Cnotes MLB Best Bets - Trends - News Thru the World Series !

[CNOTES]

Davis to head World Series umpiring crew
October 23, 2017


Umpire Gerry Davis will work the World Series for the sixth time, including his third time as crew chief, Major League Baseball announced Monday.


The umpires assigned to the 2017 Fall Classic are headed by Davis, whose 136 career postseason games are the most of any umpire in MLB history. His six World Series assignments are now tied with Joe West for the most among the active umpires.


The Los Angeles Dodgers will host the Houston Astros in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series on Tuesday night.


Davis, who umpired this year's National League Division Series between the Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks, previously worked the World Series in 1996, 1999, 2004, 2009 and 2012. The St. Louis native is a 34-year big-league umpire with more than 4,500 career games.


The six other World Series umpires named are Phil Cuzzi, Laz Diaz, Dan Iassogna, regular-season crew chief Bill Miller, Paul Nauert and Mark Wegner. It is the third career World Series for Miller, the second for Diaz, Iassogna and Wegner, and the first for Nauert and Cuzzi, who will be behind home plate in Game 1.


All seven umpires who will be on the field during the World Series were assigned to this year's Division Series.


Wegner will serve as the replay official for Games 1 and 2 before joining the on-field crew as the left field umpire for Game 3. Cuzzi will be the replay official from Game 3 through the conclusion of the World Series.


The replay assistant throughout series will be umpire Tripp Gibson, who was on the field for this year's American League wild-card game.

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Tuesday's six-pack


— Mets named Indians pitching coach Mickey Calloway their new manager.


— Red Sox will name Astros bench coach Alex Cora their new manager.


— Last year’s Houston Rockets tried 40+ 3-pointers in half of their 82 games; the team with next highest number in one season was 12 games- the Rockets in 2015.


— UTEP, Oregon State, Georgia Southern have all fired their football coach, and the World Series hasn’t even started yet.


— When Chargers shut Denver out 21-0 Sunday, it was the first time the Broncos had been shut out since 1992.


— Eagles 34, Redskins 24— Kirk Cousins is now 0-9 on weeknights, 0-6 on Monday nights.




**********


Armadillo: Tuesday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but……..


13) Statistics are fun, they can be educational, but they can also be really misleading; take the Carolina Panthers’ defensive stats, which should be really good this week, because Carolina’s offense was so terrible that Chicago scored two defensive TD’s early on, then just sat on their 14-0 lead and didn’t even try to score with the ball. Bears had five first downs, gained 153 yards on 37 plays for the whole game, but they won by two TD’s. Very unusual.


12) I’d be curious to know in all the fantasy football leagues around the country, what the teams’ records were in Week 7 that had Aaron Rodgers on them? I had Rodgers on my team when he got hurt in 2013; lets just say things didn’t go too well from that point on.


11) We post the six most popular picks in the Westgate SuperContest each week; thru seven weeks, those picks are just 15-27 vs spread, which means sports books are making a killing so far this season. Handicapping the NFL is a minefield that is very tough to navigate.


10) Cleveland Browns’ tackle Joe Thomas played 10 years and six games without missing a single play, a streak more impressive than Cal Ripken’s iron man streak, but he got hurt Sunday and is now out for the season with a triceps injury. Thomas is a future Hall of Famer.


9) Cubs fired pitching coach Chris Bosio; they won the World Series last year, did Bosio get a lot dumber all of a sudden?


San Francisco Giants also re-assigned most of their coaches, including pitching coach Dave Righetti, who had been in that job since 2000. Giants won three World Series in this decade; maybe they should re-assign the person who put together such an aging roster this past season.


8) Army’s football team has already accepted a bowl bid, to the Armed Forces Bowl on Dec 23. At 6-2, the Cadets are having a breakthrough season.


7) Ole Miss QB Shea Patterson is out for the year after getting hurt against LSU Saturday nite. Been a rough year for the Rebels, who are playing with an interim head coach.


6) Dallas Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey tweaked a leg muscle in San Francisco Sunday; one of the Cowboys’ safeties (Jeff Heath) kicked a field goal, banking it in off the right upright. Cowboys are holding tryouts for a backup kicker this week.


5) This is how competitive pro golf is around the world: In fall of 2016, 30 guys won their cards for the European Tour for 2017 at Q-School. Of those 30 guys, only two have their cards for 2018.


4) Michigan State has a running back named LJ Scott who is pretty good, but he’s been arrested seven times, all for roughly the same thing— unpaid traffic tickets, driving without a license or with a suspended license. How do they keep letting him play? It is mostly harmless stuff, but it shows a lack of respect for rules and sends a bad message that he is playing.


Back in the day, my man Jerry Tarkanian would’ve done this: assign a staff member to take care of his traffic issues for him. Drive him to DMV to pay his fines and renew his license. The better the kid was, the more important it was to keep him eligible and out of trouble.


3) I’m watching 76ers-Pistons game as I type this; game is in Detroit’s new downtown arena and the crowd there is really small. Does every NBA team make money?


2) Denver Broncos have played two road games, scoring one TD on 23 drives; should they explore trading for Eli Manning? Giants are on their bye week; Denver could use a QB. Giants might need to start a rebuilding process.


1) Cleveland Browns should sign Colin Kaepernick; it would diffuse his lawsuit against the NFL, then people could see in plain view whether he is still good enough to keep playing in the league. Plus, there is no way he is worse than the three suspects who’ve been playing QB for the Browns this season. Then they can draft a top-flight QB prospect next April and move on.

 

[CNOTES]

MLB
Dunkel


Tuesday, October 24


Houston @ LA Dodgers


Game 901-902
October 24, 2017 @ 8:05 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(Keuchel) 18.368
LA Dodgers
(Kershaw) 16.851
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-175
7
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(+155); Over








MLB
Long Sheet


Tuesday, October 24


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


HOUSTON (108 - 65) at LA DODGERS (111 - 59) - 8:05 PM
DALLAS KEUCHEL (L) vs. CLAYTON KERSHAW (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 51-51 (-17.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 78-33 (+27.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
KERSHAW is 26-4 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
KERSHAW is 35-7 (+19.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KERSHAW is 28-4 (+19.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 108-65 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 54-32 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 42-18 (+20.1 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 38-22 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 33-20 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
HOUSTON is 39-25 (+9.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LA DODGERS are 104-122 (-34.3 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game since 1997.
LA DODGERS are 147-105 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

DALLAS KEUCHEL vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.

CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. HOUSTON since 1997
KERSHAW is 3-2 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.38 and a WHIP of 1.019.
His team's record is 4-4 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (-0.2 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------








MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up


Tuesday, October 24


Houston @ Los Angeles
Astros are in World Series for 2nd time; last time was in 2005 when they were NL champs and lost to the White Sox. Dodgers are in their first World Series since 1988. Expected to be very hot for the 5:00 local time first pitch in LA- may be 100 degrees. No DH for the games in LA.


Keuchel is 4-2, 2.55 in his last six starts; over is 6-3 in his last nine starts. Houston is 10-3 in his road starts this season- he didn’t pitch against the Dodgers this year. Keuchel is 4-1, 2.59 in six career playoff games (5 starts).


Kershaw is 3-0, 3.38 in his last five starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight starts. Dodgers are 14-2 in his home starts this season, Kershaw didn’t pitch against Houston this year; he is 6-7, 4.40 in 21 career playoff games (17 starts).








