Friday Trends and Indexes 08/24

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Trends and Indexes
Friday, August 24

Good Luck on day #236 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 Friday

-- Vladimir Guerrero hit two homers Thursday, but Angels lost to Toronto anyway; they were Vlad's first two taters at the Big A since June 23, which is hard to believe, but true.

-- Adam Dunn hit long, walk-off homer in 12th inning as the Reds beat Atlanta for the third day in a row, despite the five RBIs by Chipper Jones.

-- Tigers-Indians were scoreless in 10th, before Tribe got to reliever Zumaya; they won two out of three in Motown.

-- Mets-Padres series was three games of weirdness, with Hoffman blowing two saves, an unusual amount of offense for offensively-challenged Padres, but they won twice.

-- Unless Herm Edwards plays a mean game of possum, it looks like the Chiefs aren't ready to start the season. Even in meaningless games, you can tell if a team is struggling as Chiefs are; Croyle was 5-17 passing Thursday vs Saints.

-- Only things I have to say about US-Virgin Islands game in Vegas is this: 1) Why are we playing them? and 2) I liked Virgin Islands' uniforms. Sharp combo of yellow and blue. Other than that, it was a waste of everyone's time.

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[pm530]

Friday's List of 13: College knowledge for a Friday........

Tidbits, knowledge we got from Sports Illustrated’s College Football preview issue:

13) Look to see if Florida State runs the ball better under new offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher; Seminoles were 109th in ’05, 103rd last year in rushing yardage.

12) Boise State, Oklahoma State were only teams last year to average 200 yards per game, both passing and running ball. Like we said the other day. OSU’s Reid is the best QB you’ve never seen play.

11) Seven of the 12 ACC teams were either 4-4 or 5-3 in league play last year. Lot of parity in the ACC.

10) Louisville coach Kragthorpe took Tulsa to three bowls in his four years with the Hurricane, who were 2-21 in the two years before he coached them. Following Petrino in Louisville is tough act to follow, but I think he'll do fine.

9) Syracuse is 1-13 in Big East games under Greg Robinson; will be interesting to see if the Orange get any better; their opener at home against Washington next Friday is a winnable game between two struggling programs.

8) UCLA has their fifth different offensive coordinator in the last six seasons. Not good. Bob Toledo, former head coach in Westwood, is now head man at Tulane.

7) 2005 USC, with Reggie Bush (1,740 rushing yards) and LenDale White (1,302) holds mark for most rushing yards by two teammatesin same year, when both ran for 1,000+ yards, but last year’s Arkansas team, with McFadden (1,647) and Felix Jones (1,168) are second on that prestigious list.

6) Texas Tech coach Mike Leach had his first underclassman QB in quite while last year, and went 8-4 with him; now he reaps benefits of having his first second-year starter in quite some time this season, as Harrell figures to be much improved this time around.

5) South Carolina won the ACC’s football title in 1969, their only league title in 113 years of pigskin. Spurrier is making noise about Gamecocks being contenders this season in SEC East. We’ll see. QB Mitchell is already suspended for opener because he misses too many classes.

4) Best receiver you’ve never seen: Mississippi State wideout Tony Burks (6-4, 215), who caught 35 balls last year, for a whopping average of 24.3 yards per catch.

3) Its tough to go straight from playing in high school to
big-time college ball; last year, Southern Mississippi running back Damion Fletcher led nation’s true freshmen, with 1,388 yards rushing.

2) Larry Fitzgerald of Arizona Cardinals and Pitt holds NCAA record, catching TD passes in 18 straight games; Rice's Jarret Dillard has TD catches in 15 straight games, and can set new record this season.

1) Houston’s bowl loss last year was their seventh straight; their last bowl win was in 1980. Cougars allowed average of 46.7 ppg in their last three bowl games.

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[pm530]

Canadian Football League – Long Sheet

CFL
Long Sheet

Friday, August 24

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TORONTO (2 - 5) at WINNIPEG (4 - 2 - 1) - 8/24/2007, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.


Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 4-1 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 4-2 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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[pm530]

Canadian Football League – Write up

CFL
Write-up


Friday, August 24

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

Toronto (2-5) @ Winnipeg (4-2-1)-- Argonauts lost four games in row, by 23,13,2,11 points; they're 1-2 on road, winning only at Hamilton. Five of seven Toronto games stayed under total, as did four of last five Winnipeg games. Bombers won three of last four tilts; they've already played four games decided by four or less points. Argos scored 30-48 in their wins; they're 0-5 in other games. Bombers held four of last five opponents to 21 or less points.

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[pm530]

Canadian Football League – Additional

CFL

Friday, August 24


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Makin' Canadian bacon: Week 9 CFL picks
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Week 8 was an out-and-out disaster on the handicapping front. There's no getting around it.

The Lions and Stampeders combined for 90 points (62 in regulation time) in a game I called to play under the 51-point total. I'd suggested that Joe Smith and Joffrey Reynolds were going to pound the ball for their respective teams, which they did. Unfortunately, the quarterbacks for both teams combined to hit 72 percent of their passes for 711 yards and seven touchdowns.

It was entertaining to watch, "the CFL at its best" as Calgary head coach Tom Higgins rightfully pointed out after the game. I couldn't enjoy it as much as most viewers, however, after realizing in the first quarter that we were in for a shootout.

Then there was the Riders' win over the Eskimos. As mentioned last week, Saskatchewan opened as 7-point home favorites and I'd have escaped with a push if I'd gone with the early line. By the time we got around to publishing the Week 8 Bacon, however, the Riders were 8 1/2-point faves. I took 'em anyway. Whoops.

Saskatchewan needed to score the last 15 points in a wild one in Regina to pull out a 39-32 win. Sure, a Luca Congi make from 32 yards in the fourth quarter would've made the difference for me with a payday, but I guess I can't complain, having not seen the bloody fourth quarter (well done, CBC).

So I'll approach Week 9 picks with a full stomach (thank you, Taco Bell) and a clear head (just watched Mandy Moore's "Chasing Liberty" on the Women's Network, a bad enough movie to empty your noggin' of any and all thoughts). Here we go – time to get back on the good side of .500.


CFL 2007ATS and O/U records
Team ATS, O/U
BC 4-4, 3-5
Calgary 3-5, 5-3
Edmonton 2-6, 4-4
Hamilton 3-4, 3-4
Montreal 3-4, 3-4
Saskatchewan 6-2, 4-4
Toronto 4-3, 2-5
Winnipeg 5-2, 4-3


Toronto Argonauts at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (- 6 ½, 48)Friday, August 24, 8 p.m. ET

The Argos keep stockpiling their backfield with big names, but their record keeps getting worse. Toronto's only one game removed from the East Division basement and Hamilton's rapid improvement could force the Boatmen into last place sooner rather than later.

Robert Edwards, last year's league leader in touchdowns, joined the Argonauts' practice roster this week after being displaced in Montreal. Toronto released one former NFL starter, Jamel White to make room for another in Edwards, but how much difference will it make? Toronto won't put points on the board without a healthy Michael Bishop at quarterback.

Winnipeg is only one point up on Montreal in the East but the Bombers' recent win at BC Place says there's an even bigger quality gap between them and the rest of the division.

While both teams benefited from the bye last week, the rest was particularly appreciated by Winnipeg running back Charles Roberts. The CFL's leading rusher has deferred the starring role to quarterback Kevin Glenn more frequently than expected in 2007, but a rejuvenated Roberts should be the best player on the field on Friday night.

Pick: Blue Bombers -6 ½


Hamilton Tiger Cats at Montreal Alouettes (-7, 47 ½)
Saturday, August 25, 7 p.m. ET

Dozens of players will take to the field at Molson Stadium on Saturday night, but the pregame chatter will revolve around only two of them. To the relief of both Hamilton's Jesse Lumsden and Montreal's Jarrett Payton, the attention will be the result of their play rather than their bloodlines.

Lumsden, son of former CFL star fullback Neil, has become the face of the resurgent Ti Cats. Hamilton deserves better than its 1-6 record and actually scares opponents after being the closest thing to a guaranteed win for years on end. Lumsden has shown breakaway speed as well as a willingness to put his shoulder into defenders.

Payton, son of NFL great Walter, was dominant against Calgary two weeks ago. He overcame an early fumble to gain 160 yards on only 20 carries and led Montreal to a 12-point win. It was the Alouettes' second straight win on their home turf, but this past weekend's games proved once again that scoring points against Calgary is no big deal.

Hamilton has put in some yeoman efforts on the road this season and with Toronto sitting only one game ahead of the Ti Cats in the East, Tabbies backers can reasonably talk about the playoffs. Lumsden and an improving Hamilton passing game will prove to the doubters why that's the case on Saturday night.

Pick: Tiger Cats +7

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[pm530]

Pro Basketball (Women) – Long Sheet

WNBA
Long Sheet


Friday, August 24

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DETROIT (24 - 10) at NEW YORK (15 - 18) - 8/24/2007, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 15-28 ATS (-15.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 8-3 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 7-4 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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PHOENIX (22 - 11) at SEATTLE (16 - 17) - 8/24/2007, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 51-32 ATS (+15.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15+ games after 15+ games since 1997.
SEATTLE is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 6-4 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 7-3 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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[pm530]

WNBA

Friday, August 24

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Capsule previews of the first-round WNBA playoff series
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A look at the four first-round series in the WNBA playoffs, which started Thursday:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

No. 1 Detroit (24-10) vs. No. 4 New York (16-18)

Season series: 2-2, with each team winning once on the other's court. Both games at the Palace of Auburn Hills went to overtime.

