Thursday Trends and Indexes 9/4

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes
Thursday September 4

Good Luck on day #248 of 2008!

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

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

Thursday, September 4

With the preseason out of the way the National Football League finally gets to some games that count with their opener on Thursday. Here's your Daily Sports Roundup . . .

Event of the day . . .

The New York Giants aren't the Vegas favorites to win the Super Bowl this season, but of course they weren't considered the team to beat last season either yet they finished the campaign with a big trophy. Eli Manning and company will begin their title defense on Thursday night by playing host to the Washington Redskins (7:00pm ET, NBC).

New York has been pegged as a 4-point home favorite in this contest, with the game's total sitting at 41 points. However, the Giants will be without two key defensive players from their Super Bowl-winning team, as DL Michael Strahan retired during the offseason and DL Osi Umenyiora is out for the season after suffering a major knee injury.

The Redskins could also be without a top defensive player, as DL Jason Taylor has been limited in practice this week because of a bruised knee. WR Antwaan Randle El has a broken bone in his hand but is still expected to play for Washington on Thursday night. QB Jason Campbell has recovered from his hamstring injury and will start.

Non-event of the day . . .

The Pirates and Reds just keeping sending starting pitchers out to the mound that make OVER bettors salivate. In the finale of their three-game series on Wednesday afternoon the Reds are scheduled to start Josh Fogg (2-7, 7.29 ERA), while the Pirates will hand the ball to Tom Gorzelanny (6-9, 6.61 ERA). Neither pitcher got a victory in August.

Also on the schedule . . .

There are only two other NL contests on a light Thursday schedule: Washington at Atlanta, and San Diego at Milwaukee. Over in the AL there's a little more action, with four games on tap. Scott Kazmir (10-6, 3.13 ERA) will look to pitch the Rays past the Yankees in the most notable game in the Junior Circuit. As well, it'll be the Angels at Detroit, Minnesota at Toronto, and Oakland at Kansas City.

The PGA Tour stages its third of four FedExCup playoff tournaments starting on Thursday, with the red-hot Vijay Singh pegged as the 6/1 favorite to win the BMW Championship. Sergio Garcia is next on the list at 7/1, followed by Phil Mickelson at 8/1, Jim Furyk at 12/1, and each of Ernie Els, Mike Weir, and Padraig Harrington at 15/1.

Rounding out the Thursday schedule are stand-alone games in both college football and the WNBA. On the gridiron it'll be South Carolina at Vanderbilt. On the hardwood the Chicago Sky (winners of three in a row) will get a visit from the Seattle Storm.

News from the wire . . .

The Dodgers activated outfielder Andruw Jones from the disabled list, but it's unlikely that he'll see much time on the field in September . . . the Yankees activated pitcher Joba Chamberlain from the DL as well, and he'll work out of the team's bullpen for the rest of the season . . . embattled defenseman Bryan McCabe was finally dealt from the Leafs to the Panthers along with a draft pick for defenseman Mike Van Ryn.

Peek at the future . . .

The Phillies and the Mets begin a series in New York on Friday night, with Brett Myers (8-10, 4.40 ERA) taking on Mike Pelfrey (13-8, 3.66 ERA) . . . there is a single college football game on the Friday schedule as well, with Navy taking on Ball State (-7.5) . . . Kyle Busch is the 9/2 Vegas favorite to win the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, with Jimmie Johnson just behind at 6/1 odds.

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[pm530]

Six-pack for Thursday

Some football knowledge to think about in Week 1........

-- Giants are defending Super Bowl champs, but their total for over/under wins is just 8.5; how is that possible?

-- Over is 19-9-1 in Cowboys' last 29 road games.

-- Broncos are 5-20 SU, 8-16-1 vs the spread in Monday night road games.

-- Southern Miss failed to cover its last six tries as a road dog Utah State covered seven of their last eight as road dog.

-- Skip Holtz is 27-11 vs spread at East Carolina; Cincinnati's Brian Kelly is 26-8-1 vs spread in his last 35 games.

-- Alabama covered two of last 16 as home favorite; last year they were 0-4 in Nick Saban's first season with the Tide.

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[pm530]

Thursday's List of 13: Runnin' the bases in the big leagues

13) LA Dodgers-- Someone on espn.com wrote an article today on how Joe Torre has his team close to a playoff berth; for the love of Pete, their record is xx-xx, after he got handed Ramirez for a minor leaguer hitting .171 in Pittsburgh.

12) Arizona-- Astros would be leading the NL West. They've got good pitching, though, and Adam Dunn has helped.

11) Bronx Bombers-- Carl Pavano cashed $40M in checks from the Bombers; last night was his 22nd start in four years.

10) St Louis-- Astros are creeping up from behind on them; a tough loss Wednesday, with pitching coach Duncan getting tossed in seventh inning, then blowing lead in the ninth.

9) Minnesota-- Dead-heat with Chicago with seven series left to go; think they wish they had brought Liriano up sooner?

8) White Sox-- Lead major leagues in home runs. Struggling on the road. Can the pitching hold on for another month?

7) Philadelphia-- Trail Mets by three games; last series vs the New York team starts Friday. Do they have enough pitching?

6) Boston-- Lot of new young faces in the Red Sox lineup, as they chase Rays while holding off AL Central opponents.

5) Rays-- Longoria due back soon; they need his bat. Still not sure thing for playoffs, though one website that projects how season will play out says they're 99% sure to get in. We'll see.

4) Milwaukee-- God they can hit, and their starting pitching is solid, but their infield defense is awful. Getting swept by Mets this week will be interesting fact should teams meet again the first week in October.

3) NY Mets-- They're carrying 35 guys right now, almost like a spring training roster. At what point do they decide to sign up Jerry Manuel to a new contract? Does he have to make it to the postseason to keep his job?

2) Cubs-- Struggling right now, but they're clearly best team in National League. They'll need Zambrano's shoulder to improve but if Brewers win Wild Card, they draw weaker NL West foe first. Problem is, Arizona means facing Webb-Haren-Johnson.

1) Angels-- Teixeira quietly has 29 homers. K-Rod will set the save record, then leave Anaheim after the season. This is best team in baseball, but they've been squashed by Red Sox in the last couple playoffs-- we'll see if they do better this season.

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[pm530]

National Football League – Dunkel Index

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 – Write up

NFL
Write-up

2008 Week 1 NFL analysis

Thursday, September 4

Redskins @ Giants-- Defending champs always open on the first Thursday of season; Giants won first meeting of season with the division rival Redskins in each of last seven years, taking three of last four played here. Totals in last eight series games in Swamp were all 36 or less. Under is 6-1-1 in Skins' last eight openers on road, 6-2 in last eight Giant home openers. Washington is 8-4 as underdog in road opener; Giants are 7-3 as fave in home opener.


Sunday, September 7

Bengals @ Ravens-- Baltimore starting rookie Flacco at QB by default; he is their only healthy QB. Cincinnati has injury issues at WR. Bengals won three in row, six of last seven in series; they scored 20+ points in last four visits here. Average total in the last five Bengal road openers: 51.4. Baltimore won last three openers at home: 30-13/28-6/20-13. Bengals won nine of last 12 openers on road. Palmer playing QB for Bengals with a broken nose.

Jets @ Dolphins-- Pennington has to know Jet system inside and out, plus he has lot to prove. Jets won seven of last eight series games, winning last four (three of four by three points). Miami is 0-15 in series last 15 times they scored less than 20 points. Jets are 7-3 in last ten visits to Miami- since '88, they are 3-0 as fave in road openers. Under is 12-6 in Miami's last 18 home openers, 6-3 in last Jets' last nine road openers. Best storyline of the week.

Chiefs @ Patriots-- How healthy is Brady? Patriots' backup QBs are dismal. Him not playing in preseason is not good. Pats won last six home openers (3-1-1 vs spread in last five); over is 7-2 in their last nine home openers. Chiefs' main problem is that Croyle isn't much better than Pats' backup QB. KC is 3-8 vs spread in the last 11 games as underdog in road opener. Chiefs lost last three visits to Foxboro by 30-6-3; their last win here was back in 1990.

Texans @ Steelers-- Road team won both series games; Texans won 24-6 in only visit here, six years ago. Houston is 2-4 in road openers, losing by 21-12-15-19 points. Steelers won their last five home openers, covering last three (wins by 19-3-22-27-23-11 pts). Over is 5-1 in last six Steeler home openers, 4-1 in Houston's last five road openers. Texans are 5-10 vs spread as road dog the last two years. Steelers are 10-6 as home favorites last two seasons.

Jaguars @ Titans-- Jags won three of last four visits to Nashville, with two wins by FG; they won four of last five openers on road, with only one win by more than FG. Titans lost three of last four home openers; they also lost first meeting with Jaguars in three of last four years. Underdog is 9-2 vs spread in Jags' last eleven road openers, with Jax 1-4 as favorite. Vince Young struggled in preseason with Heimerdinger's new offense.

Lions @ Falcons-- Rookie Ryan gets nod under center for Falcon club that is totally rebuilding; they're 4-7 vs spread as home dog the last three years. Detroit as road favorite? First time since '05. Lions are 11-4 in last fifteen series games, 5-2 in last seven visits here; they lost five of last seven road openers, scoring seven pts or less in four of the five losses. Atlanta covered last three times they opened season at home. Game both sides desperately need.

Seahawks @ Bills-- Seattle has injury issues on offense, with WR Branch yet to practice, and QB Hasselbeck nursing bad back, but Bills have issues too- their best OL is holding out, though they're saying they've replaced him. Holmgren covered two of last nine road openers- this is Seattle's first visit to Buffalo since '01. Bills lost five of last seven home openers. Under is 17-3 in last twenty Seattle road openers, 7-2 in Buffalo's last nine home openers.

Bucs @ Saints-- Payton's team in Indianapolis this week, waiting out hurricane; they're expected back in town late Friday. Tampa won four of last five games at the Saints, with all five decided by seven points or less. Favorite is 7-2 vs spread in Bucs' last nine road openers. New Orleans is 7-3 in last ten home openers; under is 9-2 in their last 11 home openers, 14-2 in Tampa's last 16 road openers. Tough game to peg, with so many Saints' distractions.

Rams @ Eagles-- St Louis looks like easy mark, until you realize Philly started 0-1 six of last seven seasons; they're 3-5 in their last eight home openers, and have Monday night date vs Cowboys next week. Rams failed to cover last eight road openers, losing its last six, five by 7+ points. Rams are 9-15 vs spread as a road dog the last four years; adding Saunders as offensive coordinator is going to help. Eagles just 6-13 as home fave last three seasons.

Cowboys @ Browns-- Huge game for Cleveland team with very high expectations for '08; they're 1-8 in home openers, scoring 14 or less points in seven of nine. Dallas is 3-5 in last eight openers on road, with ten of last eleven road openers going over the total Porous Cleveland secondary could get torched by Dallas aerial attack. Since '88, Dallas is 0-11 in its first road game if they score less than 26 points. Anderson had concussion, expected to play.

Panthers @ Chargers-- Carolina's best WR (Smith) is out, but the Panthers are 8-1 vs spread as underdog in road opener, 7-6 SU, with no losses by more than nine points. How effective will San Diego defense be with Merriman playing with two torn ligaments in his knee? Chargers are just 4-3 in last seven home openers, but wins are by 27-21-33-11 points. Under is 10-1 in Carolina's last 11 road openers. Road team won two of three games in this series.

Cardinals @ 49ers-- Teams split last eight series games, with all four 49er wins by three points or in OT. Arizona won two of last three visits here. O'Sullivan starting for the first time in his career; two-time MVP Warner starts for Arizona club that lost its last six road openers. Niners covered last five home openers, winning its last three by 3-5-3 points. Cards were 8-8 LY, have expectations for first time in long while. Seven of last nine series totals 46+.

