Saturday Trends and Indexes 08/04

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes
Saturday, August 4

Good Luck on day #216 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 - Dunkel Index

MLB
Dunkel Index

Saturday, August 4

No Picks Today
The Index is taking a short summer break, please check back on Sunday, August 5 for the latest updates.

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[pm530]

Baseball - Tips & Trends

MLB

Saturday, August 4

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Tips and Trends
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Texas Rangers at Toronto Blue Jays (1:07 PM ET)

Texas starter Kameron Loe has made four successful appearances against Toronto in his career, allowing just one run and four hits over 9 2/3 innings. The Rangers picked up a 3-2 victory over the Blue Jays on May 6, as Loe surrendered just a single run over 6 2/3 innings. EDGE: RANGERS
Loe has struggled mightily on the road in his last two outings, lasting just eight innings versus Kansas City and Los Angeles. The right-hander has given up nine earned runs and 13 hits over that span. EDGE: BLUE JAYS
Toronto’s Shaun Marcum is an even 2-2 with a 4.70 ERA in 14 home appearances this season. He’s allowed 14 home runs in just 46 innings of work at the Rogers Centre compared to six on the road in 62 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: RANGERS
Marcum has posted a 3-1 record and 3.81 ERA in four starts since the All-Star break. He’s fanned 18 batters and walked just three in 26 innings of work. EDGE: BLUE JAYS
The Rangers are 38-14 in the last 52 meetings.



New York Mets at Chicago Cubs (FOX | 3:55 PM ET)

New York right-hander John Maine is a dominant 7-1 with a 2.59 ERA in 10 road starts this season. Opponents have collected just 45 hits in 66 innings against Maine away from Shea Stadium. BIG EDGE: METS
Maine is a perfect 3-0 with a sparkling 2.12 ERA in five daytime starts in 2007. He’s allowing opponents to hit just .184 against him in 29 2/3 innings. EDGE: METS
Chicago’s Ted Lilly has posted a 6-4 record and 3.42 ERA in 12 home starts this season. The Cubs have won four of Lilly’s last five outings at Wrigley Field since the star of June. EDGE: CUBS
Lilly has posted a remarkable 6-2 record and 2.74 ERA in 10 daytime starts this year. The left-hander has walked just 11 batters while sitting down 57 in 69 innings of work. EDGE: CUBS
The Cubs are 5-1 in Lilly’s last six starts as a favorite.



Los Angeles Angels at Oakland Athletics (FOX | 3:55 PM ET)

Los Angeles starter Kelvim Escobar has posted a losing 4-9 record and 4.43 ERA in 27 career outings versus Oakland. He’s gone 0-2 with a 3.46 ERA in two starts against the Athletics in 2007. SLIGHT EDGE: A’S
Escobar has been incredible in eight daytime starts, posting a 6-1 record and 1.71 ERA. He’s allowed just two home runs in 58 daytime innings. BIG EDGE: ANGELS
Oakland’s Joe Blanton is a disappointing 1-6 with a 3.93 ERA in 12 career outings against Los Angeles. He allowed five runs and 11 hits in six innings of work versus the Angels on July 25. SLIGHT EDGE: ANGELS
Blanton’s has a losing 4-5 record at home, but has pitched well with a 2.95 ERA in 11 starts. SLIGHT EDGE: A’S
The Angels are 0-4 in Escobar’s last four starts versus the Athletics.



Chicago White Sox at Detroit Tigers (7:05 PM ET)

Chicago right-hander Javier Vazquez is 2-4 with a 5.35 ERA in six career starts versus Detroit. He picked up a 5-3 victory over the Tigers on July 24, tossing eight quality innings and allowing three runs on four hits. SLIGHT EDGE: TIGERS
Vazquez is coming off a fantastic July, posting a 4-1 record and 2.96 ERA in six starts. He issued just eight walks while fanning 39 in 45 2/3 innings. EDGE: WHITE SOX
Detroit’s Jeremy Bonderman has posted a losing 5-7 record and 4.06 ERA in 13 career starts versus Chicago. He’s limited the White Sox to just 62 hits in 77 2/3 innings against him. SLIGHT EDGE: WHITE SOX
Bonderman has an impressive 5-1 record and 3.25 ERA in nine home starts in 2007. The right-hander hasn’t started at Comerica Park since July 7, but the Tigers have picked up victories in his last two. EDGE: TIGERS
The OVER is 5-1 in the Tigers last six games versus a right-handed starter.



Philadelphia Phillies at Milwaukee Brewers (7:05 PM ET)

Philadelphia starter Cole Hamels is a perfect 1-0 with a 3.77 ERA in two career starts versus Milwaukee. He picked up a 6-2 victory over the Brewers on May 16, throwing eight strong innings and fanning 11 batters in the process. EDGE: PHILLIES
Hamels has posted an impressive 6-3 record and 3.56 ERA in 12 road starts this season. The talented left-hander has allowed just three earned runs over his last 25 innings of work away from Citizens Bank Park. EDGE: PHILLIES
Milwaukee right-hander Dave Bush is 6-5 with a 4.24 ERA in 12 home outings this season. He’s walked just 12 batters and struck out 51 in 70 innings of work. SLIGHT EDGE: BREWERS
Bush hasn’t recorded a decision in three starts versus Philadelphia, giving up 10 earned runs and 18 hits over 16 2/3 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: PHILLIES
The OVER is 10-4-2 in the Phillies last 16 games versus the NL Central.



Boston Red Sox at Seattle Mariners (10:05 PM ET)

Boston’s Daisuke Matsuzaka has gone 0-1 with a 4.95 ERA in three career starts versus Seattle. The Japanese-import has failed to surrender a home run in 20 innings against them. SLIGHT EDGE: MARINERS
Matsuzaka will make his third straight start on the road, as the right-hander has allowed just two earned runs and 12 hits in his last 13 1/3 innings away from Fenway Park. EDGE: RED SOX
Mariners left-hander Jarrod Washburn is an even 3-3 with a 4.66 ERA in 10 career starts versus Boston. He’s allowed 83 base runners to reach base in just 58 innings of work against the Red Sox. SLIGHT EDGE: RED SOX
Washburn has been very effective in 15 nighttime starts, posting a 7-3 record and 3.21 ERA. EDGE: MARINERS
The UNDER is 9-2 in Matsuzaka’s last 11 starts.



Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Dodgers (10:10 PM ET)

Arizona right-hander Livan Hernandez has posted a dismal 7-12 record and 4.41 ERA in 25 career starts against Los Angeles. He’s made just one start versus the Dodgers in 2007, limiting them to on earned run and six hits over six innings. SLIGHT EDGE: DODGERS
Hernandez is 2-5 with a 5.43 ERA in 11 road starts this season. The veteran right-hander has surrendered 11 home runs in just 66 1/3 innings away from Chase Field. EDGE: DODGERS
Los Angeles right-hander Derek Lowe is a disappointing 2-5 with a 4.62 ERA in 10 career starts against Arizona. He suffered a 2-0 loss to the Diamondbacks on June 27, allowing one earned run and five hits over 6 2/3 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: D-BACKS
Lowe has been terrible since the All-Star break, allowing 10 earned runs and 22 hits in just 14 innings of work. EDGE: D-BACKS
The Dodgers are 2-9 in their last 11 Saturday starts.

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[pm530]

Baseball – Betting Notes

MLB


Saturday, August 4

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MLB Betting Notes
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Yankees priming Betemit for first

The Yankees newly acquired infielder, Wilson Betemit, made his debut on Thursday filling in for Derek Jeter at shortstop, but Joe Torre intends to primarily use the switch-hitter as a backup first baseman.

Betimit has never played that position, but Torre expects him to adapt easily. "He's an infielder and he's a good infielder," the Yanks manager told MLB.com.

"There's no reason he shouldn't be able to do that. You know, the biggest thing at first base is all about footwork and knowing where to be on cutoffs."

Betemit was batting .231 with 10 homers and 26 RBIs before moving from Los Angeles as part of a trade for Scott Proctor. His New York career got off to the perfect start when he hit a three-run homer in his first at-bat with the club.

On Saturday, the Yanks will send Phil Hughes to the mound to face Kyle Davies for the second of three games against the Royals this weekend. New York is a –215 favorite with the total set at 11.

Wilson stakes his claim

When the Texas Rangers traded Eric Gagne to the Boston Red Sox, C.J. Wilson wasted no time in saying that he wanted the vacated closer's role in Texas. The lefty has backed that up by going 2-for-2 in save opportunities this week, but manager Ron Washington is being cautious.

"He just needs to keep getting those three outs in the ninth," Washington told MLB.com. "He's got the stuff, but we want to ease him into this. I'm not saying he's the guy. We still have Benoit down there. But if he keeps going, then maybe one of these days he's the guy."

Wilson was named the Rangers' player of the month in July and is 2-1 with a 2.44 ERA for the season. The biggest concern about him as a closer is his ability to get right-handed batters out, but his average against them has dropped to .256 from .292 last season.

With Wilson likely to continue as closer, the Rangers play Game 2 of a three-game series against the Blue Jays on Saturday. Kameron Loe (5-9, 5.80) faces Shaun Marcum (7-4, 3.67) on the mound and Toronto is a +166 underdog with the total set at 9 ½.

Frustrated Quentin injured again

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Carlos Quentin has been placed on the 15-day DL because of a strained right hamstring, the latest in a long line of injuries that have hampered his career.

In his debut season in 2003, Quentin needed surgery on his shoulder and since then he struggled to stay in the Arizona lineup. That looked set to change this season after a hot hitting streak in spring training, but he picked up a shoulder injury and missed the start of the season.

"I've dealt with some things and I'll deal with this and get back," Quentin told MLB.com. "I just want to get back right now and that's the first and foremost thing and we'll go from there."

Quentin was batting .208 with 28 RBIs and five homers in 71 games this season. He picked up his latest injuries while rounding the bases after hitting a double in Wednesday’s 9-5 win over San Diego.

Meanwhile, the surging Diamondbacks continue a three-game series against division rivals the L.A. Dodgers on Saturday. Arizona sends Livan Hernandez (6-7, 4.98) to the mound to face Derek Lowe (8-9, 3.45) and is a +158 underdog with the total set at 8 runs.

Street wants his job back

Patience is a virtue that Oakland A’s pitcher Huston Street isn't blessed with at the moment. Street missed 63 games this season with a an irritated elbow nerve and now the righty wants his closer’s role back, but manager Bob Geren is making him wait.

"I've been ready for, like, a week," Street told reporters ahead of the current four-game series against the L.A Angels. "I told them that, so it's just when they want to throw me out there."

According to reports on MLB.com, Geren wants to see Street throw in back-to-back games before reinstating him as closer. There could also be some reluctance to remove Alan Embree from the role after he pulled off his 12th save in 14 opportunities earlier this week.

For Game 3 of the Angels series, the A’s send Joe Blanton (8-8, 3.82) to the mound to test his stuff against Kelvim Escobar (11-5, 2.87). Oakland is a +122 underdog with the total set at 8.

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[pm530]

Baseball – Gameday

MLB


Saturday, August 4

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Gameday
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Saturday MLB Gameday

John Maine and the division-leading New York Mets will be taking on the Chicago Cubs in one of Saturday's marquee baseball matchups. Here is your MLB Gameday . . .

Los Angeles Angels at Oakland Athletics, 3:55pm ET
Kelvim Escobar (11-5, 2.87 ERA) vs. Joe Blanton (8-8, 3.82 ERA)

Escobar has gone at least seven innings and allowed three or fewer earned runs in each of his last five starts, but he's 2-2 with a no-decision over that span. Against the A's on July 24 the righthander took the loss after allowing three earned runs over seven innings. Against the M's last time out Escobar allowed two earned runs in eight innings.

Blanton picked up a win over the Blue Jays on July 3, but he's gone 0-4 with a no-decision in his five outings since then. The righthander was roughed up for five earned runs on 11 hits over six innings in a no-decision against the Angels on July 25, and he gave up five earned runs on nine hits over 6 2-3 innings last time out versus the Tigers.

New York Mets at Chicago Cubs, 3:55pm ET
John Maine (12-5, 2.92 ERA) vs. Ted Lilly (11-5, 3.60 ERA)

Maine is coming off a complete-game one-hitter versus the Nationals - which was called in the fifth inning due to rain. That easy win boosted the righthander's season total to 12, and he's 3-1 with a no-decision over his past five starts. In his last full outing, vs. the Pirates on July 24, Maine gave up two earned runs on five hits in seven innings.

Lilly had his six-game winning streak stopped by the Phillies last time out - he gave up four earned runs on seven hits over five innings in that contest. In his other five outings in the month of July the lefthander gave up more than one earned run only once, and his record is now 11-5 on the season. Lilly has struck out 111 and walked 35 this year.

Chicago White Sox at Detroit Tigers, 7:05pm ET
Javier Vazquez (8-6, 3.63 ERA) vs. Jeremy Bonderman (10-3, 4.33 ERA)

Vazquez went 4-1 with a no-decision for the White Sox in July, allowing more than three earned runs in an outing only once. Against the Tigers on July 24 the righthander got the win after allowing three earned runs on only four hits over eight innings. Last time out, against the Blue Jays, Vazquez gave up just two earned runs but still look the loss.

Bonderman was only 2-2 with two no-decisions for the Tigers in July, and he hasn't picked up a victory since beating the Mariners on July 13. Against the White Sox on July 24 the righthander was knocked around for five earned runs over seven innings. Last time out, against the Angels, Bonderman allowed 10 earned runs in just 2 1-3 innings.

Boston Red Sox at Seattle Mariners, 10:05pm Et
Daisuke Matsuzaka (12-8, 3.75 ERA) vs. Jarrod Washburn (8-7, 4.11 ERA)

Dice-K was a hard-luck loser last time out, as he limited the D-Rays to just two earned runs on eight hits in 6 1-3 innings of work. The righthander is now 12-8 on the season, and he went 3-3 during the month of July. Matsuzaka's last win came on July 24, when he blanked the Indians on four hits and three walks (while fanning five) in seven innings.

Washburn hasn't picked up a win for the Mariners since July 4, when he tossed eight shutout innings against the Royals. Since that outing the lefthander has allowed 15 earned runs on 28 hits in just 23 innings of work, and he's fallen to 8-7 on the season. Last time out, against the Athletics, Washburn allowed three earned runs in five innings.

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[pm530]

Baseball Today - August 4

SCOREBOARD
Saturday, Aug. 4
Boston at Seattle (10:05 p.m. EDT). Daisuke Matsuzaka seeks win No. 13, facing off against Jarrod Washburn.

STARS
Friday

-- Garrett Atkins, Rockies, had three hits, including a three-run homer, in Colorado's 9-2 win at Atlanta.

-- Doug Davis, Diamondbacks, allowed three hits over eight innings in a 1-0 victory over the Dodgers.

-- Yovani Gallardo, Brewers, struck out seven to win his third straight decision, leading Milwaukee over Philadelphia 2-1.

-- Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals, drove in the winning run with a ninth-inning single and Washington beat St. Louis 3-2.

-- Grady Sizemore, Indians, homered and had four RBIs in a 5-2 win over Minnesota.

-- Scott Hairston, Padres, hit two homers, including the game-winner in the 10th inning of a 4-3 win over San Francisco.

SUSPENDED

Tigers infielder Neifi Perez was suspended for 80 games Friday after testing positive for a third time for a banned stimulant. Perez was suspended for 25 games on July 6 when he tested positive for a second time. Under baseball's labor contract, a player who tests positive for the first time is sent for counseling. Perez has been the only player suspended by baseball for stimulants since baseball banned them before the 2006 season.

BLANKED

Doug Davis allowed three hits over eight innings and catcher Chris Snyder homered in the eighth, leading Arizona to a 1-0 victory over Los Angeles and extending the Diamondbacks' lead over the Dodgers to two games in the NL West.

SURGING

The New York Mets (62-47) moved 15 games over .500 for the first time since early June with a 6-2 win over the Cubs on Friday. ... Baltimore's Daniel Cabrera improved to 6-0 in his career against Tampa Bay, 3-0 this year after a 3-1 win. ... Chicago's Jermaine Dye homered in a 7-4 win over Detroit and is now 27-for-84 with 10 homers, eight doubles and 18 RBIs since the All-Star break./**/... Colorado has won five of six following a 9-2 win over Atlanta.

SLUMPING

Tampa Bay is 8-27 since June 25, following a 3-1 loss to Baltimore on Friday. ... Detroit lost its third straight and ninth in 11 games after a 7-4 loss to Chicago. ... Florida's Dontrelle Willis lost his eighth straight decision, 8-2 to Houston. It is the longest losing streak of his major league career, and Willis hasn't won since May 29 at the Chicago Cubs, a span of 12 starts.

STRONG IN DEFEAT

Mark Teixeira hit a solo home run in the ninth, his third in three games since being traded to Atlanta from Texas, but the Braves lost 9-2 to Colorado. ... Vladimir Guerrero went deep twice for the second consecutive day, but the Angels lost 8-4 to Oakland.

SPEAKING

"You have to be nasty to win. Right now we are a nice team who are getting their butts beat." -- Detroit manager Jim Leyland after his team dropped its third straight and ninth of 11, 7-4 to Chicago on Friday.

SEASONS
August 4

1910 -- Jack Coombs of the Philadelphia A's and Ed Walsh of the Chicago White Sox hooked up in a 16-inning scoreless tie. Coombs struck out 18 and allowed three hits.

1929 -- The Cleveland Indians, down to their last out trailing 6-5, scored nine runs in the ninth inning for a 14-6 victory over the New York Yankees.

1955 -- Chicago's Ernie Banks hit three home runs at Wrigley against three Pirates pitchers to lead the Cubs to an 11-10 win.

1963 -- New York's Mickey Mantle, batting for the first time in two months after breaking his left foot, hit a pinch home run as the Yankees beat the Baltimore Orioles 11-10 for a split of a doubleheader.

