manager A.J. Preller's offseason shopping spree.

If Justin Upton is traded before the deadline, he'd be leaving in style. He hit a two-out, three-run homer in the top of the ninth inning to give the Padres an 8-7 win over the New York Mets on Thursday after they trailed 7-1 through six.

'Livin' in the moment. Whatever happens tomorrow happens - or doesn't happen,' Upton said. 'Just taking it day to day.'

Norris went 5 for 5 with a grand slam for San Diego, which has won five of six.

Ian Kennedy's name also has come up, leaving it unclear if he'll be around to make his start with the deadline coming four hours prior to Friday's first pitch.

Kennedy (6-9, 4.58 ERA) allowed one run and struck out seven in six innings to beat the Marlins 3-1 on Saturday. He's 3-4 over his last eight starts despite posting a 2.53 ERA.

'I've been in this situation before," said Kennedy, who was dealt from Arizona to San Diego at last year's deadline. "No matter what's going on, I still have to go out and pitch. It doesn't matter if I'm going or staying a Padre. Whatever it is you still have to do your job and pitch.'

The right-hander is 2-0 with a 1.42 ERA in his last four against the Marlins (42-60), who also could be planning more moves.

Miami has lost five of six - including dropping the final three of a four-game series with the Padres last weekend - after falling 1-0 to Washington on Thursday. Shortly after the game, it was announced that a 13-player deal between the Marlins, Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta had been completed, with Miami receiving prospects while sending Mat Latos and Michael Morse to the Dodgers.

'When I have to sit here and say we've made a trade and we haven't added (major league players), it means something has not gone right,' team president Michael Hill said. 'As we currently sit right now, we're 18 games under .500 and not performing the way we felt like this team was capable of performing.'

David Phelps (4-7, 3.86) has lost his last three starts while receiving one run of support in 17 2-3 innings. The right-hander opposed Kennedy on Saturday and allowed two runs in six innings.

Five of the six runs Phelps has allowed in those three defeats have come in the first three innings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rays (51-52) at Red Sox (45-58)

Game: 1
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: July 31, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

If not for one pitch, Erasmo Ramirez might still be amid an impressive stretch that dates back to May.

The Tampa Bay Rays right-hander will try to get back on track Friday night against the Boston Red Sox.

Ramirez (8-4, 3.74 ERA) had yielded two runs or fewer in nine consecutive starts, matching the second-longest streak in franchise history, while going 6-1 with a 1.29 ERA entering Saturday's game against Baltimore.

He went a season-high 7 1-3 innings but gave up five runs - his most since May 24 - with nearly all of that damage coming on Chris Davis' grand slam in the third en route to a 5-1 loss.

"I didn't execute a couple pitches in that inning, and that got me in trouble," Ramirez said. "After that hit I put it out of my mind, just tried to get deep into the game."

Ramirez will next face a team that's lost 12 of 15, but the Red Sox (45-58) are batting .328 with 33 runs in their last five games following an 8-2 win over the Chicago White Sox on Thursday.

David Ortiz and Xander Bogaerts each had three hits while combining to drive in three runs. Ortiz is batting .429 with 13 RBIs in his last seven games, and Bogaerts is hitting .386 this month.

Ortiz is 0 for 3 with four walks against Ramirez, who has a 6.94 ERA in three starts against the Red Sox and failed to pitch past the fifth inning in each.

He'll start opposite Eduardo Rodriguez (6-3, 4.26), who will face Tampa Bay for the first time. The rookie left-hander allowed one run and three hits in seven innings in an 11-1 rout of Detroit on Sunday, six days after getting ripped for seven runs in 1 2-3 innings of an 11-1 loss to the Los Angeles Angels.

Rodriguez has been ripped for at least six runs in each of his three losses, lasting a combined 10 innings, but he's surrendered no more than two runs in any of his other eight starts.

"This has been an interesting roughly two months that he's been here," manager John Farrell told MLB's official website. "He's been challenged at times in between the lines, and it's the greatest teacher that we have.

"There's been some adjustments in his delivery. That's an ongoing situation, and he continues to adapt and evolve. It shows his aptitude and his attitude to make those adjustments."

It's unclear if Pablo Sandoval will start after he exited Thursday's win when he was hit on the left forearm while striking out. Sandoval, batting .176 in his last 10 games, left a 9-2 loss to the White Sox on Wednesday because of dehydration.

"He's sore right now," Farrell said. "That was a fastball that chased him. It looked like it might have hit him in the throat if he didn't take it in the wrist on the swing. A scary moment. The scan here at the ballpark is clean, but he's still day to day."

Sandoval has hit .152 in 12 career games against Tampa Bay and Ortiz is batting .167 in his last 21 matchups.

Evan Longoria, meanwhile, is hitting .375 with three homers and four doubles in an eight-game hit streak against Boston.

The Rays (51-52) have lost 11 of 14 on the road.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Giants (56-45) at Rangers (49-52)

Game: 0
Venue: Globe Life Park in Arlington
Date: July 31, 2015 8:05 PM EDT

Nick Martinez is scheduled to start Friday night, though Texas Rangers fans are more eagerly anticipating who could follow him.

That's because the Rangers are close to obtaining Cole Hamels, who will start for them this weekend if he comes over from Philadelphia.

The trade speculation has made Martinez's outing a bit of an afterthought as the Rangers welcome the San Francisco Giants to Arlington for the first time since the 2010 World Series for this three-game set.

Texas (49-52) is close to finalizing a deal with Philadelphia to acquire Hamels and reliever Jake Diekman for left-hander Matt Harrison and a package of top prospects. No deal was announced Thursday night, though players for both teams were talking as if it was already finished with Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus saying the addition of Hamels will be a "real plus."

Hamels, who hasn't pitched since his 13-strikeout, no-hitter Saturday over the Chicago Cubs, is scheduled to start Friday for the Phillies. Harrison is slated to pitch in the middle game of this series.

When asked if Martinez was a certainty to start Friday night, manager Jeff Bannister said, "As we sit right now."

There's good reason for Texas fans to look forward to Saturday - if that's when Hamels does make his debut - since Martinez (5-6, 4.08 ERA) has struggled in two starts since getting recalled from Triple-A Round Rock, going 0-1 with an 11.00 ERA.

The Rangers have dropped the last six starts by the right-hander, who is 0-4 with a 7.01 ERA in that span. Martinez has never faced the Giants.

San Francisco (56-45) no doubt has fond memories of Arlington, where it won two of three games in the 2010 World Series to begin its current run of three championships in five years.

Madison Bumgarner (11-5, 3.16) began developing his reputation as a clutch postseason pitcher with eight innings of three-hit ball in Game 4 of that series in a 4-0 road victory. That's his only career start against Texas.

The left-hander has posted a 2.04 ERA in winning three straight outings after limiting Oakland to one run over seven innings in Saturday's 2-1 victory.

He'll eventually be joined in the rotation by Mike Leake, who was acquired from Cincinnati for a pair of prospects late Thursday.

The Giants expect two of their top hitters to return Friday. Joe Panik has missed the last two games with back stiffness and Buster Posey sat out Wednesday's 5-0 victory over Milwaukee for rest.

"They've been going hard since the All-Star break," manager Bruce Bochy said. "I'm trying to keep these guys as fresh as I can."

Bochy's club has won 13 of 15 as it starts a 10-game trip. The Giants are an NL-best 9-3 in interleague games.

Posey is fourth in the majors with a .413 average in interleague play. Matt Duffy is tied for sixth at .400 and tied for fourth with 14 RBIs.

Josh Hamilton delivered a game-ending RBI single with two outs in the ninth inning in Thursday's 7-6 victory over the New York Yankees as Texas earned a four-game split. He had a three-run homer in the first.

Hamilton, Andrus and Mitch Moreland are the only current Rangers hitters who faced Bumgarner in the World Series, combining to go 1 for 8.

Texas won two of three at San Francisco when these teams met in 2012. The Giants have captured 16 of 25 regular-season meetings between the teams that played baseball's first interleague game June 12, 1997, in Arlington.