The Bum's Sports Page For Friday August 4th Best Bets-Trends-News !

[StarDust Bum]

CFL Consensus Picks

SIDES (ATS)

Time Away Line Picks Pct Home Line Picks Pct Detail Odds

7:30 PM Montreal -2 471 50.86% Ottawa +2 455 49.14% View View


TOTALS (OVER/UNDER)

Time Away Total Over Pct Home Total Under Pct Detail Odds

7:30 PM Montreal 46.5 355 44.38% Ottawa 46.5 445 55.62% View View

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CFL

Team Open Line Movements Current Moneyline Halftime Scores


7:35 PM EDT

123 MONTREAL ALOUETTES PK -06 -2 -05 / -2 -15 / -2.5 -2.5 -15 -145
124 OTTAWA REDBLACKS 46.5o06 46.5 / 47o12 / 46.5 46 +125

TV: ESPN2, DTV: 209

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WNBA

Team Open Line Movements Current Moneyline Halftime Scores

7:05 PM EDT

601 WASHINGTON MYSTICS -2 -11 -1.5 -12 / -2 / -1.5 -2 -130
602 CONNECTICUT SUN 143.5u07 142.5 / 143 / 144 144.5 +110

CON-F-Chiney Ogwumike-OUT

7:05 PM EDT

603 ATLANTA DREAM 158o05 157.5 / 157 / 157.5 157 +305
604 INDIANA FEVER -7 -09 -7.5 / -7 -15 / -7 -22 -7.5 -370

TV: NBATV, DTV: 216

8:35 PM EDT

605 NEW YORK LIBERTY 156.5o05 157.5 / 158 / 158.5 158 +170
606 CHICAGO SKY -4.5 -02 -5 / -5.5 -05 / -5 -02 -4.5 -200

TV: MSG, DTV: 634

10:05 PM EDT

607 MINNESOTA LYNX -1 -05 -1.5 / -1.5 -05 / -1 -1.5 -125
608 PHOENIX MERCURY 150.5o05 148.5 / 149 / 148.5 149 +105

MIN-G-Seimone Augustus-OUT | PHO-G-Diana Taurasi-OUT

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MLB

Team Pitcher Open Line Movements Current Runline Scores


7:05 PM EDT

953 LOS ANGELES DODGERS (L) Kershaw, C -135 -140 / -141 / -142 -144 -1.5(+125)
954 PITTSBURGH PIRATES (R) Cole, G 6u12 6u20 / 6o15 / 6u19 6 +1.5(-145)

TV: ESPN, ROOT-Pittsburgh, DTV: 206, 659 | MOSTLY FAIR, WIND IN FROM LEFT 5-10. GAME TEMP 78, RH 51% HEAT INDEX 79

7:05 PM EDT

955 COLORADO ROCKIES (L) De La Rosa, J 7.5o15 7.5u20 / 7.5u25 / 7.5u20 7.5u15 +1.5(-139)
956 WASHINGTON NATIONALS (R) Zimmermann, J -150 -176 / -177 / -180 -180 -1.5(+119)

TV: MASN, ROOT-Rocky Mountain, DTV: 640, 683 | MOSTLY CLOUDY, WIND IN FROM CENTER 7-12. GAME TEMP 79, RH 60% HEAT INDEX 81

7:35 PM EDT

957 MIAMI MARLINS (R) Fernandez, J -140 -160 / -161 / -164 -159 -1.5(+100)
958 ATLANTA BRAVES (R) Teheran, J 6o15 6.5u15 / 6.5u20 / 6.5u25 6o20 +1.5(-120)

MIA-RF-Giancarlo Stanton-OUT | TV: FS-Florida, FS-South, DTV: 646, 654 | PARTLY CLOUDY, WIND IN FROM LEFT 5-10. GAME TEMP 85, RH 54% HEAT INDEX 88

8:10 PM EDT

959 ST LOUIS CARDINALS (R) Lynn, L -140 -146 / -147 / -148 -134 -1.5(+120)
960 MILWAUKEE BREWERS (R) Cravy, T 7.5u20 7.5u15 / 7.5u20 / 7.5o12 7.5o15 +1.5(-140)

