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**pm530** · 08-01-2009, 06:55 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Saturday, August 1

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Yankees continue their series in Chicago, the Dodgers battle with the Braves, and the CFL wraps up its fifth week.

Colliding in the Junior Circuit . . .

A.J. Burnett (10-4, 3.53 ERA) will be looking to stay on a roll on Saturday when the Yankees play a late-afternoon game in Chicago. Righthander Burnett held the Rays to one unearned run over seven innings of work last time out, and New York is 6-0 in his last six trips to the mound. The White Sox will counter with John Danks (8-7, 3.89 ERA). Lefthander Danks was beaten by the Twins in his most recent outing, surrendering four runs (two earned) over his seven innings pitched.

Elsewhere around the American League on Saturday it'll be Kansas City at Tampa Bay, Detroit at Cleveland, the Angels at Minnesota, Seattle at Texas, Toronto at Oakland, and Boston at Baltimore. The Red Sox will turn to ace Josh Beckett (12-4, 3.44 ERA) in that contest; Boston is 8-2 in the righthander's last 10 starts. David Hernandez (3-2, 3.20 ERA) will take the mound for Baltimore; the righthander has given up three or fewer runs in each of his last five outings.

Clashing in the Senior Circuit . . .

Giants ace Tim Lincecum (11-3, 2.30 ERA) will try to pitch his team to a win over the Phillies and Joe Blanton (7-4, 4.11 ERA) on Saturday night. Righthander Lincecum is coming off a strong outing versus the Pirates in which he surrendered just two unearned runs over his nine innings of work (while fanning 15 batters). Righthander Blanton has been tagged with just one loss over the past two months, and he beat the Cards (two runs in eight innings) last time out.

Also on the National League schedule for Saturday: Washington at Pittsburgh, Colorado at Cincinnati, the Cubs at Florida, Houston at St. Louis, Arizona at the Mets, Milwaukee at San Diego, and the Dodgers at Atlanta. Randy Wolf (5-5, 3.43 ERA) is slated to start for Los Angeles on Saturday afternoon; lefthander Wolf took a hard-luck loss against the Cards last time out, giving up two earned runs in six innings. Derek Lowe (10-7, 4.20 ERA) will take the mound for Atlanta.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

The Canadian Football League offers up a pair of games on Saturday, with Winnipeg at Toronto and Saskatchewan at Calgary. The Blue Bombers and Argonauts met in Winnipeg last week, with Toronto pulling out a 19-5 win as a 4-point underdog. The Argos are pegged as 5-point home favorites for Saturday's rematch, with the total for the game at 44.5 points. The Stampeders, meanwhile, are large 9.5-point home favorites versus the Riders, with the total set high at 61.

Finally, the WNBA has five games on tap for Saturday, with New York at Atlanta, Phoenix at Minnesota, Connecticut at Chicago, San Antonio at Seattle, and Los Angeles at Sacramento. Those two California clubs have a combined 10 wins for far this season, with the Sparks at 5-10 and the Monarchs at 5-15. Neither team has been able to pay off well for their supporters this year either, as Los Angeles sits at 6-9 against-the-spread, with Sacramento has an ATS mark of just 6-13-1.

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**pm530** · 08-01-2009, 06:58 AM

CFL
Dunkel Index

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1

Game 405-406: Winnipeg at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Winnipeg 101.731; Toronto 104.689
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 3; 41
Vegas Line: Toronto by 5 1/2; 45 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Winnipeg (+5 1/2); Under

Game 407-408: Saskatchewan at Calgary
Dunkel Ratings: Saskatchewan 109.168; Calgary 116.134
Dunkel Line: Calgary by 7; 57
Vegas Line: Calgary by 9 1/2; 61
Dunkel Pick: Saskatchewan (+9 1/2); Under

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CFL
Long Sheet

Week 5

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Saturday, August 1
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WINNIPEG (1 - 3) at TORONTO (2 - 2) - 8/1/2009, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 7 points over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) off a division game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 6-3 against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 5-4 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
8 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SASKATCHEWAN (2 - 2) at CALGARY (2 - 2) - 8/1/2009, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 53-34 ATS (+15.6 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 86-53 ATS (+27.7 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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CFL
Write-up

Week 5 CFL games

Saturday, August 1

Winnipeg (1-3) @ Toronto (2-2)-- Argonauts beat Winnipeg 19-5 last week in sloppy game out west; Toronto turned ball over 13 times in last three games, with 43 penalties for 346 yards. Bombers scored 42 points in their only win, a total of 35 in their three losses- they've completed less than half their passes in all four games this season. Under is 3-1 in both teams' games this season.

Saskatchewan (2-2) @ Calgary (2-2)-- Stampeders scored 92 points in winning last two games, with +7 turnover ratio, after giving up 82 points in losing first two (-2 TO ratio). Saskatchewan has been outscored 87-22 in second half of games, giving up 36-43-38 pts in last three- they lost at home last week after leading by 12 points at the half. Three of their four games went over the total.

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CFL

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Trend Report
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Saturday, August 1

1:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. TORONTO
Winnipeg is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 5 games
Toronto is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Winnipeg
Toronto is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Winnipeg

9:00 PM
SASKATCHEWAN vs. CALGARY
Saskatchewan is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Saskatchewan's last 15 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Calgary is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games
Calgary is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games

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CFL

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Canadian bacon: CFL Week 5 preview and picks
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Saturday, August 1

Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-2) at Calgary Stampeders (2-2) -10, 61

The Stamps are back on track after losing their first two games this season. They outscored their last two opponents by 92 points. The Riders, meanwhile, have allowed 81 points in their last two games, which should be a serious indicator of the game we can expect between these two.

