Friday Trends and Indexes 4/9 (NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

[Udog]

Trends and Indexes

Friday, April 9

Good Luck on day #99 of 2010!

At this time, the sports menu in this thread consists of the NBA, NHL and MLB until their seasons are played out. Also, general sports news and notes will be posted.

NOTE:
As information becomes available, we will attempt to post the trends and indexes as soon as possible.
Information is posted from what we believe are reliable sources.
Any opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the posting member or BettorsChat.

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

Matchup Links

NBA Matchups

NBA Hot and Not

NBA Injuries

NHL Matchups

NHL Hot and Not

MLB Matchups

MLB Previews

MLB Hot or Not

MLB Umpires

MLB Trends

MLB Weather

NASCAR Schedules

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

[Udog]

Daily Sports Roundup: April 9

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The second round of The Masters gets underway at Augusta, while the Yankees begin a road series against Tampa Bay.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

The NBA offers up a hectic 13-game slate on Friday night, including Toronto at Atlanta. The Raptors' chances of making the playoffs took a hit on Wednesday night when they were beaten 115-104 at home by the Celtics. Sonny Weems scored a team-high 21 points in that defeat for the Raptors, who will be without star forward Chris Bosh (facial injuries) for an indefinite amount of time. The Hawks fell to the Pistons 90-88 on the road on Wednesday night, blowing the seven-point lead they held after three quarters. The Raptors managed to slip past the Hawks 106-105 as a 3-point home favorite when they played March 17.

Also on the NBA hardwood on Friday: Milwaukee at Philadelphia, New York at Orlando, Washington at Boston, Indiana at Cleveland, Detroit at Miami, Chicago at New Jersey, the Lakers at Minnesota, Phoenix at Oklahoma City, Charlotte at Houston, Memphis at San Antonio, Dallas at Portland, and Utah at New Orleans. The Hornets have been eliminated from playoff contention in the Western Conference, and they'll have to play the last week of the season without Chris Paul (torn finger ligament). Utah beat New Orleans 106-86 at home on March 20.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

There is a full slate of games in the American League on Friday, with Cleveland at Detroit, Toronto at Baltimore, Seattle at Texas, Boston at Kansas City, Minnesota at the White Sox, Oakland at the Angels, and the Yankees at Tampa Bay. New York will go with Javier Vazquez in its series opener against the Rays. Righthander Vazquez went 15-10 in his stint in the National League for the Braves last season, posting a 2.87 ERA and fanning 238 over 219.1 innings. The Rays will counter with David Price. Lefthander Price disappointed for Tampa Bay in '09, going 10-7 with a 4.42 ERA while striking out 102 in 128.1 innings pitched.

Over in the National League on Friday it'll be San Diego at Colorado, the Dodgers at Florida, Washington at the Mets, the Cubs at Cincinnati, Philadelphia at Houston, St. Louis at Milwaukee, Pittsburgh at Arizona, and Atlanta at San Francisco. Tim Hudson will get the ball for the Braves on Friday afternoon; righthander Hudson was limited to just seven starts for Atlanta last season, going 2-1 with a 3.61 ERA and 30 strikeouts over 42.1 innings. Taking the mound for the Giants on Friday will be Jonathan Sanchez. Lefthander Sanchez went 8-12 for the Giants in 2009 with a 4.24 ERA and 177 strikeouts over his 163.1 innings.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

The NHL has just five games on the ice on Friday, with Atlanta at Washington, Detroit at Columbus, Anaheim at St. Louis, Chicago at Colorado, and Philadelphia at the Rangers. New York buoyed their playoff chances with a 5-1 home win over the Leafs on Wednesday; Erik Christensen potted a pair of goals for the Rangers in that contest. The Flyers also beat Toronto in their last game, winning 2-0 on the road on Tuesday behind the goaltending of Brian Boucher. The Flyers and Rangers will close out their regular season slates with the back end of a home-and-home on Sunday, when a playoff berth could be on the line.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

Finally, the second round of The Masters gets underway on Friday morning, with Fred Couples sitting in the lead at 6-under after the first round. Tom Watson, Lee Westwood, Phil Mickelson, Y.E. Yang, and K.J. Choi sit one stroke back of the lead after 18 holes, while Tiger Woods shot a 4-under 68 in his return to the links.

[Udog]

Bettors' best friend: Friday's wagering tips

Lines off the board

Detroit Pistons at Miami Heat: Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince (personal) is probable, guards Richard Hamilton (ankle) and Rodeny Stuckey (ribs) are questionable and forward Jason Maxiell (back) is doubtful.

Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves: Lakers forward Luke Walton (back) is probable. T-wolves center Al Jefferson (personal) and guard Wayne Ellington (illness) are questionable.

Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers: Cavs forward LeBron James and guard Mo Williams are game-time decisions for rest.

Toronto Raptors at Atlanta Hawks: Raptors forwards Hedo Turkaglu (nose) and Amir Johnson (knee) and guards Jarrett Jack (ankle) and Antonio Wright (ankle) and Hawks guard Joe Johnson (thumb) and center Jason Collins are questionable.

Charlotte Bobcats at Houston Rockets: Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (rest) is probable, center Theo Ratliff (thumb) is questionable and forward Tyrus Thomas (thumb) is doubtful. Rockets center David Anderson (back) is questionable.

Lines to keep an eye on

Milwaukee Bucks at Philadelphia 76ers: The Bucks opened as 3.5-point favorite and jumped to 4.5 at most books. They have covered in seven straight.

Utah Jazz at New Orleans Hornets: Jazz opened as 5.5-point favorites and leaped to 6.5 at most shops. The Hornets are 1-6 ATS in their last seven.

Who's hot

Phoenix Suns are 11-1 SU in their last 12.

Miami Heat have won nine in a row SU.

Detroit Red Wings are 13-4 SU in their last 17.

Who's not

Minnesota Timberwolves are 1-19 SU in their last 20.

Memphis Grizzlies are 1-6 SU and ATS in their last seven.

New Orleans Hornets are 1-6 SU in their last seven.

Key stat

28.8 - Average points per game scored by Kobe Bryant during the Lakers' current 10-game winning streak against Minnesota, dating back to the night in 2007 when he hung 50 on the T-wolves.

Injury that shouldn't be overlooked

Hawks leading scorer Joe Johnson is probable with a thumb injury but don't put a penny on Atlanta until you see him suited up and ready to go. Johnson, who is averaging 21.2 points and 4.9 assists per game, had led the Hawks to a hot streak of 6-1 SU and ATS before suffering the injury. The Hawks are 0-2 SU and ATS in his absence.

Game of the day

Phoenix Suns at Oklahoma City Thunder

Notable quotable

"They're the two clubs that don't try to pick up the pace. They're two of the best teams in baseball. Why are they playing the slowest? It's embarassing and pathetic."

Major League Baseball umpire Joe West on the New York Yankees-Boston Red Sox season-opening series, which saw games last 3:46, 3:48 and 3:21.

Tips and notes

The Lakers are battling the Magic for home-court advantage in case of an NBA Finals rematch and a game against the Timberwolves should help. The timing, however, is less than ideal. Following Thursday night's showdown with the Nuggets, the Lakers won't land in Minnesapolis until after 4 a.m. The Lakers are 9-9 ATS on no days rest while the T-wolves are 5-4 ATS vs. opponents coming off a game the previous day.

In a scheduling quirk even for the NHL's Olympic crunch, the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets will face off for the third time in the last nine days. The Wings won the April Fool's meeting 3-2, then took Wednesday's rematch 4-3. Close games, but the Red Wings are playing for postseason positioning and appear to have the Jackets' number, winning nine of the last 10 meetings dating back to last season.

Thursday's heavy rains at Augusta National Golf Club overnight should leave a soggy course for at least the first half of the day. Those conditions tend to limit the length of longer hitters and could opener the door for guys with short-but-straight games. Tiger Woods is among the contenders teeing off early. The later tee times should have an advantage on a drier course.

[Udog]

NBA
Long Sheet


Friday, April 9

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

MILWAUKEE (44 - 34) at PHILADELPHIA (26 - 52) - 4/9/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 40-64 ATS (-30.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 50-26 ATS (+21.4 Units) in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) as a favorite this season.
MILWAUKEE is 26-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) in road games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 23-8 ATS (+14.2 Units) second half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) against Atlantic division opponents this season.
MILWAUKEE is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent this season.
MILWAUKEE is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
MILWAUKEE is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
MILWAUKEE is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
MILWAUKEE is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 30-8 ATS (+21.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
MILWAUKEE is 18-4 ATS (+13.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 32-45 ATS (-17.5 Units) in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 11-27 ATS (-18.7 Units) in home games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 8-2 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 8-2 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

NEW YORK (28 - 50) at ORLANDO (55 - 23) - 4/9/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 102-77 ATS (+17.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 79-65 ATS (+7.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 77-57 ATS (+14.3 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) against Atlantic division opponents this season.
ORLANDO is 64-46 ATS (+13.4 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 47-32 ATS (+11.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 44-30 ATS (+11.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 51-35 ATS (+12.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 62-48 ATS (+9.2 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 27-11 ATS (+14.9 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 42-27 ATS (+12.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 6-4 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 8-2 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

WASHINGTON (24 - 54) at BOSTON (49 - 29) - 4/9/2010, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 34-43 ATS (-13.3 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 21-32 ATS (-14.2 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
WASHINGTON is 24-38 ATS (-17.8 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 31-45 ATS (-18.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 32-44 ATS (-16.4 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 24-37 ATS (-16.7 Units) as a favorite this season.
BOSTON is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) as a home favorite of 9.5 to 12 points over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) in home games this season.
BOSTON is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 195 and 199.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 11-26 ATS (-17.6 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
BOSTON is 15-26 ATS (-13.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 5-5 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 7-3 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

INDIANA (30 - 48) at CLEVELAND (61 - 17) - 4/9/2010, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 8-3 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 10-1 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

TORONTO (38 - 40) at ATLANTA (49 - 29) - 4/9/2010, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 7-3 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 6-4 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

DETROIT (25 - 53) at MIAMI (44 - 34) - 4/9/2010, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 8-2 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 5-5 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

CHICAGO (37 - 40) at NEW JERSEY (11 - 67) - 4/9/2010, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 21-35 ATS (-17.5 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
NEW JERSEY is 32-45 ATS (-17.5 Units) in all games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 31-41 ATS (-14.1 Units) as an underdog this season.
NEW JERSEY is 30-53 ATS (-28.3 Units) as a home underdog of 3.5 to 6 points since 1996.
NEW JERSEY is 15-24 ATS (-11.4 Units) in home games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 28-38 ATS (-13.8 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
NEW JERSEY is 15-26 ATS (-13.6 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 5-4 against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 5-4 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

LA LAKERS (55 - 22) at MINNESOTA (15 - 63) - 4/9/2010, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 5-4 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 9-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

PHOENIX (51 - 27) at OKLAHOMA CITY (48 - 30) - 4/9/2010, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 46-32 ATS (+10.8 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) on Friday nights this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 27-16 ATS (+9.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 30-21 ATS (+6.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
PHOENIX is 44-32 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 37-26 ATS (+8.4 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
PHOENIX is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) second half of the season this season.
PHOENIX is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) on Friday nights this season.
PHOENIX is 179-141 ATS (+23.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
PHOENIX is 30-18 ATS (+10.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
PHOENIX is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 6-3 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 9-1 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

UTAH (51 - 28) at NEW ORLEANS (35 - 44) - 4/9/2010, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 52-35 ATS (+13.5 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
UTAH is 47-29 ATS (+15.1 Units) in all games this season.
UTAH is 34-19 ATS (+13.1 Units) as a favorite this season.
UTAH is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) against Southwest division opponents this season.
UTAH is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
UTAH is 21-12 ATS (+7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
UTAH is 24-15 ATS (+7.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
UTAH is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 35-44 ATS (-13.4 Units) in all games this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 28-47 ATS (-23.7 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) on Friday nights this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 12-27 ATS (-17.7 Units) against Northwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 15-24 ATS (-11.4 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 35-56 ATS (-26.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 18-33 ATS (-18.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 8-2 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 8-2 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MEMPHIS (39 - 39) at SAN ANTONIO (48 - 30) - 4/9/2010, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) as a road underdog of 9.5 to 12 points over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 54-75 ATS (-28.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 334-279 ATS (+27.1 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 78-52 ATS (+20.8 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 7-4 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 9-2 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

CHARLOTTE (42 - 36) at HOUSTON (40 - 38) - 4/9/2010, 8:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 3-2 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 4-1 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

DALLAS (51 - 27) at PORTLAND (48 - 30) - 4/9/2010, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 33-44 ATS (-15.4 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) against Northwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 31-47 ATS (-20.7 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
PORTLAND is 43-33 ATS (+6.7 Units) in all games this season.
PORTLAND is 62-43 ATS (+14.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 50-33 ATS (+13.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 33-17 ATS (+14.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 44-68 ATS (-30.8 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 6-4 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 5-5 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

[Udog]

NBA


Friday, April 9

The remaining matchups will be added as soon as possible.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7:00 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. PHILADELPHIA
Milwaukee is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games
Milwaukee is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

7:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. ORLANDO
New York is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
New York is 6-12 ATS in its last 18 games when playing Orlando
Orlando is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against New York
Orlando is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New York

7:30 PM
DETROIT vs. MIAMI
Detroit is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games
Detroit is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Miami is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Detroit
Miami is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Detroit

7:30 PM
INDIANA vs. CLEVELAND
Indiana is 3-10-1 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Cleveland
Indiana is 1-13 SU in its last 14 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 18-3-1 SU in its last 22 games
Cleveland is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home

7:30 PM
TORONTO vs. ATLANTA
Toronto is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Atlanta
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:30 PM
WASHINGTON vs. BOSTON
Washington is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Boston
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
Boston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Boston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home

8:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. NEW JERSEY
Chicago is 6-13-1 SU in its last 20 games
Chicago is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
New Jersey is 11-2 ATS in its last 13 games when playing at home against Chicago
New Jersey is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Chicago

8:00 PM
LA LAKERS vs. MINNESOTA
LA Lakers are 1-3-1 SU in their last 5 games
LA Lakers are 1-3-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
Minnesota is 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Minnesota is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against LA Lakers

8:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Phoenix is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games
Phoenix is 4-9-1 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Phoenix
Oklahoma City is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Phoenix

8:00 PM
UTAH vs. NEW ORLEANS
Utah is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing New Orleans
Utah is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing New Orleans
New Orleans is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
New Orleans is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games


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

[Udog]

NBA


Friday, April 9

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game of the day: Suns at Thunder
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Phoenix Suns at Oklahoma City Thunder (-3.5, 222)

Playoff push begins

There is a very tight race in the West for the second-overall spot and home-court advantage for the teams seeded No. 1 through No. 4. The Lakers are locked into the No. 1 spot but Dallas, Denver, Utah, Phoenix, San Antonio and Oklahoma City are all fighting for the fourth seed or better.

The good news for Oklahoma City is that it is in the postseason. The bad news is that it sits in the eighth spot and would have to face the Lakers in the first round. The Thunder are currently tied with Portland and San Antonio in the standings and could move up as they get the Suns at home and also face the Blazers next week.

Suns on the rise

The Suns got a important 112-101 win over San Antonio Wednesday, which moved them into a tie for the second-best record in the West with Dallas and Denver. However, they are actually the fourth seed right now because Dallas and Denver are division leaders.

In their win over the Spurs, the Suns survived a close game throughout but finished strong and put the Spurs out of their misery in the fourth quarter .After a timeout, the Suns lineup of four subs and Grant Hill beat a Spurs team that had played at Sacramento a night earlier and had to bring Tony Parker off the bench in his second game back from a broken finger.

The Suns, coming off three-days' rest, went on a 19-7 run out of that fourth-quarter timeout, starting with a Jared Dudley 3-pointer and ending with two Goran Dragic steals that led to his 3-point play and a Hill slam for a 109-92 lead with 3:58 to go.

"JD (Dudley) did a really good job on limiting (Manu) Ginobili and we tried to limit (Duncan's) touches as much as we could," Suns coach Alvin Gentry told reporters. "We tried to be as active as we can and we tried to change it up as much as we could."

"It was pretty physical both ways," forward Louis Amundson told the media. "That's going to be playoff basketball for us. We've got to get ready for that intensity."

The Suns had won 10 straight games prior to losing to the Bucks in Milwaukee Sunday and, after Thursday's win, now stand 11-1 SU their last 12 games overall. Only one of those ten victories came by less than six points.

The Suns have been outstanding on the road lately, having won 12 of their last 15 away. But a closer look tells the real story as just four of those wins came against teams with a .500 or better record.

Stormy weather in OKC

On Tuesday night, the Thunder were jobbed by officials on a last-second call and should have won a critical game in Utah. Kevin Durant (90 percent free throw shooter) was fouled on the last shot of the game but a call was never made. The Thunder then lost a heartbreaker Thursday to the Nuggets, 98-94, which pushed them to the eighth in the West and three games behind the fourth-seeded Suns.

Oklahoma City led the Nuggets by 13-points with just 7:13 to play but managed to make just eight free throws and didn't convert a field goal in the final nine minutes of the game. The Thunder missed their final 11 shots and committed three turnovers in a four-possession span that let the Nuggets back into the game.

A lot had to do with the fact that the Thunder were playing their fourth game in a five-day span and the second night of a back-to-back. In a game when they should have been driving to the basket the Thunder chose to shoot from the perimeter.

"We settled," Jeff Green told the press. "We didn't try to be aggressive."

The Thunder are the youngest team in the league and are clearly learning the ropes when it comes to playoff basketball. Head coach Scott Brooks even made some strategic mistakes last night as he didn't use his bench enough when his starting five were fighting exhaustion.

"That's part of getting better," Brooks admitted to reporters. "Figuring it out if things aren't going your way."

Oklahoma City had been on a very impressive roll since late January. It has won 24-of-31 games but since dropped two very big contests to the Jazz and Nuggets. The Thunder are 9-4 SU in their last 13 games at home but that record is a little misleading as just three of those nine have come against winning teams.

Head to head

In the two regular season meetings, the road team has won both times. Back in December, the Thunder went into Phoenix as 8.5-point underdogs and won 117-113. The Thunder led by as many as 15 points in that game and were never really threatened. The glaring difference in that contest was a plus-10 rebounding advantage for the Thunder and a plus-3 turnover differential. Both teams shot well, over 47 percent from the field each.

In the most recent meeting in late February, the Suns captured a 104-102 win in OKC. In this game the Suns were plus-10 in rebounds and shot 51.3 percent as a team which proved to be the difference. Interestingly enough, Steve Nash didn't play in that game but Goran Dragic filled in with 16 points and 10 assists.

Trends

The underdog is a money-making 7-2-1 ATS the last 10 meetings between these two teams. The Suns are 9-2 ATS their last 11 road games versus a team with a winning home record. The Thunder are 4-1 ATS their last 5 games versus a team with a winning road record.

Ironically, both teams are very good playing on Friday nights as the Suns are 16-4-1 ATS their last 21 while the Thunder are 13-3 ATS their last 16 Fridays.

The Suns are 12-5-1 ATS in their last 18 games following a SU win. Oklahoma City is 45-20 ATS in its last 65 games following a SU loss.


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

[Udog]

NBA


Friday, April 9

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pick 'n' Roll: Today's best NBA bets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Memphis Grizzlies at San Antonio Spurs (-10.5, 200)

The San Antonio Spurs have cooled their heels since losing point guard George Hill, forcing a formerly red-hot Manu Ginobili to move to the point.

Former starter Tony Parker has returned from a long layoff but was largely ineffective in his first game back Wednesday, when the Spurs snapped a 6-1 SU and ATS run with a 112-101 loss to the Phoenix Suns.

Ginobeli, who averaged 25.8 points per game last week in earning NBA POW honors for the West, was held to 10 points in 38 minutes in against the Suns. Eighteen turnovers didn't help, but that what happens without enough ballhandlers on the floor.

"There were too many things that we could have taken care of that were simple," Tim Duncan told reporters after the game. "Just turning the ball over, missed free throws. We had a bunch of missed assignments defensively. That's a lot of things that we can clean up. It's a disappointing game for us, but such is life."

Hill is questionable for tonight's game with the ankle injury. If he plays or Parker picks up the pace, Ginobeli should be able to get his groove back against Grizzlies team that is playing out the string.

Pick: Spurs


Milwaukee Bucks at Philadelphia 76ers (4.5, 195)

The Bucks were expected to struggle after losing Andrew Bogut, but they have gotten production from an unexpected source.

Journeyman Kurt Thomas, who was averaging less than 3 points and 4 rebounds per game in limited time before the loss of Bogut, has stepped up to average 8.7 points and 10.3 rebounds in 30 minutes in the three games since.

Thomas isn't the only Buck stepping up his play. John Salmons has averaged 24 points in the last two wins and Jerry Stackhouse added 18 in the win over the Nets, but Thomas may have been the biggest surprise.

"It's two good wins for us," Salmons said. "We've got to continue to learn how to play without Bogues (Bogut). These first few games is a good step for us and hopefully we can continue doing that."

Thomas might not be able to carry the Bucks in the playoff teams against stiffer competition, but right now he seems like a surprisingly effective, albeit temporary, replacement, especially against the struggling 76ers.

Pick: Bucks


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

[Udog]

NHL
Long Sheet


Friday, April 9

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

DETROIT (42-24-0-14, 98 pts.) at COLUMBUS (32-35-0-14, 78 pts.) - 4/9/2010, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 16-7 (+3.1 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 16-7-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
12 of 20 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.7 Units)

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

PHILADELPHIA (40-34-0-6, 86 pts.) at NY RANGERS (37-33-0-10, 84 pts.) - 4/9/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 41-40 ATS (-14.1 Units) in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 14-21 ATS (-14.9 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
NY RANGERS are 12-16 ATS (-6.0 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
NY RANGERS are 135-152 ATS (-89.6 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 79-91 ATS (-62.9 Units) in home games vs. division opponents since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 64-74 ATS (-46.7 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 71-87 ATS (-71.3 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 11-7 (+3.9 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 11-7-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-1.4 Units)

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

ATLANTA (34-33-0-13, 81 pts.) at WASHINGTON (53-16-0-11, 117 pts.) - 4/9/2010, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 13-6 (+5.2 Units) against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 13-6-0 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
11 of 19 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.1 Units)

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

ANAHEIM (38-32-0-9, 85 pts.) at ST LOUIS (39-32-0-9, 87 pts.) - 4/9/2010, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 80-86 ATS (-52.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 49-40 ATS (+92.6 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 15-8 ATS (+23.8 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent this season.
ST LOUIS is 30-27 ATS (+62.7 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 25-12 ATS (+11.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 52-44 ATS (+1.9 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 11-19 ATS (+30.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 7-4 (+1.9 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 7-4-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.0 Units)

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

CHICAGO (51-22-0-7, 109 pts.) at COLORADO (43-29-0-8, 94 pts.) - 4/9/2010, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 43-37 ATS (-10.3 Units) in all games this season.
COLORADO is 30-28 ATS (+1.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 124-128 ATS (+280.7 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
CHICAGO is 14-4 ATS (+9.0 Units) in April games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 51-24 ATS (+18.8 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 74-56 ATS (+14.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 1-8 ATS (+9.3 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs this season.
COLORADO is 78-78 ATS (-24.3 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 7-4 (+1.1 Units) against the spread versus COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 7-4-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.6 Units)

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

[Udog]

NHL


Friday, April 9

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Top 5 NHL favorites to win the Stanley Cup
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The players grow bad beards, skate on wrecked knees and drive in front of a hard piece of rubber traveling 100 mph just for a chance to lift Lord Stanley’s Cup.

It’s the most physical and unpredictable postseason in major pro sports, and it begins next week.

Below is a list of the top NHL favorites to win this year’s Stanley Cup along with a breakdown of the reasons for and against backing each team with a futures play.

Washington Capitals: Odds to win the Cup +400

Why they will win:

The Caps have been far and away the best team in the NHL this season. They have the best offense and the best power play in the league, and boast seven players with at least twenty goals.

The goaltending issues that many predicted have not materialized. Jose Theodore has not lost in regulation in his last 22 games and appears to be “the man” going forward. Offensively, defensively and in goal, this team is stacked.

Why they won’t win:

The absence of a meaningful game in the last month of the season could hurt this team’s chances. The Caps had the Eastern Conference wrapped up early and failed to show up in a few games down the stretch.

You have to wonder if their style of play will be as successful in the postseason. Opponents point out Washington forwards (Alex Ovechkin in particular) float outside of the defensive zone looking for odd man rushes.

It’s hard to break bad habits especially after the success Washington has had this season.

San Jose Sharks: +450

Why they will win:

To say that the Sharks are due is an epic understatement. They’ve been one of the two best regular season teams for the past three seasons but have not been able to carry that success into the playoffs.

This squad owns multiple snipers (Dany Heatley in particular), the best set-up man in the today’s game (Joe Thornton) and only the Caps scored more power play makers.

Patrick Marleau’s bounce back season and successful big game contributions by Thornton at the Olympics has Shark fans salivating.

Why they won’t win:

The Sharks’ history of playoff underachieving is a bit overwhelming. Although they have had a top three offensive unit all season long, their defense has been spotty at various times during the campaign. Just like in any sport, defense wins championships.

Goaltender Evgeni Nabokov has been solid this season but he’s yet to prove he can carry a team in an elimination game.

Pittsburgh Penguins: +500

Why they will win:

The defending champs were almost a consensus pick to win it all before the season started, and why not? All of the major pieces of their Cup winning season were returning. Sidney Crosby is another year older and experienced, Evgeni Malkin is still the best second line player in the game and Marc-Andre Fleury is still one of the best puck stoppers in the NHL.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have that rare combination of talent, experience, tradition and sheer will to win going for them.

Why they won’t win:

Recent losses to teams like Tampa Bay and Carolina have raised questions about their preparation and their desire. Malkin’s progression seemed to regress at the start of the season and recent injury troubles haven’t helped him either.

Pittsburgh’s play has been up and down all season. You have to wonder if the Pens can just flip the switch once the postseason begins.

Chicago Blackhawks: +500

Why they will win:

The Hawks own arguably the most talented roster. Up front, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa all create and bury scoring chances. Brent Seabrook, Duncan Keith and Kim Johnsson control things for a group of blue liners that excel at puck possession. The Hawks play with speed, skill and passion – a good recipe for success in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Why they won’t win:

They’ve been a different team since top-four defenseman Brian Campbell was lost for the season. Their defensive zone coverage is lacking and their transition game is a vital part of their offensive attack.

The goal scoring is down, the power play is struggling and it is partly due to the absence of Campbell.

Also, the goaltending tandem of Cristobal Huet and Antti Niemi doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. A goalie needs to have the ability to steal a game or two in the playoffs, a characteristic that neither puck stopper possesses.

New Jersey Devils: +1000

Why they will win:

The Devils have never had an offensive threat like Ilya Kovalchuk. By acquiring Kovalchuk at the trade deadline, the Devils moved from dark horse to serious contender.

Zach Parise, Jamie Langenbrunner, Travis Zajac and a healthy Patrik Elias provide the secondary scoring that is key for a long Stanley Cup playoff run.

There is also this guy named Martin Brodeur who can make an average team look elite.

Why they won’t win:

The Devils have been getting it done this season with a no-name defensive corp. They have the 22nd ranked offense and have been awful on the road to close out the season. New Jersey is the most unexceptional 100 point team in recent memory.


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

[Udog]

NHL


Friday, April 9

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Philadelphia Flyers at New York Rangers (-150, 5.5)

The Rangers are battling for a playoff spot with just two games left on their schedule. Both of those games, starting Friday, come against the Philadelphia Flyers, who sit two points ahead of New York in seventh place in the Eastern Conference.

The Rangers' desperation has been evident in recent games. They are 4-1 in their last five outings, most recently knocking off the Toronto Maple Leafs, 5-1, Wednesday night. Had New York lost to the Leafs, it would have been eliminated from postseason contention.

"A lot of people thought we were dead," head coach John Tortorella told TSN. "But we just come out and play. That's all we can do."

The Rangers’ offense has been firing on all cylinders during this late-season push, scoring a total of 18 goals in the team’s last four wins. Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist also has performed well in those wins. He stopped 25 shots in the victory over Toronto for his 34th win of the season.

Against the Flyers, the Rangers are 2-2 this year with a win in their most recent contest. New York defeated Philadelphia 3-1 back in mid March, getting 17 saves from Lundqvist.

Pick: New York


Chicago Blackhawks at Colorado Avalanche (125, 5.5)

The young Blackhawks are rounding into playoff mode thanks to a five-game winning streak heading into Friday night.

Chicago’s most recent victory was 6-5 goal fest against the feisty St. Louis Blues in which the Blackhawks allowed three third-period goals but held on for the narrow win.

"That wasn't the way we wanted to play in the third, but I think throughout the first two periods we came out strong," winger Kris Versteeg told the Chicago Tribune. "We were maybe a little bit fatigued there, but that's definitely not the way we want to finish off."

While Chicago was thankful for the victory, it did suffer a loss in the form of star forward Marian Hossa. The gun-for-hire left the game in the second period with an undisclosed injury and did not return. Hossa has played just 55 games this year due to ailments, scoring 24 goals and adding 26 assists.

"It's nothing serious," coach Joel Quenneville told the media. "He should be OK."

With just two games remaining on the schedule and Chicago tied with the San Jose Sharks for the top spot in the West and home-ice throughout the conference playoffs, the Blackhawks are faced with the tough choice of going hard or easing up to make sure no more key players go down. Bettors must also consider Friday’s game as a dangerous look-ahead spot, with the rival Detroit Red Wings waiting for Chitown in the season finale.

Pick: Colorado


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

[Udog]

MLB
Long Sheet


Friday, April 9

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

SAN DIEGO (1 - 2) at COLORADO (1 - 2) - 4:10 PM
CLAYTON RICHARD (L) vs. JORGE DE LA ROSA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
DE LA ROSA is 21-5 (+15.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
RICHARD is 16-9 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 63-81 (-28.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

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

CLAYTON RICHARD vs. COLORADO since 1997
RICHARD is 0-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 4.09 and a WHIP of 1.364.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

JORGE DE LA ROSA vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
DE LA ROSA is 0-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 6.53 and a WHIP of 1.616.
His team's record is 3-3 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-3. (-0.4 units)

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

ATLANTA (2 - 0) at SAN FRANCISCO (3 - 0) - 4:35 PM
TIM HUDSON (R) vs. JONATHAN SANCHEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 160-166 (-32.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 159-164 (-31.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 52-29 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 91-74 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 67-53 (+13.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 91-74 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.

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

TIM HUDSON vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
HUDSON is 4-4 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 4.03 and a WHIP of 1.303.
His team's record is 6-5 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-4. (+1.9 units)

JONATHAN SANCHEZ vs. ATLANTA since 1997
SANCHEZ is 1-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.188.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-3. (-3.7 units)

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

CHICAGO CUBS (0 - 2) at CINCINNATI (0 - 2) - 7:10 PM
CARLOS SILVA (R) vs. HOMER BAILEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 83-80 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 5-16 (-10.7 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 7-18 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 83-80 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 39-45 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 772-807 (-142.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 46-36 (+16.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

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

CARLOS SILVA vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

HOMER BAILEY vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
BAILEY is 1-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 5.73 and a WHIP of 2.091.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

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

WASHINGTON (0 - 2) at NY METS (1 - 1) - 7:10 PM
GARRETT MOCK (R) vs. MIKE PELFREY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 59-105 (-28.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 2-18 (-16.0 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 38-78 (-27.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 220-218 (-60.4 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
NY METS are 40-67 (-25.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.

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

GARRETT MOCK vs. NY METS since 1997
MOCK is 0-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 5.14 and a WHIP of 1.571.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

MIKE PELFREY vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
PELFREY is 3-5 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.92 and a WHIP of 1.440.
His team's record is 5-7 (-5.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-5. (+0.3 units)

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

LA DODGERS (0 - 2) at FLORIDA (1 - 1) - 7:10 PM
HIROKI KURODA (R) vs. CHRIS VOLSTAD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 14-26 (-15.3 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 172-153 (+28.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 168-148 (+28.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 65-51 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 3-10 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.

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

HIROKI KURODA vs. FLORIDA since 1997
KURODA is 0-0 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 3.66 and a WHIP of 1.017.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

CHRIS VOLSTAD vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
VOLSTAD is 2-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.05 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

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

PHILADELPHIA (2 - 0) at HOUSTON (0 - 3) - 8:05 PM
J.A. HAPP (L) vs. BUD NORRIS (R)
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 54-36 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 90-76 (+25.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 51-33 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

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

J.A. HAPP vs. HOUSTON since 1997
HAPP is 1-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 4.76 and a WHIP of 1.764.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

BUD NORRIS vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
NORRIS is 1-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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

ST LOUIS (2 - 0) at MILWAUKEE (2 - 1) - 8:10 PM
KYLE LOHSE (R) vs. DAVE BUSH (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LOHSE is 7-15 (-9.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LOHSE is 7-15 (-9.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 36-18 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 63-46 (+20.8 Units) against the money line in road 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.

KYLE LOHSE vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
LOHSE is 3-5 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 5.32 and a WHIP of 1.413.
His team's record is 4-8 (-6.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-7. (-4.7 units)

DAVE BUSH vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
BUSH is 2-6 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 6.65 and a WHIP of 1.565.
His team's record is 2-6 (-4.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-5. (-2.5 units)

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

PITTSBURGH (2 - 0) at ARIZONA (2 - 1) - 9:40 PM
CHARLIE MORTON (R) vs. RODRIGO LOPEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 22-58 (-25.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 21-56 (-24.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LOPEZ is 80-69 (+21.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 72-93 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 110-124 (-27.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 27-43 (-18.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 72-93 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 38-45 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 77-81 (-35.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Friday since 1997.

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

CHARLIE MORTON vs. ARIZONA since 1997
MORTON is 1-0 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.08 and a WHIP of 1.285.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

RODRIGO LOPEZ vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

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

CLEVELAND (1 - 1) at DETROIT (1 - 1) - 1:05 PM
DAVID HUFF (L) vs. RICK PORCELLO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 66-98 (-31.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 59-87 (-29.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 49-74 (-25.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HUFF is 9-2 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 161-166 (-33.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 67-80 (-30.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

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

DAVID HUFF vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.

RICK PORCELLO vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
PORCELLO is 3-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 1.80 and a WHIP of 1.040.
His team's record is 4-0 (+4.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.0 units)

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

TORONTO (1 - 1) at BALTIMORE (0 - 2) - 3:05 PM
BRANDON MORROW (R) vs. BRADLEY BERGESEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 26-46 (-21.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 114-114 (-42.5 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 505-552 (-114.9 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 46-100 (-37.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 28-61 (-28.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 505-552 (-114.9 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997.

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

BRANDON MORROW vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

BRADLEY BERGESEN vs. TORONTO since 1997
BERGESEN is 1-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.55 and a WHIP of 1.421.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

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

NY YANKEES (2 - 1) at TAMPA BAY (2 - 0) - 7:10 PM
JAVIER VAZQUEZ (R) vs. DAVID PRICE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 116-56 (+38.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 35-16 (+18.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 89-64 (+25.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 117-59 (+35.4 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 127-67 (+38.1 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 82-33 (+37.3 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 80-40 (+25.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.

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

JAVIER VAZQUEZ vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
VAZQUEZ is 5-5 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.80 and a WHIP of 1.376.
His team's record is 5-8 (-6.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-4. (+4.3 units)

DAVID PRICE vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
PRICE is 1-0 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 1.93 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 2-1 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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

SEATTLE (1 - 2) at TEXAS (1 - 1) - 8:05 PM
JASON VARGAS (L) vs. COLBY LEWIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 88-76 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 85-70 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LEWIS is 12-4 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
LEWIS is 12-4 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 86-79 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 88-68 (+27.9 Units) against the money line in road games in April games since 1997.
SEATTLE is 81-71 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 58-48 (+13.7 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.

JASON VARGAS vs. TEXAS since 1997
VARGAS is 0-1 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

COLBY LEWIS vs. SEATTLE since 1997
LEWIS is 2-2 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 4.84 and a WHIP of 1.585.
His team's record is 3-3 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.4 units)

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

BOSTON (1 - 2) at KANSAS CITY (1 - 1) - 8:10 PM
TIM WAKEFIELD (R) vs. KYLE DAVIES (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 13-3 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing with a day off over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 66-98 (-24.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 34-49 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 6-20 (-15.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 34-49 (-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 48-68 (-23.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 42-61 (-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.

TIM WAKEFIELD vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
WAKEFIELD is 8-6 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.28 and a WHIP of 1.240.
His team's record is 10-7 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-7. (+1.4 units)

KYLE DAVIES vs. BOSTON since 1997
DAVIES is 1-0 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.400.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

MINNESOTA (2 - 1) at CHI WHITE SOX (1 - 1) - 8:10 PM
FRANCISCO LIRIANO (L) vs. JOHN DANKS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 20-41 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
LIRIANO is 15-23 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 36-16 (+19.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 27-12 (+14.5 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 46-27 (+15.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 123-97 (+21.1 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.

FRANCISCO LIRIANO vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
LIRIANO is 0-3 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 9.82 and a WHIP of 1.909.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

JOHN DANKS vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
DANKS is 4-5 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 5.42 and a WHIP of 1.513.
His team's record is 5-8 (-3.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-8. (-3.7 units)

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

OAKLAND (2 - 1) at LA ANGELS (1 - 2) - 10:05 PM
GIO GONZALEZ (L) vs. MATT PALMER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 103-71 (+21.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 198-146 (+43.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 96-63 (+21.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 39-20 (+15.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 97-71 (+22.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
PALMER is 11-2 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PALMER is 11-2 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PALMER is 7-1 (+8.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

GIO GONZALEZ vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
GONZALEZ is 1-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.70 and a WHIP of 1.370.
His team's record is 2-1 (+3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

MATT PALMER vs. OAKLAND since 1997
No recent starts.

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

[Udog]

MLB


Friday, April 9

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Starting pitchers who stink away from home
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There are a number of key statistics that I look at each day when handicapping MLB. Some are team stats and some are individual. Some are offensive and some are defensive.

But most of the stats that have helped me have success handicapping MLB professionally for the last 20 years involve pitching, both starters and bullpen.

As the season progresses, one thing I like to study is what I call the starting pitcher's home-road dichotomy. Many starting hurlers have solid home numbers, but really struggle on the road. When this happens, we can pick up some nice value playing either on or against them in certain home-road situations.

Now to be upfront, many pitchers tend to be better at home, however some of them provide a drastic difference. That's where we can pick up some value.

As a guideline, here are a few starters that fell into the more dramatic home vs. away mode in 2009 that we will keep a close eye on this season.

MLB starting pitchers who didn't perform well on the road in 2009
Mike Pelphrey, Mets Home ERA: 3.72 Road ERA: 6.72 Differential: -3.00

John Lannan, Nationals Home ERA: 2.62 Road ERA: 5.42 Differential: -2.80

Ross Ohlendorf, Pirates Home ERA: 2.64 Road ERA: 5.56 Differential: -2.92

Gavin Floyd, White Sox Home ERA: 2.47 Road ERA: 5.47 Differential: -3.00

Aaron Harang, Reds Home ERA: 3.43 Road ERA: 5.18 Differential: -1.75

Wandy Rodriguez, Astros Home ERA: 2.08 Road ERA: 4.05 Differential: -1.97

Again, these are just a few starting pitchers to keep an eye on this year. By using this handicapping method, and sifting through other stats and variables involved with each game, you should be able to target some undervalued home spots along with some overvalued road situations.



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

[Udog]

MLB


Friday, April 9

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Atlanta Braves at San Francisco Giants (115, 8)

Are the Giants really this good or are the Astros really that bad? That’s the question every bettor has to be asking after watching San Fran sweep and out score Houston 18-6 during a three-game series.

"I think it went the way we expected," centerfielder Aaron Rowand told the San Francisco Chronicle. "We feel we have a pretty good squad here and we're capable of doing some things. We swing the bat well and have great pitching.”

It’s not like anyone doubted the Giants would be a good club this season either. San Fran improved by leaps and bounds last year, going from 72 wins in 2008 to 88 in ’09.

The offense is a bit of a surprise. Only the Pirates, Padres, Mariners and Astros scored fewer runs than the Giants in 2009.

San Fran backers better hope the offense keeps up because Atlanta’s bats have been scary good in the early going.

Pick: Over


Boston Red Sox at Kansas City Royals (135, 9.5)

David Ortiz isn’t happy. The Red Sox designated hitter was reminded about his slow start last spring after going hitless in the first two games of 2010.

He used multiple four-letter words to articulate his frustration over being picked on just two games into the season. Big Papi collected his first hit and RBI Wednesday night but that won’t keep reporters from seconding guessing Terry Francona’s lineup.

The Red Sox manager was asked if he thought about substituting Ortiz for Mike Lowell against lefties.

"No," Francona told ESPN.com. "We're two games into the season. I don't think we want to start doing that. That's not because Mikey can't hit. But the big picture needs to be remembered."

Look for Ortiz to bust out against a Kansas City club short on quality southpaws.

Pick: Red Sox


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

[Udog]

MLB


Friday, April 9

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Day in Baseball
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On April 9 in Baseball History...

1913 - With league approval, the Dodgers play the first regular-season game at Ebbets Field a day ahead of the rest of the league. Cold weather keeps the Opening Day crowd down to about 12,000 as the Phils' Tom Seaton beats Nap Rucker 1-0.

1947 - Commissioner Happy Chandler suspends manager Leo Durocher of the Brooklyn Dodgers for the entire season for consorting with gamblers.

1959 - In the fifth inning against Washington, the Orioles become the first team in history to turn a triple play on Opening Day. Vice President Richard Nixon, a right-hander, substitutes for President Dwight D. Eisenhower and watches the Senators breeze to a 9-2 win.

1962 - President John F. Kennedy throws out the first ball to open the 1962 baseball season at new District of Columbia Stadium. Despite rain, a record Washington crowd of 42,143 shows up to see Bennie Daniels stop Detroit with a five-hit, 4-1 win.

1965 - President Lyndon B. Johnson joins 47,878 fans for the opening of Harris County Domed Stadium (the Astrodome). The Astros win an exhibition with the Yankees 2-1 in 12 innings. Mickey Mantle hits the first-ever indoor home run in the new park.

1969 - Billy Williams of Chicago hit four consecutive doubles to lead the Cubs to an 11-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.

1974 - New Padres owner Ray Kroc, watching his team lose 9-2 in the home opener, takes to the public address system in the eighth inning and says: Ladies and gentlemen, I suffer with you...I've never seen such stupid baseball playing in my life. While he is speaking a streaker runs across the field. San Diego scores three runs but loses to Houston 9-5. Hearing of the incident, Commissioner Bowie Kuhn will make Kroc apologize to the fans.

1978 - The Brewers complete a stunning season-opening, three-game sweep of the Orioles by scores of 11-3, 16-3, and 13-5. Sixto Lezcano, Gorman Thomas, and Cecil Cooper provided the Brewers with a grand slam in each game to set a major-league mark.

1981 - Pressed into service on Opening Day when scheduled starter Jerry Reuss pulls a calf muscle, Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela shuts out the Astros 2-0 on five hits in his first major league start and goes on to win eight consecutive games.

1985 - Chicago's Tom Seaver made his 15th opening-day start to break Christy Mathewson's record. Seaver pitched 6 2/3 innings and was credited with the victory as the White Sox beat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2.

1989 - Rickey Henderson steals his 800th career base in a 4-3 Yankees loss to the Indians.

1990 - Houston's Glenn Davis ties a major league record when he is hit by pitches three times in an 8-4, 11-inning loss to the Reds. For the Reds, it is just their third road opener since 1876.

1993 - The Colorado Rockies beat the Montreal Expos 11-4 for their first win ever and set a National League record for attendance in their home debut. The crowd of 80,227 broke the record of 78,672 set on April 18, 1958, by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

1994 - Recently retired basketball legend Michael Jordan makes his professional debut by going hitless for Double-A Birmingham. Chattanooga is a 10-3 winner over the White Sox farm club.

1997 - A hearty but paltry gathering of 1,677 comes out to see the Blue Jays blank the White Sox at Comiskey Park. The game was originally scheduled at night, but was moved to daylight because of extreme cold. The only thing lower than the attendance (the paid take was just 746) was the temperature, which was 34 degrees at game time. It is the smallest crowd to see the Sox in 27 years.


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

[Udog]

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.