1982 -- Joel Youngblood became the first player in major league history to play and get a base hit for two different teams in two different cities in the same day. In the afternoon, his hit drove in the winning run for the New York Mets in a 7-4 victory at Chicago. After the game, he was traded to the Montreal Expos and played that night in Philadelphia. He entered the game in right field in the fourth inning and later got a single.

1985 -- Tom Seaver, 40, became the 17th 300-game winner in major league history with a six-hitter -- all singles -- as the Chicago White Sox defeated the New York Yankees 4-1 on Phil Rizzuto Day. Seaver walked one and struck out seven, giving him 3,499 in his 19-year career.

1985 -- Rod Carew of the California Angels got his 3,000th hit in a 6-5 win over the Minnesota Twins, his first major league team.

1989 -- Dave Stieb of the Toronto Blue Jays, who lost consecutive no-hit bids with two outs in the ninth inning last September, came within one out of a perfect game before settling for a two-hit 2-1 victory over the New York Yankees. Roberto Kelly's double spoiled Stieb's bid.

1997 -- Brad Radke of Minnesota posted his 12th straight victory, pitching seven strong innings in the Twins' 9-3 win over Toronto. Radke became the third pitcher since 1950 to win 12 consecutive starts.

2006 -- Chase Utley went 0-for-5 in Philadelphia's 5-3 victory over the New York Mets, ending a 35-game hitting streak that tied him for the 10th longest in major league history and the fourth longest in National League history.

Today's birthdays: Scott Linebrink 31; Eric Milton 32; Bob Howry 34; Roger Clemens 45.

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[pm530]

Canadian Football League – Long Sheet

CFL
Long Sheet

Saturday, August 4

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CALGARY (2 - 3) at EDMONTON (2 - 2 - 1) - 8/4/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 6-2 against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 4-4 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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[pm530]

WNBA


Saturday, August 4

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WNBA News and Notes
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The New York Liberty believe they learned valuable lessons during their recent seven-game losing streak.

''You always try to learn from any mistakes you make, any games you lose,'' Liberty guard Erin Thorn said. ''You always try to take that and turn it into a positive and a learning experience. (Bad) as losing is, it definitely helps you take a look at what you need to do especially at the end of the game.''

After a 16-point loss to Indiana on July 12 that started the losing streak, New York's last six losses were by an average of 4.8 points.

''We were playing well,'' coach Pat Coyle said. ''It wasn't like we were getting blown out or anything like that. We were just coming up short. ... We have to execute on both ends of the floor at the end of the game. Hopefully that seven-game losing streak, that's what we're taking from it.''

After starting the season with five wins, the Liberty have won just six times in the last 21 games. Still, they entered the weekend only one-half game behind Chicago for the fourth and final playoff position in the East, and led sixth-place Washington by a half-game.

''You can't really dwell on (the losses),'' third-year forward Cathrine Kraayeveld said. ''There's nothing we can do about those games. We have to stay focused on the moment and each game now.''

In New York's 71-66 win over Minnesota on Thursday night that snapped the Liberty's longest skid since a franchise-record 11-game losing streak last season, Kraayeveld scored 16 points, Janel McCarville had 14, and six other players scored between five and nine points.

''When the numbers look like that, most nights we win,'' Coyle said.

McCarville added: ''We made it a point to get the extra pass, get the open person the ball because we watched film on it and saw that worked for us in the beginning when we had the big win streak.''

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SURGING SUN: When the Connecticut Sun lost to Detroit on June 27, they found themselves in an unfamiliar situation. The defeat dropped Connecticut to 5-10 - already exceeding their loss total from consecutive 26-8 seasons the last two years.

The Sun have won 10 of 12 since, with the two losses by a combined six points, to pull within two games of Indiana for second place in the Eastern Conference. Overall, eight of Connecticut's 12 losses have been by five or fewer points.

So what's been the biggest difference the last five weeks?

''Finishing games,'' coach Mike Thibault said. ''We didn't make big plays at the end. The last month, we've been making them. Early in the season, we would do something goofy at the end and give away games. ... Now, we're not making the same mistakes.''

Chicago's Jia Perkins was impressed by the difference in the Sun's play from June 11, when the Sky won 87-74 at the Mohegan Sun Arena, to the time they returned on Tuesday and lost 74-56.

''I think they have their chemistry back,'' Perkins said. ''They're starting to play well. I think they're starting to pick up where they were last year.''

The Sun have committed about 3.3 fewer turnovers per game during their improved stretch, and have been getting more balanced scoring.

''We've just kind of spread the wealth among one another,'' veteran guard Katie Douglas said. ''People are able to step up when I think in the beginning we weren't able to make big shots, make big plays during the first part of the season.''

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STRUGGLING SPARKS: Los Angeles coach Michael Cooper is preaching patience with his struggling team. After opening the season 5-2, the Sparks have won just four times in 18 games.

Already playing the season without seven-time All-Star Lisa Leslie, who gave birth to a daughter in June, Los Angeles lost six-time All-Star Chamique Holdsclaw to a sudden retirement earlier that month.

''We have a lot of new and young people,'' Cooper said. ''We got a lot of rookies out there playing and they're trying to find themselves, as well as the veterans trying to find out what they can do. It creates a lot of havoc at times. We just have to stick with it. We've played pretty hard our last eight or 10 games, we've just been coming up short.''

Despite their struggles, the Sparks are only three games behind Seattle for the fourth and final playoff position in the Western Conference.

''We're going to try to win as many games as we can,'' veteran guard Mwadi Mabika said. ''Right now we're playing good basketball. We're feeling good right now, and hopefully we can keep it going.''

What does Los Angeles need to do to improve its chance for a playoff berth?

''Get some more wins, and hope some more teams get beat,'' center Taj McWilliams-Franklin said. ''We need Seattle, Phoenix keep losing some games, and we need to win.''

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STATS: Seattle's Lauren Jackson entered the weekend leading the league in scoring (24.4 points per game) and rebounding (9.9). Jackson was also tops in field-goal shooting (53 percent), blocks (54) and free-throw shooting (88 percent) among players with at least 100 attempts. ... Minnesota's Seimone Augustus (22.7 points) was second in scoring, followed by San Antonio's Becky Hammon (19.4). ... Hammon was tops in assists at 5.1 per game, and Connecticut's Lindsay Whalen (5.0) was second. ... Phoenix's Diana Taurasi was leading the league with 75 3-pointers made. ... Since Lynx rookie Lindsey Harding's season-ending knee injury on July 10, Svetlana Abrosimova has averaged 14.4 points in eight games for Minnesota - more than double her 6.7-point average the first 20 games. ... Indiana's Tamika Whitmore had her third career double-double (17 points, career-high 15 rebounds) in a win against Washington on Tuesday night. It was the first time she accomplished the feat since June 1, 2003, against Washington while she was with New York.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: ''You can't focus on (Diana) Taurasi. Penny Taylor is having a great year and Cappie Pondexter is still out there. Kelly Miller is out there. You can't focus on just one player. You have to pretty much pick your poison.'' - Houston coach Karleen Thompson, after a 77-74 loss to Phoenix on Tuesday night.

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[pm530]

Major League Soccer

MLS

Saturday, August 4

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MLS preview and picks
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Columbus Crew at Chicago Fire (+220, +200, +115)

Out of nowhere Chicago turned on the style. They went to Toronto in desperate need of good news and came out emphatic 3-0 winners after their best performance of the season. New coach Juan Carlos Osorio will be looking for more of the same against Columbus on Saturday.

Last weekend’s win in Canada could prove to be the turning point of the Fire’s dismal season. They played fast-paced, attacking football and dominated a Toronto team known for impressive home-field performances. The victory snapped a six-game winless streak for Chicago and lifted them from the bottom of the Eastern Conference for the first time in nearly a month.

Credit for the turnaround has to go to the new coach. When Osorio took the job in mid-July, he identified a few key areas where the Fire needed help and immediately went about fixing them. He signed former EPL striker Pablo Wanchope – who could make his debut this weekend – adding much-needed firepower to a lackluster Fire attack.

Osorio also brought in veteran Mexican midfielder Cuauhtemoc Blanco, who will bring experience to a midfield that has generally looked out of its depth in MLS this season.

The new coach has spent his time on the practice field working with his back four. In just two weeks Osorio has taken a defense that conceded four goals against Houston and turned them into a solid group. They are more organized and efficient, and play with more purpose than they've had at any other time this season.

A new coach, and new signings, will not solve all problems for a team that has struggled all season. But the fresh blood, coupled with an overdue win, will give the Fire a massive boost in confidence ahead of the clash with Columbus.

Pick: Chicago + 115



Colorado Rapids at FC Dallas (+450, +240, -182)

FC Dallas are in danger of becoming victims of their own success. The Texans’ involvement in three different cup competitions – as well as the league – means that Saturday's game against Colorado will be their fifth game in three weeks.

Whereas most MLS teams have played only one competitive game since the All-Star break, Dallas have played three. The squad’s run in the SuperLiga tournament has led them to face Mexican sides CD Guadalajara and Pachuca, as well as the L.A. Galaxy, in the past 10 days.

No soccer team, whether they rotate the players or not, can play that much in a short period of time without showing the effects. Fatigue was an obvious factor in Dallas’ loss to the Galaxy on Tuesday. The Texans found themselves a remarkable four goals down inside 18 minutes, a sure sign there were sore legs on the field.

To their credit, Dallas fought their way back into the game, making it 4-3 in the second half before eventually losing 6-5. In some ways, though, Dallas may have been better served if they accepted defeat early on and had played the game out at a less hectic pace.

Now, on four days rest, Dallas welcomes struggling Colorado to Pizza Hut Park. Colorado is without a win in nine games and ordinarily would have little chance of getting anything from this game. But unlike the home team, the Rapids haven't played in two weeks. The visitors have a chance to take advantage of their opponents' tired legs and earn a result that would be unlikely under ordinary circumstances.

Pick: Draw +240



Houston Dynamo at Real Salt Lake (-120, +210, +320)

The final game of the day can only be described as a mismatch. First-place Houston plays last-place Real Salt Lake, with 25 points and five places separating the two teams.

The most frustrating thing about Salt Lake’s recent form is the manner of their losses. RSL have lost six of their last eight games, but five of those defeats were by a single goal.

Their recent 2-1 loss to New England is a case in point. RSL battled back from a goal down to level the game with less than 20 minutes to go, but then surrendered a soft goal with eight minutes left and took the loss.

A lack of creativity in attack, coupled with defensive frailties, has made RSL an easy target in MLS. Already this season they have lost striker Jeff Cunningham to Toronto, and just this week it was announced that Freddy Adu is leaving for Benfica in Portugal – a huge blow to an already struggling offense.

They are now down to five strikers and none have been impressive. Those five forwards have combined for just three goals this season - not good enough at this level.

A look at the odds for Saturday’s game should tell you all you need to know. Despite being the away team, Houston are heavy –120 favorites. The Dynamo are unbeaten in MLS action since the end of May and have scored over twice as many goals as Salt Lake this season. Anything other than an away win would be a massive shock.

Pick: Houston -120

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[Kaptain]

POINTS of INTEREST---early wires

08/04/07
02:10 AM Injuries
MLB
Saturday: Pirates RF Xavier Nady (.288; hamstring) is questionable.

08/04/07
02:10 AM Injuries
MLB
Saturday: Reds CF Ryan Freel (.245; knee) is questionable; Mets C Paul Lo Duca (.270; hamstring) is questionable.

08/04/07
02:09 AM Injuries
MLB
Saturday: White Sox DH Jim Thome (.274; back) is questionable; Tigers DH Gary Sheffield (.290; shoulder) is questionable.

08/04/07
01:56 AM Injuries
MLB
Tigers Andrew Miller left his start Friday after four innings because of strained left hamstring

08/04/07
01:50 AM Injuries
MLB
Texas SP Kameron Loe (back) will be placed on the disabled list.

08/04/07
01:48 AM Injuries
MLB
Padres Milton Bradley left Friday's game in the fifth inning with a hamstring injury.

[Udog]

MLB
70% Situation


MLB (Saturday): Play Against MLB favorites with a money line of -110 or higher with a team averaging <=0.5 errors per game this season facing an opponent with a starting pitcher whose WHIP <= 1.100 over his last 10 games.
(55-23 last 5 seasons.) (70.5%) PLAY: NY Mets +100

[Udog]

MLB
Hot Lines


Saturday, August 4


New York Mets at Chicago Cubs (-107)

The New York Mets look to match a season-high fourth win in a row when they continue a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs today.

The NL East-leading Mets have had a big say in matters in the NL Central division this week, taking two of three from the Milwaukee Brewers before last night’s 6-2 win over the Cubs.

With John Maine (12-5, 2.92) getting today's start, New York has a great chance at handing Chicago its third loss in a row. The dominant right-hander is looking for his third straight win and is 6-1 with a 2.73 ERA in his last eight starts. He allowed only one hit over five innings in his most recent outing – a 5-0 win over Washington.

Pick: Mets -101



Baltimore Orioles at Tampa Bay Devil Rays (-138, 9)

The Baltimore Orioles are chasing their ninth straight win over the Tampa Bay Devils Rays today following an efficient 3-1 victory in the series opener last night.

The O’s have dominated their AL East rivals this season, winning 10 of 11 meetings. They hand the ball to rookie starter Brian Burres (5-4, 4.12) tonight looking to continue that form. Burres held the hot-hitting Yankees to just one run over six innings in his last outing – a 7-5 win last Saturday.

The Devil Rays counter with 23-year-old lefty Scott Kazmir (7-7, 3.85), who is 2-1 with a 1.40 ERA over his last four starts. Kazmir has generally struggled against the Orioles, posting a 2-3 record with a 4.88 ERA in nine career starts against them.

Pick: Orioles +126



Los Angeles Angels at Oakland Athletics (+120, 8)

The Oakland Athletics have been a thorn in the side of the Los Angeles Angels this season, taking seven of their 11 meetings so far. That includes last night’s 8-4 win, when the A’s banged out four runs in the eighth inning to level the four-game series.

Today might be more of a struggle for Oakland. They start Joe Blanton (8-8, 3.82), who has not produced his best stuff of late. Blanton is 0-4 with a 6.75 ERA in his last five starts and has lost his last three starts at home to Los Angeles.

With the hot-hitting Vladimir Guerrero in their lineup, the Angeles hope to rough up the A’s starter. Guerrero has produced three homers in this series already and is 5-for-9 at the plate in his last two games.

Pick: Angels -128

[Udog]

MLB
Streaking Pitchers


Saturday, August 4


Hot

Scott Kazmir (Tampa Bay Devil Rays) - It's hard to believe that Kazmir is still only 22 years old, this being his third season in the big leagues. The way the hard-throwing lefty has been pitching lately, he may well be in his prime right now. Kazmir has a 1.83 ERA over his last three starts while striking out over a batter an inning. The former New York Mets' farmhand has benefited from keeping the ball in the park, not allowing a home run in seven starts. Oddsmakers have the Devil Rays as -134 favorites tonight against the Baltimore Orioles.

Tim Hudson (Atlanta Braves) - While it's the Braves lineup that has gotten the attention lately, Hudson has quietly developed into one of baseball's hottest arms. Hudson has lost only once in his last ten starts, a big reason Atlanta is a -181 favorite tonight against the Colorado Rockies. Hudson boasts a 1.59 ERA since July 14 and hasn't allowed a single dinger over that stretch.

Cold

Derek Lowe (Los Angeles Dodgers) - Lowe has struggled recently for the Dodgers, sizable -171 favorites tonight at Dodger Stadium against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The right-hander hasn't won a start since June 22, and has put up a 6.92 ERA over his last three trips to the hill. His biggest problem has been his inability to keep runners off the basepaths, evidenced by his .422 OBP against since July 15.

Jeremy Bonderman (Detroit Tigers) - Bonderman had an outside chance at the AL Cy Young award until the past few weeks, when the righty put up a gaudy 10.12 ERA without cashing a payday for the injury-riddled Tigers. Bonderman has surrendered 26 hits over his last 16 innings pitched, contributing to a .403 OBP against over his last three outings. Books have the Tigers as -145 favorites tonight against the Chicago White Sox.

[Udog]

MLB
Long Sheet


Saturday, August 4


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


COLORADO (56 - 52) at ATLANTA (57 - 53) - 3:55 PM
UBALDO JIMENEZ (R) vs. TIM HUDSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 6-21 (-13.1 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.
HUDSON is 179-99 (+40.6 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 100-41 (+31.2 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 168-89 (+43.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 56-52 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 56-49 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 42-36 (+12.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
COLORADO is 30-22 (+15.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ATLANTA is 136-136 (-23.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 62-73 (-23.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 69-69 (-22.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 33-41 (-18.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 134-132 (-21.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 26-35 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 2-2 (+0.4 Units) against ATLANTA this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

UBALDO JIMENEZ vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.

TIM HUDSON vs. COLORADO since 1997
HUDSON is 2-2 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)




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NY METS (62 - 47) at CHICAGO CUBS (57 - 51) - 3:55 PM
JOHN MAINE (R) vs. TED LILLY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 165-116 (+21.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 32-24 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
NY METS are 56-34 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 32-24 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 47-32 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 74-52 (+17.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 27-13 (+13.4 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.
MAINE is 15-4 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MAINE is 14-4 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MAINE is 11-1 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 124-147 (-31.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 65-72 (-24.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 119-169 (-57.7 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 64-80 (-27.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 124-144 (-28.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 327-314 (-74.9 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 4-1 (+2.8 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
5 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.1 Units)

JOHN MAINE vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
MAINE is 0-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

TED LILLY vs. NY METS since 1997
LILLY is 0-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 2.036.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)




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HOUSTON (48 - 61) at FLORIDA (50 - 60) - 7:05 PM
JASON JENNINGS (R) vs. SERGIO MITRE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 48-61 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 276-271 (-58.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
HOUSTON is 20-36 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 48-61 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 31-44 (-15.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
JENNINGS is 3-11 (-9.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
JENNINGS is 3-11 (-9.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
FLORIDA is 24-32 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
FLORIDA is 47-60 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
FLORIDA is 36-48 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
FLORIDA is 17-24 (-9.9 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
MITRE is 2-10 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MITRE is 2-10 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against FLORIDA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

