Wednesday Trends and Indexes 08/29

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes
Wednesday, August 29

Good Luck on day #241 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]

Baseball - Tips & Trends

MLB

Wednesday, August 29

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Tips and Trends
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Colorado Rockies at San Francisco Giants (3:35 PM ET)

Colorado’s Jeff Francis is 4-5 with a 5.55 ERA in 12 career starts versus San Francisco. The left-hander has posted a 1-2 record and 5.75 ERA in three outings against the Giants in 2007, allowing four home runs in 20 1/3 innings of work. SLIGHT EDGE: GIANTS
Francis has posted a perfect 4-0 record and 3.06 ERA in five daytime starts this season. He’s limited opponents to a .237 average under the sun compared to .292 while under the lights. EDGE: ROCKIES
Giants left-hander Noah Lowry is a disappointing 2-5 with a 7.02 ERA in 11 career starts versus Colorado. He’s tallied an even 1-1 record and 5.06 ERA in three starts against them this season, struggling with his control issuing 10 walks in just 16 innings. EDGE: ROCKIES
Lowry has been a monster at home this season, going 9-2 with a 3.18 ERA in 12 starts. Opponents have managed to hit just three home runs in his 73 2/3 innings at AT&T Park. EDGE: GIANTS
The Rockies are 24-51 in the last 75 meetings in San Francisco.


Los Angeles Angels at Seattle Mariners (4:35 PM ET)

Los Angeles starter Jeff Weaver is 2-1 with a 5.22 ERA in five career starts versus Seattle. The young right-hander has been knocked around for 11 earned runs and 21 hits in just 10 2/3 innings against the Mariners this season. SLIGHT EDGE: MARINERS
Weaver has thrived in daytime situations this year, posting a 3-2 record with a sparkling 2.11 ERA. He’s allowed just two daytime home runs in 42 2/3 innings compared to 11 home runs in 82 1/3 frames at night. EDGE: ANGELS
Seattle ace Felix Hernandez has a losing 2-3 record and 4.28 ERA in seven career starts versus Los Angeles. The Angels have touched him up for 14 earned runs and 22 hits in just 17 2/3 innings, but the right-hander has fanned 17 and walked just four over that span. SLIGHT EDGE: ANGELS
Hernandez has compiled a 5-3 record and 3.79 ERA in 13 home starts this season. Seattle has picked up victories in his last four starts at Safeco Field, with the offense supplying 30 runs of support over that span. EDGE: MARINERS
The Mariners are 10-4 in their last 14 games as a favorite.


New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies (7:05 PM ET)

New York’s Oliver Perez is 1-2 with a 5.06 ERA in six career starts versus Philadelphia. He had a rough go against the Phillies back on April 11 this year, issuing seven free passes in just 2 2/3 innings of a 5-2 loss at Shea Stadium. EDGE: PHILLIES
Perez is looking to finish off the month of August with three straight wins, as the left-hander has gone 3-1 with a 5.34 ERA. The left-hander has given up 31 hits and walked 15 batters in 28 2/3 innings of work. SLIGHT EDGE: METS
Phillies left-hander Jamie Moyer is 4-3 with a 2.59 ERA in nine career starts versus the Mets. The crafty veteran has allowed just three home runs in 62 2/3 innings against them. EDGE: PHILLIES
Moyer has fallen on hard times over his last two starts, giving up 13 earned runs and 19 hits in just 8 2/3 innings of work. He’s an even 2-2 with a 7.27 ERA in August – his highest ERA of any month. EDGE: METS


Minnesota Twins at Cleveland Indians (7:05 PM ET)

Minnesota ace Johan Santana is 7-5 with a 3.20 ERA in 28 career games versus Cleveland. The left-hander is 0-3 with a 3.67 ERA in four starts against the Indians in 2007, but he’s allowed just 20 hits and fanned 38 batters in 27 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: INDIANS
Santana is an impressive 9-3 with a 2.79 ERA in 15 road starts this season. He picked up a 7-4 victory in his last start away from the Metrodome, but surrendered three home runs in the process. EDGE: TWINS
Indians starter C.C. Sabathia is 9-8 with a 3.45 ERA in 24 career starts versus Minnesota. He’s gone 2-1 with a sparkling 1.66 ERA in three starts against the Twins this season, as the left-hander hasn’t allowed a home run in 21 2/3 innings. EDGE: INDIANS
Sabathia is an impressive 9-4 with a 3.04 in 16 home starts this season. Over his last three starts at Jacobs Field, Sabathia has allowed just four earned runs and 18 hits over 21 2/3 innings. EDGE: INDIANS
The UNDER is 14-3-2 in the Twins last 19 games versus the AL Central.


Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees (ESPN2 | 7:05 PM ET)

Boston’s Josh Beckett is 3-2 with a high 7.91 ERA in six career starts versus New York. The hard-throwing right-hander is 1-0 with a 5.54 ERA in two starts against the Yankees this season, allowing eight earned runs and 17 hits in just 13 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: RED SOX
Beckett has been truly dominant on the road this season, going 9-1 with a sparkling 1.90 ERA. He’s picked up three straight victories away from Fenway Park, as the Red Sox have outscored their opposition 26-7 in the process. BIG EDGE: RED SOX
Yankees right-hander Roger Clemens is 3-1 with a 2.79 ERA in seven home starts this season. He’s displayed pinpoint control over his 42 innings at Yankee Stadium, striking out 33 batters and walking just six. EDGE: YANKEES
Clemens has a solid 8-5 record and 3.85 ERA against his original club. The future Hall of Fame pitcher has allowed just seven home runs in 119 1/3 innings against the Red Sox. EDGE: YANKEES
The UNDER is 36-16-1 in tBoston's last 53 road games versus a team with a winning record.


Milwaukee Brewers at Chicago Cubs (8:05 PM ET)

Milwaukee starter Manny Parra has made just three road appearances this season, allowing three earned runs and 10 hits over 11 innings of work. His only start away from Miller Park came on July 28 against the Cardinals, giving up one earned run and six hits over six innings. SLIGHT EDGE: BREWERS
Parra has been solid in four nighttime outings in 2007, allowing just three runs and 11 hits over 13 1/3 innings, while walking just four and striking out 16. SLIGHT EDGE: BREWERS
Chicago ace Carlos Zambrano is 9-7 with a 4.05 ERA in 19 career games versus Milwaukee. The right-hander is a perfect 2-0 with a 3.32 ERA in three starts against the Brewers this season, striking out 22 batters in just 19 innings of work. EDGE: CUBS
The Cubs have lost four straight games with Zambrano on the hill, with the offense managing to score just 10 runs over that span. EDGE: BREWERS
The OVER is 12-4-2 in the last 18 meetings.