Bears @ Colts-- Chicago's defense was awful in preseason, but Manning had knee scoped, didn't play in preseason, and center Saturday is out for six weeks too, so Indy not operating near full speed in opening of new Lucas Oil Stadium. Bears have revenge motive from Super Bowl 19 months ago- this is their first visit to Indy since '91. Colts won last five home openers, covering four/ Six of last seven chicago road openers stayed under the total. '


Monday, September 8

Vikings @ Packers-- Green Bay has no QB who has started game in NFL; they won last four games vs Minnesota, holding Vikings to seven points in last two games played here, but Pack is 1-6 as favorite in last seven home openers, scoring ust 12.5 ppg in last four. Vikings are without their #1 lineman McKinnie (suspended four games) and have QB with a gimpy knee (Jackson). Seven of last nine Minnesota road openers stayed under the total.

Broncos @ Raiders-- Denver won eight of last ten series games, four of five at Coliseum, with wins here by 14-28-14-4 points; the last 18 times Oakland scored less than 23 points in series, they've lost to Broncos. Denver lost three of last four road openers, with only win 15-14 at Buffalo (-3)- they scored 10.3 ppg in those four games. Raiders started last five seasons 0-1, failing to cover last five home openers. Under is 5-1 in last six Denver road openers, 4-1 in Oakland's last five home openers.

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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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[pm530]

National Football League - Tips & Trends

NFL


We will update when projected scores are available.

Thursday, September 4

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Tips and Trends
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Washington Redskins at New York Giants [NBC | 7 PM ET]

Redskins: Jim Zorn begins his coaching career on the road against the defending Super Bowl Champions. He’s installed a new West Coast offense that had mixed results in the preseason. Young quarterback Jason Campbell will have to orchestrate that offense behind a reshuffled offensive line. Veteran Jon Jansen has been benched in favor of Stephon Heyer, an undrafted free agent in 2007. Zorn has said that he wants his offense to play fast, so don’t expect any pre-snap motion from the Redskins this year, something that former coach Joe Gibbs used a lot. The Redskins defense should be stout once again, especially with the addition of future Hall of Famer Jason Taylor. The Giants may get a break though, as Taylor is a game-time decision after spraining his knee in the preseason.

Redskins are 28-11 ATS as a road underdog of 3.5 to 7 since 1992.
Redskins are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. NFC.

Key Injuries - S LaRon Landry (hamstring) is probable.
DE Jason Taylor (knee) is questionable.
WR Malcolm Kelly (knee) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Giants (-4, O/U 41): The Giants defense that tormented Tom Brady and the mighty Patriots in the Super Bowl won’t look the same in their opener versus the Redskins. Michael Strahan retired, Osi Umenyiora is out for the year, while LB’s Kawika Mitchell and Reggie Torbor, along with S Gibril Wilson, signed with other teams this offseason. Mathias Kiwanuka was moved from linebacker back to defensive end to replace Umenyiora. Justin Tuck, who had 10 sacks as a reserve last season, will replace Strahan. Expect the Giants to blitz a lot early in the year to get more pressure on the quarterback. While the Giants have won 11 straight games on the road, they need to learn how to win at home. New York has gone 3-5 at home in each of the last two seasons.

Giants are 9-4-1 ATS in their last 14 vs. NFC East.
Favorite is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.

Key Injuries - LB Antonio Pierce (back) is day-to-day.
WR Plaxico Burress (ankle) is probable.
DE Osi Umenyiora (knee) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

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[pm530]

Canadian Football League – Long Sheet

CFL
Long Sheet

Week 11

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Friday, September 5
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CALGARY (5 - 3) at EDMONTON (5 - 3) - 9/5/2008, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 6-2 against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 5-3 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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Saturday, September 6
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BRITISH COLUMBIA (4 - 5) at HAMILTON (2 - 6) - 9/6/2008, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 33-52 ATS (-24.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
HAMILTON is 3-1 against the spread versus BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 4-0 straight up against HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
4 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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TORONTO (3 - 5) at MONTREAL (6 - 3) - 9/7/2008, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 40-22 ATS (+15.8 Units) in weeks 10 through 15 since 1996.
MONTREAL is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in weeks 10 through 15 over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 5-4 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 6-3 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SASKATCHEWAN (6 - 2) at WINNIPEG (2 - 6) - 9/7/2008, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WINNIPEG is 16-4 ATS (+11.6 Units) as a home underdog of 3 points or less since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 122-92 ATS (+20.8 Units) in all games since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 122-92 ATS (+20.8 Units) in all lined games since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 42-23 ATS (+16.7 Units) when playing on a Sunday since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 4-1 against the spread versus SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
SASKATCHEWAN is 3-2 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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[pm530]

Canadian Football League – Write up

CFL
Write-up


Week 11 CFL games

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Friday, September 5

Calgary (5-4) @ Edmonton (6-3)-- Eskimos thrashed Stamps last week in Calgary, 37-16, outgaining hosts 496-268, completing 26 of 38 passes for 376 yards- they earlier beat Stampeders 34-31 on this field in Week 2. Road team won last four Calgary games. Eskimos won four of last five games; they're 4-0 at home, 2-0 as home favorite, with wins at home by 3-19-11-17 points.


Saturday, September 6

BCLions (4-5) @ Hamilton (2-7)-- TiCats ran ball for 679 yards in last three games, but their only wins came against Toronto-- they allowed 33+ points in six of nine games. Lions lost three of last four games- they are 1-3 on road, with Winnipeg their only win. BC has a -8 turnover ratio in their last five games. Seven of last eight Hamilton games, four of last five BC tilts went over.


Sunday, September 7

Toronto (4-5) @ Montreal (6-3)-- Trestman's offense scored 30+ in eight of nine games; Alouettes won last four games, scored an average of 36.3 ppg in last six games. Als won 32-14 couple of weeks ago in Toronto (-5.5), holding the Argos to 86 passing yards on 38 attempts. Toronto lost three of last four road tilts, with losses by 19-6-24 points. Under is 3-0 last 3 Alouette tilts.

Saskatchewan (7-2) @ Winnipeg (2-7)-- Roughrider troubles on offense shown with recently-acquired Bishop being thrown in at QB last week. Riders scored 10-19 points in last two games, after they averaged 32.4 ppg in first five games. Bombers lost in Regina last week, 19-6; they've thrown 17 INTs in nine games. Four of last five Saskatchewan games stayed under the total.

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[pm530]

Canadian Football League – Additional Trends

CFL

Trend Sheet


Week 11

Friday, September 5

9:00 PM CALGARY vs. EDMONTON
Calgary is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Edmonton
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Calgary's last 7 games when playing Edmonton
Edmonton is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Edmonton is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games



Saturday, September 6

4:00 PM BRITISH COLUMBIA vs. HAMILTON
British Columbia is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games
British Columbia is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games
Hamilton is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against British Columbia
Hamilton is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against British Columbia



Sunday, September 7

1:00 PM TORONTO vs. MONTREAL
Toronto is 14-6-1 ATS in its last 21 games
Toronto is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Montreal is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Toronto
Montreal is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Toronto


4:00 PM SASKATCHEWAN vs. WINNIPEG
Saskatchewan is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Saskatchewan is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Winnipeg is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Saskatchewan
Winnipeg is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Saskatchewan

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[pm530]

Baseball Today

MLB


Thursday, September 4

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Baseball Today
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SCOREBOARD

Thursday, Sept. 4

New York Yankees at Tampa Bay (7:10 p.m. EDT). Trying to extend their AL East lead, the surprising Rays send Scott Kazmir (10-6, 3.13 ERA) to the mound against Alex Rodriguez and the Yankees in the finale of a three-game series.


