The Bum's Sports Page For Friday July 24th Best Bets-Trends-News !

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Athletics (44-53) at Giants (51-44)
Game: 1
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: July 24, 2015 10:15 PM EDT

General manager Billy Beane set aside his "Moneyball" tactics before last season's trade deadline and reshaped the rotation in a futile attempt to bring the Oakland Athletics a championship.

Now Beane is back to selling off potential rentals rather than acquiring them as Oakland sits in the AL West basement.

One day after dealing free-agent-to-be Scott Kazmir, the A's send Jesse Chavez to the mound in Friday night's opener of a three-game series with the San Francisco Giants across the bay.

Beane traded top prospect Addison Russell to get starters Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel from the Chicago Cubs on July 4 of last year before dealing slugger Yoenis Cespedes to Boston for Jon Lester at the July 31 deadline.

Those moves were made to build a feared rotation for a deep postseason run, but instead Oakland slipped into the second wild-card spot, lost to eventual AL champion Kansas City and watched the Giants win their third World Series in five seasons.

Now the A's (44-53) are 11 games behind the division-leading Los Angeles Angels, and Beane again has his sights on the future. Kazmir was slated to start Thursday's 5-2 loss to Toronto, but Beane dealt him to Houston earlier in the day for highly touted catcher Jacob Nottingham and minor league pitcher Daniel Mengden.

More moves could be coming soon, too.

'We have to be realistic with where we are,' Beane said. 'The math doesn't necessarily work in our favor given the level of play we need just to get back in (the playoff race).'

Oakland had won five of seven before Thursday. Brett Lawrie, who came over from the Blue Jays in the offseason trade for MVP candidate Josh Donaldson, went hitless and is batting .152 over his last 10.

Chavez (5-9, 3.21 ERA) went 1-3 with a 6.55 ERA in his last four starts before the All-Star break, then allowed three hits and struck out nine in six scoreless innings of Sunday's 14-1 win over Minnesota.

The right-hander had a similarly solid outing in his only start against San Francisco, allowing four hits and striking out nine in six innings of a 5-0 victory July 7, 2014.

Oakland has won seven of the last nine meetings with the Giants (51-44), who have been hot lately while getting plenty of help from Buster Posey.

The 2012 NL MVP is 16 for 34 during an eight-game hitting streak after hitting a go-ahead two-run double in the seventh inning of Wednesday's 7-1 win over San Diego.

San Francisco has outscored opponents 61-27 while winning eight of nine. Posey is batting .416 with 25 RBIs while hitting safely in 19 of his last 20, increasing his average from .287 to .318.

"I'm not trying to do too much," Posey told MLB's official website. "You have to adjust to how you feel each day or night."

Jake Peavy (1-4, 4.94) has been taking a simple approach as well since spending 2 1/2 months on the disabled list with a back strain. Peavy has gone 1-2 with a 3.20 ERA in three starts since returning after overcoming eight hits and four runs allowed - including a pair of homers - in 6 1-3 innings of Saturday's 8-4 win over Arizona.

'It's nice to get (the injury) behind you,' Peavy said. 'These last three outings are something to build on.'

The right-hander was with Boston on June 19, 2014, when he last faced the A's, allowing four runs in 6 1-3 innings of a 4-2 loss.

Billy Butler is 14 for 33 with three homers and a double off Peavy.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Athletics at Giants
Fri, Jul 24 - 10:15PM EDT

GAME 2
Athletics at Giants
Sat, Jul 25 - 4:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Athletics at Giants
Sun, Jul 26 - 4:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, July 24

National League
Phillies @ Cubs
Williams is 0-4, 8.67 in his last six starts; five of his last seven went over- this is his first start since June 16 (hamstring).

Lester is 1-2, 2.22 in his last four starts; under is 7-0-1 in his last eight- Cubs scored seven runs total in his last five starts.

Philly lost three of last four games with Chicago; five of last seven games in series stayed under total. Phils won five of last six games overall. Cubs won four of last six games, with last three going over the total.

Nationals @ Pirates
Scherzer is 1-3, 3.25 in his last four starts; seven of his last eight went under the total. Nationals scored four runs in his last four starts.

Locke is 1-3, 2.84 in his last four starts; six of his last seven stayed under.

Washington won seven of last eight games with Pittsburgh; home side won ten of last 11 series games. Nationals are 5-4 in last eight games; over is 3-0-1 in their last four games. Pirates lost five of last seven games, three of their last five stayed under the total.

Dodgers @ Mets
Thomas subs for Greinke (maternity leave) he is making first MLB start, but has allowed four runs in five IP in two relief stints this year. Only five of his 17 appearances in AAA this year were starts.

Niese is 2-1, 1.53 in his last five starts; five of his last six stayed under.

Dodgers won three of last four games at Citi Field; over is 8-2-1 in last eleven series games. LA won four of last six games; under is 15-4-1 in their last 20 road games. Mets lost five of last seven games; over is 3-2-1 in last six.

Braves @ Cardinals
Banuelos is 1-1, 1.72 in his three starts (only 15.2 IP- under 3-0).

Cooney is 0-0, 3.70 in his five starts, four of which went over.

Braves lost three of last four games with St Louis (over 3-1). Braves are 3-7 in last ten games; under is 7-2-1 in their last ten. Cardinals won five of last six games; over is 5-3-1 in their last nine.

Reds @ Rockies
DeSclafani is 0-2, 6.67 in his last five starts; three of his last four went over.

Butler is 1-1, 4.64 in his last four starts; three of last four stayed under.

Cincinnati lost four of last five games with Colorado (over 4-1); Reds lost six of last nine games-- five of last six went over. Rockies lost four of last five games- their of their last four went over.

Brewers @ Diamondbacks
Nelson is 4-1, 4.22 in his last five starts; three of his last four went over, with Milwaukee scoring 24 runs in those four games.

Corbin is 1-2, 4.80 in his three starts (under 2-1).

Road team won seven of last ten Milwaukee-Arizona games; six of last eight went over total. Brewers won four of last six games- four of last five went over total. Diamondbacks lost eight of their last ten games- three of last five stayed under.

Marlins @ Padres
Haren is 1-0, 3.50 in his last three starts; three of his last four went over.

Cashner is 1-1, 3.05 in his last three starts (over is 7-1-1 in his last nine).

San Diego won four of last six games with Miami; home side won eight of last 11 series game; Padres lost last three games after winning previous five. Over is 16-7-1 in their last 24 at home. Miami won its last three games after it lost previous four- over is 5-4 in its last nine games.

American League
Tigers @ Red Sox
Tigers are 0-6 in Verlander's starts this year (0-3, 7.09, over 6-0).
Former Tiger Porcello is 1-5, 7.57 in his last seven starts; under is 5-2-1 in his last eight outings.
Detroit won five of last six games with Boston (over 2-0-1 in last three). Red Sox are 0-7 since All-Star break, outscored 39-13- four of their lst five games went over. Tigers lost seven of their last ten games.

White Sox @ Indians
Quintana is 0-2, 3.92 in his last three starts; seven of his last ten went under.

Kluber is 2-1, 2.01 in his last three starts; four of his last six stayed under.

White Sox lost three of last four games with Cleveland; nine of last ten series games stayed under. Chicago lost six of last eight games; under is 6-3-1 in its last ten games. Indians are 3-5 in last eight games (last five went over).

Orioles @ Rays
Tillman is 2-0, 1.40 in his last four starts, all of which stayed under.

Archer is 0-3, 5.61 in his last four starts; over is 5-1-1 in his last seven.

Baltimore is 6-4 in last ten games with Tampa Bay; six of last seven in series stayed under total. Orioles lost six of last eight games. Rays lost three of last four games; under is 6-1-2 in their last nine.

