Announcement

**Udog** · 10-05-2010, 09:37 PM

Bettors' best friend: Wednesday's wagering tips

Lines to watch

New York Yankees at Minnesota Twins - total is up to 7.5 after opening at 7.

Weather to watch

Cincinnati Reds at Philadelphia Phillies – 30 percent chance of showers, light winds.

Who’s hot

New York Yankees have won three straight playoff series against Minnesota and are riding a 9-2 run against the Twins in postseason play.

Philadelphia Phillies are 12-3 in their last 15 playoff home games.

Central Florida Knights are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games overall.

Who’s not

Texas Rangers are 5-17 over their last 22 games in Tampa Bay.

Minnesota Twins are 0-8 in their last eight playoff home games and 2-8 in their last 10 games overall heading into Game 1.

Cincinnati Reds are 4-10 in their last 14 road games.

Key stat

92 – percentage of hitters Roy Halladay threw a strike to in either the first or second pitch of the at-bat during the regular season. Halladay makes his first career postseason start as a fat -200 favorite against the Cincinnati Reds.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Evan Longoria (quad), Tampa Bay Rays – Tampa’s third baseman said he felt about “85 or 90 percent” on Tuesday after sitting out the final 10 games of the regular season with a strained left quad. Longoria hit .294 with 22 home runs and 104 RBIs in 151 games this year.

Game of the day

New York Yankees at Minnesota Twins (+130, 7.5)

Notable quotable

"It's just ... different. It's definitely one of the weirdest places I've ever played baseball." – Texas Rangers outfielder Jeff Francouer on Tampa Bay’s Tropicana Field. The Rangers came to Tampa Bay early to get a pair of workouts in on the turf before Game 1. Texas is 9-23 in its last 32 games played on an artificial surface.

Notes and tips

The UCF Knights will have freshman quarterback Jeff Godfrey starting again on Wednesday against UAB. This week he’ll have some more support on the sidelines as offensive coordinator Charlie Taaffe will move from the coaching box to the sideline to help Godfrey out as much as possible as he deals with UAB’s blitzing defense that averages three sacks per game. The freshman has completed 61 percent of his passes for 394 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 203 yards. Junior QB Rob Calabrese worked with Taaffe this week in case Godfrey struggles early.

The Minnesota Twins will put Delmon Young in the cleanup spot for the playoffs, backing up Joe Mauer in the No. 3 hole. Young, who bats right, led the team with 112 RBIs in the regular season and Minnesota wants to give Mauer protection in the lineup to keep hurlers from pitching around him. Manager Ron Gardenhire says the left-handed hitting Jason Kubel could make a few starts in the fourth batting spot in the order against certain righties.

ESPN.com is reporting that the New York Yankees will leave veteran right-hander A.J. Burnett out of the ALDS rotation. Speculation was that Burnett would start either Game 2 or Game 3, but now it looks like Joe GIrardi had seen enough after Burnett struggled in the second half of the regular season. CC Sabathia will start Game 1 followed by Andy Pettitte and Phil Hughes.

**Udog** · 10-05-2010, 09:38 PM

MLB
Dunkel

Texas at Tampa Bay
The Rangers look to take advantage of a Tampa Bay team that is 2-7 in its last 9 games following an off day. Texas is the pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Rangers favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Texas (+110). Here are all of today's picks.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6

Game 951-952: Cincinnati at Philadelphia (5:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Volquez) 15.071; Philadelphia (Halladay) 15.659
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-205); 7
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-205); Over

Game 953-954: Texas at Tampa Bay (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Lee) 16.439; Tampa Bay (Price) 14.872
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-130); 7
Dunkel Pick: Texas (+110); Under

Game 955-956: NY Yankees at Minnesota (8:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Sabathia) 15.769; Minnesota (Liriano) 16.830
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 8
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-140); 7
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+120); Over

**Udog** · 10-05-2010, 09:39 PM

MLB
Long Sheet

Wednesday, October 6

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

CINCINNATI (91 - 71) at PHILADELPHIA (97 - 65) - 5:05 PM
EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R) vs. ROY HALLADAY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 98-64 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 98-64 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 74-41 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 70-44 (+15.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 20-9 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in playoff games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 52-32 (+16.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 32-9 (+23.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
CINCINNATI is 92-71 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 42-39 (+6.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CINCINNATI is 92-71 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CINCINNATI is 62-45 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CINCINNATI is 58-49 (+6.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CINCINNATI is 27-17 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
VOLQUEZ is 35-18 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VOLQUEZ is 20-6 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VOLQUEZ is 35-17 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VOLQUEZ is 16-6 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
VOLQUEZ is 17-6 (+10.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 5-2 (+2.7 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
VOLQUEZ is 2-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 0.73 and a WHIP of 0.892.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.1 units)

ROY HALLADAY vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
HALLADAY is 1-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.13 and a WHIP of 1.326.
His team's record is 2-2 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)

