Author: Charlie O. Mallonee

I have been a sports reporter/broadcaster since 1976 which means ... I'm old and I love sports. I have done play-by-play for minor league baseball - including the infamous "Bad News Bees" - San Jose State football and football and high school sports in the Bay Area and on the Monterey Peninsula. I had the great privilege to host a weekly sports talk show on KNRY Radio Monterey/Salinas with my producer the late,great Gary Araki. I also hosted and produced "the Sports Fanatics" talk show on KSAC Radio in Sacramento. For the last 10 years, I have been a beat reporter covering the Oakland Athletics for Sports Radio Service. Three years ago, I became the senior reporter for our Sacramento Kings coverage. My goal is to bring you the news, views, fun and excitement of every event I am assigned to report on for Sports Radio Service.

NFL Thursday Night Week 5: Here’s Your Written Fantasy Football Prescription

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment

DiehardFIN

by Dr. Vasu Vaddiparty

Week 5 of the NFL has a matchup of two teams who have played just ok to start the year. The Patriots, everyone’s gold standard has been nothing short of pedestrian the first 3 weeks but then, after the ugly upset in Detroit two Sunday nights ago, came back and showed the 1st place and previously undefeated Dolphins that they are not exactly conceding the AFC East yet with a 38-7 win in which all three phases played extremely well. Specifically, the defense who had been shell-shocked stepped up and held Miami to very little offensive production.

The Colts have started out 1-3 but have been very competitive in all four games including a big upset win at Washington who some believe could win the NFC East. The Colts had the lead vs. the Bengals in week 1 but the defense let them down. The Redskins win was very big. The Eagles loss was late in the 4th and because of Luck’s arm strength, not all the way back had to use their backup Brissett for late heave on the final play of the game. Last week, after coming back down 14 to send it to OT, they decided to forgo a punt and a potential tie to end up losing in OT to Houston.

The question here is can the Colts be competitive at New England a place that has been a house of horrors including the bludgeoning by the Pats in the AFC Championship game some years ago, that eventually lead to the whole “Deflate-Gate” situation. Ever since then the Patriots have made it a personal mission to go after the Colts every time.

The Thursday preview of Fantasy Football ramifications will be broken down below between the Patriots and Colts to get you a good jump on your week.

Colts

QB

Andrew Luck is certainly back and has shown the competitive fire when he was completely healthy in his first few years. Post-surgery has been a question mark of exactly how healthy he is. He’s had 4 pretty good games but the arm strength is not there. That was never more evident than the end of the game in week 3 vs. Philadelphia when they took him out on the final play of the game. Luck is a good choice because he doesn’t make mistakes and won’t cost owners negative points. The Patriots defense hasn’t been good all year until this last weekend. This is a spot where Luck could succeed but if there are other options I would use them. This could be a tough spot for Luck considering the history between the two teams and the way the Patriots played last weekend.

RB

This section of the Colt’s preview is going to consist of one sentence. Unless you have bye-weeks and injury, there are no options for the Colts from the RB standpoint. Wilkins and Hymes are the two main backs for Indy but these are clearly RB3 and RB4 options. Not to totally dump on them Hymes did have nine catches for 63 yards last week in the OT Loss vs. Houston. All in all, if you have to rely on the Colts RB for fantasy points then you can expect a loss without having to worry about other positions.

WR / TE

Receivers are a different story for the Colts because of Luck and his ability to find open receivers. They have had success in the air for the four weeks so far this season. TY Hilton has been Luck’s “go to” receiver, but he will not be available on Thursday night due to injury. He would be a 1.5 or WR2 on any fantasy team because Luck will look for him. Ryan Grant the former Redskins player is another option for Luck. Luck’s lack of arm strength enables the offense to get quick short passes out and this could be an option for a TE with the skill of Eric Ebron as a solid TE2. He has been a very good option through the first four weeks and should be a decent option.

Patriots

QB

Tom Brady, Tom Brady, Tom Brady. He is everyone’s QB1. While his numbers have not been great this year, he has the ability to pick up numbers. The running game has featured a few injuries and potential roadblocks to a decent running game. This could be a great spot for Brady to attack the Colt’s defense. Coming off a big victory last week vs. Miami and at 2-2 challenging for the division again should be enough motivation for Tom Terrific to have one of his great, or at least really, really, really good game. Not to mention whenever he is on National TV he always seems to rise to the top. Start him!!

RB

Rex Burkhead has been up and down and suffered an injury that caused him to miss last week vs. Miami and that has now landed him on the IR list. James White has been in the system for a few years. He has been effective but nothing more than a solid RB3 because there are other options that can be used. However, the star of the blowout last week was rookie RB Sony Michel. The rookie from Georgia is a quick, small load. 112 yards last week on 25 carries. Granted a lot of that was after the Pats established a big lead but he is an effective back and if the Patriots get out to a big lead again look for him to get a good workload going. He is a solid RB2 for your team.

WR / TE

Rob Gronkowski came out early last week against Miami with a non-serious injury. Bumps and bruises are starting to get in the way of fantasy football owners as well as bye weeks. Check your injury reports to find out what his status is. You may not know until near game time what Gronk’s status is but the faster we find out the faster the click to No. 1 TE button and start him. He’s the best TE or definitely top 3 so he’s a clear TE1 pending injury status. Phillip Dorsett has become a deep threat for Brady since the loss of Cooks from last year. The big question is how much will Josh Gordon be implemented into the offense. With the potential of Gronk being out feeling is that Gordon knowing the playbook better and the Colts secondary not playing very well could be another factor to make Gordon a starter on your team this week. WR1.5 or WR2 is the most likely spot for Gordon because of the ability for Tom Brady to utilize his entire offensive weapons.

Special Teams/ Defense

Both special teams and defenses have been shaky at best. Though the Colts has played pretty well before week 4’s OT loss vs. Houston. 34 vs. Cincinnati, 9 in a win vs. Washington, 20 vs. Philadelphia and 37 vs. Houston. Lots of yards and lots of points on defense has gotten them off to a 1-3 start. Not a good play on the Colts defense. The Patriots gave up 20 to a struggling Houston offense in a win, 31 given up to a so-so offense in Jacksonville in a loss, 24 to a Lions team whose offense is pretty good but a bad night overall. Last week looked the part for NE has they had all phases working but defensively was outstanding giving up 7 points and thoroughly stifling the Dolphins offense. This is a good play for the Patriots to start as a defense for the following reasons; it’s Thursday night football, a home game and finally the last game of domination against Miami.

Overall Matchup

Patriots are -10 with an over/under of 51. This might be a low number based on last Sunday’s game if, in fact, the Patriots are back from their dominant win over Miami. The Colts could find themselves in a tough spot coming off an OT Loss on Sunday and then trying to get ready for a potential Super Bowl contender only 3 days rest. This could be a bad spot for Indy and NE licking their chops. This is where Belichick and the coaches are the best prepared when it comes to preparing for two opponents at the same time.

Patriots 27

Colts 10

 

Don’t forget to listen to our Fantasy Football Doctors podcast with Dr. Charlie O. Mallonee and myself Dr. Vasu Vaddiparty on SportsServiceRadio.com for the rest of the NFL as it relates to Fantasy Football.

Any correspondence you may have can be sent to my twitter account @VPartySports or directly to Sports Service Radio.

The A’s win for the 97th time, downing the Angels 5-2

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment
LAA Hendriks
Liam Hendriks was the “opener” on Saturday night Photo: @NBCS

By Charlie O. Mallonee

The Oakland Athletics know what they will be doing next Wednesday night. They will be in the Bronx, New York at Yankee Stadium fighting for their very “baseball lives” in the 2018 American League Wild Card Game. The problem for the A’s is they have to finish the regular season in Anaheim before heading to the East Coast.

The Athletics have two goals for those final games on Saturday and Sunday at the “Big A”:

  1. Don’t get hurt and
  2. DON’T GET HURT!

Oakland has been a team that has been besieged by injuries this season and they cannot afford to lose any member of this team before heading into the playoffs. Of course, these proud athletes want to win, but staying healthy is more important than winning at this point in the season.

Fortunately, the A’s were able to win and stay healthy on Saturday night. Oakland set the tone of the game in the first inning in a very familiar way. With two out and Matt Chapman on at first base, Khris Davis hit a pitch from Tyler Skaggs over the right field wall for his 48th home run of the season to give the A’s a 2-0 lead. The two RBIs upped Davis’ total to 123 for the season.

The A’s decided to go with the “bullpenning” pitching philosophy in game two of this final series of the regular season. As usual, Liam Hendriks opened the game on the mound working the first for Oakland. Trevor Cahill became the “featured pitcher” taking over in the bottom of the second inning.

Oakland added another run in the top of the third inning when Jed Lowrie hit a sacrifice fly to right field that allowed Ramon Laureano to score from third. Laureano hit a double to lead off the inning.

The Angels took advantage of an A’s fielding error, added a stolen base and well-timed RBI single to score their first run of the game in bottom of the fifth inning.

Jim Johnson–yes, that Johnson who pitched for Oakland back in 2014–took over the pitching duties for the Angels. Jed Lowrie stepped in the batter’s box and hit his 23rd homer of the season off Mr. Johnson to up the A’s lead to 4-1.

Fernando Rodney took the ball for the A’s in the bottom of the seventh and he struggled. With the bases loaded and two out, Rodney walked in the Angels second run of the contest. He then had to face Mike Trout with bases loaded. Rodney was able to get Trout to fly out to right field and the A’s were still leading 4-2 after seven full innings.

In the top of the eighth inning, the A’s loaded up the bases with one out. Stephen Piscotty hit a fly ball to right field that was caught by Kole Calhoun. Ramon Laureano tagged up at third and scored the A’s fifth run of the game.

That would be it for scoring in the game and Oakland recorded their 97th win of 2018 with the 5-2 victory.

LAA 5-2
Graphic: @Angels

The “Bullpenning” A’s
Oakland used six pitchers in their win on Saturday night. Hendriks opened while Trevor Cahill filled the role of the featured pitcher going 4.0 innings giving up one run (earned) on one hit. He walked one and struck out one batter.

Shawn Kelley worked one inning walking one and striking out two. Fernando Rodney had very shaky outing as he wound up facing seven batters and giving up an earned run in the seventh inning.

Familia came in to set things up in the eighth inning and Blake Treinen closed it out in the ninth.

Cahill (7-4) was awarded the win while Treinen picked up his 38th save of the year.

Angels’ hurlers
LA starter Tyler Skaggs (8-10) took the loss after giving up the two-run home run to Davis in the first inning. The Angels used six pitchers who did not do a bad job. The gave up five runs off eight hits. They walked four A’s and struck out nine. It was the two home runs that really did the Angels in on Saturday night.

A’s at the plate

LAA Davis
Two guys who love the game Photo: @Athletics
  • Ramon Laureano continues to be amazing. He went 2-for-5 in this game scoring two runs. Yes, he scored each time he reached base.
  • Jed Lowrie does it again with a home run, sacrifice fly, two RBI and a run scored.
  • Khris Davis (yes, they must sign him to a long-term contract) had just another day at the office with a home run, two RBIs and a run scored.
  • Chad Pinder went 2-for-4 in the game.

LA Stars

  • Only four Angels managed to get a hit in the game–Jose Fernandez, Andrelton Simmons, Taylor Ward and Kaleb Cowart.
  • Five LA batters did reach base by way of a walk.
  • Ouch! The Angels left nine men on base.

Up next
Game 162 of the 2018 season will get underway at 12:07 pm PT on Sunday. All MLB games on Sunday will begin in the noon hour in their respective time zones. Brett Anderson (4-5, 4.42) will start for the A’s while Matt Shoemaker (2-2, 4.82) will take the mound for the Halos.

NFL Week 4: Fantasy Football Doctors podcast has right prescription for you to win on Sunday

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment

ff cartoon

hosts Dr. Vasu Vaddiparty & Dr. Charlie O

  • Is this the week Tom Brady and the Pats get it together on the field?

  • How will Aaron Rodgers fare versus the very tough and energized Buffalo Bills defense?

  • Who is going to start for Tampa Bay – Jameis Winston or Ryan Fitzpatrick?

  • Why has there been so much fantasy buzz this week about Eli Manning?

  • Will Matt Breida have a larger role in the 49ers offense with Beathard at QB?

  • Is the game where Marshawn Lynch has a real impact for the Raiders?

  • Should you take a chance and start Giovani Bernard?

  • Will this be the game that the Pats begin using Josh Gordon?

  • Doug Baldwin says he is ready to play – should you add him to your lineup?

Vasu and Charlie O have the answers to these questions and many more in this week’s podcast.

NFL Thursday Night Week 3: Fantasy Football Written Prescription success

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment

DiehardFIN

By Dr. Vasu Vaddiparty

Week 4 of the NFL Season is the quarter-point of the 2018 season. How are we all doing in our leagues? 3-0 and living large, 2-1 and feeling pretty good, 1-2 and feeling okay that nothing like a 2-week win streak would help out a rough start, or are you 0-3 and reaching for the Malox right now?

Week 4 starts out with Bye weeks and the first two contestants are the Carolina Panthers and the Washington Redskins. Fantasy Football Doctors will give you our thoughts on the podcast but for right now we break into Thursday Night’s extravaganza–Minnesota Vikings visiting the Los Angeles Rams.

Minnesota was a major player coming into the season with Kirk Cousins as the big Free Agent prize at QB and that stifling defense vs. the hottest team on the planet in the Rams. Here is the breakdown for tonight as it relates to Thursday night.

Vikings
The Vikings have gotten off to an okay start. Everyone still feeling each other out on offense, the defense has played pretty well and then last Sunday happened. Vikes at home no less get thumped by the Buffalo Bills. TO’s, bad defense, bad tackling, everything that could go wrong went wrong right from the start. Did they overlook Buffalo in preparation for the huge matchup with the Rams? More importantly are there fantasy options still available for the Vikings this Thursday?

QB
Kirk Cousins was the big free-agent prize for Minnesota for 3 years. He’s had a pretty good career with the Redskins but has gotten off to a shaky start in some respects for his new team. A mediocre home opening win vs. SF, a roughing the passer penalty that shouldn’t have been enabled them to tie GB in Week 2 and the drubbing vs. Buffalo last Sunday. The Rams defense has been extremely tough this year. The only bad stretch they had was opening night in Oakland where they actually trailed going into the 4th quarter. Cousins is still a really good passer, very accurate and has the ability with the players around him to be effective. This Rams defense is tough and might be tough on him Thursday. If you have a better option than Cousins, I would go the other way, even if that means going with a lesser QB who is playing a very bad defense (ie. Mariotta). IF you go with Kirk then be assured if they are behind they will be passing the ball a ton and that is where he excels in the 4th quarters of games.

RB
There are few options here to choose from but are they even good enough options to use. The major one is Dalvin Cook. It seems he will be healthy enough to play after coming back from injury. He would be a good RB2 if you need one. Other options for Minnesota are Matt Boone and Latavius Murray. These are not stellar options as neither one has established himself in a way that would have fantasy owners salivating. Murray gained 1000 yards last year but worked out because Cook got hurt in preseason and had to sit out the whole year. Vikings RB are not a good option unless you can flex someone like Cook but certainly no #1’s here.

WR / TE
Minnesota has 3 solid receivers and with Cousins at QB. They are all viable targets and should be highly considered. Definitely look at Diggs and Theilen as WR 1 or 2 on your rosters and possibly a starter. If they fall behind these guys will be valuable as WR in the later stages throwing the ball. A red zone master the last few years even with other QB’s has been TE Kyle Rudolph. He is a very good receiver and more importantly a great receiver in and around the goal line. He is a high consideration for anyone in FFL who doesn’t have Ertz, Kelce or Gronk.

Rams
QB
The highly anticipated matchup and what a lot seem to believe is the first real test for the Rams and QB Jared Goff comes tonight. Goff has had a bevy of weapons to go to and has come up pretty big in those situations. He will probably have a couple of scores and some yards but if they are ahead or have a comfortable lead they might run the ball more so it’s kind of an iffy situation with Goff. But he would be one I would seriously consider starting. He would be a good solid QB1 or QB2 on anyone’s roster.

RB
The Rams RB’s are a collection of great RB but on everyone’s wish lists and thoughts Todd Gurley is the premier back everyone on the field would love to have and FFL owners number 1 pick on their collective wish lists as well. Not a lot of analysis needed here. START, START, START Gurley. Oh and he catches the ball too very well. He will have his usual 100 and 60 receiving even against a tough Vikings defense.

WR / TE
Rams WR are very underrated pieces to this machine that is rolling on all cylinders. The collection of WR are very good, but individually they may lack a little based on how much the ball is spread out. Robert Woods is the leader of the pack, the go-to guy, could be high on people’s list. A speed guy who can catch the long ones and go the distance. Brandin Cooks was brought in from the Patriots. He is also a speed guy whose hands were questionable in the past but has improved a great deal in the ability to make the catch. He can score as well too. Cooper Kupp is the guy to get the ball in the middle of the field. Typical WR3 that is in the slot a lot and looked upon to move the chains. Tyler Higbee is the TE. He is more the blocking type but he will catch his 3-4 and maybe get a score. But wouldn’t use him as TE2 even because of others available.

Special Teams/Defense
Both team’s defenses have played pretty well but the Rams are outstanding defensively. They have turned the opponents over been diligent in coverage. Only part of defense that might hurt is Talib is out for sure and Peters the other CB is questionable. Might be susceptible to the passing game tonight. But they do have a pass rush and can cause fumbling problems which the Vikings had a lot of fun vs. Buffalo. The Vikings play a great scheme defensively and their main meal money is the TO and have scored some TD’s off fumbles but mostly interceptions. Rams don’t turn the ball over very much so this might be a little shakier than taking the Rams’ defense. The Rams special teams are very good and are certainly a good play as Defense/Special Teams position. I would take them again as I have the last 3 weeks.

Overall Matchup
The Rams are -7 in the pointspread with an over/under of 49. Seems pretty high with two great defenses. The Rams defense might be a little greater. The Rams have scored 30+ points in all 3 games but have given up a few points in 2 of 3 sandwiching a week 2 shutout of Arizona. All that being said, I find myself leaning towards the Rams

LA Rams 34

Minnesota 13

Don’t forget to listen to our Fantasy Football Doctors podcast with Dr. Charlie O. Mallonee and myself Dr. Vasu Vaddiparty on SportsServiceRadio.com for the rest of the NFL as it relates to Fantasy Football.

Any correspondence you may have can be sent to my Twitter account @VPartySports or directly to Sports Radio Service @SportsRadioSrvc.

Kings: Bogdanovic left knee procedure goes well; back in four to six weeks

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment
Serbia vs Greece
Bogdanovic goes to the hoop versus Greece in the World Cup Qualifier

by Charlie O. Mallonee

Sacramento Kings second-year guard Bogdan Bogdanovic underwent what the team called a “minor” arthroscopic procedure on his left knee Thursday in New York City. The procedure was performed at the Hospital for Special Surgery by Dr. Riley Williams. The reports are the procedure was successful and Bogdanovic should be able to return to game action in four to six weeks.

Based on the four to six weeks estimate, that means Bogdanovic would miss all of the preseason games and the season opener with the Jazz. If he were to need the full six weeks to recover and rehab, the Kings star guard might not be available until November 4th versus the Hawks on the road in Atlanta.

Bogdanovic injured the knee in a game on September 17th while playing for the Serbian National team versus Estonia in a World Cup Qualifying game. Bogdanovic reported experiencing discomfort in his left knee early in the first quarter of that game, which Serbia won 91-65.

Fantasy Football Doctors NFL Week 3: Who to Start & Sit this week!

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment

ff cartoon

Your hosts: Dr. Vasu Vaddiparty & Dr. Charlie O

  • Should you start Carson Wentz in his first week back?

  • Is Ryan Fitzpatrick worth gambling on again this week?

  • What about Aaron Rodgers – is it time to sit him on the bench?

  • Will Giovani Bernard save the Bengals?

  • Why isn’t Matt Breida in your starting lineup?

  • Is this the week Marshawn comes alive for the Raiders?

  • Beware of LeSean McCoy

  • Remember the three G’s: Golladay, Garcon & Godwin

  • Josh Gordon – REALLY?

  • Charlie O hates Travis Kelce — find out why!

The answers to these questions and many more on this week’s edition of the Fantasy Football Doctors.

Questions or comments? Twitter: @VPSports

NFL Week 3 Thursday night Fantasy Football written prescription

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment

Logo

By Dr. Vasu Vaddiparty

Week 3 of the NFL Season has either let some fantasy football players down or pumped them up. It was an interesting week 2 between the juggernaut Kansas City Chiefs to the almost in need of an early season blood transfusion of the Buffalo Bills. One quick note for both fantasy football players and football fans;

In the last 20 years or so if a team starts their season at 0-2, the chances of them making the playoffs is right around the 30% mark. So hopefully your favorite has at least gone 1-1 to give you a shot at the playoffs.

Those numbers don’t apply to fantasy football as most leagues go head to head. One good week and you’re extending your lead, or getting your team right back in the mix. One bad week and you either fall in with the rest of the herd or are already looking up at everyone looking for the rope to be sent down to pull you up.

With that being said let’s hit a written prescription for the Week 3 matchup in Cleveland between the New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns.

Jets
Jets, Jets, Jets are what all were screaming on the opening Monday night in Detroit where the savior Sam Darnold put up unreal numbers against a bad Detroit defense in a rout and last week at their home opener did not get the same production out Darnold or the running game in a loss to the suddenly hot Miami Dolphins who are in 1st place in the AFC East.

