Saturday 6/27/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Monmouth - Race #3 - Post: 1:42pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $31,000 Class Rating: 71

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#4 POP START (ML=7/2)


POP START - Saez is right back for another contest today after riding on board this horse for the first attempt on June 7th and ought to know the ropes to this one a little better. Trainer Servis moves this one down in class ranks to face a weaker class today. Look for a good race at this level. Saez and Servis perform well when they team up. It's hard to beat a +31 return on investment for a jock and handler. I like that last race on Jun 7th at Monmouth where she ran third. It is my opinion that fillys run better the second time they get Lasix. Servis puts this filly on it for the second time today, so give this one a look.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 FAKERY (ML=3/2), #7 MARKET TALES (ML=4/1), #6 GOLDEN EARRINGS (ML=4/1),

FAKERY - Pace makes the race and the lack of speed means this come from behinder will have to rally without any help. MARKET TALES - I'm forecasting a less than stellar effort out of her this time out. GOLDEN EARRINGS - Difficult to bet on any thoroughbred to turn things around if there is no wager value to taking the shot.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #4 POP START to win if we can get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Pass

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #9 - BELMONT PARK - 5:28 PM EASTERN POST

The Mother Goose Stakes

8½ FURLONGS DIRT GRADE I THREE YEAR OLD FILLIES STAKES $300,000.00 PURSE

#9 ESKENFORMONEY
#1 EMBELLISH THE LACE
#10 WONDER GAL
#4 MUNASARA

Well folks ... The Mother Goose is named after Harry Payne Whitney's filly who defeated the colts in the 1924 Futurity. She is one of only 13 fillies to have won the Futurity since it was first run in 1888. Here in the 58th renewal of this Grade I test, the 4-1 shot, #9 ESKENFORMONEY tops my multiple entry contender's list this afternoon ... she drops in class (-5), has produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in each of her last five outings, hitting the board in four, including back-to-back "POWER RUN WINS" in her 4th and 5th races back. Jockey Javier Castellano and Trainer Todd Pletcher send her to the post for the "Saturday Feature." They've hit the board with 60% of their last 185 entries saddled as a team to date. #1 EMBELISH THE LACE comes off back-to-back "POWER RUN WINS" in her last two outings, winning by an impressive 14 lengths in her last start.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Balmoral: Saturday 6/27 Analysis
By Jeremey Day

DRF HARNESS

Race 9 - $20,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Best Bet (26 - 40 / $94.80): EARNDAWG (3rd)

Spot Play: FROST ADVISORY (4th)


Race 1

(3) JETOMATT filly should only improve with a start under her belt and will offer a nice price. (8) LITTLE MISS TORIE owns one of three wins in the field and comes off an impressive qualifier. (9) BLUERIDGE ADILENE five-year-old mare has been racing gamely just missing in her last two; driver's choice.

Race 2

(7) AUNT ETHEL two-year-old filly makes her career debut for a trainer known for having them ready when they hit the track. (4) FOX VALLEY GYPSY has a lot of ability; threat. (6) MACHESTER MATTIE could be the sleeper in the race coming off a nice effort to a stakes winner in the qualifier.

Race 3

(5) EARNDAWG freshman champion is sharp and will look to make it four of six to start the year. (1) DINKY DUNE has some question marks having been off almost a full month, however the pacer was sharp prior to the scratch last week. (4) DIXIE'S BOY is better on the big track and can beat this group with a good setup.

Race 4

(4) FROST ADVISORY nice looking pacer makes his third career start and has improved with every effort; top driver's choice. (6) QUINNOCCHIO gelding raced super first start of the year before a tough trip last out. (5) ROCK SPRINGS was sent down the road last start tiring late. If the impeccably bred pacer gets a good setup he can score.

Race 5

(8) FOX VALLEY HARRAH filly gets sent out for proven connections against much easier; versatile. (1) CHARMING MACIE has room to improve off a victory but will need more. (6) BO I SEE TIME faces easier for a provisional driver; command a price.

Race 6

(6) SUNSET DREAMER does his best racing up close to the pace and is capable against this bunch. (7) TOO TALL TAMARAC scored off a perfect pocket trip last out for a high percentage trainer. (3) KOSTAS WINE has been racing gamely just missing in two straight; threat.

Race 7

(10) HUDSON JESSE trotting mare just needs to find a way into the race and has the most upside in the field. (9) EASTER TEKA mare does well at this track; fires early. (6) SHEER ACTION gets sent out for proven connections that are always capable.

Race 8

In a tough race to gauge, (3) EXTRAVAGANT ART pacing gelding never got into the mile last week. The 5-year-old will have his sights set on the lead early. (6) PRAIRIE THUNDER beat a similar bunch last out; threat. (1) LUCKY CRUSADER gets the best post and looks to be in a great spot turning for home.

