The Bum's MLB Best Bets - Trends - News Thru the World Series !

[StarDust Bum]

All systems go: Covers member explains his effective MLB betting strategy

The Chicago White Sox are a prime candidate to fade in the last two months of the baseball season as they continue to trade away their best players.

There are many different ways of betting on sports and there are many different types of sports bettors. Some scan the odds board, pick a side or total they like, and then place their bet (*raises hand*).

Then there are others who prefer to incorporate more structure and strategy into how they wager on games.

Dan Wiese, known as Danrules24 to the community, falls into the second group. Wiese likes to use systems with guidelines to build his bankroll.

A betting system is something developed to find opportunities to either back or fade a team in a given situation. If you fade a football team traveling across country on a short week regardless of the spread – that’s a system play.

One of Wiese’s systems is getting a lot of attention in the systems and strategies forum. Even though the system is explained at great length in the forum thread, Wiese was kind enough to take the time to explain how his popular MLB second-half strategy works.

Wiese says he came up with the idea based off the success of another system of member CKP22. That scheme involved backing the top teams after the midsummer break on six or greater game homestands.

Wiese had trouble making CKP22’s strategy work for him so he decided to make a variation: he started fading bad teams after the break that were on the road for five or more games at a time.

“My thinking was that these teams have already given up for the year,” says Wiese, “will trade any valuable assets for prospects and will be willing to play younger players. The odds seemed to be a bit lower than betting on the top teams.”

The point of the system is to pick up a one unit win from a road trip, discontinue the bet and wait for the next bad team to begin another long road trip.

Here are the full parameters of system break down like this:

• Fade MLB teams after the All-Star break with .435 winning percentage or worse
• On road trips of five games or greater
• Take the runline on the dog if your fade team is favored
• Chase a loss but only if there are five or more games left on the road swing

The chase is a procedure to recoup earnings when the fade team wins a game. So, if we were in Game 1 of a series and our one unit play came up snake eyes because the fade team won, we would bet two units plus the juice to get us back on track.

“If Game 1 was -130 and unit size was $10, you’d lose $13,” Wiese explains. “Game 2 would be to win $23.”

Wiese has been using the system since 2013 but he looked back to 2002 to make sure there was profit potential before putting it into play. His best seasons using the system are 2014 and 2016, in which he returned one unit of profit in 64 of 65 qualified series during those two years.

As with any system, there’s always room for tweaking. Wiese included the Chicago White Sox in the fade group even though they their win percentage was above .435 at the break. It was clear from the trades the team was making that Chicago was bailing on this season and building for the long term.

The White Sox went 1-4 on a recent five-game away stint and lost the first game of the trip – a win for the system. The Philadelphia Phillies went 3-3 on their six-game away trip but they lost the first game of their series – which again would have been a win for the system.

Wiese says likes using system plays for baseball and hockey - the sports he does best in betting. He likes football but steers clear from betting on it.

“I can’t pick a football game to save my life,” Wiese says with a laugh.

He says that but the first game he can remember betting on was Super Bowl XXII. A work friend thought the Denver Broncos would kill Wiese’s Washington Redskins. The friend told him he could have the Redskins and 10 points. Washington won 41-10. The Vegas spread on that game: Denver -3.5. Talk about a value play.

[StarDust Bum]

August Pitchers Report
July 31, 2017

With the MLB trading deadline officially closed, and the NFL preseason whetting our pigskin palates, the month of August sets the table for the stretch run of the baseball season. The question is 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.

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

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

GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

*Arrieta, Jake - 13-2 (6-1 A)

Like the Cubs, Arrieta has gotten increasing better as the season has progressed with 3.30 ERA over his past 10 starts and he and his teammates have arrived when needed this time of year.

Bauer, Trevor - 12-6 (8-2 H)

Not the most consistent pitcher when it comes to pounding the strike zone, Bauer does have his moments when he can be very good. As his record shows here, he has given Cleveland a chance to win in August and they have taken advantage of it.

Bumgarner, Madison - 12-5 (8-1 H)

Rough season for Mad Bum and San Francisco (1-7 in his team starts thru July, despite a 2.92 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP) but this tough hombre is not about to let up and while the season will be lost, he's right at career levels for batting average allowed and assuredly his ERA will continue to sink, which give the Giants a better chance of winning.

Dickey, R.A. - 11-5 (6-2)

Atlanta has gotten about what they expected from the 42-year knuckleballer, at around .500 record and mostly keeping the Braves in games. If Dickey can duplicate the past, Atlanta would be thrilled.

Fiers, Mike - 11-4 (6-1 H)

Back of the rotation hurler who relies on deception, as fastball only occasionally passes 90 MPH. He's helped by being backed by Houston awesome offense and the Astros have won 12 of 20 starts this season. Dependable if not spectacular.

Hendricks, Kyle - 14-4 (8-2 A)

Now back from injury, Hendricks is expected to be a catalyst in the World Series champs efforts to make the playoffs and repeat. This season, he's given up more home runs than in the past and the Cubs organization hopes the injury time off will make his stronger for the stretch run.

Hernandez, Felix - 11-5 (7-2 H)

Not the pitcher he used to be with declining stuff and who has yet to reach double digits in strikeouts in any outing. King Felix now relies on more changeups and two-seam fastball and will make mistakes and taken deep. Let's see how he fares this month.

Lester, Jon - 11-5 (8-1 H)

Similar story to Arrieta, Lester has gotten better as the year progressed. Lester is a real expert on keeping the ball down and working the outside corner to right-handed batters and little reason to think he will not still have ample success.

Keuchel, Dallas - 11-5 (8-2 H)

Now back from the DL, Houston has such a big lead they can take their time with Keuchel and get him to ready to pitch like he was in the first half of the season and have him 100 percent for October.

Kluber, Corey - 11-5 (7-0 H)

Maybe Cleveland should place Kluber on the DL in April, which is annually his worst month. Kluber has now gone at least seven innings while recording double-digit strikeouts in seven of his last eight starts, posting an excellent 90/10 K/BB during that stretch. His season ERA now sits at a sterling 2.74 Expect more of the same.

*Strasburg, Stephen - 10-5 (6-2 H)

Once again in the midst of an outstanding season, Strasburg has gotten hurt, with the elbow this time and is on the DL. Washington can survive without him in August, though he is scheduled to return, but not in the postseason.

Volquez, Edinson - 12-6 (7-3 A)

Volquez had a no-hitter on June 3rd, otherwise, the season has been a bit is mess. The right-hander last pitched on July 5th after hurting his knee and on July 24th tried to test it and manager Don Mattingly said "it did not go well." No timetable for his return

BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

Cashner, Andrew - 3-8 (1-5 H)

With a 37-61 career record, hard to imagine Cashner's still in the big leagues. He's again under .500 this season with Texas, but has not pitched that poorly with 3.48 ERA to start August, nonetheless, 51 K's and 43 W's is noteworthy.

Gonzalez, Miguel - 3-9 (1-6 A)

Veteran pitcher on a bad White Sox club and his chances are not good to pick many victories unless he can pitch seven innings each time and allow two runs or less, because of Chicago's offense and depleted bullpen through trades.

*Gray, Sonny - 5-11 (0-7 A)

After scuffling with an ERA of 4.84 on June 20, Gray has gone into another gear over his last six starts (1.37 ERA) and lowered that figure nearly a run and a half to 3.43. Yankees are hoping his recent August meltdowns area thing of the past.

*Miley, Wade - 4-13 (1-6 A)

If Miley was not left-handed, he likely would not have a job in the majors. Sure, he is striking out close to a hitter an inning (0.88), yet permits 1.18 hits per inning and has better than one walk for every six outs he collects. Simply a lousy pitcher.

*Samardzija, Jeff - 5-13 (3-8 H)

You would have thought San Francisco would have learned from Matt Cain's contract, but they did now and are stuck with Samardzija thru 2020. The occasional good start does not counter the other three rotten ones.

Tomlin, Josh - 4-8 (1-4 A)

Though never an ace, Tomlin has given up a .304 batting average and he's been taken yard 19 times already. The Tribe is expecting far better production from the right-hander.

[StarDust Bum]

LEADING OFF: Trading places all over, Sale sharp for Bosox
July 31, 2017

A look at what's happening all around the majors today:

WELCOME

A lot of clubhouses will have new looks, a day after 14 deals involving big leaguers at the trade deadline. Star pitchers Yu Darvish and Sonny Gray changed teams, as did relievers Brandon Kintzler, Addison Reed and Justin Wilson.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, with the best record in the majors and the highest payroll, added Darvish to the rotation and Tony Watson and Tony Cingrani to the bullpen. The moves by the front office impressed Dodgers part-owner Magic Johnson.

''Wow, what an outstanding job,'' he posted on Twitter before boarding a plane for a family vacation in Italy.

SAILING ALONG

Red Sox lefty Chris Sale (13-4, 2.37 ERA) leads the majors with 211 strikeouts going into this start vs. Cleveland at Fenway Park. He hasn't allowed a run in his last three games, giving up just 10 hits in 20 2/3 innings.

HE'S UP

Prized Mets shortstop prospect Amed Rosario is set to make his major league debut. The 21-year-old will be in the starting lineup against Colorado at Coors Field. Rosario is hitting .328 with seven homers, 58 RBIs and 19 steals in 94 games at Triple-A Las Vegas.

TRY AGAIN

Nationals ace Max Scherzer (12-5, 2.23 ERA) is scheduled to start against Marlins lefty Chris O'Grady (2-1, 3.68). When Scherzer pitched at Marlins Park six weeks ago, he took a no-hitter into the eighth inning but lost.

STAY COOL

In his previous start, Toronto right-hander Marcus Stroman walked a career-high six in 4 2/3 innings and was ejected after a pitch was called a ball. Blue Jays manager John Gibbons and catcher Russell Martin also were tossed. Stroman starts this time in Chicago against the White Sox.

[StarDust Bum]

Tigers active at deadline, but some big names stay put
August 1, 2017

After all the speculation and uncertainty leading up to the trade deadline, Justin Verlander's sense of humor was apparently still intact.

''Source: I'm still in the Tigers locker room,'' said a message on Verlander's Twitter account Monday. There was even a picture of the right-hander offered as proof.

Verlander was indeed still a member of the Detroit Tigers when Monday's non-waiver trade deadline came and went. Although the Tigers dealt J.D. Martinez, Justin Wilson and Alex Avila in the last two weeks before the deadline, they kept some of their biggest names. Detroit remains with the only major league team Verlander's ever played for, and Ian Kinsler wasn't traded either.

''I do not have a mandate to dump salary,'' general manager Al Avila said.

The Tigers held onto Verlander and his big contract, instead dealing Martinez, Wilson and Avila in an effort to add some quality young position players to the organization. It's no surprise that Detroit parted ways with those three. Martinez and Avila can become free agents after this season, and Wilson - who became the closer in Detroit earlier this year - is probably worth more to a contending team than to the sub.-500 Tigers.

Detroit acquired minor league infielders Jeimer Candelario and Isaac Paredes from the Chicago Cubs in the trade for Wilson and Avila. The Tigers sent Martinez to Arizona on July 18 for minor leaguers Dawel Lugo, Sergio Alcantara and Jose King - all infielders as well.

Although Al Avila said the Tigers aren't simply shedding payroll, speculation will continue to swirl around some of their more expensive players. Justin Upton can opt out of his contract after this season, and the Tigers have a team option on Kinsler. Verlander's deal calls for him to be paid $28 million in both 2018 and 2019, and it includes a $22 million vesting option in 2020 that becomes guaranteed if he's in the top five of the 2019 Cy Young vote.

Detroit hasn't made the postseason since 2014, and the team is now clearly in a transition phase. Trading Verlander could certainly give the Tigers more financial flexibility over the next couple seasons, but it's not clear how much that would really make a difference.

The bigger issue is how quickly Detroit can reap the benefits of acquiring more prospects. Two years ago, the Tigers traded David Price and Yoenis Cespedes at the deadline, receiving pitchers Michael Fulmer, Daniel Norris and Matthew Boyd in return. Fulmer was the 2016 American League Rookie of the Year, while Norris and Boyd have had their ups and downs.

That's often the case with younger players. They develop at different speeds, and it's hard to predict who will pan out. The 23-year-old Candelario plays third base, and Detroit's major league starter at that position, Nicholas Castellanos, is only 25.

Avila said he wasn't overly concerned about positional variety when bringing in prospects. At this point, the Tigers need good young players, no matter where they might fit in.

''If it happened to be two third basemen as opposed to let's say a third baseman and a shortstop, you still go for the best talent that you can acquire,'' the general manager said. ''No different than what we do in the draft. Later on, if you had to fill in a gap here and there, then you go out and get a minor league free agent. So really, this has nothing to do with Nick Castellanos or anybody on the major league club. This has to do with refilling our organization with prospects at the minor league level.''

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday's Diamond Notes
August 1, 2017

Hottest team: Dodgers (8-2 past 10 games, 47-11 past 58 overall)

The rich certainly got a lot richer at the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, as the red-hot Dodgers picked up Yu Darvish to strengthen the starting rotation, as well as Tony Cingrani and Tony Watson to bolster their bullpen. The way the league's top team has been going, it's hard to see why they need to fix what isn't broken. They have won 47 of their past 58 games, they're 10-1 over their past 11 road games against a team with a losing record, 18-6 in the past 24 away from home overall and 4-1 in their past five road games vs. RHP. They're also 40-14 in their past 54 overall against righties. L.A. turns to Kenta Maeda, as they're 10-2 over their past 12 starts and 4-1 over his past five outings against a losing team.

Coldest team: Rays (0-4 past four games, 3-9 past 12 overall)

The Rays were sitting pretty in the American League East on July 18 after a win in Oakland, within striking distance of the Red Sox and Yankees. They appeared to be right in the mix for a postseason spot, but it's been a slow burn since. They're just 3-9 over their past 12 games, including a 14-7 beating in Houston that showed how far away from the contenders that they really are. Tampa Bay is anything but done, still just 4 1/2 games off the pace in the AL East. However, to be serious contenders they'll have to win on the road. They have just one win over the past six on the road, and they're 1-7 over the past eight vs. RHP and 0-5 in their past five against the AL West.

Hottest pitcher: Chris Sale, Red Sox (13-4, 2.73 ERA)

The Red Sox turn to Sale to keep things rolling in the right direction in their showdown series against the Indians. Boston won the opener on Monday by a 6-2 count, and now Sale faces a team he knows all too well. He hasn't faced Cleveland yet in 2017, but he is 3-3 with a 3.38 ERA in nine starts over 53 1/3 innings against the Indians since the start of the 2014 season. He faced the Tribe frequently as a member of the Chicago White Sox. The All-Star wrapped up his best month of the season, going 3-1 with a 1.04 ERA in five July outings, as the opposition mustered just a .167 average against him across 34 2/3 innings over five starts.

Coldest pitcher: Ricky Nolasco, Angels (4-12, 5.07 ERA)

The team's Opening Day starter was sharp last time out, posting a quality start in a loss in Cleveland on July 26. Still, he finished 1-3 with a 5.72 ERA across 28 1/3 innings over five July outings, serving up four homers. It was his third consecutive losing month, and his second-worst month from an ERA perspective. Nolasco has allowed a league-high 27 homer, tied with Masahiro Tanaka of the Yankees. The good news for Nolasco is that Tuesday's opponent, the Philadelphia Phillies, rank 27th in the majors in home runs with just 109 through 103 games.

Biggest UNDER run: Cubs (4-0 past four overall)

The 'under' is a popular play when Jon Lester takes the ball for the Cubbies. The total has gone under in six of Lester's past eight assignments while going an impressive 19-7 over his past 26 starts at Wrigley Field. The ounder is also 18-7-1 across his past 26 at home against teams with a winning overall mark. Against the NL West, the under is even more prominent for the Cubs, going36-15-3 over their past 54 games. One thing that might worry under bettors has been Chicago's success against southpaws at the Friendly Confines. The over is 6-1-2 over the past nine home games vs. LHP. However, the under is 5-1 over their past six meetings with the Diamondbacks and 4-1 in their past five meetings at Wrigley.

Biggest OVER run: Astros (20-7-1 past 28 games)

The Astros have been an 'over' machine all season, and they are the only team in the league with more than 576 runs scored (623). Houston is averaging 5.93 runs per game while swatting a major-league best 172 homers. They also lead the majors with a .503 slugging percentage. The 'over' has hit in eight of their past 10 games on grass, 4-0 across their past four outings vs. RHP, and 24-7-1 in their past 32 games against the American League East. Mike Fiers hits the mound at Minute Maid against the Rays, and the over is 4-1-1 across his past six while going 7-1-1 in his past nine assignments against AL East foes. The over has cashed in four straight, including Monday's 14-7 series opening win by the 'Stros, as well as seven consecutive meetings overall.

Matchup to watch: Padres vs. Twins

When interleague league started many years ago, Mets-Yankees, Angels-Dodgers, Cubs-White Sox, Giants-Athletics were matchups that were highly anticipated, and are still special today. However, interleague play also gives us games like the Twins-Padres. Minnesota was a contender for much of the season, but July treated them very rudely. They're just 1-6 over their past seven outings, and 0-4 in their past four tries against the NL West. They have also dropped four straight road games by Jose Berrios. And if you think an off day will help them, think again. They're 2-7 across their past nine following a day off. The Padres are buried in the NL West, but they keep fighting. San Diego has won four of their past five, they're 4-1 in their past five at Petco Park and they're 5-1 across the past six outings at home by Jhoulys Chacin. They're also 5-0 in his past five starts overall.

Betcha didn’t know: The A's may have thrown the towel in by dealing Sonny Gray to the Yankees at the deadline, but Sean Manaea appears to be next in line to serve as the franchise's ace. He is 8-5 with a 3.82 ERA overall this season, and he has lost just two of his past 13 outings with seven victories during the stretch. He has faced San Francisco just once so far in his fledgling career, posting 5 2/3 scoreless innings last June against the Giants. San Francisco has won just twice over its past nine tries on the road against a left-handed starter, and they're 18-40 over their past 58 games on the road overall. The A's are the complete opposite lately, winning eight of their past nine at home vs. RHP while picking up wins in five of Manaea's past seven home outings.

Biggest public favorite: Blue Jays (-200) at White Sox

Biggest public underdog: Twins (+105) at Padres

Biggest line move: Brewers (+105 to -120) vs. Cardinals

[StarDust Bum]

Bartman, Cubs look to repeat
August 1, 2017

Full Circle – Chicago Cubs Award Steven Bartman World Series Ring

Nine months ago, the Chicago Cubs did the unthinkable in mounting a comeback for the ages that brought their previously cursed franchise its first World Series Championship in a billion years. And now, the Cubs are doing something even more unbelievable by giving Steve Bartman a ring.

Steve Bartman became absolutely vilified during Game 6 of the 2003 NLCS when he reached for a foul ball that Moises Alou probably could have caught. This was a huge deal. The Cubs, who were up 3-0 at the time, would go on to lose complete momentum and suffer an 8-3 loss while also giving up Game 7 to the Marlins.

The entire world of sports descended on Bartman unfairly. Chicago fans in particular The Cubs themselves tried to protect him and re-connect with him multiple times. ESPN produced a wonderful, in-depth documentary entitled Catching Hell ( that you should absolutely watch if you haven’t already) which covered the entire ordeal from a multitude of angles, including interviews with Alou and members of the Cubs organization. But the vitriol against him had already poisoned this unfortunate fan’s connection to his team.

Though he never left the Chicago area, Bartman retreated in to corners where people could not find him. He refused to do interviews, and was actually quite good about keeping himself out of the headlines. At the time, Bartman was crucified as the reason the Chicago Cubs lost a shot at the World Series. Truthfully, that blame should have fallen squarely on the Chicago Cubs themselves.

Fifteen years later, after Bartman had suffered through life changing chaos that could not be undone, the Chicago Cubs made things right. “I humbly receive the ring not only as a symbol of one of the most historic achievements in sports, but as an important reminder for how we should treat each other in today’s society,” Bartman echoed in a statement. “My hope is that we all can learn from my experience to view sports as entertainment and prevent harsh scapegoating, and to challenge the media and opportunistic profiteers to conduct business ethically by respecting personal privacy rights and not exploit any individual to advance their own self-interest or economic gain. Moreover, I am hopeful this ring gesture will be the start of an important healing and reconciliation process for all involved. To that end, I request the media please respect my privacy, and the privacy of my family. I will not participate in interviews or further public statements at this time.”

It’s time that this whole thing was put to rest. The media was unfair. Sports fans across the country were unnecessarily cruel. This was quite literally something that could have happened to anyone. Fortunately, it happened to a man that reflected the same steely resolve that his beloved baseball team did as well. It is not easy living life believing that you are cursed. Eventually, the Cubs overcame their own curse and now Bartman can do the same.

Besides, the Chicago Cubs and their fans have better things to focus on. They are in the midst of undoing a brutal first-half that nearly obliterated all the hope and joy that the 2016 World Series win has brought, and have now improbably clawed their way over the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals to reclaim the NL Central.

The Cubs are ranked third at +675 to repeat as champions, giving them the same odds as the Cleveland Indians and sitting them behind the Los Angeles Dodgers (+200) and Houston Astros (+475). Is the good will they’ve shown Bartman, one of their biggest fans, going to be enough to propel the Cubs back to the big dance? They’re doing all the right things, having gone 13-3 SU in their last 16 games since the All-Star break.

A symbolic gesture represented by a World Series ring has brought this entire Bartman episode full circle.

Seems pretty fitting.

[StarDust Bum]

TUESDAY, AUGUST 1

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

KC at BAL 07:05 PM

KC +115

CLE at BOS 07:10 PM

U 7.5

LAD at ATL 07:35 PM

O 9.5

STL at MIL 07:40 PM

O 8.0

TOR at CHW 08:10 PM

U 9.5

TB at HOU 08:10 PM

U 8.5

SF at OAK 10:05 PM

U 8.5

PHI at LAA 10:07 PM

O 8.0

MIN at SD 10:10 PM

U 8.0

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Wednesday's six-pack

Odds to win the Bridgestone Invitational in Akron this week……

8-1— Jordan Spieth

9-1—Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson

15-1— Rickie Fowler, Brooks Koepka

20-1— Hideki Matsuyama, Jon Rahm

25-1— Day-Rose-Stenson-Scott-Garcia

30-1— Matt Kuchar, Paul Casey


**********

Armadillo: Wednesday's List of 13: some of my favorite words……..

13 of my favorite words………(in alphabetical order, with dictionary definitions)

13) abscond— “leave hurriedly and secretly, typically to avoid detection of or arrest for an unlawful action such as theft.”

Absconding just sounds deceitful, like you’re slinking away in the shadows…….

12) boondoggle— “work or activity that is wasteful or pointless but gives the appearance of having value.”

Some will argue that this list is a boondoggle; I would disagree.

11) bupkus— “having little or no value.”

Jerry Stiller said this word on TV a lot; good word to say if you’re disgusted and don’t want to swear. “All this work and I’ve got BUPKUS to show for it!!!”

10) canoodle— “kiss and cuddle amorously.”

Not to be confused with caboodle “the whole number or quantity of people or things in question.”

9) fracas— “a noisy disturbance or quarrel.”

Good hockey word, as in: “There was a fracas behind the Edmonton net.”

8) hijinx— “examples of mischief that are often disruptive or rowdy.”

The Three Stooges often engaged in hijinx. Mo hitting Curly on the head with a wrench was hijinx. Practical jokes also fall into this category.

7) inconceivable— “not capable of being imagined or grasped mentally; unbelievable.”

When you’re totally exasperated that something could happen, this is your word to use. “It is INCONCEIVABLE that the A’s traded Cespedes and didn’t get young players in return!!!”

6) kerfuffle— “a commotion or fuss, especially one caused by conflicting views.”

This is less physical than a fracas, but still a disagreement. I once had a kerfuffle with a parent of a kid I coached in Little League. He was way bigger than me, so I tried my best to diffuse the situation. Best part of that day is that was when I decided to quit coaching Little League.

5) kibosh— “put an end to; dispose of decisively.”

Most times I’ve heard this, someone from New York City said it; lot of fathers would like to put the kibosh on their daughters’ dating activity.

4) quagmire— “a soft boggy area of land that gives way underfoot.”

In fall of 1977, there was a drought in Los Angeles; that was all I heard about all football season, So the Rams get a home playoff game against Minnesota; turn the game on and there is an inch of standing water/mud on the field at the LA Coliseum.

I had just turned 18; I say to no one in particular “For three months all I’ve heard about is this goddamn drought and now the field is a bleeping quagmire.” My parents were not amused at my choice of adjectives (I didn’t say bleeping). The Rams were a big favorite, but lost 14-7. Oy.

3) shenanigans— “secret or dishonest activity or maneuvering.”

Unfortunately, most of our politicians know this word all too well.

2) squeamish— “easily made to feel sick, faint, or disgusted, especially by unpleasant images, such as the sight of blood.”

I could never have been a surgeon, for this very reason. That and I wasn’t smart enough to get into a medical school— I was lucky to graduate from a state college

1) wheelhouse— “the part of a batter’s strike zone most likely to produce a home run.” or “a part of a boat or ship serving as a shelter for the person at the wheel.”

I prefer to think of this word as asking someone a really easy question or putting them in a situation that they can handle easily, as in, putting your drunk friend in a chugging contest.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, August 2

National League
Reds @ Pirates
Stephenson is 0-2, 7.45 in two starts, both vs Miami (under 2-0). Reds are 0-1 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 0-1-1

Williams is 1-1, 4.50 in his last four starts; under is 6-1 in his last seven. Pirates are 3-4 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 8-5-2

Reds lost six of last eight games; over is 6-1 in their last seven games. Pittsburgh lost five of last six games; under is 14-2 in their last 16 home games.

Nationals @ Marlins
Cole won 6-2 at Philly in his only ’17 start May 6, allowing one run in six IP (109 PT). Nationals’ first 5-inning record with him: 1-0

Worley is 0-2, 7.53 in five starts this year (over 4-1). Miami is 2-1 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 1-3-1

Nationals are 6-4 in last ten games; under is 6-2 in their last eight road games. Miami won five of last seven games; over is 7-2 in their last nine.

Dodgers @ Braves
Stewart allowed five runs in 3.2 IP in his only ’17 start, vs Minnesota. Dodgers’ first 5-inning record with him: 0-1

Teheran is 0-3, 7.41 in his last three starts; over is 7-4-2 in his last 13 starts. Braves are 2-8 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 10-8-3

Dodgers won their last nine games; under is 6-2 in their last eight road games. Atlanta lost four of last five games; under is 4-0-1 in their last five games.

Cardinals @ Brewers
Weaver allowed four runs in five IP (88 PT) in his first MLB start, a 4-0 loss to Arizona. Cardinals’ first 5-inning record with him: 0-1

Suter is 2-0, 1.80 in his last five starts (under 5-1). Milwaukee is 2-0 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 4-1-1

Cardinals won five of last eight games; under is 5-1-1 in their last seven games. Milwaukee lost four of last six games; under is 12-4 in their last 16 games.

Diamondbacks @ Cubs
Godley is 1-1, 5.30 in his last three starts; under is 6-2 in his last eight. Arizona is 5-3 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 8-5-1

Arrieta is 2-0, 2.79 in his last three starts (over 3-0). Cubs are 4-3 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 12-7-2

Arizona lost three of last four games; under is 3-1-1 in their last five games. Cubs won six of last seven games; under is 7-2-1 in their last ten games.

Mets @ Rockies
Flexen allowed four runs in three IP (69 PT) in his first MLB start, at San Diego. Mets’ first 5-inning record with him: 0-1

Chatwood is 0-4, 9.18 in his last four starts; under is 5-2 in his last seven. Colorado is 3-5 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 7-11-1

Mets lost five of last six games; over is 8-3 in their last 11 games. Colorado won seven of last eight home games; over is 8-5 in their last 13 games.

——————————–

American League
Royals @ Orioles
Vargas is 2-0, 2.45 in his last two starts; over is 6-3 in his last nine. Royals are 7-2 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 12-6-2

Hellickson makes his Oriole debut here; he was 1-0, 6.05 in his last four starts for Philly. Under is 10-6-4 in his starts this season.

Royals are 10-3 in last 13 games; under is 8-2 in their last ten games. Baltimore is 10-5 in last 15 games; over is 8-4 in their last 12 home games.

Detroit @ New York
Zimmerman is 1-3, 6.23 in his last five starts; over is 5-1 in his last six. Detroit is 2-9 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 10-10

Tanaka is 1-2, 4.44 in his last four starts; under is 7-2-1 in his last ten. New York is 6-4 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 10-9-2

Tigers are 5-8 in last 13 games; over is 6-3 in their last nine road games. New York is 9-3 in last 12 games- four of their last five games stayed under.

Indians @ Red Sox
Bauer is 2-0, 2.77 in his last two starts; under is 7-3 in his last ten. Cleveland is 4-5 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 9-8-3

Porcello is 0-5, 3.92 in his last six starts (under 5-1). Red Sox are 4-8 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 4-16-2

Cleveland won nine of its last 12 games; over is 8-5 in their last 13. Boston won three of last four games; under is 14-4-1 in last 19 games at Fenway Park.

Mariners @ Rangers
Miranda is 0-0, 6.95 in his last four starts; over is 6-0 in his last six. Seattle is 7-3 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 13-7-1

Cashner is 3-1, 3.04 in his last four starts; under is 5-0 in his last five. Texas is 5-1 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 8-6-3

Mariners won eight of last nine road games; under is 7-3 in their last ten road games. Texas lost seven of last nine home games; under is 7-4-1 in their last 12 home games.

Rays @ Astros
Pruitt is 0-1, 5.63 in two starts this year (under 2-0). Rays’ first 5-inning record with him: 1-1

Keuchel needed 79 pitches to finish three innings in his first start back from the DL. Over is 5-2 in his last seven starts. Astros are 11-1 in his starts this year— their first 5-inning record with him: 9-1-2

Rays lost five of last seven road games; under is 11-6-1 in their last 18 games. Houston lost four of last six games; over is 9-2 in their last 11 games.

Blue Jays @ White Sox
Happ is 0-3, 7.71 in his last four starts; under is 5-2 in his last seven. blue Jays are 2-5 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 5-9

Holland is 0-4, 9.64 in his last seven starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Chicago is 2-7 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 7-10-3

Toronto won six of last nine games; five of their last six games went over. White Sox are 3-14 since All-Star Game; under is 6-4-1 in their last 11 games.

__________________________

Interleague
A’s @ Giants
Gossett is 1-3, 5.57 in his last four starts (under 3-0-1). A’s are 2-3 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 3-6

Moore is 0-3, 6.34 in his last six starts; under is 8-2 in his home starts. Giants are 3-7 in those home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 2-15-4

Oakland won three of its last four games; over is 4-0-2 in their last six. A’s are 5-11 in road series openers. Giants lost four of last five games, are 5-11 in home series openers. Over is 7-4 in their last 11 games.

Phillies @ Angels
Thompson blanked Atlanta for five innings (74 PT) in his first ’17 start, a 10-3 win. Phillies’ first 5-inning record with him: 1-0

Ramirez is 2-4, 4.84 in his last six starts; his last four home starts went over. Angels are 5-5 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 7-8-5

Phillies won five of last six games; under is 10-6-1 in their last 17 road games. Angels won three of last four games; under is 8-3 in their last 11 home games.

Twins @ Padres
Santana is 1-3, 5.93 in his last five starts; under is 4-2 in his last six starts. Twins are 7-3 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 12-6-3

Perdomo is 1-1, 9.00 in his last three starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. San Diego is 6-3 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 9-5-4

Twins lost seven of last eight games; over is 5-2-2 in their last nine games. San Diego won five of last six games; their last four games stayed under.