JASON JENNINGS vs. FLORIDA since 1997
JENNINGS is 3-2 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 3.34 and a WHIP of 1.646.
His team's record is 3-3 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.7 units)

SERGIO MITRE vs. HOUSTON since 1997
MITRE is 1-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 1.35 and a WHIP of 0.750.
His team's record is 2-1 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.0 units)




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CINCINNATI (46 - 64) at PITTSBURGH (44 - 63) - 7:05 PM
BOBBY LIVINGSTON (L) vs. MATT MORRIS (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 6-5 (+0.1 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.9 Units)

BOBBY LIVINGSTON vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

MATT MORRIS vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
MORRIS is 8-6 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 4.19 and a WHIP of 1.217.
His team's record is 11-9 (-3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-13. (-8.2 units)




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PHILADELPHIA (57 - 52) at MILWAUKEE (59 - 51) - 7:05 PM
COLE HAMELS (L) vs. DAVE BUSH (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 3-2 (+1.0 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.8 Units)

COLE HAMELS vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
HAMELS is 1-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 3.77 and a WHIP of 0.837.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

DAVE BUSH vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
BUSH is 0-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.381.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-3. (-3.4 units)




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ST LOUIS (50 - 56) at WASHINGTON (49 - 60) - 7:05 PM
JOEL PINEIRO (R) vs. JOEL HANRAHAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 144-139 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 144-139 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 86-105 (-35.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 31-39 (-17.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PINEIRO is 47-54 (-20.8 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
PINEIRO is 12-29 (-19.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 49-60 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 36-26 (+24.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
WASHINGTON is 22-11 (+16.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
WASHINGTON is 46-57 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 98-102 (+14.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 26-22 (+15.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
WASHINGTON is 20-8 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 32-24 (+11.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 3-1 (+3.3 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

JOEL PINEIRO vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
PINEIRO is 1-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 2.11 and a WHIP of 1.031.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

JOEL HANRAHAN vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
No recent starts.




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SAN FRANCISCO (47 - 60) at SAN DIEGO (58 - 50) - 10:05 PM
PATRICK MISCH (L) vs. CLAY HENSLEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 47-60 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 55-80 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 19-27 (-10.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 47-60 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 32-45 (-13.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 23-36 (-11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 595-476 (+87.4 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 7-3 (+4.0 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
8 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+6.9 Units)

PATRICK MISCH vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.

CLAY HENSLEY vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
HENSLEY is 0-3 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 4.57 and a WHIP of 1.477.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)




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


ARIZONA (61 - 50) at LA DODGERS (58 - 51) - 10:10 PM
LIVAN HERNANDEZ (R) vs. DEREK LOWE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 22-9 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 61-50 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 61-50 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 45-33 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 37-23 (+14.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
LOWE is 14-20 (-13.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 7-3 (+4.1 Units) against ARIZONA this season
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.6 Units, Under=-0.6 Units)

LIVAN HERNANDEZ vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 7-12 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.41 and a WHIP of 1.458.
His team's record is 8-17 (-7.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 12-10. (+0.8 units)

DEREK LOWE vs. ARIZONA since 1997
LOWE is 2-5 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 4.62 and a WHIP of 1.638.
His team's record is 4-6 (-3.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-3. (+3.4 units)




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


TEXAS (48 - 61) at TORONTO (54 - 54) - 1:05 PM
KAMERON LOE (R) vs. SHAUN MARCUM (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 38-17 (+15.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 97-62 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 23-30 (-9.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 5-3 (+2.5 Units) against TORONTO this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.4 Units)

KAMERON LOE vs. TORONTO since 1997
LOE is 0-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 1.35 and a WHIP of 0.600.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

SHAUN MARCUM vs. TEXAS since 1997
MARCUM is 0-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.600.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)




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


KANSAS CITY (48 - 60) at NY YANKEES (59 - 50) - 1:05 PM
KYLE DAVIES (R) vs. PHILIP HUGHES (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 48-60 (+6.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 17-15 (+21.1 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +200 to +225 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 24-29 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 43-53 (+6.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 36-42 (+7.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 30-34 (+11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
KANSAS CITY is 34-44 (+17.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 59-50 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 78-67 (-45.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 17-21 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
NY YANKEES are 53-44 (-15.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY YANKEES are 58-43 (-25.2 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 87-67 (-24.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 4-1 (+2.5 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

KYLE DAVIES vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.

PHILIP HUGHES vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.




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LA ANGELS (63 - 45) at OAKLAND (52 - 58) - 3:55 PM
KELVIM ESCOBAR (R) vs. JOE BLANTON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 23-7 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 96-65 (+26.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 117-105 (+19.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 120-103 (+19.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 41-27 (+16.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 29-14 (+14.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 29-19 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 240-172 (+30.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 62-47 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 52-58 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 28-29 (-10.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
OAKLAND is 50-53 (-8.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 35-41 (-10.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 20-31 (-15.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 7-4 (+4.6 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.4 Units)

KELVIM ESCOBAR vs. OAKLAND since 1997
ESCOBAR is 4-8 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 4.83 and a WHIP of 1.520.
His team's record is 6-11 (-7.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-7. (+1.2 units)

JOE BLANTON vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
BLANTON is 1-6 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 3.69 and a WHIP of 1.344.
His team's record is 2-7 (-4.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-6. (-4.3 units)




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CHI WHITE SOX (50 - 59) at DETROIT (61 - 47) - 7:05 PM
JAVIER VAZQUEZ (R) vs. JEREMY BONDERMAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 63-68 (-18.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
VAZQUEZ is 23-30 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VAZQUEZ is 20-25 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 165-119 (+23.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 39-21 (+14.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
DETROIT is 149-105 (+20.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 111-74 (+23.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 81-43 (+20.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 125-99 (+27.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 57-39 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 99-77 (+23.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 78-62 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 184-118 (+50.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 151-100 (+31.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 119-94 (+24.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 37-28 (+18.2 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 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 8-14 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 6-4 (+2.9 Units) against DETROIT this season
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.9 Units)

JAVIER VAZQUEZ vs. DETROIT since 1997
VAZQUEZ is 2-4 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 5.12 and a WHIP of 1.216.
His team's record is 2-4 (-4.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-1. (+4.0 units)

JEREMY BONDERMAN vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
BONDERMAN is 5-7 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 4.06 and a WHIP of 1.004.
His team's record is 6-7 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-10. (-8.1 units)




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BALTIMORE (51 - 57) at TAMPA BAY (41 - 67) - 7:10 PM
BRIAN BURRES (L) vs. SCOTT KAZMIR (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 13-31 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 60-54 (+17.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 37-32 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
KAZMIR is 6-0 (+7.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 21-15 (+9.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BALTIMORE is 28-23 (+6.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
TAMPA BAY is 41-67 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 28-48 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 12-33 (-22.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 7-28 (-20.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 9-1 (+8.5 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.6 Units)

BRIAN BURRES vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.

SCOTT KAZMIR vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
KAZMIR is 2-3 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 4.88 and a WHIP of 1.646.
His team's record is 3-6 (-3.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-4. (+0.6 units)




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CLEVELAND (62 - 47) at MINNESOTA (55 - 53) - 7:10 PM
AARON LAFFEY (L) vs. MATT GARZA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 140-131 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 93-97 (-22.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 68-70 (-19.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 80-62 (+20.7 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 7-2 (+5.8 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.6 Units)

AARON LAFFEY vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
No recent starts.

MATT GARZA vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
GARZA is 0-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.27 and a WHIP of 1.364.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)




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BOSTON (66 - 43) at SEATTLE (60 - 47) - 10:05 PM
DAISUKE MATSUZAKA (R) vs. JARROD WASHBURN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 11-22 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 41-48 (-22.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 60-47 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 37-20 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SEATTLE is 26-16 (+12.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 57-44 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 44-32 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 35-24 (+13.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SEATTLE is 23-17 (+10.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WASHBURN is 36-23 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 5-2 (+4.6 Units) against BOSTON this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)

DAISUKE MATSUZAKA vs. SEATTLE since 1997
MATSUZAKA is 0-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 4.95 and a WHIP of 1.150.
His team's record is 1-2 (-2.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

JARROD WASHBURN vs. BOSTON since 1997
WASHBURN is 3-4 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.84 and a WHIP of 1.484.
His team's record is 5-6 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-8. (-6.0 units)




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[Udog]

MLB
Short Sheet


Saturday, August 4th

National League

(TC) Colorado at Atlanta, 7:05 EST
Ubaldo Jimenez (R) vs. Tim Hudson (R)
Jimenez: Colorado 13-8 SU as an underdog of +150 or higher
Hudson: Atlanta 20-8 Over in the second half of the season

NY Mets at Chicago Cubs, 3:55 EST FOX
John Maine (R) vs. Ted Lilly (L)
Maine: 11-1 TSR away pitching off a team win
Lilly: Cubs 5-0 Over vs. NY Mets

Houston at Florida, 7:05 EST
Jason Jennings (R) vs. Sergio Mitre (R)
Jennings: Houston 15-5 Over away on Saturdays
Mitre: 1-7 TSR as a favorite

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, 7:05 EST
Bobby Livingston (L) vs. Matt Morris (R)
Livingston: Cincinnati 10-22 SU off BB Overs
Morris: 14-5 Over off BB starts allowing 1 or 0 walks

Philadelphia at Milwaukee, 7:05 EST
Cole Hamels (L) vs. Dave Bush (R)
Hamels: 8-0 TSR vs. NL Central opponents
Bush: 8-2 Over vs. NL East opponents

St. Louis at Washington, 7:05 EST
Joel Pineiro (R) vs. Joel Hanrahan (R)
Pineiro: 12-29 TSR away pitching off a team loss
Hanrahan: Washington 10-3 SU at home off BB games hitting 0 home runs

San Francisco at San Diego, 10:05 EST
Patrick Misch (L) vs. Clay Hensley (R)
Misch: San Francisco 3-11 SU off 3+ games hitting 0 home runs
Hensley: San Diego 23-11 Over after the bullpen allowed 0 runs in BB games

Arizona at LA Dodgers, 10:10 EST
Livan Hernanez (R) vs. Derek Lowe (R)
Hernandez: Arizona 22-9 Under away off an Under
Lowe: Dodgers 21-9 SU after allowing 2 runs or less


American League

Texas at Toronto, 1:05 EST
Kameron Loe (R) vs. Shaun Marcum (R)
Loe: 18-7 Under as an underdog
Marcum: Toronto 8-18 SU off a win by 2 runs or less

Kansas City at NY Yankees, 1:05 EST
Kyle Davies (R) vs. Phil Hughes (R)
Davies: 12-3 Over pitching off a team loss
Hughes: Yankees 9-1 SU at home vs. Kansas City

LA Angels at Oakland, 3:55 EST FOX
Kelvim Escobar (R) vs. Joe Blanton (R)
Escobar: 16-3 Under in the second half of the season
Blanton: 2-10 TSR with a line of +125 to -125

Chicago White Sox at Detroit, 7:05 EST
Javier Vazquez (R) vs. Jeremy Bonderman (R)
Vazquez: 8-15 TSR in the second half of the season
Bonderman: 9-1 TSR after allowing 7+ runs last start

Baltimore at Tampa Bay, 7:10 EST
Brian Burres (L) vs. Scott Kazmir (L)
Burres: Baltimore 13-31 SU away vs. left-handed starters
Kazmir: 6-0 TSR at home with a total of 9 to 9.5 runs

(TC) Cleveland at Minnesota, 3:55 EST FOX
Aaron Laffey (L) vs. Matt Garza (R)
Laffey: CLeveland 7-2 SU vs. Minnesota
Garza: Minnesota 1-7 SU at home off a division loss as a favorite

Boston at Seattle, 10:05 EST
Daisuke Matsuzaka (R) vs. Jarrod Washburn (L)
Matsuzaka: Boston 11-22 SU in August
Washburn: Seattle 23-9 SU after winning 3 of their last 4 games

** (TC) Denotes Time Change