Monday Trends and Indexes 07/30

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Trends and Indexes
Monday, July 30

Good Luck on day #211 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]

Baseball - Tips & Trends

MLB

Monday, July 30

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Tips and Trends
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Philadelphia Phillies at Chicago Cubs (ESPN | 7:05 PM ET)

Philadelphia starter Cole Hamels is an even 1-1 with a 7.00 ERA in two career starts against Chicago. He’s allowed seven earned runs and 16 hits in nine innings of work. SLIGHT EDGE: CUBS
Hamels has been brilliant in his last two road starts against Houston and San Diego, surrendering just two runs and 10 hits over 14 innings. The left-hander is 5-3 with a 3.84 ERA in 11 overall starts away from Citizens Bank Park. EDGE: PHILLIES
Chicago’s Ted Lilly picked up a victory in his only career start versus Philadelphia, allowing just one run and three hits over eight strong innings. SLIGHT EDGE: CUBS
Lilly is a perfect 5-0 with an outstanding 1.83 ERA in five starts this month. He’s walked just nine batters while fanning 21 in 34 1/3 innings. BIG EDGE: CUBS
With a win, the Cubs will pull into a tie for first place atop the NL Central with the Brewers. EDGE: CUBS



Toronto Blue Jays at Tampa Bay Devil Rays (7:10 PM ET)

Toronto right-hander Dustin McGowan is 3-4 with a 5.13 ERA in nine road starts this season. The Blue Jays have alternated wins and losses in his last six games away from the Rogers Centre, with his last one resulting in a 3-2 victory over New York. SLIGHT EDGE: DEVIL RAYS
McGowan has enjoyed a successful month of June, posting a 3-1 record and 2.73 ERA in four starts. He’s gone 2-1 with a 3.72 ERA in three starts since the All-Star break. SLIGHT EDGE: BLUE JAYS
Tampa Bay starter Andy Sonnanstine is still searching for his first home victory this season, as the right-hander is 0-3 with a 4.72 ERA in four starts. The Devil Rays offense has failed to score more than four runs in all of his outings at Tropicana Field. SLIGHT EDGE: BLUE JAYS
The Devil Rays have lost nine of Sonnanstine’s ten starts this season, with the only victory coming way back on June 10. EDGE: BLUE JAYS
The UNDER is 5-1 in the last six meetings.



Kansas City Royals at Minnesota Twins (8:10 PM ET)

Kansas City’s Gil Meche is 5-1 with a 4.44 ERA in nine career starts against Minnesota. The right-hander hasn’t faced the Twins since 2005, allowing 11 earned runs and 16 hits over 14 1/3 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: ROYALS
Meche has collected a 4-2 record and 2.97 ERA in 10 road starts this season. The Royals have won three of his last four starts on the road, as the offense has supplied him with 34 runs of support over that span. EDGE: ROYALS
Minnesota right-hander Scott Baker has thrown the ball quite well since the All-Star break, posting an even 1-1 record and 4.19 ERA. He’s walked just three batters and struck out 11 over his last 19 1/3 innings. EDGE: TWINS
Baker has collected four wins in nine career starts in July – his most wins of any month. EDGE: TWINS
The Royals are 11-28 in their last 39 games on Field Turf.



Detroit Tigers at Oakland Athletics (10:05 PM ET)

Detroit’s Kenny Rogers is an impressive 21-7 in 59 career outings against Oakland, including a perfect 3-0 last season. EDGE: TIGERS
The Tigers have lost two of Rogers’ last three starts, as the veteran left-hander has given up 17 earned runs and 21 hits in his last 15 1/3 innings of work. EDGE: A’S
Oakland right-hander Joe Blanton has compiled a 2-1 record in three career starts versus Detroit, even though he brings in an inflated 8.27 ERA. He’s allowed an incredible 28 hits in just 16 1/3 innings against them. SLIGHT EDGE: A’S
Blanton is an even 4-4 with a 2.62 ERA in 10 home starts in 2007. He’s allowed just six home runs and 61 hits in 75 2/3 innings in Oakland. EDGE: A’S
The Tigers are 5-0 in the last five meetings.



Los Angeles Angels at Seattle Mariners (10:05 PM ET)

Los Angeles right-hander Kelvim Escobar is a disappointing 5-8 with a 5.05 ERA in 28 career appearances against Seattle. He picked up a 11-3 defeat on May 15 at Safeco Field, lasting just 2 1/3 innings and allowing six earned runs on eight hits. EDGE: MARINERS
The Angels have won six of Escobar’s last seven starts, including four straight games away from Angel Stadium. BIG EDGE: ANGELS
Seattle starter Miguel Batista is an even 3-3 with a 6.75 ERA in 10 career appearances against Los Angeles. He’s compiled a 1-1 record and 7.94 ERA in two starts versus the Angels in 2007. SLIGHT EDGE: ANGELS
Batista is a perfect 2-0 with a 4.08 ERA in three starts since the All-Star break. The Mariners have picked up three straight home victories with him on the mound, outscoring opponents 17-9 over that span. EDGE: MARINERS
The UNDER is 23-6-1 in Escobar’s last 30 starts overall.

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[pm530]

Baseball – Betting Notes

MLB


Monday, July 30

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MLB Betting Notes
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Who’s going to step up?

The Los Angeles Angels will have to test the depth of their pitching staff because of injuries to starter Bartolo Colon and catcher Mike Napoli. Colon, once considered the team’s ace pitcher, is out indefinitely with a sore right shoulder.

The starting rotation is no longer the team’s strength. After John Lackey, Kelvim Escobar and Jered Weaver, there aren’t really any dependable arms. Joe Saunders is a good fit in the fourth spot but Dustin Moseley does not belong on any team’s five-man rotation – particularly not a team contending for the World Series.

Jeff Mathis will have a heavy load behind the plate because the Angels traded away Jose Molina to the New York Yankees. Napoli should be back by mid-August.

Twins sellers at the deadline?

The Minnesota Twins aren’t doing much to persuade general manager Terry Ryan the team still has a shot at the postseason. The club has lost eight of the last 11 contests including a three-game span in which Minnesota was outscored 30-5.

Some players are blaming trade rumors on the team's recent struggles.

“It has,” Twins right fielder Michael Cuddyer told the Minnesota-St. Paul Star Tribune. “Whether it is a direct implication of the way we have been playing on the field, or not, I think in some way shape or form it has affected the way we have played.”

Building a better bullpen

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays saw a problem and addressed it. The worst bullpen in the majors (6.79 ERA with 14 blown saves) is significantly altered after three deals in two days.

The highlight move was sending highly sought-after infielder Ty Wigginton to the Houston Astros for reliever Dan Wheeler.

“I think our bullpen is a lot better today than it was two days ago,” Tampa Bay general manager Andrew Friedman told the Tampa Tribune. “That being said, we’ll continue to have conversations on a number of different fronts, and if we’re able to address any area that we see as kind of a weakness, then we’re going to be aggressive to do so.”

One-run blues

The Oakland Athletics have long been known for their ability to win tight games, but fate hasn’t been as kind to the club this year. After compiling a 91-65 record in one-run games over the last three seasons, the Athletics are only 16-17 this year.

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[pm530]

Baseball – Hot & Cold Betting Trends

MLB


Monday, July 30

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Hot and Cold Betting Trends
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Monday's Hot and Cold betting trends

Before placing your bets check out all the hot and cold trends for today's MLB games.

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Philadelphia Phillies at Chicago Cubs -108

Hot

Phillies are 7-1 in their last 8 games on Grass.
Phillies are 7-1 in their last 8 overall.
Phillies are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. National League Central.
Phillies are 5-1 in their last 6 games vs. a left-handed starter.
Phillies are 11-1 in Hamels' last 12 starts vs. National League Central.
Phillies are 5-1 in Hamels' last 6 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
Phillies are 8-2 in Hamels' last 10 starts with 4 days of rest.
Over is 7-0 in Phillies last 7 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
Over is 12-1 in Phillies last 13 games vs. a left-handed starter.
Over is 9-1-1 in Phillies last 11 vs. National League Central.
Over is 7-1 in Phillies last 8 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
Over is 6-1-1 in Phillies last 8 games as a road underdog.
Over is 6-1-1 in Phillies last 8 vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 13-3-2 in Phillies last 18 games as an underdog.

Cubs are 5-0 in their last 5 Monday games.
Cubs are 6-1 in their last 7 home games with the total set at 6.5 or lower.
Cubs are 13-3 in their last 16 during game 1 of a series.
Cubs are 8-2 in their last 10 games with the total set at 6.5 or lower.
Cubs are 6-0 in Lilly's last 6 starts.
Cubs are 6-0 in Lilly's last 6 starts on Grass.
Cubs are 4-0 in Lilly's last 4 home starts.
Cubs are 4-0 in Lilly's last 4 starts as a home favorite.
Cubs are 5-0 in Lilly's last 5 starts as a favorite.
Cubs are 4-0 in Lilly's last 4 starts with 4 days of rest.
Over is 5-1 in Lilly's last 6 starts as a favorite.
Over is 5-1 in Lilly's last 6 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
Over is 4-1-1 in Lilly's last 6 starts vs. a team with a winning record.

Cold

Phillies are 1-5 in their last 6 Monday games.
Phillies are 1-4 in Hamels' last 5 starts during game 1 of a series.
Phillies are 1-4 in Hamels' last 5 starts as a road underdog.

Cubs are 1-4 in their last 5 games vs. a left-handed starter.

Head to head

Phillies are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

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Toronto Blue Jays at Tampa Bay Devil Rays +113, 9

Hot

Blue Jays are 10-2 in their last 12 Monday games.
Blue Jays are 4-1 in their last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Blue Jays are 4-1 in their last 5 games as a favorite.
Blue Jays are 4-1 in their last 5 games as a favorite of -110 to -150.
Blue Jays are 4-1 in McGowan's last 5 starts as a favorite of -110 to -150.
Blue Jays are 4-1 in McGowan's last 5 starts as a favorite.
Under is 5-0 in Blue Jays last 5 vs. American League East.
Under is 6-0 in Blue Jays last 6 road games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Under is 5-0 in Blue Jays last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Under is 4-0 in Blue Jays last 4 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
Under is 7-0 in Blue Jays last 7 road games.
Under is 9-1 in Blue Jays last 10 games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Under is 8-1 in Blue Jays last 9 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Under is 11-2 in Blue Jays last 13 overall.
Under is 5-1 in Blue Jays last 6 games as a favorite.
Under is 4-0 in McGowan's last 4 starts as a favorite of -110 to -150.
Under is 4-0 in McGowan's last 4 starts as a favorite.
Under is 5-1 in McGowan's last 6 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Under is 5-1 in McGowan's last 6 starts during game 1 of a series.
Under is 4-1 in McGowan's last 5 starts vs. American League East.


Devil Rays are 5-0 in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

Cold

Blue Jays are 1-4 in their last 5 road games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Blue Jays are 1-4 in their last 5 games as a road favorite of -110 to -150.
Blue Jays are 1-4 in their last 5 during game 1 of a series.
Blue Jays are 1-5 in their last 6 road games.
Blue Jays are 0-4 in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Blue Jays are 0-5 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Blue Jays are 0-4 in their last 4 games as a road favorite.
Blue Jays are 1-6 in McGowan's last 7 starts during game 1 of a series.
Blue Jays are 0-4 in McGowan's last 4 starts with 5 days of rest.

Devil Rays are 0-7 in their last 7 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
Devil Rays are 0-4 in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
Devil Rays are 0-5 in their last 5 games as a home underdog.
Devil Rays are 1-4 in Sonnanstine's last 5 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Devil Rays are 0-4 in Sonnanstine's last 4 starts as a home underdog.
Devil Rays are 0-8 in Sonnanstine's last 8 starts as an underdog.
Devil Rays are 0-8 in Sonnanstine's last 8 starts.
Devil Rays are 0-4 in Sonnanstine's last 4 starts on Astro Turf.
Devil Rays are 0-4 in Sonnanstine's last 4 starts as an underdog of +110 to +150.
Devil Rays are 0-4 in Sonnanstine's last 4 home starts.
Devil Rays are 0-7 in Sonnanstine's last 7 starts with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Devil Rays are 0-5 in Sonnanstine's last 5 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Devil Rays are 0-4 in Sonnanstine's last 4 starts with 4 days of rest.
Devil Rays are 0-4 in Sonnanstine's last 4 home starts with the total set at 9.0-10.5.

Head to head

Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Tampa Bay.

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Kansas City Royals at Minnesota Twins -115, 9

Hot

Royals are 6-1 in their last 7 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
Royals are 4-1 in their last 5 games as a road underdog.
Royals are 4-1 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Royals are 4-1 in their last 5 road games.
Royals are 4-1 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
Royals are 5-0 in Meche's last 5 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Royals are 6-1 in Meche's last 7 starts as a road underdog.
Royals are 5-1 in Meche's last 6 starts.
Royals are 4-1 in Meche's last 5 starts as an underdog.
Royals are 4-1 in Meche's last 5 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Royals are 4-1 in Meche's last 5 starts during game 1 of a series.
Under is 8-1 in Royals last 9 Monday games.
Over is 4-1 in Royals last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 4-1 in Royals last 5 games as a road underdog.
Under is 4-1 in Royals last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
Over is 4-1 in Royals last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Over is 4-1 in Royals last 5 road games.
Over is 4-0 in Meche's last 4 road starts.
Under is 4-1 in Meche's last 5 Monday starts.
Over is 4-1 in Meche's last 5 starts vs. American League Central.

Twins are 6-1 in their last 7 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
Twins are 4-1 in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Twins are 4-1 in Baker's last 5 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Twins are 4-1 in Baker's last 5 starts with 5 days of rest.
Under is 4-0-1 in Twins last 5 games as a home favorite of -110 to -150.
Over is 7-1 in Twins last 8 Monday games.
Under is 6-1-1 in Twins last 8 games as a home favorite.
Under is 6-1-1 in Twins last 8 home games.
Under is 5-1-2 in Twins last 8 games as a favorite of -110 to -150.
Under is 5-1-1 in Twins last 7 vs. American League Central.
Under is 5-1 in Twins last 6 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days.
Under is 5-1 in Twins last 6 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
Under is 4-1-1 in Twins last 6 games as a favorite.
Under is 4-0 in Baker's last 4 starts with 5 days of rest.
Under is 4-0 in Baker's last 4 starts on Field Turf.
Under is 6-1 in Baker's last 7 starts overall.
Under is 5-1 in Baker's last 6 starts as a home favorite.
Under is 5-1 in Baker's last 6 starts with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Under is 5-1 in Baker's last 6 starts as a favorite.
Under is 5-1 in Baker's last 6 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Under is 5-1 in Baker's last 6 home starts with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Under is 4-1 in Baker's last 5 starts as a favorite of -110 to -150.
Under is 4-1 in Baker's last 5 starts as a home favorite of -110 to -150.

Cold

Royals are 1-6 in Meche's last 7 starts with 4 days of rest.

Twins are 1-4 in their last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Twins are 1-4 in their last 5 home games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Twins are 1-4 in their last 5 games as a favorite.
Twins are 1-5 in their last 6 overall.
Twins are 1-6 in their last 7 vs. American League Central.
Twins are 0-5 in their last 5 Monday games.
Twins are 0-6 in their last 6 games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Twins are 0-4 in their last 4 games on Field Turf.

Head to head

Under is 14-3-1 in the last 18 meetings in Minnesota.

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Detroit Tigers at Oakland A's +108, 9 1/2

Hot

Over is 6-1-1 in Tigers last 8 Monday games.
Over is 4-1 in Tigers last 5 overall.
Over is 4-1 in Tigers last 5 road games.

Athletics are 5-1 in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
Under is 5-0 in Athletics last 5 games as a home underdog.
Under is 5-1 in Athletics last 6 during game 1 of a series.
Under is 5-1-1 in Athletics last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 5-1 in Athletics last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
Under is 4-1 in Athletics last 5 vs. American League Central.
Under is 4-1 in Athletics last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 8-2 in Athletics last 10 overall.
Under is 8-2 in Athletics last 10 on Grass.
Under is 4-1 in Athletics last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
Under is 12-2-1 in Blanton's last 15 home starts with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Under is 4-1 in Blanton's last 5 starts as a home underdog.
Under is 4-1 in Blanton's last 5 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Blanton's last 5 starts vs. American League Central.
Under is 4-1 in Blanton's last 5 starts as an underdog.

Cold

Tigers are 1-4 in their last 5 road games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Tigers are 1-4 in their last 5 games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Tigers are 1-5 in their last 6 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Tigers are 1-5 in their last 6 road games.
Tigers are 1-5 in their last 6 games on Grass.
Tigers are 1-5 in their last 6 overall.

Athletics are 1-4 in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
Athletics are 0-5 in their last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
Athletics are 0-5 in their last 5 vs. American League Central.
Athletics are 1-4 in Blanton's last 5 starts vs. American League Central.
Athletics are 1-4 in Blanton's last 5 starts with 4 days of rest.
Athletics are 1-5 in Blanton's last 6 starts on Grass.
Athletics are 0-7 in Blanton's last 7 starts as an underdog.
Athletics are 0-4 in Blanton's last 4 starts.
Athletics are 0-6 in Blanton's last 6 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Athletics are 0-4 in Blanton's last 4 starts with the total set at 9.0-10.5.

Head to head

Tigers are 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.

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Los Angeles Angels at Seattle Mariners +123, 8 1/2

Hot

Angels are 4-0 in Escobar's last 4 starts as a road favorite.
Angels are 4-0 in Escobar's last 4 road starts.
Angels are 6-0 in Escobar's last 6 starts with 5 days of rest.
Angels are 6-1 in Escobar's last 7 starts.
Angels are 6-1 in Escobar's last 7 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Angels are 6-1 in Escobar's last 7 starts as a favorite.
Angels are 5-1 in Escobar's last 6 starts on Grass.
Angels are 5-1 in Escobar's last 6 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
Angels are 4-1 in Escobar's last 5 starts with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Angels are 4-1 in Escobar's last 5 starts as a favorite of -110 to -150.
Angels are 4-1 in Escobar's last 5 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Angels are 4-1 in Escobar's last 5 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 4-0 in Angels last 4 during game 1 of a series.
Over is 5-1 in Angels last 6 games as a favorite of -110 to -150.
Over is 5-1-1 in Angels last 7 on Grass.
Over is 4-1 in Angels last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
Over is 4-1-1 in Angels last 6 vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 4-1 in Angels last 5 games as a favorite.
Over is 4-1 in Angels last 5 overall.
Under is 4-1 in Angels last 5 games as a road favorite.
Under is 6-0 in Escobar's last 6 Monday starts.
Under is 9-2 in Escobar's last 11 starts vs. American League West.
Under is 8-2 in Escobar's last 10 starts with 5 days of rest.
Under is 8-2 in Escobar's last 10 starts during game 1 of a series.

Mariners are 12-3 in their last 15 vs. a team with a winning record.
Mariners are 4-1 in Batista's last 5 home starts.
Over is 4-0 in Mariners last 4 games a home underdog of +110 to +150.
Under is 7-1 in Mariners last 8 during game 1 of a series.
Under is 5-1 in Mariners last 6 vs. American League West.
Under is 5-1 in Mariners last 6 games as an underdog.
Under is 5-1 in Mariners last 6 overall.
Under is 5-1 in Mariners last 6 on Grass.
Over is 5-1 in Batista's last 6 starts a home underdog.
Over is 4-1 in Batista's last 5 starts vs. a team with a winning record.

Cold

Angels are 1-4 in their last 5 games as a road favorite of -110 to -150.

Mariners are 1-6 in their last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Mariners are 0-5 in their last 5 games as an underdog.
Mariners are 0-4 in their last 4 games as an underdog of +110 to +150.

Head to head

Angels are 8-2 in the last 10 meetings.

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[pm530]

Baseball Today - July 30

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SCOREBOARD
Monday, July 30

Philadelphia at Chicago Cubs (7:05 p.m. EDT). Ted Lilly (11-4) looks to win his eighth straight decision for the Cubs as he faces the Phillies' Cole Hamels (11-5).

STARS
Sunday

-Mike Cameron, Padres, had three hits - including a homer - and three RBIs in an 18-11 win over Houston.

-Shaun Marcum, Blue Jays, gave up two hits and struck out eight over eight innings in a 4-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox.

-Johnny Damon, Yankees, had three hits and two RBIs and scored four runs in a 10-6 win over Baltimore.

HIGHEST HONOR

Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn were inducted into Major League Baseball's Hall of Fame on Sunday. Ripken spent his entire career in Baltimore, making his mark by playing 2,632 consecutive games and breaking Lou Gehrig's record of 2,130. Even though he had 3,184 hits - including 431 home runs - was a two-time American League MVP and a 19-time All-Star, Ripken will always be known for his streak. Gwynn finished with 3,141 hits and won eight National League batting titles in a 20-year career with the San Diego Padres.

PACE-SETTER

Carlos Zambrano became the majors' first 14-game winner and finished with three hits to help the Chicago Cubs beat the Cincinnati Reds 6-0 Sunday. Zambrano (14-7) tied a career high with three hits and stayed in after Ryan Freel lined a pitch off his right ankle in the sixth.

WILD RIDE

Ben Broussard, playing for the ejected Richie Sexson, hit a two-run homer in the seventh to tie the game, and Jason Ellison scored the go-ahead run on an errant throw an inning later in the Mariners' wild 14-10 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Sunday. Seattle's improbable win came after Oakland had erased a 6-0 deficit, scoring four runs in the sixth inning off Seattle reliever Chris Reitsma.

RUNAWAYS

Kansas City pounded Texas 10-0 on Sunday to complete a sweep of the Rangers. The Royals have now won four straight games and are 13-10 in July with two games left and are assured of their second straight winning month. ... Mike Cameron and Adrian Gonzalez hit two-run homers during an 11-run first inning off Jason Jennings in the Padres' 18-11 rout of the Astros. ... Gary Matthews Jr. drove in three runs, Garret Anderson and Casey Kotchman each had two RBIs, and the Los Angeles Angels completed a three-game sweep of the defending AL champion Detroit Tigers with a 13-4 victory.

STREAKS

Chien-Ming Wang gave up three runs on nine hits and picked up the win in the New York Yankees' 10-6 victory over Baltimore on Sunday. Wang has not allowed an unearned run in 43 starts, the longest streak of its kind since the AL began tracking unearned runs in 1913.

SNAPPED

Johnny Damon had three hits, scored four runs and had two RBIs, and the New York Yankees ended the Baltimore Orioles' six-game winning streak with a 10-6 victory Sunday. ... Dioner Navarro, B.J. Upton and Carlos Pena homered during a five-run seventh inning and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays beat Daisuke Matsuzaka and the Boston Red Sox 5-2 to stop an eight-game losing streak.

SPEAKING

``This day shouldn't be all about us. Today is about celebrating the best that baseball has been and the best it can be. This is a symbol it's alive, popular.'' - Cal Ripken, who, along with Tony Gwynn, was elected into Major League Baseball's Hall of Fame on Sunday.

SEASONS
July 30

1933 - Dizzy Dean struck out 17 Cubs as the St. Louis Cardinals beat Chicago 8-2.

1947 - The New York Giants beat Ewell Blackwell and the Cincinnati Reds 5-4 in 10 innings, ending Blackwell's 16-game winning streak.

1959 - Willie McCovey had four hits in four at-bats in his major league debut, with the San Francisco Giants. His hits included two triples in a 7-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies.

1968 - Washington shortstop Ron Hansen pulled off an unassisted triple play, but the Cleveland Indians still won the game 10-1.

1973 - Jim Bibby of the Texas Rangers pitched a 6-0 no-hitter against the Oakland A's.

1980 - Houston Astros pitcher J.R. Richard had a stroke during a workout at the Astrodome and underwent surgery to remove a blood clot behind his right collarbone.

1982 - The Atlanta Braves returned Chief Noc-A-Homa and his teepee to left field after losing 19 of 21 games and blowing a 10 1/2-game lead. The teepee was removed for more seats. The team recovered to regain first place.

1990 - George Steinbrenner was forced to resign as general partner of the New York Yankees by baseball commissioner Fay Vincent.

2003 - Chicago White Sox shortstop Jose Valentin hit three home runs by the fifth inning in a 15-4 win over Kansas City. It was the second three-homer game of his career, and the third time he has homered from both sides of the plate.

2005 - Jonny Gomes had the first three-homer game in Tampa Bay franchise history in a 7-3 victory over Kansas City.

2006 - New York Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran tied a major league record with his third grand slam this month in a 9-6 victory over Atlanta. Beltran became the ninth player in major league history to hit three grand slams in a calendar month.

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[pm530]

Six-pack for Monday

-- Brewers have been in first place for last 98 days, but lead is down to half-game over the surging Cubs.

-- Angels just swept series from Detroit, by 11-6/10-3/13-4.

-- Tigers put Kenny Rogers on DL, and Aaron Harang will miss his start this week. My fantasy league playoffs get underway Monday, so not good to see red crosses next to Brandon Webb (hip) and Carl Crawford's (wrist) names.

-- Carlos Beltran, Paul Loduca both got hurt over weekend for the Mets, but red-hot Phillies go on road now, so they will probably stop winning games.

-- When Astros came to bat in bottom of first inning in their Sunday game vs Padres, they already trailed 11-0. Eeesshh.

-- Congrats to San Jose SaberCats, who won third Arena Bowl in last six years; they beat Columbus 55-33 Sunday.

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[pm530]

Monday's List of 13: Thoughts, observations, opinions from the recruiting trail..........

13) Akron has been everywhere this week; I would say 75% of the time I've been at a game, one of the three Zip coaches has been there, too. Hard work in July eventually translates to wins in the winter.

12) Alabama Challenge is one of best, if not the best team in this event; they are athletic, well-coached and deep. Saw two of their games, and they crushed their opponent both times.

11) We finally saw the Shining Star-Callahan team play; they put out the slick brochure on their kids we talked about a few days ago. This is a solid team, beating Pittsburgh Storm in a Sunday afternoon game. So yes, they do have a team their brochure can be proud of.

10) I feel bad for teams that come here and leave winless; it is important to have a certain talent level before you can really compete here, and if you want to at least break even, it'll take two good point guards, two good rebounders and someone who can get you an easy basket almost anytime you need it.

9) The people from the girls' soccer tournament overtook the hallways of the Milk House Sunday; between getting ripped off for pictures of their kids (anyone ever here of a cellphone camera, or digital cameras?) and people buying food for the whole team at the concession stand, Sunday was not the best day to be at the Milk House; at times, it was a nightmare.

8) One of the best ways to decide what game to watch is to look at who is sitting on the baseline. Tonight's finale up on Court 5 had an LSU assistant, Tennessee head coach Bruce Pearl watching, so you know it would be entertaining.

7) There is a little guard on Philadelphia Patriots who is going to be an interesting study; he is said to be explosive scorer, but he is small, and that will work against him, when it comes time to get a scholarship. He sure is fun to watch.

6) Offbeat look-alikes: musician Gene Simmons, and the former Oakland Raiders' coach Tom Flores.

5) Jacksonville Jaguars signed QB Tim Couch, who last was in an NFL game in summer of '04. This must do wonders for confidence level of their other signal callers.

4) Met one of my boyhood idols this week, former NC State point guard Monte Towe, now a Wolfpack assistant, and the point guard on their '74 title team. Like most coaches, he is a pleasant guy and enthusiastic about the Pack. Coach Towe is assisting Sidney Lowe rebuild NC State's program- they got off to a good start last season.

3) Two teams are here from New Mexico; one of them was a really bad team-- long way to go to get whupped every game, but the New Mexico Lobos team finished second in their pool a terrific showing.

2) The field here is divided into pools of four teams; top two in each pool get to national tournament, which started today and ends Wednesday. The bottom half of each pool plays in a consolation tournament. Less inspired play in that part of the bracket, as you imagine, as long spring/summer comes to a disappointing end for those teams.

1) As July winds down and the national tournament enters its final stages, you can feel everyone getting tired: players, refs, coaches, recruiters. August is for taking time and getting recharged in the recruiting business, before the school year begins late next month.

Recruiting has been under-reported in the media; instead of doing stupid stuff on ESPN like "Who's Now?", they should run reports on what these coaches do in recruiting. People would learn a lot.

Bonus: A typical day in Florida with the Armadillo

6:30am: Wake-up call from front desk. What jackass asked for this? Oh yeah, it was me.

6:53: Get out of bed, get in shower, turn it on as hot as I can stand it. Only way to wake up on short sleep.

7:15: Write baseball write-up for this wonderful website you're reading. I take too long and have to skip the free breakfast in the lobby that is actually very good. I'm an idiot.

9:15: Arrive at Wide World of Sports to find 62,000 cars in a parking lot that had been half-filled for the last week; with a girls' softball tournament, the Buccaneers' training camp and the basketball tournament, this place is a beehive of activity, and as a result, the parking is ridiculously inconvenient.

10:00: Nick, my friend Joe's son, scores 13 points in second half, leading his team to a win in their second pool game-- if they win tonight or lose by 10 or less points; they make the good half of the tournament.

10:30: We watch a strong King of the Court team beat a club from Carolina, while striking up conversation with fella from Memphis, who is scouting the Ohio team for bracket play, when his team is likely to meet King of Court. Amazing the number of people out there who are passionate about hoops.

11:15: We realize that our Memphis friend's next game is the game we're going to next, so we'll see him there, and find out if his son is as good a shooter as he says. Usually, when a parent says that, you roll your eyes, but this guy knew his ball, so I'm giving the kid a fair chance to impress.

12:00: We watch a six-man squad from West Virginia lose to a 16-year old team, then wonder why would they come all this way with six guys, and try to run with these more athletic and deeper teams? It makes no sense.

1:20: We go to downtown Kissimmee to their Civic Center for a game between Tri-State Grizzlies of Memphis--Pittsburgh Storm; both teams are 2-0 in pool, so winner gets the title and an easier route in bracket play.

1:33: Memphis has the best cheering section we've seen in this event: eleven people who stomp, clap, yell, cheer, and dance for their Grizzlies. Game is close throughout; hot dogs at the concession stand are actually longer than the buns, so life is good. Good basketball and junk food is an excellent combo.

Somewhere around 2:00: If you're a Division II or III coach who needs a shooter, contact Preston Laird of the Grizzlies. Our new friend's son goes off in this game, scoring 19 of his team's first 44 points, against a strong defensive team, and he is playing on a bum ankle. We all should be so hurt.

3:00: Preston fouled out, Pittsburgh survived a scare from a team they expected to beat, and we leave a lively Kissimmee Civic Center to find the rainy skies of Florida outside.

3:15: No trip down here is complete without couple of trips to the Nike outlet, where I help the local economy and give my feet some relief with new pair of sneakers.

4:00: Getting gas is a horror down here; have to pay first, and there is always a long line, the employees are overwhelmed even if they aren't the slowest people on earth. On plus side, the greedy bastards who own oil companies charge 30 cents a gallon less here than in New York, and girl at register was a competent, skilled employee who moved at normal speed.

4:30: On to Poinciana HS, about five miles away, to see team from Philly play team from North Carolina. Not much science in this game, lot of running, dribbling, jumping. Poinciana is our favorite gym down here, but it is off the beaten path, and with Cypress Creek the next stop, we leave the game early....

5:45: Amare Stoudemire played his senior season of ball for Cypress Creek HS, in a dark, cold but big, beautiful gym that has terrific hot dogs at the concession stand (My diet is not the best at any time, but it is especially bad here). We're here to see the Pittsburgh Adidas team play, which has more kids from Ohio than Pittsburgh. They whack a team from Maine, a small guard impresses us, and the next game begins.......

7:30: The team with six guys from earlier in day is playing a team from Newport News, VA (Michael Vick's hometown); it is an ugly, horrible game (48-21 at the half) as the team with six guys just runs and guns. I feel bad eating two dogs while watching a team from Vick's hometown, and we leave at half, in search of one more good game on a Saturday night.

9:00: By the way, Amare Stoudemire won Rookie of the Year in NBA in 2003; the year before, he played at Cypress Creek, so you figure they had a great team, right? Try 15-15, and no, I didn't believe it either, but it is true.

9:05: The team Amare sponsors is crushing an opponent on Court 2: we settle in to watch Philly Renegades play a team from Cincinnati, but the Renegades win very easily. Sadly, a long day of hoops ends without a climactic great game.

10:30: We meet friends at the Orlando Ale House and have a lot of laughs and good food, a fitting end to an excellent day. After all, sports are fun, but it is friendships you make that make them memorable.

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

[pm530]

Baseball - Dunkel Index

MLB
Dunkel Index

Monday, July 30

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 – Write up

MLB
Write-up


Monday, July 30

Hot Pitchers
-- Lilly is 6-0, 2.45 in his last six starts. Phillies are 14-5 in Hamels' last nineteen starts.

-- McGowan is 3-1, 2.73 in his last four starts.
-- Royals won five of last six Meche starts.
-- Escobar is 2-1, 1.52 in his last four starts. Mariners are 11-6 in last seventeen Batista starts.

Cold Pitchers
-- none

-- Devil Rays lost last eight Sonnanstine starts, outscored 54-25.
-- Baker has 5.92 RA in his last four starts.
-- Tata was 3-3, 3.29 in 11 AAA starts, allowing 54 hits in 63 IP. Blanton is 0-3, 7.46 in his last four starts.

Totals
-- Over is 5-2 in Lilly's last seven starts.

-- Under is 3-0-1 in Sonnanstine's home starts.
-- Over is 5-2 in last seven Meche starts.
-- Last four Escobar starts stayed under the total.
-- Under is 8-3 in last eleven Blanton starts.

Hot Teams
-- Phillies won eight of their last nine games. Cubs won eleven of their last sixteen games.

-- Toronto won six of its last eight games.
-- Twins lost last two games, allowing total of three runs, after losing previous five games. Royals won four in a row, scoring total of twenty-nine runs.
-- Angels won last four games, scoring 41 runs. Seattle won last three games, scoring 25 runs.

Cold Teams
-- none

-- Devil Rays lost eight of last nine games, allowing 85 runs.
-- Tigers lost last four games, allowing 38 runs. A's lost last three games, 7-1/4-3/14-10.

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

[Kaptain]

Points Of Interest

7-30-07 Monday

07/30/07
01:48 AM Injuries
MLB
Monday: Cubs OF Cliff Floyd (.294; rest) is questionable.

07/30/07
01:48 AM Injuries
MLB
Monday: A's OF Travis Buck (.274; forearm) and 3B Eric Chavez (.240; back) are questionable.

07/30/07
01:40 AM News Alert
NFL
Vikings TB Adrian Peterson ended his two-day absence from training camp on Sunday afternoon, agreeing on a five-year contract.

07/30/07
01:29 AM Info Alert
MLB
Astros designated third baseman Morgan Ensberg for assignment.

07/30/07
01:28 AM Injuries
MLB
Reds Aaron Harang will miss his next scheduled turn in the rotation because of a sore lower back

07/30/07
01:27 AM Lineups
MLB
Cardinals Anthony Reyes will remain in the rotation after his successful start Saturday against the Brewers.

07/30/07
01:24 AM Boxscore
MLB
Mariners Richie Sexson was ejected from Sunday's game in the sixth inning for arguing a call at first base.

07/30/07
01:22 AM Injury Alert
MLB
Tigers placed SP Kenny Rogers on the 15-day disabled list with left elbow inflammation.

07/30/07
01:21 AM Injuries
MLB
D-Rays Carl Crawford will have an MRI on his sprained right wrist Monday.

07/30/07
01:20 AM Injuries
MLB
Cubs Carlos Zambrano said he was suffering from cramps in his right calf before leaving Sunday's game in the eighth inning.

07/30/07
01:20 AM Injuries
MLB
Yankees Derek Jeter was removed from Sunday's game with a jammed left shoulder.

07/30/07
01:19 AM Injuries
MLB
Dodgers Jeff Kent is day-to-day after injuring his left hamstring in the ninth inning Sunday.

07/30/07
01:17 AM Info Alert
MLB
The Braves and Angels have submitted their best proposals for Rangers Mark Teixeira, and now it's up to the Rangers to decide

[pm530]

Baseball – Long Sheet

MLB
Long Sheet


Monday, July 30

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

PHILADELPHIA (55 - 49) at CHICAGO CUBS (55 - 48) - 8:05 PM
COLE HAMELS (L) vs. TED LILLY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 24-31 (-11.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 25-34 (-18.7 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 19-14 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 122-144 (-30.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 63-69 (-22.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 122-141 (-27.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 9-15 (-10.8 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 33-48 (-26.5 Units) against the money line after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 45-55 (-26.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

COLE HAMELS vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
HAMELS is 1-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 7.00 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

TED LILLY vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
LILLY is 1-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 1.13 and a WHIP of 0.500.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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

TORONTO (52 - 52) at TAMPA BAY (39 - 65) - 7:10 PM
DUSTIN MCGOWAN (R) vs. ANDY SONNANSTINE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 44-62 (-40.0 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -150 since 1997.
TORONTO is 5-15 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
TAMPA BAY is 59-53 (+17.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 9-2 (+8.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday this season.
TORONTO is 49-44 (+16.3 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 95-60 (+20.8 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 39-65 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 27-46 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 35-65 (-26.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 4-5 (+0.6 Units) against TORONTO this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.5 Units)

DUSTIN MCGOWAN vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
MCGOWAN is 0-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 6.35 and a WHIP of 1.411.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

ANDY SONNANSTINE vs. TORONTO since 1997
SONNANSTINE is 0-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 7.71 and a WHIP of 1.143.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

KANSAS CITY (47 - 57) at MINNESOTA (53 - 51) - 8:10 PM
GIL MECHE (R) vs. SCOTT BAKER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 101-77 (+13.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 87-61 (+19.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 47-57 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 23-26 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 84-108 (+28.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 35-39 (+9.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 49-57 (+19.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 29-31 (+13.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
KANSAS CITY is 33-41 (+18.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MECHE is 30-24 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MECHE is 16-7 (+12.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MECHE is 8-3 (+9.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
MECHE is 6-1 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 18-23 (-13.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 3-2 (+1.5 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

GIL MECHE vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
MECHE is 5-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.44 and a WHIP of 1.310.
His team's record is 6-3 (+2.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-2. (+4.8 units)

SCOTT BAKER vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
BAKER is 0-2 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.26 and a WHIP of 1.053.
His team's record is 1-2 (-2.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

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

LA ANGELS (61 - 42) at SEATTLE (57 - 46) - 10:05 PM
KELVIM ESCOBAR (R) vs. MIGUEL BATISTA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 57-46 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 34-19 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SEATTLE is 28-17 (+13.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 54-43 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 41-31 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 33-23 (+11.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SEATTLE is 20-16 (+8.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BATISTA is 31-22 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BATISTA is 29-21 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 118-100 (+20.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 40-25 (+17.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 59-38 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 114-95 (+16.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 32-20 (+11.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 7-2 (+4.6 Units) against SEATTLE this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.2 Units)

KELVIM ESCOBAR vs. SEATTLE since 1997
ESCOBAR is 4-5 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 4.80 and a WHIP of 1.484.
His team's record is 9-6 (+4.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-6. (+2.3 units)

MIGUEL BATISTA vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
BATISTA is 2-3 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 8.16 and a WHIP of 1.884.
His team's record is 2-3 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-4. (-3.9 units)

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

DETROIT (60 - 44) at OAKLAND (49 - 56) - 10:05 PM
JORDAN TATA (R) vs. JOE BLANTON (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

JORDAN TATA vs. OAKLAND since 1997
No recent starts.

JOE BLANTON vs. DETROIT since 1997
BLANTON is 2-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 8.27 and a WHIP of 1.898.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

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[pm530]

Baseball – Streaking Pitchers

MLB


Monday, July 30

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Streaking Pitchers
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday's streaking starting pitchers

Hot

Ted Lilly (Chicago Cubs) - Lilly is seeking his eighth consecutive win tonight against the Philadelphia Phillies. The left-hander is 7-0 in eight starts since June 15 and has won his last six outings. Lilly has a stunning 1.83 ERA in five starts in July and will need to continue his hot play against a streaking Phillies squad. Earlier this season Lilly earned the Cubs' only win in a three-game set at Philadelphia.

Kelvim Escobar (Los Angeles Angels) - Escobar was stuck with a tough 4-3 loss to Oakland his last time out as a -180 favorite, but he's been tough since getting shelled by the Baltimore Orioles for seven earned runs over 4 1/3 innings back at the end of June. Since then he's allowed just five earned runs over four starts, all of which played under.

Cold

Andy Sonnanstine (Tampa Bay Devil Rays) - Sonnanstine is still searching for his first win since June 10 and his first win on his home field. The Devil Rays have lost his last eight starts and they are 0-5 in their last five games as a home underdog. The right-hander made his major league debut at Toronto on June 5 and was tagged for six runs over seven innings.

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[pm530]

Baseball – Hot Lines

MLB
Hot Lines


Monday, July 30

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hot lines
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hot lines: Monday's best MLB bets

Philadelphia Phillies at Chicago Cubs: (-108, N/A)

Chicago Cubs lefty Ted Lilly is simultaneously making a push for the National League Cy Young while helping his team make a push for the NL Central lead.

Lilly has won six straight starts dating back to June 26. During this impressive stretch, he has an ERA of 2.45 and has allowed more than one earned run only twice. Lilly hasn’t lost at home since May 30 and posts a 3.16 ERA inside Wrigley Field.

In his last appearance against the Phillies, Lilly pitched eight solid innings, allowing one run and striking out six batters. The former Blue Jay hurler has an 11-4 record since coming over to the National League.

Pick: Cubs -108


Detroit Tigers at Oakland Athletics: (+103, 9 ½)

Fresh meat is just what the Athletics need to get back on track.

Oakland will face Triple-A callup Jordan Tata, who will make his major league debut with the Tigers after being brought up to replace the injured Kenny Rogers. Tata had a 3-3 record in Triple-A with a 3.28 ERA but hadn’t won since the All-Star break.

Tata might have to pitch spotless baseball tonight since Detroit’s major league-best bats have gone limp during the last week and a half. The Tigers have lost eight of their last 11 games and have scored four runs or less in six of those losses.

Pick: Athletics +103


Los Angeles Angels at Seattle Mariners: (+118, 8 ½)

The Angels rotation is still in pieces after they lost Bartolo Colon to injury and sent the floundering Ervin Santana down to the minors.

But none of that matters when you score 34 runs in your last three games.

Los Angeles has 13 hits in each of its last three contests, batting .390 against the Tigers this past weekend. Sunday’s 13-4 win over Detroit was the first time the Angels scored 10 or more runs in three straight games since 1997. They have been able to put up these monstrous scores without a lot of home runs, relying on good old fashioned situational hitting.

"Our offense will welcome home runs," Angels manager Mike Scioscia told MLB.com. "We're not going to give them back. But I think we have to be realistic about the makeup of our club, and realize we have to score without the home run.”

Seattle is one of the worst defensive teams in the American League when runners are in scoring position. The Mariners have an ERA over 10.00 with RISP this season.

Pick: Angels -126

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[pm530]

Baseball - Short Sheet

MLB
Short Sheet


Monday, July 30th

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

National League

Philadelphia at Chicago Cubs, 8:05 ET
Cole Hamels (L) vs. Ted Lilly (L)
Hamels: Philadelphia 10-23 SU as an underdog of +150 or less
Lilly: 3-0 TSR, 2.25 ERA L3 starts


American League

Toronto at Tampa Bay, 7:10 ET
Dustin McGowan (R) vs. Andy Sonnanstine (R)
McGowan: Toronto 5-15 SU Away off a SU win
Sonnanstine: Tampa Bay 24-11 Over off a win

Kansas City at Minnesota, 8:10 ET
Gil Meche (R) vs. Scott Baker (R)
Meche: 16-7 TSR off a team win
Baker: 8-1 Under in night games

LA Angels at Seattle, 10:05 ET
Kelvim Escobar (R) vs. Miguel Batista (R)
Escobar: 4-11 TSR off BB Angels wins
Batista: 22-12 TSR as an underdog

Detroit at Oakland, 10:05 ET
Jordan Tata (R) vs. Joe Blanton (R)
Tata: Detroit 15-2 Over vs. AL West
Blanton: 0-3 TSR, 6.51 ERA L3 starts

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[BigWeiner]

Just curious guys, I haven't seen the Dunkel in a few days. Thanks for all the great work.