Saturday Trends and Indexes 07/28

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Trends and Indexes
Saturday, July 28

Good Luck on day #209 of 2007!

NOTE:
As information becomes available, we will attempt to post the trends and indexes as soon as possible.
Information is posted from what we believe are reliable sources.

[pm530]

Six-pack for Saturday

-- Braves rallied from a 7-0 deficit to send the game to extra frames, but Arizona's Tony Clark hit walk-off tater in bottom of 11th to give Diamondbacks a 8-7 win.

-- Edgar Encanarcion hit walk-off double to beat Cubs, and stretch out Milwaukee's lead in AL Central, as Brewers won big in St Louis, 12-2.

-- Angels scored six in first inning off Robertson, as Halos routed Detroit, 11-6, shaving game off Detroit's lead over Cleveland in the AL Central.

-- Tim Wakefield's career record at Tropicana Field moves to 8-0 as Red Sox routed hapless D-Rays, 7-1.

-- Barry Zito's nightmare season got little worse, as Florida got six runs off him in four IP. Giants won game, though.

-- NFL's Rams had good day, signing first round pick, DE Carricker, then giving QB Bulger six-year, $65M extension

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Saturday's List of 13: Reality says not all get scholarships

13) Lets do the math; there are 336 D-I college hoop teams in our country, and they give an average of 13 scholarships per team. Divided by four, that is 3.25 per season, so you multiply 3.25 by 336, and get an average of 1,092 scholrships given out per season. Seems like a lot, but.............

12) There are roughly 1,800 players just down here, most of whom will be high school seniors next season. There are also kids in Vegas playing, and kids who don't play AAU, so you can see it isn't very easy to get a college scholarship, which lot of kids are now finding out down here.

11) When teams play at local high schools around here, they get an idea of who is really interested in them, since most of coaches stay at The Milk House, to see maximum amount of kids play. If you're really interested in someone, you go see them play off-site. For those kids who play in front of empty bleachers in those places, the odds of a scholarship are steep

10) Head coaches in D-I have to win, or they get fired, so the thirteen scholarships they have to dole out determine if they keep their six-figure jobs or not. They don't give them out to just anyone. Oftentimes, they'll have three kids targeted at a certain position, and they'll tell the kids the first one to accept the scholarships gets it (the other two are then eliminated).

9) So dreams are realized here, if a kid plays great. We saw a couple kids light up the gym in front of 30-40 college coaches so you know one or more of them will offer the kid a free ride to college, but for a lot more than that, they'll pay to play ball in college, and for them, thats kind of sad.

Elsewhere are we head to last day of pool play.................
8) We hear ESPN is showing finals of National Championship down here Wednesday night; not 100% sure that is true.

7) There are two teams from New Mexico, one from Alaska here this week, but mostly, teams are from east of Mississippi River. Cool thing is you get teams from different areas going against each other: Philly-Louisiana.......Chicago-Miami and Texas-Minnesota are examples. Good to see how teams from different areas stack up against one another.

6) That said, some teams here are stunned when they look at their opponent in pool play, and realize how good they are. We saw a team try to run with Alabama Challenge tonight--- the result was a 80-40 thrashing, and I thought the team that lost wasn't a bad club, but Alabama's team is so athletic, so deep, so unselfish, they're a joy to watch.

5) Was at Celebration High School today, which seems like a new school, maybe five or less years old. Their sports teams are called the Storm, and they have a cool logo that's shaped like a funnel cloud. We saw the Pittsburgh Storm edge the New York Cardinals; they must have felt at home, seeing the Storm name on the scoreboard.

4) We saw one game today where team was trailing 28-23 at half; the players were yelling, screaming at each other on the bench at halftime. What happened in second half? They won by 19. In summer basketball, sometimes you just never know.

3) The better referees are definitely in The Milk House and at Champions; the lesser guys get sent to the high schools, for the lesser games. There is one ref here who looks exactly like Vince McMahon, he could be his brother. I expect the guy to go by the bench, grab a chair, and smash someone with it, or it could be that I've seen too many games in the last week.

2) Parking here is now chaotic as hell, with Buccaneers' camp opening and a girls' soccer tournament going on, as is hoop tournament we're going to. What a goldmine this place is.

1) Saturday is the last day of pool play in national tourney; brackets start on Sunday, as our trip enters the home stretch. We're hoping to get to Tropicana Field Tuesday night, to see the hideous Devil Rays in person. Wish me well.

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[pm530]

Canadian Football League – Long Sheet

CFL
Long Sheet

Saturday, July 28

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EDMONTON (2 - 1 - 1) at SASKATCHEWAN (2 - 2) - 7/28/2007, 3:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 31-16 ATS (+13.4 Units) in July games since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 68-43 ATS (+20.7 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-2 against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 5-1 straight up against SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BRITISH COLUMBIA (4 - 0) at CALGARY (2 - 2) - 7/28/2007, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) when playing with 8 days rest since 1996.
CALGARY is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in home games when playing on a Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 34-14 ATS (+18.6 Units) in weeks 5 through 9 since 1996.

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

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[pm530]

Canadian Football League – Write up

CFL
Write-up


Saturday, July 28

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Edmonton (2-1-1) @ Saskatchewan (2-2) -- Roughriders led 20-1 at Edmonton last week, but blew game 21-20, losing game they had a 146-28 rushing edge in, and +1 turnover ratio. Riders lost last two games now, are 1-1 at home, losing 42-12 at home to BC, after they beat Calgary 49-8. Eskimos won last two games by combined total of five points; they're only loss was 29-9 at Vancouver in Week 2. Revenge on order for Saskatchewan?


BCLions (4-0) @ Calgary (2-2) -- Undefeated defending champs led just 9-6 at half vs hapless Hamilton last week, won by 22-18 margin; they're 2-2 vs spread this season, with wins by 2,20,30 and 4 points. Stampeders are 2-0 at home, beating Hamilton by 28, Toronto by 23, then losing 49-8 in Regina, 48-15 in Toronto, so they haven't played a close game yet. Lions allowed 191 yds on ground on 18 Hamilton rushes last week, not very good.

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[pm530]

Canadian Football League – Betting Trends

CFL

Saturday, July 28

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CFL Betting Trends
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EDMONTON ESKIMOS @ SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS
2-1-1 July 28, 3:30 PM | Turf of Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field 2-2

BETTING TRENDS

EDMONTON
Edmonton is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Edmonton is 4-1-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games
Edmonton is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Edmonton is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Edmonton's last 10 games on the road
Edmonton is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Saskatchewan
Edmonton is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Saskatchewan
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games when playing Saskatchewan
Edmonton is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Saskatchewan
Edmonton is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Saskatchewan
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games when playing on the road against Saskatchewan

SASKATCHEWAN
Saskatchewan is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
Saskatchewan is 15-7-1 ATS in its last 23 games at home
Saskatchewan is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Saskatchewan's last 7 games at home
Saskatchewan is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Edmonton
Saskatchewan is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Saskatchewan's last 5 games when playing Edmonton
Saskatchewan is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Edmonton
Saskatchewan is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Edmonton
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Saskatchewan's last 5 games when playing at home against Edmonton

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BRITISH COLUMBIA LIONS @ CALGARY STAMPEDERS
4-0 July 28, 7:00 PM | Turf of McMahon Stadium 2-2

BETTING TRENDS

BRITISH COLUMBIA
British Columbia is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
British Columbia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of British Columbia's last 5 games
British Columbia is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
British Columbia is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of British Columbia's last 12 games on the road
British Columbia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Calgary
British Columbia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 4 of British Columbia's last 5 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of British Columbia's last 16 games when playing Calgary
British Columbia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of British Columbia's last 9 games when playing on the road against Calgary

CALGARY
Calgary is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Calgary is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Calgary is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Calgary is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
Calgary is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing British Columbia
Calgary is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing British Columbia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games when playing British Columbia
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Calgary's last 16 games when playing British Columbia
Calgary is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against British Columbia
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Calgary's last 9 games when playing at home against British Columbia

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[pm530]

WNBA – Betting Trends

WNBA


Saturday, July 28

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Betting Trends
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Trends - Detroit at Washington

ATS Trends

Detroit
Shock are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games as a road favorite of 0.5-4.5.
Shock are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games following a S.U. loss.
Shock are 19-7-1 ATS in their last 27 games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5.
Shock are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
Shock are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss.
Shock are 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 games overall.
Shock are 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 vs. Eastern Conference.
Shock are 2-9-1 ATS in their last 12 games as a favorite.

Washington
Mystics are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog.
Mystics are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Mystics are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5.
Mystics are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
Mystics are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a S.U. win.
Mystics are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win.
Mystics are 13-3-1 ATS in their last 17 Saturday games.
Mystics are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. Eastern Conference.
Mystics are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 games as a home underdog of 0.5-4.5.
Mystics are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 games as a home underdog.

OU Trends

Detroit
Over is 4-0 in Shock last 4 games playing on 1 days rest.
Over is 7-1 in Shock last 8 overall.
Over is 7-1 in Shock last 8 road games.
Over is 6-1 in Shock last 7 games as a favorite.
Over is 6-1 in Shock last 7 games as a road favorite.
Over is 6-1 in Shock last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 5-1 in Shock last 6 games as a road favorite of 0.5-4.5.
Over is 5-1 in Shock last 6 games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5.
Under is 8-3 in Shock last 11 vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.
Over is 5-2-1 in Shock last 8 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 7-3 in Shock last 10 Saturday games.

Washington
Under is 4-0 in Mystics last 4 vs. Eastern Conference.
Under is 4-1 in Mystics last 5 games as a home underdog of 0.5-4.5.
Under is 4-1 in Mystics last 5 games as a home underdog.
Over is 11-4 in Mystics last 15 Saturday games.
Over is 15-7 in Mystics last 22 games playing on 3 or more days rest.

Head to Head
Shock are 1-5-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
Shock are 0-4 ATS in the last 4 meetings in Washington.

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[pm530]

Baseball - Dunkel Index

MLB
Dunkel Index

Saturday, July 28

No Picks Today
The Index is taking a short summer break and will not publish picks from July 27 through August 4. Please check back on August 5 for our latest updates.

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[pm530]

Baseball - Short Sheet

MLB
Short Sheet


Saturday, July 28th

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National League

Washington at NY Mets, 12:10 ET Game One
Tim Redding (R) vs. Orlando Hernandez (R)
Redding: Washington 6-24 SU when the total is 8 to 8.5
Hernandez: Mets 23-5 Under as a favorite of -150 or more

Washington at NY Mets, 7:10 ET Game Two
Billy Traber (L) vs. Mike Pelfrey (R)
Traber:
Pelfrey: 1-7 TSR in all starts

Milwaukee at St. Louis, 1:10 ET Game One
Manny Parra (L) vs. Brad Thompson (R)
Parra: Mil 17-34 SU as a road underdog of +100 to +125
Thompson: 9-2 TSR in night games

Milwaukee at St. Louis, 8:10 ET Game Two
Chris Capuano (L) vs. Anthony Reyes (R)
Capuano: 21-9 Under as a favorite of -110 or higher
Reyes: 0-8 TSR in night games

Atlanta at Arizona, 3:55 ET FOX
John Smoltz (R) vs. Doug Davis (L)
Smoltz: Atlanta 35-11 Over in July
Davis: 20-8 TSR in home starts

San Diego at Houston, 3:55 ET FOX
Greg Maddux (R) vs. Roy Oswalt (R)
Maddux: San Diego 1-6 SU vs. Oswalt
Oswalt: Houston 9-2 Over at home in day games

Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
Shane Youman (L) vs. JD Durbin (R)
Youman: Pittsburgh 20-54 SU as a road underdog +150 or less
Durbin: Philadelphia 15-4 Over in June

Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati, 7:10 ET
Sean Marshall (L) vs. Aaron Harang (R)
Marshall: Cubs 5-1 Under vs. Reds
Harang: 17-5 TSR in all starts

LA Dodgers at Colorado, 8:05 ET
Chad Billingsley (R) vs. Jeff Francis (L)
Billingsley: 3-0 TSR, 2.70 L3 starts
Francis: 11-2 Under when the total is 8.5 to 10

Florida at San Francisco, 9:05 ET
Dontrelle Willis (L) vs. Matt Cain (R)
Willis: 13-4 Under as a road underdog
Cain: 0-13 TSR in night games


American League

Detroit at LA Angels, 3:55 EST FOX
Andrew Miller (L) vs. Joe Saunders (L)
Miller: Detroit 22-8 SU vs. lefties
Saunders: Angels 23-10 Under in day games

Oakland at Seattle, 4:05 EST
Chad Gaudin (R) vs. Horacio Ramirez (L)
Gaudin: Oakland 20-7 Under in day games
Ramirez: 5-0 TSR, 2.27 ERA in home starts

NY Yankees at Baltimore, 7:05 EST
Roger Clemens (R) vs. Brian Burres (L)
Clemens: Yankees 4-11 SU as a road favorite of -150 to -175
Burres: Baltimore 5-1 SU vs. Yankees this season

Toronto at Chicago White Sox, 7:05 EST WGN
Roy Halladay (R) vs. Mark Buehrle (L)
Halladay: 26-5 TSR when the total is 8 to 8.5
Buehrle: 3-12 TSR in July

Minnesota at Cleveland, 7:05 EST
Johan Santana (L) vs. Jake Westbrook (R)
Santana: 101-38 TSR as a favorite of -110 or higher
Westbrook: 16-6 Under in home starts

Boston at Tampa Bay, 7:10 EST
Jon Lester (L) vs. James Shields (R)
Lester: Boston 33-16 Under in road games
Shields: 9-2 TSR at home when the money line is +125 to -125

Texas at Kansas City, 7:10 EST
Kevin Millwood (R) vs. Odalis Perez (L)
Millwood: 0-3 TSR vs. AL Central
Perez: 12-2 Over when the money line is +125 to -125

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[pm530]

Baseball - Tips & Trends

MLB

Saturday, July 28

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Tips and Trends
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Detroit Tigers at Los Angeles Angels (FOX | 3:55 PM ET)

Detroit’s Andrew Miller is an even 2-2 with a 3.71 ERA in five road starts this season and this will be his fourth start in a row away from Comerica Park. The Tigers have won his last two road starts, but he’s lasted just 9 2/3 innings in those outings. SLIGHT EDGE: TIGERS
Miller has posted a miserable 7.84 ERA during his two daytime starts compared to a fantastic 2.72 ERA in seven outings under the lights. EDGE: ANGELS
Los Angeles left-hander Joe Saunders is a perfect 2-0 with a 3.42 ERA in four home starts this season. He’s allowed just one home run in 23 2/3 innings of work at Angels Stadium. EDGE: ANGELS
The Angels have won five straight games with Saunders on the hill, outscoring opponents 31-15 in the process. EDGE: ANGELS
The UNDER is 4-1 in Miller’s last five road starts.



San Diego Padres at Houston Astros (FOX | 3:55 PM ET)

San Diego starter Greg Maddux has an impressive 26-13 record and 2.75 ERA in 47 career starts against Houston. He struggled against the Astros in 2006, posting a 0-2 record and 5.14 ERA in two starts. SLIGHT EDGE: PADRES
Maddux has posted a 2-1 record and 3.96 ERA in four daytime starts this season. He’s allowed just one home run in 25 innings of work over that span. SLIGHT EDGE: PADRES
Houston’s Roy Oswalt is a dominant 6-1 with a 2.44 ERA in nine career games versus San Diego. The talented right-hander has surrendered just two home runs in 51 2/3 innings against them. BIG EDGE: ASTROS
Oswalt is one of the better home pitchers in baseball, posting a 6-1 record and 2.48 ERA in 13 starts at Minute Maid Park. BIG EDGE: ASTROS
The Astros are 1-4 in Oswalt’s last five starts versus the NL West.



Atlanta Braves at Arizona Diamondbacks (FOX | 3:55 PM ET)

Atlanta’s starter John Smoltz is an even 2-2 with a 3.46 ERA in 12 career outings against Arizona. He picked up a loss in his lone starts versus the Diamondbacks last season, allowing four earned runs and eight hits over seven innings of work. SLIGHT EDGE: D-BACKS
Smoltz has produced two great starts since the All-Star break, giving up just one earned run and 12 hits over 14 innings of work. The veteran right-hander was 10-4 with a 3.36 ERA in 16 starts after the break in 2006. BIG EDGE: BRAVES
Diamondbacks left-hander Doug Davis is 5-2 with a 4.66 ERA in 10 home starts this season. Arizona has won Davis’ last four home starts with the offense providing 30 runs of support. EDGE: D-BACKS
Davis has just two career starts against Atlanta, allowing three earned runs and 10 this over 12 innings of work. SLIGHT EDGE: D-BACKS
The OVER is 4-1 in Davis’ last five home starts.



Oakland Athletics at Seattle Mariners (4:05 PM ET)

Oakland right-hander Chad Gaudin is a perfect 2-0 with a 4.85 ERA in 10 career appearances against Seattle. He allowed two runs and eight hits in 7 2/3 innings versus the Mariners in 3-2 victory on July 5. SLIGHT EDGE: A’S
Gaudin has posted a miserable 0-2 record and 9.88 ERA in three starts since the All-Star break. He’s struggled mightily with his control over this span, issuing 17 free passes in 13 2/3 innings. EDGE: MARINERS
Seattle’s Horacio Ramirez simply loves pitching at Safeco Field, going 5-0 with a 2.27 ERA in five starts this season. The left-hander as surrendered just two home runs in 31 2/3 innings at home. BIG EDGE: MARINERS
Ramirez enters off a disappointing effort against Texas, allowing a season-high eight earned runs in 4 2/3 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: A’S
The Athletics are 11-4 in Gaudin’s last 15 starts.



Minnesota Twins at Cleveland Indians (7:05 PM ET)

Minnesota ace Johan Santana is 7-4 with a 3.18 ERA in 26 career outings versus Cleveland. He picked up a 2-0 loss on May 17 against the Indians at Jacobs Field, as he allowed just two runs and four hits over seven innings. EDGE: TWINS
Santana has enjoyed great success away from the Metrodome this season, going 7-3 with a 2.47 ERA in 11 road starts. He’s allowed just 51 hits in 73 innings. EDGE: TWINS
Indians starter Jake Westbrook is 6-8 with a 3.65 ERA in 20 career outings versus the Twins. He’s surrendered just six home runs in 106 career innings against them. SLIGHT EDGE: INDIANS
Westbrook has lost two straight starts at Jacobs Field, allowing nine runs and 17 hits over 12 innings. He’s 1-3 with a 4.42 ERA in seven overall starts at home. SLIGHT EDGE: TWINS
The Twins are 0-4 in their last four games as a favorite.



Toronto Blue Jays at Chicago White Sox (7:05 PM ET)

Toronto’s Roy Halladay is an even 2-2 with a 3.42 ERA in 10 career outings against Chicago. He threw seven shutout innings in a 2-0 victory on May 31, as he allowed just six hits while striking out seven and walking none. EDGE: BLUE JAYS
Halladay tossed a complete game shutout against the Seattle Mariners in his last start, but the Blue Jays have lost his last three road starts. SLIGHT EDGE: WHITE SOX
White Sox left-hander Mark Buehrle is an even 2-2 with a 3.52 ERA in nine career outings against the Blue Jays. He picked up a 2-0 loss versus Toronto on May 31, even though allowed just two runs and two hits over eight quality innings. SLIGHT EDGE: WHITE SOX
Chicago has alternated wins and losses in Buehrle’s last eight starts with the White Sox coming off a 9-6 home defeat in his last outing. EDGE: WHITE SOX
The Blue Jays are 6-0 in Halladay’s last six starts following a quality appearance.



Los Angeles Dodgers at Colorado Rockies (8:05 PM ET)

Los Angeles starter Chad Billingsley has allowed eight earned runs and 14 hits in nine career innings against Colorado. He’s also issued 10 walks and fanned just six over that span. EDGE: ROCKIES
The Dodgers have picked up victories in six of Billingsley’s last seven starts, outscoring their opponents 48-22 over that span. EDGE: DODGERS
Colorado’s Jeff Francis is 2-1 with a 2.89 ERA in six career starts versus Los Angeles. He’s allowed just one home run in 37 1/3 innings against them. EDGE: ROCKIES
The Rockies have picked up five straight victories with Francis on the mound at Coors Field, but he’s allowed 11 earned runs in his last 11 innings of work at home. SLIGHT EDGE: ROCKIES
The Dodgers are 8-2 in Billingsley’s last 10 starts versus the NL West.

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[pm530]

Baseball – Betting Notes

MLB


Saturday, July 28

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MLB Betting Notes
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Saturday’s MLB betting notes

Arizona back in the hunt

A week ago it seemed that the Arizona Diamondbacks were out of the chase for the NL West title after falling 4 ½ games behind the Dodgers. But a run of five straight wins through Thursday has put them right back in the hunt.

They lost three of four in Milwaukee and dropped the first game of three against the Cubs last week, before their offense exploded and their pitching improved drastically. Over the past seven days Arizona hitters have a .277 average, while the pitchers have a 3.25 ERA.

"A complete 180," pitcher Brandon Webb told MLB.com when asked about the turnaround. "Anytime you're winning, it makes it that much more fun to come to the park. We've been up and down. It's been very uneven and hopefully we can even that out and not be so erratic."

The Diamondbacks can make up even more ground on the Dodgers as they continue a three-game series against Atlanta on Saturday. Arizona sends Doug Davis (7-10, 4.13) to the mound to face John Smoltz (10-5, 2.78) and is a +129 underdog with the total set at 9.

Padre’s clubhouse unhappy at trade

The Padres trade of reliever Scott Linebrink not only left them without one of the best setup men in the NL, but it may also have an adverse effect in the clubhouse. As the San Diego Union-Tribune reports today, some of the clubs star players are not happy.

"Incomprehensible," was reliever Trevor Hoffman's reaction according to the Union-Tribune. "Four other teams in the National League West are awfully excited. I probably need to take a day before I say something about this because I'm going to say something stupid."

Starter Jake Peavy added: "You have to trust your front office when you are in the middle of a playoff run. But, man, to trade away your setup man, what kind of a message are we sending here?"

And veteran David Wells also questioned the wisdom of the move, "Scott Linebrink is a pitcher of magnitude. He's also one of the best people you'd ever want to know. A great friend and a teammate. To take a hit like this, they must have different reasons we can't see."

Without their setup man of nearly four years, the Padres take on Houston in Game 2 of a three-game series on Saturday. Greg Maddux (7-7, 4.19) will test his stuff against Roy Oswalt (9-6, 3.80) and San Diego is a +136 underdog.

Yankees offense on fire

On the day of the All-Star game, the Yankees were 10 games behind Boston in the AL East and 8 ½ off the Wild Card. Just 16 games later they are 7 ½ behind the Red Sox and just 4 ½ off the Wild Card.

The Yankees lead the American League in almost every offensive category since the break. Since then the Yanks lead the AL in runs (115), hits (183), average (.318), on-base percentage (.387) and homers (25).

The Yankees take their hot bats to Baltimore on Saturday and the Orioles send Brian Burres (4-4, 4.33) to the mound looking to tame them. New York counters with Roger Clemens (3-4, 3.72) and is a -163 favorite with the total set at 10.

Jones injury not serious

Atlanta Braves veteran Chipper Jones should be in the lineup on Saturday, despite tweaking his groin in the sixth inning of Wednesday night’s 2-1 loss to the Giants.

The third basemen has already missed several games this season with the same injury, but was quick to downplay its significance after sitting out Thursday’s series finale with the Giants.

"It's not serious," Jones told MLB.com. "I just don't want it to get any worse."

Jones is batting a National League-best .346 with 17 homers and 51 RBIs this season and will square up to Diamondbacks pitcher Doug Davis on his expected return on Saturday.

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[pm530]

Baseball – Gameday

MLB


Saturday, July 28

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Gameday
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Saturday MLB Gameday

Both young guns and older studs will take to the mound on Saturday, with everyone looking to increase their victory totals by one. Here is your Saturday MLB Gameday . . .

Detroit Tigers at Los Angeles Angels, 3:55pm ET
Andrew Miller (5-3, 3.78 ERA) vs. Joe Saunders (4-0, 2.89 ERA)

Miller is coming off a rough outing against the White Sox, in which he gave up five earned runs on 10 hits over just 4 2-3 innings of work. The young lefthander also walked five batters in that game, while striking out seven. Miller had allowed two or fewer earned runs in each of his previous three outings, and his ERA is still under 4.00.

Saunders has pitched well in his limited time with the Angels so far this season. The lefthander is 4-0 with two no-decisions in his six outings of 2007, and he only allowed four or more earned runs in one of those starts (against the Pirates on June 22). Against the Twins last weekend Saunders gave up just two earned runs over his seven innings.

Atlanta Braves at Arizona Diamondbacks, 3:55pm ET
John Smoltz (10-5, 2.78 ERA) vs. Doug Davis (7-10, 4.13 ERA)

Smoltz has turned in two strong performances since coming off the disabled list last week. On July 18 against the Reds the veteran righthander tossed seven shutout innings, allowing five hits and fanning 11 in a no-decision. On July 23 versus the Giants Smoltz got the win after surrendering a single earned run on seven hits in seven innings.

Davis is 2-0 with a no-decision over his past three starts, but he's still three games below the .500 mark on the season. The lefthander, though, has not allowed more than three earned runs in any outing since June 30. Last time out, against the Marlins, Davis surrendered three earned runs on five hits over 6 2-3 innings to pick up his seventh win.

Toronto Blue Jays at Chicago White Sox, 7:05pm ET
Roy Halladay (11-4, 4.15 ERA) vs. Mark Buehrle (7-6, 3.23 ERA)

Halladay has the win-loss record of a Cy Young candidate, but not the ERA - at least not yet. The righthander, though, has allowed just a single earned run over his past two outings (16 innings total), giving up eight hits and fanning nine over that stretch. Against the Mariners last time out Halladay tossed a complete-game shutout for his 11th victory.

Buehrle has the ERA of a Cy Young candidate, but not the win-loss record - thanks in large part to the overall poor play of the White Sox. The lefthander, though, was pounded for seven runs on 14 hits over 6 1-3 innings last time out versus the Tigers; that marked the first time Buehrle had allowed more than two earned runs since June 5.

Minnesota Twins at Cleveland Indians, 7:05pm ET
Johan Santana (11-8. 2.94 ERA) vs. Jake Westbrook (1-6, 6.20 ERA)

Santana saw his ERA creep closer to 3.00 last time out, as he was knocked around for six earned runs on seven hits in just five innings of work versus the Blue Jays. The lefthander has now lost two straight starts, after winning five in a row between June 19 and July 13. With 144 strikeouts Santana remains a top contender for the AL Cy Young.

Westbrook hasn't picked up a win since April 27, when he beat the Orioles. With injuries taking their toll the righthander has only managed to make 12 starts this season, and he's either lost or picked up a no-decision in 11 of those outings. Last time out, against the BoSox, Westbrook surrendered five earned runs on 10 hits over six innings pitched.

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[pm530]

Baseball Today

Baseball Today - July 28

SCOREBOARD
Saturday, July 28

Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati (7:10 p.m. EDT).

Aaron Harang allowed one run and struck out 10 over 10 innings in his last appearance, a no-decision against Milwaukee.

STARS
Friday

-Johnny Peralta, Indians, drove in five runs with a pair of homers in a 10-4 win over Minnesota.

-Tony Clark, Diamondbacks, homered to lead off the bottom of the 11th inning, and Arizona beat Atlanta 8-7.

-Jermaine Dye, White Sox, had three hits, including a home run, to help Chicago beat Toronto 4-3.

-Corey Hart, Brewers, homered, doubled and singled in Milwaukee's 12-2 rout of St. Louis.

-Gary Matthews Jr., Angels, went 3-for-3 with three RBIs in an 11-6 win over Detroit.

-Pat Burrell, Phillies, homered and had three RBIs in a rain-shortened, seven-inning 8-1 victory over Pittsburgh.

RIGHT BEHIND HANK

Barry Bonds hit his 754th career home run - one shy of Hank Aaron's record - in San Francisco's 12-10 win over Florida on Friday night. Bonds sent a 2-1 pitch from rookie Rick Vanden Hurk over the wall in left-center in the first inning for his 20th homer of the season. He walked in the third, fifth, sixth and eighth innings.

DOWNWARD SPIRAL

Mike Maroth surrendered seven runs and 11 hits in St. Louis' 12-2 loss to Milwaukee on Friday night, exiting after facing one batter in the fifth. Maroth (0-4) has a 9.20 ERA in six starts with the Cardinals, and in his last three has been awful, allowing 23 earned runs and 31 hits in only 14 innings.

LOFTON IN LEFT

Kenny Lofton began his third go-round with Cleveland on Friday night, getting three hits and playing left field for the first time in a 10-4 victory over Minnesota. Lofton, acquired earlier in the day from Texas, last played for the Indians when they were eliminated in the 2001 playoffs.

SPECIAL K

Jake Peavy recorded his first win since June 19 with San Diego's 9-4 win over Houston on Friday night. Peavy (10-5), who was 0-4 in his previous five starts, allowed one run and four hits and struck out eight in seven innings for the Padres. His 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings leads the NL.

STREAKS AND SKIDS

Baltimore won its fifth straight with a 4-2 win over the Yankees on Friday night. Earlier, New York defeated the Orioles 8-7 in the completion of a game suspended on June 28 by rain. That game officially occurred last month, so after it was over, Baltimore could resume its quest to win a seventh straight at home. ... Tampa Bay dropped its seventh in a row with a 7-1 loss to Boston. The Devil Rays, who have been outscored 71-21 during the skid, are 5-24 since June 25. ... Tony Clark's 11th-inning homer helped Arizona beat Atlanta 8-7 and win its seven straight to move within one game of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. The Braves have lost three straight and remain four games behind the New York Mets in the NL East.

SPEAKING

''I felt like I was pitching to Barry Bonds.'' - Orioles starter Jeremy Guthrie, on pitching to Alex Rodriguez in Baltimore's 4-2 win over the Yankees on Friday night. Flashbulbs popped from within the crowd every time Rodriguez, looking for his 500th career homer, stepped to the plate.

SEASONS
July 28

1931 - Bob Fothergill of Chicago hit a home run and a triple in an 11-run eighth inning. The White Sox set an American League record by recording 12 hits in the inning and beat the New York Yankees 14-12.

1940 - King Kong Keller hit three homers to give the New York Yankees a 10-9 win over Chicago in the first game of a doubleheader split.

1951 - Clyde Vollmer of Boston hit a grand slam in the 16th inning, the latest ever hit in a major league game. The Red Sox beat the Cleveland Indians, 8-4, in 16.

1958 - For the sixth time in his career, Mickey Mantle hit home runs from both sides of the plate. New York beat the Athletics 14-7.

1971 - Sixteen-time Gold Glove winner Brooks Robinson committed three errors in the sixth inning against the Oakland A's. Frank Robinson's three-run homer in the ninth won the game for the Orioles.

1976 - John Odom (five innings) and Francisco Barrios (four innings) combined on a no-hitter as the Chicago White Sox beat Oakland 2-1.

1979 - Dave Kingman of the Chicago Cubs hit three home runs in a game for the second time in the season and became the sixth player in major league history to accomplish the feat. Kingman's homers weren't enough as the Cubs lost to the New York Mets 6-4.

1983 - AL president Lee McPhail ruled that George Brett's ''pine tar'' home run against New York on July 24 should count. The umpires had disallowed the homer because the pine tar on Brett's bat exceeded the 18-inch limit. The rest of the game was played Aug. 18 with the Kansas City Royals beating the Yankees, 5-4.

1990 - Shawon Dunston tied a major league record with three triples and led the Chicago Cubs to a 10-7 win over the Montreal Expos.

1991 - Dennis Martinez pitched a perfect game as the Montreal Expos beat Los Angeles 2-0 at Dodger Stadium.

1993 - Ken Griffey Jr. tied a major league record by homering in his eighth consecutive game, but it wasn't enough for the Seattle Mariners in a 5-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins.

1994 - On the night the baseball players set an Aug. 12 strike date, Kenny Rogers of the Texas Rangers pitched a perfect game for a 4-0 victory over California.

1999 - For the first in 12 years, the U.S. baseball team beat the world champion Cubans, scoring five runs in the ninth inning for a 10-5 victory at the Pan American Games. Marcus Jensen's three-run homer broke a 5-5 tie.

2001 - Vinny Castilla hit three homers and drove in five runs, but Houston still lost 9-8 to Pittsburgh. Down 8-2 with two outs in the ninth inning, the Pirates scored seven runs, including Brian Giles' game-winning grand slam.

2004 - Troy Percival recorded his 300th save after John Lackey allowed three hits over 8 1-3 innings to help Anaheim beat Texas 2-0.

2006 - Houston rookie Luke Scott hit for the cycle and drove in five runs, but the Astros lost to Arizona 8-7.

Today's birthday: Wilson Betemit 27.

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[Kaptain]

Points of Interest

07/28/07
03:16 AM Injuries
MLB
Saturday: Mets CF Carlos Beltran (.263; abdominal) is questionable; Pirates 1B Adam LaRoche (.244; illness) is questionable.

07/28/07
03:15 AM Injuries
MLB
Saturday: Blue Jays 1B Lyle Overbay (.258; sick) is questionable; Dodgers C Russell Martin (.297; back) is questionable.

07/28/07
03:13 AM Injuries
MLB
Saturday: Angels C Mike Napoli (.254; hamstring) is questionable; A's 3B Eric Chavez (.240; back) is doubtful.

07/28/07
03:02 AM Injury Alert
MLB
The D-Backs confirmed that Randy Johnson will have surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back and will miss the rest of the season.

07/28/07
03:01 AM Lineups
MLB
Padres Chris Young (strained oblique) won't make his scheduled start Sunday.

07/28/07
03:00 AM Info Alert
MLB
Friday's game between the Dodgers and Rockies was postponed due to rain and will be made up in September.

07/28/07
02:58 AM Injuries
MLB
Angels Mike Napoli left Friday's game in the first inning with an apparent right leg injury.

07/28/07
02:53 AM Injuries
MLB
A's 3B Eric Chavez didn't play Friday and may not play at all this weekend because of his sore back.

07/28/07
02:51 AM Lineup Alert
MLB
Dodgers Brett Tomko will start Saturday after his outing Friday was rained out.

[Udog]

MLB
WINNING POINTS JULY 27,28,29 SERIES


Pittsburgh at Philadelphia (3) 27th, 28th, 29th

The Phillies are scoring runs in bunches (7.5 per game last 10 days) but it’s going to be difficult getting into the post-season with the worst team ERA in the NL (4.95). The Pirates are struggling (only 1-8, -$740 last 10 days) but we might be able to steal a win at Citizen’s Bank this weekend. The Phillies have not had much success against lefthanders this year (13-19, -$610 so far) and the Pittsburgh rotation is loaded with southpaws, at least one or two of whom should see action this weekend. BEST BET: Lefthanders vs. the Phillies.



Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati (3) 27th, 28th, 29th

The Reds got the best of the Cubs in their earlier head to head meetings (4-2, +$280) but Chicago has been on fire (7-3, +$235 with 5.6 runs per game and a 2.64 ERA among starters last 10 days) and they are a huge moneymaker on the road against righthanders so far (20-12, +$865). They’ll see plenty of them vs. this mostly righthanded rotation and they don’t need to be too concerned with the last place host, a team that is losing money in all settings this year (-$1675 so far). BEST BET: Cubs vs. righthanders.



Washington at N.Y. Mets (4) 27th, 28th (DH), 29th

The Mets survived their recent trip to the west coast in reasonably good shape (7-4, +$300 last 10 days) and it appears as though some of their underachieving stars may finally be coming out of their season long slumps. But this is a dangerous series for New York. They’ve not had much success money-wise here at Shea Stadium this year (-$455) and the Nationals, despite all their woes, have been profitable on the road (+$665) and against lefthanders (+$910). They’ll catch nice prices throughout the series, so jump on board when the situation permits. BEST BET: Nationals vs. lefthanders.



Milwaukee at St. Louis (4) 27th, 28th (DH), 29th

The Brewers statistics are average (.263 team BA, 4.14 ERA) but they’ve been in first place in the NL Central all season long, and they’ve already taken 4 out of 5 from the floundering Cardinals in head to head play (+$305). Unfortunately, they are facing a strong challenge from the Cubs right now, and their mediocre road record is a cause for some concern (only19-26, -$755). St. Louis is having a miserable year, and they’ve been big losers here at Busch Stadium so far (-$670), so it’s hard to find a spot where we can use them. We’ll stay away from this one for now. BEST BET: None.



Atlanta at Arizona (3) 27th, 28th, 29th

The Braves look very tempting right now, as they close the gap with the Mets in the NL East (5.9 runs per game with a 1.98 ERA among starters last 10 days). But Arizona is a formidable opponent vs. righthanders here at Chase Field (23-14, +$600) and Chuck James, Atlanta’s only quality southpaw, is not slated to see action. Doug Davis checks in with a respectable (4.13 ERA in 20 starts), and looks like a decent value vs. a Braves team that is only 20-24 (-$705) vs. lefthanders in 2007. BEST BET: D. Davis.



Florida at San Francisco (3) 27th, 28th, 29th

These clubs have underachieved in 2007, but the Marlins are 25-22 on the road, so they’ve been very profitable for their backers when in the role of visitors (+$970). The Giants have had a miserable season in every way (41-55, -$1455), so whatever excitement their may be surrounding Barry Bonds won’t alter the fact that this is an aging ballclub that is unlikely to contend anytime soon. Look for a weak finish in SF this year. BEST BET: Marlins in all games.



N.Y. Yankees at Baltimore (3) 27th, 28th, 29th

The Yankees are 9-3 since the All-Star break (+$270) and their run production in recent days has been tremendous, including scoring 49 times in last weekend’s series with Tampa Bay. They’ll be finished a suspended game before the start of Friday’s game, so they’re in a position to close the gap with the AL’s other playoff contenders if they can continue their winning ways. They are 16-9 on the road vs. righties at night (+$475) and they won’t be facing hot Eric Bedard this weekend. The O’s have lost money here at Camden Yards (-$440). BEST BET: Yankees vs. righthanders in night games.



Minnesota at Cleveland (3) 27th, 28th, 29th

The Indians are a perfect 5-0 vs. the Twins this year (+$650) but their lack of pitching depth may be catching up with them (4.52 team ERA, 5th worst in the AL). The Twins have looked sharp since the 2nd half got underway (6-4, with a 3.19 ERA among starters), and they’ve posted a modest profit outside of the Metrodome (+$340). So we like the visitor’s chances, but it’s tough to go against the Tribe here at Jacobs Field. BEST BET: None.



Boston at Tampa Bay (3) 27th, 28th, 29th

The Devil Rays have been just awful again this year (38-60, -$1485 so far), with an 0-3 (-$300) mark against the Red Sox already. Boston checks in with a healthy 21-10 record on the road against righties (+$1265), so we’ll jump in against the beleaguered Tampa Bay pitching staff (5.82 team ERA, by far the worst in MLB). But the Sox are only 4-10 (-$905) vs. lefties away from Fenway, so take a shot on staff ace Scott Kazmir (+$305) when he takes his turn. BEST BET: Kazmir/Red Sox vs. righthanders.



Toronto at Chicago W. Sox (3) 27th, 28th, 29th

The White Sox are having a truly disastrous 2007 campaign (only 43-54, -$1060) with the weakest offense in the league (.243 team BA) and the 3rd worst team ERA (4.73). The Blue Jays have had their own problems, and their road numbers are not particularly encouraging. But they’ve managed to go 17-11 against lefthanders (+$650 with 5.5 runs per game) so they’re worth a shot as underdogs when Mark Buehrle is on the hill. BEST BET: Blue Jays vs. Buehrle.



Texas at Kansas City (3) 27th, 28th, 29th

Dreary matchup between to last place clubs with little to recommend them. The only pitcher who appeals to us from either team is Gil Meche (+$765) but he’s not slated to take a turn. The Royals have lost money here at Kaufman Stadium (-$445) but the Rangers are not a profitable choice (-$440) and they don’t have a single pitcher who appeals to us. We’ll steer clear of this mess, and perhaps take another look on game day. BEST BET: None.



Detroit at L.A. Angels (3) 27th, 28th, 29th

The Tigers continue to excel, and don’t be surprised if they start to put some distance between themselves and the Indians in the AL Central. They check in here with a 32-17 record in road games (+$1685) and they are poised for a big weekend vs. the Angels, a club that is faltering as July winds down (4-5, -$255 with only 4.1 runs per game last 10 days). LA has lost money against southpaws in 2007 (-$210) and Detroit has a trio of quality southpaws, at least two of whom should see action. BEST BET: Lefthanders vs. the Angels.