Astros @ Royals
Kazmir is 3-1, 1.74 in his last seven starts; seven of his last nine went under- this is his first start for Houston after being traded this week.

Guthrie is 2-0, 4.07 in his last four starts, three of which went over.

Astros won last six games with Kansas City; Houston won five of last six games overall, with four of last five going over total. Royals won four of last six games; under is 3-1-1 in their last five.

Bronx @ Twins
Pineda is 1-1, 2.29 in his last three starts; his last four stayed under.

Former Bronx Bomber Hughes is 4-0, 2.85 in his last six starts.

Bronx won three of last four games with Minnesota; four of last five series games went over total. Twins lost four of last five games; under is 5-1-1 in last seven. Bronx won six of last seven games; five of last six stayed under. .

Rangers @ Angels
Lewis is 2-1, 7.40 in his last four starts, all of which went over.

Tropeano threw six shutout innings (97 PT) in his only '15 start. .

Angels won six of last seven games with Texas; six of his last eight went over the total. Halos are 20-8 in last 28 home games, 12 of last 14 stayed under the total. Rangers are 3-2 in last five games (over 4-1).

Blue Jays @ Mariners
Hutchison is 1-1, 7.47 in his last three starts; his last five went over- he was sick Thursday and was pushed back to today.

Hernandez is 1-1, 1.04 in his last four starts; five of his last six stayed under.

Toronto lost three of last four games with Seattle; Blue Jays won three of last four games- under is 4-1-1 in their last six. Mariners are 3-5 in their last eight games; five of their last seven stayed under the total.

Interleague
A's @ Giants
Chavez is 1-3, 4.30 in his last four starts; six of his last seven went over.

Peavy is 1-4, 5.93 in his five starts (over 3-2).

A's won seven of last nine games with the Giants- they're 5-5 in their last ten games (under 6-3-1). San Francisco won eight of last nine games (over 8-1).

Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
Phil-Cubs Williams 4-10; Lester 10-9
Wsh-Pitt-- Scherzer 11-8; Locke 9-9
LA-NY-- Thomas 0-0; Niese 7-11
Atl-StL-- Banuelos 2-1; Cooney 1-4
Cin-Colo-- DeSclafani 9-9; Butler 5-6
Mil-Az-- Nelson 8-11; Corbin 1-2
Mia-SD-- Haren 10-9; Cashner 6-12

Det-Bos-- Verlander 0-6; Porcello 8-10
Chi-Clev-- Quintana 7-10; Kluber 6-14
Balt-TB-- Tillman 10-8; Archer 11-9
Hst-KC-- Kazmir 0-0 (8-10 with A's); Guthrie 12-6
NY-Min-- Pineda 11-7; Hughes 10-9
Tor-Sea-- Hutchison 12-7; Hernandez 12-7
Tex-LAA-- Lewis 9-10; Tropeano 1-0

A's-SF-- Chavez 5-11; Peavy 1-4

Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
Phil-Cubs Williams 6-14; Lester 7-19
Wsh-Pitt-- Scherzer 3-19; Locke 4-18
LA-NY-- Thomas 0-0; Niese 6-18
Atl-StL-- Banuelos 0-3; Cooney 0-5
Cin-Colo-- DeSclafani 4-18; Butler 6-12
Mil-Az-- Nelson 11-19; Corbin 0-3
Mia-SD-- Haren 2-19; Cashner 6-19

Det-Bos-- Verlander 3-6; Porcello 3-18
Chi-Clev-- Quintana 11-17 (6 of last 6); Kluber 10-20
Balt-TB-- Tillman 3-18; Archer 5-20
Hst-KC-- Kazmir 2-18; Guthrie 3-18
NY-Min-- Pineda 6-18; Hughes 4-19
Tor-Sea-- Hutchison 12-7; Hernandez 4-19
Tex-LAA-- Lewis 4-19; Tropeano 0-0

A's-SF-- Chavez 3-16; Peavy 0-5

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Friday, July 24

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

4:05 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. CHI CUBS
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 7 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Chi Cubs's last 17 games at home

7:05 PM
WASHINGTON vs. PITTSBURGH
Washington is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games at home

7:10 PM
LA DODGERS vs. NY METS
LA Dodgers are 9-2 SU in their last 11 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 7 of LA Dodgers's last 10 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of NY Mets's last 12 games at home
NY Mets are 9-4 SU in its last 13 games at home

7:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. TAMPA BAY
Baltimore is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Baltimore's last 7 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games

7:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. CLEVELAND
Chi White Sox are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chi White Sox's last 8 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Cleveland's last 8 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
Cleveland is 14-4 SU in their last 18 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox

7:10 PM
DETROIT vs. BOSTON
Detroit is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 20 of Detroit's last 25 games
Boston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Boston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit

8:10 PM
NY YANKEES vs. MINNESOTA
NY Yankees are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 6 games
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Yankees
Minnesota is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home

8:10 PM
HOUSTON vs. KANSAS CITY
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games
Houston is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Kansas City is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
Kansas City is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Houston

8:15 PM
ATLANTA vs. ST. LOUIS
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Atlanta's last 18 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Atlanta's last 13 games on the road
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

8:40 PM
CINCINNATI vs. COLORADO
Cincinnati is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cincinnati's last 7 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Colorado's last 7 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
Colorado is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home

9:40 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games
Arizona is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games
Arizona is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee

10:05 PM
TEXAS vs. LA ANGELS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas's last 5 games when playing LA Angels
Texas is 1-6 SU in their last 7 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of LA Angels's last 14 games at home
LA Angels are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games at home

10:10 PM
MIAMI vs. SAN DIEGO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games
Miami is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Diego
San Diego is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 15 of San Diego's last 23 games at home

10:10 PM
TORONTO vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Toronto's last 12 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
Seattle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto

10:15 PM
OAKLAND vs. SAN FRANCISCO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games on the road
Oakland is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games
San Francisco is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Oakland

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Friday, July 24


Philadelphia @ Chicago Cubs

Game 951-952
July 24, 2015 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
(Williams) 15.797
Chicago Cubs
(Lester) 14.608
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 1
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-280
No Total
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+230); N/A

Washington @ Pittsburgh

Game 953-954
July 24, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
(Scherzer) 13.972
Pittsburgh
(Locke) 15.922
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-130
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(+110); Under

LA Dodgers @ NY Mets

Game 955-956
July 24, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Thomas) 16.379
NY Mets
(Niese) 13.717
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 2 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-180
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(-180); Over

Atlanta @ St. Louis

Game 957-958
July 24, 2015 @ 8:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
(Banuelos) 13.717
St. Louis
(Cooney) 17.205
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 3 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-185
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(-185); Over

Cincinnati @ Colorado

Game 959-960
July 24, 2015 @ 8:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(DeSclafni) 16.059
Colorado
(Butler) 15.214
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 1
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado
-120
11
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
(+100); Over

Milwaukee @ Arizona

Game 961-962
July 24, 2015 @ 8:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Nelson) 16.383
Arizona
(Corbin) 13.391
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 3
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
-125
8
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(+105); Over

Miami @ San Diego

Game 963-964
July 24, 2015 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
(Haren) 12.723
San Diego
(Cashner) 16.391
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego
by 3 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Diego
-145
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Diego
(-145); Under

Baltimore @ Tampa Bay

Game 965-966
July 24, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
(Tillman) 14.682
Tampa Bay
(Archer) 16.210
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-160
7
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(-160); Under

Chicago White Sox @ Cleveland

Game 967-968
July 24, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago White Sox
(Quintana) 13.383
Cleveland
(Kluber) 16.782
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 3 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-180
7
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-180); Under

Detroit @ Boston

Game 969-970
July 24, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Verlander) 13.845
Boston
(Porcello) 15.412
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 1 1/2
8 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-140
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-140); Under

NY Yankees @ Minnesota

Game 971-972
July 24, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Yankees
(Pineda) 15.624
Minnesota
(Hughes) 16.563
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-140
8
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+120); Over

Houston @ Kansas City

Game 973-974
July 24, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(Kazmir) 15.986
Kansas City
(Guthrie) 14.800
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas City
-135
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(+115); Over

Texas @ LA Angels

Game 975-976
July 24, 2015 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas
(Lewis) 12.626
LA Angels
(Tropeano) 16.860
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Angels
by 4
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Angels
-160
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Angels
(-160); Under

Toronto @ Seattle

Game 977-978
July 24, 2015 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Hutchisn) 14.766
Seattle
(Hernandz) 16.309
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 1 1/2
5 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
N/A

Oakland @ San Francisco

Game 979-980
July 24, 2015 @ 10:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
(Chavez) 17.976
San Francisco
(Peavy) 15.723
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oakland
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco
-125
7
Dunkel Pick:
Oakland
(+105); Over

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Friday, July 24

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MLB betting cheat sheet: Giants making their move
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's a comprehensive look at betting notes for the weekend major-league schedule:

Giants Making Their Move

San Francisco started off the month of July with a seven game losing streak, and it looked as though the Dodgers would run away with the NL West. They've since won nine of 11, moving to within 2.5 games of Los Angeles.

Hunter Pence returned to the lineup on July 7, and he's batting .304 with three home runs and 13 RBIs during that span.

With the Giants hosting Oakland over the weekend, they could gain even more ground on the Dodgers who are on the road in New York.

Fish Out Of Water

The Marlins might not be the hottest team in the majors, but if bettors thought that fading the Fish would be easy money after Stanton's injury, they were sadly mistaken.

Miami is 10-10 over it's last 20 games, and they are 4-8 since losing Dee Gordon. That might make you think twice about laying the chalk to bet against Miami.

Pujols Turning Back The Clock

The 35 year old has taken over the major league lead with his 28th and 29th home runs in a win over Boston on Monday. Pujols hit a major league best 47 in 2009, and a National League best 42 in 2010.

The Angels host Texas this weekend, and Albert has good numbers against the Rangers' Game 1 starter. Colby Lewis will toe the rubber for the Rangers on Friday, and Pujols is 9-for-20 (.450) with three home runs and seven RBIs lifetime versus the right-hander.

Pitching Notes

* Zack Greinke's scoreless streak is at 43 2/3 innings, and his next start comes in New York on Friday. He tossed seven scoreless innings in a win over the Mets earlier this year, and he's 2-0 with a 1.89 ERA in three starts against the Mets over the last three seasons.

* Felix Hernandez is having himself another stellar season, but he's costing bettors money lately. The right-hander only has one win in his last five starts, and the Mariners have lost six of his last 10. He's scheduled to face the Blue Jays at home on Friday, and he allowed one run on four hits over seven innings in a win over the Jays in Toronto earlier this season. The Jays lineup is hitting just .216 over a combined 241 at bats in past meetings.

Hitting Notes

* Buster Posey is crushing opposing pitchers here in the month of July, batting .396 with a pair of home runs and 12 RBIs. He'll face right-hander Jesse Chavez in Game 1 on Friday, and he's hitting .329 with a dozen home runs and 55 RBIs versus right-handed pitching this year.

* Mark Teixeira is not far off the pace in the home run race, with 24 so far. He's been swinging a hot bat this month, hitting .298 with five home runs and 11 RBIs. He'll face the Twins this weekend, and he's 4-for-7 lifetime versus Tommy Milone, who is scheduled to start Saturday's game.

Totals Streak

The Pirates will host the Nationals over the Weekend, and Pittsburgh has seen the total go under at a rate of 18-7-1 in their last 26 home games. The Nats come in banged up, missing several key hitters. It would come as no surprise if we saw a few pitcher's duels at PNC Park.

Weather Watch

* Forecasts are calling for wind to blow out to centerfield at around 10 miles per hour at Wrigley Field when the Chicago Cubs host the Philadelphia Phillies Friday.

* Saturday's forecast shows wind blowing in from right field at around 11 mpm at Fenway Park when the Boston Red Sox host the Detroit Tigers.

Injury Notes

* Injuries are piling up for the Nats, with Dernard Span, Ryan Zimmerman, Jayson Werth and Anthony Rendon all sidelined with various ailments. They can ill afford to lose Yunel Escobar who leads the team batting .321, but he left Wenesday's game with a sore wrist and wasn't expected to be in Thursday's starting lineup.

* David Peralta took a Jose Fernandez fastball to the head on Wednesday night, and he's listed as day to day pending concussion protocol.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Friday, July 24


Chance of rain at Fenway Park Friday

According to weather forecasts, there is a 43 percent chance of rain at Fenway Park as the Boston Red Sox host the Detroit Tigers Friday evening.

The chance of rain dips to around 15 percent later in the evening, but showers are in the forecast before the scheduled start time.

Rick Porcello is slated to start for the Sox (-133) while Justin Verlander is probable for the Tigers (+123).


D-backs RHP Godley enjoys historic debut

Right-hander Zack Godley was predictably pumped for his first major league start Thursday.

"One hundred percent," Godley said. "It's hard not to be."

However, Godley said some advice from Hall of Famer Tony La Russa helped him combat the nerves and adrenaline.

"He said you know you are going to have nerves," Godley said. "Everyone does. It's just being able to take a deep breath and settle in and throw strikes."

Godley listened so well that he made major league history, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

Godley, 25, pitched six scoreless innings in his major league debut, an 8-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers, and he struck out seven without walking a batter. He is the first pitcher in the modern era (since 1900) to hit those numbers in his major league debut, according to Elias.


Escobar inches closer to return for Nationals

PITTSBURGH -- Washington Nationals third baseman Yunel Escobar got good medical news Thursday, just not good enough to get back into the lineup.

Escobar underwent a CT scan on his left wrist and hand and no damage was found. However, he sat out Thursday night's 7-3 loss at Pittsburgh and may be limited to being a late-inning defensive replacement or pinch runner for a least a few days.

In Wednesday's win over the visiting New York Mets, Escobar left in the second inning when he hurt his wrist and hand on a check swing and couldn't grip the bat well on the next pitch, which he fouled off.

Escobar is hitting .321 with five home runs in 84 games this season. He wears a pad on his hand as protection after being hit on it a handful of times this season.


Pirates bring back old friend in Ramirez

PITTSBURGH -- Exactly 12 years and one day after giving Aramis Ramirez away to the Chicago Cubs while under financial duress, the Pirates got the 38-year-old third baseman back Thursday night in a bid to make the postseason for a third consecutive season.

The banged-up Pirates acquired Ramirez and cash considerations in a trade from the Milwaukee Brewers for Triple-A Indianapolis right-handed reliever Yhonathan Barrios.

Pirates third baseman Josh Harrison is recovering from surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb. Shortstop Jordy Mercer is also not expected back until September after spraining the medial collateral ligament in his left knee Sunday in a game at Milwaukee.


Santana boosting Twins rotation

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Minnesota Twins did not need to make a trade to invigorate their pitching staff this month.

Right-hander Ervin Santana won his second successive game while extending his streak of consecutive scoreless innings to 16 on Thursday with a 3-0 win over the Los Angeles Angels.

Since returning July 5 from an 80-game suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs, Santana compiled a 2-0 record with a 2.60 ERA, the best among the Twins' starters. In four starts spanning 27 2/3 innings, Santana has conceded just 20 hits and seven walks while striking out 21.

"Three out of his four starts were outstanding," Minnesota manager Paul Molitor said. "It's a nice lift to get a talented guy like that with his make-up and his personality to come back to your club."

Against the Angels on Thursday, Santana conceded only four hits and a hit batter while striking out seven as he won his 300th career start.


