Wednesday Trends and Indexes 8/27

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes
Wednesday August 27

Good Luck on day #240 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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[pm530]

Daily Sports Roundup

Wednesday, August 27

Baseball dominates the sports schedule again on Wednesday, with the Yankees hosting the BoSox in one of the marquee games. Here's your Daily Sports Roundup . . .

Event of the day . . .

The Red Sox are leading the Wild Card race in the American League (with the Rays still comfortably holding down first place in the AL East), but the Yankees will be looking to make up some ground in their quest for yet another postseason berth when they continue their three-game home series against their bitter rival on Wednesday night.

Boston is expected to send recently-acquired Paul Byrd (8-11, 4.61 ERA) to the mound for this contest. Byrd has managed to pick up the win in five of his past six outings, and oddly he's faced the Blue Jays in each of his last three starts (going 2-1). The righthander last took on the Yankees back on May 8, giving up five runs in a defeat.

New York has Sidney Ponson (7-4, 4.67 ERA) on tap for Wednesday night's matchup, and the righthander is coming off a brutal outing against Toronto in which he gave up seven earned runs on eight hits over just two innings of work. Ponson is just 1-3 over his past six starts, and he was pummeled by Boston for seven runs back on July 27.

Non-event of the day . . .

The Rangers have been terrible in August, and the Royals have been terrible for many, many years. Those two teams will meet on the field in Kansas City on Wednesday night in the finale of a three-game series. Matt Harrison (5-3, 6.27 ERA) will get the ball for Texas in that contest, while Brian Bannister (7-13, 5.89 ERA) will pitch for Kansas City.

Also on the schedule . . .

It'll be Fausto Carmona (6-5, 4.40 ERA) vs. Justin Verlander (10-13, 4.42 ERA) in the Indians/Tigers game on Wednesday. Also on the AL's slate for the day: Minnesota at Seattle, the White Sox at Baltimore, Toronto at Tampa Bay, and Oakland at the Angels.

There are two key divisional battles in the National League on Wednesday night, with the Mets at Philadelphia and Milwaukee at St. Louis. Filling out the Senior Circuit's schedule: the Cubs at Pittsburgh, Arizona at San Diego, the Dodgers at Washington, Florida at Atlanta, Cincinnati at Houston, and Colorado at San Francisco.

News from the wire . . .

The White Sox activated third baseman Joe Crede from the disabled list on Monday . . . . the Mets have second baseman Luis Castillo back from the DL, but pitcher John Maine is now on the shelf . . . Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz homered and drove in three runs in his return to the big leagues on Monday . . . Bengals running back Rudi Johnson, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury, is reportedly on the team's trading block.

Peek at the future . . .

The NFL's preseason schedule concludes on Thursday and Friday this week . . . the WNBA returns to action on Thursday night; the league was on a break during the Olympics . . . Phil Mickelson is pegged as the 6/1 Vegas favorite to get the win in the PGA Tour's Deutsche Bank Championship, which gets underway Friday morning.

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

[pm530]

Six-pack for Wednesday

Don Banks of SI.com, one of America's best football writers, lists his top backup QBs in NFL. These are his top six.......

6) Seneca Wallace, Seattle-- Former Iowa State star is mobile, but has never been thrust into limelight.

5) Kerry Collins, Tennessee-- If Vince Young keeps having trouble with Titans' new offense, former Super Bowl QB just might get another shot.

4) Sage Rosenfels, Houston-- Another former Cyclone, he went 4-1 as a starter for Texans late last season.

3) Billy Volek, Chargers-- Was criticized in Nashville for not having best work ethic. He played damn well in '07 playoffs.

2) Brian Griese, Bucs-- Banks calls him perfect match for Jon Gruden's offense. Has bounced around NFL; his dad played for one and only one team in his pro career.

1) Todd Collins, Washington-- Some believe that, right now, he is better suited to run Jim Zorn's offense than Campbell. Redskins didn't miss a beat when Collins played last year.

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

[pm530]

Wednesday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but..........

13) Baseball is cool because it gives obscure guys a genuine chance to be a hero. Eric Bruntlett was hitting .214 with a .297 OB% when he hit dramatic, two-out double in bottom of ninth to tie game 7-7, in game Phillies had trailed Pedro Martinez 7-0.

12) Jimmy Rollins reached base ten of twelve times over his last two games, after 4-46 skid that had lasted through Sunday, but he popped out with bases loaded to end 11th inning.

11) Mets led 7-0 in 4th, never scored again in 8-7 loss that puts Phillies back atop NL East; starting pitcher Myers pinch-hit in 13th inning with bases full and none out-- he intentionally took a called third strike, so he wouldn't hit into double play. All in all, a very unusual, interesting game.

10) Mets scored in first inning in 14 of their last 18 games.

9) Halladay vs Shields, the Cinderella first-place Rays hosting hot Toronto team, with only five weeks left in season. Total of 13,478 fans paid to see it. If Rays wind up playing in Las Vegas or San Antonio someday, don't blame Rays' management.

8) All in all, 958 medals were awarded at the Olympics; South Africa sent 142 athletes to Beijing, and won exactly one of the 958 medals, not exactly a stellar showing.

7) According to an interesting table on cbssportsline.com, the cheapest ticket in the NFL would be the $43 they get for cheap seats at Titan games in Nashville. Seattle gets $194 for their cheapest ticket, the highest price for the cheapest seat in any NFL stadium. Whole season of NFL Sunday Ticket costs less than it does to attend one game in many places.

6) Instant replay on home run calls starts Thursday in major leagues. Hopefully, it won't intrude further on game than that.

5) By the way, it won't be like a well-run system the NHL has, where a guru in Toronto makes all replay decisions. Crew chief will make the replay decisions, meaning, like the NFL's system, it will take longer to come to these decisions. Terrific. As long as umpires don't have their egos bruised, thats what matters.

4) Packers were 13-3 last year, and played at home in NFC title game; seven months later, they don't have a QB on the roster who has ever started an NFL game. Lot of downside there, and tough road to hoe for the head coach.

3) Marlins led 9-6 in ninth inning in Atlanta last night, but lost 10-9 to the Braves, a crushing loss to Florida's playoff hopes. Milwaukee beat St Louis 12-0, moving 4.5 games up on Cards.

2) Mets-Phillies don't play each other again after September 7, unless they tie for first place. Seems like schedule maker could arrange for division rivals to meet in last few weeks of season.

1) ESPN's obsession with Bronx-Boston games never ends; on Sports Center Tuesday, they had Bob Holtzman reporting, but no one in St Pete, for the Halladay-Shields matchup. Being the first place team isn't as important as being from New York.

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

[pm530]

National Football League – Long Sheet

NFL
Pre-Season

Long Sheet

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, August 28
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NY JETS (2 - 1) at PHILADELPHIA (2 - 1) - 8/28/2008, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY JETS are 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in road games against NFC East division opponents since 1993.

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

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

DETROIT (3 - 0) at BUFFALO (2 - 1) - 8/28/2008, 6:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 2-0 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 2-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

NEW ENGLAND (0 - 3) at NY GIANTS (1 - 2) - 8/28/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ENGLAND is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) against NFC East division opponents since 1993.
NY GIANTS are 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest since 1993.
NY GIANTS are 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) against AFC East division opponents since 1993.

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

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

ATLANTA (1 - 2) at BALTIMORE (1 - 2) - 8/28/2008, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

JACKSONVILLE (2 - 1) at WASHINGTON (3 - 1) - 8/28/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
JACKSONVILLE is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games in games played on a grass field since 1993.

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

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

CINCINNATI (1 - 2) at INDIANAPOLIS (1 - 3) - 8/28/2008, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 2-0 against the spread versus INDIANAPOLIS over the last 3 seasons
CINCINNATI is 2-0 straight up against INDIANAPOLIS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

CAROLINA (2 - 1) at PITTSBURGH (2 - 1) - 8/28/2008, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

CHICAGO (0 - 3) at CLEVELAND (0 - 3) - 8/28/2008, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest since 1993.

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

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

MINNESOTA (1 - 2) at DALLAS (1 - 2) - 8/28/2008, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

TAMPA BAY (2 - 1) at HOUSTON (2 - 1) - 8/28/2008, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

ST LOUIS (2 - 1) at KANSAS CITY (1 - 2) - 8/28/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) in non-conference games since 1993.

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

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

MIAMI (2 - 1) at NEW ORLEANS (2 - 1) - 8/28/2008, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) in home games since 1993.
NEW ORLEANS is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) in home lined games since 1993.
NEW ORLEANS is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) in home games in dome games since 1993.
NEW ORLEANS is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) in home games in games played on turf since 1993.
NEW ORLEANS is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in home games in August games since 1993.

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

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

TENNESSEE (2 - 1) at GREEN BAY (1 - 2) - 8/28/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TENNESSEE is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in road games since 1993.
TENNESSEE is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in road lined games since 1993.

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


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, August 29
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SAN DIEGO (2 - 1) at SAN FRANCISCO (2 - 1) - 8/29/2008, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

OAKLAND (1 - 2) at SEATTLE (2 - 1) - 8/29/2008, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

DENVER (1 - 2) at ARIZONA (2 - 1) - 8/29/2008, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) against NFC West division opponents since 1993.

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

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

[pm530]

National Football League – Short Sheet

NFL
Pre-Season


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short Sheet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday, August 28th

NY Jets at Philadelphia, 6:30 ET
NY Jets: 7-0 Under after a win by 3 or less
Philadelphia: 1-6 ATS at home vs. NY Jets

Detroit at Buffalo, 6:30 ET
Detroit: 7-1 Under vs. Buffalo
Buffalo: 6-0 Under vs. NFC

New England at NY Giants, 7:00 ET
New England: 18-7 ATS vs. NFC East
NY Giants: 5-16 ATS vs. AFC East

Atlanta at Baltimore, 7:00 ET
Atlanta: 17-4 Over after allowing 14 points or less
Baltimore: 1-5 ATS off Under

Jacksonville at Washington, 7:00 ET NBC
Jacksonville: 11-2 ATS Away last two weeks of preseason
Washington: 1-10 ATS at home off Over

Cincinnati at Indianapolis, 7:00 ET
Cincinnati: 8-1 Over off BB ATS losses
Indianapolis: 11-1 ATS off DD loss

(TC) Carolina at Pittsburgh, 7:00 ET
Carolina: 2-8 ATS off BB Overs
Pittsburgh: 10-1 Under vs. NFC

Chicago at Cleveland, 7:30 ET
Chicago: 8-21 ATS last two weeks of preseason
Cleveland: 12-3 ATS at home off non-conference game

Minnesota at Dallas, 8:00 ET
Minnesota: 6-0 ATS playing with 6 or less days rest
Dallas: 10-24 ATS off an Over

Tampa Bay at Houston, 8:00 ET
Tampa Bay: 1-4 ATS off home game
Houston: 7-0 Over L7 Preseason Games

(TC) St. Louis at Kansas City, 7:00 ET
St. Louis: 2-8 ATS vs. AFC
Kansas City: 5-1 Under off SU/ATS loss

Miami at New Orleans, 8:00 ET
Miami: 3-0 Under in preseason
New Orleans: 8-20 ATS in home games

(TC) Tennessee at Green Bay, 7:00 ET
Tennessee: 11-0 Over Away off SU loss
Green Bay: 24-11 Over as favorite



Friday, August 29th

San Diego at San Francisco, 10:00 ET
San Diego: 17-7 Over off an Under
San Francisco: 0-5 ATS after gaining 400+ total yards

Oakland at Seattle, 10:00 ET
Oakland: 10-1 Under off SU loss as favorite
Seattle: 20-8 ATS off SU loss

Denver at Arizona, 10:00 ET NFL
Denver: 7-0 ATS off home loss
Arizona: 10-5 Over last week of preseason

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

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

[pm530]

Baseball Today

MLB


Wednesday, August 27

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baseball Today
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SCOREBOARD

Wednesday, Aug. 27

New York Mets at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EDT). Johan Santana (12-7) goes to the mound for the Mets in the finale of a two-game set between the top teams in the NL East. Kyle Kendrick (11-7) pitches for the Phillies, one day after his 24th birthday.


STARS

Tuesday

- Geovany Soto, Cubs, had seven RBIs with two three-run doubles and a solo homer in a 14-9 victory at Pittsburgh.

- Jimmy Rollins, Phillies, went 5-for-7 with a homer, three RBIs and three stolen bases to help Philadelphia rally from a seven-run deficit in an 8-7 victory in 13 innings against the New York Mets.

- Ben Francisco, Indians, hit two two-run homers in a 10-4 victory over Detroit.

- Johnny Damon, Yankees, hit two home runs in a losing cause as Boston beat New York 7-3.

- Bronson Arroyo, Reds, pitched his first complete game of the season, allowing five hits in a 2-1 win over Houston.

- Ryan Braun, Brewers, went 3-for-5 with his 33rd home run in a 12-0 victory at St. Louis.


NOT AGAIN

Mets fans are getting used to watching their team give away leads late in games. New York led 7-0, but fell 8-7 to Philadelphia in 13 innings. The Mets bullpen has blown 10 leads in the ninth inning, according to Stats LLC. The Mets have 22 blown saves overall, including seven by injured All-Star closer Billy Wagner. Of course, blown leads are nothing new to the Mets, who squandered a seven-game lead with 17 remaining last season, losing the division to the Phillies on the final day.


DROPSY

Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano dropped another routine fly ball against the Pirates, but this time Chicago survived the miscue. Soriano's error allowed the Pirates to take an 8-7 lead in the seventh, but he had a key hit in Chicago's seven-run eighth and the Cubs won 14-9. On May 25, Soriano's dropped fly with two out in the ninth with the Cubs up led to a 6-5 Pirates' victory in 11 innings.


ACES

Cliff Lee earned his American League-leading 19th win in the Indians' ninth straight victory, 10-4 over the Tigers. Lee allowed two runs and six hits in 7 2-3 innings to became the eighth pitcher since 1920 to win 19 of his first 21 decisions in a season, according to Stats LLC. The last to do it was Roger Clemens, who was 20-1 after beating the White Sox on Sept. 19, 2001, while with the Yankees. ... Arizona's Brandon Webb lost in his first bid to become the NL's first 20-game winner since 2005 with one of his few bad outings this season, allowing six runs and nine hits in 4 2-3 innings in a 9-2 loss to San Diego.


LET'S GO TO THE VIDEOTAPE

Umpires will be allowed to check video on home run calls starting Thursday after Major League Baseball, guardian of America's most traditional sport, reversed its decades-long opposition to instant replay. Commissioner Bud Selig softened his opposition following a rash of blown calls this year. For now, video will be used only on so-called "boundary calls,'' such as determining whether fly balls went over the fence, whether potential home runs were fair or foul and whether there was fan interference on potential home runs. Replay will go into use with three series scheduled to open Thursday; for other games, replays will be available to umpires starting Friday.


NAY-ROD

Alex Rodriguez flopped all night when the Yankees needed a big hit in a 7-3 loss to the Red Sox. The three-time MVP finished 0-for-5 and was booed loudly as New York fell six games behind Boston, which leads the AL wild-card race by a slim margin over Minnesota. Rodriguez also committed an error at third base. Rodriguez flied out with two on in the fifth. With the Yankees trailing 7-3 in the seventh, he came up with the bases loaded and grounded into an inning-ending double play against Justin Masterson.


ROY BEATS RAYS

Roy Halladay gave up two runs and six hits in six innings and the Blue Jays beat the Rays 6-2. It was the first time in four tries that Halladay beat the AL East-leading Rays. The right-hander posted a 5.32 ERA in losing his previous three starts against Tampa Bay this year. No team has beat Halladay four times in the same season.


WELCOME HOME

Pitching less than six miles from where he played in high school, Gavin Floyd pitched eight innings of four-hit ball to help the White Sox beat the Orioles. The Maryland native allowed two runs, struck out four and walked one during a 98-pitch effort. He retired the side in order five times.


