Saturday Trends and Indexes 08/18

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Trends and Indexes
Saturday, August 18

Good Luck on day #230 of 2007!

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

[pm530]

Six-pack for Saturday

With the start of pro football only three weeks away, here are six pieces of knowledge for the coming season......

-- Atlanta Falcons have still never had back-to-back years over .500; they've been in business since 1966. But in last six years, Falcons have had only one sub-.500 road record.

-- Over last seven seasons, Eagles are 38-18 on foreign soil.

-- Over last four years, Redskins are just 15-17 at home; the Seahawks are 26-6 at home during the same period.

-- The new Cleveland Browns are 40-89, despite going 9-7 and making the playoffs back in 2002.

-- In six seasons under the leadership of GM Matt Millen, the Detroit Lions are 6-42 on the road; since 1972, Detroit has had a winning road in two seasons ('93, '00).

-- Baltimore went 6-2 on road, both last year and in '00, their Super Bowl season; in their other nine seasons as Ravens, Baltimore has a combined road record of 22-50.

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

13) Quote of the day, the week, the month, the year so far.....

"Fat boys like me can get through the heat. Every time I worked out I threw up and I thought to myself that you can get drunk and throw up, so it's just not for me. I'm flexible enough, there are probably some things I could do to keep my flexibility up, but I'd rather smoke, drink diet Cokes and eat. I get enough exercise walking five or six miles a day." John Daly, golfer and American icon.

12) Dale Earnhardt Jr won't be driving car #8 next year, after his people failed to come up with a deal with DEI's people to allow Junior to take the #8 with him to his new team, which is living proof that Richard and Kyle aren't only Petty folks on the NASCAR circuit.

11) The Dodgers started $35 all-you-can-eat/drink sections in outfield bleachers, and it has been such a popular idea that it has spread to at least four other stadiums. I love to eat, but in three hours, I don't think I could eat $35 worth of food. There is no word what happens if Kobiyashi goes into that section.

10) In a last-ditch attempt to beat out Michael Vick for Heel of the Year in 2007, former NBA ref Tim Donaghy is going to squeal on twenty NBA refs, who apparently violated NBA's no-casino rule-- there is no indication that any of the twenty are criminals like Donaghy, but he'll rat on them to try and lessen whatever jail time he gets. The nitwit might actually be safer in jail, given some of the people he has ticked off in the last few months.

9) Back when the ABA folded after the 1976 season, owners of the Spirits of St Louis negotiated greatest business deal in history of pro sports-- we've mentioned it a few times, but for folding their team, which wasn't very good anyway, they got a 14.3% share of the annual network TV contract for each of the four ABA teams that went into the NBA-- Spurs, Nets, Pacers and Nuggets. The length of the deal? Forever.

8) Lets put it this way; these guys have banked just under $200 million over last thirty years, for doing nothing, and are going to bank another $100M between now and 2016. By way of contrast, John Y. Brown got $3.3M to fold his Kentucky Colonels, and they were one of the best ABA teams.

7) Brandon Webb has now tossed 42 consecutive scoreless innings, as Arizona continues to lead NL West. Mrs Webb better be clearing some space in family room for a Cy Young award. Diamondbacks are a very young team that could be really good for the foreseeable future.

6) There really is no other way to say it, other than Eric Gagne has been horrible for the Red Sox.

5) I'm not big on reading anything into preseason NFL games, but Minnesota has already scored three defensive TDs in its two games...........and Chad Pennington was putrid in Friday's game-- he reminds me of Pat Haden, and being a Ram fan, that is no compliment. He simply can't stretch the field.

6) In my mind, there is no doubt that unless Pennington is on a roll this season, Kellen Clemens is going to get a shot to be the Jets' QB, and sooner rather than later.

5) DJ Shockley, the Falcons' #2 QB, was carted off the field with a leg injury Friday, making Chris Redman #2 guy; could Jeff George be headed back to Atlanta soon? Scalpers down on Peachtree Street have to be sick about Atlanta's chances.

4) I'm a big believer in Vince Young; I think when September 9 rolls around and things count, he'll be playing well, but a 3-12 night, on heels of being suspended for preseason opener, is not exactly reminiscent of how Unitas or Marino did things.

3) Donovan McNabb, on other hand, came out hot in Friday's rout of Carolina; is there any doubt that Eagles are favorite in an NFC East that could see Coughlin and Gibbs coaching for their final season, unless they make the playoffs?

2) Minnesota's scoring two defensive TDs in first quarter had to be at least a slight problem for their offensive coaches- the Vikings had only three snaps in first quarter, so how do you look at position battles when Minnesota never had the ball? One position that is secure is Adrian Peterson, RB.

1) Finally, a strong word of recommendation for the Recovery Room, a new sports bar in Albany, that is in the new Hilton Gardens Inn, across from Albany Medical Center hospital. If you walk into a place, and the first person you see is mayor of the city, you know a place is good. I just made that rule up, but in this case, it fits.

