Tuesday 10/18/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Grand Salami - October

The Grand Salami in pro hockey is decided by adding up all the goals scored in every game scheduled for that particular day. You can wager on 'over' or 'under' the Grand Salami total. The total is set by adding up all listed 'over/under' odds for each game on that particular day.

Note: The Grand Salami will have no action if any game is suspended or cancelled before the regulation time of three twenty minute periods. Also, regardless of the number of goals scored during the shoot out portion of the overtime, the final scored recorded for the game will give the winning team on more goal than its opponent based on the score at the end of regulation time.

*The majority of sportsbooks do not put out a total on the Grand Salami when there is only one game on the card. For tracking purposes, we will continue to show the 'over/under' for goals and combined goals scored on days with just one game.

NHL GRAND SALAMI
Date No. of Games Total Goals Combined Goals Scored Result
10/12 4 21.5 30 OVER
10/13 9 48.5 60 OVER
10/14 3 16 19 OVER
10/15 13 69 76 OVER
10/16 3 16 20 OVER
10/17 4 22 29 OVER
10/18 12 - - -
10/19 2 - - -
10/20 11 - - -
10/21 3 - - -
10/22 12 - - -
10/23 4 - - -
10/24 2 - - -
10/25 11 - - -
10/26 4 - - -
10/27 9 - - -
10/28 6 - - -
10/29 10 - - -
10/30 8 - - -
10/31 No games scheduled - - -

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL

Tuesday’s games

Anaheim won its last five games with New Jersey, holding Devils to six goals (over 2-2-1). Ducks won last three visits to Garden State, all by one goal. Anaheim is off to an 0-3 start (4-2/3-2/3-2- over 1-1-1). Devils lost their first two games (both on road), scoring total of three goals.

Islanders won three of last four games with San Jose; four of last five series games went over. Sharks are 3-2 in last five visits here, but lost last two. San Jose won two of its first three games. Islanders lost two of first three games, but won only home game, in OT.

Washington won its last four games with Colorado; under is 5-3 in last eight series games. Avalanche is 3-2 in last five visits here, but lost last two. Colorado played at Pittsburgh Monday. Washington split its first two games, scoring two goals in each game (under 1-0-1).

Penguins won three of last four games with Montreal; under is 3-1-2 in last six series games. Pens won last three visits to Molson Centre (under 3-0). Pittsburgh won two of its*first three games. Canadiens split their first two games, both on the road.

Road team won four of last six Arizona-Ottawa games (over 5-1). Coyotes won two of last three visits to Ottawa (over 4-1 in last five). Arizona won its season opener at home in OT over Philly. Senators won two of their first three*games, with one win in OT, the other one in SO (over 3-0).

Florida won four of last five games with Tampa Bay; over is 5-3 in last eight series games. Panthers lost four of last six visits to this building (over 3-1 in last four). Florida won its first two games (under 1-0-1) allowing two goals. Lightning won its first two games, both at home, scoring nine goals (over 1-0-1).

Dallas Stars won six of last seven games with Nashville; under is 6-4 in last ten series games. Stars lost three of last four games in this building. Dallas split first two games (over 2-0), scoring nine goals. Nashville also split its first two games (over 1-0-1).

Minnesota won three of last four games with Los Angeles; under is 5-0-1 in last six series games. Kings are 2-3 in last five visits here (under 3-0-2). LA lost its first two games, scoring total of three goals. Wild split its first two games, winning its only home game.

Flyers won six of last eight games with Chicago; under is 3-0-2 in last five series games. Flyers are 2-3 in last five visits here- they split first two games this year (over 2-0, both on road). Blackhawks lost two of their first three games (over 2-0-1).

Home side won nine of last ten Buffalo-Calgary games; three of last four series games went over total. Sabres lost last five visits to Calgary, with only one loss by one goal. Sabres split first two games, winning only road game. Flames allowed 14 goals in losing first three games (over 2-1).

Home side won seven of last nine Carolina-Edmonton games (over 6-2-1); Hurricanes lost last three visits here, with two of three losses in OT (over 4-1 in last five). Carolina lost its first two games, both on road, both in OT (over 2-0). Edmonton won two of first three games (over 3-0).

Blues won their last three games with Vancouver, winning last two visits here. Under is 6-2-2 in last ten series games. St Louis won its first three games, 5-2/3-2/3-2. Canucks won their first two games, one in OT, one in SO (over 1-1)- both games were at home.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Hoosier Park

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

Race 5 - Post: 7:05 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 61 - Purse:$5750 - FILLIES AND MARES NON WINNERS OF 1 EXT PM RACE OR $5,000 LT TO BE CLAIMED FOR $9,000
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 5 GRAN SAN 3/1
# 8 ALLABOUT THAT RACE 10/1
# 6 ELEGANT EILEENA 7/2

We've got a feeling GRAN SAN is going to get the trip to the winner's circle. This harness racer may wake up with a medication change (with second time Lasix) today. Her 63 average has this filly among the top speed ratings in here. A competitive class horse should not be be glossed over. With an average class figure of 65 all signs look good for this one. ALLABOUT THAT RACE - When Beard sends this standardbred out you can bet they'll be in the top three, statistics show them there 39 percent of the time. ELEGANT EILEENA - This selection will feel the medication change - with second time Lasix today. The panel of smart guys gives this fine animal a very nice chance to take this race, class ratings are tops in the group of horses.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Yonkers Raceway

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

Race 1 - Post: 1:00 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 87 - Purse:$8500 - NON-WINNERS OF $5,000 IN LAST 5 STARTS WINNERS OVER $30,000 IN 2016 NOT ELIGIBLE. HORSES WITH LESS THAN $3,000 IN LAST 5 STARTS NE.
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 3 CLASSIESISTAR N 3/1
# 5 V I P BAYAMA 9/2
# 8 IDEAL WILLIE 5/2

CLASSIESISTAR N is the most solid bet in this race. This race may be controlled by this gelding. Just one look at the avgerage speed rating will prove that. Has a formidable shot this time, if he can race to his back class. Achieved a 84 TrackMaster SR last out. A duplicate affair here should get the ultimate prize in this race. V I P BAYAMA - Overall figures appear nice. Can't throw out at this point. IDEAL WILLIE - Could very well provide us a top prize based on great recent TrackMaster Speed Ratings - earning an average of 89. It's sometimes tricky to consider on class alone, but this gelding has among the strongest class ratings of the pack.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Zia Park - Race #3 - Post: 1:05pm - Claiming - 8.3 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,000 Class Rating: 69

Rating:

#7 LADY SHAZZAM (ML=4/1)
#3 TEAPARTYSUCCESS (ML=9/2)


LADY SHAZZAM - Lots of positive 'vibes' connected with this thoroughbred and her brain trust. TEAPARTYSUCCESS - Patrick comes to race after getting to know the mare in the last contest. Faced tougher in the last race at Zia Park. Based on Equibase class ratings, this is a weaker group, so I will put this one on my list of strong contenders. I am keen on that last race on October 10th at Zia Park where she ended up third.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 MYROSAPOZZI (ML=5/2), #6 ALPHA DOLL (ML=7/2), #1 PREMEDITATED GOD (ML=6/1),

MYROSAPOZZI - When looking at today's class rating, she will have to garner a better speed rating than last out to compete in this dirt route. ALPHA DOLL - 7/2 is just too low of a value to take on most any horse that has run poorly in back to back efforts. PREMEDITATED GOD - Will probably be left with too much to do down the stretch. When scrutinizing today's class rating, she will have to register a better speed figure than last out to be competitive in this dirt route.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:

Bet on #7 LADY SHAZZAM to win if you can get at least 9/5 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [3,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Meadowlands

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


Race 2 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Turf. Purse: $16000 Class Rating: 84

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE APRIL 21, 2016 OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 8 SO COZZY 3/1

# 4 TENS WILD 9/2

# 13 STATUS OF FORCES 9/2

I favor SO COZZY here. Sound average Speed Figures in turf route races make this equine a key contender. He has been moving very well as of late while recording solid Equibase Speed Figures. TENS WILD - Has put up reliable speed figures in turf route races in the past. His 75 average has this gelding with among the most competitive speed figures in this competition. STATUS OF FORCES - This gelding looks like a longshot play. Has formidable Equibase Class Figures relative to this field - worth a look.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Tuesday 10/18 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool


PICK 5: 6,7,8,9/2,8/6/7/6,7,9 = $4.80

EARLY PICK 4: 7/6,7,9/2,5,6/2,4 = $18

LATE PICK 4: 2,4/4,5/1,5,9/2,6,7,10 = $48

MEET STATS: 428 - 1260 / $2238.80 BEST BETS: 69 - 115 / $215.70

SPOT PLAYS: 27 - 115 / $175.20

Best Bet: ER QUINN (4th)

Spot Play: AMERICAN ROCK (2nd)


Race 1

(7) FIRE WATCH had a tightener vs. better at Flamboro after shipping east now he comes up tagged and returns in 7 days this time; slight nod. (6) TIGRA SEELSTER was on too much cover last week and she couldn't get involved late. She's worth a look at a price here. (8) COUGAR GAL has a good record and raced tough first-over last week; using. (9) LADY JEN set solid splits and was picked off only late last week. This looks like a Pick 5 spread leg.

