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**pm530** · 08-26-2009, 04:43 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Wednesday, August 26

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Red Sox play host to the White Sox, the Angels look to tame the Tigers, and the Astros continue their series in St. Louis.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

Gavin Floyd (10-8, 3.98 ERA) will take on Tim Wakefield (11-3, 4.31 ERA) on Wednesday night as the White Sox continue their road series against the Red Sox. Righthander Floyd was beaten by the Orioles in his last trip to the mound, surrendering four earned runs over 7 1-3 innings of work. Righthander Wakefield will be activated from the DL (strained back) for Wednesday's start. Wakefield last pitched back on July 8, holding the Athletics to three runs over his six innings.

Also on the American League schedule for Wednesday: Cleveland at Kansas City, Texas at the Yankees, Tampa Bay at Toronto, Baltimore at Minnesota, Oakland at Seattle, and Detroit at the Angels. Edwin Jackson (10-5, 2.86 ERA) will get the ball for the Tigers in that contest; righthander Jackson is 3-0 with three no-decisions in his last six starts. Joe Saunders (9-7, 5.33 ERA) counters for L.A.; lefthander Saunders has been on the disabled list with a sore shoulder.

In National League action on Wednesday the Astros will send Roy Oswalt (7-4, 3.83 ERA) to the hill in St. Louis against Joel Pineiro (12-9, 3.15 ERA). Righthander Oswalt picked up his first win in a month last time out, holding the Diamondbacks scoreless over seven innings of work. Righthander Pineiro beat the Padres in his last trip to the mound (one earned run in 7 2-3 innings pitched)., and St. Louis has managed to pick up the victory in each of his last nine outings.

Rounding out the NL slate for Wednesday: Philadelphia at Pittsburgh, San Diego at Atlanta, the Mets at Florida, Washington at the Cubs, Cincinnati at Milwaukee, Arizona at San Francisco, and the Dodgers at Colorado. Randy Wolf (8-6, 3.34 ERA) will take on Josh Fogg (0-1, 2.25 ERA) in that last matchup. Righthander Fogg has been pitching out of Colorado's bullpen this season, but with Aaron Cook on the disabled list he'll be pressed into action as a starter on Wednesday.

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**pm530** · 08-26-2009, 04:44 AM

Sports news and notes....

Wednesday, August 26

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Helpful notes for today’s betting action
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Serena snubbed in U.S. Open seedings

If you were a betting man, defending champ Serena Williams likely would be the first player you looked at while handicapping the U.S. Open.

That’s not a problem … just make sure you are looking in the correct place – that is, down a notch on your bracket.

Serena Williams was seeded No. 2 for the U.S. Open on Tuesday, behind Dinara Safina, because the tournament stuck to its policy of strictly following the rankings.

Williams has won three of the past four Grand Slam singles championships and 11 overall, the most among active women. She will be seeking her fourth U.S. Open title.

Tournament director Jim Curley said the U.S. Tennis Association did discuss the possibility of moving Williams ahead of Safina.

“The U.S. Open has the prerogative of altering its seedings; it’s something we have not availed ourselves of in quite some time,” Curley said in a telephone interview. “We certainly spoke about it, but it never got to the point where we were seriously intending to not follow the rankings.”

However, oddsmakers have no such trouble separating the rankings from reality. Serena Williams is the odds-on favorite at +175. Ironically, Safina isn’t even a distant second – she’s in a tie for fourth on the betting board at +900 behind Venus Williams (+400), Maria Sharapova (+700).

Roger Federer (+125) was seeded No. 1 for the fifth time at the year’s last Grand Slam tournament. He is ranked No. 1 and has won the U.S. Open five years in a row.

Others to look at include Andy Murray (+250), Rafael Nadal (+450) and Andy Roddick (+1000).

Wagner packs up for Boston

Billy Wagner is on his way to the Boston Red Sox (+600 to win the World Series at Bookmaker.com), leaving the New York Mets for the chance to pitch in a pennant race as a setup man for All-Star closer Jonathan Paplebon.

The only real surprise here is what took Wagner so long. After a few days of back-and-forth talks about Wagner's future, the depleted Mets traded the left-handed reliever for two players to be named.

The AL wild-card leaders had claimed Wagner on waivers, and the teams worked out a deal that persuaded Wagner to waive his no-trade clause. Wagner's main motivation, according to agent Bean Stringfellow, was his “overwhelming desire to pitch in a pennant race.”

Wakefield knuckling along

However, the Red Sox might not need the reliever’s help right away; at least not for Wednesday’s home tilt against the Chicago White Sox.

Venerable knuckle-baller Tim Wakefield will take the mound, and he’s been as reliable and hot as they come. He is 3-0 in his past three starts and has pitched a total of 20 innings, saving wear and tear on Boston’s bullpen.

The line opened at -135, and the over might be worth a look here as well. The over is 11-1 overall in the last 12 games played in Boston, and 9-0 when the Red Sox are favored.

Isiah up to his new, old tricks?

You might think Isiah Thomas could at least wait until basketball season to start causing controversy at Florida International University. You’d be wrong.

But if you were licking your chops at the prospects of laying the points against FIU, you might have to wait your turn.

Florida International announced it will pull out of the Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament unless tournament organizers allow FIU to open with Ohio State instead of North Carolina, as the Golden Panthers had expected.

FIU officials, including Thomas and athletics director Pete Garcia, were stunned when they saw a press release of the Tar Heels’ schedule, listing Florida International as the season opener.
Garcia said the school had been approached by the Gazelle Group, the tourney organizers, about switching its opener from the Buckeyes to the defending national champions but refused.

“We knew nothing about this until the press release from North Carolina today,” Garcia said. “We told them last week we would not change the game and had never agreed to this.”

Tebow back in action

Tim Tebow missed some practice time last week because of his back. But several media outlets reported Tuesday that the Florida quarterback returned to practice and his back was feeling fine.

Tebow says he’ll ease up as the Gators (+165 to repeat as BCS champs at betED.com) get ready to defend their national title on Sept. 5 against Charleston Southern in the opener.

Tebow has never missed a game despite battling various bumps and bruises throughout his career. Several reports stated he was head-butting teammates at practice in order to fire them up.

Evidently, Florida fans to not have to worry that Tebow went into hiding after his whistle-clean image was threatened when he posed shirtless in a men’s magazine.

A giant disappointment in Colorado

There are many sports bettors who believe momentum is one of the most overrated aspects to handicapping Major League baseball. If you’re not one of them, read on.

If ever there was a time to fade a club based on a run of misfortune, going against the San Francisco Giants might be the right idea.

Desperately seeking to stay in the NL wild-card hunt behind the Rockies, the Giants saw their hopes all but shattered Monday when Ryan Spilborgh hit a walk-off grand slam in the 14th inning for a 6-4 win, This was after San Francisco scored three runs in the top half for a 4-1 lead.

Many Bay Area media outlets were calling the loss one of the most devastating in recent memory for the franchise, while Denver-area media were hailing it as perhaps the most dramatic win in Colorado’s history.

As Spilborgh’s bat cracked the winning slam, Giants broadcaster Duane Kiper, who once played for the club, glumly announced, “This isn’t good, folks.”

His tone suggested he wasn’t just referring to the game at hand. The Giants are now four games back and face an uphill climb to contention.

If ever a baseball team was to suffer long-term effects from one game, this could be the case. The Giants opened as a -120 favorite behind Jonathan Sanchez for Wednesday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Speaking of the surging Rockies, manager Jim Tracy said right-hander Josh Fogg will start Wednesday against the Dodgers (-130), taking the turn of injured starter Aaron Cook. Fogg is 0-1 with a 2.25 ERA in 20 relief appearances. He threw a season-high 4 1/3 innings Aug. 11 when he relieved rookie Jhoulys Chacin in the third inning and threw a season-high 68 pitches.

Notable quotable:

Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon appears to have had an about-face regarding the team’s trade for Billy Wagner.

On Monday, he said this: “What has he done? Has he pitched this year? Is he ready to pitch or is he not? ... I think our bullpen is good where we’re at right now. Don’t get me wrong. But I guess you could always make it better. It’s kind of like the (Eric) Gagne thing, I guess.”

After the trade was finalized Tuesday, Papelbon was caught in a full-speed backpedal:

“He’s a competitor, and I see a lot of myself in him. For me, having him down there in our bullpen is not only going to make me better, it will make the rest of our bullpen better. He’s going to bring a professionalism and competitiveness to our bullpen that every bullpen could use. Believe me, I want this guy more than anybody on our team.”

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**pm530** · 08-26-2009, 04:45 AM

Six-pack for Wednesday

-- Before Sunday's Phils-Mets game, the last time there was a triple play, an inside-park home run in same game was September 25, 1955.

-- According to Elias Sports Bureau, the latest walk-off grand slam hit in major leagues was by Red Sox' Clyde Vollmer July 28, 1951 (16th); the 14th inning walkoff grand slam by Ryan Spliborghs Monday was latest in the major leagues since 2002.

-- Stephen Strasburg will make his pro debut in Arizona Fall League, pitching for the Phoenix Desert Dogs. The AFL is good baseball-- 37 of this year's All-Stars are Arizona Fall League alumni.

-- Mike Lowell's last ten home runs were all at Fenway Park.

-- Fernando Tatis of the Mets is 1-36 this year with two outs and runners in scoring position. Thats one for freakin' 36.

-- One of guys Mets are getting for Billy Wagner is 1B/OF Chris Carter, who is hitting .279, with 14 HR, 54 RBI in AAA, a year after he hit .300 with 24 HR, 81 RBI for Pawtucket.

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Wednesday's List of 13: Good knowledge on QBs and colleges.......

Dude from paper in Altoona, PA researched a terrific article dealing with what college football programs produced how many QBs. Here are some bits and pieces from this interesting article (info is from 1966 on......)

13) Eight Florida QBs have started an NFL game, but Steve Spurrier has the most starts of the eight, starting only 38 games in the 60's/70's.

12) Three Alabama QBs (Starr/Namath/Stabler) have won a Super Bowl, more than any other school.

11) Those three are the only SEC QBs not named Manning to be QB on a Super Bowl champ.

10) More QBs from Dartmouth (2) have started an NFL game than QBs from Clemson (1- Steve Fuller).

9) Oklahoma Sooner QB hasn't started an NFL game at QB since 1949.

8) Since 1966, fifteen USC QBs have started an NFL game, but Carson Palmer and Rodney Peete are probably the best of the 15.

7) Of all the QBs who played in the Big 11 since 1966, Kerry Collins has started the most NFL games (164). The only Minnesota QB to start an NFL game is Mike Hohensee, who started replacement games for the Bears in '87-- he coached the Albany Firebirds in the Arena League.

6) Purdue (704), Washington (617) QBs have started most NFL games in the Super Bowl era, which this survey encompasses.

5) Ryan Leaf was 2nd pick in '98 Draft but only started 21 NFL games.

4) Surprised that Chris Simms, Vince Young are only Texas Longhorns in last 40 years to start an NFL game at QB.

3) Still amazed that Tom Brady was drafted in the 6th round, 30 picks after Marc Bulger. Now you know why general managers get fired.

2) The best Notre Dame QB since Joe Montana? Steve Beuerlein, which helps explain why they've won one bowl game in the last 16 years.

1) Like all positions in the NFL, good players come from all over, with Ken Anderson (Augustana), Kurt Warner (Northern Iowa), Jim Hart (Southern Illinois), Steve McNair (Alcorn State) all productive players.

From: Armadillo
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**pm530** · 08-26-2009, 04:47 AM

MLB
Baseball Today

SCOREBOARD

Wednesday, August 26

Chicago White Sox at Boston (7:10 p.m. EDT). Veteran knuckleballer Tim Wakefield (11-3, 4.31 ERA) starts for the Red Sox against Gavin Floyd (10-8, 3.98) and the White Sox in the third game of the teams' four-game series.

STARS

Tuesday

-Adam Wainwright, Cardinals, allowed three hits over eight innings to become the National League's first 15-game winner in St. Louis' 1-0 win over Houston.

-Andrew McCutchen, Pirates, hit a game-ending two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth off Philadelphia closer Brad Lidge to give Pittsburgh a 6-4 win.

- Elijah Dukes and Josh Willingham, Nationals. Dukes hit a grand slam in a six-run fifth inning and Willingham had two homers and six RBIs in Washington's 15-6 rout of the Chicago Cubs.

-Carlos Pena, Rays, hit two two-run homers, giving him 200 for his career, in Tampa Bay's 7-3 win over Toronto.

-Ryan Langerhans, Mariners, homered off Craig Breslow with one out in the bottom of the 10th inning to send Seattle to a 4-2 victory over Oakland.

-Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies, singled off James McDonald with one out and the bases loaded in the bottom of the 10th inning to give Colorado a 5-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

-Zack Greinke, Royals, struck out a team-record 15 in eight innings and Kansas City ended a five-game losing streak with a 6-2 victory over Cleveland.

-Travis Ishikawa, Giants, hit a tiebreaking three-run homer in the eighth inning for San Francisco after scoring the tying run in the seventh on a wild pitch in a 5-4 win over Arizona.

TURNAROUND

The Rockies, who trailed the Dodgers by 15 1/2 games in the NL West on June 3, cut Los Angeles' division lead to two games with a 5-4 victory in 10 innings on Tuesday. Troy Tulowitzki hit a bases-loaded single in the 10th to give the Rockies the win in the opener of a key three-game series. Colorado, the NL wild-card leader, is a major league-best 52-22 since June 3 and 18 games over .500 for the first time in team history.

SIDELINED

Johan Santana needs surgery for bone chips in his left elbow and the star pitcher is out for the season, the latest blow to a New York Mets team battered by injuries. The team said their 30-year-old ace is expected to be OK for spring training next year. He was examined Tuesday by Mets medical director Dr. David Altchek in New York.

AIN'T OVER TILL IT'S OVER

The Texas Rangers scored seven runs off Joba Chamberlain with two outs to rally from an early four-run deficit. In all the Rangers scored nine runs with two outs and nobody on in their 10-9 victory over the Yankees.

SLUGGING

Robinson Cano's homer off the bottom of the left-field foul screen in the fourth inning was his career-high 20th of the season, giving the Yankees six players with 20 home runs for the third time in team history (1961, 2004).

SIGNING

The Nationals signed veteran right-hander Livan Hernandez and he will start Wednesday night's game against the Chicago Cubs. The 34-year-old right-hander was released by the Mets on Thursday and signed by Washington on Tuesday. He was 7-8 with a 5.47 ERA with New York and had struggled in his last three starts, allowing 18 earned runs in 14 1-3 innings.

SENT PACKING

Billy Wagner is on his way to the Boston Red Sox, leaving the New York Mets for the chance to pitch in a pennant race as a setup man for All-Star closer Jonathan Papelbon. After a few days of back-and-forth talks about Wagner's future, the depleted Mets traded the left-handed reliever to the Red Sox on Tuesday for two players to be named.

WELCOME BACK

Carlos Zambrano came off the disabled list and was rocked for eight runs in 4 1-3 innings in a 15-6 loss to Washington. The Chicago ace, who hadn't pitched since going three innings on Aug. 1, had admitted earlier that he had been lazy in his between-games abdominal workouts to keep his back strong. He also likes to take mighty cuts in batting practice and he showed why he does it when he hit his game-tying homer in the third.

SPEAKING

"That was fun when I heard that. I was like 'What? Two hundred home runs in the major leagues?' It would take me a few minutes to count to 200. That's all I know. That's not one, two, three, four, five. It'll take me a couple of minutes to get there. I'm very happy, I'm very grateful to have the opportunity to be able to actually do anything like that.'' - Carlos Pena after hitting his 200th homer in Tampa Bay's 7-3 win over Toronto.

SEASONS

Aug. 26

1916 - Philadelphia's Joe Bush pitched a no-hitter, beating Cleveland 5-0.

1939 - The first major league baseball game was televised as WXBS brought their cameras to Brooklyn's Ebbets Field for a doubleheader between the Cincinnati Reds and the Dodgers.

1947 - Brooklyn's Dan Bankhead became the first black pitcher in the majors. He homered in his first major-league plate appearance, but didn't fare well on the mound. In 3 1-3 innings of relief, he gave up 10 hits and six earned runs to the Pirates. Pittsburgh won 16-3.

1987 - Milwaukee's Paul Molitor went 0-for-4, ending his 39-game hitting streak, and the Brewers beat the Cleveland Indians 1-0 in 10 innings on pinch-hitter Rick Manning's RBI single. With Molitor waiting in the on-deck circle for a possible fifth at-bat, Manning singled in the game-winner.

1999 - Randy Johnson reached 300 strikeouts in record time, notching nine in seven innings to help the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Florida Marlins 12-2. Johnson achieved the milestone in his 29th start.

2001 - Sammy Sosa hit his 50th and 51st home runs to power Chicago to a 6-1 victory over the Cardinals. Sosa joined Mark McGwire and Babe Ruth as the only major leaguers with four 50-homer seasons.

2002 - New York shortstop Derek Jeter scored his 100th run of the season joining Ted Williams (1939-49) and Earle Combs (1925-32) as the only players in modern history to score at least 100 runs in their first seven seasons. Jeter scored again in the bottom of the eighth as the Yankees routed visiting Texas 10-3.

2004 - Ichiro Suzuki homered in the ninth inning for his 200th hit of the season, but Seattle fell to Kansas City 7-3. Suzuki became the first player to reach 200 hits in each of his first four major league seasons.

2007 - Dalton Carriker's home run in the bottom of the eighth gave Warner Robins, Ga., a thrilling 3-2 victory over Tokyo to win the Little League World Series title.

2007 - Boston defeated the Chicago White Sox 11-1 to complete a four-game sweep. For the series, the Red Sox outscored Chicago 46-7. Boston scored at least 10 runs in every game of the series, which is only the fourth time that has happened in a four-game series since 1900 and the first time in the American League in 85 years.

2008 - Major League Baseball announced umpires will be allowed to check video on home run calls starting Aug. 27. Video will be used only on so-called "boundary calls,'' such as determining whether fly balls went over the fence, whether potential home runs were fair or foul and whether there was fan interference on potential home runs.

Today's birthdays: Elvis Andrus 21; Jayson Nix 27; Brendan Harris 29; Geoff Geary 33

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**pm530** · 08-26-2009, 04:47 AM

MLB
This Day in Baseball

On August 26 in Baseball History...

1898 - Cleveland plays its final home game of the season and only the fourth at League Park since July ninth. With 83 of its final 87 games on the road, the Spiders have earned nicknames such as the Nomads, Exiles, Misfits and Wanderers.

1912 - Walter Johnson's 16-game winning streak ends under rules that have since been changed. In the second game of a doubleheader against the St. Louis Browns, he relieves Tom Hughes with one out and two on in the seventh inning of a 2-2 game. Both runners score and the Nationals lose 4-3. The two runs are charged to Johnson, not Hughes.

1916 - Philadelphia's Joe Bush pitched a no-hitter, beating Cleveland, 5-0.

1930 - Hack Wilson hits his 44th home run, breaking Chuck Klein one-year-old National League record, as the Cubs defeat the Pirates 7-5.

1939 - Ebbets Field is the site of the first telecast of a major league baseball game. The Reds play the Dodgers in a doubleheader. Red Barber handles the broadcasts over W2XBS. The Dodgers take the first game 6-2, and the Reds take the second 5-1.

1947 - Brooklyn's Dan Bankhead debuted with a home run in his first major-league plate appearance, but didn't fare well on the mound. In 3 1/3 innings of relief, he gave up 10 hits and six earned runs to the Pirates. Pittsburgh won, 16-3.

1961 - Roger Maris hit his 51st homer of the year against the Kansas City Athletics. The 51 homers were the most ever by a player at this point in the season.

1967 - Dean Chance pitches a 2-1 no-hitter, and the Twins sweep Cleveland to take the American League lead. The victory gives Chance a 17-9 record and lowers his ERA to 2.42.

1972 - Leo Durocher, formerly of the Cubs, replaces Harry Walker as manager of the Astros. It is only the second time someone has managed two National League teams in the same season. The first was in 1948, when Durocher piloted the Dodgers and the Giants.

1987 - Paul Molitor goes 0-for-4 in Milwaukee's 1-0, 10-inning win over the Indians, ending his hitting streak at 39 consecutive games. His streak was the seventh longest in major league history and the longest in the American League since Joe DiMaggio's 56-game streak in 1941.

1990 - In his first game after six weeks on the disabled list, Bo Jackson homers in his first at-bat to tie a major league record with four consecutive homers.

1992 - In the first matchup of National League knuckleballers in ten years, Pittsburgh's Tim Wakefield outduels Tom Candiotti of the Dodgers. The last time knuckleballs floated to batters on both teams came when Phil and Joe Niekro squared off in 1982.

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**pm530** · 08-26-2009, 04:49 AM

MLB
Write-up

Wednesday, August 26

Hot Pitchers
-- Braves won last three Kawakami starts (1-0, 1.77).
-- Johnson is 5-1, 3.33 in his last eight starts.
-- Harden is 3-1, 2.05 in his last seven starts. Martin is 2-1, 3.06 in his last three starts.
-- Oswalt is 4-0, 3.22 in his last nine starts. Pineiro is 3-0, 2.95 in his last three starts.
-- Wolf is 3-0, 1.99 in his last three starts.
-- Sanchez is 3-1, 2.73 in his last five starts. Arizona won five of last six Davis starts.

-- Rzerpczynski is 1-0, 1.46 in his last two starts. Kazmir won four of his last five starts.
-- Pettitte is 2-0, 3.48 in his last five starts. Holland is 2-1, 3.18 in his last four starts.
-- Wakefield was 5-0, 3.97 in his last seven starts before going on DL. Floyd has a 2.98 RA in his last six starts.
-- Jackson is 4-0, 4.13 in his last four starts.

Cold Pitchers
-- Hamels is 0-3, 7.17 in his last four starts. Maholm is 1-3, 6.39 in his last six outings.
-- Stauffer is 0-4, 5.40 in his last four starts.
-- Pelfrey is 1-3, 8.85 in his last four starts.
-- KWells is 0-3, 5.91 in 26 relief stints this year (35 IP). He's made 205 starts in his career, none this year. Looper has a 6.49 RA in his last six starts.
-- Fogg is 0-1, 2.25 in 20 relief stints this year (40 IP); he's started 193 starts in his career, none this year.

-- Huff has a 7.86 RA in his last five starts. Hochevar is 0-3, 7.45 in his last five starts.
-- Saunders was 1-3, 10.09 in his last eight starts before going on DL.
-- Guthrie is 1-4, 6.39 in his last six starts. Blackburn is 0-4, 9.37 in his last seven starts.
-- GGonzalez is 0-2, 7.59 in his last two starts. French has a 6.05 RA in four starts for the Mariners.

Hot Teams
-- Phillies won seven of their last nine games. Pirates won six of their last seven games.
-- Braves won four of their last six games.
-- Astros won four of their last six games. Cardinals won 13 of their last 16 games.
-- Colorado won 29 of its last 39 home games.

-- Bronx won nine of its last thirteen games. Rangers are 7-4 in their last eleven road games.
-- Rays won eight of their last ten games.
-- Red Sox won six of their last eight games.
-- Indians won 11 of their last 17 road games.
-- Twins won seven of their last eight games.
-- Tigers are 8-4 in their last twelve games.
-- Mariners won their last three home games.

Cold Teams
-- Padres lost four of their last six games.
-- Mets lost 16 of their last 23 games. Marlins lost four of last six.
-- Reds lost seven of their last ten games. Brewers lost six of nine.
-- Nationals lost six of their last eight games. Cubs lost six of their last eight games.
-- Dodgers scored total of nine runs in their last four games.
-- Arizona lost eight of its last nine games. Giants lost four of their last six games.

-- Toronto is 10-19 in its last 29 games.
-- White Sox lost 14 of their last 20 road games.
-- Orioles lost eight of their last eleven games.
-- Royals lost seven of their last ten games.
-- Angels lost their last three games, allowing 23 runs.
-- Oakland lost five of its last seven games.

Totals
-- Under is 13-4-2 in Phillies' last 19 road games.
-- Seven of last eight Kawakami starts stayed under.
-- Eight of last ten Johnson starts went over the total.
-- Five of last six Looper starts went over the total.
-- Six of last seven Harden starts stayed under the total; last six Martin starts all went over.
-- Five of last seven Oswalt starts went over the total.
-- Under is 6-1-1 in last eight Colorado games.
-- Under is 9-4 in last thirteen Davis starts.

-- Under is 5-1-1 in last seven Pettitte starts.
-- Seven of Tampa Bay's last eight road games went over the total.
-- 11 of last 13 games at Fenway Park went over the total.
-- Over is 13-1-2 in Cleveland's last 16 road games.
-- Six of last eight Baltimore road games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last eleven Detroit road games went over the total.
-- Nine of last thirteen Oakland road games went over the total.

Umpires
-- Phil-Pitt-- Over is 6-2-1 in last nine Everitt games.
-- SD-Atl-- Underdog won six of last nine Timmons games.
-- NY-Fla-- Underdog is 10-6 in last sixteen Reilly games.
-- Chi-Mil-- Favorite won six of last seven Miller games.
-- Wsh-Chi-- Favorite won five of last six Drake games.
-- Hst-StL-- Under is 12-5 in last seventeen Demuth games.
-- LA-Colo-- Under is 6-3-1 in last ten Dimuro games.
-- Az-SF-- Under is 9-0-1 in last ten Barrett games.

-- Clev-KC-- Home team won three of four Beal games this season.
-- Det-LA-- Last six Wolf games all went over the total.
-- TB-Tor-- Underdog is 6-5 in last eleven Crawford games.
-- Tex-NY-- Over is 5-0-1 in last six Davidson games.
-- Chi-Bos-- Under is 3-0-1 in Causey games this season.
-- Blt-Min-- Under is 8-4 in last twelve Tichenor games.
-- A's-Sea-- There isn't enough information to analyze ump Bellino

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**pm530** · 08-26-2009, 04:50 AM

MLB

Wednesday, August 26

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Trend Report
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2:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. KANSAS CITY
Cleveland is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Kansas City
Cleveland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Kansas City is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Kansas City is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Cleveland

3:35 PM
DETROIT vs. LA ANGELS
Detroit is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
Detroit is 6-13 SU in their last 19 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
LA Angels are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Detroit
LA Angels are 12-6 SU in their last 18 games at home

7:05 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. PITTSBURGH
Philadelphia is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games
Philadelphia is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Pittsburgh is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia

7:05 PM
TEXAS vs. NY YANKEES
Texas is 3-6 SU in their last 9 games when playing NY Yankees
Texas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
NY Yankees are 15-3 SU in their last 18 games at home
NY Yankees are 16-5 SU in their last 21 games

7:07 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. TORONTO
Tampa Bay is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
Toronto is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing Tampa Bay

7:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. BOSTON
Chi White Sox are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against Boston
Chi White Sox are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
Boston is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi White Sox
Boston is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games

7:10 PM
NY METS vs. FLORIDA
NY Mets are 16-8 SU in its last 24 games when playing on the road against Florida
NY Mets are 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Florida
Florida is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Florida is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. ATLANTA
San Diego is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
San Diego is 5-16 SU in its last 21 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games
Atlanta is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games at home

8:05 PM
CINCINNATI vs. MILWAUKEE
Cincinnati is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
Cincinnati is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games on the road
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
Milwaukee is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games

8:05 PM
WASHINGTON vs. CHI CUBS
Washington is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Washington is 1-6 SU in their last 7 games when playing Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
Chi Cubs are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games at home

8:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. MINNESOTA
Baltimore is 6-15 SU in its last 21 games on the road
Baltimore is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Baltimore
Minnesota is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games when playing Baltimore

8:15 PM
HOUSTON vs. ST. LOUIS
Houston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Houston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
St. Louis is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Houston
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

8:40 PM
LA DODGERS vs. COLORADO
LA Dodgers are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Colorado
LA Dodgers are 10-3 SU in their last 13 games when playing Colorado
Colorado is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Colorado is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games

10:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. SEATTLE
Oakland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Oakland is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games when playing Seattle
Seattle is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Oakland
Seattle is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing Oakland

10:15 PM
ARIZONA vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Arizona is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Arizona is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing San Francisco
San Francisco is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Arizona
San Francisco is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

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**pm530** · 08-26-2009, 04:50 AM

MLB

Wednesday, August 26

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Hot lines: Today’s best MLB bets
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New York Mets at Florida Marlins (-240, 8)

The Fish were floundering on their six-game road swing last week. Just the week before that skid, Florida was the hottest team in the bigs. It started August 9-6 with five of those wins coming inside LandShark Stadium.

Now the Marlins are back home in the Sunshine State, hosting the injury-plagued New York Mets for three games. Heading into Tuesday’s opener, Florida is 34-28 at home this season and took two of three contests with the Mets at the former Dolphins Stadium earlier this year.

"It goes back to the old saying, it's the biggest series of the year coming up, against the Mets," outfielder Cody Ross told reporters. "We have to get back to the baseball we were playing before the road trip. We just have to keep picking each other up. Once you have a tough series like this, it's easy to have it spiral. We can't afford to do that."

The Marlins have the third-best batting average at home in the National League (.273 BA) and average 4.9 runs per game at LandShark Stadium – compared to their 4.74 season average.

Pick: Florida

Los Angeles Dodgers at Colorado Rockies (+126, 10)

The Dodgers’ stranglehold on the NL West seemed unbreakable a few months back.

But Los Angeles’ sub-par performances and a cruising Colorado Rockies club are loosening that grip heading into this week’s important three-game set.

The Rockies extended their Wild Card lead and pulled within three games of the Dodgers in the division. Colorado is riding a wave of momentum into Tuesday’s series opener after downing the San Francisco Giants in three of four games this weekend, including a walk-off home-run victory in extra innings Monday.

That win improved the Rockies’ record to 15-7 this month and gave them their 15th series win in the past 23 sets since Jim Tracy took over as manager. Before the managerial change, Colorado had taken just three of its first 16 series.

Pick: Colorado

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**pm530** · 08-26-2009, 04:52 AM

MLB

Wednesday, August 26

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Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
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Streaking

Joel Pineiro (12-9, 3.15 ERA), St. Louis Cardinals

Remember when this guy couldn’t throw over the plate for the Mariners? Pineiro’s success this season is just another testament to pitching coach Dave Duncan’s brilliance.

The 31-year-old righty has quality starts in eight of his last nine appearances and the Cards won each of the last nine times he’s taken the ball.

He doesn’t many batters out, but he doesn’t need to either thanks to his sinking fastball. He’s already tossed 137 more ground outs than fly balls this season.

“[Pineiro] had good action down in the zone,” Padres manager Bud Black told reporters after the hurler held his club to one run over 7 2-3 innings. “We just couldn’t solve him.”

Kenshin Kawakami (6-9, 3.97 ERA), Atlanta Braves

This 34-year-old MLB rookie is doing his part keeping the Braves’ playoff hopes alive. Kawakami has a 2.39 ERA this month and has delivered quality starts in each of his last four outings.

Maybe the best part of his game is that he’s not easily intimidated. The Japanese import has gotten the best of Roy Halladay, Clayton Kershaw and most recently Johan Santana.

“He does it every time he faces a team’s ace,” Atlanta manager Bobby Cox said following a 3-2 win over the Mets and Santana. “No matter what, we have a chance to win when he toes the rubber.”

Returning/slumping

Joe Saunders (9-7, 5.33 ERA), Los Angeles Angels

This lefty makes his return from the disabled list on Wednesday, but it’s unclear what bettors should expect from him. Just last season Saunders (17-7, 3.41 ERA) helped carry the Angels to the playoffs.

But 2009 hasn’t been nearly as kind for the 28 year old. Before being placed on the DL because of soreness in his shoulder, Saunders numbers are gross and the over is 13-0 his last 13 outings.

“This is the best I’ve felt since last year,” Saunders told the Los Angeles Times following a three-inning simulated game in the bullpen last Friday. “I long-tossed farther than I ever have for four out of five days, and my arm has responded great.

“There’s no tightness, no soreness, knock on wood. I’m ready to get back out there.”

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**pm530** · 08-26-2009, 04:54 AM

MLB

Wednesday, August 26

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Baseball betting's best over umps
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Last week, we took a look at the umpires who have a tendency toward low scores. This week, we are examining the other end of the spectrum.

First, it should be noted that even at the polar opposites, the umps are following the league-wide trend toward the under, where most teams have played this year.

The best "under" umpires operate at rates as high as 75 percent, while the best "over" umps operate at about 67 percent. It's still a winning formula, just not as pronounced.

Using the same cutoff as last week - a minimum of 20 games behind the plate - most of the umps involved in higher-scoring games began their careers 10 years ago. Two actually went to the same college at the same time.

Dan Iassogna (10 years)

A graduate of the University of Connecticut, Iassogna became a full-time ump in 2004 and has worked two Division Series. The over is 16-10 when he is calling balls and strikes, including 8-3 when the total is 9.5 or more.

Iassogna's runs per game is 11.0, fourth-highest among qualified umps and second in this group.

Mike Everitt (10 years)

Everitt is among the best young umps in the game, having already worked five Division Series, three League Championship Series and the 2007 World Series. He was behind the plate for Kevin Millwood's 2003 no-hitter.

The over also is 16-10 when Everitt wears the equipment, even though his homers and runs per game are not stratospheric. With totals of 9.5 or more, the over is 10-2 with Everitt.

Jim Wolf (eight years)

Wolf is the brother of Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Randy Wolf. In 2003, Ivan Rodriguez - then with eventual World Series champion Florida - openly accused him of making calls that hurt the Marlins and, in turn, helped the Philadelphia Phillies, his brother's team at the time.

MLB has taken steps to ensure Wolf, who worked a Division Series in 2007, works as few of his brother's team's games as possible. He never works the plate when his brother pitches.

The over is 16-10 when Wolf is calling the plate. His homers per game of 2.37 is second highest among this group.

Tim McClelland (26 years)

One of the tallest umps at 6-6, McClelland had quite an introduction to the major leagues. In his 1983 rookie season, he initially ruled George Brett out in the infamous "Pine Tar" game. He also worked David Wells' perfect game in 1998 and Sammy Sosa's corked bat game in 2003.

Known for his consistently-small strike zone, McClelland has worked four World Series. The crew chief also has been behind the plate for the one-game playoffs at the end of each of the last two seasons.

The over is 16-9 when McClelland is calling balls and strikes and it's easy to see why. His 11.8 runs per game leads all umpires, his 2.39 homers per game is highest in this group and his 61.1 strike percentage is lowest in this group.

McClelland often works in a crew with Ted Barrett and Andy Fletcher, who are among the top "under" umpires. That probably makes for some interesting philosophical discussions to pass travel time.

Jeff Nelson (10 years)

Nelson also has a reputation as a good young umpire, having already worked five postseasons, including the 2005 World Series.

The over is 15-8 when Nelson is behind the plate. He has a homer average of 2.32 and works in a crew with Tim Tschida, whose run average of 11.2 is third overall.

Jim Reynolds (10 years)

A bocce player and the fourth member of this group who began his career in 1999, Reynolds also went to UConn, one year apart from Iassogna. In an odd twist, he worked the last game at Tiger Stadium and the first at Comerica Park in Detroit.

The over is 14-7 with Reynolds behind the plate, including 6-1 when set at 9.5 or higher. His average runs of 9.8 is by far the lowest in this group, but he works in a crew with Tim Welke, whose run average of 11.3 is second among all umps.

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**Udog** · 08-26-2009, 08:14 AM

MLB
Dunkel

Tampa Bay at Toronto
The Blue Jays look to take advantage of a Rays team that is 1-6 in its last 7 games as a favorite between -110 and -150. Toronto is the pick (+115) according to Dunkel, which has the Blue Jays favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+115). Here are all of today's picks.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26

Game 951-952: Philadelphia at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Hamels) 15.256; Pittsburgh (Maholm) 15.892
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-180); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+170); Over

Game 953-954: San Diego at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Stauffer) 14.150; Atlanta (Kawakami) 15.219
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-210); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-210); Under

Game 955-956: NY Mets at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Pelfrey) 14.509; Florida (Johnson) 16.140
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida (-240); 8
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-240); Over

Game 957-958: Cincinnati at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Wells) 13.741; Milwaukee (Looper) 15.476
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-175); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-175); Under

Game 959-960: Washington at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Hernandez) 15.008; Cubs (Harden) 13.802
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1; 11 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 961-962: Houston at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Oswalt) 15.734; St. Louis (Pineiro) 14.816
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-135); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+125); Over

Game 963-964 LA Dodgers at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Wolf) 16.452; Colorado (Fogg) 15.317
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-135); 10
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-135); Under

Game 965-966: Arizona at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Davis) 15.288; San Francisco (Sanchez) 14.332
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-135); 8
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+125); Under

Game 967-968: Cleveland at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Huff) 14.846; Kansas City (Hochevar) 15.726
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-110); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-110); Over

Game 969-970: Detroit at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Jackson) 15.209; LA Angels (Saunders) 14.163
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1; 11 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-115); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+105); Over

Game 971-972: Tampa Bay at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Kazmir) 14.394; Toronto (Rzepczynski) 14.754
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-125); 9
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+115); Under

Game 973-974: Texas at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Holland) 16.444; NY Yankees (Pettitte) 17.582
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-200); 10
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-200); Under

Game 975-976: Chicago White Sox at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Floyd) 15.393; Boston (Wakefield) 15.206
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-145); 10
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+135); Over

Game 977-978: Baltimore at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Guthrie) 14.895; Minnesota (Blackburn) 15.737
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-155); 10
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-155); Under

Game 979-980: Oakland at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Gonzalez) 15.171; Seattle (French) 15.624
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Seattle (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-120); Over

**Udog** · 08-26-2009, 10:14 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Wednesday, August 26

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PHILADELPHIA (72 - 51) at PITTSBURGH (52 - 71) - 7:05 PM
COLE HAMELS (L) vs. PAUL MAHOLM (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HAMELS is 2-8 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 17-11 (+7.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PITTSBURGH is 34-28 (+6.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 34-28 (+6.3 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 40-43 (+4.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MAHOLM is 12-4 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 72-51 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 40-22 (+18.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 69-48 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 27-17 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 60-36 (+15.3 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 19-52 (-25.6 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.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 3-1 (+1.4 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

COLE HAMELS vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
HAMELS is 1-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 6.55 and a WHIP of 1.364.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

PAUL MAHOLM vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
MAHOLM is 3-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.71 and a WHIP of 1.324.
His team's record is 4-1 (+4.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.1 units)

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SAN DIEGO (53 - 74) at ATLANTA (66 - 59) - 7:10 PM
TIM STAUFFER (R) vs. KENSHIN KAWAKAMI (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 44-83 (-31.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 116-172 (-48.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 48-93 (-32.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 10-34 (-24.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 116-172 (-48.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 84-124 (-33.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 76-114 (-31.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 24-25 (-8.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ATLANTA is 138-149 (-28.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 33-36 (-13.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
ATLANTA is 137-147 (-27.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 95-102 (-20.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 40-41 (-10.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 2-2 (+1.2 Units) against ATLANTA this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

TIM STAUFFER vs. ATLANTA since 1997
STAUFFER is 0-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.583.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

KENSHIN KAWAKAMI vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
KAWAKAMI is 0-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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NY METS (57 - 69) at FLORIDA (66 - 59) - 7:10 PM
MIKE PELFREY (R) vs. JOSH JOHNSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 146-142 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 97-95 (-29.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 146-142 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 13-28 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
FLORIDA is 36-29 (+7.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
FLORIDA is 66-59 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
FLORIDA is 405-373 (+44.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.
FLORIDA is 26-19 (+10.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
FLORIDA is 63-56 (+6.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
FLORIDA is 105-100 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 102-98 (+10.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
JOHNSON is 18-7 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
JOHNSON is 15-3 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JOHNSON is 17-2 (+16.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JOHNSON is 17-6 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
JOHNSON is 11-2 (+9.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 20-15 (+8.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 6-4 (+2.8 Units) against NY METS this season
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.7 Units)

MIKE PELFREY vs. FLORIDA since 1997
PELFREY is 1-5 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 5.36 and a WHIP of 1.530.
His team's record is 2-7 (-7.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-5. (-1.4 units)

JOSH JOHNSON vs. NY METS since 1997
JOHNSON is 6-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.05 and a WHIP of 1.044.
His team's record is 7-1 (+8.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (-0.4 units)

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CINCINNATI (53 - 71) at MILWAUKEE (61 - 64) - 8:05 PM
KIP WELLS (R) vs. BRADEN LOOPER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 53-71 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 52-69 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CINCINNATI is 84-112 (-28.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 18-34 (-14.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CINCINNATI is 56-70 (-21.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
WELLS is 7-21 (-15.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WELLS is 37-64 (-26.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
WELLS is 7-21 (-15.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WELLS is 33-54 (-26.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
LOOPER is 12-4 (+8.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season. (Team's Record)
LOOPER is 6-0 (+6.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday this season. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 476-559 (+40.5 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 316-365 (+29.3 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
MILWAUKEE is 61-64 (-8.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 44-49 (-10.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 28-41 (-19.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 13-18 (-8.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 7-6 (-0.4 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.9 Units)

KIP WELLS vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
WELLS is 7-8 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.49 and a WHIP of 1.465.
His team's record is 9-12 (-4.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-9. (-0.3 units)

BRADEN LOOPER vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
LOOPER is 6-2 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.34 and a WHIP of 1.067.
His team's record is 8-2 (+6.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-4. (+1.2 units)

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WASHINGTON (45 - 81) at CHICAGO CUBS (62 - 61) - 8:05 PM
LIVAN HERNANDEZ (R) vs. RICH HARDEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 45-81 (-26.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 43-98 (-31.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 45-78 (-23.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 29-61 (-25.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 35-63 (-19.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 17-46 (-22.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WASHINGTON is 12-38 (-19.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 27-25 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 27-32 (-8.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 508-476 (-100.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 62-61 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 548-493 (-107.2 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 158-205 (-66.7 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 62-61 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 28-38 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 49-47 (-7.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 4-1 (+1.7 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

LIVAN HERNANDEZ vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 11-6 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.91 and a WHIP of 1.369.
His team's record is 12-8 (+4.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-8. (+2.5 units)

RICH HARDEN vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
HARDEN is 2-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 0.69 and a WHIP of 0.385.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

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HOUSTON (61 - 64) at ST LOUIS (73 - 54) - 8:15 PM
ROY OSWALT (R) vs. JOEL PINEIRO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 73-54 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 17-5 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 73-54 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 108-83 (+17.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 108-84 (+18.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PINEIRO is 11-2 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
PINEIRO is 25-15 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 69-74 (+10.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 30-29 (+11.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 147-139 (+21.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 31-21 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 143-137 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 104-100 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 49-49 (+2.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OSWALT is 12-2 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
OSWALT is 45-18 (+22.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 6-4 (+0.0 Units) against HOUSTON this season
8 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+5.8 Units)

ROY OSWALT vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
OSWALT is 11-6 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.11 and a WHIP of 1.195.
His team's record is 15-14 (-3.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 19-10. (+8.3 units)

JOEL PINEIRO vs. HOUSTON since 1997
PINEIRO is 2-3 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.97 and a WHIP of 1.260.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.1 units)

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LA DODGERS (74 - 52) at COLORADO (72 - 54) - 8:40 PM
RANDY WOLF (L) vs. JOSH FOGG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 23-29 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 33-25 (+9.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLORADO is 65-44 (+26.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 72-54 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 110-92 (+28.3 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
COLORADO is 42-27 (+18.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 72-54 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 172-151 (+21.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 134-108 (+19.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
FOGG is 32-19 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
FOGG is 18-7 (+17.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
FOGG is 11-3 (+10.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 74-52 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 33-16 (+13.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
LA DODGERS are 74-52 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 33-18 (+11.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
WOLF is 35-25 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WOLF is 9-2 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WOLF is 35-25 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WOLF is 17-11 (+9.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 54-67 (-20.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 10-3 (+7.5 Units) against COLORADO this season
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.4 Units, Under=-0.8 Units)

RANDY WOLF vs. COLORADO since 1997
WOLF is 4-2 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 4.36 and a WHIP of 1.379.
His team's record is 7-4 (+2.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-7. (-4.7 units)

JOSH FOGG vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
FOGG is 3-4 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.07 and a WHIP of 1.542.
His team's record is 4-6 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-5. (-0.5 units)

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ARIZONA (55 - 71) at SAN FRANCISCO (68 - 58) - 10:15 PM
DOUG DAVIS (L) vs. JONATHAN SANCHEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 19-32 (-12.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ARIZONA is 55-71 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 61-83 (-22.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 17-28 (-16.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 55-71 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 41-50 (-9.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 12-24 (-14.9 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 68-58 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 21-7 (+12.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 40-20 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 68-58 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 44-39 (+5.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 162-95 (+45.7 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 77-65 (+13.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 7-3 (+4.4 Units) against ARIZONA this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.3 Units)

DOUG DAVIS vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
DAVIS is 4-6 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 4.28 and a WHIP of 1.614.
His team's record is 7-9 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-7. (+1.6 units)

JONATHAN SANCHEZ vs. ARIZONA since 1997
SANCHEZ is 2-6 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 6.12 and a WHIP of 1.789.
His team's record is 3-6 (-2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+1.9 units)

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CLEVELAND (55 - 70) at KANSAS CITY (48 - 77) - 2:10 PM
DAVID HUFF (L) vs. LUKE HOCHEVAR (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 55-70 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 16-27 (-14.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 48-62 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 38-55 (-17.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 30-20 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 17-7 (+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.
KANSAS CITY is 20-34 (-14.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
KANSAS CITY is 48-77 (-26.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 42-70 (-21.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 26-40 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 23-41 (-19.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 11-18 (-9.1 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season.
KANSAS CITY is 42-67 (-25.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 15-32 (-17.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 8-6 (+1.7 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
8 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.8 Units)

DAVID HUFF vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

LUKE HOCHEVAR vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
HOCHEVAR is 1-2 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 5.14 and a WHIP of 1.429.
His team's record is 1-2 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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DETROIT (67 - 58) at LA ANGELS (74 - 50) - 3:35 PM
EDWIN JACKSON (R) vs. JOE SAUNDERS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 141-146 (-29.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 15-35 (-18.3 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 61-85 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 36-45 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 10-20 (-10.5 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
LA ANGELS are 74-50 (+21.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 75-43 (+24.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 46-21 (+17.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 27-10 (+20.1 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
LA ANGELS are 67-42 (+21.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 47-36 (+9.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 70-43 (+23.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 80-58 (+19.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAUNDERS is 37-18 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 30-12 (+16.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 35-16 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 21-8 (+11.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 24-12 (+11.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 65-50 (+6.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 5-3 (+1.8 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.8 Units)

EDWIN JACKSON vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
JACKSON is 2-3 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.59 and a WHIP of 1.590.
His team's record is 3-3 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-5. (-4.7 units)

JOE SAUNDERS vs. DETROIT since 1997
SAUNDERS is 0-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.486.
His team's record is 3-3 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.6 units)

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TAMPA BAY (69 - 56) at TORONTO (57 - 67) - 7:07 PM
SCOTT KAZMIR (L) vs. MARC RZEPCZYNSKI (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 27-35 (-9.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 174-129 (+27.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 76-50 (+28.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 49-25 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf this season.
KAZMIR is 26-11 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KAZMIR is 41-22 (+21.7 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 57-67 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 19-31 (-15.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
TORONTO is 69-109 (-32.7 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
TORONTO is 16-34 (-21.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TORONTO is 30-44 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TORONTO is 16-25 (-11.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
TORONTO is 29-37 (-12.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 11-3 (+8.3 Units) against TORONTO this season
9 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.4 Units)

SCOTT KAZMIR vs. TORONTO since 1997
KAZMIR is 4-4 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.04 and a WHIP of 1.475.
His team's record is 5-8 (-2.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-5. (+1.3 units)

MARC RZEPCZYNSKI vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
RZEPCZYNSKI is 0-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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TEXAS (70 - 54) at NY YANKEES (78 - 47) - 7:05 PM
DEREK HOLLAND (L) vs. ANDY PETTITTE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 47-20 (+20.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 3 seasons.
PETTITTE is 33-8 (+18.2 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -175 to -200 since 1997. (Team's Record)
PETTITTE is 14-4 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 70-54 (+19.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 68-72 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 165-144 (+30.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday since 1997.
TEXAS is 68-50 (+20.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 52-40 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 39-29 (+11.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
TEXAS is 39-35 (+9.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TEXAS is 18-11 (+10.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
NY YANKEES are 223-148 (-63.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 3-4 (+0.7 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.9 Units)

DEREK HOLLAND vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
HOLLAND is 0-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 2.400.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

ANDY PETTITTE vs. TEXAS since 1997
PETTITTE is 8-7 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 4.42 and a WHIP of 1.475.
His team's record is 10-8 (-4.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-6. (+3.7 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (63 - 63) at BOSTON (72 - 53) - 7:10 PM
GAVIN FLOYD (R) vs. TIM WAKEFIELD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 38-62 (-20.7 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 20-42 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 9-24 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 99-48 (+24.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 157-96 (+30.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 71-33 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
WAKEFIELD is 29-10 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
WAKEFIELD is 12-3 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
CHI WHITE SOX are 59-53 (+2.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 42-36 (+6.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
FLOYD is 36-23 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FLOYD is 22-11 (+10.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FLOYD is 33-20 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FLOYD is 19-8 (+11.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 357-267 (-48.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

GAVIN FLOYD vs. BOSTON since 1997
FLOYD is 2-0 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.417.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

TIM WAKEFIELD vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
WAKEFIELD is 5-9 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 5.46 and a WHIP of 1.415.
His team's record is 5-11 (-8.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-10. (-6.3 units)

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BALTIMORE (51 - 75) at MINNESOTA (63 - 63) - 8:10 PM
JEREMY GUTHRIE (R) vs. NICK BLACKBURN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 88-55 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 91-59 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 107-85 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 88-55 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 2-2 (+0.1 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
GUTHRIE is 0-0 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.05 and a WHIP of 1.499.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

NICK BLACKBURN vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
BLACKBURN is 0-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 13.50 and a WHIP of 2.250.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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OAKLAND (55 - 70) at SEATTLE (65 - 61) - 10:10 PM
GIO GONZALEZ (L) vs. LUKE FRENCH (L)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 27-48 (-15.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OAKLAND is 62-84 (-27.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 65-61 (+7.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 62-57 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 218-146 (+66.1 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
SEATTLE is 248-232 (-73.4 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 83-114 (-29.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 24-39 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 8-3 (+5.0 Units) against OAKLAND this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.6 Units)

GIO GONZALEZ vs. SEATTLE since 1997
GONZALEZ is 0-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.600.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

LUKE FRENCH vs. OAKLAND since 1997
No recent starts.

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**Udog** · 08-26-2009, 10:46 AM

MLB

Wednesday, August 26

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Tips and Trends
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Chicago White Sox at Boston Red Sox [7:10 PM ET]

White Sox: The combination of playing on the road and playing against Boston hasn’t been kind for the White Sox. Chicago has dropped 15 of its last 20 away contests. The White Sox also have lost 13 of their last 16 games against the Red Sox. Poor defense has hurt Chicago. The White Sox have committed an AL-worst 96 errors that have led to a league-high 62 unearned runs. The White Sox are going with Gavin Floyd on the mound. Floyd is 10-8 with a 3.98 ERA. The right-hander looked sharp early in his last start, giving up just one run in seven innings to Baltimore last Friday. But the Orioles got to him for three runs in the eighth. Floyd ended up going 7 1/3 innings, giving up four runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts and two walks. Floyd is 2-0 versus Boston with a 5.74 ERA in three appearances.

The Under is 11-4 in the White Sox last 15 games.

Key Injuries - Jake Peavy (ankle) is on the DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: 5

Red Sox (-$1.40, O/U 9 over -$1.25): Knuckleball specialist Tim Wakefield is set to make his first start since July 8, following a long stint on the DL because of lower back and calf aliments. The 43-year-old right-hander is 7-11 with a 5.11 ERA in 28 career appearances versus the White Sox. Wakefield is 11-3 on the season with a 4.31 ERA. He is 7-0 at home with a 3.62 ERA compared to 4-3 with a 4.78 ERA on the road. Boston has scored 71 runs in its last eight games, while hitting 17 home runs. Boston has plated at least 11 runs in three of its past five contests. Dustin Pedroia is hot going 9-for-21 (.428) with six doubles in his last five games. Boston is 40-18 in its last 58 games at Fenway Park. The Red Sox have defeated the White Sox in seven of their last eight home contests.

The Over has cashed in 11 of Boston’s last 13 home games.

Key Injuries - Jed Lowrie (arm) is on the DL.

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

Los Angeles Dodgers at Colorado Rockies [8:40 PM ET]

Dodgers(-$1.35, O/U 10 under -$1.15): After opening a bulging nine-game lead in the National League West Division on July 25, the Dodgers have been below .500 losing 17 of their last 29 games. Los Angeles, though, is 13-4 in its last 17 games versus Colorado. The Dodgers have captured five of their last seven games at Coors Field. Los Angeles is 49-23 in its last 72 division matchups. They have a hot pitcher going, too. Randy Wolf (8-6, 3.34 ERA) has a 1.99 ERA in his last three starts. The southpaw hasn’t surrendered more than four earned runs in any of his past 11 starts. He has a 15-to-2 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his past two games, facing the Diamondbacks and Cubs. Wolf will have to be sharp, though, pitching at Coors Field, a hitter’s paradise. The Rockies have defeated a left-handed starter in 12 of their last 13 home contests.

The Under is 8-3-1 in the Dodgers’ last 12 road contests.

Key Injuries - Hiroki Kuroda (head) is on the DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: 6 (Side of the Day)

Rockies: Colorado has been one of the hottest home clubs going 27-10 in its last 37 games at Coors Field. The Rockies are hoping right-hander Josh Fogg can step up in his first start of the season. Fogg has been a long reliever since coming up from the minors in late May. He’s replacing Aaron Cook, who was put on the DL with a sore right shoulder. Fogg has pitched well in the bullpen, holding foes to a .186 batting average, the best mark among Colorado relief pitchers. Fogg has been tagged for more than one earned run only one time in 20 appearances this season. Fogg was 3-1 with a 5.80 ERA in eight starts in Triple A before getting the call up. The Rockies are short outfielders with Dexter Fowler on the DL and Carlos Gonzalez unable to swing the bat because of a hand injury.

The Rockies are 26-12 in their last 38 games as a home underdog.

Key Injuries - Dexter Fowler (knee) is on the DL.
Carlos Gonzalez (hand) is day-to-day.

PROJECTED SCORE: 5

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**Udog** · 08-26-2009, 10:51 AM

MLB
Short Sheet

Wednesday, 8/26/2009

National League

PHILADELPHIA at PITTSBURGH, 7:05 PM ET
HAMELS: 2-8 TSR in August
MAHOLM: 7-2 TSR as an underdog of +125 to +175

SAN DIEGO at ATLANTA, 7:10 PM ET
STAUFFER: SD 14-46 as an underdog of +150 or more
KAWAKAMI: ATL 13-4 off one run loss

NY METS at FLORIDA, 7:10 PM ET
PELFREY: NYM 11-22 after allowing 2 runs or less
JOHNSON: 17-2 TSR vs. division

CINCINNATI at MILWAUKEE, 8:05 PM ET
WELLS: CIN 18-34 off a win
LOOPER: 6-0 TSR on Wednesday

WASHINGTON at CHICAGO CUBS, 8:05 PM ET
HERNANDEZ: WAS 35-63 vs. righties
HARDEN: CUBS 21-6 at home off an Over

HOUSTON at ST LOUIS, 8:15 PM ET
OSWALT: HOU 23-10 off one run loss
PINEIRO: 9-0 TSR 2nd half of season

LA DODGERS at COLORADO, 8:40 PM ET
WOLF: LAA 13-3 revenging one run loss
FOGG: COL 3-10 vs. Dodgers

ARIZONA at SAN FRANCISCO, 10:15 PM ET
DAVIS: ARI 12-24 vs. lefties
SANCHEZ: SF 21-7 as a home favorite of -125 to -150

American League

CLEVELAND at KANSAS CITY, 2:10 PM ET
HUFF: CLE 33-11 Over as road underdog
HOCHEVAR: KC 15-32 vs. lefties

DETROIT at LA ANGELS, 3:35 PM ET
JACKSON: DET 9-23 as road underdog
SAUNDERS: 10-1 TSR off BB team losses

TAMPA BAY at TORONTO, 7:07 PM ET
KAZMIR: 41-22 TSR off team win
RZEPCZYNSKI: TOR 16-34 vs. division

TEXAS at NY YANKEES, 7:05 PM ET ESPN2
HOLLAND: TEX 15-6 after allowing 8+ runs
PETTITTE: NYY after scoring/allowing 8+ runs

CHI WHITE SOX at BOSTON, 7:10 PM ET
FLOYD: 10-3 Over in road games
WAKEFIELD: BOS 26-4 off 4+ home games

BALTIMORE at MINNESOTA, 8:10 PM ET
GUTHRIE: BAL 4-23 Away revenging one run loss
BLACKBURN: MIN 14-5 Over as a home favorite of -150 or more

OAKLAND at SEATTLE, 10:10 PM ET
GONZALEZ: OAK 20-7 off BB division losses by 2 runs or less
FRENCH: SEA 24-39 at home off win

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

Announcement

Wednesday Trends and Indexes 8/26 (MLB, Misc.)

Wednesday Trends and Indexes 8/26 (MLB, Misc.)

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