Wednesday Trends and Indexes 7/23

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes
Wednesday July 23

Good Luck on day #205 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]

Daily Sports Roundup

Wednesday, July 23

The Phillies are hoping that Brett Myers can begin a season turnaround on Wednesday night when he takes to the mound on the road in a divisional contest against New York.

Myers was banished to the minor leagues after an ugly outing on June 27 in which he gave up five earned runs on five hits and four walks over just two innings of work. The righthander had allowed 15 earned runs over his previous three starts, and Philadelphia is just 1-9 over his last 10 outings. Myers' only win over that span came back on May 30.

But now Myers is back - and he'll be desperately looking to improve on his 3-9 record and embarrassing 5.84 ERA as the Phillies try to push around their rival on Wednesday night. The Mets will use John Maine as their starter in the 7:10pm ET contest; Maine is 8-7 with a 4.22 ERA on the year, and the team is 5-5 over his last 10 trips to the mound.

The other NL East contender, the Marlins, will send Ricky Nolasco to the mound against the Braves on Wednesday night. Nolasco is a surprising 10-5 with a 3.78 ERA this season, and Florida is 8-2 over his last 10 starts. The Braves will counter Nolasco with Tim Hudson, who is 10-7 with a 3.31 ERA (but only a middling 3-3 in his last six starts).

CC Sabathia will gun for yet another NL victory on Wednesday, as he'll get the ball on the road for the Brewers against the Cardinals and Braden Looper. Sabathia is 3-0 with a 1.88 ERA since joining Milwaukee, and he's lasted nine innings in each of his past two outings. Looper was pounded for six earned runs on eight hits over just three innings of work in his last start for St. Louis, and he's 9-7 with a 4.60 ERA through 20 starts so far.

Other NL games on tap for Wednesday include San Diego at Cincinnati, Pittsburgh at Houston, and the Dodgers at Colorado (all matinees), along with the Cubs at Arizona (in a battle of contenders) and Washington at San Francisco (in a battle of bottom feeders).

Over in the American League the Angels will send ace John Lackey to the mound at home against Aaron Laffey and the Indians. Los Angeles is 8-2 over Lackey's last 10 starts, although the righthander has surrendered 14 earned runs and 28 hits over his past three outings. Lackey is 7-2 with a 2.58 ERA on the year, while Laffey is 5-6 with a 3.61 ERA. Lefthander Laffey gave up eight runs (three earned) in a loss in his last start.

The Indians/Angels game begins at 3:35pm ET on Wednesday, and there are five other AL matinees on the day's schedule. That includes two strong pitching matchups on the east coast, with Oakland (Greg Smith, 5-8, 3.79 ERA) at Tampa Bay (James Shields, 8-6, 3.69 ERA), and Minnesota (Glen Perkins, 7-2, 3.84 ERA) at New York (Mike Mussina, 12-6, 3.49 ERA). The Yanks, though, are just 2-3 in Mussina's last five outings.

Other AL games on Wednesday include Texas at the White Sox, Detroit at Kansas City, and Boston at Seattle, while the Blue Jays play in Baltimore in a 7:05pm ET start time.

Finally, there's a single game on the WNBA's Wednesday schedule, with New York in Washington to face the Mystics. That game is set for an 11:30am ET tipoff. Washington has had lots of trouble paying off at home so far this year, where they are only 4-7 ATS.

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[pm530]

Six-pack for Wednesday

-- As losses in July go, Mets' 8-6 disaster Tuesday was ugly, with Phillies scoring six runs in ninth inning.

-- Vanden Hurk no-hit Braves for five innings (five walks on 94 PT), was lifted; Atlanta had just one hit in 4-0 Marlin win.

-- Brewers snuck out another game in St Louis; they're only a game behind skidding Cubs in NL Central.

-- Only six of 14 AL starting pitchers finished six innings; in the NL, four starters finished the 8th inning Tuesday.

-- Colorado's bats are heating up; they had 11-10-10 runs in last three games. Ian Stewart had big night Tuesday.

-- If Wagner's shoulder is bad, expect Huston Street to New York rumors to pick up steam. If A's are intent on getting rid of Street, I'd prefer Milwaukee, which has better prospects.

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[pm530]

Wednesday's List of 13: Ranking AL teams after 16 weeks

14) Mariners-- Great ballpark, high payroll, terrible team with internal issues. Not sure where they go from here.

13) Royals-- Stadium improvements are underway, team is also getting better, just not good enough yet. Will they trade Jose Guillen for prospects? I would, if I were them.

12) Indians-- LaPorta kid better be good, since they sold off an ace pitcher to get him. Playing better last couple weeks, but all things considered, this season has been a disaster.

11) Orioles-- If I ran this team, manager Trombley would get a long-term deal. How hard will they go after Teixeira, who hails from Maryland? As always, they still need more pitching.

10) Blue Jays-- Playing better under Gaston, but rumors have them dumping Burnett for prospects. When your payroll is at nine figures and you're way behind Tampa, heads could roll.

9) A's-- On-field staff doing what they can, but sinking like the proverbial rock in wake of Harden/Blanton trades, with more likely to follow. This is a team pointing to 2010, when they can sell seats for the new stadium they're building in Fremont.

8) Rangers-- Maybe the most fun team to watch; they really score lot of runs, and their pitchers aren't good. If Texas and Reds had chance to undo Hamilton-Volquez trade, would they undo it? Seems that Rangers could use Volquez.

7) Tigers-- Streaky, thin; dominant vs lefty starters, terrible vs righties. Veteran team that has been huge disappointment this season, but fighting hard to get back in race. Could be too late.

6) Bronx-- Hot right now, scoring lot of runs, and they figure to add OF/P before July 31. Matsui/Posada could be gone for season. Rays/Twins are their main competition for Wild Card, unless Rangers really get going in second half.

5) Twins-- No idea why Liriano is being held hostage in AAA; this team lost Santana/Hunter in offseason, still in ***** of the playoff hunt, but this week in the Bronx ain't helping the cause.

4) Rays-- Media makes sure GM Friedman gets credit for their success; now lets see him step up to plate and make a deal for Nady or Bay that can invigorate a staggering team. They need to make a deal more than any other team in American League.

3) Red Sox-- Terrible on road, terrific at Fenway; Matsuzaka is 11-1, but Buchholz has regressed, they could use a starter to lighten load on bullpen. Defending champs; best until beaten.

2) White Sox-- If Konerko can't get back, may have to add one more hitter before end of July. Starting pitchers have awful lot of miles on them over last few years; are Vazquez/Contreras on the decline? One team I think will stand pat rest of the month.

1) Angels-- Will coast to AL West title, but do they have what it takes to win in October? Can probably have Teixeira, but for a team notorious for inactivity in July, that would be bold step, the kind of bold step championship teams make.

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[pm530]

Canadian Football League – Long Sheet

CFL
Long Sheet

Week 5

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Thursday, July 24
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CALGARY (3 - 1) at WINNIPEG (0 - 4) - 7/24/2008, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 2-2 against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG is 2-2 straight up against CALGARY 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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Friday, July 25
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EDMONTON (2 - 2) at HAMILTON (1 - 3) - 7/25/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
EDMONTON is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HAMILTON is 4-0 against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
HAMILTON is 3-1 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MONTREAL (2 - 2) at BRITISH COLUMBIA (2 - 2) - 7/25/2008, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 7-21 ATS (-16.1 Units) in road games when playing on a Friday since 1996.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 42-25 ATS (+14.5 Units) when playing on a Friday since 1996.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 36-16 ATS (+18.4 Units) in weeks 5 through 9 since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 4-1 against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 4-1 straight up against MONTREAL 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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Sunday, July 27
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TORONTO (2 - 2) at SASKATCHEWAN (4 - 0) - 7/27/2008, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 120-90 ATS (+21.0 Units) in all games since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 120-90 ATS (+21.0 Units) in all lined games since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 41-23 ATS (+15.7 Units) when playing on a Sunday since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 109-81 ATS (+19.9 Units) in games played on turf since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 35-16 ATS (+17.4 Units) in July games since 1996.
TORONTO is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 2-2 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
SASKATCHEWAN is 2-2 straight up against TORONTO 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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[pm530]

Canadian Football League – Additional Trends

CFL

Week 5

Trend Sheet

Thursday, July 24

8:00 PM CALGARY vs. WINNIPEG
Calgary is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Calgary is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
Winnipeg is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Calgary
Winnipeg is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Calgary



Friday, July 25

7:00 PM EDMONTON vs. HAMILTON
Edmonton is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Edmonton is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games
Hamilton is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Edmonton
Hamilton is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Edmonton


10:00 PM MONTREAL vs. BRITISH COLUMBIA
Montreal is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Montreal is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games on the road
British Columbia is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
British Columbia is 16-4 SU in its last 20 games at home



Sunday, July 27

10:00 PM TORONTO vs. SASKATCHEWAN
Toronto is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Saskatchewan is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
Saskatchewan is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home

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[pm530]

Canadian Football League – Preview and Predictions

CFL
Preview and Predictions


CFL games – Week 5

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Preview and Predictions
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Thursday, July 24

Calgary (-6) vs. Winnipeg (54.5)

Stampeders at Blue Bombers History: When Calgary travels to Winnipeg, they are 6-6-1 ATS, 7-6 SU and the O/U is 7-6-0 since 1996.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are going to shuffle the deck this week vs. the Calgary Stampeders and start ex-Boise State QB Ryan Dinwiddie. Kevin Glenn seems to be in a funk to start the 2008 campaign and one has to wonder if it's the arm injury he suffered in the Eastern Final last year vs. Toronto setting him back, or the fact his favorite receiver Milt Stegall has been out of the line up the first four weeks of the season. The Stampeders are coming off a 43-16 blow out win over Hamilton and are currently riding a 2 game winning streak SU & ATS. The Stamps have seen their last 2 games go over the posted total and they've been averaging 32.3 Point For and 23 Points Against in their last 3 games. Winnipeg are looking for their first win of the season and when a CFL team starts the year 0-4 on the season, they are 3-3 SU and 4-2-0 ATS in their 5th game of the year. The UNDER is 4-2-0 in this situation as well. As for the Blue Bombers, they need to establish a running game and if Charles Roberts can't get going, then it's time for Doug Berry to bring in a new running back to kick start this offense. The Calgary Stampeders aren't use to being a Road Favorite the last few years and it will be interesting to see how they respond in this situation, they are 0-5 SU and ATS as a Road Favorite the last 2 years and average 18.33 Points For and 22.67 Points Against in this role. The Bombers gave the Lions a feisty test last weekend at BC Place and if they can play hard like they did last Friday, they should have a better outcome. However, starting an inexperience QB in this role might be too much of an experiment for the veterans on offense who might get impatient and look for Calgary to win a nail bitter.

Forecast: Calgary 24 Winnipeg 21

Stat of the Game: When WINNIPEG team played as a Home team - Coming off a Score 18 - 20 POINTS FOR in last game; The Blue Bombers are 9-1 SU and 8-2-0 ATS in this spot since '96.



Friday, July 25

Edmonton (-2.5) vs. Hamilton (52)

Eskimos at Tiger Cats History: When Edmonton travels to Hamilton, they are 4-8-0 ATS, 5-7 SU and the O/U is 7-5-0 since 1996.

If the Hamilton Tiger Cats are going to be successful this season, they will need Jesse Lumsden to stay healthy and in the line up every week or else this season will be just another right off. The time has come where the Hamilton Tiger Cats need to fish or cut bait with Lumsden, because dressing him 40% of the time will not do the Tabbies any good in their rebuilding process. Hamilton fans are starting to have a "Love/Hate" relationship with their football team and how do you expect Charlie Taaffe to be successful if he can't get any consistency with his starting players. However, the good news for Taaffe this weekend, Lumsden will be in the line up and what's even better from a betting perspective, the Ticats are in their normal home underdog role. In fact, I didn't like Hamilton as a -3.5 point home favorite in week 3 vs. Saskatchewan, but I can stomach them much easier this week as a +2.5 point home dog vs. the Eskimos. Edmonton is coming off a 35-31 lost to Toronto this past Sunday and they have one of the softest defenses in the league, so I expect Casey Printers in company to have some success marching down the field. The key to this game for the Tiger Cats is to make sure Ricky Ray stays on the sideline, as he's looking more and more like the gunslinger from previous season. The Eskimos are averaging 37.3 Points For on offense, but their defense is one of the worst in the league giving up 31.3 Points Against. The OVER is 3-0 for both teams in their last 3 contest and the Eskimos are 0-3 SU and ATS as a Road Favorite the last 2 years. Even though it looks like the sky is falling right now for Hamilton fans, with Lumsden in the line up this weekend, expect the offense to burn the Eskimos defense on numerous occasions and look for allot of 20+ yard plays against Maciocia's defense.

Forecast: Hamilton 29 Edmonton 23

Stat of the Game: When ANY CFL team played as Home team as a Underdog - After a non division game - Coming off a 4-7 point Road loss; the Home Dog (Hamilton) is 12-3-0 ATS in this role since '96.


Montreal (53) vs. BC Lions (-6.5)

Alouettes at Lions History: When Montreal travels to BC, they are 5-9-0 ATS, 4-10 SU and the O/U is 8-6-0 since 1996.

The last time the Montreal Alouettes won in BC was Week #9; the year was August 31st 2000. In fact, it was the same year the St.Louis Rams won the Super Bowl vs. Tennessee in what many described as the greatest finish of a Champion ship game, when the Rams defensive player (Mike Jones) tackled the Titans receiver (Kevin Dyson) at the 1 yard line to seal the deal. The Alouettes are 0-9 SU vs. the BC Lions at BC Place in their last 9 encounters and that includes regular and playoff games. Actually, the last time Montreal won in BC was Aug 31st 2000 and the Als won 35-25 and the line was a Pick?em and the total was 54.5. If the Alouettes should falter the rest of the season, I would say looking back a few weeks ago vs. Winnipeg, where they let a 31-7 lead slip to a 31-24 comeback from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, teams must of picked up something on that game and for some reason, they haven't been the same since. However, it's only Week 5 and they have a big task at hand this weekend vs. Wally Buono and the Lions. Montreal is coming off a heartbreaking lost to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, a game they seem to be in control until Anthony Calvillo threw that interception deep in their offensive zone and never recovered after this point. In fact, on the next kick off, Jason Armstead fumbled the football and this sealed the win for the Green Riders. On a side note, Armstead was released the next day from the Alouettes for his 2 costly fumbles in the game, but one has to wonder had Calvillo not thrown that interception late in the game, would Armstead still have a job today? The Lions are coming off a tough and emotional 27-18 win over the Winnipeg Lions, as the Lions celebrated Bob Ackles life after the game. The Lions are enjoying a 2 game winning streak and are averaging 28.3 Points For a game, while giving up 22.67 Points Against in their last 3 contest. It's just a matter of time before the Lions start averaging over 33 PF a game, but until they do, their defense will carry them in those close games.

Forecast: BC Lions 26 Montreal 21

Stat of the Game: When ANY CFL Team played as Road team as a Underdog -Total is between 51.5 to 54 -Vs Non Division Opponent -Playing on Friday - Coming off a game scored 34 points or less; The UNDER is 17-4-1 for the Road Dog in this role since ?96.



Sunday, July 27

Toronto (54) vs. Saskatchewan (-4.5)

Argonauts at Roughriders History: When Toronto travels to Saskatchewan, they are 6-6-0 ATS, 6-6 SU and the O/U is 8-4-0 since 1996.

Kerry Joseph returns to his old stomping grounds this Sunday and the Boatmen are a +4.5 point Road Underdog vs. the 4-0 Saskatchewan Roughriders. However, if Joseph is looking for his old #4 in the Green and White dressing room, seems there's a new sheriff in town and his name is not Reggie Hammond, but Darian Durant! Durant has shown great poise and maturity as the new signal caller for the Roughriders and it's going to force head coach Ken Miller to make a wise and educated decision when Marcus Crandell is ready to come back. The Riders are coming off a exciting 41-33 win over the Montreal Alouettes this past Sunday and they are averaging 33.3 Points For a game. The Argos are 2-2 SU on the season and their second win of the year came from a 109 yard drive last week vs. the hapless Eskimos defense. The Argonauts looked old on defense last week, as veterans like O'Shea, Wheaton and Fletcher were starting to look a bit slow and when was the last time the Argos were involved in 3 straight games that went OVER the posted total? You would have to go back to Week #9, August 17th 2003 to find the answer and that 4th game went under the total vs. Edmonton in an 18-15 lost. Plus, Toronto will be without their middle linebacker, as Kevin Eiben will be out a few weeks with a MCL tear.
The Argos are allowing 31.5 Points Against a game and having your old defensive coordinator as your new head coach is one major reason why the Argos are allowing so many Points Against.

Every team has an identity, right now I'm still trying to figure out what makes the Argos tick and what will be their bread and butter the remaining games of the season. If Kerry Joseph can get a reliable go to receiver he can trust and the Argos defense can get their Points Against Average down to 27 or lower a game; they could be the team to beat in the Eastern Division, as nobody really wants to win this division!

forecast: Saskatchewan 33 Toronto 17

Stat of the Game: When TORONTO team played as a 3.5 to 6.5 Underdog - Coming off a Home win as a Favorite; The Argos are 3-7 SU and ATS in this spot since '96.

Good luck and remember, this is the CFL, anything can happen during the 3 minute warning! Trust me; I've got the scars to prove it!

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[pm530]

Arena Football League – Long Sheet

AFL
Long Sheet


Arena Bowl XXII

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Sunday, July 27
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SAN JOSE (13 - 5) vs. PHILADELPHIA (15 - 3) - 7/27/2008, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 110 this season.
SAN JOSE is 18-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) after playing a game on a Saturday over the last 2 seasons.

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

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[pm530]

Arena Football League – Trend Sheet

AFL


Trend Sheet

Sunday, July 27

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3:00 PM SAN JOSE vs. PHILADELPHIA
San Jose is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
San Jose is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Philadelphia is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games at home

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[pm530]

WNBA – Trends Sheet

WNBA


Wednesday, July 23

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Trend Sheet
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11:30 AM NEW YORK vs. WASHINGTON
New York is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
New York is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Washington is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing New York
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New York

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[pm530]

Baseball Today

MLB


Wednesday, July 23

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Baseball Today
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SCOREBOARD

Wednesday, July 23

Milwaukee at St. Louis (8:15 p.m. EDT). CC Sabathia (3-0, 1.88 ERA) makes his fourth start for the Brewers since coming over in a trade from Cleveland on July 7. He will be opposed by the Cardinals' Braden Looper (9-7, 4.60), who is 0-2 with a 6.52 ERA in his last four outings.


STARS

Tuesday

- Jimmy Rollins and So Taguchi, Phillies, hit two-run doubles in a six-run ninth to help Philadelphia beat the New York Mets 8-6.

- Rick VandenHurk, Marlins, threw five hitless innings and combined with three relievers for a one-hit, 1-0 win over Atlanta.

- Ryan Doumit, Pirates, hit a three-run homer in Pittsburgh's 8-2 win over Houston.

- Bobby Abreu and Robinson Cano, Yankees. Abreu hit a go-ahead homer and drove in three runs, and Cano had two RBI singles in an 8-2 victory over Minnesota.

- Alexei Ramirez and Nick Swisher, White Sox. Ramirez hit his first career grand slam and Swisher added a three-run shot in a 10-2 victory over Texas.

- Bengie Molina, Giants, hit a two-run homer and a solo shot in San Francisco's 6-3 win over Washington.

- Jack Hannahan, Athletics, hit a three-run homer and added an RBI single in an 8-1 victory over Tampa Bay.


PHUN PHINISH

Philadelphia feasted on New York's makeshift bullpen for six runs with closer Billy Wagner unavailable because of an injury, and Jimmy Rollins hit a go-ahead two-run double to help the Phillies to an 8-6 victory Tuesday night to take back sole possession of first place in the NL East.


ONE AND DONE

The Braves were one-hit for the second time in 15 days, losing 4-0 to Florida on Tuesday night. It also happened July 7 against Hiroki Kuroda of the Los Angeles Dodgers.


ARRR-BIs GALORE

Pittsburgh has scored 17 runs in two games against Houston, beating the Astros 8-2 Tuesday night after a 9-3 win the night before.


41-DERFUL

The Angels' Francisco Rodriguez recorded his 41st save Tuesday night, surpassing last season's total with 62 games remaining and securing a 3-2 victory for the Los Angeles Angels over the Cleveland Indians.


OH-FER CRYING OUT LOUD

Chicago's three, four and five hitters - Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez and Jim Edmonds - were a combined 0-for-10 in the Cubs' 9-2 loss at Arizona on Tuesday night.


A-ROD ON THE A-LIST

Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez signed another big league contract, joining the William Morris Agency in an attempt to extend his brand beyond the baseball diamond. A-Rod joined up with the powerhouse talent agency in Beverly Hills, Calif., and became part of a client list that includes some of the biggest names in sports, entertainment and business.


NO NEWS

Injured Mariners starter Erik Bedard got an MRI on his left shoulder Tuesday, but team physicians found no new causes for the nagging tightness and soreness the lefty is experiencing. Dr. Edward Khalfayan said the MRI confirmed the initial diagnosis of tightness in the shoulder and recommended that Bedard remain on his current rehabilitation program. Bedard has not started since July 4 and went on the disabled list July 10, retroactive to July 5.


SIDELINED

Royals pitcher Jimmy Gobble, who allowed 10 runs in one inning Monday against Detroit, was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with a stiff lower back. Gobble established a Kansas City franchise record for runs allowed by a reliever in a game. Gobble was 0-2 with an 11.31 earned run average in 31 relief appearances. ...


UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Daisuke Matsuzaka missed out on a chance at the second complete game of his career, faltering in the eighth inning against Seattle and yielding to the bullpen to finish Boston's 4-2 win Tuesday night.


SPEAKING

"I guess we could put the whole notion of not getting timely hitting away for a day,'' Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel, after the Phillies scored six runs in the ninth inning to beat the New York Mets 8-6 Tuesday night.


SEASONS

July 23

1925 - Lou Gehrig hit the first of his major league record 23 grand slams as the New York Yankees posted an 11-7 triumph over the Washington Senators.

1930 - Pie Traynor won both ends of a doubleheader for the Pittsburgh Pirates with home runs. In the first game, Traynor homered in the ninth, and in the second game he connected in the 13th.

1944 - Bill Nicholson of the Chicago Cubs hit four home runs in a doubleheader split with the New York Giants. Nicholson hit a home run in the opener, which the Cubs won 7-4. He hit three straight in the second game, but the Giants won 12-10. In that game, Nicholson was walked with the bases loaded in the seventh inning.

1964 - Bert Campaneris of Kansas City hit two home runs in his first major league game. He homered on the first pitch off Minnesota's Jim Kaat, and then connected again in the seventh to lift the Athletics to a 4-3 win.

1974 - Write-in starter Steve Garvey of the Los Angeles Dodgers singled and doubled to lead the NL to a 7-2 victory over the AL in the All-Star game at Pittsburgh.

1984 - Kansas City's Dan Quisenberry registered his 200th career save as the Royals beat the New York Yankees 5-2. Quisenberry reached the 200-save plateau in his 409th appearance, the quickest in major league history.

2000 - Ryan Klesko hit a game-tying solo homer in the ninth inning and a two-run shot in the 10th to lift San Diego over Colorado 6-4.

2002 - Nomar Garciaparra homered three times on his 29th birthday, connecting twice in a 10-run third inning and then hitting a grand slam in the fourth inning of Boston's 22-2 win over Tampa Bay.

2007 - Alex Rodriguez singled home Johnny Damon in the ninth inning of the New York Yankees' 9-2 win over Kansas City to become the first player to reach 100 RBIs this season and the first player to reach the milestone in fewer than 100 team games since Manny Ramirez in 1999. The last Yankees to do it were Joe DiMaggio and Lou Gehrig in 1937.

Today's birthdays: Hong-Chih Kuo 27; Nomar Garciaparra 35.

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball – Write up

MLB
Write-up


Wednesday, July 23

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Hot Pitchers
-- Reds won five of last six Arroyo home starts.
-- Astros won five of last six Moehler home starts.
-- Rusch is 2-0, 2.31 in his last couple of starts.
-- Nolasco is 3-1, 2.50 in his last five starts.
-- Sabathia is 3-0, 2.25 in three starts as a Brewer.

-- Rays are 10-1 at home when Shields starts, winning last six.
-- Perkins is 5-0, 3.00 in his last six starts. Mussina is 2-0, 1.50 in his last three starts.
-- Royals won six of seven Greinke home starts.
-- Angels won eight of Lackey's last nine starts.
-- Hernandez is 5-1, 2.25 in his last seven starts.
-- Orioles are 7-2 in Guthrie's last nine home starts. Burnett has a 1.76 RA in his last two starts; Toronto lost his last five on road.

Cold Pitchers
-- Maddux is 0-4, 7.14 in his last seven starts; his last win was way back on May 10.
-- Pirates lost seven of last eight Snell road starts.
-- Kuroda has 11.57 RA in his last four road starts.
-- Braves lost Hudson's last six road starts.
-- Maine is 0-2, 7.58 in his last four starts. Phillies lost last six Myers road starts.
-- Looper is 0-2, 6.86 in his last four starts.
-- Davis is 0-1, 5.82 in his last three starts. Cubs lost last three Lilly starts (0-1, 4.02).
-- Giants lost nine of ten Correia starts this season. Balestar is 0-2, 9.58 in his last couple of starts.

-- Smith is 0-2, 6.14 in his last three starts.
-- Richard was 12-6, 2.44 in 19 minor league starts; batter hit just .206 against him this season. Millwood is 1-2, 8.10 in last three starts; Rangers are 3-7 in his road starts.
-- Detroit lost last three Galarraga starts (0-1, 3.93).
-- Indians are 1-5 on the road when Laffey starts.
-- Red Sox are 0-6 when Buchholz starts on foreign soil.

Hot Teams
-- Marlins won nine of their last thirteen games. Braves are 3-1 in their last four road games.
-- Mets won eleven of last fourteen games. Phillies won six of their last nine games.
-- Reds are 10-6 in their last sixteen home games.
-- Astros are 5-3 in their last eight games.
-- Brewers won seven of last eight road games. Cardinals won four of their last six games; last three came down to last at-bat.
-- Arizona won three of its last four games.
-- Colorado won nine of its last eleven home games. Dodgers won eight of their last eleven road games.

-- Bronx won its last nine home games.
-- Rays are 35-9 in their last 44 home games.
-- Tigers won last three games, scoring 31 runs.
-- Rangers are 10-2 in game after their last dozen losses.
-- Angels won seven of their last nine games. Indians are 7-2 in their last nine games.

Cold Teams
-- Padres lost ten of their last thirteen games.
-- Pirates lost twelve of their last seventeen road games.
-- Cubs are 5-13 in their last eighteen road games.
-- Giants lost nine of their last eleven games. Nationals are 2-7 in their last nine road games.

-- Twins lost their last three games, scoring total of six runs.
-- Oakland lost ten of last fourteen road games.
-- Toronto lost seven of its last ten road games. Orioles lost ten of their last fourteen games.
-- Royals lost last three home games, outscored 30-8.
-- White Sox lost three of its last four games.
-- Mariners are 3-10 in their last thirteen games. Red Sox lost ten of their last fourteen road games, but won last two.

Totals
-- Over is 7-4 in last eleven Florida home games.
-- Under is 8-1 in Mets' last ten home games.
-- Last five San Diego games went over the total.
-- Under is 6-3 in last nine games at Minute Maid Park.
-- Over is 5-0-1 in last six St Louis games.
-- Last seven Jimenez starts stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight Arizona games went over the total.
-- Over is 7-1 in Giants' last eight home games.

-- Under is 7-2-1 in last ten games in the Bronx.
-- Over is 10-3 in last thirteen games at Camden Yards.
-- Six of last nine Tampa home games went over total.
-- Five of last six White Sox games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Royal games went over the total.
-- Over is 7-2-1 in Cleveland's last ten road games.
-- Under is 4-1-1 in Boston's last six road games.

Umpires
-- Atl-Fla-- Four of last five Eddings games stayed under.
-- Phil-NY-- Under is 5-2 in last seven Hernandez games.
-- SD-Cin-- Under is 6-0-2 in last eight Hoye games.
-- Pitt-Hst-- Under is 2-0-1 in sub ump Tiller's games.
-- Mil-StL-- Underdog is 6-3 in last nine Rapuano games.
-- LA-Colo-- Last four O'Nora games stayed under the total.
-- Chi-Az-- Favorite won six of last seven Holbrook games.
-- Wsh-SF-- Over is 8-2 in Darling's last ten games behind dish.

-- Min-NY-- Last four Dimuro games went over the total.
-- Tor-Balt-- Over is 10-4-1 in last fifteen Barry games.
-- A's-TB-- Underdog is 7-4 in last eleven Fletcher games.
-- Tex-Chi-- Over is 9-4 in last thirteen Drake games.
-- Det-KC-- Under is 11-3 in Estabrook games this season.
-- Clev-LA-- Home side won six of last seven Cuzzi games.
-- Bos-Sea-- Under is 10-1-1 in last dozen Kulpa games.

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball – Trend Sheet

MLB


Wednesday, July 23

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Trend Sheet
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12:35 PM SAN DIEGO vs. CINCINNATI
San Diego is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
San Diego is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Cincinnati is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against San Diego
Cincinnati is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home


12:40 PM OAKLAND vs. TAMPA BAY
Oakland is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Oakland is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Oakland
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Oakland


1:05 PM MINNESOTA vs. NY YANKEES
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Minnesota is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
NY Yankees are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Minnesota
NY Yankees are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing Minnesota


2:05 PM PITTSBURGH vs. HOUSTON
Pittsburgh is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Pittsburgh is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Houston
Houston is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
Houston is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Pittsburgh


2:05 PM TEXAS vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Texas is 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing Chi White Sox
Texas is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 13-5 SU in their last 18 games at home
Chi White Sox are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games


2:10 PM DETROIT vs. KANSAS CITY
Detroit is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
Detroit is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Kansas City
Kansas City is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Kansas City is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games at home


3:05 PM LA DODGERS vs. COLORADO
LA Dodgers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
LA Dodgers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing Colorado
Colorado is 8-3 SU in their last 11 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
Colorado is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers


3:35 PM CLEVELAND vs. LA ANGELS
Cleveland is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
Cleveland is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games on the road
LA Angels are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games at home
LA Angels are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games


4:40 PM BOSTON vs. SEATTLE
Boston is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Seattle
Seattle is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Boston
Seattle is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Boston


7:05 PM TORONTO vs. BALTIMORE
Toronto is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games on the road
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Baltimore
Baltimore is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games
Baltimore is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto


7:10 PM ATLANTA vs. FLORIDA
Atlanta is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Florida
Florida is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta
Florida is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games


7:10 PM PHILADELPHIA vs. NY METS
Philadelphia is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
Philadelphia is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing NY Mets
NY Mets are 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
NY Mets are 11-3 SU in its last 14 games


8:15 PM MILWAUKEE vs. ST. LOUIS
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
St. Louis is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Milwaukee
St. Louis is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games


9:40 PM CHI CUBS vs. ARIZONA
Chi Cubs are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Chi Cubs are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing Arizona
Arizona is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Arizona is 7-3 SU in their last 10 games when playing Chi Cubs


10:15 PM WASHINGTON vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Washington is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games
Washington is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games on the road
San Francisco is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Washington
San Francisco is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball - Tips & Trends

MLB


We will update when projected scores are available.

Wednesday, July 23

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Tips and Trends
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Boston Red Sox at Seattle Mariners [NESN | 4:40 PM ET]

Red Sox: Clay Buchholz is currently on a three-game slide and hasn't recorded a win since May 2. In his last four outings, Buchholz has been lit up for 31 hits and an alarming 24 runs in just 18 innings. Buchholz has been a disaster away from home, going 0-4 with an 8.49 ERA in six road starts this season. As expected, the OVER has been a wise play with Buchholz on the mound. The OVER is 8-2 in his last 10 starts, including cashing in five straight.

Red Sox are 4-10 in their last 14 road games.
Red Sox are 5-11 in the last 16 meetings at Seattle.

Key Injuries - SS Julio Lugo (.268; quad) is on the 15-day DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Mariners (-140, O/U 8.5): Felix Hernandez has been on the mark in his last seven starts, allowing three runs or less six times over that stretch. During that seven-game span, the Mariners are 6-1. King Felix has also had his fair share of success against the Red Sox over his career, going 3-1 with a solid 3.06 ERA in five career starts versus Boston. In his last 10 starts Hernandez has given up a total of 21 runs, while striking out 60 batters.

Mariners are 3-10 in their last 13 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD



Toronto Blue Jays at Baltimore Orioles [7:05 PM ET]

Blue Jays: A.J. Burnett is 1-1 in his last two starts but he's pitched remarkable both times out. In a 4-1 victory against the Yankees and a tough 2-1 loss to the Rays, Burnett allowed just three runs, while striking 14 in 15.1 innings of work. Burnett has a stellar 6-1 career record against Toronto but his ERA is an unimpressive 5.26. Burnett was lit up his last time out against the Birds, giving up seven runs over five innings. Burnett's last two starts against the Orioles have gone way OVER the total.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Orioles (-120, O/U 8): Jeremy Guthrie hasn't recorded a loss since June 12. In six starts since, Guthrie has allowed just 16 runs in 40.1 innings of work. Guthrie is only 1-0 in five career starts versus Toronto but he does possess a stellar 2.65 ERA. In his outing against the Jays on July 10, Guthrie took a no-decision but pitched well, giving up only two runs over seven innings. Games with Guthrie on the mound tend to be high scoring. The OVER is 7-3 in his last 10 starts.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD



Philadelphia Phillies at New York Mets [ESPN | 7:10 PM ET]

Phillies: Phillies fans close your eyes because Brett Myers is taking the mound tonight. Myers is 1-7 with two no-decisions in his last 10 and Philly is just 1-9 over that span. Myers has been blasted in his last four starts, giving up a whopping 20 runs in 21 innings of work. Myers has been painfully bad on the road this season going winless (0-8) with an 8.18 ERA in nine starts. The OVER is 4-2 in Myers' last six starts.

Phillies are 10-2 in their last 12 games as an underdog.
Phillies are 8-2 in the last 10 meetings at New York.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Mets (-140, O/U 9): John Maine is winless in his last four outings, losing twice and receiving two no-decisions. Over those four games, Maine has allowed 16 runs in just 19 innings pitched. On the bright side, Maine is a perfect 4-0 with a 2.36 ERA in his career against the Phillies and he's 4-1 at Shea Stadium this season. In Maine's last 10 starts, the OVER is 7-3.

Mets are 11-3 in their last 14 games overall.
The UNDER is 8-2 in New York's last 10 home games.

Key Injuries - Closer Billy Wagner (24 saves; shoulder) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD



Milwaukee Brewers at St. Louis Cardinals [8:15 PM ET]

Brewers (-140, O/U 8.5): C.C. Sabathia has been an absolute beast for the Brewers since coming over from Cleveland. Sabathia has won all three of his starts, pitched two complete games, struck out 24 and allowed just six runs. For a Brewers team with a questionable bullpen, Sabathia is just what the doctor ordered. As good as he's pitched for the Brew Crew, ironically two of the three games he's started have gone OVER the total.

Brewers are 6-0 in their last 6 games overall.
The OVER is 8-3 in Milwaukee's last 11 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Cardinals: Braden Looper hasn't pitched well in his last two starts, allowing 10 runs in nine innings on the mound. He hasn't been great at home, going just 4-4 with a 4.95 ERA in 11 starts. Looper has a losing record versus the Brewers (4-5) and was hit hard the last time he took the mound against them, giving up seven hits and four runs in just six innings. After cashing two easy UNDERs, Looper's last outing went well OVER the posted total.

Key Injuries - OF Brian Barton (.246; hand) is on the 15-day DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball – Streaking Pitchers

MLB

Wednesday, July 23

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Streaking Starting Pitchers
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Wednesday’s streaking and slumping pitchers

Streaking

Clayton Richard, Chicago White Sox (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

OK, so he’s streaking, but it’s not exactly in the big leagues. The White Sox’ 24-year-old lefty has won all six of his starts with the Class AAA Birmingham Knights with a 2.37 ERA and is now being hastily called up to fill in for the ChiSox.

Manager Ozzie Guillen doesn’t want to rush his top prospect, but he doesn’t have much of a choice after Jose Contreras was just put on the 15-day DL with elbow tendinitis. Mark Buehrle was also bumped up a day to start on Tuesday so he could attend his grandfather's funeral on Wednesday.

Unfortunately for Richard, this means he won’t be joining the U.S. Olympic team in Beijing, but he will get a shot to show what he can do in the majors.


James Shields, Tampa Bay Rays (8-6, 3.69 ERA)

Shields’ numbers aren’t exactly staggering overall. Take a closer look though, and you’ll see they’re outstanding for Wednesday’s situation.

Shields is 6-1 with a 2.05 ERA at home and he’s 3-1 with a lowly 2.25 ERA when he starts in day games. It just so happens that he’s starting at 12:40 p.m. at home against the West Coast A’s this time around.

He allowed five earned runs in seven innings in his only other start against Oakland this season, but that was on the road. That should bring him some decent value on Wednesday.


Slumping

Clay Buchholz, Boston Red Sox (2-5, 5.88 ERA)

It’s not very often you hear of a Red Sox starter struggling. This guy can’t seem to get past the fifth inning lately, though.

Boston has lost Buchholz’s last four starts and the righty has picked up the loss in the last three thanks to a sour 9.34 ERA over that span. Buchholz is giving up a pile of walks and his WHIP has soared past 2.00 in his last three outings.

In fairness, this right-hander was only backed up by three runs in each of his last three starts, but he’s still managed to help over bettors cash in. He goes up against Seattle’s ace, Felix Hernandez next.

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