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**pm530** · 08-09-2009, 04:47 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Sunday, August 9

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Sprint Cup Series hits a road course, the NFL begins its preseason, and the Yankees and Red Sox complete their set.

Battling on the gridiron . . .

The National Football League kicks off its exhibition slate on Sunday with the Bills taking on the Titans in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton. Prized acquisition Terrell Owens will be making his Buffalo debut in that contest, but don't expect to see the wide receiver on the field for more than a few series. The Titans will likely give a good amount of playing time to backup QB Vince Young on Sunday as he begins his push to take over starting duties from veteran Kerry Collins. The oddsmakers have Tennessee as a 3-point favorite in this game, with a total of 31.

Colliding in the Junior Circuit . . .

Sunday night's conclusion of the Red Sox/Yankees series at Yankee Stadium will see Jon Lester (9-7, 3.79 ERA) taking on Andy Pettitte (9-6, 4.35 ERA). Lefthander Lester took a no-decision against the Rays last time out despite giving up just one earned run over his six innings of work (and fanning 10). Lefthander Pettitte dominated the Blue Jays in his most recent trip to the mound, surrendering just one earned run on four hits over his 6 2-3 innings in that victory.

Elsewhere around the American League on Sunday it'll be Minnesota at Detroit, Cleveland at the White Sox, Oakland at Kansas City, Texas at the Angels, Tampa Bay at Seattle, and Baltimore at Toronto. The Orioles will give Brian Matusz (1-0, 1.80 ERA) his second Major League start in that contest; the lefthander held the Tigers to one run over five innings in his debut. The Jays counter with righthander Roy Halladay (11-5, 2.75 ERA), who last won on July 19.

Clashing in the Senior Circuit . . .

Josh Johnson (10-2, 2.98 ERA) will counter Jamie Moyer (10-8, 5.55 ERA) on Sunday afternoon as the Marlins continue their series in Philadelphia. Righthander Johnson had his three-game winning streak stopped last time out, surrendering four earned runs over seven innings in a start against the Nationals. Moyer is trying to hold onto his spot in Philly's rotation; the lefthander was knocked around for six runs in five innings in a loss to the Rockies last time out.

Rounding out the National League slate for Sunday: St. Louis at Pittsburgh, Arizona at Washington, Milwaukee at Houston, the Cubs at Colorado, the Mets at San Diego, Atlanta at the Dodgers, and Cincinnati at San Francisco. Aaron Harang (5-13, 4.52 ERA) will be in tough against Matt Cain (12-3, 2.25 ERA) in that last matchup. Righthander Cain is coming off a rare loss, surrendering four earned runs on eight hits over eight innings of work against the Astros August 3.

Roaring around the track . . .

Tony Stewart is pegged as the 3/1 favorite to win Sunday's Sprint Cup Series event, the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen at the Watkins Glen International road course. Stewart holds a 197-point lead on Jimmie Johnson in the driver standings heading into this event, with Johnson back at 8/1 odds to get the victory. Defending champion Kyle Busch sits at 4/1 odds for the weekend, Jeff Gordon is at 6/1 odds, while Juan Montoya is tied with Johnson at 8/1 odds.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

Finally, there are three games on the WNBA's schedule for Sunday, with Washington at Connecticut, Chicago at Detroit, and San Antonio at Minnesota. The Silver Stars sit at 9-11 both straight-up and against-the-spread after falling to Atlanta 92-84 in their last contest. Becky Hammon scored 26 points in that defeat.

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**pm530** · 08-09-2009, 04:49 AM

Six-pack for Sunday

-- Red Sox are now scoreless in their last 24 innings. Have to give the Bronx front office credit- they have the most money to play with, and they've used it wisely, on Burnett/Sabathia/Teixeira.

-- Nationals have now won seven games in a row.

-- Carl Pavano won his Minnesota debut 11-0 in Detroit, his fourth win against the Tigers this season.

-- Excellent pitchers' duel in LA last night, with Kawakami/Kershaw trading zeros in game that went extra innings. Atlanta won 2-1, on a Kelly Johnson homer in the 10th inning.

-- Went to Saratoga Racetrack with my cousin Saturday-- he knows a ton about horses, and won about $350 on the day, so that was fun.

-- Our thoughts, prayers go out to Saints' QB Drew Brees, whose mom passed away this weekend at age 59.

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Sunday's List of 13: In a perfect world, where I make all the decisions..........part 2

13) Teams with sub-.500 records wouldn't be eligible for playoffs in any professional leagues. Can't win half your games? No playoffs for you.

12) ESPN would run a feature on problem gamblers who go broke when they lose at poker, and what it does to their lives. They show all these final tables of tournaments where guys make a lot of money-- well, that money is coming from somewhere.......

11) NFL would take radios out of players' helmets, they'd let players play, and lessen coaches' influence on game days. Teams have six days to prepare for Sunday afternoon. Gameday should be the players' day.

10) Steve Martin would do some standup comedy again.

9) NBA would switch to International Rules, where any defense can be played, and the 3-point shot is a little shorter. David Stern seems to be obsessed with making NBA a worldwide league, so switch to world's rules. Its better basketball to watch anyway.

8) NBA would also sponsor a 64-player 1-on-1 contest some summer, with each player playing for a charity of their choice. You know how much money they'd rake in with that? It would be staggering.

7) Gameshows would make a comeback on TV. Its good when people have to think more, even if its only for High Rollers or Gambit.

6) Every professional league would run their drafts like the NHL does; with the draft in a huge arena, and every team executive present. Could you imagine the furor if the draft had been in Detroit when Matt Millen was running the Lions, and he announced they picked another WR?

5) Plaxico Burress wouldn't go to jail, he'd donate 75% of his salary to the state of New York, to help reduce the budget deficit. No way in hell I want my tax dollars to pay for his incarceration. He's not a criminal, he just did an extremely stupid thing-- to himself.

4) The A's would be allowed to move to San Jose/Sacramento; how is it the Giants got a new stadium, but can block the A's from theirs?

3) People wouldn't complain so much; they'd be a lot more positive.

2) High school basketball players could jump right to the NBA, but if they went to college, they went for three years, much like the baseball system that is now in place and works quite well.

1) Pete Rose would be in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Period.

