Sunday Trends and Indexes 08/19

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Trends and Indexes
Sunday, August 19

Good Luck on day #231 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 Sunday

With the start of college football only three weeks away, here are six pieces of knowledge for the coming season...... our focus today is on the SEC, the best college conference.

-- One of Nick Saban's top jobs is to make Alabama strong at home; Crimson Tide is 2-10 as home favorite last 2 years.

-- Over last three years, Auburn is 11-1 straight up on road, with only loss in overtime at LSU.

-- LSU has covered 11 of last 15 vs non-SEC opponents.

-- Ole Miss is 1-9-2 vs spread as favorite last three years; in the Orgeron era, underdog is 13-6-2 vs spread in Rebel tilts.

-- Georgia won four of last five bowl games, scoring 30 ppg.

-- South Carolina is 8-1 vs spread on road in Spurrier era.

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Sunday's List of 13: Random thoughts for a summer Sunday

13) Phillies are the most fun team in baseball to watch; twice in last eight days, they've been 4-4 after one inning of play.

12) Red Sox have outscored foes 100-42 in 8th inning in 2007.

11) Tiger rookie Cameron Maybin in 7th player to hit his first big league home run against Roger Clemens.

10) I'm surprised Chargers didn't retire #80, the number Kellen Winslow wore during his great career with the Bolts.

9) Fantasy sleeper in NFL; WR David Boston of the Bucs.

8) Further proof that summer games matter little: Packers beat Seattle Saturday night 48-13. I'll bet you a large cheese pizza and two 20-ounce Dr Peppers that Seattle has a better record than Green Bay this season.

7) Memo to Rams' special teams: Covering punts is whole lot easier when you don't punt the ball down middle of the field.

6) Interesting phenomena, sitting in bar, watching Red Sox vs Angels, and listening to Bronx Bomber fans rip Mike Scioscia for leaving Weaver in during six-run Boston fifth inning. Not one of them knew that Angels had played twinbill on Friday, but never let the facts get in the way of an ignorant criticism.

5) Guy sitting next to me at the bar Saturday night points out that Sports Illustrated's college football preview edition has Notre Dame ranked #42. "Ranked too high, even at 42" was his analysis of the Fighting Irish.

4) Haven't made up my mind yet on ESPN's televising Little League games; I know when I am out and games are on TV, people watch, so it is a good event, but awful lot of pressure on little tykes. Kid makes a mistake that costs his team a win, and he might have to live with it as long as he lives there.

3) As I type this, Rockies-Dodgers are in the 12th inning, it is 11:15 on a Saturday night in LA, and stadium is nearly empty. Is Los Angeles such an exciting place that people can't stay at a good ballgame during a pennant race on Saturday night?

2) Colorado unveiled a terrific rookie in lefty hurler Franklin Morales, who was sharp in his debut at Dodger Stadium.

1) Arizona pitcher Micah Owings not only pitched 7 innings and allowed just three hits in Atlanta Saturday, he knocked in six runs and scored four more. My nine-man fantasy team, in a close semifinal playoff game this week, combined to knock in one lone run in 38 at-bats Saturday.

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Major League Soccer

MLS

Sunday, August 19

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MLS preview and picks
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FC Dallas at Houston Dynamo (+210, +220, +110)

Local pride and a place at the top of the Western Conference standings are at stake when the Texas teams meet in Houston on Sunday. The home side held the conference lead for most of the season, but two recent losses led to their Lone Star neighbors overtaking them. Now the Dynamo want top spot back.

They will have to shake this mini slump. Houston rode an 11-game league unbeaten streak into August, but have since struggled, dropping two consecutive league games on the road. They've only scored once in their last three games and injuries have played a big part in their lack of offense.

Midfielders Stuart Holden, Brad Davis and Ricardo Clark have all missed time lately, a huge blow to the Dynamo. Those three have combined for seven goals and 11 assists already this season. Clark is set to return Sunday but the other two remain sidelined.

Despite those absences, Houston will be a much better team on their return home to Robertson Stadium. They have a 6-2-2 record there this season and FC Dallas has not won a game in Houston in their history.

Pick: Houston +110




New England Revolution at Kansas City Wizards (+175, +210, +130)

The importance of Sunday’s game to the Revs cannot be overstated. A win against Kansas is a must for the Eastern Conference leaders as they head into crunch battles with New York and DC United over the next two weekends.

It has been a mixed few weeks for the Revs. Gone is the consistency that made the early part of their season so successful. New England has lost two of their last three league games (their 1-0 win over L.A. was sandwiched between 3-0 defeats against DC and Colorado).

