Monday 6/8/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB Preview: Royals (31-23) at Twins (33-23)

Game: 1
Venue: Target Field
Date: June 08, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

The Minnesota Twins own baseball's best record against left-handed starters and have already fared well against the Kansas City Royals' Jason Vargas.

The top teams in the AL Central begin a three-game series Monday night in Minnesota, where Twins starter Phil Hughes has won his last three outings.

Minnesota (33-23) is 15-7 against left-handed starters, including a 1-1 mark against Vargas (4-2, 4.79 ERA), who went 0-1 with a 9.35 ERA in those two April contests. Torii Hunter and Joe Mauer went 3 for 6 off him in those games.

Vargas is 3-1 with a 3.43 ERA in four starts since those outings, limiting Cleveland to two runs in six innings in a 4-2 victory Wednesday. It marked his second start since a stint on the disabled list due to a left flexor strain.

He'll be opposed by Hughes (4-5, 4.96), who has won his last three home starts despite a 5.03 ERA in that span. Hughes wasn't so fortunate Wednesday as he yielded five runs in a season-low 4 1-3 innings in a 6-3 defeat at Boston.

The right-hander, whose .302 opponent batting average is among the majors' worst, hasn't faced the Royals this year after going 2-2 with a 3.67 ERA in four outings against them last season.

Alex Rios is 13 for 27 against Hughes, Alcides Escobar is 6 for 17 and Alex Gordon 9 for 30. The Kansas City hitters who have fared poorly in the matchup are Salvador Perez (3 for 17), Eric Hosmer (3 for 15) and Jarrod Dyson (2 for 12).

The Royals (31-23), seeking their first division title since 1985, trail the surprising Twins by one game. These clubs have split six meetings.

"I kind of look at it as a car race. You know, the quarter way through the race or a third of the way through the race or halfway through the race, it doesn't matter who's in first place," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "The only thing that matters is when that race ends that lap who's in first place."

"We've gotta go in there and take care of business, but it's not a do-or-die situation for us by any means."

Both clubs are struggling to score and avoided weekend three-game sweeps Sunday.

Perez's eighth-inning homer snapped a tie as the Royals beat Texas 4-3 to cap a 2-4 homestand. Kansas City batted .211 and totaled 13 runs in the six games.

Minnesota got eight strong innings from Mike Pelfrey in a 2-0 home win over Milwaukee. The Twins totaled nine runs and three extra-base hits in the series.

Pelfrey's outing came after Minnesota's bullpen worked 16 2-3 innings over the previous five games.

"It's been a tough week for our bullpen in terms of usage, so to get eight innings was really big," manager Paul Molitor told MLB's official website.

Trevor Plouffe, in a 1-for-25 slump, was given Sunday off "to clear his head a little bit," Molitor said. Plouffe might also want Monday off since he's 5 for 30 off Vargas.

The Twins have optioned shortstop Danny Santana to Triple-A Rochester and will recall Kennys Vargas from there before this game. Kennys Vargas hit .248 with 10 RBIs in 29 games in an earlier stint with Minnesota and homered off Jason Vargas earlier this year.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Reds demote RHP Diaz, promote Adcock
The Sports Xchange

The Cincinnati Reds promoted right-handed pitcher Nate Adcock from Triple-A Louisville and optioned right-hander Jumbo Diaz to the same club on Sunday.

Adcock owns a 2.96 ERA with 11 saves in 24 1/3 innings at Louisville.

Diaz's performance Saturday cost him his spot on the roster. He walked the bases loaded and gave up the game-winning hit in the 9-7 loss to the San Diego Padres.

Diaz, 31, is 0-2 with a 6.65 ERA in 25 games for the Reds.

Meanwhile, Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco (hip) will begin a rehab assignment with Louisville on Monday. He will play left field during the rehab assignment in preparation for a new role with the Reds.

Mesoraco is coming off an All-Star season in which he became the first Reds catcher since Hall of Famer Johnny Bench with 25 home runs and 80 RBIs.

Mesoraco has hit .178 with two RBIs in 45 at-bats this season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Cardinals' Carpenter leaves game with triceps injury
The Sports Xchange

LOS ANGELES - St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Matt Carpenter left Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth inning with a right triceps contusion.

Carpenter was hit by a pitch in the first inning by Kershaw, but he stayed in the game until the bottom of the fourth.

Carpenter, who is hitting .308 with eight homers, is listed as day-to-day.

