The Bum's Sports Page For Friday July 17th Best Bets-Trends-News !

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MLB

Friday, July 17

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MLB first half betting review
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Top Over teams

Detroit Tigers - 50-36-2 O/U

San Diego Padres - 49-37-4 O/U

Philadelphia Phillies - 48-36-7 O/U

Oakland A's - 47-37-7 O/U

Atlanta Braves - 47-38-4 O/U


Top Under teams

St. Louis Cardinals - 35-51-3 O/U

Chicago White Sox - 33-49-4 O/U

Baltimore Orioles - 36-47-5 O/U

Seattle Mariners - 38-47-4 O/U

Chicago Cubs - 34-46-7 O/U


Top 5 Starter Money Pitchers

$1,094
The Tigers ace David Price is the top money pitcher thanks to his team's 15-3 record.

$1,037
Carlos Martinez is No. 2, with the Cardinals posting a 14-3 record in his starts.

$866
Wandy Rodriguez is No. 3, with the Rangers 10-5 in his starts.

$840
Erasmo Ramirez is No. 4, with The Rays at 10-3 in his starts.

$827
Gerrit Cole rounds out the Top 5, with the Pirates at 14-4 in his starts.


World Series Favorites

1. Kansas City Royals: +450
2. Washington Nationals: +600
2. Los Angeles Dodgers: +600
2. St. Louis Cardinals: +600
5. Pittsburgh Pirates: +800


Notable World Series Odds Moves

25/1 to 9/2
The Royals are proving last year was no fluke and are now the faves to win the World Series.

100/1 to 25/1
The Astros and Twins are two young squads surprising everyone.

14/1 to 40/1
The Red Sox opened the season the faves to win the AL East and are now long shots.

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MLB

Friday, July 17


Cardinals-Royals favorites to meet in the Fall Classic

This year's World Series could be an I-70 series with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Royals the favorite possible Fall Classic matchup heading into the season's unofficial second half.

According to Sportsbook.ag, the Cardinals-Royals matchup is listed at +1,100, with the Los Angeles Dodgersm Washington Nationals and Pittsburgh Pirates all matching up with the Royals at +1,400.

The Royals own the best record in the American League at 52-43 and lead the AL Central over the Minnesota Twins by 4.5 games. The Cards lead the NL Central at 56-33 over the Pirates by 2.5 games.


Braves' Freeman slow to heal

Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman is eligible to come off the disabled list after the All-Star break but apparently won't return until at least August.

The 25-year-old Freeman went on the disabled list last month with a bone bruise in his right wrist. He has missed 23 games and could be out two additional weeks or more.

"It's more serious than we expected," Braves president of baseball operations John Hart told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Wednesday. "I'm hoping he’ll be back before the first of August, but he may not be.

"He's working hard to get back, but it's a slow-healing injury and it still gives him pain when he swings."

The Braves have used Kelly Johnson and Chris Johnson to fill Freeman's spot at first base.

In 66 games this season before the injury, Freeman was batting .299 with 12 home runs and 41 RBIs.


Braves sign Frasor following release by Royals

The Atlanta Braves signed reliever Jason Frasor after the veteran right-hander was released by the Kansas City Royals earlier this week, according to FOXSports.com.

Frasor had a 1.54 ERA in 23 innings for the Royals, but also had 15 walks for a Kansas City bullpen loaded with talented arms. The 37-year-old joins a Braves team that was looking for veteran bullpen help following the season-ending Achilles injury suffered by closer Jason Grilli.


Rangers release LHP Detwiler

The Texas Rangers released left-hander Ross Detwiler on Wednesday after he was designated for assignment last week and went through waivers unclaimed.

The 29-year-old Detwiler refused an assignment to Triple-A and became a free agent. He was 0-5 with a 7.12 ERA in 17 games spanning 43 innings for Texas this season.

Before joining the Rangers, Detwiler spent six seasons with the Washington Nationals and posted a 20-32 record with one save and a 3.82 ERA in 471 innings as a starter and reliever.

The Rangers will be responsible for Detwiler's $3.45 million salary should he sign with another team.


Yankees sign first-round RHP Kaprielian

The New York Yankees signed first-round draft pick James Kaprielian on Wednesday.

Kaprielian reportedly received a $2.65 million signing bonus. The Yankees had until Friday to sign him.

The 6-foot-4 right-hander went 10-4 with a 2.03 ERA during his junior season at UCLA, leading the Pac-12 with 114 strikeouts (9.6 per nine innings). The Yankees drafted him 16th overall.

Kaprielian led the Pac-12 in strikeouts in each of the last two seasons, meriting all-conference honors.

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MLB

Friday, July 17

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Trend Report
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2:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Kansas City is 16-5 SU in their last 21 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Kansas City is 15-5 SU in their last 20 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Chi White Sox's last 15 games at home
Chi White Sox are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games

7:05 PM
MIAMI vs. PHILADELPHIA
Miami is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Miami is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games on the road
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Philadelphia's last 23 games

7:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Seattle's last 7 games
Seattle is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of NY Yankees's last 24 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 9 of NY Yankees's last 13 games at home

7:05 PM
LA DODGERS vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of LA Dodgers's last 14 games on the road
LA Dodgers are 15-8 SU in their last 23 games when playing Washington
Washington is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
Washington is 8-15 SU in their last 23 games when playing LA Dodgers

7:07 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. TORONTO
Tampa Bay is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games at home
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay

7:08 PM
BALTIMORE vs. DETROIT
Baltimore is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Baltimore is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games at home
Detroit is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. CINCINNATI
Cleveland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 7 games on the road
Cincinnati is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
Cincinnati is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland

7:35 PM
CHI CUBS vs. ATLANTA
Chi Cubs are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games when playing Atlanta
Chi Cubs are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

8:10 PM
TEXAS vs. HOUSTON
Texas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Texas's last 11 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games
Houston is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

8:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. MILWAUKEE
Pittsburgh is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Pittsburgh is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games on the road
Milwaukee is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Pittsburgh
Milwaukee is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

8:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Kansas City16-5-1 SU in their last 22 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Kansas City7-1-1 SU in its last 9 games
Chi White Sox9-3-1 SU in their last 13 games
Chi White Sox are 5-15-1 SU in their last 21 games ,when playing Kansas City

8:15 PM
NY METS vs. ST. LOUIS
NY Mets are 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
NY Mets are 5-14 SU in its last 19 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of St. Louis's last 13 games when playing NY Mets
St. Louis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

9:40 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. ARIZONA
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
San Francisco is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
Arizona is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Arizona's last 9 games at home

10:05 PM
BOSTON vs. LA ANGELS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
Boston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Angels's last 7 games when playing at home against Boston
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home

10:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. OAKLAND
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Minnesota's last 17 games when playing Oakland
Minnesota is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 6 games at home
Oakland is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games when playing Minnesota

10:10 PM
COLORADO vs. SAN DIEGO
Colorado is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against San Diego
Colorado is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 12 of San Diego's last 17 games at home
San Diego is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Friday, July 17


Jimenez has faltered when visiting Comerica Park

Ubaldo Jimenez does not appear to be a fan of Detroit, as the rightie has struggled in his career at Comerica Park.

Jimenez holds a 2-7 record with a 6.80 in nine career starts at Comerica Park. That's only slightly better than his career numbers against the Tigers which is 5-9 with a 4.93 ERA in 17 starts.

The Baltimore Orioles and Jimenez will visit Detroit Friday.


Jays backers happy Hutchison starts 2nd half at home

Toronto Blue Jays starter Drew Hutchison and his backers must be happy he is startying the second half at home, because his home and road splits have been absurd in 2015.

Hutchison is 6-1 with a 2.12 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP when taking the mound in eight starts at the Rogers Centre in 2015. While on the road, Hutchison is pitching to a putrid 8.81 ERA and a WHIP of almost 2.00.

Hutchison and the Jays begin the unofficial second half at home against the Tampa Bay Rays Friday night.


Tanaka has dominated the Mariners in limited play

Masahiro Tanaka hopes will look to register his third career starts against the Seattle Mariners with the Japanese product dominating the M's.

Tanaka is 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA in his two career starts against the Mariners, which includes a seven inning appearances where he only allowed one hit on June 3.

The Yankees and Mariners start the second half of the season in New York Friday.


Fernandez goes for third-straight win since return

Save for the home runs of slugger Giancarlo Stanton, it's largely been a season to forget for Marlins' fans and bettors alike. Thankfully, one of the bright spots of the struggling NL East club returns to the bump for his third start of the season.

Jose Fernandez is expected to start for the Fish against the Philadelphia Phillies as the MLB schedule resumes Friday. Fernandez has been in dominant form since returning to the mound on July 2 versus the San Francisco Giants. The 22-year-old is 2-0 in two starts with a 2.08 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. He went seven strong innings in his last outing, allowing six hits and zero runs in a 2-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

The Phils are expected to counter with Adam Morgan as the clubs begin a three-game set at Citizens Bank Park.


Small chance of storms in Chicago Friday

According to weather forecasts, there is a small 42 percent chance of thunderstorms at U.S. Cellular Field as the Chicago White Sox host the Kansas City Royals in the first game of a doubleheader Friday.

Temperatures are expected to be in the high-80s and wind is expected to blow from rightfield to leftfield at around nine miles per hour.


Padres save their best for Rockies

The San Diego Padres and Colorado Rockies have squared off seven times this season and the Friars' bats come in full force against their NL West rivals, outscoring them 52-27 so far this season.

The Padres have a 5-2 in head-to-head matchups this season, including a three-game sweep when the two clubs met at Petco Park back in May. The Over/Under count 4-3 in those seven meetings.

The pair will renew acquaintances at Coors Field as the MLB schedule resumes Friday. Jorge De La Rosa is probable for the Rockies while James Shields is expected to start for the Padres.
Last edited by Udog; Today at 06:19 PM.

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MLB

Friday, July 17


NL's worst money starter kicks off second half

Last season's National League's Cy Young and MVP winner, Los Angeles Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw, has been the exact opposite of a betting MVP in 2015.

Kershaw is dead last when it comes to starter money in the NL, coming in at -$889 in 18 starts this season.

The problem for Kershaw, who was last season's top money starter at $1,582, is that he sees so much chalk when he pitches, a loss is very costly.

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Due to parity, playoffs possible for most

July 16, 2015

NEW YORK (AP) Clayton Kershaw looks around the major leagues and sees opponents convinced they can reach the playoffs.

''It's just a matter of everybody beating up on everybody,'' the Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher said. ''We want everybody to feel like they're in it.''

It's the year of parity in the major leagues, when almost no one has managed to break away from the pack or fall way behind. Kershaw, a three-time Cy Young Award winner and the reigning NL MVP, has a won-lost record reflecting the parity - he's 6-6.

Every team in the American League reached the All-Star break with a .450 winning percentage or higher. It's the first time an entire league did that since 1944, according to STATS, and many rosters that season were depleted of stars because of World War II.

''It's fantastic to see,'' Pittsburgh pitcher Gerrit Cole said. ''All the teams at .500 all think they're going to finish over .500, and all the teams that are over .500, and even us, we're always fretting, looking behind our back.''

Boston headed to the All-Star break in last place yet just 6 1/2 games from first - only the second time since division play began in 1969 the AL East spread was that close. The first-to-last gap has been that narrow in any division just nine times overall in the expansion era, STATS said.

''We're at the bottom of the barrel right now, but we're not that far out,'' Red Sox All-Star Brock Holt said. ''It's just about going out and taking care of our business, and the standings will kind of take care of themselves towards the end of the year.

Oakland has the worst record in the AL but at 41-50 is just 8 1/2 games behind the West-leading Los Angeles Angels. While last in the AL Central, the Chicago White Sox are 41-45 and only 5 1/2 games out for the AL's second wild card.

''We have an unbelievable level of competitive balance,'' new baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said. ''When I look at the standings, I think we're in for one heck of a ride in the second half of the season.''

There is a little more spread in the NL, where the St. Louis Cardinals have the major leagues' best record at 56-33 and Philadelphia owns the worst at 29-62. Other than the Phillies, Miami and Milwaukee, every team is within single-digit games back of a playoff berth.

''It just shows that there's not really that a monopoly of a franchise right now,'' Baltimore closer Zach Britton said.

Kansas City was 48-46 at the All-Star break last year, 6 1/2 games behind AL Central-leading Detroit and 2 1/2 back of Seattle for the league's second wild card. By October, the Royals were one win shy of their first World Series title since 1985.

Royals manager Ned Yost said the bunching gave his AL players extra incentive in the All-Star Game.

''Everybody in that locker room is going to have a chance to continue to move forward and be playoff bound,'' he said before the AL's 6-3 victory.

Toronto, Seattle and the Marlins are the only teams that have not made the playoffs since 2005. Increased revenue sharing, the luxury tax on payrolls and restraints on amateur signing bonuses have helped more teams become competitive.

While the Dodgers opened the season with a payroll of nearly $273 million for their 40-man roster, according to Major League Baseball's calculations, there was a huge dropoff after that to the Yankees at $220 million and Boston at $187 million. Six teams were at $140 million to $175 million, seven at $120 million to $125 million, and six more above $100 million.

''A lot of teams that are expected to win are learning that the revenues that they are making ... they're actually going to have to spend some of those revenues to create the gap and not stay where they're at, because teams are getting close to them,'' agent Scott Boras said.

All that crowding in the standings has its impact on talks as general managers approach July 31, the last day to deal players without passing them through waivers first.

''It makes the trade deadline a lot harder, obviously,'' Kershaw said. ''Not as many teams think they're out of it. It makes it tougher to get pieces, which means you've got to build your team earlier in the offseason, in my opinion.''

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O's hope for second-half surge

July 16, 2015

BALTIMORE (AP) The Baltimore Orioles staggered into the All-Star break on level ground following a wild roller-coaster ride marred by inconsistent play.

After losing 10 of 13 to drop to 44-44, the defending AL East champions are in third place, four games behind the division-leading New York Yankees.

''It's been up and down,'' shortstop J.J. Hardy said. ''We've had some good stretches and some bad stretches, yet we're still kind of right in the mix. So if we can get going in the second half, we have a good chance.''

Despite missing Hardy, catcher Matt Wieters, second baseman Jonathan Schoop, right-hander Kevin Gausman and All-Star outfielder Adam Jones to injury for portions of the first half, the Orioles remain ''in the hunt,'' according executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette.

As the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline approaches, Duquette sees the Orioles as buyers, just like last year when they secured standout reliever Andrew Miller for a postseason run that finally ended in the AL Championship Series.

''We'll try to improve our ballclub and see if we can get back to the playoffs,'' Duquette told The Associated Press. ''If we can upgrade our pitching staff then we certainly will do that.''

Though the contracts of Wieters, slugger Chris Davis and left-hander Wei-Yin Chen are among those that expire after this season, Duquette's focus is in the short term.

''We'd like to make our team as strong as we can for the rest of the season,'' he said. ''The division is wide open. No dominant team has emerged and there will be a lot of teams vying for the wild-card spots, too.''

All-Stars Manny Machado, Zach Britton, Darren O'Day and Jones excelled in the first half, as did newcomer Jimmy Paredes, who's batting .299 and already has reached career highs with 10 homers and 39 RBIs.

Chen has a solid 2.78 ERA and right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez (7-4, 2.81 ERA) is finally providing a return on the $50 million contract he signed before last season.

Hardy is back in a groove after being sidelined by back spasms; Wieters and Schoop contributed immediately upon their return from the disabled list; and Gausman is back in the rotation after a bout with right shoulder tendinitis.

That's why manager Buck Showalter says, ''I think our best baseball is ahead of us.''

Even if the Orioles don't make noise before the trade deadline, Showalter is content to move forward with the current roster.

''I try to keep in mind we had four or five guys who were missing that we have back now,'' the manager said. ''We're there. All the answers we're going to need are in our locker room and in our organization. I'm very confident in the people we have.''

Although starter Bud Norris (2-9, 6.86 ERA) has been a major disappointment following a 15-win season, the Orioles' biggest issue has been a hot-and-cold offense that has been held to three runs or fewer 42 percent of its games. Delmon Young, Alejandro De Aza and Everth Cabrera have come and gone, Davis has struck out 110 times and Steve Pearce (.228) is simply not performing as well as last year.

''We've got to get our bats going,'' Machado said. ''Our pitching is doing well, but we've got to back it up with our bats. Hopefully we come out with some bats swinging and start the second half pretty good.''

The Orioles return to action Friday night for a three-game series in Detroit. Then they face both teams ahead of them in the AL East, the Yankees and Rays.

''In this division, anybody within a yell and shout of first place has got a chance,'' Wieters said. ''This division will be won in September, so the key is to stay in striking range and get hot at the right time.''

The potential is there, as evidenced by an 18-5 streak that put Baltimore in first place on June 28. That, unfortunately, was offset by the 3-10 skid into the break.

''We expected to win a lot more games than we won,'' O'Day acknowledged. ''I think we're a better team than we've showed.''

Now would be a good time to start proving it.

''We have to figure out why it's not working and we have to fix it,'' said Britton, who's converted 23 of 24 save opportunities. ''The way this division is beating up on each other, if you can be that one team that catches fire, you can get the lead.''

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SS Everth Cabrera signs with Giants

July 16, 2015

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Shortstop Everth Cabrera has signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants.

General manager Bobby Evans confirmed the deal Thursday. Cabrera is scheduled to join San Francisco's Arizona rookie league team initially then move on to Triple-A Sacramento when ready, Evans says.

The 28-year-old Cabrera appeared in 29 games for Baltimore this season, batting .208 with a pair of doubles and four RBIs before his release last month.

He spent the previous six seasons in the NL West with San Diego regularly facing the reigning World Series champion Giants, who also won titles in 2010 and `12.

Cabrera was suspended by Major League Baseball for the final 50 games of the 2013 season for violating the sport's drug agreement in relation to its Biogenesis of America investigation.

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Cardinals remain pace-setters despite slump

July 16, 2015

ST. LOUIS (AP) The St. Louis Cardinals enter the second half of the season with the best record in baseball.

But their once-imposing lead in the National League Central Division has dwindled to 2 1/2 games. The Cardinals hope to have slugger Matt Holliday back from the 15-day disabled list in time for their series against the New York Mets at home beginning Friday.

The Cardinals are 56-33 despite injuries to ace Adam Wainwright, Matt Adams, Jon Jay, Jordan Walden, Marco Gonzales and Holliday, out since early June with a quadriceps injury. St. Louis still has a 2.71 ERA, best at the break in the majors since the 1981 Astros posted a 2.81 ERA, according to STATS. They landed three pitchers on the National League All-Star team

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Long-suffering Astros finally in contention

July 16, 2015

HOUSTON (AP) Here's something new: The Houston Astros finally have reason to look forward to the second half of the season.

After several miserable years of rebuilding, losing and more losing, these Astros - powered by bearded ace Dallas Keuchel, diminutive second baseman Jose Altuve and rookie Carlos Correa - are just a half-game back in the American League West at the All-Star break and eyeing their first playoff trip since 2005.

Houston's 49 wins are the most by the franchise in the first half since 2003 and it's the first time since 2001 the team has been at least seven games over .500 at midseason.

A year ago, the Astros were 19 1/2 games back with little hope of being in contention.

It certainly wasn't an easy path to become relevant again. This proud franchise known for its famed Killer B's of Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell lost 100-plus games in three straight seasons from 2011-2013 with low-budget teams filled with no-name players. Virtually any veteran of value was traded to restock a barren farm system.

''It's been a painful process from where we've been in the last 10 years to where we're at now,'' Biggio said. ''But you look at the light at the end of the rainbow right now and I'm excited for our guys.''

The long climb began last season when the Astros made a 19-game leap to end the 100-loss streak. But they still dropped 92 games and finished fourth in the AL West.

A beefed-up bullpen, a couple new veteran role players and an infusion of young talent this season helped Houston to a surprising start. The Astros opened the year 18-7 to race out to a six-game lead in the division and remained in first-place from April 19 until six straight losses helped the Angels take the lead at the break.

They've done it with powerful hitting, heads-up baserunning and a pitching staff that ranks among the best in the AL. At .240, the team's batting average is second-lowest in the AL, but the Astros have managed to produce anyway and are fourth in the AL in runs scored.

That's largely due to the pop in a lineup that leads the majors with 124 home runs. Luis Valbuena has 19 and there are 15 apiece from Evan Gattis and Chris Carter.

Houston is tops in the AL with 69 steals, thanks in large part to Altuve's 25.

Keuchel is 11-4 and his 2.23 ERA is second in the AL. His masterful first-half performance not only aided the Astros' ascent, but made him the first Houston pitcher to start an All-Star game since Roger Clemens in 2004.

A bullpen that was the weakest link last season (25 blown saves) is completely different: Its 2.67 ERA is second in the AL and the group's 17 wins are tied for most in the league.

Years of high draft picks have finally started to pay off for the Astros, too, and they're reaping the benefits of homegrown talent. Lance McCullers, a first-rounder in 2012, and Vince Velasquez, a second-rounder in 2010, have joined the rotation.

But the most sparkling rookie in Houston is undoubtedly Correa. The 20-year-old shortstop and top overall pick in 2012 made his debut on June 8 and is expected to be the face of the franchise as it returns to prominence.

He's lived up to those lofty expectations early and hit .276 with seven homers and 19 RBIs on top of more than a few dazzling defensive plays to garner AL rookie of the month honors after less than 30 days in the big leagues.

His arrival in Houston has created a buzz not seen at Minute Maid Park in years and crowds of more than 32,000 fans showed up for his first two home games. Drafted as a 17-year-old out of high school in Puerto Rico, Correa is polished beyond his years both on and off the field.

''I'm just glad the fans show up to support the team,'' Correa said when someone asked him about the spike in attendance. ''I think they come here because we've got a winning team.''

A setback came for the Astros when dynamic outfielder George Springer was hit by a pitch that fractured his wrist recently. He will be out for several weeks, but Jed Lowrie should return soon after sitting out since April 27 after thumb surgery. His .300 batting average could help ramp up an offense that has averaged just 1.167 runs a game in the current losing skid which the Astros will look to snap when they host Texas on Friday.

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Inconsistent Dodgers lead NL West

July 16, 2015

LOS ANGELES (AP) The Dodgers begin the second half with a 4 1/2-game lead over San Francisco in the NL West, having managed to remain in first since the end of May despite a rotation hit by injuries and an inconsistent offense.

They've used 12 starting pitchers after losing two-fifths of their rotation for the season, the bullpen has been rocked by injury, and yet they own their largest lead at the break since 2009.

It helps that much of the National League has been playing .500 ball so far.

''I want to stay where we're at,'' manager Don Mattingly said. ''If that's what it takes to win a division, then hopefully we do that. How you get in (the playoffs) has zero to do with it.''

The Dodgers open a 10-game trip against NL East opponents starting Friday at Washington. The first-place Nationals have won nine of their last 11 at home. Clayton Kershaw (6-6, 2.85 ERA) will start for the Dodgers after taking the loss in the All-Star Game on Tuesday.

The trip takes the Dodgers to third-place Atlanta for three games before playing four games in New York against the second-place Mets.

The Giants have a more favorable schedule coming out of the break. They travel to third-place Arizona and fourth-place San Diego before returning home to host Oakland, last in the AL West, and Milwaukee, last in the NL Central.

The Dodgers and Giants are tied for the most shutouts in the majors with 13.

''This is when baseball gets really fun the rest of the way,'' backup catcher A.J. Ellis said.

Zack Greinke (3-2, 1.39) has overshadowed Kershaw with a scoreless innings streak of 35 2/3 while positioning him for a Cy Young Award bid. Brett Anderson has stepped up as the third starter to salvage a rotation weakened by season-ending surgeries to Hyun-Jin Ryu and Brandon McCarthy.

''You got to replace and that's where you have trouble,'' Mattingly said. ''It has a trickle-down effect on your club.''

Especially the backend of the rotation, which has struggled on the inexperienced arms of Mike Bolsinger and Carlos Frias, leaving the team in need of reinforcements at the July trade deadline.

Kershaw's .500 record didn't impress his peers or fans enough to vote him into the All-Star Game, with the left-hander getting there as a replacement in his fifth straight appearance.

''It has been frustrating at times this year,'' he said. ''People have high expectations for me, and that's good. I expect a lot out of myself, which helps me. I wasn't very good for a while there.''

Closer Kenley Jansen has come back strong after missing six weeks because of foot surgery, but five other relievers spent time on the disabled list.

Even when their pitching has been good, the Dodgers have struggled to score runs.

Yasiel Puig's numbers highlight the inconsistency. The 24-year-old right fielder is batting .261 with four home runs and 14 RBI after dealing with a hamstring issue and a callus on his left hand.

''He just needs to continue to work and be consistent with his work,'' Mattingly said. ''You get out what you put in. Sometimes it's more trouble for guys like Yasiel who things come easily to. If you do that work, your talent is going to shine.''

Rookie Joc Pederson had 20 home runs in the first half, and he finished second in the Home Run Derby. But the 23-year-old center fielder tailed off before the break, hitting .145 with 21 strikeouts, eight hits and three RBI in his last 15 games.

''It's a matter of him staying steady,'' Mattingly said. ''His demeanor has been good, which tells me a lot.''

Catcher Yasmani Grandal has settled in since coming from San Diego in the Matt Kemp trade, earning his first All-Star bid while hitting .282 with 14 homers and 36 RBI.

Adrian Gonzalez was 1 for 11 in the last three games before the break, but he's been the team's most productive hitter with a .283 average, 18 homers and 55 RBI.

The Dodgers expect some additions in the second half. Left fielder Carl Crawford is close to returning from rehabbing an oblique strain. Cuban infielder Hector Olivera, who signed a $62.5 million deal in May, will join the team when his hamstring allows.

[StarDust Bum]

Marlins have been surprisingly bad

July 16, 2015

MIAMI (AP) The Miami Marlins have gone 8-6 since Giancarlo Stanton went on the disabled list, with their feeble offense finally showing signs of life.

In 12 innings since an injury to All-Star second baseman Dee Gordon, Miami has scored 17 runs and celebrated two victories.

For the Marlins, little has gone according to expectations. They've been surprisingly bad, not an easy feat for a franchise that hasn't been to the playoffs since 2003, and their 38-51 record is the third-worst in the majors.

But they played better with Stanton and Gordon both sidelined, sustaining faint hopes the Marlins might yet make a run and show they underachieved the first half of the year.

''It has been frustrating for all of us,'' president of baseball operations Michael Hill said. ''We expected to put ourselves into position to play into October.''

The hole the Marlins dug is probably too deep to get back into playoff contention, and a surge this month is unlikely. Gordon is expected to be sidelined until next week because of a dislocated left thumb, while major league home run leader Stanton will be out another one to three weeks recovering from a broken left hand. The next 10 games are on the road, where the Marlins are 14-28.

A bad trip might make them sellers at the July 31 trade deadline. Right-handers Dan Haren and Mat Latos, who are to become free agents at the end of this season, are the Marlins most likely to be on the market.

''As we work toward the 31st, if there's a deal that makes sense for us moving forward, we'll obviously entertain it,'' Hill said.

However, the Marlins will not be breaking up their roster as they've sometimes done at midseason. Hill said he still believes in the core of young talent, including Stanton, ace Jose Fernandez, left fielder Christian Yelich, shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria and rookie catcher J.T. Realmuto.

''We have controllable pieces that are talented - everyday pieces we're excited about,'' Hill said. ''We still have a supreme belief in their talent. We've had some ups and downs, especially with the young players. But we're still positioned to take another step this year and continue to build with a talented group.''

Some young players have indeed underperformed. Center fielder Marcell Ozuna (.249, 26 RBIs) is trying to find his swing after a demotion to Triple-A. Yelich (.264, 20 RBIs) has hit better lately after an awful start.

Injuries have been a major impediment. Five of the nine players in the opening day lineup have spent time on disabled list, including right-hander Henderson Alvarez, who is 0-4 in four starts and is now on a rehabilitation assignment. Latos and right-hander Jarred Cosart have also been sidelined and are a combined 4-10. Fernandez is 2-0 in two starts, but sat out the first three months recovering from Tommy John surgery.

An odd managerial change failed to improve the team's fortunes. The Marlins were 16-22 (.421) with Mike Redmond and are 22-29 (.431) with former general manager Dan Jennings, who had no previous managing experience.

There have been bright spots, including the return of Fernandez and the emergence of Realmuto, first baseman Justin Bour, new closer A.J. Ramos and reliever Carter Capps. All have helped keep the team afloat in Stanton's absence.

The Marlins swept a three-game series against the Giants without their slugger, and won three of four from the Reds before the All-Star break.

''I'm proud of the way the guys closed out the first half,'' Jennings said. ''We're playing with the energy and fire it's going to take. We have a chance to jump out the second half and play the way we're capable of.''

[StarDust Bum]

Pirates look to keep up momentum

July 16, 2015

PITTSBURGH (AP) Jordy Mercer and Pedro Alvarez were on the way to their lockers to savor another improbable comeback late Sunday night when the Pittsburgh Pirates teammates stopped in unison in front of one of the half-dozen large-screen televisions in the clubhouse.

They stood, grins glued in place, to relive Gregory Polanco's walkoff single that lifted the Pirates to a 6-5, 10-inning win over St. Louis, a victory that brought Pittsburgh to within just 2 1/2 games of the once seemingly uncatchable Cardinals. After seeing Polanco's soft liner to right fall in front of Jason Heyward to score Jung Ho Kang and give the Pirates their second straight extra-inning win over their rival in as many nights, they laughed while watching the team pour out of the dugout in celebration.

''If people didn't think we're for real, they probably do now,'' Mercer said. ''I just think it's the culture we're trying to create here. We're slowly getting there. Sure we've got ways to go. We know we're heading in the right direction.''

Quickly.

A distant speck in St. Louis' rearview mirror less than three weeks ago, Pittsburgh begins the second half of the season on Friday in Milwaukee looking to carry the momentum from an early summer surge that has them in firm position for a third straight playoff berth.

The giddiness that sprouted from taking three straight from the Cardinals heading into the All-Star break plays in stark contrast to the quiet and puzzled clubhouse of early May, when star centerfielder Andrew McCutchen called himself out for being ''under mediocre'' and manager Clint Hurdle publicly challenged his players after the Pirates slogged through the opening quarter of the season four games under .500. Pittsburgh is an MLB-best 35-13 since.

''If we play with the mindset that if we play our best baseball, we can get what we want to get done done, we can go where we want to go,'' Hurdle said. ''There's a lot of baseball to be played and the season is going to bring you a lot of different things. We've got to stay focused on the game we're playing that day.''

The novelty of winning has worn off in Pittsburgh after two decades of misery. Hurdle likes to say he is ''easy to please but hard to satisfy.'' He would rather replace the high-wire act that comes with making the postseason as a wild card - which the Pirates have done each of the last two Octobers - with an NL Central title and that assurance of a spot in the division series.

So would his team.

''We're in a good place right now,'' pitcher Francisco Liriano said. ''We're playing good baseball. We've been playing good baseball all year. We continue to play the way we're playing, we'll be OK in the end.''

The Pirates have been blessed with dominant starting pitching and a remarkably good health. While third baseman Josh Harrison is out until at least the end of August after undergoing surgery on his left thumb, his loss has been offset a bit by the rapid maturation of Kang, a rookie who is the first position player to make a direct jump from the Korean Baseball Organization to the majors.

Though McCutchen has been steady as usual - hitting .297 with four homers and 14 RBIs over the last month - he's not doing it alone. Starling Marte is on pace for 90-plus RBIs. Neil Walker is batting .345 since June 19 and catcher Francisco Cervelli has surpassed even the most optimistic expectations after Russell Martin left for Toronto and $82 million in the offseason.

When McCutchen's career-best 18-game hitting streak ended Sunday, Marte, Kang and the rest of the Pirates scrabbled together to erase a 5-3 deficit in the 10th off St. Louis closer Trevor Rosenthal. Pittsburgh entered the break with the second-best record in the majors and more than a little bit of swagger.

''It's not just one guy coming up with big hits, big plays, it's a bunch of us,'' Mercer said.

How much larger that group will grow over the next three months is uncertain. General manager Neal Huntington remains fiscally pragmatic about the prospect of adding a significant piece before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, calling the current climate one of the toughest seller's markets he's seen. The move toward rebuilding teams asking for established major leaguers or prospects in the high minors in exchange for proven veterans means the Pirates likely have fewer chips to throw in should they get in the mix for the bold-faced names they have largely avoided.

Either way, they expect to be there in the end. The anxiousness of early spring has disappeared. Another exciting fall awaits.

''There are so many games left, anything can happen,'' Mercer said.

[StarDust Bum]

Cardinals enter 2nd half with best record

July 16, 2015

ST. LOUIS (AP) Bruised and battle-tested, the St. Louis Cardinals watched their division lead dwindle to 2 1/2 games entering the All-Star break.

They still have the best record and stingiest staff in the major leagues - and hopes of some reinforcements.

The Cardinals anticipate getting Matt Holliday back from the 15-day disabled list, too, just in time for their return series against the New York Mets at home beginning Friday.

''I think guys don't buy into the fact that we can't do something,'' said manager Mike Matheny, who has presided over a strong body of work by an ensemble featuring multiple rookies and other temporary fixes. ''There's going to be times during the season you're going to lose significant pieces.''

The Cardinals are 56-33 despite injuries to ace Adam Wainwright, Matt Adams, Jon Jay, Jordan Walden, Marco Gonzales and Holliday, out since early June with a quadriceps injury.

Through great times, when the NL Central lead was nine games, and lean days, Matheny has been steadfast in ignoring the won-loss record and demanding daily commitment.

''It comes down to `What am I going to do right now? Am I going to be able to do my part, do my piece?''' he said. ''It doesn't matter who is here or not here.''

---

Things to watch for the rest of the way with the Cardinals:

PITCHING PROWESS

The stingiest pitching staff in the majors is by far the biggest reason the Cardinals, who have been to the NL Championship Series or better a franchise-best four straight seasons, have a good shot to keep that run going. They have a 2.71 ERA, best at the break in the majors since the 1981 Astros posted a 2.81 ERA, according to STATS. They landed three pitchers on the All-Star team: 10-game winners Carlos Martinez and Michael Wacha, plus closer Trevor Rosenthal.

Wacha, Lance Lynn, Martinez, John Lackey and Jaime Garcia have a collective 2.84 ERA, the best pre-break showing by the franchise since 1968 when Bob Gibson set a major-league record with a 1.12 ERA.

SPOTTY OFFENSE

Holliday's return to the No. 3 slot could be a key for a lineup that's underachieved much of the time scoring three or fewer runs nearly half of the time. He's a proven run-producer, one of three active players with 1,000 career RBIs and a .300 batting average.

All-Stars Jhonny Peralta and Yadier Molina have been two-way standouts at shortstop and catcher, but the Cardinals could use more production from Matt Carpenter, Jason Heyward and the streaky Mark Reynolds. Carpenter is back at leadoff after struggling batting second, which figures to help, and Heyward has picked it up after a slow start.

Matheny's strategy seems to be keeping the pressure off the bats.

''Our pitching sets the tone,'' he said. Guys have been doing a nice job of keeping us in games all the way through, the bullpen has done a nice job of finishing it up. Finding a way to win has almost been like a theme for our club.''

FILL THE BLANKS

Randal Grichuk, once billed as an add-on in the swap of David Freese to the Angels for Peter Bourjos, has thrived with regular duty in left field in Holliday's absence with seven homers and 26 RBIs in 191 at-bats. The ball jumps off his bat. Reynolds and a handful of rookies have made Adams' likely season-ending quad injury in May less of a blow. Kevin Siegrist and Miguel Socolovich have stepped up in place of Walden in the set-up role.

COMEBACK KIDS

Garcia's contribution is a luxury coming off career-threatening thoracic outlet surgery for nerve issues that cost him much of the previous two seasons. In seven starts, he's 3-3 with a 1.69 ERA, and he could return from a groin injury this weekend. Wacha shows no signs of the stress reaction to his pitching shoulder that cost him most of the second half of last season.

HOME PROWESS

The success story begins at Busch Stadium, where they're 31-11 for a major league-best .738 winning percentage, spurred by capacity crowds most games and a 2.31 staff ERA. Before the break, they won 11 of 14 home series.

[StarDust Bum]

Brewers poor start could make them sellers

July 15, 2015

MILWAUKEE (AP) Once in free-fall, the last-place Milwaukee Brewers have stabilized now that it's summer.

The offense has picked up, buttressed by an effective bullpen led by lights-out closer Francisco Rodriguez. With the second half starting Friday against Pittsburgh, manager Craig Counsell is hoping the Brewers can build on their 21-18 record since June 1.

''The last couple weeks, I think we've been playing much better baseball,'' All-Star outfielder Ryan Braun said this week in Cincinnati. ''So the goal is just to get back to being consistently competitive.''

The improvement may not be enough to prevent the Brewers from becoming sellers at the trade deadline, hamstrung by a 17-34 start that has left them in the NL Central cellar for three months. At 38-52, the Brewers are 18 1/2 games back of first-place St. Louis in the loaded NL Central, and 10 1/2 games out of the wild card.

Of Milwaukee's two All Stars, Rodriguez might be more likely to go. The veteran known as ''K-Rod'' is 19 of 19 in save opportunities with a 1.41 ERA.

Rodriguez agreed to a two-year, $13 million contract in spring training.

Braun is having a bounce-back season, hitting .275 with 16 homers and 56 RBIs in 85 games. The right-handed slugger, who had been hampered by right thumb injury the previous two years, made his first All-Star team since 2012.

It was also Braun's first All-Star appearance since a 65-game suspension in 2013 for his connection to the Biogenesis doping scandal. In the All-Star Game, Braun's slicing triple down the right-field line and hustle around the bases in the ninth inning offered a reminder of how dangerous Braun can be at the plate.

But Braun's contract could make him a less-attractive trade target. A seven-year, $105 million extension signed in 2011 keeps him with the Brewers through 2020.

Any rebuild of the Brewers will likely include Braun in the middle of the order.

Getting catcher Jonathan Lucroy back in the lineup has helped, too. He returned on June 1 after spending nearly six weeks on the disabled list with a broken left toe.

Some other notes about the Brewers going into the second half:

WHO'S GOING?: Besides Rodriguez, veterans who could draw strong interest from contending clubs include third baseman Aramis Ramirez, outfielder Gerardo Parra and first baseman Adam Lind.

Ramirez and Parra are in the last years of their deals, and Ramirez has said he will likely retire after this season. But he could provide a veteran clubhouse presence to a contender. The left-handed hitting Parra is hitting .309 and can play all three outfield positions.

Hitting .292 with 15 homers, the left-handed hitting Lind could be attractive to an AL club as a first baseman and designated hitter.

GOMEZ AND SEGURA: At his best, Carlos Gomez is the Brewers' ignitor, a power-speed threat who boasts a Gold Glove in center field.

Gomez has been limited at times in the first half with a sore right hamstring and hip. Still, a relatively reasonable contract that expires in 2016 could make him attractive to other clubs.

Gomez and shortstop Jean Segura might bring back the most return among potential trade chips. Segura is hitting .273 with 12 stolen bases, plus nice range at short.

Only 25, Segura is eligible for arbitration next year. But he might be expendable because the Brewers' farm system is loaded at shortstop, starting with top prospect Orlando Arcia.

PITCHING: Speaking of younger players, the emergence of rookie starter Taylor Jungmann has been one of the top first-half story lines for Milwaukee. The right-hander is 4-1 with a 2.15 ERA in seven starts, finishing the first half with a three-hit gem in a 7-1 win Saturday against the Dodgers.

Also, Wily Peralta, a 17-game winner last season, is expected to make a rehab start on Thursday at Double-A Biloxi as he makes his way back from a left oblique injury.