Wednesday 6/17/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

2015 US Open Picks: Golf Betting Odds and Expert Predictions
by Alan Matthews

Every year, there are probably a good five tournaments or so on the PGA Tour won by a guy who would make casual golf fans or bettors go, "Who?"

That was indeed the case last week as relative unknown Argentine Fabian Gomez won the FedEx St. Jude Classic in Memphis for his first Tour victory. Gomez, 36, shot a 4-under 66 Sunday to finish 13-under and four strokes ahead of another rather unknown, England's Greg Owen. Those two each began the day at 9-under. Gomez's first win came in his 70th career start (Owen hasn't won in 214 career starts). Since 2006, Gomez had earned $1.6 million in 69 starts on the PGA Tour. On Sunday he got a check for $1.1 million. He is only the fifth Argentine to ever win a Tour event, joining Angel Cabrera, Roberto De Vicenzo, José C�ceres and Andres Romero.

Probably the biggest story last week, though, was Phil Mickelson finishing tied for third at 8-under. He shot a 65 on Sunday, which was his best round since a 62 at the WGC-Bridgestone last August. That St. Jude result had to do wonders for Lefty's confidence ahead of the one tournament he wants more than any other.

I had heard of Gomez but honestly couldn't have told you he was still active on Tour, so needless to say he wasn't my choice to win last week. I went with Ryan Palmer and was feeling good about that after an opening 64, but he wouldn't break 70 again and finished T22. I also took a Big 4 of Dustin Johnson, Mickelson, Billy Horschel and Palmer against the field, so that fizzled. Johnson withdrew after nine holes on Thursday with an illness. Horschel finished T8, so I hit on him at +125 for a Top 10 (also had Palmer and Johnson there). On the "over/under" finishing props, I hit on under 17.5 for Horschel and over 21.5 for Webb Simpson. Otherwise not much to celebrate from TPC Southwind.

So now we head to the second major of the season, the 115th US Open, usually the toughest test in golf. And boy is this year's event chock full of story lines. From a player perspective, certainly No. 1 has to be Mickelson looking to complete the career Grand Slam. He has come oh so close in the US Open, finishing second an agonizing six times. It's our first major featuring No. 1 Rory McIlroy and No. 2 Jordan Spieth with both as major winners. Spieth of course won his first in April at the Masters and looks to become the first player since 2002 to win that and the US Open in the same year. Will Tiger Woods win his first major since the 2008 US Open? He comes off arguably the worst tournament of his career, finishing last at the Memorial. Will Sergio Garcia win his first major?

But the thing I am most interested in is the Chambers Bay course not far from Seattle, a mammoth 7,742-yard par-70 that features the three longest par-4s in US Open history. Oh, and did I mention this is a links-style -- i.e. British Open -- course built right off Puget Sound? There is one tree and no typical rough on this beast, it's fescue grass. That means balls will roll forever unless in the thicker grass that passes for rough. According to Golf Digest, this is the first course ever specifically built to host a US Open. It only opened eight years ago. It did host the 2010 U.S. Amateur. Spieth played in that and had one round of 83. The scoring average for Chambers Bay on Day 1 of qualifying was 79.87 back then. If the winner here isn't over par I will be stunned. To add more intrigue, this is the first time an Open will have holes that will alternate par. (The par on the 18th hole will alternate between four and five, in an opposite manner to No. 1, so par for the course remains 70.)

Finally, Fox TV takes over the rights for the US Open this year, so it will be interesting how that network (and Fox Sports 1) handles golf. Should be good theater, especially with prime-time golf.

Golf Odds: US Open Favorites

McIlroy is the +700 favorite. He of course won the 2011 US Open in record-setting fashion at Congressional outside Washington, D.C., but that course is like another planet compared to this one. He won the British Open last year, so that can only help here. McIlroy is having a fabulous Tour season with two wins and just one finish outside the Top 15.

Spieth is 8/1 . He might have an advantage because his caddie, Michael Greller, is a former looper at Chambers Bay. Spieth comes in off a third-place finish at the Memorial and has four wins in his past 17 world-wide starts.

The favorites are rounded out by Mickelson (16/1), Johnson, Justin Rose and Rickie Fowler (all 18/1). Mickelson did win the British Open two years ago. Rose won the US Open two years ago and finished runner-up last time out at the Memorial. Johnson is apparently fine now, and his length with be a big advantage. He was T4 last year at the US Open and looks for his first major. Fowler is overdue for a major title after contending in all four last year. He missed the cut at the Memorial.

PGA Tour Golf Odds: US Open Picks and Predictions

As usual for a major, there are dozens and dozens of props available. That there will be a hole-in-one is actually a +105 underdog. I still like that. That there's a playoff is +300 ("no" -400). Remember, that would be 18 holes on Monday. For the winning nationality, an American is -175, a European +200 and rest of the world at +650. Spieth is the +450 favorite to be top American. Henrik Stenson is the +225 favorite for top continental European. McIlroy is +225 to be top overall European. You can get nearly every big name on whether they make the cut. I'm going no on Tiger at -130. Bubba Watson I don't like this week, either. Take him at +220 to miss the cut.

I have no idea who will win because this is such a unique US Open, I won't lie. I do think it's a European because of their links background. I'll take McIlroy at 8/11 for a Top 10 and both Johnson and Mickelson at 3/2. Like Sergio Garcia at 11/4. Head-to-head, go with Mickelson at -120 over Rose (-110), Hideki Matsuyama at -140 over Watson (-110), Gary Woodland (-115) over Charley Hoffman (-115), Johnson (-115) over Fowler (-115), Garcia (-115) over Jim Furyk (-115) and defending champion Martin Kaymer (-115) over Brandt Snedeker.

