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**Spark** · 06-03-2010, 08:12 AM

Good Luck bum

**jt4545** · 06-03-2010, 12:27 PM

Good luck today

**bryce** · 06-03-2010, 12:32 PM

Good luck SDB!!

**StarDust Bum** · 06-03-2010, 05:47 PM

Thanks guys......good luck to you all also........

Thursday, June 3Game Score Status Pick Amount

Boston - 9:00 PM ET Boston +6 500 *****
L.A. Lakers - Under 192 500 *****

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

May's Record:

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record
05/30/10 4-2-0 66.67% +900 Detail
05/29/10 1-3-0 25.00% -1150 Detail
05/28/10 4-1-1 80.00% +1450 Detail
05/27/10 3-1-0 75.00% +950 Detail
05/25/10 3-1-0 75.00% +950 Detail
05/23/10 4-4-0 50.00% -200 Detail
05/22/10 4-2-0 66.67% +900 Detail
05/21/10 1-3-0 25.00% -1150 Detail
05/19/10 0-2-0 0.00% -1100 Detail
05/16/10 5-3-0 62.50% +850 Detail
05/15/10 4-6-0 40.00% -1300 Detail
Totals 33-28-1 54.10% +1100

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record
06/01/10 2-2-0 50.00% -100 Detail
Totals 2-2-0 50.00% -100

Thursday, June 3Game Score Status Pick Amount

San Antonio - 7:00 PM ET San Antonio +5 500 *****
Indiana - Under 147 500 *****

Good luck all

**StarDust Bum** · 06-03-2010, 06:14 PM

Lakers, Celtics chase history

LOS ANGELES (AP) -When Kobe Bryant joined the Lakers and Paul Pierce landed with the Celtics in the late 1990s, they both learned most of what they needed to know about their franchises' histories and expectations simply by looking at the forests of fabric high above the court.

These teams only hang banners for championships, and they're usually in big groups.

Multiple titles are the only metric of success, the only validation still available to Bryant and Pierce. Bryant is trying to do it for the second time in his career, while Pierce's Celtics are getting their first chance.

The NBA's most successful franchises meet in the NBA finals for the second time in three years, and the 12th time overall, starting Thursday night at Staples Center.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-03-2010, 06:15 PM

Championship Trends

NBA Championship Round Betting Edges...Four All The Marbles
With the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers meeting in the 2010 NBA Finals, rather than rehash stories of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, let’s instead look at four solid Championship Round betting theories outlined below from our powerful database. (Note: all results are ATS since 1991 unless noted otherwise.)

NO. 1 SEEDS DO NOT LIKE TO LOSE

You might beat them once. Twice in a row is another story.

That’s confirmed by the fact that No.1 seeds are 15-9 SU and 17-7 ATS in games off a SU and ATS loss if they own a win percentage of .700 or more since 1996.

Put these top-flight teams on the road off a SU loss and they improve to 13-5 ATS, including 12-2 the last 14 games.

HOME ON THE ROAD

Life may be cozy at home, but the money can be found on the road.

Our database finds visiting teams are moneymakers in the championship round, cashing 57% of the time, going 59-44-2 ATS. Better yet, put them in a game with the Over/Under total is 181 or higher and they improve to a 67% winning proposition, going 48-24-1 ATS Put these same teams on the road in games with a total of 181 or more off a SU and ATS loss and they ratchet all the way up to 17-4 ATS.

RETURN TO EARTH

Defense rules in the championship round.

When teams manage to score an inordinate amount of points in any one game, they return to the earth faster than a spaceship from a mission.

That’s validated by the fact that teams who score 110 or more points in a championship round showdown are just 7-12 SU and 5-14 ATS in their next contest.

Dress these same teams up as favorites after igniting the scoreboard and they short-circuit out, going 2-12 ATS.

ZIG-ZAGGING

While the famed ‘Zig-Zag’ theory has unraveled the last 10 years in the playoffs, it still works in this round… if you work it right.

To do so you want to play on a dog off one loss exact in the championship round, as they are 20-15 ATS.

Take 5.5 or more points in this role and they increase to 12-5 ATS, including 10-2 ATS if they own a win percentage of .636 or more.

There you have it. Four time tested Championship Round theories. Play sharp as a marble and for keeps and, like the eventual champions, you too shall rule.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-03-2010, 06:16 PM

Lakers get early action

Well, this is it! The NBA Finals everyone had been hoping for; the series that had the greatest bite at capturing viewers from all across the country. It’s Lakers-Celtics, again, for the 12th time in NBA history and for the second time in three years.

