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**Udog** · 08-29-2010, 08:22 AM

Daily Sports Roundup: August 29

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The drivers of Formula 1 hit the track in Belgium, while the Red Sox close out their set with the Rays, and the Broncos host the Steelers.

Colliding on the gridiron . . .

The lone NFL preseason game on the schedule for Sunday has Pittsburgh at Denver. Oddsmakers have the Steelers pegged as 2-point road favorites in that contest, with the total for the game at 36 points. Pittsburgh (2-0 in the preseason) still hasn't announced who will be their starting quarterback in Week 1 of the regular season (as Ben Roethlisberger begins his suspension); candidates Byron Leftwich and Dennis Dixon will both look to impress against the Broncos on Sunday night. Denver (0-2 in the preseason) saw starting QB Kyle Orton go 16-of-22 for 177 yards passing and two scores in the team's 25-20 home loss to Detroit last week. Brady Quinn, who is looking to hold off Tim Tebow for the backup gig, went 11-of-17 for 115 yards in the Denver loss.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

The American League schedule for Sunday has Kansas City at Cleveland, Detroit at Toronto, the Yankees at the White Sox, Oakland at Texas, Baltimore at the Angels, Minnesota at Seattle, and Boston at Tampa Bay. John Lackey (12-7, 4.51 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Red Sox in that last matchup, while the Rays counter with James Shields (12-11, 4.76 ERA). Righthander Lackey picked up a win over the Mariners in his most recent trip to the mound, surrendering three runs (two earned) on six hits over eight innings while fanning 10. Righthander Shields beat the Angels in his last start, allowing three runs (two earned) on eight hits over six innings, and fanning 10.

Meanwhile, the National League on Sunday has the Cubs at Cincinnati, Houston at the Mets, St. Louis at Washington, Pittsburgh at Milwaukee, the Dodgers at Colorado, Philadelphia at San Diego, Arizona at San Francisco, and Florida at Atlanta. Josh Johnson (11-5, 2.36 ERA) is set to take on Derek Lowe (11-12, 4.33 ERA) in that Marlins/Braves contest. Righthander Johnson picked up a no-decision against the Mets last time out, giving up four runs (three earned) over five innings; Florida is 2-4 in Johnson's last six starts. Righthander Lowe is riding a three-game losing streak heading into Sunday's game; Lowe gave up three runs in six innings vs. the Rockies last game.

Roaring around the track . . .

The drivers of Formula 1 get back on the track on Sunday in the Belgian Grand Prix. Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel (9/4) and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso (11/4) are the oddsmakers' choices to win on Sunday, with points leader and Red Bull driver Mark Webber just behind those two at 4/1 odds. McLaren drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button are pegged at 5/1 and 12/1 odds, respectively, to take the checkered flag in Belgium, with Ferrari's Felipe Massa at 10/1. No one outside the Red Bull, McLaren, and Ferrari teams has won an F1 race this season. Webber won the series' last event, the Hungarian Grand Prix on August 1, and his team is the 4/9 constructors title favorite.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

Finally, the Fever will be looking to stave off elimination when they host the Liberty in WNBA playoff action on Sunday. New York won Game 1 of the best-of-three series at home on Thursday night by a score of 85-73, with Cappie Pondexter leading the way with 28 points. Tamika Catchings tossed in a team-high 18 points in the loss for Indiana.

**Udog** · 08-29-2010, 08:29 AM

Sunday's six-pack

-- If you went to Saratoga Travers Day and used Mac Daddy's picks (on NFL page every day), you would have had a $1 ticket on a $1,292 triple in the 5th race Saturday, good for $646.00.

-- Its very difficult to beat the races, but with 80% of Saratoga meet over, MacDaddy is in the black; how many pros can say that?

-- France 72, Spain 66 at World Championships in Turkey. Wow.

-- Seattle Mariners got only two hits off the eminently hittable Nick Blackburn (1.56 WHIP); M's are on pace to score the least runs of any American League team since 1981.

-- Sebastian Janikowski made a 57-yard FG against the 49ers; for all the abuse Al Davis has taken, Janikowski was an excellent draft pick.

-- Green Bay is 70th biggest TV market in America, and they have an NFL team. Albany is 57th; we used to have an Arena League team.

**********************************************

Sunday's List of 13: Clearing out a cluttered mind........

13) I forgot that ESPN shows high school football games live every year on this weekend; still haven't decided what I think of it. Guess its fun for the kids, but seems like lot of pressure on the coaches. Imagine coaching a high school game and getting drilled on national TV? Not good.

12) You look at the White Sox' desperate attempt to contend by trading for Manny Ramirez, then you realize that they traded Daniel Hudson to the Diamondbacks, and somehow traded Gio Gonzalez, not once, but twice. How do you trade that much young quality pitching???? Would they even need to catch Minnesota if they kept Gonzalez????

11) White Sox have until 1:30 Tuesday to trade for Ramirez, or else he stays with the Dodgers the rest of the season.

10) Houston Astros have nine rookies on their 25-man roster.

9) Mets' average home attendance this year is 33,349; last year, it was 38,941. But they have great milkshakes in the Shake Shack. Too bad the ballclub is run like a crummy American Legion team.

8) NFL has a problem, as far as putting the umpire behind QB instead of behind the defensive line; it slows down hurry-up attacks, since umpire was responsible for spotting the ball. Now someone else has to do it. Peyton Manning wasn't a happy camper Thursday night.

7) You know those big pretzels they sell at the racetrack? Had my first one that was totally without salt-- what a great idea!!! Instead of taking a half hour to pick the salt off, you eat it while its warm. Excellent!!! What the hell took so long to come up with saltless pretzels?

6) Ben Zobrist's games by position: 93 in RF, 31 at 2B, 12 in CF, 11 at 1B, and one in LF. Pretty valuable guy.

By the way, Zobrist is making $438,100 this season; he's hitting .297 when he bats 3rd, .225 when he bats anywhere else in the order.

5) Encouragement for Stephen Strasburg: Nine pitchers in this year's All-Star Game have had Tommy John surgery.

4) You know its going to be a bad week when one of the better pitchers on your fantasy team tears his knee up tying his shoelaces. Ladies and gentlemen, your 2010 Armadillos and Ricky Nolasco!!!!

3) If you ever want to feel like an idiot, try upgrading your cellphone and go into one of those stores in the ****, where they'll explain the new applications, then you'll go home and forget everything they said. Fun.

2) World Championship basketball on TV; 9:30am Sunday USA team plays Slovenia; Monday at 2:30, they play Brazil.

1) Saturday was the last Saturday in 2010 with no college football, and to that, I tip my many hats.

**Udog** · 08-29-2010, 08:30 AM

NFLX Dunkel

SUNDAY, AUGUST 29

Game 281-282: Pittsburgh at Denver (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 126.414; Denver 121.461
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 5; 32
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 1; 36
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-1); Under

NFLX Short Sheet

Sunday, 8/29/2010

PITTSBURGH at DENVER, 8:00 PM ET
PITTSBURGH: 6-1 Under when the line is +3 to -3
DENVER: 9-0 ATS off a home loss

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

What bettors need to know: Sunday's NFL preseason action

Week 3 of the NFL preseason comes to close with the Pittsburgh Steelers traveling west to face the Denver Broncos.

