Monday 10/12/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Meadowlands - Race #3 - Post: 3:15pm - Claiming - 5.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $15,000 Class Rating: 76

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#11 LITTLE TOM (ML=6/1)
#5 SPA CITY TREASURE (ML=5/1)
#12 READY WITH HONOR (ML=12/1)


LITTLE TOM - If you review the PP's for this thoroughbred, you'll see he has recorded the top Equibase speed fig at the distance and surface. A repeat effort in this event and this horse has a superb chance to win. This rider/conditioner duo has been producing a very favorable ROI, right at +43. Gelding has shown some pace. This shorter distance should be better for him. I think that a sprinter coming off a layoff will usually run his best in the 3rd or 4th start back. Should do well right here in this race. Weight shift of -6 from September 27th race at Monmouth Park. SPA CITY TREASURE - This gelding is in good physical condition. Ended up third on September 20th. Ranked number one in EPS (earnings per start). Another notice that this horse is the class of the race. READY WITH HONOR - When Zayas and Getto join forces on horses the ROI has been terrific at +335. The Sep 20th event at Monmouth Park was at a class level of (86). Dropping to a lower class rank considerably, so he should be in a good position to win. Gelding is a few starts into a return to racing here. Should give a big performance today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 DON'T STOP BACK (ML=2/1), #10 C EM SMILE (ML=8/1), #1 TAPERRIFIC (ML=8/1),

DON'T STOP BACK - Tough to bet on any horse to turn things around if there is no large gain to taking the risk. C EM SMILE - 8/1 is not worth it for any entrant in a sprint of 5 furlongs that hasn't finished in the money in a short distance event of late. Tough for anyone who saw this vulnerable equine in his last affair to invest in him in today's event. TAPERRIFIC - In any event of 5 furlongs, I like to bet on a contender that has been sharp in short distance contests of late. The speed fig last time out doesn't fit very well in this event when I look at the class figure of today's event. Mark this racer as a likely underpriced contender.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #11 LITTLE TOM on top if we're getting at least 5/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
11 with [5,12]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [5,11,12] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[5,11,12] with [5,11,12] with [5,10,11,12,13] with [5,10,11,12,13] Total Cost: $36

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mountaineer Park - Race #9 - Post: 9:56pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $6,300 Class Rating: 67

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#10 FLAT OUT NICE (ML=7/2)


FLAT OUT NICE - The jock and trainer combination have a profitable ROI when they join forces. This mare is utmost in (EPS) earnings per start. Give the once over to this horse before the race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #9 FURIOUS LIL MISS (ML=3/1), #8 EVERLASTING EVE (ML=4/1), #4 CASTLE'S GIRL (ML=9/2),

FURIOUS LIL MISS - Hard to keep following this sort of 'bridesmaid' horse. EVERLASTING EVE - You think this animal is going to win today just because she's always close. Just doesn't finish first regularly. CASTLE'S GIRL - On a downward moving series. Speed ratings keep decreasing. Generally I need a sprinter to have some recent success in short distance contests in order to wager on her.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Play #10 FLAT OUT NICE to win if you can get odds of 1/1 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
10 with 7

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Woodbine Harness: Monday 10/12 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

20-CENT PICK 5: 3,4,7,8/3,4/2/1,4,6,7,9/3,8 = $16

EARLY PICK 4: 1,4,6,7,9/3,8/1,7/2,6,7 = $60

LATE PICK 4: 1,3,6,7/1,4,8/3,5/7,8 = $48

MEET STATS: 13 - 52 / 72.60 BEST BETS: 1 - 5 / $4.60

SPOT PLAYS: 2 - 5 / 25.10

Best Bet: ARAZI (3rd)

Spot Play: STRIKING IVY (7th)


Race 1

(8) A LOT OF SENSE takes a class drop and should get a more aggressive steer here from McNair. Top call in the opener. (7) JENNA CASIMIR motored by the field in the stretch last week aided by a slowing pace. She's sharp and could repeat, however. (3) MISS SAND CREEK also closed well last week and is capable of leaving more alertly, too. She's another contender here.

Race 2

(3) MEADOW SEELSTER didn't get her trip vs. better last time but should be put right on the point from the outset here and take these a long way. (4) JUDY THE BEAUTY went a big uncovered trip in the Grassroots Final and should be a big threat here. (7) SHEGUINDAH has already won at the meet but is likely to face early pressure for the lead here which could lead to her undoing.

Race 3

(2) ARAZI dropped and popped last week and is right back in the same class. He'll be tough to beat off that new life's mark. (5) THE ROCK was the chalk in that same race but broke while on the move. He should rebound with a better effort. (8) JIMMY BE GOOD was closing best late in the same dash and should grab a share here.

Race 4

(1) BIG BANG BOOM looks ready to go in his debut and gets a slight nod in a race that looks like it requires deep coverage in this pick 4. (7) NOTETOSELF HANOVER raced well off the break and has a shot if Henry can get better position early. (4) SHOREVIEW raced tough first up in his best effort to date and is another that merits use in vertical wagers.

Race 5

(3) HOWIE made a powerful move to the front in the 3rd 1/4 last week and was a comfortable winner in his Woodbine debut. Most of these are no tougher; call to repeat. (8) MARQUIS VOLO was a 16 1/4 length winner which was due in part to several rivals breaking. He is sharp and capable but will likely be overbet. (7) MASS RAIL broke twice straight and requalified without incident. She can compete here if she behaves.

Race 6

(7) NOBLE HIGH SHADOW was solid racing first-over in his debut on this circuit and should go forward off that effort. (1) WILDCAT HILTON also raced decently in the same race and should get a good trip here leaving from the inside. (8) THINK AGAIN showed early speed which is so valuable on this oval. He could go down the road here.

Race 7

(6) STRIKING IVY has big speed for the first 1/2 in open company and finished okay. Back with her own gender she should be prominent throughout. (2) COLORATURA showed improvement last time which is a tipoff that a big effort is forthcoming soon, maybe even tonight. (7) HOPE RISES exits the Grassroots Final where she picked up a check. She should make the ticket vs. this group.

