Baseball Information
National League
Giants @ Cubs
Cain is 1-1, 5.32 in his last four starts (over 3-0-1).
Hendricks is 1-1, 5.00 in his last three starts; six of his last eight went under.
Giants won four of last seven games with Chicago; seven of last 11 in series stayed under the total. SF lost four of last six games; over is 5-1-1 in last seven. Cubs won eight of their last nine games (under 5-3-1).
Dodgers @ Pirates
Latos is 1-2, 1.73 in his last four starts (under 3-1); he got 10 runs of support in the four games.
Liriano is 3-0, 2.37 in his last six starts; four of his last five went over.
Dodgers lost seven of last nine games with Pittsburgh; over is 7-3 in last ten series games. LA won six of its last eight games (over 5-2-1). Pirates won seven of last ten games; three of last five stayed under.
Rockies @ Nationals
Butler is 0-3, 8.41 in his last four starts; under is 4-0-1 in his last five.
Strasburg comes off DL here; he was 2-0, 1.15 in his last three starts before he pulled an oblique muscle- three of his last four starts stayed under.
Colorado lost five of its last seven games with Washington; Rockies lost six of last nine games; five of their last six went over. Nationals lost six of last seven games, with last five going over the total.
Marlins @ Braves
Koehler is 1-4, 6.14 in his last five starts; over is 5-2-1 in his last eight.
Foltynewicz is 0-1, 6.00 in his last two starts; four of his last five went over.
Braves won four of last six games (over 6-0-2 in last eight). Marlins lost 12 of last 14 games (over 6-1 in last seven). Atlanta won nine of last eleven games with Miami; six of last seven went over the total.
Cardinals @ Brewers
Garcia is 2-1, 1.41 in his last five starts; six of his last seven stayed under.
Peralta is 1-2, 6.38 in his last five starts; over is 4-1-1 in his last six.
Cardinals won seven of last nine games with Milwaukee (under 6-3); they won four of last five games overall (under 5-0). Brewers won three of last four games; under is 4-1 in their last five.
Reds @ Diamondbacks
Sampson allowed three hits, three runs in five IP (79 PT) in his first MLB start.
Ray is 0-2, 5.94 in his last three starts; under is 4-2-1 in his last seven.
Cincinnati won six of last ten games with Arizona (under 7-2 in last nine); Reds lost four of last five games; under is 9-1-1 in their last 11. Arizona won eight of last twelve games; eight of its last ten went over.
Phillies @ Padres
Morgan is 1-1, 5.28 in his last four starts (under 3-0 in road starts).
Ross is 3-1, 3.30 in his last five starts; three of his last four went over.
Phillies are 14-5 in their last 19 games-- over is 4-1-2 in their last seven. San Diego lost last four games, allowing 26 runs; nine of their last ten went over. Philly lost three of last five games with the Padres (over 4-1 in last five)
American League
Red Sox @ Tigers
Miley is 0-2, 4.70 in his last five starts; over is 6-4 in his last ten.
Simon is 2-0, 3.86 in his last two starts; eight of his last ten went over.
Red Sox won four of last five games with Detroit; under is 5-3-2 in last ten series games. Boston lost three of last five games overall (under 3-1-1). Tigers won three of last five games (under 3-1-1).
Blue Jays @ Bronx
Price is 3-2, 2.45 in his last six starts; four of his last five stayed under.
Nova is 3-0, 2.65 in his last three starts; under is 4-1-1 in his last six.
Blue Jays won six in row, nine of last ten games; they scored 20 runs in last three games, with four of their last six going under. Toronto won four of last fvie games with Bronx, which won four of its last seven (under 6-2 in last 8).
Twins @ Indians
Santana is 0-2, 8.49 in his last two starts; three of his last four went under.
Bauer is 0-3, 4.91 in his last four starts; six of his last seven stayed under.
Minnesota won four of last five games with Cleveland; eight of last ten in series went over total. Twins lost five of last six games, outscored 39-23; five of their last eight games stayed under. Indians lost five of their last six games; six of their last eight stayed under.
White Sox @ Royals
Samardzija is 2-2, 5.86 in his last four starts; his last three went over.
Guthrie is 0-2, 7.79 n his last three starts; three of his last four went over.
Chicago lost four of last five games with Kansas City; under is 7-1-1 in last nine series games. White Sox lost six of last eight games overall; 10 of their last 11 went over the total. Royals lost six of last nine games; four of their last five stayed under.
Orioles @ Angels
Jimenez is 1-3, 10.61 in his last four starts (over 3-1).
Richards is 3-1, 2.53 in his last four home starts; four of his last six starts overall went over.
Orioles lost four of last five games with the Angels; eight of last ten went under the total. Baltimore is 7-4 in its last 11 games; over is 5-2-1 in its last eight. Halos lost seven of last ten games (over 7-4 in last 11).
Astros @ A's
McHugh is 4-0, 3.24 in his last four starts; six of his last seven went under.
Chavez is 0-2, 7.98 in his last three starts; nine of his last ten went over.
Houston won seven of last nine games with Oakland; five of last eight went over the total. Astros lost four of last five games overall; they're 3-14 in last 17 road games. A's lost ten of last 15 games (under 10-5).
Rangers @ Mariners
Perez is 1-5, 9.36 in his last seven starts; under is 3-1 in his last four on road.
Montgomery is 0-2, 6.84 in his last five starts; under is 5-2-2 in his last nine.
Seattle won its last six games with Texas; seven of last nine stayed under. Mariners won four of last five games; their last four went over. Rangers are 7-2 in last nine games; three of their last five stayed under.
Interleague
Mets @ Rays
Syndergaard is 4-1, 1.44 in his last seven starts (under 5-1-1).
Karns is 2-0, 1.65 in his last three starts.
Mets won six of last eight games with Tampa Bay; last five games in series went over total. New York won its last seven games, allowing 16 runs; four of last five went over. Tampa Bay won three of its last five; six of their last seven games went over the total.
Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
SF-Chi-- Cain 3-3; Hendricks 11-10
LA-Pitt-- Latos 7-10, 1-0; Liriano 10-10
Col-Wash-- Butler 6-8; Strasburg 6-7
Mia-Atl-- Koehler 10-10; Foltynewicz 5-6
StL-Mil-- Garcia 4-5; Peralta 4-7
Cin-Az-- Sampson 0-1; Ray 4-8
Phil-SD-- Morgan 4-3; Ross 12-11
Bos-Det-- Miley 10-12 (0-5 last 5); Simon 12-8
Tor-NY-- Price 16-6, 1-0; Nova 4-3
Min-Clev-- Santana 3-3; Bauer 9-12 (0-4 last 4)
Chi-KC-- Samardzija 11-11; Guthrie 12-8
Balt-LAA-- Jimenez 10-11; Richards 12-8
Tex-Sea-- Perez 2-2; Montgomery 4-8 (0-5 last 5)
Hst-A's-- McHugh 15-7; Chavez 5-14 (3-6 last 9)
NY-TB-- Syndergaard 8-7; Karns 10-11
Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
SF-Chi-- Cain 2-6; Hendricks 4-21
LA-Pitt-- Latos 6-17; Liriano 2-21
Col-Wash-- Butler 8-15; Strasburg 3-13
Mia-Atl-- Koehler 4-20; Foltynewicz 5-11
StL-Mil-- Garcia 2-9; Peralta 3-11
Cin-Az-- Sampson 0-1; Ray 2-12
Phil-SD-- Morgan 1-7; Ross 6-23
Bos-Det-- Miley 7-22 (3 of last 3); Simon 3-20
Tor-NY-- Price 4-22; Nova 1-7
Min-Clev-- Santana 0-6; Bauer 3-21
Chi-KC-- Samardzija 11-22; Guthrie 4-20
Balt-LAA-- Jimenez 6-21; Richards 3-20
Tex-Sea-- Perez 0-4; Montgomery 2-12
Hst-A's-- McHugh 7-22; Chavez 5-19
NY-TB-- Syndergaard 4-15; Karns 8-21
Umpires
LA-Pitt-- Last five Morales games went over total.
