Today’s recommended picks

Derrek Lee, 1B, Cubs
20-for-56 (.357 AVG) during 14-G hitting streak

Lance Berkman, 1B, Astros
10-for-18 (.556 AVG) lifetime vs. Rangers starter Vicente Padilla

Brian Roberts, 2B, Orioles
4-for-8 (.500 AVG) lifetime vs. Mets starter Livan Hernandez

BTS all-time leader: Michael Karatzia, 49
MLB all-time leader: Joe DiMaggio, 56

Yesterday’s results

If life does indeed begin at 40, then BTS leader wildtanners has a great many things to look forward to. Perhaps a payout of over $1 million will be one of those things. wildtanners became just the 20th contestant in the eight-plus years of BTS play to reach the 40-game plateau yesterday when Freddy Sanchez laced a first-inning single en route to a 2-for-5 day. wildtanners is now just 10 games away from setting a new BTS record, and 17 shy of toppling Joe DiMaggio’s mark for the top prize.

Of course, he isn’t the only one with eyes on the Yankee Clipper’s record. richdempc continued his own impressive run yesterday, extending his streak to 36 games with a 1-for-4 effort from Ichiro Suzuki. Furthermore, he took over sole possession of second place when wolfenstein35’s selection, Albert Pujols, was limited to two walks in four plate appearances vs. the Tigers.

Pujols’ hitless performance also spelled an end to the 34-game run of trkmn94. That allowed paulcmoss84, who tabbed Ichiro, to take over third place at 34 games. crtownse went with .400 hopeful Joe Mauer (1-for-4) to move up to 33 games, while beowolf49 and darla019 pushed their streaks to 32 games with their respective picks of Marco Scutaro (3-for-4) and Pat Burrell (1-for-4).

 
Yesterday’s Top 5 most selected players

1. Ichiro Suzuki (SEA): 11.0%, 1-for-4
2. Joe Mauer (MIN): 5.4%, 1-for-4
3. Ryan Zimmerman (WSH): 4.2%, 0-for-4
4. Ryan Braun (MIL): 4.1%, 2-for-4
5. Carl Crawford (TB): 3.9%, 1-for-4

 

Fan profile

Jongkun (Timothy) Kim was making waves in the BTS standings before his 35-game run came to an end yesterday.

Timothy was born in Korea and moved to Toronto in 1998. A University student, it’s not surprising that he’s put a lot of thought into his BTS strategy. Timothy focuses on the day’s starters with a high ERA and the hitters with a strong average against them. If he’s having a tough time deciding, he looks to see if it’s a home game for the batter. He also feels that a player coming off a hitless game will be motivated to bounce back and have a successful day at the plate.

Timothy roots for both the Blue Jays and Red Sox, and names Kevin Youkilis as his favorite player. He hopes his hometown Jays make the playoffs this year, so maybe when he’s not busy studying the BTS batter-pitcher matchups, he can devise a way to help the Toronto pitching staff stay healthy.

 

Today’s recommended picks

Pat Burrell, OF, Rays
11-for-16 (.688 AVG) lifetime vs. Rockies starter Aaron Cook; .362 AVG lifetime at Coors Field

Marco Scutaro, SS, Blue Jays
11-for-29 (.379 AVG) lifetime vs. Phillies starter Jamie Moyer; Moyer: .313 AVG against in ’09

Mark DeRosa, INF/OF Indians
4-for-11 (.364 AVG) lifetime vs. Brewers starter Jeff Suppan; .368 AVG over last 10 G

BTS all-time leader: Michael Karatzia, 49
MLB all-time leader: Joe DiMaggio, 56

Yesterday’s results

There’s no slowing wildtanners, who extended his BTS season-high streak to 39 games yesterday. He was right on the money with his pick of Joe Mauer, who knocked four hits in the Twins’ victory.

But while wildtanners continued to run wild, second-place contestant gregnewprague saw his luck run out. Carlos Beltran was unable to come through with a hit in five at-bats, ending gregnewprague’s streak at 36 games.

The next five fans in the standings all had the Wright stuff with their selections, as the Mets third baseman continued his hot hitting with a 2-for-5 night. That enabled richdempc — who was featured in yesterday’s blog entry — to remain in a tie with the aptly named wolfenstein35 at 35 games. trkmn94 moved up to fourth place, at 34 games, and paulcmoss84 rounded out the Top 5 at 33 games.

Yesterday’s Top 5 most selected players

1. David Wright (NYM): 10.5%, 2-for-5
2. Ichiro Suzuki (SEA): 10.4%, 0-for-4
3. Derek Jeter (NYY): 7.2%, 0-for-3
4. Brian McCann (ATL): 4.7%, 2-for-4
5. Mark Teixeira (NYY): 4.2%, 1-for-4

 

Fan profile

Under the user name of gregnewprague, Gregory Allan Lindahl of New Prague, Minn., rung up an impressive 36-game streak before receiving a 0-for-5 game from Carlos Beltran yesterday.

A lifelong Minnesotan, Gregory roots for his hometown Twins and their superstar catcher, Joe Mauer, but he also admits to keeping tabs on the Yankees and Reds.

Gregory is a new kid on the block in the BTS world — he says he first logged on to play in April, after a friend told him he heard Twins broadcaster Dan Gladden mention the game on the radio. If Gregory can put together such a lengthy streak after only a few weeks, then it’s likely we’ll be seeing him back on top of the BTS leaderboard before long.

 

Today’s recommended picks

Brian McCann, C, Braves
7-for-13 (.538 AVG) lifetime vs. Reds starter Aaron Harang

David Wright, 3B, Mets
22-for-38 (.579 AVG) during 10-G hit streak

Lance Berkman, 1B, Astros
5-for-9 (.556) since ’04 vs. Rangers starter Kevin Millwood; .357 AVG since June 1

BTS all-time leader: Michael Karatzia, 49
MLB all-time leader: Joe DiMaggio, 56

Yesterday’s results

Although there were only two games on the schedule, the four teams in action combined for enough offense to fuel an entire nation of BTS participants.

The most selected player of the day, Ryan Braun, came through with three hits to push BTS leader wildtanners’ streak to 38 games. Braun was also the choice of the second-place (gregnewprague) and co-third-place (wolfenstein35) contestants, which extended their respective streaks to 36 and 34 games.

richdempc managed to get one hit from Torii Hunter and extend his streak to 34 games before Hunter crashed into the outfield wall and left the game, but there was no such luck for adamcpar, whose daredevil center fielder of choice — Aaron Rowand — went hitless to snap his run at 33 games.

Yesterday’s Top 5 most selected players

1. Ryan Braun (MIL): 28.2%, 3-for-5
2. Aaron Rowand (SF): 19.3%, 0-for-3
3. Torii Hunter (LAA): 10.5%, 1-for-3
4. Victor Martinez (CLE): 7.2%, 3-for-4
5. Prince Fielder (MIL): 6.3%, 2-for-3

 

Fan profile

Known as richdempc to the BTS community, Richard Louis Dempsey has put together an impressive 34-game streak that has him in a tie for third place.

A semi-retired administrator for the Christian Business Men’s Connection and the Columbia Group, Richard lives in Fredericksburg, Va., with his wife. Though he grew up in Pennsylvania and upstate New York, Richard names Atlanta’s Kelly Johnson as his favorite player, underscoring how he has taken to the teams and athletes in his current neck of the woods.

Richard claims to have been a BTS participant for only about two years, which means he’s quickly figured out a successful approach to the game. He says his main strategy for determining which players to pick is by combing though the pitching matchups and going with the hottest bats.

Beat the Streak is a family affair for Richard, as his son and son-in-law keep close tabs on how he fares. And while there are certain players he will never select for personal reasons, he politely declines to say who they are. We can only hope a contestant with such a gentlemanly disposition continues enjoy plenty of success this season.

 

Today’s recommended picks

Aaron Rowand, OF, Giants
18-for-48 (.375 AVG) since June 1

Prince Fielder, 1B, Brewers
17-for-49 (.347 AVG) since June 1; Indians pitching staff: 5.07 ERA in ’09

Ryan Braun, OF, Brewers
46-for-123 (.374 AVG) on road; Indians pitching staff: 5.07 ERA in ’09

BTS all-time leader: Michael Karatzia, 49
MLB all-time leader: Joe DiMaggio, 56

Yesterday’s results

With his ability to put any pitch near the strike zone in play and the speed to beat out seemingly routine ground balls, Ichiro Suzuki has been a favorite of BTS participants for the last eight-plus seasons.

Seattle’s hit machine helped produce another BTS milestone moment yesterday, as his 2-for-4 showing against the Rockies pushed wildtanners’ streak to a BTS season-high 37 games. Only 30 contestants in the game’s history have produced longer streaks.

gregnewprague fell to two games behind the leader with his selection of Carl Crawford, who did not bat, but he still held on to second place in the standings. And the rest of the Top 5 remained intact, as adamcpar, richdempc, wolfenstein35 all went with old reliable Ichiro to push their streaks to 33 games.

Yesterday’s Top 5 most selected players

1. Ichiro Suzuki (SEA): 15.2%, 2-for-4
2. Freddy Sanchez (PIT): 5.5%, 2-for-4
3. Albert Pujols (STL): 3.5%, 0-for-3
4. Andre Ethier (LAD): 3.4%, 1-for-5
5. Carl Crawford (TB): 3.3%, 0-for-0

 

Today’s recommended picks

Alex Rodriguez, 3B, Yankees
10-for-16 (.625 AVG) lifetime vs. Mets starter Livan Hernandez

Lyle Overbay, 1B, Blue Jays
.385 AVG since June 1; Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco: .344 AVG against in ’09

Juan Pierre, OF, Dodgers
5-for-14 (.357 AVG) lifetime vs. Rangers starter Vicente Padilla; .349 AVG in ’09

Saturday’s recommended picks

David Wright, 3B, Mets
8-for-18 (.444 AVG) lifetime vs. Yankees starter Andy Pettitte

Carlos Lee, OF, Astros
.351 AVG since June 1; .363 AVG vs. Diamondbacks pitchers since ’04

Stephen Drew, SS, Diamondbacks
.359 AVG since June 1; 5-for-14 (.357 AVG) lifetime vs. Astros starter Roy Oswalt

Sunday’s recommended picks

Vladimir Guerrero, OF, Angels
10-for-17 (.588 AVG) lifetime vs. Padres starter Chris Young

Freddy Sanchez, 2B, Pirates
10-for-17 (.588 AVG) lifetime vs. Tigers starter Dontrelle Willis

Andre Ethier, OF, Dodgers
14-for-35 (.400 AVG) during 9-G hit streak

BTS all-time leader: Michael Karatzia, 49
MLB all-time leader: Joe DiMaggio, 56

Yesterday’s results

Thursday brought an end to the 33-game streaks of two of the three BTS leaders, as famillehlg and justinleslie were thwarted by hitless efforts from Hunter Pence and Hanley Ramirez. That left an opening for wildtanners to claim the top spot at 34 games with a 1-for-4 night from Chase Utley.

New second-place holder gregnewprague extended his run to 33 games with a 2-for-5 performance from Carl Crawford. Three more contestants — adamcpar, richdempc and wolfenstein35 — head into the weekend with 30-game streaks.

Yesterday’s Top 5 most selected players

1. David Wright (NYM): 13.1%, 3-for-4
2. Chase Utley (PHI): 11.8%, 1-for-4
3. Ichiro Suzuki (SEA): 8.8%, 2-for-5
4. Albert Pujols (STL): 4.3%, 1-for-4
5. Carl Crawford (TB): 3.7%, 2-for-5

 

Today’s recommended picks

David Wright, 3B, Mets
16-for-38 (.421 AVG) lifetime vs. Phillies starter Jamie Moyer; Moyer: .307 AVG against in ’09

Chase Utley, 2B, Phillies
8-for-18 (.444 AVG) lifetime vs. Mets starter Tim Redding

Hunter Pence, OF, Astros
8-for-17 (.471 AVG) lifetime vs. Cubs starter Ryan Dempster

BTS all-time leader: Michael Karatzia, 49
MLB all-time leader: Joe DiMaggio, 56

Yesterday’s results

Three’s a charm for the BTS leaders, who continued their group march toward Joe D. by pushing their streaks to 33 games. justinleslie went with BTS favorite Ichiro Suzuki (1-for-3) to remain alive, while wildtanners tabbed Ryan Braun (1-for-2) to keep rolling. famillehlg went out on a limb a bit by picking Jhonny Peralta and his sub-.260 average, but Peralta came through with one of only four Cleveland hits for the night.

The rest of the Top 5 also remained intact, as gregnewprague recieved a 1-for-5 performance from Dustin Pedroia to move up to 32 games and wiq_ed reached the 30-game mark with his selection of Ichiro. Three more are tied for sixth at 29 games.

Yesterday’s Top 5 most selected players

1. Ichiro Suzuki (SEA): 13.7%, 1-for-3
2. Dustin Pedroia (BOS): 8.6%, 1-for-5
3. Kevin Youkilis (BOS): 4.9%, 1-for-4
4. Derrek Lee (CHC): 3.4%, 1-for-4
5. Ryan Braun (MIL): 2.9%, 1-for-2

 

Today’s recommended picks

Derrek Lee, 1B, Cubs
12-for-24 (.500 AVG) lifetime vs. Astros starter Wandy Rodriguez; 8-G hit streak

Lyle Overbay, 1B, Blue Jays
15-G hitting streak; 5-for-10 (.500 AVG) since ’04 vs. Rangers starter Kevin Millwood

Nick Markakis, OF, Orioles
9-for-20 (.450 AVG) lifetime vs. Mariners starter Felix Hernandez

BTS all-time leader: Michael Karatzia, 49
MLB all-time leader: Joe DiMaggio, 56

Yesterday’s results

The three contestants who entered Wednesday in a tie for first place, at 31 games, all kept their streaks intact to remain together for at least one more day.

famillehlg and wildtanners were among the 17 percent of BTS contestants who selected Ichiro Suzuki, a fine choice given the hit machine’s 2-for-4 night vs. the Orioles. Fellow leader justinleslie instead went with Vladimir Guerrero, but the result was the same (2-for-4).

gregnewprague kept in close pursuit, extending his hit streak to 31 games thanks to a two-hit effort from Chone Figgins, and wiq_ed rounded out the Top 5 by tabbing Ichiro to move up to 29 games.

Yesterday’s Top 5 most selected players

1. Ichiro Suzuki (SEA): 17.0%, 2-for-4
2. Joe Mauer (MIN): 3.6%, 2-for-4
3. Dustin Pedroia (BOS): 3.4%, 0-for-4
4. Alfonso Soriano (CHC): 3.2%, 1-for-5
5. Derek Jeter (NYY): 3.1%, 0-for-3

 

Today’s recommended picks

Lyle Overbay, 1B, Blue Jays
.444 AVG during 14-G hit streak

Vladimir Guerrero, OF, Angels
10-for-23 (.435 AVG) lifetime vs. Rays starter James Shields

Magglio Ordonez, OF, Tigers
15-for-30 (.500 AVG) lifetime vs. White Sox starter Mark Buehrle

BTS all-time leader: Michael Karatzia, 49
MLB all-time leader: Joe DiMaggio, 56

Yesterday’s results

There were no changes at the top of the BTS leaderboard, as famillehlg, justinleslie and wildtanners all extended their streaks to 31 games.

The wait was over quickly for famillehlg, who received a first-inning blast from Chipper Jones to keep his run alive. But things were a little more tense for justinleslie, who had to wait until the fifth inning for Hanley Ramirez to pick up his lone hit, and especially for wildtanners, who had to wait until the eighth for Derek Jeter to come through with a home run.

Just behind the leaders, gregnewprague also benefited from Jeter’s late dramatics to remain in fourth place at 30 games. kbg_1992 and wiq_ed, who hold joint custody of the fifth spot, extended their streaks thanks to a fifth-inning single from Aaron Hill.

Yesterday’s Top 5 most selected players

1. Derek Jeter (NYY): 15.4%, 1-for-4
2. Albert Pujols (STL): 13.2%, 0-for-4
3. Ian Kinsler (TEX): 7.3%, 1-for-4
4. Chipper Jones (ATL): 6.6%, 2-for-5
5. Alex Rodriguez (NYY): 4.9%, 0-for-3

 

Today’s recommended picks

Magglio Ordonez, OF, Tigers
15-for-30 (.500 AVG) lifetime vs. White Sox starter Mark Buehrle

Albert Pujols, 1B, Cardinals
.377 AVG vs. Rockies pitchers since ’04

Chipper Jones, 3B, Braves
9-for-19 (.474 AVG) lifetime vs. Pirates starter Zach Duke

BTS all-time leader: Michael Karatzia, 49
MLB all-time leader: Joe DiMaggio, 56

Yesterday’s results

Something unusual appeared to be in the works last week, as several contestants rose through the BTS standings together and took over first place as a group. However, a tidal wave of bad luck washed over the pack in the last couple of days, as all seven fans who entered Friday’s action tied for first place at 30 games were unable to make it through the weekend with their streaks intact.

The result was a much more normal grouping of three at the top of the standings. famillehlg, justinleslie and wildtanners extended their BTS-leading streaks to 30 games with their respective picks of Aaron Rowand (2-for-4), Ichiro Suzuki (2-for-4) and Michael Young. OldmanOil and gregnewprague are just behind them, at 29 games, following their picks of Young and Suzuki.

Yesterday’s Top 5 most selected players

1. Ichiro Suzuki (SEA): 11.9%, 2-for-4
2. Michael Young (TEX): 8.2%, 2-for-5
3. Derek Jeter (NYY): 6.1%, 0-for-4
4. Kevin Youkilis (BOS): 4.7%, 1-for-3
5. Albert Pujols (STL): 4.5%, 0-for-2

 

Today’s recommended picks

Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Mariners
.398 AVG during 27-G hit streak

Joe Mauer, C, Twins
10-for-16 (.625 AVG) lifetime vs. Mariners starter Felix Hernandez; .436 AVG in ’09

Matt Kemp, OF, Dodgers
.433 AVG during 9-G hit streak; Phillies starter Jamie Moyer: .321 AVG against in ’09

Saturday’s recommended picks

Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Mariners
.398 AVG during 27-G hit streak

Derek Jeter, SS, Yankees
Multiple hits in 7 of past 8 G; 5-for-14 (.357 AVG) lifetime vs. Rays starter Matt Garza

Chipper Jones, 3B, Braves
.700 AVG (7-for-10) lifetime vs. Brewers starter Jeff Suppan

Sunday’s recommended picks

Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Mariners
.398 AVG during 27-G hit streak

Michael Young, 3B, Rangers
5-for-8 (.625 AVG) lifetime vs. Red Sox starter Daisuke Matsuzaka; Matsuzaka: .374 AVG against in ’09

Aaron Rowand, OF, Giants
.390 AVG during 14-G hit streak; Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco: .344 AVG against in ’09

BTS all-time leader: Michael Karatzia, 49
MLB all-time leader: Joe DiMaggio, 56

Yesterday’s results

Houston’s Miguel Tejada was one of the hottest hitters in baseball heading into yesterday’s action, but he was cooled off by three Colorado pitchers. As such, his 0-for-5 performance not only snapped a personal 17-game hitting streak, it ended the runs of the Top 2 BTS contestants. waw_3card and ace21dlr placed their faith in the veteran shortstop, resulting in the finish of their respective streaks of 31 and 30 games.

And so, with a nod to the upcoming Belmont Stakes, a pack of seven contestants are rounding the corner and heading into the weekend in a tie for first at 30 games. We’ll see who can keep surging, and who will fade down the stretch.

Yesterday’s Top 5 most selected players

1. Derek Jeter (NYY): 7.0%, 0-for-0
2. Carl Crawford (TB): 5.6%, 2-for-4
3. Jason Kubel (MIN): 5.1%, 3-for-4
4. Jason Bay (BOS): 4.7%, 1-for-5
5. Joe Mauer (MIN): 4.6%, 3-for-4