______________________________

Record with this pitcher starting:
National League
Cin-Pitt: Stephenson 0-2; Williams 7-8
Wsh-Mia: Cole 1-0; Worley 3-2
LA-Atl: Stewart 1-0; Teheran 9-12
StL-Mil: Weaver 0-1; Suter 3-3
Az-Chi: Godley 9-5; Arrieta 11-10
NY-Colo: Flexen 0-1; Chatwood 7-12

American League
KC-Balt: Vargas 15-5; Hellickson 10-10
Det-NYY: Zimmerman 7-13; Tanaka 10-11
Clev-Bos: Bauer 10-10; Porcello 8-14
Sea-Tex: Miranda 12-9; Cashner 8-9
TB-Hst: Pruitt 1-1; Keuchel 11-1
Tor-Chi: Happ 4-10; Holland 6-14

Interleague
A’s-SF: Gossett 3-6; Moore 6-15
Phil-LA: Thompson 1-0; Ramirez 11-9
Minn-SD: Santana 11-10; Perdomo 8-10

Pitchers allowing a run in first inning:
National League
Cin-Pitt: Stephenson 1-2; Williams 5-15
Wsh-Mia: Cole 0-1; Worley 5-5
LA-Atl: Stewart 0-1; Teheran 8-21
StL-Mil: Weaver 0-1; Suter 0-6
Az-Chi: Godley 2-14; Arrieta 6-21
NY-Colo: Flexen 1-1; Chatwood 5-19 (3 of last 3)

American League
KC-Balt: Vargas 5-20; Hellickson 6-20
Det-NYY: Zimmerman 8-20; Tanaka 9-21
Clev-Bos: Bauer 4-20; Porcello 7-22
Sea-Tex: Miranda 9-21; Cashner 4-17
TB-Hst: Pruitt 1-2; Keuchel 2-12
Tor-Chi: Happ 3-14; Holland 6-20

Interleague
A’s-SF: Gossett 0-9; Moore 5-21
Phil-LA: Thompson 0-1; Ramirez 10-20
Minn-SD: Santana 4-21; Perdomo 7-18

_________________________

Umpires
National League
Cin-Pitt: Under is 3-0-1 in last four Miller games.
Wsh-Mia: Over is 5-0-1 in last six Cooper games.
LA-Atl: Five of last six HGibson games went over.
StL-Mil: Five of last six Carapazza games stayed under.
Az-Chi: Home side won eight of last ten Drake games.
NY-Colo: Last five Danley games stayed under the total.

American League
KC-Balt: Road team won five of last six Tumpane games.
Det-NYY: Under is 10-2 in last dozen Bellino games.
Clev-Bos: Over is 11-7 in Muchlinski games this season.
Sea-Tex: Under is 3-0 in Ortiz games this season.
TB-Hst: Four of last five Timmons games stayed under.
Tor-Chi: Underdogs are 6-4 in last ten Diaz games.

Interleague
A’s-SF: Over is 6-2-1 in last nine Torres games.
Phil-LA: Under is 8-3 in last eleven O’Nora games.
Minn-SD: Over is 5-1-1 in last seven Conroy games.

Interleague play
NL @ AL– 55-432 AL, favorites -$668
AL @ NL– 57-49 NL, favorites -$474
Total: 104-100 AL, favorites -$1,142

Totals in interleague games
NL @ AL: Over 51-47-2
AL @ NL: Over 60-43-4
Total: Over 111-90-6

Teams’ records in first five innings:
Team (road-home-total)- thru 8/1/17
Ariz 19-21-13……30-15–9……….49-36
Atl 21-26-8……19-26-4………..40-52
Cubs 25-26-4……23-19-8………..48-45
Reds 17-31-5……19-29–5…………36-60
Colo 29-21-6…….27-21-2……….56-42
LA 23-18-5…….38-16-6……….61-34
Miami 22-25-4…….26-21-7……..48-46
Milw 26-18-8…….28-20-8………53-38
Mets 24-24-3……..23-27-3………47-51
Philly 12-30-11……20-24-7……….32-54
Pitt 26-25-4…….19-23-9………45-48
St. Louis 18-23-8……31-17-9……….49-40
SD 14-31-6……..27-22–6………41-53
SF 12-37-8……..19-25-7……….34-62
Wash 34-15-5……23-21-7………….57-36

Orioles 19-29-4……..23-26-4………42-55
Boston 21-27-7………24-26-2…….45-53
White Sox 18-29-8……..18-28–3……..36-56
Cleveland 27-20-6……..24-20-6……..50-40
Detroit 20-25-8…….25-22-5……..45-47
Astros 27-18-8……..32-18-4……..59-36
KC 18-25-8………22-21-10…….40-46
Angels 20-27-8………23-18-11………43-45
Twins 28-16-8………22-26-6……..50-41
NYY 22-28-4……….29-19-3…..…51-47
A’s 18-26-7……..23-24-10……..41-50
Seattle 18-26-6……..30-19-9……..48-45
TB 27-19-10……..32-12-7……..59-31
Texas 25-18-10……..23-22-8………48-40
Toronto 22-29-3……..18-26-8……..40-55

%age of times teams score in first inning (road/home/total- 8/1/17)
Ariz 14-51……..21-54………..34
Atl 12-55……..13-49………..25
Cubs 14-55……..19-50……….33
Reds 21-53……..19-52……….40
Colo 14-56……..17-51..……..31
LA 14-46……..22-59..……..36
Miami 23-51……..17-54………40
Milw 20-52……22-56…..…..42
Mets 23-51……..17-53……….40
Philly 16-53……..14-52……….30
Pitt 16-55……..17-51……….33
StL 12-49……..18-56………..30
SD 20-51……..17-55…………37
SF 14-57……..15-51…………29
Wash 22-54……..22-51……….44

Orioles 7-53……..18-54……….25
Boston 17-56……..10-52………27
White Sox 15-55……12-49……….27
Clev 10-53……..17-52………27
Detroit 10-53…….20-52……..30
Astros 17-53……..21-53……….38
KC 11-52……..10-53………..21
Angels 21-56…….12-51………..33
Twins 12-50……..12-54……….24
NYY 12-54……..15-51………28
A’s 12-50……..19-57………31
Seattle 16-49…….20-59………36
TB 17-56……..20-52……..37
Texas 17-53……..24-52………41
Toronto 18-54……..12-54………30

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Wednesday, August 2

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

1:05 PM
DETROIT vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of NY Yankees's last 18 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit

2:10 PM
TORONTO vs. CHI WHITE SOX
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games on the road
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games at home
Chi White Sox are 2-10 SU in their last 12 games at home

3:40 PM
MINNESOTA vs. SAN DIEGO
Minnesota is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Minnesota is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 12 of San Diego's last 18 games
San Diego is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

7:05 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kansas City's last 6 games when playing Baltimore
Baltimore is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Baltimore's last 8 games at home

7:05 PM
CINCINNATI vs. PITTSBURGH
Cincinnati is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Cincinnati's last 16 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Pittsburgh's last 16 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:08 PM
CLEVELAND vs. BOSTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games on the road
Cleveland is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Boston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland

7:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. MIAMI
Washington is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games ,
Washington is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Miami is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Miami is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:35 PM
LA DODGERS vs. ATLANTA
LA Dodgers are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers

8:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. TEXAS
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Seattle's last 10 games on the road
Seattle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Texas is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Texas's last 13 games when playing at home against Seattle

8:05 PM
ARIZONA vs. CHI CUBS
Arizona is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Arizona
Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home

8:10 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. HOUSTON
Tampa Bay is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games

8:10 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. MILWAUKEE
St. Louis is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games
Milwaukee is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games at home

8:40 PM
NY METS vs. COLORADO
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Mets's last 6 games when playing Colorado
NY Mets are 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Colorado's last 6 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Colorado's last 7 games at home

10:07 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. LA ANGELS
Philadelphia is 7-16 SU in its last 23 games on the road
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Angels
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home
LA Angels are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Philadelphia

10:15 PM
OAKLAND vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Oakland is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games on the road
San Francisco is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Wednesday, August 2


Oakland @ San Francisco

Game 929-930
August 2, 2017 @ 10:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
(Gossett) 15.273
San Francisco
(Moore) 12.945
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oakland
by 2 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco
-125
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Oakland
(+105); Over

Philadelphia @ LA Angels

Game 927-928
August 2, 2017 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
(Thmpson) 17.651
LA Angels
(Ramirez) 14.237
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 3 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Angels
-200
9
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+170); Over

Minnesota @ San Diego

Game 925-926
August 2, 2017 @ 3:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Santana) 15.688
San Diego
(Perdomo) 12.185
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 3 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
-115
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-115); Under

Tampa Bay @ Houston

Game 923-924
August 2, 2017 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
(Pruitt) 15.460
Houston
(Keuchel) 13.463
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-215
9
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(+180); Over

Seattle @ Texas

Game 921-922
August 2, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
(Miranda) 15.275
Texas
(Cashner) 12.839
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 2 1/2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas
-110
11
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
(-110); Over

Cleveland @ Boston

Game 919-920
August 2, 2017 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
(Bauer) 17.406
Boston
(Porcello) 14.468
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 3
13
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-125
10
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(+105); Over

Kansas City @ Baltimore

Game 917-918
August 2, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Vargas) 14.882
Baltimore
(Hellckson) 16.819
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Baltimore
-110
10
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(-110); Under

Toronto @ Chicago White Sox

Game 915-916
August 2, 2017 @ 2:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Happ) 12.755
Chicago White Sox
(Holland) 15.811
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 3
13
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-200
10 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(+170); Over

Detroit @ NY Yankees

Game 913-914
August 2, 2017 @ 1:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Zmmrmnn) 14.825
NY Yankees
(Tanaka) 16.811
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-220
10
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
(-220); Under

NY Mets @ Colorado

Game 911-912
August 2, 2017 @ 8:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(Flexen) 13.714
Colorado
(Chtwood) 16.267
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 2 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado
-150
12 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(-150); Under

St. Louis @ Milwaukee

Game 909-910
August 2, 2017 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
(Weaver) 13.829
Milwaukee
(Suter) 16.794
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 3
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
N/A

Arizona @ Chicago Cubs

Game 907-908
August 2, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arizona
(Godley) 17.574
Chicago Cubs
(Arrieta) 15.596
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-150
No Total
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
(+130); N/A

LA Dodgers @ Atlanta

Game 905-906
August 2, 2017 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Stewart) 16.083
Atlanta
(Teheran) 14.916
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
N/A

Washington @ Miami

Game 903-904
August 2, 2017 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
(Cole) 13.875
Miami
(Worley) 17.230
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 3 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-120
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(+100); Under

Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh

Game 901-902
August 2, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(Stphnson) 12.931
Pittsburgh
(Wiliams) 15.437
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 2 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-155
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(-155); Under

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Wednesday, August 2

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

CINCINNATI (43 - 63) at PITTSBURGH (51 - 55) - 7:05 PM
ROBERT STEPHENSON (R) vs. TREVOR WILLIAMS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 4-16 (-10.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CINCINNATI is 53-60 (+9.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 420-394 (+45.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 87-105 (-30.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 31-40 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 97-114 (-28.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 7-1 (+7.7 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.8 Units)

ROBERT STEPHENSON vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
STEPHENSON is 0-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 1.875.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

TREVOR WILLIAMS vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
WILLIAMS is 0-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

WASHINGTON (63 - 42) at MIAMI (50 - 55) - 7:10 PM
A.J. COLE (R) vs. VANCE WORLEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 16-20 (-13.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
WASHINGTON is 23-31 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 20-11 (+9.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
WASHINGTON is 34-20 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
WASHINGTON is 43-20 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MIAMI is 43-52 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 4-4 (+1.8 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

A.J. COLE vs. MIAMI since 1997
COLE is 0-0 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 5.14 and a WHIP of 1.714.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

VANCE WORLEY vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
WORLEY is 2-2 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.320.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)

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

LA DODGERS (75 - 31) at ATLANTA (48 - 57) - 7:35 PM
BROCK STEWART (R) vs. JULIO TEHERAN (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 2-3 (+1.1 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.8 Units)

BROCK STEWART vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.

JULIO TEHERAN vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
TEHERAN is 0-7 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 6.37 and a WHIP of 1.522.
His team's record is 0-8 (-8.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-3. (-0.6 units)

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

ARIZONA (60 - 46) at CHICAGO CUBS (57 - 48) - 8:05 PM
ZACK GODLEY (R) vs. JAKE ARRIETA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 42-15 (+21.2 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 60-46 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 43-30 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 50-33 (+14.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
GODLEY is 19-10 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GODLEY is 14-6 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 57-48 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 357-296 (-77.2 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 884-809 (-158.7 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 39-41 (-22.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 29-27 (-9.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 110-103 (-35.7 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against ARIZONA this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

ZACK GODLEY vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
GODLEY is 0-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 14.71 and a WHIP of 2.725.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

JAKE ARRIETA vs. ARIZONA since 1997
ARRIETA is 2-2 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.31 and a WHIP of 1.163.
His team's record is 3-2 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.2 units)

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

ST LOUIS (52 - 54) at MILWAUKEE (56 - 52) - 8:10 PM
LUKE WEAVER (R) vs. BRENT SUTER (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 7-5 (+3.7 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
8 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.6 Units)

LUKE WEAVER vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
WEAVER is 0-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 0.833.
His team's record is 0-2 (-3.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

BRENT SUTER vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
SUTER is 0-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 5.78 and a WHIP of 1.285.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

NY METS (48 - 56) at COLORADO (61 - 46) - 8:40 PM
CHRIS FLEXEN (R) vs. ANTONIO SENZATELA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 48-56 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 36-45 (-18.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 24-32 (-11.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
NY METS are 9-24 (-16.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLORADO is 61-46 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 32-19 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
COLORADO is 34-26 (+8.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 2-2 (+0.2 Units) against NY METS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.9 Units)

CHRIS FLEXEN vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

ANTONIO SENZATELA vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

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

DETROIT (48 - 57) at NY YANKEES (57 - 48) - 1:05 PM
JORDAN ZIMMERMANN (R) vs. MASAHIRO TANAKA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 48-57 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
DETROIT is 53-171 (-64.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +175 to +250 since 1997.
DETROIT is 31-44 (-13.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
DETROIT is 18-28 (-13.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
TANAKA is 17-3 (+13.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 24-16 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 262-174 (-69.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 1-1 (+0.6 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.0 Units)

JORDAN ZIMMERMANN vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
ZIMMERMANN is 2-0 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 1.80 and a WHIP of 0.950.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

MASAHIRO TANAKA vs. DETROIT since 1997
TANAKA is 0-2 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 5.61 and a WHIP of 1.359.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

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

TORONTO (50 - 57) at CHI WHITE SOX (41 - 63) - 2:10 PM
J.A. HAPP (L) vs. DEREK HOLLAND (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 50-57 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 9-17 (-12.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
TORONTO is 20-30 (-15.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
TORONTO is 22-27 (-14.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
HAPP is 4-10 (-8.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 3-2 (+3.7 Units) against TORONTO this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

J.A. HAPP vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
HAPP is 2-2 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.96 and a WHIP of 1.279.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.3 units)

DEREK HOLLAND vs. TORONTO since 1997
HOLLAND is 3-4 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 8.22 and a WHIP of 1.696.
His team's record is 4-5 (-2.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-6. (-3.7 units)

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

KANSAS CITY (55 - 50) at BALTIMORE (52 - 54) - 7:05 PM
JASON VARGAS (L) vs. JEREMY HELLICKSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 140-128 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 21-13 (+7.7 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
BALTIMORE is 32-21 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BALTIMORE is 24-14 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 29-22 (+7.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
HELLICKSON is 27-25 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HELLICKSON is 16-12 (+11.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 55-50 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 20-10 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 37-33 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 41-33 (+12.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
VARGAS is 15-5 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
VARGAS is 11-4 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
VARGAS is 12-3 (+9.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 3-2 (+1.2 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

JASON VARGAS vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
VARGAS is 3-3 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 1.92 and a WHIP of 1.033.
His team's record is 4-5 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-0. (+9.0 units)

JEREMY HELLICKSON vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
HELLICKSON is 2-2 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.97 and a WHIP of 1.526.
His team's record is 4-3 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-3. (-0.4 units)

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

CLEVELAND (57 - 48) at BOSTON (59 - 49) - 7:10 PM
TREVOR BAUER (R) vs. RICK PORCELLO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 57-48 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 35-34 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 23-23 (-13.5 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CLEVELAND is 12-1 (+11.0 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 26-31 (-14.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BOSTON is 52-53 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 221-225 (-64.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
PORCELLO is 8-14 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
PORCELLO is 6-14 (-10.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
PORCELLO is 5-11 (-9.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
PORCELLO is 3-11 (-11.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 2-0 (+2.2 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.1 Units)

TREVOR BAUER vs. BOSTON since 1997
BAUER is 0-2 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 9.52 and a WHIP of 2.028.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
PORCELLO is 10-5 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.58 and a WHIP of 1.290.
His team's record is 14-9 (+3.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-14. (-5.6 units)

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

SEATTLE (55 - 53) at TEXAS (50 - 56) - 8:05 PM
ARIEL MIRANDA (L) vs. ANDREW CASHNER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 383-345 (-70.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.
TEXAS is 145-126 (+22.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 38-27 (+11.6 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 24-9 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in home games in August games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 64-51 (+13.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 105-89 (+18.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 59-47 (+22.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 47-39 (+15.1 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.
SEATTLE is 101-80 (+12.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 53-36 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
MIRANDA is 6-0 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 8-3 (+5.7 Units) against TEXAS this season
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

ARIEL MIRANDA vs. TEXAS since 1997
MIRANDA is 1-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

ANDREW CASHNER vs. SEATTLE since 1997
CASHNER is 0-3 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.52 and a WHIP of 1.239.
His team's record is 1-4 (-2.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.6 units)

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

TAMPA BAY (55 - 53) at HOUSTON (69 - 37) - 8:10 PM
AUSTIN PRUITT (R) vs. DALLAS KEUCHEL (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 123-146 (-28.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 76-94 (-22.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 69-37 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 27-6 (+15.4 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -175 to -250 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 28-12 (+15.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 50-27 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 54-23 (+24.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 26-9 (+13.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
KEUCHEL is 11-1 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
KEUCHEL is 10-1 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 21-16 (+8.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 29-34 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 3-2 (+0.9 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
5 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.0 Units)

AUSTIN PRUITT vs. HOUSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

DALLAS KEUCHEL vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
KEUCHEL is 1-4 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.70 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 2-5 (-3.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-2. (+3.0 units)

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

MINNESOTA (50 - 54) at SAN DIEGO (48 - 58) - 3:40 PM
ERVIN SANTANA (R) vs. LUIS PERDOMO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 109-157 (-31.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 37-65 (-21.7 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 60-97 (-28.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
SANTANA is 21-31 (-17.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 48-58 (+3.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 68-68 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 38-29 (+16.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 17-11 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a win this season.
SAN DIEGO is 29-22 (+11.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN DIEGO is 12-6 (+8.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
PERDOMO is 6-0 (+6.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 27-23 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MINNESOTA is 22-14 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
SAN DIEGO is 46-85 (-30.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

ERVIN SANTANA vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
SANTANA is 2-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 1.69 and a WHIP of 1.087.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-0. (+4.1 units)

LUIS PERDOMO vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
No recent starts.

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

PHILADELPHIA (39 - 65) at LA ANGELS (52 - 55) - 10:05 PM
JAKE THOMPSON (R) vs. JC RAMIREZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 39-65 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 11-27 (-15.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 19-44 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 27-50 (-18.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 20-45 (-19.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
LA ANGELS are 52-55 (+4.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 19-9 (+12.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
0 of 0 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

JAKE THOMPSON vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
No recent starts.

JC RAMIREZ vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.

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

OAKLAND (47 - 60) at SAN FRANCISCO (41 - 67) - 10:15 PM
DANIEL GOSSETT (R) vs. MATT MOORE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 184-247 (-54.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 8-18 (-10.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
OAKLAND is 16-35 (-15.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
OAKLAND is 11-24 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 42-72 (-30.9 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 23-37 (-14.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
OAKLAND is 51-69 (-19.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 41-67 (-29.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 42-51 (-19.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 42-45 (-22.1 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 22-29 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 27-41 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 27-46 (-24.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 14-26 (-13.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 15-32 (-23.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 27-33 (-23.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MOORE is 7-23 (-16.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-1 (+0.1 Units) against OAKLAND this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

DANIEL GOSSETT vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

MATT MOORE vs. OAKLAND since 1997
MOORE is 1-1 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 7.04 and a WHIP of 1.391.
His team's record is 1-3 (-3.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-4. (-4.6 units)

[StarDust Bum]

MLB notebook: Red Sox place 2B Pedroia on DL
August 1, 2017

The Boston Red Sox placed second baseman Dustin Pedroia on the 10-day disabled list with left knee inflammation ahead of Tuesday night's home game against the Cleveland Indians.

Pedroia, 33, missed three straight games with the ailment before going on the DL. The former American League MVP and four-time All-Star is batting .307 with six home runs and 54 RBIs this season.

Boston added right-hander Addison Reed to the 25-man roster to fill Pedroia's spot. Reed was acquired in a deadline-day trade with the New York Mets on Monday.

Reed, 28, had been serving as the Mets closer in the absence of injured closer Jeurys Familia, going 1-2 with a 2.57 ERA and 19 saves for New York this season before the trade.

--The Oakland Athletics released right-hander John Axford, five days after designating him for assignment.

Axford, 34, struggled this season by going 0-1 with a 6.43 ERA in 22 appearances. Opposing batters hit .310 against him. Axford was in his second season with the Athletics. He also has pitched for the Milwaukee Brewers (2009-13), St. Louis Cardinals (2013), Cleveland Indians (2014), Pittsburgh Pirates (2014) and Colorado Rockies (2015).

Axford is 34-33 with a 3.71 ERA and 144 saves in 493 career appearances. He led the National League with 46 saves for the Brewers in 2011.

--The St. Louis Cardinals activated outfielder Stephen Piscotty from the 10-day disabled list and optioned outfielder Harrison Bader to Triple-A Memphis.

Piscotty suffered a right groin strain on July 14. He went 3-for-15 with three RBIs in a four-game rehab stint at Single-A Peoria. Piscotty, 26, is batting .236 with six homers and 31 RBIs this season. He also spent time on the DL in May with a hamstring injury.

Bader, 23, made his major league debut on July 25 and batted .286 with two doubles and two walks in 21 at-bats over six games.

--The Cincinnati Reds placed outfielder Scott Schebler on the 10-day disabled list due to a shoulder strain.

The move for Schebler was retroactive to Monday. Schebler, who has been dealing with the shoulder ailment since June, was 2-for-39 over his last 13 games to drop his batting average to .228. Cincinnati recalled outfielder Phillip Ervin from Triple-A Louisville to take Schebler's roster spot.

Cincinnati also recalled outfielder Jesse Winker from Louisville to fill the roster slot of left-handed reliever Tony Cingrani, who was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday.

--The Chicago White Sox placed outfielder Willy Garcia on the seven-day concussion list, one day after he collided with second baseman Yoan Moncada while chasing a fly ball.

Moncada, Chicago's top prospect, was diagnosed with a right knee contusion. His knee smacked the side of Garcia's head while the duo was pursuing a fly ball by Toronto's Darwin Barney in the sixth inning of Monday's 7-6 win.

Moncada was taken off on a cart while Garcia was helped off the field. Moncada is listed as day-to-day. Chicago purchased the contract of utility man Nicky Delmonico from Triple-A Charlotte to fill the roster opening.

--The Baltimore Orioles added new acquisition Tim Beckham to the 25-man roster.

Beckham was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays before Monday's non-waiver trade deadline in exchange for minor league right-hander Tobias Myers. Baltimore designated infielder Johnny Giavotella for assignment to clear a roster spot for Beckham.

The 27-year-old Beckham was hitting .259 with 12 home runs and 36 RBIs in 87 games for the Rays. The No. 1 overall selection by Tampa Bay in the 2008 amateur draft, he lost playing time after Tampa Bay traded for shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria.

--Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton returned from his rehab assignment and the club reinstated him from the 10-day disabled list.

Buxton, 23, missed 14 games on the DL with a left groin strain. He is batting .218 with five home runs and 16 RBIs in 84 games this season.

Minnesota recalled right-hander Dillon Gee from Triple-A Rochester in a corresponding move. Gee, 31, is 0-0 with a 4.15 ERA in four prior major league appearances this season with the Texas Rangers.

[StarDust Bum]

LEADING OFF: Dodgers go for 10 in a row, Scherzer checked
August 1, 2017

A look at what's happening all around the majors today:

NO STOPPING THEM

Yasiel Puig and the Dodgers try for their third 10-game winning streak this season when they face Julio Teheran (7-9, 5.09 ERA) and the Braves in Atlanta. Los Angeles, which has the best record in the majors at 75-31, won 10 in a row from June 16-25 and 11 straight from July 4-19. Since a loss to the Padres on July 2, the Dodgers are 20-2, with the only defeats coming at home to the Braves on July 20 and 21. Teheran is 0-6 with a 5.32 ERA against Los Angeles.

SLEEP TIGHT

Max Scherzer and the Washington Nationals are hoping a good night's sleep will help his aching neck. The reigning NL Cy Young Award winner hit his first career homer Tuesday night in Miami, but pitched only one inning before exiting because of a neck spasm. Scherzer slept funny and left the game as a precaution, the Nationals said. He left with Washington leading 6-0, but the Marlins rallied for a 7-6 victory. Scherzer came into the game 12-5 with a 2.23 ERA and league-best 201 strikeouts for the NL East leaders.

DREARY DAYS

Yankees righty Masahiro Tanaka (8-9, 5.09) pitches the series finale against Detroit in the Bronx. Tanaka is 0-5 with a 14.81 ERA in six day starts this year, allowing 44 hits in 20 2/3 innings. In his last outing - at night - he struck out a career-high 14 and took a perfect game into the sixth vs. Tampa Bay.

NICE START

Brewers lefty Brent Suter (2-1, 2.40 ERA) will move up in the rotation to start on regular rest against St. Louis at Miller Park. Since joining the Milwaukee rotation on July 3, the rookie is 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA in five starts.

GETTING CLOSE

Pirates right fielder Gregory Polanco could be available as he recovers from a hamstring injury. He's been on the disabled list, but might be activated when Pittsburgh takes on the visiting Reds.

[StarDust Bum]

Wednesday's Diamond Notes
August 2, 2017

Hottest team: Mariners (4-0 past four overall, 8-1 past nine road games)

The Mariners have won four straight games to get themselves right back into the wild-card mix, sitting 1 1/2 games back of the Royals for the final postseason spot in the American League with two months to go. Seattle is back in the black in run differential at plus-4, and they've improved to 23-26 on the road thanks to an 8-1 record over their past nine away from home. The M's have gotten themselves back into contention against the dregs of the league, going 5-0 over their past five road games against teams with a losing record and 5-1 over the past six inside their division. They have also fared well when Ariel Miranda is on the bump, going 9-3 over his past 12 outings against AL West foes and 4-1 over his past five road assignments.

Coldest team: Braves (0-6 past six games, 0-4 past four at home)

The Braves continue their home series against the high-octane Dodgers, and that's not good for their chances to snap their losing skid. Atlanta has dropped six in a row to fall well out of contention after an impressive run had pulled them within three games of .500. The Braves have won just one of their past six against NL West foes, they're 0-5 in their past five tries against a right-handed starter and they're are just 2-5 over Julio Teheran's past seven outings. They're also 4-9 in Teheran's past 13 tries against teams with a winning overall mark while going 6-22 across his past 28 home outings. In addition, the Braves are 1-4 over their past five home games against the Dodgers, while going 0-8 in Teheran's past eight starts against L.A.

Hottest pitcher: Jason Vargas, Royals (13-4, 3.00 ERA)

Vargas looks to help the Royals salvage their series and avoid the broom in Charm City before heading back home to face the red-hot Mariners for four. The Orioles have surprised everyone, taking the first two games of the series by a combined score of 9-3. The Royals have won 20 of the past 26 starts by Vargas while going 12-2 over his past 14 outings against teams with a losing overall mark. The Royals have also won eight of their past 10 against right-handed starting pitching, and they're a perfect 7-0 over their past seven games on a Wednesday, although that last stat can mostly be taken with a grain of salt.

Coldest pitcher: Matt Moore, Giants (3-10, 5.74 ERA)

Moore enters Wednesday's interleague home start against the Athletics looking to avoid his 11th loss of the season. He has served up 75 earned runs over 117 2/3 innings, fourth-most in the majors and third-most in the National League behind teammate Jeff Samardzija (76) and San Diego's Clayton Richard (80), two pitchers with one more start than Moore. Opponents are also hitting a robust .293 against Moore this season, with the Giants 3-9 over his past 12 outings and 1-5 over his past six at home. The Giants are also a dismal 7-15 in their past 22 home games vs. RHP and 5-12 in their past 17 overall against righties.

Biggest UNDER run: Brewers (18-6 past 24 overall)

The 'under' continues to cash on a regular basis for Milwaukee, hitting in each of their past four games and 18 of the past 24 (75.0 percent) outings. The under has also hit in six in a row at home, 5-0 in their past five outings at Miller Park against a right-handed starter and 21-7-1 in their past 28 overall vs. RHP. They're also 6-1 across Brent Suter's past seven starts overall and 4-1 in Suter's past five starts againts a team with a losing record. The under has been hitting for St. Louis on a regular basis lately, too, going 4-0-1 across their past five overall, 3-0-1 in their past four vs. LHP and 6-2 across Luke Weaver's past eight outings.

Biggest OVER run: Giants (12-5-2 past 19 overall)

There have been plenty of runs scored by the Giants, and against the Giants. As such, the over is 12-5-2 over their past 19 games, while going 5-2-1 across their past eight games at AT&T Park in San Francisco. In addition, the over is 7-0-1 in their past eight games against AL West foes while going 9-2-1 in their past 12 against teams with an overall losing mark. As mentioned, Moore has struggled overall this season, but oddly enough the 'under' is 7-2-1 over his past 10 starts at home. However, when these Bay Area neighbors get together there are usually plenty of runs, as the 'over' is 7-0-1 in the past eight meetings.

Matchup to watch: Rockies vs. Mets

The Mets and Rockies tangle in the middle game of their set with Chris Flexen making his second major league start. He got tuned up for four runs - three earned - and five hits with four walks over just three innings in his debut against the light-hitting Padres in San Diego on Thursday. Now, his second assignment is at Coors Field in Denver, facing a Rockies team averaging 6.29 runs per game, easily the most in the majors. Tyler Chatwood enters with a 6-11 record and 4.78 ERA over 19 starts and one relief appearance, checking in with 62 walks across just 107 1/3 innings, second-most free passes issued in the majors. Wednesday's game looks like a potential score-fest.

Betcha didn’t know: The Astros opened as the highest favorite on the board at -235, but that was quickly bet down to the -200 range despite a matchup of Dallas Keuchel against youngster Austin Pruitt. Overall, the southpaw Keuchel is 9-0 with a 1.94 ERA over 78 2/3 innings, but he was pounded for three earned runs, six hits and three walks in just three innings in his return from the 10-day disabled list in Detroit on July 28. The Astros haven't been able to finish up a series very strong lately, going 0-4 in their past four during Game 3 of a set. Tampa Bay has dominated the recent meetings, going 25-12 across the past 37, and the Astros are just 2-5 over Keuchel's past seven tries against Tampa Bay.

Biggest public favorite: Yankees (-230) vs. Tigers

Biggest public underdog: Athletics (+130) at Giants

Biggest line move: Rays (+200 to +235) at Astros