SF-Chi-- Three of last four Culbreth games went over.
Col-Wsh-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six O'Nora games.
StL-Mil-- Three of last four Hirschbeck games went over.
Mia-Atl-- Under is 9-4-1 in last 14 Wendelstedt games.
Cin-Az-- Last three Vanover games went over the total.
Phil-SD-- Under is 8-3-1 in last twelve Nauert games.
Tor-NY-- Nine of last twelve Gibson games stayed under.
Hst-A's-- Favorites are 14-5 in last nineteen Nelson games.
Tex-Sea-- Underdogs won nine of last ten Iassogna games.
Bos-Det-- Six of last seven TBarrett games stayed under.
Chi-KC-- Over is 8-3-1 in last twelve Diaz games.
Min-Clev-- Underdogs are 11-6 in last 17 Everitt games.
Balt-LAA-- Underdogs are 7-5 in last twelve Davis games.
NY-TB-- Favorites won last four TWelke games.
Armadillosports.com
Saturday Scouting Edge
By Coach Fletcher
Toronto Blue Jays at New York Yankees
David Price was just what the Blue Jays were hoping for in his first start for Toronto. The lefty dominated, delivering 11 strike outs over an 8 inning stint where he retired the last 15 men he faced. The Jays are hoping for something similar against the Yankees today. Price is 10-4 on the year with a 2.57 era. He’s best on the road with a 6-2 record and a 2.34 era. In his last 3 starts Price is 1-1 with a 3.27 era boosted up after he gave up 5 runs in 6 innings to Tampa Bay before the trade. Price is 10-7 career against the Bombers, but he hasn’t pitched effectively in many cases. In his last 2 starts against the Yankees he’s been pulverized for 16 runs in 4 1/3 innings in which New York had 22 hits. One start was in this year in April and the other in 2014 in late August. He holds a 4.50 lifetime era against the Yankees. Price faces Ivan Nova who is making his 8th start of the season after coming off the DL. He has a 3.10 era this season and is 4-1 lifetime vs New York with a 4.62 era. Nova has not pitched against New York since 2013. One thing working against Price besides his last 2 disastrous starts is the facat that the NYY are 21-14 this year against LHP and average 5.4 runs per game against lefties.
San Francisco Giants at Chicago Cubs
It actually started at the end of July. Just when everyone was about to write off the Cubs, they have made a comeback. After the Phillies swept the Cubbies at home, most people figured they were done. Now they have put themselves into a definite shot at the NL Wild Card. Since July 27, Chicago has won 9 of 11 games. And after the SF series is over, the Cubs will get Milwaukee for a 3 game series at home. They just swept the Brewers 4 straight in Milwaukee. They have definitely used good pitching, allowing 4 or more runs only just 3 times in their last 11 games. The offense has also picked up. In their last 8 games the Cubs have averaged 4.6 runs and given up only 2.7. Today Kyle Hendricks takes on Matt Cain in a game where the Cubs are favored. Cain is 2-2 with a 4.91 era in 6 starts since coming off the DL. He’s got a 6.00 era on the road and 4.76 in his last 3 starts, 2 on the road. Hendricks is 5-5 with a 3.67 era. He’s 1-2 at home with a 3.23 era in 9 games.
Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals
On July 4, Steven Strasburg left the game with a strained left oblique. He comes back today a little more than a month later. His returns coincides with the Nats mired in a slump. They surrendered 1st place to the NY Mets. Strasburg might be just what the Nats need, too. In his final performance in rehab, he was over powering. IN 5 2/3 innings Strasburg fanned 11 players for Triple-A Syracuse. Strasburg gave up 2 runs on 5 hits with zero walks. He threw 85 pitches. Strasburg battled a variety of physical issues and mechanical issues plagued him as well. His command wasn’t right. He was hitting all white instead of the black. Strasburg enters the game at 5-5 with a 5.16 era. He’s 2-3 versus the Rockies with a 3.09 era in 2013-14.
Philadelphia Phillies at San Diego Padres
What’s happened to those Phillies? Well, for one thing, they are finally scoring some runs. They have won 7 of their last 11 games and have scored 66 runs in those 11 games. When you average 6 runs a game you are going to win some. However, after winning 6 of 7, the Phils have now dropped 3 of their last 5. The Padres find themselves struggling as well. After winning 4 straight, the Friars have lost 5 of their last 6. Over the season, the Phillies only average 3.7 per game. But the offense has picked up as they continue to hit. Not only have they averaged 6 runs per game over the last 11, they have averaged 6 runs plus in their last 7 games. They may have a little trouble equaling that today against Tyson Ross who is 8-8 with a 3.43 era. Ross has 2 starts against the Phils. In 2014 he held them scoreless for 7 innings. But in September of 2013, the Phillies got to him for 6 runs in just 2/3 of an inning.
LEADING OFF
BY: AP NEWS
GOOD TO SEE YOU
Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg comes off the disabled list to pitch at home against the last-place Rockies. He has been sidelined with an oblique injury.
PRICE CHANGE
David Price pitches at Yankee Stadium in his second start for Toronto. He had 11 strikeouts in an electrifying debut with the Blue Jays. But the ace left-hander has struggled in his last two starts against New York, allowing eight runs each time. He's not worried: ''Two starts ago, I gave up nine straight hits. Nine straight hitters got a hit,'' Price said. ''Nobody walks, nobody lined out. Nine straight. Whoever is throwing BP for the Yankees today won't give up nine straight hits.''
SOUTHPAWS HONORED
The Arizona Diamondbacks will retire the No. 51 jersey worn by Hall of Fame pitcher Randy Johnson when they host Cincinnati. ... Jamie Moyer, the winningest pitcher in Seattle Mariners history with 145 victories, becomes the ninth person inducted into the club's Hall of Fame. He was feted at a luncheon Friday that included former teammates Ken Griffey Jr. and Jay Buhner.
WELCOME BACK
Mike Napoli heads back to the Rangers after the first baseman was acquired Friday in a trade with Boston. Napoli was a fan favorite during two productive years in Texas before signing with the Red Sox and helping them win the 2013 World Series. He batted .320 with a career-high 30 homers as the Rangers won their second straight AL pennant in 2011. Texas hopes he can provide some needed punch from the right side.
TRADING PLACES
Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn are expected to be in the Braves' lineup against the Marlins after both were obtained Friday in a trade with the Indians. Atlanta sent third baseman Chris Johnson to Cleveland in a swap of disappointing players. The speedy Bourn was acquired by the Braves at the 2011 trade deadline and made the All-Star Game the following season before signing with Cleveland as a free agent.
MLB Screen Shot
By Steve Merril
Dodgers @ Pirates -- A pair of pitchers with good numbers against their opponent face off in Pittsburgh as the Pirates host the Dodgers. Francisco Liriano is 3-0 with a 1.37 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in three starts against LA. Mat Latos is 5-1 with a 3.13 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 12 career outings against the Pirates. Corey Hart (1-15), Starling Marte (2-13), Jordy Mercer (2-11), and Neil Walker (5-23) have all struggled against Latos. I lean Under 7 (-110) in what should be a low-scoring pitcher’s duel.
Marlins @ Braves -- Miami’s Tom Koehler has poor numbers on the road, and now he’s pitching poorly at home as well. Koehler allowed 12 runs and 13 hits in his last two starts against the Mets and Nationals. He did beat the Braves in Atlanta after holding them to 2 runs and six hits in 5.1 innings of work. But that was way back in April. Mike Foltynewicz is also in poor current form for Atlanta. He gave up 6 runs and nine hits in six innings pitched at home against the Giants in his last outing. Over 7.5 (-115) is the way to look in this game.
Phillies @ Padres -- Adam Morgan of the Phillies was a great story. The lefty went 0-6 with a 4.74 ERA in 13 starts for Triple-A Lehigh Valley before getting called up to the Majors. He beat the Cardinals at home in his first start, and then he continued to pitch well. But Morgan’s good fortune seems to be running out after two recent rough outings. Can the inconsistent Padres offense take advantage of him? At -185, I’m not willing to find out.
Blue Jays @ Yankees -- David Price gave up 8 runs and 10 hits to the Yankees back on April 22nd when he was throwing for Detroit. Last August 27th, Price also gave up 8 runs to the Yankees; he allowed 12 hits in just 2 innings of work. Overall, Price is 10-7 with a 4.50 ERA in 26 career starts against New York. Jacoby Ellsbury (18-51), Chase Headley (4-8), and Brian McCann (9-16) have good numbers against Price. The Yankees are a live home underdog at better than +130. Toronto’s shaky bullpen keeps the backdoor open late for the Yankees, so taking +1.5 runs (-140 or less) is also a viable option, especially if the total ticks down below 8.
MLB: Streaks, Tips, Notes
Sportspic.com
Toronto Blue Jays at New York Yankees
The eyes of baseball fans as well as those with a penchant for sports gaming will be on the Yankee-Blue Jay series this weekend. The Yankees have surprised most with their impressive play this year as they lead the East by 4.5 games over Toronto. Yankees head into this crucial series on a slight downer winning 4 of the last 8 but remain a strong 13-6 since the break behind 6.2 runs/game. Joe Girardi's crew has been solid on home field (32-18) and have a smart 16-6 record at home vs a team with a winning record.
Meanwhile, Jays head into New York on a roll winning 8 of 9 and like Yankees have won 13-of-19 since the mid-summer classic. Jays however have struggled in unfriendly territory this year (22-31) and are 11-19 away vs a team with a winning record. Adding to the problem is Toronto as a team has had its issues in the Big Apple with just 7 wins in the last 33 games at Yankee Stadium. Improving those numbers will be a challenge but not out of the question. Despite Jays being 0-4 w/Dickey in the Bronx the knuckler in a groove last three (3-0, 0.77 ERA) could notch his first 'W' in New York. As for GM-2, got to like Jays chances with Price. All he has done is guide his teams to six straight wins in Yankees backyard. Finally, can't count out Jays in the finale with Estrada. The hurler has allowed 2 or less runs in five of his last six starts.
Chicago White Sox at Kansas City Royals
The Chicago White Sox have now seen the total go over in 10 OF 11 games. The White Sox 'Over' explosion is not only a product of their offense averaging 5.6 runs per game, but also pitching woes allowing 6.6 runs/game in those 11 games. 'Over-Whelming' chance the clubs top the posted 8 runs for this contest. White Sox are 5-0-1 'Over' in Samardzija's last 6 road starts. 'Over' is 6-2-1 in Guthries last 9 starts following a team win the previous effort. 'Over' is 4-2-1 last 7 meetings in Kansas City.
Baltimore Orioles at Los Angeles Angels
Orioles are in a mound of trouble Saturday when they send Ubaldo Jimenez to the mound. Orioles find themselves in a combined 0-19 'Play-Against' spot. Jimenez in poor form tagged for 15 runs last 3 starts (9.64 ERA) owns a 0-5 career team start record vs Halos. Adding to those numbers, Orioles are 0-4 in Jimenez's last 4 road starts, 0-5 in the hurlers last 5 road starts facing a team with a winning record and 0-5 on the road with Jimenez following a team loss previous effort. Sportsbooks opened Halos -$1.40 to -$1.65 home chalk.
Saturday MLB Thoughts
By Dave Essler
Pirates-Dodgers: Often times when we get to this point it's about momentum and mindset more than stats (IMHO). I have to wonder if the Dodgers ALMOST winning doesn't effect their psyche today and I have always felt they are a fragile team. Anyone with Crawford on their roster is. Pirates should have tons of confidence, and just like last night, there is zero chance of taking LAD with that bullpen.
Giants-Cubs: The San Francisco bullpen has imploded for some time now, including yesterday. It's always tough to back Cain because he can walk the ballpark - but perhaps a reasonable price on the Cubs just because it's the "Giants" and "Cain" whose prior accomplishments carry some weight with bettors.
Nats-Rockies: We liked the Rockies here yesterday (but neglected to bet on them, ouch) and in truth I can't take Butler even though fading Strasburg is usually the right "value" thing to do, not unlike the weight Cain can carry. Without looking too terribly far, and knowing Butler doesn't pitch deep, I'd have to think this is a higher scoring game.
Cardinals-Brewers: Interesting that the overnight money is obviously on St. Louis, yet no distinct movement yet. I can't take the Brewers anymore, and although Peralta can occasionally throw a good game - this one has pass all over it.
Miami-Atlanta: We liked Teheran and the Braves here as well, but left it off (can't play them all, but that's another thread). This is also a "momentum" game for me. I know Koehler is better than Foltynewicz as a whole, but Atlanta is just playing fairly well right now so I cannot take the Fish as a road favorite. In a podcast right before the AS break I alluded to the fat that Atlanta would have some value going forward and they do.
Reds-Arizona: For the 1000th time I am swearing off anything to do with Cincinnati. Lost on them last night and am generally wrong with the Reds more often than not. Everyone has their kryptonite team, and that's mine.
Padres-Phillies: Gave the Phillies out here yesterday as well. I am not sure I could take them here, but there is no chance in hell I will lay -200 with the Padres. Phillies RL or nothing.
Jays-Yankees: We knew Price would be the betting favorite and most of the value is lost at -150 IMO. Nova is tough to get a read on - but Toronto has fared pretty well against him. If you made me bet this early game I THINK I would take Toronto F5, perhaps at -.5, but otherwise, since the Yankees see so much of Price and are at home, let the money force Toronto even higher and at some point take the New York RL.
Houston-Oakland: I tried to make a case for the A's here as I would almost any home underdog, but Chavez has been getting hit lately. I don't like this game, for some reason, it just "feels" bad and often times those "feelings" (things we talk about in therapy) are right.
Texas-Seattle: In my opinion it's time that perhaps the Rangers were over priced, and that's not something I thought I'd say this season. Perez off that game against the Giants with the sick line move which was right - makes him perhaps too good to be true. Montgomery is the better pitcher and although the Seattle bullpen sucks without Lowe, the Rangers' bullpen just sucks. I see this as a low scoring game early that gets broken open later.
Boston-Detroit: I am not sure I can go to the Red Sox well again, but yesterdays' win on them here was simply a matter of following the money and being a lemming. I tell it like it is. Simon is someone that I've tried to fade forever and he has his implosion game when I get on him, so I am very leery of him, and of course Miley. If you made me, Boston.
Twins-Indians: I do think the Twins score here, and think that Bauer is perhaps a bit over valued. Tons of pitches lately, but I am not quite to the point of being able to trust Santana. However, if we're talking about mindsets and momentum, it's the Twins who are clearly in a better place.
Orioles-Angels: I thought the Orioles would give a better accounting of themselves last night, but the floodgates really opened when Gausman couldn't find the strike zone. There are probably better games (games I have a better feel for) because Jiminez can go either way, and I guess from a "trust" standpoint it's the Angels and Richards, but -150 might be steep because we do know Baltimore is quite capable. However, yet another game where mindset plays in as the Orioles know they're pretty much done.
Mets-Rays: I am a little surprised the Mets are so cheap right now, but I have liked, bet on, and won, with Karns quite a bit. We were dead on right here yesterday in this game, thinking Rays F5 and Mets for the game, not trusting the Rays pen. Honestly, at this point I see that exact same scenario playing out, if for no other reason than the fact that Karns rarely pitches deep.