In their storied franchises histories, the Lakers have been to 10 more Finals, but Boston has won two more championships. Altogether, that’s 32 rings combined for these two teams.

"After we came back in the playoffs last year, I ran into Paul Pierce in a complex . . . in L.A.," said Coach Phil Jackson, "I said, 'Get it back, we want to meet you in the Finals.' So here it is."

That series two years ago gave a rude awakening to the favored Lakers that they were a bit soft and not tough enough. The Celtics totally outplayed and out-muscled them in nearly every facet, but somehow this year’s version of the Lakers seems more equipped to deal with adversity and play tougher on the road.

Kobe Bryant is still his great self and now has one ring alone without Shaquille O’Neal, maturing into that confident team leader. All-Star forward Pau Gasol plays with a different type of toughness than we saw in 2008 thanks to Bryant’s constant prodding of making him that way. And center Andrew Bynum, despite being gimpy on one leg, provides that extra big man inside that wasn’t present in the first meeting.

The biggest upgrade in a toughness mindset the Lakers have is the addition of Ron Artest, a player who appeared not to fit in throughout the season, but has since made a huge splash in the playoffs. In each of the first three series in this year’s playoffs -- all culminating with tough Lakers road wins -- Artest has elevated his game to new heights for the Lakers by increasing his scoring and rebound totals with each new opponent they faced.

One key difference with this years Celtics team and the team that won two years ago is age, and we’re not just talking about the long toothed Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. Rajon Rondo is two years more mature and has taken over this team. He’s gone from averaging 29 minutes, 5 assists, and 10 points a game in 2008 to 37, 9.8, and nearly 14 per game this season. He’s always been a tenacious defender, but now he’s got the respect of the officials who know him now and allow a little more hand jive without calling the fouls.

Kevin Garnett had his lowest scoring average (14.3) and minutes played per game (29.9) this season since his rookie year, but keeping him fresh for the playoffs never became more important than the Cleveland series where he looked like the Garnett from 10 years ago. When the Celtics were down 2-1 to the Cavaliers, Garnett put the team on his back while waiting for others like Paul Pierce to show up.

When Pierce finally showed up for the Magic series sprinkled in with a few Ray Allen sightings, Orlando really had no chance. The Celtics that had struggled down the stretch of regular season, appearing to limp into the playoffs, have come full circle to somewhat resemble that great team from two years ago.

The Las Vegas Hilton Super Book has opened the series price with the Lakers as minus-180 (Bet $180 to win $100) favorites with Celtics getting back plus-165 (Bet $100 to win $165), based largely on the Lakers having one more home game should the series go seven games.

"We've been getting some action on the Lakers already to win the series," said the Hilton's oddsmaker Jeff Sherman. "We've moved the line slightly to minus-185. Considering they were minus-200 against Boston in 2008 when they didn't have home court advantage, no Bynum or Artest in the lineup, the price looks kind of cheap to me. It's almost like the Lakers have the same team, except they have championship experience and two really good players as additions."

Game 1 has the Lakers listed as 5 1/2-point favorites with a total of 193. The total is nearly 30 points less than what we saw a few of the games reach in the Suns-Lakers series.

The five additional days of wagering in Las Vegas prior to game one should create a nice buzz for a series that hardly needs any hype and it will be exactly what the books could use. There was a huge lull in NBA playoff action by having three of the four conference semi-finals end in sweeps making sportsbooks pro basketball numbers in May look drastically lower than 2009 in year-over-year analysis.

Sherman was working hard Sunday creating several player and games props to have them ready for a Monday release to satisfy the public crave in what is one of the greatest rivalries in sports.

When you look at the two regular season encounters between the two teams, you won’t find many closer games, or any more reason not to believe this is going to be a tight brawl. The Lakers won the Jan. 31 battle 90-89 at Boston thanks to a late, cold-blooded, Kobe shot to win the game.

The Celtics returned the favor by winning at Staples Center 87-86 on Feb. 18, a game that Kobe missed due to a sprained ankle. In Boston’s win, Ray Allen was the difference with 24 points. Despite Bryant being out, the Lakers had won five straight up to that point without him.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Lakers come out in sync fired up to win easily in Game 1 at home and send the game way over the listed total against maybe a way-too well rested Celtics. Game 2 would seem to be the money game and determine where this series goes. If the Celtics steal that game and head to Boston tied, the Lakers may find themselves down 3-2 heading back to Los Angeles for the final two games.

I hate to go against Bryant, but I believe the Celtics will get the Lakers to play their game in at least five of the games forcing the Lakers to do things they don’t want to. This year’s Lakers are tougher than the past, but they still need a nice offensive rhythm to keep key players like Lamar Odom’s head in the game to be successful. With that being said, I’ll take the older guys to win in six.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-03-2010, 06:27 PM

Lakers look for revenge

The Numbers
The Lakers are -5.5 for Game 1 of the NBA Finals over the Celtics. The lone regular season meeting in Los Angeles had the Lakers favored by just -2.5 points back in February so this is a big jump from that. The total sits around 192 after opening between 194 and 195. Both regular season meetings stayed well below the number.

Greatest Pro Rivalry Ever?

This is the 12th meeting in the NBA Finals of the two most storied franchises in the NBA.

The series dates back to 1948 covering 272 meetings but it really did not get going until 1959, the first of seven championship meetings in the next 11 years. The Celtics brought home the NBA Title in all seven of those series’ with three of those going the seven-game distance.

The Lakers were able to get some of it back winning two of the three meetings in the Bird vs. Magic era in the 80’s. It was then 22 years before they finally got to meet again, this time in 2008 when the Celtics claimed their first NBA Championship since 1986.

After getting humiliated in the Finals two years ago, including a 39-point shellacking in the deciding game, the Lakers were thrilled that the Celtics took out the Cavaliers and the Magic to get here as they no doubt want some payback.

Better Prepared

While the Lakers were beaten pretty badly in the 2008 Finals, they can draw some positives from it. Los Angeles did not know what was coming at them two years ago but that won’t be the case this year.

“Well, you're just looking forward to the challenge of it,” Kobe Bryant said. “The last time we played them, it was a great learning experience for us. It taught us what it takes to be a champion. The defensive intensity that they played with, the tenacity that they played with, we learned a great deal in that series.”

The Lakers used that series loss as a form of motivation and they were able to get it done last season against the Magic four games to one to bring home another NBA Championship. It was the 15th in franchise history and a title this year will move it to within one of Boston’s 17 NBA crowns.

A win would also move it over .500 as Los Angeles is 15-15 in NBA Finals series. Boston meanwhile is an outstanding 17-4 in 21 trips to the Finals.

Same Teams, Different Teams

The last NBA Finals meeting was just two years and while some things have stayed the same, things have changed as well. The core players for both sides are still in place and the styles of both teams have not changed but there are plenty of differences since then.

Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Perkins have grown and matured as players. Ron Artest has given the Lakers a more formidable perimeter defender than the last time they played, Andrew Bynum is healthier, and Pau Gasol has added 15 pounds of muscle.

Even with these differences, the Celtics are not going to be changing their gameplan or style because they feel what worked then is going to work again and there is no reason to stray from that. The defense that was so tough then is playing with that same tenacity now.

“They play one way and we play a different way,” Ray Allen said. “That's what's beautiful about the Finals because you get a contrast of the two styles. It's about who can take away that team's strengths and force that team to play the way you want them to play.”

More Competitive Please

The NBA Playoffs have always been extremely entertaining and usually have provided us with many great moments and extremely great games. This year however the playoffs have been a dud unless you like blowouts and runaways.

Through the first 14 series, there were more games decided by 20 points or more (13) than three points or less (10). Where is the supposed parity in that? Two rounds back, the Celtics were blown out by the Cavaliers by 29 points only to return the favor by 32 points two games later. On the other side, the Lakers lost to Oklahoma City by 21 points in Game 4 only to win Game 5 by 24 points.

The NBA Finals last season had two overtime games, both won by the Lakers but it also had two blowouts by 25 and 13 points. Two years ago, the Lakers lost the final game against Boston by 39 points, the second double-digit loss in the finals by Los Angeles.

After seven long months of pro basketball, is it too much to ask for a series that is competitive throughout and one that will go the distance? I don’t think it is.

Trends

Boston is 9-20-1 ATS against the Western Conference this season.
Los Angeles is 15-5 ATS at home when playing on three or more days rest over the last three seasons.
The Celtics are 10-4 to the ‘Under’ in their last 14 playoff games when underdogs between 5.0 and 10.5 points.
The Lakers are 9-2 to the ‘Under’ in their last 11 home games against teams with a road winning percentage of .600 or better.
The Celtics are 9-2-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-03-2010, 06:28 PM

L.A. and Under in Game 1?

The NBA Finals tip off Thursday when the Celtics and Lakers meet in Game 1 from Staples Center. Bookmakers in Las Vegas opened Los Angeles as a 5 ½-point favorite in the first installment and based on this year's postseason, the trends favor the Lakers.

Favorites have dominated the hardwood this summer, going 53-22 straight up and 45-29-1 against the spread in this year's playoffs.

Will those trends carry over to the final, in particular Game 1?

As VegasInsider.com writer and handicapper Kevin Rogers noted in his NBA Finals Outlook, even though Phil Jackson has won 10 championships in 12 appearances, the legendary coach is a slow starter.

The Lakers have been a good fade in the first two games of the NBA Finals in the Jackson regime. Los Angeles is 3-8-1 ATS the first two games of the finals their last six appearances dating back to 2000, including a 2-4 ATS mark in Finals openers.

In this year's playoffs, Los Angeles has gone 3-0 SU and 2-1 ATS in its three Game 1 battles. The 'over' went 2-1. Boston has produced a 2-1 record as well in their opening tilts, and that includes a 1-1 mark on the road, with the lone loss coming at Cleveland (93-101) in the conference semifinals.

Both the Celtics and Lakers can't complain about rest for Game 1 but rust might play a factor since both teams have had five and four days off respectively.

Doc Rivers and the Celtics have gone 7-4 SU and 4-7 ATS on three days rest or more this year, which includes a 1-2 record both SU and ATS in this year's postseason. The Lakers have gone 8-2 SU and 5-5 ATS under the same circumstances and that includes a 3-1 SU and ATS ledger in the playoffs.

The total on Game 1 opened between 194 and 195 at most offshore outfits but the number has dropped to 192 at most shops in Las Vegas. Based on past history, rest has turned to rust and it's reflected in the results.

Game 1 of the NBA Finals (1998-2009)
Year Matchup Over/Under
2009 L.A. Lakers 100 vs. Orlando 75 UNDER 205.5
2008 Boston 98 vs. L.A. Lakers 88 UNDER 191.5
2007 San Antonio 85 vs. Cleveland 76 UNDER 179.5
2006 Dallas 90 vs. Miami 80 UNDER 194
2005 San Antonio 84 vs. Detroit 69 UNDER 176
2004 L.A. Lakers 75 vs. Detroit 87 UNDER 171
2003 San Antonio 101 vs. New Jersey 89 OVER 187
2002 L.A. Lakers 99 vs. New Jersey 94 OVER 191
2001 L.A. Lakers 101 vs. Philadelphia 107 (OT) OVER 191
2000 L.A. Lakers 104 vs. Indiana 87 UNDER 194
1999 San Antonio 89 vs. New York 77 UNDER 172
1998 Utah 88 vs. Chicago 85 (OT) UNDER 186

Nine of the last 12 openers in the NBA Finals have gone 'under' the number and two of the three games that did go 'over' the total, barely made it. Plus, the other 'over' ticket (Sixers-Lakers 2001) that cashed was helped by overtime.

The two regular season meetings between the Celtics and Lakers went 'under' the number. When the pair met in the 2008 NBA Finals, the total went 3-3 and the 'under' was 2-1 in the three battles played in Los Angeles.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-03-2010, 06:29 PM

Celtics-Lakers Outlook

No. 1 L.A. Lakers vs. No. 4 Boston Celtics

Series Price: L.A. Lakers -200, Boston +175

Series Format: L.A. Lakers, 2-3-2

HEAD TO HEAD COMPARISONS (Playoffs)
TEAM SU ATS HOME AWAY OVER/UNDER PPG DPPG
62-37 (12-5) 45-52-2 (12-5) 31-19 31-18 49-49-1 (8-9) 99.2 95.6
69-29 (12-4) 42-53-3 (8-7-1) 42-7 27-22 45-51-2 (10-5-1) 101.7 97.0

2009-10 Head to Head Meetings
Date Results Total
02/18/10 Boston 87 (+2.5) @ L.A. Lakers 86 UNDER 188.5
01/31/10 L.A. Lakers 90 (-1) @ Boston 89 UNDER 194.5

Skinny: The matchup that many basketball fans were anticipating has come about with the Lakers and Celtics meeting for the 12th time in the NBA Finals. Los Angeles will be looking to avenge a loss in the Finals back in 2008 to Boston in six games, topped off by a 39-point beatdown by the Celtics in the series clincher. The home-court advantage switches up this time around with the Lakers getting the first two games at Staples Center.

The Lakers and Celtics went down different roads to get to this point, but both held 2-0 leads in the conference finals before winning in six games. Los Angeles ousted Oklahoma City, 4-2 in the opening round, as the Lakers took three games at home. Phil Jackson's club made quick work of the Jazz in the second round by disposing of Utah for a third straight postseason. It was only the second sweep the Lakers have pulled off in the playoffs since 2003 (Denver in 2008). Los Angeles wrapped up its third straight conference title by knocking out Phoenix in six games, including the series clincher on the road in Game 6.

Boston entered the postseason as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference and many people wondered if the window has shut on the veteran Celtics. Turns out, the C's still have some gas left in the tank. Doc Rivers' squad downed Miami in five games of the opening round, followed by their elimination of the top-seeded Cavs in six games. Cleveland led Boston, 2-1 after a Game 3 blowout in Beantown, but that didn't faze the Celtics. Boston rebounded with three straight victories, led by several dominating performances from point guard Rajon Rondo. The Celtics avenged last season's second round loss to the Magic by ousting Orlando in six games in the Eastern Conference Finals.

The two teams split their two regular season meetings with the road squad winning each time. The Lakers needed a late Kobe Bryant jumper to down the Celtics in Boston, 90-89 on January 31 as one-point favorites. Bryant and Andrew Bynum each scored 19 points, while Rondo led all scorers with 21 points. The Celtics avenged that setback with an 87-86 squeaker at Staples Center on February 18, cashing as 2 ½-point underdogs. Bryant sat out that game with an ankle injury, as the C's tallied just 11 points in the final quarter to hold off the Lakers.

Gambling Notes: Over the last decade, the team that hosted the first two games of the Finals has won the title eight times. The two clubs in this stretch that went on the road to start the series and took home the title were the 2004 Pistons and the 2006 Heat. The Lakers have been a good 'fade' in the first two games of the NBA Finals in the Jackson era. Los Angeles is 3-8-1 ATS the first two games of the Finals its last five appearances dating back to 2000, including a 2-4 ATS mark in Finals openers. In Jackson's ten titles as coach of the Bulls and Lakers, his teams have never pulled off a sweep in the Finals, but have also never been pushed to a Game 7.

Since the inception of 2-3-2 format in 1985, the home team has won the first two games 13 times, including each of the last five seasons. The task for Boston to steal the first two games on the road will be difficult as that feat has been accomplished only twice, with Chicago winning the opening two in Phoenix back in 1993, and Houston grabbing the first two in Orlando in 1995. Even if the Lakers split the first two games at home, they're still in good shape from a historic standpoint. Ten times since the 2-3-2 format began, the home team has split the first two games, but in seven instances the home team still ended up winning the series. Winning the middle three games at home is never easy, as the '04 Pistons and '06 Heat are the only ones to accomplish that feat, something the Celtics may be faced with assuming they don't win the first two at Staples.

The Celtics gave backers a great ride in 2008 by covering all six games of the Finals, including four as an underdog. The totals were split down the middle, with the three 'overs' hitting when the winning team scored at least 100 points. Boston is 12-5 ATS this postseason, while the Lakers are just 9-7 ATS, including a 5-4 ATS mark as a favorite.

Nine of the last 12 Finals series openers have finished 'under' the total, including last year's 'under' in Los Angeles' 100-75 victory over Orlando (total was set at 205.5).

Series Outlook: Both these teams are not scared of this spotlight, but the Celtics are the ones playing with house money at this point. Very few people expected Boston to get past Cleveland in the second round, much less Orlando in the conference finals. The Lakers have been eyeing revenge for two seasons, even though Bryant finally won his first title without Shaquille O'Neal last season. Boston will push Los Angeles in this series, but the Lakers will capture back-to-back titles in six games.

Future Bets: The Lakers are favored to win this series, but there are other ways to get involved in exact series bets. If you believe Los Angeles will pull off a sweep, the odds are 10/1 on the Lakers finishing off the series in four games. On the flip side, if you think the Celtics wrap this series up in four, the odds are a generous 25/1. The shortest odds for any combination are 3/1 with the Lakers winning in six games. Bryant is a $2.50 favorite to win the series MVP, while Rondo is listed at even-money for the award. All odds are courtesy of Sportsbook.com.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-03-2010, 06:31 PM

Diamond Trends - Thursday

Nationals at Astros – The Nationals are 5-0 since July 25, 2009 when J.D. Martin starts after his team lost the last time he started for a net profit of $650. The Astros are 0-6 since September 13, 2009 at home after a win in which they had fewer team-left-on-base than their opponent for a net profit of $735 when playing against.

Braves at Dodgers – The Dodgers are 0-5 since July 24, 2009 as a favorite vs a team that has won at least their last three games and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $835 when playing against. The Dodgers are 5-0 since July 03, 2009 when Hiroki Kuroda starts as a favorite in the first game of a series for a net profit of $500.

Twins at Mariners – The Mariners are 12-0 since June 03, 2009 as a favorite after a win and it is the last game of the series for a net profit of $1200. The Mariners are 8-0 since May 30, 2009 when their starter went at least eight innings in his last start after a win for a net profit of $835. The Mariners are 0-7 since April 26, 2010 when Felix Hernandez starts for a net profit of $930 when playing against.

Brewers at Marlins – The Brewers are 5-0 since September 13, 2009 as a 140+ dog after a win in which they left 18+ men on base and it is not the first game of a series for a net profit of $745. The Marlins are 11-0 since May 24, 2009 when Josh Johnson starts after his team lost the last time he started for a net profit of $1125. The Marlins are 9-0 since May 20, 2009 as a home favorite after a loss in which they drew 5+ walks for a net profit of $900.

Athletics at Red Sox – The Athletics are 5-0 since May 20, 2009 when Brett Anderson starts as a road dog after facing 25 or fewer hitters for a net profit of $710. The Red Sox are 5-0 since May 18, 2010 and it is the last game of the series for a net profit of $700. The Red Sox are 5-0 since June 04, 2009 when Tim Wakefield starts in June for a net profit of $530.

Angels at Royals - The Angels are 7-0 since June 04, 2009 as a dog after a 5+ run win for a net profit of $905. The Angels are 0-6 since July 01, 2009 when Jered Weaver starts as a dog after a quality start for a net profit of $600 when playing against. The Royals are 0-9 since May 30, 2009 at home within 20 cents of pick ‘em after a loss in which their opponent left 18+ men on base for a net profit of $900 when playing against. The Royals are 5-0 since May 13, 2010 when they scored two or fewer runs for their starter in his last start for a net profit of $615.

Indians at Tigers – The Indians are 4-0 since April 22, 2010 as a road 140+ dog when they are off a loss in which they never led and it is not the first game of a series for a net profit of $745. The Tigers are 8-0 since May 05, 2009 when Rick Porcello starts at home after his team lost the last time he started for a net profit of $860. The Tigers are 7-0 since June 07, 2009 at home after a win in which their opponent left fewer than 10 men on base for a net profit of $700.

Rangers at White Sox – The White Sox are 7-1 since April 11, 2009 as a home dog after allowing 6+ runs for a net profit of $710.

Orioles at Yankees – The Orioles are 0-6 since April 06, 2010 when Kevin Millwood starts on the road for a net profit of $600 when playing against. The Orioles are 4-0 since August 20, 2009 as a road 170+ dog vs a team that has won at least their last four games for a net profit of $885. The Yankees are 12-0 since April 22, 2009 when CC Sabathia starts as a 200+ favorite after throwing more than 100 pitches for a net profit of $1200. The Yankees are 7-0 since August 09, 2009 at home when they are off two wins in which they never trailed for a net profit of $715.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-03-2010, 06:32 PM

Just Like Old Times

Just like old times, the Atlanta Braves are leading the National League East. That was a given during a 14-year stretch in which they won the loop each and every year, but only Chipper Jones and Bobby Cox remain from those days. And both of them are on the way out the door soon, which makes the Braves’ recent surge all the more improbable.

Seriously, who the hell saw this coming? Not me, that’s for sure.

When Atlanta endured a nine-game losing streak and dipped into the National League East cellar during April, I wrote the club off. Other than Jason Heyward, what was there to be excited about?

Troy Glaus wasn’t hitting, Chipper couldn’t stay in the lineup, Yunel Escobar was injured and not hitting when he was healthy and Jair Jurrjens was still looking for his first win of the season.

More than a month later, Cox’s last Braves team is back in its rightful spot – first place. Furthermore, following a three-game sweep of the Phillies, they have sole possession of the NL East’s top spot with a little room to spare – 2 ½ games, to be exact.

What happened? Well, for starters, Glaus started hitting… a lot! He had 28 RBIs in May and then started June with a three-run homer in the first inning of Tuesday’s 7-3 win over the Phillies.

Martin Prado, who is hitting .324 and went 2-for-4 in Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Philadelphia, continued to do stellar work from the leadoff spot. Heyward remained the favorite to win Rookie of the Year honors thanks to a .287 batting average, 10 homers and 38 RBIs.

Chipper Jones still isn’t healthy, nor is he swinging the bat like the .306 career hitter that he is. But even when he leaves a game like he did Wednesday – due to a sore ring finger that has Chipper day-to-day – Omar Infante stepped up with the game-winning RBI in the clutch during the eighth inning.

Forty percent (Jurrjens and Kenshin Kawakami) of the five-man rotation has zero combined wins, but the three other staff members have been dynamite. Derek Lowe, Tim Hudson and Tommy Hanson have combined for an 18-8 record. The Braves are 23-11 in their 34 starts.

The bullpen has the seventh-best ERA (3.47) in baseball. Billy Wagner is still bringing the heat, as evidenced by his 4-0 record, nine saves in 11 chances and 1.69 ERA. The veteran southpaw collected his fourth save in five days when his team polished off the Phillies for the series sweep on Wednesday.

The expectation is for Jurrjens to return to the rotation soon. Remember, the young right-hander was 14-10 with a 2.60 ERA in 34 starts last year. Meanwhile, Kris Medlen has come out of the bullpen and been effective in three starts. The Braves have prevailed in two of Medlen’s three assignments.

Nate McLouth, who has been moved from leadoff the No. 8 spot in the batting order, continues to struggle with an atrocious .178 batting average. If he doesn’t get going before the All-Star break, surely GM Frank Wren will make a move to acquire a center fielder.

Remember, Jimmy Rollins is still on the disabled list and the thinking here is that Philadelphia’s offense is going to come around in the not-too-distant future. For now, however, Atlanta is atop the NL East standings as constructed.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

--In a 3-0 game with a perfect game at stake, the first-base umpire has to know that you err on the side of ‘out’ if there’s a bang-bang play. Veteran umpire Jim Joyce absolutely blew it in Detroit’s win over Cleveland on Wednesday night. His mistake cost Armado Galarraga a perfect game. However, you have to give Joyce credit for taking his medicine like a man. He has completely apologized to all parties involved and admitted his mistake. After the game, Joyce issued face-to-face apologies to Galarraga and Detroit manager Jim Leyland, who had his say with Joyce on the field but was much more diplomatic later.

--Galarraga has been a total sport about the situation. After the game, he ironically said, “Nobody’s perfect” in reference to Joyce’s mistake. On Thursday, he said everyone needs to “move on” with a smile on his face.

--Here’s a tip of the cap to Ken Griffey Jr., who retired after 22 seasons on Wednesday. Assuming he stays in retirement, Griffey finishes his brilliant career with 630 career home runs, ranking him fifth on the all-time list. In my mind, Griffey is one of just a handful of power hitters in his era that I can confidently say did not use steroids. On that note, we’re left wondering who would’ve hit more blasts out of Griffey and Barry Bonds if Bonds would’ve stayed clean. We’ll also never know how many Griffey would’ve hit had he not had so many injuries while in Cincinnati.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-03-2010, 06:33 PM

Joyce wipes away tears as he takes field

Umpire Jim Joyce wiped away tears as he took the field, a day after his blown call cost Detroit pitcher Armando Galarraga a perfect game.

Major League Baseball is still deciding whether to review the call.

Joyce and Galarraga met at home plate Thursday afternoon as the pitcher presented the umpire with the Tigers' lineup card. Joyce shook hands with Galarraga and patted him on the shoulder.

There were some cheers when Joyce appeared at Comerica Park. There was a smattering of boos when he was introduced.

Joyce has admitted missing a call at first base Wednesday night on what would've been the final out. The veteran ump personally apologized to Galarraga after the game and hugged him.

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