The Stamps learned some very bad news yesterday: Their star receiver Ken-Yon Rambo won’t play again this season because of a right knee injury. Nonetheless, Calgary QB Henry Burris has other options and the Grey Cup defending champions have much more depth than their rivals from Regina.

Pick: Calgary

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1-3) at Toronto Argonauts (2-2) -4.5, 44.5

Michael Bishop is back in the CFL and is hoping to jump start Winnipeg’s anaemic offence. It might be too little, too late. The Bombers have deeper problems than a simple lack of production at quarterback.

The Argos have problems of their own. They just gave away their best receiver to Hamilton (Arland Bruce III) and have too many injured bodies. Adriano Belli has a serious knee injury and receiver Andre Talbot needs crutches to walk (ankle).

I expect the Argos to prevail but it won’t be pretty.

Pick: Toronto

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**pm530** · 08-01-2009, 06:59 AM

MLB
Baseball Today

SCOREBOARD

Saturday, August 1

Houston at St. Louis (7:10 p.m. EDT). The Astros send 10-game winner Wandy Rodriguez up against Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter (9-3) in a matchup of NL Central rivals.

STARS

Friday

-Cliff Lee, Phillies, pitched a four-hitter, carrying a no-hit bid into the sixth inning and even added two hits with the bat, and Philadelphia beat San Francisco 5-1.

-Matt Holliday, Cardinals, had four hits for the second time in his eight games with St. Louis in a 4-3 victory over Houston.

-David Price, Rays, allowed one run over seven innings to help Tampa Bay beat Kansas City 8-2.

-Carlos Quentin, White Sox, homered and had a go-ahead RBI double as Chicago beat the New York Yankees 10-5.

-Jason Schmidt, Dodgers, gave up one hit in six innings for his longest start in more than two years as Los Angeles beat Atlanta 5-0.

-Steve Pearce and Lastings Milledge, Pirates, Peace hit his first homer of the season and Milledge had two RBI singles in his Pittsburgh debut as the Pirates snapped a five-game losing streak with a 5-4 win over the Nationals.

SENT PACKING

Jake Peavy said yes to the Chicago White Sox, and Victor Martinez will take aim at the Green Monster. Roy Halladay, however, stayed put in Toronto. Highlighting a flurry of deals finished just before the trade deadline, Peavy was shipped out of San Diego on Friday while Martinez went from the rebuilding Cleveland Indians to a contender in Boston. Scott Rolen, Jarrod Washburn, Orlando Cabrera and Nick Johnson were other notable players on the move as teams stocked up for the stretch drive during a busy day that featured 11 trades.

SUPER START

Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday was 4 for 4 and had an RBI single in the fourth, duplicating his four-hit game in Philadelphia a week ago in his St. Louis debut. He is batting .586 (17 for 29) with a homer and eight RBIs since joining the Cardinals in a trade from Oakland. He is the first Cardinal to hit in his first eight games with the team since Roger Maris in 1967, and he is the first Cardinal since 1954 to reach base safely two or more times in his first eight games.

SETBACK

David Ortiz homered for the second straight game after he it was reported Thursday that he and former teammate Manny Ramirez were among the 104 players who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs six years ago. Ortiz hit a two-run shot in the Red Sox 6-5 victory over Baltimore.

REHABBING

Pedro Martinez allowed five runs - four earned - and three hits in five innings of a rehab start for the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the Philadelphia Phillies' top minor league affiliate. Using a fastball that reached 93 mph on the stadium radar gun and an effective changeup, Martinez breezed through four innings against the Columbus Clippers, allowing only one run. He then gave up four more in a 35-pitch fifth.

STRONG SCHIMDT

Jason Schmidt, making only his third start of the season, gave up just one run in six innings in his longest start in more than two years. His ERA dropped from 7.88 to 4.50 with the strong start against the Braves, who the Dodgers beat 5-0. Schmidt walked five and struck out three. The right-hander missed 2008 after surgery on June 20, 2007 repaired a torn labrum and a frayed biceps tendon in his right shoulder.

RALLY MONKEY RETURN

The Los Angeles Angels recorded their major league-leading 34th comeback victory, 11-5 over the Minnesota Twins. The Angels, who have come from behind in 13 of their past 18 victories, had six hits and two walks against three Minnesota relievers before making an out in the 11th. As a result, the Angels improved to 12-3 since the All-Star break and they completed July with a 19-7 record, averaging 7.1 runs per game.

RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY

The Rangers and Mariners sat thru a rain delay of 2 hours, 18 minutes in the seventh inning. The whole game itself took less to complete in actual playing time finishing eight minutes quicker than the stoppage.

SPEAKING

"It's tough because I'm leaving my house. This was my house. It's really tough.''- Indians catcher Victor Martinez on learning he'd been traded to Boston. The 30-year old Martinez spent his entire career with Cleveland after being signed by the Indians when he was 17.

SEASONS

Aug. 1

1906 - Harry McIntire of the Brooklyn Dodgers pitched 10 2-3 innings of no-hit ball before Claude Ritchey of Pittsburgh singled. McIntire weakened in the 13th and lost 1-0 to the Pirates on an unearned run, finishing with a four-hitter.

1941 - New York Yankees pitcher Lefty Gomez walked 11 St. Louis batters in a 9-0 victory to set a major league record for walks in a shutout.

1962 - Bill Monbouquette of the Boston Red Sox pitched a no-hitter to beat the White Sox 1-0 at Chicago.

1970 - Willie Stargell of Pittsburgh hit three doubles and two home runs to power the Pirates to a 20-10 rout of the Braves in Atlanta.

1972 - Nate Colbert of the San Diego Padres drove in 13 runs in a doubleheader with five home runs and two singles. San Diego beat the Atlanta Braves in both games, by scores of 9-0 and 11-7.

1977 - Willie McCovey of the San Francisco Giants hit two home runs, including his 18th career grand slam for a total that still leads the National League.

1978 - Pete Rose went 0-for-4 against Atlanta pitchers Larry McWilliams and Gene Garber to end his 44-game hitting streak as the Braves defeated the Cincinnati Reds 16-4.

1986 - Bert Blyleven threw a two-hitter and struck out 15 to become the 10th major league pitcher with 3,000 career strikeouts as he led the Minnesota Twins to a 10-1 victory over the Oakland A's.

1994 - Baltimore's Cal Ripken became the second major leaguer to play 2,000 straight games as the Orioles beat Minnesota 1-0.

1998 - Switch-hitter Tony Clark set an AL record by homering from both sides of the plate for the third time this year as the Detroit Tigers defeated Tampa Bay 8-0.

2005 - Rafael Palmeiro was suspended 10 days following a positive test for steroids, less than five months after the Baltimore Orioles' first baseman emphatically told Congress: "I have never used steroids. Period.''

2006 - Carlos Guillen hit for the cycle in Detroit's 10-4 victory over Tampa Bay.

Today's Birthday: Adam Jones 24.

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**pm530** · 08-01-2009, 07:00 AM

MLB
This Day in Baseball

On August 1 in Baseball History...

1906 - Brooklyn's Harry McIntire loses his no-hitter in the eleventh inning when Pittsburgh's Claude Ritchey reaches on a single. McIntire loses the game 1-0 on an unearned run in the 13th.

1933 - Carl Hubbell breaks Ed Reulbach's 1908 National League record for consecutive scoreless innings with 45 1/3, although the Giants lose to Boston 3-1.

1941 - Lefty Gomez of the New York Yankees pitches a 9-0 shutout over the St. Louis Browns despite walking 11 batters, the most ever issued in a shutout. Fifteen base runners are left stranded by the Browns.

1945 - Mel Ott hits the 500th home run of his career, a total exceeded only by Babe Ruth and Jimmie Foxx at the time. He will hit 10 more this season and one on Opening Day of 1946 to finish with 511. Of Ott's total, 324 will be hit in the Polo Grounds.

1957 - Gil Hodges hits his 13th career grand slam to establish a new National League record. This is the last grand slam in the history of the Brooklyn Dodgers.

1962 - Bill Monbouquette of the Boston Red Sox pitched a no-hitter to beat the White Sox, 1-0, in Chicago.

1970 - Willie Stargell of Pittsburgh hit three doubles and two home runs to power the Pirates to a 20-10 rout of the Braves in Atlanta.

1972 - Nate Colbert ties one major league record with five home runs, and sets another with 13 RBI, as the Padres take a doubleheader from the Braves, 9-0, and 11-7. At age 8, on May 2, 1954, Colbert had been at Sportsman's Park in St. Louis to witness Stan Musial's five home runs in a doubleheader.

1973 - Thurman Munson and Carlton Fisk brawl at Fenway. With a 2-2 score in the top of the ninth, Munson, attempting to score from third base on a missed bunt, crashes into Fiskand they both come up swinging. Boston wins 3-2 in the bottom of the inning.

1977 - Willie McCovey of the San Francisco Giants hit his 18th career grand slam - a total that still leads the National League.

1978 - The Braves trounce the Reds 16-4 and stop Pete Rose's hitting streak at 44 games. Larry McWilliams and Gene Garber are the Atlanta pitchers.

1982 - Hank Aaron, Frank Robinson, Travis Jackson, and Happy Chandler are inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame at Cooperstown, New York.

1985 - Vince Coleman steals two bases in the first inning of the Cardinals' 9-8 loss to the Cubs to run his season total to 74, breaking the Major League rookie record of seventy-two set in 1984 by Juan Samuel.

1986 - Minnesota's Bert Blyleven pitches a two-hitter and strikes out a club-record 15 batters to become the tenth pitcher with 3,000 career strikeouts. Kirby Puckett hits for the cycle as the Twins romp 10-1 over the A's.

1993 - Reggie Jackson is inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

1994 - Baltimore's Cal Ripken, Jr. became only the second major leaguer to play 2,000 straight games as the Orioles beat Minnesota, 1-0.

1998 - Detroit's Tony Clark establishes an American League mark by hitting home runs from both sides of the plate for the third time in a season. The Tigers tear up Tampa Bay 8-0.

