Sunday's Trends and Indexes 5/30 (NHL, MLB, WNBA, Misc.)

[Udog]

MLB


Sunday, May 30

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Tips and Trends
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Philadelphia Phillies at Florida Marlins [1:10 PM ET]

Phillies: Philadelphia is still struggling offensively, yet they keep winning. Philadelphia has won both games against Florida in this series despite scoring a total of 3 runs in the series. The Phillies have scored a total of 7 runs in their past 7 games combined. The Phillies are 28-20 this year, leading the National League East by 1.5 games over the Braves. Philadelphia will take the field today as a rather large listed underdog. Left handed veteran P Jamie Moyer will take the ball today, as he tries to follow up the perfect game that was pitched yesterday. Moyer is 5-4 this season, with an ERA of 4.55 and a WHIP of 1.12. The Phillies are 0-4 in their last 4 games against a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. Philadelphia is 6-1 in Moyers' last 7 starts as a road underdog. The Phillies are 8-2 in Moyers' last 10 road starts against a team with a losing record. The Phillies are 1-6 in Moyers last 7 starts following a team loss in their previous game.

Phillies are 6-0 last 6 road games against a team with a losing home record.
Under is 9-1-1 last 11 overall.

Key Injuries - SS Jimmy Rollins (calf) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 3

Marlins (-125, O/U 9.5): How is Florida going to respond offensively the day after not reaching base? Confidence is surely an issue as they head into their series finale against the Phillies. Florida has lost their past 4 games, falling to 24-26 on the year. The Marlins have the worst record in the National League East. P Anibal Sanchez has been dealing of late, as he's won each of his past 3 starts. Sanchez is 4-2 this year, with an ERA of 3.23 and a WHIP of 1.35. The Marlins are 5-1 in their last 6 games against a left-handed starter. Florida is 5-1 in Sanchezs' last 6 starts as a home favorite of -110 to -150. The Marlins are 16-4 in Sanchezs' last 20 starts as a home favorite. Florida is 2-5 in Sanchezs' last 7 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.

Marlins are 21-8 last 29 games as a home favorite of -110 to -150.
Over is 7-2 last 9 during game 3 of a series.

Key Injuries - C John Baker (elbow) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 4 (UNDER - Total of the Day)



Texas Rangers at Minnesota Twins [ESPN | 8:05 PM ET]

Rangers: Texas has struggled of late, and it's because of their pitching. The Rangers have allowed 5 runs or more in 5 of their past 6 games. The Rangers organization stresses long outings from their starting rotation, but some people are wondering if this staff is already wearing down. Texas has lost their past 3 games heading into tonight's game. The Rangers are 26-23 this year, yet are only 8-14 on the road this season. Lefty Derek Holland will look to continue his brilliant start to this season. Holland is 2-0 with an ERA of 2.95 and a WHIP of 1.04 this year. The Rangers are 1-6 in their last 7 road games against a right-handed starter. Texas is 1-8 in their last 9 road games. The Rangers are 3-7 in Hollands last 10 starts overall. Texas is 1-6 in Hollands last 7 starts as an underdog of +110 to +150.

Rangers are 5-13 last 18 games as an underdog of +110 to +150.
Under is 8-1 last 9 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.

Key Injuries - RF Nelson Cruz (hamstring) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 3

Twins (-140, O/U 8.5): Minnesota is yet again going about their business very quietly. Only 1 team in the American League has a better record than the Twins do. Minnesota is 29-20 on the season, and have won 3 consecutive games heading into tonight's contest. Offensively, the Twins have scored 8 runs in 2 of their past 3 contests. Minnesota has allowed their opponents 3 runs or fewer in each of their past 5 games. P Scott Baker will take the mound today, and he's hoping to improve on his recent poor play. Baker is 4-4 this year, with an ERA of 4.48 and a WHIP of 1.33. The Twins are 5-1 in their last 6 games against a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. Minnesota is 38-14 in their last 52 home games against a left-handed starter. The Twins are 7-0 in Bakers last 7 starts as a home favorite of -110 to -150. Minnesota is 8-3 in Bakers last 11 home starts against a team with a winning record.

Twins are 5-0 last 5 against the American League West.
Under is 12-3 last 15 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.

Key Injuries - None.

PROJECTED SCORE: 6 (Side of the Day)


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[Udog]

MLB


Sunday, May 30

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Sunday Night Baseball: Rangers at Twins
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Texas Rangers at Minnesota Twins (-138, 8.5)

The Texas Rangers and Minnesota Twins began their three-game series with each team atop their respective divisions.

The Twins have won the first two games to extend their lead in the American League Central, while the Rangers have fallen behind the Oakland Athletics in the AL West.

Cool-hand Holland

The Rangers will try to avoid a sweep and salvage Game 3 tonight, sending left-hander Derek Holland to the hill. The Twins, meanwhile, will go with right-hander Scott Baker in ESPN’s nationally televised game.

Holland has pitched well since being called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City, going 2-0 with a 2.95 ERA. He will be on seven days’ rest, last starting on May 22 against the Chicago Cubs. Holland went six innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits with no walks and five strikeouts.

Holland did come out of the bullpen in the Rangers’ 5-2 loss to Kansas City on Wednesday, throwing 23 pitches in the eighth inning.

This marks the first time Holland will start on the road this season. In two career starts against Minnesota, he is 1-0 with a 3.86 ERA.

Texas drought

Offensively, the Rangers have struggled in the first two games against the Twins, scoring only two runs in each of the games.

On Saturday, the heart of the lineup – Michael Young, Ian Kinsler, Josh Hamilton and Vladimir Guerrero – went 2-for-16 with no RBIs. Julio Borbon was the lone Rangers player to come through with two run-scoring singles.

Rangers' are also missing Nelson Cruz (.327 BA, 10 HRs, 34 RBIs) in their batting order. The outfielder missed Friday's game and only pitch hit on Saturday because of strain in his left hamstring. Cruz, who is the reigning AL player of the week, hopes to return to the everyday lineup by the Chicago series next week.

"The problem with him can't get any worse. It's done," Texas manager Ron Washington told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "We've just got to see how much pain he can tolerate."

Home is where the double is

The Twins got plenty of offensive support Saturday, breaking loose for six runs in the seventh to cruise to an 8-3 victory.

As has been the story this season at their new ballpark, the Twins used three doubles to power their attack.

Many people have noticed Minnesota has struggled to hit the long ball in Target Field but don't forget they have the second most amount of two-baggers at home.

"It's a lot of grass out there; that's a lot of area," Minny hitting coach Joe Vavra told the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "So if you can hit those low line drives. Even with presumably what is a single, if you hit the ball hard, and (the outfielder is) going at such a deep angle, you have a shot for a double. That's where we're taking them."

So while the Twins' have just 13 big flies in 26 home games, they're still in the top 10 for most run production in friendly confines.

Do it again

Scott Baker would love to see another six-run inning again today from his mates. Last year against the Rangers, Baker was 2-0 with a 3.45 ERA.

In his last start against the Yankees on Tuesday, Baker pitched five innings, allowing only three hits, before the game was suspended. Still, Baker has yet to win a game this month, with his last victory coming on April 28 when he threw eight strong innings against Baltimore.

They like us. They really, really like us.

The Twins have already surpassed the 1-million mark in paid attendance at the new Target Field. It’s been the earliest the club has reached that number in its history, needing only 26 games.

Trends

The Rangers' cold bats are helping under bettors. Texas has played under the total in nine of its last 13 games. Texas is also just 1-8 in its last nine road games.

The Twins are 10-3 in Baker's last 13 home starts and they've played under the total in their last 16 home games against a lefty starter.


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[Udog]

Sunday's six-pack

-- Kendry Morales hit a walk-off grand slam for Angels, then broke his leg jumping on home plate in the ensuing celebration. Not good.

-- Roy Halladay threw MLB's 20th perfect game and second of the year as Phillies beat the Marlins for second night in a row, 1-0.

-- Giants' prospect Buster Posey went 3-4 in his major league debut as San Francisco beat the Diamondbacks, 7-1. Posey played 1B in his debut, but eventually, he'll be the Giants' catcher. Huff has been moved to LF to make room for the rookie at first base.

-- Stephen Strasburg gave up three runs in five IP, giving up his first pro home run, as Syracuse lost 3-2 to Scranton-Wilkes Barre. Looks like he will have one more AAA start before the Nationals call him up. As of tonight, his ERA in five AAA starts is just 1.27.

-- Bronx Bombers led 9-3 in the fourth inning but lost 13-11 at home to Indians, as Bomber bullpen gave up eight runs in four IP.

-- Garrett Wittels extended his hitting streak to 53, as FIU beat MTSU 11-9, advancing to finals of Sun Belt Conference baseball tournament.


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Sunday's List of 13: What kids should know about recruiting......

Watching 12 hours of basketball Saturday, it dawned on me that a great majority of kids playing have no idea when coaches look for when they go recruiting at these tournaments. Now, not everyone does things the same way, but here is, generally, what most coaches are looking for.........

13) First things first; college coaches have to win, or they get fired. What they're looking for, first and foremost, are players who will help them do that. What is your college skill? How can you help the team win?

12) One of the big advantages of spring/summer ball over high school ball is that its easier for college coaches to get out and see you when they're not coaching their own teams. Exposure is great, but what are the coaches going to see? Do the things you do well; avoid the things you do poorly.

11) I coached a kid once who always said "I was open....." after missing a shot. Yup, he was open, mainly because the other team wanted him to shoot, because he was an awful shooter. Kids should spend time working on improving their skills. Not enough do.

10) Be in really good shape. Watched a kid play today, good sized kid, decent rebounder, but he's in terrible shape and in his night game, he ran out of gas fairly quickly. He would be better served doing pilates than by playing games. He's going to be seen during his high school season, but what are coaches going to see? Players should stay in tip-top shape.

9) Toughness is a skill. Watched a kid tonight who intimidated the other team with his physical play. When he set a screen, they avoided him. If he dove for a loose ball, they didn't. If he boxed someone out, they gave up on the play. Believe me, coaches eat that stuff up.

8) Watched another kid who scored around 15 points in his game; made one 3-pointer, the rest of his hoops were simply because he ran the court faster than the other team. His team had a good point guard who got him the ball and he had at least six fairly simple baskets, just because he was in good shape, he ran hard and he could catch the ball and make a layup. Nothing terribly skilled, but no one was doing it, so he did.

7) Good defenders are always welcome. Watched a kid today who won't get much acclaim from the evaluators here, because he didn't have the ball a lot, and when he did, he made simple, smart plays with it, but in the game I watched, the kid shut his man down and had several steals without taking foolish gambles to go after the ball. I'm writing this kid's name on a piece of paper and predicting he'll have a solid college career.

6) Kids have to realize they're always being watched; if a kid isn't a good teammate, who would want him on their team, no matter how talented he is? If he pouts when taken out of games, if he bitches when he doesn't get the ball, who wants someone like that around? The answer? No one.

5) Good passers are good teammates; they set their teammates up to look good, they get defenses out of position, they create easy baskets. If you play in one of these tournaments and pass the ball really well, you stand out in a very positive way. That said.......

4) ........you also have to be a threat to shoot the ball. If we scouted a kid who was a terrific passer but couldn't shoot, we'd play way off him and basically they'd be playing 4-on-5 when he had the ball, because he was not going to shoot and if he did, he wasn't going to make it. This is where working on your skills is so important for point guards. Its a lot easier to go by people with the dribble if they have to play up on you because you present a threat to shoot the ball. You become unpredictable.

3) Post players should always post above the block; that way, if they go baseline, they won't be behind the backboard when they go to shoot. You would be amazed to watch where most post players start with the ball. It adds another huge obstacle to scoring a basket.

2) When inbounding the ball against a press, not enough kids run baseline to get out from underneath the backboard . If you're under the backboard, you can't throw long baseball-type passes to get the ball in to a teammate. About the 100th time you see this in a weekend, it starts bothering you.

1) I would advise players to make yourself marketable; make your skillset as diverse as possible. The more things you can do (pass/rebound/defend being three of the most important) the more someone will want you to be on their team. And if you do those things really, really well, maybe you'll get to go to college for free, and thats a big deal. Good luck.