Category: Uncategorized
Beat the Streak Report: Monday, Sept. 12
Barring any season-extending rainouts or one-game playoffs, the dream of 57 games ended along with bysuag‘s 38-game streak over the weekend.
Almondorange is our current leader at 37 games and one of two streakers with enough time left to match Steve Summer‘s season-high 48-game run.
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Monday’s picks:
(Make a BTS pick)
Oh, hello there…
Jayson Werth: .450 (9-for-20) since ’06 vs. Mets starter R.A. Dickey
Paul Konerko: .467 (7-for-15) since ’06 vs. Tigers starter Rick Porcello
Jay Bruce: .556 (5-for-9) since ’06 vs. Cubs starter Rodrigo Lopez
Matt Wieters: .385 (5-for-13) since ’06 vs. Rays starter Jeff Niemann
Martin Prado: .357 (5-for-14) since ’06 vs. Marlins starter Chris Volstad
Feeling kinda spicy?
Wilson Ramos: .700 (7-for-10) since ’06 vs. Mets starter R.A. Dickey
Omar Vizquel: .467 (7-for-15) since ’06 vs. Tigers starter Rick Porcello
Eli Whiteside: .455 (5-for-11) since ’06 vs. Padres starter Aaron Harang
You’ll thank me later
Bobby Abreu: .063 (1-for-16) since ’06 vs. A’s starter Gio Gonzalez
Justin Upton: .105 (2-for-19) since ’06 vs. Dodgers starter Ted Lilly
Brian McCann: .143 (3-for-21) since ’06 vs. Marlins starter Chris Volstad
Aramis Ramirez: .100 (1-for-10) since ’06 vs. Reds starter Dontrelle Willis
Top MLB streakers
Miguel Montero: (18 games)
Adrian Beltre: (16 games)
Jacoby Ellsbury: (16 games)
Jose Reyes: (14 games)
Starlin Castro: (12 games)
Home Run Beat the Streak pick:
Paul Konerko: (29 home runs this season) vs. Tigers starter Rick Porcello
Beat the Streak Report: Weekend, Sept. 9-11
Current leader bysuag keeps rolling along, reaching 37 games last night with Robinson Cano. Bump this thing to 40 over the weekend, and then we’ll talk.
Until Monday, happy Streaking on 2011’s third-to-last regular season weekend.
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Friday’s picks:
(Make a BTS pick)
Oh, hello there…
Nick Markakis: .400 (6-for-15) since ’06 vs. Blue Jays starter Brett Cecil
Troy Tulowitzki: .556 (5-for-9) since ’06 vs. Reds starter Homer Bailey
Prince Fielder: .714 (5-for-7) since ’06 vs. Phillies starter Roy Halladay
Dustin Pedroia: .429 (3-for-7) since ’06 vs. Rays starter Wade Davis
Johnny Damon: .375 (12-for-32) since ’06 vs. Red Sox starter John Lackey
Feeling kinda spicy?
Nolan Reimold: .400 (4-for-10) since ’06 vs. Blue Jays starter Brett Cecil
Seth Smith: .500 (4-for-8) since ’06 vs. Reds starter Homer Bailey
Placido Polanco: .556 (5-for-9) since ’06 vs. Brewers starter Shaun Marcum
John Jaso: .400 (4-for-10) since ’06 vs. Red Sox starter John Lackey
You’ll thank me later
Matt Kemp: .192 (5-for-26) since ’06 vs. Giants starter Tim Lincecum
Shane Victorino: .000 (0-for-9) since ’06 vs. Brewers starter Shaun Marcum
Joe Mauer: .000 (0-for-6) since ’06 vs. Tigers starter Brad Penny
Adam Jones: .143 (2-for-14) since ’06 vs. Blue Jays starter Brett Cecil
Vernon Wells: .000 (0-for-7) since ’06 vs. Yankees starter Bartolo Colon
Home Run Beat the Streak pick:
Troy Tulowitzki: (30 home runs this season) vs. Reds starter Homer Bailey
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Saturday’s picks:
(Make a BTS pick)
Oh, hello there…
Carlos Gonzalez: .400 (4-for-10) since ’06 vs. Reds starter Bronson Arroyo
Troy Tulowitzki: .500 (4-for-8) since ’06 vs. Reds starter Bronson Arroyo
Howie Kendrick: .533 (8-for-15) since ’06 vs. Yankees starter C.C. Sabathia
Prince Fielder: .883 (5-for-6) since ’06 vs. Phillies starter Cliff Lee
Matt Holliday: .529 (18-for-34) since ’06 vs. Braves starter Derek Lowe
Feeling kinda spicy?
Kevin Kouzmanoff: .579 (11-for-19) since ’06 vs. Reds starter Bronson Arroyo
Carlos Lee: .412 (7-for-17) since ’06 vs. Nationals starter John Lannan
Maicer Izturis: .400 (6-for-15) since ’06 vs. Yankees starter C.C. Sabathia
Carlos Ruiz: .556 (5-for-9) since ’06 vs. Brewers starter Randy Wolf
You’ll thank me later
Ryan Howard: .118 (2-for-17) since ’06 vs. Brewers starter Randy Wolf
Hunter Pence: .200 (5-for-25) since ’06 vs. Brewers starter Randy Wolf
Yadier Molina: .176 (3-for-17) since ’06 vs. Braves starter Derek Lowe
Michael Young: .200 (6-for-30) since ’06 vs. A’s starter Trevor Cahill
Mike Napoli: .056 (1-for-18) since ’06 vs. A’s starter Trevor Cahill
Home Run Beat the Streak pick:
Carlos Gonzalez: (24 home runs this season) vs. Reds starter Bronson Arroyo
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Sunday’s picks:
(Make a BTS pick)
Oh, hello there…
Adrian Gonzalez: .417 (5-for-12) since ’06 vs. Rays starter James Shields
Paul Konerko: .389 (7-for-18) since ’06 vs. Indians starter Fausto Carmona
Torii Hunter: .556 (10-for-18) since ’06 vs. Yankees starter Freddy Garcia
Derek Jeter: .379 (11-for-29) since ’06 vs. Angels starter Ervin Santana
Albert Pujols: .450 (9-for-20) since ’06 vs. Braves starter Tim Hudson
Feeling kinda spicy?
Alex Gonzalez: .385 (5-for-13) since ’06 vs. Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook
Ty Wigginton: .429 (6-for-14) since ’06 vs. Reds starter Dontrelle Willis
Vernon Wells: .667 (4-for-6) since ’06 vs. Yankees starter Freddy Garcia
Rafael Furcal: .400 (6-for-15) since ’06 vs. Braves starter Tim Hudson
You’ll thank me later
Justin Upton: .143 (2-for-14) since ’06 vs. Padres starter Wade LeBlanc
Andre Ethier: .100 (1-for-10) since ’06 vs. Giants starter Madison Bumgarner
Kevin Youkilis: .103 (4-for-39) since ’06 vs. Rays starter James Shields
Hideki Matsui: .143 (2-for-14) since ’06 vs. Rangers starter C.J. Wilson
Mark Teixeira: .115 (3-for-26) since ’06 vs. Angels starter Ervin Santana
Home Run Beat the Streak pick:
Josh Hamilton: (19 home runs this season) vs. A’s starter Rich Harden
Beat the Streak Report: Thursday, September 8
Current leader bysuag, who reached 36 games last night, really has a tough act to follow.
That run is tied for the seventh-longest streak this season, but the mid-30’s just don’t get us all kids-on-Christmas-morning anymore after Steve Summer‘s 48-game hitstravaganza.
Turn that first digit into a four, and then we’ll crank up the hype machine. We’re rooting for you, bysuag — you’re our only 57 hope.
_______________
Thursday’s picks:
(Make a BTS pick)
Oh, hello there…
Dustin Pedroia: .500 (8-for-16) since ’06 vs. Blue Jays starter Ricky Romero
Kevin Youkilis: .438 (7-for-16) since ’06 vs. Blue Jays starter Ricky Romero
Jacoby Ellsbury: .412 (7-for-17) since ’06 vs. Blue Jays starter Ricky Romero
Justin Upton: 571 (4-for-7) since ’06 vs. Padres starter Cory Luebke
Prince Fielder: .318 (7-for-22) since ’06 vs. Phillies starter Cole Hamels
Feeling kinda spicy?
Vladimir Guerrero: .667 (4-for-6) since ’06 vs. Yankees starter Ivan Nova
Kelly Johnson: .600 (3-for-5) since ’06 vs. Red Sox starter Andrew Miller
You’ll thank me later
Carl Crawford: .118 (2-for-17) since ’06 vs. Blue Jays starter Ricky Romero
Kosuke Fukudome: .091 (1-for-11) since ’06 vs. White Sox starter Gavin Floyd
Ryan Zimmerman: .214 (3-for-14) since ’06 vs. Dodgers starter Chad Billingsley
Yunel Escobar: .143 (1-for-7) since ’06 vs. Red Sox starter Andrew Miller
Top MLB Streakers
Miguel Montero: 15 games
Adrian Beltre: 13 games
Jacoby Ellsbury: 12 games
Home Run Beat the Streak pick:
Jose Bautista: (39 home runs this season) vs. Red Sox starter Andrew Miller
Beat the Streak Report: Wednesday, September 7
Welcome to a new era in 2011 streaking.
With an 0-for-4 by Ryan Braun last night, season leader Steven Summer saw his eye-popping 48-game run come to a sudden end.
Although he fell nine correct picks short of breaking Joe D’s Major League record and claiming the $5.6 million BTS grand prize, Steve has established himself as favorite to take home $10,000 as 2011’s top streaker. He also wins lifetime bragging rights for building the second-longest streak in 11 years of BTS play.
Barring any one-game playoffs, there are still 15 active streakers who could tie Steve’s 48 gamer. Only current leader bysuag, however, still has enough time to reach 57.
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Wednesday’s picks:
(Make a BTS pick)
Oh, hello there…
Adrian Gonzalez: .500 (5-for-10) since ’06 vs. Blue Jays starter Brandon Morrow
Dustin Pedroia: .500 (6-for-12) since ’06 vs. Blue Jays starter Brandon Morrow
Yunel Escobar: .545 (6-for-11) since ’06 vs. Red Sox starter Tim Wakefield
Evan Longoria: .455 (5-for-11) since ’06 vs. Rangers starter Derek Holland
Miguel Cabrera: .462 (6-for-13) since ’06 vs. Indians starter Justin Masterson
Feeling kinda spicy?
Alex Gonzalez: .417 (8-for-17) since ’06 vs. Phillies starter Roy Oswalt
Omar Infante: .529 (9-for-17) since ’06 vs. Mets starter R.A. Dickey
Raul Ibanez: .500 (5-for-10) since ’06 vs. Braves starter Brandon Beachy
Carlos Ruiz: .833 (5-for-6) since ’06 vs. Braves starter Brandon Beachy
You’ll thank me later
Kevin Youkilis: .100 (1-for-10) since ’06 vs. Blue Jays starter Brandon Morrow
Joey Votto: .174 (4-for-23) since ’06 vs. Cubs starter Ryan Dempster
Adam Lind: .188 (3-for-16) since ’06 vs. Red Sox starter Tim Wakefield
Jose Bautista: .167 (2-for-12) since ’06 vs. Red Sox starter Tim Wakefield
Top MLB Streakers
Corey Hart: 18 games
Miguel Montero: 14 games
Adrian Beltre: 12 games
Jacoby Ellsbury: 11 games
Home Run Beat the Streak pick:
David Ortiz: (28 home runs this season) vs. Blue Jays starter Brandon Morrow
Beat the Streak Report: Tuesday, September 6
11 PM Update: Well, that’s it and that’s all for Steven Summer. Ryan Braun went 0-for-4 against the Cardinals despite reaching base on a walk and an error. The 0-fer ends Summer’s streak at 48 games — one short of the all-time BTS record.
7 PM Update: Steven locked in Ryan Braun again as his pick for Tuesday. Braun has at least one hit in each of his last six games and is batting .407 in that span.
______________
After today, there is no going back.
Thanks to a 2-for-5 effort by Ryan Braun on Monday, season leader Steve Summer sits at 48 games. With one more correct selection, he can match Mike Karatzia for the longest run in BTS history and officially push us into uncharted territory.
Make no mistake: this is the real deal. Fifty-seven games — and the $5.6 million prize that comes with it — is absolutely in play. Steve is picking from a solid rotation of high-average hitters, he’s playing the matchups every day, and luck appears to be on his side.
Sure, a lot can happen over the next nine days — freak injuries, intentional walks, alien attack … The list of obstacles is endless. But Steve has made it this far, and we’re not betting on the aliens now.
______________
Tuesday’s picks:
(Make a BTS pick)
Oh, hello there…
Carlos Santana: .545 (6-for-11) since ’06 vs. Tigers starter Rick Porcello
Albert Pujols: .480 (12-for-25) since ’06 vs. Brewers starter Yovani Gallardo
David Wright: .412 (7-for-17) since ’06 vs. Marlins starter Chris Volstad
Starlin Castro: .417 (5-for-12) since ’06 vs. Reds starter Mike Leake
Ichiro Suzuki: .356 (26-for-73) since ’06 vs. Angels starter Ervin Santana
Feeling kinda spicy?
Craig Counsell: .500 (11-for-22) since ’06 vs. Cardinals starter Kyle Lohse
Mike Napoli: .500 (5-for-10) since ’06 vs. Rays starter Jeff Niemann
Blake DeWitt: .455 (5-for-11) since ’06 vs. Reds starter Mike Leake
Mike Carp: .417 (5-for-12) since ’06 vs. Angels starter Ervin Santana
You’ll thank me later
Corey Hart: .071 (1-for-14) since ’06 vs. Cardinals starter Kyle Lohse
Casey Kotchman: .083 (1-for-12) since ’06 vs. Rangers starter C.J. Wilson
Evan Longoria: .100 (1-for-10) since ’06 vs. Rangers starter C.J. Wilson
Angel Pagan: .100 (1-for-10) since ’06 vs. Marlins starter Chris Volstad
Aramis Ramirez: .154 (2-for-13) since ’06 vs. Reds starter Mike Leake
Top MLB streakers
Corey Hart: 17 games
Erick Aybar: 15 games
Miguel Montero: 13 games
Adrian Beltre: 11 games
Jacoby Ellsbury: 10 games
Alex Gordon: 10 games
Home Run Beat the Streak pick:
Joey Votto: (26 home runs this season) vs. Cubs starter Rodrigo Lopez
Beat the Streak Report: Labor Day Weekend
Monday evening update: Ryan Braun came through again for Steve Summer, pushing his streak to a Metta World Peace-crazy 48 games. A correct selection on Tuesday would tie Steve for the longest streak in 11 years of Beat the Streak play. If that happens, we can officially kick off the 57 Watch.
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Monday afternoon update: Steve Summer‘s brain told him to go with Ryan Braun on Labor Day. The Brewers outfielder is entrusted with advancing a season-best 47-game streak and moving Steve within 9 days of the $5.6 million BTS grand prize.
_________
Sunday evening update: Another day and yet another hit for Steve Summer. Ichiro‘s 2-for-5 effort against the A’s carried our BTS season leader to 47 games, leaving him just two correct selections from matching the all-time BTS record. Oh, and 10 shy of breaking Joe DiMaggio‘s Major League mark and claiming the $5.6 million grand prize.
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Sunday afternoon update: Steve Summer went back to basics today, risking his 46-game streak on ol’ reliable Ichiro Suzuki. The Mariners right fielder has at least one hit in 16 of his last 17 games and is batting .333 in that span. A hit off Trevor Cahill or the A’s bullpen would vault Steve into sole possession of third place on the all-time BTS leaderboard.
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Saturday evening update: And the beat goes on… Adrian Gonzalez singled off Colby Lewis in the third inning to advance Steve Summer’s season-best streak to 46 games.
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Saturday afternoon update: Steve Summer selected Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez against Colby Lewis and the Rangers on Saturday. Reaching 46 games would tie Steve for the third-longest BTS streak of all time, and the longest since Bob Paradise strung together 48 games in 2008.
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Friday afternoon update: Well, that didn’t take long … Starlin Castro‘s third-inning single off Brian Burres pushed Steve’s streak to 45 games on Friday.
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This Streaking game takes plenty of time and skill to master — just ask the Excel wizards in the comments (JK, ❤ you guys!). But the road to 57 games is paved with a little bit of luck as well.
Ryan Braun was sitting at 0-for-4 and due up fourth in the ninth inning yesterday afternoon. Steve Summer‘s 43-game streak was more jeopardized than Ken Jennings. But Corey Hart came through with a single to bring Braun to the plate, and the Brewers left fielder did the rest.
Steve-O is now riding high at 44 games, the longest streak since June 2009 and tied for sixth-best in 11 seasons of BTS play. A chance to match the BTS all-time record of 49 could come as soon as Tuesday, with a shot at breaking Joe D’s record and taking home $5.7 million looming eight days later.
Make it through the long weekend, Steve, and we’ll talk turkey.
____________
Friday’s picks:
(Make a BTS pick)
Oh, hello there…
Melky Cabrera: .588 (10-for-17) since ’06 vs. Indians starter Justin Masterson
Neil Walker: .583 (7-for-12) since ’06 vs. Cubs starter Ryan Dempster
Alex Gordon: .421 (8-for-19) since ’06 vs. Indians starter Justin Masterson
Feeling kinda spicy?
Aubrey Huff: .458 (11-for-24) since ’06 vs. D-backs starter Joe Saunders
Orlando Cabrera: .545 (12-for-22) since ’06 vs. D-backs starter Joe Saunders
You’ll thank me later
Dan Uggla: .071 (1-for-14) since ’06 vs. Dodgers starter Chad Billingsley
Brandon Phillips: .146 (7-for-48) since ’06 vs. Cardinals starter Chris Carpenter
Paul Konerko: .152 (7-for-46) since ’06 vs. Tigers starter Justin Verlander
Home Run Beat the Streak pick:
Prince Fielder: (29 home runs this season) vs. Astros starter Lucas Harrell
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Saturday’s picks:
(Make a BTS pick)
Oh, hello there…
Joe Mauer: .647 (11-for-17) since ’06 vs. Angels starter Joel Pineiro
Brett Gardner: .500 (7-for-14) since ’06 vs. Blue Jays starter Ricky Romero
Billy Butler: .444 (4-for-9) since ’06 vs. Indians starter David Huff
Feeling kinda spicy?
Alex Rios: .611 (11-for-18) since ’06 vs. Tigers starter Brad Penny
Jack Hannahan: .625 (5-for-8) since ’06 vs. Royals starter Luke Hochevar
You’ll thank me later
Alexei Ramirez: .100 (1-for-10) since ’06 vs. Tigers starter Brad Penny
Shane Victorino: .154 (4-for-26) since ’06 vs. Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco
Derek Jeter: .130 (3-for-23) since ’06 vs. Blue Jays starter Ricky Romero
Home Run Beat the Streak pick:
Jose Bautista: (39 home runs this season) vs. Yankees starter Bartolo Colon
_____________
Sunday’s picks:
(Make a BTS pick)
Oh, hello there…
Andrew McCutchen: .500 (8-for-16) since ’06 vs. Cubs starter Randy Wells
David Ortiz: .500 (5-for-10) since ’06 vs. Rangers starter Matt Harrison
Austin Jackson: .438 (7-for-16) since ’06 vs. White Sox starter Mark Buehrle
Feeling kinda spicy?
Jon Jay: .467 (7-for-15) since ’06 vs. Reds starter Bronson Arroyo
Orlando Hudson: .425 (17-for-40) since ’06 vs. Rockies starter Aaron Cook
You’ll thank me later
Martin Prado: .091 (1-for-11) since ’06 vs. Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw
Troy Tulowitzki: .100 (1-for-10) since ’06 vs. Padres starter Mat Latos
Alexei Ramirez: .067 (1-for-15) since ’06 vs. Tigers starter Max Scherzer
Home Run Beat the Streak pick:
Josh Hamilton: (19 home runs this season) vs. Red Sox starter John Lackey
_____________
Monday’s picks:
(Make a BTS pick)
Oh, hello there…
Brian McCann: .417 (5-for-12) since ’06 vs. Phillies starter Cliff Lee
Ryan Braun: .600 (6-for-10) since ’06 vs. Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook
Prince Fielder: .417 (5-for-12) since ’06 vs. Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook
Feeling kinda spicy?
Omar Infante: .438 (7-for-16) since ’06 vs. Mets starter Chris Capuano
Mark Kotsay: .500 (7-for-14) since ’06 vs. Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook
You’ll thank me later
Matt Kemp: .100 (1-for-10) since ’06 vs. Nationals starter John Lannan
Jose Reyes: .176 (3-for-17) since ’06 vs. Marlins starter Javier Vazquez
Lance Berkman: .154 (3-for-21) since ’06 vs. Brewers starter Randy Wolf
Home Run Beat the Streak pick:
Ryan Braun: (25 home runs this season) vs. Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook
Beat the Streak Report: Thursday, September 1
Steve Summer got a little crazy yesterday.
Instead of using a speedy left-handed hitter, as is his stated preference, our season leader risked his 42-game run on a speedy right-handed batter — Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro. Talk about opening up the playbook! Next stop: slow switch-hitters.
Of course, Castro came through with a third-inning single to advance Steve’s run to 43 straight games and move him into a tie for the eighth-longest run in BTS’ 11-year history.
The all-time BTS record of 49 games is definitely in play here. Fifty-seven straight, and the $5.6 million prize that comes with it, is looming on the not-so-distant horizon. Now that Steve is open to batters of any handedness, this thing is about to get real.
______________
Thursday’s picks:
(Make a BTS pick)
Oh, hello there…
Hideki Matsui: .643 (9-for-14) since ’06 vs. Indians starter Fautso Carmona
Albert Pujols: .409 (9-for-22) since ’06 vs. Brewers starter Yovani Gallardo
Ichiro Suzuki: .348 (24-for-68) since ’06 vs. Angels starter Ervin Santana
Jacoby Ellsbury: .345 (10-for-29) since ’06 vs.Yankees starter A.J. Burnett
Derek Jeter: .333 (15-for-45) since ’06 vs. Red Sox starter Jon Lester
Hunter Pence: .333 (5-for-15) since ’06 vs. Reds starter Mike Leake
Feeling kinda spicy?
Eric Hinske: .385 (10-for-26) since ’06 vs. Nationals starter Chien-Ming Wang
Mike Napoli: .500 (5-for-10) since ’06 vs. Rays starter Jeff Niemann
Coco Crisp: .400 (6-for-15) since ’06 vs. Indians starter Fausto Carmona
Mike Carp: .400 (4-for-10) since ’06 vs. Angels starter Ervin Santana
You’ll thank me later
Curtis Granderson: .188 (3-for-16) since ’06 vs. Red Sox starter Jon Lester
Jose Bautista: .091 (1-for-11) since ’06 vs. Orioles starter Tommy Hunter
Matt Holliday: .167 (2-for-12) since ’06 vs. Brewers starter Yovani Gallardo
Asdrubal Cabrera: .182 (2-for-11) since ’06 vs. A’s starter Gio Gonzalez
Adam Lind: .154 (3-for-13) since ’06 vs. Orioles starter Tommy Hunter
Top MLB streakers
David Ortiz: 14 games
Mike Moustakas: 14 games
Corey Hart: 13 games
Carlos Lee: 12 games
Erick Aybar: 11 games
Home Run Beat the Streak pick:
Miguel Cabrera: (24 home runs this season) vs. Royals starter Danny Duffy
Beat the Streak Report: Wednesday, August 31
Ladies and gentlemen, your NEW undisputed, uncontested undefeated and untied BTS season leader … Mr. Steve Summer.
Ichiro came through yet again for our main man last night, advancing Steve to 42 games with a single in five at-bats against Jerome Williams and the Angels.
Only 14 other players have reached 42 games in nearly 11 seasons of BTS play, and one more correct selection would vault Steve into a tie for eighth place all-time in this here Streaking game.
Of course, no Streaker has ever reached the mythical land of 56 games — a mark Steve could challenge as early as Sept. 13. That is, if the stars align, the tea leaves are favorable and Ichiro keeps on hitting.
________________
Wednesday’s picks:
(Make a BTS pick)
Oh, hello there…
Melky Cabrera: .545 (6-for-11) since ’06 vs. Tigers starter Rick Porcello
Pablo Sandoval: .400 (6-for-15) since ’06 vs. Cubs starter Rodrigo Lopez
Starlin Castro: .444 (4-for-9) since ’06 vs. Giants starter Madison Bumgarner
Joey Votto: .444 (4-for-9) since ’06 vs. Phillies starter Cliff Lee
Andre Ethier: .385 (5-for-13) since ’06 vs. Padres starter Wade LeBlanc
Feeling kinda spicy?
Miguel Cairo: .571 (8-for-14) since ’06 vs. Phillies starter Cliff Lee
Matt Diaz: .533 (8-for-15) since ’06 vs. Astros starter J.A. Happ
Casey Blake: .417 (5-for-12) since ’06 vs. Padres starter Wade LeBlanc
You’ll thank me later
Mark Teixeira: .182 (8-for-44) since ’06 vs. Red Sox starter Josh Beckett
Erick Aybar: .175 (7-for-40) since ’06 vs. Mariners starter Felix Hernandez
Matt Holliday: .200 (5-for-25) since ’06 vs. Brewers starter Randy Wolf
Matt Kemp: .100 (1-for-10) since ’06 vs. Padres starter Wade LeBlanc
Jose Tabata: .100 (1-for-10) since ’06 vs. Astros starter J.A. Happ
Top MLB Streakers
David Ortiz: 13 games
Brandon Phillips: 13 games
Mike Moustakas: 13 games
J.J. Hardy: 13 games
Ichiro Suzuki: 13 games
Home Run Beat the Streak pick:
David Wright: (11 home runs this season) vs. Marlins starter Chris Volstad
Beat the Streak Report: Tuesday, August 30
With yet another successful Ichiro pick, Steven Summer reached 41 games last night and moved into a tie with Joe Turner atop the BTS season leaderboard.
Stay tuned for tonight’s episode, in which Steve will likely choose between the Mariners leadoff man and a “speedy left-handed player from an NL team” in his quest to take sole possession of the season crown.
______________
Tuesday’s picks:
(Make a BTS pick)
Oh, hello there…
Omar Infante: .577 (15-for-26) since ’06 vs. Mets starter Mike Pelfrey
Nick Markakis: .500 (6-for-12) since ’06 vs. Blue Jays starter Brett Cecil
Curtis Granderson: .368 (7-for-19) since ’06 vs. Red Sox starter John Lackey
Hunter Pence: .344 (11-for-32) since ’06 vs. Reds starter Bronson Arroyo
Joey Votto: .357 (5-for-14) since ’06 vs. Phillies starter Roy Halladay
Feeling kinda spicy?
Jorge Posada: .417 (10-for-24) since ’06 vs. Red Sox starter John Lackey
Ronny Paulino: .400 (6-for-15) since ’06 vs. Marlins starter Javier Vazquez
Will Venable: .348 (8-for-23) since ’06 vs. Dodgers starter Hiroki Kuroda
Greg Dobbs: .350 (7-for-20) since ’06 vs. Mets starter Mike Pelfrey
You’ll thank me later
Jason Bay: .077 (1-for-13) since ’06 vs. Marlins starter Javier Vazquez
Lance Berkman: .091 (1-for-11) since ’06 vs. Brewers starter Shaun Marcum
Adam Jones: .167 (2-for-12) since ’06 vs. Blue Jays starter Brett Cecil
Miguel Cabrera: .182 (2-for-11) since ’06 vs. Royals starter Jeff Francis
Top MLB Streakers
David Ortiz: 12 games
Mike Moustakas: 12 games
Brandon Phillips: 12 games
Ichiro Suzuki: 12 games
J.J. Hardy: 12 games
Home Run Beat the Streak pick:
Ryan Howard: (27 home runs this season) vs. Reds starter Bronson Arroyo
Meet current BTS leader Steven Summer
It’s a new week, and we have a new 40-game Streaker. Let’s meet letsgonets44 — or as people call him off the internet, Steven Summer.
Steve is a warehouse worker from Long Beach, NY. That’s on the South Shore of Long Island, which means that the weather looked something like this over the weekend. Steve reports that Irene was his first hurricane experience, and that he survived despite being just 50 yards from the beach.
Our current leader named Jose Bautista and David Wright as his favorite MLB players. As for his favorite team, he responded with just “Mets (ughh).” Yup, that pretty much sums up this season for the formerly-Amazins.
Steve has been playing Beat the Streak for a few seasons but was unaware of the BTS Report’s existence until a few days ago, when he stumbled across the blog while reviewing the official rules and prizes. Better late than never, so welcome aboard! Just one question, though: for a guy who said he’d only answer my questions if the Report “isn’t cursed like the Madden cover,” isn’t checking out the Prizes page the ultimate in bad Streaking karma? Click that link at your own risk.
As for picking strategy, Steve usually goes against weaker pitchers, naming Carl Pavano and Kyle Lohse as two of his favorite victims. Lately, however, he’s been influenced by a friend who advised him to only use Ichiro or speedy left-handed players from NL teams. So a dude batting .274 and Michael Bourn? Well, OK then.
Oh, and in case you were wondering about Steve’s game on the links: “I play golf righty, but I’m a switch-putter.” There you have it.
Good luck to Steve as he streaks for a share of the season lead tonight.
_____________
Monday’s picks:
(Make a BTS pick)
Oh, hello there…
Miguel Cabrera: .480 (12-for-25) since ’06 vs. Royals starter Luke Hochevar
Johnny Damon: .412 (7-for-17) since ’06 vs. Blue Jays starter Ricky Romero
Alexei Ramirez: .429 (6-for-14) since ’06 vs. Twins starter Kevin Slowey
Ichiro Suzuki: .455 (5-for-11) since ’06 vs. Angels starter Joel Pineiro
Neil Walker: .455 (5-for-11) since ’06 vs. Astros starter Wandy Rodriguez
Feeling kinda spicy?
Blake DeWitt: .444 (8-for-18) since ’06 vs. Giants starter Tim Lincecum
Brandon Wood: .714 (5-for-7) since ’06 vs. Astros starter Wandy Rodriguez
David DeJesus: .556 (5-for-9) since ’06 vs. Indians starter David Huff
You’ll thank me later
Brandon Phillips: .120 (3-for-25) since ’06 vs. Phillies starter Cole Hamels
Andrew McCutchen: .125 (2-for-16) since ’06 vs. Astros starter Wandy Rodriguez
Chase Utley: .100 (1-for-10) since ’06 vs. Reds starter Homer Bailey
Joey Votto: .167 (2-for-12) since ’06 vs. Phillies starter Cole Hamels
Top MLB streakers
Carlos Gonzalez: 15 games
Alex Avila: 12 games
David Ortiz: 12 games
Home Run Beat the Streak pick:
Paul Konerko: (28 home runs this season) vs. Twins starter Kevin Slowey