Monday 5/23/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies at Tigers


Weather information is currently unavailable. 5-Day Forecast
GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (25-19) at Detroit Tigers (21-22)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 23 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Detroit Tigers are surging forward and will try to reach .500 when they host the Philadelphia Phillies for the opener of a three-game interleague series on Monday. The Tigers are winners of six of their last seven and are 5-1 through the first six games of the nine-game homestand.

Detroit looked ticketed for the bottom of the American League Central and manager Brad Ausmus was answering questions about his job security when the team was losing 11 of 12 from May 3 to May 14. The Tigers began to turn things around with a 6-5 win at Baltimore on May 15 and kept the offense cranking on the homestand with 42 runs scored in the last six games. The Phillies don’t have the kind of offense that can outscore opponents but are finding ways to stay in the race in the National League East behind their young starting pitching. Jerad Eickhoff provided the latest example with seven strong innings in a 5-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Sunday, which clinched a winning nine-game homestand.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, FSN Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Vince Velasquez (5-1, 2.42 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Mike Pelfrey (0-4, 5.49)

Velasquez bounced back from a pair of sub-par outings by striking out 10 over five scoreless innings to pick up a win over Miami on Tuesday. The 23-year-old surrendered three or fewer earned runs in six of his eight outings and owns 59 strikeouts in 48 1/3 total innings. Velasquez is making his first start against the Tigers and was sharp in his last chance against an AL opponent, scattering two hits over six scoreless innings against Cleveland on May 1.

Pelfrey is still looking for his first win with Detroit after signing in the offseason. The veteran sinkerballer pitched well in his last two turns, allowing a total of four runs in 10 2/3 innings, but has not completed six innings in any of his last four outings. Pelfrey made 21 starts against the Phillies as a member of the New York Mets and struggled against slugger Ryan Howard (16-for-45 with three home runs and eight walks).

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers 1B Miguel Cabrera (bruised left knee) left Sunday’s game and is day-to-day.

2. Phillies C Cameron Rupp is 6-for-11 in his last three starts.

3. Detroit RHP Jordan Zimmermann suffered a right groin strain and had to leave his start on Sunday.

PREDICTION: Phillies 6, Tigers 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Angels at Rangers


Current Conditions - Arlington


SUNNY 81 °F
Wind: SSE 12
5-Day Forecast GAME: Los Angeles Angels (20-24) at Texas Rangers (25-19)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 23 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Los Angeles Angels cruised to the American League West title in 2014 in part due to their domination of the Texas Rangers, who claimed the division last year despite further struggles against their West Coast counterpart. The Rangers are off to an early lead in the rivalry this season, however, and eye their fourth straight victory overall Monday when they host the first of three games against the Angels.



Texas dropped 14 of 19 against Los Angeles en route to a last-place finish in 2014 and improved only incrementally during its AL West title run a season ago, going 7-12 while getting outscored 114-76 in the season series. The Rangers have done a much better job at keeping the Angels' bats in check this time around, holding Los Angeles to three runs or fewer five times while taking four of the seven meetings. Texas bounced back from getting swept at Oakland early last week by taking three straight from Houston over the weekend, riding an 11-strikeout performance from Cole Hamels en route to Sunday's 9-2 win, wrapping up a series in which the Rangers allowed only four runs. The Angels avoided a sweep at home against Baltimore with a 10-2 victory on Sunday and have scored at least seven runs six times while winning seven of their last 10.


TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1


PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Nick Tropeano (2-2, 3.30 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Derek Holland (3-3, 5.63)


Tropeano ended a six-game winless drought and worked past the sixth inning for the first time this season Wednesday, yielding only one run on seven hits over as many innings to get the decision in an 8-1 victory over the Dodgers. The 25-year-old Stony Brook product did not allow a homer after surrendering seven over his previous four turns and has given up more than three runs only once in 2016. Tropeano has lost both of his previous starts against the Rangers, surrendering a total of eight runs in 12 2/3 innings.


Holland bounced back with a quality start after getting pounded for 16 runs (15 earned) across five innings over his previous two turns, but he still took the loss after yielding two runs in six frames at Oakland last Monday. The Ohio native has fanned only four hitters over his last 17 innings, resulting in a minuscule 4.7 strikeouts per nine innings - more than a full strikeout below his previous career low. Holland shut down the Angels in his last start against them on April 30, allowing only four hits over six scoreless innings.


WALK-OFFS


1. Angels DH Albert Pujols enters the series with 568 career home runs and needs one more to tie Rafael Palmeiro for 12th all-time.


2. Texas LF Ian Desmond is hitting .340 with three homers and 13 RBIs over his last 12 games.


3. The Rangers have scored at least five runs in an inning 10 times this season, the most in the majors.

PREDICTION: Angels 5, Rangers 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals at Twins


Current Conditions - Minneapolis


CLOUDY 42 °F
Wind: ENE 17
5-Day Forecast GAME: Kansas City Royals (22-21) at Minnesota Twins (11-32)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 23 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Kansas City Royals look to build off consecutive series victories against two of the top teams in the American League when they visit the AL-worst Minnesota Twins on Monday for the opener of their three-game set. The Royals won two of three versus both Boston and the Chicago White Sox last week and are 6-3 in their last nine contests overall.

Kansas City could be without left fielder Alex Gordon, who is day-to-day with a sprained wrist after colliding with third baseman Mike Moustakas while tracking a foul pop-up in Sunday’s 3-2 setback at Chicago. Salvador Perez brings an eight-game hitting streak into the series for the Royals while Lorenzo Cain is 6-for-16 in his last four contests. The Twins have lost six of their last seven after managing just three hits in a 3-1 loss to Toronto on Sunday. Kurt Suzuki’s 1,000th career hit knocked in the only run for Minnesota while Danny Santana notched one to improve to 6-for-14 over his last four games.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, FSN North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Ian Kennedy (4-3, 3.24 ERA) vs. Twins RH Ricky Nolasco (1-2, 4.74)

Kennedy permitted two runs over 5 2/3 innings last time out against Boston in a no-decision – the sixth time he has allowed two or fewer runs in eight starts this season. The 31-year-old USC product has struck out 50 in as many frames but served up four homers in his last two outings. Trevor Plouffe is 4-for-9 with a homer against Kennedy, who is 2-1 with a 3.43 ERA in three career starts versus the Twins.

Nolasco has gone five games without a victory, yielding at least four runs in each outing and 35 hits over 29 total innings. The 33-year-old Californian opened the season by holding Kansas City to one run and three hits over seven frames without receiving a decision. Eric Hosmer is 5-for-14 and Moustakas has homered twice versus Nolasco, who is 2-3 with a 3.83 ERA in seven career starts against the Royals.

WALK-OFFS

1. Kansas City OF Paulo Orlando is 12-for-22 with a homer and seven RBIs in his last six appearances.

2. Minnesota 1B Joe Mauer is batting .304 at home, hitting safely in 15-of-19 games, and just .222 on the road.

3. Royals RHPs Wade Davis (11 saves) and Kelvin Herrera have combined for 41 strikeouts and four runs allowed in 38 innings out of the bullpen.

PREDICTION: Royals 5, Twins 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cubs at Cardinals


Current Conditions - St. Louis


P/SUNNY 71 °F
Wind: W 13
5-Day Forecast GAME: Chicago Cubs (29-13) at St. Louis Cardinals (23-21)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 23 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Chicago Cubs attempt to turn things around on their road trip as they begin the final leg against the National League Central-rival St. Louis Cardinals on Monday. Chicago began its nine-game trek by dropping two of three at both Milwaukee and San Francisco and enters the series versus St. Louis after managing only three hits in a 1-0 loss to the Giants on Sunday.

Ben Zobrist notched one of those hits to extend his streak to nine games — a stretch during which he is 13-for-34 but has driven in just one run. St. Louis has been mediocre thus far during its nine-game homestand, winning two of three against Colorado while finishing 1-2 versus Arizona after Sunday's 7-2 setback. The Cardinals have lost four of their last six home series, including a three-game set against Chicago from April 18-20 during which they totaled one run on a pair of losses before avoiding a sweep with a 5-3 victory in the finale. Stephen Piscotty look to continue his torrid month at the plate, as he has recorded three multi-hit performances during his five-game streak and has hit safely in 17 of his last 19 contests.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, CSN Plus Chicago, FSN Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH John Lackey (4-2, 3.31 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Adam Wainwright (4-3, 5.92)

Lackey hopes for a repeat performance in his second start of the season — and his career — opposing St. Louis, where he called home the previous two years, as he scattered four hits and struck out 11 over seven scoreless innings in a victory April 18. The 37-year-old Texan has allowed fewer than three earned runs in each of his last four outings but has notched just one victory in that span. Lackey has had mixed results on the road this year, allowing six runs in two separate starts while yielding a total of one run in his other two turns.

Wainwright is coming off his fourth consecutive victory, a triumph over Colorado on Wednesday in which he scattered six hits over 6 2/3 scoreless innings. It was a complete turnaround performance for the 34-year-old native of Georgia, who was tagged for seven runs — six earned — and 11 hits in five frames by the Los Angeles Angels six days earlier but still managed to record a road victory. Wainwright is 12-7 with a 3.95 ERA in 37 career games (28 starts) against Chicago.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs RF Jason Heyward likely will miss at least some of the series because of a bruised rib cage suffered while making a diving catch Friday.

2. St. Louis RHP Alex Reyes, the organization's No. 1 prospect, returned from his 50-game suspension Sunday to notch eight strikeouts and give up two hits over four scoreless innings for Triple-A Memphis.

3. Chicago has lost seven of its last 11 overall games, including two straight on the road for the first time this season.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 4, Cubs 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Indians at White Sox


Current Conditions - Chicago


CLOUDY 51 °F
Wind: NE 12
5-Day Forecast GAME: Cleveland Indians (22-19) at Chicago White Sox (26-18)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 23 - 8:40 PM EST
WHERE: U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Chicago White Sox were able to put a temporary stop to their recent losing ways with a key American League Central win in their last time out and probably would like nothing more than to increase their working margin against their closest competitor. The White Sox will attempt to do exactly that beginning Monday when they host a doubleheader to begin a four-game series with the Cleveland Indians.



Chicago has dropped two out of three in each of its last four series since racing out to a 23-10 record following a win in Texas on May 9, losing most of the six-game lead it once held in the division over the last two weeks. The White Sox avoided getting swept for the first time this season with Sunday's 3-2 win over Kansas City, keeping the defending world champions in third place in the AL Central. The second-place Indians trail Chicago by 2 1/2 games and appeared to be on the verge of inching closer following their fifth straight win on Friday, but they were outscored 14-3 in its final two games at Fenway Park against Boston over the weekend. Monday's doubleheader is being played as a result of the clubs' rainout on April 10 in the rubber match of their first series.


TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), CSN (Chicago)


PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Cody Anderson (0-3, 7.99 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Erik Johnson (0-1, 7.20)


Anderson will be recalled from Triple-A Columbus in time to make a spot start and serve as the 26th man for the back end of the doubleheader, a full week after surrendering six runs in 4 1/3 frames in a no-decision versus Cincinnati. The 25-year-old has yielded at least one home run in each of his seven outings (six starts), surrendering a total of 10 in 32 2/3 innings. Anderson's best effort of the year came in his season debut on April 9 against Chicago, holding the White Sox to two runs over six frames.


Johnson will see his first major-league action in the nightcap since May 5, when he permitted four runs on eight hits and three walks in a loss to the Boston Red Sox. The 2011 second-round selection is 1-0 with a 3.29 ERA in two turns since his return to Triple-A Charlotte, although he has handed out five free passes and allowed three homers in those outings. Johnson is 3-2 with a 3.94 ERA in nine career starts at home entering his first-ever meeting against the Indians.


WALK-OFFS


1. White Sox LF Melky Cabrera is batting .347 with six doubles, 10 RBIs, seven walks and eight multi-hit efforts over 19 games in May.


2. Indians 1B Mike Napoli has struck out 11 times and is hitless in 19 at-bats over his last four games.


3. Chicago went 1-for-23 with runners in scoring position against Kansas City.

PREDICTION: Indians 8, White Sox 7

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics at Mariners


Current Conditions - Seattle


CLOUDY 57 °F
Wind: CLM 0
5-Day Forecast GAME: Oakland Athletics (19-26) at Seattle Mariners (26-17)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 23 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Oakland Athletics looked like they were turning things around by sweeping the Texas Rangers to begin the week but dropped right back down with four consecutive losses. The Athletics will try to pick themselves back up when they begin a brief road trip by visiting the Seattle Mariners on Monday.

Oakland earned a three-game sweep at Seattle from April 8-10 but was swept by the Mariners at home earlier in May while beginning the month with losses in nine of 10. The Athletics picked themselves up with wins in five of six against Tampa Bay and Texas but could not come up with the key hits and totaled nine runs while dropping four in a row to the New York Yankees at home over the weekend. The Mariners sit in first place in the American League West and are riding a four-game winning streak after picking on the stumbling Cincinnati Reds over the weekend. Seattle improved to 18-7 on the road with Sunday’s 5-4 win at Cincinnati but is just 8-10 at home.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, CSN California (Oakland), ROOT (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics LH Rich Hill (6-3, 2.54 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Taijuan Walker (2-3, 2.95)

Hill has yet to allow more than three earned runs in an outing and is thriving in his first full season as a major league starter since he was with Baltimore in 2009. The Massachusetts native earned his third straight win on Wednesday against Texas, when he surrendered one run on three hits in six innings. Hill started at Seattle on April 9 and struck out 10 over six innings while yielding one run to pick up the win.

Walker is winless in his last four starts and failed to complete six innings in any of those four turns. The 23-year-old is having some trouble keeping the ball in the park with five home runs allowed in 12 2/3 innings over his last three turns. Walker went up against Oakland on April 8 and yielded two runs on seven hits and no walks in six innings but did not factor in the decision.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Athletics placed RHP Sonny Gray (strained trapezius muscle) on the 15-day disabled list.

2. The Mariners placed SS Ketel Marte (thumb) on the 15-day DL.

3. Seattle CF Leonys Martin is 10-for-16 with three home runs in the last five games.

PREDICTION: Athletics 6, Mariners 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds at Dodgers


Current Conditions - Los Angeles


SUNNY 68 °F
Wind: S 10
5-Day Forecast GAME: Cincinnati Reds (15-29) at Los Angeles Dodgers (22-23)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 23 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


It's a good thing the Los Angeles Dodgers have their dominant ace on the mound when they begin a three-game series with the visiting Cincinnati Reds on Monday. The Dodgers used nine pitchers in Sunday's 17-inning, 9-5 victory at San Diego and will look for some length out of Clayton Kershaw, who has thrown two complete games this month.

Kershaw actually appeared as a pinch-hitter in the 15th inning Sunday but was not involved in the four-run rally that helped Los Angeles snap its four-game losing streak. Yasiel Puig recorded three hits and a pair of RBIs in the win and has driven in five runs in his last three games, showing signs of breaking out of a season-long slump. The Reds have dropped a season-high seven straight contests after being swept by Seattle over the weekend. They've managed nine runs in their last four games while the pitching staff has surrendered 60 during the skid.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds LH Brandon Finnegan (1-2, 4.44 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (6-1, 1.67)

Since opening the season 1-0 with a 2.04 ERA in his first three starts, Finnegan has allowed at least three runs in six consecutive outings - each of them losses for Cincinnati. He has failed to get through six innings over his last three appearances, falling one out shy while giving up four runs (three earned) in a no-decision against Cleveland on Wednesday. The 23-year-old, who owns a 3.27 ERA in four road starts, never has faced the Dodgers.

Kershaw entered Sunday leading the NL in shutouts (two), innings (70), strikeouts (88), WHIP (0.70) and strikeout-to-walk ratio (22.0). He has a remarkable 48 strikeouts against one walk in four starts this month while posting a 0.82 ERA. The three-time Cy Young Award winner, who has recorded a 2.90 ERA in nine career starts against the Reds, enters with a 2.05 mark in 132 lifetime appearances at Dodger Stadium.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds 3B Eugenio Suarez went 0-for-11 with 10 strikeouts in the series with Seattle.

2. Dodgers 1B Adrian Gonzalez is batting .171 at home and .373 on the road.

3. Cincinnati scored a total of 12 runs in dropping the final six games of the 2015 season series.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 5, Reds 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres at Giants


Current Conditions - San Francisco


SUNNY 72 °F
Wind: NW 12
5-Day Forecast GAME: San Diego Padres (19-26) at San Francisco Giants (27-19)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 23 - 10:15 PM EST
WHERE: AT&T Park, San Francisco, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The San Francisco Giants couldn't ask for a better opponent to continue their winning ways as they aim for their 11th victory in 12 contests when they host the San Diego Padres on Monday in the opener of their three-game series. San Francisco had won eight in a row before being trounced by Chicago on Friday but rebounded to win the three-game set by posting a 1-0 triumph Sunday.

Joe Panik recorded two of the Giants' four hits in the win and is 8-for-16 over his last four contests. San Francisco has gone 6-0 against the National League West-rival Padres this season, limiting San Diego to one run in each contest en route to a three-game sweep on the road last week. The Padres bounced back to post a pair of one-run victories over the Los Angeles Dodgers before dropping a 9-5 decision in 17 innings Sunday. Matt Kemp's slump continued as he went 0-for-7 in the marathon, dropping him to just one hit in 28 at-bats over his last seven games.

TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN San Diego, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Drew Pomeranz (4-4, 1.96 ERA) vs. Giants RH Johnny Cueto (6-1, 2.70)

Pomeranz has allowed a total of three runs in his four starts this month but is only 2-2 in that span after yielding two on Wednesday in his second loss to San Francisco this season. The 27-year-old native of Tennessee has surrendered fewer than three earned runs in seven of his eight outings in 2016 and has served up only three home runs in 46 innings. Pomeranz is just 1-4 with a 5.51 ERA in eight career games — six starts — versus the Giants, including a loss at San Francisco on April 25.

Cueto is 3-0 over his last five starts, allowing two runs or fewer on four occasions. San Francisco's bullpen could receive another night off Monday, as the 30-year-old Dominican has recorded both of his complete games this season — and his lone shutout — against San Diego, registering 19 strikeouts and three walks while yielding only one run and 11 hits. Cueto improved to 6-3 with a 3.04 ERA in 10 career starts versus the Padres after giving up one run and four hits at San Diego on Wednesday.

WALK-OFFS

1. Giants RF Hunter Pence (hamstring) has sat out the last two games but figures to return to the lineup during this series.

2. San Diego RHP Andrew Cashner (hamstring) is expected to be activated from the disabled list Tuesday.

3. San Francisco RHP Sergio Romo (elbow) is slated to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento on Monday.

PREDICTION: Giants 3, Padres 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, May 23

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NY METS (25 - 18) at WASHINGTON (27 - 17) - 7:05 PM
BARTOLO COLON (R) vs. GIO GONZALEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 20-3 (+18.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 75-47 (+17.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
COLON is 118-76 (+31.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 110-96 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 109-95 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 67-65 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 81-78 (-16.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 2-1 (+0.9 Units) against NY METS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

BARTOLO COLON vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
COLON is 3-6 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.43 and a WHIP of 1.248.
His team's record is 3-6 (-3.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-3. (+1.6 units)

GIO GONZALEZ vs. NY METS since 1997
GONZALEZ is 10-4 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.59 and a WHIP of 1.115.
His team's record is 12-6 (+4.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-9. (-3.3 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHICAGO CUBS (29 - 13) at ST LOUIS (23 - 21) - 8:15 PM
JOHN LACKEY (R) vs. ADAM WAINWRIGHT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1117-1218 (-199.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
ST LOUIS is 125-85 (+20.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 125-85 (+20.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 87-56 (+20.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 723-451 (+90.3 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters since 1997.
ST LOUIS is 98-61 (+26.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 451-303 (+72.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
WAINWRIGHT is 78-34 (+31.7 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 130-83 (+22.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 24-10 (+12.3 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 65-43 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 93-78 (+26.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Monday since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 66-36 (+22.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 130-83 (+22.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 79-45 (+26.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 64-40 (+19.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 2-1 (+1.1 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

JOHN LACKEY vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
LACKEY is 2-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 1.80 and a WHIP of 1.100.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.3 units)

ADAM WAINWRIGHT vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
WAINWRIGHT is 12-7 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.94 and a WHIP of 1.273.
His team's record is 18-10 (+3.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 13-12. (+0.1 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CINCINNATI (15 - 29) at LA DODGERS (22 - 23) - 10:10 PM
BRANDON FINNEGAN (L) vs. CLAYTON KERSHAW (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 78-128 (-45.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 33-65 (-25.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 78-128 (-45.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 6-24 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CINCINNATI is 46-79 (-28.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 63-79 (-24.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 116-96 (-22.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 56-45 (-12.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 19-21 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 14-20 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 63-54 (-14.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 8-14 (-13.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

BRANDON FINNEGAN vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.

CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
KERSHAW is 2-2 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 2.90 and a WHIP of 1.113.
His team's record is 5-4 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-2. (+3.7 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SAN DIEGO (19 - 26) at SAN FRANCISCO (27 - 19) - 10:15 PM
DREW POMERANZ (L) vs. JOHNNY CUETO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 48-71 (-25.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 23-53 (-25.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 217-108 (+43.8 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 36-15 (+19.3 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 190-137 (+44.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 1094-917 (+121.1 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 83-44 (+30.8 Units) against the money line in home games after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 65-46 (+15.9 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CUETO is 29-10 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CUETO is 29-10 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 6-0 (+6.0 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

DREW POMERANZ vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
POMERANZ is 1-4 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 1-5 (-4.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+2.0 units)

JOHNNY CUETO vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
CUETO is 6-3 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.04 and a WHIP of 1.113.
His team's record is 7-3 (+3.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-8. (-6.4 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LA ANGELS (20 - 24) at TEXAS (25 - 19) - 8:05 PM
NICK TROPEANO (R) vs. DEREK HOLLAND (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 25-19 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 14-7 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
TEXAS is 30-20 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 24-16 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 19-12 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 19-12 (+10.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 63-51 (+25.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 15-10 (+8.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LA ANGELS are 41-20 (+19.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 797-783 (+65.0 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 38-19 (+17.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 54-38 (+15.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 672-664 (+57.6 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 4-3 (+1.4 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.6 Units)

NICK TROPEANO vs. TEXAS since 1997
TROPEANO is 0-2 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 5.68 and a WHIP of 1.184.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

DEREK HOLLAND vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
HOLLAND is 9-6 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 5.09 and a WHIP of 1.326.
His team's record is 13-9 (+4.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-10. (-0.7 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLEVELAND (22 - 19) at CHI WHITE SOX (26 - 18) - 8:10 PM
CODY ANDERSON (R) vs. ERIK JOHNSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 5-14 (-11.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 43-49 (-16.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 96-96 (-20.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 121-115 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 23-11 (+12.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 94-71 (+39.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Monday since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

CODY ANDERSON vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
ANDERSON is 1-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 2.13 and a WHIP of 1.421.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.1 units)

ERIK JOHNSON vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
No recent starts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KANSAS CITY (22 - 21) at MINNESOTA (11 - 32) - 8:10 PM
IAN KENNEDY (R) vs. RICKY NOLASCO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 128-93 (+27.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 109-91 (+22.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 124-87 (+28.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 161-121 (+22.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 90-61 (+24.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 54-35 (+16.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 11-32 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 5-19 (-14.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
MINNESOTA is 4-17 (-12.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
MINNESOTA is 11-32 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 5-19 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 9-27 (-17.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 6-25 (-17.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MINNESOTA is 5-17 (-11.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

IAN KENNEDY vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
KENNEDY is 2-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.43 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

RICKY NOLASCO vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
NOLASCO is 2-3 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.83 and a WHIP of 1.110.
His team's record is 2-5 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.1 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OAKLAND (19 - 26) at SEATTLE (26 - 17) - 10:10 PM
RICH HILL (L) vs. TAIJUAN WALKER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 87-120 (-35.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 44-56 (-22.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 13-32 (-17.3 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 17-33 (-19.9 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 79-88 (-27.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 82-112 (-33.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 55-74 (-20.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 127-133 (-27.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 46-72 (-26.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 34-59 (-23.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 9-18 (-11.9 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 44-55 (-28.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 3-9 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season.
SEATTLE is 44-55 (-28.1 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 31-40 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 43-57 (-22.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 17-25 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 3-3 (+0.8 Units) against SEATTLE this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.5 Units)

RICH HILL vs. SEATTLE since 1997
HILL is 2-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 1.83 and a WHIP of 1.017.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-3. (-3.2 units)

TAIJUAN WALKER vs. OAKLAND since 1997
WALKER is 0-1 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 8.79 and a WHIP of 1.745.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.7 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PHILADELPHIA (25 - 19) at DETROIT (21 - 22) - 7:10 PM
VINCENT VELASQUEZ (R) vs. MIKE PELFREY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 25-19 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 25-19 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 17-11 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 15-9 (+8.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
DETROIT is 62-70 (-25.5 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

VINCENT VELASQUEZ vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.

MIKE PELFREY vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
PELFREY is 7-7 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 5.08 and a WHIP of 1.483.
His team's record is 9-12 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-11. (-4.5 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TAMPA BAY (20 - 21) at MIAMI (22 - 21) - 7:10 PM
MATT MOORE (L) vs. WEI-YIN CHEN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 414-408 (+41.8 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters since 1997.
CHEN is 71-45 (+23.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

MATT MOORE vs. MIAMI since 1997
MOORE is 2-0 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 0.950.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

WEI-YIN CHEN vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
CHEN is 5-6 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.55 and a WHIP of 1.307.
His team's record is 9-10 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-10. (-3.9 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLEVELAND (22 - 19) at CHI WHITE SOX (26 - 18) - 5:10 PM
MIKE CLEVINGER (R) vs. MAT LATOS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 5-14 (-11.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 43-49 (-16.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 32-39 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 96-96 (-20.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 23-11 (+12.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 94-71 (+39.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Monday since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

MIKE CLEVINGER vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.

MAT LATOS vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
LATOS is 3-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.68 and a WHIP of 1.320.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COLORADO (21 - 21) at PITTSBURGH (23 - 19) - 12:35 PM
JORDAN LYLES (R) vs. RYAN VOGELSONG (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 4-1 (+3.2 Units) against COLORADO this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

JORDAN LYLES vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
LYLES is 0-4 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 1.431.
His team's record is 0-6 (-6.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-0. (+6.1 units)

RYAN VOGELSONG vs. COLORADO since 1997
VOGELSONG is 6-4 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 5.12 and a WHIP of 1.351.
His team's record is 7-6 (-0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-5. (+1.8 units)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB betting cheat sheet: AL Least?

It'll be a battle for the basement in The Bronx this week as the Toronto Blue Jays roll into town fresh off winning three out of four in Minnesota.

0 for 6

Six times division rivals San Diego and San Francisco have met this year. All six times the latter has won. The most recent series was in San Diego and saw the Padres score just one run in all three games. This week, the teams meet at AT&T Park in San Francisco. The Giants had to play Sunday Night, but the Padres went 17 innings against the Dodgers (and lost), so gone is any advantage there for the road team. Plus, the Giants are a hot team right now as they’ve won 10 of their last 11. At least the Padres will avoid Madison Bumgarner in this series (he pitched Sunday night).

No Home Field Advantage Here

Six times division rivals Oakland and Seattle have played this year. All six times the home team has lost. Ironically, the A’s were just swept at home by the Yankees over the weekend while the Mariners swept a series in Cincinnati. Thus, I suppose you could say then that the M’s are unfortunate hosts to start the week. They are just 8-10 at Safeco Field for the season and hitting .218 here as a team. But aside from the sweep earlier this season, the Athletics are by no means a dominant road team. They’re being outscored by 1.5 runs per game overall despite a .500 record. One break for the A’s this week is they won’t have to face Felix Hernandez.

AL Least?

For most of this season, the Yankees have occupied the basement in the American League East. But after five straight wins, the last four coming in Oakland, they now find themselves in third. Toronto, even though they won Sunday, has fallen into last. But they still have the better run differential (+2 compared to -19) compared to their Pinstriped rivals and they’re another team where the road has been kinder than home. So, I would not be the least bit surprised if they end up winning this series in the Bronx this week. They did take two of three from New York earlier this year at home.

Hitting Notes

* It’s a tough break for Tampa Bay losing Kevin Kiermaier from their lineup. Not only was the Gold Glove outfielder batting .313 over a nine-game stretch before breaking two bones in his left hand Saturday, he’s also a career .424 hitter against this week’s opponent, Miami.

* The White Sox cooled off considerably over the past week, losing six of eight games. Part of that is owed to some terrible hitting with runners in scoring position (1 for 23 against the Royals). However, there is at least one hitter in the lineup poised to possibly break out this week against Cleveland. That would be Jose Abreu, who has hit .440 his last seven games against the Indians.

Pitching Notes

* Washington just took two of three from the Mets last week, on the road. Now they get to host their main rival, trotting out Gio Gonzalez and Stephen Strasburg for the first two games. Gonzalez always seems to excel against division opponents (1.38 ERA last 15 starts) and has done quite well for himself overall this season (allowed 1 ER or less in six of eight starts). He’ll be a sizable favorite Monday over Bartolo Colon.

* If you’ve been following this column the last couple of weeks, then you know I’m at a loss for words over the Phillies’ surprising start. But I will certainly give a nod to starter Vince Velasquez, who is striking out nearly 11 batters per nine innings. In fact, in half of his eight starts, the 23-year old hasn’t given any runs. He’ll be a slight favorite, on the road, against Detroit Monday night as the Tigers will counter with the winless Mike Pelfrey (6.37 ERA, 1.829 WHIP).

Totals Trend

The Under was a perfect 3-0 in the first Kansas City-Minnesota series of 2016 and that’s the way the total has generally gone in this AL Central rivalry. Since the start of last season, the Under is 15-4-3 in all Royals-Twins games. The two play a three-game set in the Twin Cities this week. All three games in the Royals’ previous series (against Chicago) also went Under by the way.

Injury Notes

* Miggy Cabrera left the Tigers' game Sunday with a leg injury and is listed as questionable for Monday against Philly.

* Royals left fielder Alex Gordon was forced from Sunday's game after a collision with a teammate and he is listed as questionable Monday against the Twins.

* Mike Trout left the Angels' game Sunday with an ankle injury, but he is expected to play Monday against the Rangers.

* Cubs' Jason Heyward is still recovering from a crash into the outfield fence in San Francisco and is listed as doubtful Monday against the St. Louis Cardinals.

* Giants' outfielder Hunter Pence is listed as questionable to return Monday against the Padres. Pence has missed San Francisco's last two games with a tweaked hamstring.

Weather Notes

* Could be a dicey evening in D.C. where the Nationals are scheduled to host the New York Mets. 75 percent chance of rain, high humidity and thunderstorms all over the area. The total for tonight is set at 7.5.

* There is a chance of thunderstorms and a 50 percent chance of rain in Miami tonight where the Marlins will host the state-rival Tampa Bay Rays. The total for tonight is set at 7.5.

* Minnesota for the Twins vs. Kansas City Royals will be another fun place to be tonight. 70 percent chance of rain, 75 percent humidity and a chance of thunderstorms all evening. There will also be a 10-15 mph wind blowing out to left field.