The Bum's Sports Page For Monday July 20th Best Bets-Trends-News !

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, July 20

National League
Mets @ Nationals
Harvey is 2-2, 1.99 in his last five starts; four of those five stayed under.

Gonzalez is 2-0, 0.90 in his last three starts; three of his last four home starts stayed under the total.

Mets are 4-6 in last ten games with Washington; six of last eight series games stayed under total. Nats won nine of last 13 home games; 11 of their last 13 home games stayed under. NY is 6-4 in its last 10 road games; 13 of their last 17 road games stayed under.

Cubs @ Reds
Richard allowed two runs in 6.1 IP (91 PT) in his first '15 start.

Lorenzen is 0-2, 3.45 in his last three starts; four of his last five stayed under he total- Reds scored two runs in the three games.

Chicago lost four of last six games; under is 8-2-1 in their last 11 on road. Reds lost six of their last eight home games. Cubs won six of their last seven games with Cincinnati.

Dodgers @ Braves
Former Brave Beachy allowed three runs in four IP (78 PT) in his first '15 start, his first MLB start since 2013.

Wisler is 2-0, 2.65 in his last three starts; under is 4-0-1 in his last five.

Braves won eight of last 12 home games; 11 of their last 14 games at home stayed under. LA is 14-6 in its last 20 games, 8-2 in last ten on road,. Under is 13-3 in their last 16 road games. Dodgers won eight of last ten games with the Braves; three of last four went over.

Giants @ Padres
Hudson was 2-2, 5.48 in his last four starts before going on DL; three of the four games went over.

Kennedy is 0-4, 7.17 in his last four starts; his last six starts stayed under.

Giants won four of last six games with San Diego; four of last six went under total. SF won last its six games, outscoring foes 43-19; over is 22-8 in their last 30 road games. San Diego lost six of last ten home games; over is 13-5-1 in their last 19 at home.

American League
Mariners @ Tigers
Happ is 1-4, 6.23 in his last six starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five. .

Simon is 1-3, 11.41 in his last five starts; his last seven starts went over.

Seattle lost four of last six games; under is 10-2 in Seattle's last 12 road games. Tigers lost five of last six games; over is 23-3 in their last 26 games, 11-1 in their last dozen at home. Mariners are 5-3 in their last eight games vs Detroit.

Red Sox @ Angels
Rodriguez is 2-0, 2.08 in his last three starts; four of his last six went over. Wright is 1-2, 4.70 in his last four starts, last of which was June 4.

Santiago is 2-0, 1.00 in his last four starts; under is 8-4 in his last 12. Angels are 4-0 when Heaney starts (3-0, 1.32, over 2-2).

Boston lost seven of last nine games with the Angels; seven of last ten games stayed under total. Red Sox didn't score the last two games. Halos are 16-7 in last 23 home games, with last nine all staying under total.

Interleague
Rays @ Phillies
Moore is 1-0, 7.07 in his three starts (14 IP, over 2-0-1).

Buchanon is 0-5, 7.58 in his six starts (over 3-2-1).

Tampa Bay lost eight of last 11 road games; over is 11-6-1 in their last 18 games overall. Phillies lost four of last five games with Tampa; three of last four went over. Philly won last three games; four of their last six went over.

Pirates @ Royals
Burnett is 1-0, 2.67 in his lst four starts, three of which went over.

Ventura is 1-3, 5.04 in his last five starts; under is 5-1-1 in his last seven.

Pirates won five of last six games with Kansas City (under 5-1); home side won eight of last nine series games. Pittsburgh lost last three games, allowing 18 runs; four of their last six went over. Royals won eight of last ten games; three of their last four stayed under.

Rangers @ Rockies
Martinez is 0-3, 6.66 in his last four starts; four of his last five went under.

Rusin is 0-1, 4.91 in his last three starts; Rockies are 0-6 in his starts if they score less than 10 runs- over is 2-1 in his home starts.

Texas lost 18 of last 23 games; under is 9-4-1 in last 14 road games. Colorado won last four home games, allowing 11 runs; five of their last seven games overall went under the total. Rockies won three of last four games vs Texas.

Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
NY-Wsh-- Harvey 10-7; Gonzalez 10-6
Chi-Cin-- Richard 1-0; Lorenzen 5-7
LA-Atl-- Beachy 0-1; Wisler 3-2
Mia-Az-- Phelps 5-9; de la Rosa 9-9
SF-SD-- Hudson 7-8; Kennedy 6-10

Sea-Det-- Happ 7-10; Simon 9-8
Bos-LAA-- Rodriguez 6-3 Wright 1-3; Santiago 10-7 Heaney 4-0

TB-Phil-- Moore 1-2; Buchanon 0-6
Pitt-KC-- Burnett 11-7; Ventura 5-8
Tex-Colo-- Martinez 9-7; Rusin 2-6

Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
NY-Wsh-- Harvey 5-17; Gonzalez 2-16
Chi-Cin-- Richard 0-1; Lorenzen 5-12
LA-Atl-- Beachy 0-1; Wisler 3-5
Mia-Az-- Phelps 5-14; de la Rosa 5-18
SF-SD-- Hudson 5-15; Kennedy 6-16

Sea-Det-- Happ 6-17; Simon 3-17
Bos-LAA-- Rodriguez 6-3 Wright 1-4; Santiago 10-7 Heaney 0-4

TB-Phil-- Moore 1-3; Buchanon 2-6
Pitt-KC-- Burnett 4-18; Ventura 4-13
Tex-Colo-- Martinez 3-16; Rusin 3-8

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Monday, July 20

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7:05 PM
NY METS vs. WASHINGTON
NY Mets are 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of NY Mets's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 8 games when playing NY Mets
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:05 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games
Tampa Bay is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Philadelphia's last 25 games
Philadelphia is 6-15 SU in its last 21 games