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

TEXAS (90 - 72) at TAMPA BAY (96 - 66) - 1:35 PM
CLIFF LEE (L) vs. DAVID PRICE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 19-25 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
TEXAS is 12-23 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 163-88 (+30.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 162-88 (+29.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played in a dome over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 162-88 (+29.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on artificial turf over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 36-19 (+10.4 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
TAMPA BAY is 89-44 (+31.8 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 20-6 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
PRICE is 23-8 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
PRICE is 15-3 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 17-11 (+7.7 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 this season.
TEXAS is 31-17 (+13.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
LEE is 12-3 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Wednesday since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 4-2 (+1.6 Units) against TEXAS this season
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.8 Units)

CLIFF LEE vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
LEE is 6-5 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 2.87 and a WHIP of 1.017.
His team's record is 6-7 (-4.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-5. (+1.5 units)

DAVID PRICE vs. TEXAS since 1997
PRICE is 0-2 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 7.45 and a WHIP of 1.655.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-3. (-2.5 units)

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

NY YANKEES (95 - 67) at MINNESOTA (94 - 68) - 8:35 PM
C.C. SABATHIA (L) vs. FRANCISCO LIRIANO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 96-67 (-4.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 59-45 (-7.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
NY YANKEES are 39-41 (-15.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NY YANKEES are 21-26 (-11.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
MINNESOTA is 94-68 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 53-28 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 90-63 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 62-45 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 54-26 (+22.1 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 40-28 (+9.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MINNESOTA is 71-40 (+23.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 22-6 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 4-2 (+1.8 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)

C.C. SABATHIA vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
SABATHIA is 14-8 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 2.99 and a WHIP of 1.225.
His team's record is 17-12 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 18-10. (+6.3 units)

FRANCISCO LIRIANO vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
LIRIANO is 0-2 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.33 and a WHIP of 1.562.
His team's record is 0-4 (-4.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)

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

Thursday, October 7

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

ATLANTA (91 - 71) at SAN FRANCISCO (92 - 70) - 9:35 PM
DEREK LOWE (R) vs. TIM LINCECUM (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 35-46 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ATLANTA is 1-6 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in October games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 35-46 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 92-71 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 101-61 (+23.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 91-69 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 63-45 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 68-51 (+12.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 22-10 (+12.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 64-44 (+7.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 4-3 (+0.5 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

DEREK LOWE vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
LOWE is 7-5 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.02 and a WHIP of 1.303.
His team's record is 9-8 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-6. (+1.3 units)

TIM LINCECUM vs. ATLANTA since 1997
LINCECUM is 6-2 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 2.89 and a WHIP of 1.151.
His team's record is 6-2 (+4.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-6. (-4.3 units)

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

**Udog** · 10-05-2010, 09:40 PM

MLB
Short Sheet

Wednesday, 10/6/2010

** NL Division Series - Best of 5 - Game 1
CINCINNATI at PHILADELPHIA, 5:05 PM ET TBS
VOLQUEZ: 7-1 TSR as an underdog
HALLADAY: PHI 13-3 Under off one run loss

** AL Division Series - Best of 5 - Game 1
TEXAS at TAMPA BAY, 1:35 PM ET TBS
LEE: TEX 0-3 at Tampa Bay
PRICE: 11-1 TSR as a favorite of -125 to -175

** AL Division Series - Best of 5 - Game 1
NY YANKEES at MINNESOTA, 8:35 PM ET TBS
SABATHIA: NYY 20-6 vs. Minnesota
LIRIANO: 12-4 Over 2nd half of season

Thursday, 10/7/2010

** NL Division Series - Best of 5 - Game 1
ATLANTA at SAN FRANCISCO, 9:35 PM ET TBS
LOWE: ATL 34-13 Under off 3+ division games
LINCECUM: SF 7-2 at home vs. Atlanta

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 10-05-2010, 09:41 PM

MLB

Wednesday, October 6

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1:37 PM
TEXAS vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Texas's last 9 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games at home

5:07 PM
CINCINNATI vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Cincinnati is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Philadelphia's last 12 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cincinnati

8:37 PM
NY YANKEES vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 6 games on the road
NY Yankees are 3-8 SU in their last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing NY Yankees
Minnesota is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games at home

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

**Udog** · 10-05-2010, 09:44 PM

MLB

Wednesday, October 6

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payoff pitch: Wednesday's best MLB mound matchup
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cliff Lee, Texas Rangers (+121) vs. David Price, Tampa Bay Rays (-128)

Cliff Lee (12-9, 3.19 ERA)

The Rangers’ move to bring Lee to Arlington was based solely on this start.

Lee wasn’t overly impressive in his 15 starts for Texas, going just 4-6 with a 3.98 ERA. But there is no denying the left hander’s success in the postseason. He was untouchable in last year’s playoff run with the Philadelphia Phillies, going 4-0 and posting a 1.56 ERA through five starts.

Lee faced the Rays three times this season, losing all three starts while boasting a 4.56 ERA in those matchups. However, only one of those starts came while he was a member of the Rangers. Lee gave up six runs on 10 hits while striking out 10 batters over 7 2-3 innings of work in a 6-4 loss to Tampa Bay on August 16. He is 6-5 with a 2.87 ERA in 13 career starts against the Rays.

"We knew it was going to be Tampa or New York, but now we know it's Tampa, so it should be a good series," Lee told MLB.com. "They're a good team and so are we. We're not going to play any slouches from here on out. It's the real deal. It's going to be a lot of fun. Hopefully, we go in there and play the game the way we can and move on to the next round."

Lee posted a mark of 13-15 over/under in his 28 starts this season.

David Price (19-6, 2.72 ERA)

The Rays ace is in the running for the American League Cy Young after closing the season with four wins in his last five starts. Price even worked some relief innings this Saturday, tuning up for his showdown with the Rangers.

The southpaw pitched 5 2-3 innings of postseason baseball as a member of the 2008 Tampa Bay team that lost to the Phillies in the World Series. Price picked up one win and struck out eight batters with an ERA of 1.59.

Price faced the Rangers just once this season, giving up just two earned runs on five hits while striking out eight in six innings of work for a 6-4 win and outdueling Lee in the process. For his career, Price hasn’t been as successful versus Tampa Bay. He is just 1-2 with a 7.44 ERA when staring down the Rangers.

Price finished with a 13-18 over/under mark in his 31 starts this season.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cincinnati Reds at Philadelphia Phillies (-200, 7)

You can bet Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins will be in the lineup when the club opens up its ALDS series against the Cincinnati Reds Wednesday, but where he’ll hit in the lineup is still a mystery. Manager Charlie Manuel refused to shed any light on the situation in his media briefing Tuesday.

Rollins says his strained right hamstring feels much better and he did play the final week of the regular season, going 4-for-19 at the plate with a double and a grand slam. He looked tentative though, not like the speedster Phillies backers are used to seeing.

“I won’t be 100 percent when the playoffs start,” Rollins told reporters recently. “I won’t be 100 percent until next February, probably”.

Meanwhile, Shane Victorino hit .276 in 346 at-bats at the top of the order while Rollins sat out for much of the year. If Rollins doesn't bat first Wednesday, then it'll definitely be Victorino.

Rollins is a career .231 hitter in the postseason, but the Phillies were 31-6 this season when he scored a run and his energy at the top of the order – if he’s able to really crank it up – is obvious.

Philadelphia will be up against a Reds club that has lost 10 of its last 14 games on the road.

Pick: Under

New York Yankees at Minnesota Twins (+130, 7.5)

If the New York Yankees are going to snap out of their late-season slide now that Game 1 of the ALDS is upon them, they’re probably going to need their captain to pull another one of his classic postseason performances. The 36-year-old Derek Jeter has all sorts of motivation to do just that.

The Yanks’ shortstop is in the final year of his 10-year, $189-million contract and is coming off the worst season of his career, hitting .270 with 67 RBIs. That said, while New York stumbled down the stretch, Jeter started to come around. He worked on shortening his swing in the cage and ended up with hits in 19 of New York’s last 20 games in the regular season while batting .326 over that span.

“He’s hitting the ball harder,” Yanks manager Joe Girardi told reporters. “He’s getting the ball in the air sometimes. He’s not getting jammed as much. You’ve got to be careful now when you go in there, because he’s getting to that ball again.”

With some rotation question marks after CC Sabathia takes the hill for Game 1, the Yanks need to get out of the gate in a hurry.

Pick: Yankees

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Day in Baseball
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On October 6 in Baseball History...

1911 - Cy Young's farewell appearance in a major league game is a letdown, as he loses to Brooklyn 13-3 wearing a Braves uniform in his 906th game.

1919 - After a Sunday rainout, Hod Eller blanks the White Sox on three hits, fanning six in a row in the second and third innings. Once again a big inning and some sloppy play give the Reds a 5-0 victory and a four-games-to-one lead in the best-of-nine World Series.

1920 - When Wheeler Johnston pinch-hits for Cleveland in the ninth inning of Game Two, his brother Jimmy is playing third base for Brooklyn. They become the first brothers to take opposite sides in a World Series. Brooklyn's Burleigh Grimes tosses a 3-0 shutout to even the Series.

1926 - Babe Ruth hit three homers, leading the New York Yankees to a 10-5 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in the fourth game of the World Series.

1936 - The Yankees roll to a 13-5 World Series-ending victory. Lefty Gomez is the winning pitcher, his second of the Series despite a team-worst 4.70 ERA. In the six games the Yankees score 43 runs to 23 by the Giants.

1938 - Lefty Gomez sets a record with his sixth World Series victory without a loss with a 6-3 win in Game Two against the Cubs. The Yankees return home with a 2-0 Series lead.

1941 - The Yankees top the Dodgers, 3-1, to take the World Series in five games. Pitcher Ernie Bonham, the fifth Yankees pitcher to start in the Series, wins the clincher with a four-hitter.

1945 - Tavern owner "Billy Goat" Sianis buys a box seat for his goat for Game Four of the World Series and is escorted out of Wrigley Field. In retaliation Sianis casts a "goat curse" over the Cubs. The Tigers tie the series on Dizzy Trout's 4-1 win.

1947 - The Yankees beat the Dodgers 5-2 to win the World Series in seven games. Relief pitcher Hugh Casey of the Dodgers appears in six games, winning two while notching an 0.87 ERA. Series heroes Bill Bevens, Al Gionfriddo, and Cookie Lavagetto will not play another major-league game.

1948 - In the opening game of the World Series, the Boston Braves beat Bob Feller and the Cleveland Indians 1-0 with only two hits.

1957 - With the score tied at 5-5, Eddie Mathews of the Braves evens the World Series with a two-run home run in the bottom of the tenth to end Game Four. In the Series' first famous "shoeblack incident," pinch-hitter Nippy Jones convinces umpire Augie Donatelli that Tommy Byrne's pitch hit him on the foot.

1963 - Frank Howard led Los Angeles to a 2-1 win over the New York Yankees with a home run and a single, giving the Dodgers a four-game sweep in the World Series.

1966 - Jim Palmer, 20, became the youngest player to pitch a World Series shutout as the Baltimore Orioles beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-0. Sandy Koufax was the loser, his last appearance in the major leagues.

1968 - St. Louis dumps Detroit 10-1 in Game Four. Bob Gibson, fanning ten, earns his seventh straight World Series victory. The Cardinals have a seemingly insurmountable 3-1 Series lead.

1969 - The Mets rally twice and win the first NL Championship Series. Tommie Agee, Ken Boswell, and Wayne Garrett hit home runs and fans swarm the Shea Stadium field after a 7-4 win.

1971 - The Pirates outslug the Giants, 9-5, to win the LCS, three games to one. Richie Hebner has three hits and three RBI, including a homer.

1979 - Scott McGregor's 8-0 shutout of the Angels gives the Orioles the AL pennant. Pat Kelly notches three RBI with a home run and a single.

1980 - The Astros finally win, whipping the Dodgers in a one-game playoff at Dodger Stadium, 7-1. Art Howe drives in four runs and Joe Niekro wins his 20th game of the season to put Houston in the postseason for the first time since entering the major leagues in 1962.

1983 - Baltimore's Mike Boddicker struck out a playoff record 14 batters en route to a 4-0, five-hit victory over the Chicago White Sox in the second game of the ALCS.

1984 - Steve Garvey's two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game Four gives San Diego a 7-5 win over Chicago and evens the NLCS.

1985 - Phil Niekro of the New York Yankees became the 18th 300-game winner as he blanked the Toronto Blue Jays 8-0 on the final day of the season. At 46, he also became the oldest pitcher to throw a shutout.

1995 - The Indians sweep the Division Series with an 8-2 victory over the Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mo Vaughn, who will later be named MVP for 1995, and slugger Jose Canseco are a combined 0-for-27 for Boston.

1997 - The Indians complete their surprising victory over the Yankees with a tense 4-3 win at Jacobs Field in Game Five of the Division Series. Jose Mesa saves rookie Jaret Wright's second win of the series when he retires Bernie Williams with the tying run on second in the ninth inning.

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

**Udog** · 10-05-2010, 09:46 PM

ALDS preview and pick: Rangers vs. Rays

It’s must-see television when Cliff Lee and David Price square off on Wednesday afternoon.

SERIES ODDS: Tampa Bay Rays (-139) vs. Texas Rangers (+128)

PITCHING

Wednesday’s tilt between Cliff Lee (12-9, 3.18) and David Price (19-6, 2.72) represents the best series-opening pitching matchup of the first round. Lee was 4-0 with a 1.56 ERA in five postseason starts last year, but is 0-3 against the Rays this season. Price is 9-2 with a 1.96 ERA at Tropicana Field in 2010.

The Rangers will start C.J. Wilson and Colby Lewis in games two and three respectively, while the Rays will counter with Matt Garza and Wade Davis. It’s been a long season for Davis, but he has pitched well down the stretch. In his last five appearances, the 25-year-old right-hander has allowed just eight runs in 28 2-3 innings of work.

Both teams are strong in the bullpen. Rays relievers led the American League with a 3.33 ERA, while the Rangers were second at 3.38. Rafael Soriano has been brilliant at the back of the Rays’ bullpen, recording a league-leading 45 saves in 48 chances. Neftali Feliz has been almost as good for Texas, saving 40 games in 43 tries.Feliz hasn’t allowed a run in his last 16 appearances, a stretch over which he’s surrendered only six hits.

It’s a close call, but we think Lee’s recent postseason success gives them the advantage.

Slight Edge: Rangers

OFFENSE

Speed is the name of the game for the Rays, who rank third in the majors in runs scored despite being last in the American League in batting average (.247). In Carl Crawford and BJ Upton, Tampa Bay has two of the league’s most dangerous threats on the base paths. By themselves, Crawford and Upton combined for more steals (89) than twelve major league teams. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Carl Crawford could earn himself a boatload of money if his performance in the playoffs is as good as it was in the regular season.

The Rays hope that Evan Longoria’s health isn’t an issue when the playoffs get underway. Longoria hasn’t played since Sept. 23 because of a strained quad. Manager Joe Maddon says that Longoria’s absence was precautionary, but the situation bears watching. Longoria will be in the lineup Wednesday night, but the Rays will really miss his pop if he is limited.

