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[CNOTES]

Midseason Report


June 30, 2015




First Half Roundup


162 games is a long season. Every year teams sprint out of the gate in April and May with October dreams, only to come back to the pack by July. It's not a sprint, of course, but a marathon, where a strong balance of pitching, defense and offense carries the best teams into the postseason. Injuries, too, are key, as well as trades made before the July deadline. Teams have figured out their strengths and weaknesses now and are beginning to look for pieces to add before the deadline, while others are figuring out whom to dump. Here's a look at some recent baseball surging and slumping teams.


Royals: Didn’t everyone bail on last year’s AL champs? “Lost too many players, plus they were a fluke…” Well the 2015 Royals are pretty good, too, giving Detroit and surprising Minnesota a run for their money in the AL Central. The offense has not taken a step back, still running around the base paths ranked in the Top 10 in on base percentage.


The Royals are 19-7 as a dog and 35-18 away against righties. The one concern is quality starting pitching, with Edinson Volquez walking too many and Danny Duffy and Jeremy Guthrie regressing. The Royals still rely on a lights out pen, but will they wear down as the summer gets hotter and the workload longer?


Mets: The NY Mets have gotten Matt Harvey back and he’s anchored a strong staff behind Jonathon Niese, Jacob deGrom and the amazing Bartolo Colon, who adds hundreds of pounds and years but never seems to break down. The Mets are 38-13 as home chalk.


However, this offense is not great, bottom 10 in runs scored and on base percentage. They can struggle against good pitchers and note that the Mets are 13-30 against a pitcher with a WHIP less than 1.15. They probably will be in the market for a productive bat in July.


Astros: Wow! A bold pick to win the 2018 World Series a few years ago by some, Houston is way ahead of schedule. Diminutive 25-year old 2B Jose Altuve is having a monster season with the bat and stealing bases with his legs. The balanced lineup is hitting almost twice as many homers as opponents. Astros centerfielder Jake Marisnick turned an unassisted double play in a 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels.


The Houston pitching staff has a pair of young aces in Dallas Keuchel and Collin McHugh helping the team rip off an impressive 7 game road win streak. Sports bettors take note: the Astros are 16-5 when Keuchel is an underdog and 20-6 under the total following a defeat.


Mariners:Seattle was the talk of the offseason, a young team ready to roll out West. Any team with an ace like Felix Hernandez won’t have long losing skids. However, the Mariners have fallen short, without much in the rotation beyond King Felix and J.A. Happ. And with Fernando Rodney as a closer, their manager needs a trunk full of blindfolds and antacid.


The offense, too, has been a huge problem, bottom 10 in runs and OBP. Kyle Seager and Nelson Cruz are doing their part but getting little help. Seattle is 37-15-2 under the total at home in spacious Safeco Field.


Pirates: What is going on with Pittsburgh? This young team was supposed to take off in 2015. They have an impressive rotation of A.J. Burnett, Gerrit Cole and Francisco Liriano, anchoring a pitching staff averaging close of 9 strikeouts per 9 innings. And the Pirates are 38-18 at home against a righty starter, so why aren’t they running away with the division?


Ah yes, offense, the other half of the game. The Pirates haven’t hit, bottom 14 in runs scored, slugging and on-base percentage. Might be a good time to go shopping for a bat -- and a team to look at under the total in the second half?


Red Sox: Boston spent a lot in the offseason bug management hasn’t gotten its money’s worth. Like last year they are good at drawing walks and little else. They started April 7-3 with the owner pointing out that “Clay Buchholz is an ace.” It’s been all downhill since, with a lack of clutch hitting they experienced in 2014, an injury to Hanley Ramirez and a dreadful pitching staff. The poor performance of Buchholz and the other starters have already cost the pitching coach his job. More pink slips will follow if they don’t turn it around and a July fire sale wouldn’t surprise.

 

[CNOTES]

MLB

Wednesday, July 1

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July Good Month/Bad Month Pitchers
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Fireworks and the MLB All-Star game signal the month of July. It also signifies the start of the second half of the MLB campaign. The key to each and every team’s fortune lies on the pitching staff. Can they sustain or will they unravel like a cheap suit? Stay tuned.

What we do know is certain pitchers love hurling this time of the season while others tend to get lit up like a roman candle on the 4th of July.

Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in team-starts over the course of the last three seasons during the month of July. On the flip side, we've also listed pitchers that struggle in July, winning 33 percent or less of their team-start efforts To qualify, pitchers must have made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each July over the last three years. And for your convenience, alongside each record we break down each pitcher’s greatest success or greatest failure rate either home (H) or away (A) within his good or bad month.

Note: * designates a categorical repeat appearance by this pitcher, maintaining status quo from last season’s April list.

GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

Chen, Wei-Yin • 10-3 / 5-1 H

The Orioles' Chen is having another solid season as his 2.90 ERA indicates he's just not gotten a lot run support which is explains his 3-4 record. Very good life on a low to mid 90's fastball and if the Baltimore bats stay hot, the wins will come for Chen.

Colon, Bartolo • 11-5 / 5-0 A

Hard to believe the rolly-polly 42-year old right-hander is still around in the big leagues and still throwing 80 percent fastballs at his age. Though he still has a winning record, Colon 's ERA is almost five and opposing teams are hitting .282 against him. Let's see if he has a typical July for him as his numbers are beginning to slip.

Fister, Doug • 12-3 / 5-1 H

Started the season poorly, got injured and is working his way back. You know Fister is on his game when there are a lot of ground ball outs or lazy fly balls. Has to keep top of hand on top of the ball to get the sinking action he needs.

Hellickson, Jeremy • 8-4 / 4-1 A

Really nothing more than a back of the rotation pitcher with ordinary stuff. Hellickson can put together two or three quality starts than get hit like a stalled car on the tracks with a train coming. Not sure he will have same success this month going from Tampa Bay to Arizona.

Hernandez, Felix • 11-5 / 5-2 A

After a sensational first two months, King Felix saw his ERA jump from 1.91 in late May to 3.24 on June 22. He only had 21 strikeouts in that five starts stretch and allowed nine or more fly balls on three different occasions, very unusual for Hernandez. Still opposing hitters are only batting .204 against and chances are he will return to being the King.

*Hudson, Tim • 11-4 / 7-1 A

Another elder statesman who turns 39 this month, Hudson enjoyed a long and great career. No question he's at the end of the line with opposing hitters batting .291 against vs. .251 lifetime but still capable of quality starts and keeping San Francisco in games when he takes the ball.

*Kershaw, Clayton • 13-4 / 7-2 A

As July commences, Kershaw will be working a three-game losing for the first time in his career. Nothing physically wrong with the three-time Cy Young winner, just pitching into bad luck and making a mistake or two a game which we are not used to seeing. However, there is no doubt he could be unbeatable this month like in the past.

Liriano Francisco • 10-5 / 5-2 H

Despite a below .500 record, the Pirates lefty has held opposing hitters to .189 and his WHIP is 1.01. All Liriano needs is a few more runs from his Pittsburgh teammates and his three-pitch arsenal will start adding up to more victories.

Lohse, Kyle • 12-5 / 8-1 H

The Milwaukee right-hander season has mirrored that of his Brewers teammates with a 4-9 record and 6.28 ERA. Besides allowing well over a hit an inning, Lohse has given up almost as many home runs as walks permitted (19 vs.20) this campaign. No sure Lohse will duplicate past success.

*Porcello, Rick • 9-4 / 6-1 H

Almost every off-season signing has backfired for Boston including bringing in Porcello. His sorry 4-8 record is well-deserved as his 5.54 ERA indicates. Enemy hitters are getting great cuts and knocking him around for a .286 batting average. Like Lohse, Porcello has one of the worst ERA's among hurlers with 10 or more starts. Can he turn it around?

Price, David • 12-4 / 7-1 A

Though he does not win every time, it has to make any manager very comfortable to be handing the ball to Price every five games. Expertly commands two and four-seam fastballs and can strikeout anybody with his a couple of hard-breaking curves or changeups. Has almost a 5-to-1 K/W ratio and fun to watch as a maestro.

Samardzija, Jeff • 10-5 / 5-2 H

After a strong season a year ago, has returned to prior form of most of his career on the other side of Chicago. He's not fooling anybody with a .286 BA allowed and he's on pace to surrender 27 homers. Needs big July to help the White Sox.

Scherzer, Max • 11-4 / 6-2 H

The best pitcher in baseball in 2015 thus far with a minuscule 1.79 ERA and WHIP you need reading glasses to find at 0.79. In 110 1/3 innings he fanned 130 and walked 14 (not a misprint), with one hit batter that prevented perfect game. Walks around the mound like he's king of the jungle... and he is.

*Tillman, Chris • 10-5 / 5-1

It has not been an easy campaign for the Baltimore hurler with a losing record, with an ERA over 5.50 the first three months of the season and a wayward WHIP of 1.51. The top four hitters on the opposing teams lineup card have .375 OBP against Tillman. He will have to regain confidence to match past numbers this month.

Volquez, Edinson • 10-5 / 6-2 A

Having a good year with the defending AL champion Royals at 8-4 with a 3.18 ERA and doing splendid work controlling lefty batters who are at just .210 against Volquez. Should continue with another stellar July.


BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

Hammel, Jason • 2-11 / 0-4 H

Not many pitchers actively want to pitch in Wrigley Field and for the Chicago Cubs, but Hammel is a rare exception. The Greenville, SC native might have stunk it up for other teams with a below .500 record and 4.46 ERA, but Hammel is 5-3 with 2.92 ERA on the north side of Chi-Town this season. Will his turnaround continue?

Haren, Dan • 3-8 / 0-6 A

Having a much stronger year than anticipated with a 3.38 ERA and WHIP of 1.01. Haren was about ready to retire but decided to give one more shot, but has not won in four starts with poor run support and not being as effective as he was the first two months. On a lousy team without Giancarlo Stanton, Haren might be in line for another miserable month.

Keuchel, Dallas • 4-10 / 1-4 H

Be all appearances, the Astros ace might be doing a 180-degree turn based on previous July's. Now extremely confident in his abilities, the Houston lefty has a .194 BA conceded and a WHIP under one (0.96). Why opposing managers even have a left-handed bat in the lineup is a mystery since they are hitting a feeble .136 against Keuchel.

*Norris, Bud • 2-11 / 1-6 A

Though Baltimore has blossomed to take over first place in the AL East, Norris has not been a part of their turnaround. The right-hander's ERA is 'down' to around 7.00 and his WHIP of 1.61 explains how hittable he's been, plus walking other batters. Looks like ‘Play Against’ material until further notice.

Strasburg, Stephen • 5-12 / 2-8 H

Strasburg was a wreck, but maybe the time on the DL has straightened out his arm, body and head. In his last two starts of June, Strasburg had 15 strikeouts and just eight hits allowed in 12 innings. Do not imagine baseball bettors are willing to compare him to teammate Scherzer yet, and will take a wait and see attitude on the 26-year old.

 

[CNOTES]

(AP) - Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez says his long layoff was a life lesson, even if it was lousy for his career.
Veteran right-hander Matt Cain has also learned a few things during his extended time away from the San Francisco Giants.
Both pitchers make their long-awaited returns as Fernandez takes the mound opposite Cain on Thursday in the conclusion of a three-game series at Marlins Park.
Fernandez said he's a better person for having made the taxing, tedious recovery from Tommy John surgery and he'll now get the ball for the first time since May 9, 2014.
"I've been waiting 13 months," the 22-year-old said. "If I've learned something, it's how to be patient at my age."
It's been nearly as long a journey for Cain, who hasn't pitched in the big leagues since July 9. The right-hander's 2014 season ended when he had elbow surgery in August to remove bone chips, and he's been out this year with a flexor tendon strain.
"It's been a long road, but it's going to be worth it," Cain told MLB's website. "It's definitely a lot longer road than we expected. But that's just the way it goes."
Fernandez has always been in a hurry. He pitched only 27 games in the minor leagues, joined the Marlins (33-46) at age 20 and became NL Rookie of the Year at 21 in 2013. He was the Marlins' opening day starter last year, but his ascent was interrupted by an elbow ligament injury that required reconstructive surgery.
Then came the wait to return. Is Fernandez proud of his patience?
"The first four months, no chance," he said with a laugh. "Now I feel like I've gotten a little better, not only for pitching, but for life."
While the World Series champion Giants (42-37) have stayed in the thick of the playoff chase despite a wave of injuries, the Marlins are hoping Fernandez can turn their season around.
Despite high expectations, they have fallen into a deep hole in the NL East and are without injured slugger Giancarlo Stanton for four to six weeks.
At a minimum, the dynamic Fernandez should improve the mood in the clubhouse and stir fan interest. The Marlins expect a crowd of 25,000 to 30,000 for Thursday's noon start.
"This team, this organization, this city should be excited to have a guy of his ability back in the rotation," manager Dan Jennings said. "I know he's excited, and we're excited about him coming back."
Fernandez will get six days' rest before his second start, which is scheduled to be at Marlins Park on July 9 against Cincinnati.
Yet to be determined is how soon Fernandez might resemble the pitcher who went 16-8 with a 2.25 ERA in 36 career starts before his injury. He endured no significant setbacks during his rehabilitation.
Fernandez will be on a "common-sense" pitch count, said Jennings, who didn't elaborate. The right-hander threw 90 pitches in his final Double-A rehab start Saturday. Backup Jeff Mathis, who has worked with Fernandez since 2013, will be behind the plate.
"To be back in that circle," Fernandez said, "is going to be really special."
Cain seems to have also gained a newfound appreciation for how special it is to be on the mound in a major league park.
"You get it taken away from you for an amount of time, whatever that time is, you definitely learn to appreciate it," Cain said. "It's supposed to be fun."
With Cain and Jake Peavy, who has also been out with an injury, rejoining a rotation that features Madison Bumgarner, Chris Heston and Ryan Vogelsong, the second-place Giants could be poised to make a move in the NL West.
Cain is 6-4 with a 3.20 ERA in 14 starts against the Marlins, who got a three-run homer from Justin Bour in the ninth Wednesday for a 6-5 win and 2-0 lead in this series.
Fernandez has never faced San Francisco but is 7-2 with a 2.18 ERA in 10 career outings against NL West opponents.
Giants catcher Buster Posey left Wednesday's game as a precaution after taking a foul ball off his mask. Posey, who was struck in the fourth and exited in the sixth, passed a concussion test and hopes to play Thursday.
''I feel good,'' Posey said. ''I just got my bell rung. I've felt it before, no headache or dizziness or anything. I just felt a little bit off.''

 

[CNOTES]

The Detroit Tigers are starting to feel fortunate they don't have to face Neil Walker very often. They'll be feeling even better once his current visit is done.
Walker will try to continue inflicting damage on Detroit pitching Thursday when he tries to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates to their fifth win in six games and first three-game sweep of the Tigers.
After going 4 for 32 over his previous 10 games while dealing with a right hip and core injury, Walker seemed to get his stroke back while going 4 for 9 in three games prior to facing the Tigers.
The second baseman delivered the go-ahead RBI double in the 14th inning of Tuesday's 5-4 victory before finishing with a season-high four hits - including two home runs - in Wednesday's 9-3 win.
He's gone 17 for 40 with four homers over his last nine games against the Tigers.
''We've got a day game (Thursday), so there's not much I can do tonight,'' Walker said. ''But you certainly celebrate a day like this in your mind.''
Starling Marte also homered Wednesday, part of his four-hit effort that matched a career high. Gregory Polanco had three hits and Pedro Alvarez added his 11th homer.
Pittsburgh (44-33), which put up 21 hits for the first time since May 2004, will try to win for the ninth time in its last 13 road games behind Francisco Liriano (4-6, 3.21 ERA).
The left-hander's .189 batting average against is second only to Washington's Max Scherzer (.180) among qualifying pitchers.
Liriano had a 1.52 ERA in six road starts before giving up five runs and a season high-tying seven hits over 5 2-3 innings in a 6-0 loss to the Nationals on June 20. He wasn't sharp again Friday, but wiggled out of trouble in allowing two runs over seven in a 3-2, 10-inning home win over Atlanta.
Liriano is 1-9 with a 6.84 ERA in his last 11 starts versus Detroit, losing his last four. However, he yielded two runs and three hits over six innings in a 5-2 loss at Comerica Park last August before giving up one run and four hits over seven in a 1-0 home loss April 15.
Rajai Davis homered off Liriano to account for the only run in the last matchup. Victor Martinez should be glad to see Liriano again since he's 13 for 28 with a home run and six doubles against him.
Miguel Cabrera, though, is 2 for 15 versus Liriano since the start of 2011. Ian Kinsler is 3 for 20 lifetime in the matchup and Yoenis Cespedes has gone 1 for 12.
J.D. Martinez stayed hot Wednesday with three more hits. The outfielder has gone 6 for 10 with a home run in this series and is batting .365 with 10 homers and 21 RBIs over his last 15 games.
The Tigers (39-38), who rank among the major league leaders with a .276 average against left-handers, hope to avoid their fifth loss in seven games. Kyle Ryan (1-1, 4.56) was supposed to pitch Saturday until a rainout and Justin Verlander's return pushed back his outing.
The left-hander, who has never faced Pittsburgh, allowed three runs over 3 2-3 innings in an 8-5 win at Cleveland in his last start June 22. He also gave up two runs in two-thirds of an inning of relief two days later.

 

[CNOTES]

CFL Betting Notes - Week 2


July 1, 2015


The underdogs ruled the day in Week 1 of the new CFL season with a straight-up record of 3-1 and a perfect 4-0 run against the spread. Ottawa started things off with a stunning 20-16 victory over Montreal last Thursday as a 9 ½-point road favorite after winning just two games all last year.


In Friday night’s rematch of last season’s Grey Cup, Hamilton once again fell to Calgary in a tight 24-23 loss, but the Tiger-Cats easily covered as six-point road underdogs. Last Saturday’s action started with Toronto upsetting Edmonton 26-11 as a nine-point home favorite. Later that night, Winnipeg completed the ATS sweep with a 30-26 win against Saskatchewan as a seven point underdog on the road.


Opening Odds provided by 5Dimes.eu


Thursday, July 2


Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-1 SU, 1-0 ATS) vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS)
Point-spread: Hamilton -2
Total: 50 ½


Game Overview


The Tiger-Cats came painfully close to upsetting Calgary on the road and they have to be encouraged by the play of quarterback Zach Collaros, who completed 27-of-38 passes for 281 yards. Andy Fantuz was on the receiving end of nine of those throws for a team-high 83 yards. Hamilton’s running game accounted for just 37 total yards in last week’s loss.


Winnipeg will be looking to build off of last week’s win after it was only able to post two SU wins in its last 12 games in 2014. Drew Willy had a big day throwing the ball with 325 yards and three scores while completing 22 of his 25 attempts. Clarence Denmark and Nick Moore combined for 11 receptions for 188 yards and a score to help pace the win.


Betting Trends


Hamilton is 6-1 SU in the last seven meetings and it has covered in four of the last five meetings ATS. The total has stayed UNDER in six of the last eight games.


Friday, July 3


Calgary Stampeders (1-0 SU, 0-1 ATS) vs. Montreal Alouettes (0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS)
Point-spread: Calgary OFF
Total: OFF


Game Overview


The defending Grey Cup Champions picked-up where they left off last season behind quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, but while he did throw for 263 yards and a score, he was also picked-off three times. Long-time veteran running back Jon Cornish added another 70 on the ground on 13 carries. Jeff Fulling had the hot hand catching the ball with nine receptions for 148 total yards.


Montreal was down to its third-string quarterback in its season-opening loss to Ottawa. Johnathan Crompton got the start but left with a shoulder injury. Dan LeFevour lasted just one play before he was lost for the season with an injured shoulder. With Crompton still listed as 'questionable' for this game, look for rookie Brandon Bridge to possibly get the start. He went 5-for-10 for 62 yards in relief last week and a costly fourth-quarter interception set-up the RedBlacks’ eventual winning scoring drive.


Betting Trends


Calgary is 6-2 SU in the last eight meetings with a profitable 7-1 mark ATS. The total has stayed UNDER in four of the last six games. The Stampeders are 20-7-1 ATS in their last 28 road games.


Saturday, July 4


British Columbia Lions (0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS) vs. Ottawa RedBlacks (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS)
Point-spread: BC -3
Total: 46


Game Overview


The Lions enjoyed a bit of extra time off with a Week 1 bye, but they have to be chomping at the bit to get the new season started with Jeff Telford at the helm as the team’s new head coach after a successful college stint at California in the Pac-12. Travis Lulay is expected to get the start at quarterback in what should be a new-look offense for BC, given Telford’s up-tempo style that relies heavily on moving the ball down field through the air.


Ottawa will try and match last season’s SU win total with a victory on Saturday afternoon, but veteran quarterback Henry Burris is going to have to do a much better job protecting the ball after getting picked-off three times in last week’s win at Montreal. The good news for the RedBlacks’ offense is a ground game that ran for 114 yards in Week 1 with Chevon Walker leading the way with 52 yards on 16 carries.


Betting Trends


BC won both meetings last season SU including a 7-5 grinder on the road as a nine-point favorite. The Lions easily covered in the next game as 10-point home favorites in a 41-3 blowout. This game ended as a PUSH on the total line after the first meeting stayed well UNDER the closing 47 ½-point line.


Sunday, July 5


Toronto Argonauts (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS) vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders (0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS)
Point-spread: Saskatchewan -3
Total: 51


Game Overview


Toronto stunned Edmonton last week behind a stellar performance by back-up quarterback Trevor Harris, who was starting for the injured Ricky Ray. He ended the day with 347 yards passing and three touchdown throws while completing a ridiculous 88.8 percent of his 27 attempts. He also did a good job of spreading the ball around with eight different players posting at least one catch.


It looks like it will be another rough road for Saskatchewan in regards to its quarterback situation after Darian Durant was lost for the season with a torn Achilles. Veteran Kevin Glenn was added to the roster this past offseason and he is set to take over the reins as the team’s new starter. The Roughriders’ rushing attack got a solid effort from Anthony Allen in last week’s loss with 102 yards on 11 carries.


Betting Trends


The road team in this matchup has won four of the last six meetings both SU and ATS and the total has gone OVER in four of the last five games. Toronto has the slight 3-2 edge both SU and ATS in the last five meetings.

 

[CNOTES]

Thursday's Tip Sheet


July 2, 2015


Rangers at Orioles – 7:05 PM EST


Baltimore snapped a two-game skid by beating Texas last night, 4-2 as the Orioles go for the four-game split with the Rangers in the finale. Texas exploded for eight runs in each of the first two victories in this series, but the Rangers couldn’t hold on to an early 2-0 lead in Wednesday’s loss as Jimmy Paredes and J.J. Hardy each homered for the Orioles to seize the advantage.


Kevin Gausman (1-0, 4.24 ERA) takes the mound for Baltimore, coming off several stints in the minors while making only his second start for the big club. Gausman tossed five innings in his only start for Baltimore back on June 20 in a 5-3 victory at Toronto, scattering four hits and two earned runs. Dating back to last season, the Orioles lost four of Gausman’s final five starts at Camden Yards, while facing the Rangers for the first time in his career.


Texas sends out veteran right-hander Yovani Gallardo (7-6, 2.72 ERA), who hasn’t allowed a run in each of his previous three outings. Gallardo came within two outs of a complete-game shutout at Toronto in his last start, tossing a three-hit gem against a talented Blue Jays’ lineup, while cashing as a +135 underdog. However, the Rangers own a 3-6 record in Gallardo’s nine starts away from Arlington this season, which includes a 4-1 ‘under’ mark in the last five road starts.


Red Sox at Blue Jays – 7:05 PM EST


Toronto bounced back nicely following consecutive losses to Boston as the Blue Jays pounded the Red Sox on Canada Day, 11-2. The Jays easily cashed as -135 favorites by jumping out to a 5-0 advantage after the first inning, while avoiding their first three-game losing streak since early June. The Red Sox were seeking their first four-game winning streak of the season, but Boston allowed at least 10 runs to Toronto for the third time in 2015.


Southpaw Matt Boyd (0-1, 5.40 ERA) makes his second career start for Toronto, coming off a shaky debut against Texas. Boyd allowed three home runs in a 4-0 defeat to the Rangers as a -150 favorite, but lasted nearly seven innings. The former Oregon State product faces a Red Sox lineup that has struggled against left-handed starting pitchers on the highway, posting an 0-6 record in their last six road games against southpaws.


Another left-hander toes the rubber for Boston, as Wade Miley (7-7, 4.38 ERA) goes for his third victory in his last four starts. Miley has allowed four earned runs in his previous three outings, which includes six scoreless innings in a 13-2 blowout of the Royals last month. Miley looks to avenge a 7-0 loss at Rogers Center back in May when he gave up four earned runs and eight hits in six innings of work, as the Red Sox are 0-4 in his last four road starts against AL East opponents.


Nationals at Braves – 7:10 PM EST


Washington is starting to pull away from the pack in the NL East race by winning nine of the last 11 games. However, the Braves tripped up the Nationals on Wednesday, 4-1 to cash as +125 home underdogs, beating Washington for the first time in the last 10 tries. Atlanta's offense scored more than two runs for just the second time in the last nine games, but the task will be difficult tonight in the series finale.


Max Scherzer (9-5, 1.79 ERA) finished off June in style, tossing a one-hitter at Milwaukee, a no-hitter against the Pirates, and allowing two hits in eight innings at Philadelphia. Somehow, Scherzer hasn’t faced the Braves yet this season, but Washington owns a perfect 6-0 record in his six starts as a road favorite, with five of those victories coming by at least two runs.


Manny Banuelos makes his Major League debut for the Braves, as the southpaw owned a solid 6-2 record and 2.29 ERA at Triple-A Gwinnett this season. The Nationals have compiled a 5-2 mark against left-handed starters on the road this season, but are facing a southpaw starter away from D.C. for the first time since May 27, when Scherzer and the Nats blanked the Cubs at Wrigley Field, 3-0.


Twins at Royals – 8:10 PM EST


Kansas City returns home following a rough finish to its nine-game road trip, getting swept at Houston in three games. The Royals went back-and-forth with the Astros in the finale last night, only to lose 6-5, as Kansas City squandered an early 3-0 lead. The Twins continue their road swing after losing two of three at Cincinnati, dropping six of their last eight interleague contests.


Minnesota is playing with plenty of revenge tonight, looking to pay back Kansas City after the Royals swept the Twins at Target Field last month. Kyle Gibson (5-6, 3.30 ERA) snapped a three-game skid in his past outing, beating the Brewers as a +125 road underdog, 5-2, allowing six hits and two earned runs in 6.2 innings of work. The right-hander has lost two of three starts to the Royals this season, with the lone victory coming as a home underdog back in April.


Chris Young (7-3, 2.71 ERA) attempts to snap a two-game home losing streak for the Royals, as the veteran right-hander allowed a total of 13 earned runs in losses to the Red Sox and Indians. Young is fresh off a road ‘dog victory at Oakland in his last start, while looking to beat the Twins for the second time this season after tossing 6.1 scoreless innings in a 2-0 triumph at Target Field last month.

