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**pm530** · 08-24-2009, 05:36 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Monday, August 24

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Rays meet the Blue Jays, the Phillies battle the Mets, and the Jets and Ravens take the field on Monday Night Football.

Colliding on the gridiron . . .

It's the Jets vs. the Ravens on (preseason) Monday Night Football this week as the NFL closes out its second week of exhibition action. The Jets lost their preseason opener 23-20 to St. Louis, with Mark Sanchez going 3-of-4 for 88 yards passing. Baltimore is 1-0 in the preseason after blanking Washington 23-0 last time out. The Ravens are pegged as 3-point home favorites for Monday night, with the total at 32.5. New Jets head coach Rex Ryan should be familiar with the opposition; he was the defensive coordinator for the Ravens last season.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

Jeff Niemann (11-5, 3.71 ERA) will take on Roy Halladay (13-6, 2.78 ERA) as the Rays meet the Blue Jays in Toronto on Monday night. Righthander Niemann lost to Toronto back on July 26, but he's coming off a strong outing against the Orioles (one run over his 7 1-3 innings). Righthander Halladay was beaten by Boston in his last trip to the mound, surrendering four earned runs in five innings of work. Halladay picked up a victory over Tampa Bay in his outing of August 14.

Also on the American League schedule for Monday: the White Sox at Boston, Cleveland at Kansas City, Baltimore at Minnesota, Oakland at Seattle, and Detroit at the Angels. The Tigers will go with Justin Verlander (13-7, 3.29 ERA) in that matchup; righthander Verlander has been tagged with the loss in two of his past three starts. The Angels counter with Jered Weaver (13-4, 3.89 ERA), who is coming off a stellar outing against the Tribe - nine shutout innings in a victory.

Meanwhile, there are just three games on the NL schedule for Monday, with Milwaukee at Washington, San Francisco at Colorado, and Philadelphia at the Mets. The Phillies will go with Cliff Lee (4-0, 0.82 ERA in the NL) on Monday; the lefthander has allowed just three earned runs over 33 innings since being traded to Philadelphia. The Mets will hand the ball to Bobby Parnell (3-5, 4.74 ERA), who was knocked around for nine runs over three innings by Atlanta last week.

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**pm530** · 08-24-2009, 05:37 AM

Sports news and notes....

Monday, August 24

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Helpful notes for all of Monday's betting action
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Cliffhanging

Phillies left-hander Cliff Lee is -270 in a road start vs. the Mets, and with good reason. The rhythm Lee developed in his last three starts with Cleveland has stayed with him after his trade to Philadelphia. His ERA is 0.82 in four starts with the Phillies and he has allowed just 18 hits in 33 innings.

On the Mark

There was a serious man-crush on Jets rookie Mark Sanchez after his first preseason game, in which he was 3-of-4 for 88 yards. Now Sanchez gets his first NFL start, which means he faces Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and all those nasty guys on the first-team defense of the Baltimore Ravens. Jets coach Rex Ryan may use this game to decide whether Sanchez or Kellen Clemens will be his starting quarterback. The Jets are 3-point underdogs and the total is set at 32.5.

Cut down

The Rockies will be without red-hot outfielder Carlos Gonzalez for at least a week and maybe longer after he cut his hand in an accident at home that prevents him from gripping a bat. Gonzalez was hitting a team-best .373 (31-for-83) since the All-Star break and homered in four consecutive games in one recent stretch.

Seth Smith, who has a better batting average and on-base percentage than Gonzalez, replaced him in left field and the leadoff spot Sunday. Smith is hitting a league-best .469 (15-for-32) with 11 RBIs as a pinch hitter.

Colorado is -164 in Monday's finale of its important four-game series vs. San Francisco.

The dish on Cable

Raiders coach Tom Cable had quite a week after being accused of breaking the jaw of assistant Randy Hanson. Perhaps Hanson suggested changes to Cable's plans, which seem inflexible.

In Saturday's 21-20 loss to San Francisco, JaMarcus Russell had already been removed when the Raiders got the ball with 1:59 left in the first half and two timeouts left. It was a good spot to let the inexperienced Russell run the hurry-up offense, but Cable stayed with backup Jeff Garcia.

"The situation didn't matter to me," Cable told the Oakland Tribune's web site. "I wanted to stick with what the plan was."

Cable said Russell gets plenty of reps in the two-minute drill in practice. The Raiders host New Orleans on Saturday.

Justin time

Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander is +118 vs. the Angels, just the second time in his last 19 starts he has worked as an underdog. Overall, Verlander has made six starts as an underdog this season and is just 2-3 (Detroit is 2-4). But his other numbers are very strong - a 3.79 ERA, 51 strikeouts in 40 1-3 innings and two starts where he allowed no runs.

Line movement

The Seattle Seahawks are the second choice behind Arizona to win the NFC West at +250, but those odds might get grow if they keep losing offensive linemen. Starting center Chris Spencer left Saturday's win over Denver with a leg injury and will have an MRI to determine how long he will be sidelined. The Seahawks already are without standout veteran left tackle Walter Jones, who had knee surgery and is out indefinitely. Right tackle Sean Locklear moved to left tackle and gave up two sacks and committed a false start.

The Seahawks were 19th in rushing last season at 110.5 yards per game. Their leading rusher was Julius Jones, who did not play Saturday due to a bruised thigh. Behind him are T.J. Duckett and Justin Forsett.

Seattle is at Kansas City next weekend. The Seahawks are 6-point home faves in their season opener vs. St. Louis on Sept. 13.

