Tuesday 5/26/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB MONEYLINE

MLB > (921) CHI WHITE SOX@ (922) TORONTO | 05/26/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play ON CHI WHITE SOX using the money line in Road games when playing on Tuesday
The record is 12 Wins and 3 Losses for the last two seasons (+13.3 units)

MLB > (917) TEXAS@ (918) CLEVELAND | 05/26/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play ON TEXAS using the money line in Road games in May games
The record is 10 Wins and 3 Losses for the this season (+12.47 units)

MLB > (927) DETROIT@ (928) OAKLAND | 05/26/2015 - 10:05 PM
Play AGAINST OAKLAND using the money line in Home games in games played on a grass field
The record is 5 Wins and 14 Losses for the this season (-13.7 units)

MLB > (925) BOSTON@ (926) MINNESOTA | 05/26/2015 - 08:10 PM
Play ON MINNESOTA using the money line in All games in May games
The record is 15 Wins and 6 Losses for the this season (+12 units)

MLB RUNLINE

MLB > (919) KANSAS CITY@ (920) NY YANKEES | 05/26/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play ON KANSAS CITY using the in All games when playing with a day off
The record is 21 Wins and 6 Losses for the last two seasons (+20.5 units)

MLB > (925) BOSTON@ (926) MINNESOTA | 05/26/2015 - 08:10 PM
Play ON MINNESOTA using the in All games in night games
The record is 18 Wins and 3 Losses for the this season (+14.15 units)

MLB > (955) SAN FRANCISCO@ (956) MILWAUKEE | 05/25/2015 - 02:10 PM
Play AGAINST SAN FRANCISCO using the in All games when playing on Monday
The record is 9 Wins and 29 Losses for the last three seasons (-24.3 units)

MLB TOTALS

MLB > (927) DETROIT@ (928) OAKLAND | 05/26/2015 - 10:05 PM
Play OVER OAKLAND on the total in All games in home games
The record is 16 Overs and 3 Unders for the this season (+13.2 units)

MLB > (913) ATLANTA@ (914) LA DODGERS | 05/26/2015 - 10:10 PM
Play OVER LA DODGERS on the total in Home games against right-handed starters
The record is 57 Overs and 27 Unders for the last two seasons (+30.2 units)

MLB TOP POWERLINES

MLB > (921) CHI WHITE SOX @ (922) TORONTO | 05/26/2015 - 07:05 PM
Line: TORONTO -160 BTB PowerLine: TORONTO -184
Edge On: TORONTO (24)

MLB > (905) PHILADELPHIA @ (906) NY METS | 05/26/2015 - 07:10 PM
Line: NY METS -190 BTB PowerLine: NY METS -263
Edge On: NY METS (73)

MLB > (923) SEATTLE @ (924) TAMPA BAY | 05/26/2015 - 07:10 PM
Line: TAMPA BAY -115 BTB PowerLine: TAMPA BAY -171
Edge On: TAMPA BAY (56)

MLB > (925) BOSTON @ (926) MINNESOTA | 05/26/2015 - 08:10 PM
Line: MINNESOTA +110 BTB PowerLine: MINNESOTA -132
Edge On: MINNESOTA (42)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL MONEYLINE

NHL > (71) NY RANGERS@ (72) TAMPA BAY | 05/26/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play ON NY RANGERS using the money line in All games in a road game where where the total is 5 or less
The record is 22 Wins and 9 Losses for the this season (+14.9 units)

NHL PUCKLINE

NHL > (71) NY RANGERS@ (72) TAMPA BAY | 05/26/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play ON NY RANGERS using the in All games in a road game where where the total is 5 or less
The record is 22 Wins and 9 Losses for the this season (+14.9 units)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

LeBron, Cavaliers limping toward Finals

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) - LeBron James says he won't allow his sore body to slow his drive toward another NBA Finals.

Beaten down by injuries and another grueling season, James has the Cavaliers one win from the Eastern Conference title. On Monday, a day after his 37 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists lifted Cleveland to a Game 3 overtime victory against Atlanta, James was noticeably tired.

He wore a wrap on his right calf and the four-time league MVP says he's been undergoing ''round-the-clock'' treatment.

James returned to Cleveland after four seasons with Miami and says leading the Cavs has been his biggest challenge. The Cavs are without Kevin Love for the playoffs and have played the past two games without All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving.

Coach David Blatt says Irving remains a game-time decision for Game 4.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Atlanta cries foul over Game 3

CLEVELAND (AP) - Al Horford threw an elbow at Matthew Dellavedova during the game.

He saved a few more shots for Cleveland's scrappy guard afterward.

Horford was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul and tossed from Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals on Sunday night for striking Dellavedova above his shoulders late in the first half.

Horford and Dellavedova got tangled on the floor while scrambling for a loose ball, and as Dellavedova was rolling up on his right knee, Horford brought his right arm down hard and struck the side of the scrappy Australian guard's head.

The officials took several minutes looking at the play on a video monitor before ejecting Horford, who had 14 points at the time of his dismissal. The Hawks lost 114-111 in overtime and trail 3-0 in the series.

Horford felt Dellavedova had dived at his legs.

''I did think he went at me but I should have handled it better,'' Horford said. ''Shouldn't have gotten caught up in that and it's something I'll definitely learn from. The game before I got hit in the knees and it just kind of played over again.''

Horford was one of several Hawks irritated by Dellavedova, who had knocked Hawks guard Kyle Korver out for the postseason with a similar play in Game 2.

''You're always upset when you lose one of your teammates,'' Horford said. ''He's (Dellavedova) a player that plays hard but there's got to be a line at some point. He's got to learn. He's only been in this league for a couple of years but he's got to learn that at the end of the day, it's a big brotherhood here. Guys look out for each other and I don't think it was malicious but he's got to learn.''

Dellavedova defended his actions, saying he was only trying to get the ball.

''I would obviously disagree with that, I was boxing him out,'' Dellavedova said. ''You can see from the baseline view that he's pulling my arm.''

LeBron James, who carried the Cavs within one win of the NBA Finals with a triple-double, became angry when he heard the Hawks' accusations that Dellavedova is a dirty player.

''That is a fundamental box out, that's all it is,'' James said. ''We're not trying to get people hurt. But you play to win the game and you play aggressively. This guy, he works his tail off every single day. He beats the odds and he comes to play as hard as he can every single night. If they're focusing on Delly, they're focusing on the wrong thing. People are trying to give him a bad rap. He doesn't deserve it and I don't like it.''

The NBA posted an explanation on the play, saying: ''Horford threw an unnecessary and excessive forearm/elbow to Dellavedova, making contact above the shoulders, therefore a Flagrant 2 foul was called on Horford.''

Horford could face further discipline from the league.

While the officials huddled, Cleveland fans serenaded Dellavedova with chants of ''Del-lee! Del-lee!'' He was given a technical foul for his actions.

''We felt that he made contact with his head and shoulders into the knee area of Horford, so we ruled that a liveball physical taunt technical foul,'' referee Ken Mauer said to a pool reporter.

Dellavedova, too, had a run-in with Chicago's Taj Gibson in the second round. Gibson had to kick himself free from Dellavedova, who scissor-locked his legs around the Bulls forward. Gibson was assessed a Flagrant 2 and Dellavedova was issued a technical foul the following day.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Stamkos, Lightning on verge of Cup spot

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Steven Stamkos knows what it's like to come close to getting to the Stanley Cup finals and wind up not playing on the NHL's biggest stage.

It happened to the Tampa Bay Lightning four years ago, and the three-time All-Star is determined to not let another opportunity slip away.

After a slow start to the playoffs, the high-scoring team captain helped the speedy Lightning push the New York Rangers to the brink of elimination from the Eastern Conference finals.

Game 6 is Tuesday night at Amalie Arena. A Lightning victory will send Tampa Bay to the Cup finals for the second time in franchise history. And the Rangers are looking to extend the series to a seventh game, which would be played Friday night in New York.

''You kind of have to realize where you are and kind of use that as a little bit of motivation,'' Stamkos said. ''The harsh reality is, some guys in this room may never get the chance to get this far again. Hopefully everybody does, but you never know in this sport.''

Stamkos knows first-hand. He and defenseman Victor Hedman are the only players remaining from the Tampa Bay team that came within one victory of playing in the Cup finals in 2011. The Lightning lost Game 7 to Boston 1-0 and didn't win another playoff game until this year.

The two-time Maurice Richard Trophy winner was a young, rising star on that team. Now, he's one of the league's most prolific scorers, leading a club that's flourished in the playoffs even when Stamkos has struggled to score.

After failing to find the back of the net in Tampa Bay's first eight games this postseason, Stamkos has scored in seven of the past 10 to help the Lightning eliminate Montreal in the second round and take a 3-2 series lead over the Rangers.

New York overcame a 3-1 deficit to eliminate the Washington Capitals in the second round. They've been a resilient team in reaching the conference finals three of the past four years, and say they believe they're capable of taking the series back to Madison Square Garden.

''We've obviously been in a few of these situations in the past and are very confident that our group is going to enjoy the opportunity and enjoy the challenge, get ready for it and come up with a good game,'' Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said.

''We know the situation we're in,'' New York center Derek Stepan added. ''We have to stay confident.''

Stamkos had a goal for the fourth straight game, added an assist on Sunday night, to key Tampa Bay's 2-0 victory in Game 5.

The 25-year-old had 43 goals during the regular season and has been overshadowed for much of the playoff run by the Lightning's young, high-scoring ''Triplets'' line of Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat and Nikita Kucherov, who've combined for 25 of 44 goals in 18 games.

But coach Jon Cooper and Stamkos' teammates insist he's played well throughout, making important contributions in areas other than scoring.

''I think it's funny how it works, because the spotlight is on you so often that everybody just expects greatness all the time. To become great, you do fail sometimes. And he's great. But you don't get there by just success. It's the guys that fight through failure that rise to the top,'' Cooper said.

''Not that he's failed, but he gets criticized when he doesn't score a goal,'' Cooper added. ''You have to look at what the other team's trying to do, too. It's not like they're putting their eighth pairing defensemen against Stammer. He gets the top guys. ... As this playoff has gone on, Stammer just continues to rise to the occasion.''

And that's what the Rangers have to do to keep their season alive.

Henrik Lundqvist rebounded from allowing 12 combined goals in Games 2 and 3 to shut down the Lightning in Game 4. He didn't play poorly in Game 5, and his reputation for excellence in crucial situations is well known.

The Rangers are 3-0 in elimination games this postseason.

''Obviously it's a little different stage than the one we were on before. But a lot of the same things need to be done in order to get ourselves back into it,'' Stepan said.

''We know how much work it took to get back in the Washington series,'' Stepan added. ''It's going to take just as much work in this series.''

Stamkos doesn't expect the Rangers to be an easy out.

''They're a resilient group. We've seen that all series. We've seen that all year. They're the best team in the regular season for a reason,'' Stamkos said.

''These guys went to the Cup finals last year,'' the Lightning star added. ''How many times have they been down this series and come back? ... We understand the magnitude of the next game, and we're going to get their best game, there is no question about it.''

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Rangers once again facing elimination

NEW YORK (AP) - The New York Rangers will need another comeback to keep their Stanley Cup drive alive.

They again find themselves on the brink of elimination after Steven Stamkos set up Valtteri Filppula's go-ahead goal and scored another as the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Rangers 2-0 on Sunday night in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Ben Bishop, who gave up 10 goals in the previous two games, had 26 saves in posting his second shutout and getting Tampa Bay within a victory of reaching the Stanley Cup finals for the second time in franchise history. They won the Cup in 2004.

The Rangers have wiggled out of this spot before. They trailed the Washington Capitals 3-1 in the conference semifinals and rallied. They also overcame a 3-1 deficit last year against Pittsburgh.

Game 6 is Tuesday night in Florida.

''We have to beat them to four games,'' Rangers center Derek Stepan said. ''We have to go into their building, and find a way to get it done.''

The Rangers will need more from their power play.

Tampa Bay killed off four New York power plays in clinical fashion in the opening 31 minutes of a scoreless game, allowing only four shots.

The Rangers failure to cash those man advantages turned the tide in the Lightning's favor as Stamkos added a power-play goal after Filppula opened the scoring.

''Our execution was a bit slow tonight on the power play,'' Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said. ''Because it was slow, it made it easier for them to defend. We didn't get many looks on it, and obviously that was a big part of tonight's game.''

This was a game the Rangers controlled early. The power plays gave them a chance to put Tampa Bay down and they failed to convert, which was surprising because New York had two power-play goals in each of the three previous games in the series.

''They did a good job blocking shots tonight but you know we have to do a better job with those power plays,'' Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh said.

A little less than 2 minutes after the Lightning killed off a tripping penalty to Andrej Sustr, the Lightning took the lead and the excitement out of the Madison Square Garden crowd.

Defenseman Anton Stralman sent a great bank pass up the side boards to Stamkos. He carried the puck into the Rangers' zone, found Filppula coming down the middle and the center beat Henrik Lundqvist with a shot to the upper part of the net. It was his third goal of the postseason and probably his most important.

The Lightning had withstood the Rangers' push and they were in control.

''The penalty killing came up huge,'' Bishop said. ''Obviously, we weren't very happy with the last few games. That really kept us in it.''

After Marc Staal picked up his second penalty of the game, the Lightning needed just over a minute to double the lead. It came on a tic-tac-toe goal by Stamkos, his fourth in the last four games.

Nikita Kucherov sent the puck from the right circle to Ondrej Palat in the left circle. He quickly sent a cross-ice pass to Stamkos in front and the Lightning captain redirected the puck past a helpless Lundqvist, who finished with 20 saves.

New York pushed to get back in the game in the third, but Bishop stood tall when challenged shots by J.T. Miller and Derick Brassard.

Stamkos' four-game goal streak matches the Lightning playoff record set by Martin St. Louis in 2003 and also accomplished by Vincent Lecavalier in 2007.

After a couple of wide-open games in Florida, the first period of Game 5 was much more a Rangers' style game. They kept the play in the Lightning zone, drew two penalties and held a 6-4 edge in shots.

Tyler Johnson had the best chance for the Lightning early after a Ryan McDonagh turnover, but he missed the net. Chris Kreider missed the top corner of the net on the Rangers' first power play.

Having taken the 3-2 series lead, the Lightning now have two chances to win one game--and a ticket to the Stanley Cup finals.

''The toughest one to win is the fourth one,'' Stamkos said. ''Especially this time of year, when it is to go to the Finals.''

NOTES: Long-time Garden voice John Amirante sang the national anthem. He sang in Game 2 in the opening round in what was said to be his last appearance. ... D Matt Carle returned to the Lightning lineup after missing Game 4 with an undisclosed injury. ... The Rangers have allowed two or fewer goals in 13 of 17 postseason games this season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rangers (53-22) at Lightning (50-24)

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Steven Stamkos knows what it's like to come close to getting to the Stanley Cup finals and wind up not playing on the NHL's biggest stage.

It happened to the Tampa Bay Lightning four years ago, and the three-time All-Star is determined to not let another opportunity slip away.

After a slow start to the playoffs, the high-scoring team captain helped the speedy Lightning push the New York Rangers to the brink of elimination from the Eastern Conference finals.

Game 6 is Tuesday night at Amalie Arena. A Lightning victory will send Tampa Bay to the Cup finals for the second time in franchise history. And the Rangers are looking to extend the series to a seventh game, which would be played Friday night in New York.

'You kind of have to realize where you are and kind of use that as a little bit of motivation,' Stamkos said. 'The harsh reality is, some guys in this room may never get the chance to get this far again. Hopefully everybody does, but you never know in this sport.'

Stamkos knows first-hand. He and defenseman Victor Hedman are the only players remaining from the Tampa Bay team that came within one victory of playing in the Cup finals in 2011. The Lightning lost Game 7 to Boston 1-0 and didn't win another playoff game until this year.

The two-time Maurice Richard Trophy winner was a young, rising star on that team. Now, he's one of the league's most prolific scorers, leading a club that's flourished in the playoffs even when Stamkos has struggled to score.

After failing to find the back of the net in Tampa Bay's first eight games this postseason, Stamkos has scored in seven of the past 10 to help the Lightning eliminate Montreal in the second round and take a 3-2 series lead over the Rangers.

New York overcame a 3-1 deficit to eliminate the Washington Capitals in the second round. They've been a resilient team in reaching the conference finals three of the past four years, and say they believe they're capable of taking the series back to Madison Square Garden.

'We've obviously been in a few of these situations in the past and are very confident that our group is going to enjoy the opportunity and enjoy the challenge, get ready for it and come up with a good game,' Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said.

'We know the situation we're in,' New York center Derek Stepan added. 'We have to stay confident.'

Stamkos had a goal for the fourth straight game, added an assist on Sunday night, to key Tampa Bay's 2-0 victory in Game 5.

The 25-year-old had 43 goals during the regular season and has been overshadowed for much of the playoff run by the Lightning's young, high-scoring 'Triplets' line of Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat and Nikita Kucherov, who've combined for 25 of 44 goals in 18 games.

But coach Jon Cooper and Stamkos' teammates insist he's played well throughout, making important contributions in areas other than scoring.

'I think it's funny how it works, because the spotlight is on you so often that everybody just expects greatness all the time. To become great, you do fail sometimes. And he's great. But you don't get there by just success. It's the guys that fight through failure that rise to the top,' Cooper said.

'Not that he's failed, but he gets criticized when he doesn't score a goal,' Cooper added. 'You have to look at what the other team's trying to do, too. It's not like they're putting their eighth pairing defensemen against Stammer. He gets the top guys. ... As this playoff has gone on, Stammer just continues to rise to the occasion.'

And that's what the Rangers have to do to keep their season alive.

Henrik Lundqvist rebounded from allowing 12 combined goals in Games 2 and 3 to shut down the Lightning in Game 4. He didn't play poorly in Game 5, and his reputation for excellence in crucial situations is well known.

The Rangers are 3-0 in elimination games this postseason.

'Obviously it's a little different stage than the one we were on before. But a lot of the same things need to be done in order to get ourselves back into it,' Stepan said.

'We know how much work it took to get back in the Washington series,' Stepan added. 'It's going to take just as much work in this series.'

Stamkos doesn't expect the Rangers to be an easy out.

'They're a resilient group. We've seen that all series. We've seen that all year. They're the best team in the regular season for a reason,' Stamkos said.

'These guys went to the Cup finals last year,' the Lightning star added. 'How many times have they been down this series and come back? ... We understand the magnitude of the next game, and we're going to get their best game, there is no question about it.'


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Lightning at Rangers
Sat, May 16 Final 1 to 2

GAME 2
Lightning at Rangers
Mon, May 18 Final 6 to 2

GAME 3
Rangers at Lightning
Wed, May 20 Final 5 to 6

GAME 4
Rangers at Lightning
Fri, May 22 Final 5 to 1

GAME 5
Lightning at Rangers
Sun, May 24 Final 2 to 0

GAME 6
Rangers at Lightning
Tue, May 26 - 8:00PM EDT

GAME 7
Lightning at Rangers
Fri, May 29 - 8:00PM EDT

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Hawks (60-23) at Cavaliers (53-29)

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) - LeBron James hurts everywhere, the King of Pain.

One win from taking the Cavaliers back to the NBA Finals, and one step closer to a title he covets more than any other, James leaned against a padded wall on Monday and hardly resembled basketball's most undeniable force.

'I'm feeling all right,' he said, forcing a smile that showed he wasn't being entirely truthful. 'I've been better, but I've been worse. I think I've been worse.'

James moved slowly and not with his usual grace one day after his brilliant performance in Game 3 lifted Cleveland to a 114-111 win over the Atlanta Hawks in overtime, moving the Cavs within a victory of their first Finals appearance since 2007.

James wore a sleeve on his right calf, which cramped so severely he asked to be taken out Sunday night before re-considering. Instead, he pushed through the pain and delivered 37 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists - all after an 0-for-10 shooting start - to help the Cavs take a 3-0 series lead.

He's battered, not beaten. James isn't going to let anything stop him. Not now. Not this close to his fifth straight Finals or a championship.

'When you want to win, you've got to sacrifice your body feeling good,' he said. 'That's just what it's about.'

With a win on Tuesday night, the Cavs can clinch the Eastern Conference title and get some rest before a Finals matchup presumably against Golden State, which leads Houston 3-0 heading into Monday's Game 4. James has been down this path before, but never one so bumpy.

Cleveland's season has been strewn with obstacles: extreme expectations, chemistry issues, trades and injuries, including ones in the postseason to forward Kevin Love and All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving, who has missed the past two games with an injured left knee. James has never been on a team that's had to surmount as much.

Before the season began, James predicted this - molding a new team into a title contender - would be the greatest challenge of his career.

'I felt it would be, and it is,' he said.

The Cavs need one more win over the rising Hawks, who showed resiliency in Game 3 by overcoming a 10-point deficit in the fourth when they appeared done. One play here, one there and Atlanta wouldn't be in a 3-0 hole that no team in league history has been able to climb from.

Despite overwhelming odds, the Hawks won't quit.

'No matter what happens, we're still going to be confident,' forward Paul Millsap said. 'We believe in our team. We believe in the guys that we have. We feel like we can do something special, whether this year, next year, whatever. We're going to stick to this. It's not over `til it's over.'

For James, the only ending he can envision is winning his third title and ending Cleveland's 51-year championship drought.

'It's been my goal since I got back here, not only to get back, but to win, win the whole thing,' he said. 'That's my goal. It's part of my drive. That's what it's about.'

There are some other subplots heading into Game 4:

IRVING UPDATE

While his teammates got treatment and relaxed after a draining game, Irving went through another vigorous workout as Cleveland's coaching staff and medical team kept a close eye on him.

Cavs coach David Blatt said Irving remains a game-time decision for Tuesday and the team's lead in the series has no bearing on whether he'll play.

'We need Kyrie on the court, and we're not really thinking about resting him as much as we're thinking about him being healthy to play basketball,' Blatt said. 'We need him on the court, whether we're up 1-0 or 2-1 or 3-0.'

SILENT TREATMENT

After making strong inferences they felt Cavs guard Matthew Dellavedova plays dirty, the Hawks were quiet about the subject.

The scrappy Dellavedova got involved in a loose-ball scramble that ended with Atlanta forward Al Horford hitting him with an elbow and being ejected. Following Game 3, Horford said Dellavedova has 'gotta learn' to play with more restraint.

Earlier in the series, Dellavedova injured Kyle Korver when he dived on the floor and rolled up on the Atlanta guard's ankle. Korver is out for the rest of the playoffs.

Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer was careful with his words about Horford's ejection.

'The officials in our league have a difficult job,' he said. 'We obviously see it a little differently. But that's part of the game and part of those difficult situations. We're moving forward.'

KING'S ENDORSEMENT

Forward Tristan Thompson's value to the Cavs grows daily. With Love out, he's playing more and the four-year veteran, who will be a free agent this summer, has been almost unstoppable on the boards.

'Tristan should probably be a Cavalier for his whole career,' James said. 'There's no reason why he shouldn't. This guy is 24 years old. He's played in 340-plus straight games, and he's gotten better every single season. It's almost like what more can you ask out of a guy even though we ask for more out of him?'

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Cavaliers at Hawks
Wed, May 20 Final 97 to 89

GAME 2
Cavaliers at Hawks
Fri, May 22 Final 94 to 82

GAME 3
Hawks at Cavaliers
Sun, May 24 Final 111 to 114

GAME 4
Hawks at Cavaliers
Tue, May 26 - 8:30PM EDT

GAME 5
Cavaliers at Hawks
Thu, May 28 - 8:30PM EDT

GAME 6
Hawks at Cavaliers
Sat, May 30 - 8:30PM EDT

GAME 7
Cavaliers at Hawks
Mon, Jun 1 - 8:30PM EDT

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves (22-22) at Dodgers (27-17)

Game: 2
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: May 26, 2015 10:10 PM EDT

Clayton Kershaw only lost three times last year, and he's already matched that in 2015.

With Los Angeles' offense showing signs of improvement, Kershaw attempts to begin turning things around Tuesday night when the Dodgers face the Atlanta Braves.

Los Angeles (27-17) went 23-4 when giving the ball to Kershaw last season, and his importance was acknowledged with NL MVP honors and a third Cy Young Award.

Things aren't going so well in 2015, as Kershaw (2-3, 4.32 ERA) has struggled in nearly every facet. The Dodgers have lost five of his nine starts, he's yielded at least two runs in each and has allowed opponents to hit .251 with six homers and 16 walks.

Last year, the left-hander held batters to a .196 average with nine homers and a career-low 31 walks.

Kershaw allowed four runs in 7 1-3 innings of Thursday's 4-0 loss at San Francisco. He served up a solo homer to Giants starter Madison Bumgarner, the first he's given up to an opposing pitcher in his eight-year career.

"You never want to say you're worried," Kershaw told MLB's official website. "We haven't gotten everybody going at the same time, me included."

The Dodgers, though, may have started to get their bats going, collecting 11 hits with three homers in a 6-3 win over Atlanta (22-22) in Monday's opener. They were hitting .190 with three homers and nine runs while dropping five of the previous eight.

Andre Ethier has five hits in four games after going 2 for 3 with a homer and two RBIs on Monday. He's batting .410 (16 for 39) in the past 12 home games, and has grabbed the starting spot in right field against right-handers with Yasiel Puig on the disabled list.

"Andre has backed it up and he deserves to be playing every day," manager Don Mattingly said.

Ethier will face Julio Teheran (4-1, 3.91) for the first time, and the right-hander is getting the ball opposite Kershaw for the first time since they both went the distance in a 2-1 home win for the Dodgers on July 31. Teheran tossed a five-hitter while Kershaw yielded nine hits in his first meeting with the Braves since 2011.

Teheran wasn't nearly that effective in his only other start against Los Angeles, surrendering five runs and nine hits in 7 1-3 innings of a 6-2 defeat Aug. 11.

He enters this one after his best effort of the season. He allowed one run and two hits with eight strikeouts in seven innings of a 10-1 win over Milwaukee on Thursday, the third time in four outings he's yielded fewer than two earned runs.

Teheran had a 7.20 ERA over his previous three games.

"When a pitcher rallies with three of four starts like that, you've got to feel good about it," manager Fredi Gonzalez said.

Monday's loss was just Atlanta's third in the past 10 games. However, the Braves have lost seven of the past eight meetings with the Dodgers, and are facing the possibility of a five-game skid at Chavez Ravine for the first time since June 6-July 29, 1990.

Freddie Freeman is hitting .378 in his past nine games there, and he's 2 for 6 with a homer versus Kershaw.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Orioles LHP Matusz appeals 8-game suspension
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

Baltimore Orioles left-handed reliever Brian Matusz was suspended eight games by Major League Baseball on Monday for having a foreign substance on his arm during Saturday's game.

Matusz has appealed the decision and is available to pitch for the Orioles in Monday's game against the Houston Astros.

Joe Garagiola Jr., the MLB senior vice president of standards and on-field operations, made the announcement.

Matusz was ejected in the 12th inning of the Orioles' 1-0, 13-inning loss Saturday night. After Matusz retired the first two batters he faced, Marlins manager Dan Jennings came out of the dugout to speak with home plate umpire Jordan Baker. Crew chief Paul Emmel and Baker went to the mound along with Orioles manager Buck Showalter to inspect Matusz and then tossed him from the game.

"I went out there and told the pitcher I was going to touch his right forearm," Emmel said. "That's where he was touching before he went to the ball. I detected a foreign substance, so the pitcher was ejected."

Matusz, who is 1-2 with a 3.18 ERA in 17 innings this season, was seen on television replays reaching for a forearm with his left hand between pitches.

Showalter and Matusz did not argue the decision.

"We all understand the crux of the problem is gripping the ball," Showalter said after Saturday's game. "Someone may say -- I believe (Hall of Fame pitcher) Jim Palmer said today -- you alter the flight of the ball by being able to grip it better. Why do we put mud on the ball? Which I think is a pretty archaic ploy."

Matusz was the second pitcher ejected in the same week for having a foreign substance on his arm. Milwaukee Brewers reliever Will Smith was tossed Thursday night and later suspended for eight games. Smith also appealed the suspension.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Strikeout Factory' Lindgren joins Yankees' bullpen
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

NEW YORK -- Jacob Lindgren conducted his first interview with the New York media Sunday as the clubhouse television was showing Southeastern Conference baseball tournament games.

A year ago, he was pitching and doing quite well in those games for Mississippi State. During his junior season, Lindgren was 6-1 with a 0.81 ERA in 26 relief appearances while recording 100 strikeouts.

The New York Yankees purchased Lindgren's contract from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Sunday and added him to their bullpen.

"Oh, man, it's been a crazy ride," Lindgren said of the past year. "I met a lot of guys on the way up and learned a lot of things, just trying (to discover) how to be a professional. From the college game to the professional game is a little different. It's a different routine. They're playing on the weekends and we're playing every day, so you try to add on to your routine and learn different things."

He must be a quick study, as he made a rapid ascent from being a supplemental first-round draft pick last year to being promoted to the Yankees.

Lindgren's promotion is the quickest for a Yankees first-round pick since 2006 first-rounder Joba Chamberlain reached the majors in August 2007, touching off a new set of rules about usage and a debate about him being a starter or a reliever.

"Them picking a reliever kind of high, I guess there's always that chance," Lindgren said. "But I kind of had to pitch my game and show them what I could do, and I guess they thought it was good enough to bring me up."

Although the promotion officially took place before Sunday's game, Lindgren found out during batting practice Saturday night when Scranton/Wilkes-Barre manager Dave Miley told him. Miley had been on the phone with the Yankees, who were need of a bullpen arm after a 15-4 loss to the Texas Rangers that featured outfielder Garrett Jones pitching and getting the final two outs.

New York optioned Branden Pinder to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to clear a roster spot for Lindgren.

There are also other reasons why Lindgren is in the majors, and they relate to his numbers. He lived up to his "Strikeout Factory" nickname by fanning 29 in 22 innings this season while going 1-1 with three saves and a 1.23 ERA in Triple-A. In 46 2/3 innings minor league innings between last year and this year, he has 77 strikeouts and a 1.72 ERA.

Lindgren also stood out to the Yankees during spring training with the movement on his pitches.

"When you see it from my perspective, you don't really see a heavy sinker that you see with some of the other guys that sometimes you can see," manager Joe Girardi said Sunday before the Yankees' 5-2 loss to the Rangers. "But there's late movement, and you hear the catchers talk about how if you're not used to him, it's kind of uncomfortable because the ball moves so late. You saw a ton of groundballs, and you didn't see guys square the ball up on him. It was pretty impressive."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tigers face long stretch without break
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers do not possess an imposing bench but they'll have to lean on their reserves during their seven-game road trip that begins Monday night.

The Tigers left for Oakland after their 10-8 loss to Houston on Sunday afternoon and will not get any days off this week. They play the A's for three games, then open a four-game series against the Los Angeles Angels. Their last day off was May 11 and they don't get another one until they return on June 1.

Tired legs and reduced energy could be an issue with the heavy workload the regulars have already endured, compounded by some injuries. Catcher Alex Avila and designated hitter Victor Martinez are on the disabled list and shortstop Jose Iglesias missed the game Sunday with a left knee contusion suffered during Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Astros

That means players like reserve infielders Hernan Perez and Andrew Romine, catcher Bryan Holaday and outfielder Tyler Collins could see more than just spot duty during the trip. Romine has been the most effective of that group, hitting .333 in 33 at-bats. Shortstop Dixon Machado was promoted from Triple-A Toledo on Sunday, though he may get sent right back down when the team recalls Buck Farmer to pitch Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Angels.

"I guess you're right, just because it's a long stretch on the road," manager Brad Ausmus said of the bench playing an important role on the West Coast. "Guys will probably need a day (off), as opposed to having a scheduled off-day."

Three regulars -- Ian Kinsler, Miguel Cabrera and Yoenis Cespedes -- have appeared in every game. Nick Castellanos and J.D. Martinez have played in 44 of the 45 games this season.

Ausmus said it's almost become a competition between Kinsler and Cabrera as to which can go longer without a breather. It's especially surprising that Cabrera has not required a day off, given that he underwent offseason surgery to his foot and ankle and was questionable for Opening Day entering spring training.

"I don't want to give those guys a day off," Ausmus said, while adding, "they'll get one soon."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Over cashes early in Yankees-Royals game
Andrew Avery

If you backed he over 8.5 in Monday's game between the Kansas City Royals and New York Yankees, you didn't wait long for the scoreline to go in your favor.

Thanks to an 8-run explosion by the Yankees' bats in the first inning and a 3-run inning in the second, the Over cashed early as the Yankees jumped out to an 11-0 lead after just two frames.

Royals starter Jeremy Guthrie was knocked around for nine hits and 11 earned runs with just 1.0 innings pitched.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB betting cheat sheet: Hamilton ready for second stint in Texas
By DOC'S SPORTS

Here's a comprehensive look at betting notes for this week’s major-league schedule:

The Price is wrong

Cincinnati Reds’ manager Bryan Price—the same Bryan Price who used the f-word 77 times in one interview last month—was ejected before this past Saturday’s game against the Cleveland Indians even started. He was tossed while exchanging lineup cards, presumably for arguing about the previous day’s strike zone. It has been a long season for Cincinnati (18-25), which has lost eight in a row.

King of unders

The Seattle Mariners are 1-7-1 O/U in Felix Hernandez’s nine starts this season and 2-12-1 O/U in his last 15 outings dating back to the 2014 campaign. Hernandez, who is 7-1 with a 2.19 ERA, will take the mound again on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Pitching Notes

* St. Louis Cardinals’ closer Drew Storen has a National League-leading 14 saves, including nine this month alone. He boasts a 0.93 ERA through 19.1 innings and his lone blown save came more than a month ago (April 21).

* R.A. Dickey’s knuckleball has not been knuckling too well in 2015. Dickey, who will start on Tuesday against the Chicago White Sox, is 2-5 with a 5.49 ERA. Only one of his last seven starts has been quality. In his only outing against the Sox last season, the 40-year-old gave up five runs on four homers in six innings.

Hitting Notes

* The Arizona Diamondbacks have scored at least four runs in each of their last six games and they have not scored fewer than three times in any contest since May 17. Center fielder A.J. Pollack is on a six-game hitting streak and is 12-for-24 during this stretch. Catcher Yasmany Tomas is on an eight-game hitting streak and six of those eight performances have been of the multi-hit variety. Arizona is 6-1 in its last seven and 3-1 O/U in its last four.

* Baltimore Orioles’ first baseman Chris Davis has three hits in his last nine games to send his average plunging to .212. He has not homered since May 11 and has just one RBI since that date. The Orioles are 5-14-2 O/U in their last 21 and 3-7 O/U in their last 10.

Injury Notes

* Pablo Sandoval of the Boston Red Sox has been dealing with a bruised left knee and has not played a full game since last Tuesday. The third baseman has missed three of his team’s last five contests altogether. Sandoval, a switch-hitter, pinch-hit on Sunday against the Angels and got a hit in his fifth-ever lefty at-bat versus a left-handed pitcher. He hopes to ready for an upcoming series against the Minnesota Twins.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'On the Diamond'

The second game of a three game set is the baseball betting focus as the Toronto Blue Jays host the Chicago White Sox at the Rogers Center. R.A. Dickey gets the call for John Gibbons' crew. The knuckeballer off his first complete game of the season earning his second win carries a 2-5 record, 5.49 ERA, 3-6 team start record into the contest. Dickey matches pitches with John Danks. The Chicago left-hander off a loss his last effort heads to the mound with a 2-4 record, 5.11 ERA and 4-4 team start record. According to opening betting odds, the Blue Jays are -$1.50 to -$1.60 home favorite depending on locale. A pricey home favorite is cause to ratchet up the tension for a sports handicapper. However the fact Danks is a southpaw favors Toronto as Jays have thrived the past eight at home vs a left-handed starter (6-2). What's also illuminating and in Toronto's favor, the White Sox have struggled w/Danks on the road following a team loss (3-18). Additionally, White Sox are just 2-6 in Danks' eight career starts vs Toronto. The numbers add up well enough to conclude Jays are the choice.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Five To Follow MLB Betting: Tuesday, May 26, 2015 Opening Line Report
by Alan Matthews

Memorial Day is always a good benchmark for determining which teams will make the playoffs. Since the start of three-divisional play in 1995, about 60 percent of the teams leading their divisions or their league's wild-card race on Memorial Day have made it into the postseason. Last year on Memorial Day your division leaders were the Blue Jays, Tigers, A's, Braves, Brewers and Giants. Only Detroit won its division, but the A's and Giants made it in as wild cards. I believe the three NL division leaders -- the Nationals, Cardinals and Dodgers -- will end up there at the end, but I'm not confident in the three AL leaders, the Rays, Royals and Astros.


Nationals at Cubs (+100, TBA)

This is the first game of an ESPN doubleheader and thus will have live betting at the sportsbooks. What I find interesting about this matchup is that you hear in baseball circles that Washington's Jordan Zimmermann is almost a lock to sign with the Cubs this winter as a free agent as he's a Midwestern boy. The Cubs are going to add one arm and have money to spend. Zimmermann (4-2, 3.52) got off to a shaky start but has been very good since and the Nats have won his past five outings. He hasn't allowed more than three earned in any of them. Starlin Castro is just 3-for-19 off him. Miguel Montero hits .353 with three doubles. Chicago's Kyle Hendricks (1-1, 4.14) comes off the best start of his young career, throwing a complete-game five-hitter in San Diego without a walk. All five of the Padres' hits were singles. He has never faced Washington.

Key trends: Washington is 10-1 in Zimmermann's past 11 on Tuesday. The Cubs are 7-1 in Hendricks' past eight at home. The "over/under" has gone over in six of his past eight.

Early lean: Nationals and under a total that I'm guessing will be 7 if the wind isn't a factor.


Mariners at Rays (-110, 7)

Tampa Bay had a rough game from an injury perspective on Sunday as shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera left in the eighth inning after suffering a mild groin sprain and first baseman James Loney suffered a sprained finger but was able to complete the game. He will be re-evaluated on Monday, but neither injury sounds too serious. It's lefty J.A. Happ (3-1, 3.61) for Seattle here. He lasted only two innings last time out due to a long rain delay in Baltimore, allowing four runs and four hits. Loney, assuming he plays, is 7-for-16 with two doubles off him. Alex Colome (3-1, 4.81) goes for Tampa. He pitched five shutout innings last time out against Oakland. He has now allowed three runs or fewer in 10 of his 13 career starts. Colome has never faced Seattle.

Key trends: The Mariners are 4-1 in their past five in Game 2 of a series. The under is 6-2 in Colome's past eight.

Early lean: Rays and under.


Rockies at Reds (-110, 7)

The slumping Reds have two injury concerns. Outfielder and speedster Billy Hamilton missed Sunday's game after hurting his shoulder and wrist sliding into second base on Saturday. Catcher Devin Mesoraco was expected to decide Monday whether to have surgery to fix his hip, and that would end his season; he has been placed on the DL. He's not able to catch right now, only DH when the Reds play an interleague series. They start Michael Lorenzen (1-1, 3.79) in this one. His past two outings have been out of the bullpen. He was good in his last start, allowing the White Sox a run over five innings. He has never faced Colorado. It's lefty Jorge De La Rosa (1-2, 6.51) for the Rockies. He lasted only 4.1 innings last time out against Philly, allowing three runs. He did become the all-time franchise leader in strikeouts. Brandon Phillips is 3-for-10 with a homer and three RBIs against him.

Key trends: The Rockies are 2-8 in De La Rosa's past 10 on the road. The Reds are 12-5 in their past 17 at home vs. a lefty. The under is 7-3 in De La Rosa's past 10 on the road.

Early lean: Reds and over.


Giants at Brewers (+135, 7.5)

When San Francisco couldn't re-sign third baseman Pablo Sandoval, the team traded for the Marlins' Casey McGehee. That didn't quite work out. The team designated for assignment over the weekend -- meaning it will eat his $4.8 million salary because no team will claim him. Matt Duffy will take over as the regular at third. Duffy, a rookie, is hitting .297 with 19 RBIs. Ace Madison Bumgarner (5-2, 2.84) starts for the Giants. He shut out the Dodgers over 6.1 innings last time out in beating Clayton Kershaw yet again -- also homering off Kershaw. Ryan Braun hits Bumgarner well, going 6-for-20 with two homers and three RBIs. Milwaukee's Matt Garza (2-6, 5.71) allowed four runs over 6.1 innings last time out in Atlanta. Hunter Pence is 4-for-15 with two RBIs off Garza.

Key trends: The Giants are 6-0 in Bumgarner's past six vs. the NL Central. The Brewers are 1-4 in Garza's past five vs. teams with a winning record. The Giants are 4-1 in Bumgarner's past five against Milwaukee.

Early lean: Giants and under.


Tigers at A's (+100, 7)

Detroit got good news on Sunday when it was revealed that shortstop Jose Iglesias had no structural damage in his knee after colliding with Houston's Chris Carter on Saturday. He might miss a few days, however. Iglesias is second on the Tigers with a .333 batting average. Lefty David Price (3-1, 3.32) gets the call for Detroit. He struck out a season-high 12 last time out against Houston but didn't factor in the decision. The Tigers have won his past five. Marcus Semien is 3-for-8 with a double and two RBIs off Price. It's right-hander Jesse Chavez (1-4, 2,89) for the A's, who have lost his past three. In nine appearances (two starts) against Detroit, he is 0-3 with a 9.90 ERA. Miguel Cabrera is 3-for-7 with a homer and six RBIs against him.

Key trends: The Tigers are 4-0 in Price's past four against teams with a losing record. The A's are 0-5 in their past five against a lefty. The under is 10-1 in Detroit's past 11 on Tuesday.

Early lean: Tigers and under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tuesday's six-pack

Athlon college football magazine's six best offensive lines this year:

6) Auburn-- Despite having no senior starters on line this year.

5) Arkansas-- Four starters back; they averaged 5.1 ypc last year.

4) Baylor-- Have four senior starters protecting a new QB.

3) Ohio State- Four starters back; allowed 15 sacks in Big 14 last year.

2) Michigan State-- Four starters back; averaged 5.2 ypc last year.

1) Georgia-- New offensive coordinator, new OL coach, same good linemen.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play Tues St. Louis Cardinals w/ Garcia -145

 

[Bluechipridesagain!]

Prediction Machine NBA for tonight, if available. Thanks ahead of time!

 

[mhogard]

CPAW, please post the MLB Previews with score Predictions if you have them. Thank for all you do.