STARS

Wednesday

- Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox, homered in the seventh to begin Boston's comeback in a 5-4 win over Baltimore. He went 3-for-4 and is batting .618 over the last eight games to raise his AL-leading average to .333.

- Randy Wolf, Astros, pitched a six-hitter for his first shutout in four years in Houston's 4-0 victory over Chicago.

- Alex Rodriguez, Yankees, went 3-for-4 and drove in four runs, including a two-run homer verified by replay to lift New York to a 8-4 victory over Tampa Bay.

- Cristian Guzman, Nationals, set a franchise single-season record with his eighth consecutive multi-hit game in Washington's 9-7 win over Philadelphia.

- Placido Polanco, Tigers, had three hits and drove in three runs to help Detroit beat Los Angeles 9-6.

- Ryan Church, Mets, hit a grand slam for his first homer since June 1, lifting the Mets to a 9-2 win over the Brewers.


REPLAY

Alex Rodriguez's ninth-inning homer was upheld in baseball's first use of instant replay, and the New York Yankees beat the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays 8-4 on Wednesday night. A-Rod hit a towering two-run shot off Troy Percival that third base umpire Brian Runge immediately ruled a homer when it bounced off the catwalk behind the foul pole in left field. Rays catcher Dioner Navarro protested, bringing manager Joe Maddon out of the dugout. After convening, the umpires left the field to review the tape, a process that took 2 minutes, 15 seconds.


SIDELINED

Carlos Zambrano visited the Chicago Cubs' team orthopedist Wednesday to check out his right arm but didn't have an MRI exam. Zambrano left his start Tuesday night against the Houston Astros after five innings and 86 pitches, telling pitching coach Larry Rothschild he didn't feel well and couldn't continue, manager Lou Piniella said Wednesday. Zambrano was scratched from his scheduled outing last Sunday and moved back two days to rest his tired arm.


BIG HURT

Frank Thomas' season ended Wednesday when the Oakland Athletics transferred the designated hitter from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day. He's been on the DL twice this year due to an injured right thigh, most recently going back on Saturday. He also sat out from May 28-July 31 because of tendinitis in his quadriceps.


NO NO-NO

Major League Baseball's scoring review committee ruled Wednesday that official scorer Bob Webb did not err when he decided that Pittsburgh's Andy LaRoche singled against Brewers pitcher CC Sabathia in the bottom of the fifth inning of Milwaukee's 7-0 win on Sunday. Sabathia tried to make a barehanded pickup of LaRoche's softly hit grounder, but dropped it. Webb immediately ruled it a hit, explaining he watched LaRoche out of the batter's box and the runner was two-thirds of the way down the line as Sabathia was picking the ball up.


SELLOUT

The Red Sox sold out 96-year old Fenway Park for the 455th consecutive regular-season game on Wednesday afternoon, tying the Cleveland Indians' major league record. "I have not seen anything but sellouts since I've been here,'' Boston manager Terry Francona said before the game against Baltimore. "Think about it. That's unbelievable. That's the norm. I hope we don't ever get in a situation where we take it for granted. I know our organization doesn't.''


STATS

Jose Reyes stole his 47th base this season, tying the Mets' franchise mark of 281 set by Mookie Wilson. ... Bobby Jenks recorded his first save of more than three outs since Sept. 13, 2005, in the White Sox's 4-2 win over the Indians. ... Derek Jeter went 1-for-5 and needs five hits to tie Babe Ruth (2,518) for second place on the Yankees career list.


SPEAKING

"All the hard work he's put in, all the home runs he's hit in the minor leagues, to get one here, the team was just elated for him. It makes it all worthwhile.'' - Giants manager Bruce Bochy on Scott McClain, who hit his first major league homer after spending 19 years in the minors. He hit 287 homers in 1,664 minor league games.


SEASONS

Sept. 4

1916 - Longtime pitching rivals Christy Mathewson and Mordecai Brown closed out their careers, by special arrangement, in the same game. Mathewson won the game 10-8.

1928 - The Boston Braves started a grueling string in which they played nine straight doubleheaders, a major league record.

1941 - The New York Yankees clinched the pennant on the earliest date in baseball history with a 6-3 victory over Boston.

1966 - Los Angeles became the first team in major league history to draw more than 2 million at home and on the road as the Dodgers beat the Reds 8-6 in front of 18,670 fans in Cincinnati.

1974 - Don Wilson of the Houston Astros was replaced by a pinch hitter after pitching eight no-hit innings against Cincinnati. Mike Cosgrove pitched the ninth inning and gave up a leadoff single to Tony Perez for the only hit as the Reds won the game 2-1.

1985 - Gary Carter hit a pair of solo home runs to tie a major league record and singled in another run to lead the New York Mets to a 9-2 victory over San Diego. Carter's feat followed a three-homer performance the night before as he became the 11th player in major league history to hit five home runs in two games.

1993 - Jim Abbott threw the New York Yankees' first no-hitter in 10 years, leading them to a 4-0 victory over the Cleveland Indians.

1995 - Robin Ventura became the eighth player in major league history - and the first in 25 years - to hit two grand slams in one game as the Chicago White Sox beat Texas 14-3.

1998 - The New York Yankees reached 100 wins on the earliest date in major league history - five days before the 1906 Chicago Cubs and 1954 Cleveland Indians - with an 11-6 victory over the Chicago White Sox. The '06 Cubs set the major league record for fewest games to reach 100 victories (132).

2002 - The Oakland Athletics set an AL record by winning their 20th straight game. They somehow blew an 11-run lead before pinch-hitter Scott Hatteberg homered in the bottom of the ninth inning to beat Kansas City 12-11. Oakland broke a three-way tie for the longest winning streak in AL history with the 1906 Chicago White Sox and the 1947 New York Yankees.

2006 - Florida became the first team in major league history to climb above .500 after being 20 games under, rallying to beat reeling Arizona 8-5. With four consecutive victories, the Marlins (69-68) had a winning record for the first time. They were 11-31 on May 21.

Today's birthday: Pat Neshek 28.

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball – Write up

MLB
Write-up


Thursday, September 4

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Hot Pitchers
-- Suppan is 5-0, 3.00 in his last six starts.

-- Santana is 1-0, 2.05 in his last three starts.
-- Slowey is 4-0, 2.32 in his last five starts.

Cold Pitchers
-- Reds lost last six Fogg starts (0-5, 8.13). Pirates lost seven of nine Gorzelanny road starts.
-- Bergmann is 0-2, 10.80 in his last four starts. Braves lost last eight Reyes starts (0-6, 7.32).
-- Estes is 0-1, 3.64 in his last three starts, last of which was 5/28

-- Rogers is 1-6, 8.03 in his last seven starts.
-- Bronx lost seven of last nine Rasner road starts.
-- Bannister is 0-5, 8.10 in his last five starts. Davies is 0-4, 8.00 in his last four starts. Oakland lost six of last eight Eveland road starts. Meyer is 0-3, 10.03 in three starts this season.

Hot Teams
-- Nationals won eight of their last nine games.

-- Angels won four of their last six games.
-- Blue Jays won last four games, scoring 25 runs.
-- Rays won five of their last seven games. Bronx won seven of their last eight road games.

Cold Teams
-- Braves lost 18 of their last 23 games.
-- Pirates lost ten of their last twelve games.
-- Padres lost their last nine games on road. Brewers just got swept three in row at home by the Mets.

-- Tigers lost seven of their last ten home games.
-- Twins lost eight of their last eleven road games.
-- Royals lost ten of their last thirteen games. A's are 7-22 in last 29 road games.

Totals
-- Over is 9-3 in last twelve Cincinnati home games.
-- Under is 8-3 in last eleven Reyes starts.
-- Last three Suppan starts went over the total.

-- Under is 7-3 in Angels' last ten games.
-- Last six Toronto home games went over the total.
-- Over is 6-1 in last seven Bronx road games.
-- Under is 6-1 in Royals' last seven home games.

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