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[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Pennsylvania 400 Preview
By Micah Roberts

There's only six races remaining before the Chase starts and five of the 16 slots are still unclaimed. Each of the next six weeks we'll see a vastly different track beginning with the most unusual of all tracks coming this weekend at Pocono Raceway's tricky triangle.

We should have a leg up on handicapping Sunday's Pocono race because we've already done the process needed twice this season, including last weeks prep work for the Brickyard 400. Mix in what happened June 6 in the first Pocono run and you should be armed with just about everything needed prior to Friday and Saturday's important practices.

Because Pocono and Indy are both 2.5-mile tracks with the longest straights in the series, we can lump them together as being similar even though Indy is rectangular with four equally flat turns and Pocono is triangular with banking that gets progressively flatter at each turn. If a driver does well at one of the places, they're likely to do well at the other.

So let's recap the information gathered from those two races where all the teams notes are still fresh and relevant. Kurt Busch won at Pocono in June for his only win of the season and third overall on the track. Dale Earnhardt Jr. was second, Brad Keselowski third and Chase Elliott led a race-high 51 laps before finishing fourth. Four of the top-six finishers were Chevrolet with the Penske Fords taking the other two spots. Matt Kenseth, who won at Pocono last fall, was the highest finishing Toyota in seventh. A Chevrolet has won seven of the last eight at Pocono.

Joe Gibbs Racing Toyotas came in fast off the hauler last week at Indy with three of its cars finishing in the top-four, including Kyle Busch winning there for the second consecutive season. Kenseth would finish second, Jimmie Johnson third and Denny Hamlin fourth. The new low downforce package produced some crummy racing with only four lead changes among three drivers as Busch led 149 of the 160 laps. It was impossible to pass.

Chevrolet has been strong at both Pocono and Indy in recent years, but if looking at last season as an example, Toyota has made a considerable move. After Kyle Busch ended a 12-year Chevrolet win streak at the Brickyard, Kenseth won at Pocono the next week to end a six race Chevrolet win streak. Because Indianapolis happened most recent, we should look to last week as being just bit more important than the June Pocono race.

All four JGR cars will be fast this week as well as Martin Truex Jr. who has used JGR equipment this season and won for the first time at Pocono last season (drove a Chevy). Hamlin is a four-time Pocono winner with a 12.3 average finish in 21 starts. Carl Edwards has won twice making Kyle Busch the only driver within the team that hasn't won at Pocono. Pick a Gibs car, any car, and your chances of winning this week will be pretty good.

A couple Chevy drivers will offer some nice value this week if willing to go against the Gibbs drivers. Kyle Larson comes off a fifth at Indy after showing lots of speed in practices. He finished 11th at Pocono in June and has a 9.4 average finish in five starts. You should be able to fetch 30/1 odds on him. Chase Elliott had his best showing of the season in June's race with fourth-place and dominating at times with the most laps led. Expect 18/1 odds on him.

Jeff Gordon will again be filling in for Dale Earnhardt Jr., who is recovering from concussion-like symptoms. Last week he came out of retirement to drive the No. 88, which he is part-owner of, and finished 13th in his first competitive racing since November. This week he should be a little more prepared and familiar with the team. He's a six-time winner at Pocono and has 20 top-five finishes in 46 career starts. Earnhardt drove the No. 88 to second-place in June and he also swept the 2014 season.

There are plenty more Chevy's on the track, and I thought that might be the right angle last week, but those Gibbs cars are really dialed in. They've now now 10 of the 20 races between the five of them. That's 35 other drivers to split up the other 10 wins. Crazy domination. And their wins come in bunches. They've won four straight at one juncture, three straight at another stretch and they're currently on a two-race win streak.

They should be the focus in betting driver match-ups and fantasy NASCAR play this week.

Top-5 Finish Prediction:

1) #18 Kyle Busch (7/1)
2) #11 Denny Hamlin (12/1)
3) #48 Jimmie Johnson (8/1)
4) #20 Matt Kenseth (8/1)
5) #78 Martin Truex Jr. (8/1)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Drivers to Watch - Pocono

Sprint Cup Series
Pennsylvania 400
Pocono Raceway – Long Pond, PA

Pocono Raceway hosts the Pennsylvania 400 on what is expected to be a rainy Sunday afternoon in Long Pond, Pennsylvania.

This asphalt surface runs 2.5 miles long and features three turns. Chevrolet manufactured cars have done well here in the past, racking up 14 victories in the race.

Hendrick Motorsports and Penske Racing are the teams with the most victories, as each has won six races.

Guys like Kurt Busch, Denny Hamlin, Jeff Gordon and Matt Kenseth should all be looking forward to getting out there on Sunday. Busch, Hamlin and Gordon have all won this race three times, but Kenseth is the defending champion coming into this one.

Kyle Busch will be yet another confident driver coming into this race, as he was the winner at last week’s Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. With that out of the way, let’s now take a look at some of the better value plays this weekend:

Drivers to Watch

Matt Kenseth (+800) - At +800, Kenseth represents tremendous value in this week’s race. The driver is the defending champion here coming into the weekend and finished with the best time in the past three years of this event. Not only is Kenseth good on this track, he also comes into this race in some pretty tremendous form. He finished in second place at last week’s Brickyard 400 and that performance followed up a victory at the New Hampshire 301. It’s hard to find a driver that is hotter than Kenseth, so it’s tough to pass up on him. Putting a few units on Kenseth could pay off huge and it’s shocking that he’s not one of the top-three favorites to win this thing.

Denny Hamlin (+800) - Like Kenseth, it’s also surprising that Hamlin is not considered more of a favorite to win this race on Sunday. As previously mentioned, Hamlin has won this race twice in his career. He came away as the winner in both 2006 and 2009, and he’ll certainly be looking to win his third race this weekend. Hamlin also comes into this race on a bit of a hot streak, as he finished in ninth at the New Hampshire 301 and followed it up with a fourth place finish at the Brickyard 400. Look for Hamlin to be near the front of the pack again and don’t be afraid to put a few units on him this weekend, as there’s a good chance he and Kenseth finish one-two at Pocono.

Jeff Gordon (+2000) - As long as Gordon is on the track, he is going to represent some very good value in these races. Gordon is one of the best drivers to ever do it and his odds are a bit more favorable due to his absence early in the season. Still, Gordon has been very good at this track in his career. He won here back in 1998 and also as recently as 2012, so he is not far removed from being victorious on this track. Putting a unit on Gordon is a good high-upside play to pair with taking the favorites in this thing.

Kasey Kahne (+7000) - When looking for a dark horse to put a unit or half-unit on this weekend, it’s hard to look at anybody other than Kahne. Kahne has not had a great season, but he has always raced well at Pocono Raceway in his career. Kahne won this race back in 2013, and that was not his only good performance in Pennsylvania. Kahne has also finished inside the top-10 at this race on five different occasions. His 70-to-1 odds are extremely enticing and he’s worth taking a shot on with his success on this track.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Pennsylania 400 postponed until Monday
By Amanda Vincent, The Sports Xchange

LONG POND, Pa. -- For the second consecutive NASCAR race weekend at Pocono Raceway, the Sprint Cup Series race has been postponed until Monday because of rain. The Pennsylvania 400, originally scheduled to get underway at approximately 1:30 p.m. ET Sunday, is scheduled to take the green flag shortly after 11 a.m. Monday.
The Sprint Cup Series last raced at Pocono in June. That race, scheduled for a Sunday but delayed by rain until Monday, was won by Kurt Busch.
When the Pocono 400 begins on Monday, Martin Truex Jr. will start on the pole with fellow Toyota driver Carl Edwards alongside on the front row.
Truex earned the pole position on Friday.
"It's exciting for us; you know, anytime you win anything in this series, it's a big deal," Truex said of being the pole-sitter. "Getting the pole today is awesome. We had a game plan coming here that we felt like we needed to qualify well to have a shot at winning on Sunday, and we were able to do so. Today was a success."
After heavy rain Sunday morning, NASCAR and track personnel began track-drying activity and got the track mostly dry, with the exception of some weepers (drainage issues) in the race track. But with the track surface nearly dry, rain returns soon after the scheduled green flag.
NOTES: Kevin Harvick was without crew chief Rodney Childers at Pocono Raceway, as Childers was suspended by NASCAR for one race because of a lug nut issue July 24 in the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. ... Harvick's Stewart-Haas Racing teammate Kurt Busch won at Pocono in June while his crew chief, Tony Gibson, was serving a one-race suspension, also for a lug nut issue the previous race weekend. ... Jeff Gordon subbed for Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet for the second consecutive race, as Earnhardt continues his recovery from concussion-like symptoms. ... Gordon is the winningest NASCAR driver at Pocono with six victories. ... The Pennsylvania 400 was Paul Menard's first race with new crew chief, Danny Stockman. ... Sunday's race was Aric Almirola's 200th-career Sprint Cup Series race. ... Matt Kenseth won the 2015 Pennsylvania 400.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Pocono Downs

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


Race 11 - Post: 9:30 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 75 - Purse:$13000 - 4 YEAR OLDS & YOUNGER FILLIES & MARES NW 2 EXT. PM RACES LIFETIME PA PREFERRED MOHEGAN SUN POCONO DRIVER`S CHOICES: GEORGE NAPOLITANO #2 OVER #1 TOM JACKSON #4 OVER #3


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 4 ZETTE ANGEL 10/1



# 2 FASHIONABLE CAVIAR 9/2



# 1 BUBBY'S BABY 5/1



We've got good feelings ZETTE ANGEL is going to get the score and look at those good morning line odds. Is a bang-up choice given the 74 speed rating from her most recent competition. The group will always toss in a nice horse from the 4 position here at Pocono Downs, keep in mind for your exotics. FASHIONABLE CAVIAR - The handicapping group knows that speed is very important in harness racing. This entrant will unlock our way to a nice trip to the winner's circle. The group noted a very strong showing out of this nice horse last time. Looking for a duplicate of that to score. BUBBY'S BABY - Pocono Downs has been playing to this entrant's running style, we're looking for a substantial effort. Chances are greatly enhanced for race horses starting from the 1 post at Pocono Downs.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Woodstock

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


Race 5 - Post: 2:20 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 76 - Purse:$1350 - PREFERRED 1


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 1 DOUBLE D DELUXE 3/1



# 5 RAMBLINGLILY 5/2



# 3 CITY OF THE YEAR 7/2



DOUBLE D DELUXE will have you running to the cashier's window for this one. Pace ratings say this gathering should shape up nicely for this gelding. Looking for a big effort. Fans should always give a second look to race horses beginning from the 1 post as the return on investment is much better than you would expect. RAMBLINGLILY - Take a look at this harness racer's avg speed rating of 84 and compare to today's class rating. Looks like a really strong bet. With a 75 average class rating, this standardbred has one of the finest class advantages in the group. CITY OF THE YEAR - Has the makings of a profitable play, averaging a rather good 81 speed rating. The 77 avg class figure may give this gelding a distinct edge in the race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Ruidoso Downs

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


Race 2 - Allowance - 400y on the Dirt. Purse: $11000 Class Rating: 83

QUARTER HORSE 400Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. WEIGHT, 122 LBS.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 7 ZOOBIE CARTEL 4/1


# 1 TELLER THE REASON 8/1


# 4 BODACIOUS GIGGLES 7/2


ZOOBIE CARTEL looks like the wager in here. Will almost certainly go to the lead and may never look back. May best this group of animals here, showing very strong numbers of late. The class fig of today's affair is much lower than her last affair. TELLER THE REASON - Had one of the most respectable Equibase Speed Figs of this field in his last contest. This gelding has a good win percent in short races. BODACIOUS GIGGLES - Zamora and Becerra have won 19 percent of their races giving this equine a very good chance. When this jock and handler team up, wagerers often make money.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Thistledown

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


Race 3 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $13500 Class Rating: 79

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF TWO RACES SINCE JULY 1 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE THEN ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 5 ISTRUE 3/1


# 6 BASKETBALL BELLA 5/2


# 2 SENIORITA PRIDE 6/1


ISTRUE looks to be a decent contender. Appears to have a decent class edge based on the most recent company kept. With better than average trips to the winner's circle, Delacruz will almost certainly have this mare in excellent position to win the contest. Earnings per start at the distance/surface is a strong handicapping angle. This one ranks at the top in this field of horses. BASKETBALL BELLA - Vaunts sound Speed Figures on average overall when compared with the rest of this group of animals. Ran a strong last race. SENIORITA PRIDE - Recorded a strong Equibase Speed Figure in the most recent race. Can run another good one in this affair. No strangers to the winner's circle, Marshall and Pilares will probably have this filly breaking away from the field.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Delaware Park - Race #3 - Post: 2:15pm - Maiden Claiming - 7.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $17,000 Class Rating: 62

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1A BLUNTS BRIDGE (ML=5/1)
#2 WHY NOT BE SEXY (ML=10/1)


BLUNTS BRIDGE - I think this filly is very sharp right now. I like the fact that Reynolds brings her back to a race so quickly. Comparing how the horses in this field have fared under similar conditions, I see this one has the highest speed figure for the dist/surf. This filly has a lot of ability on the grass. Could be long gone by the time they turn for home. WHY NOT BE SEXY - Last raced at Delaware Park in a race with a class rating of 68. Dropping drastically in Equibase class figure this time puts her in a solid position in this race. This is this filly's first try on the grass. Ran well finishing second on July 2nd. The track was slow that day, so I think this horse will take to the turf. Have to make this filly a contender; she comes off a good effort on Jul 2nd. This filly is number one in earnings per race. Check out this horse in the post parade. Here is an appropriate handicapping angle that I've used many times before. Play a filly (like this one) getting Lasix for the 2nd time.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 KANAKA (ML=9/5), #4 GREY EN BLUE (ML=2/1), #1 INTO WILDERNESS (ML=5/1),

KANAKA - Difficult to wager on any racer in a sprint race if she hasn't hit the board in a sprint in the last couple of months. Jun 26th is the last time we've seen this filly around. Have to be a little bit leery. GREY EN BLUE - The Brain cautions me to stay away from horses in short distance contests that haven't finished in the money in sprint contests lately. INTO WILDERNESS - This filly hasn't had any promising efforts in short distance races in the last sixty days.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #1 Entry on the nose if you can get odds of 9/5 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,2]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Parx Racing - Race #9 - Post: 4:31pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.3 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $18,000 Class Rating: 70

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#2 GINNER (ML=7/2)


GINNER - Jock jumped on this gelding's back for the 1st attempt on June 26th. Should know the horse even better this race. Ran a winning race Jun 26th, but just couldn't catch the victor.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 ASIAN SUN (ML=5/2), #10 JIMMY THE EXPLORER (ML=9/2), #4 SAINT ROCH (ML=5/1),

ASIAN SUN - Doesn't appear to be worth 5/2 this time out. Pass on him this time. JIMMY THE EXPLORER - You figure that this horse is going to be first just because he's always close. Just doesn't finish on top often. SAINT ROCH - Don't think this vulnerable equine has what it takes to cross the finish line in first this time.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #2 GINNER on the win end if we get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
None

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga

RACE #8 - SARATOGA RACE COURSE - 4:45 PM EASTERN POST


The Coronation Cup Stakes

5½ FURLONGS TURF THREE YEAR OLD FILLIES STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#8 AVA'S KITTEN
#2 MISS KATIE MAE
#3 LOST RAVEN
#7 COCO AS IN CHANEL

This 5½ furlong turf race for 3-year-old fillies had its inaugural running in 2012, and was named after the Rokeby Stable color-bearer (Coronation Cup) who won the 1994 Nijana Stakes here at at Saratoga, ridden by Hall of Fame Jockey Jerry Bailey. Here in the 5th running of this stakes race, #8 AVA'S KITTEN, takes a class drop (-3), and has produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in each of her last five outings, hitting the board in a pair, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in her 5th race back. Jockey Irad Ortiz and Trainer Chad Brown send her "postward" this afternoon ... they've hit the board with 59% of more than 260 entries saddled as a team to date. #2 MISS KATIE MAE, an Irish-bred entry, and a 4-1 shot, comes off a "POWER RUN WIN" in her last start. Jockey Javier Castellano was in her irons for that win, 49 days ago at Woodbine, and is here at "The Spa" this afternoon for his 2nd ride, gunning for back-to-back "Circle Trips!"

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Monday 8/1 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool


20-CENT PICK 5: 3,4,5/1,5,6,7/1,4,6,7,10/6/2,4,9 = $36

EARLY PICK 4: 6/2,4,9/1,6,9/1,2,3,8 = $36

LATE PICK 4: 1,2,3,8/4,6,8/1,2/2,3,10 = $72

MEET STATS: 251 - 710 / $1347.50 BEST BETS: 42 - 67 / $136.90

SPOT PLAYS: 16 - 65 / $82.90

Best Bet: HAPPY HANNAH (4th)

Spot Play: MAJOR MASTER PIECE (8th)


Race 1

(5) SOUTHWIND ION requalified well after an eventful debut. She should be more forwardly placed early here and can beat these if she has been straightened out. (4) OUT OF SIGHT was a decent third in OSS Gold company last time and she is the one to beat. (3) SPORTS LEADER faces easier here too. She should be coming on late in the mile. (1) LOTUS SEELSTER could improve here if she is kept covered up most of the way.

Race 2

(5) ETRUSCAN HANOVER raced much better last week but he was caught late by a classy and fit rival. He will pop soon, quite possibly tonight. (6) FEARLESS MAN dug deep to repel a host of challengers down the lane last time. He will have to be caught. (1) HARPER BLUE CHIP raced well in only his second start in the last two seasons. He might need another before showing his very best but he should share here. (7) WHISKEY TAX dodges the very tough Flanagan Memory here and he could easily better this placing.

Race 3

(4) THE ERM almost wired the field in her debut and she can graduate here with that experience in tow. (7) DREAM TOGETHER should get asked for more speed here in her second start and she should be a threat. (1) MYAMMIE DRAMA should improve here for a barn that has been doing well with youngsters. (6) A DOOZY is another that has raced well in both starts and merits multi-race consideration.

Race 4

(6) HAPPY HANNAH was too far back in her debut but still powered home with a :54 4/5 back half to be second. She should graduate here. (1) WINDY SPORT drops out of stakes company and looks like the main danger. (7) MANHATTAN PLAY is related to several winners, but strangely, this is the first foal that her dam has dropped in 7 years. Minor share is predicted here. (4) ASK FOR ME should grab a share vs. this group.

Race 5

(2) IM SO FANCY showed little vs. much tougher last time. Dropping back down in class gives him a good shot here, quite possibly at a square price. (9) EMOTICON HANOVER is fast enough to win this, but, you also have to wonder what is on her stakes plate in the immediate future. (4) YOURE MAJESTIC is another class-dropper that merits Pick 4 and Pick 5 consideration. (3) BURNIN MONEY has been racing well but his class ceiling may be one level below this.

Race 6

(1) BETTORS DREAM is a deserving favorite in the Dream Maker final and he will be tough to knock off leaving from the innermost post. (6) BOBCAT BOUND gets a significant driver change here off an improved performance last time; using. (9) DEADLY ACTION was a sharp winner last week and will no doubt be sent hard early by Waples here. He isn't without a chance but he will need to find more late speed. (8) DEO GALILEO can take a piece of this if he stays flat this time.

Race 7

(2) PREMIER GLITTER comes off a powerful win - her second in as many tries this campaign - and she can step up here and take another in her good current form. (3) MOSTINTERESTINGMAN was 2nd to two very good colts in his last two and he fits very well here. (1) UNICUM BI also fits this condition well and he should be heard from if he stays flat. (8) MONOPOLY steps up off a sharp win and isn't out of the question here if he could work out a similar trip.

Race 8

(4) MAJOR MASTER PIECE - an $82K Harrisburg sale purchase - is a full sister to the very good OK Commander (19 wins, $652K, 1:47 4/5 M.). There is very likely much more speed available with this filly than what was shown in qualifiers; top call. (8) FADE - a $37K Harrisburg buy - is related to several winners and the barn has been sending all of the youngsters ready; using. (6) TRICKY BET paced a 27 1/5 third 1/4 in her debut. She will be a threat here if put into this race earlier. (1) LADY SHERRI can follow along and stay for a piece of this.

Race 9

(1) RUBBER DUCK was repelled by a tough leader last time when making a first-over bid. He can work out a winning trip here starting from the inside. (2) OLYMPIC SON drops and he will be tough if he can stay flat this time. (4) O NARUTAC PERFETTO will be passing horses late as is his custom. (3) CHARLIE IS A JOKER has been finishing on the edges and likely will here, too.

Race 10

(3) WINNING DRIVE is the only two-time winner in this field facing rivals that are 1-97 lifetime. He's no lock, but he could win this by default. (10) TOY COP has shown a bit of promise out of town and will likely be a big price here; using. (2) THE KERNAL will likely be sent for better position early here which makes him a threat. (4) SOUTHWIND SAVAGE - an $85K yearling buy - is already being offered for sale for $25 K 'or best offer'. Based on what I have seen on the track from him, I'll try to beat him again here. (5) CAROLINA HURRICANE is another that will take action that has appeared to have soundness issues. Small share predicted.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Monday 8/1 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF

MEET STATS: 180 - 762 / $1,151.80

BEST BETS: 22 - 74 / $113.50

Best Bet: NON STICK (6th)

Spot Play: GLOW BOAT (4th)


Race 1

(5) THE ROCK broke in the stretch last out but clearly is better; can cook their goose at his best. (2) ONE THROUGH TEN flashed speed but had nothing left in his latest. (1) CABBIES DELIGHT Easy victory at Ocean Downs recently.

Race 2

(4) NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN Pacing miss makes her return to Yonkers where she showed speed. The bottom line is this filly can be the boss over these down the road. (2) FRUITION gets post relief and that might help her cause. (3) OUTSIDECOURT got the job done wire to window upstate last time around.

Race 3

(2) FAMILY ROLL CALL just missed glory last time out for this pacing filly. Has every right to put her best foot forward. (5) ALWAYS COVERS Sharp victory in her Saratoga finale; factor. (6) NOTA FOOL BLUECHIP could make some noise against these.

Race 4

(3) GLOW BOAT She put in a game effort last out at Saratoga and with a favorable trip the filly can get the job done. (1) LASTCHANCELILLY has been consistent at Monticello and could be right in the mix from the fence. (5) IDEAL FANTASY could land a share of the purse.

Race 5

(1) TAP INTO POWER Gelding appears to be in a perfect spot moving down in class and drawing the rail; ready for action. (2) IDEAL KISS has tactical speed and could be right in the mix. (8) BRUNELLO N Sharp in victory in his US debut; post hurts but is very capable.

Race 6

(2) NON STICK was game in her latest at Tioga and should have things her way with a well judged drive. (1A) GOOSEBUMP HANOVER Qualifier at the Meadowlands should have her fit and ready. (7) EARN YOUR WINGS showed speed in the Zweig at Vernon but tired badly in the stretch drive; not out of this.

Race 7

(5) FAD FINANCE Sharp in her last three tries and figures to get the job done over this group. (4) SWINGING ROYALTY Filly has good speed and most likely will be on the engine. (3) YOUNG BRIDE was sent down the road against lesser and got the job done.

Race 8

(3) THREE DREAMS Sharp in her last four outings and could take these to task with a down the road score. (7) KEYSTONE PAULA With a 3-hole trip, this filly just got up for win honors last out. (8) TWIN B SWEETHEART gets a tough post but based on her last two she is knocking at the door; watch out.

Race 9

(2) KISS ME ONTHEBEACH gets class relief in here and good to see Sears with the assignment; the pick. (5) FREEDOM ROLLS has wheeled off two straight victories and the hat trick is not out of the question. (3) ART CRITIC moves down the ladder and that might help her cause; we shall see.

Race 10

(2) BRED TO RACE moves to the 2-hole and Brennan is keeping the faith with this 4-year-old gelding; gets the call. (1) ANGS DELIGHT should fare better from the fence. (3) JK HEAVEN SENT should find this group to his liking so don't overlook.

Race 11

(1) SINGLE ME is clearly knocking at the door and now with the move to the rail this mare can break it down and greet the cameraman for pictures. (6) AMERICAN MAJOR closed strongly to get the job done last out. (7) NIPS BEACH GIRL has put in four sharp efforts in a row and must be considered in all the exotic slots.

Race 12

(2) EDWARD TEACH is back inside again and has the speed to take these all the way for glory. (1) QUICK FUN N put in a mild rally for show money last time around. (5) SHINOBU HANOVER just got up for the victory recently.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Monday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Delaware Park (4th) Wendy Wend, 6-1
(5th) Old Fashioned King, 5-1


Finger Lakes (5th) Trapper Jane, 3-1
(8th) Indiana Stones, 4-1


Hastings Park (1st) Awesome Cause, 7-2
(9th) Ganbei, 6-1


Mountaineer (5th) Take a Risk, 8-1
(8th) Lady of Rivendell, 8-1

Parx Racing (6th) Yeah Rocky, 4-1
(9th) Ginner, 7-2


Penn National (3rd) Caitlyn's Wish, 3-1
(4th) Saint Emma's Fire, 6-1

Presque Isle Downs (2nd) Heavenly Body, 4-1
(8th) Brother Pat, 3-1


Saratoga (7th) Undertherain, 6-1
(9th) E Warfare, 5-1


Thistledown (4th) Rugaru, 8-1
(7th) Cottonwood Canyon, 4-1


Woodbine (4th) Sweet Beatrice, 7-2
(9th) Smart Mission, 3-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

August Pitchers Report
By Marc Lawrence

With the MLB trading deadline officially closed, and the NFL preseason whetting our pigskin palates, the month of August sets the table for the stretch run of the baseball season. Which pitchers can we count on to satisfy our tastes, and which ones figure to sour our stomachs?

Take a look below.

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 August.

On the flip side, we've also listed pitchers that struggle in August, 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 April 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 August list.

I’ll be back next month with September’s Good Month Pitchers.

Until then, as legendary singer and songwriter Neil Diamond would say, enjoy the hot August nights.

GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

Arrieta, Jake - 10-5 (6-3 A)

After being Clayton Kershaw-like for nearly 12 months, the Cubs starter has "regressed" back to just being among the best starters in baseball. Arrieta has a nearly 3-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio and only allows a base hit 70 percent of the time in innings pitched this season, among the finest in the majors.

Duffy, Danny - 11-4 (6-1 H)

After starting the season as a reliever, the Kansas City left-hander was forced back into the rotation based on need and he has responded. Since June, after a pair of starts, Duffy has put up an ERA of just over 3.00 and opposing batters have just a .289 on-base percentage against him.

*Gallardo, Yovani - 9-4 (5-2 A)

Not close to the same pitcher he used to be with Milwaukee, with ERA so far this season approaching almost two runs higher than career average (5.37 vs. 3.73). The lost velocity is to blame and secondary pitches have less bite. For Baltimore to win AL East, Gallardo has to find some of his old magic.

Greinke, Zack - 10-5 (5-2 H)

After being on the shelf with oblique injury since late June, Greinke is close to returning for Arizona if no reoccurrence were to take place after a rehab start or two this month. After pathetic start to season, the D-Backs prized starter has cut ERA by 2 1/2 runs and is close to career norms in all major categories. Elite starter.

*Hamels, Cole - 12-6 (8-4 H)

Having typical Hamels season, with low numbers across the board. In bigger picture, underrated high level hurler who has not been getting acclaim after Phillies fall, but has been ace with Texas. As usual, left-handed batters have no chance with .176 batting average and .287 slugging percentage.

*Iwakuma, Hisashi - 12-5 (7-1 A)

Not having normal season for Seattle, with hits allowed much higher than usual for Iwakuma. However, has won four of five starts and the Mariners are 10-3 when the righty has toed the rubber since May 20. With Felix Hernandez back, this pair could lead Seattle charge to postseason.

Milone, Tom - 7-3 (4-1 A)

Milone starts for bad Minnesota club and is inconsistent as ever. Of his 74 hits allowed in only 59 2/3 innings, 11 have gone the yard. Maybe he can keep the ball down and spot his pitches better like previous August’s.

*Sanchez, Anibal - 9-3 (5-1 H)

With decreased velocity and no action on breaking pitches, Sanchez ERA has been six or higher almost all season. Not sure if he can respond this month, with opponents having BA over .300 and owning a WHIP of 1.64.

*Strasburg, Stephen - 13-3 (8-1 H)

Only July 21st, Strasburg suffered first loss of entire season after 13 consecutive wins. Though the fastball is no longer in upper 90's all the time, the breaking pitches disappear from batter's view and he's been exceptional. If Strasburg has true to form month, he will have real shot at 20 wins in 2016.

Teheran, Julio - 11-5 (7-2 H)

Suffered lat strain in late July and has been a victim of no run support from bad Braves club with 2.81 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and opposing batters at only .205 batting average. Note: Teheran’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of August.

Weaver, Jered - 12-5 (7-3 A)

Shell of his former self at 33. Never a hard thrower, Weaver's fastball only occasionally makes the upper 80's these days and his once dominating changeup is a pitch batter's wait on now with lack of variance of speed of pitches. Will blend good and really awful performances these days.

*Zimmermann, Jordan - 12-6 (8-3 H)

On July 24th had excellent rehab start and will be rejoining Detroit this month. After sensational start with Tigers, Zimmermann was tagged for at least five runs in four of his last five outings. Detroit needs the Zimmermann they had early in the season to have chance to catch Cleveland in AL Central.

BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

Gray, Sonny - 5-11 (0-7 A)

Given Gray's troubles this month, his woes of all season are very likely to continue. Gray simply has been more hittable the entire season, permitting those with bats to hit almost 50 points higher than normal batting average permitted of .233. Note: Gray’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of August.

*Hellickson, Jeremy - 4-11 (2-9 A)

Back of the rotation starter, Hellickson has largely performed better than expected for Philadelphia and as this article went live, he was rumored to be traded. His KW ratio is significantly higher at 4 to 1 compared to 3 to 1 for his career. Will he be able to maintain the rest of season?

Kazmir, Scott - 5-11 (1-7 A)

The Dodgers port-sider has 9-4 record, but his 4.41 ERA is still above career average of 3.98. Durability has been issue all season, with too many starts around five innings for what is supposed to be Los Angeles No. 2 or 3 starter.

Koehler, Tom - 4-13 (0-10 A)

Above average arm but always up or down and unless he pulls a Rich Hill, at 30 is not likely to change. An 8-8 record, 4.18 ERA and WHIP of 1.46, is about what we have come to expect from Mr. Koehler. Note: Koehler’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of August.

*Miley, Wade - 5-11 (1-6 A)

Overrated lefty who does not miss many bats and fails to come anywhere close to averaging punch-out an inning. Strictly an innings-eater and provides nothing more than 50-50 chance to win.

Miller, Shelby - 5-11 (2-8 H)

Demoted to Triple-A in July after disastrous campaign. Miller hopes to regain confidence and repair mechanics that are really out of whack and return to Arizona yet this season.

Samardzija, Jeff - 5-13 (3-8 H)

After appearing as the No.3 starter San Francisco wanted for two months, Smards has returned to same old serviceable pitcher of the past and seen his ERA climb from 2.84 to present 4.30 heading into this month.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB roundup: Cubs stun M's in 12
By The Sports Xchange

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs rallied from an early six-run deficit, tied the game with three runs in the ninth and won it on pinch hitter Jon Lester's bunt in the 12th during a 7-6 victory over the Seattle Mariners in Sunday night.
Lester, a pitcher with an .051 career batting average, bunted on a 2-2 count with a runner at third base and one out. He perfectly placed the ball near the first base line, allowing Jason Heyward to score. Lester never previously appeared as a pinch hitter in his 11-year major league career.
Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz and Dae-Ho Lee homered in the first three innings for the Mariners, who have lost 12 of 21. The Cubs won two of three in the weekend series.

Orioles 6, Blue Jays 2 (12 innings)
TORONTO -- Jonathan Schoop broke in a tie with an RBI single in the 12th, Adam Jones added a three-run homer in that inning and Baltimore defeated Toronto to regain first place in the American League East. The win ended a five-game losing streak for the Orioles and put them a half-game ahead of the Blue Jays.
Left-hander Franklin Morales (0-1) walked Pedro Alvarez to open the 12th inning. He committed a balk on a pickoff throw to first and Alvarez was awarded second base. Alvarez scored when Schoop singled to left with one out. J.J. Hardy then walked and Jesse Chavez replaced Morales.
Jones hit the first pitch for his 20th homer of the season to give Baltimore a four-run cushion.

Indians 8, Athletics 0
CLEVELAND -- Corey Kluber pitched seven scoreless innings and Mike Napoli homered to lead Cleveland over Oakland to sweep the three-game series.
Kluber (10-8) gave up five hits, with seven strikeouts and two walks.
Oakland starter Sonny Gray came into the game with a record of 2-0 and a 0.64 ERA in four career starts against the Indians. But Gray (5-10) was removed from the game after 3 1/3 innings, having given up seven runs and eight hits. His 5.43 ERA, which was already the highest in the American League, climbed several more points to 5.84.

Marlins 5, Cardinals 4
MIAMI -- Adeiny Hechavarria scored from first on a two-out triple by Derek Dietrich in the bottom of the ninth inning as Miami rallied to defeat St. Louis
Until he scored the winning run Hechavarria had been the Marlins' goat due to a throwing error in the eighth. But with none on in the ninth, he fouled off several pitches before hitting a single on a 3-2 pitch from Matt Bowman. Hechavarria then scored on Dietrich's triple that deflected off the glove of center fielder Tommy Pham.
Dietrich had been in an 0-for-23 slump before that hit. He celebrated with his teammates, who ripped off his jersey in a wild scene on the field.

Mets 6, Rockies 4
NEW YORK -- Neil Walker hit a long go-ahead three-run homer in the seventh inning as New York avoided being swept in the season series by Colorado.
The Mets won for just the second time in the last seven games to remain 2 1/2 games behind the Miami Marlins in the race for the National League's second wild card, but it may have been a costly victory. Mets shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, who has played in a team-high 100 games, had to be helped off the field after suffering a strained left patellar tendon while scoring a run in the first inning.
The Rockies had a five-game winning streak snapped and lost for just the second time in the last 11 games. Colorado, which swept the Mets in a three-game series at Coors Field in May, was trying to go over .500 after the All-Star Break for the first time since 2010.

Rangers 5, Royals 3
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Mitch Moreland hit his fourth homer of the four-game series against Kansas City as Texas completed a sweep.
The Rangers moved six games ahead of Houston in the American League West with the win, their largest lead since July 9. The Royals have now dropped eight of their last nine games.
Moreland's two-run homer in the fourth off Dillon Gee (3-5) gave the Rangers a 4-1 lead and enough cushion for Lucas Harrell (3-2) and the Texas bullpen to get the job done.

Tigers 11, Astros 0
DETROIT -- Miguel Cabrera hit two home runs worth three runs in a four-RBI day, James McCann belted his first career grand slam and five Detroit pitchers combined on a seven-hit shutout and the second straight sweep of a three-game series.
Cabrera hit his 22nd home run of the season with nobody on and one out in the fifth off Dallas Keuchel (6-11) and added his 23rd after reliever Scott Feldman hit Cameron Maybin with a pitch to open the seventh. Justin Upton hit his 13th home run of the season with two outs and the bases empty in the seventh.
Mike Pelfrey (4-9) pitched five shutout innings to get the win for Detroit. He allowed four hits, walked one and struck out four.

Rays 5, Yankees 3
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Hours after trading away reliever Andrew Miller to the Indians, New York's struggles continued, as last-place Tampa Bay completed a three-game sweep.
Rays rookie Blake Snell (3-4) struck out nine in 5 1/3 innings, and the deciding runs came on a two-out, two-run single from catcher Luke Maile after the Yankees intentionally walked the No. 8 hitter in the Rays' lineup. The Rays matched their season high with a four-game win streak, while the Yankees are back at .500 after dropping their fourth straight.
Alex Colome pitched a perfect ninth to earn his 25th save and third in as many days.

Twins 6, White Sox 4
MINNEAPOLIS -- Brian Dozier homered twice and scored three runs as Minnesota beat Chicago.
Dozier's home runs came after the White Sox had cut the Twins' lead to 4-3 in the fourth inning. The first homer hit the facing of the third deck in left field, an estimated 421-foot shot, to put the Twins up by two.
Two innings later, Dozier added another insurance run by just clearing the fence in left field for a 6-3 lead. It marked the fourth career multi-homer game for Dozier. Three of those have been against the White Sox.

Braves 2, Phillies 1
ATLANTA -- Jeff Francoeur hit a two-run homer to the opposite field in the seventh inning as Atlanta beat Philadelphia.
Jimmy Paredes homered in the eighth inning to draw the Phillies within a run, but Jim Johnson induced a double play after a leadoff walk in the ninth inning while recording his sixth save.
The Phillies had five hits against six Atlanta pitchers. Rookie Mauricio Cabrera (2-0) got credit for the victory after pitching the seventh inning.

Brewers 4, Pirates 2
MILWAUKEE -- Matt Garza allowed just one earned run in five innings and Milwaukee relievers pitched four hitless innings to stop Pittsburgh.
The Brewers won their ninth straight home game against the Pirates and are now 64-17 at against Pittsburgh at Miller Park since 2007.
Garza (2-4) allowed two runs on four hits through five innings.

Reds 3, Padres 2
SAN DIEGO -- Right-hander Homer Bailey won while making his first start in 15 months to lead Cincinnati to a 3-2 victory over San Diego in the rubber match of a three-game series at Petco Park.
Jose Peraza belted his first major league homer to pave the way for Cincinnati.
Bailey had made only two starts since April 2014 while undergoing two rounds of elbow surgery, including "Tommy John" surgery on May 8, 2015. He allowed two runs on four hits and three walks with six strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.

Dodgers 14, Diamondbacks 3
LOS ANGELES -- Los Angeles banged out 17 hits, including home runs by Yasmani Grandal, Joc Pederson and Corey Seager, in a rout of Arizona at Dodger Stadium.
With speculation persisting that the Dodgers will acquire a starting pitcher before Monday's non-waiver trade deadline, right-hander Bud Norris lasted only 13 pitches before leaving the game with back muscle tightness.
The Dodgers had already shortened their rotation to four pitchers with a glut of three off days in an eight-day span ending Monday. At the same time, ace Clayton Kershaw (out since late June with a back injury) has not been cleared to start a throwing program, making the Dodgers a good bet to add someone like Tampa Bay's Chris Archer or Matt Moore by trade.

Giants 3, Nationals 1
SAN FRANCISCO -- Pitchers Madison Bumgarner and Jeff Samardzija came off the bench to tag-team on a key run, helping San Francisco salvage a four-game split with Washington in a victory in the series finale.
Matt Cain pitched five innings of no-hit ball for his 100th career win as a Giant.
Ahead just 1-0 and with his starter having already thrown 93 pitches, Giants manager Bruce Bochy elected to pinch hit for Cain in the fifth inning even though he had yet to allow a hit. The strategy paid dividends when Bumgarner, a .164 hitter entering the at-bat, doubled off the right-field fence off Nationals left-hander Gio Gonzalez.

Red Sox 5, Angels 3
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Dustin Pedroia hit a three-run home run and Xander Bogaerts followed with a solo blast to lead a five-run rally in the ninth inning that gave Boston a 5-3 win over Los Angeles Angels in front of 39,553 at Angel Stadium.
Right-hander Clay Buchholz earned the victory with three hitless innings of relief. Buchholz (4-9) permitted just one baserunner on a walk and collected one strikeout. Brad Ziegler received his second save.
The Red Sox used the win to close within 1 1/2 games of the American League East-leading Baltimore Orioles.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB notebook: Indians acquire reliever Miller from Yankees
By The Sports Xchange

The Cleveland Indians acquired left-handed All-Star reliever Andrew Miller from the New York Yankees on Sunday in a five-player trade to bolster their bullpen.
In exchange, the Yankees received a package of four prospects -- outfielder Clint Frazier, left-hander Justus Sheffield and right-handed pitchers Ben Heller and J.P. Feyereisen.
The Yankees had been entertaining offers for Miller after they traded closer Aroldis Chapman to the Chicago Cubs last week.
Miller, 31, has gone 6-1 with nine saves and a 1.39 ERA over 45 1/3 innings in 44 relief appearances this season for the Yankees. He currently owns the sixth-lowest relief ERA. He owns an 11-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio, is averaging 15.3 strikeouts per nine innings pitched and is second in the league with 77 relief strikeouts. He has allowed runs in just eight of 44 outings and has not allowed multiple runs in an appearance this season.

--The Yankees added bullpen help after trading Miller, acquiring right-handed reliever Tyler Clippard from the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Diamondbacks received minor league right-hander Vicente Campos in return for Clippard.
Dellin Betances is expected to take over as the Yankees' closer, with Clippard being in the setup spot.
Clippard, 31, was 2-3 with one save and a 4.30 ERA over 37 2/3 innings in 40 relief appearances with the Diamondbacks in 2016. Prior to the season, he signed a two-year contract with Arizona as a free agent.

--Milwaukee Brewers All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy vetoed a trade to the Cleveland Indians.
The Brewers and Indians had agreed on a trade Saturday night that would have sent Lucroy to the Indians in exchange for four prospects. The centerpiece being switch-hitting catcher Francisco Mejia, the Indians' sixth-ranked prospect.
Lucroy sat out Saturday's game as the trade talks were completed and was not in the lineup Sunday despite the trade being off.
The Indians were one of eight teams on Lucroy's no-trade list.

--Kansas City Royals All-Star closer Wade Davis was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a flexor strain in his pitching arm, the team announced.
The right-hander underwent an MRI exam earlier Sunday, and a Grade 1 strain was discovered.
Royals manager Ned Yost told reporters that Davis' elbow looked "fine" during the exam.
Kansas City recalled left-hander Matt Strahm from Double-A Northwest Arkansas to fill the roster opening.

--Newly acquired Miami Marlins right-hander Colin Rea was placed on the 15-day disabled list after being injured in his first outing with the squad.
Rea departed after 3 1/3 scoreless innings on Saturday night with a sprained pitching elbow. The Marlins recalled right-hander Nefi Ogando from Triple-A New Orleans to fill his roster spot.
Rea was obtained from the San Diego Padres on Friday.

--The St. Louis Cardinals acquired veteran left-handed reliever Zach Duke from the Chicago White Sox.
In exchange, the White Sox get minor league outfielder Charlie Tilson.
Duke, 33, is 2-0 with a 2.63 ERA in an American League-leading 53 appearances this season. He has 42 strikeouts in 37 1/3 innings pitched.

--The St. Louis Cardinals suffered a potentially damaging loss in the first inning of Sunday's game against the Miami Marlins when rookie shortstop Aledmys Diaz was hit by an Andrew Cashner fastball.
Diaz, who was hit on his right thumb, was removed from the game. A valuable rookie, Diaz is batting .312 with 14 home runs and 57 RBIs this season. There was no immediate announcement from the team regarding his status.

--New York Mets shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera had to be helped off the field when he suffered a strained patellar tendon in his left knee while scoring a run in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field. It is uncertain whether Cabrera will be placed on the disabled list.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Orioles acquire LHP Miley from Mariners
By The Sports Xchange

The Baltimore Orioles added to their rotation by acquiring left-handed Wade Miley from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for minor league left-handed pitcher Ariel Miranda on Sunday.
The Orioles are in first place in the American League East, but their starting staff has left much to be desired. Chris Tillman and Kevin Gausman are the only Baltimore starters who have been solid this season.
Miley, 29, is 7-8 in 19 starts with a 4.98 ERA this season. In his past eight starts, covering a span of 47 1/3 innings, Miley has a 3.80 ERA, and in his most recent outing, he limited the Chicago Cubs to one run, one hit and one walk in seven innings while striking out nine.
The Orioles hope he can be their No. 3 starter. Orioles starters Ubaldo Jimenez, Yovani Gallardo, Mike Wright, Tyler Wilson, Vance Worley and Dylan Bundy have a combined ERA of 5.93.
Miley is owed $2.13 million for the rest of this season and $8.75 million in 2017. His contract includes a $12 million club option with a $500,000 buyout for the 2018 season.
Miranda, 27, was signed to a minor league contract by the Orioles last May after he defected from Cuba. He is 4-7 with a 3.93 ERA for Triple-A Norfolk this season. Over his past seven starts, Miranda is 3-0 with a 1.93 ERA.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals (49-55) at Rays (42-61)

Game: 1
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: August 01, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- To suggest that LHP Danny Duffy has been the only thing positive about Kansas City Royals pitching in the past month is nearly correct.

As the Royals visit the Tampa Bay Rays to open a four-game series, they do so in the midst of a four-game skid that began after Duffy's last start, which came after another four-game losing streak.

In Kansas City's last 25 games, the Royals are 5-0 when Duffy starts and 2-18 when he doesn't.

"He simplified his mechanics, so he's able to repeat them consistently," Royals manager Ned Yost explained Sunday. "He's throwing strikes with all three of his pitches, managing his pitch count very, very effectively. And he's really just turned the corner."

And a 27-year-old who has only once had a winning record in five previous seasons -- and that was going 2-0 in five starts in 2013 -- is now 6-1, and again the Royals' best chance to pull out of a slide that has seen them drop eight of nine games.

The Rays, somehow, are on the opposite tear. After a three-game sweep of the New York Yankees, they've matched a season high with four straight wins. They've done it with the opposite of the Royals' problem: reliable, consistent quality starts from their pitching staff.

Sunday's starter, LHP Blake Snell, gave up two runs in 5 1/3 innings for the win but fell two outs shy of the minimum for a "quality start," thus ending a streak of 10 straight quality starts by Rays pitchers.

"We're starting to see a trend: When you pitch well and play good defense, you give yourself a chance to win consecutive ballgames," said Rays manager Kevin Cash, not far removed from a stretch where the Rays won three of 27 games.

The Rays are scheduled to start RHP Chris Archer, who has a major-league-high 14 losses, against the Royals, but there's the possibility he could be dealt in a blockbuster move before Monday's 4 p.m. trading deadline. Archer has been mentioned as a possibility for the Los Angeles Dodgers, though the price would be expensive to pry an All-Star leader from Tampa Bay.

The Rays could be very busy -- fellow starters Matt Moore and Jake Odorizzi have both been mentioned as trade targets, as has versatile infielder Steve Pearce, who is a free agent this winter.

The three-game sweep this weekend was enough to make the Yankees sellers, trading away prized reliver Andrew Miller, but will it be enough to keep the Rays from moving major pieces of their franchise?

As it stands, the Rays being active at the trade deadline would be one thing to help change the momentum of two teams -- the Rays, getting back to their winning ways but far out of contention, and the Royals, hoping to get another win from Duffy, their proven streak-buster.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins (40-64) at Indians (60-42)

Game: 1
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: August 01, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

CLEVELAND -- Andrew Miller will make his debut in a Cleveland uniform on Monday night, when the Indians host the Minnesota Twins in the first game of a four-game series.

Miller was acquired Sunday in a five player trade with the New York Yankees. The Indians sent four minor league prospects to New York, including outfielder Clint Frazier, the Indians' first round pick in the 2013 draft.

The first order of business when Miller arrives will be for manager Terry Francona to decide how he is going to use him. Indians closer Cody Allen has 20 saves this year and 78 saves over the last three years.

But Miller is an all-star reliever. He had 36 saves with the Yankees last year, though that's the only year in his 11 year career that he has been used as a closer. Miller has mostly been a setup man, which is what he was with the Yankees this year, pitching mostly in the eighth inning.

Francona said he will sit down with Allen and Miller on Monday and decide how the back of the bullpen will be configured.

"Andrew Miller is one of the elite relievers in baseball, and it gives us guys who pitch at the end of the game who are interchangeable," Francona said. "Over the last two months this should give us a much better chance to win games."

Miller fills a major hole in the Indians' bullpen. Not only is he good, but he's left-handed. The Indians have gone most of this season without a left-hander in their bullpen. Now they have arguably the best left-handed reliever in the game.

"I'm not sure there is a better fit for our bullpen than Andrew," said Indians President of Baseball Operations Chris Antonetti.

Whether Miller makes his debut on the mound for the Indians Monday depends in large part on how well Danny Salazar pitches. Salazar (11-3, 2.97) will start for the Indians against the Twins. Salazar ranks fourth in the American League in ERA. In eight career appearances vs. Minnesota Salazar is 3-2 with a 3.63 ERA.

Tyler Duffey (5-8, 6.12) is scheduled to start for the Twins, but that is subject to change. The Twins have announced that they will recall right-hander Jose Berrios from Triple-A Rochester on Monday. Berrios, who was 1-1 with a 10.20 ERA in four starts with the Twins earlier this season, could get the start in place of Duffey.

"He (Berrios) is not coming to watch and be a spectator," Twins manager Paul Molitor told MLB.com.

In 16 starts at Rochester Berrios was 10-5 with a 2.44 ERA.

"There's some feeling that it's time to get him up here. . . that this would be a good thing for him to get back up here and see how he reacts," Molitor said.

The Indians come into the Minnesota series having just swept a three-game series with Oakland. Cleveland went 12-12 in the month of July after their blistering 22-6 June, which included a 14-game winning streak.

The Twins went 15-11 in July, their first winning month of the season. They are 5-4 vs. Cleveland this year.