Pete Kozma, who started the game at second base, moved over to take Carpenter's place at third base, and Kolten Wong entered the game to play second base.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'On the Diamond'

Cincinnati Reds take on the Philadelphia Phillies Monday night at Great American Ball Park. Righthander Mike Leake (2-4, 4.40 ERA) will toe the rubber for Bryan Price’s squad, bringing a 2-4 record to the hill with a 4.40 ERA. Leake hitting a rough spot giving up 7 long-ball, 23 runs over 28 innings of work is winless in five starts with Cincy 0-5 over the span. Cincy in a 2-4 funk, 1-5 skid opening a series, Leake in suspect form along with Reds 1-6 vs Philadelphia with the hurler is enough reason to consider Phillies. But, the 'CLINCHER' comes in the form of starter Cole Hamels. The lefty is undefeated vs Reds (10-0) with Phillies 14-0 in his 14 career starts against Cincinnati. Evidence is the key in making any case, and the numbers above illustrate that Phillies are worth a look.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Monday's six-pack

Seattle Mariners have a $123,225,843 payroll and high expectations; here is the career managing record of Seattle skipper Lloyd McClendon, who has managed 1,000 games in the major leagues:

2001 Pirates-- 62-100
2002 Pirates-- 72-89
2003 Pirates-- 75-87
2004 Pirates-- 72-89
2005 Pirates-- 55-81
2014 Mariners 87-75
2015 Mariners 25-31

Total 448-552, .448

These are the facts; draw your own conclusions........

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play MON Pirates w/ Burnett -160

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB Betting Cheat Sheet: Yankees mowing opponents down
By Doc Sports

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

Triple the fun

It was a big weekend in New York, where American Pharoah won the Triple Crown, the New York Yankees tripled up the Los Angeles Angels for their second consecutive three-game sweep. The Yankees have won six in a row and have allowed more than three runs only once in their last eight contests.

Wacha on the road

The St. Louis Cardinals are 9-1 when Michael Wacha takes the mound this season. Wacha (8-1, 2.18 ERA) has been especially impressive on the road. He is 6-0 with a 1.59 ERA away from home compared to marks of 2-1 and 3.24 while pitching in St. Louis. Wacha’s next start will come on Tuesday at the Colorado Rockies, who are starting Jorge De La Rosa (2-2, 6.15 ERA).

Gee wiz

The New York Mets have nixed their idea of a six-man rotation and are going back to five. As a result, Dillon Gee is no longer a starter. And it’s safe to say he is not happy about being demoted to the bullpen. Gee, who says he has zero value on the team now, is 0-3 with a 4.46 ERA in six starts after giving up four runs in four innings on Wednesday.

Pitching Notes

* After getting rocked in late April and early May, Chris Sale of the Chicago White Sox has picked up the pace on the mound. The southpaw has gone at least seven innings in each of his last five starts (all quality), and in that span his ERA has plummeted from 5.93 to 3.27. Sale has not allowed a run in his last 20.1 innings. He will take the bump on Monday against the Houston Astros.

* Since making three quality starts in his first four outings of 2015, Philadelphia Phillies’ veteran Jerome Williams (3-5, 5.68 ERA) has turned in only one such start in his last eight appearances. And even that was the bare minimum for such a distinction (six innings, three runs allowed). Philadelphia is 1-7 in Williams’ last eight starts heading into his date with the host Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday.

Hitting Notes

* Atlanta Braves’ first baseman Freddie Freeman went 0-for-3 on Sunday, but not before he enjoyed a nine-game hitting streak. Since the start of June, Freeman (.300, 10 HR, 34 RBI) is 9-for-20 with three homers, eight RBIs, and seven runs scored in six games. He has gone deep three times in his last 10 contests.

* The Oakland Athletics are the worst team in the American League (by far) at 23-36. Although they are a lucrative over team (34-21-4 O/U), the A’s have seen their bats go relatively quiet. Five everyday players batted .200 or worse last week.

Totals Streak

Seattle Mariners (23-33-1 O/U): The Mariners have been a productive under play throughout the season, but of late they have been a borderline lock to churn out unders. Seattle is 0-5 O/U in its last five overall. The team has not scored more than two runs in any of its last five contests (five runs in total during this stretch) and it has not allowed more than three runs in any of its last five.

Weather Report

* There is a 79 percent chance of thunderstorms at PNC Park in Pittsburgh Monday.

* Early forecasts are calling for a 37 percent chance of thunderstorms at Citi Field in New York when the Mets host the Giants Tuesday.

Injury Notes

* Los Angeles Dodgers’ second baseman Howie Kendrick (.284, 5 HR, 23 RBI) missed almost all of a recent four-game series against the Cardinals because of a knee injury. But an MRI confirmed that there is no structural damage and Kendrick was a late replacement at second base on Sunday night. He expects to be ready for full-time duty on Monday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Meanwhile, outfielder Yasiel Puig (hamstring) played on Saturday and Sunday for the first times since April 24.

* Tampa Bay Rays’ third baseman Evan Longoria (wrist) got a day off on Saturday and was not in the lineup for Sunday’s game at Seattle. Longoria (.273, 5 HR, 25 RBI), though, pinch ran in the eighth inning and scored a run.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Monday, June 8

Trend Report

7:05 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Milwaukee is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games at home
Pittsburgh is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Milwaukee

7:07 PM
MIAMI vs. TORONTO
Miami is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 7 games
Toronto is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Miami
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

7:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Diego's last 7 games when playing Atlanta
San Diego is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing San Diego
Atlanta is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against San Diego

7:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. CINCINNATI
Philadelphia is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Philadelphia is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Cincinnati's last 8 games when playing Philadelphia
Cincinnati is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

8:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. MINNESOTA
Kansas City is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Kansas City is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games at home
Minnesota is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games when playing Kansas City

8:10 PM
HOUSTON vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Houston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Houston is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Chi White Sox's last 11 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games when playing at home against Houston

8:40 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. COLORADO
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 8 games on the road
Colorado is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against St. Louis
Colorado is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games

10:10 PM
ARIZONA vs. LA DODGERS
Arizona is 2-9 SU in their last 11 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Arizona's last 22 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of LA Dodgers's last 12 games

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Archer makes history in Rays' victory over Mariners

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer dominated the Seattle Mariners on Sunday and carved his own place in history in the process.

Archer struck out seven while allowing six hits and one earned run over seven innings of work. The 26-year-old is the first pitcher in at least 100 years with three straight starts of zero walks and over 10 strikeouts.

On the heels of Archer's dominant performance, Tampa topped the M's 3-1 as -132 favorites.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mets' deGrom keeps improving

PHOENIX -- New York Mets manager Terry Collins believes right-hander Jacob deGrom is becoming more of a pitcher with every outing.

"He's more than one-dimensional," Collins said after the Mets' 6-3 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday afternoon. "His command of his stuff always has been pretty good, but then he started changing (batters') eye levels and moving to both sides of the plate."

The progression was apparent from the first inning Sunday, when deGrom allowed consecutive hits to lead off the game and watched two runs (one unearned) score.

DeGrom, however, retired 14 of the next 16 batters and at one point struck out five consecutive hitters en route to a 10-strikeout performance, his sixth career double-strikeout game and second this season.

He also finished with three walks, ending a streak of 26 innings without allowing a walk. DeGrom yielded three runs (two earned) on five hits in seven innings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Red Sox reduce rotation from six to five

BOSTON -- Score one for upside over stability.

Faced with a choice of whether to remove hard-throwing right-hander Joe Kelly or veteran knuckleballer Steven Wright from the rotation, the Red Sox have opted to stick with Kelly, who will take his regular turn Friday night at Fenway Park against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Wright moved to the bullpen, and he wound up earning the win Sunday in Boston's come-from-behind, sweep-completing 7-4 victory over the Oakland Athletics.

"Both have pitched probably well enough to either remain in the rotation or to earn a rotation spot," manager John Farrell said. "But when you set aside a couple of the bumps that Joe Kelly has had of late -- one in Minnesota -- he's got the ability to be a dominant starter. (Saturday) was a glimpse of that. There have been other outings where he's pitched to that capability. Feel like we're going to stay the course with him in our rotation."

The Red Sox used six starters for the past two turns through the rotation because of a stretch of 20 games in 20 days that ended Sunday. The emergence of 22-year-old lefty Eduardo Rodriguez, called up recently from Triple-A Pawtucket, forced them to make a move with either Kelly or Wright.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Verlander nearly ready to rejoin Tigers

CHICAGO -- Justin Verlander may be close to returning to the Detroit Tigers' rotation.

Verlander, 32, has been on the disabled list since Opening Day due to a strained right triceps, but after a strong Saturday outing at Triple-A Toledo, the veteran right-hander may be on the verge of a major league comeback.

He struck out nine and allowed one unearned run on five hits in a 5 2/3-inning rehab start for Toledo.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Rangers' Ohlendorf lands on DL with groin injury

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Right-hander Ross Ohlendorf had a bothersome right groin in spring training, and it kept him off the Texas Rangers' Opening Day roster.

