The Bum's July's MLB POD'S-Stats-News

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Sunday, July 14

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Trend Report
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1:05 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games on the road
Kansas City is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Kansas City
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

1:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. NY YANKEES
Minnesota is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games on the road
NY Yankees are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing Minnesota
NY Yankees are 9-4 SU in their last 13 games

1:08 PM
TEXAS vs. DETROIT
Texas is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games on the road
Texas is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games
Detroit is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games at home

1:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. MIAMI
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games when playing on the road against Miami
Washington is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games at home
Miami is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home

1:35 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chi White Sox's last 8 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Philadelphia's last 21 games

1:35 PM
TORONTO vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games
Toronto is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Baltimore is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Baltimore's last 6 games at home

1:35 PM
CINCINNATI vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Cincinnati's last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 7 games on the road
Atlanta is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games at home
Atlanta is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Cincinnati

1:35 PM
NY METS vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone OVER in 10 of NY Mets's last 13 games
NY Mets are 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing NY Mets

1:40 PM
HOUSTON vs. TAMPA BAY
Houston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Houston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
Tampa Bay is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing Houston

4:05 PM
BOSTON vs. OAKLAND
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 8 games when playing Oakland
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 5 games
Oakland is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Boston

4:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. SAN DIEGO
The total has gone OVER in 19 of San Francisco's last 23 games when playing on the road against San Diego
San Francisco is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games when playing on the road against San Diego
San Diego is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Diego's last 9 games

4:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. SEATTLE
LA Angels are 8-3 SU in their last 11 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 6 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Seattle is 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Seattle's last 6 games

4:10 PM
COLORADO vs. LA DODGERS
Colorado is 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
Colorado is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games at home
LA Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home

4:10 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. ARIZONA
Milwaukee is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Arizona is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona's last 7 games

8:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. CHI CUBS
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 7 games when playing Chi Cubs
St. Louis is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Chi Cubs are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Chi Cubs's last 16 games when playing at home against St. Louis

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Sunday, July 14

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Sunday Night Baseball: Cardinals at Cubs
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St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs

DOING IT WAIN-WRIGHT

Adam Wainwright is 12-5 with a 2.30 ERA on the year. He has pitched at least seven innings in 15 of his 19 starts. The Cardinals’ starter has allowed 1 run or less in nine outings as well. Wainwright has faced the Cubs just once this season giving up 4 runs and seven hits in a loss back on June 18th. The righty has great control posting no more than 2 walks in a single outing. He has struck out 26 batters in his last four games and he hasn’t lost a game on the road since his first start of the season back on April 1st.

WOOD WOULD LIKE MORE WINS

Travis Wood is 6-6 with a 2.69 ERA despite the fact that he has thrown 17 quality starts this season. Wood has allowed 2 earned runs or less in three straight starts which all came against the AL West. He has faced the Cardinals twice this season going 1-1 overall while allowing 4 earned runs and 13 hits in those games. Wood has struck out four batters or more in 10 straight starts. Run support has been a bit of an issue for the southpaw as the Cubs have scored just 17 total runs in his last seven starts.

INJURY REPORT

The Cubs are a pretty healthy team; a lot of the names on their injury report aren’t that important. David DeJesus has a shoulder injury which should keep him out a month. Ryan Sweeney is out with a fractured a rib after running into a wall. Other than that, Chicago is without a few pitchers who weren’t really big contributors.

The Cardinals are a little more dinged up with Yadier Molina and Matt Holliday dealing with their own ailments. Out for the year is Jaime Garcia, Rafael Furcal and Jason Motte. Chris Carpenter will be back at some point in the second half as he is getting close to making rehab starts.

TRENDS

Cardinals are 11-5 in Wainwright’s last 16 Sunday starts
Cardinals are 11-5 Over in their last 16 Sunday games

Cubs are 6-14 in Wood’s last 20 home starts
Cubs are 50-22-4 Over in their last 76 during Game 4 of a series

HITTERS TO WATCH

Alfonso Soriano 11-for-42 vs. Wainwright
Starlin Castro 5-for-17 vs. Wainwright

Allen Craig 5-for-16 vs. Wood
Jon Jay 7-for-17 vs. Wood

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

LA Angels at Seattle
The Angels look to take advantage of a Seattle team that is 2-10 in its last 12 games in Game 3 of a series. LA is the pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Angels favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (+110). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, JULY 14

Game 901-902: Washington at Miami (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Jordan) 16.561; Miami (Alvarez) 15.159
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Washington (-135); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-135); Over

Game 903-904: NY Mets at Pittsburgh (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Gee) 15.368; Pittsburgh (Cole) 16.857
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-160); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-160); Under

Game 905-906: Cincinnati at Atlanta (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Cingrani) 15.752; Atlanta (Teheran) 14.853
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-130); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+110); Over

Game 907-908: Milwaukee at Arizona (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Peralta) 13.290; Arizona (Kennedy) 14.694
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Arizona (-165); 9
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-165); Under

Game 909-910: Colorado at LA Dodgers (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Chacin) 15.581; LA Dodgers (Nolasco) 14.967
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-140); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+120); Under

Game 911-912: San Francisco at San Diego (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Zito) 13.414; San Diego (Stults) 14.989
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: San Diego (-150); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-150); Over

Game 913-914: St. Louis at Chicago Cubs (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Wainwright) 16.545; Cubs (Wood) 15.008
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-150); No Run Total
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-120); N/A

Game 915-916: Texas at Detroit (1:08 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Perez) 16.053; Detroit (Verlander) 15.027
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Detroit (-180); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (+160); Over