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[pm530]

National Football League - Long Sheet

NFL
Pre-Season
Long Sheet


Saturday, August 18

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HOUSTON (0 - 1) at ARIZONA (0 - 1) - 8/18/2007, 4:00 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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DETROIT (1 - 0) at CLEVELAND (1 - 0) - 8/18/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) as a road underdog of 3 points or less since 1993.
CLEVELAND is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in home games in games played on a grass field since 1993.
CLEVELAND is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in home games since 1993.
CLEVELAND is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in home lined games since 1993.
CLEVELAND is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in a home game where the total is between 35.5 and 38 points since 1993.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 2-0 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 2-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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NEW ORLEANS (0 - 2) at CINCINNATI (0 - 1) - 8/18/2007, 7:30 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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TAMPA BAY (1 - 0) at JACKSONVILLE (0 - 1) - 8/18/2007, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
JACKSONVILLE is 2-0 against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
JACKSONVILLE is 2-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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PITTSBURGH (1 - 1) at WASHINGTON (1 - 0) - 8/18/2007, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in all games where the total is 35 or less over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 1-0 against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 1-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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SAN DIEGO (0 - 1) at ST LOUIS (1 - 0) - 8/18/2007, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 1-0 against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
SAN DIEGO is 1-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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DENVER (1 - 0) at DALLAS (1 - 0) - 8/18/2007, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 22-5 ATS (+16.5 Units) when playing on a Saturday since 1993.
DENVER is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) in non-conference games since 1993.
DALLAS is 11-29 ATS (-20.9 Units) in all games where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points since 1993.

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


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SEATTLE (1 - 0) at GREEN BAY (1 - 0) - 8/18/2007, 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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OAKLAND (1 - 0) at SAN FRANCISCO (0 - 1) - 8/18/2007, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-1 against the spread versus OAKLAND over the last 3 seasons
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-1 straight up against OAKLAND over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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[pm530]

National Football League - Short Sheet

NFL
Pre-Season
Short Sheet


Saturday, August 18

Houston at Arizona, 4:00 ET
Houston: 3-7 ATS as a road underdog
Arizona: 8-3 ATS as a home favorite of 3 points or less

Detroit at Cleveland, 7:00 ET
Detroit: 8-19 ATS as a road underdog
Cleveland: 16-6 ATS in home games

New Orleans at Cincinnati, 7:30 ET
New Orleans: 1-6 ATS off a non-conference game
Cincinnati: 6-1 ATS playing on artificial turf

Tampa Bay at Jacksonville, 7:30 ET
Tampa Bay: 20-8 Under off a home game
Jacksonville: 4-0 ATS off a loss by 6 points or less

Pittsburgh at Washington, 8:00 ET
Pittsburgh: 6-0 Under in road games
Washington: 1-5 ATS off a non-conference game

San Diego at St. Louis, 8:00 ET CBS
San Diego: 20-8 ATS off a home game
St. Louis: 1-6 ATS off a win by 6 points or less

Denver at Dallas, 8:00 ET
Denver: 1-5 ATS off a win as a road underdog
Dallas: 5-1 ATS as a favorite

Seattle at Green Bay, 8:00 ET
Seattle: 3-9 ATS off a road win
Green Bay: 10-5 ATS vs. conference opponents

Oakland at San Francisco, 10:00 ET
Oakland: 19-5 Under off a home game
San Francisco: 5-1 ATS off a non-conference game

[pm530]

National Football League – Write up

NFL
Pre-Season
Write-up


Saturday, August 18

In Week 2 and 3 preseason games, regulars play little more, but still, no one really cares who wins. Invest carefully...........

Tampa Bay lost to Jacksonville last three summers (18-29/17-20/ 6-14); Bama alum Darby had strong game running ball last week vs Patriots, while McCown was 7-7 passing, as he tries to win a backup job behind Garcia. Garrard was 12-16/153 passing a week ago vs Miami. Jags have good depth at QB, which serves them well in games like these.

Houston lost to Bears' 3rd-strong QB Orton last week; Rosenfels was solid at QB for Texans, who are now 3-2 in summer games in Kubiak era. Cardinals scored 20+ points in five of last six summer games; Warner was 2-2/73 yards in cameo appearance last week, but they didn;t let him play after one quick score. .

Bengals have issues on offensive line; Williams is out now, but Cincinnati also has defensive issues, as Detroit passed for just under 500 yards against them last week, bad news vs Saints' unit that outgained Bills by 200 yards in first half last week, but didn;t win, because of blocked FG, interception in end zone.

Browns beat Detroit last three summers (20-16/21-13/17-10) but with Quinn expected to make pro debut here, and Detroit passing for almost 500 yards last week, hard to believe that Lions aren't far superior, at this point. Frye was 12-15/122 passing last week, but Browns didn't get in end zone until fourth quarter.

