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**pm530** · 07-27-2009, 05:50 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Monday, July 27

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Dodgers begin a series in St. Louis, the Rays get a visit from the Yankees, and the Blue Jays get ready to face King Felix.

Colliding in the Junior Circuit . . .

A.J. Burnett (9-4, 3.74 ERA) will get the ball on Monday night as the Yankees begin a road series in Tampa Bay against the Rays and James Shields (6-6, 3.70 ERA). Burnett has been on a roll for New York, as the team is 5-0 in his last five outings; the righthander held the Orioles to two runs over seven innings last time out. Righthander Shields had to settle for a no-decision against the White Sox in his last start, surrendering just two earned runs on four hits over his 6 2-3 innings.

Also on the American League schedule for Monday: Kansas City at Baltimore, Oakland at Boston, Detroit at Texas, the White Sox at Minnesota, Cleveland at the Angels, and Toronto at Seattle. Ricky Romero (8-4, 3.44 ERA) gets the nod for the Blue Jays in that contest; the lefthander beat the Indians last time out, giving up four runs in 5 1-3 innings. The Mariners will counter with Felix Hernandez (11-3, 2.45 ERA); Seattle has won the righthander's last eight starts.

Clashing in the Senior Circuit . . .

It'll be Randy Wolf (5-4, 3.45 ERA) vs. Chris Carpenter (8-3, 2.26 ERA) on Monday night as the Cardinals play host to the Dodgers. Lefthander Wolf picked up a win in his start against the Reds last time out, giving up just two earned runs on four hits over his 7 1-3 innings of work. Righthander Carpenter allowed just two earned runs over eight innings in his start against the Astros last time out, but got stuck with a no-decision. The righthander won his previous three outings.

Rounding out the National League slate for Monday: San Diego at Cincinnati, Colorado at the Mets, Washington at Milwaukee, Philadelphia at Arizona, Houston at the Cubs, and Pittsburgh at San Francisco. Paul Maholm (6-4, 4.63 ERA) gets the start for the Pirates on Monday; the lefthander was roughed up for seven runs by the Brewers last time out. Tim Lincecum (10-3, 2.45 ERA) is also coming off a shaky outing, giving up four runs in five innings against the Braves.

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**pm530** · 07-27-2009, 05:51 AM

Six-pack for Monday

Sizing up the SEC West this season.......

-- Ole Miss-- Have 16 starters back and terrific QB, but they've never been to SEC title game and have to deal with expectations this year.

-- Alabama-- Only four starters back on offense; have new QB and a freshman right tackle, but they'll have sturdy defense (9 starters back).

-- LSU-- Mystified how this team didn't have a decent QB last year. Went 3-5 in SEC LY, after being 34-9 previous five years. This year had better be much improved, or the natives will get restless.

-- Arkansas-- 18 starters back and a Michigan transfer at QB, so there are expectations in Hog Nation. They were -9 in turnovers LY, lost 47 starts to injuries, so if luck evens out, they could improve this year.

-- Auburn-- Fired successful Tuberville, hired a guy who was 5-19 in two years at Iowa State. Tigers were 48-18 in SEC from 2000-7, then had one 2-6 season and they fired the coach. Good luck..........

-- Mississippi State-- 13-51 in SEC since 2001, they try another new coach in former Florida aide Mullen- he has only 10 starters back and is switching to passing offense. This could be a long year for State.

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Monday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but........

13) Seattle Mariners are 51-46 this year, a pleasant surprise, but they're probably not a playoff team; in other words, they're a lot like the 2008 A's, who traded Blanton/Harden despite being nine games over .500 in July. My advice? Keep your players, and keep your fans happy-- when you tank with a team over .500, fans get upset, very, very upset......

12) Out of Sunday's 30 starting pitchers, 10 finished 7th inning, eight didn't finish the fifth. There were no complete games.

11) Underrated pitcher no one knows: Nationals are 7-3 in Lannan's last ten starts. he throws strikes, keeps hitters off-balance, gets them out.

10) John Daly threw out the first ball at the White Sox-Tiger game last night; hope he wasn't wearing those awful pants he was wearing at the British Open. Daly is playing at the last Buick Open this week; after 51 years, GM has pulled up sponsorship for obvious financial reasons.

9) Let me see, White Sox are moving Clayton Richard to bullpen, after his last two starts were eight IP, one run allowed in each? Would think his name might get mentioned some in trade talks this week. Either than or they'll keep him in the rotation.

8) This weekend was first time since May 14-16 that David Wright had an RBI in three straight games.

7) Rich Harden is hot for the Cubs, who inched back into first place on Sunday; in his last three starts, Harden has allowed three runs in 19 IP.

6) Best thing about Hall of Fame Sunday is no Joe Morgan on Sunday Night Baseball; Phillips/Hershiser work well together.

5) Shouldn't the Blue Jays wear blue jerseys, not black?

4) John Smoltz' struggles have to be hampering Red Sox' trading, since they'll have to deal some young pitchers to get Victor Martinez or the Padres' Adrian Gonzalez (San Diego says they're not trading him). In his six starts, Smoltz has allowed 24 runs in 30.2 IP. Not very good.

3) Got several e-mails today informing me the guy who played sheriff in My Cousin Vinny is Bruce McGill, who was also in Animal House and has appeared in 126 movies (Animal House was just his second). You would definitely recognize him if you saw him.

2) Canadian Open is having a terrible time with weather-- they had five inches of rain in four days there, and may not finish until Tuesday.

1) NCAA might pass a rule this year that allows college hoop coaches to work with any players who are in summer school. Coaches seem to want this-- it would change the summer recruiting landscape a lot, since head coaches would stay home more in July, and off the recruiting trail. All the assistant coaches would then spend July on the road, recruiting.

From: Armadillo
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**pm530** · 07-27-2009, 05:53 AM

MLB
Write-up

Monday, July 27

Hot Pitchers
-- Zambrano is 3-1, 3.41 in his last five starts. Rodriguez is 5-0, 1.50 in his last six starts.
-- Wolf is 2-1, 2.84 in his last five starts. Carpenter is 3-0, 1.86 in his last four outings.
-- Stammen is 2-2, 2.15 in his last four starts.
-- Garland has a 3.33 RA in his last five starts. Moyer is 5-1, 4.46 in his last six starts (2.50 RA in his last three road starts).
-- Lincecum is 4-1, 1.85 in his last six starts.

-- Burnett is 4-0, 2.43 in his last five starts.
-- Beckett is 4-1, 2.12 in his last six starts.
-- Galarraga has a 2.36 RA in his last four starts. Hunter is 2-0, 1.04 in his last three starts.
-- Danks is 3-0, 2.52 in his last four starts.
-- Hernandez is 4-0, 1.45 in his last four starts. Toronto won six of last eight Romero starts.

Cold Pitchers
-- Bailey is 0-2, 8.44 in his last four starts. Geer is 0-5, 6.44 in his last ten starts.
-- Rockies lost eight of last ten Jimenez road starts. Perez is 1-2, 7.62 in his last six starts.
-- Suppan is 0-3, 6.52 in his last seven starts.
-- Maholm has a 7.59 RA in his last six road starts.

-- Shields is 0-1, 4.96 in his last five starts.
-- Chen is 0-5, 6.93 in five starts this season. Hill is 0-2, 11.45 in his last five starts.
-- Cahill is 1-3, 9.27 in his last five road starts.
-- Perkins is 1-2, 13.94 in his last two starts.
-- Pavano is 2-4, 8.17 in his last seven starts. Saunders is 0-2, 10.52 in his last five starts.

Hot Teams
-- Rockies won eight of their last eleven games.
-- Nationals won four of their last six games, but they're 5-24 in their last 29 road games.
-- Astros won 10 of their last 15 games. Cubs are 8-2 since the All-Star break.
-- Phillies won 17 of their last 20 games. Arizona won three of four.
-- Dodgers won six of their last eight games.

-- Tampa Bay is 21-5 in its last 26 home games. Bronx won nine of its last ten games.
-- Tigers won three of their last four games, but lost five of their last six on the road. Rangers won six of their last seven games.
-- Angels won 11 of their last 14 games. Indians won five of their last six games.

Cold Teams
-- Cardinals lost five of their last seven games.
-- Mets lost six of their last nine road games.
-- Reds lost 12 of their last 15 games. Padres lost 18 of their last 22. .
-- Brewers lost seven of their last ten home games.
-- Pirates lost ten of their last twelve road games. Giants lost five of last six games, but are 10-3 in their last thirteen home contests.

-- Orioles lost seven of their last nine games. Royals lost eight of their last eleven road games.
-- Oakland lost 14 of its last 22 road games. Red Sox lost six of eight.
-- White Sox lost seven of their last nine road games. Twins lost six of their last eight games.
-- Mariners are 3-6 in their last nine home games. Toronto lost 11 of its last 13 road games.

Totals
-- Under is 10-4-1 in Cincinnati's last fifteen home games.
-- Six of last eight Colorado road games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Washington road games went over the total.
-- Under is 11-5-1 in Houston's last 17 road games.
-- Over is 8-2-1 in Dodgers' last eleven road games.
-- Over is 5-1-1 in Phillies' last seven games.
-- Under is 8-2-2 in Pirates' last twelve road games.

-- Over is 7-3-1 in Bronx Bombers' last eleven road games.
-- Under is 10-3-1 in Royals' last fourteen road games.
-- Under is 9-0-1 in last ten Boston games.
-- Under is 9-0-2 in last eleven Texas games.
-- Nine of last ten White Sox games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 4-0-1 in Cleveland's last five games.
-- Under is 10-3-1 in Toronto's last fourteen games.

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**pm530** · 07-27-2009, 05:54 AM

MLB

Monday, July 27

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Trend Report
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7:05 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. BALTIMORE
Kansas City is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games
Kansas City is 5-16 SU in its last 21 games when playing Baltimore
Baltimore is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games when playing Kansas City
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games when playing Kansas City

7:08 PM
NY YANKEES vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
NY Yankees are 8-3 SU in their last 11 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing at home against NY Yankees

7:10 PM
COLORADO vs. NY METS
Colorado is 2-18 SU in its last 20 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Colorado's last 7 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
NY Mets are 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Mets's last 5 games when playing Colorado

7:10 PM
LA DODGERS vs. ST. LOUIS
LA Dodgers are 3-16 SU in their last 19 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
LA Dodgers are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games
St. Louis is 16-5 SU in their last 21 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers

7:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. BOSTON
Oakland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Oakland is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Boston
Boston is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Oakland
Boston is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Oakland

7:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. CINCINNATI
San Diego is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games on the road
San Diego is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games at home

8:05 PM
DETROIT vs. TEXAS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing on the road against Texas
Detroit is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Texas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Texas's last 11 games

8:05 PM
HOUSTON vs. CHI CUBS
Houston is 4-8 SU in their last 12 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
Chi Cubs are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games at home

8:05 PM
WASHINGTON vs. MILWAUKEE
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Washington is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Milwaukee is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games at home

8:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. MINNESOTA
Chi White Sox are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Chi White Sox's last 9 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games at home

9:40 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. ARIZONA
Philadelphia is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Arizona is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

10:05 PM
CLEVELAND vs. LA ANGELS
Cleveland is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Cleveland's last 13 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Angels's last 6 games when playing Cleveland
LA Angels are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games at home

10:10 PM
TORONTO vs. SEATTLE
Toronto is 7-17 SU in its last 24 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Toronto's last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Seattle's last 9 games when playing Toronto
Seattle is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto

10:15 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Pittsburgh is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games when playing San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing San Francisco
San Francisco is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games

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**pm530** · 07-27-2009, 05:56 AM

MLB

Monday, July 27

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Hot lines: Today’s best MLB bets
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Los Angeles Dodgers at St. Louis Cardinals -172

This one could come down to a battle of the bullpens and, if this is the case, it’s advantage: Dodgers.

The battle of starters between Randy Wolf of the Dodgers and the resurgent Chris Carpenter of the Cardinals is closer than it appears on paper, but Carpenter gives the edge to the Cardinals.

Even so, the Busch Stadium hopeful had better pray that they get Carpenter’s best stuff. Otherwise, it could be another long night.

The Cardinals return home having lost five of seven in their recent road swing, and new addition Matt Holliday hasn’t been enough to overcome season-long woes from their relief pitchers.

In losing two of three to the Philadelphia Phillies over the weekend, the St. Louis bullpen gave up 21 earned runs for an ERA of 7.66. For the season, they have a bullpen ERA of 4.18, which is 21st in the majors.

The Dodgers, who won six of eight on their recent home stand, have had one of the league’s most effective bullpens. Their 3.24 bullpen ERA ranks second in the majors.

The price here provides enough value to back the team with the best record in the majors.

Pick: Dodgers

Colorado Rockies at New York Mets (+142)

Some things just don’t go together, like orange juice and toothpaste, Regis and Kathy Lee ... and logic and the New York Mets.

The Mets seemed to be inventing new ways to lose games; their 5-4 loss Friday was aided by a home run to the opposing pitcher, Houston’s Mike Hampton, given up by their ace Johan Santana.

Upon sinking to their worst record in five years, many bettors decided there was no time like now to jump off the Mets’ bandwagon.

Naturally, the Mets responded by beating Houston two straight days by a combined score of 18-6.

The Mets’ erratic tendencies could provide value here. They are 4-10 in their last 14 games as an underdog, whereas the Rockies are 16-5 in their past 21 road games. Going against conventional wisdom seems to be the only move with the Mets.

