Announcement

**pm530** · 07-12-2008, 05:41 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

July 12

Kyle Busch grabbed his sixth victory of the season last weekend, and he'll be looking for lucky number seven when he hits the track on Saturday night in the LifeLock.com 400.

Busch now leads Dale Earnhardt Jr. by 182 points atop the Sprint Cup Series driver standings, with Jeff Burton now back in third place (202 points out of first place). Carl Edwards, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Denny Hamlin, Kasey Kahne, Matt Kenseth, Clint Bowyer, Greg Biffle, and Tony Stewart round out the rest of the standings' Top 12.

Kevin Harvick is two points back of Stewart in 13th place in the standings, and those two have had the most success in the short history of this week's venue, Chicagoland Speedway. Stewart won the USG Sheetrock 400 on that track last year, and he also visited victory lane there in 2004 in the Tropicana 400. Harvick won the Tropicana 400 in both 2001 and 2002. Ryan Newman, Earnhardt Jr., and Gordon are the only other drivers with any Cup series victories at Chicagoland Speedway on their driving resumes.

A trio of Hall of Fame hurlers will take the mound in the National League on Saturday, with Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, and Greg Maddux all looking for victories. Johnson will lead the D-Backs into Philadelphia to play the Phillies, while Martinez and the Mets host Colorado, and Maddux and the Padres get another visit from the Braves.

Meanwhile, Rich Harden is expected to make his Cubs debut at Wrigley Field against the Giants on Saturday afternoon. Harden went 5-1 with a 2.34 ERA for the Athletics before being traded last week, although he's coming off a loss versus the White Sox last Sunday. The righthander has surrendered three or fewer runs in each of last 10 outings.

Other NL action on Saturday includes St. Louis at Pittsburgh, Houston at Washington, and Florida at the Los Angeles Dodgers. As well, the Reds' Edinson Volquez will be gunning for his 12th win of the year when he tosses a road game against the Brewers.

Over in the American League the White Sox will send John Danks to the mound in Texas against the Rangers. Danks is 6-4 with a 2.52 ERA on the season, and Chicago is 7-3 over his last 10 outings. The Rangers are projected to start Luis Mendoza (1-3, 7.54 ERA) against Chicago, although injuries to the team's rotation could change that.

Knuckleballer Tim Wakefield (5-6, 3.75 ERA) will try to pitch the Red Sox over the Orioles and Radhames Liz (3-1, 5.94 ERA) on Saturday night, while the day's other matinee will see the Yankees play the second of their three-games set up in Toronto. The Rays will send Matt Garza (7-4, 3.51) ERA to the hill in their game versus the Tribe.

The other AL games on Saturday are Minnesota at Detroit, Seattle at Kansas City, and the Los Angeles Angels at Oakland. Ervin Santana (10-3, 3.53 ERA) will pitch for L.A.

The Arena Football League will stage its conference championships on Saturday, with Cleveland at Philadelphia, and Grand Rapids at San Jose. The Soul are pegged as 6.5-point favorites at home in the early game, while the SaberCats are favored by 6 points.
Elsewhere, Hamilton is a 2-point home favorite against Saskatchewan in Canadian Football League action, while the WNBA offers up five contests: Chicago at Indiana, Detroit at New York, Houston at Minnesota, L.A. at Seattle, and Phoenix at Sacramento.

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

**pm530** · 07-12-2008, 05:42 AM

Arena Football League – Long Sheet

AFL
Long Sheet

Playoffs - Conference Championships

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, July 12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLEVELAND (11 - 7) at PHILADELPHIA (14 - 3) - 7/12/2008, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 3-0 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 2-1 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

GRAND RAPIDS (8 - 10) at SAN JOSE (12 - 5) - 7/12/2008, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GRAND RAPIDS is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in road games against American Conference, Western Division Opponents since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 110 this season.
SAN JOSE is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in home games where the total is greater than or equal to 110 this season.
SAN JOSE is 19-5 ATS (+13.5 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) when playing on a Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in home games when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) after playing a game on a Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN JOSE is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 8 or more games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
GRAND RAPIDS is 2-1 against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 2-1 straight up against GRAND RAPIDS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

**pm530** · 07-12-2008, 05:43 AM

Arena Football League – Trend Sheet

AFL

Trend Sheet

Saturday, July 12

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

1:00 PM CLEVELAND vs. PHILADELPHIA
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games
Philadelphia is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland

3:30 PM GRAND RAPIDS vs. SAN JOSE
Grand Rapids is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Jose
Grand Rapids is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Jose
San Jose is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Jose's last 6 games

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

**pm530** · 07-12-2008, 05:46 AM

Arena Football League – Championship Preview

AFL
Championship Preview

AFL games – National & American Conference Championships

Saturday, July 12

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Conference Championship Preview
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cleveland Gladiators vs. Philadelphia Soul (Philly -7, O/U 116.5)

Regular season success has meant very little in the AFL playoffs in recent years. In 2006, the Chicago Rush were 5-9 with two weeks remaining in the regular season. They won their final two games to earn a playoff spot, then won three straight playoff games on the road to reach the Arena Bowl before pulling off another upset to earn their first AFL championship.

Last year, the Columbus Destroyers were sitting at 6-9 heading into their final regular season game. Columbus, too, got hot when it mattered most, winning their regular season finale to sneak into the playoffs, then winning on the road at Tampa Bay, Dallas and Georgia to reach the Arena Bowl before coming up short in their championship efforts.

Grand Rapids has had the feel of a team like Columbus from last year, or Chicago from '06 for the last month. The Rampage were not good for most of the regular season, losing eight out of nine during one particularly ugly mid-season stretch.

But the Rampage played their best football when it counted, reeling off three consecutive wins to close out the regular season, then winning outright as a road underdog at Arizona and at Chicago in the first two rounds of the playoffs. First year head coach Steve Thonn and first year starting quarterback James MacPherson seem to be clicking together right now as Grand Rapids has averaged nearly 70 points per game during their current five game winning streak. That has helped them go over the total in four of those five contests.

But the Rampage will be playing their fifth consecutive must-win road game in a row, and they'll be facing the stiffest competition yet - the defending Arena Bowl champs, San Jose.

The Sabercats suffered a significant injury loss last week in their win over Colorado. Wide receiver James Roe is a question mark for Saturday with a bum shoulder after his three touchdown performance against the Crush. Roe was second on the team in touchdown receptions this year and caught 102 Mark Grieb passes.

The Sabercats beat Grand Rapids 66-58 in Michigan back in Week 1, their only regular season meeting. And San Jose enjoys a tremendous advantage at the HP Pavilion at 17-2 SU over the past two seasons.

Future Hall of Fame quarterback Grieb led the league with 100 touchdown passes this season while ranking third in the AFL in completion percentage. But the strength of this team might well be their defense. Defensive backs Clevan Thomas, Omarr Smith and Marquis Floyd have played every game together in the secondary this season.

This elite level trio has notched at least one interception in eleven straight games, helping San Jose rebound nicely from their disappointing 5-5 start. The Sabercats have won seven in a row and nine of their last 10 overall, with seven of those nine wins coming by double digit margins.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Conference Championship Preview
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Grand Rapids Rampage at San Jose Sabercats (-5 1/2, O/U 119 1/2)

Regular season success has meant very little in the AFL playoffs in recent years. In 2006, the Chicago Rush were 5-9 with two weeks remaining in the regular season. They won their final two games to earn a playoff spot, then won three straight playoff games on the road to reach the Arena Bowl before pulling off another upset to earn their first AFL championship.

Last year, the Columbus Destroyers were sitting at 6-9 heading into their final regular season game. Columbus, too, got hot when it mattered most, winning their regular season finale to sneak into the playoffs, then winning on the road at Tampa Bay, Dallas and Georgia to reach the Arena Bowl before coming up short in their championship efforts.

Grand Rapids has had the feel of a team like Columbus from last year, or Chicago from '06 for the last month. The Rampage were not good for most of the regular season, losing eight out of nine during one particularly ugly mid-season stretch.

But the Rampage played their best football when it counted, reeling off three consecutive wins to close out the regular season, then winning outright as a road underdog at Arizona and at Chicago in the first two rounds of the playoffs. First year head coach Steve Thonn and first year starting quarterback James MacPherson seem to be clicking together right now as Grand Rapids has averaged nearly 70 points per game during their current five game winning streak. That has helped them go over the total in four of those five contests.

But the Rampage will be playing their fifth consecutive must-win road game in a row, and they'll be facing the stiffest competition yet - the defending Arena Bowl champs, San Jose.

The Sabercats suffered a significant injury loss last week in their win over Colorado. Wide receiver James Roe is a question mark for Saturday with a bum shoulder after his three touchdown performance against the Crush. Roe was second on the team in touchdown receptions this year and caught 102 Mark Grieb passes.

The Sabercats beat Grand Rapids 66-58 in Michigan back in Week 1, their only regular season meeting. And San Jose enjoys a tremendous advantage at the HP Pavilion at 17-2 SU over the past two seasons.

Future Hall of Fame quarterback Grieb led the league with 100 touchdown passes this season while ranking third in the AFL in completion percentage. But the strength of this team might well be their defense. Defensive backs Clevan Thomas, Omarr Smith and Marquis Floyd have played every game together in the secondary this season.

This elite level trio has notched at least one interception in eleven straight games, helping San Jose rebound nicely from their disappointing 5-5 start. The Sabercats have won seven in a row and nine of their last 10 overall, with seven of those nine wins coming by double digit margins.

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

**pm530** · 07-12-2008, 05:48 AM

Canadian Football League – Notes

CFL
Notes

CFL games – Week 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, July 11
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Canadian Football League (CFL) heads into week number three when the East will meet the West.

On Saturday the Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-0 SU, 2-0 ATS) visit the Hamilton Tigercats (1-1 SU, 1-1 ATS).

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

**pm530** · 07-12-2008, 05:48 AM

Canadian Football League – Long Sheet

CFL
Long Sheet

Week 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, July 12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SASKATCHEWAN (2 - 0) at HAMILTON (1 - 1) - 7/12/2008, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 80-49 ATS (+26.1 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 33-16 ATS (+15.4 Units) in July games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-0 against the spread versus HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-0 straight up against HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

**pm530** · 07-12-2008, 05:49 AM

Canadian Football League – Write up

CFL
Write-up

Week 3 CFL games

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, July 12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saskatchewan (2-0) @ Hamilton (1-1)-- Riders' needed their 3rd string QB Durant to bail them out in second half at BC in last weeks' comeback win; they outscored their two foes 41-8 in the second half of games this season. TiCats ran ball for 311 yards in upset win at Toronto last week, to Riders have to be stout against the run. Hamilton has only one takeaway in two games.

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

**pm530** · 07-12-2008, 05:50 AM

Canadian Football League – Trend Sheet

CFL

Week 3

Trend Sheet

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, July 12
----------------------------------------------------------------------

4:00 PM SASKATCHEWAN vs. HAMILTON
Saskatchewan is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Saskatchewan is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Hamilton is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Saskatchewan
Hamilton is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Saskatchewan

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

**pm530** · 07-12-2008, 05:50 AM

Canadian Football League – Preview and Predictions

CFL
Preview and Predictions

CFL games – Week 3

Saturday, July 12

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CFL Week 3 preview and predictions
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-0) at Hamilton Tiger Cats (1-1) (Hamilton -2)
Although the Saskatchewan Roughriders have traded star QB Kerry Joseph after winning the Grey Cup, this team still has some weapons offensively and a stout defence that can stop the run and the pass.
Luca Congi managed four field goals last week in a come-from-behind win of 23-16 against the Lions. The Tiger-Cats are stronger at quarterback with Casey Printers while the Roughriders will have to give the ball to third stringer Darian Durant who will get his first CFL start.
Durant replaces starter Marcus Crandell who suffered a hamstring injury in last week's win over B.C. He is out indefinitely. Coach Ken Miller was more impressed by Durant than backup Steven Jyles who both saw action against the Lions.
The Roughriders will also have to find a way to stop running back Jesse Lumsden who rushed for 189 yards off 20 carries with two touchdowns to lead Hamilton to a 32-13 upset win against Toronto in Week 2.
The Tiger-Cats will need more strong performances from Printers and Lumsden but they still have too many weaknesses to be taken seriously. Although they will give the Riders a better opposition that we would have expected a few weeks ago, Saskatchewan will still prevail here.
Pick: Roughriders +2

Saskatchewan at Hamilton
The Saskatchewan Rough Riders might be 2-0; however they could be in for a rough ride, due to injuries. Receiver D.J. Flick and cornerback Leron Mitchell broke ankle and leg respectively and quarterback Marcus Crandell is out with hamstring injury. Forced to use this many backups, Saskatchewan may be hard-pressed to improve upon 9-2 ATS road record.

Hamilton probably isn't as bad as they looked in opener against Montreal, nor as dominant as they played at home in tumbling Toronto 32-13. QB Casey Printers effectiveness goes way up when tailback Jesse Lumsden has running lanes. The Ticats are 2.5-point favorites and don?t look for them to have much sympathy, since they have lost eight in a row (1-7 ATS) to the Rough Riders, with the last five being beaten by 27.4 points a game.

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

**pm530** · 07-12-2008, 05:52 AM

WNBA – Long Sheet

WNBA
Long Sheet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, July 12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHICAGO (5 - 12) at INDIANA (9 - 9) - 7/12/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) as a road underdog of 6.5 to 9 points over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in July games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 5-4 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 7-2 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

DETROIT (13 - 6) at NEW YORK (9 - 9) - 7/12/2008, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 41-23 ATS (+15.7 Units) on Saturday games since 1997.
NEW YORK is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 9-2 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 7-4 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

HOUSTON (9 - 11) at MINNESOTA (9 - 10) - 7/12/2008, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 224-169 ATS (+38.1 Units) in all games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 74-48 ATS (+21.2 Units) in July games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 161-111 ATS (+38.9 Units) in May, June, or July games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 64-37 ATS (+23.3 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1997.
HOUSTON is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 140-106 ATS (+23.4 Units) after a division game since 1997.
HOUSTON is 89-60 ATS (+23.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in July games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 5-17 ATS (-13.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 7-2 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 7-2 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

LOS ANGELES (12 - 7) at SEATTLE (13 - 7) - 7/12/2008, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in home games in May, June, or July games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 9-2 against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 7-4 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

PHOENIX (9 - 10) at SACRAMENTO (9 - 11) - 7/12/2008, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 6-13 ATS (-8.3 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
PHOENIX is 6-13 ATS (-8.3 Units) in May, June, or July games this season.
PHOENIX is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
PHOENIX is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) after a division game this season.
PHOENIX is 5-12 ATS (-8.2 Units) after scoring 75 points or more this season.
SACRAMENTO is 128-83 ATS (+36.7 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
SACRAMENTO is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in home games after scoring 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 42-25 ATS (+14.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
SACRAMENTO is 49-31 ATS (+14.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15+ games after 15+ games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 5-2 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 6-1 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

**pm530** · 07-12-2008, 05:53 AM

WNBA – Trends Sheet

WNBA

Saturday, July 12

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Sheet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7:00 PM CHICAGO vs. INDIANA
Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Chicago is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Indiana
Indiana is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games
Indiana is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home

7:30 PM DETROIT vs. NEW YORK
Detroit is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing New York
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing New York
New York is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of New York's last 9 games

8:00 PM HOUSTON vs. MINNESOTA
Houston is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Minnesota
Houston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Houston
Minnesota is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Houston

10:00 PM LOS ANGELES vs. SEATTLE
Los Angeles is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Los Angeles's last 11 games on the road
Seattle is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
Seattle is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Los Angeles

10:00 PM PHOENIX vs. SACRAMENTO
Phoenix is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Phoenix's last 7 games
Sacramento is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Phoenix
Sacramento is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix

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

**pm530** · 07-12-2008, 05:56 AM

Major League Baseball – Trend Sheet

MLB

Saturday, July 12

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Sheet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1:05 PM SAN FRANCISCO vs. CHI CUBS
San Francisco is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
San Francisco is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
Chi Cubs are 18-3 SU in their last 21 games at home

1:07 PM NY YANKEES vs. TORONTO
NY Yankees are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

3:55 PM ARIZONA vs. PHILADELPHIA
Arizona is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games on the road
Philadelphia is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games at home

3:55 PM COLORADO vs. NY METS
Colorado is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Colorado is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing NY Mets
NY Mets are 16-2 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Colorado
NY Mets are 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Colorado

3:55 PM MINNESOTA vs. DETROIT
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Minnesota is 18-5 SU in its last 23 games
Detroit is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Detroit is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games at home

7:05 PM BALTIMORE vs. BOSTON
Baltimore is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Baltimore is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Boston is 18-6 SU in its last 24 games when playing at home against Baltimore
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:05 PM CHI WHITE SOX vs. TEXAS
Chi White Sox are 11-4 SU in their last 15 games
Chi White Sox are 4-12 SU in their last 16 games on the road
Texas is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi White Sox
Texas is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox

7:05 PM CINCINNATI vs. MILWAUKEE
Cincinnati is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Cincinnati is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Milwaukee is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cincinnati
Milwaukee is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games at home

7:05 PM ST. LOUIS vs. PITTSBURGH
St. Louis is 4-1-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
St. Louis is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 1-4-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against St. Louis

7:05 PM TAMPA BAY vs. CLEVELAND
Tampa Bay is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing Cleveland
Tampa Bay is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Cleveland is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games

7:10 PM HOUSTON vs. WASHINGTON
Houston is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games when playing Washington
Houston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Washington is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Houston
Washington is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games

7:10 PM SEATTLE vs. KANSAS CITY
Seattle is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games when playing Kansas City
Seattle is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Kansas City
Kansas City is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games at home
Kansas City is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

9:05 PM LA ANGELS vs. OAKLAND
LA Angels are 15-8 SU in their last 23 games on the road
LA Angels are 3-6 SU in their last 9 games on the road
Oakland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Oakland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

10:05 PM ATLANTA vs. SAN DIEGO
Atlanta is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Diego
San Diego is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Atlanta
San Diego is 6-17 SU in its last 23 games

10:10 PM FLORIDA vs. LA DODGERS
Florida is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
Florida is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
LA Dodgers are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Florida
LA Dodgers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games at home

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

**pm530** · 07-12-2008, 05:56 AM

Major League Baseball - Tips & Trends

MLB

We will update when projected scores are available.

Saturday, July 12

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

Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies [FOX | 3:55 PM ET]

Diamondbacks: The Phillies have struggled to score runs recently but that could change today with Randy Johnson on the mound. The Big Unit finally got a win his last time out against the Giants but Arizona had lost his previous eight starts. Johnson is only 1-4 on the road this season but he does have a solid 3.77 ERA away from home. Even though he's struggled, the UNDER is 7-2-1 in Johnson's last 10 games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Phillies (-125, O/U 9.5): Adam Eaton has fallen on hard times, going 1-4 in his last five starts. During that stretch, Eaton has allowed 22 runs in 26.1 innings of work. Eaton was hammered his last time out versus the Mets, giving up an obscene 10 hits and eight runs over 2.2 innings. Being at home hasn't benefited Eaton. He has a 5.74 ERA and teams are hitting .316 against Eaton in eight home starts this season. Surprisingly, the UNDER is 3-2 during Eaton's five-game rut.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Colorado Rockies at New York Mets [FOX | 3:55 PM ET]

Rockies: Ubaldo Jimenez has turned things around in his last two starts, going 2-0 and allowing just one run over 13.1 innings. Jimenez has actually won three of his last four starts after going more than two months without recording a victory. Jimenez's hot streak could come to an end today, however. He's been awful on the road, going 1-6 with an ERA of 5.98 in 10 starts. The UNDER is 5-1 the last six times Jimenez has taken the rubber.

Rockies are 2-9 in their last 11 road games.
The UNDER is 7-3 in Colorado's last 10 road games.

Key Injuries - OF Ryan Spilborghs (.314; oblique) is on the 15-day DL.
1B Todd Helton (back;.266) is on the 15-day DL.
SS Troy Tulowitzki (hand; .166) is on the 15-day DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Mets (-140, O/U 9): After giving up a total of 17 runs in three starts, Pedro Martinez actually showed signs of his old self in his most recent outing against the Phillies. Martinez held Philly to just two runs over 5.1 innings, getting his first win in almost a month. Pedro has started two games at Shea Stadium this season, going 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA. Martinez's last two starts have gone way OVER the total.

Mets are 7-0 in their last 7 games overall.
The UNDER is 10-1-2 in Martinez's last 13 home starts.

Key Injuries - OF Ryan Church (.307; post-concussion syndrome) is on the 15-day DL.
2B Luis Castillo (.265; hip) is on the 15-day DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Minnesota Twins at Detroit Tigers [FOX | 3:55 PM ET]

Twins: Scott Baker is 3-0 with one no-decision in his last four starts. Ironically, his no-decision was Baker's best outing of the season. In that game Baker held the high-powered Red Sox lineup scoreless over seven innings but the Twins lost a heartbreaker, 1-0. In his last 25 innings of work, Baker has given up just seven runs. In seven road starts this season, Baker is 2-2 with a 3.83 ERA. Baker's last four starts on the road have gone UNDER the total.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Tigers (-115, O/U 9): Nate Robertson has pitched well in two of his last three outings but received a no-decision both times. In games against the Mariners and Cardinals, Robertson allowed just two runs in 15.1 innings of work. After a miserable start to the season, Robertson has now gone 5-2 with two no-decisions in his last seven appearances. He's 8-9 in his career versus the Twins with an ERA of 4.15. The OVER is 5-3 in Robertson's eight home starts this season.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Chicago White Sox at Texas Rangers [WGN | 8:05 PM ET]

White Sox (-125, O/U 10.5): John Danks continues to be a stud for the White Sox this season. In his last five starts, Danks has allowed a total of four runs. However, he's only 2-0 with three no-decisions over that span thanks to Chicago not providing him with much run support. Danks has been virtually unhittable this year on the road, going 3-1 and sporting a dazzling 1.48 ERA away from home. The UNDER is 5-0 in Danks' last five starts.

Key Injuries - Closer Bobby Jenks (18 saves; back) is on the 15-day DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Rangers: Kevin Millwood will make his first home start since June 5th, when he allowed four runs and nine hits to Cleveland in six innings of a 9-4 victory. Since then, the Rangers have gone 4-2 in six road starts for Millwood, who is 4-0 at home with a 4.86 ERA. He is 1-3 in seven career starts against the White Sox despite an impressive 2.15 ERA.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

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

**pm530** · 07-12-2008, 05:57 AM

Major League Baseball – Streaking Pitchers

MLB

Saturday, July 12

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Streaking Starting Pitchers
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday’s streaking and slumping pitchers

Streaking

Ricky Nolasco, Florida Marlins (10-4, 3.74)

Nolasco is amidst the best season of his MLB career. The right-hander is 3-0 with a sizzling 1.57 ERA and 0.65 WHIP, surrendering four earned runs in that period. He also has 24 strikeouts against a single walk in his last three outings.

The third-year starter has lost just once in his last 10 starts and has conceded more than three earned runs once in that span. Nolasco is also 6-2 outside the Sunshine State with a reliable 3.99 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP.

Florida is 6-0 in Nolasco’s last six starts and is 4-1 in its last five trips to L.A.

Scott Baker, Minnesota Twins (5-2, 3.32)

Baker has been lights-out recently for the Twins. The right-hander is 2-0 in his last three starts with a solid 2.84 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP.

The right-hander has 31 strikeouts in his last five starts, including a seven-strikeout performance against the Boston Red Sox. Baker is 3-3 all-time versus the Detroit Tigers and is 1-0 against them this season with a 3.38 ERA.

The Twins are 5-2 in Baker’s last seven against the AL Central. They are also 8-2 in their last 10 games against the Tigers.

Slumping

Darrell Rasner, New York Yankees (1-2, 6.60)

Rasner has struggled all season and has managed to pull out just one win in his last eight starts. The right-hander lasted five innings, surrendering 10 hits and six earned runs last Friday against the Red Sox.

The righty, 0-3 in his last three outings, has given up four homers in that period. He has also tossed more than 100 pitches in his last two outings.

The Bronx Bombers are winless in Rasner’s last five road starts and are 1-4 in his last five starts against the AL East.

Phil Dumatrait, Pittsburgh Pirates (3-4, 5.26)

It can’t get much worse for Dumatrait. The left-hander is 0-1 with a lofty 14.18 ERA in his last three starts and has surrendered 21 earned runs on 25 hits in that span.

Dumatrait, who is still recovering from a shoulder ailment, is 0-1 with a lofty 7.11 ERA in three career starts against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Pittsburgh is 1-4 in Dumatrait’s last five contests against a team with a winning record and is 1-2 in his last three starts overall.

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

Announcement

Saturday Trends and Indexes 07/12

Saturday Trends and Indexes 07/12

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment