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**pm530** · 06-29-2009, 04:56 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Monday, June 29

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Blue Jays get their ace back from the disabled list, the Giants meet the Cardinals, and the Astros try to top the Padres.

Meeting up in the Junior Circuit . . .

Top Blue Jays starter Roy Halladay (10-1, 2.53 ERA) will return to the mound on Monday night when his team hosts the Rays and Jeff Niemann (6-4, 4.23 ERA). Righthander Halladay has been on the disabled list with a strained groin, having last pitched on June 12 vs. the Marlins (one earned run over three innings). Righthander Niemann took a no-decision vs. the Mets last time out, allowing two earned runs over four innings. Tampa Bay is 4-0 in Niemann's last four outings.

Elsewhere around the American League on Monday it'll be the White Sox at Cleveland, the Angels at Texas, Minnesota at Kansas City, and Detroit at Oakland. As well, the Red Sox will travel down to Camden Yards to take on the Orioles. Lefthander Jon Lester (6-6, 4.68 ERA) will get the ball for Boston in that matchup; Lester has allowed three or fewer earned runs in each of his last five starts. Righthander Jason Berken (1-4, 6.32 ERA) is slated to start for the Orioles.

Taking the field in the Senior Circuit . . .

Tim Lincecum (7-2, 2.57 ERA) will be looking to make yet another quality start on Monday when the Giants play on the road against the Cardinals and Brad Thompson (2-3, 4.50 ERA). Righthander Lincecum has given up three or fewer earned runs in nine of his past 10 outings, and he beat the A's last time out by allowing just one run in nine innings. Righthander Thompson is coming off a loss to the Mets in which he gave up five earned runs over his five innings on the hill.

Rounding out the National League slate for Monday: the Cubs at Pittsburgh, the Mets at Milwaukee, Washington at Florida, Colorado at the Dodgers, and Houston at San Diego. Righthander Roy Oswalt (3-4, 4.30 ERA) will get the ball for the Astros in their Monday matchup; Oswalt held the Royals to one run over six innings in a no-decision last time out. The Padres counter with Josh Geer (1-2, 5.86 ERA), who last picked up a victory in a start against the Cubs on May 23.

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**pm530** · 06-29-2009, 04:57 AM

Six-pack for Monday

The combined record of each division in interleague play this year.....

NL East-- 35-49, .417-- Marlins 10-8, Phillies 6-12.

NL Central-- 40-49, .449-- Cardinals 9-6, Brewers 5-10.

NL West-- 39-39, .500-- Rockies 11-4, Arizona 5-10, Padres 5-10.

AL East-- 52-38, .578-- Rays 13-5, Red Sox 11-7.

AL Central-- 46-43, .517-- Twins 12-6, Indians 5-13.

AL West-- 39-33, .542-- Angels 14-4, A's 5-13.

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Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports weekend.........

13) Interleague play is over, and once again the American League drilled its NL rivals, winning by 137-114 margin. Closer than last year, but not very close at all. Results are broken down by division in the box above.

12) Actually, there is one interleague game left, a Cub-White Sox game that has to be made up after a rainout last week.

11) To me, this should guarantee the American League champ home field in the World Series, but no, jackasses that run MLB use the winner of an exhibition game, the All-Star Game, to determine home field for the most important event of the baseball season. Just a terrible idea.

10) A total of nine runs scored in this weekend's Boston-Atlanta series. Thats nine runs total in three games.

9) Braves' Tommy Hanson hasn't allowed a run in his last three starts, for a total of 19.1 consecutive scoreless innings. Those were starts #3-5 in his major league career, so he is quite a hot prospect for the Braves.

8) When the Mets got only four hits total Friday/Saturday, it was first time since April, 1967 they had got that few hits in consecutive games.

7) Andre Ethier hit three homers Friday night against Don Wakamatsu's Seattle Mariners; when Ethier was a kid, he attended a baseball camp run by Wakamatsu. Interesting to see if Ethier stays in the Dodger lineup on Friday, when Mr Ramirez returns from his 50-game suspension.

6) Nationals-Orioles series this weekend brought together announcing teams of the two teams-- both clubs share MASN network; interesting to hear Rob Dibble/Jim Palmer share the airwaves-- it made for pretty good television, since both guys are opinionated and smart.

5) Then there is Bert Blyleven, who minces no words on Minnesota's broadcasts; when Francisco Liriano couldn't bunt a runner over Sunday, the play-by-play guy was coming up with excuses, but Blyleven was quick to chime in, "Why can't he learn to bunt? Its not that hard."

4) Only 17 of 60 starting pitchers Saturday/Sunday finished 7th inning, with just four finishing the 8th inning. JA Happ's 100-pitch shutout in Toronto Saturday was the only complete game of the weekend.

3) There is no truth that Chien Ming Wang is Korean for "Ed Whitson."

2) Apparently, the NHL wanted to have two outdoor games next year, Flyers-Bruins in Boston, and Canadiens-Flames in Calgary, but hideous NBC, which shows some NHL games but doesn't pay rights fees, put pressure on the league to only have the game in Boston, so the NHL did the wrong thing and cancelled the game in Alberta. Too bad.

1) If the playoffs started Monday morning, these would be the teams:
NL-- Phillies-Mil/StL-Dodgers-Giants
AL-- Red Sox-Tigers-Angels-Bronx

From: Armadillo
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**pm530** · 06-29-2009, 05:00 AM

MLB
Baseball Today

SCOREBOARD

Monday, June 29

Tampa Bay at Toronto (7:07 p.m. EDT). The Blue Jays' Roy Halladay (10-1) is scheduled to make his first start off the disabled list and go for his league-leading 11th victory. He's been out since June 12 with a mild groin strain.

STARS

Sunday

- Brandon Phillips, Reds, had three hits, three RBIs and scored three runs in an 8-1 victory at Cleveland.

- Mark Teixeira, Yankees, had a two-run double in the first inning of a 4-2 victory over the Mets.

- Brandon Inge, Tigers, hit a two-run homer off Jose Valverde with two outs in the ninth inning of a 4-3 win over Houston.

- Jose Lopez, Mariners, had three hits, including a two-run double, in a 4-2 victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

- Chipper Jones and Garret Anderson, Braves, homered to lift Atlanta to a 2-1 victory over Boston.

- Justin Morneau, Twins, hit a three-run home run in a 6-2 victory at St. Louis.

- Gary Matthews Jr., Angels, hit a three-run double and stole home in a 12-8 victory over Arizona.

- Chad Gaudin and Scott Hairston, Padres. Gaudin gave up one hit in eight scoreless innings and Hairston homered to end an 0 for 17 slump in San Diego's 2-0 win at Texas.

ROLLING ROCKIES

Aaron Cook took a shutout into the ninth inning and won his fifth consecutive start and Colorado defeated the Oakland Athletics 3-1 on Sunday. Chris Iannetta, Carlos Gonzalez and Seth Smith each drove in a run as the Rockies completed their first sweep of the A's and their fourth sweep in June. Colorado is 20-3 since June 4, and also improved to 22-7 since Jim Tracy replaced Clint Hurdle as manager.

MILESTONE

Mariano Rivera earned his 500th save, becoming the second reliever to reach the milestone, as he got the last four outs of the New York Yankees' 4-2 win over the Mets on Sunday night. He trails only Milwaukee's Trevor Hoffman, who has 571 saves. Rivera also got his first career RBI when he drew a bases-loaded walk against Francisco Rodriguez in the top of the ninth.

STEALING HOME

Chris Getz stole home on a squeeze play in the sixth inning when the pitch from the Cubs' Carlos Zambrano's was outside and wild in the White Sox's 6-0 win on Sunday. ... Gary Matthews Jr. stole home in the fifth inning, helping the Angels build a 9-2 lead and they hung on for a 12-8 victory over Arizona.

STRONG PITCHING

Chad Gaudin gave up one hit in eight innings and Heath Bell got the last three outs for his NL-best 21st save in San Diego's 2-0 victory over Texas. ... John Danks gave up four hits in seven innings and reliever Scott Linebrink completed the shutout in the Chicago White Sox's 6-0 win against the Cubs. ... Aaron Cook took a shutout into the ninth inning and won his fifth consecutive start and the Rockies defeated the Oakland Athletics 3-1 on Sunday. Cook gave up nine hits while walking one and striking out four. ... Rookie Tommy Hanson threw six scoreless innings despite a bout with the flu, helping the Braves beat the Red Sox 2-1. ... Ryan Sadowski allowed four hits over six scoreless innings in his major league debut, and the Giants beat the Brewers 7-0.

SWEEPS

The New York Yankees' 4-2 win over the Mets on Sunday night gave them a sweep in the Subway Series and their fifth straight victory - all on the road. The Mets were swept for the first time in 13 series at their new home, Citi Field. ... Colorado's 3-1 win over Oakland gave the Rockies their first sweep of the A's and their fourth sweep in June. ... Tampa Bay beat Florida 5-2 to complete a three-game sweep and win its fifth straight overall. ... The Angels' 12-8 win over Arizona gave them a sweep of the three-game series and they wrapped up interleague play with a major league-leading 14-4 record, including 8-1 on the road.

MANNY WATCH

Manny Ramirez's minor league rehab tour continued Sunday without a word from the suspended slugger. Ramirez didn't produce any hits, either, a day after hitting a leadoff homer for the Dodgers' Class A Inland Empire 66ers. It was the fourth minor league rehab game for Ramirez, who is scheduled to return from his 50-game ban for violation of baseball's drug policy and rejoin the Dodgers on Friday.

CLOSING IN ON A RETURN

Texas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton will begin his comeback from abdominal surgery as the designated hitter for Double-A Frisco. Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said Hamilton, who last played May 31, will lead off and get as many at-bats as possible for the RoughRiders on Monday night in their last game before the Double-A All-Star break. Hamilton, who had surgery June 9, will then work out with the Rangers on Tuesday. If all goes well, he will join Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday in Iowa and play multiple games there.

SPEAKING

"How many opportunities do you get to steal home and the manager doesn't mind it? So I figured I could give it a shot. ... They're definitely not expecting that with two strikes. The key is obviously getting out there far enough, but also kind of surprising someone.'' - The Angels' Gary Matthews Jr., after he stole home in the fifth inning of Los Angeles' 12-8 win over Arizona on Sunday.

SEASONS

June 29

1916 - The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds played a nine-inning game with just one baseball.

1923 - Brooklyn's Jacques Fournier went 6 for 6 with a home run, two doubles and three singles as the Dodgers beat the Philadelphia Phillies 14-5.

1937 - Chicago Cubs first baseman Rip Collins played an entire game without a putout or an assist.

1941 - In a doubleheader against the Washington Senators, New York's Joe DiMaggio tied and then broke the American League record of hitting safely in 41 consecutive games. DiMaggio doubled in four at-bats in the opener and singled in five at-bats in the nightcap to break the record set by George Sisler of the St. Louis Browns in 1922.

1968 - Detroit's Jim Northrup hit his third grand slam in a week and the Tigers beat the Chicago White Sox 5-2.

1990 - Dave Stewart of the Oakland A's pitched the first of two no-hitters on this day, beating the Toronto Blue Jays 5-0 at the SkyDome. Fernando Valenzuela of the Los Angeles Dodgers duplicated Stewart's feat by throwing a 6-0 no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals. It was the first time in major league history that two no-hitters were pitched in both leagues on the same day.

1995 - The Dodgers' Hideo Nomo struck out 13 Colorado Rockies in a 3-0 victory, giving him 50 strikeouts in four games. That broke the Los Angeles record of 49 over four games, accomplished three times by Sandy Koufax, the last 30 years earlier.

2003 - Eric Byrnes hit for the cycle and matched a franchise record with five hits and Oakland beat San Francisco 5-2.

2004 - Randy Johnson of the Arizona Diamondbacks became the fourth pitcher to record 4,000 strikeouts when he struck out San Diego's Jeff Cirillo in the eighth inning of the Padres' 3-2 win.

2007 - Barry Bonds hit his 750th career home run in San Francisco's 4-3, 10-inning loss to Arizona.

2007 - Aubrey Huff hit for the cycle in Baltimore's 9-7 loss to the Los Angeles Angels. Huff tripled in the second inning - his 1,000th career hit - doubled in the fourth, hit a three-run homer in the fifth and singled in the seventh.

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**pm530** · 06-29-2009, 05:00 AM

MLB
This Day in Baseball

On June 29 in Baseball History...

1916 - The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds played a nine-inning game with just one baseball.

1923 - Brooklyn's Jack Fournier went 6-for-6 with a home run, two doubles and three singles. The Dodgers beat the Philadelphia Phillies 14-5.

1937 - Chicago Cubs first baseman Rip Collins played an entire game without a putout or an assist.

1941 - Joe DiMaggio singles against Washington knuckleballer Dutch Leonard in the sixth inning in the first game of a doubleheader to tie George Sisler's A.L. consecutive-game hit record of forty-one (41). In the nightcap he collects a seventh-inning single off of Walt Masterson to set the record at forty-two (42) games.

1961 - With three home runs at Philadelphia, including a tenth-inning shot to win 8-7, Willie Mays becomes the fourth major-league player with three or more home runs twice in one season. Manager Gene Mauch's efforts to conceal his starting pitcher and force Alvin Dark's hand has a Phillies lineup including hurlers Don Ferrarese (batting leadoff, playing center field), Jim Owens (third, right field), Chris Short (seventh, catcher), and Ken Lehman (ninth, pitcher) against San Francisco. When Dark sends a lefty to the mound, Mauch replaces Ferrarese. Dark then replaces Billy O'Dell with Sam Jones. Mauch replaces Lehman with Dallas Green after two batters. All the maneuvering takes three hours and twenty (20) minutes.

1968 - Detroit's Jim Northrup hit his third grand slam in a week and the Tigers beat the Chicago White Sox 5-2.

1969 - On Billy Williams Day in Chicago, the Cubs outfielder passes Stan Musial's National League record for consecutive games played (896). The Cubs sweep the Cardinals 3-1 and 12-1 before 41,060.

1977 - Willie Stargell hits his 400th career home run, this one coming off Eric Rasmussen of the Cardinals.

1984 - Pete Rose plays in his 3,309th major-league game, surpassing Carl Yastrzemski as the all-time leader. Rose goes 0-for-5, but Montreal beats Cincinnati 7-3.

1986 - Detroit beats Milwaukee 9-5 in the first game of a doubleheader split, making Tigers manager Sparky Anderson the first manager ever to win six-hundred games in each league.

1987 - In the first game of Philadelphia's doubleheader sweep of Pittsburgh, Steve Bedrosian records his twelfth consecutive save (in twelve appearances) to break the major-league record set by Sparky Lyle in 1975.

1990 - Oakland's Dave Stewart and the Dodgers Fernando Valenzuela both throw no-hitters. Stewart blanks the Blue Jays 5-0, and a few hours later Valenzuela beats the Cardinals 6-0.

1992 - Oakland's Dennis Eckersley sets the new standard with his twenty-sixth straight save of the season.

1995 - The Dodgers' Hideo Nomo struck out thirteen Colorado Rockies in a 3-0 victory, giving him fifty (50) strikeouts in four (4) games. That broke the Los Angeles record of forty-nine (49) over four (4) games accomplished three (3) times by Sandy Koufax, the last thirty (30) years earlier.

2003 - Eric Byrnes hit for the cycle and matched a franchise record with five hits in Oakland's 5-2 win over San Francisco.

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**pm530** · 06-29-2009, 05:02 AM

MLB
Write-up

Monday, June 29

Hot Pitchers
-- Duke is 5-0, 2.50 in his last five home starts.
-- Marlins won last three Nolasco starts (2-0, 2.50).
-- Nieve is 3-0, 1.45 in his three starts for the Mets.
-- Lincecum is 3-1, 1.89 in his last four starts.
-- Oswalt is 1-1, 3.00 in his last three starts.
-- Jimenez has 2.95 RA in his last five starts, but Colorado lost seven of his last eight road starts. Dodgers are 6-2 in Wolf's home starts.

-- Floyd is 3-1, 2.13 in his last seven starts, but White Sox lost his last five road outings.
-- Red Sox won last three Lester road starts (2-0, 2.37).
-- Halladay was 7-0, 2.31 in his last ten starts before going on the DL. Tampa Bay won eight of last nine Niemann starts, scoring 8+ runs in all eight wins; they're 0-4 in his starts if they score less than 7 runs.
-- O'Sullivan is 1-0, 3.00 in two starts for the Angels.
-- Blackburn is 4-1, 2.25 in his last eight starts.
-- Tigers won nine of last ten Porcello starts, winning last four.

Cold Pitchers
-- Harden is 0-3, 6.85 in his last four starts.
-- Olsen was 0-1, 10.05 in his last three starts before going on the DL.
-- Looper is 0-1, 7.18 in his last five starts.
-- Thompson is 2-2, 4.94 in five starts, all on the road.
-- Geer is 0-1, 6.72 in his last five starts.

-- Pavano is 0-2, 15.53 in his last three starts.
-- Berken is 0-1, 7.15 in his last five starts.
-- Padilla is 0-2, 4.70 in his last four starts.
-- Hochevar is 1-1, 6.06 in his three home starts.
-- Anderson is 0-2, 8.59 in his last three starts.

Hot Teams
-- Pirates won six of their last eight home games.
-- Marlins won their last five home games.
-- Giants won six of their last nine games.
-- Astros won three of their last four road games.
-- Rockies won 20 of their last 23 games.

-- White Sox won six of their last eight games.
-- Tampa Bay won 13 of its last 17 games.
-- Orioles won four of their last five home games. Red Sox are 10-3 in their last thirteen road games.
-- Twins are 8-4 in their last twelve road games.
-- Angels won 12 of their last 15 games.
-- Tigers won seven of their last nine games.

Cold Teams
-- Cubs lost seven of their last eight road games.
-- Nationals lost five of their last seven games.
-- Brewers lost eight of their last twelve home games. Mets are 6-12 in their last 18 games- they scored three runs in last three games.
-- Cardinals are 6-9 in their last fifteen home games.
-- Padres lost ten of their last fifteen games.
-- Dodgers lost four of their last five games.

-- Indians lost ten of their last twelve games.
-- Toronto is 6-10 in its last sixteen home games.
-- Royals lost eight of their last eleven games.
-- Rangers are 5-8 in their last thirteen home games.
-- Oakland lost six of its last seven games.

Totals
-- Under is 8-4-1 in Cubs' last thirteen road games.
-- Five of last seven Washington games went over the total.
-- Nine of last thirteen Milwaukee games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight St Louis home games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Houston road games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 8-4 in Dodgers' last dozen home games.

-- Over is 3-1-1 in White sox' last five games.
-- Last three Boston games stayed under the total (4-1/1-0/1-2).
-- Seven of last nine Toronto home games went over the total.
-- 12 of last 13 Texas home games stayed under the total.
-- Last five Kansas City home games went over the total.
-- Under is 7-3-1 in last eleven games at Oakland.

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**pm530** · 06-29-2009, 05:04 AM

MLB

Monday, June 29

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Trend Report
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7:05 PM
BOSTON vs. BALTIMORE
Boston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Boston is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games on the road
Baltimore is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:05 PM
CHI CUBS vs. PITTSBURGH
Chi Cubs are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games
Chi Cubs are 1-8 SU in their last 9 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 2-7 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Pittsburgh's last 10 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs

7:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. CLEVELAND
Chi White Sox are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
Chi White Sox are 8-3 SU in their last 11 games on the road
Cleveland is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cleveland's last 9 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox

7:08 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. TORONTO
Tampa Bay is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Tampa Bay is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games on the road
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Toronto's last 20 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay

7:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. FLORIDA
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Florida
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Washington's last 9 games when playing Florida
Florida is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Florida is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington

8:05 PM
LA ANGELS vs. TEXAS
LA Angels are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games on the road
LA Angels are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
Texas is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Angels
Texas is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games

8:05 PM
NY METS vs. MILWAUKEE
NY Mets are 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 13 of NY Mets's last 16 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 3-5-1 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Milwaukee's last 13 games

8:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. KANSAS CITY
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota's last 9 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
Kansas City is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kansas City's last 6 games

8:15 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. ST. LOUIS
San Francisco is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Francisco's last 8 games
St. Louis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against San Francisco
St. Louis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Francisco

10:05 PM
DETROIT vs. OAKLAND
Detroit is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Detroit's last 15 games on the road
Oakland is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Detroit
Oakland is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Detroit

10:05 PM
HOUSTON vs. SAN DIEGO
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Houston's last 12 games
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Diego
San Diego is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of San Diego's last 22 games when playing Houston

10:10 PM
COLORADO vs. LA DODGERS
Colorado is 20-3 SU in its last 23 games
Colorado is 1-8 SU in their last 9 games when playing LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Colorado
LA Dodgers are 8-1 SU in their last 9 games when playing Colorado

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**pm530** · 06-29-2009, 05:08 AM

MLB

Monday, June 29

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Hot lines: Today’s best MLB bets
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Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates (-105, 8)

If there’s one thing the Cubs never want to see, it’s a southpaw on the mound.

Chicago is the one of the worst offensive teams against left-handers in the majors. The Cubbies are ranked 26th in batting average against lefties (.246 BA) and are last in the league in home runs (12) and runs scored (61) against them.

And guess who the Cubs face Monday? Pittsburgh left-hander Zach Duke.

The Duke of the Steel City has a career record of just 4-5 in 14 starts against Chicago, but has a fantastic 3.03 ERA. In his only appearance against them this season, Duke went seven innings and allowed only two runs. This game figures to have a premium on runs and should be close throughout.

Pick: Under 8

Colorado Rockies at Los Angeles Dodgers (-127, 8)

The Dodgers don’t just play well against the Rockies – they own them.

Los Angeles has won eight of nine games against Colorado this season, outscoring them by a combined score of 74-43. The Dodgers also have excelled at winning the close matchups, claiming all four meetings decided by four runs or less.

The Dodgers still are without star slugger Manny Ramirez, but have maintained their winning ways by getting a balanced offensive effort from their entire lineup. The biggest standouts include Andre Ethier (.263 BA, 14 HR, 49 RBI), Casey Blake (.296, 11, 48) and James Loney (.280, 5, 49).

The Rockies also have struggled to keep opponents off the scoreboard, yielding 26 runs the past four games. Look for the Dodgers to maintain their dominance over the Rockies.

Pick: Dodgers -127

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**pm530** · 06-29-2009, 05:09 AM

MLB

Monday, June 29

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Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
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Streaking

Roy Halladay (Toronto Blue Jays)

Halladay might have the most popular groin in all of Canada.

The Blue Jay’s ace lasted just three innings, in which he yielded only one run, in his last start on June 12 before being lifted because of tightness in his groin. But after an extended bullpen session Friday, the right-hander appears ready to step back into his role as the team’s ace.

Halladay (10-1, 2.52 ERA) has been great this month, 2-0 with a 2.14 ERA and went the distance in his two starts prior to his early exit against the Marlins. He will look to regain his form Monday against the Rays.

"Day in and day out, everybody that gets on first base says he's the best," Toronto first baseman Lyle Overbay told the Associated Press. "The Yankees, the Red Sox, they're like 'It's not fair.' I'm glad I'm on his side, not the other side."

Nick Blackburn (Minnesota Twins)

Let us introduce you to the best pitcher you don’t know about.

Blackburn (6-3, 3.11 ERA) isn’t spectacular or flashy, but he has been the model of consistency for the Twins this month. The right-hander has lasted at least seven innings in every start in June, including at least eight innings in each of the past three trips to the hill.

This month, he has just a 1-1 record because of poor run support, but has allowed a meager eight earned runs in 32 innings, including giving up just one home run during that span. He should be a huge challenge for the Kansas City lineup.

Slumping

Carl Pavano (Cleveland Indians)

The evil Carl Pavano is starting to reappear.

After going 5-1 with a 3.60 ERA last month, Pavano has gone 1-2 with a 7.20 ERA in June, including lasting a combined 13 1-3 innings in his past three starts in which he has yielded 18 earned runs.

"I thought my ball was a little flat, and when it flattens out like that, those are the kind of games I get -- a lot of contact and a lot of balls down the lines and in the holes," Pavano told the Associated Press.

The 33-year-old hurler must get more movement on his pitches if he is to improve on his record of 6-6 with a 5.80 ERA and have a chance against the White Sox.

Scott Olsen (Washington Nationals)

The left-hander might actually want to go back on the disabled list.

Olsen (1-4, 7.24 ERA) was put on the DL last month following three straight losses in which he failed to last past the fifth inning and yielded 16 runs in just 14 1-3 innings.

But his return Monday won’t be easy.

Olsen will have to beat the Marlins, a team he faced twice this year. His first start lasted just three innings as he allowed eight runs and a pair of home runs. Olsen’s other start against the fish was better in which he allowed three runs in seven innings, but the Nats ultimately lost the game.

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**Udog** · 06-29-2009, 09:39 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, June 29

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CHICAGO CUBS (35 - 37) at PITTSBURGH (35 - 40) - 7:05 PM
RICH HARDEN (R) vs. ZACH DUKE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 35-37 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 15-21 (-8.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 15-21 (-8.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 493-469 (-104.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 35-37 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 14-24 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 365-344 (+40.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
DUKE is 11-3 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in home games in June games since 1997. (Team's Record)
DUKE is 7-1 (+9.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 2-1 (+0.6 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

RICH HARDEN vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

ZACH DUKE vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
DUKE is 4-5 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.03 and a WHIP of 1.370.
His team's record is 6-8 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-7. (-2.8 units)

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WASHINGTON (22 - 51) at FLORIDA (38 - 39) - 7:10 PM
SCOTT OLSEN (L) vs. RICKY NOLASCO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 15-37 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 16-36 (-16.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 22-51 (-24.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 34-82 (-28.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 6-27 (-19.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
WASHINGTON is 22-48 (-21.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
FLORIDA is 86-84 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 18-10 (+9.4 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
FLORIDA is 63-53 (+17.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 122-116 (+20.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 73-55 (+26.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 56-41 (+25.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 118-111 (+19.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NOLASCO is 28-17 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 16-9 (+10.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 26-17 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 22-12 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 16-7 (+12.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 7-0 (+8.7 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 77-80 (+17.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 101-101 (+30.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 6-0 (+6.0 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.0 Units)

SCOTT OLSEN vs. FLORIDA since 1997
OLSEN is 0-1 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 1.800.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

RICKY NOLASCO vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
NOLASCO is 5-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 4.06 and a WHIP of 1.060.
His team's record is 6-2 (+3.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (-0.2 units)

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NY METS (37 - 37) at MILWAUKEE (40 - 35) - 7:05 PM
FERNANDO NIEVE (R) vs. BRADEN LOOPER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 83-82 (-15.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 47-57 (-25.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 2-1 (+0.7 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

FERNANDO NIEVE vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
NIEVE is 1-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 5.14 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

BRADEN LOOPER vs. NY METS since 1997
LOOPER is 0-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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SAN FRANCISCO (40 - 34) at ST LOUIS (41 - 36) - 8:15 PM
TIM LINCECUM (R) vs. BRAD THOMPSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 88-71 (+14.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
THOMPSON is 19-9 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
THOMPSON is 19-9 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
THOMPSON is 16-4 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 128-78 (+50.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 40-34 (+6.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 684-578 (+82.7 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 83-85 (+9.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 40-34 (+6.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 1-9 (-10.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-1 (+1.2 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

TIM LINCECUM vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
LINCECUM is 3-0 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 2.37 and a WHIP of 1.316.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.2 units)

BRAD THOMPSON vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

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HOUSTON (35 - 38) at SAN DIEGO (33 - 41) - 10:05 PM
ROY OSWALT (R) vs. JOSH GEER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 117-111 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 89-85 (+12.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 57-41 (+15.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 121-113 (+20.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 116-64 (+28.0 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -150 since 1997.
HOUSTON is 55-59 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 96-139 (-40.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 67-103 (-32.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 61-88 (-23.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 50-68 (-21.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 96-139 (-40.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

ROY OSWALT vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
OSWALT is 9-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 2.97 and a WHIP of 1.195.
His team's record is 10-2 (+7.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-6. (-0.8 units)

JOSH GEER vs. HOUSTON since 1997
GEER is 0-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 15.00 and a WHIP of 3.333.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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COLORADO (40 - 35) at LA DODGERS (48 - 28) - 10:10 PM
UBALDO JIMENEZ (R) vs. RANDY WOLF (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 41-59 (-23.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
JIMENEZ is 7-19 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JIMENEZ is 7-20 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 48-28 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 26-10 (+14.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
LA DODGERS are 48-28 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 36-19 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 31-19 (+10.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WOLF is 39-28 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
WOLF is 18-6 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WOLF is 18-6 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WOLF is 16-3 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WOLF is 61-50 (+20.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 150-137 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 116-95 (+19.5 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 11-3 (+8.8 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
COLORADO is 13-7 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLORADO is 40-35 (+7.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 23-20 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
COLORADO is 20-6 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
COLORADO is 40-35 (+7.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 8-1 (+8.2 Units) against COLORADO this season
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.9 Units)

UBALDO JIMENEZ vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
JIMENEZ is 4-3 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 6.99 and a WHIP of 1.783.
His team's record is 5-4 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-0. (+9.2 units)

RANDY WOLF vs. COLORADO since 1997
WOLF is 4-2 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.433.
His team's record is 6-4 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-6. (-3.6 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (37 - 38) at CLEVELAND (31 - 46) - 7:05 PM
GAVIN FLOYD (R) vs. CARL PAVANO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PAVANO is 51-33 (+19.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHI WHITE SOX are 67-45 (+17.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 97-76 (+23.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 120-91 (+20.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
FLOYD is 30-19 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FLOYD is 28-16 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 28-40 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 24-38 (-17.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 31-46 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 35-51 (-22.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 21-32 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 4-2 (+1.8 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

GAVIN FLOYD vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
FLOYD is 3-2 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.467.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.9 units)

CARL PAVANO vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
PAVANO is 3-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 2.93 and a WHIP of 1.012.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.3 units)

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TAMPA BAY (42 - 35) at TORONTO (41 - 36) - 7:05 PM
JEFF NIEMANN (R) vs. ROY HALLADAY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 94-76 (+11.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HALLADAY is 92-41 (+28.5 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HALLADAY is 34-11 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 60-44 (+20.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 93-48 (+32.0 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 106-65 (+34.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 86-60 (+18.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 75-56 (+18.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 147-108 (+29.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.

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

JEFF NIEMANN vs. TORONTO since 1997
No recent starts.

ROY HALLADAY vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
HALLADAY is 11-7 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.84 and a WHIP of 1.209.
His team's record is 17-8 (+4.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 13-11. (+0.5 units)

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LA ANGELS (41 - 32) at TEXAS (40 - 34) - 8:05 PM
SEAN O'SULLIVAN (R) vs. VICENTE PADILLA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 17-6 (+9.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 this season.
TEXAS is 13-3 (+10.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TEXAS is 39-32 (+6.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 88-81 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 83-75 (+18.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 62-55 (+13.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 40-34 (+6.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PADILLA is 28-14 (+18.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PADILLA is 11-3 (+10.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PADILLA is 24-14 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PADILLA is 18-11 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PADILLA is 14-6 (+11.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 47-26 (+25.0 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 67-48 (+17.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 41-32 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 72-49 (+28.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 32-18 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 38-26 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 52-36 (+17.9 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 96-69 (+18.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

SEAN O'SULLIVAN vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

VICENTE PADILLA vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
PADILLA is 6-3 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.78 and a WHIP of 1.513.
His team's record is 6-6 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-5. (+1.7 units)

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MINNESOTA (39 - 38) at KANSAS CITY (32 - 42) - 8:10 PM
NICK BLACKBURN (R) vs. LUKE HOCHEVAR (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 13-29 (-18.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.
BLACKBURN is 8-20 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BLACKBURN is 2-11 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 55-50 (+11.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 89-69 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 60-90 (-26.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 32-56 (-20.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 32-60 (-28.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 20-33 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 2-1 (+1.7 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

NICK BLACKBURN vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
BLACKBURN is 1-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 2.35 and a WHIP of 0.913.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

LUKE HOCHEVAR vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
HOCHEVAR is 0-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 8.44 and a WHIP of 2.251.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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DETROIT (42 - 33) at OAKLAND (31 - 43) - 10:05 PM
RICK PORCELLO (R) vs. BRETT ANDERSON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 71-81 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 116-121 (-24.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 200-148 (+49.7 Units) against the money line in June games since 1997.
DETROIT is 41-27 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 69-44 (+20.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 28-39 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 7-14 (-9.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
OAKLAND is 9-27 (-18.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against OAKLAND this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.1 Units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. OAKLAND since 1997
PORCELLO is 1-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 0.833.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.1 units)

BRETT ANDERSON vs. DETROIT since 1997
ANDERSON is 0-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 8.11 and a WHIP of 2.402.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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**Udog** · 06-29-2009, 10:55 AM

MLB
Short Sheet

Monday, 6/29/2009

National League

CHICAGO CUBS at PITTSBURGH, 7:05 PM ET
HARDEN: CHC 3-11 after scoring 1 run or less
DUKE: 7-1 TSR when playing on Monday

WASHINGTON at FLORIDA, 7:10 PM ET
OLSEN: WAS 6-27 against division opponents
NOLASCO: 7-0 TSR after 3+ consecutive losses

NY METS at MILWAUKEE, 7:05 PM ET
NIEVE: 8-1 TSR as an underdog
LOOPER: MIL 22-11 UNDER after a team loss

SAN FRANCISCO at ST LOUIS, 8:15 PM ET
LINCECUM: 16-7 TSR when the money line is +125 to -125
THOMPSON: STL 1-9 at home on Monday

HOUSTON at SAN DIEGO, 10:05 PM ET
OSWALT: HOU 12-4 against NL West
GEER: SD 19-5 UNDER at home with triple revenge

COLORADO at LA DODGERS, 10:10 PM ET
JIMENEZ: COL 13-4 after a win by 2 runs or less
WOLF: LAD 21-10 UNDER in the first half of the season

American League

CHI WHITE SOX at CLEVELAND, 7:05 PM ET
FLOYD: CHW 13-4 OVER after 1+ consecutive unders
PAVANO: CLE 20-7 OVER as an underdog of +100 to +150

BOSTON at BALTIMORE, 7:05 PM ET
LESTER: 17-2 TSR when the total is 10 or higher
BERKEN: BAL 30-16 OVER as an underdog

TAMPA BAY at TORONTO, 7:05 PM ET
NIEMANN:
HALLADAY: 16-3 TSR at home when working on 7+ days rest

LA ANGELS at TEXAS, 8:05 PM ET
O'SULLIVAN: LAA 12-2 after a win by 4+ runs
PADILLA: TEX 16-6 OVER on Monday

MINNESOTA at KANSAS CITY, 8:10 PM ET
BLACKBURN: MIN 9-1 UNDER revenging BB home losses
HOCHEVAR: KC 5-21 as a home underdog of +125 or more

DETROIT at OAKLAND, 10:05 PM ET
PORCELLO: DET 14-4 against AL West
ANDERSON: OAK 7-14 at home after a team loss

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 06-29-2009, 11:14 AM

MLB

Monday, June 29

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Tips and Trends
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Minnesota Twins at Kansas City Royals[8:10 PM ET]

Twins (-$1.35, O/U 9 over -$1.20): Minnesota hasn’t fared well as a road favorite, losing 10 of its last 12 in that role. The Twins dropped two of three home games to Kansas City when the teams met for the first time this season during a May 1-3 series. But the Twins have won four in a row at Kansas City dating back to 2007. Twins starter Nick Blackburn is 1-0 with a 2.00 ERA in three career appearances versus Kansas City, including two starts. The Twins, however, are 8-20 in Blackburn’s last 28 away starts. Blackburn, 6-3 with a 3.11 ERA, gave up four runs and a season-high 11 hits in a 4-3 loss to Milwaukee during his last start on Wednesday. It was his first loss since May 5. The under has cashed the past six times Blackburn has taken the mound. The under is 22-8-2 in Minnesota’s last 32 road contests.

The Twins are 3-14 in their last 17 Monday games.

Key Injuries -Nick Punto (ribs) is day-to-day.

PROJECTED SCORE: 5

Royals: The Royals are looking to halt a five-game home losing streak. Last year, the Twins took seven of nine from the Royals at Kauffman Stadium, holding them to an average of 2.8 runs per game. The Royals aren’t scoring now either, averaging just three runs per game during their last eight contests. Kansas City is 9-29 when scoring three runs or fewer. Since May 8, the Royals have dropped 31 of 45 games. Right-hander Luke Hochevar (2-3, 5.87 ERA) went seven innings against the Astros in his last start on Wednesday giving up two runs on three hits. Hochevar didn’t get the decision in a 4-3 Kansas City win. Hochevar is 2-1 with a 3.71 ERA in four starts since being briefly sent to Triple-A Omaha. The Royals are 2-8 in Hochevar’s last 10 starts as an underdog. The Royals are 4-9 in Hochevar’s last 13 starts.

The Over is 12-3 in the Royals’ last 15 home games versus a right-handed starter.

Key Injuries -Coco Crisp (shoulder) is on the DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: 4 (OVER - Total of the Day)

San Francisco Giants at St. Louis Cardinals[8:15 PM ET]

Giants (-$1.25, O/U 7 over -$1.25): National League Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum goes for San Francisco. The Giants ace is 4-1 with a 1.48 ERA during a string of seven consecutive quality starts. Lincecum (7-2, 2.57 ERA) had another monster performance on Tuesday in a 4-1 victory against Oakland. He held the Athletics to one run on seven hits, while striking out 12. It was his second complete game in his last three appearances. Lincecum is 3-0 with a 2.37 ERA in three career starts against St. Louis. The over has cashed 13 of the past 19 times when Lincecum has been road chalk. Outfielder Nate Schierholtz has been red-hot for the Giants with four multi-hit performances in his last five games. He’s batting .571 with two homers in his last 21 at bats. The Giants have lost 28 of their last 39 games versus National League Central Division clubs.

The Under is 14-6-1 in San Francisco’s last 21 away matchups.

Key Injuries -Pablo Sandoval (illness) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 4 (Side of the Day)

Cardinals: Albert Pujols is leading the majors in homers and RBIs, but the Cardinals are in an offensive funk. The Cardinals have scored only 13 runs in their last six games, while batting less than .220 during this span. Pujols was 7-for-11 with two homers when the Giants won two of three from the Cardinals during the first series this season on May 29-31. Right-hander Brad Thompson (2-3, 4.50 ERA) opposes Lincecum. Thompson has moved around starting, pitching in long relief and in short relief. Since being inserted into the starting rotation, Thompson is 2-1 with a 3.63 ERA in his last four outings. He gave up five runs in five innings of an 11-0 road loss to the Mets in his last start on Wednesday. Thompson doesn’t have a decision against the Giants in six career games. He has a lifetime 2.13 ERA versus San Francisco.

The Cardinals are 2-8 in their last 10 games during the first game of a series.
The Under is 21-8-1 in St. Louis’ last 30 home games against a team with a winning record.

Key Injuries -Troy Glaus (shoulder) is on the DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: 3

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**pm530** · 06-29-2009, 03:19 PM

MLB
Dunkel Index

Detroit at Oakland
The Tigers come in 4-0 in Rick Porcello's last 4 road starts, while the A's are just 3-7 in Brett Anderson's last 10 starts. Detroit is the pick (-115) according to Dunkel, which has the Tigers favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-115). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, JUNE 29

Game 901-902: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Harden) 14.758; Pittsburgh (Duke) 15.062
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-110); 8
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+100); Under

Game 903-904: Washington at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Olsen) 14.658; Florida (Nolasco) 15.778
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida (-175); 9
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-175); Over

Game 905-906: NY Mets at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Nieve) 14.666; Milwaukee (Looper) 14.316
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+120); Over

Game 907-908: San Francisco at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Lincecum) 15.807; St. Louis (Thompson) 14.583
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 8
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-125); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-125); Over

Game 909-910: Houston at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Oswalt) 16.329; San Diego (Geer) 14.743
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Houston (-145); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-145); Over

Game 911-912: Colorado at LA Dodgers
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Jimenez) 15.326; LA Dodgers (Wolf) 16.142
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1; 9
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-110); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-110); Over

Game 913-914: Chicago White Sox at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Floyd) 15.077; Cleveland (Pavano) 14.409
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-110); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+100); Under

Game 915-916: Boston at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lester) 16.565; Baltimore (Berken) 15.080
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-145); 10
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-145); Over

Game 917-918: Tampa Bay at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Niemann) 15.663; Toronto (Halladay) 15.761
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Toronto (-155); 8
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-155); Under

Game 919-920: LA Angels at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (O'Sullivan) 15.314; Texas (Padilla) 15.537
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Texas (-130); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-130); Under

Game 921-922: Minnesota at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Blackburn) 15.634; Kansas City (Hochevar) 13.987
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-140); 9
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-140); Over

Game 923-924: Detroit at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Porcello) 15.067; Oakland (Anderson) 14.382
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-115); 9
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-115); Under

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**pm530** · 06-29-2009, 03:22 PM

Len’s Top Five

Monday, June 29

Len's Top 5

Happy Monday everyone, here's my Top 5 for June 29, 2009 from Len Berman Sports.

1. Quick Hits

Poor Met fans. The Yankees sweep the Subway Series 4-2 as Mariano Rivera not only notches his 500th career save, but he gets his first career RBI when Francisco Rodriguez walks him with the bases loaded!

Poor Cub fans. They lose 2 of 3 to the White Sox. Yesterday, Chris Getz of the White Sox stole home. The Cubs are closer to last place than first.

City of Champions? First the Lakers, now the Dodgers and Angels are both in first place. Are we heading for the first ever Freeway Series? By the way, Gary Matthews, Jr. of the Angels also stole home yesterday against Arizona.

The U.S. led Brazil 2-0 at halftime, but lost 3-2 in the Confederations Cup final. A U.S. win would have been one of the biggest soccer shockers of all time.

Wimbledon resumes today. The biggest story so far hasn't been Roger Federer's quest for a record 15th Grand Slam title. It's the new expensive Centre Court roof. Will be ever get used? What an upset, no rain yet at Wimbledon.

2. A Tale of One City

I went to Friday nights Yankees/Mets game at Citi Field. The first time A-Rod came to bat he received a sitting boo. When he homered in the 8th, he got a standing O from the big number of Yankee fans at the game including A-Rod's friend Kate Hudson sitting near the Mets dugout. She was shown repeatedly on the Mets telecast. Didn't get to see the Yankee broadcast. I'm guessing they didn't show her, but if they had, what would they have said about her? Just wonderin'.

3. More Roid Rage

The steroid discussions from last week spill over into this week. One reader pointed out a fact that always gnawed at me. He wondered why the clean baseball players aren't fighting harder to expose the cheats? That way a guy who plays by the rules, who has a breakout season, isn't always under a cloud of suspicion.
And lest you think they only cheat in baseball, an Upstate New York horse owner tells me a harness Racing driver once put bear grease on the harness of his racehorse while he was stabled at Monticello Raceway. None of the other horses in the race would go anywhere NEAR his! He won by miles. He was ousted from Monticello and he went on to become a Hall of Famer!
So there you go. In sports, crime pays.

4. Sportsmanship

Suddenly LeBron James doesn't look so bad. The NBA superstar didn't bother shaking hands after his team got eliminated by Orlando. At least he didn't get arrested. In Ballston Spa, New York, after a baseball game, a 16-year old kid got punched in the stomach in the handshake line, and he's the one who got arrested. Turns out the opposing coach is a sheriff's deputy. The head of the league's disciplinary committee said, "sportsmanship is definitely lacking." Was he referring to the kids, the coaches or all of the above?

5. If You're Scoring at.....

Over the objections of the Seattle Mariners, a judge has cleared the way for a strip club to open close to their ballpark. Statisticians are scurrying to determine if that sets the record for nearest businesses featuring artificially enhanced performers.

Happy Birthday: Football Hall of Famer and sportscaster Dan Dierdorf. 60.
Bonus Birthday: Comedian Richard Lewis. 62.

Today in Sports: Dave Stewart of the A's and Fernando Valenzuela of the Dodgers pitch no-hitters on the same day. 1990.
Bonus Event: Susan Lucci loses her 10th straight Emmy nomination. She'd lose 8 more before finally winning on her 19th try. 1989.

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Monday Trends and Indexes 6/29 ( MLB, Misc.)

Monday Trends and Indexes 6/29 ( MLB, Misc.)

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