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.

______________

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

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.

______________

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

______________

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

______________

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

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

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.

_______________

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

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

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.

________

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.

__________

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.

__________

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.

___________

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.

____________

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.

____________

This Streaking game takes plenty of time and skill to master — just ask the Excel wizards in the comments (JK, <3 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

______________

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

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

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

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

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