The problem with New England is that they go several games completely outplaying the opposition, before switching off for a game they are expected to win. The Revs defense is particularly guilty of this – it’s impossible to understand how a back four that has kept clean sheets against New York, L.A. and Houston this season can concede three against Colorado.

With that said, temporary lapses by New England tend to only last one game. On their day, the Revs are one of the best teams in MLS, and with a league-leading five road wins this season, they are good value to beat the Wizards on Sunday.

Pick: New England +175

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[pm530]

National Football League - Long Sheet

NFL
Pre-Season
Long Sheet


Sunday, August 19

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NY GIANTS (0 - 1) at BALTIMORE (1 - 0) - 8/19/2007, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY GIANTS is 1-0 against the spread versus BALTIMORE over the last 3 seasons
NY GIANTS is 1-0 straight up against BALTIMORE 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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National Football League - Short Sheet

NFL
Pre-Season
Short Sheet


Sunday, August 19th


NY Giants at Baltimore, 8:00 EST NBC
NY Giants: 9-21 ATS off an Over
Baltimore: 6-1 Under as a favorite

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NFL
Sunday's Starter Report


New York Giants at Baltimore Ravens (-3, 33)

Coach Tom Coughlin expects the Giants' starters to play into the second quarter against the Ravens on Sunday. Jared Lorenzen will replace quarterback Eli Manning at that point, with Tim Hasselbeck set to follow in the second half.

New York has some serious injury worries with wide receiver Plaxico Burress set to miss the game because of a hurt ankle. Sinorice Moss, one of Burress’ backups, could also miss the game because of a similar injury.

On the plus side, Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer will make his first start since Nov. 5 of last year, when he suffered a knee injury which required extensive surgery.

Baltimore’s starters only played a quarter in an impressive 29-3 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday, but they are expected to play about half the game against the Giants.

Quarterback Steve McNair threw for 73 yards and a touchdown in his limited action against Philadelphia. He's likely to get more time on Sunday. He will be replaced by Kyle Boller, who will go into the third quarter.

Rookie linebackers Antwan Barnes, Prescott Burgess and undrafted free agent Edgar Jones are all expected to see more action after putting in impressive performances in Monday’s game.

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National Football League - Gameday

NFL
Gameday


Sunday, August 19

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NFL Preseason Gameday
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This week's Sunday night game is a rematch of Super Bowl XXXV between the New York Giants and the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens won that first battle 34-7 as a 3-point underdog many years ago but they're favored in Sunday's rematch, opening as a 3.5-point favorite.

The Ravens started the preseason with a dominating win over Philadelphia last week. Baltimore beat the Eagles on both sides of the ball en route to a 29-3 victory as a 3.5-point favorite. Steve McNair entered the game, led a touchdown drive, and then went to sit on the bench. The Ravens' veteran QB completed 6-of-8 passes for 73 yards with a touchdown strike to Quinn Sypniewski in his only series.

Baltimore's new running back, Willis McGahee, was in and out of the game quickly as well. McGahee also lasted only one series and rushed for 20 yards on four carries. In the third quarter Ravens fans got their first look at Heisman winner Troy Smith, who struggled in his NFL debut. Smith completed only 3-of-11 passes for 34 yards; Smith will not be able to steal the backup job from Kyle Boller if he continues to play like that.

On defense the Ravens showed that last year's No.1 defense could still get it done without departed linebacker Adalius Thomas. The Ravens smothered the Eagles all game long, holding Philadelphia to 183 yards of offense. Baltimore also recorded five sacks in the win.

The Giants could not match the Ravens' success in their preseason debut against Carolina. New York's defense was unable to keep the Panthers in check and the Giants went on to lose 24-21 as a 1-point underdog. Without Michael Strahan leading them, the Giants' defense looked lost and disoriented. The end result was an easy assault for the Panthers both through the air and on the ground.

The Giants' offense tried to keep up with the Panthers' scoring, but without a little help from the defense this proved impossible. Eli Manning only played in the first series, which at least didn't give him enough time to make his usual mistakes with the football. Manning did look good in limited duty, completing 3-of-5 passes for 27 yards with a touchdown to tight end Jeremy Shockey. Manning was missing a couple of his usual targets in the game, as both Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer were sidelined by injuries. Burress is expected to return on Sunday, but Toomer is still questionable.

On the ground the Giants took their first steps in replacing Tiki Barber by giving Brandon Jacobs the ball four times for 15 yards. Jacobs will likely see the ball more and more throughout the preseason to get him ready to carry the full load. Reuben Droughns was brought in as insurance during the offseason and he rushed for 17 yards on five carries in his Giants' debut.

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[pm530]

WNBA
Betting Trends


Sunday, August 19


ATS Trends
Washington
Mystics are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5.
Mystics are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games as a favorite.
Mystics are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 2 days rest.
Mystics are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games following a S.U. loss.


Connecticut
Sun are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a S.U. loss.
Sun are 41-16-2 ATS in their last 59 games as an underdog.
Sun are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss.
Sun are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.
Sun are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 home games.
Sun are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Sun are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 Sunday games.


OU Trends
Washington
Over is 4-0 in Mystics last 4 games as a road favorite.
Under is 9-1 in Mystics last 10 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 5-1 in Mystics last 6 games as a road favorite of 0.5-4.5.
Under is 4-1 in Mystics last 5 Sunday games.
Over is 18-6 in Mystics last 24 road games.
Under is 5-2 in Mystics last 7 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.


Connecticut
Over is 4-0 in Sun last 4 games as a home underdog of 0.5-4.5.
Over is 4-0 in Sun last 4 games following a S.U. loss.
Over is 5-1 in Sun last 6 games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5.
Over is 5-1 in Sun last 6 games as a home underdog.
Over is 4-1 in Sun last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 5-2 in Sun last 7 games as an underdog.
Under is 5-2 in Sun last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.


Head to Head
Mystics are 3-7 ATS in the last 10 meetings in Connecticut.



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ATS Trends
Chicago
Sky are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as a road underdog of 5.0-10.5.
Sky are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as an underdog of 5.0-10.5.
Sky are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win.
Sky are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. win.
Sky are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 Sunday games.
Sky are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Sky are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog.
Sky are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. Eastern Conference.


New York
Liberty are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 Sunday games.
Liberty are 15-7 ATS in their last 22 home games.
Liberty are 19-9 ATS in their last 28 vs. Eastern Conference.
Liberty are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games following a S.U. win.
Liberty are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite of 5.0-10.5.
Liberty are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5.
Liberty are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.


OU Trends
Chicago
Over is 7-1 in Sky last 8 games as a road underdog of 5.0-10.5.
Over is 7-1 in Sky last 8 games as an underdog of 5.0-10.5.
Under is 4-1 in Sky last 5 games as an underdog.
Over is 11-3 in Sky last 14 Sunday games.
Under is 5-2 in Sky last 7 overall.
Over is 7-3 in Sky last 10 games as a road underdog.


New York
Over is 5-1 in Liberty last 6 games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5.
Over is 5-1 in Liberty last 6 games as a home favorite of 5.0-10.5.
Under is 4-1 in Liberty last 5 home games.
Under is 4-1 in Liberty last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Over is 12-5 in Liberty last 17 games as a favorite.
Over is 12-5 in Liberty last 17 games as a home favorite.
Under is 7-3-1 in Liberty last 11 games following a S.U. win.


Head to Head
Over is 4-1-1 in the last 6 meetings.



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ATS Trends
San Antonio
Silver Stars are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS loss.
Silver Stars are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a S.U. loss.
Silver Stars are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games as a favorite.
Silver Stars are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games as a road favorite.
Silver Stars are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games as a road favorite of 0.5-4.5.


Minnesota
Lynx are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
Lynx are 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 games playing on 2 days rest.
Lynx are 15-36-2 ATS in their last 53 games as an underdog.
Lynx are 5-13 ATS in their last 18 games overall.
Lynx are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games following a S.U. win.
Lynx are 7-20-2 ATS in their last 29 games following a ATS win.
Lynx are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 vs. Western Conference.
Lynx are 3-14 ATS in their last 17 games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5 .
Lynx are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 Sunday games.
Lynx are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games as a home underdog of 0.5-4.5.
Lynx are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games as a home underdog.


OU Trends
San Antonio
Over is 4-1 in Silver Stars last 5 games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5.
Under is 4-1 in Silver Stars last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Over is 4-1 in Silver Stars last 5 road games.
Under is 10-3 in Silver Stars last 13 games following a S.U. loss.
Over is 9-4 in Silver Stars last 13 games as a road favorite of 0.5-4.5.


Minnesota
Over is 6-0 in Lynx last 6 home games.
Over is 4-0 in Lynx last 4 games as a home underdog of 0.5-4.5.
Over is 4-0 in Lynx last 4 games as a home underdog.
Over is 4-0 in Lynx last 4 games playing on 2 days rest.
Over is 8-1 in Lynx last 9 vs. Western Conference.
Over is 5-1 in Lynx last 6 games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5.
Over is 4-1-1 in Lynx last 6 Sunday games.
Over is 17-5-1 in Lynx last 23 games as an underdog.
Over is 22-8-1 in Lynx last 31 overall.
Over is 7-3-1 in Lynx last 11 games following a ATS win.


Head to Head
Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Minnesota.
Silver Stars are 1-6 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Minnesota.



