Saturday 10/15/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Keeneland - Race #9 - Post: 5:30pm - Stakes - 9.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $500,000 Class Rating: 112 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup S. Presented by Lane's End (Grade 1)

Rating:

#1 CATCH A GLIMPSE (ML=2/1)
#9 MOKAT (ML=12/1)
#4 HARMONIZE (ML=8/1)
#2 ON LEAVE (ML=5/1)


CATCH A GLIMPSE - This filly is almost always in the money. This jock and handler have a lucrative ROI when they combine forces. This is a classic 'Lone Front-runner' scenario. If Geroux gets him out of the gate cleanly it'll likely be smooth sailing. MOKAT - Lets try to beat the probable favorites with this filly. Just missed last out, but ran a decent race. Baltas has a very solid win pct in grass routes. This filly should be ready to win. This animal has increased her speed ratings from a fig of 67 to 107 to 110 in succession. HARMONIZE - This filly has the top turf number in her last race. It doesn't take a college grad like The Brain to figure this here horse has a good chance. I like a pony that manages to be on the board as often as this filly. Almost always in the money so don't leave her out of your exotic bets. The latest rating of 111 is the top last race speed fig in the group. This filly is most obviously on the improve with speed figures of 101, 103, 111 last 3 out. ON LEAVE - I like this filly a lot here. She shows a lot of consistency, finishing in the money frequently. McGaughey is solid in grass routes. This horse should have no excuses if she doesn't win. Have to make this filly a contender; she comes off a good effort on Sep 17th. PP data show this thoroughbred with 3 improving speed ratings. Ortiz should be on a horse ready to go in this event.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 TIME AND MOTION (ML=5/2), #5 HAWKSMOOR (IRE) (ML=6/1),

TIME AND MOTION - This sustainer should have a rough go of it to get there in time with an absence of speed in this race. HAWKSMOOR (IRE) - Not likely that this horse will finish better than she did last time when ending up fifth.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:

#9 MOKAT is going to be the play if we are getting 8/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [4,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Pocono Downs

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

Race 4 - Post: 7:24 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 91 - Purse:$18000 - CLAIMING $25,000 MOHEGAN SUN POCONO DRIVER`S CHOICES: GEORGE NAPOLITANO #3 OVER #2 & #5 ERIC CARLSON #8 OVER #1
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 6 EMERITUS MAXIMUS 8/1
# 3 ROCKIN RAMBARAN 2/1
# 2 GIANT SCULPTURE 5/1

Hard not to back EMERITUS MAXIMUS as the top choice here and the payoff could be huge based on that 8/1 morning line. Cannot put a finger on it, but lean toward this horse for a wager. The handicapping team gives this fine animal a respectable chance to come home a winner, class numbers are tops in the field of starters. The group happens to know that when you put McCarthy and Hall together competitive results happen frequently. ROCKIN RAMBARAN - Well above average winning rate makes this harness racer an excellent selection to take home the dough. He has been racing competitively and the speed ratings are among the most favorable in the pack. GIANT SCULPTURE - Is a formidable choice given the 96 speed rating from his most recent outing.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #3 - BELMONT PARK - 2:01 PM EASTERN POST

The Futurity Stakes

6.0 FURLONGS DIRT GRADE III TWO YEAR OLDS STAKES $200,000.00 PURSE

#2 THEORY
#1 MOVE LIKE ALI
#4 RECKLING
#5 STAR EMPIRE

Here in the 127th running of The Futurity, which is one of the oldest races for juveniles in North America, #2 THEORY qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," and comes off a more than 5-length, "POWER RUN WIN" to break his maiden in his "first asking." He's out of the Gemologist lineage, whose progeny have hit the board in 51% of their starts to date. #1 MOVES LIKE ALI demonstrated nice early speed in his respective "first asking," resulting in a maiden-breaking, "POWER RUN WIN."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Hastings Park

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


Race 7 - Maiden Claiming - 6.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $11000 Class Rating: 67

FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 117 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,000.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 2 REQUESTED KISS 5/2

# 9 PARKER'S BEHR CAT 7/2

# 4 RED RORY 3/1

REQUESTED KISS is the top wager in this race. Overall the Equibase Speed Figures of this pony look respectable in this outing. Had one of the best Equibase Speed Figures of this field in his last outing. Is a strong contender based on figs garnered recently under today's conditions. PARKER'S BEHR CAT - Put up a strong speed rating in the most recent race. Can run another good one in this contest. Is tough not to look at given the company run in recently. RED RORY - Burningham will probably be able to get this gelding to break out quickly in this race. The speed figure of 56 from his last affair looks competitive in here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Saturday 10/15 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool


20-CENT PICK 5: 2,4/3,4,8/4/1/5,6,8,9,10 = $6

EARLY PICK 4: 1/5,6,8,9,10/4/1,5,6,7,8 = $25

LATE PICK 4: 3,5/1,4/10/2 = $4

MEET STATS: 420 - 1238 / $2180.20 BEST BETS: 69 - 114 / $215.70

SPOT PLAYS: 26 - 113 / $171.60

Best Bet: ALWAYS A HOTSHOT (11th)

Spot Play: AINT THREE OK (5th)


Race 1

(4) NICKLE BAG gets Henry back and he can get back on track here with an aggressive steer. (2) ELLIS PARK was an easy and powerful winner last week and he is a big threat to repeat here. (5) EVENIN OF PLEASURE seems to have lost a step the past few starts but he should make the ticket anyway. (6) NEXT THING SMOKEN has some good lines from Hoosier, but these are tougher; minor share predicted.

