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**pm530** · 09-21-2009, 03:52 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Monday, September 21

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Angels host the Yankees, the Giants battle the D-Backs, and the Colts and Dolphins meet on Monday Night Football.

Colliding on the gridiron . . .

The Dolphins will be looking for their first win of the season on Monday night when they host the Colts in the primetime matchup. Miami sputtered in a 19-7 loss in Atlanta in Week 1, with Chad Pennington going 21-of-29 for just 176 yards passing (with one TD and one INT). Ronnie Brown ran for 43 yards on 10 carries. Indianapolis got past Jacksonville 14-12 at home in their opener, as Peyton Manning went 28-of-38 for 301 yards passing (with one TD and one INT). Oddsmakers have the Colts pegged as 3-point road favorites, with the total at 42.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

It'll be Andy Pettitte (13-6, 4.14 ERA) vs. Joe Saunders (13-7, 4.75 ERA) on Monday night as the division-leading Yankees and Angels meet in Los Angeles. Lefthander Pettitte took a no-decision against the Orioles last time out, allowing three earned runs over five innings of work. Pettitte had picked up the win in his previous four starts. Lefthander Saunders is also coming off a no-decision vs. the Red Sox (five runs over 5 2-3 innings), which stopped his four-game win streak.

Over in the National League Barry Zito (10-12, 3.94 ERA) will take on Doug Davis (7-13, 4.01 ERA) as the Diamondbacks host the Giants. Lefthander Zito beat the Rockies in his last trip to the mound, surrendering just two earned runs over his seven innings of work. Lefthander Davis took a no-decision against the Padres last time out, allowing three earned runs over six innings. Davis last won on August 10, and Arizona is only 1-5 over his six most recent trips to the mound.

A light Monday slate has just eight other games around baseball. The NL also offers up San Diego at Pittsburgh, Atlanta at the Mets, the Cubs at Milwaukee, and St. Louis at Houston. Meanwhile, rounding out the AL schedule will be Baltimore at Toronto, Minnesota at the White Sox, Texas at Oakland, and Boston at Kansas City. The Red Sox are expected to go with Tim Wakefield (11-4, 4.22 ERA); the righty knuckleballer has been out since September 5 with a sore back.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

Finally, there's one WNBA game on the Monday schedule, with San Antonio at Phoenix in the deciding contest of their first-round playoff series. The Mercury forced Game 3 with a 106-78 home pasting of the Silver Stars on Saturday night. Diana Taurasi led the way with 24 points for Phoenix in that win, while Cappie Pondexter tossed in 18 points. Sophia Young scored 19 points for San Antonio.

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**pm530** · 09-21-2009, 03:52 AM

Bettor's best friend: Today's helpful tips

Monday, September 21

Under the halo

At the end of August, the Angels were runaway leaders with a 76-49-5 mark against the over and were one of the few teams not impacted by the season-long, league-wide trend toward the under. In September, however, they are 2-15-1 against the over, including Sunday's 10-run eruption vs. Texas. The total is 9.5 for the Angels' home game vs. the Yankees.

Backup backfield?

The Philadelphia Eagles are averaging 30 points per game, which is pretty good when you consider they also are averaging one key offensive backfield injury per game. In Week One it was quarterback Donovan McNabb's broken rib. On Sunday it was running back Michael Westbrook's sprained right ankle, the same one that bothered him last season.

Westbrook returned for just one play before limping off. His running and pass-catching ability provides a solid safety valve for any quarterback but especially those unfamiliar with the first-team offense, such as Kevin Kolb, Michael Vick or Jeff Garcia - Philadelphia's current quarterback options. The Eagles host the Kansas City Chiefs next week.

It's officially football season in Chicago

If Windy City sports fans are looking for evidence to turn their attention away from baseball and toward the Bears, there is a double dose on display. In their matchup against the Twins, the White Sox are starting righthander Daniel Hudson, a September call-up who is making his first major league start after three relief appearances. In their visit to Milwaukee, the Cubs are starting Tom Gorzelanny, who has made six relief appearances since his last start Aug. 20. The White Sox have no line and the Cubs are +122.

For whom the Bell tolls

It's hard to find fault with the Saints' offense, but we'll try. Running back Mike Bell, having a second straight strong game, left in the fourth quarter with a knee injury that some reports are speculating is a sprained MCL. Bell is having an MRI on Monday.

If Bell misses any time, it will be interesting to see whom coach Sean Payton uses as his featured back. He already as shown he does not want to use Reggie Bush in that role, and Pierre Thomas - who ran for 625 yards a year ago - has not had a carry in the first two games. Next week, New Orleans is at Buffalo, which has allowed just 130 rushing yards in its first two games.

Plenty of rest

Yankees lefthander Andy Pettitte will be pitching for the first time in 10 days when he faces the Angels. Pettitte missed his last start due to an achy shoulder. Given his 15-9 career postseason record, that was a concern of the Yankees, whose magic number for a playoff berth is one. The Yankees are +110 vs. the Angels, the cheapest price they have had since Aug. 23 at Boston.

Win or go home

There are two strong trends to keep in mind for Game Three of the Western Conference semifinal series between the San Antonio Silver Stars and Phoenix Mercury. In six meetings this year, the home team is 6-0 straight up and against the spread. The teams also are 5-1 against the over, with the only loss by a half point on Aug. 13. Phoenix is 8.5 and the total is 183.

Notable quotable

"There are issues that we've had throughout the year that in the last few days became too much for me to tolerate."

