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

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Yonkers Raceway

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


Race 4 - Post: 2:00 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 84 - Purse:$20000 - $20,000 JACKPOT NEXT DOOR CLAIMING SERIES FILLIES & MARES 1ST LEG 2ND DIVISION


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 6 FRISKIE'S ANGEL 9/5


# 5 MIKELEH 4/1


# 1 GRACE SEELSTER 5/2


FRISKIE'S ANGEL looks like our best wagering option in this race. Could surprise us at a nice price. Don't leave out. Have an instinct this one might thieve for this one. When the trainer Brainard puts Bartlett up for the drive nice things happen. Just check out the 36 win percent. MIKELEH - This horse looks tough. Take a good look at the 84 average speed figure. Really liked this mare's last race. Ran a big 76 TrackMaster Speed Rating. Major player. GRACE SEELSTER - When starting from the 1 position, a much better than average win percentage has resulted. Could surprise us at a good price. Don't leave out.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Valuline at Indiana Downs

Today's Most Likely Winner Is at:

Indiana Downs, Race 1 (Tuesday May 5, 2015)

BEAUTY OF SCARLET

IND-1 5.5f DIRT Six Horses
"A" CLM 5,000 F/M 3YUP $9,500
P# dd ex p3 t ML WP TVL

5 BEAUTY OF SCARLET 6/5 38% 8/5 Strong Favorite icon
1 FASCOMPANY 4/1 29% 5/2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Parx Racing

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


Race 1 - Claiming - 7.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $20000 Class Rating: 89

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE NOVEMBER 5, 2014. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $12,500


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 1 FRANCESCO PUNCH 8/1


# 6 TUCKED IN FRONT 5/2


# 2 DIXIE NOTION 6/1


FRANCESCO PUNCH has a very strong shot to take this contest and the potential return justifies the precarious nature of the long odds. Lately Vargas has been scorching which may give the edge to this gelding. Displays the look of a money-making play, averaging a solid 84 speed figure which is one of the most respectable in this field. Has been running solidly lately and ought to be up on the lead early on. TUCKED IN FRONT - Will make a strong showing versus this field of horses. His 76 average has this gelding with among the best speed figures for this event. DIXIE NOTION - Must be given consideration given the class of races run lately. Sound average speed figures in dirt sprint races make this animal a solid contender.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Will Rogers

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


Race 3 - Claiming - 5.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $7500 Class Rating: 75

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE NOVEMBER 5, 2014 OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 1 EDDIE JUNIOR 7/5


# 2 HENSHIN HERO 3/1


# 4 SOUTHERN TIGER 2/1


EDDIE JUNIOR looks formidable to best this field. Shows evidence of the look of a money-making play, averaging a solid 79 speed figure which is one of the top in this field. Has ran quite well in dirt sprint races. Ferrell has him trained solidly to break promptly out of the gate. HENSHIN HERO - Is a definite contender - given the 73 speed figure from his most recent race. This gelding gets a boost with Landeros in the saddle. SOUTHERN TIGER - He should definitely be given consideration given the very good speed figs. Ought to come out strong - I have liked the way this gelding has moved promptly to the front end recently.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mountaineer - Race #3 - Post: 7:44pm - Optional Claiming - 7.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $16,200 Class Rating: 96

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#9 JUDGE CARR (ML=9/2)
#10 SNEAKIN AWAY (ML=5/1)


JUDGE CARR - This horse has a lot of class. A good sign in a race on the grass like we have today. I think this gelding is ready to run a good one. He's had enough races around the track since the vacation and should be fit. A thoroughbred coming back this soon after a sharp race is a good omen. A repeat of that latest race on April 22nd where he notched a speed rating of 86 looks good enough to score in this affair. In his last race, this gelding showed good early zip then fell back before finishing nicely. SNEAKIN AWAY - I usually like playing sprinters who are 3-4 races into a return. Don't throw this thoroughbred out due to his last event at Mountaineer where he ended up fourth on a track listed as good. I look for an improvement today. Earnings per start is something that I think can be a vital selection factor. This horse is ranked numero uno in this field.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 ROMEO ROYALE (ML=3/1), #7 PLEASANT RUN (ML=5/1), #8 NICO SUAVE' (ML=6/1),

