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**pm530** · 07-24-2009, 08:51 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Friday, July 24

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Cardinals try to knock off the Phillies in Philadelphia, the Jays meet the rival Rays, and the CFL serves up two contests.

Colliding in the Junior Circuit . . .

Roy Halladay (11-3, 2.73 ERA) will get the ball for the Blue Jays on Friday night as they play host to the Rays and Matt Garza (6-7, 3.80 ERA). Righthander Halladay impressed his potential suitors last time out, holding the Red Sox to one earned run on six hits over nine innings of work in a victory. Righthander Garza had to settle for a no-decision versus the Royals last time out, surrendering three earned runs on six hits in five innings. Garza defeated the Jays back on June 30.

Also on the American League schedule for Friday: Oakland at the Yankees, Baltimore at Boston, Minnesota at the Angels, Cleveland at Seattle, Texas at Kansas City, and a doubleheader between the White Sox and Tigers in Detroit. The Rangers/Royals matchup has Scott Feldman (8-3, 3.87 ERA) taking on Zack Greinke (10-5, 2.08 ERA). Righthander Feldman lost to the Twins in his most recent start, while righthander Greinke hasn't picked up a victory since June 28.

Clashing in the Senior Circuit . . .

The Cardinals and Phillies begin a series in Philadelphia on Friday night, with Joel Pineiro (8-9, 3.09 ERA) taking on J.A. Happ (7-0, 2.68 ERA). Righthander Pineiro is 2-0 with a no-decision over his last three starts, surrendering just five runs (four earned) over those 23 innings of work. Lefthander Happ has yet to be tagged with a loss so far this season, and he's won each of his last two starts (versus the Marlins and Pirates). Happ gave up just one run in those 14 innings.

Making up the rest of the National League slate for Friday: Cincinnati at the Cubs, San Diego at Washington, Atlanta at Milwaukee, the Mets at Houston, Pittsburgh at Arizona, Florida at the Dodgers, and San Francisco at Colorado. Matt Cain (11-2, 2.32 ERA) gets the start for the Giants on Friday; righthander Cain hasn't lost since June 26, and he's allowed just three earned runs over his last 22 1-3 innings. Jason Hammel (5-4, 4.26 ERA) gets the ball for the Rockies.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

The Canadian Football League offers up a pair of contests on Friday night, with Toronto at Winnipeg and Calgary at British Columbia. The Argonauts sit at 1-2 both straight-up and against-the-spread on the season, while the Blue Bombers are 1-2 SU and 2-1 ATS. Winnipeg is a 4-point favorite for Friday night. Meanwhile, the Stampeders are at 1-2 SU and ATS on the year, while the Lions have the exact same SU and ATS marks. Oddsmakers like Calgary's chances on the road in the nightcap, as they've been listed as 3-point favorites for the game.

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**pm530** · 07-24-2009, 08:52 AM

Six-pack for Friday

-- Urban Meyer can't vote for his own players, but one of the other 11 SEC football coaches didn't vote for Tim Tebow for the 1st team SEC unit. So far, no has admitted it. My guess? Tennessee's Lane Kiffin.

-- Last year, over 1.6M Americans played poker online.

-- Rickey Henderson stole 40+ bases and scored 100+ runs in twelve different seasons, which is why he's in Cooperstown this weekend.

-- Pirates' Garrett Jones has nine HRs, 13 RBI this year; it ain't easy to hit nine homers but only have 13 RBI. All nine HRs were solo.

-- Could someone explain to me why Michigan is playing Delaware St in football this year? Not even Delaware, but freakin' Delaware St, the same Hornets who went 5-6 in I-AA last season. Good grief.

-- How about Mark Buehrle throwing two no-hitters, with same ump behind the plate for both games? Thats why we chart umpires.

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Friday's List of 13: Our major league baseball List of 13......

13) Atlanta 49-47-- Should be getting Tim Hudson back soon; have the Hall of Fame manager on the bench, still in running for the Wild Card.

12) White Sox 50-45-- How about Mark Buehrle throwing a couple of no-hitters, with the same umpire behind the plate? Can you remember a perfect game pitched in daytime, before yesterday? Maybe back in '64, Jim Bunning at Shea Stadium, but other than that, I can't......

11) Tigers 49-44-- This has nothing to do with Detroit, but the Chicago Cubs have had their whole team intact for only two games all year. As far as Detroit is concerned, they've lost five of their last six games; their last four losses all came by 2-1 scores. They need hitting, ya think?

10) Cardinals 51-46-- This rating will jump dramatically if Redbirds can trade for Matt Holliday, who would bat behind Pujols and create a damn impressive lineup. Parting with 3B prospect Wallace might get it done.

9) Rangers 52-41-- Having big year without getting lot from Hamilton; their three-game sweep of Red Sox kept Wild Card hopes afloat, so now do they go out and add some pitching? Difficult decision for team that is on the fringe of contention, despite financial constraints.

8) Rays 52-44-- Not very good on the road; they seem to sleepwalk in early innings, then pull out lot of games late. Got no-hit Thursday, now go to Toronto to see Mr Halladay; could they go hitless again?

7) Giants 51-44-- They need to trade for Freddy Sanchez, because they don't have enough offense to win on road, where they're 20-29-- they've got some excess pitching-- Lord knows the Pirates will trade regulars.

6) Rockies 52-43-- Biggest difference I can see between Tracy's Rockies and Hurdle's team was emergence of Seth Smith as regular player, and a demotion of both Spilborghs/Atkins. Plus, Huston Street is an upgrade at closer over the departed Fuentes.

5) Red Sox 55-39-- Their records in starts by 5-8 starters (Matsuzaka, Masterton, Smoltz and Buchholz) is an uninspring 7-14. They've got a couple more options in the minors, but this could be why they haven't dealt any minor league pitchers for an additional hitter.

4) Phillies 54-39-- Wow, they can hit, and Rollins is still under .250 for the season. If they can trade for Halladay without giving up JA Happ, it would be tempting to move them up to the top of this list.

3) Angels (55-38)-- Mike Scioscia is Manager of the Year, winning like he has this year, with huge injury problems; you listen to Mets' people whine about their injury situation, but Halos have been without three guys in their rotation at times, as well as their #3-4-5 hitters.

2) Bronx Bombers 58-37-- In first place despite being 0-8 against Red Sox. Hughes has been a godsend as setup guy, and spunky role players like Swisher, Gardner and Cervelli gave this team a certain toughness.

1) Dodgers 61-34-- Manny Ramirez was on the field for one pitch the other night, but hit that pitch over the fence for a pinch-hit grand slam, and LA won again. No need for #5 starters in playoffs, so their biggest weakness is eliminated. They must keep Orlando Hudson healthy. '

By the way, Ramirez' homer Wednesday night was just his 4th pinch-hit in 28 career tries. It didn't lack for drama, though.

From: Armadillo
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**pm530** · 07-24-2009, 08:54 AM

CFL
Dunkel Index

Toronto at Winnipeg

The Bluebombers look to bounce back from their defeat at Hamilton last week and build on their 5-0 record in their last 5 games following a SU loss. Winnipeg is the pick (-3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Bluebombers favored by 5. Dunkel Pick: Winnipeg (-3 1/2). Here are all of this week's CFL picks.

FRIDAY, JULY 24

Game 403-404: Toronto at Winnipeg
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 101.899; Winnipeg 107.123
Dunkel Line: Winnipeg by 5; 57
Vegas Line: Winnipeg by 3 1/2; 50 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Winnipeg (-3 1/2); Over

Game 405-406: Calgary at BC
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 112.335; BC 110.229
Dunkel Line: Calgary by 2; 54
Vegas Line: Calgary by 3; 57 1/2
Dunkel Pick: BC (+3); Under

SATURDAY, JULY 25

Game 407-408: Edmonton at Saskatchewan
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 102.959; Saskatchewan 109.168
Dunkel Line: Saskatchewan by 6; 56 1/2
Vegas Line: Saskatchewan by 4; 53 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Saskatchewan (-4); Over

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**pm530** · 07-24-2009, 08:56 AM

CFL
Long Sheet

Week 4

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Friday, July 24

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TORONTO (1 - 2) at WINNIPEG (1 - 2) - 7/24/2009, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.

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

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CALGARY (1 - 2) at BRITISH COLUMBIA (1 - 2) - 7/24/2009, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 16-30 ATS (-17.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

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

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Saturday, July 25

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EDMONTON (1 - 2) at SASKATCHEWAN (2 - 1) - 7/25/2009, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 117-88 ATS (+20.2 Units) in games played on turf since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 38-17 ATS (+19.3 Units) in July games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 5-2 against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
SASKATCHEWAN is 5-2 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**pm530** · 07-24-2009, 08:57 AM

CFL
Write-up

Week 4 CFL games

Friday, July 24

Toronto (1-2) @ Winnipeg (1-2)-- Argos gave up 46-44 points in losing last two games; they've been outscored 45-0 in second half of their two road games. Argos turned ball over five times in each of last two games. Bombers have run ball 29 times for 19 yards in three games, completed less than half their passes in all three games, but are +7 in turnovers.

Calgary (1-2) @ BCLions (1-2)-- Both teams won first game last week, as Stampeders crushed Toronto 44-9, but Stamps still had 16 penalties, have 30 in last two games. Underdog won all three Lion games, with all three going over total- BC protected ball better in first win last week, with just one turnover, after giving ball away eight times first two games.

Saturday, July 25

Edmonton (1-2) @ Saskatchewan (2-1)-- Roughriders have QB issues, as evidenced by Graham Harrell signing- they have only 325 passing yards in last two games. Eskimos gave up 750 passing yards and 90 points in getting waxed last two weeks- in three '09 games, they've been outscored 70-28 in second half. First time Saskatchewan has been favored in 2009.

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**pm530** · 07-24-2009, 08:58 AM

CFL

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Trend Report
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Friday, July 24

7:30 PM
TORONTO vs. WINNIPEG
Toronto is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Winnipeg
Toronto is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Winnipeg
Winnipeg is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Winnipeg is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

10:30 PM
CALGARY vs. BRITISH COLUMBIA
Calgary is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Calgary is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
British Columbia is 3-9-1 ATS in its last 13 games at home
British Columbia is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games at home

Saturday, July 25

4:00 PM
EDMONTON vs. SASKATCHEWAN
Edmonton is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Edmonton is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Edmonton
Saskatchewan is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Edmonton

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**pm530** · 07-24-2009, 08:59 AM

CFL

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Canadian bacon: CFL Week 4 preview and picks
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Friday, July 24

TORONTO ARGONAUTS (1-2) at WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS (1-2)

Toronto will be without wide receivers Andre Talbot (sprained ankle) and Matt Lambros (knee) but youngster Mike Bradwell showed he can provide a fine target for Kerry Joseph. The Argos just can’t seem to run the ball consistently despite the obvious talent of running back Jamal Robertson. Former Bombers Dominic Picard and Zeke Moreno would probably like to help the Argos win this one even if they were downplaying any feeling of revenge this week. In Winnipeg, the heat is now on young QB Stefan LeFors and head coach Mike Kelly. This game could be ugly at times and we will carefully go with the Argos on this one.

Pick: Argonauts

CALGARY STAMPEDERS (1-2) at B.C. LIONS (1-2)

There is already a quarterback controversy in Vancouver after Jarious Jackson came off the bench to win one for the Lions after Buck Pierce suffered a concussion. Wally Buono insists Pierce is still the No. 1 man but the pressure to perform is definitely there more than ever. No such controversy in Calgary where Henry Burris finally played to the level expected last week against the Argos, completing 23-of-32 for 348 yards and one touchdown. The Stampeders will prevail in B.C.

Pick: Calgary

Saturday, July 25

EDMONTON ESKIMOS (1-2) at SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS (2-1)

After a great start, the Saskatchewan Roughriders were crushed by the Alouettes last week. The defence did, however, stand strong for the first 30 minutes, managing to limit Anthony Calvillo’s bunch to only 14 points. The offensive line of the Eskimos won’t be able to match wits, nor manage to outmuscle the stout front seven of the Riders and quarterback Ricky Ray should have a miserable day. But Darian Durant will need to see much better performances from his receivers if Saskatchewan is to win this one.

Pick: Saskatchewan

(Last Week 2-2, season 5-7)

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**pm530** · 07-24-2009, 09:03 AM

MLB
Dunkel Index

Oakland at NY Yankees
The Yankees look to build on their 13-3 record in Joba Chamberlain's last 16 home starts. New York is the pick (-190) according to Dunkel, which has the Yankees favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-190). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, JULY 24

Game 901-902: Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Harang) 15.205; Cubs (Wells) 15.044
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-150); No Run Line
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+140); N/A

Game 903-904: San Diego at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Latos) 13.394; Washington (Mock) 13.959
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Washington (-115); 9
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-115); Under

Game 905-906: St. Louis at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Pineiro) 15.302; Philadelphia (Happ) 16.487
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-140); 9
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-140); Over

Game 907-908: NY Mets at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Santana) 14.590; Houston (Hampton) 15.170
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-125); 8
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+115); Under

Game 909-910: Atlanta at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Vazquez) 14.412; Milwaukee (Parra) 15.108
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-130); 8
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+120); Over

Game 911-912: San Francisco at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Cain) 15.817; Colorado (Hammel) 14.960
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Colorado (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+110); Over

Game 913-914: Pittsburgh at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Duke) 14.962; Arizona (Petit) 14.780
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-105); 9
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-105); Under

Game 915-916: Florida at LA Dodgers
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Johnson) 15.574; LA Dodgers (Kershaw) 15.868
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-150); 7
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-150); Over

Game 917-918: Oakland at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Anderson) 16.010; NY Yankees (Chamberlain) 17.572
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-190); 9
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-190); Over

Game 919-920: Tampa Bay at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Garza) 14.083; Toronto (Halladay) 15.297
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Toronto (-140); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-140); Under

Game 921-922: Chicago White Sox at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Colon) 14.883; Detroit (Bonine) 15.310
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Detroit (-125); 10
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-125); Under

Game 923-924: Baltimore at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Bergesen) 15.266; Boston (Penny) 14.822
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Boston (-155); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+145); Under

Game 925-926: Texas at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Feldman) 14.988; Kansas City (Greinke) 14.690
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-150); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (+140); Over

Game 927-928: Minnesota at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Liriano) 15.419; LA Angels (Lackey) 16.959
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-150); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-150); Over

Game 929-930: Cleveland at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Laffey) 14.648; Seattle (Rowland-Smith) 15.702
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Seattle (-125); 9
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-125); Under

Game 931-932: Chicago White Sox at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Contreras) 15.083; Detroit (Verlander) 16.214
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Detroit (-170); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-170); Over

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**pm530** · 07-24-2009, 09:11 AM

MLB
Write-up

Friday, July 24

Hot Pitchers
-- Wells is 5-1, 3.49 in his last six starts.
-- Happ is 3-0, 1.46 in his last five starts. Pineiro is 2-0, 1.96 in his last three starts.
-- Vazquez is 3-1, 1.35 in his last five starts. Parra is 1-0, 0.69 in his two starts since coming back from the minor leagues.
-- Santana is 2-1, 0.86 in his last three starts.
-- Cain is 2-0, 1.61 in his last four starts.
-- Dodgers won Kershaw's last seven starts (5-0, 0.63). Johnson is 5-2, 2.73 in his last ten starts.

-- Anderson is 2-0, 0.34 in his last four starts.
-- Verlander has a 1.29 RA in his last two starts.
-- Halladay has a 2.25 RA in his last two starts.
-- Greinke has a 2.97 RA in his last four starts, but Royals lost his last four home starts. Feldman is 3-1, 3.65 in his last four starts.
-- Lackey is 2-1, 2.78 in his last five starts.

Cold Pitchers
-- Harang is 0-6, 5.63 in his last ten starts.
-- Mock allowed seven runs in 3.1 IP in his first '09 start. Latos allowed two runs in four IP (75 PT) in his big league debut.
-- Hampton is 0-2, 9.65 in his last couple starts.
-- Hammel is 0-2, 4.43 in his last four starts.
-- Petit is 0-4, 7.05 in eight starts this season. Duke is 0-4, 4.50 in his last four starts.

-- Knuckleballer Bonine is 2-4, 4.67 in 12 AAA starts; he was 2-1, 5.40 in five major league starts LY. Colon is 1-3, 9.47 in his last four starts. Contreras is 2-3, 4.50 in his last five starts.
-- Chamberlain has a 6.19 RA in his last seven starts.
-- Garza is 0-2, 6.06 in his last three starts.
-- Orioles are 1-6 in Bergesen's road starts (0-3, 5.19). Red Sox lost last four Penny starts (0-2, 4.50).
-- Liriano is 0-1, 5.89 in his last three starts.
-- Laffey is 0-1, 7.05 in his last three starts. Rowland-Smith allowed two runs in 3.1 IP in his only '09 start, back on April 10.

Hot Teams
-- Cubs are 5-2 since the All-Star break.
-- Phillies won 15 of their last 17 games.
-- Astros won nine of their last twelve games.
-- Braves won 10 of their last 13 games.
-- Rockies won six of their last eight games.
-- Diamondbacks won five of their last seven home games.
-- Dodgers won their last five games, scoring 34 runs. Marlins won six of their last eight road games.

-- Bronx won 12 of its last 14 home games.
-- White Sox won five of their last seven games.
-- Rangers won their last four games, allowing nine runs.
-- Twins won six of their last nine road games. Angels won nine of their last eleven games.
-- Mariners won five of their last six games.

Cold Teams
-- Reds lost nine of their last twelve games.
-- Padres lost 16 of their last 19 games. Nationals lost six of their last eight home games.
-- Cardinals lost six of their last nine games.
-- Mets lost eight of their last ten road games.
-- Brewers lost five of their last seven home games.
-- Giants lost seven of their last eight road games.
-- Pirates lost eight of their last nine road games.

-- Oakland lost 12 of its last 19 road games.
-- Blue Jays are 4-7 in their last eleven home games. Rays are 4-6 in last ten road games.
-- Tigers lost five of last six games; their last four losses were all 2-1.
-- Red Sox lost their last five games, scoring total of nine runs. Orioles lost five of their last six games.
-- Royals lost 10 of their last 12 home games.
-- Indians are 5-10 in their last fifteen road games.

Totals
-- Over is 3-0-1 in Cincinnati's last four road games.
-- Seven of last nine Washington home games stayed under total.
-- Six of last seven St Louis games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 8-1-1 in Mets' last ten road games.
-- Five of last seven games at Miller Park stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last eight San Francisco road games stayed under total.
-- Under is 6-2-1 in Pirates' last nine road games.
-- Under is 8-3-1 in Dodgers' last twelve home games.

-- Under is 6-2-1 in Oakland's last nine road games.
-- Under is 5-1-1 in last seven games at Rogers Centre.
-- Five of last six White Sox games stayed under the total.
-- Last seven Boston games stayed under the total.
-- Last eight Texas games all stayed under the total.
-- 11 of last 13 Minnesota road games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 7-1-1 in Seattle's last nine games.

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**pm530** · 07-24-2009, 09:18 AM

MLB

Friday, July 24

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Trend Report
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1:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. DETROIT
Chi White Sox are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chi White Sox's last 7 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing Chi White Sox
Detroit is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games

2:20 PM
CINCINNATI vs. CHI CUBS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs
Cincinnati is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Chi Cubs are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games

7:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. DETROIT
Chi White Sox are 15-7-1 SU in their last 23 games
Chi White Sox are 2-3-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 2-3-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
Detroit is 4-7-1 SU in their last 12 games when playing Chi White Sox

7:05 PM
OAKLAND vs. NY YANKEES
Oakland is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
Oakland is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games at home
NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games

7:05 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. WASHINGTON
San Diego is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 6 games when playing Washington
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Diego
Washington is 3-12 SU in its last 15 games

7:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. PHILADELPHIA
St. Louis is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 8 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games
Philadelphia is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home

7:07 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. TORONTO
Tampa Bay is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay

7:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. BOSTON
Baltimore is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games
Boston is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games when playing Baltimore

8:00 PM
NY METS vs. HOUSTON
NY Mets are 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Mets's last 7 games when playing Houston
Houston is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games

8:05 PM
ATLANTA vs. MILWAUKEE
Atlanta is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Atlanta's last 21 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Milwaukee's last 12 games when playing Atlanta

8:10 PM
TEXAS vs. KANSAS CITY
Texas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
Kansas City is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games

9:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. COLORADO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing Colorado
San Francisco is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Colorado is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Colorado is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games at home

9:40 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. ARIZONA
Pittsburgh is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games when playing Arizona
Arizona is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
Arizona is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games when playing Pittsburgh

10:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. LA ANGELS
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home
LA Angels are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games

10:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. SEATTLE
Cleveland is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Cleveland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Seattle is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Seattle's last 7 games when playing Cleveland

10:10 PM
FLORIDA vs. LA DODGERS
Florida is 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Florida's last 8 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing Florida
LA Dodgers are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against Florida

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**pm530** · 07-24-2009, 09:22 AM

MLB

Friday, July 24

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Hot lines: Today’s best MLB bets
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Minnesota Twins at Los Angeles Angels (-143)

It’s a widely held belief that home-field advantage means less in baseball than in all other major sports. Even so, the Anaheim Angels and Minnesota Twins might be exceptions to the rule.

Each has a record that reflects its preference for the friendly confines of its home stadium and the reeling Twins appear to be limping toward Anaheim at just the wrong time.

The sizzling Angels are 9-3 in their last 12 home games and have won nine of their past 10 overall. They are 27-18 at home for the season, while the Twins are 20-27 away from Minnesota.

What’s more, Minnesota’s bullpen has been taxed and exposed of late. The Twins managed to yield 32 runs in three games to the light-hitting Oakland A’s, losing two of three in the series. Their team ERA dipped to 4.48, 23rd in the majors.

Minnesota swept Anaheim on the Twins’ home turf back in April. Turnabout is likely the fair play here, as Angels stalwart John Lackey (5-4, 3.93 ERA) looks to get on track against Minnesota’s struggling Francisco Liriano (4-9. 5.33 ERA).

Pick: Angels

Chicago White Sox at Detroit Tigers (-120)

Conventional wisdom suggests that professional athletes can focus on the task at hand, regardless of past or future considerations. Human nature tells that they are, well, humans like everyone else, and occasionally distractions will enter into their mindsets.

So while it’s tempting to believe the White Sox will be able to go back to business after witnessing Mark Buehrle’s perfect game Thursday, you also have to consider that – voluntarily or not – they might be primed to take a day off and admire his work.

Of course, there’s really no time to celebrate, as the White Sox are coming off an important series against the Tampa Bay Rays in which they won three of four to stay afloat of the American League Central race.

Even so, the potential distraction might be a moot point against the Tigers, who start this home stand hungry for a winning streak after dropping five of their last six games.

Sending 10-agme winner Justin Verlander to the hill could cure what has been ailing Detroit. He has given up just three earned runs in his past two starts, despite losing 2-1 to the New York Yankees in his last outing.

Pick: Tigers

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**pm530** · 07-24-2009, 09:25 AM

MLB

Friday, July 24

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Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
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Streaking

J. A. Happ (Philadelphia Phillies)

Philadelphia’s 26-year-old lefty suddenly is the hottest thing to come around the ballpark since the concession stand’s last cheese steak. He’s also a big reason why the Phillies have taken control of the National League East.

Happ (7-0, 2.68 ERA) is 5-0 with five no decisions in his past 10 starts, and he has given three earned runs or fewer in eight of those performances. The 6-foot-6 pitcher also has proved durable, throwing six or more innings seven times in this span.

Happ’s rising star is becoming the subject of some debate among Phillies fans and local media; it appears they would have to deal him in order to make a trade-deadline move but, predictably, the club seems reluctant to do so.

Josh Johnson (Florida Marlins)

Johnson (8-2, 2.74 ERA) has emerged as the staff ace and rock-solid workhorse for the Marlins, who have needed every one of his quality starts to remain competitive.

The 6-foot-7 right-hander has been dominant of late, posting a record of 5-1 with three no decisions in his past nine starts for Florida. He has been a savior for the bullpen as well, eating up seven or more innings seven times in his last 10 trips to the hill.

Johnson is coming off another stellar outing in which he threw six-plus innings and gave up just one run in a 5-1 win July 12 over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Slumping

Aaron Harang (Cincinnati Reds)

Harang (5-10, 4.17 ERA) is notorious for starting seasons strong but fading in the late going; this season, it appears he’s trying to outdo himself.

The erratic 31-year-old righty has gone 0-6 with four no decisions in his past 10 starts. He has yielded at least three earned runs in seven of those outings, twice giving up five or more. Harang has been tagged for 10 home runs and walked 14 batters during this span.

Harang has lost his last two starts, including a 5-1 loss to the Brewers on July 18.

Mike Hampton (Houston Astros)

The 36-year-old veteran lefty found a place in Houston for some relief appearances and occasional spot starting duty. The fact that Hampton has become part of the rotation speaks more to Astros’ pitching woes than Hampton’s prowess on the mound.
In other words, Houston, we have a problem.

Hampton (5-7, 4.63 ERA) has given up nine earned runs over his past two starts, including an embarrassing outing July 11 against the Washington Nationals in which he was bombed for five earned runs in three-plus innings.

He also put the Astros in an early hole from which they could not recover in his last start against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Overall, Hampton is 1-3 with one no decision in his last five starts.

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**pm530** · 07-24-2009, 09:31 AM

MLB
Baseball Today

SCOREBOARD

Friday, July 24

St. Louis at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EDT). The Phillies host the Cardinals in the opener of a three-game series between NL division leaders. Philadelphia left-hander J.A. Happ (7-0, 2.68 ERA) is scheduled to face Joel Pineiro (8-9, 3.09).

STARS

Thursday

-Mark Buehrle, White Sox, pitched the first perfect game in the major leagues in five years and Chicago beat Tampa Bay 5-0.

-Mark Teixeira, Yankees, homered and drove in three runs and New York extended its winning streak to seven with a rain-delayed 6-3 victory over Oakland.

-Barry Zito, Giants, gave up only three hits in seven innings and San Francisco beat Atlanta 5-1 on Thursday to avoid a four-game sweep.

-Jarrod Washburn, Mariners, pitched seven scoreless innings and Seattle beat Detroit 2-1.

-Mike Napoli, Angels, hit a run-scoring double in the 10th inning to give Los Angeles a 6-5 win over Minnesota.

-Miguel Montero and Chad Tracy, Diamondbacks. Montero doubled in the go-ahead run in a five-run seventh and pinch-hitter Tracy capped the inning with a three-run home run, leading Arizona to an 11-4 victory over Pittsburgh.

PERFECT

Mark Buehrle pitched the 18th perfect game in major league history, a 5-0 win over Tampa Bay. It was the first since Randy Johnson's on May 18, 2004. Buehrle threw 76 of 116 pitches for strikes and fanned six in his second no-hitter - the first coming on April 18, 2007, against Texas. The 30-year-old left-hander became only the second pitcher to throw two no-hitters for the White Sox: Frank Smith did it against Detroit in 1905 and the Philadelphia Athletics in 1908. The only previous perfect game for the White Sox was by Charles Robertson at Detroit on April 30, 1922.

CATCH OF THE DAY

Chicago's DeWayne Wise, just into the game as a defensive replacement, robbed Gabe Kapler of a leadoff home run in the ninth inning to preserve Mark Buehrle's perfect game. With the count 2-2, Kapler hit a drive to deep left-center. Wise sprinted, jumped and got his glove above the fence to make the catch. The ball almost came out when Wise caromed off the fence, stumbled, fell to the ground and rolled. But he bounced right up, displaying the ball in his bare left hand.

FIRST FAN

President Barack Obama gave Mark Buehrle a call after the White Sox pitcher tossed a no-hitter against Tampa Bay. White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said Obama told Buehrle: "It was an unbelievable achievement, something that everyone will always remember.''

CAN YOU TOP THIS

The Yankees beat Oakland 6-3 for their 30th comeback victory this season. Not to be outdone, the Angels beat Minnesota 6-5 in 10 innings for their 31st come-from-behind win.

SLAM POSTERIZED

The Dodgers are producing a poster with artwork depicting Manny Ramirez's pinch-hit grand slam that moved him within two of tying Lou Gehrig's career record. The individually numbered posters will be given away to the first 20,000 fans attending the game against Milwaukee on Aug. 5. Ramirez's slam propelled the Dodgers to a 6-2 victory over Cincinnati on Wednesday night.

SLUGGER SLOWED

Astros slugger Lance Berkman was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left calf. Berkman has missed five starts with the injury, but the Astros had hoped he would heal quickly and could avoid a stint on the DL. ... Phillies relievers J.C. Romero and Chad Durbin were placed on the 15-day disabled list, a big blow to the Philadelphia bullpen. Romero has a strained left forearm and Durbin strained a muscle in his back.

UNDER THE KNIFE

Nationals left-hander Scott Olsen had surgery to repair a small labrum tear in his left shoulder. The surgery showed no further damage, but Olsen will be out six to eight weeks to begin a throwing program and should be ready for spring training.

STAT

Arizona catcher Miguel Montero is hitting .359 with six doubles, five home runs and 13 RBIs in July, leading major league catchers in batting average, homers and slugging percentage in that span.

SPEAKING

"Never thought I'd throw a no-hitter, never thought I'd throw a perfect game, never thought I'd hit a home run. Never say never in this game because crazy stuff can happen.'' - White Sox ace Mark Buehrle after pitching a perfect game 5-0 against the Tampa Bay Rays.

SEASONS

July 24

1909 - Nap Rucker of the Brooklyn Dodgers struck out 16 batters in a 1-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

1931 - In an 8-7 loss to Pittsburgh, Babe Herman of Brooklyn hit for the cycle for the second time in the season.

1947 - Jackie Robinson stole home for the first time in his major league career in the Brooklyn Dodgers' 4-2 win over Pittsburgh.

1949 - Cleveland pitcher Bob Lemon hit two home runs to lead the Indians to a 7-5 victory over the Washington Senators in the opener of a doubleheader.

1968 - Hoyt Wilhelm of the Chicago White Sox passed Cy Young's major league record when he made his 907th appearance. He retired with 1,070 appearances.

1973 - Bobby Bonds homered and doubled to lead the NL to a 7-1 rout of the AL in the All-Star game at Kansas City.

1983 - The "Pine Tar'' home run was hit by the Kansas City Royals' George Brett off New York pitcher Rich Gossage at Yankee Stadium. Brett's shot came with two outs in the top of the ninth to give the Royals a 5-4 lead. Brett's homer was ruled an out because the amount of pine tar exceeded what was allowed. After a protest by the Royals, the final out and the Yankees' half of the ninth was completed on Aug. 18.

1993 - Anthony Young of the New York Mets extended his record losing streak to 27 games when he walked in the winning run in the 10th inning for a 5-4 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

1999 - In their biggest victory in 46 years, the New York Yankees routed the Cleveland Indians 21-1 as Chili Davis went 5-for-6 with six RBIs.

Today's birthdays: Jose Valverde 30; Ryan Speier 30; Jason Smith 32; Barry Bonds 45

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**pm530** · 07-24-2009, 09:35 AM

MLB
This Day in Baseball

On July 24 in Baseball History...

1882 - Chicago sets a National League record for runs by beating Cleveland 35-4. Seven Chicago players get four or more hits, and six score four or more runs. The record will last until June 29, 1897, when Chicago will pile up thirty-six runs against Louisville.

1968 - Hoyt Wilhelm's 907th game breaks Cy Young's record for Major League pitching appearances, but he loses a 2-1 decision to Oakland.

1973 - The National League wins the All-Star Game at Kansas City 7-1. A record fifty-four players are used, including Willie Mays, who strikes out in his final All-Star appearance, and Catfish Hunter, who sustains a fractured thumb that will sideline him for four weeks. The A's ace has a 15-3 record at the time.

1977 - Seattle's John Montague pitches 6 1/3 innings of perfect relief against California, giving him thirty-three consecutive batsmen retired over two games to tie the American League record.

1978 - Pete Rose singles twice during the Reds' 5-3 win over the Mets, extending his hitting streak to thirty-seven games to tie the modern Major League record held by Tommy Holmes. Mets pitcher Pat Zachry, after allowing Rose's first hit, kicks the dugout steps in anger, breaking his foot and ending his season.

1979 - Carl Yastrzemski hits his four-hundredth career home run in Boston's 7–3 win over Oakland, off Mike Morgan, in the seventh inning at Fenway Park.

1983 - In the memorable Pine Tar Game at Yankee Stadium, George Brett hits an apparent 2-run home run off Rich Gossage to give the Royals a 5-4 lead with two outs in the ninth inning. But Yankees manager Billy Martin points out that the pine tar on Brett's bat handle exceeds the seventeen inches allowed in the rules. As a result, Brett is called out for illegally batting the ball, giving New York a 4-3 victory. The Royals immediately protest, and American League President Lee MacPhail overrules his umpires for the first time saying that, while the rules should certainly be rewritten and clarified, the home run will stand and the game will be resumed from that point on August 18.

1993 - Mets outfielder Vince Coleman throws an explosive device - the equivalent of a quarter stick of dynamite - at fans after a game at Dodger Stadium. Amanda Santos, 2, suffers injuries to her cheek, finger and eye, and two others complain of injuries as well. Prosecutors decide to charge Coleman with a felony rather than a misdemeanor because of the explosive's strength and the amount of damage. The Mets later announce the high-priced Coleman will never again play for the team; he doesn't.

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Announcement

Friday Trends and Indexes 7/24 (MLB, CFL, Misc.)

Friday Trends and Indexes 7/24 (MLB, CFL, Misc.)

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