Pick: Mets

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**pm530** · 07-27-2009, 05:57 AM

MLB

Monday, July 27

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Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
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Streaking

Chris Carpenter, St. Louis Cardinals

The oft-injured Carpenter (8-3, 2.26 ERA) looks as though he might finally be returning to top form, which couldn’t come at a better time for the reeling Cardinals. St. Louis pitchers were battered by the Philadelphia Phillies over the weekend, yielding 23 runs while dropping both games in embarrassing fashion.

Carpenter, a 21-game winner and the National League Cy Young award winner in 2005, has missed most of the past two seasons with injuries. His career was speculated to be in jeopardy after he struggled to recover from Tommy John surgery, and he spent part of this season on the disabled list as well.

However, he has rebounded to give the St. Louis rotation some needed stability. Carpenter, 34, is 3-0 with one no decision in his past four starts, striking out 23 while walking just six in this span. He has given up more than three earned runs just once in last 10 starts.

Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners

Seattle’s ace right-hander quietly has put together one of the more impressive seasons for starters in the American League. Moreover, he has almost single-handedly kept the Mariners in contention in the American League West.

The 23-year-old Hernandez (11-3, 2.45 ERA) has won his last six decisions, and has four more no decisions to go along with them in his past 10 starts, nine of which resulted in Seattle victories.

He has been a model of consistency in this span, throwing more than 100 pitches each time out, and has gone seven innings or longer nine times. Hernandez takes the mound Monday on the heels of back-to-back road wins against the Cleveland Indians and Toronto Blue Jays.

Slumping

Jason Berken, Baltimore Orioles

At what point does a “slump” officially turn into a season of misery? Ask Baltimore’s Jason Berken (1-8, 6.55 ERA). On second thought, it might be best to let the numbers speak for themselves.

After winning his first start of the season, the 25-year-old rightly has reeled off a forgettable run of eight losses and two no decisions in his past 10 starts. He has given up four or more earned runs six times during this span, including a nine-spot against the light-hitting Oakland A’s.

He yielded 11 earned runs over 10-plus innings in his past two starts, losses to the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees.

Jon Garland, Arizona Diamondbacks

The erstwhile reliable Garland has struggled in his first year with the Diamondbacks, suffering from some control problems and a lack of run support.

The 29-year-old Garland (5-9, 4.41 ERA) needs to pick up some wins fast in order to make it eight straight seasons with double-figure wins, a streak that includes back-to-back 18-win campaigns for the White Sox.

Garland has slumped to a mark of 1-2 with two no decisions in his past five starts, and has walked at least two batters in five of his past 10 outings. He gave up three earned runs against the Colorado Rockies in his last start, which resulted in a no decision.

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**pm530** · 07-27-2009, 06:43 AM

MLB
Baseball Today

SCOREBOARD

Monday, July 27

Los Angeles at St. Louis (7:05 p.m. EDT). Randy Wolf (5-4) starts for the Dodgers, who have the National League's best record, against Chris Carpenter (8-3) and the Cardinals, who are a half-game behind the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central.

STARS

Sunday

-Justin Morneau, Twins, hit two homers to help Minnesota end the Los Angeles Angels' eight-game winning streak with a 10-1 victory.

-Nick Markakis, Orioles, homered and drove in three runs as the Orioles snapped an 11-game losing streak at Fenway Park with a 6-2 win over Boston.

-Rich Harden, Cubs, pitched six stellar innings to win a day game at Wrigley Field for the first time since last August and Chicago moved into first place with a 5-2 victory over the Reds.

-Scott Rolen, Blue Jays, hit a three-run homer and the Blue Jays handed Rays rookie Jeff Niemann his first loss in his last six decisions with a 5-1 win over Tampa Bay.

-Livan Hernandez, Mets, struck out a season-high seven after a rough start, and New York beat the Astros 8-3.

-Austin Kearns, Nationals, inserted as a defensive replacement in the ninth inning, drove in the winning run with a two-out single in the 10th and Washington beat the Padres 3-2.

-Max Scherzer, Diamondbacks, gave up five singles in seven innings, struck out eight and didn't walk a batter for only the second time in his 26 career starts as Arizona routed Pittsburgh 9-0.

-Aaron Cook, Rockies, pitched seven sharp innings to win his seventh straight decision as Colorado topped San Francisco 4-2.

HIGHEST HONOR

Rickey Henderson, baseball's leading base stealer, former Boston slugger Jim Rice and the late Joe Gordon were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday. Henderson holds the records for steals (1,406), runs scored (2,295), unintentional walks (2,129), and homers leading off a game (81). Rice batted .298 with 382 home runs and 1,451 RBIs from 1974-89. Gordon won the 1942 AL MVP, beating out Triple Crown winner Ted Williams, and was an All-Star nine times in 11 seasons.

STATS & STREAKS

The Baltimore Orioles broke an 11-game losing streak at Fenway Park with a 6-2 win over the Boston Red Sox on Sunday. It was the Orioles' first win at Boston since July 11, 2008. ... Cleveland is scheduled to face its ninth straight lefty starter Monday in the Los Angeles Angels' Joe Saunders. According to STATS, it'll be the first time in Indians history that has happened since at least 1919. ... New York Yankees reliever Phil Hughes has a scoreless streak of 23 1-3 innings. He hasn't allowed a run in his past 16 appearances. ... Colorado has 42 sacrifice flies this season, the most in the majors.

MILESTONE

San Diego's Adrian Gonzalez entered the Padres' 3-2 loss to Washington in 10 innings Sunday as a defensive substitute at first base in the seventh, extending the majors' longest active consecutive games streak to 306. Gonzalez also broke the Padres' consecutive-games record he shared with Steve Garvey.

HOME SWEET HOME

Derek Jeter hit a go-ahead single, Mariano Rivera earned a four-out save and the New York Yankees beat the Oakland Athletics 7-5 on Sunday to complete a 9-1 homestand. Seven of New York's nine wins on the homestand were by two runs or fewer. It was the most wins for the Yankees on a homestand since going 10-2 in June 2004. New York's .900 winning percentage was also its best this decade on a homestand of at least nine games.

WALKING THE BLANK

The Pittsburgh Pirates were shut out for the second straight game, falling 9-0 at Arizona on Sunday. The Pirates, whose 11 shutouts lead the majors, did not score in the final 19 innings of the series. They have been shut out on consecutive days twice this season, the first time in interleague play at the Chicago White Sox on May 22-23.

STELLAR IN RELIEF

Dustin Nippert replaced Kevin Millwood when the starter left after two innings with tightness in his left gluteus. Nippert gave up a run in the seventh on Alex Gordon's single, the only hit he allowed in 4 2-3 innings. Nippert made a start Wednesday, giving up one run in 5 2-3 innings in a victory over Boston while filling in for Vicente Padilla, who was diagnosed with swine flu.

POWER SURGES

Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins and Raul Ibanez all hit two-run homers to lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a 9-2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday. ... Grady Sizemore hit the 20th leadoff homer of his career, Jhonny Peralta hit his second career grand slam and the Indians had four long balls in a 12-3 win over the Mariners to complete a three-game sweep.

SWINGS

The New York Mets had at least 12 hits for the third straight game, getting 13 in an 8-3 win over the Houston Astros on Sunday. New York scored 18 runs in two games after scoring fewer than five in 15 of its previous 20. ... Florida's Hanley Ramirez was 2 for 4 in an 8-6 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers and improved to .427 with runners in scoring position - second in the majors - after hitting just .239 in that department last season. ... Rick Porcello gave up five runs and five hits over 5 1-3 innings in Toronto's 5-1 loss to Detroit. The rookie has allowed 19 earned runs in his last four starts after giving up 16 earned runs in the previous 10 outings.

BACK IN BUSINESS

Kelly Johnson hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning of Atlanta's 10-2 victory over Milwaukee on Sunday in his first start since coming off the disabled list Thursday. He went on the disabled list July 3 with right wrist tendinitis.

RAINY REHAB

Pedro Martinez's first minor league rehab start in preparation for a comeback with the Philadelphia Phillies was cut short by rain Sunday. The 37-year-old right-hander worked 1 1-3 innings for Class A Clearwater before the Florida State League game against St. Lucie was stopped because of a downpour. Martinez, who signed a $1 million, one-year contract this month after sitting out the first half of the season, hit a batter and allowed one hit during a 20-pitch first inning that was delayed more than 30 minutes by an early afternoon storm.

DAYDREAM BELIEVER

Rich Harden may have finally solved his daytime pitching problems at Wrigley Field. The Cubs starter gave up just one hit in six stellar innings of Chicago's 5-2 win over the Reds. Harden, whose previous Wrigley Field day victory had been Aug. 24, 2008, snapped two inexplicable trends: Going into Sunday, he had a 1-5 record and 7.38 ERA in day games (vs. 5-1, 2.23 at night) and a 2-5 record and 7.59 ERA at home (vs. 4-1, 2.03 on the road).

SCOUTING

Right-hander Drew Storen, taken by Washington out of Stanford with the 10th pick in the first round of the June draft, has yet to walk a hitter in 18 innings split between Class-A Potomac and Class-A Hagerstown. He has allowed one hit and struck out 20 in his last seven appearances.

SPEAKING

"I'd walk away from the game right now if I didn't think I could do what I can do. There's no thought in my head of that right now.'' - Boston's John Smoltz, who has allowed at least five runs in four of his six starts in his first year with the Red Sox following offseason shoulder surgery and 20 years with Atlanta.

---

"My dream was to play football for the Oakland Raiders. But my mother thought I would get hurt playing football, so she chose baseball for me. I guess moms do know best.'' - Rickey Henderson, baseball's all-time stolen base leader, during his induction speech for the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday.

SEASONS

July 27

1918 - Brooklyn rookie Henry Heitman completed one of the shortest careers in major league history. Heitman appeared on the mound against the St. Louis Cardinals, gave up four consecutive hits and then left the game, never to play a major league game again.

1930 - Ken Ash of Cincinnati got his last major league victory by throwing one pitch. Ash came into relieve in the fifth inning and got Chicago's Charlie Grimm to hit into a triple play. Ash was removed for a pinch hitter and the Reds beat the Cubs 6-5.

1946 - Rudy York of Boston hit two grand slams and drove in 10 runs as the Red Sox beat the St. Louis Browns 13-6.

1950 - Del Ennis of the Philadelphia Phillies drove in seven runs in the seventh and eighth innings of a 13-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs. Ennis doubled with the bases loaded in the seventh and hit a grand slam in the eighth.

1959 - New York lawyer William Shea announced the formation of the Continental League. New York, Houston, Toronto, Denver and Minneapolis-St. Paul were the five cities named and Branch Rickey was named league president.

1978 - Duane Kuiper of Cleveland tied a major league record by becoming the third player in the 20th century to hit two triples in a game, Both came with the bases loaded as the Indians beat the New York Yankees 17-5.

1984 - Montreal's Pete Rose passed Ty Cobb for the most singles in a career with No. 3,053, against the Philadelphia Phillies.

1986 - Two 300-game winners faced each other as Don Sutton hurled six strong innings to outpitch Tom Seaver and give the California Angels a 3-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox.

1996 - The San Diego Padres pounded the Florida Marlins, 20-12. Wally Joyner led the way with five RBIs, while John Flaherty hit a grand slam. The Padres were the sixth club to score 20 runs in a game this season. The last time that happened was 1929.

2008 - Oakland reliever Brad Ziegler recorded six outs to set a major league record with 27 scoreless innings to begin his career. Ziegler broke the previous mark of 25 innings set by Philadelphia Phillies right-hander George McQuillan in 1907.

Today's birthdays: Max Scherzer 25; Alex Rodriguez 34

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**pm530** · 07-27-2009, 06:44 AM

MLB
This Day in Baseball

On July 27 in Baseball History...

1890 - Brooklyn's American Association club holds a 13-8 lead over Columbus in the eighth inning at Long Island Grounds on a Sunday game when they run out of baseballs and are forced to forfeit. Brooklyn will win only 26 of 100 games and will disband on August 25.

1927 - Mel Ott, 18 years old, hits his first Major League home run, an inside-the-park round-tripper. It is the only inside-the-park job of his 511 career homers.

1945 - The Cubs purchase pitcher Hank Borowy from the New York Yankees in an unexpected waiver deal. Borowy, 10-5 with the Yankees, was put on waivers, apparently to solve a roster problem. The Cubs snatch him for $97,500, and he will help the Cubs win the pennant with an 11-2 record.

1953 - Dizzy Dean and Al Simmons are inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame at Cooperstown. Along with them, the veterans committee enshrines Chief Bender, Bobby Wallace, 19th-century manager Harry Wright, executive Ed Barrow, and umpires Bill Klem and Tom Connolly.

1970 - The Expos beat the White Sox 10-6 in the annual Hall of Fame game, following the induction ceremonies for Lou Boudreau, Earle Combs, Ford Frick, and Jesse Haines.

1978 - The Yankees win the first game of a doubleheader 11-0, but the Indians rebound to win the second game 17-5. Duane Kuiper ties the Major League record with two bases-loaded triples in the nightcap, only the third player (after Bill Bruton and Elmer Valo) to do so in the twentieth century.

1982 - Oakland's Rickey Henderson gets caught stealing three times by the Angels. Not since 1916 has an American Leaguer been thrown out three times in a game.

1983 - While picking up his first win as a member of the Royals, Gaylord Perry joins Nolan Ryan and Steve Carlton as the third pitcher this season to reach 3,500 career strikeouts, fanning four Indians in a 5-4 victory to raise his total to 3,501.

1984 - Pete Rose collects his 3,053rd career single off Steve Carlton in the seventh inning of Montreal's 6-1 win over Philadelphia, passing Ty Cobb as baseball's all-time singles king.

1988 - Tommy John makes three errors on one play in the Yankees' 16-3 rout of the Brewers.