This is a rematch of Week 9 in Denver last season when the Steelers won 28-10. The rushing attacks were the difference in that game. Pittsburgh’s Rashard Mendenhall ran for 155 yards, while Denver netted just 27 yards, its fourth-lowest total since the merger.

QUARTERBACK MATCHUP

Both teams know who its starting quarterback will be in the regular season: Denver’s Kyle Orton, who surprisingly just got a near $9 million extension through 2011, and Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger.

That’s not to say Orton and Big Ben aren’t in different boats. Orton was expected to be pushed by Tim Tebow but that extension signaled the Broncos will let Tebow sit a while. It also didn’t help that Tebow hurt his ribs at the end of the first preseason game and missed the second one.

Coach Josh McDaniels still hasn’t said whether Tebow, who resumed practicing Wednesday after missing the past week with bruised ribs, would play Sunday (the home fans still haven’t seen him on the field). But he remains No. 3 on the depth chart behind Orton and Brady Quinn and apparently will stay there entering the season.

McDaniels did say his starters would play into the third quarter because he wanted them to be able to simulate going through adjustments, etc., during halftime. Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin said much of the same.

Roethlisberger sat out the first preseason game but returned last week against the Giants. He completed six of eight passes for 76 yards and led the Steelers on a 13-play, 58-yard field goal drive in his three series. He also threw a pick.

Byron Leftwich, the presumed starter while Roethlisberger serves his suspension, was in second against New York but apparently won’t be in this one. Tomlin wants to take a longer look at Dennis Dixon with the first-team offense. Dixon has completed 13-of-15 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns in two games for a perfect passer rating of 158.3. He also has directed four touchdown drives.

LINE MOVEMENT

Pittsburgh is one of three road favorites this weekend at -2 with a total of 36. This line opened as a pick’em at some books. The Steelers are currently getting about a 57 percent lean.

INJURIES AND NEWS

Denver’s other first round pick this year, wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, continues to have problems with his left foot and is indefinitely. Left tackle Ryan Clady, who tore up his knee this winter playing hoops, returned to practice this week but isn’t ready to play yet. Running backs Correll Buckhalter and Knowshon Moreno remain out, and it appears LenDale White is iffy as well.

Pittsburgh is making a change at center. Rookie Maurkice Pouncey is getting the first-team snaps at center and moves ahead of Justin Hartwig on the depth chart. Pouncey is expected to play with the starters against Denver. Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden is doubtful and safety Ryan Clark won’t play because of a rare blood condition that can be dangerous in Denver’s altitude.

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Tips and Trends
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Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos [Fox | 8:00 PM ET]

STEELERS: (-2, O/U 37) Pittsburgh very well might be the most impressive team this preseason, a surprise by many. After all the turmoil this past offseason surrounding star QB Ben Roethlisberger, many experts and fans thought it would effect the Steelers on the playing field. Instead, Pitsburgh has dominated both the Lions and the Giants. Backups Dennis Dixon and Byron Leftwich have been amazing this preseason, each amassing a QB Rating over 100. Dixon has a QB Rating of 141, while Leftwich has a 105.7 QB Rating this preseason. Neither QB has thrown an INT this preseason either, an amazing achievement considering how many different players are shuffled on and off the field during preseason play. As a result of their play, Pittsburgh has averaged 23.5 PPG this preseason. Defensively, the Steelers are playing the type of defense that have made them so successful through the years. Pittsburgh is allowing only 12 PPG so far this year. Pittsburgh has been the listed favorite in each preseason game they've played this season, with tonight being no exception.

Steelers are 2-0 both SU and ATS this preseason.

Key Injuries - LB Andre Frazier (knee) is out.

Projected Score: 24 (SIDE of the Day)

BRONCOS: It's been quite shocking to see Denver struggled so badly on defense this preseason. Last year, defense is what carried this team all season long, but this preseason they appear lost. The Broncos have an average of 29 PPG this preseason, against the Bengals and the lowly Lions. Denver has been dominated on the ground, as they have been outrushed by 231 YDS this preseason. Offensively, Denver has been better, as they've scored at least 20 PTS in each contest. Starting QB Kyle Orton has been solid, throwing for 261 YDS with 4 TD's in route to a QB Rating of 116.5. Backups Brady Quinn and Tim Tebow are battling it out for the role as 2nd string QB. There are several camp battles going on in this offense, both at RB and at WR. WR Jabar Gaffney has had a great preseason, catching 8 of his 11 targets for 135 yards. Head Coach Josh McDaniels really would like to win this preseason game, as it's in front of the home fans and it would get them their 1st win of any kind this season.

Broncos are 0-2 both SU and ATS this preseason.

Key Injuries - T Ryan Clady (knee) is questionable.

Projected Score: 13

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**Udog** · 08-29-2010, 08:41 AM

MLB

Sunday, August 29

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Trend Report
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1:05 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. CLEVELAND
Kansas City is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Kansas City is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Cleveland is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games

1:07 PM
DETROIT vs. TORONTO
Detroit is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Detroit is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
Toronto is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home

1:10 PM
HOUSTON vs. NY METS
Houston is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing NY Mets
Houston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
NY Mets are 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Houston
NY Mets are 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

1:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. CINCINNATI
Chi Cubs are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games on the road
Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
Cincinnati is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games
Cincinnati is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

1:35 PM
FLORIDA vs. ATLANTA
Florida is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Florida is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home

1:35 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. WASHINGTON
St. Louis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
St. Louis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Washington is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Washington is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games at home

2:05 PM
NY YANKEES vs. CHI WHITE SOX
NY Yankees are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games on the road
NY Yankees are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 18-7 SU in their last 25 games at home
Chi White Sox are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against NY Yankees

2:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. MILWAUKEE
Pittsburgh is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Pittsburgh is 4-15 SU in its last 19 games
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
Milwaukee is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

3:05 PM
OAKLAND vs. TEXAS
Oakland is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Oakland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Texas
Texas is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Texas is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home

3:10 PM
LA DODGERS vs. COLORADO
LA Dodgers are 7-15 SU in their last 22 games on the road
LA Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
Colorado is 7-16 SU in their last 23 games when playing LA Dodgers
Colorado is 3-8 SU in their last 11 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers

3:35 PM
BALTIMORE vs. LA ANGELS
Baltimore is 6-13 SU in their last 19 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
Baltimore is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Angels
LA Angels are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing Baltimore
LA Angels are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games at home

4:05 PM
ARIZONA vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Arizona is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
Arizona is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing San Francisco
San Francisco is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
San Francisco is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

4:05 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. SAN DIEGO
Philadelphia is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing San Diego
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Diego
San Diego is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games
San Diego is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

4:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. SEATTLE
Minnesota is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games on the road
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Seattle
Seattle is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Seattle is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota

8:05 PM
BOSTON vs. TAMPA BAY
Boston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Boston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Boston
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Boston

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**Udog** · 08-29-2010, 08:46 AM