Race 2

(3) MASS PRODUCTION comes off a lifetime-best performance which if duplicated would make him very tough to beat here; top call. (4) TYCOON SEELSTER is capable of leaving much better and the inside post here gives him a shot at the upset. (8) MISTER MUSCLE fires home quickly every start; consider for exotics. (1) LIFE WELL LIVED had a useful tightener for this lucrative Superfinal. He can sit a good trip near the front here and take a share.

Race 3

(4) L A DELIGHT is the class of this group and she should make it look easy here at a very short price. (1) PARTY IN ROME was nailed late by a very sharp rival last week. She should take a big slice here. (2) BAD AS LEADER beat some Preferred type older mares last time which is no easy feat for a sophomore filly. Give her a long look for exacta and trifecta bets. (3) BOURBON SEELSTER can sit a good trip on cover and pass a few late for a share.

Race 4

(1) ON A SUNNY DAY holds a major post advantage over her main rival (10) MAGIC PRESTO. I would expect the former to force the latter to take a seat early here and that could turn out to be the difference. (9) WINTER SWEET FROST rarely misses the board and her good tactical speed should enable her to get a good stalking spot early. (6) HOLIDAY PROMISE is one of the best closers in here. She will be passing rivals late in the mile. (Note: MAGIC PRESTO is scratched)

Race 5

(5) AINT THREE OK keeps grinding out first-over wins. If she can find a live helmet to follow here, she could be even tougher. (9) BLAMEITONTHENIGHT is in sharp form and she picks up Tetrick here; using. (10) ACTION MAJESTY is one of the best fillies in here, but the 10-hole could lead to her undoing. (6) FADE figures to sit a nice trip near the front. She has some upset possibilities.

Race 6

(4) ROCKIN IN HEAVEN gets to race in a much easier spot this week and he can wake up with a big effort here. (6) ASAP HANOVER is better racing with a closing style. He can spring an upset here with the right trip. (5) EASY LOVER HANOVER is in sharp form and is another to consider for Pick 4 bets racing from close range likely. (2) ANDREIOS KARDIA shows some big trips south of the border. He isn't out of this but he may need a race over the track.

Race 7

(5) TONY SOPRANO may be getting good again at the perfect time and he picks up Campbell here; call to upset. (1) DIA MONDE made two moves when beating the choice last time and taking a new life's mark. He's a top contender here along with (7) MUSCLE HUSTLE, who only three starts back set a Canadian record at Georgian. (8) BEE IN CHARGE could be much better here returning to a 7-day cycle. Keep him in mind, especially if he is ignored in the wagering.

Race 8

(3) CAPRICE HILL was freshened after suffering a disastrous trip in the Elegant Image final. She picks up Tetrick for this and she can get back on track. (6) FLOWERS N SONGS is incredibly consistent and she should be the choice's main rival here. (4) ROYAL CHARM will be poised to strike at the head of the lane if the pace is slowing at all; consider. (5) EMOTICON HANOVER can race near the front and stick around for a smaller share here.

Race 9

(4) STREAKAVANA is sure to be rolled early here by Filion and he will be tough to overhaul. (1) MACHIN A TRICK comes off an impressive score and he continues to improve; using. (8) SOUTHWIND GENERAL will likely be an early threat but is unlikely to stick around for more than a minor share. (2) CALVIN K can get a much better trip here and can crack the exotics at a price.

Race 10

(10) BETTING LINE shouldn't have much trouble here despite leaving from the outermost post. (1) MAGNUM J can use the rail to sit a great trip and complete the exacta. (8) SINTRA was sharp last week chasing his elders. He should make the ticket in what could be a Tri that pays less than $10. (6) GERRIES SPORT has raced against older three straight times which has darkened his form a bit. Consider an exacta bet with him second if it is paying decently.

Race 11

(2) ALWAYS A HOTSHOT continues to roll through his conditions impressively and he should take another here. (7) BLAYDE HANOVER was tough in defeat to the choice last time. He can complete the exacta again here. (6) FLAHERTY could threaten if he can get a slightly easier trip than last time when he was on the rim for a long time. (5) POISONOUS will likely employ a closing style here and pass a few late.

Race 12

(4) CONTINUAL HANOVER has been razor-sharp for weeks and it seems he wins from anywhere. I'll give him the nod again. (5) DARCEE N closed off excess over into a slowing pace to win last week. He could have further improvement coming here in his third start over the track. (3) AUDREYS DREAM figures in this class and he may get motivated earlier from the improved post. (7) SHADOW PLACE gets his regular driver back here. Expect improvement. (9) VEGAS ROCKS steps up off a big win but these are much tougher. He can close for a smaller slice.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Turf Paradise - Race #7 - Post: 3:55pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $9,000 Class Rating: 92

Rating:

#9 DEPUTY'S COMMAND (ML=6/1)
#3 KEEP ME POSTED (ML=3/1)


DEPUTY'S COMMAND - This jock/trainer duo has been producing a high win percent, right around 32. Ortiz drops him down to this level. You don't need too much more knowledge to figure that this horse is in a good spot at this level. Lower weight assigned of -5. In my opinion, a movement of 5 is important, so this gelding falls into this category. KEEP ME POSTED - After a pair of sprints, he's routing today, which is probably what this gelding wants to do. A thoroughbred coming back this quickly after a good race is a good sign. I like the fact that this gelding's last speed fig, 91, is tops in this bunch. Searching through the data for this race, I noted right away this animal's last effort was more than meets the eye. Showed good speed, fell back, and then ran evenly.