From: Armadillo
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**pm530** · 08-09-2009, 04:51 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

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Sunday, August 9
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FLORIDA (56 - 53) at PHILADELPHIA (61 - 46) - 1:35 PM
JOSH JOHNSON (R) vs. JAMIE MOYER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 22-40 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 43-26 (+12.8 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 164-119 (+17.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 32-16 (+12.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 160-115 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 85-65 (+10.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MOYER is 35-22 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MOYER is 45-20 (+19.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday since 1997. (Team's Record)
MOYER is 20-8 (+10.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MOYER is 16-6 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FLORIDA is 69-67 (+16.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 260-272 (+48.9 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 140-130 (+22.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 78-60 (+25.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 66-68 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 36-24 (+21.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 62-48 (+22.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 43-34 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 136-125 (+22.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 45-36 (+15.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
JOHNSON is 16-6 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
JOHNSON is 11-0 (+12.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JOHNSON is 7-0 (+7.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JOHNSON is 16-2 (+15.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JOHNSON is 8-1 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in day games this season. (Team's Record)
JOHNSON is 15-5 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
JOHNSON is 16-5 (+12.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 17-21 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 7-3 (+3.0 Units) against FLORIDA this season
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.4 Units)

JOSH JOHNSON vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
JOHNSON is 3-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.22 and a WHIP of 1.376.
His team's record is 4-2 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-1. (+3.9 units)

JAMIE MOYER vs. FLORIDA since 1997
MOYER is 13-2 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 2.83 and a WHIP of 1.038.
His team's record is 13-2 (+10.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-7. (+0.7 units)

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ST LOUIS (60 - 51) at PITTSBURGH (45 - 64) - 1:35 PM
JOEL PINEIRO (R) vs. ZACH DUKE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 16-9 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ST LOUIS is 146-127 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 24-12 (+13.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 146-127 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 3-17 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in home games in August games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 6-4 (+0.6 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.6 Units)

JOEL PINEIRO vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
PINEIRO is 3-2 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 5.66 and a WHIP of 1.451.
His team's record is 4-3 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.3 units)

ZACH DUKE vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
DUKE is 4-5 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.383.
His team's record is 5-7 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-7. (-3.2 units)

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ARIZONA (50 - 60) at WASHINGTON (38 - 72) - 1:35 PM
YUSMEIRO PETIT (R) vs. J.D. MARTIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 50-60 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 19-30 (-11.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
ARIZONA is 16-26 (-14.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 39-46 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 50-60 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 28-14 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 112-111 (+32.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 67-52 (+22.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 20-16 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 87-91 (+17.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 23-17 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 38-72 (-26.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 38-69 (-23.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 29-54 (-19.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 3-1 (+2.2 Units) against ARIZONA this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

YUSMEIRO PETIT vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
PETIT is 1-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 8.10 and a WHIP of 1.800.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

J.D. MARTIN vs. ARIZONA since 1997
No recent starts.

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MILWAUKEE (54 - 55) at HOUSTON (54 - 55) - 2:05 PM
YOVANI GALLARDO (R) vs. WANDY RODRIGUEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 11-25 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 13-22 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 21-32 (-15.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 244-282 (-63.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.
HOUSTON is 140-130 (+22.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 24-12 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 28-15 (+19.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 136-128 (+18.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 103-97 (+14.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 66-47 (+17.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 37-27 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 4-3 (+1.2 Units) against HOUSTON this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

YOVANI GALLARDO vs. HOUSTON since 1997
GALLARDO is 3-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.48 and a WHIP of 1.103.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

WANDY RODRIGUEZ vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
RODRIGUEZ is 4-5 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.28 and a WHIP of 1.442.
His team's record is 4-8 (-2.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-6. (-0.4 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (57 - 50) at COLORADO (60 - 49) - 3:10 PM
RANDY WELLS (R) vs. JASON HAMMEL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1014-1059 (-188.9 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 306-343 (-88.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 24-31 (-10.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 154-213 (-62.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 153-194 (-58.7 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 24-31 (-10.5 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 7-16 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLORADO is 60-49 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 109-92 (+27.3 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
COLORADO is 60-49 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 42-31 (+10.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
COLORADO is 112-97 (+30.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 58-40 (+24.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 47-59 (-21.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 2-1 (+1.9 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

RANDY WELLS vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

JASON HAMMEL vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

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CINCINNATI (47 - 61) at SAN FRANCISCO (60 - 49) - 4:05 PM
AARON HARANG (R) vs. MATT CAIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 78-106 (-29.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HARANG is 6-18 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 20-31 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 71-61 (+12.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 60-49 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 37-17 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 60-49 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 43-37 (+6.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CAIN is 16-6 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 10-1 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 16-6 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 472-554 (+39.9 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 1-0 (+2.6 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

AARON HARANG vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
HARANG is 3-6 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 4.00 and a WHIP of 1.349.
His team's record is 3-7 (-5.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-4. (+0.9 units)

MATT CAIN vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
CAIN is 2-2 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 4.18 and a WHIP of 1.648.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)

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NY METS (51 - 58) at SAN DIEGO (46 - 65) - 4:05 PM
JOHAN SANTANA (L) vs. TIM STAUFFER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 140-131 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 140-131 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SANTANA is 78-24 (+35.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 58-79 (-23.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 109-163 (-49.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 109-163 (-49.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 4-1 (+4.1 Units) against NY METS this season
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.1 Units)

JOHAN SANTANA vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
SANTANA is 1-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 2.80 and a WHIP of 1.091.
His team's record is 2-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

TIM STAUFFER vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

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ATLANTA (56 - 54) at LA DODGERS (67 - 43) - 4:10 PM
JAVIER VAZQUEZ (R) vs. SCOTT ELBERT (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 3-2 (+1.4 Units) against ATLANTA this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

JAVIER VAZQUEZ vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
VAZQUEZ is 4-6 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.17 and a WHIP of 1.147.
His team's record is 7-7 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-6. (-0.5 units)

SCOTT ELBERT vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.

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BALTIMORE (46 - 63) at TORONTO (51 - 57) - 1:07 PM
BRIAN MATUSZ (L) vs. ROY HALLADAY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 10-32 (-21.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 37-77 (-29.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 23-54 (-28.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 56-41 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
HALLADAY is 12-1 (+11.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HALLADAY is 110-51 (+33.9 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf since 1997. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 51-57 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 12-25 (-16.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TORONTO is 15-23 (-10.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 6-4 (+3.3 Units) against TORONTO this season
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.5 Units)

BRIAN MATUSZ vs. TORONTO since 1997
No recent starts.