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ATS Trends
Detroit
Shock are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 road games.
Shock are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a S.U. loss.
Shock are 4-10-1 ATS in their last 15 vs. Eastern Conference.
Shock are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall.


Indiana
Fever are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 Sunday games.
Fever are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 1 days rest.
Fever are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Fever are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
Fever are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS win.
Fever are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5.
Fever are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite.
Fever are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite.


OU Trends
Detroit
Over is 5-0 in Shock last 5 overall.
Over is 4-0 in Shock last 4 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 4-1 in Shock last 5 games as an underdog.
Over is 4-1 in Shock last 5 games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5.
Over is 4-1 in Shock last 5 games following a S.U. loss.
Over is 4-1 in Shock last 5 games as a road underdog of 0.5-4.5.
Over is 4-1 in Shock last 5 games as a road underdog.
Over is 10-3 in Shock last 13 road games.
Over is 8-3 in Shock last 11 vs. Eastern Conference.
Under is 7-3-1 in Shock last 11 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.


Indiana
Over is 7-1 in Fever last 8 games following a S.U. win.
Under is 5-1-1 in Fever last 7 Sunday games.
Under is 4-1 in Fever last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Over is 8-2 in Fever last 10 games as a home favorite.
Under is 6-2 in Fever last 8 games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5.
Over is 8-3 in Fever last 11 home games.
Over is 5-2 in Fever last 7 games following a ATS win.
Over is 7-3 in Fever last 10 vs. Eastern Conference.


Head to Head
Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Indiana.
Under is 8-3-1 in the last 12 meetings.
Shock are 5-11 ATS in the last 16 meetings.
Shock are 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Indiana.



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ATS Trends
Sacramento
Monarchs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. loss.
Monarchs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Monarchs are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog.
Monarchs are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 road games.
Monarchs are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.


Phoenix
Mercury are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
Mercury are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. win.
Mercury are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games following a ATS win.
Mercury are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games as a favorite.
Mercury are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Sunday games.


OU Trends
Sacramento
Over is 5-0 in Monarchs last 5 games as an underdog.
Over is 4-0 in Monarchs last 4 overall.
Over is 4-0 in Monarchs last 4 games as a road underdog.
Over is 10-1-1 in Monarchs last 12 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 6-1 in Monarchs last 7 vs. Western Conference.
Over is 19-7-1 in Monarchs last 27 games following a S.U. loss.
Under is 14-6 in Monarchs last 20 games as a road underdog of 5.0-10.5.
Under is 14-6 in Monarchs last 20 games as an underdog of 5.0-10.5.


Phoenix
Over is 4-0 in Mercury last 4 games following a S.U. win.
Over is 4-0 in Mercury last 4 games as a favorite.
Over is 5-0 in Mercury last 5 overall.
Over is 4-0 in Mercury last 4 vs. Western Conference.
Over is 4-1 in Mercury last 5 Sunday games.
Under is 4-1 in Mercury last 5 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
Over is 4-1 in Mercury last 5 games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5.
Over is 9-3 in Mercury last 12 games playing on 1 days rest.
Over is 6-2 in Mercury last 8 games as a home favorite of 5.0-10.5.
Over is 19-7 in Mercury last 26 games following a ATS win.


Head to Head
Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Monarchs are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings.



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ATS Trends
Houston
Comets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss.
Comets are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a S.U. loss.
Comets are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games.
Comets are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games as a road underdog.
Comets are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games as an underdog.
Comets are 13-3-1 ATS in their last 17 vs. Western Conference.
Comets are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games overall.
Comets are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games playing on 2 days rest.
Comets are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 Sunday games.
Comets are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 games as a road underdog of 0.5-4.5.


Los Angeles
Sparks are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 Sunday games.
Sparks are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games playing on 1 days rest.
Sparks are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 vs. Western Conference.
Sparks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Sparks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5.
Sparks are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games as a favorite.
Sparks are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games as a home favorite.
Sparks are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.


OU Trends
Houston
Over is 6-1 in Comets last 7 games playing on 2 days rest.
Over is 5-1 in Comets last 6 Sunday games.
Under is 13-4 in Comets last 17 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 12-4 in Comets last 16 games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5.
Under is 10-4 in Comets last 14 games following a S.U. loss.
Under is 5-2 in Comets last 7 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 5-2 in Comets last 7 games as a road underdog.
Over is 5-2 in Comets last 7 road games.


Los Angeles
Over is 4-0 in Sparks last 4 home games.
Over is 6-0 in Sparks last 6 games following a S.U. loss.
Over is 7-0 in Sparks last 7 overall.
Under is 5-0 in Sparks last 5 vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.
Over is 5-0 in Sparks last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 6-0 in Sparks last 6 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 5-1-1 in Sparks last 7 Sunday games.
Under is 17-5-1 in Sparks last 23 games as a home favorite.
Under is 22-8-1 in Sparks last 31 games as a favorite.
Under is 5-2-1 in Sparks last 8 games as a home favorite of 0.5-4.5.
Over is 11-5-1 in Sparks last 17 games playing on 1 days rest.


Head to Head
Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Los Angeles.
Under is 20-3-1 in the last 24 meetings.
Comets are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Los Angeles.

[pm530]

Baseball - Tips & Trends

MLB

Sunday, August 19

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Tips and Trends
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Arizona Diamondbacks at Atlanta Braves (1:05 PM ET)

Arizona starter Yusmeiro Petit is 2-3 with a 3.58 ERA in six road starts this season. The right-hander made his last start on August 2 in San Diego, allowing five runs and five hits over 4 1/3 innings of work against the Padres. SLIGHT EDGE: BRAVES
Petit has made just two career outings versus the Braves, giving up five runs and eight hits over 8 2/3 innings of work. SLIGHT EDGE: BRAVES
Braves right-hander John Smoltz is an even 2-2 with a 3.51 ERA in 13 career outings versus the Diamondbacks. He picked up a no-decision four starts back against Arizona at Chase Field, allowing three runs and seven hits over seven innings of work. SLIGHT EDGE: BRAVES
Atlanta has picked up losses in three of Smoltz’s last four starts, as the offense has managed to provide just 13 runs of support over that span. EDGE: D-BACKS
The UNDER is 5-1 in Petit’s last six road starts.



Detroit Tigers at New York Yankees (1:05 PM ET)

Detroit’s Jeremy Bonderman is a disappointing 2-4 with a 5.06 ERA in eight career appearances versus New York. He was 0-2 with a 5.68 ERA in two starts against the Yankees in 2006, allowing eight runs and 20 hits over just 12 2/3 innings. EDGE: YANKEES
Bonderman is 5-2 with an inflated 5.04 ERA in 12 road starts. The right-hander is coming off a 6-2 road victory over the Cleveland Indians, giving up two runs and four hits over seven innings of work. SLIGHT EDGE: TIGERS
Yankees starter Chien-Ming Wang is a perfect 3-0 with a 2.52 ERA in four career starts versus Detroit. The sinker ball thrower hasn’t surrendered a home run in 25 innings against them. EDGE: YANKEES
Wang has posted an even 1-1 record in August, but carries a very-high 8.04 ERA. He’s allowed 14 runs and 24 hits in just 15 2/3 innings of work this month. EDGE: TIGERS
The Tigers are 14-3 in Bonderman’s last 17 starts versus a team with a winning record.



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

Baltimore right-hander Jeremy Guthrie made his only career start versus Toronto on May 24 this year, allowing three runs and seven hits over seven innings of work. SLIGHT EDGE: ORIOLES
Guthrie carries a perfect 5-0 record and 3.25 ERA in 15 road outings this season. The Orioles have lost Guthrie’s last two starts away from Camden Yards, getting outscored 14-10 against the Red Sox and Yankees. SLIGHT EDGE: ORIOLES
Toronto’s Roy Halladay is a dominant 14-4 with a 2.92 ERA in 23 career outings versus Baltimore. He was a perfect 3-0 with a 2.76 ERA in four starts against the Orioles last season, issuing just two walks over 29 1/3 innings. BIG EDGE: BLUE JAYS
The UNDER is 5-0 in the last five meetings in Toronto.



Los Angeles Angels at Boston Red Sox (2:05 PM ET)

Los Angeles starter Joe Saunders is 1-0 with a 3.27 ERA in two career starts versus Boston. The left-hander tallied a 10-4 home victory over the Red Sox two starts back, giving up four runs and eight hits over 5 1/3 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: ANGELS
Saunders is a rock solid 3-1 with a 2.63 ERA in four road starts this season. He suffered his first defeat away from Angel Stadium in his last start, giving up three earned runs and eight hits over seven innings. EDGE: ANGELS
Boston’s Tim Wakefield is 9-11 with a 4.79 ERA in 27 career outings versus Los Angeles. The right-hander is an even 1-1 with a 5.73 ERA in two starts against the Angels this season, picking up a 10-1 victory over the Angels on April 13 at Fenway Park. SLIGHT EDGE: RED SOX
Wakefield has compiled a 9-4 record and 4.82 ERA in 13 home starts this season. The Red Sox have picked up three straight home victories with Wakefield on the mound, including a 3-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays last time out. EDGE: RED SOX
The OVER is 5-1 in Wakefield’s last six home starts.



Cincinnati Reds at Milwaukee Brewers (2:05 PM ET)

Reds ace Aaron Harang is 4-3 with a 4.46 ERA in 12 starts versus the Brewers. The right-hander threw 10 dominant innings against the Brewers on July 23, allowing just a single run and seven hits while striking out 10. EDGE: REDS
Harang is an impressive 6-1 with a 4.10 ERA in 12 road starts in 2007. Cincinnati has picked up five straight road victories with Harang on the hill, with the offense supplying 44 runs of support over that span. EDGE: REDS
Milwaukee has literally been blown out in three consecutive games started by Chris Capuano, being outscored 35-12 over that span. The left-hander has allowed 15 earned runs and 25 this in 15 1/3 innings of work. The Brewers have also lost the last 15 times Capuano has gone to the mound overall. BIG EDGE: REDS
Capuano is 2-3 with a 4.53 ERA in seven career starts versus Cincinnati. He picked up a 10-6 road victory over the Reds back on April 16, failing to allow an earned run on four hits over 5 2/3 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: BREWERS
The Reds are 0-4 in their last four Sunday games.



Chicago White Sox at Seattle Mariners (4:05 PM ET)

Chicago starter Jon Garland is 6-1 with a 2.59 ERA in 11 career games versus Seattle. The Mariners have managed to collect just 51 hits in 66 innings against the right-hander. EDGE: WHITE SOX
Garland is an even 2-2 with a 6.69 ERA in seven starts since the All-Star break. He’s allowed an incredible seven home runs and 52 hits in just 39 innings of work. EDGE: MARINERS
Seattle’s Felix Hernandez is 4-3 with a 3.62 ERA in 12 home starts this season. The Mariners have won three straight games with Hernandez on the hill at Safeco Field, as the right-hander has allowed six earned runs over 21 innings of work. EDGE: MARINERS
Hernandez has faced the White Sox just three times in his career, going 0-1 with a 4.76 ERA. He’s fanned 21 batters and walked just three in 17 innings against Chicago. SLIGHT EDGE: WHITE SOX
The White Sox are 1-6 in Garland’s last seven starts versus the AL West.



Colorado Rockies at Los Angeles Dodgers (4:10 PM ET)

Rockies left-hander Jeff Francis is a solid 3-1 with a 2.80 ERA in seven career starts versus the Dodgers. He tallied a 6-2 home victory over Los Angeles four starts back, allowing two runs and seven hits over 7 2/3 innings. EDGE: ROCKIES
Francis has been impressive on the road outside of his last start against the Padres, going 7-3 with a 4.30 ERA in 12 starts. He lasted just 3 1/3 innings against San Diego on August 14, giving up eight runs and six hits over 3 1/3 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: ROCKIES
Los Angeles starter Brett Tomko is a dismal 0-7 with a 6.95 ERA in 17 home appearances this season. He’s allowed 60 hits and issued 19 walks in 45 1/3 innings at Dodger Stadium. EDGE: ROCKIES
Tomko has thrown the ball relatively well in nine daytime appearances, going 1-1 with a 4.32 ERA. The right-hander has issued just six walks while striking out 21 in 25 innings of work. SLIGHT EDGE: DODGERS
The Rockies are 7-19 in the last 26 meetings.



St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs (ESPN | 8:05 PM ET)

St. Louis starter Kip Wells is 3-4 with a 3.03 ERA in 15 career starts versus Chicago. He suffered a 4-3 defeat against the Cubs on July 24, giving up two earned runs and eight hits over 6 2/3 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: CUBS
Wells is a perfect 2-0 with a 2.37 ERA in three starts this month. The right-hander has allowed just five earned runs and 16 hits over 19 innings of work. EDGE: CARDINALS
Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano is 7-4 with a 2.45 ERA in 18 career appearances versus the Cardinals. The hard throwing right-hander is a perfect 2-0 with a 2.03 ERA in two starts against them this season. EDGE: CUBS
Zambrano just signed a new contract extension over the weekend, as the Cubs hope he turns around his month of August. He’s 0-2 with a 7.13 ERA in three starts this month. SLIGHT EDGE: CARDINALS
The Cardinals are 2-9 in Wells’ last 11 road starts.

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[pm530]

Baseball – Betting Notes

MLB


Sunday, August 19

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MLB Betting Notes
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Sunday’s MLB betting notes

BoSox bullpen meltdown?

Eric Gagne’s spectacular woes in Beantown hide what remains a stellar Red Sox bullpen.

The reliever, acquired from the Texas Rangers at the trade deadline, was supposed to be the crown jewel on a staff already comprising Hideki Okajima and Jonathan Papelbon. As of Saturday, however, Gagne had allowed eight earned runs in three innings pitched over his last four appearances.