Detroit: The defending champions had another dominant season before cruising down the stretch and losing the last four games after they clinched home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. Although All-Star game MVP Cheryl Ford's status is uncertain, the Shock are led by Deanna Nolan (career-bests of 16.3 points and 3.9 assists per game), Katie Smith (13.2 points, 3.8 rebounds), Swin Cash (11.1 points and 6.1 rebounds) and Sixth Woman of the Year contender Plenette Pierson (11.6 points and 5.6 rebounds). Ford averaged 13.0 points and 11.2 rebounds in 15 games, but has not played since aggravating her sprained left knee on July 20. Detroit, the top rebounding team (38.6 rpg) for the fifth straight season, were third in scoring (79.3). The Shock still rely more on their inside game - attempting and making the third-fewest 3-point shots in the league. Nolan averaged 19.5 points in four games against New York this season.

New York: The Liberty opened the season 5-0 and closed with six wins in nine games. In between, they went 5-15 with a season-high seven-game losing streak. Still, New York was the only team to beat Detroit twice - though the Shock had already clinched home-court in the postseason when the Liberty won 85-84 on a last-second basket by Erin Thorn on Aug. 12. New York is led in scoring by Shameka Christon (11.2), Cathrine Kraayeveld (10.8) and Janel McCarville (10.4). New York was the lowest-scoring team in the league at 71.0, and its 58-52 win against Chicago in the season finale was the only victory in 13 games when scoring fewer than 70 points. The Liberty were tops in 3-point shooting (37.7) - led by Kraayeveld (41 percent), Thorn (39 percent) and Loree Moore (41 percent). McCarville averaged 16.3 points and 7.7 in the last three matchups with the Shock.

Prediction: Shock in 3.

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No. 2 Indiana (21-13) vs. No. 3 Connecticut (18-16)

Season series: Sun won 4-0, with one blowout victory and the other three coming by a total of 12 points.

Indiana: The Fever matched their franchise-record win total from the previous two seasons, becoming the first team in the East to reach 20 victories in three straight years. The Fever were 16-4 after beating Chicago on July 18, but then lost perennial All-Star Tamika Catchings to a partial tear in her left foot two days later. She didn't play the rest of the season, with Indiana losing nine of its last 14, but practiced with the team on Tuesday. Her status for the opener is still uncertain. Catchings was leading the team in scoring (16.6), rebounding (9.0), assists (4.7) and steals (3.14) for the sixth straight year at the time of her injury. Veteran center Tammy Sutton-Brown averaged 12.0 points and 5.4 rebounds while earning an All-Star selection in her first season in Indiana. Tamika Whitmore added 10.9 points and 5.0 rebounds, and Tan White averaged 10.8 points. The Fever were second in the league with 9.1 steals per game. For the second straight year, Indiana was 12th in the league in scoring (72.9) but tops in scoring defense (69.7).

Connecticut: The Sun began the season 5-10, and then won 13 of 17 before losing its last two. Connecticut had 10 losses by four points or fewer. Katie Douglas led the team with career bests of 17.0 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Lindsay Whalen had a strong second half and finished at 13.4 points per game and was second in the league in assists (5.0). Asjha Jones - starting for the first time - averaged career bests of 15.3 points and 6.1 rebounds, but missed the Sun's last three games with a sprained right ankle and her status for the opener will be a game-day decision. Also, Nykesha Sales added 13.1 points in 26 games. Connecticut, which reached the finals in 2004 and 2005, was fourth in the league in scoring (78.7) and second in rebounding (35.9). The Sun have won 10 of the last 12 meetings, including six straight on the Fever's home court and a sweep in the first round in 2005. Douglas averaged 19.3 points in four games against the Fever, and Sales 17.0 in three.

Prediction: Sun in 2.
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WESTERN CONFERENCE

No. 1 Phoenix (23-11) vs. No. 4 Seattle (17-17)

Season series: Storm won 2-1, with the home team winning each matchup.

Phoenix: The Mercury won 11 of their last 12 games to earn the West's top seed while returning to the postseason for the first time since 2000. As part of coach Paul Westhead's frenetic pace, Phoenix averaged a league-best 89.0 points - topping 100 in eight games - but also allowed a league-high 85.4. Diana Taurasi led the Mercury with an average of 19.2 points, and hit a league-leading 95 3-pointers a year after setting the record with 121. Penny Taylor added career highs with 17.8 points and 6.3 rebounds while appearing in every game for the third time in seven seasons in the WNBA. Cappie Pondexter (17.2) had a solid second season and Tangela Smith (12.6) also scored in double digits in her first year with Phoenix. The Mercury also led the league in field-goal shooting (43.9 percent), free-throw shooting (81.7 percent), assists (20.1 per game) and blocks (4.7). Pondexter, Taurasi and Taylor combined to average 61 points in the three games against the Storm.

Seattle: Lauren Jackson had another MVP-caliber season, leading the league in scoring (23.8) and rebounding (9.7). Betty Lennox (13.4 points), Iziane Castro Marques (12.3) and Sue Bird (10.4) also scored in double digits. Bird also averaged 4.9 assists. The Storm were three games above .500 halfway through the season, then lost 10 of 14 before finishing the season with home wins against non-playoff teams Washington, Minnesota and Los Angeles. Seattle was 2-3 without Bird (knee surgery) and 0-3 without Jackson (illness, family illness). The Storm will be without center Janell Burse (8.8 points, 5.3 rebounds), who had season-ending surgery on her left wrist on Aug. 13. Seattle was second in the league in scoring (80.4), field-goal shooting (43.6 percent) and free throws (81.4 percent). The Storm were also tied for second-worst in the league with a 5-12 road record. Jackson averaged 29 points and 10 rebounds in three games against Phoenix and Lennox added 23.0 points. Bird had 15.5 in two meetings.

Prediction: Mercury in 2.

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No. 2 San Antonio (20-14) vs. No. 3 Sacramento (19-15)

Season series: 2-2, with each sweeping at home.

San Antonio: Bolstered by key offseason acquisitions, the Silver Stars had their most successful season since moving from Utah in 2003. Becky Hammon, brought over from New York in a draft-day trade, is a strong MVP contender after averaging career highs of 18.8 points and 5.0 assists in 28 games. Hammon was complemented by Sophia Young, who averaged 16.8 points and 5.9 rebounds in her second season. Eleven-year veteran Vickie Johnson, in her second season in San Antonio, had 8.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists while reunited with former Liberty teammate Hammon. Ruth Riley, who won two championships in Detroit, provides a strong veteran presence. The Silver Stars have missed Erin Buescher (11.3 points, 6.1 rebounds), who won the league's most improved player award with Sacramento last season, after she tore her left ACL on July 11. Shanna Crossley was strong down the stretch, averaging 15.2 points in the last nine games. San Antonio was third in the league in scoring defense (73.1), but 12th in rebounding (32.0). Hammon averaged 17.7 points and 5.7 assists in the last three meetings against the Monarchs.

Sacramento: The two-time reigning Western Conference champions are in the playoffs for the ninth straight year. Fourth-year players Nicole Powell (12.8 points, 5.6 rebounds) and Rebekkah Brunson (11.5 points, 8.9 rebounds) led the Monarchs while veteran forward Yolanda Griffith had career-low averages of 9.0 points and 4.6 rebounds while playing through injuries. Kara Lawson was a key reserve, adding 11.0 points. Sacramento overcame the loss of DeMya Walker - who averaged 11.6 points the last two seasons - five games into the season, and finished second in scoring defense (72.9) and tops in steals (9.6) and opponents' rebounding (30.2). The Monarchs lost four of its last six games, including consecutive defeats against first-place Phoenix in the final weekend. Brunson and Lawson averaged 11.5 points each against San Antonio, and Brunson added 12.0 rebounds.

Prediction: Silver Stars in 3.


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Betting Trends
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ATS Trends
Detroit
Shock are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 Conference Semifinals games.
Shock are 4-11-1 ATS in their last 16 vs. Eastern Conference.
Shock are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games following a S.U. loss.
Shock are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Shock are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.
Shock are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Shock are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss.


New York
Liberty are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss.
Liberty are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Liberty are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
Liberty are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 Conference Semifinals games.
Liberty are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a S.U. win.


OU Trends
Detroit
Over is 5-1 in Shock last 6 overall.
Over is 4-1 in Shock last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 9-3 in Shock last 12 Friday games.
Over is 5-2-1 in Shock last 8 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Over is 10-4 in Shock last 14 road games.


New York
Under is 5-0 in Liberty last 5 Conference Semifinals games.
Under is 4-0 in Liberty last 4 overall.
Under is 4-0 in Liberty last 4 vs. Eastern Conference.
Under is 5-1 in Liberty last 6 home games.
Over is 4-1 in Liberty last 5 Friday games.
Under is 8-3-1 in Liberty last 12 games following a S.U. win.
Over is 29-11-1 in Liberty last 41 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Over is 27-13-1 in Liberty last 41 games following a ATS loss.


Head to Head
Shock are 1-6 ATS in the last 7 meetings.


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ATS Trends
Phoenix
Mercury are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a S.U. win.
Mercury are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
Mercury are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 Friday games.


Seattle
Storm are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games.
Storm are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a S.U. win.
Storm are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 3 or more days rest.


OU Trends
Phoenix
Over is 5-1 in Mercury last 6 overall.
Over is 5-1 in Mercury last 6 games following a ATS win.
Over is 4-1 in Mercury last 5 games following a S.U. win.
Over is 4-1 in Mercury last 5 vs. Western Conference.
Over is 7-2 in Mercury last 9 road games.
Over is 21-7 in Mercury last 28 Friday games.


Seattle
Over is 11-1 in Storm last 12 overall.
Over is 6-1 in Storm last 7 home games.
Over is 6-1 in Storm last 7 vs. Western Conference.
Over is 4-1 in Storm last 5 games following a S.U. win.
Under is 4-1 in Storm last 5 Conference Semifinals games.
Over is 6-2 in Storm last 8 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Under is 5-2 in Storm last 7 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.


Head to Head
Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Seattle.
Over is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.
Mercury are 2-6 ATS in the last 8 meetings in Seattle.

