Weekend picks

Friday

Carlos Guillen, 3B, Tigers

• 16-for-31 (.516 AVG) vs. SEA RHP Carlos Silva
• Silva: .304 BAA in ’08

Michael Young, SS, Rangers

• ML-high 14-game hitting streak
• 8-for-16 (.500 AVG) vs. OAK RHP Justin Duchscherer

Saturday

Curtis Granderson, OF, Tigers

• 8-for-12 (.667 AVG) since ’03 vs. SEA RHP Felix Hernandez
• 5 multi-hit efforts in last 11 games

Sunday

Carl Crawford, OF, Rays

• 
  10-for-21 (.476 AVG) career vs. CWS LHP Mark Buehrle
• Hit safely in 11 of last 12 games

Top 5 current leaders

1. jefybasbal, 32 games
1. http://www.dsdegirolamo, 32 games    
3. vandusenkfe, 29 games    
4. billymunster1, 28 games
4. konameisters, 28 games

Season leader: jerrymohr, 39 games

Yesterday’s results

Derrek Lee and Miguel Tejada each picked up just one hit, but that was enough to boost the streaks of the BTS co-leaders to 32 games.

Other players who came through for the leaders included Todd Helton (1-for-3), Ryan Spilborghs (3-for-5) and the mighty Albert Pujols (2-for-4).


Just one fan fell out of the BTS Top 10, seeing a 25-game streak come to an end when Cristian Guzman went hitless in three official at-bats vs. the Padres.

Yesterday’s Top 5 most
selected players

1. Derrek Lee (CHC): 17.9%, 1-for-5
2. Albert Pujols (STL): 8.8%, 2-for-4
3. Chipper Jones (ATL): 7.9%, 2-for-4
4. Lance Berkman (HOU): 5.0%, 2-for-4
5. David Wright (NYM) 4.2%, 2-for-4
    

Picks of the day

• 9-for-17 (.529 AVG) vs. LAD RHP Brad Penny
• Hit safely in 18 of last 20 G
• Penny: .294 BAA in ’08

Derrek Lee, 1B, Cubs

• 6-for-6 vs. COL LHP Jeff Francis
• 13-for-41 (.317 AVG) in last 9 G
• Francis: .303 BAA vs. RHB in ’08

Top 5 current leaders

1. jefybasbal, 31 games
1. http://www.dsdegirolamo, 31 games
3. vandusenkfe, 28 games
4. billymunster1, 27 games
4. konameisters, 27 games

Season leader: jerrymohr, 39 games

Yesterday’s results

It was the end of an era in the BTS world, as Brian Kaufman saw his 38-game hit streak come to an end.

The BTS leader tabbed Ryan Braun to continue his lengthy run, but the Brewers left fielder managed just a walk in three plate appearances. Congratulations to Brian, whose 38-game streak would tie Jimmy Rollins for the eighth-longest mark of all-time if it played out on Major League baseball fields.

That leaves a pair of 31-game streak holders at the top of the BTS chart. Both of the new leaders choose Chipper Jones — who singled in two official plate appearances — as their day’s pick, as did three other members of the BTS Top 10.

Todd Helton was another popular pick among the BTS leaders, and he came through with a 1-for-3 showing to keep five streaks of at least 24 games alive.

Yesterday’s Top 5 most
selected players

1. Chipper Jones (ATL): 14.7%, 1-for-2
2. Derrek Lee (CHC): 6.2%, 0-for-4
3. Lance Berkman (HOU): 3.6%, 1-for-4
4. Albert Pujols (STL): 3.6%, 0-for-2
5. Ryan Braun (MIL) 3.6%, 0-for-2

Picks of the day

Derrek Lee, 1B, Cubs

• 9-for-19 (.474 AVG) vs. LAD RHP Derek Lowe
• 13-for-37 (.351 AVG) in last 8 G
• Lowe: .293 BAA in ’08

Jose Reyes, SS, Mets

• 9-for-19 (.474 AVG) vs. FLA LHP Scott Olsen
• .327 AVG during 12-game hit streak

Top 5 current leaders

1. bdk26, 38 games
2. jefybasbal, 30 games
2. http://www.dsdegirolamo,30 games
4. bouressat44, 28 games
4. kwbond, 28 games

Season leader: jerrymohr, 39 games

Yesterday’s results

It was a good day for most of the BTS Top 10. Leader Brian Kaufman extended his hit streak to an impressive 38 games by tabbing switch-hitting thumper Lance Berkman, who went 1-for-3 vs. the Cardinals.

Two more fans reached the 30-game plateau thanks to 1-for-5 efforts from Miguel Tejada and Garrett Atkins.

Several BTS leaders kept their streaks alive by going with Berkman, Chipper Jones, Manny Ramirez and the usual superstar suspects. However, one member fell out of the Top 10 by naming Torii Hunter, the day’s sixth-most popular pick, who finished hitless in three official at-bats vs. the Tigers.

Yesterday’s Top 5 most
selected players

1. Chipper Jones (ATL):    12.1%, 2-for-4
2. Manny Ramirez (BOS): 10.1%, 1-for-3
3. Lance Berkman (HOU): 5.8%, 1-for-3
4. Chase Utley (PHI): 3.5%, 1-for-3
5. Albert Pujols (STL): 3.4%, 4-for-4

Picks of the day

Torii Hunter, OF, Angels

• 14-for-30 vs. DET RHP Jeremy Bonderman since ’03
• .337 AVG at home in ’08

Kelly Johnson, 2B, Braves

• .409 AVG during 12-game hitting streak
• Career 2-for-3 vs. MIL RHP Dave Bush

Top 5 current leaders

1. bdk26, 37 games   
2. jefybasbal, 29 games   
2. http://www.dsdegirolamo, 29 games   
4. bouressat44, 27 games
4. kwbond, 27 games   
4. vandusenkfe, 27 games

Season leader: jerrymohr, 39 games

Yesterday’s results

The BTS leader continued his march to 57, pushing his hitting streak to 37 games thanks to a two-homer day from Jose Reyes.

Jimmy Rollins, the day’s most popular pick at 7.1 percent, helped five BTS participants hold onto their spots in the Top 10 with his single in four at-bats. Vladimir Guerrero, the day’s second-most popular pick at 6.8 percent, also came through for a couple of BTS leaders with his 3-for-6 showing vs. the Tigers.
 
One member of the BTS Top 10 went out on a limb to take Toronto’s Marco Scutaro, a player known more for his versatile glove work than his bat. But the hunch paid off, as Scutaro came through with two hits to boost the fan’s streak to 27 games.

Yesterday’s Top 5 most selected players
   
1. Jimmy Rollins (PHI): 7.1%, 1-for-4
2. Vladimir Guerrero (LAA): 6.8%, 3-for-6
3. Kevin Youkilis (BOS) 5.8%, 0-for-0
4. Chipper Jones (ATL) 5.3%, 1-for-3
5. Chase Utley (PHI) 4.1%, 3-for-6

Weekend picks

Friday

David Wright, 3B, Mets

• 5-for-8 (.625 AVG) vs. COL LHP Jeff Francis
• Hit safely in 13 of last 14 G

Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Mariners

• .359 AVG in May
• 7-for-15 (.467 AVG) since ’03 vs. NYY LHP Andy Pettitte (.292 BAA in ’08)

Saturday

Albert Pujols, 1B, Cardinals

• 12-for-30 (.400 AVG) career vs. LAD RHP Brad Penny
• .366 AVG in last 10 G
• .351 AVG overall in ’08

Sunday

Manny Ramirez, OF, Red Sox

• 10-for-18 (.556 AVG) career vs. OAK RHP Joe Blanton
• Blanton: .317 BAA vs. RHB in ’08

Top 5 current leaders

1. bdk26, 33 games
2. kward, 28 games   
3. big andy, 26    games   
3. giantsfn1, 26 games
3. jefybasbal, 26 games

Season leader: jerrymohr, 39 games

Yesterday’s results

It was a good day for the participants who chose any of the players who comprised the five most popular picks: Lance Berkman (8.8 percent), Ichiro Suzuki (8.2 percent), Ryan Braun (6.5 percent), Dustin Pedroia (4.6 percent) and Chipper Jones (3.9 percent).

The BTS leader pushed his hitting streak to 33 games thanks to a 3-for-5 performance from Berkman, while the second-place holder moved up to 28 games with Pedroia’s 1-for-5 showing.

Victor Martinez, the sixth most popular pick of the day at 3.6 percent, exited his game early, ending the ninth-place holder’s chances of moving up.

Also falling out of the Top 10 were third-ranked fan, who picked Nick Markakis (0-for-4), and the seventh-ranked fan, who went with Kaz Matsui (0-for-5).

Yesterday’s Top 5 most selected players

1. Lance Berkman (HOU): 8.8%, 3-for-5
2. Ichiro Suzuki (SEA): 8.2%, 2-for-4
3. Ryan Braun (MIL): 6.5%, 1-for-4
4. Dustin Pedroia (BOS): 4.6%, 1-for-5
5. Chipper Jones (ATL): 3.9%, 2-for-4

Picks of the day

Chase Utley, 2B, Phillies
4-for-7 (.571) vs. WSH LHP Matt Chico
Chico: .347 BAA vs. LHB in ’08

Brian McCann, C, Braves
5-for-9 (.556) vs. NYM RHP Mike Pelfrey
8-game hit streak; .397 AVG in May
Pelfrey: .314 BAA in ’08

Richie Sexson, 1B, Mariners
9-for-15 (.600) since ’03 vs. DET LHP Kenny Rogers
.370 AVG vs. LHP in ’08
Rogers: .327 BAA in ’08

Yesterday’s most selected players

Chipper Jones (ATL): 6.4%, 3-for-8
Ichiro Suzuki (SEA): 4.6%, 3-for-4
Kosuke Fukudome (CHC): 4.6%, 0-for-4
Albert Pujols (STL): 4.5%, 0-for-4
David Ortiz (BOS): 3.8%, 2-for-4

Yesterday’s results

The BTS leader is still at 31 games. How is this possible?

The fan with the longest streak heading into yesterday’s action saw his
run come to an end at 31 games when Russell Martin finished 0-for-4 at Dodger Stadium against the Reds.

Earlier in the evening, yesterday’s second-place fan, who began the day
with a 30-game streak, put himself in position to take the overall lead as David Ortiz went
2-for-4 against the Royals at Fenway Park.

Things didn’t go as well for another fan who entered the day’s play
with a 30-game streak, as Albert Pujols went hitless in four at-bats
against the Padres at PETCO Park.

Red-hot Chipper Jones — the day’s most popular pick at 6.4 percent of
all selections — didn’t disappoint in a doubleheader against the Mets
at Shea, going 1-for-4 in Game 1 and 2-for-4 in Game 2 to extend
thousands of fan streaks and maintain his lead in the Major League
batting race (.409). 

Today’s top picks

Brian Roberts, 2B, Orioles
8-for-19 (.421 AVG) in last 6 G
18-for-39 (.462 AVG) since ’03 vs. NYY RHP Mike Mussina
 
Carlos Guillen, 3B, Tigers
15-for-29 (.517 AVG) since ’03 vs. SEA RHP Carlos Silva 

Yesterday’s most selected players
   
Alfonso Soriano (CHC): 8.8% of total picks made, 0-for-4
Chase Utley (PHI): 6.6%, 2-for-4
Lance Berkman (HOU): 6.5%, 0-for-4
Manny Ramirez (BOS): 6.1%, 0-for-3
Albert Pujols (STL): 5.7%, 3-for-5

Yesterday’s results

Derrek Lee went 2-for-5, extending the current BTS leader’s streak to 31 games.

The two fans tied for second place held their ground and reached the
30-game plateau thanks to two-hit efforts from Chase Utley and Joe
Mauer. 

Despite being the day’s most popular pick at 8.8 percent of all selections, Alfonso Soriano went hitless in four at-bats to snap his seven-game hitting streak.

Lance Berkman — the day’s third-most popular pick at 6.5 percent — also went 0-for-4 as his 17-game hitting streak came to a screeching halt. That spelled the end of one fan’s 25-game streak, which was tied for seventh place entering the day.

Also falling out of the Top 10 was the owner of the fourth-longest streak, whose 28-game run came to an end with Dustin Pedroia’s 0-for-3 performance. 

Fan of the day

Name: Brian D. Kauffman
Occupation: Banquet Manager
Streak length: 30 games

Brian, who resides in Collinsville, Ill., has been playing Beat the Streak for the past two years. As a fan of the Cardinals, Brian frequently makes Albert Pujols his pick in BTS, although he often goes with hit king Ichiro Suzuki as well.
 
Brian’s streak nearly came to a premature end a little over a week ago. He picked Yunel Escobar on a day when the Braves were playing a doubleheader, not realizing that Escobar needed to get a hit in BOTH games for the streak to continue. Fortunately, the Braves shortstop came through with two hits in the first game and another in the second, keeping Brian’s hopes alive for another day.

Today’s Top Picks

Lance Berkman, 1B, Astros
.535 AVG during 17-game hit streak
.399 AVG overall in ’08

Alfonso Soriano, OF, Cubs
.556 AVG in last 9 G
4-for-7 since ’03 vs. HOU RHP Brian Moehler

Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Nationals
9-for-22 (.409) vs. PHI RHP B. Myers

Yesterday’s most selected players

Manny Ramirez (BOS): 5.7% of picks, 1-for-5
Derek Jeter (NYY): 4.4%, 1-for-3
Chipper Jones (ATL): 4.2%, 1-for-3
Lance Berkman (HOU): 3.5%, 2-for-5
Ichiro Suzuki (SEA): 3.5%, 1-for-3

Yesterday’s top fan results

The current overall Beat the Streak leader went with yesterday’s most popular pick, and it paid off — albeit at the 11th hour, as Manny went hitless in his first four at-bats before collecting a single on a sharp grounder to left in Boston’s final at-bat in the bottom of the eighth.

Meanwhile, two fans extended their streak to 29 games thanks to the efforts of Michael Young (1-for-4) and Albert Pujols (3-for-5).

-To all,

Because of myself being upset about the 12-game hit streak lost Friday, I did minimal analysis for Saturday’s games

Looking at what did work Friday was Lance Berkman and Chipper Jones again.  Since very little was at stake Saturday, I directly plugged them into 2 of the 3 slots.  The better hitter gained responsibility of the 2-game hit streak, while the lower of the pair slid into a fresh streak of 0 games.

This still left us with an empty slot and I was not willing to go back to Albert Pujols or Hanley Ramirez right away, as their co-op failures for me, were particularly destructive.  I gave Ichiro Suzuki another shot after going 0 for 6 in a 12-inning game on Wednesday.

Here is a quick look at how I divided everyone up:

3)  Conor Jackson  (Arizona Diamondbacks)  (0)

I still read through information about the games during the day to keep up with what is going on, but this was basically a day of from true analysis.

The results were actually really solid as Lance Berkman gave me a homer in the 4th inning to tie  (for the fourth or fitfth time,)  record of a 2-game Home Run streak.  This also started one of my hitting streaks off the ground to one.

My other core player, Ichiro Suzuki delivered in his 1st AB, extending my hitting streak there to 3 games.  However, Chipper Jones failed and gave me an 0 for 4.

Dan Uggla and Conor Jackson also failed to hit home runs for me, so those streaks remained at 0 games.

Overall though, the day was pretty good, since my core hitters both were successful, even though as a whole, I only split the day at 3-3!