Monday's Trends and Indexes 5/24 (NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

[Udog]

MLB
Dunkel


Boston at Tampa Bay
The Rays look to build on their 17-6 record in their last 23 home games against Boston. Tampa Bay is the pick (-135) according to Dunkel, which has the Rays favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-135). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, MAY 24

Game 951-952: Pittsburgh at Cincinnati (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Burres) 15.328; Cincinnati (Harang) 14.263
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-180); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+160); Under

Game 953-954: Chicago White Sox at Cleveland (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Danks) 14.228; Cleveland (Masterson) 15.151
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-165); 8
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+145); Over

Game 955-956: Boston at Tampa Bay (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Buchholz) 16.063; Tampa Bay (Davis) 17.473
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-135); 9
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-135); Over

Game 957-958: Toronto at LA Angels (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Cecil) 14.868; LA Angels (Saunders) 16.305
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-120); Over

[Udog]

NHL


Monday, May 24

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
MONTREAL vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Montreal's last 6 games
Montreal is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Philadelphia is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Philadelphia is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home


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[Udog]

MLB


Monday, May 24

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Trend Report
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7:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. CLEVELAND
Chi White Sox are 5-11 SU in their last 16 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chi White Sox's last 9 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox

7:10 PM
BOSTON vs. TAMPA BAY
Boston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
Boston is 6-17 SU in its last 23 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games when playing at home against Boston
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston

7:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games
Pittsburgh is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games when playing Pittsburgh
Cincinnati is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

10:05 PM
TORONTO vs. LA ANGELS
Toronto is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Toronto's last 15 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of LA Angels's last 15 games when playing at home against Toronto


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[Udog]

NBA
Write-Up


Monday, May 24

Now its must-win for Orlando team that has given very little resistence to surging Celtic squad that allowed 92 or less points in each of their last seven games. Barnes/Lewis are combined 10-39 in series; Magic has to get more out of them if they're going to salvage some pride and at least get one win in this series. Magic shot just 36.9% in Game 3 (their %age has gone down in all three games) but somehow got just three offensive rebounds. How Dwight Howard could play 39:04 and get only a single offensive rebound is staggering. Any stat I could give you wouldn't mean as much as this question: Have the Magic had enough, or do they have any fight, any heart left? After Saturday's debacle, its doubtful.

[Udog]

NHL
Write-Up


Monday, May 24

Canadiens failed to score in their series losses; they're 1-16 with a man advantage in series (26:21). Montreal has had edge in shots on goal in first period of all four games (53-26 total). Philly is 7-1 in its last eight games. A strange stat: road team is 0-14 on power play in series (23:39), home teams are 5-18 (28:46). Philly took charge of series with dominant second period Saturday, outshooting Habs 13-1, outscoring them 2-0. It would help Flyers to win here, since Chicago is already in the Finals.

[Udog]

MLB
Write-Up


Monday, May 24

Hot pitchers
-- Pirates won last four Burres starts (2-0, 3.63).
-- Danks has 2.54 RA in his last seven starts; White Sox lost last three, scoring total of four runs (0-3, 3.32).
-- Buchholz is 2-0, 1.88 in his last couple starts. Davis is 4-2, 2.95 in his last seven starts.
-- Angels won last three Saunders starts (2-0, 1.61). Cecil is 2-1, 2.75 in his last three road starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Harang is 2-4, 6.69 in his last seven starts.
-- Masterson is 0-4, 7.34 in his last seven starts.

Totals
-- Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Cincinnati games.
-- Eight of last nine Cleveland home games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Boston games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Angel games went over the total.

Hot teams
-- Reds won six of their last seven home games.
-- Tampa Bay won eight of its last nine games. Red Sox won five of last six games.
-- Angels won five of their last seven home games.

Cold teams
-- Pirates lost three of their last four games.
-- Indians lost six of their last seven games, allowing 43 runs. White Sox are 5-11 in their last 16 road games.
-- Toronto lost three of its last four games, allowing 24 runs.

[Udog]

NBA


Monday, May 24

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Tips and Trends
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Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics [ESPN | 8:30 PM ET]

Magic: Is Orlando quitting for the second year in a row? That's the million dollar question, as the Magic themselves question their own toughness. It appears that the Celtics simply want this series more than Orlando does, as the Magic are wilting under the pressure. Orlando is down to their final breath, and they need to step up their offense if they are even going to be competitive. The Magic only scored 71 PTS in Game 3, as they had 17 turnovers to only 10 assists. Only 3 players scored in double figures in Game 3, and nobody had more than 15 PTS for Orlando. C Dwight Howard was terrible in Game 3, as he only had 7 PTS and 7 rebounds in 39 ineffective minutes. The lone bright spot in this series is the play of G J.J. Redick. Redick is averaging double figures against Boston, in limited minutes off the bench. F Rashard Lewis has been an enigma against the Celtics, as he has a total of 15 PTS in this entire series. Orlando is 67-26 SU and 53-38-2 ATS overall this season. The Magic are 29-17 SU and 25-18-3 ATS in road contests this season. Orlando is 5-1 ATS this season after scoring 85 PTS or fewer in their previous game. The Magic are facing their largest underdog spread of the season tonight.

Magic are 6-1 ATS last 7 road games against a team with a winning home record.
Under is 6-0 last 6 games following a SU loss of more than 10 points.

Key Injuries - None.

PROJECTED SCORE: 94 (Side of the Day)

Celtics (-7, O/U 188): Boston is 1 win away from the NBA Finals. Boston has been dominant nearly all postseason, but what they are doing to the Orlando Magic is mind boggling. The Celtics are up 3-0 in their 7 game series, 1 win away from sweeping what was widely considered to be the best team in the Eastern Conference. Sweeping Orlando would be especially sweet for Boston considering the Magic eliminated the Celtics last season. Boston continues to play stifling defense against the Magic, as they limited them to only 71 PTS in Game 3. The Celtics played an efficient offensive game, as they had nearly 3 times as many assists than turnovers in Game 3. 6 different Boston players scored in double figures, including a game high 17 PTS from Glen Davis. PG Rajon Rondo continued his amazing play, as he had 11 PTS, 12 assists, and 4 steals in Game 3. Boston is 61-35 SU and 44-50-2 ATS overall this season. The Celtics are 30-18 SU and 18-29-1 ATS in home games this season. The Celtics are an impressive 11-3 ATS during the playoffs this year. Boston is in a powerful position being up 3-0, as they've never lost a playoff series after starting off 2-0 in their 36 opportunities.

Celtics are 6-0 ATS last 6 games against a team with a winning percentage above .600%.
Under is 14-3 last 17 against a team with a winning SU record.

Key Injuries - None.

PROJECTED SCORE: 95


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[Udog]

MLB


Monday, May 24

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Tips and Trends
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Boston Red Sox at Tampa Bay Rays [7:10 PM ET]

Red Sox: Boston stands at 23-21 this season, yet they are in 4th place in the American League East. Such is life in the AL East, as the 3 teams ahead of the Red Sox are a combined 33 games over .500 so far this year. Boston has won 4 of their 5 games, quite a feat since their schedule has been so difficult of late. The Red Sox are 9-10 this season in road games. Boston is -4.44 units overall this season, and an even worse -11.21 units on the RL this year. Boston will send Clay Buchholz to the mound today, as he looks to continue his fine season. Buchholz is 5-3 this year, with an ERA of 3.26 and a WHIP of 1.43. The Red Sox are 2-5 in their last 7 road games against a right-handed starter. Boston is 7-0 in Buchholzs' last 7 road starts. The Red Sox are 10-1 in Buchholzs' last 11 starts following a Quality Start in his previous appearance.

Red Sox are 7-20 last 27 road games against a team with a home winning percentage greater than .600%.
Over is 6-2 last 8 games against the American League East.

Key Injuries - CF Mike Cameron (abdominal) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 5

Rays (-130, O/U 9): Tampa Bay has been the best team in baseball for most of this year, but they are starting to appear dominant. The Rays have gone 8-2 in their last 10 games, and are the only team in baseball with a winning percentage of .620% or higher. Tampa Bay is 31-12 overall this season, leading the American League East by 5 games. The Rays are 13-7 overall in home games this season. Tampa Bay is up 13.07 units overall this year, as well as 6.53 units on the run line. The Rays will send prized youngster Wade Davis to the mound today against Boston. Davis is 4-3 this year, with an ERA of 3.35 and a WHIP of 1.38. The Rays are 12-5 in their last 17 during game 1 of a series. Tampa Bay is 22-9 in their last 31 games against a right-handed starter. The Rays are 4-1 in Davis' last 5 starts with 4 days of rest.

Rays are 7-1 last 8 games against a team with a winning record.
Over is 7-1 last 8 home games against a team with a winning record.

Key Injuries - RF Matthew Joyce (elbow) is out.

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


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[Udog]

MLB
Long Sheet


Monday, May 24

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PITTSBURGH (19 - 25) at CINCINNATI (25 - 19) - 7:10 PM
BRIAN BURRES (L) vs. AARON HARANG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 36-66 (-19.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 29-69 (-21.8 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 179-364 (-84.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 3-22 (-17.4 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 30-71 (-22.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 9-30 (-17.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 9-2 (+7.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
CINCINNATI is 14-6 (+8.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CINCINNATI is 25-19 (+7.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 29-10 (+18.9 Units) against the money line in home games in May games over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 62-44 (+25.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 25-19 (+7.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CINCINNATI is 72-66 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 63-64 (-38.8 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
HARANG is 7-17 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Monday since 1997. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 24-39 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 13-26 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 3-3 (+0.2 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

BRIAN BURRES vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

AARON HARANG vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
HARANG is 12-5 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 4.01 and a WHIP of 1.131.
His team's record is 13-8 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-11. (-3.0 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (18 - 25) at CLEVELAND (16 - 26) - 7:05 PM
JOHN DANKS (L) vs. JUSTIN MASTERSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 16-23 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 10-17 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 4-10 (-8.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 18-25 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 48-76 (-29.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 29-52 (-22.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 81-123 (-39.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 18-36 (-16.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 42-58 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 75-95 (-36.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.
CLEVELAND is 74-110 (-35.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MASTERSON is 6-18 (-13.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MASTERSON is 6-16 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MASTERSON is 0-11 (-12.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 5-1 (+5.3 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

JOHN DANKS vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
DANKS is 2-5 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.89 and a WHIP of 1.193.
His team's record is 4-6 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-4. (+1.7 units)

JUSTIN MASTERSON vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
MASTERSON is 0-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 0.944.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.1 units)

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BOSTON (24 - 21) at TAMPA BAY (32 - 12) - 7:10 PM
CLAY BUCHHOLZ (R) vs. WADE DAVIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 24-35 (-17.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 9-21 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 37-57 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 128-66 (+33.4 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 138-74 (+36.0 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 148-101 (+29.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 23-8 (+11.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
TAMPA BAY is 66-32 (+25.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 32-12 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 127-63 (+36.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 14-4 (+9.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 4-0 (+5.1 Units) against BOSTON this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

CLAY BUCHHOLZ vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
BUCHHOLZ is 2-2 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 2.01 and a WHIP of 1.149.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (+0.0 units)

WADE DAVIS vs. BOSTON since 1997
DAVIS is 0-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 10.56 and a WHIP of 2.086.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

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TORONTO (26 - 20) at LA ANGELS (21 - 25) - 10:05 PM
BRETT CECIL (L) vs. JOE SAUNDERS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 93-63 (+25.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 109-87 (+18.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 123-94 (+19.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 113-86 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 78-47 (+20.8 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
SAUNDERS is 48-26 (+18.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 23-8 (+13.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 45-24 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 51-28 (+19.4 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 29-13 (+15.4 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 36-21 (+14.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 14-7 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TORONTO is 10-4 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
TORONTO is 11-4 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
TORONTO is 26-20 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 15-9 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 3-0 (+3.2 Units) against TORONTO this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

BRETT CECIL vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
No recent starts.

JOE SAUNDERS vs. TORONTO since 1997
SAUNDERS is 2-3 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.76 and a WHIP of 1.156.
His team's record is 2-4 (-2.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-2. (+1.8 units)

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[Udog]

NBA
Short Sheet


Monday, 5/24/2010

Eastern Conference Finals
Game Four (Boston Leads, 3-0)
ORLANDO AT BOSTON, 8:30 PM ET ESPN
ORLANDO: 17-4 ATS off a road loss by 10+ points
BOSTON: 5-16 ATS off BB Unders

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NHL
Short Sheet


Monday, 5/24/2010

Eastern Conference Finals
Game Five (Philadelphia Leads, 3-1)
MONTREAL AT PHILADELPHIA, 7:05 PM ET VERSUS
MONTREAL: 5-0 SU when facing elimination
PHILADELPHIA: 12-19 SU off a combined score of 4 goals or less

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

MLB
Short Sheet


Monday, 5/24/2010

PITTSBURGH at CINCINNATI, 7:10 PM ET
BURRES: Pittsburgh 3-22 SU as a road underdog of +150 to +175
HARANG: Cincinnati 29-10 SU at home in May

CHI WHITE SOX at CLEVELAND, 7:05 PM ET
DANKS: White Sox 19-8 SU off 3+ interleague games
MASTERSON: Cleveland 7-21 SU off 3+ interleague games

BOSTON at TAMPA BAY, 7:10 PM ET ESPN2
BUCHHOLZ: Boston 9-21 SU in dome stadiums
DAVIS: Tampa Bay 14-3 SU as a favorite of -150 or less

TORONTO at LA ANGELS, 10:05 PM ET
CECIL: Toronto 10-4 SU away off a win
SAUNDERS: Angels 14-4 Over after blowing a save

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

Monday's six-pack

Statistical leaders after seven weeks of the baseball season.....

-- HRs-- Konerko, Bautista 14 each, Wigginton 13.

-- BA-- Ethier .392, Morneau .382, Suzuki .352.

-- RBI-- MCabrera 40, McGehee 39, Bautista/Ethier/Longoria 38.

-- SBs-- Pierre 18, Gardner, Andrus 17 each.

-- Runs-- Kemp 38, Youkilis 37, Crawford 35.

-- Strikeouts-- Lincecum 75, Haren 70, Weaver 68.


************************************************** *******


Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports weekend.......

13) Cavaliers have to pay Mike Brown $4.5M if they didn't fire him by midnight last night; ESPN.com was reporting a few minutes ago that Cavs have fired Brown, according to someone close to the coach. Of course, we heard Brown was fired last week and it didn't happen, but with $4.5M on the line, its more likely he got the ziggy this time.

12) All of which means the Cavaliers will probably go through the draft without a coach, as they will undoubtedly want to consult with Lebron if he does re-sign by Lake Erie. This is not a good way to run a franchise.

11) Sometimes numbers speak loudly; in their first two wins against the Suns, Lakers were 8-17/9-16 from 3-point arc. Sunday, they were 9-32 at the arc, as Phoenix played more zone defense, keeping LA away from the hoop. Even the Lakers need to attack the hoop to win.

10) Suns were 37-42 from foul line, Lakers 16-20. Amare Stoudemire was 14-18 from foul line, all by himself. Good night to be Amare's agent, and a horrible week to be Channing Frye's. He is 1-20 from floor in this series.

9) Chicago Blackhawks are in Stanley Cup finals for first time since 1992, trying to win Lord Stanley's Cup for the first time since 1961.

8) When Brooks Conrad hit a walk-off grand slam with Braves down 9-6 Thursday, it was just 23rd time in major league history a team won game on walk-off grand slam when they were down three runs at the time.

7) Cubs are now 6-0 when rookie SS Starlin Castro bats second. They're 15-24 in all their other games.

6) Astros scored four runs in first inning off David Price Sunday, but they have still been outscored 32-17 in the first inning this season.

5) Bronx Bombers are 47-32 against the Mets since interleague play began back in 1997, but Mets may have given Jerry Manuel a temporary stay of execution by winning the last two nights. Now they've got to play Phillies Tues-Wed with RA Dickey and Takahashi starting on the hill.

4) Then again, Tim Wakefield beat Phillies Sunday, so maybe Dickey's knuckleball will baffle Philadelphia too. Wouldn't bet on it.

3) Giants were 0-19 with runners in scoring position this weekend, which is why they scored one run and got swept in Oakland. The gritty A's are 23-22 and getting healthier. Brett Anderson makes a rehab start Monday and could return to the big leagues Saturday.

2) If the baseball playoffs started Monday, these eight teams would be in
AL-- Tampa Bay-Minnesota-Texas-Bronx
NL-- Philadelphia-St Louis-San Diego-Reds/LA.

1) Amateur poker player Dennis Phillips brought 300+ fans out with him to Las Vegas for the final table of WSOP in 2008. Who the hell has 300+ friends? On second thought, when you have a shot at winning $8M, a lot of people would have new "friends". This year's World Series starts this Thursday, and will run for the next seven weeks.

[Udog]

Len's Top 5

Happy Monday everyone, here's my Top 5 for May 24, 2010 from Len Berman.

1. Quick Hits

Phoenix rises. The Suns knock off the Lakers 118-109 in Game 3. The Lakers still lead the series two games to one.
The Celtics go for the 4-game sweep of Orlando tonight in Boston.
The Chicago Blackhawks have made it to the Stanley Cup Finals by sweeping San Jose.
The French Open tennis tournament is underway.
Colorful former major league pitcher Jose Lima dies of a heart attack at the age of 37. He was best known with the Tigers and Astros before finishing his career with the Mets in 2006.
A record 4 women drivers have qualified for the Indy 500.
A new lawn mower speed record was set yesterday in Wales, by a guy named Don Wales (yup, Wales did it in Wales), surpassing 87 mph. It was set on a sand course, not some dude's front yard.

2. Let's Go Mets

Derek Jeter led off the Subway Series Friday night with a single to right. A cheer of "De-rek Je-ter" went up at Citi Field. I'm happy to report those cheers came from the relatively cheap seats upstairs in left field. Just think if they had come from all the expensive seats? What a collective blow that might have been to the psyche of Mets fans. Not only would it mean that the Yankees spend zillions more for players, but their fans would have mirrored Yankee management when it comes to buying seats. Didn't happen. And here's a good line from subscriber Frank C. Harking back to the old Braves when their pitching rotation was "Spahn and Sain and pray for rain." Frank writes when it come to the Mets it's "Pelfrey and Santana and pray for rain mañana."

3. This Little Piggy Went To The Market

Thanks to subscriber Paul G. for tipping us off to the Forbes article that predicts LeBron James will play for the Knicks because of MSG stock. Here's the scam. The Knicks can't pay him in stock, but LeBron can buy mucho MSG shares. And then, his stock will go up because of his performance. So in essence, he's working for himself. Now, do you suppose some of the clowns who played for the Knicks the past several seasons, bought tons of shares and then sold them short because they sucked? Just wonderin'.

4. Just Do It

So Nike got trashed pretty good for its ill-conceived Tiger Woods commercial with his father's voice. So to be fair, check out the long version of their "Write the Future" ad for World Cup Soccer. If you're a fan of sports, commercials, creativity, Kobe Bryant or Bart Simpson, you'll like it. If you're the one person on earth who doesn't like any of the above, forget it.

5. Happy Anniversary

30 years ago today, CBS decided to televise their one and only hockey game of the 1979-1980 NHL season. It was game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Islanders and Philadelphia. Wouldn't you know it, Bobby Nystrom scored the overtime goal that clinched the Cup for the Islanders. And wouldn't you know it, the New York CBS affiliate had a young weekend sportscaster who got to deliver the happy post game show in New York, and then the 6 & 11pm sportscasts. Take a look.
The next night, Bobby Nystrom and his wife appeared live on my late night Sunday Sports Update program.
Not good times, great times. I took my kids to Islander championship parades on Hempstead Turnpike. Seems like yesterday. But with the current state of hockey on Long Island, it seems like eons ago.

Happy Birthday: A New York Knick last season, Tracy McGrady. 31.
Bonus Birthday: Robert Allen Zimmerman, otherwise known as Bob Dylan. 69.

Today in Sports: The Islanders win the first of 4 consecutive Stanley Cups. 1980.
Bonus Event: After 14 years of construction, the Brooklyn Bridge is opened to traffic. 1883.