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**pm530** · 04-06-2009, 05:21 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Monday, April 6

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: Michigan State and North Carolina battle for the NCAA Tournament crown, and teams around baseball start their campaigns.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

The NBA has a rare night off on Monday to give the hoops spotlight to the NCAA Tournament's championship game. The league returns with nine games Tuesday.

Finishing off the Madness . . .

Michigan State will be gunning for the upset on Monday night when they take on North Carolina in the championship game of this year's NCAA Tournament at Detroit's Ford Field. The Spartans bounced Connecticut by a final score of 82-73 in their Final Four meeting on Saturday, getting 21 points from Kalin Lucas and 18 points from Raymar Morgan. The Huskies had been listed as 4.5-point faves.

North Carolina had no trouble getting past Villanova in their half of the Final Four on Saturday as Ty Lawson scored 22 points in an 83-69 victory. Wayne Ellington was good for 20 points in that contest, while Tyler HanXXXough picked up 18 points and 11 rebounds. The Tar Heels managed to cover that 7.5-point spread.

The oddsmakers opened the Tar Heels as a 6.5-point favorite to win the title on Monday night, but that line quickly moved to North Carolina -7.5. The total for the game is sitting at 152 points. The Michigan State/UConn matchup on Saturday went OVER the posted total of 134.5, while UNC/Villanova played UNDER the listed 160-point total. Tipoff for Monday night's college hoops finale is 9:21pm ET.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

The Yankees will roll out their new ace pitcher, the expensive CC Sabathia, when they open their season late on Monday afternoon in Baltimore. The lefthander went 17-10 overall in 2008 with a 2.70 ERA, but he was a stellar 11-2 with a 1.65 ERA after being traded from the Indians to the Brewers. The O's will counter with their ace, righthander Jeremy Guthrie, who went 10-12 with a 3.63 ERA last year.

The Red Sox will host the Rays in the marquee American League matchup on Monday, with Boston's Josh Beckett (12-10, 4.03 ERA in 2008) taking on Tampa Bay's James Shields (14-8, 3.56 ERA). Elsewhere around the Junior Circuit it'll be Kansas City at the White Sox, Cleveland at Texas, Seattle at Minnesota, Oakland at the Angels, and Detroit at Toronto. Righthander Roy Halladay, who won 20 games last season, will get the ball for the Blue Jays on Monday night.

A dozen National League clubs also take to the field on Monday, with the Mets at Cincinnati, Colorado at Arizona, Washington at Florida, Pittsburgh at St. Louis, the Cubs at Houston, and the Dodgers at San Diego. Los Angeles will use righthander Hiroki Kuroda to begin their campaign; he was 9-10 with a 3.73 ERA in 2008. San Diego will counter with righthander Jake Peavy, who is coming off a season in which he went just 10-11 with a 2.85 ERA for a last-place Padres club.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

There are just three games on the National Hockey League's schedule for Monday, with Detroit at Buffalo, Los Angeles at Calgary, and Ottawa at Montreal. The Canadiens romped to a 6-2 win over the rival Maple Leafs on Saturday night, getting 36 saves from Jaroslav Halak and four points from Alexei Kovalev. Habs defensemen Andrei Markov and Mathieu Schneider both left the matchup with Toronto with injuries, but both are expected to be able to play Monday night.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

Golf's biggest event is on the schedule for this week, with Tiger Woods seeking another Masters victory. Woods entered the week as the big 2/1 Vegas favorite to pick up the green jacket; the tournament begins at Augusta Thursday morning.

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**pm530** · 04-06-2009, 05:22 AM

Six-pack for Monday

-- If they ever do a movie on Spurs' coach Gregg Popovich, it has to be Donald Sutherland playing Popovich.

-- Last three World Series losers missed the playoffs the next year.

-- Jason Kidd had 20 assists Sunday, becoming oldest player since 1973 to dish out 20+ assists in an NBA game.

-- When Jordan Schafer of the Braves homered in his first at-bat in major leagues Sunday night, he became the 99th player to do so.

-- Derek Lowe allowed two baserunners in eight IP, Braves got off to great start in 2009, beating the world champion Phillies 4-1.

-- I'm glad to report that April 5th was the last Sunday in 2009 that won't have a full slate of either major league baseball or NFL games.

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Late Night Update

-- Xavier's Sean Miller has apparently decided to pass up a payday from Arizona and stays at Xavier. Good for him.

-- Lakers survived a 16-0 Clipper run in 4th quarter, won by 3, and moved 43 games ahead of the hapless Clippers in the standings.

-- Only time Golden State looks good is when they play the Kings, whose fanbase is more and more disgusted with its team. A crowd of 12,975 watched Sacramento lose to a team playing seven guys.

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**pm530** · 04-06-2009, 05:22 AM

Monday's List of 13: Opening Day, one of the year's great days

13) North Carolina is 7.5-point favorite over Michigan State Monday night, biggest spread in national title game since Maryland's '02 win against Indiana, back when Mike Davis was coaching the Hoosiers.

12) Royals-White Sox game in Chicago has already been pushed back to Tuesday afternoon; snow is expected on the South Side Monday.

11) If my A's can survive April, they might be OK, but 13 of first 16 games are against Angels, Red Sox, Bronx, Toronto, very tough start for a team whose starting rotation isn't ready for prime time.

10) ESPN scores big with Steve Phillips in booth for Sunday Night Baseball; every word Phillips says is one less for Joe Morgan.

9) I don't know much about business, but when I see the dude that owns the Texas Rangers and Dallas Stars defaulted on a $525M loan, I know this can't be a good sign. Maybe ARod can bail him out.

8) Kosuke Fukudome of the Cubs hit .214 after the All-Star break in 2008; lot of people in Chicago are wondering if he was a mistake.

7) Former Mets' manager Willie Randolph is a coach for Milwaukee, where he's in charge of improving the Brewers' lousy infield defense.

6) The more you read, the more media types like the Royals to be a team like Tampa Bay was last year.

5) The Jay Cutler trade is historic; no NFL QB with his credentials at such a young age has ever been traded before. It may not work for the Bears, but I think Chicago fans have to applaud their team for trying.

4) All of this puts huge pressure on Denver coach McDaniels, who basically ran Cutler out of Colorado; McDaniels is 32-- his resume is that he knows Bill Belichick, and he coached Matt Cassel after Tom Brady got hurt last year. Patriots didn't make the playoffs, but they competed hard. Young coaches are in vogue now, so he got his shot. We'll find out whether he deserved it or not.

3) Jim Delany, Commissioner of the Big 11, thinks ESPN/CBS have a bias against his league; this after his league started up a TV network that took some of ESPN/CBS' programming away. Apparently when a Division I college basketball game ends 38-33, you're not supposed to make fun of it, unless it is a Monmouth-Princeton game. Penn St and Illinois played the 38-33 game, and it got mocked on ESPN.

2) As much as I think Peter Gammons has serious New England bias when he writes, it is great to read his stuff again-- its lot of fun to add an obscure Marlins' farmhand to my fantasy team at 2:45am.

1) Opening Day and the college hoop title game on same day; makes a guy want to take a half-day off and watch some ball with his friends. Now that I think of it, thats a hell of an idea.........

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**pm530** · 04-06-2009, 05:37 AM

NCAA - National Championship

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NCAAB
Dunkel Index

Monday, April 6

Michigan State vs. North Carolina
The Spartans come into the NCAA championship game 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog and 7-0 ATS in their last 7 non-conference games. Michigan State is the underdog pick (+7 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has North Carolina favored by only 6. Dunkel Pick: Michigan State (+7 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, APRIL 6

Game 601-602: Michigan State vs. North Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan State 73.190; North Carolina 79.076
Dunkel Line: North Carolina by 6
Vegas Line: North Carolina by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Michigan State (+7 1/2)

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NCAAB
Long Sheet

Monday, April 6

MICHIGAN ST (31 - 6) vs. N CAROLINA (33 - 4) - 4/6/2009, 9:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N CAROLINA is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games in non-conference games this season.
N CAROLINA is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in all tournament games over the last 2 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in a NCAA tournament games over the last 2 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 35-21 ATS (+11.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 28-13 ATS (+13.7 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
N CAROLINA is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in all tournament games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) in a NCAA tournament games since 1997.
MICHIGAN ST is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MICHIGAN ST is 97-71 ATS (+18.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.

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

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NCAAB
Short Sheet

Monday, April 6

National Championship
Ford Field
Detroit, MI
Michigan State vs. North Carolina, 9:15 ET
Michigan State:
10-3 Under when the total is 150 to 159.5
18-7 Under as an Underdog

North Carolina:
9-1 ATS in NCAA Tournament
6-0 Under playing their 2nd game in 3 days

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NCAAB
Write-up

Monday, April 6

Monday's game
#1 seeds won three in row, eight of last nine national title games against lower seeds, but this is first such game since Maryland beat Indiana back in 2002. Carolina is 2-0 in national title games the last 20 years, beating Michigan 77-71 in '93, Illinois 75-70 four years ago. Izzo beat Florida in 2000 final, 89-76. Since 1987, underdogs of 6+ points are 5-2 vs spread in the national title game, with three SU wins.

North Carolina crushed Michigan State 98-63 Dec 3 at Ford Field, but it was a game Suton missed with an injury, and Carolina led just 53-39 at the half. State shot 20% in second half, and none of the other three big guys scored a point for Spartans. UNC's starters outscored State's 75-31 Tar Heels scored 27 pts off Spartan turnovers. That was 123 days ago.

Suton is back and playing well; Spartans beat Kansas, Louisville, UConn in last three games, getting quality PG play from sophomore Lucas and timely shots from senior leader Walton. Michigan State ranks 5th in US in offensive rebounding, 11th on defensive boards. HanXXXough hit 13-13 from foul line in first meeting; think he will have much tougher time here.

No one has come within 12 points of North Carolina in this tournament; LSU gave them the toughest game, going toe-to-toe with Heels (tie game with 8:10 left), and Spartans are fairly similar to LSU, lot of athletes to frustrate HanXXXough underneath. Key to stopping Carolina is Lawson; if he goes off, Tar Heels win by double digits. Contain him, its a game.

This will be a road game for North Carolina; times are tough in Michigan and Spartans have given the locals an emotional lift. Carolina was 3-5 as an ACC road favorite this season, losing at Wake Forest, Maryland. If I were investing in this game, my thought process would be either State wins SU or Carolina wins by double digits. I'd money line the Spartans.

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NCAAB
Trend Sheet

Monday, April 6

9:15 PM
MICHIGAN STATE vs. NORTH CAROLINA
Michigan State is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Michigan State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
North Carolina is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Michigan State
North Carolina is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Michigan State

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NCAAB
Tips and Trends

Monday, April 6

NCAA Title: #2 Michigan State vs. #1 North Carolina [CBS | 9:21 PM ET]

Michigan State: The Spartans used 72,000 fans at Ford Field to their advantage on Saturday when they knocked off West #1 seed UConn 82-73. Those fans have rallied around the team in the Motor City, and Michigan State did not disappoint them as they drove past the Huskies. “When you go through hard times, you pray for something to get you out,” Michigan State guard Travis Walton said. “I’m sure they didn’t pray for Michigan State to get to the Final Four or the national championship game, but they probably have been praying to have things to take their mind off of it.” The Spartans will be trying to win their first national championship since 2000.

Michigan State is 5-0 SU & ATS in its last 5 games overall.
The UNDER is 11-5 in Michigan State's last 16 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 71

North Carolina (-7.5, O/U 152.5): Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams is looking to win his second national title in four years, and he could care less that Michigan State will be the sentimental underdog rooted on by most of the crowd to defeat his team. “I do realize they have a cause - well, we also have a cause, too,” Williams said. “We want to win a national championship, period, the end. And if you would tell me that if Michigan State wins, it’s gonna satisfy the nation’s economy, then I’d say, ‘Hell, let’s stay poor for a little while longer.”’

North Carolina is 3-0 ATS in the last 3 meetings.
The UNDER is 5-1 in North Carolina's last 6 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 82 (Side Play of the Day)

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**pm530** · 04-06-2009, 05:41 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, April 6

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NY METS (89 - 73) at CINCINNATI (74 - 88) - 1:10 PM
JOHAN SANTANA (L) vs. AARON HARANG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 5-12 (-10.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.

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

JOHAN SANTANA vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
SANTANA is 1-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 7.05 and a WHIP of 1.892.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

AARON HARANG vs. NY METS since 1997
HARANG is 2-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 5.85 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+1.8 units)

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COLORADO (74 - 88) at ARIZONA (82 - 80) - 3:40 PM
AARON COOK (R) vs. BRANDON WEBB (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 73-89 (-23.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 17-30 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 73-89 (-23.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 46-68 (-24.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
WEBB is 22-7 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in April games since 1997. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 83-80 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 55-61 (-20.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

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

AARON COOK vs. ARIZONA since 1997
COOK is 5-4 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 4.85 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 6-10 (-4.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-6. (+2.6 units)

BRANDON WEBB vs. COLORADO since 1997
WEBB is 11-8 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.83 and a WHIP of 1.287.
His team's record is 15-11 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 15-10. (+4.4 units)

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WASHINGTON (59 - 102) at FLORIDA (84 - 77) - 4:10 PM
JOHN LANNAN (L) vs. RICKY NOLASCO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 28-76 (-35.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 13-40 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 84-77 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 40-31 (+16.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 83-75 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NOLASCO is 21-11 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 20-11 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

JOHN LANNAN vs. FLORIDA since 1997
No recent starts.

RICKY NOLASCO vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
NOLASCO is 4-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.67 and a WHIP of 0.961.
His team's record is 4-2 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.2 units)

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PITTSBURGH (67 - 95) at ST LOUIS (86 - 76) - 4:15 PM
PAUL MAHOLM (L) vs. ADAM WAINWRIGHT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WAINWRIGHT is 34-18 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
WAINWRIGHT is 34-18 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

PAUL MAHOLM vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
MAHOLM is 3-3 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 2.64 and a WHIP of 1.466.
His team's record is 3-4 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.5 units)

ADAM WAINWRIGHT vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
WAINWRIGHT is 3-2 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 5.02 and a WHIP of 1.581.
His team's record is 4-3 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-5. (-4.9 units)

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LA DODGERS (88 - 82) at SAN DIEGO (63 - 99) - 7:05 PM
HIROKI KURODA (R) vs. JAKE PEAVY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 63-98 (-35.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 35-45 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 63-98 (-35.4 Units) against the money line 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.

HIROKI KURODA vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
KURODA is 2-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 5.66 and a WHIP of 1.646.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-0. (+3.1 units)

JAKE PEAVY vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
PEAVY is 13-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 2.32 and a WHIP of 1.012.
His team's record is 16-6 (+11.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 12-10. (+0.5 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (97 - 67) at HOUSTON (86 - 75) - 7:05 PM
CARLOS ZAMBRANO (R) vs. ROY OSWALT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 957-1009 (-185.7 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 900-925 (-163.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
HOUSTON is 86-75 (+21.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 14-6 (+9.5 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 43-35 (+13.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 84-74 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 63-54 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 60-55 (+12.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ZAMBRANO is 63-42 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 38-19 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 63-40 (+21.8 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)

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

CARLOS ZAMBRANO vs. HOUSTON since 1997
ZAMBRANO is 11-7 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.72 and a WHIP of 1.119.
His team's record is 15-9 (+4.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-17. (-12.7 units)

ROY OSWALT vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
OSWALT is 11-11 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.94 and a WHIP of 1.307.
His team's record is 11-14 (-8.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 11-14. (-4.6 units)

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TAMPA BAY (105 - 73) at BOSTON (101 - 72) - 2:05 PM
JAMES SHIELDS (R) vs. JOSH BECKETT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 93-54 (+22.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 105-73 (+27.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 47-32 (+17.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 77-45 (+29.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 227-180 (-44.7 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
BECKETT is 5-12 (-12.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

JAMES SHIELDS vs. BOSTON since 1997
SHIELDS is 2-6 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.80 and a WHIP of 1.307.
His team's record is 2-8 (-6.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-4. (+1.2 units)

JOSH BECKETT vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
BECKETT is 6-3 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.91 and a WHIP of 1.145.
His team's record is 6-6 (-3.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-7. (-2.3 units)

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CLEVELAND (81 - 81) at TEXAS (79 - 83) - 2:05 PM
CLIFF LEE (L) vs. KEVIN MILLWOOD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 21-32 (-14.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 18-28 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 145-154 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 26-11 (+16.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.
LEE is 24-7 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEE is 50-32 (+21.5 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
LEE is 22-11 (+14.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
LEE is 16-4 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in April games since 1997. (Team's Record)
LEE is 21-6 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

CLIFF LEE vs. TEXAS since 1997
LEE is 5-2 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 6.42 and a WHIP of 1.549.
His team's record is 5-2 (+2.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+1.9 units)

KEVIN MILLWOOD vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
MILLWOOD is 3-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.56 and a WHIP of 1.247.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+1.8 units)

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KANSAS CITY (75 - 87) at CHI WHITE SOX (90 - 77) - 2:05 PM
GIL MECHE (R) vs. MARK BUEHRLE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 55-28 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 29-8 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 20-6 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 86-58 (+20.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BUEHRLE is 96-47 (+32.8 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 35-13 (+19.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 96-47 (+32.8 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 41-30 (+21.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 21-10 (+13.9 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 20-17 (+13.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 30-26 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 32-32 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 36-24 (+23.0 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MECHE is 14-6 (+11.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MECHE is 21-14 (+16.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)

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

GIL MECHE vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
MECHE is 7-3 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 4.04 and a WHIP of 1.324.
His team's record is 8-6 (+2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-8. (-3.1 units)

MARK BUEHRLE vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
BUEHRLE is 19-8 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.49 and a WHIP of 1.202.
His team's record is 25-11 (+6.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 16-19. (-5.0 units)

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NY YANKEES (89 - 73) at BALTIMORE (68 - 93) - 4:05 PM
C.C. SABATHIA (L) vs. JEREMY GUTHRIE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 129-87 (-53.3 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -175 or more since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 466-510 (-110.6 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 22-50 (-21.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 12-34 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 466-510 (-110.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 238-321 (-96.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters since 1997.

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

C.C. SABATHIA vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
SABATHIA is 5-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 2.38 and a WHIP of 0.964.
His team's record is 7-2 (+4.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (-0.3 units)

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
GUTHRIE is 2-2 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.62 and a WHIP of 1.270.
His team's record is 3-3 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.2 units)

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DETROIT (74 - 88) at TORONTO (86 - 76) - 7:15 PM
JUSTIN VERLANDER (R) vs. ROY HALLADAY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 74-88 (-30.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 49-55 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 48-66 (-29.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
VERLANDER is 13-20 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HALLADAY is 86-39 (+26.7 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HALLADAY is 102-45 (+35.7 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf since 1997. (Team's Record)

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

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. TORONTO since 1997
VERLANDER is 0-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 12.47 and a WHIP of 2.079.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

ROY HALLADAY vs. DETROIT since 1997
HALLADAY is 10-2 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 1.96 and a WHIP of 0.918.
His team's record is 11-3 (+5.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-3. (+5.6 units)

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SEATTLE (61 - 101) at MINNESOTA (88 - 75) - 8:10 PM
FELIX HERNANDEZ (R) vs. FRANCISCO LIRIANO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 61-101 (-37.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 26-55 (-22.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 40-69 (-28.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 53-28 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 55-30 (+19.1 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 36-18 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 55-33 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 79-61 (+25.1 Units) against the money line in road games in April games since 1997.

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

FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 2-2 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 2.48 and a WHIP of 0.963.
His team's record is 4-2 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.3 units)

FRANCISCO LIRIANO vs. SEATTLE since 1997
LIRIANO is 2-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 2-2 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.4 units)

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OAKLAND (75 - 86) at LA ANGELS (101 - 65) - 9:05 PM
DALLAS BRADEN (L) vs. JOE SAUNDERS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 101-65 (+20.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 95-58 (+21.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAUNDERS is 24-8 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 23-7 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 33-13 (+17.8 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 91-89 (-52.1 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.

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

DALLAS BRADEN vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
BRADEN is 1-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 1.80 and a WHIP of 1.100.
His team's record is 1-1 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.3 units)

JOE SAUNDERS vs. OAKLAND since 1997
SAUNDERS is 5-2 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 4.44 and a WHIP of 1.479.
His team's record is 6-3 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-4. (+0.8 units)

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**pm530** · 04-06-2009, 05:46 AM

MLB
Trend Sheet

Monday, April 6

1:10 PM
NY METS vs. CINCINNATI
NY Mets are 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing Cincinnati
NY Mets are 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
Cincinnati is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Cincinnati's last 18 games at home

2:05 PM
CLEVELAND vs. TEXAS
Cleveland is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games on the road
Cleveland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Texas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Texas's last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland

2:05 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Kansas City is 2-9 SU in their last 11 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games at home

2:05 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. BOSTON
Tampa Bay is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing Boston
Boston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games

3:40 PM
COLORADO vs. ARIZONA
Colorado is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Colorado's last 9 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Arizona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Arizona's last 11 games at home

4:05 PM
NY YANKEES vs. BALTIMORE
NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Baltimore
NY Yankees are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Baltimore is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games
Baltimore is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home

4:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. FLORIDA
Washington is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Florida
Washington is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games when playing Florida
Florida is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games
Florida is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home

4:15 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. ST. LOUIS
Pittsburgh is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
St. Louis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh

7:00 PM
CHI CUBS vs. HOUSTON
Chi Cubs are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Chi Cubs's last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Houston's last 11 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs

7:05 PM
LA DODGERS vs. SAN DIEGO
LA Dodgers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
LA Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing San Diego
San Diego is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers

7:15 PM
DETROIT vs. TORONTO
Detroit is 4-14 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
Toronto is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Detroit

8:10 PM
SEATTLE vs. MINNESOTA
Seattle is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Seattle is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games

9:05 PM
OAKLAND vs. LA ANGELS
Oakland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Oakland is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Angels
LA Angels are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games
LA Angels are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games at home

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**pm530** · 04-06-2009, 05:47 AM

MLB
Tips and Trends

Monday, April 6

Oakland Athletics at Los Angeles Angels [ESPN | 9:05 PM ET]

A's: Dallas Braden gets the call for Oakland against a team he has enjoyed some success against in the past. Braden has made two career starts against the Angels and six appearances overall, going 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA. He has allowed just four runs and 16 hits to LA in 16 innings with one walk and 11 strikeouts. Braden closed out the 2008 season by allowing one earned run or less in three of his last four starts. The A's also re-tooled their offense and defense in the offseason, adding Matt Holliday, Jason Giambi and Orlando Cabrera.

A's are 12-30 in their last 42 road games.
The UNDER is 9-1 in Oakland's last 10 Monday games.

Key Injuries - 3B Eric Chavez (shoulder) is probable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 2 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)

Angels (-147, O/U 8.5): Los Angeles begins the season with three top pitchers on the disabled list, including John Lackey, Kelvim Escobar and Ervin Santana. That gives the Opening Day start to lefty Joe Saunders, who is 5-2 lifetime vs. Oakland with a 4.44 ERA. Saunders went 7-4 at home last season with a 4.27 ERA. “It means the team has confidence in me to take the job opening day and be the kind of workhorse that Lackey’s been the past six years,” Saunders said. “I’m just hoping to get us off to a good start, battle out there and give us a chance to win, regardless of how I pitch.”

Angels are 25-10 in Saunders' last 35 home starts.
The OVER is 3-1 in the last 4 meetings.

Key Injuries - C Mike Napoli (shoulder) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 3

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**pm530** · 04-06-2009, 05:48 AM

MLB
Hot lines: Today’s best MLB bets

Monday, April 6

Detroit Tigers at Toronto Blue Jays (-150, 7.5)

Last year, the Tigers were favored to roll back to the World Series after a huge trade for slugger Miguel Cabrera and pitcher Dontrelle Willis. Instead, they opened up with more whimper than roar, stumbling to an 0-7 start they never recovered from. Slowed by injuries to Willis and others, Detroit finished dead last in the AL Central.

That's why, as the Tigers get ready to begin the 2009 season Monday in Toronto against the Blue Jays, the focus is as much on staying afloat as it is on storming out of the gate.

Justin Verlander, who'll face Toronto righty Roy Halladay in Monday's opener, said the Tigers are aware how important their opening week will be and have spent the spring preparing for it.

Like many of his teammates, Verlander had a down year in 2008. The only pitcher ever to throw a no-hitter, start a World Series game, and be Rookie of the Year and an All-Star in his first two full seasons, Verlander tumbled to an 11-17 record.

Verlander was hit hard in his only appearance against Toronto, giving up six runs and seven hits in 4 1-3 innings on Aug. 11. Recalling his performance before the Tigers worked out Sunday, Verlander called it "horrible.'' This year, he'll try to succeed by keeping things simple.

Halladay has dominated Detroit over his career, going 11-2 with a 1.93 ERA in 14 starts, but did not face the Tigers last season.

Pick: Blue Jays

Oakland Athletics at Los Angeles Angels (-150, 8.5)

Last year, the Angels strolled to the West title and led the majors with 100 wins. They're aiming this year for their fifth division crown in six years, not that it's done them any good in October - their lone appearance in the World Series, a winning one, was as a wild card in 2002.

Meanwhile, the A's finished 75-86 and third behind Texas (79-83) in the division last season, Bob Geren's second at the helm.

The Angels and A's start off with one question in common: their starting rotation. Los Angeles' John Lackey, Ervin Santana and Kelvim Escobar all are on the disabled list and expected to miss at least the first month. Dustin Moseley, Nick Adenhart and Shane Loux will fill in, joining Joe Saunders and Jered Weaver.

Oakland will begin with an even more suspect rotation. Opening day starter Dallas Braden, rookie Trevor Cahill, Dana Eveland, rookie Brett Anderson and Josh Outman have a combined 63 major league starts. Two-time All-Star Justin Duchscherer is out for at least a month and a half after arthroscopic elbow surgery.

With Lackey beginning the season on the DL for the second year in a row, Saunders draws the Angels' opening day assignment.

Eveland said the Angels will look different in the opening series.

"They don't have their closer (Francisco Rodriguez) anymore, they don't have some of their starters right now, so they're going to have to score some runs,'' Eveland said.

"Saunders is still healthy and Weaver is still healthy and they're good pitchers. We'll get a chance to face some of their other guys, so hopefully we'll get an early lead on them and see what happens.''

Along with letting Rodriguez go, the Angels parted company with longtime left fielder Garret Anderson and late-season addition Mark Teixeira. They signed Brian Fuentes to close and Bobby Abreu to play left, and inserted Kendry Morales at first base to replace Teixeira.

Center fielder Torii Hunter believes the Angels will be just fine.

"We won 100 games last year. What else can we do?'' he said with a chuckle. "I got tired of hearing about the offense. I mean, we won 100 games, so somehow we did something special. We have a lot of athletes and we do a lot of different things.''

Pick: Over

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**pm530** · 04-06-2009, 05:50 AM

MLB
This day in Baseball History

Monday, April 6

On April 6 in Baseball History...

* 1970 - Willie Mays, a month shy of his 40th birthday, homers in a 4-0 Opening Day Giants win over the Padres. Mays will go on to hit homers in each of the Giants' first four games of the season, a major league record.

* 1972 - For the first time in history, the major league season fails to open due to a general player strike. The strike, announced April 1, will erase 86 games from the major league schedule.

* 1973 - Yankee Ron Blomberg, facing Boston's Luis Tiant, becomes the first official designated hitter in the major leagues. Blomberg walks with the bases loaded his first time up and winds up 1-for-3 in a 15-5 loss to the Red Sox.

* 1977 - The Seattle Mariners make their debut, losing to Frank Tanana and the Angels 7-0.

* 1982 - The largest crowd ever to see a baseball game in Minnesota, 52,279, turns out for the inaugural game at the brand-new Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. Twins rookie Gary Gaetti has four hits with a pair of home runs, but Seattle wins, 11-7.

* 1989 - In his first start of the season, Orel Hershiser gives up a run in the first inning of a 4-3 loss to the Reds to end his major league-record consecutive scoreless inning streak at 59.

* 1992 - Rick Sutcliffe throws the first pitch at Oriole Park at Camden Yards at 3:20 p.m. The pitch, to Cleveland's Kenny Lofton is a ball, but Lofton ultimately flies out and the O's win the inaugural game at the park.

* 1996 - Albert Belle shows off his arm by hitting Sports Illustrated photographer Tony Tomsic in the hand prior to a game between the Indians and Blue Jays at Jacobs Field. The angry Indians outfielder had told the photographer to stop taking pictures of him doing pre-game stretches and Tomsic complied. Belle then throws a ball from the outfield that breaks the skin of the photographer's hand in two places and draws blood. Prior to the season, Belle had been fined $50,000, the largest single-player fine in major league history, for his tirade against a television reporter prior to Game Three of the 1995 World Series.

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**pm530** · 04-06-2009, 05:52 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

Monday, April 6

DETROIT (49-19-0-9, 107 pts.) at BUFFALO (38-31-0-9, 85 pts.) - 4/6/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 26-21 ATS (-23.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 38-40 ATS (-59.5 Units) in all games this season.
BUFFALO is 6-9 ATS (-5.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is 6 or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 2-1 (+0.5 Units) against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 2-1-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.2 Units)

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OTTAWA (34-34-0-10, 78 pts.) at MONTREAL (41-27-0-10, 92 pts.) - 4/6/2009, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 77-87 ATS (-48.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 39-52 ATS (-33.4 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 36-41 ATS (-20.4 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 45-43 ATS (-16.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 11-10-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
12 of 20 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.5 Units)

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LOS ANGELES (32-35-0-11, 75 pts.) at CALGARY (44-28-0-6, 94 pts.) - 4/6/2009, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 10-25 ATS (+42.2 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 24-24 ATS (-7.7 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 35-34 ATS (-4.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 8-12 ATS (-12.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 9-2 (+5.8 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 9-2-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.3 Units)

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**pm530** · 04-06-2009, 05:53 AM

NHL
Write-up

Monday, April 6

Hot teams
-- Canadiens won five of their last six games.

Cold teams
-- Sabres lost six of their last ten games. Red Wings lost three of their last four games.
-- Senators lost four of their last five road games.
-- Flames lost four of last six games, but are 5-1 in game following their last six losses. Kings lost nine of their last twelve games.

Totals
-- Eight of last ten Buffalo games went over the total.
-- Over is 6-2-1 in last nine Montreal games.
-- Under is 7-1-1 in last nine Calgary games.

Back-to-Back
-- Red Wings are 5-1 if they won the day/night before.
-- Montreal is 3-7 if it plays again the next night.
-- Calgary is 5-7 if it plays again the next night.

Series Records
-- Red Wings won last two games against Buffalo, 4-2/3-1.
-- Canadiens won six of last seven games against Ottawa.
-- Flames won nine of last ten games against Los Angeles.

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**pm530** · 04-06-2009, 05:54 AM

NHL
Trend Sheet

Monday, April 6

7:00 PM
DETROIT vs. BUFFALO
Detroit is 14-2-1 SU in its last 17 games when playing Buffalo
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Detroit's last 9 games when playing Buffalo
Buffalo is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Buffalo's last 10 games

7:30 PM
OTTAWA vs. MONTREAL
Ottawa is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Ottawa's last 15 games when playing Montreal
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Ottawa
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Montreal's last 7 games when playing at home against Ottawa

9:30 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. CALGARY
Los Angeles is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 7 games when playing Calgary
Calgary is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Calgary's last 6 games

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**pm530** · 04-06-2009, 05:55 AM

NHL
Ice Picks: NHL best bets

Monday, April 6

Ottawa Senators at Montreal Canadiens (-170, 6)

The Montreal Canadiens are having fun playing hockey again and it’s showing in their confidence on the ice. The Habs are 5-0-1 in their last six games scoring 27 goals in the process with Alexei Kovalev leading the way. Kovalev has 15 points in his last six games including a four-point effort on Saturday night against the Leafs.

"Well I'm probably playing as good as I have been all year," said Kovalev. "Like I've said many times, sometimes you try to do too much on your own instead of using your partners. Right now I kind of know more about the players that I'm playing with."

Montreal’s special teams have been dominating during the six-game streak. The power play is firing at over 37 percent while the penalty kill is on the plus side of 94 percent. The Habs did receive a scare on Saturday when both Andrei Markov and Mathieu Schneider were forced to leave the game against the Leafs due to injury. Afterwards, the CBC reported the injuries were not serious and both defensemen would likely be ready to play against the Senators.

The Sens have lost four of six but are coming off a 4-3 shootout win over the Philadelphia Flyers.

"You're playing for pride, for your teammates. Reputations are on the line," Jason Spezza said. "We're playing to show we're a better team than we showed at the start of the season."

Since Corey Clouston took over behind the bench the Senators have gone 17-10-3.

Montreal has dominated the head-to-head matchup this season winning four of five games, with two of the victories coming in a shootout.

Pick: Montreal

Los Angeles Kings at Calgary Flames (-230, 5.5)

The Flames are going to the postseason. The only question is whether or not they plan on bringing their offense with them. The Flames are 2-4 in their last six and have scored just six goals over that span.

The struggle to find the back of the net can fall directly on the shoulders of Calgary’s top guns. Jarome Iginla, Michael Cammalleri, Olli Jokinen and Daymond Langkow have combined for a total of six points over the last half dozen contests. The club hasn’t scored a power-play goal either during the stretch.

The Flames blue line is hurting right now with Adrian Aucoin, Robyn Regehr and Cory Sarich all questionable for Monday’s tilt against the Kings.
Los Angeles is coming off a 6-1 win over the Phoenix Coyotes. The Kings scored as many goals in their last game as the Flames have in two weeks. Prior to the six-goal explosion, the Kings had buried just nine pucks over a seven-game period.

Pick: Under

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**pm530** · 04-06-2009, 11:15 AM

MLB
Dunkel Index

Cleveland at Texas
The Indians are just 2-5 in their last 7 road games with the total set at 9 to 10 1/2, while the Rangers are 10-4 in Kevin Millwood's last 14 home starts with the total set at the same amount. Texas is the underdog pick (+130) according to Dunkel, which has the Rangers favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Texas (+130). Here are all of today's games

MONDAY, APRIL 6

Game 901-902: NY Mets at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Santana) 13.865; Cincinnati (Harang) 14.557
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-175); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+165); Over

Game 903-904: Colorado at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Cook) 14.424; Arizona (Webb) 15.673
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona (-170); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-170); Under

Game 905-906: Washington at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Lannan) 13.518; Florida (Nolasco) 15.567
Dunkel Line: Florida by 2; 9
Vegas Line: Florida (-165); 8
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-165); Over

Game 907-908: Pittsburgh at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Maholm) 15.953; St. Louis (Wainwright) 15.549
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-205); 8
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+195); Under

Game 909-910: LA Dodgers at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Kuroda) 13.630; San Diego (Peavy) 14.810
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego (-140); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-140); Over

Game 911-912: Chicago Cubs at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Zambrano) 15.995; Houston (Oswalt) 14.820
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-115); 8
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (-115); Under

Game 913-914: Tampa Bay at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Shields) 16.295; Boston (Beckett) 14.851
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-145); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+135); Over

Game 915-916: Cleveland at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Lee) 15.471; Texas (Millwood) 16.599
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-140); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (+130); Over

Game 917-918: Kansas City at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Meche) 16.998; White Sox (Buehrle) 15.822
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-140); 8
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+130); Under

Game 919-920: NY Yankees at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Sabathia) 16.029; Baltimore (Guthrie) 15.341
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1; 8
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-200); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-200); Under

Game 921-922: Detroit at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Verlander) 14.773; Toronto (Halladay) 15.366
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Toronto (-155); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-155); Under

Game 923-924: Seattle at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Hernandez) 16.194; Minnesota (Liriano) 15.049
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-150); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+140); Over

Game 925-926: Oakland at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Braden) 15.062; LA Angels (Saunders) 14.514
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-165); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+155); Over

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Announcement

Monday Trends and Indexes 4/6 (NCAAB, MLB, NHL, Misc.)

Monday Trends and Indexes 4/6 (NCAAB, MLB, NHL, Misc.)

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