Thursday Trends and Indexes 09/13

[pm530]

WNBA - Betting Trends

WNBA
Betting Trends

Wednesday, September 12

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Betting Trends
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ATS Trends
Detroit
Shock are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 WNBA Chamionship games.
Shock are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Shock are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
Shock are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a S.U. win.
Shock are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
Shock are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games.


Phoenix
Mercury are 9-0 ATS in their last 9 Thursday games.
Mercury are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Mercury are 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
Mercury are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 vs. Eastern Conference.


OU Trends
Detroit
Over is 4-1 in Shock last 5 games following a ATS win.
Over is 19-7 in Shock last 26 games playing on 1 days rest.
Over is 13-5 in Shock last 18 vs. Western Conference.
Over is 5-2-1 in Shock last 8 games following a S.U. win.


Phoenix
Over is 10-3 in Mercury last 13 overall.
Over is 6-2 in Mercury last 8 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
Over is 19-7 in Mercury last 26 Thursday games.
Over is 8-3 in Mercury last 11 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 20-8 in Mercury last 28 games playing on 1 days rest.
Over is 12-5 in Mercury last 17 games following a S.U. loss.


Head to Head
Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.

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[pm530]

Baseball – Write up

MLB
Write-up


Thursday, September 13

Hot Pitchers
-- Reds won fourteen of last seventeen Harang starts.
-- Francis is 2-1, 2.79 in his last four starts.
-- DWells is 2-0, 3.71 in three starts for Dodgers; he spent most of the season with San Diego.

-- Lackey is 1-0, 1.99 in his last three starts.
-- Bronx won both Kennedy starts (1-0, 3.75).
-- Devil Rays won last three Hammel starts, scoring 23 runs.
-- Texas won last three Millwood starts, scoring 23 runs.

Cold Pitchers
-- KWells is 0-3, 12.15 in his last three starts.
-- Durbin is 1-3, 10.26 in his last four starts.
-- Trachsel is 0-2, 10.13 in two starts for the Cubs. Astros lost last three Williams starts (0-2, 5.87).

-- Leicester allowed four runs in five IP in his first '07 start, but beat the Red Sox 11-5.
-- Weaver is 0-2, 12.41 in his last three starts.
-- Oakland lost nine of last twelve Gaudin starts.


Totals
-- Under is 9-4 in last thirteen St Louis road games.
-- Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Francis starts.
-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six Trachsel starts.
-- Under is 6-3 in last nine Madduz starts.

-- Over is 7-2 in Baltimore's last nine games.
-- Under is 11-3-1 in last fifteen Burnett starts.
-- Last five Weaver starts all went over the total.
-- Over is 8-2-1 in last eleven Gaudin starts.


Hot Teams
-- Reds won four of their last six games.
-- Phillies won eight of their last 11 home games. Rockies won nine of their last thirteen games.
-- Dodgers won eight of their last ten home games.


-- Angels won seven of their last eight road games.
-- Bronx won last seven games, scoring 55 runs.
-- Devil Rays are 6-3 in their last nine road games.
-- Rangers are 5-3 in their last eight road games.

Cold Teams
-- Cardinals lost ten of last 12 road games.
-- Cubs lost four of their last six games. Astros lost six of their last seven games.
-- Padres lost five of their last seven games.

-- Orioles lost twelve of last thirteen home games; have given up 9.3 runs per game, over last three weeks.
-- Toronto lost its last four games, scoring eight runs.
-- Mariners lost fifteen of their last eighteen games.
-- Oakland lost six of its last nine games.

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[pm530]

Baseball - Tips & Trends

MLB

Thursday, September 13

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Tips and Trends
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St. Louis Cardinals at Cincinnati Reds (12:35 PM ET)

St. Louis starter Kip Wells has an awful 2-9 record and 4.80 ERA in 19 career outings versus Cincinnati. He’s 0-1 with a 9.45 ERA in two appearances against them this season, allowing seven earned runs and 11 hits over 6 2/3 innings. EDGE: REDS
Wells has tallied just one victory in nine daytime outings. The right-hander is allowing batters to hit .306 against him during the day compared to .275 at night. EDGE: REDS
Cincinnati’s Aaron Harang has a losing 4-6 record and 4.52 ERA in 13 career starts versus St. Louis. He’s 1-0 with a 3.29 ERA in two starts against the Cardinals in 2007, allowing five runs and 12 hits over 13 2/3 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: CARDINALS
Harang has been impressive at home this season, posting a 7-3 record and 3.30 ERA. The Reds ace has limited opponents to a .241 average at the Great American Ball Park, while striking out 97 and walking just 27. EDGE: REDS
The UNDER is 4-1 in Harang’s last five home starts versus the Cardinals.


Colorado Rockies at Philadelphia Phillies (7:05 PM ET)

Colorado ace Jeff Francis will make just his third career starts versus Philadelphia. The left-hander is 1-0 with a 4.91 ERA against the Phillies, giving up six runs and 16 hits in just 11 innings of work. SLIGHT EDGE: ROCKIES
Francis has been slid away from Coors Field in 2007, posting an 8-3 record and 3.77 ERA. Opposing hitters are batting .256 against the left-hander on the road compared to .294 at Coors Field. EDGE: ROCKIES
Philadelphia’s J.D. Durbin is looking to even up his home record tonight, as the right-hander is 2-3 with a 5.63 ERA in eight home outings. The Phillies have lost three of his last four starts at Citizens Bank Park, getting outscored 30-20 in the process. SLIGHT EDGE: ROCKIES
Durbin has an even 4-4 record under the lights this season, but carries a 5.23 ERA. His nighttime earned-run-average is three runs better than during the day. SLIGHT EDGE: PHILLIES
The Phillies are 8-4 in their last 12 home games.