Take the Big 4 of McIlroy, Spieth, Rose and Johnson at +180 over the field (-240). I wish Sergio was in there as I think he contends. But I'll go with McIlroy to win.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Grand River Raceway

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


Race 9 - Post: 9:10 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 61 - Purse:$7000 - FILLIES & MARES - N/W $10000. LIFETIME


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 3 ENNISTYMON 8/5


# 4 HELLO MARYLIN 10/1


# 5 A KISS TO REMEMBER 5/2

ENNISTYMON is the clear stand out wager in the eyes of the consortium. This harness racer may have some hidden form, a ultimate prize would be a pleasant surprise. A respectable class horse cannot be overlooked. With an avg class rating of 67 all signs point to yes. Can't forget the connections here, a 21 winning stat, one of the most compelling at getting into the winners circle. HELLO MARYLIN - Had one of the most compelling TrackMaster Speed Ratings of the pack in her last race. A good idea to use in your bets. A KISS TO REMEMBER - This horse earned a good TrackMaster Speed Rating last out. Looks in fine form to come right back. Horoscope said take a chance today, this contender is as good as any to take a shot with.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Scioto Downs

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


Race 12 - Post: 10:10 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 76 - Purse:$8000 - HORSES & GELDINGS WINNERS OF 1 BUT NOT MORE THAN 3 PMRLT TO BE CLAIMED FOR $17,500


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 9 INDIANA CAM 3/1


# 3 RIVER THAMES 4/1


# 5 SOUPBEANS ERNIE 6/1

INDIANA CAM will not be denied the win here. Positive instinct - squaring off well enough to contend in this outing. May provide us a trip to the winner's circle based on very good recent TrackMaster Speed Ratings - earning an avg of 80. This interesting entrant earned a really good TrackMaster Speed Rating last time out. Looks sharp to come right back. RIVER THAMES - This race horse may have some hidden form, a top prize would be a pleasant surprise. SOUPBEANS ERNIE - Starters win from this post at Scioto Downs with better than average regularity, suggesting this solid wager. Win percentage for this driver-handler is a sparkling 25 percent - super likelihood.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Wednesday
By Mike Dempsey

We were supposed to see California Chrome in action this morning from Royal Ascot in the Prince of Wales Stakes (G1), but a foot abscess knocked last year’s Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness (G1) winner out of the race.

The colt has been in England since shortly after running second in the Dubai World Cup (G1) and was being looked after by trainer Rae Guest.

Trainer Art Sherman told Steve Anderson of The Daily Racing Form, “The prognosis looks good. I X-rayed his foot, and he looks good. He’s just got an abscess. Sometimes it’s three or four days before it pops out, sometimes it’s 10 days before it pops. I was worried it was something else coming on.”

Now the question is what’s next for the colt. His connections may keep him overseas for the Coral Eclipse Stakes (G1) at Sandown Park on July 4, or he could head back to the U.S.

When he left for Dubai co-owner Steve Coburn was still calling California Chrome ‘America’s Horse” but that is obviously no longer the case with American Pharoah winning the Triple Crown.

I say bring the colt back to the U.S., and if turf is what his connections want to run him on, there are plenty of options. The Arlington Million (G1) at Arlington Park on Aug. 15 would be a good option.

Or perhaps returning him to dirt to get him ready for the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) and a showdown with American Pharoah would be ideal. The Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar would be a good start.

Here is today’s opening race from Belmont Park to get the day off to a good start:

BEL Race 1 Clm $16,000N2L (1:20 ET)
3 D' Financial Mogul 5-2
4 Byron's Pop 8-1
7 Harpoon 9-5
2 Mizner Park 5-1

Analysis: Financial Mogul makes his first start since November for the Rice barn that is 12% winners with runners coming back off a +180 day layoff. The gelding ran second last out against $25,000 non-winners of two and was claimed out of the race. A decent breeze on June 8 and this is not a real tough looking spot. He was gelded while he was away and good to see CVel take the call.

Byron's Call bobbled coming out of the gate, pressed the early pace, took command and then ran out of gas in the stretch, weakening to finish fourth at this level. The gelding was making his first start off a six-month layoff. He should be tighter here for his second start off the bench for Jacobson who is 21% winners with runners making their second start off a +180 day layoff.

Wagering
WIN: #3 to win at 2-1 or better.
EX: 3, 4 / 2,3,4, 7
TRI: 3,4 / 2,3,4,7 / 2,3,4,6,7

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Belmont Park:

BEL Race 7 Clm $25,000 (4:26 ET)
11 Chelsea Road 3-1
2 First Whippoorwill 4-1
5 Ave's Halo 4-1
4 Desert Bliss 7-2

Analysis: Chelsea Road drops out of a $40,000 claimer on the main track where the mare tracked the early pace and did not have enough punch left late in a third place finish in a field of five. It was her first start off a nine month layoff and she has run well over the grass here, landing in the money in all three trips. The Rice barn is 14% winners with runners making their second start off a +180 day layoff. This looks like a good spot dropping in for $25,000.

First Whippoorwill set the early fractions and weakened to finish third last out for this tag going seven furlongs on the grass. Two back at Pimlico she was beaten just a head for $20,000. The cut back from seven to six furlongs should suit her. She has landed in the exacta in 11 of her 21 career starts on turf.

Race Rating: $$$

Wagering
WIN: #11 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 2,11 / 2,4,5,11
TRI: 2,11 / 2,4,5,11 / 2,3,4,5,11

Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Belmont Park
R1: #4 Byron’s Pop 8-1
R2: #8 Gregg’s Beauty 12-1
R4: #7 Bibby 8-1
R9: #6 Paradise Peak 10-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Northfield: Wednesday 6/17 Analysis + Pick Four ticket
By Jeremey Day

DRF HARNESS

Race 8 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Jeremey’s $1 Pick Four Ticket:

1,6,9 / 1,3 / 1,4 / 7 = $12


Best Bet: SAND ROYAL BLU (11th)

Spot Play: MYSTERY RINGER (14th)


Race 1

(3) CALLIT AS U SEEIT went a big half mile last out before fading badly. If the filly trotter can ration out her speed she has a shot. (2) LIKES TO FLIRT owns some ability and gets post relief. (6) LOFTY CHIP could be primed for a better effort second start off the bench.

Race 2

(3) WHATA PACIFIC gelding adds second time lasix off a nice victory at this level. (2) BROOKLETS BLISS had a perfect pocket ride behind the top choice last out and couldn't make up any ground; use underneath. (9) SOMEONECALLTHEPOPO is one of few in the race with a win on the year; threat.

Race 3

(6) LULA'S LIL SWEETIE mare has really turned it around this year and looks to have more in the tank. (3) EL CERRITO PLACE gets a much better starting spot. The mare is 0 for her career but has been knocking on the door in recent. (1) BUSY CORNERS ROSE needs to stay trotting for a chance to hit the ticket.

Race 4

In a tough race to gauge, (6) ROCKY MY BOY will offer a monster price and is one of few in the race who's shown a decent burst of speed. (9) EARLYMORNINARRIVAL is 0 for 20 on the year but faces a weak bunch. (3) CUSTOM MADE has just been racing evenly; command a price.

Race 5

(2) TROT ON WATER nine-year-old gelding just missed at this level last out and could be in line for another ideal trip up close. (7) STIRLING BOUDICA beat this same bunch last week from the worst starting position. (4) STURDY'S BABY usually offers low value and has been unreliable; use caution.

Race 6

(4) COUNT FULL MAC if the 4-year-old stays trotting its lights out. (3) LU'S NEELY raced well last start racing gamely. (6) SARKIN HANOVER will look to make it two straight but will need more.

Race 7

(6) THREESOCKSNGO has started to blossom winning two straight. The pacer has some upside and just needs to work out a smooth trip. (9) DOLORD lightly raced 4-year-old is one of few threats in the race and has room to improve. (2) GOOD BY ALIBUYE pacer makes his third start for a new trainer and has shown steady improvement.

Race 8

In a field full of question marks, (9) CLAYTON MORRIS looks terrible on paper but when right is capable of pacing a decent mile. (6) J F COOKIN should be another big price and has been competitive against better. (1) TIDEWATER TOMCAT pacer picks up the top driver with the best post.

Race 9

(3) DUNKS BROTHER will offer the better price of the contenders; fires early. (1) HOORAY FOR WILLIE has yet to win on the year but finds a weak and inconsistent field. (2) REGAL GLIDE has room to improve off of a decent qualifier.

Race 10

(4) FOLLOW THROUGH takes a significant drop in class and just needs a smooth trip to cash. (1) CAN REPEAT picks up a huge driver change with the best post. (5) DANNY'S MAN rarely wins but has been pacing faster than most of the field.

Race 11

(7) SAND ROYAL BLU just needs to stay trotting for a victory down in class. (1) NEELY'S BOY gets big time post relief but will need more should the top choice mind his manners. (5) LINUS B WORTHY could have some of the kinks worked out after a nice qualifier.

Race 12

(3) BLUE JACKET LUKE looks to be the horse to beat in the series coming off a dominating victory. (9) NORTHERN CONE is probably the only threat to the top choice but is up against it starting from the second tier. (1) SAMMY DE VIE three-year-old trotter has more than what he shows on paper.

Race 13

In a wide open and evenly matched race, (5) KJ'S FOXY LADY made the most money in the field last year and could be ready for an improved effort second start at this level. (2) HULA LU closed a ton of ground late last out; threat. (7) WYGANT BELLE just needs to find a way into the race for a chance to hit the ticket.

Race 14

(1) MYSTERY RINGER is just now back in racing shape and has room to improve. (2) LETS JUST DANCE drops in class second start back off a long layoff; threat. (5) SON OF A SPUR has racked up wins at this level in previous seasons.

Race 15

(8) RELLA ON ATTACK has not won in a very long time. The pacer needs to find a way into the race for a shot to hit the ticket late. (5) DRAGON SPIKE gelding gets sent out for the top trainer and should offer a better price than his last few. (4) UCAN CALL ME REI should be closer turning for home against a suspect bunch.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Camarero

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


Race 1 - Allowance - 7.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $14650 Class Rating: 108

FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. WEIGHT, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JUNE 2, 2015 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE MAY 17, 2015 ALLOWED 4 LBS. A RACE SINCE APRIL 17, 2015 ALLOWED 7 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 2 DADDY LOVES GOLD 1/5


# 3 WILD KIRA 12/1


# 1 BY MY SIDE 20/1


I've got to go with DADDY LOVES GOLD. Could provide positive gains based on respectable recent speed figs with an average of 90. This mare has a good win percent in dirt sprint races. Has been running admirably lately and will most likely be up on the front end early on. WILD KIRA - Ought to be given a chance based on the very good speed figure garnered in the last contest. The average Equibase class rating alone makes this entrant a solid choice. BY MY SIDE - Should come out strong - I have liked the way this mare has moved promptly to the lead recently. Is a solid choice - given the 76 speed fig from her most recent race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Fair Meadows

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


Race 2 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $6500 Class Rating: 63

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 116 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 3 KONAWA TIGER 2/1


# 5 SHAKEY PUDDN 3/1


# 2 SWEET ALY BET 6/1


KONAWA TIGER looks strong to best this field. Has to be given consideration against this group displaying quite good figures recently and an average speed figure of 50 under similar conditions. Overall the Equibase speed figs of this racer look decent in this contest. With a respectable 62 Equibase speed fig last time out, will definitely be a factor in this contest. SHAKEY PUDDN - Must be in form if the conditioner is bringing her back so quickly. Has to be carefully examined - I like the figs from the last contest. SWEET ALY BET - This mare has some longshot handicapping angles I like to take a chance on. A solid 70 avg class fig may give this mare a distinct class edge against this field.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Presque Isle Downs - Race #1 - Post: 5:25pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,000 Class Rating: 53

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 ARTY'S CIGAR (ML=2/1)
#4 COPIOUS REWARD (ML=8/5)
#2 CLIFFS OF MALIBU (ML=12/1)


ARTY'S CIGAR - Have to give this gelding a good chance. Ran a good race last race out within the last 30 days. Entered last at Presque Isle Downs in a race with an Equibase class figure of 62. Dropping a significant amount in class rating this time puts him in a solid position right here. Came home in quick time last time around the track. A positive sign. COPIOUS REWARD - Traditional handicapping angle - 3rd or 4th start after a vacation generally leads to a big effort. Should run a big one here. A repeat of that most recent effort on May 30th where he garnered a speed figure of 64 looks strong enough to prove victorious in this affair. Trying to break maiden moving from a race on the grass to the dirt. I think Trombetta will have him in good shape for today's race. CLIFFS OF MALIBU - Ran last time out against a much better field at Charles Town. The move down in the class scale should suit him well. The rider and handler combination have a profitable return on investment when they team up.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 ENJOYABLE JOURNEY (ML=3/1), #3 TENNESSEE WRANGLER (ML=7/2), #9 CORTEZ SILVER (ML=6/1),

