Announcement

**pm530** · 07-01-2009, 05:26 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Wednesday, July 1

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Jays play host to the Rays, the Giants try to get a victory in St. Louis, and the Canadian Football League season begins.

Meeting up in the Junior Circuit . . .

A Canada Day matchup north of the border on Wednesday afternoon has Tampa Bay at Toronto, with James Shields (6-5, 3.41 ERA) taking on Ricky Romero (5-3, 3.20 ERA). Righthander Shields is coming off a 6 2-3 inning performance vs. the Marlins last time out in which he gave up three earned runs in a no-decision. Lefthander Romero has pitched the Blue Jays to three consecutive victories over the Phillies (twice) and Nationals, allowing five earned runs over his 21 innings.

Also on the American League schedule for Wednesday: Boston at Baltimore, Minnesota at Kansas City, Detroit at Oakland, the White Sox at Cleveland, Seattle at the Yankees, and the Angels at Texas. Los Angeles will go with Jered Weaver (8-3, 2.65 ERA) in that last matchup, while the Rangers counter with Kevin Millwood (8-5, 2.64 ERA). Millwood has four wins over his last five outings.

Taking the field in the Senior Circuit . . .

The top pitching matchup in the National League on Wednesday has San Francisco's Matt Cain (9-2, 2.57 ERA) taking on St. Louis' Adam Wainwright (8-5, 3.51 ERA). Righthander Cain was tagged with a rare loss last time out, allowing five earned runs over seven innings vs. the Brewers; San Fran had won his previous nine starts. Righthander Wainwright took a hard-luck loss in his last outing, allowing three runs (just two earned) in seven innings against the Twins.

Elsewhere around the National League on Wednesday it'll be the Mets at Milwaukee, Colorado at the Dodgers, the Cubs at Pittsburgh, Arizona at Cincinnati, Philadelphia at Atlanta, Houston at San Diego, and Washington at Florida. Marlins probable starter Josh Johnson (7-1, 2.76 ERA) has given up three or fewer earned runs in 15 of his 16 outings so far this season. The Nats will counter Johnson with Jordan Zimmerman (3-3, 4.65 ERA) on Wednesday.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

The Canadian Football League begins its 2009 campaign on Wednesday night, with Toronto at Hamilton and Montreal at Calgary. The Argonauts are pegged as 2-point road favorites against their East rival; those teams combined for just seven wins last season, with Toronto 4-14 (6-11-1 ATS) and Hamilton 3-15 (6-11-1 ATS). The Stampeders, meanwhile, are 3.5-point home favorites in their game against the Alouettes. Calgary went 13-5 (13-5 ATS) last season en route to their Grey Cup championship, while Montreal posted an 11-7 (10-8 ATS) mark.

Finally, the WNBA has just one game on tap for Wednesday, with Seattle at Phoenix. The Storm are coming off an ugly 82-55 defeat vs. Los Angeles last time out, while the Mercury fell 109-80 to Minnesota in their most recent matchup on Saturday. Cappie Pondexter had 19 points in the losing cause for the Mercury.

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

**pm530** · 07-01-2009, 05:27 AM

Six-pack for Wednesday

Thanks to the Phil Steele college football magazine, these six teams had the best turnover ratio in country LY-- since 1996, teams with double digit positive turnover ratio improved their record only 23% of time.

T5) Baylor Bears, +16-- Improved with dynamic QB Griffin.

T5) Ohio State, +16- Figure to improve in Pryor's second year.

4) Wake Forest, +17-- Will miss the great linebacker Curry.

3) Buffalo, +19-- Bulls grateful Auburn didn't hire Turner Gill.

2) Florida, +22-- Is Tim Tebow greatest college football player ever?

1) Oklahoma, +23-- Why do they struggle so badly in bowl games?

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

Thought of the Day

Happy Canada Day to all our friends north of the border.

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

Wednesday's List of 13: Random thoughts as we start July......

13) Free agency in NBA/NHL started at midnight July 1, so there will be some interesting news in next couple days. 35-year old Jason Kidd is a target of a few different teams. He has a ton of miles on those legs, but he averaged eight assists a game on a good team last year. We'll see. .

12) Bad news for Yao Ming, whose broken foot isn't healing properly; no one knows whats going to happen here, which leaves the Rockets in limbo, as far as their roster goes, because it is common knowledge that you don't want Ron Artest being the best player on your team, due to his not being the most stable person on/off the court. Well, if Yao can't play, Artest would be Houston's best player. Big dilemma for them.

11) Pistons have the most money to spend in free agency, so they fired their coach after just one season Tuesday. Why? They were 4-0 when the Billups/Iverson trade went down-- did Curry make the trade? No, he started Iverson over Rip Hamilton, and one thing an NBA coach cannot do is tick off his best player. Thats career suicide.

10) High school All-American Lance Stephenson finally found a school for the fall-- he will go to Cincinnati, but the question now is just how much baggage he brings with him to the Queen City, as he has a court case against him, and some NCAA eligibility questions. Lets face it, if he's really good, he'll be gone after one year, anyway. Some coaches get seduced by talent, but sometimes the seduction gets them fired.

9) Tony Gwynn Jr hit his first homer in Texas Friday, then went into a 1-17 slump right after. Home runs can be fool's gold sometimes.

8) Its stunning how bad the Mets are playing; granted they have injury issues, but there is no stability in the day-day lineup, and their defense is a horror because of it. The GM has done little to upgrade the roster.

7) Ian Snell requested the Pirates send him to AAA, then he struck out 17 guys in his first AAA start, including 13 in a row at one point, but the Bucs' GM made comments that sounded like Snell had burned lot of bridges with the Pirate players/coaches, so he won't be back real soon, but the way Pittsburgh is going, he could get traded.

6) Pirate fans were little bit fired up about McCutchen/Morgan at top of the order after they traded Nate McLouth, then they traded the speedy Morgan to the Nationals for hideous Lastings Milledge, a move that is a baffler, even to my friend who's a Pirate fan. "They just want Pittsburgh to hate them." said my friend, who is from the Three Rivers area. That helps explain why Pirates have been under .500 every year since 1992.

5) Manny Ramirez played two games at AAA Albuquerque, then went and played in three Class A games-- why? Unless they were just trying to get the Class A team some big paydays, it makes no sense. Just for the record, they drew 8,099/6,424/6,877 in his three Class A games.

4) Dan Haren lowered his ERA to 2.19 and also homered as Arizona got its eastern swing off to a good start, winning 6-2 in Cincinnati. By the way, Randy Johnson now has eight wins for the surging Giants.

3) Boston led 10-1 in 7th inning at Baltimore last night but lost; in the long history of the Orioles, this was their greatest-ever comeback win. O's scored five runs in seventh and another five in the eighth.

2) Quote of the Night: "This is a bad lineup the Padres are running out." Houston Astros' TV analyst commenting on the San Diego lineup that had a combined .211 batting average going into Tuesday's action.

1) Why would Kelvin Sampson appeal his penalty to the NCAA? Does he think there's a school in this country that would hire him? If there is, thats a pretty sad commentary. He lost his appeal and has sanctions on him until the fall of 2013, which seems more than fair.

From: Armadillo
----------------------------------------------------------------------

**pm530** · 07-01-2009, 06:28 AM

CFL
Week 1 Schedule

Wed July 1
Toronto @ Hamilton 7:00 PM
Montreal @ Calgary 10:00 PM

Thu July 2
Winnipeg @ Edmonton 9:00 PM

Fri July 3
BC @ Saskatchewan 9:00 PM

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

**pm530** · 07-01-2009, 06:28 AM

CFL
Dunkel Index

Montreal at Calgary
The Stampeders look to open the regular season by building on their 5-0-1 record over their last six home games. Calgary is the pick (-7) according to Dunkel, which has the Stampeders favored by 12. Dunkel Pick: Calgary (-7). Here are all of this week's CFL picks.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1

Game 401-402: Toronto at Hamilton
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 100.565; Hamilton 106.519
Dunkel Line: Hamilton by 6; 58
Vegas Line: Hamilton by 2; 50 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Hamilton (-2); Over

Game 403-404: Montreal at Calgary
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 112.586; Calgary 124.520
Dunkel Line: Calgary by 12; 49
Vegas Line: Calgary by 7; 52 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (-7); Under

THURSDAY, JULY 2

Game 405-406: Winnipeg at Edmonton
Dunkel Ratings: Winnipeg 106.642; Edmonton 114.773
Dunkel Line: Edmonton by 8; 56
Vegas Line: Edmonton by 9 1/2; 51 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Winnipeg (+9 1/2); Over

FRIDAY, JULY 3

Game 407-408: BC at Saskatchewan
Dunkel Ratings: BC 115.782; Saskatchewan 111.933
Dunkel Line: BC by 4; 55
Vegas Line: BC by 1; 49 1/2
Dunkel Pick: BC (-1); Over

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

**pm530** · 07-01-2009, 06:29 AM

CFL
Long Sheet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, July 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TORONTO (0 - 0) at HAMILTON (0 - 0) - 7/1/2009, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 4-2 against the spread versus HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 4-2 straight up against HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MONTREAL (0 - 0) at CALGARY (0 - 0) - 7/1/2009, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, July 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WINNIPEG (0 - 0) at EDMONTON (0 - 0) - 7/2/2009, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, July 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRITISH COLUMBIA (0 - 0) at SASKATCHEWAN (0 - 0) - 7/3/2009, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 84-52 ATS (+26.8 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) as a home underdog of 3 points or less since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 36-16 ATS (+18.4 Units) in July games since 1996.

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

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

**pm530** · 07-01-2009, 06:30 AM

CFL
Write-up

Wednesday, July 1

Canadian Football League starts this weekend; our writeups start right here next week, with Week 2's games.

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

**pm530** · 07-01-2009, 06:31 AM

CFL

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

JULY 1

7:00 PM
TORONTO vs. HAMILTON
Toronto is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Hamilton
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Hamilton
Hamilton is 3-7-1 ATS in its last 11 games
Hamilton is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games

10:00 PM
MONTREAL vs. CALGARY
Montreal is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 6 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Calgary is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Calgary is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

JULY 2

9:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. EDMONTON
Winnipeg is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Winnipeg is 1-7-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Edmonton is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Edmonton is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home

JULY 3

9:00 PM
BRITISH COLUMBIA vs. SASKATCHEWAN
British Columbia is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of British Columbia's last 12 games
Saskatchewan is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against British Columbia
Saskatchewan is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against British Columbia

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

**pm530** · 07-01-2009, 06:33 AM

CFL

Wednesday, July 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canadian bacon: CFL season betting preview
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If bettors are looking for something to hold them over until college and NFL football begins, the CFL is a great way to warm up your wagering. Our Canadian Football League insider gives you his predictions for the 2009 season.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Prediction

1. Edmonton Eskimos 16-2
2. Calgary Stampeders 12-6
3. B.C. Lions 5-13
4. Saskatchewan Roughriders 4-14

EDMONTON ESKIMOS (+200 to win Grey Cup)

Certainties

The acquisition of injury-prone halfback Jesse Lumsden could make a world of difference for this offence. Ricky Ray and slot back Kamaur Peterson are still the pillars of the offence. On the defensive side, the additions of linebacker Maurice Lloyd, defensive halfback Kelly Malveaux and defensive end Kai Ellis beef up the Eskimos depth chart.

Question Marks

The biggest lost is slot back Kelly Campbell, who received an invitation from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL. But this team has plenty of good receives and his absence should go unnoticed.

CALGARY STAMPEDERS (+175)

Certainties

Henry Burris is still one of the best QBs in the league and he can still rely on slotback Nik Lewis or WR Ken-Yon Rambo. Halfback Joffrey Reynolds is also back, giving Burris a chance to diversify the schemes. The addition of former QB Dave Dickenson as an assistant offensive coordinator should reinforce a very capable coaching staff led by coach of the year John Hufnagel.

Question Marks

The Stampeders defensive front will suffer from the departure of defensive end Charleston Hughes (Philadelphia Eagles). The special teams unit will miss long snapper Pat Macdonald (Carolina Panthers).

B.C. LIONS (+500)

Certainties

The Lions offensive will still be a threat with Buck Pierce at QB and many talented targets around him, including slot backs Geroy Simon and Paris Jackson. The secondary is still solid with the returns of linebacker Barron Miles and defensive backs Korey Bank and Bren Johnson.

Question Marks

Can the Lions replace a defensive end with the skills of Cam Wake (Miami Dolphins) or a fullback like Stefan Logan (Pittsburgh Steelers)? Those two losses alone should hurt the Lions considerably during the course of the season.

SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS (+1300)

Certainties

The Roughriders will score plenty of points. There is no doubt about that. Michael Bishop has been fired but Darian Durant is a very efficient QB and will be surrounded by halfback Wes Cates, slotback Andy Fantuz and WR Weston Dressler. The addition of local star Jason Clermont gives even more depth to the offence, despite the loss of good players to free agency and trades made for economical purposes.

Question Marks

Linebacker Scott Gordon left Regina for Edmonton as a free agent. Linebackers Anton MacKenzie and Kitwana Jones also took off. The offensive line was weakened by the departures of Steve Morley and Glen January during free agency.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Prediction

1. Montreal Alouettes 12-6
2. Winnipeg Blue Bombers 11-7
3. Toronto Argonauts 6-12
4. Hamilton Tiger Cats 4-14

MONTREAL ALOUETTES (+375 to win Grey Cup)

Certainties

The nucleus that took the Als to the Grey Cup final is pretty much intact but training camp showed lots of upcoming players that could soon develop into key elements. Adrian McPherson took over Brad Banks No. 2 spot behind starting QB Anthony Calvillo. Linebacker Shea Emry was so brilliant he stole veteran Reggie Hunt’s job and behind Avon Cobourne, young halfbacks like Brendan Whittaker made a big impression.

Question Marks

The Alouettes will have a much improved defence and will rely more on man-to-man coverage. Still, they have to find a way to concede less rushing yards. If Montreal was the least generous in points allowed, it was far more generous in terms of yards allowed.

WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS (+1100)

Certainties

If former Eskimo Stefan LeFors becomes the QB they hope, the Blue Bombers will tail the Alouettes all season long. If not, their season will resemble the last one: a second place finish with a record under .500. The offensive line is improved with the acquisitions of Glenn January from Edmonton and former Alouette Luke Fritz, who showed up in the best physical condition of his career. The Bombers running game will also be very dangerous with the likes of Fred Reid and Lavarius Giles.

Question Marks

The Blue Bombers defence lost many key elements. Linebacker Zeke Moreno was traded to Toronto, defensive end Kelly Malveaux has been shipped to Edmonton, tackle Jerome Haywood and cornerback Stanford Samuels chose to sign with Montreal as free agents and defensive end is now with the Eskimos.

TORONTO ARGONAUTS (+875)

Certainties

New head coach Bart Andrus has the hefty job of leading these Argos to victory and respectability. The Argos did replenish during the offseason and certain acquisitions will have an immediate impact. The offensive line is solid with the arrivals of free agents Rob Murphy and Dominic Picard.

Question Marks

The defensive front of the Argos is a cause for concern – and so is the secondary. Unless newcomers start emerging quickly, Toronto will continue to give up too much yardage.

HAMILTON TIGER CATS (+1600)

Certainties

Quinton Porter will be the No. 1 QB but Kevin Glenn, acquired through free agency, will be ready to take over if that should prove necessary. The offensive line has improved with the acquisitions of tackles Alexandre Gauthier and Dan Goodspeed. Former Alouette Dave Stala is an experienced WR that will prove useful to Porter.

Question Marks

The question marks are so numerous with the Tiger Cats that one wonders where to start. Their excellent but fragile HB Jesse Lumsden is gone to Edmonton, leaving Terry Caulley’s responsible for the running game. If the offensive line crumbles, he won’t be able to do much.

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

**pm530** · 07-01-2009, 06:33 AM

CFL

Wednesday, July 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CFL Week 1: Analysis and predictions
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Toronto Argonauts (4-14 in 2008) vs Hamilton Tiger Cats (3-15 in 2008)

These two teams invited no less than 90 new players at their training camps. Toronto wishes the acquisition of linebacker Zeke Moreno will transform their defence but will he be surrounded adequately? Nothing is less sure. At QB, the Argonauts look better off with Kerry Joseph but many will predict a very bright future to Quinton Porter, Hamilton’s quarterback. But just when is that future? These are two teams trying to rebuild and at the present time, Hamilton shows many more question marks and therefore could most likely miss the playoffs for a fifth year in a row.

Prediction: Toronto

Montreal Alouettes (11-7 in 2008) vs Calgary Stampeders (13-5 in 2008)

The Grey Cup finalists square off once more, this time in Calgary at McMahon Stadium. The nucleus of both teams is pretty much intact yet you can expect a lot of points to be scored in that game where two of the best passers in the CFL, Anthony Calvillo et Henry Burris, will face each other. The defensive line of the Stampeders remains suspect while the Als will show a rejuvenated defence that will try to play more aggressively. This could be a preview of the next Grey Cup game but for this opening night, the Stampeders, with the support of their loyal fans, should prevail. But it might very well be by a narrow margin.

Prediction: Calgary

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (8-10 in 2008 vs Edmonton Eskimos (10-8 in 2008)

The Eskimos may be the most improved team in the CFL and they could even end up wining the Western Conference. The Blue Bombers have also improved during the offseason and they should be pursuing the Alouettes for the Eastern Conference title. But one can still wonder if Stefan LeFors is the QB that will bring them back to the glory days in Winnipeg. If the youthful secondary of the Eskimos hangs on, their new head coach Richie Hall could celebrate his first win at the helm of this Edmonton squad.

Prediction: Edmonton

B.C. Lions (11-7 in 2008) vs Saskatchewan Roughriders (12-6 in 2008)

The Lions will miss defensive end Cam Wake and running back Stefan Logan, who both departed for the riches of the NFL. And that’s without mentioning the losses of tackle Rob Murphy, slotback Jason Clermont or linebacker Otis Floyd. But the Lions still have tremendous passing power and defensively they are still stronger than the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The Riders are a squad who seem condemned to a year of misery, especially with many injuries at key positions for the start of this season. B.C. fans probably won’t have has many reasons to rejoice this season as in the past but at least they should celebrate a victory this week in Regina.

Prediction: B.C.

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

**pm530** · 07-01-2009, 06:46 AM

MLB
Baseball Today

SCOREBOARD

Wednesday, July 1

San Francisco at St. Louis (8:15 p.m. EDT). Matt Cain looks for his 10th win as the Giants play the third game of a four-game set with the Cardinals. Cain (9-2) lost for the first time since May 2 in his last start. He beat the Cardinals 4-2 on May 29.

STARS

Tuesday

-Albert Pujols, Cardinals, went deep twice in St. Louis' 6-3 loss to the San Francisco Giants and leads the majors with 30 homers and 77 RBIs.

-Justin Morneau, Twins, homered for the third straight game, helping Minnesota win 2-1 at Kansas City.

-Ryan Braun, Brewers, hit a three-run double and finished with four RBIs as Milwaukee won 6-3 to extend the New York Mets' skid to a season-high five games.

-Dan Haren, Diamondbacks, pitched seven solid innings and hit his first career homer to lead Arizona to a 6-2 victory at Cincinnati.

-Jason Marquis, Rockies, pitched a two-hitter to become the first 10-game winner in the National League, leading Colorado to a 3-0 win at the Los Angeles Dodgers.

-Martin Prado, Braves, had a career-best four hits and four RBIs, including the winning single in the 10th inning of Atlanta's 5-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.

-B.J. Upton, Carl Crawford and Willy Aybar, Rays, homered to help Tampa Bay beat the Toronto Blue Jays 4-1 for its seventh consecutive win.

-Freddy Sanchez, Pirates, had three hits, drove in two runs and scored from second on a ball that bounded only a few feet from home plate in the fourth inning, leading Pittsburgh to a 3-0 win over the Chicago Cubs.

-Marlon Byrd, Rangers, homered twice and had five RBIs to lead Texas to a 9-5 win over the Los Angeles Angels.

-Placido Polanco, Tigers, homered and drove in three runs to lead Detroit to a 5-3 win at Oakland.

WHAT A RALLY

Nick Markakis hit a two-run double off Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon to complete the biggest comeback in Baltimore Orioles history, an 11-10 win Tuesday night. Baltimore trailed 10-1 before scoring five runs in the seventh inning and five more in the eighth. Boston had defeated the Orioles eight straight times, including five this season. Previously, the biggest comeback in Orioles history was Sept. 2, 1956, when Baltimore rallied from an eight-run deficit at Boston.

KING ALBERT

Albert Pujols homered twice in the St. Louis Cardinals' 6-3 loss to the San Francisco Giants. Pujols leads the major leagues with 30 homers and 77 RBIs after his third multihomer game in the last 10 games, his seventh this season and the 30th of his career. His 35 RBIs in June are a career best for any month and his 14 homers in the month matched his career best in April 2006. The last player in the majors to hit 30 before the All-Star break was the Yankees' Alex Rodriguez in 2007.

FIRST AND LAST

In a sight rarely seen in baseball, an active player threw out the ceremonial first ball before the New York Yankees' 8-5 victory over the Seattle Mariners. Mariano Rivera was honored for earning his 500th career save Sunday, and his teammates applauded while the Mariners came to the top step of the dugout to pay their respects. Rivera also pitched a perfect ninth for his 19th save in 20 chances.

NICK OF TIME

Hanley Ramirez homered and drove in four runs, and the Florida Marlins erased a four-run deficit to beat the Washington Nationals 7-5 in a game that was called in the seventh inning because of rain. Ramirez's two-run single put the Marlins ahead 6-5. Jorge Cantu followed with an RBI single moments before play was stopped, and Washington never got another chance to bat.

A ROUGH GO

Indians ace Cliff Lee allowed seven runs and 11 hits in three-plus innings as Cleveland lost 11-4 to the Chicago White Sox in a game called in the seventh inning due to rain. Lee had pitched at least five innings in 47 consecutive starts. His 47-game streak was the longest in the majors and the most since Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry went 71 straight in the 1970s.

WORTH NOTING

Giants left-hander Randy Johnson earned career win No. 303 and evened his record at 7-7 against the Cardinals with his first victory over St. Louis since June 11, 2005, leaving him with a losing mark against only three teams - the Mets (6-7), the Yankees (6-8) and the Rays (3-5). ... The Atlanta Braves beat Philadelphia 5-4 for their first home win over the Phillies since 2007.

BUSY DAY

The Pirates sent starting left fielder Nyjer Morgan to the Nationals in a four-player deal involving outfielder Lastings Milledge and also shipped backup Eric Hinske to the Yankees. The Pirates acquired Milledge and reliever Joel Hanrahan from Washington for Morgan and reliever Sean Burnett, a former first-round draft pick. Hinske, the 2002 AL Rookie of the Year, went to the Yankees for minor league right-hander Casey Erickson and outfielder Eric Fryer. The Yankees also get about $400,000 to help pay the remainder of Hinske's $1.5 million salary.

SLUMPING

Philadelphia shortstop Jimmy Rollins was 0 for 5 in his return after being held out four straight games. Rollins, who has a career .274 batting average, has no hits in his last 24 at-bats and is hitting only .207. ... The New York Mets held a closed-door meeting that lasted almost 30 minutes after their season-worst fifth consecutive loss. ... The Oakland Athletics fell 5-3 to the Detroit Tigers and have lost six of seven. ... Cleveland has lost 12 of 14.

AILING

Adrian Gonzalez left the San Diego Padres' 4-3 victory over the Houston Astros in the fourth inning with a strained right knee. ... Mark DeRosa injured his left wrist while swinging during the St. Louis Cardinals' 6-3 loss to the San Francisco Giants. DeRosa, hitless in nine at-bats since being acquired from the Indians in a trade, said he expected to have tests done on his wrist Wednesday. ... Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hip.

SPEAKING

"No one would have ever dreamed it would play out the way it did. It's one of those games when you shake your head and can't believe what you just saw.'' - Boston Red Sox right-hander John Smoltz after the Baltimore Orioles rallied from a nine-run deficit to win 11-10 at Camden Yards.

SEASONS

July 1

1910 - Comiskey Park - then known as White Sox Park - held its first major league game, with the St. Louis Browns beating Chicago 2-0.

1917 - Fred Toney of the Cincinnati Reds pitched complete-game victories in a doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Toney threw a three-hitter in each game for 4-1 and 5-1 wins, setting a record for the fewest hits allowed in a doubleheader by a pitcher.

1920 - Walter Johnson of the Washington Senators defeated the Boston Red Sox 1-0 at Fenway Park in the season's only no-hitter.

1925 - Hack Wilson of the New York Giants hit two home runs in the third inning of a 16-7 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in the second game of a doubleheader. Wilson also doubled twice during the game.

1941 - Joe DiMaggio of the New York Yankees singled off Boston's Jack Wilson in the fourth inning, tying Willie Keeler's hitting streak of 44 games.

1951 - Bob Feller of the Indians pitched his third career no-hitter, beating the Detroit Tigers 2-1 in the first game of a doubleheader at Cleveland.

1990 - Andy Hawkins of the New York Yankees pitched the sixth no-hitter in the majors this season and the third in less than 48 hours, but lost 4-0 to the Chicago White Sox on two outfield errors in the eighth inning.

1994 - Baltimore and California tied a major league record by combining for 11 home runs in the Orioles' 14-7 victory. Jeffrey Hammonds hit two homers for Baltimore.

1997 - Detroit's Bobby Higginson homered in the first inning against the New York Mets, tying a major league record by homering in four consecutive at-bats over two games. Higginson, who struck out looking in his next at-bat, became the 23rd player since 1900 to accomplish the feat and the fourth Tiger.

2002 - Los Angeles' Eric Gagne picked up his 30th save in a 4-0 win over Arizona, reaching that mark in the Dodgers' 82nd game - a major league record. The previous mark was 83 games by Bobby Thigpen with the Chicago White Sox in 1990 and Lee Smith with St. Louis in 1993.

Today's birthday: Rich Thompson 25.

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

**pm530** · 07-01-2009, 06:46 AM

MLB
This Day in Baseball

On July 1 in Baseball History...

1910 - White Sox Park opens with a 2-0 loss to the Browns. The stadium, which becomes known as Comiskey Park, cost $750,000 to build. The stadium will be the oldest in baseball when it is closed in 1990 and replaced by a new structure called Comiskey Park.

1916 - At age 42 years and four months, Honus Wagner is the oldest player to hit an inside-the-park home run. He connects for the Pirates in the fourth inning at Cincinnati.

1920 - Walter Johnson pitches his first no-hitter. An error by Bucky Harris costs him a perfect game, but Harris' hit drives in Washington's only run against the Red Sox at Fenway. The next day Johnson comes up with the first sore arm of his life and is useless for the rest of the year, finishing 8-10.

1945 - The first of the superstars returns from the war. Hank Greenberg, gone for four years, homers in his first game following his release from the Army. Charlie Gassaway of the Athletics gives up the blow before 47,700 in a 9-5 win at Briggs Stadium.

1948 - Brooklyn's Roy Campanella makes his debut, catching Ralph Branca. Campy doubles in his first at-bat and adds two singles, but the Giants win 6-4.

1951 - Bob Feller pitches the third no-hitter of his career, tying the record of Cy Young and Larry Corcoran, as he beats Detroit's Bob Cain 2-1.

1954 - Joe Cunningham of the Cards hits two home runs in a game against Milwaukee, giving him a record three roundtrippers in his first two days in the major leagues. In his first seven at-bats, he has nine RBI.

1968 - A first-inning wild pitch allows a run to break Bob Gibson's streak of 47 2/3 innings of scoreless pitching, but the Cards beat the Dodgers 8-1. Gibson will pitch 23 innings before giving up another run.

1983 - Arbitrator Raymond Goetz rules that the 43 players who were on the Disabled List during the 1981 players' strike are not entitled to their salaries for that period. The decision saves the club owners about $2.5 million.

1984 - Royals pitcher Paul Splittorff, whose 166 victories in 13 seasons are the most in club history, retires.

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

**pm530** · 07-01-2009, 06:47 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, July 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WASHINGTON (22 - 52) at FLORIDA (39 - 39) - 12:10 PM
JORDAN ZIMMERMANN (R) vs. JOSH JOHNSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 22-52 (-25.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 8-28 (-17.4 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 34-83 (-29.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 6-28 (-20.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
WASHINGTON is 22-49 (-22.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 16-37 (-17.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
FLORIDA is 123-116 (+21.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 17-10 (+9.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
FLORIDA is 119-111 (+20.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
JOHNSON is 23-7 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JOHNSON is 14-1 (+14.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JOHNSON is 22-6 (+17.0 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
FLORIDA is 7-0 (+7.0 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)

JORDAN ZIMMERMANN vs. FLORIDA since 1997
No recent starts.

JOSH JOHNSON vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
JOHNSON is 4-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.68 and a WHIP of 1.118.
His team's record is 6-0 (+6.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-1. (+4.0 units)

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

NY METS (37 - 38) at MILWAUKEE (41 - 35) - 2:05 PM
MIKE PELFREY (R) vs. YOVANI GALLARDO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 83-83 (-16.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 3-10 (-10.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 2-2 (+0.3 Units) against NY METS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)

MIKE PELFREY vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
PELFREY is 0-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 7.20 and a WHIP of 2.200.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)

YOVANI GALLARDO vs. NY METS since 1997
GALLARDO is 0-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

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

COLORADO (40 - 36) at LA DODGERS (49 - 28) - 3:10 PM
JASON HAMMEL (R) vs. CLAYTON KERSHAW (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 39-53 (-20.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 48-112 (-50.8 Units) against the money line in road games in July games since 1997.
COLORADO is 41-60 (-24.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 49-28 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 20-6 (+14.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
LA DODGERS are 27-10 (+15.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
LA DODGERS are 49-28 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 32-19 (+11.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
COLORADO is 38-25 (+16.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 13-8 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 9-1 (+9.2 Units) against COLORADO this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.8 Units)

JASON HAMMEL vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.

CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. COLORADO since 1997
KERSHAW is 2-3 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 7.30 and a WHIP of 1.946.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.6 units)

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

CHICAGO CUBS (36 - 37) at PITTSBURGH (35 - 41) - 7:05 PM
RANDY WELLS (R) vs. VIRGIL VASQUEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 733-770 (-131.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 494-469 (-103.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 36-37 (-8.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 15-24 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 36-37 (-8.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 365-345 (+39.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 3-1 (+1.6 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

RANDY WELLS vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

VIRGIL VASQUEZ vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

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

ARIZONA (30 - 46) at CINCINNATI (37 - 37) - 7:10 PM
JON GARLAND (R) vs. JOHNNY CUETO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 30-46 (-19.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 34-41 (-14.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 49-65 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 14-28 (-16.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 14-24 (-15.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 30-46 (-19.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 21-33 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 77-93 (-31.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 79-102 (-31.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 59-61 (-38.1 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 3-0 (+3.8 Units) against ARIZONA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.2 Units)

JON GARLAND vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
GARLAND is 1-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 6.17 and a WHIP of 1.371.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

JOHNNY CUETO vs. ARIZONA since 1997
CUETO is 2-0 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 2.37 and a WHIP of 0.895.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.0 units)

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

PHILADELPHIA (39 - 34) at ATLANTA (35 - 40) - 7:10 PM
COLE HAMELS (L) vs. JAIR JURRJENS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 16-23 (-14.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 10-2 (+7.6 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 26-12 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 33-17 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 23-9 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 17-9 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 16-7 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 26-12 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 35-40 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 15-26 (-18.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
ATLANTA is 18-21 (-10.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ATLANTA is 10-16 (-11.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
ATLANTA is 13-25 (-15.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 35-40 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 23-28 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ATLANTA is 34-44 (-16.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 28-37 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 4-2 (+2.5 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.6 Units)

COLE HAMELS vs. ATLANTA since 1997
HAMELS is 7-3 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.42 and a WHIP of 1.139.
His team's record is 8-4 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-5. (+0.2 units)

JAIR JURRJENS vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
JURRJENS is 2-2 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 2.75 and a WHIP of 1.102.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-1. (+2.7 units)

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

SAN FRANCISCO (41 - 34) at ST LOUIS (41 - 37) - 8:15 PM
MATT CAIN (R) vs. ADAM WAINWRIGHT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CAIN is 13-28 (-15.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 38-23 (+16.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 88-72 (+13.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
WAINWRIGHT is 25-11 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WAINWRIGHT is 25-11 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WAINWRIGHT is 19-2 (+17.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 41-34 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 41-34 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 685-578 (+83.7 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 84-85 (+10.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CAIN is 11-4 (+7.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 11-4 (+7.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 3-1 (+2.2 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

MATT CAIN vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
CAIN is 1-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 6.48 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

ADAM WAINWRIGHT vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
WAINWRIGHT is 0-2 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 5.14 and a WHIP of 1.429.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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

HOUSTON (36 - 38) at SAN DIEGO (33 - 42) - 10:05 PM
BRIAN MOEHLER (R) vs. WALTER SILVA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 122-113 (+21.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 56-59 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 118-111 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 90-85 (+13.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 58-41 (+16.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MOEHLER is 23-15 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MOEHLER is 22-15 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MOEHLER is 18-10 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 50-69 (-22.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 96-140 (-41.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 19-32 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 8-29 (-22.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 96-140 (-41.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 67-104 (-33.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 61-89 (-24.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 4-0 (+4.0 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

BRIAN MOEHLER vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
MOEHLER is 1-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.55 and a WHIP of 1.382.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+1.8 units)

WALTER SILVA vs. HOUSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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

TAMPA BAY (43 - 35) at TORONTO (41 - 37) - 1:07 PM
JAMES SHIELDS (R) vs. RICKY ROMERO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 6-22 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in road games in July games over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 50-33 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 76-56 (+19.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 148-108 (+30.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 61-44 (+21.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 94-48 (+33.3 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 1-0 (+1.4 Units) against TORONTO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. TORONTO since 1997
SHIELDS is 4-2 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.07 and a WHIP of 0.988.
His team's record is 5-3 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-5. (-2.8 units)

RICKY ROMERO vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.

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

BOSTON (47 - 29) at BALTIMORE (34 - 42) - 1:35 PM
JOSH BECKETT (R) vs. BRADLEY BERGESEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 64-33 (+22.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 47-29 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 10-0 (+10.4 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off this season.
BOSTON is 21-8 (+11.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BOSTON is 43-22 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BECKETT is 13-1 (+11.6 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 489-529 (-107.2 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 32-67 (-25.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 18-48 (-28.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 489-529 (-107.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 5-0 (+5.0 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

JOSH BECKETT vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
BECKETT is 5-2 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.80 and a WHIP of 1.191.
His team's record is 7-3 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-4. (+0.9 units)

BRADLEY BERGESEN vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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

MINNESOTA (39 - 39) at KANSAS CITY (33 - 42) - 2:10 PM
GLEN PERKINS (L) vs. GIL MECHE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 47-39 (+19.0 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 21-4 (+18.8 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 61-109 (-35.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 33-60 (-27.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
MECHE is 8-19 (-11.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 3-1 (+2.9 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.8 Units)

GLEN PERKINS vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
PERKINS is 0-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.91 and a WHIP of 1.273.
His team's record is 0-2 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

GIL MECHE vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
MECHE is 8-5 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.62 and a WHIP of 1.365.
His team's record is 10-7 (+2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-6. (+4.2 units)

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

DETROIT (42 - 34) at OAKLAND (32 - 43) - 3:35 PM
JUSTIN VERLANDER (R) vs. DALLAS BRADEN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 116-122 (-25.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 20-7 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
DETROIT is 41-28 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 69-45 (+19.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 10-27 (-17.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OAKLAND is 17-35 (-23.4 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 3-1 (+1.9 Units) against OAKLAND this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. OAKLAND since 1997
VERLANDER is 4-2 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.12 and a WHIP of 1.362.
His team's record is 4-3 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.3 units)

DALLAS BRADEN vs. DETROIT since 1997
BRADEN is 1-2 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 9.13 and a WHIP of 1.774.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.9 units)

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

CHI WHITE SOX (38 - 38) at CLEVELAND (31 - 47) - 7:05 PM
JOSE CONTRERAS (R) vs. JEREMY SOWERS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 98-76 (+24.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 121-91 (+21.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 68-45 (+18.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 31-47 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 28-41 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 383-335 (-66.4 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
CLEVELAND is 24-39 (-18.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 4-3 (+0.7 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.6 Units)

JOSE CONTRERAS vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
CONTRERAS is 4-2 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.34 and a WHIP of 1.328.
His team's record is 7-5 (+2.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-8. (-4.6 units)

JEREMY SOWERS vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
SOWERS is 0-4 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 7.77 and a WHIP of 1.562.
His team's record is 0-5 (-5.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.7 units)

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

SEATTLE (39 - 36) at NY YANKEES (43 - 32) - 7:05 PM
JARROD WASHBURN (L) vs. ANDY PETTITTE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 100-137 (-33.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 11-33 (-19.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 92-126 (-32.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 64-95 (-30.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHBURN is 9-27 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHBURN is 8-22 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 73-43 (+18.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PETTITTE is 3-9 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record 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.

JARROD WASHBURN vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
WASHBURN is 6-5 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 2.71 and a WHIP of 1.161.
His team's record is 7-7 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-10. (-6.7 units)

ANDY PETTITTE vs. SEATTLE since 1997
PETTITTE is 10-10 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 4.16 and a WHIP of 1.403.
His team's record is 10-10 (-3.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-12. (-4.7 units)

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

LA ANGELS (42 - 32) at TEXAS (40 - 35) - 8:05 PM
JERED WEAVER (R) vs. KEVIN MILLWOOD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 83-76 (+16.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 119-118 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 13-4 (+9.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TEXAS is 112-110 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 88-82 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 42-32 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 65-34 (+26.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 22-17 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA ANGELS are 19-6 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 39-26 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 53-36 (+19.1 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 97-69 (+19.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 68-48 (+18.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
WEAVER is 28-9 (+16.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 3-1 (+1.7 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

JERED WEAVER vs. TEXAS since 1997
WEAVER is 2-2 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 2.64 and a WHIP of 1.175.
His team's record is 5-5 (-2.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-2. (+4.6 units)

KEVIN MILLWOOD vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
MILLWOOD is 4-4 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 3.75 and a WHIP of 1.278.
His team's record is 5-7 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-7. (-2.7 units)

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

**pm530** · 07-01-2009, 06:50 AM

MLB
Write-up

Wednesday, July 1

Hot Pitchers
-- Johnson is 4-1, 2.88 in his last six starts. Zimmerman has a 1.53 RA in his last three starts.
-- Gallardo is 4-2, 1.96 in his last seven starts.
-- Colorado won last seven Hammel starts (5-0, 4.14). Dodgers won last three Kershaw starts (2-0, 0.96).
-- Wells is 2-0, 2.63 in his last couple starts. Vazquez beat Royals 5-3 in his first '09 start, allowing two runs in six IP.
-- Cain is 7-1, 2.44 in his last ten starts.
-- Moehler is 4-0, 3.46 in his last four road starts.

-- Shields is 3-1, 3.08 in his last seven starts. Romero has a 2.66 RA in his last three starts.
-- Bergesen is 4-0, 2.22 in his last six starts. Beckett is 5-1, 2.13 in his last seven starts.
-- Perkins is 2-1, 3.15 in three starts since coming off the DL.
-- Millwood is 3-1, 1.59 in his last four starts. Weaver is 5-1, 2.79 in his last seven starts.

Cold Pitchers
-- Pelfrey is 1-2, 8.17 in his last five starts.
-- Arizona lost last seven Garland starts (0-5, 6.05). Cueto has an 8.10 RA in his last three starts.
-- Hamels is 0-2, 4.56 in his last four starts. Jurrjens is 0-4, 4.91 in his last five starts.
-- Cardinals lost five of last six Wainwright starts where they scored less than eight runs.
-- Silva is 0-1, 9.87 in four starts this season.