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[pm530]

National Football League - Long Sheet

NFL
Pre-Season
Long Sheet


Friday, August 24

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TENNESSEE (1 - 1) at BUFFALO (1 - 1) - 8/24/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TENNESSEE is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) as an underdog since 1993.
TENNESSEE is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games since 1993.
TENNESSEE is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road lined games since 1993.
TENNESSEE is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) 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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NEW ENGLAND (0 - 2) at CAROLINA (1 - 1) - 8/24/2007, 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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ST LOUIS (1 - 1) at OAKLAND (1 - 1) - 8/24/2007, 10:00 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]

National Football League - Short Sheet

NFL
Pre-Season
Short Sheet


Friday, August 24

Tennessee at Buffalo, 7:00 ET
Tennessee: 9-1 ATS playing on artificial turf
Buffalo: 19-8 Under with a line of +3 to -3

New England at Carolina, 8:00 ET CBS
New England: 7-0 ATS off a home loss
Carolina: 1-7 ATS off BB Overs

St. Louis at Oakland, 10:00 ET
St. Louis: 4-17 ATS off a home loss
Oakland: 10-2 Under in Week Four

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[pm530]

National Football League – Starter Report

NFL

Friday, August 24

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Friday's Starter Report
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Tennessee Titans at Buffalo Bills (-1, 35)

Titans coach Jeff Fisher isn’t expected to have his starters on the field by the third quarter, though running back LenDale White is expected to start Friday after returning to practice for the first time in nine days on Wednesday. White was dealing with knee and ankle problems and has just six rushing attempts this preseason.

It doesn’t sound like Dick Jauron is going to give his starters the customary three quarters of work in Buffalo’s third preseason game either.

“Our first groups will probably play at least a quarter, through the first quarter and then maybe deeper if circumstances warrant, but probably not because we'd like to stay on schedule," Jauron told reporters. "We still have a lot of people we want to see again and again before we have to make decisions."


New England Patriots at Carolina Panthers (+1 ½, 38)

Tom Brady missed Wednesday’s practice to travel to California for the birth of his son. It’s uncertain whether he’ll meet the Pats in Carolina on Friday as of yet, and head coach Bill Billicheck is being typically tight-lipped regarding Brady’s status and the rest of his starters’ playing time.

Panthers starters should play into the third quarter, but head coach John Fox isn’t going to do much in the way of game planning for the Pats.

"We're still installing (the team's offense and defense) and still really in camp mode; we just happen to be in Charlotte instead of Spartanburg,” Fox told reporters.

"A little bit more goes into this (exhibition), and then the last one is treated like a regular season game even though our starters don't play as much. And then we're on to St. Louis."


St. Louis Rams at Oakland Raiders (+2, 38)

Daunte Culpepper makes his first start for Oakland and will be followed by Josh McCown and then Andrew Walter.

Meanwhile, St. Louis running back Steven Jackson may see his most extensive action of the preseason on Friday but will still likely play less than the rest of the club’s starters.

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[pm530]

Baseball - Tips & Trends

MLB

Friday, August 24

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Tips and Trends
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San Diego Padres at Philadelphia Phillies (7:05 PM ET)

San Diego starter Greg Maddux is a disappointing 2-5 with a 4.56 ERA in 13 road starts this season. The Padres have lost four consecutive road games with him on the mound, as the offense has scored just 10 runs over that span. EDGE: PHILLIES
Maddux is a superb 27-17 with a 3.37 ERA in 56 career starts versus Philadelphia. The right-hander has fanned 299 batters and issued just 66 walks in 373 1/3 innings against them. EDGE: PADRES
Philadelphia’s Jamie Moyer is a solid 5-2 with a 4.00 ERA in 10 home starts this season. The Phillies have picked up three straight home victories with him on the mound, outscoring opponents 24-5 in the process. EDGE: PHILLIES
Moyer is 6-5 with a 4.43 ERA in 14 career starts against the Padres. The veteran left-hander picked up a 12-4 road victory over San Diego on July 21, allowing four earned runs and eight hits over 6 2/3 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: PHILLIES



Los Angeles Dodgers at New York Mets (7:10 PM ET)

Los Angeles starter Brad Penny is a dominant 7-1 with a 2.58 ERA in 10 road starts this season. The Dodgers have picked up victories in eight of the right-handers nine outings away from Dodger Stadium, outscoring opponents 54-23 in the process. BIG EDGE: DODGERS
Penny is a tremendous 13-2 with a 2.33 ERA in 22 nighttime starts compared to an even 1-1 record and 4.07 ERA during the day. He’s allowed just one home run in an amazing 142 2/3 innings under the lights. EDGE: DODGERS
New York left-hander Oliver Perez is an even 5-5 with a 3.78 ERA at home in 2007. Opposing hitters are batting just .221 against him at Shea Stadium this season. SLIGHT EDGE: METS
Perez is an even 4-4 with a 3.97 ERA in nine career starts versus Los Angeles. The left-hander picked up an impressive 4-1 road victory over the Dodgers on July 20, giving up just a single run and six hits over 7 1/3 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: METS



New York Yankees at Detroit Tigers (7:10 PM ET)

Yankees right-hander Roger Clemens has posted a disappointing 2-4 record and 5.25 ERA on the road in 2007. He tallied a 9-2 victory over Toronto in his last road start on August 7, allowing just one run and two hits over six innings. SLIGHT EDGE: TIGERS
Clemens will face the Tigers for the second time this season, after beating them in his last start at Yankee Stadium. He allowed two earned runs and scattered 10 hits over six innings of work in that contest. SLIGHT EDGE: YANKEES
Detroit’s Andrew Miller returns to the mound tonight after recovering from a left hamstring sprain on the 15-day disabled list. He allowed eight runs and 12 hits in just nine innings of work in his last two starts. SLIGHT EDGE: YANKEES
Miller has enjoyed success during his eight nighttime starts, posting a 4-3 record and 3.71 ERA. Those numbers are much better than his 1-1 record and 6.46 ERA in three daytime outings. SLIGHT EDGE: TIGERS



Atlanta Braves at St. Louis Cardinals (8:10 PM ET)

Atlanta starter John Smoltz is a solid 5-2 with a 3.53 ERA in 12 road starts this season. The Braves have lost his last two starts by identical 4-3 scores, as the right-hander has allowed five earned runs and 15 hits over 13 1/3 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: BRAVES
Smoltz has a losing 10-11 record and 4.20 ERA in 39 career appearances against the Cardinals. He was 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA in his start against them in 2006, allowing three earned runs and seven hits over six innings. SLIGHT EDGE: CARDINALS
Cardinals right-hander Kip Wells is enjoying his best month of the season, posting a perfect 2-0 record and 2.37 ERA in three starts. Opposing hitters are batting just .229 against him this month compared to .302 in July. EDGE: CARDINALS
Wells has a losing 1-2 record against the Braves despite having a very solid 2.43 ERA over six starts. He hasn’t faced Atlanta since 2005, allowing six hits over 7 2/3 shutout innings. SLIGHT EDGE: CARDINALS



Boston Red Sox at Chicago White Sox (8:11 PM ET)

Boston’s Curt Schilling is an even 4-4 with a 4.02 ERA in nine starts away from Fenway Park. The Red Sox have lost his last three road starts, as the right-hander has surrendered 10 earned runs and 24 hit over 16 1/3 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: WHITE SOX
Schilling is a solid 3-1 with a 3.67 ERA in 11 career appearances versus Chicago. He’s a perfect 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA in four career outings at U.S. Cellular Field, issuing just one walk and fanning 15 batters in 16 innings of work. EDGE: RED SOX
Chicago right-hander Jon Garland is 3-4 with a 5.40 ERA in 11 career games versus Boston. He was handed an 8-5 defeat against the Red Sox on July 22, allowing six runs and six hits over 4 2/3 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: RED SOX
Garland has a losing 4-5 record and 4.44 ERA in 12 starts at home this year, but the White Sox have actually picked up two straight victories at U.S. Cellular with him on the mound. He’s allowed six earned runs and 14 1/3 innings over that span. SLIGHT EDGE: WHITE SOX

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[pm530]

Baseball – Betting Notes

MLB


Friday, August 24

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MLB Betting Notes
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Friday’s MLB betting notes

Falling Angels

The Los Angeles Angels have been cruising along with just enough pop to hold off the Seattle Mariners for the lead in the AL West. Most of the plaudits have been going to the likes of Vladimir Guerrero and Orlando Cabrera, but when was the last time you saw Chone Figgins on the highlight reel? He’s not a home run hitter, but his .335 batting average and 34 stolen bases have been a huge factor in keeping the Angels on top.

That’s why Mike Scioscia nearly ate his lineup card when Figgins had to leave Tuesday’s game after getting hit on the hand with a fastball. The tests turned up no fractures or torn ligaments, but the Angels’ little big man isn’t expected to return anytime soon. Reggie Willits was moved into the leadoff spot in Wednesday’s game, where he went 1-4 with three strikeouts. The Angels already have a lack of power, and now they'll be without their most consistent hitter until Figgins and his steady bat return.


Upton moves down in lineup

Nobody would have expected to see B.J. Upton hitting in the cleanup spot on a team that has Carlos Pena, but after watching Pena get walked 65 times this season, manager Joe Maddon decided the slugger needed some protection. He moved Upton into the cleanup role in Wednesday’s game against the Boston Red Sox and the move paid off.

Although the 22-year-old, who had only three home runs in August before Wednesday, knocked a two-run shot out of the park in the sixth inning to give the D-Rays a 2-1 win over the Red Sox. Upton isn’t expected to remain in the role, but if he keeps providing big hits, Tampa Bay fans might see more of him in the four-hole.


Jays hit the wall

The Toronto Blue Jays offense, which was expected to be among the best in the American League at the beginning of the season, has been so bad that general manager J.P. Riccardi can’t even find words to describe it.

"Honest to God, I don't know what to say about it," Ricciardi said after yesterday's game. "Our offence is a shambles. In the normal course of events, you have maybe one or two or three guys going bad, but there are three or four other guys who pick them up. But this is the whole team.”

After getting swept at home by the Oakland Athletics and scoring only 12 runs in the whole series, the over/under in Jays games this month is 6-14.


Reds bullpen raises level

There hasn’t been many opportunities this season to say anything nice about the Cincinnati Reds, but after earning 11 wins in August (many as an underdog) the Reds can finally feel good about themselves. Much of the credit should go to a bullpen that has suddenly become lights-out ... OK, maybe not exactly lights-out, but certain relief pitchers are certainly earning their keep.

The Cincy bullpen’s season-long ERA of 5.17 is still among the worst in the league, but when the right guys are on the mound, the Reds are holding onto wins. Mike Stanton worked 1 2/3 innings without a run against Atlanta on Wednesday, and Jared Burton and David Weathers also blanked the Braves for an inning apiece.

The previous evening, Bill Bray got the win against the Braves with 1 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing only one hit before Burton and Weathers took care of the rest. Overall, the relief pitching, which had been terrible most of the season, has seen drastic improvements over the last week.

"They've done a great job," Bronson Arroyo said of the bullpen. "They're rolling. That's why more wins are coming easier for us."


Dodgers find new weapons

You have to wonder what’s going on in Grady Little’s head. The Los Angeles Dodgers manager got some unexpected offensive contributions from a couple of youngsters at a time when the club desperately needed some punch at the plate, but Little said he doesn’t know if he’ll keep the kids in the lineup.

On Wednesday, in a 15-3 drubbing of the Philadelphia Phillies, Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp combined to go 6-for-10 with a home run and five RBIs. Both players were called up earlier in the month and have seen limited play. But just because the two new additions had a big game, Little won’t be influenced to use them in place of veterans like Jeff Kent and Luis Gonzalez – neither of whom have done much for the Dodgers at the dish lately.

"We have those three guys, Gonzalez, Ethier and Kemp, that we are kind of rotating into those two (outfield) spots," Little told the L.A. Daily News. "We will continue to do that, because we're going to need everybody we have before this is over."

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[pm530]

Baseball Today - August 24

SCOREBOARD
Friday, Aug. 24
Minnesota at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EDT). Johan Santana struck out a franchise-record 17 over eight scoreless innings in his last start for the Twins.

STARS
Thursday

-- Josh Willingham, Marlins, homered twice and drove in six in Florida's 11-3 win over St. Louis.

-- Mike Piazza, Athletics, went 4-for-5 with a homer and five RBIs to lead Oakland to a 12-2 victory over Tampa Bay.

-- Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners, went 3-for-5 with three RBIs in Seattle's 9-4 victory over Texas.

-- Josh Phelps, Pirates, had three RBIs and a career-high four hits, and Pittsburgh beat Colorado 5-1.

-- Chad Billingsley, Dodgers, allowed one run on four hits and struck seven and Los Angeles beat Philadelphia 5-2.

ALL'S WELLS

David Wells and the Dodgers agreed to a contract Thursday and the big lefty plans to make his first start for Los Angeles on Sunday night against the Mets in New York. The 44-year-old Wells was designated for assignment by his hometown San Diego Padres on Aug. 9 and placed on release waivers four days later. He cleared waivers last Thursday and became a free agent. He was 5-8 with a 5.54 ERA this season, the Dodgers will be his ninth team in a 21-year major league career.

ABLE CAIN

Matt Cain outpitched and even outslugged opposing starter Carlos Zambrano, shutting down the Cubs for seven innings and hitting his second career home run Thursday to lead San Francisco to a 4-1 victory Thursday. Cain allowed one runs and eight hits in seven innings for his sixth straight quality start. He is improved to 3-1 with a 2.36 ERA in August, doubling his win total from the first four months.

TRADE

Detroit traded slumping outfielder, Craig Monroe and cash to the Chicago Cubs for a player to be named later. The Tigers designated Monroe for assignment last Friday. The 30-year-old Monroe, was hitting only .222 with 11 home runs and 55 RBIs in 99 games. Monroe batted .255 with 28 homers and 92 RBIs last year, then tied a franchise record by hitting five home runs in the postseason.

STRONG IN DEFEAT

Carlos Lee homered twice and drove in four but Houston lost to Washington 7-6 on Thursday night. ... Vladimir Guerrero hit two solo home runs in Los Angeles' 5-4 loss to Toronto Thursday night.

SNAPPED

Florida beat St. Louis 11-3 on Thursday night to snap an eight-game losing streak. ... Albert Pujols went 0-for-3 to snap his streak of homering in a career-best five consecutive games.

SPEAKING

"Phillips had such a good jump that I said, 'Please don't foul this off. As soon as I saw the ball in the air, at that point, I didn't care any more."-- Cincinnati manager Pete Mackanin said about Adam Dunn's homer in the Reds' 9-7 victory over Atlanta on Thursday night. With one out in the 12th, Dunn hit a 417-foot drive halfway up the seats in right-center for his 35th homer of the season, giving the Reds their fourth win in five games.

SEASONS
Aug. 24

1905 -- The Chicago Cubs beat the Phillies at Philadelphia 2-1 in 20 innings behind the complete game pitching of Ed Reulbach.