New York Yankees at Toronto Blue Jays (7:07 PM ET)

The New York Yankees have won both of rookie Ian Kennedy’s starts this season, as the right-hander has allowed just three earned runs and 12 hits over 12 innings of work. SLIGHT EDGE: YANKEES
Stewart may struggle a bit against the Blue Jays due to their right-handed hitter strength. Right-handed batters are hitting .292 against him, while lefties are averaging .227. SLIGHT EDGE: BLUE JAYS
Toronto starter A.J. Burnett is 3-2 with a 3.73 ERA in five career starts versus New York. He’s limited the Bronx Bombers to a .204 average against him, giving up just three home runs over 31 1/3 innings. EDGE: BLUE JAYS
Burnett has been incredibly solid over his last six starts, allowing nine earned runs and 21 hits over 42 2/3 innings. The power right-hander has gone 5-2 with a 2.74 ERA at the Rogers Centre this season. EDGE: BLUE JAYS
The UNDER is 10-2-1 in Burnett’s last 13 starts as a favorite.


Chicago Cubs at Houston Astros (8:05 PM ET)

Chicago starter Steve Trachsel has a dismal 3-8 record and 5.86 ERA in 14 road starts this season. The right-hander has issued an amazing 43 walks while striking out just 25 in 73 2/3 innings of work. EDGE: ASTROS
Trachsel is an even 7-7 with a 4.80 ERA in 18 career starts versus Houston. He’s 2-0 with a 3.50 ERA in three starts at Minute Maid Park, giving up seven runs and 14 hits over 18 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: CUBS
Houston’s Woody Williams has a disappointing 4-9 record in his career against Chicago, but carries a respectable 4.15 ERA. He’s faced the Cubs two times since the start of August, allowing two runs and eight hits over 11 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: ASTROS
Williams has thrown better since the All-Star break, posting an even 4-4 record and 4.26 ERA in 12 games. Batters are hitting twenty points lower in the second half against the right-hander. SLIGHT EDGE: ASTROS
The Cubs are 4-0 in their last four games as a road underdog.


Texas Rangers at Oakland Athletics (10:05 PM ET)

Texas southpaw starter Kason Gabard has collected an even 1-1 record and 5.35 ERA in seven road starts this year. The Rangers have picked up two straight road victories with him on the mound, outscoring opponents 38-10 in the process. SLIGHT EDGE: RANGERS
Gabbard is a perfect 4-0 with a 4.37 ERA in 11 nighttime starts in 2007, with batters hitting just .215 against him. The left-hander has struggled a bit with his control under the lights, issuing 31 walks over just 59 2/3 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: RANGERS
Oakland’s Chad Gaudin is suffering through a miserable second half of the season, going 2-8 with a 7.01 ERA. He’s allowed 81 hits and 39 walks in just 68 innings since the All-Star break. EDGE: RANGERS
Gaudin has served up five home runs over his last three starts. The right-hander has allowed 14 runs and 23 hits over his last 15 2/3 innings. EDGE: RANGERS
The UNDER is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Oakland.


San Diego Padres at Los Angeles Dodgers (10:10 PM ET)

San Diego’s Greg Maddux is a dominant 15-7 with a 2.75 ERA in 33 career starts versus Los Angeles. The veteran right-hander is a perfect 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA in two starts against them this season, giving up four runs and 10 hits over 13 1/3 innings. BIG EDGE: PADRES
The Padres have won six straight games with Maddux on the hill, as the right-hander has allowed three earned runs or less in each start. BIG EDGE: PADRES
Los Angeles starter David Wells is an even 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA against his former team. He picked up a no-decision versus the Padres two starts back, giving up three runs and six hits over five innings in a 6-4 loss. SLIGHT EDGE: DODGERS
The Dodgers are 8-2 in their last 10 games as a favorite.

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[pm530]

Baseball – Betting Notes

MLB


Thursday, September 13

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MLB Betting Notes
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Thursday's MLB betting notes

Angels rule out Matthews

The Los Angeles Angles will have to do without center fielder Gary Matthews until at least next week after he left Tuesday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles with a sprained right ankle.

Matthews was hurt sliding into second base.

"My spike caught in the dirt and I rolled the ankle underneath me," said Matthews in the post-game press conference. "I thought I broke it. You can't play with a hurt ankle – that's something you can't do in the outfield. We'll see."

Although X-rays confirmed there is no break, an Angels spokesman told reporters that Matthews will be out for the remainder of the road trip – which ends Sunday in Chicago.

Matthews is hitting .257 with 18 homers and 72 RBIs this season and is likely to be replaced in center field by Reggie Willits, with Nathan Haynes filling in at right.

On Thursday, the Angels close out the series sending John Lackey (16-8, 3.18) to the mound to face Baltimore's Jon Leicester (1-1, 9.90). Los Angeles is a –186 favorite with the total set at 9 ½.


Surgery in Wells' future

Vernon Wells plans to get some much-needed surgery as the season winds down. The Toronto Blue Jays DH, who has played through injury all year, will have an operation in the next few weeks to remove a cyst and repair some damage in his left shoulder.

Heading into Wednesday’s action Wells is hitting a career-low .251 with only 16 homers – half as many as he had this time last year. He's denied the slump has anything to do with injuries.

"I'm not one for excuses. I didn't want this story to ever come out but, unfortunately, it did," Wells told the Toronto Star on Tuesday. "I kind of hurt it last year but, over time, it got worse. Anytime you run into a wall, or something like that, and have some trauma, it just continued to get a little bit worse."

The Jays' front office was quick to point out that they knew about the ailment before they signed Wells to a seven-year, $126-million contract in the offseason.

Meanwhile, the Blue Jays close out a three-game series against the Yankees on Thursday with Toronto's A.J. Burnett (8-7, 3.56) facing Ian Kennedy (1-0, 2.25) on the mound. New York is a +101 underdog with the total set at 10.


Astros need to relax

The Houston Astros have produced the third-fewest runs in the National League this season and manager Cecil Cooper believes it’s because his players are trying too hard at the plate.

On Sunday, the Astros loaded the bases three times and stranded 15 players in Sunday’s 4-1 loss to the New York Mets. Houston managed just one run on 10 hits.

"We have the right people in those situations, at times when we needed to get a big hit," Cooper told MLB.com. "Those guys are trying too hard to make this thing work. I'm going to talk to them about relaxing and just playing."

"We have some two-hitters, three-hitters, four-hitters and five-hitters in our lineup, and even those guys are struggling," added Cooper.

On Thursday, the Astros close out their series with the Chicago Cubs. Woody Williams (8-14, 4.93) and Steve Trachsel (6-10, 4.78) take the hill. The game is a pick with the total set at 9 ½.


Rangers battling injuries

The Texas Rangers' injury crisis seems to be easing with at least one key player returning this week.

Third baseman Hank Blalock continued his comeback from back surgery with an appearance as the designated hitter in the first game of Tuesday’s doubleheader in Detroit.

"Everything is still dependent on how he feels in the forearm area," manager Ron Washington said of Blalock. "He still felt it on Saturday when he went out and tried to throw, so hopefully by the time we get to Oakland, he'll be ready to go."

Washington also updated reporters on Kameron Loe, who is still unavailable with a sore right elbow. "As long as he feels something, we can't push him," said Washington. "He doesn't feel good right now, so we can't push him."

Luis Mendoza and Kason Gabbard are also doubtful for their next starts. Mendoza was hit on the knee with a line drive on Sunday and is still rehabbing, while Gabbard is suffering from a blister on his thumb and is a doubt for his next start on Friday.

The Rangers send one of their fit starters, Kevin Millwood (9-11, 5.31), to the mound on Thursday to face the A’s. Oakland counters with Chad Gaudin (10-11, 4.47). The total is set at 9.

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[pm530]

Baseball Today - September 13

SCOREBOARD
Thursday, Sept. 13
Colorado at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EDT). Jeff Francis tries for his 16th win in a matchup of NL wild-card contenders.

STARS
Wednesday

-David Ortiz, Red Sox, hit two homers, including a game-winning two-run shot in the ninth inning to push Boston past Tampa Bay 5-4.

-Todd Linden, Marlins, singled home the winning run in the 12th inning to lift Florida over Washington 5-4.

-Garret Anderson, Angels, homered and had five RBIs in an 18-6 victory over Baltimore.

-Shawn Green, Mets, hit a tiebreaking single in the eighth inning to help New York hold off Atlanta 4-3.

TRIPLE PLAY

Philadelphia turned their second triple play of the season in the first inning of a 12-0 loss to Colorado on Wednesday. Cory Sullivan led off the game with a single and Troy Tulowitzki bunted for a single. Matt Holliday followed with a hard shot that third baseman Greg Dobbs caught inches above the ground. Dobbs threw to second baseman Chase Utley for the second out, and Utley tagged Tulowitzki to complete the trifecta. The Phillies also turned a triple play at Cincinnati on April 21.

WINNING 17 AGAIN

Justin Verlander struck out seven and allowed one run to pick up his 17th victory in Detroit's 5-1 win over Texas on Wednesday. Verlander (17-5) became the first Detroit pitcher to win at least 17 games in consecutive seasons since Jack Morris in 1986-87. He has won four straight starts, combining to allow just three runs.

HAPPY HOLLIDAY

Matt Holliday lined into a triple play, then hit a three-run homer his next time up Wednesday night to start Colorado on a 12-0 rout over Philadelphia. Holliday, who homered twice Tuesday night, connected for the fourth straight game and leads the NL with 119 RBIs. The win was the Rockies' most-lopsided road shutout in team history.

WOEFUL BIRDS

The Los Angeles Angels pounded Baltimore 18-6 on Wednesday and have outscored the Orioles 28-11 in the first two games of the three-game series. Baltimore issued 13 walks and committed three errors. The loss was the Orioles' 18th in their last 21 games, a streak that started on Aug. 22 when the team announced manager Dave Trembley would return in 2008. Baltimore has been outscored 196-96 during that span.

CARDS SLIPPING

Cincinnati defeated St. Louis Cardinals 5-1 on Wednesday to hand the Cardinals their season-high sixth straight loss and prevent them from gaining ground in the NL Central. Anthony Reyes (2-14) went 3 1-3 innings, allowing four hits and three runs with two walks and a strikeout in his first start since Aug. 31.

STREAKING

Mike Mussina pitched shutout ball into the sixth inning in his return to the rotation and the New York Yankees won their seventh straight game, beating Toronto 4-1 on Wednesday. Mussina improved to 22-11 in 40 career starts against the Blue Jays, who have lost five in a row. ... Moises Alou extended his hitting streak to 17 games in the New York Mets' 4-3 win over Atlanta, tying David Wright for the longest streak by a Met this season.

SPEAKING

''Every time Thome hits a home run, it makes it easy for me to come and talk about the game. Not many players in the clubhouse have seen a milestone like that.'' - Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, on slugger Jim Thome hitting his 499th career homer in a 7-4 win over Cleveland on Wednesday.

SEASONS
Sept. 13

1925 - Brooklyn's Dazzy Vance threw a no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first game of a doubleheader to give the Dodgers a 10-1 win.

1932 - The New York Yankees beat Cleveland 9-3 and clinched the American League pennant. Joe McCarthy became the first manager to win flags in both leagues.

1936 - Bob Feller, 17, beat the Philadelphia A's 5-2 on two hits. The Cleveland youngster fanned 17 batters for an American League record.

1965 - Willie Mays hit his 500th career home run off Houston's Don Nottebart in a 5-1 San Francisco victory.

1971 - Frank Robinson hit his 500th career home run off Detroit's Fred Scherman. The ninth-inning shot gave the Baltimore Orioles a split in a doubleheader against the Tigers.

1978 - The New York Yankees beat the Tigers 7-3 at Detroit to move into sole possession of first place for the first time after being 14 games out on July 19.

1986 - Texas hit a club record seven home runs, including two each by Darrell Porter and Ruben Sierra, as the Rangers beat the Minnesota Twins 14-1. The Rangers rocked starter Bert Blyleven for five home runs, raising his season total to 44 and breaking an American League record.

1995 - Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker, the middle infield of the Detroit Tigers, set an American League record when they played in their 1,915th game together.

2004 - Eric Chavez singled in the winning run in the bottom of the 10th inning, leading Oakland to a wild 7-6 win over the Rangers in a game that was delayed in the ninth after Texas reliever Frank Francisco hurled a chair and hit two fans. Texas reliever Doug Brocail was screaming at a male fan and had to be restrained by his teammates and bullpen coach Mark Connor. Francisco then tossed a chair at a fan in a lower box to the left of the Rangers' bullpen along the right-field line. The chair hit a man in the head and broke a woman's nose.

2006 - Gary Matthews Jr. hit for the cycle in his first four at-bats of Texas' 11-3 victory at Detroit.

Today's birthdays: Rickie Weeks 25; Daisuke Matsuzaka 27; Wade Miller 31.

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[Udog]

MLB
Streaking Pitchers


Thursday, September 13


HOT

Kevin Millwood (Texas Rangers) - The Rangers are showing power at the plate when Millwood takes the hill. Texas has won each of his last three starts and scored 21 runs combined in his two previous outings. The hitting display helped over bettors cash both times. Millwood is a +114 underdog against an Oakland team he pitched briefly against four days ago. He struck out three Athletics in 1 1/3 innings on Sept. 9, but a long rain delay forced the Rangers to go to the bullpen when the game resumed.

Jason Hammel (Tampa Bay Devil Rays) - The righty was an underdog in his last three outings and each time Devil Rays backers profited. Tampa beat three division rivals over that span, outscoring them 28-14 in the process. The Rays are listed as +130 underdogs in Seattle tonight. The Mariners counter with Jeff Weaver, who is winless in his last three starts.

Greg Maddux (San Diego Padres) -The 41-year-old is showing no signs of cooling down anytime soon. He's allowed three runs or less in each of his last six appearances and has already beaten his ex-Dodger teammates twice this season. Maddux is a +113 underdog against them tonight in Los Angeles.

COLD

Steve Trachsel (Chicago Cubs) - Sometimes a change of scenery is good for a player, but Trachsel's return to his original major league stomping grounds has been a real struggle. He was winless in his last two games with the Orioles and is 0-2 in as many starts for the Cubs. His ERA is also above 10.00. The Cubbies wrap up their series in Houston as slight -101 underdogs. The Astros will start Woody Williams, who is winless in his last three outings.

[Udog]

MLB
Dunkel


St. Louis at Cincinnati
Perhaps the emotional season for the Cardinals is finally taking its toll as the Redbirds have dropped six straight to fall further out of playoff contention in the NL Central. They will try to avoid their first sweep against the Reds in over four years, but face a tough challenge in Cincy starter Aaron Harang, who is 1-0 with a 3.29 ERA in his two starts against St. Louis this season. Tony LaRussa adjusted his rotation and has moved Kip Wells into today's slot for Adam Wainwright, who will pitch Friday. That move can't generate much confidence as Wells has had a season-long struggle (6-16, 5.65). Cincinnati looks like a good pick (-127) in this one according to Dunkel, which has the Reds favored straight up by 3 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-127). Here are all of today's games.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

Game 951-952: St. Louis at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Wells) 13.433; Cincinnati (Harang) 16.747
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 3 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-127); 9
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-127); Over

Game 953-954: Colorado at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Francis) 16.821; Philadelphia (Durbin) 14.029
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 3; 11
Vegas Line: Colorado (-114); 10
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-114); Over

Game 955-956: Chicago Cubs at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Trachsel) 14.715; Houston (Williams) 14.114
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Houston (-110); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+102); Under

Game 957-958: San Diego at LA Dodgers
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Maddux) 15.744; LA Dodgers (Wells) 15.190
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 959-960: LA Angels at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Lackey) 16.737; Baltimore (Leicester) 13.856
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 3; 12
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-193); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-193); Over

Game 961-962: NY Yankees at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Kennedy) 17.007; Toronto (Burnett) 16.462
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Toronto (-107); 10
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-101); Under

Game 963-964: Tampa Bay at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Hammel) 14.772; Seattle (Weaver) 14.269
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 12
Vegas Line: Seattle (-139); 10
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+131); Over

Game 965-966: Texas at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Millwood) 16.280; Oakland (Gaudin) 15.104
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Oakland (-115); 9
Dunkel Pick: Texas (+107); Over

[Udog]

MLB
Long Sheet


Thursday, September 13


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ST LOUIS (69 - 74) at CINCINNATI (66 - 79) - 12:35 PM
ADAM WAINWRIGHT (R) vs. AARON HARANG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 163-157 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 69-93 (-23.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 16-24 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 163-157 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 5-17 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 84-80 (-16.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 39-48 (-20.2 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.
HARANG is 22-8 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 9-2 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in day games this season. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 22-8 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 17-8 (+9.5 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 65-40 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 40-34 (+9.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CINCINNATI is 34-50 (-17.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CINCINNATI is 214-234 (-54.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 43-64 (-20.7 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 195-233 (-65.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 27-38 (-13.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 9-5 (+3.4 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
8 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.4 Units)

ADAM WAINWRIGHT vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
WAINWRIGHT is 1-2 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.620.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

AARON HARANG vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
HARANG is 4-6 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.52 and a WHIP of 1.262.
His team's record is 6-7 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-4. (+4.6 units)


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COLORADO (76 - 69) at PHILADELPHIA (76 - 69) - 7:05 PM
JEFF FRANCIS (L) vs. J.D. DURBIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 21-9 (+10.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 40-27 (+12.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
COLORADO is 76-69 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 76-66 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 55-47 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
COLORADO is 58-47 (+18.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
COLORADO is 43-33 (+19.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLORADO is 22-15 (+10.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
FRANCIS is 20-10 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
FRANCIS is 20-10 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
FRANCIS is 30-19 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FRANCIS is 18-9 (+11.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 5-12 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 4-2 (+2.6 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

JEFF FRANCIS vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
FRANCIS is 1-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 4.91 and a WHIP of 1.636.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

J.D. DURBIN vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.


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CHICAGO CUBS (74 - 71) at HOUSTON (63 - 82) - 8:05 PM
STEVE TRACHSEL (R) vs. WOODY WILLIAMS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 74-71 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 48-65 (-19.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 12-20 (-10.6 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 124-180 (-56.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 74-71 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 632-686 (-128.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 34-39 (-15.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 71-80 (-21.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 22-13 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WILLIAMS is 30-25 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WILLIAMS is 100-57 (+34.4 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
WILLIAMS is 30-25 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WILLIAMS is 130-88 (+45.0 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
WILLIAMS is 86-74 (+24.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 63-82 (-21.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 33-47 (-15.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
HOUSTON is 27-38 (-12.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
HOUSTON is 63-82 (-21.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 107-111 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 42-60 (-19.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 35-46 (-13.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 7-7 (+1.6 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
9 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.6 Units)

STEVE TRACHSEL vs. HOUSTON since 1997
TRACHSEL is 4-5 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 5.82 and a WHIP of 1.581.
His team's record is 4-6 (-0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-4. (+1.7 units)

WOODY WILLIAMS vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
WILLIAMS is 4-8 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 4.10 and a WHIP of 1.281.
His team's record is 9-10 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-11. (-5.7 units)


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


SAN DIEGO (78 - 66) at LA DODGERS (76 - 69) - 10:10 PM
GREG MADDUX (R) vs. DAVID WELLS (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 10-7 (+2.8 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
10 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.8 Units)

GREG MADDUX vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
MADDUX is 8-4 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.31 and a WHIP of 1.123.
His team's record is 8-7 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-8. (-4.6 units)

DAVID WELLS vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
WELLS is 1-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 5.00 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-2 (-2.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-3. (-3.6 units)


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


LA ANGELS (86 - 59) at BALTIMORE (61 - 83) - 7:05 PM
JOHN LACKEY (R) vs. JON LEICESTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 86-59 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 129-108 (+24.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 83-53 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 71-41 (+20.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LACKEY is 62-36 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LACKEY is 32-18 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LACKEY is 60-33 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LACKEY is 15-4 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 61-83 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 31-42 (-16.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BALTIMORE is 6-15 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 55-71 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 25-31 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 42-59 (-13.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 32-48 (-15.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 3-12 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
BALTIMORE is 24-49 (-19.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BALTIMORE is 32-63 (-21.7 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.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 7-2 (+3.4 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

JOHN LACKEY vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
LACKEY is 6-2 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.41 and a WHIP of 1.269.
His team's record is 7-2 (+4.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-5. (-1.6 units)

JON LEICESTER vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
No recent starts.


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


NY YANKEES (83 - 62) at TORONTO (72 - 73) - 7:05 PM
IAN KENNEDY (R) vs. A.J. BURNETT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 83-62 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 36-35 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
NY YANKEES are 15-20 (-19.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 28-27 (-17.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
NY YANKEES are 158-115 (-35.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 40-32 (+8.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
TORONTO is 58-97 (-32.5 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
TORONTO is 22-32 (-15.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 50-57 (-10.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 8-5 (+0.2 Units) against TORONTO this season
8 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.1 Units)

IAN KENNEDY vs. TORONTO since 1997
No recent starts.

A.J. BURNETT vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
BURNETT is 3-2 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.73 and a WHIP of 1.213.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.3 units)


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


TAMPA BAY (61 - 85) at SEATTLE (76 - 68) - 10:05 PM
JASON HAMMEL (R) vs. JEFF WEAVER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 46-107 (-36.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 41-92 (-31.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 29-74 (-30.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 31-76 (-28.2 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 76-68 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 17-4 (+11.7 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 this season.
SEATTLE is 42-29 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SEATTLE is 71-61 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 56-47 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 44-31 (+15.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SEATTLE is 26-13 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SEATTLE is 214-200 (-74.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

JASON HAMMEL vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.

JEFF WEAVER vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
WEAVER is 3-8 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 5.16 and a WHIP of 1.573.
His team's record is 6-10 (-10.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-8. (-2.0 units)


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


TEXAS (69 - 76) at OAKLAND (71 - 76) - 10:05 PM
KEVIN MILLWOOD (R) vs. CHAD GAUDIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 69-76 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 66-69 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 51-56 (+5.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 49-53 (+8.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 36-39 (+7.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
OAKLAND is 71-76 (-9.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 30-42 (-17.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
OAKLAND is 15-20 (-11.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
OAKLAND is 65-68 (-7.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 48-55 (-11.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 33-38 (-14.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 9-6 (+4.1 Units) against OAKLAND this season
9 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.3 Units)

KEVIN MILLWOOD vs. OAKLAND since 1997
MILLWOOD is 3-2 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.68 and a WHIP of 1.344.
His team's record is 5-4 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-5. (-1.6 units)

CHAD GAUDIN vs. TEXAS since 1997
GAUDIN is 1-3 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 6.25 and a WHIP of 1.829.
His team's record is 1-4 (-3.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.4 units)


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

[Udog]

MLB
Hot Lines


Thursday, September 13


Colorado Rockies at Philadelphia Phillies (+106, 10)

The Colorado Rockies have a chance to move within 1 ½ games of the NL wild card when they face the Phillies tonight in the finale of a four-game series. The Rockies have take two of three in Philadelphia so far, outscoring the home team 25-8.

Colorado has now won 12 of its last 18 games to come right back into the playoff picture. They lead the NL in runs scored (40) and staff ERA (2.65) over the last seven days and handed the Phillies their second biggest home loss of the season on Wednesday with a 12-0 blowout.

The Rockies send Jeff Francis (15-7, 4.05) to the mound today to secure the series win. He is 2-1 with a 2.31 ERA over his last five starts and 8-3 with a 3.77 ERA in 14 outings on the road this season.

Pick: Rockies -114



Chicago Cubs at Houston Astros (-107, 9 ½)

The Cubs moved into a tie for first place in the NL Central with a 3-2 victory over the Astros last night. Tonight they try for both the series win and outright first place in their division.

Last night’s game was a good all-round performance from the Cubs: Rich Hill provided a strong start, Ryan Dempster was solid in relief and the defense closed the game out with a 3-6-1 double play.

"This type of game really should get us on a roll," Piniella told reporters after the game. "You have to think that the worm has turned. You've got to start feeling like things are going to go your way."

Today’s starter for Houston, Woody Williams (8-14, 4.93), is trying to avoid a career-high 15th loss and is 4-9 with a 4.15 ERA in 20 appearances against Chicago.

Pick: Cubs –101



New York Yankees at Toronto Blue Jays (-102, 10)

The Yankees can extend their winning streak to eight games with a victory over the Blue Jays tonight. That would set them up nicely for an all-important three-game series against Boston at Fenway Park this weekend.

New York has won the first five games of their current nine-game road trip to build a four-game lead over Detroit in the AL wild card race. As you would expect, Alex Rodriguez has led the Yankees by going 15-for-27 (.556) with seven homers and 11 RBIs over the last seven games.

For tonight’s game, New York sends Ian Kennedy to the mound to face a Jays' lineup that's scored just three runs in the opening two games of the series. Kennedy is making his third career start and is 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA so far.

Pick: Yankees -106

[Udog]

MLB
Short Sheet


Thursday, September 13th


National League

St. Louis at Cincinnati, 12:35 EST
Adam Wainwright (R) vs. Aaron Harang (R)
Wainwright: St. Louis 5-17 SU Away off 3+ losses
Harang: 22-8 TSR in all starts

Colorado at Philadelphia, 7:05 EST
Jeff Francis (L) vs. JD Durbin (R)
Francis: 12-2 TSR vs. NL East
Durbin: Philadelphia 3-12 SU as a home underdog

Chicago Cubs at Houston, 8:05 EST
Steve Trachsel (R) vs. Woody Williams (R)
Trachsel: 0-3 TSR, 6.43 ERA L3 starts
Williams: 76-40 TSR at home when the total is 8.5 to 10

San Diego at LA Dodgers, 10:10 EST
Greg Maddux (R) vs. David Wells (L)
Maddux: 3-0 TSR, 1.86 ERA L3 starts
Wells: Dodgers 24-7 Over after a win by 4+ runs


American League

LA Angels at Baltimore, 7:05 EST
John Lackey (R) vs. Jon Leicester (R)
Lackey: 30-13 TSR working on 5 or 6 days rest
Leicester: Baltimore 5-24 SU as a home underdog of +125 to +175

NY Yankees at Toronto, 7:05 EST
Ian Kennedy (R) vs. AJ Burnett (R)
Kennedy: Yankees 11-2 Over off BB Away divsion wins
Burnett: Toronto 15-3 SU after scoring 1 run or less

Tampa Bay at Seattle, 10:05 EST
Jason Hammel (R) vs. Jeff Weaver (R)
Hammel: Tampa Bay 39-101 SU as a road underdog
Weaver: Seattle 17-4 SU as a home favorite of -125 to -150

Texas at Oakland, 10:05 EST
Kevin Millwood (R) vs. Chad Gaudin (R)
Millwood: Texas 5-1 Under at Oakland
Gaudin: Oakland 13-2 SU revenging a 3-game sweep

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NFL
Dunkel


Week 2


San Diego at New England
The Chargers certainly have revenge on their minds after they blew an eight-point fourth quarter lead against the Patriots in last year's playoffs en route to a 24-21 loss that cost Marty Schottenheimer his job. Tempers flared at the end of the game when LaDanian Tomlinson took exception to some of the Patriots dancing at midfield. LT blamed the lack of "class" on coach Bill Belichick, who is now under new allegations of spying on the Jets in last week's game. But while controversy may swirl around the Pats, they just keep on playing solid, winning football. Against New York, the Patriots unveiled a passing attack that saw Randy Moss pay immediate dividends (9 catches for 183 yards and a 51-yard TD). They also set a record on special teams when Ellis Hobbs returned the second-half kick-off 108 yards. The last time these two teams met in Foxborough (2005), the Chargers rolled to a 41-17 win, so the Patriots need little reminder how dangerous San Diego can be. But New England is a perfect 6-0 in home openers at Gillette Stadium and looks like a good pick to cover the line (-3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Patriots favored by 8 1/2. Dunkel Pick: New England (-3 1/2). Here are all of this week's picks.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

Game 201-202: Buffalo at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 131.330; Pittsburgh 134.948
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 3 1/2; 34
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 10; 37
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+10); Under

Game 203-204: Cincinnati at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 131.886; Cleveland 125.830
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 6; 44
Vegas Line: Cincinnati by 7 1/2; 41
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+7 1/2); Over

Game 205-206: Indianapolis at Tennessee
Dunkel Ratings: Indianapolis 135.270; Tennessee 130.732
Dunkel Line: Indianapolis by 4 1/2; 41
Vegas Line: Indianapolis by 7 1/2; 46
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (+7 1/2); Under

Game 207-208: Houston at Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 130.131; Carolina 133.440
Dunkel Line: Carolina by 3; 35
Vegas Line: Carolina by 7; 39
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+7); Under

Game 209-210: San Francisco at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco 124.721; St. Louis 125.030
Dunkel Line: Even; 41
Vegas Line: St. Louis by 3 1/2; 44 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+3 1/2); Under

Game 211-212: Green Bay at NY Giants
Dunkel Ratings: Green Bay 127.756; NY Giants 132.295
Dunkel Line: NY Giants by 4 1/2; 44
Vegas Line: Green Bay by 1; 37
Dunkel Pick: NY Giants (+1); Over

Game 213-214: Atlanta at Jacksonville
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 120.972; Jacksonville 138.190
Dunkel Line: Jacksonville by 17; 32
Vegas Line: Jacksonville by 10; 35
Dunkel Pick: Jacksonville (-10); Under

Game 215-216: New Orleans at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 129.319; Tampa Bay 123.239
Dunkel Line: New Orleans by 6; 37
Vegas Line: New Orleans by 3; 41 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-3); Under

Game 217-218: Minnesota at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 128.845; Detroit 127.746
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 40
Vegas Line: Detroit by 3; 42 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+3); Under

Game 219-220: Dallas at Miami
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 132.293; Miami 131.260
Dunkel Line: Dallas by 1; 45
Vegas Line: Dallas by 3 1/2; 40
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+3 1/2); Over

Game 221-222: Seattle at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 126.810; Arizona 127.960
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 39
Vegas Line: Seattle by 3; 43
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+3); Under

Game 223-224: NY Jets at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: NY Jets 129.511; Baltimore 134.851
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 5; 40
Vegas Line: Baltimore by 11; 33 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Jets (+11); Over

Game 225-226: Oakland at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland 116.291; Denver 134.029
Dunkel Line: Denver by 18; 44
Vegas Line: Denver by 10; 38 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-10); Over

Game 227-228: Kansas City at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City 125.619; Chicago 137.347
Dunkel Line: Chicago by 12; 30
Vegas Line: Chicago by 13; 35
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+13); Under

Game 229-230: San Diego at New England
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego 136.072; New England 144.766
Dunkel Line: New England by 8 1/2; 43
Vegas Line: New England by 3 1/2; 47
Dunkel Pick: New England (-3 1/2); Under


MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Game 231-232: Washington at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 124.184; Philadelphia 135.681
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 11 1/2; 36
Vegas Line: Philadelphia by 6 1/2; 39
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-6 1/2); Under

[Udog]

NCAAF
Thursday Night Previews


Preview: West Virginia at Maryland


The matchup: West Virginia Mountaineers at Maryland Terrapins

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET at Byrd Stadium in College Park, Md.

The line: Maryland +16, 65 points

Weather forecast: Temperature will be slightly below 70 degrees throughout the game, with cloud cover but little chance of precipitation in College Park and the southeasterly wind will rarely top 5 mph in the evening.

Key injuries

West Virginia: Linebacker Archie Sims and receiver Nate Sowers are out with hamstring pulls. Defensive nose guard Keilen Dykes hopes to play with a sprained foot, but will be a game-day decision on Thursday. Wes Lyons, a rare WVU skill position player with height, played 21 snaps against Marshall and can expect more this week at Maryland.

Maryland: Backup middle linebacker Alex Wujciak was lost for the season in late summer and backup cornerback Richard Taylor is out this Thursday too.

Three reasons why West Virginia could cover:

1. Rich getting richer: Darius Reynaud scored the Mountaineers’ first two touchdowns at Marshall and Noel Devine two of the last three, both displaying the same killer speed that Steve Slaton and Pat White have used to butcher opponents since mid-2005. Maryland should recall Reynaud’s pair of touchdowns from last year’s meeting, but freshman Devine is a new weapon in an already devastating artillery.

2. Potential for a fast start: West Virginia blitzed to a 28-0 lead in the first quarter when the Terps visited Morgantown last fall, effectively ending the game before it had started. Maryland has faced only Villanova and Florida International this year, not the best warm-ups for a legitimate national title contender. The Mountaineers also won the last meeting at College Park 31-19 when White was a backup and Slaton didn’t play.

3. Sheer habit: West Virginia has played 10 true road games against unranked opponents in the Slaton & White era. The Mountaineers are 8-2 against the spread (ATS) in those games. The ATS losses were last week’s 24-point win in Marshall (which was a payday for bettors getting the opening line) and a 17-point win in East Carolina against the tough Pirates defense.

Three reasons why Maryland could cover:

1. Unleashed aerial attack: West Virginia allowed Marshall to compile 266 passing yards last Saturday despite the defensive coaches’ attempts to shut down the Herd’s receivers. Maryland boasts one of the ACC’s best receiving corps, and possibly the conference’s deepest. Head coach Ralph Friedgen is also likely to use more of the playbook against his first big opponent of the season, finally letting Jordan Steffy make plays when points are needed instead of relying on the run.

2. That’s a lot of points at home: The Terps lost only one game at Byrd Stadium last year and that loss was by 14 points. Maryland has lost at home by more than 16 points only once since the start of the 2003 season, a 28-9 loss to Virginia Tech on Oct. 20, 2005.

3. They’ve excelled at keep-away so far: Maryland leads the nation in time of possession through the season’s first two weeks, something the Terrapins would love to maintain on Thursday to keep the Mountaineers’ offensive weapons off the field. Maryland limited both Villanova and Florida International to 50 offensive snaps while possessing the ball more than 60 percent of the time.

Cool stat of the day

West Virginia has been favored on the road by double-digits six times since the start of 2005, when Slaton and White were freshmen. The Mountaineers have won all six of those games by an average of 25.1 points. The smallest margin of victory was the 17-point win at East Carolina.

Key quote

“If something's open, you gotta take it right away,” Steffy told Maryland's student newspaper The Diamondback, about passing short against Florida International last Saturday when receivers were open further downfield.

“That's what I did. On the one third down, if I had waited a little longer, I might have had something down the field, but again if I see something come open early, I'm gonna take it.”

“We’re going to let it all hang out on Thursday.”

pick: Maryland +16


Preview: TCU at Air Force



Everything looks wonky in the Mountain West Conference, with the Air Force Falcons and Wyoming Cowboys sitting atop the conference standings at 2-0.

Air Force had recorded three straight losing seasons under former head coach Fisher DeBerry, but based on last Saturday’s 20-12 win as 7-point underdogs in Salt Lake City, casual bettors might wonder if there’s a power shift underway in the Mountain West.

After all, hadn’t new man Troy Calhoun promised to spice up the Falcons’ triple-option with more passing? Isn’t it possible that Air Force has overcome its recruiting handicap through sheer strategy?

In a word, no.

Air Force toppled a limping Utah Utes squad with the same attack it always features in recent years: running, running and more running. The Falcons gained 334 yards on the ground compared to just 56 through the air against Utah. Add in Air Force’s opener against South Carolina State, when the Falcons rushed for 279 yards, and you’re looking at one of the most one-dimensional offenses in the nation … again.

“Zero. Zero,” Utah coach Kyle Whittingham told the Colorado Springs Gazette after the loss to the Falcons when asked if he saw huge differences in this year’s Air Force attack compared to previous seasons.

“Different formations, same stuff. They’re going to beat you with what they’ve always hung their hat on – the double- and triple-option. It’s just coming from different formations, but it’s the same attack.”

Don’t think TCU Horned Frogs head coach Gary Patterson hasn’t noticed. He watched the tape of Air Force’s win over the Utes and said in the weekly MWC teleconference that Air Force is running the ball more than ever.

Which brings us to Thursday night’s game in Colorado Springs, in which TCU is an 8-point road favorite.

Air Force loyalists say there’s no better time to face the preseason MWC faves, with the Falcons coming off an upset win and the Horned Frogs fresh off a 21-point loss. Personally, I think that last week’s results give TCU betting value that wouldn’t have been imagined in the preseason.

After all, this is the same school that’s smoked Air Force by scores of 48-10 and 38-14 since joining the Mountain West in 2005.

The same TCU that is 23-4 straight up (SU) and 19-7 against the spread (ATS) since the start of 2005, compared to Air Force’s 10-15 SU and 10-14 ATS over the same span.

The same Horned Frogs who smoked a Big 12 opponent 27-0 to open the 2007 season while the Falcons took on a second-tier school.

The same small conference powerhouse that led the No. 7 Texas Longhorns, in Austin no less, for 44 minutes last Saturday before an unfortunate fourth quarter led to an uglier final score than the Frogs deserved.

The same overwhelming preseason conference favorites who started the season in the national rankings and who feel slighted that a single road loss to a powerhouse bumped them to the “others receiving votes” category.

The same defense that features Tommy Blake and Chase Ortiz, NFL-bound ends with something to prove after being handled by the Horns. Air Force quarterback Shaun Carney ran for 113 yards last week at Utah but might be running for his life this week against Blake and Ortiz.

TCU is a football school reacting to last week's loss the right way: the Frogs are ornery and grateful they only have to wait five days to lay a licking on an opponent.

There’s no power shift in the Mountain West – this is the week in which the conference order is restored. It starts on Thursday night.

[Kaptain]

09/13/07
02:13 PM News Alert
NBA
Blazers rookie Greg Oden will miss the entire 2007-08 season after undergoing knee surgery according to Yahoo! Sports.

09/13/07
02:00 PM News Alert F1 giant McLaren has been fined $100 million and will lose all its points following a hearing into the so-called 'spy' scandal.

09/13/07
01:51 PM Injuries
NFL
Lions RB Kevin Jones (foot) should be active in Week 2, as T.J. Duckett is likely out with an ankle injury.

09/13/07
01:12 PM News Alert
MLB
Twins GM Terry Ryan has decided to resign.

09/13/07
12:59 PM Lineups
NFL
Jets QB Chad Pennington (ankle) isn't expected to play Sunday, but coach Eric Mangini said he is still the teams No.1 QB.

09/13/07
12:54 PM Injuries
NFL
Ravens QB Steve McNair (groin), LB Ray Lewis (triceps), and LT Jonathan Ogden (toe) didn't practice today.

09/13/07
12:48 PM Coach's Call
CFB
Air Force RB Kip McCarthy (knee) missed most practices, and coach Troy Calhoun said he didn't think he would play in tonight's game.

09/13/07
12:44 PM Lineups
CFB
West Virginia's LB Archie Sims and WR Nate Sowers are not expected to play tonight due to hamstring injuries.

09/13/07
12:32 PM Lineup Alert
CFB
TCU RBs Aaron Brown (knee) and Joseph Turner (foot) are OUT of tonight's game according to the Fort Worth Star Telegram.

09/13/07
12:21 PM Injury Alert
NFL
Bills CB Jason Webster (broken forearm) will miss the remainder of the season after being placed on injured reserve today.

09/13/07
12:07 PM News Alert
MLB
Major League Baseball hopes to have a policy in place for next season that will test players for the use of HGH.

09/13/07
12:05 PM News Alert
NBA
The Mavs and guard Devin Harris agreed to a five-year contract extension that will keep him in Dallas through the 2012-13 season.

09/13/07
11:48 AM Lineup Alert
MLB
Cardinals C Yadier Molina (.279) and RF Rick Ankiel (.301) are NOT in today's lineup.

09/13/07
11:28 AM Info Alert
NBA
The Nets are reportedly on the verge of signing 36-year-old Allan Houston.

09/13/07
11:26 AM Injuries
NBA
Blazers rookie C Greg Oden (knee surgery) will be sidelined at least six weeks.

09/13/07
11:24 AM Injury Alert
MLB
Royals SP Odalis Perez's season is over after the team told him to continue rehabbing his left knee at home.

09/13/07
11:24 AM Info Alert
MLB
Twins 1B Justin Morneau (sore back) hasn't hit a home run in his last 69 at-bats.

09/13/07
11:20 AM Info Alert
MLB
With Troy Glaus done for the year, Russ Adams will get plenty of action at third base for the remainder of the year.

09/13/07
11:19 AM Injuries
MLB
Dodgers SP Hong-Chih Kuo won't pitch again this season due to continued soreness in his left elbow.

09/13/07
11:09 AM Injuries
NFL
Chargers DE Shawne Merriman was a limited participant in practice due to a sore achilles tendon.

09/13/07
01:39 AM Injuries
CFB
Thursday: TCU RB Aaron Brown (knee) and RB Joesph Turner (foot) are questionable.

09/13/07
01:38 AM Injuries
CFB
Thursday: Air Force RB Kip McCarthy (knee) is a game time decision; West Virginia WR Nate Sowers (hamstring) is questionable.

09/13/07
01:37 AM Injuries
MLB
Thursday: Angels OF Gary Matthews Jr. (ankle) is not expected to play; Rockies 2B Kazuo Matsui (.291; hamstring) is doubtful.

09/13/07
01:28 AM News Alert After the Presidents Cup Tiger Woods will take a 2 1/2 month break to spend time with his new daughter.

09/13/07
01:23 AM Injuries
MLB
Phillies Kyle Kendrick left Wednesday's game in the fourth inning with an apparent right knee injury.


09/13/07
01:22 AM Boxscore
MLB
Yankees Mike Mussina pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings to earn a win Wednesday in his return to the rotation.


09/13/07
01:19 AM Coach's Call
NFL
Browns coach Romeo Crennel says he won't hesitate to bring in Brady Quinn Sunday if starter Derek Anderson struggles.

09/13/07
01:18 AM Lineups
NFL
Ravens LB Ray Lewis (triceps) plans to play in Week 2.

09/13/07
01:17 AM Injuries
NFL
Lions RB Kevin Jones (foot) again was limited in practice Wednesday.

09/13/07
01:16 AM Injuries
NFL
QB Steve McNair (groin) sat out Ravens practice on Wednesday.

09/13/07
01:14 AM Injuries
NFL
Giants QB Eli Manning (shoulder separation) is expected to need three-to-four weeks for recovery according the New York Daily News.

09/13/07
01:12 AM Injuries
NFL
Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander was donning a cast or brace on his left hand as he went through a full practice Wednesday.

09/13/07
01:11 AM Injuries
NFL
Chargers TE Antonio Gates missed practice Wednesday with a back injury.

09/13/07
01:10 AM Lineups
NFL
Raiders QB Daunte Culpepper is expected to start Sunday.
09/13/07
01:08 AM Lineup Alert
NFL
Kellen Clemens will be the Jets starting quarterback in Week 2 at Baltimore according to the Newark Star-Ledger.

[Dennis14072]

Thanks Guys, good luck tonight!