The Rangers have injury worries of their own. AL batting champion Josh Hamilton missed most of September with two broken ribs. Hamilton played in all three games of last weekend’s series against Anaheim. He collected three hits, including his 32nd home run of the season, but admitted feeling some tightness and soreness. Hamilton means as much to the Rangers as Longoria does to the Rays, if not more. If Hamilton’s sore ribs diminish his power at the plate, the Rangers are in trouble.

Vladimir Guerrero was essentially left on the scrap heap in the offseason when Texas signed him to a modest one-year deal with a mutual option for 2011. Guerrero has responded with a huge season, batting .300 with 29 homers and 115 RBI.

Texas excels at putting the ball in play. The Rangers are batting a major league-leading .276 and have the fourth-fewest strikeouts in baseball (986).

We respect Texas’ efficiency up and down the lineup, but Tampa Bay’s speed at the top of its lineup is lethal, especially late in close games, which this series figures to have plenty of.

Slight Edge: Rays

INTANGIBLES

The Rays have more playoff experience, and home field advantage is key considering the Rangers are three games below .500 on the road. Tampa Bay has an advantage in the late innings because of its ability to manufacture runs and its strong bullpen. We think the Rays capitalize on that and win a close series.

Pick: Rays in five games.

ALDS preview and pick: Yankees vs. Twins

The Yankees lead the majors in runs scored, but will shaky starting pitching derail their hopes of a repeat?

SERIES ODDS: New York Yankees (-184) vs. Minnesota Twins (+169)

PITCHING

It’s a safe bet that the Yankees will send C.C. Sabathia to the mound in Wednesday’s series opener. Outside of that, nobody knows exactly what Joe Girardi’s postseason rotation will look like. We suspect it will be a three-man rotation featuring Sabathia, Andy Pettitte, and Phil Hughes, in that order. If so, that’s a dangerous proposition for the defending champs.

After spending two months on the disabled list with a strained groin, Pettitte returned to go 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA in three starts down the stretch. He beat the Twins in last year’s ALDS and has a long history of postseason success, but has not looked like himself lately.

The Twins will go with a four-man rotation, headlined by Game 1 starter Francisco Liriano. Liriano has had a big season for Minnesota but is just 1-3 with a 6.98 ERA in his last four starts. He will be followed by Carl Pavano, Brian Duensing, and if a Game 4 is necessary, Nick Blackburn. You can bet Pavano’s reception at Yankee Stadium for Game 2 will be less than friendly. The man dubbed “American Idle” by the New York tabloids made just 26 starts in a four-year stint as a Yankee from 2005-2008.

The incomparable Mariano Rivera gives the Yankees a slight edge in the bullpen. Rivera has blown three saves in his last seven chances, but when the money’s on the line, we still trust him more than any closer in baseball.

The bottom line is that the lack of reliable depth in New York’s rotation should have Yankee backers more than a little nervous.

Edge: Twins

OFFENSE

The Twins’ title hopes took a blow on Monday when they announced that Justin Morneau would not return for the playoffs. Morneau, who has been out since early July with a concussion, had hoped to return in time for a potential ALCS matchup.

While we’d never suggest Minnesota is better off without Morneau, his teammates deserve credit for stepping up in his absence. The Twins averaged 4.7 runs per game with Morneau, but are scoring 5.0 runs per game since his injury. Since the All-Star break, Joe Mauer is batting a torrid .373 and Jim Thome is hitting .313 with 15 homers. Delmon Young’s 54 second-half RBIs are the third-most in the American League.

For the second straight season, the Yankees led the majors in runs per game (5.3). Their lineup is as devastating as it is deep, especially now that Alex Rodriguez has hit his stride. Since Sept. 1, A-Rod is batting .309 and leads the team with 26 RBIs.

This has been a breakout year for Robinson Cano. Cano is hitting .319 on the season and has piled up 29 homers and 109 RBIs, both career highs. He is batting a team-best .322 with runners in scoring position and has played Gold-Glove caliber defense at second base. We think this is the year that Cano, a lifetime .217 postseason hitter, makes his mark in October.

Edge: Yankees

INTANGIBLES

Make no mistake: the aura of the pinstripes can be intimidating. Gardenhire’s teams have played fundamentally sound baseball over the years, but they looked unfocused while being swept by the Yankees last October. In fact, the Yankees are 54-18 against Gardenhire’s Twins since 2002, a disparity we can’t overlook.

Minnesota had a better September than New York, but that doesn’t outweigh the Yankees’ postseason experience.

Edge: Yankees

Pick: Yankees in five games.

NLDS preview and pick: Phillies vs. Reds

The Reds have been a feel-good story this season but will their no-name rotation cost them against the two-time defending National League champs and World Series favorites Phillies?

SERIES ODDS: Philadelphia Phillies (-270) vs. Cincinnati Reds (+245)

PITCHING

The Phillies did themselves a huge favor by putting up the National League’s best record. Not only will Philadelphia have home field throughout the playoffs, but its status as the top seed allowed the club to choose an eight-day schedule for its NLDS matchup. That means the Phillies can go with an intimidating three-man rotation of Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels without having any of them pitch on short rest.

The Reds will go with Edinson Volquez in Game 1 followed by Bronson Arroyo and Johnny Cueto. Volquez missed the first half of the season recovering from Tommy John surgery, and struggled on his return but has looked much better lately. He’s allowed just six runs over 27 2-3 innings while racking up 31 strikeouts over his last four starts.

The Reds and Phillies have both been very average in relief, but we give Philadelphia a slight edge because its group is fresher. Philadelphia relievers pitched an MLB-low 415 innings this season – a testament to the ability of its starters to work deep into games.

Brad Lidge has been nearly unhittable in the second half of the season. Since the All-Star break, Lidge has converted 21 of 23 save opportunities while holding opposing hitters to a .157 average.

Edge: Phillies

OFFENSE

Cincinnati’s lineup is one of the most potent in the National League in 2010. They lead the league in a host of offensive categories including batting average (.271), home runs (187) and runs per game (4.9). Joey Votto has had an MVP-caliber season batting .324 with 37 homers and 113 RBIs. Votto is hitting .393 against the Phillies in 28 at-bats. The Reds are batting an NL-best .278 with runners in scoring position.

The Phillies’ lineup is smoking hot, averaging 5.6 runs per game since the start of September. Over that same stretch, the Reds have averaged just 4.2 runs per game.

Jayson Werth had a big September belting eight homers and piling up 20 RBIs. Werth is Philadelphia’s most dangerous batter against righties, hitting a team-high 20 home runs off right-handed pitching. With Cincinnati using three right-handed starters to begin the series and Werth playing for a new contract, we think this could be his time to shine.

The Reds have had the more productive lineup over the course of the season, but you can’t ignore the fact that the Phillies are red hot at the right time and their lineup is full of players who’ve come up with big hits in October.

Slight Edge: Phillies

INTANGIBLES

The gritty, battle-tested Phillies have ample playoff experience while many of the Reds’ key players are playing in their first ever postseason. To make matters worse for Cincinnati, the Phillies have all the momentum. At 21-6, Philadelphia had the best record in baseball in September. The Reds have good talent, and we think there’s postseason success in Cincinnati’s future – but not this year.

Pick: Phillies in three games

NLDS preview and pick: Braves vs. Giants

Can Bobby Cox take another step towards his second championship or will San Francisco’s starting pitching put them over the top?

SERIES ODDS: San Francisco Giants (-160) vs. Atlanta Braves (+147)

OFFENSE

Atlanta ranks fifth in the National League in runs per game (4.6) and leads the league in doubles and on-base percentage.

The Braves caught a bad break last week when they learned Martin Prado would miss the remainder of the season with a hip pointer and a torn oblique. Prado was batting .307 with 15 long balls for Atlanta, which ranks 11th in homers in the NL.

Jason Heyward and Brian McCann have been the two main power sources for the Braves, combining for 39 of Atlanta’s 139 home runs. Heyward, a favorite for the NL Rookie of the Year, has made a big splash in his first big league season, belting 18 homers and leading the Braves with an .849 OPS.

Not to be outdone, the Giants have a phenom of their own in Buster Posey. Posey has piled up 67 RBI in just 406 at-bats and is Heyward’s main competition for the Rookie of the Year award.

General Manager Brian Sabean made one of the shrewdest signings of the offseason when he inked Aubrey Huff to one-year deal worth $3 million. Huff leads the Giants in homers (26), RBI (86), on-base percentage (.385) and slugging percentage (.506).

The Braves will miss Prado, but are still better with the bats. The Giants rank ninth in the National League in runs scored and are batting just .197 in seven games against the Braves this season.

Edge: Braves

PITCHING

If the Giants make a World Series push, it will be their starting pitching depth that gets them there. San Francisco will go with an impressive four-man rotation of Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez and rookie Madison Bumgarner. The Giants’ staff led the majors with a 3.36 ERA and was lights out down the stretch, posting an almost-unfathomable 1.78 ERA in the month of September.

Atlanta will send Derek Lowe to the mound in Game 1, followed by Tommy Hanson and Tim Hudson. Hudson (17-9, 2.83) had a solid season for the Braves but pitched poorly over his last seven starts, going 2-4 and allowing four or more runs on five occasions. The series may hinge on Hudson’s ability to bounce back from his lackluster finish.

Both the Giants (2.99) and Braves (3.11) finished in the top three in baseball in bullpen ERA. Brian Wilson has been a bulldog at the back of San Francisco’s pen, leading the majors with a career-high 48 saves. Billy Wagner blew seven saves this season for the Braves, but was strong down the stretch. The run Wagner gave up in Atlanta’s regular-season finale was the first he had allowed since August 11. Wagner’s 1.43 ERA was the third-lowest in baseball among qualified relievers.

The Braves’ staff is formidable but the Giants have as much rotational depth as any team in baseball. They get the nod.

Edge: Giants

INTANGIBLES

Both teams waited until the final day of the regular season to lock up a playoff berth, but the Giants played better baseball down the stretch. Since September 1, San Francisco is 19-10 while the Braves are just 14-16.

The Braves won four of seven meetings between the teams in 2010, averaging four runs per game to the Giants’ three.

Atlanta has rallied around Bobby Cox and wants desperately to send the legendary skipper out a winner. We think that extra bit of motivation, along with the offensive shortcomings of the Giants, is enough to get the Braves through to the next round.

Edge: Braves

Pick: Braves in five games.

**Udog** · 10-05-2010, 09:47 PM

NOTE:
For the initial posting of trends and indexes, we have provided information available up to the time of posting.
Additional updates for today’s games will be posted ASAP.

**Udog** · 10-06-2010, 07:39 AM

Daily Sports Roundup: October 6

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: Baseball begins its Division Series, with the Rays hosting the Rangers, the Reds battling the Phillies, and the Yankees meeting the Twins.

Colliding on the gridiron . . .

There's one college football game on the Wednesday schedule, with UAB (1-3 SU, 2-2 ATS) at Central Florida (2-2 SU, 2-1 ATS). The Blazers were edged 32-29 on the road by Tennessee in double overtime last time out, with QB Bryan Ellis going 29-of-55 for 373 yards passing with one touchdown and one interception. The Knights are coming off a 17-13 road loss to Kansas State, as QB Jeff Godfrey completed just 8-of-18 pass attempts for 92 yards with two INTs. UCF is the 12-point favorite for Wednesday's game.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

The Rangers and Rays begin their ALDS in Tampa Bay on Wednesday afternoon, with Cliff Lee (12-9, 3.18 ERA) taking on David Price (19-6, 2.72 ERA). Lefthander Lee faced the Rays back on August 16, getting knocked around for six runs on nine hits over 7 2-3 innings of work in a loss. Lefthander Price was Lee's opposition in that contest, and he gave up just two runs on five hits over six innings in a no-decision that day. Price and the Rays are sitting as -130 home favorites for Game 1, with the total set at 7 runs.

The other ALDS also gets underway on Wednesday, with the Yankees at Minnesota. New York will send ace CC Sabathia (21-7, 3.18 ERA) to the hill in that contest, while the Twins counter with Francisco Liriano (14-10, 3.62 ERA). Lefthander Sabathia ended his regular season with a dominating win over the Blue Jays, giving up just one run on three hits over 8 1-3 innings. Lefthander Liriano pitched against the Yankees back on May 26, allowing two runs on eight hits over seven innings that day in a no-decision. New York has been pegged as the -140 road favorite for Wednesday, with the total at 7.

Finally, the one NLDS matchup on Wednesday has Cincinnati at Philadelphia, with Edinson Volquez (4-3, 4.31 ERA) taking on Roy Halladay (21-10, 2.44 ERA). Righthander Volquez settled for a no-decision against the Astros in his most recent start, allowing two runs on seven hits over his six innings of work. Righthander Halladay dazzled the Reds back on July 10, giving up just five hits over nine shutout innings. Oddsmakers have the Phillies as big -225 favorites for Wednesday, with a total of 7 runs.

**Udog** · 10-06-2010, 07:43 AM

Wednesday's six-pack

The six most expensive colleges in America
6) University of Chicago, $53,604 a year

5) Vanderbilt, Nashville TN, $53,660

4) Wesleyan, Middletown, CT, $53,976

3) Bard College, Annandale, NY, $54,275

2) Columbia, Bronx, NY $54,385

1) Sarah Lawrence, Bronxville, NY $57,550

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

Wednesday's List of 13: My NFL List of 13.........

13) Chargers—Seahawks ran two kicks back for TD’s against Chargers in Week 3, special teams coach Steve Crosby is still employed. Miami fired its special teams coach Tuesday. Hope coach Crosby bought Norv Turner coffee and donuts this morning.

12) Patriots— Good time to dump Wes Welker off your fantasy team; if they trade Randy Moss, no more double teams on other side of line to leave Welker single covered by a lesser defender.

11) Ravens—Were life-and-death to beat Steelers with 4th-string QB playing for Pittsburgh. Still something missing from Raven offense.

10) Eagles—Now the heat is on Andy Reid/Kevin Kolb with Vick out for a few weeks. Just for information purposes, the Eagles’ backup QB this week will be former Northwestern Wildcat Mike Kafka.

9) Colts- They do not run ball enough (94 running plays, 176 passing plays so far). Played three of first four on the road, but they need a better-balanced offense.

8) Chiefs—Only unbeaten team left in NFL, but two of three wins were against Browns/49ers and Charger upset was in a monsoon. 3-0 is 3-0, so here they are, but they are going way up in class this week.

7) Texans—Love the way they took over game in third quarter Sunday. Get Cushing back this week, a huge boost for defense.

6) Falcons—Led for two seconds out of 60:00 against 49ers Sunday; luckily for them, it was the last two seconds.

5) Giants—Jay Cutler is going to see blue helmets coming at him in his sleep for the next month. While we’re at it, could someone please tell Tiki Barber to shut up? Tom Coughlin’s coaching made him a star, and Barber thanks him by trashing him whenever possible. Very classy.