1992 - Houston starts its club-record 26-game road trip with a grand slam by Eric Anthony. The Astros are sent away so the Republican National Convention can take over the Astrodome.

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

**Udog** · 07-27-2009, 08:16 AM

MLB
Dunkel

NY Yankees at Tampa Bay
The Rays look to bounce back from yesterday's defeat in Toronto and build on their 8-2 record in James Shields' last 10 starts after a loss in the previous game. Tampa Bay is the pick (+105) according to Dunkel, which has the Rays favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+105). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, JULY 27
Time Posted: 7:30 a.m. EST

Game 951-952: San Diego at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Geer) 13.324; Cincinnati (Bailey) 14.381
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-160); 10
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-160); Under

Game 953-954: Colorado at NY Mets
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Jimenez) 16.019; NY Mets (Perez) 15.552
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Colorado (-155); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-155); Over

Game 955-956: Washington at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Stammen) 13.029; Milwaukee (Suppan) 14.910
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 2; 10
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-160); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-160); Over

Game 957-958: Houston at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Rodriguez) 15.209; Cubs (Zambrano) 15.367
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-145); No Run Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 959-960: LA Dodgers at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Wolf) 15.373; St. Louis (Carpenter) 15.020
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-170); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (+160); Under

Game 961-962: Philadelphia at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Moyer) 16.768; Arizona (Garland) 15.869
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 11
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-120); 10
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-120); Over

Game 963-964: Pittsburgh at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Maholm) 13.873; San Francisco (Lincecum) 15.758
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 2; 9
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-235); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-235); Over

Game 965-966: NY Yankees at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Burnett) 15.111; Tampa Bay (Shields) 15.562
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-115); 9
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+105); Under

Game 967-968: Kansas City at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Chen) 13.956; Baltimore (Hill) 15.322
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-145); 10
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-145); Under

Game 969-970: Oakland at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Cahill) 15.971; Boston (Beckett) 14.766
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-310); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+275); Under

Game 971-972: Detroit at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Galarraga) 15.794; Texas (Hunter) 14.722
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Texas (-140); 10
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+130); Under

Game 973-974: Chicago White Sox at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Danks) 15.502; Minnesota (Perkins) 16.867
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-110); 9
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-110); Over

Game 975-976: Cleveland at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Pavano) 16.353; LA Angels (Saunders) 17.510
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1; 11 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-160); 10
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-160); Over

Game 977-978: Toronto at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Romero) 14.218; Seattle (Hernandez) 14.997
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Seattle (-170); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-170); Over

**Udog** · 07-27-2009, 10:31 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, July 27

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SAN DIEGO (38 - 61) at CINCINNATI (44 - 53) - 7:10 PM
JOSH GEER (R) vs. HOMER BAILEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 38-61 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN DIEGO is 27-44 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 20-40 (-19.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN DIEGO is 21-39 (-16.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SAN DIEGO is 15-29 (-13.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN DIEGO is 38-61 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 9-31 (-19.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 14-35 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 4-19 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in July games this season.
CINCINNATI is 75-99 (-26.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 82-105 (-31.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 60-61 (-37.1 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
BAILEY is 1-13 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BAILEY is 0-8 (-9.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BAILEY is 1-13 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BAILEY is 1-9 (-9.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 3-0 (+3.5 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

JOSH GEER vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
GEER is 0-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 7.94 and a WHIP of 1.235.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

HOMER BAILEY vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
BAILEY is 0-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 4.27 and a WHIP of 1.580.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

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COLORADO (54 - 44) at NY METS (46 - 51) - 7:10 PM
UBALDO JIMENEZ (R) vs. OLIVER PEREZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 45-58 (-22.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 51-114 (-49.9 Units) against the money line in road games in July games since 1997.
JIMENEZ is 23-31 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JIMENEZ is 8-20 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JIMENEZ is 23-31 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 54-44 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 159-144 (+18.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 123-102 (+16.9 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 54-44 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 27-23 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
NY METS are 68-69 (-16.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 135-124 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 50-64 (-28.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 26-31 (-18.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 135-124 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

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

UBALDO JIMENEZ vs. NY METS since 1997
JIMENEZ is 1-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.214.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

OLIVER PEREZ vs. COLORADO since 1997
PEREZ is 4-4 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 4.97 and a WHIP of 1.698.
His team's record is 7-6 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-7. (-2.7 units)

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WASHINGTON (30 - 68) at MILWAUKEE (49 - 49) - 8:05 PM
CRAIG STAMMEN (R) vs. JEFF SUPPAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 30-65 (-30.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 19-50 (-29.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 22-51 (-25.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 30-68 (-33.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 16-33 (-15.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
WASHINGTON is 2-13 (-10.3 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 this season.
WASHINGTON is 10-35 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
WASHINGTON is 13-34 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 38-27 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 18-27 (-11.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 10-17 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in home games in July games over the last 2 seasons.

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

CRAIG STAMMEN vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
No recent starts.

JEFF SUPPAN vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
SUPPAN is 3-4 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.32 and a WHIP of 1.363.
His team's record is 5-5 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-6. (-3.5 units)

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HOUSTON (50 - 48) at CHICAGO CUBS (51 - 45) - 8:05 PM
WANDY RODRIGUEZ (L) vs. CARLOS ZAMBRANO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 63-62 (+14.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 24-17 (+15.4 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.
HOUSTON is 50-48 (+2.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 61-65 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 132-121 (+20.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 96-89 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 99-91 (+15.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
RODRIGUEZ is 14-6 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 493-514 (-113.9 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 17-24 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1008-1054 (-188.6 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 543-488 (-105.3 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 951-970 (-166.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
ZAMBRANO is 7-13 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 6-4 (+0.2 Units) against HOUSTON this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.7 Units)

WANDY RODRIGUEZ vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
RODRIGUEZ is 4-4 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 4.09 and a WHIP of 1.376.
His team's record is 7-5 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-8. (-4.7 units)

CARLOS ZAMBRANO vs. HOUSTON since 1997
ZAMBRANO is 12-7 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.61 and a WHIP of 1.104.
His team's record is 16-10 (+4.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-19. (-14.7 units)

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LA DODGERS (62 - 36) at ST LOUIS (53 - 48) - 7:10 PM
RANDY WOLF (L) vs. CHRIS CARPENTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 25-10 (+13.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
LA DODGERS are 62-36 (+19.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 28-19 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA DODGERS are 62-36 (+19.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 46-25 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 44-25 (+15.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WOLF is 42-29 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WOLF is 62-50 (+21.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 2-9 (-8.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday this season.

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

RANDY WOLF vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
WOLF is 3-4 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.70 and a WHIP of 1.131.
His team's record is 4-5 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-5. (-1.6 units)

CHRIS CARPENTER vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
CARPENTER is 3-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 2.42 and a WHIP of 0.962.
His team's record is 4-0 (+4.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (56 - 40) at ARIZONA (43 - 56) - 9:40 PM
JAMIE MOYER (L) vs. JON GARLAND (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 18-10 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 35-20 (+12.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 56-40 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 12-3 (+8.4 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 29-15 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 19-9 (+10.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 10 to 10.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 26-12 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 19-12 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
MOYER is 34-21 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MOYER is 19-9 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MOYER is 17-9 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MOYER is 15-6 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MOYER is 125-64 (+33.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 9-18 (-11.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 14-28 (-16.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ARIZONA is 39-61 (-26.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 43-56 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 23-31 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ARIZONA is 43-56 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 14-22 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
GARLAND is 38-45 (-21.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)

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

JAMIE MOYER vs. ARIZONA since 1997
MOYER is 2-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.45 and a WHIP of 1.046.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)

JON GARLAND vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
GARLAND is 0-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 9.90 and a WHIP of 1.800.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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PITTSBURGH (43 - 55) at SAN FRANCISCO (52 - 46) - 10:15 PM
PAUL MAHOLM (L) vs. TIM LINCECUM (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 31-78 (-31.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 12-43 (-23.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 52-46 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 21-7 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 159-93 (+44.2 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 26-20 (+6.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 67-59 (+12.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 52-46 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 31-15 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 130-79 (+51.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 2-1 (+1.2 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.1 Units)

PAUL MAHOLM vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
MAHOLM is 1-0 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 2.31 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 4-1 (+4.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.8 units)

TIM LINCECUM vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
LINCECUM is 0-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 4.85 and a WHIP of 1.231.
His team's record is 0-2 (-3.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (+0.1 units)

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NY YANKEES (60 - 38) at TAMPA BAY (54 - 45) - 7:08 PM
A.J. BURNETT (R) vs. JAMES SHIELDS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BURNETT is 18-35 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 93-45 (+33.1 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 58-32 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 101-52 (+34.7 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 22-7 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
TAMPA BAY is 33-13 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 52-20 (+27.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 159-118 (+29.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 92-42 (+35.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 67-46 (+25.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 84-47 (+22.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 4-4 (+1.8 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.6 Units)

A.J. BURNETT vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
BURNETT is 8-4 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.01 and a WHIP of 1.033.
His team's record is 9-9 (-5.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 11-5. (+5.3 units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
SHIELDS is 1-6 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 5.73 and a WHIP of 1.439.
His team's record is 1-7 (-6.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-3. (+1.6 units)

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KANSAS CITY (38 - 59) at BALTIMORE (42 - 55) - 7:05 PM
BRUCE CHEN (L) vs. RICH HILL (L)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 35-53 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 20-38 (-19.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
KANSAS CITY is 14-25 (-12.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
KANSAS CITY is 38-59 (-21.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 15-6 (+12.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 49-46 (+12.8 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 15-26 (-11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
BALTIMORE is 95-93 (-35.8 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.
BALTIMORE is 114-112 (-40.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 2-2 (+0.1 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

BRUCE CHEN vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

RICH HILL vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
HILL is 1-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.17 and a WHIP of 1.587.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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OAKLAND (41 - 56) at BOSTON (57 - 40) - 7:10 PM
TREVOR CAHILL (R) vs. JOSH BECKETT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 18-38 (-16.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OAKLAND is 26-47 (-22.1 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 36-51 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 91-43 (+23.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 145-85 (+30.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 65-30 (+18.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 60-23 (+21.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 73-39 (+23.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 3-3 (+1.5 Units) against BOSTON this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.0 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

TREVOR CAHILL vs. BOSTON since 1997
CAHILL is 0-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 1.313.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

JOSH BECKETT vs. OAKLAND since 1997
BECKETT is 3-3 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.289.
His team's record is 3-3 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.0 units)

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DETROIT (52 - 45) at TEXAS (54 - 42) - 8:05 PM
ARMANDO GALARRAGA (R) vs. TOMMY HUNTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 9-19 (-14.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 78-87 (-20.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 81-98 (-31.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 61-70 (-18.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 15-28 (-15.0 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.
DETROIT is 126-133 (-26.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 14-32 (-16.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 55-76 (-20.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
GALARRAGA is 2-11 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 53-40 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 41-29 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 35-28 (+9.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 31-21 (+11.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
TEXAS is 54-42 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 32-19 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
TEXAS is 20-9 (+9.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 this season.
TEXAS is 13-7 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in July games this season.
DETROIT is 50-37 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 6-0 (+6.1 Units) against TEXAS this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.6 Units)

ARMANDO GALARRAGA vs. TEXAS since 1997
GALARRAGA is 2-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 2.77 and a WHIP of 1.154.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

TOMMY HUNTER vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.

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CHI WHITE SOX (51 - 48) at MINNESOTA (49 - 50) - 8:10 PM
JOHN DANKS (L) vs. GLEN PERKINS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 8-25 (-15.8 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 40-20 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 81-48 (+20.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 60-42 (+13.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 84-52 (+20.8 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 94-78 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 84-55 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 30-10 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 33-26 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 19-10 (+9.3 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 76-49 (+23.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 51-48 (+3.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 32-21 (+9.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 12-6 (+8.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 67-51 (+14.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 1-8 (-8.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 5-4 (+0.7 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)

JOHN DANKS vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
DANKS is 4-3 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 5.43 and a WHIP of 1.573.
His team's record is 5-5 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-7. (-4.5 units)

GLEN PERKINS vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
PERKINS is 1-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 6.90 and a WHIP of 1.724.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-3. (-3.6 units)

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CLEVELAND (41 - 58) at LA ANGELS (58 - 39) - 10:05 PM
CARL PAVANO (R) vs. JOE SAUNDERS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 36-51 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 26-35 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 12-28 (-17.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CLEVELAND is 41-58 (-20.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 106-76 (+19.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 64-38 (+23.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 28-14 (+13.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LA ANGELS are 58-39 (+18.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 35-12 (+21.5 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 55-33 (+21.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAUNDERS is 36-16 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 35-14 (+18.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 27-13 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 21-7 (+12.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 19-8 (+14.5 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 14-6 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.
PAVANO is 54-38 (+25.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)

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

CARL PAVANO vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
PAVANO is 2-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 3.98 and a WHIP of 0.984.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

JOE SAUNDERS vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
SAUNDERS is 2-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 2.02 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.3 units)

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TORONTO (48 - 51) at SEATTLE (51 - 47) - 10:10 PM
RICKY ROMERO (L) vs. FELIX HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 79-87 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 48-43 (+5.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 17-7 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
SEATTLE is 51-47 (+5.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HERNANDEZ is 15-5 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 14-4 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 72-102 (-28.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 0-18 (-20.3 Units) against the money line after allowing 10 runs or more over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 22-49 (-24.9 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 241-228 (-76.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.

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

RICKY ROMERO vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.

FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. TORONTO since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 2-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 2.89 and a WHIP of 1.107.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-4. (-4.3 units)

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**Udog** · 07-27-2009, 10:42 AM

MLB
Short Sheet

Monday, 7/27/2009

National League

SAN DIEGO at CINCINNATI, 7:10 PM ET
GEER: SD 9-1 OVER AWAY when playing on Monday
BAILEY: 0-10 TSR when the total is 8.5 to 10

COLORADO at NY METS, 7:10 PM ET
JIMENEZ: COL 25-8 after allowing 2 runs or less in BB games
PEREZ: NYM 19-9 OVER as an underdog of +125 to +175

WASHINGTON at MILWAUKEE, 8:05 PM ET
STAMMEN: WAS 6-15 against NL Central
SUPPAN: MIL 8-1 OVER when playing on Monday

HOUSTON at CHICAGO CUBS, 8:05 PM ET
RODRIGUEZ: HOU 20-9 after having lost 2 of their last 3
ZAMBRANO: CHC 22-9 UNDER after allowing 2 runs or less

LA DODGERS at ST LOUIS, 7:10 PM ET
WOLF: LAD 10-2 as an underdog of +125 to +175
CARPENTER: STL 2-9 when playing on Monday

PHILADELPHIA at ARIZONA, 9:40 PM ET
MOYER: PHI 10-1 AWAY after 2+ consecutive overs
GARLAND: ARI 8-18 at home when the money line is +125 to -125

PITTSBURGH at SAN FRANCISCO, 10:15 PM ET
MAHOLM: 10-5 TSR as an underdog
LINCECUM: SF 21-6 UNDER after 4+ consecutive road games

American League

NY YANKEES at TAMPA BAY, 7:08 PM ET
BURNETT: 23-10 when the total is 8.5 to 10
SHIELDS: TB 15-28 when the money line is +125 to -125

KANSAS CITY at BALTIMORE, 7:05 PM ET
CHEN: KC 8-21 after 2+ consecutive unders
HILL: 11-3 TSR when the total is 8.5 to 10

OAKLAND at BOSTON, 7:10 PM ET
CAHILL: OAK 19-6 UNDER when playing on Monday
BECKETT: BOS 8-16 against AL West

DETROIT at TEXAS, 8:05 PM ET
GALARRAGA: DET 5-16 as a road underdog of +100 to +150
HUNTER: TEX 17-2 UNDER at home when the total is 8.5 to 10

CHI WHITE SOX at MINNESOTA, 8:10 PM ET
DANKS: CHW 12-6 AWAY when the total is 9 to 9.5
PERKINS: MIN 1-8 when playing on Monday

CLEVELAND at LA ANGELS, 10:05 PM ET
PAVANO: CLE 19-8 after 3+ consecutive wins
SAUNDERS: LAA 17-4 OVER in July

TORONTO at SEATTLE, 10:10 PM ET
ROMERO: TOR 27-9 UNDER after 7+ consecutive home games
HERNANDEZ: SEA 0-18 after allowing 10+ runs

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 07-27-2009, 11:06 AM

MLB

Monday, July 27

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Tips and Trends
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Houston Astros at Chicago Cubs [8:05 PM ET]

Astros: Houston won the first four games of its recently completed six-game homestand, but promptly dropped the last two against the New York Mets. The Astros are a respectable 22-23 on the road and 39-36 against right-handed starting pitchers. Houston couldn’t ask for a hotter hurler to snap the losing skid than Wandy Rodriquez. The diminutive southpaw is 10-6 with a 2.72 ERA overall and 3-0 with a 0.41 ERA in his last three assignments. In addition, the Astros are a stellar 14-6 in Rodriquez’ first 20 starts this season. While the 30-year-old has received a no-decision in both of his starts against the Cubs this season, the Astros eventually won both, 3-2 and 2-1. Rodriquez has allowed the Cubs just two runs on nine hits in 13 combined innings against them.

The Under is 11-5-1 in Houston’s last 17 road games.

Key Injuries - None

PROJECTED SCORE: 4

Cubs (-$1.40 O/U 9.5): The Cubs have won 10 of their last 13 games - including the last four - to move a half-game ahead of St. Louis in the NL Central. It’s Chicago’s first appearance in the top spot since April 21. Cubs 1B Derrek Lee, who suffered neck spasms after a hard slide Saturday, sat out Sunday but expects to play Monday. Carlos Zambrano (7-4, 3.48 ERA) yielded a season-high 10 hits in his last start against the Phils, but got enough run support for a change to pick up his third straight win. He beat the Phillies by allowing five runs (four earned) over 6 2/3 innings. Zambrano has faced the Astros twice this year, winning on Opening Day and not getting a decision June 10 despite holding Houston to one run on three hits over eight innings.

The Cubs are 5-0 in Zambrano’s last five starts as a home favorite.

key Injuries - Derek Lee (knee) is probable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 5 (Side of the Day)

Oakland Athletics at Boston Red Sox [7:10 PM ET]

Athletics: Oakland started the road trip by dropping three of four to the New York Yankees. The setbacks caused Oakland’s road record to slip to a dismal 19-31. The A’s are also 27-36 against right-handed starters. The series with the Red Sox is tied 3-3, with both teams taking two of three at home. All three earlier meetings at Fenway Park dipped Under the closing total. Trevor Cahill (6-8, 4.50 ERA) will get the ball in Monday’s opener. Cahill’s impressive bounce-back showing against the Twins last Wednesday was somewhat lost in the middle of Oakland's offensive barrage during a 16-1 win. Cahill allowed just one run - a solo homer by Justin Morneau - in seven innings. He allowed six hits and struck out four. Cahill surrendered four runs in 5 1/3 at Fenway on July 8. All of the runs occurred in the sixth as he served up a solo homer to J.D. Drew before David Ortiz delivered a three-run shot.

The A’s are 8-22 in their last 30 visits to Fenway Park.

Key Injuries - None

PROJECTED SCORE: 3

Red Sox (-$3.00, O/U 8.5): Boston took the first two games against the O’s on this homestand before dropping Sunday’s 6-2 decision. Despite the loss, Boston’s home record is still an impressive 33-15. The Red Sox are also 36-28 against right-handed starters. Josh Beckett (11-4, 3.42 ERA) allowed four runs and seven hits in eight innings during his most recent start. Nonetheless, it was a complete game for Beckett, giving him a career-high of three on the season. In four July starts, Beckett is 2-1 with a 3.23 ERA. Beckett has been brilliant at home, going 6-0 with a 2.44 ERA in nine starts. The right-hander beat the Athletics 5-2 on July 7, allowing two runs on six hits over 6 2/3 innings as a $2.45 home favorite. The combined seven runs dipped Under the nine-run closing total.

Boston is 14-5 in Josh Beckett’s first 19 starts this season.

Key Injuries - None

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

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**Udog** · 07-27-2009, 11:09 AM

Len's Top 5

Happy Monday everyone, here's my Top 5 for July 27, 2009 from Len Berman Sports.