Arizona Diamondbacks at San Diego Padres (10:05 PM ET)

Arizona rookie starter Micah Owings is an even 3-3 with a 6.06 ERA in 11 road games this season. The Diamondbacks have tallied three straight road victories with him on the hill, with the offense supplying 24 runs of offense over that span. SLIGHT EDGE: D-BACKS
Owings made his only career start against the Padres on August 1, allowing just one run and four hits over six innings. He didn’t surrender a home run in that start and has allowed just three over his last 38 2/3 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: D-BACKS
Padres right-hander Greg Maddux is a miserable 1-10 with a 5.28 ERA in 16 career starts versus the Diamondbacks. He picked up an 8-3 road loss against the Diamondbacks on July 13, allowing four runs and nine hits over just four innings. BIG EDGE: D-BACKS
Maddux has compiled a solid 7-4 record and 3.28 ERA in 13 home starts this season. San Diego has won four straights game at Petco Park with him on the mound, as the right-hander has allowed just four earned runs over 23 innings. EDGE: PADRES
The UNDER is 37-17-3 in the Diamondbacks' last 57 road games.

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[pm530]

Baseball – Betting Notes

MLB


Wednesday, August 29

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MLB Betting Notes
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Wednesday’s MLB betting notes

A’s Haren making progress, hurt teammates nowhere in sight

Oakland Athletics manager Bob Geren used much of Tuesday’s pregame press conference to give updates on the 10 players on the A's disabled list. The news is mixed for Oakland backers.

Geren said starter Rich Harden threw off the mound on Monday, tossing 25 pitches without any reaction. The big right-hander is still around three weeks away from being activated.

The team’s three injured outfielders won't be playing anytime soon. Mark Kotsay’s back injury has improved and Travis Buck’s hamstring is feeling better, but both haven't resumed baseball activities. Chris Denorfia, recently acquired from the Cincinnati Reds, is out for the season after undergoing Tommy John elbow surgery.

Third baseman Eric Chavez (back) and shortstop Bobby Crosby (hand) are both in rehab with no dates set for their return, Geren said.

The A’s close out a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday, sending Lenny DiNardo (8-7, 3.57) to the mound to face Roy Halladay (14-6, 3.86). Toronto is a –144 favorite with the total set at 8.

Guided by Guillen

When the Mariners signed Jose Guillen to a one-year contract at the start of the season, it was considered a pretty big gamble because he missed most of last season with an elbow injury.

But he has been a revelation for Seattle, notching 81 RBIs and 20 home runs while batting .295. Guillen has also been credited with being a major positive influence in the clubhouse.

"Guillen has been a big part," manager John McLaren told MLB.com. "He has shown great leadership down the stretch. He's been enormous. He pushes his teammates, he encourages them, he puts his arm around them. He's been a great teammate. And I don't think anyone looked at him in that light before."

This week Guillen faces his former team, the Los Angeles Angels. Felix Hernandez (10-6, 3.90) squares up to Jared Weaver (9-6, 3.96) on the mound for Wednesday’s series finale. Seattle is a –119 favorite.

Yanks shuffling the pack

The Yankees face the Red Sox in an all-important three-game series this week, but don’t expect to see the same New York lineup in any of the three games. Nagging injuries to his starters and competition for places has forced manager Joe Torre to be creative.

Torre made Hideki Matsui the DH for Monday’s series closer against the Detroit Tigers, pushing Johnny Damon into left field, while Jason Giambi played his third game at first base since returning to the team.

Matsui is having problems with both of his knees.

"I think just the pounding out there, day in and day out, is just something that he's been dealing with," Torre said of Matsui on MLB.com. "That's the advantage of this league. Any time we can get him out of the lineup, it will help."

There was some good news for the Yankees. Derek Jeter returned to the lineup on Monday and said he was "fine" and "good to go." He went 0-for-3 on his return in the Yanks' 16-0 loss to Detroit.

The Yankees send veteran pitcher Rogers Clemens (5-5, 4.34) to the hill for Wednesday’s game against the seemingly unstoppable Josh Beckett (16-5, 3.21). The Yankees are –105 favorites with the total set at 9 ½.

Pirates eying raid on NL Central

The Pirates may be nine games off the pace in the NL Central, but they are still hopeful of making a playoff push. They are 7-3 in their last 10 games and have made up 4 ½ games in the last month.

"Until we're mathematically out of it, I think we're in the race," closer Matt Capps told MLB.com. "You know, maybe if we can catch up with them, or at least start working toward .500. On Friday, I saw Milwaukee and St. Louis lost."

According to MLB.com, if the August trends in the NL Central were to continue Pittsburgh would be just 3 ½ games back 25 games from now. That would leave them with eight games left in the season to take the division.

The Pirates, 15-10 this month, can continue to make inroads on the division lead when they take on the Cincinnati Reds in the third game of a four-game series on Wednesday. Paul Maholm (10-14, 4.39) and Bronson Arroyo (7-13, 4.55) are the starters. Pittsburgh is listed at -104 with the total set at 8 ½.

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[pm530]

Baseball Today

Baseball Today - August 29



SCOREBOARD
Wednesday, Aug. 29
Minnesota at Cleveland (7:05 p.m. EDT). Johan Santana and C.C. Sabathia are each in search of win No. 15.

STARS
Tuesday

-- Ryan Howard, Phillies, hit a game-ending homer in the 10th inning to lift Philadelphia over the New York Mets 4-2.

-- Freddy Sanchez, Pirates, drove in five runs in the opener, then scored the go-ahead run in second game to help Pittsburgh sweep a doubleheader from Cincinnati.

-- Vladimir Guerrero, Angels, had four hits and three RBIs, helping Los Angeles rally from five runs down to beat Seattle.

-- Matt Cain, Giants, struck out eight over seven innings to lead San Francisco to a 3-1 win at home against Colorado.

AWESOME AUGUST

Andy Pettitte allowed three runs and six hits in seven innings to win his sixth straight start in the New York Yankees' 5-3 win over Boston on Tuesday. Pettitte improved to 6-0 this month, making him 45-16 in August during his career. ... Jake Westbrook allowed three runs in 6 2-3 innings to improve to pick up the win in Cleveland's 6-5 victory over Minnesota. The right-hander went 4-1 this month with a 1.90 ERA.

LEAKY PEN

Tampa Bay used an 11-run eighth inning to beat Baltimore 15-8 on Tuesday to hand the Orioles their seventh straight loss. The Orioles' bullpen has yielded 46 runs in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings during the skid. Baltimore's bullpen has a 22.29 ERA during the losing streak.

STRONG IN DEFEAT

Miguel Tejada hit two of Baltimore's six home runs in a 15-8 loss to Tampa Bay on Tuesday. ... Corey Hart drove in three runs, providing all of Milwaukee's offense in a 5-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs. ... Magglio Ordonez went 4-for-5 in Detroit's 6-3 loss to Kansas City and is hitting .404 in August

SNAPPED

Brandon Webb allowed a season-high six earned runs over 5 1-3 innings and had his six-game winning streak snapped in Arizona's 6-4 loss at San Diego on Tuesday. It was his shortest outing since June 22, when he lasted five innings in a 7-1 loss to Baltimore.

DREADFUL

The White Sox lost for the 14th time in 17 games and dropped their seventh straight on the road, 4-3 at Texas on Tuesday.

SLUMPING

Oakland dropped its fifth straight, 5-4 to Toronto on Tuesday.