Overnight Pitching Change: Milwaukee - T. Cravy for K. Lohse | STL-LF-Matt Holliday-OUT | TV: FS-Midwest, DTV: 671 | MOSTLY CLOUDY, 40% CHANCE SHOWER/STORMS EARLY. WIND IN FROM LEFT CENTER 9-14. GAME TEMP 76, RH 64% HEAT INDEX 79 (MILLER PARK ROOF CLOSES IN WET WEATHER)

9:40 PM EDT

961 CINCINNATI REDS (R) Iglesias, R 8.5 8.5 / 8.5o15 9u25 +1.5(-210)
962 ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (R) Anderson, C -140 -115 / -114 / -113 -112 -1.5(+180)

Overnight Pitching Change: Arizona - Ch. Anderson for R. Ray (L) | TV: FS-Arizona, FS-Ohio, DTV: 660, 686 | PARTLY CLOUDY, 20% CHANCE THUNDERSTORMS. WIND OUT TO RIGHT 7-12. GAME TEMP 97, RH 26% HEAT INDEX 97 (CHASE FIELD ROOF CLOSES IN WET WEATHER)

10:10 PM EDT

963 PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (R) Nola, A 6.5o15 6.5o15 / 6.5 / 6.5o15 6.5o20 +1.5(-200)
964 SAN DIEGO PADRES (R) Shields, J -160 -141 / -140 / -134 -140 -1.5(+170)

TV: FS-San Diego, DTV: 694 | PARTLY CLOUDY, WIND LEFT TO RIGHT 5-10. GAME TEMP 74, RH 63% HEAT INDEX 77

7:05 PM EDT

965 BOSTON RED SOX (R) Kelly, J 9u20 9u11 / 9u20 / 9 9u14 +1.5(-205)
966 DETROIT TIGERS (L) Norris, D -150 -113 / -114 / -115 -110 -1.5(+175)

DET-1B-Miguel Cabrera-OUT | TV: FS-Detroit, NESN, DTV: 628, 663 | PARTLY CLOUDY, WIND IN FROM LEFT 5-10. GAME TEMP 76, RH 49% HEAT INDEX 78

7:05 PM EDT

967 TORONTO BLUE JAYS (R) Dickey, R 9o25 8.5o25 / 8.5o20 / 9u20 9u23 +1.5(-200)
968 NEW YORK YANKEES (R) Eovaldi, N -120 -122 / -114 / -115 -113 -1.5(+170)

TV: YES, DTV: 631 | MOSTLY FAIR, WIND IN FROM CENTER 7-12. GAME TEMP 80, RH 46% HEAT INDEX 81

[/B]7:10 PM EDT

969 MINNESOTA TWINS (R) Pelfrey, M 8o20 8o16 / 8o15 / 8.5u20 8.5o12 +1.5(-180)
970 CLEVELAND INDIANS (R) Anderson, C -145 -130 / -129 / -128 -128 -1.5(+160)

TV: FS-North, SportsTime Ohio, DTV: 662, 668 | PARTLY CLOUDY, WIND IN FROM RIGHT 4-9. GAME TEMP 77, RH 49% HEAT INDEX 79

8:10 PM EDT

971 CHICAGO WHITE SOX (L) Danks, J 8o20 8o20 8.5u20 +1.5(-160)
972 KANSAS CITY ROYALS (R) Volquez, E -160 -145 / -150 / -151 -156 -1.5(+140)

TV: CSN-Chicago, FS-Kansas City, DTV: 665, 672 | MOSTLY FAIR, WIND IN FROM RIGHT CENTER 6-11. GAME TEMP 87, RH 58% HEAT INDEX 93

10:05 PM EDT

973 BALTIMORE ORIOLES (R) Gausman, K 7o25 7o25 / 7 7u15 +1.5(-200)
974 LOS ANGELES ANGELS (L) Heaney, A -130 -131 / -127 / -130 -126 -1.5(+170)

TV: FS-West, MASN2, DTV: 641, 692 | MOSTLY CLOUDY, WIND OUT TO CENTER 4-9. GAME TEMP 74, RH 66% HEAT INDEX 77

10:05 PM EDT

975 HOUSTON ASTROS (L) Keuchel, D -115 -109 / -110 / -111 -112 -1.5(+145)
976 OAKLAND ATHLETICS (R) Gray, S 6o15 6.5u20 / 6o20 / 6o21 6o20 +1.5(-165)

TV: CSN-California, ROOT-Southwest, DTV: 674, 698 | PARTLY CLOUDY, WIND OUT TO RIGHT 9-14. GAME TEMP 71, RH 63% HEAT INDEX 72

10:10 PM EDT

977 TEXAS RANGERS (L) Hamels, C 6.5o20 -111 / -110 / -115 -105 -1.5(+155)
978 SEATTLE MARINERS (R) Iwakuma, H -106 6.5o27 / 6.5o25 / 6.5o20 7u25 +1.5(-175)

TV: FS-Southwest, ROOT-Northwest, DTV: 676, 687 | PARTLY CLOUDY, WIND LEFT TO RIGHT 4-9. GAME TEMP 75, RH 44% HEAT INDEX 76

7:10 PM EDT

979 NEW YORK METS (R) Degrom, J -120 -131 / -122 / -117 -115 -1.5(+145)
980 TAMPA BAY RAYS (R) Odorizzi, J 6.5 6.5 / 6.5u15 6.5u20 +1.5(-165)

TV: SNY, SunSports, DTV: 639, 653 | Dome

[StarDust Bum]

49ers linebacker Aldon Smith released

August 7, 2015

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) Linebacker Aldon Smith has been released by the San Francisco 49ers after his latest arrest.

The team announced the move Friday, hours after Smith was let out of jail.

''It's a sad day,'' 49ers coach Jim Tomsula said. ''This is a day that doesn't have anything to do about football.''

Smith was arrested Thursday night, the fifth legal run-in since the team drafted him in 2011, and two days after general manager Trent Baalke said the organization would like to keep him beyond this season.

Santa Clara police arrested Smith, and accused of drunken driving, hit and run and vandalism.

''Although he won't be playing football for the San Francisco 49ers, he will be supported and helped, and he will not have to walk this path alone,'' Tomsula said. ''That comes from the ownership down.''

Smith denied he was driving under the influence during a brief interview with a local television station before Tomsula's news conference.

''Justice will be served, the truth will come out,'' Smith told KTVU Fox 2 as he walked out of jail. ''There's no DUI. I'm sorry for the way this whole thing - I want everybody to understand the situation that happened could have been handled differently.''

It's the fifth legal issue - and fourth arrest - for Smith since San Francisco drafted him seventh overall out of Missouri. San Francisco has had 12 arrests or charges filed involving seven players since January 2012, prompting owner Jed York to promise the team would ''win with class.''

Police didn't release further details, saying they would provide more information later Friday.

''If one person out there reads this and they're struggling, get help,'' Tomsula said ''You're worth it. ... Get the help. You don't have to walk alone. Find it, it's there.''

Smith, who when at his best is one of the game's top pass-rushers, is entering a contract year after missing the first nine games of 2014 serving an NFL suspension for violations of the league's substance-abuse and personal-conduct policies.

Baalke on Tuesday night said the 49ers would like to keep Smith.

''He knows where we stand and my understanding is he would love to be here, and we would certainly love to keep him here,'' Baalke said.

In spring 2014, the 49ers exercised their 2015 option for Smith, but Baalke made it clear they would be no-nonsense regarding his off-field issues. Then this past March, Smith restructured his contract into a more incentive-laden, team-friendly deal that gives the 49ers room if he were to get in legal trouble again.

He has a base salary of $1 million then hits roster bonuses each month that could take him to an additional $3,354,875. There's an additional $500,000 in workout bonuses.

The 25-year-old Smith missed time during the 2013 season to undergo treatment at an inpatient facility following his DUI arrest on Sept. 20, 2013. That November, he pleaded not guilty to three felony counts of illegal possession of an assault weapon, stemming from a June 2012 party at his home.

Smith was arrested on April 13, 2014, at Los Angeles International Airport. Police said Smith was randomly selected for a secondary screening and became uncooperative with the process, telling a TSA agent that he had a bomb. No charges were filed.