ENJOYABLE JOURNEY - If you keep betting these kind of 'bridesmaid' types, you're going to be disillusioned most every time. This entrant hasn't won at this racing venue. TENNESSEE WRANGLER - Today's race is 6 furlongs. Hasn't hit the board in a sprint affair in the last two months. Not the best of indicators. I'd like to see more conducive recent outings with morning line of 7/2. This horse garnered a speed fig in his last affair which likely isn't good enough in today's event. CORTEZ SILVER - 6/1 is too low of a price to take on this horse.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: The Brain - CLIFFS OF MALIBU - Racing pattern would suggest this animal is fit and in good condition for today's race. Should do well.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#1 ARTY'S CIGAR is going to be the play if we are getting 8/5 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,4]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Woodbine - Race #8 - Post: 10:15pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $31,000 Class Rating: 70

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#2 SLIPPER STILL FITS (ML=9/5)


SLIPPER STILL FITS - Jockey jumped on this filly's back for the first time on May 29th. Should be acquainted with the horse even better in today's contest. Faced tougher last out at Woodbine. Based on Equibase class figures, this is a weaker bunch, so I will put this horse on my list of contenders. You have to really like that recent race rating, 72, which is the highest latest race speed fig of this field. I am keen on that latest outing on May 29th at Woodbine where she ended up third.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 GRACIOUS GEISHA (ML=2/1), #5 FORWARD RATE (ML=4/1), #4 ESSENCE OF AUDRE (ML=6/1),

GRACIOUS GEISHA - Tough to put your cash on this speedy one. Too much zip in the race. Somewhat easily forgotten speed fig last time around the track at Woodbine at 1 1/16 miles. Don't believe this entrant will improve too much in today's event. FORWARD RATE - Tough to play any vulnerable equine in a sprint race if she hasn't hit the board in a sprint in the last two months. It seems like too much early speed is on board in this event. This speedy one will probably get cooked up front. ESSENCE OF AUDRE - This filly hasn't been showing me anything positive in the last two races around the track. This less than sharp equine ran a pedestrian speed figure last out. She shouldn't show signs of improvement and will probably lose in today's race running that rating.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #2 SLIPPER STILL FITS to win if you can get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Pass

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #1 - BELMONT PARK - 1:20 PM EASTERN POST

6.0 FURLONGS DIRT THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD $16,000.00 CLAIMING $28,000.00 PURSE

#7 HARPOON
#3 FINANCIAL MOGUL
#2 MIZNER PARK
#6 FIT TO KEEP

#7 HARPOON is the overall speed leader in this claiming field sprinting at 6.0 furlongs on the dirt, drops in class (-9), and has produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in each of his last five outings,, including a "POWER RUN PLACE" finish facing better company in his last start. #3 FINANCIAL MOGUL has also produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in five straight, however, I did not consider this entry for my "top slot" since that last race was some 207 days ago. Jockey Cornelio Velasquez and Trainer Linda Rice send him to the post ... they've hit the board with 51% of their last 170 entries saddled as a team to date.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Wednesday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Belmont Park (5th) You Lie, 5-1
(9th) Shotgun Love, 5-1

Charles Town (4th) R C's Diamond Boy, 9-2
(7th) Charitable Annuity, 9-2

Delaware Park (3rd) Sweet Butterfly, 7-2
(5th) Eye of the Moon, 5-1


Evangeline Downs (4th) Thats It Imleaving, 3-1
(6th) On the Double, 4-1


Indiana Grand (4th) La Nina de Indy, 4-1
(7th) Franks Officer Gal, 4-1


Louisiana Downs (4th) Queen of the Walk, 7-2
(6th) Netcents, 4-1


Mountaineer (2nd) Bluegrass Bull, 3-1
(8th) Flying Posse, 4-1


Penn National (2nd) Hula Party, 7-2
(4th) Alfredo Romana, 4-1


Presque Isle Downs (2nd) Maya Elizabeth, 3-1
(6th) Medieval Sword, 3-1


Thistledown (2nd) Red Joan, 9-2
(3rd) Cane Garden Bay, 3-1


Woodbine (2nd) One Way Talk, 3-1
(5th) Mahogany Road, 4-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB Preview: Giants (35-31) at Mariners (29-36)

Game: 3
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: June 17, 2015 10:10 PM EDT

Felix Hernandez and Madison Bumgarner have been two of baseball's best pitchers over the last half-decade, though Hernandez has hardly looked the part lately.

He'll try to bounce back from an abysmal outing Wednesday night as the Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants take their series to Safeco Field.

Bumgarner (7-3, 3.16 ERA) ranks sixth in the majors since 2011 with 67 wins, while Hernandez (9-3, 3.38) is tied for eighth at 63. Both also rank in the top 10 in strikeouts and ERA in that span.

Hernandez hasn't been right lately, though, and is coming off what he called the worst start of his career. He gave up eight runs and two homers while matching a personal worst by only recording one out in Friday's 10-0 loss at Houston.

"Look, he's human," manager Lloyd McClendon said. "He had a tough night."

Hernandez was two starts removed from giving up seven runs over 4 2-3 innings of a 7-2 loss to the New York Yankees. The right-hander has a 4.50 ERA in his last eight while giving up nine home runs in 48 innings, a rate of 1.69 per nine. He's averaged 0.72 for his career.

Bumgarner enters off his first loss in six starts despite a solid outing, limiting Arizona to one run over eight innings in a 1-0 defeat Friday. He walked a season-high three and allowed nine hits, though he retired nine of the last 10 he faced.

"He's a warrior," manager Bruce Bochy told MLB's official website. "He regrouped, started mixing (pitches) up a little bit more and did a great job, as he normally does."

The left-hander is 5-1 on the road and 15-4 in his last 21 outings away from home.

He held Seattle to one run in eight innings in his only previous matchup, a 2-1 walk-off win for the Mariners on June 17, 2012. Hernandez was on the mound in that one, yielding one run and striking out seven over seven innings.

Hernandez had won his two previous starts against the Giants in 2006 and 2009, giving up five earned runs in 14 innings.

These clubs split two games in San Francisco, with the Giants (35-31) snapping a five-game losing streak with Tuesday's 6-2 victory. The six runs were one fewer than they had totaled during the skid. Matt Duffy went 3 for 4 with a homer and three RBIs,

"This is a game we needed just to kind of change momentum of how things have been going," said Casey McGehee, who doubled in two runs as a pinch-hitter. "Definitely a better taste in our mouth getting on the plane this way rather than the alternative."

Seattle (29-36) had five hits, including two by Brad Miller, who drove in both runs. Nelson Cruz was 0 for 4, falling to 3 for his last 22 with six strikeouts.

Robinson Cano has struggled to hit lefties, batting .210, though he has never faced Bumgarner. Kyle Seager is 12 for his last 30 off left-handers with four home runs and two doubles.

San Francisco, which had lost nine straight at home before Tuesday, has been baseball's best road team over the last month, winning 12 of 16. The Mariners have averaged 1.8 runs while dropping eight of nine at home.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Capping the Padres' plans and the biggest MLB betting movers and shakers
By JOE FORTENBAUGH

After dumping an exorbitant amount of both money and resources this past offseason in an effort to upgrade their roster for a playoff push in 2015, it came as little surprise on Monday to learn that the struggling 32-33 San Diego Padres had handed manager Bud Black his walking papers.

Black, who was with the club since 2007, was on thin ice after last year’s 77-85 campaign and clearly the new management team wasn’t about to stick with a guy who was underachieving so significantly with a revamped roster that hit the board at 20/1 to win the World Series on Opening Day.

The big question now for the Padres is at what point does this team definitively answer the age-old question: Are we buyers or sellers? The MLB trade deadline is just over a month away and it’s hard to believe that San Diego’s front office will want to raise the white flag after such a headline-grabbing offseason.

The upside here is that the Padres are just six games out of first place in the National League West, so two good weeks of baseball could have this team right back in the hunt. The downside is that the two clubs ahead of San Diego - Los Angeles and San Francisco - remain steady and consistent, exactly as both were intended to be back in late March.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Let’s take an in-depth look at the 10 teams who have experienced the biggest swings in World Series price at the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook since May 18:

Heating up

Texas Rangers (500/1 to 30/1): Considered by many to contend with the upstart Houston Astros for last place in the American League West, the Rangers have stunned baseball insiders and fans alike through the first 63 games of the season by taking advantage of a surprisingly weak division to reside 2.5 games out of first place.

The Rangers won 13 of 17 contests beginning May 20 at Boston thanks, in large part, to the awakening of Prince Fielder, who is currently hitting an astounding .343 while leading the club in home runs, RBIs, on base percentage and hits. As of the current moment, the only question for this squad is what to do at third base once Adrian Beltre is ready to return, as highly-touted prospect Joey Gallo is mashing at a .300 clip with four jacks through his first 11 big league games.

Pittsburgh Pirates (30/1 to 12/1): It was only a matter of time before former MVP Andrew McCutchen and company went streaking, as the Pirates currently boast a staggering plus-45 run differential, good for fourth in Major League Baseball.

This squad will have its hands full trying to knock off the white-hot St. Louis Cardinals (six games back despite a 35-27 record), but the Pittsburgh rotation currently owns a collective ERA of just 2.65 (second in MLB) thanks to Cy Young candidate Gerrit Cole (10-2, 1.71 ERA). Take note that 10 of the Pirates’ next 13 games come against the likes of the White Sox, Reds and Braves, who are currently a combined 14 games under .500.

San Francisco Giants (25/1 to 12/1): The defending champs scratched back into contention following a scorching month of May in which the team posted a 21-9 record with an astounding eight shutouts and a dramatic climb from 29th in MLB in runs scored to 16th. But the good times have come to an abrupt halt thanks to an eight-game home losing streak, shaky starting pitching and an untimely wrist injury to right fielder Hunter Pence.

Recently it was noted that San Francisco General Manger Brian Sabean was in Chicago over the weekend scouting Reds soon-to-be free agent pitchers Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake, so a possible “We’re in it to win it” trade could be on the horizon. Still, it’s somewhat hard to envision this team making a deep postseason run with a rotation that features Tim Hudson, Ryan Vogelsong, Chris Heston and Tim Lincecum.

Tampa Bay Rays (40/1 to 20/1): Like every year at this time, nobody gave the Rays a puncher’s chance at making any noise in 2015, yet the team sits tied for the lead in the AL East on June 15 (35-29) with a run differential of plus-14.

Tampa Bay has won nine of its last 12 outings and has an emerging star in pitcher Chris Archer (7-4, 2.00 ERA), who has led the team’s rotation to a lights out ERA of 3.29 (fourth in MLB). Bettors should be weary of the streaking Blue Jays (winners of 11 straight), but we’ve seen that movie before and it doesn’t end well for the good folks of Toronto.

Cleveland Indians (40/1 to 30/1): Be very, very careful about how you approach the Indians, as the club is currently trapped in “front office purgatory,” which is a blunt way of saying they aren’t sure whether they will be buyers or sellers come the late July trade deadline.

Predicted by many to contend for the pennant, the left side of Cleveland’s infield has been a disaster (also as predicted by many) and the starting rotation has been slow out of the gates. But if Kluber, Carrasco & Co. can catch fire and the defense can hold down the fort in a more respectable fashion (SS prodigy Francisco Lindor was just called up), this team may be able to fight its way back into contention, as the Indians are just 6.5 games out of first place at the moment despite a 29-33 record.

Cooling down

Seattle Mariners (20/1 to 50/1): The good news for Mariners fans is that despite a horrific start to what was supposed to be a championship-contending season, Seattle is just 7.5 games out of first in the AL West thanks to an Astros team that has gone 2-8 over its last 10 games.

The bad news - and there’s plenty - is that the bullpen is a mess (3.65 ERA, 19th in MLB), the team is a shockingly bad minus-45 in run differential (fifth-worst in MLB) and the club has been shutout in three of its last four outings. The key note to monitor here is the minus-45 run differential, which based on Pythagorean win/loss expectations has the Mariners as a 25-win team at the moment instead of their current record of 28-35, meaning this organization is likely to get worse before it gets better.

Miami Marlins (60/1 to 100/1): Help is on the way in the form of phenom pitcher Jose Fernandez, but it may be too little too late for a Marlins team that is seven games out of first, has already fired one manager this season and is minus-22 in run differential. A fire sale is likely on the horizon if the team continues to feature 34-year-old Dan Haren and his 3.22 ERA as its ace pitcher.

Boston Red Sox (30/1 to 50/1): One good week is all it would take for the Red Sox to climb back into contention in the AL East (eight games back), but even that looks to be too much for a floundering organization led by David Ortiz’s .229 batting average and high-priced free agent acquisition Pablo Sandoval’s unacceptable .389 slugging percentage.

The Red Sox are getting torched in every way imaginable, which has been highlighted by an AL-worst minus-60 run differential. Don’t be surprised if the Red Sox become marquee sellers at the trade deadline.

Cincinnati Reds (100/1 to 300/1): The Reds are 13 games out in the toughest division in baseball and currently boast just one player with a .300 batting average in second baseman Brandon Phillips (.302).

Ranking 16th or worse in MLB in scoring, starting pitching ERA and bullpen ERA provides little hope that this club will turn things around before the July trade deadline, which means that pitchers Cueto and Leake could be on their way out of town in a hurry.

Detroit Tigers (9/1 to 14/1): The Tigers have ripped off five wins over their last seven games after having dropped 11 of 13, so a three-game deficit between them and AL Central-leading Kansas City isn’t exactly a doomsday scenario.

Former Cy Young winner Justin Verlander went five strong innings in his season debut on June 13, but the Tigers desperately need a left-handed bat in the lineup to provide some pop until the switch-hitting Victor Martinez (knee) returns from his rehab assignment.

RESILIENCY

When it comes to bouncing back after a loss, here are the best and the worst Major League Baseball has to offer:

St. Louis Cardinals: 14-7 (.667)
Chicago Cubs: 18-9 (.667)
Los Angeles Dodgers: 17-9 (.654)
Cleveland Indians: 19-13 (.594)
Texas Rangers: 17-12 (.586)

Philadelphia Phillies: 13-28 (.317)
Miami Marlins: 13-23 (.361)
Milwaukee Brewers: 15-24 (.385)
Cincinnati Reds: 13-20 (.394)
Colorado Rockies: 14-20 (.412)

Note: The 34-30 San Francisco Giants rank sixth-worst in MLB in record when coming off a loss at 12-17 (.414).

THESE DOGS LIKE TO BITE

At the current moment, only four teams in Major League Baseball are turning a profit for bettors when posted in the underdog role. Those teams include:

San Francisco Giants: 18-9 (.667)
Minnesota Twins: 29-22 (.569)
Kansas City Royals: 14-11 (.560)
Houston Astros: 20-16 (.556)

A GOOD NIGHT’S REST

Which teams excel or falter the most when given exactly one day of rest?

San Francisco Giants: 6-1 (.857)
San Diego Padres: 4-1 (.800)
Washington Nationals: 6-2 (.750)
Detroit Tigers: 5-2 (.714)
Toronto Blue Jays: 5-2 (.714)

Minnesota Twins: 2-7 (.222)
Baltimore Orioles: 2-5 (.286)
Milwaukee Brewers: 2-4 (.333)
Tampa Bay Rays: 2-4 (.333)
Colorado Rockies: 3-6 (.333)

All stats as of Monday, June 15.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB roundup: Orioles pound Phillies 19-3
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

BALTIMORE -- Manny Machado and Chris Parmelee each homered twice as the Baltimore Orioles set a team record with eight homers in a 19-3 victory on Tuesday night that extended the Philadelphia Phillies' losing streak to eight games.

Machado hit solo homers in the first and second innings as the Orioles belted four round-trippers in those first two innings. Parmelee also hit two solo homers and Jimmy Paredes, Chris Davis and Ryan Flaherty each helped with a solo shot. David Lough hit a three-run homer as the Orioles finished with 17 hits and scored runs in all but one inning.

Machado's first homer came off Phillies starter Jerome Williams (3-7), who gave up six runs in just two-thirds of an inning before leaving.

Mets 3, Blue Jays 2

NEW YORK -- Matt Harvey snapped out of the longest slump of his career when he threw seven shutout innings and helped his own cause with an RBI double for New York against Toronto.

The Mets swept the two-game series from the Jays and finished 5-3 on a homestand that began June 9. Harvey had a 7.20 ERA in his previous four starts, but he was in complete command when he gave up just four hits and walked none while striking out six and throwing 75 of his 107 pitches for strikes.

Ruben Tejada and Harvey each had RBI hits in the second for the Mets and shortstop Wilmer Flores had a sacrifice fly in the third.

Nationals 16, Rays 4

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Washington set season highs with 23 hits and 16 runs to end Tampa Bay's four-game winning streak in a big way.

Bryce Harper and Clint Robinson each finished a triple shy of hitting for the cycle. Danny Espinosa set a career high with five hits and Robinson topped his high mark with four hits.

The Nationals jumped out to a 10-1 lead after five innings, tagging Rays pitchers for 12 hits, with all the scoring coming in the second and fifth.

Marlins 12, Yankees 2

MIAMI -- Miami scored a franchise-record eight runs in the first inning and went on to defeat New York at Marlins Park.

Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton hit a three-run, opposite-field homer in the fifth inning. He leads the majors with 24 homers and 62 RBIs.

Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez, who is five hits short of 3,000, did not play.

Cardinals 3, Twins 2

ST. LOUIS -- Hours after it was learned they were being investigated by the FBI and the Justice Department, St. Louis tackled a less strenuous opponent to wrap up a perfect homestand.

Michael Wacha allowed three hits in 6 1/3 innings and Mark Reynolds delivered a key hit for the third consecutive game.

Wacha (9-2) fanned five and walked one, throwing 60 of his 86 pitches for strikes. He came back to the mound after a 45-minute rain delay in the bottom of the first inning but departed with one out in the top of the seventh when rain interrupted the game again for 47 minutes.

The game was overshadowed by a story in The New York Times that accused the Cardinals of hacking into the Houston Astros' internal network to steal personnel information.

Rangers 3, Dodgers 2

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Robinson Chirinos led off the bottom of the ninth inning with a homer, giving Texas a walk-off win over Los Angeles.

Chirinos drilled the third pitch he saw off Josh Ravin (2-1) into the Los Angeles bullpen in left-center field for his sixth homer of the season.

Texas rookie Chi Chi Gonzalez was just two outs from his second shutout in his fourth major league start before Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner tied the score with a two-run homer.

Astros 6, Rockies 5

HOUSTON -- Luis Valbuena belted two home runs to pace another power-laden offensive attack as the Houston defeated Colorado.

Valbuena homered twice off Chris Rusin to increase his team-leading total to 16.

The Astros claimed the first two games of this split four-game set, with both teams set to resume the series in Denver on Wednesday.

Giants 6, Mariners 2

SAN FRANCISCO -- Matt Duffy went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer and three RBIs and San Francisco ended its nine-game home losing streak.

The Giants' nine-game skid was tied for the second longest home losing streak in franchise history since 1912, just two shy of the 11-game streak in 1940 at the Polo Grounds in New York.

Tim Lincecum allowed two runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings to earn the win.

Athletics 6, Padres 5

SAN DIEGO -- Eric Sogard bounced a run-scoring single through the middle of the San Diego infield with two out in the top of the ninth to give Oakland the win and a sweep of the clubs' two-game interleague series.

It was the third straight loss for the Padres and their first under Pat Murphy, who was named the club's interim manager Tuesday morning.

With two out in the ninth, Padres closer Craig Kimbrel walked Billy Burns, who stole second. Sogard, a former second-round draft pick of the Padres, rolled a single past shortstop Clint Barmes allowing Burns to score from second.

Red Sox 9, Braves 4

BOSTON -- Brock Holt became the first Red Sox to hit for the cycle since John Valentin on June 6, 1996, tripling in the eighth to cap the rare feat as Boston snapped a season-high seven game losing streak.

The second baseman singled in the first, doubled in the fifth, and hit a solo home run in the seventh to set himself up for the historic three-bagger with two outs in the frame for the Red Sox, who avoided their longest losing streak since last summer’s eight-game skid.

Boston broke open a tie game with three runs in the sixth, sparked by Mookie Betts' leadoff triple. Betts tied a career high in hits for the second straight game, going 3-for-5.

Pirates 3, White Sox 0

PITTSBURGH -- Charlie Morton pitched seven shutout innings and Pittsburgh completed a two-game sweep of Chicago at PNC Park.

Pittsburgh moved to a season-high 10 games abo above .500 with the team's sixth consecutive win.

The Pirates have thrown three consecutive shutouts for the first time since Oct. 2-3, 1976, when they blanked the St. Louis Cardinals on Oct. 2 and in both games of a doubleheader the following day. Morton (5-0) gave up four hits and walked only one batter. He struck out three and retired 11 batters in a row during the middle innings.

Reds 5, Tigers 2

DETROIT -- Todd Frazier blasted two solo home runs and Cincinnati snapped a three-game losing streak.

Frazier reached 20 homers for the second time in his career with leadoff shots in the fifth and seventh innings. Designated hitter Jay Bruce also homered for Cincinnati (29-35) in the second game of the home-and-home series.

Royals 7, Brewers 2

MILWAUKEE — Chris Young threw seven scoreless innings and also added two hits and three RBIs as Kansas City cruised past Milwaukee at Miller Park.

Young (6-2) struck out three and scattered five hits while not walking a batter.

Home runs by Lorenzo Cain and Mike Moustaskas and an RBI triple by pinch-hitter Jarrod Dyson fueled a 15-hit outburst by the Kansas City offense.

Milwaukee starter Matt Garza gave up 13 hits, setting a career high, and was charged with six of the Royals' runs in 6 2/3 innings.

Indians 6, Cubs 0

CHICAGO -- Carlos Santana launched a three-run homer and reached base four times, leading Cleveland past Chicago.

Santana, who went 2-for-3 with two walks and four RBIs, provided three early runs for Trevor Bauer (6-3) and added a run-scoring double in the ninth inning.

Bauer worked seven scoreless innings before being lifted for a pinch hitter. He allowed up four hits while walking three and striking out seven. Zach McAllister and Marc Rzepczynski each threw an inning to complete the shutout.

Angels 4, Diamondbacks 1

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Albert Pujols hit his American League-leading 19th home run, propelling Los Angeles to a win over Arizona.

Pujols hit in the cleanup spot for the first time in five years after 735 consecutive starts as the No. 3 hitter, an effort by manager Mike Scioscia to put a little life in the Angels' anemic offense.

Pujols hit a homer to center in the sixth inning, turning a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 lead and eventually a win that ended Arizona's winning streak at four games. David Freese gave the Angels a cushion with a two-run homer in the eighth, his 10th of the season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Pedroia: Red Sox will work together to rebound
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

BOSTON -- Dustin Pedroia went from defeated to defiant.

In the aftermath of an embarrassing three-game sweep by the Toronto Blue Jays and with the media and most of Boston's loyal fan base already writing their eulogy, the Red Sox held a team meeting before Monday night's game at Fenway Park.

Once it was over, Pedroia spoke for his teammates when he said the Sox won't give up regardless of the negativity surrounding them.

"It's going to start today," Pedroia said. "We're not going to listen to you guys' (expletive). We're just going to play baseball. That's it. We're going to try to be positive, and we're going to play winning baseball. We're not going to care what anybody else says. We're going to care about our 25 guys and play together, and that's about it."

Pedroia, for one, backed up his words by going 2-for-3 with a walk. However, the Red Sox went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position, left seven men on base and lost their seventh consecutive game, 4-1, in the opener of a four-game series against the Atlanta Braves.

And so, for all of Pedroia's bluster, the Red Sox (27-38) are 11 games under .500 and have a league-worst run differential.

"I've been around here long enough to know that when it's going good, everyone loves you. When it's going bad, everyone hates you," said Pedroia, the Red Sox' de facto captain and a two-time World Series champion who also has endured two last-place seasons in the past three years. "We're all in it together. I don't buy into that it's one person's fault. We're all in this together.

"It's not the manager. It's not the GM. It's not me. It's not David (Ortiz). It's everybody together who's going to do that. We're going to do it together. We're the only ones who think we can."

On that count, Pedroia is correct. School is not yet out in Massachusetts, and already, people are counting the days to the opening of training camp for the defending Super Bowl champion Patriots.

Expectations are always high for the Red Sox, but after owner John Henry dropped $183 million on free agent sluggers Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez, the club was pegged as a postseason contender. The fact that things have gone so badly has put manager John Farrell and GM Ben Cherington on the hot seat, although Henry has issued strong votes of confidence for both.

Asked if he is surprised the Red Sox are playing so poorly, Farrell was direct.

"Yes," he said. "In a word, yes. No one's given up here. No one's given up on the season inside our clubhouse."

Likewise, Pedroia wasn't giving away any conclusions the Red Sox may have drawn during their meeting about how they can turn around their season. Instead, he stuck to his us-against-the-world theme.

"We're going to figure that out ourselves," Pedroia said. "It's not like, if I knew the answer to that, I'd tell you, because you're not one of the 25 guys. You know what I mean?"

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Federal investigation of Cardinals alleges data breach
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

The FBI and Justice Department are in the midst of an investigation of St. Louis Cardinals team officials for what Major League Baseball termed as an illegal breach of the Houston Astros' baseball operations database.

The New York Times reported Tuesday that Major League Baseball “has been aware of and has fully cooperated with the federal investigation into the illegal breach of the Astros’ baseball operations database,” a spokesman for baseball’s commissioner, Rob Manfred, said in a written statement to the Times.

Tracing the technological breach led the FBI to a home that "some Cardinals officials lived in," the Times reported.

"The St. Louis Cardinals are aware of the investigation into the security breach of the Houston Astros' database. The team has fully cooperated with the investigation and will continue to do so. Given that this is an ongoing federal investigation, it is not appropriate for us to comment further," the team said in a news release issued about 90 minutes before first pitch of their afternoon game.

The Times reported that internal discussions about trades, proprietary statistics and scouting reports were compromised. The breach is believed by law enforcement to be a vengeful plot against Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow, who previously worked in personnel for the Cardinals. He was hired in 2011 to take over one of the worst team's in baseball. And while considered unconventional, his approach helped restock the Houston minor-league system. The Astros are in first place in the American League West, but were division rivals of the Cardinals until moving leagues in 2014.

Officials under investigation from the Cardinals are not suspended and the government investigation will likely determine next steps for the team and MLB.

"Major League Baseball has been aware of and has fully cooperated with the federal investigation into the illegal breach of the Astros' baseball operations database. Once the investigative process has been completed by federal law enforcement officials, we will evaluate the next steps and will make decisions promptly," MLB said in a release Tuesday morning.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Brewers claim 3B Dominguez from Astros
The Sports Xchange

Milwaukee on Tuesday claimed third baseman Matt Dominguez off waivers from Houston after he was designated for assignment last week.

Dominguez, 25, was once a top prospect of the Florida Marlins, but has struggled offensively.

In 2012, he was traded to the Astros and in 357 games for Houston, Dominguez hit just .233.

Only second baseman Jose Altuve started more games for the Astros between 2013 and 2014 than Dominguez.

The Brewers are stashing Dominguez at Triple-A Colorado Springs for now.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Brewers Hall of Famer Uecker concussed, hospitalized
The Sports Xchange

Brewers Hall of Fame radio announcer Bob Uecker spent Monday night in a Milwaukee-area hospital after suffering a mild concussion when he was struck by a ball during batting practice Monday night at Miller Park.

The Brewers, on Tuesday, said the 81-year-old Uecker was struck on his forehead by a ball that ricocheted out of the batting cage. Brewers spokesman, Tyler Barnes, said Uecker went on with his radio broadcast of the game between the Milwaukee and Kansas City.

But Uecker began feeling a "bit out of sorts" during the broadcast and was examined by team medical personnel, who detected the mild concussion.

He was admitted overnight for observation.

It was not known if Uecker would work Tuesday night's game.

"The No. 1 priority is Bob's health," Barnes said. "But he's going to be fine."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Padres name Murphy interim manager
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

The San Diego Padres on Tuesday named Pat Murphy interim manager for the remainder of the season.

"Pat Murphy's 30 years of experience coaching and managing, and his success at every level, stood out to me as I came to this decision," general manager A.J. Preller said in a statement. "His leadership ability, his respect in the clubhouse and his familiarity with our system will make this transition a smooth one for our players and coaching staff."

Murphy replaces Bud Black, who was fired after guiding the Padres to an underwhelming 32-33 start. Bench coach Dave Roberts took the helm in Monday's loss to Oakland. Roberts was thought to have had a shot to be named interim manager.

Murphy is in his sixth season with the Padres organization. He has managed at Triple-A El Paso as well as short-season Eugene from 2011-12 -- when he was 93-59 (.612) -- after joining the organization as a special assistant to baseball operations in 2010.

The 56-year-old made his name as coach as Arizona State, where during 15 years he led the Sun Devils to four College World Series appearances. Before moving to Tempe in 1995, he spent 1988-94 as the coach at Notre Dame.

He played in parts of four seasons at the big league level with the Giants and Padres.

"I think he's going to do a nice job," said Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell, who played for Murphy at Notre Dame. "I learned a lot from him. As a manager, I think he has a unique background. It's not the same background as the rest of us in professional baseball, and I think that's good. ...

"I think it's a unique background that he's had enough professional baseball the last few years to understand the game, but then he's got this other, this different baseball ... this different style of baseball that really adds to what he's able to offer players and offer a team."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Boston RHP Workman undergoes Tommy John
The Sports Xchange

Boston right-handed pitcher Brandon Workman had successful Tommy John surgery on Monday on his right elbow.

Workman was injured toward the end of spring training and received an injection. His progress was unsatisfactory and the surgery was performed by noted surgeon, Dr. James Andrews.

"There are some changes to the ligament," manager John Farrell told Boston-area media on April 19.

Workman, 26, might not pitch until 2017. He compiled a 5.11 ERA in 129 innings for Boston during the past two seasons while splitting time between the rotation and the bullpen.