Thursday 5/7/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Golden Gate - Race #2 - Post: 1:49pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $11,000 Class Rating: 88

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#4 BEST BY FAR (ML=6/1)
#3 CINDARI (ML=9/5)
#1 MAGGIE'S GOLD (ML=5/1)


BEST BY FAR - Taking this jockey/handler combination is a good move. CINDARI - Have to make this mare a win candidate; she comes off a strong outing on April 19th. I think this mare could run back to her winning race from Jan 18th, when she won an $8,000 Claiming race, a higher class than today's race. Multiple wins in this horse's life, all at Golden Gate. Could add another win in today's race. MAGGIE'S GOLD - This mare likes to lay just off the pace and the way things shape up here, she should get a 'dream' trip. Have to make this mare a strong challenger; she comes off a sharp effort on April 11th.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 MISSDANG SALLY (ML=7/5), #6 SPENDING PLAN (ML=8/1),

MISSDANG SALLY - Finished fourth last time out of the box. Would have to move up to be there at the wire in today's event. This pony hasn't been on the track since April 10th. Not even any morning blow outs. This mare recorded a speed fig in her last contest which likely isn't good enough in today's race. SPENDING PLAN - This mare recorded a speed fig in her last affair which probably isn't good enough in today's event.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #4 BEST BY FAR on top if we're getting at least 9/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,4]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,3,4] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Prairie Mdws - Race #1 - Post: 6:30pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,500 Class Rating: 71

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 NOWINEFORWELLSE (ML=10/1)
#4 P G RATING (ML=7/2)
#5 FUN GUS AMONGUS (ML=4/1)


NOWINEFORWELLSE - I do like the fact this gelding is back in a race so quickly. Have to give this gelding a good chance. Ran a good outing last time out within the last month or so. P G RATING - Arnett has this gelding placed in the ideal event. FUN GUS AMONGUS - I like to wager on this angle, a thoroughbred coming back off a sharp outing within the last 30 days. Trainer, Litfin, has been deliberate with this gelding off the layoff. Look for a solid effort today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 RUNAWAY BLING (ML=9/5), #6 DEPUTYARTEE (ML=9/2),

RUNAWAY BLING - Just cannot bet on this less than sharp equine. Didn't show me anything positive last out or on Feb 19th. DEPUTYARTEE - A racer that breaks his maiden in a Maiden Claimer is usually recognized as a poor risk next out. Earned a substandard speed figure in the last race in a $7,500 Maiden Claiming race on April 18th. Not likely to see an improved performance off of that number.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#3 NOWINEFORWELLSE to win at post-time odds of 4/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,4,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [3,4,5] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #7 - BELMONT PARK - 4:26 PM EASTERN POST

6.0 FURLONGS DIRT FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD ALLOWANCE $77,000.00 PURSE

#2 JAZZMINEGEM
#5 CAVAL
#1 IRISH SWEEPSTAKES
#6 DARNLEY BAY

#2 JAZZMINEGEM is the overall pace profile leader in this allowance field this afternoon sprinting at 6.0 furlongs on the dirt, and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in each of her last five outings, including back-to-back "POWER RUN WINS" in her last two starts. Jockey Jose Ortiz has been in her irons on three previous occasions, hitting the board in each, winning twice, en route to a +77% return on investment in the process, and is back today for his 4th ride, gunning for a "Hat Trick Win." #5 CAVAL, the morning line favorite, has nice early speed abilities to compliment for this sprint, and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in two of her three career starts to date, including a "POWER RUN WIN" to break her maiden in her "first asking."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Thursday 5/7 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

EARLY $1 PICK 4 TICKET:

1,7/1,2,3,4,10/5,9/2,6 = $40


LATE $1 PICK 4 TICKET: 2,6/3,4,8/5,8,9/1,4 = $36

MEET STATS: 57 - 170 / $320.40 BEST BETS: 9 - 15 / $29.30

SPOT PLAYS: 2 - 13 / $32.60

Best Bet: LIVING HISTORY (7th)

Spot Play: SOUTHWIND GINGER (8th)


Race 1

(7) HALO EFFECT is out of a millionaire dam that won the 2007 filly Kentucky Futurity that has already produced a winner. This one may have a lot more than she showed in the qualifier; top call. (4) SUMTHINTOTALKABOUT qualified well on the 1st with hopples for the first time and uses that equipment here, too. (6) THOUGHTFUL LEADER showed good late speed in her debut and should improve here.