Vulnerable Contenders: #8 VIBRATO JAZZ (ML=5/2), #12 DYNAMITE WIND (ML=8/1), #6 CALLINGAHARDTEN (ML=8/1),

VIBRATO JAZZ - The probable favorite is shaky here with the lack of works. DYNAMITE WIND - Finished sixth last out. Would have to improve to be on the board in today's event. Not probable that the speed rating he earned on Sep 18th will be good enough in this event.

GUEST COMMENTARY: The Turf Man - DEPUTY'S COMMAND - In today's affair this steed owns the best average class number. He is one of the top contenders against these thoroughbreds.
*

STRAIGHT WAGERS:

#9 DEPUTY'S COMMAND is the play if we get odds of 3/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [3,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Saturday 10/15 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF

MEET STATS: 352 - 1039 / $1,906.60

BEST BETS: 46 - 86 / $152.80

Best Bet: CRAZSHANA (2nd)

Spot Play: SANTA FE BEACHBOY (3rd)


Race 1

(1) STOLEN CAR has very quietly had a solid season with over $100,000 banked. He's a proven fit at this level and looks enticing at 12/1 morning line. (5) CYCLONE KIWI N returns locally off a very sharp score versus lesser at Philly. (3) SOHO LENNON A finally put it together last week with a solid effort and Stratton sticks with him.

Race 2

(6) CRAZSHANA has missed time between his recent starts but he's back now on a week's rest getting needed class relief; Bamond trainee looks like the one to beat. (2) ZOOMING has been much better in his last two after a few dull efforts. (4) SOMEBODY AS always lands a share but he sometimes lacks the winning habit, especially at Yonkers.

Race 3

(6) SANTA FE BEACHBOY has always been an erratic sort but he's really fast when on his game; Banca trainee looks for two straight. (1) SAPPHIRE CITY gets needed post relief and he'll be on the lead or stalking close up. (2) TEXICAN N finally broke into the win column last week and he's certainly classy enough to repeat.

Race 4

(8) FIRST CLASS HORSE broke leaving last week ending his insane string of races after moving to the Milici barn but he made up a ton of ground to be a solid third. Obviously with no mishaps Bartlett can make it to the front and control these. (4) ROCK N ROLL WORLD seems like he should be better than he's showing; Burke trainee can be a threat from this spot. (7) BLOOD BROTHER has obvious ability but can't come from last; can he float early for a seat?

Race 5

(1) DREAM OUT LOUD N probably should have won last week but it certainly wasn't a bad effort; Cassar trainee can trip out from this spot. (8) FEEL THE NEED A was a decent and unextended third last week in the Open; we've seen flashes of brilliance from this import and he can be considered even from this outside spot; watch the board for clues. (7) TAKE IT BACK TERRY is also stuck with a tough outside post but we know he fits with these.

Race 6 – International Trot

(5) OASIS BI is one of three European horses who raced in last year's International Trot, and he had plenty finishing after escaping traffic. He's had just as stellar of a campaign this year overseas and from this nice midpack post he should be in the clear throughout. Riding live cover can get it done. (1) HANNELORE HANOVER has been super for the Burke stable and lands the inside post. I'm sure the strategy will be for the mare to take these down the road, but it should be a pressured pace throughout. (7) BBS SUGARLIGHT also had a trip over the Yonkers oval last year and didn't race badly. He's another that seems capable with a live flow. (2) RESOLVE is arguably the best trotter here for Svanstedt but from this starting spot it's possible he gets buried early and never escapes, especially with the European style of drivers living on the rim.

Race 7 – Invitational Trot

(10) WIND OF THE NORTH has been much improved in his last three after moving to the Dylan Davis barn, hitting the ticket on all three occasions. Callahan's here to drive and seems worth a play if the price is right. (2) BEE A MAGICIAN returns to the racing wars off two nice qualifiers and should be ready to roll; clearly the one to beat. (8) SHAKE IT CERRY wasn't at her best last out and is stuck in post eight today, but we know the Takter trainee is more than capable.

Race 8

(7) DOT DOT DOT DASH has proven herself in the past versus this type with some solid efforts and the added distance can help her cause in this wide-open affair. (3) BINGO QUEEN has been feeling good lately and minding her manners; consider. (4) SUPER MANNING was used very hard last week and proved very stubborn before giving way; he can be a big price here.

Race 9

(1) SUMATRA gets some needed post relief and should be close up throughout. (9) WORLD CUP has hit the board in his last few efforts at this level with a win sprinkled in; Gingras drives today and he can be considered the one to beat despite starting from the second tier. (7) LUCK O THE IRISH recovered very nicely from a break last out versus lesser; could be a late threat.

Race 10 – Invitational Pace

(8) WIGGLE IT JIGGLEIT certainly isn't a cinch from this outside starting spot but how can you go against or root against him? No doubt Montrell Teague will have him firing early. (4) ALL BETS OFF has had a very nice season chasing the top ones, banking over $500K in the process. Note last week's 1:46 2/5 effort chasing Always B Miki. Burke trainee is way overdue. (1) BIT OF A LEGEND is the Levy champ and has clearly accomplished the most of the locals; impossible to ignore him from this spot. This should be a great race.