Game 917-918: Kansas City at Cleveland (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Shields) 15.471; Cleveland (Jimenez) 14.503
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-115); 8
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-105); Under

Game 919-920: Minnesota at NY Yankees (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Gibson) 14.377; NY Yankees (Sabathia) 15.944
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-200); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-200); Over

Game 921-922: Toronto at Baltimore (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Johnson) 15.316; Baltimore (Feldman) 14.465
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-135); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+115); Over

Game 923-924: Houston at Tampa Bay (1:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Bedard) 14.402; Tampa Bay (Archer) 15.762
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-240); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-240); Under

Game 925-926: Boston at Oakland (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Workman) 15.486; Oakland (Colon) 16.931
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Oakland (-160); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-160); Under

Game 927-928: LA Angels at Seattle (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Blanton) 16.131; Seattle (Iwakuma) 15.051
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Seattle (-130); 8
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (+110); Over

Game 929-930: Chicago White Sox at Philadelphia (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Quintana) 15.559; Philadelphia (Hamels) 16.985
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-175); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-175); Under

[StarDust Bum]

I was hoping to be overall in the plus column by the All Star Break....but the last two days put a end to that....

Good Luck Today and Enjoy the ASG !!


Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

07/13/13 14-*16-*2 46.67% -*2065 Detail
07/12/13 13-*15-*0 46.43% -*1255 Detail
07/11/13 17-*7-*0 70.83% +*4810 Detail
07/10/13 17-*13-*0 56.67% +*1265 Detail
07/09/13 17-*13-*0 56.67% +*2005 Detail
07/08/13 11-*14-*1 44.00% -*1875 Detail
07/07/13 10-*17-*0 37.04% -*4135 Detail
07/06/13 10-*19-*1 34.48% -*4630 Detail
07/05/13 12-*18-*0 40.00% -*2965 Detail
07/04/13 10-*17-*0 37.04% -*3645 Detail
07/03/13 18-*12-*0 60.00% +*2750 Detail
07/02/13 12-*17-*1 41.38% -*2820 Detail
07/01/13 9-*4-*0 69.23% +*2425 Detail

Totals 170-*182-*5 48.30% -*10135


Sunday, July 14

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Kansas City - 1:05 PM ET Cleveland -113 500 POD # 2
Cleveland - Over 8 500

Minnesota - 1:05 PM ET Minnesota +201 500 POD # 9
NY Yankees - Over 8.5 500

Texas - 1:08 PM ET Texas +155 500 POD # 3
Detroit - Over 8.5 500

Washington - 1:10 PM ET Miami +125 500 POD # 1
Miami - Under 8.5 500

Toronto - 1:35 PM ET Toronto +114 500 POD # 8
Baltimore - Over 9.5 500

Cincinnati - 1:35 PM ET Cincinnati +106 500 POD # 6
Atlanta - Over 7.5 500

Chi. White Sox - 1:35 PM ET Chi. White Sox +153 500 POD # 7
Philadelphia - Over 7.5 500

NY Mets - 1:35 PM ET Pittsburgh -160 500
Pittsburgh - Over 7.5 500

Houston - 1:40 PM ET Houston +228 500 POD # 5
Tampa Bay - Over 8.5 500

Boston - 4:05 PM ET Oakland -149 500
Oakland - Over 8.5 500

Milwaukee - 4:10 PM ET Arizona -155 500
Arizona - Over 8.5 500

Colorado - 4:10 PM ET Colorado +121 500 POD # 10
LA Dodgers - Under 7.5 500

LA Angels - 4:10 PM ET Seattle -127 500
Seattle - Over 8 500

San Francisco - 4:10 PM ET San Francisco +130 500 POD # 4
San Diego - Under 8.5 500

St. Louis - 8:05 PM ET Chi. Cubs +139 500 POD # 11
Chi. Cubs - Under 7 500

[WThotrod]

BOL today, StarDust!

[StarDust Bum]

MLB All-Star Game: Tale of the tape


American League at National League (-127, 8)

Betting the Midsummer Classic can be tricky because of the numerous pitching and lineup changes throughout the game. With that in mind, let’s break down both teams to see who has the edge.

Catcher

AL –Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins
NL –Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals

Yadier Molina will be making his sixth All-Star appearance and is among the league leaders in batting average and doubles.

Edge: NL

First base

AL –Chris Davis, Baltimore Orioles
NL – Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds

Chris Davis is having a breakout season, bashing a league-leading 37 homers by the break.

Edge: AL

Second base

AL – Robinson Cano, New York Yankees
NL –Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati Reds

The Yankees have been ravaged by injuries all season long but the big bat of Robinson Cano has kept them in the playoff hunt.

Edge: AL

Shortstop

AL –J.J. Hardy, Baltimore Orioles
NL –Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies

Troy Tulowitzki has carried the Rockies all season long and is without a doubt one of the best at his position.

Edge: NL

Third base

AL –Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
NL –David Wright, New York Mets

David Wright will have the support of the hometown crowd, but Miggy gives opposing pitchers nightmares.

Edge: AL

Outfield

AL – Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels, Adam Jones, Baltimore Orioles, Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays.
NL – Carlos Beltran, St. Louis Cardinals, Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado Rockies, Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals

Both teams feature outfields with speed and power, but give the AL the slight edge here.

Edge: AL

Starting pitching

The managers haven’t announced their starters yet, but this already looks too close to call. Max Scherzer, Felix Hernandez or Chris Sale are the frontrunners to get the ball for the AL while the NL could send Clayton Kershaw, Patrick Corbin or Matt Harvey to the hill. Either way, these top-notch hurlers should cancel each other out.

Edge: Even

Bullpens

Again, a lot of guesswork here since most of these guys won’t seem more than an inning of work. Based on the overall quality of the its closing pitchers (Jason Grilli, Aroldis Chapman, Craig Kimbrel) you could give a slight edge to the NL

Edge: NL

Reserve position players

The American League definitely boasts the bigger bats off the bench with the likes of Prince Fielder, Edwin Encarnacion, Manny Machado, Dustin Pedroia and Nelson Cruz coming off the pine.

Edge: AL


Overall Edge: AL

[StarDust Bum]

MLB Home Run Derby has history of hefty paydays

Anyone who tells you betting on things like the MLB All-Star Home Run Derby is for squares, kindly show them the winners of the past six derbies and their odds.

David Ortiz, who won the 2010 Home Run Derby, had the highest price tag of those six sluggers, set at +300 before sending 32 total big flys over the wall at Angel Stadium.

Vlad Guerrero (+600) won in 2007, Justin Morneau (+550) in 2008, Prince Fielder (+500) in 2009, Ortiz (+300) in 2010, Robinson Cano (+900) in 2011, and Fielder (+600) again last summer. That group has helped “square” bettors get through the All-Star break with some healthy paydays.

Sure, the limits may be low on Home Run Derby odds but the people complaining about that are the same ones who bitch and moan about the long-ball exhibition each July. To them we say, relax, put your feet up, throw down $20 and enjoy the best power hitters in baseball.

Here’s a look at this year’s MLB Home Run Derby odds:

Prince Fielder, Detroit Tigers (+400)

The defending home run champ has 16 round trippers on the year, one less than at the break last season, including three this month. Fielder won in 2009 but sat out the 2010 contest and managed only nine HRs in 2011.

Chris Davis, Baltimore Orioles (+400)

The MLB home run leader has 37 long balls at the break, bringing a four-game HR streak into the derby. Being the biggest bat in the derby hasn’t always panned out. Jose Bautista led the majors in HRs at the break the past two years and couldn't translate that into a derby title.

Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals (+500)

These odds could be based more on Harper’s popularity as a player than his actual chances of winning the derby, but he did have a two-HR game at Citi Field earlier this season. Harper has 13 dingers on the year in limited action.

Robinson Cano, New York Yankees (+500)

Cano was the 2011 derby winner and has swatted 21 wayward pitches over the fence this season. He was captain of the AL squad last year and posted a goose egg, getting an earful from the Kauffman Stadium crowd, who didn’t take kindly to his snubbing of Royals slugger Billy Butler when picking the team.

Yoenis Cespedes, Oakland A’s (+600)

The A’s young outfielder was one of the last men named to the derby roster. He has 15 home runs heading into the derby and hasn’t touched ‘em all since a two-HR performance at Seattle on June 21. Cespedes is only the fourth derby participant to not make the All-Star cut.

Pedro Alvarez, Pittsburgh Pirates (+600)

Alvarez is a replacement for Carlos Gonzalez, who bowed out with injuries. Baseball fans were pissed when the Bucs' bomber was excluded from the original derby roster, so Alvarez could have added motivation to put on a show after the initial snub. He has 24 home runs at the break - second most in the NL - and has a feel for Citi Field, having launched a dinger during the Pirates' three-game set in New York back in May.

David Wright, New York Mets (+1,000)

The NL team captain has the home field advantage at Citi Field but has hit only three of his total 13 home runs in front of the Big Apple faithful. Wright put on a solid show in 2006, totaling 22 HRs to finish second. But that was a long, long time ago.

Michael Cuddyer, Colorado Rockies (+900)

Fans hissed when Wright added the aging Cuddyer to the NL roster. The 12-year veteran has 16 bombs, four more than he had at the break last season, however, nine of those homers have come at Coors Field. He’s on pace for his best season since hitting 32 in 2009 but should worry more about derby messing with his swing and .330 BA, which ranks third in the NL.

[StarDust Bum]

Harvey, Scherzer to start ASG; lineups revealed


NEW YORK -- One starter will take the hill after enjoying a near-flawless first half of the season. The other will toe the rubber at his home ballpark following a stellar start to his first full year in the Major Leagues.

Tigers right-hander Max Scherzer was named the starting pitcher for the American League for Tuesday's All-Star Game at Citi Field. Mets righty Matt Harvey received the nod for the National League squad. Managers Jim Leyland of the AL and Bruce Bochy of the NL revealed their choices on Monday.

Scherzer and Harvey rank second and third in the Majors in strikeouts, with 152 and 147, respectively.


Scherzer, 13-1 with a 3.19 ERA, took his first loss of the season on Saturday, when he allowed four runs in six innings against the Rangers, who recorded a 7-1 win in Detroit. The outing snapped a string of 10 consecutive quality starts.

"13-1," Leyland said at a news conference at Citi Field. "I don't think I need to explain more than that."

The 28-year-old was the first pitcher to begin a season 13-0 since Roger Clemens in 1986.

"It means so much, especially for it being my first All-Star Game," Scherzer said. "This is what you dream for."

Harvey, 7-2 with a 2.35 ERA, has submitted a quality start in 15 of his 19 outings. The 24-year-old didn't drop a decision until June 13, when the Cardinals beat the Mets, 2-1 in New York. He opened the regular season with wins in each of his first four outings, during which he yielded a total of three runs on 10 hits.

"It's a huge honor," Harvey said. "I appreciate it. It's obviously here in New York. The fans have been great here all year. Hopefully I can make them proud."

Harvey will be the first pitcher to start a Midsummer Classic at his home ballpark since a 41-year-old Clemens did so while with the Astros at Minute Maid Park in 2004.

Harvey will also be the third pitcher to make his first All-Star Game start at his home ballpark. The others were Carl Hubbell of the New York Giants in 1934 and Esteban Loaiza of the White Sox in 2003.

"What a tremendous year he's had," Bochy said. "It really wouldn't have mattered what city we're playing in, with the year he's had."

Leyland and Bochy also announced the starting lineups. The NL lineup features Mets third baseman David Wright in the cleanup spot.

AMERICAN LEAGUE
LF Mike Trout, Angels
2B Robinson Cano, Yankees
3B Miguel Cabrera, Tigers
1B Chris Davis, Orioles
RF Jose Bautista, Blue Jays
DH David Ortiz, Red Sox
CF Adam Jones, Orioles
C Joe Mauer, Twins
SS J.J. Hardy, Orioles

P Max Scherzer, Tigers

NATIONAL LEAGUE
2B Brandon Phillips, Reds
RF Carlos Beltran, Cardinals
1B Joey Votto, Reds
3B David Wright, Mets
LF Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies
C Yadier Molina, Cardinals
SS Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies
DH Michael Cuddyer, Rockies
CF Bryce Harper, Nationals

P Matt Harvey, Mets

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: All Stars (0-0) at All Stars (0-0)
Game: 1
Venue: Citi Field
Date: July 16, 2013 8:00 PM EDT


NEW YORK (AP) - Flip on any highlight show and you're almost sure to see them, with those peach-fuzz faces and boyish features beneath their big league caps.

Mike Trout makes a diving catch on the warning track.

Manny Machado whacks another double into the corner at Camden Yards.

Bryce Harper belts a tape-measure home run or barrels into a catcher ... or an outfield fence ... or whatever stands in his way.

The next generation of baseball stars has arrived - straight from the senior prom, it seems - and these guys are changing the complexion of the grand ol' game.

Derek Jeter is 39 and injured, left off the All-Star team for the first time in eight years.

Matt Harvey is 24 and merciless, with a polished array of breaking pitches to complement 98 mph heat.

``These guys are coming up now with incredible talent, these young players,' National League manager Bruce Bochy said Monday at Citi Field, where the New York Mets are hosting the All-Star game for the first time since Shea Stadium opened in 1964. ``I think they are just getting better, faster, bigger, stronger still, and it's impressive to watch.'

No kidding.

Trout and Harper, the Rookies of the Year last season, are making their second trip to the All-Star game. This time, they will start Tuesday night after getting elected by fans with a fervor for the new boys of summer.

Some of baseball's best players are among the youngest on the field. Night after night, they put up unprecedented numbers and turn in spectacular plays that belie a birth certificate from the 1990s.

``It's good for the game,' Trout said. ``A lot of young guys are playing fearless and making a name for themselves at an early stage in their career.'

Not only that, they move merchandise.

Jersey sales for Harvey, Harper and Trout rank among the top 10 this season based on purchases of Majestic tops at MLB.com, the league and the players' association said last week.

Harper is 20, and Trout is all of 21. Barely old enough to vote, let alone buy a drink.

Machado's jersey ranked eighth, one spot behind Jeter, even though the Baltimore third baseman has spent less than a year in the majors. That didn't stop him from earning his first All-Star selection on his 21st birthday.

``In today's era, young dudes are getting better and more prepared to come up to the big leagues,' said Orioles teammate Adam Jones, an All-Star himself. ``It's just an improvement in the game. These young dudes are phenoms, and he's put his name up there.

``He's probably more mature than I am, and I'm 27.'

Machado was voted in by players, a significant sign of respect from his peers.

Well, mostly elders, actually. He certainly deserved it at a power-packed position after hitting 39 doubles in the first half, threatening the single-season record of 67 set by Earl Webb in 1931.

``Swing and hit the white ball coming at you. That's all it is,' Machado said. ``There's no secret to it.'

Just like Little League, apparently. Sometimes he makes it look that easy, too. But take a swing around the majors and you see it's not only Trout, Harper and Machado.

There is Miami rookie Jose Fernandez, a 20-year-old All-Star with a Cy Young future. Don't forget lefty Patrick Corbin (23), who is 11-1 with a 2.35 ERA for Arizona. And second-year shortstop Jean Segura in Milwaukee, who leads the NL in hits at age 23.

``I feel pretty good when they compare me with those guys,' Segura said about his place among baseball's new breed.

Then there's Harvey, the New York Mets ace with 29 major league starts to his name. His next one will be Tuesday night on his home mound opposite Detroit Tigers right-hander Max Scherzer.

``For me, he's the best pitcher in the game,' Diamondbacks outfielder Cody Ross said this month. ``Not even just in the National League. He's really good. I faced a lot of those guys in the American League last year and I can't say that I saw anyone better than him.

``His mound presence is as good as you'll see.'

There are 12 All-Stars this season 24 or younger, seven in the National League. That's the most since a dozen were selected in 1993, according to STATS - a group that included Ken Griffey Jr., Mike Piazza, Gary Sheffield, Mike Mussina and Juan Gonzalez.

The only player from that bunch under 23 was 21-year-old catcher Ivan Rodriguez. This year, there are four.

That doesn't include Los Angeles Dodgers sensation Yasiel Puig, left out of the game after six electric weeks in the big leagues at 22. More to come from him, for sure.

``Every guy that you just mentioned plays the game hard, plays it the right way every day. It's so much fun to be part of that,' Harper said.

``I'm not going to back off the throttle at all. I'm full speed every day.'

In all, 12 players who qualified as rookies last season made the All-Star team this year. So much for sophomore slumps.

``There's definitely a different breed of ballplayer coming out,' Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire said last weekend. ``This seems to be one of those cycles where a lot of young players are flashing quick.'

Although fresh faces are taking over, that doesn't mean all the old guys are out. Mariano Rivera, Torii Hunter, Carlos Beltran and Bartolo Colon are back at the Midsummer Classic, bringing decades of experience and wisdom.

And what impresses veterans the most about this crop of young stars is the way they carry themselves on and off the field. Harper occasionally flashes a hot temper with Washington, but opponents predominantly praise them for their all-around skill and steady performance.

``It's different from when I first came up. Just the attention, the media coverage, the pressure,' said Twins catcher Joe Mauer, a No. 1 draft pick who made his first All-Star appearance at 23. ``To keep everything in perspective and go out there and do your job every day and stay consistent is really what makes it pretty special.

``A lot of guys can come up and have immediate success right away and the league can kind of figure you out a little bit. But those guys keep going day after day and keep producing.'

Yankees manager Joe Girardi is reminded of the mid-90s when Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Nomar Garciaparra all broke in at shortstop in the American League.

``It is kind of amazing the level that these young guys are playing,' Girardi said.

Making them just the sort of stars baseball wants to build around.

``I like the fact that they play the game the right way. They seem to get it,' Minnesota general manager Terry Ryan said. ``They're gifted, they're energetic. It's good to see a young, up-and-coming player that represents not only their franchise well but the game well.'

[StarDust Bum]

Team Pitcher Open Line Movements Current Runline Scores

8:15 PM EDT
945 American League 8o15 -103 / -104 / -105 -106 +1.5(-190)

946 National League -120 8o20 / 8o15 / 8o20 8o15 -1.5(+165)

TV: FOX | MOSTLY FAIR, WIND IN FROM RIGHT-CENTER 4-9.

GAME TEMP 89, RH 42% HEAT INDEX 90

[Udog]

MLB All-Star Games on seven-year 'under' streak

When you think All-Star Games, you're automatically drawn to images of high-scoring, highlight-reel action. Unless, of course, we’re talking about the MLB All-Star Game.

While other all-star showcases, like the NBA All-Star Game or NFL Pro Bowl, are known for their outpouring of offense, the MLB Mid-Summer Classic has displayed defense over the past seven years. And, totals bettors playing the under have cashed in each and every year in that span.

This season, the oddsmakers have cooked up an 8-run total for Tuesday’s All-Star Game at Citi Field in New York. According to Michael Stewart, an oddsmaker with CarbonSports.ag, they “look at past All-Star performances, the strength of the All-Star teams’ pitching staff and the stadium” when setting the total.

Last year, the National League blanked the American League 8-0, just staying under the 8.5-run number set by oddsmakers. In 2011, the NL won 5-1 with a total of 8. In 2010, the final score was 3-1 with a total of 8.5.

Books pegged the 2009 ASG with a 9.5-run number but the AL edged the NL 4-3. The two leagues produced that same score over 15 innings with a 10-run total in 2008. In 2007, the ASG finished 5-4 and just under the 10-run mark. And in 2006, the AL and NL combined for a 3-1 score which was well below the 10-run total.

Citi Field has helped the New York Mets produce a 23-20-1 over/under count at home this season and boasts the lowest park factor in the majors at 0.858 (a rating below 1.000 favors the pitcher). Since opening in 2009, Citi Field has never ranked higher than 0.943 – its inaugural season.

MLB All-Star Games have posted an average of 6.57 collective runs between 2006 and 2012.

[StarDust Bum]

Hot & Not - NL Edition

July 18, 2013

We're now post All-Star break, and that means we have a second to stop and analyze what's gone on throughout the first half of the season. Join us today as we look at the hottest and coldest teams in the National League for when they return from their four-day hiatus.

Money-Makers

Los Angeles Dodgers (17-5, +$1,073 in L/22) – The Dodgers probably didn't want the first half of the season to end. This is the only team in the world that could go in a span of three months from wanting to fire its manager to winning the World Series. LA is the team to watch out for in the second half.

On Deck: The Dodgers have a tough schedule out of the break. The easiest series they've got amongst their first four is a three-game road set against the Blue Jays. Also littered in there are series against the Nationals, Reds, and Yanks.

Philadelphia Phillies (8-3, +$547 in L/11) – General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. probably would have rather seen his team tank it at the end of the first half of the season to make his decision to be a seller at the deadline an easy one. As it is, the team is right at .500 and could still feasibly make a run. It will be interesting to see what Amaro chooses to do with a lot of tradable commodities and a relatively thin farm system with little to work with.

On Deck: There's no doubt that this nine-game roadie out of the break will determine whether Philly is buying or selling. The teams on tap include the Mets, Cardinals, and Tigers, and the way that things are going, these games scream either 4-5 or 5-4.

St. Louis Cardinals (7-2, +$466 in L/9) – St. Louis managed to eke back into first place in the NL Central at the end of the first-half of the year, and manager Mike Matheny has to be happy about the fact that the Redbirds won seven of their last nine games to carry some momentum into the second half.

On Deck: The opportunity is there to open up some more space early in the second-half with San Diego and Philly coming to town, but the Cards have to careful after that. From there, it's off on the road for three with Atlanta, five with Pittsburgh, and three with Cincinnati.

Money-Burners

San Diego Padres (2-14, -$1,283 in L/16) – The Padres were still in the thick of the fight in the NL West before they closed out the first half of the season by losing 14 of 16 games. Now, there's no doubt that this club will be selling at the trade deadline, and there is no doubt that there are some young assets out there to be had.

On Deck: Starting with 10 games in 10 days on the road isn't going to help matters out for San Diego any, and if there was any doubt that it was going to finish last in the National League West, that doubt will probably be removed by the next time Petco Park opens on July 2h.

Washington Nationals (2-5, -$399 in L/7) – Washington is another one of these frustrating teams. Things looked to be going well, as it was 46-42 and looked to be set to make a charge in the NL East. Then came series against the Phils and the Marlins, and it was completely inexcusable to lose five of those seven.

On Deck: Opportunity though, is still knocking for the Nationals. Their first 11 games out of the break are at home against the Dodgers, Pirates, and Mets, and after a short five-game road trip, it's back home for another nine. Don't be shocked if Washington is in first place in the NL East by the time the team goes to Atlanta on August 16th.

Milwaukee Brewers (1-4, -$268 in L/5) – There aren't many other teams in the NL that are on wicked slides going into the second half, and Milwaukee isn't in that bad of shape relatively speaking. However, if you want to talk about the ultimate slide, just mention a team that has lost almost 20 units for bettors in the first half of the year.

On Deck: If there are games to be won, the Brewers are upon them in the second-half of the year. They have three with Miami and four with San Diego at home, and they don't play a series against a team that is more than two games above .500 since August 13th.

[StarDust Bum]

Around the Horn - Friday

July 18, 2013


NATIONAL LEAGUE

Los Angeles at Washington - 7:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Los Angeles Dodgers Nolasco (6-9, 3.76 ERA) 47-47 UNDER 8-1 L9 overall

Washington Nationals Strasburg (5-7, 2.99 ERA) 48-47 9-2 L11 home Game 1's

-- Dodgers lost to Rockies, 3-1 on Sunday
-- Nationals beat Marlins, 5-2 on Sunday



Pittsburgh at Cincinnati - 7:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Pittsburgh Pirates Liriano (9-3, 2.00 ERA) 56-37 UNDER 8-0 L8 overall

Cincinnati Reds Leake (8-4, 2.69 ERA) 53-42 2-6 L8 vs. LHP

-- Pirates lost to Mets, 4-2 on Sunday
-- Reds beat Braves, 8-4 on Sunday



Philadelphia at N.Y. Mets - 7:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Philadelphia Philies Kendrick (8-6, 3.68 ERA) 48-48 6-3 L9 vs. division

New York Mets Hefner (4-6, 3.33 ERA) 41-50 OVER 4-0 L4 home Game 1's

-- Phillies beat White Sox, 4-3 on Sunday
-- Mets beat Pirates, 4-2 on Sunday



Miami at Milwaukee - 8:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Miami Marlins Turner (3-1, 2.33 ERA) 33-58 UNDER 4-1 L5 away Game 1's

Milwaukee Brewers Lohse (5-7, 3.67 ERA) 38-56 UNDER 7-1 L8 overall

-- Marlins lost to Nationals, 5-2 on Sunday
-- Brewers beat Diamondbacks, 5-1 on Sunday



San Diego at St. Louis - 8:15 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

San Diego Padres Marquis (9-4, 3.77 ERA) 42-54 1-11 L12 away

St. Louis Cardinals Westbrook (5-4, 2.88 ERA) 57-36 8-1 L9 home Game 1's

-- Padres beat Giants, 10-1 on Sunday
-- Cardinals beat Cubs, 10-6 on Sunday



Chicago at Colorado - 8:40 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Chicago Cubs Samardzija (5-9, 4.06 ERA) 42-51 6-3 L9 away

Colorado Rockies De La Rosa (9-5, 3.21 ERA) 46-50 3-8 L11 home vs. non-division

-- Cubs lost to Cardinals, 10-6 on Sunday
-- Rockies beat Dodgers, 3-1 on Sunday



Arizona at San Francisco - 10:15 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Arizona Diamondbacks Kennedy (3-6, 5.42 ERA) 50-45 2-8 L10 as away underdog

San Francisco Giants Gaudin (3-1, 2.39 ERA) 43-51 5-1 L6 vs. ARZ

-- Diamondbacks lost to Brewers, 5-1 on Sunday
-- Giants lost to Padres, 10-1 on Sunday



AMERICAN LEAGUE

Tampa Bay at Toronto - 7:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Tampa Bay Rays Price (3-5, 3.94 ERA) 55-41 UNDER 8-1 L9 overall

Toronto Blue Jays Rogers (3-4, 3.64 ERA) 45-49 3-7 L10 vs. division

-- Blue Jays lost to Orioles, 7-4 on Sunday
-- Rays beat Astros, 5-0 on Sunday



N.Y. Yankees at Boston - 7:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

New York Yankees Pettitte (7-6, 4.39 ERA) 51-44 2-5 L7 vs. division

Boston Red Sox Doubront (6-3, 3.91 ERA) 58-39 12-2 L14 home

-- Yankees lost to Twins, 10-4 on Sunday
-- Red Sox lost to Athletics, 3-2 on Sunday



Baltimore at Texas - 8:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Baltimore Orioles Chen (4-3, 2.82 ERA) 53-43 2-5 L7 vs. LHP

Texas Rangers Holland (8-4, 3.08 ERA) 54-41 5-2 L7 home Game 1's

-- Orioles beat Blue Jays, 7-4 on Sunday
-- Rangers lost to Tigers, 5-0 on Sunday



Detroit at Kansas City - 8:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Detroit Tigers Sanchez (7-6, 2.93 ERA) 52-42 0-4 L4 off win

Kansas City Royals Santana (5-6, 3.37 ERA) 43-49 2-8 L10 home Game 1's

-- Tigers beat Rangers, 5-0 on Sunday
-- Royals lost to Indians, 6-4 on Sunday



Cleveland at Minnesota - 8:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Cleveland Indians Kazmir (5-4, 4.60 ERA) 51-44 6-3 L9 away

Minnesota Twins Pelfrey (4-7, 5.55 ERA) 39-53 1-5 L6 vs. LHP

-- Indians beat Royals, 6-4 on Sunday
-- Twins beat Yankees, 10-4 on Sunday



Seattle at Houston - 8:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Seattle Mariners Saunders (8-8, 4.24 ERA) 43-52 7-1 L8 vs. division

Houston Astros Norris (6-8, 3.63 ERA) 33-61 3-5 L8 home Game 1's

-- Mariners beat Angels, 4-3 on Sunday
-- Astros lost to Rays, 5-0 on Sunday



Oakland at Los Angeles - 10:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Oakland Athletics Griffin (8-6, 3.68 ERA) 56-39 5-1 L6 vs. LAA

Los Angeles Angels Weaver (3-5, 3.63 ERA) 44-49 UNDER 5-1 L6 home Game 1's

-- Athletics beat Red Sox, 3-2 on Sunday
-- Angels lost to Mariners, 4-3 on Sunday



INTERLEAGUE

Atlanta at Chicago (A) - 8:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Atlanta Braves Hudson (6-7, 4.02 ERA) 54-41 4-0 L4 off loss

Chicago White Sox Danks (2-6, 4.31 ERA) 37-55 OVER 6-0 L6 vs. RHP

-- Braves lost to Reds, 8-4 on Sunday
-- White Sox lost to Phillies, 4-3 on Sunday

[StarDust Bum]

The Pirates "Arrrrrrre" for Real

July 17, 2013


In most aspects of life, 20 years is a long time. In others, it seems like an eternity, such as if a professional sports organization endures as many consecutive losing seasons.

A Pittsburgh Pirates fan might vouch for that assessment.

The Pirates’ extensive run of misery is so long, in fact, that it’s actually the longest such streak in the history of Major League Baseball. But it looks like one of the most undesirable runs in sports is finally about to reach its long-overdue conclusion.

In recent years, Pittsburgh has painfully teased their fans into thinking the team’s outlook was about to turn around. After all, not only were they well above .500 at significantly deep points into the season, but they were also flirting with an improbable playoff berth as well. Playoffs?! Actually, scratch that. Over .500?!

Well, in 2013, it’s safe for a Pirates fan to believe in both - yes, even October baseball - as their club sits comfortably over .500 and right in the mix of the playoff race at the All-Star break, even while residing in the best division in baseball this season. While they may have enjoyed similar positioning at around this time in each of the past two campaigns, there’s some considerable differences between this year’s roster compared to its past two predecessors - depth and experience.

Like with most franchises, it all begins with the pitching, and if you’ve been following closely, you’d be aware that the Pirates are actually No. 1 in pitching this season, owning the best team ERA (3.07) in all of baseball. If you look up and down their pitching staff, it’s easy to see why this is so, as Pittsburgh is stacked with promising young arms and established veterans to formulate a real nice mix of talent.

A.J. Burnett and Wandy Rodriguez are the two elder members of the rotation, and both have not disappointed in their tenure in Pittsburgh. Burnett has looked like the ace of old that he was during his first go-around in the National League with the Marlins, while Rodriguez has continued to provide steady work ever since coming over from Houston almost exactly a year ago.

This is where the depth of the rotation that was previously lacking comes in so critically. With both Burnett and Rodriguez missing time due to injury (And Rodriguez still on the disabled list), not to mention previous rotation mainstays James McDonald and Jeff Karstens still out, the Pirates have had to lean heavily on some of their key youngsters right away, and they have not disappointed one bit. Jeff Locke is a prime example of that, as the 25-year old southpaw is 8-2 with a 2.15 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. He was so impressive in the first half, actually, that he was named to his first all-star team, after only narrowly making the team out of spring training as the fifth starter. And it doesn’t end there.

Francisco Liriano, who has had some success before during his previous stays in Minnesota and Chicago, has contributed arguably the best pitching of his career ever since becoming a Pirate, as evident in his 9-3 record, microscopic 2.00 ERA, and 1.19 WHIP. Liriano was always considered to have ace potential, despite never really being able to put it all together, but at least in his first year in Pittsburgh, he’s been nothing short of fabulous, having registered a remarkable 10 starts in which he has allowed two runs or less in 12 tries. In other words, he’s basically been as consistent as any pitcher in baseball, making it a little baffling the left-hander wasn’t selected to the NL all-star roster. Even so, every Pirate fan recognizes his importance in helping the team sustain its first-half success.

Furthermore, former No. 1 overall draft pick Gerrit Cole was promoted just over a month ago and has given the club some quality pitching, posting a 4-3 record and 3.89 ERA through his first seven starts. With the return of Charlie Morton as well, the Pirates have more than enough starting pitching to pace them through the second half alongside rivals St. Louis and Cincinnati, which was a huge undoing for them in the past couple of seasons.

Obviously, you also need good relief work to continually close out these excellent starts, and that’s what the Pirates have had all year long. Arguably the biggest question surrounding Pittsburgh entering 2013 was how they would replace former all-star Joel Hanrahan at closer, and they’ve done just that by ultimately boasting another all-star closer in Jason Grilli, who has impressed the entire baseball world with 29 saves in 30 opportunities, along with a polished 1.99 ERA and 0.86 WHIP. He’s also holding opponents to a .176 batting average, making it even tough just to get a base-runner against him. With a nice supporting cast of Justin Wilson, Tony Watson, Vin Mazzaro, and all-star Mark Melancon, among others, the Pirates have had no problem providing a lead for the 36-year old journeyman, who, in turn, has seemingly had no problem closing games out.

The effort with the arms has been especially crucial for Pittsburgh, which surprisingly ranks just 13th in the National League in runs scored, but more likely than not, you can expect them to improve in that regard as the season rolls on. This is an offense that has a legitimate superstar and face-of-the-franchise in Andrew McCutchen, a couple of potential emerging stars in lead-off hitter Starling Marte and slugging third-baseman Pedro Alvarez (Who earned his first all-star berth as well), and other useful hitters like Garrett Jones, Neil Walker, and Russell Martin who know their roles and perform them well.

The Pirates are also excellent on the basepaths, which is one of the main areas that fuel them offensively. When underrated manager Clint Hurdle came over in ’11, he promised to revamp the running game, and two years later, it’s clear what a difference he has made, as Pittsburgh ranks 7th in baseball in stolen bases, led by Marte’s 28 swipes. Furthermore, they are one of just two teams in baseball to have two guys with 20 steals or more (McCutchen being the other), giving them two perennial threats on base that are always getting in the head of the opposing pitcher.

At around 7/1 odds (Bet $100 to win $700) to win the National League pennant, the Bucs have astonishing value for a club that appears poised to make a serious impact in the second half and beyond. Do they have a recent track record for collapsing after the break under Hurdle? Yes, they do. But, as illustrated, this has been a work in progress throughout the past handful of years that is now about to reach its fruition - probably in a huge way. When you have one of the top managers in the league leading a deep pitching staff and balanced lineup that are the best the Pirates have had in decades, not to mention a loyal fan-base that is fun to play for, well, you’re making a solid bet no matter what. Don’t be afraid to, as the Pirate broadcasters say after each victory, Raise The Jolly Roger. In the process, you may be raising your own significant profits. It’s highly recommended.

Matt Zylbert was actually the only baseball expert from any major sports publication in the country (ESPN, CBS, FOX Sports, Sports Illustrated, etc.) to have picked the Pittsburgh Pirates to finish in first place in the NL Central, which he did in his own detailed 12,000-word MLB Preview. He’s made it this far with his brilliant bold prediction so it’s probably safe to trust his opinion on these same Buccos to continue their excellence this season. On a personal 21-9 run with his over/unders, he should be very reliable entering the upcoming second half of the season.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Rays (55-41) at Blue Jays (45-49)
Game: 1
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: July 19, 2013 7:07 PM EDT


Though David Price didn't win his last start, he continues to throw the ball well for the wild card-leading Tampa Bay Rays.

That's usually been the case when he pitches in Toronto.

In position to record a third straight complete game, Price looks to help the Rays improve their play against division opponents while personally trying to remain unbeaten against the underachieving Blue Jays on the road Friday night.

Price (3-5, 3.94 ERA) is 2-1 with a 1.08 ERA since missing almost two months with a triceps strain. He allowed two first-inning runs and finished with 87 pitches in last Friday's 2-1 loss to Houston when Jarred Cosart took a no-hitter into the seventh inning of his major league debut.

"That's three (starts) in a row where he's been pretty much the same guy," manager Joe Maddon told the Rays' official website.

Price is 6-0 with a 3.38 ERA in seven starts at Rogers Centre, but his last against the Blue Jays (45-49) came at home, where he allowed four runs - two earned - in eight innings of a 5-4, 10-inning victory May 9.

Tampa Bay starters have posted a 1.91 ERA while recording a club-record 15 straight quality starts.

Winners in 14 of 16, the Rays are 2 1/2 games behind division-leading Boston. However, they are 20-24 against AL East opponents, including 5-5 versus Toronto.

"We have to do better against the East," said Maddon, whose team begins a 10-game trip that also stops at Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium. "If we come out of the break, hold our own, get this thing rolling again in the right direction, we can make a lot of noise in the second half."

For that to happen, star third baseman Evan Longoria likely needs to get untracked.

Dealing with plantar fasciitis, Longoria has hit .136 with a homer and five RBIs in his last 18 games. He hit .500 (14 for 28) with two home runs and 10 RBIs in his first seven against the Blue Jays, but went 1 for 8 with four strikeouts last month when the Rays took two of three at home.

Teammate James Loney is batting .324 this season versus Toronto, which is 7-13 since its franchise-tying 11-game winning streak.

Saddled with lofty expectations during the offseason, the Blue Jays are last in East - 11 1/2 games back and 8 1/2 out of the second wild-card spot.

"We know it's not going to be easy, because the division is so tough," shortstop Jose Reyes told the Blue Jays' official website. "But if we play consistent baseball and take it one game at a time, I think we'll be fine."

Reyes, who missed more than two months with an ankle injury, has batted .322 with four homers and 12 RBIs in 28 games.

All-Star Jose Bautista is batting .353 (12 for 34) with four home runs versus Price, but is 3 for 32 (.094) with none in his last eight contests.

Even with veterans R.A. Dickey, Mark Buehrle and Josh Johnson in the rotation, Toronto starters rank 29th with a 5.07 ERA.

Scheduled starter Esmil Rogers (3-4, 3.64) is 0-2 with a 4.70 ERA in his last four, but yielded one run and struck out seven over six innings of a 5-4 win at Cleveland on July 10.

The right-hander gave up four runs, including consecutive homers to Loney, Wil Myers and Sam Fuld in the second inning of a 4-1 loss to Tampa Bay on June 24.