Race 2

(8) AMERICAN ROCK chased home a strong victor that was winning for the second time in a row driving away from his rivals first up. He looks best here with that foe gone. (2) OUTLAW GUNPOWDER tried a big winner first up but he was no match in an extremely quick mile for the class. He figures here. (1) GOLIATH REIGNS should get a good trip near the front and take a share here. (3) CURATOR is another that rates a glance for the bottom exotics rungs.

Race 3

(6) POWERFUL MISSION put it all together for a new lifetime-best score last week. He will be very tough to beat with anything close to a repeat of that mile here. (2) GAELIC LASS made a very good recovery from an early miscue last time. She could threaten if she stays flat. (10) LADY EAGLE looked good winning last week when she made a quick and decisive brush around the final turn. She will need to be much faster to threaten for the win here, though. (4) JILONA will be heard from early, but a minor award is likely her ceiling here.

Race 4

(7) ER QUINN has faced much better in claiming handicaps. The switch to a conditioned claimer is significant; top call. (1) THINK AGAIN should be on or near the lead early here leaving from a much better post. He's likely the main threat to the choice. (5) MR IRRESISTIBLE woke up with a much better effort racing out of Moreau's barn. He will be a factor here. (2) LYONS GEOFF JR can be closer here if he can avoid another first up journey.

Race 5

(6) UTOPIA has been facing better and was solid in this class for several weeks straight earlier in the meet. Expect a return to form here. (7) DUH BUBBEES can be right there again this week if Saftic sends him again, which I think is likely. (9) SHOOT THE THRILL can improve in his second start for Auciello; using. (5) JUSTASMALLTOWNGIRL is always logical to fill one of the bottom rungs of Tri or Super bets.

Race 6

(2) EAST END should be much closer to the front early here, which gives him a good chance in this field. (6) SURE FIRED BET is coming around with each start. He would be extra-dangerous if he landed in the pocket early here, which could happen. (5) TANGO STAR will likely get a lot of play here based on his recent company lines. He certainly isn't out of this. (7) KING OF SPORTS is worth a look for exotic bets based on his good qualifier on October 11.

Race 7

(2) P L JERICO - the Grassroots champion - gets top call here from a good post racing against horses that he has handled recently. (4) GEORGIES POCKETS had an impossible trip in the Grassroots final vs. the choice, now he gets a better post and adds Lasix; using. (7) HOLIDAY PARTY comes off his best race ever and is also worthy of consideration here. (3) GONNA FLY is one of the better closers in here. He should be passing horses late for a share.

Race 8

(5) SOAKING UP THE SUN has been super winning his last two starts. Stick with him until he goes off form. (4) NICHOLAS RYAN wasn't far back off the choice last time and he should be a threat again from close range here. (8) TEA WITH MS MCGILL fired a 26 4/5 kicker in his October 11th qualifier. He could wake up here if he behaves. (10) LUMIERE is likely for a smaller share here leaving from the outermost post.

Race 9

(5) MAXIMUSCLE is fast enough to beat these if he can overcome his gait issues here; slightest of nods. (1) STORMONT WIZARD faces easier and he should wake up with a better effort here. (9) ZEUS LIGHTNING drops to the bottom level and he too should race better here. (2) CLASS ME NICE keeps taking smaller shares at big prices. He's a good one to use on the bottom.

Race 10

(10) ST LADS LOTTO has a mark of 1:50 flat taken here this year. If he can stay flat this time, he can be a big threat despite his post. (2) SCHOCK N ROCK almost held on vs. similar last time. He should be a speed threat here, too. (6) FRANKIE BOY merits a look shipping in and changing barns but he probably needs one after missing more than a month. (7) LEAFS AND WINGS is always competitive in these classes, but his racing style often dooms him. (9) ZINGERS LAUGH can close for a slice same as he did in his last start.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Parx Racing

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


Race 4 - Claiming - 6.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $36000 Class Rating: 92

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE SEPTEMBER 18 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE AUGUST 18 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 7 CONSCIENCE 5/2

# 5 MINI COSMO 8/1

# 11 OVERCONTROL 15/1

CONSCIENCE looks very strong to best this field. Is a sharp contender based on numbers earned lately under today's conditions. Weaver has him trained solidly to break quickly out of the starting gate. Has competitive Equibase Speed Figures and has to be considered for a wager in this contest. MINI COSMO - In this field, this horse is ranked high in earnings per start in dirt sprint races. Had one of the top Equibase Speed Figures of this group in his last competition. OVERCONTROL - His chances to prove victorious are much better this time around facing this softer lot. Has longshot potential and could prove victorious at high odds.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Mountaineer Park - Race #1 - Post: 7:00pm - Maiden Special - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $14,100 Class Rating: 57

Rating:

#6 CAGEY BABY (ML=3/1)
#3 CREATIVE ELEMENT (ML=5/1)
#2 SHEWUZALMOSTGONE (ML=9/2)


CAGEY BABY - Lone speed horses can be tough to run down. Here's a lone speedy sort facing sluggish sorts today. Trainer Baird moves this horse down the class ladder to face a weaker level today. Look for a sharp performance this time out. When this rider and handler partner up you have to take a look. Ramirez and Baird have been fantastic together. Have to make this filly a solid contender; she comes off a strong race on October 3rd. CREATIVE ELEMENT - This horse could be tough in today's race, especially since Fadlovich rode last time out and now should be acquainted with this one. Took a big class drop last out, and I think she may have needed it. Wilkinson enters her at a similar class today. I'd expect an improved performance. SHEWUZALMOSTGONE - Looking at today's class figure, this thoroughbred is meeting an easier field than last time around the track at Laurel. Last time out, finished tenth on a sloppy track at Laurel. Should do better right here. This animal brings in a lot of cash per start. Uppermost in this contest.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 LA VERSALLES (ML=4/1), #5 SKY BLUE LADY (ML=6/1),

LA VERSALLES - Tough for this closer horse to get up today. Without a hot pace to stir things up, the lone pace is going to make it awfully hard to get the job done. This filly garnered a speed rating in her last race which likely isn't good enough in today's event. SKY BLUE LADY - Most of the time I need a sprinter to have some recent good showings in short distance races in order to wager on her. Never really did much at all last race out on October 8th. Hard to bet on in today's race.

GUEST COMMENTARY: The Brain - CREATIVE ELEMENT - Performance last out was strong, even though it was only good for a runner-up position. Was well clear of the third place finisher. My historical calculations say only a slight improvement is needed today to move up one and into the winner's circle.
**


STRAIGHT WAGERS:

#6 CAGEY BABY is going to be the play if we are getting 3/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [3,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Box [2,3,6] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Tuesday 10/18 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF

MEET STATS: 261 - 1087 / $1,716.80

BEST BETS: 30 - 102 / $144.40

Best Bet: BENTLEY SPUR (10th)

Spot Play: FOX VALLEY STEFFEN (3rd)


Race 1

(5) V I P BAYAMA showed good speed in his last try and this gelding appears to be heading in the right direction; gets the call. (8) IDEAL WILLIE was sharp for second money at Pocono last out but will have to overcome the 8-hole to best these; we shall see. (3) CLASSIESISTAR N did not get the job done at odds on last week but must be considered in all the exotic slots.

Race 2

(1) BROADWAY ROCKS was sent down the road last time out for all the glory at Freehold. Trotter seems to be in excellent form so two straight is not out of the question. (3) GREY ICE 10-year-old now moves to the half-mile oval and gets post relief; threat. (7) CASSAS IMAGE is knocking at the door based on her last two trips to the post.

Race 3

(6) FOX VALLEY STEFFEN showed good speed for 3/4's but tried in the stretch drive last time out. Trotting gelding needs to revert to his 9/20 start and if that's the case the rest will have to settle for minor awards. (1) SURFACE TENSION gets serious post relief and that should help his cause; maybe. (2) WESTERN CREDIT was sent down the road in his last try for the victory.

Race 4

(1) HIDDEN IDENTITY has put in two sharp efforts at Pocono and this trotter is very capable of getting the job done with Bartlett at the helm. (7) MOVEMENT has scored in her last four starts and she must overcome the 7-hole to make it five straight; capable. (2) MAMA MADE ME BLUE has won 18 of 29 starts this year so he clearly is not out of this.

Race 5

(3) ALL NIGHT CREDIT is back in door number three where this trotter was a very game second three trips ago; with a favorable trip he can greet the cameraman for pictures. (4) DICE MAN put in a sharp qualifier at the Meadowlands for his return to the races; main danger. (1) SCREAMING CONWAY took the pocket route home to victory in his Plainridge finale; watch out.

Race 6

(2) HIGH JOLTAGE scored wire to window last week and this gelding appears to be back to winning form; can repeat. (3) KANARIS moves back to the NW7500 ranks where he got the job done three starts back; big threat. (1) STOMPIN TOM CREEK should fare much better from the fence.

Race 7

(2) MADHATTER BLUECHIP seems to be in a perfect spot to boss these trotters and with his tactical speed he can pick them up and lay them down for all the glory. (4) CLEMENTINE DREAM beat Preferred foes at Freehold last time out; can make some noise again. (1) GABE THE BEAR DEAN put in a mild rally for the show spot last out and the rail post should move him forward today.