ROY HALLADAY vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
HALLADAY is 18-4 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.06 and a WHIP of 1.140.
His team's record is 20-6 (+11.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 12-10. (+1.3 units)

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BOSTON (62 - 46) at NY YANKEES (67 - 42) - 8:05 PM
JON LESTER (L) vs. ANDY PETTITTE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 19-28 (-12.7 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 7-15 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 33-41 (-17.7 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.
NY YANKEES are 87-48 (+24.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 45-17 (+17.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 18-3 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 11-2 (+9.3 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off this season.
BOSTON is 150-89 (+30.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LESTER is 48-23 (+20.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LESTER is 37-14 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LESTER is 37-14 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PETTITTE is 12-17 (-12.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PETTITTE is 4-10 (-9.7 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
BOSTON is 8-2 (+6.5 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.3 Units)

JON LESTER vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
LESTER is 3-0 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.43 and a WHIP of 1.296.
His team's record is 4-2 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.1 units)

ANDY PETTITTE vs. BOSTON since 1997
PETTITTE is 17-9 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.11 and a WHIP of 1.460.
His team's record is 19-11 (+7.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 15-14. (+0.6 units)

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MINNESOTA (53 - 56) at DETROIT (58 - 50) - 1:05 PM
SCOTT BAKER (R) vs. JARROD WASHBURN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 53-56 (-8.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 4-14 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters this season.
DETROIT is 35-17 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
DETROIT is 16-4 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in home games in day games this season.
DETROIT is 56-42 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 22-7 (+15.6 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 64-45 (+13.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 132-138 (-27.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 27-37 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 51-63 (-24.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 86-102 (-31.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
WASHBURN is 14-29 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHBURN is 12-18 (-18.8 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. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 6-3 (+2.4 Units) against DETROIT this season
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.9 Units)

SCOTT BAKER vs. DETROIT since 1997
BAKER is 4-3 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.97 and a WHIP of 1.090.
His team's record is 7-6 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-5. (+2.8 units)

JARROD WASHBURN vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
WASHBURN is 7-6 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.05 and a WHIP of 1.102.
His team's record is 12-6 (+5.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 12-6. (+4.8 units)

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CLEVELAND (47 - 62) at CHI WHITE SOX (56 - 54) - 2:05 PM
DAVID HUFF (L) vs. JOSE CONTRERAS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 47-62 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 35-52 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 42-55 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 30-48 (-20.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 56-54 (+2.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 87-54 (+19.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 40-19 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 52-44 (+7.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 76-51 (+20.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 22-12 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 7-6 (+0.9 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.1 Units)

DAVID HUFF vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
HUFF is 1-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 9.65 and a WHIP of 2.144.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.1 units)

JOSE CONTRERAS vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
CONTRERAS is 6-2 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.09 and a WHIP of 1.257.
His team's record is 9-5 (+4.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-10. (-6.6 units)

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OAKLAND (48 - 61) at KANSAS CITY (42 - 67) - 2:10 PM
BRETT ANDERSON (L) vs. LUKE HOCHEVAR (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 4-16 (-13.4 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 4-16 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 211-137 (+66.9 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
KANSAS CITY is 42-67 (-24.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 38-66 (-23.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 24-35 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 23-38 (-16.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 38-58 (-21.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 16-28 (-13.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 3-0 (+3.3 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

BRETT ANDERSON vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

LUKE HOCHEVAR vs. OAKLAND since 1997
HOCHEVAR is 0-2 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 18.89 and a WHIP of 3.148.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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TAMPA BAY (60 - 49) at SEATTLE (57 - 52) - 4:10 PM
SCOTT KAZMIR (L) vs. RYAN ROWLAND-SMITH (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 20-26 (-14.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 57-52 (+6.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 28-19 (+8.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SEATTLE is 54-48 (+6.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TAMPA BAY is 165-122 (+29.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 25-9 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
KAZMIR is 27-14 (+15.8 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
SEATTLE is 3-1 (+2.0 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

SCOTT KAZMIR vs. SEATTLE since 1997
KAZMIR is 3-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 1.53 and a WHIP of 1.023.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.3 units)

RYAN ROWLAND-SMITH vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
ROWLAND-SMITH is 0-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 6.35 and a WHIP of 1.587.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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TEXAS (61 - 47) at LA ANGELS (64 - 43) - 3:35 PM
DEREK HOLLAND (L) vs. JOHN LACKEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 24-10 (+14.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 76-55 (+19.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 64-43 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 72-40 (+26.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 44-19 (+18.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 29-14 (+15.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 23-8 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
LA ANGELS are 58-37 (+19.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 61-47 (+16.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 63-68 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 23-12 (+11.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TEXAS is 60-45 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 38-31 (+9.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 105-110 (+18.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 52-50 (+16.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 98-93 (-51.6 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
LACKEY is 12-17 (-15.4 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 8-2 (+6.9 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.7 Units)

DEREK HOLLAND vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
No recent starts.

JOHN LACKEY vs. TEXAS since 1997
LACKEY is 10-11 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 5.96 and a WHIP of 1.569.
His team's record is 15-14 (-4.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 14-15. (-2.5 units)

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**pm530** · 08-09-2009, 04:54 AM

MLB
Write-up

Sunday, August 9

Hot Pitchers
-- Petit is 2-0, 0.00 in his last two starts (14 IP).
-- Johnson is 3-0, 3.45 in his last four starts.
-- Pineiro is 3-0, 2.57 in his last five starts.
-- Rodriguez is 4-0, 0.90 in his last six starts; he left his last start with a pulled leg muscle from running the bases.
-- Wells is 8-1, 2.85 in his last nine starts.
-- Santana is 3-1, 2.52 in his last five starts. Stauffer has 3.12 RA in his five starts, but San Diego lost four of the five games.
-- Vazquez is 5-1, 2.29 in his last eight starts.
-- Cain is 3-1, 1.75 in his last seven starts.

-- Matusz won his first big league start, allowing a run in five IP.
-- Baker is 2-0, 1.37 in his last four starts. Washburn is 4-1, 1.93 in his last six starts.
-- Anderson is 3-1, 1.85 in his last six starts.
-- Lackey is 3-1, 2.09 in his last five starts.
-- Kazmir is 2-1, 3.60 in his last four starts.
-- Lester has a 2.65 RA in his last five starts. Pettitte has a 2.63 RA in his last four outings.

Cold Pitchers
-- Martin is 0-2, 7.16 in four starts for the Nationals.
-- Moyer is 1-2, 5.94 in his last three starts.
-- Duke is 1-5, 4.27 in his last seven starts.
-- Gallardo is 1-2, 6.56 in his last four road starts.
-- Hammel is 1-2, 6.67 in his last six starts.
-- Weaver has a 4.24 RA in five starts for the Dodgers.
-- Harang is 0-5, 7.20 in his last five starts.

-- Blue Jays lost seven of last eight Halladay starts.
-- Contreras is 0-2, 7.90 in his last three starts. Huff is 2-4, 8.39 in his last seven starts.
-- Hochevar has a 6.23 RA in his last five starts.
-- Holland is 2-3, 6.21 in his last six starts.
-- Rowland-Smith is 1-1, 5.49 in four starts this season.

