Monday Trends and Indexes 7/6 (MLB, Misc.)

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes

Monday, July 6

Good Luck on day #187 of 2009!

At this time the sports menu in this thread consists of the MLB, WNBA and CFL until their seasons are played out. Also, general sports news and notes will be posted here.

NOTE:
As information becomes available, we will attempt to post the trends and indexes as soon as possible.
Information is posted from what we believe are reliable sources.
Any opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the posting member or BettorsChat.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Matchup Links

MLB Matchups

MLB Previews

MLB Hot or Not

MLB Umpires

MLB Trends

MLB Weather

NASCAR Schedules

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

[pm530]

Daily Sports Roundup

Monday, July 6

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Yankees host the Jays, the Angels take on the Rangers, and the Giants try to pick up a win at home against the Marlins.

Meeting in the Junior Circuit . . .

Andy Pettitte (8-3, 4.25 ERA) will take the mound at home for the Yankees on Monday afternoon as they play host to Ricky Romero (6-3, 2.85 ERA) and the division-rival Blue Jays. Lefthander Pettitte is coming off a win over the Mariners in which he allowed just two earned runs over seven innings of work; New York is 8-2 in Pettitte's last 10 outings. Lefthander Romero has won three consecutive starts for the Blue Jays, surrendering only two earned runs in his last 22 innings.

Elsewhere in the American League on Monday it'll be Kansas City at Detroit, Oakland at Boston, Baltimore at Seattle, and Texas at the Angels. Rangers veteran righthander Kevin Millwood (8-5, 2.80 ERA) will get the ball in that last game; Texas is 5-1 in Millwood's last six trips to the mound. The Angels will go with Jered Weaver (8-3, 3.10 ERA) in Monday's contest; the righthander will look to get back on track after surrendering seven runs to the Rangers in his last start.

Clashing in the Senior Circuit . . .

The Giants' Matt Cain (9-2, 2.48 ERA) will be seeking his 10th victory of the season on Monday night as his team plays host to the Marlins and Sean West (3-2, 4.06 ERA). Righthander Cain is 0-1 with two no-decisions in his last three trips to the mound, after picking up a win in each of his previous six outings. Lefthander West gave up five earned runs on eight hits over 4 1-3 innings in his start against the Nats last time out, but he managed to escape with a no-decision.

Making up the rest of the National League slate on Monday: Atlanta at the Cubs, Pittsburgh at Houston, Washington at Colorado, San Diego at Arizona, and Cincinnati at Philadelphia. The Reds will hand the ball to Johnny Cueto (8-4, 2.69 ERA) in Monday's road contest; the righthander threw six shutout innings in a win over the D-Backs last time out, giving up just one hit. The Phillies counter with struggling ace Cole Hamels (4-5, 4.98 ERA), who has lost his last three outings.

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

[pm530]

Six-pack for Monday

Statistical leaders at the halfway point of the baseball season

-- ERA-- Greinke 2.00, Haren 2.16, Lincecum 2.23.

-- Strikeouts-- Lincecum 141, Vazquez 130, Verlander 130.

-- WHIP-- Haren 0.83, Lincecum 1.05, Greinke 1.05

-- RBI-- Pujols 82, Fielder 76, Bay 70, Morneau 69.

-- Runs-- Pujols 66, Roberts 62, Damon 61, Figgins 61.

-- On-base percentage-- Pujols .460, Fielder .434, Utley .426.

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

Quote of the Day

"All things were difficult before they were easy."
Saki (1870-1916)

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

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

13) How in the name of Ron Blomberg is there no DH in All-Star Game, no matter where the game is played? There are 33 damn guys on a team, who wants to ever, ever watch a pitcher bat? It makes no sense at all, but then again, having the result of the All-Star Game determine home field for the World Series is the most ridiculous idea ever. .

12) 13 of the 32 guys named to the NL All-Star team are playing in the All-Star Game for the very first time.

11) Tim Wakefield has played FOREVER, thrown 2,902 innings in the big leagues, he is 42 freakin' years old, and is finally going to the All-Star Game, which is why the introduction of the teams is so very cool, to see guys like that have the greatest thrill in their career. It'll be excellent.

10) If Carlos Pena isn't the last guy voted into the All-Star Game by the fans on the Intermet, he'll be the first AL home run leader to miss the mid-summer classic since Mickey Tettleton in 1993.

9) Interesting strategy by Joe Torre after his Dodgers took a 7-6 lead in the 13th inning; in bottom half of frame, with one out and bases empty, he walked Adrian Gonzalez intentionally, so he couldn't hit a homer and tie the game. Game ended with Gonzalez on second base.

8) Chad Billingsley homered Sunday, the first pitcher to homer against San Diego since Andy Pettitte did it while pitching for the Astros.

7) Mets lost Johan Santana's last four road starts- they didn't score for him Sunday, but he's still given up 20 runs in his last 22 road innings.

6) The two starting pitchers in the Toronto-Bronx game combined to throw 188 pitches Sunday, but neither one finished the fourth inning.

5) The A's traded for OF Scott Hairston Sunday night, which will fuel speculation that Matt Holliday could be traded soon. There's really no other reason for Oakland to trade for another outfielder.

4) If anyone at ESPN is reading, we like Dan Shulman on Sunday Night Baseball a lot better than Jon Miller. Getting rid of Joe Morgan would be a major upgrade, though he seems to have a lifetime pass, somehow.

3) Further proof that Nashville is indeed Music City; the scoreboard at the stadium where the AAA Nashville Sounds play is guitar-shaped.

2) Some poor bastard ponied up $10,000 then got eliminated from the Main Event at the World Series of Poker in five freakin' minutes. I know very little about poker, but I know you don't put yourself at risk in the first five minutes of play.