STELLAR 'D'

The struggling Dodgers twice hit the ball to Ryan Zimmerman with the bases loaded and nobody out. That's a surefire way to kill a potential big inning. The Nationals' third baseman turned four double plays and just a missed a fifth in a 2-1 victory over the Dodgers. Los Angeles has lost five in a row.


HECKLED

Royals outfielder Jose Guillen had to be restrained from a heckling fan during a 2-1 loss to the Rangers. Kauffman Stadium security removed the fan, who started in on Guillen after he stopped at first base in the second inning after hitting a drive off the wall in left field. Guillen said the fan said something about his family after the fourth inning. Royals third base coach Luis Silverio and others restrained Guillen, while security led the fan away.


AILING

J.D. Drew was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain, leaving the Boston Red Sox without their All-Star right fielder during a tight pennant race. Drew was put on the DL retroactive to Aug. 19. ... The Nationals placed outfielder Austin Kearns on the 15-day disabled list with to a stress fracture in his left foot. General manager Jim Bowden said Kearns is expected to miss four to six weeks. Kearns had been playing with the injury for most of August. An MRI on Monday revealed the stress fracture.


HEALING

Baseball Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski was released from a hospital one week after having triple bypass surgery. The former Boston Red Sox outfielder had surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital after experiencing chest pains. His discharge was announced by team spokesman John Blake. His family released a statement after the surgery saying it was "a complete success.''


SPEAKING

"It's frustrating, but with this team, in this stadium, you never know. They never give up, especially in this band box.'' - Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez, after his team gave up a seven-run deficit and lost 8-7 to the Phillies in Philadelphia.


SEASONS

Aug. 27

1897 - Roger Bresnahan, later a Hall of Fame catcher, made his major league debut as a pitcher for the Washington Senators by shutting out the St. Louis Browns 3-0.

1937 - Brooklyn's Fred Frankhouse pitched a rain-shortened no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds. The game was stopped with two out in the eighth inning with the Dodgers leading 5-0.

1974 - Benny Ayala of the Mets became the first National League player in 13 years to hit a home run in his first major league at-bat, connecting against Houston's Tom Griffin in New York's 4-2 victory at Shea Stadium.

1977 - Toby Harrah and Bump Wills of the Texas Rangers hit back-to-back inside-the-park home runs on consecutive pitches in the seventh inning as the Rangers beat the Yankees 8-2 at Yankee Stadium.

1978 - Joe Morgan of the Cincinnati Reds hit his 200th career home run to become the first player in major league history to have 200 homers and 500 stolen bases.

1982 - Rickey Henderson of Oakland broke Lou Brock's 1974 record of 118 stolen bases in a season, and stole three more bases in the Athletics' 5-4 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. It gave Henderson 122 steals in 127 games.

1999 - Vladimir Guerrero's hitting streak was halted at 31 games by Cincinnati's Ron Villone, as the Reds posted a 4-1 win over Montreal. Guerrero went 0-for-2 with an intentional walk against Villone, ending the majors' longest hitting streak since 1987.

Today's birthdays: Jose Vidro 26; Brian McRae 33, Lou Piniella 57.

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

[pm530]

Major League Baseball – Write up

MLB
Write-up


Wednesday, August 27

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

Hot Pitchers
-- RJohnson is 4-2, 2.09 in his last seven starts.
-- Santana is 3-0, 1.39 in his last six starts. Kendrick is 2-1, 1.02 in his last three home starts, but he warmed up during 13th inning of last night's marathon.
-- JJohnson is 2-0, 2.88 in his last four starts.
-- Astros won Oswalt's last five home starts.
-- Cardinals are 7-1 at home when Wainwright starts.
-- Lincecum is 3-0, 1.71 in his last six starts.

-- Perkins is 3-0, 1.71 in his last three starts.
-- Danks has 2.42 RA in his last four starts.
-- Verlander is 2-0, 1.42 in his last couple starts.

Cold Pitchers
-- Marquis has 5.90 RA in his last five starts. Duke is 0-7, 8.76 in his last eight starts.
-- Baek is 0-6, 6.89 in his last six home starts.
-- Hampton is 1-1, 6.19 in his last three starts.
-- Maddux has an 8.81 RA in his last six road starts. Redding is 2-3, 7.27 in his last five starts.
-- Fogg is 0-4, 9.55 in his last five starts.
-- Parra is 1-4, 5.40 in his last six starts.
-- Hernandez is 1-2, 15.32 in three starts for the Rockies.

-- Liz is 1-4, 10.64 in his last five starts.
-- Carmona has 9.26 RA in his last six starts.
-- Byrd is 1-1, 5.40 in two starts for Boston. Ponson has 7.31 RA in his last three starts.
-- Rays are 4-5 in last nine Garza starts (3-3, 4.07). Purcey is 1-3, 5.57 in his last four starts.
-- Bannister is 0-7, 9.06 in his last ten starts.
-- Gonzalez is 1-2, 7.91 in four starts for Oakland.

Hot Teams
-- Cubs won fifteen of their last nineteen games.
-- Phillies won eight of their last ten games.
-- Astros are 10-4 in last fourteen home games.
-- Brewers won last five games, scoring 37 runs.
-- Rockies won nine of their last 11 games. Giants won five of their last seven games.

-- White Sox won eleven of their last fifteen games.
-- Indians won fourteen of their last seventeen games.
-- Red Sox won six of their last eight road games. Bronx won three of their last four games.
-- Rays won eight of last eleven home games. Toronto won six of its last seven road games.
-- Mariners won four of their last five games.