QB
Darnold may not be a good play here. He is still learning the nuances of the game and while the Detroit game has everyone salivating at potential he’s still learning and there is tape now. Cleveland’s defense is pretty good so far in the two weeks played. 6 TO’s and a plus 5 rating against Pittsburgh that only resulted in a tie (broke their losing street), and in week 2 that defense shutting down the Saints with Drew Brees and his arsenal. The Browns would be 2-0 if they had a kicker. Defense is really good, and I would stay away from Darnold this week.

RB
The Jets running game has been pretty effective but again the hot play in week 1 did not translate in week 2. Bilal Powell is a good running back and could be effective but I don’t see him as #1 or #2 back this week. Isiah Crowell is the lead back for the Jets and he is playing against his old team in Cleveland. He has two weeks of decent play but I can’t see Cleveland giving up too many yards on the ground. The lineman and LB’s are playing better than most thought and should be able to contain and maybe bottle up the running game. Unless you have no one else to use, I would stay away from the RB’s for the Jets

WR / TE
Here it gets interesting because the wideouts are pretty solid. The secondary of the Browns has been ok but then again they’ve faced Ben Roethlisberger and Drew Brees in the first two weeks; future HOF’ers. While everyone is jumping on the Darnold bandwagon he’s not close and won’t be for awhile. The law firm of Enunwa, Pryor, and Anderson don’t strike a lot of fear and will have a tough time esp on the road to get Darnold the help he needs tonight.

Browns
QB
Tyrod Taylor is an enigma. He is the only QB on the Browns that has experience. Everyone wants to see Baker Mayfield the overall number 1 pick. Through no fault of his own, the Browns should be 2-0 and in 1st in the AFC North (what is this unicorn I speak of?) Kickers will win you games and will lose you games as well as coaches and players getting fired. Taylor has played well but he doesn’t have the big time numbers that Fantasy Football players like. He will be effective and may have a TD or two but they don’t score a lot of points. They got 21 v Pittsburgh. They scored 18 vs. the Saints. For 2.5 to 3 quarters they played well and Taylor played well. Like we say every week on the podcast, if you have other options that you believe could get you more points I would suggest going that route. Or this could be the week they are so close and at home on Thursday night to have a breakout and finally end their streak of not have a 0 in the win column. Taylor for my money gets a 1.5 rating tonight as starter. Not everyone has Brady, Brees, Rodgers so you have to pick and choose where to go. But I like Taylor more than I would Darnold tonight.

RB
Carlos Hyde has been the most effective running back in the Browns’ system this season. He has found new life with the Browns. They also have the likes of Nick Chubb and Duke Johnson. But this is Hyde’s show. I would use him if no other options are available because I believe that the Browns can run on the Jets defense. The Jets have given up some yards to both Miami and Detroit in the first two weeks so I think the Browns can get their yards and Hyde is the stalwart for it.

WR / TE
The spot to take a receiver with the Browns lies with the TE David Njoku. He is a big, fast, great hands TE that showed off his skills during the preseason and was very effective against Pittsburgh. He was a little lacking vs the Saints mostly because they had the lead going to the 4th quarter and were running effectively. Antonio Callaway is the team’s best WR with Jarvis Landry hurting a little. Callaway with 3 catches for 81 yards last week could have a big game vs. the Jets secondary. He is another option for a fantasy player to get some yards’ vs a Jets team who is still a little suspect on defense and primarily in the secondary.

Special Teams/ Defense
Both teams defenses have played pretty well but based on the fact that the Browns have had the propensity to get TO’s and make a rookie QB get frazzled the Browns defense may not be a bad play tonight for your Special Teams / Defense tonight.

Overall Matchup
The game itself is a matchup of the top two QB’s drafted in Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield. There is no doubt that since every team has to be on Thursday night that NFL powers to be wanted the potential of a Darnold/ Mayfield matchup in primetime. It’s not going to happen unless something happens to Taylor where he gets injured and cannot continue.

With all being said about the Browns defense and no one on offense that scares you plus Darnold still learning on the job one would assume that I would lean the Browns way.

The line is Browns -3 with a total of 41 points. I am slightly leaning towards the Jets in a small upset and a low scoring game. I just don’t see both offenses doing great vs. the other defenses so I believe it will be a low scoring game.

16-14 Jets in a small upset.

Don’t forget to listen to our Fantasy Football Doctors podcast with Dr. Charlie O. Mallonee and myself Dr. Vasu Vaddiparty on SportsServiceRadio.com for the rest of the NFL as it relates to Fantasy Football.

Any correspondence you may have can be sent to my Twitter account @VPartySports or directly to Sports Radio Service.

A’s can’t survive a night of bullpenning and home runs; Rays win 7-5

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment
Tampa Bay Jake Bauers
Jake Bauers hit the game-winning 3-run home run for the Rays Photo: @RaysBaseball

By Charlie O. Mallonee

If the Tampa Bay Rays were in the National League, they would be in the fight for a spot in the Wild Card game. They are not a walkover team anymore. The Rays have an 81-66 record this season. Unfortunately for the Rays and their fans, they play in the American League East where the Boston Red Sox have clinched the division with a 102-47 record to date, and the Yankees are in second place with a 91-57 record.

The Rays brought their “A game” on Saturday night as they handed the A’s their second loss on this six-game road trip 7-5. The game featured 21 hits, 4 home runs, 14 runners left on base, 15 strikeouts and 12 pitching changes over 3 hours and 19 minutes.

The loss was very costly for the A’s in their chase for the AL West crown and the home field advantage in AL Wild Card Game. The Astros beat the D-Backs 10-4 on Saturday and increased their lead over the A’s to 3.5 games. The A’s elimination number is now 11.

The A’s (90-59) had the opportunity to move within a half-game of the Yanks for the top Wild Card slot because the Bombers lost to the Blue Jays 8-7 on Saturday. Because Oakland lost, they remain 1.5 games behind New York in the second Wild Card spot.

More Bullpening
It was another bullpenning game for the A’s. Liam Hendriks was “the opener” on the mound for Oakland. He pitched one inning, allowing one hit and striking out one.

Dean Kiekhefer took over in the second inning and things did not go well for him. He gave up two runs (both earned) on three hits. The big blow came when Brandon Lowe hit a two-run homer with one on and no outs. Ryan Dull had to come in to close out the inning.

Chris Bassitt was the “featured pitcher” of the game. He worked 3.0 innings giving up one run (earned) off two hits. He struck out three Rays and walked two.

Yusmeiro Petit was the next man up. Petit gave up a run (earned) off one hit.

The brightest spot of the night for the A’s may have been the performance of reliever Fernando Rodney in the seventh inning of the game. Rodney has really struggled recently but not in this game. Rodney gave up no runs while he struck out one and walked one.

Jeurys Familia would have rather stayed in the hotel. Familia was brought in to pitch the eighth inning. He only gave up one hit, but it was a go-ahead three-run homer by Jake Bauers that ultimately proved to be the game-winning hit. Familia (8-6) was tagged with the loss.

A’s with the bat

  • Matt Chapman went 3-for-5 and hit his 23rd home run of the season in the ninth inning off Sergio Romo.
  • The other Matt (Olson) had a 2-for-3 night at the plate and he hit his 27th homer of the year in this game.
  • Marcus Semien had a 2-for-4 night including a run scored. He was also involved in an incident with the home plate umpire that eventually caused A’s manager Bob Melvin to get ejected.

Rays’ notes

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The Rays Kevin Kiermaier hit a key triple in the game Photo: @RaysBaseball
  • The Rays went bullpening as well on Saturday. Ryne Stanek was the opener and then Yonny Chirinos was “the featured pitcher.” He lasted 5.1 innings.
  • Andrew Kittredge (2-2) was the eventual winner of the game.
  • Bauers not only hit a home run, he recorded four RBIs in the game.
  • Brandon Lowe had two RBIs, two runs scored in addition to his home run.
  • Kevin Kiermaier hit a triple and posted two RBIs

Up next

The A’s will send RHP Mike Fiers (12-6, 3.29 ERA) to the mound to face the Rays’ RHP Diego Castillo (3-2, 3.31 ERA) in the Sunday finale at 10:10 AM PDT.

Fantasy Football Doctors Podcast for NFL Week 2: Let’s win your matchup!

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment

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Fantasy Football Doctors Vasu Vaddiparty & Charlie O have the advice you need to win your Week 2 fantasy matchup.

  • Ben Roethlisberger may be a QB1 this Sunday vs. the Chiefs

  • Veteran Alex Smith is finding new life in D.C.

  • Sleeper? Patrick Mahomes

  • What about Matt Ryan this week?

  • You may want to keep Jared Goff on the bench!

  • The doctors review the roster of tight ends who might impact your lineup

  • Did Marshawn Lynch just go from the penthouse to the outhouse?

  • The Dolphins WR Kenny Stills could be a strong starter for you this week

Push Play and get ready to win!

A’s outlast the Rangers 8-6 in a slugfest on Saturday at the Coliseum

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment

 

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By Charlie O. Mallonee

OAKLAND — The Oakland Athletics’ 61-0 winning streak when they held a lead after seven innings was on the line Saturday versus the Texas Rangers. The A’s had a 6-4 lead after seven innings, but Texas veteran third baseman Adrian Beltre had other ideas about Oakland continuing that winning streak.

Beltre came to bat in the top of the eighth inning with teammate Nomar Mazara at first and his team trailing by two runs. With the count at 0-2, Beltre hit a Fernando Rodney pitch down the left-field line into the seats for a two-run home run to tie the game at 6-6. It was home run No. 11 of the season for Beltre and his second of the game (his first multiple home run game of the season). The crowd of 20,504 became very concerned.

The Rangers brought RHP Chris Martin into the game from the bullpen. The first batter he had to face was Matt Olson who entered the game in the seventh inning for Mark Canha. Olson hit the 0-1 pitch from Martin over the fence in left field for his 25th home run of the year to give the A’s a 7-5 lead. After Chad Pinder flied out, Jonathan Lucroy singled. Ramon Laureano struck out for the second out of the inning. Matt Chapman, who leads the majors in doubles since the All-Star Break, hit an RBI-double to right field that allowed Lucroy to score the A’s eighth run of the game to give them an 8-6 lead.

The A’s went to the top of the ninth with an 8-6 lead which meant it was “Treinen Time.” Treinen took the mound and struck out the first two hitters he faced. Shin-Soo Choo then stepped into the batter’s box and hit a soft line drive to Marcus Semien for the final out of the game.

The A’s won the game 8-6 and upped their record for the season to 86-57. They have now won three consecutive games and have guaranteed that they will win this series with the Rangers. The A’s are now 11-0-2 in their previous 13 home series which is the longest single-season home series unbeaten streak in Oakland history.

Ryan Buchter (4-0) received credit for the victory and Blake Treinen of the A’s picked up his 37th save. Chris Martin (1-4) of the Rangers was hung with the loss.

The Astros beat the Red Sox on Saturday 5-3 in Boston so the A’s will stay 3.5 games back of Houston. The Mariners host the Yankees on Saturday night.

Bob Melvin analyzes the game

Performances worth remembering

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  • Khris Davis hit his 41st home run of the season in the home half of the first inning. He now has 10 round-trippers off Rangers pitching.
  • Jed Lowrie hit his 36th double of the year in this contest, which ties him with Nick Swisher for third most for switch hitters in A’s history.
  • Stephen Piscotty doubled in the seventh inning to extend his hitting streak to 10 games.
  • Matt Olson’s 25 home runs lead the American League for most HR’s by a first baseman.
  • Chad Pinder hit his 11th home run of 2018 in the sixth inning – a solo shot.
  • The Rangers Shin-Soo Choo has reached base in 15 out of 17 games versus the A’s this year.
  • Jurickson Profar hit his 16th home run of the season in the fourth inning off Jackson.

Pitching was a group effort in this game

A’s

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  • Starter Edwin Jackson was credited for just 3.0 innings and was dinged for four runs (all earned) off five hits. He struck out five and walked just one but gave up two home runs.
  • Shawn Kelley was back after his kitchen accident and pitched a perfect inning with two K’s.
  • Lou Trivino worked a perfect inning of relief.
  • Fernando Rodney was charged with blown save for giving up the two-run shot to Beltre.
  • The A’s used eight pitchers.
  • Oakland pitching gave up six runs (all earned) off six hits. They walked just one batter. A’s pitchers struck out 12 Texas hitters. They did give up three home runs.

Rangers

  • The Rangers used five pitchers in the game.
  • All but one of those hurlers gave up at least one earned one. Ouch!
  • Eddie Butler was the only reliever not to give up a run.
  • Texas pitchers gave up eight runs (all earned) on nine hits. They struck out seven and walked six. The Rangers also issued three home runs to A’s hitters.

Up next

The series wraps tomorrow at 1:05 PM when the Rangers send RHP Ariel Jurado (2-4, 6.00) to the mound to face the A’s RHP Trevor Cahill (6-3, 3.60).