MLB
Dunkel

LA Dodgers at Colorado
The Rockies look to build on their 6-0 record in Jason Hammel's last 6 starts against the NL West. Colorado is the pick (-115) according to Dunkel, which has the Rockies favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-115). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 29

Game 951-952: Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Coleman) 14.992; Cincinnati (Wood) 15.410
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-230); 9
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-230); Under

Game 953-954: Houston at NY Mets (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Norris) 15.458; NY Mets (Dickey) 14.352
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 8
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-175); 7
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+155); Over

Game 955-956: Florida at Atlanta (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Johnson) 14.396; Atlanta (Lowe) 15.799
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Florida (-115); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-105); Over

Game 957-958: St. Louis at Washington (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Wainwright) 14.822; Washington (Lannan) 13.327
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-210); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-210); Under

Game 959-960: Pittsburgh at Milwaukee (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Morton) 14.587; Milwaukee (Bush) 13.941
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-175); 9
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+155); Over

Game 961-962: LA Dodgers at Colorado (3:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Lilly) 15.137; Colorado (Hammel) 16.252
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Colorado (-115); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-115); Under

Game 963-964: Arizona at San Francisco (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Lopez) 14.746; San Francisco (Cain) 14.830
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-235); 8
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-235); Under

Game 965-966: Philadelphia at San Diego (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Hamels) 16.298; San Diego (Richard) 15.248
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego (-110); 7
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-110); Over

Game 967-968: Kansas City at Cleveland (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Chen) 15.603; Cleveland (Carmona) 14.364
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-150); 9
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+130); Under

Game 969-970: Detroit at Toronto (1:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Porcello) 15.646; Toronto (Rzepczynski) 16.412
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Toronto (-115); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-115); Over

Game 971-972: Boston at Tampa Bay (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lackey) 15.713; Tampa Bay (Shields) 16.940
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-150); 9
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-150); Over

Game 973-974: NY Yankees at Chicago White Sox (2:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Nova) 15.943; White Sox (Floyd) 15.412
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-125); 9
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (+105); Under

Game 975-976: Oakland at Texas (3:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Gonzalez) 16.225; Texas (Lewis) 15.262
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Texas (-150); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+130); Over

Game 977-978: Baltimore at LA Angels (3:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Guthrie) 14.688; LA Angels (Weaver) 15.130
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-200); 8
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-200); Under

Game 979-980: Minnesota at Seattle (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Pavano) 15.064; Seattle (French) 16.155
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-170); 8
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+150); Under

**Udog** · 08-29-2010, 08:49 AM

MLB

Sunday, August 29

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Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
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Streaking

Gio Gonzalez (11-8, 3.24 ERA), Oakland Athletics

The A’s were a dominant force in the majors at the start of the last decade thanks to All-Star hurlers Tim Hudson, Mark Mulder and Barry Zito.

Oakland’s rise from cellar-dweller to second place in the AL West is tied again to starting pitching. Gonzalez, along with Trevor Cahill and Vin Mazzaro, give the Athletics one of the best, young pitching staffs in the big leagues.

And while Cahill’s sub-3.00 earned-run average suggests he’s the team’s ace, Oakland fans know Gonzalez’s stuff is by far the most overwhelming.

He’ll walk more batters than you’d like to see, but he doesn’t like to give opponents anything good to hit. Hitters are batting just .242 off Gonzalez and the young southpaw has surrendered just 10 big flies in 161 innings.

The A’s have won three of his last four starts and the under is 4-1-1 in his last six appearances.

Matt Cain (10-10, 3.07 ERA), San Francisco Giants

It’s easy to forget about this hard-throwing righty with two-time Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum stealing the spotlight, but the Giants know what a special talent they have in Cain.

There were rumors hitting-hungry San Fran turned down a Cain for Prince Fielder trade with Milwaukee before the July deadline.

Cain has repaid his club’s faith by going on a tear. He’s delivered quality starts in seven of his last eight trips to the hill and the Giants are 6-2 over the hot spell.

Slumping

Fausto Carmona (11-12, 4.20 ERA), Cleveland Indians

It’s hard to believe this hurler was once on par with CC Sabathia. Since that unsuccessful playoff series against the Yankees in 2007, Carmona’s career has gone in a tailspin.

He finished ’08 and ’09 with ERAs north of 5.00 but he showed promise for the first third of the 2010 campaign. That spark appears to have blown out with each start Carmona makes.

He’s given up five or more runs in four of his last six outings and the Indians are 1-5 over that period.

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Sunday Night Baseball: Red Sox at Rays
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AL East Division rivals Boston and Tampa Bay conclude a pivotal three-game series Sunday night on ESPN. Let’s see how these two teams match up.

BY COMPARISON

Despite being ravaged all season with 24 disabled list-stints and 832 man games lost to injury, the Red Sox entered the series with the Rays in pretty decent shape.

Compared to their recent predecessors, the Sox are right where they should be on this date. At 73-55, their record is nearly identical to the 2004, 2005 and 2009 clubs. They are better than the ill-fated 2006 squad, and not as good as the 2007 and 2008 teams, both of who had at least 76 wins at this point of the season.

It’s GM Theo Epstein’s contention that it takes 95 wins to make the playoffs in the American League East. Entering this series Boston is on pace for 93.

Not bad for a team that has four more games remaining with Tampa and six more against the Yankees.

“We definitely need to play well. This is one of the times we can really control stuff on our behalf, and not hope that other teams help us out. So we need to definitely go in there and play well,” Epstein said.

Regardless of where they finish, bench boss Terry Francona should be in the running for the Manager of the Year award.

They're already a different team from the Red Sox we've come to know, and you can see it in Francona's disposition. He likes this team a lot, and he's not afraid to say it.

"I love them," he said. "Not because of what has happened (with the injuries), but they're trying to win every day. That's what you ask guys to do, to try to win."

OUR DOCTORS ARE KILLING US

With team MVP Dustin Pedroia and his fractured left foot back in a protective boot, it appears he is done for the season.

Coupled with the fiasco of Jacoby Ellsbury's premature return after he fractured four ribs and had a fifth fracture go undetected, the burden of accountability has fallen squarely on the Red Sox medical staff.

It’s fair to ask why both Ellsbury and Pedroia appear to have placed themselves at risk of further injury when neither should have been playing. And also why OF Mike Cameron will soon be going under the knife after club officials maintained all season they didn't believe an operation would be necessary.

All of which brings up to a lot of finger pointing. Raising questions about the care of its players brings to mind a similar time and situation when former Red Sox SS Nomar Garciaparra’s declared, “Our doctors are killing us.”

RED ROOF

Tropicana Field protects fans from soaring temperatures as well as the rain and violent storms that can arise in the blink of an eye during the sultry, summer months in St. Petersburg.

Protection aside, the rafters and catwalks that support the roof over their heads cost the Rays a valuable win earlier this month, one that may come back to haunt them at season’s end.

When Minnesota’s Jason Kubel popped a fly ball that struck the A-Ring designated catwalk, a two-out, not-so-routine pop fly allowed the winning run to score, it was a result that could be potentially devastating to a club that is competing in the AL East race.

“I know it works both ways, but to lose a game in a pennant situation like that, because of a roof, truly indicates why there's a crying need for a new ballpark in this area, regardless of where they put it," cried Rays manager Joe Maddon.

"It just needs to be a real baseball field where, if you lose the pennant by one game and look back at a game like that, because the roof got in the way, we'd be very upset."

Maddon makes a strong argument. No one wants the fate of a season to be affected by a roof.

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT

Unlike editions in the past, the Rays head into crunch-time with the valuable benefit of experience.

Entering its final 35 games of the season, including 13 against its closest competitors (the Red Sox and Yankees), Tampa feels comfortable knowing it won the 2008 American League championship.

“I don't know that it makes it any less stressful or easier, but that unknown component is no longer there," said Maddon. "You know what it feels like and you know what it looks like.

"And the thing I'd like to believe is that you understand you don't have to get any smarter or any better, just come out ready to play every day. That's why we always talk of playing the same game regardless of the date… you don't want anything to change."

ARMS RACE

Free agent acquisition John Lackey (12-7, 4.51) toes the rubber against James Shields (11-11, 4.78) in a battle of right-handers this evening.

Lackey has dropped eight of his 12 road team starts, with a 4.41 ERA and a 1.52 WHIP (walks + hits per inning), this campaign.

Lackey has thrived against the Rays, posting a 12-3 mark with a 3.54 ERA in his career team starts against Tampa Bay.

On the flip side, Shields has struggled against the BoSox, sporting a 4-13 career team start record with a 5.01 ERA.

Shields is 6-7 with a 4.59 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP in his 13 team starts at Tropicana Park this season. Tampa is 14-6 in Shields’ last 20 starts during the month of August.

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**Udog** · 08-29-2010, 08:52 AM

MLB

Sunday, August 29

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Tips and Trends
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Boston Red Sox at Tampa Bay Rays [ESPN | 8:05 PM ET]

RED SOX: If Boston finds a way to make it into the postseason this year, it will be one of the greatest stories in the past 25 years in baseball. This Red Sox team has been ravaged by injuries, yet they continue to keep pace with both the Yankees and the Rays. Boston is 74-55 SU this year, placing them just 4.5 games behind the duo at the top of the American League East standings. Boston is +3.51 and -0.43 units both SU and on the RL overall this season. Pitcher John Lackey will make the high profile road start tonight, as he is 12-7 with an ERA of 4.51 and a WHIP of 1.49 this season. The Red Sox are 4-1 in their last 5 games against a team with a winning record. Boston is 7-2 in their last 9 road games against a right-handed starter. The Red Sox are 1-6 in their last 7 games during game 3 of a series. Boston is 2-5 in Lackey's last 7 road starts against a team with a winning record. The Red Sox are 0-4 in Lackey's last 4 starts against the America
League East.

Red Sox are 6-2 last 8 games against the American League East.
Under is 6-0-1 last 7 games against a right-handed starter.

Key Injuries - CF Mike Cameron (abdominal) is out.

Projected Score: 3

RAYS: (-150, O/U 9) Tampa Bay is in the middle of an epic fight, both in the American League East division and for the best record in all of baseball. Tampa is competing with both the Yankees and the Red Sox for the above mentioned titles, as all 3 teams have the best records in the American league. The Rays are 78-50 SU this year, including 39-25 SU at home. Tampa is +6.91 and -1.78 units both SU and on the RL respectively this season. Right-hander James Shields will make the home start tonight, as he is 12-11 with an ERA of 4.76 and a WHIP of 1.40 this season. The Rays are 4-1 in their last 5 Sunday games. Tampa is 20-7 in their last 27 games on fieldturf. The Rays are 20-7 in their last 27 games against a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. The Rays are 102-49 in their last 151 home games against a right-handed starter. Tampa is 2-5 in their last 7 games against the American League East. The Rays are 25-11 in Shields' last 36 home starts against a team with a winning record. The Rays are 2-5 in Shields' last 7 starts against the American League East. Tampa is 1-6 in Shields' last 7 starts with 5 days of rest.

Rays are 8-2 last 10 home games against a team with a winning road record.
The Under is 5-0 last 5 Sunday games.

Key Injuries - RF Gabe Kapler (ankle) is out.

Projected Score: 4 (UNDER-Total of the Day)

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Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets
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Kansas City Royals at Cleveland Indians (-145, 9)

The Royals haven’t been playing very kingly this season, but if there is one thing the team can do, it’s make contact in opposing ball parks. Kansas City has the fifth-highest road batting average in the Majors, smacking the ball at a .264 clip in enemy territory.

Against the Indians this season, the Royals have scored an average of more than seven runs per game in Ohio. The team’s pitching is a different story, tough, getting absolutely torched on the road. Over the team’s past four games, it is allowing nearly 10 runs on average.

But not that the Indians have been much better.

Cleveland has a 4.00 ERA at home and hitters are batting .263 against the Tribe in their own back yard.

"We've got a lot of games left, and the more opportunities you get, the better you're going to get, and that's what we're doing for each other,” Kansas City first baseman Billy Butler told the New York Daily News. “Obviously, we need to score more runs, but we've made progress every year I've been here of offensively giving ourselves a chance to win games.”

Overall, the Royals have seen seven of their past nine go over the total.

Pick: Over

Philadelphia Phillies at San Diego Padres (+104, 7)

It’s hard to pin-point what is wrong with the Phillies. But for starters, let’s look at the offense.

The team has failed to score more than three runs in six straight outings and overall, has scored more than six only twice in their past 15. And it’s even worse on the road. The team has won two straight in San Diego, but it’s not pretty. The Phils plated just three runners in each victory and overall, the squad is batting a mediocre .253 on the road.

This season, the team is 23rd in the Majors in road runs scored (251).

And look who’s taking the mound for Philadelphia: Cole Hamels. Over his past four starts, the team has scored a total of four runs and been shut out twice.
That’s music to the ears of the San Diego pitchers. Padres' hurlers have a 2.92 home ERA, the second-best mark in the Majors.

Pick: Padres

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This Day in Baseball
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On August 29 in Baseball History...

1887 - Denny Lyons of the Philadelphia Athletics is held hitless for the first time since May 23 to end a 52-game hitting streak. In two of those games, however, Lyons' only hits were actually bases on balls, scored as hits this year.

1918 - The Chicago Cubs won the National League pennant with a 1-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

1925 - After a night on the town, Babe Ruth shows up late for batting practice. Miller Huggins suspends Ruth and slaps a $5,000 fine on him for disobeying orders on the field and team rules off the field. Ruth is forced to apologize before he's reinstated nine days later. The day after his return to the lineup, Ruth hits career home run number 300.

1934 - The Philadelphia Athletics ended Schoolboy Rowe's streak at 16 games with a 13-5 victory over the Detroit Tigers.

1954 - A disappointed crowd of 45,922 at Milwaukee's County Stadium sees the Dodgers take a pair from the Braves, 12-4, and 11-4. In game one, the Dodgers break a tie with a record eight runs in the eleventh inning. The Braves establish a new National League attendance mark of 1,841,666 on their way to a season total of 2,131,388.

