Announcement

**pm530** · 08-10-2007, 04:14 AM

Weekend Sports Preview

Friday, August 10

The NFL preseason really takes off this weekend, while baseball, WNBA, CFL and NASCAR also highlight an extremely busy sports schedule.

In the National League this weekend, Atlanta visits Philadelphia in a key matchup between the two teams chasing the Mets in the NL East and in the midst of the Wild Card race. Other NL teams in the playoff hunt in action this weekend include Florida at the Mets, San Diego at Cincinnati, Milwaukee at Houston, the Dodgers at St. Louis, the Cubs at Colorado and Washington at Arizona. Also on tap in the NL this weekend is Pittsburgh at San Francisco.

Over in the American League this weekend the key matchups include the Yankees at Cleveland and Minnesota at the Angels. Other matchups with playoff implications include Boston at Baltimore, Oakland at Detroit and Seattle at the White Sox. The rest of the AL weekend schedule includes Tampa Bay at Texas and Toronto at Kansas City.

The NFL preseason hits high gear this weekend with most teams taking to the field for the first time this season. On Friday night Randy Moss makes his Patriots’ debut when New England takes on Tampa Bay, while also on the schedule is Atlanta at the Jets, Buffalo at New Orleans and St. Louis at Minnesota.

Saturday night is packed with games as Green Bay visits Pittsburgh, Jacksonville takes on Miami, Kansas City travels to Cleveland, Washington faces Tennessee, Carolina takes on the Giants, Chicago visits Houston and Arizona battles Oakland.

Sunday’s lone preseason matchup pits two of the best running backs in the league against each other when Shaun Alexander and the Seattle Seahawks travel to San Diego to face LaDainian Tomlinson and the Chargers.

The WNBA regular season comes to a close next week, making this weekend’s game very important to a few teams on the playoff bubble. There’s only one game on Friday night, as Sacramento takes on Houston.

On Saturday, Los Angeles has an important game at Phoenix while also on tap is Indiana at Detroit, Houston at San Antonio, Connecticut at Chicago and Washington at Seattle. Sunday’s top matchup is Detroit at New York, as the Liberty are in a must-win situation. Also on Sunday is Washington at Sacramento and Minnesota at Los Angeles.

Week 7 in the CFL kicks off with a doubleheader on Friday night as Saskatchewan takes on Toronto and Winnipeg heads west to BC. Hamilton visits Edmonton on Saturday.

The drivers of NASCAR get their second try at a road course this weekend at the Watkins Glen International in the Centurion Boats at The Glen. Kevin Glenn won at the Glen last year, while Juan Pablo Montoya won the first race on a road course earlier this season at Infineon Raceway. Jeff Gordon is the favorite this weekend having won at The Glen four times in his career.

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**pm530** · 08-10-2007, 04:15 AM

Six-pack for Friday

Six pieces of college football knowledge........

-- Looking back, the six toughest schedules last year were played by teams in Pac-10, with Stanford playing toughest.

-- This season's Stanford opponents were 94-51 last year, once again the best percentage in country, but ******, one of America's foremost college pigskin analysts, says Washington has the toughest schedule this season.

-- Stanford also lost 71 games to injury/suspension a year ago, the most in country; Utah State was second with 65.

-- Syracuse, Akron lost only two games each to injuries, as they had very good luck in that area. Notre Dame, Illinois lost only three games. Hard to duplicate that good fortune.

-- Minnesota led the country with a +18 turnover ratio and still fired their coach; still scratching my head on that one. Boston College, Kentucky were both +15.

-- Of the eight worst teams in turnover margin, six changed coaches in offseason; Army had the worst ratio (-18).

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**pm530** · 08-10-2007, 04:16 AM

Friday's List of 13: Random thoughts with weekend here

13) Rumors started leaking out that Hank Aaron was paid to make his little statement after Bonds' 756th homer, but Office of Commissioner is adamant that Hank was simply being a gracious former champ, and we hope that is the truth.

12) Preseason stats don't usually mean much, but had to give mention to the 548 total yards out up by Lions in 27-26 win vs Bengals Thursday. Typical of Martz Madness, Detroit turned ball over three times, too.

11) Saints have three night games and a bye in first six weeks of season; they first play on consecutive Sunday afternoons in Weeks 7 and 8, the price of being a very good team. Saints have training camp at Millsaps College in Jackson, MS, where it is very hot, and where football coach is the former Alabama coach Mike DuBose.

10) Larry Johnson led NFL last year with 430 rushing yards in fourth quarter (3.9 yds/carry) which makes sense, but a stat that stands out is that Atlanta's Jerious Norwood was second in NFL with 424 fourth quarter yards (8.7 per carry).

9) Howie Rose, the great radio announcer for the Mets, was adamant Wednesday night that Jose Reyes is Mets' MVP, an odd thing for him to be so adamant about on the air.

8) Braves are now 11-2 in Tim Hudson starts when they lost their previous game. Atlanta is 8-4 against the Mets, winning rubber game in all four series. Willie Harris had two awesome catches against the fence in left field Thursday.

7) Interesting article in St Louis paper on guy who found ball when Mark McGwire hit his 62nd homer; he is lawyer who is a Cardinals' groundskeeper at night-- he simply gave Big Mac the ball, and became famous for it- he appearied on Letterman was given a minivan by Chrysler, stuff like that. Somehow, I missed all that when it first happened.

6) The fella who got Bonds' 756th homer says he might keep the ball, but if the ball is assessed at $500,000 and he keeps it, he will still owe $175,000 in taxes, which makes no sense, but apparently is true, since it would put him in the 35% bracket for taxes. He shouldn't have to pay unless he sells the ball.

5) Rockies are an exciting team, but no one knows, since the network nitwits wouldn't dare ever put them on TV. They've moved ahead of Dodgers, are tough to beat in Denver, but if you don't have the Extra Innings package, they're an obscure team, and thats just part of what stinks about baseball.

4) Mets' trade for Castillo is brilliant move that solidifies #2 position in order, and stops parade of stiffs that Randolph had been putting up behind Reyes-- it has resulted in Reyes seeing better pitches to hit, and better production from #7.

3) Devil Rays are 26-25 in games started by Kazmir or Shields, but 18-45 in all their other games.

2) Angel Cabrera won US Open in June; Thursday, he shot a 10 on a par-3 hole, truly amazing for a pro. He finished at +11.

1) Rick Ankiel hit a three-run homer in 7th inning for Cards, as he returned to majors triumphantly as an outfielder. You have to feel good for a guy who struggled so much on the mound, but fought back and reinvented himself. Good for him.

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**pm530** · 08-10-2007, 04:18 AM

National Football League - Long Sheet

NFL
Pre-Season
Long Sheet

Friday, August 10

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ATLANTA (2 - 2) at NY JETS (2 - 2) - 8/10/2007, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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NEW ENGLAND (2 - 2) at TAMPA BAY (1 - 3) - 8/10/2007, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ENGLAND is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) in non-conference games since 1993.

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

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BUFFALO (1 - 3) at NEW ORLEANS (1 - 3) - 8/10/2007, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1993.
NEW ORLEANS is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in home games since 1993.
NEW ORLEANS is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in home lined games since 1993.
NEW ORLEANS is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in home games in dome games since 1993.
NEW ORLEANS is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in home games in games played on turf since 1993.

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

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ST LOUIS (1 - 3) at MINNESOTA (2 - 1 - 1) - 8/10/2007, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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**pm530** · 08-10-2007, 04:21 AM

National Football League - Short Sheet

NFL
Pre-season
Short Sheet

Friday, August 10

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Friday, August 10th

Atlanta at NY Jets, 7:00 ET
Atlanta: 7-3 ATS with a total of 35 points or less
NY Jets: 0-4 ATS vs. NFC South opponents

New England at Tampa Bay, 7:30 ET
New England: 30-16 ATS vs. non-conference opponents
Tampa Bay: 11-2 Under at home vs. AFC East opponents

Buffalo at New Orleans, 8:00 ET CBS
Buffalo: 9-4 Under in dome stadiums
New Orleans: 1-7 ATS in home games

St. Louis at Minnesota, 8:00 ET
St. Louis: 9-4 ATS vs. conference opponents
Minnesota: 17-9 Over with a line of +3 to -3

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**pm530** · 08-10-2007, 04:25 AM

National Football League – Write up

NFL
Pre-Season
Write-up

Friday, August 10

These Week 1 preseason games aren't great places to make an investment; regulars don't play enough.