Race 9

(4) IN OVER MY HEAD nine-year-old stallion never had a shot last out but should be ready to roll this week; big chance. (7) DESPARADO ALIBI drops down to a level where the pacer can compete. (3) BIG BRAD rarely wins but is capable of a big effort.

Race 10

(9) REX PASSUS pacing gelding should offer a better price but needs a fast pace to close into for his best chance. (3) GALACTIC STAR has beaten better on the year; threat. (6) BELL VALLEY BILL could take a lot of tote action in a barn that clicks at a high percentage in this scenario. The seven-year old is certainly capable of stepping up.

Race 11

(4) OUR MISS LILY mare get a post edge on her main rivals; threat. (10) DP ANGEL has been super sharp racing first or second in five straight starts. (1) JOYFUL GAME mare has also been racing gamely and can hit the ticket with a good effort.

Race 12

(3) MAJOR ED will look to make it three wins in five outings on the year. The pacer looks to be getting better with every start and will be used aggressively; drivers choice. (4) WHY ASK WHY picks up a huge driver change and owns a big burst of speed. (1) MR PEARL gets the best post off a nice effort against better.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Saturday 6/27 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

EARLY PICK 4:

2,3,4,5,7/2,8,10/1,2,4/7 = $45


LATE PICK 4: 4,6/4,5,6,7,8/5,7,8/4 = $30

MEET STATS: 133 - 433 / $798.60 BEST BETS: 16 - 38 / $54.80 SPOT PLAYS: 5 - 36 / $50.40

Best Bet: MAH SISH H (7th)

Spot Play: MIRAMONTMAN (11th)


Race 1

(4) SECOND SISTER tried to race with the best 3YO filly trotter in the province last time but couldn't match her late speed in the stretch. She looks best here and will be tough to beat if she minds her manners. (2) MEADOW SEELSTER exits a highly-rated dash where she was prominent until late. She is the main foe to the choice. (3) CLIMB HIGHER won a Preferred 3 at Georgian last time and could threaten the top two if close enough turning home.

Race 2

(5) WILDCAT HANNA closed a lot of ground late into a pace that wasn't slowing. Look for regular pilot Christoforou to send this one for position early in a field seemingly bereft of leavers. (3) BET YA takes a big class drop and is the one to beat but will likely also be a very short price. (2) ADDISON BAY has been very sharp since returning to the circuit in late May. She should get a good trip here and will be closing fast late.

Race 3

(4) BUCKEROO could do no better than 5th last week despite pacing his final 3/4 in 1:21 2/5. He is obviously sharp and most likely will be a better price tonight; top call. (6) AMERICAN PAPARAZZI made two moves last week to win and although the margin was only a neck, he never looked in danger of losing in the stretch. He's the main threat. (1) PRESCOTTS HOPE is a bit of a head-scratcher after knocking 4 seconds off his final time in a week then being scratched by the judges the following week.

Race 4

(2) WILDCAT BEAUTY was on cover last time in a good spot and hung a bit late. She gets class relief here and is likely to leave hard looking for a spot near the front. That's when she's most dangerous; top call. (7) KISS ME OR NOT also drops from the Mares Preferred to a level where she is more dangerous and also likely to be placed in a contending spot early. (4) BEACH GAL took big action in the top class and wasn't far back. She's still winless this year but getting closer.

Race 5

(10) CANTABS FORTUNE raced much better Tuesday night from this post to close late for third and will be a top contender here if she goes on three days' rest. (2) J CS JAKE's recent form is pretty good and he gets class and post relief here. His 6% win average the past two years is uninspiring however so beware taking too short a price in the win pool. (8) QUIT SMOKING NOW drops back to the class where he was a close second three back and should be kept on pick 4 tickets.

Race 6

(4) CAMAES FELLOW drops into a class where he should be prominent throughout either on the lead or in the pocket. (2) PUSH BACK went from 1st to 6th in the final 1/8th last week despite pacing his final 1/4 in 26 4/5. He should have a better fate here from close range. (1) WAZZUP WAZZUP was the benefactor when a seemingly home-free leader broke stride turning home. Still, he's hot at the moment and should be on pick 4 tickets.

Race 7

It's hard to believe a horse racing in a middle conditioned class could pace his final 3/4 in 1:20 2/5 and his back half in :52 3/5 and not pick up a check but that's what (7) MAH SISH N did last week. Third start over Mohawk should be the charm with a class drop; top call. (8) IDEAL JET was ahead of the choice in the same race and his good closing power should be respected. (10) RESISTANCE FUTILE looked like he had that race locked up but broke stride coming off the last turn. He has high speed but is erratic due to his gait issues.

Race 8

(4) ROCKIN IN HEAVEN lays over this field and it's hard to see him getting beat if the intent in this first leg of the Summertime series. (6) POISONOUS was impressive in victory Monday night despite missing more than 5 weeks. He looks like the only one that might be able to threaten, if there is any. (2) MYSTICAL JET closed well to the one above and comes into this sharp. The top two are likely too tough for him though.

Race 9

(4) MACH CODE was a good third at Clinton last Sunday in a Grassroots event and had previously won two straight here easily. He looks best vs. these. (8) SPORTING THE LOOK has had several adventurous trips so far this season after a very productive rookie campaign. He will wake up at some point, maybe tonight? (5) SPORTS LIGHTNING closed rapidly at Clinton in his best effort of the year. He can threaten late.

Race 10

(5) WINDS OF CHANGE stepped up to this class last week and easily blew by his foes down the lane to take a new life's mark. He is as sharp as a racehorse can be right now and gets top billing. (7) EVENIN OF PLEASURE grabbed a check in the Gold Cup despite suffering interference early in the stretch. He is dangerous here from close range. It's hard to decide what to do with (8) SHAMBALLA after the judges scratch last week and with him drawing the outer post here. He will still take action, so, with those factors considered we'll try to beat him out of the exacta.

Race 11

(4) MIRAMONTMAN didn't race terribly last week on excess cover now drops in class and returns on a 7-day cycle. We'll give him another chance here but the price likely drops. (1) REASONABLE FORCE has put together two excellent miles since the claim and is a top contender here. (8) MACH PRIDE exits a rapid mile and moves into Auciello's barn. He can threaten here. (5) LEAFS AND WINGS drops in class and should get a piece of this with his good late speed. (10) SUNNY BEACH DAY almost never wins but typically passes horses late for a check which is probable here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Meadowlands: Saturday 6/27 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: 61 - 202 / $304.50 BEST BETS: 8 - 15 / $25.70

Best Bet: MOONLIGHT RANSOM (1st)

Spot Play: SOLID QUEEN (13th)


Race 1

(3) MOONLIGHT RANSOM sprinted home with no chance versus better last time. Gelding has plenty of early speed in his arsenal to take charge and typically comes with a huge effort when racing at this bottom condition. (4) JIN DANDY has been a different horse of late after suffering through a long losing streak. (7) PRINCE PINANG went a big mile two starts back at Vernon. (1) BIG RED could flash some early speed and get a decent share.

Race 2

(6) TRADING UP wasn’t quite ready for the ‘Big Show’ in stakes action. He freefalls back to a non-winners condition and should have every chance to return to form. (3) WISHING YOU WELL almost closed from last upon arrival last Saturday; worth using. (8) MYSTICAL DALI has displayed the talent to win a race like this and could awaken in this spot.

Race 3

(6) ANDY BARAN moves into a top barn off the claim and figures to bring a top effort. (3) NF DRUM ROLL was facing better foes in the Caramore series and seems to be in a good spot to show early speed. (7) SAWBUCK flashed some speed at both ends of the mile last Saturday.

Race 4

(5) UNTOUCHABLE ONE was claimed right back by Eaton after a win for trainer Michael Russo. This looks like another good spot. (6) SOPRAVVISSUTO is in a shorter field and should have a better opportunity to rally from off the pace. (8) BUCKEYE IN CHARGE was much better when back in the Pollio barn; six week absence only question.

Race 5

(9) UP UP AND OUT should be firing off the wings of the gate and have every chance to take this group all the way. (3) DULL ROAR is slowly rounding into form and is going to win one of these weeks. (8) BETTORIFFIC gets some class relief. (5) BOLDER is a must on your exotic tickets.

Race 6

(5) MISTER VIRGIN made a costly break that took him out of contention last time. His 3 wins versus 10 seconds this year is somewhat concerning, but he should be controlling the action. (1) ODDS ON EQUULEUS is unreliable but capable; must include. (3) MELMERBY BEACH ships down from Canada since he is ineligible to race up there until late September due to a positive test. He seems to fit nicely with this bunch.

Race 7

(5) MAMBO ITALIANO drops below the level of the claim to get into this mini-series. He should show more against this group. (2) COLOSSAL figures to get the front quickly and could be very dangerous if too many others don’t fire off the wings of the gate. (3) GRATIAS DEO was left with too much to do last Saturday and can be a player with a smooth close-up trip.

Race 8

(2) MADIBA MAGIC N finished well in his U.S. debut and can build on that effort. (6) DEALT A WINNER now finds himself in a barn that has been known to work wonders with horses that have ability but are not living up to their potential. (1) FREDDY DAY HANOVER has speed and post one; good combination. (7) THORN IN YOUR SIDE has some ability but comes with questions.

