Wednesday Trends and Indexes 06/18

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes
Wednesday, June 18

Good Luck on day #170 of 2008!

NOTE:
As information becomes available, we will attempt to post the trends and indexes as soon as possible.
Information is posted from what we believe are reliable sources.
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[pm530]

Six-pack for Wednesday

-- Justin Duchscherer was only starting out of 30 Tuesday to finish the eighth inning. He's been great for the spunky A's.

-- Since Saturday, four of 98 starting pitchers lasted eight IP.

-- John Lackey pitched 7+ innings in last 11 starts, longest streak by an Angel since Mark Langston in 1991.

-- Marcus Thames' last eight hits are all home runs. He hit a monumental shot to center in ninth inning last night. In his last ten games, Thames is 9 for 30, with those eight HRs, for a slugging percentage of 1.100.

-- If baseball playoffs started Wednesday morning, it'd be:
NL-- Phillies-Cubs-Diamondbacks--Cardinals
AL-- Red Sox-White Sox-Angels-Rays

-- Will Kevin McHale get a championship ring from Boston?

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[pm530]

Wednesday's Armadillo's Den: Missing Mets' mess a must

Facts of the case

-- If the playoffs started today, the Rays would be in playoffs, both New York teams would be out.

-- Mets beat the Angels 9-6 Monday, their third win in four games; you figure since ownership had allowed the coaches to travel 3,000 miles to Anaheim with the team, and team appeared to be playing a little better, that Willie Randolph and coaches were safe for the road trip. Um, no.

-- After the game, around 3:10am, after even I had turned my computer off, they fired Randolph. Too late to make headlines in Tuesday morning’s newspapers.

-- Apparently, the jackasses who own the Mets hadn’t heard about the Internet yet. News travels fast these days, especially bad news.

-- Ownership has right to hire/fire coaches as they please, but have some class, will ya?

-- Mets brought up three coaches from AAA New Orleans to fill the void, which means the minor leaguers may be coaching themselves for a while.

-- Mets still have the same mediocre roster that got them to this point. Good luck to Jerry Manuel, who at least got thrown out of a game this year for arguing; Manuel was 500-471 in his six years managing the White Sox from 1998-2003.

-- Manuel and I have the same birthday. Cool.

-- Bad day to be a Met fan. Really bad.


Why Randolph had to go

-- Randolph never should have been hired by the Mets, for same reason the rotunda at the Mets’ new ballpark, Citi Field, shouldn’t have been named after Jackie Robinson—neither person is a Met.

-- It would be like Cincinnati naming their ballpark after Willie Stargell; it doesn’t make sense.

-- Robinson retired before the Mets came into being. Randolph is a Bronx Bomber, a fine ballplayer, but a Bronx player who didn’t properly prepare to become a big league skipper. Sitting next to Joe Torre is not proper preparation for managing.

-- Just ask Lee Mazzilli.

-- Last month in a Sunday night game against Bronx, Carlos Delgado was blatantly screwed out of a three-run homer, after the proper call was overturned by another umpire. Randolph argued meekly and returned to his dugout, his dignity intact.

-- Think Lou Piniella or Bobby Cox would have seen the end of that game? No freakin’ way. Randolph was above going nuts to show support for his players. Inexcusable.

-- Despite managing a team that had worst September collapse in baseball history last year, Randolph played the race card with regards to how he is seen by the Mets’ own TV station.

-- He should have been fired as soon as these comments were confirmed. If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen.


Good news: There’s enough blame for everyone!!!!

-- Omar Minaya is the Mets’ GM; he built an older roster with lot of players (El Duque, Alou, Martinez, Castillo) who are very injury-prone. His team is also over 50% Hispanic; they even hired a Hispanic trainer under Minaya’s watch. Why didn’t this team have a Hispanic manager?

-- One of the biggest questions in this issue is who pulled the trigger on the manager; Minaya, a very nice man, or owners of the Mets, Fred (father) and Jeff (son) Wilpon, very rich men?

-- Fred Wilpon went to high school with Sandy Koufax; he’s not an attention hog, a point in his favor, but there is very little evidence that he helps the ballclub in any way, other than signing large paychecks.

-- His son Jeff has shown alarming tendencies that he is both a frustrated ballplayer and a complete nitwit. Once on a Met TV telecast, just after plans for Citi Field had been announced, he was asked the dimensions of the new ballpark. He didn’t freakin’ know. Why was he on the air then? What exactly does he know?

-- Steve Phillips, former Met GM and now a solid commentator on ESPN, takes shots at Jeff Wilpon now and then. Phillips wasn’t given the resources Minaya has been, just as Art Howe wasn’t given the players Randolph was.

-- Rick Peterson and Tom Nieto, two of the coaches, were let go with Randolph. What exactly did Nieto, a first base coach, do to get fired? Not shake hands well enough with hitters who reached base? Drop their batting gloves?

-- Peterson is said to be responsible for the Kazmir/Zambrano horror of a trade, so he probably deserves to go. His father ran the Pittsburgh Pirates once upon a time, which is how he got into baseball. When he was a pitching coach in the Eastern League in 1983, he was only guy on the team with a big league uniform, because his dad ran the big league club.

-- Peterson got famous because Billy Beane assembled the Hudson-Mulder-Zito trio in Oakland. When he had to coach Scott Schoenweis and Nelson Figueroa, he got fired. Hmmmm

-- No small irony that in Randolph’s last three games at Shea Stadium, the bench coach in the Texas dugout was Art Howe, run out of Flushing for being "too nice" and "not New York enough". Randolph is from New York, and he is bland, just like Howe. Now he is fired, just like Howe was.


Meanwhile, across town……….

-- Bronx pitcher Wang suffered a serious foot injury Sunday while running bases in Houston. Bronx owner Steinbrenner, a second generation jackass, responded by ripping the National League for not having the DH, so pitchers wouldn’t have to run the bases. Good lord.

-- Could someone please tell this man the DH was invented by the American League in 1973, and that no one likes it anymore, except the Players’ Union?

-- How do these people get rich? The old fashioned way, they inherit it.


What next?

-- Is Jerry Manuel interim or a full-time replacement? Manuel got fired in Chicago, despite no losing seasons in his last four years with the White Sox. He could be a keeper.

-- Always interesting to see what changes new skipper makes, even small, subtle ones.

-- Will Omar Minaya get fired too? After all, he constructed this $138M mess.

-- Jose Reyes and David Wright are young stars who play their butts off every day; they deserve no blame, but if they do not get occasional time off, they’re going to wear down.

-- Will Hank Steinbrenner get jealous when Mets grab all the headlines Wednesday and go on another spree of saying stupid things?

-- Mark Teixeira is going to get really rich this winter, with Mets and Bombers both desperately needing a first baseman; it would be nice if he would at least make the NL All-Star team next month. At this point, he probably won’t.

-- CC Sabathia is also going to get really rich this winter.

-- Bad week to be a Met fan. Really bad.

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[pm530]

WNBA – Long Sheet

WNBA
Long Sheet

Note: When the long sheet is updated, we will re-post.

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Wednesday, June 18
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NEW YORK (5 - 4) at INDIANA (5 - 4) - 6/18/2008, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 5-2 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 6-1 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SAN ANTONIO (6 - 4) at ATLANTA (0 - 10) - 6/18/2008, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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WASHINGTON (3 - 7) at HOUSTON (3 - 7) - 6/18/2008, 8:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 3-2 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 3-2 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CONNECTICUT (9 - 2) at PHOENIX (2 - 6) - 6/18/2008, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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CHICAGO (3 - 5) at LOS ANGELES (7 - 2) - 6/18/2008, 10:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 3-2 against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 4-1 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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[pm530]

WNBA – Additional

WNBA


Wednesday, June 18

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Trend Sheet
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7:00 PM NEW YORK vs. INDIANA
New York is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Indiana
New York is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Indiana is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home
Indiana is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games


7:00 PM SAN ANTONIO vs. ATLANTA
San Antonio is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Atlanta's last 7 games


8:30 PM WASHINGTON vs. HOUSTON
Washington is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
Washington is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Houston is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games


10:00 PM CONNECTICUT vs. PHOENIX
Connecticut is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Phoenix
Connecticut is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Phoenix
Phoenix is 1-6-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Phoenix is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games


10:30 PM CHICAGO vs. LOS ANGELES
Chicago is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Los Angeles
Los Angeles is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Los Angeles is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games at home

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball – Write up

MLB
Write-up


Wednesday, June 18

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AL teams were 12-2 yesterday, are 59-42 against NL this season. Over is 28-30-2 since last Friday in interleague games.

Hot Pitchers
-- Reds won last three Arroyo home starts (2-0, 0.47). Lowe has a 2.25 RA in his last five starts.
-- Masterson is 3-1, 2.61 in five starts in '08. Phillies won last five Kendrick starts, scoring 45 runs.
-- Tigers won four of Galarraga's five road starts; he is 3-0, 1.71 in his last three starts overall.
-- Rasner is 2-1, 1.71 in three home starts.
-- Guthrie has 3.03 RA in his last six starts.
-- Cubs won four of last five Zambrano road starts. Rays won five of last six Sonnanstine home starts.
-- Looper is 2-1, 3.04 in his last three starts.
-- Buehrle is 1-0, 1.13 in his last two starts.
-- Sheets is 3-0, 1.98 in his last five starts. Marcum is 1-0, 1.91 in his last four starts.
-- Reyes has 3.14 RA in his last four starts, 1.80 in his last two on the road.
-- Laffey is 1-0, 2.13 in his last couple starts.
-- Haren is 1-0, 2.25 in his last three starts.

Cold Pitchers
-- Giants lost all seven Zito home starts.
-- Peavy has 5.40 RA in his four road starts.
-- Moehler is 2-3, 5.23 in his last five starts.
-- Bergmann is 0-3, 10.34 in his last three starts. Slowey is 0-3 in three Metrodome starts, with a 6.00 RA.
-- Gorzelanny is 1-1, 7.45 in his last four starts.
-- Royals lost last five Bannister road outings.
-- Hurley allowed four runs in six IP in his first start, a game the Rangers later lost 6-5 in Kansas City.
-- Colorado lost five of seven Francis home starts.
-- Blanton is 0-3, 5.95 in his last three starts.
-- Mets lost six of last seven Perez road starts. Garland has 5.09 RA in his last three starts.
-- Tucker is 1-1, 5.40 in his first two big league starts. Dickey is 0-2, 14.09 in two starts this season.

Hot Teams
-- Orioles won four of last five home games.
-- Bronx won ten of its last thirteen games.
-- Rockies won nine of their last thirteen games. Indians are 6-1 in game after their last seven losses.
-- Phillies won 15 of their last 22 games. Red Sox are 13-5 in their last eighteen games.
-- Cubs won seven of their last nine games. Rays won 23 of the last 27 home games.
-- Nationals won three of their last four games. Twins are 3-1 in their last four games.
-- Rangers are 14-8 in their last 22 home games.
-- Brewers won ten of last thirteen home games.
-- Royals won four of their last five games. Cardinals are 7-0 in second game of home series, when they lose the opener.
-- Oakland won its last five road games.
-- Angels are 7-1 in rubber games, 5-1 at home.
-- Detroit won nine of its last eleven games.

Cold Teams
-- Reds are 5-10 in their last fifteen games. Dodgers lost seven of last eight games, scoring total of 18 runs.
-- Padres lost four of last five road games.
-- Astros lost six in row, 15 of last 18 games.
-- Toronto is 1-5 in its last six road games.
-- White Sox lost five of their last seven games. Pirates are 1-3 in last four games, allowing 37 runs.
-- Braves are 3-11 in their last 14 road games.
-- Arizona is 7-13 in last 20 games, 3-7 in last ten at home.
-- Giants lost thirteen of their last sixteen home games.
-- Marlins are 5-13 in their last eighteen road games. Mariners lost eight of their last nine home games.
-- Mets lost five of their last six road games.

Totals
-- Under is 9-6-1 in last sixteen Los Angeles games.
-- Under is 7-2 in Houston's last nine road games.
-- Four of last five San Diego games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Phillies' home games stayed under total.
-- Six of Cubs' last eight games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 18-6-2 in Braves' last 26 road games.
-- Six of last seven Toronto games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 7-3 in Washington's last ten road games.
-- Over is 12-2-1 in Pirates' last fifteen road games.
-- Over is 6-2 in Cardinals' last eight home games.
-- Seven of last nine Cleveland road games went over the total.
-- Over is 5-1-1 in last seven Arizona games.
-- Over is 12-6-1 in Mets' last nineteen road games.
-- Over is 12-2-1 in last fifteen Florida road games.
-- Four of last five Giant home games stayed under the total.

Umpires
-- LA-Cin-- Last five Reilly games stayed under the total.
-- Bos-Phil-- Seven of last eight Wendelstedt games went over.
-- Det-SF-- Uner is 5-1-1 in last seven Crawford games.
-- Hst-Balt- Home team won the last eight Hoye games.
-- SD-NY-- Last six Cederstrom games went over the total.
-- Chi-TB-- Eight of last ten Danley games went over the total.
-- Atl-Tex-- Under is 9-3 in last dozen Montague games.
-- Tor-Mil-- Last five Holbrook games all went over the total.
-- Pitt-Chi-- Underdog is 6-4 in last ten Reliford games.
-- Wsh-Minn-- Over is 6-0-1 in last seven Vanover games.
-- KC-StL-- Five of seven Hohn games stayed under the total.
-- Cle-Colo-- Underdog won four of last five Joyce games.
-- A's-Az-- Six of last eight Meals games went over the total.
-- NY-LAA-- Five of last seven Eddings games went over total.
-- Fla-Sea-- Underdog is 4-3 in last seven Tichenor games.

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball – Additional

MLB


Wednesday, June 18

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Trend Sheet
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1:05 PM BOSTON vs. PHILADELPHIA
Boston is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Boston is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games
Philadelphia is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games at home


3:45 PM DETROIT vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
Detroit is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
San Francisco is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
San Francisco is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home


7:05 PM HOUSTON vs. BALTIMORE
Houston is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Houston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Baltimore
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston


7:05 PM SAN DIEGO vs. NY YANKEES
San Diego is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games
San Diego is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 10-3 SU in their last 13 games at home
NY Yankees are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing San Diego


7:10 PM CHI CUBS vs. TAMPA BAY
Chi Cubs are 16-5 SU in their last 21 games
Tampa Bay is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home


7:10 PM LA DODGERS vs. CINCINNATI
LA Dodgers are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing Cincinnati
LA Dodgers are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games on the road
Cincinnati is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games at home
Cincinnati is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home


8:05 PM ATLANTA vs. TEXAS
Atlanta is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Texas
Atlanta is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Texas is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Atlanta


8:05 PM TORONTO vs. MILWAUKEE
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Toronto is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Milwaukee is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games
Milwaukee is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home


8:10 PM WASHINGTON vs. MINNESOTA
Washington is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Minnesota
Washington is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Minnesota is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games


8:11 PM PITTSBURGH vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Pittsburgh is 1-4-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Pittsburgh is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Chi White Sox are 1-3-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
Chi White Sox are 9-2-1 SU in their last 12 games at home


8:15 PM KANSAS CITY vs. ST. LOUIS
Kansas City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Kansas City is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games on the road
St. Louis is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
St. Louis is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games when playing Kansas City


9:05 PM CLEVELAND vs. COLORADO
Cleveland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Colorado
Cleveland is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games on the road
Colorado is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Colorado is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games at home


9:40 PM OAKLAND vs. ARIZONA
Oakland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Oakland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Arizona is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Oakland
Arizona is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games


10:05 PM NY METS vs. LA ANGELS
NY Mets are 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
NY Mets are 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
LA Angels are 11-5 SU in their last 16 games


10:10 PM FLORIDA vs. SEATTLE
Florida is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Florida is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games on the road
Seattle is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games at home
Seattle is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball - Tips & Trends

MLB


Wednesday, June 18

We will re-post when projected scores and key injuries are updated.

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Tips and Trends
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San Diego Padres at New York Yankees [YES | 7:05 PM ET]

Padres: Jake Peavy gets the start against the Yankees after a strong performance his last time out, pitching six scoreless innings versus the Dodgers. Peavy needed an outing like that because his five prior starts weren't up to his lofty standards. Over that span, Peavy allowed 15 runs in 34.2 innings of work. Peavy isn't the same pitcher away from Petco Park, where he has an ERA of 5.40. The OVER is 4-2 in Peavy's last six starts.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Yankees (-120, O/U 9): Following a sizzling start to the season, Darrell Rasner has come crashing back down to earth of late. After winning his first three starts, Rasner has now dropped four straight. In his last 23 innings pitched, he's allowed 14 runs. The Yankees lost all four of those games. Three of those four losses came on the road, however. Tonight Rasner is back at Yankee Stadium where he has an impressive 1.71 ERA on the season. The UNDER is 5-2 in Rasner's seven starts this year.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD



Chicago Cubs at Tampa Bay Rays [ESPN | 7:10 PM ET]

Cubs (-130, O/U 8.5): Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano takes to the hill hoping to limit one of the best offenses in baseball. Zambrano hasn't been quite himself over his last two starts, allowing 21 hits and nine runs in 13.2 innings of work. Both of Zambrano's losses this season have been on the road but overall he's 4-2 with a solid 3.86 ERA away from home. The OVER is 5-2 in Zambrano's last seven starts.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Rays: Andy Sonnanstine has pitched well his last three times out, all Rays victories. He didn't reach the sixth inning in any of those starts, which is the main reason why he recorded just one win over that span. Unlike most of the Rays pitchers, Sonnanstine is actually more effective on the road than he is at home. He has a 3-2 record and 5.32 ERA at Tropicana Field in 2008. The OVER has cashed five times in Sonnanstine's last seven starts.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD



Cleveland Indians at Colorado Rockies [9:05 PM ET]

Indians: Aaron Laffey has seven quality starts in 2008 and hasn't lost a game since May 22. Take away a terrible performance against the Rangers and Laffey has been tremendous over the last month. He's allowed more than two runs just twice this season and has done a good job of keeping runners off the basepaths by walking only 13 in 57.1 innings pitched. The OVER is 4-0 the last four times Laffey has taken the hill.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Rockies (-125, O/U 9.5): Jeff Francis has really struggled in 2008 and has only two wins in his last 10 starts. Francis has been pitching better of late but has just a 1-1-2 record to show for it. Coors Field is known as a hitter's park and Francis would certainly attest to that. He's just 1-4 with a 5.79 ERA in seven starts at home this season. Francis has started one game against the Indians over his career, although he would like to forget it after allowing seven runs in 5.2 innings of work.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD



Oakland A's at Arizona Diamondbacks [9:40 PM ET]

A's: Joe Blanton isn't having a good season and things have gotten even worse for him over his last four starts. In 25.2 innings pitched, Blanton allowed 16 runs in his most recent four-game span. Blanton is 2-2 in four starts on the road this season to go along with an ERA of 4.88. Overall, the A's are a dismal 4-11 in games Blanton has started. Even though he hasn't pitched well, the UNDER has cashed easily in Blanton's last two outings.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Diamondbacks (-145, O/U 8): Dan Haren has pitched well in his last three starts after hitting a rough patch in mid-May. Haren has allowed just five runs in his last 20 innings pitched, leading the Diamondbacks to a 3-0 mark over that stretch. He's been money at home, going 6-1 with an ERA of 2.56. Opposing batters are hitting just .212 against Haren at Bank One Ballpark. Expect a low scoring game tonight with Haren on the mound. The UNDER is 7-3 in his last 10 starts.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball – Streaking Pitchers

MLB


Wednesday, June 18

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Streaking Starting Pitchers
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Wednesday's streaking starting pitchers

Streaking

Andy Sonnanstine (7-3, 4.89 ERA)

This guy doesn’t get the same kind of credit as some of the other guys on the Rays’ staff, but even though he doesn’t do it with Scott Kazmir-type power, Sonnanstine still gets the wins.

He’s led the Rays to wins in his last three starts, not with dazzling stuff but with great control. He hasn’t allowed a home run since May 21 and he’s walked only one batter in those three recent wins.

Shaun Marcum (5-3, 2.43 ERA)

You wouldn’t expect a starter who’s got only one win in his last five outings to be listed among the “streaking” pitchers, but just look at Marcum’s numbers and you’ll quickly realize that he’s not to blame for any of those losses.

Marcum is almost a guaranteed quality start every time out. In the three most recent losses, the right-hander went seven innings every time and allowed a total of four earned runs. It’s amazing the Jays weren’t able to get a single win out of that, but just to reiterate, it sure as hell wasn’t Marcum’s fault.


Slumping

Kevin Slowey (3-6, 4.70 ERA)

Some folks just aren’t morning people. Take Kevin Slowey for example. He’s got a horrible 0-4 record and 9.00 ERA when he has to drag his butt out of bed for a day game, but when his Twins play at night, he’s 3-2 with a 2.60 ERA.

Lucky for him, today’s game is scheduled for an 8:10 p.m. ET start. Other good news for Slowey: he’ll be matched up against Washington’s Jason Bergmann who is 0-2 with a 7.20 ERA in night games.

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[Udog]

MLB


Wednesday, June 18

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Baseball Today
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SCOREBOARD
Wednesday, June 18

Oakland at Arizona (9:40 p.m. EDT). Dan Haren (6-4, 3.41 ERA) pitches for the NL West-leading Diamondbacks against the team that traded him last offseason. Joe Blanton is on the mound for the Athletics.

STARS
Tuesday

- Mark Ellis, Athletics, hit two of Oakland's six home runs and drove in four runs in a 15-1 victory over Arizona.

- Jason Giambi, Yankees, homered twice in an 8-0 victory over San Diego.

- Justin Morneau, Twins, hit a two-run homer in the sixth inning of a 2-1 victory over Washington.

- Mike Aviles, Royals, homered to snap an eighth-inning tie and lift Kansas City to a 2-1 victory at St. Louis.

- Cliff Floyd and Evan Longoria, Rays, hit solo home runs in Tampa Bay's 3-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs.

- Greg Reynolds, Rockies, pitched six strong innings and led Colorado's season-high 17-hit attack by going 2-for-3 with a run scored in a 10-2 victory over Cleveland.

CHIPPER WATCH

Chipper Jones went 0-for-2 with two walks, lowering his average three points to .400 in Atlanta's 7-5 loss at Texas on Tuesday night. Despite going 2-for-4 in his previous game, Jones has just four hits in his past 21 at-bats.

SEEING A FAMILIAR PLACE

Miguel Tejada went 0-for-3 with a walk in Houston's 6-5 loss to the Orioles in his first game at Camden Yards since being traded to the Astros in December. After signing a $72 million, six-year contract with the Orioles before the 2004 season, Tejada never batted lower than .296 and hit 102 home runs and averaged 107 RBIs during his four-year run in Baltimore.
- Braves first baseman Mark Teixeira went 0-for-2 with a walk, a run scored and an RBI in a 7-5 loss to the Rangers. It was his first game in Arlington, Texas-a place he spent five years before a trade-deadline deal last year sent him to Atlanta.

RARE FEAT

Seattle's Felix Hernandez struck out the side on nine pitches in the fourth inning of a 5-4 win over the Marlins on Tuesday night, becoming the 13th pitcher in American League history to accomplish the feat.

SHUTOUTS

Andy Pettitte gave up five hits and struck out a season-high nine in seven innings to help the Yankees to an 8-0 win over San Diego on Tuesday night.
- Boston's Jon Lester struck out five over seven innings in a 3-0 victory over Philadelphia.
- Manny Parra allowed four hits in seven innings of Milwaukee's 7-0 victory over Toronto.

STRONG STARTS

Justin Duchscherer limited Arizona to one run and five hits in eight innings of Oakland's 15-1 victory over Arizona on Tuesday night.
- The Dodgers' Chad Billingsley took a shutout into the seventh inning of a 3-1 victory at Cincinnati. He allowed one run and five hits and struck out nine in 6 1/3 innings.
- Livan Hernandez, on pace to become the first pitcher since Atlanta's Phil Niekro in 1979 to allow more than 300 hits in a season, limited Washington to one run and five hits in seven innings of the Twins' 2-1 victory.
- Kyle Davies allowed one run and five hits with four strikeouts in seven innings to lead Kansas City to a 2-1 victory at St. Louis.
- The Angels' John Lackey gave up one run and six hits with seven strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings of a 6-1 victory over the New York Mets.

CELEBRATING 600

The Cincinnati Reds commemorated Ken Griffey Jr.'s 600th homer Tuesday night before the opener of a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Griffey was on the field with his family while the team showed highlights of his career on the video board. He turned his cap backward and addressed the crowd briefly. The 38-year-old outfielder became the sixth to reach the mark last week in Florida. He was out of the starting lineup because of illness, but struck out as a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning.

SIDELINED

White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko went on the 15-day disabled list for the first time in his career Tuesday after straining his left side during pregame batting drills over the weekend. Konerko, who hurt himself Sunday, has struggled this season and was batting .215 with eight homers and 30 RBIs. Nick Swisher is expected to play first base during Konerko's absence.
- The Dodgers put right-hander Brad Penny on the 15-day disabled list with a sore shoulder that has bothered him for much of the season. He went back to Los Angeles for a medical test Monday that detected tendinitis.
- Red Sox pitcher Bartolo Colon was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday with a stiff lower back, and injured right-hander Curt Schilling was sent back to Boston for an examination with team doctors.

NOT FAST ENOUGH

Houston Astros manager Cecil Cooper and the Minnesota Twins' Ron Gardenhire were fined undisclosed amounts by Major League Baseball on Tuesday for failing to comply with pace of game regulations last weekend. With games seeming to run longer each year, teams were asked last month to help enforce speed-up rules already on the books. Cooper and Gardenhire were the first two managers sanctioned under the new push.

SURGERY

Indians infielder Josh Barfield underwent surgery to repair an injured ligament on the left middle finger on Tuesday and the team said he will be out six to eight weeks.

STICKING AROUND FOR A WHILE

Jerry Manuel received assurances from general manager Omar Minaya that he will be the Mets' interim manager for at least the rest of the season. Manuel took over for Willie Randolph who was fired late Monday night after the Mets' 9-6 win over the Los Angeles Angels. Manuel, who was Randolph's bench coach, previously managed the Chicago White Sox for six seasons and was the AL manager of the year in 2000. Manuel lost his first game with the Mets, 6-1 to the Angels on Tuesday night.

SNAPPED

Chad Billingsley took a shutout into the seventh inning, and the Dodgers held on for a 3-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds that ended Los Angeles' five-game losing streak.
-Seattle's 5-4 win over Florida snapped the Mariners' eight-game home losing streak.

STREAKS

Milwaukee's 7-0 win over Toronto on Tuesday night was its eighth straight at home against the Blue Jays-and the first since 1997, the last year the Brewers were in the American League.
… Marcus Thames homered in Detroit's 5-1 victory at San Francisco, tying the Giants' franchise record for consecutive games with home runs. In Thames' past 30 at-bats, he eight hits-all homers. The last streak longer was Mark McGwire in 2001 when he had 11 straight hits for homers, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
… Houston's 6-5 loss at Baltimore was its sixth straight defeat.

SPEAKING

"Very, very special. You never imagine when you are thrown in with names (like) McCovey and Ted Williams. That's pretty neat. It really is. I remember my dad talking about Ted Williams, what a great hitter he was and just the great things he did.
It's something hard to imagine being in a class or in a same group with those men."-White Sox DH Jim Thome, after hitting his 521st home run-tying him with Willie McCovey and Ted Williams for 16th place on the career list-in a 16-5 victory over Pittsburgh on Tuesday night.

SEASONS
June 18

1947-Cincinnati's Ewell Blackwell tossed a 6-0 no-hitter against the Boston Braves.

1950-In the nightcap of a doubleheader, the Cleveland Indians scored 14 runs in the first inning for an American League record as they trounced the Philadelphia A's 21-2.

1953-At Fenway Park, Dick Gernert's home run highlighted the 17-run, 14-hit seventh inning as the Boston Red Sox beat the Detroit Tigers 23-3. Gene Stephens collected three hits and Sammy White scored three runs in the big inning. Tom Umphlett also reached base three times in the inning.

1960-The San Francisco Giants fired Bill Rigney and selected Tom Sheehan as manager. At 66 years, two months and 18 days, Sheehan was the oldest man to debut as a manager of a major league team.

1967-Houston Astro Don Wilson tossed his first of two career no-hitters by blanking the Atlanta Braves 2-0, facing 30 batters and striking out 15.

1975-Fred Lynn drove in 10 runs with three homers, a triple and a single in a 15-1 Boston Red Sox victory over the Detroit Tigers. Lynn's 16 total bases tied an AL record.

1986-California's Don Sutton pitched a three-hitter for his 300th career victory as the Angels beat the Texas Rangers 5-1. The 41-year-old right-hander became the 19th pitcher in baseball history to win 300 games.

2002-Luis Castillo tied Rogers Hornsby's 80-year-old record for the longest hitting streak by a second baseman, beating out a dribbler to the pitcher in the sixth inning to make it 33 games in a row, in a 2-1 Florida win over Cleveland.

2005-Atlanta's Julio Franco, 46, hit two homers in a game for the first time since September 12, 1996, becoming the second-oldest player to homer in major league history. Jack Quinn was a week shy of his 47th birthday when he homered in 1930.

2007-Chone Figgins went 6-for-6 and drove in the game-winning run in the ninth inning to lift the Los Angeles Angels over Houston 10-9.

[Udog]

MLB
Dunkel


Cleveland at Colorado
After yesterday's 10-2 whitewashing in Colorado, the Indians look to bounce back behind starter Aaron Laffey (4-3, 2.83) and take advantage of the Rockies 7-11 record at home as a favorite between -100 to -125. Cleveland is the underdog pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Indians favored straight up by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+110). Here are all of today's games.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18

Game 951-952: LA Dodgers at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Kuroda) 13.579; Cincinnati (Arroyo) 15.536
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 2; 10
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-115); 9
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-115); Over

Game 953-954: Boston at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Masterson) 15.370; Philadelphia (Kendrick) 17.027
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-115); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-115); Under

Game 955-956: Detroit at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Galarraga) 14.991; San Francisco (Zito) 15.596
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-140); 9
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+130); Over

Game 957-958: Houston at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Moehler) 14.611; Baltimore (Guthrie) 14.050
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-150); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+140); Over

Game 959-960: San Diego at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Peavy) 15.639; NY Yankees (Rasner) 15.578
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-115); 9
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+105); Under

Game 961-962: Chicago Cubs at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Zambrano) 14.696; Tampa Bay (Sonnanstine) 15.958
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+110); Under

Game 963-964: Atlanta at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Reyes) 14.663; Texas (Hurley) 15.854
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1; 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-110); 11
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-110); Over

Game 965-966: Toronto at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Marcum) 15.082; Milwaukee (Sheets) 14.264
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-130); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+120); Over

Game 967-968: Pittsburgh at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Gorzelanny) 15.283; White Sox (Buehrle) 14.432
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-165); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+155); Under

Game 969-970: Washington at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Bergmann) 15.654; Minnesota (Slowey) 13.955
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-135); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+125); Under

Game 971-972: Kansas City at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Bannister) 14.793; St. Louis (Looper) 16.531
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 2; 10
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-135); 9
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-135); Over

Game 973-974: Cleveland at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Laffey) 16.168; Colorado (Francis) 14.551
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Colorado (-120); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+110); Under

Game 975-976: Oakland at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Blanton) 15.538; Arizona (Haren) 14.418
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Arizona (-140); 8
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+130); Under

Game 977-978: NY Mets at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Perez) 15.492; LA Angels (Garland) 14.051
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-135); 9
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+125); Under

Game 979-980: Florida at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Tucker) 14.441; Seattle (Dickey) 14.708
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Seattle (-110); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-110); Over

[Udog]

MLB


Wednesday, June 18

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hot Lines: Wednesday's best MLB bets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Toronto at Milwaukee (-135, 7 1/2)

One of the few advantages bettors have over the bookies is in games like this one, in which you have two excellent starting pitchers who regularly work well into the late innings. These are the kind of matchups that produce final scores like 2-3, but due to oddsmaking convention, you'll rarely see a total go below seven runs. That leaves a nice little chink in the sportsbook's armor for bettors to exploit.

Both Toronto's Shaun Marcum and Milwaukee's Ben Sheets have ERAs below 3.00 and over their last three outings, that number is closer to 2.00. And considering both clubs are strong under bets (combined O/U record of 52-83-7) and neither team has been hitting all that well lately, this looks like a great opportunity to look at the low end of the total.

Pick: Under



Cleveland at Colorado (-120, 9 1/2)

The Aaron Laffey debate is still ongoing. The rookie’s ERA has come down to earth after he finished the month of May with a 1.59 mark, but aside from one bad start in Texas, the kid has been an enigma to hitters. His first trip to Coors Field, where the Rockies are hitting .276 against lefties, might go a long way to providing a more concrete answer to the debate.

There are signs that Laffey is starting to slip. After not allowing a single home run in his first six starts, the four he gave up in his last three starts could be cause for alarm. The fact that he's facing a club that has feasted on left-handers isn't going to help a young pitcher who's trying to regain his form while playing in unfamiliar territory.

In spite of all that, bullpens will be the deciding factor in this game - and the advantage there goes to Colorado. If Rockies starter Jeff Francis struggles, there are plenty of options in the pen that can bail him out. Cleveland doesn't have that luxury.

Pick: Rockies

[Udog]

MLB
Long Sheet


Wednesday, June 18


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

LA DODGERS (32 - 38) at CINCINNATI (33 - 39) - 7:10 PM
DEREK LOWE (R) vs. BRONSON ARROYO (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 5-1 (+4.0 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

DEREK LOWE vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
LOWE is 1-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.95 and a WHIP of 0.732.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

BRONSON ARROYO vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
ARROYO is 1-2 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.543.
His team's record is 1-5 (-4.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-3. (-0.3 units)

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BOSTON (45 - 29) at PHILADELPHIA (42 - 31) - 1:05 PM
JUSTIN MASTERSON (R) vs. KYLE KENDRICK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 27-35 (-19.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 12-20 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 3-12 (-10.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 64-40 (+20.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
KENDRICK is 11-3 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
KENDRICK is 11-3 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 152-98 (+23.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 38-10 (+25.8 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 48-22 (+20.4 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 44-20 (+21.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 1-1 (+0.1 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

JUSTIN MASTERSON vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.

KYLE KENDRICK vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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DETROIT (33 - 38) at SAN FRANCISCO (31 - 41) - 3:45 PM
ARMANDO GALARRAGA (R) vs. BARRY ZITO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 33-38 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
DETROIT is 15-22 (-11.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
DETROIT is 5-14 (-9.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
DETROIT is 10-17 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
DETROIT is 46-23 (+18.3 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 35-14 (+17.9 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 40-20 (+19.0 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 53-65 (-20.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 28-49 (-21.9 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 102-132 (-26.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 37-48 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 24-36 (-17.4 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 72-85 (-23.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 102-132 (-26.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ZITO is 16-24 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZITO is 3-13 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZITO is 16-24 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against DETROIT this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

ARMANDO GALARRAGA vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

BARRY ZITO vs. DETROIT since 1997
ZITO is 7-6 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.04 and a WHIP of 1.208.
His team's record is 8-7 (-6.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-6. (+1.5 units)

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HOUSTON (33 - 38) at BALTIMORE (35 - 34) - 7:05 PM
BRIAN MOEHLER (R) vs. JEREMY GUTHRIE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 306-314 (-69.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 30-27 (+7.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 28-17 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 28-23 (+10.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 35-34 (+6.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 20-12 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BALTIMORE is 48-57 (-25.5 Units) against the money line in home games in an inter-league game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against HOUSTON this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

BRIAN MOEHLER vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
MOEHLER is 1-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 4.73 and a WHIP of 1.577.
His team's record is 5-1 (+5.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.7 units)

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. HOUSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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SAN DIEGO (31 - 41) at NY YANKEES (38 - 33) - 7:05 PM
JAKE PEAVY (R) vs. DARRELL RASNER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 19-32 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 47-60 (-21.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 317-346 (+31.6 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 133-104 (-21.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 116-90 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

JAKE PEAVY vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
PEAVY is 0-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 0.833.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

DARRELL RASNER vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.

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CHICAGO CUBS (45 - 26) at TAMPA BAY (41 - 29) - 7:10 PM
CARLOS ZAMBRANO (R) vs. ANDY SONNANSTINE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 41-29 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 27-11 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 27-12 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome this season.
TAMPA BAY is 29-13 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf this season.
TAMPA BAY is 30-20 (+9.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TAMPA BAY is 17-5 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 45-26 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 30-18 (+9.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ZAMBRANO is 12-0 (+12.0 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 27-12 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 16-3 (+14.1 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 18-6 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

CARLOS ZAMBRANO vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.

ANDY SONNANSTINE vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

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ATLANTA (35 - 37) at TEXAS (36 - 36) - 8:05 PM
JO-JO REYES (L) vs. ERIC HURLEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 25-46 (-27.6 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 10-26 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 7-18 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
ATLANTA is 8-17 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 7-15 (-9.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
ATLANTA is 119-115 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 2-9 (-8.3 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
ATLANTA is 10-26 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TEXAS is 103-109 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 28-21 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 36-36 (+6.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 65-50 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 1-0 (+1.1 Units) against ATLANTA this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

JO-JO REYES vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

ERIC HURLEY vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.

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TORONTO (35 - 37) at MILWAUKEE (37 - 33) - 8:05 PM
SHAUN MARCUM (R) vs. BEN SHEETS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 4-10 (-9.3 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
TORONTO is 20-29 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 69-39 (+19.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 72-42 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 72-42 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 11-2 (+10.0 Units) against the money line after getting shut out over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 109-80 (+24.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 92-107 (-32.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against TORONTO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

SHAUN MARCUM vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
No recent starts.

BEN SHEETS vs. TORONTO since 1997
SHEETS is 1-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 1.13 and a WHIP of 1.125.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

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PITTSBURGH (34 - 37) at CHI WHITE SOX (39 - 31) - 8:11 PM
TOM GORZELANNY (L) vs. MARK BUEHRLE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 1-12 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in road games after allowing 10 runs or more over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 68-129 (-32.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 30-65 (-23.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 21-57 (-31.7 Units) against the money line in road games in an inter-league game since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 68-129 (-32.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 25-14 (+9.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 36-21 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 58-72 (-25.1 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

TOM GORZELANNY vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.

MARK BUEHRLE vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
BUEHRLE is 2-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 1.80 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.3 units)

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WASHINGTON (29 - 43) at MINNESOTA (35 - 36) - 8:10 PM
JASON BERGMANN (R) vs. KEVIN SLOWEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 16-51 (-26.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 31-12 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 28-22 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 52-43 (+22.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 102-132 (+7.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 10-6 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in road games in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

JASON BERGMANN vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
No recent starts.

KEVIN SLOWEY vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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

KANSAS CITY (29 - 42) at ST LOUIS (42 - 30) - 8:15 PM
BRIAN BANNISTER (R) vs. BRADEN LOOPER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 37-69 (-21.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 15-30 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ST LOUIS is 63-52 (+14.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 42-30 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 23-12 (+13.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 42-30 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 28-18 (+10.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 93-130 (+19.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 35-34 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 25-18 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 1-0 (+1.3 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

BRIAN BANNISTER vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
BANNISTER is 1-0 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.286.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

BRADEN LOOPER vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

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

CLEVELAND (33 - 38) at COLORADO (29 - 42) - 9:05 PM
AARON LAFFEY (L) vs. JEFF FRANCIS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 33-38 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 7-15 (-13.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CLEVELAND is 32-36 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 17-25 (-15.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
COLORADO is 23-15 (+11.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 89-82 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 68-56 (+16.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 28-42 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 28-42 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

AARON LAFFEY vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

JEFF FRANCIS vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
FRANCIS is 0-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 11.11 and a WHIP of 1.764.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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OAKLAND (39 - 31) at ARIZONA (37 - 34) - 9:40 PM
JOE BLANTON (R) vs. DAN HAREN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BLANTON is 1-9 (-8.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 130-110 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 130-110 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 94-73 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 27-19 (+9.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 23-15 (+9.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
OAKLAND is 19-12 (+8.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OAKLAND is 39-31 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 43-25 (+20.6 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 118-83 (+33.8 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game since 1997.
ARIZONA is 12-25 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in home games in June games over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 32-47 (-29.3 Units) against the money line in home games after allowing 10 runs or more since 1997.
ARIZONA is 7-16 (-11.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 1-0 (+1.3 Units) against ARIZONA this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

JOE BLANTON vs. ARIZONA since 1997
No recent starts.

DAN HAREN vs. OAKLAND since 1997
No recent starts.

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NY METS (34 - 36) at LA ANGELS (43 - 29) - 10:05 PM
OLIVER PEREZ (L) vs. JON GARLAND (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 34-36 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 9-14 (-10.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
NY METS are 14-22 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
NY METS are 34-36 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 19-27 (-13.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PEREZ is 2-11 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 38-24 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 14-3 (+10.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 43-29 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 49-27 (+19.5 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
GARLAND is 8-17 (-11.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GARLAND is 12-20 (-15.3 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 since 1997. (Team's Record)
GARLAND is 4-11 (-10.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GARLAND is 32-38 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 1-1 (+0.4 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

OLIVER PEREZ vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
PEREZ is 0-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.286.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

JON GARLAND vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

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FLORIDA (38 - 33) at SEATTLE (25 - 46) - 10:10 PM
RYAN TUCKER (R) vs. R.A. DICKEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 38-33 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
FLORIDA is 29-17 (+17.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
FLORIDA is 116-91 (+30.1 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game since 1997.
FLORIDA is 37-31 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
FLORIDA is 29-26 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
FLORIDA is 29-22 (+12.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
FLORIDA is 19-14 (+8.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SEATTLE is 25-46 (-25.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 7-20 (-12.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
SEATTLE is 15-23 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SEATTLE is 1-8 (-9.2 Units) against the money line in home games in June games this season.
SEATTLE is 21-44 (-28.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 17-32 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 20-33 (-15.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 7-17 (-12.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against SEATTLE this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

RYAN TUCKER vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.

R.A. DICKEY vs. FLORIDA since 1997
No recent starts.

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

[Udog]

MLB
Short Sheet


Wednesday, June 18th

National League

LA Dodgers at Cincinnati, 7:10 ET
Derek Lowe (R) vs. Bronson Arroyo (R)
Lowe: Dodgers 15-3 vs. Cincinnati
Arroyo: 3-10 TSR after allowing 0 ER last outing

Interleague Play

Boston at Philadelphia, 1:05 ET
Justin Masterson (R) vs. Kyle Kendrick (R)
Masterson: Bos 21-5 vs. NL East
Kendrick: 11-3 TSR this season

Detroit at San Francisco, 3:45 ET
Armando Galarraga (R) vs. Barry Zito (L)
Galarraga: Det 42-17 as a road favorite of -125 or more
Zito: 3-13 TSR in day game

Houston at Baltimore, 7:05 ET
Brian Moehler (R) vs. Jeremy Guthrie (R)
Moehler: 5-1 TSR vs. Baltimore
Guthrie: Bal 10-4 Over in June

San Diego at NY Yankees, 7:05 ET
Jake Peavy (R) vs. Darrell Rasner (R)
Peavy: 11-1 Over Away off a loss
Rasner: 0-3 TSR, 6.35 ERA L3 starts

Chicago Cubs at Tampa Bay, 7:10 ET ESPN
Carlos Zambrano (R) vs. Andy Sonnanstine (R)
Zambrano: 12-0 TSR as a road favorite of -125 to -150
Sonnanstine: TB 26-11 Under in home games

Atlanta at Texas, 8:05 ET
Jo-Jo Reyes (L) vs. Eric Hurley (R)
Reyes: Atl 26-9 Under in road games
Hurley: Tex 62-41 Under off a win

Toronto at Milwaukee, 8:05 ET
Shaun Marcum (R) vs. Ben Sheets (R)
Marcum: 9-1 TSR as a road underdog of +100 to +150
Sheets: 13-23 TSR after 2+ consecutive team wins

Pittsburgh at Chicago White Sox, 8:10 ET
Tom Gorzelanny (L) vs. Mark Buehrle (L)
Gorzelanny: Pit 1-12 AWAY after allowing 10+ runs
Buehrle: CHW 25-14 following a win

Washington at Minnesota, 8:10 ET
Jason Bergmann (R) vs. Kevin Slowey (R)
Bergmann: Wash 10-6 AWAY in interleague play
Slowey: MIN 15-7 OVER after scoring 2 runs or less

Kansas City at St. Louis, 8:15 ET
Brian Bannister (R) vs. Braden Looper (R)
Bannister: KC 4-17 after 4+ consecutive road games
Looper: STL 10-2 after scoring 2 runs or less

Cleveland at Colorado, 9:05 ET
Aaron Laffey (L) vs. Jeff Francis (L)
Laffey: CLE 13-4 OVER AWAY after 1+ consecutive overs
Francis: COL 17-27 when the total is 8.5 to 10

Oakland at Arizona, 9:40 ET
Joe Blanton (R) vs. Dan Haren (R)
Blanton: 1-9 TSR in night games
Haren: ARI 24-8 revenging a loss vs opponent as a home favorite

NY Mets at LA Angels, 10:05 ET
Oliver Perez (L) vs. Jon Garland (R)
Perez: NYM 49-27 when the total is 9 to 9.5
Garland: 1-7 TSR as a favorite of -125 to -175

Florida at Seattle, 10:10 ET
Ryan Tucker (R) vs. R.A. Dickey (R)
Tucker: FLA 29-17 when the total is 9 to 9.5
Dickey: Sea 9-19 when the money line is -100 to -150

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

MLB


June 18


Update
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tips and Trends
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

San Diego Padres at New York Yankees [YES | 7:05 PM ET]

Padres: Jake Peavy gets the start against the Yankees after a strong performance his last time out, pitching six scoreless innings versus the Dodgers. Peavy needed an outing like that because his five prior starts weren't up to his lofty standards. Over that span, Peavy allowed 15 runs in 34.2 innings of work. Peavy isn't the same pitcher away from Petco Park, where he has an ERA of 5.40. The OVER is 4-2 in Peavy's last six starts.

Padres are 8-20 in their last 28 road games.
The OVER is 11-1 in Peavy's last 12 road starts.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 5 (OVER - Total Play of the Day)

Yankees (-120, O/U 9): Following a sizzling start to the season, Darrell Rasner has come crashing back down to earth of late. After winning his first three starts, Rasner has now dropped four straight. In his last 23 innings pitched, he's allowed 14 runs. The Yankees lost all four of those games. Three of those four losses came on the road, however. Tonight Rasner is back at Yankee Stadium where he has an impressive 1.71 ERA on the season. The UNDER is 5-2 in Rasner's seven starts this year.

Yankees are 10-3 in their last 13 home games.
The OVER is 6-2-1 in New York's last 9 interleague games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 6



Chicago Cubs at Tampa Bay Rays [ESPN | 7:10 PM ET]

Cubs (-130, O/U 8.5): Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano takes to the hill hoping to limit one of the best offenses in baseball. Zambrano hasn't been quite himself over his last two starts, allowing 21 hits and nine runs in 13.2 innings of work. Both of Zambrano's losses this season have been on the road but overall he's 4-2 with a solid 3.86 ERA away from home. The OVER is 5-2 in Zambrano's last seven starts.

Cubs are 16-5 in their last 21 games overall.
The UNDER is 9-2-1 in Chicago's last 12 interleague games.

Key Injuries - OF Alfonso Soriano (.283; broken hand) is out at least 6 weeks.

PROJECTED SCORE: 4

Rays: Andy Sonnanstine has pitched well his last three times out, all Rays victories. He didn't reach the sixth inning in any of those starts, which is the main reason why he recorded just one win over that span. Unlike most of the Rays pitchers, Sonnanstine is actually more effective on the road than he is at home. He has a 3-2 record and 5.32 ERA at Tropicana Field in 2008. The OVER has cashed five times in Sonnanstine's last seven starts.

Rays are 22-5 in their last 27 games on field turf.
The UNDER is 13-4-1 in Tampa Bay's last 18 games overall.

Key Injuries - OF Carl Crawford (.265) has completed his 4-game suspension and will play.
2B Akinori Iwamura (.273) is appealing his 3-game suspension and will play.

PROJECTED SCORE: 5 (Side Play of the Day)



Cleveland Indians at Colorado Rockies [9:05 PM ET]

Indians: Aaron Laffey has seven quality starts in 2008 and hasn't lost a game since May 22. Take away a terrible performance against the Rangers and Laffey has been tremendous over the last month. He's allowed more than two runs just twice this season and has done a good job of keeping runners off the basepaths by walking only 13 in 57.1 innings pitched. The OVER is 4-0 the last four times Laffey has taken the hill.

Indians are 5-14 in their last 19 road games.
The OVER is 6-2-1 in Cleveland's last 9 road games.

Key Injuries - C Victor Martinez (.278; elbow surgery) is out 6-8 weeks.

PROJECTED SCORE: 4

Rockies (-125, O/U 9.5): Jeff Francis has really struggled in 2008 and has only two wins in his last 10 starts. Francis has been pitching better of late but has just a 1-1-2 record to show for it. Coors Field is known as a hitter's park and Francis would certainly attest to that. He's just 1-4 with a 5.79 ERA in seven starts at home this season. Francis has started one game against the Indians over his career, although he would like to forget it after allowing seven runs in 5.2 innings of work.

Rockies are 9-4 in their last 13 games overall.
Rockies are 7-1 in Francis' last 8 Wednesday starts.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 6



Oakland A's at Arizona Diamondbacks [9:40 PM ET]

A's: Joe Blanton isn't having a good season and things have gotten even worse for him over his last four starts. In 25.2 innings pitched, Blanton allowed 16 runs in his most recent four-game span. Blanton is 2-2 in four starts on the road this season to go along with an ERA of 4.88. Overall, the A's are a dismal 4-11 in games Blanton has started. Even though he hasn't pitched well, the UNDER has cashed easily in Blanton's last two outings.

A's are 4-11 in Blanton's last 15 starts.
The UNDER is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 3

Diamondbacks (-145, O/U 8): Dan Haren has pitched well in his last three starts after hitting a rough patch in mid-May. Haren has allowed just five runs in his last 20 innings pitched, leading the Diamondbacks to a 3-0 mark over that stretch. He's been money at home, going 6-1 with an ERA of 2.56. Opposing batters are hitting just .212 against Haren at Bank One Ballpark. Expect a low scoring game tonight with Haren on the mound. The UNDER is 7-3 in his last 10 starts.

Diamondbacks are 3-7 in their last 10 home games.
The OVER is 11-4-1 in Arizona's last 16 interleague games.

Key Injuries - OF Eric Byrnes (.219; hamstrings) is on the 15-day DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: 5