Greinke's paternity leave muddles Dodgers' plans

NEW YORK -- With right-hander Zack Greinke scratched from Friday's start due to the impending birth of his child, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Don Mattingly hoped that left-hander Clayton Kershaw could prepare the Dodgers for a likely "bullpen day" on Friday by throwing six or seven innings in his start Thursday night.

Kershaw did that and plenty more, throwing a three-hit shutout in the Dodgers' 3-0 win over the New York Mets at Citi Field. It was the 19th time in 20 starts this season he lasted at least six innings, the sixth straight time he threw at least seven innings and the 12th time overall he pitched seven-plus innings.

"Kind of count on him being able to do six to seven pretty solidly, and we were hoping to get seven to eight out of him tonight and then leave those guys alone out there," Mattingly said. "And we were able to do it."

As a result, Mattingly will have a full and fully rested bullpen Friday, when left-hander Ian Thomas makes his first major league start. It almost surely will be a short outing for Thomas, who hasn't pitched since July 7 and has never thrown more than three innings in a major league game.

The Dodgers may be mixing and matching within their rotation throughout the four-game series against the Mets, which concludes Sunday. Mattingly said Thursday afternoon he hopes Greinke, who called the manager at 5 a.m. Thursday to tell him he was flying home to Los Angeles to be with his wife, can come back and pitch either Saturday or Sunday. The Dodgers do not have a listed starter for either day.

The Sunday turn normally would be taken by left-hander Brett Anderson, who left his Tuesday start due to a sore left Achilles tendon. He threw on flat ground Thursday and will throw a bullpen session Friday before the Dodgers decide if he is a candidate to start Sunday.

"Lots of plans right now, lots of plans," Mattingly said with a grin Thursday afternoon. "Had lots of plans before this happened. This is an added plan."


Indians' Bauer trying to 'figure it out'

CLEVELAND -- What began as a great start to the 2015 season by Trevor Bauer has slowly slipped into a three-month malaise.

Bauer had an odd pitching line in his 8-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. In six innings, he struck out nine and only walked two. Bauer also gave up six runs on six hits, three of them home runs. At one point in the game, from the fourth through the sixth innings, 12 of the 14 batters Bauer faced either struck out or got a hit.

It's been an inconsistent year for Bauer, who at times can be dominating, but at other times can be wildly inconsistent. In four starts in the month of April, Bauer was 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA. But in 15 starts since then he is 6-7 with a 4.98 ERA.

In four starts in the month of July, Bauer is 2-2 with a 5.55 ERA. His start Thursday against the White Sox was like many of his starts this season: bursts of untouchability followed by stretches when he struggles to limit the damage.


Mets optimistic Cuddyer can return soon

NEW YORK -- The 23rd day of the Michael Cuddyer Watch went a lot like the first 22. There were mixed signals sent by the New York Mets, Cuddyer didn't play, and the team didn't score a lot of runs.

Or any runs, for that matter.

Cuddyer, who has been battling a sore knee since June 30, remained on the bench Thursday, when Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw went the distance and allowed just three hits in a 3-0 win at Citi Field. It was the eighth "DNP" of the month for Cuddyer and the 12th time in 18 July games he didn't start.

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said before the game that Cuddyer was feeling lightheaded from the anti-inflammatory medication he was taking and hinted strongly that Cuddyer would be placed on the disabled list by Friday.


Cardinals' Rosenthal thrives amid heavy usage

ST. LOUIS -- Scott Boras put the St. Louis Cardinals on notice during the All-Star break regarding their usage of closer Trevor Rosenthal, but the memo from baseball's most prominent agent must not have made it to manager Mike Matheny.

Appearing for the 45th time in 95 games this year -- and the third time in as many nights -- Rosenthal needed 25 pitches to escape the ninth inning Thursday and preserve St. Louis' 4-3 win over the Kansas City Royals for his 30th save.

After taking three days off following a 33-pitch ninth inning Friday night in a save against the New York Mets, Rosenthal was more efficient in saves Tuesday and Wednesday night at the Chicago White Sox.

Matheny cited Rosenthal's brevity Wednesday night, when he used only 10 pitches, as a reason why he let him work a third straight game.

[StarDust Bum]

Pro Baseball Trend Report

PHILADELPHIA (34 - 63) at CHICAGO CUBS (51 - 43) - 4:05 PM
JEROME WILLIAMS (R) vs. JON LESTER (L)

Top Trends for this game.

PHILADELPHIA is 34-63 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 11-37 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 34-63 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 124-130 (+0.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LESTER is 41-10 (+22.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 123-112 (+23.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 358-389 (+47.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 398-378 (+46.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1438-1596 (-277.8 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 769-746 (-165.7 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 4-11 (-9.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 153-194 (-59.5 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 48-69 (-24.9 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1055-1190 (-216.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 667-772 (-202.4 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 703-704 (-159.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 208-179 (-42.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History

There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

JEROME WILLIAMS vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

JON LESTER vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997

LESTER is 4-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 1.59 and a WHIP of 0.912.
His team's record is 5-0 (+5.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.4 units)


WASHINGTON (51 - 43) at PITTSBURGH (55 - 40) - 7:05 PM
MAX SCHERZER (R) vs. JEFF LOCKE (L)

Top Trends for this game.

PITTSBURGH is 240-186 (+36.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 84-47 (+22.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 19-4 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in home games in July games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 17-3 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 84-47 (+22.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 102-72 (+18.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 69-37 (+22.2 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 35-19 (+12.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PITTSBURGH is 370-372 (+52.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
SCHERZER is 61-27 (+23.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History

WASHINGTON is 3-1 (+2.2 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

MAX SCHERZER vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997

SCHERZER is 4-2 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 2.44 and a WHIP of 0.771.
His team's record is 5-2 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.3 units)

JEFF LOCKE vs. WASHINGTON since 1997

LOCKE is 0-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 2.53 and a WHIP of 1.125.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

LA DODGERS (55 - 42) at NY METS (49 - 47) - 7:10 PM
IAN THOMAS (L) vs. JON NIESE (L)

Top Trends for this game.

LA DODGERS are 55-42 (-8.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 26-23 (-11.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
LA DODGERS are 22-25 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA DODGERS are 55-42 (-8.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 13-19 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 28-28 (-14.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
NY METS are 128-130 (+4.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 32-15 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
NY METS are 39-31 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 32-15 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 26-38 (-13.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
NY METS are 174-218 (-56.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History

NY METS is 2-2 (+1.7 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.1 Units)

IAN THOMAS vs. NY METS since 1997

No recent starts.

JON NIESE vs. LA DODGERS since 1997

NIESE is 2-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.78 and a WHIP of 1.346.
His team's record is 3-3 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-0. (+6.4 units)


ATLANTA (45 - 50) at ST LOUIS (61 - 34) - 8:15 PM
MANNY BANUELOS (L) vs. TIM COONEY (L)

Top Trends for this game.

ST LOUIS is 61-34 (+22.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 34-12 (+18.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ST LOUIS is 61-34 (+22.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 41-24 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ST LOUIS is 40-21 (+15.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ST LOUIS is 14-3 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
ATLANTA is 38-34 (+25.9 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 since 1997.
ATLANTA is 35-31 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History

There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

MANNY BANUELOS vs. ST LOUIS since 1997

No recent starts.

TIM COONEY vs. ATLANTA since 1997

No recent starts.


CINCINNATI (42 - 51) at COLORADO (40 - 53) - 8:40 PM
ANTHONY DESCLAFANI (R) vs. EDDIE BUTLER (R)

Top Trends for this game.

CINCINNATI is 50-78 (-23.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 50-78 (-23.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 53-63 (-18.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 15-25 (-14.3 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.
CINCINNATI is 514-580 (+31.7 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
COLORADO is 106-149 (-37.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 208-282 (-82.0 Units) against the money line in July games since 1997.
COLORADO is 106-149 (-37.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 21-37 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
COLORADO is 78-110 (-28.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 58-92 (-29.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 86-108 (-31.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History

COLORADO is 2-1 (+1.8 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

ANTHONY DESCLAFANI vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

EDDIE BUTLER vs. CINCINNATI since 1997

BUTLER is 0-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.833.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)


MILWAUKEE (42 - 54) at ARIZONA (44 - 50) - 9:40 PM
JIMMY NELSON (R) vs. PAT CORBIN (L)

Top Trends for this game.

MILWAUKEE is 42-54 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 42-54 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 59-73 (-20.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 12-22 (-12.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 13-27 (-24.6 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.
ARIZONA is 23-15 (+8.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 18-7 (+12.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 14-7 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 108-148 (-34.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 57-72 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 108-148 (-34.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 41-65 (-24.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History

ARIZONA is 3-1 (+2.4 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.1 Units)

JIMMY NELSON vs. ARIZONA since 1997

NELSON is 0-0 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)

PAT CORBIN vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997

CORBIN is 2-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.13 and a WHIP of 1.421.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.1 units)

MIAMI (41 - 55) at SAN DIEGO (44 - 52) - 10:10 PM
DAN HAREN (R) vs. ANDREW CASHNER (R)

Top Trends for this game.

HAREN is 186-183 (-39.1 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HAREN is 173-176 (-45.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
HAREN is 123-127 (-34.8 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HAREN is 20-31 (-18.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 27-39 (-12.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.

Head-to-Head Series History

MIAMI is 1-0 (+1.4 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
DAN HAREN vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997

HAREN is 7-5 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.66 and a WHIP of 1.181.
His team's record is 11-9 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-8. (+2.4 units)

ANDREW CASHNER vs. MIAMI since 1997

CASHNER is 1-1 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 1.86 and a WHIP of 1.086.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

BALTIMORE (46 - 48) at TAMPA BAY (48 - 49) - 7:10 PM
CHRIS TILLMAN (R) vs. CHRIS ARCHER (R)

Top Trends for this game.

BALTIMORE is 17-29 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BALTIMORE is 5-12 (-8.4 Units) against the money line in July games this season.
BALTIMORE is 26-33 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 12-25 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 8-18 (-9.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 193-314 (-98.6 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
TAMPA BAY is 578-660 (+14.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 146-118 (+31.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 177-201 (+41.1 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 72-52 (+22.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 67-43 (+22.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 23-10 (+13.1 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.
TILLMAN is 36-19 (+18.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 9-1 (+10.9 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 17-8 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 26-13 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 13-5 (+9.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 18-6 (+11.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 125-134 (-30.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 16-26 (-12.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
TAMPA BAY is 59-70 (-32.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 9-18 (-11.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less this season.
TAMPA BAY is 2-9 (-8.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 60-71 (-32.4 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 68-79 (-31.4 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 89-100 (-25.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 29-39 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 21-29 (-10.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History

BALTIMORE is 5-4 (+0.9 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.8 Units)

CHRIS TILLMAN vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997

TILLMAN is 5-8 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.05 and a WHIP of 1.170.
His team's record is 9-8 (+2.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-10. (-4.7 units)

CHRIS ARCHER vs. BALTIMORE since 1997

ARCHER is 1-3 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.485.
His team's record is 2-4 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.3 units)


CHI WHITE SOX (43 - 50) at CLEVELAND (45 - 49) - 7:10 PM
JOSE QUINTANA (L) vs. COREY KLUBER (R)

Top Trends for this game.

CHI WHITE SOX are 17-28 (-15.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
QUINTANA is 8-19 (-13.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
QUINTANA is 17-32 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 117-71 (+29.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 66-28 (+29.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 78-80 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 372-375 (+32.5 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
CLEVELAND is 45-49 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 19-27 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 14-23 (-13.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CLEVELAND is 41-49 (-19.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 9-18 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 14-21 (-9.9 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
KLUBER is 6-14 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
KLUBER is 0-8 (-10.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)
KLUBER is 5-14 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)


Head-to-Head Series History

CLEVELAND is 5-5 (+0.1 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
9 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+7.8 Units)

JOSE QUINTANA vs. CLEVELAND since 1997

QUINTANA is 4-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.18 and a WHIP of 1.246.
His team's record is 5-6 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-4. (+2.6 units)

COREY KLUBER vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997

KLUBER is 4-3 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.35 and a WHIP of 1.128.
His team's record is 5-6 (-1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-7. (-3.6 units)


DETROIT (47 - 48) at BOSTON (42 - 54) - 7:10 PM
JUSTIN VERLANDER (R) vs. RICK PORCELLO (R)

Top Trends for this game.

DETROIT is 24-31 (-9.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
DETROIT is 32-40 (-11.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
DETROIT is 58-63 (-19.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 65-64 (-16.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
VERLANDER is 34-42 (-29.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 33-41 (-29.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 18-24 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 11-17 (-18.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 42-54 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 607-548 (-80.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
BOSTON is 56-71 (-34.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 20-27 (-15.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 16-26 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 35-48 (-20.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 27-36 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BOSTON is 33-39 (-11.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 30-39 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 8-17 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 44-51 (-15.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.


JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. BOSTON since 1997

VERLANDER is 3-5 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 3.39 and a WHIP of 1.142.
His team's record is 5-7 (-3.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-7. (-5.6 units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. DETROIT since 1997

No recent starts.


NY YANKEES (53 - 41) at MINNESOTA (51 - 44) - 8:10 PM
MICHAEL PINEDA (R) vs. PHIL HUGHES (R)

Top Trends for this game.

MINNESOTA is 51-44 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 31-16 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 51-44 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 26-23 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 32-30 (+8.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 18-11 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a win this season.
HUGHES is 30-21 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HUGHES is 29-21 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HUGHES is 19-7 (+15.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 32-20 (+10.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
NY YANKEES are 29-18 (+10.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.


Head-to-Head Series History

There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

MICHAEL PINEDA vs. MINNESOTA since 1997

PINEDA is 1-0 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 1.64 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.1 units)


PHIL HUGHES vs. NY YANKEES since 1997

HUGHES is 1-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 5.65 and a WHIP of 0.977.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)


HOUSTON (54 - 43) at KANSAS CITY (57 - 37) - 8:10 PM
SCOTT KAZMIR (L) vs. JEREMY GUTHRIE (R)

Top Trends for this game.

KANSAS CITY is 57-37 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 32-17 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 28-16 (+12.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 57-37 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 37-26 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 22-12 (+10.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
KANSAS CITY is 74-58 (+12.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 54-40 (+17.3 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.
GUTHRIE is 33-20 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 33-19 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 36-24 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 23-16 (+11.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 54-43 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 20-11 (+11.1 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 54-37 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 85-93 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 34-23 (+11.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 31-22 (+8.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
HOUSTON is 15-6 (+7.8 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
HOUSTON is 12-4 (+8.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History

HOUSTON is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

SCOTT KAZMIR vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997

KAZMIR is 4-8 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.84 and a WHIP of 1.462.
His team's record is 7-12 (-7.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-8. (+0.8 units)

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. HOUSTON since 1997

GUTHRIE is 2-2 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 4.62 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 4-2 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+2.0 units)


TEXAS (45 - 49) at LA ANGELS (54 - 41) - 10:05 PM
COLBY LEWIS (R) vs. NICK TROPEANO (R)

Top Trends for this game.

TEXAS is 11-31 (-21.9 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 54-41 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 65-37 (+16.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 15-3 (+11.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 this season.
LA ANGELS are 50-20 (+20.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 32-12 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 284-205 (+56.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 143-103 (+21.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 44-26 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA ANGELS are 65-42 (+15.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 85-47 (+26.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 39-13 (+19.8 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.
TEXAS is 45-49 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 29-23 (+20.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TEXAS is 13-8 (+10.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
TEXAS is 55-39 (+28.1 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 42-45 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 34-33 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 30-28 (+9.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 24-15 (+18.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LEWIS is 14-9 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEWIS is 14-8 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEWIS is 12-5 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History

LA ANGELS is 7-2 (+4.3 Units) against TEXAS this season
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.0 Units)

COLBY LEWIS vs. LA ANGELS since 1997

LEWIS is 5-10 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 6.09 and a WHIP of 1.448.
His team's record is 7-12 (-5.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-11. (-5.7 units)

NICK TROPEANO vs. TEXAS since 1997

TROPEANO is 0-1 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.049.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

TORONTO (49 - 48) at SEATTLE (44 - 52) - 10:10 PM
DREW HUTCHISON (R) vs. FELIX HERNANDEZ (R)

There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.


Head-to-Head Series History

SEATTLE is 2-1 (+1.3 Units) against TORONTO this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

DREW HUTCHISON vs. SEATTLE since 1997

HUTCHISON is 0-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 9.52 and a WHIP of 1.587.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. TORONTO since 1997

HERNANDEZ is 6-6 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.63 and a WHIP of 1.303.
His team's record is 7-7 (-2.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-7. (-1.0 units)

Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 44-53 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 34-45 (-23.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 3-12 (-11.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday this season.
OAKLAND is 42-51 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 85-79 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 6-17 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CHAVEZ is 3-11 (-10.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 151-123 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 151-123 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 1054-884 (+116.6 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 31-20 (+10.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 38-17 (+18.3 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.
SAN FRANCISCO is 12-23 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in home games in July games over the last 3 seasons.
PEAVY is 15-26 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PEAVY is 14-24 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PEAVY is 7-16 (-11.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History

There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

JESSE CHAVEZ vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997

CHAVEZ is 1-0 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

JAKE PEAVY vs. OAKLAND since 1997

PEAVY is 1-1 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 2.53 and a WHIP of 1.031.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

[StarDust Bum]

Pro Baseball Standings

2015 American League Central Standings

Team W L Pct. Units Ov-Un-P Home Away Div Grass Turf

KANSAS CITY 57 37 0.606 +18.80 40-43 32-17 25-20 24-15 57-37 0-0

MINNESOTA 51 44 0.537 +16.75 39-46 31-16 20-28 23-22 51-44 0-0

DETROIT 47 48 0.495 -4.35 54-39 25-27 22-21 27-17 47-48 0-0

CLEVELAND 45 49 0.479 -14.95 45-47 19-27 26-22 14-23 41-49 0-0

CHI WHITE SOX 43 50 0.462 -8.30 36-53 24-22 19-28 17-28 42-45 1-2


2015 American League East Standings

Team W L Pct. Units Ov-Un-P Home Away Div Grass Turf

NY YANKEES 53 41 0.564 +4.00 45-45 30-17 23-24 24-17 48-36 1-2

TORONTO 49 48 0.505 -3.40 44-45 28-19 21-29 23-21 19-25 28-19

TAMPA BAY 48 49 0.495 -2.90 40-50 23-25 25-24 22-22 20-20 4-3

BALTIMORE 46 48 0.489 -4.00 39-50 29-19 17-29 24-23 41-42 2-4

BOSTON 42 54 0.438 -18.55 44-47 22-23 20-31 17-27 35-48 4-3


2015 American League West Standings

Team W L Pct. Units Ov-Un-P Home Away Div Grass Turf

LA ANGELS 54 41 0.568 +8.65 42-49 31-19 23-22 27-18 50-38 2-2

HOUSTON 54 43 0.557 +7.72 45-47 33-17 21-26 24-17 54-37 0-3

TEXAS 45 49 0.479 +9.87 42-47 16-26 29-23 12-25 42-45 1-2

SEATTLE 44 52 0.458 -13.38 40-52 20-27 24-25 21-21 39-51 2-1

OAKLAND 44 53 0.454 -17.95 49-40 21-29 23-24 21-24 42-51 0-0


2015 National League Central Standings

Team W L Pct. Units Ov-Un-P Home Away Div Grass Turf

ST LOUIS 61 34 0.642 +22.20 37-54 34-12 27-22 25-13 61-34 0-0

PITTSBURGH 55 40 0.579 +7.65 40-46 33-16 22-24 17-24 55-40 0-0

CHICAGO CUBS 51 43 0.543 +2.75 38-50 25-20 26-23 21-21 51-43 0-0

CINCINNATI 42 51 0.452 -10.55 48-41 25-22 17-29 17-21 42-51 0-0

MILWAUKEE 42 54 0.438 -11.95 49-42 20-29 22-25 18-19 42-54 0-0


2015 National League East Standings

Team W L Pct. Units Ov-Un-P Home Away Div Grass Turf

WASHINGTON 51 43 0.543 -0.90 48-42 28-19 23-24 25-16 50-42 0-0

NY METS 49 47 0.510 +1.65 43-47 32-15 17-32 24-17 49-45 0-2

ATLANTA 45 50 0.474 +4.17 48-42 26-20 19-30 21-21 43-49 2-1

MIAMI 41 55 0.427 -13.05 43-48 24-23 17-32 14-20 41-52 0-3

PHILADELPHIA 34 63 0.351 -18.60 51-38 23-26 11-37 15-25 34-63 0-0


2015 National League West Standings

Team W L Pct. Units Ov-Un-P Home Away Div Grass Turf

LA DODGERS 55 42 0.567 -8.40 47-47 33-17 22-25 29-20 55-42 0-0

SAN FRANCISCO 51 44 0.537 +2.45 49-42 25-22 26-22 27-23 51-44 0-0

ARIZONA 44 50 0.468 -3.15 48-41 24-26 20-24 24-26 44-50 0-0

SAN DIEGO 44 52 0.458 -7.65 53-40 21-25 23-27 24-23 44-52 0-0

COLORADO 40 53 0.430 -9.35 48-42 22-26 18-27 17-29 40-53 0-0

[StarDust Bum]

Lester helping bettors cash Under wagers

If you've been backing the Under in Chicago Cubs games when Jon Lester gets the start, you've been doing quite well for yourself.

The Under has gone 7-0-1 in the southpaw's last eight starts overall and he's slated to take the bump against the Philadelphia Phillies Friday afternoon.

Lester owns an Over/Under record of 5-12 in 19 starts so far this season, making him one of the best Under hurlers with at least 10 starts under his belt in 2015.

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

Mets riding the suddenly hot Niese

Jon Niese seems to have bounced back after some struggles, with the New York Mets winning their past three games with the leftie starting.

Since the start of July, Niese has posted a 1.21 ERA and has held batters to a .169 batting average. While pitching 22.1 innings in his past three starts, Niese has allowed only 13 hits and three runs.

The Mets are currently +161 when they host the LA Dodgers Friday.

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

Rangers' Lewis has been horrendous versus Angels

Texas Rangers pitcher Colby Lewis is 0-6 with an 11.35 ERA in his last six starts versus the Los Angeles Angels. He is probable to take the mound against the Halos in Los Angeles Friday evening.

The 35-year-old is 0-2 with a 12.00 ERA in nine innings of work in two starts versus the Angels this season.

He won his first start versus the Angels in 2014 (May 2) before being demolished over the course of the next four. He surrendered 25 runs in 20 1/3 innings, losing those four starts in the process.

Lewis and the Rangers are presently +143 while the Angels, who are expected to counter with Nicholas Tropeano, are -155.

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

Williams not helping the struggling Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies have dropped their past six contests when Jerome Williams takes to the mound.

Williams, who is expected to come off the 15-day DL for the Phillies Friday, has allowed four or more runs in five of those games. This season has seen Williams post a 6.43 ERA while allowing opponents to hit .376.

The Phillies are currently a massive +232 dog when they visit the Chicago Cubs.

[StarDust Bum]

Holt $hit Betting Stat of the day: Quintana, Kluber have the worst run support in American League

Jul 24, 2015

It does not seem to matter how well either Jose Quintana or Corey Kluber pitch, their teams just do not seem interested in helping them.

Quintana ranks dead last in the American League in run support, with the Chicago White Sox tallying a mere 2.63 runs when he starts. Not to be outdone, the Cleveland Indians are plating 2.65 runs of support in Kluber's starts this season, the second-worst mark in the AL.

Despite both Quintana and Kluber posting solid ERA's, 3.83 and 3.38 respectively, they have a combined over/under record of 14-25 in their starts this season thanks to the lack of run support.

On the season as a whole, the White Sox are the second best Under team in the MLB with a 36-53-4 mark. The Indians have been a middle-of-the-pack total bet this season as they have gone 46-47-1 O/U.

The two pitchers will face off against one another Friday, with the total currently set at 7 and the Indians a -168 home favorite.

[StarDust Bum]

Stature symbols: Biggio, Big Unit lead Baseball HOF class

Jul 23, 2015

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. -- Less than one-half of one percent of all Major League Baseball players are elected to the Hall of Fame, which means that every inductee has already overcome long odds.

But even by that measure, the four newest members of the Hall of Fame -- second baseman Craig Biggio, left-handed pitcher Randy Johnson, right-handed pitcher Pedro Martinez and right-handed pitcher John Smoltz -- authored unlikely paths to immortality.

The quartet -- the largest class of inductees elected by the Baseball Writers Association of America since Joe DiMaggio headed a class of four in 1955 -- will be officially enshrined Sunday on the grounds of the Clark Sports Center. Johnson, Martinez and Smoltz all earned induction during their first year on the ballot while Biggio made it in on his third try.

For Biggio, Johnson, Martinez and Smoltz, the bulk of their careers were spent making the adjustments that would allow them to survive, not thinking about eventually joining the most exclusive club in sports. But the last few months have provided them plenty of time for reflection. Here's what each inductee had to say last week, during separate conference calls, about the roundabout route he took to Cooperstown

***

At 25 years old, Craig Biggio was already a Silver Slugger-winning, All-Star catcher for the Houston Astros. And the Astros were already worrying how playing catcher would shorten his career.

As enticing as it was to keep Biggio at an offensively challenged position -- he had 97 extra-base hits and 65 stolen bases from 1989 through 1991 -- the Astros also knew his slight frame (5-foot-11, 185 pounds) wasn't made to stand up to the rigors of catching.

"I probably would have never played 20 years if I would have stayed behind the plate," Biggio said. "The beating that you take back there eventually probably would have taken its toll on me. I wasn't the biggest guy in the world."

So shortly before the Astros convened for spring training in 1992, management proposed Biggio shift to second base, a position he'd played just three times in his first four major league seasons.

Biggio was used to hard work and taking on challenges -- he emerged as a big leaguer despite growing up in the cold weather of Long Island and playing college baseball at Seton Hall in New Jersey -- but the marathon sessions with Astros bench coach Matt Galante were unlike anything he'd ever done.

"We spent a lot of time together and a lot of hours together on some hills where the sun was just barely coming up and the sun was just going down," Biggio said.

The sessions were strenuous, as well as stressful. Biggio admitted he and Galante -- both native New Yorkers -- sniped at each other, though any cross words were forgotten the next day as the two refocused on their mutual task.

"You've got to understand something," Biggio said. "He had six weeks to turn me into a big league second baseman. And in the history of the game it's never been done before."

Biggio did it, seamlessly. He played 1,617 out of a possible 1,717 games for the Astros from 1992 through 2002, during which he won four Gold Gloves and four Silver Sluggers.

There were more shifts to be made during Biggio's twilight years -- he played the outfield in 2003 and 2004 before moving back to second base for his final three seasons, during which he completed his march to 3,000 hits. But there wouldn't have been future position switches, nor Hall of Fame milestones to chase, if not for the unprecedented move to catcher.

"At the time, it was a nervous decision," Biggio said. "But once we made our decision to do it, we zipped up the catcher's gear and didn't look back."

***

Randy Johnson was the ideal student-athlete at the University of Southern California. Upon graduating in 1985, he knew more about his major, photojournalism, than the sport he played.

Of course, having a better idea how to take a picture than how to throw a baseball is not normally how a Hall of Fame career begins. But the 6-foot-10 Johnson continued to struggle with his mechanics, as well as with the control of his 100 mph fastball, as a minor leaguer in the Montreal Expos organization. In 1987, he struck out 163 batters and walked 128 for Double-A Jacksonville.

"I think I took more away from USC knowing photography than I did with my own pitching skills and development there," Johnson said. "And that's no disrespect to anything, I just didn't develop probably as fast as I was hoping. It took a long time in the minor leagues. And then it took me two or three years in the major leagues to really hit my stride."

Johnson threw a no-hitter for the Seattle Mariners in 1990 -- the first of the three consecutive seasons in which he led the American League in walks. His career didn't take off until late in the 1992 season, when he fixed his mechanics following a meeting with all-time strikeout king Nolan Ryan and his pitching guru, Tom House.

Johnson, now landing on the ball of his foot instead of the heel, set then-career bests in wins (19), ERA (3.24), complete games (10) and strikeouts (308) in 1993, the season in which he turned 30.

But still, a Hall of Fame career seemed unlikely given his late start -- Johnson's 61 wins through his 30th birthday are the second-fewest for any 300-game winner, behind knuckleballer Phil Niekro -- and with a body that would soon begin breaking down.

"I'd be remiss if I didn't thank some doctors and physical therapists," Johnson said. "Over 26 years, I've had three back surgeries, four knee surgeries."

But despite his injury woes, Johnson won five Cy Youngs -- one for the Mariners in 1995 and four straight for the Arizona Diamondbacks from 1999 through 2002 -- following his 30th birthday. He also won six strikeout titles and four ERA crowns in his 30s. As a 40-year-old in 2004, he threw a perfect game for the Diamondbacks and earned his final strikeout title.

His 300th career win, which he notched with the San Francisco Giants in 2009, was the bow on a Hall of Fame career, not the achievement that got him over the top. He earned more than 97 percent of the vote in January.

"I had so much fun in Seattle, I learned how to pitch and I had many great years there," Johnson said. "But I got to a whole other level after I left there and I really got to a whole other level of what I never envisioned."

***

Tommy Lasorda cruised into the Hall of Fame by leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to two world championships as their manager from 1977 through 1996. Who knows how many more rings he and the Dodgers would have earned if had a little more faith in Pedro Martinez?

As a 20- and 21-year-old in 1992 and 1993, Martinez worked almost exclusively out of the bullpen for the Dodgers and went 10-6 with a 2.58 ERA and 127 strikeouts over 115 innings. He earned two saves, both of which came in one-run games in which Martinez recorded more than three outs.

He might have become a Mariano Rivera had he remained in the bullpen. But Lasorda wasn't even sure Martinez, who was listed at 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds, could last as a reliever, so he was traded to the Montreal Expos in exchange for second baseman Delino DeShields prior to the 1994 season.

The trade fueled the famously prideful Martinez.

"I was always self-motivated," Martinez said. "And at the same time, every time I saw adversity in front of me, I saw it as a reason to push forward, to push harder.

"Even though I was always denied that opportunity, I wanted to actually see if I could get just a small chance, even though I felt like I had no space to fail. And I was able to pull it off."

Martinez arrived as one of the best pitchers in baseball in 1997, when he struck out 305 batters while leading the National League with a 1.90 ERA and 13 complete games. But with free agency looming, the perpetually rebuilding Expos dealt him to the Boston Red Sox following the season.

His first three years in Boston -- during which Martinez went 60-17 with a 2.25 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP while striking out 848 and walking just 136 over 664 innings -- may be the most dominant three-season run in history, especially given Martinez's small size and the beefed-up sluggers he faced in the heart of the steroid era.

What might he have done today? Martinez admits to being curious, but also finds it rewarding to have achieved what he did while remaining clean.

"I can only imagine what it would have been like," Martinez said. "But you know what? I wouldn't want it any other way. This is the way I wanted it. This is the way I got it.

"I just look back at facing, probably, the best I could face, and doing it right. And doing it the right way."

***

Struggling as a 20-year-old in Double-A is tough enough. Add getting traded by his hometown team into the equation and it's easy to understand how down John Smoltz was in the summer of 1987, when the Detroit Tigers traded the Michigan native to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for right-hander Doyle Alexander.

"I was having a miserable year," said Smoltz, who had a 5.68 ERA and almost as many walks (81) as strikeouts (86) at the time of the trade. "I didn't know which way was up. I didn't know what my future held and how I was going to get out of this funk.

"And then the trade happened, and I just associated (it with a) bad year. This is bad if somebody doesn't want me."

Smoltz quickly emerged from his mental funk, though the results didn't initially improve. He posted a 6.19 ERA and walked 11 while striking out just five for the Braves' Triple-A affiliate. But he figured things out in a hurry after working in the Braves' instructional league with Leo Mazzone, who fixed Smoltz's mechanics and told him he'd be fine once he found some consistency with his stuff.

Smoltz reached the majors in 1988, when he recorded a 5.48 ERA in 12 starts. Over the next 11 seasons, he went 155-106 with a 3.29 ERA and 2,061 strikeouts and exceeded 180 innings pitched in every season but two, one of which was the strike-shortened 1994 campaign.

He might have made it look easy, but remaining on the mound was a constant battle for Smoltz, who battled chronic shoulder and elbow injuries while tinkering with his arsenal, which originally featured just a fastball and slider.

"Started working on a changeup and a split-finger, and every year it took time to get better and better," Smoltz said. "At least the idea was to get better and better in the process. Because I needed to.

"When I capture my career, there was not a stretch of like nine, 10 straight years where it was just dominant and clicking. It was work every year."

Smoltz's elbow finally tore in spring training 2000, when he underwent Tommy John surgery. To minimize the stress on his arm, Smoltz returned as a closer in 2001 and notched 154 saves over the next four seasons. He moved back into the rotation as a 38-year-old in 2005 and led the National League in wins (16) and starts (35) while striking out 211 batters in 2006.

Smoltz will be the first Tommy John survivor to reach the Hall of Fame, as well as the first enshrined pitcher with 200 wins and 150 saves.

"My philosophy was 'I'll find a way,'" Smoltz said. "And the great pitchers always find a way."

[StarDust Bum]

Jays fell out of Kazmir bidding

Jul 23, 2015

OAKLAND, Calif. -- One loss might have cost the Toronto Blue Jays a chance at acquiring a starting pitcher.

Multiple sources said the Blue Jays were a serious bidder for Oakland left-hander Scott Kazmir until A's general manager Billy Beane got a first-hand view just how desperate they are for a starter Wednesday night.

Beane's price went up, the Blue Jays dropped out, and Kazmir was dealt to the Houston Astros on Thursday for two Class A prospects.

After watching his team send Blue Jays fifth starter Felix Doubront to the showers before the end of the fifth inning Wednesday, Beane is said to have asked for Toronto's top pitcher at Triple-A, left-hander Daniel Norris, in exchange for Kazmir.

Why not? The Blue Jays clearly are reluctant to promote Norris at a time of need, and Kazmir is about as pennant-race-friendly as anyone available at a reasonable price this month.

However, reasonable price and Norris were not synonymous in the Blue Jays' minds, so they were left exploring their many other options with the trade deadline still more than a week away.

Toronto, which bounced back to beat Oakland 5-2 Thursday, recently was linked to Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Mike Fiers, Cleveland Indians righty Carlos Carrasco and San Diego Padres right-handers Tyson Ross and Andrew Cashner.

[StarDust Bum]

CFL Betting Recap - Week 4

July 21, 2015

League Betting Notes

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

Team Betting Notes

-- Montreal (2-2) kicked off Week 4 with a 17-13 victory against Hamilton (1-2), who was coming off a bye. It was the first non-cover for the TiCats in three tries. The road odyssey continues for Hamilton next Sunday in Regina against the Roughriders.

-- Saskatchewan (0-4) dropped their fourth straight game in as many tries, losing 27-24 against the BCLions (2-1). The Roughriders are 0-3-1 ATS, and Friday marked their first 'under' in four games. The Roughriders have lost their four games by an average of just three points.

-- It doesn't get any more consistent than Calgary (3-1), as they fell to 0-4 ATS with four 'under' results in four games this season. The hit the road to face Ottawa (2-2), a team averaging just 19.0 points per game. Another 'under' could be in the offing.

-- Edmonton (2-1) completed a home-and-home series sweep of the RedBlacks with a 23-12 win Friday in Canada's capital city. It was the second 'under' for the Eskimos, and the second straight cover for the Esks.

-- Winnipeg (2-2) has been hard to figure out. They have alternated wins and losses, and they're 2-1-1 ATS. The 'over' is also 2-1-1 through four games heading into Saturday's game in Edmonton.

[StarDust Bum]

CFL
Dunkel

Week 5

Calgary @ Ottawa

Game 121-122
July 24, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Calgary
112.620
Ottawa
113.729
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ottawa
by 1
42
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Calgary
by 5 1/2
47 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Ottawa
(+5 1/2); Under

Toronto @ BC Lions

Game 123-124
July 24, 2015 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
114.415
BC Lions
113.363
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 1
49
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
BC Lions
by 3
54
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(+3); Under

Winnipeg @ Edmonton

Game 125-126
July 25, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Winnipeg
112.171
Edmonton
114.750
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Edmonton
by 2 1/2
48
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Edmonton
by 6
51 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Winnipeg
(+6); Under

Hamilton @ Saskatchewan

Game 127-128
July 26, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Hamilton
116.024
Saskatchewan
111.815
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Hamilton
by 4
50
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Saskatchewan
by 1
55 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Hamilton
(+1); Under

[StarDust Bum]

CFL
Long Sheet

Friday, July 24

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CALGARY (3 - 1) at OTTAWA (2 - 2) - 7/24/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
CALGARY is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
CALGARY is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) in a road game where the total is between 45.5 and 49 since 1996. CALGARY is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
CALGARY is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 2-0 against the spread versus
OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 2-0 straight up against
OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

TORONTO (2 - 1) at BRITISH COLUMBIA (2 - 1) - 7/24/2015, 10:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 2-2 against the spread versus
TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 2-2 straight up against
TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

Saturday, July 25

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WINNIPEG (2 - 2) at EDMONTON (2 - 1) - 7/25/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WINNIPEG is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons. WINNIPEG is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) off a loss against a division rival over the last 3 seasons.
EDMONTON is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games in July games over the last 3 seasons.
EDMONTON is 29-48 ATS (-23.8 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 4-0 against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 4-0 straight up against
WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

Sunday, July 26

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HAMILTON (1 - 2) at SASKATCHEWAN (0 - 4) - 7/26/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 115-81 ATS (+25.9 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 17-4 ATS (+12.6 Units) as a home underdog of 3 points or less since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 50-29 ATS (+18.1 Units) in July games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-1 against the spread versus HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-1 straight up against HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons