Announcement

**bryce** · 05-28-2010, 06:55 PM

Good luck Stardust!

**StarDust Bum** · 05-28-2010, 08:25 PM

Boston is in serious trouble, unless

No way, come on, it’s impossible, not a chance in you know where, but yet…

The Boston Celtics have gone into some weird time warp machine, going from looking old and downtrodden, to younger and hotter than Justin Bieber and back again.

The Celtics by the end of Game 5’s 113-92 beat down looked like they had just rode on nearby Space Mountain at Disney World backwards, without seat belts.

For those that love the city of Boston and their sports teams, this series is taking on a theme a little too familiar, with the Bruins coughing up a 3-0 series lead to Philadelphia earlier this month.

The Celtics are 23-11 ATS when playing with double revenge and might need Lance Burton to put an end to Orlando’s magic. The single greatest denominator in this series is confidence. Boston stole it in Game 1 and Orlando has taken it back with two victories.

How else can you explain Boston being flawless on both ends of the floor, finding the open shooter to make baskets and closing out on Orlando shooters at just the right instant to make them miss.

Yet, in the space of less than two playoff games, Doc River’s team can’t find an open makeable shot and looks hesitant and half step slow on offense and is running towards Magic shooters, instead of having them guarded.

And what about Stan Van Gundy’s squad? For three games Orlando couldn’t hit the water with a shot at Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park and Jameer Nelson vs. Rajon Rondo looked like the biggest mismatch since Floyd Mayweather Jr. hammered Arturo Gatti.

However, a great coaching adjustment by Van Gundy has Nelson finding freedom off screens and the Boston big men are uncertain of Jameer’s next move and he’s put them in a full Nelson, whether he’s decided to drive, shoot or dish. The Magic might have unleashed another weapon as Rashard Lewis stopped thinking and has started just playing basketball.

Orlando is 11-3 ATS in road games off a home win by 10 points or more this season and their increased intensity and execution has Rivers team reeling.

Glen Davis is a maybe after suffering concussion, leaving a frustrated Kendrick Perkins and Rasheed Wallace to do battle with Dwight Howard in the paint, who is invoking performances from yesteryear. (From Elias Sports - Dwight Howard registered 21 points, 10 rebounds and five blocked shots to help Orlando avoid playoff elimination in Game Five on Wednesday night. Howard had 32 points, 16 rebounds and four blocked shots to help Orlando avoid a series sweep in Game Four. Only one other player has recorded 20-or-more points, 10-or-more rebounds and at least four blocked shots in consecutive games with his team facing elimination in both games: Elvin Hayes in 1979.)

Boston is a 3.5-point favorite according to Sportsbook.com, with total of 187.5. Can a battered and bruised white-clad club muster Celtic pride and close out this series? Yes they can, but they have to make adjustments.

Orlando has raised the ante on physical play and the Celtics have been retaliating with foolish fouls instead of matching grit for grit. Bang with the Magic just enough to not be whistled for fouls and don’t get out-muscled and out-worked on the glass, otherwise they fall to 13-30 ATS at home after being outrebounded by opponent by 15 or more. Passive won’t work and neither will overly aggressive, take the fight to them.

On the high screens Nelson is running off of, attack him with big man, with arms spread to reduce Jameer’s line of sight. Nelson has never been accused of being a Steve Nash-type passer. Force him make immediate decisions with ball, not his strength under duress.

Boston players also have to stay with their own man. In the first three contests the Magic converted 20 three-pointers, in the last two wins; Orlando long distance shooters have ripped the nets for 23 from “downtown”.

Superman and friends are 24-13 ATS as an underdog over the last two years and they know as well as Boston, for all intents and purposes this is an elimination game for both teams. Though 93 teams have tried and failed in the NBA playoffs being down 3-0, if Boston were to lose, most would bet against history.

ESPN has Game 6 at 8:30 Eastern and one can only imagine what people from Bean-Town are thinking.

**StarDust Bum** · 05-28-2010, 08:26 PM

MLB Series Betting- L.A. Dodgers at Colorado

With the Memorial Day holiday weekend about to go into full swing, the race in the National League West starts to heat up also. The unofficial beginning of summer marks when television and radio announcers can no longer say “it’s still early”, with a third of the season soon to be completed. The Dodgers and Rockies meet for a second time in 2010, this time in Colorado.

Both clubs are chasing confounding San Diego, with Los Angeles (26-21, -1.2 units) two games back in the standings and Colorado (25-22, +0.7) three behind.

The Rockies have been ravaged by injuries to their pitching staff, but have started to overcome them riding a five-game winning streak. The Colorado offense has started to hit its stride in winning six of seven, scoring 5.4 runs per game and moving up to sixth overall in the National League. In their last four games the Rocks have launched 11 home runs.

The Dodgers offense has been feast or famine this season. Los Angeles is fourth in the NL at 4.9 RPG, but they were shut out twice at Wrigley Field this week, giving them seven zeros already, after being held scoreless just nine times in 2009.

As per usual Colorado is enjoying the benefits of Coors Field and are 14-7 (+4.8) at home and will start Jeff Francis (1-0, 0.68 ERA), who missed all of 2009 with shoulder surgery. In his two starts this year, Francis looks very much like the pitcher that won 17 games and led Rockies to World Series. Sportsbook.com has Francis and teammates as -152 money line favorites and they are 18-3 as a home chalk of -150 to -175 over the last two seasons.

The Dodgers are still looking for another starting pitcher and give the ball to Carlos Monasterios (1-0, 1.90) for a second time. Monasterios has 10 other relief appearances but is excited about another opportunity. “I like starting,” said the rookie right-hander. With the total at 9.5, Monasterios will attempt to do his part and improve L.A.’s 40-20 record when the total is 9 to 9.5.

Game 1 Edge: Colorado

Colorado is feeling really good about their recent play coming into the series. “We’re definitely playing better,” said Troy Tulowitzki, who’s homered four times in five games. “We’re playing defense, pitching a little better and getting some timely hitting, mixed in with some power.”

Since last season the Rockies are 41-16 at home after three or more consecutive Coors contests and will have Aaron Cook (1-3. 5.40) on the hill. Cook’s strength as a pitcher is nibbling on the corners and keeping his heavy fastball low in the strike zone. To date he has lacked his usual efficiency and has as many walks as strikeouts (25). He’s going to need more control to extend his team’s 5-0 record when he starts at home.

The Dodgers have certainly held the upper hand against Colorado recently. Los Angeles is 17-5 against the Rocks since the beginning of last year and has won eight consecutive series dating back to Sept. 2008. Joe Torre’s club has also emerged victorious nine of previous 12 at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Hiroki Kuroda (5-2, 3.03) has been most effective this season, pitching at least into the sixth inning in all his starts and allowing more than three runs just once. Manager Torre moved Kuroda back a day in the rotation and he and his blue-capped team are 11-3 when he pitches with five days of rest.

Game 2 Edge: L.A. Dodgers
The series finale is a solid pitching matchup featuring lefty Clayton Kershaw (4-3, 2.90) against Jhoulys Chacin (3-2, 3.09). Kershaw has been living up to all the potential heaped on him the last few years and has 0.64 ERA in his last four starts with 27 K’s in 28 1/3 innings. Coors Field hasn’t been his favorite place to pitch with 2-2 record and 6.92 ERA. The Dodgers are 7-8 in day games and Kershaw has to command the strike zone with his 91-95 mph fastball to set up his “Uncle Charley” curve.

Like Kershaw, Chacin is also 22 years old and has a five pitch arsenal that can baffle hitters. He’s harnessed his control (13 W, 30 K) and only permitted 22 hits over 32 innings with opposing batters nicking him for .188 batting average. He'll be facing the Dodgers for the second time, having pitched 7 1/3 scoreless innings against Los Angeles on May 8. Colorado is much better in day games with 12-7 record and with these two young starters, the Rockies might add another UNDER to 13-5-1 mark in day baseball.

Game 3 Edge: L.A. Dodgers

Haven’t been very good in picking series winners thus far and instead will follow a little football logic of never better against a strong trend. The Dodgers have owned Colorado the last few seasons and not have to face Ubaldo Jimenez has me leaning with Torre’s troops.

Sportsbook.com series odds: Los Angeles +115, Colorado -145

**StarDust Bum** · 05-28-2010, 08:27 PM

Top Memorial Day Weekend MLB Power Trends

The Memorial Day holiday weekend is upon us, and it is always a big weekend for sports. For Major League Baseball, it is no exception. Typically each year, by now, we have a good feel for which teams are destined for success. Such seems to be the case once again in the American League, but the scene in the Senior Circuit is anything but clear. Some of the favorites, such as the Phillies and Cardinals, are floundering, while upstarts like the Padres and Reds are making an early name for themselves. Let’s take a look at what’s on tap for this holiday weekend, and reveal some of the Top ******* Power Trends you’ll want to put to use as you handicap the action.

The American League slate is rather mundane, as only two series’ match teams with winning records, one in Detroit, one in Minnesota. In the Motor City series, the Tigers play host to Oakland. The A’s come in hot, having won five of their last six games to climb within a game-and-a-half of the West Division lead. Pitching has been the name of the game, as they’ve allowed a total of 12 runs during the stretch. The Tigers are scuffling a bit, having dropped four of five, but are also the same distance back of Minnesota in the Central. Note that before Detroit cooled off, it had taken two straight games in Oakland. In the other key series, it’s a showdown between the leaders of the aforementioned divisions, as Minnesota welcomes Texas to town. Since their 5-9 start, the Rangers have roared back to take the lead out West by going 21-12. It’s been the opposite for the Twins, who continue a difficult portion of the schedule that finds them on a 3-6 slide. Still, Minnesota is 15-9 at its brand new ballpark and outscoring the opposition by 1.7 runs per game. In other series’ this weekend in the junior circuit, New York is at home versus Cleveland, and Boston continues a 4-game set with Kansas City.

The National League lineup finds exactly ONE series pitting teams with winning records against one another this weekend, and that comes courtesy of Denver, Colorado, where the Rockies host the Dodgers. There isn’t a team in the N.L. that is particularly hot, nor cold right now, so if you’re betting based upon momentum and streaking, good luck. In terms of the Dodgers-Rockies matchup, Colorado has won five in a row, but this comes on the heels of a stretch having lost four of five, so they are clearly in search of some more consistency. This will be the second time they’ve played the Dodgers in 2010, with L.A. having taken two-of-three at home a few weeks back. Over the last three years, the Dodgers own a healthy 12-6 record at Coors Field. Currently, the teams are separated by a game in the West Division, with the Dodgers running second place to the Padres. San Diego has been quite a surprise early, boasting the National League’s best record, just ahead of another shocker, Cincinnati. For this weekend, the Padres will be at home versus the Nationals, who are playing well with a 24-24 mark, while the Reds host the league’s worst team, the Astros, already 15-games under .500.

Before getting into any serious handicapping this weekend, be sure to check out all of this weekend’s Top ******* Power Trends below. These are sampled from the FoxSheets, the Ultimate Sports TipSheet.

ST LOUIS at CHICAGO CUBS

CHICAGO CUBS are 4-13 (-15.9 Units) against the money line vs. NL teams scoring 4.3 or less runs/game on the season this season. The average score was CHICAGO CUBS 3.1, OPPONENT 4.5 - (Rating = 4*)

HOUSTON at CINCINNATI

CINCINNATI is 11-2 (+9.2 Units) against the money line vs. NL teams scoring 3.8 or less runs/game on the season this season. The average score was CINCINNATI 4.8, OPPONENT 2.1 - (Rating = 1*)

PHILADELPHIA at FLORIDA

FLORIDA is 22-11 OVER (+10.6 Units) in home games vs. teams outscoring opp by 0.5 or more runs/game on the season over the last 2 seasons. The average score was FLORIDA 4.3, OPPONENT 5.4 - (Rating = 1*)

PITTSBURGH at ATLANTA

PITTSBURGH is 14-47 (-33.5 Units) against the money line vs. an NL team with a team batting average of .255 or worse over the last 2 seasons. The average score was PITTSBURGH 3.1, OPPONENT 5.7 - (Rating = 4*)

NY METS at MILWAUKEE

MILWAUKEE is 2-11 (-10.2 Units) against the money line vs. NL teams allowing 4.3 or less runs/game on the season this season. The average score was MILWAUKEE 2.7, OPPONENT 7.0 - (Rating = 2*)

LA DODGERS at COLORADO

LA DODGERS are 13-4 (+9.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. The average score was LA DODGERS 5.1, OPPONENT 4.4 - (Rating = 0*)

WASHINGTON at SAN DIEGO

WASHINGTON is 18-5 UNDER (+12.1 Units) in road games when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 54% to 62%) over the last 2 seasons. The average score was WASHINGTON 3.1, OPPONENT 4.4 - (Rating = 1*)

ARIZONA at SAN FRANCISCO

ARIZONA is 17-6 OVER (+10.6 Units) in road games this season. The average score was ARIZONA 4.7, OPPONENT 6.1 - (Rating = 2*)

BALTIMORE at TORONTO

BALTIMORE is 12-39 (-23.0 Units) against the money line vs. AL teams scoring 5.2 or more runs/game on the season over the last 2 seasons. The average score was BALTIMORE 4.1, OPPONENT 6.1 - (Rating = 1*)

CLEVELAND at NY YANKEES

NY YANKEES are 57-35 UNDER (+16.8 Units) vs. an AL team with a team batting average of .260 or worse over the last 3 seasons. The average score was NY YANKEES 4.8, OPPONENT 4.0 - (Rating = 0*)

OAKLAND at DETROIT

DETROIT is 52-30 UNDER (+17.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. The average score was DETROIT 4.5, OPPONENT 4.1 - (Rating = 1*)

CHI WHITE SOX at TAMPA BAY

TAMPA BAY is 23-7 (+13.2 Units) against the money line vs. an AL team with a team batting average of .265 or worse this season. The average score was TAMPA BAY 5.7, OPPONENT 2.8 - (Rating = 2*)

KANSAS CITY at BOSTON

BOSTON is 59-20 (+26.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons. The average score was BOSTON 6.0, OPPONENT 4.2 - (Rating = 1*)

TEXAS at MINNESOTA

MINNESOTA is 52-28 (+19.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. The average score was MINNESOTA 5.3, OPPONENT 4.3 - (Rating = 1*)

SEATTLE at LA ANGELS

LA ANGELS are 15-6 (+9.5 Units) against the money line vs. an AL team with an on base percentage .330 or worse this season. The average score was LA ANGELS 4.7, OPPONENT 4.0 - (Rating = 1*)

**StarDust Bum** · 05-28-2010, 08:30 PM

Magic at Celtics - Game 6

The Celtics are either sweating or feeling relieved when they take the court for Game 6 on Friday night against the Magic. Orlando has forced the Eastern Conference Finals back to Boston after Wednesday's Game 5 blowout, cutting the series deficit to 3-2. Now, the C's have a home game to fall back on to advance to the NBA Finals. However, if it doesn't work out, the Celtics may follow in the footsteps of the Bruins in melting down after a building a 3-0 series lead.

For the first time in nine meetings, a team eclipsed the 100-point mark, which was accomplished by Orlando in Wednesday's 113-92 pasting of Boston. The key to victory was the Magic shooting lights out in Game 5, hitting 52% of their shots from the field and 13 shots from downtown. Jameer Nelson completely outplayed Rajon Rondo in Game 4, but the numbers were a little more even in Game 5. Nelson tallied a game-high 24 points, while Rondo put up 19. Dwight Howard was a monster in the middle once again with a 21-point, 10-rebound effort.

Orlando's shooting from the field was horrendous in the first three games of the series, as it got progressively worse from Game 1 to Game 3. The Magic shot 41.6% in the series opener, followed by 39.4% and 36.9% efforts, while hitting just 20 three-pointers in the three losses. Things turned around dramatically when the shots began to fall, drilling 44.6% of their shots in Game 4 and the 52% showing in Game 5. In the two wins, Orlando knocked down 43% of its three-point shots (23-53), a stark contrast from the 28% in the first three games (20-80).

The Celtics received a nice break after center Kendrick Perkins had a technical foul rescinded following his ejection in the Game 5 defeat. The technical, Perkins' seventh of the postseason, would have resulted in an automatic suspension for the following game. The league reviewed the matter and took away one of his two technicals, allowing Perkins to play on Friday. That is a huge break for Boston, as Glen Davis suffered a concussion and left the game, meaning "Big Baby" may not be available for Game 6.

Boston's defense had been exceptional throughout the postseason, as the Celtics allowed over 100 points for just the third time in the playoffs. The Celtics have been involved in eight playoff games in which at least one team scored 100 points or more. When that occurs, the 'over' is a strong 7-1, including an easy 'over' of 186 ½ in Game 5.

Doc Rivers' club started the postseason at 11-3 ATS, but has dropped consecutive games against the number. The Celtics covered seven of ten games this season off an ATS loss as an underdog, while owning a 5-2 ATS mark as a favorite this postseason.

We don't want to take the cart before the horse, but let's look at what Orlando is staring at if it can take this series to a Game 7. Never before in the NBA has a team rallied from a 3-0 deficit to win a best-of-seven series. Only twice has a club come from 3-0 down to force a Game 7, but never in the conference finals.

The 2003 Blazers dug themselves a 3-0 hole against the Mavericks in the first round. Portland came back to tie the series at three, including a pair of blowout wins at the Rose Garden. Dallas ultimately won the series finale at home, but the Mavs were eliminated in the conference finals by the Spurs. The 1994 Nuggets, who famously knocked off the top-seeded Sonics in the opening round after rallying from a 2-0 deficit, found themselves down 3-0 quickly to the Jazz in the second round. Denver shocked Utah in each of the next three games, but the Jazz prevailed with a 91-81 victory in Game 7.

The Magic is now 4-0 over the last two seasons when facing elimination against the Celtics, including a pair of wins to close out last season's second round down 3-2 to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics are 3-6 since the beginning of last postseason on the verge of eliminating an opponent, as all three victories have come at home.

Boston is listed as a three-point favorite, while the total is set at 189 at most books. The game tips off at 8:30 PM EST and will be televised nationally on ESPN.

Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood:

-- The NBA will normally do everything in its power to back its referees, but somebody needs to tell them that no one is paying to see the guys in gray. There are plenty of officials (you know who they are) that are trying to make the game about them and not about the players. If a player tries to flat-out embarrass an official, that's one thing; but these players should be able to chirp a bit more in the postseason and the tolerance should be lessened, especially in the case of Perkins.

-- The story is circulating about Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Joe Johnson getting set for a sit-down to discuss their free agent futures. This isn't shocking at all considering Wade and James are very tight, but I find it hard to believe that these guys are still weighing their options. Wade and James probably know if they'll stay put in their respective cities, or go elsewhere since all the salary cap information is so public. At least for now, free agency is on the back-burner with these series seeing a little more drama over the last few days.

**StarDust Bum** · 05-28-2010, 08:32 PM

Friday's Quick Hits

The majority of gamblers will be focusing on the NBA and NHL playoffs this holiday weekend, along with auto racing action on Sunday and even a big MMA fight scheduled for Saturday from Las Vegas. While those high-profile events will provide opportunities to cash, the daily grind on the baseball diamond continues. Fifteen games will be slated on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Let’s take a quick look at all of the series on tap and focus on recent history and current form for each matchup.

Divisional Battles

St. Louis at Chicago: In the 16 meetings last year between the NL Central foes, the Cardinals won 10, including three at Wrigley Field. The home team captured 11 of the 16 battles and the ‘under’ held a slight 8-7-1 edge. The Cubbies have started to heat up a bit, wining four of six games, and the ‘under’ has gone 5-1 during this span as well.

Baltimore at Toronto: The two teams met in early April and Toronto took all three contests, which were played at Camden Yards. The Orioles scored a total of eight runs in the three-game set, which helped the ‘under’ go 2-1. Prior to the Blue Jays’ success in Baltimore in this series, the home team has won 15 of the previous 17 encounters.

Philadelphia at Florida: The Marlins took two of three on the road from the Phillies in mid-April, the lone loss coming against Roy Halladay in the series opener. The away team has dominated this matchup, winning 15 of the last 20, which includes the two victories by the Fish this season. The Phillies are in horrible form right now, losing five straight and the Charlie Manuel’s team was held scoreless in the last three against the Mets. The Marlins haven’t been much better, going 2-5 in their last seven.

Houston at Cincinnati: The Reds won 12 of 16 battles against Houston last year and that trend carried over to this season. Cincinnati swept the Astros on the road at the end of April, outscoring them 16-8 in the three-game series. Houston is 3-8 in its last 11 games, while the Reds have produced a 7-4 mark over the same span.

Seattle at L.A. Angels: Seattle enters this series with a little swagger, winning four of its last six. Los Angeles has been decent as well, going 6-3 over its last nine. The two clubs squared off at Safeco Field in early May and the Angels won the series 2-1, due to an extra-inning triumph (4-3) in the middle game. Including this season, L.A. has gone 7-3 in the last 10 against Seattle.

Arizona at San Francisco: Just last week, the Diamondbacks and Giants played a quick two-game set in the desert and it was all Arizona. The D-Backs took both meetings (8-7, 13-1) and the ‘over’ cashed in each as well. Arizona is in a bit of a skid again, losing four straight and only managing 11 runs during this drought. The Giants’ offense was dismal for a while too, and the team dropped five straight due to the ineptness. Fortunately, they got enough pop and took two of three against the Nats before this series.

L.A. Dodgers at Colorado: The Dodgers beat the Rockies two out of three times from Los Angeles in early May. The ‘under’ went 2-1 in the three games and is on a 9-2-1 run in the last 12 battles between the two. Entering this duel, the Rockies have ripped off five consecutive wins while the Dodgers have dropped three of their last four.

Non-Divisional Tests

Pittsburgh at Atlanta: These two teams met last weekend when Interleague Play was going on and the Braves took two of three in Pitt. All three games went ‘under’ the number. Zach Duke pitched seven strong innings in the Bucs 3-2 win over Atlanta in the finale on Sunday while Derek Lowe helped his team win (4-2) a day earlier on Saturday. Will either of the two get any support when they meet tonight? The total is 8 ½, which is similar to the previous set.

N.Y. Mets at Milwaukee: Johan Santana takes the pill for the Mets and the team has gone 2-2 in his last four starts against the Brewers. The total has gone 2-2 as well but the games weren’t exactly shootouts (9, 1, 6, 8 combined runs). The Brewers counter with Yovani Gallardo and he was on the short side of two 1-0 losses to the Mets last year. In the six games during 2009, the Brewers and Mets each won three a piece (two at home). The ‘under’ went 4-2. New York is red-hot, winning five in a row behind a staff that has allowed seven runs during the hot streak. The Brewers are 3-1 in their last four, and the ‘under’ has cashed in four straight.

Texas at Minnesota: Minnesota captured six of the 10 battles against Texas last season and only three were played in Minneapolis. The ‘under’ went 6-3-1 in the 10 meetings. The Twins avoided a three-game sweep to the Yankees on Thursday with an 8-2 win. The Rangers have struggled on the road this season (8-12), evidenced by their 1-6 record in the last seven games away from home.

Washington at San Diego: Last year, the home team won five of the six encounters. And the ‘under’ went 5-1 during this span as well. San Diego has won four of its last five games behind a pitching staff that gave up a total of three runs in the victories and eight in the lone setback. The Nationals opened up their 10-game road trip with a 1-2 mark in San Francisco, but the losses came by a total of three runs.

Four-Game Sets

Kansas City at Boston: This series began last night as the Royals nipped the Red Sox 4-3 in the opener as healthy road ‘dogs (+180). Prior to this loss, Boston was 7-4 in the previous 11 against Kansas City. The Red Sox also entered this weekend on a roll, winning eight of 10, which included a three-game sweep at Tampa Bay.

Chicago at Tampa Bay: Speaking of Tampa, the Rays bounced back from their sweep to the Sox with a 5-1 win over the White Sox on Thursday. Including this victory, Tampa has now won three of the first four against Chicago this season. The White Sox’s offense has managed to put up seven runs against the Rays’ pitchers so far this season.

Cleveland at New York: The Yankees took five of eight against the Indians last year but were just 2-2 in the two meetings from the Bronx. The ‘over’ went 3-1 in the four battles in New York, which included big wins by Cleveland (22-4, 10-2) over New York. This series concludes on Memorial Day. Prior to its six-game road trip (3-3), New York was mired in a 1-4 mark in its last five from Yankee Stadium. Total players should make a note that the Tribe have watched the ‘over’ go 7-1 in their last eight.

Oakland at Detroit: The Tigers and Athletics met two weeks ago in the Bay Area and the road team earned a pair of victories (5-1, 5-2) in the two-game set. Along with the two games at Oakland, Detroit went 1-4 in road battles against the Dodgers and Mariners. Similar to the Yanks and Twins, this series will end on Monday as well.

**StarDust Bum** · 05-28-2010, 08:32 PM

Diamond Trends - Friday

Mariners at Angels – The Angels are 6-0 since April 28, 2009 within 20 cents of pickem after a win in which they allowed 6 or fewer hits and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $615.

Orioles at Blue Jays – The Orioles are 0-5 since April 06, 2010 when Kevin Millwood starts on the road for a net profit of $500 when playing against. The Blue Jays are 7-0 since August 21, 2009 as a home favorite after a loss in which they had 6 or fewer hits for a net profit of $700. The Blue Jays are 5-0 since May 02, 2010 when Shaun Marcum starts for a net profit of $500.

Pirates at Braves – The Pirates are 0-10 since May 06, 2009 when Zach Duke starts on the road after a quality start for a net profit of $1000 when playing against. The Pirates are 0-7 since July 10, 2009 on the road after a loss in which they allowed 12+ hits and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $700 when playing against. The Pirates are 4-0 since April 27, 2010 as a dog after a loss in which they allowed 12+ hits for a net profit of $775. The Braves are 8-0 since June 09, 2009 when Derek Lowe starts as a favorite after the team won their last two games for a net profit of $800.

Mets at Brewers – The Mets are 0-7 since May 02, 2009 on the road within 20 cents of pickem when they are off a win in which they never trailed for a net profit of $710 when playing against. The Brewers are 0-7 since July 09, 2009 after a win in which they had more than ten team-left-on-base for a net profit of $740 when playing against. The Brewers are 0-8 since June 21, 2009 when Yovani Gallardo starts within 20 cents of pickem for a net profit of $820 when playing against.

Cardinals at Cubs – The Cardinals are 0-8 since May 02, 2009 on the road after a win in which they had fewer team-left-on-base than their opponent as a dog for a net profit of $865 when playing against. The Cardinals are 5-0 since July 05, 2009 when Chris Carpenter starts on the road when the start time is earlier than 4:00 PM local time for a net profit of $500. The League is 0-11 since July 19, 2009 as a home dog after a win in which they had fewer than five team-left-on-base as a favorite for a net profit of $1100 when playing against. The Cubs are 6-0 since July 06, 2009 when Randy Wells starts at home after his team won the last time he started for a net profit of $600.

Diamondbacks at Giants – The Giants are 0-5 since August 03, 2009 when Matt Cain starts as a favorite after he had a WHIP of less than one his last start for a net profit of $630 when playing against.

Phillies at Marlins – The Phillies are 0-8 since May 07, 2009 on the road after being shutout for a net profit of $925 when playing against. The Marlins are 0-6 since May 15, 2009 when Christopher Volstad starts as a home favorite in the first game of a series for a net profit of $795 when playing against.

Nationals at Padres – The Nationals are 0-6 since July 09, 2009 when John Lannan starts on the road after his team won the last time he started for a net profit of $610 when playing against. The Padres are 7-0 since July 24, 2009 after a loss in which they allowed 12+ hits and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $800. The Padres are 5-0 since August 28, 2009 after a loss in which they were shut out in the first 6 innings for a net profit of $660.

White Sox at Rays – The White Sox are 0-7 since April 15, 2010 as a dog when they scored two or fewer runs for their starter in his last start for a net profit of $700 when playing against. The Rays are 7-0 since May 30, 2009 when David Price starts at home after facing 25 or fewer hitters for a net profit of $750. The Rays are 6-0 since April 13, 2010 after a win in which their starter pitched at least 8 innings for a net profit of $660.

Royals at Red Sox – The Royals are 5-0 since August 11, 2009 when Kyle Davies starts on the road after facing 25 or fewer hitters at home for a net profit of $795. The Red Sox are 0-6 since September 28, 2009 as a 140+ favorite vs a team that has won at least their last two games for a net profit of $920 when playing against. The Red Sox are 5-0 since May 18, 2010 when they lost the last time they faced this starting pitcher for a net profit of $645.

Astros at Reds – The Astros are 0-8 since April 10, 2009 as a dog after a loss in which they allowed 12+ hits and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $800 when playing against. The Astros are 0-8 since July 27, 2009 when Wandy Rodriguez starts as a dog after a quality start for a net profit of $800 when playing against.

Dodgers at Rockies – The League is 0-14 since June 02, 2009 as a road 140+ dog after a loss in which they allowed 6 or fewer hits and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $1400 when playing against. The Dodgers are 8-0 since June 13, 2009 after a loss in which they had at least five more team-left-on-base than their opponent for a net profit of $870. The League is 8-0 since September 06, 2009 as a 140+ favorite after a win in which they did not draw a walk for a net profit of $800.

Rangers at Twins – The Rangers are 0-7 since June 23, 2009 after a loss in which they had fewer than five team-left-on-base as a favorite for a net profit of $815 when playing against. The Twins are 7-0 since October 04, 2009 as a favorite after a win in which they allowed 1 or fewer walks for a net profit of $700. The Twins are 6-0 since July 17, 2009 within 20 cents of pickem after a win and it is the first game of the series for a net profit of $630.

Indians at Yankees – The League is 0-14 since June 02, 2009 as a road 140+ dog after a loss in which they allowed 6 or fewer hits and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $1400 when playing against. The Indians are 0-8 since June 19, 2009 on the road after a one run loss for a net profit of $800 when playing against. The Yankees are 5-0 since May 15, 2009 when Philip Hughes starts at home for a net profit of $500.

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