Thursday Trends and Indexes 4/15 (NHL, MLB, Misc.)

[Udog]

NHL


Thursday, April 15

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
BOSTON vs. BUFFALO
Boston is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Buffalo
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Boston's last 11 games when playing on the road against Buffalo
Buffalo is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Buffalo's last 11 games when playing at home against Boston

7:00 PM
MONTREAL vs. WASHINGTON
Montreal is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Montreal's last 6 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games at home
Washington is 18-5 SU in its last 23 games at home

10:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. VANCOUVER
Los Angeles is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Vancouver
Los Angeles is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Vancouver
Vancouver is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Vancouver's last 5 games when playing Los Angeles


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[Udog]

MLB


Thursday, April 15

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Trend Report
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12:05 PM
TEXAS vs. CLEVELAND
Texas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Texas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Cleveland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Texas

1:10 PM
BOSTON vs. MINNESOTA
Boston is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Boston is 7-14 SU in its last 21 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Minnesota is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games when playing at home against Boston

1:40 PM
HOUSTON vs. ST. LOUIS
Houston is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Houston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
St. Louis is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Houston

2:20 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. CHI CUBS
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Milwaukee is 3-8 SU in their last 11 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
Chi Cubs are 8-3 SU in their last 11 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

3:05 PM
WASHINGTON vs. PHILADELPHIA
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Washington is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Philadelphia is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington

3:10 PM
NY METS vs. COLORADO
NY Mets are 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Colorado
NY Mets are 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Colorado is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing NY Mets
Colorado is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

6:35 PM
ATLANTA vs. SAN DIEGO
Atlanta is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games on the road
Atlanta is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games
San Diego is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
San Diego is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Atlanta

7:05 PM
LA ANGELS vs. NY YANKEES
LA Angels are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing NY Yankees
LA Angels are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 14-3 SU in their last 17 games at home
NY Yankees are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against LA Angels

7:07 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. TORONTO
Chi White Sox are 2-11 SU in their last 13 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Chi White Sox are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games on the road
Toronto is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
Toronto is 11-2 SU in their last 13 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox

7:10 PM
CINCINNATI vs. FLORIDA
Cincinnati is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Cincinnati is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games when playing Florida
Florida is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
Florida is 6-14 SU in its last 20 games when playing Cincinnati

10:05 PM
BALTIMORE vs. OAKLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore's last 5 games on the road
Baltimore is 2-12 SU in its last 14 games on the road
Oakland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Baltimore
Oakland is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games

10:10 PM
ARIZONA vs. LA DODGERS
Arizona is 8-17 SU in their last 25 games when playing LA Dodgers
Arizona is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
LA Dodgers are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games at home
LA Dodgers are 3-8 SU in their last 11 games


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[Udog]

MLB


Thursday, April 15

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Tips and Trends
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Boston Red Sox at Minnesota Twins [1:10 PM ET]

Red Sox: Boston is back to .500 on the season, thanks to a 6-3 win over the Twins yesterday. The Red Sox are looking to get over .500 for the 1st time since Opening Day. With a win this afternoon, the Red Sox can have a winning 1st road trip. Boston will hand the ball to Tim Wakefield this afternoon, and he will look to pick up his 1st win of the season. Wakefield was solid against the Royals in his season debut, allowing 2 runs over 7 IP. The crafty veteran allowed 6 hits while striking out 6 batters with his patented knuckleball. The Red Sox are 9-22 in the last 31 games when Wakefield started as the listed road underdog. Boston has also lost their past 4 games when Wakefield started for them. Clearly the Red Sox need to help Wakefield with more offensive production. The Red Sox offense has scored at least 6 runs in 3 of their past 4 games, so it's likely Wakefield will get the support he's been lacking.

Red Sox are 2-9 last 11 games as a road underdog of +110 to +150.
Under is 22-5-1 last 28 games as a road underdog.

Key Injuries - CF Jacoby Ellsbury (ribs) is out.
SS Jed Lowrie (illness) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 5

Twins (-130, O/U 9): Minnesota lost their 1st game in their new stadium yesterday, so they will be anxious to get back on the field. The Twins lost to the Red Sox 3-6, tying the most runs they've allowed all season. The Twins stand at 6-3 this season with much to look forward to. Minnesota hosts the Royals and Indians at home in their next 2 seasons, so it appears the Twins are going to be a fixture at the top of the AL standings all year long. Rrancisco Liriano will take the mound for the 2nd time this season for the Twins. Liriano went 6 IP, allowing 3 runs on 4 hits with 5 walks against the White Sox. Liriano is expected to play a vital role on this pitching staff, yet he appears to still have control issues. The Twins are only 3-9 in Liriano's last 12 starts as the listed favorite. Despite all of their success, the Twins are only 3-7 in their last 10 meetings with the Red Sox.

Twins are 7-1 last 8 games as a favorite of -110 to -150.
Under is 20-5-2 last 27 vs. American League East.

Key Injuries - C Jose Morales (wrist) is out.

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



Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Dodgers [10:10 PM ET]

Diamondbacks (-105, O/U 7.5): Arizona was able to beat the Dodgers as a rather large underdog last night, to improve their season long record to 5-3. Arizona will be looking to win their 3rd straight series to start the season. Dan Haren will be making his 3rd start of the young season in front of friends and family. Haren couldn't have 2 different results for his 2 starts this season. Haren dominated the Padres in his season debut, only allowing 3 hits and 1 earned run in 7 innings of winning pitching. Haren followed that performance up with a weak showing against the Pirates. Haren again pitched into the 7th inning, but allowed 9 hits and 5 earned runs in defeat. Overall, the Diamondbacks have fared well with Haren on the mound, just not in the underdog role. Overall, the Diamondbacks are 23-9 in Harens last 32 starts against a team with a losing record. However, the Diamondbacks are 2-5 in Harens last 7 starts as the listed road underdog.

Diamondbacks are 3-9 last 12 games as a road underdog.
Under is 8-2 last 10 road games vs. a right-handed starter.

Key Injuries - C Miguel Montero (knee) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 4 (Side of the Day)

Dodgers: Los Angeles lost their 1st home game of the season last night in extra innings. The Dodgers lost 7-9 to Arizona, losing not only the battle but also the war. The Dodgers used 7 relief pitchers in defeat, so much will be expected from Hiroki Kuroda tonight. The Dodgers can only hope Kuroda can be as productive tonight as he was in his season debut. Kuroda pitched 8 innings on the road against Florida and didn't allow an earned run. He only allowed 5 hits, while striking out 7. Kuroda is considered a sleeper candidate for the NL Cy Young award this season. Kuroda has struggled against the Diamondbacks in his career, as he is 1-3 over 6 starts against them. To no surprise, the Dodgers have fared well when Kuroda takes the mound. The Dodgers are 7-1 in Kurodas last 8 home starts against a team with a winning record. Overall, the Dodgers are 9-4 in Kurodas last 13 starts.

Dodgers are 5-0 last 5 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
Over is 16-5-1 last 22 vs. a team with a winning record.

Key Injuries - C Brad Ausmus (back) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 2


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[Udog]

Thursday six-pack

-- 2010 NFL schedule will be released next Tuesday at 7pm.

-- Bad news for Golden State Warrior fans; looks like Don Nelson will be back next season. Expect another year of bad shots, no defense.

-- In 1999, four guys struck out 150+ times; last year, 13 did.

-- Orioles and Astros are a combined 0-12 at home this season.

-- Knicks closed out another miserable season by giving up 131 points in Toronto to a Raptor team that missed out on playoffs by one game.

-- No Stanley Cup champ has repeated since 1998.


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Thursday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but.........

13) Jorge Cantu has a hit and an RBI in each of Florida's first nine games; no one else in the history of baseball has done this before.

12) Arizona beat the Dodgers 9-7 in extra innings, in a game that ended at 3:08am. Casey Blake tied the game for LA in 9th inning with a double off the left-centerfield wall, but Kemp misplaced a bloop single which led to the winning runs being scored in the 11th. .

11) Chris Iannetta homered in 10th inning over 20-year old reliever Mejia as Colorado beat the Mets 6-5 after blowing a 9th-inning lead. New York falls to 2-6 as 2010 starts to look a lot like 2009.

10) Starting pitchers in Washington-Philly game faced total of 26 batters Wednesday night; they combined to get nine outs, allow 13 runs.

9) Orioles drew 9,129 fans Tuesday, 10,248 Wednesday. Not good.

8) With the NFL schedule coming out on April 20, it'll be interesting to see if they made all Week 16-17 games divisional contests.

7) Here is how opponents are determined each year; each team plays:
-- Four teams from one division in its conference (rotates yearly)
-- Four teams from one division in other conference (rotates yearly)
-- Six games in its own division (both home and away)
-- Two games vs own conference, determined by previous year's record.

6) Denver got two 2nd-round draft picks from Miami for WR Marshall, as the AFC East continues to stockpile talent this offseason. Not good for the Bills, who have six games against Jets-Patriots-Dolphins.

5) Mississippi State hoop coach Stansbury parlayed his dalliance with Clemson into a 4-year contract extention with the Bulldogs.

4) Two of the better high school recruits in America decided to play their college basketball at Central Michigan/Detroit next season, turning down UCLA, Michigan State, Arizona and Florida, amongst others.

3) Why, you say? Could have something to do with the kids' dads being the head coach at Central Michigan/Detroit. Funny how that works.

2) The day before Trey Zeigler signed to play for his dad with Central Michigan, Ernie Zeigler signed a 4-year contract worth $175,446 a year. You kind of had the idea at that point that the son was going to help his dad earn that salary.

1) I took my dad to a driving range Wednesday and hit some golf balls for the first time in a few years; quickly remembered why I quit playing golf. Its hard to hit a round ball squarely, especially a little white ball.

[Udog]

Len's Top 5

Happy Tax Day everyone, here's my Top 5 for April 15, 2010 from Len Berman.

1. Quick Hits

Today's number is 42. Most major league players are expected to wear #42 today in honor of Jackie Robinson.
Road ice advantage. The hockey playoffs began with road teams (Philadelphia, Colorado and Ottawa) winning 3 of the 4 games.
How did that sex rehab work out exactly? Tiger Woods divorce rumors are heating up.
The New York Post reports Alex Rodriguez and actress Cameron Diaz have had several dates. Thank goodness. After breaking up with Kate Hudson, I hated to think A-Rod had turned his back on Hollywood.

2. Lets Go Mets

The Mets adopted as their slogan this year, "We Believe in Comebacks." Who knew they meant after one week of the season? They reside firmly in last place, and after just 8 games they are 5 out of first. If last year was "bad luck," what about this season? Manager Jerry Manuel repeatedly said the Mets needed to get off to a good start. Did somebody say Bobby Valentine? Exactly how safe are Manuel and Omar Minaya? Those two in particular had better believe in comebacks.

3. Lets Go Knicks

The Knicks completed their 9th consecutive losing season last night, fittingly with a loss. I'm fairly sure that never have players been paid so much while loyal fans been fleeced for so long. Of course the current plan is to attract expensive free agents this summer. Just wondering if there's a plan B?

4. Thursday eMailbag

H.S. agreed that Phil Mickelson winning the Masters wasn't a triumph for good over evil. It wasn't a morality play, it was a golf tournament. She wrote on the Facebook wall for Len Berman's Top 5: "No one really knows anyone's private business. John Edwards hugged Elizabeth the same way Phil hugged his wife, and we know how that turned out!"
But S.K. disagrees. "Phil played arguably the BEST golf tournament of his life this past week because his mother and wife joined him at the tournament for the first time since they were diagnosed with breast cancer!"

Subscriber V.I. has a great suggestion. Since the virtual first down marker is such a success in football, he asks: "In golf I find it hard to see the hole on TV. How about a virtual miniature flag in the hole?"
Editor's Note: Occasionally the TV analyst will draw a little flag on the screen, but I really like your idea.

With the implosion of the old Dallas Cowboys football stadium, H.G. emails, "They may have to blow up Citi Field soon as it will be empty if the Mets don't win a few games."
Editor's Note: Always nice to hear from optimistic Mets Fans.

5. Calling All Pigeons

I like this trend. There's a statue of the late Cubs announcer Harry Caray outside Wrigley Field. Next week the Lakers will unveil a statue of their legendary announcer Chick Hearn. And now a Philadelphia radio station is raising money for a bronze statue of the late Phillies announcer Harry Kalas. Finally us poor announcers are getting our due. Can postage stamps, coins and national holidays be far behind?

Happy Birthday: Mr. Angie Harmon. Former Giants defensive back Jason Sehorn. 39
Bonus Birthday: The original Renaissance man, Leonardo da Vinci, was born on this date. 1452.

Today in Sports: Jackie Robinson plays his first major league game for the Brooklyn Dodgers, featured in my best selling kids book The Greatest Moments in Sports. 1947.
Bonus Event: Tax Day. It's only been April 15th since 1955. From 1918-1955 Tax Day was March 15th.

The Top 5 is going on spring break. We will return on Wednesday, April 21st.