Hot Teams
-- Marlins are 20-15 in series finales, 10-7 on the road.
-- Nationals won their last seven games, scoring 48 runs. Arizona lost last two games, but is 19-12 in its last 30 games.
-- Colorado won six of its last nine games. Cubs are 11-5 in their last sixteen games.
-- Cardinals won eight of their last eleven games.
-- Padres won nine of their last twelve games.
-- Giants won nine of their last twelve games.
-- Braves won four of their last five games.

-- Tigers are 20-7 in their last 27 home games.
-- Bronx Bombers are 17-5 since the All-Star break.
-- Angels won seven of their last ten games.
-- White Sox won 15 of their last 21 home games. Indians won four of their last six games.
-- A's won four of their last six games.
-- Tampa Bay won six of its last eight games. Seattle is 10-6 in home series finales.

Cold Teams
-- Phillies lost seven of their last ten games.
-- Pirates lost their last seven games, allowing 44 runs.
-- Astros lost nine of their last thirteen games. Brewers are 4-7 in their last eleven road games.
-- Mets lost seven of their last nine games.
-- Reds lost eight of their last ten games.
-- Dodgers are 3-6 in their last eight home games.

-- Blue Jays lost six of their last eight home games. Orioles lost seven of their last nine games overall.
-- Twins lost nine of their last thirteen road games.
-- Red Sox lost their last five games- they haven't scored in 24 innings.
-- Royals lost eight of their last eleven games.
-- Rangers are 7-9 in road series finales.

Totals
-- Under is 8-3-1 in Phillies' last twelve games.
-- Over is 5-0-1 in last six Cardinal road games.
-- Under is 17-7 in Arizona's last twenty-four road games.
-- Over is 11-4-1 in Milwaukee's last sixteen games.
-- Eight of last eleven Colorado games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five San Diego games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Atlanta games went over the total.
-- Under is 7-3-1 in last eleven Cincinnati games.

-- Under is 11-5-2 in last eighteen games at Rogers Centre.
-- Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Bronx games.
-- Over is 6-1-1 in last eight Minnesota games.
-- Over is 10-3-1 in Cleveland's last fourteen games.
-- Last seven Oakland road games went over the total.
-- Over is 15-2-1 in Angels' last eighteen games.
-- Eight of last eleven Tampa Bay road games stayed under the total.

Umpires
-- Cin-SF-- Under is 4-1-1 in Reyburn games this season.
-- Mil-Hst-- Home side is 16-2 in last eighteen Vanover games.
--Az-Wsh-- Under is 10-4 in Cuzzi's last 14 games behind the plate.
-- Fla-Phil-- Over is 8-5 in Rapuano's last thirteen games.
-- StL-Pitt-- Road team won nine of eleven Estabrook games.
-- Chi-Col-- Underdog won four of last five BWelke games (over 3-1-1 in those five games).
-- NY-SD-- Over is 8-4 in last dozen Marsh games behind plate.
-- Atl-Phil-- Seven of last nine Meriwether games stayed under total.

-- Blt-Tor-- Five of last seven Culbreth games went over the total.
-- Bos-NY-- Under is 8-3-1 in last dozen Miller games.
-- Tex-LA-- Under is 8-4-1 in last thirteen Darling games.
-- Min-Det-- Under is 5-0-1 in last six Eddings games.
-- Clev-Chi-- Under is 15-5-3 in Gorman's last 23 games behind dish.
-- A's-KC-- Road team won seven of last ten Barry games.
-- TB-Sea-- Home team won 11 of last 13 Davidson games.

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**pm530** · 08-09-2009, 04:55 AM

MLB

Sunday, August 9

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

1:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. DETROIT
Minnesota is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Minnesota is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Detroit is 18-6-1 SU in its last 25 games at home
Detroit is 4-1-1 SU in its last 6 games

1:07 PM
BALTIMORE vs. TORONTO
Baltimore is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
Baltimore is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Toronto is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Baltimore
Toronto is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Baltimore

1:35 PM
ARIZONA vs. WASHINGTON
Arizona is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Arizona is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington
Washington is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing at home against Arizona
Washington is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Arizona

1:35 PM
FLORIDA vs. PHILADELPHIA
Florida is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Florida is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Florida
Philadelphia is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing Florida

1:35 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. PITTSBURGH
St. Louis is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Pittsburgh
St. Louis is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
Pittsburgh is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home

2:00 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. HOUSTON
Milwaukee is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Houston
Milwaukee is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Houston
Houston is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games
Houston is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home

2:05 PM
CLEVELAND vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Cleveland is 6-12 SU in their last 18 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Cleveland is 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 8-3 SU in their last 11 games at home
Chi White Sox are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games

2:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. KANSAS CITY
Oakland is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
Oakland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
Kansas City is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games
Kansas City is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games at home

3:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. COLORADO
Chi Cubs are 11-5 SU in their last 16 games
Chi Cubs are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing Colorado
Colorado is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
Colorado is 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing Chi Cubs

3:33 PM
TEXAS vs. LA ANGELS
Texas is 8-3 SU in their last 11 games when playing LA Angels
Texas is 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
LA Angels are 9-3 SU in their last 12 games at home
LA Angels are 19-6 SU in their last 25 games

4:05 PM
CINCINNATI vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Cincinnati is 3-15 SU in its last 18 games
Cincinnati is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games on the road
San Francisco is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Cincinnati
San Francisco is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games

4:05 PM
NY METS vs. SAN DIEGO
NY Mets are 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
NY Mets are 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
San Diego is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against NY Mets
San Diego is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing NY Mets

4:10 PM
ATLANTA vs. LA DODGERS
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
LA Dodgers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games
LA Dodgers are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games at home

4:10 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. SEATTLE
Tampa Bay is 2-4-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Seattle
No trends available

8:05 PM
BOSTON vs. NY YANKEES
Boston is 0-4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Boston is 0-4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
NY Yankees are 2-9-1 SU in their last 12 games when playing Boston
NY Yankees are 11-1-1 SU in their last 13 games at home

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**pm530** · 08-09-2009, 04:56 AM

MLB

Sunday, August 9

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

Tampa Bay Rays at Seatte Mariners (+120, 8.5)

The key to Seattle’s success the rest of the way is pitching. And few teams throw the ball as well at home as the Mariners.

Seattle has the ninth-best home ERA in baseball (3.77). Safeco Field has been a house of horrors for opposing lineups this season. The Mariners have won three straight at home and will start young hurler Ryan Rowland-Smith on Sunday, a player Tampa Bay has yet to face this year.

The Rays also hit six points lower on the road (.260) than at home, and are just 24-31 away from Tropicana Field this year. Overall, the Rays have dropped five of their past eight on the road.

Seattle has a long way to go to get back in the playoff race, but should take advantage of an opportunity to damage Tampa Bay’s postseason hopes.

Pick: Mariners

Chicago Cubs at Colorado Rockies (+106, 9.5)

One of baseball’s best kept secrets is that the Cubs are one of the worst road hitting teams in the majors.

Chicago is batting a pathetic .237 away from Wrigley Field this year. The team is in the bottom third in the league in road doubles (92) and is in the middle of the pack in away home runs (57). The lone reason the team doesn’t struggle more on the road than its 24-31 record would indicate, is its pitching.

The Cubs have the third-best road ERA (3.84) in the majors. But don’t tell that to the Rockies, who have been raking at home ever since Coors Field was first built in Denver a mile above sea level. Colorado is doing it the same way it has always done it, with power. The Rockies have smacked 67 home runs and 110 doubles in their own back yard.

Pick: Rockies

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**pm530** · 08-09-2009, 04:57 AM

MLB

Sunday, August 9

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

Streaking

Wandy Rodriguez (Houston Astros)

The left-hander took just a handful of days to recover from a pulled hamstring. And that’s bad news for opposing hitters.

Rodriguez (10-6, 2.63 ERA) is fifth in the National League in ERA and ninth in strikeouts (128). He has been the most reliable pitcher this year for Houston and is in the midst of one of his biggest runs of the season. Over his past six starts he has allowed just four earned runs – a span of 40 innings.

In his most recent outing, he was lifted with a tweaked hamstring after four innings of one-hit ball against the Cardinals. But don’t look for him to labor against Milwaukee on Sunday. In his other start against the Brewers this year, he gave up only one run over seven innings while striking out five.

"When you see him have the fastball command, you know he has a chance to have a really good game," Astros manager Cecil Cooper told reporters. "And when he can throw in the curveball, which I think is one of the better curveballs in the league, when he can get that over, he's almost unhittable."

John Lackey (Los Angeles Angels)

This right-hander has been absolutely heavenly for the Angels over his past five starts.

Lackey (7-4, 3.96 ERA) has won five of his past six decisions and has regained his status as the ace of the Angels staff. During his past five starts, he has posted a record of 4-0 with a 1.86 ERA and 30 strikeouts. In each of those games, he also completed at least seven innings.

In his most recent outing against the White Sox, he allowed just three earned runs over eight innings as he struck out seven.

“I felt like I was in command of all of my pitches," Lackey told the Associated Press after a recent start. "I feel like my strength, stamina and command are all coming together."

Slumping

Luke Hochevar (Kansas City Royals)

The 25-year-old has no problem throwing strikes. His problem is not letting opposing hitters smack those pitches into outfield gaps.

Hochevar (6-4, 5.40 ERA) has given up 11 earned runs on 18 hits in his past 11 innings. But the young righty has cut down on his walks. In his past four starts, he's collected 34 strikeouts against just three walks.

But so many pitches around the strike zone has been deadly for the young hurler, whose aggressiveness has gotten him into big trouble.

And sometimes, all the wheels just come off the wagon.

"I wasn't getting my breaking ball over. I really didn't even have a curveball today and my slider was flat," Hochevar said after a recent start. "When that happens, they just eliminate pitches."

Aaron Harang (Cincinnati Reds)

May 25. That’s the last time Aaron Harang won a game.

The right-hander has had one of the worst seasons of his career, stumbling to a record of 5-13 with a 4.52 ERA. Over his past four starts, he has allowed a combined 15 earned runs over 20 1-3 innings. In his most recent outing, a 4-2 loss to the Cubs, he coughed up four runs on six hits over 7 1-3 innings.

"We've tried all kinds of stuff," Harang told reporters. "I really don't know. It's one of those things. Maybe we need to be more aggressive, or maybe we need to throw more pitches in the bullpen. It's one of those things that just happen."

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**pm530** · 08-09-2009, 04:58 AM

MLB

Sunday, August 9

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday night baseball: Red Sox at Yankees
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees (-107, 9.5)

Boston takes on New York at Yankees Stadium under the Sunday night ESPN lights tonight. That just sounds right.

A pair of southpaws, each looking to crack the 10-win plateau, do battle Sunday when the Red Sox send Jon Lester (9-7 3.79 ERA) up against Andy Pettitte (9-6 4.35 ERA) and the Pinstripes.

Back from the dead

Alex Rodriguez ended his homerless streak at 71 at-bats, his longest power drought as a Yankee, when he launched a game-winning two-run shot in Friday’s 2-0 victory over the Red Sox.

Rodriguez is on pace for his worst statistical season yet, but maybe last night’s clutch dinger will spark his performance for the remainder of the year.

V-Mart

The Red Sox wanted catcher Victor Martinez even though he was hitting below .200 in July.

The Boston brass thought they needed an offensive boost. The Sox offered the Indians a good chunk of promising pitchers and as a result were able to add the All-Star to their roster at the trading deadline.

Martinez developed as a youngster in the Cleveland organization, starting out as a shortstop before being switched to a catcher. He also carries a first-basemen’s glove in his apparel bag.

"Now they have another bat, instead of just three guys carrying the lineup," said one well-respected scout.

Martinez should give the Sox the same type of offensive boost they got from Jason Bay last season.

Bay watch

Speaking of Bay, the left fielder has had lingering effects from a hamstring cramp.

He missed the final game of the Baltimore series Sunday, August 2 and the opener of the Tampa Bay matchup Tuesday, August 4. The All-Star was back in the lineup August 5 before re-injuring the hamstring. He didn't play in either of the first two games in this series. His bat is critical in Boston’s quest for the pennant.

Other key BoSox performers injured or sidelined include OF Rocco Baldelli, SS Jed Lowrie and RHP’s Daisuke Matsuzaka and Tim Wakefield.

Penny for your thoughts

Boston has to get more from its starting pitchers if the club has any shot at grabbing a postseason berth.

The last sweep through the rotation saw Brad Penny, John Smoltz, and Clay Buchholz combine for 13 1-3 innings, 24 hits, 20 runs (all earned), 10 walks and 11 strikeouts. The trio also surrendered seven home runs in the process.

Penny, now 7-6, has not lasted seven innings in any of his 21 starts this season, which is the most in the majors. It's also the longest single-season streak by a Red Sox pitcher since 1954.

The Red Sox designated Smoltz for assignment on Friday. The club has 10 days to reassign him to a Minor League affiliate, trade him, or release him.

Go figure

Pettitte picked up his first win since July 1 when he bested Roy Halladay and the Blue Jays, 5-3, in Toronto Tuesday night.

Despite a stellar 40:6 strikeout to walk ratio, Pettitte owns a 5.31 ERA against left-handed hitters this season. On the flip side the big lefty sports a 3.91 ERA against right-handed bats.

He is 1-3 with a 6.36 ERA in his last four team starts versus Boston, but 9-6 at home in his career against the Red Sox.