Race 8

(4) SPIRIT SQUAD opened up a big lead and never looked back for the victory in her most recent outing. Trotting filly is versatile and figures to get a favorable trip to grab her second straight score. (3) GLOBAL REVOLUTION rallied strongly for an easy victory last week; main danger. (2) MASTER CLASS gets post relief and that should help his cause against these.

Race 9

(5) DYNAMIC EDGE is back to a flat mile where this trotting gelding just missed the victory by 3/4 length; can boss these with a well-judged drive from MacDonald. (8) CLOUD NINE HANOVER put in a mild rally for the show spot last time out; post hurts by he is very capable. (1) RIDGEWAY SPRINGS has some early trot and moves to the fence; don't overlook.

Race 10

(5) BENTLEY SPUR Philly invader is on fire scoring his third straight by open lengths. Trotter has 6 out of 8 victories this year and should keep on his winning ways against these. (1) OMAHA SET HUT showed life in his latest and should contend from the rail. (7) WILDFLOWER moves down the ladder but will have to get it done from the 7-hole; quite possible.

Race 11

(5) CRESCENT FASHION seems to have a fondness for the Hilltop and clearly is the class of this group; the pick. (2) JAYPORT ALL MUSCLE got the job done last out via the pocket route; main danger. (4) MADMAN HALL was on the lead most of the way but was nailed for win honors by Jayport All Muscle last time out.

Race 12

(4) STATION THREEOHSIX moves down in class off a good third against tougher last out. The last time this pacer got the job done was at this level on 8/16; gets the call. (1) WESTERN ALUMNI moves to the fence and that should put him right in the mix. (2) TWIN B FAMOUS is another with post relief and he could have a say in the outcome.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Tuesday

TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Finger Lakes (1st) Silver Notes, 5-1
(4th) Antikythera Prince, 3-1


Fort Erie (5th) Gluten Free, 4-1
(8th) Philm Noir, 4-1


Indiana Grand (3rd) Eddington's Star, 5-1
(7th) Sham's Shoes, 6-1


Meadowlands (1st) Histrionic, 7-2
(5th) Zabeta, 6-1


Mountaineer (1st) Creative Element, 5-1
(7th) A Lucky Dream, 4-1


Parx Racing (7th) Lemon Strudel, 10-1
(10th) Blackbirdhasspoken, 6-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Indians (94-67) at Blue Jays (89-73)
By Larry Millson, The Sports Xchange

Game: 4
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: October 18, 2016 4:08 PM EDT

TORONTO -- Corey Kluber will start on short rest Tuesday in the hopes that he can give his team a long rest going into the World Series.

The Cleveland Indians will be entering Game 4 of the American League Championship Series trying to complete a four-game sweep after winning Game 3 over the Toronto Blue Jays 4-2 Monday at Rogers Centre.

By starting Tuesday, Kluber would be available for Game 7 should the Blue Jays awaken and extend the series that far. Kluber, who won Game 1 of the ALCS, will face Toronto's Aaron Sanchez.

When Cleveland's Game 3 starter, Trevor Bauer, left after two-thirds of an inning, the Indians used six relievers to complete the final 8 1/3 innings.

Indians left-hander Ryan Merritt, who has one career major league start and four appearances, had been listed as the tentative Game 4 starter.

Manager Terry Francona, however, said he had little choice but to start Kluber, who is 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA this postseason.

"If we don't bring him back (Tuesday) and he pitches Game 5, we don't have a starter for Game 7," Francona said. "I mean, we have to physically have a starter. So this is the best way to do it. I mean, this is the only way to do it. There's no other way around it. We don't have another starter right now. It's not that difficult."

Kluber is 1-3 with a 5.34 ERA in five career regular-season starts against Toronto. However, on Friday in Game 1, he held them to six hits, two walks and two runs while striking out six in 6 1/3 innings.

Sanchez will be making his second career postseason start and the second of this postseason. His previous postseason experience was as a reliever in 2015.

Sanchez allowed six runs on three hits and four walks in taking a no-decision against the Texas Rangers in Game 3 of the American League Division Series, a game Toronto won in 10 innings. In the 2015 postseason, he was 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in 7 1/3 innings over nine games.

In one start against Cleveland this season, Sanchez was 0-0 with a 9.00 ERA. He is 1-0 with a 5.06 ERA in three career games, including two starts, against the Indians.

"Hopefully just to keep my emotions in check," Sanchez said when asked what he learned from his ALDS start vs. the Rangers. "I've been there before, last year, but it was out of the 'pen. The roles were a little bit different."

Blue Jays manager John Gibbons juggled his lineup Monday, moves that included putting Jose Bautista in the leadoff spot, where he had been earlier in the season, and putting Troy Tulowitzki into the No. 4 spot.

The duo went a combined 1-for-6 with two walks in the Game 3 loss.

Gibbons said he did not anticipate making any more such moves.

"I may already have done that enough," Gibbons said. "No, we'll run the boys out there (Tuesday) that got us to this point. It's a pretty good group and they're due."

The Indians insist they are not yet looking forward to the World Series.

"We're honestly not even thinking about it too much," said second baseman Jason Kipnis, who hit the go-ahead homer in the sixth inning Monday. "And that's the best part about this. Even with the young guys on this team with not much postseason experience, after the first win versus Boston, everything slowed down for everyone, and it always feels like the next games are on the schedule, like we've been playing, like we have the whole time.

"We know we're not ever out of it. And guys have a lot of confidence and have a lot of fun right now, and it's a good recipe to win games."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cubs (103-58) at Dodgers (91-71)
By Forrest Lee, The Sports Xchange

Game: 3
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: October 18, 2016 8:08 PM EDT

LOS ANGELES - Chicago Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta no-hit the Los Angeles Dodgers the last time he pitched at Dodger Stadium.

Although Arrieta isn't banking on duplicating the feat, which occurred Aug. 30, 2015, the 2015 Cy Young Award winner believes he can use it to his benefit when he and the Cubs face the Dodgers in the National League Championship Series on Tuesday.

"You try to tackle them accordingly," Arrieta said Monday. "Use some knowledge that I have from the past to kind of help (Tuesday). But it's just another game on a big stage, and we're all prepared for it."

Arrieta and Dodgers lefty Rich Hill will square off in Game 3 of the best-of-seven series, which is even at one game apiece. Arrieta (0-0, 3.00 ERA in the postseason) will try to tame a Dodgers' squad brimming with confidence after a 1-0 win in Game 2 and with the next three games in the City of Angels.

However, the Dodgers will have their work cut out for them against Arrieta, who has blanked them in his last two starts, including seven scoreless innings on May 31 at Wrigley. Los Angeles, though, won that game 5-0.

"We know he's tough," said Dodger second baseman Chase Utley, who is 0-for-13 against Arrieta. "He's got electric stuff. For every good pitcher, you try to capitalize on their mistakes. They all make mistakes, some more than others, and you have to try to be ready for those mistakes and try to take advantage of those."

Arrieta will be on the hill for the first time since Game 3 of the NLDS on Oct. 10 against the San Francisco Giants. In that game, Arrieta allowed two runs in six innings and received a no-decision in a game the Cubs eventually lost 6-5 in 13 innings. Arrieta, though, hit a three-run homer off Giants' ace Madison Bumgarner.

A favorable outing by Hill (0-1, 6.43), a former Cub, would be a big boost for the Dodgers.

"For me, I go out there and give everything that I have, that's it," Hill said. "That's the bottom line. Your effort is everything."

Hill is 0-2 in three career starts in the playoffs but has never faced the Cubs. In his last postseason start, Hill worked only 2 2/3 innings, allowed a run on three hits and received a no-decision in the Dodgers' 4-3 victory over the Washington Nationals in the decisive Game 5 of the NLDS on Oct. 13.

Hill struck out six and walked two on 55 pitches before being yanked early due to manager Dave Roberts' creativity with his bullpen. Roberts brought in closer Kenley Jansen in the seventh for 2 1/3 scoreless innings, and then ace Clayton Kershaw closed the deal by getting the final two outs.

In Game 2 of the NLDS, Hill suffered the loss when he gave up four runs on six hits in 4 1/3 innings, striking out seven and walking two on 55 pitches.

Hill's other postseason defeat came when he pitched for the Cubs. In a 5-1 win by the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 3 of the 2007 NLDS, Hill gave up three runs on six hits in three innings with three strikeouts and two walks.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Maddon ponders lineup tweaks for Game 3
By Jeff Reynolds, The Sports Xchange

One scoreless game in the playoffs against Clayton Kershaw and Kenley Jansen will not prompt panic from deep-thinking Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon.
"Yeah, there's only so much you can possibly do when it comes to manipulating your lineup. I mean, these are the guys that got you," Maddon said Monday afternoon before the Cubs held a workout at Dodger Stadium. "We've got a bunch of All-Stars out there. So some guys are struggling, and you're right, a part of it, I think, is due to the fact that we've seen (Giants starters Madison) Bumgarner, (Jeff) Samardzija, Matty (Moore), and (Johnny) Cueto, I mean, that's not bad.
"And then we saw Kershaw last night. There's a lot of Cy Young candidates among that group. So we haven't hit to our capabilities."
The middle of the Cubs lineup might look different in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Tuesday night, when the best-of-seven faceoff shifts from Chicago to Los Angeles.
"You just don't make wholesale changes," Maddon said.
In the Dodgers' 1-0 win Sunday night, Kershaw baffled the Cubs with seven shutout innings. Chicago faces left-hander Rich Hill on Tuesday.
The Cubs are looking at alternative lineup configurations with the same personnel, particularly how to handle the middle of the lineup, with the 3-4-5 segment of the order 6-for-60 (.100) in six playoff games. Ben Zobrist has two key hits, including a double down the right field line that sparked Chicago's four-run rally in the ninth inning of NL Division Series Game 4 in San Francisco. But first baseman Anthony Rizzo in front of Zobrist and shortstop Addison Russell in the No. 5 hole are generating next to nothing offensively.
"I have considered different thoughts. There is no question," Maddon said. "I am thinking about different things, yes. And we do need those guys to be good."
In the 3-1 series win over San Francisco, Cubs pitchers provided a lot of punch at the plate, including a home run in Game 4 by Jake Arrieta, who starts Tuesday night. Arrieta has allowed only two hits in his past 16 innings against the Dodgers, including a no-hitter last August.
"It's a completely different game, obviously, with being in the postseason," Arrieta said. "It's going to be a little different feel. But at the same time, for the most part, it's just about the same lineup. You try to tackle them accordingly. Use some knowledge that I have from the past to kind of help me tomorrow. But it's just another game on a big stage, and we're all prepared for it."
Hill, 36, came up with the Cubs as a fourth-round pick in 2002, but he has bounced around the big leagues. He was traded to Los Angeles from the Oakland A's in July and combined this season was 12-5 with a 2.12 ERA and 129 strikeouts. Hill had 13 strikeouts in seven total innings in the NLDS but allowed five earned runs.
Hill was 3-2 with a 1.83 ERA in six starts with the Dodgers in the regular season.
"If we take care of what we need to do and everybody takes care of their job and passes the baton to the next guy, I believe that the results will fall more often than not in our favor," Hill said.
The Dodgers are expected to start a lefty-heavy lineup against Arrieta, who said pitch sequence and cloud cover with the 5 p.m. local start time might be more important than how manager Dave Roberts aligns his batting order.
"I think the shadows have more of an effect on the offense," Arrieta said. "I really think it can be difficult to pick up spin, especially, you know, once the shadows kind of creep in between the mound and home plate.
"So really from a pitching perspective, you want to be aggressive early because of the fact that it is a little bit more difficult to pick up some rotations and spin on pitches when the shadow's kind of in between and as it starts to creep out to the mound. So I think really it's an advantage for the pitchers early on in the game."
Roberts said Monday that he will turn to another left-handed starter, 20-year-old Julio Arias, in Game 4.
Urias just turned 20 in August, and he will be two weeks younger than Don Drysdale when he pitched two innings in relief for the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1956 World Series. Urias became the youngest winning pitcher in postseason history when he tossed two scoreless innings out of the bullpen in the NLDS.
The Dodgers have not yet determined whether Kershaw or Game 1 starter Kenta Maeda will start Game 5 on Thursday. Maeda is penciled in, Roberts allowed, before warning that the team is "open to adjusting." Kershaw started on three days' rest in the NLDS against the Washington Nationals.
Of course, Roberts has been talked out of decisions before. On Sunday night, when he walked to the mound at Wrigley Field with two outs in the bottom of the seventh with every intention of removing Kershaw, he was turned back toward the dugout with his ace still on the mound. A loud lineout to the warning track in center field off the bat of Javier Baez allowed Roberts and Kershaw to exhale.
"He's the best pitcher on the planet," Roberts said. "I'll take him any day.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Tuesday’s games

NLCS

Cubs @ Dodgers
Arrieta is 2-3, 4.84 in his last six starts, 2-1, 3.51 in four postseason starts. Cubs won three of his last four road starts. He blanked the Dodgers for seven innings on May 31, his only start against LA this season.
Hill is 0-3, 4.84 in his last five starts, 0-2, 7.20 in three postseason starts. He didn’t face the Cubs this season. Dodgers won two of his three home starts.
Cubs are 4-2 in playoffs this year, 2-1 on the road, 5–4 against Los Angeles this season.
Dodgers won three of their last four games; Roberts is a rookie manager who is 4-3 in the playoffs. Maddon got Tampa Bay to ’08 World Series; he is 21-24 as a manager in the postseason, 8-7 with Chicago.


ALCS

Indians @ Blue Jays
Kluber is 5-0, 2.15 in his last six starts, 2-0, 0.00 (13.1 IP) in two postseason starts. Indians won his last four road starts. Kluber is 1-1, 3.86 in three starts against Toronto this year.
Sanchez is 2-0, 3.28 in his last four starts; he allowed six runs in 5.2 IP in his first postseason start. He’s made nine other relief appearances in playoff games. Toronto is 8-3 in his last 11 home starts. Sanchez allowed five runs in four IP in his only start vs Cleveland this year.
Toronto is down 3-0 in this series;*they’re 3-7 against the Indians this year. Gibbons is 9-9 as a postseason manager, making it this year and last, his 8th/9th years as a manager. Jays lost in this round LY, their first playoff spot since their last world title, in 1993.
Cleveland won its last nine*games; they’re in playoffs for 3rd time in last 15 years. Tribe was last in World Series in ’97; their last world title was in 1948. Francona won couple of World Series in Boston; he is 33-18 as a postseason manager.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'NLCS'

Chicago Cubs at LA Dodgers October 18, 8:00 EST

Chicago Cubs unable to solve Clayton Kershaw in GM-2 at Wrigley Field losing 1-zip hope Jake Arrieta can return the favor when the clubs meet at Dodger Stadium Tuesday evening. According to current odds the Cubs are -$1.23 road favorites with the total set at 6.5.

Cubs are in good hands, Arrieta has pitched better on the road (11-3, 11-5 TSR) than at home (7-5, 9-7 TSR) this season. Additionally, the Cubs right-hander hasn't allow a run in his last two starts vs Dodgers. In his lone start vs Los Angeles this year at Wrigley Field he blanked Dodgers over seven innings getting a no-decision as the relief staff gave up five runs in the last two frames in Cubs 5-0 loss. In his 2015 start, Arrieta tossed a no-hitter earning a 2-0 victory at Dodger Stadium.

Another positive for Chicago backers, the GM-2 loss bodes well for Cubbies chances, since the club is 9-1 last ten following a loss the previous effort including 6-0 in an opposing park. In addition, Cubs have made their mark coming off a one-run loss. Chicago has won its last six following a one-run defeat and seven of its last eight after being nipped by a single run.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Tuesday’s games

NLCS

Cubs @ Dodgers
Arrieta is 2-3, 4.84 in his last six starts, 2-1, 3.51 in four postseason starts. Cubs won three of his last four road starts. He blanked the Dodgers for seven innings on May 31, his only start against LA this season.
Hill is 0-3, 4.84 in his last five starts, 0-2, 7.20 in three postseason starts. He didn’t face the Cubs this season. Dodgers won two of his three home starts.
Cubs are 4-2 in playoffs this year, 2-1 on the road, 5–4 against Los Angeles this season.
Dodgers won three of their last four games; Roberts is a rookie manager who is 4-3 in the playoffs. Maddon got Tampa Bay to ’08 World Series; he is 21-24 as a manager in the postseason, 8-7 with Chicago.


ALCS

Indians @ Blue Jays
Kluber is 5-0, 2.15 in his last six starts, 2-0, 0.00 (13.1 IP) in two postseason starts. Indians won his last four road starts. Kluber is 1-1, 3.86 in three starts against Toronto this year.
Sanchez is 2-0, 3.28 in his last four starts; he allowed six runs in 5.2 IP in his first postseason start. He’s made nine other relief appearances in playoff games. Toronto is 8-3 in his last 11 home starts. Sanchez allowed five runs in four IP in his only start vs Cleveland this year.
Toronto is down 3-0 in this series;*they’re 3-7 against the Indians this year. Gibbons is 9-9 as a postseason manager, making it this year and last, his 8th/9th years as a manager. Jays lost in this round LY, their first playoff spot since their last world title, in 1993.
Cleveland won its last nine*games; they’re in playoffs for 3rd time in last 15 years. Tribe was last in World Series in ’97; their last world title was in 1948. Francona won couple of World Series in Boston; he is 33-18 as a postseason manager.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tuesday’s six-pack

Six*interesting football games this coming weekend………

— Oregon @ Cal– Ducks lost their last four games.

— TCU @ West Virginia– Frogs won their last two visits here, by one point each.

— Ole Miss @ LSU– Leonard Fournette is back for the Tigers.

— Bills @ Dolphins– Buffalo goes for its fifth win in a row.

— Saints @ Chiefs– Andy Reid is 5-10 vs spread in the second game off a bye.

— Patriots @ Steelers– Starting at QB for the Steelers, Landry Jones.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

High Stakes Syndicate

Free Selection for Tuesday: Tampa Bay Lightning - 165

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sharp Bettor

Sharp Bettor's Free Pick for Tuesday, October 18, 2016 7:35 PM

(9) FLORIDA PANTHERS VS (10) TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

Take: Under the total