-- Royals lost six of last seven Meche home starts.
-- Verlander is 1-1, 5.29 in his last three starts. Oakland lost last four Braden starts (0-2, 3.55), scoring total of 10 runs.
-- Contreras is 0-2, 5.40 in his last couple starts. Sowers is 1-6, 6.32 in eight starts this season.
-- Pettitte has a 6.41 RA in his last five starts. Mariners lost Washburn's last five road starts (0-3, 5.04).

Hot Teams
-- Pirates won seven of their last ten home games..
-- Marlins won their last seven home games.
-- Giants won eight of their last eleven games.
-- Brewers won four of their last five games.
-- Astros won four of their last six road games.
-- Rockies won 21 of their last 25 games.

-- Bronx won its last six games, outscoring foes 45-19. Mariners won four of their last five games.
-- White Sox won eight of their last ten games.
-- Tampa Bay won 15 of its last 19 games.
-- Orioles won five of their last seven home games. Red Sox are 11-4 in their last fifteen road games.
-- Twins are 9-5 in their last fourteen road games.
-- Angels won 13 of their last 17 games.
-- Tigers won eight of their last eleven games.

Cold Teams
-- Cubs lost eight of their last ten road games.
-- Diamondbacks lost eight of their last ten games. Reds lost four of last five home games.
-- Nationals lost seven of their last nine games.
-- Braves lost four of their last six games. Phillies lost 12 of their last 16 games.
-- Mets are 6-14 in their last 20 games, losing the last five.
-- Cardinals are 6-11 in their last seventeen home games.
-- Padres lost eleven of their last seventeen games.
-- Dodgers lost five of their last seven games, but are 9-2 against Rockies so far this season. .

-- Indians lost twelve of their last fourteen games.
-- Toronto is 6-12 in its last eighteen home games.
-- Royals lost nine of their last thirteen games.
-- Rangers are 6-9 in their last fifteen home games.
-- Oakland lost seven of its last nine games.

Totals
-- Under is 10-4-1 in Cubs' last fifteen road games.
-- Under is 8-3 in Cincinnati's last eleven home games.
-- Six of last eight Washington road games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 8-3 in Atlanta's last eleven home games.
-- Eleven of last fifteen Milwaukee games went over the total.
-- Three of Giants' last four games went over the total.
-- Seven of last eight Houston road games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 10-4 in Dodgers' last fourteen home games.

-- Under is 15-4-1 in Seattle's last twenty road games.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in White Sox' last six games.
-- Four of last five Boston games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last eleven Toronto home games went over the total.
-- 13 of last 15 Texas home games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Kansas City home games went over the total.
-- Under is 9-3-1 in last thirteen games at Oakland.

Umpires
-- Wsh-Fla-- Underdog won five of last seven Rapuano games.
-- NY-Mil-- Under is 5-2-1 in last eight O'Nora games.
-- Col-LA-- Four of last five Darling ames stayed under the total.
-- Chi-Pitt-- Under is 8-4 in last twelve Foster games.
-- Az-Cin-- Four of last five Wendelstedt games went over the total.
-- Phil-Atl-- Favorites won the last six Bucknor games.
-- SF-StL-- Four of last five Davidson games stayed under the total.
-- Hst-SD-- Eight of last ten Meriwether games went over the total.

-- TB-Tor-- Underdog won four of last six Johnson games.
-- Bos-Balt-- Road team won six of last seven Guccione games.
-- Min-KC-- Favorite won seven of last eight Iassogna games.
-- Det-A's-- Visiting team won last six Hernandez games.
-- Chi-Clev-- Seven of last nine Runge games stayed under the total.
-- Sea-NY-- Over is 9-2-1 in last dozen Scott games.
-- LA-Tex-- Under is 12-2-1 in Fletcher games this season.

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

**pm530** · 07-01-2009, 06:50 AM

MLB

Wednesday, July 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

12:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. FLORIDA
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Florida
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Florida
Florida is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
Florida is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

1:07 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. TORONTO
Tampa Bay is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Toronto is 7-14 SU in its last 21 games when playing Tampa Bay
Toronto is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home

1:35 PM
BOSTON vs. BALTIMORE
Boston is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Baltimore
Boston is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Baltimore is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Baltimore is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Boston

2:05 PM
NY METS vs. MILWAUKEE
NY Mets are 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
NY Mets are 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

2:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. KANSAS CITY
Minnesota is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Kansas City
Minnesota is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
Kansas City is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games
Kansas City is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home

3:10 PM
COLORADO vs. LA DODGERS
Colorado is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games on the road
Colorado is 2-9 SU in their last 11 games when playing LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Colorado
LA Dodgers are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games

3:35 PM
DETROIT vs. OAKLAND
Detroit is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
Detroit is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Oakland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
Oakland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit

7:05 PM
CHI CUBS vs. PITTSBURGH
Chi Cubs are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games when playing Pittsburgh
Chi Cubs are 2-9 SU in their last 11 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
Pittsburgh is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

7:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. CLEVELAND
Chi White Sox are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
Chi White Sox are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games
Cleveland is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
Cleveland is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games

7:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. NY YANKEES
Seattle is 2-10 SU in their last 12 games when playing NY Yankees
Seattle is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 16-7 SU in their last 23 games at home
NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games

7:10 PM
ARIZONA vs. CINCINNATI
Arizona is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cincinnati
Arizona is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Cincinnati is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Arizona
Cincinnati is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games

7:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. ATLANTA
Philadelphia is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Philadelphia is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Atlanta is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

8:05 PM
LA ANGELS vs. TEXAS
LA Angels are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Texas
LA Angels are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games on the road
Texas is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Angels
Texas is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Angels

8:15 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. ST. LOUIS
San Francisco is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing St. Louis
San Francisco is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
St. Louis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Francisco
St. Louis is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games

10:05 PM
HOUSTON vs. SAN DIEGO
Houston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing San Diego
Houston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
San Diego is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Houston
San Diego is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games at home

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

Announcement

Wednesday Trends and Indexes 7/1 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

Wednesday Trends and Indexes 7/1 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment