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**pm530** · 08-18-2009, 05:33 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Tuesday, August 18

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Phillies get a visit from the D-Backs, the Cardinals take on the Dodgers, and the Twins look for a victory down in Texas.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

Pedro Martinez (1-0, 5.40 ERA) will make his second start for the Phillies on Tuesday night when they play host to the Diamondbacks and Jon Garland (6-10, 4.28 ERA). Righthander Martinez won his season debut last time out, holding the Cubs to three earned runs on seven hits over his five innings of work. Righthander Garland took a no-decision against the Mets in his last start, allowing two earned runs in six innings. Arizona is 1-5 in Garland's last six starts.

Also on the NL schedule for Tuesday: Milwaukee at Pittsburgh, Colorado at Washington, San Francisco at Cincinnati, Atlanta at the Mets, Florida at Houston, the Cubs at San Diego, and St. Louis at the Dodgers. Mitchell Boggs (1-1, 3.78 ERA) will get the ball for the Cards; the righthander gave up four earned runs in six innings in a loss to the Reds last time out. Chad Billingsley (11-6, 3.73 ERA) is tabbed to start for L.A.; Billingsley missed his last outing with a sore hamstring.

Elsewhere, Josh Beckett (14-4, 3.10 ERA) will be gunning for his 15th victory of the season on Tuesday night when the Red Sox play in Toronto against the Blue Jays. Righthander Beckett cruised to a win over the Tigers in his last trip to the mound, surrendering just two earned runs on three hits over seven innings of work. Boston has won eight of Beckett's last 10 outings. The Blue Jays will counter with Ricky Romero (10-5, 3.70 ERA); Toronto is 0-2 in his last two starts.

Rounding out the American League schedule for Tuesday: the Angels at Cleveland, Baltimore at Tampa Bay, Seattle at Detroit, Kansas City at the White Sox, the Yankees at Oakland, and Minnesota at Texas. Carl Pavano (10-9, 5.16 ERA) gets the ball for the Twins on Tuesday; righthander Pavano allowed five runs in seven innings vs. the Royals last time out. The Rangers will go with Scott Feldman (12-4, 3.90 ERA); the righthander has won each of his last three outings.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

Finally, there are three WNBA games on tap for Tuesday, with Seattle at Detroit, Washington at Los Angeles, and Phoenix at Chicago. The Mercury continue to lead the West standings at 17-8 both straight-up and against-the-spread. Phoenix, though, fell 106-89 to San Antonio in their last outing on Saturday. The Sky sit at 13-12 SU and 10-15 ATS through 25 games. Chicago beat Minnesota 79-76 in their Saturday contest, with Candice Dupree scoring 14 points that day.

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**pm530** · 08-18-2009, 05:34 AM

Tuesday 10-pack

Today we're looking at college football in the Pac-10 conference......

-- Arizona-- Stoops saved his job with an 8-5 year LY-- Wildcats are 8-1-1 vs spread as home dog last four years. This year he has new QB, but seven starters back on defense. They're 4-1 in last five bowls.

-- Arizona State-- Sun Devils have 13 starters back, play pair of easy home games before heading to Georgia Sept 26. Have new QB, but he is protected by four returnees on OL. Just 7-18 in last 25 as road dog.

-- Cal-- 15 starters back, an experienced QB, and a coach who is 44-19 the last five years; Bears were 4-18 the two years before Tedford came to Berkeley. California also has 4-game bowl winning streak going.

-- Oregon-- New coach, 13 new starters, very tough September slate for Duck squad that is 36-15 last four years. Lost six of top 10 on the offensive line-- they're 15-6 vs spread in last 21 games as home fave.

-- Oregon State-- 28-12 last three years, but Beavers lost eight starters on defense that shut Pitt out 3-0in LY's Sun Bowl. OSU won last five bowls, the second-longest current streak in the country (Utah).

-- USC-- Eight new starters on defense, two new coordinators, a new QB, a September road game in Columbus, yet Trojans are ranked 4th in the country. They've got an assemblyline of talented players in LA.

-- Stanford-- 17 starters back, but defense has allowed 153+ rushing yards in each of last four years. Last winning season was 2001, back when Ty Willingham won games. They have shot at a bowl this year.

-- UCLA-- Nine starters back for Neuheisel's second year; Bruins are 24-8 vs spread in last 32 home games, but are 4-9 in last 13 tries as a road favorite. UCLA allowed 4.4 yds/rush last season, just too much.

-- Washington-- Lost 50 games to injury LY, 2nd-most in country, but they have terrific junior QB for new coach Sarkisian to mold. Are 1-9 vs spread as home favorite last five years. 10 starters back on defense.

-- Washington State-- Went 30-8 from 2001-3, are 22-37 since-- in last 20 games as road dog, are 7-13 vs spread. This was an awful team LY, -25 in turnovers, gave up an average of 248 rushing yards per game.

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Tuesday's List of 13: Clearing out a cluttered mind.....

13) Week 3 of the NFL preseason won't be your ordinary week of NFL games-- Michael Vick will make his Eagle debut, and Jay Cutler's Bears visit Denver, which just traded Cutler to the Windy City.

12) Pittsburgh Steelers' first Sunday afternoon home game is October 18.

11) Baltimore Ravens are 36-16-2 vs spread as home favorite since 2000, 13-10-1 in division games, 23-6-1 against everyone else.

10) Why am I not surprised Bengals haven't signed their first round pick yet? The more things change, the more they stay the same.

9) Funny how a guy who got fired as coach at UTEP is responsible for the newest fad in NFL offenses, the Wildcat. David Lee is QB coach for the Dolphins-- he was at Arkansas with Houston Nutt when they ran it with McFadden and Felix Jones, now it is all over the NFL.

8) Bears-Vikings play twice every year, but their first game this season is not until November 29-- they play again December 28.

7) Do blind dogs have seeing-eye people?

6) Patriots ranked 15th against the run LY, first time in seven years they were out of the top ten-- they ranked 31st against the run in 2002.

5) Houston Texans ranked 3rd in NFL in yardage LY, but only 17th in points, thanks to their minus-10 turnover ratio.

4) Hard to believe the Raiders are 24-72 since 2003; harder to believe the head coach punched one of his assistants and broke the guy's jaw.

3) I'm surprised the Chiefs' all-time playoff record is just 8-12. Thought they would have had more wins from their AFL days.

2) Stephen Strasburg update-- Washington Nationals signed the kid for a $15M signing bonus, so we might see him in Washington in September.

1) Joke of the Day-- A guy is driving around backwoods of Montana and he sees a sign in front of a broken down shanty-style house: 'Talking Dog For Sale ' He rings the bell and the owner appears and tells him the dog is in the backyard. The guy goes into the backyard and sees a nice looking Labrador retriever sitting there.