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**pm530** · 08-01-2009, 07:01 AM

MLB

Saturday, August 1

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Trend Report
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4:05 PM
NY YANKEES vs. CHI WHITE SOX
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 6 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
NY Yankees are 10-5 SU in their last 15 games when playing Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 6 games at home

4:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. TAMPA BAY
Kansas City is 3-14 SU in its last 17 games
Kansas City is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Kansas City
Tampa Bay is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Kansas City

4:10 PM
LA DODGERS vs. ATLANTA
LA Dodgers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Atlanta is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games at home

7:05 PM
BOSTON vs. BALTIMORE
Boston is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Baltimore is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Baltimore's last 18 games

7:05 PM
DETROIT vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Detroit is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cleveland's last 7 games at home

7:05 PM
WASHINGTON vs. PITTSBURGH
Washington is 7-16 SU in its last 23 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Pittsburgh's last 13 games when playing at home against Washington

7:10 PM
ARIZONA vs. NY METS
Arizona is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona's last 6 games
NY Mets are 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of NY Mets's last 9 games when playing at home against Arizona

7:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. FLORIDA
Chi Cubs are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games on the road
Florida is 8-2 SU in their last 10 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Florida's last 13 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs

7:10 PM
COLORADO vs. CINCINNATI
Colorado is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Colorado is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cincinnati's last 8 games at home

7:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. MINNESOTA
LA Angels are 11-2 SU in their last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Angels's last 5 games
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing LA Angels

7:15 PM
HOUSTON vs. ST. LOUIS
Houston is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Houston is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing at home against Houston

8:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. TEXAS
Seattle is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games
Texas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Texas's last 7 games when playing at home against Seattle

9:05 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Philadelphia is 16-4 SU in its last 20 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Francisco's last 7 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing Philadelphia

9:05 PM
TORONTO vs. OAKLAND
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Toronto is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oakland's last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oakland's last 5 games

10:05 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. SAN DIEGO
Milwaukee is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games
San Diego is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
San Diego is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee

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**pm530** · 08-01-2009, 07:01 AM

MLB

Saturday, August 1

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Hot lines: Today’s best MLB bets
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Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds (+140, 9)

Neither of these clubs will set the world on fire with their bats. But between the starters they trot out on Saturday and the way these teams have been playing, expect plenty of runs.

The Reds are one of the worst hitting teams in baseball, batting a meager .244 as a team. But at home, the Reds have an over/under mark of 23-23-2. Also, pitcher Homer Bailey will be on the mound for the home nine, and each of his past three starts have gone over the total.

The Rockies don’t swing nearly as good a stick away from Coors Field, but still are batting .257 as a team to go along with 116 homers. And again, two of the past three starts by Colorado pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez have surpassed the number.

Pick: Over

Toronto Blue Jays at Oakland Athletics (+107, 9)

The Blue Jays haven’t managed to do much consistently this season, but one thing they have excelled at is beating the Athletics.

Toronto entered the weekend have won four of six against Oakland this year, including two of three on the West Coast. The key for the Blue Jays has been their dominant pitching, as the Athletics average just over three runs per game againt Toronto. The A’s also are hitting just .201 (37-for-184) in those games.

The Blue Jays also are a decent road pitching team, posting a 4.44 ERA away from home to go with 354 strikeouts. Meantime, Oakland is hitting only .251 overall at home to go with a meager 82 doubles in their own park.

The Blue Jays aren’t a bunch of road warriors, but against Oakland, they don’t have to be.

Pick: Blue Jays

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**pm530** · 08-01-2009, 07:02 AM

MLB

Saturday, August 1

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Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
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Streaking

Joe Blanton (Philadelphia Phillies)

Has the 28-year-old emerged as the team’s ace? With Cole Hamels struggling to pitch consistently and Cliff Lee just recently acquired, Blanton has submitted a July that says he deserves the ball when his team needs a win.

The right-hander is 3-0 this month with a 1.21 ERA. In his most recent outing, Blanton (7-4, 4.11 ERA) allowed just two runs on seven hits over eight innings of a 9-2 win over the Cardinals. In that game, he also struck out six against only one walk. Blanton has allowed more than three earned runs only once since May 21 and has won six of his past seven decisions.

"He's surprised me from the time I saw him in Oakland to coming over here," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel told the Associated Press.

A.J. Burnett (New York Yankees)

If only Burnett put a season together like this in Toronto. The 32-year-old has won five straight decisions as he's emerged as a contender for the AL Cy Young award.

Burnett (10-4, 3.53 ERA) needs to cut down his walks – an AL-leading, 63 – but has been dominant otherwise, not allowing more than three earned runs in a start since May 22. In his most recent outing, Burnett gave up just two hits and an unearned run over seven innings in an 11-4 blowout of Tampa Bay.

Overall, the Yankees have won in each of his past six starts.

Slumping

Oliver Perez (New York Mets)

Reliable is the least-likely word Mets fans would use to describe Perez.

His erratic play has been a huge issue this season for New York, as Perez is 2-3 with a 7.42 ERA. Since coming off the disabled list in early July, he has failed to last more than six innings in any of his starts and walked at least four batters in each of them. Perez’s 2.02 WHIP (walks + hits over innings pitched) is easily one of the worst marks by a starter in either league.

"I'm really concerned about him,” Mets manager Jerry Manuel told the Associated Press earlier this year. “I don't know what we should do.”

Bruce Chen (Kansas City Royals)

The day the Royals decided to buy Chen’s Triple-A contract in late June, he wasn’t just penciled into a starting spot – he was penciled in as a regular in our “Slumping” section.

Chen (0-5, 6.39 ERA) has allowed seven home runs in six starts this season, but that shouldn’t be surprising. He's recorded 78 outs via fly balls, compared to just 25 groundouts. Also, He hasn’t lasted past the sixth inning this month and the team has won only one of his starts.

In his two most recent outings, he has yielded six runs on 15 hits over 10 innings.

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**pm530** · 08-01-2009, 07:04 AM

MLB

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Weekend MLB cheat sheet
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(published 7-31-09)

The trade deadline is about to be behind and with that, the division and wild card races will take the forefront again.

Let’s focus in on the top two series on both the American and National League slate this edition of the MLB Weekend Cheat Sheet.

Remember, all results are within the series and all pitcher records are ‘team starts’ (the team’s record in games in which the pitcher starts) versus this opponent.

National League

Chicago Cubs at Florida Marlins

Most recent series result: Cubs are 6-2 in their last eight games (3-1 this season)

Most recent series result at the site: Marlins are 7-2 in their last nine games home

Key day/month stat: Cubs are 7-2 on Fridays; Marlins are 3-8 on Fridays

Best arm in the series: Cub pitcher Zambrano is 8-0 with a 3.17 ERA in his last eight starts

Worst arm in the series: Florida hurler Volstad is 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA at home

Los Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves

Most recent series result: Braves are 6-2 in last their eight games

Most recent series result at the site: Braves are 6-1 in their last seven games home

Key day/month stat: Dodgers are 17-5 on Saturdays; Braves are 1-8 on Saturdays

Best arm in the series: Braves’ Jurrjens is 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA

Worst arm in the series: Dodgers’ Schmidt is 1-4 with a 6.73 ERA in his last six games away

American League

New York Yankees at Chicago White Sox

Most recent series result: Yankees are 10-3 in their last 13 games

Most recent series result at the site: Yankees are 5-1 in their last six games away

Key day/month stat: Yankees are 6-4 on Fridays; White Sox are 5-12 on Fridays

Best arm in the series: Yankees’ Burnett is 2-1 with a 2.61 ERA in his last three games

Worst arm in the series: White Sox’ Buerhle is 1-7 with a 6.11 ERA career

Los Angeles Angels at Minnesota Twins

Most recent series result: Angels are 12-7 in their last 19 games (3-4 this season)

Most recent series result at the site: Twins are 3-0 in their last three games home

Key day/month stat: Twins are 12-4 on Fridays

Best arm in the series: Twins’ Perkins is 2-0 with a 0.56 ERA

Worst arm in the series: Twins’ Baker is 1-5 with a 5.89 ERA

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**Udog** · 08-01-2009, 08:27 AM

MLB
Dunkel

Arizona at NY Mets
The Diamondbacks look to build on their 8-1 record in their last 9 games against teams with a losing record. Arizona is the pick (-140) according to Dunkel, which has the Diamondbacks favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-140). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1

Game 901-902: Houston at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Rodriguez) 14.309; St. Louis (Carpenter) 15.551
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-205); 7
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-205); Under

Game 903-904: LA Dodgers at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Wolf) 15.782; Atlanta (Lowe) 14.681
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-135); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (+125); Under

Game 905-906: Washington at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Stammen) 13.601; Pittsburgh (Vasquez) 13.874
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Washington (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+120); Over

Game 907-908: Colorado at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Jimenez) 15.333; Cincinnati (Bailey) 12.660
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 2 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Colorado (-155); 9
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-155); Under

Game 909-910: Arizona at NY Mets
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Scherzer) 16.406; NY Mets (Perez) 16.060
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona (-140); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-140); Over

Game 911-912: Chicago Cubs at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Zambrano) 15.865; Florida (Badenhop) 16.461
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-155); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+145); Under

Game 913-914: Philadelphia at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Blanton) 15.037; San Francisco (Lincecum) 16.136
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 6
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-140); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-140); Under

Game 915-916: Milwaukee at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Burns) 13.698; San Diego (Richard) 14.678
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 917-918: NY Yankees at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Burnett) 16.438; White Sox (Danks) 15.312
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1; 9
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-145); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-145); Over

Game 919-920: Kansas City at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Chen) 13.597; Tampa Bay (Niemann) 14.768
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-260); 10
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-260); Under

Game 921-922: Detroit at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Porcello) 15.252; Cleveland (Sowers) 15.867
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1/2; 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-110); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-110); Over

Game 923-924: Boston at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Beckett) 15.618; Baltimore (Hernandez) 15.129
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-165); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-165); Over

Game 925-926: LA Angels at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Saunders) 17.052; Minnesota (Swarzak) 16.095
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1; 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-145); 10
Dunkel Pick: LA Angles (+135); Over

Game 927-928: Seattle at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Hernandez) 14.960; Texas (Hunter) 14.540
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1/2; 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Seattle (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-120); Over

Game 929-930: Toronto at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Cecil) 15.656; Oakland (Cahill) 14.466
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Toronto (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-130); Over

**Udog** · 08-01-2009, 10:18 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Guys,
When the Brewers/Padres matchup is added, we'll post it.

