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**The Orange Chef** · 07-19-2010, 01:25 PM

Good Luck.

**bryce** · 07-19-2010, 03:10 PM

Good luck SDB!!

**StarDust Bum** · 07-19-2010, 03:48 PM

Run line underdog parlay looks promising

If you don’t mind backing a couple of teams buried at the bottom of their respective divisions, there is a promising run line underdog parlay on Monday night’s baseball betting board. According to a 42-8 system from FoxSheets, both the Mariners and Orioles have a good shot at making things interesting at home against teams currently in the playoff hunt. Let’s take a look at the system and how both teams might take advantage. For the latest prices and other key betting info, visit the GAME MATCHUPS page.

Here is the key system under consideration:

Play On - Home underdogs against a 1.5 run line (BALTIMORE & SEATTLE) - below average AL hitting teams (AVG <=.265) against teams with a good bullpen (ERA <=3.75), in July games. (42-8 over the last 5 seasons.) (84.0%, +31.7 units. Rating=4*). The situation's record this season is: (5-0 +5 units).

As you can see, this powerful angle is already 5-0 in 2010, giving bettors a great opportunity to play either, both, or parlay the two qualifying clubs on Monday night. Here’s a quick preview of both games.

Tampa Bay (55-35) at Baltimore (29-61), 7:05 p.m. EDT
Money Line: Tampa Bay -180

Facing the team with the worst record in the majors might help Tampa Bay bounce back from a losing series against the club with the best. The Rays hope to do so while trying for a fifth straight road win over the Baltimore Orioles on Monday night.

Tampa Bay (55-36) missed its chance to gain ground on AL East-leading New York by losing two of three to the Yankees over the weekend. Despite being three games behind New York, the Rays have won 11 of 15 overall and hope a visit to Baltimore will help them regain some momentum.

The Rays have won nine of 11 against the Orioles (29-62), including five of six this season. Tampa Bay swept a three-game set at Baltimore from April 12-14.

The Rays hope Wade Davis (6-9, 4.69 ERA) can continue his success against the Orioles while trying to build on his first victory since May 29. Davis, 0-5 with a 6.32 ERA in his previous six starts, allowed two runs and four hits in seven innings of a 5-2 win over Cleveland on July 8.

The right-hander has allowed one run while striking out 13 in 16 innings to win both of his career starts against the Orioles. Davis recorded his only complete game by yielding four hits and striking out 10 in a 3-0 win at Baltimore on Sept. 17.

After being swept at home by Toronto, the Orioles counter with Chris Tillman (1-3, 5.64) as he tries to follow up the best outing of his young career.

In his return from Triple-A Norfolk, Tillman took a no-hitter into the seventh inning and outpitched Cliff Lee in his Rangers debut, allowing one unearned run and two hits in 7 1-3 innings of a 6-1 win at Texas on July 10. The 21-year-old Tillman had an 8.40 ERA in his previous four starts this season.

Chicago (50-40) at Seattle (35-56), 10:10 p.m. EDT
Money Line: Chicago -115

Mired in their worst losing stretch in three months, the AL Central-leading White Sox look to avoid a fourth straight defeat Monday night against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. Chicago (50-41) is 26-5 since June 9, and had won nine a row before dropping the final three of a four-game series at Minnesota. The White Sox blew a three-run, ninth-inning lead in a 7-6 loss Sunday. Chicago, which has a 1 1/2-game lead over Minnesota and Detroit, has not lost four straight since April 15-18.

Facing Seattle (39-56) could help the White Sox get back on track. Though the Mariners snapped a four-game skid with a 2-1, 10-inning victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday, they are 3-12 in July and dropped three one-run games at Chicago from April 23-25.

Seattle is batting .220 and averaging 2.8 runs this month.

Chicago rookie Daniel Hudson (0-0, 11.25 ERA) makes his second start of the season and first ever against Seattle. The Mariners counter with David Pauley (0-1, 1.00), who will face the White Sox for the first time.

**StarDust Bum** · 07-19-2010, 03:56 PM

Diamond Trends - Monday

Red Sox at Athletics - The Red Sox are 0-10 since August 04, 2009 on the road within 20 cents of pickem when they won the last time they faced this starting pitcher for a net profit of $1005 when playing against.

Phillies at Cardinals - The Phillies are 0-8 since May 01, 2009 within 20 cents of pickem after a loss in which they left 18+ men on base for a net profit of $820 when playing against. The Phillies are 5-0 since April 14, 2010 when Kyle Kendrick starts when he is off a start in which he needed fewer than 3.5 pitches per batter for a net profit of $580. The Cardinals are 0-9 since April 28, 2009 within 20 cents of pickem after a one run win for a net profit of $910 when playing against.

Astros at Cubs - The Astros are 0-10 since April 10, 2009 as a dog after a loss in which they allowed 12+ hits and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $1000 when playing against. The Astros are 0-8 since April 12, 2009 when Wandy Rodriguez starts on the road after the team lost their last two games for a net profit of $805 when playing against. The Cubs are 0-6 since August 30, 2009 at home after a win in which they had fewer than five team-left-on-base for a net profit of $900 when playing against.

Mets at Diamondbacks - The Mets are 0-7 since May 17, 2009 after a win in which they allowed 12+ hits for a net profit of $765 when playing against. The Mets are 0-7 since May 13, 2009 after an extra inning win for a net profit of $765 when playing against.

Giants at Dodgers - The Dodgers are 16-0 since August 02, 2008 as a home favorite after a one run loss for a net profit of $1600

White Sox at Mariners - The Mariners are 0-10 since May 18, 2009 as a dog vs a team that has lost at least their last two games and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $1000 when playing against.

Rockies at Marlins - The Rockies are 15-0 since May 06, 2009 when Ubaldo Jimenez starts as a 140+ favorite after going at least 6 innings and giving up no home runs for a net profit of $1500. The Rockies are 8-0 since July 07, 2009 as a favorite when their starter went at least eight innings in his last start after a win for a net profit of $800. The Marlins are 0-8 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 $1045 when playing against.

Rays at Orioles - The Rays are 0-4 since October 04, 2009 when Wade Davis starts as a favorite after throwing more than 100 pitches for a net profit of $545 when playing against. The Orioles are 0-9 since April 12, 2010 as a 140+ dog after a loss in which they drew 1 or fewer walks for a net profit of $900 when playing against.

Brewers at Pirates - The Pirates are 6-0 since May 30, 2009 when Jeff Karstens starts at home for a net profit of $825.

Nationals at Reds - The Nationals are 0-5 since May 29, 2010 when J.D. Martin starts on the road for a net profit of $515 when playing against. The Reds are 4-0 since September 06, 2009 when Johnny Cueto starts after he had a WHIP of less than one his last start for a net profit of $550.

Blue Jays at Royals - The Blue Jays are 0-7 since June 01, 2010 vs a team that has lost at least their last two games for a net profit of $735 when playing against. The Blue Jays are 7-0 since July 10, 2009 when Brett Cecil starts on the road in the first game of a series for a net profit of $935.

Rangers at Tigers - The Rangers are 10-0 since May 02, 2010 after a win in which they allowed 5+ walks for a net profit of $1085. The Tigers are 10-0 since April 29, 2010 at home after allowing 6+ runs for a net profit of $1160

Indians at Twins - The Indians are 0-10 since May 15, 2009 as a road 140+ dog when they are off a win in which they never trailed for a net profit of $1000 when playing against. The Twins are 11-0 since May 08, 2009 when Scott Baker starts after facing 25 or fewer hitters and they lost in his previous start for a net profit of $1105.

**StarDust Bum** · 07-19-2010, 03:57 PM

Monday's MLB Tip Sheet

The division races and wild-card hunts are into full gear as we perspire our way through the month of July. The MLB card for Monday isn’t completely stacked, but there are certainly games galore. Let’s examine one game from each league that features four legit contenders.

**Rangers at Tigers**

--Most books are listing Detroit (48-42, +379) as a minus-115 favorite with a total of 9 ½ ‘under’ (minus-115). Bettors can back the Tigers on the run line (minus 1 ½ runs) for a plus-175 payout (risk $100 to win $175).

--Texas (53-39, +93) came out of the All-Star break strong, winning three of four from Boston at Fenway Park. The Rangers won a 4-2 decision Sunday behind C.J. Wilson’s 10 strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings. Wilson improved to 8-5, while closer Neftali Feliz collected his 24th save. Nelson Cruz went 2-for-4 with an RBI double.

--Unlike Texas, Detroit couldn’t possibly have scripted a more sluggish start after the All-Star break. The Tigers took broom treatment in four games at Cleveland, including a 7-2 loss Sunday in the series finale at Jacobs Field. They have now lost five in a row going into Monday’s series opener vs. the Rangers.

--Jim Leyland’s club owns a 32-13 home record at Comerica Park, while the Rangers are 22-20 on the road.

--Despite its poor play recently, Detroit remains in a second-place tie in the American League Central with Minnesota. The Tigers and Twins are both 1 ½ games behind the loop-leading White Sox.

--Texas is in first place in the AL West, four games ahead of the second-place Angels, who were still in action late Sunday afternoon with a chance to pull to within 3 ½ or fall to 4 ½ back.

--Scott Feldman (5-8, 5.32) will get the starting nod for Texas in this spot. The right-hander is 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA in three career starts against the Tigers. Feldman is 3-5 with a bloated 5.94 ERA in eight road outings this season.

--Jeremy Bonderman (5-6. 4.79) owns a 2-1 record and 4.93 ERA in seven lifetime starts against Texas. Bonderman, a righty, is 3-3 with a 3.63 ERA in nine home appearances (eight starts) this year.

--The ‘under’ is 44-43 overall for the Rangers, 20-18 in their road assignments. Meanwhile, Detroit has seen the ‘over’ go 40-39 overall, but the ‘under’ is 23-19 in its home games.

--The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Eastern in Motown.

**Phillies at Cardinals**

--Most betting shops have installed St. Louis (51-41, -491) as a minus-130 ‘chalk’ with a total of nine ‘under’ (minus-115). Gamblers can take the Cardinals on the run line for a plus-165 return.

--Trailing the Dodgers by a 4-0 count going into the bottom of the eighth in Sunday’s series finale at Busch Stadium, St. Louis rallied to collect a 5-4 victory as a short home underdog. The win completed a four-game sweep of Los Angeles and gave the Cards sole possession of first place in the NL Central with a one-half game lead over the Reds. Matt Holliday drove in the winning run with two outs in the ninth.

--Philadelphia (48-42, -689) finished up its series against the Cubs late Sunday night. Before that game went final, Charlie Manuel’s squad was five games back of the first-place Braves in the NL East.

--Tony La Russa will turn to Blake Hawksworth (3-5, 4.73) in the series opener. The right-hander is 1-3 with a 4.50 ERA in 12 home appearances (one start) this season. The reliever who is being used as a spot-starter right now, is 0-1 with a 7.71 ERA in 4 2/3 career innings against the Phils.

--Manuel will give the ball to Kyle Kendrick (5-3, 4.44), who has a 4-0 record and 1.67 ERA in four lifetime starts against St. Louis. Kendrick is 3-1 with a 3.52 ERA in 11 road outings (nine starts) in 2010.

--St. Louis has posted a 31-15 home record at Busch Stadium, while the Phillies went into Sunday’s game at Chicago with a 23-25 road ledger.

--The ‘under’ is 49-40 overall for Philadelphia, 26-22 in its road games. Meanwhile, St. Louis has watched the ‘under’ go 51-34 overall and 24-15 in its home contests.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

--Atlanta’s Brian McCann garnered MVP honors at the 81st All-Star Game in Anaheim this past week. Then on Sunday, McCann blasted the sixth career grand slam of his career in the Braves’ 11-6 win over Milwaukee to salvage a split of the four-game series. McCann went 2-for-4 with five RBIs, while Omar Infante was 4-for-5 to lift his batting average to .337. The Braves, who are off on Monday, had a five-game lead on the Phillies and a 5 ½-game advantage on the Mets (pending both team’s results on Sunday).

--New York LHP Andy Pettitte is most likely headed to the disabled list after leaving Sunday’s win over the Rays with a grade-one groin strain. Also, A.J. Burnett left Saturday’s game early after apparently cutting his hand during a temper tantrum in which he hit a door.

--Dodgers’ slugger Manny Ramirez is ‘doubtful’ for Monday’s series opener vs. San Francisco with a calf injury.

**StarDust Bum** · 07-19-2010, 07:26 PM

Rockies' Tulowitzki to begin rehab assignment

MIAMI (AP) -Troy Tulowitzki will begin a rehabilitation assignment Wednesday, and the Colorado Rockies hope to activate the shortstop after he spends a week in the minor leagues.

Manager Jim Tracy outlined a timetable Monday for Tulowitzki and also said first baseman Todd Helton may be activated from the disabled list as early as Tuesday.

Helton has been out since July 5 with a stiff back. Tulowitzki broke his left wrist June 17.

Tulowitzki plans to play two games for Triple-A Colorado Springs beginning Wednesday, then travel to Tulsa and start two games for the Double-A Drillers. He may be activated as early as July 28, Tracy said.

The Rockies haven't decided whether to activate Helton without a rehabilitation assignment.

**StarDust Bum** · 07-19-2010, 07:27 PM

Tigers recall P Galarraga

DETROIT (AP) -Right-hander Armando Galarraga is back with the Detroit Tigers after being recalled from Triple A Toledo.

Galarraga's next scheduled start is Tuesday night at home against Texas. The team optioned him to Toledo to get some work over the recent All-Star break. He is 3-2 with a 4.45 earned run average in 10 games in Detroit.

Galarraga missed out on a perfect game June 2 against Cleveland when first-base umpire Jim Joyce called a runner safe. Replays showed the runner was out.

The Tigers also announced Monday that the team has optioned the contract of left-handed pitcher Andy Oliver to the Mudhens. Oliver (0-4) took the loss Sunday as the Indians beat the Tigers 7-2.

**StarDust Bum** · 07-19-2010, 07:30 PM

Venters suspended for 4 games; manager Cox for 1

NEW YORK (AP) -Atlanta Braves pitcher Jonny Venters was suspended for four games and fined by Major League Baseball on Monday for throwing consecutive pitches at Milwaukee's Prince Fielder last weekend.

Baseball's vice president in charge of discipline, Bob Watson, also said Braves manager Bobby Cox has been suspended for one game.

Cox will serve the suspension during Tuesday's game against San Diego. Venters will start his penalty Tuesday unless the players' association appeals.

``I think it's in everybody's best interests that the physical well-being of the players should be foremost,'' Brewers manager Ken Macha said. ``My point of view is that it behooves everybody that Prince is able to go out and play all 162 and not have a broken wrist or dislocated back.''

Venters and Cox were ejected for their actions Saturday. Cox's ejection was his record 156th and third this season.

One inning after Fielder's homer started a five-run inning for the Brewers in a 6-3 win, Venters threw a pitch over his head. Plate umpire Angel Hernandez warned both benches and Venters hit Fielder in the back with the next pitch.

Cox earned an automatic ejection when he came out of the dugout to argue. Watson said he was suspended for Venters' intentional actions after a warning had been issued.

``I don't really care,'' Fielder said.

**StarDust Bum** · 07-19-2010, 07:33 PM

Rolen has cortisone shot; out of lineup

CINCINNATI (AP) -Third baseman Scott Rolen got a cortisone shot in his right hamstring on Monday, leaving the Cincinnati Reds without one of the catalysts for their turnaround season.

Manager Dusty Baker said the team will decide in the next couple of days whether to put Rolen on the 15-day disabled list.

``Life's not pleasant without Scottie in there,'' Baker said.

The 35-year-old Rolen played in his sixth All-Star game last week. He's batting .287 with 17 homers and 57 RBIs, though his production had slipped lately. Rolen is in an 0-for-13 slump that is his longest of the season.

Rolen missed two games before the All-Star break with a sore back. During a 3-2 win over Colorado on Friday night, he was thrown out at third while tagging on a fly ball in the eighth inning. Rolen felt a burning sensation in his right hamstring while tagging up.

He went home that night and came down with the flu, which has gone through his family. He missed the last two days because of the illness. Doctors decided to treat the hamstring with an injection on Monday, hoping it will heal quickly. The team hadn't mentioned the hamstring problem until after Rolen got the treatment.

``We'll give it today and tomorrow, see how it recovers and take it from there,'' Rolen said.

The Reds had been in first place in the NL Central for the past 18 days before a 1-0 loss to the Rockies dropped them a half-game behind the Cardinals on Sunday. The Reds and Cardinals are the only teams in the division with winning records.

General manager Walt Jocketty traded for Rolen last July, intent on bringing veteran leadership to a young team. The Reds went 26-12 with him in the starting lineup last season, and are 45-31 with him there this year. They would like to avoid putting him on the disabled list, but don't want to play with essentially a 24-man roster for long.

``You see what our record is when he's in the lineup and when he's not,'' Baker said. ``It puts you in a Catch-22 situation where you're operating short, trying not to use him unless it's an emergency. So we've got to make a decision here in next day or so. It depends on how he's responding to treatment.''

Rolen hasn't played since a series against Philadelphia before the All-Star break, so he could go on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 12, reducing the time he'd be out. If the Reds use him in a game now, he would have to miss another 15 days.

Rolen said he spent the last two days vomiting.

``I'm not going to be eating pizza and hot dogs in the next day or two,'' he said. ``Still oatmeal and bland chicken. But I feel a lot better.

``Yesterday I was dragging. The day before, I was dead. The door prize for hurting my hamstring - not only do you hurt your hamstring, but you're going to throw up all night. I was limping to the toilet at 5 a.m.''

**bryce** · 07-19-2010, 07:35 PM

Why did galarraga leave.. Didn't see that he was doing bad..injury?
Many pitchers have an over 4 era but I hope this was an small injury or something to that effect.. I don't watch every MLB game but I thought he was solid. Every pitcher gets murdered every once in awhile.

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The Bum's Monday's MLB Best Bets !

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