SPEAKING

"It's not fun. It's embarrassing, it's tiring. It's not good." -- Baltimore second baseman Brian Roberts, after the Orioles' bullpen surrendered 11 runs in the eighth inning of a 15-8 loss to Tampa Bay on Tuesday. Baltimore has been outscored 85-28 during their seven-game losing streak.

SEASONS
Aug. 29

1918 -- The Chicago Cubs, behind the pitching of Lefty Tyler, clinched the National League pennant with a 1-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

1934 -- The Philadelphia A's ended Schoolboy Rowe's 16-game winning streak with a 13-5 victory over the Detroit Tigers.

1965 -- San Francisco's Willie Mays broke Ralph Kiner's National League record with his 17th home run of the month in an 8-3 triumph over the New York Mets. Kiner had 16 homers in September of 1949. Mays hit a tape measure shot off Jack Fisher.

1967 -- Bert Campaneris of the Kansas City A's hit three triples in a 9-8, 10-inning loss to the Cleveland Indians.

1971 -- Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves knocked in his 100th run of the season, giving him the National League record of 11 seasons with 100 or more RBIs.

1977 -- Lou Brock stole base No. 893, breaking Ty Cobb's modern record for career stolen bases.

1985 -- Don Baylor of the New York Yankees set an American League record when he was hit by a pitch for the 190th time in his career. Baylor was struck by California Angels pitcher Kirk McCaskill in the first inning, breaking the old mark of 189 set by Minnie Minoso.

1993 -- George Brett recorded his 200th stolen base in Kansas City's 5-4, 12-inning victory over Boston to join Willie Mays and Hank Aaron as the only players with 3,000 hits, 300 homers and 200 steals.

1995 -- Pittsburgh's Paul Wagner, the NL leader in losses, lost his no-hitter against Colorado on an infield single with two out in ninth.

2000 -- Anaheim's Darin Erstad went 3-for-5 to reach 200 hits faster than any player in 65 years as the Angels defeated Toronto 9-4. Ducky Medwick of the St. Louis Cardinals did it in 131 games in 1935.

2002 -- Mark Bellhorn became the first player in NL history to hit a home run from both sides of the plate in the same inning, in the fourth of the Chicago Cubs' 13-10 win over Milwaukee.

2004 -- Albert Pujols hit his 40th home run and reached 100 RBIs for the fourth straight season to help St. Louis beat Pittsburgh 4-0. He's the fourth player to start his major league career with four straight seasons with at least 100 RBIs, joining Hall of Famers Al Simmons, Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams.

Today's birthdays: Ryan Shealy 28; Aaron Rowand 30; Roy Oswalt 30; Henry Blanco 36.

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[pm530]

Baseball – Hot & Cold Teams

MLB


Wednesday, August 29

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Hot/Cold Teams
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MLB Hot and Cold: Streaks and slumps

HOT

Cincinnati Reds

It’s probably too late for the Reds to make a postseason push, being 11 games out of the National League wild card and 6 ½ back of the NL Central lead. But Cincy is finishing the year with a bang.

The Big Red Machine has won six straight heading into Tuesday and eight of their last 10 contests. The big-swinging Cincinnati lineup is averaging almost seven runs per game and has played over the total eight times during this stretch.

Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox's destruction of the Chicago White Sox this past weekend was a reminder for the other playoff-contending teams in the American League – sooner or later, you’ll have to play Boston.

The BoSox have won seven of their last 10 games heading into this week’s series with the New York Yankees, including the four-game sweep of Chicago in which they scored 46 total runs. Over the past week, Boston is hitting .317 at the plate and has a collective ERA just above 2.00.

San Francisco Giants

See what a little youth can do? Since calling up some prospects and making Rajai Davis and Dan Ortmeier part of the everyday lineup, the Giants have new life. They've won eight of their last 10 contests including five straight victories heading into Tuesday.

San Francisco’s successful stretch is driven by its solid pitching and new-found pop in the order that has scored six runs per game in those eight wins. That's almost two more scores than its season average. The Giants have a team ERA of 2.81 over the last seven days and are batting .264.

Cleveland Indians

The Indians’ recent run put some space between them and the rest of the AL Central. Cleveland is 2 ½ games ahead of the Detroit Tigers after winning seven of its last 10 games, reeling off three straight W’s heading into Tuesday.

The Tribe has allowed three or fewer runs in seven of those contests and has a collective team ERA of 3.27 over the past week, holding opponents to a .249 batting average against.

COLD

Florida Marlins

It’s tough to pinpoint the exact reason why Florida has lost 12 of its last 13 games. Poor pitching, careless fielding and lack of production have all played a part in the Fish’s flop. It's safe to say that Florida is now going through the motions since dropping 17 games out of the NL East lead.

The Marlins have a 6.67 ERA over the past seven days and teams are hitting .333 off their arms. Florida has conceded nine unearned runs during this time and are batting a dismal .253 with little help from struggling slugger Miguel Cabrera, who has gone 2-for-25.

Milwaukee Brewers

Milwaukee’s problems outside of Miller Park continue (25-40 on the season) after the Brewers finished 2-4 on their latest road trip. Milwaukee has lost seven of its last 10 games and is 1 ½ games back of the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central race heading into their three-game series this week.

The Brewers are only a half-game ahead of the St. Louis Cardinals in the division and have suffered from this slump for much of the second half of the season. Since the All-Star break, Milwaukee is 16-26 with a NL-worst 5.52 ERA.

Washington Nationals

Washington is another club struggling on the road this season. Its record away from RFK Stadium dropped to 27-40 on the year after going 3-5 on its current 10-game road swing.

The Nats have lost seven of their last 10 games and have allowed almost 6 ½ runs per game during these defeats. Over the past seven days, Washington has a collective ERA over 6.00 and is doing little to balance that out in the batter’s box.

Baltimore Orioles

The O’s are still reeling from the 30-run haymaker the Texas Rangers hit them with last week. The loss started Baltimore on a six-game losing streak where they've been outscored 70-20.

The Orioles have lost their last three series since taking two games against the Yankees in mid-August. In the past week, they've batted .249 at the plate with an even more disgusting team ERA of just a shade under 10.00.

Yuck.

[pm530]

Baseball – Write up

MLB
Write-up


Wednesday, August 29

Hot Pitchers
-- Penny has a 2.63 RA in his last four starts. Hill is 1-0, 1.08 in
his last four starts; National bullpen lost his last three starts.
-- Giants won eleven of last fourteen Lowry starts.
-- Reds are 13-1 in Harang's last fourteen starts.
-- Mets won last three Perez starts, scoring 22 runs.
-- Oswalt has been hurt, but Astros won his last six starts (5-0, 1.42).
-- Arizona won Owings' last three road starts. Maddux is 3-0 in his last three starts, with a 1.93 RA.

-- Oakland won six of last eight Dinardo starts. Toronto is 4-1 in last five Halladay starts.
-- Angels won three of last four Weaver starts. Seattle won last four Hernandez starts, scoring 27 runs.
-- Sabathia has 2.49 RA in his last seven starts, but Indians lost six of the seven games, scoring total of 17 runs. Santana is 3-0, 2.89 in his last four starts.
-- Beckett is 3-0, 2.57 in his last four starts.
-- Shields is 2-1, 1.98 in his last four starts. Trachsel is 1-1, 3.19 in his last five starts.

