MLB 2018 Season Long Thread Thru the World Series / Picks,Trends,News Etc. !!

[StarDust Bum]

LEADING OFF: Yelich, Brewers face Dodgers, ALCS has day off
October 14, 2018
By The Associated Press

A look at what's happening around the majors Monday:

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'

Milwaukee Brewers star Christian Yelich is heading home for Game 3 of the NL Championship Series with the matchup against the Dodgers tied at 1-all. Yelich, the favorite for NL MVP, was born in Thousand Oaks, California, and went to Westlake High School before he was selected by the Marlins in the first round of the 2010 draft. The 26-year-old Yelich is a .326 hitter with six homers and 17 RBIs in 37 career games against the Dodgers, but he went 1 for 8 with three strikeouts in the first two games of the series against the NL West champions.

DOING BETTER?

The Red Sox will see how ace Chris Sale is feeling after a stomach illness sent him to the hospital. The team said Sale was spending the night at Massachusetts General Hospital for observation after being admitted earlier Sunday.

Boston and the Astros have a day off before the AL Division resumes in Houston on Tuesday with the clubs tied at one game each.

The 29-year-old Sale struggled with his control in Boston's 7-2 loss in the opener Saturday night. He missed nearly six weeks from late July into September with mild left shoulder inflammation.

PAST PERFORMANCE

Milwaukee right-hander Jhoulys Chacin, who gets the ball in Game 3 of the NLCS, is 3-0 with a 1.15 ERA in his last three starts going back to the regular season, but he hasn't fared very well in Los Angeles. Chacin had his worst start of the season at Dodger Stadium on Aug. 2, allowing nine runs, eight earned, and five hits in 4 1/3 innings in a 21-5 loss. He is 5-5 with a 4.96 ERA in 12 career starts at Los Angeles.

''I'm just going to go out, just try to give my team a chance to win the game and just have fun,'' Chacin said.

NICE JOB

The Braves might be set to announce a new contract for manager Brian Snitker. General manager Alex Anthopoulos is going to address the media, and Snitker's future is expected to be a main topic.

Snitker, who turns 63 on Wednesday, guided the Braves to a surprising NL East title with a 90-72 record. A longtime member of the Atlanta organization, he took over as manager during the 2016 seasons after Fredi Gonzalez was fired.

[StarDust Bum]

wild card/division/championship series/world series /record and best bets:

Date w-l-t % units record

10/14/2018 1-1-0 50.00% -1.40
10/13/2018 3-1-0 75.00% +8.95
10/12/2018 2-0-0 100.00% +11.65
10/09/2018 0-2-0 0.00% -12.45
10/08/2018 3-2-1 60.00% +1.70
10/07/2018 1-3-0 25.00% -16.80
10/06/2018 3-1-0 75.00% +9.55
10/05/2018 4-4-0 50.00% -0.50
10/04/2018 2-1-0 66.67% +5.00
10/03/2018 1-1-0 50.00% +0
10/01/2018 2-1-1 66.67% +5.85

total..............22-17-2.......56.41%......+11.55


best bets:................ats.....................units ..................o/u..................units............days total

10/14/2018...............0 - 0....................+0.00.................1 - 0.................+5.00.............+5.00
10/13/2018...............0 - 0....................+0.00.................2 - 0.................+10.00...........+10.00
10/12/2018...............1 - 0....................+5.00..................1 - 0................+5.00.............+10.00
10/09/2018...............0 - 0................... +0.00..................0 - 1.................-5.50..............-5.50
10/08/2018...............1 - 0....................+5.95..................1 - 1.................-0.50..............+5.45
10/07/2018...............0 - 0....................+0.00..................1 - 1.................-0.50..............-0.50
10/06/2018...............1 - 0....................+5.05..................1 - 1..................-0.50.............+4.55
10/05/2018...............0 - 3....................-15.00.................3 - 1..................+9.50.............-5.50
10/04/2018...............0 - 1.....................-5.00..................2 - 0.................+10.00...........+5.00
10/03/2018...............0 - 1.....................-5.00..................1 - 0.................+5.00.............+0.00
10/01/2018...............1 - 1....................+5.85..................1 - 0.................+5.00.............+10.85

total.........................4 - 6....................-3.15...................14 - 5...............+42.50...........+39.35

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

Top 6 picks in Week 6 of Westgate SuperBook NFL handicapping contest (3,123 entries)

1) Steelers +2.5 (1,092)- W

2) Patriots -3.5 (1,004)- L

3) Jaguars -3 (838)- L

4) Bears -3 (799)- L

5) Colts +2.5 (773)- L

6) Falcons -3.5 (766)- W

Season record: 15-19-2


**********

Armadillo: Monday's Den: Wrapping up an NFL Sunday

Patriots 43, Chiefs 40— This was 37th game in NFL history where losing team scored 40+ points; three of those games have been this year. Kansas City scored 31 points in the second half and still lost. Chiefs covered seven of last 10 games as road underdogs; they’re 6-0 vs spread this season. New England scored 38-38-43 points in its last three games.

Steelers 28, Bengals 21— Marvin Lewis has coached the Bengals for 16 years; Pittsburgh is 16-2 in Cincinnati during that time (two playoff games). Antonio Brown scored the winning TD with 0:10 left on a 31-yard pass from Roethlisberger, who threw for 369 yards. Steelers are 10-6-1 vs spread in last 16 games as road dogs. Bengals play in Kansas City Sunday; they’ve lost their last five Sunday night games.

Dolphins 31, Bears 28 OT— Chicago’s three road games were decided by total of six points; Miami’s backup QB Brock Osweiler emerged from obscurity to throw for 380 yards as Dolphins survived a goal line fumble in OT to improve to 4-2. Osweiler is a surprising 4-0 in OT games; his overall career record is 14-12.

Bears turned ball over twice in the red zone, missed a 52-yard FG in OT.

Chase Daniel is the Bears’ backup QB; he’s 32 and has been in the NFL for nine years- the guy has started two NFL games, but has banked $28,304,317. He’s completed 51 of 78 passes, with one TD, one INT in his career, and he’s made $28M+. Its good to be him.

Falcons 34, Buccaneers 29— Tampa Bay outgained Atlanta 512-416 but lost its third game in a row, allowing 38 ppg. Reality for Bucs’ coach Dirk Koetter is that he’s probably going to get fired unless his team turns things around soon— the face of the franchise is a QB who was suspended three games for groping a Uber driver, and they went 2-1 while he was out. No bueno.

Here is a breakdown of Atlanta’s offense:
2 road games, both on grass fields: 22 drives, three TD’s, 14.5 ppg
4 home games, all indoors on turf: 40 drives, 17 TD’s, 34.5 ppg

Texans 20, Bills 13— Buffalo backup QB Nathan Peterman is the worst NFL QB I’ve seen since Jerry Golsteyn played for four teams from 1977-83, going 2-7 as a starter. Golsteyn threw two career TD passes, 13 INT’s, but Peterman may be worse— he threw a pick-6 in this game with 1:30 left as Texans have now won consecutive games by 3-3-7 points after an 0-3 start.

Both teams scored one offensive TD in this game, on drives of 32-29 yards. Buffalo threw for 129 yards, giving them a total of 295 PY in their last three games. Deshaun Watson got sacked seven times; if the Texans don’t improve their pass blocking, Watson won’t last much longer.

Redskins 23, Panthers 17— Since 2015, Redskins are now 16-7 vs spread coming off a loss; they had a 14-yard edge in field position in this game, converted on 7-16 3rd down plays, compared to 3-9 for Carolina. Washington allowed 9-14-17 points in its wins, 24-31 in its losses. Panthers are 3-0 at home, 0-2 on the road; they threw 40 passes, ran ball only 18 times in this game.

Rams 23, Broncos 20— Denver is first team since the ’78 Buffalo Bills to give up 270+ rushing yards in consecutive games; in today’s pass-happy era, thats terrible. This was a hard-hitting game; lot of players limped off on both sides.

On a cold day in Denver where the snow mostly stopped before the game, Rams ran the ball down the Broncos’ throats when it mattered most, on a 13-play, 72-yard drive that took 5:39 off the clock and ended with a FG that gave LA an insurmountable 23-13 lead.

Jared Goff celebrated his 24th birthday with a win, but looked uncomfortable in sub-freezing temps; Rams play in Chicago December 9.

Minnesota 27, Arizona 17— Cardinals are 3-0-1 vs spread in their last four games; they scored six TDs in last two games, but two of them are scored by their defense. Minnesota ran ball for 185 yards here and outgained Arizona, 411-269. Redbirds lost last nine visits to the Twin Cities; their last win here was in 1977, the Don Coryell era.

NFL has seven new head coaches this year; they’re a combined 12-28 so far- three of those seven teams were .500 or better LY- Tennessee was in the damn playoffs, and they fired their coach.

Chargers 38, Browns 14— Quietly, the Chargers are 4-2, with losses to Rams/Chiefs, who are a combined 11-1. Bolts ran ball for 246 yards and averaged 9.2 yds/pass attempt- they had seven plays of 20+ yards, five of them on first down.

Chargers are 2-0 outside California, winning/covering in Buffalo/Cleveland- they like Lake Erie, but coach Anthony Lynn mustn’t like kickers- Sunday he used his 7th different kicker in his 22 games as a head coach.

Jets 42, Colts 34— Gang Green scored 48-34-42 points in their two wins, 12-17-12 in their losses; Jet fans have to be fired up that they’ve scored 34+ points three times already with a rookie QB under center. Under Bowles, Jets are 17-9-1 vs spread at home.

Andrew Luck threw for 301 yards and four TD’s, but he doesn’t get much help; on their second offensive play, Indy tried a screen pass that any high school team could execute, but instead it bounced off the Colts’ receiver and the Jets had an easy pick-6 to start their day with.

Seahawks 27, Raiders 3— If I owned an NFL team and was paying my coach $100M over the next 10 years (yikes!!!), I’d expect more than the sorry performances the Raiders have been producing, especially since the last coach was 12-4 two years ago.

Seattle ran ball for 171-190-155 yards in its last three games; they’ve won three of last four games and evened their record at 3-3. Oakland is 1-6-1 vs spread in its last eight pre-bye games.

The last six NFL games in England/Mexico were won by an average of 26 points (32-6).

Cowboys 40, Jaguars 7— Jacksonville’s uniforms looked like the old Memphis Maniax from the XFL; thats not a compliment, and their play was uglier than their uniforms. In their last three games, Jaguars are minus-8 in turnover ratio- not good.

Dallas is 3-0 at home, 0-3 on the road; they scored four TD’s on 11 drives, after scoring total of three TD’s on 31 drives in previous three games. Cowboys had a 12-yard advantage in field position. Jaguars never had a snap in the Dallas red zone.

Ravens 21, Titans 0— Not often an NFL team gets 11 sacks in a game, but Baltimore did here. while Tennessee had zero sacks. Total yardage in this ugly game was 361-106; Tennessee had only seven first downs, was 1-10 on 3rd down and ran only 40 plays- Baltimore ran 72.

Only once in six games has Tennessee scored more than six points in the first half; 12-20-2 in last 34 games where spread was three or fewer points.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Monday, October 15

Milwaukee @ LA Dodgers

Game 953-954
October 15, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Chacin) 16.638
LA Dodgers
(Buehler) 20.192
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 3 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-170
7
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(-170); Over




MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, October 15

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MILWAUKEE (100 - 68) at LA DODGERS (96 - 73) - 7:35 PM
JHOULYS CHACIN (R) vs. WALKER BUEHLER (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 4-5 (+0.8 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.6 Units)

JHOULYS CHACIN vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
CHACIN is 11-9 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.42 and a WHIP of 1.528.
His team's record is 14-11 (+4.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 15-9. (+5.1 units)

WALKER BUEHLER vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
BUEHLER is 0-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.714.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, October 15

National League
Brewers @ Dodgers (Series tied, 1-1)
Chacin is 2-0, 1.15 in his last three starts, but didn’t finish 6th inning in any of them; under is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 24-12, 15-7 road Chacin gave up nine runs in 4.1 IP in a 21-5 loss in LA on August 2.
5-inning record: 18-12-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-36

Buehler is 1-0, 3.42 in his last four starts; under is 6-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 14-10, 9-3 home
5-inning record: 14-6-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-24

Dodgers won eight of their last ten games overall, eight of last nine at home. LA is in playoffs for 6th year in row; they lost 7th game of World Series LY. Dodgers’ last WS title was in 1988.

Milwaukee won 12 of its last 13 games; they’ve won six in a row on the road. Brewers are in playoffs for first time since 2011- they lost Game 7 of the 1982 World Series.




MLB
Weather Report

Monday, October 15






MLB

Monday, October 15

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Milwaukee is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games
Milwaukee is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Milwaukee is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
Milwaukee is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
Milwaukee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 8 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
LA Dodgers is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
LA Dodgers is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
LA Dodgers is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
LA Dodgers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
LA Dodgers is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
LA Dodgers is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
LA Dodgers is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 8 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

[StarDust Bum]

wild card/division/championship series/world series /record and best bets:

Date w-l-t % units record

10/14/2018 1-1-0 50.00% -1.40
10/13/2018 3-1-0 75.00% +8.95
10/12/2018 2-0-0 100.00% +11.65
10/09/2018 0-2-0 0.00% -12.45
10/08/2018 3-2-1 60.00% +1.70
10/07/2018 1-3-0 25.00% -16.80
10/06/2018 3-1-0 75.00% +9.55
10/05/2018 4-4-0 50.00% -0.50
10/04/2018 2-1-0 66.67% +5.00
10/03/2018 1-1-0 50.00% +0
10/01/2018 2-1-1 66.67% +5.85

total..............22-17-2.......56.41%......+11.55


best bets:................ats.....................units ..................o/u..................units............days total

10/14/2018...............0 - 0....................+0.00.................1 - 0.................+5.00.............+5.00
10/13/2018...............0 - 0....................+0.00.................2 - 0.................+10.00...........+10.00
10/12/2018...............1 - 0....................+5.00..................1 - 0................+5.00.............+10.00
10/09/2018...............0 - 0................... +0.00..................0 - 1.................-5.50..............-5.50
10/08/2018...............1 - 0....................+5.95..................1 - 1.................-0.50..............+5.45
10/07/2018...............0 - 0....................+0.00..................1 - 1.................-0.50..............-0.50
10/06/2018...............1 - 0....................+5.05..................1 - 1..................-0.50.............+4.55
10/05/2018...............0 - 3....................-15.00.................3 - 1..................+9.50.............-5.50
10/04/2018...............0 - 1.....................-5.00..................2 - 0.................+10.00...........+5.00
10/03/2018...............0 - 1.....................-5.00..................1 - 0.................+5.00.............+0.00
10/01/2018...............1 - 1....................+5.85..................1 - 0.................+5.00.............+10.85

total.........................4 - 6....................-3.15...................14 - 5...............+42.50...........+39.35

[StarDust Bum]

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

MIL at LAD 07:39 PM

MIL +154

U 7.5

[StarDust Bum]

Grandal's woes, quiet LA bats doom Dodgers in NLCS Game 3
October 15, 2018
By The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) Of all the chants that could have emanated from the Dodger Stadium stands during the eighth inning of Game 3 of the NLCS, ''We want Austin!'' was not exactly the most likely.

But after Los Angeles catcher Yasmani Grandal committed his third passed ball of the series Monday night, the voices of exasperated fans pleading for his unsung backup, Austin Barnes, improbably echoed through Chavez Ravine.

And when Grandal struck out on three pitches with the bases loaded in the ninth inning of the Dodgers' 4-0 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, he only heard boos.

The fans' vocal disappointment was mostly a measure of their dissatisfaction with Grandal, who is having a miserable postseason in every aspect. The veteran catcher dropped to 3 for 22 in the playoffs with 10 strikeouts despite a popup that turned into a ground-rule double in Game 3.

But the unlikely chant for his backup also reflected the big-budget Dodgers' desperate frustration with their own inability to seize the important moments near the halfway point of this series.

Game 3 was full of those missed moments, and it pushed the defending NL champions halfway to elimination.

Game 4 is Tuesday night.

Dodger Stadium, normally a cauldron of excitement in October, was just as quiet as the Los Angeles bats facing Jhoulys Chacin and the Brewers' deep bullpen - except when it was booing the Dodgers. LA went 0 for 10 with runners in scoring position, struck out 14 times and managed just five hits.

The fans are thoroughly dissatisfied with Grandal, who is having a postseason to forget - on the precipice of free agency, no less. The veteran made two more defensive miscues after committing two errors and two passed balls in Game 1.