Lester has defused the Bronx Bombers since being shelled in his MLB debut start against the Pinstripes, going 4-1 with a 2.23 ERA.

Lester has delivered the goods in nine of his last 12 team starts for Boston.

The Yankees play great at home on Sunday (16-2 this season). Conversely, the Red Sox are just 2-7 away on Sundays.

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**Udog** · 08-09-2009, 08:44 AM

MLB
Dunkel

Boston at NY Yankees
The Red Sox look to salvage a game in the series and build on their 6-1 record in Jon Lester's last 7 starts following a team loss in the previous game. Boston is the pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Red Sox favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: Boston (+110). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9

Game 901-902: Florida at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Johnson) 14.518; Philadelphia (Moyer) 15.861
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida (-140); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+120); Under

Game 903-904: St. Louis at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Pineiro) 13.997; Pittsburgh (Duke) 14.343
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-175); 8
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+165); Over

Game 905-906: Arizona at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Petit) 15.632; Washington (Martin) 16.338
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1/2; 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona (-120); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+110); Over

Game 907-908: Milwaukee at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Gallardo) 14.559; Houston (Rodriguez) 15.009
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Houston (-110); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-110); Under

Game 909-910: Chicago Cubs at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Wells) 14.962; Colorado (Hammel) 16.197
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-125); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+115); Under

Game 911-912: Cincinnati at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Harang) 14.420; San Francisco (Cain) 15.616
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-175); 8
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-175); Over

Game 913-914: NY Mets at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Santana) 14.358; San Diego (Stauffer) 14.825
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-145); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+135); Over

Game 915-916: Atlanta at LA Dodgers
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Vazquez) 15.420; LA Dodgers (Stults) 15.076
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 917-918: Baltimore at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Matusz) 15.590; Toronto (Halladay) 13.787
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 2; 8
Vegas Line: Toronto (-275); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+245); Over

Game 919-920: Boston at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lester) 15.992; NY Yankees (Pettitte) 15.557
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-120); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (+110); Under

Game 921-922: Minnesota at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Baker) 15.070; Detroit (Washburn) 15.549
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1/2; 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-130); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-130); Over

Game 923-924: Cleveland at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Huff) 17.088; White Sox (Contreras) 15.106
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 2; 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-155); 10
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+145); Over

Game 925-926: Oakland at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Anderson) 13.424; Kansas City (Hochevar) 15.213
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-110); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-110); Under

Game 927-928: Tampa Bay at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Kazmir) 14.712; Seattle (Rowland-Smith) 15.067
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-135); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+125); Over

Game 929-930: Texas at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Holland) 15.480; LA Angels (Lackey) 16.466
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1; 11 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-175); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-175); Over

**Udog** · 08-09-2009, 10:53 AM

MLB
Short Sheet

Sunday, 8/9/2009

National League

FLORIDA at PHILADELPHIA, 1:35 PM ET
JOHNSON: 11-0 TSR when the total is 9 to 9.5
MOYER: PHI 1-8 revenging BB home losses as fav

ST LOUIS at PITTSBURGH, 1:35 PM ET
PINEIRO: STL 12-3 AWAY when the total is 8 to 8.5
DUKE: PIT 1-14 as a home underdog of +150 to +200

ARIZONA at WASHINGTON, 1:35 PM ET
PETIT: ARI 1-7 after 7+ consecutive road games
MARTIN: WAS 7-1 in August

MILWAUKEE at HOUSTON, 2:05 PM ET
GALLARDO: MIL 4-13 AWAY after scoring 10+ runs
RODRIGUEZ: 10-3 TSR when the money line is +125 to -125

CHICAGO CUBS at COLORADO, 3:10 PM ET
WELLS: CHC 20-30 when the money line is +125 to -125
HAMMEL: COL 18-9 against NL Central

CINCINNATI at SAN FRANCISCO, 4:05 PM ET
HARANG: 2-12 TSR AWAY when the total is 7 to 8.5
CAIN: 10-1 TSR at home

NY METS at SAN DIEGO, 4:05 PM ET
SANTANA: NYM 14-6 after having lost 4 of their last 5
STAUFFER: SD 28-62 as an underdog of +125 to +175

ATLANTA at LA DODGERS, 4:10 PM ET
VAZQUEZ: ATL 12-4 OVER when playing on Sunday
ELBERT: LAD 11-2 revenging a one run loss

American League

BALTIMORE at TORONTO, 1:07 PM ET
MATUSZ: BAL 11-2 OVER as an underdog of +175 to +250
HALLADAY: TOR 13-25 against division opponents

BOSTON at NY YANKEES, 8:05 PM ET
LESTER: BOS 16-5 UNDER after 3+ consecutive losses
PETTITTE: NYY 18-3 at home on Sunday

MINNESOTA at DETROIT, 1:05 PM ET
BAKER: MIN 10-2 after scoring 10+ runs
WASHBURN: DET 2-9 after allowing 9+ runs

CLEVELAND at CHI WHITE SOX, 2:05 PM ET
HUFF: CLE 13-2 OVER AWAY when the total is 10 to 10.5
CONTRERAS: CHW 24-6 at home after scoring 8+ runs

OAKLAND at KANSAS CITY, 2:10 PM ET
ANDERSON: OAK 4-16 AWAY with a money line of -100 to -125
HOCHEVAR: KC 21-10 OVER at home when the money line is +125 to -125

TAMPA BAY at SEATTLE, 4:10 PM ET
KAZMIR: 21-6 TSR as a favorite of -125 to -175
ROWLAND-SMITH: SEA 1-19 after allowing 10+ runs

TEXAS at LA ANGELS, 3:35 PM ET
HOLLAND: TEX 8-16 after a loss by 2 runs or less
LACKEY: LAA 25-6 OVER in the second half of the season

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 08-09-2009, 10:58 AM

MLB

Sunday, August 9

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Baseball Today
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SCOREBOARD

Sunday, August 9

Boston at New York Yankees (8:05 p.m. EDT). The rivals wrap up a four-game set at Yankees Stadium with Jon Lester facing Andy Pettitte. Both pitchers will be trying for their 10th victories of the season.

STARS

Saturday

-CC Sabathia, Yankees, didn't allow a runner past second base while pitching into the eighth inning and New York beat Boston 5-0 for its sixth consecutive win.

-Jered Weaver, Angels, pitched into the eighth inning for the first time in his last 10 starts and matched a career high with his second straight 11-strikeout performance, leading Los Angeles to a 3-2 victory over Texas.

-Prince Fielder and Mike Rivera, Brewers, drove in three runs apiece as Milwaukee routed Houston 12-5.

-Bengie Molina, Giants, homered among his three hits and drove in three runs in helping San Francisco beat the Cincinnati Reds 4-2.

-Adam Lind, Blue Jays, hit a one-out double in the 10th inning to score the winning run, and Toronto beat the Orioles 3-2.

-Albert Pujols, Cardinals, hit a three-run double to reach the 100 RBIs mark for the ninth consecutive season as St. Louis beat Pittsburgh 5-3.

-Kelly Johnson, Braves, hit a two-run homer in the 10th inning against Guillermo Mota and Atlanta beat the Dodgers 2-1 for their second straight extra-inning victory over the NL West leaders.

-Carl Pavano and Denard Span, Twins. Pavano allowed only five hits over seven innings in his Minnesota debut and Span went 5 for 5, lifting the Twins to an 11-0 win over the Tigers.

APOLOGY

Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton told about a dozen reporters how much he regretted what happened at in Tempe, Ariz., last January after a Web site published photos of him cavorting with several scantily clad women at a bar. Before this episode, Hamilton, who has had a troubled history with alcohol and drugs, said he hadn't drank since Oct. 6, 2005.

BOSTON BAT BUMMER

The Red Sox won their first eight games against the rival Yankees this season but this trip to the Bronx has been a disaster. The slumping Red Sox haven't produced a run in the last 24 innings of their four-game series against the Yankees that ends Sunday and is 3 for 33 with runners in scoring position for the series.

ACES UP

Jake Peavy will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte on Thursday after throwing off the mound Saturday, and the Chicago White Sox's recently acquired right-hander could be back in the big leagues this month. Peavy is scheduled to start Thursday for Charlotte and is expected to throw two to three innings. On the disabled list since June 13 with a strained right ankle tendon, Peavy was acquired from the San Diego Padres on July 31.

MILESTONE

Jim Thome hit a two-run shot for his 562nd career homer and 21st this season, helping the White Sox rally for an 8-5 victory over the Indians. Thome passed Willie McCovey for 39th all-time with 1,557 RBIs.

BEAT THE AL

Kansas City's Zack Greinke was 0-5 and the Royals were winless in his previous nine starts against American League teams before going seven innings and allowing three runs on seven hits for his first victory since June 28 at Pittsburgh, a 12-6 win over Oakland. He struck out five and ranks second in the AL with 167. He league-leading ERA rose to 2.43.

STATS

Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw is 6-1 with a 1.06 ERA in his last 10 starts beginning with a no-decision on June 16 - the best ERA in the majors during that stretch. ... Following a 27-20 start, the Mets have gone 24-39 since May 29 and fallen eight games under .500 for the first time since ending the 2004 season at 71-91. ... With a 6-5 loss to Chicago, the Rockies' 15-game winning streak over teams from the NL Central ended.

AMAZING ALBERT

Albert Pujols drove in three runs to surpass the 100 RBI mark for the ninth straight season to start his career. The only major league hitter with a longer streak is Hall of Famer Al Simmons, who had 11 consecutive seasons with the Philadelphia Athletics from 1924-34. Despite going 1 for 5, he is hitting .429 against Pittsburgh this season with three homers and 11 RBIs in 11 games. He is a career .380 hitter at PNC Park, where he has 64 RBIs in 67 career games.

SPEAKING

"They showed they can throw at a very high level and in a very important game. The stakes were high, and they came up big.'' - Yankees manager Joe Girardi on the consecutive strong outings by pitchers A.J. Burnett and CC Sabathia as New York took the first three games from rival Boston.

SEASONS

August 9

1916 - The Philadelphia A's ended their 20-game losing streak as Joe Bush beat the Detroit Tigers 7-1.

1939 - Red Rolfe of the New York Yankees started a streak of 18 consecutive games in which he scored at least one run. During those games, he scored a total of 30 runs.

1960 - Ted Williams of the Boston Red Sox hit home run No. 511 to tie Mel Ott for fourth place on the career list.

1975 - Davey Lopes of the Los Angeles Dodgers stole his 32nd consecutive base without being caught in a 2-0 victory over the New York Mets, breaking Max Carey's 1922 record. Lopes tacked on six more steals before being caught on Aug. 24.

1976 - John Candelaria became the first Pirate pitcher in 69 years to throw a no-hitter in Pittsburgh by blanking the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-0. Candelaria's no-hitter came at Three Rivers Stadium. No Pirate ever threw a no-hitter at Forbes Field.

1981 - Baseball returned following the strike with the All-Star game in Cleveland before a crowd of 72,086. Gary Carter of the Montreal Expos hit two home runs to give the NL a 5-4 triumph over the AL. Vida Blue became the first pitcher to win an All-Star game in both leagues. His AL victory came in 1971 at Detroit.

1988 - The Chicago Cubs won the first official night game at Wrigley Field by beating the New York Mets 6-4.

1998 - Dennis Martinez became the winningest Latin pitcher in baseball history, breaking Juan Marichal's record of 243 victories. Martinez pitched a perfect eighth inning and got the victory when Chipper Jones hit a tiebreaking, two-run single in the ninth inning and the Atlanta Braves held on for the win.

2001 - Mike Hampton tied the NL record for pitchers with his seventh homer as the Rockies beat the Cubs 14-5. Hampton's seventh homer matched the NL mark shared by Don Drysdale (1958, 1965) and Don Newcombe (1955). The major league record is nine by Cleveland's Wes Ferrell in 1931.

2002 - Barry Bonds hit his 600th homer, becoming the fourth major leaguer to reach the mark. With a 421-foot, solo shot off Pittsburgh's Kip Wells, the San Francisco Giants slugger joined Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth and Willie Mays in the exclusive club.

2006 - Mark DeRosa hit three-run homers in consecutive innings to lead Texas to a 14-0 rout of Oakland.

2007 - Failed pitcher Rick Ankiel hit a three-run home run to cap his debut as a major league outfielder in St. Louis' 5-0 victory over San Diego.

Today's birthdays: Josh Anderson 27; Jason Frasor 32; Brian Fuentes 34; Troy Percival 40.

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**Udog** · 08-09-2009, 11:03 AM

MLB and NFL

Sunday, August 9

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Tips and Trends
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Buffalo Bills vs. Tennessee Titans [NBC | 8:00 PM ET]

Bills: Buffalo should have plenty of support at neutral site Canton, Ohio for its Hall of Fame matchup. The Bills’ club owner, Ralph Wilson, and former star Buffalo pass rusher Bruce Smith are two of this year’s inductees into the Hall. The Bills have had five more practice days than the Titans. Terrell Owens is the big camp story. But Owens and Lee Evans, the Bills’ other star wide receiver, are not expected to play more than four or five plays. One of the keys for the Bills is their offensive line, which is being totally revamped this season. So it wouldn’t be surprising if Eric Wood, Andy Levitre, Langston Walker and Geoff Hangartner all saw extended playing time as the Bills try to develop cohesiveness in their refurbished offensive line. The Bills are 3-0 against the spread during their first preseason game under Dick Jauron.

The Bills have covered during their first preseason game each of the past six years.

Key Injuries - None

PROJECTED SCORE: 14

Titans (-2.5 O/U 31): The Titans should have an edge in rushing with Chris Johnson and LenDale White running behind a strong offensive line and at backup quarterback with Vince Young. Titans coach Jeff Fisher said his quarterback rotation is having starter Kerry Collins play a few series followed by Young, who should play into the third quarter. Then veteran Patrick Ramsey will take over with Alex Mortensen possibly getting mop up duty at the end. Fisher was quoted as saying, “We are going to … approach this to showcase our good players. We want to play them as long as possible. We want to play this game to win this game.” The Titans opened camp late and don’t need to impress their fan base having reached the playoffs last season. The Titans won’t have wide receiver Kenny Britt, their first-round pick. He’s nursing a hamstring injury.

The Titans are 20-26-1 against the spread when favored in preseason.

Key Injuries - None

PROJECTED SCORE: 16 (UNDER - Total of the Day)

Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees [8:05 PM ET]

Red Sox: After winning their first eight games this season against the Yankees, the Red Sox are in danger of being swept. The Red Sox haven’t scored in their last 24 innings and are 3-for-33 with runners in scoring position in losing the first three games of this series. Boston is 0-7 in its last seven games as a road ‘dog. The Red Sox are 1-11 during their past 12 games versus a team with a winning record. David Ortiz is batting just .171 since the July 30 report about his alleged drug use. Jon Lester (9-7, 3.79 ERA) is 1-1 with a 3.46 ERA since the All-Star break. The southpaw is 4-4 with a 4.26 ERA in 11 road outings this season. Lester is 3-0 lifetime versus the Yankees with a 3.43 ERA in six starts, including 1-0 this season with a 3.46 ERA in two starts.

The Under is 12-3 in Boston’s last 15 games as an underdog.

The Under has cashed in 10 of Boston’s past 14 away contests.

Key Injuries - Jed Lowrie (arm) is on the DL and Jason Bay is questionable with a hamstring injury.

PROJECTED SCORE: 4

Yankees (-$1.15, O/U 9.5): The Yankees have won six in a row and 20 of their last 30 games. They are 40-15 in their last 55 games at Yankee Stadium. Andy Pettitte (9-6, 4.35 ERA) snapped a three-game losing streak in his last outing. He held Toronto to one run on four hits in 6 2/3 innings in a 5-3 victory last Tuesday. The veteran lefty struck out six, but did walk four batters while trying to refine control of his cut fastball. Pettitte has been better away from Yankee Stadium this season. He is 5-2 on the road with a 3.19 ERA compared to 4-4 at home with a 5.28 ERA. Pettitte did catch a break with the game being moved from day to night since his evening record is 8-2 with a 3.55 ERA compared to 1-4 with a 6.07 ERA in day games.

The Yankees are 36-16 following a victory.

The Under is 9-2-1 in New York’s past 12 home games versus a team with a losing road record.

Key Injuries - Brett Gardner (finger) is on the DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: 5 (Side of the Day)

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**Udog** · 08-09-2009, 11:50 AM

WNBA
Dunkel

Chicago at Detroit
The Sky are coming off yesterday's win at Atlanta and look to build on their 7-3 ATS record in their last 10 games with 0 days of rest. Chicago is the pick (+7) according to Dunkel, which has the Shock favored by just 1. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+7). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9

Game 651-652: Washington at Connecticut
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 110.761; Connecticut 112.157
Dunkel Line & Total: Connecticut by 1 1/2; 154 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Connecticut by 4 1/2; 152 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+4 1/2); Over

Game 653-654: Chicago at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 110.139; Detroit 110.828
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1; 148
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 7; 150 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+7); Under

Game 655-656: San Antonio at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 109.014; Minnesota 114.819
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 6; 155
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 2 1/2; 159
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-2 1/2); Under

WNBA
Long Sheet

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Sunday, August 9
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WASHINGTON (11 - 9) at CONNECTICUT (10 - 10) - 8/9/2009, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 171-216 ATS (-66.6 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 103-136 ATS (-46.6 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 19-34 ATS (-18.4 Units) in road games in August or September games since 1997.
CONNECTICUT is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
CONNECTICUT is 12-22 ATS (-12.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 17-29 ATS (-14.9 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games in August or September games over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 13-23 ATS (-12.3 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 6-3 against the spread versus CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 5-4 straight up against CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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CHICAGO (10 - 11) at DETROIT (7 - 11) - 8/9/2009, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 7-14 ATS (-8.4 Units) in all games this season.
CHICAGO is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) as an underdog this season.
CHICAGO is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in road games this season.
DETROIT is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) vs. division opponents this season.

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

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SAN ANTONIO (9 - 11) at MINNESOTA (11 - 10) - 8/9/2009, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game after 15+ games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 57-82 ATS (-33.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 6-2 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 6-3 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WNBA

Sunday, August 9

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Lady Luck: Today's WNBA best bets
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San Antonio Silver Stars at Minnesota Lynx (-2.5, 159)

The Silver Stars have a fundamental problem: they only have two consistent scorers.

After MVP candidate Becky Hammon (21.2 ppg, 4.6 apg) and Sophia Young (17.6 ppg, 7.0 rpg), no other player on the roster averages double digits. And even in the lower-scoring WNBA, this is a fatal flaw.

San Antonio has dropped three of four with the team averaging just 74.2 points per game, good for the fourth-worst total in the league. The team also shoots a horrid 41 percent from the floor and 32.5 percent from beyond-the-arc.

Meantime, Minnesota is coming off a win over Connecticut and has so far split the season series at one-game apiece with the Silver Stars.

Minnesota doesn’t play good defense, but should have enough to stifle San Antonio.

Pick: Lynx

Chicago Sky at Detroit Shock (-7, 150.5)

The Sky better have packed their travel bags. After playing the Dream in Atlanta on Saturday night, Chicago must hop a plane to fly back north for an early evening affair in the Motor City.

And the road has been an unkind place for the Sky. They entered the weekend having dropped nine of 11 away from home.

The key for the Shock will be improving their eighth-ranked defense (77.8 ppg), which has been a big reason they've followed a win with a loss four straight times, and won consecutive games only once this season.

"That happens," Detroit center Taj McWilliams told the Associated Press. "Offense happens, but defense is what you make happen. We have to do what we need to do on defense.

Pick: Detroit

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Announcement

Sunday Trends and Indexes 8/9 (MLB, WNBA, Misc.)

Sunday Trends and Indexes 8/9 (MLB, WNBA, Misc.)

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