Saturday Trends and Indexes 8/23

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes
Saturday August 23

Good Luck on day #236 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

Saturday, August 23

Carl Edwards will be looking to get closer to top spot in the standings when the Sprint Cup Series hits the track at Bristol on Saturday. Here's your Daily Sports Roundup . . .

Event of the day . . .

Edwards is on a roll heading into NASCAR's Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday night. The Sprint Cup driver won the 3M Performance 400 at Michigan last weekend, giving him an impressive five series victories on the season. That's second only to standings leader Kyle Busch, who has eight wins and a 222-point lead on Edwards as we get closer to the start of the 2008 Chase for the Sprint Cup.

Edwards, though, is tied with Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart at just 8/1 odds to win the Sharpie 500 on Saturday night - that puts him behind race co-favorites Busch and Dale Earnhardt Jr., who are each pegged at 6/1 on the Vegas odds list for the event. Matt Kenseth then sits at 10/1, with Denny Hamlin and Jeff Gordon both at 12/1, and each of Greg Biffle, Kasey Kahne, and Kevin Harvick back at 15/1 odds.

Farther down the list, Clint Bowyer is pegged at 22/1 to win at Bristol, while David Ragan is behind him at 25/1. Bowyer and Ragan are tied for 13th place in the current driver standings, 26 points behind Hamlin for the 12th and final berth in this year's playoffs. The Chase for the Sprint Cup will get underway on Sunday, September 14 in the Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Non-event of the day . . .

The Chiefs and Dolphins combined for five wins last season. The Ravens and Rams combined for eight wins in 2007. Those four teams will be on the gridiron on Saturday night, with Kansas City at Miami, and Baltimore at St. Louis. The Dolphins are favored by 3 points at home in their game, with the Rams pegged as just 2.5-point home faves.

Also on the schedule . . .

There are seven other NFL games on the preseason schedule for Saturday, including the Giants at the Jets, Jacksonville at Tampa Bay, Washington at Carolina, New Orleans at Cincinnati, Pittsburgh at Minnesota, and Arizona at Oakland. As well, the Browns and Lions will meet in Detroit in a 4:00pm ET clash on Saturday afternoon.

The Twins and Angels will continue their set in L.A. on Saturday, with Vladimir Guerrero and company looking to further solidify their hold on the AL West. Other AL games on the schedule: Boston at Toronto, Tampa Bay at the White Sox, the Yankees at Baltimore, Detroit at Kansas City, Cleveland at Texas, and Oakland at Seattle.

Marquee contests around the NL on Saturday include the Dodgers at Philadelphia and Florida at Arizona, while the Reds and Rockies will continue their underwhelming series in Colorado. The rest of the NL schedule: Washington at the Cubs, San Diego at San Francisco, Atlanta at St. Louis, Pittsburgh at Milwaukee, and Houston at the Mets.

Finally, the Olympic men's basketball tournament concludes early Sunday morning, with the bronze medal game at 12:00am ET, and the gold medal contest at 2:30am ET.

News from the wire . . .

The Dolphins still haven't cleared up their running back situation, with both Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown candidates to start . . . Colts quarterback Peyton Manning might start practicing during the upcoming week, which would be a big relief for anxious Indy football fans . . . Rays closer Troy Percival is expected to return from the disabled list at the end of next week; the veteran doesn't have to undergo knee surgery.

Peek at the future . . .

The Colts will play host to the Bills at Lucas Oil Stadium in NFL preseason action on Sunday night, while Seattle will travel to San Diego for the league's Monday night exhibition clash . . . the PGA Tour's The Barclays wraps up on Sunday afternoon . . . Formula One's European Grand Prix gets underway in Spain on Sunday morning, with Lewis Hamilton holding a five-point lead on Kimi Raikkonen in the driver standings.

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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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Saturday, August 23
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CLEVELAND (0 - 2) at DETROIT (2 - 0) - 8/23/2008, 4:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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NY GIANTS (1 - 1) at NY JETS (1 - 1) - 8/23/2008, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY JETS is 1-1 against the spread versus NY GIANTS over the last 3 seasons
NY JETS is 1-1 straight up against NY GIANTS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WASHINGTON (3 - 0) at CAROLINA (1 - 1) - 8/23/2008, 7:30 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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NEW ORLEANS (1 - 1) at CINCINNATI (1 - 1) - 8/23/2008, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) in road games since 1993.
NEW ORLEANS is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) in road lined games since 1993.
NEW ORLEANS is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games when playing with 6 or less days rest since 1993.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 1-0 against the spread versus CINCINNATI over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS 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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JACKSONVILLE (1 - 1) at TAMPA BAY (2 - 0) - 8/23/2008, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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KANSAS CITY (1 - 1) at MIAMI (1 - 1) - 8/23/2008, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 1-0 against the spread versus KANSAS CITY over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 1-0 straight up against KANSAS CITY 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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PITTSBURGH (1 - 1) at MINNESOTA (1 - 1) - 8/23/2008, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 1-0 against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 1-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH 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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BALTIMORE (1 - 1) at ST LOUIS (1 - 1) - 8/23/2008, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 3-14 ATS (-12.4 Units) when playing on a Saturday since 1993.
ST LOUIS is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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ARIZONA (1 - 1) at OAKLAND (1 - 1) - 8/23/2008, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 1-0 against the spread versus ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
OAKLAND is 1-0 straight up against ARIZONA 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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Sunday, August 24
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BUFFALO (1 - 1) at INDIANAPOLIS (1 - 2) - 8/24/2008, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.

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


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Monday, August 25
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SEATTLE (2 - 0) at SAN DIEGO (1 - 1) - 8/25/2008, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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


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[pm530]

National Football League – Short Sheet

NFL
Pre-Season


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Short Sheet
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Saturday, August 23rd

Cleveland at Detroit, 4:00 ET NFL
Cleveland: 5-1 ATS after a loss by 3 or less points
Detroit: 3-10 ATS as a home favorite of 3 points or less

NY Giants at NY Jets, 7:00 ET
NY Giants: 8-21 ATS last two weeks of the preseason
NY Jets: 12-3 ATS vs. Giants

Washington at Carolina, 7:30 ET
Washington: 6-1 Under off SU win as road underdog
Carolina: 12-4 ATS vs. NFC

New Orleans at Cincinnati, 7:30 ET
New Orleans: 23-10 ATS in road games
Cincinnati: 0-6 ATS vs. NFC South

Jacksonville at Tampa Bay, 7:30 ET
Jacksonville: 7-0 Over off BB ATS losses
Tampa Bay: 5-1 ATS when the line is +3 to -3

Kansas City at Miami, 7:30 ET
Kansas City: 1-5 ATS off a SU/ATS loss
Miami: 5-1 Under playing with 6 or less days rest

Pittsburgh at Minnesota, 8:00 ET CBS
Pittsburgh: 9-1 Under vs. NFC
Minnesota: 5-0 ATS playing with 6 or less days rest

Baltimore at St. Louis, 8:00 ET
Baltimore: 13-4 Under off an Over
St. Louis: 4-18 ATS off home game

Arizona at Oakland, 9:00 ET
Arizona: 0-3 ATS off ATS win
Oakland: 5-0 ATS as favorite



Sunday, August 24th

Buffalo at Indianapolis, 8:00 ET NFL
Buffalo: 6-0 ATS as an underdog
Indianapolis: 3-0 Over as favorite



Monday, August 25th

Seattle at San Diego, 8:00 ET ESPN
Seattle: 6-0 Over as an underdog
San Diego: 17-6 Over off Under

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[pm530]

Baseball Today

MLB


Saturday, August 23

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Baseball Today
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SCOREBOARD

Saturday, Aug. 23

New York Yankees at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EDT). Carl Pavano is the Yankees' scheduled starter for the first time this season. After signing a $39.95 million, four-year contract before the 2005 season, Pavano has been limited to 19 appearances and only two since June 27, 2005.


STARS

Friday

- Willie Harris, Nationals, hit a pair of homers, including his first career grand slam, and drove in six runs in a 13-5 rout of the Cubs.

- Johan Santana, Mets, pitched seven innings and allowed eight hits and a walk in a 3-0 win over Houston.

- Albert Pujols, Cardinals, went 3-for-3 and drove in three runs, part of a 26-hit outburst that sent St. Louis to an 18-3 win over the Braves.

- Chris Coste, Phillies, hit a three-run homer and finished with four RBIs in an 8-1 win over Greg Maddux and the Dodgers.

- Bobby Abreu, Yankees, went 5-for-5 to match a career high as New York scored the final six runs in a 9-4 victory over the Orioles.

- Miguel Cabrera, Tigers, hit a pair of solo home runs in a 4-3 victory over the Royals.

- Tim Lincecum, Giants, gave up four hits over eight innings, striking out eight in a 5-0 win over the Padres.

- Glen Perkins, Twins, went eight innings and allowed five hits and two walks in a 9-0 rout of the Angels.


GASHOUSE GANG REVISITED

Albert Pujols went 3-for-3 with three RBIs, and the first five hitters were a combined 10-for-12 with seven walks and a sacrifice fly the first four times through the order in the Cardinals' 18-3 romp over the Braves. The 26 hits by St. Louis were the franchise's most since another 26-hit game on Sept. 23, 1930, at Philadelphia, and the 21 singles their most in a nine-inning game since July 6, 1929, in the second game of a doubleheader at Philadelphia.


WAKE-UP CALL

Washington certainly answered its wake-up call, getting a grand slam and six RBIs from Willie Harris in a 13-5 rout of the NL Central-leading Cubs. The Nationals' victory came less than 24 hours after they ended a 12-game losing streak in Philadelphia. And they didn't get to their Chicago hotel until 1:45 a.m., giving them little sleep before the afternoon start.


353 AND (STILL) COUNTING

Greg Maddux had a forgettable first start back with the Dodgers, getting tagged for seven runs and nine hits in 5 2-3 innings of an 8-1 loss to Philadelphia. Maddux is still one win shy of tying Roger Clemens for eighth on the career list.


PINSTRIPE PIONEER

Derek Jeter got his 2,500th career hit, a bloop single in the first inning of the Yankees' come-from-behind 9-4 victory over Baltimore. He joins Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth as the only players to have 2,500 hits with New York.


ROCCO AND ROLLING

Rocco Baldelli hit his first homer in more than a year, helping the Rays rally to a 9-4 victory in the opener of a key weekend series against the White Sox. Tampa Bay has won eight of its past 11 games and maintained a 4 1/2-game lead over Boston in the AL East, even without injured stars Troy Percival, Evan Longoria and Carl Crawford.


ROYAL MELTDOWN

The Royals lost their sixth straight, 4-3 to Detroit, and appear headed for another last-place finish. They've dropped 12 of 14 overall and have been outscored 105-41 over that stretch. The Tigers have outscored the Royals 37-8 in their past four games at Kauffman Stadium.


WELCOME BACK

Brewers All-Star Ryan Braun returned to the starting lineup against the Pirates as he continues to deal with a nagging back injury. ... Ryan Church was activated from the disabled list and played right field in the Mets' win over Houston. He'd been recovering from post-concussion syndrome. ... The Rangers activated Hank Blalock from the 15-day DL after struggling through inflammation in his right shoulder.


SPEAKING

"They really believe in themselves and what they are out to accomplish. You can see it. It's been different the last couple years. You have seen them grow into a very good team with the same players every year. Other than being their opponent, it's been nice to see something we would want here.'' - Jack Wilson of the Pirates, after a 10-4 loss to the Brewers.


SEASONS

Aug. 23

1906 - On their way to the American League pennant, the Chicago White Sox beat the Washington Senators 4-1 for their 19th straight victory.

1907 - Pittsburgh's Howie Camnitz pitched a five-inning no-hitter in the second game of a doubleheader at New York. The Pirates beat the Giants 1-0.

1931 - Lefty Grove of the Philadelphia Athletics was beaten 1-0 by Dick Coffman of the St. Louis Browns, snapping a personal 16-game winning streak. A misjudged fly ball by outfielder Jim Moore led to the winning run.

1936 - In his first major league start, 17-year-old Bob Feller struck out 15 Browns as the Cleveland Indians beat St. Louis 4-1. Feller gave up six hits and allowed four walks.

1952 - During a game against the Cardinals at the Polo Grounds, the Giants' Bob Elliott complained and kicked dirt arguing over a called strike. Umpire Augie Donatelli ejected him from the game. Bobby Hoffman finished the at-bat by being called out on strikes and was also ejected by Donatelli for arguing the call.

1982 - Seattle pitcher Gaylord Perry was ejected in the seventh inning for allegedly throwing a spitball against the Red Sox. It was the first ejection for Perry, who was subsequently suspended 10 days.

1989 - Rick Dempsey's leadoff homer in the 22nd inning gave the Los Angeles Dodgers a 1-0 victory against the Montreal Expos in the second-longest shutout in major league history.

1992 - There were no hits in Clearwater's 1-0 victory over Winter Haven in the Class A Florida State League. In what appeared to be the first professional game in 40 years without a hit, Andy Carter and the Clearwater Phillies beat Scott Bakkum and the Winter Haven Red Sox. The only run scored in the seventh inning on a pair of walks and a pair of sacrifice bunts.

1998 - Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs hit his 50th and 51st homers against the Houston Astros. Mark McGwire hit his 53rd at Pittsburgh marking just the second time two National League hitters have 50 homers in the same season. In 1947, Ralph Kiner of Pittsburgh and the New York Giants' Johnny Mize tied for the league lead with 51 each.

1998 - Barry Bonds became the first player in major league history to hit 400 home runs and steal 400 bases when he homered off Florida's Kirt Ojala in the second inning of San Francisco's game at Florida. Bonds, who hit his 26th homer of the season, had 438 steals.

2001 - Randy Johnson struck out 16 in seven innings to become the first pitcher to strike out 300 in four straight seasons, only to see his eight-game winning streak end as Kevin Young's two-run homer led the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 5-1 victory over Arizona.

Today's birthdays: Denny Bautista 28; Casey Blake 35.

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball – Trend Sheet

MLB


Saturday, August 23

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Trend Sheet
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1:05 PM WASHINGTON vs. CHI CUBS
Washington is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Washington is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games at home
Chi Cubs are 18-6 SU in their last 24 games


1:07 PM BOSTON vs. TORONTO
Boston is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Toronto is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Boston
Toronto is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing Boston


3:55 PM ATLANTA vs. ST. LOUIS
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
St. Louis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home


3:55 PM LA DODGERS vs. PHILADELPHIA
LA Dodgers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games
LA Dodgers are 2-7 SU in their last 9 games on the road
Philadelphia is 17-8 SU in their last 25 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
Philadelphia is 3-6 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers


3:55 PM SAN DIEGO vs. SAN FRANCISCO
San Diego is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
San Diego is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
San Francisco is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against San Diego
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Diego


3:55 PM TAMPA BAY vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi White Sox
Tampa Bay is 3-8 SU in their last 11 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games
Chi White Sox are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games at home


7:05 PM NY YANKEES vs. BALTIMORE
NY Yankees are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games on the road
NY Yankees are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
Baltimore is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Baltimore is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home


7:05 PM PITTSBURGH vs. MILWAUKEE
Pittsburgh is 0-4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Pittsburgh is 1-5-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 11-4-1 SU in its last 16 games
Milwaukee is 6-1-1 SU in its last 8 games at home


7:10 PM DETROIT vs. KANSAS CITY
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Kansas City is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
Kansas City is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit


7:10 PM HOUSTON vs. NY METS
Houston is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
Houston is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
NY Mets are 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Houston
NY Mets are 10-1 SU in its last 11 games


8:05 PM CINCINNATI vs. COLORADO
Cincinnati is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games
Cincinnati is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Colorado
Colorado is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
Colorado is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cincinnati


8:05 PM CLEVELAND vs. TEXAS
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Texas is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Texas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home


8:10 PM FLORIDA vs. ARIZONA
Florida is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Florida is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Arizona
Arizona is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Arizona is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games


9:05 PM MINNESOTA vs. LA ANGELS
Minnesota is 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing LA Angels
Minnesota is 4-9 SU in their last 13 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
LA Angels are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games
LA Angels are 15-6 SU in their last 21 games at home


10:10 PM OAKLAND vs. SEATTLE
Oakland is 5-19 SU in its last 24 games
Oakland is 4-19 SU in its last 23 games on the road
Seattle is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Oakland
Seattle is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball - Tips & Trends

MLB


We will update when projected scores are available.

Saturday, August 23

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Tips and Trends
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Atlanta Braves at St. Louis Cardinals [FOX | 3:55 PM ET]

Braves: Jorge Campillo started the season out strong but he’s been touched up pretty good over his last three starts. In his last 18 innings of work, Campillo has given up 22 hits and 15 runs. The good news for Braves backers is that Campillo has been sensational on the road, sporting an ERA of 2.13 away from home this season. He faced the Cardinals back on July 29, getting a no-decision after allowing just two runs over seven innings. The UNDER is 3-1 in Campillo’s last four starts.

Braves are 7-20 in their last 27 games overall.
The OVER is 10-4-1 in Atlanta's last 15 games overall.

Key Injuries - 1B Casey Kotchman (.266; bereavement list) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Cardinals (-145, O/U 9): After being one of the Cardinals most consistent pitchers for most of the year, Kyle Lohse is in a terrible slump right now. He’s 1-4 in his last five starts, allowing 21 runs in 27.2 innings over that stretch. Lohse could end his cold streak tonight at home, where he’s 7-2 with a 3.08 ERA on the year. Lohse has faced the Braves four times in his career, going 2-1 with an ERA of 5.16. The UNDER is 4-2 in Lohse’s last six starts at home.

Cardinals are 20-7 in their last 27 Saturday games.
Cardinals are 7-2 in Lohse's last 9 home starts.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD



Tampa Bay Rays at Chicago White Sox [FOX | 3:55 PM ET]

Rays: Scott Kazmir has been consistent over his last five starts, allowing just two runs in four of those outings. However, he’s just 1-1 with three no-decisions over that span, thanks to little run support from the Rays offense. Kazmir hasn’t been the same pitcher away from home, where he’s 4-5 with a 3.90 ERA. He has had success, however, against the White Sox. Kazmir is 3-1 in his career against Chicago with a strong 3.08 ERA. The UNDER is 6-2 in Kazmir’s last eight starts.

Rays are 17-5 in their last 22 games overall.
The UNDER is 20-8 in Tampa Bay's last 28 road games.

Key Injuries - 3B Evan Longoria (.278; wrist) is on the 15-day DL.
OF Carl Crawford (.273; hand) is OUT for the season.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

White Sox (-145, O/U 9): Javier Vazquez has won two starts in a row, pitching extremely well in both games. In wins over the Royals and A’s, Vazquez only allowed nine hits and one run in 16 innings of work. Vazquez is 6-4 at home this season, although his ERA is an average 4.11. In 11 career starts against the Rays, Vazquez is 5-3 with an ERA of 4.28. In his last three starts, the OVER is 2-0-1.

White Sox are 40-14 in their last 54 home games.
White Sox are 8-3 in the last 11 meetings at Chicago.

Key Injuries - White Sox DH Jim Thome (.251; leg) has returned.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD



Los Angeles Dodgers at Philadelphia Phillies [FOX | 3:55 PM ET]

Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw is 2-0 with three no-decisions in his last five starts but he’s been sensational over that stretch. Kershaw has only given up five runs in his last 31 innings of work. Kershaw faced the Phillies for the first time on August 12, getting a no-decision after allowing three runs over six innings in a game the Dodgers won 4-3. The UNDER is 4-1 in Kershaw’s last five starts.

Dodgers are 2-7 in their last 9 road games.
The UNDER is 9-4-2 in the last 15 meetings.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Phillies (-180, O/U 8.5): You wouldn’t know it by his record, but Cole Hamels has pitched very well over his last 10 starts, allowing three runs or less seven times. However, he’s just 3-3 with four no-decisions in his last 10 outings because the Phillies offense refuses to score when he’s on the mound. In Hamels' last three starts, there have been a total of 13 runs scored, with each game easily going UNDER the total. Hamels' first career start against the Dodgers came on August 12, where he took a no-decision after allowing just two runs over seven innings of work.

Phillies are 10-2 in Hamels' last 12 Saturday starts.
The OVER is 6-2 in Philadelphia's last 8 Saturday games.

Key Injuries - OF Geoff Jenkins (.246; quad) is doubtful

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball – Streaking Pitchers

MLB

Saturday, August 23

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Streaking Starting Pitchers
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Saturday’s streaking and slumping pitchers

Streaking

John Maine, New York Mets (10-4, 3.79)

Maine has just two setbacks in his last 10 and is 1-0 with a solid 0.63 ERA in his last three overall. He has also relinquished more than three earned runs just once in his last 10 overall.

Maine, who has not lost a home start since June, is 2-0 in his last three at home. He is 3-0 and has a spectacular 1.57 career-ERA against the Houston Astros.

The Mets are 9-3 in Maine's last 12 home starts and are 5-1 in their last six at home against the Astros.



Slumping

Kyle Lohse, St. Louis Cardinals (13-6, 3.94)

Lohse is winless in his last three and has relinquished 11 earned runs on 20 hits. He also has a lofty 5.71 ERA in that stretch.

Lohse is 1-1 in his last three at home and has a 4.48 ERA in that period. He has relinquished six HRs in his last five starts. Lohse also has a 5.16 career-ERA in four starts against the Atlanta Braves.

The Cardinals are 1-5 in Lohse's last six and are 5-1 in their last six against the Braves.

Jesse Litsch, Toronto Blue Jays (8-7, 4.20)

Litsch has just one win in his last 10 and is 0-2 in his last three with a lofty 5.65 ERA. He has surrendered 15 earned runs on 26 hits in his last 18 1/2 IP.

Litsch is 1-2 in his last four home games and is 4-2 overall at the Rogers Centre. He has relinquished 11 earned runs and two homers in his last four home starts.

The Blue Jays are 0-5 in Litsch's last five starts against the AL East and are 10-2 in their last 12 against the Red Sox.

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[Udog]

MLB
Dunkel


Boston at Toronto
The Red Sox look to build on their 9-4 record as a road favorite between -125 and -150 behind starter Jon Lester, who is 9-1 with a 2.89 ERA in his last 14 starts. Boston is the pick (-140) according to Dunkel, which has the Red Sox favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Boston (-140). Here are all of today's games.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23

Game 901-902: Washington at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Perez) 14.300; Cubs (Dempster) 16.036
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-350); No Run Line
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (-350); N/A

Game 903-904: Atlanta at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Campillo) 14.726; St. Louis (Lohse) 14.601
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-145); 9
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+135); Over

Game 905-906: San Diego at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Hayhurst) 14.185; San Francisco (Zito) 15.261
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 8
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-150); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-150); Under

Game 907-908: LA Dodgers at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Kershaw) 14.616; Philadelphia (Hamels) 16.035
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-180); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-180); Under

Game 909-910: Pittsburgh at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Gorzelanny) 13.861; Milwaukee (Suppan) 16.221
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 2 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-260); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-260); Over

Game 911-912: Houston at NY Mets
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Backe) 14.823; NY Mets (Maine) 16.401
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-250); 9
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-250); Under

Game 913-914: Cincinnati at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Volquez) 15.492; Colorado (Cook) 14.693
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Colorado (-170); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+160); Under

Game 915-916: Florida at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Volstad) 15.412; Arizona (Petit) 16.776
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona (-175); 10
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-175); Over

Game 917-918: Boston at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lester) 16.459; Toronto (Litsch) 15.547
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-140); 9
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-140); Over

Game 919-920: NY Yankees at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Pavano) 16.443; Baltimore (Guthrie) 16.147
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1/2; 12
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-145); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (+135); Over

Game 921-922: Tampa Bay at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Kazmir) 17.044; White Sox (Vazquez) 15.824
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-150); 9
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+140); Under

Game 923-924: Detroit at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Miner) 13.543; Kansas City (Davies) 14.060
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1/2; 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-155); 11
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+145); Over

Game 925-926: Cleveland at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Sowers) 16.206; Texas (McCarthy) 14.669
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1 1/2; 13
Vegas Line: Texas (-130); 12
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+120); Over

Game 927-928: Minnesota at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Blackburn) 16.941; LA Angels (Garland) 15.594
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-140); 9
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+130); Under

Game 929-930: Oakland at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Eveland) 15.026; Seattle (Washburn) 14.087
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Seattle (-135); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+125); Over

[Udog]

MLB
Long Sheet


Saturday, August 23


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WASHINGTON (46 - 83) at CHICAGO CUBS (78 - 50) - 1:05 PM
ODALIS PEREZ (L) vs. RYAN DEMPSTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 46-83 (-22.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 4-16 (-11.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.
WASHINGTON is 46-80 (-19.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 78-50 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 47-19 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 76-46 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 16-3 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
DEMPSTER is 20-8 (+16.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday since 1997. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 34-26 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 85-78 (+19.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 58-41 (+26.7 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 98-90 (+23.3 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 56-33 (+26.5 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 40-43 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 143-189 (-62.3 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 370-342 (-76.1 Units) against the money line in home games in day games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 471-450 (-101.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 3-1 (+3.4 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)

ODALIS PEREZ vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
PEREZ is 3-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.44 and a WHIP of 1.029.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.9 units)

RYAN DEMPSTER vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
DEMPSTER is 5-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.74 and a WHIP of 1.272.
His team's record is 8-3 (+5.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-4. (+2.8 units)

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ATLANTA (56 - 73) at ST LOUIS (72 - 58) - 3:55 PM
JORGE CAMPILLO (R) vs. KYLE LOHSE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 31-41 (-15.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
ATLANTA is 26-38 (-14.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ATLANTA is 56-73 (-27.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 103-113 (-28.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 22-42 (-20.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ATLANTA is 19-30 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 5-15 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in road games in day games this season.
ATLANTA is 55-71 (-26.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 40-48 (-10.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 72-58 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 15-5 (+12.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.
ST LOUIS is 89-62 (+20.8 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 72-58 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 51-36 (+16.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 44-19 (+24.8 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 4-1 (+3.0 Units) against ATLANTA this season
5 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.1 Units)

JORGE CAMPILLO vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
CAMPILLO is 0-0 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.143.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

KYLE LOHSE vs. ATLANTA since 1997
LOHSE is 2-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 5.16 and a WHIP of 1.323.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)

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SAN DIEGO (48 - 80) at SAN FRANCISCO (56 - 72) - 4:05 PM
DIRK HAYHURST (L) vs. BARRY ZITO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 48-79 (-33.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 2-15 (-12.4 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 this season.
SAN DIEGO is 21-42 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 48-79 (-33.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN DIEGO is 14-29 (-17.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
SAN DIEGO is 31-47 (-17.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 149-87 (+40.6 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 29-24 (+9.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 66-79 (-20.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 36-61 (-24.3 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 127-163 (-27.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 127-163 (-27.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ZITO is 2-11 (-8.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season. (Team's Record)
ZITO is 4-16 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZITO is 2-11 (-8.8 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 8-4 (+5.3 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
10 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+7.5 Units)

DIRK HAYHURST vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

BARRY ZITO vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
ZITO is 2-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.12 and a WHIP of 1.362.
His team's record is 3-4 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.3 units)

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LA DODGERS (65 - 63) at PHILADELPHIA (69 - 59) - 3:55 PM
CLAYTON KERSHAW (L) vs. COLE HAMELS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 99-119 (-31.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 42-57 (-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 65-63 (-8.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 17-29 (-16.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 65-63 (-8.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 77-54 (+14.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 7-13 (-9.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 15-20 (-9.9 Units) against the money line in day games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 4-1 (+3.0 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.0 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
KERSHAW is 0-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

COLE HAMELS vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
HAMELS is 0-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

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PITTSBURGH (57 - 71) at MILWAUKEE (74 - 55) - 7:05 PM
TOM GORZELANNY (L) vs. JEFF SUPPAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 2-16 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in road games after allowing 10 runs or more over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 37-85 (-29.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 74-55 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 35-15 (+16.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 73-53 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SUPPAN is 19-6 (+15.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 34-36 (+8.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MILWAUKEE is 117-118 (-21.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 63-73 (-25.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 6-1 (+4.9 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.8 Units)

TOM GORZELANNY vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
GORZELANNY is 3-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.35 and a WHIP of 1.597.
His team's record is 4-3 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-1. (+5.0 units)

JEFF SUPPAN vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
SUPPAN is 10-3 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 4.41 and a WHIP of 1.198.
His team's record is 14-5 (+8.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-8. (+3.3 units)

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HOUSTON (64 - 64) at NY METS (72 - 57) - 7:10 PM
BRANDON BACKE (R) vs. JOHN MAINE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 62-63 (+5.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 48-44 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 35-33 (+9.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 64-64 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 14-7 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
NY METS are 32-35 (-25.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 3-1 (+2.4 Units) against NY METS this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

BRANDON BACKE vs. NY METS since 1997
BACKE is 1-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 4.43 and a WHIP of 1.657.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.2 units)

JOHN MAINE vs. HOUSTON since 1997
MAINE is 3-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 1.57 and a WHIP of 0.696.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-3. (-3.2 units)

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CINCINNATI (57 - 72) at COLORADO (59 - 71) - 8:05 PM
EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R) vs. AARON COOK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 22-37 (-20.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CINCINNATI is 57-72 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 56-70 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CINCINNATI is 38-49 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CINCINNATI is 35-49 (-17.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
COLORADO is 114-101 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 216-230 (+40.0 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 443-512 (+46.4 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
VOLQUEZ is 17-7 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 58-71 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 21-35 (-18.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
COLORADO is 58-71 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 36-56 (-22.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
COLORADO is 27-42 (-15.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 3-1 (+2.0 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.9 Units)

EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. COLORADO since 1997
VOLQUEZ is 0-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 11.25 and a WHIP of 2.250.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

AARON COOK vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
COOK is 2-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 5.68 and a WHIP of 1.737.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-1. (+3.1 units)

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FLORIDA (66 - 63) at ARIZONA (67 - 61) - 8:10 PM
CHRIS VOLSTAD (R) vs. YUSMEIRO PETIT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 17-31 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 160-134 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 117-92 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 439-496 (+33.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
FLORIDA is 241-255 (+43.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
FLORIDA is 66-63 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
FLORIDA is 27-23 (+13.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 31-32 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
FLORIDA is 65-61 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
FLORIDA is 48-49 (+5.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
FLORIDA is 47-45 (+8.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 41-45 (-14.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 19-30 (-14.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ARIZONA is 67-61 (-6.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 78-77 (-28.9 Units) against the money line in home games in August games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 6-1 (+7.0 Units) against ARIZONA this season
5 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+5.0 Units)

CHRIS VOLSTAD vs. ARIZONA since 1997
No recent starts.

YUSMEIRO PETIT vs. FLORIDA since 1997
No recent starts.

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BOSTON (74 - 54) at TORONTO (66 - 62) - 1:07 PM
JON LESTER (L) vs. JESSE LITSCH (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 2-12 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf this season.
BOSTON is 23-30 (-10.1 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 28-34 (-14.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 12-17 (-8.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
TORONTO is 38-31 (+13.5 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.
TORONTO is 47-40 (+23.8 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +125 to +150 since 1997.
TORONTO is 61-30 (+22.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 123-91 (+27.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
LESTER is 28-10 (+18.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LESTER is 14-2 (+12.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LESTER is 20-7 (+13.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 13-20 (-10.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 6-3 (+4.0 Units) against BOSTON this season
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.0 Units, Under=-0.6 Units)

JON LESTER vs. TORONTO since 1997
LESTER is 0-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 0.61 and a WHIP of 0.818.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

JESSE LITSCH vs. BOSTON since 1997
LITSCH is 3-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.57 and a WHIP of 1.477.
His team's record is 3-1 (+3.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.4 units)

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NY YANKEES (68 - 60) at BALTIMORE (61 - 66) - 7:05 PM
CARL PAVANO (R) vs. JEREMY GUTHRIE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 68-60 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 72-74 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 64-57 (-21.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 143-111 (-22.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 41-44 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 61-66 (+4.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 56-56 (+7.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 50-39 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 48-45 (+12.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 214-270 (-85.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 89-155 (-42.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 6-17 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in home games in August games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 165-220 (-66.8 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 7-6 (+3.5 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
6 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-1.0 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

CARL PAVANO vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
PAVANO is 2-2 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.14 and a WHIP of 1.395.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-4. (-4.2 units)

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
GUTHRIE is 2-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.15 and a WHIP of 1.286.
His team's record is 3-2 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.1 units)

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TAMPA BAY (78 - 49) at CHI WHITE SOX (73 - 54) - 3:55 PM
SCOTT KAZMIR (L) vs. JAVIER VAZQUEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 73-54 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 45-20 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 16-3 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in home games in day games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 69-41 (+23.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 26-15 (+9.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
TAMPA BAY is 78-49 (+24.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 15-5 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 50-39 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 57-31 (+22.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TAMPA BAY is 46-31 (+9.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
TAMPA BAY is 40-22 (+17.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
KAZMIR is 33-16 (+21.7 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
KAZMIR is 17-8 (+11.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 5-3 (+2.3 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.6 Units)

SCOTT KAZMIR vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
KAZMIR is 3-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.08 and a WHIP of 1.253.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)

JAVIER VAZQUEZ vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
VAZQUEZ is 5-3 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.28 and a WHIP of 1.385.
His team's record is 5-6 (-3.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-3. (+4.4 units)

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DETROIT (63 - 65) at KANSAS CITY (55 - 73) - 7:10 PM
ZACH MINER (R) vs. KYLE DAVIES (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 22-30 (-16.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
DETROIT is 40-51 (-19.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
DETROIT is 63-65 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
DETROIT is 19-30 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 32-51 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 32-54 (-18.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 25-47 (-17.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 6-4 (+4.4 Units) against DETROIT this season
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.7 Units)

ZACH MINER vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
MINER is 1-2 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 8.44 and a WHIP of 1.782.
His team's record is 1-2 (-3.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-3. (-3.3 units)

KYLE DAVIES vs. DETROIT since 1997
DAVIES is 1-2 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 4.02 and a WHIP of 1.405.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

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CLEVELAND (60 - 67) at TEXAS (63 - 66) - 8:05 PM
JEREMY SOWERS (L) vs. BRANDON MCCARTHY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 45-49 (-9.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 29-35 (-15.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CLEVELAND is 60-67 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 24-38 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CLEVELAND is 54-58 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 57-60 (+6.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 47-48 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 37-29 (+13.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
TEXAS is 63-66 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 80-65 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 48-28 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 4-4 (+1.2 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.0 Units)

JEREMY SOWERS vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

BRANDON MCCARTHY vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
MCCARTHY is 3-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 2.38 and a WHIP of 1.191.
His team's record is 3-1 (+4.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-4. (-4.0 units)

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MINNESOTA (74 - 54) at LA ANGELS (77 - 50) - 9:05 PM
NICK BLACKBURN (R) vs. JON GARLAND (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 77-50 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 35-15 (+17.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
LA ANGELS are 71-43 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 54-39 (+7.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 31-18 (+10.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
LA ANGELS are 39-23 (+14.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LA ANGELS are 69-45 (+23.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 74-54 (+24.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 37-31 (+8.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
MINNESOTA is 52-35 (+21.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 50-39 (+13.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 44-29 (+16.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
MINNESOTA is 32-23 (+12.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
GARLAND is 11-19 (-10.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GARLAND is 1-7 (-8.5 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GARLAND is 6-15 (-14.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GARLAND is 6-19 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 3-3 (+1.4 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

NICK BLACKBURN vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
BLACKBURN is 0-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

JON GARLAND vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
GARLAND is 8-8 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.58 and a WHIP of 1.429.
His team's record is 11-13 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-13. (-3.0 units)

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OAKLAND (58 - 70) at SEATTLE (47 - 81) - 10:10 PM
DANA EVELAND (L) vs. JARROD WASHBURN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 15-31 (-17.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 15-21 (-9.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
OAKLAND is 53-62 (-12.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 58-70 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 202-130 (+61.4 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
SEATTLE is 47-81 (-34.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 20-32 (-15.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SEATTLE is 4-11 (-8.4 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
SEATTLE is 25-39 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SEATTLE is 15-22 (-11.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SEATTLE is 42-74 (-34.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 33-55 (-23.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 13-27 (-14.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 16-30 (-14.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SEATTLE is 18-35 (-19.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SEATTLE is 228-211 (-71.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.
WASHBURN is 6-18 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
WASHBURN is 10-18 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHBURN is 23-32 (-23.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
WASHBURN is 3-18 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
WASHBURN is 10-16 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in home games 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
OAKLAND is 6-5 (+0.7 Units) against SEATTLE this season
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.6 Units)

DANA EVELAND vs. SEATTLE since 1997
EVELAND is 2-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 5.07 and a WHIP of 1.876.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.3 units)

JARROD WASHBURN vs. OAKLAND since 1997
WASHBURN is 8-14 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 4.10 and a WHIP of 1.310.
His team's record is 14-18 (-4.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 15-16. (-2.7 units)

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[Udog]

MLB


Saturday, August 23

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Hot Lines: Saturday's best MLB bets
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Atlanta Braves at St. Louis Cardinals (-155, 9)

The Red birds current vibe and focus is typical of LaRussa coached squad late in the year. As for the Braves, Grandpa Cox is not used to playing for nothing and it shows. While quality starts from a 30-year-old with only minimal relief experience in the past has been one of the lone bright spots for the Braves, Jorge Campillo has labored of late with a 7.50 ERA over his last three starts. On the Cardinals side, LaRussa has his crew stoking the ball with the confidence of a front-runner in late August. They exploded for 18 runs and 26 hits against an already taxed and undermanned Braves staff yesterday, and more importantly, have a fresh pen for the weekend after only using one reliever following an off day Thursday. Toeing the rubber this afternoon, while Kyle Lohse (13-6, 3.94) rarely baffles hitters, he usually keeps Pujols in striking distance and has allowed three runs or less in 14 of his last 18 starts. Cards take the second step on their way to a weekend sweep.

Pick: Cardinals



Pittsburgh Pirates at Milwaukee Brewers (-245, 8 1/2)

The vibe for the Brew Crew at home has been Wrigley-esque with unprecedented sell-outs and late inning heroics. Jeff Suppan (8-7, 4.62) takes the hill for Ned Yost, and while he is the definition of a backend starter, as seen yesterday (10 runs) the return of Ryan Braun in the middle of the line-up turns Suppan's supporters into a confident mash unit. Yankee cast-off Jeff Karstens was supposed to start for the Pirates but was pushed back, so instead the walk-machine Tom Gorzelanny (6-7, 6.57 with 61 walks in 87.2 innings) was recalled to take the mound at the spot of his last major league appearance (4.2 innings, 11 hits, eights runs). While he looked solid in Triple-A and greatly improved his control, the nerves should return with the playoff atmosphere in Milwaukee. The only road-block for the Brewers today will be trying handle the lethal bats of Xavier Nady and Jason Bay…oh wait, never mind.

Pick: Brewers

[Udog]

MLB
Short Sheet


Saturday, August 23rd

National League

Washington at Chicago Cubs, 1:05 ET
Odalis Perez (L) vs. Ryan Dempster (R)
Perez: Wash 4-16 on Saturday
Dempster: Cubs 16-3 at home off a loss

Atlanta at St Louis, 3:55 ET FOX
Jorge Campillo (R) vs. Kyle Lohse (R)
Campillo: Atl 5-15 Away in day games
Lohse: 12-3 Under working on 5 or 6 days rest

(TC) San Diego at San Francisco, 4:05 ET
Dirk Hayhurst (L) vs. Barry Zito (L)
Hayhurst: SD 13-5 after scoring 2 runs or less BB games
Zito: 4-16 TSR in day games

LA Dodgers at Philadelphia, 3:55 ET FOX
Clayton Kershaw (L) vs. Cole Hamels (L)
Kershaw: Dodgers 6-1 Under at Phillies
Hamels: Philly 1-4 vs. Dodgers

Pittsburgh at Milwaukee, 7:05 ET
Tom Gorzelanny (L) vs. Jeff Suppan (R)
Gorzelanny: Pit 2-16 Away after allowing 10+ runs
Suppan: Mil 47-16 as a favorite of -150 or more

Houston at NY Mets, 7:10 ET
Brandon Backe (R) vs. John Maine (R)
Backe: Hou 15-4 Over as an underdog of +200 or more
Maine: Mets 6-1 vs. Houston

Cincinnati at Colorado, 8:05 ET
Edinson Volquez (R) vs. Aaron Cook (R)
Volquez: 10-2 TSR after giving up 2 ER or less in BB outings
Cook: 14-5 Over at home 2nd half of season

Florida at Arizona, 8:10 ET
Chris Volstad (R) vs. Yusmiero Petit
Volstad: Fla 6-1 vs. Arizona
Petit: Ari 22-8 Over as a home favorite of -125 to -175

American League

Boston at Toronto, 1:05 ET
Jon Lester (L) vs. Jesse Litsch (R)
Lester: 14-2 TSR vs. division
Litsch: Tor 27-13 Under at home vs. lefties

NY Yankees at Baltimore, 7:05 ET
Carl Pavano (R) vs. Jeremy Guthrie (R)
Pavano: 12-1 Under when the total is 10 or higher
Guthrie: Bal 10-3 at home after a loss by 4+ runs

(TC) Tampa Bay at Chicago White Sox, 3:55 ET FOX
Scott Kazmir (L) vs. Javier Vazquez (R)
Kazmir: 13-3 Under when the total is 7 to 8.5
Vazquez: CWS 16-3 at home in day games

Detroit at Kansas City, 7:10 ET
Zach Miner (R) vs. Kyle Davies (R)
Miner: Det 15-6 AWAY when the total is 10+
Davies: KC 3-13 after 4+ consecutive losses

Cleveland at Texas, 8:05 ET
Jeremy Sowers (L) vs. Brandon McCarthy (R)
Sowers: 0-12 TSR as a road underdog of +100 or higher
McCarthy: Tex 37-29 after a team loss

Minnesota at LA Angels, 9:05 ET
Nick Blackburn (R) vs. Jon Garland (R)
Blackburn: Min 41-30 when the money line is +125 to -125
Garland: 1-7 TSR as a home favorite of -125 to -150

Oakland at Seattle, 10:10 ET
Dana Eveland (L) vs. Jarrod Washburn (L)
Eveland: Oak 13-33 in second half
Washburn: 70-51 TSR when the money line is +125 to -125

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

MLB


Saturday, August 23


Updated
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Tips and Trends
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Atlanta Braves at St. Louis Cardinals [FOX | 3:55 PM ET]

Braves: Jorge Campillo started the season out strong but he's been touched up pretty good over his last three starts. In his last 18 innings of work, Campillo has given up 22 hits and 15 runs. The good news for Braves backers is that Campillo has been sensational on the road, sporting an ERA of 2.13 away from home this season. He faced the Cardinals back on July 29, getting a no-decision after allowing just two runs over seven innings. The UNDER is 3-1 in Campillo?s last four starts.

Braves are 7-20 in their last 27 games overall.
The OVER is 10-4-1 in Atlanta's last 15 games overall.

Key Injuries - 1B Casey Kotchman (.266; bereavement list) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 4

Cardinals (-145, O/U 9): After being one of the Cardinals most consistent pitchers for most of the year, Kyle Lohse is in a terrible slump right now. He?s 1-4 in his last five starts, allowing 21 runs in 27.2 innings over that stretch. Lohse could end his cold streak tonight at home, where he?s 7-2 with a 3.08 ERA on the year. Lohse has faced the Braves four times in his career, going 2-1 with an ERA of 5.16. The UNDER is 4-2 in Lohse's last six starts at home.

Cardinals are 20-7 in their last 27 Saturday games.
Cardinals are 7-2 in Lohse's last 9 home starts.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 6 (Side Play of the Day)



Tampa Bay Rays at Chicago White Sox [FOX | 3:55 PM ET]

Rays: Scott Kazmir has been consistent over his last five starts, allowing just two runs in four of those outings. However, he's just 1-1 with three no-decisions over that span, thanks to little run support from the Rays offense. Kazmir hasn't been the same pitcher away from home, where he's 4-5 with a 3.90 ERA. He has had success, however, against the White Sox. Kazmir is 3-1 in his career against Chicago with a strong 3.08 ERA. The UNDER is 6-2 in Kazmir's last eight starts.

Rays are 17-5 in their last 22 games overall.
The UNDER is 20-8 in Tampa Bay's last 28 road games.

Key Injuries - 3B Evan Longoria (.278; wrist) is on the 15-day DL.
OF Carl Crawford (.273; hand) is OUT for the season.

PROJECTED SCORE: 4

White Sox (-145, O/U 9): Javier Vazquez has won two starts in a row, pitching extremely well in both games. In wins over the Royals and A's, Vazquez only allowed nine hits and one run in 16 innings of work. Vazquez is 6-4 at home this season, although his ERA is an average 4.11. In 11 career starts against the Rays, Vazquez is 5-3 with an ERA of 4.28. In his last three starts, the OVER is 2-0-1.

White Sox are 40-14 in their last 54 home games.
White Sox are 8-3 in the last 11 meetings at Chicago.

Key Injuries - White Sox DH Jim Thome (.251; leg) has returned.

PROJECTED SCORE: 5



Los Angeles Dodgers at Philadelphia Phillies [FOX | 3:55 PM ET]

Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw is 2-0 with three no-decisions in his last five starts but he's been sensational over that stretch. Kershaw has only given up five runs in his last 31 innings of work. Kershaw faced the Phillies for the first time on August 12, getting a no-decision after allowing three runs over six innings in a game the Dodgers won 4-3. The UNDER is 4-1 in Kershaw's last five starts.

Dodgers are 2-7 in their last 9 road games.
The UNDER is 9-4-2 in the last 15 meetings.

Key Injuries - NONE

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

Phillies (-180, O/U 8.5): You wouldn't know it by his record, but Cole Hamels has pitched very well over his last 10 starts, allowing three runs or less seven times. However, he's just 3-3 with four no-decisions in his last 10 outings because the Phillies offense refuses to score when he's on the mound. In Hamels' last three starts, there have been a total of 13 runs scored, with each game easily going UNDER the total. Hamels' first career start against the Dodgers came on August 12, where he took a no-decision after allowing just two runs over seven innings of work.

Phillies are 10-2 in Hamels' last 12 Saturday starts.
The OVER is 6-2 in Philadelphia's last 8 Saturday games.

Key Injuries - OF Geoff Jenkins (.246; quad) is doubtful

PROJECTED SCORE: 4

[Udog]

MLB
Write-Up


Early Games


Saturday, August 23

Hot Pitchers
-- Dempster is 4-1, 1.86 in his last six starts. Perez is 2-1, 3.20 in his last four outings.
-- Kershaw is 2-0, 1.45 in his last five starts. Hamels has 2.53 RA in his last three starts.
-- Suppan is 3-0, 2.89 in his last four starts.
-- Maine is 2-0, 1.69 in his last four starts; he hasn't gone past fifth inning in any of his last three.
-- Reds won seven of last eight Volquez road starts.
-- Petit has 2.89 RA in five starts for Arizona. Florida is 3-0 on road when Volstad starts (2-0, 1.31).

-- Lester is 5-1, 2.53 in his last six starts.

Cold Pitchers
-- Campillo is 1-2, 7.50 in his last three starts. Lohse is 0-3, 5.71 in his last three starts.
-- Giants are 2-11 at home when Zito starts. Hayhurst was
-- Gorzellany was 1-2, 5.56 in last four starts before they sent him back to AAA.
-- In his last three starts, Backe faced 80 batters; 25 scored, as he allowed 11-3-11 runs-- terrible.
-- Cook is 2-2, 7.66 in his last four starts.

-- Litsch is 0-3, 8.39 in his last five starts,

Hot Teams
-- Phillies won five of their last seven games.
-- Mets won ten of their last eleven games.
-- Brewers won seven of last eight home games.
-- Cubs won eleven of their last fifteen games.
-- Rockies won five of their last seven games.
-- Arizona won eight of its last eleven games.
-- Giants won six of their last eight games.

-- Indians won eleven of their last fourteen games.
-- Blue Jays won seven of their last ten games. Red Sox are 10-4 in their last fourteen road games.
-- Tigers won four of last five road games.
-- White Sox won six of last seven home games. Rays won eight of last ten road games.
-- Twins won twelve of their last fifteen games.

Cold Teams
-- Nationals lost twelve of last fourteen games.
-- Dodgers lost seven of their last nine road games.
-- Pirates lost six of their last eight games.
-- Astros lost three of their lst four games.
-- Braves lost eleven of their last twelve games. Cardinals are 5-8 in their last thirteen home games.
-- Reds are 6-20 in their last 26 games.
-- Marlins lost six of their last nine games.
-- Padres lost six of their last seven games.

-- Royals lost nine of their last ten games.
-- Bronx is 5-10 in its last fifteen road games. Orioles are 4-9 in their last thirteen home games.
-- Rangers are 3-12 in their last fifteen games.
-- Angels lost six of their last eight games.
-- Oakland is 7-27 in its last 34 games. Mariners lost 11 of their last thirteen games.

Totals
-- Over is 7-2 in last nine Dempster starts.
-- Three of last four Campillo start stayed under total.
-- Under is 3-0-1 in last four Zito starts.
-- Under is 9-0-1 in Phillies' last ten home games.
-- Over is 13-4 when Gorzelanny starts.
-- Five of last six Backe starts went over the total.
-- Over is 7-1-1 in last nine Volquez starts.
-- Six of seven Volstad starts stayed under the total.

-- Lester's last four road starts stayed under the total.
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--
--
--
--
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Umpires
-- Wsh-Chi-- Favorite won last five Cousins games.
-- Atl-StL-- Emmel
-- SD-SF-- Schrieber
-- LA-Phil-- Cuzzi
-- Pitt-Mil-- Fletcher
-- Hst-NY-- Bell
-- Cin-Colo-- Joyce
-- Fla-Az-- O'Nora

-- Bos-Tor--Six of last eight Reliford games went over the total.
-- NY-Blt-- West
-- TB-Chi-- Barrett
-- Det-KC-- Vanover
-- Cle-Tex-- TWelke
-- Min-LA-- Marsh
-- A's-Sea-- Kulpa

[Udog]

NFL
Write-Up


Saturday, August 23


I'm not a big fan of investing in summer games, but people have asked for some insight so here goes, as little as it is............

-- Lions won first two summer games by combined 40-20 margin; they lost two of last three years to Browns, winning 23-20 in last year's game. Short work week for Browns, who were pathetic in loss at Giants Monday, giving up 30 points in just over quarter.

-- Favre gets second Jet start in little bit of rivalry-- they beat the Giant last year for first time in three summers. Short week for the Giants, who led Cleveland 30-3 after 20:00 Monday, then held on for win. Jets covered ten of last 13 summer games in this series.

-- Redskins already won three summer games under Zorn, with a combined margin of 60-40; they failed to cover last four summer games vs Carolina. Panthers split first two games, losing in Philly last week in lightning-delayed game.

-- Cincinnati, Saints both split first two summer games; the Saints won 27-19 last summer in Ohio. Bengal WRs are banged up, part of why they've scored only 30 points in first two summer games. Saints have edge in backup QB with Brunell.

-- Jacksonville covered its last five summer games vs Tampa Bay, beating Bucs last three years: 31-19/29-18/20-17. Jags split their first two summer games, while Bucs squashed their first two foes this summer by combined score of 44-16.

-- Dolphins won 11-10 in Kansas City last year; both teams split their first two summer games. Chiefs snapped an eight-game road summer losing streak two weeks ago. Miami scored only 25 pts in first two summer games, as Pennington learns offense.

-- Vikings won last three summer games vs Pittsburgh, with all of them staying under total. Minnesota QB Jackson hurt his knee in last week's game-- Frerotte/Booty/Bollinger get nod here. Pitt is 1-1 this summer. Oregon rookie QB Dixon has been impressive.

-- Rams' spirits boosted by return of Jackson to camp, but he will not play here- St Louis' first-team offense still hasn't scored a TD in summer since 2005. Defense played well in 7-6 win vs LT-less Chargers last week. Troy Smith gets nod at QB for Ravens, who split their first two summer games.

-- Cardinals lost 27-23 at Oakland LY; both they and Raiders split first two games this summer. Arizona is 4-3 in last seven summer road games. Raiders lost five of last seven summer home games.