Grandal's passed ball in the eighth drew the fans' greatest ire, even though happened after the Dodgers already trailed by four runs. Grandal has tied the big-league record for the most passed balls in a playoff series, sharing it with four other catchers.

Immediately after Game 3, manager Dave Roberts said Barnes will start Game 4.

''(Grandal) had a tough night,'' Roberts said.

Barnes was a surprise playoff contributor for the Dodgers last October, supplanting Grandal in the lineup during LA's run to the World Series before Grandal reclaimed his job this season. Barnes went 0 for 3 and drew a bases-loaded walk in Game 2 in Milwaukee.

Along with his batting woes and his latest passed ball, Grandal also failed to control a wild pitch by Walker Buehler in the sixth inning, allowing Travis Shaw to score the Brewers' second run from third base.

Shaw was only on third because center fielder Cody Bellinger appeared to misjudge Shaw's long fly, allowing it to carom off the wall for a triple that probably could have been the third out of the inning.

And Buehler was still in the game because Roberts attempted to get some extra innings from his young starter instead of employing his customary quick hook.

None of those mistakes and debatable decisions was individually decisive. Add them all together, along with the Dodgers' inability to seize any moments of their own, and LA is down 2-1.

Roberts' decision to trust Buehler ultimately wasn't decisive, since the Brewers got the only run they needed in the first inning.

Buehler largely pitched well during seven innings of five-hit ball, but he yielded three runs in his final two innings - including a two-run homer in the seventh to the short porch in right by Orlando Arcia, who hit three homers in the entire regular season followed by three more in the playoffs.

The Dodgers finally showed life in the ninth, getting two hits and Yasiel Puig's one-out walk to load the bases. But Grandal and pinch-hitter Brian Dozier struck out, and the Dodger Stadium crowd made almost no noise.

[StarDust Bum]

wild card/division/championship series/world series /record and best bets:

Date w-l-t % units record

10/15/2018 2-0-0 100.00% +12.70
10/14/2018 1-1-0 50.00% -1.40
10/13/2018 3-1-0 75.00% +8.95
10/12/2018 2-0-0 100.00% +11.65
10/09/2018 0-2-0 0.00% -12.45
10/08/2018 3-2-1 60.00% +1.70
10/07/2018 1-3-0 25.00% -16.80
10/06/2018 3-1-0 75.00% +9.55
10/05/2018 4-4-0 50.00% -0.50
10/04/2018 2-1-0 66.67% +5.00
10/03/2018 1-1-0 50.00% +0
10/01/2018 2-1-1 66.67% +5.85

total..............24-17-2.......58.53%......+24.25


best bets:................ats.....................units ..................o/u..................units............days total

10/15/2018...............1 - 0....................+7.70.................1 - 0.................+5.00.............+12.70
10/14/2018...............0 - 0....................+0.00.................1 - 0.................+5.00.............+5.00
10/13/2018...............0 - 0....................+0.00.................2 - 0.................+10.00...........+10.00
10/12/2018...............1 - 0....................+5.00..................1 - 0................+5.00.............+10.00
10/09/2018...............0 - 0................... +0.00..................0 - 1.................-5.50..............-5.50
10/08/2018...............1 - 0....................+5.95..................1 - 1.................-0.50..............+5.45
10/07/2018...............0 - 0....................+0.00..................1 - 1.................-0.50..............-0.50
10/06/2018...............1 - 0....................+5.05..................1 - 1..................-0.50.............+4.55
10/05/2018...............0 - 3....................-15.00.................3 - 1..................+9.50.............-5.50
10/04/2018...............0 - 1.....................-5.00..................2 - 0.................+10.00...........+5.00
10/03/2018...............0 - 1.....................-5.00..................1 - 0.................+5.00.............+0.00
10/01/2018...............1 - 1....................+5.85..................1 - 0.................+5.00.............+10.85

total.........................5 - 6....................+4.55.................15 - 5.................+47.50...........+52.05

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday’s six-pack

Some interesting college football games this weekend:

— Stanford (-2.5) @ Arizona State

— Michigan (-7) @ Michigan State

— Oregon @ Washington State (-1)

— Minnesota @ Nebraska (-3.5)

— Oklahoma (-7.5) @ TCU

— USC @ Utah (-6.5)

Quote of the Day
“My brother was a remarkable individual on every level. While most knew Paul Allen as a technologist and philanthropist, for us he was a much loved brother and uncle, and an exceptional friend. Paul’s family and friends were blessed to experience his wit, warmth, his generosity and deep concern. For all the demands on his schedule, there was always time for family and friends. At this time of loss and grief for us — and so many others — we are profoundly grateful for the care and concern he demonstrated every day.”
Jody Allen, sister of Seahawks/Blazers’ owner Paul Allen, who died on Monday

Tuesday’s quiz
Who was the coach of the San Francisco 49ers last time they made the playoffs?

Monday’s quiz
Jets beat the Baltimore Colts 16-7 when they won their only Super Bowl title.

Sunday’s quiz
Duke’s David Cutcliffe was Eli Manning’s college coach at Ole Miss.


***********************


Tuesday’s List of 13: Nobody asked me, but…….

13) I mentioned a few weeks ago how USC QB JT Daniels skipped his senior year of HS so he could play QB for the Trojans this season, and how it seemed a little odd to rush a kid thru school like that, especially since so many college players red-shirt their first year in college, so they’re often 19-20 years old before ever playing in a game.

Well, it turns out that Daniels’ father had his son repeat 8th grade (this also happens a decent amount in Texas) so that he would be older and better suited to compete when his time came to play high school ball. JT Daniels will be 19 soon, so he isn’t that far behind the curve, age-wise, he just gave back the year he gained four years ago.

How long will Daniels’ father let his son stay in college before he tests the NFL’s waters?

12) Just under $184M was bet on sports in New Jersey in September, $88.6M of it on football. More than half of the $184M was wagered online.

New Jersey books showed a $24M profit last month, $9.4M of that coming from football.

11) This was the first time since 1990 there were no winless NFL teams after five weeks of the season.

10) Los Angeles Angels are looking for a new manager; from Jon Morosi:

“#Angels administering 2-hour written test to managerial candidates, sources say, with questions spanning analytical, interpersonal and game-management aspects of the job.”

So far, six major league teams are looking for a new manager for next year.

9) Red Sox pitcher Chris Sale has a stomach ailment, spent Sunday night in Mass General Hospital. The team was hoping Sale would accompany the ballclub to Houston on Monday.

8) Last golf season, Henrik Stenson became the first golfer to lead the PGA Tour in driving accuracy and greens in regulation in the same season since Calvin Peete, in 1983.

7) Knicks dumped Joakim Noah, but they still owe him $38M going forward; as far as the hit on the salary cap goes, they’ll stretch the cap hit out over three years.

6) There is a hotel in Boston, the Liberty Hotel, which is a converted jail. It used to be called the Charles Street Jail; wouldn’t it be at least a little weird staying there overnight?

5) There are only four players left in the NHL who played against Wayne Gretzky:
Zdeno Chara, Matt Cullen, Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton

4) Rick Barry’s son Canyon Barry, who played college ball at Charleston/Florida, will play for Minnesota’s G-League team, the Iowa Wolves this winter.

3) Ole Miss has only 28 plays in its offensive playbook; there are obviously options off of those plays, but their playbook is much thinner than most college teams.

2) TV guys are gushing about how Alex Bregman is the Astros’ best player, but from July 27-August 20, Houston went 8-13- they allowed 3 or less runs in all eight wins; they were 0-10 during that stretch when allowing 4+ runs.

That 21-game stretch was when Jose Altuve was out with an injured knee; make no mistake about it, Altuve is the Astros’ best player.

1) RIP to Paul Allen, 65, who passed away Monday. Mr Allen passed away shortly after it was announced that he had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma for the third time.

One of the co-founders of Microsoft, Allen bought the Portland Trailblazers in 1987, and the Seattle Seahawks in 1995. He was worth $20B at the time of his passing, and is said to have donated over $2B to charity.

RIP, sir.

[StarDust Bum]

LEADING OFF: Bregman stirs up ALCS, Grandal sits for Dodgers
October 15, 2018
By The Associated Press

A look at what's happening around the majors Tuesday:

NO BOTHER

Red Sox manager Alex Cora is brushing off the notion that Boston might be motivated for Game 3 of the AL Championship Series by a brazen social media post Monday from Astros star Alex Bregman. Houston's third baseman shared a video on Instagram of his club hitting back-to-back-to-back home runs off Red Sox starter Nathan Eovaldi during a game in June captioned ''lil pregame video work.'' Eovaldi was with Tampa Bay at the time and allowed a career-high four homers in a 5-1 loss. Eovaldi will oppose Dallas Keuchel as the series shifts to Houston.

Astros manager AJ Hinch had no issue with the online barb but implored Bregman to ''go out and back it up.'' Eovaldi didn't seem bothered by the video, saying he doesn't have social media, and Cora dismissed the idea that the post will give the Red Sox any added push.

''If you need motivation in Game 3 of the ALCS, you better check yourself,'' he said. ''Because you win three more games, you go to the show, and that's what should motivate you. Alex has different ways of motivating himself. And whatever. I'll leave it at that.''

DODGER BLUES

Austin Barnes is subbing into the Dodgers' lineup at catcher in place of struggling Yasmani Grandal for Game 4 of the NL Championship Series. Los Angeles fans were chanting ''We want Austin!'' during a 4-0 Game 3 loss Monday night, and that was before Grandal struck out on three pitches with the bases loaded in the ninth. Grandal dropped to 3 for 22 in the playoffs with 10 strikeouts and also committed his third passed ball of the series.

The Dodgers' offensive woes aren't just about Grandal. The club went 0 for 10 with runners in scoring position, struck out 14 times and had just five hits Monday against Jhoulys Chacin and Milwaukee's bullpen. Even worse for LA, the Brewers only needed shutdown lefty Josh Hader for eight pitches and two outs, meaning the All-Star could be available for manager Craig Counsell again Tuesday.

HEALING UP

Chris Sale is expected to rejoin Boston in time for Game 3 after an overnight stay in a hospital in Boston because of a stomach illness. Boston said it planned to wait until he rejoins the team in Houston before deciding when the lanky lefty will get back on the mound. Sale was released Monday from Massachusetts General Hospital, where he had gone because of a stomach illness after he pitched in the series opener at Fenway Park. He was hospitalized Sunday night for observation and did not travel with the team to Houston.

''Everything's fine,'' manager Alex Cora said Monday night. ''So we'll see how he feels physically, and then after that we'll decide what we're going to do.''

RANGER RESEARCH

The Rangers have conducted interviews with a half-dozen candidates in their search for a manager after speaking with Rocco Baldelli and David Bell on Monday, according to people familiar with the details. Baldelli is the major league field coordinator for the Tampa Bay Rays. Bell is vice president of player development for the San Francisco Giants and the son of former Rangers third baseman Buddy Bell.

Texas is looking to replace Jeff Banister, who was fired with 10 games left the team's second consecutive losing season.

Of the candidates interviewed so far, former New York Yankees and Florida Marlins manager Joe Girardi is the only one with major league managerial experience.

[StarDust Bum]

Bregman trolls Eovaldi, Hinch says "back it up" in ALCS
October 15, 2018
By The Associated Press

HOUSTON (AP) Alex Bregman and the Houston Astros are brimming with confidence, even after a Game 2 AL Championship Series defeat to the Boston Red Sox.

For proof, just see Bregman's social media feed.

Hours after Boston beat Houston 7-5 to even the best-of-seven series at a game each, Bregman shared video Monday on Instagram of the Astros hitting back-to-back-to-back home runs against Game 3 Red Sox starter Nathan Eovaldi from a game in June.

''Lil pregame video work,'' he wrote.

Eovaldi will oppose Dallas Keuchel in Houston on Tuesday after Rick Porcello was used in relief during Game 2, when the Astros took their first loss of the postseason. Eovaldi's previous start against the Astros didn't go well. The right-hander allowed seven hits and four runs in a 5-1 loss June 20 while with Tampa Bay, including a season-high four homers.

Three of those were hit in succession by George Springer, Bregman and Jose Altuve in the sixth inning.

The Astros didn't work out Monday, so the brazen 24-year-old Bregman wasn't available to reporters. Plenty of others weighed in, though, including Astros manager AJ Hinch. He had no issue with the online barb.

''Welcome to the current generation,'' Hinch said. ''Obviously there's fun banter. ... We want guys to have their personalities, have their fun. Then go out and back it up.''

Eovaldi didn't seem bothered by the video, saying he doesn't have social media but some of his teammates told him about it.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who is close with Bregman from his time as Houston's bench coach last season, brushed off the notion that Bregman's video could provide an added push for his team Tuesday.

''If you need motivation in Game 3 of the ALCS, you better check yourself,'' he said. ''Because you win three more games, you go to the show, and that's what should motivate you. Alex has different ways of motivating himself. And whatever. I'll leave it at that.''

Tuesday will be Keuchel's ninth postseason start and first since allowing four hits and two runs in five innings of Houston's 11-3 win over the Indians in Game 3 of the Division Series on Oct. 8. The 30-year-old left-hander has been overshadowed by Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole this season, but Hinch raved about the adjustments he's made to continue to help the Astros.

''Dallas has had to handle success when the league has tried to adjust to him,'' Hinch said. ''He's adjusted back, and he's gone back to his strengths in the back half of this season where his two-seam fastball, his changeup, his occasional cutter is good against anyone.''

Eovaldi made his postseason debut in Game 3 of this year's ALDS against the New York Yankees, yielding five hits and one run in seven innings of the 16-1 victory. Now he'll pitch just 30 miles from his hometown of Alvin, Texas, a suburb best known as the home of Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan.

Eovaldi has long looked up to Ryan and said ''words can't really describe'' what it was like when he met him while he was with the Yankees. He knows Ryan, an executive adviser to Astros owner Jim Crane, will likely be sitting behind the home plate Tuesday.

''I don't really notice people in particular in the stands,'' he said. ''I'm so focused on the game, locking in on the catcher and things like that. And I feel that would take my attention away from everything if I'm scanning the crowds and stuff.''

The Red Sox got good news Tuesday when ace Chris Sale was released from a hospital after an overnight stay because of a stomach illness. He was scheduled to join Boston in Houston on Tuesday night, and Cora said they'd decide when he'd pitch again after that.

Houston's Marwin Gonzalez was expected to play Tuesday despite dealing with chest and back soreness after crashing into the Green Monster trying to make a catch Sunday night. Hinch said last year's MVP Altuve could be Houston's designated hitter in Game 3 because he's still struggling with a knee he bruised in the ALDS.

''He's doing his best,'' Hinch said. ''It's not comfortable for him. I know he's, what we call grinding and battling and doing everything that he can. ... He's able to be a productive player. But he's battling a little bit.''

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Tuesday, October 16


Milwaukee @ LA Dodgers

Game 909-910
October 16, 2018 @ 9:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Gonzlez) 19.033
LA Dodgers
(Hill) 17.797
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 1
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
N/A

Boston @ Houston

Game 907-908
October 16, 2018 @ 5:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Eovaldi) 18.600
Houston
(Keuchel) 17.525
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-135
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(+115); Over




MLB
Long Sheet

Tuesday, October 16

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BOSTON (112 - 56) at HOUSTON (107 - 60) - 5:05 PM
NATHAN EOVALDI (R) vs. DALLAS KEUCHEL (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 155-76 (+36.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 112-56 (+34.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 53-30 (+20.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BOSTON is 36-12 (+19.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 107-71 (+29.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 75-36 (+22.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BOSTON is 43-30 (+12.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 48-35 (-25.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
HOUSTON is 23-20 (-22.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
HOUSTON is 4-9 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing with a day off this season.
HOUSTON is 30-28 (-28.6 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 16-21 (-20.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 9-12 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
KEUCHEL is 9-12 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
KEUCHEL is 1-6 (-8.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 4-5 (+0.4 Units) against HOUSTON this season
7 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.9 Units)

NATHAN EOVALDI vs. HOUSTON since 1997
EOVALDI is 1-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.19 and a WHIP of 1.065.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-1. (+3.1 units)

DALLAS KEUCHEL vs. BOSTON since 1997
KEUCHEL is 1-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 6.20 and a WHIP of 1.581.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.1 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MILWAUKEE (101 - 68) at LA DODGERS (96 - 74) - 9:05 PM
GIO GONZALEZ (L) vs. RICH HILL (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 5-5 (+2.4 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.4 Units, Under=-0.9 Units)

GIO GONZALEZ vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
GONZALEZ is 4-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 2.44 and a WHIP of 1.015.
His team's record is 6-2 (+4.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+1.7 units)

RICH HILL vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
HILL is 3-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 3.66 and a WHIP of 1.178.
His team's record is 7-1 (+5.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+1.7 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, October 16

American League
Boston @ Houston (series tied, 1-1)
Eovaldi is 2-0, 1.35 in his last four starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven road starts. Team in his starts: 6-6, 3-4 road. Eovaldi lost 5-1 in Houston June 20 while pitching for the Rays, giving up four runs in six IP.
5-inning record: 6-5-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-12

Keuchel is 1-1, 5.50 in his last four starts; under is 5-3 in his last eight home starts. Team in his starts: 20-15, 7-9 home Keuchel allowed five runs in six IP in a no-decision vs Boston Sept 9.
5-inning record: 15-16-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-35

Houston is 12-3 in its last 15 games; they won four of their four playoff games, with last three going over total. Red Sox won five of their last seven games; they scored 36 runs in their last five games. Over is 9-2 in their last 11 games.

Red Sox are in playoffs for third year in row; they won World Series in 2013. Astros won their first WS title LY, in their second try (’05); they’re in playoffs for third time in four years.

National League
Brewers @ Dodgers (Brewers lead series, 2-1)
Gonzalez is 3-0, 2.63 in six starts for Milwaukee; over is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 6-0, 1-0 road Gonzalez allowed one run in two IP (32 PT) in Game 1 of this series Friday.
5-inning record: 6-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-6

Hill is 5-1, 3.93 in his last six starts; over is 7-1-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 15-10, 5-5 home. Hill is 1-0, 2.25 in two starts vs Milwaukee this season.
5-inning record: 11-11-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-25

Dodgers won eight of their last 11 games overall, eight of last ten at home. Under is 4-2-1 in their last seven games. LA is in playoffs for 6th year in row; they lost 7th game of World Series LY. Dodgers’ last WS title was in 1988.

Milwaukee won 13 of its last 14 games; they’ve won seven in a row on the road. Under is 6-1 in their last seven games. Brewers are in playoffs for first time since 2011- they lost Game 7 of the 1982 World Series.




MLB
Weather Report

Tuesday, October 16






MLB

Tuesday, October 16

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Boston Red Sox
Boston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Boston's last 11 games
Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Boston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games on the road
Boston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Boston's last 8 games when playing Houston
Boston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
Boston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 7 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston Astros
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Houston's last 12 games
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Houston's last 8 games when playing Boston
Houston is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
Houston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Houston's last 7 games when playing at home against Boston


Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Milwaukee is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 7 games
Milwaukee is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games on the road
Milwaukee is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing LA Dodgers
Milwaukee is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
Milwaukee is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Milwaukee's last 9 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
LA Dodgers is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
LA Dodgers is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
LA Dodgers is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
LA Dodgers is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
LA Dodgers is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Milwaukee
LA Dodgers is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
LA Dodgers is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of LA Dodgers's last 9 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

[StarDust Bum]

wild card/division/championship series/world series /record and best bets:

Date w-l-t % units record

10/15/2018 2-0-0 100.00% +12.70
10/14/2018 1-1-0 50.00% -1.40
10/13/2018 3-1-0 75.00% +8.95
10/12/2018 2-0-0 100.00% +11.65
10/09/2018 0-2-0 0.00% -12.45
10/08/2018 3-2-1 60.00% +1.70
10/07/2018 1-3-0 25.00% -16.80
10/06/2018 3-1-0 75.00% +9.55
10/05/2018 4-4-0 50.00% -0.50
10/04/2018 2-1-0 66.67% +5.00
10/03/2018 1-1-0 50.00% +0
10/01/2018 2-1-1 66.67% +5.85

total..............24-17-2.......58.53%......+24.25


best bets:................ats.....................units ..................o/u..................units............days total

10/15/2018...............1 - 0....................+7.70.................1 - 0.................+5.00.............+12.70
10/14/2018...............0 - 0....................+0.00.................1 - 0.................+5.00.............+5.00
10/13/2018...............0 - 0....................+0.00.................2 - 0.................+10.00...........+10.00
10/12/2018...............1 - 0....................+5.00..................1 - 0................+5.00.............+10.00
10/09/2018...............0 - 0................... +0.00..................0 - 1.................-5.50..............-5.50
10/08/2018...............1 - 0....................+5.95..................1 - 1.................-0.50..............+5.45
10/07/2018...............0 - 0....................+0.00..................1 - 1.................-0.50..............-0.50
10/06/2018...............1 - 0....................+5.05..................1 - 1..................-0.50.............+4.55
10/05/2018...............0 - 3....................-15.00.................3 - 1..................+9.50.............-5.50
10/04/2018...............0 - 1.....................-5.00..................2 - 0.................+10.00...........+5.00
10/03/2018...............0 - 1.....................-5.00..................1 - 0.................+5.00.............+0.00
10/01/2018...............1 - 1....................+5.85..................1 - 0.................+5.00.............+10.85

total.........................5 - 6....................+4.55.................15 - 5.................+47.50...........+52.05

[StarDust Bum]

Altuve is Astros DH vs. Red Sox in ALCS Game 3
October 16, 2018
By The Associated Press

HOUSTON (AP) Six-time All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve is a designated hitter for the Houston Astros in the playoffs for the first time.

Astros manager A.J. Hinch has Altuve as the DH for Game 3 of the American League Championship Series against Boston. Altuve bruised his right knee during the playoffs and it is still bothering him. Last year's AL MVP has dealt with right knee soreness since July, when he went on the disabled list for the first time in his career.

Altuve was still batting second against the Red Sox and right-hander Nathan Eolvadi on Tuesday night. Marwin Gonzalez, who had played left field the first two ALCS games, moved to second base. Tony Kemp was the left fielder.

For the Red Sox, Eduardo Nunez was starting at third base over left-handed hitting Rafael Devers against Houston lefty Dallas Keuchel. Devers was 2 for 3 with a walk, two runs scored and an RBI in the Red Sox's 7-5 victory in Game 2.


*************************************


Game 4 - Brewers at Dodgers
October 16, 2018
By BetOnline.ag

Tuesday MLB Best Bet

Milwaukee Brewers vs L.A Dodgers – Game 4

Game 3 of the NLCS was one where the Milwaukee Brewers did not want to sit around and waste time trying to gain back home field advantage in the series. An early 1-0 lead after the 1st inning ended up being enough for Milwaukee, but the early lead allowed the Brewers entire team to settle down on the whole and it enabled their highly successful bullpen to go out there in familiar roles and execute like they have all year for this team.

Now it's up to the Dodgers to respond or L.A will be staring a 3-1 series deficit square in the face. The lack of simply playing contact baseball at times hurt the Dodgers in Game 3, as every time they got runners in scoring position, those HR swings from the batters seemed to follow. The Dodgers are going to have to find a way to play with a lead in this series soon because if it weren't for that Justin Turner HR late in Game 2, this could easily be 3-0 Milwaukee right now.

So after yesterday's Milwaukee win went according to plan, how am I looking to wager on this game?

Let's break it down:

BetOnline.ag: Milwaukee (+138) vs L.A Dodgers (-148); Total set at 7.5

If you read yesterday's piece, you'll know that my Milwaukee ML play last night was in part because of my belief the Brewers will end up winning this series. I viewed the odds as too steep on L.A with a rookie starter on the hill, and commented that I was pretty sure the Brewers would be smaller underdogs here in Game 4, especially if they won Game 3. Well here we are, with Milwaukee sitting close to +140 rather than +160ish it was at last night, and this time we've got a respected vet in Rich Hill on the hill for the Dodgers. That's a much more enticing spot and price to back L.A for one game, and had these been the odds yesterday I'm not sure I would have even played Milwaukee at all.

Yet, as enticing as a play on the Dodgers tonight may be, the same issues are really still there for L.A. Yes, Walker Buehler looked good outside of maybe four or five at bats in the loss, but it's not like he got any help from his teammates when the game was still 1-0 and 2-0, as this Dodgers offense appears to be currently dying by the HR ball. They get to face a guy in Gio Gonzalez tonight – who they roughed up in 2 IP in Game 1 – which may help kickstart things for this Dodgers offense, but I'm still not looking to back L.A tonight.

As I said earlier, Milwaukee is a couple of batters away from being up 3-0 in this series, as it's really been one dominated by the Brewers. Yet the team that finished the year with more wins and has dominated this series continues to come in as a disrespected underdog and that's still the only way I can look on the ML. That's not to say that's where I'm going tonight, but it is Milwaukee ML or pass for me in terms of the side.

However, in terms of the total, this number seems a touch too low given the quality of starters we've got on the hill and the situation for both teams. L.A knows they can't fall down 3-1 by any means, but Milwaukee isn't just going to be satisfied with just a 2-2 split after four games. Milwaukee wants to go back home with at least two shots at closing out this series (if they play at home again at all), and with Clayton Kershaw looming for Game 5, Milwaukee's got to strike again tonight.

So while the 'over' is a highly popular play right now when you look at the betting percentages (85%+) on VegasInsider.com, it's one that I have a tough time arguing against. Gonzalez is nothing more than a “see how long you can go” opener for the Brewers tonight, while I'm not so sure trotting another lefty out there against this Brewers lineup is ideal for the Dodgers. Milwaukee roughed up the lefty Kershaw in Game 1, and got to lefty Ryu early in Game 2. The Brewers were just an average offense vs southpaws this year, but something appears to have clicked for them in that regard during the postseason.

The L.A bats being a little cold right now and so reliant on the HR ball is a concern for the 'over' here, but if they connect on a HR at the right time (2 or 3-run shot) then this total shrinks up in a hurry. That's the risk I'm willing to take here in a game where the offense we saw from both clubs in Game 1, returns here for Game 4.

Odds per - BetOnline.ag

Best Bet: Over 7.5

[StarDust Bum]

Red Sox say they are not sure when Sale available
October 16, 2018
By The Associated Press

HOUSTON (AP) The Boston Red Sox were still unsure Tuesday when lefty ace Chris Sale would be available to pitch again.

Speaking before Game 3 of the AL Championship Series, Boston manager Alex Cora said Sale was still on his way to the ballpark and would go to the training room when he arrived. The manager also said Sale might throw a bullpen session, possibly during the game against the Houston Astros.

''I haven't talked to him today, so I don't know how he feels, if he feels weak or whatever. But we'll know,'' Cora said.

Sale, the potential Red Sox starter for Game 5 on Thursday night, was released Monday from Massachusetts General Hospital. He was hospitalized Sunday night for observation for what the team has called a stomach illness.

''First and foremost, we care about his health and how he's doing. Once we found out he was doing OK, we just wait until he gets back and talk to him,'' said Rick Porcello, the Red Sox starter for Game 4. ''None of us really know what happened.''

The team hasn't specified the ailment or treatment. Cora said Sale started feeling ill and throwing up after starting the series opener Saturday night at Fenway Park, then went to the hospital early Sunday morning. The manager said it was nothing serious.