Seeing red

Reds pitcher Aaron Harang is done for the season following an emergency appendectomy Saturday night. He joins Edinson Volquez as Cincinnati starters out for the season. Harang, who was near the bottom in starter money at $-396, last pitched Thursday night and would have been scheduled to pitch again Wednesday in Milwaukee. Reds manager Dusty Baker was not sure who would take his spot, although a possibility is rookie righty Matt Maloney, who made a couple of rough starts in June.

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**pm530** · 08-24-2009, 05:38 AM

Six-pack for Monday

-- At one point Sunday, John Smoltz struck out seven Padres in a row, as he won his Cardinal debut 5-2 at Petco.

-- Josh Beckett allowed a run in each of the first five innings Sunday, first time he's ever done that in his major league career.

-- WR named Devin Aromashodu from Auburn made a great catch for the Bears Saturday- he played six games for the Colts in 2007.

-- Michigan will play three QBs in its opener with Western Michigan, not a great sign for a team that got sub-standard QB play in '08, while at Tennessee, they haven't decided on a starting QB yet either.

-- If US government ever wants to topple a hostile government, they should just send Rams' QB Kyle Boller-- Boller overthrows everyone.

--Ton of people at the local Staples today-- lot of little people buying materials for back to school. Better them than me.

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Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up the sports weekend.......

13) Chase Utley got a rare day off Sunday-- his replacement had quite a day; Eric Bruntlett got three hits, had a fourth overturned by umpires, made a critical error in the 9th inning that allowed the tying run to get to plate, then ended things with an unassisted triple play. Pretty full day.

12) It was only the second time in major league history a game ended on an unassisted triple play-- first time was by a guy named Johnny Neun, who played for the Tigers, way back in 1927.

11) Lots of red in Citi Field Sunday; rare to see visiting fans having such a presence in a ballpark in New York City, but Phils had some people in the house Sunday. Fans from losing teams love to dump their tickets.

10) Sunday's game was over quickly; Oliver Perez got his first out on his 30th pitch of the first inning. He gave up six runs and was replaced with a 3-0 on Pedro Martinez. Needless to say, the home folks were restless.

9) Jose Reyes has been out since May 12 with some kind of hamstring injury; Raiders LB Kirk Morrison dislocated his elbow Saturday, but is expected back for the regular season opener, if not the last game of the exhibition season. Some people are just tougher than others.

8) Why on God's green earth did the Rockies sign Jason Giambi?

7) You knew the Lions were going to have a bad night Saturday when a couple of Detroit players got into a fight in warmups. With each other.

6) After that fiasco, Josh Cribbs ran the opening kickoff back for a TD for the Browns, but it got called back by a penalty-- Cribbs later scored on an 84-yard punt return. Cribbs is tremendous on special teams.

5) Charger QB Philip Rivers was sacked four times by Arizona the first seven times he dropped back to pass. Not good.

4) Three different Carolina Panthers fumbled/muffed punts Saturday.

3) Florida Tuskers of the new UFL held a tryout this weekend, where a guy had to pay $60 to tryout, and 1,000 candidates showed up!!! Best of the group were former Green Bay QB Craig Nall and former Oakland WR Doug Gabriel, who both got signed by the Tuskers.

2) Twins OF Michael Cuddyer homered twice in the same inning against the Royals Sunday. You don't see that every day.

1) If you're in San Diego, you can go to a Padres' game, sit in the upper level, and have a hot dog and a Coke, all for $12-- good deal!!!! Here in the northeast, you can't park your damned car at a ballpark for $12.

From: Armadillo
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**pm530** · 08-24-2009, 06:20 AM

MLB
Baseball Today

SCOREBOARD

Monday, August 24

San Francisco at Colorado (8:40 p.m. EDT). Jason Marquis (14-8, 3.58 ERA) gets the ball for NL wild card-leading Colorado in the finale of its important four-game set against San Francisco at Coors Field. Barry Zito (8-11, 4.26) is scheduled to start for the Giants.

STARS

Sunday

-Eric Bruntlett, Phillies, turned an unassisted triple play to finish Philadelphia's wild 9-7 victory over the New York Mets.

-Michael Cuddyer, Twins, homered twice in an eight-run seventh inning to help Minnesota break open a close game for a 10-3 victory at Kansas City.

-Albert Pujols, Cardinals, hit his 40th homer in St. Louis' 5-2 win at San Diego.

-Jack Cust, Athletics, homered twice and drove in four runs in a 9-4 victory over Detroit.

-CC Sabathia, Yankees, became the majors' first 15-game winner, pitching New York to an 8-4 win over Boston.

-Brian McCann, Braves, hit a tiebreaking two-run single in the eighth inning and matched a career high with five RBIs, leading Atlanta to a 7-5 win over the Florida Marlins.

-Scott Feldman, Rangers, struck out a career-high 11 in seven innings to win his fifth consecutive road start as Texas avoided a three-game sweep by beating Tampa Bay 4-0.

-Ubaldo Jimenez, Rockies, pitched eight strong innings to help Colorado beat Tim Lincecum and the San Francisco Giants 4-2 at Coors Field.

-Angel Pagan, Mets, homered twice, including an inside-the-park shot, in New York's 9-7 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.

-Travis Snider, Blue Jays, went 3 for 3 with a homer and a walk in Toronto's 8-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels.

-Jake Fox, Cubs, went 4 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs in Chicago's 3-1 win at the Los Angeles Dodgers.

-Homer Bailey, Reds, tossed seven sharp innings to help Cincinnati win 4-1 at Pittsburgh.

NICE FIRST IMPRESSION

John Smoltz had a brilliant debut with the St. Louis, striking out a season-high nine - including seven straight - and holding San Diego to three hits over five scoreless innings in a 5-2 victory. Smoltz also had a bunt single and scored the first run. The 42-year-old Smoltz (1-0) signed with the Cardinals on Wednesday after he cleared waivers following his release from the Red Sox. He had a dreadful performance with Boston, going 2-5 with an 8.32 ERA after attempting a comeback from shoulder surgery.

DOUBLE TROUBLE

Michael Cuddyer homered twice in Minnesota's eight-run seventh inning and the Twins beat Kansas City 10-3. Cuddyer hit the first pitch of the seventh for a homer, then added a two-run shot that put Minnesota up 9-1. Playing his sixth straight game at first base in place of Justin Morneau (ear infection), Cuddyer became the first Twins player to hit two homers in an inning and the first in the majors since Boston's David Ortiz did it against Texas last August.

WHAT A PLAY

Second baseman Eric Bruntlett's unassisted triple play in the Philadelphia's 9-7 victory over the New York Mets was the 15th in major league history - the second that ended a game. Detroit Tigers first baseman Johnny Neun also accomplished the feat on May 31, 1927, completing a 1-0 victory over Cleveland, according to STATS LLC. It also was the first unassisted triple play since Cleveland second baseman Asdrubal Cabrera turned one in the fifth inning on May 12, 2008, against Toronto.

NOT SO PERFECT

Mark Buehrle (11-7) yielded five runs and 11 hits in 5 1-3 innings for the Chicago White Sox in a 5-4 loss to Baltimore. The All-Star lefty is 0-4 with a 6.22 ERA in six starts since his perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays on July 23.

THE UPSHOT

After beating Boston 8-4 Sunday night to take two out of three in the series, The Yankees improved to 16-4 in their last 20 games and won their 10th series out of 11 since the All-Star break. They lead the second-place Red Sox by 7 1/2 games in the AL East.

BETTER, AT LEAST FOR A DAY

The woeful Arizona Diamondbacks and Washington Nationals snapped losing streaks. Ryan Roberts matched a career high with four hits and Arizona beat the Houston Astros 7-5 to snap a season-high seven-game skid. Ryan Zimmerman, Cristian Guzman and Adam Dunn homered, and the Nationals beat the Milwaukee Brewers 8-3 to stop a five-game slide.

HEROES BACK HOME

Miguel Cabrera had three hits, including his 200th homer, in Detroit's 9-4 loss at Oakland. Cabrera is the fifth player from Venezuela with at least 200 homers, joining Tony Armas, Bobby Abreu, teammate Magglio Ordonez and Andres Galarraga.

FINDING HIS FORM

Fausto Carmona pitched seven strong innings for his first win in more than three months, leading Cleveland to a 6-1 victory over Seattle. Carmona (3-8) gave up Ken Griffey Jr.'s 624th homer, but otherwise was in command while winning for the first time in nine starts since beating Tampa Bay on May 14. He allowed five hits, walked one and had a season-high eight strikeouts. A 19-game winner in 2007, Carmona's control abandoned him in 2008 as he went 8-7 with a 5.44 ERA and 12 more walks than strikeouts. The right-hander opened this season with a 2-6 record and 7.42 ERA before being sent to the minors on June 5. In five starts since he was recalled July 31, the 25-year-old is 1-2 with a 2.79 ERA.

YOUNG GUNS

Ricky Romero (11-5) pitched Toronto to an 8-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels, tying Tampa Bay's Jeff Niemann for the AL rookie lead in wins.

SPEAKING

"What a bizarre ending. I don't know what happened there. The game's over, so I'm happy with that.'' - Phillies closer Brad Lidge after second baseman Eric Bruntlett turned a rare unassisted triple play to preserve Philadelphia's 9-7 victory over the New York Mets.

SEASONS

Aug. 24

1905 - The Chicago Cubs beat the Phillies at Philadelphia 2-1 in 20 innings behind the complete game pitching of Ed Reulbach.

1940 - Outfielder Ted Williams pitched the last two innings for the Boston Red Sox against Detroit at Fenway Park. He allowed one run on three hits, but struck out Rudy York on three pitches. The Tigers, behind Tommy Bridges, won 12-1.

1951 - St. Louis Browns owner Bill Veeck gave over 1,000 fans behind his dugout YES and NO placards, allowing them to have a part in the strategy of the game. The fans flashed the cards when asked by the coaches what the Browns should do and it worked as St. Louis beat the Philadelphia Athletics 5-3.

1971 - Ernie Banks hit the 512th and final home run of his career as the Chicago Cubs beat the Cincinnati Reds 5-4. Banks' shot came off Jim McGlothin in the first inning.

1975 - Ed Halicki of San Francisco pitched a 6-0 no-hitter against the New York Mets to lead the Giants to a sweep of a doubleheader. On the same day, Dave Lopes of Los Angeles stole his 38th consecutive base in the seventh inning against the Expos. Lopes' streak was snapped in the 12th inning by Gary Carter. The Expos won 5-3 in 14 innings.

1989 - After six months of denial, defense and delay, Cincinnati manager Pete Rose was banned for life from baseball by Commissioner A. Bartlett Giamatti for gambling. Rose, baseball's all-time hit leader and holder of 19 major-league records, signed a five-page agreement with Giamatti in which he agreed to a lifetime penalty but did not admit to gambling on baseball.

2001 - Colorado starting pitcher Jason Jennings went 3-for-5 in his major league debut, including a homer and an RBI single, while giving up five hits and striking out eight in a complete game shut out over the Mets, 10-0. The right-hander became the first pitcher in modern history to throw a shutout and hit a homer in his first game.

2003 - Ramon Hernandez and Miguel Tejada hit grand slams as Oakland routed Toronto 17-2.

2006 - Boston beat the Los Angeles Angels 2-1 to hand rookie Jered Weaver his first loss. Weaver (9-1) was trying to become the third pitcher in major-league history to win his first 10 decisions as a starter.

2007 - Greg Maddux became the first pitcher to win 10 games in 20 consecutive seasons, tossing seven solid innings in the San Diego Padres' 14-3 rout of the Philadelphia Phillies.

2008 - Francisco Rodriguez earned his 50th save, striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning to secure the Los Angeles Angels' 5-3 victory over Minnesota.

Today's birthdays: Brett Gardner 26; Kevin Correia 29; Cal Ripken 49

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**pm530** · 08-24-2009, 06:20 AM

MLB
This Day in Baseball

On August 24 in Baseball History...

1894 - Chicago catcher Pop Schriver becomes the first player to catch a ball dropped from the top of the Washington Monument.

1905 - The Chicago Cubs beat the Phillies at Philadelphia 2-1 in 20 innings behind the complete game pitching of Ed Reulbach.

1918 - Secretary of War Newton D. Baker grants an extended exemption to players in the World Series. Three days later the National Commission gets an official approval to play from General Enoch Crowder, providing that 10 percent of the revenues go to war charities.

1919 - Cleveland pitcher Ray Caldwell is flattened by a bolt of lightning in his debut with the team. He recovers to get the final out of the game, and defeats Philadelphia, 2-1.

1940 - Left fielder Ted Williams of the Boston Red Sox pitches the last two innings in a 12-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers. Williams allows three hits and one run but strikes out Tiger slugger Rudy York. Joe Glenn, who caught Babe Ruth's last pitching appearance in 1933, is Williams'catcher.

1943 - The Philadelphia Athletics drop their 20th game in a row, losing to Chicago 6-5. This ties the American League record. They dodge the bullet in the nightcap by scoring eight runs in the second inning to win 8-1.

1945 - Cleveland ace Bob Feller returns from the Navy and attracts a crowd of 46,477, who watch him strike out 12 and yield only four hits in a 4-2 win over Detroit's Hal Newhouser. He will get nine starts during the remainder of the year, including a one-hitter and a pair of four-hitters.

1951 - In another of Bill Veeck's legendary PR stunts, "Fans Managers' Night," a thousand fans behind the Browns dugout are given yes and no placards to vote on decisions by the Browns coaches. The fans coach the Browns to a 5-3 win over Philadelphia.

1971 - Ernie Banks hit the 512th and final home run of his career as the Chicago Cubs beat the Cincinnati Reds 5-4. Banks' shot came off Jim McGlothlin in the first inning.

1975 - After stealing second base in the seventh to add to his major league record of 38 consecutive steals, Davey Lopes is nabbed in the 12th inning by Montreal catcher Gary Carter. The Expos beat the Dodgers in 14 innings 5-2.

1982 - Kansas City's John Wathan steals his 31st base of the season in a 5-3 win over the Rangers, breaking the single-season record for catchers set by Ray Schalk in 1916. Wathan will finish the season with a career-high 36 stolen bases.

1983 - After six Major League seasons playing infield positions, Oriole Lenn Sakata moved behind the plate to catch relief pitcher Tim Stoddard who had also just entered the game. The Blue Jays looked to capitalize and Stoddard was ready picking off at first base in order Barry Bonnell, Dave Collins and Upshaw to record all three inning outs.

1983 - First baseman Pete Rose does not play in Philadelphia's 5-3 loss to the Giants, ending his consecutive games played streak at 745. Manager Paul Owens had planned to use Rose as a pinch-hitter in the 10th inning, but Joel Youngblood ends the game with a two-run home run off Steve Carlton in the bottom of the ninth.

1989 - After weeks of legal wrangling, Commissioner Bart Giamatti permanently bans Pete Rose from baseball for his alleged gambling on major league games. Although the five-page document signed by both parties includes no formal findings, Giamatti says that he considers Rose's acceptance of the ban to be a no-contest plea to the charges.

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**pm530** · 08-24-2009, 06:21 AM

MLB
Write-up

Monday, August 24

Hot Pitchers
-- Lee is 4-0, 0.82 in four starts for the Phillies.
-- Marquis is 5-3, 2.71 in his last nine starts.
-- Zito is 3-1, 2.52 in his last six starts.

-- Rays won nine of last 12 Niemann starts.
-- Buchholz has a 2.37 RA in his last three starts.
-- Baker is 5-0, 3.35 in his last eight starts.
-- Verlander has a 1.69 RA in his last two starts. Angels won 14 of last 17 Weaver starts.

Cold Pitchers
-- Parnell is 1-2, 8.49 in his last three starts.
-- Gallardo is 1-3, 5.92 in his last four starts. Balester is 0-2, 8.10 in his last four starts.

-- Halladay is 2-3, 4.38 in his last five starts.
-- Contreras is 1-3, 7.28 in his last six starts.
-- Sowers is 2-4, 4.15 in his last seven starts. Meche has a 9.09 RA in his last seven starts.
-- Tillman is 1-1, 5.10 in five starts this season.
-- Mazzaro has an 8.08 RA in his last eleven starts. Snell is 0-2, 13.50 in his last two starts.

Hot Teams
-- Phillies won six of their last seven games.
-- Colorado won 27 of its last 37 home games.

-- Rays won six of their last eight games, but are 1-6 in their last seven road contests.
-- Indians won 10 of their last 15 road games.
-- Orioles won three of their last four games. Twins won five of six.
-- Angels won 12 of their last 16 home games.
-- Oakland is 11-8 in its last 19 games.