Redskins didn't score in first three quarters last week, rallied in last period vs Tennessee subs; would guess they try to get the young QB Campbell going here (6-14 last week), vs blitz-happy Steel Curtain that is already playing third summer game. Win at Tennessee was just second for Redskins in last 9 summer tilts.

Rams held Minnesota withoiut offensive TD last week; TD they gave up came when 3rd-stringer Fitzpatrick threw pick-6. Short week for Chargers, after Wallace was 17-25/191 against them in Seattle's come-from-behind win Sunday. Rams lost second game in summer each of last three years, by 7,15,17 points. LT doesn't play much in summer; wouldn't expect to much Jackson, either.

Dallas led Colts 6-3 at half last week; Romo was 9-11 passing in new, more relaxed Phillips era. Denver won at Candlestick only five nights ago, so short week, coupled with travel; would think Shanahan is more interested in next week's home game against Browns, while this is Cowboys' last home summer game.

Holmgren returns to Green Bay (there is street by stadium named after him) with Seattle team that won six of last seven road games in summer. Favre was indifferent in loss at Pittsburgh, throwing lot of balls off his back foot, to avoid hits. Packers are 2-6 in last eight summer games, for what that is worth.

Raiders go across Bay Bridge to play 49er squad they've beaten in two of last three summers; coach Kiffin spent part of week in hospital, top pick Russell is still unsigned, so normal amount of drama for Oakland, although Culpepper has looked good during practice. 49ers lost at home last week, snapping four-game win streak in summer games.

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[pm530]

Canadian Football League – Long Sheet

CFL
Long Sheet

Saturday, August 18

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EDMONTON (3 - 3 - 1) at SASKATCHEWAN (5 - 2) - 8/18/2007, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 5-2 against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 5-2 straight up against SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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[pm530]

Canadian Football League – Write up

CFL
Write-up


Saturday, August 18

Intelligent quirk in CFL schedule, with eastern teams getting a bye this week, western teams getting next week off, as season hits the midway point.

Edmonton (3-3-1) @ Saskatchewan (5-2) -- Third meeting in last five weeks for these teams; Roughriders had halftime leads of 20-1/34-8 in first two meetings, but let game at Edmonton slip away, 21-20; since then, Riders won three in a row, by 40,12,11 points, scoring 33 ppg. Eskimos are 1-2 on road, allowing 32.7 ppg, with losses by 40,20 points, with a 19-15 win at Winnipeg. Riders allowed 10.2 ppg in their wins; 21,42 in their losses.

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[pm530]

Canadian Football League – Additional

CFL

Saturday, August 18

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Makin’ Canadian bacon: Week 8 CFL picks
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CFL 2007 ATS and O/U records
Team ATS, O/U
BC 3-4, 2-5
Cal. 3-4, 4-3
Edm. 1-6, 3-4
Ham. 3-4, 3-4
Mon. 3-4, 3-4
Sas. 6-1, 3-4
Tor. 4-3, 2-5
Win. 5-2, 4-3

Edmonton Eskimos at Saskatchewan Roughriders (-8 ½, 52)
Saturday, Aug. 18, 10 p.m. ET

The Riders were 7-point favorites when I started this column on Wednesday morning, 8 ½-point favorites by the early afternoon. Why could this be?

For starters, Saskatchewan has already hosted the Eskies once this season, a 54-14 drubbing of Edmonton back in Week 5. That game played a factor in the Riders’ statistical dominance in all facets of the game: they’ve scored more points than anyone in the CFL while allowing the fewest, and they’ve been penalized the fewest yards while owning the league’s best turnover ratio at +11 through seven games.

But that’s not all! The Roughriders bring the league’s top pass rush to the table against a beat-up offensive line, one likely missing both its starting guards on Saturday night. Speaking of beat up, the Eskimos are dealing with multiple injuries at nearly every position. A.J. Gass is still appealing his suspension, meaning he’s free to play on Friday, but his presence will mean less against the Riders’ balanced attack than it did against Hamilton last week.

I’m not a big fan of hopping on heavy favorites, especially after the line’s already moved past a touchdown, but the Riders are not only the CFL’s best team at the moment, they’re its best bet as well at 6-1 ATS.

Pick: Roughriders -8 ½

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[pm530]

Major League Soccer – Hot Lines

MLS
Hot Lines


Saturday, August 18

Saturday’s MLS preview and picks


Chivas USA at Toronto FC (+175, +210, +130)

The end of the Toronto injury crisis seems near and it won't come a moment too soon. The Canadians are winless in eight games and have fallen to the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

Toronto has a total of six regular starters on their injury list, but coach Mo Johnston recently told MLSnet.com that he expects Danny Dichio, Marvell Wynne and Jeff Cunningham to return this weekend.

The attacking partnership of Dichio and Cunningham was just starting to bear fruit when both were struck down with injury. Their comeback will be a massive boost to a Toronto side that hasn’t scored in three matches in their absence.

Dichio, in particular, is the key man in the TFC lineup. With him back in the side, they have the tools to beat a Chivas USA outfit that has only won twice on the road this season.

Pick: Toronto +130



DC United at Columbus Crew (+188, +210, +125)

DC United are in second place in the East and are contenders to top the table, but poor road form is damaging their chances at catching first-place New England. DC travels to Columbus on Saturday trying for only their fourth away win of the season.

The boys from the capital have a 3-5-1 record away from RFK Stadium this season and have lost five of their last six games on the road. They've scored eight goals in nine road games, compared with 22 goals in the same number of matches in Washington.

The past week says everything about United’s woes. They defeated the L.A. Galaxy 1-0 at RFK on August 9, putting in an excellent performance. Less than a week later they were beaten 2-0 by the same team in Los Angeles.

Granted, David Beckham was in fine form in the second meeting, but United looked a shadow of the team that triumphed a week earlier.

Columbus has only lost once at Crew Stadium this season. While they are unlikely to beat a team of United’s caliber, they are more than capable of taking a point from a DC side that can’t get it together away from home.

Pick: Draw +210



Los Angeles Galaxy at New York Red Bulls (+275, +220, -118)

The Beckham show goes back on the road this weekend, but at least this time around he is likely to play. He made a big contribution against DC on Wednesday night, something the Galaxy will be hoping for more of against New York.

The Galaxy were winless and goalless in three games before Becks walked onto the field for Wednesday’s SuperLiga semifinal – his first start since arriving in the U.S. He scored a fantastic free kick in the first half to put L.A. ahead, and put Landon Donovan through on goal with a pinpoint pass for Galaxy goal No. 2 in the second half.

Wisely, Beckham was taken off the field in the 63rd minute to save his injured ankle. All indications are he is likely to start at a sold-out Giants Stadium on Saturday.

Beckham brings stability in the middle of the park, and an attacking threat to a Galaxy side that desperately need both. With him at the helm they can go to New York and win.

Pick: Los Angeles +275



Chicago Fire at Real Salt Lake (+175, +210, +130)

With only 12 points in 17 games, Real Salt Lake’s season is all but over. But the visit of the struggling Chicago Fire gives RSL a chance to claim their third win of the season and restore some pride.

It took Salt Lake 11 games to earn their first league victory this season, a 2-1 win over DC United. But they have steadily improved since then.

Real may have lost four of five since that mid-July victory, but managed to keep all four losses close. In at least two of the games they were unlucky not to get a point. And then it all culminated in a shock 1-0 win over high-flying Houston Dynamo two weeks ago – a game in which they were +320 home underdogs.

Bookmakers have certainly given RSL more respect this weekend, making them +130 favorites to beat a Chicago squad that has lost five of its eight games on the road this season.

Pick: Salt Lake +130

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[pm530]

Baseball - Tips & Trends

MLB

Saturday, August 18

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Tips and Trends
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Baltimore Orioles at Toronto Blue Jays (1:07 PM ET)

Baltimore’s Steve Trachsel is a perfect 5-0 with a 2.95 ERA in six career starts versus Toronto. He’s tallied two victories against the Blue Jays in 2007, allowing just three earned runs and nine hits over 11 1/3 innings. EDGE: ORIOLES
Trachsel has struggled mightily on the road this season, going 2-7 with a 5.40 ERA in 12 starts. The right-hander has issued 41 walks in just 65 innings of work away from Camden Yards this season. EDGE: BLUE JAYS
Toronto right-hander Jesse Litsch picked up his first victory of the season over Baltimore, allowing just a single run and four hits over 8 2/3 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: BLUE JAYS
Litsch has an even 2-2 record at the Rogers Centre despite having a 4.91 ERA. The right-hander allowed three runs and six hits over five innings in his last home start versus the New York Yankees. SLIGHT EDGE: ORIOLES
The Blue Jays are 3-7 in Litsch’s last 10 starts.



St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs (FOX | 3:55 PM ET)

St. Louis starter Anthony Reyes is 0-4 with a 5.40 ERA in four career outings versus Chicago. The second-year pitcher is 0-2 with a 6.00 ERA in two starts against the Cubs in 2007. EDGE: CUBS
Reyes has thrown the ball much better over his last five starts, giving up just 10 earned runs over his last 29 innings of work. He picked up an easy 12-2 home victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in his last start. EDGE: CARDINALS
Chicago’s Sean Marshall is a disappointing 0-2 with a 10.38 ERA in three starts this month. The left-hander has allowed 15 earned runs and 22 hits in 13 innings while managing to strike out just five batters. EDGE: CARDINALS
The Cubs have lost five of Marshall’s last six starts, with the offense failing to score more than three runs in four of those six outings. EDGE: CARDINALS
The UNDER is 7-1 in Marshall’s last eight starts as a favorite.



Los Angeles Angels at Boston Red Sox (7:05 PM ET)

Los Angeles right-hander Jered Weaver is 4-3 with a 3.86 ERA in 10 road starts this season. The Angels picked up an 8-7 defeat in his last road outing, as he surrendered six runs and 12 hits over six innings of work. SLIGHT EDGE: ANGELS
Weaver has pitched well against the Red Sox in three career starts with a 2.89 ERA. He led the Angels to a 4-2 home victory over Boston on August 6, allowing two runs and six hits over six innings. SLIGHT EDGE: ANGELS
Boston’s Curt Schilling is 5-2 with a 3.19 ERA in 11 career outings versus Los Angeles. The veteran right-hander was knocked around for four runs and six hits against the Angels on August 6, but that was his first start since coming off the disabled list with shoulder problems. EDGE: RED SOX
Schilling is a tremendous 27-9 with a 4.01 ERA in 65 career outings at Fenway Park. He’s picked up just a 2-1 record and 4.11 ERA in eight starts at home this season. EDGE: RED SOX
The Red Sox are 13-1 in Schilling’s last 14 Saturday starts.



Arizona Diamondbacks at Atlanta Braves (7:05 PM ET)

Arizona’s Micah Owings is 2-3 with a 6.40 ERA in 10 road games this season. The rookie right-hander has pitched better away from Chase Field over his last two away outings, allowing just three earned runs and eight hits over 10 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: BRAVES
Owings has done a great job of limiting the long ball over his last five outings, failing to allow a single home run in his last 25 2/3 innings. EDGE: D-BACKS
Braves starter Buddy Carlyle has limited the Diamondbacks to three runs and seven hits over 9 1/3 innings of work. He hasn’t faced Arizona since making two relief appearances in 2005, allowing one runs and two his over three innings of work. SLIGHT EDGE: BRAVES
Carlyle is a solid 5-2 at home this season, but carries an inflated 4.60 ERA to the mound. He’s allowed nine home runs in just 47 innings at Turner Field. SLIGHT EDGE: BRAVES
The Diamondbacks are 23-8 in their last 31 games versus the NL East.



Philadelphia Phillies at Pittsburgh Pirates (7:05 PM ET)

Phillies left-hander Jamie Moyer is an even 5-5 with a 4.68 ERA in 13 career appearances versus the Pirates. He picked up an 8-1 home victory over Pittsburgh on July 27, giving up just one runs and six hits over seven innings. SLIGHT EDGE: PHILLIES
Moyer has an even 6-6 record and 5.17 ERA in 14 road starts this season, as opposing batters are hitting .293 against him on the road compared to just .246 at home. SLIGHT EDGE: PIRATES
Pittsburgh starter Paul Maholm is 1-1 with a 5.73 ERA in two career starts versus Philadelphia. The left-hander picked up a 3-2 victory in his last home start versus the Phillies back on April 29, 2006, allowing just one run and six hits over seven innings. SLIGHT EDGE: PIRATES
The Pirates have managed to win two consecutive starts with Maholm on the mound just once this season. He tallied a 3-1 complete game victory over the San Francisco Giants in his last start, allowing just one run and three hits. SLIGHT EDGE: PHILLIES
The UNDER is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings.



Houston Astros at San Diego Padres (10:05 PM ET)

Houston right-hander Roy Oswalt is a dominant 7-1 with a 2.15 ERA in 10 career outings versus San Diego. He’s limited the Padres to just two home runs in 58 2/3 innings against them. BIG EDGE: ASTROS
Oswalt has posted a disappointing 5-5 record and 5.01 ERA in 12 road games this season. He’s allowed 83 hits and issued 25 walks in 70 innings away from Minute Maid Park. EDGE: PADRES
San Diego’s Justin German is 2-4 with a 5.52 ERA in eight home starts in 2007. The Padres have lost five of his last six home starts, as the right-hander has allowed 25 earned runs in his last 31 innings at Petco Park. EDGE: ASTROS
Germano has thrown the ball much better in the month of August, giving up just three earned runs and seven hits in 11 innings of work. Hitters are managing to hit just .175 against him this month. SLIGHT EDGE: PADRES
The OVER is 6-1 in Germano’s last seven home starts.



Chicago White Sox at Seattle Mariners (10:05 PM ET)

Chicago’s John Danks is 0-2 with a 7.36 ERA in two career starts versus Seattle. The left-hander allowed six runs and eight hits in just 4 1/3 innings against the Mariners in his last start. EDGE: MARINERS
Danks is a dismal 1-4 with a 6.89 ERA in six starts since the All-Star break, including a miserable 0-3 record and 8.16 ERA in the month of August. EDGE: MARINERS
Mariners right-hander Jeff Weaver is 2-5 with a 6.15 ERA in eight home starts this season. He’s allowed 16 earned runs in his last 16 1/3 innings at Safeco Field. EDGE: WHITE SOX
Weaver is an even 6-6 with a 3.84 ERA in 16 career outings versus Chicago. The right-hander was brilliant in a 6-0 complete game victory against them last time out, scattering five hits and striking out eight batters while walking none. SLIGHT EDGE: MARINERS
The UNDER is 4-1 in Weaver’s last five starts overall.

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[pm530]

Baseball – Betting Notes

MLB


Saturday, August 18

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MLB Betting Notes
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Saturday’s MLB betting notes

Bronx quarantine

The Detroit Tigers got a cold reception at the Yankees clubhouse when they arrived Thursday for the first of four-game series. But it wasn’t the rivalry that kept the Yanks at a distance, but a sign in the home lockeroom posted by the team’s medical staff.

According to MLB.com, part of the sign read: "The Tigers have medical issues that we do not wish to contract."

That’s a reference to the flu-like illness that has made its way through the Detroit roster this week. The bug struck down Ivan Rodriguez, Todd Jones, Placido Polanco and Craig Monroe, with all four missing significant playing time. Zach Miner and Carlos Guillen are also said to be feeling under the weather.

"I called Jimmy," Yanks manager Joe Torre told reporters when asked how the Tigers reacted to being kept at a distance. "I said, 'Jimmy, nothing personal, but we've been asked not to cohabitate with you guys.'"

The illness did not seem to affect the Tigers when they took the first game of the series 8-5 on Thursday night. Detroit sends Chad Durbin (7-5, 4.68) to the mound to face Roger Clemens (4-5, 4.00) on Saturday and is a +180 underdog with the total set at 10 ½.



Jays power shift

The Toronto Blue Jays lineup is typically one of the most powerful in the majors, with sluggers Vernon Wells, Alex Rios and Frank Thomas capable of consistently going deep. But the Jays bats have lacked pop this August. They have managed just four homers in the first half of the month.

That’s the lowest number of any team in the majors and comes after Toronto went deep 22 times in July. The lack of power helped the Jays' last seven games go under the total set by oddsmakers.

But what they lack in power, the Jays make up for with in-the-park hitting. Toronto has produced 39 doubles this month, the second highest number in baseball.

On Saturday, the Jays face Baltimore for the second of a three-game series. Jesse Litsch (4-5, 3.45) squares up to Steve Trachsel (5-7, 4.85) on the mound and Toronto is a –142 favorite with the total set at 10.



Street closing again

Huston Street was back in a save situation for the first time in over three months on Wednesday. The Oakland A’s closer has struggled with an elbow injury all season but his return to the closer role couldn’t have gone any better.

He picked up his tenth save of the season, protecting a 3-2 lead and striking out all three batters he faced.

Street was activated off the disabled list July 23 but has been eased back into his former role.

"After four (relief) appearances, I wanted to be back," Street told reporters on Wednesday. "But with the way Alan Embree has come in and pitched, he has been unbelievable. With the way he was throwing, they didn't have to rush me back."

Embree picked up 15 saves for the A’s, a club record for a lefty, and manager Bob Geren said that the 37-year-old pitcher is not finished closing out games yet. The A’s may use either him or Street down the stretch, depending on what situations arise.

Meanwhile the A’s continue a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday, sending Chad Gaudin (9-8, 4.12) to the hill. The Royals counter with Odalis Perez (7-11, 5.78) and are +146 underdogs with the total set at 9 ½.



Pena's setup struggles

Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Tony Pena has been consistent this year, posting a 5-2 record and a 2.63 ERA, but he has started to struggle lately. The right-handed setup man allowed seven runs in just over seven innings this month – with five of those coming this week.

Despite the fact that he’s appeared in 56 games this season, D-Backs manager Bob Melvin doesn’t believe Pena’s dip in form is due to tiredness.

"The velocity is still there, the command isn't as good right now," Melvin told MLB.com. "He and pitching coach Bryan Price were watching film today and are constantly trying to tinker with what mechanically can be wrong if your command's not there."

"He's a force. He's still a force. He's a guy we need and he'll work through these issues right now," added Melvin.

The Diamondbacks have been using Pena every two to three days this season, meaning he could play some part in Saturday’s game against the Braves. Micah Owings (5-6, 4.76) and Buddy Carlyle (7-4, 4.39) are the starters for that game and Atlanta is a –140 favorite with the total set at 9 ½.

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[pm530]

Baseball Today - August 18

SCOREBOARD
Saturday, Aug. 18
L.A. Angels at Boston (7:05 p.m. EDT). Jered Weaver faces Curt Schilling in a matchup of the AL's top two teams.

STARS
Friday

-- Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks, gave up two hits in his third straight shutout to lead Arizona past Atlanta 4-0.

-- Lance Berkman, Astros, hit two home runs to push Houston past San Diego 3-1.

-- Jason Giambi, Yankees, homered twice to help New York defeat Detroit 6-1.

-- Brian Bannister, Royals, pitched a four-hitter for his first career complete game and Kansas City downed Oakland 9-2.

-- Barry Zito, Giants, allowed one hit and struck out eight in seven innings to help San Francisco top Florida 3-0.

WEBB GEM

Brandon Webb pitched his third straight shutout and stretched his scoreless streak to 42 innings, tossing a two-hitter to lead Arizona past Atlanta 4-0 on Friday. Webb became the first pitcher since Orel Hershiser in 1988 to go at least 40 innings without giving up a run and just the 21st pitcher in baseball history to reach that level of stinginess. Nineteen years ago, Hershiser was with the Dodgers when he set the record of 59 straight scoreless innings.

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

Facing a franchise he has beaten more than any other, Tom Glavine picked up win No. 301 by allowing one run over seven innings on Friday to help the New York Mets defeat Washington 6-2. Glavine beat the former Montreal Expos for the 33rd time, including the sixth time since the team moved to the nation's capital in 2005. He moved into sole possession of 21st place on the career wins list, ahead of Lefty Grove and Early Wynn.

SPLITSVILLE

Clay Buchholz gave Boston six strong innings in his major league debut to pace an 8-4 victory over the Los Angeles Angels in the first game of a doubleheader on Friday afternoon. In the nightcap, the Red Sox scored four runs in the eighth inning to take the lead but Eric Gagne allowed an RBI single to Orlando Cabrera and a go-ahead two-run double to Vladimir Guerrero in the ninth as the Angels came back to win 7-5 and earn a split. John Lackey failed to win his 16th game in the afternoon, and Josh Beckett did the same in the nightcap.

WILD FINISH

Nick Punto scored on a wild pitch with nobody out in the 10th inning to lift Minnesota over Texas 2-1 on Friday. Marlon Byrd misplayed a shallow fly ball off the bat of Punto, allowing him to stretch a single into a triple. Reliever Jamey Wright then bounced a pitch at the plate that got past catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Punto dashed home to end the game.

STREAKS

Kevin Millar was hit by a pitch in the eighth inning of Baltimore's 5-2 loss to Toronto on Friday and has now reached base safely in 45 straight games. It's the longest streak by an Oriole since Cal Ripken Jr. reached in 46 straight in 1998. ... Andy Pettite allowed one run in eight innings to win his fourth straight start in the New York Yankees' 6-1 victory over Detroit. ... J.D. Durbin allowed three runs and four hits in six innings to win his fourth consecutive start in Philadelphia's 11-8 victory over Pittsburgh. ... Jose Contreras gave up five runs in seven innings and lost his eighth consecutive start in the Chicago White Sox's 5-4 loss to Seattle.

SPEAKING

"Just two more shutouts? Oh, I should have that no problem. It's in the back pocket." -- Arizona ace Brandon Webb, joking about going for the record of 59 straight scoreless innings. Webb tossed his third straight shutout, extending his scoreless streak to 42 innings in the Diamondbacks' 4-0 win over Atlanta on Friday.

SEASONS
Aug. 18

1915 -- Boston opened Braves Field with a 3-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.

1956 -- The Cincinnati Reds hit eight home runs and the Milwaukee Braves added two to set a National League record for home runs by two clubs in a nine-inning night game. Bob Thurman's three homers and double led the Reds in the 13-4 rout.

1960 -- Lew Burdette of the Milwaukee Braves pitched a no-hitter, beating the Philadelphia Phillies 1-0. Burdette faced the minimum 27 batters. Tony Gonzalez reached first in the fifth after being hit by a pitch and was wiped out in a double play.

1965 -- Hank Aaron of Milwaukee hit Curt Simmons' pitch on top of the pavilion roof at Sportman's Park in St. Louis for an apparent home run. However, umpire Chris Pelekoudas called him out for being out of the batter's box when he connected. Nevertheless, the Braves won the game 5-3.

1982 -- The Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Chicago Cubs 2-1 in a 21-inning game played over two days. It was the second longest game in Cubs history.

1982 -- Pete Rose of the Philadelphia Phillies made his 13,941st plate appearance in a 5-3 triumph over the Houston Astros to move into first place on the career list ahead of Hank Aaron.

1995 -- Tom Henke became the seventh pitcher to reach 300 career saves, surviving a rally by the Atlanta Braves in the ninth inning of the St. Louis Cardinals' 4-3 victory.

2000 -- Darin Erstad of Anaheim made a spectacular, game-saving catch in the 10th inning and followed it with a homer in the 11th as the Angels defeated the New York Yankees 9-8.

2006 -- Alfonso Soriano became the third player in major league history to have at least four seasons of 30 homers and 30 stolen bases, and the Washington Nationals beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-4.

2006 -- Jered Weaver joined Whitey Ford as the only rookies in AL history to win their first nine decisions, holding Seattle to three singles over seven innings in the Los Angeles Angels' 3-0 victory. Weaver is just the fifth pitcher in major league history to begin his career 9-0 as a starter.

