Wednesday Trends and Indexes 08/08

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Trends and Indexes
Wednesday, August 8

Good Luck on day #220 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.

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Six-pack for Wednesday

Six stats from the 2007 NFL Record and Fact Book.....

-- The visiting team won 120 NFL games last year (out of a possible 256), eight more than in any other season.

-- 117 games (45.6%) were decided by seven points or less; 61 games (23.8%) were decided by three or less points.

-- Philip Rivers' career W-L record as a starter is 14-2; Ben Roethlisberger's is 29-11, Eli Manning's 20-19.

-- In last three seasons, seven of 24 division winners were last in their division the previous year.

-- Teams converted 21 of 41 two-point conversions a year ago (51.2%); since the rule was instituted in '94, teams are 498 for 1,119 (44.5%). In last five seasons, 2-point tries are down-- 98-66-76-53-41.

-- Arizona Cardinals scored most first quarter points of any NFL team last year (104); they finished season 5-11-- in the second half of games, they were outscored 205-129.

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List of 13 (plus):

Late Report-- Bonds sets home run record.............

A 22-year old from Queens named Matt Murphy got Bonds' home run ball; he turned down all interview requests during the game, and is supposedly headed to Australia in next few days for a vacation. Looks like it'll be a free vacation.

It took exactly a half hour after Barry Bonds hit homer #756 for an in-game promo for 5,000 limited-edition commemorative Barry Bonds 34-inch long bats, which are selling for a mere $129.95 each. Get yours now, they're selling like hotcakes.

The next half-inning, for only $45, you can get t-shirt and hat to commemorate this event. I better not hear anyone rip guy who has the ball when he tries to make his own little killing.

-- At roughly ten before midnight on Tuesday, August, 7, the home run record was set. Now we can get on with real life.

-- Best action of the whole night was the fight for the ball out in rightcenter field as Bonds hit home run #756.

-- Washington pitcher Bacsik left the field, went to dugout as a ceremony took place right after, complete with a videotaped message on the scoreboard from the great Henry Aaron, but other than Bonds, his family and the Giants, there wasn't big ceremony like the one with McGwire and Sosa back in '98. .

-- The guy who wound up with the ball almost had his shirt torn off, and was escorted by half dozen cops as he left his seat and went to start negotiations for his big payday.

-- Ryan Zimmerman stood on the field with his glove on top of his head as Bonds spoke to the crowd. Seriously.

-- You think Giant announcers Duane Kuiper, Mike Krukow are glad this is over? This whole mess turned Krukow into a shameless homer, when he really is a good announcer. Now they can stop walking on eggshells and just do their job.

-- How happy was Bud Selig to miss this?

-- By the way, Bonds' homer came in fifth inning, was third hit of game for him, and gave Giants a 5-4 lead.

-- Giants let Bonds take field for top of 6th, then took Zito and him out in a doubleswitch, so he could get another ovation.

-- Too bad the guy isn't at least a little bit likeable.

Wednesday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but.........

13) If I were the kid who caught Alex Rodriguez' 500th homer, I'd be milking it for every penny possible; ARod makes $17K+ an inning, so if he wants this keepsake, he'd be paying for it. Supposedly, the kid already turned down $10,000 for it. I hear on the radio that the kid should give ARod the ball; why? In this day and age, its every person for himself, and this is the guy's chance to make a small killing. Go for it.

12) Mike Piazza claimed waivers, meaning none of the other 29 teams in baseball wanted him for free, then Rangers gave Swisher an intentional walk in 13th Monday night to put two on and two out, with Piazza coming up, but he crossed up the strategy and got a game-winning hit to opposite field. He can still help someone as a DH, I think.

11) How in the name of Leon Spinks is text messaging while driving a car allowed? They need to outlaw this quickly; it is way worse than talking on the phone while driving.

10) You know an organization is grasping at straws when the AAA team, in this case the A's' Sacramento team, has used 41 different pitchers this season. Just an amazing number.

9) The Padres were praised for acquiring Milton Bradley, but this Brown, the relief pitcher they gave Oakland for him, has been doing great, and is a building block for next season.

8) Umpires rejected baseball's attempt to strongarm them as far as background checks are concerned. Baseball needs the checks to be done, but they should negotiate them into the umps' contracts. Nobody wants a repeat of the NBA's mess.

7) Frank Robinson was on TV during Giants' game Monday; he was saying that when he managed the Indians, he got so many death threats he actually wore bulletproof vest for two or three games. Scary stuff.

On to some NFL stuff..........
6) Detroit's Jon Kitna got knocked down 94 times last year, most of any NFL quarterback.

5) Dolphins' head coach Cam Cameron held a coaching clinic for south Florida coaches, and as part of the clinic, gave out 1,000 copies of Tony Dungy's book; he was that impressed by the message it sent, that you can coach, teach and lead without screaming and yelling like a tyrant. Interesting......

4) Administration down at South Carolina rejected two kids who were NCAA-eligible to play football, which is not good if you're Steve Spurrier, and he lashed out at the school. With their sorry history in football, Gamecocks better hope the ol' ball coach doesn't get mad and go somewhere else; it is hard enough to win in SEC, without having academic standards., and I am not being snide when I say that. Its the truth.

3) Its hard to believe that Pacman Jones is helping his cause with the NFL by joining TNA Wrestling. Maybe he needs a little cash, but staying out of limelight would be better, no?

2) Moments that define a generation: When the Rams had to hire a coach to replace Chuck Knox in '78, they chose George Allen for his second tour of duty with the Rams, then had to fire him during the preseason to avoid a player revolt. Their second choice for the job? Some guy named Bill Walsh.

1) The NFL charges regular season prices for preseason tilts, which isn't exactly ethical, but they get away with it, and it is why reducing the preseason from four to two games is tough to do, because no owner likes to give back money, even if it would improve the product, which it would.

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Barry Bonds hits No. 756 to break Hank Aaron's all-time home run record
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SAN FRANCISCO -- Barry Bonds hit No. 756 over the right-center field wall Tuesday night, and hammered home the point: Like him or not, legitimate or not, he is baseball's new home run king.

Bonds broke Hank Aaron's storied record in the fifth inning, connecting on a 3-2 pitch from Washington's Mike Bacsik. Three days earlier, Bonds tied the Hammer with a shot to left-center in San Diego.

The Giants entered the game as -142 favorites.

Conspicuous by their absence were the commissioner and Aaron himself.

Bud Selig was on hand for the tiebreaking homer, deciding to put baseball history ahead of the steroid allegations that have plagued the San Francisco Giants slugger. On this night, he sent an emissary, Major League Baseball executive vice president Jimmie Lee Solomon.

As for Aaron, he said all along he had no interest in being there whenever and wherever his 33-year-old mark was broken. He was true to his word, but he did offer a taped message of congratulations.

Absent, too, were the fans who held up asterisk signs, sure that Bonds wasn't the real deal and that his power came from steroids.

Bonds didn't face such suspicions at AT&T Park, in front of a loyal, home crowd that included his godfather, Hall of Famer Willie Mays. Bonds has always denied knowingly using performance-enhancing drugs.

Yet even with Bonds at the top of the chart, fans will surely keep debating which slugger they consider the true home run champion. Some will continue to cling to Aaron while other, older rooters will always say it's Babe Ruth.

''It's all about history. Pretty soon, someone will come along and pass him,'' Mays said before the game.

A seven-time NL MVP, the 43-year-old Bonds hit his 22nd home run of the year. Bonds broke Mark McGwire's single-season record by hitting 73 in 2001 and while he's no longer such a force, opposing pitchers remain wary.

Bonds and Giants management bickered in the offseason over contract issues. This big night was the main reason owner Peter Magowan brought back the star left fielder for a 15th season in San Francisco, signing him to a $15.8 million, one-year contract.

Bonds' once-rapid quest for the record had slowed in recent years as his age and balky knees diminished his pace. He hit 258 home runs from 2000-04, but has only 53 since then.

While steroids have tinged Bonds' pursuit, it was race that was the predominant issue when Aaron broke Ruth's mark in 1974. Aaron dealt with hate mail and death threats from racist fans who thought a black man was not worthy of breaking the record set by a white hero, the beloved Babe.

Former commissioner Bowie Kuhn watched Aaron tie the record but was not present for the record-breaker, a slight that bothered many fans of Aaron. Selig is a close friend of Aaron's and offered Bonds tepid congratulations when he tied the record.

''I think Hank is his own man,'' Mays said. ''I think if he wanted to be here he would be here.''

''When he hit 715, the commissioner wasn't there,'' he said. ''You may not blame him because he wasn't represented the right way.''

Bonds was destined for stardom at an early age. The son of All-Star outfielder Bobby Bonds and the godson of one of the game's greatest players, Bonds spent his childhood years roaming the clubhouse at Candlestick Park, getting tips from Mays and other Giants.

''I visualized him playing sports at a high level. He was 5 when he was in my locker all the time,'' Mays said.

In a matter of years, Bonds went from a wiry leadoff hitter with Pittsburgh in 1986 to a bulked-up slugger. That transformation is at the heart of his many doubters, who believe Bonds cheated to accomplish his feats and should not be considered the record-holder.

There are plenty of fans already hoping for the day that Bonds' total - whatever it ends up - is topped. Rodriguez may have the best chance, with his 500 home runs at age 32 far ahead of Bonds' pace.

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Hank Aaron statement on Barry Bonds' achievement
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Henry Aaron issued the following statement after Barry Bonds hit home run No. 756 Tuesday night to break Aaron's all-time home run record. Aaron also taped this message in a video tribute to Bonds that was played at AT&T Park:

''From the desk of Henry Aaron:

I would like to offer my congratulations to Barry Bonds on becoming baseball's career home run leader. It is a great accomplishment which required skill, longevity and determination.

Throughout the past century, the home run has held a special place in baseball, and I have been privileged to hold this record for 33 of those years. I move over now and offer my best wishes to Barry and his family on this historic achievement.

My hope today, as it was on that April evening in 1974, is that the achievement of this record will inspire others to chase their own dreams.''

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Baseball - Tips & Trends

MLB

Wednesday, August 8

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Tips and Trends
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Milwaukee Brewers at Colorado Rockies (3:05 PM ET)

Milwaukee’s Yovani Gallardo threw 4 2/3 innings of shutout relief against the Colorado Rockies on July 14, after taking over for the injured Ben Sheets in the fourth innings. The rookie right-hander allowed just one hit and struck out five during the appearance. EDGE: BREWERS
Gallardo has been lights out since the All-Star break, posting a perfect 3-0 record and 1.86 ERA in five outings. He’s allowed just one home run and 18 hits in 29 innings of work. EDGE: BREWERS
Rockies left-hander Jeff Francis is a solid 5-3 with a 4.50 ERA in 12 home starts this season. Colorado has won six straight games with Francis on the hill at Coors Field. EDGE: ROCKIES
Francis is a brilliant 3-0 with a 2.53 ERA in three daytime starts in 2007. Opposing hitters have hit for just a .205 average in those starts against him, as the left-hander has allowed just 16 hits in 21 1/3 innings. EDGE: ROCKIES
The Rockies are 9-1 in Francis’ last 10 starts versus the NL Central.



Seattle Mariners at Baltimore Orioles (7:05 PM ET)

Seattle right-hander Felix Hernandez is an even 2-2 with a 5.65 ERA in five career starts versus Baltimore. He suffered an 8-3 loss against the Orioles on July 17, allowing three runs and eight hits over six innings. SLIGHT EDGE: ORIOLES
The Mariners have picked up two straight victories with Hernandez on the mound, as the right-hander allowed just five earned runs and 13 hits over 15 innings of work against Los Angeles and Oakland. EDGE: MARINERS
Orioles right-hander Jeremy Guthrie picked up a victory in his first career start against the Mariners, allowing two runs and six hits over six innings of work. SLIGHT EDGE: ORIOLES
Guthrie’s 3.86 ERA since the All-Star break is much higher than his 2.74 first-half ERA, but the right-hander has still posted a 3-1 record. He’s allowed five home runs in 28 innings since the break compared to nine in 102 innings in the first-half. SLIGHT EDGE: MARINERS
The Orioles are 0-4 in Guthrie’s last four starts as a favorite.



Florida Marlins at Philadelphia Phillies (7:05 PM ET)

Florida starter Dontrelle Willis is 8-5 with a 3.80 ERA in 19 career starts versus Philadelphia. The left-hander is a perfect 2-0 with a 4.82 ERA in three starts against them in 2007. EDGE: MARLINS
The Marlins have lost five straight games with Willis on the mound, as the offense has managed to score three runs or less in four games during that span. EDGE: PHILLIES
Philadelphia’s Kyle Lohse is an even 1-1 with a 3.55 ERA in two career starts against Florida. He was reached for four earned runs and eight hits versus the Marlins three starts back, picking up a 10-2 road loss. SLIGHT EDGE: MARLINS
Lohse is 4-3 with a 2.57 ERA in nine home starts this season compared to a miserable 2-9 record and 6.46 ERA on the road. EDGE: PHILLIES
The Marlins are 13-3 in Willis’ last 16 starts versus the NL East.



New York Yankees at Toronto Blue Jays (7:07 PM ET)

New York ace Chien-Ming Wang is a rock solid 3-1 with a 3.06 ERA in five career starts versus Toronto. The sinkerballer was handed a 3-2 home loss versus the Blue Jays on July 19, giving up three runs and seven hits over 7 1/3 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: YANKEES
Wang has an impressive 6-1 record on the road in 2007. The Yankees have supported the right-hander with 33 runs in his last four starts away from Yankee Stadium. EDGE: YANKEES
Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay is an impressive 9-4 with a 3.01 ERA in 24 career outings versus New York. The former Cy Young winner picked up a 3-2 no-decision to the Yankees on July 17, allowing one run and five hits over seven innings. EDGE: BLUE JAYS
Halladay is one of the more dominant pitchers in the American League at the Rogers Centre, going 8-1 with a 3.48 ERA in 11 starts. The Blue Jays have outscored opponents 14-4 in his two home starts since the All-Star break. EDGE: BLUE JAYS
The Yankees are 14-3 in Wang’s last 17 road starts.