Cold Teams
-- Mets lost 14 of their last 21 games.
-- Brewers lost five of their last seven games. Nationals lost five of six.
-- Giants lost three of their last four games.

-- Toronto is 10-17 in its last 27 games.
-- Red Sox lost three of their last four home games, are 8-11 in their last 19 games overall. White Sox lost 13 of their last 18 road games.
-- Royals lost six of their last eight games.
-- Tigers lost 14 of their last 18 road games.
-- Mariners lost three of their last four games.

Totals
-- Under is 13-3-1 in Phillies' last 17 road games.
-- Over is 8-4 in Washington's last twelve home games.
-- Five of last six Colorado games stayed under the total.

-- Five of Tampa Bay's last six road games went over the total.
-- Ten of last eleven games at Fenway Park went over the total.
-- Over is 12-1-1 in Cleveland's last 14 road games.
-- Five of last six Baltimore road games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last nine Detroit road games went over the total.
-- Nine of last eleven Oakland road games went over the total.

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**pm530** · 08-24-2009, 06:22 AM

MLB

Monday, August 24

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Trend Report
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1:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. NY METS
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
Philadelphia is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing NY Mets
NY Mets are 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
NY Mets are 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home

4:35 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. WASHINGTON
Milwaukee is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Milwaukee's last 12 games
Washington is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

7:07 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. TORONTO
Tampa Bay is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games
Toronto is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Toronto's last 13 games when playing Tampa Bay

7:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. BOSTON
Chi White Sox are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Chi White Sox's last 12 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Boston's last 11 games at home
Boston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

8:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. MINNESOTA
Baltimore is 7-16 SU in its last 23 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore's last 6 games
Minnesota is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing at home against Baltimore

8:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. KANSAS CITY
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Kansas City
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing Kansas City
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Kansas City is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland

8:40 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. COLORADO
San Francisco is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Colorado
San Francisco is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Colorado
Colorado is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Colorado's last 9 games at home

10:05 PM
DETROIT vs. LA ANGELS
Detroit is 2-8 SU in their last 10 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 10 of LA Angels's last 13 games at home

10:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. SEATTLE
Oakland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Oakland's last 11 games on the road
Seattle is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing Oakland

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**pm530** · 08-24-2009, 06:22 AM

MLB

Monday, August 24

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Hot lines: Today’s best MLB bets
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Tampa Bay Rays at Toronto Blue Jays (-140, 7.5)

If the Rays hope to play postseason ball for a consecutive year, the club will have to solve its away troubles. Tampa Bay is in the thick of the AL wild-card race, but its 25-35 road record is keeping the squad from distancing itself from Boston and Texas.

“It’s this road thing, man, that’s the annoying part of what we’re doing,” Rays manager Joe Maddon told the St. Petersburg Times after finishing 1-5 road trip a little over a week ago. “We go home and get ourselves well and then we go away and we get sick again. We have to figure that part out.”

The Blue Jays are the perfect ailment for Tampa’s sickness. Entering Sunday’s tilt against the Halos, Toronto had dropped 25 of its last 34 games against teams with a winning record.

Pick: Rays

Cleveland Indians at Kansas City Royals (-115, 9)

There was hope this year would the first the Royals played October baseball since 1985. On May 7, Kansas City was 18-11 and had the second best record in the American League.

Now the bad news for loyal Royal backers: Entering Saturday’s game, no team in baseball – not even the Pirates or Nationals – owns a worst record since.

The best chance for a KC win normally falls on Gil Meche’s turn in the rotation – the Royals are 3-1 in Meche’s last four starts. Of course you also get the best value fading the last-place Royals when Meche or Zack Greinke toe the rubber.

This trend should push you in the right direction: KC is 5-22 in its last 27 home games against teams with a losing road record.

Pick: Indians

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**pm530** · 08-24-2009, 06:23 AM

MLB

Monday, August 24

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Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
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Streaking

Justin Verlander (13-7, 3.29 ERA), Detroit Tigers

Verlander’s 2008 campaign was marred with inconsistency, but he’s been old reliable for the Tigers this season.

The 2006 AL Rookie of the Year has walked just five batters in his last five starts and he can get out of most jams with his heater. Verlander is second in the majors with 204 strikeouts after last week’s 10-K performance against the Mariners.

“I’m sure he cares more about the wins than the strikeouts,” Detroit manager Jim Leyland said following the 3-1 loss to Seattle. “He’s one of the best pitchers in baseball, and his best years should still be ahead of him.”

Backing Verlander always comes at a cost. He’s been priced at -180 or higher in four of his last six starts. An away start at Los Angeles opens the door to some welcome value.

Barry Zito (8-11, 4.26 ERA), San Francisco Giants

He may not be a cost-effective starter for the Giants ownership, but the Z-man has been a great bargain for his backers.

San Francisco has won five of the $126 million-man’s last six outings and the under has cashed in eight of his last 10 appearances.

While he doesn’t blow anybody away with his fastball – he tops out around 89 mph – he gets the job done. The southpaw has a 2.36 ERA in seven starts since July 16.

Slumping

Collin Balester (1-3, 6.75 ERA), Washington Nationals

We don’t like to beat a dead horse, but if Balester was pitching for any other team in the bigs, he’d probably find himself on his way to the minors.

The 23-year-old righty has just one quality start in six outings this season. He’s been tagged for nine home runs in just 25 1-3 innings.

The Rockies touched home plate three times before Balester was yanked in the second inning last week. He says a rushed delivery was the reason he surrendered five free bases.

“I’ve pinpointed it, and now I need to execute it,” he told reporters after the game. “I’ve been trying so hard, and I think that’s my biggest problem. I’ve been trying too much.”

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**Udog** · 08-24-2009, 09:06 AM

MLB
Dunkel

Detroit at LA Angels
The look to build on their 6-0 record in Jered Weaver's last 6 starts with the total set from 7 to 8 1/2 runs. Los Angeles is the pick (-120) according to Dunkel, which has the Angels favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-120). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, AUGUST 24

Game 951-952: Philadelphia at NY Mets
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Lee) 15.626; NY Mets (Parnell) 15.796
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-280); 8
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+250); Over

Game 953-954: Milwaukee at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Gallardo) 14.860; Washington (Balester) 13.859
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-185); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-185); Under

Game 955-956: San Francisco at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Zito) 15.344; Colorado (Marquis) 16.295
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Colorado (-175); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-175); Under

Game 957-958: Tampa Bay at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Niemann) 15.144; Toronto (Halladay) 14.505
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Toronto (-140); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+130); Under

Game 959-960: Chicago White Sox at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Garcia) 14.789; Boston (Buchholz) 15.916
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-175); 10
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-175); Under

Game 961-962: Cleveland at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Sowers) 15.041; Kansas City (Meche) 15.232
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-115); 9
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-115); Under

Game 963-964: Baltimore at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Tillman) 14.940; Minnesota (Baker) 15.692
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-220); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-220); Under

Game 965-966: Detroit at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Verlander) 14.517; LA Angels (Weaver) 14.855
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-120); Under

Game 967-968: Oakland at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Mazzaro) 15.545; Seattle (Snell) 15.250
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Seattle (-135); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+125); Over

**Udog** · 08-24-2009, 09:44 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, August 24

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PHILADELPHIA (71 - 50) at NY METS (57 - 67) - 1:10 PM
CLIFF LEE (L) vs. BOBBY PARNELL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LEE is 10-14 (-7.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 20-14 (+9.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
NY METS are 10-6 (+13.8 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +175 or more since 1997.
NY METS are 35-15 (+19.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 45-25 (+15.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 71-50 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 39-21 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 40-22 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 68-47 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 27-14 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
LEE is 23-9 (+12.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEE is 56-39 (+20.1 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 146-140 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 146-140 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 12-20 (-12.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 97-93 (-27.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 8-5 (+2.0 Units) against NY METS this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.3 Units)

CLIFF LEE vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

BOBBY PARNELL vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.

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MILWAUKEE (60 - 63) at WASHINGTON (44 - 80) - 4:35 PM
YOVANI GALLARDO (R) vs. COLLIN BALESTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 43-48 (-10.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 27-40 (-19.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 250-290 (-67.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.
MILWAUKEE is 60-63 (-8.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 14-25 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
GALLARDO is 6-14 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 93-94 (+21.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 51-45 (+16.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 26-24 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 34-24 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 44-80 (-27.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 26-59 (-24.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 23-48 (-20.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 44-77 (-24.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 34-62 (-20.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 3-4 (-0.2 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
7 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+7.0 Units)

YOVANI GALLARDO vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
GALLARDO is 1-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

COLLIN BALESTER vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
BALESTER is 1-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.09 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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SAN FRANCISCO (67 - 57) at COLORADO (70 - 54) - 8:40 PM
BARRY ZITO (L) vs. JASON MARQUIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 132-108 (+17.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 117-101 (+30.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 63-44 (+24.6 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 70-54 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 70-54 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 170-151 (+19.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
MARQUIS is 52-33 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MARQUIS is 21-12 (+11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 67-57 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 43-38 (+5.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 49-43 (+6.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 34-23 (+11.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 67-57 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 132-81 (+51.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday since 1997.
ZITO is 75-44 (+29.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 52-67 (-22.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MARQUIS is 17-25 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997. (Team's Record)
MARQUIS is 56-74 (-39.1 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 6-5 (-0.2 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.3 Units)

BARRY ZITO vs. COLORADO since 1997
ZITO is 2-2 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.036.
His team's record is 6-2 (+5.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-6. (-5.4 units)

JASON MARQUIS vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
MARQUIS is 4-2 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 2.30 and a WHIP of 0.938.
His team's record is 6-2 (+4.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-5. (-2.6 units)

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TAMPA BAY (67 - 56) at TORONTO (57 - 65) - 7:07 PM
JEFF NIEMANN (R) vs. ROY HALLADAY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 12-19 (-9.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
TAMPA BAY is 25-35 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
HALLADAY is 112-52 (+34.7 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf since 1997. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 113-58 (+36.6 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 122-78 (+33.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 172-129 (+25.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 74-50 (+26.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NIEMANN is 14-4 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 57-65 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 16-32 (-19.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TORONTO is 30-42 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 9-3 (+6.1 Units) against TORONTO this season
9 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+5.7 Units)

JEFF NIEMANN vs. TORONTO since 1997
NIEMANN is 1-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.143.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.3 units)

ROY HALLADAY vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
HALLADAY is 12-9 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.58 and a WHIP of 1.183.
His team's record is 18-11 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 17-11. (+4.5 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (63 - 61) at BOSTON (70 - 53) - 7:10 PM
JOSE CONTRERAS (R) vs. CLAY BUCHHOLZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 38-61 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 20-40 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 155-96 (+28.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 69-33 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 64-24 (+24.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 97-48 (+22.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 59-51 (+4.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 42-34 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BOSTON is 78-76 (-15.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 5-14 (-10.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
BUCHHOLZ is 6-16 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUCHHOLZ is 4-13 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUCHHOLZ is 3-12 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUCHHOLZ is 1-9 (-9.5 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
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

JOSE CONTRERAS vs. BOSTON since 1997
CONTRERAS is 4-4 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 7.35 and a WHIP of 1.669.
His team's record is 6-5 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-7. (-4.8 units)

CLAY BUCHHOLZ vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
BUCHHOLZ is 0-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 15.00 and a WHIP of 3.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

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CLEVELAND (54 - 69) at KANSAS CITY (47 - 76) - 8:10 PM
JEREMY SOWERS (L) vs. GIL MECHE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 18-35 (-16.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CLEVELAND is 54-69 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 47-61 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 33-44 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 37-54 (-17.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SOWERS is 17-33 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 16-8 (+11.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 16-6 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 29-19 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 15-6 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 28-47 (-16.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
KANSAS CITY is 9-21 (-12.5 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
KANSAS CITY is 19-33 (-14.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
KANSAS CITY is 47-76 (-26.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 70-122 (-36.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 25-39 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 23-40 (-18.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 10-17 (-9.1 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season.
KANSAS CITY is 41-66 (-25.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 32-49 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 15-31 (-16.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
MECHE is 0-6 (-6.8 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 this season. (Team's Record)
MECHE is 15-28 (-14.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 7-5 (+1.7 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.8 Units)

JEREMY SOWERS vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
SOWERS is 2-1 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.46 and a WHIP of 1.385.
His team's record is 3-2 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+1.0 units)

GIL MECHE vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
MECHE is 5-9 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.70 and a WHIP of 1.392.
His team's record is 7-14 (-5.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 11-10. (-0.6 units)

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BALTIMORE (51 - 73) at MINNESOTA (61 - 63) - 8:10 PM
CHRIS TILLMAN (R) vs. SCOTT BAKER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 19-32 (-14.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MINNESOTA is 89-59 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 105-85 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 86-55 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 86-55 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 61-63 (-9.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 8-19 (-13.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 2-0 (+2.1 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

CHRIS TILLMAN vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
No recent starts.

SCOTT BAKER vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
BAKER is 2-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.48 and a WHIP of 1.355.
His team's record is 3-1 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)

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DETROIT (65 - 58) at LA ANGELS (74 - 48) - 10:05 PM
JUSTIN VERLANDER (R) vs. JERED WEAVER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 17-36 (-17.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 19-34 (-18.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 139-146 (-31.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 14-35 (-19.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 25-38 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
DETROIT is 34-45 (-24.4 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 10-21 (-15.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 132-127 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 87-97 (-25.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 16-28 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 67-40 (+24.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 47-35 (+10.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 70-41 (+26.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 35-27 (+8.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LA ANGELS are 35-22 (+11.6 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.
LA ANGELS are 74-48 (+24.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 21-10 (+10.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
WEAVER is 18-7 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 3-3 (+0.7 Units) against DETROIT this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
VERLANDER is 0-2 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.55 and a WHIP of 1.516.
His team's record is 1-4 (-4.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.3 units)

JERED WEAVER vs. DETROIT since 1997
WEAVER is 2-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 7.08 and a WHIP of 1.771.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.0 units)

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OAKLAND (55 - 68) at SEATTLE (63 - 61) - 10:10 PM
VIN MAZZARO (R) vs. IAN SNELL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 62-82 (-25.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 36-25 (+12.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SEATTLE is 63-61 (+5.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 60-57 (+5.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 42-38 (+6.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 218-144 (+68.2 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
OAKLAND is 19-10 (+13.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 246-232 (-75.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.
SEATTLE is 81-114 (-31.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 6-3 (+3.0 Units) against OAKLAND this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.6 Units)

VIN MAZZARO vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.

IAN SNELL vs. OAKLAND since 1997
No recent starts.

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**Udog** · 08-24-2009, 11:35 AM

MLB
Short Sheet

Monday, 8/24/2009

National League

PHILADELPHIA at NY METS, 1:10 PM ET
LEE: 23-9 TSR when the total is 8 to 8.5
PARNELL: NYM 20-9 OVER on Monday

MILWAUKEE at WASHINGTON, 4:35 PM ET
GALLARDO: MIL 11-1 OVER on Monday
BALESTER: WAS 6-14 at home against NL Central

SAN FRANCISCO at COLORADO, 8:40 PM ET
ZITO: SF 17-9 after a loss by 2 runs or less
MARQUIS: COL 23-12 OVER after allowing 2 runs or less

American League

TAMPA BAY at TORONTO, 7:07 PM ET
NIEMANN: TB 8-3 as an underdog of +125 to +175
HALLADAY: TOR 16-32 against division opponents

CHI WHITE SOX at BOSTON, 7:10 PM ET
CONTRERAS: CHW 14-7 after a one run loss
BUCHHOLZ: 3-11 TSR as a favorite

CLEVELAND at KANSAS CITY, 8:10 PM ET
SOWERS: CLE 15-6 AWAY on Monday
MECHE: 0-6 TSR at home with a money line of -100 to -125

BALTIMORE at MINNESOTA, 8:10 PM ET
TILLMAN: BAL 66-50 OVER when the total is 9 to 9.5
BAKER: MIN 6-19 against AL East

DETROIT at LA ANGELS, 10:05 PM ET ESPN2
VERLANDER: DET 0-7 AWAY after allowing 9+ runs
WEAVER: 10-1 TSR at home when the money line is +125 to -125

OAKLAND at SEATTLE, 10:10 PM ET
MAZZARO: OAK 13-31 after having won 2 of their last 3
SNELL: SEA 18-6 UNDER after having lost 3 of their last 4