Race 11

(2) WINDS OF CHANGE brushed aggressively last out, cut a rated pace and gave way late. Takter trainee seems better from off the pace, which is where he should be today. (1) THE REAL ONE is back up in class after jogging versus lesser and he draws best. (5) FOILED AGAIN is back locally after bouncing back from some adversity for seemingly the 100th time. Note the champ is reunited with Gingras.

Race 12

(4) WINGS OF ROYALTY was a sharp pocket-sitting winner last out and now he gets Sears back in the bike; repeat trip is possible. (8) MAJOR ATHENS qualified effortlessly and he can be a threat despite the outside post. (3) CRAZY ABOUT PAT saved ground and closed well last week in his local return.

Race 13

(3) WESTERN ROCKSTAR A was outbattled late by a speedy rival last week upon dropping to this level and he can make amends today. (1) THESEYESRCRYING has loads of speed and a much better post. (2) MOONLITEONTHEBEACH keeps Bartlett after getting nailed on the wire last out but he hasn't beaten this type in a while.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Saturday

TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Belmont Park (3rd) Reckling, 4-1
(4th) Irish Filibuster, 3-1


Charles Town (1st) Arrest in Pieces, 6-1
(8th) Mader Bythe Minute, 5-1


Delaware Park (6th) Miss Emily's Smile, 8-1
(9th) Fire Moon, 9-2


Finger Lakes (5th) Fox Rox, 9-2
(6th) Andromeda's Child, 7-2


Gulfstream Park West (1st) Spring Me, 10-1
(3rd) Real Steel, 6-1


Hastings Park (8th) Blue Storm Cloud, 6-1
(9th) Master Ewen, 4-1


Hawthorne (2nd) Indygo Breeze, 6-1
(8th) Reap, 3-1


Indiana Grand (3rd) Hawk Eye Justice, 9-2
(4th) Driven by Desire, 5-1


Keeneland (3rd) Speightsong, 3-1
(5th) Miss Gossip, 6-1


Laurel Park (1st) Stormin Babe, 4-1
(10th) Fleeting Hope, 6-1


Meadowlands (2nd) Treasury Devil, 3-1
(3rd) Orzo, 3-1


Mountaineer (1st) Don't Defy Me, 9-2
(5th) Quick Reward, 5-1


Parx Racing (8th) Conquest Harlequin, 5-1
(9th) Fast Runner, 9-2


Penn National (1st) Justcrazyenuff, 6-1
(3rd) Max's Warrior, 4-1


Remington Park (3rd) Super Romance, 3-1
(7th) Gladditude, 9-2


Retama Park (4th) Break Free, 3-1
(9th) Sir Smart Alex, 5-1


Santa Anita (1st) Monterey Shale, 3-1
(6th) Wrightwood, 4-1


Thistledown (5th) Luckysdream, 4-1
(7th) Leona's Reward, 6-1


Turf Paradise (3rd) Roi Soleil, 3-1
(6th) Surrealistic, 10-1


Woodbine (3rd) Turn to Reality, 7-2
(9th) Luna d'Avril, 6-1

 

[Iceman2525]

Ness Legend? TIA and thanks for those who work so hard to make this site great!!!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB notebook: Kendricks to start Game 2 for Cubs
By The Sports Xchange

The Chicago Cubs announced that Kyle Hendricks will start Game 2 of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, followed by Jake Arrieta and John Lackey.
Jon Lester has already been announced as the Cubs' starter in Game 1, which takes place Friday night at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The Dodgers have not announced their scheduled starting rotation beyond right-hander Kenta Maeda in Game 1.
Hendricks departed from Game 2 of the NLDS against the San Francisco Giants on Oct. 8, when Angel Pagan's batted ball hit him on the right forearm during the fourth inning. He allowed two runs on four hits in 3 2/3 innings.
The 26-year-old right-hander posted a career-high win total while going 16-8 with a 2.13 ERA and 170 strikeouts in 31 games (30 starts) this season. Arrieta returns to the site of his first no-hitter in Game 3 at Dodger Stadium.

--The Cleveland Indians shuffled their starting rotation for the American League Championship Series after right-hander Trevor Bauer sustained a cut to his hand on Thursday night.
Right-hander Josh Tomlin and Bauer swapped spots in the rotation against the Toronto Blue Jays, the Indians announced.
Tomlin was moved up by the Indians and will start Game 2 at Progressive Field in Cleveland on Saturday and Bauer was pushed back to Game 3 in Toronto on Monday. Corey Kluber started Game 1 for the Indians on Friday night.
Bauer suffered a laceration to his right pinkie finger that required several stitches. He suffered the injury while repairing his drone, team president Chris Antonetti told WTAM in Cleveland.

--Washington Nationals All-Star catcher Wilson Ramos underwent successful surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee.
Ramos, who is scheduled to become a free agent, also had tears in his medial and lateral meniscus repaired during the procedure. The team said he is facing a recovery timetable of six to eight months.
The 29-year-old Ramos was in the midst of the finest season of his career when he was injured on Sept. 26, two days after the Nationals clinched the National League East title.
Ramos batted .307 with 22 home runs and 80 RBIs, all personal bests, and was named to the All-Star team for the first time.

--Brian Gorman will be the umpire crew chief for the American League Championship Series, which begins Friday night in Cleveland.
Gary Cederstrom will be the crew chief for the umpires in the National League Championship Series, which opens Saturday in Chicago.
Joining Gorman on the AL crew for the Toronto-Cleveland series are Laz Diaz, Mike Everitt, Jeff Nelson, Jim Reynolds and Jim Wolf. Mark Wegner will open the series as the replay official before switching assignments with Diaz at the start of Game 3.
On the NL staff for the Los Angeles-Chicago series with Cederstrom will be Ted Barrett, Eric Cooper, Angel Hernandez, Alfonso Marquez and Paul Nauert. Bill Welke is the replay official and will switch roles with Nauert beginning with Game 3.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays (89-73) at Indians (94-67)

Game: 2
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: October 15, 2016 4:08 PM EDT

CLEVELAND -- Trevor Bauer, the Cleveland Indians' starting pitcher in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series on Saturday, was knocked out before it even began -- by Trevor Bauer.

Or, more accurately, by a drone he was cleaning.

Bauer, a devotee of drones, has been scratched from his scheduled start in Game 2 after suffering a lacerated small finger on his right hand while doing some "routine maintenance" on the drone, according to Indians manager Terry Francona. The wound required several stitches on the outside of the finger.

"This was not malicious," Francona said. "He wasn't doing something that, I mean, he could have been opening a box in the kitchen. Things happen. I wish it wouldn't have, but it wasn't done maliciously. It wasn't done by being silly. It just happened."

Because it happened, Josh Tomlin, who was scheduled to start the third game of the series, will now start in place of Bauer in Game 2. Bauer's start has been moved back to Game 3, which will be played Monday in Toronto.

Francona said Indians doctors believe that two extra days of rest should be enough to allow Bauer to make that start Monday. In the meantime, Tomlin will try to extend the momentum the Indians gained from a brilliantly pitched Game 1 on Friday night, when starter Corey Kluber and relievers Andrew Miller and Cody Allen combined on a seven-hit shutout in a 2-0 victory.

The Blue Jays will also be dealing with an injury in Game 2, perhaps an injury even worse than Bauer's. Toronto second baseman Devon Travis was removed from Friday's game in the fifth inning with a leg injury. Travis injured a knee while covering first base on a bunt in the fifth inning. He immediately left the game.

"It hurts pretty bad," Travis said. "I felt good going into the game. I covered first on that bunt and jarred my knee a little bit. I felt a super sharp pain in my knee and it felt like it was going to give out a little bit."

Travis, who missed Games 3 and 4 of the Division Series with Texas because of a right knee bruise, will have an MRI on Saturday.

The Blue Jays added infielder Ryan Goins to their ALCS roster as an insurance against Travis not being able to play and probably didn't think they were going to have to make the switch this soon. Goins will almost certainly start at second base in Game 2.

The pitching matchup will be Tomlin against Toronto left-hander J.A. Happ. Tomlin is 1-0 with a 3.60 ERA in the postseason. In his last start, he pitched five innings and was the winning pitcher in the Indians' Division Series-clinching 4-3 victory over the Red Sox in Boston last Monday.

"It doesn't affect me at all," Tomlin said of his start being moved up one day. "It will be on my fifth day. I'll be on normal rest."

Happ, 33, has had a career year, going 20-4 with a 3.18 ERA. His one start against the Indians was a beauty. In a 17-1 win on July 3, he pitched seven innings, allowing one run and five hits with 11 strikeouts and no walks. In six career appearances (five starts) against Cleveland, he is 3-1 with a 2.86 ERA.

"I didn't expect him to win 20 games, to be honest with you," Toronto manager John Gibbons said. "He's come together in the later stage of his career and I figure he'll be good for a number of years to come."

Tomlin was 0-1 with a 6.10 ERA in two starts against Toronto this year. In five career starts against the Blue Jays, he is 1-1 with a 5.53 ERA.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers (91-71) at Cubs (103-58)

Game: 1
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: October 15, 2016 8:08 PM EDT

CHICAGO -- About the time Travis Wood was dousing Chicago Cubs general manager Theo Epstein with champagne Tuesday night, Epstein was explaining the prevailing theory of roster construction.

"You build it for 162 (games) and you watch it play out, "Epstein said.

"You build it for the postseason and you pray."

So far, so good for the favored Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers, who advanced to meet in the National League Championship Series after difficult NLDS challenges from San Francisco and Washington, respectively. The first two games of the best-of-seven series are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday night at Wrigley Field.

The Cubs beat the Giants in four games with a four-run rally in the top of the ninth inning Tuesday, only the second time in playoff history a team had scored four runs in the ninth inning to win a postseason clincher. The Mets did it to the Boston Red Sox in 1986.

"When you go through these moments, I think they make you better, and it makes you continue to focus," said Cubs catcher David Ross, who homered and hit a sacrifice fly in Game 4. "We've been through a lot of these with comebacks in the ninth. You just continue to grind. It just says a lot about the character of these guys in the young group. They continue to fight."

The Cubs, who won a major league-high 103 games in the regular season and have been favored to win the World Series since the playoffs began, have won 10 games this season when they trailed entering the ninth, including Tuesday's game.

Not that the Dodgers are fazed by being labeled underdogs.

"For us, it's just a lot of noise," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "I think it comes down to 25 players against one another. It really doesn't matter to us, to (be) quite honest."

The Dodgers advanced to the NLCS just as unconventionally, with a 4-3 victory at Washington in Game 5 on Thursday. Trailing 1-0 entering the seventh inning, the Dodgers scored four runs in that inning to go ahead, then held on by using closer Kenley Jansen to get seven outs and set up three-time Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw, who got the final two outs with the tying run on base.

Jansen threw 51 pitches, but Roberts would not rule them out for use this weekend.

Cubs left-hander Jon Lester, a top Cy Young candidate, opposes Dodgers right-hander Kenta Maeda in Game 1. Lester gave up five hits and no walks in eight shutout innings of a 1-0 victory over the Giants in the first game of the NLDS last Friday.

Maeda gave up four runs in three innings of the Dodgers' Game 3 loss on Sunday and will be pitching on regular rest.

The Cubs and Dodgers were eliminated by the NL champion Mets last season. New York beat the Dodgers in five games in the NLDS and then swept the Cubs in four games in the NLCS.

The Cubs may need to improve their hitting in order to advance to their first World Series since 1945, although batting averages are normally down in the playoffs because of the quality of pitching.

Kris Bryant and Javier Baez had six hits apiece in the Giants series, and Wilson Contreras was 4-for-6. All were major players in the Game 4 rally -- Bryant singled to open the ninth. Ben Zobrist doubled in one run, Contreras singled in two to tie the game, and Baez drove in the game-winner before Aroldis Chapman recorded his third save of the series.

Pitchers have driven in six of the Cubs' 17 runs this postseason -- three coming on starter Jake Arrieta's three-run homer in Game 3. Dexter Fowler has two hits while Jason Heyward, Anthony Rizzo and Addison Russell all have one through four games.

Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner was 6-for-15 in the NLDS, and his double drove in the final run Thursday. Joc Pederson, whose homer off Max Scherzer began the Dodgers' four-run rally, was 5-for-15. Shortstop Corey Seager, the certain NL Rookie of the Year, was 3-for-23, although two of his hits were homers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

ALCS

Saturday’s game

Blue Jays @ Indians
Happ is 4-0, 2.78 in his last six starts; Toronto is 10-1 in his last 11 road starts. Happ is 1-0, 2.77 in nine postseason games (two starts, which were 7 years apart)- he allowed one run in seven IP in his only start against Cleveland this year.
Tomlin is 3-1, 2.35 in his last five starts; he allowed two runs in five IP in his first postseason start, last week. Indians lost four of his last six home starts. Tomlin is 0-1, 6.10 in two starts vs Toronto this season.
Toronto won six of last seven*games; they’re 3-5 against the Indians this year. Gibbons is 9-7 as a postseason manager, making it this year and last, his 8th/9th years as a manager. Jays lost in this round LY, their first playoff spot since their last world title, in 1993.
Cleveland won its last seven games; they’re in playoffs for 3rd time in last 15 years. Tribe was last in World Series in ’97; their last world title was in 1948. Francona won couple of World Series in Boston; he is 32-18 as a postseason manager.


NKCS

Saturday’s game

Dodgers @ Cubs
Maeda is 0-3, 11.17 in his last three starts; over is 8-2 in his last 10 starts. Dodgers lost four of his last five road starts. He allowed four runs in three IP in his first postseason start. Maeda did not start against the Cubs this season.
Since August 1, Lester is 9-1, 1.42 in 12 starts; under is 10-1 in his last 11 starts. Cubs won his last ten home starts. He is 7-6, 2.63 in 17 postseason games (15 starts). Lester is 1-0, 0.60 in two starts against the Dodgers this year (allowed one run in 15 IP).
Dodgers is 3-7 in its last ten road games, but just survived a Game 5 in Washington. Cubs got swept in this round by the Mets LY; they’re 4-3 against the Dodgers this year. Chicago is 12-4-1 in its last 17 games.
Roberts is a rookie manager who is 3-2 in the playoffs. Maddon got Tampa Bay to ’08 World Series; he is 20-23 as a manager in the postseason, 7-6 with Chicago.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Indians switch starting pitchers for Game 2
By Jim Ingraham, The Sports Xchange