Cold Pitchers
-- Francis has a 9.64 RA in his last couple starts.
-- Carlyle is 0-2, 11.30 in his last three starts. Marlins lost eight of last nine Willis starts.
-- Pirates are 4-10 in last 14 Snell starts where they scored less than eight runs.
-- In his last two starts, Moyer allowed 16 runs in 8.2 IP.
-- Zambrano is 0-3, 7.29 in his last four starts. Sheets makes first start for Milwaukee since July 14, and they need him; Brewers are 11-3 in his last fourteen starts.
-- Cardinals lost nine of Wells' last eleven road starts.

-- Bronx lost four of last five Clemens starts (1-2, 9.53).
-- Miller is 0-1, 9.50 in his last four starts. Royals lost five of last six Greinke starts.
-- Garland is 0-3, 11.79 in his last five starts. Loe is 1-4, 7.76 in his last six starts.


Totals
-- Over is 9-3 in last twelve Florida home games.
-- Over is 7-4 in Phillies' last eleven games.
-- Over is 13-2 in Pittsburgh's last fifteen home games.
-- Over is 9-5-1 in Brewers' last fifteen games.
-- Under is 8-3 in Astros' last eleven games.
-- Five of last seven games at Petco Park stayed under total.
-- Over is 5-2-1 in Dodgers' last eight home games.
-- Under is 7-2 in Giants' last nine home games.

-- Over is 6-2 in Devil Rays' last eight games.
-- Over is 6-3 in last nine Bronx games.
-- Under is 10-6 in Minnesota's last sixteen road games.
-- Under is 8-1 in Royals' last nine home games.
-- Under is 8-1 in last nine Texas home games.
-- Four of last five Seattle games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 18-2-1 in last twenty-one Toronto road games.


Hot Teams
-- Phillies won their last three games, scoring 24 runs.
-- Pirates won seven of their last nine games. Reds had won six games in row, before losing doubleheaders yesterday.
-- Cardinals won six of their last eight games.
-- Cubs won four of their last five home games.
-- Padres won seven of their last nine games.
-- Dodgers won six of their last seven home games.
-- Giants won eleven of their last thirteen games.

-- Devil Rays won four of their last five games.
-- Red Sox won six of their last eight road games. Bronx is 8-3 in its last eleven home games.
-- Minnesota won six its last eight road games. Cleveland won last four games, scoring 28 runs.
-- Rangers are 12-6 in their last eighteen home games.
-- Angels won four of their last five games.
-- Toronto won five of its last seven road games.

Cold Teams
-- Braves lost six of their last eight games. Marlins lost twelve of their last fourteen games.
-- Mets lost last three games, outscored 19-6.
-- Brewers lost eleven of their last fourteen games.
-- Astros lost seven of their last nine games, and cleaned house in the front office Monday.
-- Arizona lost six of their last nine games.
-- Nationals lost six of their last seven games.
-- Rockies lost eight of their last ten road games.

-- Orioles lost their last seven games, outscored 85-28
-- White Sox lost fifteen of their last nineteen games, giving up 54 runs in last six games.
-- Royals are 3-8 in game after their last eleven wins. Tigers are 3-7 in their last ten games.
-- Mariners lost their last four games, scoring twelve runs.
-- A's lost last five games, giving up 44 runs.


Umpires
-- Wsh-LA-- Under is 6-2 in last eight Scott games.
-- Col-SF-- Favorite won last six Randazzo games.
-- Atl-Fla-- Last six Everitt games stayed under the total.
-- Cin-Pitt-- Underdog is 5-3 in last eight Bell games.
-- NY-Phil-- Favorite won six of last seven Rapuano games.
-- Mil-Chi-- Over is 12-4 in last sixteen Davis games.
-- StL-Hst-- Over is 10-4 in last fourteen Tschida games.
-- Az-SD-- Home side won nine of last ten Barksdale games.

-- Tor-A's-- Five of last six Hudson games went over the total.
-- LA-Sea-- Under is 7-2 in last nine Dreckman games with a DH.
-- Min-Clev-- Six of last seven Wendelstedt games went over.
-- Bos-NY-- Under is 5-1-1 in last seven Carlson games.
-- TB-Blt-- Under is 7-1 in last eight McClelland games.
-- Det-KC-- Four of last five Cooper games stayed under total.
-- Chi-Tex-- Over is 5-2 in last seven Marquez games.

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[pm530]

Major League Soccer

MLS
Previews and Picks


Wednesday, August 29

2007 SUPERLIGA FINAL

Pachuca at Los Angeles Galaxy (+160, draw + 220, +160)

The North American SuperLiga is a cup competition between a selection of MLS and Mexican League teams – and also the L.A. Galaxy’s only realistic chance at winning a trophy this season.

The SuperLiga is the one competition in which the Galaxy have produced consistent form: they have won three and lost only one on their way to the final.

That’s in comparison to MLS regular season play where L.A. is failing miserably. The Galaxy have lost five consecutive league games and have fallen 24 points off the pace in the Western Conference.

Injuries – and not just to David Beckham’s ankle – have played a big part in their struggles. L.A. was without eight regular starters, including Landon Donovan and Abel Xavier, in Saturday’s 3-0 loss to the Colorado Rapids. An inexperienced side took the field and was completely outplayed by the Rapids.

That prompted general manager Alexi Lalas to blast the MLS soccer bosses who decided to delay most of the Galaxy’s games until Beckham’s arrival to maximize publicity. L.A. has already played seven times this month and has a further 12 league game to play this season.

"We sure as hell are not going to put up with another season like this," Lalas said. "This ridiculous schedule that we have been saddled with in an effort to appease everybody, on and off the field, has taken its toll."

While the L.A. injury list looks a little better ahead of Wednesday’s game (Cobi Jones, Kevin Harmse and Donovan could be available), the team's website is listing Beckham as "out" on the SuperLiga match preview.

But things are far from lost.

The return of several other key players besides Becks will restore some balance to the side – especially in the midfield – which was lacking against Colorado on Sunday.

L.A. has struggled with a hectic schedule this season but they’ve had a few days off and a much quieter build-up to this game. They already beat Pachuca 2-1 in this competition in July and a strengthened Galaxy side is capable of repeating that.

Pick: Los Angeles +160



MLS

Kansas City Wizards at Real Salt Lake (+120, draw +220, +210)

A trip to Salt Lake City offers the Wizards an opportunity to get their first road win since the end of May and tighten their stranglehold on a playoff spot.

Kansas has had a tough few weeks in MLS, playing a Thursday-Sunday double against New England before a Wednesday-Sunday double against Chicago. They lost both to the Revs and split the two games against a resurgent Fire.

Winning on the road has been the Wizard’s biggest obstacle this season. They have slumped to a 3-4-3 record away from home, with 19 goals conceded. All those wins came in the first two months of the campaign, and Kansas needs to get back to winning ways on the road this year if they are to maintain a playoff push.

Luckily for them, Wednesday’s game offers the perfect reprieve. Salt Lake have won just twice in 10 games at home this season. While they've been able to keep most of their games close, their inability to score makes them the league’s most beatable team.

