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**Udog** · 06-06-2010, 12:24 AM

Daily Sports Roundup: June 6

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The NBA Finals continue in Los Angeles, the Stanley Cup final returns to Chicago, and the Sprint Cup Series hit the track at Pocono.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

It'll be Boston vs. the Lakers in Game 2 of the NBA Finals in Los Angeles on Sunday night, with Kobe Bryant and company looking to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Lakers rolled to a 102-89 home win in the opener of the set on Thursday night, getting 30 points from Bryant and 23 points and 14 rebounds from Pau Gasol. Ron Artest added 15 points for Los Angeles in that win. Paul Pierce tossed in a team-high 24 points in the losing cause for the Celtics, while Rajon Rondo was good for 13 points and eight assists. The Lakers covered the spread as 5.5-point favorites in Game 1, and the oddsmakers opened them as 6-point favorites for the second game of the series on Sunday night. The OVER/UNDER for Game 2 is listed at 190.5 points.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

The American League schedule for Sunday has the Yankees at Toronto, Cleveland at the White Sox, Detroit at Kansas City, Tampa Bay at Texas, Minnesota at Oakland, the Angels at Seattle, and Boston at Baltimore. The Orioles, who just fired manager Dave Trembley on Friday, are slated to send Brian Matusz (2-6, 5.28 ERA) to the mound on Sunday to take on Boston's John Lackey (6-3, 4.95 ERA). Lefthander Matusz was the hard-luck loser against the Yankees last time out, giving up just one earned run on six hits over his 6 2-3 innings of work. Righthander Lackey beat the Athletics in his last trip to the mound despite surrendering four earned runs on 12 hits in six innings worked.

Meanwhile, the National League on Sunday offers up Florida at the Mets, San Francisco at Pittsburgh, San Diego at Philadelphia, Cincinnati at Washington, the Cubs at Houston, Atlanta at the Dodgers, Colorado at Arizona, and Milwaukee at St. Louis. Manny Parra (1-3, 4.06 ERA) is expected to take on Jaime Garcia (5-2, 1.32 ERA) in that Brewers/Cardinals primetime matchup. Lefthander Parra was knocked around by the Mets in his last appearance, giving up three earned runs on six hits over three innings of work. Lefthander Garcia beat the Reds in his last outing, surrendering just three runs (two earned) on seven hits over his six innings of work in that contest.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

The Stanley Cup final returns to Chicago on Sunday night with the Blackhawks and Flyers tied at two games apiece in the best-of-seven series. Philadelphia evened up the set with a 5-3 home win in Game 4 on Friday night. Mike Richards, Matt Carle, Claude Giroux, Ville Leino, and Jeff Carter (into an empty net) scored for the Flyers in Friday's win, while Michael Leighton stopped 31 of 34 Chicago shots. Patrick Sharp, Dave Bolland, and Brian Campbell replied for the Blackhawks in Friday's losing cause.

Roaring around the track . . .

The Sprint Cup Series will take the track at Pocono Raceway on Sunday afternoon for the Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500. Tony Stewart is the defending champion at this event, but he's back at 16/1 odds to take the checkered flag at Pocono on Sunday. Denny Hamlin, who visited victory lane at Pocono last August in the Pennsylvania 500, and Jimmie Johnson are the oddsmakers' picks at 5/1 to take the trophy this weekend, with Jeff Gordon, Kurt Busch, and Kyle Busch all pulling down 8/1 odds. Kevin Harvick, the series points leader, is pegged at 18/1 odds to get the win Sunday.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

Finally, there are three games on the WNBA's schedule for Sunday, with Indiana at Minnesota, Phoenix at Seattle, and San Antonio at Connecticut. The Silver Stars have struggled to start the season, going 2-4 straight-up (and 2-4 against-the-spread) through their first six contests. San Antonio picked up its third straight loss last time out, falling 79-57 on the road to Indiana despite Chamique Holdsclaw's 12-point effort. Silver Stars guard Becky Hammon is listed as day-to-day with a strained quad.

**Udog** · 06-06-2010, 12:25 AM

Bettor's best friend: Sunday's wagering tips

Line to keep an eye on

Brewers at Cardinals – The home team opened as -245 chalk with rookie Jaime Garcia on the mound but that number can be found as low as -225 on a couple of betting boards now.

Weather report
(Forecasts are extracted from Weather.com the night before the game.)

Indians at White Sox – The National Weather Service forecast calls for a 15 mph wind to blow from first base out to left field. There is also a 20 percent chance of precipitation during the game.

Red Sox at Orioles – A 17 mph wind is projected to blow out to right field. A 40 percent chance of rain is called for later in the game.

Reds at Nationals – The forecast calls for a 16 mph wind to blow from first base out to left field.

Padres at Phillies – A 19 mph wind is projected to blow out to right field and there is a 30-40 percent chance of rain in the latter innings of the game.

Marlins at Mets – The NWS forecast calls for an 18 mph wind to blow out to right-center field. There is also a 40 percent chance of precipitation during the game.

Giants at Pirates – There is a 40-50 percent chance of rain expected early in the game with a 17 mph wind blowing across the diamond from first to third.

Who’s hot

The Blackhawks have won three straight at home versus Philadelphia.

Minnesota (WNBA) is 3-1 SU and ATS in its last three games against Indiana.

The Angels have won four straight decisions.

Who’s not

The Celtics are 1-3 SU and ATS in their last four games.

San Antonio (WNBA) is 0-3 SU and ATS in its last three outings.

Baltimore is stuck in a 10-game losing streak.

Key stat

56 – Number of games Florida International’s Garrett Wittles has hit safely in. Former major leaguer Robin Ventura holds the NCAA Division-I record streak at 58 games, but Wittels won't get another at-bat until February as his team’s season has ended.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

The Celtics get forward Marquis Daniels back for Sunday's Game 2. Daniels suffered a concussion in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Orlando Magic and did not play against the Lakers in Game 1, when the foul-troubled Celtics could have used him off the bench. Celtics coach Doc Rivers said that Daniels was scheduled to practice with the team Saturday and would be cleared to play if there were no complications.

Games of the day

Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers (-6, 190)

Philadelphia Flyers at Chicago Blackhawks (-200, 6)

Notable quotable

"The most important thing was my fastball was good today, my sinker was good. That's the important thing about me. Team-wise, we're just not playing good. We just need to score more runs."

-- Chicago pitcher Carlos Zambrano after returning to the starter's role and giving up three runs in 4.1 innings of a loss.

Tips and notes

- Red Bull Racing decided to switch crew chiefs for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars driven by Casey Mears and Scott Speed. Crew chief Robin Pemberton will move to the No. 82 car driven by Speed while Jimmy Elledge will handle duties for the No. 83 car driven by Mears for Sunday's race at Pocono International Raceway. There was no reason cited for the change but both drivers may just be in need of a fresh look after struggling most of this season. Mears has worked with Elledge in the past. Both drivers are lumped in the “Field” betting option at +2500.

- Game 1 between the Lakers and Celtics received the highest ratings in a Finals game since 2004. But with L.A. cruising to an easy victory and leading by 20 in the third quarter some viewers may elect to tune out for Game 2 Sunday. We all know Commissioner David Stern considers his league a business and will do anything he can to keep fans watching. The NBA Playoffs as a whole have been rather lackluster and this dream matchup definitely helps advertising, but if the home team blows out the other in every game it won’t keep an audience. David Stern's three marionettes on the court could aim to keep Sunday’s game closer than Lakers backers hope.

- Life was much too easy for Pau Gasol in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. And after what Gasol had to say about Kevin Garnett’s game to the media, don’t expect Boston to let him off easy. The Celtics controlled Dwight Howard in the Eastern Finals by using Glen Davis, Rasheed Wallace and Kendrick Perkins as goons to hack-a-Howard every time he got in the paint. Look for Doc Rivers’ gameplan to emulate that Sunday. More trips to the line could mean more points for Gasol (prop bet) or it could mean a lot of clock stoppage (over).

**Udog** · 06-06-2010, 12:26 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Boston at LA Lakers
The Lakers look to follow up their Game 1 win and build on their 7-1 ATS record in their last 8 games following a SU win. LA is the pick (-5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Lakers favored by 10 1/2. Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-5 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, JUNE 6

Game 703-704: Boston at LA Lakers (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 119.971; LA Lakers 131.545
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 10 1/2; 194
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 5 1/2; 190
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-5 1/2); Over

**Udog** · 06-06-2010, 12:27 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, June 6

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BOSTON (62 - 38) at LA LAKERS (70 - 29) - 6/6/2010, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 45-53 ATS (-13.3 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) against Pacific division opponents this season.
BOSTON is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in non-conference games this season.
BOSTON is 41-26 ATS (+12.4 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 84-64 ATS (+13.6 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 44-53 ATS (-14.3 Units) in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 9-3 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 7-6 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**Udog** · 06-06-2010, 12:28 AM

NBA
Short Sheet

Sunday, 6/06/2010

NBA Finals
Game Two (Lakers Lead 1-0)
BOSTON AT LA LAKERS, 8:05 PM ET ABC
BOSTON: 1-9 ATS against Pacific division opponents
LA LAKERS: 21-9 ATS when playing only their 2nd game in 7 days

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 06-06-2010, 12:28 AM

NBA

Sunday, June 6

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Trend Report
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8:00 PM
BOSTON vs. LA LAKERS
Boston is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
Boston is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
LA Lakers are 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 games when playing Boston
LA Lakers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Boston

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**Udog** · 06-06-2010, 12:29 AM

NBA

Sunday, June 6

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Pick 'n' Roll: Today's best NBA bets
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Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers (-6, 190)

Kevin Garnett has played a lot of playoff games in his 14-year NBA career. Game 1 of this year’s Finals might have been his worst. The power forward wasn’t powerful at all collecting just four rebounds and allowing Laker big man Pau Gasol to score almost at will.

Los Angeles' All-Star center followed up his 23-point, 14-rebound and three-block performance by summing up Garnett’s game in 2010.

"On Kevin's part, he's also lost some explosiveness," Gasol told reporters Friday afternoon in Los Angeles. "He's more of a jump shooter now you could say, comes off the lane. Before he had a really, really quick first step and was getting to the lane and he was more aggressive then.”

So now the C’s think the Lakers are disrespecting them and are telling everyone who’ll listen that KG is sure to bounce back with a big game on Sunday.

Don’t expect a big offensive game from Garnett but surely a better defensive effort against Gasol.

Game 1’s total opened at 195 and was bet down to 191. The contest finished as a push but oddsmakers were ready for the Game 2 number listing the over/under line at 190.

Expect fewer Boston turnovers and whistles on Sunday.

Pick: Under

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**Udog** · 06-06-2010, 12:31 AM

NBA

Sunday, June 6

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Game of the day: Celtics at Lakers
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Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers (-6, 190)

Line adjustment

The Lakers were 5.5-point favorites in Game 1 and they have now been installed as 6-point chalk in Game 2 after their easy win on Thursday.

Los Angeles led by 20 points entering the fourth quarter in the eventual 102-89 win and the oddsmakers had to adjust the line. The same thing occurred last season when Los Angeles easily defeated the Magic in Game 1, 100-75, as a 6-point fave. The Lakers were 6.5-point faves for Game 2 and barely won 101-96 in overtime.

Heavy money came in on the under in Game 1 on Thursday and pushed the opening total from 195 all the way down to 191 by game time. Kobe Bryant’s meaningless 3-pointer at the buzzer landed the game exactly on 191 and now the oddsmakers have adjusted the Game 2 line lower to 190.

The Lakers entered the series as a -185 favorite to win the championship and they now stand -340 to capture the title.

Gasol says KG's game isn't the same

Laker big man Pau Gasol was the story in Game 1 finishing with 23 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks. The performance came with former Defensive Player of the Year Kevin Garnett guarding the Spaniard.

Gasol threw a bit of salt in the wound Friday night telling reporters that the Big Ticket isn't the same player he once was.

"On Kevin's part, he's also lost some explosiveness," Gasol said. "He's more of a jump shooter now you could say, comes off the lane. Before he had a really, really quick first step and was getting to the lane and he was more aggressive then.”

Boston players were excited to hear the statement when reporters relayed Gasol assessment of KG.

"I just can't wait -- I didn't know he said that, but I'll be excited to see how it goes in Game 2," Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo said. "You know, Kevin is fine. It's just one game. We'll see in Game 2. We'll see in Game 2."

Garnett outplayed Gasol in the 2008 NBA Finals but it looks like he'll have his work cut out just to keep up with the younger big man this time around.

Past history

Kobe Bryant missed the regular season meeting on Feb. 18 and the Celtics won 87-86 as a 2.5-point underdog at Los Angeles. The Lakers have won every other meeting the past two seasons with Kobe in the lineup, going a perfect 4-0 straight-up and 3-0-1 against the spread which includes their Game 1 win on Thursday.

This is a stark reversal from the 2007-08 season which saw the Celtics go a perfect 8-0 against the spread versus the Lakers (6-2 straight-up) on Boston’s way to the NBA Championship. The Celtics won the title in six games which included a pair of home wins in Games 1 and 2.

Stingy defense vanished

Prior to Game 1 in Los Angeles, Boston’s defense had been ultra consistent throughout the playoffs. The C’s had allowed more than 100 points in just four of their 17 previous playoff games, and had held their opponents to less than 90 points in 10 of those 17 contests.

But their defense was non-existent on Thursday night as the Lakers scored 102 points in their 13-point win. Boston allowed the Lakers to shoot 48.7 percent (37-76) from the field and 40 percent (4-10) from 3-point land. The Celtics also gave the Lakers 24 free points after letting them get to the free-throw line 31 times.

Swallow the whistle

Game 1 had way too many fouls. The first quarter was actually tough to watch because there was absolutely no flow to the game thanks to the officials. They called a whopping 18 personal fouls over the first 12 minutes alone, and most of those calls were questionable at best.

The Celtics and Lakers combined to shoot 67 free throws for the game after 54 personal fouls were called with seven players having at least four fouls called on them. The match was officiated too tight, and we can only hope they let them play for the rest of the series.

Efficient offense

Both offensive units were extremely efficient in Game 1, especially the starters. Boston had four starters score in double digits with only Kendrick Perkins scoring less than 10 points. The starting five combined to score 73 points on 45.3 percent shooting (24-53).

Los Angeles also had four of their five starters score in double digits. Their starting five combined to score 87 points on 50 percent shooting (30-60).

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**Udog** · 06-06-2010, 12:32 AM

NHL

Sunday, June 6

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PHILADELPHIA (55-41-0-7, 117 pts.) at CHICAGO (66-27-0-9, 141 pts.) - 6/6/2010, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 3-3 (+0.0 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 3-3-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.3 Units)

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**Udog** · 06-06-2010, 12:32 AM

NHL

Sunday, June 6

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Trend Report
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8:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. CHICAGO
Philadelphia is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
Philadelphia is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games on the road
Chicago is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
Chicago is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

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**Udog** · 06-06-2010, 12:33 AM

NHL

Sunday, June 6

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Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets
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Philadelphia Flyers at Chicago Blackhawks (-200, 6)

Chicago has been pushed around by Chris Pronger and Philly’s blueline unit during the finals, and if the Blackhawks want to defend home ice they are going to have to push back.

The ‘Hawks must be more disciplined in Game 5 and will have to get more physical on the offensive and defensive sides of the puck.

"We all can pick up our play and our desperation level," said defenseman Duncan Keith. "This is it. It's a best-of-three now. There's nothing to save it for, there's nothing to conserve your energy for. It's full-out every shift, and that's the way it should be."

Vegas and bettors expect Chicago’s young, talented team to bounce back in this game. When the Blackhawks have won at home this postseason, the team has held opponents to an average of 2.28 goals per game.

Oddsmakers have bumped this total a half goal after a flurry of goals in the last two games and now with a push available, it’s time to hop back on the other side.

Pick: Under

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**Udog** · 06-06-2010, 12:34 AM

NHL

Sunday, June 6

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What bettors need to know: Flyers at Blackhawks
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Philadelphia Flyers at Chicago Blackhawks (-200, 6)

The Stanley Cup final is all knotted up at two games a piece with the Flyers holding serve at home and the Blackhawks looking to do the same in Game 5 at Chicago.

Bird droppings

The Blackhawks wanted to play more physical and take the fight to Philly but the added grit ended up sending the Western Conference champs to the sin bin on multiple occasions.

"We can't whack back," Hawks captain Jonathan Toews told reporters after the 5-3 loss in Game 4. "Retaliation penalties [are] definitely what stands out, especially to the officiating. We have to try our best to get under their skin and make sure they're whacking us back instead of us taking stupid penalties."

Chicago gave Philadelphia six power plays on Friday night, adding to the Flyers’ 16-9 edge in man advantages in the series.

Pronger relishing role as the bad guy

Flyers veteran Chris Pronger drew attention after he admitted he’d grabbed game pucks scored by the Hawks and threw them in the garbage.

“I’m sure there’s a method (to Pronger’s madness),” Flyers center Daniel Briere told the Toronto Star. “He seems to be disturbing a lot of people and we’re a team that disturbs a lot of people so I guess he fits right in.”

But Pronger’s real value to the Flyers has been on full display over the last four games. The hulking defenseman has neutralized Chicago power forward Dustin Byfuglien, he’s limited Hawks stars Toews and Patrick Kane’s space on the ice and he’s a plus-7 with three assists through the series’ first four games.

The former Norris Trophy winner would have to be considered a favorite to win the Conn Symthe Trophy should the Flyers prevail, but Pronger is quick to point out the sharp play of his defensive partner, Matt Carle.

''A lot of the time, [Carle's] defensive plays get overlooked,'' Pronger told the Chicago-Sun Times. ''He's very solid one-on-one. He may not be running guys over, but he gets in the way and forces guys to make mistakes.''

Carle, known more as a puck-moving blueliner, has a goal and two assists in his last two games.

Missing star power

Most hockey bettors expected Toews and Kane to lead the supremely-skilled Hawks past the rough-and-tough Flyers, but after four games Toews and Kane have just one goal between them in the Cup final.

Chicago head coach Joel Quenneville has tried shaking up the lines to try spark the two gifted offensive players, but the changes haven’t increased either star’s production.

"It's frustrating, but what are you going to do? You're not going to sit there and cry about it," Toews told ESPN.com. "You keep going out there the next shift and you try. You do a lot of good things out there, but it doesn't mean nothing if you don't produce, if you don't score, and we know that."

Leighton proves critics wrong… again

Several media talking heads suggested the Flyers should start Brian Boucher after starter Michael Leighton got pulled in Game 1 and was on the wrong side of a 2-1 result in Game 2.

But Flyers coach Peter Laviolette stuck with Leighton who was the team’s third-string netminder just a few months back. The move obviously was the right decision with Leighton playing an integral role in the Flyers’ two-game winning streak.

The former Hurricane backup backstop said he felt he played his best game of the series in Game 4 when he stopped 31 of 34 shots.

"I actually felt my best, too,” Leighton told the Philadelphia Daily News. “I was comfortable. I wasn't nervous.

"In the first period, I felt I made a couple saves that got me into the game early, and I think we fed off that."

Trends

- Chicago should be anxious to get back home. The club has lost its last 10 games in Philadelphia.

- The Blackhawks, who are heavy chalk in Game 5, are 4-0 their last four outings as favorites.

- The Flyers are 10-3 in their last 13 games but just 7-15 in their last 22 road games.

- Both the Flyers and Blackhawks have played above the total in four of their last five games.

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**Udog** · 06-06-2010, 12:35 AM

MLB

Sunday, June 6

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Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets
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Tampa Bay Rays at Texas Rangers (+120, 9.5)

Despite holding the best record in baseball, the Rays aren’t really stroking the ball that well. Timely hitting has been the key to Tampa’s success as the team ranks 16th in the majors in batting average (.257) and 14th in hits.

Tampa Bay just lost shortstop Jason Bartlett to the disabled list so manager Joe Maddon has been tinkering with the lineup, hoping to get guys like B.J. Upton (.222) and Carlos Pena (.173) going.

In an unprecedented move, Maddon placed his catcher Jason Jaso at the top of the order for Saturday’s game in Texas.

"This is a first for me,” Jaso said of hitting leadoff. "I don't think even in high school, Little League did I hit there."

After an 0-for-4 day from Jaso, it will be interesting to see if Maddon adjusts the lineup once again Sunday.

Field-level temperatures ranged from 105-110 degrees Saturday and another scorching day expected in Arlington for this game could suck the offense out of these teams.

Pick: Under

New York Yankees at Toronto Blue Jays (+110, 9.5)

The Bronx Bombers haven’t been swept by the Blue Jays in seven years and haven’t lost an entire three-game set in Toronto since 2000. Don’t expect the trend to end Sunday.

New York rolled into Canada on a five-game winning streak where the team had posted an average of 7.2 runs per game. The Yanks have registered a grand total of three runs in the two losses against Toronto.

What’s even worse is that New York’s 3-through-6 hitters in the lineup (Mark Teixeira, Alex Rodriguez, Robinson Cano and Jorge Posada) went 2-for-24 with 10 strikeouts during Saturday’s 14-innning 3-2 loss.

But you can’t keep a good lineup down for long. The Yankees haven’t scored fewer than seven runs during a three-game stretch all season.

Javier Vazquez will climb the hill for New York Sunday and looks to be returning to form after an awful start to the season. The veteran righty has allowed two runs or fewer in three of his last four outings.

"I think it's important for him," manager Joe Girardi said. "He got off to a rough start but he's bounced back. Three out of his last four starts have been very good."

Jays starter Brandon Morrow has been just as good lately but New York feeds off hard-throwing, fastball-heavy guys like him.

Pick: Yankees

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**Udog** · 06-06-2010, 12:35 AM

MLB

Sunday, June 6

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Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
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Streaking

Ubaldo Jimenez, Colorado Rockies

We’re running out of superlatives to describe how good Jimenez is pitching right now. The Rockies righthander is enjoying one of the finest first two months a big league pitcher has ever had.

And for those weirdos out there who aren’t impressed by his 10-1 record and 0.78 ERA, his WHIP (walks + hits per inning) and BAA (batters against average) are just as dazzling.

Basically it’s like he’s throwing golf balls up there and hitters are trying to hit with a string of floss. That’s how hard it’s been to bat against this guy this season.

Tim Hudson, Atlanta Braves

If you like feel-good stories than Tim Hudson is your guy. The former A’s ace wasn’t sure if he’d ever be the same after undergoing Tommy John surgery two years ago.

He came back at the end of last season and made enough quality starts to convince the Braves to resign him and ship 2009 staff No. 1 Javier Vazquez to the Yankees.

“I wasn’t quite 100 percent last year when I came back but I was good enough to test it and to prove to the Braves and prove to myself that I was going to bounce back from it fully,” Hudson told the Atlanta Journal Constitution. “It gave me a lot of confidence. Coming into spring training this year it was a full go.

“It was as good as I’ve felt physically coming out of spring training in a long time. It’s carried over into the year.”

The confidence has been a big help to his performance in 2010. Hudson has quality starts in eight of his last nine outings and the Braves are 6-1 in his last seven trips to the mound.

Slumping

Tim Lincecum, San Francisco Giants

It just feels wrong placing this two-time Cy Young winner in the slumping category but sports betting is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately business.

Lincecum has walked more or as many batters as he’s sat down in each of his last three appearances and the Giants are 0-3 in those games.

The flame-throwing righty still carries a big reputation, so oddsmakers are making it worthwhile for anyone who wants to fade the Giants ace hurler.

John Lackey, Boston Red Sox

There are some free agent signings that are so bad from the get-go that you have to wonder if both sides – the player and new team – would like a do-over.

The Sox and Lackey have to be considered within this group. The former Angels No. 1 starter seemed like a great addition to Boston’s rotation, especially with Daisuke Matsuzaka opening the season hurt.

Unfortunately for Red Sox nation Lackey has been a complete bust since joining the AL East. The righty has just one quality start in his last five trips to the bump and batters are knocking him like he was Osama Bin Laden-shaped piñata.

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Announcement

Sunday's Trends and Indexes 6/6 (NBA, NHL, MLB, WNBA, Misc.)

Sunday's Trends and Indexes 6/6 (NBA, NHL, MLB, WNBA, Misc.)

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