 

[CNOTES]

Warriors, Green agree to 5 yr/ $85M deal


July 1, 2015


OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) No need to go through restricted free agency. Draymond Green is coming back to the Golden State Warriors on his own terms.


Green announced on Bleacher Report's Uninterrupted website Wednesday night he has agreed to a five-year deal with the Warriors. A person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press the contract is worth about $85 million.


The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because terms have not been disclosed. Yahoo Sports first reported the agreement.


Green was a restricted free agent, meaning the NBA champion Warriors could match any offer he received. But Golden State always expected to pay whatever salary he commanded, even if that meant dipping into the league's luxury tax, which it will almost surely do now.


It's a major pay raise for Green, who worked his way up from an overlooked second-round pick to the runner-up for NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a key member of the league's top-ranked defense. Green made $3.6 million total in his first three years in the league.


The Warriors count the versatile forward as a core part of their long-term future alongside MVP Stephen Curry and All-Star guard Klay Thompson. General manager Bob Myers and co-owner Joe Lacob called re-signing Green the team's top priority this offseason.


Now they can check it off their to-do list.


Green got his shot to start this past season after David Lee injured his left hamstring in the final preseason game. He took advantage of the opportunity, receiving more first-place votes for Defensive Player of the Year than winner Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs while playing both forward positions and center.


The 25-year-old Green averaged 11.7 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists during the regular season. In the playoffs, he averaged 13.7 points, 10.1 rebounds and 5.2 assists, including a triple-double in the Game 6 clincher against Cleveland in the NBA Finals.


The Warriors drafted Green 35th overall in 2012 after passing on the former Michigan State standout with their first two selections. He quickly emerged as an elite defender and has rapidly improved his 3-point shooting, going from 20.7 percent his first season to 33.7 percent this past season.


The 6-foot-7, 230-pound forward played bigger than his size, giving Golden State the defensive force it had been missing next to center Andrew Bogut. Green stretched the floor alongside Curry and Thompson, and those around him raved about intangibles that don't show up on stat sheets.


Warriors coach Steve Kerr repeatedly called Green the team's heartbeat and vocal leader throughout the championship run. Green came up huge in the biggest moments, too.


He helped Golden State win the NBA title for the first time since 1975 when he had 16 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, three steals and one block in the clinching win at Cleveland on June 16.


Green's signing means that Lee will likely be on the way out - if the Warriors can find a trade suitor - to limit the team's tax hit. Lee is owed $15.4 million next season in the final year of his deal.

 

[CNOTES]

Love staying with Cavs for $110M


July 1, 2015


After all the speculation and intrigue surrounding Kevin Love's foray into the free agent market, the star power forward ended up right where he said he would all along - in Cleveland.


Love announced in The Players Tribune on Wednesday that after his uneven first season ended with a serious shoulder injury, he is coming back to help LeBron James finish what they started together last season.


''We're all on the same page and we're all in,'' Love wrote. ''We have unfinished business and now it's time to get back to work.''


Love agreed to terms on a maximum contract of five years that could be worth more than $110 million, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because details have not been released. No NBA contract can be signed until July 9.


Love opted out of the final year of his existing contract to hit the open market, a financially motivated decision aimed at getting more security after suffering some significant injuries over the last few years.


The Lakers, Celtics and Suns were among the teams believed to be interested in Love, who was viewed by many across the league as gettable after he struggled at times to find his place with James and Kyrie Irving. He was spotted at a pool meeting with James and other teammates earlier this week, a meeting he alluded to in the piece he published on Wednesday.


''Yeah, of course I've heard the free agency rumors,'' Love wrote. ''But at the end of the day, and after meeting with my teammates (it turns out pools are great meeting places) and with the front office, it was clear Cleveland was the place for me.''


It wasn't always that clear during a rocky beginning.


After James chose to return to Cleveland last summer, he targeted Love as a running mate with the new-look Cavaliers. Cleveland sent the previous two No. 1 overall selections - Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett - to Minnesota in the three-team deal to bring Love in and form new power trio aimed at ending the city's 50-year championship drought.


But after being the face of the Timberwolves franchise for six seasons, Love had a difficult time in his new role as the third wheel in Cleveland. His averages of 17.5 points, 10.4 rebounds and 13.5 shots per game were all the lowest since he came off the bench as a rookie in Minnesota, and every tweet and quote between him and James was heavily scrutinized and dissected to try to decipher how the two All-Stars were getting along.


Love said all along that he just wanted to win, and the Cavs turned a worrisome 19-20 start into a blazing 34-9 finish to surge to the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Just as Love was figuring out how best to play with James and Irving and his team entered the postseason for the first time in his seven-year career, it all came to an end.


Celtics forward Kelly Olynyk pulled Love's shoulder out of its socket during their tense first-round series, ending Love's season.


Irving was injured in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, and James carried the Cavaliers the rest of the way, a six-game loss to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. Watching from behind the bench made Love even more determined to return healthy and give James the help he needs.


''After Game 1 of the NBA Finals, that's when it really struck me,'' Love wrote. ''Sitting on the sidelines, I never wanted to play in a game more than that one. I had dreamed of playing in the NBA Finals and I just wanted to help my guys win. I couldn't have been prouder of them as they poured their blood, sweat and tears onto the court.''


Now that Love is back in the fold, the Cavaliers can turn their attention to Tristan Thompson, another free agent whom James wants to return.

 

[CNOTES]

Hawks, Millsap agree on 3 years, $59M


July 1, 2015


ATLANTA (AP) A person with knowledge of the deal says the Atlanta Hawks have reached an agreement to re-sign free agent power forward Paul Millsap.


The person says the agreement is for a two-year deal with a player option for a third year that makes the contract worth $58.9 million. The person spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because the deal can't be finalized until July 9.


Re-signing Millsap, an All-Star in each of his two years with the Hawks, was an offseason priority that gained added importance after another key starter, forward DeMarre Carroll, agreed to a deal with Toronto.


Millsap averaged 16.7 points and 7.8 rebounds as the Hawks advanced to the Eastern Conference finals.


Millsap also had strong interest from Orlando, according to reports.

 

[CNOTES]

Pierce, Clippers agree to 3-year deal


July 1, 2015


Paul Pierce and Doc Rivers are reuniting.


A person with knowledge of the negotiations tells The Associated Press that Pierce has agreed to a three-year, $10 million deal to join the Los Angeles Clippers. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday because no contracts can be finalized until July 9.


Pierce spent this past season with the Washington Wizards, and they wanted him back for a second year. But the lure of going back to Southern California - he went to high school in a Los Angeles suburb - and playing for Rivers again was apparently too strong to ignore.


Next season will be Pierce's 18th, the first 15 with Boston. Rivers coached him for nine of those Boston seasons, and they helped the Celtics win the 2008 NBA title.

 

[CNOTES]

Cavs keep Shumpert for $40M, 4 years


July 1, 2015


A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that Iman Shumpert has agreed to terms on a four-year, $40 million contract that will keep him in Cleveland.


Shumpert and the Cavaliers came to agreement on Wednesday evening. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced. A contract cannot be signed until July 9.


Shumpert came to the Cavaliers with J.R. Smith in a trade midseason with the New York Knicks. Shumpert's perimeter defense helped LeBron James take an injury plagued team to the NBA Finals.


Shumpert averaged 7.2 points and 3.8 rebounds in 38 games with the Cavaliers in the regular season.


Shumpert's signing comes after the Cavs gave Kevin Love a five-year, $110 million deal and Tristan Thompson a five-year, $80 million contract.

 

[CNOTES]

Spurs keep Green for $45M over 4 years


July 1, 2015


When the San Antonio Spurs turned their eyes toward prized free agent LaMarcus Aldridge, it seemed to be a signal Danny Green might have to leave the franchise that helped turn him into one of the best two-way shooting guards in the league.


Not so fast.


One of the top shooters and perimeter defenders on the market has agreed to terms with the Spurs on a four-year contract worth $45 million, a person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been officially announced. Per league rules, it cannot be signed until July 9.


''Looks like I'm back for four more years SA!!!'' Green tweeted.


Green was one of the most coveted perimeter players on the market, with suitors lining up to try to land him. He may have taken a little less money to remain in San Antonio, but he couldn't turn his back on the team that helped him grow from a thrice-cut nobody barely hanging on to a pro career into a sharp-shooting mainstay for the league's model franchise.


Minutes after free agency opened at midnight Eastern on Wednesday, the Spurs locked up Kawhi Leonard with a five-year, $90 million max extension, then turned their attention to Aldridge, one of the biggest stars on the free-agent market.


While GM R.C. Buford, coach Gregg Popovich, Tim Duncan and Leonard were preparing to meet face-to-face with Aldridge, they worked quickly to keep Green, who averaged 11.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and shot 41.8 percent from 3-point range for the Spurs last season.


''Now all we need is the one last piece and it could get interesting,'' Green tweeted in a recruiting pitch to Aldridge. ''Lol ... (at)aldridge12.''


Green was a second-round draft pick of the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2009, but the former North Carolina Tar Heel struggled mightily to find his footing early in his career.


Green was waived by Cleveland before his second season and picked up by the Spurs. He lasted less than a week, but was brought back for the final month of the season before the NBA lockout left him without a team that summer. Green went overseas to play in Slovenia and labored through NBA Development League stints with Reno before getting another shot with the Spurs.


''Some days you wake up and don't realize where you're at and you go, `What the hell am I doing here?''' Green said during the NBA Finals in 2013. ''That happened in a couple of cities, places. Reno, some places overseas.''


Popovich and Tar Heels coach Roy Williams harped on him constantly to refine his game. He worked tirelessly with Spurs player development specialist Chad Forcier to improve his shooting form, and it all paid off.


Green became a starter on the team that went to back-to-back finals and captured the organization's fifth championship when they beat LeBron James and Miami in 2014.


''I've seen the talent he had,'' James said during the finals in 2013. ''He showed the talent when he was in North Carolina. Once he got to Pop, Pop gave him confidence. You get the opportunity, you go out and make the most of it.''

 

[CNOTES]

Bulls, Butler reach 5-year, $90M deal


July 1, 2015


CHICAGO (AP) Jimmy Butler bet on himself and won big.


Butler agreed to terms Wednesday on a five-year maximum contract that could be worth $90 million and includes a player option for the final year, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been finalized. The total value of the contract could wind up being a little higher depending on the salary cap figure for next season, which will be set on July 9.


The deal comes on the heels of a breakout season in which Butler made his first All-Star team and was selected the NBA's Most Improved Player. He averaged 20 points after he and the Bulls were unable to agree to a contract extension last fall.


The Bulls also agreed to terms with Mike Dunleavy on a three-year, $14 million deal, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations. The person also spoke on condition of anonymity because no contracts can be signed until July 9.


Butler posted a photo of downtown Chicago on his Twitter account with the words, ''windy city skyline ... aka home.''


It's been a remarkable rise for Butler, who was kicked out of his house by his mother at age 13, started his college career at Tyler Junior College and was the last pick in the first round out of Marquette in 2011. He quickly became indispensable for the Bulls and his tireless work ethic endeared him to hard-nosed coach Tom Thibodeau.


Thibodeau is gone now, replaced by Fred Hoiberg. But Butler and Derrick Rose will be back in what should be a dynamic backcourt for the Bulls.


Butler turned down a four-year, $44 million offer from the Bulls before last season. At the time he said he was betting on himself, willing to play last year for just under $3.2 million to earn the right to become a restricted free agent.


It turned out to be a wise decision. Butler solidified himself as perhaps the best two-way shooting guard in the league, averaging career highs in points (20.0), rebounds (5.8), field goal percentage (46.2), 3-point percentage (37.8) and minutes (38.7).


The breakout season earned Butler almost $50 million more with his new contract than the one he would have signed last year. And even though he entered restricted free agency and garnered interest from the Lakers and other teams, Butler made it clear all along where his heart was.


''I think this is a place for me,'' Butler said after he was given the Most Improved Player award. ''I love playing with the guys we have. They continue to bring in great, high-character guys that fit the team role. I love it here.''


Dunleavy is back as well, meaning most of the key players return from the team that took the Cleveland Cavaliers to six games in the Eastern Conference semifinals.


Dunleavy was expected to get interest from several other clubs, including Cleveland.


He turns 35 in September, and averaged 9.4 points in 63 games and shot 41 percent from 3-point range last season. In the playoffs, he averaged 10.9 points and shot 48 percent from beyond the arc. The No. 3 pick in the 2002 draft has averaged 11.7 points in 902 career games.

 

[CNOTES]

Sharks sign D Martin for 4 years


July 1, 2015


SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) After missing the playoffs for the first time since 2003, the San Jose Sharks went into the offseason with a clear focus on becoming tougher defensively.


A day after acquiring Martin Jones to be their new starting goaltender, the Sharks opened free agency Wednesday by finding the veteran defenseman they sought when they signed Paul Martin to a $19.4 million, four-year contract.


''We feel good we got these two pieces off our checklist,'' general manager Doug Wilson said. ''Now it allows us to look at some other things and explore. But we don't feel like there's any rush. These two pieces needed to be addressed. They have been and we'll go forward from here.''


The Sharks' main priority after missing the playoffs had been improving a defense that allowed the most goals per game for the franchise in nine years.


With those holes addressed, the Sharks hope they have enough talent up front with Joe Thornton, Joe Pavelski, Logan Couture and Patrick Marleau to be a contender once again.


''For me I wanted the most important thing is to win,'' Martin said. ''I haven't won a Cup yet. That was at the top of the list. Besides last year missing the playoffs, San Jose was one of the teams at the top of my list as far as being able to win. They've proven that they can win.''


The 34-year-old Martin had spent the past five seasons in Pittsburgh. He is strong in the defensive zone and is a good puck mover. He had three goals and 17 assists in 74 games last season. He had only 20 penalty minutes and skated an average of 22:47 per game.


New coach Peter DeBoer sees Martin as a good defense partner for offensive-minded Brent Burns after seeing how well Burns played at the world championships with the steady Dan Hamhuis.


''I thought it really supported and helped Burnsie with his game,'' said DeBoer, who was an assistant coach on Team Canada. ''I see Paul Martin being able to slide in there and have that same effect.''


Martin also is a strong penalty killer who will be counted on to help fix a unit that finished 25th in the league last year after killing 78.5 percent of short-handed opportunities.


Martin spent his first six seasons with New Jersey and has 43 goals and 229 assists in 697 career games.


''I'm pretty flexible as far as being able to play in pretty much any circumstance,'' Martin said. ''I enjoy the challenge of minutes and shutting down top lines. That's kind of been a lot of what my career has been so far.''


San Jose now has veterans Martin, Burns, Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Justin Braun and Brenden Dillon all locked up for at least the next two seasons. With 20-year-old Mirco Mueller also in the fold, the Sharks hope they will have a strong defensive core to help the team get back to the playoffs after a disappointing 2014-15 season.


Wilson still would like to add depth up front and possibly another defenseman but has filled two of his most important holes with Martin and Jones.


''He's just methodically knocking things off the checklist,'' DeBoer said. ''He's doing exactly what he said we'd do. I really like the direction we're going. It just fits with the attitude that I got with the players when I talked to them after the season. They're ready to bounce back and bounce back in a big way.''

 

[CNOTES]

Pens acquire Kessel from Leafs


July 1, 2015


PITTSBURGH (AP) Phil Kessel spent six seasons toiling in relative anonymity in Toronto, one of the best players on a franchise that has struggled to find its footing.


Now the three-time All-Star will get a chance to work alongside two of the best players in the world.


The Maple Leafs sent the 27-year-old Kessel to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday in a blockbuster deal that gives the Penguins a needed boost in its top six and gives the Maple Leafs some flexibility as they begin to retool under new coach Mike Babcock.


The Penguins sent forward prospect Kasperi Kapanen, forward Nick Spaling, defenseman Scott Harrington and a 2016 third-round pick to the Maple Leafs for Kessel, forward Tyler Briggs and defenseman Tim Erixon. Conditional draft picks are also involved.


Pittsburgh began the first day of NHL free agency by sending away a part of its future for a veteran it hopes will have no trouble fitting in while playing with former MVPs Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Kessel has 247 goals and 273 assists in nine seasons between Boston and Toronto, including 25 goals and 36 assists for the Maple Leafs in 2014-15.


His presence will provide Crosby and Malkin with a capable scorer still in his prime. Injuries devastated Pittsburgh's depth last season. The Penguins struggled to score goals for long stretches and fell to the New York Rangers in five games in the opening round of the playoffs.


Pittsburgh believes forward Pascal Dupuis will be back in 2015-16 after missing most of last season with blood clots in his lungs. While Dupuis has proven effective when teamed with Crosby, Kessel's arrival gives Crosby a proven finisher. Kessel is also one of the more durable players in the league. He hasn't missed a game in five seasons.


The Penguins also signed Russian forward Sergei Plotnikov on Wednesday. The 25-year-old forward agreed to a one-year deal. Plotnikov had 15 goals and 21 assists for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl of the KHL last season.

 

[CNOTES]

Coyotes bring back C Vermette, sign 3


July 1, 2015


GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) The Arizona Coyotes signed forwards Brad Richardson and Steve Downie, added goalie Anders Lindback and brought back defenseman Zbynek Michalek.


That's forward depth, a backup goalie and some blue line stability within a few hours of the free agency period. Later on Wednesday, they also brought back Antoine Vermette, the popular centerman who just won a Stanley Cup with Chicago.


Now that the shopping spree is over, it's time for the Coyotes to add a big-ticket player or two.


''This is the warm-up act for what we need to do,'' Coyotes general manager Don Maloney said on Wednesday. ''We need to add some skill.''


The skill will likely come via a trade with a thin market of skill players available in free agency.


Coming off one of the worst seasons in franchise history, the Coyotes had plenty of holes to fill after veering in a youthful direction at last season's trade deadline.


Arizona has some talented young players, some of whom appear to be ready for bigger roles. To help them along the way, the Coyotes were hoping to add some depth and veteran leadership in an effort to make it a short turnaround back to respectability.


Arizona took a solid first step on Tuesday, trading Lauri Korpikoski to Edmonton for Boyd Gordon, a steady veteran forward whose forte is killing penalties, winning faceoffs and the kind of two-way game that fits into coach Dave Tippett's system.


Once the free agency period began Wednesday morning, the Coyotes were active from the get-go, firing off a series of signings that added depth and grit to the team.


''We have a good base in place now,'' Maloney said. ''I feel a lot better about our team today than I did two days ago.''


Vermette was one of Arizona's most popular players for fans and teammates alike during four seasons in the desert. The Coyotes traded him at the deadline last season, though, and he went on to be a key contributor to the Blackhawks' third title in six seasons.


Vermette became a free agent after the season and didn't take long in re-joining the Coyotes, signing a two-year, $7.5 million contract to return to a place he never really wanted to leave.


Richardson has scored 62 goals with 87 assists in 10 NHL seasons with stops in Vancouver, Los Angeles and Colorado. The 30-year-old had eight goals and 13 assists with the Canucks last season, when he was limited to 45 games due to an ankle injury.


Richardson, who signed a three-year deal, won a Stanley Cup title with the Kings in 2012 and, like Gordon, fits into Tippett's system.


Michalek didn't really want to leave the desert after ending up with the Coyotes a second time, but was traded to St. Louis in a deadline deal last season as Arizona shifted into its youth movement. He was eager to rejoin the Coyotes and signed a two-year deal, giving them a steady, stay-at-home defenseman and popular player in the locker room.


''I never wanted to get traded, but it was the best thing for the team and I understood,'' Michalek said. ''I was hoping to come back.''


Downie is a bruising player who has a little scoring punch to go with his fists. He's amassed 1,004 penalty minutes in 408 NHL games, though he has 73 goals and 117 assists.


The 28-year-old has played for five teams in eight NHL seasons, most recently with Pittsburgh, where he had 14 goals and 14 assists last season.


Maloney said Downie's primary role will be to protect Arizona's cache of young skill players.


Lindback gives the Coyotes a veteran backup to Mike Smith.


The 27-year-old is 16-13-2 with a 2.53 goals-against average during a five-year NHL career that includes stops at Nashville, Tampa Bay, Dallas and Buffalo.


''I like where we're at,'' Maloney said. ''We've solidified our blue line and strengthened our lower lines.''


Now they can focus on adding the big piece they've been missing.

 

[CNOTES]

Red Wings sign D Green, F Richards


July 1, 2015


DETROIT (AP) The Detroit Red Wings have signed defenseman Mike Green and forward Brad Richards to free-agent contracts.


The team announced Wednesday that Green will get a three-year contract and Richards a one-year deal.


Green has spent his entire career with Washington, recording 113 goals and 247 assists in 575 games. He is the second-highest scoring defenseman in the NHL over the past eight seasons and will be counted on to quarterback Detroit's power play. Green had 10 goals and 35 assists last season with the Capitals.


Richards comes over from Chicago after winning his second career Stanley Cup. The 35-year-old had 12 goals and 25 assists in 76 games for the Blackhawks last season. He added three goals and 11 assists in the playoffs.

 

[CNOTES]

Oilers ink Sekera for 6 years, Letestu 3


July 1, 2015


EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) The Edmonton Oilers have continued their offseason makeover, signing defenseman Andrej Sekera and center Mark Letestu on Wednesday.


Sekera's deal is worth $33 million over six years, and Letestu will reportedly earn $5.4 million over three years.


Sekera had three goals and 20 assists over 73 games with Carolina and Los Angeles last season.


The native of Bojnice, Slovakia, has 31 goals and 128 assists in 486 games with Buffalo, Carolina and Los Angeles.


Letestu had seven goals and six assists in 54 games with the Blue Jackets last season.


Letestu has 58 goals and 69 assists in 318 games with Pittsburgh and Columbus

 

[CNOTES]

Wild re-sign C Granlund to 2-year deal


July 1, 2015


MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Minnesota Wild finished a drawn-out negotiation with Mikael Granlund by locking up the center with a two-year deal on Wednesday.


The 23-year-old Granlund had eight goals and 31 assists last season. He ranked third on the team in plus-minus rating with a plus-17 and the team hopes he continues his path to becoming one of the team's top playmakers. The Star Tribune of Minneapolis reported that it's worth $6 million.


The shorter deal was a way for the two sides to stay together while gaining a better idea of Granlund's long-term potential.


He was hailed as a future star when he came over from Finland three seasons ago and looked poised to make a leap after an impressive playoff performance in 2014 and a dazzling role with Team Finland at the Sochi Olympics.


But Granlund didn't quite make the leap that was expected of him last season, leading to a lot of back-and-forth between Wild GM Chuck Fletcher and Granlund's agent, Todd Diamond.


In the end, the two sides were able to come to an agreement on a bridge deal to keep him in Minnesota. Granlund has played three seasons with the Wild since coming over from Finland. He has 88 points and has scored six goals in 13 playoff games.


The Wild also announced two-year deals with defensemen Nate Prosser and Mike Reilly and a one-year deal with forward Ryan Carter.


The 29-year-old Prosser, who grew up in the Minneapolis suburb of Elk River, had two goals and five assists in a career-high 63 games last season for the Wild.


Reilly had six goals and 36 assists in 39 games as a junior for the University of Minnesota last season. He grew up in the Minneapolis suburb of Chanhassen.


Carter had three goals and 10 assists in 53 games for the Wild.

 

[CNOTES]

Huge underdogs proving to cost more than they are worth


On June 27 in South Florida against a woefully underperforming Marlins organization that had already parted ways with one manager so far this season, three-time Cy Young award winner and reigning National League MVP Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers took the field as astronomical -280 favorites against little-known 29-year-old righty Tom Koehler, who currently owns a career Major League record of 21-25.


Two hours, 26 minutes and two costly errors later, Los Angeles exited the stadium with a 3-2 defeat on its resume that currently stands as one of the biggest upsets of the 2015 season despite the fact that Kershaw surrendered just one earned run in seven solid innings of work. Those who rolled the dice on Miami that evening enjoyed a significant financial windfall while those who laid the monstrous price on the N.L. West-leading favorites suffered a serious hit to their collective bankrolls.


Backing the long shot in a seemingly one-sided baseball game—or any sport for that matter—is not a novel concept, as some gamblers relish the notion of risking a little in order to win a lot. Look no further than the Kentucky Derby, The Masters and Floyd Mayweather fights for proof of this notion. Some bettors thrive on taking a small, insignificant risk for a shot at a jackpot-like score.


But the big question here as it specifically pertains to baseball betting is whether or not such a strategy can serve as a viable, long-term approach to profitable wagering.


The answer, as I’m sure many of you could imagine, is a resounding no.


I floated this theory by my good friend Paul Bessire of the website PredictionMachine.com for some feedback as to how the 2015 Major League baseball campaign has treated bettors who routinely find themselves on the long shot side of a matchup that features a heavy favorite with the simple mission of determining whether or not there were enough significant underdog victories to turn a profit after offsetting the losses sustained when the favorites came through.


Here are the results for the 2015 season through Tuesday night’s games:


MLB underdogs from +160 to +169 (based on a $100 bettor)


Overall: 35-67 (34.3% SU), -$850
Home: 6-11 (35.3% SU), -$150
Road: 29-56 (34.1% SU), -$700


MLB underdogs from +170 to +179 (based on a $100 bettor)


Overall: 18-49 (26.9% SU), -$1,700
Home: 5-8 (38.5% SU), +$100
Road: 13-41 (24.1% SU), -$1,800


MLB underdogs from +180 and upward (based on a $100 bettor)


Overall: 10-29 (25.6% SU), -$1,075
Home: 3-5 (37.5% SU), +$50
Road: 7-24 (22.6% SU), -$1,125


As you can tell from the above information, blindly backing MLB underdogs of +160 or higher has produced disastrous results for gamblers during the 2015 season. Essentially, for every time a relative unknown like Tom Koehler upsets a future Hall of Famer like Clayton Kershaw, there are 2.2 matchups where the heavy favorite seals the deal. This type of strategy isn’t just a losing proposition, but it’s a bankroll-decimating approach capable of busting bettors prior to the July All-Star break.


However, it’s imperative to note at this point that we aren’t advocating the opposite approach to this strategy, which involves blindly betting on heavy favorites who face an opponent lined at +160 or higher. Trust us when we say that if gambling were that easy, all the casinos in Las Vegas would cease to exist.


Look no further than the Los Angeles Dodgers for proof, as Kershaw has lost each of his last two starts (-280 and -180) while fellow ace Zack Grienke was defeated at Miami on June 28 as a -215 favorite.


The lesson, as always, is that gamblers have to put in the requisite amount of time and research while looking to isolate the most favorable of spots when it comes to the Major League Baseball calendar. Rarely does a tell-all trend emerge that provides an opportunity to sprint to the counter while blindly following the logic.


And even when such a trend does rear its profitable little head, you can surely bet the bookmakers will be hot on its tail.