Much like the previous meeting – a 1-0 home win for Kansas – this will not a be a high scoring affair. But RSL have lost three of their last four games and it’s hard to see them pulling out a win in this clash.

Pick: Kansas +120

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[pm530]

Six-pack for Wednesday

-- Padres, Phillies tightened up their division races, beating the first place teams in their division for second night in a row, beating Webb, Mets' bullpen last night.

-- David Ortiz' last four homers came on first pitch of at-bat.

-- John Lackey shut the Mariners out Monday night, while pitching with strep throat.

-- Seattle then scored five in bottom of first Tuesday, but it wasn't enough, as Guerrero went nuts with four hits, four RBI and Moseley's relief work helped Angels win 10-6.

-- Tom Gorzelanny is first Pirate lefty since Denny Neagle to win thirteen games in a season; he's pretty good.

-- Mets are now 5-14 if Reyes plays, doesn't reach base.

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[pm530]

Wednesday's List of 13: Random mid-week thoughts........

13) Last week of NFL preseason games are useless; not too many of the regulars even play. For all intents and purposes, preparation for the season openers has begun, other than the final cuts and those tough decisions.

12) ESPN has two Monday night games September 10; guys who will announce Cardinal-49er nightcap are three Mikes: Greenberg, Golic and Ditka. Should be interesting.

11) If Chris Young is healthy in October, Padres are going to be very tough to beat in a short playoff series. He took BP Tuesday, a good sign that he'll make his start this week.

10) U of Arizona is building a $14M practice facility for both basketball and volleyball; alumnus Richard Jefferson of the Nets has donated 25% of the money ($3.5M) for the building.

9) Listened to new Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio at a news conference; he's so stern, he makes Tom Coughlin look like Carrot Top. Geez, loosen up coach-- its a game.

8) I neglected to rip Rutgers for scheduling Norfork State for a game this season; as much hype as they've gotten, you'd think they could get anyone to play them. Plus, Knights don't play a road game until October 13 at Syracuse.

7) Auburn almost fired Tommy Tuberville and hired Bobby Petrino couple years ago, but secret negotiations broke down when the media found out and they were no longer secret, so hard to feel real sorry for Petrino now that he orchestrated a move to the NFL and stumbled into the Michael Vick saga.

6) Kirby Freeman is upset winner of Miami Hurricanes' derby at QB, beating out banged-up Kyle Wright. 'canes will be fun to watch this year-- will they get better, or slip further under their new coach, Randy Shannon?

5) Little League World Series got its best TV ratings since '03.

4) I am a conspiracy theorist, but Michael Vick's plea bargain was on a day Falcons played on ESPN, and his sentencing is also on a day the Falcons play on ESPN. A coincidence?

3) Shouldn't every kicker wear #3? You know, three points for a field goal, and all that? Just a suggestion............

2) Hawai'i QB Colt Brennan bonded with offensive linemen in a unique way; three of them are Samoan, so he learned some of their language, and Hawai'i actually calls Samoan audibles, which hopefully will confuse their opponents.

1) Last year, Minnesota Viking QB Tarvaris Jackson was first rookie to start game at QB for Vikings since Tommy Kramer.

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

[Udog]

MLB
Streaking Pitchers


Thursday, August 29


HOT

Josh Beckett (Boston Red Sox) - Josh Beckett is 16-5 with a 3.21 ERA and 1.12 WHIP this season and can become the first MLB pitcher with 17 wins this season. The right-hander is 9-1 with a spectacular 1.90 ERA outside Fenway Park this season and is 2-0 with a 2.53 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in his last three starts overall. The Red Sox are listed as -101 underdogs against the Yankees.

Roy Oswalt (Houston Astros) - Cecil Cooper picked the right day to debut as the Houston Astros' manager. Houston ace Roy Oswalt puts his five-game winning streak on the line against the St. Louis Cardinals. The right-hander is 13-6 with a 3.33 ERA and 1.33 WHIP and is 8-1 with a 2.17 WHIP at Minute Maid Park this season and is 2-0 with a 1.45 ERA in his last three starts. Oswalt is 1-0 with a 1.13 ERA in two starts against the Cardinals this season and is 8-5 with a 3.07 ERA in 20 career starts against St. Louis. The Astros are listed as -153 home favorites against the Cardinals.

COLD

Buddy Carlyle (Atlanta Braves) - Buddy Carlyle gets the nod after the Braves decided to use John Smoltz on Tuesday. Carlyle is 7-5 with a 5.00 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 17 starts this season and is 2-2 with a 4.97 ERA outside Turner Field. The veteran starter has won twice in his last six outings and is 0-2 with an 8.79 ERA in his last three starts. He's 1-1 with a 4.05 ERA in three career starts against the Marlins and the Braves are listed as -101 underdogs against the Marlins.

Carlos Zambrano (Chicago Cubs) - August hasn't been kind to Cubs starter Carlos Zambrano. The right-hander is 14-10 with a 3.95 ERA and 1.33 WHIP overall and is winless in four starts this month. Zambrano is 0-3 with a lofty 7.04 ERA in August and is 0-3 with an 8.50 ERA and 2.00 WHIP in his last three starts. The veteran righty is 2-0 with a 3.32 ERA in three starts against Milwaukee this season but the Cubs are winless in their last three starts against the Brewers at Wrigley Field.

Jon Garland (Chicago White Sox) - Jon Garland and the White Sox are in desperate need of a win against the Texas Rangers. Chicago is trying to avoid being the worst team in the AL this season and Garland is trying to avoid losing his fourth straight outing for the first time in his career tonight against the Rangers. The right-hander is 8-10 with a 4.90 ERA and 1.41 WHIP this season and is 0-3 with a dismal 8.22 ERA. He owns a 1.96 WHIP and has allowed 20 runs and 25 hits in his last three starts. The veteran starter is 0-3 with an 11.51 ERA in his five starts outside U.S. Cellular Field and the White Sox are listed as -105 underdogs against the Texas Rangers.

[Udog]

MLB
Dunkel


Tampa Bay at Baltimore
The Orioles bullpen woes continued last night as the Bird relievers gave up 11 runs in the eighth to Tampa Bay en route to a 15-8 pasting. It was the seventh straight loss for Baltimore during which the bullpen ERA is a whopping 22.29. Chances are good the D-Rays will be able to dip into that pen again today as the Orioles go with starter Steve Trachsel, who has won only once in his last 10 starts. Tampa Bay starter James Shields has led the team to wins in three of his last four starts, while not allowing more than two earned runs in any of those appearances. The Devil Rays look like a good pick (-125) in this contest according to Dunkel, which has Tampa Bay favored straight up by 3. Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-125). Here are all of today's games.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29

Game 901-902: Washington at LA Dodgers
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Hill) 14.966; LA Dodgers (Penny) 14.402
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-185); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+165); Over

Game 903-904: Colorado at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Francis) 15.122; San Francisco (Lowry) 16.365
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Colorado (-114); 8
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+106); Under

Game 905-906: Cincinnati at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Harang) 15.397; Pittsburgh (Snell) 15.029
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-105); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-105); Over

Game 907-908: Atlanta at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Carlyle) 14.715; Florida (Willis) 13.963
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida (-110); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-110); Under

Game 909-910: NY Mets at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Perez) 16.187; Philadelphia (Moyer) 15.230
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-110); 11
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-110); Under

Game 911-912: Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Sheets) 14.078; Cubs (Zambrano) 15.156
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1; 10
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 913-914: St. Louis at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Wells) 14.574; Houston (Oswalt) 15.899
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Houston (-160); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-160); Under

Game 915-916: Arizona at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Owings) 14.288; San Diego (Maddux) 15.627
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: San Diego (-155); 8
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-155); Over

Game 917-918: Toronto at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Halladay) 15.921; Oakland (Dinardo) 14.563
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Toronto (-142); 8
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-142); Under

Game 919-920: LA Angels at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: :LA Angels (Weaver) 16.251; Seattle (Hernandez) 14.646
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 2; 10
Vegas Line: Seattle (-122); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (+114); Over

Game 921-922: Minnesota at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Santana) 15.721; Cleveland (Sabathia) 16.456
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-107); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-105); Over

Game 923-924: Boston at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Beckett) 16.317; NY Yankees (Clemens) 15.376
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1; 10
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-108); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (+100); Over

Game 925-926: Tampa Bay at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Shields) 16.280; Baltimore (Trachsel) 13.459
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 3; 11
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-125); 9
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-125); Over

Game 927-928: Detroit at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Miller) 13.622; Kansas City (Greinke) 14.743
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-116); 10
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+108); Under

Game 929-930: Chicago White Sox at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Garland) 14.041; Texas (Loe) 15.888
Dunkel Line: Texas by 2; 9
Vegas Line: Texas (-110); 11
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-110); Under

[Udog]

MLB
Long Sheet


Wednesday, August 29


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WASHINGTON (58 - 75) at LA DODGERS (69 - 63) - 3:10 PM
SHAWN HILL (R) vs. BRAD PENNY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 91-55 (+25.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PENNY is 20-7 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
PENNY is 19-7 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
PENNY is 21-7 (+12.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PENNY is 21-5 (+13.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 58-75 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 19-17 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
WASHINGTON is 55-72 (+5.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 33-41 (+5.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
LA DODGERS are 59-52 (-36.9 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -175 to -200 since 1997.
LA DODGERS are 4-11 (-8.9 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 4-1 (+2.7 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

SHAWN HILL vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
HILL is 0-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

BRAD PENNY vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
PENNY is 12-5 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 2.21 and a WHIP of 1.024.
His team's record is 13-6 (+6.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-12. (-8.1 units)


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COLORADO (67 - 65) at SAN FRANCISCO (61 - 72) - 3:35 PM
JEFF FRANCIS (L) vs. NOAH LOWRY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 141-73 (+47.6 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters since 1997.
LOWRY is 16-9 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
LOWRY is 11-3 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
LOWRY is 16-9 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
LOWRY is 27-12 (+17.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
LOWRY is 26-16 (+16.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
LOWRY is 14-6 (+11.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 67-65 (+6.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 13-7 (+9.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday this season.
COLORADO is 67-62 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 35-29 (+7.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
FRANCIS is 18-9 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
FRANCIS is 18-9 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
FRANCIS is 16-6 (+9.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FRANCIS is 8-0 (+8.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 61-72 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 21-29 (-10.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 44-56 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 61-72 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 7-7 (+0.9 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
8 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.2 Units)

JEFF FRANCIS vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
FRANCIS is 4-5 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 5.55 and a WHIP of 1.332.
His team's record is 5-7 (-2.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-4. (+2.4 units)

NOAH LOWRY vs. COLORADO since 1997
LOWRY is 2-5 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 7.02 and a WHIP of 1.763.
His team's record is 4-7 (-4.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-7. (-4.9 units)


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ATLANTA (68 - 65) at FLORIDA (58 - 75) - 7:05 PM
BUDDY CARLYLE (R) vs. DONTRELLE WILLIS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 68-65 (-8.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 145-144 (-24.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 49-49 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ATLANTA is 24-30 (-8.8 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 36-35 (-11.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
FLORIDA is 218-231 (+36.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
FLORIDA is 58-75 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
FLORIDA is 7-14 (-8.9 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
FLORIDA is 28-39 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
FLORIDA is 55-75 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
FLORIDA is 43-59 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
FLORIDA is 21-28 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
FLORIDA is 11-21 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 8-6 (+5.4 Units) against ATLANTA this season
10 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.9 Units)

BUDDY CARLYLE vs. FLORIDA since 1997
CARLYLE is 1-1 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 4.05 and a WHIP of 1.125.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

DONTRELLE WILLIS vs. ATLANTA since 1997
WILLIS is 6-4 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 4.67 and a WHIP of 1.481.
His team's record is 10-7 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-12. (-11.0 units)


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CINCINNATI (60 - 72) at PITTSBURGH (59 - 72) - 7:05 PM
AARON HARANG (R) vs. IAN SNELL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 23-36 (-15.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
PITTSBURGH is 17-10 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 317-298 (+36.4 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 56-47 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SNELL is 31-27 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SNELL is 31-27 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SNELL is 25-17 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 412-464 (+57.6 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 352-413 (+40.8 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 50-51 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 308-344 (+46.0 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
HARANG is 21-6 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 6-0 (+8.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 11-2 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 6-0 (+8.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 22-12 (+9.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 21-6 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 7-1 (+7.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 12-3 (+9.5 Units) against the money line after a loss this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 7-7 (+0.2 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
9 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.9 Units)

AARON HARANG vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
HARANG is 10-3 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 4.32 and a WHIP of 1.216.
His team's record is 10-6 (+2.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-7. (+1.3 units)

IAN SNELL vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
SNELL is 2-3 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 4.38 and a WHIP of 1.595.
His team's record is 2-4 (-2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+1.9 units)


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NY METS (73 - 58) at PHILADELPHIA (69 - 62) - 7:05 PM
OLIVER PEREZ (L) vs. JAMIE MOYER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MOYER is 33-13 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MOYER is 33-13 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 176-127 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 38-28 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
NY METS are 40-21 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 38-28 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 29-18 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
NY METS are 79-60 (+12.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PEREZ is 10-0 (+10.0 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 since 1997. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 1-11 (-9.9 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 31-38 (-11.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 5-10 (-8.7 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 7-6 (+1.9 Units) against NY METS this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.4 Units)

OLIVER PEREZ vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
PEREZ is 1-2 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 5.06 and a WHIP of 1.531.
His team's record is 3-3 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.6 units)

JAMIE MOYER vs. NY METS since 1997
MOYER is 2-2 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.67 and a WHIP of 1.188.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.6 units)


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MILWAUKEE (65 - 66) at CHICAGO CUBS (67 - 63) - 8:05 PM
BEN SHEETS (R) vs. CARLOS ZAMBRANO (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 8-5 (+1.7 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
8 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.7 Units)

BEN SHEETS vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
SHEETS is 8-7 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.97 and a WHIP of 1.149.
His team's record is 10-11 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 11-10. (-0.0 units)

CARLOS ZAMBRANO vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
ZAMBRANO is 9-7 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.10 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 9-9 (-3.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-9. (-1.5 units)


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ST LOUIS (64 - 64) at HOUSTON (58 - 74) - 8:05 PM
KIP WELLS (R) vs. ROY OSWALT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 95-110 (-30.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 77-78 (-17.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 14-20 (-13.6 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 34-42 (-18.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
WELLS is 6-17 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
WELLS is 6-17 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
WELLS is 8-20 (-13.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
OSWALT is 26-6 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 31-22 (+7.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
HOUSTON is 58-74 (-19.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 51-56 (-14.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 22-33 (-13.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
HOUSTON is 58-74 (-19.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 38-55 (-18.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 32-41 (-11.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 7-3 (+4.4 Units) against HOUSTON this season
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-1.0 Units)

KIP WELLS vs. HOUSTON since 1997
WELLS is 4-8 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 5.34 and a WHIP of 1.494.
His team's record is 6-10 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-8. (-1.6 units)

ROY OSWALT vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
OSWALT is 10-4 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.04 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 13-10 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 14-9. (+4.4 units)


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ARIZONA (74 - 59) at SAN DIEGO (72 - 59) - 10:05 PM
MICAH OWINGS (R) vs. GREG MADDUX (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MADDUX is 19-10 (+9.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 74-59 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 34-33 (+5.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ARIZONA is 16-10 (+9.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
ARIZONA is 74-59 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 56-40 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 51-43 (+7.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 33-29 (+6.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SAN DIEGO is 58-59 (-21.8 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MADDUX is 140-106 (-38.1 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 7-6 (+0.5 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.8 Units)

MICAH OWINGS vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
OWINGS is 0-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

GREG MADDUX vs. ARIZONA since 1997
MADDUX is 1-12 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 5.30 and a WHIP of 1.563.
His team's record is 4-14 (-16.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-9. (-0.9 units)


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TORONTO (67 - 65) at OAKLAND (65 - 69) - 3:35 PM
ROY HALLADAY (R) vs. LENNY DINARDO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 45-64 (-41.5 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -150 since 1997.
TORONTO is 28-38 (-13.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
OAKLAND is 36-18 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 100-69 (+26.8 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 74-69 (+14.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HALLADAY is 54-22 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HALLADAY is 28-7 (+18.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
OAKLAND is 65-69 (-9.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 33-34 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
OAKLAND is 59-61 (-7.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 23-26 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 4-4 (+0.5 Units) against TORONTO this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)

ROY HALLADAY vs. OAKLAND since 1997
HALLADAY is 4-4 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 5.55 and a WHIP of 1.714.
His team's record is 4-6 (-3.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-2. (+4.9 units)

LENNY DINARDO vs. TORONTO since 1997
DINARDO is 0-2 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 18.57 and a WHIP of 3.752.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)


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LA ANGELS (78 - 54) at SEATTLE (73 - 57) - 4:35 PM
JERED WEAVER (R) vs. FELIX HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 73-57 (+20.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 41-26 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SEATTLE is 68-53 (+18.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 24-21 (+7.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HERNANDEZ is 16-6 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 78-54 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 126-108 (+20.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 42-28 (+16.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 31-21 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 75-48 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 64-39 (+16.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 35-22 (+12.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LA ANGELS are 46-28 (+18.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 62-93 (-28.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 10-4 (+5.5 Units) against SEATTLE this season
8 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

JERED WEAVER vs. SEATTLE since 1997
WEAVER is 2-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 5.21 and a WHIP of 1.568.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)

FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 2-3 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.28 and a WHIP of 1.055.
His team's record is 4-3 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-3. (-0.8 units)


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MINNESOTA (67 - 65) at CLEVELAND (74 - 57) - 7:05 PM
JOHAN SANTANA (L) vs. C.C. SABATHIA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 21-28 (-11.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
MINNESOTA is 43-47 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SANTANA is 119-50 (+43.1 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
SANTANA is 81-28 (+36.9 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 152-141 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 9-20 (-14.0 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 137-126 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 103-104 (-21.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 75-75 (-19.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SABATHIA is 2-8 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 10-4 (+6.6 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
8 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.4 Units)

JOHAN SANTANA vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
SANTANA is 6-5 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.07 and a WHIP of 0.956.
His team's record is 11-7 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-7. (+2.4 units)

C.C. SABATHIA vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
SABATHIA is 9-8 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.45 and a WHIP of 1.299.
His team's record is 12-12 (-3.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 14-9. (+3.5 units)


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BOSTON (80 - 52) at NY YANKEES (73 - 59) - 7:05 PM
JOSH BECKETT (R) vs. ROGER CLEMENS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 18-27 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in road games in August games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 18-25 (-17.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
CLEMENS is 51-10 (+36.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday since 1997. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 58-31 (+14.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 36-17 (+13.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BECKETT is 17-5 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 73-59 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 26-27 (-12.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
NY YANKEES are 23-25 (-16.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
NY YANKEES are 65-52 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY YANKEES are 96-72 (-22.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CLEMENS is 15-18 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEMENS is 14-17 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEMENS is 21-27 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEMENS is 17-21 (-13.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 7-6 (+2.5 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
8 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.9 Units)

JOSH BECKETT vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
BECKETT is 4-3 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 5.66 and a WHIP of 1.520.
His team's record is 4-4 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+1.9 units)

ROGER CLEMENS vs. BOSTON since 1997
CLEMENS is 9-6 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.21 and a WHIP of 1.251.
His team's record is 13-9 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-14. (-6.8 units)


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TAMPA BAY (52 - 80) at BALTIMORE (58 - 72) - 7:05 PM
JAMES SHIELDS (R) vs. STEVE TRACHSEL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 52-80 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 41-104 (-41.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 12-41 (-23.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 36-89 (-36.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 35-59 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 27-74 (-32.1 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 18-34 (-14.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
TAMPA BAY is 16-37 (-21.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 11-32 (-19.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SHIELDS is 2-14 (-12.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 27-21 (+10.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TAMPA BAY is 23-21 (+11.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 58-72 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 30-35 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BALTIMORE is 3-11 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in home games in August games this season.
BALTIMORE is 30-35 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 70-81 (-23.9 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 20-26 (-10.5 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 29-40 (-12.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 7-17 (-12.5 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 10-3 (+6.9 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
8 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.6 Units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
SHIELDS is 0-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.97 and a WHIP of 1.235.
His team's record is 0-5 (-5.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.5 units)

STEVE TRACHSEL vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
TRACHSEL is 0-3 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 1.781.
His team's record is 1-3 (-3.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)


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DETROIT (71 - 61) at KANSAS CITY (58 - 72) - 8:10 PM
ANDREW MILLER (L) vs. ZACK GREINKE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 47-48 (-10.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
DETROIT is 8-15 (-12.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
KANSAS CITY is 58-72 (+5.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 33-31 (+13.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 34-36 (+20.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 53-65 (+6.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 93-119 (+27.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 52-65 (+15.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 36-41 (+11.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
KANSAS CITY is 40-51 (+17.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 175-133 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 37-30 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
DETROIT is 39-24 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 74-52 (+23.0 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 28-21 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
DETROIT is 17-10 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
DETROIT is 47-26 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 5-8 (-0.6 Units) against DETROIT this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.7 Units)

ANDREW MILLER vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

ZACK GREINKE vs. DETROIT since 1997
GREINKE is 5-3 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 4.09 and a WHIP of 1.273.
His team's record is 5-4 (+3.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-3. (+2.6 units)


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CHI WHITE SOX (57 - 75) at TEXAS (59 - 72) - 8:35 PM
JON GARLAND (R) vs. KAMERON LOE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 57-75 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 50-68 (-15.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 91-93 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 29-36 (-8.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
TEXAS is 28-13 (+13.0 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 24-16 (+8.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 this season.
TEXAS is 56-65 (+3.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 127-106 (+23.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 189-131 (+42.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
GARLAND is 30-20 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 2-2 (+0.3 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

JON GARLAND vs. TEXAS since 1997
GARLAND is 4-7 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 5.38 and a WHIP of 1.453.
His team's record is 5-10 (-6.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-4. (+5.6 units)

KAMERON LOE vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
LOE is 1-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 5.29 and a WHIP of 1.294.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.0 units)


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[Udog]

MLB
Hot Lines


Wednesday, August 29


Minnesota Twins at Cleveland Indians (-105, 7 ½)

The Twins haven't had much success against the Indians this season, and tonight will try to avoid their second three-game sweep at Jacobs Field of the year. Minnesota entered this series on a five-game win streak that put them within 5 ½ games of Cleveland, but two straight losses have widened the gap to 7 ½.

The Twins hand the ball to Johan Santana, who he is 0-3 with a 3.67 ERA in four starts this year against the Indians. In his last outing against them Santana gave up five runs – three earned – in six innings of a 5-2 loss.

Meanwhile, the Indians turn to their ace, C.C. Sabathia, who is 2-1 with a 1.66 ERA in three strong starts against Minnesota this year.

Pick: Indians -105



New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies (+101, 11)

The Phillies lost seven of nine games ahead of this series, falling five games behind New York in the NL East. But they have responded this series by taking the first two games against the Mets to cut that lead to three.

The return of Philadelphia's offense is the big reason for their success, with Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins leading the way. After hitting .160 through 14 games in early August, Howard has recovered to go 11-for-21 with two homers and nine RBIs in his last five games. Rollins is batting .333 with five homers and 10 RBIs against the Mets this year.

While the Phillies bats have come to life, the Mets offense has gone cold. The first four hitters at the top of the New York order have gone 2-for-32 (.063) in this series so far.

Pick: Phillies +101



Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees (-108, 9 ½)

New York Yankees closed the gap at the top of the AL East to seven games with a 7-5 win last night. Now they must cope with Boston's Josh Beckett tonight.

Beckett is 9-1 with a 1.90 ERA in his last 10 road starts and has a chance to become the majors' first 17-game winner this year. But he is 3-2 with a 7.91 ERA in six starts against the Yankees since joining the Red Sox, and he may not get his usual run support with Manny Ramirez expected out of the lineup.

Ramirez, who is batting .392 with four homers and eight RBIs against the Yankees this season, left last night’s game due to back spasms. His absence will be a major boost to Yankees starter Roger Clemens, who will try to lead New York to its fifth-straight home win.

Pick: Yankees -108

[Udog]

MLB
Short Sheet


Wednesday, August 29th


National League

Washington at LA Dodgers, 3:10 EST
Shawn Hill (R) vs. Brad Penny (R)
Hill: Washington 10-39 SU when the total is 7 to 8.5
Penny: 19-6 TSR as a favorite of -110 or higher

Colorado at San Francisco, 3:35 EST
Jeff Francis (L) vs. Noah Lowry (L)
Francis: Colorado 25-9 SU playing with double revenge
Lowry: SF 35-19 Under off BB home games

Atlanta at Florida, 7:05 EST
Buddy Carlyle (R) vs. Dontrelle Willis (L)
Carlyle: Atlanta 8-0 Over off a one-run division loss
Willis: 8-0 Over vs. division opponents

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, 7:05 EST
Aaron Harang (R) vs. Ian Snell (R)
Harang: 11-2 TSR in Away starts
Snell: Pittsburgh 10-2 Over at home in August

NY Mets at Philadelphia, 7:05 EST
Oliver Perez (L) vs. Jamie Moyer (L)
Perez: 12-0 TSR Away with a money line of -100 to -150
Moyer: Philadelphia 1-12 SU as a home underdog

Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs, 8:05 EST
Ben Sheets (R) vs. Carlos Zambrano (R)
Sheets: 8-1 Over vs. division opponents
Zambrano: 10-3 Over in home starts

St. Louis at Houston, 8:05 EST
Kip Wells (R) vs. Roy Oswalt (R)
Wells: St. Louis 23-12 Under when the total is 8 to 8.5
Oswalt: 21-4 TSR 2nd half of season

Arizona at San Diego, 10:05 EST
Micah Owings (R) vs. Greg Maddux (R)
Owings: Arizona 39-19 SU off an Over
Maddux: 3-0 TSR, 1.93 ERA L3 starts


American League

Toronto at Oakland, 3:35 EST
Roy Halladay (R) vs. Lenny DiNardo (L)
Halladay: 37-10 TSR when the total is 7 to 8.5
DiNardo: 0-2 TSR, 18.57 ERA vs. Toronto

LA Angels at Seattle, 4:35 EST
Jered Weaver (R) vs. Felix Hernandez (R)
Weaver: Angels 28-12 Under in day games
Hernandez: Seattle 3-14 SU off a division loss as favorite

Minnesota at Cleveland, 7:05 EST
Johan Santana (L) vs. CC Sabathia (L)
Santana: 81-28 TSR in night games
Sabathia: Cleveland 0-8 SU off a one-run division win

Boston at NY Yankees, 7:05 EST
Josh Beckett (R) vs. Roger Clemens (R)
Beckett: 9-1 TSR, 1.90 ERA in road starts
Clemens: 51-10 TSR on Wednesday

Tampa Bay at Baltimore, 7:05 EST
James Shields (R) vs. Steve Trachsel (R)
Shields: Tampa Bay 15-3 Over after scoring 8+ runs
Trachsel: Baltimore 2-12 SU revenging a loss as a home favorite

Detroit at Kansas City, 8:10 EST
Andrew Miller (L) vs. Zack Greinke (R)
Miller: Detroit 36-17 Over off a loss
Greinke: KC 7-18 SU at home vs. Detroit

Chicago White Sox at Texas, 8:35 EST
Jon Garland (R) vs. Kameron Loe (R)
Garland: 0-3 TSR, 8.21 ERA L3 starts
Loe: Texas 36-18 Under off a win

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

I haven't been able to connect to the match-ups links since Monday. Hopefully, it'll be fixed soon.



MLB
Matchups and Additional Trends

http://www.bettorstalk.com/index.php3?act=menu&page=16



MLB
Weather

http://www.bettorstalk.com/index.php3?act=menu&page=13



Weather info in more detail
for days to come for teams:

http://www.weather.com/outlook/event...eventid=168730