1) I'm not a great tennis fan, but I watched the Wimbledon final and you couldn't help but feel bad for Andy Roddick after he lost- it was obvious he had given every ounce of energy he had, but it wasn't enough.

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

[pm530]

MLB
Dunkel Index


Texas at LA Angels
The Angels look to build on their 8-2 record in Jered Weaver's last 10 starts. LA is the pick (-145) according to Dunkel, which has the Angels favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-145). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, JULY 6

Game 951-952: Cincinnati at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Cueto) 15.012; Philadelphia (Hamels) 14.055
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-155); 9
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+145); Under

Game 953-954: Atlanta at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Jurrjens) 15.935; Cubs (Wells) 14.461
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-125); No Run Line
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+115); N/A

Game 955-956: Pittsburgh at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Vasquez) 14.476; Houston (Hampton) 15.866
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Houston (-145); 9
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-145); Over

Game 957-958: Washington at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Stammen) 16.210; Colorado (Marquis) 15.277
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1; 11
Vegas Line: Colorado (-215); 10
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+195); Over

Game 959-960: San Diego at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Silva) 14.363; Arizona (Garland) 16.323
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 2; 11
Vegas Line: Arizona (-175); 10
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-175); Over

Game 961-962: Florida at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (West) 15.859; San Francisco (Cain) 15.584
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-175); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+165); Under


Game 963-964: Toronto at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Romero) 16.177; NY Yankees (Pettitte) 15.391
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-150); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+140); Under

Game 965-966: Kansas City at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Meche) 15.033; Detroit (Galarraga) 14.236
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-145); 9
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+135); Over

Game 967-968: Oakland at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Anderson) 14.555; Boston (Smoltz) 17.333
Dunkel Line: Boston by 3; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-230); 10
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-230); Over

Game 969-970: Texas at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Millwood) 15.389; LA Angels (Weaver) 17.019
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-145); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-145); Over

Game 971-972: Baltimore at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Bergesen) 15.561; Seattle (Washburn) 14.960
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Seattle (-125); 8
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+115); Under

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

[pm530]

MLB
Write-up


Monday, July 6

Hot Pitchers
-- Cueto is 4-1, 4.25 in his last six starts.
-- Wells is 3-0, 2.18 in his last three starts.
-- Hampton is 2-1, 2.16 in his last four starts. Vasquez is 1-1, 3.75 in two starts for the Pirates.
-- Marquis is 3-1, 3.63 in his last five starts.
-- Cain is 6-1, 2.25 in his last nine starts.

-- Bronx won eight of last ten Pettitte starts. Romero is 3-1, 1.53 in his last five starts.
-- Bergesen is 4-1, 2.05 in his last eight starts.
-- Millwood is 4-1, 2.41 in his last six starts.

Cold Pitchers
-- Hamels is 0-3, 7.02 in his last three starts.
-- Jurrjens is 1-4, 4.21 in his last six starts.
-- Stammen is 1-3, 6,04 in eight starts this season.
-- Arizona lost Garland's last eight starts (0-6, 5.51) but he has a 3.26 RA in his last three outings. Silva is 0-2, 10.55 in five starts this year.
-- West has a 6.30 RA in his last four starts.

-- Anderson is 1-2, 6.75 in his last four starts. Smoltz is 0-1, 6.00 in two starts for the Red Sox.
-- Galarraga is 2-7, 7.01 in his last 12 starts. Meche is 0-3, 10.05 in his last three outings.
-- Weaver is 1-1, 8.64 in his last three starts.
-- Washburn is 1-2, 4.85 in his last four starts.

Hot Teams
-- Reds won three of their last four road games. Phillies won last three games, allowing three runs, after losing eight of their previous nine home contests.
-- Braves won five of their last seven games. Cubs won five of their last seven games.
-- Astros are 14-8 in their last 22 home games.
-- Rockies won eleven of their last fifteen home games.
-- Marlins won five of their last six games, but lost five of six on road. Giants are 14-5 in their last 19 home games.

-- Bronx Bombers won ten of their last eleven games.
-- Rangers won their last five games, scoring 38 runs. Angels won ten of their last fourteen home games.
-- Mariners are 12-6 in their last eighteen games.

Cold Teams
-- Pirates lost 15 of their last 22 road games.
-- Nationals lost 18 of their last 22 road games.
-- Arizona lost seven of its last eight home games. Padres lost four of their last five games overall.

-- Blue Jays lost five of their last six road games.
-- Tigers lost six of their last nine games. Royals lost 12 of their last 18 games.
-- Red Sox are just 5-5 in their last ten games. A's are 7-14 in their last 21 games.
-- Orioles lost six of their last eight games.

Totals
-- Over is 5-1-2 in Cincinnati's last eight road games; five of Phillies' last six home games stayed under the total. .
-- Six of last eight Atlanta road games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 7-1-1 in last nine games at Minute Maid Park.
-- Under is 7-3-1 in Colorado's last eleven home games.
-- Over is 10-3 in Arizona's last thirteen home games.
-- Under is 5-1-1 in Cain's last seven starts.

-- Four of last five Toronto road games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven games at Detroit went over the total.
-- Under is 12-5-1 in last eighteen games at Fenway Park.
-- Six of last nine Texas road games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six Baltimore games.

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

[pm530]

MLB


Monday, July 6

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hot lines: Today’s best MLB bets
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pittsburgh Pirates at Houston Astros (-155, 9)

Things might finally be coming together for Houston. The Astros have won six of 10 and if they can find a way to jump start their anemic offense, they have a chance in the NL Central, as they are just four games out.

Houston’s biggest issue is its offense, which has scored the second-fewest runs in the NL (324). Playing at Minute Maid Park this season, the Astros also have a 14-24-2 O/U record.

But its not like the Pirates are going to score runs. Pittsburgh averages just 4.34 rpg (21st) and has hit only 55 home runs (28th).

"Keep your team in the game and give yourself a chance,” Houston manager Cecil Cooper told the Associated Press. “If we can put some runs up, we've had a chance to win.”

Pick: Under 9


Atlanta Braves at Chicago Cubs (-116)

The Cubs are making life unbearable for opponents at Wrigley Field this summer. Chicago has the second-fewest home losses in the NL (24-14) and is averaging five runs per game in its past 10 home contests (7-3).

This recent trend is big for the Cubs, who are among the bottom of the barrel in runs scored at home (172) and home batting average (.258 BA).

Meantime, the Braves have lost seven of their past 10 road games and scored three or fewer runs six times during that span. This is especially troubling, as Atlanta's .264 road batting average is in the Top 10 in the league.

The Braves, who scored just six runs in two straight losses to the Nationals, need to do much better if they are to trip the red-hot Cubbies.

Pick: Cubs -116

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

[pm530]

MLB


Monday, July 6

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Streaking

Jair Jurrjens (Atlanta Braves)

Braves leftfielder Matt Diaz knows exactly how good a pitcher his teammate is.

"He’s unbelievable," Diaz told the Associated Press of Jurrjens. "He should be an All-Star as is and if we could score him any runs he'd be a leading Cy Young candidate at the halfway point."

Jurrjens (6-6, 2.73) has been hampered by poor defense behind him and a lack of run support, but none of that stopped him from putting together three straight quality starts. In his most recent outing, an 11-1 win over the Phillies, Jurrjens gave up only one hit and no earned runs over seven innings.

If Jurrjens, 23, can lower his 1.24 WHIP (walks + hits over innings pitched), he could emerge as one of the top young right-handers in the game.

Jarrod Washburn (Seattle Mariners)

Washburn won’t throw a complete game and he likely won’t fan 10 batters in seven innings. But the 34 year old knows how to throw strikes and keep hitters off balance.

Washburn (4-6, 3.36 ERA) has allowed no more than four runs in each of his past seven starts, lasting at least six innings each time out. In his most recent outing, a 4-2 loss to the Yankees, he allowed all the runs, but went seven strong, striking out six along the way.

The key to Washburn’s success is his ability to locate the ball low in the strike zone. The fly-ball pitcher struggles when he lets the ball get away from him. In the loss to the Yankees, he gave up three long balls at the team's new stadium. But that hasn't kept opposing managers from being enamored with his play this year.

"Washburn reinvented himself. I saw a different pitcher," Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon, who was the bench coach with the Angels when Washburn was there, told the Associated Press. "He is throwing entirely different than in the past... He is a different cat right now.



Slumping

Cole Hamels (Philadelphia Phillies)

The ace of the defending World Series champions appeared to be regaining the form that made him nearly unhittable last October. That was, however, until his past two starts.

Hamels (4-5, 4.98 ERA) admitted to reporters earlier this season that he failed to properly prepare in the months leading up to spring training. On July 1 in Atlanta, he again looked anything but prepared as he was hammered for seven earned runs on nine hits in just four innings.

His start before that, the left-hander lasted a meager 4 2-3 innings as he was tagged for four earned runs on eight hits against the Blue Jays.

"I feel healthy,” Hamels told the Associated Press. “My body feels good. I'm just not hitting my location. I can't seem to stop the bleeding."

Walter Silva (San Diego Padres)

The 32-year-old right-hander was thrilled when the Padres promoted him from Triple-A last month. But no one has been pleased with Silva’s performance since he arrived.

Silva (0-2, 8.86 ERA) received no help from his defense in his most recent start as he yielded six runs (three unearned) in only four innings of work against the Astros. His previous outing, also a disaster, lasted just 2 1-3 innings as he gave up nine runs on seven hits to go with for walks in a 12-2 loss at Texas

And after Silva was shelled against the Rangers, manager Bud Black even gave him a vote of little confidence.

"We'll keep going out there with the five best [starters] in the organization at any given time," Black told the Associated Press. "Since April, there's been a little changeover."

The Padres have six right-handed pitchers on the DL.

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

[pm530]

MLB


Monday, July 6

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total watch: Baseball's best over/under plays
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Under

Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays have an over/under record of 38-41-3 this season, but have continually been below the number the past two weeks.

In fact, Tampa Bay has gone under in seven of its past 10 games. The biggest reason? It’s pitching. The Rays have been bolstered by the healthy return of Scott Kazmir and Matt Garza has been rock solid for the team. Once hurler David Price rounds into form, combined with a very athletic defense, this team could be a routine under play.

Before giving up 12 runs to Texas Saturday, the Rays pitchers had yielded an average of just 2.1 runs per game in their previous nine outings.

Kansas City Royals

This team’s popgun offense has been one of its biggest weaknesses. The Royals, which have gone under the total eight times in the past 10 games (1-8-1), are hitting a horrendous .250 BA as a team and have hit just 68 home runs this year.

In those 10 games, the Royals averaged just 2.7 runs per game.

Combine that number with above-average pitching (4.28 ERA) and you have the team’s 34-44-3 O/U record. The team’s pitching shouldn’t change dramatically any time soon, so continue to keep an eye on this trend.

Over

Milwaukee Brewers

Welcome to the opposite of the Royals. Milwaukee has scored 385 runs this season, 12th most in the league, but can’t catch a break from a depleted pitching staff.

In the past 10 games, the Brewers topped the number six times, allowing opponents to score at least six runs five times. The team’s ERA is 24th in the league at 4.48.

But helping to boost the run total even more is the team’s offense. The Brewers have mashed 95 home runs this season and have scored at least six runs five times during that same 10-game stretch. For the season, Milwaukee’s over/under record is 42-39-1.

Unless the Brewers make a trade, this trend will continue.

Los Angeles Angels

Nothing helps boost the over numbers like a four-game visit from the Orioles and their atrocious pitching staff. In its past 10 games, the Angels have a sterling, 6-3-1 over/under record.

Los Angeles leads the Majors with a .280 batting average and is among the leaders with a 5.21 runs per game average.

But that’s not all.

The team’s pitching staff has also been suspect at best this season. The Angels' 4.68 ERA is the fifth-worst in the league as the Halos have yielded at least six runs five times in the past 10 games.

The Orioles won’t be in town every weekend, but with Texas and New York on tap next week, this trend should easily continue.

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

[pm530]

MLB


Monday, July 6

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Holiday road: What clubs stay focused heading into the break?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Similar to employees who are approaching a vacation, Major League Baseball players and teams seem to fit into one of two categories.

There are those who make a point of taking care of business before catching a needed respite, and there are those who get a head start on their rest and relaxation before they are officially off the clock.

With the MLB All-Star break just around the corner, bettors need to become conscience of what teams will remain focused in this final week and which ones are booking their vacation spots.

From 2004-08, the top teams in MLB record-wise in the week before the break are the Atlanta Braves (22-11), New York Yankees (22-11), Detroit Tigers (21-12), St. Louis Cardinals (21-12) and Boston Red Sox (20-13). The Texas Rangers also are 20-13 in this span, but lose a tiebreaker to the Red Sox based on their 8-6 record pre-All Star week over the past two seasons compared to Boston’s 9-4.

These teams all share one glaring trait: they are led by veteran managers such as Atlanta’s Bobby Cox and Tony LaRussa of St. Louis who have ways to keep their clubs focused on the task at hand.

Here’s a brief look at the current state of affairs and slate ahead for these teams in the week before the All-Star break.

Atlanta Braves (22-11 week before break in the last five seasons)

Despite a pitching staff that ranks in the Top 5 in most major categories, the Braves’ 23rd-ranked offense has cost them plenty of close games. They head into the break with road trips at the Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies. They have won four straight to counter a four-game skid.

New York Yankees (22-11 week before break in the last five seasons)

The surging Yankees always seem to pick up steam this time of year, and this season has been no exception. They have won eight of their past 10 games behind the league’s second-ranked offense (5.51 runs per game), which has carried their disappointing pitching staff. They head into the break with three-game road swings against the Minnesota Twins and Los Angeles Angels.

Detroit Tigers (21-12 week before break in the last five seasons)

Veteran skipper Jim Leyland has the Tigers back on top of the division on the heels of a disappointing 2008 season. The Tigers have upcoming three-game home stands against the Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Indians. The Tigers are 23-11 at home this year.

St. Louis Cardinals (21-12 week before break in the last five seasons)

Led by MVP favorite and triple-crown threat Albert Pujols and an overachieving pitching staff, the Cardinals have enjoyed a strong start but have dropped seven of their last 11 games. They visit the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs ahead of the All Star break.

Boston Red Sox (20-13 week before break in the last five seasons)

The explosive Red Sox are third in the majors at 5.27 runs per game, fifth in home runs and are in the Top 5 of most major offensive categories. However, their pitching has been the story lately. They have yielded four or fewer runs five times in wining seven of their past 10. They finish up with a home stand next week against the Oakland A’s and Kansas City Royals before the break.

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

[pm530]

MLB


Monday, July 6

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

1:05 PM
TORONTO vs. NY YANKEES
Toronto is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Yankees
Toronto is 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 6 games at home

7:05 PM
CINCINNATI vs. PHILADELPHIA
Cincinnati is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Cincinnati's last 8 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Philadelphia's last 16 games when playing at home against Cincinnati

7:05 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. DETROIT
Kansas City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Kansas City's last 8 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Detroit's last 8 games

7:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. BOSTON
Oakland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
Oakland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Boston
Boston is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games

8:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. HOUSTON
Pittsburgh is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Houston's last 9 games at home
Houston is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Pittsburgh

8:05 PM
ATLANTA vs. CHI CUBS
Atlanta is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 9 games
Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Chi Cubs are 7-2 SU in their last 9 games when playing Atlanta

8:40 PM
WASHINGTON vs. COLORADO
Washington is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Washington is 6-16 SU in its last 22 games when playing Colorado
Colorado is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games
Colorado is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

9:40 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. ARIZONA
San Diego is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Diego's last 6 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Arizona is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Arizona's last 9 games at home

10:05 PM
TEXAS vs. LA ANGELS
Texas is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
LA Angels are 9-3 SU in their last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Angels's last 6 games

10:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. SEATTLE
Baltimore is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Baltimore's last 6 games
Seattle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 6 games when playing Baltimore

10:15 PM
FLORIDA vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Florida is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Florida's last 5 games when playing San Francisco
San Francisco is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games when playing Florida

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

[pm530]

MLB
Baseball Today


SCOREBOARD

Monday, July 6

Texas at L.A. Angels (10:05 p.m. EDT). The top teams in the AL West open a three-game series with the Rangers sending Kevin Millwood (8-5) to the mound to face Jered Weaver (8-3). Texas outfielder Josh Hamilton is expected to be activated from the disabled list in time to be in the lineup.

STARS

Sunday

-Derek Jeter and Hideki Matsui, Yankees. Jeter had four hits including a go-ahead two-run homer, and Matsui homered and drove in four runs as New York rallied from a four-run deficit to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 10-8.

-Justin Morneau, Twins, celebrated another All-Star game selection with a two-run homer for Minnesota in a 6-2 victory over Detroit.

-Joe Blanton, Phillies, pitched four-hit ball into the eighth inning and Philadelphia completed a three-game sweep of the New York Mets with a 2-0 victory.

-Roy Oswalt, Astros, pitched eight solid innings giving up three hits in Houston's 7-1 win over the San Francisco Giants.

-Ricky Nolasco, Marlins, struck out 12 in eight innings to win his fourth consecutive start as Florida beat Pittsburgh 5-0.

ALL-STARS

Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols is the fans' favorite choice to start the 80th All-Star game in St. Louis. The first baseman was announced as the top vote-getter by Major League Baseball. Teammate Yadier Molina also was elected to start at catcher. Boston knuckleballer Tim Wakefield made his first All-Star roster in his 17th season, one of a major league-high six Red Sox players headed to Busch Stadium for the July 14 game.

ANGEL IN THE OUTFIELD

The Angels' Vladimir Guerrero, who played in the outfield for the first time this season after missing 35 games with a torn pectoral muscle, homered to help Los Angeles beat the Orioles 9-6. After homering Saturday, he has connected in back-to-back games for the first time since July 19-20 last season when he faced the Boston Red Sox.

OUT AGAIN

Yankees starter Chien-Ming Wang went back on the disabled list with a right shoulder strain, and manager Joe Girardi said he's not sure how long the right-hander will be out of the rotation. Wang, who missed time earlier this season with a hip injury, won't begin throwing until at least after the All-Star break.

JOB SECURITY

Cleveland general manager Mark Shapiro said manager Eric Wedge and his coaching staff would remain in their jobs with the last-place Indians. The Indians, expected to contend in the AL Central Division, are 33-49, the worst record in the league. Wedge, in his seventh season as Indians manager, is 529-525.

SNAPPED

The Royals' Brian Bannister held Chicago to five hits and two runs through six innings of a 6-4 win over Chicago and snapped a personal four-game losing streak to the White Sox.

NOT AT HOME

Boston rallied for five runs in the seventh to beat Seattle 8-4 to avoid a sweep. The Red Sox haven't been swept at home this season. They also averted their first three-game losing streak at Fenway Park, where they improved to 26-12.

THE RIGHT STUFF

Through 41 games, passing the midpoint of the season, 139 home runs have been hit at the new Yankee Stadium, 18 more than the No. 2 stadium, Rangers Ballpark (121 in 45 games). Eighty-five of the homers in the Bronx have gone to right or right-center field, including the last nine.

SIDELINED

San Francisco left-hander Randy Johnson left Sunday's 7-1 loss to the Houston Astros with a left shoulder strain after committing a throwing error in the top of the fourth inning. Johnson originally hurt the shoulder when took an awkward swing against Roy Oswalt while striking out in the bottom of the third. He grabbed his shoulder as he walked back to the dugout.

SEEING THE BALL BETTER

Jimmy Rollins is 7 for 14 with a homer and three doubles after a career-worst 0-for-28 slump that included a four-game benching during the road trip. The 2007 MVP hit a solo homer against Johan Santana on Sunday to help Philadelphia beat the Mets 2-0.

STATS

Since May 1, Derrek Lee is hitting .323 with 14 home runs and 41 RBIs. He only hit one home run in April. ... Houston ace Roy Oswalt is 3-1 with a 2.13 ERA over his past four starts. ... For the fifth time in Johan Santana's 16 starts this season, the New York Mets lost by two or fewer runs.

SPEAKING

"Sometimes that's all it takes, just a little kick in the butt to get guys going. This is what I was talking about the other day: Don't give up, you never know what's going to happen.'' - Arizona's Mark Reynolds, after hitting a three-run homer to help the Diamondbacks beat the Rockies 4-3. Reynolds ranted about his team's lackluster play two days earlier.

SEASONS

July 6

1929 - The St. Louis Cardinals scored 10 runs in the first and fifth innings in beating the Philadelphia Phillies, 28-6, in the second game of a doubleheader. The Cardinals had 28 hits and set an NL record with the 28 runs.

1933 - The first major league All-Star game was played at Comiskey Park in Chicago. The AL, managed by Connie Mack, defeated the NL, managed by John McGraw, 4-2 on Babe Ruth's two-run homer.

1938 - Johnny Vander Meer, Bill Lee and Mace Brown combined to limit the AL to one run and seven hits as the NL won the All-Star game 4-1 at Cincinnati's Crosley Field. Lefty Gomez of the New York Yankees suffered his first defeat in four All-Star starts.

1942 - The AL beat the NL 3-1 in the All-Star game at the Polo Grounds on first-inning home runs by Lou Boudreau of the Cleveland Indians and Rudy York of the Detroit Tigers. York's shot came with a man on base.

1949 - Walker Cooper of Cincinnati went 6 for 7, including three home runs and drove in 10 runs, against Chicago at Crosley Field. Cooper also had three singles and scored five times to lead the Reds to a 23-4 rout of the Cubs.

1966 - Boog Powell of the Baltimore Orioles knocked in 11 runs in a doubleheader against the Kansas City A's to tie an AL record. In the first game, Powell hit two home runs, including a grand slam, two doubles and a sacrifice fly to drive in seven runs as the Orioles won 11-0. Powell had four RBIs in the nightcap.

1983 - On the 50th anniversary of the All-Star game, Fred Lynn's grand slam off Atlee Hammaker, the first in All-Star competition, capped a record seven-run third inning. The AL also set a one-game record for runs scored in a 13-3 victory that ended an 11-game NL winning streak. Chicago's Comiskey Park was the site, as it was for the first All-Star game in 1933.

2000 - Keith McDonald of the St. Louis Cardinals became the second player in major league history to homer in his first two at-bats, connecting in the second inning of a 12-6 loss to Cincinnati.

2005 - Florida pitchers retired 28 consecutive batters from the third inning on and set a team record with 22 strikeouts in a 12-inning, 5-4 victory over Milwaukee. A.J. Burnett matched his career high and the individual club record with 14 strikeouts in six innings.

2007 - Justin Morneau homered three times in the second game of a doubleheader to help Minnesota sweep Chicago 20-14 and 12-0. The Twins won the opener behind Jason Kubel's seven RBIs.

Today's birthday: Greg Norton 37.

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

[pm530]

MLB
This Day in Baseball


On July 6 in Baseball History...

1919 - William Veeck, former sportswriter, replaces Fred Mitchell as Cubs president, but Mitchell remains manager for Chicago.

1932 - Cubs shortstop Billy Jurges is shot twice in his Chicago hotel room by a spurned girlfriend, Violet Popovich Valli. In a scuffle for the gun, Jurges is hit in the shoulder and hand. Jurges fails to prosecute, and Valli will be signed to a 22-week contract to sing in local nightclubs.

1933 - The first major-league All-Star Game is played at Comiskey Park, and Babe Ruth is the star. His two-run home run is the margin of victory in the American League's 4-2 win. John McGraw comes out of retirement to manage the National League.

1942 - First-inning home runs by Lou Boudreau and Rudy York off Mort Cooper lead the A.L. to a 3-1 triumph over the N.L. in the All-Star Game at the Polo Grounds. Mickey Owen's pinch home-run is the N.L.'s only score. He does not hit a single home run during the regular schedule.

1956 - Ford Frick inaugurates the Cy Young Award, to honor one outstanding pitcher each year. The Baseball Writers Association will do the voting. Only one pitcher will be honored each year until 1967, when a pitcher in each league will be selected.

1980 - Steve Carlton (14-4) becomes the all-time lefthanded strikeout king, fanning seven Cardinals in an 8-3 Phillies win to bring his major-league career total to 2,836. Mickey Lolich had held the record with 2,832.

1983 - In the 50th anniversary All-Star Game at Chicago's Comiskey Park, the A.L. routs the N.L. 13-3 for its first win since 1971. The A.L. breaks the game open with seven runs in the fourth inning, highlighted by Fred Lynn grand slam - the first ever in All-Star competition. It is Lynn's fourth All-Star homer, tying him with Ted Williams for the A.L. record.

1986 - Bob Horner becomes the 11th player to hit four home runs in a game, but it isn't enough as the Braves fall to the Expos 11-8. Horner is the first to hit four home runs in a losing cause.

1989 - Despite having retired May 29, Mike Schmidt is elected to start at third base for the N.L. in the All-Star Game. A's outfielder Jose Canseco, who has not played all season because of a wrist injury, is picked to start for the A.L. Neither will play in the game.

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

[Udog]

MLB
Long Sheet


Monday, July 6

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

CINCINNATI (40 - 40) at PHILADELPHIA (42 - 37) - 7:05 PM
JOHNNY CUETO (R) vs. COLE HAMELS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 84-59 (+14.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 469-543 (+46.1 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 407-488 (+30.8 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 311-354 (+32.7 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 24-15 (+10.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 16-22 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 16-22 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 9-16 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 7-16 (-15.4 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

JOHNNY CUETO vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
CUETO is 0-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 5.14 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

COLE HAMELS vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
HAMELS is 4-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 1.25 and a WHIP of 0.944.
His team's record is 5-0 (+5.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.4 units)

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

ATLANTA (39 - 42) at CHICAGO CUBS (40 - 39) - 7:05 PM
JAIR JURRJENS (R) vs. RANDY WELLS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 39-42 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 47-73 (-22.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 39-42 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 76-89 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 22-29 (-12.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 17-24 (-12.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 997-1048 (-193.3 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 537-484 (-107.0 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 940-964 (-171.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 484-511 (-119.9 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 495-470 (-103.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 2-1 (+0.7 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

JAIR JURRJENS vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

RANDY WELLS vs. ATLANTA since 1997
WELLS is 0-0 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.286.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

PITTSBURGH (37 - 45) at HOUSTON (39 - 41) - 8:05 PM
VIRGIL VASQUEZ (R) vs. MIKE HAMPTON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 125-116 (+21.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 62-52 (+17.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 121-114 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 92-88 (+11.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 66-57 (+13.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 20-12 (+7.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
HAMPTON is 31-5 (+22.8 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 6-3 (+2.8 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.0 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

VIRGIL VASQUEZ vs. HOUSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

MIKE HAMPTON vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
HAMPTON is 13-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 1.69 and a WHIP of 0.937.
His team's record is 13-2 (+10.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-7. (+0.7 units)

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

WASHINGTON (24 - 55) at COLORADO (42 - 39) - 8:40 PM
CRAIG STAMMEN (R) vs. JASON MARQUIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 24-55 (-26.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 9-29 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
WASHINGTON is 24-52 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 15-40 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 18-39 (-17.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 13-34 (-16.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLORADO is 152-139 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
MARQUIS is 47-30 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MARQUIS is 15-6 (+12.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 53-71 (-16.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
MARQUIS is 54-71 (-37.3 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
MARQUIS is 56-63 (-32.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)

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

CRAIG STAMMEN vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

JASON MARQUIS vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
MARQUIS is 2-4 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.75 and a WHIP of 1.335.
His team's record is 4-7 (-8.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-3. (+4.5 units)

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

SAN DIEGO (35 - 46) at ARIZONA (33 - 49) - 9:40 PM
WALTER SILVA (R) vs. JON GARLAND (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 98-144 (-42.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 9-27 (-15.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 40-79 (-29.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 20-36 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 98-144 (-42.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 68-106 (-34.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 5-18 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
SAN DIEGO is 58-84 (-23.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 51-71 (-23.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 33-49 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 15-28 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ARIZONA is 33-49 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 23-35 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 9-21 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 9-23 (-15.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ARIZONA is 4-10 (-8.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
GARLAND is 36-45 (-23.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 5-4 (+0.8 Units) against ARIZONA this season
8 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+7.1 Units)

WALTER SILVA vs. ARIZONA since 1997
No recent starts.

JON GARLAND vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
GARLAND is 2-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 2.51 and a WHIP of 1.116.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.2 units)

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

FLORIDA (43 - 40) at SAN FRANCISCO (44 - 37) - 10:15 PM
SEAN WEST (L) vs. MATT CAIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 44-37 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 26-13 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 129-78 (+51.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 44-37 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 16-7 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 158-93 (+43.2 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 22-15 (+6.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
FLORIDA is 127-117 (+23.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 57-60 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 123-112 (+23.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 89-85 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 61-59 (+16.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 252-264 (+48.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
CAIN is 13-29 (-16.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-2 (+0.6 Units) against FLORIDA this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

SEAN WEST vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
WEST is 1-0 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.375.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

MATT CAIN vs. FLORIDA since 1997
CAIN is 1-0 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 3.25 and a WHIP of 1.120.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.3 units)

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

TORONTO (42 - 41) at NY YANKEES (48 - 33) - 1:05 PM
RICKY ROMERO (L) vs. ANDY PETTITTE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 0-9 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
NY YANKEES are 78-44 (+20.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 51-36 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 54-43 (+17.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 5-1 (+4.0 Units) against TORONTO this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

RICKY ROMERO vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.

ANDY PETTITTE vs. TORONTO since 1997
PETTITTE is 13-10 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.40 and a WHIP of 1.444.
His team's record is 18-12 (-1.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 11-17. (-8.7 units)

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

KANSAS CITY (35 - 46) at DETROIT (44 - 37) - 7:05 PM
GIL MECHE (R) vs. ARMANDO GALARRAGA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 62-110 (-35.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 62-91 (-25.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MECHE is 8-19 (-11.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MECHE is 4-11 (-7.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 24-15 (+9.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
DETROIT is 23-11 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
DETROIT is 42-29 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 26-17 (+12.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 14-6 (+10.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 57-51 (+12.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
MECHE is 12-7 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MECHE is 8-1 (+9.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 118-125 (-25.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 9-18 (-13.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 42-58 (-26.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 73-82 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 76-93 (-31.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 56-66 (-19.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 21-25 (-16.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 4-2 (+2.0 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

GIL MECHE vs. DETROIT since 1997
MECHE is 8-5 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.79 and a WHIP of 1.342.
His team's record is 11-8 (+5.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-8. (+1.1 units)

ARMANDO GALARRAGA vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
GALARRAGA is 2-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 1.80 and a WHIP of 1.050.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-3. (-3.1 units)

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

OAKLAND (34 - 46) at BOSTON (49 - 32) - 7:10 PM
BRETT ANDERSON (L) vs. JOHN SMOLTZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 19-37 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 11-28 (-17.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 84-40 (+21.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 45-25 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 106-71 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 65-34 (+22.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 21-20 (+18.6 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +175 to +200 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 2-1 (+1.8 Units) against BOSTON this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

BRETT ANDERSON vs. BOSTON since 1997
ANDERSON is 0-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

JOHN SMOLTZ vs. OAKLAND since 1997
SMOLTZ is 1-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 0.889.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

TEXAS (45 - 35) at LA ANGELS (45 - 35) - 10:05 PM
KEVIN MILLWOOD (R) vs. JERED WEAVER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 45-35 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 22-8 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 42-29 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 99-72 (+18.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 68-50 (+16.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 45-35 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 15-6 (+15.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 56-60 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 14-6 (+14.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 15-4 (+11.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TEXAS is 44-33 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 33-23 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 85-76 (+19.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 26-17 (+9.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
LA ANGELS are 19-27 (-20.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 5-1 (+3.8 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.7 Units)

KEVIN MILLWOOD vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
MILLWOOD is 4-4 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 3.90 and a WHIP of 1.314.
His team's record is 6-7 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-7. (-1.7 units)

JERED WEAVER vs. TEXAS since 1997
WEAVER is 2-2 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 3.34 and a WHIP of 1.214.
His team's record is 5-6 (-3.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-3. (+3.4 units)

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

BALTIMORE (36 - 46) at SEATTLE (42 - 39) - 10:10 PM
BRADLEY BERGESEN (R) vs. JARROD WASHBURN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 76-133 (-39.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 28-66 (-28.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 42-39 (+5.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 39-35 (+6.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 14-4 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 85-89 (+7.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 43-59 (-19.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 66-97 (-28.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 68-98 (-28.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 237-222 (-72.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.
WASHBURN is 13-28 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHBURN is 27-36 (-23.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
WASHBURN is 9-28 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHBURN is 8-23 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHBURN is 10-17 (-18.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 4-2 (+2.2 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.9 Units)

BRADLEY BERGESEN vs. SEATTLE since 1997
BERGESEN is 1-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 1.20 and a WHIP of 0.867.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

JARROD WASHBURN vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
WASHBURN is 6-5 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 4.37 and a WHIP of 1.368.
His team's record is 8-7 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-10. (-6.3 units)

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

[Udog]

MLB
Short Sheet


Monday, 7/6/2009

National League

CINCINNATI at PHILADELPHIA, 7:05 PM ET
CUETO: CIN 10-0 after a loss by 6+ runs
HAMELS: PHI 7-16 at home against right-handed starters

ATLANTA at CHICAGO CUBS, 7:05 PM ET
JURRJENS: 0-6 TSR against NL Central
WELLS: CHC 41-21 at home with a money line of -100 to -150

PITTSBURGH at HOUSTON, 8:05 PM ET
VASQUEZ: PIT 7-21 after 3+ consecutive road games
HAMPTON: 31-5 TSR as a home favorite of -150 to -175

WASHINGTON at COLORADO, 8:40 PM ET
STAMMEN: WAS 9-29 in road games
MARQUIS: 12-1 OVER against NL East

SAN DIEGO at ARIZONA, 9:40 PM ET
SILVA: SD 16-7 OVER AWAY against right-handed starters
GARLAND: ARI 9-21 at home against right-handers

FLORIDA at SAN FRANCISCO, 10:15 PM ET
WEST: FLA 20-11 when the total is 7 to 8.5
CAIN: SF 14-3 OVER at home in July

American League

TORONTO at NY YANKEES, 1:05 PM ET
ROMERO: TOR 0-8 AWAY against division opponents
PETTITTE: 10-1 TSR when the total is 8.5 to 10

KANSAS CITY at DETROIT, 7:05 PM ET
MECHE: KC 26-17 as a road underdog of +100 to +125
GALARRAGA: DET 9-18 when playing on Monday

OAKLAND at BOSTON, 7:10 PM ET
ANDERSON: OAK 18-5 UNDER when playing on Monday
SMOLTZ: BOS 6-12 against AL West

TEXAS at LA ANGELS, 10:05 PM ET
MILLWOOD: TEX 24-17 as an underdog
WEAVER: LAA 19-27 at home when the total is 8 to 8.5

BALTIMORE at SEATTLE, 10:10 PM ET
BERGESEN: BAL 15-8 revenging BB home losses
WASHBURN: SEA 22-8 UNDER when playing on Monday

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

MLB


Monday, July 6

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tips and Trends
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cincinnati Reds at Philadelphia Phillies [7:05 PM ET]

Reds: The Reds have been the perfect .500 team going 20-20 at home and 20-20 on the road, although they have lost nine of their last 13 away games. Reds starter Johnny Cueto (8-4, 2.69 ERA) made his first start against Philadelphia on May 19 and was tagged for four runs in seven innings in a 4-3 loss to Cole Hamels. Cueto allowed seven hits, struck out four and didn’t allow a walk. Cueto has been better than Hamels this season, though, ranking near the top of the National League in wins, ERA and opponent batting average (.223). He was impressive in his last start on Wednesday, holding the Diamondbacks to one hit in six innings, while striking out eight in a 1-0 victory. Reds first baseman Joey Votto has been hot since coming off the DL, batting .380 (19-for-50) in his last 12 games.

The Reds are 9-2 in their last 11 road games versus a team with a losing home record.

Key Injuries - Shortstop Alex Gonzalez (elbow) is on the DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: 4

Phillies (-$1.55 O/U 9 under -$1.20): Despite coming off a three-game home sweep of the Mets, the Phillies are just 7-14 in their last 21 games. They are 3-9 in their last games when chalk and are six games under .500 when playing at home. Phillies starter Cole Hamels (4-5, 4.98 ERA) is trying to halt a three-game losing streak. He has failed to get out of the fifth inning in each of his last two starts. The lefty surrendered a career-high seven earned runs in four innings of an 11-1 loss to the Braves on Wednesday. “I feel healthy,” Hamels said. “My body feels good. I’m just not hitting my location. I can’t seem to stop the bleeding.” Hamels is 4-0, however, versus the Reds with a 1.25 ERA in five career outings. He’s struck out 37 in 36 innings against them. Shortstop Jimmy Rollins is seven for his last 14 after being 0-for-28.

The Under is 7-1 during the team’s past eight meetings.

Key Injuries - Raul Ibanez (groin) is on the DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: 5 (Side of the Day)



Texas Rangers at Los Angeles Angels [10:05 PM ET]

Rangers: Texas finished June scoring 99 runs, the second-lowest total in the American League. But the Rangers have been hot in July winning five in a row, while averaging 7.6 runs during this span. The Rangers, however, are just 8-24 in Kevin Millwood’s last 32 road starts. Millwood (8-5, 2.80 ERA) is enjoying a solid season. He had a string of six consecutive quality starts snapped in his last outing, allowing four earned runs in 6 1/3 innings against the Angels on Wednesday. It was the 16th time in 17 starts this season Millwood has gone at least six innings. The veteran right-hander is 4-1 with a 1.72 ERA during his past seven outings. The under has cashed in each of his last five road starts. In eight career starts at Angel Stadium, Millwood is 2-3 with a 3.19 ERA in 53 2/3 innings.

The Rangers are 19-7 in their last 26 games versus American League West teams.
The Under is 15-6 in Texas’ last 21 road games.

Key Injuries - Josh Hamilton (abdominal) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 4

Angels (-$1.40, O/U 8.5 under -$1.15): The Angels have blasted 35 home runs hit 45 doubles in their last 22 games, going 16-6 during this span. They have won nine of their last 12 games. Los Angeles is averaging 7.2 runs in its last eight games. The Angels also have won eight of Jered Weaver’s (8-3, 3.10 ERA) last 10 home starts. The Rangers blasted Weaver in Arlington, though, on Wednesday scoring seven runs on eight hits and one walk in 6 1/3 innings. Weaver has given up 16 earned runs in his past three starts, after yielding 21 earned runs in his first 13 starts. Weaver has been at his best at Angel Stadium going 5-1 this season with a 1.68 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 59 innings. The right-hander is 2-2 with a 3.30 ERA in 11 career starts against the Rangers. The under is 6-1-1 in Weaver’s last eight starts against Texas.

The Under is 7-3-1 in Weaver’s last 11 starts.

Key Injuries - None.

PROJECTED SCORE: 5 (OVER - Total of the Day)


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