Cold Teams
-- Pirates lost ten of their last twelve games.
-- Mets lost three of their last four games.
-- Dodgers lost their last five games, scoring total of six runs. Nationals lost 14 of their last 17 games.
-- Braves lost 12 of their last 15 games.
-- Padres lost seven of their last nine games. Arizona lost four of its last five games.

-- Tigers lost seven of their last nine home games.
-- Orioles are 5-13 in their last eighteen home games.
-- Royals lost twelve of their last fourteen games. Rangers lost 13 of their last 18 games.
-- Angels lost seven of their last twelve games. Oakland is 9-29 in its last 38 games, but 3-3 in last six.
-- Twins lost their last four games, with bullpen losing three.

Totals
-- Under is 5-2 in Phillies' last seven games.
-- Over is 10-1 in Cubs' last eleven road games.
-- Six of last seven Dodger games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 7-4 in last eleven Atlanta home games,
-- Under is 9-2 in Cincinnati's last eleven road games.
-- Under is 11-4-1 in last sixteen Milwaukee road games.
-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six Arizona games.
-- All three Hernandez starts for Colorado went over the total.

-- Last ten Liz starts all went over the total.
-- Six of last seven Carmona starts went over the total.
-- Last five Boston games all went over the total.
-- Over is 7-2 in last nine games at Tropicana Field.
-- Over is 10-3 in last thirteen Texas road games.
-- Under is 7-3 in last ten Oakland road games.
-- Over is 11-5 in last sixteen Seattle games.

Umpires
-- Chi-Pitt-- Five of last six Tschida games went over total.
-- Az-SD-- Four of last five Hudson games went over the total.
-- NY-Phil-- Favorite is 13-3 in last sixteen Dimuro games.
-- Fla-Atl-- Underdog is 6-3 in last nine Foster games.
-- LA-Wsh-- Favorite won last eight Kellogg games.
-- Cin-Hst-- Over is 6-3 in last nine Eddings games.
-- Mil-StL-- Under is 7-3 in last ten Cuzzi games.
-- Col-SF-- Last five Drake games stayed under the total.

-- Min-Sea-- Last six Nauert games stayed under the total.
-- Chi-Balt-- Over is 6-1 in TWelke's last seven games.
-- Cle-Det-- Over is 7-2 in Reliford's last nine games behind dish
-- Bos-NY-- Over is 5-2 in last seven Timmons games.
-- Tor-TB-- Favorite won last seven Tichenor games; in his last six games, over is 4-1-1.
-- Tex-KC-- Underdog is 9-6 in last dozen Emmel games.
-- A's-LA-- Over is 6-2 in last eight Schrieber games.

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

[pm530]

Major League Baseball – Trend Sheet

MLB


Wednesday, August 27

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

12:35 PM CHI CUBS vs. PITTSBURGH
Chi Cubs are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games
Chi Cubs are 12-1 SU in their last 13 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs


3:35 PM ARIZONA vs. SAN DIEGO
Arizona is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Arizona is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing San Diego
San Diego is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Arizona
San Diego is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games


4:40 PM MINNESOTA vs. SEATTLE
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Seattle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Seattle is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota


7:05 PM BOSTON vs. NY YANKEES
Boston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Boston is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
NY Yankees are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
NY Yankees are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Boston


7:05 PM CHI WHITE SOX vs. BALTIMORE
Chi White Sox are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Baltimore
Chi White Sox are 11-5 SU in their last 16 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Baltimore is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Baltimore is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home


7:05 PM CLEVELAND vs. DETROIT
Cleveland is 8-0-1 SU in its last 9 games
Cleveland is 7-0-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Detroit is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Detroit is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games at home


7:05 PM NY METS vs. PHILADELPHIA
NY Mets are 11-4 SU in its last 15 games
NY Mets are 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Philadelphia is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing NY Mets


7:10 PM FLORIDA vs. ATLANTA
Florida is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Florida is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 3-12 SU in its last 15 games
Atlanta is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games at home


7:10 PM LA DODGERS vs. WASHINGTON
LA Dodgers are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games
LA Dodgers are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games on the road
Washington is 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
Washington is 1-6 SU in their last 7 games when playing LA Dodgers


7:10 PM TORONTO vs. TAMPA BAY
Toronto is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Toronto is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games
Tampa Bay is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games at home


8:05 PM CINCINNATI vs. HOUSTON
Cincinnati is 7-16 SU in its last 23 games
Cincinnati is 2-12 SU in its last 14 games when playing Houston
Houston is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games when playing Cincinnati
Houston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games


8:10 PM TEXAS vs. KANSAS CITY
Texas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Kansas City
Texas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
Kansas City is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games
Kansas City is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home


8:15 PM MILWAUKEE vs. ST. LOUIS
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis
St. Louis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
St. Louis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee


10:05 PM OAKLAND vs. LA ANGELS
Oakland is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing LA Angels
Oakland is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games on the road
LA Angels are 18-7 SU in their last 25 games at home
LA Angels are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing Oakland


10:15 PM COLORADO vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Colorado is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Francisco
Colorado is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games on the road
San Francisco is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Colorado
San Francisco is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

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

[pm530]

Major League Baseball - Tips & Trends

MLB


We will update when projected scores are available.

Wednesday, August 27

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

Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees [ESPN | 7:05 PM ET]

Red Sox: Paul Byrd has split a pair of decisions so far with Boston, both against Toronto. Byrd was slightly stronger in winning his second start on Friday but still served up a pair of homers for the second straight time. He has also struggled during his career vs. New York, going 2-5 with a 4.90 ERA in 10 starts. The Yankees are hitting .290 against him in those games.

Red Sox are 8-3 in their last 11 Wednesday games.
The OVER is 6-0-2 in Boston's last 8 games overall.

Key Injuries - OF J.D. Drew (.280; back) is on the 15-day DL.
3B Mike Lowell (.270; oblique) is on the 15-day DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Yankees (-115, O/U 10.5): Sidney Ponson has struggled mightily vs. Boston during his career with a terrible 3-12 mark and 6.92 ERA in 21 starts. Ponson is looking for his first win in four starts overall after going 0-2 with a no-decision in his last three outings overall. He is coming off a horrible start against the Blue Jays on Thursday, surrendering seven runs and eight hits in only two innings of an eventual 14-3 loss.

The OVER is 9-3 in New York's last 12 games vs. the AL East.
The OVER is 8-3 in New York's last 11 home games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD



New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies [7:05 PM ET]

Mets (-160, O/U 8.5): New York has won the last four times Johan Santana has gone to the mound, and he has been particularly strong in his last two outings. Santana has pitched 16 scoreless innings during that two-start stretch, giving up a combined 11 hits with only one walk and 12 strikeouts. He has not suffered a loss since June 28 against the Yankees and is 1-0 lifetime vs. Philadelphia with a 2.60 ERA in four starts.

Mets are 11-4 in their last 15 games overall.
Mets are 9-3 in their last 12 Wednesday games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Phillies: Kyle Kendrick has not lasted long in his last three starts, going five innings just once during that stretch. Kendrick had gone at least six innings in each of his previous three outings, but he got pounded hard in his next two starts, surrendering 13 runs and 15 hits in seven innings - both resulting in losses. He has pitched much better at home this season, going 5-3 with a 3.70 ERA, which is more than a full run lower than his overall ERA (4.87).

Phillies are 9-1 in their last 10 home games.
The UNDER is 10-2-1 in Philadelphia's last 13 home games.

Key Injuries - OF Pat Burrell (.268; rest) has returned.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD



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

Brewers: Milwaukee has won two of Manny Parra's last three starts after he got into a dugout shoving match with 1B Prince Fielder. That doesn't mean Parra has pitched great since then though. He has given up seven runs total in his last 17.2 innings, scattering 22 hits with five walks and 17 strikeouts. Parra is 1-4 in his last six trips to the mound, suffering losses in his two road starts during that stretch. He is 4-4 in 11 outings away from home with an inflated 5.13 ERA.

Brewers are 15-5 in their last 20 road games.
The UNDER is 12-4-1 in Milwaukee's last 17 road games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Cardinals (-160, O/U 8): Adam Wainwright returned to action with a bang last Friday, earning a win after allowing just one run in six innings of an 18-3 rout of Atlanta. Wainwright had not pitched since June 7 due to a finger injury, but the Cardinals improved to 8-1 in his last nine home starts and 5-1 in his last six overall. He has also been solid during his career vs. Milwaukee, going 2-2 with a 3.02 ERA.

Cardinals are 8-1 in Wainwright's last 9 home starts.
The UNDER is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

Key Injuries - OF Brian Barton (.269; oblique) is day-to-day.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

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

[pm530]

Major League Baseball – Streaking Pitchers

MLB

Wednesday, August 27

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

Wednesday’s streaking and slumping pitchers

Streaking

Glen Perkins, Minnesota Twins (11-3, 3.90)

Perkins is 3-0 with a solid 1.64 ERA in his last three starts and has not relinquished a single earned run in two of his last three overall.

Perkins has just one setback in his last 10 and is 2-1 in his last four road starts. He is 4-1 on the road and is 1-0 this season against the Seattle Mariners.

The Twins are 9-3 in their last 12 Wednesday contests and are 4-1 in their last five against the Mariners.

Johan Santana, New York Mets (12-7, 2.64)

Santana is 3-0 with a 1.17 ERA in his last three starts, including back-to-back shutouts over the Houston Astros and Pittsburgh Pirates.

Santana, who spent eight seasons with the Twins, has conceded three earned runs in his last three starts. He also has 18 strikeouts against three walks in that period.

The Mets are 16-5 in their last 21 against the NL East and are 5-2 in their last seven road games against the Phillies.



Slumping

Brian Bannister, Kansas City Royals (7-13, 5.89)

Bannister, who had a career-high 12 wins last season, has struggled recently. In his last three starts, he is 0-3 with a lofty 10.13 ERA.

Bannister is winless in his last five road starts, including a recent loss to the Detroit Tigers in which he relinquished four earned runs and two homers in just eight IP. He is also 0-1 with a 9.90 ERA in one start this season against the Texas Rangers.

The Royals are 1-7 in their last eight against a club with a losing record and are 1-5 in their last six versus the Rangers.

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

[Udog]

MLB
Dunkel


Milwaukee at St. Louis
The Brewers look to build on yesterday's 12-0 win over the Cardinals and take advantage of St. Louis' 9-16 record when playing against a winning team in the second half of the season. Milwaukee is the underdog pick (+145) according to Dunkel, which has the Brewers favored straight up by 1. Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+145). Here are all of today's games.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27

Game 901-902: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago Cubs (Marquis) 14.869; Pittsburgh (Duke) 15.029
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 11
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-180); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+170); Over

Game 903-904: Arizona at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Johnson) 14.379; San Diego (Baek) 15.145
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Arizona (-210); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+190); Under

Game 905-906: NY Mets at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Santana) 15.233; Philadelphia (Kendrick) 15.877
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-150); 8
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+140); Over

Game 907-908: Florida at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Johnson) 15.285; Atlanta (Hampton) 14.009
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-115); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+105); Over

Game 909-910: LA Dodgers at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Maddux) 13.658; Washington (Redding) 14.693
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-175); 8
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+165); Under

Game 911-912: Cincinnati at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Fogg) 14.184; Houston (Oswalt) 15.862
Dunkel Line: Houston by 2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Houston (-250); 9
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-250); Under

Game 913-914: Milwaukee at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Parra) 15.492; St. Louis (Wainwright) 14.341
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-155); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+145); Over

Game 915-916: Colorado at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Hernandez) 14.938; San Francisco (Lincecum) 14.597
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-250); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+225); Under

Game 917-918: Minnesota at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Perkins) 15.523; Seattle (Feierabend) 14.758
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-175); 9
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-175); Under

Game 919-920: Chicago White Sox at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago White Sox (Danks) 15.457; Baltimore (Liz) 15.706
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-180); 11
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+170); Under

Game 921-922: Cleveland at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Carmona) 15.318; Detroit (Verlander) 14.838
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Detroit (-170); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+160); Over

Game 923-924: Boston at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Byrd) 15.729; NY Yankees (Ponson) 16.722
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1; 11
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-115); 10
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-115); Over

Game 925-926: Toronto at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Purcey) 15.825; Tampa Bay (Garza) 17.025
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-200); 9
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-200); Under

Game 927-928: Texas at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Harrison) 14.048; Kansas City (Bannister) 13.274
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-110); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (+100); Under

Game 929-930: Oakland at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Gonzalez) 14.308; LA Angels (Saunders) 17.060
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 2 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-230); 8
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-230); Under

[Udog]

MLB


Wednesday, August 27

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

Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees (-115, 10 1/2)

Amazingly in late August the two American League powerhouses are fighting for their playoffs lives with pitching cast-offs who started the year elsewhere. The soft-tossing 37 year-old Paul Byrd (8-11, 4.61) makes his third start for the Red Sox but his unorthodox, deliberate delivery is something that has not fooled the AARP Bronx Bombers this season. In only 12 innings of work against Byrd, the Yanks have six homers, 14 hits, and scored nine runs.
As for the bloated, boozy Sidney Ponson, after a solid month in pinstripes he has been fifth starter quality and showed it against the Red Sox at the end of July - four innings, 10 hits, and seven earned runs. Considering the two teams knocked out 24 hits yesterday and used 11 pitchers, look for another hit parade in New York as they combine for at least 12 runs by the seventh inning. As for a hunch on the richest man on the diamond leaving seven runners on base yesterday, A-Rod threw in Madonna's song Lucky Star last night and comes out more relaxed today.

Pick: Over


Cleveland Indians at Detroit Tigers (-166, 8 1/2)

To start the moneyline value on Cleveland (+160) in this contest jumped off the page. The Tribe is the hottest team in baseball having won nine straight with the majority of the damage done on the road. A young squad marred in a battling slump for the first 120 games of the season, they've found a groove and seem to be playing with the pressure of a sandlot game. As for their starter tonight, Fausto Carmona (6-5, 4.40), after a couple stints on the Disabled List earlier in the season he's trying to recapture the magic he displayed last year and looked sharp in his last start in hitter-friendly Texas, shutting out the Rangers over six innings. And in two starts against Detroit this season, Carmona is 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA and only walked two in 13 innings.

Speaking of the Tigers, the squad of veteran sluggers and average pitchers has been a major disappointment all season and seems to be counting down the days until winter vacation. While Justin Verlander (4.42, 10-13) has looked better lately, he's struggled mightily against the Cleveland this season in four starts (1-3, 5.84, and 12 walks in 24 innings). The Tribe continues to play with playoff emotion tonight and will be psyched to bring this streak to 10.

Pick: Indians

[Udog]

MLB


Wednesday, August 27


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

Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees [ESPN | 7:05 PM ET]

Red Sox: Paul Byrd has split a pair of decisions so far with Boston, both against Toronto. Byrd was slightly stronger in winning his second start on Friday but still served up a pair of homers for the second straight time. He has also struggled during his career vs. New York, going 2-5 with a 4.90 ERA in 10 starts. The Yankees are hitting .290 against him in those games.

Red Sox are 8-3 in their last 11 Wednesday games.
The OVER is 6-0-2 in Boston's last 8 games overall.

Key Injuries - OF J.D. Drew (.280; back) is on the 15-day DL.
3B Mike Lowell (.270; oblique) is on the 15-day DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: 6 (Side Play of the Day)

Yankees (-115, O/U 10.5): Sidney Ponson has struggled mightily vs. Boston during his career with a terrible 3-12 mark and 6.92 ERA in 21 starts. Ponson is looking for his first win in four starts overall after going 0-2 with a no-decision in his last three outings overall. He is coming off a horrible start against the Blue Jays on Thursday, surrendering seven runs and eight hits in only two innings of an eventual 14-3 loss.

The OVER is 9-3 in New York's last 12 games vs. the AL East.
The OVER is 8-3 in New York's last 11 home games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 5



New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies [7:05 PM ET]

Mets (-160, O/U 8.5): New York has won the last four times Johan Santana has gone to the mound, and he has been particularly strong in his last two outings. Santana has pitched 16 scoreless innings during that two-start stretch, giving up a combined 11 hits with only one walk and 12 strikeouts. He has not suffered a loss since June 28 against the Yankees and is 1-0 lifetime vs. Philadelphia with a 2.60 ERA in four starts.

Mets are 11-4 in their last 15 games overall.
Mets are 9-3 in their last 12 Wednesday games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 4 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)

Phillies: Kyle Kendrick has not lasted long in his last three starts, going five innings just once during that stretch. Kendrick had gone at least six innings in each of his previous three outings, but he got pounded hard in his next two starts, surrendering 13 runs and 15 hits in seven innings - both resulting in losses. He has pitched much better at home this season, going 5-3 with a 3.70 ERA, which is more than a full run lower than his overall ERA (4.87).

Phillies are 9-1 in their last 10 home games.
The UNDER is 10-2-1 in Philadelphia's last 13 home games.

Key Injuries - OF Pat Burrell (.268; rest) has returned.

PROJECTED SCORE: 3



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

Brewers: Milwaukee has won two of Manny Parra's last three starts after he got into a dugout shoving match with 1B Prince Fielder. That doesn't mean Parra has pitched great since then though. He has given up seven runs total in his last 17.2 innings, scattering 22 hits with five walks and 17 strikeouts. Parra is 1-4 in his last six trips to the mound, suffering losses in his two road starts during that stretch. He is 4-4 in 11 outings away from home with an inflated 5.13 ERA.

Brewers are 15-5 in their last 20 road games.
The UNDER is 12-4-1 in Milwaukee's last 17 road games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 4

Cardinals (-160, O/U 8): Adam Wainwright returned to action with a bang last Friday, earning a win after allowing just one run in six innings of an 18-3 rout of Atlanta. Wainwright had not pitched since June 7 due to a finger injury, but the Cardinals improved to 8-1 in his last nine home starts and 5-1 in his last six overall. He has also been solid during his career vs. Milwaukee, going 2-2 with a 3.02 ERA.

Cardinals are 8-1 in Wainwright's last 9 home starts.
The UNDER is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

Key Injuries - OF Brian Barton (.269; oblique) is day-to-day.

PROJECTED SCORE: 5

[Udog]

MLB
Short Sheet


Wednesday, August 27th

National League

Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh, 12:35 ET WGN
Jason Marquis (R) vs. Zach Duke (L)
Marquis: 22-8 TSR in day games
Duke: Pit 3-15 as a home underdog of +125 or more

Arizona at San Diego, 3:35 ET
Randy Johnson (L) vs. Cha Seung Baek (R)
Johnson: ARI 34-18 against NL West
Reineke: SD 4-16 on Wednesday

NY Mets at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
Johan Santana (L) vs. Kyle Kendrick (R)
Santana: 3-10 TSR as a favorite of -125 to -175
Kendrick: 17-6 TSR in night games

Florida at Atlanta, 7:10 ET
Josh Johnson (R) vs. Mike Hampton (L)
Johnson: FLA 11-5 after allowing 9+ runs
Hampton: Atl 47-57 when the total is 8.5 to 10

LA Dodgers at Washington, 7:10 ET
Greg Maddux (R) vs. Tim Redding (R)
Maddux: 3-14 TSR against NL East
Redding: 15-8 TSR as an underdog of +100 or higher

Cincinnati at Houston, 8:05 ET
Josh Fogg (R) vs. Roy Oswalt (L)
Fogg: CIN 35-51 against right-handed starters
Oswalt: 9-1 TSR in August

Milwaukee at St. Louis, 8:15 ET
Manny Parra (R) vs. Adam Wainwright (R)
Parra: MIL 45-77 as a road underdog of +100 to +150
Wainwright: STL 15-6 after a loss by 4+ runs

Colorado at San Francisco, 10:15 ET
Livan Hernandez (R) vs. Tim Lincecum (R)
Hernandez: Col 9-2 Away in August
Lincecum: SF 5-17 after 6+ consecutive home games

American League

Minnesota at Seattle, 4:40 ET
Glen Perkins (L) vs. Ryan Feierabend (L)
Perkins: 13-7 TSR in all games
Feierabend: Sea 15-34 when the total is 9 to 9.5

Chicago White Sox at Baltimore, 7:05 ET
John Danks (L) vs. Radhames Liz (L)
Danks: CWS 48-22 as a favorite of -110 or higher
Liz: Bal 6-21 at home in August

Cleveland at Detroit, 7:05 ET
Fausto Carmona (R) vs. Justin Verlander (R)
Carmona: 14-2 TSR after 2+ consecutive team wins
Verlander: 4-11 TSR against AL Central

Boston at NY Yankees, 7:05 ET
Paul Byrd (R) vs. Sidney Ponson (R)
Byrd: 6-0 TSR Away in August
Ponson: NYY 11-20 when the total is 10 or higher

Toronto at Tampa Bay, 7:10 ET
David Purcey (L) vs. Matt Garza (R)
Purcey: TOR 34-20 UNDER away when the total is 9 to 9.5
Garza: TB 26-2 as a favorite of -150 or more

Texas at Kansas City, 8:10 ET
Matt Harrison (R) vs. Brian Bannister (R)
Harrison: Tex 29-10 Over vs. AL Central
Bannister: 2-11 TSR in night games

Oakland at LA Angels, 10:05 ET
Gio Gonzalez (L) vs. Joe Saunders (R)
Gonzalez: OAK 15-35 in second half
Saunders: 11-3 TSR after a team win

** (TC) Denotes Time Change