Sunday 6/19/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners (36-32) at Red Sox (38-29)

Game: 3
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: June 19, 2016 1:35 PM EDT

BOSTON -- Right-hander Taijuan Walker is expected to make his first start against Boston when the Seattle Mariners visit the Red Sox on Sunday in the three-game series finale.

Walker left Tuesday's start at Tampa Bay with a foot injury after 3 1/3 innings, giving up four runs (three earned) and three hits -- including two home runs. He took a no-decision in Seattle's 8-7 loss.

"It feels good," Walker told the Tacoma News Tribune. "I threw off the mound (Friday), 10 pitches, and it felt good. No pain. A little sore, but I'll be good for (Sunday)."

Walker said he believes the discomfort can be alleviated by fully taping his ankle.

"It helps a lot," Walker said. "It keeps it stable, especially when I have to cover first base or make any moves off the mound."

Mariners manager Scott Servais is cautiously optimistic Walker will be fully healthy.

"He says it feels better. But we'll see," Servais said. "It's kind of in the back of your mind that we may need someone who can carry a little extra length (on Sunday) if it does start barking on him again."

Walker, 23, is 3-6 with a 3.69 ERA.

Before his abbreviated outing in Tampa, Walker recorded his best outing of the season. He went eight scoreless innings against the Indians on June 8, allowing three hits with no walks and 11 strikeouts -- his second double-digit strikeout performance this season and first since April 25 when he struck out 11 Astros.

Walker has faced only one batter on the Red Sox roster. Chris Young is 0-for-2 against Walker.

After three straight losses, Red Sox left-hander David Price (7-4, 4.52 ERA) is looking to get back into the win column Sunday. He has thrown seven straight quality starts and is 3-3 with a 2.68 ERA during that span.

In his last three starts -- against Toronto, at San Francisco and versus Baltimore -- Price pitched 23 innings, allowing eight runs (seven earned) with 22 strikeouts.

In his last outing, against the Orioles, he went eight innings, allowing three runs with no walks and 11 strikeouts.

"That's the best I've felt with everything that I was throwing in however many starts I've made here, for sure," Price said. "I feel like that was the best stuff I've showcased so far, and I'll continue to get better.

"I'm better than three runs (allowed), I know that. That's what I've done my entire career. Whenever I get eight innings and three runs I'm not going to take that. I'll take my chances and go out there to put up nine zeros. I'm getting there. I know that. This team and this coaching staff has confidence in me and we'll continue to get better."

Price has faced Robinson Cano more than any other Seattle hitter, holding him to a .271 average with a home run, 11 RBIs and seven strikeouts in 70 at-bats.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Yankees (34-34) at Twins (20-48)

Game: 4
Venue: Target Field
Date: June 19, 2016 2:10 PM EDT

Sweeping a four-game series might be a rare occurrence for a team.

An exception can be made for the New York Yankees against the Minnesota Twins.

The Yankees will go for their third four-game sweep of the Twins in the last eight seasons Sunday afternoon at Target Field and will try to get over the .500 mark again.

The most recent sweep was July 1-4, 2013 in Minnesota when the Yankees scored 29 times and batted .282 while hitting three home runs. In the first three games of this series, New York scored 19 times, batted .320 and hit four home runs.

The latest win has some similarities with the four-game sweep in Yankee Stadium in 2009 when New York scored 11 times in the seventh inning or later.

On Saturday, the Yankees faced a 4-0 deficit but came back for a 7-6 victory. Alex Rodriguez hit a two-run homer off Ricky Nolasco and Carlos Beltran hit two-run shot off Kevin Jespen. After those home runs, the Yankees scored three times in the ninth on a two-run single by Jacoby Ellsbury and a sacrifice fly by Brett Gardner.

"Character win," Rodriguez said.

Beltran had another three hits and has 22 in his last 57 at-bats while leading the team with 18 home runs.

"He's been doing this for a long time now," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "He's a professional hitter and understands what he needs to do and he's been really big for our offense this year."

Beating the Twins frequently is nothing new for the Yankees, who have won 19 of 24 meetings at Target Field and are 71-27 against them since the start of the 2002 season.

New York scored 38 times, batted .320 and hit two home runs in a four-game sweep of Minnesota in 2003.

The Twins are 20-48 and have lost five in a row, marking the fourth time they have lost at least five straight this season.

Minnesota hit three home runs Saturday as Byung-ho Park, Kurt Suzuki and Eduardo Escobar homered. Suzuki's home run would have been the game-winner but Minnesota's pitching continued faltering as it has compiled a 6.33 ERA against the Yankees and an 6.40 ERA during the last five games.

"We've had a lot of losses," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "You don't ever want to get comfortable. We've had trouble winning games that we have a chance to win late. There's not been a lot of those either, but today was one of them.'

The Yankees hope Nathan Eovaldi can find some semblance of his stuff from when he won five straight starts. He has a 9.82 ERA since his last win on May 29 and over his last three starts, the right-hander has allowed 16 earned runs and 26 hits.

The Twins have been swept nine times this season and will turn to Ervin Santana, who has plenty of experience facing the Yankees. Most of Santana's experiences against the Yankees have not gone well as the right-hander is 5-9 with a 6.22 ERA in 17 career starts against them.

Santana has not beaten the Yankees since pitching eight innings for the Angels in a 1-0 victory at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 1, 2008. He is 0-7 with a 6.60 ERA in his last 10 outings against the Yankees.

Those struggles against New York also mirror his struggles this season. Santana is 0-5 with a 7.71 ERA in his last five starts, raising his ERA from 3.13 to 5.10.

"He just hasn't been consistent like he has in the past," Molitor told reporters following Santana's last start on Tuesday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds (27-42) at Astros (33-36)

Game: 3
Venue: Minute Maid Park
Date: June 19, 2016 2:10 PM EDT

HOUSTON -- The last time Mike Fiers took the mound against the Cincinnati Reds, it was in a different city, a different league and most notably a different uniform.