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[Kaptain]

POINTS of INTEREST

EARLY EDITION of "POINTS of INTEREST".........

08/18/07
04:10 AM Lineups
NFL
Saturday: 49ers RB Frank Gore (hand) is not expected to play.
Padres OF Milton Bradley (.292; hamstring) is questionable.

08/18/07
04:10 AM Injuries
MLB
Saturday: Mets 1B Carlos Delgado (.254; knee) is doubtful

08/18/07
04:09 AM Injuries
MLB
Saturday: Tigers 2B Placido Polanco (.344; flu) is questionable; Marlins C Miguel Olivo (.237; groin) is questionable.

08/18/07
04:02 AM News Alert Nevada boxing regulators fined Bernard Hopkins $200,000 for instigating a weigh-in brawl before his July fight with Winky Wright.

08/18/07
04:00 AM News Alert
NBA
Former NBA official Tim Donaghy will reportedly give federal prosecutors information on other referees as part of his cooperation.

08/18/07
03:59 AM Boxscore
NFL
Eagles QB Donovan McNabb completed 6-of-9 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown.

08/18/07
03:57 AM Injury Alert
NFL
Falcons QB D.J. Shockley was carted off the field Friday night with an apparent left knee injury.

08/18/07
03:56 AM Boxscore
NFL
Vikings RB Adrian Peterson rushed for 70 yards and a touchdown Friday.

08/18/07
03:55 AM Injuries
NFL
Bills DE Ryan Denney suffered a fractured foot in Friday's exhibition loss.

08/18/07
03:53 AM Lineups
MLB
New Nat Wily Mo Pena will platoon with Ryan Church in left field.

08/18/07
03:52 AM Lineup Alert
MLB
White Sox DH Paul Konerko will miss the next three games in order to attend his grandmother's funeral.

08/18/07
03:51 AM Boxscore
MLB
Giants Barry Zito went seven scoreless innings and combined with two other relievers to blank the Marlins 3-0 on Friday.

08/18/07
03:50 AM Info Alert
MLB
D-Backs Brandon Webb extended his scoreless streak to 42 innings by throwing a complete game shutout Friday.

08/18/07
03:48 AM Info Alert
MLB
The Rockies are no longer interest in signing David Wells according to the Denver Post.

08/18/07
03:48 AM Boxscore
MLB
Angels Ervin Santana, first start since being recalled from Triple-A, held the Red Sox to one run in 6 1/3 innings Friday.

08/18/07
03:46 AM Injuries
MLB
A's Travis Buck left Friday's game in the sixth inning with an apparent leg injury.

[Udog]

MLB
Hot Lines


Saturday, August 18


St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs (-125)

This weekend’s all-important four-game series between St. Louis and Chicago got off to the perfect start for the Cubs last night as they not only won the opener 2-1, but also reclaimed the NL Central lead. Today they look for their third straight win.

Chicago is 6-3 against St. Louis this season, but last night’s win was a tight affair. A two-run Jacque Jones homer in the sixth inning was all that separated the two sides. Jones – a right fielder who was almost traded in July – has produced seven runs in his last four games and is on a nine-game hitting streak.

St. Louis sends Anthony Reyes (2-11, 5.48) to the hill to stop the Cubs, but he is 0-4 with a 5.40 ERA in four games against Chicago and 0-2 with a 6.00 ERA against them this year.

Pick: Chicago -125



Philadelphia Phillies at Pittsburgh Pirates (+105, 9)

After a quiet week by their standards, the Philadelphia offense kicked back into action last night in an 11-8 win over Pittsburgh. That victory improved the Phillies' road record to 32-31 for the season and kept them within three game of the division leading New York Mets.

Philadelphia totaled only nine runs in taking two of three from the Nationals this week, so last night’s offensive spurt must have been welcome to Phillies backers. Pat Burrell led the way at the plate; he managed three hits and three RBIs on the night, including a two-run homer in the sixth.

The Pirates send the impressive Paul Maholm (8-14, 4.38) to the hill in tonight’s game. He has given up three runs or less in five of his last six starts, but is facing a Philadelphia side that is batting an MLB-best .282 against left-handers this season.

Pick: Philadelphia -113



Houston Astros at San Diego Padres (+118, 7 ½)

The Padres struggles at the plate continued last night in a 3-1 loss to the Astros, a game which dropped San Diego's batting average to a major league-worst .244. Despite an outstanding pitching performance from Jake Peavy (13-5, 2.19) – who gave up four hits in seven innings – they fell to their second defeat in three games.

It’s not about to get any easier for San Diego today when they face Astros ace Roy Oswalt (13-6, 3.32). He is 5-0 with a 0.82 ERA in his last five starts and is 3-0 with a 1.77 ERA in three career road starts against the Padres.

The Padres counter with Justin Germano (6-6, 4.16), but he has posted only two wins in his last 12 outings and is 2-4 with a 5.52 ERA in eight home starts this season.

Pick: Houston -126