1964 - On Elston Howard Night, the Yankees sweep a doubleheader from Boston, 10-2, and 6-1. Joe Pepitone's three home runs, including a grand slam, and Roger Maris' six singles lead the offense. Mickey Mantle hits home run No. 447 in the opener and ties Babe Ruth's career strikeout record (1,330) in the nightcap.

1965 - San Francisco's Willie Mays broke Ralph Kiner's National League record with his 17th home run of the month in an 8-3 victory over the New York Mets. Kinerhad 16 homers in September of 1949. Mays hit a long-distance shot off Jack Fisher.

1967 - Bert Campaneris of the Kansas City A's hit three triples in a 9-8, 10-inning loss to the Cleveland Indians.

1971 - Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves drove in his 100th run of the season, giving him the National League record of 11 seasons with 100 or more RBIs.

1972 - During a 3-0 win over St. Louis, San Francisco's Jim Barr retires the first 20 batters to face him. Six days earlier, Barr had gotten out the last 21 men to face him. This gives Barr a major league-record of 41 consecutive batsmen retired.

1977 - Cardinals outfielder Lou Brock steals second base in a 4-3 loss to the Padres. It is career steal 893 for Brock, breaking Ty Cobb's modern record.

1985 - In the Yankees' 4-0 win over the Angels, Don Baylor is hit by a pitch (by Kirk McCaskill) for the 190th time, breaking the American League record of 189 set by Minnie Minoso.

1987 - Nolan Ryan passes the 200-strikeout barrier for a major league-record 11th time, fanning seven Pirates in six innings of an 8-2 Astros loss.

1992 - Atlanta's Charlie Leibrandt records his 1,000th strikeout and decides to save the ball. He rolls the ball towards the dugout for safekeeping, but neglects to call time out so Ricky Jordan takes second base on the error.

1993 - George Brett got his 200th stolen base in Kansas City's 5-4, 12-inning victory over Boston to join Willie Mays and Hank Aaron as the only players with 3,000 hits, 300 homers and 200 steals.

1995 - Pittsburgh's Paul Wagner, the National League leader in losses, lost a no-hit bid against Colorado on an infield single with two out in ninth.

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**Udog** · 08-29-2010, 09:04 AM

WNBA
Dunkel

New York at Indiana
The Liberty look to follow up their 85-73 win in Game 1 and take advantage of an Indiana team that is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games following an ATS loss. New York is the pick (+4) according to Dunkel, which has the Liberty favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: New York (+4). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 29

Game 617-618: New York at Indiana (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New York 117.762; Indiana 116.138
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 1 1/2; 146
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 4; 149
Dunkel Pick: New York (+4); Under

WNBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, August 29

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NEW YORK (23 - 12) at INDIANA (21 - 14) - 8/29/2010, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) when playing with 2 days rest this season.
NEW YORK is 68-44 ATS (+19.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
NEW YORK is 82-58 ATS (+18.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15+ games since 1997.
INDIANA is 45-70 ATS (-32.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15+ games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 7-5 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 8-4 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WNBA

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Trend Report
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8:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. INDIANA
New York is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
New York is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Indiana is 15-7 ATS in its last 22 games when playing New York
Indiana is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New York

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Lady Luck: Today's WNBA best bets
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New York Liberty at Indiana Fever (-4, 149)

The math is easy for the Indiana Fever: one victory extends the team’s season – a loss ends it.

Indiana was cruising in first place in the Eastern Conference for much of the year but stumbled late, and now finds itself in a one-game-to-none hole in its best-of-three series with New York. The Liberty took Game 1 in the Big Apple, 85-73. But that’s been the norm lately between these two squads.

The Liberty are 3-2 against Indiana this year, but have won three straight, including an 82-72 win in the Hoosier state earlier this month. The key to victory for the Liberty has been the team’s suffocating defense. In the team’s five meetings this year, Indiana has cracked the 80-point plateau only once – and that was in overtime.

On the other end of the floor, Indiana has struggled because the Liberty are thriving when the Fever take away their No. 1 option, MVP candidate Cappie Pondexter (21.9 ppg). In the Game 1 victory, reserve Essence Carson scored a season-high 17 to balance out a franchise playoff-record 28 from Pondexter.

"In the fourth quarter, we needed a lift offensively," Pondexter told the New York Daily News. "My shots weren't falling, we made a couple turnovers, we couldn't get the shots we wanted, but there's Essence Carson. What do you know? She stepped up. That's what makes it great, especially this time of year, when we have players that can step up like that in a big game, it means a lot."

The Fever need offense and answers. They should have a long offseason to look for both.

Pick: Liberty

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**Udog** · 08-29-2010, 09:37 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Sunday, August 29

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CHICAGO CUBS (55 - 75) at CINCINNATI (74 - 55) - 1:10 PM
CASEY COLEMAN (R) vs. TRAVIS WOOD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 56-75 (-27.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 331-372 (-96.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 167-228 (-64.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 21-34 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 24-37 (-23.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 29-37 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 56-75 (-27.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 19-35 (-22.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 53-72 (-17.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 75-55 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 31-15 (+14.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CINCINNATI is 35-22 (+12.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CINCINNATI is 75-55 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CINCINNATI is 50-37 (+11.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CINCINNATI is 31-23 (+8.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CINCINNATI is 46-22 (+20.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CINCINNATI is 17-6 (+9.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
CINCINNATI is 76-99 (-37.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Sunday since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 11-4 (+6.7 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
8 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.7 Units)

CASEY COLEMAN vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

TRAVIS WOOD vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
WOOD is 1-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.38 and a WHIP of 0.825.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

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HOUSTON (59 - 70) at NY METS (64 - 65) - 1:10 PM
BUD NORRIS (R) vs. R.A. DICKEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 3-22 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 38-25 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
NY METS are 38-25 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 36-27 (+9.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
HOUSTON is 59-70 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 15-11 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
HOUSTON is 41-31 (+18.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 44-44 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 59-70 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 30-28 (+15.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
NORRIS is 5-0 (+7.6 Units) against the money line in August games this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 3-3 (+0.9 Units) against NY METS this season
6 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+6.0 Units)

BUD NORRIS vs. NY METS since 1997
NORRIS is 1-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 0.571.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

R.A. DICKEY vs. HOUSTON since 1997
DICKEY is 0-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.16 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

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FLORIDA (65 - 63) at ATLANTA (74 - 55) - 1:35 PM
JOSH JOHNSON (R) vs. DEREK LOWE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 38-53 (-14.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 46-19 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ATLANTA is 16-3 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in home games in day games this season.
ATLANTA is 46-19 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 53-33 (+13.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 24-9 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
FLORIDA is 152-140 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 78-69 (+21.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 69-54 (+15.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 74-67 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 9-2 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in road games after allowing 10 runs or more over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 531-590 (+43.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
FLORIDA is 60-54 (+19.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
JOHNSON is 48-25 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JOHNSON is 47-24 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LOWE is 1-10 (-12.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 5-6 (+0.5 Units) against ATLANTA this season
7 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.9 Units)

JOSH JOHNSON vs. ATLANTA since 1997
JOHNSON is 4-2 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 2.79 and a WHIP of 1.366.
His team's record is 7-5 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-5. (+0.6 units)

DEREK LOWE vs. FLORIDA since 1997
LOWE is 5-4 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 5.42 and a WHIP of 1.493.
His team's record is 7-6 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-8. (-4.7 units)

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FLORIDA (65 - 63) at ATLANTA (74 - 55) - 1:35 PM
JOSH JOHNSON (R) vs. DEREK LOWE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 38-53 (-14.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 46-19 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ATLANTA is 16-3 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in home games in day games this season.
ATLANTA is 46-19 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 53-33 (+13.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 24-9 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
FLORIDA is 152-140 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 78-69 (+21.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 69-54 (+15.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 74-67 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 9-2 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in road games after allowing 10 runs or more over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 531-590 (+43.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
FLORIDA is 60-54 (+19.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
JOHNSON is 48-25 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JOHNSON is 47-24 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LOWE is 1-10 (-12.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 5-6 (+0.5 Units) against ATLANTA this season
7 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.9 Units)

JOSH JOHNSON vs. ATLANTA since 1997
JOHNSON is 4-2 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 2.79 and a WHIP of 1.366.
His team's record is 7-5 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-5. (+0.6 units)

DEREK LOWE vs. FLORIDA since 1997
LOWE is 5-4 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 5.42 and a WHIP of 1.493.
His team's record is 7-6 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-8. (-4.7 units)

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ST LOUIS (69 - 58) at WASHINGTON (55 - 75) - 1:35 PM
ADAM WAINWRIGHT (R) vs. JOHN LANNAN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 68-58 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 28-35 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ST LOUIS is 52-52 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 66-57 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 39-34 (-15.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
WAINWRIGHT is 26-8 (+14.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 115-178 (-32.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 16-39 (-18.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
WASHINGTON is 74-149 (-43.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 3-2 (+0.2 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

ADAM WAINWRIGHT vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
WAINWRIGHT is 3-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 2.38 and a WHIP of 1.235.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)

JOHN LANNAN vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
LANNAN is 0-2 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 2.70 and a WHIP of 1.125.
His team's record is 0-4 (-4.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-4. (-4.1 units)

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PITTSBURGH (43 - 86) at MILWAUKEE (61 - 68) - 2:10 PM
CHARLIE MORTON (R) vs. DAVE BUSH (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 43-85 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 28-56 (-20.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 3-22 (-17.1 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 this season.
PITTSBURGH is 13-50 (-25.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 12-40 (-21.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 16-38 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 3-19 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 48-90 (-26.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 29-61 (-23.8 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 43-85 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 25-63 (-27.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PITTSBURGH is 25-60 (-22.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
PITTSBURGH is 7-26 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
PITTSBURGH is 5-17 (-11.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 61-69 (-8.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 25-36 (-13.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
MILWAUKEE is 32-35 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 33-40 (-16.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 17-30 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 61-69 (-8.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 19-24 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 66-72 (-17.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 12-5 (+4.5 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
10 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.8 Units)

CHARLIE MORTON vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
MORTON is 0-3 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 5.79 and a WHIP of 1.571.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

DAVE BUSH vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
BUSH is 5-4 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 4.23 and a WHIP of 1.217.
His team's record is 8-6 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-7. (-1.6 units)

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LA DODGERS (67 - 63) at COLORADO (67 - 61) - 3:10 PM
TED LILLY (L) vs. JASON HAMMEL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 15-23 (-10.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
LA DODGERS are 57-54 (-20.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 14-1 (+13.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
COLORADO is 40-29 (+9.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LA DODGERS are 31-17 (+13.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
LA DODGERS are 123-90 (+18.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LILLY is 81-55 (+23.1 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 68-62 (-6.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 89-103 (-28.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 68-62 (-6.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 29-37 (-18.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 7-4 (+3.5 Units) against COLORADO this season
8 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.6 Units)

TED LILLY vs. COLORADO since 1997
LILLY is 4-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.90 and a WHIP of 1.361.
His team's record is 5-1 (+3.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (+0.1 units)

JASON HAMMEL vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
HAMMEL is 0-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 2.14 and a WHIP of 1.095.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-3. (-3.3 units)

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

ARIZONA (52 - 78) at SAN FRANCISCO (71 - 59) - 4:05 PM
RODRIGO LOPEZ (R) vs. MATT CAIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 52-79 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 90-136 (-36.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 15-30 (-16.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 17-33 (-14.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
ARIZONA is 10-25 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
ARIZONA is 50-78 (-25.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 38-56 (-14.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 19-33 (-13.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ARIZONA is 86-132 (-39.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 159-134 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 91-55 (+21.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 158-132 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 117-97 (+14.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 76-57 (+17.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 74-48 (+15.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CAIN is 22-8 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 22-8 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LOPEZ is 88-86 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 20-27 (-11.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 7-4 (+1.3 Units) against ARIZONA this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)

RODRIGO LOPEZ vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
LOPEZ is 0-2 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 1.688.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-3. (-2.2 units)

MATT CAIN vs. ARIZONA since 1997
CAIN is 6-4 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.22 and a WHIP of 1.132.
His team's record is 8-8 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-9. (-4.3 units)

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

PHILADELPHIA (72 - 57) at SAN DIEGO (76 - 52) - 4:05 PM
COLE HAMELS (L) vs. CLAYTON RICHARD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HAMELS is 31-31 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HAMELS is 2-8 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HAMELS is 31-30 (-16.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HAMELS is 14-20 (-14.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 76-53 (+26.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 15-5 (+11.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday this season.
SAN DIEGO is 27-14 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 74-52 (+24.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN DIEGO is 25-13 (+13.8 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
SAN DIEGO is 33-20 (+15.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SAN DIEGO is 32-27 (+10.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
RICHARD is 31-21 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
RICHARD is 31-20 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
RICHARD is 9-2 (+8.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 47-34 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 17-6 (+11.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 26-10 (+14.1 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 85-67 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 9-1 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in road games in August games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 35-15 (+14.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 4-2 (+1.0 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
5 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.8 Units)

COLE HAMELS vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
HAMELS is 3-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.18 and a WHIP of 0.922.
His team's record is 4-4 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-5. (-2.4 units)

CLAYTON RICHARD vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.

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KANSAS CITY (54 - 75) at CLEVELAND (53 - 76) - 1:05 PM
BRUCE CHEN (L) vs. FAUSTO CARMONA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 119-172 (-30.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 110-155 (-28.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 48-69 (-18.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 27-18 (+14.8 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
CHEN is 35-24 (+13.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 119-174 (-36.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 12-18 (-12.5 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 64-82 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 109-157 (-33.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 5-5 (+0.0 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.8 Units)

BRUCE CHEN vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
CHEN is 1-2 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 7.98 and a WHIP of 1.977.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

FAUSTO CARMONA vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
CARMONA is 5-3 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.75 and a WHIP of 1.583.
His team's record is 7-4 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-6. (-1.1 units)

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DETROIT (64 - 66) at TORONTO (68 - 61) - 1:07 PM
RICK PORCELLO (R) vs. MARC RZEPCZYNSKI (L)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 225-232 (-36.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 100-158 (-46.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
DETROIT is 22-41 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
DETROIT is 28-50 (-24.5 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 57-45 (+15.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TORONTO is 68-62 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 35-21 (+18.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
TORONTO is 29-15 (+12.6 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 20-9 (+11.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 4-3 (+0.7 Units) against DETROIT this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.7 Units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. TORONTO since 1997
PORCELLO is 1-2 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.76 and a WHIP of 1.471.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.4 units)

MARC RZEPCZYNSKI vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.

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

BOSTON (74 - 56) at TAMPA BAY (79 - 50) - 8:05 PM
JOHN LACKEY (R) vs. JAMES SHIELDS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 33-34 (-10.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
BOSTON is 32-43 (-17.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 13-24 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
LACKEY is 11-16 (-13.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LACKEY is 3-10 (-9.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LACKEY is 9-14 (-12.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 154-81 (+33.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 117-83 (+29.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 155-84 (+30.6 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 167-96 (+30.4 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 105-52 (+26.1 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 84-42 (+29.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 144-153 (+23.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
BOSTON is 60-38 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SHIELDS is 28-31 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 15-17 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 16-19 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 9-5 (+3.6 Units) against BOSTON this season
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.7 Units, Under=-1.0 Units)

JOHN LACKEY vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
LACKEY is 11-3 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.54 and a WHIP of 1.239.
His team's record is 12-3 (+8.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-6. (+2.3 units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. BOSTON since 1997
SHIELDS is 4-11 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 5.02 and a WHIP of 1.378.
His team's record is 4-13 (-9.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-6. (+2.9 units)

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

NY YANKEES (79 - 50) at CHI WHITE SOX (70 - 59) - 2:05 PM
IVAN NOVA (R) vs. GAVIN FLOYD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 70-60 (+5.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 226-185 (+22.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 54-43 (+8.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 33-22 (+12.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 34-27 (+10.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
FLOYD is 32-13 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
FLOYD is 20-9 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
FLOYD is 32-13 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
FLOYD is 17-3 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 153-82 (+37.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 16-30 (-16.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 3-2 (+0.1 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
5 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.0 Units)

IVAN NOVA vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.

GAVIN FLOYD vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
FLOYD is 1-0 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.48 and a WHIP of 1.113.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

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

OAKLAND (64 - 64) at TEXAS (73 - 56) - 3:05 PM
GIO GONZALEZ (L) vs. COLBY LEWIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 160-131 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 32-13 (+13.5 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 157-119 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 118-97 (+18.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 64-64 (+0.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 233-162 (+66.3 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
OAKLAND is 29-13 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
OAKLAND is 63-59 (+4.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 104-102 (+14.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
GONZALEZ is 12-4 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 7-7 (+1.3 Units) against TEXAS this season
8 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.6 Units)

GIO GONZALEZ vs. TEXAS since 1997
GONZALEZ is 2-1 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 1.90 and a WHIP of 1.267.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

COLBY LEWIS vs. OAKLAND since 1997
LEWIS is 2-2 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.30 and a WHIP of 1.489.
His team's record is 3-5 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-1. (+4.8 units)

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

BALTIMORE (47 - 83) at LA ANGELS (63 - 67) - 3:35 PM
JEREMY GUTHRIE (R) vs. JERED WEAVER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 45-101 (-28.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 22-49 (-21.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 40-84 (-33.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 25-64 (-25.1 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 59-32 (+29.4 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 115-84 (+24.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 75-47 (+15.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
WEAVER is 18-4 (+11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 16-11 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
LA ANGELS are 63-68 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 60-68 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 5-0 (+6.8 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
GUTHRIE is 2-2 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.64 and a WHIP of 0.937.
His team's record is 2-4 (-1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-5. (-4.4 units)

JERED WEAVER vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
WEAVER is 2-2 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 4.44 and a WHIP of 1.315.
His team's record is 2-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

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

MINNESOTA (75 - 55) at SEATTLE (50 - 79) - 4:10 PM
CARL PAVANO (R) vs. LUKE FRENCH (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 33-55 (-22.6 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 15-35 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in road games after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
SEATTLE is 56-39 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 75-55 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 71-50 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PAVANO is 35-25 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PAVANO is 20-13 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PAVANO is 30-18 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 25-54 (-28.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SEATTLE is 51-78 (-26.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 43-59 (-24.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 12-27 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
SEATTLE is 50-76 (-26.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 6-3 (+2.9 Units) against SEATTLE this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.8 Units)

CARL PAVANO vs. SEATTLE since 1997
PAVANO is 1-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 4.05 and a WHIP of 1.300.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

LUKE FRENCH vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
FRENCH is 0-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 5.06 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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

**jt4545** · 08-29-2010, 09:43 AM

Thanks and good luck

**Udog** · 08-29-2010, 09:56 AM

Originally posted by jt4545 View Post

Thanks and good luck

Good morning, jt! I was just looking at your good-looking card for today. So far, I'll be with you on Cards and Rays. There'll probably be more after I get time to look over the entire day. Good luck, jt!

**Udog** · 08-29-2010, 11:35 AM

MLB
Short Sheet

NL Games

Sunday, 8/29/2010

CHICAGO CUBS at CINCINNATI, 1:10 PM ET
COLEMAN: CHICAGO CUBS 8-17 after a win by 2 runs or less
WOOD: CINCINNATI 11-1 in home games after a loss by 2 runs or less

HOUSTON at NY METS, 1:10 PM ET
NORRIS: 7-2 TSR as a road underdog of +150 or more
DICKEY: NY METS 4-8 as a favorite of -150 or more

FLORIDA at ATLANTA, 1:35 PM ET
JOHNSON: FLORIDA 6-0 revenging a loss where opponent scored 10 or more runs
LOWE: 1-10 TSR against division opponents

ST LOUIS at WASHINGTON, 1:35 PM ET
WAINWRIGHT: ST LOUIS 11-31 in road games after allowing 12 runs or more
LANNAN: WASHINGTON 26-18 in home games after 2 or more consecutive home games

PITTSBURGH at MILWAUKEE, 2:10 PM ET
MORTON: 8-0 OVER on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5
BUSH: 16-6 OVER in day games

LA DODGERS at COLORADO, 3:10 PM ET
LILLY: LA DODGERS 8-15 after 5 or more consecutive road games
HAMMEL: COLORADO 14-1 at home when the total is 8 to 8.5

ARIZONA at SAN FRANCISCO, 4:05 PM ET
LOPEZ: ARIZONA 3-13 well rested bullpen - threw <= 2 innings in each of the last 3 games
CAIN: SAN FRANCISCO 19-5 in home games after having lost 5 or 6 of their last 7 games

PHILADELPHIA at SAN DIEGO, 4:05 PM ET
HAMELS: HAMELS 2-8 in August games
RICHARD: SAN DIEGO 8-1 revenging 2 straight losses where team scored 2 or less runs

**Udog** · 08-29-2010, 12:19 PM

MLB
Short Sheet

AL Games

Sunday, 8/29/2010

KANSAS CITY at CLEVELAND, 1:05 PM ET
CHEN: KANSAS CITY 13-8 revenging a one run loss to opponent
CARMONA: CLEVELAND 5-11 as a home favorite of -110 or higher

DETROIT at TORONTO, 1:07 PM ET
PORCELLO: DETROIT 12-28 on the road when the total is 8.5 to 10
RZEPCZYNSKI: TORONTO 20-9 at home when the total is 9 to 9.5

BOSTON at TAMPA BAY, 8:05 PM ET
LACKEY: 3-10 on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5
SHIELDS: TAMPA BAY 12-1 after scoring 4 runs or less 3 straight games

NY YANKEES at CHI WHITE SOX, 2:05 PM ET
NOVA: NY YANKEES 24-8 in road games after 2 or more consecutive overs
FLOYD: CHI WHITE SOX 16-30 when playing on Sunday

OAKLAND at TEXAS, 3:05 PM ET
GONZALEZ: 12-4 TSR in day games
LEWIS: 8-12 TSR when the total is 8.5 to 10

BALTIMORE at LA ANGELS, 3:35 PM ET
GUTHRIE: BALTIMORE 6-22 after allowing 3 runs or less 2 straight games
WEAVER: LA ANGELS 38-22 after 2 or more consecutive losses

MINNESOTA at SEATTLE, 4:10 PM ET
PAVANO: 8-1 TSR in road games vs. an AL team with an on base percentage .330 or worse in the second half of the season
FRENCH: SEATTLE 3-14 vs. teams whose hitters strike out 6 or less times/game in the second half of the season

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 08-29-2010, 12:20 PM

MLB
Write-Up

Sunday, August 29

Hot pitchers
-- Lannan is 3-1, 4.63 in his last four starts.
-- Wood is 4-1, 4.40 in his last five starts.
-- Astros won last six Norris starts (4-0, 3.26). Dickey is 1-0, 2.59 in his last three starts.
-- Lilly is 5-0, 1.84 in five starts as a Dodger.
-- Hamels is 0-3, 3.00 in his last four starts; Phillies scored five runs in the four games. Richard is 3-0, 1.45 in his last three starts.

-- Porcello is 2-1, 3.96 in his last four starts.
-- White Sox are 6-1 in last seven Floyd home starts. Nova allowed two runs in 5.1 IP in his first MLB start.
-- GGonzalez is 2-1, 1.67 in his last four starts.
-- French is 2-2, 3.38 in his last four starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Wainwright is 0-2, 4.50 in his last couple starts.
-- Lowe is 0-3, 3.79 in his last three starts. JJohnson is 1-2, 5.64 in his last five starts.
-- Coleman is 1-1, 3.48 in two big league starts.
-- Bush is 1-3, 6.99 in his last five starts. Morton is 0-4, 9.50 in his last four starts, last of which was May 27.
-- Hammel is 1-4, 4.99 in his last eight starts.
-- Lopez is 0-5, 6.90 in his last eight starts. Cain is 1-2, 4.68 in his last four starts.

-- Rzepczynski is 0-1, 11.05 in his last couple starts.
-- Carmona is 0-4, 6.84 in his last four starts. Chen is 1-2, 7.20 in his last three outings.
-- Lackey has a 5.77 RA in his last five starts. Shields is 1-2, 5.03 vs the Red Sox this season; Rays are 5-2 in his last seven starts overall.
-- Lewis is 0-5, 3.46 in his last seven starts; Rangers scored total of 11 runs in the seven games.
-- Weaver is 0-2, 8.18 in his last two starts; Angels were outscored 10-0 in those two games. Guthrie is 0-2, 7.36 in his last couple starts.
-- Pavano is 0-2, 7.07 in his last two starts.

Totals
-- Over is 11-4 in last fifteen Washington home games.
-- Over is 10-5-1 in Cubs' last sixteen road games.
-- Under is 13-3 in last sixteen Houston games.
-- Six of last eight Florida games went over the total.
-- Over is 12-4-1 in last seventeen games at Miller Park.
-- Over is 9-4-1 in last fourteen games at Coors Field.
-- Phillies' last seven games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 15-5-1 in last twenty-one Arizona road games.

-- Over is 7-3-1 in last eleven Toronto games.
-- Seven of last ten Cleveland home games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight Boston road games went over the total.
-- 11 of last 12 Oakland road games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last seven Bronx games went over the total.
-- Eight of last ten Baltimore road games stayed under total.
-- Six of last eight Minnesota road games stayed under the total.

Hot Teams
-- Astros won six of their last seven games.
-- Reds won 10 of their last 14 games. Cubs won five of seven. .
-- Dodgers won five of their last seven games. Colorado won seven of its last nine home games.
-- Braves are 11-3 in last fourteen home games. Marlins won seven of their last eleven games.
-- Padres are 14-6 in their last twenty home games. Phillies won eight of last ten road games.
-- Arizona won last three games, allowing eight runs.

-- Toronto is 15-8 in its last 23 home games.
-- Indians won last three games, scoring 22 runs.
-- Boston, Tampa Bay both won five of its last seven games.
-- Rangers are 12-6 in their last eighteen home games.
-- Orioles won three of their last four games.
-- Minnesota is 16-8 in its last 24 road games.

Cold Teams
-- Mets lost three of their last four games.
-- Brewers are 5-7 in last 12 home games. Pirates have now lost 12 in a row on the road.
-- Nationals are 6-14 in their last twenty games. Cardinals lost nine of their last thirteen games.
-- Giants lost their last three games, allowing 29 runs.

-- Tigers lost three of their last four games.
-- Royals lost eight of their last nine road games.
-- White Sox are 7-12 in their last 19 games. Bronx is 6-8 in its last 14 road games.
-- Angels lost nine of their last twelve games.
-- Oakland lost eight of its last twelve road games.
-- Mariners lost six of their last seven games.

Umpires
-- Fla-Atl-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six Fletcher games.
-- Phil-SD-- Last three Bell games went over the total.
-- StL-Wsh-- Six of last seven Drake games stayed under total.
-- Chi-Cin-- Four of last five Knight games went over the total.
-- Hst-NY-- Four of last five Bucknor games went over total.
-- Pitt-Mil-- Underdog is 4-2 (+$284) in last six Hudson games.
-- LA-Col-- Road team won seven of last eight Cederstrom games.
-- Az-SF-- Underdog is 4-2 (+$384) in last six Iassogna games.

-- Det-Tor-- Six of last seven O'Nora games stayed under total.
-- Min-Sea-- Under is 8-4 in last dozen Barksdale games.
-- KC-Clev-- Six of last eight Cousins games went over total.
-- NY-Chi-- Under is 14-8 in last 22 Tschida games.
-- Bos-TB-- Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Emmel games.
-- A's-Tex-- Over is 4-0-1 in last five Reynolds games.
-- Blt-LA-- Favorite won seven of last eight Gorman games.

Announcement

Sunday's Trends and Indexes 8/29 (MLB, WNBA, Misc.)

Sunday's Trends and Indexes 8/29 (MLB, WNBA, Misc.)

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