-- Chicago Cubs GM Jim Hendry, explaining his decision to suspend outfielder Miton Bradley for the rest of the season. Over the weekend, Bradley again bashed the Cubs, their fans and the media for their negativity.

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**pm530** · 09-21-2009, 03:53 AM

Six-pack for Monday

-- Tigers, Rockies both helped their playoff hopes Sunday by winning road games-- Robertson won at Minnesota, Jimenez at Arizona.

-- Cubs suspended Milton Bradley for rest of the season, for basically being a jerk; too bad they still owe him $20M the next two years.

-- NC State QB Wilson set an NCAA record-- he has now thrown 329 consecutive passes without throwing an interception.

-- South Florida QB Grothe, a 3-year starter, is done for this year after tearing his ACL Saturday, very bad news for the Bulls.

-- Arizona TE Gronkowski (3rd team All-American LY) is done for the year with a strained back he suffered in Saturday's loss at Iowa.

-- Since when has CBS started superimposing New York Life ads on the field during college football games, right before a play is run? Not all the time, just enough to annoy. Jerry Jones would be proud.

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Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up an NFL Sunday........

13) I'm sure a lot of careful planning went into the opening of Cowboys' new stadium, but how about Jordin Sparks singing National Anthem??? Her father Phillippi used to play cornerback for the Giants, who were the visitor and the winners Sunday night at JerryWorld. You'd think the new stadium would have had a more Texas-style opening.

12) Dallas ran ball for 251 yards, scored 31 points but lost. Tennessee ran ball for 240, also scored 31 points but also lost. Very unusual.

11) Chris Johnson of the Titans had TD runs of 57-91 yards, a TD pass of 67 yards; he is first player in NFL history to have touchdown runs of 50+/90+ yards and a TD catch of 60+ yards in the same game.

10) Word of caution if you want to anoint the Giants Super Bowl champ after Week 2: when you're +4 in turnovers, you're not supposed to need a last-second field goal to win the game. You're supposed to win easily.

9) Same for the Saints- they're the first team since the '88 Raiders to play their first two games of a season against two QBs (Stafford/Kolb) making their first NFL start. Back in '88, Oakland faced Babe Laufenberg of the Chargers and Cody Carlson of the then-Houston Oilers.

8) New Orleans has scored 93 points in two games, the most by a club in its first two ballgames since '68 Raiders scored 95 the first two weeks

7) Drew Brees has nine TD passes in two games, tying Charley Johnson of the '65 Cardinals for most TD passes in first two games of a season.

6) JaMarcus Russell was 7-24/99 passing Sunday, a horrendous effort but a winning one-- he led a nine-play, 69-yard TD drive to win a game the Raiders really had no business winning (total yards: 409-166, KC).

5) Tom Brady was 8-20/61 passing in second half Sunday, as Jets upset the Patriots 16-9 in the Swamp. Wes Welker's absence was huge factor in the game-- Brady had no one to turn to when he was pressured. Good win for the talkative Jets, who host 0-2 Tennessee in Week 3.

4) No mind games were spared by Rex Ryan; all three captains for Jets at the coin toss were ex-Patriots, including the 3rd-string QB O'Connell, who up to last month had been a Patriot. The rematch is in Week 11.

3) Only five TDs were scored on defense/special teams this week, and four of those teams won-- only Green Bay lost. A reshuffled offensive line allowed six Bengal sacks; Green Bay ran ball for only 89 yards.

2) Philip Rivers was 21-41/421 passing in San Diego's 31-26 home loss to the Ravens, but Chargers could manage only three FGs in five trips inside the Baltimore 20-yard line. Bolts also had 12 peanlties/85 yards.

1) Odd Stat of the Week came through; Steelers are now a shocking 3-17 against the spread last 20 times they were favored by 3 or less points.

From: Armadillo
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**pm530** · 09-21-2009, 03:55 AM

MLB
Write-up

Monday, September 21

Hot Pitchers
-- Leblanc is 2-0, 1.42 in his last three starts.
-- Gorzelanny is 1-0, 2.70 in his last couple starts.
-- Rodriguez has a 1.80 RA in his last five starts.
-- Zito is 2-1, 2.23 in his last six starts.

-- Blackburn is 2-7, 7.34 in his last twelve starts.
-- Saunders is 4-0, 3.00 in his last five starts. Pettitte is 5-0, 3.47 in his last nine starts.

Cold Pitchers
-- McCutchen is 0-2, 5.50 in three starts for the Pirates.
-- Lowe has a 6.75 RA in his last three starts. Misch is 0-2, 7.36 in his last couple starts.
-- Looper has a 4.94 RA in his last four starts.
-- Lohse is 0-1, 8.53 in his last three starts.
-- Davis is 0-3, 5.90 in his last seven starts.

-- Tillman is 1-3, 4.24 in his last six starts. Purcey is 0-2, 6.89 in his six starts this season.
-- Hudson was 14-5, 2.32 in 26 minor league starts this year; he made it all the way up from A ball to the big leagues this year- very unusual.
-- Wakefield is 1-1, 4.33 in his last four starts. Dinardo is 0-1, 5.23 in two starts for the Royals.
-- EGonzalez is 0-1, 3.79 in four starts for Oakland. Millwood is 1-3, 7.62 in his last five starts.

Hot Teams
-- Padres are 10-5 in their last 15 road games.
-- Braves won eight of their last ten games.
-- Brewers are 9-4 in their last thirteen games.

-- Royals won ten of their last thirteen games. Red Sox won ten of their last eleven games.
-- Twins won six of their last seven games.
-- Angels won three of their last four games.
-- A's won 12 of their last 14 games.

Cold Teams
-- Pirates lost 19 of their last 22 games.
-- Mets lost 10 of their last 13 games, but won last two.
-- Astros lost their last seven games, scoring total of 15 runs. St Louis lost six of its last nine games.
-- Cubs lost four of their last five games.
-- Arizona lost 12 of its last 16 games. Giants lost three of last four.

-- Toronto is 5-16 in last 21 games. Orioles lost their last four games, giving up 26 runs.
-- White Sox lost five of their last seven games.
-- Bronx Bombers are 4-5 in their last nine games.
-- Rangers lost six of their last seven games.

Totals
-- Five of last six San Diego games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 8-3-3 in Mets' last fourteen home games.
-- Eight of last twelve Cub games went over the total.
-- Under is 10-2 in last twelve Rodriguez starts.
-- Ten of last twelve Giant games went over the total.

-- Over is 8-3-1 in last twelve Baltimore games.
-- 10 of White Sox' last 14 home games stayed under total.
-- Four of last five Wakefield starts stayed under the total.
-- Nine of last thirteen Bronx road games went over the total.
-- Seven of last nine Oakland games stayed under the total.

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**pm530** · 09-21-2009, 03:56 AM

MLB

Monday, September 21

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Hot lines: Today’s best MLB bets
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Texas Rangers at Oakland Athletics (+107, 9)

The Rangers offense has gone into the pits and it’s safe to say the reason is because Josh Hamilton and Michael Young aren’t in the lineup.

The two All-Stars have been missing games because of injuries. Texas has scored a total of just four runs over its last six games and it doesn’t look like Young or Hamilton will be rejoining the batting order this week.

“It’s just not ready,” Young told the Dallas Morning News about his sore hamstring. “It’s disappointing because obviously I want to play.”

Trying to cure their scoring problem at Oakland’s spacious park without Young and Hamilton is no easy task for the Rangers.

Pick: Under

New York Yankees at Los Angeles Angels (-118, 9.5)

Joe Mauer is doing incredible things for the Twins in Minnesota, but if you want an MVP candidate on a playoff bound team look no farther than Mark Teixeira.

The Yankees first baseman had two homers a triple and five RBIs in his club’s 10-1 win over the Mariners on Saturday.

“We are a different team with that guy,” New York second baseman Robinson Cano told the Lower Hudson Journal News of Teixeira. “He changed a lot of things for us offensively and defensively. He takes pressure off everybody.”

Thirty-seven home runs, 118 RBIs and .381 on-base percentage will do that.

Look for the New York bats to get to Halos starter Joe Saunders early and often.

Pick: Yankees

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**pm530** · 09-21-2009, 03:57 AM

MLB

Monday, September 21

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Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
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Streaking

Wandy Rodriguez (13-10, 2.77), Houston Astros

Rodriguez is a frequent visitor to the streaking section. And he’s making up for a subpar August. Wandy the Wonderful has a 1.35 ERA and his team is 2-1 in this three starts this month.

Of course total bettors know all about his brilliance. The under is 8-1-1 in his last 10 appearances and 19-10-1 for the season.

Barry Zito (10-12, 3.94), San Francisco Giants

OK, so what if Zito will never live up to that bloated contract? He’s still a quality arm with good value each time he takes the ball.

The Giants have won seven of his last 10 starts and the under is 6-3-1 over the same period. The soft-tossing lefty showed us something different in his last start against the Rockies. Nine Colorado batters struck out at Zito’s mercy.

The southpaw hurler got a curtain call from the home fans following that last performance, something Zito hasn’t received too often.

“It doesn’t happen much to pitchers,” he told the San Francisco Chronicle. “I definitely love the fans’ support. When they’re booing they just want the team to do well. I interpret it differently than I used to. It’s definitely fun to hear them involved.”

Slumping

Derek Lowe (14-9, 4.53 ERA), Atlanta Braves

This veteran sinker ball pitcher missed a start last week and left after just two innings in his previous appearance because of a blister on his right ring finger.

It’s been a rough few weeks for Lowe. He owns a lofty 6.83 ERA over his last six starts but the Braves are still 4-2 in those games. The over has been a better strategy – it’s 5-0-1 over the stretch.

“It’s been kind of a struggle for me,” Lowe told reporters following a poor outing against the Astros when he was tagged for five earned runs. “If it was a normal year, where you’re a lot more consistent, then you can kind of settle down. But this is kind of how I’ve been pitching for so long. It’s been a long season.”

Kevin Millwood (10-10, 3.94), Texas Rangers

It used to be that the only day the Rangers could expect a quality start was the day that his veteran righty took the bump. That isn’t the case anymore. The young kids have been delivering the goods while old man Millwood has looked tired.

He’s given up five runs in four of his last five starts (7.62 ERA) and Texas is just 1-6 over his last seven trips to the hill.

“It’s a little frustrating,” Millwood said after a surrendering five runs to the Mariners in under four innings of work. “I’m trying to do some things to get it straightened out. It’s not working.”

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**pm530** · 09-21-2009, 07:21 AM

MLB

Monday, September 21

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Trend Report
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7:05 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. PITTSBURGH
San Diego is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 3-19 SU in its last 22 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Pittsburgh's last 8 games

7:07 PM
BALTIMORE vs. TORONTO
Baltimore is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Baltimore's last 12 games
Toronto is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Baltimore
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Toronto's last 17 games when playing at home against Baltimore

7:10 PM
ATLANTA vs. NY METS
Atlanta is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games
NY Mets are 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
NY Mets are 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Atlanta

8:00 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. HOUSTON
St. Louis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 8 games

8:05 PM
CHI CUBS vs. MILWAUKEE
Chi Cubs are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Milwaukee's last 21 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
Milwaukee is 3-6 SU in their last 9 games when playing Chi Cubs

8:10 PM
BOSTON vs. KANSAS CITY
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games on the road
Kansas City is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Kansas City's last 8 games when playing at home against Boston

8:11 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Minnesota is 2-10 SU in their last 12 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Minnesota is 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Chi White Sox's last 19 games

9:40 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. ARIZONA
San Francisco is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Arizona
San Francisco is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Arizona
Arizona is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games
Arizona is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home

10:05 PM
NY YANKEES vs. LA ANGELS
NY Yankees are 1-8 SU in their last 9 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 12 of NY Yankees's last 16 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of LA Angels's last 19 games
LA Angels are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games at home

10:05 PM
TEXAS vs. OAKLAND
Texas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Texas is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Oakland
Oakland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games

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**pm530** · 09-21-2009, 07:34 AM

MLB
Baseball Today

SCOREBOARD

Monday, September 21

New York Yankees at Los Angeles Angels (10:05 p.m. EDT). New York can clinch a postseason spot with a victory or Texas loss.

STARS

Sunday

-Ken Griffey Jr., Mariners, homered and drove in four runs, putting the New York Yankees' playoff party on hold by leading Seattle to a 7-1 win.

-Jason Giambi, Rockies, homered for the second consecutive game to help Colorado tighten its grip on the NL wild card with a 5-1 victory over Arizona.

-John Maine, Mets, pitched five shutout innings to earn his first win since May 31, and New York beat Washington 6-2.

-Robinson Tejeda, Royals, won his third straight start and Kansas City beat Chicago 2-1.

-Adam Kennedy, Athletics, had three hits and drove in three runs to help Oakland beat the Indians and match its season-high seven-game win streak.

-Kevin Correia, Padres, added to his impressive September, pitching seven strong innings for San Diego against Pittsburgh in a 4-0 win.

SENT PACKING

The Chicago Cubs suspended volatile outfielder Milton Bradley for the rest of the season, one day after he criticized the team in a newspaper interview. Bradley was disciplined for conduct detrimental to the team. General manager Jim Hendry said he decided to send Bradley home after learning of the player's remarks in the (Arlington Heights, Ill.) Daily Herald. Bradley, scratched from Saturday's lineup due to left knee soreness, was quoted as saying "you understand why they haven't won in 100 years here.''

BEATING ROY

The Tampa Bay Rays beat Roy Halladay for the fourth time this season with a 3-1 victory. Tampa Bay is the first team to top Toronto's ace four times in one season. Halladay allowed two runs and 10 hits in seven innings and has now lost five of his last seven starts.

MONEYBALL

Texas right-hander Kevin Millwood expects to make his scheduled start Monday night and have a chance to pitch the 4 1-3 innings needed to guarantee a $12 million contract next season. The struggling starter last pitched Sept. 12, when he gave up five runs in 3 2-3 innings against Seattle. The Rangers then pushed back Millwood (10-10, 3.94 ERA) while they had him work on a mechanical flaw after going 2-5 with a 6.29 ERA his past 12 starts since July. Millwood, who has to reach 180 innings to guarantee the fifth and final season of his contract with Texas, said he expected to pitch "unless they change their mind.''

STATS

The Dodgers improved to 30 games over .500 for the first time since Oct, 2, 1985 (94-64). ... Milwaukee first baseman Prince Fielder set a club record in the fifth when he walked for the 100th time this season. He broke the Brewers record for RBIs in a season on Saturday. ... Tommy Hanson had his string of 15 scoreless innings snapped in a 4-2 loss to Philadelphia. He was only the third Atlanta rookie to pitch at least seven scoreless innings in back-to-back starts joining Pete Smith (1988) and Paul Marak (1990), according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

SPEAKING

"I didn't really pay attention. I think you all paid more attention to it than I did. Maybe younger I might have. Right now, I'm not. - Seattle's Ken Griffey Jr., who helped spoil the Yankees' first chance to clinch a playoff berth by homering in the Mariners' 7-1 win Sunday.

SEASONS

Sept. 21

1934 - Daffy Dean of the St. Louis Cardinals pitched a no-hitter against the Brooklyn Dodgers for 3-0 victory in the second game of an Ebbets Field doubleheader. Daffy's brother Dizzy, held Brooklyn hitless until the eighth inning in the opener and won 13-0.

1964 - Manager Gene Mauch's first-place Phillies lost 1-0 to the Cincinnati Reds on Chico Ruiz's steal of home in the sixth inning. It was Philadelphia's first of 10 straight losses, a streak that cost them the NL pennant.

1970 - Oakland's Vida Blue pitched a no-hitter in his eighth major league start, beating Minnesota 6-0.

1981 - Steve Carlton struck out Andre Dawson in the third inning for the pitcher's 3,118th career strikeout, the most in the NL. But the Phillies lost to Montreal 1-0 in 17 innings.

1986 - No. 1 draft pick Jimmy Jones pitched a one-hitter in his major league debut, leading the San Diego Padres to a 5-0 victory against the Houston Astros. Jones allowed a triple in the third to opposing pitcher Bob Knepper.

1995 - Colorado's John Vander Wal set a major league record with his 26th pinch-hit of the season with a home run in the seventh inning against San Francisco.

2000 - Colorado's Jeff Cirillo doubled twice in a 13-4 win over San Diego, giving him 51 doubles for the year. Cirillo and Todd Helton (57) became the seventh pair of teammates in major league history to reach 50 doubles in the same season.

2001 - Albert Pujols hit a grand slam and doubled in a run in St. Louis' 9-5 win over Pittsburgh. The slam gave him the major league record for extra base hits by a rookie (83), one more than Johnny Frederick's total for Brooklyn in 1929.

2003 - Greg Maddux became the first pitcher in major league history to win at least 15 games in 16 consecutive seasons, leading Atlanta over Florida 8-0. Maddux (15-11) had shared the record with Cy Young. Maddux pitched five scoreless innings, allowing only one hit in his 288th career victory.

2006 - David Ortiz hit his 51st and 52nd homers, breaking the Red Sox record for most homers in a season set in 1938 by Jimmie Foxx (50). The homers also set the major league record by a designated hitter at 45, two more than he hit when he set the record the previous season.

2008 - Baseball said farewell to Yankee Stadium, the home of baseball's most famous team. What began with a Babe Ruth home run on an April afternoon in 1923 ended with Mariano Rivera retiring Brian Roberts on a grounder to first baseman Cody Ransom, completing a 7-3 victory over Baltimore.

Today's birthdays: Brian Tallet 32; Doug Davis 34

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**pm530** · 09-21-2009, 07:37 AM

MLB
This Day in Baseball

On September 21 in Baseball History...

1922 - The American League reinstates the Most Valuable Player award, last given in 1914, appointing a committee of one writer from each city. The trophy goes to George Sisler. The National League will pick up the idea two years later.

1923 - Babe Ruth is the unanimous choice of the American League committee of baseball writers for the Most Valuable Player Award.

1934 - Dizzy Dean of the St. Louis Cardinals pitched a no-hitter against the Brooklyn Dodgers for 3-0 victory in the second game of an Ebbets Field doubleheader.

1939 - The National League announces that for the first time in the 20th century, games will be transferred from one city to another. A doubleheader in Philadelphia will be moved to Brooklyn in an effort to top one million paid attendance.

1944 - After a 5-15 stretch that ate away a chunk of their 20-game lead, the Cardinals finally clinch the National League flag with a 5-4 win over Boston. They will finish with 105 victories and their third title under Billy Southworth, whose clubs won 316 games in three years.

1957 - Gail Harris is the last player to hit a home run as a New York Giant in a 9-5 win over the Pirates in the second game of a doubleheader. Ruben Gomez gains the last victory for the New York Giants.

1959 - Warren Spahn notches his 20th win and his 266th National League victory to tie Eppa Rixey of the Phils and Reds for the career high in wins by a left-hander. The Braves and the Dodgers are now tied for the lead in the three-team pennant race.

1964 - Manager Gene Mauch's first-place Phillies lost 1-0 to the Cincinnati Reds on Chico Ruiz's steal of home in the sixth inning. It was Philadelphia's first of ten straight losses, a streak that cost the National League pennant.

1970 - Oakland's Vida Blue pitched a no-hitter in his eighth Major League start, beating Minnesota 6-0.

1981 - Steve Carlton struck out Andre Dawson in the third inning for the left-hander's 3,118th career strikeout, the most in the National League. But the Philadelphia Phillies lost to Montreal, 1-0 in 17 innings.

1982 - Playing against the Royals at Anaheim Stadium, outfielders Fred Lynn and Brian Downing crash through the left field fence while trying to catch a fly ball. Lynn makes the catch and it is ruled an out, the umpires reasoning that it is the same as if he had tumbled into the seats.

1986 - No. 1 draft pick Jimmy Jones pitched a one-hitter in his Major League debut, leading the San Diego Padres to a 5-0 victory over the Houston Astros.

1987 - Darryl Strawberry joins Howard Johnson as the first teammates ever to achieve 30 homers and 30 steals in the same season.

1995 - Colorado's John Vander Wal set a Major League record with his 26th pinch-hit of the season, a home run in the seventh inning against San Francisco.

1997 - Mike Piazza becomes the first Dodger, and the first player in 25 years, to hit a ball out of Dodger Stadium. Piazza's 478-foot drive off Colorado's Frank Castillo bounces off the left field pavilion roof. Pittsburgh's Willie Stargell was the only other player to hit a ball out of the stadium (in right field), accomplishing the feat in both 1969 and 1973.

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**pm530** · 09-21-2009, 07:49 AM

MLB
Dunkel Index

Boston at Kansas City
The Royals look to build on their 7-3 record in their last 10 games as an underdog. Kansas City is the pick (+170) according to Dunkel, which has the Royals favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+170). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

Game 951-952: San Diego at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Leblanc) 14.029; Pittsburgh (McCutchen) 14.756
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: San Diego (-135); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+125); Over

Game 953-954: Atlanta at NY Mets
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Lowe) 14.574; NY Mets (Misch) 15.069
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-160); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+150); Under

Game 955-956: Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Gorzelanny) 15.865; Milwaukee (Looper) 15.547
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-135); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+125); Over

Game 957-958: St. Louis at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Lohse) 13.651; Houston (Rodriguez) 14.638
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Houston (-140); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-140); Over

Game 959-960: San Francisco at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Zito) 15.267; Arizona (Davis) 14.040
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Arizona (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+110); Under

Game 961-962: Baltimore at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Tillman) 14.185; Toronto (Purcey) 15.342
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Toronto (-135); 9
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-135); Over

Game 963-964: Minnesota at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Blackburn) 16.455; White Sox (Hudson) 15.445
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-130); Over

Game 965-966: Boston at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Wakefield) 16.182; Kansas City (Dinardo) 16.828
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Boston (-180); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+170); Over

Game 967-968: NY Yankees at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Pettitte) 15.526; LA Angels (Saunders) 15.983
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-120); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-120); Under

Game 969-970: Texas at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Millwood) 14.004; Oakland (Gonzalez) 17.080
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 3; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-125); 9
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+115); Over

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**Udog** · 09-21-2009, 10:32 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, September 21

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SAN DIEGO (68 - 82) at PITTSBURGH (56 - 91) - 7:05 PM
WADE LEBLANC (L) vs. DANIEL MCCUTCHEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 33-65 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 131-180 (-36.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 131-180 (-36.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 29-22 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 31-22 (+19.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
PITTSBURGH is 55-89 (-25.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 32-58 (-19.5 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
PITTSBURGH is 26-46 (-18.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
PITTSBURGH is 56-91 (-25.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 3-3 (+0.6 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.7 Units)

WADE LEBLANC vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

DANIEL MCCUTCHEN vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.

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ATLANTA (79 - 70) at NY METS (65 - 85) - 7:10 PM
DEREK LOWE (R) vs. PAT MISCH (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 10-5 (+5.0 Units) against NY METS this season
8 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.8 Units)

DEREK LOWE vs. NY METS since 1997
LOWE is 2-2 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 7.99 and a WHIP of 1.928.
His team's record is 4-3 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-1. (+5.1 units)

PAT MISCH vs. ATLANTA since 1997
MISCH is 0-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 7.20 and a WHIP of 1.800.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (76 - 72) at MILWAUKEE (74 - 75) - 8:05 PM
TOM GORZELANNY (L) vs. BRADEN LOOPER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 34-42 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 61-58 (-12.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 11-18 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 521-485 (-103.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 76-72 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 312-350 (-92.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 3-13 (-9.7 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 32-42 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 155-217 (-66.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 76-72 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LOOPER is 13-5 (+8.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season. (Team's Record)
LOOPER is 8-0 (+8.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MILWAUKEE is 37-37 (-10.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 9-21 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 74-75 (-5.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 37-37 (-10.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 15-20 (-10.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 6-8 (-0.3 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
9 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.0 Units)

TOM GORZELANNY vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
GORZELANNY is 3-3 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.92 and a WHIP of 1.547.
His team's record is 4-5 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-6. (-4.8 units)

BRADEN LOOPER vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
LOOPER is 4-4 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.91 and a WHIP of 1.309.
His team's record is 5-6 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-8. (-5.6 units)

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ST LOUIS (87 - 63) at HOUSTON (70 - 79) - 8:05 PM
KYLE LOHSE (R) vs. WANDY RODRIGUEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LOHSE is 6-13 (-8.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
LOHSE is 0-8 (-9.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
LOHSE is 6-13 (-8.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
LOHSE is 2-8 (-7.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 152-152 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 69-49 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 115-116 (+8.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 76-79 (+15.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 37-34 (+16.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 156-154 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 89-64 (+19.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
RODRIGUEZ is 12-2 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season. (Team's Record)
RODRIGUEZ is 7-0 (+7.2 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)
RODRIGUEZ is 12-2 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
RODRIGUEZ is 10-2 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season. (Team's Record)
RODRIGUEZ is 9-0 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season. (Team's Record)
RODRIGUEZ is 8-1 (+7.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 21-10 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
ST LOUIS is 46-22 (+15.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ST LOUIS is 49-22 (+18.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 173-139 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 81-72 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 17-6 (+10.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
ST LOUIS is 173-139 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 59-36 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 29-43 (-12.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 5-7 (+0.8 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
10 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+7.8 Units)

KYLE LOHSE vs. HOUSTON since 1997
LOHSE is 5-4 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.60 and a WHIP of 1.053.
His team's record is 5-5 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-6. (-4.5 units)

WANDY RODRIGUEZ vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
RODRIGUEZ is 3-8 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.39 and a WHIP of 1.065.
His team's record is 4-9 (-5.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-3. (+4.4 units)

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SAN FRANCISCO (80 - 69) vs. ARIZONA (65 - 85) - 9:40 PM
BARRY ZITO (L) vs. DOUG DAVIS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 41-28 (+14.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 81-69 (+12.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 80-69 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 134-82 (+52.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 80-69 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 52-46 (+6.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ZITO is 77-46 (+28.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 24-42 (-16.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ARIZONA is 65-85 (-22.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 65-85 (-22.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 107-110 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 15-27 (-15.1 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 8-4 (+4.2 Units) against ARIZONA this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.2 Units)

BARRY ZITO vs. ARIZONA since 1997
ZITO is 3-6 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 4.59 and a WHIP of 1.608.
His team's record is 5-6 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-5. (+0.3 units)

DOUG DAVIS vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
DAVIS is 4-6 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 4.23 and a WHIP of 1.572.
His team's record is 7-10 (-3.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-8. (+0.6 units)

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BALTIMORE (60 - 89) at TORONTO (66 - 83) - 7:07 PM
CHRIS TILLMAN (R) vs. DAVID PURCEY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 260-354 (-102.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 135-244 (-100.4 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 21-36 (-16.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
BALTIMORE is 42-92 (-34.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 66-83 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 25-40 (-17.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
TORONTO is 20-43 (-26.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TORONTO is 37-54 (-19.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 6-6 (+1.3 Units) against TORONTO this season
8 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.4 Units)

CHRIS TILLMAN vs. TORONTO since 1997
TILLMAN is 0-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 2.70 and a WHIP of 1.049.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

DAVID PURCEY vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
PURCEY is 0-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 10.80 and a WHIP of 2.400.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

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MINNESOTA (76 - 73) at CHI WHITE SOX (73 - 77) - 8:11 PM
NICK BLACKBURN (R) vs. DANIEL HUDSON (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 9-6 (+3.3 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
9 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.3 Units)

NICK BLACKBURN vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
BLACKBURN is 5-4 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.88 and a WHIP of 1.376.
His team's record is 5-5 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-4. (+1.4 units)

DANIEL HUDSON vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
No recent starts.

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BOSTON (89 - 59) at KANSAS CITY (61 - 88) - 8:10 PM
TIM WAKEFIELD (R) vs. LENNY DINARDO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 29-15 (+22.4 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 17-10 (+11.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 79-47 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 65-39 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BOSTON is 90-45 (+32.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 42-15 (+20.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 89-59 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WAKEFIELD is 18-7 (+11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 55-78 (-19.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 40-58 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 39-56 (-20.6 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 61-88 (-20.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 76-128 (-34.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 30-44 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 26-44 (-18.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 3-1 (+1.0 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

TIM WAKEFIELD vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
WAKEFIELD is 8-6 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.15 and a WHIP of 1.185.
His team's record is 10-6 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-9. (-4.4 units)

LENNY DINARDO vs. BOSTON since 1997
DINARDO is 1-0 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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NY YANKEES (95 - 55) at LA ANGELS (89 - 60) - 10:05 PM
ANDY PETTITTE (L) vs. JOE SAUNDERS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 52-36 (+9.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
LA ANGELS are 88-64 (+20.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 89-60 (+22.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 84-51 (+22.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 49-24 (+15.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 82-52 (+22.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 32-15 (+15.8 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
SAUNDERS is 41-19 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 20-6 (+12.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 39-17 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 30-16 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 24-11 (+11.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 21-11 (+10.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 98-55 (+22.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 63-32 (+17.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 4-3 (+2.7 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
6 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.9 Units)

ANDY PETTITTE vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
PETTITTE is 8-8 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 5.29 and a WHIP of 1.579.
His team's record is 12-11 (-5.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 13-9. (+2.4 units)

JOE SAUNDERS vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
SAUNDERS is 1-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 7.97 and a WHIP of 1.869.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

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TEXAS (81 - 67) at OAKLAND (71 - 78) - 10:05 PM
KEVIN MILLWOOD (R) vs. EDGAR GONZALEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILLWOOD is 74-75 (-24.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
OAKLAND is 64-72 (+0.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 52-50 (+11.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 128-59 (+50.1 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997.
OAKLAND is 71-78 (+6.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 30-30 (+10.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
OAKLAND is 13-5 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in September games this season.
OAKLAND is 12-6 (+9.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday this season.
TEXAS is 78-61 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 59-50 (+7.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 52-43 (+10.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 20-15 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
TEXAS is 81-67 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 35-35 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TEXAS is 56-47 (+12.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 9-6 (+5.3 Units) against TEXAS this season
10 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+5.3 Units)

KEVIN MILLWOOD vs. OAKLAND since 1997
MILLWOOD is 5-3 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.66 and a WHIP of 1.362.
His team's record is 8-7 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-6. (+1.3 units)

EDGAR GONZALEZ vs. TEXAS since 1997
GONZALEZ is 0-1 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.889.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.3 units)

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**Udog** · 09-21-2009, 11:05 AM

MLB

Monday, September 21

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Tips and Trends
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Total of the Day is in NFL. Click the first Matchup Link above, in post #1.

New York Yankees at Los Angeles Angels [10:05 PM ET]

Yankees: The Yankees can clinch their 14th playoff berth in 15 years with a victory. New York leads the majors in runs scored, home runs and batting average. The Yankees have won 16 of their last 23 road contests. However, the Yankees traditionally struggle at Angel Stadium losing 19 of the past 26 times there. Andy Pettitte (13-6, 4.14 ERA) is hoping to change that. The Yankees skipped Pettitte’s last scheduled start so he could rest a sore left shoulder. The southpaw is on track to pitch after a successful bullpen workout on Friday. Pettitte is 8-2 on the road with a 3.52 ERA compared to 5-4 with a 4.69 ERA at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees have won seven of Pettitte’s last eight starts. New York is 5-0 in Pettitte’s past five road starts. The Yankees, however, are 1-4 the past five times Pettitte has taken the mound against the Angels.

The Under is 22-8-1 in Pettitte’s last 31 road outings.
The Yankees are 18-6 the past 24 times Pettitte has pitched on Monday.

Key Injuries - None

PROJECTED SCORE: 4

Angels (-$1.20, O/U 9.5 over -$1.25): Joe Saunders is 4-0 with a 2.10 ERA in his last five starts. Saunders, who is 13-7 with a 4.75 ERA, is 1-1 with a 7.97 ERA in four career starts versus New York. The Angels are 41-19 in Saunders’ last 60 starts, including 7-2 during his past nine home starts. At Angel Stadium this season, Saunders is 6-3 with a 4.29 ERA in 14 starts. The lefty last pitched Wednesday giving up two earned runs on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision against the Red Sox. The Angels are 40-19 in their last 59 games when facing a left-handed starter. Until breaking out for 10 runs on Sunday against Texas, the Angels were averaging 3.3 runs during their previous six games. Los Angeles is 3-4 in its last seven games. The Yankees and Angels have gone over in 13 of their last 16 meetings in Anaheim.

The Over has cashed in 16 of the past 21 times Saunders has started.

Key Injuries - None

PROJECTED SCORE: 5 (Side of the Day)

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**Udog** · 09-21-2009, 11:23 AM

MLB
Short Sheet

Monday, 9/21/2009

National League

SAN DIEGO at PITTSBURGH, 7:05 PM ET
LEBLANC: SD 15-8 after allowing 1 run or less
MCCUTCHEN: PIT 18-39 after 2+ consecutive losses

ATLANTA at NY METS, 7:10 PM ET
LOWE: ATL 22-12 after a loss by 2 runs or less
MISCH: 1-10 TSR in all games

CHICAGO CUBS at MILWAUKEE, 8:05 PM ET
GORZELANNY: CHC 5-25 as an underdog of +100 to +150
LOOPER: 8-0 TSR when playing on Monday

ST LOUIS at HOUSTON, 8:05 PM ET
LOHSE: STL 17-6 when the total is 8 to 8.5
RODRIGUEZ: HOU 29-43 against division opponents

SAN FRANCISCO at ARIZONA, 9:40 PM ET
ZITO: SF 24-11 after 3+ consecutive overs
DAVIS: 7-16 TSR when the total is 8.5 to 10

American League

BALTIMORE at TORONTO, 7:07 PM ET
TILLMAN: BAL 17-7 OVER after allowing 9+ runs
PURCEY: TOR 5-16 after 6+ consecutive road games

MINNESOTA at CHI WHITE SOX, 8:11 PM ET
BLACKBURN: MIN 2-12 in September
HUDSON: CHW 17-9 after a one run loss

BOSTON at KANSAS CITY, 8:10 PM ET
WAKEFIELD: BOS 17-5 after scoring 9+ runs
DINARDO: KC 12-27 after allowing 2 runs or less

NY YANKEES at LA ANGELS, 10:05 PM ET
PETTITTE: NYY 32-19 OVER after 3+ consecutive road games
SAUNDERS: LAA 17-9 at home when the money line is +125 to -125

TEXAS at OAKLAND, 10:05 PM ET
MILLWOOD: TEX 20-9 after allowing 8+ runs
GONZALEZ: OAK 22-9 UNDER when playing on Monday

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 09-21-2009, 11:27 AM

Len's Top 5

Happy Monday everyone, here's my Top 5 for September 21, 2009 from Len Berman Sports.

1. Quick Hits

A regular season NFL record crowd of 105,121 watches the christening of the new Cowboys $1.15 billion palace. The Giants beat the Cowboys 33-31 on a last second field goal. No punts hit the $40-million dollar video screens.
New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees has now thrown 9 touchdowns in 2 games after winning in Philly 48-22. The Saints have racked up 93 points in their two wins.
Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me? Try telling that to the Cubs volatile outfielder Milton Bradley. He said the Cubs were not a "positive environment" and got suspended for the rest of the season.
In Boxing, Floyd Mayweather returned after a 21 month layoff and beat Juan Manuel Marquez in a unanimous decision. Mayweather is now 40-0.
Former tennis star Martina Hingis was the first celebrity bounced out of the BBC TV show, "Strictly Come Dancing."

2. J-E-T-S

Go ahead Jets fans, say it out loud. "The first place and undefeated New York Jets." OK, its only week 2. But new coach Rex Ryan proclaimed he wasn't coming here to kiss Patriots coach Bill Belichick's ring. He lets his players trash talk. He calls his season ticket holders with a taped message to make noise at the game. And then the Jets go out and do something they've never done before, beat Tom Brady in the Meadowlands. For the first time, in a long time, it's not the "same old Jets." Cool.

3. Monday Musings

The "even a blind squirrel finds an acorn now and again" award to the Oakland Raiders after somehow winning in Kansas City 13-10 despite being outgained 409 yards to 166.
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Do some athletes take stupid pills? Delonte West of the Cleveland Cavaliers got arrested for speeding on a motorcycle with three loaded guns. Maybe he got confused when a coach told him to always be on the lookout for a three point shot opportunity.
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Syracuse won and USC lost in college football. See, you can mention Syracuse and USC football in the same breath.

4. Survey Says

The Associated Press reported last week that commercials in baseball games are similar to football. Lots of sex, alcohol and junk food. Beer commercials and ads for erectile dysfunction show up in virtually every commercial break. Aren't kids watching these games? The advertisers and the networks respond that the audience is overwhelmingly adult. A bill was even introduced in Congress last May to limit the e.d. ads to late night. They say it won't pass anytime soon. (I could say that's because the lawmakers are too busy with sex, alcohol and junk food, but that would be a cheap shot.)

5. What's in a Name?

There have been some interesting occupational names in the sports world. Jockey Willie Shoemaker and any number of Bakers, Cooks and Millers come to mind. But a young goaltender in the San Jose Sharks organization has them beat. He is Tyson Sexsmith. I'm guessing he's great at it..... goaltending that is.

Happy Birthday: Pistons "bad boy" Rick Mahorn. 51.
Bonus Birthday: Mr. Caddyshack. Bill Murray. 59.

Today in Sports: The debut of ABC's Monday Night Football. Cleveland beat the Jets 31-21. 1970.
Bonus Event: "Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus." was printed for the first time in the New York Sun. 1897.

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Monday Trends and Indexes 9/21 (MLB, WNBA, Misc.)

Monday Trends and Indexes 9/21 (MLB, WNBA, Misc.)

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