Wednesday Trends and Indexes 9/3

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes
Wednesday September 3

Good Luck on day #247 of 2008!

FOR COLLEGE FOOTBALL, SEE SEPARATE THREAD: "NCAAF - Week 2 Trends and Indexes 9/4 through 9/6"

For the time being, the NFL info will be posted in this thread.

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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[pm530]

Daily Sports Roundup

Wednesday, September 3

The Red Sox and Orioles will close out their three-game series on Wednesday afternoon, with Dice-K gunning for his 17th win. Here's your Daily Sports Roundup . . .

Event of the day . . .

Daisuke Matsuzaka (16-2, 2.82 ERA) is coming off his best outing of the season, holding the White Sox scoreless on two hits and two walks over eight innings of work in an August 29 win. The righthander also fanned seven in that contest. Matsuzaka has faced Baltimore twice over the past month and a half, winning both of those games.

The Orioles were expected to counter with Jeremy Guthrie (10-11, 3.57 ERA) in the series finale on Wednesday afternoon. However, Guthrie has been hit hard in each of his last two outings (giving up a combined 12 earned runs on 14 hits over 9 2-3 innings of work), and instead the team will skip his turn in the rotation this time around. Reliever Lance Cormier (2-3, 4.61 ERA) is the top candidate to start in place of Guthrie.

Baltimore has outfielder Adam Jones back in their lineup; he was activated from the disabled list on Monday, and homered in his first at-bat of that contest. Boston outfielder J.D. Drew (herniated disk in back) could return to the lineup at some point this week.

Non-event of the day . . .

It's been a long time since Barry Zito was considered a top pitcher, and he'll be looking to avoid his 17th loss of the season on Wednesday when the Giants play in Colorado. Zito (8-16, 5.62 ERA) was pounded for seven earned runs over just 3 1-3 innings in his last start (against the Reds). The Rockies' starter will be Aaron Cook (16-8, 3.88 ERA).

Also on the schedule . . .

Carl Pavano (2-0, 3.27 ERA) will be looking to keep that perfect record intact when he takes the mound for the Yankees in Tampa Bay on Wednesday night. Other games on the American League schedule: the White Sox at Cleveland, Seattle at Texas, the Angels at Detroit, Minnesota at Toronto, and Oakland at Kansas City.

Ryan Dempster (15-5, 2.95 ERA) will get the ball for the Cubs when they host Houston and Randy Wolf (8-11, 4.73 ERA) on Wednesday. Rounding out the National League slate: Atlanta at Florida, the Mets at Milwaukee, St. Louis at Arizona, Philadelphia at Washington, Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, and San Diego at the Dodgers.

Finally, there's one WNBA game on the Wednesday schedule: Minnesota at Phoenix.

News from the wire . . .

Running back Rudi Johnson will look to get his career back on track in Detroit, as the Lions signed him to a one-year deal . . . Rookie quarterback Joe Flacco will get the start for the Ravens this weekend . . . Browns quarterback Derek Anderson is expected to return from his concussion in time for the team's Week 1 contest . . . defected Predators forward Alexander Radulov seems unlikely to return to the NHL this season.

Peek at the future . . .

Scott Kazmir (10-6, 3.13 ERA) will take on Darrell Rasner (5-9, 5.08 ERA) in the Rays/Yankees finale on Thursday . . . Vijay Singh, the winner of each of the first two FedExCup playoff events, will be the favorite to take the trophy in this week's BMW Championship at Bellerive . . . this week's college football schedule gets underway on Thursday night, with Vanderbilt taking on South Carolina (-10).

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[pm530]

Six-pack for Wednesday

-- Marlins scored 14 runs at home Tuesday......and lost 16-14.

-- Don't look now, Rockies are only five games out of first, and with Arizona-Dodgers playing each other this weekend, the margin could get lot smaller if Colorado has good week.

-- Orioles will skip ace Guthrie Wednesday, will basically go with bunch of relievers as Red Sox fight for a playoff spot.

-- Astros' fine play continued as they beat Cubs 9-7 in 11 at Wrigley. Gritty Houston is now seven games over .500.

-- Brewers' infield defensive woes continue to haunt them in close games; they butchered a 10th inning bunt play, and it cost them the deciding run in a 6-5 Mets' win.

-- By the way, after his win in the Sausage Race Tuesday, the Hot Dog now has 18 wins this year, leading Polish Sausage by one, as the weiner season comes down the home stretch.

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[pm530]

Wednesday's List of 13: Random thoughts on a summer day

13) You think you had a bad day? Singer Phil Collins recently got divorced, and had to shell out $46.68M in the settlement, a record for a divorce in Great Britain. Thats a bad day.

12) What does Eldrick Woods' caddy do with his guy on shelf with a bum knee? From June 2006-June 2007, Steve Williams is said to have earned $1.7M, so he shouldn't be hurting for cash, but what does he do now? Get paid to do nothing? Babysit for Sam Woods? Play video games with Tiger?

11) Anyone know who Nick Novak is? With Mike Vanderjagt up in Canada kicking for the Toronto Argonauts, Novak, who kicked in college at Maryland, is the new kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs. Just don't miss too many kicks, Nick.

10) Since 1988, Dallas Cowboys are 0-11 in their first road game of season if they score less than 26 points. Cowboys open at Cleveland Sunday; Browns' pass defense had a rough summer.

9) Cardinals have opened the season at home once in the last 21 years; used to be because of the desert heat, but now that they have a great domed stadium, you'd think they'd open with a home game now and then.

8) Spreaking of the Redbirds, Troy Aikman was saying that he has been working for FOX for seven years now, and has yet to work a Cardinal game. Seeing as Aikman has always been on either the #1 or #2 FOX team, it mirrors Arizona's struggles.