Chicago Cubs at Houston Astros (8:05 PM ET)

Chicago’s Carlos Zambrano has overpowered Houston in his 21 starts against them, posting a 10-5 record and 2.29 ERA. He’s allowed just 87 hits while striking out 122 in 133 2/3 innings. EDGE: CUBS
Zambrano has enjoyed an incredible season on the road in 2007, going 9-2 with a 2.83 ERA. The Cubs have picked up eight road wins in his last nine starts away from Wrigley Field. EDGE: CUBS
Astros ace Roy Oswalt is one of the best home pitchers in the Majors, tallying a 7-1 record and 2.30 ERA through 14 starts this season. He dominated the Padres in his last start at Minute Maid Park, allowing no earned runs and three hits over seven innings. EDGE: ASTROS
Houston has picked up seven victories in Oswalt’s last eight starts. The right-hander has allowed just two earned runs over his last 19 1/3 innings. EDGE: ASTROS
The UNDER is 10-3-1 in the last 14 meetings.



San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals (8:10 PM ET)

San Diego starter Greg Maddux is 26-19 with a 2.72 ERA in 55 career outings against St. Louis. The future Hall-of-Fame pitcher was 3-1 with a 2.96 ERA in four starts versus the Cardinals in 2006. EDGE: PADRES
Maddux is a disappointing 2-4 with a 4.70 ERA in 12 road starts this season. The Padres have lost three straight games away from Petco Park with Maddux on the mound, with the offense scoring just nine runs over that span. EDGE: CARDINALS
Cardinals right-hander Kip Wells is 4-2 with a 3.65 ERA in seven career starts versus the Padres. He’s allowed just 33 hits and four home runs in 44 1/3 innings against them. EDGE: CARDINALS
Wells has posted a dismal 2-5 record and 4.83 ERA in 12 home outings this season. The right-hander hasn’t posted a home victory since June 20 against the Kansas City Royals. EDGE: PADRES
The Padres are 18-46 in the last 64 meetings.



Washington Nationals at San Francisco Giants (10:15 PM ET)

Washington’s Tim Redding is 0-2 with a 7.53 ERA in five career outings versus San Francisco. He’s allowed 19 hits and walked 11 batters in just 14 1/3 innings against them. EDGE: GIANTS
Redding has posted six straight quality starts this season, with the Nationals alternating wins and losses in all of them. The Nationals picked up a 3-2 home victory over the Cardinals in his last start. SLIGHT EDGE: GIANTS
Giants right-hander Matt Cain is 0-2 with a 4.35 ERA in three career starts versus the Nationals. He’s struck out 21 batters and walked just nine in 20 2/3 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: NATIONALS
Cain has a dismal 1-7 record in 11 home starts this season, even though he carries a respectable 4.46 ERA. The Giants picked up a 4-3 victory in his last home start against Florida on July 28, allowing three runs and six hits over seven innings. SLIGHT EDGE: NATIONALS
The UNDER is 10-4 in Cain’s last 14 starts as a home favorite.

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[pm530]

Baseball – Betting Notes

MLB


Wednesday, August 8

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MLB Betting Notes
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Wednesday’s MLB betting notes

Tigers getting healthy

Injuries have had a major impact on the Detroit Tigers' season so far, but things finally seem to be turning around as two key players get set to return. On Wednesday, Gary Sheffield will feature in the lineup for the first time in over a week, while first baseman Marcus Thames is due back on Thursday.

Sheffield was given a cortisone shot earlier this week to help with a recurring shoulder problem, but the outfielder is quick to downplay expectations about his comeback.

"I'm not sure if I'll get all my strength back," he told the Detroit News on Monday, "but I should get enough to be able to play in another day or two. I'm not saying it'll be as strong as before I injured it, but hopefully I can get it close."

As for Thames, he has been on the disabled list since mid-July with a pulled hamstring. He spent this week getting much-needed at-bats with Triple-A Toledo.

"I just want to come back and see if I can help the ballclub," he told the News. ""With my workouts and treatment, I've responded pretty well every day. My leg's fine. Now I've got to go down and get some at-bats."

For Sheffield’s return on Wednesday, the Tigers take on the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for the second of a three-game series. Chad Durbin (7-3, 4.36) and James Shields (8-7, 4.45) are the starters and Detroit is a –000 favorite with the total set at 0 ½.

Giambi return signals changes

Jason Giambi finished up his rehab assignment on Sunday and flew into Toronto to meet his Yankees teammates the next day. While his return is likely to improve an already hot New York offense, it will also create some headaches for manager Joe Torre.

The Yankees are likely to activate Giambi on Wednesday and the first issue will be finding him a spot on the active roster. Then they have to figure out a way to get at-bats for Giambi when several players already battling for the designated hitter spot on a daily basis.

"I think we're going to have to ask the players to understand," Torre told MLB.com. "Everyone we have here is capable of helping us down through August and September. I think everybody is going to have to give a day here and there to get Jason into the lineup."

Giambi was batting .252 before picking up a foot injury in June and if he returns on Wednesday, he will face Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay (12-5, 4.13). The Yankees will counter with Chien-Ming Wang (13-5, 3.49) and oddsmakers price them at –000 to take that game.

Media reports surprise Geren

The Oakland Athletics have lost 15 of their last 25 games, but that’s the least of manager Bob Geren’s problems this week. A report in Sunday’s San Francisco Chronicle claims that there is a split in the A’s clubhouse, with some players questioning his leadership.

The Chronicle states that several players – none of whom would go on the record – say that Geren is "wishy-washy" and "oblivious." Those players also reportedly said Geren is so fearful of getting a negative image that he won’t be critical when necessary.

A disappointed Geren said little in response to the article, but did reveal he had addressed the situation internally.

"I don't want to get into this too much, because I met with the team, and it's really something that should stay in the clubhouse," Geren told MLB.com. "But it obviously caught me off-guard. I mean, I don't even know who said what, or if they said it at all, or if it was one guy having a bad day or what. I just wish they had come to me."

The A’s, now 12 games back in the AL West, look to get their season back on track when they face Texas in the last installment of a three-game series on Wednesday. The game features the pitching matchup of Lenny DiNardo (6-5, 3.19) and Kevin Millwood (7-9, 5.98) and Oakland is a –000 favorite.

Morneau slumping

Minnesota Twins first baseman Justin Morneau is currently in an 0-for-17 slump and is without a home run in 45 at-bats entering Tuesday’s play. He was held hitless over four games against the Cleveland Indians this week, but Twins manager Ron Gardenhire is not concerned.

"They've been pitching him really tough, making good pitches," Gardenhire told MLB.com. "And I really like to see it when Justin gets to the plate, no matter if he's not hitting it good, or whatever you want to call it. When he walks to the plate, there's always the chance for something really good to happen, and that's all you can ask for."

In fact, it's not just Morneau who is struggling; the entire heart of the Twins lineup has gone cold this week. The four, five and six hitters went just 3-for-21 over four games against the Indians.

The Twins offense will be eager to break out of that slide as they continue a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday. Johan Santana (11-9, 2.98) will face Odalis Perez (6-10, 5.79) on the mound. Minnesota is a –000 favorite.

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[pm530]

Baseball – Write up

MLB
Write-up


Wednesday, August 8

Hot Pitchers
-- Gallardo is 4-0, 2.47 in seven starts this season. Colorado won last seven Francis starts, scoring 49 runs.
-- Reds won nine of last ten Harang starts.
-- Mets are 0-3 against Smoltz (2-0, 3.86) this season, but they're 7-1 in last eight Hernandez starts. .
-- Zambrano is 9-2, 1.54 in his last twelve starts. Oswalt is 3-0, 1.42 in his last three starts.
-- Kim is 2-0, 1.77 in his last three starts, but is now pitching for his third different team this season.
-- Redding is 1-1, 0.95 in his last three starts; the Giant skipper Bochy was his manager when he was with Padres.

-- Guthrie is 3-0, 2.59 in his last four starts.
-- Bronx is 13-2 in Wang's last fifteen starts. Halladay is 2-1, 2.10 in his last four starts.
-- Sabathia has a 2.61 RA in his last three starts.
-- A's won three of last four Dinardo starts.

Cold Pitchers
-- Willis is 0-3, 7.71 in his last six starts. Lohse has 9.49 RA in his last three starts.
-- Billingsley is 0-2, 3.75 in his last couple starts.
-- Cardinals are 4-16 in Wells starts this season. Maddux is 0-4, 5.35 in his last seven starts.
-- Pirates are 7-11 in last eighteen Maholm starts.
-- Giants are 3-15 in Cain's last eighteen starts.

-- Durbin makes first start since June 19; he gave up two runs in six IP at Tampa on May 28, a game Rays rallied to win later on. Rays lost eight of last ten Shields starts.
-- Hernandez is 1-2, 4.67 in his last four starts.
-- Garland has 10.31 RA in his last six starts.
-- Perez is 2-2, 6.68 in his last six starts. Santana is 0-3, 5.54 in his last four starts.
-- Rangers lost fou rof Millwood's last five starts.
-- Lester has 5.09 RA in three starts this season. Moseley has a 6.52 RA in his last couple starts.


Totals
-- Under is 14-5-1 in last twenty Francis starts.
-- Over is 6-1 in Phillies' last seven games.
-- Under is 4-1 in Dodgers' last five road games.
-- Over is 5-2 in Mets' last seven home games.
-- Over is 7-2 in Astros' last nine games.
-- Over is 8-3-2 in last thirteen St Louis games.
-- Over is 9-2 in last eleven Pittsburgh games.
-- Over is 5-2-2 in Washington's last nine games.

-- Over is 5-2 in Devil Rays' last seven road games.
-- Over is 4-1 in last five Toronto home games.
-- Four of last five Mariner games went over the total.
-- Last ten Minnesota games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 9-1 in Cleveland's last ten games.
-- Four of last five Texas games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Angel home games went over the total.


Hot Teams
-- Phillies won nine of their last eleven home games.
-- Braves won six of their last eight games. Mets are 12-6 in their last eighteen home games.
-- Cincinnati won nine of its last twelve home games.
-- Padres won five of their last game games.
-- Astros won six of their last eight home games.
-- Colorado is 20-5 in its last 25 games at Coors Field.
-- Arizona is 13-3 in its last sixteen games.
-- Nationals won seven of their last eight games.

-- Orioles won nine of last eleven home games.
-- Blue Jays are 8-2 in last ten home games, but lost first two in this series. Bronx is 15-4 in its last nineteen games.
-- White Sox won four of their last six games. Indians are 6-3 in their last nine road games.
-- Angels won their last six home games.

Cold Teams
-- Florida lost seven of last nine road games.
-- Dodgers lost last five games and ten of last twelve.
-- Cardinals lost six of their last seven games.
-- Cubs lost four of their last five games.
-- Brewers are 4-13 in their last seventeen road games.
-- Pirates lost nine of their last eleven road games.
-- Giants lost five of their last seven games.

-- Tigers lost nine of their last twelve games. Devil Rays lost 14 of their last seventeen games.
-- Seattle lost six of its last seven home games.
-- Royals lost five of their last seven games. Twins lost seven of their last nine road games.
-- Rangers lost eight of their last ten games. A's are 4-9 on road in their last thirteen road games.
-- Red Sox are 2-4 in their last six road games.

Umpires
-- Mil-Col-- Underdog is 8-7 in last fifteen Holbrook games.
-- Fla-Phil-- Under is 8-4 in last dozen Rapuano games.
-- LA-Cin-- Five of last seven Kulpa games stayed under total.
-- Atl-NY-- Four of last five Poncino games stayed under total.
-- Chi-Hst-- Underdog is 4-3 in last seven Meriwether games.
-- SD-StL-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six McClelland games.
-- Pitt-Az-- Four of last five Demuth games went over the total.
-- Wsh-SF-- Home side won five of last six Bell games.

-- TB-Det-- Underdog is 3-2 in last five Fletcher games.
-- NY-Tor-- Last five Cousins games stayed under the total.
-- Sea-Blt-- Six of last seven Randazzo games went over total.
-- Min-KC-- Home side won seven of last eight Nauert games.
-- Cle-Chi-- Home side won ten of last twelve Drake games.
-- A's-Tex-- Home side won seven of last nine Guccione games.
-- Bos-LA-- Favorite is 11-1 in last dozen Hallion games.

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[pm530]

Baseball Today - August 8

SCOREBOARD
Wednesday, Aug. 8
Seattle at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EDT). Seattle's Felix Hernandez and Baltimore's Jeremy Guthrie are each seeking win No. 8.

STARS
Tuesday

-- Barry Bonds, Giants, hit home run No. 756 to break Hank Aaron's career record in San Francisco's 8-6 loss to Washington.

-- Ryan Howard, Phillies, homered twice in Philadelphia's 11-1 victory over Florida.

-- Raul Ibanez, Mariners, had two homers and four RBIs in Seattle's 10-3 win over Baltimore.

-- Jake Westbrook, Indians, allowed one run and two hits in eight innings to help Cleveland beat the Chicago White Sox 2-1.

-- Todd Helton, Rockies, hit two home runs in Colorado's 11-4 win over Milwaukee.

756

Barry Bonds hit No. 756 to the deepest part of the ballpark Tuesday night, and hammered home the point: Like him or not, legitimate or not, he is baseball's new home run king. Bonds broke Hank Aaron's storied record in the fifth inning, connecting on a 3-2 pitch from Washington's Mike Bacsik. Three days earlier, Bonds tied the Hammer with a shot to left-center in San Diego.

NEAR BRAWL

Alex Rodriguez got hit, and Roger Clemens made sure it didn't go unanswered. Rodriguez was hit on his calf by a pitch from Toronto's Josh Towers during the New York Yankees' 9-2 victory over the Blue Jays on Tuesday, and Clemens plunked Alex Rios in the middle of his back. Benches and bullpens emptied twice after Rodriguez was hit in the third inning. Clemens and Yankees manager Joe Torre were ejected after Rios was hit by the first pitch of the seventh. No punches were thrown.

SHUTOUT CENTRAL

Jake Peavy allowed three hits in six innings and San Diego beat St. Louis 4-0 on Tuesday night for its major league-leading 16th shutout of the season. St. Louis was blanked for the 10th time, tying Minnesota for the major league lead.

PICKUPS PAYING OFF

Two of the Texas Rangers' major acquisitions at the trade deadline gave their fans something to cheer about on Tuesday night. Jarrod Saltalamacchia drove in the tiebreaking run with a sixth-inning double and Kason Gabbard went six innings to earn his first win with Texas, leading the Rangers to a 8-6 victory over Oakland. Texas acquired both in major deals on July 31 -- the deadline for making trades without waivers.

STREAKS

Cincinnati beat Los Angeles 4-0 on Tuesday night to hand the Dodgers their fifth loss in a row, their longest losing streak of the season. They've dropped 14 of their last 19 overall, a slump that has dumped them from first to third in the NL West. ... Jeff Kent singled in the first inning for the Dodgers and has reached base safely in his last 39 games, the longest active streak in the majors. ... Jake Peavy allowed three hits in six innings to extend his scoreless streak to 19 innings and San Diego topped St. Louis 4-0. ... The New York Yankees beat Toronto 9-2 to win their fifth straight and improve to 20-7 since the All-Star break.

SPEAKING

"I knew I hit it. I knew I got it. I was like, phew, finally." -- Barry Bonds.

SEASONS
August 8

1903 -- A week after pitching his first doubleheader triumph, Joe "Iron Man" McGinnity of the New York Giants scored a double victory over the Brooklyn Dodgers 6-1 and 4-3. In the second game, he stole home.

1915 -- Philadelphia's Gavvy Cravath hit four doubles and drove in eight runs in a 14-7 victory over the Reds at Cincinnati.

1920 -- Howard Ehmke of the Detroit Tigers pitched the fastest 1-0 game in American League history -- 1 hour, 13 minutes, for a victory against the New York Yankees.

1931 -- Bob Burke of the Washington Senators pitched a 5-0 no-hitter against the Boston Red Sox.

1954 -- The Brooklyn Dodgers pounded the Cincinnati Reds 20-7 at Ebbets Field. The Dodgers scored 13 runs in the eighth inning after two were out.

1973 -- Designated hitter Orlando Cepeda hit four doubles as the Boston Red Sox posted a 9-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals.

1982 -- California's Doug DeCinces hit three home runs in a game for the second time in less than a week. DeCinces hit solo homers in the first and third innings and connected for a two-run shot in the eighth of a 9-5 victory over the Seattle Mariners. DeCinces hit three against Minnesota on Aug. 3.

1985 -- Baseball, after a two-day walkout, resumed playing with 18 games scheduled, including five doubleheaders.

1988 -- The first night game scheduled in the 74-year history of Chicago's Wrigley Field's was postponed with the Cubs leading the Philadelphia Phillies 3-1 after heavy rains started in the bottom of the fourth inning. Philadelphia's Phil Bradley led off the game with a home run, but all numbers were wiped out when the rain came.

1992 -- Oakland's Dennis Eckersley had his consecutive save record snapped at 40. His consecutive save records -- 36 straight to start a season, and 40 straight over two seasons -- ended trying to protect a 2-1 lead in the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals. Eckersley gave up a two-out, two-run single to Gregg Jefferies to give the Royals a 3-2 lead. But the Athletics came back to win the game in the ninth, 5-3.

1997 -- Randy Johnson struck out 19, matching the major league record for left-handers he had tied earlier in the season, as the Seattle Mariners defeated the Chicago White Sox 5-0.

1998 -- Paul Molitor stole his 500th base in Minnesota's 6-3 loss to Baltimore become the fifth player with 3,000 hits and 500 steals. Molitor joined Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Eddie Collins and Lou Brock.

2000 -- Darren Dreifort of the Los Angeles Dodgers hit two homers and was the winning pitcher in a 7-5 victory over the Chicago Cubs.

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

[Udog]

MLB
Top 5: MLB moneymaking teams


1. Washington Nationals (51-61)

They might be 12 ½ games off the pace in the NL east with a losing record, but the Nationals have made a massive 15.17 units of profit this season.

A lot of that money was earned during a recent six-game winning streak in which the Nats were underdogs all but twice. In fact, it’s the consistent underdog prices of Washington that has made them a great team to back, despite their unimpressive record.

Last month, the Nats managed a 14-12 record through 26 games, but they were underdogs in all but two of those 14 wins, making serious profit for bettors who stuck with them consistently through the month.

Washington’s recent success has been built on solid pitching. Out of nowhere, their staff have produced some great outings to post a combined ERA of 2.20 through six games in August – the best in the majors.

The Nationals follow up the current series against San Francisco with a trip to Arizona, and then home stretches against the Phillies and the Mets.



2. Arizona Diamondbacks (63-50)

The Diamondbacks have been grinding out wins since the All-Star break and have clawed their way back from 4 ½ games behind to go up by two in the NL West.

The D-Backs have cost doubters a lot of money with their consistent performances this season, providing 14.57 units of profit so far.

Their recent three-game series against division rivals L.A. is a good example of Arizona’s success. They swept the Angels, keeping them scoreless in two of the three games, but were underdogs on each occasion against the big shots from Los Angeles.

Next up for Arizona is a series against Pittsburgh, followed by a pairing with Washington. If they continue to get strong starts from Brandon Webb, Livan Hernandez and David Wells, the D-Backs should keep pulling out big wins.



3. Colorado Rockies (57-54)

For only the third time in franchise history, the Rockies have posted a winning record in August. At 5 ½ games back, they are still in contention in the NL West and the unexpected success has made them a great team to wager on.

Colorado is 9.36 units in the black this season, mainly due to the fact that they were underdogs in 66 of their 111 games so far – 57 of which were wins.

Hot hitting is a major reason for Colorado’s good form; they have posted the fourth best team average in the National League (.273) and have scored 31 runs in the last six games.

Colorado closes out a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday, and then faces the Chicago Cubs, the San Diego Padres and the L.A. Dodgers over the next few weeks.



4. Seattle Mariners (60-49)

The Seattle Mariners have made the most profit of any team in majors (16.48 units) and it’s mainly down their dominant home form.

The M's are 27-15 at Safeco Field this season, and while that’s not the best home record in the majors, their difficult schedule (Boston, the New York Yankees and Detroit have already visited Safeco this season) means they are home underdogs a surprising amount of the time.

In fact, Seattle has been a home dog 22 times this season, winning 11 of those outings.

The Mariners' upcoming schedule includes trips to Baltimore and Chicago, as well as home series against the Minnesota Twins and the Los Angeles Angels.



5. Boston Red Sox (68-44)

The Red Sox are the odd ones out on this list because they are heavily favored in the majority of their games. Quite simply, they are one of the top money teams because they win more than anyone else.

Boston has been good for 8.40 units this season, despite being favored in 89 of its 112 games so far. In their most recent series against the Oakland A’s, the Red Sox were favorites in two of three games, despite not having won at McAfee Coliseum in nine previous attempts.

Those kind of prices can scare bettors away, but with series against Baltimore and Tampa Bay on the horizon, it’s hard to see the Red Sox doing anything other than winning the majority of their upcoming games.

[Kaptain]

Points of Interest

Early update wires for Points of Interest....

08/08/07
02:45 AM Injuries
MLB
Wednesday: Cubs 3B Aramis Ramirez (.313; rest) is probable; Marlins LF Josh Willingham (.269; kidney) is questionable.

08/08/07
02:44 AM Injuries
MLB
Wednesday: Tigers DH Gary Sheffield (.290; shoulder) is questionable; Yankees LF Hideki Matsui (.293; knee) is probable.

08/08/07
02:17 AM Coach's Call
MLB
Padres manager Bud Black said that Chris Young (oblique) is expected to return from the DL to start Thursday against the Cardinals.

08/08/07
02:16 AM Info Alert
MLB
Yankees Roger Clemens was tossed from Tuesday's game in the seventh inning for throwing at and hitting Alex Rios with a pitch.

08/08/07
02:15 AM Info Alert
MLB
Dodgers Jeff Kent singled in the first inning to extend his hitting streak to 12 games.

08/08/07
02:07 AM Coach's Call
MLB
Padres manager Bud Black said Milton Bradley was still a few days away from returning to the lineup.

08/08/07
02:02 AM Injuries
MLB
Twins Justin Morneau fouled a ball of his right shin in Tuesday's game with the Royals and did not come back out to play defense.

[Udog]

MLB
Streaking Pitchers


Wednesday, August 8


HOT

Roy Oswalt (Houston Astros) – The Astros ace is finally pitching like the fireballer that Astros backers have grown accustom to over the years. Oswalt has been lights-out, winning his last three starts and allowing just two earned runs over that stretch. Tonight he will face another red-hot pitcher in Carlos Zambrano and the Cubs. Books have Houston listed as a –109 favorite.

Carlos Zambrano (Chicago Cubs) – Lately, Zambrano has been in the Cy Young form he predicted he would be in before the year started. The Cubs ace has just one loss in his last nine games, going 7-1 while allowing no more than three earned runs in any of those outings. Zambrano has been much better away from home this year, going 9-2 with a dazzling 2.83 ERA. The Cubs are +101 road dogs tonight in Houston.

Jeff Francis (Colorado Rockies) – Francis continues to fill backers' pockets with cash, helping the Rockies become the fourth best money team in baseball this year. Francis is now 12-5 with a 4.01 ERA on the season and hasn’t lost since June 8, a stretch in which he is 7-0 and Colorado is 9-1 as a team. Books have the crafty Canadian and the Rockies priced as –120 home faves against the Milwaukee Brewers today.


COLD

Johan Santana (Minnesota Twins) – Santana is no stranger to the streaking starters list but he’s usually not on the cold side. The left-hander has been inconsistent for most of the season going 11-9 with a 2.98 ERA. He followed up a five-game winning streak in June and July by going 0-3 in his last four trips to the hill. He will be looking to snap out of the skid against the Kansas City Royals tonight. Books have him listed as a –212 favorite.

Dontrelle Willis (Florida Marlins) – The D-Train hasn’t won a game since May 29. Yes, you’re reading that correctly: May 29. It's a span that covers 12 starts in which he is 0-8 and the Marlins are 3-9, including five straight losses entering tonight’s start against Philadelphia Phillies. Books have Florida set as a +121 underdog and the total set at 10 ½ for the contest.

[Udog]

MLB
Hot lines: Wednesday's best MLB bets


New York Yankees at Toronto Blue Jays (+117, 8 ½)

After last night’s beanball war between the Yanks and Jays, they might want to have a doctor on call for tonight's Game 3.

Hey, what do you know?! There happens to be a doctor in the house for today’s game.

Roy Halladay makes his 25th career appearance versus New York on Wednesday. The Doctor is 9-4 with a lifetime ERA of 3.01 against the Yankees, unfortunately getting a no-decision in a seven-inning, one-run showing against New York on July 17 which was wasted by Toronto’s bullpen.

The Blue Jays right-handed ace is finding his familiar form after a couple rough starts last month. Over his last four appearances, Halladay is 2-1 with a 2.10 ERA along with 25 total strikeouts.

Pick: Blue Jays +117



Atlanta Braves at New York Mets (-103, 8)

Sure, Mark Teixeira has pumped up Atlanta’s lineup since joining the club on Aug. 1, but the Braves bats were heating up before that. The slugging first baseman is just gas on the fire.

Atlanta has won six of its last eight games, batting .342 since July 31 and outscoring opponents 70-40. The Braves put double figures on the board in four straight contests last week and they’ve overpowered the Mets in the first two games in Shea Stadium.

As for Teixeira, he is 6-for-26 (.231) with three home runs and eight RBIs since becoming a Brave at the trade deadline.

Pick: Braves -105



Chicago Cubs at Houston Astros: (-109, 7 ½)

Someone get Bobby Boucher on the horn – Carlos Zambrano has a problem with water. The Cubbies ace suffered severe arm and legs cramps in his past two starts due to dehydration.

''I don't like to drink too much water, but I have to start doing that,'' Zambrano told the Chicago Sun-Times. “I don't know. I'm just not a water drinker. In this weather, you have to drink a lot of water and take care of yourself.''

Zambrano was forced out of his most recent appearance in the fifth inning due to cramps. The right-hander allowed two hits, one a home run, and walked seven batters. He will play in the hot Texas air tonight at Minute Maid Park, where the temperature is expected to hit the high-90s.

Pick: Astros -109

[Udog]

MLB
Long Sheet


Wednesday, August 8


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


MILWAUKEE (60 - 54) at COLORADO (58 - 54) - 3:05 PM
YOVANI GALLARDO (R) vs. JEFF FRANCIS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 17-37 (-18.4 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 21-34 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 5-13 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in road games in day games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 19-33 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 58-54 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 32-21 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
COLORADO is 58-51 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 43-37 (+12.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
COLORADO is 32-24 (+15.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
FRANCIS is 16-7 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
FRANCIS is 8-1 (+8.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season. (Team's Record)
FRANCIS is 16-7 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
FRANCIS is 16-6 (+12.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FRANCIS is 10-3 (+9.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
FRANCIS is 17-7 (+13.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 3-2 (+1.2 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

YOVANI GALLARDO vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

JEFF FRANCIS vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
FRANCIS is 1-2 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 9.77 and a WHIP of 1.788.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)




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


FLORIDA (52 - 61) at PHILADELPHIA (59 - 53) - 7:05 PM
DONTRELLE WILLIS (L) vs. KYLE LOHSE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 37-49 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
FLORIDA is 213-226 (+35.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 26-33 (-11.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 5-5 (+0.3 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
7 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+6.2 Units)

DONTRELLE WILLIS vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
WILLIS is 8-5 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.80 and a WHIP of 1.144.
His team's record is 12-7 (+3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-11. (-5.2 units)

KYLE LOHSE vs. FLORIDA since 1997
LOHSE is 1-1 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 3.55 and a WHIP of 1.184.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)




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


LA DODGERS (58 - 54) at CINCINNATI (48 - 64) - 7:10 PM
CHAD BILLINGSLEY (R) vs. AARON HARANG (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 3-1 (+2.0 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

CHAD BILLINGSLEY vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

AARON HARANG vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
HARANG is 1-3 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 5.47 and a WHIP of 1.459.
His team's record is 1-3 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)




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


ATLANTA (60 - 53) at NY METS (63 - 49) - 7:10 PM
JOHN SMOLTZ (R) vs. ORLANDO HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 139-136 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 97-97 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 66-69 (-16.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 166-118 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 164-117 (+18.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 122-81 (+22.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 75-54 (+16.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 29-22 (+7.1 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 20-12 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 7-12 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 7-3 (+4.9 Units) against NY METS this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.1 Units)

JOHN SMOLTZ vs. NY METS since 1997
SMOLTZ is 9-6 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.78 and a WHIP of 1.206.
His team's record is 11-9 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 13-6. (+6.6 units)

ORLANDO HERNANDEZ vs. ATLANTA since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 4-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 2.61 and a WHIP of 1.113.
His team's record is 4-3 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-3. (+0.9 units)




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


CHICAGO CUBS (58 - 54) at HOUSTON (50 - 63) - 8:05 PM
CARLOS ZAMBRANO (R) vs. ROY OSWALT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 58-54 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 120-172 (-60.2 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 58-54 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 61-70 (-18.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
OSWALT is 19-3 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
OSWALT is 18-3 (+14.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 24-15 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
ZAMBRANO is 20-7 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 20-7 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 13-3 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 50-63 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 50-63 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 31-45 (-16.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 4-4 (+1.0 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.0 Units)

CARLOS ZAMBRANO vs. HOUSTON since 1997
ZAMBRANO is 9-5 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.31 and a WHIP of 1.103.
His team's record is 13-6 (+6.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-14. (-11.7 units)

ROY OSWALT vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
OSWALT is 9-10 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 4.21 and a WHIP of 1.324.
His team's record is 9-13 (-9.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-12. (-3.4 units)




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


SAN DIEGO (61 - 51) at ST LOUIS (51 - 59) - 8:10 PM
GREG MADDUX (R) vs. KIP WELLS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MADDUX is 138-105 (-39.1 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 59-32 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 9-0 (+10.2 Units) against the money line after getting shut out this season.
ST LOUIS is 33-26 (+10.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
ST LOUIS is 129-79 (+38.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
SAN DIEGO is 75-62 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 32-23 (+10.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 14-5 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 73-61 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 59-41 (+22.1 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 47-34 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 145-142 (-20.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 145-142 (-20.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 33-44 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WELLS is 4-16 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
WELLS is 4-16 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
WELLS is 2-11 (-9.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 3-2 (+0.6 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

GREG MADDUX vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
MADDUX is 10-7 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.231.
His team's record is 13-8 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-11. (-4.1 units)

KIP WELLS vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
WELLS is 4-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.65 and a WHIP of 1.308.
His team's record is 5-2 (+4.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.8 units)




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


PITTSBURGH (45 - 64) at ARIZONA (63 - 51) - 9:40 PM
PAUL MAHOLM (L) vs. BYUNG-HYUN KIM (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 10-26 (-14.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 44-89 (-24.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 16-41 (-18.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 44-89 (-24.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 19-51 (-23.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 63-51 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 63-51 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 46-34 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 65-67 (-27.6 Units) against the money line in home games in August games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 2-2 (+0.1 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

PAUL MAHOLM vs. ARIZONA since 1997
MAHOLM is 0-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 4.58 and a WHIP of 1.754.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

BYUNG-HYUN KIM vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
KIM is 1-2 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.38 and a WHIP of 1.172.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)




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


WASHINGTON (52 - 61) at SAN FRANCISCO (48 - 63) - 10:10 PM
TIM REDDING (R) vs. MATT CAIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 7-27 (-14.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
REDDING is 1-9 (-9.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday since 1997. (Team's Record)
REDDING is 22-36 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 596-478 (+86.0 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 52-61 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 49-58 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 100-103 (+15.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 29-23 (+17.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
WASHINGTON is 10-4 (+6.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 48-63 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 48-63 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 32-47 (-15.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 49-64 (-25.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 22-30 (-13.0 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.
CAIN is 4-18 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 1-13 (-14.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 2-9 (-9.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 1-8 (-9.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 4-18 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 1-14 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 2-10 (-9.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 1-1 (+0.3 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

TIM REDDING vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
REDDING is 0-2 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 11.58 and a WHIP of 2.572.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-3. (-3.2 units)

MATT CAIN vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
CAIN is 0-2 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 4.35 and a WHIP of 1.064.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)




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TAMPA BAY (42 - 70) at DETROIT (63 - 49) - 7:05 PM
JAMES SHIELDS (R) vs. CHAD DURBIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 42-70 (-21.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 9-24 (-13.9 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 36-99 (-44.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 11-32 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
TAMPA BAY is 29-50 (-16.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 29-49 (-15.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TAMPA BAY is 29-71 (-25.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 18-45 (-22.0 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 4-26 (-16.5 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.
DETROIT is 167-121 (+21.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 151-107 (+19.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 113-75 (+23.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 101-66 (+21.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 83-45 (+18.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 3-2 (+0.6 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.2 Units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. DETROIT since 1997
SHIELDS is 1-0 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 0.889.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

CHAD DURBIN vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
DURBIN is 1-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.33 and a WHIP of 1.356.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)




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NY YANKEES (63 - 50) at TORONTO (56 - 56) - 7:05 PM
CHIEN-MING WANG (R) vs. ROY HALLADAY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 63-50 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 22-22 (-10.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
NY YANKEES are 26-29 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
NY YANKEES are 20-29 (-17.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 21-22 (-14.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
NY YANKEES are 91-67 (-20.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 40-17 (+17.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 99-64 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 78-52 (+24.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
HALLADAY is 51-21 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HALLADAY is 35-11 (+19.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HALLADAY is 27-6 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 58-94 (-29.5 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 4-6 (+0.3 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.6 Units)

CHIEN-MING WANG vs. TORONTO since 1997
WANG is 3-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.06 and a WHIP of 1.132.
His team's record is 4-1 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-1. (+2.8 units)

ROY HALLADAY vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
HALLADAY is 9-4 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 2.96 and a WHIP of 1.203.
His team's record is 13-9 (+6.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-13. (-5.0 units)




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SEATTLE (61 - 49) at BALTIMORE (52 - 59) - 7:05 PM
FELIX HERNANDEZ (R) vs. JEREMY GUTHRIE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 27-40 (-16.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 61-49 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 13-7 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 58-46 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 45-33 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 35-25 (+12.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BALTIMORE is 26-46 (-22.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 12-23 (-15.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 8-15 (-10.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 51-96 (-33.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 38-81 (-34.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 5-2 (+2.3 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.1 Units)

FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 2-2 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 5.65 and a WHIP of 1.849.
His team's record is 3-2 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-1. (+2.8 units)

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. SEATTLE since 1997
GUTHRIE is 1-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)




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MINNESOTA (57 - 55) at KANSAS CITY (49 - 62) - 8:10 PM
JOHAN SANTANA (L) vs. ODALIS PEREZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 20-25 (-13.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
KANSAS CITY is 49-62 (+5.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 21-21 (+14.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 44-55 (+5.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 86-111 (+27.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 49-59 (+17.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 31-36 (+10.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
KANSAS CITY is 35-46 (+16.1 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.
SANTANA is 116-49 (+41.2 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
SANTANA is 79-27 (+36.0 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
SANTANA is 59-16 (+30.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 5-4 (+1.6 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.7 Units)

JOHAN SANTANA vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
SANTANA is 10-2 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.17 and a WHIP of 0.967.
His team's record is 14-2 (+11.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-8. (-0.6 units)

ODALIS PEREZ vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
PEREZ is 2-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 6.84 and a WHIP of 1.747.
His team's record is 2-3 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.8 units)




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CLEVELAND (64 - 49) at CHI WHITE SOX (52 - 60) - 8:10 PM
C.C. SABATHIA (L) vs. JON GARLAND (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 142-133 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 129-119 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 95-98 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 69-71 (-19.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 76-44 (+22.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 121-95 (+26.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 81-64 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 27-8 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
SABATHIA is 68-29 (+25.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHI WHITE SOX are 11-22 (-12.1 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
GARLAND is 4-16 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 6-4 (+0.7 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.5 Units, Under=-0.8 Units)

C.C. SABATHIA vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
SABATHIA is 14-3 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.53 and a WHIP of 1.228.
His team's record is 16-6 (+10.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-14. (-8.4 units)

JON GARLAND vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
GARLAND is 7-10 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 6.02 and a WHIP of 1.570.
His team's record is 8-13 (-7.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 11-10. (+0.4 units)




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OAKLAND (54 - 60) at TEXAS (49 - 64) - 8:35 PM
LENNY DINARDO (L) vs. KEVIN MILLWOOD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 54-60 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 21-33 (-16.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
OAKLAND is 52-55 (-8.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 36-42 (-10.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 27-30 (-11.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
TEXAS is 11-2 (+8.7 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
TEXAS is 55-39 (+18.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
OAKLAND is 71-69 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 25-9 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 25-9 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 52-64 (-21.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 6-5 (+2.0 Units) against OAKLAND this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.6 Units)

LENNY DINARDO vs. TEXAS since 1997
DINARDO is 1-1 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 0.73 and a WHIP of 0.730.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

KEVIN MILLWOOD vs. OAKLAND since 1997
MILLWOOD is 3-2 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.48 and a WHIP of 1.341.
His team's record is 4-3 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-4. (-1.3 units)




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BOSTON (68 - 45) at LA ANGELS (66 - 46) - 10:05 PM
JON LESTER (L) vs. DUSTIN MOSELEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 44-60 (-24.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 13-24 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 17-23 (-14.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 82-55 (+16.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 37-16 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
LA ANGELS are 64-42 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 28-10 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
LA ANGELS are 14-3 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LA ANGELS are 35-22 (+12.0 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.
BOSTON is 51-27 (+15.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 3-2 (+1.0 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.1 Units)

JON LESTER vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
LESTER is 1-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 6.35 and a WHIP of 1.765.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

DUSTIN MOSELEY vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.




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[Udog]

MLB
70% Situation


MLB (Wednesday): Play Against MLB (NL) home teams with a money line of -100 to -150 a team with an OBP >=.340 versus a starting pitcher with a WHIP =1.550 to 1.650, with a starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.250 to 1.350 on the year.
(35-12 since 1997.) (74.5%) PLAY: Florida +110

[Udog]

MLB
Dunkel


Milwaukee at Colorado
It hasn't been much of a Rocky Mountain high for the Brew Crew as they've dropped the first two to Colorado by a combined score of 17-6. Yesterday Chris Capuano took a 3-0 lead into the sixth only to watch the floodgates open with five runs. That's how it's been for the Rockies at home lately as they've won 18 of their last 22 at Coors Field to get right back into the NL West race. With Jeff Francis (8-1 since June 1) going today, Colorado looks like a good pick (-116) to close this series out on a winning note according to Dunkel, which has the Rockies favored straight up by 2 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-116). Here are all of today's games.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8

Game 951-952: Milwaukee at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Gallardo) 15.688; Colorado (Francis) 17.982
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 2 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Colorado (-116); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-116); Over

Game 953-954: Florida at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Willis) 14.382; Philadelphia (Lohse) 17.276
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 3; 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-130); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-130); Over

Game 955-956: LA Dodgers at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Billingsley) 14.192; Cincinnati (Harang) 15.184
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-115); No Run Line
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-115); N/A

Game 957-958: Atlanta at NY Mets
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Smoltz) 17.585; NY Mets (Hernandez) 16.626
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1; 9
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-117); 8
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-103); Over

Game 959-960: Chicago Cubs at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Zambrano) 16.590; Houston (Oswalt) 16.841
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Houston (-110); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-110); Under

Game 961-962: San Diego at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Maddux) 15.841; St. Louis (Wells) 14.616
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-110); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-110); Over

Game 963-964: Pittsburgh at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Maholm) 15.267; Arizona (Kim) 16.638
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona (-133); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-133); Over

Game 965-966: Washington at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Redding) 16.513; San Francisco (Cain) 15.253
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-155); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+135); Over

Game 967-968: Tampa Bay at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Shields) 14.055; Detroit (Durbin) 14.890
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1; 11
Vegas Line: Detroit (-133); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-133); Over

Game 969-970: NY Yankees at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Wang) 18.214; Toronto (Halladay) 16.903
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-117); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-117); Over

Game 971-972: Seattle at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Hernandez) 16.826; Baltimore (Guthrie) 17.729
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Seattle (-110); 8
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-110); Over

Game 973-974: Minnesota at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Santana) 15.565; Kansas City (Perez) 15.748
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-220); 8
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+180); Over

Game 975-976: Cleveland at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Sabathia) 15.867; White Sox (Garland) 16.943
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-140); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+120); Under

Game 977-978: Oakland at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Dinardo) 16.161; Texas (Millwood) 14.941
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1; 11
Vegas Line: Texas (-120); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (Even); Over

Game 979-980: Boston at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lester) 16.696; LA Angels (Moseley) 17.581
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-120); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (Even); Over