CLEVELAND -- Trevor Bauer, the Cleveland Indians' starting pitcher in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series on Saturday, was knocked out before it even began -- by Trevor Bauer.
Or, more accurately, by a drone he was cleaning.
Bauer, a devotee of drones, has been scratched from his scheduled start in Game 2 after suffering a lacerated small finger on his right hand while doing some "routine maintenance" on the drone, according to Indians manager Terry Francona. The wound required several stitches on the outside of the finger.
"This was not malicious," Francona said. "He wasn't doing something that, I mean, he could have been opening a box in the kitchen. Things happen. I wish it wouldn't have, but it wasn't done maliciously. It wasn't done by being silly. It just happened."
Because it happened, Josh Tomlin, who was scheduled to start the third game of the series, will now start in place of Bauer in Game 2. Bauer's start has been moved back to Game 3, which will be played Monday in Toronto.
Francona said Indians doctors believe that two extra days of rest should be enough to allow Bauer to make that start Monday. In the meantime, Tomlin will try to extend the momentum the Indians gained from a brilliantly pitched Game 1 on Friday night, when starter Corey Kluber and relievers Andrew Miller and Cody Allen combined on a seven-hit shutout in a 2-0 victory.
The Blue Jays will also be dealing with an injury in Game 2, perhaps an injury even worse than Bauer's. Toronto second baseman Devon Travis was removed from Friday's game in the fifth inning with a leg injury. Travis injured a knee while covering first base on a bunt in the fifth inning. He immediately left the game.
"It hurts pretty bad," Travis said. "I felt good going into the game. I covered first on that bunt and jarred my knee a little bit. I felt a super sharp pain in my knee and it felt like it was going to give out a little bit."
Travis, who missed Games 3 and 4 of the Division Series with Texas because of a right knee bruise, will have an MRI on Saturday.
The Blue Jays added infielder Ryan Goins to their ALCS roster as an insurance against Travis not being able to play and probably didn't think they were going to have to make the switch this soon. Goins will almost certainly start at second base in Game 2.
The pitching matchup will be Tomlin against Toronto left-hander J.A. Happ. Tomlin is 1-0 with a 3.60 ERA in the postseason. In his last start, he pitched five innings and was the winning pitcher in the Indians' Division Series-clinching 4-3 victory over the Red Sox in Boston last Monday.
"It doesn't affect me at all," Tomlin said of his start being moved up one day. "It will be on my fifth day. I'll be on normal rest."
Happ, 33, has had a career year, going 20-4 with a 3.18 ERA. His one start against the Indians was a beauty. In a 17-1 win on July 3, he pitched seven innings, allowing one run and five hits with 11 strikeouts and no walks. In six career appearances (five starts) against Cleveland, he is 3-1 with a 2.86 ERA.
"I didn't expect him to win 20 games, to be honest with you," Toronto manager John Gibbons said. "He's come together in the later stage of his career and I figure he'll be good for a number of years to come."
Tomlin was 0-1 with a 6.10 ERA in two starts against Toronto this year. In five career starts against the Blue Jays, he is 1-1 with a 5.53 ERA.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

ALCS

Saturday’s game

Blue Jays @ Indians
Happ is 4-0, 2.78 in his last six starts; Toronto is 10-1 in his last 11 road starts. Happ is 1-0, 2.77 in nine postseason games (two starts, which were 7 years apart)- he allowed one run in seven IP in his only start against Cleveland this year.
Tomlin is 3-1, 2.35 in his last five starts; he allowed two runs in five IP in his first postseason start, last week. Indians lost four of his last six home starts. Tomlin is 0-1, 6.10 in two starts vs Toronto this season.
Toronto won six of last seven*games; they’re 3-5 against the Indians this year. Gibbons is 9-7 as a postseason manager, making it this year and last, his 8th/9th years as a manager. Jays lost in this round LY, their first playoff spot since their last world title, in 1993.
Cleveland won its last seven games; they’re in playoffs for 3rd time in last 15 years. Tribe was last in World Series in ’97; their last world title was in 1948. Francona won couple of World Series in Boston; he is 32-18 as a postseason manager.


NKCS

Saturday’s game

Dodgers @ Cubs
Maeda is 0-3, 11.17 in his last three starts; over is 8-2 in his last 10 starts. Dodgers lost four of his last five road starts. He allowed four runs in three IP in his first postseason start. Maeda did not start against the Cubs this season.
Since August 1, Lester is 9-1, 1.42 in 12 starts; under is 10-1 in his last 11 starts. Cubs won his last ten home starts. He is 7-6, 2.63 in 17 postseason games (15 starts). Lester is 1-0, 0.60 in two starts against the Dodgers this year (allowed one run in 15 IP).
Dodgers is 3-7 in its last ten road games, but just survived a Game 5 in Washington. Cubs got swept in this round by the Mets LY; they’re 4-3 against the Dodgers this year. Chicago is 12-4-1 in its last 17 games.
Roberts is a rookie manager who is 3-2 in the playoffs. Maddon got Tampa Bay to ’08 World Series; he is 20-23 as a manager in the postseason, 7-6 with Chicago.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Saturday’s six-pack

— Indians 2, Blue Jays 0– Is Terry Francona changing how bullpens will be used in the future?

— Louisville 24, Duke 14– Blue Devils hung in until the last 3:00.

— Oilers 5, Flames 3– Alberta rivals played twice in three nights, now do not play again until January 14.

— Memphis 24, Tulane 14– Back-door cover for the Green Wave.

— UNLV’s hoop team is practicing in brand-new T-Mobile Arena while their arena is being prepped for the last Presidential debate.

— When LA Kings started playing in the NHL 50 years ago, they played six games in Long Beach Arena before moving to the LA Forum.

 

[DropDimes]

WAYNE ROOT

MILL--NC State +
No Limit--Stanford +
--------------------
Perfect Play--Arizona +
The SC Trojans stroll into the desert to face the Arizona Wildcats in one of the loudest stadiums in the conference. This will be a cliffhanger game with the upset for the home team on the board. The win/loss record for Arizona is deceiving from a betting perspective. The Wildcats are off to a poor start, all of its losses – with perhaps the exception of BYU – have come against top opponents and been close games. This is a team that knows how to score points and give opponents fits with its creative looks. USC's QB Sam Darnold is the new kid having pushed thru just enough in the QB race to get the job. Darnold must work on ball security game management and playing in a hostile environment. It’s always great to post video game stats, but it’s far more important if those stats are producing points, advantageous field position, and wearing out the opposing defense. Arizona head coach Rich Rodriguez will have an offensive game plan than will literally confuse the USC DC and his defensive unit. Leading the way for the Wildcats is Brandon Dawkins. Dawkins is 69-of-118 for nearly a thousand yards and averaging eight yards per pass attempt. He is joined by two other QB's that Coach uses in fellow quarterbacks Anu Solomon and Khalil Tate. SC has yet to win on the road at 0-3. How this line has them favored by 9.5 point is a mystery that will impact the betting outcome. The Trojan's looked bad vs a bad Stanford team in that loss. The Trojans will likely be without running back Justin Davis for this one. Davis was carted off the field during the second half of last week and is on crutches causing a crushing blow to their ground game and pass blocking. The Trojans are 7-21 ATS in their last 28 road games and 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games overall. The oddsmakers make the betting public pay an inflated point spread for USC's very popular Brand and in many cases, the betting numbers work against the Trojans and their followers. These two teams find a way to keep their games close due to their game plans. The last four games between Arizona and USC have been decided by a combined 20 points. This one fits the same mode.
--------------------
Inner Circle--Indiana + ***Big 10 Game of October
Nebraska comes into this game with a blazing 5-0 mark, fresh off their latest victory, a 31-16 win over Illinois two Saturdays ago. After the Illini scraped out a 16-10 lead going into the final quarter, the Cornhuskers turned on the jets, scoring 21 unanswered points in fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Indiana is 5-0 ATS in their last five conference games, and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games following an ATS win.The Hoosiers are fairly adept at scoring as QB Richard Lagow has put up a 93-of-155 line for 1460 yards and 11 TD's. They have grown into a competitive football team and a tough out for most opponents. The Hoosiers bring an improved defense to the table to back up a bold, attacking offensive scheme allowing them to be in most every game. Nebraska is off a bye week and had to deal with many injuries. It's very possible Indiana could lead by two scores before Tommy Armstrong is finished lacing up his cleats. Both of these teams can hang points on the scoreboard, but at some point, one of them will need to take control of this shootout with a consistent run game — especially to preserve a lead. Devine Redding is Indiana's workhorse back, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Nebraska's rush defense is among the worst in the country and allowing Indiana to could chew up the clock. The Hoosiers hold the honor of giving Ohio State its toughest game so far, and it did a nice job of getting by Michigan State in overtime with a good passing offense that’s able to keep up the pace with anything the Huskers are able to do with their attack. Indiana is more than good enough to pull this off at home with a strong enough offense to match Nebraska score for score and the upset. The Huskers starting wide receiver and tight end have injuries and will be kept out. Nebraska QB Armstrong won’t have one of his favorite targets in Westerkamp. It's been years since Nebraska has moved into the top 10 and just one week to move back out with the Indiana upset today.
--------------------
Pinnacle--Tennessee + ***NCAA Upset Game of Year
Tennessee is good enough to lose last week and still remain in the top 10. They suffered thru seven turnovers and still managed to get the game into overtime while on the road at Texas A&M. Turnovers were the huge factor in the loss to the Aggies. The Vols lost five fumbles and quarterback Joshua Dobbs was intercepted twice. Probably more than anything else, that is what irked Tennessee coach Butch Jones. Other than that, Josh Dobbs played a superb game, completing 28 of 47 passes for 398 yards and a touchdown. Running back Jalen Hurd was out due to a "lower extremity" injury, and will play against Bama. Alvin Kamara was electric in relief vs. Texas A&M, totaling more than 300 yards and 3 touchdowns. Sophomore John Kelly Jr. provided a spark, too, rushing for 89 yards and a touchdown in the first extended action of his career. Alvin Kamara is coming off his best game as a Vol, and Dobbs is always a threat on the ground or air, so it won’t be surprising if Tennessee tries to establish the run, drain the clock, and wrestle control of the game away from Alabama. QB Dobbs and teams with dual-threat quarterbacks or passers with mobility generally give Nick Saban’s defense the most trouble. For the Volunteers to pull off the upset, Dobbs needs to have a performance similar to the one he had last week against Texas A&M (455 total yards). Dobbs can make enough plays with his legs to slow down Alabama’s pass rush. Last week, Arkansas showed (400 passing yards) there are plays available to be made against this Bama secondary. Defensively, if Tennessee can stuff the Alabama ground attack, it can put Bama QB Hurts into third-and-long situations. While Hurts has been effective, he’s also a true freshman starting in a tough environment. The formula is this: Dobbs needs a career effort to knock off Alabama and his dual-threat ability is going to create a few headaches for this unit. Tennessee has to find a way to win the turnover battle and keep the third downs manageable for its offense. The formula is there for the Volunteers to win, and Tennessee is a better overall program than the last meeting in Knoxville. However, while the Volunteers are nearly a two-touchdown underdog, they nearly won in Tuscaloosa last fall and if they don't get behind early, have that chance to win this game.

Tread lightly if you're following Root on the IU play. His analysis is a joke. Says Nebraska's run D is among the worst in the country...They are 55th out of 128.

Spartan 3* - UNC +7.5

 

[bowlda]

Will have killer move goy (again)... last night sucked guys sorry

 

[Iworktohard4my$]

This is the email from yesterday by Las Vegas Pipeline.
He has not yet given out his play.
I'll post his plays when I get them.
LAS VEGAS PIPELINE
10/14/2016

CFB
40* 2 TEAM 6 POINT TEASER
MEMPHIS AND BYU

MLB
35* CLEVELAND ML

NEXT REPORT SATURDAY AT 11:30

 

[thanks4thepicks]

Cpaw, you see any Huddle Up Sports out there? They were being posted earlier this year. Seem to be pretty solid. Tia.