7) There used to be a pitcher named Ron Herbel who pitched in big leagues from 1963-71, mostly with the Giants, Herbel was 6 for 206 (.029) batting in his big league career, and also gave up the only grand slam Bob Uecker hit in his career. Herbel had a decent 42-37 record in 331 career games, and I really have very little idea why I looked all that up, other than I remember Bob Uecker talking about it on Tonight Show. His recollection was that Giants manager came to the mound, with Herbel's luggage.

6) Speaking of relief pitchers and Giants, the reason bullpens in the ballpark by McCovey Cove are on the field is that planners for the stadium actually forgot to include them in the design of the facility, so there was nowhere else to put them. Seriously.

5) A guy whose voice we all know passed away this weekend at age 68; Dan LaFontaine was the King of Voiceovers in the movies, and recently did one of those Geico commercials. 68 is too young to die, for sure. We need to have fun while we can.

4) We talked last week in general about the revenue generated by the most expensive seats at the new ballpark in the Bronx; here are some specifics: there will be 147 seats that cost $2,500 a game (I'm not kidding) next year-- if those seats sell out all of next season, that generates $29,767,500 in revenue, more than the entire Florida Marlins' payroll.

3) Now if they sell out the 2,285 most expensive seats in their new stadium, that raises $135M in revenue, before they sell an ad, before what their TV network rakes in, before a t-shirt, hat or jersey is sold. All for team that last won a World Series in '00

2) Colts could struggle to start season, with lot of guys coming and going with injuries, but in last three years, they've started seasons 12-0/9-0/7-0, so hard to doubt them too much.

1) I didn't pay nearly enough attention to the Olympic women's javelin throw last month. Why you say? Leryn Franco, I say-- check out these pics -- she is my second-favorite Paraguayan. My godson Tom is also from that South American country. It is odd that Ms. Franco seems to have no official website.

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[pm530]

National Football League – Dunkel Index

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NFL - Week 1 TREND FACTORS AND INDEXES
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NFL

Dunkel Index

Washington at NY Giants
Jim Zorn takes over the helm of a Washington team that upset the Giants on the road (22-10) in Week 14 of last season. The Redskins are the underdog pick (+3 1/2) in the opener according to Dunkel, which has the game even. Dunkel Pick: Washington (+3 1/2). Here are all of this week's picks.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

Game 451-452: Washington at NY Giants
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 135.248; NY Giants 135.636
Dunkel Line: Even; 37
Vegas Line: NY Giants by 3 1/2; 40
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+3 1/2); Under


SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

Game 453-454: Cincinnati at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 128.092; Baltimore 130.817
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 3; 38
Vegas Line: Cincinnati by 1; 40 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+1); Under

Game 455-456: NY Jets at Miami
Dunkel Ratings: NY Jets 128.618; Miami 123.637
Dunkel Line: NY Jets by 5; 32
Vegas Line: NY Jets by 3; 36
Dunkel Pick: NY Jets (-3); Under

Game 457-458: Kansas City at New England
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City 129.212; New England 143.292
Dunkel Line: New England by 14; 51
Vegas Line: New England by 17; 48
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+17); Over

Game 459-460: Houston at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 129.678; Pittsburgh 138.473
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 9; 41
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 6 1/2; 43 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-6 1/2); Under

Game 461-462: Jacksonville at Tennessee
Dunkel Ratings: Jacksonville 136.712; Tennessee 136.458
Dunkel Line: Even; 33
Vegas Line: Jacksonville by 3; 37
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (+3); Under

Game 463-464: Detroit at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 123.425; Atlanta 124.899
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 39
Vegas Line: Detroit by 3; 41
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+3); Under

Game 465-466: Seattle at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 131.097; Buffalo 129.061
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 2; 36
Vegas Line: Pick; 39 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle; Under

Game 467-468: Tampa Bay at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 127.936; New Orleans 133.538
Dunkel Line: New Orleans by 5 1/2; 45
Vegas Line: New Orleans by 3 1/2; 42 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-3 1/2); Over

Game 469-470: St. Louis at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 125.390; Philadelphia 131.242
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 6; 48
Vegas Line: Philadelphia by 7 1/2; 45
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+7 1/2); Over

Game 471-472: Dallas at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 132.356; Cleveland 133.450
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1; 51
Vegas Line: Dallas by 4 1/2; 48 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+4 1/2); Over

Game 473-474: Carolina at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 129.950; San Diego 137.624
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 8; 44
Vegas Line: San Diego by 9 1/2; 42 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Carolina (+9 1/2); Over

Game 475-476: Arizona at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona 126.237; San Francisco 125.916
Dunkel Line: Even; 37
Vegas Line: Arizona by 3; 41 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+3); Under

Game 477-478: Chicago at Indianapolis
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 133.231; Indianapolis 140.920
Dunkel Line: Indianapolis by 7 1/2; 41
Vegas Line: Indianapolis by 9 1/2; 44 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+9 1/2); Under


MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

Game 479-480: Minnesota at Green Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 132.394; Green Bay 132.714
Dunkel Line: Even; 37
Vegas Line: Green Bay by 3; 38 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+3); Under

Game 481-482: Denver at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 130.277; Oakland 126.408
Dunkel Line: Denver by 4; 36
Vegas Line: Denver by 3; 41 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-3); Under

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[pm530]

National Football League – Long Sheet

NFL

Long Sheet


Week 1

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Thursday, September 4
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WASHINGTON (9 - 8) at NY GIANTS (14 - 6) - 9/4/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 45-27 ATS (+15.3 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 28-11 ATS (+15.9 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 7 points since 1992.

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


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Sunday, September 7
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CINCINNATI (7 - 9) at BALTIMORE (5 - 11) - 9/7/2008, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 47-69 ATS (-28.9 Units) versus division opponents since 1992.
BALTIMORE is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in all games where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 3-1 against the spread versus BALTIMORE over the last 3 seasons
CINCINNATI is 3-1 straight up against BALTIMORE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NY JETS (4 - 12) at MIAMI (1 - 15) - 9/7/2008, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 46-70 ATS (-31.0 Units) versus division opponents since 1992.

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

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KANSAS CITY (4 - 12) at NEW ENGLAND (18 - 1) - 9/7/2008, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) against AFC East division opponents since 1992.
KANSAS CITY is 36-20 ATS (+14.0 Units) in September games since 1992.

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

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HOUSTON (8 - 8) at PITTSBURGH (10 - 7) - 9/7/2008, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 73-45 ATS (+23.5 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1992.
PITTSBURGH is 35-16 ATS (+17.4 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 7 points since 1992.

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

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JACKSONVILLE (12 - 6) at TENNESSEE (10 - 7) - 9/7/2008, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TENNESSEE is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) versus division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

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

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DETROIT (7 - 9) at ATLANTA (4 - 12) - 9/7/2008, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) as a road favorite of 3 points or less since 1992.
DETROIT is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 1-0 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 1-0 straight up against ATLANTA 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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SEATTLE (11 - 7) at BUFFALO (7 - 9) - 9/7/2008, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) against NFC West division opponents since 1992.

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

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TAMPA BAY (9 - 8) at NEW ORLEANS (7 - 9) - 9/7/2008, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 50-77 ATS (-34.7 Units) in home games since 1992.
NEW ORLEANS is 50-77 ATS (-34.7 Units) in home lined games since 1992.
NEW ORLEANS is 37-60 ATS (-29.0 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1992.
NEW ORLEANS is 17-39 ATS (-25.9 Units) in home games versus division opponents since 1992.
NEW ORLEANS is 50-74 ATS (-31.4 Units) in home games in dome games since 1992.
NEW ORLEANS is 50-74 ATS (-31.4 Units) in home games in games played on turf since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 3-1 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 2-2 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ST LOUIS (3 - 13) at PHILADELPHIA (8 - 8) - 9/7/2008, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 7 points since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 67-93 ATS (-35.3 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) against NFC East division opponents since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 24-41 ATS (-21.1 Units) in games played on a grass field since 1992.
PHILADELPHIA is 118-84 ATS (+25.6 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.

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

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DALLAS (13 - 4) at CLEVELAND (10 - 6) - 9/7/2008, 4:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 11-1 ATS (+9.9 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

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

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CAROLINA (7 - 9) at SAN DIEGO (13 - 6) - 9/7/2008, 4:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) as a home favorite of 7.5 to 10 points over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 72-45 ATS (+22.5 Units) as an underdog since 1992.

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

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ARIZONA (8 - 8) at SAN FRANCISCO (5 - 11) - 9/7/2008, 4:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in all games where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-2 against the spread versus ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-2 straight up against ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CHICAGO (7 - 9) at INDIANAPOLIS (13 - 4) - 9/7/2008, 8:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANAPOLIS is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

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


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Monday, September 8
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MINNESOTA (8 - 8) at GREEN BAY (14 - 4) - 9/8/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GREEN BAY is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GREEN BAY is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
GREEN BAY is 112-84 ATS (+19.6 Units) in games played on a grass field since 1992.

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

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DENVER (7 - 9) at OAKLAND (4 - 12) - 9/8/2008, 10:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) versus division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 66-91 ATS (-34.1 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.
OAKLAND is 16-30 ATS (-17.0 Units) in home games versus division opponents since 1992.

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

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[pm530]

National Football League – Short Sheet

NFL
Short Sheet


Week 1

Thursday, September 4th

Washington at NY Giants, 7:00 ET NBC
Washington: 28-11 ATS as a road underdog of 3.5 to 7 points
NY Giants: 4-0 Over at home the total is between 38.5 and 42 points


Sunday, September 7th

Cincinnati at Baltimore, 1:00 ET
Cincinnati: 13-9 ATS as road favorite
Baltimore: 3-13 ATS last season

NY Jets at Miami, 1:00 ET
NY Jets: 6-1 Over in September
Miami: 2-9 ATS vs. division

Kansas City at New England, 1:00 ET
Kansas City: 5-0 ATS as DD underdog
New England: 10-5 Over as DD favorite

Houston at Pittsburgh, 1:00 ET
Houston: 5-10 ATS as road underdog
Pittsburgh: Pit 42-19 Over in home games

Jacksonville at Tennessee, 1:00 ET
Jacksonville: 8-1 Over in road games
Tennessee: 10-2 ATS vs. division

Detroit at Atlanta, 1:00 ET
Detroit: 0-7 ATS as a road favorite of 3 points or less
Atlanta: 8-1 Over as home underdog

Seattle at Buffalo, 1:00 ET
Seattle: 13-4 Under Away 1st 2 weeks of season
Buffalo: 15-4 ATS vs. NFC West

Tampa Bay at New Orleans, 1:00 ET
Tampa Bay: 26-5 Under 1st 2 Weeks of season
New Orleans: 3-11 ATS as home favorite

St. Louis at Philadelphia, 1:00 ET
St. Louis: 7-0 Under in September
Philadelphia: 15-6 Under as favorite

Dallas at Cleveland, 4:15 ET
Dallas: 7-0 Over Away 1st half of season
Cleveland: 12-4 ATS last season

Carolina at San Diego, 4:15 ET
Carolina: 6-0 Under the total is between 42.5 and 49
San Diego: 8-1 ATS at home

Arizona at San Francisco, 4:15 ET
Arizona: 9-3 Over vs. division
San Francisco: 1-6 ATS at home the total is between 38.5 and 42

Chicago at Indianapolis, 8:15 ET NBC
Chicago: 23-9 Under Away vs. AFC
Indianapolis: 8-1 ATS vs. NFC


Monday, September 8th

Minnesota at Green Bay, 7:00 ET ESPN
Minnesota: 3-0 ATS 1st two weeks season
Green Bay: 13-4 Over in all lined games

Denver at Oakland, 10:15 ET ESPN
Denver: 5-15 ATS as favorite
Oakland: 4-0 ATS vs. Denver


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[pm530]

National Football League – Added Trends

NFL
Additional Trends

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Trend Sheet
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Thursday, September 4

7:00 PM WASHINGTON vs. NY GIANTS
Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
NY Giants are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the NY Giants last 5 games when playing at home against Washington



Sunday, September 7

1:00 PM CINCINNATI vs. BALTIMORE
Cincinnati is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Baltimore
Cincinnati is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Baltimore
Baltimore is 3-14 ATS in its last 17 games
Baltimore is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games


1:00 PM DETROIT vs. ATLANTA
Detroit is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Atlanta
Detroit is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games at home
Atlanta is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games at home


1:00 PM HOUSTON vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games
Houston is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games at home
Pittsburgh is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home


1:00 PM JACKSONVILLE vs. TENNESSEE
Jacksonville is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Jacksonville's last 8 games on the road
Tennessee is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Jacksonville
Tennessee is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Jacksonville


1:00 PM KANSAS CITY vs. NEW ENGLAND
Kansas City is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Kansas City is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
New England is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Kansas City
New England is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Kansas City


1:00 PM NY JETS vs. MIAMI
NY Jets are 8-0-1 ATS in their last 9 games when playing Miami
NY Jets are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing Miami
Miami is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Miami is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games at home


1:00 PM SEATTLE vs. BUFFALO
Seattle is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Seattle is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Buffalo is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games
Buffalo is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games


1:00 PM ST. LOUIS vs. PHILADELPHIA
St. Louis is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 games
St. Louis is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Philadelphia is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against St. Louis
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against St. Louis


1:00 PM TAMPA BAY vs. NEW ORLEANS
Tampa Bay is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
New Orleans is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games at home
New Orleans is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games at home


4:15 PM ARIZONA vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Arizona is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Arizona is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
San Francisco is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing at home against Arizona


4:15 PM CAROLINA vs. SAN DIEGO
Carolina is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Carolina is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games on the road
San Diego is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
San Diego is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games


4:15 PM DALLAS vs. CLEVELAND
Dallas is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Dallas is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games
Cleveland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home


8:15 PM CHICAGO vs. INDIANAPOLIS
Chicago is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Chicago is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Indianapolis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Chicago
Indianapolis is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games



Monday, September 8

7:00 PM MINNESOTA vs. GREEN BAY
Minnesota is 10-5 ATS in its last 15 games when playing Green Bay
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Green Bay
Green Bay is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games
Green Bay is 18-4 SU in its last 22 games


10:15 PM DENVER vs. OAKLAND
Denver is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Denver is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Oakland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Denver
Oakland is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Denver

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More NFL Trend Factors, Indexes and info will be posted as available.
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[pm530]

WNBA – Trends Sheet

WNBA


Wednesday, September 3

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Trend Sheet
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10:00 PM MINNESOTA vs. PHOENIX
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Minnesota's last 9 games
Minnesota is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Phoenix
Phoenix is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Phoenix is 4-13-1 ATS in its last 18 games at home

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball – Write up

MLB
Write-up


Wednesday, September 3

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Hot Pitchers
-- Milwaukee won nine of last eleven Bush home starts. Mets won four of last five Perez starts (2-0, 3.34).
-- Volquez is 3-0, 3.60 in his last four starts.
-- Cubs are 14-3 at home when Dempster starts; he is 5-1, 2.24 in his last eight outings. Astros are 6-1 when Wolf starts.
-- Colorado won last three Cook starts, scoring 23 runs.
-- Kuroda is 2-1, 2.70 in his last three home starts.

-- Red Sox won last six Matsuzaka starts (5-0, 2.25).
-- Mariners won six of last eight Hernandez road starts.
-- Toronto won eight of last nine Burnett home starts.
-- Miner is 3-1, 3.08 in his last five starts.
-- Pavano is 2-0, 3.27 in two starts this season. Jackson is 5-1 in his last six starts, with a 2.88 RA.

Cold Pitchers
-- Campillo is 1-3, 7.76 in his last five starts. Marlins lost four of five Volstad home starts.
-- Zito is 2-3, 6.83 in his last five starts.
-- Cardinals lost last four Lohse road starts (0-3, 6.17).
-- Ohlendorf is making first big league start; he has 6.02 ERA in 46.1 big league IP. He is 5-4, 3.60 in 12 AAA starts this season.
-- Blanton is 0-0, 3.45 in his last five starts. Perez is 1-2, 5.48 in his last four starts.
-- Arizona lost five of last seven Davis home starts.
-- Leblanc was 11-9, 5.32 in 25 AAA starts this season.

-- Vazquez is 0-2, 6.39 in his last two starts. Sowers has 6.37 RA in his last six starts.
-- Orioles are skipping Guthrie in rotation; will use relievers in this game, 45-50 pitches at a time.
-- Nippert is 0-2, 9.65 in two starts this season.
-- Twins lost five of last seven Blackburn road starts.
-- Garland has 6.62 RA in his last nine starts.
-- Bannister is 0-5, 8.10 in his last five starts. Oakland lost six of last eight Eveland road starts.

Hot Teams
-- Reds won three of their last four games.
-- Brewers won eight of their last eleven games. Mets are 11-2 in their last thirteen road games.
-- Nationals won seven of their last eight games.
-- Astros won their last seven games, allowing 17 runs.
-- Colorado won its last four home games: 7-6/4-3/4-0/6-5.
-- Dodgers won their last four games, scoring 27 runs.

