Friday 7/24/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

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Preview: Athletics (44-53) at Giants (51-44)

Game: 1
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: July 24, 2015 10:15 PM EDT

General manager Billy Beane set aside his "Moneyball" tactics before last season's trade deadline and reshaped the rotation in a futile attempt to bring the Oakland Athletics a championship.

Now Beane is back to selling off potential rentals rather than acquiring them as Oakland sits in the AL West basement.

One day after dealing free-agent-to-be Scott Kazmir, the A's send Jesse Chavez to the mound in Friday night's opener of a three-game series with the San Francisco Giants across the bay.

Beane traded top prospect Addison Russell to get starters Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel from the Chicago Cubs on July 4 of last year before dealing slugger Yoenis Cespedes to Boston for Jon Lester at the July 31 deadline.

Those moves were made to build a feared rotation for a deep postseason run, but instead Oakland slipped into the second wild-card spot, lost to eventual AL champion Kansas City and watched the Giants win their third World Series in five seasons.

Now the A's (44-53) are 11 games behind the division-leading Los Angeles Angels, and Beane again has his sights on the future. Kazmir was slated to start Thursday's 5-2 loss to Toronto, but Beane dealt him to Houston earlier in the day for highly touted catcher Jacob Nottingham and minor league pitcher Daniel Mengden.

More moves could be coming soon, too.

'We have to be realistic with where we are,' Beane said. 'The math doesn't necessarily work in our favor given the level of play we need just to get back in (the playoff race).'

Oakland had won five of seven before Thursday. Brett Lawrie, who came over from the Blue Jays in the offseason trade for MVP candidate Josh Donaldson, went hitless and is batting .152 over his last 10.

Chavez (5-9, 3.21 ERA) went 1-3 with a 6.55 ERA in his last four starts before the All-Star break, then allowed three hits and struck out nine in six scoreless innings of Sunday's 14-1 win over Minnesota.

The right-hander had a similarly solid outing in his only start against San Francisco, allowing four hits and striking out nine in six innings of a 5-0 victory July 7, 2014.

Oakland has won seven of the last nine meetings with the Giants (51-44), who have been hot lately while getting plenty of help from Buster Posey.

The 2012 NL MVP is 16 for 34 during an eight-game hitting streak after hitting a go-ahead two-run double in the seventh inning of Wednesday's 7-1 win over San Diego.

San Francisco has outscored opponents 61-27 while winning eight of nine. Posey is batting .416 with 25 RBIs while hitting safely in 19 of his last 20, increasing his average from .287 to .318.

"I'm not trying to do too much," Posey told MLB's official website. "You have to adjust to how you feel each day or night."

Jake Peavy (1-4, 4.94) has been taking a simple approach as well since spending 2 1/2 months on the disabled list with a back strain. Peavy has gone 1-2 with a 3.20 ERA in three starts since returning after overcoming eight hits and four runs allowed - including a pair of homers - in 6 1-3 innings of Saturday's 8-4 win over Arizona.

'It's nice to get (the injury) behind you,' Peavy said. 'These last three outings are something to build on.'

The right-hander was with Boston on June 19, 2014, when he last faced the A's, allowing four runs in 6 1-3 innings of a 4-2 loss.

Billy Butler is 14 for 33 with three homers and a double off Peavy.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB betting cheat sheet: Giants making their move
By JESSE SCHULE

Here's a comprehensive look at betting notes for the weekend major-league schedule:

Giants Making Their Move

San Francisco started off the month of July with a seven game losing streak, and it looked as though the Dodgers would run away with the NL West. They've since won nine of 11, moving to within 2.5 games of Los Angeles.

Hunter Pence returned to the lineup on July 7, and he's batting .304 with three home runs and 13 RBIs during that span.

With the Giants hosting Oakland over the weekend, they could gain even more ground on the Dodgers who are on the road in New York.

Fish Out Of Water

The Marlins might not be the hottest team in the majors, but if bettors thought that fading the Fish would be easy money after Stanton's injury, they were sadly mistaken.

Miami is 10-10 over it's last 20 games, and they are 4-8 since losing Dee Gordon. That might make you think twice about laying the chalk to bet against Miami.

Pujols Turning Back The Clock

The 35 year old has taken over the major league lead with his 28th and 29th home runs in a win over Boston on Monday. Pujols hit a major league best 47 in 2009, and a National League best 42 in 2010.

The Angels host Texas this weekend, and Albert has good numbers against the Rangers' Game 1 starter. Colby Lewis will toe the rubber for the Rangers on Friday, and Pujols is 9-for-20 (.450) with three home runs and seven RBIs lifetime versus the right-hander.

Pitching Notes

* Zack Greinke's scoreless streak is at 43 2/3 innings, and his next start comes in New York on Friday. He tossed seven scoreless innings in a win over the Mets earlier this year, and he's 2-0 with a 1.89 ERA in three starts against the Mets over the last three seasons.

* Felix Hernandez is having himself another stellar season, but he's costing bettors money lately. The right-hander only has one win in his last five starts, and the Mariners have lost six of his last 10. He's scheduled to face the Blue Jays at home on Friday, and he allowed one run on four hits over seven innings in a win over the Jays in Toronto earlier this season. The Jays lineup is hitting just .216 over a combined 241 at bats in past meetings.

Hitting Notes

* Buster Posey is crushing opposing pitchers here in the month of July, batting .396 with a pair of home runs and 12 RBIs. He'll face right-hander Jesse Chavez in Game 1 on Friday, and he's hitting .329 with a dozen home runs and 55 RBIs versus right-handed pitching this year.

* Mark Teixeira is not far off the pace in the home run race, with 24 so far. He's been swinging a hot bat this month, hitting .298 with five home runs and 11 RBIs. He'll face the Twins this weekend, and he's 4-for-7 lifetime versus Tommy Milone, who is scheduled to start Saturday's game.

Totals Streak

The Pirates will host the Nationals over the Weekend, and Pittsburgh has seen the total go under at a rate of 18-7-1 in their last 26 home games. The Nats come in banged up, missing several key hitters. It would come as no surprise if we saw a few pitcher's duels at PNC Park.

Weather Watch

* Forecasts are calling for wind to blow out to centerfield at around 10 miles per hour at Wrigley Field when the Chicago Cubs host the Philadelphia Phillies Friday.

* Saturday's forecast shows wind blowing in from right field at around 11 mpm at Fenway Park when the Boston Red Sox host the Detroit Tigers.

Injury Notes

* Injuries are piling up for the Nats, with Dernard Span, Ryan Zimmerman, Jayson Werth and Anthony Rendon all sidelined with various ailments. They can ill afford to lose Yunel Escobar who leads the team batting .321, but he left Wenesday's game with a sore wrist and wasn't expected to be in Thursday's starting lineup.

* David Peralta took a Jose Fernandez fastball to the head on Wednesday night, and he's listed as day to day pending concussion protocol.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB roundup: Kershaw flirts with perfect game as Dodgers blank Mets
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

NEW YORK -- Clayton Kershaw retired the first 18 batters he faced en route to a three-hit shutout as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the New York Mets 3-0 at Citi Field on Thursday night

The reigning National League MVP and Cy Young Award winner extended his own scoreless streak to 29 2/3 innings Thursday night.

For the first six innings, Kershaw looked as if he might be perfect against the offensively challenged Mets, who sent out a lineup that featured a .170 hitter (left fielder John Mayberry) batting cleanup, a .179 hitter (third baseman Eric Campbell) batting fifth and a .137 hitter batting eighth (catcher Anthony Recker).

Kershaw, who threw a no-hitter on June 18, 2014, retired the first 18 batters on just 62 pitches.

Curtis Granderson ended Kershaw's bid for the second perfect game in Dodgers history by hitting an 0-2 slider into right field for a clean single leading off the seventh. It also ensured the Mets -- who were no-hit by San Francisco Giants rookie right-hander Chris Heston on June 9 -- would not become the 11th team to be no-hit twice in a season since 1900.

Astros 5, Red Sox 4

HOUSTON -- Jose Altuve smacked a walk-off home run and Houston completed a three-game sweep of Boston at Minute Maid Park.

Altuve recorded his fourth hit of the night off Craig Breslow (0-1), socking a line drive into the first row of the Crawford Boxes in left field to send Boston to its eighth consecutive loss.

With his ninth homer, Altuve finished 4-for-5 with a run and an RBI.

Twins 3, Angles 0

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Ervin Santana and Glen Perkins combined on a four-hit shutout and Trevor Plouffe hit a three-run homer to Minnesota over the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday in front of 36,134 at Angel Stadium.

Santana (2-0), who spent his first eight seasons with the Angels, conceded only four hits and a hit batter while striking out seven. Perkins pitched a perfect ninth for his 29th save, which leads the American League.

Los Angeles right-hander Garrett Richards, who pitched a two-hit shutout in his last appearance Saturday night, retired the first 11 Twins he faced before Minnesota took a 3-0 lead in the top of the fourth.

Blue Jays 5, Athletics 2

OAKLAND, Calif. -- R.A. Dickey won a battle of replacement starting pitchers over Drew Pomeranz, throwing 8 1/3 innings of five-hit, two-run ball in Toronto's victory.

Pomeranz was summoned out of the bullpen after Oakland dealt scheduled starter Scott Kazmir to the Houston Astros. Dickey was pushed up a day in the rotation when right-hander Drew Hutchison couldn't go because of an illness.

Russell Martin drove in three runs for Toronto, hitting a two-run homer in the second inning and a sacrifice fly in the sixth.

Mariners 3, Tigers 2 (12)

DETROIT -- Mike Zunino ripped a go-ahead double for Seattle, which held on for a 12-inning victory over Detroit.

Tigers ace David Price allowed two runs and five hits and struck out seven in eight-plus innings. The Mariners' Hisashi Iwakuma lasted seven innings after a shaky beginning, holding the Tigers to two runs and six hits while striking out seven.

Kyle Seager hit a solo home run and Mark Trumbo had an RBI single for Seattle. Victor Martinez doubled in two first-inning runs for Detroit.

Yankees 9, Orioles 3

NEW YORK -- Jacoby Ellsbury drove in a season-high four runs and Masahiro Tanaka pitched into the eighth inning as the Yankees completed a three-game sweep of Baltimore.

Ellsbury had his third career game with at least four RBIs, getting a solo home run, a sacrifice fly and a two-run double.

Chase Headley had a bases-clearing double that was nearly a grand slam in New York's four-run first inning against Baltimore right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez (7-6). Didi Gregorius added an RBI single and Stephen Drew contributed an RBI double.

White Sox 8, Indians 1

CLEVELAND -- Melky Cabrera belted two home runs and Jeff Samardzija pitched eight strong innings as the Chicago White Sox snapped their four-game losing streak with a win over at Progressive Field.

Cabrera is the first White Sox hitter to hit home runs from both sides of the plate in the same game since Nick Swisher, now with the Indians, did it against Cleveland on June 30, 2008.

Alexei Ramirez and Adam Eaton also homered for the White Sox.

Pirates 7, Nationals 3

PITTSBURGH -- Francisco Liriano pitched six strong innings after missing his previous start and Andrew McCutchen hit a two-run homer as Pittsburgh downed Washington.

Liriano (6-6) struck out 11 while allowing one run and three hits. He walked three after being scratched with a stiff neck last Saturday just moments before he was to face the Brewers in Milwaukee.

Pedro Alvarez homered and had two RBIs for the Pirates and Francisco Cervelli also went deep after missing the previous two games with a bruised right wrist.

Cardinals 4, Royals 3

ST. LOUIS -- After a shaky first inning put him in a 2-0 hole, St. Louis right-hander John Lackey shut down Kansas City over his last six innings, leading his team to a win in an interleague makeup game.

Lackey (9-5) allowed six hits and two runs over seven innings and 110 pitches, walking two and fanning five. He gave up just three hits after the first, mowing down 10 of the last 11 hitters he faced, as he improved to 7-2 at home with an earned run average of 1.91.

Chris Young (8-6) lasted just three innings for Kansas City, yielding five hits and four runs with a walk and a strikeout.

Diamondbacks 8, Brewers 3

PHOENIX -- Zack Godley gave up four hits and in six scoreless innings in his major league debut and right fielder Yasmany Tomas homered in Arizona's victory over Milwaukee at Chase Field.

Godley, who played in only three games above Class A this season, tied Max Scherzer's franchise record with seven strikeouts in his first major league appearance.

Tomas homered in the second inning and singled and scored in a three-run fourth inning off right-hander Mike Fiers as the Diamondbacks won for just the second time in nine games.

Marlins 4, Padres 0

SAN DIEGO -- Tom Koehler stymied San Diego for seven innings as Miami prevailed at Petco Park.

Koehler (8-6) allowed three hits and four walks. He struck out seven as the Padres were shut out for a major league high 14th time.

San Diego starter Tyson Ross (6-8) lasted 5 2/3 innings and was charged with four runs (three earned) on eight hits. He fanned eight and didn't walk a batter in losing for the first time since June 15.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Duquette: Orioles will be buyers at deadline
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

NEW YORK -- A report surfaced about the Baltimore Orioles and their willingness to trade right-hander Kevin Gausman.

When it was mentioned to executive vice president Dan Duquette, it was news to the man responsible for shaping the Orioles' roster.

The biggest news that emerged from Duquette's comments Wednesday was that despite the team being around .500, he plans to be a buyer until next week's non-waiver trade deadline.

"We're still contenders for the playoffs, and we are going to approach our season as though we're going to advance to the playoffs, so we're going to continue to build and add to our team where we can," Duquette said before the Orioles' 4-3 loss to the New York Yankees.

Duquette's viewpoint will not change regardless of how Baltimore's nine-game trip finishes up.

"I don't think so, because there's a lot of baseball to be played and there's a lot of teams in the hunt," he said. "When you're a few games off the pace and you have a team that gets (players) or you have a couple of additions that you make to your ballclub and now you're winning the close games, you can turn your season around, so we're still in there. We're still competing."

The Orioles were buyers at the previous three deadlines.

In recent years, Duquette obtained relievers Andrew Miller and Francisco Rodriguez, starter Bud Norris and designated hitter Jim Thome.

So now that Duquette's stance is known, the question is what the Orioles need.

Some production from the corner outfield positions would not hurt after the Orioles did not re-sign free agent left fielder Nelson Cruz and right fielder Nick Markakis last winter. Baltimore has started six players in both right field and in left field.

While the right fielders have combined for a .285 average with 13 home runs and 41 RBIs, Baltimore's left fielders have combined for a .216 mark with eight home runs and 25 RBIs after that group batted .271 with 30 home runs and 81 RBIs last year.

"There's no question about that, so if we can improve (with a) trade in that area, that's something we need to take a look at," Duquette said.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Angels place 3B Freese on DL, recall 3B Kubitza
The Sports Xchange

The Los Angeles Angels placed third baseman David Freese on the 15-day disabled list Thursday and recalled third baseman Kyle Kubitza from Triple-A Salt Lake.

Freese was hit by a pitch on the right hand in the fourth inning of the Angels' 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday, and he immediately came out of the game.

X-rays showed a non-displaced fracture on the tip of his index finger, which was placed in a splint. He will have the splint removed and be re-evaluated in two weeks.

Taylor Featherston is the most likely player to fill in during Freese's absence. However, Featherston is hitting just .134 with a .181 on-base percentage, a .209 slugging percentage, one homer and four RBIs in 58 games this season.

Kubitza hit .207 in 12 games with the Angels in June.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Pirates reacquire 3B Ramirez
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

The Pittsburgh Pirates, trying to keep pace with the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Central, acquired third baseman Aramis Ramirez from the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday for minor league pitcher Yhonathan Barrios.

The 37-year-old Ramirez started his career with the Pirates, who traded him exactly 12 years ago to the Chicago Cubs. Pittsburgh also will receive cash considerations as part of the deal.

The Brewers will cover $2.2 million of the approximately $5 million left on Ramirez's $14 million salary. Ramirez is expected to join the Pirates for Saturday night's game against the Washington Nationals and serve as the regular third baseman with Josh Harrison (torn left thumb ligament) out through at least the end of August.

In 81 games this season for the Brewers, Ramirez was batting .247 with 11 home runs and 42 RBIs, but he is hitting .352 in July.

The second-place Pirates began play Thursday night trailing the front-running Cardinals by six games in the division.

The 23-year-old Barrios had 11 saves for Triple-A Indianapolis this season in 13 outings spanning 40 1/3 innings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

A's trade left-hander Kazmir to Astros
Andrew Caley

The Oakland Athletics have traded left-handed starter Scott Kazmir to the Houston Astros right before his scheduled start Thursday.

The Athletics will receive a pair of prospects in return, pitcher Daniel Mengden and catcher Jacob Nottingham.

The 31-year-old Kazmir is 5-5, wit a 2.38 ERA and a WHIP of 1.08 in his second season with the A's. He hasn't been good to bettors though, coming in at -$428 in starter money.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Lester helping bettors cash Under wagers
Andrew Avery

If you've been backing the Under in Chicago Cubs games when Jon Lester gets the start, you've been doing quite well for yourself.

The Under has gone 7-0-1 in the southpaw's last eight starts overall and he's slated to take the bump against the Philadelphia Phillies Friday afternoon.

Lester owns an Over/Under record of 5-12 in 19 starts so far this season, making him one of the best Under hurlers with at least 10 starts under his belt in 2015.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'On the Diamond'

The second matchup of a four game series is today’s baseball betting focus as the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Washington Nationals Friday evening at PNC Park. According to the current betting odds the Pirates enter this contest as +$1.05 to +$1.13 home underdogs. Jeff Locke carrying a 5-6 record, 4.01 ERA toes the rubber for Pirates. Following a dominant performance to open July tossing 8 innings of shutout ball in a victory the lefthander has hit a rough spot the past two starts giving up 7 runs over 12 1/3 innings resulting in a pair of losses. Locke will be matching pitches with Nationals' Max Scherzer heading to the hill 10-8 on the campaign with a 2.09 ERA. Taking a road favorite can be a perilous road in baseball betting, but today’s Washington pick appears to have enough in its favor to counteract such concerns. The Nationals have been road favorites eight times with Max on the mound and have won seven of those contests stuffing +$512 into betting accounts. Going back to the well is something we have no problem doing considering last time Max faced Pirates he tossed a no-hitters, striking out 10 and allowing only one baserunner.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Streaks, Tips, Notes

Oakland Athletics at San Francisco Giants July 24, 10:15 EST

Despite putting together an impressive 8-of-9 winning streak San Francisco Giant manager Bruce Bochy has reason to be on edge when his crew and starter Jake Peavy take on Oakland in the opener of this three game interleague set. Giants have not been at their best lately at AT&T Park in series openers dropping 3-of-4. Giants have also lost 7-of-9 meetings against their Bay Area rival. Additionally, Giants have been at the wrong end in 7 of Peavy's last 8 starts. Another telling baseball betting stats, the month of July hasn't been kind to Peavy and his teams. His last six his teams are 1-5 and in his last sixteen they're just 5-11.

Oddsmakers opened Giants -$1.28 home favorite

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Four To Follow MLB Betting: Friday July 24, 2015 Opening Line Report
by Alan Matthews

Nationals at Pirates (+114, 6.5)

Washington could be without infielder Yunel Escobar for a bit. He left Wednesday's game after hurting his hand/wrist while fouling off a curveball from Mets starter Noah Syndergaard. Initial X-rays were negative, but Escobar was sent for further tests. He's having a nice season, batting .321. The Nats shouldn't need much offense to win here as Max Scherzer (10-8, 2.08) is on the mound. Last time he faced Pittsburgh, on June 20, he had a perfect game with two outs in the ninth when he hit pinch-hitter Jose Tabata with a pitch; Tabata may have leaned into it. Scherzer had to settle for a no-no. Andrew McCutchen is 4-for-17 with nine strikeouts off Scherzer. Pirates lefty Jeff Locke (5-6, 4.01) has suddenly turned into a very good pitcher with a 1.96 ERA in his past seven outings. He didn't face Washington in that first series.

Key trends: The Nats are 6-2 in Scherzer's past eight road starts. The Pirates are 1-4 in Locke's past five against teams with a winning record. The under is 8-0-1 in Scherzer's past nine vs. teams with a winning record. The under is 7-1 in Locke's past eight at home.

Early lean: Nationals and under.


Tigers at Red Sox (-126, 9)

Pair of struggling pitchers here with ridiculous contracts. It's Rick Porcello for Boston, and he was of course acquired this past offseason from Detroit for Yoenis Cespedes (who might now be traded by the Tigers). Porcello (5-10, 5.79) has been decent over his past two, allowing four earned and 12 hits over 11 innings. But he has given up 18 homers on the season, among the most in the AL. Cespedes is 0-for-3 off him. Ian Kinsler is 6-for-10 with two extra-base hits and four RBIs. Detroit's Justin Verlander (0-3, 6.62) simply looks done. He was rocked for seven runs and eight hits over just 3.2 innings last time out by Baltimore. David Ortiz hits Verlander well, going 10-for-27 with four doubles, two homers and four RBIs. Dustin Pedroia doesn't, going 1-for-18.

Key trends: The Tigers are 1-4 in Verlander's past five on the road. The Red Sox have lost five straight series openers. The over is 4-0 in Verlander's past four vs. the AL East. The under has hit in eight of Verlander's past 12 vs. Boston.

Early lean: Red Sox and over. Big Papi goes yard.


A's at Giants (-133, 7)

San Francisco will get a key piece back Friday in outfielder Nori Aoki. He has been out since June 20 with a fractured fibula. Aoki is second on the Giants with a .317 average. Aoki will face A's starter Jesse Chavez (5-9, 3.21). He had allowed 16 runs over his previous four starts before shutting out Minnesota on three hits over six innings last time out. San Francisco's Hunter Pence is 1-for-5 with an RBI off him. Aoki is 0-for-3 with a walk. Jake Peavy (1-4, 4.94) goes for the Giants. He got that first win last time out but wasn't great, allowing four runs and eight hits over 6.1 innings against Arizona. Oakland's Billy Butler is 14-for-33 with three homers and eight RBIs against him. Ben Zobrist is 4-for-16 with a homer.

Key trends: The A's are 1-10 in their past 11 on Friday. They are 2-5 in Chavez's past seven road starts vs. teams with a winning record. The Giants are 4-0 in Peavy's past four vs. teams with a losing record. The over is 6-1 in Chavez's past seven. The over is 4-0 in Peavy's past four interleague games.

Early lean: A's and under.


Rangers at Angels (-145, 8)

The Angels were looking for a bat ahead of the trade deadline, and they really need one now as third baseman David Freese was hit by a pitch on his hand on Wednesday and has been diagnosed with a fractured right index finger. He will likely miss four weeks. Freese broke his right middle finger last season when he was hit by a pitch and was out for 16 games. Freese is batting .240 with 11 homers and 43 RBIs. Nick Tropeano (1-0, 0.00) is set to be called up and make a spot start here for L.A. His only big-league outing this season was back on April 23 vs. Oakland where he shut the A's out over six innings. It's Colby Lewis (9-4, 4.63) for Texas. Lewis is 1-0 with a 3.14 ERA in his last two starts. But three starts ago, he was shelled for 10 runs and 12 hits in four innings by the Angels. Albert Pujols is 9-for-20 with three homers off him. Mike Trout is 9-for-24 with two dingers.

Key trends: The Rangers are 5-2 in Lewis' past seven road starts. They are 2-5 in his past seven at the Angels. The under is 5-2 in those seven.

Early lean: Rangers and over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jeff Saad of Las Vegas Sports Services

7/24/2015: Friday Bonus Play:

Your Bonus Play from LVSS for Friday is on 954. Pittsburgh Pirates (Locke)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Friday

ORIOLES (Tillman) @ RAYS (Archer) 7:10 PM

Take: UNDER 7 -120

The stats tell the story loudly and clearly. The Orioles and Rays are a pair of teams having a great deal of trouble scoring runs right now. For the month of July, these have arguably been the two worst offensive teams in the American League. I expect those woes with the sticks to continue for at least one more night.

Chris Archer is pitching for Tampa Bay tonight. Archer has not been quite as consistently dominating recently as he had been earlier but it’s sure not like he’s falling apart. Expecting Archer to contain the currently feeble Orioles attack is clearly not unreasonable.

I think the more interesting guy here is Chris Tillman. The Baltimore righty has seemingly found his groove after struggling mightily all season. It’s really not so tough to see why Tillman’s numbers have improved. He’s not walking people like he had been all season.

It’s almost that simple sometimes. Throw strikes and make the other team beat you instead of the other team around. We saw a great example of this on Thursday night with an unknown Diamondbacks kid who had pitched a grand total of there games above Class A. He took the mound at Chase and got ahead of almost every hitter and Zack Godley, a kid with what appears to be really marginal stuff, walked away with a major league win in the process.

So I’ve got an All-Star righty on one side, and a starter who is absolutely in his best form to date this season, plus two offenses that can’t get out of their own way right now. There’s a little juice involved here, with the low being a 6/5 favorite as I’m writing this, but I see that as the way to play. Let’s try for a winner with the Orioles and Rays staying Under the number.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jim Feist

Bonus Play for Friday, July 24, 2015. 8:10 PM

(971) NEW YORK YANKEES VS (972) MINNESOTA TWINS

Take: (972) MINNESOTA TWINS

Reason: Your Bonus Play Friday, July 24, 2015 is in the MLB contest between Yankees and Twins in Minnesota. Michael Pineda is strong at home but has a 4.11 ERA on the road. Pineda took the loss Saturday, allowing four runs on six hits and two walks over six innings, striking out two. The Yankees are 5-11 in their last 16 road games vs. a team with a winning record. Minnesota is home and the Twins are 7-2 in their last 9 games vs. a right-handed starter, 16-5 at home vs. a team with a losing road record. Phil Hughes came up with the Yankees and goes againtst his old team, so there's extra motivation. The Twins are 6-2 in their last 8 vs. a team with a winning record. After a slow start, Hughes finally seems to be getting in gear with a 3.76 ERA in June. He is 6-2 at home with a 3.93 ERA and the Twins are 20-7 in Hughes' last 27 starts vs. a team with a winning record. Play the Twins.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play FRI Miami w/ Haren +135

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Holt $hit Betting Stat of the day: Quintana, Kluber have the worst run support in American League

It does not seem to matter how well either Jose Quintana or Corey Kluber pitch, their teams just do not seem interested in helping them.

Quintana ranks dead last in the American League in run support, with the Chicago White Sox tallying a mere 2.63 runs when he starts. Not to be outdone, the Cleveland Indians are plating 2.65 runs of support in Kluber’s starts this season, the second-worst mark in the AL.

Despite both Quintana and Kluber posting solid ERA’s, 3.83 and 3.38 respectively, they have a combined over/under record of 14-25 in their starts this season thanks to the lack of run support.

On the season as a whole, the White Sox are the second best Under team in the MLB with a 36-53-4 mark. The Indians have been a middle-of-the-pack total bet this season as they have gone 46-47-1 O/U.

The two pitchers will face off against one another Friday, with the total currently set at 7 and the Indians a -168 home favorite.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

POWER PLAY WINS

Opinion – Seattle Mariners -130 (Hernandez)