7:08 PM
SEATTLE vs. DETROIT
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Seattle's last 6 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 22 of Detroit's last 25 games
Detroit is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Seattle

7:10 PM
LA DODGERS vs. ATLANTA
LA Dodgers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
LA Dodgers are 10-2 SU in their last 12 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
Atlanta is 2-10 SU in their last 12 games when playing LA Dodgers

7:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. CINCINNATI
Chi Cubs are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing Cincinnati
Chi Cubs are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
Cincinnati is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home

8:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. KANSAS CITY
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games
Kansas City is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Kansas City's last 6 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

8:40 PM
TEXAS vs. COLORADO
Texas is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Texas is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games
Colorado is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Texas
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Colorado's last 7 games when playing at home against Texas

9:40 PM
MIAMI vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Miami's last 8 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Arizona is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
Arizona is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Miami

10:05 PM
BOSTON vs. LA ANGELS
Boston is 1-4-1 SU in its last 6 games ,
Boston is 1-3-1 SU in their last 5 games ,when playing on the road against LA Angels
LA Angels6-1-1 SU in their last 8 games at home
LA Angels7-2-1 SU in their last 10 games when playing Boston

10:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. SAN DIEGO
San Francisco is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 7 of San Francisco's last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 6 games when playing San Francisco
San Diego4-0-1 SU in its last 5 games

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Monday, July 20


Wins have been rare for Mariners behind Happ

In J.A. Happ's last eight starts, the Seattle Mariners are a paltry 1-7.

The lefty is slated to get the ball Monday when the M's take on the Detroit Tigers in the Motor City. The Mariners are presently +101 at Pinnacle Sports.


Under bettors are loving Wisler lately

Under backers have profited in each of Matt Wisler's past five outings.

The Atlanta Braves righty is the probable starter for Monday's clash with the Los Angeles Dodgers. L.A. is scheduled to counter with Brandon Beachy.

As of this writing, the total for the game was off the board.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Monday, July 20


Dodgers RHP Greinke extends scoreless-inning streak

WASHINGTON -- What is it about scoreless inning streaks and the Los Angeles Dodgers?

Right-hander Zack Greinke threw eight scoreless innings on Sunday in a 5-0 win in Washington over the Nationals. That ran his scoreless streak to 43 2/3 innings.

He has not allowed a run in his last six starts. Since 1920, the only other pitchers do that were also with the Dodgers: Orel Hershiser in 1988 and Don Drysdale in 1968, years they both had long streaks of their own.


Cardinals' Wacha likely to make Tuesday start

ST. LOUIS -- After a wacky 3-1, 18-inning loss to the New York Mets on Sunday in Busch Stadium, St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny wouldn't commit to the idea of moving starter Michael Wacha up 24 hours to open an interleague series Tuesday night at the Chicago White Sox.

However, there doesn't appear to be a palatable Plan B. The scheduled starter, Carlos Martinez, worked the last four innings in relief Sunday and took the loss. No way he comes back to start on one day of rest.

What's more, Wacha hasn't pitched since July 8, so he is well-rested. And Monday's off day would allow the team to move Lance Lynn into the Wednesday night start on normal rest.

The team has worked to find ways to save innings for its young right-handers, Wacha and Lynn. It is why the Cardinals placed them fourth and fifth in the rotation after the All-Star break, giving them nearly two weeks between outings.


Diamondbacks need to replace injured starter Anderson

PHOENIX -- The Diamondbacks have used nine starting pitchers in their first 90 games, and it appears No. 10 will come soon.

Arizona placed right-hander Chase Anderson on the disabled list with right triceps inflammation Sunday, a day after he gave up 10 hits and seven runs in 3 2/3 innings, and will need another starter to face Milwaukee on Thursday, the seventh game in a stretch of 13 games in 13 days.

With right-hander Archie Bradley still on the disabled list and not close to returning, the D-backs likely will dip into the minor league system to fill the void. Triple-A Reno right-handers Aaron Blair and Jhoulys Chacin and Double-A right-hander A.J. Schugel appear to be the top candidates, although Reno right-hander Allen Webster could be an option. Blair, Chacin and Schugel haven't started for the D-backs this season.


Rays' hitters aren't doing their part

TORONTO -- The Tampa Bay Rays are built around strong and deep pitching.

However, it takes some hitting to take advantage of the opportunities the pitching creates, and the Rays do not bat well enough.

Right-hander Chris Archer pitched well enough to win Sunday. He allowed two runs in seven innings but took the loss as the Rays fell 4-0 to the Toronto Blue Jays.

It was the ninth time the Rays were shut out this season, tied for the most in the American League. Their total of 337 runs scored ranks 13th in the league.

In 35 games, they scored two or fewer runs.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Monday, July 20


NY Mets @ Washington

Game 951-952
July 20, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(Harvey) 16.459
Washington
(Gonzalez) 15.059
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Mets
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-120
7
Dunkel Pick:
NY Mets
(+100); Over

Chicago Cubs @ Cincinnati

Game 953-954
July 20, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Richard) 16.812
Cincinnati
(Lorenzen) 15.414
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cincinnati
-115
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-105); Under

LA Dodgers @ Atlanta

Game 955-956
July 20, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Beachy) 15.433
Atlanta
(Wisler) 16.427
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-145
8
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+125); Under

Miami @ Arizona

Game 957-958
July 20, 2015 @ 9:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
(Phelps) 14.781
Arizona
(DeLaRosa) 13.665
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 1
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
-145
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(+125); Under

San Francisco @ San Diego

Game 959-960
July 20, 2015 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco
(Hudson) 16.571
San Diego
(Kennedy) 15.154
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Francisco
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco
-115
7
Dunkel Pick:
San Francisco
(-115); Under

Seattle @ Detroit

Game 961-962
July 20, 2015 @ 7:08 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
(Happ) 17.531
Detroit
(Simon) 16.053
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 1 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
-120
9
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
(+100); Over

Boston @ LA Angels

Game 963-964
July 20, 2015 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Wright) 15.562
LA Angels
(Heaney) 17.527
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Angels
by 2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Angels
-165
8
Dunkel Pick:
LA Angels
(-165); Over

Tampa Bay @ Philadelphia

Game 965-966
July 20, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
(Moore) 16.184
Philadelphia
(Buchanan) 14.772
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-155
8
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(-155); Under

Pittsburgh @ Kansas City

Game 967-968
July 20, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Burnett) 14.647
Kansas City
(Ventura) 16.192
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas City
-135
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(-135); Over

Texas @ Colorado

Game 969-970
July 20, 2015 @ 8:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas
(Martinez) 13.268
Colorado
(Rusin) 12.490
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 1
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado
-135
11
Dunkel Pick:
Texas
(+115); Under

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, July 20

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

NY METS (48 - 44) at WASHINGTON (49 - 41) - 7:05 PM
MATT HARVEY (R) vs. GIO GONZALEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 16-30 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
NY METS are 25-36 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
NY METS are 3-14 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
GONZALEZ is 117-82 (+30.2 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 116-78 (+33.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 127-127 (+6.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 38-28 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 8-1 (+8.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday this season.
NY METS are 127-125 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 29-25 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 4-3 (+0.3 Units) against NY METS this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.8 Units)

MATT HARVEY vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
HARVEY is 3-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 0.68 and a WHIP of 0.875.
His team's record is 3-3 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.2 units)

GIO GONZALEZ vs. NY METS since 1997
GONZALEZ is 8-4 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.87 and a WHIP of 1.075.
His team's record is 9-5 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-7. (-3.1 units)

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

CHICAGO CUBS (49 - 41) at CINCINNATI (40 - 49) - 7:10 PM
CLAYTON RICHARD (L) vs. MICHAEL LORENZEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1436-1594 (-277.8 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1054-1188 (-215.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 666-770 (-201.4 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 701-702 (-159.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 89-77 (+22.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Monday since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 122-128 (+1.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 32-23 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 7-2 (+4.3 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.8 Units)

CLAYTON RICHARD vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
RICHARD is 0-2 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 6.33 and a WHIP of 1.556.
His team's record is 1-4 (-2.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-4. (-4.6 units)

MICHAEL LORENZEN vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
LORENZEN is 0-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 10.39 and a WHIP of 1.848.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)

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

LA DODGERS (53 - 40) at ATLANTA (43 - 49) - 7:10 PM
BRANDON BEACHY (R) vs. MATT WISLER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 20-23 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA DODGERS are 20-23 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 12-17 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 27-27 (-14.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ATLANTA is 33-31 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ATLANTA is 13-6 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
ATLANTA is 50-28 (+19.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 24-10 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in road games in July games over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 120-131 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 2-1 (+0.3 Units) against ATLANTA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

BRANDON BEACHY vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.

MATT WISLER vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.

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

MIAMI (38 - 54) at ARIZONA (42 - 48) - 9:40 PM
DAVID PHELPS (R) vs. RUBBY DE LA ROSA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 38-54 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 14-31 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MIAMI is 23-35 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MIAMI is 19-34 (-13.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
PHELPS is 4-15 (-10.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 21-13 (+8.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ARIZONA is 106-146 (-34.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 55-70 (-19.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 209-200 (-47.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.
ARIZONA is 106-146 (-34.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 4-0 (+4.9 Units) against MIAMI this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

DAVID PHELPS vs. ARIZONA since 1997
PHELPS is 0-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 7.20 and a WHIP of 1.600.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

RUBBY DE LA ROSA vs. MIAMI since 1997
DE LA ROSA is 0-0 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 2.00 and a WHIP of 0.667.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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

SAN FRANCISCO (49 - 43) at SAN DIEGO (43 - 49) - 10:10 PM
TIM HUDSON (R) vs. IAN KENNEDY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 15-27 (-17.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 62-44 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 64-50 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 16-5 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
KENNEDY is 7-0 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 149-122 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 73-62 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 149-122 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 1053-883 (+116.8 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 52-40 (+17.1 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 30-19 (+11.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 36-16 (+17.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HUDSON is 297-188 (+51.7 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 50-21 (+20.5 Units) against the money line in July games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 125-69 (+33.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 285-176 (+55.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 170-97 (+40.2 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 0-8 (-8.0 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 5-5 (+0.4 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.3 Units)

TIM HUDSON vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
HUDSON is 7-4 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 2.92 and a WHIP of 1.270.
His team's record is 11-7 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-12. (-7.8 units)

IAN KENNEDY vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
KENNEDY is 10-5 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 2.38 and a WHIP of 1.093.
His team's record is 13-10 (+3.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-12. (-1.3 units)

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

SEATTLE (42 - 50) at DETROIT (45 - 46) - 7:05 PM
J.A. HAPP (L) vs. ALFREDO SIMON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 42-50 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 3-10 (-8.2 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
SEATTLE is 37-49 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 724-651 (-99.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
SEATTLE is 339-314 (-78.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.
SIMON is 29-21 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 29-21 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 16-8 (+9.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 68-58 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 50-37 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 68-62 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 68-62 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 22-30 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
DETROIT is 19-26 (-9.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
DETROIT is 63-62 (-15.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 2-1 (+1.7 Units) against SEATTLE this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

J.A. HAPP vs. DETROIT since 1997
HAPP is 1-0 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 4.08 and a WHIP of 1.472.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

ALFREDO SIMON vs. SEATTLE since 1997
SIMON is 1-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 7.94 and a WHIP of 1.940.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

BOSTON (42 - 49) at LA ANGELS (50 - 40) - 10:05 PM
STEVEN WRIGHT (R) vs. ANDREW HEANEY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 42-49 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 20-25 (-10.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
BOSTON is 35-43 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 27-32 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BOSTON is 19-25 (-9.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LA ANGELS are 148-107 (+23.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 49-20 (+19.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 28-11 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 139-102 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 41-26 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA ANGELS are 83-47 (+24.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 37-13 (+17.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 116-126 (+28.7 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 155-138 (-67.1 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 3-2 (+1.0 Units) against BOSTON this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

STEVEN WRIGHT vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
WRIGHT is 1-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 2.84 and a WHIP of 0.790.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

ANDREW HEANEY vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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

TAMPA BAY (47 - 47) at PHILADELPHIA (32 - 62) - 7:05 PM
MATT MOORE (L) vs. DAVID BUCHANAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 124-132 (-28.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 88-99 (-25.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 47-54 (-17.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 43-21 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 32-62 (-20.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 32-62 (-20.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.

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

MATT MOORE vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.

DAVID BUCHANAN vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.

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

PITTSBURGH (53 - 38) at KANSAS CITY (55 - 35) - 8:10 PM
A.J. BURNETT (R) vs. YORDANO VENTURA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 255-490 (-105.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 109-244 (-74.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
BURNETT is 92-130 (-43.6 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 13-31 (-27.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 176-180 (-34.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 60-92 (-34.9 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 55-35 (+19.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 30-16 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 27-13 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 55-35 (+19.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 35-24 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 38-19 (+17.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 33-23 (+9.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
KANSAS CITY is 72-56 (+13.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 52-38 (+17.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
VENTURA is 7-0 (+7.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 238-184 (+35.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 36-19 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 236-183 (+34.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 100-70 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 190-151 (+28.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

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

A.J. BURNETT vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
BURNETT is 5-3 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 2.69 and a WHIP of 1.181.
His team's record is 7-4 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-5. (+0.2 units)

YORDANO VENTURA vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

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

TEXAS (43 - 48) at COLORADO (39 - 51) - 8:40 PM
NICK MARTINEZ (R) vs. CHRIS RUSIN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 9-30 (-23.6 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 36-61 (-25.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 43-48 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 27-22 (+18.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TEXAS is 40-44 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 33-32 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 41-32 (+17.9 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 14-8 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
MARTINEZ is 7-2 (+7.5 Units) against the money line after a loss this season. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 105-147 (-35.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 207-280 (-80.2 Units) against the money line in July games since 1997.
COLORADO is 8-23 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 105-147 (-35.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 62-103 (-38.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 77-110 (-29.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 57-91 (-29.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

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

NICK MARTINEZ vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

CHRIS RUSIN vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

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

BOSTON (42 - 49) at LA ANGELS (50 - 40) - 5:05 PM
EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ (L) vs. HECTOR SANTIAGO (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 3-2 (+1.0 Units) against BOSTON this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
No recent starts.

HECTOR SANTIAGO vs. BOSTON since 1997
SANTIAGO is 0-3 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 3.63 and a WHIP of 1.343.
His team's record is 0-4 (-4.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.1 units)

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Monday, July 20


Thunderstorms expected in Philadelphia Monday

There are thunderstorms in the forecast at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia for Monday's contest between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Phillies.

There is also a 23 percent chance of rain and an eight mile per hour hitters wind gusting out the right field.

Left-hander Matt Moore (7.07 ERA, 2-0 O/U) gets the call for the Rays, who are currently -145 favorites, while the Phillies counter with right-hander David Buchanan (7.58 ERA, 4-2 O/U). The total currently sits at 8.0 runs.


More weather on tap at Angel Stadium

A day after the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Angels got rained out there is still more rough weather in the forecast as the teams try to play a doubleheader Monday.

There is still a chance of thunderstorms in the are with a 53 percent chance of rain for the first game, set to get underway at 5:05 ET. There will also be a seven mile per hour hitters wind blowing out to left field.

Boston's Eduardo Rodriguez takes on Los Angeles' Hector Santiago in Game 1, while Steven Wright goes up against Andrew Heaney in Game 2.

The weather is supposed to clear up for the second game of the doubleheader.


Mets struggling in Harvey's road starts

The New York Mets have gone just 1-5 in the last six road games that Matt Harvey has started. He's slated to get the ball Monday evening as the Mets visit the Washington Nationals.

The Mets have been a poor road team no matter who takes the bump as they've gone 16-30 compared to 32-14 at home this season.

In eight road starts this season, Harvey has a personal record of 3-4 (Mets are 3-5), 3.22 ERA and 1.152 WHIP. He and the Mets are presently around +109 while the Nats are -118 and expected to counter with Gio Gonzalez.


Diamondbacks in worst drought of the season

The Arizona Diamondbacks went into the All-Star Break with a three-game losing streak and began post-Midsummer Classic ball with a three-game skid thanks to a sweep by the San Francisco Giants. The six-game skid is their longest of the season and they'll try to put an end to it at home Monday evening.

The Dbacks host the Miami Marlins in the first of a three game set Monday evening. The Marlins are mired in their own three gamer as well after being swept by the Philadelphia Phillies over the weekend.

Rubby De La Rosa is scheduled to start for the Snakes, while David Phelps is probable for the Fish.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Monday, July 20

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game of the Day: Mets at Nationals
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New York Mets at Washington Nationals (-111, 7)

The New York Mets turn to ace Matt Harvey on Monday night as they continue their brutal post-All-Star break schedule with a three-game series at the National League East-leading Washington Nationals. The Mets, in the midst of playing three straight division leaders, are two games back of Washington after avoiding a three-game sweep by squeezing out a 3-1 victory in 18 innings at St. Louis on Sunday.

Harvey owns a pair of wins over the Nationals this season, working 13 scoreless innings to improve to 3-1 with a microscopic 0.68 ERA in six career starts against Washington. New York could use a similar-type outing from Harvey after it was forced to use six relievers for a total of 10 1/3 innings in Sunday's victory. The Nationals lost two of three over the weekend to the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers, going down meekly in the last two games against aces Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke. Washington is 4-3 against the Mets this season, winning the last two games by identical 1-0 scores on May 2-3.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, SNY (New York), MASN (Washington)

LINE HISTORY: Books opened the Nats at -107 and that has moved to -111. The total has remained at 7.

INJURY REPORT: Mets - RF Michael Cuddyer (Doubtful, knee), 3B David Wright (15-day DL, back). Nationals - 3B Ryan Zimmerman (15-day DL, foot), 3B Anthony Rendon (15-day DL, quad), RF Jayson Werth (15-day DL, wrist).

WEATHER WATCH: Temperatures in the mid-80s under partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to right fid at around 5 miles per hour.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Matt Harvey (8-6, 3.07 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (6-4, 3.99)

Harvey ended a three-start drought in his final outing before the break, striking out nine and limiting Arizona to two runs and five hits over seven strong innings. One concern of late for Harvey is a lack of control - he walked nine batters over his past two turns after allowing a total of 17 in his first 15 starts. Harvey has dominated Nationals slugger Bryce Harper, holding him hitless with six strikeouts in 12 at-bats.

Gonzalez closed the first half on a high note, going 2-0 while permitting two runs - both solo homers - and 15 hits in 20 innings over his last three outings. The 29-year-old had one of his best outings against the Mets on May 2, striking out a season-high nine over seven scoreless innings in a 1-0 victory. He is 8-4 with a 2.87 ERA against New York and has held Curtis Granderson, Lucas Duda and Wilmer Flores to a combined 6-for-51.

TRENDS:

* Under is 3-0-3 in Gonzalezs last six starts vs. Mets.
* Mets are 18-49 in the last 67 meetings.
* Mets are 1-5 in Harveys last six road starts.
* Under is 5-1 in Nationals last six home games.

CONSENSUS: Sixty-six percent of users are backing the Nats.

[StarDust Bum]

Mets battle Nationals

July 20, 2015


NEW YORK METS (47-44) at WASHINGTON NATIONALS (49-40)

Sportsbook.ag Line: New York -105, Washington -105, Total: 7

The Nationals look to avoid a three-game losing streak when they host the Mets on Monday.

The Mets enter Monday’s game against the Nationals after defeating the Cardinals 3-1 in an 18-inning affair on Sunday. New York lost the three-game series, but it should be riding some momentum after the thrilling victory in extra innings. The Nationals, on the other hand, have now lost two straight games after opening their three-game set against the Dodgers with a 5-3 win. Washington has lost five of its past eight games and will look to get back on track against a Mets team that really struggles to score runs (317 runs this season, last in NL).

Starting for New York in this game will be RHP Matt Harvey (8-6, 3.15 ERA, 109 K), who will be up against LHP Gio Gonzalez (6-4, 3.99 ERA, 83 K) for Washington. The Nationals have gotten the better of the Mets this season, going 4-3 versus New York on the year. They are also 12-9 when hosting the Mets, but just 1-2 against them at Nationals Park this season. New York is an impressive 8-1 against the money line when playing on Mondays this season and 35-13 against the money line as a favorite of -110 or higher on the year as well. Washington, however, is 38-14 against the money line when playing with a day off over the past three seasons.

RF Curtis Granderson (Rest) is not expected to play for the Mets, who are already without 3B David Wright (Back) indefinitely and C Travis d’Arnaud (Elbow) for the next couple of games. The Nationals, meanwhile, will likely be playing without 2B Danny Espinosa (Leg) and CF Denard Span (Back), 2B Anthony Rendon (Quad) and 1B Ryan Zimmerman (Foot) are all working their way back from the 15-day DL.

The Mets will be looking to build off of their impressive extra innings victory on Monday and will be confident with Matt Harvey heading to the mound. Harvey has been dominant against the Nationals this season, pitching 13 innings without allowing a single earned run in two wins. He struck out nine batters in six innings the first time he pitched at Nationals Park this season and will look to put forth a similar performance on Monday. 2B Daniel Murphy (.268, 5 HR, 30 RBIs) was just 1-for-7 last game, but he has had success against Gio Gonzalez in the past. Murphy is 7-for-20 against him in his career and will need to get on base in this game.

LF Michael Cuddyer (.250, 8 HR, 30 RBI) is expected to be in the lineup for New York Monday and he’ll be counted on to drive in some runs. Cuddyer is 6-for-16 with a homer and three RBIs against Gonzalez in his career. Another guy who will really be relied on in this game is CF Juan Lagares (.252, 3 HR, 25 RBIs). Lagares was just 2-for-10 against the Cardinals last game, but he has given Gio Gonzalez nightmares in the past. Lagares is 8-for-19 with two doubles, a homer and four RBIs against Gonzalez and will be looking to provide his team with a spark in this game.

Gio Gonzalez has pitched extremely well for the Nationals recently, allowing just two earned runs in his last 20 innings on the mound. The Nationals have won in two of his past three starts and he’ll look to get his team going with a victory over a lousy hitting Mets squad. One thing that will need to happen for Washington to win this game is that RF Bryce Harper (.337, 27 HR, 64 RBIs) will need to find a way to hit Matt Harvey. He is 0-for-12 with six strikeouts against the Mets’ ace in his career and needs to get drive in some runs for his team on Monday.

SS Ian Desmond (.204, 7 HR, 24 RBIs) has struggled this season, but he is 4-for-14 with a homer and three walks against Harvey. If he can find a way to get on base then it will really help this team offensively. C Wilson Ramos (.248, 8 HR, 38 RBIs) is hitless in his last three appearances for Washington, but he too has had success against Harvey in his career. Ramos is 3-for-6 with a double in his limited appearances against the pitcher, but he’ll likely be in the lineup for the Nationals on Monday and will need to find a way to get on base.

[StarDust Bum]

2015 MWC Preview

July 20, 2015

Football Preview

We’re Back, Again

For the eighth consecutive year, the Mountain West sent at least five teams into postseason bowl games. The MWC has earned 69 bowl bids since 1999 and holds a 38-31 (.551) all-time record in those contests. However, the Mountain West finished with a 3-4 mark in postseason play last season, marking the fourth year in a row the league failed to post a winning bowl record (9-14 last four seasons).

In fact, its .596 win percentage (31-23) in bowl games since 2004 is second only to the SEC’s .633 glossy (62-36) mark.

Newbies

The Mountain West has welcomed 24 new head coaches over the last 16 seasons, ten of which played in a bowl game in their rookie year.

Former BYU head coach Gary Crowton in 2001, and Boise State boss Bryan Harsin last season, posted the most wins with 12 victories in their inaugural year.

Harsin also joined Utah State’s Matt Wells when he became the second coach to conclude his inaugural season by leading his team to the Mountain West Championship Game and a bowl appearance.

Two new head coaches debut this season: Mike Bobo, Colorado State and Tony Sanchez, UNLV.

We Won’t Back Down

The 2015 non-conference slate features 22 games against teams that earned bowl berths last season.

They face 25 similar opponents during the 2014 campaign.

Eight non-conference opponents finished ranked in last year’s final USA Today/Coaches’ and Associated Press Top 25 polls.

Note: Numbers following team name represent the amount of returning starters on offense and defense, along with the number of returning linemen, with an asterisk (*) designating a returning quarterback.

AIR FORCE (Offense - 6/2, Defense - 4/1, 36 Lettermen

TEAM THEME: WE ARE THE MIGHTY
Just to bring into perspective the Falcons’ dramatic reversal from a 10-loss squad in 2013 to a 10-win team last season, the Flyboys’ offense went from No. 114 to 48 – or from five spots behind Army to five spots ahead of Texas! They lost by 45 points to Colorado State in 2013 and won by 14 in 2014. They also lost by 20 points to UNLV in 2013 and won by 27 last year, all en route to capturing their first Commander-in-Chief’s trophy since 2011. And this year new QB Nate Romine will have nearly every skill player back at his disposal, including 1,000-yard rusher Jacobi Owens and star WR Jalen Robinette. Yeah we get it. Aim High... Fly-Fight-Win.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Falcons are 1-9 ATS in games after facing Army and Navy since 2010.

BOISE STATE (Offense - 9/5, Defense - 8/3, 49 Lettermen

TEAM THEME: KNOCKIN ON HEAVEN’S DOOR
The Broncos return almost everybody: their top three wide receivers, all of the tight ends, every offensive linemen, all but one defensive lineman (plus two potential starters who missed 2014 with injury), their top four linebackers, five of the top six safeties, and both starting cornerbacks. Jeez, Louise, is it possible second-year head coach Bryan Harsin can actually improve on a 12-win season? It won’t be a walk in the park, however, having to replace QB Grant Hedrick, along with star RB Jay Ajayi and his 1,823 rushing yards and 28 TDs last season. And losing OC Mike Sanford to Notre Dame hurts, too. Nonetheless, new QB’s Ryan Finley and Brett Rypien, along with RBs Jeremy McNichols, Cory Young and Kelsey Young feel a heavenly season looks to be in the works.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: New OC Eliah Drinkwitz, last year’s tight ends coach, was schooled under Gus Malzahn at Arkansas State and Auburn.

COLORADO STATE (Offense - 7/3, Defense - 8/3, 55 Lettermen

TEAM THEME: BOBO BALL
Jim McElwain left his stamp on the Rams’ program, lifting them from two wins to 10 in just three short years. Unfortunately, when Florida waved the big bucks he bolted, paving the way for Mike Bobo, a former Georgia QB and Bulldogs OC for the last eight years. Bobo’s no-huddle, frenzied hurry-up attack preaches balance with a heavy emphasis on running the ball. "We want to run our offense and still be pro-style, not being in the shotgun all the time,” insists Bobo. Priority One will be replacing Garrett Grayson, the best quarterback in CSU history. Meanwhile, WR Rashard Higgins, a Biletnikoff finalist last year, returns with 2,587 yards and 23 receiving TDs in only 26 career games. Hmmm…

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Colorado State is 0-17 SU versus ranked opponents.

FRESNO STATE (Offense - *7/3, Defense - 6/2, 29 Lettermen

TEAM THEME: LOST IN SPACE
A funny thing happened to the Bulldogs in 2014, their first season in five years without Derek Carr behind center: their offense fell off the face of the earth. The defending Mountain West champs slipped 140 yards and 17 points per game in 2014, resulting in a 6-8 losing campaign. Granted, a pair of wide receivers and offensive linemen, along with three defensive linemen – all starters – were also among the missing. In addition, a boatload of players either graduated or transferred. Suffice to say with added minutes on the field, the defense also regressed. Still, the Bulldogs managed to win the West division, and will likely orbit back again in 2015.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Bulldogs are 8-1 ATS as single-digit home dogs versus non-conference opponents.

HAWAII (Offense - *8/3, Defense - 6/1, 45 Lettermen

TEAM THEME: CHOW TIME
Norm Chow enters his fourth season as Hawaii’s head coach with 39 years of coaching experience, including three in the NFL. His longest run was a 27-year stint at BYU where the Cougars posted a 244-91-3 record, including 23 bowl appearances. Five new additions to the UH coaching staff (three new coordinators) figure to test the cohesiveness of this club early on. Meanwhile, starting QB Ikaika Woolsey (2,538 yards and 13 TDs) returns but may be pressed for duty by USC transfer Max Wittek. Remember, in Chow’s first year in 2013, Hawaii’s nine losses were by 31.1 PPG. Losses the past two seasons have been by only 11.4 PPG.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Chow is 2-22 SU vs. greater than .333 opponents... but 5-0 ATS home vs. non-conferences foes.

NEVADA (Offense - 7/3, Defense - 6/2, 40 Lettermen

TEAM THEME: WEIGHT AND SEE
On college football’s scale of success, the Wolf Pack have gone from heavyweights with Chris Ault to flyweights without. According to Bill Connelly of SB Nation, in his last five years with Nevada, Ault was 42-24. The last five years without Ault they are 20-39. And this year they must go without four-year starting QB Cody Fajardo, leaving a hole nearly as big as the Hoover Dam. The good news is most of the starting front seven and its two-deep return. Hopefully a lightweight schedule (foes just 65-87 in 2014) and having to force-feeding youngsters last year (played 71 underclassmen) will prove beneficial this season. We’ll see.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Only two FBS QBs have passed for 9,000 yards and rushed for 3,000 yards – Nevada’s Cody Fajardo and Colin Kaepernick.

NEW MEXICO (Offense - *7/3, Defense - 8/2, 54 Lettermen

TEAM THEME: MOVIN’ ON UP
Finally. After inheriting a team that was 3-33 in its previous three seasons, Bob Davie stated it was time for this team to take the next big step. And thanks to a footprint powered by an overland attack that has averaged more than 300 rushing yards per game in each year of his tenure, the time is here. Granted, a 500-yard defense is badly in need of mending and must find traction if this team is to cross on over to the other side. A switch to a 3-3-5 alignment can’t hurt. But Davie’s bread-and-butter is a powerful offense keyed with three starting running backs and a surplus of starting quarterbacks. An 8-year bowl drought likely ends this year.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Lobos have been outscored by 7.5 PPG under Davie. They had been outscored by 26.0 PPG the prior three years.

SAN DIEGO STATE (Offense - 7/3, Defense - 8/3, 38 Lettermen

TEAM THEME: STILL SUNNY IN SAN DIEGO
Since moving to the sunshine city in 2011, Rocky Long completed a college bowl grand slam in four years last season as his Aztecs have averaged 8 wins a season under his lead. When SDSU promoted RB coach Jeff Horton (former assistant under Barry Alvarez at Wisconsin) to OC, the offense went from pass-heavy to run-first as the Aztecs pounded the ground for 216 RYPG, a direct contrast to 2013. Star RB D.J. Pumphrey and his 1,873 rush yards and 20 TDs last season returns. On the other side of the ball, Long may have his best defense yet. With Boise State nowhere to be found, sunny days are in the 2015 forecast.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Under Long, SDSU is 8-8 SU and 5-7 ATS in its first four games of the season, and 13-3 SU and 11-4-1 ATS in its final four games.

SAN JOSE STATE (Offense - 7/3, Defense - 7/3, 45 Lettermen

TEAM THEME: TAKE A LOOK AT ME NOW
Spartans head coach Ron Caragher spent the winter pounding the recruiting trail and when the final dust had settled, his efforts ranked in the upper 50% of all FBS teams. He landed a pair of 4-star talents and a 3-star recruit – who were all headed for Power Five conference teams. That’s almost unheard of from someone of San Jose State’s ilk, a team that faded like a baby boomer’s memory down the stretch last football season. It was apparent that replacing graduated QB David Fales was going to be a task last year (it was). However, there is no question this team will have plenty more upside in 2015, especially with new OC Al Borges completing the rebuild and seven starters back from a defense that led the nation in overall pass defense last season.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: New OC Al Borges has served as an OC with Auburn, Boise State and San Diego State… three of this year’s opponents.

UNLV (Offense - *6/2, Defense - 5/1, 45 Lettermen

TEAM THEME: YEAR ZERO
After going 72-149 since 1990, Bobby Hauck’s 80-17 record at Montana looked mighty appealing to UNLV. Hauck was hired in 2010 – and the Rebels promptly went 15-47 in his five years with the program. Enter UNLV’s newest hire, Tony Sanchez, went 85-5 in his last stint as a head coach with Bishop Gorman Catholic High School in Vegas. Sanchez won six Class 4A state titles and has sent 4-star talent to the likes of Duke, Miami, Nebraska, Notre Dame, UCLA and USC. So will Sanchez be a savior for the downtrodden Rebels? Behind a savvy coaching staff featuring coordinators with a combined 70 years of experience, ground zero starts this season.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Only two other head coaches have jumped from high school to college football: Todd Dodge (North Texas) and Gerry Faust (Notre Dame).

UTAH STATE (Offense - *9/4, Defense - 7/1, 42 Lettermen

TEAM THEME: CHUCKIE’S BACK, AGAIN
Thanks to a late-season five-game win streak, and despite having four starting QB’s go down with injury, the Aggies played in their fourth straight bowl for the first time in school history in 2014. Unfortunately, 20 seniors who graduated as USU’s winningest class with 37 victories must be replaced in quick fashion. Fortunately, record-setting SR QB Chuckie Keeton, along with three all MWC offensive performers, are back for more. And for the first time in five seasons the Aggies return their leading rusher. The USU defense, which ranked among the top 30 in the nation in five categories in 2014, returns three all-MWC players, including star LB Kyler Frackell, who tore his ACL in the season opener against Tennessee and did not return last year. Some things never change.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Aggies are 37-17 since 2011, with only five losses by more than 7 points.

WYOMING (Offense - 6/3, Defense - 4/2, 45 Lettermen

TEAM THEME: BOHL DREAMS
After going 42-3 and leading North Dakota State to three consecutive FCS championships, the Cowboys immediately lassoed new head coach Craig Bohl in what was hailed by many as a coaching coup. A promising 3-1 start turned sour, though, with a 1-7 finish last year, keeping Bohl up at night – and making him as dangerous as ever this season. With a pair of 700-yard RBs returning, along with plenty of quarterbacks with potential, they figure to only get better. A cushy home slate should find Wyoming pushing the bowl envelope, provided they are able to navigate a salty road schedule. If that happens, Bohl should be sleeping like a baby by season’s end.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The last time Wyoming suffered four losing seasons in a row was in 2003.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

Phil Steele's preseason rankings for the American Conference West Division.....

6) SMU-- Horrible LY; never led in any game until their 9th game. New coach now.

5) Tulsa-- 5-19 last two years, after going 29-11 from '10-'12. 4-14 vs spread in last 18 non-conference games.

4) Tulane-- 16 starters back; since '05, is 15-24-1 vs spread as a home dog.

3) Navy-- First year in a league. Only 10 starters back but have a senior QB.

2) Memphis-- 8-4-1 vs spread on road under Fuente; won first bowl since '04 LY.

1) Houston-- +45 in TOs last four years; new coach, only 11 starters back.

**********

Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports Sunday.....

13) With the baseball trading deadline 11 days away, it is interesting to note that on July 31, 2010, Cleveland traded Jake Westbrook to the Cardinals and got Corey Kluber from San Diego as part of a 3-team trade. Trade was a big win for the Indians.

12) Austin Dillon finished 8th in the NASCAR race in New Hampshire this week, the same guy whose car flipped and smashed into the safety net at Daytona two weeks ago. Still amazed Dillon walked away from that crash.

11) When it rains in Phoenix during a Diamondbacks' game, the roof leaks right over the pitchers' mound-- it was annoying the pitchers during the extra innings in Friday night's game. Groundskeepers had to come out in between innings and fix the mound.

10) Padres got rained out in San Diego Sunday for first time since 2006; they played into the 5th inning, but they were slow getting tarp on the field and it was unplayable after the rains stopped.

9) San Diego is now trying Will Middlebrooks at 3B, because he doesn't hit well enough to stay at 3B; he made two errors that got washed out Sunday, which always seems to happen when Andrew Cashner is pitching.

8) Mets 3, Cardinals 1, 18 innings-- Why do the front office guys with the Mets make so much money? What do they do? They sure don't make trades. This is a pitching staff that should be in the playoffs, but their position players are so lame it is not going to happen unless the roster is fortified.

7) If someone says "....to be honest with you" to me, I always wonder when it was when they weren't honest with me.

6) Detroit is 0-6 in Justin Verlander's starts; he is 0-3, 6.62- the Tigers are 45-46 and with Miguel Cabrera out for another 3+ weeks, doesn't look good for Detroit.

5) Westgate sportsbook is my favorite sportsbook in Las Vegas; good deli in the back, all the games on, lot of wagering options, lot of gamblers to talk with. Good place.

4) Zach Greinke hasn't allowed a run in his last 43.2 IP; quite a run he is on.

3) Three golfers are tied for first place at the British Open after the third round- one of the guys is an amateur. Unusual Monday finish for a major today.

2) A's battered former teammate Tommy Milone Sunday, though most of the damage was done by guys who weren't on the A's when was Milone was the last few years. Newly acquired Jake Smolinski hit two homers Sunday; he'll help vs lefties.

1) Miami Marlins got swept in Philly, which isn't good; Jeff Francoeur hit a walk-off HR Sunday, after he hit a pinch-hit 3-run HR in Friday's game. Could Francoeur net a prospect back for the Phillies in a trade deadline deal?

[StarDust Bum]

Diamond Trends - Monday

July 20, 2015


SU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Cubs are 8-0 SU on Jul 26, 2010 on the road and vs a divisional opponent that is behind them in the standings and in the first game of a series.

PITCHER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- When AJ Burnett starts team are 0-9 since July 2014 as an away dog of at least +105 when the total is under 8.

MLB BIBLE ACTIVE TREND:

-- None

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Rangers are 0-14-1 OU (-3.47 ppg) since May 19, 2015 on the road after a game in which they had more strike outs than hits.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Mariners are 0-13 OU since Jun 27, 2014 as a dog when they are off a loss in which they held the lead. The Marlins are 0-10 OU since May 23, 2015 after allowing 6+ runs.

[StarDust Bum]

5:05 PM EDT

971 BOSTON RED SOX (L) Rodriguez, E 8u20 7.5o33 / 8u11 / 8 8o15 +1.5(-200)
972 LOS ANGELES ANGELS (L) Santiago, H -125 -117 / -118 / -113 -118 -1.5(+170)

DH Gm 1 | TV: ESPN, DTV: 206 | PARTLY SUNNY, WIND OUT TO CENTER 7-12. GAME TEMP 84, RH 58% HEAT INDEX 88



MLB Consensus Picks

SIDES

5:05 PM Boston +108 183 29.76% LA Angels -117 432 70.24% View View

OVER AND UNDER

5:05 PM Boston 8 166 41.92% LA Angels 8 230 58.08% View View

[StarDust Bum]

recapping yesterday's action:

mlb: 1 - 10..............just horseshit day !!!

Wnba: 3 - 3........big deal a split.......

[StarDust Bum]

MONDAY, JULY 20

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Boston - 5:05 PM ET LA Angels -117 500 TRIPLE PLAY

LA Angels - Under 8 500 *****