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**Udog** · 10-05-2015, 07:00 AM

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

Westgate Super Contest (1,727 entrants-- prize pool is $2.5M)
six most popular picks in Week 1 season record: 5-2

6) Broncos, -6.5 (393)-- Didn't score offensive TD in first home game. L

5) Bengals -4 (402)-- Chiefs are visiting after Monday night loss. W

4) Jaguars +9 (403)-- Luck is expected to play despite messed up shoulder. W

3) Giants +5 (483)-- Big Blue hasn't played in New York State since 2007. W

2) Panthers -3 (542)-- Newton didn't play either game against Bucs LY. W

1) Cardinals, -7 (563)-- Arizona bandwagon is filling up. L. (4-2, 15-10)

**********

Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up an NFL Sunday......

13) Jets 27, Dolphins 14-- Miami needs a QB change; they were 0-12 on third down, thats simply not good enough. Backup Matt Moore is 11-12 as an NFL starter but his last start was in 2011- it is time to find out if he can do better than Tannehill.

12) Colts 16, Jaguars 13 OT-- Jags kicker Myers missed three GW field goals and Jax lost a game they outgained Indy by 105 yards- not often they'll get to play Colts with Andrew Luck on sidelines. Jacksonville is improved; they should've won this game.

11) Falcons 48, Texans 21-- Worst game of the week; total domination by Atlanta, which is now 4-0. Total mismanageent of QB situation by Bill O'Brien, who yanked Mallett, three weeks after he yanked Brian Hoyer. Colts-Texans this Thursday could be extremely ugly, if Luck doesn't play.

10) Panthers 37, Buccaneers 23-- Jameis Winston is a disaster; he threw four more INTs, one run back for TD. Carolina had two defensive TDs, and its offensive TDs came on drives of 45-33 yards. They think the only way he'll get better is to let him play, so this ain't going away anytime soon.

9) Giants 24, Bills 10-- Modern football is like this: training camp is a waste of time for starters, since they're not allowed to do anything, because teams are terrified that they'll get hurt. So September becomes a de facto training camp; thought the quality of play this week was much better than previous weeks. Guys are in game shape.

8) Bears 22, Raiders 20-- Don't want to hear any Bears fan criticize Jay Cutler for a long time; he came back (early) from his injury and rallied Chicago to win here over an improved Raiders team. Anyone who criticoez Cutler will get a reminder than Jimmy Clausen is the alternative- that should quiet things down.

7) Redskins 23, Eagles 20-- I'm guessing Chip Kelly's agent got a phone call or a text from Austin TX today, asking if the coach would like to go back to college. Bradford threw ball well in second half, but defense couldn't hold its lead at the end. As for the Redskins, they have to be thrilled with Kirk Cousins' progress.

6) Bengals 36, Chiefs 21-- Kansas City scored seven times on nine drives, Bengals scored six times; but Chiefs kicked seven FGs, no TDs, while Cincy had five TDs and one FG. so Kansas City is 1-3, three games behind Denver in AFC West.

5) Chargers 30, Browns 27-- San Diego missed GW field goal at gun, but Cleveland was offsides and Bolts nailed second chance to send everyone home happy. There is such a fine line between winning and losing; giving away a game like that is painful.

4) Packers 17, 49ers 3-- Green Bay was flat, flying to west coast after Monday night game, but they did what they had to do. As for the 49ers, I can hear Roger Goodell now: "With the first pick in the 2016 NFL Dradt, the 49ers select......."

3) Broncos 23, Vikings 20-- Denver was only 2-9 on third down; they're unbeaten, but Peyton Manning is a game manager now, rather than a bus driver. As for all his TV commercials, I will tell you that Papa John's pizza is the best pizza I've ever had.

2) Rams 24, Cardinals 22-- Tony Dungy said what I was thinking yesterday; Rams play better against division rivals. Problem is, those are only six of their 16 games each year. Rookie RB Gurley looked like a stud in his breakout game here- that will open up the passing game some. It would be better if their tight ends could catch the ball.

1) Saints 26, Cowboys 20 OT-- Drew Brees put on an exhibition of QB excellence in 2:00 drill, and then in OT, as Saints won first game of year, despite kicker bricking a 30-yard FG at the gun. This was the shortest OT in regular season history, missing the all-time record by two seconds. Weeden lost his 10th start in row, but he led a tying TD drive and looked good doing it, but they play New England next.

**Udog** · 10-05-2015, 07:02 AM

Michigan opens as 9-point home favorites against Northwestern in Week 6

A lot of eyes are on Ann Arbor, Mich., this season, with former Wolverines quarterback Jim Harbaugh back at his alma mater as the head coach. But Michigan’s opponent this week should also be catching some eyes heading into a key Big Ten showdown in Week 6 of the college football season.

The Northwestern Wildcats opened the year with a 16-6 upset of Stanford as a 10-point home pup, and they haven’t looked back since then, pushing their record to 5-0 SU (3-2 ATS). On Saturday, Northwestern blanked Minnesota 27-0 giving 4.5 points at home.

The Wolverines opened the season with a 24-17 loss catching 5 points at Utah – a defeat looking more and more respectable by the week – but have followed up with four consecutive double-digit victories. Michigan (4-1 SU, 3-2 ATS) dumped Maryland 28-0 Saturday as a hefty 13.5-point road chalk, the Wolverines’ second straight shutout.

Johnny Avello, executive director of race and sports for Wynn Las Vegas, is certainly impressed with Northwestern, though the Wynn tabbed the Wildcats 9-point underdogs to the Wolverines.

“I’m starting to believe in the 5-0 Wildcats,” Avello said. “It wasn’t the victories over Stanford or Duke that bowled me over, but this past weekend’s 27-0 win over Minnesota. Although the Gophers are not among college football’s elite, Coach Jerry Kill’s squad is always prepared for its opponent. But the Gophers were shut down in every aspect of the game.

“As for Michigan, their opponents have combined for 14 total points over the last four games, and that loss to Utah doesn’t look so bad right now.”

Miami Hurricanes at Florida State Seminoles

The Seminoles (4-0 SU, 2-2 ATS), a hefty 18-point favorite Saturday at Wake Forest, held on for a 24-16 victory. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes (3-1 SU, 2-2 ATS) head to Tallahassee after a stinging 34-23 loss at Cincinnati laying 7 points on Thursday night.

Last year, Florida State rallied for a 30-26 road win as 1.5-point road chalk. Avello is waiting to set the line for this year’s meeting, due to Seminoles star running back Dalvin Cook being day-to-day with a hamstring injury.

“It was an overall bad night for the Hurricanes at Cincinnati. Multiple penalties and sloppy play eliminated any chance for a win,” Avello said. “Miami has lost five straight in this rivalry (2-3 ATS), but if Cook doesn’t play for Florida State, the Seminoles may be just a short favorite.”

Oklahoma Sooners (-14) vs. Texas Longhorns

The Sooners are rolling, and the Longhorns are arguably as awful as they’ve ever been, as the Red River Rivalry resumes on a neutral field at the Cotton Bowl. Oklahoma (4-0 SU, 3-1 ATS) smacked West Virginia 44-24 Saturday as a 6.5-point home fave. On the flip side, Texas (1-4 SU and ATS) got boatraced at Texas Christian, losing 50-7 as a 14-point underdog.

The Sooners are 4-1 SU, 3-2 ATS in their last five against Texas.

“Oklahoma hasn’t stumbled yet, but this is typically the time of the season where the Sooners do,” Avello said. “Although not winning, Texas appeared to be making positive strides until the TCU contest. But playing on TCU’s home turf usually doesn’t turn out to be a pleasant experience for most.”

California Golden Bears at Utah Utes (-7)

It’s a collision of two teams that probably weren’t expected to be undefeated at this stage of the season, with the Golden Bears and the Utes aiming to stay on top of the Pac-12 North and South divisions, respectively.

Cal (5-0, 3-2 SU) had to battle back on the road Saturday to top Washington State 34-28, falling well short as a 16.5-point favorite. Meanwhile, Utah (4-0 SU, 3-1 ATS) will enter this game well rested and coming off a huge road upset, as the Utes blasted Oregon 62-20 catching 10.5 points on Sept. 26.

“Cal hasn’t played Utah since 2012. That year, the Bears were 3-5 heading to Utah and were a 1-point dog, and lost the game by over three touchdowns (49-27),” Avello said. “The Utes will be slightly more of a favorite than they were in that 2012 matchup, but this game will be much more meaningful in a Pac-12 North/South clash.”

**Udog** · 10-05-2015, 07:11 AM

MLB

Monday, October 5

Cubs must play wild-card game on road

MILWAUKEE -- The Chicago Cubs did their part, sweeping a three-game series from the Milwaukee Brewers over the weekend at Miller Park. But it wasn't enough to keep them from opening the postseason on the road.

The Pittsburgh Pirates began the day with a one-game lead over Chicago in the National League wild-card race and after knocking off the Reds 4-0 the Pirates earned home field advantage for the NL wild-card playoff game, set for Wednesday night.

"We'd love to do this in front of our fans," said first baseman Anthony Rizzo, whose first-inning, two-run single proved the difference Sunday. "But now we just have to get back there somehow. We play well at PNC. I personally like playing there. We just have to go out and play. They are going to be loud there, but we'll be ready."

Chicago won the season series with Pittsburgh, taking 11 of the 19 meetings.

"Look at our record," manager Joe Maddon said. "I think one game separates our home and road record this year. I mean it sincerely. It doesn't matter except for your fans. You'd like to play in front of your fans. That would be the separator for me."

The Cubs are feeling confident with right-hander Jake Arrieta slated to start. He pitched himself into consideration for the NL Cy Young Award with an incredible season, going 22-6 with a 1.77 ERA.

He was flat-out dominant, though, in the second half, gong 12-1 with a 0.75 ERA and allowed just four earned runs over his final 12 starts, posting an 11-0 record during that stretch.

Even with Arrieta on the mound, the Cubs' offense will have their work cut out for them against Pirates starter Gerrit Cole, who went 19-8 with a 2.60 ERA during the regular season and 2-1 with a 2.13 ERA in four starts against Chicago.

"He's a competitor," said Rizzo, who is 6-for-17 with a double and three strikeouts in 17 career games against Cole. "He throws hard. He has good stuff. We have to go up there like it is any other right-hander and stay within yourself and not try to do too much."

**Udog** · 10-05-2015, 07:13 AM

MLB

Monday, October 5

Roster decisions loom for Cardinals in NLDS

ATLANTA -- The St. Louis Cardinals are starting to get injured players back in time for the playoffs, which makes for some interesting roster decisions.

The National League Central Division champions are expected to carry 11 pitchers and 14 position players when the NL Division Series begins on Friday in St. Louis. The decision on which players to carry has been made more difficult by the returns of key contributors.

The Cardinals substituted liberally in the first game of Sunday's doubleheader and started almost all reserves in the second game.

"I think we got the guys tuned up that we wanted to get tuned up," Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said. "Got the feel if the game and that's what we were hoping for."

First baseman Matt Adams returned to the lineup Thursday. He had been out 91 games following surgery on his right quad muscle.

Outfielder Matt Holliday has also been working through a quad injury. He played on Sunday. Holliday could start in left field and be lifted for late-inning defense.

The center field spot is in question because of Randal Grichuk's ongoing arm issues. Grichuck was moved to right field because of the fear that he could not make a strong throw from deep in the park. If he can't play center field, the Cardinals may tap Jason Heyward, who played eight games there this season and whose arm strength is beyond question.

Another question is the health of outfielder Stephen Piscotty, who was cleared to play Sunday after sustaining a head injury in an outfield collision on Sept. 28 against the Pirates. Piscotty took batting practice Friday.

As far as the pitching staff, there is speculation that John Lackey will start the first game of the playoffs against either the Cubs or Pirates. Matheny would only say that Lackey is one of four pitchers under consideration, along with Lance Lynn, Michael Wacha and Jaime Garcia. Carlos Martinez, who made 29 starts, was shut down for the season after seven pitches in his last start because of shoulder stiffness.

The question is whether Adam Wainwright will be a part of the playoff roster. The veteran was activated from the disabled list Friday after he missed 141 games with a left Achilles tendon injury and has made two scoreless appearances.

**Udog** · 10-05-2015, 07:16 AM

MLB

Monday, October 5

Royals earn home field throughout playoffs

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Kansas City Royals came into this weekend's series against the Minnesota Twins with plenty still to play for. And after a sweep of the Twins at Target Field, the Royals will be rewarded with home field advantage all the way through the World Series.

Entering the weekend tied with the Toronto Blue Jays for the best record in the American League, the Royals need needed help from the Tampa Bay Rays this weekend in the form of at least one win. They got it Saturday, when Tampa scored twice in the bottom of the ninth for a 4-3 win over the Jays.

That meant all the Royals needed to do Sunday was win, which they did by a score of 6-1. It wouldn't have mattered anyway, as the Rays posted eight runs in the first inning on Sunday in a laugher over Toronto.

"I'm glad we're done with the first part of our season. I'm glad we're done with the marathon, the 162," said Royals manager Ned Yost. "Now the fun starts.

"We got the big lead and guys started, a little bit, to go into conserve mode. It was like 'OK, let's save as much ammo as we can because when we get (to the playoffs), we're going to come out guns blazing."

Kansas City will open the playoffs on Thursday at Kauffman Stadium against the winner of Tuesday's American League wild card game between the Houston Astros and New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium.

"Either or, it's going to be a tough series," Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer said. "That's the postseason. You know going in, it's going to be tough no matter who you play."

Yost has not yet announced a Game 1 starter, but it's likely to be right-hander Yordano Ventura, a 13-game winner who has been lights out for the better part of the last six weeks.

Ventura was electric against the Twins on Saturday, giving up just one run on four hits in seven innings of work, striking out 11 men in a 5-1 victory.

The extra few days off should also allow a few Royals who are banged up some time to get healthy. Center fielder Lorenzo Cain fouled a ball off his knee on Wednesday and missed two games. He played Saturday but was given the day off again on Sunday.

Designated hitter Kendrys Morales has also been slowed by a sore left quadriceps. He didn't start the first two games of the series but was in the cleanup spot Sunday. With the Royals up by five runs early in the game and the Blue Jays down big in Tampa, Yost got Morales out of the game as a precaution.

"We're a little dinged up but three days is going to help," Yost said. "It was good to give guys a half a day off and get everybody out, healthy and feeling good.

**Udog** · 10-05-2015, 07:17 AM

MLB

Monday, October 5

Rangers manager on ALDS: 'I'll take these guys'

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Texas Rangers pushed all the right moves at the trade deadline with the acquisition of left-hander Cole Hamels and getting the key bullpen pieces.

Now, the Rangers have to figure out how to construct their roster for the American League Division Series against Toronto. It's likely the Rangers will likely start left-hander Derek Holland in Game 1 Thursday in Toronto and come back with Sunday starter Cole Hamels in Game 2.

General manager Jon Daniels said the club will figure things out over the next couple of days.

"We're let the guys have some fun today and then we'll try and circle around and get back tomorrow," Daniels said. "We've already done some back-of-the-napkin kind of stuff, but we've got to get some things lined up here."

The Rangers could send some of their relievers to the instructional league in Surprise, Ariz., to keep them sharp for the series. Reliever Tanner Scheppers, who hasn't pitched since Sept. 28, said he's going to Arizona to pitch.

Texas was just 2-4 against Toronto this season but will open the playoffs having won 15 of the final 23 games it's played.

"I'll take these guys," Texas manager Jeff Banister said of his team's postseason chances against Toronto.

**Udog** · 10-05-2015, 01:56 PM

MLB

Monday, October 5

Pirates' Cole excited to face red-hot Arrieta in NL wild card

PITTSBURGH -- Pirates ace Gerrit Cole will face the hottest pitch in the major leagues when Pittsburgh hosts the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday in the National League wild card game, and the 25-year-old right-hander couldn't be more excited.

Pitching for the Cubs will be right-hander Jake Arrieta, who went 22-6 with a 1.77 ERA in 33 starts this season, including an amazing 12-1 with a 0.75 ERA in 15 starts.

"It's special," Cole said. "I think I've said it all along as (manager Clint Hurdle) continued to put me in big games. It's vote of confidence, it's trust, it's acknowledgement for the hard work that you put in to put yourself in that position. At the same time, this is a team game. It's not all one player. We have to go out and win the game. I just have to keep us in a stone's throw, I guess."

Cole certainly kept the Pirates in most of his 32 starts this season, going 19-8 with a 2.60 ERA. The 25-year-old also went 4-1 in six September starts, though his ERA was 3.29.

Cole made two starts against the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2013 National League Division Series, going 1-1 with a 2.45 EA. He did not appear in the postseason last year as Edinson Volquez was the losing pitcher when the Pirates lost to the San Francisco Giants in the wild card.

"I love pitching in big games and there's never been bigger games than those two games against the Cardinals for me," Cole said. "I'm really looking forward to experiencing the postseason. There's nothing better."

Cole made his last regular-season start Sept. 30, beating the Cardinals. Thus, he will be pitched on six days of rest instead of the normal four.

However, Cole has no concerns about being rusty.

"We had a couple opportunities this year where we've had extra rest, and I thought we've used those to our advantage quite well," Cole said.

Cole is 2-1 with a 2.13 ERA against the Cubs this season, allowing 20 hits and four walks in 25 2/3 innings with 33 strikeouts, and 7-1 with a 2.88 ERA in nine career starts.

Arrieta is 3-1 with a 0.75 ERA against the Pirates this year, giving up 18 hits and five walks in 36 innings with 33 strikeouts, and is 6-1 with a 1.68 ERA in nine career starts.

The Cubs won the regular-season series with the Pirates, 11-8.

**Udog** · 10-05-2015, 01:58 PM

MLB

Monday, October 5

Nationals fire Williams

The Washington Nationals fired manager Matt Williams Monday morning.

Williams' firing was expected as the Nationals, with a team-record $164-million payroll finished with an 83-79 record and failed to reach the playoffs.

Williams, who took over two seasons ago, had one year left on his contract. This was his first job as a manager.

Williams won 96 games in 2014 in his first season as manager and was named National League Manager of the Year. The Nationals lost in the NLDS to the eventual World Series champion San Francisco Giants.

The Nationals hired Williams, according to The Washington Post, because of his track record as a player, his organizational and communication skills, and because of their belief that a young manager could grow alongside the team.

Yankees open as home dogs for AL Wild Card game

The New York Yankees have opened as slight +104 home dogs for their American League Wild Card matchup with the Houston Astros.

The Yankees' odds have improved very slightly since opening, now sitting at +102. The Astros are on the board at -110.

Masahiro Tanaka (3.51 ERA, 11-13 O/U)gets the start for the Bronx Bombers in the win-or-go-home game, while the 'Stros will counter with Cy Young candidate Dallas Keuchel (2.48 ERA, 16-17 O/U). The total opened at 7.0.

Dodgers are faves to win first NL Pennant since 1988

The Los Angeles Dodgers are the 2/1 favorites to win their first National League Pennant since 1988, according to the Westgate LV Superbook.

The Dodgers will face off against the New York Mets in one NLDS series, with the Mets on the board at 9/4.

Meanwhile the trio of NL Central teams, St. Louis, Pittsburgh and Chicago are listed at 3/1, 6/1 and 6/1 respectively.

Jays have slight edge over Royals in AL Pennant odds

The Toronto Blue Jays are the favorites to win the American League Pennant, listed at 8/5 according to the Westgate LV Superbook, just ever so slightly ahead of the Kansas City Royals at 9/5.

The rest of the American League Pennant odds shake down like this:

The Texas Rangers are on the board at 4/1, followed by the New York Yankees at 7/1 and the Houston Astros at 8/1/.

**Udog** · 10-05-2015, 02:36 PM

MLB
Dunkel

Wild Card Games

Houston @ NY Yankees

Game 931-932
October 6, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(Keuchel) 16.090
NY Yankees
(Tanaka) 17.527
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-115
7
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
(-105); Over

Chicago Cubs @ Pittsburgh

Game 933-934
October 7, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Arrieta) 16.654
Pittsburgh
(Cole) 12.885
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 4
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-130
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-130); Under

MLB
Long Sheet

Tuesday, October 6

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

HOUSTON (86 - 76) at NY YANKEES (87 - 75) - 8:05 PM
DALLAS KEUCHEL (L) vs. MASAHIRO TANAKA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 9-17 (-10.5 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
HOUSTON is 33-48 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 33-42 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 21-31 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 17-25 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
NY YANKEES are 32-20 (+12.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 39-31 (+7.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 63-64 (+10.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
KEUCHEL is 40-22 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KEUCHEL is 39-20 (+20.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KEUCHEL is 27-13 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KEUCHEL is 24-12 (+15.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KEUCHEL is 16-6 (+12.6 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 18-29 (-18.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 35-37 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 4-3 (+1.2 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

DALLAS KEUCHEL vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
KEUCHEL is 2-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 1.13 and a WHIP of 0.708.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

MASAHIRO TANAKA vs. HOUSTON since 1997
TANAKA is 0-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 10.80 and a WHIP of 1.800.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

Wednesday, October 7

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

CHICAGO CUBS (97 - 65) at PITTSBURGH (98 - 64) - 8:05 PM
JAKE ARRIETA (R) vs. GERRIT COLE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 98-64 (+21.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 42-26 (+13.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
PITTSBURGH is 53-28 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 98-64 (+21.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 132-92 (+23.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 78-48 (+21.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PITTSBURGH is 62-34 (+20.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PITTSBURGH is 46-33 (+11.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PITTSBURGH is 28-16 (+13.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
COLE is 23-9 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
COLE is 21-5 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLE is 23-9 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
COLE is 20-5 (+12.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLE is 15-3 (+12.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 97-65 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 37-24 (+9.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 19-9 (+8.6 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 13-3 (+9.2 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -150 this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 48-33 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 21-9 (+13.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 46-30 (+10.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 97-65 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 59-35 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 77-51 (+12.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 58-37 (+12.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 25-10 (+13.8 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 43-30 (+12.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ARRIETA is 25-8 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
ARRIETA is 18-4 (+12.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season. (Team's Record)
ARRIETA is 16-2 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
ARRIETA is 12-1 (+11.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less this season. (Team's Record)
ARRIETA is 25-8 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
ARRIETA is 16-3 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
ARRIETA is 10-1 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season. (Team's Record)
ARRIETA is 7-0 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997. (Team's Record)
ARRIETA is 24-12 (+12.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARRIETA is 14-5 (+10.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 34-42 (-16.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 11-8 (+2.7 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
10 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.5 Units)

JAKE ARRIETA vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
ARRIETA is 6-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 1.68 and a WHIP of 0.831.
His team's record is 8-1 (+7.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-6. (-4.3 units)

GERRIT COLE vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
COLE is 7-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.88 and a WHIP of 1.101.
His team's record is 8-1 (+7.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-3. (+3.2 units)

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**Udog** · 10-05-2015, 05:05 PM

MLB

Monday, October 5

Yankees' Sabathia checks into rehab facility

New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia is checking himself into an alcohol rehabilitation facility.

"Today I am checking myself into an alcohol rehabilitation center to receive the professional care and assistance needed to treat my disease," Sabathia said Monday in a statement. "I love baseball and I love my teammates like brothers, and I am also fully aware that I am leaving at a time when we should all be coming together for one last push toward the World Series. It hurts me deeply to do this now, but I owe it to myself and to my family to get myself right."

The decision means the manager Joe Girardi will have to rethink his rotation should the Yankees advance to play the Kansas City Royals.

Girardi had considered using Sabathia out of the bullpen against the Astros if needed. The veteran left-hander would have been in the starting rotation in the American League Division Series against the Royals if the Yankees beat the Astros.

But Sabathia said his health has to come first.

"I want to take control of my disease, and I want to be a better man, father and player."

The postseason gets underway Tuesday when the Yankees play host to the Houston Astros in the AL wild-card game.

"As difficult as this decision is to share publicly, I don't want to run and hide," Sabathia said. "But for now please respect my family's need for privacy as we work through this challenge together."

Rangers the most profitable team in 2015

The Texas Rangers were the most profitable team baseball during the regular season, racking up $2,955 based on $100 unit bets.

The Rangers made their backers most of their money on the road this season, leading the league with $2,395 away from home.

The St. Louis Cardinals are second on the list at $2,247, with the Pittsburgh Pirates rounding out the Top 3 at $2,135.

No team cost bettors more this season than the Reds

No team cost bettors more this season than the Cincinnati Reds, finishing the 2015 season at -$3,110, based on $100 unit bettors.

The Reds were followed closely by the Oakland Athletics at -$2,942 and the Milwaukee Brewers were the third worst bet at -$2,081.

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Monday's MLB Trends and Indexes - 10/5

Monday's MLB Trends and Indexes - 10/5

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