'You talk?' he asks.

'Yep,' the Lab replies.

After the guy recovers from the shock of hearing a dog talk, he says 'So, what's your story?'

The Lab looks up and says, 'Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young. I wanted to help the government, so I told the CIA.
In no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping.'

'I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years running.. But the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't getting any younger, so I decided to settle down. I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security, wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals.' 'I got married, had a mess of puppies, and now I'm just retired.'

The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog.
'Ten dollars,' the guy says.

'Ten dollars? This dog is amazing! Why on earth are you selling him so cheap?'

'Because he never did any of that stuff. Damn dog is a liar.”

From: Armadillo
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**pm530** · 08-18-2009, 05:35 AM

MLB
Baseball Today

SCOREBOARD

Tuesday, August 18

Arizona at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EDT). Pedro Martinez (1-0, 5.40 ERA) makes his second start for the NL East-leading Phillies when he faces the Diamondbacks and Jon Garland (6-10, 4.28).

STARS

Monday

-Kyle Blanks, Padres, hit a three-run homer with two outs in the bottom of ninth to lift San Diego to a 4-1 win over the Chicago Cubs.

-Vladimir Guerrero, Angels, hit two homers and had five RBIs to help Los Angeles beat Baltimore 8-5.

-Brett Tomko, Athletics, pitched five scoreless innings to beat New York less than a month after being released by the Yankees, winning his debut with Oakland 3-0.

-Aaron Rowand, Giants, homered and had four hits, and San Francisco beat the New York Mets 10-1 to split the four-game series.

-Chris Carpenter, Cardinals, pitched eight innings of five-hit ball in St. Louis' 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

SIGNINGS

Stephen Strasburg and the Washington Nationals agreed to a record contract just before Monday's midnight deadline, a four-year deal that will pay the hard-throwing right-hander slightly more than $15.1 million. Strasburg was among 16 of 32 first-round picks without announced agreements heading into the final day. Only three first-round picks failed to sign, and the deadline didn't apply to one of them.

SWAP

The Detroit Tigers bolstered their offense for a pennant drive by obtaining first baseman Aubrey Huff from the Baltimore Orioles for a minor leaguer. Huff is batting .253 with 13 homers and 72 RBIs. The 32-year-old Huff recently hit his 200th career homer and should fit in nicely in a Detroit lineup that ranks 11th in the AL in runs and seventh in home runs.

SIDELINED

San Diego Padres right-hander Chris Young had arthroscopic surgery on his pitching shoulder and will miss the rest of the season. Young, out since mid-June with shoulder inflammation, had partial tears in his labrum repaired during Monday's surgery. Young was 5-6 with a 5.21 ERA. He is expected to be ready for spring training.

RECOVERING

Right-hander Hiroki Kuroda will miss his next scheduled start for the Los Angeles Dodgers while recovering from a mild concussion. The Dodgers were quite optimistic about Kuroda's prospects for a quick, full recovery after the 34-year-old Japanese pitcher participated in a range of tests after the club returned to Dodger Stadium on Monday, two days after Rusty Ryal's line drive hit Kuroda in the head during the sixth inning of a game in Arizona. Trainer Stan Conte says the Dodgers are pleased by his progress.

RETURNS

Cubs left-hander Ted Lilly returned from almost a month on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation. He allowed four singles in six scoreless innings, struck out four and walked one in the Cubs' 4-1 loss to the Padres. Lilly was on a pitch count of 85-90 and ended up throwing 70.

SPEAKING

"11:58 and 43 seconds. People thought it would take to the last minute. We didn't even need that last minute.'' - Nationals president Stan Kasten after the team worked out a record deal with top draft choice Stephen Strasburg without much time to spare before the midnight deadline.

SEASONS

Aug. 18

1915 - Boston opened Braves Field with a 3-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.

1956 - The Cincinnati Reds hit eight home runs and the Milwaukee Braves added two to set a National League record for home runs by two clubs in a nine-inning night game. Bob Thurman's three homers and double led the Reds in the 13-4 rout.

1960 - Lew Burdette of the Milwaukee Braves pitched a no-hitter, beating the Philadelphia Phillies 1-0. Burdette faced the minimum 27 batters. Tony Gonzalez reached first in the fifth after being hit by a pitch and was wiped out in a double play.

1965 - Hank Aaron of Milwaukee hit Curt Simmons' pitch on top of the pavilion roof at Sportsman's Park in St. Louis for an apparent home run. However, umpire Chris Pelekoudas called him out for being out of the batter's box when he connected. Nevertheless, the Braves won the game 5-3.

1982 - The Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Chicago Cubs 2-1 in a 21-inning game played over two days. It was the second longest game in Cubs history.

1982 - Pete Rose of the Philadelphia Phillies made his 13,941st plate appearance in a 5-3 triumph over the Houston Astros to move into first place on the career list ahead of Hank Aaron.

1995 - Tom Henke became the seventh pitcher to reach 300 career saves, surviving a rally by the Atlanta Braves in the ninth inning of the St. Louis Cardinals' 4-3 victory.

2000 - Darin Erstad of Anaheim made a spectacular, game-saving catch in the 10th inning and followed it with a homer in the 11th as the Angels defeated the New York Yankees 9-8.

2006 - Alfonso Soriano became the third player in major league history to have at least four seasons of 30 homers and 30 stolen bases, and the Washington Nationals beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-4.

2006 - Jered Weaver joined Whitey Ford as the only rookies in AL history to win their first nine decisions, holding Seattle to three singles over seven innings in the Los Angeles Angels' 3-0 victory. Weaver was just the fifth pitcher in major league history to begin his career 9-0 as a starter.

2007 - Micah Owings went 4-for-5, including a pair of mammoth homers, drove in six runs and scored four times while pitching three-hit ball through seven innings as the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Atlanta Braves 12-6. Owings' 11 total bases were the most for a pitcher since Jim Tobin of the Boston Braves had 12 when he homered three times on May 13, 1942.

Tuesday's birthday: Josh Rupe 27

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**pm530** · 08-18-2009, 05:35 AM

MLB
This Day in Baseball

On August 18 in Baseball History...

1886 - St. Louis Maroons owner Henry Lucas quits baseball, announcing that the club has cost him $27,000 in three years.

1892 - In the course of a 13-4 win over Baltimore, Browns left fielder Cliff Carroll attempts to field a ground ball. He misjudges it, and the ball becomes lodged in his shirt pocket. Before he can extricate it, the Oriole batter makes it to third base. St. Louis owner Chris Von der Ahe is so incensed that he fines Carroll $50 and suspends him without pay for the rest of the season. The league rejects Carroll's appeal.

1906 - Willie Keeler is struck out for only the second time this season, both times by spitballer Ed [04-17] Walsh of the White Sox.

1909 - Giants player-coach Arlie Latham steals second base in New York's 14-1 win over the Phillies. At 49, he's the oldest major leaguer ever to steal a base.

1915 - The new Braves Field opens in Boston. An estimated 46,500 jam the park to see the Braves beat the Cards 3-1.

1931 - Lou Gehrig is hitless in Detroit, as he plays his 1,000th consecutive game. He is 307 short of Everett Scott's record streak.

1943 - Carl Hubbell wins his 253rd and final game, all with the Giants, as he beats the Pirates, 3-2. He will retire at the end of the year and take over the farm system for the Giants, which is down to two teams due to the war.

1956 - The Cincinnati Reds hit eight home runs and the Milwaukee Braves added two to set a National League record for two clubs in a nine-inning night game. Bob Thurman's three homers and double led the Reds in the 13-4 rout.

1959 - Branch Rickey resigns as chairman of the Pirates to become president of the Continental League, which never plays a game.

1960 - Facing just 27 batters, Lew Burdette pitches a 1-0 no-hitter against the Phillies. Tony Gonzalez, the only Phil to reach base, is hit by a Burdette pitch in the fifth inning but a double play erases him. The Milwaukee pitcher also scores the only run of the game.

1965 - Hank Aaron of Milwaukee hit Curt Simmons' pitch on top of the pavilion roof at Sportman's Park in St. Louis for an apparent home run. However, umpire Chris Pelekoudas called him out for being out of the batter's box when he connected. Nevertheless, the Braves won the game 6-2.

1965 - In a 3-2 win over the Red Sox, Orioles third baseman Brooks Robinson hits into his third triple play against Boston, tying the record of George Sisler.

1967 - A baseball tragedy occurs when Tony Conigliaro of the Red Sox is beaned by the Angels' Jack Hamilton. Hit on the left cheekbone, just below the eye socket, Conigliaro will miss the rest of 1967 and all of 1968. He was hitting .267 with 20 home runs and 67 RBI in 95 games.

1977 - Dodgers pitcher Don Sutton throws his fifth one-hitter, tying the National League record, as he blanks the Giants 7-0. The lone hit is Marc Hill's two-out single in the eighth.

1982 - Pete Rose of the Philadelphia Phillies made his 13,941st plate appearance in a 5-3 victory over the Houston Astros to move into first place on the career list ahead of Hank Aaron.

1982 - The Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Chicago Cubs 2-1 in a 21-inning game. It was the second longest game in Cubs' history and took two days to complete.

1983 - In the continuation of the Pine Tar Game, Hal McRae strikes out and Dan Quisenberry retires the Yankees in order in the bottom of the ninth to preserve Kansas City's 5-4 victory. The conclusion takes just 12 minutes (and 16 pitches) and, as the only game scheduled at the Stadium, is witnessed by a crowd of 1,245.

1989 - Orioles shortstop Cal Ripken, Jr. plays in his 1,208th consecutive game to move past Steve Garvey into third place on the all-time list.

1995 - Cardinals reliever Tom Henke earns his 300th career save in a 4-3 win over the Braves.

1998 - The Braves collect nine hits, all doubles, as Greg Maddux earns his 200th career win, 8-4 over the Giants.

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**pm530** · 08-18-2009, 05:37 AM

MLB
Write-up

Tuesday, August 18

Hot Pitchers
-- Ohlendorf is 2-0, 2.95 in his last three starts.
-- Jimenez is 3-0, 1.64 in his last three starts.
-- Norris is 3-0, 3.50 in three big league starts. Florida is 9-3 in Nolasco's last 12 starts, but he gave up 10 runs in his 3.1 IP in last start vs Astros, six days ago.
-- Lincecum is 2-0, 1.93 in his last four starts.
-- Lowe is 4-0, 2.87 in his last five starts.
-- Billingsley is 1-0, 1.64 in his last two starts, but has been hampered by leg injuries. Cardinals are 5-1 when Biggs starts (1-1, 4.02).

-- Mariners are 11-1 in last twelve FHernandez starts. Porcello is 1-0, 2.45 in his last three starts.
-- Burkett is 3-0, 1.61 in his last four starts.
-- Price is 4-0, 1.78 in his last four home starts.
-- Carmona has 2,65 RA in three starts since coming back from minors.
-- Pavano has a 2.45 RA in his last three starts. Rangers won eight of last ten Feldman starts.
-- Sabathia is 5-1, 3.24 in his last six starts.

Cold Pitchers
-- Garland has 5.33 RA in his last four starts. Martinez allowed three runs in five IP in his first start for the Phillies.
-- Parra has 5.18 RA in his last five starts, but Milwaukee won his last four, scoring 37 runs.
-- Stammen is 0-1, 11.15 in his last four starts.
-- Bailey is 1-4, 10.80 in his last six starts.
-- Perez is 0-1, 5.61 in his last six starts.
-- Dempster has a 6.56 RA in his last six starts. Carrillo allowed eight runs in 2.1 IP in his first '09 start, at Milwaukee.

-- Romero has a 5.45 RA in his last six starts.
-- Orioles lost 12 of last 14 Berken starts.
-- Bell allowed four runs in 5.1 IP in his only '09 start, vs Tampa.
-- Garcia is 118-77 in 265 career starts; he was 0-3, 4.06 at AAA level. Meche is 1-4, 9.42 in his last six starts.
-- Mazzaro has a 10.36 RA in his last six starts.

Hot Teams
-- Phillies won five of their last six games.
-- Nationals won their last eight home games.
-- Braves won seven of their last nine games.
-- Marlins won eight of their last ten games.
-- Cardinals won nine of their last ten games.

-- Detroit is 10-4 in its last 14 home games.
-- Tampa Bay won seven of its last nine home games.
-- Angels won 13 of their last 17 road games. Indians are 9-4 in last 13 home series openers.
-- Texas is 12-3 in its last 15 home games.
-- White Sox won three of last four games.
-- Bronx Bombers are 23-8 since All-Star break, but lost last two. A's are 9-5 in their last 14 games.

Cold Teams
-- Diamondbacks lost their last four road games.
-- Mets lost 10 of their last 15 games.
-- Rockies lost four of their last five road games.
-- Giants are 7-12 in their last 19 road games. Reds lost 11 of last 13 at Great American Ballpark.
-- Pirates lost eight of their last nine home games. Brewers lost three of their last four road games.
-- Astros lost five of their last seven games.
-- Padres lost four of their last five games. Cubs lost five of their last six road games.
-- Dodgers are 8-14 in their last 22 games.

-- Mariners lost three of their last four games.
-- Orioles lost 13 of their last 17 games.
-- Red Sox lost eight of their last nine road games. Blue Jays lost four of their last five games.
-- Royals are 4-9 in their last thirteen road games.
-- Twins lost 12 of their last 16 games.

Totals
-- Four of last five Arizona road games went over the total.
-- Over is 9-2-1 in Pirates' last twelve home games.
-- Five of last seven Colorado road games went over the total.
-- Under is 8-3-2 in Cincinnati's last 13 home games.
-- Seven of last nine Atlanta road games went over the total.
-- Six of last seven Florida road games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Cub games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 9-4-1 in last 14 Los Angeles home games.

-- Five of last seven Detroit home games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Boston road games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Baltimore road games went over the total.
-- Over is 12-3-1 in Angels' last sixteen road games.
-- Over is 10-1-1 in Minnesota's last dozen road games.
-- Over is 7-2-1 in White Sox' last ten home games.
-- Eight of last eleven Bronx games stayed under the total.

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**pm530** · 08-18-2009, 05:39 AM

MLB

Tuesday, August 18

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Hot lines: Today’s best MLB bets
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Florida Marlins at Houston Astros (+102, 9)

Did you know Florida's games have exceeded the total eight straight times and 11 of the last 12?

And the Marlins are doing most of the heavy lifting. Until Sunday's 7-3 loss to Colorado, Florida had scored at least six runs in seven straight games, averaging 9.4 runs.

The pitching matchup at the ballpark once known as "Ten-Run Field" could help keep Florida's streak of overs alive.

Florida's Ricky Nolasco gave up 10 runs in 3 1-3 innings in his last start. Houston rookie Bud Norris has become increasingly more hittable with each outing.

Pick: Over

Seattle Mariners at Detroit Tigers (+117, 7.5)

If you want a low price on Felix Hernandez, usually you have to get him on the road. But the numbers say otherwise.

The right-hander is 8-1 with a 1.96 ERA away from home. The Mariners have not lost a road game with Hernandez on the hill since May 14 at Texas, when all Hernandez did was pitch seven scoreless innings in an eventual 3-2 setback.

In his last seven road starts, Hernandez is 6-0 with a 1.53 ERA. Included in that stretch is a win at Detropit on July 22 in which he allowed one earned run and six hits in seven innings.

Pick: Seattle

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**pm530** · 08-18-2009, 05:39 AM

MLB

Tuesday, August 18

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Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
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Streaking

Ubaldo Jimenez (Colorado Rockies)

The right-hander has been outstanding since the All-Star break, going 4-0 in six starts while eating up innings for manager Jim Tracy.

"I didn't start too well, but now I'm very confident," Jimenez told the team's web site. "I know that I can go out there and throw six, seven or eight innings every time I get the ball."

Working as a favorite each time, Jimenez has allowed just 26 hits in 42 2-3 innings, posting a 2.55 ERA with 39 strikeouts.

Although he continues to battle control issues, Jimenez did not walk a batter for just the second time this season Aug. 1 at Cincinnati.

David Price (Tampa Bay Rays)

The southpaw has been erratic this season but much more stable at home.

Price has won his last four starts at Tropicana Field, lasting at least six innings and allowing no more than two earned runs in each. He has not lost at home since June 23 vs. Philadelphia.

In that span, Price has an ERA of 1.78 and a WHIP (walks + hits per inning) of 1.07, winning three times as a favorite.

Derek Lowe (Atlanta Braves)

The veteran righty also is gobbling up innings, working at least six in his last seven starts, allowing no more than three earned runs and going 6-1 in that span.

In his last outing, Lowe pitched seven innings for the first time since June 9 vs. Pittsburgh.

This will be Lowe's third start against the New York Mets. He is 2-0 against them, allowing just eight hits in 12 2-3 innings.

Returning

Freddy Garcia (Chicago White Sox)

The veteran hurler will be trying to recapture some of his old magic. His old team sure hopes so.

Garcia was released from the Mets' minor league system in April and was signed by the White Sox to a minor league deal in June.

He was 0-3 with a 6.35 ERA at Triple-A Charlotte.

Garcia has won 118 career games, including 17 for the White Sox in 2006. But he was traded after that season and is just 2-6 since.

Slumping

Craig Stammen (Washington Nationals)

It's hard to believe the Nationals won eight straight games with Stammen taking his regular turn in the rotation. Then again, he did pitch only once during the streak.

The righty is fortunate to be just 0-1 with three no-decisions in his last four starts. During that stretch, he has gotten through five innings just once and compiled a 10.56 ERA.

In his last four starts, Stammen has a WHIP of 2.02. He has six strikeouts while allowing five homers.

Manny Parra (Milwaukee Brewers)

Parra has been living a charmed life lately. He has won his last four outings without making a quality start.

It's hard to say Parra is slumping based on his results. But a closer look shows that he has allowed a whopping 38 hits in 25 innings in that stretch. Throw in 10 walks and Parra has an ERA of 6.48 and a WHIP of 1.92. Does that sound like a pitcher on a four-game winning streak?

Receiving 37 runs of support never hurts, although the right-hander has gotten past the sixth inning just once.

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**pm530** · 08-18-2009, 05:41 AM

MLB

Tuesday, August 18

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Betting Baseball's Best Arms
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I'm going to switch things up a bit this week and take a look at two pitchers to play on, and two to play against this week.

With one play per day, hopefully we can hit at least three out of four.

Play on pitchers

Tuesday

CC Sabathia, New York Yankees versus Oakland A's

It shouldn't come as any surprise that Sabathia has started to turn it on over the last couple of starts.

You'll remember he went on a ridiculous tear after joining the Brewers at the trade deadline last season.

That's was par for the course for the former Indian. CC is a career 52-20 pitcher in regular season starts from August to October.

The big left-hander's worked 15 2-3 innings over his last two outings, allowing just five hits, four walks and one earned run. He's also struck out 19 along the way.

On Tuesday he's matched up against A's starter Vin Mazzaro. Mazzaro's due for a correction after back-to-back wins in which he allowed only five earned runs, but 16 hits and five walks over 10 1-3 innings of work.

Mazzaro has only one win in five home starts this season, compiling a 6.15 ERA along the way.

Thursday

Josh Johnson, Florida Marlins vs. Houston Astros

Just when you thought that Josh Johnson was going to go off the rails, he comes up with back-to-back gems.

Johnson allowed at least three earned runs in five of seven starts before holding the Phillies and Rockies - two red hot offensive teams - to five hits and two earned runs.

J.J. does own an inflated 6.75 ERA against the Astros, but has yet to face them this season. And let's not forget he's only logged 6 2-3 innings against them over the course of his career.

We should be able to get solid value backing the Marlins on the road, especially considering they're facing Astros lefty Wandy Rodriguez, who carries an excellent reputation pitching at Minute Maid Park.

I'm not sure that Rodriguez will be in top form after getting lit up for 10 hits and 10 earned runs in his last start, an 11-2 loss against the Brewers.

Play against pitchers

Wednesday

Jered Weaver, Los Angeles Angels vs. Cleveland Indians

If you're going to beat Jered Weaver, you need to have a lineup loaded with left-handed hitters.

Fortunately for the Indians, they have exactly that.

Seven of Cleveland's nine regular position players bat left.

That includes Grady Sizemore, who has really picked up the pace lately. He has eight hits in his last 19 at-bats and homered in back-to-back games over the weekend. He's a career .313 hitter in 16 at-bats against Weaver, with a pair of home runs.

While Weaver has held right-handed hitters to a .195 batting average this season, lefties are connecting at a .279 clip. Not surprisingly, 14 of his 21 home runs allowed have come off of left-handed hitters.

Weaver has also been terrible on the road this season, posting a 6.13 ERA and 1.62 WHIP (walks + hits per inning).

Friday

Joba Chamberlain, New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox had their lunch handed to them the last time they faced the Bronx Bombers and you can bet they'll be in a foul mood on Friday night.

I haven't been impressed by Joba Chamberlain lately. I'm not sure anyone has.

He's lasted through the sixth inning only once in his last three starts, allowing exactly four earned runs each time out.

My biggest concern is his lack of control. Over those three starts he has walked 12 while striking out an identical number.

Chamberlain actually earned the win in his last start against the Red Sox, but keep in mind he was aided by 13 runs.

The Red Sox are undecided on who they'll go with for this one, but don't be surprised if they skip over Junichi Tazawa's spot in the rotation. Regardless of who toes the rubber, I think we'll see some solid value backing the BoSox in this series opener at Fenway Park.

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**pm530** · 08-18-2009, 06:12 AM

MLB

Tuesday, August 18

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Trend Report
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7:05 PM
ARIZONA vs. PHILADELPHIA
Arizona is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Arizona is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing at home against Arizona

7:05 PM
COLORADO vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Colorado's last 9 games
Colorado is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Washington is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing at home against Colorado

7:05 PM
LA ANGELS vs. CLEVELAND
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games on the road
Cleveland is 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Angels

7:05 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 7 games
Milwaukee is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

7:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. DETROIT
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Seattle's last 9 games when playing Detroit
Seattle is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Detroit is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games at home

7:07 PM
BOSTON vs. TORONTO
Boston is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games on the road
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing at home against Boston

7:08 PM
BALTIMORE vs. TAMPA BAY
Baltimore is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Baltimore's last 7 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Baltimore
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games when playing at home against Baltimore

7:10 PM
ATLANTA vs. NY METS
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing NY Mets
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
NY Mets are 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
NY Mets are 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta

7:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. CINCINNATI
San Francisco is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games at home
Cincinnati is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

8:00 PM
FLORIDA vs. HOUSTON
Florida is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Florida's last 5 games
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing at home against Florida

8:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. TEXAS
Minnesota is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Texas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Texas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:11 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Kansas City is 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing Chi White Sox
Kansas City is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games
Chi White Sox are 16-7 SU in their last 23 games at home
Chi White Sox are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games

10:05 PM
CHI CUBS vs. SAN DIEGO
Chi Cubs are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games
Chi Cubs are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games on the road
San Diego is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
San Diego is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs

10:05 PM
NY YANKEES vs. OAKLAND
NY Yankees are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games on the road
NY Yankees are 12-3 SU in their last 15 games
Oakland is 2-9 SU in their last 11 games when playing NY Yankees
Oakland is 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against NY Yankees

10:10 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. LA DODGERS
St. Louis is 9-3 SU in their last 12 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
LA Dodgers are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games at home

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

**Udog** · 08-18-2009, 09:19 AM

MLB
Dunkel

Milwaukee at Pittsburgh
The Brewers look to bounce back from yesterday's 9-5 loss and take advantage of Pittsburgh's 3-14 record in their last 17 games when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in the previous game. Milwaukee is the pick (-115) according to Dunkel, which has the Brewers favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-115). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18

Game 951-952: Arizona at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Garland) 14.258; Philadelphia (Martinez) 16.425
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-175); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-175); Under

Game 953-954: Milwaukee at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Parra) 14.054; Pittsburgh (Ohlendorf) 13.262
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-115); 9
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-115); Over

Game 955-956: Colorado at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Jimenez) 16.044; Washington (Stammen) 15.760
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Colorado (-160); 9
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-160); Over

Game 957-958: San Francisco at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Lincecum) 16.340; Cincinnati (Bailey) 14.735
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-240); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-240); Under

Game 959-960: Atlanta at NY Mets
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Lowe) 16.343; NY Mets (Perez) 14.040
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 2 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-165); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-165); Under

Game 961-962: Florida at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Nolasco) 14.519; Houston (Norris) 15.672
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 11
Vegas Line: Florida (-115); 9
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+105); Over

Game 963-964: Chicago Cubs at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Dempster) 13.609; San Diego (Carrillo) 14.255
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-170); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+160); Under

Game 965-966: St. Louis at LA Dodgers
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Boggs) 16.120; LA Dodgers (Billingsley) 15.696
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-170); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+160); Under

Game 967-968: Seattle at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Hernandez) 15.403; Detroit (Porcello) 14.914
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Seattle (-120); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-120); Over

Game 969-970: Boston at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Beckett) 15.479; Toronto (Romero) 14.575
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-150); 8
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-150); Over

Game 971-972: Baltimore at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Berken) 14.121; Tampa Bay (Price) 16.169
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-220); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-220); Under

Game 973-974: LA Angels at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Bell) 15.996; Cleveland (Carmona) 16.344
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1/2; 13 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-115); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+105); Over

Game 975-976: Minnesota at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Pavano) 15.900; Texas (Feldman) 15.735
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-155); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+145); Over

Game 977-978: Kansas City at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Meche) 14.414; White Sox (Garcia) 15.518
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-130); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-130); Under

Game 979-980: NY Yankees at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Sabathia) 16.844; Oakland (Mazzaro) 15.440
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-230); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-230); Under

**Udog** · 08-18-2009, 11:57 AM

MLB
Short Sheet

Tuesday, 8/18/2009

National League

ARIZONA at PHILADELPHIA, 7:05 PM ET
GARLAND: 15-7 TSR after a team loss
MARTINEZ: PHI 42-21 after having won 4 of their last 5

MILWAUKEE at PITTSBURGH, 7:05 PM ET
PARRA: 9-2 OVER on the road
OHLENDORF: 9-2 TSR when the money line is +125 to -125

COLORADO at WASHINGTON, 7:05 PM ET
JIMENEZ: 9-21 TSR in road games
STAMMEN: WAS 11-3 at home after 3+ consecutive wins

SAN FRANCISCO at CINCINNATI, 7:10 PM ET
LINCECUM: SF 28-17 after allowing 2 runs or less
BAILEY: 1-9 TSR at home

ATLANTA at NY METS, 7:10 PM ET
LOWE: ATL 16-6 OVER AWAY in August
PEREZ: 33-14 TSR at home when the total is 8 to 8.5

FLORIDA at HOUSTON, 8:05 PM ET
NOLASCO: 14-5 TSR when working on 5 or 6 days rest
NORRIS: HOU 21-33 after one or more consecutive overs

CHICAGO CUBS at SAN DIEGO, 10:05 PM ET
DEMPSTER: CHC 53-30 as a favorite
CARRILLO: SD 10-28 after having lost 4 of their last 5

ST LOUIS at LA DODGERS, 10:10 PM ET
BOGGS: STL 14-3 when the total is 8 to 8.5
BILLINGSLEY: LAD 17-7 OVER in the second half of the season

American League

SEATTLE at DETROIT, 7:05 PM ET
HERNANDEZ: SEA 15-3 AWAY with a money line of -100 to -150
PORCELLO: DET 9-24 as an underdog of +100 to +150

BOSTON at TORONTO, 7:07 PM ET
BECKETT: 14-1 TSR as a road favorite of -125 to -150
ROMERO: TOR 9-1 UNDER after 9 consecutive division games

BALTIMORE at TAMPA BAY, 7:08 PM ET
BERKEN: BAL 18-54 as an underdog of +150 or more
PRICE: TB 13-4 UNDER when playing on Tuesday

LA ANGELS at CLEVELAND, 7:05 PM ET
BELL: LAA 19-7 OVER when the total is 10+
CARMONA: 16-3 TSR after 2+ consecutive wins

MINNESOTA at TEXAS, 8:05 PM ET
PAVANO: MIN 22-8 when playing with a day off
FELDMAN: TEX 11-3 UNDER as a favorite of -150 or more

KANSAS CITY at CHI WHITE SOX, 8:11 PM ET
MECHE: 14-7 TSR in the second half of the season
GARCIA: CHW 20-10 as a favorite of -125 to -175

NY YANKEES at OAKLAND, 10:05 PM ET
SABATHIA: NYY 16-8 OVER against AL West
MAZZARO: OAK 8-3 UNDER at home when the total is 9 to 9.5

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 08-18-2009, 12:08 PM

MLB
Long Sheet

Our source has been hung at this point for a couple of hours, now. When they get around to the Twins, Royals and Yankees games, we'll update.

Tuesday, August 18

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

ARIZONA (54 - 65) at PHILADELPHIA (66 - 49) - 7:05 PM
JON GARLAND (R) vs. PEDRO MARTINEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 54-65 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 136-156 (-43.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday since 1997.
ARIZONA is 54-65 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 97-103 (-20.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 42-65 (-26.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 66-49 (+7.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 28-7 (+16.4 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 50-25 (+18.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 41-24 (+13.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
GARLAND is 15-7 (+9.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 29-29 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 29-29 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 18-21 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 17-22 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 2-1 (+0.4 Units) against ARIZONA this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

JON GARLAND vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
GARLAND is 0-2 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 7.88 and a WHIP of 1.563.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

PEDRO MARTINEZ vs. ARIZONA since 1997
MARTINEZ is 3-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 1.36 and a WHIP of 0.939.
His team's record is 4-1 (+2.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.6 units)

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MILWAUKEE (58 - 60) at PITTSBURGH (47 - 70) - 7:05 PM
MANNY PARRA (L) vs. ROSS OHLENDORF (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 58-60 (-6.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 42-46 (-8.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 25-37 (-17.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 248-287 (-65.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 372-353 (+38.3 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
MILWAUKEE is 19-13 (+8.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
PITTSBURGH is 10-33 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 15-31 (-14.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 6-3 (+2.7 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
7 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.0 Units)

MANNY PARRA vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
PARRA is 1-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.882.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

ROSS OHLENDORF vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
OHLENDORF is 1-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.800.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

COLORADO (65 - 53) at WASHINGTON (43 - 75) - 7:05 PM
UBALDO JIMENEZ (R) vs. CRAIG STAMMEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 51-61 (-19.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
JIMENEZ is 26-32 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JIMENEZ is 9-21 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JIMENEZ is 26-32 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 117-113 (+37.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 16-9 (+13.1 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 69-52 (+25.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 11-4 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
WASHINGTON is 80-93 (+17.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 11-3 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 65-53 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 33-30 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
COLORADO is 65-53 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 26-18 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 43-75 (-23.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 43-72 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 28-56 (-22.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 34-57 (-15.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 16-43 (-21.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

UBALDO JIMENEZ vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
JIMENEZ is 1-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 4.76 and a WHIP of 1.529.
His team's record is 1-2 (-2.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

CRAIG STAMMEN vs. COLORADO since 1997
STAMMEN is 0-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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

SAN FRANCISCO (64 - 54) at CINCINNATI (50 - 67) - 7:10 PM
TIM LINCECUM (R) vs. HOMER BAILEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 64-54 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 64-54 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 699-592 (+82.2 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 46-41 (+4.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 74-64 (+12.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 50-67 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 25-33 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CINCINNATI is 49-65 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CINCINNATI is 81-110 (-30.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BAILEY is 3-15 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BAILEY is 1-9 (-9.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BAILEY is 3-15 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 2-1 (+3.2 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

TIM LINCECUM vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
LINCECUM is 0-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

HOMER BAILEY vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
BAILEY is 1-0 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 4.63 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 2-0 (+4.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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

ATLANTA (62 - 56) at NY METS (55 - 63) - 7:10 PM
DEREK LOWE (R) vs. OLIVER PEREZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 134-146 (-26.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 30-33 (-10.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
ATLANTA is 133-144 (-25.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 92-99 (-17.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 104-113 (-22.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 53-59 (-19.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 33-14 (+16.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 144-136 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 95-89 (-27.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 144-136 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 5-4 (+1.6 Units) against NY METS this season
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)

DEREK LOWE vs. NY METS since 1997
LOWE is 2-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 6.33 and a WHIP of 1.667.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-1. (+3.0 units)

OLIVER PEREZ vs. ATLANTA since 1997
PEREZ is 6-4 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.53 and a WHIP of 1.289.
His team's record is 8-7 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-7. (-0.4 units)