1940 -- Outfielder Ted Williams pitched the last two innings for the Boston Red Sox against Detroit at Fenway Park. He allowed one run on three hits, but struck out Rudy York on three pitches. The Tigers, behind Tommy Bridges, won 12-1.

1951 -- St. Louis Browns owner Bill Veeck gave over 1,000 fans behind his dugout YES and NO placards to allow them to have a part in the strategy of the game. The fans flashed the cards when asked by the coaches what the Browns should do and it worked as St. Louis beat the Philadelphia Athletics 5-3.

1971 -- Ernie Banks hit the 512th and final home run of his career as the Chicago Cubs beat the Cincinnati Reds 5-4. Banks' shot came off Jim McGlothin in the first inning.

1975 -- Ed Halicki of San Francisco pitched a 6-0 no-hitter against the New York Mets to lead the Giants to a sweep of a doubleheader. On the same day, Dave Lopes of Los Angeles stole his 38th consecutive base in the seventh inning against the Expos. Lopes' streak was snapped in the 12th inning by Gary Carter. The Expos won 5-3 in 14 innings.

1989 -- After six months of denial, defense and delay, Cincinnati manager Pete Rose was banned for life from baseball by Commissioner A. Bartlett Giamatti for gambling. Rose, baseball's career hit leader and holder of 19 major league records, signed a five-page agreement with Giamatti in which he agreed to a lifetime penalty but did not admit gambling on baseball.

2001 -- Colorado starting pitcher Jason Jennings went 3-for-5 in his major league debut, including a homer and an RBI single, while giving up five hits and striking out eight in a complete game shutout over the Mets, 10-0. The right-hander became the first pitcher in modern history to throw a shutout and hit a homer in his first game.

2003 -- Ramon Hernandez and Miguel Tejada hit grand slams as Oakland routed Toronto 17-2.

2006 -- Boston beat the Los Angeles Angels 2-1 to hand rookie Jered Weaver his first loss. Weaver (9-1) was trying to become the third pitcher in big-league history to win his first 10 decisions as a starter.

Today's birthdays: Kevin Correia 27; Cal Ripken 47.

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[Udog]

MLB
Dunkel


Oakland at Tampa Bay
The A's continue to be a hot team as they crawled back over .500 yesterday with a 12-2 romp over the D-Rays. Oakland has won five straight and nine of their last 11 overall. Starter Lenny Dinardo has been overshadowed by Dan Haren's season, but his numbers of late (5-0, 3.67 ERA in last 7 starts) are impressive. Tampa has hit the skids since the All-Star break and has won just four of its last 13. Starter James Shields has been effective recently (2.93 ERA in last five starts), but his 1-2 record over that span reflects the lack of support. With the A's swinging the bats well right now, Oakland looks like a good underdog pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the A's favored straight up by 2 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+110). Here are all of today's games.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24

Game 951-952: San Diego at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Maddux) 15.510; Philadelphia (Moyer) 13.844
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1 1/2; 11 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego (-105); 10
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-105); Over

Game 953-954: Florida at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Willis) 14.680; Cincinnati (Harang) 15.323
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1; 11
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-132); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-132); Over

Game 955-956: LA Dodgers at NY Mets
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Penny) 15.070; NY Mets (Perez) 15.830
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1; 10
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-110); 8
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-110); Over

Game 957-958: Pittsburgh at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Snell) 16.219; Houston (Albers) 14.472
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 2; 10
Vegas Line: Houston (-110); 9
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-110); Over

Game 959-960: Atlanta at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Smoltz) 14.366; St. Louis (Wells) 15.721
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+110); Over

Game 961-962: Washington at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Hill) 15.239; Colorado (Francis) 14.313
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Colorado (-155); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+135); Under

Game 963-964: Chicago Cubs at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Marshall) 15.258; Arizona (Owings) 15.436
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-115); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-105); Under

Game 965-966: Milwaukee at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Vargas) 14.634; San Francisco (Lowry) 14.954
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-112); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-112); Under

Game 967-968: Minnesota at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Santana) 16.622; Baltimore (Guthrie) 14.647
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-180); 7 1.2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-180); Over

Game 969-970: NY Yankees at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Clemens) 16.541; Detroit (Miller) 13.740
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 3; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-140); 10
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-140); Over

Game 971-972: Oakland at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Dinardo) 16.443; Tampa Bay (Shields) 14.023
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 2 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+110); Over

Game 973-974: Cleveland at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Sabathia) 15.024; Kansas City (Greinke) 15.553
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-175); 8
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+155); Under

Game 975-976: Boston at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Schilling) 15.989; White Sox (Danks) 14.549
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 977-978: Seattle at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Hernandez) 15.454; Texas (Millwood) 15.670
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Seattle (-133); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (+113); Over

Game 979-980: Toronto at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Halladay) 16.383; LA Angels (Weaver) 15.097
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1; 9
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-117); 8
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-103); Over

Game 981-982: Boston at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Beckett) 16.567; White Sox (Garland) 14.609
Dunkel Line: Boston by 2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A