Friday Trends and Indexes 09/14

[pm530]

National Football League - Short Sheet

NFL
Short Sheet

Week 2

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Sunday, September 16th

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Buffalo at Pittsburgh, 1:00 ET
Buffalo: 7-3 ATS off a loss by 6 points or less
Pittsburgh: 14-1 Over as a home favorite

Cincinnati at Cleveland, 1:00 ET
Cincinnati: 8-4 Under vs. Cleveland
Cleveland: 5-1 ATS off a loss by 14+ points

Indianapolis at Tennessee, 1:00 ET
Indianapolis: 6-1 Under in September
Tennessee: 11-3 ATS as an underdog

Houston at Carolina, 1:00 ET
Houston: 2-11 ATS off a home win
Carolina: 17-6 Under first two weeks of the season

San Francisco at St. Louis, 1:00 ET
San Francisco: 20-8 ATS vs. St. Louis
St. Louis: 5-1 Over off a loss as a home favorite

Green Bay at NY Giants, 1:00 ET
Green Bay: 1-5 ATS off a home win
NY Giants: 10-2 ATS after scoring 35+ points

Atlanta at Jacksonville, 1:00 ET
Atlanta: 8-1 Under in road games
Jacksonville: 17-6 ATS at home vs. non-conference opponents

New Orleans at Tampa Bay, 1:00 ET
New Orleans: 3-7 ATS off a combined score of 50+ points
Tampa Bay: 6-1 Under in September

Minnesota at Detroit, 4:05 ET
Minnesota: 16-9 ATS vs. conference opponents
Detroit: 8-1 Over off a road win by 10+ points

Dallas at Miami, 4:05 ET
Dallas: 17-7 ATS after allowing 35+ points
Miami: 4-12 ATS off a road game

Seattle at Arizona, 4:05 ET
Seattle: 12-4 Over off a home win
Arizona: 10-4 Over in dome stadiums

NY Jets at Baltimore, 4:15 ET
NY Jets: 5-1 Over off a division loss
Baltimore: 5-0 ATS vs. NY Jets

Oakland at Denver, 4:15 ET
Oakland: 4-13 ATS off a home loss by 10+ points
Denver: 6-1 Under in September

Kansas City at Chicago, 4:15 ET
Kansas City: 6-0 Under in September
Chicago: 13-3 ATS vs. AFC West opponents

San Diego at New England, 8:15 ET NBC
San Diego: 34-15 ATS playing on artificial turf
New England: 1-5 ATS as a home favorite of 7 points or less

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Monday, September 17th

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Washington at Philadelphia, 8:30 ET ESPN
Washington: 25-10 ATS as a road underdog of 3.5 to 7 points
Philadelphia: 8-2 Under as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points

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[pm530]

National Football League – Write up

NFL
Write-up

Sunday, September 16

Bills (0-1) @ Steelers (1-0) -- Pittsburgh was dominant in Week 1 win, with 27-yard edge in average field position, 206-46 rushing advantage and +4 turnover ratio, but Bills better than Cleveland. Steelers won six of last seven series games; this is Bills' 1st visit here since '96. Bills were outgained 470-184 by Denver, but they did get punt return TD that put 'em ahead early, so they tried to sit on lead a little. Buffalo seems to be getting good news about health of their player who injured his neck last week- thats good. Last five Steeler home openers went over the total.

Bengals (1-0) @ Browns (0-1) -- Short week and short travel for a Bengal team that ran ball for only 55 yards vs Ravens Monday; beware teams that win with 3+ turnovers (Bengals had four), but Browns traded their starting QB Monday, so assume Anderson gets start here, vs Cincy club they've beaten five times in row by average score of 34-20. Has to be at least a little chaotic for the home side, as fans want Quinn to play, but he can't be ready due to his holdout. LY, Bengals outscored Browns 34-3 in first half of their two meetings, converted 15 of 29 third down plays.

Colts (1-0) @ Titans (1-0) —Indy won seven of last eight series games, though LY’s tilts were decided by total of four (14-13I/20-17T) points; Titans controlled ball in both games, running for 423 yards, and after 282 rushing yards in win at Jacksonville, you know they’ll try to do same thing here. Colts ran ball for 164 yards, averaged 9.6 yards/pass attempt LW vs Saints, outscored NO 31-0 in second half. Titans covered last four tries as dog in their home opener; Colts are 6-1-1 vs. spread in last eight road openers- under is 12-5 in their last 17 road openers. Neither team allowed a point in second half last week.

Texans (1-0) @ Panthers (1-0) — David Carr was dumped by Texans in offseason, now is Carolina backup QB; Houston won first game without him, holding Chiefs to 219 yards, even though KC converted on nine of 13 third down plays. Texans had 13-yard edge in field position, had four takeaways, scored TD on defense, but they’ve lost last three road openers by 12-15-19 points, and are 1-4 vs. spread in last five road openers. Carolina scored just 13.3 pg in losing last three home openers; they’re 2-8 in last ten, and they’re 0-4 in home openers that weren’t in Week 1. Panthers ran ball for 186 yards LW, outgaining Rams 387-238. Texans won only previous meeting, 13-10 at home in ’03.

49ers (1-0) @ Rams (0-1) —Injuries to OT Pace and his backup Steussie leave Rams dangerously thin at tackle, a critical position; home side won nine of last eleven games in this rivalry, with Niners 1-7 in last eight visits to this site (five of seven losses by 10+ pts). 49ers gave up 33.3 pg in losing last four road openers; they’re traveling here on short week, after dramatic cut sloppy win in opener, where they were outrushed by 161-92, completed less than half their passes (15-31) but found a way to win at the end. Rams were outgained by 149 yards by Carolina and didn’t have one play gain 20+ yards (there were 61 overall in league last week).

Packers (1-0) @ Giants (0-1) —Health of QB Manning key issue for Giant club whose defense was riddled by Romo LW (23 yds/ completion); offense may have to outscore teams to win, going to inexperienced Lorenzen at QB not good for Coughlin’s shaky job security. Dallas gained 478 yards LW, had eight plays of 20+ yards, scoring six TDs on 11 drives. Pack defense is better than Cowboys’; they held Eagles 283 yards, and McNabb was just 15-33 passing. Pack offense struggled though, running for just 46 yards; they were only home team LW that didn’t score a TD on offense. Eight of ten Packer first downs were earned on third down plays. Manning had played one of his best games before coming out late with bruised shoulder.

Falcons (0-1) @ Jaguars (0-1) — Anytime pair of 0-1 teams meet, stakes are high, since 0-2 NFL clubs seldom make postseason. Harrington had rough Falcon debut, as Vikings scored pair of defensive TDs, including INT for TD with game 0-0, but he was given lousy field position throughout day; five of nine Atlanta drives started 80+ yards from paydirt- their average start point was 19-yard line, worst in NFL LW. Jaguars allowed ridiculously high 282 rushing yards (5.8/carry) in loss to Titans- they ran ball for only 72 yards themselves and were outgained by 78 yards. Falcons were one of six teams not to score offensive TD LW; they never even got inside Minnesota red zone.

Saints (0-1) @ Bucs (0-1) — New Orleans won four of last five visits to this site; they swept Bucs LY (24-21/31-14), outsacking Bucs 6-0 in two games, and holding Tampa to 9-27 on third down. Bucs went 3/out on 11 of 24 drives vs. Saints LY, but NO defense gave up 452 yards in opener at Indy, 164 on ground, while Saints’ only TD came on defense score in second quarter. Bucs had 13-yard disadvantage in field position LW; six of their ten drives started 80+ yards from goal line. Bucs lost four of last five home openers, scoring 8.5 pg in last four—under is 12-3 in their last fifteen home openers. Saints had three extra days to prepare, after playing in Thursday night season opener.

Vikings (1-0) @ Lions (1-0) — Minnesota won last ten series tilts, , winning last five in Motown by 2-10-1-5-10 points; last year, they outrushed Lions 307-13, converted 56.3% of third down plays, forced 10 turnovers, held Detroit to 7-22 on third down. Vikings, though, are 2-4 in last six road openers, scoring 14.3 pg in last three. Lions covered nine of last eleven home openers. Last wk, they had 17-0 lead, blew it, but then scored game’s last 16 points in 36-21 win- three of their four TD drives started in Oakland territory. Vikings had six sacks, cored two defensive TDs LW; they won 56% of third down plays, but never took snap inside Falcon red zone, scoring only offensive TD on long run after short pass to rookie Peterson.

Cowboys (1-0) @ Dolphins (0-1) — Dallas averaged 23 yards/ completion LW (15-24/327) but also gave up 438 yards to Giant club that lacks great runner and is largely one-dimensional. Cowboys lost five of last seven road openers, Miami lost three of last four home openers. Miami was outgained 400-273 last week vs. Redskins, running for only 66 yards- they were one of only three teams that had an edge in field position last week but lost. Dallas had eight plays of 20+ yards LW, most in NFL, but their opponent had five, the second-most in league. Under is 11-4 in Miami’s last fifteen home openers, but nine of last ten Dallas road openers went over, with average total in their last four, 52.4.

Seahawks (1-0) @ Cardinals (0-1) — Arizona on short week, hosting NFC West kingpin that had five sacks and +13 yard edge in field position in 20-6 home win last week. Home side won six of last seven series games, with four of last five series totals 45+; Seattle won three of last four road openers, allowing seven or less points in four of last six road debuts. Seahawks lost two of last three visits here, with average total in three games, 47.3. Arizona had 20 penalties for 143 yards in two games vs. Seattle LY, 10 more for 71 yards in sloppy loss Monday night, when falling on a loose ball in end zone in last 2:00 could have given Cardinals much-needed road win. Arizona also lost their center Monday night.

Jets (0-1) @ Ravens (0-1) — Health of Pennington key media point this week, but Oregon alum Clemens more than capable if prepared, though Raven defense would be tough one to break in against, even with Lewis hampered by tricep injury. Favorite covered Baltimore’s last six home openers, with Ravens 4-0 as favorite in first home game of year; they’re 5-2 in last seven home openers, overall. Ravens won last four games vs. Jets by average score of 23-13- only one of the four came by less than ten points. Lot of distractions for Jets this week, since many think Mangini turned Pats into league office for video piracy of Jets’ coaching signals. Short week for Baltimore, after loss Monday night.

Chiefs (0-1) @ Bears (0-1) — Struggling KC offense (219 total yards, 72 rushing; four turnovers, no TDs at Houston) not likely to find its way vs. brutal Bear defense that shut Chargers out for half last week. Now, also tough to lay double-digit spread with Grossman-led offense that scored three points LW, running ball for 80 yards, turning itl over four times, completing just 12 of 23 passes, but you figure Chicago is good for defensive score, even with star safety Brown now out for year. Schaub was 16-22/187 passing vs. Chiefs LW, but Houston converted just 3-11 on third down, as Chief defense kept team in game until offense totally unraveled. Four of Chicago’s last five home openers went over the total.

Raiders (0-1) @ Broncos (0-1) — Shanahan despises Al Davis over $250,000 he got stiffed out of after Davis fired him; Broncos won seven of last eight series games, with six of seven wins by 10+ points; last year’s wins were 13-3/17-13 games, with total yardage almost exactly even. Five of last seven series totals were 34 or less. Raiders lost last four road openers, by 5-3-10-22 pts; seven of their last eight road openers went over total, but four of Denver’s last five home openers stayed under. Broncos won last seven home openers (6-1 vs. spread). Oakland showed spunk LW, rallying from 17-0 down to take lead in 4th quarter; new QB McCown was 30-40/253 passing, so Raiders have passing game, nd therefore, backdoor capability.

Chargers (1-0) @ Patriots (1-0) — Patriots stunned Chargers in playoffs LY, as Bolts lost three fumbles, completed just 14-32 passes, but now SD has new coaches, same players, and revenge on their mind. NE won 11 of last 13 series games, seven of last eight at this site, but Chargers did win here 41-17 in ’05. Pats won last five home openers, by 16-7-3-10-2 points; they’re 5-2-1 vs. spread as favorite in home opener. No idea if VideoGate is distraction in Foxboro, but hard to buck Belichick/Brady in these big games, and this is a big game, especially for Chargers, who didn’t score in first half vs. Bears last week, while Patriots were drilling division rival Jets in Swamp.


Monday, September 17

Redskins (1-0) @ Eagles (0-1) — Hopefully Philly found someone who can catch a punt; they’ve won nine of last 11 vs. Redskins, taking four of last five here, with wins by 13-2-22-24 points. Last year, Iggles won 27-3/21-19, outscoring Skins by combined 38-9 in first half of those games. Washington ran ball for 356 yards vs. Philly LY, but didn’t score TD (four FGs) in four trips to Eagle red zone. Skins lost five of last seven road openers, but are 7-4 as dog in their first road game of season. Philly scored 32.3 pg in last three home openers, with six of last eight going over total. Skins held Miami to 66 rushing yards LW, were one of only three teams that won despite losing field position battle.are 3-2 as home dog, beat Missouri here back in '03.

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[pm530]

National Football League - Tips & Trends

NFL


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Tips and Trends
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Sunday, September 16

Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers (CBS | 1 PM ET)

Despite the relatively close 15-14 score last week, Buffalo team insiders are very concerned that Buffalo was out-gained by 470-184 to Denver. However, some team insiders are trying to justify that the poor defensive performance to the fact that the Bills lost three defensive starters in the contest (free safety Ko Simpson; line backer Coy Wire and cornerback Jason Webster). EDGE: STEELERS
The Buffalo secondary was dismantled last weekend to the tune of over 300 passing yards against them. That’s not very good news when you consider that Pittsburgh possesses a strong passing attack behind Big Ben and his deep threats Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes and Heath Miller. EDGE: STEELERS
Most Buffalo insiders are concerned over the Buffalo rush defense that struggled against the run last season, ranking 28th allowing a whopping 4.7 yards per carry. Last week, Denver rushed for 171 rush yards (5.3 yards per carry), while Pittsburgh managed an impressive 206 yards on the ground against Cleveland, a defense that was better (on paper) than the Bills. EDGE: STEELERS
One Pittsburgh insider is concerned about Ike Taylor, whom he classified as “one of the worst deep coverage cornerbacks in the NFL.” With Buffalo unable to get anything going on offense last week, the Bills could exploit Taylor by passing to the always dangerous Lee Evans frequently. EDGE: BILLS
This week presents an interesting challenge for Buffalo, which will be playing on grass (off-surface for them), minimizing the speed of the team's new linebackers and defensive backs. EDGE: STEELERS
Dating back to last season, Buffalo has covered eight of its last 10 games. EDGE: BILLS
It's hard to say what kind of motivation the Bills will be playing with on Sunday after losing teammate Kevin Everett to a spinal cord injury. They could play very well in honor of Everett or it might have a downward spiral effect for them very early in the season.
Buffalo is 8-3 ATS its last 11 as an underdog.
The Steelers are on a 7-2 SU & 6-2-1 ATS run.


Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns (CBS | 1 PM ET)

Cincinnati is off a short week and will have less time to prepare for this heated rivalry. SLIGHT EDGE: BROWNS
One Cincinnati insider is very concerned about the Bengals defense. Cincinnati ranked 31st in total defense last season and things didn’t get much better on Monday night when the Bengals allowed 314 yards (107 rushing) to an offensively-challenged Baltimore team. EDGE: BROWNS
Cleveland’s secondary allowed four touchdown passes against the Steelers last weekend, which is not very encouraging when you consider that they must now face Carson Palmer, who leads one of the best passing offenses in the league. EDGE: BENGALS
Cleveland’s starting center LeCharles Bentley has been put on the reserve/physically unable to perform list, meaning he will miss at least the first six weeks of the season. His loss further puts in flux an offensive line that is without their starting right tackle Ryan Tucker (suspension). EDGE: BENGALS
The Bengals are 10-6 SU & 11-4-1 ATS in their last 16 road games.
Cleveland is 15-24-1 ATS as an underdog.
The Bengals dismantled the Browns 34-17 and 30-0 last season, and they are 5-0 SU & 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.


Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans (CBS | 1 PM ET)

The Colts have the benefit of 3 days of extra rest and preparation time (played last Thursday) for this week’s matchup against Tennessee. EDGE: COLTS
This week presents an interesting challenge for Indianapolis, which will be playing on the soft grass of Tennessee (off-surface for them), which will minimize the speed of heir wide receivers. The Colts are not as dominant on natural grass or on the road as they stand just 5-5 SU & 4-6 ATS in their last 10. EDGE: TITANS
There is no question what Tennessee’s game plan will be for this contest - run the football. Tennessee managed 282 rushing yards against one of the best run stopping units in the NFL last weekend, and now they face one of the league's worst from last season. Tennessee rushed for 214 yards against the Colt’s in the first game last season and 219 yards in their contest in Nashville. EDGE: TITANS
A year ago the Titans went 2-0 ATS against the Colts, losing 14-13 at Indy and winning 20-17 at home. EDGE: TITANS


Houston Texans at Carolina Panthers (CBS | 1 PM ET)

Terrible situational spot for the home favorite Carolina Panthers, who just beat a divisional opponents (St. Louis) and has divisional opponent (Atlanta) on deck. It’s unlikely the Panthers will put much emphasis on this non-divisional opponent that comes to town on a rare high note after beating Kansas City last Sunday. EDGE: TEXANS
Team insiders remain concerned about the Carolina secondary that appears vulnerable with the departure of Mike Minter last season. That could be a problem with the balanced Texans offense under new QB Matt Schaub, who connected on 73% of his pass attempts and showed great chemistry with Andre Johnson (142 yards receiving) and Ahman Green (73 yards on 16 carries for 4.6 yards per carry). EDGE: TEXANS
Team insiders were impressed with the playbook of their new offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson who adding some zone-blocking schemes and more balance. The Carolina players clearly responded to the new offense, and they looked fantastic in Week 1 with 387 yards in a 27-13 win at the Rams, piling up 186 yards rushing and 201 passing. EDGE: PANTHERS
Carolina’s defense was 8th overall last season (15th against the run, 8th against the pass) and the Panthers held Rams RB Steven Jackson to just 58 yards rushing on 18 carries and QB Marc Bulger to 167 passing yards. EDGE: PANTHERS
The Panthers have been a below .500 team each of the past four years as a home favorite during the regular season with an overall mark of 8-17-1 ATS during this span.


San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams (FOX | 1 PM ET)

This is a tough situational spot for San Francisco off a short week after playing on Monday night. The 49ers must now face an opponent who’s bitter after getting blown out at home against Carolina. EDGE: RAMS
Team insiders are extremely concerned about the San Francisco run defense that allowed a whopping 161 yards to Arizona, which is not good news when you consider that they will have to stop elite Rams RB Steven Jackson. EDGE: RAMS
Likewise, St. Louis insiders are concerned about the St. Louis run stopping unit. Although many experts thought the Rams run defense would be better in 2007 (31st ranked against the run last season), Sunday’s numbers suggested otherwise: 186 rushing yards allowed and 4.9 yards a carry. That is a very concerning number especially when you consider that they must try to stop one of the league's best in San Franciso's Frank Gore. EDGE: 49ERS
The 49ers are 10-5 ATS in their last 15 as an underdog and 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings with the Rams.


Green Bay Packers at New York Giants (FOX | 1 PM ET)

Team insiders are very concerned about the status of several New York starters for this week against Green Bay. In Week 1, the Giants lost three key starters in QB Eli Manning, DE Osi Umenyiora and RB Brandon Jacobs, who all suffered injuries that required MRIs. The status of these players is unknown, so make sure to check Pregame's Injury Report for updated info. EDGE: PACKERS
The Giants are 3-6 SU & ATS their last 9 home games.
The Packers are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 on the road.


Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions (FOX | 4:05 ET)

This is a rather surprising line when you consider that Detroit was only favored three times all of last season. The result? Not only did the Lions fail to cover each time, but they also lost all three games straight-up. EDGE: VIKINGS
Team insiders are curious to see how the Minnesota defense handles a wide-open Detroit attack. Unlike Atlanta, which played a very vanilla offense last week, Detroit likes to spread their offense out by using three and four wide receivers in an effort to open up the running game. EDGE: LIONS
League insiders believe that Minnesota could surprise many teams this season. Last year, the Vikings were #1 in the NFL in run defense, allowing 2.84 yards per carry and 62 yards per game. Last week, the Vikings continued their success, holding the Falcons to just 96 yards on the ground on 28 carries. EDGE: VIKINGS
Both meetings between these teams last season went OVER the total, with the Vikings winning 26-17 and 30-20. The OVER is also 4-1 in the last 5 meetings. EDGE: OVER
Detroit is 0-3 SU & ATS in its last three as a favorite.
Minnesota has defeated Detroit 10 straight times.


Dallas Cowboys at Miami Dolphins (FOX | 4:05 ET)

One Dallas insider we spoke to was completely befuddled by the Dallas secondary. Going into the game last Sunday night with New York, Dallas had already encountered some concerns with the cornerback position. Those concerns were realized when the Giants torched the Dallas secondary for 314 yards through the air. EDGE: DOLPHINS
Team insiders are also concerned over the mounting injuries to a Dallas team that had high expectations coming into the season. CB Terence Newman (foot), NT Jason Ferguson (biceps), LB Greg Ellis (heel) and WR Terry Glenn (knee) are all projected to be out this week. However, some Maimi insiders don’t believe that the Dolphins have the type of tall, talented receivers to take advantage. EDGE: DOLPHINS
Miami is 9-23 ATS its last 34 games at home.


Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals (FOX | 4:05 ET)

Arizona team insiders are very optimistic in the direction new head coach Ken Whisenhunt is taking with his Cardinals team. Whisenhunt has put emphasis on this first home game: “We already talked about our first home game against another division opponent… to be at home and have a city be excited and behind us is something that we really would look forward too," said Whisenhunt. EDGE: CARDINALS
Seattle team insiders are keeping a close eye on the weak spot of the Seattle defense - the secondary. Although the Seahawks were impressive (on paper) against offensively-challenged Tampa Bay last weekend (only 6 points allowed), their secondary nevertheless allowed Jeff Garcia and Josh McCown to complete 20 of 31 passes. The concern is exemplified as Arizona’s passing attack is a lot more savvy and dangerous. That game was at home, and Seattle is 9-9 SU, 6-11-1 ATS its last 18 on the road. EDGE: CARDINALS
The OVER is 9-4-1 in Arizona's last 14 games.


New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens (CBS | 4:15 PM ET)

There is some uncertainty as to whether Jets QB Chad Pennington is going to start against the Ravens, or if backup Kellen Clemens will get the nod. If it's Clemens, it's worth noting that the last time a Jets quarterback made his first NFL start (Brooks Bollinger) against the league's #1 defense last season, he was sacked five times and pressured all game in a 13-3 loss. EDGE: RAVENS
This is a tough non-divisional situation sandwich spot for the visiting Jets. New York faced New England in the opening week and hosts Miami next Sunday before heading to Buffalo. This is the team's only non-AFC East game this month. EDGE: RAVENS
Team insiders are already very concerned about the Jets offensive line this season. Their left side is loaded with inexperienced playmakers and with RB Thomas Jones not at 100 percent, the Jets could be in a for a long day in Baltimore. EDGE: RAVENS
League insiders were extremely impressed with Baltimore’s defense in Week 1 against offensive powerhouse Cincinnati. Despite losing the game, the Ravens held Cincinnati to just 236 total yards. Last season, Baltimore was the leagues top defense, recording two shutouts while holding teams to a league-low 12.6 points per game. EDGE: RAVENS
Some Baltimore insiders are concerned with the mounting injuries heading into Week 2. The status of QB Steve McNair (groin), LB Ray Lewis (triceps) and OT Jonathan Ogden (toe) are unknown, although Kyle Boller is expected to start for McNair. EDGE: JETS
The Ravens are 21-7 SU & 18-10 ATS in their last 28 games at home.


Atlanta Falcons at Jacksonville Jaguars (FOX | 1 PM ET)

League insiders are already talking about Jacksonville head coach Jack Del Rio’s future with the program after suffering a stunning 13-10 home loss to Tennessee. Del Rio is well aware of this chatter, so expect a very focused effort this week from Jacksonville. EDGE: JAGUARS
Many team insiders continue to believe that in order for the Jaguars to make any kind of a playoff run, they will have to improve in their pass coverage since their secondary is the weakest point of the defense. This suspect secondary could cause some problems against an Atlanta team that operates a pass happy spread offense. EDGE: FALCONS
Team insiders believe that the 282 yards rushing by Tennessee against this normally stout Jacksonville defense was a deviation of sorts and should fair far better against a very weak and inexperienced Atlanta offense. EDGE: JAGUARS
Jacksonville is 14-9-2 ATS its last 25 home games.


New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (FOX | 1 PM ET)

Team insiders are very concerned with the awful performance of the New Orleans secondary, which was burned for 288 total receiving yards last Thursday night against Indianapolis. Luckily, Tampa does not have the type of offense that can exploit this weakness in the secondary. Tampa scored 10 or less points in eight of 16 games last season and should have trouble running the ball this Sunday. EDGE: SAINTS
New Orleans struggled to generate much offense against the Indianapolis Cover-Two defense, and that’s not good news considering Tampa defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin pretty much wrote the book on the Cover-Two. However, some Saints insiders believe that the New Orleans offense should fair much better this week after already making the adjustments needed following the Colts game. EDGE: SAINTS


Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos (CBS | 4:15 PM ET)

These teams played very close last season as the Raiders lost both matchups against the Broncos by an average of seven points. EDGE: RAIDERS
Oakland has held Denver to an average of only 17.3 points in the past three meetings, but the Raiders were torched last weekend against Detroit. SLIGHT EDGE: RAIDERS
Denver is only 1-10 ATS its last 11 home games & 1-8 ATS in its last 8 overall.
The UNDER is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings & 10-1-2 in Oakland's last 13 road games. The UNDER is also 11-2 in Oakland's last 13 games overall.


Kansas City Chiefs at Chicago Bears (CBS | 4:15 PM ET)

After averaging just eight points in four preseason losses, Kansas City’s offense got 3 points last Sunday and only one play went for more than 20 yards. Team insiders are very concerned about Kansas City RB Larry Johnson, who had just 43 yards on 10 carries, a huge concern going into a matchup with the NFL's top run defense from last season. EDGE: BEARS
Team insiders believe that the Bears will be very motivated for a big win following their 14-3 loss at San Diego. In that contest, the leagues #1 defense was nearly flawless, holding reigning NFL MVP LaDainian Tomlinson to just 25 yards rushing. BIG EDGE: BEARS
Chicago received some bad news after Week 1 when they found out S Mike Brown and DT Dusty Dvoracek were lost for the season with knee injuries. However, the loss of both players should have little impact against a Kansas City team that managed just over 200 yards in Week 1 against one of the league's worst stop units last season. Plus, both players have capable replacements. Danieal Manning started 14 games at free safety a year ago as a rookie, and the Bears traded for DT Darwin Walker before the season for added depth and in hopes that he would eventually become a starter. SLIGHT EDGE: CHIEFS
The Bears have gone 15-4 SU & 12-7 ATS at home the last two seasons.
Kansas City is 9-19 SU & 9-18-1 ATS in their last 28 road games.
The Bears are 21-3 SU & 13-9-2 ATS in their last 24 games as favorites.


San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots (NBC | 8:15 PM ET)

Team insiders are reporting San Diego players and coaches are very eager to exact some revenge from last season's 24-21 home loss to New England last year in the playoffs. Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson was especially upset with the way the Pats celebrated on his home field. EDGE: CHARGERS
Many New England insiders believe that in order for the Patriots to win against San Diego this season, they will have to try to stop reigning NFL MVP Tomlinson, who managed 134 yards at NE in the 2005 meeting and 123 in January's playoff game. That will be a very tall order, especially since LT totaled just 25 yards last week and should be looking to break out with revenge on his mind. EDGE: CHARGERS
One San Diego insider believes that the San Diego secondary is the weakness in this otherwise top notch defensive unit. That weakness can be easily exploited by the incredible collection of Patroit offensive weapons in wide receivers Dante Stallworth, Randy Moss and Wes Welker. EDGE: PATRIOTS
The Pats are only 3-5-1 ATS in their last 9 home games.
The Chargers are an incredible 16-8 SU & 16-6-2 ATS in their last 24 road games.

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Baseball - Dunkel Index

MLB
Dunkel Index

NY Yankees at Boston
The Yankees jump-started their current hot streak with a three-game sweep over Boston back on August 28-30. That started an 11-4 run that has seen New York shave the Red Sox' lead to 5 1/2 games entering this weekend's series. Andy Pettitte has won four of his last five starts and has been solid on the road (6-5, 3.26). His counterpart, Daisuke Matsuzaka, has been just the opposite, losing four of his last five decisions while giving up a total of 20 earned runs over his last three starts. New York looks like a good pick (+100) to open the series with a win tonight according to Dunkel, which has the Yankees favored straight up by 2 1/2. Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (+100). Here are all of today's games.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

Game 901-902: Atlanta at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (James) 15.385; Washington (Chico) 13.852
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-120); Under

Game 903-904: Philadelphia at NY Mets
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Moyer) 14.562; NY Mets (Glavine) 16.503
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 2; 10
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-162); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-162); Over

Game 905-906: Cincinnati at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Shearn) 15.097; Milwaukee (Sheets) 17.062
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-200); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-200); Over

Game 907-908: Pittsburgh at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Snell) 15.367; Houston (Oswalt) 14.248
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Houston (-162); 8
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+154); Over

Game 909-910: Chicago Cubs at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Zambrano) 14.841; St. Louis (Wainwright) 13.698
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1; 10
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-105); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (-103); Over

Game 911-912: Florida at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Willis) 14.027; Colorado (Fogg) 15.542
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Colorado (-136); 11
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-136); Under

Game 913-914: San Francisco at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Zito) 15.047; San Diego (Young) 14.793
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego (-158); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+150); Over

Game 915-916: Arizona at LA Dodgers
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Davis) 16.031; LA Dodgers (Penny) 15.190
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 9
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-159); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+151); Over


Game 917-918: NY Yankees at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Pettitte) 17.746; Boston (Matsuzaka) 15.315
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 2 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Boston (-108); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (+100); Under

Game 919-920: Baltimore at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Burres) 14.331; Toronto (Litsch) 16.190
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 2; 11
Vegas Line: Toronto (-177); 10
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-177); Over

Game 921-922: Kansas City at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Bannister) 14.878; Cleveland (Sabathia) 16.143
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-205); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-205); Over

Game 923-924: Detroit at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Robertson) 15.187; Minnesota (Garza) 15.580
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-107); 10
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-101); Under

Game 925-926: LA Angels at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Colon) 15.057; White Sox (Contreras) 15.353
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1/2; 11
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-141); 10
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+133); Over

Game 927-928: Tampa Bay at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Shields) 15.218; Seattle (Hernandez) 14.260
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1; 11
Vegas Line: Seattle (-135); 9
Dunkel Pick: Tampa bay (+127); Over

Game 929-930: Texas at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Gabbard) 15.578; Oakland (Meyer) 15.113
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1/2; 11
Vegas Line: Texas (-108); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-108); Over

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[pm530]

Baseball – Write up

MLB
Write-up


Friday, September 14

Hot Pitchers
-- Glavine is 2-0, 0.90 in his last three starts.
-- Shearn is 2-0, 3.12 in three starts this season. Brewers are 13-4 in last seventeen Sheets starts.
-- Zambrano has a 1.65 RA in three '07 starts against Cardinals. Wainwright is 3-2, 2.21 in his last six starts.
-- Astros won eight of last nine Oswalt starts.
-- Fogg is 2-0, 2.12 in his last three starts.
-- Zito has a 1.80 RA in his last five starts.
-- Arizona won eleven of last twelve Davis starts. Dodgers are 5-2 in Penny's last seven starts.

-- Bronx won eleven of last thirteen Pettitte starts.
-- Sabathia is 3-0, 1.17 in his last three starts. Royals won eight of last ten Bannister starts.
-- White Sox won last three Contreras starts, scoring 21 runs.
-- Seattle won six of last seven Hernandez starts. Devil Rays won last five Shields starts (3-0, 3.47).
-- Texas won five of last six Gabbard starts.

Cold Pitchers
-- James is 1-2, 6.58 in his last five starts. Chico is 0-2, 6.15 in his last five starts.
-- Moyer has 9.47 RA in his last five starts.
-- Pirates lost nine of last twelve Snell starts.
-- Marlins lost eleven of last twelve Willis starts.
-- Padres lost last six Young starts (0-3, 6.23).

-- 14 of last 25 batters Matsuzaka faced have scored.
-- Burres is 1-2, 10.47 in his last four starts. Litsch is 0-2, 7.54 in his last three starts.
-- Detroit lost four of last five Robertson starts. Garza is 1-2 in his last four starts, with an 11.34 RA.
-- Colon makes first start since July 23 (0-6, 9.64 in his last ten).
-- Meyer lost his first start for A's, allowing six runs in four IP against the Royals, in a 9-2 home loss.


Totals
-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six James starts.
-- Under is 4-1 in last five Glavine starts.
-- Under is 3-1-1 in last five Sheets home starts.
-- Under is 4-1 in Oswalt's last five starts.
-- Over is 4-1 in Zambrano's last five road starts.
-- Under is 7-3 in Fogg's last ten starts.
-- Last six Zito starts stayed under the total.
-- Under is 10-3 in last thirteen Davis road starts.

-- Under is 7-2 in last nine Pettitte starts.
-- Over is 7-3 in Baltimore's last ten games.
-- Last six Sabathia starts stayed under the total.
-- Under is 8-2-1 in Robertson road starts this season.
-- Over is 12-5-1 in last eighteen Contreras starts.
-- Under is 5-2-1 in last eight Shields starts.
--

Hot Teams
-- Nationals won their last five home games.
-- Mets won seven of their last nine home games.
-- Reds won five of their last seven games. Brewers won five of their last six home games.
-- Pirates won three of their last four games.
-- Rockies won seven of their last nine home games.
-- Dodgers won nine of their last eleven home games. Arizona won seven of its last eight games.

-- Bronx won seven of their last eight games. Red Sox won six of their last eight home games.
-- Indians won four of their last five games.
-- Tigers won seven of their last nine games. Twins won three of their last four games.
-- Angels won seven of their last nine road games.
-- A's won four of their last five home games.

Cold Teams
-- Braves are 4-8 in their last dozen road games.
-- Phillies lost six of their last eight road games.
-- Astros lost seven of their last eight games.
-- Cardinals lost their last six games, allowing 36 runs. Cubs are 8-11 in their last nineteen road games.
-- Florida lost eleven of its last thirteen road games.
-- Padres lost six of their last eight games. Giants lost four of their last five road games.

-- Orioles lost eighteen of their last twenty-two games. Toronto lost four of its last five games.
-- Royals lost seven of their last eight games.
-- White Sox lost three of their last four games.
-- Mariners lost fifteen of their last nineteen games. Tampa Bay lost last three nights, in games they led 8-1/7-1 and 4-3 in 9th.
-- Rangers lost three of their last four games.

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[pm530]

Baseball - Tips & Trends

MLB


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Tips and Trends
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Friday, September 14


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

New York’s Andy Pettitte is an incredible 15-6 with a 3.32 ERA in 28 career outings versus Boston. The veteran left-hander is 5-2 with a 3.39 ERA in 13 games at Fenway Park, allowing just three home runs in 69 innings. EDGE: YANKEES
Pettitte has posted a dominant 9-2 record and 3.14 ERA in 12 starts since the All-Star break. He’s slowed down a bit in September, posting an even 1-1 record and 4.97 ERA. SLIGHT EDGE: YANKEES
Red Sox starter Daisuke Matsuzaka is 7-4 at Fenway Park this season, but carries a very-high 5.24 ERA. The right-hander has allowed 13 earned runs and 18 hits over his last 13 1/3 innings at home. SLIGHT EDGE: RED SOX
Matsuzaka has a winning 2-1 record against the Yankees, but picked up the loss in his last start against them. He’s allowed 15 earned runs and 19 hits over 19 1/3 innings versus New York. SLIGHT EDGE: RED SOX
The UNDER is 5-0 in the Red Sox last five home games versus a left-handed starter.


Philadelphia Phillies at New York Mets (7:10 PM ET)

Philadelphia starter Jamie Moyer is 5-3 with an impressive 2.62 ERA in 10 career starts versus New York. He’s an even 1-1 with a 3.32 ERA in three starts against them in 2007, with the Mets hitting for a .311 average. SLIGHT EDGE: PHILLIES
Moyer has been hit hard since the All-Star break, allowing 46 earned runs on 87 hits over just 62 innings of work. Opposing batters are hitting .335 against him in the second half, after being limited to a .263 average in the first half. EDGE: METS
New York’s Tom Glavine has posted three impressive outings in a row, allowing just two earned runs and eight hits over 13 innings. The left-hander is a perfect 6-0 with a 3.24 ERA in 11 starts since the All-Star break. BIG EDGE: METS
Glavine is a perfect 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA in four starts against the Phillies in 2007. The veteran has allowed five earned runs and 12 hits over 13 innings against Philadelphia at Shea Stadium. EDGE: METS
The Phillies are 14-3 in Moyer’s last 17 starts versus the National League East.


Pittsburgh Pirates at Houston Astros (8:05 PM ET)

Pittsburgh’s Ian Snell has a losing 2-3 record and 4.23 ERA in eight career outings versus Houston. The young hurler picked up an 8-3 victory at Minute Maid Park on August 24, allowing three earned runs and six hits over seven innings. SLIGHT EDGE: PIRATES
Snell is suffering through a miserable second half, going 2-7 with a 5.72 ERA in 12 starts. He’s allowed 13 home runs in 72 1/3 innings since the All-Star break, after surrendering just nine home runs in his first 116 2/3 innings this season. EDGE: ASTROS
Astros ace Roy Oswalt has a dominant 11-5 record and 2.62 ERA in 21 career appearances versus Pittsburgh. The right-hander is 1-0 with a 1.32 ERA in two starts against them this season, giving up just two runs and 12 hits over 13 2/3 innings. EDGE: ASTROS
Oswalt’s performance has fallen off in the month of September, giving up nine earned runs and 19 hits over 12 2/3 innings. Opposing batters are hitting .358 against him this month, after managing to hi just .219 in August. EDGE: PIRATES
The UNDER is 10-2-1 in the last 13 meetings.


Detroit Tigers at Minnesota Twins (8:10 PM ET)

Detroit left-hander Nate Robertson is 6-7 with a 3.98 ERA in 17 career outings versus Minnesota. He’s enjoyed great success in two starts against the Twins this season, giving up just three earned runs and eight hits over 14 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: TIGERS
Life on the road has been miserable for Robertson over his last five starts, as the Tigers have picked up five losses. Detroit has been outscored 34-19 over that span. EDGE: TWINS
Minnesota’s Matt Garza is searching for his first home victory of the season, posting a dismal 0-4 record and 6.00 ERA in five starts. The Twins offense has managed to score just 13 runs with Garza on the mound at the Metrodome. EDGE: TIGERS
Garza will make his third career start against Detroit tonight, as the right-hander is 0-1 with a 3.18 ERA. He’s yet to allow a home run in 11 1/3 innings versus the Tigers offense. SLIGHT EDGE: TWINS
The UNDER is 11-1 in the Tigers last 12 games versus the AL Central.


Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals (8:10 PM ET)

Chicago ace Carlos Zambrano is a solid 7-4 with a 2.45 ERA in 18 career outings versus St. Louis. The hard-throwing right-hander has limited the Cardinals to just 95 hits in 121 1/3 innings against them. EDGE: CUBS
Zambrano has been far from dominant since August, going 1-5 with a 7.40 ERA over his last seven starts. Part of his recent struggles can be attributed to his control problems, issuing 27 walks over his last 39 2/3 innings. EDGE: CARDINALS
St. Louis right-hander Adam Wainwright is a dismal 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA in 12 career games versus Chicago. The second-year hurler has allowed an incredible 38 hits over just 23 innings of work against the Cubs. EDGE: CUBS
Wainwright has flourished since the All-Star break, going 6-3 with a 2.48 ERA in 11 starts. He’s limiting batters to just a .252 average against them and allowed just two home runs over his last 72 2/3 innings on the mound. EDGE: CARDINALS
The Cardinals are 14-3 in their last 17 games as a home favorite.


Florida Marlins at Colorado Rockies (9:05 PM ET)

Marlins left-hander Dontrelle Willis is a perfect 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in three career starts against the Rockies. He’s made just one start at Coors Field, allowing just two runs and seven hits over seven innings of work. EDGE: MARLINS
Willis has struggled through a terrible second half of the season, posting a 1-8 record and 6.19 ERA in 12 starts. The left-hander has surrendered 12 home runs and 98 hits over just 68 1/3 innings since the All-Star break. BIG EDGE: ROCKIES
Colorado’s Josh Fogg looks to keep his perfect record for the month of September, as the right-hander is 2-0 with a 2.45 ERA in his first two starts. He’s yet to allow a home run this month in 11 innings. EDGE: ROCKIES
Fogg is an even 4-4 with a 3.56 ERA in 10 career starts versus Florida. The right-hander suffered a 4-3 road loss to the Marlins on August 1, giving up three earned runs and eight hits over five innings. SLIGHT EDGE: MARLINS
The Marlins are 3-15 in their last 18 games versus the NL West.


Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Dodgers (10:40 PM ET)

Arizona’s Doug Davis hasn’t allowed an earned run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in 30 career innings against them. He’s limited batters to just a .158 average and has issued just seven walks over that span. BIG EDGE: D-BACKS
Davis has a losing 5-8 record and 3.54 ERA in 14 road starts in 2007. The Diamondbacks have picked up four straight victories on the road with him on the mound, outscoring opponents 23-15 over that span. SLIGHT EDGE: D-BACKS
Los Angeles right-hander Brad Penny has an impressive 7-2 record and 2.98 ERA in 17 home starts this season. Opposing batters have managed to hit just two home runs against him in over 105 2/3 innings. BIG EDGE: DODGERS
Penny has a winning 7-3 record and 1.96 ERA in 15 career starts versus Arizona. The All-Star pitcher has tallied a 2-1 record and 1.61 ERA against the Diamondbacks this season, giving up not a single home run and 18 hits over 28 innings. EDGE: DODGERS
The Dodgers are 9-2 in their last 11 games as a favorite.

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[pm530]

Baseball – Betting Notes

MLB


Friday, September 14

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MLB Betting Notes
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Friday’s MLB betting notes

Chipper hopeful on return

Rumors are circulating that Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones might be done for the season, but after a short batting practice on Wednesday the veteran was extremely optimistic.

"Left-handed, it felt good," the switch-hitter told MLB.com. "Right-handed, it's still a little sore. I'll take the day off on Thursday, and then hopefully be ready this weekend, hopefully Friday."

Jones strained his oblique muscle making a throw during batting practice on Monday, his fourth injury this season.

Jones, who is batting .330 with 25 homers for the season, could face Washington Nationals pitcher Matt Chico (5-8, 4.61) if he returns to the lineup on Friday. The Braves counter with Chuck James (10-10, 4.21) for the series openers and are –120 favorites with the total set at 9.

Manny back to face the Yanks?

Boston Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez could return to the lineup for Friday’s series opener against the New York Yankees after taking batting practice on Tuesday without repercussions.

"On Tuesday he ended up taking his swings, some dry swings, some flips, one round, and again, it's still controlled," a cautious Terry Francona told MLB.com.

"Until he is pain-free and doesn't have that point-tenderness, they have to keep everything he does under a controlled basis. That's where we're at, but he continues to increase his activity daily."

The powerful outfielder injured his left oblique during the last series against the Yankees at the end of August and has been working hard to get back in the lineup since then.

"He's been doing a ton of cardio inside," Francona said. "The running outside maybe allows the public to see what he's doing a little bit, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's changed. He's been doing a ton in here."

Ramirez is batting .292 with 20 home runs and 86 RBIs for the season.

Big-hitting season for Tigers

The Detroit Tigers are on the verge of having four different players score over 100 runs in a season for the first time since 1950. That comes on the back of a quadruple-20 (doubles, triples, stolen bases, homers) season from Curtis Granderson.

Granderson has 113 hits for the season and Magglio Ordonez has 107. Both Gary Sheffield (99) and Placido Polanco (96) should also get to the century mark by the end of the season.

As a team, the Tigers have managed 812 runs this year, well short of the Yankees' 857 mark, but still 22 runs better than the next nearest team. The last time a team had four players with 100 runs or more in a season was in 2005, when both the Red Sox and Yankees managed it.

The Tigers are now four games off the pace in the wild-card race and start a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins on Friday.

Spiezio recovery

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Scott Spiezio could feature in the lineup for the first time in over a month on Friday, according to manager Tony La Russa. Spiezio was placed on the restricted list on August 9 to receive treatment for substance abuse, but resumed workouts this week.

"My understanding was that Monday, he did some work at the ballpark," La Russa told MLB.com on Wednesday. "We expect to see him Friday. Now what that means, I'm not sure yet."

"Beyond that, I haven't talked to him, so I can't speculate. The fact is, my understanding is that he's working out. That's enough for me," added La Russa.

Spiezio was batting .272 with 27 RBIs and three homers for the season before his problem with an unspecified substance. If he does return on Friday he will face Chicago Cubs righty Carlos Zambrano (15-2, 4.26) in the first of this weekend’s three-game series.

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[pm530]

Baseball Today - September 14

SCOREBOARD
Friday, Sept. 14
N.Y. Yankees at Boston (7:05 p.m. EDT). Andy Pettitte (13-8) faces Daisuke Matsuzaka (14-12) in the opener of a three-game set between the top two teams in the AL East.

STARS
Thursday

-- Frank Thomas, Blue Jays, drove in the winning run with a ninth-inning single in a 2-1 victory over the New York Yankees.

-- James Loney, Dodgers, drove in four runs in a 6-3 victory over San Diego.

FAMILIAR FACE

Steve Trachsel earned his first win with the Cubs in nearly eight years and Chicago hit four home runs to regain the NL Central lead by beating the Houston Astros 6-2 on Thursday night. Trachsel gave up two solo homers and seven hits in five innings for his first win since the Cubs acquired him from Baltimore on Aug. 31. The 36-year-old right-hander pitched for the Cubs from 1993-99, and his last win with them came on Oct. 3, 1999.

STEPPING DOWN

Terry Ryan resigned as general manager of the Minnesota Twins, but will stay with the team as a senior adviser. The GM the past 13 years, Ryan said his resignation was effective Sept. 30. He will be replaced by Bill Smith. The Twins won the American League Central last season, but they're two games under .500 this season and out of the playoff chase.

RESURGENT

David Wells beat Greg Maddux in a matchup of 40-something pitchers as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 6-3 on Thursday night. Released by the Padres last month, Wells allowed four hits and three runs in six innings with one walk and three strikeouts. He also had two hits off Maddux for the first multihit game of his 21-year career. The second-place Padres trail NL West-leading Arizona by four games, and Los Angeles is 5 1/2 behind.

DOWNWARD SPIRAL

St. Louis lost all seven games on its trip, capped by a 5-4 loss to Cincinnati on Thursday. It was the first three-game sweep for the Cardinals in Cincinnati since July 1998. The defending World Series champions' last winless trip of at least seven games was May 1972, when they went 0-7 in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh.

SNAPPED

Frank Thomas drove in the winning run with a ninth-inning single, and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Yankees 2-1 on Thursday night to snap New York's seven-game winning streak. ... The Angels had their six-game road winning streak snapped in a 3-0 loss to the Orioles.

STREAKS

Michael Young's two-out single in the third inning of the Rangers' 6-5 win over the Athletics on Thursday night extended his career-best hitting streak to 13 games.

STRONG IN DEFEAT

Rookie pitcher Ian Kennedy allowed one hit in seven-plus innings for the Yankees in a 2-1 loss to Toronto on Thursday night.

SPEAKING

"I felt a lot of elation when we won, and sorrow when we lost. Now all of a sudden the defeats are getting a little harder to take, and the wins aren't as much fun. That's not a good thing to experience as a general manager." -- Terry Ryan, who resigned from his position as general manager of the Minnesota Twins on Thursday. Ryan, who was the GM for the last 13 years, will stay with the team as a senior adviser.

SEASONS
Sept. 14

1903 -- Red Ames' debut with the New York Giants was a five-inning, 5-0, no-hit victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. The game was called in midafternoon because of unusual darkness.

1923 -- Red Sox first baseman George Burns pulled off an unassisted triple play against the Cleveland Indians.

1951 -- Bob Nieman of the St. Louis Browns hit home runs in his first two at-bats in the majors. Both came off Boston Red Sox pitcher Maury McDermott. The Red Sox won 9-6.

1968 -- Denny McLain of the Detroit Tigers beat the Oakland A's 5-4 to become the first pitcher since Dizzy Dean in 1934 to win 30 games.

1986 -- Bob Brenly of San Francisco tied a major league record with four errors in one inning, but atoned with two homers, including the game-winner, to give the Giants a 7-6 victory over the Atlanta Braves. Brenly, a catcher, was playing third base.

1987 -- Ernie Whitt hit three of Toronto's major league record 10 home runs as the Blue Jays rolled to an 18-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Baltimore shortstop Cal Ripken had his consecutive-inning streak stopped at 8,243 when he was replaced at shortstop by Ron Washington in the eighth inning.

1990 -- Ken Griffey and his son hit back-to-back homers in the first inning of the Seattle Mariners' 7-5 loss to the California Angels. The unprecedented father-and-son homers came off Kirk McCaskill.

1994 -- The baseball season, already shut down by a month-long strike, was canceled along with the World Series in a vote by 26 of the 28 teams.

1996 -- Mark McGwire became the 13th major leaguer to hit 50 home runs in a season with a homer in a 9-8 loss to Cleveland.

1998 -- The Atlanta Braves clinched their seventh straight division crown, winning the NL East with a victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. Among the major pro sports leagues -- baseball, NFL, NBA and NHL -- only seven franchises have finished first during the regular season at least seven times in a row.

2002 -- Tampa Bay's 8-4 loss at Toronto was the Devil Rays' 100th of the season. The Devil Rays (48-100) became the quickest AL team to lose 100 games since the 1949 Washington Senators lost 100 in their 147th game. The Devil Rays also became the first team to lose 100 in consecutive seasons since Toronto did it from 1977-79.

2003 -- The Detroit Tigers lost to the Royals 7-2 to become the first team in 34 years to lose 110 games in one season. Detroit (38-110) has the most losses since the Montreal Expos and San Diego Padres went 52-110 in 1969, their first seasons in the major leagues.

2005 -- Andruw Jones hit his 50th home run, becoming the first major leaguer to reach that mark since 2002, in Atlanta's 12-4 loss to Philadelphia.

Today's birthdays: Delmon Young 22; Chad Bradford 33.

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[pm530]

Baseball – Long Sheet

MLB
Long Sheet


Friday, September 14

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ATLANTA (74 - 72) at WASHINGTON (65 - 81) - 7:05 PM
CHUCK JAMES (L) vs. MATT CHICO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 74-72 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 72-77 (-18.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 74-69 (-8.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 53-53 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ATLANTA is 27-32 (-8.4 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 39-36 (-9.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
WASHINGTON is 65-81 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 49-30 (+35.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
WASHINGTON is 33-25 (+10.7 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 36-35 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
WASHINGTON is 28-12 (+21.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
WASHINGTON is 15-7 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in home games in September games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 62-78 (+6.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 22-21 (+10.4 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
CHICO is 12-4 (+12.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season. (Team's Record)
CHICO is 11-4 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season. (Team's Record)
CHICO is 9-1 (+11.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season. (Team's Record)
CHICO is 11-4 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 8-2 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday this season.
ATLANTA is 234-158 (+40.0 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 6-9 (+0.9 Units) against ATLANTA this season
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.2 Units)

CHUCK JAMES vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
JAMES is 3-2 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.92 and a WHIP of 1.641.
His team's record is 3-4 (-3.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-5. (-3.6 units)

MATT CHICO vs. ATLANTA since 1997
CHICO is 2-2 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 2.18 and a WHIP of 1.548.
His team's record is 2-2 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.2 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (77 - 69) at NY METS (83 - 62) - 7:10 PM
JAMIE MOYER (L) vs. TOM GLAVINE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 27-33 (-9.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 36-41 (-9.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
NY METS are 83-62 (+5.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 44-25 (+9.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
NY METS are 17-7 (+9.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday this season.
NY METS are 23-7 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing with a day off over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 83-62 (+5.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 84-63 (+14.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
GLAVINE is 44-21 (+19.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GLAVINE is 22-5 (+16.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GLAVINE is 12-0 (+12.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GLAVINE is 43-21 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GLAVINE is 31-15 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 25-12 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 64-53 (+20.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
MOYER is 41-19 (+20.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997. (Team's Record)
MOYER is 10-2 (+9.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 8-13 (-12.8 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 this season.
NY METS are 11-16 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 9-6 (+4.4 Units) against NY METS this season
8 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.1 Units)

JAMIE MOYER vs. NY METS since 1997
MOYER is 3-2 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.72 and a WHIP of 1.260.
His team's record is 4-2 (+2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-5. (-4.6 units)

TOM GLAVINE vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
GLAVINE is 15-11 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.61 and a WHIP of 1.341.
His team's record is 22-15 (+3.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 18-16. (-0.2 units)

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CINCINNATI (67 - 79) at MILWAUKEE (74 - 71) - 8:05 PM
TOM SHEARN (R) vs. BEN SHEETS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 35-50 (-16.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
MILWAUKEE is 93-59 (+19.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 414-467 (+56.6 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 31-18 (+16.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 354-416 (+39.8 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 103-98 (+6.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 310-347 (+45.0 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 205-211 (+44.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 23-16 (+9.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 74-71 (-4.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 19-29 (-13.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 72-70 (-5.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 46-49 (-7.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 44-43 (-5.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 16-26 (-14.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
SHEETS is 8-14 (-9.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 7-5 (+1.5 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
8 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.0 Units)

TOM SHEARN vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
No recent starts.

BEN SHEETS vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
SHEETS is 7-3 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 2.69 and a WHIP of 1.036.
His team's record is 7-7 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-7. (-1.8 units)

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PITTSBURGH (65 - 81) at HOUSTON (63 - 83) - 8:05 PM
IAN SNELL (R) vs. ROY OSWALT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OSWALT is 39-13 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
OSWALT is 39-13 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SNELL is 25-19 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 63-83 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 52-57 (-14.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 27-39 (-13.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
HOUSTON is 63-83 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 107-112 (-16.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 42-61 (-20.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 35-47 (-14.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
HOUSTON is 25-37 (-16.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 9-3 (+8.2 Units) against HOUSTON this season
9 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+6.9 Units)

IAN SNELL vs. HOUSTON since 1997
SNELL is 2-3 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 4.43 and a WHIP of 1.383.
His team's record is 4-3 (+2.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-3. (+0.9 units)

ROY OSWALT vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
OSWALT is 11-5 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 2.64 and a WHIP of 1.100.
His team's record is 13-7 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-10. (-1.1 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (75 - 71) at ST LOUIS (69 - 75) - 8:10 PM
CARLOS ZAMBRANO (R) vs. ADAM WAINWRIGHT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 75-71 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 13-20 (-9.6 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 75-71 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 35-39 (-14.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 72-80 (-20.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 68-37 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 40-35 (+8.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
ST LOUIS is 48-26 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 41-28 (+14.6 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.
CHICAGO CUBS are 31-22 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
ZAMBRANO is 21-9 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 13-3 (+11.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 21-9 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 163-158 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 16-25 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 163-158 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 44-54 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 8-4 (+3.4 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.4 Units)

CARLOS ZAMBRANO vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
ZAMBRANO is 7-4 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 2.45 and a WHIP of 1.132.
His team's record is 10-7 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-9. (-4.2 units)

ADAM WAINWRIGHT vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
WAINWRIGHT is 0-2 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 11.66 and a WHIP of 2.387.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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FLORIDA (63 - 83) at COLORADO (76 - 70) - 9:05 PM
DONTRELLE WILLIS (L) vs. JOSH FOGG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 63-83 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
FLORIDA is 60-83 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
FLORIDA is 46-64 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WILLIS is 28-38 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WILLIS is 27-37 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WILLIS is 20-29 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 76-70 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 43-28 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
COLORADO is 76-67 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 55-48 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
COLORADO is 40-29 (+14.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
FLORIDA is 221-235 (+36.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against FLORIDA this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

DONTRELLE WILLIS vs. COLORADO since 1997
WILLIS is 2-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

JOSH FOGG vs. FLORIDA since 1997
FOGG is 4-4 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 3.56 and a WHIP of 1.509.
His team's record is 5-5 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-5. (-0.4 units)

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ARIZONA (83 - 64) at LA DODGERS (77 - 69) - 10:40 PM
DOUG DAVIS (L) vs. BRAD PENNY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 31-17 (+12.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
PENNY is 22-8 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
PENNY is 21-8 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
PENNY is 18-6 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
PENNY is 23-8 (+13.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PENNY is 34-22 (+17.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 83-64 (+19.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 37-35 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ARIZONA is 83-64 (+19.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 64-43 (+22.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 60-48 (+12.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 51-31 (+20.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ARIZONA is 38-33 (+7.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ARIZONA is 22-17 (+7.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
DAVIS is 19-11 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
DAVIS is 19-11 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
DAVIS is 14-7 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
DAVIS is 10-2 (+8.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)
DAVIS is 11-4 (+9.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
DAVIS is 7-1 (+7.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 7-5 (+1.1 Units) against ARIZONA this season
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.6 Units, Under=-0.6 Units)

DOUG DAVIS vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
DAVIS is 3-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.767.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-4. (-4.3 units)

BRAD PENNY vs. ARIZONA since 1997
PENNY is 7-3 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 1.96 and a WHIP of 1.017.
His team's record is 9-6 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-9. (-4.9 units)

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NY YANKEES (83 - 63) at BOSTON (89 - 58) - 7:05 PM
ANDY PETTITTE (L) vs. DAISUKE MATSUZAKA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 83-63 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 36-36 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
NY YANKEES are 10-14 (-12.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday this season.
NY YANKEES are 28-28 (-18.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
NY YANKEES are 73-55 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY YANKEES are 34-31 (-9.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BOSTON is 89-58 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PETTITTE is 18-7 (+11.9 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. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 81-71 (-29.5 Units) against the money line in home games in September games since 1997.
BOSTON is 202-163 (-44.6 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
BOSTON is 49-53 (-20.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 292-229 (-56.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 7-8 (+0.5 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
8 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.8 Units)

ANDY PETTITTE vs. BOSTON since 1997
PETTITTE is 16-6 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 3.69 and a WHIP of 1.354.
His team's record is 17-8 (+9.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 12-12. (-0.4 units)

DAISUKE MATSUZAKA vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
MATSUZAKA is 2-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 6.98 and a WHIP of 1.397.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

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BALTIMORE (62 - 83) at TORONTO (73 - 73) - 7:05 PM
BRIAN BURRES (L) vs. JESSE LITSCH (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 62-83 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 16-4 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 30-30 (+6.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TORONTO is 23-32 (-14.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 31-41 (-14.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 7-5 (+2.0 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
8 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.5 Units)

BRIAN BURRES vs. TORONTO since 1997
BURRES is 0-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.600.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

JESSE LITSCH vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
LITSCH is 1-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 1.84 and a WHIP of 0.954.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.0 units)

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KANSAS CITY (63 - 82) at CLEVELAND (85 - 61) - 7:05 PM
BRIAN BANNISTER (R) vs. C.C. SABATHIA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 41-22 (+12.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
KANSAS CITY is 63-82 (+1.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 10-7 (+11.6 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +175 to +200 this season.
KANSAS CITY is 59-93 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 26-25 (+17.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 113-164 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 95-126 (+22.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 54-68 (+14.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 39-47 (+9.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
KANSAS CITY is 43-57 (+15.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BANNISTER is 8-2 (+7.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 47-67 (-31.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.
CLEVELAND is 145-130 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 329-293 (-66.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 5-7 (+1.5 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.1 Units)

BRIAN BANNISTER vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
BANNISTER is 1-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.714.
His team's record is 1-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

C.C. SABATHIA vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
SABATHIA is 12-8 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.29 and a WHIP of 1.232.
His team's record is 15-11 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 15-11. (+3.5 units)

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DETROIT (80 - 67) at MINNESOTA (72 - 74) - 8:10 PM
NATE ROBERTSON (L) vs. MATT GARZA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 28-41 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 55-53 (-8.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
DETROIT is 14-20 (-12.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
ROBERTSON is 9-17 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
ROBERTSON is 9-20 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ROBERTSON is 1-7 (-7.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)
ROBERTSON is 5-11 (-9.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
ROBERTSON is 3-10 (-9.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ROBERTSON is 0-6 (-7.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 184-139 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 92-69 (+24.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 40-25 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 124-86 (+22.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 72-74 (-12.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 26-37 (-16.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
MINNESOTA is 38-37 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome this season.
MINNESOTA is 46-50 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 38-40 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf this season.
MINNESOTA is 9-14 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 34-41 (-15.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MINNESOTA is 9-19 (-11.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
GARZA is 2-8 (-9.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GARZA is 2-8 (-9.3 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GARZA is 2-8 (-9.3 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 7-5 (+2.2 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.1 Units)

NATE ROBERTSON vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
ROBERTSON is 6-7 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.06 and a WHIP of 1.354.
His team's record is 7-9 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-4. (+5.7 units)

MATT GARZA vs. DETROIT since 1997
GARZA is 0-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.18 and a WHIP of 1.147.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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LA ANGELS (86 - 60) at CHI WHITE SOX (62 - 84) - 8:10 PM
BARTOLO COLON (R) vs. JOSE CONTRERAS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 194-138 (+42.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 86-60 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 129-109 (+21.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 50-27 (+21.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 83-54 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 71-42 (+18.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 66-50 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
COLON is 19-6 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHI WHITE SOX are 62-84 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 32-40 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 55-77 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 93-100 (-20.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 12-19 (-9.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a win this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 31-43 (-18.2 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.
CONTRERAS is 24-32 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 3-3 (+0.5 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.7 Units)

BARTOLO COLON vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
COLON is 9-5 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 4.09 and a WHIP of 1.320.
His team's record is 10-8 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-8. (+0.2 units)

JOSE CONTRERAS vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
CONTRERAS is 4-4 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 3.48 and a WHIP of 1.129.
His team's record is 4-5 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-4. (+0.6 units)

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TAMPA BAY (61 - 86) at SEATTLE (77 - 68) - 10:05 PM
JAMES SHIELDS (R) vs. FELIX HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 46-108 (-37.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 14-41 (-21.5 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 41-93 (-32.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 42-64 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 31-77 (-29.2 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 50-115 (-33.5 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 20-56 (-24.5 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 77-68 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 37-28 (+11.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 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 43-29 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SEATTLE is 25-10 (+14.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
SEATTLE is 72-61 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 57-47 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 45-31 (+16.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SEATTLE is 27-13 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
HERNANDEZ is 18-8 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 18-7 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 215-200 (-73.0 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 3-1 (+2.0 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. SEATTLE since 1997
SHIELDS is 0-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 1.80 and a WHIP of 0.800.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.0 units)

FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 1-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.47 and a WHIP of 1.028.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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

TEXAS (69 - 77) at OAKLAND (72 - 76) - 10:05 PM
KASON GABBARD (L) vs. DAN MEYER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 11-21 (-13.0 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 69-77 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 66-70 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 51-57 (+4.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
GABBARD is 10-3 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
OAKLAND is 72-76 (-8.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 31-42 (-16.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
OAKLAND is 66-68 (-6.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 31-40 (-12.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
OAKLAND is 34-38 (-13.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 9-7 (+3.1 Units) against OAKLAND this season
9 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.2 Units)

KASON GABBARD vs. OAKLAND since 1997
GABBARD is 1-1 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 7.72 and a WHIP of 2.036.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

DAN MEYER vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

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

[pm530]

Baseball - Short Sheet

MLB
Short Sheet


Friday, September 14th

National League

Atlanta at Washington, 7:05 ET
Chuck James (L) vs. Matt Chico (L)
James: Atlanta 9-2 SU off a one-run division loss
Chico: Washington 9-0 Under at home on Fridays

Philadelphia at NY Mets, 7:10 ET
Jamie Moyer (L) vs. Tom Glavine (L)
Moyer: 10-2 TSR vs. division opponents
Glavine: Mets 3-11 SU at home off a one-run division win

Cincinnati at Milwaukee, 8:05 ET
Tom Shearn (R) vs. Ben Sheets (R)
Shearn: Cincinnati 8-3 Over vs. Milwaukee
Sheets: Milwaukee 21-4 SU as a home favorite of -150 or higher

Pittsburgh at Houston, 8:05 ET
Ian Snell (R) vs. Roy Oswalt (R)
Snell: Pittsburgh 14-35 SU after blowing a save
Oswalt: 23-5 TSR in the second half of the season

Chicago at St. Louis, 8:10 ET
Carlos Zambrano (R) vs. Adam Wainwright (R)
Zambrano: 10-2 TSR away after allowing 1 or 0 runs last start
Wainwright: St. Loius 17-4 Under at home with a total of 7 to 8.5 runs

Florida at Colorado, 9:05 ET
Dontrelle Willis (L) vs. Josh Fogg (R)
Willis: 4-18 TSR as a road underdog
Fogg: Colorado 13-3 SU after allowing 12+ runs

San Francisco at San Diego, 10:05 ET
Barry Zito (L) vs. Chris Young (R)
Zito: 16-6 TSR away in the second half of the season
Young: 8-16 SU off 6+ division games

Arizona at LA Dodgers, 10:40 ET
Doug Davis (L) vs. Brad Penny (R)
Davis: Arizona 20-8 Under away off an Over
Penny: 23-8 TSR pitching off a win


American League

NY Yankees at Boston, 7:05 ET ESPN
Andy Pettitte (L) vs. Daisuke Matsuzaka (R)
Pettitte: Yankees 18-8 Over away vs. division opponents
Matsuzaka: Boston 41-18 SU revenging 4+ losses

Baltimore at Toronto, 7:05 ET
Brian Burres (L) vs. Jesse Litsch (R)
Burres: Baltimore 10-24 SU after losing 6 or 7 of their last 8 games
Litsch: Toronto 16-4 SU at home vs. left-handed starters

Kansas City at Cleveland, 7:05 ET
Brian Bannister (R) vs. CC Sabathia (L)
Bannister: Kansas City 30-18 Under off 3+ home games
Sabathia: Cleveland 15-1 SU at home after winning 4 of their last 5 games

Detroit at Minnesota, 8:10 ET
Nate Robertson (L) vs. Matt Garza (R)
Robertson: 1-7 TSR vs. division opponents
Garza: Minnesota 23-7 SU at home revenging BB home losses

LA Angels at Chicago White Sox, 8:10 ET
Bartolo Colon (R) vs. Jose Contreras (R)
Colon: 13-2 TSR as a road favorite of -150 or less
Contreras: 8-1 Over pitching off a team win

Tampa Bay at Seattle, 10:05 ET
James Shields (R) vs. Felix Hernandez (R)
Shields: Tampa Bay 2-17 SU away off BB losses by 2 runs or less
Hernandez: Seattle 17-4 SU as a home favorite of -125 to -150

Texas at Oakland, 10:05 ET
Kason Gabbard (L) vs. Dan Meyer (L)
Gabbard: Texas 11-21 SU as a road favorite of -125 or less
Meyer: Oakland 12-3 Under at home off a one-run win

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

[pm530]

Baseball – Streaking Pitchers

MLB


Friday, September 14

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Streaking Pitchers
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday's streaking starting pitchers

Hot

Tom Glavine (New York Mets) - As the Mets close in on another NL East title, Tom Glavine has been at his best. The left-hander has conceded just two runs in 20 innings over his last three starts, winning two of them. Glavine owned the Houston Astros on Saturday by giving up just one run and three hits for the 303rd victory of his career. The Phillies have had problems all season against the Mets starter. Glavine is 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA in four starts, allowing only six runs in 26 innings of work.

C.C. Sabathia (Cleveland Indians) - Sabathia will try for this 18th victory tonight with the Cleveland Indians set at -210 against the Kansas City Royals. The left-hander is 17-7 on the season and has allowed fewer than three earned runs in all 10 of his starts since July 24, a span in which he is 4-3 with a 1.83 ERA. Sabathia has victories in three straight starts and needs one more win to set a single-season high and register No. 99 of his career. Bettors should be aware that Sabathia has lost each of his last two starts against Kansas City and is 12-8 in his career versus the Royals.

Ben Sheets (Milwaukee Brewers) - After missing 1 1/2 months with a sprain in his right middle finger Ben Sheets is starting to catch fire. The right-hander improved to 2-0 with a 4.50 ERA in three starts on Sunday with a win over the Reds. He will try to get a second straight win over Cincinnati when he takes the hill at Miller Park tonight where he is 6-1 with a 2.80 ERA in 11 home starts this season. Sheets is 7-3 with a 2.69 ERA in 14 career starts against the Reds.


Cold

Jesse Litsch (Toronto Blue Jays) - Rookie Jesse Litsch will try to end a personal three-start winless streak when the Blue Jays take on the Orioles tonight as -176 favorites. The long ball has been a problem for the Jays right-hander throughout the season, having given up 12 homers in just 87 2/3 innings in his 16 starts. Litsch has split two starts against the Orioles, coming one out shy of a complete game on May 15, but giving up five runs in six innings of a defeat Aug. 18. The Blue Jays are 0-4 in Litsch's last four starts vs. the American League East.

Dontrelle Willis (Florida Marlins) - You can't get much colder than Dontrelle Willis, who has only one win in his last 19 starts this year. He is 0-3 with a 7.71 ERA in his last four outings. The lefty is coming off maybe the worst performance of a horrible year on Sunday when he gave up seven runs in three innings against the Phillies. The interesting stat for bettors is that Willis has had a successful career against the Rockies going 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA.

Chris Young (San Diego Padres) - As good as Chris Young has been for the Padres this season he may not be the best bet right now. Young has lost three straight starts against NL West opponents and has allowed 13 walks in 13 1/3 innings and posting an 8.78 ERA over that span. With the Padres right in the middle of a playoff chase they will need their right-hander to find his touch once again. Young is 1-0 with a 2.13 ERA in two starts against the Giants this season. He is 1-1 with a 3.20 ERA in four career starts against them.

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[pm530]

Baseball – Hot Lines

MLB
Hot Lines


Friday, September 14

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hot lines
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hot lines: Friday’s best MLB bets

Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals (+105, 8 ½)

The St. Louis Cardinals have lost seven straight games for the first time since last September. They head into this weekend’s action knowing that nothing short of a series win against the Cubs will do if they are to make the playoffs.

The defending World Series champion has 17 games remaining to close a five-game deficit in the NL Central. They are all but out of contention in the wild card race at 8 ½ back.

A lack of strong pitching, both from the starters and the bullpen has been the Cards major flaw this year. Their staff has posted a 5.61 ERA (fourth worst in the NL) this month alone.

Today they send Adam Wainwright (13-10, 3.75) to the mound, but he is 0-2 with an 11.66 ERA in three starts against Chicago this season and a Cubs offense that has scored 36 runs in the past seven days could rough him up.

Pick: Cubs –113


Texas Rangers at Oakland Athletics (-106, 9 ½)

The Oakland A’s will seek to avenge last week’s three-game sweep in Texas, when they the Rangers in the second of four games. Neither team has any hope of making the playoffs, but they are both trying to avoid finishing bottom of the AL West.

Oakland’s struggles this season are mainly due to a lack of productivity. A’s batters have compiled a league-low .238 average at home this season and are on their way to posting their worst home average since 1982 (.229)

Meanwhile, the Texas lineup has been hot in September, compiling a .302 average so far. Shortstop Michael Young is batting .423 during his current 13-game hitting streak.

Pick: Texas -102


Detroit Tigers at Minnesota Twins (-105, 9 ½)

The Tigers own the worst road record in baseball since July 24, posting a 6-16 record over that time. But what they have lacked on their travels, they have more than made up for at home. They are still in contention in both the AL Central (5 ½ back) and wild card (3 ½ back).

The key to the Tigers playoff run is hot hitting. Detroit is on the verge of having four batters (Ordonez, Sheffield, Granderson, Polanco) reach the 100 runs scored mark in the same season for the first time since 1950. They are also ranked third in the majors with a combined .286 average for the season.

Despite their road struggles, the Tigers are 5-1 in the Metrodome this season. Tonight, their powerful lineup faces Minnesota starter Matt Garza (3-5, 3.71), who is 0-9 with a 6.40 ERA in 11 outings at his home field.

Pick: Detroit -103

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

[Dennis14072]

Thanks Guys, good luck tonight!

[Kaptain]

09/14/07
05:52 PM Lineup Alert
MLB
Red Sox LF Manny Ramirez (.292; oblique) is NOT starting; Bobby Kielty (.250) is in left.

09/14/07
05:51 PM Lineup Alert
MLB
Red Sox 3B Mike Lowell (.326; illness) is IN the starting lineup.

09/14/07
05:49 PM Lineup Alert
MLB
Mets RF Shawn Green (.281) is NOT starting; Lastings Milledge (.288) is in right.

09/14/07
05:45 PM Lineup Alert
MLB
Nationals RF Austin Kearns (.268; elbow) is IN tonight's lineup.

09/14/07
05:44 PM Lineup Alert
MLB
Braves 3B Chipper Jones (.330; oblique) is IN tonight's lineup.

09/14/07
05:27 PM News Alert NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be racing under the No. 88 for Hendrick Motorsports next season.

09/14/07
05:05 PM Lineup Alert
CFB
Oklahoma State is still unclear on who will be their starting QB tonight - Bobby Reid or Zac Robinson.

09/14/07
05:04 PM Lineups
CFB
USC WR Patrick Turner (head) is expected to start this week.

09/14/07
05:01 PM Lineups
NFL
Saints TE Mark Campbell (back) has been ruled out for Week 2.

09/14/07
05:01 PM Lineup Alert
NFL
Giants QB Eli Manning will start on Sunday according to the NFL Network.

09/14/07
04:59 PM Lineup Alert
NFL
Jets QB Kellen Clemens will start this Sunday for the injured Chad Pennington.

09/14/07
04:58 PM Injuries
NFL
Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander (not listed) has a sprained wrist and will don a cast on his left hand during Sunday's game.

09/14/07
04:54 PM News Alert
MLB
Philadelphia RP Antonio Alfonseca has been suspended for four games, after he was ejected for throwing at Rockies Todd Helton.

09/14/07
02:42 PM Injuries
MLB
Braves 3B Chipper Jones (.330; oblique) has been upgraded to questionable for tonight.

09/14/07
02:17 PM Weather
CFB
Oklahoma State @ Troy: Cloudy; 40% chance of scattered rain; Gusty southwest winds.

09/14/07
01:59 PM Injuries
NFL
Bills WR Josh Reed (thigh) missed practice for the third consecutive day and is questionable for this weekend.

09/14/07
01:56 PM Lineups
NFL
Cowboys LB Greg Ellis (Achilles) will NOT play this Sunday.

09/14/07
01:54 PM Info Alert
NFL
Suspended RB Ricky Williams will seek reinstatement by the NFL after Oct. 1.

09/14/07
11:58 AM Injuries
NFL
Bucs QB Jeff Garcia was sore from a few big hits last weekend, but has practiced without limits this week.

09/14/07
11:16 AM News Alert
NBA
Don Nelson has reached an agreement with the Warriors and will return to coach the team for at least one more season.

09/14/07
11:14 AM Lineups
MLB
Cubs 1B Derrek Lee (bruised knee) expects to return to the lineup tonight.

09/14/07
11:14 AM Injury Alert
MLB
Reds OF Josh Hamilton (strained hamstring) is likely out for the remainder of the season.

09/14/07
11:12 AM Info Alert
MLB
Cardinals SP Mike Maroth has been removed from the rotation once again.

09/14/07
11:10 AM Lineups
CFB
Vanderbilt QB Chris Nickson (hamstring) is expected to start this Saturday.
09/14/07
11:09 AM Injuries
NFL
Dallas WR Terry Glenn could return in 4-6 weeks following arthroscopic knee surgery.

09/14/07
11:08 AM Lineups
NFL
Ravens LB Ray Lewis (strained triceps) is fully expected to start on Sunday.

09/14/07
11:07 AM Injury Alert
NFL
Chiefs WR Eddie Kennison's hamstring is reportedly partially torn and could be out several weeks.

09/14/07
11:06 AM Info Alert
NFL
Andrew Walter is the odds-on favorite among the Raiders quarterbacks to lose his roster spot, according to the Oakland Tribune.

09/14/07
11:05 AM Injury Alert
NFL
Rams CB Tye Hill will miss four-to-six weeks after suffering multiple broken bones in his back during Thursday's practice.

09/14/07
03:16 AM Injuries
CFB
Friday: Oklahoma State's QB Bobby Reid (head) is questionable.

09/14/07
03:15 AM Injuries
MLB
Friday: Red Sox LF Manny Ramirez (.292; oblique) and 3B Mike Lowell (.326; illness) are questionable.

09/14/07
03:14 AM Injuries
MLB
Friday: Orioles 3B Melvin Mora (.269; back) is probable.

09/14/07
03:13 AM Injuries
MLB
Friday: Braves 3B Chipper Jones (.330; oblique) is doubtful; Angels OF Gary Matthews Jr. (.258; ankle) is out.

09/14/07
03:13 AM Injuries
MLB
Friday: Marlins SS Hanley Ramirez (.332; personal) is probable; Cubs 1B Derek Lee (.312; knee) is questionable.

09/14/07
03:12 AM Injuries
MLB
Friday: D-Rays OF Carl Crawford (.311; suspension) is out; Pirates LF Jason Bay (.253; knee) is questionable.

09/14/07
03:04 AM Info Alert
NFL
Cowboys are the NFL's most valuable franchise according to Forbes magazine.

09/14/07
03:01 AM Injuries
CFB
Arizona State's RB Ryan Torain (ankle) is questionable against San Diego State.

09/14/07
03:00 AM Injury Alert
CFB
Utah WR Brent Casteel is out for the season following an ACL injury.

09/14/07
02:59 AM Injury Alert
CFB
Wisconsin's starting WR Paul Hubbard is out 6-8 weeks with a knee injury.

09/14/07
02:58 AM Coach's Call
CFB
Notre Dame's coach Charlie Weis plans on opening up the playbook a bit more this weekend against Michigan.

09/14/07
02:56 AM Injuries
CFB
Oklahoma State's running backs Julius Crosslin and Dantrell Savage (undisclosed) are both very questionable for Friday's game.

09/14/07
02:53 AM Boxscore
CFB
West Virginia's Steve Slaton ran for 137 yards and 3 scores in a win over Maryland Thursday night.

09/14/07
02:52 AM Info Alert
MLB
Yankees Roger Clemens threw 40 pitches in a bullpen session Thursday and said he'll be fine to start Sunday.

09/14/07
02:51 AM Injuries
MLB
Astros SP Chris Sampson has been shut down for the rest of the season because of his elbow woes.

09/14/07
02:50 AM Injuries
MLB
Padres OF Milton Bradley is unlikely to play this weekend because of his strained oblique.

09/14/07
02:49 AM Lineups
MLB
The Padres will start Brett Tomko against the Giants on Saturday.

09/14/07
02:49 AM Boxscore
MLB
Phillies J.D. Durbin was pulled after one-plus innings Thursday and gave up three runs.

09/14/07
02:48 AM Boxscore
MLB
Steve Trachsel picked up his first win since rejoining the Cubs by holding the Astros to two runs over six innings on Thursday.

09/14/07
02:47 AM Boxscore
MLB
Mariners Jeff Weaver lasted just 1 1/3 innings on Thursday and gave up five runs.

09/14/07
02:46 AM News Alert
NFL
NFL fined Pats coach Bill Belichick $500,000, and the team will lose at least one draft choice for 'spying' on the Jets in Week 1.