ROMEO ROYALE - Can't really play this kind of oft beaten public's choice. 3/1 is just too low of a value to take on most any mount that has run poorly in back to back outings. When examining today's class figure, he will have to notch a better speed figure than last time around the track to compete in this turf sprint. PLEASANT RUN - Any horse coming out of a route event should show some zip to tangle with the sprinters. No picnic to back any runner in a sprint affair if he hasn't finished in the money in a sprint in the last couple months. NICO SUAVE' - The effort in the last race on Apr 13th probably won't hold up against stiffer competition when they turn for home. The speed fig in the last race doesn't fit very well in this race when I look at the Equibase class figure of today's race. Mark this horse as a possibly overvalued equine.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #9 JUDGE CARR to win. Have to have odds of at least 9/5 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [9,10]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Parx Racing - Race #2 - Post: 1:22pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $24,000 Class Rating: 88

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 STITCHER (ML=5/1)
#6 ROCKET SIXTYSIX (ML=4/1)


STITCHER - Good return on investment for this rider and trainer twosome. Great chance for this horse. Solid late speed and should have good position. Have to give this gelding a shot. Ran a good race in the last race within the last month or so. ROCKET SIXTYSIX - Caballero and Hedus perform well when they join forces. It's hard to beat a +21 ROI for a jock and handler. Last ran at Parx Racing and finished fourth. Reviewing his Past Performances, I see he was close at the wire, within five of the winner. This equine didn't run well on a muddy track in his last start at Parx Racing. You probably want to ignore that showing.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 BARLOVENTO TIGER (ML=2/1), #2 ANSWER ME THIS (ML=7/2), #1 GRAY NOT BAY (ML=9/2),

BARLOVENTO TIGER - You should normally gamble against morning-line favorites that haven't raced or show no activity in the morning over the last few weeks. Will be tough for this horse to beat this field off of that last speed fig. Doubtful to improve enough to run a figure close enough to today's Equibase class figure, so put him on the vulnerable contenders list. ANSWER ME THIS - The finish of third in the last event shows me that this animal may be getting out of condition. Finished third in his most recent race with a common speed rating. When I look at today's class rating, it would take an improved performance to triumph after that in this group. GRAY NOT BAY - This horse is always in the mix, but just doesn't finish on top. Tough to bet on him on the win end. Mediocre speed fig in the last race at Parx Racing at 1 mile 70 yards. Don't believe this runner will improve too much in today's event.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#5 STITCHER to win at post-time odds of 8/5 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [5,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Tuesday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Indiana Grand (4th) Elegant Beni, 3-1
(6th) Cozy Critter, 4-1


Mountaineer (3rd) Judge Carr, 9-2
(5th) Via Delorosa, 8-1


Parx Racing (4th) Baby Cat, 5-1
(5th) Just Like a Rock, 10-1


Turf Paradise (2nd) Cleverly Beverly, 7-2
(7th) You Done Good, 7-2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB Preview: Padres (14-13) at Giants (13-13)

Game: 2
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: May 05, 2015 10:15 PM EDT

The San Francisco Giants have surged back to .500 behind tremendous pitching, but turning to Ryan Vogelsong will likely require the lineup to score more.

Following gems from Tim Lincecum and Madison Bumgarner, Vogelsong seeks improvement when the Giants attempt to extend their longest winning streak of the season Tuesday night against the San Diego Padres.

San Francisco (13-13) has followed an eight-game slide by winning 10 of 14, and the pitching staff is coming up big. The Giants have a 1.25 ERA while holding opponents to a .142 average during a four-game winning streak, which continued with Monday's 2-0 victory over the Padres (14-13).

Bumgarner was superb in the opener of this three-game series, carrying a no-hitter into the seventh inning before leaving with one out in the eighth. That came a day after Lincecum allowed three hits in eight innings of a 5-0 win over the Los Angeles Angels.

The Giants haven't posted three straight shutouts since a franchise-record four in a row June 25-28, 2012, and giving the ball to Vogelsong (0-2, 9.31 ERA) for his third start in place of the injured Jake Peavy isn't likely to get them closer.

The right-hander is looking to rebound from Wednesday's 7-3 defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers, during which he matched a career high by serving up four homers while allowing six runs in three innings.

"I warmed up fine in the bullpen and felt fine, physically. I just didn't make very good pitches," Vogelsong said. "Not all of them were up, but some were, for sure. They weren't terrible pitches, just not as good as they needed to be."

Vogelsong has a 4.35 ERA while losing his last two starts to the Padres, and he surrendered five runs in 3 2-3 innings of relief while not figuring in the decision of a 10-2 loss at San Diego on April 11.

San Francisco is hitting .275 over the past 14 games but is averaging only 3.5 runs. Angel Pagan leads the Giants with a .350 average, and he's batting .405 over the past 10 games after having two hits and an RBI on Monday. Pagan is a .323 hitter in 17 games against the Padres at AT&T Park.

San Diego scored 26 runs while sweeping a three-game set from Colorado before being shut down by Bumgarner.

Andrew Cashner (1-4, 2.61) would like to see the offense bounce back since he's lost his last two starts while being backed by one total run. The right-hander has allowed five runs with 16 strikeouts in 14 innings over that stretch.

Cashner is 0-2 with a 6.50 ERA in seven games - three starts - at San Francisco. He surrendered six runs and two homers over five innings while not receiving a decision in a 9-8 loss Sept. 25.

Cashner has struggled against Buster Posey, who is 9 for 17 with two homers off him while Nori Aoki is 4 for 8.

His batterymate could be Austin Hedges, who struck out as a pinch-hitter in his major league debut Monday. One of the Padres' top prospects, Hedges hit .324 in 21 games for Triple-A El Paso before being called up.

"It was good to get some of the jitters out of the way. I felt good and I was anxious," Hedges said. "The next at-bat, I'll be a little more disciplined."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Find value betting baseball's most overachieving/underachieving teams
By JOE FORTENBAUGH

As the old saying goes, “You can’t win a World Series in April…but you sure can lose it.”

With the first month of the 2015 MLB campaign in the books, it’s worth taking a detailed look at the current standings - if for no other reason than to establish a reference point for what we’re about to discuss.

Since MLB instituted its new playoff format in 2012, 26 of the 30 teams (86.6 percent) to qualify for the playoffs found themselves within 3.5 games of first place at the close of business on April 30. In fact, a surprising 21 of those 30 postseason squads (70%) were actually within two games of the divisional lead.

We’ve watched April basement dwellers change their luck and surge up the standings in the past, but recent history demonstrates that hanging tight through the first month of the season plays a somewhat significant role in whether or not a team will challenge for the World Series.

There’s obviously plenty of time left to make a dramatic push, but some are already asking whether or not preseason favorites like Washington and Cleveland will get their acts together. But the more important question to ponder at this point in the season may be whether or not we can trust the current standings as accurate indicators as to the quality of each team’s roster and managing.

A popular method to employ when attempting to eliminate luck from a team’s overall record is Bill James’ Pythagorean winning percentage, which is an estimate of a club’s winning percentage based on its runs scored and runs allowed. The good news for you guys is that we’ve applied the formula to each team in baseball through Sunday night’s Yankees-Red Sox tilt, so you don’t have to worry about the math.

Below you’ll find five teams that are either overachieving or underachieving through May 3, along with each team’s current record and Pythagorean won/loss record. The purpose of this analysis is to identify which MLB teams are poised for either a surge or fall in the immediate future while being offered at a reasonable price based off a faulty understanding of current records.

Oakland Athletics (11-15, Pythagorean record of 14-12): How does a team that ranks in the Top 5 in MLB in scoring and Top 12 in team ERA find themselves four games under .500 at the beginning of May? Simple. By playing lousy defense (27th in errors per game) in conjunction with a gas can of a bullpen (4.92 ERA, 28th).

The good news for the A’s is that reinforcements are on the way in the form of veteran outfielder Coco Crisp and closer Sean Doolittle. Oakland currently boasts a run differential of plus-18, which is the best in baseball for any team with a sub-.500 record. Assuming the bats stay relatively hot, this team is due for an incendiary winning streak.

Houston Astros (18-7, Pythagorean record of 15-10): Baseball’s biggest surprise through the first month of the season, Houston’s electric plus-37 run differential (third in MLB) and pitching (3.08 ERA, fourth) has led the Astros to an astonishing seven-game lead in the American League West.

Credit a relatively soft schedule that featured 19 games against divisional opponents who are either slow out of the gate (Angels, A’s, Mariners) or downright terrible to begin with (Rangers), as well as a three-game set with a Cleveland Indians team that is dreadful at the moment. The Astros’ upcoming schedule features more of the same, so don’t be surprised if this club enters the month of June still atop the standings. But at some point, don’t say you weren’t warned about a regression.

Milwaukee Brewers (7-18, Pythagorean record of 10-15): The Brewers are a bad baseball team, but Milwaukee won’t be this awful over the course of a 162-game season. Part of the organization’s sluggish April can be chalked up to matchups against some of the best and/or hottest teams in baseball, like six showdowns with the Cardinals and three with a Rockies team that sprinted from the gates at the sound of the gun.

However, somebody’s head apparently needed to roll after that horrific April, so the team dumped manager Ron Roenicke Sunday night in the hopes of lighting a fire under the asses of this underachieving roster.

St. Louis Cardinals (18-6, Pythagorean record of 15-9): An excellent start, no doubt. But the Cardinals have put together an 18-6 record by playing against competition that boasts a combined mark of 65-85, with the Chicago Cubs serving as the only St. Louis opponent currently in possession of a winning record.

In addition, this team will certainly feel the loss of All-Star pitcher Adam Wainwright, who is done for the year after having suffered a ruptured left Achilles tendon last week. Keep an eye on an upcoming 10-game stretch against the Tigers, Mets and Royals.

Detroit Tigers (17-9, Pythagorean record of 14-12): After winning nine of their first 10 games, Detroit has come back down to earth by posting an 8-8 mark that included a losing three out of four games with the Yankees.

Detroit may rank 11th in scoring (4.44 runs per game), but the team’s team ERA is a pedestrian 3.95, which ranks 16th in baseball. With Max Scherzer in Washington and Justin Verlander not expected back until June, .500 baseball makes perfect sense for this club.

ACTUAL RECORD VS. PYTHAGOREAN WON/LOSS RECORD

*Pythagorean won/loss record in parenthesis.

AL EAST

New York Yankees: 16-9 (14-11)
Baltimore Orioles: 12-11 (12-11)
Tampa Bay Rays: 13-12 (12-13)
Boston Red Sox: 12-13 (12-13)
Toronto Blue Jays: 12-14 (13-13)

AL CENTRAL

Detroit Tigers: 17-9 (14-12)
Kansas City Royals: 16-9 (15-10)
Minnesota Twins: 13-12 (12-13)
Cleveland Indians: 9-15 (10-12)
Chicago White Sox: 8-14 (9-13

AL WEST

Houston Astros: 18-7 (15-10)
Los Angeles Angels: 11-14 (12-13)
Oakland Athletics: 11-15 (14-12)
Seattle Mariners: 10-15 (11-14)
Texas Rangers: 8-16 (10-14)

NL EAST

New York Mets: 16-10 (14-12)
Atlanta Braves: 12-13 (12-13)
Miami Marlins: 12-13 (13-12)
Washington Nationals: 12-14 (13-13)
Philadelphia Phillies: 9-17 (10-16)

NL CENTRAL

St. Louis Cardinals: 18-6 (15-9)
Chicago Cubs: 13-10 (12-11)
Cincinnati Reds: 12-13 (12-13)
Pittsburgh Pirates: 12-13 (14-11)
Milwaukee Brewers: 7-18 (10-15)

NL WEST

Los Angeles Dodgers: 16-8 (14-10)
San Diego Padres: 14-12 (14-12)
San Francisco Giants: 12-13 (11-14)
Colorado Rockies: 11-13 (10-14)
Arizona Diamondbacks: 10-14 (12-12)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB betting cheat sheet: White Sox can't find pop at the plate
By DOC'S SPORTS

Here's a comprehensive look at betting notes for this week’s MLB schedule:

South side heading south

Call it the curse of the empty stadium? The Chicago White Sox have not won a game since playing the Baltimore Orioles in front of zero fans last week, as a result of the Baltimore riots. Chicago has lost five in a row and has scored a total of 10 runs during the current slide. The White Sox have crossed the plate 71 times this season while no other American League club has scored fewer than 91 runs. They are 3-7-1 O/U in their last 11 overall.

Tap the Rockies

The Over should be a strong play in the upcoming series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies. The Over is 4-1-2 in Arizona's last seven overall, 5-1 in Colorado's last six overall, and 3-0-1 in Colorado's last four at home. The Over is 5-1 in the last six meetings between the two National League West rivals at Coors field.

Chronicles of Reddick

Josh Reddick (.391, 4 HR, 20 RBI) is positively on fire for the Oakland Athletics right now. The right fielder is riding an 11-game hitting streak and he is 19-for-38 in those 11. Reddick has homered in two straight games and has eight RBIs through three contests this month. Oakland is 19-6-1 O/U overall and 8-0-1 O/U in its last nine.

Pitching Notes

* San Francisco Giants' righty Ryan Vogelsong is 0-2 with a 9.31 ERA through five games (three starts) in 2015. His next start will come against the San Diego Padres Tuesday. Vogelsong went 3 2-3 innings at San Diego on April 11 and gave up five runs (four earned) on 10 hits. Last year against the Padres, the 37 year old went 0-2 with a 4.35 ERA in two outings.

* Andrew Miller's first season with the New York Yankees and first as a closer could not be going any better. In 12 appearances, Miller has not given up a single run while allowing a mere three hits. He is a perfect 10 for 10 in save opportunities. Coming off a sweep of the Boston Red Sox, the Yankees are 16-9 overall and 10-2 in their last 12. They are 1-5 O/U in their last six.

Hitting Notes

* Houston Astros' designated hitter Evan Gattis is still batting .198, but that is far better than the .109 mark with which he was saddled as recently as April 24. Gattis has hit safely in seven of his last nine games and has four multi-hit showings in those nine. He has four home runs in his last three games and 10 RBIs in his last four. The Astros are on a 10-game winning streak (8-2 O/U).

* The entire Pittsburgh Pirates' infield hit worse than .200 last week. First baseman Pedro Alvarez (.188), shortstop Jordy Mercer (.185), second baseman Neil Walker (.175), and third baseman Josh Harrison (.043) all failed to reach the Mendoza line. Center fielder Andrew McCutchen was not much better at .207. Pittsburgh has lost three in a row (0-3 O/U) and five of its last six.

Totals streak

San Diego Padres (16-9-1 O/U): San Diego is the second-most lucrative Over team in baseball behind only the Athletics (tied with the Boston Red Sox). The Padres are 5-1 O/U in their last six overall and they have scored 26 runs in their last three. That gives them 131 runs on the season, which is second best in the majors (tied with Oakland).


Injury Notes

* Atlanta Braves' third baseman Chris Johnson (.279, 5 RBI) aggravated a preexisting hand fracture when he slid into second base last Thursday. Johnson was placed on the 15-day disabled list and he could miss up to six weeks. The Braves are 2-1 (1-1-1 O/U) so far in Johnson's absence.

* After being sidelined for the entire week, Tampa Bay Rays' center fielder Desmond Jennings was finally placed on the 15-day DL on Sunday because of left-knee bursitis. Jennings had previously hit safely in three of his last four games, with two multi-hit performances in that stretch. Tampa Bay is 3-4 (0-7 O/U) without him.

Weather note

There are chances of thunderstorms all over the Big Leagues this week, but Minnesota has the most consistent call for these storms throughout the week.

Umpire trend

Umpire Dale Scott has started the season with a perfect 6-0 Over/Under record. Teams are averaging 10.7 runs per game with Scott behind home plate.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Blue Jays coach Jacoby suspended 14 games
The Sports Xchange

Toronto Blue Jays hitting coach Brook Jacoby has been suspended for 14 games by Major League Baseball for his behavior toward the umpire crew after a game last week.

The Blue Jays said Monday that they are appealing the unpaid suspension, which was supposed to begin Monday as the Blue Jays played the New York Yankees.

The incident occurred after the Blue Jays' 4-1 loss in Boston last Wednesday. Members of the Blue Jays' staff reportedly were upset with the umpires, and Jacoby allegedly crossed the line with his comments as the officials departed.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mariners place CF Jackson on DL
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

The Seattle Mariners placed center fielder Austin Jackson on the 15-day disabled list Monday due to a sprained right ankle.

The team also recalled shortstop Chris Taylor, left-hander Joe Beimel and right-hander Mark Lowe from Triple-A Tacoma.

The Mariners had two open roster spots after sending right-hander Yoervis Medina and left-hander Tyler Olson to Tacoma on Sunday.

Jackson, 28, was injured Sunday in Houston while trying to beat out an infield grounder in the third inning. He stepped on the foot of pitcher Roberto Hernandez, who was covering first base.

Jackson is hitting .242 (23-for-95) with two home runs, four RBIs and 11 runs in 25 games this season.

Taylor, 24, was hitting .313 (25-for-80) with two homers, six RBIs, 12 runs and five doubles at Tacoma. He began the season on the Mariners' disabled list with a fractured bone in his right wrist and was activated and optioned to Tacoma on April 18.

Beimel, 38, was 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in three appearances with Tacoma. With the Mariners last season, he was 3-1 with a 2.20 ERA in 45 innings over 56 games.

Lowe, 31, was 0-1 with a 1.00 ERA and 11 strikeouts in seven games at Tacoma. He returned to the Mariners' organization on a minor-league deal in December. He had spent parts of five seasons with Seattle from 2006 to 2010. In 2014, he appeared in seven games with Cleveland.

The Mariners also designated for assignment minor-league left-hander Mike Kickham and placed minor-league outfielder Julio Morban on the restricted list.

Kickham, 26, was 0-2 with a 7.29 ERA in five starts for Tacoma. He was acquired in a trade with Chicago for right-hander Lars Huijer on Jan. 14.

Morban, 23, left the team for personal reasons. He was hitting .194 in 19 games with Tacoma and Double-A Jackson.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Rockies closer Ottavino braces for Tommy John surgery
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

Colorado Rockies closer Adam Ottavino says he expects to undergo Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.

The right-hander, who is on the 15-day disabled list with right triceps inflammation, told the Denver Post on Monday that a medical evaluation revealed a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament. Surgery likely would sideline him until at least the middle of the 2016 season.

"Baseball is my love. So I will do everything I can to come back," Ottavino told the Post. "I've accepted it. I'll take it head on."

Ottavino felt soreness while pitching against the San Francisco Giants on April 25. He underwent an MRI on April 27 and was placed on the DL.

Ottavino had not allowed a run in 16 games, throwing 16 scoreless innings and giving up just six hits and two walks while striking out 17. He had recorded three saves in 10 games this season, allowing three hits, one walk and no runs while striking out 13.

Right-hander John Axford has taken over as Colorado's closer. Axford, 32, got the save April 27 but had not pitched since. In five games this season, he has a 0.00 ERA, with three hits, two walks and six strikeouts in five innings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Indians to activate Swisher
The Sports Xchange

The Cleveland Indians will activate veteran Nick Swisher in time for Tuesday's game against the Kansas City Royals.

Swisher, who had surgery on both knees in August was supposed to miss eight to 10 weeks, the Cleveland Plain Dealer said. Instead, he missed the rest of the season and hasn't played for nine months.

The Indians said he will be in the lineup as the designated hitter or play right field.

Outfielder Tyler Holt will be optioned to Triple-A Columbus to make room for Swisher on the roster.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Baseball Betting: Streaks, Tips, Notes

Tampa Bay at Boston May 5, 7:10 EST

Tampa Bay has been kind to 'Under' bettors of late. A solid pitching staff allowing 2.4 runs/game along with a struggling offense crossing 2.6 per/contest the Rays have played 'Under' in nine consecutive games.

When Tampa with left-hander Drew Smyly take on the Red Sox and Rick Porcello on Tuesday it will be more good news for 'Under' gamblers. That's because the 'Under' is a sparkling 8-1 over nine Smyly starts since being acquired by Rays last August. The 'Under' is a smart 10-2 in Boston's last twelve home games vs a left-handed starter. The 'Under' is 6-1 in Rick Porcello's last seven starts vs Rays. The total for this contest has been set at 8 to 8.5 depending on locale.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Central Rivals Square off'

Kansas City Royals losing the final two games of their set against Detroit over the weekend try to right the ship when they host Cleveland Indians who are coming off a thrashing of Toronto Sunday. Royals will trot out lefty Jason Vargas carrying a 2-1 record, 5.95 ERA on the season with his last win against Cleveland tossing 5 innings of 2 run ball. Right-hander Danny Salazar toes the rubber for Cleveland, entering with a 3-0 record, 3.32 ERA with his last appearance a victory over Royals allowing 4 runs over 6 innings of work. This being the opening game of the series should get the attention of sports handicappers keeping close tabs on these clubs. Royals have thrived in the situation going 8-0 while Indians have floundered posting a 1-7 record. The fact that Vargas is a portside hurler is yet another nod against Cleveland as facing a southpaw has not been good for Indians this year, since losses in 6 of 8 games has been the end result. Another telling baseball betting stat leaps out, the Indians are on a 0-6 skid attempting back-2-back victories. Evidence is the key in making any case, and the numbers above clearly illustrate Royals are the right choice.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Five To Follow MLB Betting: Tuesday, May 5, 2015 Opening Line Report
by Alan Matthews

We have our first managerial firing in MLB this season, and to no surprise it was Milwaukee's Ron Roenicke. Once the Marlins fixed themselves it made him the clear favorite to go first. The team has replaced him on a full-time basis by former big-league player Craig Counsell, who has no managerial experience at any level. So that begs the question of who might be next. I would put the White Sox's Robin Ventura at the top of the list, but I know owner Jerry Reinsdorf loves the guy from his playing days with the Pale Hose. That's fine, but Chicago shouldn't be in last place in the AL Central and with the worst run differential in the AL. Maybe Washington's Matt Williams could be in trouble if the Nats don't start playing to expectations. Ditto Toronto's John Gibbons.

Tigers at White Sox (-120, 8.5)

If the Sox get swept here then Ventura might be gone. They were just swept four games over the weekend by a bad Minnesota team, being outscored 31-8. Jeff Samardzija (1-2, 4.78) gets the call here. He was rocked last time out, allowing eight runs and 10 hits over five innings in that game in Baltimore that didn't have any fans in attendance. His best start of the season likely was April 17 in Detroit when Samardzija allowed a run over eight innings, striking out seven. Miguel Cabrera is 2-for-4 with a double off him. Shane Greene (3-1, 4.60) goes for the Tigers. He had been fabulous but has been shelled the last two times out, allowing 15 runs over 8.1 innings. He beat the White Sox on April 19, giving up a run over seven innings. Jose Abreu is 2-for-6 with a homer and four RBIs against him.

Key trends: The Sox have dropped five straight against right-handers. The "over/under" has gone under in 10 of Detroit's past 11 Tuesday games. The under is 5-2 in Chicago's past seven series openers.

Early lean: White Sox and over.


Rays at Red Sox (-130, 8.5)

Tampa has placed outfielder Desmond Jennings on the 15-day disabled list with bursitis in his left knee. It's the 11th player the injury-plagued Rays have placed on the DL. Jennings was supposed to be a star, but the 28-year-old is hitting just .222 with one extra-base hit. Lefty Drew Smyly (0-0, 3.38) starts for Tampa. He has made only two starts after beginning the season on the DL. He allowed two runs over six innings and struck out 10 Yankees last time out in a no-decision. Last year Smyly was 1-0 with a 2.31 ERA in two starts against Boston but never pitched at Fenway. David Ortiz is 4-for-7 with a homer and two RBIs against him. It's Rick Porcello (2-2, 5.34) for Boston. He had his best start as a Red Sox last time out, allowing one run and two hits over seven innings against the Jays. James Loney is a career .385 hitter off him. Evan Longoria just 2-for-14.

Key trends: The Rays are 6-0 in Smyly's past six starts. The Sox have dropped five straight Game 2s of a series. The under is 8-1 in Smyly's past nine overall.

Early lean: Rays and under.


Indians at Royals (-105, 7.5)

Kansas City is likely to activate closer Greg Holland before this game. He has been out since April 17 with a strained right pectoral muscle. He was eligible to be activated Saturday, but the team wanted to see how he did in a simulated game first. Lefty Jason Vargas (2-1, 5.95) starts for the Royals. He allowed two runs and three hits over five innings last time out vs. Cleveland. He did walk five. Jason Kipnis is 5-for-15 with a double and four RBIs against Vargas. David Murphy just 2-for-24. It's Danny Salazar (3-0, 3.32) for the Tribe. He had his worst start of the season last time out against the Royals, allowing four runs and six hits over six innings. But he still won. Eric Hosmer is 6-for-12 with three doubles and a homer against Salazar.

Key trends: The Indians are 0-7 in their past seven after a win. The Royals are 7-2 in Vargas' past nine in Game 1 of a series. The over is 5-1 in Salazar's past six vs. K.C.

Early lean: Indians and over.


Mariners at Angels (-137, 7.5)

Seattle center fielder Austin Jackson surely won't play in this one and might have to go on the disabled list after spraining his right ankle in the third inning Sunday while running out an infield grounder. Jackson is batting .242 with 11 runs, two doubles, two homers and four RBIs in 25 games. Justin Ruggiano should start as long as Jackson is out. Lefty James Paxton (0-2, 5.74) gets the call for the M's. He did have his best outing of the season last time out, allowing two runs and five hits over seven innings against Houston. His season debut was vs. the Angels and Paxton allowed two runs over six innings. David Freese is 5-for-14 with two homers and three RBIs off him. Garrett Richards (2-1, 3.00) goes for the Halos. He allowed a run and four hits over six innings against Oakland in his last start and hasn't faced Seattle this year. Kyle Seager is 6-for-19 with a double and two RBIs against him.

Key trends: The Mariners have dropped five straight Paxton starts on the road. The Angels are 8-2 in Richards' past 10 vs. the AL West. The under is 5-0 in Richards' past five vs. Seattle.

Early lean: Angels and under.


Padres at Giants (+110, 7)

The Giants' Ryan Vogelsong (0-2, 9.31) is going to be demoted to the bullpen if he gets knocked around again. He has been arguably the worst starter in the National League thus far. He pitched in San Diego on April 11 and allowed five runs and nine hits over 3.2 innings. Last time out he allowed four homers in 3.0 innings against the Dodgers. Matt Kemp hits him well, going 12-for-32 with a homer and seven RBIs. It's San Diego ace Andrew Cashner (1-4, 2.61). He allowed two earned and struck out a season-high 10 in his last start vs. Houston, going seven innings. As you can see by his record, Cashner isn't getting much run support. Buster Posey is 9-for-17 with two homers and four RBIs off Cashner.

Key trends: The Padres are 3-7 in Cashner's past 10 on the road. The Giants are 1-5 in Vogelsong's past six vs. the NL West. The under is 9-3 in Vogelsong's past 12 at home.

Early lean: Padres and over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tuesday's six-pack

-- Clippers 117, Rockets 101-- Will Clippers rest CP3's hamstring in Game 2?

-- Bulls 99, Cavaliers 92-- Cleveland missed Love (injured), Smith (suspended).

-- Kentucky Derby winner American Pharoah wears ear plugs when he races.

-- Washington 1, NY Rangers 0-- Capitals grab 2-1 series lead.

-- A's scored 4 runs in top of 1st last night, Cubs scored 5; neither team won.

-- Rays 5, Red Sox 1-- Boston lost nine of its last twelve games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play TUES Mets w/ Colon -130