-- Rays won five of their last six games. Bronx won six of their last seven road games.
-- Blue Jays won last three games, scoring 20 runs.
-- Indians won 12 of their last 15 games.
-- Angels won four of their last five games.
-- Red Sox won six of their last eight games.
-- Mariners won six of last eight games.

Cold Teams
-- Marlins lost seven of last ten home games. Braves lost 17 of their last 22 games.
-- Pirates snapped their 10-game losing streak last night.
-- Phillies are 5-8 in their last thirteen road games.
-- Cubs lost their last four games.
-- Giants lost seven of their last eight games.
-- Padres lost their last eight games on the road.
-- Arizona lost seven of its last nine games. Cardinals lost five of their last seven games.

-- Tigers lost seven of their last nine home games.
-- Orioles lost eleven of their last thirteen games.
-- Twins lost seven of their last ten road games.
-- White Sox are 7-12 in their last eighteen road games.
-- Rangers lost six of their last eight home games.
-- Royals lost ten of their last thirteen games. A's are 7-22 in last 29 road games.

Totals
-- Under is 7-2-2 in last eleven Florida games.
-- Under is 7-3 in last ten Philadelphia road games.
-- Over is 8-3 in last eleven Cincinnati home games.
-- Over is 12-5 in Houston's last seventeen road games.
-- Under is 3-1-1 in Mets' last five games.
-- Five of Giants' last six games went over the total.
-- Last seven Arizona games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Dodger games went over the total.

-- Under is 7-3-1 in last eleven White Sox road games.
-- Under is 7-2 in Angels' last nine games.
-- Over is 20-5-2 in last 27 Baltimore road games.
-- Last five Toronto home games went over the total.
-- Over is 5-1 in last six Bronx road games.
-- Under is 5-2-1 in last eight Seattle games.
-- Under is 6-1 in Royals' last seven home games.

Umpires
-- Atl-Fla-- Home side won last six Wegner games.
-- NY-Mil-- Under is 7-2 in last nine Hallion games.
-- SF-Colo-- Over is 6-3 in last nine Fletcher games.
-- StL-Az-- Under is 7-1 in Scott's last eight games.
-- Pitt-Cin-- Home side won eight of last nine Danley games.
-- Phil-Wsh-- Home side won last five Gorman games.
-- Hst-Chi-- Underdog is 14-8 in last 22 Reynolds games.
-- SD-LA-- Over is 13-5 in last eighteen Darling games.

-- Chi-Cle-- Over is 6-1-1 in last eight Hoye games.
-- Blt-Bos-- Underdog is 11-6 in last 17 Nelson games.
-- Sea-Tex-- Underdog won ten of last twelve Barksdale games.
-- Min-Tor-- Uner is 4-1-1 in last six Hernandez games.
-- LA-Det-- Over is 12-5-2 in last nineteen Guccione games.
-- NY-TB-- Under is 9-3-2 in last fourteen Gibson games.
-- A's-KC-- Over is 5-2 in Bucknor's last seven games.

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball - Tips & Trends

MLB


We will update when projected scores are available.

Wednesday, September 3

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Tips and Trends
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Minnesota Twins at Toronto Blue Jays [7:07 PM ET]

Twins: Minnesota has lost four straight games with Nick Blackburn on the mound though he has not pitched poorly during that stretch. Blackburn has allowed three earned runs in three of his last four starts but has gotten only two runs of support in two of those games. He is 3-5 in 15 road starts with a 4.47 ERA and has never faced the Blue Jays.

Twins are 3-7 in their last 10 road games.
The OVER is 12-4 in Minnesota's last 16 Wednesday games.

Key Injuries - OF Michael Cuddyer (.252; finger) is OUT indefinitely.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Blue Jays (-150, O/U 8): A.J. Burnett is looking for his first victory in three starts after a personal six-game winning streak. Burnett is coming off a tough-luck loss against the Yankees last time out on Friday, giving up just two runs and seven hits in eight innings of a 2-1 loss. He is 10-3 at home this year in 14 starts despite an inflated 4.87 ERA.

Blue Jays are 7-0 in the last 7 meetings.
The OVER is 8-3 in Toronto's last 8 games overall.

Key Injuries - 2B Aaron Hill (.263; concussion) is on the 15-day DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD



New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays [ESPN | 7:10 PM ET]

Yankees: Carl Pavano will look to stay unbeaten when he makes his third start of the season. Pavano has been surprisingly solid in two starts for the team so far this year, going 2-0 with a 3.27 ERA. He allowed just one run and three hits last time out against the Blue Jays on Friday and owns a career mark of 3-2 with a 3.48 ERA against the Rays.

Yankees are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
The OVER is 7-2 in New York's last 9 games overall.

Key Injuries - RP Joba Chamberlain (4-3; shoulder) has returned.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Rays (-130, O/U 9.5): Edwin Jackson hopes to win his third straight start when he goes to the mound against the Yankees. Jackson has been great in his last seven starts, giving up three runs or less each time. He is 6-1 during that stretch with the only loss coming at Texas on August 16 even though he allowed only one earned run in six innings. Jackson is 2-2 lifetime vs. New York with a 4.00 ERA.

Rays are 23-8 in their last 31 games.
The UNDER is 10-2 in the last 12 meetings.

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

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD



Houston Astros at Chicago Cubs [8:05 PM ET]

Astros: Randy Wolf will be looking for his first road win since back on April 20 at Arizona. Wolf is just 1-7 away from home this season with a 6.87 ERA, and his teams have dropped nine of his last 12 road starts. He has also struggled against the Cubs during his career, going 2-6 against them in 13 starts with a 4.98 ERA.

Astros are 6-0 in their last 6 vs. the NL Central.
The OVER is 10-4 in Houston’s last 14 road games.

Key Injuries - 2B Kaz Matsui (back) is on the 15-day DL.
OF Carlos Lee (finger) in on the 15-day DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Cubs (-230, O/U NA): Ryan Dempster has struggled mightily against the Astros during his career, going 4-9 with a 4.54 ERA. One of those losses came on August 4 at Wrigley Field, as Dempster allowed both runs in a 2-0 loss. That remains just one of two losses at Wrigley for him this season. Dempster is 12-2 at home in 17 starts with a 2.84 ERA.

Cubs are 0-4 in their last 4 games overall..
The UNDER is 4-1 in Chicago's last 5 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball – Streaking Pitchers

MLB

Wednesday, September 3

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Streaking Starting Pitchers
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Wednesday’s streaking and slumping pitchers

Streaking

Daisuke Matsuzaka, Red Sox (16-2, 2.82)

If we were really lazy and didn't want to dig into MLB starters every day, we could just throw Dice-K up in the streaking section every time he takes the hill. And we wouldn?t even feel bad about it considering he's lost just twice all season.

At the moment he's riding a six-start winning streak to help the Red Sox move closer to nailing down a playoff spot. In his last outing, Dice-K held the White Sox scoreless over eight innings while striking out seven and walking only two batters.



Slumping

Jeremy Guthrie, Orioles (10-11, 3.57)

Guthrie's numbers aren't all that terrible when you factor in that he's starting for the Orioles, but going against Dice-K won't help him much on Wednesday.

Guthrie is working on a 7.56 ERA over his last three outings and was shelled in his last start when he allowed seven runs and walked six Tampa Rays in only three innings.

However, before his current three-game slide, Guthrie was a bright spot for the Orioles. He had won four straight outings, allowing only a single run in each.

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball – Trend Sheet

MLB


Wednesday, September 3

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Trend Sheet
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12:05 PM CHI WHITE SOX vs. CLEVELAND
Chi White Sox are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games
Chi White Sox are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games on the road
Cleveland is 3-9 SU in their last 12 games when playing Chi White Sox
Cleveland is 15-8 SU in their last 23 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox


1:10 PM ATLANTA vs. FLORIDA
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Florida
Atlanta is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing Florida
Florida is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Florida is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games at home


1:35 PM BALTIMORE vs. BOSTON
Baltimore is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Baltimore is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Baltimore
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Baltimore


2:05 PM NY METS vs. MILWAUKEE
NY Mets are 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
NY Mets are 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against NY Mets
Milwaukee is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing NY Mets


2:05 PM SEATTLE vs. TEXAS
Seattle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Seattle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Texas is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing Seattle
Texas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home


3:05 PM SAN FRANCISCO vs. COLORADO
San Francisco is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
San Francisco is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Colorado is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Francisco
Colorado is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Francisco


3:40 PM ST. LOUIS vs. ARIZONA
St. Louis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
St. Louis is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Arizona is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against St. Louis
Arizona is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis


7:05 PM LA ANGELS vs. DETROIT
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
LA Angels are 3-6 SU in their last 9 games on the road
Detroit is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Angels
Detroit is 8-17 SU in their last 25 games when playing at home against LA Angels


7:07 PM MINNESOTA vs. TORONTO
Minnesota is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
Minnesota is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota


7:10 PM NY YANKEES vs. TAMPA BAY
NY Yankees are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
NY Yankees are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Tampa Bay is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home


7:10 PM PHILADELPHIA vs. WASHINGTON
Philadelphia is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games
Philadelphia is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Washington
Washington is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Washington is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home


7:10 PM PITTSBURGH vs. CINCINNATI
Pittsburgh is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Cincinnati is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
Cincinnati is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh


8:05 PM HOUSTON vs. CHI CUBS
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Houston is 7-3 SU in their last 10 games when playing Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 10-5 SU in their last 15 games when playing at home against Houston
Chi Cubs are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing Houston


8:10 PM OAKLAND vs. KANSAS CITY
Oakland is 6-16 SU in its last 22 games on the road
Oakland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Kansas City
Kansas City is 4-16 SU in its last 20 games when playing at home against Oakland
Kansas City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Oakland


10:10 PM SAN DIEGO vs. LA DODGERS
San Diego is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games
San Diego is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
LA Dodgers are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against San Diego
LA Dodgers are 11-3 SU in their last 14 games at home

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[pm530]

Baseball Today

MLB


Wednesday, September 3

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Baseball Today
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SCOREBOARD

Wednesday, Sept. 3

Houston at Chicago Cubs (8:05 p.m. EDT). Ryan Dempster looks for his 16th victory as the Cubs close out a three-game series with the Astros.


STARS

Tuesday

- Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox, went 3-for-5 with a home run and five RBIs in Boston's 14-2 rout of Baltimore. He's batting .600 over the last seven games to raise his AL-leading average to .330.

- Cole Hamels, Phillies, pitched 7 1-3 sharp innings, allowing five hits in Philadelphia's 4-0 victory over Washington.

- Alex Rios and Jose Bautista, Blue Jays, had four hits apiece and hit back-to-back homers in the fifth to help Toronto beat Minnesota 7-5.

- Kelly Johnson and Omar Infante, Braves, had four hits each and combined to drive in six runs in Atlanta's 16-14 win over Florida.

- Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers, allowed three runs and three hits in seven innings, striking out six to help Los Angeles defeat San Diego 8-4.


LONG TIME COMING

Victor Martinez hit his first home run in nearly a year to help Cleveland beat the Chicago White Sox 9-3. Martinez, activated Friday after having right elbow surgery in mid-June, connected off John Danks for his first homer in 57 games and 203 at-bats since Sept. 25. A power-hitting catcher with 87 career homers, Martinez said he was teased by teammates and enjoyed every minute of it. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thinking about (the drought),'' Martinez said. "This game is all about having fun and the guys made some fun of me. It was a great feeling.'' ... Brandon McCarthy pitched six innings for his first win in more than 13 months, leading Texas to a 6-4 victory over Seattle. McCarthy (1-0) allowed two runs and four hits in his third start of the season. The right-hander, whose last victory was on July 31, 2007, at Cleveland, went on the 60-day disabled list March 30 with right forearm inflammation after pitching an inning in a spring training game. He didn't begin throwing in the bullpen until June 21.


DEPENDABLE

Almost every time Cole Hamels has taken the mound this season, the Phillies have been able to count on him to pitch deep into the game. The left-hander pitched into the eighth inning and allowed five hits in a 4-0 victory that ended the Nationals' seven-game winning streak. In 29 starts this season, Hamels has pitched at least seven innings 23 times - the most in the majors. He has a 3.01 ERA in 203 innings.


FAST CLIMBER

Alex Rodriguez hit his 548th homer in the New York Yankees' 7-2 win at Tampa Bay, tying Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt for 12th place on the career list. The eighth-inning solo shot off Jason Hammel was his 30th of the year, giving A-Rod 11 consecutive seasons - and 12 overall - with 30 or more.


FOWL BALL

Orioles pitcher Radhames Liz, called up from Triple-A before the game, gave up nine runs and nine hits in 3 1-3 innings of a 14-2 loss at Boston. Baltimore lost for the 10th time in 11 games. The Orioles have allowed 55 runs and 42 walks in the last five games, all losses. "You hope you get it out of your system,'' manager Dave Trembley said. "You've hit rock bottom and you would think that sooner or later it's going to turn for you. That's the only approach I think you can take.''


HEAD HUNTING

Manny Ramirez homered for the Los Angeles Dodgers in an 8-4 win over San Diego. His 520th career home run put him one behind Ted Williams, Willie McCovey and injured Oakland DH Frank Thomas, who are tied for 17th place. The 12-time All-Star has 30 this season, 10 since the trade that sent him from Boston to Los Angeles on July 31. The next time Ramirez came up, Cha Seung Baek's first pitch to Ramirez sent him bailing out of the batter's box. Umpire Jerry Meals immediately issued a warning to both dugouts.


CLOSING IN

Francisco Rodriguez earned his 54th save in the Los Angeles Angels' 5-4 victory at Detroit, three shy of Bobby Thigpen's record set in 1990 with the Chicago White Sox. The Angels reduced their magic number for clinching the AL West to eight. ... Seeking his first 20-win season, Mike Mussina (17-7) allowed two runs and 10 hits in six-plus innings to help the New York Yankees beat Tampa Bay 7-2. The 39-year-old right-hander matched a season high with eight strikeouts, improving to 3-0 against the Rays, who had won five straight. Mussina got relief help from Joba Chamberlain, who came off the disabled list and pitched 1 1-3 scoreless innings.


TOUGH DEBUT

Mets lefty Jonathon Niese lasted three-plus innings in his big league debut. The 21-year-old Niese gave up five runs and seven hits to go with four walks and two strikeouts. Rickie Weeks hit Niese's second pitch for a home run to left. Niese then walked the next two batters but got out of the inning by stranding runners at second and third. The Mets won 6-5 in 10 innings.


STEALING HOME

Nationals catcher Jesus Flores was carted off the field with a sprained left ankle after Philadelphia's Chase Utley barreled into him on a play at the plate. The collision came as Utley was attempting to steal home with two outs in the third inning. With runners on first and third, John Lannan made a pickoff throw to first and Utley broke for home. Utley arrived at the plate just after the throw from first baseman Ronnie Belliard and crashed hard into Flores. After he tagged out Utley, Flores stayed on the ground near home plate for several minutes as his left leg was attended to by trainers and medical personnel.


ROYAL RELIEF

Billy Butler homered and drove in four runs to lead Kansas City over Oakland 5-2 in a game between teams that combined for 40 losses in August. Zack Greinke (10-9) allowed two runs in seven innings for his first win in five starts, walking one and striking out eight. Joakim Soria pitched the ninth for his 34th save, and his first since Aug. 15. It was the third victory in 15 games for the Royals, who were an AL-worst 7-20 in August.


THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT

Rookies Brandon Moss and Andy LaRoche, two of the players acquired by Pittsburgh in a six-player deal on July 31, hit back-to-back home runs to help the last-place Pirates snap a 10-game losing streak with a 3-2 win over the Reds. Moss and LaRoche were both acquired in a three-team trade on July 31 that sent slugger Manny Ramirez from the Red Sox to the Dodgers and left fielder Jason Bay from the Pirates to Boston. Moss had a career-high three hits and is batting .366 (15-for-41) with four home runs and six RBIs in his last 11 games.


SIDELINED

Braves third baseman Chipper Jones was scratched from the lineup against Florida because of a twisted right knee. He said he injured himself taking fielding practice, but should be fine in a few days. ... Boston's scheduled No. 4 hitter, first baseman Kevin Youkilis, was scratched with back spasms against the Orioles after the public address announcer had already gone through the lineups.


STREAKING

James Loney had two hits to extend his hitting streak to 13 games in the Dodgers' 8-4 win over the Padres. ... Yadier Molina of the Cardinals homered, extending his hitting streak to 13 games. ... The Astros won their seventh straight game, beating the Cubs 9-7 in 11 innings.


SPEAKING

"It's not old school, it's good school.'' - Phillies manager Charlie Manuel when asked about Chase Utley barreling into Nationals catcher Jesus Flores while trying to steal home on a pickoff throw to first. Utley was tagged out and Flores had to be taken off the field on a stretcher.


SEASONS

Sept. 3

1917 - Philadelphia's Grover Cleveland Alexander went the distance in both games of the Phillies' 5-0 and 9-3 sweep of the Brooklyn Dodgers.

1947 - Bill McCahan pitched a 3-0 no-hitter to give the Philadelphia Athletics a 3-0 win over Washington.

1947 - The New York Yankees had 18 hits, all singles, in an 11-2 victory over Boston at Fenway Park. Tommy Henrich and Joe DiMaggio each had four hits.

1957 - Warren Spahn of the Milwaukee Braves recorded his 41st career shutout with an 8-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Spahn's shutout set a major league record for left-handed pitchers.

1970 - Billy Williams of the Chicago Cubs asked to be kept out of the lineup, snapping his National League record of 1,117 consecutive games played. His record was broken in 1983 by Steve Garvey.

1981 - The Boston Red Sox and the Seattle Mariners played the longest game in Fenway Park's history, 19 innings, before the game was suspended with the score tied 7-7. The Mariners won 8-7 in 20 innings when the game resumed the next day.

1986 - Billy Hatcher's homer in the top of the 18th inning gave the Houston Astros an 8-7 victory over the Chicago Cubs. The two teams played 14 innings the day before and used a major league record 53 players in the game.

1990 - Bobby Thigpen set a major league record with his 47th save in a 4-2 Chicago White Sox victory over Kansas City. Thigpen broke the record set by Dave Righetti of the New York Yankees in 1986.

2000 - Kenny Lofton tied a major league record by scoring in his 18th straight game in the first inning of Cleveland's 12-11, 13-inning victory over Baltimore. Red Rolfe set the record in 1939 for the New York Yankees.

2001 - Bud Smith became the 16th rookie in modern history to throw a no-hitter and the second to do it to San Diego this season in St. Louis' 4-0 win. Smith was making his 11th career start.

2006 - Ryan Howard homered in his first three at-bats, leading Philadelphia to an 8-7 victory over Atlanta in the first game of a doubleheader. Howard raised his major league-leading total to 52 and set a record for second-year players.

2006 - Albert Pujols homered in his first three at-bats, helping St. Louis beat Pittsburgh 6-3. Pujols, with 42 homers, reached 40 or more for the fourth straight season.

2007 - Pedro Martinez completed his comeback from major shoulder surgery and quickly went into the record books, becoming the 15th pitcher to strike out 3,000 batters in his career. The New York Mets' right-hander needed only two strikeouts to reach the mark. He fanned Aaron Harang swinging at an 87-mph fastball for the milestone as the Mets posted a 10-4 win over Cincinnati.

2007 - Ichiro Suzuki homered in the third inning of Seattle's 7-1 win over the New York Yankees to reach 200 hits for the seventh consecutive season, tying the Wade Boggs' AL mark.

Today's birthdays: Matt Capps 25; Bobby Livingston 26; Nate Robertson 31; Luis Gonzalez 41.

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Note from the “Trends and Indexes team”:
Thanks to BigWeiner! He brought it to our attention that there was an error in yesterday’s birthdays.
Rich Aurilia was 37, not 29. You guys have sharper eyes than the AP!

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[Udog]

MLB
Dunkel


Houston at Chicago Cubs
The charging Astros look to follow up yesterday's 3-0 win over the Cubs and build on their six-game winning streak. Houston is the underdog pick (+195) according to Dunkel, which has the Astros favored straight up by 1. Dunkel Pick: Houston (+195). Here are all of today's games.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

Game 901-902: Atlanta at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Morton) 13.521; Florida (Sanchez) 14.824
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Florida (-170); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-170); Over

Game 903-904: Philadelphia at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Hamels) 15.562; Washington (Lannan) 16.571
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-210); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+195); Over

Game 905-906: Pittsburgh at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Snell) 15.060; Cincinnati (Harang) 14.729
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 11
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-150); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+140); Over

Game 907-908: Houston at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Backe) 16.083; Cubs (Zambrano) 15.213
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-210); No Run Line
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+195); N/A

Game 909-910: NY Mets at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Niese) 15.385; Milwaukee (Parra) 16.991
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-130); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-130); Under

Game 911-912: San Francisco at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Lincecum) 14.821; Colorado (Hernandez) 14.346
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-200); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-200); Over

Game 913-914: St. Louis at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Wainwright) 14.934; Arizona (Petit) 13.325
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+120); Over

Game 915-916: San Diego at LA Dodgers
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Baek) 16.030; LA Dodgers (Kershaw) 15.046
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 7
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-200); 8
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+185); Under

Game 917-918: Chicago White Sox at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Danks) 15.025; Cleveland (Carmona) 16.093
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-130); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+120); Under

Game 919-920: LA Angels at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Saunders) 14.485; Detroit (Lambert) 14.597
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1/2; 11
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-150); 10
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+140); Over

Game 921-922: Baltimore at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Liz) 14.747; Boston (Lester) 16.826
Dunkel Line: Boston by 2; 12
Vegas Line: Boston (-290); 11
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-290); Over

Game 923-924: Minnesota at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Perkins) 15.937; Toronto (Purcey) 16.573
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+110); Over

Game 925-926: NY Yankees at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Mussina) 15.667; Tampa Bay (Garza) 17.107
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-125); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-125); Over

Game 927-928: Seattle at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Feierabend) 16.776; Texas (McCarthy) 15.706
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1; 13
Vegas Line: Texas (-170); 12
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+160); Over

Game 929-930: Oakland at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Gonzalez) 14.376; Kansas City (Greinke) 13.737
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-150); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+140); Under