Saturday 6/25/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Arlington

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


Race 4 - Claiming - 6.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $19000 Class Rating: 84

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE MAY 25, 2016 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $25,000


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 3 G P'S GIRL 5/1


# 9 AMERICAN MERLOT 8/1


# 5 VILARO 15/1


I think G P'S GIRL is a formidable choice. Looks very good versus this group and should be one of the leaders. Has a solid shot in this event if you like back class. Tough to pass on this filly with Santiago in the irons. AMERICAN MERLOT - She has been running strongly and the speed figures are among the most competitive in this field. Could beat this group given the 76 Equibase Speed Figure recorded in her last outing. VILARO - Poulos is serious with this one, wheeling her back quickly. This filly has some longshot angles I like to wager on.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Santa Anita

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


Race 5 - Optional Claiming - 6.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $58000 Class Rating: 106

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON $10,000 OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING OR STARTER OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OR OPTIONAL CLAIMING PRICE OF $40,000. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 125 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE OTHER THAN CLAIMING, OR STARTER ALLOWED 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 5 JAZZY TIMES 5/2


# 6 VICTORY CALL 4/1


# 4 WESTBROOK 5/1


JAZZY TIMES looks to be a respectable contender. Has run strongly when racing a dirt sprint race. Bejarano has been scorching the last month, winning at a nifty 28 percent rate. Players should feel comfortable with this selection given Bejarano's recent gains at the window. VICTORY CALL - Make a note that this entrant runs with second time Lasix today. Callaghan has well above average profits at this distance/surface. WESTBROOK - Has been racing strongly in races of this distance, going 1 - 2 under similar conditions. Must be given a chance - I like the figs from the last race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Oak Tree at Pleasanton - Race #9 - Post: 5:27pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $12,000 Class Rating: 94

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#8 PROTOCOL (ML=5/1)
#6 WEYAND (ML=8/1)
#5 OVER ACHIEVER (ML=6/1)


PROTOCOL - Trainer, Sherman, has been deliberate with this gelding off the layoff. Look for a solid effort today. This gelding ran a real solid event back on May 12th but bounced when coming back off that effort. Today should be different; I expect a return to form. Finished fifth at Golden Gate Fields last out. Was close at the end and at odds of 5/1 today, he looks like a possible contender. Is ranked uppermost in earnings per start. A dominant performance right here will add to the lifetime earnings. WEYAND - Have to make this gelding a serious competitor; he comes off a sharp race on Jun 5th. Have to like the way Hopkins has raced this gelding back into shape off the layoff. Animal is well spotted in this sprint and I think he'll run well today. OVER ACHIEVER - This gelding's last speed rating is high enough to score here, I'll bet on him back again this time around.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 KRONWALL (ML=3/1), #3 POINTSETTIA PARK (ML=7/2), #2 BLACKFORD (ML=9/2),

KRONWALL - Recorded a pedestrian speed rating in the last race in a $6,250 Claiming race on Jun 11th. Improbable to see an improved performance off of that figure. POINTSETTIA PARK - Finished fifth last time. Would have to get better to be on the board in today's event. BLACKFORD - I can't play this perpetual non-winner. Gets the task finished occasionally.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Play #8 PROTOCOL to win if you can get odds of 3/1 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [5,6,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [5,6,8] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPER HIGH 5 WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Woodbine - Race #2 - Post: 1:35pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $25,400 Class Rating: 73

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#2 PLEASE PLAY AGAIN (ML=8/1)


PLEASE PLAY AGAIN - Good return on investment for this jock and handler twosome. Ran in the last race against much better company at Woodbine. The move down in class should suit him well. I think that the addition of the 'hood' today will keep his mind on the race at hand.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 EKATI SONET (ML=2/1), #5 INTO THE MYSTIC (ML=5/2), #4 DISTINCTIVE STYLE (ML=7/2),

EKATI SONET - 2/1 is not priced right for any horse in a sprint of 6 1/2 furlongs that hasn't finished in the money in a short distance race recently. Any horse coming out of a route affair should show some early speed to compete with the sprinters. Not likely that this racer will be at his best in today's event off the extended vacation. Maybe next time. INTO THE MYSTIC - This gelding in all probability won't be really close at the wire. DISTINCTIVE STYLE - This gelding earned a speed rating in his last race which probably isn't good enough in today's race.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - PLEASE PLAY AGAIN - I'm betting that this mount will improve by many lengths with the addition of Lasix. Catch this one if you can.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #2 PLEASE PLAY AGAIN on top if we're getting at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
2 with [1,3]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #9 - BELMONT PARK - 5:45 PM EASTERN POST


The Bed o' Roses Handicap

7.0 FURLONGS DIRT GRADE III FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES $150,000.00 PURSE

#2 WAVELL AVENUE
#6 PANGBURN
#4 WEST COAST CHICK
#1 BY THE MOON

The Bed o' Roses Handicap is named after Alfred G. Vanderbilt's champion juvenile filly of 1949 and handicap mare champion in 1952. She was named to Thoroughbred Racing's Hall of Fame in Saratoga in 1976. As a 2-year-old, she won seven stakes, en route to her championship, and at the age of three, she defeated colts in the Lawrence Realization. During her 4-year-old campaign, she chalked up two stakes scores and finished in the money in five other stakes. She started only three times at age five, but won the Santa Margarita under 129 pounds. Here in the 60th running of this stakes test, #2 WAVELL AVENUE takes a class drop (-3) this afternoon, and is both the overall speed and pace profile leader in this stakes field racing at today's "specialized distance" of 7.0 furlongs on the dirt, and has produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in each of her last five outings, hitting the board in four of those outings, winning in both her 3rd and 5th races back. #6 PANGBURN, a 12-1 BOMB, qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," and has turned in a quartet of "POWER RUNS" in her respective last five outings, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in her 2nd race back.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Hawthorne Harness: Saturday 6/25 Analysis
By Jeremey Day

DRF HARNESS

Best Bet (7 - 13 / $43.00): BNGS EXPRESS (10th)

Spot Play: PRO SIDE (8th)


Race 1

(5) SAGEBRUSH SID really looks to be coming on strong with a huge late rally last start. (4) FRISKY BOB didn't race as well last week but was sharp in his two previous. (2) FOURBOLTMANE has also been improving in recent.

Race 2

(1) SORK freshman pacer was outstanding in his debut; short price. (7) ODD JOB flashed a nice late burst in the qualifier and looks to have upside. (5) MR CHOW won the qualifier by three and probably has more to offer.

Race 3

(8) DONALD HIMSELF faces much weaker this start with a big driver change. (3) CONZO pacer is capable with a good setup; driver's choice. (1) MAJOR MALE gets the best post in a weak and inconsistent field.

Race 4

(6) UPBEAT BIG GUY freshman colt was loaded with pace last week when he shook free. The pacer looks like he can go much faster. (4) FOX VALLEY JETER well bred 2-year-old was the top driver's choice of four; threat. (8) FOX VALLEY REGGIE raced gamely in victory last week but will need more.

Race 5

(10) PISTOPACKINPIPER put up a big three quarters of a mile last week before tiring late. The 4-year-old might be able to get the jump on his main competition early. (6) DIXIE'S BOY is probably the horse to beat facing weaker and was the driver's choice of three. (5) REJOICEANDBEGLAD can hit the ticket with a good setup.

Race 6

(3) IMA SKYDANCER two-year-old has lots of room to improve second start out. (6) PATRICK Q gets sent out for capable connections in a wide open race. (8) ROYALE BIG GUY made a miscue in the qualifier but looks to have a good burst of speed.

Race 7

(5) FOX VALLEY INFERNO is a full brother to some big-time money earners. The 2-year-old first start was a perfect learning experience. (8) SULLIVAN also has a decent pedigree and came flying late in his debut. (3) CAPTAIN RHETT has some question marks coming into the race but has flashed more ability than most.

Race 8

(9) PRO SIDE nice looking 3-year-old will look to make it three straight wins to kick off the year. (7) BIG MOON RIZING has not missed the board since changing to the current barn; threat. (4) STRONG PLAYIN KING gets sent out second start back off a long layoff for capable connections.

Race 9

(10) CHIP AGAIN might offer decent value if the pacer can mind his manners. (4) SMOKE RINGS rarely wins but is capable of a big burst of speed late. (3) FOX VALLEY GEORGE came up empty last week after two very nice performances. If the 7-year-old bounces back he's a threat.

Race 10

(10) BNGS EXPRESS is more than capable of beating this field from the ten hole; versatile. (7) PART TIME well bred gelding has been knocking on the door and can threaten with a smooth trip. (4) WALKER MEISTER put in a really sharp effort last week just missing.

Race 11

(6) DANTE SEELSTER just missed to a much better bunch last week. (4) SIMPLY BURBON owns two recent wins at this level; threat. (2) MACHO BURBON four-year-old has some ability but is inconsistent from week to week. A good effort puts him in the mix.

Race 12

In a tough race to gauge, (4) OUTLAWDANGRUSWATRS the start two weeks ago would make the pacer a huge player against this bunch. (8) BC'S BAD CAT takes a huge drop down in competition. (3) CRUIZE COMMANDER pacer makes his first start in a new barn and probably has room to improve.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Saturday 6/25 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool


20-CENT PICK 5: 1,2,3,7/1,4,6/3,5/2,3,4/3,5 = $28.80

EARLY PICK 4: 2,3,4/3,5/6/5,6 = $12

LATE PICK 4: 5,6/2,3,4/3,4/3,4,5,6,7 = $60

MEET STATS: 149 - 470 / $815.70 BEST BETS: 26 - 44 / $87.20

SPOT PLAYS: 7 - 44 / $44.50

Best Bet: WRANGLER MAGIC (6th)

Spot Play: DIALAMARA (4th)


Race 1

(2) PIERCE HANOVER paced his final 3/4 in 1:22 3/5 in his June 21 qualifier. He could be ready to fire a big one here. (1) COOL ROCK takes a big class drop here and is sure to get pounded at the windows with that 1:48 4/5 mile staring punters in the face. He should get put into action much earlier by Henry here. (7) THE REV also drops and looks like one of few that will be looking for the front early. He could take these a long way. (3) IDEAL JET has reached the best form he has shown in a long time in his past three starts and is another that could get there if the trip shakes out his way.

Race 2

(4) JANGONE has been chasing some good ones lately and she hasn't been disgraced. This spot looks much easier and she should be tough in here. (1) WANAKA broke while pressing the pace early in an OSS Gold event last time out. She can get back track with a much better effort here is she stays flat. (6) MERCHANDISER is another that should find this company easier and he has a potent late kick that should be effective vs. these. (3) HILLS ANGEL seems destined for another minor share here.

Race 3

(5) ASAP HANOVER went a big trip from the second tier last week and may offer a square price here vs. some class-droppers. I'll give him a slight nod. (3) BEAST MODE is obviously the one to beat exiting the North America Cup, but he will likely be bet off the board and is no lock. (6) SEMI AUTOMATCI is one that I have always thought would be pretty good but he has been lightly-raced. Adding Lasix coming off a decent qualifier gives him a chance to do well here. (2) NVESTMENT BLUECHIP should find most of these easier to handle and should take at least a small share in this his fourth start of the campaign.

Race 4

(4) DIALAMARA moves inside and faces a mostly weak group. Expect aggression from Hudon here. (2) CZAR SEELSTER steps up off an impressive win after shipping in and looks like the main danger. (3) SHIPPEN OUT makes his third start for Auciello and could wake up with a better effort here vs. slightly easier. (7) AMERICAN ROCK had a good trip and stopped last week. Perhaps a closing style from out in the flow suits him better.

Race 5

(3) SINTRA brings a perfect 2016 record into the Summertime series and he wins from anywhere he is placed and keeps getting faster; top call. (5) ALWAYS A HOTSHOT made two moves to win in sharp time last Saturday and should be the main threat, if there is one. (9) MAJOR HILL finished third to the choice last time and seems destined for a similar fate here. (1) SOME GOLD raced well last week and can stick around for a slice here.

Race 6

(6) WRANGLER MAGIC faces much easier here, gets a good post to work with and she should notch her first win of the season if given a reasonable trip. (2) REGALLY READY should get away better here with the move inside and could provide some value in the exotics pools. (9) MARLEE B has been solid in both of her starts since returning from a break and should pepper the early pace, at a minimum. (3) LIGHTS GO OUT is in top form and should take a share here despite the move up. She has raced very tough in her past two starts.

Race 7

(6) ST LADS MOONWALK went a lifetime-best trip last time but he couldn't get by a stubborn leader late in the mile. He might be even sharper tonight returning to a 7-day cycle but will have to knock off a sharp rival in (5) SPIRIT SHADOW. The latter made two moves and finished quickly while taking a new life's mark last week and is the obvious one to knock off. (3) NEW TALENT was also a sharp winner last time but faced easier than the top two choices then; minor share predicted. (1) POISONOUS goes for connections that have shipped in and won several times before. Check the tote board for clues with this one.

Race 8

(4) MACH CODE retained his sharpness by pacing his back 1/2 in 53 flat last week. Moving in a few slots should see him get put into this race earlier. (2) CROCADILE CANYON has missed some time but gets class relief and adds Lasix. He should be closing late but may not be sharp enough to pass them all. (3) LISVINNIE stretched his legs at Georgian from an outer post off the Moreau claim. He can and likely will show sharp improvement here. (8) MR CARROTS can use his good late kick to enter the picture down the lane here.

Race 9

(3) ELLIS PARK went too good of a trip to lose last week but fell inches short to the razor-sharp Reverend Hanover. He should be very tough in here. (4) NIRVANA SEELSTER set some very fast splits in the Gold Cup before backing up late. He can take these a long way stepping off more moderate fractions this time. (7) CARACCI HANOVER was a solid winner last week but won't get the same trip here and is likely for a minor award at best. (1) WAZZUP WAZZUP can use his good speed to get position near the front early and follow along for a share here.

Race 10

(4) SHADOW PLACE had too much to do late last week in a 12-horse field but he closed well to pass many of them late. One of these weeks he will be put into a race early and notch a victory; maybe tonight? (5) VEGAS ROCKS also closed from far back in that same race and he projects to get a trip that puts him in contention here. (6) COBALT MAN also exits the same dash and he will likely blast off for better position early here; using. (3) SPORTSMANSHIP looked like a winner briefly down the lane but was nailed nearing the wire. He should share vs. these. (7) BUCKEROO blew some carbon out of his engine last week. He has upset possibilities coming from off the pace this time likely at a big price.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Meadowlands: Saturday 6/25 Analysis
By Derick Giwner

DRF HARNESS

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 3 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Race 7 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

CHAMPIONSHIP MEET STATS: 59 - 163 / $317.40 (-$8.60) BEST BETS: 8 - 14 / $20.10 (-7.90)

Best Bet: FASHION ROCKER (4th)

Spot Play: SOMESIZESOMESTYLE (8th)


Race 1

(7) CELEBRITY STIMULUS gets in against softer company and moves from an amateur driver to Vic Kirby. This looks like a winning spot on paper. (5) MR PROTAB comes off a very solid mile. Any similar effort would make him tough. (9) TROUBLE has come back okay from a long layoff but drew outside this week.

Race 2

(7) HUG A DRAGONESS should be able to get the early jump on this field and prove tough to catch. (5) TONKA GIRL ships in for a very capable barn and could be live; watch the board. (6) ADDY GIRL beat the top choice recently, but I can see her getting looped away from the gate.

Race 3

(3) BEACH STORY is clearly nowhere near the horse she once was, but she comes off a game mile and has the tactical post edge. (4) BALLINEEN is certainly at a winning level if Kirby can work out a decent trip. (8) ROYAL ENGAGEMENT figures to be firing to the front in this spot; clear player.

Race 4

(3) FASHION ROCKER drops back down to the $10,000 claiming level and should prove tough to beat. (1) JETOMATT doesn’t look very appealing at first glance, but she should sit close to the action and have a legitimate chance late. (4) ARABELLA J looks like a fringe exotics player that could step up if things went her way. (7) NORTHERN BEAUTY has some early speed. That alone makes her dangerous.

Race 5

(7) STORMIN RUSTLER has performed very well at this level regardless of trip and deserves the call in what looks like somewhat of a two-horse race. (3) BROOKSTONE finished just ahead of the top choice last time and does have a post edge tonight. (4) BEAT OF NY looks to be in a slightly softer spot this week.

Race 6

(5) VAGUE TRACES won like a champ in his debut for the Ross Croghan barn. While some of tonight’s competition is sharp, he jumps off the page for me. (3) TYE SEELSTER rallied nicely in his third start for this barn and finally seems ready for a big effort. (2) GOOD DAY MATE has picked up his game over the last two weeks. (4) SOUTHWIND INDY comes off a win but things worked out nicely in that start.

Race 7

(7) JACKSRLUCKYTOO has been finishing fast from impossible spots in recent weeks. It’s a bit of a gut feeling on my part, but something tells me he is going to be closer to the action turning from home this time around. (3) CAUTION SIGNS picked up his game immediately upon arrival. This guy knows how to win and could easily string a couple together. (8) ASHLEY’S HUSBAND is always capable when racing at this level or below; hard to toss. (1) AMERICANPRIMETIME drops out of stakes action and deserves some consideration.

Race 8

(5) SOMESIZESOMESTYLE was third last week behind Jacksrluckytoo, who would be 1-9 in this race. Five-year-old lacks the killer instinct, but he seems to be in the right spot tonight. (2) ROCKIN WIZARD has early speed and form; must use against a weaker NW8000 field. (4) DOUBLE YOUR BET ships in for a barn that is winless at the meet, but don’t be fooled into thinking this is a bad stables; upset chance.

Race 9

(4) ALL THE COOKIES has some ability but has yet to put it all together. He was better last time with Lasix added and maybe now a couple of weeks later, he’ll show up with a big mile. (3) STOLEN GLIMPSE is the obvious one to beat on paper at a short price. (6) REDNECK RALLY showed some life in his last qualifier and the Miller barn has been doing reasonably well during the meet.

Race 10

(2) TRIPLE MAJOR raced okay versus better last week and will have no excuses versus this field. (5) RELENTLESS DREAMER is a closer that only seems to wake up in dull fields like this one; pick four must-have. (7) NOBLES FINESSE improved greatly with Lasix added.

Race 11

(2) OUREA NOURRIR double-drops in claiming price tonight. Veteran campaigner can take some air and knows how to get the job done. (1) BLATANTLY BEST sports very little recent form but has a ton of class; must include. (5) ITRUSTYOU drops this week and could be the favorite, which is an unappealing proposition.

Race 12

(7) AMPED UP had some traffic issues last week after a more conservative steer. I expect he’ll be forwardly placed this time around while offering some value. (3) RING WARRIOR goes for his third straight and should have a big shot. (1) BO’S SO HOT should be able to secure early position without working too hard from the inside post. (10) DABUNKA has form on his side but a bad post to start from.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Saturday 6/25 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 208 - 605 / $1125.50 BEST BETS: 28 - 51 / $100.40

Best Bet: SOMEWHERE FANCY (1st)

Spot Play: IDEALBEACH HANOVER (10th)


Race 1

(3) SOMEWHERE FANCY returns locally, now in the Allard barn, and he did some nice things here last season as a 4-year-old. He clearly looks best from this spot. (2) TWIN B IMPRESSIVE gets much-needed post relief and will be more involved. (1) EMPEROR MONTANA N is another who moves all the way inside and should be sitting close up throughout.

Race 2

(4) TEXAS TERROR N proved no match for a revved-up rival last week but he faces a suspect field here and note he was a Levy finalist a couple of months ago. (6) DUEL IN THE SUN is fast off the gate and has a driver (Stalbaum) who loves to send them. (1) REUBEN BROGDEN N returns locally now in a new barn and he draws best; consider.

Race 3

(3) FAMEOUS WESTERN is up in class off a loss but he's been sharp in his last few and has Brennan driving again. (7) MAH SISH N is sharp but hampered by another outside post; Blumenfeld trainee must be included. (6) BJ'S GUY returns locally and was a winner when last seen here.

Race 4

(4) SNAP TO IT A is a proven commodity with this type and Brent Holland is more than capable of tripping out with the Bamond-trained veteran. (2) FOOL ME ONCE was third best last week to a couple of good ones and he draws well again; Alagna trainee seems like the one to beat. (7) BIG N BAD has been razor-sharp since moving to the Julie Miller barn but he gets a less aggressive driver tonight; off the pace?

Race 5

(3) CASIMIR JITTERBUG returns locally now in the Andrew Harris barn and the classy veteran has a proven history here; MacDonald can steer him to the front from this spot. (2) SOHO LENNON A didn't really fire last week but he lands inside again and picks up Brennan. (5) WINDSONG JACK returns to Yonkers and was sharp in his last two over at Pocono.

Race 6

(7) MELADY'S MONET qualified nicely off a brief freshening and if ready he's the horse to beat. (5) AGGRESSIVE was last week's Open winner tripping out from the pocket; trotter is sharp and should be a decent price again. (6) ALLERAGE STAR is sharp and versatile.

Race 7

(8) ARTISTIC MAJOR has looked really nice coming back as a 4-year-old and despite getting the worst of it saddled in post eight the Steve Elliott trainee deserves top billing. (5) BLOOD BROTHER has looked very sharp in his last two for Banca after giving way in his seasonal debut; threat. (7) NATIONAL SEELSTER was collared at the wire as the odds-on favorite last week; price will be better tonight.

Race 8

(3) GREAT VINTAGE hasn't shown much in his last few but we all know what the Takter trainee is capable of when in shape; definitely worth a play if the price is right. (2) TEXICAN N gets needed post relief and should be more involved but he loses his regular driver. (4) SOMEWHERE IN L A has done little wrong in his last three.

Race 9

(4) IDOLE DUHARAS sat the rail and gapped last week but finished decently in a needed start; recent addition to the Allard barn seems capable of showing much more. (1) AMERICAN RAGE is sharp and is obviously very logical from the rail slot. (2) FIERY LUSTRE N will be close up throughout and can be considered.

Race 10

(4) IDEALBEACH HANOVER gets Brennan in the bike and should be on the move early from this spot. (1) ROGER MACH EM was a pocket-sitting winner last week and figures to get a similar trip. (2) WICK N has shown promise since arriving in the U.S.

Race 11

(5) RED HOT HERBIE is a consistent force at this level and he's just a smooth trip away from winning here. (8) NOT AFRAID is stuck outside again but he's got the early speed to compensate. (3) MAJOR ATHENS is clearly trending downwards but he should still be able to hit the ticket.

Race 12

(3) BIG BOY DREAMS is up in class off a speedy front-end win and he seems talented enough to handle better. (5) SAPPHIRE CITY always gives an honest effort and he may be a decent price again. (4) MOONLITEONTHEBEACH gets some needed class relief and was a winner when last at this level.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Saturday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Arlington Park (3rd) Arabian Queen, 4-1
(5th) Bajan Rhythm, 3-1

Belmont Park (4th) American Patriot, 4-1
(5th) Guyana Cat, 7-2


Belterra Park (4th) Valient Tenobob, 9-2
(8th) Infiltrate, 4-1


Canterbury Park (8th) Dakotaroan, 9-2
(9th) Alpine Gathering, 8-1


Charles Town (1st) Lastmancharitable, 3-1
(5th) Helgoland, 3-1


Churchill Downs (6th) Rogue Ranger, 5-1
(8th) Tiz Kismet, 5-1


Delaware Park (1st) Spanish Dream, 9-2
(7th) Holy Soldier, 8-1


Emerald Downs (7th) Bridge Baron, 5-1
(9th) Fin Du Monde, 9-2


Evangeline Downs (1st) Reine des Animaux, 3-1
(3rd) Brave Aaron, 6-1


Finger Lakes (5th) Awesome Winter, 7-2
(7th) Gold Ghost, 3-1


Gulfstream Park (3rd) He's the One, 3-1
(8th) Creative Talent, 8-1


Hastings Park (5th) Royal Briar, 5-1
(7th) Forest Bliss, 9-2


Indiana Grand (1st) Giant Red, 9-2
(8th) Ruble, 9-2


Lone Star Park (2nd) St Boswells, 8-1
(4th) Degree, 4-1


Louisiana Downs (2nd) Tizabitdistorted, 7-2
(6th) Java Bistro, 3-1


Monmouth Park (4th) Interior Secretary, 4-1
(8th) Sanad, 4-1

Mountaineer Park (7th) Navy Cross, 4-1
(9th) Caesar Sunday, 8-1

Oak Tree @ Pleasanton (8th) Southern Freedom, 4-1
(9th) Over Achiever, 6-1

Parx Racing (2nd) Black Forest, 6-1
(8th) Haunted Vision, 8-1

Penn National (1st) Queen Patron, 9-2
(2nd) Pacific Ridge, 6-1

Pimlico (1st) Charlotte's Hope, 3-1
(4th) Gursky, 8-1

Prairie Meadows (6th) Gavar, 4-1
(8th) Big Sister Ridge, 4-1


Santa Anita (1st) Christy Jackson, 3-1
(5th) Forest Blue, 4-1


Thistledown (2nd) Over and Back, 4-1
(3rd) R Fast Cat, 9-2


Woodbine (3rd) In the Old Days, 8-1
(9th) Jade Dragon, 3-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

June Pitchers Report
By Marc Lawrence

You know the saying, “May flowers bring June showers.”

For Major League Baseball pitchers hurling during the month of June, showers are hopefully not in their immediate plans. Instead, it’s the hope of all MLB starting pitchers to stay around long enough in their starts to avoid having to clean up and go home early.

Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in team-starts over the course of the last three seasons during the month of June. On the flip side, we've also listed pitchers that struggle in June, winning 33% percent or less of their team-start efforts.

To qualify pitchers must have made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each June over the last three years. And for your convenience alongside each record we break down each pitcher’s greatest success or greatest failure rate either home (H) or away (A) within his good or bad month.

Note: * designates a categorical repeat appearance by this pitcher, maintaining status quo from last season’s June list.


GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

Arrieta, Jake - 8-4 (6-2 A)

Only Clayton Kershaw has been in Arrieta's stratosphere since 2015. The right-hander is in the right organization which has allowed his abundant talents to flourish and this season opposing batters are hitting a mere .168 against him. His effortless delivery and mid-90's fastball causes a lot of swings and misses as does his breaking pitches.

Cole, Gerrit - 10-2 (6-0 A)

Cole is now the ace of the Pittsburgh staff and expertly commands a two and four-seam fastball in the mid to upper 90's which he can sink or have riding action. After a sluggish start to season, his ERA is down to close to 2.50 and expect him to have another fine month. Note: Cole’s numbers above reflect his career team mark during June.

*Colon, Bartolo - 10-5 (7-0 H)

The 43-year old right-hander just keeps churning along on staff that is very talented and youthful. Colon knows how and where to spot his fastball, which he tosses 70 or more percent of the time and blends in a quick slider that has excellent depth. The fact is Colon understands his craft and wins.

Lackey, John - 11-5 (6-1 H)

Remember for years no pitcher in his right mind would want to pitch at Wrigley Field, now they line up for the chance. Being a talented young team helps and Lackey is the right fit, with fastball he keeps low in the zone and sinker opposing hitters cannot elevate. Through two months, the batter's Lackey has faced are at a lowly .209 batting average and his WHIP is sick 0.97.

Sanchez, Anibal - 9-4 (8-3 H)

The Detroit hurler has gotten off to a rugged start with ERA over 6 as June began. Sanchez's problems revolve around lack of pitch placement, not even having 2-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio and giving up more than a hit an inning. Of the 58 hits allowed, 11 have left the yard and if the Tigers are going to be contenders in the AL Central, Sanchez will have to throw like previous June's.

*Scherzer, Max - 11-4 (6-2 A)

If you research Mad Max's numbers, many are at or below career norm, yet he begins this month with an ERA over 4. The problem is too many pitches right down the middle, which is why he on pace to give up 45 home runs (15 thru May). If Scherzer solves this, he will have a great rest of the year.

Tillman, Chris - 11-3 (4-1 A)

After an off year in 2015, the Orioles righty has come back in a big way. When he's at his best like he has been this year, Tillman works his low 90's heater at the knees on both sides of the dish and his curve and changeup have sharp downward motion. He starts this month with hitters at .203 batting average versus his tosses.

Volquez, Edinson - 11-5 (7-1 A)

The Royals right-hander is doing what he does best, as in nine of his 11 starts for Kansas City he has induced double digit groundball outs. Volquez is still thought to be a power pitcher and gets numerous weak swings with tilted curve and deluxe changeup he will throw on any count.

*Zimmermann, Jordan - 12-5 (8-3 H)

After an unbelievable start, Zimmermann has drifted back to the previous career numbers. He pulled a groin late last month, but is expected to make start on June 3rd and continue from that point. His strengths include four pitches he trusts to throw for strikes and he has shown greater durability thus far in the AL.


BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

Miller, Shelby - 6-12 (2-6 A)

After disastrous start with Arizona, having ERA over 7, maybe a trip to the DL with bad finger on throwing hand will settle Miller down, who looks like he is trying to throw a no-hitter on every pitch and is getting hammered. The talent has always been in place, just not the execution as this record shows. Note: Miller’s numbers above reflect his career team mark during June.

Verlander, Justin - 4-10 (2-5 H)

No longer equipped with high 90's fastball, Verlander tends to give up runs in bunches these days. He can be sailing along for three to five innings and then give up three or four runs in single inning. Without the necessary secondary pitches, he's become easier to hit a third time through the lineup.

Weaver, Jered - 5-10 (1-6 A)

It is sometimes tough to watch former aces who were among the best in the game, as their stuff is in decline and they are not close to what they used to be. This is the case of Weaver, whose fastball barely reaches 85 MPH, which makes his breaking ball and assortment of change-ups less effective. It is no accident at this juncture hitters are clocking him for .311 BA.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NL Value Starters
By Joe Nelson

There are several months to go but it is easy to be excited about the National League playoffs given how stacked the league is with power arms and elite starting pitching.

The American League All Star team will have an unenviable task next month as Terry Collins will be able to trot out a truly elite starter in every inning if he wants to.

As the separation grows between the contenders and the rest of the league the cost to support the elite starters on quality teams will continue to grow.

Ultimately identifying quality starters at lower price points will be the key to having success in the National League given how steep the prices will be on the starters for the Cubs, Nationals, Giants, and Mets, as well obviously Clayton Kershaw.

There are several National League starters that project a few tiers down that still can offer some promising potential on many nights while falling in line at costs that are much easier to stomach in most matchups.

Here are a handful of possible value starters in the NL for the coming weeks.

Jerad Eickhoff (Philadelphia Phillies): Aaron Nola was the dominant starter for the Phillies in the first two months of the season and remains the highest priced starter in that rotation. It was Eickhoff that wowed in eight starts last season however and after some ups-and-downs in April he is starting to put it together again in 2016. Eickhoff is almost 26 and he won’t be on a sharp innings watch like Nola or Vincent Velasquez in the Phillies rotation and he has allowed three or fewer runs in seven of his last eight starts. Eickhoff owns a better than 3:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio and despite his 4-8 record he has picked up a win in three of his last five starts after starting the season 1-6. His ERA is just 3.40 with a FIP that is only slightly higher and his walks and home runs allowed have been kept in check of late. With a limited offense the Phillies are sometimes tough to support but the team has still won 30 games with similar home and road results and Eickhoff might be the best pitcher to support for the Phillies with the ‘under’ also looking playable in many of his upcoming starts.

Michael Wacha (St. Louis Cardinals): Wacha looked like he was on the superstar fast track starring for the Cardinals late in the 2013 season and in the playoffs. Injuries derailed him in 2014 but he had a fine 2015 season for the 100-win Cardinals. Wacha has already taken as many losses as he did last season at 2-7 but his FIP is 3.51, significantly lower than his season FIP was in 2015 when he wound up 17-7 with a 3.38 ERA. The Cardinals had a slow start to the season but the team is rounding back into form and while catching the Cubs might be a challenge in the NL Central this certainly looks like a team poised to claim a wild card spot. Wacha’s marginal numbers will lead to reasonable pricing to support him even though he is still capable of a dominant outing. The schedule has worked against Wacha as since mid-May his starts have come against the Rockies, Cubs, Nationals, Giants, Pirates, and Rangers, taking on some of baseball’s best offensive teams. Even so he has a quality start in three of his last four outings and he offers great promise the rest of the season at discounted pricing compared to the lines he drew last season.

Bartolo Colon (New York Mets): Backing Noah Syndergaard or Steven Matz is certainly more comforting but Colon’s prices are sharply discounted on the following nights for the Mets. The 43-year old is occasionally the butt of jokes but there is nothing funny about the success he is having against NL hitters. Colon has delivered five consecutive starts with two or fewer runs allowed and his ERA is down to just 3.01. He owns a better than 4:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio and while he gives up a lot of hits, he usually escapes with limited damage and he has only allowed two home runs over his last six starts. The Mets are 8-4 in his last 12 starts and with New York possessing an unreliable offense Colon can be supported at a much more reasonable price than the rest of the rotation, avoiding the risk of laying -200 or greater behind an offense that is often sweating out one-run games.

Jake Peavy (San Francisco Giants): While it seems like Jake Peavy has been around forever he is only freshly 35 and could have a few solid years remaining in his career. Peavy is 3-6 with a 5.83 ERA but after a rocky start to the season he has been pretty reliable in recent weeks. His season FIP is a much more respectable 4.16 and his ERA is only 1.82 over his last four starts. Peavy is still getting nearly seven strikeouts per nine innings and after allowing six home runs in his first six starts of the season he has allowed just two in his last seven starts. Everyone would prefer to support Madison Bumgarner or Johnny Cueto but Peavy might be the value option to support a Giants squad that scores nearly 4.5 runs per game despite playing in a pitching-friendly ballpark, while also playing strong defense and generally looking like one of the best teams in baseball.

Zach Davies (Milwaukee Brewers): Davies hasn’t been considered a high ceiling prospect and with his small frame he was only a 26th round draft pick by the Orioles in 2011. Davies is only 23 however and after a shaky April he has emerged as a reliable option in the Milwaukee rotation. Davies has a K/9 of 8.3 over the last month while turning in four straight quality starts. Davies has actually allowed six or fewer hits in 10 consecutive starts and while he has been a little fortunate with a low .262 BABIP on the season his command has been strong with a low walk rate. Davies seems to have solved Miller Park which typically is a tough venue for pitchers as he owns a 2.88 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP in eight home starts with the Brewers winning five of those games. While Milwaukee isn’t likely to be a playoff contender the Brewers have a winning home record and Milwaukee has played above .500 ball since the calendar turned to May as this has been a competitive team that is still frequently getting solid underdog pricing.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB roundup: Two-out, ninth-inning rally lifts Red Sox
By The Sports Xchange

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Boston rallied for four runs with two outs in the ninth inning to stun the Texas Rangers 8-7 at Globe Life Park.
The Red Sox trailed 6-0 after starter David Price struggled and were down 7-4 heading to the ninth.
But pinch-hitter Sandy Leon doubled with two outs to make it a one-run game. The Rangers brought in Matt Bush (2-1) to face Mookie Betts, and Betts hit a two-run homer to center to tie the game.
After Dustin Pedroia walked, Xander Bogaerts moved him to third with a single. Bush then uncorked a wild pitch to allow Pedroia to score the winning run.
Koji Uehara retired the Rangers for his second save and made a winner of Heath Hembree (4-0).

Pirates 8, Dodgers 6
PITTSBURGH -- Jung Ho Kang and Matt Joyce hit homers and manager Clint Hurdle got the 1,000th win of his career as Pittsburgh ended Los Angeles' six-game winning streak.
Hurdle joined Bruce Bochy (1,749), Dusty Baker (1,714), Mike Scioscia (1,447), Buck Showalter (1,381) and Terry Francona (1,328) as the only six active managers with 1,000 wins. He is 1,000-1,043 but has won 315 games with the Pirates over the past four seasons; only the Cardinals (325) and Dodgers (319) have won more games in that time.
Sean Rodriguez drove in three runs for Pittsburgh, which snapped a three-game losing streak but is 7-21 since a five-game winning streak in May.

Cubs 5, Marlins 4
MIAMI -- Rookie catcher Willson Contreras homered in the first and hit the go-ahead, run-scoring single in the seventh to lead Chicago over Miami.
The Cubs (48-24), who have the best record in baseball, snapped a season-worst, four-game losing streak. They have split the first two of a four-game series against Miami.
Contreras, who had three RBIs, got both of those hits by going to the opposite field in right. In the seventh, working against reliever Mike Dunn, Chicago�s Kris Bryant walked, advanced to second on a hit-by-pitch and scored on Contreras' one-out single.

Indians 7, Tigers 4
DETROIT -- Jason Kipnis drove in three runs with two triples and Lonnie Chisenhall had a two-run triple to lead Cleveland over Detroit, their seventh straight win over the Tigers this season.
Danny Salazar wasn't his sharpest but kept Detroit scoreless through four and wound up lasting 5 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on four hits plus five walks to help Cleveland extend its season-best winning streak to seven games.
Dan Otero pitched 1 1/3 shutout innings, Brian Shaw worked a scoreless eighth and Cody Allen allowed an RBI single to Cameron Maybin in the ninth before finishing up the win.

Padres 13, Reds 4
CINCINNATI -- Wil Myers had three hits and drove in five runs and Melvin Upton Jr. hit a pair of two-run homers lifting San Diego over Cincinnati.
Adam Rosales also homered for the Padres, who have won the first two games of the four-game series.
Rosales' solo homer against Raisel Iglesias leading off the sixth inning put San Diego ahead 6-4. It was his fifth homer this season.

Orioles 6, Rays 3
BALTIMORE -- Chris Davis hit a go-ahead, two-run single and Adam Jones and Manny Machado both homered as Baltimore stretched Tampa Bay's losing streak to eight games.
The Rays jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning but never scored again. The Orioles scored once in the fifth and turned the game around thanks to Jones, Davis and an error in a four-run sixth that gave them a 5-3 lead.
Orioles starter Yovani Gallardo, in his second start since coming off the disabled list, allowed three quick runs in the first inning but settled down and gave up nothing else through 5 1/3 innings.

Mets 8, Braves 6
ATLANTA -- Hansel Robles came out of the bullpen with some timely long relief to save New York for the second time this week.
Robles threw 2 2/3 hitless innings, struck out two and stopped a six-run Atlanta rally that threatened to wipe out an 8-0 New York lead. On Tuesday, he pitched 3 2/3 innings after Bartolo Colon was struck by a line drive and had to leave after throwing only four pitches.
This time Robles bailed out starter Steven Matz, who went 4 1/3 innings and allowed six runs on nine hits � eight in the fifth inning.

Yankees 5, Twins 3
NEW YORK -- Rob Refsnyder had the tiebreaking single, Masahiro Tanaka struck out seven in six innings and New York reached the .500 mark.
Refsnyder, who has been playing first base for the first time because of Mark Teixeira's knee injury, gave the Yankees a 4-3 lead with two outs in the fourth inning against Tommy Milone.
Before Refsnyder's eighth RBI in 21 games, the Yankees also scored on an RBI double by Carlos Beltran, a run-scoring single by Alex Rodriguez and a sacrifice fly by Austin Romine.

Astros 13, Royals 4
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- George Springer drove in five runs, four with a first inning grand slam, and Colby Rasmus had four hits, including a solo homer in the eighth inning, as Houston crushed Kansas City.
Springer, who led off the game with a triple, missed the cycle by a double. Rasmus scored three runs and had two RBIs.
Dallas Keuchel picked up his first victory in five June starts. Keuchel allowed four runs on 11 hits in 6 1/3 innings, throwing 70 strikes in 98 pitches.

Brewers 5, Nationals 3
MILWAUKEE -- Keon Broxton and Kirk Nieuwenhuis hit home runs and Zach Davies tied a career-high with nine strikeouts to lead Milwaukee over Washington. Brewers pitchers combined to strikeout 14 Washington batters.
Wilson Ramos had four hits and an RBI for the Nationals. He represented the winning run with two out and two on in the ninth, but struck out against right-hander Jeremy Jeffress, who earned his 20th save.
Starter Max Scherzer lost his first decision since May 27, allowing five runs on five hits and three walks while striking out 10.

White Sox 3, Blue Jays 2
CHICAGO -- Chicago closer David Robertson worked out of a bases-loaded jam with one out in the ninth inning for his 19th save of the season and Nate Jones pitched a scoreless inning of relief for the win.
Jesse Chavez allowed a run in one inning to take the loss for the Blue Jays, who've dropped four of their past five games.
Melky Cabrera went 3-for-4 with an RBI for the White Sox and was a triple shy of hitting for the cycle.A Brett Lawrie went 3-for-4 and Todd Frazier went 2-for-4 with an RBI single that scored the winning run.

Mariners 4, Cardinals 3
SEATTLE -- Former Cardinal Adam Lind hit a three-run, walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning as Seattle snapped its six-game losing streak.
Lind homered off St. Louis closer Trevor Rosenthal, who suffered his third blown save in 17 chances this season, with no outs.
Seattle third baseman Kyle Seager, whose eighth-inning error had allowed St. Louis to take a 3-1 lead, led off the bottom of the ninth with a double off the left-field wall. Dae-Ho Lee walked, setting the table for Lind to beat his former team with his 11th home run of the season, a no-doubt shot to right field.

Athletics 7, Angels 4
ANAHEIM, Calif. � Khris Davis hit a three-run home run in the eighth inning to snap a 4-4 tie and lift the Oakland over Los Angeles.
The win moved the A's ahead of the Angels in the American League West, dropping the Angels into last place, 16 games behind first-place Texas.
The A's offense, which has struggled most of the season, pounded out 14 hits, including three each from Stephen Vogt (homer, two singles) and Marcus Semien (double, two singles).

Diamondbacks 10, Rockies 9
DENVER -- Arizona blew a four-run lead but scored twice in the ninth inning to beat Colorado.
Yasmany Tomas tied the game with a home run with one out in the ninth off Rockies closer Carlos Estevez. It was the second homer of the game and 12th of the season for Tomas.
The Diamondbacks won it with two outs when Jean Segura doubled and scored on a Michael Bourn single. Estevez blew his third save in seven opportunities.

Giants 5, Phillies 4
SAN FRANCISCO -- Brandon Belt cleared the bases with a three-run double in a four-run seventh inning to rally San Francisco over Philadelphia.
Jake Peavy limited the Phillies to two runs in seven innings for his second consecutive win as the Giants won for the 12th time in their last 13 games overall and 12th time in their last 14 home dates.
The win was the Giants' 31st in their last 40 games, the club's best 40-game run since also going 31-9 from June 12-July 21, 1954.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins (23-50) at Yankees (36-36)

Game: 2
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: June 25, 2016 1:05 PM EDT

NEW YORK -- The question who's on first has been a popular one for the New York Yankees.

Injuries and a lack of production have turned the position into a revolving door and a source of frustration for the Yankees.

On Saturday, the Yankees get their primary first baseman back from the disabled list as Mark Teixeira is expected to be activated when New York continues its three-game series with the Minnesota Twins.

The last time Teixeira played was June 3 when his right knee locked up in Baltimore. The diagnosis was torn cartilage and the options were surgery or rehab.

Teixeira chose the rehab and following three games with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre, he returns looking to improve on his sub-par numbers of a .180 batting average, a .535 OPS which is among the worst in baseball at first base.

"Our thought is that he's going to be Mark," New York manager Joe Girardi said. "I know he's off to a slow start and I really don't believe that's going to continue. It may take him a few days to get going, I understand that. He hasn't had a lot of at-bats in the last few weeks but we expect him to be Mark."

The switch-hitter has 13 hits since May 1 and last homered April 13. His 141 at-bat drought without homering is the longest of his career.

A year ago, Teixeira had a decent bounce back season by hitting .261 with 31 home runs but his year essentially ended with a broken leg that was diagnosed about a month after the initial injury Aug. 17

The Yankees have used six different first baseman including Teixeira and those players have combined for a .184 average with five home runs and 22 RBIs.

During Teixeira's absence, Rob Refsnyder received his first opportunity at first base while the Yankees also signed Ike Davis. Refsnyder, who has also played second base and right field with the Yankees, has batted .286 with eight RBIs in 21 games.

"I think you saw when Mark's on and hitting the ball, the Yankees are a team at its best," Refsnyder said. "So I'm excited for Mark to get back."

Regardless of how Teixeira does, the Yankees will be trying to go over .500. They improved to 36-36 with Friday's 5-3 victory highlighted by Aroldis Chapman throwing 10 of his 11 pitches more than 100 mph and Refsnyder's tiebreaking single.

Teixeira will be playing defense behind Michael Pineda, who will pitch on six days' rest and face the Twins for the second straight start. He put the Yankees in a 4-0 deficit by allowing four runs and six hits in 5 1/3 innings but did not get the decision when the team rallied for a 7-6 victory.

This month, Pineda is 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA in four starts and has 29 of his team-leading 88 strikeouts in those outings.

The Twins (23-50) became the first team to reach 50 losses as they tied a season-high with three errors. Minnesota is 4-17 against the AL East and 8-25 on the road.

"We didn't play very cleanly," Minnesota manager Paul Molitor said.

Ervin Santana pitches for the Twins on Saturday and looks to get consecutive wins over the Yankees for the first time in nearly 10 years. Santana started his career with the Angels in 2005 and in his first four starts against New York, he was 4-0 with a 3.47 ERA.

He is 2-9 with a 5.98 ERA in his last 14 starts against New York. Before Santana allowed two earned runs and six hits in 7 1/3 innings Sunday in Minnesota, the right-hander had not beaten the Yankees since getting a 1-0 victory in New York on Aug. 1, 2008 for the Angels.

Santana looks to continue his excellent control of late. Santana has 21 walks in 72 2/3 innings but none in his last three starts.

It is the first time in his career he has not issued a walk in three straight outings.

"I feel more like myself right now," Santana said.

Minnesota will likely be without third baseman Trevor Plouffe for the second straight game. Plouffe strained his right groin during the seventh inning Thursday against Philadelphia and is day-to-day.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rays (31-40) at Orioles (42-30)

Game: 2
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: June 25, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

BALTIMORE-- The return of Manny Machado helps the Baltimore Orioles in several ways and one should be easy to see during Saturday's split doubleheader with the Tampa Bay Rays, who will be trying to snap an eight-game losing streak.

Since Machado was serving a four-game suspension, the Orioles were not able to replace him on their roster. That left them one player short throughout that time, something manager Buck Showalter said made life a bit tougher.

Machado returned to the Orioles (42-30) in Friday's 6-3 victory over Tampa Bay (31-40), and Showalter said he's glad to be playing with a full team once more.

"It makes it a little bit easier to do some things," Showalter said. "I think just feeling like you weren't trying to get through another day (is good)."

The Orioles brought up left-hander T.J. McFarland to help their over-worked bullpen. He'll be serving as the 26th man Saturday.

Tampa Bay will be bringing in outfielder Oswaldo Arcia, whom the team got in a trade with the Twins on Friday. The Rays sent down right-hander Steve Geltz after Friday's loss, and Danny Farquhar will be the team's 26th man for the twinbill.

Kevin Gausman (0-5, 4.37) still is searching for his first victory despite not pitching that badly with the Orioles. Baltimore simply has not given him much run support, scoring only 38 runs in his 12 starts.

Chris Tillman starts the second game and has fared much better. Tillman (10-1, 3.11) comes in on a nine-game winning streak and is one of the best pitchers in the majors.

The Rays send out Matt Andriese (6-0, 2.88) in the opener. He's made seven starts and three appearances in relief this year and is one of six pitchers in the majors to win their first six decisions.

In the second game, Jake Odorizzi (3-3, 3.63) starts, and he's also pitched well, but is tied for first in the majors with nine no-decisions.

The Rays are looking for their offense to wake up after not doing much during their slide.

Tampa Bay hit .183 in the seven games prior to Friday, and manager Kevin Cash shook up the lineup with a number of moves in that game as the Rays face the Orioles and Boston in back-to-back series, and don't want to slip farther back in the American League East.

Baltimore enters the game in first in the division while the Rays are in last place, 10 1/2 games back. The Rays banged out three runs on four hits in the first inning -- but only five more hits the rest of the way as Baltimore scored the final six runs.

The losses are tough to deal with for Tampa Bay.

"They're all frustrating, whether you lose it early or a game gets away from you," Cash said. "They're all frustrating."

Right now, the Rays need some kind of help from their offense. It just has not been there lately, a big reason they've slumped.

"We're trying to kind of pick up the middle of the lineup," Cash said. "We play the Orioles for four and then the Red Sox. This would be a really nice time for us to get it going because that's the quickest way you can make a dent in the standings."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays (40-35) at White Sox (37-37)

Game: 2
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: June 25, 2016 2:10 PM EDT

Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu has seen his production significantly increase this month. It also has resulted in him using his legs more often because of how frequently he has been on base.

Abreu had a night off Friday to rest his sore legs but the White Sox hope the first baseman will be in the lineup Saturday for the second game of the three-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Manager Robin Ventura said the soreness began when Abreu felt some tightness during the end of Thursday's loss in Boston. Ventura said Abreu has soreness in the back of his right leg but then said the left leg was the one that really sore and it is likely related to him having a .382 on-base percentage this month.

"He's a big guy," Ventura said. "That's part of the some of the stuff we've done the last couple of years is to get him a day here and there and in this one, he just needs it. He's been on base quite a bit and as sore as his leg feels, it also looks not to good, either."

Abreu began this month with a .237 average, and if he plays, the slugger will be looking to continue a hot streak that has seen him reach base in his last 20 games.

During this stretch, he Abreu is batting .333 with five home runs and 20 RBIs and it includes 10 multi-hit games. He also is batting .439 with two home runs and eight RBIs in his last 11 home games.

Even with his hot bat getting a breather, Abreu understood why Ventura rested him.

"If you're in a good or bad moment you always want to play but sometimes you also have to realize that the best thing you can do is just to take a break thinking of the future," Abreu said through an interpreter. "Because you don't want to push too hard and (then) something bad can happen. You have to understand that it's better sometimes to play it safe and take care of you then try to push so hard."

With Abreu watching from the dugout, the White Sox won for the fourth time in five games following last weekend's sweep in Cleveland.

Chicago's 3-2 win featured a home run by Melky Cabrera and two hits from Todd Frazier, who had been in a 3-for-37 skid. The win was secured when David Robertson struck out Edwin Encarnacion with the bases loaded.

"That felt good," Frazier said. "Squaring balls up. That's what I've been trying to do. Few and far between (this season). Seems the only ones I've been squaring up go over the wall, which is fine, but you've got to get those ones in between as you go through the year."

Toronto lost six straight games to the White Sox and four of its last five overall.

Kevin Pillar drove in both runs Friday, but Encarnacion went 0-for-5.

Despite his hitless night, Encarnarcion is batting .341 (15-for-44) in his last 12 games for an offense that has mustered 17 runs since Jose Bautista landed on the disabled list with turf toe.

"Obviously, Jose is a perennial all-star and is a big part of this team," Pillar said. "We miss having him, but we've been able to get by without him for some short periods of time, through is struggles this year, and we've been able to pick him up. The guy was good today. We faced some good pitchers in Baltimore. There's going to be an adjustment period. He's a guy we look forward to big hits (from) and big at bats and this ability to get on base. Other guys just have to step up."

Toronto will look to have productive at-bats against Chicago right-hander Miguel Gonzalez, who has made 14 starts against them. Gonzalez is 7-3 with a 3.00 ERA in those starts and the first 13 came with the Baltimore Orioles before he allowed five runs and 11 hits in 5 1/3 innings at Toronto on April 25.

R.A. Dickey will start for Toronto. Dickey is 4-8 with 4.08 ERA and all of those wins have been on the road where he is 4-3 with a 2.98 ERA in eight starts. Dickey has dropped consecutive starts but also has pitched in 10 games where the Blue Jays have scored three runs or less, including last Saturday's 4-2 loss in Baltimore when he allowed two earned runs and seven hits in six innings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cubs (48-24) at Marlins (39-35)

Game: 3
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: June 25, 2016 4:10 PM EDT

MIAMI -- Giancarlo Stanton, who led the National League in home runs as a 24-year-old and is already a three-time All-Star at 26, is a proud man.

This year's batting slump, which saw him hit just .173 in May and has him batting .203 in June, has taken its toll mentally on Stanton.

After all, Stanton is the player the Miami Marlins locked up with a 13-year, $325 million contract a couple of months prior to the start of the 2015 season.

Yet, he is hitting just .213 after a 0-for-3 performance on Friday in a 5-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs. Stanton did draw a walk and score a run, however. He also hit a long foul ball in the ninth inning that would have tied the score had it not gone foul.

Stanton was better on Thursday.

After getting the go-ahead hit to beat the Cubs in the opener of this four-game series, Stanton was almost repentant and seemingly embarrassed by his slump.

"I feel I've let my team down for a while now," Stanton said.

Worse yet, from Stanton's perspective, is the temptation to try to do too much too quickly, as if one big game can un-do nearly two months of subpar performances.

It can't.

And while Stanton knows that intellectually, knowing that emotionally is something else.

"It's worse trying to play while looking up at where you're at," Stanton said of his batting average, "and trying to get that all back in one at-bat.

"I'm not going to be at ease for a long time. I'm going to keep pushing forward. There's no ease until about October. I've got a lot of work to do."

He's right about that, but Marlins manager Don Mattingly is clearly worried about his slugger's psyche.

Mattingly also tried blaming the media for bringing up Stanton's slump, as if that were the real problem.

"I don't think we can worry about the past," Mattingly said. "That's part of the problem.

"We're always saying, 'Stanton hasn't done (whatever). At some point, you just have to say, 'My season starts today' because you are not going to get (the past) back. You just have to say, 'I'm starting over from right here.'

"If he can look at it like that, I will look at it like that."

That's a nice try by Mattingly, who was trying to play pop psychologist. But the conversation with Stanton shows that the Marlins slugger hasn't forgotten his slump, and he's not looking at it the way Mattingly would desire.

Stanton knows what he's done and what he hasn't done. He realizes his huge contract comes with a price on his shoulders if he fails to produce.

You can try all the head games you want, but Stanton is smart. He knows he has to play better, and, if he does, the Marlins have a real chance to be a playoff team.

Besides Stanton's effort to revert back to his prior role as one of the dominant power hitters in the game, here are some other story-lines for Game 3 of this series on Saturday:

--The Cubs will start John Lackey (7-3, 2.78 ERA). Lackey is 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA in his two career starts against the Marlins. Here's the crazy part: The two starts came 10 years apart.

--The Marlins will start Paul Clemens (0-0, 5.40 ERA). It will be Clemens' second start with the team. But the Marlins are reportedly hard at work to find a better solution in a trade.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals (43-31) at Brewers (33-40)

Game: 2
Venue: Miller Park
Date: June 25, 2016 4:10 PM EDT

MILWAUKEE -- Gio Gonzalez will attempt to snap the Washington Nationals' season-high six-game losing streak Saturday afternoon when he takes on Matt Garza and the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park.

Like the Nationals of late, Gonzalez (3-6, 4.25 ERA) has struggled during the month of June, going 0-3 with a 5.84 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP after starting the season with a 1.86 ERA in his first eight starts.

Gonzalez has a history of success against NL Central teams, going 15-7 with a 2.87 ERA in 36 career starts; he's made two against Milwaukee, going 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA, but hasn't pitched at Miller Park since the 2014 campaign.

The Nationals, who struck out 16 times Friday night, are playing with a sense of added urgency. Their loss to the Brewers shrunk their lead in the NL East to three games against the Mets, who come to Washington Monday for a three-game showdown.

"It's dwindling but it's up to us to maintain it or increase our lead," manager Dusty Baker said. "We definitely need these two games here before we get to the Mets because you know we'll see some good pitching when we get there."

Garza (0-0, 0.90 ERA), meanwhile, will be making his third start of the season.

He began the year on the disabled list after straining his right lat muscle during his final exhibition start. He's only allowed one run through his first two outings, spanning 10 innings of work, while giving up 13 hits and a walk with seven strikeouts.

Garza threw six shutout innings his last time out but took a no-decision as the Brewers fell to the Dodgers, 2-1.

"He was really good," manager Craig Counsell said. "I thought Matt made pitches when he had to. His fastball up-and-in was really effective today. His first two starts have been very encouraging."

He'll be looking for his first career victory against the National. In eight previous attempts, he's gone 0-4 with a 7.17 ERA including 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA in two appearances last season.

The Brewers should get a boost as left-fielder Ryan Braun is expected to return to the lineup Saturday. He was given the day off Friday, as Counsell tries to keep Braun as fresh as possible following offseason back surgery.

"We want to use this stretch of the schedule as a place where we can get guys a little bit of extra rest," Counsell said. "We had three off-days in eight days, so this (was) Ryan's day to get it."

Milwaukee is in the midst of a brutal stretch of scheduling. The Brewers 12 of their last 14 games have come against the Giants, Dodgers, and Nationals -- all of whom lead or are in second place in their divisions -- with rematches against the Dodgers and Nationals and two series against the Cardinals leading into the All-Star break.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Diamondbacks (36-40) at Rockies (34-39)

Game: 3
Venue: Coors Field
Date: June 25, 2016 4:10 PM EDT

DENVER -- The Colorado Rockies are being tested, in particular rookie closer Carlos Estevez. They have dropped two one-run games to the Arizona Diamondbacks with Estevez suffering both defeats.

Before the Rockies lost 10-9 to the Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies manager Walt Weiss reflected on Thursday night when the Rockies tied the game with three runs in the ninth only to lose 7-6.

"It's tough any time you lose late," Weiss said. "But I don't worry about that having a carryover effect on our club. They've proven to me time and time again that they bounce back well. Some losses sting more than others, but I don't worry about these guys showing up the right way the next day."

Indeed, the Rockies overcame a five-run deficit Friday and went ahead 9-8 with a four-run lead before the Diamondbacks scored twice off closer Estevez to send the Rockies to another bitter loss and another test of their resiliency.

"I still have confidence in how I pitch, and my team (does) too," said Estevez, who has allowed six hits and three runs in two innings while suffering a blown save and two losses in his past two games. "I know they have my back. Walt's shown before he's going to put his confidence in me. I'm confident right now that things are going to get better. Rough few days. We're going to wash it off and we're going to get going again."

The Rockies will try to do that behind Jorge De La Rosa, who is 2-0 with a 2.45 ERA in two starts since he returned to the rotation June 14.

The Diamondbacks, who used their entire eight-man bullpen Friday night and are likely to recall a reliever, will counter with Shelby Miller. He's 2-6 with a 6.36 ERA in 11 starts overall. But after being on the disabled list from May 25 through June 19 with a right index finger sprain, Miller was reinstated Monday and started that day at Philadelphia. He allowed one earned run and five hits in 6 2/3 innings with one walk and five strikeouts and was the winning pitcher in Arizona's 3-1 victory.

"I think just taking the break and getting the finger all healed and getting the mental break has helped him," Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale said. "He could work on his stuff, (had) more confidence in his cutter. His split's been real good. And he's been real good in the one game we saw."

The Phillies had lost six straight and scored 11 runs in those defeats before Miller faced them. The Rockies have dropped three straight games and six of their past eight but have not had a problem scoring runs. Indeed, in their three straight losses they have tallied 23 runs.

Hale is not jumping to any conclusions about Miller, preferring to take a one-start-at-a-time attitude.

"And we know his next one's going to be here in this ballpark," Hale said of Coors Field, where Miller is 0-1 with a 9.39 ERA in two career starts. "It's not going to be easy. I've said this many times, I believe this lineup that they throw out there every day even without (injured Gerardo) Parra in it is as good as any lineup we see."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres (32-43) at Reds (28-46)

Game: 3
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: June 25, 2016 4:10 PM EDT

CINCINNATI -- While a youngster growing up in Lexington, Ky., Andy Green was a Cincinnati Reds fan. His favorite player in the early 1980s was shortstop David Concepcion and he idolized many of the members of the Big Red Machine clubs of the 1970s.

While the San Diego Padres skipper remained focused on coming away with a victory in this weekend's four-game series, he admitted to feeling a little like a fan as the Reds honored Pete Rose and many other legends from the 1976 World Series champs.

"I was here when Tony Perez had his statue unveiling," Green said. "That was very special. Davey Concepcion took the lineup card out and I was fighting for it because he was my favorite player. They didn't let me, so it was kind of disappointing. Nobody can stop me this year, so we'll have to see who takes the lineup card out."

On Saturday afternoon, there will be an on-field ceremony to induct Rose into the Reds Hall of Fame. Rose, of course, is ineligible for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame due to his banishment for gambling on baseball.

More than 20 members of the Reds Hall of Famer will be in attendance, including Johnny Bench, Barry Larkin and Eric Davis.

"This series has a homecoming feel to it," said Green, who spent one year in the Reds' minor league system. "It would have been special to have worn a Reds uniform at the major league level. But, I was thrilled to play for the Diamondbacks and the Mets."

It will be a matchup of left-handers on Saturday with the Reds' Brandon Finnegan (3-5, 3.81 ERA) going up against Drew Pomeranz (6-7, 3.00 ERA)

Finnegan leads the Reds' staff with eight quality starts. He's allowed two earned runs or fewer in seven of his 15 starts and 12 times allowed three earned runs or fewer. It will be his first appearance against San Diego.

Pomeranz also has eight quality starts this season and had an 18-inning scoreless streak snapped earlier this season.

On Friday night, the Padres tied a season-high with four home runs including two by left fielder Melvin Upton Jr. in a 13-4 victory.

Cincinnati hasn't won a season series against San Diego since 2012 and is 6-14 against them since then. The Padres will be looking to extend that dominance.

But, before Saturday's game begins, Green will be appreciating some Reds history .

"It's hard not being a Pete Rose fan growing up in (Cincinnati)," he said. "So it's going to be special to watch that happen on Saturday. I didn't leave a ton (of tickets). But, I'll leave a lot throughout the weekend."

Reds manager Bryan Price said he references Rose's approach to the game with his players during Spring Training.

"We talk about busting it out of the box the way he did," Price said. "It'll be nice to see him be inducted (into the Reds Hall of Fame). It's something that would have been instantaneous under different circumstances."