Doubt Falcons will play Harrington much, but this is Petrino's first preseason game-- not sure what he'll do in meaningless tilt. Shockley is mobile ackup, while former Louisville/Raven Redman is 3rd stringer. Expect to see lot of Kellen Clemens at QB for Jets.

Big things expected from Patriots this season, but won't see lot of Brady here; former USC backup Cassel is Brady's backup. Garcia is QB for Bucs; Simms has bad arm, so look for Rattay to get a lot of snaps. With Gruden under fire, chance Bucs might try little harder than normal.

Marv Levy's teams famous for not giving it the ol' college try in summer games; Saints held full contact practice Monday after a dismal showing in Canton vs Steelers. Not endorsing investing with enthusiasm in August, but Saints could be worth a look.

Rams ended '06 by drubbing Vikings on this field; they have a decent backup in Frerotte; Minnesota has QB competition with Jackson/Bollinger, with Drew Henson the #3. St Louis unusually healthy for this time of year. Interesting to see how much Vikings play Oklahoma rookie RB Peterson.

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**pm530** · 08-10-2007, 04:27 AM

Canadian Football League – Long Sheet

CFL
Long Sheet

Friday, August 10

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SASKATCHEWAN (4 - 2) at TORONTO (2 - 4) - 8/10/2007, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) off a loss against a division rival over the last 2 seasons.

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

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WINNIPEG (3 - 2 - 1) at BRITISH COLUMBIA (5 - 1) - 8/10/2007, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 35-15 ATS (+18.5 Units) in weeks 5 through 9 since 1996.

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

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**pm530** · 08-10-2007, 04:29 AM

Canadian Football League – Write up

CFL
Write-up

Friday, August 10

Saksatchewan (4-2) @ Toronto (2-4) -- Argonauts lost three in a row, by 23,13,2 points, losing to Montreal two weeks in row, in OT last week- their two wins are by 25,33 points. Riders off of two division wins (Eskimos, Lions); they outgained BC 408-241 last week, handing Lions their first loss. Argos have used four different QBs this season, allowed 132 rushing yards per game over last three weeks, a lot for CFL.

Winnipeg (3-2-1) @ BCLions (5-1) -- Bombers gave up 485 yds on 43 plays at previously winless Hamilton last week; TiCats ran ball 22 times for 265 yards, an average of 12 yards a carry, now Winnipeg viists Lion club coming off first '07 loss, after a 16-38 passing day in game where Riders outrushed them by 90 yards. Bombers gained 473 yards last week, but lost 3 fumbles.

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**pm530** · 08-10-2007, 04:31 AM

Pro Basketball (Women’s) – Long Sheet

WNBA
Long Sheet

Friday, August 10

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SACRAMENTO (17 - 11) at HOUSTON (10 - 19) - 8/10/2007, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 208-160 ATS (+32.0 Units) in all games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 109-76 ATS (+25.4 Units) in home games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 58-34 ATS (+20.6 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1997.
SACRAMENTO is 63-46 ATS (+12.4 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 41-27 ATS (+11.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 47-29 ATS (+15.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15+ games after 15+ games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 7-5 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO is 9-4 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**pm530** · 08-10-2007, 04:34 AM

WNBA
Trends

Friday, August 10

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Recent Trends
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Sacramento (17-11) at Houston (10-19)

Houston:
HOU are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games overall.

Head to Head:
Over is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.

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**pm530** · 08-10-2007, 04:40 AM

Baseball – Write up

MLB
Write-up

Friday, August 10

Hot Pitchers
-- Phillies are 15-6 in Hamels' last 21 starts; he is 3-0, 3.10 against the Braves this season. Braves are 5-2 in last seven James starts Phillies are 0-2 against him this season (1-0, 3.60).
-- Wainwright is 4-1, 3.23 in his last six starts.
-- Colorado won three of Cook's last four starts.

-- Matsuzaka has 2.49 RA in his last four starts. Orioles won last nine Bedard starts, scoring 51 runs.
-- Carmona has a 1.46 RA in his last five starts, but Indians lost last two, scoring total of one run.
-- Tata beat A's 5-2 in Oakland July 30; he is 1-1, 3.75 in 2 starts.
-- Toronto won four of last five Marcum starts.
-- White Sox are 8-4 in last dozen Vazquez starts.
-- McCarthy has 3.06 RA in his last three starts.
-- Escobar has 1.81 RA in his last six starts, but Angels lost his last three, scoring total of four runs. Baker is 2-0, 0.56 in his last couple of starts.