Saturday, August 1

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HOUSTON (51 - 52) at ST LOUIS (57 - 49) - 7:15 PM
WANDY RODRIGUEZ (L) vs. CHRIS CARPENTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 143-125 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 143-125 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 64-66 (+11.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 25-21 (+12.4 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 137-127 (+21.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 21-9 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 133-125 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 100-95 (+12.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 4-3 (+0.7 Units) against HOUSTON this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.8 Units)

WANDY RODRIGUEZ vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
RODRIGUEZ is 3-7 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.68 and a WHIP of 1.136.
His team's record is 4-7 (-3.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-3. (+2.4 units)

CHRIS CARPENTER vs. HOUSTON since 1997
CARPENTER is 6-3 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.89 and a WHIP of 1.075.
His team's record is 9-5 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-7. (-0.5 units)

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LA DODGERS (64 - 39) at ATLANTA (52 - 51) - 4:10 PM
RANDY WOLF (L) vs. DEREK LOWE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 4-12 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in road games in August games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 46-28 (+14.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA DODGERS are 64-39 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 30-22 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA DODGERS are 64-39 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WOLF is 103-83 (+22.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
WOLF is 62-51 (+20.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 52-51 (-7.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 64-74 (-19.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 52-51 (-7.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 25-31 (-13.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 1-0 (+1.6 Units) against ATLANTA this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

RANDY WOLF vs. ATLANTA since 1997
WOLF is 4-11 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 5.31 and a WHIP of 1.532.
His team's record is 10-13 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-13. (-5.4 units)

DEREK LOWE vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
LOWE is 0-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.21 and a WHIP of 1.143.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

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WASHINGTON (32 - 71) at PITTSBURGH (44 - 58) - 7:05 PM
CRAIG STAMMEN (R) vs. VIRGIL VASQUEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 32-68 (-30.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 21-52 (-28.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 24-53 (-24.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 20-50 (-27.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
WASHINGTON is 32-71 (-33.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 17-33 (-14.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
WASHINGTON is 33-53 (-25.5 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 12-38 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 27-19 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 7-0 (+7.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday this season.
PITTSBURGH is 27-19 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 20-12 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 84-90 (+15.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 4-1 (+3.7 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

CRAIG STAMMEN vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
STAMMEN is 0-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 5.69 and a WHIP of 0.790.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

VIRGIL VASQUEZ vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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COLORADO (56 - 47) at CINCINNATI (45 - 57) - 7:10 PM
UBALDO JIMENEZ (R) vs. HOMER BAILEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 46-58 (-21.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
JIMENEZ is 23-32 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JIMENEZ is 8-21 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JIMENEZ is 23-32 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 23-16 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
CINCINNATI is 76-103 (-30.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 251-269 (-59.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 4-12 (-9.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.
BAILEY is 2-13 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BAILEY is 1-8 (-8.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BAILEY is 2-13 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BAILEY is 0-9 (-9.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

UBALDO JIMENEZ vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
JIMENEZ is 1-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

HOMER BAILEY vs. COLORADO since 1997
BAILEY is 0-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 7.71 and a WHIP of 3.426.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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ARIZONA (45 - 58) at NY METS (49 - 53) - 7:10 PM
MAX SCHERZER (R) vs. OLIVER PEREZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 17-30 (-15.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 45-58 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 90-92 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 10-20 (-12.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 15-29 (-16.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ARIZONA is 45-58 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.

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

MAX SCHERZER vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

OLIVER PEREZ vs. ARIZONA since 1997
PEREZ is 1-5 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 5.02 and a WHIP of 1.479.
His team's record is 1-7 (-7.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-4. (-0.7 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (54 - 47) at FLORIDA (54 - 49) - 7:10 PM
CARLOS ZAMBRANO (R) vs. BURKE BADENHOP (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1011-1056 (-188.1 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 21-28 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 150-191 (-57.9 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 21-28 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 23-28 (-8.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
FLORIDA is 93-91 (+9.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 30-23 (+8.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
FLORIDA is 67-66 (+15.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 258-271 (+47.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
FLORIDA is 54-49 (+6.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
FLORIDA is 21-12 (+9.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
FLORIDA is 51-46 (+5.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
FLORIDA is 96-93 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ZAMBRANO is 69-46 (+21.4 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 28-13 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 32-20 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
FLORIDA is 9-20 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in home games in August games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 3-2 (+0.5 Units) against FLORIDA this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

CARLOS ZAMBRANO vs. FLORIDA since 1997
ZAMBRANO is 5-2 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 3.48 and a WHIP of 1.373.
His team's record is 8-4 (+5.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-3. (+4.9 units)

BURKE BADENHOP vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

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PHILADELPHIA (59 - 42) at SAN FRANCISCO (56 - 47) - 9:05 PM
JOE BLANTON (R) vs. TIM LINCECUM (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 56-47 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 37-32 (+7.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 40-36 (+6.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 27-20 (+7.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 56-47 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 35-16 (+17.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 56-39 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 22-14 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 21-11 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 37-21 (+13.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 21-10 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 41-22 (+16.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 59-42 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 32-17 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BLANTON is 12-5 (+11.3 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 since 1997. (Team's Record)
BLANTON is 12-2 (+11.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-1 (+0.1 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

JOE BLANTON vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
BLANTON is 1-2 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 5.74 and a WHIP of 1.612.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.7 units)

TIM LINCECUM vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
LINCECUM is 1-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 4.32 and a WHIP of 1.240.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-0. (+4.3 units)

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NY YANKEES (62 - 41) at CHI WHITE SOX (53 - 51) - 4:10 PM
A.J. BURNETT (R) vs. JOHN DANKS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 23-34 (-21.8 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 53-51 (+2.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 33-23 (+8.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 84-51 (+19.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 12-4 (+9.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 49-41 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
DANKS is 14-5 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 84-48 (+21.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 2-0 (+2.4 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

A.J. BURNETT vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
BURNETT is 2-2 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 2.78 and a WHIP of 1.052.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.8 units)

JOHN DANKS vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
DANKS is 1-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 6.10 and a WHIP of 1.646.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

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KANSAS CITY (40 - 62) at TAMPA BAY (56 - 47) - 4:10 pM
BRUCE CHEN (L) vs. JEFF NIEMANN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 26-39 (-12.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 21-40 (-19.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
KANSAS CITY is 7-19 (-13.8 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
KANSAS CITY is 40-62 (-22.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 95-47 (+33.2 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 103-54 (+34.8 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 94-66 (+19.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 161-120 (+29.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 94-44 (+35.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 21-7 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
NIEMANN is 13-5 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
NIEMANN is 12-3 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 7-0 (+7.2 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.8 Units)

BRUCE CHEN vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
CHEN is 3-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.80 and a WHIP of 1.178.
His team's record is 7-2 (+4.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-5. (-1.5 units)

JEFF NIEMANN vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
NIEMANN is 1-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.333.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

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DETROIT (53 - 48) at CLEVELAND (43 - 60) - 7:05 PM
RICK PORCELLO (R) vs. JEREMY SOWERS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 79-90 (-23.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 62-72 (-19.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 127-136 (-29.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 61-67 (-16.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 14-33 (-17.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 56-79 (-22.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 11-17 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 49-62 (-24.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 51-40 (+6.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 38-53 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 15-21 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 28-46 (-21.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 13-29 (-17.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CLEVELAND is 9-19 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CLEVELAND is 43-60 (-19.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 42-60 (-23.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 21-28 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 6-16 (-15.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
SOWERS is 2-11 (-10.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 7-3 (+3.1 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.3 Units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
PORCELLO is 1-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 1.80 and a WHIP of 1.400.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

JEREMY SOWERS vs. DETROIT since 1997
SOWERS is 2-3 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 6.66 and a WHIP of 1.558.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.5 units)

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BOSTON (60 - 42) at BALTIMORE (44 - 58) - 7:05 PM
JOSH BECKETT (R) vs. DAVID HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 76-41 (+22.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 26-12 (+11.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BOSTON is 148-87 (+30.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 494-534 (-107.8 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 234-290 (-85.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 80-142 (-42.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 18-45 (-21.0 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.
BALTIMORE is 494-534 (-107.8 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 7-21 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in home games in August games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 36-75 (-28.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 9-2 (+6.1 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.8 Units)

JOSH BECKETT vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
BECKETT is 5-2 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 4.05 and a WHIP of 1.186.
His team's record is 8-3 (+2.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-6. (-2.9 units)

DAVID HERNANDEZ vs. BOSTON since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 1-0 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.714.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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LA ANGELS (61 - 40) at MINNESOTA (52 - 51) - 7:10 PM
JOE SAUNDERS (L) vs. ANTHONY SWARZAK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 87-53 (+22.3 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 97-79 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 87-56 (+19.2 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 32-10 (+21.5 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 34-16 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 43-21 (+18.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 84-49 (+22.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 57-39 (+20.5 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 107-77 (+19.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 37-23 (+13.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
LA ANGELS are 74-52 (+20.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 61-40 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 29-20 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SAUNDERS is 36-17 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 27-14 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 23-11 (+11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 4-4 (+0.1 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
7 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+6.0 Units)

JOE SAUNDERS vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
SAUNDERS is 2-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.54 and a WHIP of 1.033.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

ANTHONY SWARZAK vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
SWARZAK is 1-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 1.35 and a WHIP of 1.049.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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SEATTLE (53 - 50) at TEXAS (58 - 43) - 8:05 PM
FELIX HERNANDEZ (R) vs. TOMMY HUNTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 73-105 (-31.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 75-103 (-26.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 26-54 (-22.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 57-41 (+17.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 45-30 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 36-29 (+9.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 34-22 (+13.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
TEXAS is 103-109 (+17.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 58-43 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 17-11 (+12.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 36-20 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
TEXAS is 20-8 (+13.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
SEATTLE is 50-46 (+4.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 53-50 (+4.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 14-6 (+9.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
HERNANDEZ is 10-2 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 9-1 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 9-1 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 15-5 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 8-3 (+5.9 Units) against SEATTLE this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.3 Units)

FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. TEXAS since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 5-9 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 4.13 and a WHIP of 1.283.
His team's record is 6-13 (-12.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 12-7. (+4.6 units)

TOMMY HUNTER vs. SEATTLE since 1997
HUNTER is 0-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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TORONTO (49 - 54) at OAKLAND (44 - 58) - 9:05 PM
BRETT CECIL (L) vs. TREVOR CAHILL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 80-89 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 49-54 (-9.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 11-23 (-14.8 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 207-134 (+65.4 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 4-3 (+0.6 Units) against OAKLAND this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

BRETT CECIL vs. OAKLAND since 1997
CECIL is 1-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.875.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

TREVOR CAHILL vs. TORONTO since 1997
CAHILL is 0-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.38 and a WHIP of 1.876.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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**Udog** · 08-01-2009, 11:00 AM

MLB

Saturday, August 1

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Tips and Trends
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Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Indians [7:05 PM ET]

