Sunday 7/24/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

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[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Brickyard 400 Preview
By Micah Roberts

There no need to hype this week's Brickyard 400 because the most storied track in the history of motorsports sells itself. There has been 107 years of racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway's flat 2.5-mile layout and even though this is only the 23rd year NASCAR has been part of the tradition, every driver and crew member treat the track with immense respect and reverence.

“It’s the Brickyard," said Indiana native Ryan Newman who won the 2013 race. "It’s the history of motorsports in America. It’s that yard of bricks. It’s a special place when you think about everyone who’s been there associated with F1, IndyCars, motorcycles and NASCAR. It’s unique because of the four corners, the long straightaways and the flatness. To me, it’s just unique in so many ways. It’s a fun place to drive and yet, it’s quite a challenge at the same time.”

The Daytona 500 is cool and speedweeks certainly is a thrilling two weeks because we're so starved for NASCAR racing, but as a fan the Brickyard has a completely different feel to it, almost cathedral-like. It gives me the same type of feeling like when walking into Wrigley Field or Fenway Park where you just feel the history and ghosts of the past. I absolutely love it.

Now, in regards to the type of racing it produces, it's definitely not my favorite. But handicapping the race has been somewhat simple over the years outside of a four-year stretch where Jamie McMurray (2010), Paul Menard (2011) and Newman won. Usually, I could simply rely on the best of the best to shine. Former Sprint Cup have dominated the Brickyard over the years.

To get started in the handicapping process this week, you need to take a look at a few things before looking at what drivers are currently running well in the series. While current form is important, you have to take notice of what type of tracks the series has been running on lately: a flat 1-mile New Hampshire, a 1.5-mile Kentucky with moderate banking, a 2.5-mile high-banked superspeedway at Daytona with restrictor-plates, a road course at Sonoma and a wide, moderately banked 2-miles at Michigan.

None of the results from those recent races will be of much use this week. However, the race held prior to those on June 6 at Pocono Raceway's 2.5-mile triangular layout can help get the process started.

The long straights at Pocono and the flat turn three are great measuring tools for the Brickyard. In that race, Chase Elliott led a race-high 51 laps and settled for fourth while Kurt Busch led the final 32 laps for the win. Four of the top-six finishers were Chevrolets, including three from the Hendrick Motorsports stable which surprisingly didn't include Jimmie Johnson, who finished 35th after being involved in a late accident.

The correlation of that Pocono race fits right in line with what we've seen in past Brickyard history with both Chevrolet and Hendrick. Chevrolet has won 16 of the 22 races, including 12 straight until Kyle Busch snapped the streak last year giving Toyota its first win there. Hendrick has won nine times with five coming from Jeff Gordon and four by Johnson.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished second at Pocono which is a good sign for the car this week, but his status is still unknown after missing Sunday's New Hampshire race due to concussion-like symptoms. If he is unable to race this week, Jeff Gordon will come out of retirement to drive the No. 88. Gordon driving again would certainly be a thrill to watch, but it's hard to believe that Junior would miss another race just because he's barely within the cut-off point within the top-16 in points to make the Chase.

Whatever scenario plays out, the Las Vegas sports books will have a dilemma on the their hands for this weekend on what to do with the 'Field' bet.

Last week at New Hampshire, the 'Field' was 500/1 prior to the concussion announcement. Earnhardt was 20/1 to win.

When Alex Bowman was announced as the replacement driver the 'Field' bet was dropped to 50/1 at the Westgate SuperBook, and Bowman ran in the top-10 for most of the race until a tire failed him late.

With Gordon's history and love for the Brickyard, a place he dreamed of racing at as a young kid racing in Indiana, coupled with a strong No. 88 he's has to be considered one of the favorites to win despite not racing since November. Keep your eye on that unfolding story before wagering.

The other piece of handicapping data you need to tackle before wagering is look at what happened with the organizational testing at Indy last week during a two day session. One driver from each of the teams participated and shared information gained with all their teammates.

Chevrolet was fastest in each of the days with Kyle Larson fastest on the first day and Johnson was fastest on the second day with Kevin Harvick right behind them on each day. Martin Truex Jr. was the fastest Toyota just ahead of Matt Kenseth.

Of course, it's just testing, the times were un-official and the drivers were in race conditions, but there's a lot of supporting reasons coming in to suggest the winning betting move this week is to side with one of the Chevy's. And it would have to take something substantial to sway you off any of the Joe Gibbs Racing Toyotas because they've won nine of the 19 races this season, including last week at New Hampshire after a five-race drought.

A Ford hasn't won at the Brickyard since Dale Jarrett won for the second time there in 1999, but Brad Keselowski should be given some serious consideration just because he's won a series-high four races this season. He had his two race win streak snapped last week, but on a similar note of using Pocono as a tool, consider that he finished third there in June.

Johnson has won two races on the season, but the last one came in March at Fontana. His history at Indy has been all or nothing: four wins along with six finishes of 18th or worse. He's finished 14th and 15th the past two years there. He's not exactly rolling well now, or lately at the Brickyard, but he does have that fast test session, I know he loves the track and all his teammates excelled at Pocono.

Let's go with JJ and also take a long shot look at Larson who has finished seventh and eighth in his two career Indy starts.

Top-5 Finish Prediction:

1) #48 Jimmie Johnson (8/1)
2) #2 Brad Keselowski (7/1)
3) #42 Kyle Larson (30/1)
4) #18 Kyle Busch (6/1)
5) #4 Kevin Harvick (6/1)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Week 17 Preview: Cleveland Gladiators (7-8) at Arizona Rattlers (12-3)
July 24 2016 9:00 PM ET.

The Arizona Rattlers (12-3) are entering the final game of the 2016 AFL regular season Sunday night against conference rival the Cleveland Gladiators (7-8), in what could be a preview to the Conference Finals matchup.

Even though the number one seed is still in flux, the first two rounds of the playoffs became a bit clearer for the Ratters after the league announced some rule changes Tuesday night. The teams will now stay in-conference; meaning that the Rattlers will play the Portland Steel (2-12) in the first round, and the winner will play either the Cleveland Gladiators or the LA KISS (7-7) in the second round.

The Rattlers offense, defense and special teams put together a balanced victory Monday night against the Orlando Predators by a score of 62-45. Despite getting defeated by 17-points, the Predators managed to narrowly hold on to the tie breaker, having won the previous matchup by 18 earlier in the season.

Quarterback Nick Davila had one of his most efficient games of his career, completing 26 of 28 passes from the field with 289 yards, 7 touchdowns, and no sacks. This performance won him the Under Armor Offensive Player of the Week. Teammate Maurice Purify was also acknowledged this week for his athletic 30-yard catch where he dragged three defenders across the goal line; this play alone won him Cutters Catch of the week.

The Cleveland Gladiators are coming off a heartbreaking loss to the LA KISS on Saturday night. Cleveland started the game out hot; however a scoreless third quarter put them in a deep hole. The Gladiators had a big fourth, scoring 33 points, but it was not enough to secure the victory, as they would fall two points short. Arvell Nelson and Quentin Sims both had huge nights despite the loss. Nelson showed why he is a top dual threat quarterback in the AFL rushing for 20 yards and two touchdowns, while also throwing for 333 yards and six touchdowns. Sims proved to be his favorite target of the night reeling in 12 catches for 198 yards and 5 touchdowns.

The season finale will be played on Sunday, July 24th, at the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. The game is at 9:00 p.m. EDT, and will be nationally televised on ESPN2. The matchup can also be streamed on ESPN3.com or the WatchESPN app on a tablet, smartphone, or streaming device.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Sunday
By Mike Dempsey

The undefeated Songbird is in action on Sunday afternoon at Saratoga, the 4-5 morning line favorite in the $300,000 Coaching Club of America Oaks (G1), her first start at 1 1/8 miles.

She was brilliant as a juvenile, capping off last year by winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) and is perfect in four starts this year.

Her only hiccup was developing a fever which knocked her out of the Kentucky Oaks (G1) in May where she would have been an overwhelming betting favorite.

She returned to win the Summertime Oaks (G2) at Santa Anita on June 18 in her last outing, drawing away to win by 6 ½ lengths.

She is going to get her biggest test of her career in the CCA Oaks as she will be facing two Grade 1 winners, Carina Mia and Weep No More among her four foes.

Carina Mia has won four of her six career starts, taking the Acorn (G1) at a mile in her last outing on Belmont Park. She is the 6-5 second choice on the morning line.

Weep No More was the upset winner of the Ashland (G1) at Keeneland at 30-1 back in April, then she was seventh in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) in her last outing, beaten 7 ½ lengths for the top spot.

It is not much of a betting race as I think Songbird is going to be very tough and her price figures to go south from her 4-5 morning line.

However, there are plenty of prices to be found on the 11-race card at Saratoga. In five of the 11 races on the card, my top pick is 12-1 or higher on the morning line.

If we can get a couple of those home, we are going to have a very good day regardless of how Songbird performs.

We have racing at Saratoga six days a week, with Tuesday our only off day.


Here is today’s opener from Saratoga to get the day off to a good start:

SAR Race 1 Clm $12,500 (1:00 ET)
#7 Western Tryst 12-1
#8 Storm Pursuit 7-2
#10 Chelios 4-1
#1 Red Creme / 1a Imslopokerrodriguez 8-5

Analysis: Western Tryst ships in from Finger Lakes and generally these runners do not fare well at the Spa. But this is a low level claimer and the gelding is coming off a sharp win against restricted $8,500 foes. Three runners he beat that day have come back to win their next starts. Englehart has already picked up a win at the meeting and with Carmouche in the irons this guy figures to be in the mix early and is going to be a decent price.

Storm Pursuit went gate to wire to beat $12,500 claimers last out at Belmont Park. He has won 5 of her 9 starts this year and won his lone trip over the Spa main track, taking a $25,000 claimer back in '14. Looks like it could be an all Englehart exacta to kick off the day.

Wagering
WIN: #7 to win at 8-1 or better.
EX: 7,8 / 1,7,8,10
TRI: 7,8 / 1,7,8,10 / 1,4,7,8,10

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Saratoga:

SAR Race 10 The CCA Oaks G1 (6:18 ET)
#1 Songbird 4-5
#2 Carina Mia 6-5
#5 Mo d'Amour 12-1
#4 Weep No More 10-1

Analysis: Songbird is perfect in her eight career starts and ventures out of SoCal for just the second time in her career. She missed the Kentucky Oaks (G1) but came back with a sharp win in the Summertime Oaks (G2) nearly matching her career top speed fig without being asked at all. She put in a very sharp work on July 17 and no reason to think she won handle the Spa and nine furlongs for the first time. She owns the edge in early and mid pace numbers. She faces two fellow Grade 1 winners but I just can't find a good enough reason to try and beat her.

Carina Mia earned a career top speed fig winning the Acorn (G1) last out going a mile at Belmont Park. The effort was flattered when the runner up Off the Tracks came back to win the Mother Goose (G1) in her next outing on July 2. She has shown speed and an ability to come from off the pace. Our top pick looks quicker early and if she is in chase mode she may have a tough time catching the chalk in here.

Wagering
WIN: #1 to win at 4-5 or better.
EX: 1 / 2,5
TRI: no play

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Del Mar:

DMR Race 8 The California Dreamin' (5:33 PT)
#2 Ambitious Brew 4-1
#3 Boozer 6-1
#5 Alert Bay 2-1
#7 Poshky 5-1

Analysis: Ambitious Brew tracked the early pace and weakened to finish sixth last out in the Triple Bend (G1) on the main track at Santa Anita, beaten three lengths. He is back in with state breds and on turf where he was landed in the exacta in 7 of 11 starts. Two back in his last start on turf he won the Cal bred Lennyfrommalibu going 6 1/2 on the downhill turf course. He has mostly sprinted on turf but has enough pedigree to handle the extra ground.

Boozer finished behind several of these last out when fifth in the state bred Crystal Waters going a mile on turf. His last win came in the state bred Bertrando on the main track at Los Al, but he is accomplished on turf, landing in the money in 15 of 21 trips/ He reunites with Stevens and is going to be a decent price in this spot.

Wagering
WIN: #2 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 2,3 / 2,3,5,7
TRI: 2,3 / 2,3,5,7 / 2,3,5,6,7

Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Saratoga
R1: #7 Western Tryst 12-1
R2: #3 Realism 12-1
R6: #7 Tapit Together 15-1
R7: #4 Captain’s Affair 12-1
R8: #4 Even Bette 12-1
R8: #12 Black Betsy 15-1
R9: #10 Kitten’s Roar 8-1
R10: #5 Mo d’Armour 12-1
R10: #4 Weep No More 10-1
R11: #4 Roman Paradise 8-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at The Red Mile

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


Race 3 - Post: 7:38 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 78 - Purse:$4200 - CLAIMING $5,000 AE: NW 6 EXT PM RACES LT ROCK THE WIND ELIGIBLE TO BE CLAIMED FOR $3,000


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 6 EAST MEADOW 6/1



# 1 ROCK THE WIND 10/1



# 2 ROUNTUIT BLUEGRASS 5/2



All signs point to EAST MEADOW for the contender. Has the look of a profitable play, averaging a rather good 80 TrackMaster speed fig. Clearly the class of the grouping with an average rating of 80. A nice pick. Racing very well, achieved a substantial TrackMaster Speed Rating in his most recent gathering (77). ROCK THE WIND - This solid standardbred looks strong considering the high class markings. Don't throw out of any exotics. Is a huge choice given the 79 speed rating from his most recent competition. ROUNTUIT BLUEGRASS - Is a huge choice given the 70 speed rating from his most recent race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Rideau Carleton

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


Race 4 - Post: 7:30 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 76 - Purse:$4400 - CLAIMING $12,000, NW 3


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 4 ANTAR PHIL 2/1



# 2 MYBESTOLXFRIENDRAY 3/1



# 6 PADDY FREW 7/1



Hard not to love ANTAR PHIL as the top choice in this race. Hard to put finger on it, but back him in here. He has been racing very well and the speed figures are among the best in the field. Has a bang-up shot in here, if he can repeat his back racing class. MYBESTOLXFRIENDRAY - Horoscope said take a chance today, this entrant is as good as any to take a shot with. PADDY FREW - The brain trust saw this horse's name on a bumper sticker. Call it our coffee house play, worth a small bet.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Arapahoe Park

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


Race 3 - Maiden - 350y on the Dirt. Purse: $6300 Class Rating: 62

QUARTER HORSE 350Y, FOR COLORADO BRED MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 124 LBS.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 8 CNOTES MOVING CASH 3/1


# 4 DULY SWORN 5/1


# 2 PERKIN DESIRE 4/1


CNOTES MOVING CASH has a respectable shot to take this race. The winning percentage shown by horses entered by Michelvalverde running at this distance are the strongest in this field. Pulido should be able to get this filly to break out sharply here. DULY SWORN - Have to consider solely on class, with some of the best class numbers of this group of animals. This horse has some longshot handicapping angles going for him. PERKIN DESIRE - The average Equibase class rating of 43 makes this one difficult to beat.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Canterbury Park

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


Race 3 - Trial - 350y on the Dirt. Purse: $7500 Class Rating: 75

QUARTER HORSE 350Y, FOR TWO YEAR OLDS WHICH REMAIN ELIGIBLE FOR THE 2016 NORTH CENTRAL QUARTER HORSE RACING ASSOCIATION FUTURITY. WEIGHT: 122 LBS.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 6 MATTS CORONA 2/1


# 5 BRIEFCASE OF IVORY 15/1


# 4 CHICK IN EAGLE 7/2


MATTS CORONA is the top wager in this race. Is a sharp contender based on numbers earned recently under today's conditions. Reason to like this gelding as he has in the saddle one of the best jocks using winning percentages over the last 30 days. Will more than likely be one of the front-runners of the bunch going into the halfway point of the contest. BRIEFCASE OF IVORY - Ought to be given consideration here on the basis of the figures in the speed section alone. Solid dividends over time for this jock and conditioner combo. CHICK IN EAGLE - A solid 76 avg class fig may give this gelding a distinct class edge versus this field. Olmstead has him trained admirably to break sharply out of the gate.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Monmouth Park - Race #2 - Post: 1:23pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $17,000 Class Rating: 70

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#4 POUND STERLING (ML=2/1)
#3 CONVERTIBLE (ML=5/2)
#1 BOLD EMBRACE (ML=4/1)


POUND STERLING - Based on this filly's recent efforts, she should benefit from today's shorter distance. I like when a race sets up this way. This filly has the lone pace to crush this field. Scott brings this filly back into a race rather than a workout. He knows his filly is on top of her game. Last out, this one was in a race at Belmont Park in a race with a class rating of 85. Dropping considerably in class rating in today's event puts her in a solid position right here. CONVERTIBLE - Orseno brings her right back. I recommend you stay with this hot filly. BOLD EMBRACE - It looks like Gallardo had to learn all about this filly on Jun 26th when riding her for the initial time. Back atop again today. Have to give this filly a chance. Ran a sharp race last time around the track within the last thirty days. Another way to evaluate class is earnings per race. This thoroughbred has the highest in the group. I think she'll be close at the finish line. Filly took a little vacation, but has been racing into shape.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 CHILLY FASHION (ML=4/1), #2 BAJAN BREEZE (ML=6/1),

CHILLY FASHION - This filly hasn't been showing me anything in the last two races. BAJAN BREEZE - Doesn't seem to have enough good aspects to justify the reward.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: The Turf Man - POUND STERLING - This filly has the best turf speed rating in a sprint in the last eighteen months. Expect good things today.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #4 POUND STERLING on top if we're getting at least 9/5 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
4 with [1,3]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,3,4] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Parx Racing - Race #9 - Post: 4:31pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $18,000 Class Rating: 80

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#9 COCHITA RICH (ML=7/2)
#8 SPANISH DREAM (ML=6/1)


COCHITA RICH - When Rivera and Vazquez combine forces on equines the return on investment has been great at +66. Just look at her latest rating, 80. That one fits well in this group. SPANISH DREAM - I think Parx Racing players know a good thing when they see the jockey/conditioner duet of Vargas and Martin. Their win percentage together has been wonderful. This filly is in nice physical condition. Finished third on Jun 25th.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 GREAT ILLUSION (ML=5/2), #11 MUSKET MARY (ML=9/2), #4 WILD ORATION (ML=8/1),

MUSKET MARY - This filly finished outside the top 3 on May 10th and wasn't close to winning in the last race either. WILD ORATION - I can't play this habitual non-winner. Gets the job fulfilled once in a while.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Hal - COCHITA RICH - Registering a speed figure of 60 two back and then following up with a rating of 80 last race on May 10th, this mare is ready to do some damage.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #9 COCHITA RICH on top if we're getting at least 3/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [8,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga

RACE #10 - SARATOGA RACE COURSE - 5:48 PM EASTERN POST


The Coaching Club American Oaks

9.0 FURLONGS DIRT GRADE I THREE YEAR OLD FILLIES STAKES $300,000.00 PURSE

#1 SONGBIRD
#2 CARINA MIA
#4 WEEP NO MORE
#5 MO D'AMOUR

Well folks ... Inaugurated in 1917, the Coaching Club American Oaks is named in honor of the Coaching Club of America, for which a requisite for membership was the ability to handle a coach and four horses with a single group of reins. August Belmont II set the original conditions to emulate the Epsom Oaks (now the Epsom Derby) in England. Here in the 99th renewal of this Grade I event, #1 SONGBIRD is the overall speed and pace profile leader in this field, and is undefeated in an 8 race career, winning her last five in "POWER RUN FASHION." Jockey Mike Smith was in her irons for those 8 wins, and is back today here at "The Spa" for his 9th ride, gunning for a "Triple Hat Trick Win!" #2 CARINA MIA will certainly offer a stiff challenge ... she has also produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in each of her last five outings, including a quartet of "POWER RUN WINS" being embedded in this recent streak of racing consistency.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Hawthorne Harness: Sunday 7/24 Analysis
By Jeremey Day

DRF

Race 11 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Best Bet (11 - 20 / $57.80): GABE HENRY (3rd)

Spot Play: JOYFUL GAME (5th)


Race 1

(1) PIRAEUS freshman filly takes on the boys but looks to have a lot of ability. (5) FANCY CREEK LINK has been facing slightly tougher and will be closer turning for home. (3) SEND FOR ME made a decent brush last start and has some upside.

Race 2

(6) IMPRESSIVE ART three-year-old raced huge in the final last week. The pacer should find the winners circle with a similar effort. (5) MADD HOSS JACKSON well bred pacer raced gamely last week and could be one of few threats to the top choice. (4) TRIXSEN GRAM doesn't looks the best on paper but can hit the ticket underneath.

Race 3

(7) GABE HENRY freshman pacer looks to make it three straight and was used multiple times last start. (9) SLZBURGERSLZBURGER pacer has a nice pedigree and room to improve off a nice win. (2) FOX VALLEY JETER will probably take heavy tote action but will need more to tangle with the top choice.

Race 4

(2) SPORTY REDHOT pacer looks to be a real good one and has won by open lengths in both of his career starts. (8) SPIRITED ENCOUNTER raced huge in two straight. The pacer could be the sleeper in the race at a price. (3) TINY JIM two-year-old has shown good closing ability in his brief career. The gelding looks to be in a great spot to save some ground before shaking loose late.

Race 5

(6) JOYFUL GAME pacing mare is the best closer in the race when on her game; threat. (3) INCREDIBLE FILLY is capable of pacing a big mile and will likely be on the lead or in the pocket. (4) OUR MISS LILY looks primed for a better effort third start back.

Race 6

(4) ANNAS LUCKY STAR filly gets sent out for a trainer known for having them ready when they hit the track. The 2-year-old was exceptional in the qualifier. (2) PHOTO PHRED freshman trotter makes his first start for a proven barn. (1) MY SPITFIRE K filly gets the best post in a field full of question marks.

Race 7

(8) FOX VALLEY NEMITZ lightly raced pacer put in a huge effort out of the ten hole last week. (6) UPTOWN SLEAZE has a proven pedigree coming off a big mile. (3) SULLIVAN pacing colt is better than what he shows and picks up a huge driver change.

Race 8

(5) ANTS INER PANTS mare owns a class edge on the field when right. (6) MACIE RAE five-year-old trotting mare is a threat if she minds manners. (1) CERTAINLY gets the best post in a weak and inconsistent field.

Race 9

(6) FOX VALLEY CUPID has a history of coming up short late but should offer good value against a suspect bunch. (1) POWERFUL PILOT pacer makes his third start back off a layoff and gets the best post. (5) WONDROUS SPORT has had a disastrous sophomore campaign but might be able to turn it around one of these weeks.

Race 10

(2) RYLEIGH'S LILLY should have had more last week but was tremendous the start prior. (8) SEEYOUATTHEFINISH mare loves to race and shouldn't be counted out even off the scratch. (9) FEETONTHEDASHBOARD mare is sharp right now; versatile.

Race 11

(6) SUNSET DREAMER won at this level with a few starts ago and can pick up the pieces with a good setup. (10) MR COOLIE will look to make it three straight wins at this level. (9) FIVEKNUCKLESHUFFLE just missed last week showing a good late burst.

Race 12

(2) BNGS EXPRESS was very close against better last week. The pacer can beat this bunch with a smooth trip. (8) DINKY DUNE four-year-old has been racing gamely and is a threat down in class. (3) BEST MAN HANOVER well bred pacer has thrown in two clunkers in a row. If the pacer is on his game he's the horse to beat.

Race 13

(4) MONTERO BLUE CHIP picks up a huge driver change with a better post. (7) ROCKIN THE HOUSE has been facing much tougher and has made the most money in the field on the year by far. (3) UNCLE BUD has been too far back in his last few races. The pacer should be used aggressively down in class.

Race 14

(10) PRO SIDE might have not liked the off track last week. The pacer burned cash last week but can rebound at a much better price. (7) ULYSSES BLUE CHIP has been knocking on the door at this level; threat. (8) SO BE IT raced poorly last week after two very nice efforts. If the pacer races back to his previous starts he's a threat.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Sunday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Arlington Park (2nd) Ready If You Are, 5-1
(6th) Hart Hills Road, 3-1

Belterra Park (2nd) Feisty Rubiano, 3-1
(6th) Royal Alluvial, 7-2

Canterbury Park (6th) Jolt, 7-2
(9th) Lady Digger, 6-1


Del Mar (5th) Beantown Boys, 3-1
(6th) Justonemorething, 8-1


Ellis Park (2nd) Jersey Blue Giant, 4-1
(8th) Mayor Mac, 9-2


Emerald Downs (4th) Afleet Hope, 3-1
(5th) Winninginfashion, 7-2


Gulfstream Park (2nd) Starship Frontier, 4-1
(7th) Creative Talent, 3-1


Laurel Park (5th) Purnata, 3-1
(8th) La Nina, 6-1


Monmouth Park (1st) Spanish Banks, 3-1
(4th) Harlington Romance, 6-1


Mountaineer (2nd) Country Waltz, 5-1
(3rd) Jumelaka, 4-1


Parx (4th) Rockette Jet, 4-1
(7th) Native Hawk, 7-2


Prairie Meadows (6th) Bid's Edge, 3-1
(9th) King Jimmy, 5-1


Presque Isle Downs (2nd) Builtforthegirls, 7-2
(7th) Save the Drama, 9-2


Sacramento (5th) Straight Bourbon, 5-1
(6th) Barcelo, 7-2


Saratoga (2nd) Teresa Z, 3-1
(5th) Sweet Butterfly, 5-1


Woodbine (2nd) Spring Action, 6-1
(6th) Sweet Escape, 3-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

July Pitchers Report
By Marc Lawrence

Fireworks and the MLB All-Star game go hand-in-hand during the month of July. It also denotes the start of the 2nd half of the MLB campaign. And as we’ve come to learn the key to each and every team’s fortune lies on the pitching staff.

Can they sustain or will they unravel like Jose Canseco going back on a fly ball? Stay tuned. What we do know is that certain pitchers love hurling this time of the season while others tend to get lit up like a roman candle on the 4thof July.

Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in team-starts over the course of the last three seasons during the month of July.

On the flip side, we've also listed pitchers that struggle in July, winning 33% percent or less of their team-start efforts. To qualify pitchers must have made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each July over the last three years.

And for your convenience alongside each record we break down each pitcher’s greatest success or greatest failure rate either home (H) or away (A) within his good or bad month.

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

GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

*Chen, Wei-Yin - 9-4 (5-1 H)

The Miami left-hander has not been terribly effective with an ERA hovering around 5. If Chen can develop more command, he's shown again this year he's tough when in challenging situations, allowing .186 batting average and .271 on-base percentage with runners in scoring position.

Garza, Matt - 9-3 (5-1 H)

Since coming back from spring training injury on June 14th, the Milwaukee right-hander has been a mix of good and bad, but come through when it counted. Opposing hitters are batting over .300 against Garza, but he's held those runners in check and induced a heavy dose of ground balls that have led to outs. If he continues, this Brewers starter might be effective.

Greinke, Zack - 11-4 (6-2 H)

Though Arizona is falling short of preseason expectations, the Diamondbacks ace is not and, other than Clayton Kershaw, has arguably been as effective as any pitcher since the end of April with batters hitting around .200 against him. Once again his array of pitches are finding the right spots and fastball is cooking!

Kazmir, Scott - 10-5 (6-2 H)

When Kazmir misses on location for fastball, the other team's lineup begins to look for off-speed stuff, which has caused his inconsistency this season. When he's working the corners on the knees early in the count, this sets up secondary pitches. In the past he's done so in July, let's see what he comes up with this time.

*Kershaw, Clayton - 12-3 (8-0 A)

When either Kershaw loses or has a less than stellar performance, which is infrequent, it is home page news on most sports websites. With opponents batting just .185 against him, baseball's best pitcher has close to as many home runs surrendered (6) as walks (9) to start the month over 121 innings. It’s no wonder his name is whispered in the same company as Sandy Koufax.

Kluber, Corey - 13-4 (9-2 H)

Since winning the Cy Young award in 2014, Kluber has not been able to match that magical season, but is part of a very good Cleveland rotation. Looking ahead, if the Indians righty can do a better job than permitting .281 batting averages with runners in scoring position, all his numbers will drop and his victories will go up. Note: Kluber’s numbers above also reflect his career team mark during July.

*Liriano, Francisco - 12-2 (7-0 H)

After several fine seasons with Pittsburgh, Liriano has not been effective in 2016. Walks and home runs have done him in and in order to reflect past results of July, he's going to have to stop leaving pitches in the heart of the plate.

Peralta, Wily - 8-4 (5-1 H)

Peralta has been thoroughly ineffective all season (6.68 ERA) and was sent to minors after June 11th start. His return this month or this season depends on his Triple-A results. Note: Peralta’s numbers above also reflect his career team mark during July.

Price, David - 11-5 (7-1 A)

To date, the Boston lefty could be described as a mild disappointment, with an ERA north of 4.5 most of the season. No longer owning an upper 90's heater, Price does not blow away as many hitters as before and the fastball lacks some of the previous movement of the past. The slider has not had the usual bite from start to start. Red Sox need this ace to be one.

Ross, Tyson - 10-4 (4-1 H)

Ross has not pitched since he hit the DL with right shoulder inflammation after first start in April. San Diego Union reports a return even this month appears optimistic.
Note: Ross’ numbers above also reflect his career team mark during July.

Santana, Ervin - 11-4 (8-1 H)

Like his teammates, Santana is not having a good year, as opposing hitters are clocking him for nearly .300 average, compared to .256 over his 11-year career. Little reason to believe this month will match the past even if he improves with this Twins club.

*Volquez, Edinson - 10-5 (6-1 A)

Never a frontline hurler, Volquez numbers this campaign have matched the Royals, being very ordinary to date. The Dominican Republic native has done the job against right-handed batters, who have been knocking him around for nearly .300 average.

BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

Wood, Alex - 4-8 (0-6 A)

Wood – the only pitcher to appear on the July Bad Month list this season - was initially expected to be shut down for four weeks after landing on the 15-day disabled list at the end of May with a posterior impingement in his throwing elbow. Currently, the timetable is for mid-July return, but the oft-injured pitcher can hardly be counted on as record shows. Note: Wood’’s numbers above reflect his career team mark during July.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB roundup: Beltre belts No. 427 in win over Royals
By The Sports Xchange

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Adrian Beltre and Nomar Mazara hit home runs and drove in three runs as the Texas Rangers beat the Kansas City Royals 7-4 on Saturday night for only their third win in the last 13 games.
Beltre homered in a four-run seventh with Mazara and Ian Desmond aboard to put the game away. It was his career 427th home run, which ranks 49th on the all-time list.
Mazara hit a two-run homer in the fourth and doubled in another run in the fifth.
Left-hander Cole Hamels (11-2) picked up the victory, allowing one unearned run and five hits over 5 2/3 innings.

Astros 7, Angels 2
HOUSTON -- Collin McHugh produced his seventh consecutive run-suppressing start and was backed by a pair of home runs from Evan Gattis.
The Astros notched their 10th consecutive win over the Angels behind McHugh and Gattis, who socked his 14th and 15th homer.
Shortstop Carlos Correa added his 15th homer leading off the fifth as Houston set the table for a third consecutive series sweep of the Angels on Sunday.

Dodgers 7, Cardinals 2
ST. LOUIS -- Two big innings and a solid start from Kenta Maeda got Los Angeles back into the win column after a 16-inning loss on Friday night.
Adrian Gonzalez belted his eighth home run of the season for the Dodgers to start the sixth, which also featured an RBI single from Joc Pederson.
Maeda gave up five hits and two runs, walking none and fanning three, in his first career start against the Cardinals.

Reds 6, Diamondbacks 1
CINCINNATI -- Jay Bruce hit a three-run homer and Keyvius Sampson pitched well for Cincinnati.
Prior to Saturday's game, Arizona manager Chip Hale promised retribution after Jean Segura was hit by a pitch following his leadoff homer the night before.
In the first inning, Diamondbacks starter Robbie Ray threw a breaking ball over Joey Votto's head. Intent wasn't clear and no batters were hit Saturday.

Brewers 6, Cubs 1
MILWAUKEE -- Kirk Nieuwenhuis hit a pair of home runs and Zach Davies pitched 6 1/3 solid innings as Milwaukee snapped a two-game losing streak.
Davies scattered three hits, walked a pair and struck out four. He has allowed only three earned runs over his last three starts and is 7-1 with a 2.83 ERA over his last 14 outings.
John Lackey went six innings for Chicago and allowed three runs on five hits and a pair of walks while striking out five.

Nationals 3, Padres 2
WASHINGTON -- Stephen Drew belted a triple with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning off Kevin Quackenbush to drive in the winning run for Washington.
Drew's hit scored Anthony Rendon, who singled to start the ninth.
The first-place Nationals won for just the second time in six games and the Padres have lost five of the last six.

Orioles 5, Indians 2
BALTIMORE -- Mark Trumbo hit a two-run homer, and Pedro Alvarez added a solo shot to support seven shutout innings from starter Kevin Gausman.
Trumbo hit his homer in the first as the Orioles won their third straight game.
That proved plenty for Gausman, who turned in a second consecutive strong start. The right-hander snapped a two-game losing streak and allowed four hits while striking out seven and walking three.

Marlins 7, Mets 2
MIAMI -- Jose Fernandez improved his Marlins Park record to 26-1 and Giancarlo Stanton drilled a massive two-run, go-ahead homer.
Stanton went 4-for-5 with three RBIs for his first four-hit game since Aug. 8, 2012. He also has five homers in his past three games against the Mets.
His third-inning homer down the left-field line bounced off the scoreboard about 50 feet up. Unimpeded, the ball was projected to have traveled 441 feet.

Giants 2, Yankees 1
NEW YORK -- Mac Williamson capped an eventful day by getting the tiebreaking single with one out in the top of the 12th inning as San Francisco ended a season-high six-game losing streak.
Williamson broke a deadlock he created with a home run in the fifth by hitting a 1-0 pitch from Anthony Swarzak up the middle past the diving attempt of shortstop Didi Gregorius.
It was Williamson's second big late-inning hit in less than 24 hours. On Friday, he tied the game with an eighth-inning double off Andrew Miller, getting the hit on a full count after falling behind 0 and 2.

Pirates 7, Phillies 4
PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh scored five runs in the fifth inning en route to the win.
Gregory Polanco and David Freese each drove in two runs for Pittsburgh.
Pirates right-hander Tyler Glasnow, making his second career start, left in the fourth inning because of right shoulder discomfort. He gave up two runs, one of them earned, and four hits in three-plus innings. The Phillies also stole five bases on his watch.

Mariners 14, Blue Jays 5
TORONTO -- Nelson Cruz hit a grand slam and a three-run homer, Kyle Seager hit a two-run blast, Hisashi Iwakuma allowed two runs in seven innings to pace the Seattle offense.
Cruz hit his ninth career grand slam against R.A. Dickey in the third and added a three-run shot against Drew Storen in the eighth.
Iwakuma allowed four hits and three walks while striking out three in winning his fifth straight start beginning June 28.

Rockies 8, Braves 4
DENVER -- Trevor Story hit two home runs to set a record and drove in a career-high five runs for Colorado.
Story, who had a career-high four hits, hit a two-run single in the Rockies' five-run sixth that vaulted them into the lead. He drove in Colorado's first two runs when he belted his 25th home run of the season in the second, following a walk to Nolan Arenado.
Story led off the eighth with his 26th home run, adding to his record for a National League rookie shortstop. He broke the mark Troy Tulowitzki set when he hit 24 homers for the Rockies in 2007.

A's 4, Rays 3
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Jake Smolinski tied the score with a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning and rookie Ryon Healy hit a walk-off solo shot lifting Oakland to the win.
A's right-hander Kendall Graveman pitched his second career complete game and extended his career-best winning streak to six games. He gave up three runs and nine hits, struck out four and walked one.
The walk-off win was Oakland's sixth of the season and second straight against Tampa Bay.

Twins 11, Red Sox 9
BOSTON -- Eduardo Nunez hit a go-ahead, two run single in the seventh inning and Minnesota pounded out a season-high 19 hits en route to the win.
Nunez poked a full-count slider from reliever Heath Hembree up the middle after Minnesota fought back from a pair of three-run deficits.
Nunez drove in three runs total, Miguel Sano blasted his 15th homer of the year and six others drove in runs for the Twins, who are 23 games under .500.

Tigers 3, White Sox 3, Suspended
CHICAGO -- The Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers were tied 3-3 after eight innings before rain suspended Saturday night's game, which will be resumed before Sunday's series finale.
The wet weather and gloomy forecast didn't prevent pregame fireworks provided by the White Sox and ace Chris Sale.
Minutes before he was to take the mound, the White Sox announced that Sale had been sent home because of an incident that was characterized as not physical by the team.
Right-hander Matt Albers started in Sale's place.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners (50-47) at Blue Jays (54-44)

Game: 3
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: July 24, 2016 1:07 PM EDT

TORONTO -- J.A. Happ will be going for his career-best 13th win of the season on Sunday.

The Toronto Blue Jays left-hander has another mission, preventing a three-game sweep by the Seattle Mariners at Rogers Centre.

The Mariners defeated the Blue Jays 14-5 Saturday and have won the first two games of the series. Happ will be facing a Mariners team that is growing in confidence with four wins it the last five games.

Left-hander Wade Miley will be starting for Seattle and will have a tough act to follow after the performances of starters James Paxton and Hisashi Iwakuma in the first two games.

"It's going to be starting pitching that allows us to get on a streak and they have done it," Mariners manager Scott Servais said. "Guys have kept us in a game and have done a nice job, and it gives our offense a chance to get going.

"When our left-handed team is in there, we're pretty good, especially against bullpens and middle relief stuff. Hopefully we'll get after it (Sunday).

"We haven't (won four of five) in a while. It's nice to see confidence. Guys are loose and feeling good about where they're at right now. Again, it's driven by the starting pitching and hopefully we'll get a good one, tomorrow, as well."

The Mariners will be facing a good starter in Happ and one who is familiar to them, The Blue Jays traded Happ to the Mariners for outfielder Michael Saunders after the 2014 season.

Seattle then traded Happ to the Pittsburgh Pirates last July 31 and the Blue Jays signed him in the offseason as a free agent.

Saunders, who missed most of last season because of a knee injury, has three home runs in his first two games against his former team, including two on Saturday.

Happ already has equaled his career best with 12 wins, a total he first achieved in 2009 with the Philadelphia Phillies, when he was 12-4 with a 2.93 ERA in 35 games, including 23 starts.

This season he is 12-3 with a 3.43 ERA in 19 starts.

Happ is a changed pitcher, more consistent than he was and also not so prone on dwelling on mistakes.

"I'm beating myself up a little bit less over poor performances," he said. "I'm taking the negatives and positives in stride, rather than dwelling on the bad.

"I certainly still get upset and carry things. But I think I've gotten better as my career's gone on and I think that's helped me turn the page and look forward to the next game, rather than worry about the last one.

Happ had a six-start winning streak stopped last Sunday when he did not factor in the decision in Toronto's 5-3 victory at Oakland. He allowed five hits, one walk and five runs in 5? innings.

In his last seven starts, he is 6-0 with a 3.19 ERA.

Happ was 4-6 with a 4.64 ERA in 21 games, including 20 starts, with Seattle last season. After being traded to the Pirates, he was 7-2 with a 1.85 ERA in 11 starts.

In three career starts against Seattle, he is 1-1 with a 6.35 ERA.

Miley (6-7, 5.38 ERA) will make his 18th start of the season and his fifth start since being reinstated from the disabled list (left shoulder impingement). He is 0-5 with a 5.60 ERA in his last five starts dating to June 12. On Tuesday he allowed six hits and three runs in 6? innings in a loss to the Chicago White Sox. That was good enough to earn him another chance on Sunday.

In four career starts against Toronto, he is 1-2 with a 6.98 ERA. In his last two starts against the Blue Jays he is 1-0 with a 4.63 ERA.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Giants (58-39) at Yankees (49-48)

Game: 3
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: July 24, 2016 1:05 PM EDT

NEW YORK -- Finally after a week of questions about what's wrong with the San Francisco Giants, they have a win.

The Giants needed four hours and 25 minutes to snap their season-high six-game losing streak and they will look to get another win and do so in less time Sunday afternoon when their three-game series with the New York Yankees concludes.

"I liked the way we've been fighting," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "The only thing you do in this game is create opportunities, get guys on and be in a good situation. We've been doing that."

Those were Bochy's comments after the streak ended with Saturday's 2-1 victory after right fielder Mac Williamson's single with one out in the 12th inning.

Williamson's hit was the Giants only one in 11 at-bats with runners in scoring position. During the last seven games, San Francisco has eight hits in 64 at-bats in those situations.

"It's a huge win for us," reliever Hunter Strickland said. "We've been battling. We just came up short the last few games."

Had the Giants continued their skid, besides answering questions about their struggles, they would have been associated with the rival Los Angeles Dodgers in a dubious way. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the 1991 Dodgers are the only team to enter the break with the best record in baseball and lose their first seven games.

While San Francisco waited for the big hit, it received effective starting pitching in New York. After Madison Bumgarner allowed two runs and six hits in seven innings on Friday and Johnny Cueto allowed one run and six hits in six innings on Saturday, it will be Jeff Samardzija's turn.

Samardzija was listed as Saturday's starter, but Bochy said it was a miscommunication. Samardzija was to go Sunday as the team intended all along and he will look to end some of his struggles since the start of June.

Through May 31, Samardzija was 7-3 with a 2.84 ERA in his first 11 starts. Since then, he is 2-2 with a 6.02 ERA in his last eight outings.

The All-Star was unable to turn it around during last Saturday's 7-6 loss in San Diego when he allowed five runs (four earned) and five hits in five innings while getting a no-decision in a game decided on a passed ball.

Samardzija has limited experience facing the Yankees, going 0-1 with a 6.92 ERA in three appearances. Last year, he faced New York while pitching for the Chicago White Sox and allowed nine earned runs in 4 2/3 innings on Aug. 2.

The Yankees are 5-4 during their 10-game homestand and have won eight of their last 13 games against teams who have been in first place (Cleveland, Boston, Baltimore and San Francisco). Each loss pushes the conversation toward selling at the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline.

"It's not in our hands," Yankees right fielder Carlos Beltran said. "We have to go out and perform, but the organization's going to make whatever decision they're going to make. So you can't worry about that."

While New York's hitting has faltered after scoring five runs in the last three games, the pitching has not. The Yankees have allowed 11 earned runs in the last seven games after Ivan Nova gave up one run in seven innings.

"It hurts, because we had opportunities to score some runs and we weren't able to do it," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "To lose a game 2-1 in 12 innings is really difficult. But we've got to bounce back and find a way to win tomorrow."

On Sunday, Nathan Eovaldi will be tasked with pitching the Yankees to a winning homestand. Eovaldi returned from three scoreless relief appearances and ended a six-start winless skid by allowing one run and four hits in 5 1/3 innings during Tuesday's 7-1 win over Baltimore.

Before Tuesday, Eovaldi had been 0-4 with a 9.20 ERA in his last six starts.

Eovaldi is 1-4 with a 13.30 ERA in five career starts against the Giants. He last faced San Francisco July 18, 2014 at Miami and allowed eight runs and nine hits in four-plus innings.

The Yankees will likely attempt to get a win with Dellin Betances, Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman possibly unavailable. They have thrown a combined 132 pitches.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Diamondbacks (40-57) at Reds (38-59)

Game: 3
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: July 24, 2016 1:10 PM EDT

CINCINNATI -- Sunday is a significant day for the Cincinnati Reds franchise with Ken Griffey Jr. being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.

"He was my idol growing up," said Reds right-fielder Jay Bruce. "A couple of years (after being drafted by Cincinnati), I was playing center field and he was in right. Now I'm standing where he stood (at his former locker). It's unbelievable."

Griffey played nine seasons in Cincinnati. Although injuries marred his time there, Griffey hit 210 homers in a Reds uniform including the 500th and 600th homers of his career. He hit 40 homers and drove in 118 runs in 2000, his first season back in his hometown.

"Even when I got here (2008), there were still some flashes of brilliance, even though he was 35 or 37 and not 100 percent," Bruce said. "I couldn't even say it was a dream come true (playing alongside Griffey), because I would never have dared dream it."

Bruce celebrated on Saturday night by clubbing a three-run homer, his 20th, to extend his hitting streak to five games in a 6-1 win over Arizona.

When Griffey takes the podium for his induction speech in Cooperstown on Sunday afternoon, his former club will be attempting to sweep a three-game series from the D-backs for the first time since 2007.

Left-hander Brandon Finnegan takes the mound for Cincinnati for his first career appearances against the D-backs. Eight times in his last 19 starts, Finnegan has allowed two earned runs or fewer and 14 times gave up three or less.

Luck hasn't always been on the lefty's side this season. Three times he's been the victim of a blown save. Finnegan tossed a complete game on May 23 in a 1-0 loss to the Dodgers. He was the Reds' starter when the Cubs' Jake Arrieta no-hit them on April 21 at Great American Ball Park.

Right-hander Zack Godley will start for the Diamondbacks. He'll be making his second career appearance and first start against Cincinnati. He earned the victory on Aug. 22, 2015, at Great American Ball Park allowing one earned run in 3 2/3 innings.

The struggling Diamondbacks welcomed back shortstop Chris Owings on Saturday. He'd been on the disabled list with plantar fasciitis.

Prior to Saturday's game, Arizona manager Chip Hale promised retribution after Jean Segura was hit by a pitch in his first at-bat after hitting a leadoff homer.

"We have to protect our teammates," said Hale. "We talk about it with our pitchers. I hope these pitchers understand that if they're going to continue to hit our players, especially when it looks like ... the pitcher hit him because he hit a home run. There's going to be some retribution at some point."

Other than an errant breaking ball from starter Robbie Ray, which sailed over Joey Votto's head, there was no revenge taken on Saturday.

Stay tuned Sunday.

Most importantly, the Diamondbacks need a win after dropping four straight and 17 of 21.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets (51-45) at Marlins (53-44)

Game: 3
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: July 24, 2016 1:10 PM EDT

MIAMI -- Where have you gone Mike Piazza?

OK, we know exactly where the former Los Angeles Dodgers, Miami Marlins (for five games), New York Mets, San Diego Padres and Oakland A's catcher will be Sunday afternoon -- getting inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.

But we meant "where have you gone Mike Piazza" in the larger sense, as in, is there an heir apparent to his title as a great hitting catcher?

Piazza, who hit 427 homers in his 16-year career, slugged more long balls than any other catcher in major-league history. His career batting average was .308, and his 162-game averages included 29 doubles, 36 homers, 113 RBIs and a .922 OPS.

"I'm thrilled," Piazza told mlb.com when asked about his impending induction. "I'm nervous for tomorrow. But I'm looking forward to it."

Piazza has earned his legendary status. But suffice to say that no catcher in today's game is close to him in terms of hitting prowess. The closest is Buster Posey of the San Francisco Giants, but it's not really a fair fight.

Here a look at the offensive numbers of the six catchers who made this year's All-Star Game:

-- American League starter Salvador Perez of the Kansas City Royals has a career batting average of .278 with 79 homers, 322 RBIs and a .745 OPS. His 162-game averages include 20 homers and 83 RBIs.

-- AL reserve Stephen Vogt of the Oakland A's has a .263 career batting average with 39 homers, 152 RBIs and a .747 OPS. His 162-game averages include 17 homers and 68 RBIs.

-- AL reserve Matt Wieters of the Baltimore Orioles has a career .257 batting average with 109 homers, 409 RBI and a .740 OPS. His 162-game averages include 21 homers and 80 RBIs.

-- Posey, the National League starter, has a .308 career batting average with 114 homers, 491 RBIs and a .857 OPS. His 162-game averages include 22 homers and 95 RBIs.

-- NL reserve Jonathan Lucroy of the Milwaukee Brewers has a .284 career batting average with 78 homers, 385 RBIs and a .778 OPS. His 162-game averages include 16 homers and 78 RBIs.

-- NL reserve Wilson Ramos of the Washington Nationals has a .269 career batting average with 74 homers, 291 RBIs and a .741 OPS. His 162-game averages include 22 homers and 88 RBIs.

Piazza, by the way, never hit .300 or better in his final six seasons. The rigors of catching had clearly caught up to him by then, but he had put up such massive numbers early on that his avearge still was above .300 for his career.

As for the Marlins and Mets, they both have young catchers with some potential:

-- Miami's J.T. Realmuto, 25, has a .280 career batting average with 15 homers, 82 RBIs and a .720 OPS. His 162-game averages include 11 homers and 61 RBIs.

-- New York's Travis d'Arnaud, 27, has a .245 career batting average with 28 homers, 97 RBIs and a .718 OPS. His 162-game averages include 19 homers and 66 RBIs.

D'Arnaud, by the way, grew up a Dodgers fan. He was three years old when Piazza made his Dodgers debut in 1992.

A shortstop in his early years, d'Arnaud patterned his game after Piazza once he converted to catcher. And when Piazza served as a Mets instructor in spring training, d'Arnaud was there to soak up knowledge.

"(Piazza is) an incredible guy," d'Arnaud told ESPN New York. "He had insight on every little thing."

So perhaps it can be said that Piazza is still making a positive impact on the Mets.

But another catcher, anywhere in the majors, who can hit as well as Piazza did for as long as Piazza did .. that's not happening any time soon.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies (45-54) at Pirates (50-47)

Game: 3
Venue: PNC Park
Date: July 24, 2016 1:35 PM EDT

PITTSBURGH -- The promise of Pittsburgh's pitching future is on display this weekend in a series against Philadelphia.

But that is window dressing that obscures a state of flux in the Pirates rotation.

Rookie Jameson Taillon (2-1, 3.44 ERA) is scheduled to start the series finale against the Phillies. That much is known.

After a day off Monday, the two season-long starters, Francisco Liriano and Gerrit Cole, are slated to pitch against the visiting Mariners Tuesday and Wednesday.

Beyond that?

"We have Taillon (Sunday)," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "We've got Liriano and Cole through Seattle, and after that we'll get back to you."

Promising rookie Tyler Glasnow left his second career start in the fourth inning Saturday with right shoulder discomfort.

Chad Kuhl, another touted prospect, made his big league debut last month. He was pulled in the first inning of a Triple-A Indianapolis game Saturday for reasons that are unclear.

Jonathan Niese and Juan Nicasio are now in the bullpen. Jeff Locke, who has struggled, will skip his turn this week with off days Monday and Thursday but could be available out of the bullpen.

There was no indication of the severity of Glasnow's injury, although he talked of taking things "day to day."

So that leaves Pittsburgh, which unlike Philadelphia, seems like a legitimate contender for a National League wild-card spot to worry only about today.

"That's just what we do. We're professionals," Pirates second baseman Josh Harrison said of his club's resiliency. "You've just got to take care of business and at the end of the day know that it's a funny game and you never know what can happen, so just keep plugging away."

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have split the first two games of the series.

The Phillies' best pitcher this season, Vince Velasquez (8-2, 3.15 ERA) is expected to start Sunday.

Although he had some arm tiredness before the All-Star break, Velasquez had won his last three starts before the break.

In his only start since, he pitched well but did not earn a decision Tuesday in Philadelphia's 2-1, 10-inning loss to Miami.

"He pounded the strike zone," manager Pete Mackanin said. "I know he had four walks, but he wasn't all over the place, and he had a great changeup today and he had velocity on his fastball with movement."

Velasquez allowed a run on three hits in seven innings, using 105 pitches. He struck out five. It was the first time he made it through the seventh since a 16-strikeout complete game shutout April 14, a 3-0 win against San Diego.

"I was pretty much refreshed," Velasquez told CSNPhilly. "No need to hold anything back."

Velasquez now recorded three straight quality starts. He has allowed five runs in 24 innings (four starts) since returning from the disabled list on June 27.

He's recorded 25 strikeouts with eight walks in that span.