Cold Pitchers
-- Lawrence allowed three runs in five IP in his first '07 start, 12-4 win at Milwaukee; he is 50-61 in 147 career starts. Barone had a 7-0, 4.09 record at AAA, allowing 60 hits in 61 IP at Albuquerque which is at high altitude.
-- Ledezma has pitched 47 innings in 37 games this season, but this will be his 34th major league start, first since last year with Detroit, where he made all 33 of his previous starts. Belisle has a 6.97 RA in his last four starts.
-- Astros lost seven of last eight Jennings starts. Bush has 6.14 RA in his last four starts.
-- Penny is 2-2, 4.62 in his last four starts.
-- Marquis has 7.79 RA in his last six starts.
-- Chico has a 5.93 RA in his last five starts. Hernandez has 6.75 RA in his last five starts.
-- Morris faces Giants, team that just traded him two weeks ago; he allowed five runs in 6.1 IP in his first Pirate start. He had a few harsh things to say about Giants, after he left. Ortiz is making first start since May 1; he was 2-2, 6.52 in first five starts.

-- Hughes is 1-1, 5.87 in three starts this season.
-- Oakland lost five of last six Blanton starts.
-- Meche is 0-3, 6.38 in his last three starts.
-- Washburn has 6.91 RA in his last five starts.
-- Devil Rays lost nine of last ten Sonnanstine starts.

Totals
-- Over is 6-3 in Phillies' last nine games.
-- Over is 4-1 in Mets' last five road games.
-- Under is 5-2 in San Diego's last seven games.
-- Over is 6-2 in Milwaukee's last eight games.
-- Under is 6-1 in Dodgers' last seven road games.
-- Under is 4-2-1 in Cubs' last seven road games.
-- Under is 5-2 in last seven Washington road games.
-- Over is 10-3 in last thirteen Pittsburgh games.

-- Over is 5-2 in last seven Boston games.
-- Over is 4-1 in last five Bronx road games.
-- Under is 10-3 in last thirteen Blanton starts.
-- Under is 9-3 in Cleveland's last twelve games.
-- Six of last seven Mariner games went over the total.
-- Over is 6-3 in Devil Rays' last nine road games.
-- Eleven of last twelve Minnesota games stayed under the total.

Hot Teams
-- Phillies won ten of their last thirteen home games. Braves won seven of their last ten games.
-- Since All-Star break, Mets are 9-1 in game following a loss.
-- Cincinnati won ten of its last fourteen home games.
-- Astros won seven of their last nine home games.
-- Cardinals won three of their last four games.
-- Colorado is 21-6 in its last 27 games at Coors Field.
-- Arizona is 15-3 in its last eighteen games.
-- Nationals won eight of their last ten games.

-- Indians won three of last four games, but are 1-4 in last five on their home field. Bronx won eight of its last ten games.
-- White Sox won five of their last seven games. Seattle won its last three games, scoring 31 runs.
-- Angels won six of their last seven home games.

Cold Teams
-- Florida lost eight of last eleven road games.
-- Dodgers lost six of their last seven games.
-- Padres lost three of their last four games.
-- Brewers lost last six road games, and eight of last nine.
-- Cubs lost five of their last seven games.
-- Pirates lost eleven of their last thirteen road games.
-- Giants lost six of their last nine games.

-- Boston is 8-11 in its last nineteen road games. Orioles lost four of last five games, giving up 43 runs.
-- Tigers lost eleven of their last fourteen games. A's are 8-16 in their last 24 road games.
-- Devil Rays are 18-45 in games not started by Kazmir, Shields. Rangers lost six of their last seven games.
-- Royals lost six of their last nine games. Toronto is 3-7 in last ten road games.
-- Twins lost eight of their last eleven road games.

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**pm530** · 08-10-2007, 04:41 AM

Baseball - Tips & Trends

MLB

Friday, August 10

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Tips and Trends
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Boston Red Sox at Baltimore Orioles (7:05 PM ET)

Boston starter Daisuke Matsuzaka is 7-5 with a 3.13 ERA in 13 road starts this season. He’s made three straight starts on the road, allowing just four earned runs and 18 hits in 20 1/3 innings. EDGE: RED SOX
The Red Sox have alternated wins and losses in Matsuzaka’s last nine starts. He picked up a 4-3 road victory over the Seattle Mariners in his last start, allowing two earned runs and six hits while fanning ten batters. SLIGHT EDGE: ORIOLES
Baltimore’s Erik Bedard is 4-3 with a sparkling 2.15 ERA in 10 home starts this season. The left-hander has surrendered just two earned runs over his last 20 innings at Camden Yards. EDGE: ORIOLES
Bedard is an even 4-4 with a 5.16 ERA in 10 career outings versus the Red Sox. He picked up an impressive 5-3 road victory over Boston two starts back, allowing two earned runs and two hits over six innings. SLIGHT EDGE: RED SOX
The Red Sox are 12-3 in their last 15 games following an off day.

New York Yankees at Cleveland Indians (7:05 PM ET)

New York rookie right-hander Phil Hughes was extremely impressive in his first career road start, tossing 6 1/3 hitless innings versus the Texas Rangers before leaving with a hamstring injury. SLIGHT EDGE: YANKEES
Hughes has failed to pitch past the fifth inning in two of his three starts, including his last against Kansas City. He allowed six runs and seven hits in just 4 2/3 innings versus the Royals and couldn’t collect his second career win despite receiving 16 runs or support. SLIGHT EDGE: INDIANS
Cleveland’s Fausto Carmona has made four career appearances versus New York, allowing three runs and eight hits over 9 1/3 innings. He threw six innings against the Yankees on April 19, giving up two runs and six hits over six innings. SLIGHT EDGE: INDIANS
Carmona has posted a 2-2 record over his last four starts despite allowing just three earned runs. The Tribe’s offense has scored just five runs over that span. EDGE: INDIANS & UNDER
The Yankees are 5-0 in the last five meetings.

Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies (7:35 PM ET)

Atlanta left-hander Chuck James is a perfect 2-0 with a 2.81 ERA in five career outings versus Philadelphia. He’s faced the Phillies twice this season, allowing four runs and 14 hits over 10 innings. EDGE: BRAVES
James is a solid 6-4 with a 4.03 ERA in 12 road starts this season. The left-hander has given up just four earned runs in his last three outings away from Turner Field, with the Braves picking up victories in two of those games. EDGE: BRAVES
Philadelphia ace Cole Hamels has a dynamite 6-2 record and 3.42 ERA in 10 home starts this season. He’s collected that impressive record despite giving up 12 home runs in 68 1/3 innings at Citizens Bank Park. EDGE: PHILLIES
Hamels is an even 2-2 with a 4.26 in five career starts versus the Braves. The left-hander is a perfect 2-0 with a 3.10 ERA in three starts against them this season, as he’s struck out 22 batters and walked just five over 20 1/3 innings. EDGE: PHILLIES
The Braves are 4-0 in the last four meetings in Philadelphia.

Los Angeles Dodgers at St. Louis Cardinals (8:10 PM ET)

Los Angeles starter Brad Penny has given up three earned runs in each of his last four starts, as the right-hander has posted a 2-2 record over that span. He struggled after the All-Star break last season, going 6-7 with a 6.25 ERA. SLIGHT EDGE: CARDINALS
Penny is a disappointing 2-4 with a 4.76 ERA in 10 career starts versus the Cardinals. The All-Star pitcher has given up an incredible 84 hits in just 58 2/3 innings against them. EDGE: CARDINALS
St. Louis right-hander Adam Wainwright has a losing 5-6 record and 4.80 ERA in 11 home starts this season. He was knocked around for a 7-1 loss against the Braves in his last start at Busch Stadium and has allowed 85 hits in 65 2/3 innings. EDGE: DODGERS
Wainwright has been successful in five starts since the All-Star break, posting a 3-1 record and 3.38 ERA. He hasn’t allowed a home run in 32 second-half innings. EDGE: CARDINALS
The Dodgers are 17-35 in the last 52 meetings.

Seattle Mariners at Chicago White Sox (8:11 PM ET)

Seattle left-hander Jarrod Washburn is 6-5 with a 3.90 ERA in 15 career starts versus Chicago. He picked up a 5-2 home victory over the White Sox back on May 1, giving up two earned runs and four hits in seven innings. SLIGHT EDGE: MARINERS
Washburn is a dismal 0-2 with a 5.83 ERA in five starts since the All-Star break. He’s allowed 36 hits and walked 11 in 29 1/3 innings over that span. EDGE: WHITE SOX
Chicago’s Javier Vazquez is an even 2-2 with a 4.05 ERA in four career starts versus Seattle. The right-hander has walked just six batters and fanned 26 in 26 2/3 innings against them. SLIGHT EDGE: WHITE SOX
Vazquez has limited opposing batters to just a .207 batting average at U.S. Cellular Field this season, but has an even 4-4 record to show for it. The White Sox have picked up three victories in his last four home outings. SLIGHT EDGE: WHITE SOX
The Mariners are 4-14 in the last 18 meetings in Chicago.

Chicago Cubs at Colorado Rockies (9:05 PM ET)

Chicago starter Jason Marquis is 4-3 with a 4.53 ERA in 10 career appearances versus Colorado. The right-hander is a perfect 2-0 with a 3.60 ERA in three starts at Coors Field. EDGE: CUBS
Marquis has posted an even 2-2 record since the All-Star break with a highly-inflated 7.07 ERA. He’s issued 14 walks and fanned just 11 over 28 innings of work. SLIGHT EDGE: ROCKIES
Colorado’s Aaron Cook is a perfect 2-0 with a 2.12 ERA in three career appearances versus Chicago. Amazingly enough, the right-hander has fanned just one batter in 17 innings against them. EDGE: ROCKIES
Cook has thrived under the lights in 2007, posting an impressive 7-2 record and 3.40 ERA in 14 starts. That’s a dramatic difference from his 1-4 record and 5.29 ERA in 10 daytime outings. EDGE: ROCKIES
The Cubs are 4-0 in Marquis’ last four starts versus the NL West.

Minnesota Twins at Los Angeles Angels (10:05 PM ET)

Minnesota starter Scott Baker is an even 3-3 with a 4.85 ERA on the road this season. The right-hander has demonstrated great control away from the Metrodome, allowing just six free passes while fanning 26 in 39 innings of work. SLIGHT EDGE: TWINS
Baker is an abysmal 0-3 with a 6.64 ERA in four career starts versus Los Angeles. He’s been reached for 15 earned runs and 26 hits in just 20 1/3 innings against them. BIG EDGE: ANGELS
Los Angeles right-hander Kelvim Escobar has a losing 5-6 record and 4.97 ERA in 16 career appearances versus Minnesota. He picked up a brilliant 5-1 home victory over the Twins on June 5, going the distance and allowing just one run and three hits. SLIGHT EDGE: ANGELS
Escobar has posted a losing 1-3 record since the All-Star break despite having an incredible 1.67 ERA over five starts. He’s allowed just one home run in 37 2/3 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: ANGELS
The UNDER is 15-7-3 in the last 25 meetings in Los Angeles.

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**pm530** · 08-10-2007, 04:42 AM

Baseball – Betting Notes

MLB

Friday, August 10

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MLB Betting Notes
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Friday’s MLB betting notes

A-Rod injury concerns

Alex Rodriguez could sit out his second game this week after suffering an injury earlier this week when Toronto starter Josh Towers hit him with a fastball in the back of the leg.

The New York Yankees slugger was omitted from Wednesday’s lineup and it is unknown how long he is out for.

"We hope not," manager Joe Torre told reporters on Wednesday when asked if it was a serious injury. "It doesn't seem to be anything that the trainers are concerned about other than that Alex is uncomfortable today."

A-Rod is batting .298 with 36 homers and 109 RBIs this season, but if he misses further games the Yankees have both Wilson Betemit and the returning Jason Giambi to fill in.

On Friday, they open a three-game series at Cleveland, sending rookie Phil Hughes (1-1, 5.87) to the mound. The Indians counter with Fausto Carmona (13-6, 3.17) and are –125 favorites with the total set at 9 ½.

Brewers look to recover from rocky trip

The Milwaukee Brewers will be eager to put this week’s sweep at Coors Field behind them as they start a series at Houston on Friday. The Brew Crew gave up a total of 36 runs in three games to the hot-hitting Rockies, while scoring just 10.