On Sunday, Fiers (4-3) takes the ball for the Houston Astros (33-36) in their series finale against the Reds (27-42) at Minute Maid Park.

Fiers, acquired in a midseason trade from the Milwaukee Brewers in 2015, will start against the Reds for the seventh time in his career but the first time as an Astro and the first time since July 3, 2015. He won that day for Milwaukee, giving up no runs and three hits in seven innings. In his career, Fiers is 2-4 against the Reds.

Fiers is coming off a win over Tampa Bay on June 11. He is seeking back-to-back wins for the first time since April 17 and 23 against Detroit and Boston.

"I think the confidence in myself," Fiers said when asked about what has been working for him lately. "Just having the confidence of throwing every pitch in different counts and not being afraid of contact.

"Pitching to contact, getting these guys to swing early and get early outs ... just try to get off the field as quick as possible."

Cincinnati starter Brandon Finnegan is another pitcher who has been riding a bit of a hot streak.

Finnegan (2-4) has registered back-to-back wins entering his 15th start of the season.

In Finnegan's last five starts, he has gone 2-2 with a 2.41 ERA while allowing just nine runs in 33 2/3 innings.

"He's been better than we could have expected for a guy with such a limited amount of professional baseball experience," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "He's been even better than advertised because I didn't know he competed as well as he does. It's been, I think, the key to his success."

After a 5-4 victory in extra innings on Saturday, the Astros will try and clinch yet another series.

After dropping three of the first 12 series this season, Houston has a chance to clinch its seventh series victory in the last 10.

"We go home happy, we go home feeling good about ourselves," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said after the extra-inning win on Saturday. "We have a chance to win the series after a tough loss last night. There will be guys looking forward to getting to the ballpark tomorrow as opposed to when you lose a couple of these in a row."

For the Reds, after posting sub-.500 records in April (9-15) and May (8-20), June has been going well with a 10-7 record. Cincinnati is seeking its third series victory in its last five.

"There's people solely based on wins and losses, and we will be in a place hopefully in the next year or two where the only thing that will matter are wins or losses and we can win a World Series," Price said. "Right now, we're battling our tail off to stay in every game and have a chance to win."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tigers (34-34) at Royals (37-31)

Game: 4
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: June 19, 2016 2:15 PM EDT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Detroit Tigers have a new offensive weapon as they complete their four-game series on Sunday with the Kansas City Royals.

They purchased the contract of corner infielder Casey McGehee from Triple-A Toledo, where he was among the International League leaders with a .323 average, 80 hits and 17 doubles.

McGehee, signed to a minor league contract by the Tigers in spring training, provides a big bat off the bench plus insurance at other positions.

"With some of the minor injuries we've had with Vic (Martinez, right knee) and Cam (Maybin, quad), we needed that fourth position player back," manager Brad Ausmus said. "If we think we need to give Vic a day for his knee, McGehee can DH, or he could play first and let Miggy (Cabrera) get off his feet and DH for a day. It gives us some flexibility."

McGehee, 33, has had some productive years in the majors, hitting .285 with 23 home runs, 38 doubles and 104 RBIs in 2010 with Milwaukee. He batted .287 with four home runs, 29 doubles and 76 RBIs with Miami in 2014, when he was named the National League comeback player of the year after playing in Japan the previous year.

"I called my dad on my way up here, so it brought back a lot of good memories of the first time I got to make that phone call, so, you know, I've been through, pretty much every level of baseball that you can imagine short of being a superstar, being an All-Star," McGehee said. "I've had really good years. I've had really crappy years. OK years. Sent down, released, went to Japan, came back, so I think all those experiences lead into this.

"I think I can enjoy it in a different way than I did before, but at the same time, I've done this long enough to know that, one, your next day is never guaranteed and, two, that it's serious business, so just enjoy it. It's the best that you can get. So all that goes into it."

In 820 games in the majors with the Chicago Cubs, who drafted him in the eighth round in 2003, Milwaukee Brewers, Pirates, Yankees, Giants and Marlins, McGehee has hit 67 home run with 379 RBIs and a .259 average. He has played only 22 games in the American League before joining the Tigers.

McGehee grounded out as a pinch hitter to end the Tigers' 16-5 loss to the Royals.

The Tigers are making changes in their pitching staff, optioning left-handers Matt Boyd and Blaine Hardy to Triple-A Toledo after the game. No word on who the replacements will be or will take Boyd's spot in the rotation.

Royals designated hitter Kendrys Morales has reached base in 10 of his past 11 plate appearances. He had four hits, drove in five runs and scored four times on Saturday after struggling much of the season.

"He's a big key to our lineup," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "He's a big-time run producer. Any time you win the Silver Slugger as the DH, that's probably the toughest spot to win a Silver Slugger because there so many good hitters at that position."

Morales hit .290 with 41 doubles, 22 home runs and 106 RBIs last year, but is hitting .229 with eight home runs and 32 RBIs this season.

Chris Young will start the series finale Sunday against the Tigers. Young is 4-0 with a 1.71 career ERA against Detroit.

The Tigers will counter with RHP Jordan Zimmermann, who is 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA in two starts at Kansas City.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rangers (44-25) at Cardinals (35-32)

Game: 3
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: June 19, 2016 2:15 PM EDT

ST. LOUIS -- If there is a consolation to blowing a 3-0 lead with four outs left, it's that the schedule gives the St. Louis Cardinals little time to mourn arguably their worst loss of the season.

Another day game with the surging Texas Rangers awaits Sunday in Busch Stadium, the last game of a five-game homestand in which St. Louis has gone 0-4, hacking up eighth and ninth inning leads to cost it two victories.

Saturday's 4-3 loss is one that can stick with a team if it's not careful. The Cardinals (35-32) did plenty to aid Texas' comeback, contributing a walk, error, hit batter, wild pitch and passed ball.

"Over the course of the season, you go back and remember games that you felt you should have put away and this is one," St. Louis manager Mike Matheny said. "It stings right now, that's for sure."

To avoid a winless homestand, the Cardinals will turn to right-hander Mike Leake (5-4, 4.08), who is 5-1 in his last six decisions. Leake sailed through an 8-3 win on June 12 in Pittsburgh, going seven innings and allowing only two earned runs while fanning six.

Leake has been as advertised since a rough April, ranking among the National League's top control pitchers. He hasn't walked a batter in his last two starts and has eaten up the innings St. Louis projected him to when signing him to a five-year deal in the offseason.

Opposing Leake will be left-hander Martin Perez (6-4, 3.38), who snapped a 14-game winless streak on the road Tuesday night with a 10-6 win in Oakland by pitching seven innings, giving up four runs off nine hits.

Perez will be backed up by a resourceful offense that scored all its runs in the last two innings Saturday. None of those runs came on a hit, as the Rangers scored on a wild pitch, an error, a walk and a sacrifice fly.

Second baseman Rougned Odor brings a six-game hitting streak into the series finale, going 2-for-4 on Saturday with an infield hit that started the winning rally in the ninth.

Right fielder Shin-Soo Choo's return to the lineup from an injury has only added to the depth of Texas' attack. Choo reached base three times Saturday, drawing a bases-loaded walk to tie the game in the ninth.

Choo's patient approach fits well with a Ranger team that clearly isn't afraid to pass the baton down to the next man. Texas owns 21 wins in games it has trailed in this year.

"That's why we're in first place," Choo said. "We never think we're out of a game."

Saturday's win gave the Rangers nine consecutive series wins, a franchise record, and upped their American League West lead over Seattle to 7½ games.

However, second-year manager Jeff Banister isn't exactly breaking his arm patting himself on the back over his team's considerable accomplishments.

"I don't think they're going to give us any badges," Bannister said. "We've got another game tomorrow."

And after a come-from-ahead loss like Saturday, another game might not be the worst thing for the Cardinals.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Angels (30-38) at Athletics (28-40)

Game: 3
Venue: Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
Date: June 19, 2016 4:05 PM EDT

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Los Angeles Angels right-hander Jered Weaver got off to a fast start this season, going 3-0 in his first four outings.

Since then, Weaver has struggled to regain his groove. He's gone 2-6 with a 6.54 ERA in his past nine starts, but he'll try to get back on track Sunday against the Oakland A's in the final game of a three-game series.

"Trying to get my body figured out," Weaver said Saturday before the Angels' 7-1 victory. "There's good days and bad days. I've had to pitch around some stuff this year, but it hasn't gotten to the point where I can't go out there and take the ball every fifth day. Just looking for some consistency. It's been a little hit or miss. But just going out there and battling and trying to keep us in the game."

Last season Weaver missed 40 games from June 21 to Aug. 9 because of left hip inflammation.

"It's kind of been lingering, but it's gotten a lot better," Weaver said. "It's not like it was last year. I've been working hard to get everything situated, as far as the body goes. It's taken a little bit longer than I thought, but I definitely feel better than I did last year."

As was the case last season when he gave up 24 home runs in 159 innings of work, Weaver has been hurt by the long ball. He has allowed 18 home runs in 75 2/3 innings, including two in each of his past three starts.

Weaver could be pitching for his spot in the rotation. The Angels signed free-agent right hander Tim Lincecum on May 20, and he made his debut on Saturday against the A's, allowing one run on four hits over six innings. Right-hander Nick Tropeano is on the disabled list (right shoulder tightness) but is making progress in his recovery and is expected to be activated later this month.

Weaver said he has no problem pitching out of the bullpen if that's what the Angels want him to do.

"I pitched out of the bullpen in a playoff game in Boston and got a win," Weaver said. "That's the last time I've done it. I've always been a team guy, and whatever they decide to do they decide to do. Whatever I can do to help or what they think is best, is obviously what's more important for the team."

In Game 3 of the 2008 ALDS against the Red Sox, Weaver got the win in the Angels 5-4, 12-inning victory. He blanked the Red Sox in the 11th and 12 innings, allowing one hit while striking out three and walking one.

Weaver will face A's left-hander Eric Surkamp, who is 0-4 with an 8.07 ERA in seven starts over four stints with the A's this season. In his last start, Surkamp gave up seven runs on seven hits over 2 1/3 innings in a 10-6 loss to Texas.

"Getting ahead (in the count) is the key," A's manager Bob Melvin said of Surkamp. "Any time you get ahead in the count, you can use a full complement of pitches. When you're getting behind then you're a little bit, have to throw your fastball a little bit more and you have to throw it over the plate. He's not a velocity guy that throws in the mid-90s.

"I think just getting ahead in counts is going to be key for him. And then pitch with some confidence. We saw that confidence in that last spring training game here against the Giants. So it's in him, and that's really what put him on the map for us and gave him the opportunity to start for us in the fashion that he has this year. So I think a combination of both those things. If he is ahead in the count, I think he'll be that much more confident."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers (31-38) at Dodgers (37-33)

Game: 4
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: June 19, 2016 4:10 PM EDT

LOS ANGELES -- Matt Garza and Kenta Maeda are hoping they fare much better Sunday than the starting pitchers did Saturday.

Garza and Maeda will face off in the final game of the four-game series between the clubs at Dodger Stadium.

On Saturday, Los Angeles starter Mike Bolsinger and Milwaukee's Chase Anderson were both knocked out early as both clubs feasted in a 10-6 win by the Dodgers. Neither Bolsinger or Anderson lasted three innings.

"It's tough. I'm not going to sit up here and make excuses anymore. I've just got to figure it out," said Bolsinger, who is good friends with Anderson and are former teammates with the Arizona Diamondbacks. "For me, it's just kind of getting on the mound and working on things. It's little things. I'm sure I'll figure it out."

Anderson said, "It's frustrating. Wasn't able to make pitches when I needed to make pitches, and when I made pitches, they found a hole. It wasn't might night."

Garza (0-0, 2.25 ERA), who will make his second start of the season on Sunday, received a no-decision in the Brewers' 3-2 loss to the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday. He allowed one run and eight hits with five strikeouts and a walk in four innings.

Garza had been on the disabled list since April with a right lat strain. In his only career start against Los Angeles, he gave up three runs and four hits with three walks and five strikeouts in an 8-2 loss on May 5, 2015, at Miller Park in Milwaukee.

Maeda (6-4, 2.75 ERA) left in the sixth inning of his last start on Tuesday against Arizona when he was struck on the leg by a line drive off the bat of Paul Goldschmidt. Maeda was charged with three runs (two earned) and six hits with six strikeouts and a walk in 5 1/3 innings of a 7-4 win by Los Angeles over Arizona.

The Dodgers, who have won the past two games against the Brewers, will attempt to capture the series with a win.

Justin Turner has been instrumental in the past two victories over the Brewers. On Friday, Turner homered twice and drove in the winning run with a walk-off single in the 10th inning of a 3-2 decision.

On Saturday, Turner smashed a three-run homer that tied the score in the third inning.

"Just a great night," said Turner, who tied a season high with three RBIs. "To be down early and fight back into it, you've got to tip the cap to the bullpen. They come in and have to pick up a lot of innings and throw zeroes up there and keep us in the game and give us a chance to win."

Howie Kendrick and Joc Pederson also went deep. Pederson delivered a solo shot in the sixth for the Dodgers (37-33), who finished with 14 hits to 11 for the Brewers.

Ryan Braun hit his 12th home run of the season for Milwaukee (31-38), which dropped its fifth in six games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pirates (33-35) at Cubs (46-20)

Game: 3
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: June 19, 2016 8:08 PM EDT

CHICAGO -- Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Jameson Taillon smiled and took a deep breath when asked about pitching in front of a national television audience Sunday night against the Chicago Cubs.

The game will mark the third career start for Taillon, a highly touted 24-year-old rookie. He is 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA after his first two starts, both of which came against the New York Mets.

"It's going to be an honor to pitch in front of that many people on national TV, but I think a lot of people maybe are going to be deflected watching the NBA Finals game," Taillon said with a grin. "That's what I'm telling myself to take some of the pressure off.

"I'm just going to go out there and do my thing. I love the big stage. I love the lights. I love the competition. So I'll try to control my emotions, and it shouldn't be too big for me. It shouldn't get too sped up or too emotional out there."

The Pirates (33-35) could use a boost from Taillon to regain traction in the National League Central. They have lost seven of eight contests against the first-place Cubs (46-20), whom they trail by 14 games.

Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks (4-6, 3.05 ERA) will look to continue his dominance at Wrigley Field. Hendricks is 3-1 with a 1.99 ERA in six home starts this season. He is 1-5 with a 4.36 ERA in six road starts.

A deep, powerful Cubs lineup should help Hendricks' cause. The North Siders have scored the third-most runs (354) in the majors this season, trailing only Boston (388) and St. Louis (356). The Cubs boast a 30-4 record when they score the first run of a game and are 42-3 when they finish with four or more runs.

All of that success has led some to believe the Cubs effectively could lock up the division title by midseason. But manager Joe Maddon shook his head when asked whether he hoped to increase the division lead over the Cardinals and Pirates to 15 games by a certain point on the schedule.

"It would be awesome to be able to do that, but I'm really just focused on us winning," Maddon said. "It's one of those things that if you do that, the other stuff takes care of itself. I don't look for 15 (games). I don't really think in those terms. It's about playing the Pirates."

Taillon said he felt confident despite facing an unfamiliar group of Cubs hitters.

"We don't play many Cubs affiliates coming up, but I definitely watch a lot of baseball," Taillon said. "Even when I wasn't in the big leagues, I was watching games. I've been picking some of the pitcher's brains about them, talking about the lineup, talking about some of the guys. And then of course we have a great pitching coach, brilliant catchers. They do their homework.

"So with me being the young guy, they've never seen me, I've never seen them. I'm just going to go out there and do my thing and adjust if I have to."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Nationals-Padres preview
By Bill Center, The Sports Xchange

SAN DIEGO -- For the first two months of the season, the San Diego Padres ranked at the bottom of most major league offensive categories.
But since the start of June, the Padres have the second leading batting average in the National League and rank among the leaders in home runs and runs scored.
"I really believe hitting is contagious," said first baseman Wil Myers, who has led the offensive charge with nine homers in 17 games thus far in June.
Myers, who bats second in the order, credits leadoff man Jon Jay for the Padres' change of offensive fortunes.
"Ever since he went 9-for-10 in those back-to-back games, we've taken off," Myers said. "He got me started. I think what the leadoff hitter does affects the entire team."
Well, Jay is hitting .366 in June to Myers' .373.
But there is a problem. The Padres' pitching has been terrible in June and has sprung some serious leaks in the first three games against the Washington Nationals at Petco Park.
In the Thursday opener, the Nationals hit three homers on two-strike pitches. In six different innings after an inning when the Padres scored, the Nationals scored. And half of the 18 runs scored by the Nationals in the first three games came in rallies started when Padres pitchers retired the first two hitters.
"Those are problems," Padres manager Andy Green said. "You can't have that keep happening."
Green said that when the Padres were facing the possibility of being swept in the four-game series against the National League East leaders. But after Saturday night's come-from-behind, 7-3 win, the Padres have a chance gain a split in Sunday's series finale -- no small feat given the fact that the Padres are a "perfect" 0-10 on Sundays thus far this season.
This Sunday, it will be left-hander Drew Pomeranz (5-7, 2.88 ERA) pitching for the Padres against Nationals left-hander Gio Gonzalez (3-5, 3.96).
Neither is at his sharpest.
Gonzalez hasn't won a game since May 2. In four straight losses, he has allowed 21 earned runs in 22 2/3 innings.
"I'm battling right now," Gonzalez said. "Everyone goes through stretches like this."
And Pomeranz has seen his ERA shoot up more than a run from 1.80 in his last six starts. In his most recent outing, he allowed five runs, five hits and five walks in five innings. In his last six starts, he has given up 16 runs and 27 hits in 35 innings.
"Hitters have changed the way they face me," Pomeranz said. "They've been laying off some really good pitches at the bottom of the zone. "It's time for me to adjust."
Today's game will end a seven-game homestand for the Padres. The Nationals bus to Los Angeles after the game to continue a 10-game road trip at Dodger Stadium.
"The Nationals are one of the best teams in the game right now and we've played them tough the first three games of this series," Myers said. "We were in the first two games we lost and had a good game tonight. It'd be great to close split this series before hitting the road."
And winning on a Sunday ... finally

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Nine for nine: Surprise starters cashing for MLB bettors
By JOE FORTENBAUGH

On June 8, highly-touted 24-year-old pitching prospect Jameson Taillon made his Major League debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates in what eventually hit the box scores as a 6-5 loss to the defending National League Champion New York Mets. In that defeat, the 6-5, 240-pound righty from Lakeland, Florida surrendered just three earned runs through six credible innings of work. For all his efforts, Taillon was sent back down to the minors.

That’s not to say the Pirates weren’t impressed, because they most certainly were. There just wasn’t enough space on the 25-man roster to retain their bright young pitching star. But Taillon was called up again this past week when ace Gerrit Cole went on the disabled list with a right triceps strain and this time around he dazzled to the tune of 8.0 innings of work with just two hits and zero runs surrendered in a 4-0 win over that same New York Mets club.

The point of the story here is that the Pirates aren’t the only club in Major League Baseball that will be calling up highly-regarded pitching prospects over the next few months. In fact, several clubs will want to take a good, long look at what they have in their respective farm systems. The key, however, is to identify which of these pitchers will be able to deliver the goods at a great betting price night in and night out. But before we take a look at the prospects who could make some waves in the near future, let’s analyze nine surprising pitchers who have turned a sizeable profit through the first three months of the 2016 MLB season.

Chris Tillman, RHP, Baltimore Orioles (2.87 ERA)

Decisions: 9-1, +$883
Overall: 12-2, +$1,065

Analysis: The Orioles have emerged victorious in ten of Tillman’s last 11 starts, with the eight-year veteran surrendering two or fewer earned runs eight times during that stretch. Tillman boasts a diverse four-pitch arsenal (four-seam fastball, changeup, slider, knuckle-curve) that devastated the Red Sox for seven full innings on June 14 (5 hits, 1 earned run, 7 Ks) en route to a 3-2 Orioles victory despite entering the game as +176 underdogs. Take note, however, that the 6-5, 200-pound righty has been listed as a favorite in eight of his last nine trips to the bump.

Next start: Sunday, June 19 vs. Toronto Blue Jays

Colby Lewis, RHP, Texas Rangers (2.81 ERA)

Decisions: 6-0, +$821
Overall: 10-4, +$923

Analysis: Despite pitching for the A.L. West-leading Texas Rangers, Lewis has taken the mound as an underdog in six of his last seven starts, delivering a tremendous return on investment in the process. His latest gem came in the form of a complete game, two-hit masterpiece in Oakland on Thursday where the 36-year-old took a no-hitter into the ninth inning before surrendering a lone run in a 5-1 Texas victory. After losing back-to-back Lewis starts on May 4 and May 9, the Rangers have since rattled off seven straight wins with Lewis leading the charge, a stretch that has seen the pitcher lower his ERA from 3.20 to 2.81.

Next start: Tuesday, June 21 vs. Cincinnati Reds

Michael Fulmer, RHP, Detroit Tigers (2.52 ERA)

Decisions: 7-1, +$710
Overall: 8-1, +$860

Analysis: Since surrendering five runs on ten hits in a 9-4 loss at Cleveland on May 5, Fulmer has won six straight decisions while dropping his ERA from a lofty 6.30 to 2.52. More recently, the 23-year-old from Oklahoma City has rattled off a four-start stretch that has featured four wins, 27.1 innings pitched, nine hits and a staggering zero total earned runs. Give a large portion of the credit for that run to Fulmer’s incendiary fastball, the four-seam variety of which averages 94.4 mph with a complementary two-seamer that sits at 94.9 mph.


Josh Tomlin, RHP, Cleveland Indians (3.27 ERA)

Decisions: 8-1, +$707
Overall: 10-2, +$805

Analysis: Tomlin has allowed more than two earned runs in an outing just four times in 12 starts this season and only once over his last six trips to the hill, which has been intriguing to most observers considering the Cleveland staff features three starters in Cy Young-winner Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco and Danny Salazar who were expected to dominate the headlines in 2016. Another big plus here is the fact that despite all his early-season success, Tomlin has still been listed as an underdog in three of his last five starts, a trend we expect to see shift in the very near future.

Next start: Monday, June 20 vs. Tampa Bay Rays

Aaron Sanchez, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays (3.38 ERA)

Decisions: 6-1, +$486
Overall: 8-5, +$151

Analysis: Yes, Sanchez has turned a very respectable profit in his seven decisions this season, but bettors need to be advised that the 23-year-old has been the benefactor of elite run support through the first three months of the 2016 MLB campaign, with the Blue Jays scoring seven or more runs in five of Sanchez’s last six starts. Granted, the 6-4, 220-pound righty has limited the opposition to three or fewer earned runs in seven of his last nine outings, but that explosive Toronto lineup is a big reason why Sanchez has been listed as a favorite of -140 or higher in four of his last six trips to the bump.


Rich Hill, LHP, Oakland A’s (2.25 ERA)

Decisions: 8-3, +$480
Overall: 8-3, +$480

Analysis: Acquired on a one-year, $6 million free agent contract this past winter, Hill may go down as the best value signing of the offseason…and in classic Billy Beane/Oakland Athletics fashion, will likely be flipped at the trade deadline for prospects. The 36-year-old southpaw has enjoyed quite the renaissance in 2016 thanks to a devastating curveball that features more than eight inches of both horizontal and vertical movement. The downside here, however, is the fact that Hill is currently on the disabled list due to a groin injury and won’t resume throwing off a mound until next week at the earliest.

Next start: TBD

Tyler Chatwood, RHP, Colorado Rockies (2.89 ERA)

Decisions: 8-4, +$434
Overall: 9-4, +$534

Analysis: Prior to the start of the season, many industry insiders considered the Rockies to be nothing more than a 70-win team at best. Yet, here we are on June 17 and Colorado resides at just one game under .500 thanks, in part, to the efforts of Chatwood, who has surrendered a grand total of just 12 earned runs over his last seven starts, with the 26-year-old winning four of his last five decisions. Credit a nasty two-seam fastball for the five-year veteran’s success, as Chatwood currently ranks first in the National League in ground ball percentage at 58.7 percent. Like they say, if the ball is on the ground, it can’t leave the yard.


Steven Wright, RHP, Boston Red Sox (2.22 ERA)

Decisions: 8-4, +$418
Overall: 8-5, +$289

Analysis: Wright has emerged victorious in each of his last five starts while permitting two or fewer earned runs in four of those aforementioned outings. But perhaps what is more impressive is that the 31-year-old’s knuckleball has induced at least 12 ground ball outs in three of his last four trips to the hill after the four-year veteran notched just one such effort through his first nine starts of the season. Wright is coming on strong and bettors would be wise to take notice.

Next start: Monday, June 20 vs. Chicago White Sox

Christian Friedrich, LHP, San Diego Padres (2.12 ERA)

Decisions: 3-1, +$268
Overall: 4-2, +$301

Analysis: True to form, the Padres are a dumpster fire, with two of their best pitchers (Andrew Cashner and Tyson Ross) on the disabled list unable to spray any additional gasoline on the fire. But almost too quietly, Friedrich joined the rotation in mid-May and has since proven to serve as a glimmer of hope, with six total starts featuring three or fewer earned runs surrendered. Not only that, but the 28-year-old lefty has allowed only one home run on 603 total pitches this season. The best part here? Friedrich has been listed as an underdog in five of six starts since joining the rotation.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Rubber match'

Toronto Blue Jays at Baltimore Orioles June 19, 1:55 EST

Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays conclude their three-game set with both teams having notched one victory. The Orioles will count on Chris Tillman (9-1 2.87 ERA) while the Blue Jays turn to Marcus Stroman (6-2 4.76 ERA). Oddsmakers have opened Orioles -$1.20 favorite with the total set at 9.5 runs.

Tillman in great form allowing three or fewer runs in nine of his last eleven eleven starts heads to the hill undefeated over the span (8-0) with his team 10-1 in those games. Tillman also carries a sparkling 16-2 June team start record to the mound including 9-2 TSR at Camden Yards. However, facing Blue Jays with Tillman has not been good for Orioles as they've compiled a 3-10 record his last thirteen starts. Even worse are Orioles numbers at Camden Yards where they're 1-7 with the hurler.

As for Stroman, the righthander shook off three bad starts in his last outing tossing seven innings of two run ball in a win against Phillies. Stroman knows how to follow up a strong performance with another stellar effort. In his last eight after allowing two or fewer runs, the Blue Jays are 6-2 in his subsequent appearance on the mound. Blue Jays have also made their mark facing a division opponent with Stroman. In his last sixteen starts the result has been 13 wins, 3 losses. Jays have split a pair vs Orioles this season w/stroman and are 2-2 in his four career starts vs Baltimore.

Going against Tillman at home might be considered sacrilege, but getting an underdog price on Blue Jays who have found their stroke winning seven of nine, platting 65 runs behind 103 hits, 23 long-ball is too good to pass up. Additionally, Jays are in the midst of a 17-7 spurt, 13-4 streak against the A.L. East, 7-2 stretch handing the ball to Stroman on the road.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Sunday's games

National League games

Pirates @ Cubs
Taillon is 1-0, 1.93 in his first two MLB starts (over 1-1).

Hendricks is 0-2, 5.23 in his last two starts; under is 7-2 in his last nine.

Pirates lost 14 of their last 18 games; under is 8-4 in their last 12 road games. Chicago won ten of last 12 home games; eight of last nine Wrigley games stayed under.

Diamondbacks @ Phillies
Bradley is 0-3, 5.19 in his last three starts (over 5-1).

Eflin allowed nine runs in 2.2 IP (77 PT) in his MLB debut.

Arizona won five of last seven games; five of their last six games stayed under total. Phillies are 1-9 in last ten games; eight of last ten Philly home games went over.

Rockies @ Marlins
Anderson allowed one run in 6.1 IP (92 PT) in his MLB debut. .

Koehler is 3-1, 3.60 in his last four starts, three of which went over.

Rockies won six of last nine games; six of their last eight road games stayed under the total. Miami won four of last five games; over is 10-4 in their last 14 games.

Braves @ Mets
Teheran is 1-3, 3.81 in his last four starts; seven of his last eight starts stayed under.

deGrom is 0-2, 2.42 in his last four starts, last three of which stayed under; New York scored total of two runs in his last three starts.

Braves won their last four games; eight of last ten Atlanta road games stayed under. New York lost seven of last nine home games; under is 9-4 in their last 13 games.

Nationals @ Padres
Gonzalez is 0-4, 7.45 in his last five starts; over is 5-2-1 in his last eight.

Pomeranz is 1-3, 5.73 in his last four starts; eight of his last nine stayed under.

Washington won 10 of last 13 games; nine of their last ten road games went over the total. Padres lost seven of their last ten games; their last four games went over.

Brewers @ Dodgers
Garza allowed one run in four IP (87 PT) in his first '16 start.

Maeda is 3-1, 2.31 in his last four starts; five of his last seven went over.

Milwaukee lost seven of last nine road games; eight of its last nine road games went over the total. Dodgers won 10 of last 13 at home; under is 7-3 in their last 10 at home.


American League games

Blue Jays @ Orioles
Stroman is 1-1, 7.33 in his last four starts, which all went over. .

Tillman is 5-0, 2.72 in his last seven starts (under 5-2).

Toronto won eight of last 11 games; seven of their last ten games went over. Orioles won eight of last ten home games; four of their last six home games stayed under. .

White Sox @ Indians
Rodon is 0-2, 3.71 in his last three starts; four of his last six starts went over.

Carrasco is 0-2, 3.98 in his last four starts; four of his last six went over.

White Sox lost 11 of last 13 road games; over is 18-6 in their last 24 road games. Cleveland won its last seven home games. Under is 9-4-2 in their last fifteen games.

Mariners @ Red Sox
Walker is 1-4, 6.55 in his last six starts; three of his last four went over.

Price is 0-3, 3.13 in his last three starts; his last four starts went over.

Mariners lost six of last eight road games; over is 7-3 in their last ten road games. Boston lost six of last nine home games; over is 15-7 in their last 22 home games.

Tigers @ Royals
Zimmerman is 4-1, 7.50 in his last five starts (over 4-0-1); Detroit scored 42 runs in those five games. .

Young is 0-3, 7.17 in his last five starts; four of his last six stayed under.

Tigers lost four of last six games; five of their last six games went over. Royals won 11of last 12 home games; their last four games went over.

Bronx @ Twins
Eovaldi is 0-1, 9.82 in his last three starts, which all went over.

Santana is 0-5, 7.71 in his last five starts; seven of his last nine went over.

New York is 10-6 in its last 16 games; six of their last eight road games went over the total. Minnesota lost eight of its last10 games; over is 13-3 in their last 16 home games.

Angels @ A's
Weaver is 1-3, 6.94 in his last four starts; four of his last five went over.

Surkamp is 0-4, 7.80 in seven starts; his last three starts went over.

A's lost 12 of last 15 games; under is 8-3-1 in their last 12 games. Angels lost eight of last 11 road games; over is 10-4-1 in their last fifteen games.


Interleague

Giants @ Rays
Peavy is .2-1, 1.82 in his last four starts; five of his last seven starts stayed under.

Odorizzi is 3-1, 3.74 in his last six starts (under 9-5).

Giants won their last seven games; seven of last 11 SF road games went over. Tampa Bay lost last three games; under is 22-10 in Rays' last 32 home games.

Reds @ Astros
Finnegan is 2-0, 1.86 in his last three starts; under is 3-1-1 in his last five.

Fiers is 1-2, 4.97 in his last five starts; three of his last four went over.

Cincinnati is 11-8 in its last 18 games, over is 10-3 in their last 13 road games. Astros won eight of last ten home games; nine of last ten Houston games stayed under.

Rangers @ Cardinals
Perez is 5-0, 3.19 in his last five starts; under is 7-4 in his last 11. .

Leake is 5-1, 2.85 in his last seven starts; eight of his last ten went over.

Rangers are 21-6 in their last 27 games; nine of their last 13 road tilts went over. St Louis lost seven of last nine home games; their last four games stayed under.


Teams won-lost records when this pitcher starts:

Pitt-Chi-- Taillon 1-1; Hendricks 6-6
Az-Phil-- Bradley 3-3; Eflin 0-1
Col-Mia-- Anderson 1-0; Koehler 5-8
Atl-NY-- Teheran 3-11; deGrom 5-6
Mil-LA-- Garza 0-1; Maeda 7-6
Wsh-SD-- Gonzalez 5-8; Pomeranz 5-8

Tor-Balt-- Stroman 8-6; Tillman 12-2
Chi-Clev-- Rodon 3-9; Carrrasco 5-2
Sea-Bos-- Walker 5-8; Price 8-6
NY-Min-- Eovaldi 8-5; Santana 1-11
Det-KC-- Zimmerman 9-3; Young 3-6
LA-A's-- Weaver 5-8; Surkamp 3-4

SF-TB-- Peavy 6-7; Odorizzi 8-6
Cin-Hst-- Finnegan 4-10; Fiers 6-6
Tex-StL-- Perez 7-7; Leake 7-6


Starting pitchers allowing 1+ runs in first inning:

Pitt-Chi-- Taillon 0-2; Hendricks 3-12
Az-Phil-- Bradley 2-6; Eflin 1-1
Col-Mia-- Anderson 0-1; Koehler 4-13
Atl-NY-- Teheran 3-14; deGrom 2-11
Mil-LA-- Garza 0-1; Maeda 2-13
Wsh-SD-- Gonzalez 1-13; Pomeranz 3-13

Tor-Balt-- Stroman 3-14; Tillman 2-14
Chi-Clev-- Rodon 4-12; Carrrasco 1-7
Sea-Bos-- Walker 2-13; Price 5-14
NY-Min-- Eovaldi 3-13; Santana 5-12
Det-KC-- Zimmerman 3-12; Young 5-9
LA-A's-- Weaver 5-13; Surkamp 2-7

SF-TB-- Peavy 6-7; Odorizzi 2-14
Cin-Hst-- Finnegan 3-14; Fiers 3-12
Tex-StL-- Perez 5-14; Leake 3-13


Umpires

Pitt-Chi-- Six of last seven Wolf games stayed under total.
Az-Phil-- Three of last four Hudson games went over.
Col-Mia-- Last three Barber games stayed under total.
Atl-NY-- Last nine Wegner games went over the total.
Mil-LA-- Five of last six Timmons games went over.
Wsh-SD-- Road team won four of last five Holbrook games.

Tor-Blt-- Road team won eight of last eleven Scott games.
Chi-Clev-- Seven of last nine Woodring games went over.
Sea-Bos-- Four of last five May games went over total.
NY-Min-- Last six Emmel games stayed under the total.
Det-KC-- Under is 9-4 in last thirteen Morales games.
LA-A's-- Four of last six Lemtz games stayed under.

SF-TB-- Underdogs won four of last six Nauert games.
Cin-Hst-- Four of last five Reyburn games stayed under.
Tex-StL-- Six of last eight Fletcher games went over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

StatFox Super Situations

MLB | COLORADO at MIAMI
Play On - Road teams when the money line is +125 to -125 (COLORADO) good offensive team (>=5.0 runs/game) against an average starting pitcher (ERA= 4.20 to 5.20)-NL, with an overused bullpen that pitches more than 3.2 innings per game
66-35 since 1997. ( 65.3% | 31.9 units )
0-2 this year. ( 0.0% | -2.3 units )


StatFox Situational Power Trends

MLB | DETROIT at KANSAS CITY
DETROIT is 23-12 (+16.3 Units) against the money line in Road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was: DETROIT (4.9) , OPPONENT (4.5)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sunday's six-pack

-- James Shields has now allowed 31 runs in 11 IP in his last four starts.

-- 10 Cincinnati Reds have made their major league debut this year.

-- Patricia Ford was named Miss Georgia; she is a former Weather Channel intern.

-- Mets are 5-17 this season when they do not hit a home run.

-- Stuart Appleby's golf bag weighed in at 36.35 pounds; caddying is tough.

-- Miami Marlins have had five no-hitters, but never had a guy hit for the cycle.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

The Vegas Steam Line

Your free winner for Sunday: Take TORONTO (Stroman) +105 over Baltimore

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin'

Bonus Play Sunday

CAVALIERS ar WARRIORS 8:00 PM

Take: WARRIORS -5

There’s one stat that speaks volumes about how weird this NBA Championship series has been. Through six games, the points scored for each team are exactly the same. It’s a dead heat. And yet, it’s been one blowout after another, and from an excitement standpoint, probably one of the worst to the wire title series duels I’ve ever seen.

The fan in me is hoping tonight’s Game Seven provides some real excitement. Game Sevens are supposed to be thrillers, aren’t they? perhaps this is where we get the edge of the seat, down to the wire clash that gets decided on the final possession.

As for my analysis, I have a choice. I can take a handful of points with the team that has dominated the last two games, including Game Five on this very court. Or, I can bank on history, which clearly favors the favorite.

I’m not going to pretend I have a great feel for what I think will happen tonight. If this were a regular season game, I’m quite sure I’d be nothing more than an interested spectator. But let’s call it straight, I’m in the sports prediction business and that means I have to come up with something in a game of this magnitude.

So I’m opting to side with history. The home teams in NBA Game Sevens are huge straight up winners. One wouldn’t think it should be as lopsided as it is, as Game Seven means each team has won three games and logic suggests the finale should be a classic duel. Yet it hasn’t been that way.

The Warriors have not lost three games in succession all season. The Cavaliers are trying to achieve history by coming back from a 3-1 series deficit to win the NBA title. I’m also not sure the Cavaliers can play at the same level they have the past two games. I’m also not sure the Warriors are even capable of being as inept as they’ve been in these last two games.

If it sounds like a very shaky case is being presented for the chalk in this game, you’re absolutely correct. I’ll hasten to add that if anyone reading this piece likes the Cavaliers, please don’t let me talk you out of it. But this is where push has come to shove for me, and I’ve decided to give the Warriors my action tonight. Golden State minus the points is my play.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jim Feist

Jim Feist's Comp MLB Pick, Sunday, June 19, 2016 4:40 PM

(961) WASHINGTON NATIONALS VS (962) SAN DIEGO PADRES

Take: UNDER

Reason: Your Bonus Play for Sunday, June 19, 2016 is in the MLB scheduled contest between the Washington Nationals and the Padres from San Diego. Petco Park is a big park and the San Diego offense is terrible, No. 21 in runs scored, No. 29 in on-base percentage. Washington has veteran Gio Gonzalez going, allowing three runs of less in six of his last 10 starts. The under is 7-3 in Gonzalez's last 10 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. San Diego starter Drew Pomeranz has a 2.60 ERA at home and batters hit .189 off him on the season overall. The team is 8-1 under the total in his last nine starts. The Under is 36-17-5 in the Padres last 58 home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of greater than .600. Play Washington/San Diego Under the total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play: Sun Over the total 9 Royals/Tigers

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mike Lundin

Nationals vs Padres

10* MLB Free Pick Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals ruined what otherwise would have been an OK Saturday when they gave up six runs in the bottom of the eighth against the San Diego Padres to lose 7-3. I think they'll get revenge in the rubber match Sunday afternoon.

Gio Gonzalez (3-5, 3.96 ERA) will take the ball for the Nats. Washington has lost each of his last five starts and Gonzalez is 0-4 with a 6.38 ERA in that span. He's coming off back-to-back quality starts though, and the southpaw has struck out a total of 27 hitters in his last three turns. He'll turn it around any time now, so why not here against the Padres.

Drew Pomeranz (5-7, 2.88 ERA) will take the ball for San Diego. The left-hander has lost back-to-back starts while allowing eight runs on eight hits and six walks through 10 innings of work. Pomeranz is 0-4 with a 4.70 ERA in four day starts on the year, and we can note that the Nats are 9-1 in their last 10 road games vs. a left-handed starter.

Nationals are 8-2 in their last 10 games following a loss. Padres are 1-4 in their last five games following a win.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA
Dunkel

Sunday, June 19

Cleveland @ Golden State

Game 513-514
June 19, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
132.981
Golden State
129.457
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 3 1/2
213
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
by 5
206 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(+5); Over