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**poskid** · 06-15-2010, 03:11 PM

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**StarDust Bum** · 06-15-2010, 03:20 PM

First of two chances for road dog Celtics to close

After winning Game 2 of the NBA Finals series between his Celtics and the Lakers, Paul Pierce claimed that his team would not be coming back to Los Angeles. Well, they got 2/3 of the way there by taking two games at home. Now with the first of two chances to close out a second NBA title in three years, the C’s face a hefty 6.5-point underdog line in Tuesday’s Game 6, according to Sportsbook.com. Let’s take a look at the game.

When the Celtics wrapped up Game 5 and moved one win away from an unprecedented 18th championship, the jubilant Boston crowd sent them off to the West Coast for the final time this season with one last chorus of that age-old “Beat L-A!” chant.

The Celtics will have to overcome their unimpressive record in closeout playoff games away from Boston to finish off the Lakers in Game 6 of the NBA finals on Tuesday night. For all their remarkable success over the past three seasons, including the 2008 title and another finals run this year, the Celtics have converted just one of their eight chances to finish a playoff series away from home.

They’ve got two opportunities at Staples Center, however, oddsmakers are still of the belief that the Lakers are the superior team in this series, assigning them as 6.5-point favorites as hosts, when the Celtics were giving just 3-points on their own home court.

Even after winning three of the series’ last four games, and compiling the NBA’s second-best road record in the regular season (26-15), the Celtics can’t be lulled into thinking they’ve got the Lakers on the run.

The Lakers are 9-1 at home in the postseason, and by no means is Boston taking its task lightly.

“The Lakers … got homecourt advantage, but we’ve played the best all year on the road,” Boston coach Doc Rivers said. “We’re going to have to beat them at their best, because they’re going to be great there, and we can’t expect anything else.”

For the Celtics, this will be the 23rd playoff game of the season, and they are 6-5 SU & ATS on the road, as part of an overall 15-7 SU & ATS mark. The recipe for bettors has been simple for Boston though, win and cover, lose and don’t. The straight up winner of the Celtics’ 2010 playoff games is an incredible 22-0 ATS.

Boston has also been strong versus its best opponents on the road:

BOSTON is 32-20 ATS (+10.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. The average score was BOSTON 94.8, OPPONENT 92.7 - (Rating = 1*)

While the Celtics have ample reason to be confident, Lakers coach Phil Jackson and Bryant also didn’t seem particularly worried before the grand finale. “We have a challenge, obviously, down 3-2,” said Bryant, who scored 38 points in Game 5 while his struggling teammates only managed 48. “We let a couple opportunities slip away, but it is what it is. Now you go home, you’ve got two games at home that you need to win, and you pull your boots up and get to work.”

Heading into the finals, the Celtics believed they could beat the Lakers by shutting down Bryant’s teammates, even if Kobe went crazy on them. After all, that’s what Boston did two years ago in the finals—and so far, it’s working splendidly again.

Bryant is averaging 30.2 points per game, while Pau Gasol averages 18.8 points and 10 rebounds despite glaring inconsistency in his game in Boston. That’s just about it: Nobody else in purple and gold is averaging more than Andrew Bynum’s 9.6 points per game.

While Jackson likely senses the biggest danger yet to his streak of 47 straight playoff series victories after winning Game 1, the Celtics sense a golden opportunity to join the Boston greats who won multiple titles while repeatedly denying the Lakers nine previous times in the NBA finals.

They’ve just got to finish a playoff series on the road, something they failed to do in Miami and Orlando earlier this season. While Boston’s current starters have never lost a playoff series, they also haven’t finished one away from TD Garden since the 2008 Eastern Conference finals against Detroit.

The Lakers have to be hoping for a shift in tempo after going under the total in all three games at Boston, following back-to-back over’s in the first two L.A. contests. An up-tempo, higher scoring tilt would seemingly favor the hosts:

BOSTON is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) versus up-tempo teams averaging 83 or more shots/game this season. The average score was BOSTON 97.3, OPPONENT 96.7 - (Rating = 1*)
With the spread wins in Games 4 & 5, Boston is now on a 12-4 ATS run overall versus Los Angeles. The ******* Power Line for Tuesday night’s 9:00 PM ET tip-off on ABC shows Los Angeles by 2, but a margin small enough to grant Boston a GREEN STAR edge against the number.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-15-2010, 03:21 PM

Aces collide in Phillies-Yankees series opener

The three-game series between the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies was always going to be intriguing. The pitching matchup in Tuesday night's opener at Yankee Stadium makes it even more so. Both teams will have their aces on the mound in this rematch of last year's World Series when the Yankees turn to CC Sabathia and the Phillies counter with a pitcher very familiar to New York in Roy Halladay. Oddsmakers at YouWager.com have installed the hosts as -130 favorites, marking only the second time in 22 starts that Halladay will pitch as an underdog.

The Yankees (40-23) ended a nine-year championship drought by beating the defending champion Phillies (32-29) in six games last year. New York prevailed despite being outhomered 11-6, with Chase Utley hitting five homers for Philadelphia.

Both teams made some key changes, with New York choosing not to re-sign World Series MVP Hideki Matsui and outfielder Johnny Damon. The biggest move was made by Philadelphia, which dealt Cliff Lee and acquired Halladay (8-4, 1.96 ERA) in a four-team deal in the offseason.

Halladay has been outstanding, pitching a major league-leading five complete games. He's dominated the Yankees, going 18-6 with a 2.81 ERA in 35 starts, including 8-1 with a 2.42 ERA in his last 10.

In his career, HALLADAY is 63-41 (+22.5 Units) against the money line when the money line is +125 to -125. The average score was HALLADAY 5.3, OPPONENT 4.2 - (Rating = 1*).

However, this is an interesting contradictory angle from FoxSheets:

HALLADAY is 0-6 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record) The average score was HALLADAY 2.2, OPPONENT 4.8 - (Rating = 2*)

Sabathia is 1-3 with a 4.74 ERA in six career outings against the Phillies, including three in the postseason. His ERA in 2010 is a pedestrian 4.01 and he has given up 10 runs in 20 innings in his last three starts. The left-hander's last four victories have come against Baltimore, which he's beaten in each of his last two starts. He gave up two runs over seven innings in a 4-2 road win Wednesday.

This will mark the third time that Halladay and Sabathia (6-3, 4.01) have met. They split the first two meetings, with Halladay posting a 3.29 ERA and Sabathia a 3.07 ERA.

New York has won eight straight at home to move into a first-place tie atop the AL East with Tampa Bay.

It's been a different story for the two-time defending NL champions, who find themselves in third place in their division as losers of 14 of 20. The Phillies are last in the majors with 48 runs scored since May 22.

The Yankees will receive a boost if Alex Rodriguez returns after missing all three games against the Astros with a sore right hip. Girardi believes Rodriguez may play Tuesday.

The ******* Power Line shows the Yankees at -131, almost identical to the actual price at YouWager.com, meaning there should be somewhat balanced action coming in on each team.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-15-2010, 03:22 PM

MLB Bullpen Betting Update

It’s been awhile since we’ve checked in on the status of the bullpens in Major League Baseball. For anyone who has hung around ******* during the baseball months, surely you know our infatuation with bullpens and their relevance to betting success. With that in mind, this is a great time to check in on each team’s key bullpen stats to see if we may be missing out on some potential wagering opportunities. I prefer to analyze the WHIP and ERA stats as strength indicators for bullpens, as opposed to saves or number of saves blown, which I believe to be more fluky figures. This time around, we’ll look at some situational numbers too, overall, at home, on the road, and last seven games.

Note: All stats as of games completed through 6/13.

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Overall - WHIP: 1.807 (30), ERA: 7.33 (30), Record: 26-38 -11.35 Units (26)
Home - WHIP: 1.559 (24), ERA: 6.33 (30), Record: 17-16 -0.45 Units (19)
Road - WHIP: 2.059 (30), ERA: 8.36 (30), Record: 9-22 -10.9 Units (28)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 2.197 (30), ERA: 7.72 (30), Record: 4-3 1.3 Units (13)
Analysis: Arizona’s bullpen has been awful all year long and one of the main reasons the D-Backs are buried at the bottom of the N.L. West. They’ve been slightly better at home than on the road, but aren’t trending well at all of late.

ATLANTA BRAVES
Overall - WHIP: 1.28 (7), ERA: 3.27 (7), Record: 37-27 7.1 Units (4)
Home - WHIP: 1.075 (3), ERA: 2.63 (4), Record: 19-6 10.25 Units (2)
Road - WHIP: 1.422 (13), ERA: 3.72 (8), Record: 18-21 -3.15 Units (17)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 1.469 (16), ERA: 2.75 (7), Record: 4-3 1.3 Units (12)
Analysis: Atlanta’s bullpen has really come around over the past month and is one of the contributing factors in the rise to the top of the N.L. East. They have been particularly effective at home and boast a 19-6 record, not a coincidence.

BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Overall - WHIP: 1.563 (25), ERA: 4.64 (23), Record: 17-46 -23.35 Units (30)
Home - WHIP: 1.606 (28), ERA: 5.09 (27), Record: 11-21 -8.25 Units (28)
Road - WHIP: 1.512 (16), ERA: 4.11 (15), Record: 6-25 -15.1 Units (30)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 1.5 (17), ERA: 5.06 (22), Record: 2-5 -1.95 Units (22)
Analysis: Baltimore’s bullpen seems to be getting better as the season wears on, unfortunately the O’s have too many other problems, namely starting pitching, run production, and a brutal division schedule for it to matter.

BOSTON RED SOX
Overall - WHIP: 1.372 (12), ERA: 4.48 (20), Record: 37-28 0.27 Units (16)
Home - WHIP: 1.246 (9), ERA: 3.66 (14), Record: 20-15 -0.25 Units (18)
Road - WHIP: 1.553 (19), ERA: 5.66 (25), Record: 17-13 0.52 Units (8)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 2.124 (29), ERA: 6.75 (29), Record: 4-3 -0.7 Units (18)
Analysis: Ask any fan in Boston and they’ll have very few good things to say about the Sox bullpen. However, here we are in June, and Boston remains in contention despite substandard relief pitching, particularly over the last week. Expect improvement.

CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Overall - WHIP: 1.422 (18), ERA: 4.04 (14), Record: 28-34 -9.4 Units (25)
Home - WHIP: 1.531 (23), ERA: 4.9 (23), Record: 15-18 -8.3 Units (29)
Road - WHIP: 1.284 (7), ERA: 2.95 (5), Record: 13-16 -1.1 Units (14)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 1.673 (24), ERA: 5.19 (23), Record: 5-2 3.2 Units (5)
Analysis: Only four teams in the American League are scoring less runs than the White Sox, thus their disappointing bullpen stats at home have not helped the cause. The relief pitching has been more than reliable on the road however, presenting one of the biggest home/road disparities in the league to this point.

CHICAGO CUBS
Overall - WHIP: 1.418 (17), ERA: 4.24 (17), Record: 28-35 -16.45 Units (28)
Home - WHIP: 1.276 (12), ERA: 3.52 (12), Record: 15-15 -7.35 Units (26)
Road - WHIP: 1.566 (21), ERA: 4.99 (20), Record: 13-20 -9.1 Units (27)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 1.585 (20), ERA: 4.07 (14), Record: 3-4 -2 Units (23)
Analysis: Unlike recent seasons where the Cubs were in playoff contention in June, Lou Pinella has not been able to turn to his bullpen and expect results. Just this past Sunday against the White Sox, the Cubs pen almost blew a near no-hit bid for Ted Lilly.

CINCINNATI REDS
Overall - WHIP: 1.585 (26), ERA: 4.74 (24), Record: 36-28 6.52 Units (6)
Home - WHIP: 1.5 (22), ERA: 5.03 (25), Record: 22-15 4.45 Units (10)
Road - WHIP: 1.706 (26), ERA: 4.32 (18), Record: 14-13 2.07 Units (6)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 1.682 (25), ERA: 4.09 (15), Record: 3-4 -1.9 Units (20)
Analysis: Fortunately for Dusty Baker, the Reds are scoring enough runs (5.1, #1 in N.L.) to offset the bullpen problems they have had. They have as equally ineffective at home as on the road and aren’t trending well lately either. Mark these words…this deficiency will bite Cincy in the upcoming months.

CLEVELAND INDIANS
Overall - WHIP: 1.698 (29), ERA: 5.2 (28), Record: 25-37 -4.6 Units (21)
Home - WHIP: 1.647 (30), ERA: 4.48 (21), Record: 12-17 -3.7 Units (21)
Road - WHIP: 1.742 (29), ERA: 5.81 (29), Record: 13-20 -0.9 Units (12)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 1.438 (15), ERA: 3.38 (12), Record: 4-3 2.45 Units (7)
Analysis: Cleveland is 12-games under .500 and buried at the bottom of the Central Division but in truth, it could be much worse. Fortunately, their starting staff has been competent enough to make the Indians at least competitive.

COLORADO ROCKIES
Overall - WHIP: 1.186 (4), ERA: 3.2 (4), Record: 33-30 -2.95 Units (19)
Home - WHIP: 1.09 (4), ERA: 3.2 (9), Record: 19-12 1.35 Units (15)
Road - WHIP: 1.284 (8), ERA: 3.19 (7), Record: 14-18 -4.3 Units (21)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 1.263 (8), ERA: 4.97 (20), Record: 4-3 -1.9 Units (21)
Analysis: It’s a sign of the times when the Rockies no longer rely on their offense, even in Coors Field, to stay in games. Now it is actually the pitching staff, notably the bullpen, that has the Rockies in contention in the N.L. West. Overall, this relief staff is ranked 4th best in the league in both WHIP and ERA.

DETROIT TIGERS
Overall - WHIP: 1.262 (6), ERA: 2.98 (3), Record: 33-29 2.9 Units (12)
Home - WHIP: 1.263 (11), ERA: 3.22 (10), Record: 20-10 8.25 Units (5)
Road - WHIP: 1.261 (5), ERA: 2.74 (2), Record: 13-19 -5.35 Units (22)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 1.278 (10), ERA: 4.5 (18), Record: 4-3 0.85 Units (16)
Analysis: Detroit has really been an enigma this season as far as bullpen betting is concerned. The Tigers have gotten strong relief pitching on the road, yet are 6-games under .500 away right now. They haven’t been nearly as effective at home, but are 10-games over-.500. Watch this trend closely in the coming weeks, as the Tigers could be ready to reverse their road woes.

FLORIDA MARLINS
Overall - WHIP: 1.455 (21), ERA: 4.48 (21), Record: 31-32 -1.5 Units (18)
Home - WHIP: 1.566 (25), ERA: 4.94 (24), Record: 17-15 -0.5 Units (20)
Road - WHIP: 1.319 (9), ERA: 3.92 (14), Record: 14-17 -1 Units (13)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 1.615 (21), ERA: 4.57 (19), Record: 3-4 1 Units (14)
Analysis: Florida’s bullpen has been up & down, much like the rest of the team this entire season. Unfortunately, overall, the Marlins have blown 10 saves, games that would have made a big difference in closing the gap between them and the Braves.

HOUSTON ASTROS
Overall - WHIP: 1.517 (24), ERA: 4.88 (27), Record: 25-39 -5.95 Units (22)
Home - WHIP: 1.453 (21), ERA: 4.61 (22), Record: 14-20 -6.7 Units (25)
Road - WHIP: 1.609 (23), ERA: 5.28 (22), Record: 11-19 0.75 Units (7)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 1.435 (14), ERA: 5.28 (24), Record: 3-4 1.5 Units (11)
Analysis: Houston’s bullpen hasn’t had a whole lot of chances to blow games since with the offense scoring just 3.4 runs per game, they are rarely leading. Even so, when called upon, they haven’t produced either.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS
Overall - WHIP: 1.508 (23), ERA: 4.38 (19), Record: 27-37 -1.4 Units (17)
Home - WHIP: 1.619 (29), ERA: 5.04 (26), Record: 12-18 -5.9 Units (24)
Road - WHIP: 1.399 (12), ERA: 3.74 (11), Record: 15-19 4.5 Units (5)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 1.306 (12), ERA: 2.61 (6), Record: 4-3 2.3 Units (8)
Analysis: Kansas City has a real nice young starting pitching staff, and their closer has great stuff. The overall numbers for wins & losses don’t exactly show it, but the Royals’ relief staff has been very effective on the road and of late.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS
Overall - WHIP: 1.655 (28), ERA: 4.79 (25), Record: 36-30 6.25 Units (7)
Home - WHIP: 1.57 (27), ERA: 4.19 (18), Record: 16-13 0.45 Units (16)
Road - WHIP: 1.737 (27), ERA: 5.38 (24), Record: 20-17 5.8 Units (3)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 1.5 (18), ERA: 4.29 (17), Record: 5-2 3.7 Units (3)
Analysis: Relief pitching has been one of the bigger problems for the Angels this year as they’ve blown half of their save opportunities at home. However, as the 8-5 bullpen record shows, they’ve been rescued on numerous occasions by late offensive heroics.

LOS ANGELES DODGERS
Overall - WHIP: 1.282 (8), ERA: 3.8 (13), Record: 36-27 1.65 Units (14)
Home - WHIP: 1.298 (15), ERA: 3.85 (15), Record: 23-13 3.8 Units (11)
Road - WHIP: 1.257 (4), ERA: 3.73 (9), Record: 13-14 -2.15 Units (15)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 1.05 (5), ERA: 2.03 (5), Record: 4-3 0.05 Units (17)
Analysis: Speaking of late offensive heroics, team “walk-off”, the Dodgers have been kept in games by their bullpen, and the 13-6 record for their relief staff shows it. This isn’t typically a reliable variable to consider in your handicapping though.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Overall - WHIP: 1.633 (27), ERA: 5.86 (29), Record: 26-37 -12.4 Units (27)
Home - WHIP: 1.567 (26), ERA: 6.02 (29), Record: 11-19 -11.65 Units (30)
Road - WHIP: 1.695 (25), ERA: 5.71 (28), Record: 15-18 -0.75 Units (11)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 1.304 (11), ERA: 3.13 (11), Record: 4-3 1.65 Units (10)
Analysis: Milwaukee has gone from having one of the worst bullpens in the league to one of the best back to one of the worst in the span of just a few years. Trevor Hoffman’s struggles have been well-documented but that is just one part of the story. However, this pen is trending well of late, making Milwaukee a team to possibly keep an eye on in the coming weeks.

MINNESOTA TWINS
Overall - WHIP: 1.173 (3), ERA: 2.94 (2), Record: 36-27 1.85 Units (13)
Home - WHIP: 1.152 (7), ERA: 2.7 (5), Record: 21-12 1.75 Units (14)
Road - WHIP: 1.193 (3), ERA: 3.17 (6), Record: 15-15 0.1 Units (10)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 1.424 (13), ERA: 1.83 (3), Record: 3-4 -2.35 Units (24)
Analysis: Not surprisingly, Ron Gardenhire again has one of the more reliable relief crews in baseball, much of the reason the Twins currently own a 2.5-game lead in the Central. The best part is this bullpen is just as reliable on the road as at home. Your money is in good hands in late games with Minnesota.

NEW YORK METS
Overall - WHIP: 1.454 (20), ERA: 3.73 (12), Record: 35-28 6.75 Units (5)
Home - WHIP: 1.277 (13), ERA: 2.26 (2), Record: 24-10 12.35 Units (1)
Road - WHIP: 1.633 (24), ERA: 5.22 (21), Record: 11-18 -5.6 Units (23)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 1.067 (6), ERA: 1.2 (1), Record: 6-1 4.65 Units (1)
Analysis: The Mets are another team whose bullpen hasn’t been anywhere near as effective on the road as at home, a huge reason they are 7-games under .500 away. However, they’ve been very effective lately and could have a chance to turn it around on a 6-game trip starting Tuesday.

NEW YORK YANKEES
Overall - WHIP: 1.316 (9), ERA: 4.06 (15), Record: 40-23 6.2 Units (8)
Home - WHIP: 1.371 (18), ERA: 5.5 (28), Record: 22-7 9.5 Units (3)
Road - WHIP: 1.267 (6), ERA: 2.8 (4), Record: 18-16 -3.3 Units (18)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 0.978 (4), ERA: 2.94 (8), Record: 6-1 4 Units (2)
Analysis: New York scores enough runs (5.6, most in MLB) that the bullpen struggles this season have flown under the radar. However, if the Yankees continue to stay neck & neck with the Rays and Red Sox all season, this area of weakness could become a much bigger problem.

OAKLAND ATHLETICS
Overall - WHIP: 1.41 (16), ERA: 4.23 (16), Record: 32-33 0.5 Units (15)
Home - WHIP: 1.092 (5), ERA: 2.83 (7), Record: 21-13 7.8 Units (6)
Road - WHIP: 1.739 (28), ERA: 5.67 (27), Record: 11-20 -7.3 Units (24)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 0.944 (3), ERA: 3 (9), Record: 2-5 -3.15 Units (25)
Analysis: Very good at home. Very bad on the road. That’s basically what we’ve come to expect from Oakland early. Their bullpen stats mirror this trend identically.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Overall - WHIP: 1.368 (11), ERA: 3.64 (10), Record: 32-29 -8.05 Units (24)
Home - WHIP: 1.14 (6), ERA: 3.51 (11), Record: 16-13 -5.25 Units (23)
Road - WHIP: 1.552 (18), ERA: 3.75 (12), Record: 16-16 -2.8 Units (16)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 1.583 (19), ERA: 4.13 (16), Record: 2-5 -4.85 Units (28)
Analysis: Shaky, that’s about all you can say about Philadelphia’s bullpen to date. Even when saves have been converted, they haven’t been easy. The numbers overall are decent, but Philly fans have come to expect much more and this, along with the offensive woes of course, are contributing factors in the third place standing right now.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Overall - WHIP: 1.403 (14), ERA: 4.53 (22), Record: 23-40 -4.03 Units (20)
Home - WHIP: 1.41 (19), ERA: 4.29 (19), Record: 14-15 3.3 Units (12)
Road - WHIP: 1.397 (11), ERA: 4.76 (19), Record: 9-25 -7.33 Units (25)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 1.667 (23), ERA: 5 (21), Record: 0-7 -7 Units (30)
Analysis: Pittsburgh scores the fewest runs in baseball at 3.2. They are struggling offensively, no doubt about it. Their bullpen has really had little to do with their overall woes, and until something changes in the lineup, it won’t.

SAN DIEGO PADRES
Overall - WHIP: 1.019 (1), ERA: 2.62 (1), Record: 37-26 14.75 Units (1)
Home - WHIP: 0.94 (1), ERA: 2.5 (3), Record: 20-13 6.7 Units (9)
Road - WHIP: 1.113 (2), ERA: 2.77 (3), Record: 17-13 8.05 Units (2)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 0.778 (2), ERA: 2 (4), Record: 4-3 2.1 Units (9)
Analysis: Best bullpen in the league. THE major reason why this team has won many games late and owns the best record in the majors. Hopefully you’ve been able to take advantage. If not, it’s not too late.

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
Overall - WHIP: 1.437 (19), ERA: 3.63 (9), Record: 35-27 3.5 Units (10)
Home - WHIP: 1.294 (14), ERA: 2.01 (1), Record: 22-11 6.9 Units (8)
Road - WHIP: 1.586 (22), ERA: 5.31 (23), Record: 13-16 -3.4 Units (19)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 1.962 (28), ERA: 6.23 (27), Record: 5-2 3.3 Units (4)
Analysis: The bend, don’t break bullpen. This team has gotten into plenty of jams this season, yet has converted 22 of 30 saves and has a top 10 ERA bullpen ranking. Still, they need to improve on the road to keep up with San Diego, Los Angeles, and Colorado.

SEATTLE MARINERS
Overall - WHIP: 1.476 (22), ERA: 4.81 (26), Record: 24-39 -17.35 Units (29)
Home - WHIP: 1.441 (20), ERA: 4.01 (17), Record: 15-17 -4.3 Units (22)
Road - WHIP: 1.513 (17), ERA: 5.67 (26), Record: 9-22 -13.05 Units (29)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 1.637 (22), ERA: 6.14 (26), Record: 2-5 -3.3 Units (26)
Analysis: Seattle is another team with decent arms in the bullpen but it hasn’t mattered because the offense simply can’t score runs. Unfortunately the pitching has had to be nearly perfect to give the team a chance to win games. That will continue till the runs start coming.

ST LOUIS CARDINALS
Overall - WHIP: 1.22 (5), ERA: 3.27 (6), Record: 34-29 -7.5 Units (23)
Home - WHIP: 1.059 (2), ERA: 2.81 (6), Record: 19-10 0.45 Units (17)
Road - WHIP: 1.382 (10), ERA: 3.74 (10), Record: 15-19 -7.95 Units (26)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 1.727 (26), ERA: 5.73 (25), Record: 1-6 -6.7 Units (29)
Analysis: St. Louis’ recent struggles have coincided with the inability to get hitters out late. This is a bullpen that is clearly trending the wrong way right now, but a big homestand could change that.

TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS
Overall - WHIP: 1.142 (2), ERA: 3.22 (5), Record: 40-23 4.3 Units (9)
Home - WHIP: 1.259 (10), ERA: 3.87 (16), Record: 18-15 -8.25 Units (27)
Road - WHIP: 0.981 (1), ERA: 2.34 (1), Record: 22-8 12.55 Units (1)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 1.082 (7), ERA: 3.1 (10), Record: 4-3 -1.15 Units (19)
Analysis: Look no further than the performance that Joe Maddon has gotten from his bullpen on the road to see why the Rays still own the best record in baseball. However, it is puzzling why they aren’t producing at the same level at home. Expect the home/road numbers to come back to one another the rest of the way.

TEXAS RANGERS
Overall - WHIP: 1.357 (10), ERA: 3.72 (11), Record: 35-28 3.42 Units (11)
Home - WHIP: 1.298 (16), ERA: 3.63 (13), Record: 23-11 7.65 Units (7)
Road - WHIP: 1.435 (14), ERA: 3.84 (13), Record: 12-17 -4.23 Units (20)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 0.735 (1), ERA: 1.65 (2), Record: 5-2 3.15 Units (6)
Analysis: A recent surge by the Rangers’ bullpen has their overall stat rankings rising as well as their won-lost mark. Texas’ 9-4 record to date in June could be a sign of things to come the rest of the way as they are getting good pitching and hitting.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS
Overall - WHIP: 1.408 (15), ERA: 4.35 (18), Record: 34-30 8.3 Units (3)
Home - WHIP: 1.323 (17), ERA: 4.41 (20), Record: 17-14 3.15 Units (13)
Road - WHIP: 1.484 (15), ERA: 4.3 (17), Record: 17-16 5.15 Units (4)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 1.762 (27), ERA: 6.43 (28), Record: 1-6 -4.75 Units (27)
Analysis: Toronto is proof that home runs alone can’t win games at anywhere near the clip that they used to. With the bullpen imploding in the first six games of their current 9-game road swing, the Jays have fallen to 6.5-games back. Overall, this team has still produced good numbers for bettors, but the trend seems to indicate the best days could be in the rearview mirror.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Overall - WHIP: 1.396 (13), ERA: 3.61 (8), Record: 31-33 8.75 Units (2)
Home - WHIP: 1.245 (8), ERA: 2.97 (8), Record: 18-12 8.5 Units (4)
Road - WHIP: 1.554 (20), ERA: 4.28 (16), Record: 13-21 0.25 Units (9)
Last 7 Games - WHIP: 1.272 (9), ERA: 3.66 (13), Record: 4-3 1 Units (15)
Analysis: The Nationals’ bullpen is as good as it has been since they moved to Washington. Now, with Stephen Strasburg joining the staff, their starting pitching is as well. The fact that they rank 8th in the majors in bullpen ERA has a lot to do with producing nearly 9-units of profit for bettors this season.

If you’re still not convinced how important bullpens are to success in baseball, and thus, success in betting baseball, San Diego should be all the proof you need. More than ever, there is a huge difference in the have’s and have-not’s in terms of reliable pitching this season, and rest assured, if you ride those “have’s” the rest of the way, you’re bankroll will be glad you did. Good luck.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-15-2010, 03:42 PM

Celtics at Lakers, Game 6

The Lakers will face elimination for the first time in these playoffs Tuesday night when Boston (65-39 straight up, 44-56-3 against the spread) invades Staples Center in hopes of winning its NBA-record 18th league championship. The Celtics took a 3-2 series lead by virtue of Sunday’s 92-86 win as two-point home favorites.

The 178 combined points stayed ‘under’ the 187-point total. Therefore, the ‘under’ improved to 3-1-1 for the series.

Doc Rivers’ team allowed a double-digit lead to slip away late in the fourth quarter, but the Lakers would get no closer than five. Paul Pierce led Boston with a team-high 27 points, while Kevin Garnett produced 18 points, 10 rebounds, five steals and a pair of blocked shots.

Rajon Rondo tallied 18 points, eight assists and five rebounds. His break-out lay-up with 36 seconds remaining extended the C’s lead back to seven and basically put the game on ice.

Los Angeles (71-32 SU, 44-56-3ATS) rallied to threaten an unlikely backdoor cover, only to come up short. Kobe Bryant scored a game-high 38 points, connecting on 13-of-27 shots from the field. He also had five rebounds, four assists and four turnovers. Pau Gasol added 12 points and 12 rebounds.

After being limited to just 12 minutes of playing time in Game 4, Andrew Bynum returned to the lineup and played 31-plus minutes. However, he clearly wasn’t himself with just six points, one rebound and zero blocked shots.

For Game 6, most books are listing the Lakers as 6 ½-point favorites with a total of 188. Bettors can take the Celtics to win outright for a plus-250 return (risk $100 to win $250). L.A. is favored by 3 ½ with a total of 94 for first-half wagers.

Phil Jackson’s club has compiled a 43-8 SU record and a 22-27-2 ATS mark at home this year. During the playoffs, the Lakers are 9-1 SU and 6-4 ATS at home.

Boston owns a 32-19 SU record and a 27-23-1 ATS ledger in its road games. During the postseason, the Celtics have posted a 6-4 record both SU and ATS in 10 road outings.

The ‘under’ is 54-46-3 overall for the Lakers, 26-23-2 in their home games. The ‘under’ is 52-50-3 overall for the Celtics, 25-25-2 in their road assignments.

What do you think of the total for Game 6? I’m thinking it’s a pass for me, so let’s look at what noted totals expert Chris David had to say.

“Depending when and where you shopped,” David said. “Some total players caught the ‘over’ in Game 1 and the second installment was a winning ‘over’ ticket at all betting counters thanks to same late free throws. Sticking with free throws, they’ve played a major factor when handicapping the totals in this year’s finals.

“The first two games saw 67 foul shots in both Game 1 and Game 2. As the two clubs traveled back to Boston, they also took their shots at the officiating and it seems to have played a part in the last three games. Now nobody knows if the suits in the NBA front office made the Tim Donaghy phone call, yet the three contests in Boston only saw a combined 48, 45 and 39 free-throw attempts.”

David continued, “And as much as I don’t like to believe in all the conspiracy theories, it’s pretty ironic that Joe Crawford and Derrick Stafford were two of the three referees in Game 1 and Game 5, plus Mike Callahan was an official in Game 2 and Game 5. Numbers usually tell the truth folks and a free throw difference of 28 is eye opening, at least for this gambler. On paper, it certainly seems like a trio of zebras decided to swallow the whistle.”

ABC will have television coverage at 9:05 p.m. Eastern.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

--Boston owns a 12-4-1 spread record against the Lakers in their last 17 head-to-head meetings.

--The team that has won the rebounding battle has prevailed in all five games of these NBA Finals. The C’s had 35 compared to L.A.’s 34 in Game 5.

--The ‘under’ is on an 8-3-1 run in Boston’s last 12 games (regardless of venue).

The ‘over’ is on a 6-1-1 run in the Lakers’ last eight home games.

--Only a few books had up prop bets for Game 6 as of early this morning. I see Ray Allen’s total for points scored at 16 ½. Allen has had the following scoring outputs in Games 1-5: 12, 32, 2, 12 and 12. That’s resulted in a 4-1 mark for the ‘under’ on Allen’s points. That total shot up to as high as 21 for Game 3 that followed his 32-point explosion in Game 2.

--Jeff Schultz of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution breaks down the introductory press conference of new Hawks head coach Larry Drew, who was previously an assistant on Mike Woodson’s staff.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-15-2010, 03:43 PM

Celtics know perils of road closeouts

LOS ANGELES (AP) -When the Celtics wrapped up Game 5 and moved one win away from an unprecedented 18th championship, the jubilant Boston crowd sent them off to the West Coast for the final time this season with one last chorus of that age-old ``Beat L-A!'' chant.

Although Kevin Garnett and his teammates appreciate the suggestion, they know it's easier shouted than done - particularly in the playoffs, and especially on the road.

The Celtics will have to overcome their unimpressive record in closeout playoff games away from Boston to finish off the Lakers in Game 6 of the NBA finals on Tuesday night.

For all their remarkable success over the past three seasons, including the 2008 title and another finals run this year, the Celtics have converted just one of their eight chances to finish a playoff series away from home.

They've got two opportunities at Staples Center, which could be the fifth building in which the Celtics have won a title at the expense of their longtime rivals - or the site of a remarkable Hollywood ending for the Lakers. If Los Angeles survives Tuesday, a champion will be crowned Thursday in Game 7.

``They're playing at home. Home is always where your heart is,'' Garnett said. ``With the severity of the game, it's all-out on both ends for both teams. This will probably be the hardest game of the season, if not of the series, if not of everybody's career, this game coming up.''

Even after winning three of the series' last four games, and even after compiling the NBA's second-best road record in the regular season (26-15), the Celtics can't be lulled into thinking they've got the Lakers on the run.

Although Boston narrowly won Game 2 at Staples Center on the strength of Ray Allen's historic 3-point shooting binge and Rajon Rondo's late-game poise, Boston knows the Lakers are 9-1 at home in the postseason, with everybody from Kobe Bryant to the Lakers' bedraggled bench playing with much more passion and confidence.

``The Lakers ... got homecourt advantage, but we've played the best all year on the road,'' Boston coach Doc Rivers said. ``We're going to have to beat them at their best, because they're going to be great there, and we can't expect anything else.''

While the Celtics have ample reason to be confident, Lakers coach Phil Jackson and Bryant also didn't seem particularly worried before the grand finale. For all their struggles in the past four games, the Lakers realize they've usually risen to important occasions over the past three seasons - notwithstanding that 2008 finals blowout loss in Boston's clincher.

``If you look at it, they've come home and carried the 3-2 lead back,'' Jackson said. ``It's basically home court, home court. Now we're going back to home court to win it. That's the way it's supposed to be, isn't it?''

Sure, on paper. In real life, two straight losses in Boston led to a dire series deficit for the Lakers, who hadn't even trailed in any playoff series this season. Yet Jackson even described the Lakers' locker room as ``spirited'' after losing Game 5 in their lowest-scoring performance of the postseason in the 92-86 loss.

For all their struggles in Boston, the Lakers realize they only have to defend their home court to win their 16th title - and these Los Angeles crowds will be far from laid-back.

``We have a challenge, obviously, down 3-2,'' said Bryant, who scored 38 points in Game 5 while his struggling teammates only managed 48. ``We let a couple opportunities slip away, but it is what it is. Now you go home, you've got two games at home that you need to win, and you pull your boots up and get to work.''

Heading into the finals, the Celtics believed they could beat the Lakers by shutting down Bryant's teammates, even if Kobe went crazy on them. After all, that's what Boston did two years ago in the finals - and so far, it's working splendidly again.

Bryant is averaging 30.2 points per game, while Pau Gasol averages 18.8 points and 10 rebounds despite glaring inconsistency in his game in Boston. That's just about it: Nobody else in purple and gold is averaging more than Andrew Bynum's 9.6 points per game.

And two straight losses undeniably have frazzled the Lakers a bit, with Bryant noticeably furious on the court while Game 5 slipped away. Even Jackson seemed a bit testier than his usual placid self, yelling at Bryant and Ron Artest during the game and later attempting to inspire his team in the fourth quarter with a false bit of information about the Celtics' propensity for blowing late-game leads.

While Jackson likely senses the biggest danger yet to his streak of 47 straight playoff series victories after winning Game 1, the Celtics sense a golden opportunity to join the Boston greats who won multiple titles while repeatedly denying the Lakers nine previous times in the NBA finals.

They've just got to finish a playoff series on the road, something they failed to do in Miami and Orlando earlier this season. While Boston's current starters have never lost a playoff series, they also haven't finished one away from TD Garden since the 2008 Eastern Conference finals against Detroit.

``It's going to have to happen if we're going to win the title,'' Paul Pierce said. ``I mean, that would be great. I'm not going to try to jinx it right now. We've got to win one game, that's the goal, but it would be amazing if we get it done.''

**StarDust Bum** · 06-15-2010, 03:44 PM

Jackson was wrong, Celtics don't care

LOS ANGELES (AP) - The Boston Celtics weren't upset that Phil Jackson disrespected them on television.

Besides, Jackson was wrong.

During a timeout near the end of Game 5 of the NBA finals, Jackson was heard on ABC's broadcast telling his Los Angeles Lakers that ``this team loses more games in the fourth quarter than any team in the league. They know how to lose games and they're showing us that now.''

``You know, he's right,'' Paul Pierce said to laughter when asked about Jackson's comments. ``What you just said, that's been the truth for us throughout the regular season.''

No it wasn't.

The Celtics lost 13 times in the regular season when they led in the fourth quarter, according to STATS LLC. That didn't even rank in the top 10 and was 10 behind Washington's league-leading total.

Right or wrong, Pierce understood why Jackson had to say it.

``He's supposed to say something like that,'' Pierce said. ``I probably would say the same thing if I was a coach in that situation. It doesn't bother me at all.''

Perhaps Jackson was confused with another stat. Boston lost 14 times when leading by double digits at any point in a game, according to STATS, second only to Memphis' 17.

This time, the Celtics held on for a 92-86 victory. Kevin Garnett had little to say when asked about Jackson's comments.

``No reaction at all,'' he said. ``I'm looking forward to Game 6. I couldn't care less what Phil Jackson is talking about.''

---

TRAIL POSITION: The Lakers don't have much recent experience playing when they trail in a postseason series.

Boston's 92-86 victory Sunday night in Game 5 gave the Celtics a 3-2 lead, the first time Los Angeles has trailed in a series since losing the opener of its second-round series against Houston on May 4, 2009. The Lakers had since played five straight series without trailing at any point.

Only six teams have lost Game 5 when the finals were tied 2-2 and come back to win the series. The last was the Rockets, who beat the New York Knicks in Games 6 and 7 at home to win the 1994 title.

Boston coach Doc Rivers was on that Knicks team.

``We had opportunities, obviously, in Games 6 and 7,'' Rivers said. ``You know, that's a bitter memory obviously for me. I was injured sitting on the bench, so it just felt like you couldn't help individually. You know, as a team we had a lot of great opportunities in that series, in Game 6 and 7 if you remember. But it just didn't happen.''

---

NOT YET LIKE MIKE: Derek Fisher came into the NBA finals on the verge of passing Michael Jordan in a statistical category. He's still waiting.

Fisher has 41 3-pointers in the finals, good for fourth on the career list. He needs one to tie the Hall of Famer and six-time champion, but he's missed all eight attempts from behind the arc.

The Lakers have shot only 29 percent from 3-point range in the series.

Kobe Bryant did move past Jordan into second place with 47 3-pointers after making 14 so far in the series. The career leader is Robert Horry, Bryant and Fisher's former teammate who made 56.

---

TURN THE OTHER CHEEK: At least the Boston Celtics getting the technical fouls in Game 5 could afford them.

Boston was called for two Sunday night. Rajon Rondo got one when he shoved Ron Artest after Artest's hard foul on Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen the other when he and Derek Fisher were whistled for double-technicals.

``I don't like that stuff,'' Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. ``Let's just play. It was physical. There was a lot of pushing going on, but we kept getting the technicals.

``You know, and I understand you want to take up for your teammates, and that is good, but strength sometimes is walking away, and I tell our guys that all the time. If you want to show toughness, toughness is walking away from all the other stuff.''

Not that his players are listening.

The Celtics are an emotional group prone to technical fouls. Kendrick Perkins and Rasheed Wallace both have six during the postseason, leaving them one away from an automatic one-game suspension.

So Rivers knows he's not getting his players to change.

``Listen, I've tried with all of them. Clearly none of that has worked,'' he said. ``We have two guys one tech away. I don't know if calming down and us goes together. I would love that, but it hasn't worked out very well.''

**StarDust Bum** · 06-15-2010, 03:45 PM

Lakers down to last gasp against Celtics

LOS ANGELES (AP) -Down 3-2 in the NBA finals against an old foe that keeps finding new ways to beat them, the Los Angeles Lakers are going to need a big Hollywood ending to escape this jam with another championship.

That's exactly where they'll make their last stand against the Boston Celtics.

Game 6 is back home Tuesday night at Staples Center, where the Lakers are 9-1 in the postseason, with everybody from Kobe Bryant to the Lakers' bedraggled bench playing with much more passion and confidence.

``If you look at it, they've come home and carried the 3-2 lead back,'' Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. ``It's basically home court, home court. Now we're going back to home court to win it. That's the way it's supposed to be, isn't it?''

Sure, on paper. But two straight losses in Boston led to a dire series deficit for the Lakers, who hadn't even trailed in any playoff series this season. The Celtics have won three of the last four games, and they're responsible for Los Angeles' only home loss of the playoffs.

So why didn't Jackson or Bryant seem particularly worried before they headed out on their final cross-country flight of the postseason? Throughout a trying season filled with injuries and big-game setbacks since a Christmas Day loss to Cleveland, the Lakers have always been able to rise when they absolutely needed to do it.

Jackson even described the Lakers' locker room as ``spirited'' after losing Game 5 in their lowest-scoring performance of the postseason in the 92-86 loss. For all their struggles in Boston, the Lakers realize they only have to defend their home court to win their 16th title.

``We have a challenge, obviously, down 3-2,'' said Bryant, who scored 38 points in Game 5 while his struggling teammates only managed 48. ``We let a couple opportunities slip away, but it is what it is. Now you go home, you've got two games at home that you need to win, and you pull your boots up and get to work.''

If Los Angeles survives, a champion will be crowned Thursday in Game 7.

Heading into the finals, the Celtics believed they could beat the Lakers, even with Bryant at his spectacular best, if they shut down his teammates. After all, that's what Boston did two years ago in the finals - and so far, it's working splendidly again.

Bryant is averaging 30.2 points per game, while Pau Gasol averages 18.8 points and 10 rebounds despite glaring inconsistency in his game in Boston. That's just about it: Nobody else in purple and gold is averaging more than Andrew Bynum's 9.6 points per game.

Yet after losing Game 1 and only surviving Game 2 with Ray Allen's 3-point shooting binge and Rajon Rondo's late-game poise, the Celtics aren't fooled into thinking they've got the Lakers on the run in Los Angeles. Boston's current starting five has never lost a playoff series for reasons that go beyond their talent.

``They're playing at home. Home is always where your heart is,'' Boston's Kevin Garnett said. ``With the severity of the game, it's all-out on both ends for both teams. This will probably be the hardest game of the season, if not of the series, if not of everybody's career, this game coming up.''

Yet two straight losses undeniably have frazzled the Lakers a bit, with Bryant noticeably furious on the court while Game 5 slipped away. Even Jackson seemed a bit testier than his usual placid self, yelling at Bryant and Ron Artest during the game and later attempting to inspire his team in the fourth quarter with a false bit of information about the Celtics' propensity for blowing late-game leads.

Jackson likely senses the biggest danger yet to his streak of 47 straight playoff series victories after winning Game 1. The Celtics sense a golden opportunity for their 18th championship and a chance to join the Boston greats who won multiple titles while repeatedly denying the Lakers nine previous times in the NBA finals.

``The Lakers ... got homecourt advantage, but we've played the best all year on the road,'' Boston coach Doc Rivers said. ``We're going to have to beat them at their best, because they're going to be great there, and we can't expect anything else.''

Los Angeles' inside game has been its most decided advantage throughout the season, yet Boston largely has outplayed Gasol, the limping Bynum and Lamar Odom down low. The Celtics outscored Los Angeles in the paint 46-32 in Game 5, while the Lakers blocked just one shot - and Bryant did it.

Aside from Artest and his miserable series, the Lakers' least effective regular has been Odom, the reserve dynamo who played a major role in their Western Conference finals victory over Phoenix. Odom, who said he had symptoms of the flu this weekend, had eight points and eight rebounds in Game 5, along with three turnovers in a fairly passive performance.

The rest of the Lakers' reserves were even worse: Sasha Vujacic scored five points, Jordan Farmar had one, and formerly reliable Shannon Brown played just 19 seconds.

And then there's Artest, the only newcomer to last season's championship roster. With the Boston crowd vocally urging him to shoot, Artest went 2 for 9 in Game 5 to drop to 13 for 43 in the series.

His inconsistent offensive skills and shaky ball-handling abilities have abandoned him entirely in the finals, leaving only his defense - and he played precious little of it in Game 5, when Pierce scored 27 points with Artest and Bryant taking turns on him.

``The offensive part of (Artest's) game kind of comes and goes,'' Bryant said. ``He does a great job giving us great production most nights. I just thought defensively we weren't very good at all. We didn't get any stops (in the third quarter of Game 5). They got layup after layup after layup, and you can't survive a team that shoots 56 percent. We're normally a great defensive team.''

**StarDust Bum** · 06-15-2010, 03:46 PM

Diamond Trends - Tuesday

Brewers at Angels – The Brewers are 0-5 since September 02, 2009 when David Bush starts when he is off a start in which he needed more than 4 pitches per batter for a net profit of $500 when playing against. The Angels are 8-0 since August 08, 2009 as a favorite after a 5+ run loss and it is not the first game of a series for a net profit of $800.

Rays at Braves – The Rays are 7-0 since September 17, 2009 on the road when they are off a loss in which they had at least three times as many hits as runs for a net profit of $700. The Rays are 6-0 since July 09, 2009 when David Price starts vs a team that lost their starters last two starts for a net profit of $610. The Braves are 0-7 since April 11, 2010 when Kenshin Kawakami starts as a dog for a net profit of $700 when playing against.

Mariners at Cardinals – The Mariners are 0-9 since September 09, 2009 as a dog when they are off a loss in which they held the lead and it is not the first game of a series for a net profit of $900 when playing against. The Mariners are 0-8 since May 06, 2009 as a road dog after a loss in which they allowed 12+ hits for a net profit of $800 when playing against. The Mariners are 0-5 since July 24, 2009 when Ryan Rowland Smith starts after he had a WHIP of at least 2 his last start for a net profit of $520 when playing against.

Athletics at Cubs – The Athletics are 0-7 since April 22, 2009 on the road when they are off two losses in which they never led for a net profit of $710 when playing against. The Cubs are 0-6 since June 17, 2009 after scoring 3 runs or less and winning and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $795 when playing against.

Orioles at Giants – The Orioles are 0-8 since April 16, 2010 on the road 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 $800 when playing against.

Mets at Indians – The Mets are 0-5 since June 30, 2009 when Johan Santana starts as a road favorite after going at least 6 innings and giving up no home runs for a net profit of $565 when playing against. The Indians are 0-7 since September 11, 2009 as a home dog after a loss and it is the first game of the series for a net profit of $700 when playing against. The Indians are 0-7 since August 25, 2009 when Justin Masterson starts after throwing more than 100 pitches at home for a net profit of $700 when playing against.

Rangers at Marlins – The Marlins are 0-7 since June 26, 2009 after a win in which their opponent left 18+ men on base and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $900 when playing against. The Marlins are 0-6 since July 16, 2009 at home after a win in which they drew 5+ walks and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $835 when playing against.

Blue Jays at Padres – The Blue Jays are 7-0 since July 26, 2009 when Brett Cecil starts within 20 cents of pickem for a net profit of $735. The Padres are 4-0 since April 10, 2010 when Mat Latos starts when the bullpen has allowed at least one run for two straight games for a net profit of $500.

Diamondbacks at Red Sox – The Diamondbacks are 0-8 since May 27, 2009 as a 140+ dog when they are off a win in which they never trailed for a net profit of $800 when playing against. The League is 7-0 since September 29, 2009 as a 200+ favorite when they are off a loss in which they had at least three times as many hits as runs and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $700.

Dodgers at Reds – The Dodgers are 9-0 since July 03, 2009 when Hiroki Kuroda starts after going at least 6 innings and giving up no home runs for a net profit of $900. The Reds are 8-0 since June 06, 2009 at home within 20 cents of pickem after a loss in which they had 6 or fewer hits for a net profit of $865.

Astros at Royals – The Astros are 0-7 since September 20, 2009 on the road after a loss in which their opponent left 18+ men on base for a net profit of $700 when playing against. The Astros are 5-0 since June 02, 2009 when Felipe Paulino starts in June for a net profit of $605. The Royals are 8-0 since April 13, 2009 at home when they are off a win in which they came back from a deficit and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $900.

Nationals at Tigers – The Tigers are 0-5 since August 08, 2009 as a home favorite after a win in which they had fewer team-left-on-base than their opponent for a net profit of $790 when playing against. The Tigers are 0-5 since April 12, 2010 when Max Scherzer starts in the first game of a series for a net profit of $595 when playing against.

Rockies at Twins – The Rockies are 0-6 since June 29, 2009 on the road when they are off two wins in which they never trailed for a net profit of $645 when playing against. The Twins are 7-0 since July 12, 2009 as a favorite after a loss in which they had fewer than five team-left-on-base for a net profit of $700.

Phillies at Yankees – The Phillies are 0-4 since May 12, 2010 when Roy Halladay starts after facing 30 or more hitters for a net profit of $770 when playing against. The Yankees are 8-0 since July 18, 2009 when CC Sabathia starts at home after going at least 6 innings and giving up no home runs for a net profit of $800.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-15-2010, 03:47 PM

Tuesday's Tip Sheet

Interleague action continues Tuesday with another 14 games on tap, which is highlighted with a World Series rematch between the Phillies and Yankees from the Bronx. Along with this battle, tonight’s card features some of the best hurlers in the majors. Let’s take a closer look at those contests, plus the big game from New York.
In case you’re wondering, the National League holds a slight edge (46-42) over the American League through the first 88 encounters and that includes a 3-1 mark last night. Can the NL keep the heat on or will the AL bounce back?

N.Y. Mets at Cleveland

The Mets have opened up a 5-1 record in interleague play after sweeping the Orioles on the road this past weekend. New York will continue its nine-game road trip against the AL with a three-game set in Cleveland, who just took two of three from Washington, the lone loss coming (4-9) against the Nationals’ sensation Stephen Strasburg on Sunday. The Tribe will face another big-game pitcher tonight in the Mets’ Johan Santana (4-3, 2.96 ERA). Unfortunately for the lefty, New York has come up short in five of last six appearances and it has nothing to do with him. The offense has scored six runs in the five setbacks and six in the one win. Johan has gone 7-7 with a 3.42 ERA in 20 starts versus the Indians, coming with his previous stop as a Minnesota Twin. The Mets are listed as favorites (-145) over the Tribe and Justin Masterson (2-5, 4.74 ERA), who’s coming off two straight wins, which comes as a surprise after Cleveland went 2-8 in his first 10 starts.

Philadelphia at New York

The Yankees won the World Series last year by beating the Phillies in six games. Philadelphia will hope to get some revenge tonight when Roy Halladay (8-4, 1.96 ERA) takes the rubber. He’s had a lot of success against the Yankees (18-6, 2.81 ERA) over 35 starts and that includes an impressive 8-1 run over his last 10 appearances. New York’s top hurler, CC Sabathia (6-3, 4.01 ERA), will look to outduel Halladay but his 1-3 record and 4.74 ERA against the Phillies in his career isn’t impressive. New York has been made the favorite (-125) over Doc Halladay, largely due to its home record (22-7) and current winning streak (eight wins) at Yankees Stadium. Keep in mind that those eight wins were against the Indians, Orioles and Astros.

The Phillies are hoping All-Star Jimmy Rollins (calf) can return to the lineup soon, since his loss has hurt the team offensively and overall (6-12). Four of the six games in last year’s World Series went ‘under’ and it could’ve been five if it wasn’t for the suspended play in Game 2, which turned out to be a 3-1 final. The total on tonight’s matchup is 7 ½, which is expected but still super low for an AL contest. Alex Rodriguez (groin) is listed as ‘probable’ but catcher Jorge Posada (foot) is ‘questionable’ for the showdown. Halladay has watched the ‘under’ go 5-1 in his six road appearances this season.

Arizona at Boston

Arizona just wrapped up a solid 6-3 homestand in the desert but what preceded that mark were nine straight losses on the road, which is where the Diamondbacks will play their next six games. On Tuesday, the trip starts with arguably the toughest test against Boston and its best pitcher to date, Clay Buchholz (8-4, 2.52 ERA). The Red Sox are on a 19-9 at Fenway Park and Bucholz has gone 5-1 over his last six, all quality starts too. Arizona and Boston didn’t meet last year, but they did square off in 2008 and 2007. The Red Sox went 4-2 and the ‘under’ was 4-1-1 during the six-game stretch. Boston has gone 4-2 versus the NL this season, all of the encounters coming against Philadelphia. Arizona has only played three interleague affairs and they won two of three shootouts against Toronto, all at home and all three easily went ‘over’ the number too. Buchholz has been installed as a minus-200 favorite at most betting shops, which is the biggest number on tonight’s board. Arizona will go with Ian Kennedy (3-3, 3.17 ERA) tonight and the former New York Yankee has battled back and forth this season. Gamblers might want to make a note that the team has lost seven games with him on the hill, but five were by one run.

Tampa Bay at Atlanta

David Price (9-2, 2.23 ERA) has been sharp this year and the Rays have won nine of his 12 starts, eight coming by two runs or more as well. Tampa has been listed as a short road favorite (-120), which shouldn’t come as a surprise since it owns a league-best 22-8 record outside of Tropicana Field. Something will have to give here since Atlanta has been a beast at home (19-6) and that includes a current nine-game winning streak. Kenshin Kawakami (0-8, 4.48 ERA) takes the mound for the Braves and the Japanese product is hoping to earn a win, but he’ll need some run support. In his 12 appearances, Atlanta has been stifled to four runs or less nine times. The two teams haven’t met during interleague play since 2006, when the Braves took two of three on the road.

Texas at Florida

The Texas offense has been picking up the heat lately, scoring 45 runs over its last six games, which has produced a solid 5-1 record. That hot streak could come to an end Tuesday when the Rangers face Florida’s ace Josh Johnson (7-2, 1.91 ERA). The Marlins have won seven of his eight starts at home and the lone loss (0-1) came to Philadelphia, when Roy Halladay pitched a perfect game. C.J. Wilson (5-3, 3.52 ERA) will try to keep the Rangers in the game and he should have confidence coming off two straight wins. Keep in mind that Wilson is a lefty and the Fish have gone 7-2 at home versus southpaws this season.

Toronto at San Diego

After giving up the aforementioned Halladay to the Phillies in an offseason trade, not many folks expected the Blue Jays to have a clear-cut No. 1. Brett Cecil (7-2, 3.22 ERA) came on late last year in his debut season and he’s performing well again. He’s been good on the road too (5-1, 2.45 ERA) but the Padres have cleaned up at home against lefthanders (9-3) this season. San Diego lost three of the first five starts with Matt Latos (6-4, 3.24 ERA) on the hill, but he’s turned it around with 5-2 run over the last seven. He hasn’t given up more than three earned runs over this span and has struck out 47 during this run. Prior to last night’s win over San Diego (6-3), the Blue Jays were 1-5 against the AL this season, while the Padres countered with a 4-2 interleague record.

**BettorsChat** · 06-15-2010, 03:48 PM

Some of this you may want to put in the trends unless it's already in there.

gl Stardust

**bryce** · 06-15-2010, 04:00 PM

Good luck SDB!!

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