Milwaukee’s pitching staff was seriously roughed up, with Wednesday’s 19-4 loss capping a dismal three days. Rookie pitcher Yovani Gallardo surrendered 11 runs in just 2 2/3 innings in that game, and six other Brewers pitchers gave up season-high runs.

"They hit good pitches, they hit bad pitches," Brewers catcher Damian Miller told reporters after the game. "That's a good hitting team, and when you make mistakes, they make you pay."

Luckily for Milwaukee, while they were getting torn apart by Colorado, the Chicago Cubs were getting swept by Houston. That means that the Brewers are still top of the NL Central – albeit by just one game.

On Friday they send Dave Bush (9-8, 5.03) to the mound hoping to stop the rot against the Astros. Houston counters with Jason Jennings (2-7, 6.11) and is a -109 favorites with the total set at 9 ½.

Cubs slumping without Soriano

The Chicago Cubs have lost six consecutive games and it’s mainly down to a lack of offense. It should come as no surprise that their slump coincides with outfielder Alfonso Soriano going on the disabled list.

The Cubs managed just five runs in three games since he went on the DL, and they are 0-for-20 with runners in scoring positions in their last two games ahead of Thursday’s action.

"With 'Sori' out of the lineup, now everybody has to pick it up a little bit and do a little more instead of staying with their game," Cubs shortstop Ryan Theriot told MLB.com. "We're trying to be Alfonso, which is impossible. It's a different ballgame when he's not in there."

Soriano, who is batting .297 with 18 homers and 42 RBIs, is struggling with a quadriceps injury and is not expected back until around Labor Day.

In his absence, the Cubs continue a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies on Friday. Jason Marquis (8-7, 4.39) and Aaron Cook (8-6, 4.16) are the starters and Chicago is a +136 underdog with the total set at 10 ½.

Big Papi’s shoulder problems

Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz is in doubt for Friday night’s series opener against the Baltimore Orioles. Big Papi is still suffering from a sore left shoulder and was out of the lineup for Wednesday’s game with the L.A. Angels. Thursday was a day off for the Sox.

Ortiz sustained the injury in July while sliding to second base against the White Sox. Manager Terry Francona says he noticed that something was wrong with the designated hitter’s swing on Tuesday.

"You could tell by looking at him," Francona told MLB.com. "It didn't hurt when he was swinging, but when he missed or held up, you saw it. We're going to give him today, and with a day off tomorrow, we'll see how he feels on Friday."

Friday’s game features the day’s best pitching matchup between Daisuke Matsuzaka (13-8, 3.70) and Erik Bedard (12-4, 3.09). Boston is a –104 favorite to take that game, with the total set at 8 runs.

Pressure off the Giants

San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy is hoping that his team can emerge from the shadow created by the Barry Bonds home run record chase, and simply enjoy the rest of the season.

"It is a different chapter now, because the focus isn't going to be on Barry hitting the home run. It's going to be on the ballclub," Bochy told reporters on Wednesday. "These guys are probably going to have to deal with a little less attention, and to be honest, I think they'll enjoy it."

The Giants are 13 ½ games off the pace in the NL West and have no realistic chance of making the playoffs. But with series against the Dodgers, the Rockies and the Diamondbacks before the end of the season, San Francisco can have a huge impact on who advances from their division.

"I'd say the most important thing is how we play now," added Bochy. "The focus is off Barry and it's going to be more on us. The season hasn't gone like we had hoped, but we'd like to finish the last six or seven weeks on a good note."

The Giants begin their first full series since Bonds broke the record when they face the Pittsburgh Pirates for the first of three on Friday. Russ Ortiz (2-2, 5.40) and Matt Morris (7-7, 4.41) will take the mound for their respective teams and San Francisco is –109 favorite to take the game.

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**pm530** · 08-10-2007, 04:43 AM

Baseball Today - August 10

SCOREBOARD
Friday, Aug. 10
Boston at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EDT). Boston's Daisuke Matsuzaka faces Erik Bedard, the major league strikeout leader.

STARS
Thursday

-Rick Ankiel, Cardinals, hit a three-run home run to cap the former pitcher's debut as a major league outfielder in St. Louis' 5-0 victory over San Diego.

-Rafael Furcal, Dodgers, homered in the 11th inning to help Los Angeles snap a season-high six-game losing streak with a 5-4 victory over Cincinnati.

-Carl Crawford, Devil Rays, had three hits, including a two-run homer, and a stolen base in Tampa Bay's 8-1 victory over Detroit.

-Chipper Jones, Braves, hit a three-run homer in Atlanta's 7-6 victory over the Mets.

WELCOME BACK

Failed pitcher Rick Ankiel hit a three-run home run to cap his debut as a major league outfielder in St. Louis' 5-0 victory over San Diego on Thursday night. Ankiel, who leads the Pacific Coast League with 32 homers for Triple-A Memphis, launched a 2-1 pitch from Doug Brocail over the right-field wall with an effortless swing to put the Cardinals ahead 5-0. The drive merited a standing ovation and a curtain call for the once-troubled left-hander, who quit pitching in spring training 2005 to begin the long climb back up the ladder as a 26-year-old minor league outfielder.

PLIGHT OF THE TIGER

Detroit lost 8-1 to Tampa Bay on Thursday to split a four-game series against the team with the worst record in the major leagues (44-70). The defending AL champion Tigers have dropped six of their last eight and are 11-17 since the All-Star break.

NO MORE DOUGHNUTS

The Dodgers snapped a 28-inning scoreless streak along with a season-high six-game skid in a 5-4 victory over Cincinnati on Thursday. Los Angeles, shut out in its previous three games, ended the scoreless streak in the first when Jeff Kent hit a bases-loaded sacrifice fly.

SPEAKING

``Short of winning the World Series, it's the happiest I've seen our club. ... Next to striking out Inge, that's the happiest I've been in this uniform.'' - St. Louis manager Tony La Russa after former pitcher Rick Ankiel homered Thursday night in his debut as a major league outfielder.

SEASONS
August 10

1901 - Frank Isbell of the Chicago White Sox set an AL record by stranding 11 teammates on the basepaths.

1944 - Charles ``Red'' Barrett of the Boston Braves threw only 58 pitches to beat the Cincinnati Reds 2-0 in a nine-inning game.

1957 - Mickey Mantle became the first player to clear the center-field hedge at Baltimore's Memorial Stadium when his 460-foot homer hit the base of the scoreboard. The Yankees beat the Orioles 6-3.

1969 - Cesar Tovar of Minnesota broke up the second no-hit bid against the Twins by a Baltimore pitcher. Tovar singled with no outs in the ninth off Mike Cuellar. Earlier in the year, Tovar singled with one out in the ninth to spoil Dave McNally's bid.

1971 - Harmon Killebrew of the Minnesota Twins hit his 500th home run in the first inning off Baltimore's Mike Cuellar to become the 10th player to hit 500 or more in a career. Killebrew also hit No. 501 off Cuellar, but the Orioles won 4-3.

1981 - Major League Baseball resumed play after a two-month strike. In the St. Louis Cards-Phillies game at Philadelphia, attended by 60,561 fans, Pete Rose broke Stan Musial's NL hit record when he singled for his 3,631st hit. It came off Mark Littell in the eighth inning.

1995 - Ball Night at Dodger Stadium turned into the first forfeit in the majors in 16 years. Los Angeles forfeited a game to the St. Louis Cardinals after fans threw souvenir baseballs onto the field three times. The game was called with one out in the bottom of the ninth.

2002 - Sammy Sosa hit three three-run homers before being pulled for a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the sixth inning in the Chicago's 15-1 rout of Colorado.

2003 - Atlanta Braves shortstop Rafael Furcal turned the 12th unassisted triple play in major league history against the St. Louis Cardinals. With runners on first and second in the fifth inning, Furcal made a leaping grab of pitcher Woody Williams' liner. The runners were going, and Furcal stepped on second base to double up Mike Matheny before tagging out Orlando Palmeiro.

2004 - Barry Bonds became the first player in major league history to hit 30 home runs in 13 consecutive seasons, hitting a solo shot off John Grabow in the seventh inning of San Francisco's 8-7 loss to Pittsburgh. Bonds has hit 30 homers in 14 seasons, one shy of Hank Aaron's record.

2006 - Boston's Curt Schilling tied the AL record by allowing 10 extra-base hits in a 5-4 loss to Kansas City. Schilling gave up nine doubles and a home run, matching the mark set by Washington's Dale Gear in 1901 and equaled by Cleveland's Luis Tiant in 1969.

Today's birthdays: Brandon Lyon 28; Dan Johnson 28.

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