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**Udog** · 04-05-2010, 02:30 AM

Daily Sports Roundup: April 5

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The MLB season begins in earnest, while the Bruins battle the Caps, and the NCAA Tournament stages its championship.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

The NCAA Tournament's championship game tips off at 9:20pm ET at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Monday night, with Butler taking on Duke. The Bulldogs won their Final Four matchup with Michigan State on Saturday night, getting 19 points from Gordon Hayward in the 52-50 decision. Shelvin Mack added 14 points for Butler in that victory. The Blue Devils had no trouble with West Virginia on Saturday, as they cruised to a 78-57 victory. Jon Scheyer had 23 points in that contest for Duke, while Kyle Singler chipped in with 21 points. The oddsmakers have the Blue Devils pegged as 7-point favorites for Monday.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

The National League plays its first games of the season on Monday, with Florida at the Mets, St. Louis at Cincinnati, the Dodgers at Pittsburgh, Colorado at Milwaukee, the Cubs at Atlanta, San Diego at Arizona, San Francisco at Houston, and Philadelphia at Washington. The Phillies will trot new ace Roy Halladay out to the mound in their opener; righthander Halladay went 17-10 with a 2.79 ERA and 208 strikeouts for the Blue Jays last season. The Nationals will counter Halladay with John Lannan. Lefthander Lannan had a 9-13 record for the Nats in '09, posting a 3.88 ERA and 89 strikeouts through 206.1 innings pitched.

Meanwhile, the American League on Monday features Cleveland at the White Sox, Toronto at Texas, Detroit at Kansas City, Minnesota at the Angels, and Seattle at Oakland. The Mariners will give the ball to Felix Hernandez in their opener. Righthander Hernandez is coming off a stellar 2009 campaign in which he went 19-5 with a 2.49 ERA and 217 strikeouts in 238.2 innings of work. The Athletics will go with offseason pickup Ben Sheets at home on Monday. Righthander Sheets missed the entire 2009 season as he rehabbed his elbow.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

Finally, there are just three games around the National Hockey League on Monday, with Columbus at St. Louis, Minnesota at Edmonton, and Boston at Washington. The Capitals managed to handle the Blue Jackets on Saturday night, winning 3-2 on the road behind goals from Alexander Semin, Tomas Fleischmann, and Mike Green. Jose Theodore stopped 34 of 36 Columbus shots. The Bruins edged the Maple Leafs 2-1 in overtime in their last game on Saturday night. Miroslav Satan had both goals for Boston in their win in Toronto.

**Udog** · 04-05-2010, 02:30 AM

NCAAB
Dunkel

Butler vs. Duke
The Blue Devils look to take advantage of a Butler team that is coming off a 52-50 win over Michigan State and is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 games following an ATS win. Duke is the pick (-6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Blue Devils favored by 10 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Duke (-6 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

MONDAY, APRIL 5

Game 601-602: Butler vs. Duke
Dunkel Ratings: Butler 69.873; Duke 80.284
Dunkel Line: Duke by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Duke by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Duke (-6 1/2)

**Udog** · 04-05-2010, 02:31 AM

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Monday, April 5

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BUTLER (33 - 4) vs. DUKE (34 - 5) - 4/5/2010, 9:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DUKE is 23-14 ATS (+7.6 Units) in all games this season.
DUKE is 23-14 ATS (+7.6 Units) in all lined games this season.
DUKE is 23-14 ATS (+7.6 Units) as a favorite this season.
DUKE is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
DUKE is 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) in non-conference games this season.
DUKE is 20-12 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DUKE is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game this season.
BUTLER is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
BUTLER is 120-86 ATS (+25.4 Units) after allowing 60 points or less since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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**Udog** · 04-05-2010, 02:32 AM

NCAAB
Short Sheet

Monday, 4/5/2010

NCAA Tournament Championship
BUTLER vs. DUKE, 9:15 PM ET CBS
BUTLER: 12-5 ATS after 1+ consecutive unders
DUKE: 6-0 Over after covering the spread in 4+ consecutive games

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 04-05-2010, 02:33 AM

NCAAB

Monday, April 5

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Trend Report
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9:21 PM
BUTLER vs. DUKE
Butler is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Duke is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

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**Udog** · 04-05-2010, 02:33 AM

NCAAB

Monday, April 5

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What bettors need to know: Butler vs. Duke
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Butler Bulldogs vs. Duke Blue Devils (-6.5, 129.5)

“The Butler Way”

Barry Collier adopted “the Butler Way” when he coached the Bulldogs from 1989-2000. Ten years later, “the Butler Way” has this group of Bulldogs in the National Championship.

But just what is it?

“It’s just the way we carry ourselves on and off the court,” explained senior forward Willie Veasley. “It’s something when you come here, you live it. It’s a core value, something you take pride in, something you hold yourself accountable for.”

Whatever it is, it has led to an amazing 25 straight victories. Butler (33-4, 17-20 ATS) has not lost since a 67-57 setback at UAB on December 22.

The way these Bulldogs have been winning is with defense and toughness, not jaw-dropping talent or high-powered offense. Michigan State coach Tom Izzo knows that all too well after his team’s 52-50 loss on Saturday night.

“It was one of the more physical game we've been involved in, and playing in the Big Ten, that's saying something,” Izzo remarked. “They play as hard as anybody we've played. They are physical.”

Said Butler forward Gordon Hayward, who came up with a critical blocked shot to preserve a 1-point advantage in the final seconds: “I thought it was fitting that we had to get a defensive stop on that last possession of the game because that's how we've won all season. We had to win the Butler way.”

Three-headed monster

Duke’s “S” trio of Kyle Singler, Jon Scheyer, and Nolan Smith has been leading the way for the Blue Devils all season, and more of the same is continuing in this NCAA Tournament.

Singler, Scheyer and Smith combined for 57 of 78 points against Purdue, 54 of 78 against Baylor and 63 of 78 in Saturday night’s blowout win over West Virginia. They combined to shoot a devastating 12-for-23 from beyond the arc at the expense of the Mountaineers.

“We were not going to beat West Virginia without a great performance,” coach Mike Krzyzewski said in a post-game interview with CBS.

While that is almost certainly untrue given the 21-point margin of victory, he certainly got a great performance from his players, including from the star trio’s supporting cast.

Offensive rebounding has been a key to Duke’s success all year long, and Brian Zoubek pulled down five of his 10 boards at the offensive end. Both of Lance Thomas’ rebounds were of the offensive variety and no team does a better job of getting second-chance looks from 3-point range than Duke.

David vs. Goliath…literally

This is not just a mismatch in terms of a “mid-major” team from the Horizon League going up against the ACC Champions.

Duke sports a front line of Zoubek (7-foot-1), Thomas (6-foot-8, 240 pounds) and the 6-foot-10 Plumlee twins (Miles and Mason). Butler’s corps group of players features nobody taller than 6-foot-9 (Hayward).

The Blue Devils have won the rebounding battle in all five of their NCAA Tournament contests and they have reached double-figures on the offensive glass in all five outings. Against Baylor, Duke hauled in a shocking 22 offensive boards. Against Baylor, Duke out-rebounded the Boilermakers 45-22.

Needless to say, the pressure will be on Hayward and 6-foot-8 forwards Avery Jukes and Matt Howard to keep Zoubek and Thomas off the glass.

Something’s gotta give

Butler’s stingy defense against Duke’s clicking offense will be the story of Monday night’s National Championship.

The Bulldogs have not allowed any of their five NCAA Tournament opponents to score 60 points in a game. In fact, Butler has limited 12 of its last 13 opponents to fewer than 60 points.

So good was their defense on Saturday against Michigan State that the Bulldogs still won despite shooting an unimaginably bad 30.6 percent at the other end of the floor.

Duke, on the other hand, has failed to reach the 60-point mark just once this entire season - once in 38 games. The Blue Devils poured in 78 in each of their past two contests, which resulted in wins over Baylor in the South Region final and over West Virginia. Duke drained 13-of-25 3-pointers against the Mountaineers.

Common opponents

The Bulldogs and Blue Devils have faced two common opponents this season, Clemson and Georgetown. Butler fell to the Tigers 70-69 on a neutral court while Duke hammered Clemson on two different occasions (74-53 at home and 60-47 on the road).

Both the Bulldogs and the Blue Devils lost to Georgetown. Butler went down 72-65 in Madison Square Garden and Duke got manhandled by the Hoyas 89-77 at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.

Trending topics

The Bulldogs are 8-3 in their last 11 NCAA Tournament games and 5-1 ATS in their last six overall

The Blue Devils are 5-0 ATS during this NCAA Tournament.

Both Butler (15-20 O/U) and Duke (16-22 O/U) have been solid under plays this season. The under is 9-1 in Butler’s last 10 overall and 2-4 in Duke’s last six overall.

Butler's defense has made a mockery of over/under lines during the tourney. Butler's games have finished below the closing total by an average of 15 points in the team's last four games.

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**Udog** · 04-05-2010, 02:34 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

Monday, April 5

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BOSTON (36-30-0-12, 84 pts.) at WASHINGTON (51-16-0-11, 113 pts.) - 4/5/2010, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 7-3 (+4.2 Units) against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 7-3-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+5.8 Units)

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COLUMBUS (32-34-0-13, 77 pts.) at ST LOUIS (38-31-0-9, 85 pts.) - 4/5/2010, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 37-61 ATS (-31.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 17-46 ATS (+86.9 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 1-13 ATS (+19.8 Units) in April games over the last 3 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 8-32 ATS (+60.0 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 0-10 ATS (+13.0 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders this season.
ST LOUIS is 79-85 ATS (+180.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 24-12 ATS (+10.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 48-39 ATS (+90.9 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 10-19 ATS (+29.3 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 12-7 (+5.8 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 12-7-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
11 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+5.0 Units)

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MINNESOTA (37-35-0-6, 80 pts.) at EDMONTON (24-46-0-8, 56 pts.) - 4/5/2010, 9:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 12-7 (+3.2 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 12-7-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
9 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.1 Units)

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**Udog** · 04-05-2010, 02:35 AM

NHL

Monday, April 5

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Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets
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Boston Bruins at Washington Capitals (N/A)

Goals aren’t easy to come by for the Boston Bruins. Playing without its top playmaker, Marc Savard, Boston is just 3 for 29 in its last 10 games on the power play.

The B’s own just one 20-goal scorer and 42-year-old Mark Recchi is just four goals off the team lead in red-light tallies. The under is 6-1-2 in Boston’s last nine games even though oddsmakers are regularly dealing 5-goal totals for the club’s games.

The Bruins are getting plenty of chances at the offensive end, averaging almost 38 shots over their last six games. Washington’s wide open style of play should equal even more scoring opportunities for Boston.

Pick: Over

Columbus Blue Jackets at St. Louis Blues (-175, 5.5)

Columbus’ disappointing season is coming to a close but Jacket backers have to be happy with the success of their club over the last 10 games. Sure, they’ve won only five of those games, but they also covered the puckline in seven of those games.

"We battled," Blue Jackets interim coach Claude Noel told the Columbus Dispatch following a 3-2 loss to the Capitals on Saturday. "Even though the lineup is not our best right now, we battled.”

Look for the effort to pay off on Monday with a win over a hot St. Louis side.

Pick: Blue Jackets

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**Udog** · 04-05-2010, 02:38 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, April 5

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PHILADELPHIA (102 - 75) at WASHINGTON (59 - 103) - 1:05 PM
ROY HALLADAY (R) vs. JOHN LANNAN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 35-37 (-23.1 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 52-36 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 46-26 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 49-33 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 118-205 (-50.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

ROY HALLADAY vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
HALLADAY is 5-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 2.54 and a WHIP of 0.953.
His team's record is 7-1 (+5.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-3. (+0.7 units)

JOHN LANNAN vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
LANNAN is 0-6 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 5.81 and a WHIP of 1.615.
His team's record is 1-7 (-5.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-3. (+1.9 units)

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FLORIDA (87 - 75) at NY METS (70 - 92) - 1:10 PM
JOSH JOHNSON (R) vs. JOHAN SANTANA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 171-152 (+28.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 44-36 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 24-12 (+18.1 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 41-34 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
JOHNSON is 33-14 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JOHNSON is 20-6 (+12.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JOHNSON is 32-13 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 12-23 (-16.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 219-217 (-60.4 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

JOSH JOHNSON vs. NY METS since 1997
JOHNSON is 7-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.30 and a WHIP of 1.091.
His team's record is 8-1 (+9.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-4. (+0.7 units)

JOHAN SANTANA vs. FLORIDA since 1997
SANTANA is 5-1 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 1.68 and a WHIP of 0.931.
His team's record is 5-2 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.2 units)

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ST LOUIS (91 - 74) at CINCINNATI (78 - 84) - 1:10 PM
CHRIS CARPENTER (R) vs. AARON HARANG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 46-34 (+18.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 59-59 (+10.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

CHRIS CARPENTER vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
CARPENTER is 7-3 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 2.11 and a WHIP of 0.843.
His team's record is 9-4 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-9. (-5.9 units)

AARON HARANG vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
HARANG is 7-10 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.54 and a WHIP of 1.276.
His team's record is 9-11 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 12-7. (+4.2 units)

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LA DODGERS (99 - 71) at PITTSBURGH (62 - 99) - 1:35 PM
VICENTE PADILLA (R) vs. ZACH DUKE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 33-35 (-18.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PADILLA is 19-9 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PADILLA is 13-3 (+13.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PADILLA is 11-3 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PADILLA is 11-2 (+12.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PADILLA is 9-1 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PADILLA is 19-9 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

VICENTE PADILLA vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
PADILLA is 2-2 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 4.13 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.4 units)

ZACH DUKE vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
DUKE is 2-3 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 5.68 and a WHIP of 1.461.
His team's record is 4-4 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-1. (+5.2 units)

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COLORADO (93 - 73) at MILWAUKEE (80 - 82) - 2:10 PM
UBALDO JIMENEZ (R) vs. YOVANI GALLARDO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
JIMENEZ is 12-24 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JIMENEZ is 12-25 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 33-24 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

UBALDO JIMENEZ vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
JIMENEZ is 1-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.77 and a WHIP of 1.154.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

YOVANI GALLARDO vs. COLORADO since 1997
GALLARDO is 0-2 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 15.25 and a WHIP of 2.868.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.4 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (83 - 78) at ATLANTA (86 - 76) - 4:10 PM
CARLOS ZAMBRANO (R) vs. DEREK LOWE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 83-78 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 83-78 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 772-805 (-140.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
ZAMBRANO is 73-47 (+24.9 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 73-45 (+27.1 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 158-166 (-34.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 46-46 (-16.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 40-41 (-22.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 24-29 (-20.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 40-41 (-22.9 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 24-30 (-23.8 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

CARLOS ZAMBRANO vs. ATLANTA since 1997
ZAMBRANO is 2-3 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 4-8 (-4.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-5. (+0.9 units)

DEREK LOWE vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
LOWE is 3-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.15 and a WHIP of 1.218.
His team's record is 6-4 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-5. (-0.4 units)

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SAN DIEGO (75 - 87) at ARIZONA (70 - 92) - 5:10 PM
JON GARLAND (R) vs. DAN HAREN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 33-23 (+20.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
GARLAND is 30-19 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in road games in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 70-92 (-23.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 36-44 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 44-57 (-20.4 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 70-92 (-23.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 108-123 (-28.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

JON GARLAND vs. ARIZONA since 1997
GARLAND is 2-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 7.04 and a WHIP of 1.522.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.3 units)

DAN HAREN vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
HAREN is 4-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.21 and a WHIP of 1.205.
His team's record is 8-3 (+3.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-4. (+1.7 units)

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SAN FRANCISCO (88 - 74) at HOUSTON (74 - 88) - 7:05 PM
TIM LINCECUM (R) vs. ROY OSWALT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 30-18 (+15.3 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 88-74 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 135-82 (+53.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 88-74 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 716-605 (+86.6 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 65-53 (+11.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

TIM LINCECUM vs. HOUSTON since 1997
LINCECUM is 2-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 1.67 and a WHIP of 0.773.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.9 units)

ROY OSWALT vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
OSWALT is 5-5 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.70 and a WHIP of 1.355.
His team's record is 6-7 (-5.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-4. (+1.6 units)

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CLEVELAND (65 - 97) at CHI WHITE SOX (79 - 83) - 2:05 PM
JAKE WESTBROOK (R) vs. MARK BUEHRLE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 65-97 (-32.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 59-84 (-29.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 58-86 (-29.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
WESTBROOK is 11-28 (-17.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 107-55 (+30.4 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 107-55 (+30.4 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 67-42 (+32.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Monday since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

JAKE WESTBROOK vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
WESTBROOK is 8-10 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 4.73 and a WHIP of 1.353.
His team's record is 9-12 (-5.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-12. (-4.5 units)

MARK BUEHRLE vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
BUEHRLE is 10-14 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.73 and a WHIP of 1.360.
His team's record is 17-19 (-7.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 17-17. (-1.9 units)

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TORONTO (75 - 87) at TEXAS (87 - 75) - 2:05 PM
SHAUN MARCUM (R) vs. SCOTT FELDMAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 87-75 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 84-69 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 58-47 (+12.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

SHAUN MARCUM vs. TEXAS since 1997
MARCUM is 1-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 4.70 and a WHIP of 1.239.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.1 units)

SCOTT FELDMAN vs. TORONTO since 1997
FELDMAN is 0-2 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 5.19 and a WHIP of 1.558.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

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DETROIT (86 - 77) at KANSAS CITY (65 - 97) - 4:10 PM
JUSTIN VERLANDER (R) vs. ZACK GREINKE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 160-165 (-32.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 18-37 (-17.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 12-22 (-14.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 66-79 (-30.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 105-123 (-38.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
VERLANDER is 11-21 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 9-1 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 65-97 (-24.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 33-48 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 33-48 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 41-60 (-22.1 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
VERLANDER is 9-2 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 2.32 and a WHIP of 1.119.
His team's record is 10-4 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-6. (-0.5 units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. DETROIT since 1997
GREINKE is 10-5 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 2.62 and a WHIP of 1.145.
His team's record is 12-7 (+7.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-12. (-5.9 units)

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MINNESOTA (87 - 79) at LA ANGELS (102 - 69) - 10:05 PM
SCOTT BAKER (R) vs. JERED WEAVER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 102-69 (+23.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 95-61 (+23.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 121-96 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

SCOTT BAKER vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
BAKER is 0-4 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 5.59 and a WHIP of 1.629.
His team's record is 1-6 (-4.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-3. (+0.6 units)

JERED WEAVER vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
WEAVER is 3-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.51 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 4-2 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.2 units)

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SEATTLE (85 - 77) at OAKLAND (75 - 87) - 10:05 PM
FELIX HERNANDEZ (R) vs. BEN SHEETS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 21-12 (+14.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 85-77 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 87-66 (+28.9 Units) against the money line in road games in April games since 1997.
SEATTLE is 80-69 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 57-47 (+13.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HERNANDEZ is 25-9 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 23-8 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 12-3 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHEETS is 24-38 (-25.4 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. OAKLAND since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 8-4 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 2.88 and a WHIP of 1.206.
His team's record is 9-5 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-8. (-2.0 units)

BEN SHEETS vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.

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**Udog** · 04-05-2010, 02:39 AM

MLB

Monday, April 5

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Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets
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Minnesota Twins at Los Angeles Angels (-133, 8.5)

The Angels open a new season with many projecting a step back for the three-time defending AL West winners. Los Angeles lost two major parts when Vladimir Guerrero and John Lackey jumped ship.

While Guerrero’s production had been slipping for years, Lackey was the Halos’ unquestioned No. 1 starter.

"It definitely has importance, has significance," Angels manager Mike Scioscia told the L.A. Daily News about having a staff leader. "As you get into a pennant race and hopefully the playoffs, you'd obviously like to have that guy you can count on to go on the road and win a big game. John was that pitcher."

Jered Weaver, who was named the team’s opening day starter, doesn’t look at the situation in the same light as his manager.

"It sucks to see Lackey go, but that's the business side of the game, and that's how it works sometimes," Weaver said. "But we have five guys here who are legit. Guys who have pitched in playoff situations, guys who have pitched in big games."

Expect Sciosia to be extra aggressive on the base paths and get some early run support for Weaver.

Pick: Over

Seattle Mariners at Oakland A’s (+114, 7)

Did the Athletics’ weak-hitting lineup just get weaker? In a surprise move the A’s cut their leading home run hitter in each of the past three seasons, Jack Cust.

"I think it's messed up," Cust told The San Francisco Chronicle on Saturday. "They're going to go on 50 at-bats after three years of what I've done here? It's ridiculous. A lot of other guys have had bad springs. This is a joke.”

Cust’s spring was certainly forgettable. The designated hitter notched just one homer and three RBIs to go along with 20 strikeouts in 50 at-bats.

"The fact is, this team has no power and they've just released a guy who (averaged 28 homers) the last three years. That's amazing."

The San Francisco Chronicle reports the plan is to shift former Gold Glove winner Eric Chavez to DH.

Yuck. It’s going to be another long season for Oakland fans.

Pick: Mariners

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**Udog** · 04-05-2010, 02:40 AM

MLB

Monday, April 5

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MLB Opening Day betting trends
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Opening Day is the only day of the season where every team starts out even in the standings. Every team, yes even the Royals and Pirates, believes it has a shot at the postseason and is eager to prove it.

Does that mean some teams perform better than others on this special day?

Maybe.

Here’s a look at some of the more interesting Opening Day trends.

Road regulars

Normally the Pittsburgh Pirates open on the road, a tradition dating back to their home field of more than 100 years ago, Exposition Park, would often flood in April. The Pirates opened on the road every year from 1894-53.

This year marks the first season since 2005 the Bucs have opened at home, and just the 22nd time since 1954. The Pirates are 10-11 opening at home since then, and have lost the four of their last five and eight of their last 11 season openers at home dating back to 1979.

Meet your Mets

The Mets are 31-9 on opening day since 1970. They’ve also hold the longest current opening day winning streak (four in a row).

Good things come in four

Four teams have won more than 60 percent of their home openers historically- Toronto (75.7 percent), the Yankees (66 percent), Seattle (63.6) and the Mets (60.4).

Cin City

While Cincinnati has traditionally opened the baseball season, the Reds are only 52-56-1 historically in their home openers and have lost three of their last four.

More trends

-The Rays have lost eight of their last nine road openers.

-Barack Obama will throw out the first pitch at the Nationals’ opener against the Phillies. Home teams are 6-3 the last nine times the President has thrown out the first pitch, dating back to Bill Clinton christening Jacobs Field in Cleveland in 1994.

-The Athletics sport the longest opening day losing streak in the majors, five games (2005-09) while the Phillies hold the longest opening day losing streak in the National League, four games (2006-09)

Opening day starters

-CC Sabathia is mediocre at best on opening day- 1-1, 5.34 ERA lifetime in six opening day starts. He faces Boston’s Josh Beckett in the April 4 opener at Fenway Park. Beckett is 2-1 lifetime on opening day with a 1.59 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 22 2/3 innings pitched.

-Derek Lowe threw a two-hitter through eight innings last year in a 4-1 win against the Phillies for his first opening day victory. But lifetime he is 1-4 with a 5.33 ERA on opening day.

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**Udog** · 04-05-2010, 02:41 AM

MLB

Monday, April 5

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Best and worst MLB pitchers to bet on
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Baseball begins this week and below is a list of play-on and play-against pitchers for the 2010 MLB season.

Five pitchers to back:

Wade Davis (Tampa Bay Rays)

This fifth starter made six starts last year for the Rays, going 2-2 with a 3.72 ERA on the season. Davis started his career giving up one run on three hits against the Tigers in seven innings of work last September. While he did struggle against the Red Sox in his next start, Davis gave up just six earned runs in his last four starts of the season against the likes of Baltimore, Seattle and the Yankees. It should be noted that Davis has an 8.80 ERA in spring training but he’s been tinkering with new pitches.

Brian Matusz (Baltimore Orioles)

The bandwagon is full for this tall left hander as a good spring training has backed a nice finish to his 2009 season. Matusz is 1-2 with a 3.10 ERA in five outings this spring striking out 19 while walking only three batters.

Homer Bailey (Cincinnati Reds)

This phenom’s career couldn’t be more helter-skelter. Bailey spent 2007 and 2008 getting smacked around going 4-8 in 17 games over those two seasons. Last year, he improved a bit going 8-5 with a 4.53 ERA. Bailey has made three outings this spring giving up just four runs in 11.2 innings pitched. While his strikeout numbers aren’t very gaudy (3), he seems to have fixed his walk problem that plagued him earlier in his career.

Ricky Nolasco (Florida Marlins)

Nolasco spent some time in the minors last season and it seemed to clear his head. While the 5.06 ERA last season is unsightly, he still managed to go 13-9 striking out 195 while walking only 44. This spring, Nolasco is 3-0 with a 1.78 ERA in five starts striking out 21 while walking only one batter. Ricky seems to be in midseason form already.

Luke Hochevar (Kansas City Royals)

Much like Homer Bailey, Hochevar has been inconsistent throughout his career. The right hander is 13-26 with a 5.88 ERA in 51 starts over his career. Still Luke has shown flashes of brilliance. He’s 0-1 with a 3.94 ERA in four starts this spring. This is purely a speculative play as I feel that the Royals will be a team on the rise and for that to happen, Luke will have to lead the charge.