During Tuesday's first padded practice, Baalke chatted briefly with Smith and then offered a fist bump.

''Aldon's like any young player, he's growing up, he's maturing. You see that with a lot of these guys,'' Baalke said. ''Some of them get themselves in a few more situations that you wish they didn't. If you asked them, I think they'd say the same thing.

Smith emerged as one of the NFL's top pass rushers in 2012. He had a franchise-record 19 1/2 sacks that year, but failed to record a sack in his final six games including the team's postseason Super Bowl run.

Smith finished with 8 1/2 sacks and 34 tackles in 11 games in 2013, making eight starts. In his shortened 2014 season, he had two sacks.

[StarDust Bum]

HOF Notes - Steelers vs. Vikings


August 7, 2015




Pittsburgh Steelers


Head Coach: Mike Tomlin


Quarterback Rotation: Ben Roethlisberger, Bruce Gradkowski, Landry Jones, Tajh Boyd (Rookie)


Mike Tomlin began his career with the Steelers dominating in preseason play, owning a 19-6 SU and 14-10-1 ATS record from 2007 through 2012. However, Pittsburgh has struggled in exhibition action the last two seasons, going 1-7 SU/ATS, while the 'under' has cashed six times in this span.


When Tomlin started in '07, the Steelers were a team to back in preseason openers, winning and covering four straight. Pittsburgh has gone backwards since 2011, losing four consecutive Game 1's in preseason action, while scoring a combined 29 points in the past two openers.


Minnesota Vikings


Head Coach: Mike Zimmer


Quarterback Rotation: Teddy Bridgewater, Shaun Hill, Taylor Heinicke (Rookie), Mike Kafka


The Vikings struggled in the preseason prior to Mike Zimmer arriving on the scene last season. The former Bengals' defensive coordinator came out of the gate with a perfect 4-0 record in his 2014 preseason debut, along with a 3-1 ATS mark.


Minnesota stumbled in preseason openers from 2011-13, losing each time, but bounced back with a 10-6 victory over Oakland last August to cash as a three-point home favorite. Zimmer's defensive style slowed down opposing offenses in the preseason, yielding 12 points or less in three of four exhibition wins in 2014.


Preseason Coaching Stats


Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh - 20-13 SU, 15-17-1 ATS, 12-20-1 O/U
Mike Zimmer, Minnesota - 4-0 SU, 3-1 ATS, 1-3 O/U


Preseason Results - Last Two Years


Pittsburgh


2014 (1-3 SU, 1-3 ATS, 1-3 O/U)


Pittsburgh (+2.5, 36.5) 16 at N.Y. Giants 20
Pittsburgh (-1, 41) 19 vs. Buffalo 16
Pittsburgh (+3.5, 48) 21 at Philadelphia 31
Pittsburgh (-4, 37.5) 0 vs. Carolina 10


2013 (0-4 SU, 0-4 ATS, 1-3 O/U)


Pittsburgh (-2.5, 36) 13 vs. N.Y. Giants 18
Pittsburgh (+2.5, 39.5) 13 at Washington 24
Pittsburgh (-3, 40) 20 vs. Kansas City 26 (OT)
Pittsburgh (+3.5, 36) 10 at Carolina 25


Minnesota


2014 (4-0 SU, 3-1 ATS, 1-3 O/U)


Minnesota (-3, 38) 10 vs. Oakland 6
Minnesota (-4.5, 40) 30 vs. Arizona 28
Minnesota (+3, 45) 30 at Kansas City 12
Minnesota (+1.5, 42) 19 at Tennessee 3


2013 (1-3 SU, 1-3 ATS, 3-1 O/U)


Minnesota (-1, 35.5) 13 vs. Houston 27
Minnesota (+3.5, 43) 16 at Buffalo 20
Minnesota (+3, 39) 14 at San Francisco 34
Minnesota (+4, 39) 24 vs. Tennessee 23


Hall of Fame Game History & Trends


Recent Trends:


-- Pittsburgh beat New Orleans, 20-7 in the 2007 HOF game, going 3-2 all-time.
-- Minnesota has gone 2-1 in HOF game appearances, knocking off Seattle in 1997.
-- The 'under' has hit in three of the past four HOF contests.
-- Four straight HOF games have been decided by four points or more.


HALL OF FAME GAME HISTORY (1962-2014)
Year Result
2014 N.Y. Giants 17 Buffalo 13
2013 Dallas 24 Miami 20
2012 New Orleans 17 Arizona 10
2011 PPD
2010 Dallas 16 Cincinnati 7
2009 Tennessee 21 Buffalo 18
2008 Washington 30 Indianapolis 16
2007 Pittsburgh 20 New Orleans 7
2006 Oakland 16 Philadelphia 10
2005 Chicago 27 Miami 24
2004 Washington 20 Denver 17
2003 Kansas City 9 Green Bay 0
2002 N.Y. Giants 34 Houston 17
2001 St. Louis 17 Miami 10
2000 New England 20 San Francisco 0
1999 Cleveland 20 Dallas 17
1998 Tampa Bay 30 Pittsburgh 6
1997 Minnesota 28 Seattle 26
1996 Indianapolis 10 New Orleans 3
1995 Carolina 20 Jacksonville 14
1994 Atlanta 21 San Diego 17
1993 L.A. Raiders 19 Green Bay 3
1992 N.Y. Jets 41 Philadelphia 14
1991 Detroit 14 Denver 3
1990 Chicago 13 Cleveland 0
1989 Washington 31 Buffalo 6
1988 Cincinnati 14 L.A. Rams 7
1987 San Francisco 20 Kansas City 7
1986 New England 21 St. Louis 16
1985 N.Y. Giants 21 Houston 20
1984 Seattle 38 Tampa Bay 0
1983 Pittsburgh 27 New Orleans 14
1982 Minnesota 30 Baltimore 14
1981 Cleveland 24 Atlanta 10
1980 San Diego 0 Green Bay 0
1979 Oakland 20 Dallas 13
1978 Philadelphia 17 Miami 3
1977 Chicago 20 N.Y. Jets 6
1976 Denver 10 Detroit 7
1975 Washington 17 Cincinnati 9
1974 St. Louis 21 Buffalo 13
1973 San Francisco 20 New England 7
1972 Kansas City 23 N.Y. Giants 17
1971 L.A. Rams 17 Houston 6
1970 New Orleans 14 Minnesota 13
1969 Green Bay 38 Atlanta 24
1968 Chicago 30 Dallas 24
1967 Philadelphia 28 Cleveland 13
1965 Washington 20 Detroit 3
1964 Baltimore 48 Pittsburgh 17
1963 Pittsburgh 16 Cleveland 7
1962 St. Louis 17 N.Y. Giants 17

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Diamond Trends - Saturday


August 8, 2015




SU TREND OF THE DAY:


-- The Tigers are 13-0 since Jul 30, 2014 at home after a loss in which they had a higher team-left-on-base than their opponent.


PITCHER TREND OF THE DAY:


-- When David Price starts teams are 9-0 since April 27, 2015 when he is at least a -120 favorite if they did not win by more than three runs last game.


OU TREND OF THE DAY:


-- The Reds are 0-10-2 OU since May 10, 2015 after a loss in which they were shut out in the last 6 innings.


CHOICE TREND:


-- The Yankees are 0-11 since Jul 30, 2013 as a dog after a home game vs a team that has won at least their last three games.


ACTIVE TRENDS:


-- The Angels are 10-0 since Jun 12, 2015 as a favorite after scoring 6+ runs.

[StarDust Bum]

Astros get lefty reliever Oliver Perez in trade with D-backs


August 8, 2015


PHOENIX (AP) The Houston Astros added help in the bullpen Friday night, acquiring lefty reliever Oliver Perez from the Arizona Diamondbacks for a minor league pitcher.


The trade was announced following Arizona's 2-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. Perez joins a surprising Houston team that has a 1 1/2-game lead in the AL West and is trying to hold off the second-place Los Angeles Angels.


''They're in a good spot right now,'' Perez said. ''I would love to help wherever they need.''


The 33-year-old Perez is 2-1 with a 3.10 ERA in 48 appearances. He leaves Arizona with a 19-game scoreless streak that is tied for the third-longest in Diamondbacks history.


The veteran pitcher said goodbye to teammates and Diamondbacks staff in the clubhouse late Friday. He can become a free agent after the season and didn't rule out a return to Arizona. He has a home in the area.


''I know this team is going to be in the playoffs,'' said Perez, who set a club record for strikeouts by a left-handed reliever with 76 last year.


Arizona gets 19-year-old lefty Junior Garcia in the deal and will call up another left-hander, Keith Hessler, from Triple-A Reno to fill Perez's spot in the bullpen.


Garcia is 3-1 with a 0.96 ERA and 26 strikeouts in a combined nine games (six starts) between Class A Tri-City and rookie-level Greeneville.


The swap came a week after baseball's deadline for trading players without placing them on waivers.


''I was taken by surprise,'' Perez said. ''Sometimes you feel nervous because, you know, you're going to go to a new organization.''


Perez said he found out he'd been dealt right after Friday's game ended.


''It's a really good organization, and I know they're going the right way,'' Perez said of the Diamondbacks. ''I'm just thankful for all the opportunity they gave me.''

[StarDust Bum]

Castro: Winning matters more than demotion


August 8, 2015


CHICAGO (AP) Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro says he just wants to help the team win and is preparing the same way for games after he was removed from the starting lineup.


Manager Joe Maddon benched Castro for Friday's 7-3 victory over San Francisco, and had a similar lineup for Saturday's game against the Giants. Addison Russell was at shortstop, Chris Coghlan got the start at second and Kyle Schwarber was in left field, keeping Castro in the dugout.


The 25-year-old Castro is batting .183 in 18 games since the All-Star break. He says he was ''a little frustrated'' after he was told of the decision, but he understands.


Also Saturday, the Cubs placed catcher David Ross on the bereavement list and recalled outfielder Matt Szczur from Triple-A Iowa. Ross could return to the roster as soon as Tuesday.

[StarDust Bum]

Holy $hit Betting Stat of the Day: Reds are on a tear for Under bettors


Totals bettors take note: the Cincinnati Reds have become the hottest Under play in Major League Baseball in recent weeks.


The Under is 9-1-1 in the Reds' last 11 contests. During that span, Cincy has scored 35 runs while allowing opposing base runners to cross the plate 26 times.


Bryan Price's crew have been shutout in back-to-back games heading into Saturday's meeting with the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix. Keyvius Sampson (0-1, 4.50 ERA) is scheduled to get the ball for the Reds, while Robbie Ray (3-6, 3.01) is slated to counter for the D-Backs.


Pinnacle Sports has tabbed the NL tilt with an 8.5 run total.


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Marlins, Braves going Over totals with ease lately


The Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves collide Saturday on profitable streaks for Over bettors.


The Over is 7-1 in the Fish's last eight and 6-0-2 in the Braves' past eight contests. Tom Koehler and Michael Foltynewicz are the probable starters for Miami and Atlanta, respectively.


Sportsbooks have set the game with a 7.5 run total.


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Jiminez, Orioles not getting the job done


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The Baltimore Orioles are just 1-5 in Ubaldo Jimenez's last six outings.


Jimenez will be seeking to buck that trend Saturday when the O's take on the Los Angeles Angels in California. Garrett Richards is scheduled to counter for the Halos.


Baltimore is currently +138 moneyline underdogs at Pinnacle Sports.

[StarDust Bum]

Santana pitching far better on the road this season


Ervin Santana may have only start six games this season, but he has been excelling on the road so far. In four road starts this season Santana has a 2-1 record with a 1.52 ERA while only allowing opponents to hit .170.


In two of those four starts Santana did not allow a single earned run across 15.2 innings pitch.


The Minnesota Twins are currently +120 when they visit the Cleveland Indians.


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Shaky defense has the Braves cashing over tickets


The Atlanta Braves have posted an over/under record of 6-0-2 in their past eight contests and have not gone under a closing total since July 30.


During that span the Braves have allowed their opponents to score an average of 7.0 runs per game. In five of those eight contests Atlanta's opponents topped the closing total themselves.


The Braves host the Marlins Saturday with a total currently set at 7.5.

[StarDust Bum]

Overs aplenty in Padres games


Over bettors continue to cash in big when the San Diego Padres take the field.


The Over is 9-1 in the Friars' last 10 games. Philly takes on the Padres at Petco Park Saturday evening.


As of this writing, the total for the game was sitting at seven.


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Runs coming easily when the Indians and Twins clash


The over has cashed in the past five meetings between the Cleveland Indians and the Minnesota Twins. The AL Central rivals have combined for 61 runs in those games, which is an average of 12.2 runs per game.

[StarDust Bum]

Royals have Jeff Samardzija's number this season


Jeff Samardzija will be looking for some redemption when he faces the Kansas City Royals Saturday. In his two starts this season against the Royals, Samardzija is 0-2 with a 6.23 ERA in two starts.


Samardzija has not fared well against KC throughout his career with a 0-4 record and a 5.95 ERA in four career appearances against the Royals.


The White Sox are currently -110 when they visit Kauffman Stadium Saturday.

[StarDust Bum]

Blue Jays acquire Pennington from Diamondbacks


Aug 08, 2015


NEW YORK -- Seeking some help at second base, the Toronto Blue Jays acquired infielder Cliff Pennington from the Arizona Diamondbacks during Saturday's game against the New York Yankees.


The Blue Jays also will acquire cash considerations and will send minor league shortstop Dawel Lugo to the Diamondbacks.


Pennington can play shortstop and second base and has a reputation for good defensive range. He is expected to split time at second base with Ryan Goins until rookie Devon Travis returns from a left shoulder injury and occasionally fill in for newly acquired shortstop Troy Tulowitzki.


In 157 plate appearances with the Diamondbacks this season, Pennington batted .237. He had been previously been linked to the Pittsburgh Pirates and Washington Nationals in the days leading up to last week's non-waiver trade deadline.


Pennington began his career with the Oakland Athletics and is a career .248 hitter in parts of eight seasons. He is making $3.25 million this season and is eligible for free agency after the season.

[StarDust Bum]

At the Gate - Saturday


August 8, 2015


Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Del Mar:

DMR Race 8 The John C. Mabee G2 (5:40 PT)


7 Queen of the Sand 7-2


8 Elektrum 6-1


3 Fanticola 5-2


4 Stormy Lacy 4-1

Analysis:


Queen of the Sand was the beaten favorite last out in the Royal Heroine (G2) at a mile where she made a good late rally to come up a neck short of getting to Fanticola. Her last trip over the turf here was a solid second here last summer in the Matriarch (G1). She gets an extra furlong to run them down here and should get an honest pace to run at. She looks capable of turning the tables and is reunited with Van Dyke who was aboard her for her win in the Santa Barbara Handicap (G3) three back.

Elektrum may get overlooked here but ran a good fourth last out in the Gamely (G1) where she was beaten just 1 1/4 lengths. The winner Hard Not to Like returned to win the Diana (G1) at the Spa in her next start while the runner up Fanticola came back to win the Royal Heroine (G2). She gets a jock upgrade her to Espinoza and should be a decent price in this spot.

Wagering
WIN: #7 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 7,8 / 3,4,7,8
TRI: 7,8 / 3,4,7,8 / 2,3,4,7,8

Live Longshots:


These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

[StarDust Bum]

Backups to see plenty of action in Hall of Fame game


August 8, 2015


CANTON, Ohio (AP) The bold-faced names will wear baseball caps and not helmets on Sunday night during the annual Hall of Fame game.


Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson won't play following his return from a lengthy suspension that ended his 2014 season. Pittsburgh Steelers stars Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown also get the night off while the coaching staffs take a long look at the reserves.


Pittsburgh will give third-year quarterback Landry Jones plenty of snaps as he tries to hold on to the No. 3 spot behind Roethlisberger. Jones is being challenged by former Clemson star Tajh Boyd.


Former Steeler Mike Wallace will make his debut for the Vikings after being acquired in an offseason trade from Miami.