Sunday Trends and Indexes 8/17

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes
Sunday August 17

Good Luck on day #230 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.
Any opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the posting member or BettorsChat.
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We're keeping the light on until you get back, Kaptain!!


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[pm530]

Daily Sports Roundup

Sunday, August 17

The drivers of the Sprint Cup Series will hit Michigan International Speedway on Sunday afternoon for this year's 3M Performance 400. Here's your Daily Sports Roundup . . .

Event of the day . . .

Standings leader Kyle Busch is the 6/1 Vegas favorite to take the checkered flag at Michigan on Sunday. Busch visited victory lane yet again last weekend, holding off all challengers in the Centurion Boats at The Glen at Watkins Glen International. That road course win was Busch's series-leading eighth checkered flag of the season.

And Busch holds a 242-point lead on Carl Edwards for top spot in the series driver standings as the Chase for the Sprint Cup grows closer. Jimmie Johnson is sitting two points back of Edwards in third place in those standings. Edwards and Johnson are both pegged at 7/1 odds to get the win in the 3M Performance 400.

Kurt Busch won the 3M Performance 400 last year, while Dale Earnhardt Jr. took the checkered flag in the LifeLock 400 at Michigan back in June. Jeff Gordon, Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle, and Ryan Newman all have a pair of Cup wins at Michigan in their careers, while Tony Stewart, Edwards, and Kasey Kahne have each won there once.

Non-event of the day . . .

The Rockies and Nationals will finish off their battle of also-rans on Sunday afternoon, with Washington's Odalis Perez (5-8, 4.12 ERA) expected to take on the Rockies' Aaron Cook (14-8, 3.87 ERA). Righthander Cook has a nice stats line right now, but he's given up 11 earned runs on 21 hits over his last two outings (11 1-3 innings), and he had to miss his last scheduled start because of a sore back.

Also on the schedule . . .

Ryan Dempster (13-5, 2.92 ERA) was supposed to start for the Cubs on Saturday, but instead his start was moved to Sunday - when he'll face the Marlins and Chris Volstad (4-2, 3.03 ERA). Other NL games on the Sunday schedule: St. Louis at Cincinnati, the Mets at Pittsburgh, San Francisco at Atlanta, Arizona at Houston, Milwaukee at the Dodgers, and Philadelphia at San Diego.

Over in the American League Mike Mussina (15-7, 3.30 ERA) will be gunning for his 16th victory of the season when the Yankees host the Royals and Brian Bannister (7-11, 5.36 ERA) on Sunday. The rest of the AL schedule for Sunday: the Angels at Cleveland, Baltimore at Detroit, Toronto at Boston, Seattle at Minnesota, the White Sox at Oakland, and Tampa Bay at Texas.

Finally, there are two NFL preseason games on the schedule for Sunday. Detroit and Cincinnati will do battle at Paul Brown Stadium at 7:35pm ET, with the Bengals pegged as 3.5-point home favorites (the total is sitting at 36 points). New England and Tampa Bay will meet at Raymond James Stadium at 8:00pm ET, with the Patriots listed as 1.5-point road favorites (the total is sitting at 34.5 points).

News from the wire . . .

Angels shortstop Maicer Izturis will miss the rest of the season because of a torn thumb ligament . . . Kevin Millwood returned from the disabled list for the Rangers on Friday night, giving up five earned runs on 10 hits over 4 2-3 innings of work . . . Ravens tight end Todd Heap is struggling to return from a calf injury . . . there's a chance Buccaneers running back Cadillac Williams could return to the team by midseason.

Peek at the future . . .

CC Sabathia (7-0, 1.55 ERA in the NL) will take on Randy Wolf (8-10, 4.56 ERA) in the Brewers/Astros matchup on Monday night . . . the Browns will play the defending Super Bowl champs at Giants Stadium on Monday night . . . Team USA will play Team Germany in men's Olympic basketball action at 8:00am ET on Monday morning, with the tournament's playoff rounds getting underway late on Tuesday night.

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[pm530]

Six-pack for Sunday

-- I take in a ton of baseball from April-September, so I feel qualified to talk about announcers; here are my six least favorite broadcasting combinations to listen to…..

-- John Sterling, Suzyn Waldman, Bronx radio—These two are so awful they deserve special mention. Sterling "takes liberties" when he paints a word picture. Waldman does no play-by-play but just gushes on air about anything Bronx. Sterling might not be so dreadful if he could take an inning off now and then. These two are truly hideous.

-- Thom Brennaman, Reds—Every time I listen to this guy, it feels like I’m being scolded for something. If his father Marty wasn’t a Hall of Famer/Cincinnati legend, he’d be packing boxes at FedEx, and he’d probably be annoying there, too.

-- Ken Singleton, David Cone, Bronx TV— Bombers have six guys who rotate; the other four aren’t bad (John Flaherty is very good) but these two are hideous. Cone is in his first year, so he has time to improve, but I have no idea what YES saw in Singleton. If Paul Loduca retires, YES should hire him.

-- Tim McCarver, FOX—20 years ago, he was excellent; not now. Here’s a clue Tim: Andy Pettitte only made two All-Star teams and is an admitted steroids cheat. The only way he goes to Cooperstown is if he rents a car and drives there.

-- Joe Morgan, ESPN— How this man has lasted 19 years on a national network is truly amazing. Would love to hear Jon Miller work with a competent partner. Thank God Morgan turned Oakland down when the A’s wanted him to manage in the 80’s.

-- Ken Harrelson/Darrin Jackson, White Sox—You could lock two 7-year olds in a TV booth for three hours with a 12-pack of Red Bull and a case of M&M’s and they wouldn’t be as bad as these two. Taunting, flat-out rooting, us/we, good guys/bad guys—if it is awful broadcasting, they do it, early and often. Worse yet, they seem proud of it.

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[pm530]

Sunday's List of 13: Wrapping up a busy sports Saturday

Quick takes from a busy Saturday, with weird assortment of stuff to talk about........

13) Brett Favre looked sharp for the Jets. Not as sharp as third string QB Brett Ratliff, but Jet people have to be giddy tonight.

12) They can put a man on the moon, you can have a freaking talking map in your car, but I can't get NFL Network on my TV. Is this too much to ask? I pay taxes, help me out here.

11) Speaking of taxes, if anyone out there knows an influential politician, could you tell them that, for the purposes of coming Presidential election, no one gives a rat's ass about abortion.

The issues are these: Our economy, how quickly can we get as many troops as possible home from the Middle East, and back to the economy. Like when is gas going to get lower than $3.99 a gallon? Fuel prices are producing a domino-like effect on lot of stuff that matters to us on a daily basis. Someone needs to fix this. That should be the thrust of this campaign.

10) Brewers now have 22 wins in their last AB, as Gabe Kapler jumped into LF stands to rob Russell Martin of a tater, and JJ Hardy atoned for a brutal 9th-inning error by getting a winning hit for the spunky Brew Crew, still atop Wild Card standings.

9) I've never in my life seen a good team with as bad an infield defense as Milwaukee has. Simply brutal. And I'm only a little bitter about Kapler robbing the catcher on my fantasy team of a home run during my playoffs. What a tremendous catch.

8) The world-famous David Riske fanned Manny Ramirez with two out and tying run on second, as Brewers snuffed out LA's last rally Saturday night. Brewer announcers called Saturday's game "one of the most exciting games we've had all season."

7) The great Roy Halladay got his 8th complete game of year, a win at Fenway Park. Only needed 109 pitches to throw all nine.

6) Adam Dunn was on base all five times for Arizona, as the Snakes have come to Houston and spanked an Astro club that had been on an 8-game win streak before the Arizona series. See what acquiring a little extra offense can do for you?

5) Three times in last week, I've seen baserunners not paying attention, and almost passing the runner ahead of them. Tired players make mental errors, but this is going to cost someone.

4) Tampa Bay had to bench BJ Upton again for not hustling-- what in the name of Alex Johnson is going on here? Twice in one month, benching a prominent player on a team with great chance to pull baseball's biggest upset since 1969? Upton is said to be a good kid, but what is he thinking about?

3) College football polls are out; for the first time since 1983, Florida State is unranked, and for first time since '77, neither Seminoles or Miami is ranked in Top 25.

2) Pretty cool to be out amongst the people as Michael Phelps won his 8th gold medal. Would have enjoyed it more had final event had been an individual race........but good to hear people in bar openly rooting for him, cheering when Americans won.

1) But best Olympic moment of night came during the medal ceremony for what sport, I have no idea-- I'm in a bar with 37 TVs and karaoke going on. This woman is on the stand with the gold medal around her neck, and they're playing national anthem of her country, whichever one it is. Doesn't matter.

The look on her face, of total joy and satisfaction, it choked me up just watching her, and I have no idea who she is. All of us should have that look on our face, at least once-- not to win a gold medal, but just to be that happy, if only for a day. .

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[pm530]

National Football League – Long Sheet

NFL
Pre-Season

Long Sheet

Note: Limited trends are listed. There may be updates prior to play date.

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Sunday, August 17
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DETROIT (1 - 0) at CINCINNATI (1 - 0) - 8/17/2008, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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NEW ENGLAND (0 - 1) at TAMPA BAY (1 - 0) - 8/17/2008, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ENGLAND is 32-17 ATS (+13.3 Units) in non-conference games since 1993.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 1-0 against the spread versus NEW ENGLAND over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 1-0 straight up against NEW ENGLAND 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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Monday, August 18
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CLEVELAND (0 - 1) at NY GIANTS (0 - 1) - 8/18/2008, 8:00 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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[pm530]

National Football League – Short Sheet

NFL
Pre-Season


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Short Sheet
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Sunday, August 17th

Detroit at Cincinnati, 7:30 ET
Detroit: 3-0 Over vs. AFC North
Cincinnati: 4-0 ATS off SU win

New England at Tampa Bay, 8:00 ET NFL
New England: 8-0 ATS off home loss
Tampa Bay: 20-8 Under as home favorite


Monday, August 18th

Cleveland at NY Giants, 8:00 ET ESPN
Cleveland: 4-0 Over on Monday Night
NY Giants: 4-13 ATS as home favorite

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball – Trend Sheet

MLB


Sunday, August 17

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Trend Sheet
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1:05 PM BALTIMORE vs. DETROIT
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Baltimore's last 7 games
Baltimore is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Baltimore
Detroit is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Baltimore


1:05 PM KANSAS CITY vs. NY YANKEES
Kansas City is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games
NY Yankees are 21-4 SU in their last 25 games when playing at home against Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 6 games when playing at home against Kansas City


1:05 PM LA ANGELS vs. CLEVELAND
LA Angels are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of LA Angels's last 12 games
Cleveland is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Angels


1:10 PM CHI CUBS vs. FLORIDA
Chi Cubs are 9-1 SU in their last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Chi Cubs's last 11 games on the road
Florida is 13-3 SU in their last 16 games when playing Chi Cubs
Florida is 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs


1:15 PM ST. LOUIS vs. CINCINNATI
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 8 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games


1:35 PM COLORADO vs. WASHINGTON
Colorado is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 6-15 SU in its last 21 games when playing Colorado
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home


1:35 PM NY METS vs. PITTSBURGH
NY Mets are 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Mets's last 5 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Pittsburgh's last 11 games when playing NY Mets
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games


1:35 PM SAN FRANCISCO vs. ATLANTA
San Francisco is 1-5-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of San Francisco's last 11 games on the road
Atlanta is 0-4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Atlanta's last 9 games


1:35 PM TORONTO vs. BOSTON
Toronto is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing Boston
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Boston is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing Toronto


2:05 PM ARIZONA vs. HOUSTON
Arizona is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Houston's last 9 games when playing Arizona


2:10 PM SEATTLE vs. MINNESOTA
Seattle is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games at home


4:05 PM CHI WHITE SOX vs. OAKLAND
Chi White Sox are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 6 games
Oakland is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oakland's last 9 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox


4:10 PM MILWAUKEE vs. LA DODGERS
Milwaukee is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing LA Dodgers
Milwaukee is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
LA Dodgers are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games at home
LA Dodgers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games


8:05 PM PHILADELPHIA vs. SAN DIEGO
Philadelphia is 1-4-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Philadelphia's last 11 games
San Diego is 0-4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
San Diego is 1-4-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia


8:05 PM TAMPA BAY vs. TEXAS
Tampa Bay is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games
Texas is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Texas's last 7 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball - Tips & Trends

MLB


We will update when projected scores are available.

Sunday, August 17

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Tips and Trends
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Chicago Cubs at Florida Marlins [ WGN | 1:10 PM ET]

Cubs (-140, O/U 8.5): Ryan Dempster's incredible season for the Cubs shows no signs of slowing down. In his last five starts, Dempster has allowed a total of six runs. Dempster is just 2-3 on the road, although his ERA is a strong 3.17 ERA in 10 starts. To show how consistent Dempster has been all year, he's given up three runs or less in 20 of his 25 starts this season. Dempster faced the Marlins on July 25 but took a no-decision after allowing two hits and one run over six innings.

The Cubs are 9-1 in their last 8 road games.
The OVER is 10-1 in Chicago's last 11 road games.

Key Injuries - 3B Aramis Ramirez (.285; hip) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Marlins: Chris Volstad has won two straight starts, allowing just three runs over 11 innings in those games. However, one area of concern is the seven walks issued despite winning both times. Volstad hasn't benefited from being at home where he's just 1-2 with a 5.63 ERA. Volstad pitched well in his lone career start against the Cubs earlier this season, giving up two runs in six innings of work. In his six starts this year, the UNDER is a perfect 6-0.

Marlins are 13-3 in the last 16 meetings.
Marlins are 2-5 in their last 5 home games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD



Milwaukee Brewers at Los Angeles Dodgers [TBS | 4:10 PM ET]

Brewers: Jeff Suppan is on a nice three-game winning streak. In road victories over Atlanta, Cincinnati and San Diego, Suppan has given up just five runs in 22 innings pitched. He'll be going for his fourth consecutive road win tonight, where he's 6-5 with a 4.79 ERA overall this year. In nine career starts against the Dodgers, Suppan is 4-4 with an ERA of 4.02. The UNDER is 4-1-1 in Suppan's last six starts on the road.

Brewers are 9-2 in their last 11 games overall.
The UNDER is 12-2-1 in Milwaukee's last 15 road games.

Key Injuries - OF Ryan Braun (.300; back) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Dodgers (-145, O/U 8): Clayton Kershaw has been remarkable over his last four starts, allowing just four runs in 25 innings of work. As a matter of fact, Kershaw has given up three runs or less an impressive eight times in his last 10 starts. Kershaw hasn't had much luck at Dodger Stadium, however. In seven home starts, he's just 1-2, despite sporting an impressive 3.08 ERA. The UNDER is 4-0 in Kershaw's last four starts.

Dodgers are 13-4 in their last 17 home games.
Dodgers are 5-1 in their last 6 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD



Philadelphia Phillies at San Diego Padres [ESPN | 8:05 PM ET]

Phillies (-185, O/U 7): It's been a long time since Cole Hamels has tasted victory. He hasn't won a decision since July 3. However, he hasn't pitched awful over his last six starts, as he's allowed three runs or less four times. Hamels has largely been a victim of poor run support from the Phillies offense. Hamels is 4-2 on the road with a solid 3.64 ERA. With Hamels pitching pretty well and not receiving much run support, it's no surprise that the UNDER is 7-2-1 in his last 10 starts.

Phillies are 13-4 in the last 17 meetings at San Diego.
The UNDER is 7-3-1 in Philadelphia's last 11 games overall.

Key Injuries - 3B Pedro Feliz (.256; back) is on the 15-day DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Padres: Cha Seung Baek has pitched poorly in three of his last four starts, although he's 2-2 over that stretch. In his last 22 innings of work, Baek has given up 30 hits and 16 runs. If there is one pitcher in MLB who dreads pitching at home, it's Baek. In eight starts at Petco Park, Baek is an unfathomable 0-7 with a lofty 6.46 ERA. The OVER has been a solid bet with Baek on the mound, going 4-2 in his last six starts

Padres are 8-19 in their last 27 home games.
Padres are 0-6 in Baek's last 6 home starts.

Key Injuries - C Josh Bard (.209, elbow) is on the 15-day DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball – Streaking Pitchers

MLB

Sunday, August 17

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Streaking Starting Pitchers
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Sunday’s streaking and slumping pitchers

Streaking

Mike Mussina, New York Yankees (15-7, 3.30)

It's easy to overlook Mussina but his numbers are tough to ignore. He is leading his club in wins (15) and ERA (3.30) and is 2-0 with a 1.17 ERA in his last three starts.

Mussina has just three losses in his last 10 and is 4-1 in his last four at home. He is 2-0 and has a solid 2.29 ERA in his last three against the Kansas City Royals.

The Bronx Bombers are 6-1 in Mussina's last seven contests against the AL Central and are 25-5 in their last 30 home meetings with the Royals.

Jeff Suppan, Milwaukee Brewers (8-7, 4.56)

Suppan, who had just two wins in his first 10, is 3-0 with a solid 2.05 ERA in his last three overall.

In his last road start, a victory over the San Diego Padres, Suppan relinquished two earned runs in eight IP. He is also 3-0 in his last three road starts and has not surrendered more than three ERs in each of his last four starts outside Miller Park.

The Brew Crew is 9-3 in Suppan's last 12 starts with four days of rest and is 5-0 in his last five outside Miller Park.



Slumping

Kyle Lohse, St. Louis Cardinals (13-5, 3.92)

Lohse, who leads the team in wins (15), has struggled recently. In his last three, he is 1-2 and has a shaky 5.94 ERA and 1.28 WHIP.

Lohse is 1-2 in his last four road starts, including a recent loss to the lowly Florida Marlins in which he relinquished four earned runs in four IP. He has a 6.00 career-ERA against the Cincinnati Reds.

The Cardinals are 2-6 in their last eight against the NL Central and are 1-4 in Lohse's last five overall.

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[pm530]

MLB


Sunday, August 17

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Sunday Night Baseball: Phillies at Padres
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Philadelphia Phillies vs. San Diego Padres - August 17, 2008

Hamels (9-8 3.32 ERA) vs Baek (4-7 5.20 ERA)

The ESPN game of the week on Sunday, August 17 features the Philadelphia Phillies visiting the San Diego Padres. The Phillies are in a heated battle at the top of the NL East standings with the Mets and the Marlins and can't afford to take a game off as it may cost them in the standings; whereas San Diego has had a disappointing season so far and are now playing the spoiler role for the remainder of the season.

The Phillies will send their "ace" Cole Hamels to the mound in search for his 10th win of the season. Hamels hasn't had the success he may have hoped for coming into this season record wise but he's pitched well and always gives the Phillies a good chance to win the game. He is leading the NL in innings pitched (173), ranks second in WHIP (1.07), and 4th in strikeouts (154). The good news for the Phillies and Hamels here is that the Padres don't hit southpaws very well and are just 8-25 vs. lefties this summer.

The Phillies also have one of, if not, the best hitting lineups in the National League ranking fourth in the NL in runs scored, 1st in home runs with 165, sixth in on-base-percentage at .332 and 3rd in slugging at .437. Leading the way for the Phillies is Ryan Howard who leads the N.L. in home runs with 33 and RBI?s with 103. It doesn't help the Padres any or San Diego's starting pitcher Cha Seung Baek who is a right-handed pitcher going against the lefty dominated lineup of the Phillies.

Baek is 4-7 with a 5.20 ERA this season. He was acquired from the Mariners in late May where he was mainly used in relief but the Padres have used him as a starter since being acquired. Baek is 0-6 when he pitches at home this summer with a dreadful 7.06 ERA. Baek hasn't enjoyed the 'home cooking' in California as teams are batting a combined .308 against him at home.

Both of these squads have been less than impressive as of late as San Diego is 3-8 at home in their last 11 contests. Philly hasn't faired much better with a 3-7 record in their last 10 games (including 0-4 away). Philly hasn't given Hamels much run support lately which has cost them two potential wins. Hamels allowed only four earned runs in his last two starts and Philly is 0-2 in those two games.

With all that, Philly still has to like its chances when they send Hamels to the mound on Sunday, especially against the struggling lineup of San Diego. The Padres rank 28th in the league in runs scored and RBIs, and are 27th in team batting average.

If you are channel surfing and have watched enough of the Olympics for the day and aren't interested in the third and fourth string NFL players then you can tune to ESPN for this game between the Padres and Phillies. Unfortunately, on paper it doesn't look like it will be much of a game unless the Padres find their sticks and the Phillies decided to take the night off. Enjoy the game.

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[Udog]

MLB
Dunkel


Chicago White Sox at Oakland
The A's look to take the rubber game of the series and build on their 23-14 record at home when the total is listed from 8 to 8 1/2. Oakland is the underdog pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the A's favored straight up by 1. Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+110). Here are all of today's games.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17

Game 901-902: Chicago Cubs at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Dempster) 16.541; Florida (Volstad) 15.624
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-135); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (-135); Under

Game 903-904: St. Louis at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Lohse) 15.512; Cincinnati (Volquez) 14.598
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-110); 9
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+100); Over

Game 905-906: NY Mets at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Santana) 15.219; Pittsburgh (Karstens) 13.448
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-200); 8
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-200); Under

Game 907-908: San Francisco at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Lincecum) 14.578; Atlanta (Morton) 13.085
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-150); 8
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-150); Over

Game 909-910: Colorado at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Cook) 13.960; Washington (Perez) 12.650
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Colorado (-150); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-150); Over

Game 911-912: Arizona at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Johnson) 16.292; Houston (Oswalt) 14.582
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Houston (-110); 8
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+100); Over

Game 913-914: Philadelphia at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Hamels) 14.507; San Diego (Baek) 15.603
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-185); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+175); Over

Game 915-916: Milwaukee at LA Dodgers
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Suppan) 17.223; LA Dodgers (Kershaw) 16.018
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-140); 8
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+130); Under

Game 917-918: Kansas City at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Bannister) 13.972; NY Yankees (Mussina) 14.952
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-250); 9
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-250); Under

Game 919-920: LA Angels at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Saunders) 16.688; Cleveland (Sowers) 15.277
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-145); 9
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-145); Over

Game 921-922: Baltimore at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Olson) 15.105; Detroit (Miner) 15.923
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1; 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-155); 11
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-155); Over

Game 923-924: Toronto at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Marcum) 15.536; Boston (Beckett) 16.220
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-210); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-210); Under

Game 925-926: Seattle at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Feierabend) 15.128; Minnesota (Perkins) 17.613
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 2 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-230); 9
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-230); Over

Game 927-928: Chicago White Sox at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Vazquez) 14.438; Oakland (Gonzalez) 15.208
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+110); Under

Game 929-930: Tampa Bay at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Kazmir) 16.589; Texas (Nippert) 15.034
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

[Udog]

MLB
Long Sheet


Sunday, August 17


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CHICAGO CUBS (75 - 48) at FLORIDA (64 - 60) - 1:10 PM
RYAN DEMPSTER (R) vs. CHRIS VOLSTAD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 140-187 (-60.4 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
FLORIDA is 64-60 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
FLORIDA is 18-12 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
FLORIDA is 63-58 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
FLORIDA is 46-42 (+11.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
FLORIDA is 438-495 (+32.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
FLORIDA is 240-254 (+43.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 75-48 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 73-44 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
DEMPSTER is 84-78 (+18.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 57-41 (+25.7 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 97-90 (+22.3 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 37-23 (+22.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
FLORIDA is 8-17 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in home games in August games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 3-3 (+1.8 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.6 Units)

RYAN DEMPSTER vs. FLORIDA since 1997
DEMPSTER is 0-0 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

CHRIS VOLSTAD vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
VOLSTAD is 0-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-0 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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ST LOUIS (70 - 56) at CINCINNATI (54 - 70) - 1:15 PM
KYLE LOHSE (R) vs. EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 22-32 (-18.3 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
VOLQUEZ is 10-1 (+9.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 70-56 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 11-3 (+7.6 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
ST LOUIS is 37-28 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ST LOUIS is 27-17 (+10.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 89-61 (+21.9 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 70-56 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 49-34 (+17.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 24-17 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ST LOUIS is 14-5 (+8.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
LOHSE is 18-6 (+11.2 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 since 1997. (Team's Record)
LOHSE is 18-8 (+10.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 54-70 (-20.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 67-83 (-21.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 70-75 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 238-256 (-58.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 3-12 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
CINCINNATI is 15-29 (-15.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 18-32 (-18.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CINCINNATI is 63-89 (-28.7 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 53-68 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CINCINNATI is 33-47 (-17.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CINCINNATI is 28-41 (-16.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 6-2 (+4.3 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.4 Units)

KYLE LOHSE vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
LOHSE is 0-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
No recent starts.

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NY METS (67 - 56) at PITTSBURGH (55 - 68) - 1:35 PM
JOHAN SANTANA (L) vs. JEFF KARSTENS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 43-44 (-10.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PITTSBURGH is 33-34 (+9.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
PITTSBURGH is 239-251 (+31.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
SANTANA is 75-26 (+36.5 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
SANTANA is 72-21 (+35.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 21-47 (-24.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 2-3 (+0.4 Units) against NY METS this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.1 Units)

JOHAN SANTANA vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
SANTANA is 1-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 2.13 and a WHIP of 0.789.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

JEFF KARSTENS vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

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SAN FRANCISCO (51 - 71) at ATLANTA (56 - 67) - 1:35 PM
TIM LINCECUM (R) vs. CHARLIE MORTON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 122-162 (-32.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 122-162 (-32.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 26-44 (-21.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 14-30 (-15.8 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 358-343 (+43.7 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
ATLANTA is 55-65 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 65-73 (-20.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 71-68 (-15.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 56-67 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 3-2 (+1.0 Units) against ATLANTA this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.6 Units)

TIM LINCECUM vs. ATLANTA since 1997
LINCECUM is 3-0 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.32 and a WHIP of 1.211.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

CHARLIE MORTON vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

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ARIZONA (64 - 59) at HOUSTON (62 - 61) - 2:05 PM
RANDY JOHNSON (L) vs. ROY OSWALT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 64-59 (-6.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 19-24 (-10.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
ARIZONA is 9-17 (-10.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
ARIZONA is 38-43 (-14.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 19-28 (-11.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 62-61 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 12-4 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
HOUSTON is 60-60 (+5.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 33-30 (+8.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OSWALT is 15-2 (+13.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
OSWALT is 8-0 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 157-132 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 88-68 (+13.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 4-1 (+2.4 Units) against HOUSTON this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

RANDY JOHNSON vs. HOUSTON since 1997
JOHNSON is 4-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.075.
His team's record is 6-0 (+6.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-1. (+4.2 units)

ROY OSWALT vs. ARIZONA since 1997
OSWALT is 6-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.179.
His team's record is 7-1 (+5.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+2.1 units)

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COLORADO (56 - 69) at WASHINGTON (44 - 80) - 1:35 PM
AARON COOK (R) vs. ODALIS PEREZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 55-69 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 21-39 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
COLORADO is 12-24 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
COLORADO is 55-69 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 38-33 (+13.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 22-14 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 61-63 (+16.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 17-8 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 82-70 (+11.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 44-80 (-24.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 14-33 (-13.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
WASHINGTON is 23-38 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
WASHINGTON is 12-37 (-23.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 44-77 (-21.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 3-17 (-15.3 Units) against the money line after allowing 10 runs or more over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 27-53 (-19.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
WASHINGTON is 6-18 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 3-3 (+2.7 Units) against COLORADO this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

AARON COOK vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
COOK is 1-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 2.80 and a WHIP of 1.247.
His team's record is 2-2 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.4 units)

ODALIS PEREZ vs. COLORADO since 1997
PEREZ is 7-7 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.128.
His team's record is 9-9 (-3.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-12. (-7.0 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (65 - 58) at SAN DIEGO (48 - 75) - 8:05 PM
COLE HAMELS (L) vs. CHA SEUNG BAEK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 41-41 (-10.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BAEK is 13-7 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 27-36 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 48-74 (-28.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN DIEGO is 32-54 (-24.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 14-27 (-15.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
SAN DIEGO is 16-31 (-16.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SAN DIEGO is 15-38 (-23.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SAN DIEGO is 27-38 (-17.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 48-74 (-28.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 3-2 (+0.5 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

COLE HAMELS vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
HAMELS is 1-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 2.86 and a WHIP of 0.909.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

CHA SEUNG BAEK vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.

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MILWAUKEE (71 - 53) at LA DODGERS (63 - 60) - 4:10 PM
JEFF SUPPAN (R) vs. CLAYTON KERSHAW (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 94-133 (-33.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 10-25 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 76-54 (+13.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 70-51 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 43-27 (+11.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
MILWAUKEE is 71-53 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 51-31 (+18.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 98-118 (-31.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 41-56 (-20.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 41-45 (-11.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 3-2 (+0.6 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

JEFF SUPPAN vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
SUPPAN is 5-4 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.317.
His team's record is 6-4 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-4. (+1.6 units)

CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
No recent starts.

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KANSAS CITY (55 - 68) at NY YANKEES (65 - 58) - 1:05 PM
BRIAN BANNISTER (R) vs. MIKE MUSSINA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 32-51 (-15.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 25-42 (-12.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
KANSAS CITY is 45-81 (-24.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 23-20 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 25-25 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 111-153 (+18.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
BANNISTER is 13-5 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 141-111 (-24.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 65-58 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MUSSINA is 46-38 (-35.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 5-4 (+4.6 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
7 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+5.9 Units)

BRIAN BANNISTER vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
BANNISTER is 1-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 9.45 and a WHIP of 2.176.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.2 units)

MIKE MUSSINA vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
MUSSINA is 8-6 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.38 and a WHIP of 1.176.
His team's record is 9-9 (-13.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 12-6. (+5.0 units)

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LA ANGELS (76 - 45) at CLEVELAND (55 - 67) - 1:05 PM
JOE SAUNDERS (L) vs. JEREMY SOWERS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 71-40 (+23.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 23-9 (+12.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 46-29 (+11.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
LA ANGELS are 76-45 (+23.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 35-13 (+20.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
LA ANGELS are 39-22 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA ANGELS are 16-5 (+12.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
LA ANGELS are 83-69 (+26.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Sunday since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 24-9 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
SAUNDERS is 18-5 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 11-1 (+9.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 16-7 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 17-4 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 11-2 (+9.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 11-27 (-22.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CLEVELAND is 8-15 (-13.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CLEVELAND is 31-41 (-19.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 14-23 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
CLEVELAND is 49-58 (-20.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 29-37 (-14.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CLEVELAND is 55-67 (-22.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 5-3 (+1.0 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.6 Units)

JOE SAUNDERS vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
SAUNDERS is 2-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 1.25 and a WHIP of 1.015.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

JEREMY SOWERS vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
SOWERS is 0-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.74 and a WHIP of 1.316.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

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BALTIMORE (59 - 63) at DETROIT (60 - 63) - 1:05 PM
GARRETT OLSON (L) vs. ZACH MINER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 2-17 (-16.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday this season.
BALTIMORE is 10-27 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
DETROIT is 51-28 (+19.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 59-63 (+4.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 54-53 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 46-43 (+11.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
DETROIT is 16-28 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 60-63 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 3-3 (+0.6 Units) against DETROIT this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.8 Units)

GARRETT OLSON vs. DETROIT since 1997
OLSON is 0-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 7.50 and a WHIP of 1.833.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

ZACH MINER vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

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TORONTO (63 - 60) at BOSTON (71 - 52) - 1:35 PM
SHAUN MARCUM (R) vs. JOSH BECKETT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 110-122 (-31.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 43-17 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BOSTON is 35-8 (+21.3 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 70-40 (+20.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 33-13 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 40-14 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
BECKETT is 28-7 (+18.3 Units) against the money line in home games in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 27-33 (-13.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 11-16 (-7.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 5-2 (+3.1 Units) against BOSTON this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.7 Units)

SHAUN MARCUM vs. BOSTON since 1997
MARCUM is 3-0 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 2.77 and a WHIP of 0.885.
His team's record is 4-0 (+4.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

JOSH BECKETT vs. TORONTO since 1997
BECKETT is 3-4 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.92 and a WHIP of 1.218.
His team's record is 3-6 (-5.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-5. (-1.8 units)

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SEATTLE (46 - 76) at MINNESOTA (69 - 53) - 2:10 PM
RYAN FEIERABEND (L) vs. GLEN PERKINS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 12-23 (-11.3 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 29-46 (-16.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SEATTLE is 46-76 (-30.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 13-31 (-16.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
MINNESOTA is 40-28 (+12.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
MINNESOTA is 36-27 (+10.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MINNESOTA is 69-53 (+19.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 36-31 (+7.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
MINNESOTA is 43-22 (+20.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 23-14 (+8.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
MINNESOTA is 27-9 (+17.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 43-22 (+20.4 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome this season.
MINNESOTA is 43-22 (+20.4 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf this season.
MINNESOTA is 21-15 (+7.1 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 2-7 (-12.6 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -200 to -225 over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 3-2 (+0.4 Units) against SEATTLE this season
5 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.2 Units)

RYAN FEIERABEND vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
No recent starts.

GLEN PERKINS vs. SEATTLE since 1997
PERKINS is 0-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 7.11 and a WHIP of 2.054.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (69 - 53) at OAKLAND (56 - 66) - 4:05 PM
JAVIER VAZQUEZ (R) vs. GIO GONZALEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
VAZQUEZ is 2-12 (-12.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
OAKLAND is 200-126 (+63.2 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 65-40 (+21.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 42-27 (+12.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 40-24 (+14.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 69-53 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
VAZQUEZ is 21-9 (+10.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
OAKLAND is 52-60 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 89-108 (-26.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 8-21 (-13.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
OAKLAND is 56-66 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 73-72 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 4-4 (+0.9 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
6 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.9 Units)

JAVIER VAZQUEZ vs. OAKLAND since 1997
VAZQUEZ is 1-3 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 5.77 and a WHIP of 1.282.
His team's record is 1-5 (-4.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-5. (-4.4 units)

GIO GONZALEZ vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.

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TAMPA BAY (74 - 48) at TEXAS (62 - 62) - 8:05 PM
SCOTT KAZMIR (L) vs. VICENTE PADILLA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 64-125 (-41.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 62-62 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 79-61 (+19.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 42-27 (+15.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 42-30 (+18.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 56-56 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 46-44 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 14-5 (+10.8 Units) against the money line after shutting out their opponent over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 34-34 (+7.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TEXAS is 35-33 (+13.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PADILLA is 17-6 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
PADILLA is 13-6 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
PADILLA is 12-5 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
PADILLA is 10-3 (+8.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)
PADILLA is 53-39 (+18.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 46-33 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 54-30 (+20.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TAMPA BAY is 29-18 (+11.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
TAMPA BAY is 74-48 (+21.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 5-3 (+1.3 Units) against TEXAS this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.4 Units)

SCOTT KAZMIR vs. TEXAS since 1997
KAZMIR is 3-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 1.95 and a WHIP of 1.027.
His team's record is 6-0 (+6.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-1. (+2.9 units)

VICENTE PADILLA vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
PADILLA is 1-3 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 7.54 and a WHIP of 1.853.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-3. (-3.6 units)

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[Udog]

MLB


Sunday, August 17

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Hot Lines: Sunday's best MLB bets
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Philadelphia Phillies at San Diego Padres (-175, 7 1/2)

Padres hurler Cha Seung Baek (4-7, 5.20) opening on the mound is the epitome of a team out of the race and forced to find innings from a bad middle reliever. Last year, the Mariners forced him into 14 games, 12 starts, and the 28-year old South Korean finished with an eerily similar 5.16 ERA. With the Phillies desperate to find some love out West after losing again yesterday, and with their ace Cole Hamels (9-8 3.32) toeing the rubber, Corey Haim has a better chance of landing a leading role in Hollywood than San Diego has of winning two straight against Philly.

Pick: Phillies


Colorado Rockies at Washington Nationals (+147, 8 1/2)

For all the crap the Rockies have received after last season's World Series appearance, their lineup is finally healthy and management's willingness to keep everybody around has them actually believing they can catch Joe Torre's boys or the run-challenged Diamondbacks. Considering southpaw Odalis Perez hasn't finished a season with an ERA under 5.57 since 2005, I'm guessing his highest pitch total of the season in his last start brings him back to reality after a few solid outings. As for Rockies starter Aaron Cook (14-8, 3.87), having lost two-straight look for him to find a groove after only throwing 83 pitches on Aug. 9 and sporting an 8-3 record on the road this season.

Pick: Rockies


New York Mets at Pittsburgh Pirates (-1 1/2 runs, +357)

The red-hot Metropolitans will be focused on Sunday Funday not only because they've finally grabbed a two-game lead in the East, but because their bats desperately owe some love to Johan Santana (10-7 2.89). As for the Pirates, they've been experimenting with the line-up lately, and just like most teams out of the race, probably had a little more fun than Jerry Manuel's vets last night. New addition Jeff Karstens (2-1, 1.23) has been ridiculous since joining the Bucos to start August, which means he's probably do for a reality check after throwing 316 innings so far this month.

Pick: Mets

[Udog]

MLB


Sunday, August 17

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Baseball Today
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SCOREBOARD

Sunday, Aug. 17

St. Louis at Cincinnati (1:15 p.m. EDT). Kyle Lohse (13-5, 3.92 ERA) and the Cardinals take on the Reds and newfound ace Edinson Volquez (14-5, 2.86) in the day's best pitching matchup.

STARS

Saturday

- Albert Pujols, Cardinals, hit a pair of solo home runs, and St. Louis matched its season high with four homers during a 9-3 victory over Cincinnati that extended its winning streak to four games.

- Brett Gardner, Yankees, had a career-high three hits and singled in the winning run in the 13th inning of New York's 3-2 victory over Kansas City.

- Miguel Montero, Diamondbacks, hit two home runs including the first grand slam of his career and Arizona routed Houston 11-5.

- Joe Mauer, Twins, went 3-for-4 with his eighth home run of the season and Minnesota beat Seattle 7-6.

- Jeff Francoeur, Braves, went 4-for-5 to raise his average to .233 in Atlanta's 11-5 win over San Francisco. Francoeur had a three-hit game on Thursday.

- Matt Harrison, Rangers, struck out a career-high eight batters in eight innings of three-hit ball and Texas shut out Tampa Bay 3-0. Coming into the game, Harrison had seven career strikeouts in 35 2-3 innings.

LAST MAN STANDING

Cast in the unlikely role of last man standing among the Braves' four former 20-game winners, Mike Hampton prospered. Hampton gave up two runs in six innings and Atlanta beat the San Francisco Giants to end a five-game losing streak, including four straight at Turner Field. Hampton gave the Atlanta rotation a lift on the day 300-game winner Tom Glavine confirmed he'll miss the rest of the season with an elbow injury. John Smoltz and Tim Hudson already have had season-ending surgeries.

SETBACK

Billy Wagner felt discomfort in his pitching elbow after throwing a simulated game and the New York Mets' closer won't come off the disabled list Monday as expected. Wagner, sidelined with a strained left forearm, threw about 20 pitches in what was supposed to be his final step before rejoining the Mets on Monday, the first day he's eligible to come off the 15-day DL. Initially, the report on Wagner was positive. New York manager Jerry Manuel, speaking to reporters about an hour after Wagner threw, said the left-hander was a little rusty but he had good velocity. Wagner later revealed that his elbow had flared up. He will return to New York on Sunday for further evaluation.

OUT FOR THE YEAR

Braves pitcher Tom Glavine is out for the season, and his illustrious career could be over if he needs major surgery on his injured left elbow. The 42-year-old Glavine still hopes to return next year - unless he needs elbow ligament replacement surgery. A 300-game winner, Glavine said he will be examined by Dr. James Andrews next week in Alabama. Glavine, placed on the disabled list Friday with a torn flexor tendon in his left elbow, plans to have surgery to repair the tendon.

HARANGUED

Aaron Harang got hit hard in a 9-3 loss to the Cardinals. The Reds starter has struggled in both of his starts since he came off the disabled list, giving up three homers and a career-high eight earned runs in four innings last Sunday. This time, he gave up the same amount of homers and runs in 3 1-3 innings. The right-hander was sidelined from July 13 to Aug. 9 with a sore right forearm. "I'm concerned about his psyche,'' manager Dusty Baker said. "I've never seen him get hit like this.''

ANGEL SAVIOR

Francisco Rodriguez picked up his 47th save to tie his team record in the Angels' 4-3 win over the Indians. He yielded a single to Jhonny Peralta to open the ninth, then got three quick outs - two on strikeouts - to match his saves mark set in 2006. The All-Star closer narrowly escaped a second consecutive blown save when Ryan Garko lined a 2-2 pitch inches foul with pinch-runner Franklin Gutierrez on second and two outs. Garko fanned on a 3-2 offering in the dirt. Rodriguez bounced back from his fifth blown save on Wednesday, when he yielded three runs to Seattle and drew his first career ejection.

YOU COMPLETE ME

Roy Halladay stopped Boston's potent offense and spoiled Paul Byrd's debut with the Red Sox, pitching his major league-leading eighth complete game in the Blue Jays' 4-1 victory. The loss snapped Boston's four-game winning streak and came after the Red Sox scored 37 runs in a three-game sweep of Texas. Halladay improved to 10-4 in his last 16 starts, limiting the Red Sox to six singles before Dustin Pedroia's homer leading off the ninth. He walked one and struck out four in the seven-hitter, holding an opponent to one earned run or less for the 13th time in 32 starts this season.

JUSTIN TIME

Justin Verlander sure was glad to face the Orioles again. The Tigers pitcher allowed two unearned runs and four hits in six innings, walking three and striking out six to pick up his first victory in almost a month, 5-3 over Baltimore. His last win came against the Orioles on July 20, when he allowed a run and three hits in 8 2-3 innings. Between wins against the Orioles, Verlander went through one of the worst stretches in his up-and-down career, going 0-4 with a 9.97 ERA in four starts.

STAT

Rangers rookie Matt Harrison had seven strikeouts in 35 2-3 innings in his first seven starts. Then, against the AL East-leading Devil Rays, he pitched eight sharp innings, striking out eight in a 3-0 win. ... The Braves beat the Giants 11-5, scoring exactly 11 runs for the fourth time in their last five wins. They have not won a game in which they scored fewer than four runs since May 24.

SNAPPED

Hanley Ramirez homered and Cody Ross singled in the go-ahead run in the fifth inning to help the Florida Marlins snap the Chicago Cubs' nine-game road winning streak with a 2-1 victory. "Let's win another nine and no one will remember this one,'' Cubs manager Lou Piniella said.

DUAL SLAMS

Adam Dunn still hasn't homered for Arizona, but the rest of the Diamondbacks are hitting plenty since he arrived. Miguel Montero and Chris Young hit grand slams - the first time Arizona has hit two in the same game - and the Diamondbacks beat the Astros 11-5. Montero and Young hit the first slams of their careers, both connecting off Brandon Backe. Montero also had a solo homer and double, driving in a career-high five RBIs as the Diamondbacks won for the fifth time in six games.

REHABBING

Yankees designated hitter Hideki Matsui, who homered in Class A Tampa's doubleheader Friday, went 1-for-3, including a line drive single to right, and a walk in his third rehab game for Tampa. Matsui is scheduled to take part in a simulated game Sunday and then return to New York, raising the possibility he might rejoin the team for a road trip that starts Tuesday in Toronto.

SPEAKING

"It's just been a weird year; I don't think anyone would expect it. I wouldn't wish it on any staff to go through.'' - Braves pitcher Mike Hampton after beating the Giants 11-5 on the same day that Tom Glavine found out he'd be out for the rest of the season because of an elbow injury. The Braves had already lost former 20-game winners John Smoltz and Tim Hudson to injuries.

SEASONS

Aug. 17

1904 - Jesse Tannehill of the Boston Red Sox pitched a no-hitter, beating the Chicago White Sox 6-0.

1920 - Cleveland shortstop Ray Chapman died from a beaning by Carl Mays of the New York Yankees on Aug. 16. This was the only on-field fatality in major league history.

1933 - Lou Gehrig played in his 1,308th straight game to break Everett Scott's record of 1,307.

1944 - Johnny Lindell of the New York Yankees hit four consecutive doubles in a 10-3 victory over the Cleveland Indians. Lindell drove in two runs and scored twice.

1972 - Steve Carlton of the Philadelphia Phillies won his 15th consecutive game with a 9-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

1990 - Carlton Fisk broke Johnny Bench's major league record for homers by a catcher with his 328th blast as the Chicago White Sox beat the Texas Rangers 4-2 for a split of a doubleheader.

1992 - Kevin Gross pitched a no-hitter as Los Angeles beat San Francisco 2-0 at Dodgers Stadium.

1999 - Jesse Orosco set a major league record by pitching in his 1,072nd game, breaking a tie with Dennis Eckersley atop the career list. The 42-year-old Orosco took the mound with two outs in the seventh inning of Baltimore's victory over Minnesota.

2001 - Jeff Frye became the second Toronto player to hit for the cycle as the Blue Jays beat Texas 11-3. Frye tripled in the second inning, doubled in the fifth, homered in the sixth and hit a shot to the right-center field gap in the seventh. With the game in hand, he held up at first.

2002 - Alex Rodriguez became the sixth player in major league history to have five straight 40-homer seasons.

2004 - Tampa Bay's B.J. Upton, 19, became the first teenager in more than six years to homer in a major league game, helping Tampa Bay snap a six-game losing streak with an 8-3 victory over Anaheim.

Today's birthdays: Dustin Pedroia 25; Brett Myers 28; Chad Qualls 30; Mike Maroth 30; Jorge Posada 37.

[Udog]

MLB

Sunday, August 17


Updated
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Tips and Trends
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Chicago Cubs at Florida Marlins [ WGN | 1:10 PM ET]

Cubs (-140, O/U 8.5): Ryan Dempster's incredible season for the Cubs shows no signs of slowing down. In his last five starts, Dempster has allowed a total of six runs. Dempster is just 2-3 on the road, although his ERA is a strong 3.17 ERA in 10 starts. To show how consistent Dempster has been all year, he's given up three runs or less in 20 of his 25 starts this season. Dempster faced the Marlins on July 25 but took a no-decision after allowing two hits and one run over six innings.

The Cubs are 9-1 in their last 8 road games.
The OVER is 10-1 in Chicago's last 11 road games.

Key Injuries - 3B Aramis Ramirez (.285; hip) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 3 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)

Marlins: Chris Volstad has won two straight starts, allowing just three runs over 11 innings in those games. However, one area of concern is the seven walks issued despite winning both times. Volstad hasn't benefited from being at home where he's just 1-2 with a 5.63 ERA. Volstad pitched well in his lone career start against the Cubs earlier this season, giving up two runs in six innings of work. In his six starts this year, the UNDER is a perfect 6-0.

Marlins are 13-3 in the last 16 meetings.
Marlins are 2-5 in their last 5 home games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 2



Milwaukee Brewers at Los Angeles Dodgers [TBS | 4:10 PM ET]

Brewers: Jeff Suppan is on a nice three-game winning streak. In road victories over Atlanta, Cincinnati and San Diego, Suppan has given up just five runs in 22 innings pitched. He'll be going for his fourth consecutive road win tonight, where he's 6-5 with a 4.79 ERA overall this year. In nine career starts against the Dodgers, Suppan is 4-4 with an ERA of 4.02. The UNDER is 4-1-1 in Suppan's last six starts on the road.

Brewers are 9-2 in their last 11 games overall.
The UNDER is 12-2-1 in Milwaukee's last 15 road games.

Key Injuries - OF Ryan Braun (.300; back) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 5 (Side Play of the Day)

Dodgers (-145, O/U 8): Clayton Kershaw has been remarkable over his last four starts, allowing just four runs in 25 innings of work. As a matter of fact, Kershaw has given up three runs or less an impressive eight times in his last 10 starts. Kershaw hasn't had much luck at Dodger Stadium, however. In seven home starts, he's just 1-2, despite sporting an impressive 3.08 ERA. The UNDER is 4-0 in Kershaw's last four starts.

Dodgers are 13-4 in their last 17 home games.
Dodgers are 5-1 in their last 6 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 4


Philadelphia Phillies at San Diego Padres [ESPN | 8:05 PM ET]

Phillies (-185, O/U 7): It's been a long time since Cole Hamels has tasted victory. He hasn't won a decision since July 3. However, he hasn't pitched awful over his last six starts, as he's allowed three runs or less four times. Hamels has largely been a victim of poor run support from the Phillies offense. Hamels is 4-2 on the road with a solid 3.64 ERA. With Hamels pitching pretty well and not receiving much run support, it's no surprise that the UNDER is 7-2-1 in his last 10 starts.

Phillies are 13-4 in the last 17 meetings at San Diego.
The UNDER is 7-3-1 in Philadelphia's last 11 games overall.

Key Injuries - 3B Pedro Feliz (.256; back) is on the 15-day DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: 4

Padres: Cha Seung Baek has pitched poorly in three of his last four starts, although he's 2-2 over that stretch. In his last 22 innings of work, Baek has given up 30 hits and 16 runs. If there is one pitcher in MLB who dreads pitching at home, it's Baek. In eight starts at Petco Park, Baek is an unfathomable 0-7 with a lofty 6.46 ERA. The OVER has been a solid bet with Baek on the mound, going 4-2 in his last six starts

Padres are 8-19 in their last 27 home games.
Padres are 0-6 in Baek's last 6 home starts.

Key Injuries - C Josh Bard (.209, elbow) is on the 15-day DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: 3