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 08-24-2009, 12:14 PM

MLB

Monday, August 24

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Tips and Trends
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Detroit Tigers at Los Angeles Angels [10:05 PM ET]

Tigers: The Tigers are an underdog for just the second time in Justin Verlander’s last 19 starts. The Tigers are 2-4 when Verlander has been a ‘dog this season. Verlander, 13-7 record with a 3.29 ERA, leads the American League in strikeouts. However, the star right-hander is just 6-5 on the road with a 4.27 ERA compared to 7-2 with a 2.23 ERA at Comerica Park. Verlander shut out the Angels in one home start this season, allowing four hits in eight scoreless innings. But in his other start this season against the Angels on the road, Verlander was lit up for seven runs and nine hits in five innings. Detroit has lost 22 of its last 30 away contests. The Tigers have lost 10 consecutive road series. Detroit has been held to three or fewer runs in seven of its last 11 games.

The Under is 15-8-1 in the Tigers’ last 24 road games.

Key Injuries - Joel Zumaya (shoulder) is on the DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: 4

Angels (-$1.25, O/U 8.5 under -$1.15): The Angels are glad to be returning home following a 10-game road swing, where they went 6-4 but struggled at Toronto. Los Angeles is 38-15 in its last 53 home contests. Starting pitcher Jered Weaver, 13-4 record and 3.89 ERA, is coming off his second career shutout and fourth career complete game. He threw a seven-hitter in blanking the Indians on the road last Wednesday night. Weaver faced the Tigers back in April. He yielded three earned runs in seven innings, but didn’t factor in the decision. Career-wise versus Detroit, Weaver is 2-1 with a 7.08 ERA in four outings. Weaver has been his best at Angels Stadium going 8-1 with a 2.76 ERA this season in 13 home outings. In contrast, Weaver is 5-3 on the road with a 5.35 ERA. Weaver has allowed at least four earned runs in five of his past seven starts.

The Over is 38-15-2 in the Angels’ last 55 games.

Key Injuries - Joe Saunders (shoulder) is on the DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: 5 (Side of the Day)

Total of the Day is in NFL and can be seen in the "NFL Trends and Indexes - Preseason Week 2" thread.

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**pm530** · 08-24-2009, 01:40 PM

Len’s Top Five

Monday, August 30

Len's Top 5

Happy Monday everyone, here's my Top 5 for August 24, 2009 from Len Berman Sports.

1. Quick Hits

The Yankees smash 5 homers off Josh Beckett and beat the Red Sox 8-4. They take 2 out of 3 from Boston and up their lead to 7 1/2 games.
Bad news for Mets fans who want a shakeup. Owner Fred Wilpon told the New York Post that general manager Omar Minaya will return. Presumably that means the manager is safe as well.
More bad news for Mets fans. They had the tying runs on base in the 9th when Phillies second baseman Eric Bruntlett turned an unassisted triple play. It made former Met Pedro Martinez the winning pitcher. Only in New York.
Florida is the overwhelming #1 pick in college football this season. What? No love for Syracuse?

2. Two Decades Later

As you can see from "Today in Sports" below, it's now 20 years since Pete Rose has been banned from baseball. And the debate rages on. His former teammate Mike Schmidt weighed in over the weekend. He wonders if Pete knowingly compromised the integrity of baseball. And if so, what about the steroid users? Schmidt acknowledges that even if the ban is lifted, 75 per cent of Hall of Fame members would have to vote for Pete to make it. That may never happen. The essence of baseball is "to get a hit." The man who got more than anyone may never make it to Cooperstown. There's something wrong with that.

3. The Cubs Sold, The Cubs Sold!

Pending major league approval, the storied Chicago Cubs have been sold to the Ricketts family for $845-million. Scoreboard since 1908. 5 owners, 47 managers, zero World Championships. But hey, they do have Wrigley Field and great fans. And as they used to say in Boston, "anyone can have a bad century."

4. Knock Hockey

The video screens at the new Cowboys Stadium are the 8th wonder of the world. They are 60 yards long and stretch from 20-yard line to 20-yard line. Cost? $40-million. By comparison their entire previous home, Texas Stadium, cost $35-million to build in 1971. Anyway, there's one tiny glitch. Punts hit the scoreboard. It happened repeatedly in warmups, and once during Friday's first exhibition game. They declare the ball dead, and re-kick. Too bad. Make it like golf, If a tree's in the way, thems the breaks.
5. Monday Musings

Two sides to every story. Bears 17 Giants 3. Bears fans giddy over debut of quarterback Jay Cutler. Giants fans unhappy over team's lack of offense.
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Wanna feel old? Carl Yastrzemski turned 70 over the weekend. Wasn't it just yesterday he popped out to Nettles to end the playoff game at Fenway?
D.M. tweeted me to tell me he had the same feelings about the great Roberto Clemente who would have turned 75 last week.
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For boggle/scrabble/crossword fans: Is track star Caster Semenya from South Africa a he or a she? A U.K. newspaper figured out an anagram of Caster Semenya is, "A secret man? Yes." Amaze your friends and neighbors.

Happy Birthday: Hall of Famer Cal "Iron Man" Ripken, Jr. 49.
Bonus Birthday: Police Academy actor Steve Guttenberg. 51.

Today in Sports: Pete Rose signs his "death certificate." He is banned from baseball. 1989.
Bonus Event: Pluto is reclassified as a "dwarf planet." Bummer. 2005.

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Monday Trends and Indexes 8/24 (MLB, Misc.)

Monday Trends and Indexes 8/24 (MLB, Misc.)

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