Race 2

(5) MAC RAIDER made two moves to the front then failed to last in a rapid mile for the class. He should be able to build off that 2015 debut. (6) DEES ROCKETMAN closed stoutly to finish a strong second in his season's debut and will get there one of these times soon. (4) ARTFUL WAY fired off a rapid kicker in his qualifier and it's possible he could be much faster than he was last year.

Race 3

(1) NOBLE LEGEND didn't show that much in his debut but the one time Kadabra was bred to his dam it produced a 16-time winner that finished in the money 51 times in 97 races; another chance for this one. (7) PISCEAN comes in off a decent qualifier and gets Lasix; contender. (8) KADDY's dam also produced a good winner the only time she was bred to Kadabra previously; beware.

Race 4

(7) OUTLIER drops into a claimer for the first time and faces a generally weak group; looks solid. (1) THRILL CHASER had speed both early and late in his mile last week and looks like the one to beat but he is terribly win-shy. (6) DEBBIES MACH continues to show good speed early then fade. She might do better if she could land in the pocket once early.

Race 5

(2) STANDING MY GROUND comes off two breaks but gets Filion back here. He did better with him in March; top call in a head-scratcher. (1) MIDFIELD MAGIC also has gate issues but has more than enough speed to take this group if he stays trotting. (3) LEXUS HELIOS has been showing good speed then tiring late. He's another possibility in a pick 4 leg you should go deep in.

Race 6

(5) CROWN ISLE put up one of the fastest first 1/4's this year then just kept right on going; tough customer right back. (9) CANADIAN EDITION made two moves and just failed to last. He was claimed and looks like the main foe to the choice here. (10) FOREGO THE CIGAR stormed home to just miss to the choice at long odds. The 10-hole does him no favors but he should be coming late again.

Race 7

(2) LIVING HISTORY was full of pace in the lane last time and once clear roared by to win comfortably. She steps into a generally soft NW2 field and looks good to repeat. (6) MUCH ADOO showed good late speed off a 17-day break now returns to a 7-day cycle; the main threat. (5) SHESAGAMEMAJOR has been showing steady improvement for trainer Brethour who typically starts them out slowly. She's another that's in with a chance.

Race 8

(8) SOUTHWIND GINGER moves into the potent Adams barn for her 2015 debut and meets a field she can handle. (3) BET ER ALL had good late speed in both of her qualifiers and could be read to contend right away. (4) WARAWEE QUICK took big action at the windows then showed little in her debut. Perhaps the track condition was a contributing factor.

Race 9

(9) INTENDED STYLE has been winning in similar classes at Flamboro now moves here off the claim by a high % outfit; top call. (5) RAVE ON offered little first off the claim from the 10-hole but should be heard from here from the middle of the gate. (8) UNIQUE BARAN produced a huge mile when claimed out of town but these are a lot tougher.

Race 10

(1) FLOAT ON BY looks like she holds a major class edge here and is sent out by Menary who had three winners Monday night and has been going great guns at this meet. (4) WINDSUN CHANEL was on too much cover in a slowish pace and couldn't gain much when they flew home. She looks like a contender here. (3) WARAWEE QUALLY finally broke her maiden then took a break. She has never missed the board in her 11-race career. (9) MO MOLLY BLUE CHIP hinted at some ability last season and could close for a share here. (2) NATIONALIZE exits the same dash as Windsun Chanel and suffered the same fate. She should share here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Thursday 5/7 Analysis
By Derick Giwner

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 15 - 48 / $65.90 BEST BETS: 1 - 4 / $4.20

Best Bet: RIVEIRA (9th)

Spot Play: ROBIN CRUISER (11th)


Race 1

(5) MY SPRING FLING has won her last two starts when in the Banca barn. This spot is more difficult than last week, but she still seems best. (2) CANTTAKEITWITHYOU drops in for a tag off a credible effort. (3) ALWAYS LOVE ME has been picking up just minor rewards, but is more than capable given the proper trip.

Race 2

(5) ART FRENZY comes in from Pocono where you need to pace much faster to pick up a win. She should be very competitive in this spot. (3) SENTIMENTAL LADY drops down a notch for a barn you would expect to have her ready on this type of condition adjustment. (1) SPRINGHOUSE STAR can get away close from the pylons and pick up a decent share in the exotics.

Race 3

(6) MACH THIS WAY double-drops to the level where she won by almost five lengths three starts back. (5) JUST SAYIN raced only evenly off the claim but sometimes it takes a horse one start to acclimate to a new system. (1) NUTMEGS DESIRE has done her best work when kept close to the early action. Seven-year-old mare should have that opportunity from pylon position.

Race 4

(4) TALKTOMECOURAGE N plunges from the $20k claiming level to $12,500. Veteran campaigner should be firing off the wings and take them as far as he can. (2) ELECTRICITY gets a positive driver change and can show more. (3) SEMALU EXPRESS is tough to love on top as he remains winless on the year, but getting into the exotics is very possible.

Race 5

(3) DENYITTOTHEEND reeled off five straight for trainer Banca and should have no trouble keeping her form for the Jennifer Sabot barn. (6) TEXAS CAVIAR ships in from Philly with fine form and plenty of early speed; dangerous. (1) GET THE LOOK is another switching barns. She should be able to stick close from the pylons and get a big piece. (7) SUMMER SNOW drops down and could make some noise if carried into the race behind cover. (4) CAM FUNNY hasn’t been on her game, but is clearly in a winning spot if she is feeling good.

Race 6

(1) ROCKAVELLIAN went down the road in his first start for this barn and should be tough to beat once again. (6) SHOW ME UP has been plucked away in both recent starts for this claiming tag. I’m expecting to see some early speed with the likelihood that he’ll be claimed again. (4) P L FIGHTER failed to fire in his first start since December. Having that race under his belt and the slight class drop should give him a shot.

Race 7

In what could be a very competitive race, (5) I DO IT MYSELF trims one-third off her claiming price after a pair of no-shot races from outside posts. I have to expect her to be ready for a big effort and she only needs a reasonable trip to be involved in a big way. (1) CLIMATE HANOVER came up with a huge seven-length win off the claim and looks menacing from pylon position. (7) LITTLE MISS HENRY is another dropping down the claiming ladder; expect early speed. (2) BAHAMA BLUE has been just okay here in recent starts, but she is capable of waking up with a big mile.

Race 8

In a race where more than half of the field s moving into new barns, (1) R GAUWITZ HANOVER seems most likely to get away first or second and sit a good trip. Six-year-old has won four of his last five starts. (4) ROCKIN RAMBARAN has fired down the road in consecutive starts for victories; very dangerous. (2) JJ’S DOUGHNUT needs to figure out how to work out as trip from this spot. If he does, watch out.

Race 9

(1) RIVIERA had no shot from an outside when dropped to this level last time. All signs point to a big effort tonight. (4) KEENE OLIVIA seems to have enough form and early speed to make some noise; adds Bartlett. (2) GINGER SPICE N should stay close to the action and get into the exotics.

Race 10

(5) DIAMOND COWBOY comes back to Yonkers in fine form and really should take care of business. (1) MEETYOUATMIDNIGHT was burnt to a crisp on the engine last week and understandably tired. He can do better. (4) MEETBEHINDTHEBARN has won three straight but switches barns.

Race 11

(3) ROBIN CRUISER finally gets a good post to work with and it doesn’t hurt that she’s dropping in class. (4) GROUNDED scored at this level last time; dangerous. (1) ALHAMBRA should flash speed from the cones and have an opportunity to step up.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Thursday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Belmont Park (3rd) Don't Blame Her, 3-1
(6th) Cost Affective, 3-1

Belterra (6th) Hellcat Senior, 7-2
(8th) Teetee's Tapit, 4-1

Charles Town (3rd) Class Crest, 7-2
(4th) Proud Siren, 9-2


Churchill Downs (5th) Chanticleer, 3-1
(9th) Corso's Law, 7-2


Evangeline Downs (2nd) Burn Rate, 4-1
(5th) Call This Chick, 4-1


Golden Gate Fields (5th) Papa G, 3-1
(7th) Intermix, 7-2


Gulfstream Park (2nd) Old Times Sake, 3-1
(8th) Feels Like Flying, 5-1


Louisiana Downs (2nd) Terre Noire, 9-2
(4th) Don't Mach Me, 9-2


Penn National (3rd) Thrill Show, 5-1
(5th) Fat City, 4-1


Pimlico (2nd) Shaler, 7-2
(3rd) Successful Brothers, 3-1


Prairie Meadows (1st) Fun Gus Amongus, 4-1
(6th) Ooey Gooey, 4-1


Santa Anita (6th) Love Blind, 7-2
(7th) Codacious, 4-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

PGA Tour Picks: The Players Championship Odds and Expert Predictions
by Alan Matthews

So I guess we can cool our jets a little bit on wondering if Jordan Spieth has passed Rory McIlroy as the best player in the world. McIlroy reminded everyone who the world's top-ranked player was last week at the World Golf Championship-Match Play event by beating Gary Woodland in the finals, never trailing once in the match.

I think I liked the new round-robin pool play format -- previously only a single No. 1 overall seed had won the event (Tiger three times). In beating Jason Dufner, Brandt Snedeker, Billy Horschel, Hideki Matsuyama, Paul Casey, Jim Furyk and Gary Woodland, McIlroy trailed for only 26 holes -- 16 of those were against Horschel, whom he beat in 20 holes. I actually picked Horschel to win that pool. McIlroy became the youngest winner of the WGC-Match Play and joined Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only golfers in the modern era with 10 PGA Tour wins by age 26 (McIlroy turned that age on Monday). McIlroy actually had planned to fly to Vegas for the big fight on Saturday night, but his match ended too late.

Want proof that match play is a different beast? Over the first three rounds of pool play, Spieth made the most birdies in the field with 18. He didn't make it to Saturday. Over those same three rounds, Woodland made the most bogeys in the field with 12 yet reached the finals. The better-seeded player won 59 of the 112 matches overall.

As noted, I didn't even have McIlroy advancing to the weekend. I did get him at -260 for his win Wednesday over No. 56 Dufner. My overall winner was Henrik Stenson, who didn't advance out of pool play with losses to John Senden and Bill Haas. Senden won that group as the No. 65 seed. I did recommend a European winning the event at +135. I didn't look at every pool but did get Louis Oosthuizen at +250 in Group 4, upsetting Bubba Watson. Ditto Paul Casey at +185 in Group 9 over favored Adam Scott.

So now it's on to the big-money Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass outside of Jacksonville and its famous island No. 17 hole. It's a star-studded field and might be the last time you see some big-name Europeans until the Memorial Tournament in early June. Phil Mickelson is playing after skipping the Match Play. So is Tiger, who wasn't eligible to play last week and hasn't competed since a pretty nice effort at the Masters. He's newly single, with he and skier Lindsay Vonn announcing their breakup on Sunday. A total of 49 of the world's Top 50 are set to tee it up. The featured groups for the first two days have to be Tiger, Scott and defending champion Martin Kaymer, and McIlroy, Spieth and Jason Day.

Last year's Players was fantastic theater. Kaymer held off Jim Furyk by a shot for the win, holing a 30-foot par putt on the 17th (he was lucky his drive didn't go into the water) and then up-and-down on No. 18 from just off the green. He closed with a 1-under 71 while Furyk shot a 66. Spieth was in the final group Sunday with Kaymer but struggled with a 74. The only player who has won the Masters, as Spieth did in April, and the Players the same year was Tiger in 2001. No golfer has ever repeated at the Players. Kaymer was the first 54-hole leader to win the tournament since 2006. If there is a tie after 72 holes, there is a three-hole playoff on Nos. 16-18.

PGA Tour Golf Odds: The Players Championship Favorites

Spieth and McIlroy are the co-7/1 favorites. I'll tell you right now I don't like any of the four guys in this tournament to do much who made it to Sunday last week as that's a lot of golf to play and then you have to go across country. So take out McIlroy, Woodland, Jim Furyk and Danny Willett to win. As noted above, Spieth was in the final group here last year before sliding to T4. Spieth did play well last week, he just was knocked out in group play by Lee Westwood, whom I mentioned scared me in that regard. Maybe those extra two days off will help.

Justin Rose is next at 18/1 . He also failed to make the weekend last week. Rose won the tournament before that in New Orleans and was T2 at the Masters. However, he usually doesn't play well here with five missed cuts in 11 attempts. His T4 last year was a personal best. Stenson and Furyk round out the favorites at 20/1. Stenson won here in 2009 and was T5 two years ago. This is basically Furyk's home course and he had that runner-up finish in 2014, his third top-five finish at TPC Sawgrass since 2006.

If you are wondering, Woods is 28/1 and Mickelson 40/1.


PGA Tour Picks: The Players Championship Expert Betting Predictions

On finishing positions, I like Tiger "over" 19.5, McIlroy over 6.5, Spieth "under" 7.5, Furyk under 18.5, Day under 20.5, Sergio Garcia under 23.5 and Mickelson under 23.5. I like Spieth for a Top 10 (-15), Stenson for a Top 20 (-110), Day for a Top 20 (+220), Matt Kuchar for a Top 20 (+165) and Mickelson for a Top 20 (+165). I might -- might -- take a shot on McIlroy missing the cut at +500. Tiger to miss is +185. Tempting. I am taking Lefty to make the cut at -350. Ditto Westwood at -350.

Head-to-head, go with Spieth at -105 over McIlroy, Stenson at -105 over Rose, Dustin Johnson at -110 over Furyk (-120), Westwood at -110 over Scott (-120), Mickelson (-120) over Bubba Watson (-110), Kuchar (-175) over Woods (+135) and Webb Simpson (-125) over Marc Leishman (-105).

On the highest-placed finisher, take Spieth (+185) over McIlroy (+175), Rose (+550), Stenson (+600) and Day (+750). I like Westwood as the top Englishman at 4/1. Go with a European to win at +200. I want the field at -275 against McIlroy, Spieth, Rose and Stenson.

Sergio is tempting to win at 33/1 as he usually plays well here and won in 2008. But my value pick is Westwood at 40/1. He looked very good in knocking out Spieth last week in the Match Play and five Top-10s here, including in three of his past four starts.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB Preview: Astros (18-10) at Angels (13-15)

Game: 1
Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Date: May 07, 2015 10:05 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Angels continue to be mediocre offensively, but timely hitting has them in position to win three straight after their longest losing streak this season.

They'll try to hand Collin McHugh his first loss in 16 starts Thursday night when he takes the mound for the visiting Houston Astros.

Los Angeles (13-15) has won back-to-back games in walkoff fashion, taking a 4-3 victory Wednesday on Johnny Giavotella's double. Carlos Perez helped end a four-game skid when he homered in the ninth inning of his major league debut in Tuesday's 5-4 win.

One of baseball's worst hitting teams with a .226 average, the Angels only combined for 15 hits in those victories, though they were 4 for 7 with runners in scoring position.

"It's very exciting for us to get two big wins against a Seattle team that's as good as they are," Giavotella said. "It was big for us, especially since we got off to such a slow start to the season. Hopefully we can keep it rolling."

McHugh (4-0, 3.41 ERA) extended the majors' longest active undefeated streak Saturday despite allowing four solo homers over seven innings in an 11-4 victory over Seattle. The four home runs were one fewer than he had given up in his previous 16 starts.

"Let's be honest, it was not a good night to pitch," he told MLB's official website. "It was probably the toughest seven innings of my career."

Houston has won McHugh's last 10 starts and he's 11-0 in 15 outings since a July 27 defeat to Miami. The winning streak is the longest by an Astros pitcher since Wade MIller won 12 straight decisions from July 7-Sept. 21, 2002.

McHugh's run includes a 4-1 win against the Angels on Sept. 3. He gave up one run in 7 2-3 innings, improving to 2-2 with a 1.90 ERA in four career matchups.

Unlike McHugh, Houston's good fortune has vanished. The Astros (18-10) lost 11-3 to Texas on Wednesday and totaled five runs while being swept in three games after winning 14 of their previous 15, including 10 straight. Jose Altuve is 1 for 13 in his last four games after driving in 15 runs during an 11-game hitting streak.

"This is just a series to forget," manager A.J. Hinch said. "A day to forget."

The Astros hope Los Angeles' Hector Santiago (2-2, 3.14) is off his game again. He allowed four earned runs over five innings in a 5-4 loss Saturday at San Francisco after giving up three in his last three outings.

Santiago is 0-2 with a 7.47 ERA in five games versus Houston, including three starts. He lasted two-plus innings in his last start against the Astros, giving up three runs and walking five in a 6-1 loss on Sept. 14.

Chris Carter, who homered Wednesday, is 4 for 8 off Santiago, as is Jason Castro.

Houston will be without George Springer, who was placed on the seven-day concussion list after sitting out Wednesday's game. He was injured when crashing into the outfield wall on a catch in Tuesday's 7-1 loss. Springer is hitting .192 with four homers and 12 RBIs.

"Hopefully, he bounces back quickly," Hinch said. "He'll go through the exercise of getting cleared to play again. We lose a lot of energy. We lose great defense."

The Angels have won eight of nine at home against the Astros.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

See spot. See spot bet: This week's best spot bet opportunities
By BEN BURNS

Spot bets are classic handicapping practices that have proven profitable no matter what sport you're betting. Whether it's a team looking past this week's opponent, one coming off a hard-fought victory, or a rough patch of schedule, bettors can find value picking their spots. Ben Burns points out his favorites:

Letdown spot

The names have changed, with Rex Ryan sporting the blue and red of the Buffalo Bills, but the disdain is the same. Ryan and his new team will host rivals and defending Super Bowl champs, the New England Patriots in Week 2. The game will serve as a litmus test for Buffalo and its place in the AFC East. The Bills made some noise this offseason and a lot of those transaction were with this game in mind.

That massive matchup with the hated Pats, leaves Buffalo vulnerable to a letdown spot in Week 3. It travels to South Beach for a standoff against the Miami Dolphins, who opened as 2-point favorites versus Buffalo. Win or loss against New England, the Bills are ripe for the letdown in this Week 3 road game.

Lookahead spot

The Oakland A’s are longing for the crisp air of the San Francisco Bay, and will have been on the road for 11 days spanning 10 games when this current stretch of schedule closes in Seattle this coming Sunday. Oakland is off to a rough start on this current trip, splitting wins and losses against sub-par competition in Texas and Minnesota.

The Athletics have had trouble taming the home side to open this road trip, giving up a combined 22 runs through the first four games heading into Tuesday night. Oakland dropped two of three home meetings with Seattle last month and could get caught looking ahead to the friendly confines of the O.co Coliseum in the series finale at Safeco Sunday.

Schedule spot

The Miami Marlins are having a hard enough time battling foes on Eastern standard time. Now, Miami hops the country for a four-game set on the other side of the planet with the San Francisco Giants, starting Thursday in AT&T Park.

The Marlins are in Washington right now, finishing up in DC with a 1:05 p.m. ET first pitch Wednesday. Then, the Fish hop a plane for the West Coast and throw out the first pitch in the Bay Area at 10:15 p.m. ET Thursday. Miami went on an 11-game trek to the left side of the country last May, finishing 4-7 during that stretch.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Pomeranz struggles has equaled losses for Athletics
Justin Hartling

Drew Pomeranz continues to struggle this season resulting in the Oakland Athletics dropping his past four starts. The big leftie has only pitched into the sixth inning once in those four games and has allowed 14 runs in those outings.

Pomeranz is posting a 4.61 ERA this season while giving up a .310 on-base percentage.

Oakland will send Pomeranz to the mound when they meet the Minnesota Twins Thursday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

After good news on MRI, Verlander resumes throwing
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

CHICAGO -- Injured Detroit Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander resumed throwing Wednesday after receiving medical clearance.

Verlander, who sustained a triceps injury in late March during spring training, was given the go-ahead after an MRI exam Tuesday showed that inflammation in the area subsided. Dr. Tony Romeo examined Verlander on Wednesday and reviewed the test results.

Verlander subsequently played catch for about 50 tosses before the Tigers' Wednesday night game against the Chicago White Sox.

"He was more than just lobbing it," manager Brad Ausmus said. "He was actually throwing it and said he felt fine."

As the former American League Cy Young Award winner works his way back, he is likely to need a rehab stint in the minor leagues.

On Tuesday, Verlander told reporters he's ready to return.

"I'm itching," Verlander said. "I told (head athletic trainer) Kevin (Rand) if I get that green light, man, it's going to be hard to hold me back. I'm ready to go."

On Wednesday, Verlander turned to Twitter to update his status. "Green means go!!! Gas pedals on the right!"

Verlander, 32, has a 152-89 record in 298 games as a starter with the Tigers. He pitched in 30 or more games each of the past nine seasons. Last year, he posted a 15-12 record with a 4.54 ERA in 32 starts.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

A's activate OF Crisp
The Sports Xchange

Oakland Athletics outfielder Coco Crisp was to make his season debut on Wednesday night against the Minnesota Twins after missing the first five weeks of the season.

Outfielder Craig Gentry was sent to Triple-A to clear roster space for Crisp, who was activated from the disabled list and returned from elbow surgery in April to remove bone chips. Crisp was to bat leadoff in his first major league game of 2015.

In a minor league rehab assignment, Crisp went 2-for-8 with a double and a walk.

Last year, the 35-year-old Crisp batted .246 with nine home runs and 47 RBIs in 126 games for the A's. He is a career .270 hitter with 297 stolen bases.

Gentry was off to a slow start this season. In 16 games, he was batting .086 with no homers and two RBIs. The 31-year-old came to the A's last year after five seasons with the Texas Rangers and batted .254 in 94 games in 2014.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Cardinals lose RHP Walden for 6-10 weeks
The Sports Xchange

St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Jordan Walden will miss six to 10 weeks while recovering from a shoulder injury.

The Cardinals placed Walden on the 15-day disabled list earlier in the week with right biceps inflammation, but additional testing determined that he has a strained or torn shoulder muscle.

In 10 innings for the Cardinals this year as a setup man before the injury, Walden had a 0.87 ERA with four walks and 12 strikeouts in 12 games. Walden has 38 career saves, including 32 for the Angels in 2011, and a 3.11 ERA while pitching for Los Angeles, the Atlanta Braves and the Cardinals.

The Cardinals acquired Walden as part of the trade for outfielder Jason Heyward during the offseason. Walden had signed a two-year contract extension in November with the Braves.

Expected to fill Walden's eighth-inning role with the Cardinals until he returns are Seth Maness, Kevin Siegrist and Matt Belisle.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yankees' Petit goes on DL
The Sports Xchange

The New York Yankees placed infielder Gregorio Petit on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with a bruised right hand and activated utilityman Jose Pirela.

Petit was hit on the hand by a pitch in the eighth inning of Tuesday night's game against the Toronto Blue Jays while striking out. X-rays showed no broken bones, but Petit remained sore on Wednesday.

Petit was not the only Yankees player missing Wednesday night's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Outfielder Brett Gardner sat out and was replaced by Chris Young in left field.

Pirela suffered a concussion during a collision with an outfield wall during a March 22 spring traming game against the New York Mets. In eight rehab games since the injury, Pirela batted .374 with one homer and four RBIs with three minor league teams.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'On the Diamond'

San Francisco seeing its five game win streak and eight game home streak snapped yesterday expect Giants to bounce back when they hook Tim Hudson (1-2, 3.78 ERA, 3-2 TSR) against Marlins Dan Haren (3-1, 2.7 ERA, 4-1 TSR). Hudson thrives when in the position he is in tonight. That's because the right-hander has a 9-3 Team Start Record with Giants/Braves as favorite in front of a home audience during the month of May. The hurler's teams have also done well when he faces Miami/Florida Marlins as they've won 6 straight and 8-of-9. On the other side, Dan Haren's teams have not done well in May. In his last 11 during the month they've compiled a 3-8 record including 1-6 when in unfriendly territory. Also, facing Giants has not been good for Haren and his teams as they're on a 0-5 skid. Those numbers in hand look for Marlins to fall to 0-5 opening a road series, Giants to move to 14-3 at home vs a team with a losing record.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Five To Follow MLB Betting: Thursday, May 7, 2015 Opening Line Report
by Alan Matthews

Did I pick the St. Louis Cardinals to win the NL Central? I did. But get off to a 20-6 start as they have entering Wednesday? Certainly not. Some stats I found about teams that begin a season winning 20 of their first 26 (makes that 1984 Tigers 35-5 start even more amazing): St. Louis is the 35th team to start with at least that many wins in the first 26, and 12 of the previous 34 won the World Series; seven more made the Fall Classic but lost; a total of 23 made the playoffs; only one team finished with a losing record (1912 Reds). The Cards are still only +600 third-favorites to win the pennant (no Adam Wainwright hurts) but -200 to take the NL Central. They will.


Astros at Angels (+106, 7.5)

Will surprising Houston have George Springer for this series opener? He didn't play Wednesday as he was to go through a concussion test. He left Tuesday's game after colliding head-first with a padded wall in right field. Springer is hitting only .192 but has four homers, 12 RBIs and a crazy 10 steals. It's Collin McHugh (4-0, 3.41) on the mound for Houston. He had his worst outing of the season last time out, allowing four runs (all on solo homers) over seven innings against Seattle but won his 11th straight decision dating to last August. Albert Pujols is 3-for-10 with a homer and three RBIs off him. It's Hector Santiago (2-2, 3.14) for the Halos. He also had his worst outing of the season last time out, allowing four runs and nine hits over five innings against the Giants. Chris Carter is 4-for-8 with a dinger and four RBIs off him.

Key trends: Houston is 4-1 in its past five series openers. The Astros are 1-8 in the past nine at the Angels. The "over/under" has gone under in four or the past five meetings.

Early lean: How things have changed! The Angels are home dogs to Houston. Halos and over.


Rangers at Rays (-167, 7.5)

I'm not sure how often the Rays will be the biggest favorites on the board this season, but that's the case on Thursday behind ace Chris Archer (3-3, 1.64). Maybe there's a trend here as he comes off his worst start of the season, allowing four runs and six hits over six innings against Baltimore. He hadn't allowed an earned run in his previous four starts. Adrian Beltre is 1-for-9 with three strikeouts off him. Nick Martinez (2-0, 0.84) goes for Texas. He has allowed more than one earned run just once this season: last time out against Oakland he gave up two in six innings. Asbrubal Cabrera is 2-for-2 with a double off him.

Key trends: The Rangers are 5-0 in Martinez's past five starts. The Rays are 1-5 in Archer's past six series-opening starts. The under is 5-0 in his past five overall.

Early lean: Rangers and under.


Cubs at Cardinals (-117, 7.5)

St. Louis rallied from big deficits in the first two games of this series. That's why the Cardinals bug me. They really shouldn't be that good. No stars but also no easy outs and a solid pitching staff, even without Wainwright. John Lackey (1-1, 3.69) starts in Thursday's series finale. He allowed just a run and six hits over six innings last time out against Pittsburgh. Cubs catcher Miguel Montero is 3-for-6 with two doubles and two RBIs off him. With all due respect to Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta (3-2, 2.84) is the Cubs' ace right now, and he starts this one. Here we go again: Arrieta comes off his worst start of the season, allowing four runs and seven hits in five innings. Matt Adams is 5-for-12 with three RBIs against Arrieta.

Key trends: The Cubs are 6-2 in Arrieta's past six vs. the NL Central. The Cards are 8-1 in Lackey's past nine at home. The under is 5-0 in Lackey's past five at home.

Early lean: Cubs and under.


Padres at Diamondbacks (-103, 9)

This has the highest total on the board. Odrisamer Despaigne (2-0, 2.95) failed to make the rotation out of spring training but is filling in for the injured Brandon Morrow. Despaigne has been excellent in his two starts (six total appearances), allowing three total runs over 13.2 innings. On April 14 he faced Arizona and gave up a run and two hits over seven innings. Mark Trumbo is 4-for-11 with a double and three RBIs off him. It's former Red Sox Rubby De La Rosa (2-2, 5.40) for Arizona. He pitched in San Diego on April 13 and allowed three runs and six hits over six innings. The Snakes have lost his past three outings. Wil Myers is 4-for-7 with two doubles and two RBIs off him.

Key trends: The Padres are 1-7 in their past eight Thursday games. The under is 4-1 in Despaigne's past four vs. Arizona.

Early lean: Padres and over.


Marlins at Giants (-126, 7)

This is your latest-starting game at 10:15 p.m. ET and a matchup of veteran right-handers. Dan Haren (3-1, 2.70) comes off his best start of the season (there you go!), shutting out the Phillies over six innings on four hits. Buster Posey is 1-for-6 career off him with two strikeouts. Angel Pagan is 5-for-8 with a homer, double and triple. Haren is 6-6 with a 2.94 ERA in his career against the Giants. Tim Hudson (1-2, 3.78) gets the call for San Francisco. He allowed three runs on two hits over eight innings last time out vs. the Angels. Giancarlo Stanton is just 3-for-18 career off him with no homers and six strikeouts.

Key trends: The Giants are 7-1 in Hudson's past eight at home vs. teams with a losing record. The under is 6-1 in his past seven overall.

Early lean: Giants and under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Thursday's six-pack

-- Rockets 115, Clippers 109-- Houston was 42-64 from foul line. LA was 25-32; they outscored Rockets 41-21 in second quarter but still lost.

-- Cavaliers 106, Bulls 91-- Chicago's starting guards were 11-34.

-- Tampa Bay 2, Montreal-- Lightning is up 3-0 in series; they've won Stanley Cup more recently than the Canadiens.

-- Washington 2, NY Rangers 1-- Rangers scored once in last two games.

-- Chase Utley sat out last night; he is batting .103 this season.

-- Angels 4, Mariners 3-- Last two nights, 52 of 60 starting pitchers got decisions in their games, an unusually high number.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play THURS: Tigers w/ Lobstein

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Bob Balfe

Giants -120