Monday 8/15/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Post your request, Comments or concerns here.
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[superbeets]

Premier League TODAY 20:00

Chelsea

v

West Ham

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		8/13	3	11/2	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT CHELSEA	RECENT FORM
HLAWHDALADHD​ Most recent​	2 - 2 2 - 0 0 - 0 2 - 0	AWHLHWALALHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: West Ham have not won at Stamford Bridge since 2002

EXPERT VERDICT: Chelsea failed spectacularly in the defence of their title last season, but better things are expected at Stamford Bridge following the appointment of Antonio Conte and the new Blues manager can start with a win against West Ham. However, the Hammers have goals in them so expect goals at both ends.

RECOMMENDATION: Chelsea to win 2-1
1


REFEREE: Anthony Taylor STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Chelsea v West Ham (2000 BST)[/h]
Opta facts

• Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League meetings with West Ham United at Stamford Bridge (W7 D3) and have not lost at home to them in the league since September 2002 (2-3).
• West Ham were unbeaten against Chelsea in the Premier League last season (W1 D1); the first time that they have achieved this since 2002-03.
• Chelsea have won more points than any other Premier League side on the opening weekend of action (51 points).
• Chelsea are unbeaten in each of their last 13 season opening fixtures played at Stamford Bridge (W10 D3).
• Antonio Conte has lost just one of his last 30 league games as a club manager (W27 D2 L1).
• Conte is currently unbeaten in 28 successive league home matches as a club manager (W26 D2 L0), last suffering a home defeat in January 2013 (Juventus 1-2 Sampdoria).
• Chelsea haven't won any of their last four Premier League games on a Monday (W0 D2 L2).

 

[thanks4thepicks]

CPAW, thanks for all u do for this site. I was curious if you knew if these cappers would be posted for football season: Lee Sterling, Huddle Up Sports, John Ryan, Marc Lawrence, and Phil Steele? I was going to buy 1 or 2 of them, but thought I'd ask to see if they'd be posted for free on the site before I paid for them. Thanks again.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CPAW, thanks for all u do for this site. I was curious if you knew if these cappers would be posted for football season: Lee Sterling, Huddle Up Sports, John Ryan, Marc Lawrence, and Phil Steele? I was going to buy 1 or 2 of them, but thought I'd ask to see if they'd be posted for free on the site before I paid for them. Thanks again.

Can't say for sure as the plays come from members who contribute whether it's this forum and others. I specifically never know for sure which ones will be.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Monticello Raceway

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

Race 2 - Post: 1:12 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 79 - Purse:$4400 - N/W $300 P/S L/5 OR P/S IN 2016 $5600 P/C L/S AE: N/W 7 PM LT AE: $7500 CLM W/A AE: NW 2 PM IN 2016 B ALDRICH JR 3 OVER 1,8
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 1 KREMLIN 4/1
# 2 BEST FRIEND ALWAYS 7/2
# 4 ELLEN'S STREAK 3/1

KREMLIN will have you running to the cashier's window in this one. His 84 average has this gelding among the best TrackMaster Speed Ratings for this race. Good for a win wager just off the exemplary prior class statistics. Have to like this solid standardbred. Starters win from this position at Monticello Raceway with better than average regularity, suggesting this magnificent wager. BEST FRIEND ALWAYS - Drawing the 2 hole at this track has lead to a much higher than average win percentage. Most definitely the class of the grouping with an average rating of 77. A nice pick. ELLEN'S STREAK - Overall stats look good. Can't throw her out of the picture. Is a formidable win contender given the 78 TrackMaster speed fig from her most recent contest.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Delaware Park

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


Race 2 - Claiming - 8.3f on the Dirt. Purse: $19500 Class Rating: 86

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES OR WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES SINCE FEBRUARY 15, 2016. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JULY 15 ALLOWED 3 LBS. A RACE SINCE JUNE 15 ALLOWED 5 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $16,000, IF FOR $10,000, ALLOWED 4 LBS. (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $8,000 OR


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 1A JEWELISA 7/2

# 7 LIKEUASAFRIEND 5/2

# 5 CHIQUE TO CHIQUE 10/1

JEWELISA looks to be a respectable contender. Is a strong contender based on figs garnered recently under today's conditions. Recently Cedeno has been scorching which may give the edge to this filly. With a respectable 77 speed figure last time out, will definitely be a factor in this affair. LIKEUASAFRIEND - Chiappe will probably be able to get this mare to break out quickly in this competition. Could best this group based on the speed figure - 86 - of her last outing. CHIQUE TO CHIQUE - The average class fig of 77 makes this one tough to beat. Must be considered a definite contender on earnings per start at the distance/surface alone.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Finger Lakes

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


Race 3 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $9000 Class Rating: 58

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES IN 2015-2016. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE JULY 15 ALLOWED 2 LBS. SUCH A RACE SINCE JUNE 15 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 2 SENORA DE LOLOL 9/5

# 7 COUNTIN' ON U DOC 6/5

# 1 PATRON'S HEIDI H 8/1

I think SENORA DE LOLOL is a respectable choice. She must be carefully examined given the very strong speed figs. Could best this group of animals based on the Equibase Speed Fig - 54 - of her last outing. Looks solid for the conditions of this race today, showing solid figures in dirt route races recently. COUNTIN' ON U DOC - Runners trained by Anderson in dirt route races are normally reliable. Will probably come out strong - I have liked the way this mare has moved quickly to the lead recently. PATRON'S HEIDI H - Has the looks of a profitable play. The average class rating of 46 makes this horse hard to beat.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Presque Isle Downs - Race #6 - Post: 7:30pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,000 Class Rating: 67

Rating:

#6 THE LOVE MONKEY (ML=3/1)
#1A WICHITA WILLY (ML=9/2)
#1 SOCKSONFIRE (ML=9/2)


THE LOVE MONKEY - Horses that finish 2nd in Maiden races and finish well in front of the third horse are generally good bets next time out. The rider and conditioner combination have a positive ROI when they work together. This colt is in exceptional physical condition right now. Finished second in the last race and comes back promptly. This colt recorded a nice speed fig of 73 in his last race. That rating should be high enough to prove victorious in today's event. WICHITA WILLY - Getting a break of 6 pounds from last race at Presque Isle Downs. He should make the most of this advantage. SOCKSONFIRE - 55-57-63 are last three speed figs. Improving each time out is something he should do again in this field.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 LUCKY JOKER (ML=7/2), #3 MY SPECIAL ONE (ML=4/1), #4 DUBLIN RED (ML=5/1),

LUCKY JOKER - Would be taking an underlay on this thoroughbred at the probable odds of 7/2. MY SPECIAL ONE - I don't have a good intuition about this steed in this clash. DUBLIN RED - Hasn't been close to winning at all recently.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:

#6 THE LOVE MONKEY is going to be the play if we are getting 3/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [1,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

None

** Some or all wagers above involve entries and assume all parts of entry start the race **

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts


Thistledown - Race #8 - Post: 5:10pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $9,800 Class Rating: 74

Rating:

#7 PRINCE HARLAN (ML=8/1)
#3 MR. ELKHORN (ML=6/1)


PRINCE HARLAN - This colt is in excellent form right now. Finished second in the last race and comes back soon. This colt registered a good speed rating of 72 in his last event. That speed rating should be high enough to score this time. MR. ELKHORN - Trainer, Mahan, has been deliberate with this gelding off the layoff. Look for a solid effort today. I have to believe that today's shorter trip should help this gelding. Personally, I wouldn't worry about where he finished in his last race (fourth). Should improve in today's race, with some pretty good odds. Past Performances show this pony with 3 improving speed ratings. Pilares should be on a live one in this field.

Vulnerable Contenders: #8 PURE TALENT (ML=4/1), #6 AREA FIFTY ONE (ML=9/2), #1 SUPER CRUISER (ML=5/1),

PURE TALENT - No picnic to wager on this steed this time. Make him show you something in a sprint event before you wager on him in a race of 5 1/2 furlongs. Didn't finish in the money on Jun 11th at Gulfstream Park. Followed it up with another less than stellar try. When looking at today's class figure, he will have to garner a better speed figure than in the last race to be competitive in this dirt sprint. AREA FIFTY ONE - This mount ran a most unsatisfactory speed fig last time out. He shouldn't show signs of improvement and will probably lose in today's event running that rating. SUPER CRUISER - Just don't think he is priced right at the given odds.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:

#7 PRINCE HARLAN to win at post-time odds of 9/5 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [3,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga

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

The Saratoga Dew Stakes

9.0 FURLONGS DIRT FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#1 FLIPCUP
#9 LITERATA
#10 JULES N ROME
#5 DAISY CUTTER

First run in 2004, the race for New York-bred fillies and mares was named after the filly (Saratoga Dew)who in 1992 became the first state-bred to win an Eclipse Award. Trained by Gary Sciacca for Charles Engel, the daughter of Cormorant won eight times during her championship season as a 3-year-old including victories in the Gazelle, Beldame and Comely stakes. Here in the 13th running of this stakes test for New York Breds, #1 FLIPCUP shares the speed honors with the 5-1 shot, #10 JULES N ROME, and has produced "POWER RUNS" in four of her last five starts, including a trio of "POWER RUN WINS" being embedded in this recent streak of racing consistency. #9 LITERATA has hit the board in five straight, with four of those "board hit efforts," including a win in her 5th race back, also qualifying as "POWER RUNS." Jockey Irad Ortiz has been in her irons on 6 previous occasions, hitting the board in each, and is back this afternoon here at "The Spa" for his 7th ride.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Monday 8/15 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: 1,3,6,9/2,7,8/4,5/1,3,4,8/6 = $19.20

EARLY PICK 4: 1,3,4,8/6/1,3,7/2,5,9,10 = $48

LATE PICK 4: 2,5,9,10/2/7/3,5,7 = $12

MEET STATS: 273 - 790 / $1448.30 BEST BETS: 45 - 73 / $145.70

SPOT PLAYS: 17 - 73 / $86.60

Best Bet: ANIKADABRA (5th)

Spot Play: ZAHARA SEELSTER (4th)


Race 1

(9) POWERFUL MISSION won the only Grassroots race she contested. Let's make her an angle play on top in the opener. (1) LATE SHIFT has yet to win but she has been close in this class every time and she merits respect here. (6) MAN SHES HOT got hung out in the fastest part of the race at Hanover. She has been consistent in this class; using. (5) YOU CANT AFFORD ME closes quickly every time and is another to consider for Pick 5 wagers.

Race 2

(7) STUCK IN MY SPANKS closed with a remarkable rush in her August 5th qualifier and she should prove much the best in here if she stays flat. (2) INNER DRIVE has won three straight Grassroots races in a row and is the next logical contender if the choice blows up. (8) JILONA gets Henry back here and can improve at a price. (1) TYMAL DECLAN appears likely to share off a following trip.

Race 3

(5) PURE KEMP motored home last time in a much-improved performance. She has to make a couple of lengths up on the favorite here, but has an upset chance. (4) DREAM TOGETHER is the one to beat at what will surely be a very short price here. (1) THE ERM is sure to be put into play earlier here in the final of this series. She is an exacta factor. (3) SOUTHWIND TESLA should grab a minor share at a minimum here.

Race 4

(4) ZAHARA SEELSTER closed quickly in her debut without threatening now she gets a positive driver change. Expect sharp improvement here. (8) COME WHAT MAY has faced much better and will take plenty of action here. She's no lock, but should be used on multi-race bets. (1) LITTLE HANOVER can improve off her debut race and she could change tactics here and look for a helmet to follow. (3) I WISH YOU WELL has displayed consistent late speed and she isn't impossible here.

Race 5

(6) ANIKADABRA is the only filly in this field that has trotted faster than 2 minutes. She should handle this group easily if she behaves. (5) CRYSTAL GUMDROP was impressive in her debut then broke in her most recent start. She looks next best off that initial start. (3) MAJESTIC WANDA seems to have things figured out now. She should share here. (1) HOPESWISHESNDREAMS should follow others here and stick around for a small slice.

Race 6

(1) PIRAHNA should be tough to beat here despite missing a week; top call. (3) BLAYDE HANOVER capitalized off a perfect trip and drive last time to win going away. He is a contender but notice that the choice handled him easily last time they met. (7) HEZA WORK OF ART got hung out the entire way last time an understandably stopped late. He could be dangerous here if he can clear early. (5) MOHEGAN BLUE CHIP seems logical to follow along and emerge late for a small cut here.

Race 7

(10) WILD ZINGER failed as a big chalk last week but perhaps missing a week had something to do with him being a bit dull late in the mile. Back in 7 days, I'll give him the nod. (9) SIR GALAHAD finished just behind the choice in a race he most likely needed. He can improve here; using. (5) SOUTHWIND SAVAGE was hung a long way to make the front last time. He is worth a look starting inside his main rivals here. (2) INTUITIVE WRITER had an impossible trip last time but kept passing horses; consider.

Race 8

(2) MUSICAL RHYTHM is the trotting king of Canada when he races here. He'll be very tough to upend here. (6) LOOKSLIKEACHPNDALE will likely revert to a closing style here which has worked well for him in the past. (7) WHISKEY TAX is in great form. He should make the ticket. (4) CASH FOR GOLD can wind up from the back turning home and pass a few of these.

Race 9

(7) MAGIC PRESTO looks tons the best in here off her OSS Gold form, but, prepare to take 1/5 if you are a win bettor. (4) ROYAL WITCH gets Lasix off a decent qualifier and can complete the exacta if she stays flat this time. (2) HAB FAITH is a consistent check earner who should make the ticket here. (5) WHOLE LOT OF SUGAR can stick around for a piece of this, too.

Race 10

(5) LINDYS TRU GRIT returns for a barn that can have one ready to fire a big shot off a break. I'll take a swing with him at what should be a square price. (3) OLYMPIC SON should be put into the race early here on the class drop; using. (7) CATCH THE DREAM is in good form and can win this if he is close enough to the leaders turning for home. (2) ELDORADO OF GOLD seems logical to make the Super or High-5 off a following trip. (9) BURNIN MONEY will be closing from far back and he should finish on the fringes.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Monday 8/15 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF

MEET STATS: 189 - 823 / $1,219.30

BEST BETS: 23 - 79 / $124.10

Best Bet: BREAKTIME HANOVER (3rd)

Spot Play: THEARTOFCONFISION A (8th)


Race 1

(1) LILMISSTALKSALOT closed well in his last try. Filly draws the rail and could take down another. (2) MYMEGARICHMOTHRNLO lost all chance last out when she broke at the start; can rebound against these. (4) PLACE TO ROCKNROLL flashed speed at the Meadowlands last time around; watch out.

Race 2

(8) CREDITOVER Trotter has good speed and seems to like the far outside post; can take this for her first score. (5) SEVEN MAGIC WORDS was sent down the road last out for all the glory; threat with Campbell at the helm. (1) RUNNING PRAYER was second best at Tioga in her most recent outing.

Race 3

(2) BREAKTIME HANOVER made a big move at the 1/2 mile pole but tired in the stretch run last out at Vernon. Gets a good post and good to see Bartlett with the assignment; gets the call. (6) WINNING LINC finished fourth in a Meadowlands stakes event last out now he returns to Yonkers where he was a fast closing third three starts back; main danger. (3) OK IMAGINE could land a share of the purse.

Race 4

(2) SEVEN DIAMONDS led most of the way but did not have enough gas in the tank and she had to settle for the show spot upstate on Aug. 5th; can boss these at her best. (6) ETERNAL FLAME AS Sharp in her last three outings; big player in here. (3) HOWDY JANE is better than her last flop and could make a quick turnaround.

Race 5

(3) CHERRY ROYAL RUBY was dull in her last two but the good news is she faces a weak group and by default she can top these for all the glory. (2) ARIES DE VIE is seeking her first score and she might find these to her liking. (1) REVEREND NANNY could have a say from the rail.

Race 6

(5) MAMORA BAY has been in the trifecta picture in all of her starts. Filly is very capable of getting the job done against this group. (6) FLYHAWK CHARM has good speed and she must be considered in all the exotic slots. (1) ZDENKA retains the rail and was a good third last out at Tioga.

Race 7

(6) MAEWEGONOW missed glory by only a head last time out. Trotting miss can rate and score against this group. (4) AMBER ELLA put in a nice run to grab the victory last time around. (5) MIGHTY SURF is unbeaten in four starts; post hurts but clearly not out of this.

Race 8

(4) THEARTOFCONFUSION A put in a mild rally for the fourth spot in his Pocono finale. Gelding cruised to an easy victory two trips ago so he does have what it takes to make tonight a winning one. (3) ERIDANUS N moves down in class and gets post relief; big threat. (6) TWIN B IMPRESSIVE just missed glory by a nose last time out; must be considered.

Race 9

(4) FIFTY SPENDER leaves the 8-hole for a cozy post and this mare figures to get a favorable trip and could greet the cameraman for pictures. (1) PEACHY was on the rim and grinded out a victory at Saratoga last time around; player. (7) AMERICAN IMAGE rallied strongly to nail down the place spot in her last trip to the post.

Race 10

(3) BRUNELLO N has scored in his last two starts and this gelding is in great form; the hat trick is not out of the question. (2) ANGS DELIGHT flashed good speed and led most of the way but tired in deep stretch last out; contender. (7) PAN OF STEEL very consistent gelding has been on the board in his last four starts; beware despite the move to the far outside post.

Race 11

(5) DIVAS IMAGE has gotten the job done in her last three outings and this filly is very rare form; can keep on her winning ways. (3) ARIELLE LYNN could not hold the lead in her last try but she figures to be a factor in here. (4) MYDELIGHT BLUECHIP rallied strongly to nail down the third spot in her Pocono finale; don't overlook.

Race 12

(7) MACHERATI moves up in class but he catches a weak group of pacers in here; all systems go to make tonight a winning one. (2) LONE SURVIVOR was sent down the road in his last try for the victory last time out; main threat. (4) LYONS LEVI LEWIS Sharp qualifier at Monticello can put this 4-year-old right in the mix.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Monday

TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Delaware Park (1st) Arch's Cutie, 6-1
(6th) Gold Value, 7-2


Finger Lakes (4th) Cajun Best, 3-1
(6th) Global Warrior, 4-1


Mountaineer (3rd) Summer Classic, 3-1
(7th) Legend Forever, 6-1


Presque Isle Downs (2nd) Bold Dance, 7-2
(8th) Heywoods, 3-1


Saratoga (5th) Fly Swift, 4-1
(7th) Pirellone, 8-1


Thistledown (4th) Princess Talia, 4-1
(5th) Prince Harlan, 8-1

 

[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: Mets' Matz takes no-hit bid into 8th
By The Sports Xchange

NEW YORK -- Steven Matz carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning and combined with two relievers on a four-hit performance as the New York Mets posted a 5-1 victory over the San Diego Padres on Sunday.
Matz (9-8) was pulled after giving up a one-out single to Alexei Ramirez in eighth. He walked two and struck out eight in earning just his second win in his last 14 starts. Matz was trying to throw the second no-hitter in the 54-year history of the Mets.
Manager Terry Collins immediately pulled Matz after the hit. The crowd gave a standing ovation to Matz, who grew up on Long Island about an hour east of Citi Field.

Nationals 9, Braves 1
WASHINGTON --- Tanner Roark pitched seven strong innings, Anthony Rendon hit a three-run homer and Bryce Harper had an RBI double in his first game in more than a week as Washington beat Atlanta to win the three-game series.
Roark (13-6) scattered five hits while yielding one run to the Braves.
The Nationals, who went 5-3 on their homestand, are now a season-high 22 games over .500. Washington maintained an 8 1/2-game lead over Miami in the National League East.

Marlins 5, White Sox 4
MIAMI -- Adeiny Hechavarria scored from second on a sacrifice bunt as Miami snapped a three-game losing streak, rallying to beat Chicago.
The game ended on a play at the plate as Marlins left fielder Christian Yelich threw out Carlos Sanchez, who tried to score from second on a two-out single by Tyler Saladino.
The Marlins took a 3-2 lead in the fifth on a bunt by Ichiro Suzuki. Catcher Omar Narvaez threw Suzuki out at first, but when White Sox pitcher Chris Sale didn't move to cover the plate, Hechavarria came all the way around. Sale (14-6) allowed eight hits and five runs in 6 2/3 innings.

Blue Jays 9, Astros 2
TORONTO -- Troy Tulowitzki, Russell Martin and Edwin Encarnacion hit home runs, Marcus Stroman pitched into the seventh inning and Toronto defeated Houston.
Tulowitzki had three RBIs as the Blue Jays won the rubber match of the three-game series to maintain their lead in the American League East.
Stroman (9-5) allowed five hits and two runs (one earned) with eight strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings.

Red Sox 16, Diamondbacks 2
BOSTON -- Mookie Betts blasted three home runs and had eight RBIs to help Rick Porcello remain undefeated at home this season as Boston routed Arizona.
Jackie Bradley Jr. hit a two-run homer and had three RBIs and Dustin Pedroia logged his team-record fifth-career five-hit game and added two RBIs in the 19-hit attack.
The Red Sox have won three straight games after losing four of five.

Rays 12, Yankees 3
NEW YORK -- Evan Longoria tied a season high with four RBIs and highlighted a six-run fourth inning with a bases-clearing double as Tampa Bay rolled over New York.
Corey Dickerson and Nick Franklin each hit a three-run homers while Logan Forsythe added a solo blast for the Rays, who reached double digits in runs for the eighth time this season.
Longoria went 7-for-11 in the three-game series and his 47 RBIs at the current Yankee Stadium are the most among visiting players. He recorded his 22nd career game with at least four RBIs and fourth against the Yankees.

Brewers 7, Reds 3
MILWAUKEE -- Ryan Braun hit two home runs and Wily Peralta struck out five as Milwaukee avoided a sweep with a victory over Cincinnati
Braun doubled his first time up and then homered in his next two trips, finishing the day 3-for-5 with five RBIs and a pair of runs scored. Since the All-Star break, Braun is batting .378 with eight home runs and 20 RBIs.
The Brewers stole four bases in the first inning as they put three on the board against Reds left-hander Cody Reed, who was tagged for six runs on five hits and three walks with a strikeout.

Phillies 7, Rockies 6
PHILADELPHIA -- Reserve infielder Jimmy Paredes had his best offensive game of the season, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs and a run scored to lead Philadelphia past Colorado.
Acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays on June 1, Paredes put the Phillies on the board in the bottom of the second with an RBI single and made it 3-2 in the bottom of the fourth with a solo shot.
Phillies reliever Severino Gonzalez, who entered the game three batters into the fourth inning after an injury sustained by starter Adam Morgan, picked up his first win of the season.

Royals 11, Twins 4
MINNEAPOLIS -- Paulo Orlando and Lorenzo Cain each had four-hit games -- with Orlando finishing a double short of the cycle -- to lead Kansas City over Minnesota.
Orlando finished the three-game series 7-for-13, tripling to lead off the game and hitting a three-run blast off Twins starter Hector Santiago in the fourth inning that broke the game open.
Cain, who entered the series finale 0-for-9 at the plate, matched his career high with four hits. It was the second time this season Cain has had four hits at Target Field (May 24) and the 11th time in his career.

Tigers 7, Rangers 0
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Behind a complete-game shutout from rookie pitcher Michael Fulmer and four home runs, Detroit finished off a series win by blanking Texas.
The Tigers took two of three over the weekend behind dominant pitching. The day after Matt Boyd and company blanked the Rangers 2-0, Fulmer did the same.
The Rangers couldn't figure out Detroit's pitching after Friday's 8-5 win. After scoring eight runs in the first five innings of the opener, the AL West leaders didn't cross the plate over the next 22 frames.

Indians 5, Angels 4
CLEVELAND -- Tyler Naquin had three hits and Jason Kipnis homered to lead Cleveland over Los Angeles.
The Indians swept the four-game series, outscoring the Angels 37-12. The loss was the Angels' 10th in a row, marking their longest losing streak since they dropped 11 straight games in July 1999.
Trevor Bauer (9-5) pitched six innings to get the win. Cody Allen worked the ninth to earn his 22nd save.

Orioles 8, Giants 7
SAN FRANCISCO -- Jonathan Schoop completed a six-run comeback by belting a three-run home run with two outs in the ninth inning, allowing Baltimore to overtake San Francisco and earn a series win in the interleague matchup.
Matt Wieters had a career-high five hits and Mark Trumbo smacked his major-league-leading 34th home run as the Orioles rallied from a 7-1 deficit with two runs in the seventh inning and two in the eighth before Schoop's blast.
Record-setting closer Zach Britton pitched out of a two-on, two-out jam in the bottom of the ninth for his 37th consecutive save this season and 41st dating to last September.

Mariners 8, Athletics 4
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Kyle Seager had two doubles and drove in four runs, Adam Lind hit his 17th homer and left-hander Wade LeBlanc threw six solid innings as Seattle posted a win over Oakland at the Oakland Coliseum.
The Mariners, who took two of three from the A's to win the series, have won eight of their past nine games.
LeBlanc allowed three runs on five hits, struck out seven and walked one. He made his seventh start and eighth appearance for the Mariners since being acquired in a trade on June 22 from the Toronto Blue Jays, who had him pitching for Triple-A Buffalo. The Mariners are 7-1 in his eight outings.

Pirates 11, Dodgers 3
LOS ANGELES -- Jody Mercer and Sean Rodriguez hit decisive first-inning home runs and Chad Kuhl surrendered six hits in six innings as Pittsburgh defeated Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium.
Kuhl won his second game against the Angels this season. The Pirates won all six of his career starts.
Dating to 1930, this is the second longest streak among Pittsburgh starting pitchers. The Pirates won each of the first seven starts that Jim Nelson made in 1970 between June 15 and July 17.

Cardinals 6, Cubs 4
CHICAGO -- Stephen Piscotty hit a three-run home run as St. Louis scored five runs in the eighth inning in a victory over Chicago to split their four-game series.
The Cubs have lost two straight after their 11-game winning streak was snapped on Saturday. They're also dealing with an injury to starting pitcher John Lackey.
Lackey exited with right shoulder stiffness after a 2-2 pitch to Randal Grichuk with two outs in the seventh. Lackey bent over and appeared to grimace after his final pitch, a curveball. Justin Grimm replaced him and threw one pitch to strike out Grichuk.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox (64-52) at Indians (67-48)

Game: 1
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: August 15, 2016 1:10 PM EDT

CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Indians are in an odd segment of their schedule in which they will play three different teams on three consecutive days at Progressive Field.

On Sunday, the Indians posted a 5-4 victory over the reeling Los Angeles Angels. Cleveland will host the Boston Red Sox on Monday before the Chicago White Sox come to town the following day for the first contest of a three-game series.

Monday's contest between the Indians and Red Sox is a makeup of a game that was postponed on April 7. The Indians will send Josh Tomlin (11-5, 4.18 ERA) to the mound, while Boston's starter will be Drew Pomeranz (0-2, 5.26).

Pomeranz is a former first-round pick by the Indians, who selected him with the fifth overall pick in the 2010 June Draft. In 2011, the Indians traded Pomeranz to Colorado as part of the trade that brought Ubaldo Jimenez to Cleveland.

Since then, Pomeranz has bounced from the Rockies to pitch for Oakland, San Diego and Boston. In a combined 27 starts with San Diego and Boston this year, Pomeranz is 8-9 with a 3.03 ERA - including 0-2 with a 5.26 in five starts for the Red Sox.

Pomeranz has failed to record a decision and owns a 3.00 ERA in five career appearances against the Indians, all of them in relief.

Tomlin got off to a very fast start this season, but has struggled over the last month. He was 9-1 with a 3.21 ERA on July 1, but is 2-4 with a 6.88 ERA and eight home runs allowed in 34 innings in his last six outings.

The long ball has plagued Tomlin through most of his starts. He has allowed 27 homers, which ties him for the most of any American League pitcher.

The Indians, however, have plenty of support behind Tomlin. The addition of left-hander Andrew Miller to the Indians' bullpen has bolstered manager Terry Francona's late-game options.

Miller, closer Cody Allen and set-up man Bryan Shaw are the three chess pieces Francona has for the late innings in games the Indians are leading. Francona has stuck with Allen in the closer's role so far, with Shaw in the seventh and Miller in the eighth.

"We're still trying to figure out how we're going to use guys (late in games)," Miller said. "Flexibility is a positive I can offer. Any way (Francona) wants to use me, I'll happily oblige."

In their win over the Angels Sunday, Francona had Miller pitch the seventh and eighth innings and Allen the ninth. The two relievers combined to retire all nine batters they faced to preserve the win.

"With the way he was throwing, the best thing to do is to stay out of the way. That was phenomenal," Francona said of Miller's two-inning, six-batter domination of Angels hitters.

The matchup between the Indians and Red Sox will be one that features the two highest scoring teams in the American League. Boston leads the AL with an average of 5.51 runs per game and Cleveland is second at 5.11. The Red Sox are coming off a 16-2 pummeling of Arizona on Sunday.

"We've gone through some cycles offensively," Boston manager John Farrell said. "It looks like we're headed into one of those better cycles that we've seen strong offensive output."

Monday's game will be the first of Boston's 11-game, four-city road trip that will also include stops in Baltimore, Detroit and Tampa Bay.

"It's definitely really important," Mookie Betts said of the road trip after belting three homers versus the Diamondbacks on Sunday. "We're playing against some division guys and somebody we're in a race with, so it's going to be tough. They're really good teams, but we're a good team too."

Betts wasn't fazed by playing in four different parks over a five-day stretch.

"You've just got to go play," he said. "You can't let those type of things affect you."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays (67-51) at Yankees (60-57)

Game: 1
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: August 15, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

NEW YORK -- A little over a year ago, the Toronto Blue Jays were chasing the New York Yankees when the teams met for a three-game series at Yankee Stadium.

The Blue Jays swept the series, caught the Yankees two weeks later and claimed their first division title since 1993.

This year, the roles are reversed and the Yankees will look to inch closer to the Blue Jays when the teams open a three-game series on Monday night at Yankee Stadium.

The Blue Jays outscored the Yankees 10-1 during its three-game sweep last Aug. 7-9 at Yankee Stadium, won nine of the final 13 meetings and the American League East by six games. The Blue Jays have continued to do well against the Yankees this year by winning seven of the first nine meetings.

All of those meetings took place in the first two months of the season when the Yankees were still struggling to recover from a dreadful 9-17 start. Eventually, New York's inability to fully recover led to four trades around the non-waiver deadline, but selling off veterans has the opposite effect for the Yankees.

The Yankees (60-57) have won eight of their last 13 games and are within 4 1/2 games of Boston for the second wild card and 6 1/2 games behind Toronto.

New York was unable to keep pace with either team and was handed a 12-3 loss Sunday afternoon by the Tampa Bay Rays.

The last meeting against Toronto was June 1 and 10 players on New York's 25-man roster are currently not on the active roster.

Three of the notable names who are on the roster are Gary Sanchez, Tyler Austin and Aaron Judge. When the Yankees last faced Toronto, Sanchez was recovering from a thumb injury, Judge was hitting .224 in Triple-A and Austin was batting .259 in Double-A.

Sanchez is batting .275 (11-for-40) in 10 games while splitting time between catcher and designated hitter. Judge homered for the second straight day and is the second Yankee to do so in his first two major league games.

They were part of a lineup with eight players under 27, marking the first time since Oct. 1, 1967, that the Yankees fielded a lineup that young.

"You know, I'm just trying to go out there and do a job and get on base for the team," Judge said. "I was comfortable Day One. I've just got to keep it going."

Now Judge and the Yankees will try to do it against one of the best teams in the American League for the last two months.

Toronto had a .500 record when it began its three-game sweep of New York. The Blue Jays have had a winning record since they were 40-25 after Troy Tulowitzki, Russell Martin and Edwin Encarnacion homered in a 9-2 win over the Houston Astros on Sunday.

"We hit some homers," Toronto manager John Gibbons said. "That's what we do best. The key is to get guys on base and then pop one here and there. We've been (in a) little lull for a little over two weeks. I just stress that it's a matter of time."

The Blue Jays have 166 home runs, but 17 in the last 13 games. Since its sweep against the Yankees last August, Toronto's power has not hit a lull as it has 28 home runs in the last 22 games against the Yankees.

R.A Dickey is scheduled to start for Toronto and has drastic splits for road and home games. In Toronto, he is 2-8 with a 5.57 ERA in 13 starts, but outside of Canada he is 6-4 with a 3.51 ERA in 11 starts.

One of those road starts was May 24 in New York when Dickey allowed four runs and five hits in 6 2/3 innings of a 6-0 loss. Dickey had a 4.60 ERA after falling to 7-5 lifetime against the Yankees. Since then, his ERA has stayed the same thanks to allowing at least four earned runs in four of his last five starts.

Chad Green will start for the Yankees and is among those young players to experience struggles especially as a starting pitcher. The right-hander is 1-2 with a 7.50 in four starts in the majors and was demoted after allowing three runs and eight hits in 3 2/3 innings on Aug. 3 against the New York Mets.

With Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre, Green is 7-6 with a 1.52 ERA in 16 games.

"I think all players hit bumps, whether you're young or old," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "But one thing I think part of our focus has to be is helping those kids get through those bumps because you don't get here unless you're talented enough."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins (61-56) at Reds (48-68)

Game: 1
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: August 15, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

CINCINNATI -- Billy Hamilton and Dee Gordon first met as prospects in the Arizona Fall League on their way to the majors. The two speedsters, who are now vital batters at the top of their respective lineups, will have a reunion over the next four days in Cincinnati.

Hamilton's Reds host Gordon and the Miami Marlins for the first contest of a four-game series Monday night at Great American Ball Park. Left-hander Brandon Finnegan (7-8, 4.45 ERA) is due to pitch for the Reds, while right-hander David Phelps (5-6, 2.40) makes his third start for the Marlins since being moved into the rotation on Aug. 5.

Gordon and Hamilton didn't see each other when the Marlins swept a three-game series in Miami leading into the All-Star break. Gordon was serving an 80-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball's performance-enhancing drug program. In the 15 games since his return, Gordon is hitting .321 with seven stolen bases.

Hamilton leads the majors with 51 steals. He is the first player in the major leagues since Michael Bourn (2009-11) to have at least 50 stolen bases in three consecutive seasons, and he's the first Reds' player to accomplish the feat since Joe Morgan did it five straight seasons (1972-76).

Hamilton's giving himself the opportunities for those steals by getting on base at the highest rate in his career. His OBP is up to .318 after going 3-for-4 against Milwaukee on Sunday, marking his 22nd multi-hit game of the season.

Since the All-Star break, Hamilton is hitting .324 with 21 runs scored, five doubles, one triple, three RBIs, 29 steals and 12 walks. The Reds (48-68) have gone 16-11 in that span, winning seven of the nine series they've played.

"It's not as much the stolen bases as it is just how he affects everything else during the game," Brewers manager Craig Counsell told MLB.com about Hamilton. "Does he affect the pitcher? That's a big part of what we believe in with the running game, is, 'Can we affect the pitcher? Can we change his delivery? Can we affect his stuff to the hitter?'"

Miami (61-56) ended a three-game losing streak with a 5-4 win against the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. The Marlins are still 8 1/2 games behind Washington in the NL East but are in the thick of the NL wild card race, seeking the franchise's first playoff appearance since 2003.

Staying in the race with St. Louis, Pittsburgh and the New York Mets got tougher on Sunday when the team placed right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (groin) and pitcher Adam Conley (finger tendonitis) on the 15-day disabled list. An MRI revealed Stanton has a Grade 3 groin strain, putting the rest of the season in jeopardy for him.

"The best-case scenario is a six-week return," Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill said Sunday. "There's still an opportunity to get (Stanton) back before the end of the season, but it was a significant injury."

Stanton has 25 home runs, 70 RBIs and a slugging percentage of .497 this season.

"You're disappointed, but it's one of those things that you talk about as a ballclub from spring training forward," said Marlins manager Don Mattingly. "Nothing can get in our way. You've just got to move forward."

Phelps had 50 relief appearances before starting at Colorado on Aug. 5.

Finnegan will be making his 24th start of the season. In his last three starts, he's allowed 12 hits and just three runs in 18 innings. Finnegan has thrown 129 1/3 innings this season, and the Reds are keeping an eye on that total as the end of their season approaches.

"We could use off days and extra starters in September to give guys longer breaks and allow them to stay in the rotation," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "If we stayed with a five-man rotation, at some point the innings will accumulate where he would finish the season in the bullpen."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals (57-60) at Tigers (63-54)

Game: 1
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: August 15, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

DETROIT -- The Kansas City Royals headed to Detroit's Comerica Park last month well positioned for a playoff push. They return Monday looking like nothing more than spoilers.

The defending champions lost two of three in their first series at Comerica this season, starting them on a post-All-Star break slide. They've gone from two games above .500 to three games below that mark, virtually assuring they will not a third straight trip to the postseason.

Two four-game losing streaks and a three-game slide during the ensuing three weeks after the series loss in Detroit dropped Kansas City to a season-worst seven games below .500 before a recent upswing. The Royals have won six of their last eight, including an 11-4 win over Minnesota on Sunday -- their second-highest scoring output this season.

Right-hander Ian Kennedy, who will start the opener of the three-game series, has perked up in his last three starts. He has allowed just two runs in 19 1/3 innings during that span but only has three no-decisions to show for it. Kennedy (6-9) has gone winless in his last eight starts, with his last victory coming June 26 against Houston.

Kennedy, who signed a five-year, $70 million contract during the offseason as a free agent, feels like he has some momentum heading into his 24th start of the season.

"The last couple starts have been building off each other, and keeping that same thing in between starts -- the same routine," Kennedy said to the Kansas City Star.

Kennedy gave up one run and six hits in 6 1/3 innings against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday in his last start, which the Royals won in extra innings.

In two starts against Detroit this season, Kennedy has a loss and a no-decision despite allowing a combined three earned runs.

"He's had some lulls, but for the most part, he's gone deep into games," manager Ned Yost told the Kansas City Star. "He's kept us in games."

The Tigers are coming off back-to-back shutout victories over Texas, including a complete-game, 7-0 whitewash by Rookie of the Year award candidate Michael Fulmer on Sunday.

"To take two out of three after being swept in Seattle is certainly a good ending to a road trip that started out poorly," Detroit manager Brad Ausmus said during his postgame interview.

Tigers left-hander Daniel Norris will make his second start since returning from Triple-A Toledo. Norris (1-0), who went on the 15-day disabled list in early July with a right oblique strain, gave up one run and seven hits in five innings at Seattle on Tuesday. He was in line for a victory before the Mariners rallied for an extra-innings win.

Norris got a no-decision in his lone career start against Kansas City.

Detroit is in survival mode while trying to remain in striking distance of American League Central leader Cleveland. Center fielder Cameron Maybin, third baseman Nick Castellanos and shortstop Jose Iglesias are on the 15-day disabled list, as well as starting pitchers Jordan Zimmermann and Mike Pelfrey.

"There's no reason to dwell on injuries," second baseman Ian Kinsler told the Detroit News. "There's no reason to dwell on what-ifs. We have who we have to play and we're going to win the games we have to win with the players we have to put on the field."

Kinsler should be happy to see Kennedy on the mound. Detroit's leadoff hitter has five extra-base hits in 12 career at-bats against Kennedy.