Race 9

(4) UF FAST FEELIN just missed two starts back and was left with too much to do last time. (6) BETTOR NOT MISS made a strong move but had to settle for third a week ago; must use. (3) BUBBIE BOY was in a bit too tough against some sharp foes in the Caramore. He has a shot at a price despite the winless 2015 record.

Race 10

(6) NORTHERN PRIZE won from post 10 the last time he was in a $10k claimer. This is a wide open race and almost any horse would not be a shock. (5) HEZ A BUCKEYE returned to form last time and could be ready to fire a big shot again. (3) MOOSEHEAD JACK draws well tonight and could show speed. (1) BREAK DANCER shocked everyone at 75-1 last time; again?

Race 11

(4) SOUTHWESTERN DREAM is a shell of the horse he once was, but drops a notch and could attempt to bottom-out the field. (1) BEGINNER’S LUCK came up with a career best mile last time for a barn with a stellar record for the meet. (7) YOU BET YOUR GLASS shows plenty of miles that would win this race and Ginsburg did choose this guy. (3) CAMBASSADOR gets plenty of class relief and deserves some consideration.

Race 12

(6) ASTREOS FLASH disappointed at odds-on last time. Let’s give him another shot in a blank field where he should be sitting first or second. (7) WHITTAKER will likely be flying off the wings of the gate and complete what seems to be a pretty cold exacta box. (4) CONORS CONCORD took too much air last time and has an outside chance despite his 0-for-20 record this year.

Race 13

(6) SOLID QUEEN ships down from Canada into a barn that while not hot, has been doing well with some horses. I can see this gal waking up. (10) GLAM CAM paced out of her skin for three-quarters of the mile in her first start for the red-hot Elliott barn. (8) THE SUMMER WIND has some class but lacks the early speed to get into striking range. (4) TOP BRAND will look for a smoother trip this week.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Saturday 6/27 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 181 - 572 / $989.50 BEST BETS: 25 - 45 / $87.90

Best Bet: DUC DORLEANS (5th)

Spot Play: GREAT VINTAGE (6th)


Race 1

(2) BRETT MCFAVRELOUS has really found himself in his last two down at Philly and he returns locally for DiDomenico in a good spot; worth playing looking for three straight. (1) MAINLAND KEY N closed well to a well-meant winner after escaping a shuffle last out; veteran is usually live at this level. (4) MARINER SEELSTER has been rather flat recently but he does drop in class and has been caught up in fast miles recently.

Race 2

(3) ROSSINI returns locally off a less-than-stellar effort last out but this gelding has loads of ability and he's reunited with Bartlett. (1) LUCKY COLBY broke early last week losing all chance but he did make up some decent ground; threat. (4) DANCEHALL MISTRESS was racing well with better when last seen locally.

Race 3

(1) MR HASANI N weakened last week after going fast early down at Philly; he's back at Yonkers and really should be no worse than the pocket from this spot. (4) HERE WE GO AGAIN's last race can be tossed out, where he toured the track from the eight hole versus better. Bartlett should be aggressive from this spot. (3) CAPOZZO lacks the class of others in here but he does land back inside.

Race 4

Leading driver Jason Bartlett surprisingly chose (2) TYE SEELSTER here over Santanna One, who he won with last week for regular client Jeff Bamond. I guess the Banca-trained gelding is the real deal. (3) GOBAN is up in class off a pocket-sitting score and he's got early speed. (1) HARD TO MACH was scratched sick last week but if ready he should be taking advantage of the inside draw.

Race 5

(3) DUC DORLEANS really hasn't done anything wrong recently facing some of the best horses in the country and his one local start last month was a big upset win; gelding looks like the one to beat from this spot. (2) SKY IS THE LIMIT picked up checks in the Open the last two weeks; he should go well here. (5) MACHS BEACH BOY needs to be aggressively handled early but it may not be possible with some tough ones inside of him.

Race 6

(4) GREAT VINTAGE has a good history here and despite last week's hiccup where he suffered broken equipment the Takter trainee has come back strong this year. (2) P H SUPERCAM very generously ends up with the two post but he has missed almost a month. (7) ALL BETS OFF is a legit racehorse with legit speed and Brennan should be firing early with him.

Race 7

(4) BUDDHA BLUE CHIP takes a big jump in class but last week's win was so visually impressive that I'm inclined to give him a shot versus these. (3) REDISCOVERY finally lands a good post and is inside of his main competition; that makes the Burke trainee the likely favorite. (5) FORTY FIVE RED has quietly had a good season and he can factor late here.

Race 8

(8) LUMINOSITY missed a week of action but it didn't matter as the Burke trainee edged away with something left. Expect him to eventually make the lead and take these the distance again. (4) DAYLON MIRACLE ships in off a win at Saratoga and the recent addition to the Allard barn looks like the real deal. (1) IL MAGO tired with no excuse last out in that added-distance event but he should be close up again from this inside assignment.

Race 9

(5) COWBOY TERRIER just missed last week to an aggressively handled (2) FAT MANS ALLEY; if he fires hard from the gate he can turn the tables tonight. The latter admittedly caught me a bit off guard last week but he'll be on my radar tonight. (6) KINDOFABIGDEAL was an easy winner last week at a generous price; clearly this is a tougher spot but the Lachance trainee is sharp.

Race 10

(8) SAPPHIRE CITY takes a needed drop in class off a less-than-ideal trip last week in the Open; we all know the veteran has the speed to overcome the eight hole. (2) CASIMIR JITTERBUG has been sharp and was MacDonald's choice. (3) BULLET BOB is up in class again off two solid front-end wins.

Race 11

(2) DEWYCOLORINTHELINE has raced well in all recent efforts without a win to show for it. From this spot tonight should be the night to take charge. (3) E R ELLIE drops from the Open, where she raced well and these connections have been good recently. (1) SEVRUGA has plenty of speed and the best post.

Race 12

(5) JUSTIFIED hasn't been bad in all recent efforts and without a ton of early speed in here I can see Brennan trying to head to the front. (3) BEST SAID faces better but was pretty good in defeat last out, getting beat by a heavy favorite. (6) MC DYNAMITE may have too far to come but he has to be considered in this wide-open finale.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Saturday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Arlington Park (3rd) Roar of Silence, 7-2
(4th) Red Neck Song, 7-2

Belmont Park (5th) Becker's Galaxy, 10-1
(8th) Inca Saint, 4-1


Belterra Park (2nd) Voyage Beyond, 3-1
(7th) Aurora's Secret, 5-1


Canterbury Park (7th) More Mona More, 6-1
(9th) Benny's Glory, 7-2


Charles Town (1st) Julia's Medal, 9-2
(6th) Shining Son, 8-1


Churchill Downs (4th) Tapit Quick, 4-1
(8th) Sky Flight, 7-2


Delaware Park (1st) Frostys Whirl, 3-1
(6th) Epic Story, 10-1


Emerald Downs (5th) Bella Colomba, 7-2
(8th) Dance With Effie, 8-1


Evangeline Downs (2nd) D'wild Misty, 5-1
(5th) Roll of the Dice, 6-1


Finger Lakes (2nd) Don't Back Down, 3-1
(6th) Battle Notes, 4-1


Gulfstream Park (7th) Princess Romana, 10-1
(9th) Racetrack Romance, 4-1


Hastings Park (1st) Ruby's Victory, 9-2
(6th) Moon Ride, 3-1

Indiana Grand (1st) Dry Affair, 7-2
(3rd) Blacklands, 8-1


Lone Star Park (2nd) Duca's Bling, 8-1
(7th) Bleu Brave, 3-1


Louisiana Downs (2nd) Silky Lady, 6-1
(5th) Unbridled's Score, 4-1


Monmouth Park (8th) Gallant Lady, 6-1
(12th) Lina Bella, 3-1


Mountaineer (1st) Crack Your Whip, 4-1
(2nd) Acrobatic Tactic, 10-1

Oak Tree @ Pleasanton (6th) He's Cagey, 7-2
(7th) My Friend Emma, 3-1


Parx Racing (1st) Harbor Breeze, 3-1
(4th) Brave Girl, 4-1


Penn National (3rd) Rico Does Magic, 7-2
(6th) King Touch, 8-1

Prairie Meadows (4th) Bralin's Grace, 10-1
(8th) Spirit Amour, 4-1


Santa Anita (3rd) Mudge, 6-1
(4th) I'll Wrap It Up, 7-2


Thistledown (3rd) Pyrite Mill, 4-1
(5th) Reign of Kings, 9-2


Woodbine (3rd) Green Waters, 3-1
(7th) Dalat Rose, 8-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB Preview: Diamondbacks (35-38) at Padres (36-40)

Game: 2
Venue: PETCO Park
Date: June 27, 2015 10:10 PM EDT

The San Diego Padres have not won consecutive games in three weeks, and will rely on one of their most disappointing starting pitchers to accomplish the feat Saturday night.

Stuck in a monthlong slump, Andrew Cashner takes the mound looking to regain his top form against the team he most recently struggled against, the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Cashner (2-9, 4.35) had a 3.00 ERA through his first 10 starts, posting a 1.27 WHIP for San Diego (36-40). But in his last five, the right-hander has a 7.62 ERA and 1.85 WHIP.

He's failed to reach 100 pitches in his last four, with Sunday's four-inning stint in which he allowed seven runs - three earned - over four innings in a 7-2 loss to Arizona (35-38) registering as his shortest of the season.

"You make your own breaks," Cashner told MLB's official website. "I have to stop the bleeding at some point."

Perhaps most surprising during Cashner's recent skid has been the lack of strikeouts. After punching out 12 batters on June 1, Cashner has failed to strike out six in any of his four starts - a feat he managed in eight of his first 11 outings.

He struck out 4.80 batters for every walk up until his last four outings, when he has 14 walks to 11 strikeouts.

"It's one of the toughest stretches I've been through for sure," Cashner said. "You just have to show up, put it behind you and keep going forward."

He'll follow Tyson Ross, who held the Diamondbacks for two hits in six innings of a 4-2 win on Friday. Paul Goldschmidt drove in both Diamondback runs, but was outdone by RBIs from Matt Kemp, Yonder Alonso and Justin Upton.

The Padres last won consecutive games during a four-game streak June 2-6, and have gone 7-12 since.

"We're not on all cylinders by any stretch of the imagination," said interim manager Pat Murphy. "We're real pleased ... that was an overall great game tonight."

Unlike his counterpart Saturday, Arizona's Jeremy Hellickson (5-4, 4.94) has been a vision of consistency in recent weeks. The right-hander has allowed two runs in six innings five times in his last seven starts, and posted exactly that stat line in Sunday's win over Cashner.

Hellickson left after only 84 pitches due to a back injury, but felt no discomfort in this week's bullpen sessions.

"Monday morning really was the only day I had trouble - just getting out of bed," Hellickson said. "I haven't really felt anything since then."

Hellickson's first two meetings with the Padres did not go as smoothly, as he was smacked around for five runs over 6 2-3 innings in a 5-1 loss on April 14, then again allowed five runs and was chased after 4 2-3 of a 6-5 defeat May 8.

Goldschmidt has hit safely in seven straight and is 6 for 17 with a home run against Cashner. He has reached base in 67 of 73 games this season and 25 of his last 26 against San Diego.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB notebook: Sandberg resigns as Phillies manager
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

Ryne Sandberg resigned as manager of the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday.

The team announced the decision at a press conference about 3 1/2 hours before its game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park.

Sandberg pointed to losing and dissatisfaction with the Phillies' major league-worst 26-48 record as the reason for his resignation.

"It's not an easy decision," Sandberg said. "In a lot of ways, I'm old school, and I'm very much dissatisfied with the record and not pleased at all with that. I think that goes hand in hand with being a manager. So it's been a difficult thing to swallow, but I have thought about it for some time, and we've come to this day."

Sandberg became emotional during the announcement.

"I do want to thank the Phillies and (general manager) Ruben Amaro Jr. for giving me this opportunity to do this with the club that originally drafted me in 1978," Sandberg said. "It was a dream opportunity for me to put on a Phillies major league uniform, and that's where it really hits hard today as far as making it a difficult decision. But with some leadership roles coming up, I think it was important for me not to be in the way with the way things have gone this year, but allow the organization to go forward and really get this thing going."

During parts of three seasons, Sandberg went 119-159 (.428) as Phillies manager. He took over for Charlie Manuel during the 2013 season with 42 games remaining.

Third base coach Pete Mackanin will take over as interim manager for the time being.

---The Minnesota Twins placed rookie center fielder Byron Buxton on the 15-day disabled list with a left thumb sprain, which he suffered while attempting to steal second base.

Buxton, 21, was injured against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday. He played in Wednesday's series finale against the White Sox, but struck out in each of his four at-bats. The move is retroactive to June 25.

Buxton, the second overall pick in the 2012 draft, is batting .189 through his first 11 games in the major leagues. He was called up on June 14 after batting .283 with six home runs, 37 RBIs and 20 stolen bases for Double-A Chattanooga this season.

To replace Buxton on the 25-man roster, the Twins recalled infielder Danny Santana from Triple-A Rochester.

---The Washington Nationals placed infielder Anthony Rendon back on the 15-day disabled list with a left quadriceps strain.

Rendon, 25, returns to the disabled list for the second time this season. The move is retroactive to June 25

Rendon missed the first 52 games of the season as he worked through a left knee sprain as well as a left oblique strain. He is hitting .290 with five RBIs in 18 games.

The Nationals also selected the contract of infielder Emmanuel Burriss from Triple-A Syracuse.

In addition, outfielder Reed Johnson was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.

---Nationals slugger Bryce Harper remained out again Friday night in Philadelphia against the Phillies.

Harper, who was also sidelined Thursday, has been dealing with a cramp suffered while running out a double in the 11th inning Wednesday.

Harper is enjoying a breakout season, batting .340 with 24 home runs and 58 RBIs.

---The Houston Astros placed right-handed relief pitcher Chad Qualls on the 15-day disabled list Friday with a pinched nerve in his neck.

Qualls is 1-4 with four saves and a 5.11 ERA in 29 appearances this season. His DL stint is retroactive to June 25. He has compiled a 47-46 mark in 750 career appearances with a 3.80 ERA and 74 saves.

The club also recalled first baseman Jon Singleton from Triple-A Fresno. Singleton, 23, was scheduled to join the Astros in Houston in time for Friday night's game.

---The Pittsburgh Pirates called up right-handed reliever Deolis Guerra from Triple-A Indianapolis.

The 26-year-old Guerra's first appearance in a game will be his major league debut.

---New York Yankees left-handed reliever Jose De Paula was outrighted to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Friday.

De Paula, 27, was designated for assignment Wednesday and then cleared waivers.

---St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday, who sustained a tear in his right quadriceps on June 8, has increased his baseball activities but still is not ready to return from the disabled list.

Holliday has been able to throw and hit off a tee this week, and he described his leg as getting "better" and "stronger," according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Holliday has received acupuncture as part of his treatment but hasn't progressed to the point where he can test the leg by running.

Holliday was hitting .303 with three home runs and 26 RBIs in 52 games when he was injured.

---Minor league right-hander Dennis Torres was suspended for 50 games without pay by Major League Baseball after a second positive test for a drug of abuse.

Torres, who is part of the Baltimore Orioles' organization, plays for the Double-A Bowie Baysox in the Eastern League. He will begin serving the suspension immediately.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Over wagers sizzling in this pitcher's starts
Andrew Avery

Over bets have cashed in three straight and seven of the past eight starts by Milwaukee Brewers righty Matt Garza.

Garza owns a 6.85 ERA in those previous eight starts, over a full run more than his season-to-date ERA of 5.48. Twice in those eight starts, including his last trip to the mound, he surrendered 10 runs.

Garza is scheduled to get the start against the Minnesota Twins at Miller Park Saturday afternoon.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jays' lefty Boyd expected to make debut Saturday
Andrew Avery

The Toronto Blue Jays are expected to give southpaw Matt Boyd the start when the host the Texas Rangers Saturday afternoon.

Boyd was scratched from his Thursday start for Triple-A Buffalo, where he has made two starts since a call up from Double-A. He has allowed one run in each start at Buffalo and hasn't walked hitter while fanning a dozen.

Yovani Gallardo is expected to start for the visitors.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Rays cashing against lefty starters recently
Andrew Avery

The Tampa Bay Rays have won their last nine games when going up against a left-handed starting pitching. The Rays, and their backers, will to make it 10 as they face the Boston Red Sox and southpaw Wade Miley Saturday afternoon.

The recent trend began against Wei-Yin Chen and continued with wins against C.J. Wilson, Hector Santiago, Roenis Elias, J.A. Happ, Mike Montgomery, John Danks, Chris Sale and, most recently, Gio Gonzalez.

The Rays opened -111 with Matt Andriese scheduled to take the bump Saturday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Top Over pitcher scheduled to start Saturday
Andrew Avery

The Atlanta Braves are expected to start Julio Teheran Saturday afternoon. Among pitchers with at least 10 starts on the season, Teheran is tops for Over bettors with a 12-3 Over/Under record in 15 starts in 2015.

The 24-year-old righy has a personal record of 5-3, a 4.67 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP on the season. He had a streak of eight consecutive Overs snapped in his last outing when he went seven strong innings surrendering just one hit in a 1-0 win over the New York Mets.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Lincecum starts have been an Over bettors' dream
Andrew Avery

The Over has been on fire in San Francisco Giants righty Tim Lincecum's recent starts, cashing in six-straight games heading into Saturday's meeting with the Colorado Rockies at AT&T Park.

There has been an average of 9.7 runs scored per game over that stretch, with the Giants coming out on top in three of those.

Lincecum's 14 starts have resulted in an 8-5-1 Over/Under record so far this season.

Christopher Rusin is scheduled to get the ball for the Rockies. Oddsmakers have a total of 7 on the board as of Friday evening.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'On the Diamond'

Oakland looks to even the series against Kansas City when the two square off in game two of this three game set at O.co Coliseum. Athletics have Scott Kazmir toeing the rubber carrying a 4-4 record, 2.70 ERA on the year. The southpaw in solid form has lead A's to three straight wins allowing just 4 runs while striking out 18 and walking 6 batters over the span. Kazmir trades pitches with Royals' Chris Young heading to the hill 6-3 on the campaign with a 2.83 ERA. The right-hander stumbling his last effort took a loss after getting smacked for 3 long-ball, 7 runs in 4 2/3 innings. Despite the loss last night which dropped Oakland's mark to 2-8 last ten in the series the A's have been given the nod by the oddsmaker opening -$1.40 favorite. A pricey home favorite with a losing record is cause to ratchet up the tension for a sports handicapper. However, in this case, the amount of supporting data in favor of Oakland makes it less risky. Kazmir has been dominant at home with a 3-1 record, 1.27 ERA in six outings and A's have a sparkling 9-1 stretch in game-two's of a series w/Kazmir. Additionally, Young has lost three straight to Oakland, owns a 0-2 record with a whopping 7.47 ERA tossing in day light. Finally, the fact Kazmir is a southpaw is more bad news for Royals as they're on a 1-7 skid vs. a left-handed starter.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Saturday's six-pack

Pointspreads for six of college football's more interesting games this year:

-- Oct 3: Alabama at Georgia (even)

-- Oct 15: UCLA at Stanford (-4.5)

-- Oct 24: Tennessee at Alabama (-10)

-- Nov 21: USC at Oregon (-6.5)

-- Nov 28: Ohio State (-16) at Michigan

-- Nov 28: Florida State (-4) at Florida

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Teyas Sports

6/27/2015 FREE PICK PADRES -136

DID YOU KNOW??? WHEN UMP JEFF NELSON IS BEHIND HOME PLATE (M'S @ ANGELS TONIGHT) THE HOME TEAM IS 24-9 HIS LAST 33 GAMES CALLING BALLS AND STRIKES.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jeff Saad of Las Vegas Sports Services

6/27/2015: Saturday MLB Bonus Play:

Seattle/LA Angels Over the total. Seattle pitches well at home but not on the road, on a 5-2 run over the total away from spacious Safeco Field. Anaheim is a good offensive park and Seattle lefty J.A. Happ has a 2.08 ERA at home but 5.86 on the road! Seattle is 4-1 over the total when Happ starts on the road. Seattle is 6-1-2 over the total in divisional play and faces an LA team that has been on a nice offensive run. The Over is 4-1 in the Angels last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

Play the Mariners/Angels Over the total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mr. Vegas

Mr Vegas FREE MLB play for Saturday, June 27, 2015.

Arizona at San Diego. Can't trust hard luck Andrew Cashner, even at home, with a 2-9 record and a 4.35 ERA. He's off a pair of poor game allowing 9 hits and 12 runs in 9 innings with 5 walks. San Diego has not had a good weak and faces an Arizona offense that is seventh in baseball in runs scored, 12th in on base percentage and 13th in slugging. The Diamondbacks are 9-3 in their last 12 vs. a team with a losing record. Jeremy Hellickson has turned things around allowing 2 runs each game in 4 of his last 5 starts.

Play Arizona

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Saturday

DIAMONDBACKS (Hellickson) @ PADRES (Cashner) 10:10 PM

Take: DIAMONDBACKS +125

Talk about a bad combo. Andrew Cashner has been beset by bad luck most of the season. Plus, the Padres righty just isn’t pitching well. Consequently, he’s stuck with a grotesque 2-9 record and things don’t seem to getting any better.

Cashner has surrendered 19 unearned runs already this season. Needless to say, he’s been betrayed by some porous defense on a regular occasion. It seems as though every time there’s a mistake made behind him, it balloons into something bad for Cashner. But he’s certainly not helping the cause. Cashner has been very hittable all season, and now he is starting to have some control issues. Over his four starts, covering 21.1 innings, Cashner has walked 14 hitters. There aren’t many pitchers who are going to survive that kind of BB rate. In his last five starts, Cashner has permitted 29 runners to score.

Jeremy Hellickson isn’t in the mix to be an All-Star, but the Arizona righty is producing just what the Diamondbacks were hoping for. Hellickson’s job is to go six innings and keep his team in the game. He has done precisely that for the most part, particularly recently. Hellickson has produced quality starts in six of his last seven outings.

There’s nothing fancy about Hellickson, and his pure talent isn’t close to that of Cashner. But the results for the D-Backs righty are simply superior right now.

As for rest, the data is pretty close as far as offense and bullpen are concerned. The better glove team is the Diamondbacks, as the Padres have one of the least efficient defenses in baseball this season.

All that said, I still favor the Padres here, but not by as much as the odds suggest. If the line holds on this game where it closed late Friday evening, the Diamondbacks look playable at the price.