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

FLORIDA (63 - 55) at HOUSTON (57 - 61) - 8:05 PM
RICKY NOLASCO (R) vs. BUD NORRIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 143-136 (+20.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 68-61 (+13.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 78-59 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 27-18 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 139-134 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 106-101 (+14.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 75-67 (+12.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 67-72 (+10.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 28-27 (+11.2 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.
FLORIDA is 63-55 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
FLORIDA is 82-61 (+29.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 68-68 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 38-24 (+24.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 60-52 (+7.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
FLORIDA is 102-97 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 99-95 (+9.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 73-59 (+21.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
NOLASCO is 34-20 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 18-9 (+12.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 20-10 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 11-5 (+9.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 32-20 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 25-15 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 19-8 (+15.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 3-1 (+1.2 Units) against HOUSTON this season
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.0 Units)

RICKY NOLASCO vs. HOUSTON since 1997
NOLASCO is 2-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 9.98 and a WHIP of 1.696.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

BUD NORRIS vs. FLORIDA since 1997
NORRIS is 1-0 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 7.20 and a WHIP of 2.200.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

CHICAGO CUBS (60 - 56) at SAN DIEGO (50 - 70) - 10:05 PM
RYAN DEMPSTER (R) vs. CESAR CARRILLO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 60-56 (-6.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 25-34 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 156-200 (-62.0 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 137-170 (-60.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 60-56 (-6.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 27-34 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 507-474 (-97.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
DEMPSTER is 7-14 (-8.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 2-10 (-8.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 7-14 (-8.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 42-31 (+19.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 60-51 (+16.5 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 113-168 (-50.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 113-168 (-50.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 81-121 (-35.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 73-110 (-32.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 41-79 (-33.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 4-3 (+1.2 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.6 Units)

RYAN DEMPSTER vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
DEMPSTER is 7-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.55 and a WHIP of 1.364.
His team's record is 8-2 (+6.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-5. (-0.4 units)

CESAR CARRILLO vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

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ST LOUIS (68 - 52) at LA DODGERS (70 - 49) - 10:10 PM
MITCHELL BOGGS (R) vs. CHAD BILLINGSLEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 70-49 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 70-49 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 51-36 (+9.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA DODGERS are 31-17 (+10.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
ST LOUIS is 154-128 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 60-38 (+16.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 14-3 (+11.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
ST LOUIS is 154-128 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 104-81 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 105-83 (+16.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 19-26 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 154-166 (-46.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 4-1 (+3.0 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.9 Units)

MITCHELL BOGGS vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.

CHAD BILLINGSLEY vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
BILLINGSLEY is 0-2 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 5.22 and a WHIP of 1.838.
His team's record is 0-4 (-4.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.3 units)

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SEATTLE (61 - 57) at DETROIT (62 - 55) - 7:05 PM
FELIX HERNANDEZ (R) vs. RICK PORCELLO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 79-112 (-32.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 38-19 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
DETROIT is 60-47 (+5.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 18-7 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SEATTLE is 61-57 (+6.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 12-3 (+8.6 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
SEATTLE is 58-53 (+6.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 41-36 (+6.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 48-47 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 3 seasons.
HERNANDEZ is 18-6 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 11-2 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 17-5 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 10-1 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 10-1 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 28-14 (+12.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 136-143 (-30.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 31-42 (-22.6 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 85-95 (-23.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 90-107 (-34.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 67-74 (-16.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 17-33 (-18.0 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.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 3-3 (+0.1 Units) against SEATTLE this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. DETROIT since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 5-2 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 2.91 and a WHIP of 1.246.
His team's record is 5-2 (+2.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-3. (+0.4 units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. SEATTLE since 1997
PORCELLO is 2-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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BOSTON (66 - 51) at TORONTO (55 - 61) - 7:07 PM
JOSH BECKETT (R) vs. RICKY ROMERO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 13-29 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 49-42 (+24.7 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +125 to +150 since 1997.
BOSTON is 11-2 (+9.3 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off this season.
BOSTON is 78-41 (+24.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BECKETT is 14-1 (+12.6 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 55-61 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 16-29 (-15.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TORONTO is 29-39 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 5-4 (+0.8 Units) against TORONTO this season
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.7 Units)

JOSH BECKETT vs. TORONTO since 1997
BECKETT is 3-5 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 5.95 and a WHIP of 1.322.
His team's record is 3-7 (-7.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-6. (-3.0 units)

RICKY ROMERO vs. BOSTON since 1997
ROMERO is 0-2 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 9.72 and a WHIP of 2.521.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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BALTIMORE (48 - 70) at TAMPA BAY (63 - 54) - 7:08 PM
JASON BERKEN (R) vs. DAVID PRICE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 48-70 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 37-79 (-31.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 257-345 (-99.0 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 133-240 (-99.9 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 82-150 (-47.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 20-53 (-26.0 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.
TAMPA BAY is 168-127 (+25.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 100-46 (+37.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 40-18 (+16.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 72-49 (+27.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 101-49 (+35.2 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 64-35 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 109-56 (+36.8 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 118-77 (+31.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 98-69 (+18.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 4-3 (+2.1 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

JASON BERKEN vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.

DAVID PRICE vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
PRICE is 0-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 1.69 and a WHIP of 1.313.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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LA ANGELS (71 - 45) at CLEVELAND (51 - 66) - 7:05 PM
TREVOR BELL (R) vs. FAUSTO CARMONA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 26-16 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 71-45 (+24.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 35-23 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA ANGELS are 65-39 (+23.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 60-42 (+19.9 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 45-34 (+9.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 43-27 (+13.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
LA ANGELS are 33-16 (+15.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CLEVELAND is 51-66 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 25-32 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 44-58 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 31-41 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 34-52 (-19.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 17-33 (-15.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CLEVELAND is 11-22 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 2-1 (+0.6 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.1 Units)

TREVOR BELL vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
No recent starts.

FAUSTO CARMONA vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
CARMONA is 0-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 1.38 and a WHIP of 1.385.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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**Udog** · 08-18-2009, 12:13 PM

MLB

Tuesday, August 18

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Tips and Trends
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Boston Red Sox at Toronto Blue Jays [7:05 PM ET]

Red Sox (-$1.50, O/U 8 over -$1.15): Boston has dropped eight of its last nine road contests, batting just .202 in these games. The Red Sox are 4-13 in their last 17 away matchups, having lost three straight road series and five of six road series since the All-Star Game. But Boston has one big thing in its favor – Josh Beckett. The Cy Young Award candidate is 14-4 with a 3.10 ERA. He is 4-1 with a 1.80 ERA in his last six starts. The right-handed ace has limited opponents to three or fewer runs in 15 of his past 18 starts. The Red Sox are 25-10 (71 percent) in Beckett’s last 35 starts as road chalk. Beckett has had problems pitching in Toronto, though. He’s 1-2 with a 6.85 ERA in four career appearances at Rogers Centre. Kevin Youkilis is slated to return after sitting out a five-game suspension.

The Red Sox are 2-7 in Beckett’s last nine starts versus Toronto.
The Under has cashed 5 of the last six times the Red Sox have faced a left-hander on the road.

Key Injuries - J.D. Drew (groin) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 5 (Side of the Day)

Blue Jays: Toronto is 1-4 in its last five games. The Blue Jays are 1-6 following an off day. Ricky Romero (10-5, 3.70 ERA) entered the All-Star break with a 3.00 ERA. But since then, the rookie left-hander is 3-2 with a 5.45 ERA in six starts. Romero was the losing pitcher in two of Toronto’s losses to Boston this season. Romero had a 9.72 ERA in just 8 1/3 innings during those two contests. He yielded 10 walks in those two games. Boston is 5-4 versus Toronto this year. Toronto has won five of the past six times Romero has been an underdog. The over is 4-1 in Romero’s lasts five starts. The Blue Jays are 10-2-2 to the under in their last 14 home games when meeting a team with a winning record. The under has cashed six of the last seven times these two teams have met.

The Blue Jays are 0-6 in their last six Tuesday games.

Key Injuries - Scott Downs (toe) is on the DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: 3

Florida Marlins at Houston Astros [8:05 PM ET]

Marlins (-$1.12, O/U 9 under -$1.25): The Marlins have won nine of their last 11 games. They have scored six or more runs in eight of their last nine games. Florida is average 6.6 runs per game during August. Hanley Ramirez is on a 12-game hitting streak. Ricky Nolasco (8-8, 5.44 ERA), however, is off his worst outing ever. Nolasco surrendered 10 runs in 3 1/3 innings last Wednesday at home against the Astros. It was the most runs and shortest start Nolasco has had in his four-year big league career. Nolasco had been strong following a terrible beginning. Before his last start, Nolasco hadn’t given up more than two earned runs in each of his four previous starts. Florida is 12-2 the last 14 times Nolasco has pitched with five days rest. Florida has defeated Houston in six of its last seven meetings. The over has cashed six straight times in the series.

The Marlins have gone Over the total 9 straight times.

Nick Johnson is day-to-day with a hamstring strain

PROJECTED SCORE: 5

Astros: Bud Norris (3-0, 3.00 ERA) became the first pitcher in Houston history to win his first three starts. He was fortunate to beat the Marlins, though, in his last start on Wednesday giving up five runs and 10 hits in five innings. Luckily for Norris, his Astros teammates lit up Ricky Nolasco for 10 runs. The 24-year-old right-hander was 4-9 with a 2.63 ERA in 19 minor league starts this season with 112 strikeouts in 120 innings. Norris is considered a good, but not great prospect perhaps more suited as a relief pitcher. He could be vulnerable to the Marlins, a good fastball hitting club. Morale could be a problem for Houston. The Astros just concluded a 2-5 road trip. They are 5-13 following a day off. Shortstop Miguel Tejada is hitless in his last 15 at-bats. Houston has lost on 11 of the past 14 Tuesdays.

The Over has cashed in 6 of Houston’s last seven games.

Key Injuries - Doug Brocail (shoulder) is on the DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: 4 (OVER - Total of the Day)

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**Udog** · 08-18-2009, 12:17 PM

WNBA
Dunkel

Phoenix at Chicago
The Mercury look to bounce back from their loss in San Antonio and build on their 5-0 ATS record in their last 5 games following a SU defeat. Phoenix is the pick (+1) according to Dunkel, which has the Mercury favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+1). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18

Game 651-652: Seattle at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 108.216; Detroit 113.520
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 5 1/2; 146
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 2; 139 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-2); Over

Game 653-654: Phoenix at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 114.053; Chicago 112.999
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1; 180
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 177
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+1); Over

Game 655-656: Washington at Los Angeles
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 110.232; Los Angeles 112.919
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 2 1/2; 138
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles by 4 1/2; 141 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+4 1/2); Under

WNBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, August 18

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SEATTLE (13 - 11) at DETROIT (9 - 13) - 8/18/2009, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) as a road favorite of 3 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 17-30 ATS (-16.0 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in August or September games this season.
SEATTLE is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) against Eastern conference opponents this season.
SEATTLE is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in non-conference games this season.
SEATTLE is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) after allowing 75 points or more this season.
SEATTLE is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) after scoring 75 points or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 4-1 against the spread versus SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 4-1 straight up against SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHOENIX (17 - 8) at CHICAGO (13 - 12) - 8/18/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 16-8 ATS (+7.2 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games when playing with 2 days rest over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) after a division game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 3-2 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 5-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WASHINGTON (12 - 12) at LOS ANGELES (9 - 13) - 8/18/2009, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 171-220 ATS (-71.0 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 103-137 ATS (-47.7 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in August or September games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 107-140 ATS (-47.0 Units) after a division game since 1997.
LOS ANGELES is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

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

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WNBA

Tuesday, August 18

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Lady Luck: Today's WNBA best bets
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Phoenix Mercury at Chicago Sky (Pick, 177)

The Sky have set one franchise record with 13 victories and are trying to set another for injuries.

Starting forward Brooke Wyckoff (illness) and reserve guard K.B. Sharp (knee) sat out Saturday's 79-76 win over Minnesota, which saw star center Sylvia Fowles take a tumble in the closing seconds and hobble off with a left ankle injury. Coach Steven Key said he was unsure of Fowles' status for the next game.

Fowles missed five games with a knee injury in July, and Chicago lost them all. She missed 16 games in her 2008 rookie season with a knee injury, and the Sky went 5-11.

Chicago was without Fowles at Phoenix on July 8, and took a 90-70 loss.

Pick: Phoenix

Seattle Storm at Detroit Shock (-1, 140)

The Seattle Storm had three starters on the Western Conference All-Star team, but you couldn't tell by their recent play.

At the break, the Storm were 11-6, one game behind first-place Phoenix in the West. Since the break, they have lost five of seven games to fall 3.5 games off the pace and in danger of missing the playoffs, which they have not done since 2003.

Seattle has yet to cover since the break. The Storm are 0-3 as favorites, 0-4 as underdogs, 0-3 at home and 0-4 on the road.

Their defense is to blame. For the season, the Storm are third in the WNBA, allowing 73.1 points per game. Since the All-Star break, they have surrendered 79.6.

This is the finale of a three-game road trip. In two previous trip-ending games, the Storm lost and failed to cover.

Pick: Detroit

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Announcement

Tuesday Trends and Indexes 8/18 (MLB, WNBA, Misc.)

Tuesday Trends and Indexes 8/18 (MLB, WNBA, Misc.)

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