The series of blown saves by the French-Canadian has created a pseudo-crisis among Boston fans. But backers need not panic.

Boston's relief staff still lead the majors in closing out games, earning saves in 84 percent of opportunities. They have the lowest ERA among bullpens in the majors and have conceded opposing batters a mere .231 hitting average.

Boston’s pen is also rested. Red Sox starters have pitched into the sixth inning or beyond in eight straight games heading into Saturday’s action. Their relievers have pitched fewer innings this season than any team except for the Chicago White Sox.



Playing hard on the DL

Baltimore Orioles utility man Freddie Bynum is about to come back after a longer stint than expected on the disabled list, according to MLB.com.

Bynum was hitting .277 in 47 at-bats before a strained hamstring landed him on the DL on July 6. His return to the bigs was delayed when he cut his hand earlier this month, according to the website. Bynum needed five stitches after his hand was stepped on by the second basemen as he tried to steal a base in a rehab start for Class A Delmarva.

The stitches are out now. Bynum is scheduled to play two minor league games this weekend as part of his rehab and – provided he doesn’t get hurt – should rejoin the O’s at the beginning of the week.

“I would expect this should be it for him and (he’ll) be ready to be activated on Monday,” Orioles manager Dave Trembley told the website.



Mets' Milledge dropped from lineup

Outfielder Lastings Milledge – one of the few bright lights for the New York Mets this August – is struggling with a flu-like illness, reports SI.com.

The 22-year-old has been sparkling both on defense and offense in recent weeks, making diving catches on deep fly balls and hitting .424 this month. His illness caused the team to scratch him from games on Thursday and Friday.

Shawn Green, who displaced Milledge temporarily in the lineup early in the year, played in his place in New York’s 6-2 win over the Washington Nationals on Friday.

Some observers give Milledge a big part of the credit for his team’s success staving off the Philadelphia Phillies in the battle to lead the NL East. New York’s pitching has been inconsistent and sluggers like Carlos Delgado have struggled.

“The Mets have been reduced to relying on the heroics of Moises Alou … and (Milledge) to light a fire under their team, praying others will come on eventually,” writes Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Stephen A. Smith.

Milledge – criticized in the past for immaturity – was always considered loaded with raw talent. Baseball America once pegged him as the best 16-year-old player in the country. This season, he’s batting .314 over 56 games.

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[Udog]

MLB
70% Situation


MLB (Sunday): Play Against MLB (NL) teams when the money line is +125 to -125 with a team batting average <=.255 facing a starting pitcher with an ERA 4.20 to 5.20, with a bullpen whose ERA is 3.75 to 4.50 this season.
(80-33 over the last 5 seasons.) (70.8%) PLAY: Florida -130

[Udog]

WNBA
Long Sheet


Sunday, August 19


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WASHINGTON (15 - 18) at CONNECTICUT (18 - 14) - 8/19/2007, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 147-186 ATS (-57.6 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 70-97 ATS (-36.7 Units) in road games since 1997.
CONNECTICUT is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
CONNECTICUT is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record after 15+ games after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CONNECTICUT is 6-6 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
CONNECTICUT is 9-3 straight up against WASHINGTON 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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CHICAGO (14 - 19) at NEW YORK (14 - 18) - 8/19/2007, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) as a road underdog of 6.5 to 9 points this season.

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


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SAN ANTONIO (20 - 12) at MINNESOTA (9 - 24) - 8/19/2007, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 12-20 ATS (-10.0 Units) in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 8-16 ATS (-9.6 Units) as an underdog this season.
MINNESOTA is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) after a non-conference game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 5-3 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 6-3 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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DETROIT (24 - 9) at INDIANA (19 - 13) - 8/19/2007, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 28-46 ATS (-22.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15+ games since 1997.
INDIANA is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 8-5 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 7-6 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
8 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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SACRAMENTO (19 - 13) at PHOENIX (21 - 11) - 8/19/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 19-37 ATS (-21.7 Units) in road games after scoring 75 points or more since 1997.
PHOENIX is 107-70 ATS (+30.0 Units) in home games since 1997.
PHOENIX is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in home games in August or September games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 67-44 ATS (+18.6 Units) in home games vs. division opponents since 1997.
SACRAMENTO is 65-48 ATS (+12.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 40-25 ATS (+12.5 Units) after a division game over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 5-4 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 6-4 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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HOUSTON (12 - 21) at LOS ANGELES (10 - 22) - 8/19/2007, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 211-161 ATS (+33.9 Units) in all games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 60-34 ATS (+22.6 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1997.
HOUSTON is 84-56 ATS (+22.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
LOS ANGELES is 12-20 ATS (-10.0 Units) in all games this season.
LOS ANGELES is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
LOS ANGELES is 6-14 ATS (-9.4 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
LOS ANGELES is 28-46 ATS (-22.6 Units) in home games after allowing 75 points or more since 1997.
LOS ANGELES is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) after scoring 75 points or more this season.
LOS ANGELES is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LOS ANGELES is 4-11 ATS (-8.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 6-4 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 7-3 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
9 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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[Udog]

MLB
Streaking Pitchers


Sunday, August 19


HOT

Orlando Hernandez (New York Mets) - El Duque doesn't rank in the top 20 when it comes to money starters, but the Mets know how to win when he takes the mound. New York has won in each of his last seven starts and have an impressive 9-1 record in his last 10 appearances. Hernandez and the Mets face the Nationals as -131 favorites.

Joe Saunders (Los Angeles Angels) - The left-hander has started 10 games this season and most of them have finished with a Disney-like fairytale ending for Angels backers. He has allowed no more than four runs in all of his outings and the Halos' record in those contests is 8-2. Los Angeles wraps up their series with the BoSox at +111 and the total is set at 11 runs.

COLD

Ian Snell (Pittsburgh Pirates) - The righty finished last season with three more wins than losses (14-11), while playing for one of the worst teams in baseball. This year, the Bucs are still a lackluster club, but Snell seems to fit in better because he's currently three games under .500 in the win/loss column (7-10). Pittsburgh has lost each of his seven starts after the All-Star break and they have been unable to score more than four runs in any of those contests. The Pirates are listed as slim -109 home favorites against their state rivals from Philadelphia. The Phillies will counter with Kyle Lohse who has yet to lose a game with his new team.

Chris Capuano (Milwaukee Brewers) - The southpaw hasn't tasted victory since the Brewers had a 5 ½-game lead in the NL Central division (May 7). The Brew Crew opened the season by winning each of his first seven starts, but since then, have gone winless in his past 15 outings and are no longer leading their division. His overall ERA during the slump is above 6.00 and hovering close to 9.00 in the month of August. Milwaukee hosts the Reds priced at -105.

Carlos Zambrano (Chicago Cubs) - The Cubs ace signed a five-year $91.5 million extension on Friday, but he certainly hasn't been worth that money recently. The Cubbies are 0-3 during his starts this month and he hasn't even been worth $3.25 per hour that Al Bundy used to make at Gary's Shoes & Accessories in the same city. Chicago is listed at a hefty -158 against St. Louis on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball.

[Udog]

MLB
Hot Lines


Sunday, August 19


Philadelphia Phillies at Pittsburgh Pirates (-106, 9 ½)

This is a classic look-ahead situation for the Phillies. They begin a 10-game homestand on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the San Diego Padres and the New York Mets – all teams involved in the either the Wild Card or NL East title race.

If Philadelphia overlooks the Pirates, it could be a long day. Ian Snell is a solid starter who’d have a much better record if his bullpen could hold a lead. Offense hasn’t been a problem for the Bucs; they've scored more runs in August (121) than any other club in the majors. They’ve also clubbed out 27 homers in 17 games this month.

“Another excellent offensive game,” Pirates manager Jim Tracy told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette after an 11-6 win on Saturday. “We are swinging the bats extremely well.”

Pick: Pirates -106



Cincinnati Reds at Milwaukee Brewers (-102, 9)

Looks like the pressure is finally starting to get to the young Brewers. They've lost 14 of their last 20 and lost the lead in a division the Little League champs could probably win.

“I’m tired of making excuses for it, I really am,” manager Ned Yost told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “But, realistically, we have played .500 baseball once in 15 years and now we’re focusing on winning a championship.

“That’s a big jump, with a lot of expectations. These kids are in uncharted territory for them, this time of year.”

It won’t get any easier today as the Reds send their ace Aaron Harang to the mound. Cincinnati is 19-6 in Harang's starts and 34-63 with everyone else.

Pick: Reds -106



Chicago White Sox at Seattle Mariners (-158, 8 ½)

With all the signings going on in Chicago, you’d think the White Sox were running away with their division instead of bringing up the rear, a game behind the Kansas City Royals.

General manager Ken Williams signed veteran right fielder Jermaine Dye to a two-year extension on Saturday after securing Mark Buehrle a month and a half ago.

“On the heels of a six-game losing streak, it’s awkward for me to answer the question in this fashion, but I believe we’re close,” Williams told reporters when asked if his club could make a quick turnaround next season. “Our starting rotation has been consistent, solid for the entire season, with the obvious exception of Jose (Contreras). But I expect that to improve and get better.”

Pick: Mariners –158