The Bum's Sports Page For Monday June 29th Best Bets-Trends-News !

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Monday, June 29


Milwaukee @ Philadelphia

Game 901-902
June 29, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Nelson) 16.710
Philadelphia
(O'Sullvn) 15.256
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 1 1/2
9 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
-155
8
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(-155); Over

LA Dodgers @ Arizona

Game 903-904
June 29, 2015 @ 9:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Bolsinger) 15.907
Arizona
(Webster) 12.205
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 3 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-155
9
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(-155); Over

Boston @ Toronto

Game 905-906
June 29, 2015 @ 7:07 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Buchholz) 15.963
Toronto
(Dickey) 14.415
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-125
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(+105); Under

Texas @ Baltimore

Game 907-908
June 29, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas
(Rodriguez) 15.571
Baltimore
(Norris) 14.669
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 1
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Baltimore
-135
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Texas
(+115); Under

Cleveland @ Tampa Bay

Game 909-910
June 29, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
(Anderson) 16.380
Tampa Bay
(Karns) 15.219
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 1
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-135
7
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(+115); Over

Kansas City @ Houston

Game 911-912
June 29, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Blanton) 15.463
Houston
(McCullers) 13.905
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-130
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(+110); Over

NY Yankees @ LA Angels

Game 913-914
June 29, 2015 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Yankees
(Sabathia) 15.368
LA Angels
(Wilson) 16.803
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Angels
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Angels
-130
8
Dunkel Pick:
LA Angels
(-130); Under

Colorado @ Oakland

Game 917-918
June 29, 2015 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
(Hale) 15.562
Oakland
(Graveman) 14.612
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 1
9 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland
-155
8
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(+135); Over

Minnesota @ Cincinnati

Game 915-916
June 29, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Pelfrey) 12.565
Cincinnati
(Leake) 13.913
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cincinnati
-155
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
(-155); Under

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, June 29

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MILWAUKEE (29 - 48) at PHILADELPHIA (27 - 50) - 7:05 PM
JIMMY NELSON (R) vs. SEAN O'SULLIVAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 29-48 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 29-48 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 20-41 (-21.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 4-18 (-15.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
NELSON is 1-8 (-8.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 18-11 (+13.5 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 14-6 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 124-176 (-44.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 76-101 (-34.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

JIMMY NELSON vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.

SEAN O'SULLIVAN vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
O'SULLIVAN is 0-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.84 and a WHIP of 1.580.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LA DODGERS (43 - 34) at ARIZONA (36 - 39) - 9:40 PM
MIKE BOLSINGER (R) vs. ALLEN WEBSTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 16-21 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA DODGERS are 16-21 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 10-15 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 13-17 (-10.5 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
LA DODGERS are 7-13 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
ARIZONA is 100-137 (-31.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 762-672 (-87.7 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
ARIZONA is 3-11 (-9.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 100-137 (-31.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 37-61 (-23.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 41-72 (-25.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 7-2 (+4.1 Units) against ARIZONA this season
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.6 Units)

MIKE BOLSINGER vs. ARIZONA since 1997
BOLSINGER is 1-0 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 0.714.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.1 units)

ALLEN WEBSTER vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BOSTON (34 - 43) at TORONTO (41 - 36) - 7:05 PM
CLAY BUCHHOLZ (R) vs. R.A. DICKEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 34-43 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 16-23 (-12.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
BOSTON is 13-24 (-14.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BOSTON is 21-28 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BOSTON is 26-32 (-11.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 11-22 (-14.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BOSTON is 13-19 (-10.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BUCHHOLZ is 17-26 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUCHHOLZ is 5-13 (-12.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUCHHOLZ is 6-14 (-10.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUCHHOLZ is 10-21 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUCHHOLZ is 4-13 (-11.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 18-7 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
BUCHHOLZ is 18-2 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in June games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 6-3 (+3.3 Units) against BOSTON this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.6 Units)

CLAY BUCHHOLZ vs. TORONTO since 1997
BUCHHOLZ is 12-9 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.48 and a WHIP of 1.256.
His team's record is 14-12 (-3.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 14-10. (+3.1 units)

R.A. DICKEY vs. BOSTON since 1997
DICKEY is 5-5 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.30 and a WHIP of 1.255.
His team's record is 6-7 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-5. (+0.5 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TEXAS (38 - 38) at BALTIMORE (41 - 34) - 7:05 PM
WANDY RODRIGUEZ (L) vs. BUD NORRIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 141-104 (+42.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 73-56 (+14.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 27-14 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BALTIMORE is 51-30 (+16.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 18-8 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
BALTIMORE is 19-8 (+13.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 26-13 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 96-62 (+38.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 13-4 (+10.1 Units) against the money line after shutting out their opponent over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 78-61 (+18.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
NORRIS is 39-31 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
NORRIS is 13-4 (+11.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday since 1997. (Team's Record)
NORRIS is 62-56 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 38-38 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 23-19 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TEXAS is 35-34 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 28-24 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 15-11 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 20-17 (+9.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
TEXAS is 20-9 (+19.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
RODRIGUEZ is 6-1 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
RODRIGUEZ is 5-0 (+7.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 19-31 (-16.6 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

WANDY RODRIGUEZ vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
RODRIGUEZ is 0-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 5.87 and a WHIP of 2.347.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

BUD NORRIS vs. TEXAS since 1997
NORRIS is 2-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 5.90 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.1 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLEVELAND (33 - 41) at TAMPA BAY (42 - 35) - 7:10 PM
CODY ANDERSON (R) vs. NATE KARNS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 33-41 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 9-15 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
CLEVELAND is 19-25 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 13-24 (-15.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 31-24 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 90-67 (+38.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Monday since 1997.
TAMPA BAY is 119-120 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 56-66 (-31.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 6-14 (-10.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less this season.
TAMPA BAY is 57-67 (-31.3 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 64-73 (-29.5 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 39-48 (-23.9 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 28-35 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 2-1 (+2.3 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

CODY ANDERSON vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
ANDERSON is 0-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.913.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

NATE KARNS vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
KARNS is 1-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 1.69 and a WHIP of 1.313.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KANSAS CITY (44 - 28) at HOUSTON (44 - 34) - 8:10 PM
JOE BLANTON (R) vs. LANCE MCCULLERS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BLANTON is 6-16 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BLANTON is 6-16 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BLANTON is 4-12 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 44-34 (+7.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 44-31 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 28-17 (+11.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 43-48 (+10.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 44-28 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 24-15 (+11.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 22-15 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 10-3 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in road games in June games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 44-28 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 31-18 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 32-15 (+16.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 83-62 (+15.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 32-17 (+14.9 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 68-51 (+15.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

JOE BLANTON vs. HOUSTON since 1997
BLANTON is 3-2 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.77 and a WHIP of 0.925.
His team's record is 3-4 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.3 units)

LANCE MCCULLERS vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NY YANKEES (41 - 35) at LA ANGELS (39 - 37) - 10:05 PM
C.C. SABATHIA (L) vs. C.J. WILSON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 47-19 (+18.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 108-75 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
WILSON is 12-0 (+12.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 33-24 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 25-15 (+9.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LA ANGELS are 18-28 (-16.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 3-0 (+3.1 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

C.C. SABATHIA vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
SABATHIA is 11-8 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 3.64 and a WHIP of 1.330.
His team's record is 11-10 (-2.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-11. (-2.4 units)

C.J. WILSON vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
WILSON is 4-3 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.84 and a WHIP of 1.390.
His team's record is 6-7 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-6. (-0.1 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MINNESOTA (40 - 35) at CINCINNATI (34 - 40) - 7:10 PM
MIKE PELFREY (R) vs. MIKE LEAKE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 40-35 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 40-35 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 20-14 (+10.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MINNESOTA is 29-15 (+19.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
PELFREY is 8-2 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PELFREY is 54-43 (+17.3 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

MIKE PELFREY vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
PELFREY is 4-2 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 5.04 and a WHIP of 1.388.
His team's record is 5-2 (+2.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-1. (+5.2 units)

MIKE LEAKE vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
LEAKE is 0-0 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 0.625.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COLORADO (33 - 42) at OAKLAND (34 - 44) - 10:05 PM
DAVID HALE (R) vs. KENDALL GRAVEMAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 99-138 (-33.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 2-18 (-14.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 37-80 (-33.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 1-13 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in road games in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 99-138 (-33.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 59-95 (-34.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 25-60 (-29.2 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 54-85 (-26.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 79-99 (-29.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 161-86 (+58.7 Units) against the money line in home games in June games since 1997.
OAKLAND is 109-55 (+41.4 Units) against the money line in home games in an inter-league game since 1997.
OAKLAND is 34-44 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 14-23 (-17.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
OAKLAND is 32-42 (-18.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 79-73 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 11-17 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 18-25 (-11.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
OAKLAND is 11-21 (-13.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

DAVID HALE vs. OAKLAND since 1997
No recent starts.

KENDALL GRAVEMAN vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Monday, June 29


Bettors beware: chance of thunderstorms in Cincy

According to weather forecasts, there is around a 60 percent chance of thunderstorms in Cincinnati when the Reds host the Minnesota Twins from Great American Ball Park Monday.

Further forecasts project as high as a 70 percent possibility of thunderstorms leading up to gametime.

Probable starters are Mike Pelfrey for the Twins and Mike Leake for the Reds. Cincy is presently -159.


Cardinals not just the best team, also best under bet

Thanks to some superb pitching, the St. Louis Cardinals have steamrolled their opponents to sit at an MLB best 51-24 and that same pitching has made them the bigs best under bet at 27-45-3 over/under.

The Cardinals lead the majors in team ERA at a miniscule 2.61, while scoring a middle of the pack 4.12 runs per game. While not as pronounced as the Cards, it is a trend that can be found in the Top five under teams:

1. St. Louis Cardinals: 27-45-3 O/U

2. Tampa Bay Rays: 30-43-4 O/U

3. Seattle Mariners: 31-42-3 O/U

4. Chicago White Sox: 30-41-3 O/U

5. Baltimore Orioles: 32-40-3 O/U


Padres now top list of best over teams

The San Diego Padres, last season's top under team, is now the MLB's best over team at 47-29-2 over/under this season.

The Padres have done this by averaging 4.19 runs scored per game, while allowing 4.11 runs per game.

Here are the Top 5 over teams to this point in the season:

1. San Diego Padres: 47-29-2 O/U

2. Oakland A's: 44-28-6 O/U

3. Atlanta Braves: 43-29-4 O/U

4. Washington Nationals: 41-32-3 O/U

5. New York Yankees: 41-32-3 O/U

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Monday, June 29

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game of the Day: Yankees at Angels
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New York Yankees at Los Angeles Angels (-130, 8)

The only team CC Sabathia has defeated over his last seven starts is the Los Angeles Angels, and he looks to repeat that feat when the New York Yankees visit Angel Stadium on Monday for the opener of a three-game series. Sabathia has been torched regularly this season as opposing batters are hitting .306 with 17 home runs against him.

Sabathia allowed two runs and five hits while striking out seven over six innings in beating the Angels in New York on June 7. He was ejected for arguing balls and strikes after serving up solo homers to Mike Trout and Albert Pujols. C.J. Wilson, who will start for Los Angeles, has enjoyed success against Yankees sluggers Alex Rodriguez (3-for-24) and Mark Teixeira (2-for-25, one homer). Pujols, who is 1-for-15 over his last four games, has hit 12 homers in June - one shy of matching the club mark for most shots in any month shared by Tim Salmon (June 1996) and Mo Vaughn (May 2000).

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, YES (New York), FSN West (Los Angeles)

LINE HISTORY: Oddsmakers opened the Angels as -130 faves with a total of 8.

INJURY REPORT: Yankees - SS Brendan Ryan (15-day DL, back), CF Jacoby Ellsbury (Early July, knee). Angels - RF Collin Cowgill (15-day DL, wrist).

WEATHER FORECAST: Temperatures will be in the high 70s with wind blowing out to centerfield at around 8 mph.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees LH CC Sabathia (3-7, 5.65 ERA) vs. Angels LH C.J. Wilson (5-6, 3.92)

Sabathia has allowed seven homers over his last four starts, including two in his most recent outing against Philadelphia. He received a no-decision against the Phillies despite giving up six runs and eight hits in 4 2/3 innings. Sabathia is 9-8 with a 3.97 ERA in 19 career starts against Los Angeles.

Wilson was torched by Houston in his last outing, when he gave up a season-worst seven earned runs and eight hits in 3 1/3 innings. The loss occurred after he put together two straight strong starts in which he allowed one run and 10 hits over 15 frames. Wilson lost when matched up against Sabathia earlier this month as he gave up six runs and seven hits - including three homers - in seven innings.

TRENDS:

* Yankees are 5-0 in the last five meetings.
* Yankees are 6-1 in Sabathias last seven starts vs. Angels.
* Under is 4-0 in Angels last four overall.
* Angels are 0-4 in Wilsons last four starts vs. American League East.

CONSENSUS: Sixty percent of users are backing the Angels.

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MLB

Monday, June 29


Phillies getting it done in O'Sullivan's home starts

Somehow, someway, the Philadelphia Phillies are winning ball games when starter Sean O'Sullivan gets the ball at home. Heading into Monday's meeting with the Milwaukee Brewers at Citizens Bank Park, the Phils have won the previous four games that the righty has started at home.

O'Sullivan, who is 1-5 with a 5.34 ERA in 11 starts overall this season, gets the ball with his club as +132 dogs Monday. Phils' backers have cashed with the team +115 versus Arizona, +161 versus Cincinnati, +130 versus San Francisco and +142 against the Baltimore Orioles in those O'Sullivan starts.


Anderson hopes for repeat outing versus Rays

Cleveland Indians rookie Cody Anderson will hope for a similar outing to his MLB debut when he takes the bump against the Tampa Bay Rays Monday.

The 24-year-old went 7 2/3 innings of shutout ball, surrendering six hits and one walk, leading the Indians to a 1-0 victory in his first start back on June 21 against the Rays.

Anderson will hope for a repeat performance against the same club Monday. Books have Cleveland +115 with a total of 7 on the board.


Rangers, Rodriguez cashing in underdog role

The Texas Rangers have won the last seven games when pitcher Wandy Rodriguez takes the bump tabbed as an underdog.

The Rangers won games against the Houston Astros (+141), Tampa Bay Rays (+146), Boston Red Sox (+169, +106), Cleveland Indians (+144), Kansas City Royals (+136) and Los Angeles Angels (+249) as dogs in Rodriguez's starts.

Heading into the week's schedule, Rodriguez ranked fourth in our MLB Top 5 Starter Money standings, up $744. He sports a personal record of 4-3 with a 4.06 ERA and 1.38 WHIP.Rodriguez and the Rangers will try to reward bettors once again as +122 dogs at the Baltimore Orioles Monday evening.

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Diamond Trends - Monday

June 29, 2015


SU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Rockies are 0-17 SU since Jul 30, 2009 on the road and when they are off a game in which they hit into at least three double plays.

PITCHER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- When CC Sabathia starts the Yankees are 14-0 OU since November 01, 2009 when he allowed at least two home runs and they lost in his previous start, if they are not playing the Red Sox.

MLB BIBLE ACTIVE TREND:

-- None

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Athletics are 11-0 SU since May 13, 2013 at home off a loss in which they struck out at least ten times.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Dodgers are 13-0-1 OU on (3.21 ppg) since May 26, 2014 and after a game in which their opponent left fewer than 10 men on base and it is the first game of a series.

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Monday's Tip Sheet

June 29, 2015


Boston Red Sox at Toronto Blue Jays | 7:07 p.m. ET

When Clay Buchholz (5-6, 3.68 ERA) and R.A. Dickey (3-7, 4.88 ERA) last hooked up, it was a couple of weeks ago in Boston, resulting in a narrow Red Sox victory, as well as a narrow win for ‘under’ bettors, with the final score of 5-4 just clocking in below 9.5. Now, they meet again to kick off a critical division series. The Red Sox, at the moment, are the only ones not in on the fun that is the AL East division, with the top four clubs all separated by just one game. Boston, meanwhile, is eight games back, though there is still plenty of time to make a run. They’ll try to get it started right in this series behind Buchholz, who, as bad as Red Sox pitching has been this year, has been mostly respectable. In fact, he’s been great for ‘under’ bets consistently, producing a 10-4-1 record in that department.

Kicking off this series for the Blue Jays is the former NL Cy Young award winner Dickey, who has pitched anything but like a Cy Young contender in 2015. While he continues to be a reliable innings-eater, having gone five innings or more in all but one of his 15 starts, he’s also been getting hit, with about half of those starts (seven) resulting in the other team scoring four or more runs against the knuckleballer. At the same time, Dickey has been enjoying his best month of the year by far, with a 3.09 ERA in five June starts. The linesmakers must have taken note of that as well and have him listed as a -130 favorite in game one of this series.

Los Angeles Dodgers at Arizona Diamondbacks | 9:40 p.m. ET

It’s just really something what Mike Bolsinger (4-2, 2.95 ERA) has accomplished in his first year in Los Angeles (not to mention just his second year in the bigs). As a rookie last season, while coincidentally playing with his opponent tonight, the Diamondbacks, he was 1-6 in ten games (nine starts) with a 5.50 ERA and 1.59 WHIP, while opposing lineups raked .308 off the right-hander. Bolsinger has now made ten starts with his new team, and has been an absolute godsend for the Dodgers. Remember, he was thrust into major league duty this year because of the rash of injuries endured by the starting rotation; yet now has taken off like no one expected and established himself as a legitimate major league starter. The Dodgers are 6-4 when Bolsinger is on the mound, while the ‘under’ is 6-4 in his starts as well.

Young Allen Webster (1-1, 6.46 ERA) is certainly looking to experience the same sharp meteoric rise, as he is making his fourth start of the year for Arizona. The first three starts haven’t produced the best results, as he’s failed to pitch six innings, while allowing a total of 13 runs (11 earned) in his 15.1 innings of work. It also may be troubling that he’s racked up more walks (10) than strikeouts (9). Even so, Webster is just a +110 home ‘dog, although he has provided better showings in the past when looking at his stint in Boston.

New York Yankees at Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | 10:05 p.m. ET

Two veteran southpaws will square off when the Yankees and Angels kick off what could be a pretty crucial series between contending American League clubs. Behind C.C. Sabathia (3-7, 5.65 ERA), New York will seek to try and gain some ground in the very jumbled-up AL East, as they are currently a half-game back of both the Rays and ascending Orioles for first place, while the Blue Jays sit only a half-game behind them as well. It’s the tightest race in the majors. Sabathia used to be a prime starter for these assignments, but has come on hard times in recent years, including this one. The left-hander has allowed four runs or more in eight of his 15 starts, which is a large reason why ‘over’ bets are 9-5-1 in Sabathia’s outings. The over/under for this one is currently 8 in most places.

Going for the Angels is fellow lefty C.J. Wilson (5-6, 3.92 ERA), who was enjoying a very nice renaissance year, before getting hammered in Houston last week. Wilson’s ERA ballooned more than a half-run as a result of the performance, and it was the most runs he’s surrendered in a start all year. Despite this, the 34-year-old has been mostly consistent through 2015, with nine starts yielding two runs or less. He’s a -125 home favorite in this series opener.

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Rangers, O's square off

June 29, 2015


TEXAS RANGERS (38-37) at BALTIMORE ORIOLES (39-34)

First pitch: Monday, 7:05 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line: Texas +130, Baltimore -140, Total: 9

The Orioles will be going for their fifth straight victory when they host the Rangers Monday.

The Rangers ended a six-game losing skid with a 4-0 victory in Toronto on Saturday, but they dropped the final game of the series 3-2 on Sunday. Holding the Blue Jays to three runs over the past two games comes as a bit of a surprise after the Rangers allowed six or more runs in the previous four contests. They’ll need to put it all together moving forward, as they have been miserable offensively when their starting pitching has held its end of the bargain.

The Orioles, meanwhile, are red-hot coming into this game. They are coming off of a 4-0 victory and an 8-0 victory in a double-header against the Indians on Sunday and outscored Cleveland 16-3 in their past three games against them. Baltimore has won four straight games and seven of its past eight heading into this one. Over the past three seasons, the Orioles are 11-3 against the Rangers and eight of the games have gone Over the total.

On the mound for the Rangers in this one is LHP Wandy Rodriguez (4-3, 4.06 ERA, 54 K), who will be going up against RHP Bud Norris (2-6, 6.70 ERA, 35 K) for the Orioles. Texas is 11-6 against the money line on the road when the total is 8.5 to 10 this season and 11-5 against the money line versus the AL East this year as well. Baltimore, however, is 16-8 against the money line in June games this year.

LF Josh Hamilton (Hamstring) and CF Delino DeShields Jr. (Hamstring) are both on the DL for the Rangers and CF Adam Jones (Shoulder) returned to the lineup for the Orioles on Sunday.

Wandy Rodriguez is taking the mound for the Rangers on Monday and he’ll be hoping to rebound from a lousy start on Jun. 24 against the Athletics. He pitched just four innings in that game and allowed eight earned runs on 11 hits. Prior to that rough outing though, the Rangers had won in Rodriguez’s previous six starts. A few guys that will be licking their chops to get this game started are 3B Adrian Beltre (.248, 6 HR, 20 RBIs) and DH Prince Fielder (.351, 12 HR, 48 RBIs). Both of these guys have had plenty of success against Bud Norris in their careers.

Beltre has faced him six times and has two hits, but both of those hits were homers and he has racked up five RBIs thanks to those bombs. Fielder has a larger sample size, going 6-for-23 with a homer, four RBIs and three walks against Norris. They’ll need to provide some power in this game.

Another guy who can really help this team offensively is SS Elvis Andrus (.251, 3 HR, 27 RBIs). Andrus has hits in five of the past six games and has had a multi-hit performance in three of those contests. If he can hit the ball and get himself on base then the Rangers should be able to get something going and help Rodriguez by giving him some solid run support.

The Orioles have lost two straight games and four of the past six when Bud Norris is on the mound and they’ll look to change that on Monday, as they’ve been extremely hot as of late. The last time Morris pitched, he allowed five runs in 5.2 innings against the Red Sox in a 5-1 loss. None of those runs, however, were earned and he’ll look to get some better luck this time around.

Offensively for Baltimore, SS J.J. Hardy (.246, 3 HR, 18 RBIs) is somebody that will try to get it going for the team. He is 7-for-24 against Rodriguez in his career with two homers, three RBIs and two walks. 1B Chris Davis (.234, 16 HR, 45 RBIs) comes into this contests on an eight-game hitting streak and hit a solo shot in the second of two games on Sunday. He’ll look to provide some more power in this one. Another guy who has been hot for Baltimore is DH Jimmy Paredes (.321, 9 HR, 36 RBIs). He was hitless in the second of the two games on Sunday, but he had five straight multi-hit games before that.

He has been extremely consistent at the plate and Baltimore needs him to keep it up. CF Adam Jones (.293, 10 HR, 36 RBIs) is looking to get himself going after returning from a shoulder injury on Sunday.

[StarDust Bum]

This Date In Baseball

June 29, 2015

1908 - Cy Young, 41, of the Boston Red Sox pitched the third no-hitter of his career, an 8-0 win over the New York Highlanders.

1948 - Cleveland's Bob Lemon pitched a 2-0 no-hitter against the Detroit Tigers for the first American League no-hitter at night.

1962 - Sandy Koufax of the Los Angeles Dodgers struck out 13 New York Mets en route to the first of four career no-hitters, a 5-0 victory at Dodger Stadium.

1970 - Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati was dedicated, but Henry Aaron spoiled the show for the crowd of 51,050 with a first-inning homer off Jim McGlothlin as Atlanta beat the Reds 8-2.

1978 - Willie McCovey became the 12th player in major league history to hit 500 home runs. His milestone shot off Atlanta's Jamie Easterly wasn't enough, as the Braves beat the San Francisco Giants 10-5 in the second game of a doubleheader at Fulton County Stadium.

1995 - Eddie Murray of the Cleveland Indians became the second switch-hitter and the 20th player in baseball history to reach 3,000 hits when he singled against the Minnesota Twins. Murray joined Pete Rose, the career hits leader with 4,256, as the only switch-hitters to get 3,000.

1997 - Bobby Witt of Texas hit the first home run by an American League pitcher in a regular-season game in almost 25 years, connecting off Ismael Valdes in the Rangers' 3-2 interleague victory over Los Angeles.

1998 - Sammy Sosa hit his 20th home run in June, extending his own major league record for most homers in a month, with an eighth-inning shot for the Cubs against Arizona.

2005 - Chad Cordero earned his 15th save in June in the Washington Nationals' 7-5 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. He tied a major league record set by Lee Smith in 1993 and matched by John Wetteland in 1996.

2005 - Kevin Mench hit three homers and Mark Teixeira homered twice, and the Texas Rangers matched a club record with eight home runs in an 18-5 rout of the Los Angeles Angels.

2006 - Adam Dunn hit a grand slam with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning off closer Bob Wickman to lead Cincinnati to a 9-8 victory over Cleveland.

2006 - The New York Yankees beat the Mets 2-0 as five pitchers combined on a one-hitter.

2008 - Nick Swisher homered from both sides of the plate, hitting his second grand slam in four games and adding a solo shot to lead the Chicago White Sox past Cleveland, 9-7.

2009 - Nick Markakis hit a two-run double off Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon to complete the biggest comeback in Baltimore Orioles history for an 11-10 win. Baltimore trailed 10-1 before scoring five runs in the seventh inning and five more in the eighth.

Today's birthdays: Cody Asche, 25; Blake Treinen, 27.

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LEADING OFF: Weiss back in Oakland, Blanton regains touch

June 28, 2015

A look at what's happening all around the major leagues today:

STREAKING

Nolan Arenado has set a Rockies' record by getting a hit and scoring a run in 12 straight games. He can extend the mark when Colorado visits Oakland.

WHAT A START

Resurgent Royals pitcher Joe Blanton (2-0) aims to win his third straight start when he faces host Houston. The 34-year-old righty went 2-14 for the Angels in 2013 and didn't play in the majors last season.

HEY, DOC

Red Sox left fielder Hanley Ramirez has returned to Boston for an MRI on his injured left hand. He has missed four games in a row.

HOME AGAIN

Walt Weiss returns to the Oakland Coliseum for the first time as Colorado's manager. He made his major league debut at the ballpark with the A's while earning AL Rookie of the Year honors in 1988, and helped them win the World Series the next season as their shortstop.

FAILING FLOATER

Blue Jays knuckleballer R.A. Dickey tries again to beat Boston. He's 0-2 with a 6.16 ERA in three starts vs. the Red Sox this season going into the series opener at Toronto. David Ortiz has done well over the years against Dickey, going 9 for 25 with three home runs.

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3,000 Hits

June 28, 2015

Player Hits

1. Pete Rose 4,256

2. Ty Cobb 4,191

3. Hank Aaron 3,771

4. Stan Musial 3,630

5. Tris Speaker 3,515

6. Derek Jeter 3,465

7. x-Honus Wagner 3,430

8. Carl Yastrzemski 3,419

9. Paul Molitor 3,319

10. Eddie Collins 3,314

11. Willie Mays 3,283

12. Eddie Murray 3,255

13. x-Nap Lajoie 3,252

14. Cal Ripken 3,184

15. George Brett 3,154

16. Paul Waner 3,152

17. Robin Yount 3,142

18. Tony Gwynn 3,141

19. Dave Winfield 3,110

20. Craig Biggio 3,060

21. Rickey Henderson 3,055

22. Rod Carew 3,053

23. Lou Brock 3,023

24. Rafael Palmeiro 3,020

25. x-Cap Anson 3,011

26. Wade Boggs 3,010

26. y-Alex Rodriguez 3,010

28. Al Kaline 3,007

29. Roberto Clemente 3,000

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Los Angeles Sparks still winless after seven games

June 29, 2015

NEW YORK (AP) - Seven games into the season and Brian Agler is still looking for his first win as the coach of the Los Angeles Sparks.

This wasn't what he envisioned when he left Seattle and took over as the coach of Los Angeles this past offseason. The Sparks were coming off another playoff loss and had a roster stacked with stars Candace Parker, Nneka Ogwumike and Kristi Toliver.

Agler's still waiting to see all three of them play together. Parker decided to sit out indefinitely to rest and won't be back until the All-Star break at the earliest. Ogwumike missed the first four games with an ankle sprain suffered in the preseason. Toliver was out for the first six games to play for Slovakia in the EuroBasket tournament. She played in her first game Sunday against New York.

Couple that with an injury bug that has plagued the team and that adds up to an 0-7 start, the worst in franchise history. It's tied for the sixth-worst start in the 19 years of the WNBA, but still well short of the 17 straight that Atlanta lost to start its inaugural season in 2008.

''We are working through a period of adversity right now,'' said Ogwumike. ''We are slowly getting better but at this point it's about closing (games) out.''

Los Angeles got swept on its three-game eastern swing, but was competitive in each game.

Toliver returned Sunday and scored a career-high 30 points, but it wasn't enough as Los Angeles fell to New York, 79-70.

''When I was younger I would be worried about the start we've gotten off to, but while I was away I saw how hard we played and saw how we're not that far out of it that I know we'll be OK,'' Toliver said.

Despite the awful start, the Sparks only sit a couple of games out of the fourth playoff spot in the Western Conference.

While Toliver and Ogwumike are back, Los Angeles is still missing Alana Beard (foot), Erin Phillips (knee), Farhiya Abdi (knee) and Andrea Hoover (ankle). Los Angeles is also missing Ana Dabovic, who like Toliver was playing in the EuroBasket tournament for Serbia, which ended up winning the title and qualifying for next year's Olympics.

The Sparks were so depleted that Agler added Jasmine Lister to the team earlier this week for the three-game road trip in Washington, Connecticut and New York.

Lister was the final cut by Agler last year in Seattle and spent the offseason as a graduate assistant for UConn. Now the rookie, who starred at Vanderbilt, is playing about 15 minutes a game. She had nine points in Sunday's loss.

Before Ogwumike came back the Sparks were averaging under 60 points a game. They've averaged. It's only a matter of time before they get into the win column.

''They definitely are a dangerous team,'' said New York Liberty star Tina Charles. ''They are starting to get their pieces back and will win some games really soon.''

STAT OF THE WEEK:

Elena Delle Donne scored a career-high 45 points in the Chicago Sky's 100-96 overtime victory over Atlanta. Delle Donne scored 221 points in the team's first seven games this season - the most ever for any seven-game span in league history. She also has made 48 straight free throws - 18 off the WNBA record set by Eva Nemcova during the 1999 and 2000 seasons according to information provided by the WNBA from the Elias Sports Bureau. Lindsay Whalen holds the record for one year, making 54 straight in 2009. Delle Donne made 50 in a row last year.

GAME OF THE WEEK:

Liberty at Sky on Tuesday. The two teams traded guards in the offseason with Cappie Pondexter headed home to Chicago while Epiphanny Prince came home to New York. Pondexter is averaging 17 points a game this season for the Sky. Prince missed the team's first nine games while playing for Russia in the EuroBasket tournament. She's on her way back to the U.S. and may be in Chicago for Tuesday's game.

[StarDust Bum]

Russia women fail to qualify for Olympics

June 27, 2015

For the first time since boycotting the 1984 Olympics, Russia won't have a women's basketball team in the Olympics.

Russia finished in sixth place at the EuroBasket tournament Saturday, losing to Turkey in overtime 68-66. The winner of the tournament gets an automatic bid to the 2016 Rio Olympics. The next four teams receiving bids to a last-chance Olympic qualifying tournament next year.

The Russians are the only other team besides the United States to win a gold medal in women's basketball at the Olympics. The former Soviet Union won the first two medals in 1976 and 1980 before boycotting the 1984 games in Los Angeles. The Unified team won in 1992. The Americans have won every gold since, including the 2012 London Games - where Russia finished fourth.

New York Liberty guard Epiphanny Prince played for Russia in the EuroBasket tournament and led the team with 13.8 points a game. It wasn't enough as Russia blew a three-point lead in the final minute of overtime against Turkey.

Russia has been on a downward spiral since a bronze medal in the 2008 Beijing Games. The Russians haven't been on the medal stand since at a major international competition.

The team finished seventh at the 2010 world championship and fourth at the London Games. Russia failed to qualify for last year's world championship and now won't be playing in the Olympics.

Russia added Prince in 2010 when she became a naturalized citizen. She had a chance to be the second American-born player to play for Russia's national team in the Olympics. Becky Hammon played in the last two Olympics for Russia.

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CFL Betting Recap - Week 1

June 29, 2015

League Betting Notes

-- Underdogs went 3-1 straight up in Week 1
-- Underdogs went 4-0 ATS in Week 1
-- Home/road teams posted a 2-2 SU record in Week 1
-- Road teams posted a 3-1 ATS record in Week 1
-- The 'Under' went 3-1 in Week 1

Team Betting Notes

-- Things picked up right where they left off in the CFL. There was plenty of defense in the first week of action, as the under went 3-1 in the first four games. The under finished 11-5 in the final 16 games of the 2014 CFL regular season.

-- Ottawa (1-0) kicked off the surprises in Week 1 with a straight-up win at Montreal (0-1) despite being an eight-point underdog. The RedBlacks cashed +310 on the moneyline. It was Ottawa's first-ever win over Montreal after going 0-3 SU/1-2 ATS last season. In each of the four all-time meetings the 'under' has come through.

-- Toronto (1-0) also surprised a big favorite, as Edmonton (0-1) was rolled 26-11 in their opener on the road despite being a 7.5-point favorite. The Argonauts helped bettors at the window with a +300 payday on the moneyline.

-- The only 'over' of the weekend was in the Winnipeg (1-0) win over Saskatchewan (0-1), as the Blue Bombers scored a 30-26 road victory. The Bombers also paid a very healthy +240 on the moneyline in a weekend of 'dogs. The two teams meet again in a home-and-home series Sept. 6 and 12.

-- The only favorite to win straight-up was Calgary (1-0), who eeked out a 24-23 win with a game-winning field goal as regulation expired against a stunned Hamilton (0-1). The TiCats are now 5-2 ATS in their past seven meetings with the Stampeders, including last season's Grey Cup loss. The team sides will meet again in Hamilton Oct. 2.

[StarDust Bum]

Top Rookie Bet - Stanley Johnson

June 29, 2015

The best player selected in Thursday’s NBA Draft went first.

Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns is, as Timberwolves president and head coach Flip Saunders said when he locked in and decided on him as the No. 1 pick, “the real deal.” It’s no surprise that Sportsbook.ag has placed him as the co-favorite (+500) alongside Philadelphia’s Jahlil Okafor upon releasing early 2015-16 NBA Rookie of the Year odds.

Oddsmakers have made the right call there, but unlike last year when Andrew Wiggins won as chalk, this year’s favorites carry an added burden. Historically, the transition from college to the pros is toughest on big men.

Keep this in mind as you consider the co-favorites, Towns and Okafor. The last player that measured 6-foot-10 or larger to be named Rookie of the Year is Clippers star Blake Griffin (2010-11), who snapped a five-year drought for power forwards and centers as the first winner since Emeka Okafor (’04-’05). That’s it. Big men have won two of the last 12 awards.

Together with last year’s No. 1 pick, reigning ROY Wiggins, Towns will try to elevate the Wolves, who have nowhere to go but up after finishing a league-worst 16-66. Although he’s going to get ample minutes to put up numbers, Nikola Pekovic, Georgui Dieng, Anthony Bennett, Adreian Payne and mentor Kevin Garnett are going to take some of the pressure off him, affording Saunders the luxury of easing him into the fray.

Okafor probably won’t have to compete for playing time with injured former No. 3 pick Joel Embiid, since the 76ers are likely to take a cautious approach with the foot injury that kept him out all last season. It hasn’t healed properly, so it’s likely that Embiid will be playing catch-up when he does manage to debut.

Sportsbook.ag included him in their odds (+800 after opening at +2000), but he’s not worth the investment given how much Philadelphia has at stake in ensuring he gets fully healthy. Expect the 76ers to err on the side of caution, which doesn’t bode well for his chances of outplaying the entire 2015 rookie class.

Okafor will have to avoid the pitfalls of foul trouble and the day-to-day grind while also competing for touches with the more experienced Nerlens Noel. The 76ers have the league’s worst guards, complicating matters further for a kid who is going to need the ball in the post to get comfortable.

We’ll go over a few of the other top picks in a bit, but for my money, Detroit’s Stanley Johnson (+2500) isn’t just a sleeper worth backing due to value. He’s got a very real shot to pay off as the most impactful of next season’s rookie class.

Johnson wasn’t shy about calling himself “the best player in the draft.” Among the wings selected, he’s got the best chance to be the top two-way player immediately. Orlando’s Mario Hezonja (+1500) has a steep learning curve ahead of him, while Miami’s Justise Winslow (+1800), Phoenix’s Devin Booker (+3500), Washington’s Kelly Oubre (+5000), Houston’s Sam Dekker (+2500) and Dallas’ Justin Anderson (+5000) should all have challenges consistently getting minutes. Johnson, who has a chance to be a Kawhi Leonard-type difference maker, already seems like someone the Pistons will be counting on immediately.

“The more we talked to people, we became very confident that this is a guy driven to be great. Not just talking about it, but will put in the work to do it,” said Detroit president and head coach Stan Van Gundy. “I think he’s got the body. I think he’s got the physical strength and stuff to be able to play next year.

“Of all the guys, we brought in 57 guys, he was easily the most aggressive guy defensively in the workouts. He’s got a long way to go before I’d say he’s really good defensively because he’s got a lot to learn, but he definitely has a mentality that he wants to take on a challenge and go at somebody, especially the best players. That mentality went a long way with us.”

The Pistons are unlikely to bring Greg Monroe back, freeing up cap space to chase the likes of Danny Green, Tobias Harris and DeMarre Carroll in free agency to play opposite Kentavius Caldwell-Pope on the wing. If they come up empty, Johnson might find himself in the starting lineup right out of the gate. Although you can expect Detroit to do all it can to try and sign outside help, getting 25/1 odds on Johnson prior to July 1 is well worth it since oddsmakers will certainly readjust after Summer League, where you can expect he’ll open more eyes.

Johnson bought into the team concept in his one season at Arizona, so his numbers (13.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg) weren’t off the charts, but the former 5-star recruit from famed Mater Dei HS still won Pac-12 Freshman of the Year. He was 135-5 in high school, helping lead his school to four straight state titles. It’s not easy to make an immediate splash in the pros, but this is certainly one 19-year-old capable of doing so.

“We love the fact on defense that he can guard multiple positions. He was the best rebounding wing in the draft,” Van Gundy said. “On offense, he’s a guy that can get to the free-throw line and he’s improved every year shooting the 3 to where he shot it well this year. It’s hard to find guys that get to the free-throw line and shoot the 3. There’s just not a ton of them so we loved his versatility.”

Given how this draft shook out as far as players landing in situations where they’ll find immediate playing time, I’ve got Johnson as a likely First Team All-Rookie selection alongside Towns and Okafor up front. Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (+750) and Nuggets selection Emmanuel Mudiay (+1000) make up the projected First Team backcourt, since both should see extended minutes as their teams continue to rebuild.

Russell will have to share the ball with Kobe Bryant in addition to Jordan Clarkson and whoever the Lakers manage to land in free agency, so despite the spotlight, he’ll have some adjustments to make. Mudiay is likely to wind up starting when Denver moves Ty Lawson, but his team should be a lock for 60 losses as it transitions to a new brand of ball under new coach Michael Malone.

Johnson has an opportunity to make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference if Detroit continues to make strides. Andre Drummond, Reggie Jackson and Brandon Jennings, who is looking to try and be ready for training camp after tearing his Achilles in late January, make up a strong nucleus that should create a lot of opportunities for Johnson and newly acquired stretch-four Ersan Ilyasova.

Sacramento’s Willie Cauley-Stein (+1500), New York’s Kristaps Porzingis (+2000), Indiana’s Myles Turner (+2000) and Charlotte’s Frank Kaminsky (+2500) may all get early opportunities to contribute and loom as wild cards in the Rookie of the Year race, but the big man factor also plays in each of their situations.

Towns and Okafor are going to be gems, but they’re only favorites because someone has to be. Ride Stanley the Manly.

At 25/1, he’s the longshot most likely to pay off.