Race 8

(7) GRANDKIDS ATTACK was seen vaulting past horses late last week and if not for him following poor cover he likely would have won that night. He can beat this group with a slightly better trip. (1) DADDY WARBUCKS takes a class drop here and notice two back he almost won in this class. (3) SI SEMALU makes his second start for Moreau and should be a threat.

Race 9

(1) GIRL DRAMA is as solid as they come in this class and should appreciate the long Woodbine stretch here. (8) BLUSH AND CRUSH set solid fractions in a Billings race and was only picked off ate. She's sharp and dangerous. (4) J CS JAKE drops into a claimer which makes him a win threat here.

Race 10

(3) MAC RAIDER drops into a claimer here and McNair will likely try to wire these. (5) DEETZY was a sharp 2nd last week when dropped into this class and should be used in the late Pick 4. (9) NEW YORK NIGHTMARE has an adventurous trip last week and would stand a chance if he could clear these early which may not be an easy feat.

Race 11

(8) CAJON LIGHTNING went first up against a tough winner that has since repeated. He can take this with a better trip. (7) IM A GIFT won easily in this class last time and is the one to beat. (10) JACK REACHER was a big winner in this class two back then had a failed try vs. OSS Gold foes. He fits much better here. (6) VEGAS DREAM closed rapidly last time but now faces some elders. He can get a share here. (9) READ THE PROPOSAL gets Lasix here. He is better coming from the back and will likely revert to that style here starting from the outside.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Monday 10/12 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF HARNESS

Race 7 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

MEET STATS: 305 - 927 / $1688.30 BEST BETS: 44 - 74 / $151.00


Best Bet: HIGH OCTANE N (4th)

Spot Play: CHALEURS FANTASY (10th)


Race 1

(1) BUBBIE BOY drops to the basement and draws best; no excuses accepted. (7) REAL FLIGHT returns locally off a blowout score at Monti and the classy gelding looks to be back in shape for a barn that's had some live ones recently. (2) SHADOW PLACE arrives from Canada for Lachance and that's always been a good angle; watch the board for signs of 'Lachance' money.

Race 2

(2) COZY BEACH finds a cozy spot in a very weak field and the 2-year-old Casie Coleman trainee may be talented enough to get the job done. (1) YOU CANBEANANGEL will be flashing speed from this spot and may have enough to hang around late. (6) CINNAMON GIRL has raced well in her last three with Brent Holland at the controls.

Race 3

(2) COLONIAL ROAD has surprisingly done nothing since the Allard claim but he drops in class and can easily awaken. (5) I SCOOT SAM ships from the WEG circuit in Ontario for Coleman and the veteran should fit well with these. (8) ONTHECLOCK HANOVER was a good second off the Banca claim but now he's stuck in post eight; tough spot.

Race 4

(1) HIGH OCTANE N gets an impossible-to-ignore driver change to Bartlett and he draws best to boot; overdue veteran will attract plenty of attention based on those two angles. (5) COSMICPEDIA is on his regular race a week, skip a week routine and all he does is win but I never trust him. (3) LISTOWEL is better than he's been showing and he picks up Zeron with an improved post.

Race 5

(1) CLEAREDFORTAKEOFF has raced well in her last two starts and she should be close enough to strike from this spot. (3) SHE'S A HOT MESS looms the one to beat based on her last two solid efforts. (6) HEAVENS LEGACY closed very crisply last out and was Dube's choice.

Race 6

(1) GRAND MASTER double-drops in class, draws best and has a good history of awakening in scenarios such as this. (6) ELECTRIC CHAPEL returns off a dull effort at Philly and his prior local start he battled pressure and gave way; Bamond import seems capable of better. (4) GLASS PRINCE used to be much better than this; two back he showed some signs of life.

Race 7

(3) ALL WEEK gets class relief after getting shuffled back in last; he loses Bartlett but still looks like a player. (4) FAN OF TERROR came up short last out after cutting the pace; prior start versus similar he was a well-rated winner. (5) KINGS BARNS didn't fire his best last out but he remains a closing threat.

Race 8

(5) LAST DRAGON hasn't been all that bad in recent outings and he meets a field with question marks. (7) DONT TELL WAYNE just failed last week at this level and he'll need to be firing from this spot. (1) VILLAGE BEAT plunges out of claimers, draws best and obviously has a chance.

Race 9

(3) MALAK USWAAD N returns locally with class relief and has had plenty of success here in the past. (4) FOOL ME ONCE had no realistic chance last week from the eight hole but he won his prior start at this level as the odds-on favorite. (1) NATURAL LEDA was caught uncovered last out; should be in line for a smoother trip tonight.

Race 10

(5) CHALEURS FANTASY raced very well in her local debut for the Rohr barn and she can build off that effort. (6) LITTLE JOKE is a nose shy of a five race win streak and she'll be forwardly placed. (4) MYDELIGHT BLUECHIP always offers a nice closing kick.

Race 11

(8) NATIONAL DEBT just came up short last week after doing the heavy lifting versus better; 4-year-old has found his stride since joining the Alagna barn and he has to be considered despite the outside draw. (4) DEMOCRACY N drops from claimers and was a winner at this level a few races back. (1) MY TEMUDJIN N is sometimes erratic but toss out last week's break and he was right there in his prior two races.

Race 12

(3) ZIGGY SKY may be a bit of a reach in here but he's been racing well lately, gets a reasonable draw and faces no world-beaters. (2) ODYSSEUS BLUECHIP closed well from a tough spot upon arrival and now moves inside while picking up Bartlett; he's the one to beat. (4) DELLA CRUISE should be good for a share but doesn't like to win.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Monday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Belmont Park (6th) Aussie Prayer, 4-1
(7th) Loon River, 3-1


Delaware Park (6th) Miss Well Molded, 3-1
(8th) Crystal Rosario, 4-1


Gulfstream Park West (6th) Ufeelthiscornelius, 7-2
(10th) Clover Night, 6-1


Hastings Park (1st) Far Niente, 4-1
(8th) Laguna Blaze, 4-1

Meadowlands (4th) Thunder Calls, 4-1
(5th) Super Duker, 4-1


Mountaineer (1st) Oversized, 8-1
(9th) Everlasting Eve, 4-1


Parx Racing (4th) Fair and Balanced, 9-2
(6th) Always Sunshine, 3-1

Santa Anita (1st) Power of Hope, 3-1
(2nd) Best in Class, 3-1


Thistledown (2nd) Its on Fire, 4-1
(3rd) Cahokia, 9-2


Woodbine (1st) Rebel Lioness, 8-1
(3rd) Dibs, 4-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals (95-67) at Astros (86-76)

Game: 4
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: October 12, 2015 1:07 PM EDT

The Kansas City Royals are going to have to win at Minute Maid Park for the first time this year if they are going to keep their season alive.

The Houston Astros pitcher they face next had nearly as good a home ERA as the last one they saw.

The Astros will give Lance McCullers his postseason debut in Game 4 of this AL division series Monday when he opposes Yordano Ventura, who will pitch on three days' rest after an abbreviated outing.

Kansas City is 0-4 at Houston this year after losing 4-2 on Sunday to move to the brink of elimination. Dallas Keuchel, who had a 1.46 ERA at home in the regular season for the majors' second-best mark, improved to 16-0 at Minute Maid Park this year with seven gutsy innings.

Chris Carter, batting .199 in the regular season but .455 in the postseason, was a triple shy of the cycle for the Astros, who were hosting a playoff game for the first time since the 2005 World Series.

'After struggling so much this year and just having the success I've been having in the last couple of weeks, it's been nice to contribute and helps us win games,' Carter said.

Now McCullers can pitch the Astros to the AL Championship Series after going 6-7 with a 3.22 ERA in 22 starts as a rookie. He went 4-1 with a 1.86 ERA in 10 home outings.

That includes a seven-inning effort the lone time he faced the defending AL champion June 29, allowing one run in a 6-1 victory.

"It was a couple months ago when I faced them," McCullers said. "They're an aggressive club. They can do all things, they can bunt, they can hit for high averages and hit the ball out of the park. So you have to do your best to neutralize them early and often."

The Astros dropped six of the right-hander's last seven starts, never giving him more than three runs of support.

That's how many runs Houston scored off Ventura (0-1, 13.50) in its 5-2 victory in Game 1 on Thursday. Ventura was pulled after two innings due to a 49-minute rain delay.

"We sat down as a group and looked at it," said manager Ned Yost about using his best pitcher on three days' rest. "Ventura bounces back really, really well. We wanted to have our best power arms coming at these guys."

The right-hander has never started on three days' rest, though he only threw 42 pitches Thursday.

"Obviously it's a different situation, but his routine is going to remain the same," said coach Pedro Grifol as he translated for Ventura at the press conference. "He's got a good defense behind him and he's ready to go for tomorrow. He'll attack the strike zone, let his defense play."

Ventura is 5-0 with a 4.01 ERA in his last seven road starts. He won his lone start in Houston, yielding two runs in seven innings in a 4-2 victory April 15, 2014.

The Royals went 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position in Game 3.

'You get to this type of scenario and you don't capitalize, you get what happens today,' Yost said.

They have been led in this series by Ben Zobrist, who is 5 for 12, and Kendrys Morales, who is 4 for 11 with two solo homers in Game 1. Eric Hosmer is 1 for 12 in the series, Mike Moustakas is 1 for 10 and Alex Rios is 1 for 8.

"We have got to win two, they got to win one," Yost said. "But we come out tomorrow and we win, then it's excitement back at the K for Game 5. So, we're looking forward to that."

Houston's Colby Rasmus reached base every time Sunday with a single and three walks. He is 5 for 10 in four postseason games, homering in the first three.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays (93-69) at Rangers (88-74)

Game: 4
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: October 12, 2015 4:07 PM EDT

R.A. Dickey was with the Texas Rangers when he started to develop his knuckleball, with some disastrous early results.

That's why it's fitting that his first career postseason start will be in Arlington when he takes the ball for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Dickey will try to help the Blue Jays avoid elimination again and even this AL division series at two games apiece Monday.

The right-hander began his career with Texas in 2001. His career soon became derailed by injuries, and the Rangers suggested he try out the knuckleball, which accounted for a game in 2006 when he gave up a career-worst six homers.

Dickey was with the Rangers for five seasons - the most among the five teams he has pitched for. Now he'll face them in his first playoff appearance after going 11-11 with a 3.91 ERA, including 8-1 with a 2.80 ERA in 15 starts since the All-Star break.

"You know, it's special for sure, and that seems like such a cliche word but it's funny how it's come full circle for me personally, having learned the knuckleball here in 2005, and now potentially with a chance to take the series back to Toronto with a Game 4 start," the 40-year-old Dickey said. "It's poetic, is what it is for me. It's a neat narrative."

Dickey has not faced the Rangers this year after going 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA in two starts in 2014. He is 2-1 with a 3.05 ERA in five career starts as a visitor in Arlington, where he feels the movement on his knuckleball can be difficult on hitters.

"Here it's good because the humidity is usually nice and it's usually warmer, and those are two things that contribute to a moving knuckleball, one that reacts favorably as far as movement's concerned," Dickey said. "That's what I rely on."

Prince Fielder and Adrian Beltre are both 3 for 13 against Dickey.

Beltre, however, has sat out the last two games due to the strained lower back suffered in the opener. His status is unclear, with Hanser Alberto replacing him at third base.

"We feel like if Adrian comes in and says he's ready to go, then he's ready to go," manager Jeff Banister said.

Game 1 starter David Price may not be available out of the bullpen after the Blue Jays said he was for Sunday. Price warmed up during the 5-1 victory, though he didn't enter.

"We have to talk to him," manager John Gibbons said.

Troy Tulowitzki went 2 for 4 with a three-run homer and four RBIs after going 0 for 10 in the first two games.

"It's only a matter of two games so you just stick with it," Tulowitzki said. "You know it will come around, and just keep on battling. I think that's what I've been doing all year and it paid off tonight."

It was Toronto's first postseason victory since Joe Carter's home run won the 1993 World Series.

The Rangers will start Derek Holland, who went 4-3 with a 4.91 ERA in 10 starts during a season in which he missed four months after tearing a muscle in his throwing shoulder. Holland has extensive postseason experience with a 3.79 ERA in 13 appearances, going 2-0 with a 3.48 ERA in four starts in the 2011 playoffs.

"He's been here before, he's been in these type of games and has shown up very well in the fast," Banister said. "We expect Derek to come out and throw a quality baseball game for us."

That expectation might be much since Holland went 1-2 with a 7.62 ERA in his last five outings. The left-hander faced Toronto once this year, yielding four runs in six innings Aug. 25 and not getting a decision in a 6-5 defeat.

Josh Donaldson is 6 for 20 with two homers against Holland and Edwin Encarnacion is 5 for 15 while also going deep twice.

Encarnacion is 2 for 11 in the series and Jose Bautista is 3 for 13.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cardinals (100-62) at Cubs (97-65)

Game: 3
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: October 12, 2015 6:07 PM EDT

CHICAGO (AP) Wearing a sleeveless T-shirt with 'WE ARE GOOD' in big block lettering across the front, Jake Arrieta looked at ease while he made himself a sandwich and mingled with the rest of his teammates on Sunday morning.

The bearded ace of the Chicago Cubs was one cool customer heading into Game 3 of the deadlocked NL Division Series on Monday night. He also was the biggest challenge for the St. Louis Cardinals, who insist they will be ready for the first playoff game at Wrigley Field in seven years.

'We've gone up against a number of teams and a number of pitchers where everybody kind of ruled us out and said you can't do this or that, and I think this team has responded well in the past,' Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said.

The past includes two wins against Clayton Kershaw in last year's playoffs, and a long history of postseason success. It also includes a victory over Arrieta in May, but that was long before he went on one of the most dominant runs baseball has ever seen.

Dating to a four-hit shutout against Minnesota on June 21, Arrieta is 17-1 with a microscopic 0.81 ERA in his last 21 starts. The stretch includes a no-hitter against the NL West champion Los Angeles Dodgers, and a five-hit shutout at Pittsburgh in the wild-card game last Wednesday.

'I've been through a lot in my career, and the failure that I've gone through makes me really appreciate the moments of success much more,' said Arrieta, who looked as if he might be on his way out of baseball when he was traded from Baltimore to Chicago in July 2013.

'I've had some pretty dark times in this game in my career. You know, but I was dedicated to getting over the hump, to putting in the time, the effort, making any adjustments necessary to get to this point.'

Arrieta's fastball gets into the mid-90s mph, but his best pitch is a devastating slider that he can throw like a cut fastball and often induces comically weak swings from baffled batters. He had 236 strikeouts in 229 innings this year.

With each successful start, Arrieta has grown more and more confident. Same for the rest of the Cubs, who marvel at the consistency of the big right-hander.

'Even what he's doing now, he still knows he can be better,' first baseman Anthony Rizzo said. 'I don't even know how that's possible.'

Of course, everyone said the same thing about Kershaw when he was the NL MVP and won his third Cy Young Award last year, and he dropped both of his playoff starts against St. Louis. The Cardinals made it all the way to the NL Championship Series, and then led the majors with 100 wins this season.

So while the Cardinals themselves are wondering how to knock off Arrieta, they are confident, too.

'It's pretty similar to the same scenario we were in last year,' said St. Louis third baseman Matt Carpenter, who played with Arrieta at TCU and included the pitcher in his wedding. 'Kershaw was having a season for the ages. Nobody thought we could beat him. We found a way to scratch and claw our way to victory. We'll see if we can do it with Jake.'

A return to form for Michael Wacha would be a big help against the stingy Arrieta, who hasn't lost at home since July 25. Wacha, who was the MVP of the 2013 NLCS as a rookie, led St. Louis with 17 wins this year, but struggled to a 7.88 ERA in five September starts.

The last time Wacha was on the mound in the playoffs, he served up a game-ending homer to Travis Ishikawa in Game 5 of the 2014 NLCS at San Francisco.

'Just excited for this opportunity this year, being a part of this amazing team and looking forward to seeing what we can do in this postseason,' Wacha said.

The first game of the playoffs went quite well for St. Louis, which beat Chicago 4-0 behind a strong start for John Lackey. But the wild-card Cubs bounced back in Game 2, winning 6-3 on Saturday to send the best-of-five series to Wrigley tied at a game apiece.

The Cardinals had announced that Lance Lynn would start Game 4 on Tuesday, but Matheny said they are considering all options right now. Asked if Lackey was going to throw a side session Sunday to prepare for a potential Game 5 start, Matheny responded: 'We're just going to kind of wait on that right now.'

For his part, Cubs manager Joe Maddon said he wasn't ready to announce his Game 4 starter, either. It seems as if everyone is focused on the next matchup of the longtime rivals.

'I don't take anything for granted,' Maddon said. 'I don't think any of us do. I hope not. The other teams are really good. The team we're playing tomorrow is very good. So you can't assume anything.'

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers (92-70) at Mets (90-72)

Game: 3
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: October 12, 2015 8:37 PM EDT

NEW YORK (AP) All of a sudden, Matt Harvey's postseason debut contains an extra layer of drama.

Wouldn't seem normal any other way.

With the New York Mets still steamed about a late slide by Chase Utley that broke Ruben Tejada's right leg, Harvey is set to start a pivotal Game 3 on Monday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first playoff contest at Citi Field.

Whether the Mets will see Utley anytime soon was uncertain. Major League Baseball on Sunday night suspended the second baseman for Games 3 and 4, with executive Joe Torre calling it an illegal slide.

Utley planned to appeal, according to agent Joel Wolfe. That would allow Utley to play until the hearing process is complete. Chances are, MLB would try to resolve the matter Monday before the series resumes.

Hours before the penalty was announced, the natural question was whether Harvey would retaliate against Utley or perhaps some other Dodgers hitter.

'I think the most important thing is going out and doing my job and doing what's best for the team. For me, in my mind, that's going out and pitching a long game and being out there as long as I can, and keeping zeros on the board,' Harvey said. 'But you know, as far as sticking up for your teammates, I think being out there and doing what's right is exactly what I'm going to do.'

The first thing he needs to do is show up on time.

Harvey missed a mandatory workout last week and apologized after arriving late. The misstep drew a curt comment from Mets captain David Wright and the latest round of criticism for a star pitcher who is constantly in the headlines for one reason or another.

The next could still be his latest showdown with Utley, a thorn in the Mets' side for more than a decade while he played for NL East rival Philadelphia.

The 36-year-old Utley has a part-time role with the Dodgers after they acquired him Aug. 19. But before the ban was handed down, manager Don Mattingly said Utley might start Monday because of the lefty-righty matchup and his good numbers against Harvey (6 for 18 with a homer).

'He will definitely be a possibility,' Mattingly said Sunday evening.

The best-of-five NL Division Series is tied 1-all after Utley's takeout slide swung Game 2 in Los Angeles, keying a four-run rally in the seventh inning Saturday night that sent the Dodgers to a 5-2 victory.

'Obviously the replay, everybody saw that it was more of a tackle than anything,' Harvey said. 'We're all feeling for Ruben. We're going to pick him up, and we're excited to be back at home.'

Mattingly said Utley tried to reach out and apologize to Tejada, who will be replaced at shortstop by Wilmer Flores. Matt Reynolds, a Triple-A infielder who has never played in the majors, was on his way to New York as a potential addition to the roster.

Harvey already has a history with Utley, who angered the Mets with a rough slide into Tejada back in September 2010. During his first home start this season, the right-hander nailed Utley in the back with a 95 mph fastball after Phillies pitcher David Buchanan plunked Flores and Michael Cuddyer, both on the left hand.

'I think history has kind of shown that he's kind of been in situations like that before,' Harvey said Sunday. 'I know personally, after watching in 2010 and hearing about it with Ruben as well, you know, there's some situations that need to be taken care of. I think the league is going to do their best to do that and take charge.'

With retaliation on everyone's mind, there is some thought MLB might instruct umpires to warn the Mets and Dodgers before Monday's game about throwing inside.

'I would personally hope that there wouldn't be such an issue, only because the impact it would have on the entire game itself, would change the way the game's supposed to be played,' New York manager Terry Collins said. 'In the game of baseball, we do ask our pitchers to pitch inside once in a while, and the last thing we need is an umpire to take the games into his hands where he thinks it was on purpose. ... And all of a sudden to create a mess that certainly wasn't intended.'

Mattingly sees it the same way.

'You do want it to be about back to the field,' he said. 'I know it's fun to talk about all this stuff, and you hear about it all, and it gets a lot of attention, but I'm sure it won't go away.

'I don't think there needs to be any kind of warnings. Just let the game play,' he added.

Left-hander Brett Anderson gets the ball for Los Angeles after going 10-9 with a 3.69 ERA in his first season with the Dodgers. Anderson tossed six shutout innings of two-hit ball to win his only previous playoff start for Oakland in 2012 against Detroit.

NOTES: Mets rookie LHP Steven Matz (back) threw off the main mound at Citi Field and will start Game 4, Collins said. ... LHP Alex Wood or LHP Clayton Kershaw (on three days' rest) will pitch Game 4 for the Dodgers, Mattingly confirmed. ... Neither team worked out at Citi Field (which opened in 2009). The Mets landed in New York about 8:15 a.m. after an overnight flight from Los Angeles. The Dodgers slept at home and flew across the country Sunday. ... Harvey was 13-8 with a 2.71 ERA this year in his first season back from Tommy John surgery. ... Reynolds could become the second player since the first World Series in 1903 to make his major league debut in the postseason, according to STATS. Mark Kiger did it for Oakland in 2006.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Retaliation threat hovers over Mets-Dodgers Game 3
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

The intensity of Game 3 of the National League Division Series between the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday figures to be cranked up a few notches after a controversial play in Saturday's game.

The Dodgers won Game 2 by a 5-2 score, evening the best-of-five series at a game apiece. During Los Angeles' pivotal four-run, seventh-inning rally, the Dodgers' Chase Utley used a late slide into second base to foil a double-play attempt. Utley also crashed into Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada, causing him to be taken on the field in a stretcher with a broken right leg.

On Sunday night, Major League Baseball suspended Utley for two games. The penalty would be served in Games 3 and 4 of the NLDS unless Utley files an appeal.

Utley's move was not received well by the Mets, who will start right-hander Matt Harvey against Dodgers left-hander Brett Anderson on Monday in New York.

Mets manager Terry Collins has not yet decided on a starting shortstop for Game 3, trying to choose between Matt Reynolds, who was called up from the minors on Sunday, and Wilmer Flores, a second baseman who began the season at short.

Harvey hit Utley with a pitch earlier this season when the veteran second baseman was with the Philadelphia Phillies.

"I think history has kind of shown that he's kind of been in situations like that before," said Harvey, who will be pitching a postseason game for the first time. "I know personally, you know, after watching in 2010 and hearing about it with Ruben as well, you know, there's some situations that need to be taken care of."

Utley reportedly tried to apologize to Tejada on Sunday, sending a message through a Mets player that he did not mean to injure the New York shortstop.

Regarding possible retaliation against his team, Mattingly said, "Just one of those things I don't really concern myself with. We've been involved with a few things over the years, and we really don't start anything, but we've never backed away. The five years I've been here, we've had a few altercations. I don't feel like we've started any of them, but we really haven't backed away either."

Harvey's No. 1 priority has to be the Dodgers' hitters, and Monday's start will be his first appearance on the mound since Oct. 3, when he pitched six innings, struck out 11 and yielded one unearned run.

Harvey finished the season with a 13-7 record and a 2.71 ERA, and he yielded just two earned runs over his final three starts covering 17 2/3 innings.

Anderson went 10-9 with a 3.69 ERA during the regular season. He last pitched Oct. 1, and he was not particularly sharp in his last three starts, yielding 13 earned runs and 24 hits in 16 1/3 innings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dodgers' Utley suspended two games, appeals
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

The slide that broke New York Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada's right leg will cost Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Chase Utley two games.

Major League Baseball announced a two-game suspension for Utley on Sunday night. The 36-year-old veteran filed an appeal that is expected to be heard Monday before Game 3 of the National League Division Series. If Utley loses his appeal, he would miss Games 3 and 4.

The punishment stems from a controversial play in the seventh inning of Game 2 on Sunday at Dodger Stadium. Utley slid late and reached high in a successful attempt to take out Tejada on a potential double-play ball. A replay review later ruled Utley safe at second base because Tejada missed the bag -- even though Utley also missed the bag -- and the play keyed a four-run, rally that led Los Angeles to a 5-2 lead.

Tejada's leg was immediately placed in an air cast, and he was carted off the field. The Mets replaced Tejada on their roster Sunday, calling up infielder Matt Reynolds to replace him.

"I recognize that there has been much commentary and many questions regarding the unfortunate play in last night's game in which Ruben Tejada was injured," Major League Baseball's chief baseball officer Joe Torre wrote in a statement Sunday night. "As I said after the game, the determination of whether a runner has intentionally interfered with a player attempting to turn a double play is left to the judgment of the umpire on the field, and that judgment call is not subject to review.

"I should add that determining where to draw the line between an illegal slide and a legitimate hard play is an extremely difficult call for our umpires.

"However, after thoroughly reviewing the play from all conceivable angles, I have concluded that Mr. Utley's action warrants discipline. While I sincerely believe that Mr. Utley had no intent of injuring Ruben Tejada, and was attempting to help his club in a critical situation, I believe his slide was in violation of Official Baseball Rule 5.09 (a)(13), which is designed to protect fielders from precisely this type of rolling block that occurs away from the base.

"We have been in discussions with the Players Association throughout the year regarding potential rule changes to better protect middle infielders, and we intend to continue those discussions this offseason."

Utley's agent, Joel Wolfe, responded with a statement that read, "A two-game suspension for a legal baseball play is outrageous and completely unacceptable. Chase did what all players are taught to do in this situation -- break up the double play. We routinely see plays at second base similar to this one that have not resulted in suspensions. Chase feels terrible about Ruben Tejada's injury, and everyone who knows him knows that he would never intentionally hurt anybody."

The Mets issued a statement that read, "The New York Mets completely support the decision made by Major League Baseball to suspend Chase Utley for two games and feel this was the appropriate course of action. With this decision behind us, the team and our fans can now focus on playing winning baseball."

Utley did not start either of the first two games of the NLDS.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Cubs excited about home postseason debut
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

The Chicago Cubs are a confident bunch ahead of their first home playoff game since 2008.

"These fans have been waiting for this for a long time, so, you know, it's just going to be nice," said right-hander Jake Arrieta, who will start Monday for the Cubs against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Division Series. "It's going to be a boost, if anything, (Monday) night, pitching in front of the city of Chicago here at Wrigley. I think it's only going to benefit us."

Not only are the Cubs tied with the Cardinals 1-1 in the series after a 6-3 win in St. Louis on Saturday, but they have their ace on the mound. Arrieta, an NL Cy Young Award candidate, has been lights out since his last loss July 25, going 11-0 in 13 starts while allowing only six earned runs in that span. He is 9-5 with a 1.95 ERA at home on the season.

However, the home-field advantage that comes with the first postseason game at Wrigley Field in seven years could present problems for Chicago.

Will the young Cubs use the enthusiasm of the city and pressure that comes with it to their advantage, or will they wilt?

Rookies Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo are hitless in the postseason, and while Chicago posting a 2-1 postseason record without any tangible contributions from the two lineup mainstays is surprising, the pattern can't continue if the team is going to advance.

Bryant is 0-for-11 with one walk and four strikeouts while grounding into two double plays. Rizzo is 0-for-10 with a walk and a run while striking out four times and grounding into one double play.

"I've said it all year," Rizzo told ESPN. "It's not about me, it's not about Kris, it's not about Jorge (Soler), it's about the whole team doing what we can do to win. At the end of the day, as long as we win, it doesn't matter."

Bryant's 1.037 on-base-plus-slugging percentage at Wrigley Field this season figures to be a factor, and the same could be true for Rizzo's .455 average (10-for-22) against Cardinals righty Michael Wacha, Monday's scheduled starter. Perhaps Game 3 will jump-start the duo.

"There's nothing you can do," Rizzo said. "You try to hit the ball hard, and that's it. That's all you can do."

The Cardinals won't have a slouch on the mound, with all-star Wacha (17-7, 3.38 ERA) facing Arrieta. However, Wacha has struggled in September, allowing 43 baserunners and posting a 7.88 ERA over 24 innings in September.

"I think his highs far outweigh his lows," veteran Cardinals right-hander Adam Wainwright said of Wacha. "He was one of the biggest pieces of getting us to the World Series in 2013. He's got great stuff. We have tremendous confidence in Michael."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Fiery McCullers ready for bigger stage
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

HOUSTON -- Upon announcing rookie right-hander Lance McCullers as his Game 4 starter earlier during this American League Division Series, Astros manager A.J. Hinch was quick to point out that McCullers pitched often enough and under enough duress to no longer be labeled a rookie.

McCullers supported that opinion Sunday, the eve of his first career postseason start. McCullers, who turned 22 on Oct. 2, is 6-7 with a 3.22 ERA for the Astros this season. While his talent is unquestioned -- McCullers was a first-round selection in the 2012 draft out of Tampa (Fla.) Jesuit High-- his poise has been as much of an asset as his arm.

"You can't just go into a game lie tomorrow and just say to yourself, 'Oh, it's like any other game you ever pitched in,' because it's not," McCullers said of his Monday start. "And I'm OK with that. I'm going to attack that head on, understand that the moment's bigger, the stage is bigger."

What has made McCullers such an interesting addition to the Astros rotation following his May 18 debut is his fiery disposition on the mound. McCullers is armed with a mid-90s fastball and a wipeout slider, but his competitive spirit is as noticeable as his repertoire. How he channels his emotions on the mound has been part of his growth and development, and it will be key as he attempts to pitch the Astros into the AL Championship Series.

"My biggest thing is I'm trying to channel it for the greater good as far as me pitching," McCullers said. "I wanted to use that energy to my advantage rather than my disadvantage. And really it's more of an, 'I'm out there giving a hundred percent for the guys behind me and for the guys on the bench.'

"So I get fired up sometimes but it keeps me in the game. I think it pumps the guys up, so as long as I can just use that to my advantage, then that's really what it's there for."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Royals to put resiliency to test
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

HOUSTON -- Having first established an identity as a resilient, irrepressible bunch following their dramatic comeback win over the Oakland Athletics in the 2014 American League wild-card game, the Kansas City Royals will have that reputation put to the test on Monday at Minute Maid Park when they face elimination for the first time this postseason.

What made the Royals the darlings of the 2014 postseason was the indomitable spirit they displayed in rallying from a four-run deficit in their 9-8, 12-inning win over the Athletics. But what gets lost in the wash is the Royals' rampage through the remainder of the American League playoffs, with Kansas City winning eight consecutive games and not facing elimination again until Game 6 of the World Series. The Royals showcased their pluck in rallying from a three-run deficit to defeat the Houston Astros in Game 2 of this AL Division Series, but that win came at home. The Astros posted the best home record in the AL this season, and if the Royals hope to extend the series, they must win at Minute Maid Park.

"We have that mentality every day. We come in every day expecting to win," Royals left-hander Danny Duffy said. "None of us are ready to go home. What we have to do tomorrow is go out there and play to our strengths, pitch to our strengths. Nothing is going to be given to us."

The juxtaposition of roles was an early talking point of this series and nothing has changed. Now the Astros, a surprise postseason entry, are the upstarts with the Royals expected to make a run back to the World Series. Kansas City handled pressure before, but from a different perspective.

"Just leave everything out on the table tomorrow," Royals left fielder Alex Gordon said. "It is an early turnaround. It's a 12 o'clock game. Just got to play with everything you've got and take it back to Kansas City. We have won two straight before. It's a good team over there, and we look forward to the challenge."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jays' Dickey set for postseason debut at 40
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The fact that Toronto Blue Jays right-hander R.A. Dickey will pitch in the American League Division Series in Texas isn't lost on him.

Dickey's career began with the Rangers, and now the 40-year-old veteran will make his first postseason appearance against the team that drafted him.

"It's special for sure," Dickey said. "That seems like such a cliche word, but it's funny how it's come full circle for me personally, having learned the knuckleball here in 2005, and now potentially with a chance to take the series back to Toronto with a Game 4 start. It's poetic is what it is for me. It's a neat narrative."

Dickey, a 13-year major-leaguer, has pitched for some good teams, but this is the first time he is in the playoffs.

He is cherishing every moment of it, too, and he also feels good about how he is pitching. Over the past month, he owns a 2.84 ERA in five starts.

"My body's held up very well," he said Sunday before the Blue Jays stayed alive with a 5-1 win over the Rangers in Game 3. "We're at Game 165 now. A lot of bodies in there are saying, 'Wait a second. We're not used to playing right now.' But I feel really good, which is good because (Monday), you know, I'm going to need to lean on everything I've got."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Diekman, Rangers relievers are rolling
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Texas Rangers' bullpen is off to a strong start to the postseason, with Jake Diekman leading the charge.

The left-hander pitched two innings in each of the first two games of the American League Division Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, not allowing a hit and striking out three batters. Diekman threw just 44 pitches in his four frames, 32 of them strikes.

It marked the first time this season Diekman pitched two innings in back-to-back games, but he showed no ill effects. He hit 100 mph three times in Game 2.

"Every day seriously could be your last game," said Diekman, who did not pitch Sunday in Game 3, when Toronto beat Texas 5-1, cutting the Rangers' series lead to two games to one. "From that perspective and feeding off the crowd, it gives you enough energy to go, so it doesn't really matter (how much you pitch). You just feed off the crowd, especially at an opposing ballpark. They get loud when their hitters are up, so if you can use that and stay on an even keel on the mound, I feel like it's good."

Diekman hasn't tried to do anything different in the postseason than he did to end the season. He one of two just Texas relievers to pitch at least two perfect innings in a playoff game, joining Tim Crabtree (1998 American League Division Series).

"I feel like I'm just attacking the zone," said Diekman, who ended the regular season with 7 1/3 shutout innings over nine appearances. "I'm making quality pitches and staying out of the heart of the plate, which is good."

After three Texas relievers combined to pitch four innings of one-run ball Sunday, the Rangers bullpen has a 2.08 ERA in the series (three runs in 13 innings).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Streaks, Tips, Notes

St Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs October 12, 6:05 EST

Cubbies returning to Wrigley Field with the series knotted up at 1-1 hand the ball to Jake Arrieta bringing a perfect 14-0 streak to the mound. Arrieta has an opportunity to stay hot Monday at PNC Park where he has won seven of the past eight including a win over visiting Cardinals which improved his team start record at home vs St Louis to 5-1. Chicago is currently a whopping -$2.50 in their own park while Cardinals expected to start Wacha are +$2.20 road underdogs.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

American League

Blue Jays vs Rangers
Dickey is 1-0, 2.00 in his last three starts (over 2-0-1).

Holland is 1-2, 7.12 in his last five starts (over 3-1 in last four).

Blue Jays are in playoffs for first time since winning '93 World Series; they lost six of last eight games-- over is 6-1-2 in their last nine games.

Rangers won three of last four games with Toronto (over 3-2-1 last six); Texas is in the playoffs for first time since losing first AL Wild Card game in 2012- they've won six of last nine games overall (over 6-5-1 in last twelve).

Royals vs Astros
Ventura is 1-1, 2.25 in his last three starts (under 4-0 last four).

McCullers is 1-2, 4.13 in his last four starts (under 5-1 last six).

Kansas City lost Game 7 of World Series LY, its first playoff appearance since 1985; Royals won six of last eight games overall (under 8-3 in last 11)- they lost last two.

Houston won eight of its last 11 game; this is Astros' first postseason since 2005. Astros are 8-3 in last 11 games with Royals (under is 5-2 in last seven in series).


National League

Cubs vs Cardinals
Wacha is 2-3, 7.88 in his last five starts (over 7-0 last seven); he allowed ten runs in nine IP in his last two starts against the Cubs.

Arietta is 4-0, 0.00 (31 IP) in his last four starts (under 7-0-1 last eight).

Cubs won nine of last 11 games, allowing 19 runs (under 9-3-1 last 13) they're 6-5 in last 11 games with St Louis (over 8-2-1). Chicago is in playoffs for first time since '08. Joe Maddon was in playoffs with Rays four times in six years from '08-'13.

St Louis is in playoffs for fifth year in row, 12th time in 16 years; they lost six of last 11 games- four of their last five games stayed under.

Mets vs Dodgers
Anderson is 1-1, 6.45 in his last four starts (over 5-2 last seven)- he threw six shutout innings vs Detroit in his only playoff start, in 2012.

Harvey is 1-1, 1.53 in his last three starts (over 6-1 last seven).

Dodgers are in playoffs for third year in row; they've won five of last six games- they are playing a man short, wth Utley suspended for the two games in Flushing.

Mets are 6-4 in last ten games with LA (over 8-4 last 12). NY lost six of last eight games overall, scoring seven runs in last six games. Mets are in playoffs for first time since 2006, second time since '00.

AL Wild Card game
Houston @ Bronx
Hst 3-0, even U7

NL Wild Card game
Chicago @ Pittsburgh
Chi 4-0, -$125, U5.5

NLDS
New York @ Los Angeles
NY 3-1, -$196, U5.5
LA 5-2, -$170, O6

NLDS
Chicago @ St Louis
StL 4-0, -$107, U6
Chi 6-3, +$126, O6.5

ALDS
Texas @ Toronto
Tex 5-3, +$250, N8
Tex 6-4 (14), +$154, O7.5
Tor 5-1, +$126, U10

ALDS
Houston @ Kansas City
Hst 5-2, +$122, U7.5
KC 5-4, -$178, O7.5
Hst 4-2, -$175, U7.5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Monday's six-pack

Westgate Super Contest (1,727 entrants-- prize pool is $2.5M)
six most popular picks in Week 5 season record: 17-13-1

6) Bills -2.5 (385)-- Buffalo's losses were to QBs Brady/Manning- L

5) Texans -1 (427)-- Bad spread got jumped on, but Texans lost anyway- L

4) Giants -7 (427)-- 49ers allowed 90 points in first two road games- L.

3) Bengals -3 (521)-- Long travel, short work week for the Seahawks- T.

2) Patriots -8.5 (642)-- NE is 11-3 in last 14 games vs backup QBs- W.

1) Cardinals, -2.5 (710)-- Short work week for winless Detroit- W.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Monday

ROYALS (Ventura) @ ASTROS (McCullers) 1:05 PM

Take: UNDER 8 -115

The defending AL champs are on the brink of having their season end, as the Royals look to stay alive today against the upstart Astros. My numbers slightly favor Houston to end it right here, but when factoring in the betting line, there’s no value to be had there. But I do think I can make a case that the two starting pitchers have a shot at dominating here.

Yordano Ventura can get erratic at times. But I really feel as though that’s going to be less of an issue moving forward for the immensely talented KC righty. Ventura has shown those flashes of immaturity but there simply isn’t any doubting his stuff, which is electric.

Ventura has really come on recently, and this might well be thanks to a mechanical tweak that has paid off handsomely. Ventura has lowered his arm slot and this has resulted in more movement on his secondary pitches in particular. There’s a solid story on this at fangraphs.com that I’d definitely recommend reading as Eno Sarris breaks it down very comprehensively. The bottom line is that when you’re able to hit triple digits with the heater and also can command two or three other pitches, the sky is the limit. I feel as though Ventura is on the verge of becoming a superstar and I fully expect him to be a legit #1 starter next season.

As for today, don’t hang the hook. Ventura made that mistake in his rain-shortened Game One appearance and he can’t afford to make mistakes like that against the free swinging Astros. On the plus side, Ventura now enters extremely well rested for this game and I like him to contain the Astros today.

Lance McCullers is another tremendous young talent. McCullers profiles as the type of pitcher who is likely to give the Royals trouble. He can get a little wild at times, but the Royals are not a patient team and that often results in them swinging at pitches they probably ought to take, with the result being soft contact. McCullers wisely had his innings limited over the course of the regular season, and he has shown no signs of wearing down.

Good pitching will usually beat good hitting, and I think that’s precisely what we have a good chance to get today. I’m looking for Ventura and McCullers to be the stars, and if that’s the case, there’s an excellent chance this game will stay Under the posted number.