The ailment is acting up again, and the Rangers placed Ohlendorf on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with a right groin strain.

"This isn't as bad as it was in spring training," Ohlendorf said, "but I don't want to have a relapse like I did in spring training. I was in the bullpen starting to get ready, and it just felt like it was a bad idea to try to pitch through it."

Ohlendorf picked up a victory in relief May 31, his first win since Sept. 13, 2013, and he earned his first professional save May 22. He is 1-0 with a 3.52 ERA in eight relief appearances, and he has nine strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Indians demote Chisenhall, Ramirez

Revamping the left side of their infield, the Cleveland Indians made several transactions Sunday after a 7-3 loss to the Orioles in the series finale at Baltimore.

Cleveland optioned third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall and shortstop Jose Ramirez to Triple-A Columbus. The Indians announced that they will promote infielders Zach Walters and Giovanny Urshela from Columbus ahead of the team's next game, Tuesday against the visiting Seattle Mariners.

Urshela might take over as the new third baseman, while Mike Aviles, whose playing time increased recently, figures to be the primary shortstop.

A 23-year-old Colombian, Urshela hit .275 with a .301 on-base percentage, a .475 slugging percentage, three homers and nine RBIs in 21 games for Columbus this season. He has no major league experience.

Walters, 25, batted .259/.309/.411 with two homers and 15 RBIs in 30 Triple-A games. He played seven games for Cleveland earlier this year, going 1-for-17.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL
Long Sheet

Monday, June 8

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

TAMPA BAY (63-33-0-8, 134 pts.) at CHICAGO (61-33-0-7, 129 pts.) - 6/8/2015, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 4-2 (+2.5 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 4-2-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.1 Units)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL
Short Sheet

Monday, June 8


Stanley Cup Finals - Best of 7 - Game 3 - Series Tied 1-1

Tampa Bay at Chicago, 8:05 PM
Tampa Bay: 26-8 SU when playing only their 2nd game in 5 days
Tampa Bay: 21-5 SU after a home game where both teams score 3 or more goals

Chicago: 15-18 SU after a non-conference game
Chicago: 12-18 SU after 2 consecutive non-conference games

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL

Monday, June 8

Trend Report

8:00 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Chicago is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL
Dunkel

Monday, June 8


Tampa Bay @ Chicago

Game 5-6
June 8, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
10.473
Chicago
13.037
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago
by 2 1/2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago
-160
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
(-160); Under

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB
Dunkel

Monday, June 8


Milwaukee @ Pittsburgh

Game 951-952
June 8, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Nelson) 16.637
Pittsburgh
(Burnett) 15.509
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 1
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-165
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(+145); Over

Philadelphia @ Cincinnati

Game 953-954
June 8, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
(Hamels) 14.477
Cincinnati
(Leake) 12.888
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cincinnati
-115
7
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(-105); Over

San Diego @ Atlanta

Game 955-956
June 8, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Diego
(Kennedy) 13.671
Atlanta
(Miller) 16.011
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 2 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta
-150
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(-150); Under

St. Louis @ Colorado

Game 957-958
June 8, 2015 @ 8:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
(Lackey) 16.702
Colorado
(Hale) 14.286
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 2 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-145
10 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(-145); Under

Arizona @ LA Dodgers

Game 959-960
June 8, 2015 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arizona
(DeLaRosa) 16.476
LA Dodgers
(Bolsinger) 15.318
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-170
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
(+150); Under

Houston @ Chicago White Sox

Game 961-962
June 8, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(McCullers) 17.958
Chicago White Sox
(Sale) 15.727
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago White Sox
-160
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(+140); Under

Kansas City @ Minnesota

Game 963-964
June 8, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Vargas) 16.450
Minnesota
(Hughes) 17.319
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
-115
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-115); Over

Miami @ Toronto

Game 965-966
June 8, 2015 @ 7:07 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
(Hand) 14.585
Toronto
(Estrada) 17.004
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 2 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-165
9
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-165); Over

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Don't look now, the Yankees are streaking

The New York Yankees topped the Los Angeles Angels 6-2 Sunday afternoon for their sixth consecutive win.

The surprising Bronx Bombers have won seven of eight and lead the American League East by 1.5 games with a 32-25 record.

The Yanks have an off day Monday before they host the Washington Nationals for a mini two game series with the Tuesday. Masahiro Tanaka and Max Scherzer are the projected starters.