Four pitchers to fade:

Cole Hamels (Philadelphia Phillies)

While we don’t like telling people to fade the Phillies at any time, this left hander’s inconsistency presents opportunities to jump on a juicy runline. Hamels is a Top-5 pitcher when he wants to be. The lefty went 10-11 with a 4.32 ERA last year allowing batters to hit .273 against him. This spring hasn’t been much better as he’s gone 1-1 with a 5.57 ERA over five starts. Hamels has given up 11 runs in 10.1 innings of work his last two outings and pitchers are supposed to improve instead of regress the closer the season comes.

Cliff Lee (Seattle Mariners)

Of course the injury helps us here, but I feel like even when he gets healthy, the left hander will be fade material. Lee expressed dismay at his trade from Philly to Seattle and has already been suspended once during spring training. In two starts, Lee has given up 11 hits and five runs during 5.2 innings of work. Lee’s move back to the American League could be a struggle this season. I feel like the Mariners may not live up to expectations.

Vicente Padilla (Los Angeles Dodgers)

The Dodgers named this right hander as their opening day starter and I’m not quite sure why. Seven months ago, this head case was released by a pitching starved Ranger team and went to L.A. where he experienced some success. Padilla’s been tattooed a bit during the spring giving up 19 hits and 10 runs in 14.1 innings of work as hitters are ringing him up to a tune of .306 BAA. I just don’t feel safe backing him in games where he will be pitted against other aces.

Jeremy Guthrie (Baltimore Orioles)

Guthrie had one of the worst seasons of his short career last year going 10-17 with a 5.04 ERA. The right hander hasn’t been much better during the spring giving up 19 runs and 28 hits in 20.2 innings of work. Not only that, the righty has walked 13 batters as well.

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**Udog** · 04-05-2010, 02:41 AM

MLB

Monday, April 5

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This Day in Baseball
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On April 5 in Baseball History...

1925 - The Yankees whip the Dodgers in an exhibition, 16-9, but the headlines are about the Babe. Ruth collapses in the railroad station in Asheville, North Carolina, and winds up in a New York hospital. He'll undergo an operation for an ulcer on April 17 and will be in bed until May 26.

1972 - The Mets trade outfielder Ken Singleton, first baseman Mike Jorgensen, and infielder Tim Foli to the Expos for outfielder Rusty Staub.

1979 - Baltimore manager Earl Weaver wins his 1,000th game as a skipper.

1982 - Jim Kaat, 43, pitches one inning for the Cardinals in a season-opening 14-3 rout of the Astros, setting a well-earned but short-lived major league record for pitchers by playing in his 24th consecutive season. Nolan Ryan and Tommy John will later surpass Kaat in the longevity department.

1983 - In his first appearance with the Mets since 1977, Tom Seaver combines with Doug Sisk to shut out the Phillies 2-0 on five hits. It is Seaver's 14th Opening Day assignment, tying Walter Johnson's record with Washington.

1993 - The first new N.L. teams since 1969 both play their first games. The Rockies are blanked 3-0 by the Mets at Shea Stadium. The Marlins are 6-3 winners over the Dodgers at Joe Robbie Stadium.

1997 - Just one day after the stadium's first game, Turner Field holds its first slumber party. Rain showers force Saturday night's Cubs-Braves game to be suspended in the seventh inning late Saturday night, but because of the change to daylight savings time and a day game on Sunday, several players decide to spend the night in the clubhouse at the brand-new stadium. The Braves win the completion of the suspended game, 11-5, and then win the regularly scheduled game, 4-0.

1998 - The Arizona Diamondbacks get in the victory column for the first time with a 3-2 win over the Giants. Andy Benes, who lost the first game in club history in his Opening Day start, bounces back with seven strong innings in Phoenix to outpitch San Francisco's Shawn Estes. Felix Rodriguez earns the save to end the second-worst start ever (0-5) by an expansion team.

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**Udog** · 04-05-2010, 02:42 AM

NOTE:
For the initial posting of trends and indexes, we have provided information available up to the time of posting.
Additional updates for today’s games will be posted ASAP.

Announcement

Monday Trends and Indexes 4/5 (NCAAB, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

Monday Trends and Indexes 4/5 (NCAAB, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

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