MLB

Tuesday, October 24

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


HOUSTON @ LA DODGERS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
Houston is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games
LA Dodgers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
LA Dodgers is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games

 

[CNOTES]

World Series Game 1 betting preview and odds: Astros at Dodgers


Houston Astros at Los Angeles Dodgers (-170, 7)


The Los Angeles Dodgers haven't won a World Series since 1988, while the Houston Astros have never been crowned champions in their 56-season history. The teams begin their attempts to end their respective droughts when Los Angeles ace Clayton Kershaw pitches against Houston's Dallas Keuchel in Game 1 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium.


The Dodgers are in the World Series for the first time since their memorable 1988 slaying of the Oakland Athletics, a series best known for limping Kirk Gibson's decisive Game 1 homer. The Astros lost to the Chicago White Sox in the 2005 World Series and this season's 101-win squad knocked out the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees to reach the Series. "Our guys are battle tested now," Astros manager A.J. Hinch told reporters. "We had no question coming in. I think more people had questions about us than we questioned ourselves. Now we chase the ultimate prize. There's two teams standing. It's a race to four wins now." The Dodgers, who won 104 regular-season games, rolled through the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs with standout third baseman Justin Turner excelling by going 12-for-31 with three home runs and 12 RBIs in the eight games.

TV: 8:09 p.m. ET, FOX

LINE HISTORY: The Dodgers opened Game 1 as -155 home chalk and have since been moved to the current number of Dodgers -170. The total, not surprisingly, hit the board at a very low 7.


PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (2-1, 2.60 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (2-0, 3.63 ERA)


Keuchel has struck out 25 in 17 1/3 innings over three starts this October and is a solid 4-1 with a 2.59 ERA in six career postseason appearances (five starts). The 29-year-old former Cy Young Award winner scanned the Dodgers' lineup and had no trouble anointing it as the best he'll face all season. "Just seems like production top to bottom, even some of their extra guys, has been there all year," Keuchel said at his Monday press conference. "They are going to be the deepest team we played, hands down. My job is to go out there and get the job done."


Kershaw has served up six homers in three starts this postseason but his career ledger has improved to 6-7 with a 4.40 ERA in 21 appearances (17 starts). The 29-year-old three-time Cy Young winner is 3-2 with a 2.38 ERA in eight career starts against the Astros and has experienced struggles with Astros star second baseman Jose Altuve (6-for-15, four doubles). "He hits everything pretty well. I think he's super aggressive but at the same time he hits a lot of pitches," Kershaw said of Altuve during his Monday press conference. "... He's a tough out. I think he's one of the toughest outs in the game. You just can't give in to him."


TRENDS:


* Astros are 1-6 in their last seven playoff road games.
* Dodgers are 7-1 in their last eight playoff games.
* Over is 7-1 in Astros last eight games vs. a left-handed starter.
* Over is 5-1-1 in Dodgers last seven home games.


CONSENSUS:


The public is siding with Kershaw and the Dodgers in Game 1, with 63 percent of wagers on Los Angeles. Even with the low number of 7, bettors think Kershaw and Keuchel will be on their games, with 59 percent of the public on the Under.


WALK-OFF NOTES:


* The Dodgers' bullpen didn't allow a hit in 29 at-bats in the National League Championship Series against the Cubs and has a 0.94 ERA this postseason.


* Los Angeles SS Corey Seager (back) made the World Series roster and said Monday he's ready to play nine innings.

 

[CNOTES]

World Series - Best Bets
October 23, 2017

2017 World Series Futures and Series Props
Houston Astros vs. L.A Dodgers

We've finally got to the Fall Classic for 2017 and it should be an exciting one between the Astros and Dodgers.


Both teams were absolutely dominant for long stretches of 2017 and absolutely deserve to be here. L.A does enter the World Series on more of a roll having gone 7-1 SU in eight playoff games so far and are the prohibitive favorites to win it all, 29 years after their last World Series title in 1988.


Houston has never won a World Series in franchise history, but getting a championship 12 years after their first World Series appearance as an organization would be tremendous vindication for a franchise that underwent a massive rebuilding project at the beginning of this decade to peak right now.


Series prices and various props are another way to have action on this World Series and there are a few that I like.


Let's get right to them as we look to cash a few more tickets for the 2017 MLB campaign.


Odds per - BetOnline.ag


World Series Winner: Houston Astros (+146)


The Dodgers will be the more popular pick here and have already seen significant support since this number was released, but I can't pass up the value here with the underdogs from Houston. The Astros were an offensive juggernaut for nearly all of 2017, and the fact that they finished the year as the best playoff team – that made it to at least the LDS - hitting team against southpaws is an advantage for them in this series that many are overlooking. Three of the first four starters for L.A are southpaws and with the potential for five of the seven games featuring a lefty on the hill to start for L.A, this Astros team that's teed off on lefties could get their offense rolling early on. Houston also was the best hitting team against righties in baseball this year and the one starter – Yu Darvish – for L.A that is right-handed, is a guy that these Astros hitters know very well from his time in Texas.


Conversely, for all the dominance the Dodgers showed in 2017, they were a below-the-middle-of-the-pack offensive team against righties. With Houston's only southpaw starter being Dallas Keuchel, those splits working in Houston's favor could play a huge role in Games 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7.


With more pressure being on L.A in this series given their extensive payroll, this talented Houston team should be able to be looser out there from the start, and having found their offense again in the last two games against New York in the ALCS, this Houston team is simply too dangerous offensively to not like the value at this price.


Odds per - BetOnline.ag


World Series Handicap Play: Houston Astros -1.5 games (+250)


Along those same lines with Houston, if they are able to steal one of the first two games in L.A, the rest of the series really sets up well for them. Houston was 53-28 SU on the road this year (tied for best in MLB), and while many will point to their three straight losses in New York last round as cause for concern, getting at least one of the first two in L.A against two lefties may I add isn't a longshot by any means.


Games 3, 4, and 5 are all back in Houston, and running off three straight at home isn't unheard of for this team. The Astros are a perfect 6-0 SU at home in these playoffs and four of those six wins have been by multiple runs. They've got the offense that can put up crooked numbers in a hurry – even on L.A – and while calling the Astros to win in five may be a stretch (Astros in 5 is listed at +700 if you're interested), I would not be surprised to see it happen.


But if Houston needs at least six games to win it all – and cash this bet – they project out to have ALCS MVP Justin Verlander on the hill for that Game 6 in L.A. We've all seen how dominant Verlander has been for the Astros in these playoffs, and I wouldn't like betting against him in any start this series. At +250, the value is there to back Houston to win before this reaches Game 7.


Odds per - BetOnline.ag


World Series MVP Picks: George Springer (20/1) and/or Carlos Correa (25/1)


I'm sticking with the Houston theme and going with two of the catalysts in their offense that are typically 1st and 4th in the batting order. Eleven of the past 13 World Series MVP's have been position players as they've got more opportunities to impact the game(s) then a single starter or closer does, and no matter who you lean on, taking a position player is probably the way to go.


Springer is the leadoff guy for the Astros and if he's able to get it going by getting on base and continually putting pressure on the Dodgers staff because of it, the Dodgers are in deep trouble. Springer's speed on the basepaths, power in the box, and ability to hit the ball anywhere on the field make him a guy L.A has to be supremely worried about in this series. Springer can be a little loose with pitch selection at times and can go into slumps with multiple strikeouts, but his .301 average vs lefties this year bodes well for him to get it going early in this series and force action right down the lineup. Oh, and he's an elite center-fielder on defense that will no doubt have one or two highlights with the glove in this series. I'm buying Springer at 20/1 odds (Bet $100 to win $2,000)!


In Correa's case, he's another guy that absolutely pounds left-handed pitching to the tune of a .391 average, and with those kind of numbers and him batting clean-up, Correa's in a great spot to do a lot of damage in this series if the Astros are to win. Correa was one of the cornerstones of Houston's rebuild years ago and while the other guy up the middle of the infield in Jose Altuve is likely to get the regular season MVP – and subsequently more love for World Series MVP odds (7/1) from bettors – this World Series could very well end up being Correa's coming out party on the big stage and cement his status as one of the best young players in the game today. Place another buy order, this time at 25/1 odds.

 

[CNOTES]

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


HOU at LAD 08:00 PM

HOU +155 *****


O 7.0 *****

 

[CNOTES]

Kershaw, Dodgers beat Astros, 3-1
October 24, 2017

LOS ANGELES (AP) No sweat, Clayton Kershaw.


Changing jerseys to beat the 103-degree heat, the Dodgers ace with a checkered playoff history delivered a signature performance, pitching Los Angeles past the Houston Astros 3-1 Tuesday night in the World Series opener.


Boosted by Justin Turner's tiebreaking, two-run homer in the sixth inning off Dallas Keuchel, Kershaw was in complete control against the highest-scoring team in the majors this season.


''Definitely feels good to say it was the World Series, and it feels good to say we're 1-0,'' Kershaw said.


The left-hander had waited his whole career for this moment. And once he took the mound in his Series debut, he lived up every bit to the legacy of Sandy Koufax, Orel Hershiser and the greatest of Dodgers hurlers.


The three-time Cy Young Award winner struck out 11 , gave up just three hits and walked none over seven innings, featuring a sharp breaking ball that often left Houston batters taking awkward swings. His lone blemish was a home run by Alex Bregman in the fourth that made it 1-all.


No matter, with Koufax in the house, Kershaw did his pal proud.


''He was as good as advertised,'' Keuchel said.


A sweltering, pulsating crowd at Dodger Stadium dotted with Hollywood A-listers was filled with Kershaw jerseys, and he drew loud cheers all evening.


Kershaw got one more ovation when he walked through a corridor to a postgame interview. There, fans applauded a final time.


''I felt good. It's a tough lineup over there,'' Kershaw said. ''The way Keuchel was throwing it was up and down a lot, which was good. It got us into a rhythm a little bit. I think for me personally, it helped out a lot.''


Brandon Morrow worked a perfect eighth and Kenley Jansen breezed through the Astros in the ninth for a save in a combined three-hitter. The Dodgers' dominant relievers have tossed 25 straight scoreless innings this postseason.


With both aces throwing well, the opener zipped by in 2 hours, 28 minutes - fastest in the World Series since Game 4 in 1992 between Toronto and Atlanta. Jimmy Key and the Blue Jays won that one 2-1 in 2:21.


It certainly was unusual for this postseason, when games had been averaging 3 hours, 32 minutes - up 18 minutes from two years ago.


Chris Taylor gave the Dodgers an immediate jolt in their first Series game since 1988 when he hit a no-doubt home run on Keuchel's very first pitch. Taylor was co-MVP of the NL Championship Series with Turner, and they both kept swinging away against the Astros.


''Just getting that momentum early is huge,'' Kershaw said. ''And let the crowd kind of feed off that. It was definitely as good a start as we could have hoped for.''


The loss left the Astros still without a single World Series win in their 56-season history. In their only other Series appearance, they were swept by the White Sox in 2005.


Game 2 is Wednesday evening, with AL Championship Series MVP Justin Verlander starting against Dodgers lefty Rich Hill.


Kershaw has almost every imaginable individual accolade on his resume - five ERA titles, an MVP trophy, a no-hitter and seven All-Star selections - but also was dogged by a shaky October past.


He began this outing in the twilight with a 6-7 career playoff record and an unsightly 4.40 ERA. He improved to 3-0 in four starts this postseason.


''I don't know if you can decipher between a postseason start and a World Series start. The adrenaline, I feel like every game is so much more magnified,'' Kershaw said.


A Series opener that served as a showcase for several of the game's best young hitters - Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, Cody Bellinger and more - instead was dominated by Kershaw.


''Couldn't be happier for him,'' Turner said.


Facing a team that had the fewest strikeouts in the majors this year, Kershaw fanned more Houston hitters than any starter this season. And he helped the Dodgers, who led the majors with 104 wins and a $240 million payroll, improve to 8-1 this postseason.


''Tonight is about Kershaw,'' Astros manager A.J. Hinch said.


It was 1-all when Taylor drew a two-out walk in the sixth. Turner followed with his drive off the bearded Keuchel .


''Keuchel was really good tonight. He was just a pitch or two less than Kershaw,'' Hinch said.


While it was sticky, the conditions didn't seem to affect either side.


Kershaw, as always, wore his bright blue Dodgers jacket walking to the bullpen to get ready.


''It was hot warming up. But once the game started, the sun went down, it didn't feel that hot,'' Kershaw said.


There is no reliable record for the hottest temperature at a World Series game. But weather data indicates this might've been the steamiest ever.


Notorious for late arrivals, Dodger fans showed up early and the seats in the shaded sections filled up fast. Keeping with the theme, the stadium organist played 1960s hits ''Heat Wave'' and ''Summer in the City'' as Houston warmed up.


When Vin Scully's familiar recorded call of ''It's Time for Dodger Baseball'' boomed over the PA system, the crowd really let loose, with the entire ballpark standing and chanting for the pregame introductions.


Scully drew a huge ovation when he was later shown on the video board, sitting in a box. Several players clapped along for the Hall of Fame broadcaster, who's nearly 90 and spent 67 seasons calling Dodgers games.


Dustin Hoffman, Jerry Seinfeld and Lady Gaga were among the many celebs in the crowd of 54,253, along with Dodgers great Tom Lasorda and part-owner Magic Johnson.

 

[CNOTES]

Dodgers' Turner goes lighter to go deep
October 25, 2017


LOS ANGELES -- Before his plate appearance in the sixth inning on Tuesday, Justin Turner opted to return to a lighter bat, his normal 33 1/2-ouncer. That worked, too, like just about everything else he and the Los Angeles Dodgers have tried this year.


"My first two at-bats I was swinging a little bit bigger bat," Turner said. "And I got beat (inside) a couple of times. So I'm going to switch back. Good thing I did, because I didn't get beat in the third time."


Turner's two-run homer with the lighter bat was his fourth of the postseason, and his second straight game-decider at Dodger Stadium, leading Los Angeles to a 3-1 win over the Houston Astros in Game 1 of the World Series.


His three-run, walk-off home run with two outs in the ninth inning gave the Dodgers a 4-1 victory over the Cubs in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series. The Dodgers finished off that series in five games.


On Tuesday, Turner hit a 1-2 pitch off Dallas Keuchel to break a 1-1 tie and give the Dodgers a 3-1 lead in the sixth inning. It was Los Angeles' first World Series appearance since Kirk Gibson's fist-pumping, walk-off homer triggered their 1988 championship.


The pitch before the homer appeared a little low and outside but it was called a strike, and Turner checked with plate umpire Phil Cuzzi before stepping back in.


"Just asked Phil where he had that pitch," Turner said. "He said it was a good pitcher's pitch. I told him I thought it was a little low and off the plate. And that was it. You step out and you take a deep breath and regroup, and go back to trying to battle one of the best pitchers in the game.


"You can't gripe about it for too long or you're going to be walking back to the dugout."


Turner has made some Dodgers history nine games into the postseason. He has 14 RBIs this October, a franchise record for a single postseason.


His 26 career postseason RBIs are tied with Brooklyn/Los Angeles center fielder Duke Snider for the most in franchise history, and his four homers are one short of Davey Lopes' franchise record for one postseason.


"You look at his career and this guy, I mean, all-time records for RBI," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "He just comes up with big hits. The on-base. The OPS. All those things. The home runs, it's hard to explain.


"But he's that guy that you want in the big spots, and he doesn't scare off."


Turner grew up in Los Angeles with the Dodgers, and before every game he walks through the hallway near the home clubhouse that contains pictures and memorabilia of the franchise greats. The Dodgers are playing this Series on the 70th anniversary of their 1947 NL pennant, when Jackie Robinson was a rookie.


Turner said he ran into Sandy Koufax before the game Tuesday.


"Sandy told me told me today, 162 (regular-season games) is work. Once you get to the playoffs, it's fun," Turner said.


"I thought that was a pretty cool way to look at it, and I agree with him a hundred percent. During the regular season it's work, it's a grind. Once you get onto these stages, it's fun.


"And just to be in the moment and soak it in and take a step back and look around and see almost 60,000 people in Dodger Stadium on their feet going crazy, it's pretty special."

 

[CNOTES]

Turner & Taylor hammer homers in Dodgers' Series opener win
October 24, 2017


LOS ANGELES (AP) T `n T proved dynamite again for the Dodgers.


Chris Taylor and Justin Turner, co-MVPs of the NL Championship Series, produced all Los Angeles' runs on homers in the Dodgers' 3-1 victory over the Houston Astros in the World Series opener Tuesday night.


Taylor wasted no time leading off against Astros ace Dallas Keuchel, stroking an 88 mph fastball on Keuchel's first pitch into left field for a 1-0 lead.


Turner followed suit, lofting a two-run shot in the sixth that put the Dodgers ahead 3-1. Taylor drew a two-out walk to set up Turner's blast.


It was just the latest big October show from the Dodgers' robust reclamation projects.


Taylor and Turner shared the NLCS MVP award after Los Angeles beat the defending World Series champion Cubs in five games. Taylor batted .316 (6 for 19) with two homers, and Turner hit .333 (6 for 18) while going deep twice, including the game-ending three-run homer to win Game 2.


''I never could have predicted this,'' Taylor said. ''The goal coming into this year was to hit for more power and get the ball in the air, but I didn't think it would be this drastic of an improvement.''


Taylor's path to baseball's biggest stage has mimicked Turner's - from the fringes to the spotlight with a swing overhaul. Turner was non-tendered by the Mets after the 2013 season before beginning to add loft to his cuts. He only signed with Los Angeles after then-bench coach Tim Wallach saw him and his revamped swing at a Cal State Fullerton alumni baseball game.


Taylor made a similar adjustment early this year. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Taylor was considered a ''fringy, 4-A player'' with his old approach. His new one has helped put the $240 million Dodgers three wins from their first title since 1988.


Taylor became the fourth player in Game 1 history to homer leading off and first since Kansas City's Alcides Escobar legged out an inside-the-park homer against the Mets in 2015.


''He's the spark plug,'' Turner said of Taylor. ''He's been so much fun to hit behind and watching him become a star, really, on this team.''


Taylor has hit safely in seven of his nine postseason games, including three home runs. The 27-year-old center fielder joined the Dodgers in June 2016 after spending his first two years in the majors with Seattle.


''He's matured a ton,'' Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. ''He's proven to be even more dangerous than obviously he was as a young player.''


Taylor has sparked the offense since he moved into the leadoff spot.


''He's one of the guys who gets overlooked with all the superstars we have on this team,'' Roberts said. ''But he's a big part of this.''


Turner went hitless in his first two at-bats against Keuchel, causing him to switch to a smaller bat. The move paid off when he floated a ball into the first row of seats in the sixth.


''When the ball left the bat, I didn't think it was gone,'' Hinch said. ''But there's no doubt he's pretty locked in, especially in big moments.''


The red-bearded slugger leads the team with four homers in the postseason, one shy of the club record set by Davey Lopes in 1978. He has reached base safely in all nine games in the postseason, and his 14 RBIs lead all players in the playoffs.

 

[CNOTES]

Two mistakes too many for Keuchel
October 24, 2017

LOS ANGELES (AP) Dallas Keuchel stepped on the rubber for the moment he had anticipated ever since he was a kid: throwing his first pitch of the World Series.


And then Chris Taylor turned on a thigh-high 88 mph fastball and sent it high into the left-field pavilion, 447 feet away. Keuchel turned around and looked, stunned by the scorching start on an unseasonably hot night.


''Kind of hit us in the jaw,'' he said. ''I never expected that.''


Then with the score 1-1 with two outs in the sixth inning, Justin Turner lifted an 87 mph cutter at the letters that landed just over the left-field wall for a two-run homer, perhaps boosted by the warm air on a 103-degree night.


On a night when Clayton Kershaw faltered on only one pitch - a tying home run to Alex Bregman starting off the fourth - two slipups was one too many.


Keuchel, the left-hander with the bushy beard and intense gaze, took the loss as the Houston Astros were beaten by the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-1 Tuesday night.


''Keuchel was really good tonight,'' Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. ''He was just a pitch or two less than Kershaw. He wasn't as fancy with the punch-outs.''


Keuchel had allowed one previous home run on his opening pitch, to Starling Marte on July 26, 2012, in the first plate appearance of the Pittsburgh outfielder's big league career. Taylor had the mindset to swing aggressively at the four-seam fastball.


''Makes it fun when you jump on it like that,'' Taylor said.


Keuchel allowed just one runner past first in the next four innings, helped by three double plays, but his downfall began with a five-pitch walk to Taylor with two outs in the sixth.


Keuchel got ahead of Turner 1-2 in the count, but the power-hitting third baseman with the unruly red beard turned on a cutter. Marwin Gonzalez drifted back but ran out of room.


''If it's 10 degrees cooler, that's probably a routine fly ball in left field,'' Turner said.


Keuchel looked at the videoboard, hand on his left hip, as Turner circled the bases. He did not react when he was removed with two outs in the seventh inning and teammates patted him on the back when he returned to the dugout.


''Kind of frustrated at myself for not making a little bit better pitch,'' Keuchel said. ''The launch angle was really high. It wasn't hit extremely hard by any means. It just got out.''


Even though he homered in his World Series debut, the 23-year-old Bregman took little joy at tying the score.


''What I imagined is us winning, and that's why we can't wait to get here tomorrow and play,'' he said.


Houston players quickly turned their attention to Wednesday, when Justin Verlander starts for Houston against Rich Hill.


''He's been lights out,'' George Springer said.

 

[CNOTES]

Column: Hottest World Series game draws some cool customers
October 24, 2017


LOS ANGELES (AP) The hottest World Series game on record drew some pretty cool customers to Dodger Stadium.


George Lopez shook off the 103-degree heat to wave a huge Dodger flag from on top of the home team's dugout. Fellow comedian Jerry Seinfeld was there to watch, as was Lady Gaga.


Dodger royalty was well represented by a pair of nonagenarians in Tommy Lasorda and Don Newcombe, and one soon to be in Vin Scully. Jackie Robinson's widow, Rachel, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.


And then there was Clayton Kershaw, the coolest of them all.


On a night 29 years in the making, the highest-paid player on the highest-paid team delivered his weight in gold in Game 1 for the Dodgers. Kershaw not only won his first World Series game but was linked to the great Sandy Koufax one more time by becoming the first Dodger pitcher to strike out 10 or more in a World Series game since Koufax did it to win Game 7 in 1965.


Koufax was there to take it all in, and it must have seemed awfully familiar.


Seven innings of dominance, with one minor hiccup. No wonder Scully was smiling, finally free to be a Dodger fan after all those years of being the team's voice.


A lot of other people were smiling, too, and they weren't all celebrities. Some 54,253 fans packed their way into sweaty Dodger Stadium for the first World Series here since Kirk Gibson hit the legendary home run in 1988, and were immediately rewarded when Chris Taylor hit the first pitch by Dallas Keuchel into the left field pavilion.


Yes, they bounced beach balls around because this is Dodger Stadium and that's what they do. But they came with an energy born of three decades worth of frustration, and they came ready to be loud.


''This place was the most electric I've ever seen it,'' said Justin Turner, who gave the crowd plenty to cheer for with his sixth inning home run that proved the deciding margin.


They gave Scully a standing ovation when he was shown on the video board between innings. They chanted ''MVP, MVP'' when Turner came up in the eighth inning after hitting the go ahead home run in his previous at bat.


And, unlike Game 1 of 1988, there were no tail lights seen from the cars of fans leaving before the game was over. They stayed until the end, singing along with Randy Newman's ''I Love L.A.'' when it was over.


This was not a game the Dodgers could afford to lose. Not at home, and certainly not with their ace on the mound.


It wouldn't have seemed proper to lose it with Koufax in attendance, either.


''He's in our corner. He's rooting for us,'' Kershaw said. ''I've said it a million times, but he's a special guy. Not too many guys can have that pedigree and be the kind of man he is. And thankful that I've gotten to hang out with him for a little while.''


With a little help from Taylor and Turner, Kershaw made sure a loss wasn't going to happen on his watch. He gave up only three hits, one of them a home run by Alex Bregman that made it a 1-1 game until Turner's sixth inning homer.


It took just 2 hours and 28 minutes, the fastest World Series game in 25 years. Kershaw and Keuchel both pitched like they were trying to get out of the heat, with only the Turner home run separating the two.


''They had two big swings, we had one,'' said Astros manager A.J. Hinch. ''It's 3-1, we get to Game 2. It's no more complicated than that.''


Nothing seems too complicated for the Dodgers this year. They've been as dominant in the playoffs (they're now 8-1) as they were in most of the regular season, and they're playing with a swagger that will make them a difficult team to beat.


The starting pitching is impeccable, and the bullpen is lights out. Anyone in the lineup can hit a home run at any given time, and Turner might be the most underrated superstar you'll ever see.


The Dodgers are on such a roll they even used the weather to their advantage. Turner said he wasn't sure his game winner would go out, but somehow it did.


''If it's 10 degrees cooler that's probably an easy fly ball to left field,'' Turner said.


A hot team on a hot night proved to be an unbeatable combination.

 

[CNOTES]

Wednesday’s six-pack


— Dodgers 3, Astros 1— Taylor/Turner homered in quickest WS game since 1992.


— North Carolina PG Joel Berry broke his hand, will miss the start of the hoop season.


— Kansas 93, Missouri 87— This exhibition basketball game raised $1.75M for a hurricane relief fund, but it also shows that Missouri’s talent level has risen dramatically this year.


— Pacers 130, Timberwolves 107— Indiana shot 77% in the second half.


— Magic 125, Nets 121— Brooklyn is 2-2, with an average total of 221 in their games.


— Injured 1B Adrian Gonzalez is away from the Dodgers, is on vacation in Europe with his family, which just seems odd.


*******************


Wednesday’s List of 13: Mid-week musings…….

13) Good news if you like sports and live in the Albany area; Arena Football is coming back to downtown Albany next spring.


Arenaball was big in Albany in the 90’s; the Firebirds won the 1999 Arena Bowl, behind a star WR named Eddie Brown, whose son is current Steelers’ star Antonio Brown. But the league tried to expand to bigger markets; the Firebirds moved to Indianapolis, and later pretty much failed.


Now the rebuilding AFL is back in town; Albany is 6th team in the AFL, mostly eastern teams; hopefully they will add another franchise or two before next season.


12) Couple of quick Arena League memories from 20 years ago:
— Former Ohio State QB Art Schlichter played against the Firebirds here in Albany; him and Major Harris, who played at West Virginia. Schlichter was great in the AFL, but Harris needed to run to succeed and there was nowhere to run in the Arena League. It is a passing league.
— Then there was this other guy who played QB for the Iowa Barnstormers; they won a 77-76 game in Albany one night, a great game. The Iowa QB wound up in the NFL, played in three Super Bowls, just got inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.


You may have heard of him…..Kurt Warner


Bottom line…the Arena League is great fun. Glad it is coming back to town.


11) Phoenix Suns have had a season’s worth of drama in a week; they fired their coach, one of their best players asked off the team and is now in exile, awaiting a trade.


After an 0-3 start, with two losses by 40+ points and a 132-130 loss to the Lakers, the Suns went out with an interim coach and without Eric Bledsoe and they beat Sacramento, holding on to win by a point, after leading by 19 after the first quarter. Go figure.


Very curious to see what they get for Bledsoe when they trade him; they don’t exactly have a lot of leverage here.


10) So far in the postseason, Dodger hitters have drawn 46 walks; their opponents? Only 12.


9) Over the last 23 years, Washington Redskins have used 21 different kickers. Oy.


8) This year in the major leagues, there were 6,104 home runs hit, and 40,104 strikeouts.


40,104 strikeouts in 2,430 games; that works out to 16.5 strikeouts per game.


7) Chargers’ WR Keenan Allen has caught 16 3rd down passes this season that resulted in first downs for the Bolts; no one else in the NFL has more than 11 of those catches.


6) Kentucky is favored over Tennessee this week for only the second time in the last 21 years; last time the Wildcats were favored over Tennessee was 2007, when the Vols (+2.5) won 52-50. Tennessee is 19-1 in the last 20 series games, winning the last five in a row.


5) Best three red zone teams so far: Packers-Eagles-Texans, but you have to eliminate Green Bay, with Aaron Rodgers being on the sidelines. Other two teams have a rookie QB and a 2nd-year QB, which is really surprising.


Worst red zone teams: Cleveland-Arizona-Denver/Indianapolis. Broncos are only one of those four teams that haven’t changed QB’s yet this season.


4) Teams with most plays of 20+ yards: Patriots (34), Rams/Vikings (33), Cardinals/Chiefs(32).


Teams with fewest plays of 20+ plays: Ravens (14), Bears/Giants (16), Dolphins (17).


3) With Jay Cutler (ribs) banged up, Miami Dolphins signed former San Jose State QB David Fales as a backup; he has two career NFL completions, for the Bears. He was in camp with Miami, so he knows the offense- they hope the hell they don’t have to play him.


2) ESPN college football analyst Joey Galloway had a really good NFL career; he played 16 years in the NFL, scored 78 TD’s, averaged 15.6 yards/catch. He averaged 19.8 ypc in 2003 for Dallas, leading the league when he was 32 years old.


1) This from the great Gil Brandt on Twitter:


In last 30 years, only 3 NFL QBs won games completing four or fewer passes that day: Chris Weinke (4), Tim Tebow (2), Mitch Trubisky (4). What else did those three QB’s have in common?


John Fox was head coach of all three of those teams at the time.

 

[CNOTES]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up


Wednesday, October 25


Houston @ Los Angeles
Astros are in World Series for 2nd time; last time was in 2005 when they were NL champs and lost to the White Sox. Dodgers are in their first World Series since 1988. Expected to be very hot again for the 5:00 local time first pitch in LA.


Verlander is 8-0, 1.13 in eight starts for Houston; he also won a game in relief. Four of his last five starts went over total. Astros won all three of his road starts. Verlander allowed 2 hits in 8 IP in a 6-1 win over LA for the Tigers on August 20. He is 11-5, 3.00 in 20 playoff games (19 starts).


Hill is 7-5, 2.77 in 14 home starts this year (5-3, 4.06 on road); he is 3-0, 1.67 in his last five starts. Over is 5-3 in his last eight starts. Dodgers are 10-6 in his home starts this season. Hill didn’t pitch against the Astros this year- he is 1-2, 3.96 in six career playoff starts.


MLB

Wednesday, October 25

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


HOUSTON @ LA DODGERS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
Houston is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing Houston
LA Dodgers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home




------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


MLB
Dunkel


Wednesday, October 25

Houston @ LA Dodgers


Game 903-904
October 25, 2017 @ 8:05 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(Verlnder) 17.032
LA Dodgers
(Hill) 18.186
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 1
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-110
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(-110); Under


MLB
Long Sheet


Wednesday, October 25


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


HOUSTON (108 - 66) at LA DODGERS (112 - 59) - 8:05 PM
JUSTIN VERLANDER (R) vs. RICH HILL (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 24-26 (-12.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
VERLANDER is 63-77 (-26.1 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 79-33 (+28.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
HOUSTON is 108-66 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 27-18 (+7.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
HOUSTON is 54-33 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 42-19 (+19.1 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 38-23 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 42-22 (+9.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
HOUSTON is 21-13 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
VERLANDER is 12-5 (+7.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 156-179 (-63.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday since 1997.
LA DODGERS are 148-105 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against HOUSTON this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
VERLANDER is 2-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 0.714.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

RICH HILL vs. HOUSTON since 1997
HILL is 2-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.92 and a WHIP of 1.054.
His team's record is 3-3 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-1. (+3.8 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


World Series Game 2 betting preview and odds: Astros at Dodgers


Justin Verlander has been nothing short of spectacular since coming over from the Tigers. He is 9-0 with a 1.22 ERA (including playoffs) and won the ALCS MVP.


Houston Astros at Los Angeles Dodgers (-115, 7.5)


Dodgers lead series 1-0


Justin Verlander is 4-0 during his stellar postseason run and looks to continue the success when the Houston Astros visit the Los Angeles Dodgers for Game 2 of the World Series on Wednesday. Verlander will aim to help Houston knot the series after Clayton Kershaw and Justin Turner guided the Dodgers to a 3-1 victory in Game 1.


Verlander was acquired from Detroit by the Astros to fortify their rotation, and now he's a symbol of a franchise looking for its first World Series title in the wake of a damaging hurricane that ravaged Houston in August. "In any organization, the opportunity to win your first championship is something special, but really with what's going on in Houston now specifically, I think it makes it even that much more special," Verlander said during his press conference on Tuesday. "I mean, given this opportunity, if we come away successful, you leave a legacy and mark on people that won't be forgotten." Kershaw allowed one run and three hits with 11 strikeouts over seven innings while Turner belted a tiebreaking two-run homer (his fourth of the postseason) in Tuesday's victory. "You enjoy it while it happens," Turner told reporters, "and then you go home and you find a way to prepare, and we've got to figure out how to beat Verlander."

TV: 8:09 p.m. ET, FOX

LINE HISTORY: Sportsbooks are giving a lot of respect to Justin Verlander (and they should) opening the Dodgers as very slight -113 home favorites. They have moved very slightly to the current number -115. The total hit the board the at 7.5.

WEATHER REPORT:


It should be another scorcher in Los Angeles Tuesday.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Justin Verlander (4-0, 1.46 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Rich Hill (0-0, 3.00)


Verlander has a stellar 11-5 postseason record, but none of those victories occurred in the World Series, where he went 0-3 with a 7.20 ERA in three career starts for the Tigers. The 34-year-old's arrival in Houston changed the complexion of the rotation, providing the team with a second ace alongside Dallas Keuchel as well as raising the stature of the organization. "We understand the magnitude of his performance and the magnitude of his entrance into our clubhouse," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said at a press conference. "The way he's fit in, the way he's been intellectually curious on how to get better, but let's be honest, ultimately the way he's performed, has been second to none."


Hill is 1-2 with a 3.96 ERA in six career postseason starts and is making his World Series debut. The 37-year-old is trying to keep the moment in perspective after his major-league career appeared to be finished in the summer of 2015, when he signed with the independent Long Island Ducks, but 26 of his 50 career regular-season victories have come since that stint. "I wouldn't change that for anything," Hill said at his press conference on Tuesday. "It was learning, reigniting that fire, reigniting that passion for what we do out there on the field. And really getting back into disassociating yourself with the results, and just understanding that it is a pitch-to-pitch process and understanding that the moment is all that matters."

UMPIRE REPORT: Paul Nauert


Nauert was one of the biggest homer umps in the Majors this season, with the home team going 21-9 (70 percent). When he was calling balls and strikes this season where the home team was listed between -101 and -120 , the home team went 5-0. Nauert was also one of the best Under umpires, going 10-18 against the total. That is interesting considering his low strike rate of 62.04

TRENDS:


* Astros are 8-0 in Verlanders last eight starts.
* Dodgers are 5-0 in their last five playoff home games.
* Over is 5-1 in Astros last six road games vs. a left-handed starter.
* Under is 5-1-1 in Dodgers last seven overall.

CONSENSUS: The public is siding with the red-hot Verlander in Game 2, with the 63 percent of wagers on the Astros. With another hot pitcher on the mound, bettors like the Under here with 58 percent of wagers on it.


WALK OFF NOTES:


* The Dodgers bullpen came in and shut the door behind Kershaw, throwing another two hitless and shutout innings. Since the start of the NLCS the Dodgers bullpen has pitched 19 scoreless innings, striking out 23, allowing just four hits with just one walk.

 

[CNOTES]

LEADING OFF: Verlander tries to keep Astros from 0-2 hole
October 25, 2017


A look at what's happening all around the majors today:


ACE IN THE HOLE


After dropping the World Series opener at Dodger Stadium, the Astros are confident they can rebound in Game 2 - with good reason. Justin Verlander is on the mound, and he's perfect in a Houston uniform.


The ALCS MVP is 4-0 with a 1.46 ERA this postseason, including his first career relief appearance. He is 9-0 with a 1.23 ERA and 67 strikeouts in nine outings for the Astros since agreeing to a trade from Detroit that was completed only seconds before the Aug. 31 midnight deadline for postseason eligibility.


''We think we can win every single game he pitches. I don't know there's any better compliment for a starting pitcher,'' Houston manager A.J. Hinch said. ''I expect his best, and that's what he's delivered since the day he became an Astro.''


HUSHED HOUSTON HITTERS


Houston's batters are looking for a breakout after getting three-hit in the Series opener. It was an especially tough night for George Springer, who went 0 for 4 with four strikeouts from the leadoff spot in a game started by Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw.


Springer, who hit 34 homers this season and made his first All-Star team, batted .412 with a homer and two doubles in the Division Series against Boston but only .115 (3 for 26) in the ALCS vs. the Yankees. Hinch said Springer will be right back in the leadoff spot for Game 2.


The bright spot Tuesday was a solo homer by Alex Bregman, but the five batters below him in the order - Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, Yuli Gurriel, Brian McCann and Marwin Gonzalez - were a combined 1 for 16. They weren't exactly tough outs, either - Correa was 0 for 3 with a strikeout and only saw five pitches. The Astros are batting just .176 since the start of the ALCS.


HILL TO RELY ON


Just over two years after pitching for the Long Island Ducks in the independent Atlantic League, Rich Hill will start for the Dodgers in Game 2. The 37-year-old left-hander used the Ducks as a springboard back into the majors, and after going 12-8 with a 3.32 ERA for Los Angeles this season, he's about to make his first Series start.


''A couple years ago, I was using a bucket in independent ball as a toilet,'' he recalled last weekend.


This will be Hill's third start this postseason - he's allowed three runs in nine innings and is yet to get a decision.

 

[CNOTES]

Hollywood story: Hill goes from Long Island Ducks to Series
October 25, 2017


LOS ANGELES (AP) Rich Hill is living a Hollywood story.


Twenty-six months ago, he was pitching for the Long Island Ducks in the independent Atlantic League.


Thirteen months ago, he was pulled from a perfect game after seven innings because of his pitch count.


Two months ago, another perfect-game bid was spoiled by a leadoff error in the ninth.


And on Wednesday night, the 37-year-old left-hander will be on the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers starting Game 2 of the World Series.


''A couple years ago, I was using a bucket in independent ball as a toilet,'' he recalled last weekend.


Script writers seeking a follow-up to ''Bull Durham,'' ''Field of Dreams'' and ''The Natural'' need look no farther than Dodger Stadium, just 7 miles down the 101 from the Walk of Fame. Hill will take on the Houston Astros, who start Justin Verlander, the MVP of the AL Championship Series.


After a decade in the major leagues, Hill began 2015 with the Washington Nationals' Triple-A team at Syracuse, New York, and was released in June. He signed with the Ducks, struck out seven over five hitless innings on Aug. 2 against the Bridgeport Bluefish, then a week later struck out 14 over six scoreless innings versus the Camden Riversharks.


''I think it's something that people will think of and say, wow, it's just a bunch of guys that are washed up or guys that didn't get an opportunity to make it,'' he explained Tuesday. ''But that's not true. If you actually go to a game and take it in and see, there's a lot of good talent here. It just happens that there wasn't any room for these players in affiliated baseball.''


Boston took notice, purchased his contract and brought him back to the big leagues in mid-September.


''It was a great experience. I wouldn't change that for anything,'' Hill said. ''It was learning again, reigniting that fire, reigniting that passion for what we do out there on the field and really getting back into disassociating yourself with the results and just understanding that it is a pitch-to-pitch process and understanding that the moment is all that matters.''


He went 2-1 with a 1.55 ERA in four starts with the Red Sox and earned a $6 million, one-year deal with Oakland for 2016. Dealt to the Dodgers that Aug. 1, he went 7-5 with a 2.12 ERA in 20 starts overall, became a free agent again and signed a $48 million, four-year contract to remain with Los Angeles.


At the news conference to announce his big deal, Hill's voice quavered and his face flushed with emotion when he thanked his wife Caitlin; son Brice, who was born in 2011; and son Brooks, who was less than 2 months old when he died in February 2014.


''He was born with multiple issues that we confronted and had to deal with,'' Hill said at spring training that year. ''Unfortunately, he succumbed. He's passed. He taught us a lot of things. Unfortunately, things didn't work out.''


Dodgers manager Dave Roberts admires Hill for a passion and intensity that stands out even among hyper-competitive major leaguers.


''He's whacky on his start days,'' Roberts said. ''He gets more mad when he swings and misses than he does giving up a homer. This guy thinks he's Superman on the baseball field. So it's kind of comical at times.''


Hill's performance in Los Angeles has been blistering - both good and bad.


He retired his first 21 batters at Miami on Sept. 10 last year when Roberts removed him after 89 pitches. Hill didn't pitch in the majors between May 29 and July 2 because of a strained left groin and between July 17 and Aug. 24 because of a blister on the middle finger of his pitching hand.


''I feel sick to my stomach,'' Roberts said then. ''This is probably the worst I've felt after a win.''


On Aug. 23 this year, he retired his first 24 batters at Pittsburgh before third baseman Logan Forsythe allowed Jordy Mercer's grounder to bounce off his chest and skip away for an error. Hill pitched no-hit ball until Josh Harrison homered on a fastball leading off the 10th that gave the Pirates a 1-0 win.


Still, his season was interrupted twice by the blister, which sent him to the disabled list from April 7-16 and April 17 to May 16. After returning for the second time, he held opponents to a .194 batting average and averaged 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings, finishing with a 12-8 record.


He didn't get a decision in his first two postseason starts this year, allowing two runs over four innings as the Dodgers beat Arizona 8-5 in Game 2 of the Division Series and giving up one run over four innings during the 4-1 win over the Chicago Cubs in Game 2 of the Championship Series.


Hill thought back to ''those times of struggle and in the times of failure in the rehab, the years of rehabbing, not being in an affiliated clubhouse.''


''You understand how fortunate you are to play this game and fortunate to be able to get the opportunity to go out there and play,'' he said.

 

[CNOTES]

LA's Pederson, Utley start in place of Hernandez, Forsythe
October 25, 2017


LOS ANGELES (AP) Left fielder Joc Pederson and second baseman Chase Utley get the start for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 2 of the World Series in place of Enrique Hernandez and Logan Forsythe, and shortstop Corey Seager moves from sixth to second in the batting order.


Chris Taylor bats leadoff and plays center field Wednesday night, followed by Seager, third baseman Justin Turner, first baseman Cody Bellinger, right fielder Yasiel Puig, Pederson, catcher Austin Barnes, Utley and left-hander Rich Hill.


Center fielder George Springer tops an unchanged Houston Astros batting order, followed third baseman Alex Bregman, second baseman Jose Altuve, shortstop Carlos Correa, first baseman Yuli Gurriel, catcher Brian McCann, left fielder Marwin Gonzalez, right fielder Jose Reddick and right-hander Justin Verlander.


******************


Tuesday's Best Bet
October 25, 2017


Screw It, Astros In 6


The Los Angeles Dodgers have come out swinging at the plate and on the hill to take what feels like a commanding lead in the World Series. Clayton Kershaw threw 11 strikeouts and allowed just one run on three hits in the opener, while the heart of their batting order provided the offensive spark to put Houston away.


As a massive public team, the Dodgers have entered the fray as the favorite and continue to hold value as they maintain homefield advantage. But anyone who is investing heavily in the Dodgers is forgetting two things.

Whle Kershaw is one of the most well known strikeout artists in the game, he’s also backed by the best bullpen in the playoffs. The Dodgers didn’t allow a single run in the NLCS as they vanquished the Cubs. But let’s also be clear that Justin Turner and Chris Taylor needed to bash homeruns of Keuchel to get the Dodgers the lead in the first place.


Keuchel has routinely been knocked around by the Dodgers and this is the World Series where a lot of weird stuff can go down. He should be forgiven for throwing an otherwise strong game. But where the Astros themselves will find reprieve is in the remainder of their starters.


The Astros will send Justin Verlander to the mound tonight, and the former MVP is having an absolutely resurgent post season. He’s posted a 1.46 ERA and a 0.93 WHIP that far outclasses the metrics of his opponent, Chris Hill, in tonight’s pivotal Game 2.


Let’s not forget that that this series shifts back to Houston for Games 3 through 5, and the Astros are a perfect 6-0 SU when playing at home this season. So if you’re going to take one of the best value plays left on the board, it’s going to be the Astros in 6 at +600.


Of course, if you’re brazen enough to believe that Kershaw can’t steal a game on the road for the Dodgers, why wouldn’t you take Houston riding momentum for a four-game sweep and winning in Game 5? I mean, aside from if you think the Dodgers are going to win it all…


World Series Outcome - per by BetOnline.ag
Astros in 5 +1200
Astros in 6 +600
Astros in 7 +550
Dodgers in 4 +600
Dodgers in 5 +350
Dodgers in 6 +275
Dodgers in 7 +425


BetOnline.ag has a full service of awesome prop bets to compliment the World Series. You can bet on the obscenely tight race for World Series MVP, a market that is currently led by Kershaw (+300) and Justin Turner (+350). But three other bets – Altuve at +800, Velrander at +700 and other Dodger Chris Taylor at +800 – all boast extremely strong payout value as well. Follow your heart, it’s the only way to go.


Game 2 of the World Series is set for Wednesday at 8pm ET / 5pm PT with a showdown between Verlander and Hill set to captivate our attention.

 

[CNOTES]

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


HOU at LAD 08:00 PM


HOU -111

O 7.5 *****

 

[CNOTES]

Astros edge Dodgers to even series
October 25, 2017


LOS ANGELES (AP) George Springer circled the bases after hitting a two-run homer off Brandon McCarthy in the 11th inning.


Would it be enough? Was this the final plot twist in one of the wildest World Series games ever?


Yes, it was - barely - and the Houston Astros won a World Series game for the first time in their 56-season history.


Charlie Culberson hit a two-out homer in the bottom half off winner Chris Devenski, who then struck out Yasiel Puig in a nine-pitch at-bat. The Astros outlasted the Los Angeles Dodgers 7-6 in a Hollywood thriller Wednesday night to tie the Series at one game apiece.


On a night of dramatic swings and a World Series-record eight home runs, Marwin Gonzalez stunned the Dodger Stadium crowd with a solo shot off dominant closer Kenley Jansen in the ninth that made it 3-all.


Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa hit consecutive home runs against Josh Fields in the 10th to build a 5-3 Astros lead.


But there was more. Much, much more.


Puig homered off Ken Giles starting the bottom of the 10th and Enrique Hernandez knotted the score 5-5 with a two-out RBI single.


Devenski entered and with Hernandez at second, a wild pickoff throw headed toward center field before it struck second base umpire Laz Diaz. An incredulous Hernandez put both hands on his head, unable to advance, and he was stranded when Chris Taylor flied out.


Cameron Maybin, who had entered in the 10th, singled leading off the 11th against Brandon McCarthy, a surprise addition to the Dodgers' World Series roster who was pitching for the first time since Oct. 1. Maybin stole second and Springer hit a drive to center for a 7-5 lead, just the third 11th-inning home run in the Series after shots by Kirby Puckett in 1991 and David Freese in 2011.


Devenski retired Corey Seager and Justin Turner on lineouts. Puig checked his swing on a 2-2 pitch - the Astros jumped when first base umpire Gerry Davis signaled no swing - and Puig fouled off two more. Devenski threw his fifth straight changeup, and Puig swung over it as the Astros ran onto the field to celebrate.


After another steamy night in a Santa Ana heat wave, the series shifts to Texas and resumes Friday at Houston's Minute Maid Park, where the retractable roof has not been open for a game since June 8. Lance McCullers Jr. starts for the Astros and Yu Darvish for the Dodgers, who acquired him from Texas at the July 31 trade deadline.


Houston is 6-0 at home in the postseason but just 1-7 on the road.

 

[CNOTES]

The Latest: Astros' McCullers starts Game 3, Morton Game 4
October 25, 2017


LOS ANGELES (AP) The Latest on Game 2 of the World Series between the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers (all times local):


9:35 p.m.


George Springer hit a two-run drive in the 11th inning and the Houston Astros won a thrilling home run derby at Dodger Stadium, beating Los Angeles 7-6 Wednesday night to tie the World Series at one game apiece.


The teams combined for a Series record eight homers. When the slugging was finally over, the Astros had hung on to win a World Series game for the first time in their 56-season history.


Houston trailed 3-2 in the ninth when Marwin Gonzalez hit a leadoff home run against closer Kenley Jansen. Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa hit back-to-back homers in the Houston 10th for a 5-3 lead.


The Dodgers then rallied, tying it on Yasiel Puig's home run and an RBI single with two outs by Enrique Hernandez.


Springer's shot off Brandon McCarthy gave Houston just enough margin to withstand Charlie Culberson's homer in the bottom of the 11th.


Game 3 is Friday night in Houston.

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack


— Happy birthday to Pat Sajak, the youngest-looking 71-year old in America.


— Aaron Rodgers has 13 screws in his clavicle after surgery this week.


— Eastern Michigan has used five different punters this season.


— Ravens 40, Dolphins 0– Joe Flacco got KO’d with a concussion; Ravens have ten days before their next game, then a bye.


— Stanford 15, Oregon State 14– Cardinal tore OSU’s hearts out, scoring a TD with 0:20 left. Beavers are having a terrible season.


— Joe Girardi was fired by New York Thursday; the guy was 910-710 but got the boot.




**********


Armadillo: Friday's List of 13: Things I’m looking for this weekend


13) Penn State-Ohio State is a game with national title implications; Buckeyes won five games in row since loss to Oklahoma, all by 31+ points; they’re 6-12 vs spread in last 18 games as a home favorite, 1-3 this year. OSU had last week off, Penn State whacked Michigan. Nittany Lions lost 38-10/63-14 in their last two visits to Columbus.


12) Only 11 NFL games Sunday, only three divisional games this weekend as they defer to the World Series, keeping more marquee matchups until the second half of the season. Putting the Browns on TV from London at 9:30am isn’t going to help TV ratings any.


11) Washington State embarrassed Arizona 69-7 last year, now they visit Tucson to play an invigorated Wildcat squad that is running the ball like crazy behind sophomore QB Tate. Big contrast is styles, interesting game— too bad it is on the Pac-12 Network.


10) Bears visit the Superdome Sunday; Saints won their last four games, allowing 6 TD’s on 38 drives, while scoring three TD’s of their own. Now rookie QB Trubisky comes calling against a hot defense. Chicago’s only two TD’s last week were scored by their defense.


9) Florida beat Georgia the last three years, by 14-24-18 points, but the Dawgs are unbeaten this year with a win at Notre Dame. Florida has played lot of close games this year; they’re getting two TD’s in this game. Favorites are 4-1-1 vs spread in last six series games.


8) Raiders make the long trip last to play a Buffalo team that is B4-2 with a +10 turnover ratio; Bills are 3-0 at home, with wins by 9-10-3 points- they’re 22-42 on 3rd down in their last three games.


7) Tennessee is 31-1 in its last 32 games with Kentucky; this is only 2nd time in last 21 years they’ve been an underdog to the Wildcats, but Butch Jones is on his way out in Knoxville— if Kentucky doesn’t beat the Vols this week, not sure when they will.


6) Indianapolis is 0-3 on road, losing by 35-28-14 points (0-3 vs spread); four of their five losses are by 14+ points- they’ve been outscored 134-44 in second half of games this year, have one TD on 19 drives in last two games. Other than that, things are going great for the Colts.


5) North Carolina was a double-digit favorite in two of its first three games, but they split those games and are 1-7, losing last four games by a combined score of 145-41 (36-10 average). Tar Heels host unbeaten Miami this week, coming off a 59-7 loss at Virginia Tech.


4) Houston scored 33+ points in its last four games, led by surprising rookie QB Watson; now they visit a stout Seahawk defense that has allowed only two TD’s on 22 drives in two home wins, and held the Giants to seven points last week.


3) Road team won last four Michigan State-Northwestern games; Wildcats won 54-40 in East Lansing LY, holding State to 51 YR. Spartans won their last five visits to Evanston.


2) Redskins/Eagles both got banged up on Monday night; Washington hosts arch-rival Dallas here, as both teams try to keep pace with the first-place Eagles. Cowboys-Redskins is most always a fun game.


1) USC s 0-6 against the spread in its last six games, losing their last two road games, at Notre Dame, Washington State. Trojans are tied for first in Pac-12 South, making this a bigger game than usual. ASU won three of its last four games, covering all four.