Tigers: Detroit’s road woes continued with Friday’s 13-inning 6-5 setback at Cleveland. The loss lowered Detroit’s road record to a dismal 22-32, compared to 31-16 at Comerica Park. The Tigers also dropped to 19-17 in one-run games and 3-2 in extra inning outings. The loss also saw Detroit’s lead in the AL Central shrink to 1 ½ games over the second-place White Sox. Rookie right-hander Rick Porcello will get the ball Saturday in the middle game of this three-game set. Porcello will stay on turn and start on an extra day's rest after struggling in each of his first two games after the All-Star break. His five runs allowed in each outing, including over 5 1/3 innings in his last start Sunday night against the White Sox, have raised his ERA by nearly a half-run during that span. Porcello had some success against the Indians at Progressive Field on May 10 with five innings of one-run ball en route to a 5-3 win as a $1.15 road underdog. The Tigers are 11-7 in Porcello’s 18 starts this season, with the ‘under’ also going 11-7.

Detroit is 1-8 in its last nine road games.

Key Injuries - None

PROJECTED SCORE: 5

Indians (-$1.10 O/U 9.5): After gutting most of the roster that had some trade value, including catcher Victor Martinez, the Indians still had enough players left to outlast the Tigers in 13 innings during Friday’s opener of this three-game series. But both teams used their entire bullpens, including each closer going more than one inning. Since both starting pitchers in Saturday’s outing have bloated earned run averages, the ‘over’ could be worth a look. Jeremy Sowers (3-7, 5.15 ERA) went seven innings, matching his season high, during his last start against Seattle. He allowed no runs and four hits in a 10-3 victory. That was the fewest hits Sowers had allowed in any of his 11 starts. Sowers is 2-3 with a 6.66 ERA in five career starts against Detroit. The Indians are still a poor 21-28 at Progressive Field, but they improved to 15-13 in one-run games.

Cleveland is 3-8 in Sowers’ last 11 starts

Key Injuries - None

PROJECTED SCORE: 6 (OVER - Total of the Day)

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**Udog** · 08-01-2009, 11:49 AM

MLB
Short Sheet

Saturday, 8/1/2009

National League

HOUSTON at ST LOUIS, 7:15 PM ET
RODRIGUEZ: HOU 21-9 in August
CARPENTER: STL 19-8 UNDER in the second half of the season

LA DODGERS at ATLANTA, 4:10 PM ET
WOLF: LAD 18-9 as a road underdog
LOWE: ATL 74-52 UNDER when the money line is +125 to -125

WASHINGTON at PITTSBURGH, 7:05 PM ET
STAMMEN: WAS 12-38 in road games
VASQUEZ: PIT 7-0 at home when playing on Saturday

COLORADO at CINCINNATI, 7:10 PM ET
JIMENEZ: COL 15-8 after 5+ consecutive road games
BAILEY: CIN 4-12 when playing on Saturday

ARIZONA at NY METS, 7:10 PM ET
SCHERZER: ARI 1-9 after allowing 2 runs or less in BB games
PEREZ: NYM 22-9 after a one run loss

CHICAGO CUBS at FLORIDA, 7:10 PM ET
ZAMBRANO: 14-2 TSR as a road favorite of -125 or more
BADENHOP: FLA 9-20 at home in August

PHILADELPHIA at SAN FRANCISCO, 9:05 PM ET
BLANTON: PHI 21-11 AWAY against right-handed starters
LINCECUM: SF 35-55 after 5+ consecutive home games

MILWAUKEE at SAN DIEGO, 10:05 PM ET
BURNS: MIL 94-70 OVER when the total is 7 to 8.5
GEER: SD 10-20 at home with a money line of -100 to -125

American League

NY YANKEES at CHI WHITE SOX, 4:10 PM ET
BURNETT: 24-10 TSR when the total is 8.5 to 10
DANKS: CHW 1-7 at home after BB wins

KANSAS CITY at TAMPA BAY, 4:10 pM ET
CHEN: KC 7-19 after 3+ consecutive losses
NIEMANN: TB 21-7 in August

DETROIT at CLEVELAND, 7:05 PM ET
PORCELLO: DET 35-21 when the money line is -100 to -150
SOWERS: CLE 16-23 at home when the total is 8.5 to 10

BOSTON at BALTIMORE, 7:05 PM ET
BECKETT: 21-5 TSR as a road favorite of -125 or more
HERNANDEZ: BAL 16-49 as an underdog of +150 or more

LA ANGELS at MINNESOTA, 7:10 PM ET
SAUNDERS: LAA 10-0 after BB wins by 4+ runs
SWARZAK: MIN 10-18 after having won 3 of their last 4

SEATTLE at TEXAS, 8:05 PM ET
HERNANDEZ: SEA 12-2 AWAY with a money line of -100 to -150
HUNTER: TEX 12-3 UNDER when playing on Saturday

TORONTO at OAKLAND, 9:05 PM ET
CECIL: TOR 94-66 UNDER when the total is 9 to 9.5
CAHILL: OAK 9-25 after having won 2 of their last 3

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Kaptain** · 08-01-2009, 01:02 PM

pm/u dog

AS ALWAYS.......

THANKS FELLOWS

**Udog** · 08-01-2009, 01:09 PM

NP, Kaptain! Good luck today!

Armadillo just about has the MLB write-up ready. He's just got to enter the umps info, then we're ready to post it.

Announcement

Saturday Trends and Indexes 8/1 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

Saturday Trends and Indexes 8/1 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

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