1. Quick Hits

Cubs win, Cubs win! The Cubbies have taken over first place. As cool as a Yankee/Dodger (Torre) World Series would be, a Fenway/Wrigley Fall Classic would be even cooler.
Now there's an authority. Bills wide receiver Terrell Owens says Michael Vick should be reinstated immediately. He told ESPN that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to understand the situation "needs to go sit in a jail for 23 months."
Alberto Contador of Spain wins his second Tour de France. Seven-time winner Lance Armstrong finished 3rd.
Former Boxing champ Vernon Forrest was shot to death in Atlanta in an apparent robbery attempt. He is the third famous boxer to die this month.

2. Hall of Fame

I had feared we would need subtitles for Rickey Henderson's Hall of Fame induction speech yesterday. Rickey was always one of the more colorful characters who wasn't big on details, like his teammate's names. So I thought in his speech, as he did in the clubhouse, he would thank "him, him... and him." In addition, when he set the stolen base record he proclaimed "I am the greatest of all time." But not yesterday. He said: "I am now in the class of the greatest players of all time. And at this moment, I am very, very humbled." Not quite as entertaining, but well said Rickey.

3. Taking Their Cuts

Hall of Famers Hank Aaron and Harmon Killebrew fired high hard ones at the steroid abusers. They're not happy about the cheating. On the all time home run list, Alex Rodriguez stands one behind "Killer" in 10th place. 3 of players ahead of Killebrew are Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, and Mark McGwire. Hammerin' Hank says give all the cheaters asterisks. And both he and Killebrew wonder if the old timers would boycott the induction ceremonies of admitted steroid users. Baseball and the Hall of Fame are going to have to take a stand on this issue. It's not going away by itself.

4. Is Everything Performance Enhancing?

Last week the feds went after two over-the-counter dietary supplements that are popular with high school football players. They charge that they contain steroids. Is everything illegal? My daughter the nutritionist, writes that in ancient Greece athletes loaded up on figs to increase their speed and strength. She says that nowadays caffeine, which is perfectly legal, helps athletes run faster. Since it seems that “everything” enhances performance, the only fair thing to do is to make everybody fast before sports events. There you go. The Yom Kippur diet. Play ball!

5. Fore! (Make that four)

Kayti Dryer began serving 4 years in prison for trying to smuggle cocaine from the Caribbean into England inside the shafts of her golf clubs. The tipoff? Customs officials asked her about her handicap and she thought they were asking her about a disability. One customs official said "it was clear that she was totally unfamiliar with the game and she had no legitimate reason for traveling with the sports equipment."
(That describes any number of my golfing buddies.)

Happy Birthday: 1968 gold medal winner in figure skating, Peggy Fleming. 61.
Bonus Birthday: Tabloid and Top 5 fixture, and pretty fair ballplayer Alex Rodriguez. 34.

Today in Sports: William Shea announces a plan to have a National League baseball team in New York. (Let the fun begin.) 1959.
Bonus Event: The BBC reports there is no monster in Loch Ness. What a relief! 2003.

**Udog** · 07-27-2009, 11:32 AM

MLB

Update - Side of the Day and Total of the Day have been changed.

Monday, July 27

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

Houston Astros at Chicago Cubs [8:05 PM ET]

Astros: Houston won the first four games of its recently completed six-game homestand, but promptly dropped the last two against the New York Mets. The Astros are a respectable 22-23 on the road and 39-36 against right-handed starting pitchers. Houston couldn’t ask for a hotter hurler to snap the losing skid than Wandy Rodriquez. The diminutive southpaw is 10-6 with a 2.72 ERA overall and 3-0 with a 0.41 ERA in his last three assignments. In addition, the Astros are a stellar 14-6 in Rodriquez’ first 20 starts this season. While the 30-year-old has received a no-decision in both of his starts against the Cubs this season, the Astros eventually won both, 3-2 and 2-1. Rodriquez has allowed the Cubs just two runs on nine hits in 13 combined innings against them.

The Under is 11-5-1 in Houston’s last 17 road games.

Key Injuries - None

PROJECTED SCORE: 4

Cubs (-$1.40 O/U 9.5): The Cubs have won 10 of their last 13 games - including the last four - to move a half-game ahead of St. Louis in the NL Central. It’s Chicago’s first appearance in the top spot since April 21. Cubs 1B Derrek Lee, who suffered neck spasms after a hard slide Saturday, sat out Sunday but expects to play Monday. Carlos Zambrano (7-4, 3.48 ERA) yielded a season-high 10 hits in his last start against the Phils, but got enough run support for a change to pick up his third straight win. He beat the Phillies by allowing five runs (four earned) over 6 2/3 innings. Zambrano has faced the Astros twice this year, winning on Opening Day and not getting a decision June 10 despite holding Houston to one run on three hits over eight innings.

The Cubs are 5-0 in Zambrano’s last five starts as a home favorite.

key Injuries - Derek Lee (knee) is probable.

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

Oakland Athletics at Boston Red Sox [7:10 PM ET]

Athletics: Oakland started the road trip by dropping three of four to the New York Yankees. The setbacks caused Oakland’s road record to slip to a dismal 19-31. The A’s are also 27-36 against right-handed starters. The series with the Red Sox is tied 3-3, with both teams taking two of three at home. All three earlier meetings at Fenway Park dipped Under the closing total. Trevor Cahill (6-8, 4.50 ERA) will get the ball in Monday’s opener. Cahill’s impressive bounce-back showing against the Twins last Wednesday was somewhat lost in the middle of Oakland's offensive barrage during a 16-1 win. Cahill allowed just one run - a solo homer by Justin Morneau - in seven innings. He allowed six hits and struck out four. Cahill surrendered four runs in 5 1/3 at Fenway on July 8. All of the runs occurred in the sixth as he served up a solo homer to J.D. Drew before David Ortiz delivered a three-run shot.

The A’s are 8-22 in their last 30 visits to Fenway Park.

Key Injuries - None

PROJECTED SCORE: 3

Red Sox (-$3.00, O/U 8.5): Boston took the first two games against the O’s on this homestand before dropping Sunday’s 6-2 decision. Despite the loss, Boston’s home record is still an impressive 33-15. The Red Sox are also 36-28 against right-handed starters. Josh Beckett (11-4, 3.42 ERA) allowed four runs and seven hits in eight innings during his most recent start. Nonetheless, it was a complete game for Beckett, giving him a career-high of three on the season. In four July starts, Beckett is 2-1 with a 3.23 ERA. Beckett has been brilliant at home, going 6-0 with a 2.44 ERA in nine starts. The right-hander beat the Athletics 5-2 on July 7, allowing two runs on six hits over 6 2/3 innings as a $2.45 home favorite. The combined seven runs dipped Under the nine-run closing total.

Boston is 14-5 in Josh Beckett’s first 19 starts this season.

Key Injuries - None

PROJECTED SCORE: 5 (Side of the Day)

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Announcement

Monday Trends and Indexes 7/27 (MLB, Misc.)

Monday Trends and Indexes 7/27 (MLB, Misc.)

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