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**Udog** · 08-01-2016, 07:56 AM

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

— Cubs 7, Mariners 6– Jon Lester ended a weird game with a walk-off squeeze bunt. Pitcher Travis Wood played couple of innings in left field for the Cubs. Seattle led 6-0 early.

— Mariners won 116 games in 2001, haven’t been in playoffs since.

— Chargers still haven’t signed first round pick Joey Bosa.

— Sports Center is in the ashcan; they try to make it like a comedy show now. Just show the damn highlights.

— Yadier Molina has hit a double seven games in a row.

— Mets’ front office is in the tank; they added 34-year old CF Justin Ruggiano, who was hitting .229 in AAA. Awesome.

**********

Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Talkin’ baseball…….

I did some research this weekend on series openers and how teams react after they win lose a series opener. Here is some of what I found………

13) Road teams who win a series opener are 119-120 in second game of that series. Home teams who win series openers are 152-117 in the second series game.

12) Cubs (24-11), Mets (21-12), Padres/Indians (both 21-12) are best teams in series openers. Arizona, Philly and Minnesota (all 12-22) are the worst teams.

11) Padres are surprising 11-6 in road series openers, but are 4-13 in second game– when San Diego loses a series opener, home or away, they are 3-10 in second game– no bueno.

10) Texas Rangers are 6-0 in second game of a home series if they lost the opener.

9) Washington (14-5), Detroit (12-5). Baltimore (12-6) and Giants (11-5) have best records in second game of a series, if they won the opener. Colorado (6-12) and the Mets (9-12) have the worst.

8) Texas (11-4), Dodgers (12-7), San Francisco (11-7) have best records in second game of series if they lost opener. Padres (3-12), Reds (5-14), A’s (5-11), Bronx (5-10) have worst records.

7) Cubs are 15-3 in first game of a home series, Royals are 14-3, Mets are 12-5. On other end, Arizona is 3-14, Phillies 4-12.

6) San Diego is 11-6 in first game of road series, Toronto/Miami both 10-6. Royals are 4-13, Twins/Brewers both 5-11.

Elsewhere in baseball this weekend………
5) Indians tried to go all-in Sunday, acquiring Andrew Miller to bolster its bullpen, but another trade to get Jonathan Lucroy from Milwaukee fell thru when Lucroy vetoed the deal– he had Cleveland as one of 8 teams on his no-trade list.

4) Wade Miley lost his last six starts, but had a no-hitter going thru five innings at Wrigley Saturday; now he is on the Orioles, who acquired him for a 27-year old Cuban lefty with shoulder problems.

3) Matt Cain was lifted after five innings against the Nationals yesterday, despite not allowing any hits- he threw 93 pitches in his best effort in a long time.

2) In July, the Dodgers’ bullpen averaged getting 13 outs a game, that’s too much work. LA could use another starting pitcher, especially after Bud Norris got hurt again Sunday.

1– 30 years ago today, I went to Las Vegas for the first time, driving thru the desert from Anaheim with my sister. We stayed at a cruddy hotel across from Circus Circus, went to a lot of casinos and my head was spinning– sensory overload.

I tried to bet on the Mets against Montreal, but got screwed up on the time change and the game was in the fifth inning when I tried to bet it. The ticket writer was kind and didn’t mock me.

That was quite a vacation; Las Vegas and Rams’ training camp at Cal State-Fullerton, where I met Eric Dickerson, John Robinson, Dieter Brock and Nolan Cromwell. Great fun.

**Udog** · 08-01-2016, 07:58 AM

August good month/bad month pitchers

After starting the season as a reliever, Kansas City left-hander Danny Duffy was forced back into the rotation based on need and he has responded.

With the MLB trading deadline officially closing, and the NFL preseason whetting our pigskin palates, the month of August sets the table for the stretch run of the baseball season. Which pitchers can we count on to satisfy our tastes, and which ones figure to sour our stomachs? Take a look below.

Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in team-starts over the course of the last three seasons during the month of August. On the flip side, we've also listed pitchers that struggle in August, winning 33% percent or less of their team-start efforts. To qualify pitchers must have made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each April over the last three years. And for your convenience alongside each record we break down each pitcher’s greatest success or greatest failure rate either home (H) or away (A) within his good or bad month.

I’ll be back next month with September’s Good Month Pitchers. Until then, as legendary singer and songwriter Neil Diamond would say, enjoy the hot August nights.

Note: * designates a categorical repeat appearance by this pitcher, maintaining status quo from last season’s August list.

GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

Arrieta, Jake • 10-5 (6-3 A)

After being Clayton Kershaw-like for nearly 12 months, the Cubs starter has "regressed" back to just being among the best starters in baseball. Arrieta has a nearly 3-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio and only allows a base hit 70 percent of the time in innings pitched this season, among the finest in the majors.

Duffy, Danny • 11-4 (6-1 H)

After starting the season as a reliever, the Kansas City left-hander was forced back into the rotation based on need and he has responded. Since June, after a pair of starts, Duffy has put up an ERA of just over 3.00 and opposing batters have just a .289 on-base percentage against him.

*Gallardo, Yovani • 9-4 (5-2 A)

Not close to the same pitcher he used to be with Milwaukee, with ERA so far this season approaching almost two runs higher than career average (5.37 vs. 3.73). The lost velocity is to blame and secondary pitches have less bite. For Baltimore to win AL East, Gallardo has to find some of his old magic.

Greinke, Zack • 10-5 (5-2 H)

After being on the shelf with oblique injury since late June, Greinke is close to returning for Arizona if no reoccurrence were to take place after a rehab start or two this month. After pathetic start to season, the D-Backs prized starter has cut ERA by 2 1/2 runs and is close to career norms in all major categories. Elite starter.

*Hamels, Cole • 12-6 (8-4 H)

Having typical Hamels season, with low numbers across the board. In bigger picture, underrated high level hurler who has not been getting acclaim after Phillies fall, but has been ace with Texas. As usual, left-handed batters have no chance with .176 batting average and .287 slugging percentage.

*Iwakuma, Hisashi • 12-5 (7-1 A)

Not having normal season for Seattle, with hits allowed much higher than usual for Iwakuma. However, has won four of five starts and the Mariners are 10-3 when the righty has toed the rubber since May 20. With Felix Hernandez back, this pair could lead Seattle charge to postseason.

Milone, Tom • 7-3 (4-1 A)

Milone starts for bad Minnesota club and is inconsistent as ever. Of his 74 hits allowed in only 59 2/3 innings, 11 have gone the yard. Maybe he can keep the ball down and spot his pitches better like previous August’s.

*Sanchez, Anibal • 9-3 (5-1 H)

With decreased velocity and no action on breaking pitches, Sanchez ERA has been six or higher almost all season. Not sure if he can respond this month, with opponents having BA over .300 and owning a WHIP of 1.64.

*Strasburg, Stephen • 13-3 (8-1 H)

Only July 21st, Strasburg suffered first loss of entire season after 13 consecutive wins. Though the fastball is no longer in upper 90's all the time, the breaking pitches disappear from batter's view and he's been exceptional. If Strasburg has true to form month, he will have real shot at 20 wins in 2016.

Teheran, Julio • 11-5 (7-2 H)

Suffered lat strain in late July and has been a victim of no run support from bad Braves club with 2.81 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and opposing batters at only .205 batting average. Note: Teheran’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of August.

Weaver, Jered • 12-5 (7-3 A)

Shell of his former self at 33. Never a hard thrower, Weaver's fastball only occasionally makes the upper 80's these days and his once dominating changeup is a pitch batter's wait on now with lack of variance of speed of pitches. Will blend good and really awful performances these days.

*Zimmermann, Jordan • 12-6 (8-3 H)

On July 24th had excellent rehab start and will be rejoining Detroit this month. After sensational start with Tigers, Zimmermann was tagged for at least five runs in four of his last five outings. Detroit needs the Zimmermann they had early in the season to have chance to catch Cleveland in AL Central.

BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

Gray, Sonny • 5-11 (0-7 A)

Given Gray's troubles this month, his woes of all season are very likely to continue. Gray simply has been more hittable the entire season, permitting those with bats to hit almost 50 points higher than normal batting average permitted of .233. Note: Gray’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of August.

*Hellickson, Jeremy • 4-11 (2-9 A)

Back of the rotation starter, Hellickson has largely performed better than expected for Philadelphia and as this article went live, he was rumored to be traded. His KW ratio is significantly higher at 4 to 1 compared to 3 to 1 for his career. Will he be able to maintain the rest of season?

Kazmir, Scott • 5-11 (1-7 A)

The Dodgers port-sider has 9-4 record, but his 4.41 ERA is still above career average of 3.98. Durability has been issue all season, with too many starts around five innings for what is supposed to be Los Angeles No. 2 or 3 starter.

Koehler, Tom • 4-13 (0-10 A)

Above average arm but always up or down and unless he pulls a Rich Hill, at 30 is not likely to change. An 8-8 record, 4.18 ERA and WHIP of 1.46, is about what we have come to expect from Mr. Koehler. Note: Koehler’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of August.

*Miley, Wade • 5-11 (1-6 A)

Overrated lefty who does not miss many bats and fails to come anywhere close to averaging punch-out an inning. Strictly an innings-eater and provides nothing more than 50-50 chance to win.

Miller, Shelby • 5-11 (2-8 H)

Demoted to Triple-A in July after disastrous campaign. Miller hopes to regain confidence and repair mechanics that are really out of whack and return to Arizona yet this season.

Samardzija, Jeff • 5-13 (3-8 H)

After appearing as the No.3 starter San Francisco wanted for two months, Smards has returned to same old serviceable pitcher of the past and seen his ERA climb from 2.84 to present 4.30 heading into this month.

**Udog** · 08-01-2016, 08:06 AM

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, August 1

National League
Marlins @ Cubs
Conley is 3-0, 2.12 in his last five starts; under is 8-4 in his last 12. Miami is 6-5 in his road starts.
Hendricks is 4-1, 1.80 in his last five starts; his last three stayed under the total. Cubs won his last six home starts.
Marlins won five of last seven road games, are 10-6 in road series openers. Last five Miami games went over. Cubs are 15-3 in home series openers. Under is 10-3 in last 13 games at Wrigley Field.

Nationals @ Diamondbacks
Strasburg is 4-1, 1.94 in his last six starts; three of last four stayed under. Nationals are 7-1 in his road starts.
Bradley is 1-1, 2.50 in his last three starts; his last four stayed under the total. Arizona is 2-4 in his home starts.
Nationals are 5-8 in last 13 games, 10-8 in road series openers. Last five Washington games stayed under. Arizona lost nine of last 12 games, is 3-14 in home series openers. Over is 9-2-1 in last 12 games at Chase Field.

Brewers @ Padres
Nelson is 0-2, 11.17 in his last two starts; five of his last six stayed under total. Milwaukee is 4-5 in his road starts.
Cosart was 0-1, 6.41 in four starts (over 3-1) for Miami this year; this is his San Diego debut.
Brewers won six of last seven games; they’re 5-11 in road series openers. Under is 10-4 in their last 14 games. San Diego is 4-9 in last 13 games, 10-7 in home series openers. Under is 8-4 in their last 12 games.

American League
Royals @ Rays
Duffy is 4-0, 3.00 in his last six starts; under is 3-1-2 in his road starts- KC won four of those six games.
Archer is 1-3, 4.78 in his last four starts; six of his last nine stayed under. Tampa bay lost his last six home starts.
Royals lost 18 of last 24 games, is 4-13 in road series openers. Six of last eight KC road games stayed under. Tampa Bay won its last four home games, is 7-10 in home series openers. Under is 13-4 in Rays’ last 17 games.

Twins @ Indians
Berrios was 1-1, 10.20 in four starts back in May (over 2-1-1).
Salazar is 1-0, 6.55 in his last four starts; six of his last eight went over. Indians are 9-1 in his last 10 starts, 7-1 in his last eight at home.
Twins are 7-5 in last 12 games, 5-11 in road series openers. Over is 9-4 in Minnesota’s last 13 road games. Cleveland won four of last five games, is 11-5 in home series openers. Under is 3-0-1 in Tribe’s last four games.

Blue Jays @ Astros
Stroman is 2-0, 3.97 in his last five starts; his last three stayed over. Toronto is 5-4 in his road starts.
Fister is 2-4, 5.00 in his last six starts; four of his last five home starts went over. Astros are 5-3 in his home starts.
Blue Jays won five of last seven games, are 10-6 in road series openers. Over is 4-0-1 in last five Toronto games. Houston lost five of last six games, is 10-7 in home series openers. Under is 9-4-1 in last 14 Astro home games.

Red Sox @ Mariners
Rodriguez is 1-1, 3.06 in his last three starts (under 3-0). Boston won three of his four road starts.
Paxton is 1-2, 5.29 in his last three starts; four of his last six went over. He is 1-1, 8.62 in his last three home starts.
Red Sox lost seven of last ten games, are 9-6 in road series openers. Last eight Boston road games stayed under. Seattle won seven of last ten home games, is 9-7 in home series openers. Five of Mariners’ last seven games went over the total.

Interleague
Bronx @ Mets
Sabathia is 1-4, 6.51 in his last six starts; over is 4-2-1 in his last seven. Bronx is 6-4 in his home starts.
Verrett is 0-4, 6.38 in his last seven starts; four of his last five stayed under.
Bronx lost its last four games, is 8-9 in road series openers. Over is 14-5 in last 19 Bronx road games. Mets lost eight of last ten home games; they’re 12-5 in home series openers (4-4 in last 8). Over is 3-1-1 in last five Met games.

Teams’ record when this pitcher starts
Mia-Chi– Conley 12-9; Hendricks 11-8
Wsh-Az– Strasburg 17-2; Bradley 7-7
Mil-SD– Nelson 9-12; Cosart 0-0/1-3
KC-TB– Duffy 11-3; Archer 6-16
Min-Clev– Berrios 1-3; Salazar 13-6
Tor-Hst– Stroman 11-10; Fister 13-7
Bos-Sea– Rodriguez 3-6; Paxton 3-8
NYY-NYM– Sabathia 9-9; Verrett 3-6

Starting pitchers allowing 1+ runs in first inning:
Mia-Chi– Conley 6-21; Hendricks 5-19
Wsh-Az– Strasburg 5-19; Bradley 5-14

Mil-SD– Nelson 5-21; Cosart 2-4
KC-TB– Duffy 3-14; Archer 10-22
Min-Clev– Berrios 1-4; Salazar 2-19
Tor-Hst– Stroman 6-21; Fister 3-20
Bos-Sea– Rodriguez 3-9; Paxton 3-11
NYY-NYM– Sabathia 4-18 (4 of last 6); Verrett 1-9

**Udog** · 08-01-2016, 08:11 AM

MLB

Monday, August 1

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Trend Report
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7:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. TAMPA BAY
Kansas City is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
Kansas City is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games at home
Tampa Bay is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games when playing Kansas City

7:10 PM
NY YANKEES vs. NY METS
NY Yankees are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing NY Mets
NY Yankees are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games on the road
NY Mets are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of NY Mets's last 7 games when playing at home against NY Yankees

7:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CLEVELAND
Minnesota is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Minnesota's last 13 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Minnesota

8:05 PM
MIAMI vs. CHI CUBS
Miami is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Miami is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Chi Cubs's last 16 games
Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games

8:10 PM
TORONTO vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
Toronto is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto

9:40 PM
WASHINGTON vs. ARIZONA
Washington is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Washington's last 13 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Arizona's last 13 games when playing at home against Washington
Arizona is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing Washington

10:10 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. SAN DIEGO
Milwaukee is 6-16 SU in its last 22 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Milwaukee's last 15 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 6 games

10:10 PM
BOSTON vs. SEATTLE
Boston is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games
Seattle is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

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**Udog** · 08-01-2016, 08:33 AM

MLB
Dunkel

Monday, August 1

Miami @ Chicago Cubs

Game 901-902
August 1, 2016 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
(Conley) 12.380
Chicago Cubs
(Hendrcks) 16.574
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 4
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-190
No Total
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-190); N/A

Washington @ Arizona

Game 903-904
August 1, 2016 @ 9:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
(Strasbrg) 15.600
Arizona
(Bradley) 14.133
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-195
8
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-195); Over

Milwaukee @ San Diego

Game 905-906
August 1, 2016 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Nelson) 14.905
San Diego
(Cosart) 13.476
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Diego
-115
8
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(-105); Under

Kansas City @ Tampa Bay

Game 907-908
August 1, 2016 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Duffy) 14.427
Tampa Bay
(Archer) 12.815
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-115
7
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(-105); Under

Minnesota @ Cleveland

Game 909-910
August 1, 2016 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Berrios) 13.975
Cleveland
(Salazar) 16.734
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 3
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-220
8
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-220); Over

Toronto @ Houston

Game 911-912
August 1, 2016 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Stroman) 17.427
Houston
(Fister) 15.930
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-130
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-130); Over

Boston @ Seattle

Game 913-914
August 1, 2016 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Rdriguez) 15.595
Seattle
(Paxton) 14.065
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
-135
9
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(+115); Under

NY Yankees @ NY Mets

Game 915-916
August 1, 2016 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Yankees
(Sabathia) 17.997
NY Mets
(Verrett) 16.459
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-115
8
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
(-105); Under

**Udog** · 08-01-2016, 10:32 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, August 1

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MIAMI (57 - 48) at CHICAGO CUBS (63 - 41) - 8:05 PM
ADAM CONLEY (L) vs. KYLE HENDRICKS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HENDRICKS is 13-4 (+10.5 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. (Team's Record)
MIAMI is 57-48 (+6.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 41-29 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MIAMI is 380-438 (+42.4 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 1551-1664 (-274.0 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 829-777 (-164.6 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 239-304 (-75.4 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1494-1577 (-248.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 256-249 (-61.8 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 741-811 (-194.3 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 3-1 (+3.3 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.9 Units)

ADAM CONLEY vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

KYLE HENDRICKS vs. MIAMI since 1997
HENDRICKS is 1-1 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 1.96 and a WHIP of 1.091.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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WASHINGTON (61 - 44) at ARIZONA (43 - 62) - 9:40 PM
STEPHEN STRASBURG (R) vs. ARCHIE BRADLEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 144-123 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 12-17 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 143-122 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 91-82 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 108-95 (-16.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 60-62 (-17.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 71-56 (-17.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
STRASBURG is 17-2 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
STRASBURG is 17-2 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 43-62 (-18.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 17-35 (-24.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ARIZONA is 7-15 (-11.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
ARIZONA is 42-61 (-19.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 14-23 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 29-47 (-16.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 54-67 (-30.9 Units) against the money line in home games after allowing 10 runs or more since 1997.
ARIZONA is 12-20 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
ARIZONA is 71-131 (-45.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 16-37 (-16.2 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.

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

STEPHEN STRASBURG vs. ARIZONA since 1997
STRASBURG is 3-2 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.53 and a WHIP of 1.085.
His team's record is 4-3 (-0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-2. (+3.1 units)

ARCHIE BRADLEY vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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

MILWAUKEE (47 - 56) at SAN DIEGO (45 - 60) - 10:10 PM
JIMMY NELSON (R) vs. JARRED COSART (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 75-116 (-33.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 33-45 (-23.7 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.
SAN DIEGO is 36-35 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 28-32 (+8.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MILWAUKEE is 12-2 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 2-2 (+0.5 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

JIMMY NELSON vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
NELSON is 1-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 1.83 and a WHIP of 0.864.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

JARRED COSART vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
COSART is 0-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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KANSAS CITY (49 - 55) at TAMPA BAY (42 - 61) - 7:10 PM
DANNY DUFFY (L) vs. CHRIS ARCHER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 17-36 (-17.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 12-26 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 13-31 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 9-23 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
KANSAS CITY is 155-127 (+22.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 38-18 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 42-61 (-25.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 22-30 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 22-30 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome this season.
TAMPA BAY is 25-38 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 22-30 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on artificial turf this season.
TAMPA BAY is 25-36 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ARCHER is 6-16 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
ARCHER is 2-8 (-8.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season. (Team's Record)
ARCHER is 2-8 (-8.1 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome this season. (Team's Record)
ARCHER is 2-8 (-8.1 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on artificial turf this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 3-0 (+3.1 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

DANNY DUFFY vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
DUFFY is 1-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.00 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.0 units)

CHRIS ARCHER vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
ARCHER is 0-3 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 5.84 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-3. (-2.6 units)

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MINNESOTA (40 - 64) at CLEVELAND (60 - 42) - 7:10 PM
JOSE BERRIOS (R) vs. DANNY SALAZAR (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 40-64 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 14-33 (-18.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
MINNESOTA is 11-25 (-11.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
MINNESOTA is 40-64 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 23-39 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 26-49 (-20.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 34-12 (+19.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CLEVELAND is 18-4 (+12.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CLEVELAND is 30-13 (+14.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CLEVELAND is 43-22 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 17-6 (+11.2 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
MINNESOTA is 62-60 (+13.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 35-52 (-32.5 Units) against the money line in home games after shutting out their opponent since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 5-4 (+2.7 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.9 Units)

JOSE BERRIOS vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
BERRIOS is 0-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 11.25 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.1 units)

DANNY SALAZAR vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
SALAZAR is 3-2 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.63 and a WHIP of 1.254.
His team's record is 5-3 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-5. (-2.1 units)

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TORONTO (59 - 46) at HOUSTON (55 - 49) - 8:10 PM
MARCUS STROMAN (R) vs. DOUG FISTER (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

MARCUS STROMAN vs. HOUSTON since 1997
STROMAN is 0-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 15.00 and a WHIP of 2.667.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

DOUG FISTER vs. TORONTO since 1997
FISTER is 2-2 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.01 and a WHIP of 1.101.
His team's record is 3-3 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-3. (-0.4 units)

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BOSTON (57 - 46) at SEATTLE (52 - 51) - 10:10 PM
EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ (L) vs. JAMES PAXTON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 206-222 (-38.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 641-576 (-79.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
BOSTON is 120-117 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 139-156 (-34.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 494-455 (-68.3 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters since 1997.
BOSTON is 95-111 (-28.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 89-113 (-28.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 128-137 (-25.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 13-25 (-16.0 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 61-68 (-28.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 120-133 (-30.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 43-49 (-22.8 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 36-55 (-23.0 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PAXTON is 8-16 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PAXTON is 1-8 (-8.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
PAXTON is 4-14 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 2-1 (+0.7 Units) against SEATTLE this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.

JAMES PAXTON vs. BOSTON since 1997
PAXTON is 1-0 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.875.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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NY YANKEES (52 - 52) at NY METS (54 - 50) - 7:10 PM
C.C. SABATHIA (L) vs. LOGAN VERRETT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 23-5 (+19.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 52-26 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.

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

C.C. SABATHIA vs. NY METS since 1997
SABATHIA is 4-2 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.22 and a WHIP of 1.254.
His team's record is 5-2 (+2.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-1. (+5.1 units)

LOGAN VERRETT vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.

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**Udog** · 08-01-2016, 11:05 AM

MLB betting cheat sheet and odds: Clash of the Titans

The Rangers (62-44) have won the most money for bettors of any team in the majors (+2,378), while the Orioles (59-45) rank third in units won at +1,338.

Our MLB cheat sheet breaks down the best MLB betting notes so you can handicap every series like a pro this week, including a showdown between the American League East leading Baltimore Orioles and the American League West leading Texas Rangers.

Clash of the Titans

Two of the three American League division leaders square off as the Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles duel in a three-game set at Camden Yards beginning Tuesday night.

Both teams have provided significant value to bettors this season; the Rangers (62-44) have won the most money of any team in the majors (+2,378), while the Orioles (59-45) rank third in units won at +1,338. They’re also a combined 71-33 at home this season - providing a distinct advantage to the Orioles, who are coming off losing two of three in Toronto.

The Rangers took three of four the last time these teams met, with 11 of their 23 runs in the series coming in just two innings - a five-run sixth on April 14, and a six-run seventh on April 16. Relievers earned all three wins for Texas.

Twin Killing?

Fresh off making a significant trade for the majors’ best reliever - and stunningly missing out on an upgrade at catcher - the Cleveland Indians look to extend their AL Central Division lead with a four-game series against the visiting Minnesota Twins.

The Indians swept the Oakland Athletics out of town to remain 4 1/2 games ahead of the Detroit Tigers, who have won six straight but didn’t gain a stitch of ground over the weekend. And that may not happen for a while if the Indians continue their divisional dominance (30-13 vs. Central foes) against a Twins team that is just 11-25 against divisional opponents.

If that wasn’t enough to convince you, consider the teams’ respective run differentials: The Indians rank first in the American League at +97, while the Twins are second last (-79), ahead of only the Athletics (-82).

Big Game Fishing

The Miami Marlins were big players ahead of Monday’s trade deadline - and they’ll put their new lineup to the test this week as they play a three-game set against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

The Marlins acquired starters Andrew Cashner and Collin Rea in a seven-player blockbuster with the San Diego Padres as they look to close the gap between themselves and the NL East-leading Washington Nationals. And while this may seem crazy, the Marlins' record since May 1 (45-37) is nearly identical to that of the Cubs (46-36), considered by many to be the World Series favorite.

Pitching Notes

* Lance McCullers has been baseball’s top Under option over the past two months, going 0-9 against the total over that stretch. That has been mostly his doing; the 22-year-old has allowed two runs or fewer seven times over that span, and is coming off three straight starts of one run against. With 100 strikeouts over 76 innings, he should be a solid Under bet the rest of the way.

* One of the top pitching matchups of the week goes Wednesday evening at Comerica Park, as Detroit’s Michael Fulmer takes on Chicago White Sox ace Chris Sale - provided that Sale doesn’t end up on another team at Monday’s deadline. Sale is looking for his first victory since July 2, while Detroit has won six straight with Fulmer - the prohibitive favorite for AL Rookie of the Year - on the hill.

Hitting Notes

* One of the leaders in the NL Rookie of the Year race is having a sensational stretch himself. Colorado Rockies SS Trevor Story has been on a tear, belting six home runs and driving in 15 over his previous 13 games. The majority of that damage came at Coors Field (surprise, surprise), and he’ll have a great opportunity to add to those totals with the Rockies kicking off an eight-game homestead Tuesday against the Dodgers.

* Much has been made of the Washington Nationals’ bullpen issues, but perhaps more attention should be focused on the struggles of right fielder Bryce Harper. The defending National League MVP has a positively putrid .170/.295/.318 slash line in July, and has only six hits - including four singles - since the All-Star break. He’ll look to get going this week with three games in Arizona and another three at home against San Francisco.

Totals Trend

Over is 3-0 in Jose Berrios’ three career big-league starts. Berrios is expected to return to major-league action Monday against host Cleveland.

Announcement

Monday's MLB Trends and Indexes - 8/1

Monday's MLB Trends and Indexes - 8/1

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