4) Packers—Made Shaun Hill look like Bobby Layne Sunday, but a win is a win, especially on short week after a rivalry game., Tougher test this week against the Redskins in suburban Maryland.

3) Saints—Defending champs look shaky; they’re better on defense this year, much less potent on offense, but they’re also still 3-1. They miss injured RB’s Bush/Thomas.

2) Jets—Sanchez has developed well. Figure to get stronger with players returning this week.

1) Steelers—Lets see any other NFL team go 3-1 starting three different QB’s in first four games of season. Week 6, they’ll start their fourth QB of the season.

**Udog** · 10-06-2010, 07:47 AM

MLB
Write-Up

Wednesday, October 6

Tampa Bay was 4-2 vs Texas this season, losing first two, winning the last four; five of the six games went over total; Rays scored 24 runs in sweeping Texas in last series, in mid-August. Lee was 4-0, 1.56 in five postseason starts LY; he was 2-1, 2.25 in four September starts, after he got roughed up in last five August starts. Lee was 0-3, 4.94 vs Rays in '10, but two of those three starts were when he was with the Mariners. Price is 4-0, 1.88 in his last six starts; he beat Texas 6-4 Aug 16 (two runs/six IP). Five of his last seven starts stayed under total.

Home side won six of seven Reds-Phils games this season, with Cincy losing all four games played here (outscored 15-10-- Philly won 1-0 in last two games). Four of last five series games were decided by one run. Volquez is 1-1, 1.95 in his last four starts since getting KO'd by Giants in 1st inning Aug 23rd (last three stayed under). Halladay is 5-0, 3.44 in his last five starts; he was 1-1, 2.12 in two starts against Reds this year, with home team winning both games.

Bronx was 4-2 against the Twins this year, allowing total of seven runs in the four wins, 6-8 runs in losses; teams haven't met since late May. Liriano is 1-3, 6.98 in his last four starts; he was 0-1, 3.46 in two starts vs Bronx this year (five runs/13 IP). Seven of his last eight starts went over the total. Sabathia is 8-2, 3.26 in his last 11 starts; he didn't throw against the Twins this season.

**Udog** · 10-06-2010, 07:51 AM

MLB

Wednesday, October 6

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tips and Trends
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New York Yankees at Minnesota Twins [TBS | 8:35 PM ET]

YANKEES: (-135, O/U 7) New York ended the season in a bit of a slump, losing 7 of their final 10 games. As a result of their poor play down the stretch, the Yankees lost the American League East division and instead enter the post-season as the AL Wild Card. New York finished the season with a record of 95-67 SU, including a road record of 43-38. The Yankees were -4.61 and +11.27 units both SU and ATS this season. The Yankees are looking to win their 28th World Series Championship this year. Lefty C.C. Sabathia will make the road start tonight, as he is 21-7 SU with an ERA of 3.18 and a WHIP of 1.19 this year. The Yankees are 4-1 in their last 5 Divisional Playoff games. New York is 47-18 in their last 65 games against the American League Central. The Yankees are 6-13 in their last 19 games during game 1 of a series. New York is 0-9 in their last 9 games against a left-handed starter. The Yankees are 39-12 in Sabathia's last 51 starts as a favorite. New York is 35-16 in Sabathia's last 51 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.

Yankees are 10-1 last 11 playoff games as a favorite.
Over is 5-0-1 last 6 playoff road games.

Key Injuries - 1B Nick Johnson (wrist) is out.

Projected Score: 5 (SIDE of the Day)

TWINS: Minnesota gets another chance to beat the Yankees in a playoffs series. Last season, the Twins were eliminated from the postseason thanks to the Yankees, who happened to come from behind in each of their 3 victories. Minnesota finished the season with a record of 94-68 SU, including 53-28 SU at home. The Twins are hopeful that ace Francisco Liriano can finally beat the Yankees, as he's never done so in his career. Liriano has a career ERA of 3.12 against the Yankees, including 4 starts. Liriano finished the regular season with a record of 14-10 SU, including an ERA of 3.62 and a WHIP of 1.26 this year. Minnesota ended the season +13.19 and -2.03 units both SU and AT. The Twins are 5-0 in their last 5 games as a home underdog of +110 to +150. Minnesota is 5-2 in their last 7 games following an off day. The Twins are 5-18 in their last 23 playoff games overall. The Twins are 1-4 in their last 5 games against a left-handed starter. Minnesota is 3-14 in their last 17 playoff games as an underdog. The Twins are 4-1 in Liriano's last 5 starts as an underdog. Minnesota is 1-10 in Liriano's last 11 starts against the American League East.

Twins are 1-12 last 13 Divisional Playoff games.
Over is 5-1 last 6 playoff games as an underdog of +110 to +150.

Key Injuries - 1B Justin Morneau (concussion) is out.

Projected Score: 3

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

Announcement

Wednesday's Trends and Indexes 10/6 (MLB, Misc.)

Wednesday's Trends and Indexes 10/6 (MLB, Misc.)

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment