Beat the Streak Report: Thursday, Aug. 20
Today’s recommended picks
Hanley Ramirez, SS, Marlins
.500 AVG (4-for-8) lifetime vs. Astros starter Wandy Rodriguez; NL-leading .358 AVG in ’09
Nick Markakis, OF, Orioles
.355 AVG (27-for-76) since Aug. 1
Jhonny Peralta, 3B, Indians
.391 AVG (9-for-21) since ’04 vs. Angels starter John Lackey
BTS all-time leader: Michael Karatzia, 49
MLB all-time leader: Joe DiMaggio, 56
Yesterday’s results
The second-longest streak of the season reached its end yesterday when Joe Mauer wrapped up a 0-for-3 effort against the Rangers. Mike Hamman may one day put together another run for more than a month, but for now, his just-completed 43-game streak will be set in stone in the BTS annals.
Mike’s streak fell two games shy of the season mark set by Tanner Nielsen in June. In an interesting coincidence, Tanner’s streak was also ended by a hitless day from Mauer.
And because Mauer was the choice of the second-place contestant entering yesterday’s action (we’re guessing the Twins catcher may be on the receiving end of a bit of BTS-prompted hate mail), we have a couple of fresh faces at the top of the standings.
nicklarsen84, who received a 2-for-4 day from Derek Jeter, took over the top spot at 33 games. Motorhead slid into second at 32 games thanks to an identical 2-for-4 effort from Ichiro Suzuki, while diamondmike rode a 1-for-4 performance from Carl Crawford to move up to 31 games and claim third place.
Yesterday’s Top 5 most selected players
1. Ichiro Suzuki (SEA): 7.6%, 2-for-4
2. Derek Jeter (NYY): 7.5%, 2-for-4
3. Placido Polanco (DET): 6.6%, 1-for-4
4. Hanley Ramirez (FLA): 5.8%, 1-for-4
5. Joe Mauer (MIN): 5.2%, 0-for-3
Beat the Streak Report 
“The Little Magician” does it again! A double off Tigers lefty Jared Washburn!
Another tombstone on the road leading to a 57 game hitting streak – Mike Hamman
The ex-leader Mike Hamman should have gone on “auto-pilot” and taken Ichiro every day to get his streak to 57 games. You can not win this thing with yours picks only – you have to make some bold moves and trust “Lady Luck.”
Good Luck to all today!
dragbunt
did you see the daily report only mention the top two people lost streaks. and nothing about anyone else?
i mean come on. we all know how many people lost streaks last nite. 35 people with streaks of 20 or more lost cuz they picked mauer
backrubs – The person who updates the report each day is so laid back he/she must be catatonic. He/she probably is the same person who does the “King’s at the Plate” picks each day. Not a “go-getter” work ethic to say the least.
Who do you have today?
dragbunt
GUYS – Take a look at Ichirio for Friday.
David Huff of Tribe is a lefty – lefties are averaging .376 against him this year. His August ERA is +7.00 and he gives up a lot of hits.
I’m thinking that “The Little Magician” is going to get a hit off him on Friday.
dragbunt
I went with Ichie today. Searched all over but I couldn’t find anyone convincing enough to kill my streak and end it all for this year. I didn’t pick until the very end and I kept checking the Detroit weather too. You have to do that now. Before today’s game, if you’re at 11 and your games gets rained out, its all over for the grand prize.
Here is the thing though. It was a close call. Washburn pitched pretty good game. I think pitchers often make mistakes while getting warmed up with the first batter. It really wasn’t a triumphant Ichie today.
Second, I know Huff looks perfectly matched for Ichie tomorrow but this is when the BTS God plays havoc on you. I will only go with Ichie if I don’t see anyone else as convincing. He has been way too hot lately. Something I really cannot quantify or deduce from stats is when will the hot hitter have the off day. Impossible to tell. There were many games where everyone, including the pitcher, gets the hit except for that one guy where everything lined up perfectly.