Announcement

**Udog** · 05-31-2011, 09:57 AM

Tuesday's betting tips: Mavs-Heat cashing over bets

Who’s hot

NBA: The over has cashed in on eight of Miami’s last 11 games overall and in eight of the club’s last 11 meetings with Dallas.

NBA: Dallas has covered in 19 of its last 26 contests.

MLB: Seattle has won nine of its last 11.

Who’s not

MLB: Milwaukee is just 5-21 in its last 26 meetings with Cincinnati.

MLB: Kansas City is just 1-7 in its last eight.

Key stat

28 – While Novak Djokovic is stealing the spotlight at the French Open, Roger Federer continues roll along. Federer has reached the quarterfinals in 28 consecutive major tournaments and will face Gael Monfils. After that we could be in for a Federer-Djokovic semifinal.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Hanley Ramirez, Florida Marlins - Ramirez can’t catch a break this season. He’s still struggling with a .210 batting average and only five of his hits this month have been for extra bases. Now it looks like he could miss some time with a back injury that forced him out of Sunday’s game. Apparently he’s having problems tying his shoes and is experiencing tingling in his upper left leg.

Game of the day

Dallas Mavericks at Miami Heat (-4.5, 187)

Notable quotable

"He's focused. Obviously, we all want it. But in a different sense, he wants this, he wants to seize this moment. And you can tell by the way he's been playing, especially in late games. He hasn't left anything to chance, whether it's guarding the other team's best player, whether it's taking big shots, doing anything it takes. That's a player that I see hungry for a championship." – Dwyane Wade on his teammate LeBron James heading into Tuesday’s Game 1 against Dallas.

Notes and tips

The Miami Heat know the key to slowing down the Dallas Mavericks is to somehow contain Dirk Nowitzki – something that no team has been able to do so far in the postseason. Nowitzki is averaging 28.5 points and hitting about 51 percent of his trey attempts. Miami plans to go with a rotation to defend Nowitzki, with LeBron James, Udonis Haslem and Chris Bosh all taking turns against the big sharpshooter.

The New York Mets have place Jose Reyes on the bereavement list following the death of his paternal grandmother. The shortstop, who’s hitting .335 this season with 19 stolen bases, will be away from the team for the next three to seven days.

Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler is currently set as the favorite to win the Conn Smythe trophy awarded to the NHL playoffs MVP at +140. He heads into the final series with seven goals and 18 points. Henrik Sedin is pegged at +600, while goaltender Roberto Luongo checks in at +650. Nathan Horton from the Bruins is set at +700.

**Udog** · 05-31-2011, 10:00 AM

Tuesday's six-pack

Statistical leaders in the major leagues on the last day in May

-- On-base%-- Bautista .502, Berkman/Votto, both .463, Holliday .436

-- Runs-- Bautista 44, Granderson 42, Braun 40, MigCabrera 39.

-- RBI-- AGonzalez 46, Bruce 43, Beltre/Fielder/Howard, all with 42

-- Steals-- Reyes/Bourn/Ellsbury, all 19; Crisp/Stubbs 16 each.

-- Walks-- Votto 48, Bautista 46, Abreu/Cabrera 37 each.

-- Total Bases-- Bautista 129, AGonzalez/Granderson 122.

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

Tuesday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but..........

13) Arizona's Kirk Gibson may have already locked up Manager of Year in National League, but Clint Hurdle ain't doing too bad in Pittsburgh; his Buccos are 15-14 on the road, after being 17-64 on foreign soil in 2010.

12) Did you know that Robert Irsay almost bought the Montreal Expos when they came into existence in 1969? Instead he bought the Rams in 1972, held them for 45 minutes, then traded them to Carroll Rosenbloom for the Baltimore Colts. Must be nice to be rich.

11) Nice of Ohio State to announce Jim Tressel's resignation on a holiday, to lessen the media circus. Hope the NCAA throws the book at them, but they'll probably just tack more years on Toledo's probation instead.

10) Congrats to Toronto's Jo-Jo Reyes on finally winning a start, ending his 28-game streak without a win.

9) Padres are batting .199 at home, .259 on the road; they're 15-7 in day games, 8-24 at night. Clearly, they need more home day games.

8) Kelly Johnson was hitting .210 coming into Monday's game; he then hit two HRs, a triple and a double for 13 total bases in one night, which would be kind of cool if I wasn't playing against him in fantasy ball this week. My whole team had 12 total bases last night.

7) Jose Reyes is out for at least part of the week after his grandmother passed away. Has to be rough for guys whose family lives in a different country. Not so easy to travel back and forth.

6) If you saw Mike Napoli slide into home with the winning run for the Rangers Sunday, you saw the first big effect of the Buster Posey injury on play around home plate; the Royals' catcher shied away, awaiting a collision that never came as Napoli's slid in with the winning run. If they are smart at MLB, and thats a big "if", they'll just legislate contact around home plate out of the game to take the heat off of individual players.

5) Washington Nationals have been outscored 34-13 in losing all six of Livan Hernandez' road starts; they're 3-2 in his home starts.

4) Mitch Moreland of the Rangers hit a homer over the RF scoreboard at Tropacana Field Monday; I've never seen a ball hit near that far to that part of that ballpark. Rays are slipping and they're slipping fast.

3) Mets are now 7-0 when rookie Dillon Gee is on the mound.

2) All the money that goes into NASCAR racing, and Dale Earnhardt Jr loses Sunday night when he runs out of gas less than 1,000 yards from the finish line. That has to be a pretty helpless feeling, running out of fuel.

1) Wish I remembered who to give credit to for this idea, but I read a lot this weekend and I forgot, but its a valid point; basketball players today grow up in the AAU system, where the best players in an area go out and play All-Star teams from other areas, and that is slowly what the NBA is becoming. Stars forming alliances to try and become championship teams. Celtics did it, now Miami is doing it and the Knicks are next. Its bad for the overall health of the league, good for TV ratings in the Finals.

**Udog** · 05-31-2011, 10:04 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Dallas at Miami

The Mavericks look to open the series and build on their 6-0-1 ATS record in their last 7 playoff games as an underdog. Dallas is the pick (+4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Heat favored by only 3. Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+4 1/2). Here are all of today's picks

TUESDAY, MAY 31

Game 701-702: Dallas at Miami (9:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 126.163; Miami 129.292
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 3; 183
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 4 1/2; 187 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+4 1/2); Under

NBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, May 31

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

DALLAS (69 - 28) at MIAMI (70 - 27) - 5/31/2011, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) after allowing 85 points or less this season.
DALLAS is 57-38 ATS (+15.2 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) as an underdog this season.
DALLAS is 32-16 ATS (+14.4 Units) in road games this season.
DALLAS is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) in all playoff games this season.
DALLAS is 29-11 ATS (+16.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
DALLAS is 37-18 ATS (+17.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DALLAS is 24-10 ATS (+13.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
DALLAS is 34-21 ATS (+10.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
DALLAS is 21-12 ATS (+7.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
MIAMI is 10-24 ATS (-16.4 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 185 and 189.5 points over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 4-2 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 6-0 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

NBA
Short Sheet

Tuesday, May 31

NBA Finals - Game 1 - Series Format 2-3-2
DALLAS at MIAMI, 9:05 PM ET ABC
DALLAS: 17-4 ATS as road underdog of 6 pts or less
MIAMI: 0-3 ATS at home vs. Dallas

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

NBA
Write-Up

Tuesday, May 31

Dallas beat Miami twice this season, but games were played before the holidays; Mavericks won 106-95 at home Nov 27, then won 98-96 Dec 20 in Miami. Heat is 8-0 at home in playoffs, so series begins when the Mavericks win game in south Florida. Miami is 5-3 as home favorite in playoffs- they're going to find veteran Dallas team much harder to guard than Chicago, since Mavericks have more weapons. Dallas is also 5-0 in its last five road games, since blowing huge third quarter lead in losing Game 4 of the Portland series. Best chance to steal a win in the road is usually Game 1. Both teams are really, really well-rested.

NBA

Tuesday, May 31

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

9:00 PM
DALLAS vs. MIAMI
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing on the road against Miami
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Miami's last 11 games

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

NBA

Tuesday, May 31

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NBA Finals: Series odds, preview and pick
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dallas Mavericks vs. Miami Heat

Series odds: Mavs (+155), Heat (-175)

The Miami Heat became instant favorites to win the NBA title after LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined Dwyane Wade in South Beach. And while their path to the Finals had some rocky moments, it’s clear they’re now playing their best basketball of the season.

The Mavericks are getting a good deal of respect from the books. Dallas is a short underdog in the series and – with apologies to the Celtics and Bulls – will be the best team Miami’s played this postseason.

Here’s a peek at how I see this series matching up:

OFFENSE

James, Wade and Bosh account for 74 percent of the Heat’s scoring in the playoffs and it’s safe to say those three will be relied on even more in the Finals.

Miami is averaging almost 10 fewer points per game in the playoffs (92.9) than it did during the regular season (102.1) but I would argue their offense is more impressive now after succeeding in crunch time against two of the league’s best defensive teams.

Dallas has what the Chicago Bulls desperately lacked: reliable knock-down shooters. The Mavericks’ outside touch spaces the floor and shouldn’t allow Miami to pack the paint like it did against the Bulls.

The Mavs don’t suffer long scoring droughts like the Heat sometimes do. Miami has a bad habit of running too much isolation. It only helps Dallas defensively if there’s no ball movement when the Heat are on offense.

Edge: Dallas

DEFENSE

Mavs big man Tyson Chandler makes up for a lot of Dallas’ defensive shortcomings, but even with Chandler, there’s no debating who the better defensive team is.

The Heat play outstanding perimeter defense and even when opponents get past the primary defender, the defensive rotation is always there ready to contest or draw a charge. You have to give credit coach Erik Spoelstra for making defense the top priority on his team.

Dallas will show more zone against Miami to try and hide its weaker defenders, but we will see some pretty ugly mismatches when Jason Terry and Jose Barea are on the court together and one of them has to guard Wade.

The best thing the Mavs have going for them is that Miami, like every other team in the league, doesn’t have someone on its roster who can guard Dirk Nowitzki.

Please don’t assume LeBron will be able to shut down Dirk like he did Derrick Rose. The league MVP is a half-foot shorter and 60 pounds lighter than LBJ. Dirk doesn’t share those physical disadvantages.

Edge: Miami

PREDICTIONS

I think this series is going to be higher scoring than most people expect. I’ll take the over in any game with a total lower than 190 without hesitating. Dallas will score at a high rate in this series and both teams will look to push the pace and get baskets in transition.

I’m leaning toward playing on the road team in every game in the series. Home court just doesn’t mean much to these two clubs. Dallas and Miami both finished with 28 away wins during the regular season and are a combined 10-3-1 against the spread on the road these playoffs.

And finally, for the series pick, give me the Mavericks in seven games.

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

NBA

Tuesday, May 31

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pick 'n' roll: Tuesday's best NBA bet
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dallas Mavericks at Miami Heat (-4.5, 187)

Something has to give when a rematch of the 2006 NBA Finals kicks off in South Beach on Tuesday night.

Miami is the only team of the initial 16 playoff contenders that has not lost at home in the postseason. Erik Spoelstra’s club went 8-0 (6-2 ATS) at AmericanAirlines Arena during its triumphant trek through the Eastern Conference - 3-0 against Philadelphia, 3-0 against Boston, and 2-0 against Chicago.

Dallas, meanwhile, has been incredible on the road. Dirk Nowitzki and company lost their first two as visitors during the playoffs but haven't lost since. The Mavs closed out their first-round series in Game 6 at Portland, went 2-0 at the Staples Center then prevailed in both of their forays to Oklahoma City.

In these playoffs, the home team has not covered a single time in seven tries against the visiting Mavericks (6-0-1 ATS).

“We like playing in hostile environments,” ESPNDallas.com reported Shawn Marion as saying. “It gets us revved up. It's exciting. When you make the opposing team's crowd shut up, it's fun.”

“We like playing on the road when everybody is against you and you come together as a team,” added Nowitzki. “It helps having a bunch of veterans who have been through a lot in this league and play off each other and just want to win.”

The Heat and Mavericks faced each other twice during the regular season. Dallas won and covered the spread both times - 106-95 at home on Nov. 27 and 98-96 at Miami on Dec. 20. Of course, it must be noted that the Mavs had Caron Butler (likely still out for the year) for both games while the Heat played without Udonis Haslem (now back from injury).

Another close one has to be expected, as these are clearly the two best fourth-quarter teams in the business. The Miami-Chicago series wrapped up in appropriate fashion, with LeBron James leading the charge in an 18-3 run to end Game 5. Dallas stormed back from a 15-point deficit in the last five minutes of Game 4 to beat the Thunder before closing out Game 5 on a 14-4 surge.

Miami may pull out the win at home, but covering 4.5 points could be too much to ask in what should be a Game 1 thriller.

Pick: Mavericks

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

**Udog** · 05-31-2011, 10:07 AM

MLB
Dunkel

Milwaukee at Cincinnati

The Brewers send Zack Greinke to the mound and look to take advantage of a Cincinnati team that is 2-8 in its last 10 games versus a right-handed starter. Milwaukee is the pick (-125) according to Dunkel, which has the Brewers favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-125). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, MAY 31

Game 951-952: Philadelphia at Washington (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Lee) 13.974; Washington (Marquis) 15.097
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-180); 7
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+160); Under

Game 953-954: San Diego at Atlanta (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Latos) 15.688; Atlanta (Minor) 14.774
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-120); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+100); Over

Game 955-956: Milwaukee at Cincinnati (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Greinke) 16.219; Cincinnati (Reineke) 15.403
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-125); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-125); Over

Game 957-958: Pittsburgh at NY Mets (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (McDonald) 15.145; NY Mets (Dickey) 15.628
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-125); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-125); Under

Game 959-960: Houston at Chicago Cubs (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Lyles) 15.096; Cubs (Zambrano) 14.333
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-170); No Run Total
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+150); N/A

Game 961-962: San Francisco at St. Louis (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Vogelsong) 14.160; St. Louis (Carpenter) 15.309
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1; 8
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-165); 7
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-165); Over

Game 963-964: Florida at Arizona (9:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Sanchez) 14.315; Arizona (Kennedy) 16.685
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 2 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Arizona (-120); 8
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-120); Over

Game 965-966: Colorado at LA Dodgers (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Mortensen) 14.081; LA Dodgers (Lilly) 15.193
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-120); 7
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-120); Under

Game 967-968: Texas at Tampa Bay (6:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Wilson) 16.285; Tampa Bay (Cobb) 14.869
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Texas (-140); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-140); Over

Game 969-970: Cleveland at Toronto (7:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Talbot) 14.311; Toronto (Morrow) 16.476
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 2; 8
Vegas Line: Toronto (-180); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-180); Under

Game 971-972: Minnesota at Detroit (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Duensing) 15.793; Detroit (Scherzer) 14.911
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-175); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+155); Under

Game 973-974: Chicago White Sox at Boston (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Humber) 15.839; Boston (Aceves) 15.588
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-160); 9
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+140); Over

Game 975-976: LA Angels at Kansas City (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Pineiro) 15.241; Kansas City (Francis) 14.243
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-115); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-115); Over

Game 977-978: NY Yankees at Oakland (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Garcia) 16.177; Oakland (Anderson) 16.386
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Oakland (-125); 7
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-125); Under

Game 979-980: Baltimore at Seattle (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Guthrie) 14.697; Seattle (Bedard) 15.264
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Seattle (-130); 7
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-130); Under

**Udog** · 05-31-2011, 10:23 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Tuesday, May 31

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

PHILADELPHIA (34 - 20) at WASHINGTON (22 - 31) - 7:05 PM
CLIFF LEE (L) vs. JASON MARQUIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 42-43 (-26.0 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 112-80 (+22.5 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 101-59 (+20.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 115-83 (+23.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
MARQUIS is 65-84 (-39.0 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 6-1 (+4.8 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

CLIFF LEE vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
LEE is 3-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 1.44 and a WHIP of 0.920.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.0 units)

JASON MARQUIS vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
MARQUIS is 5-8 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 5.76 and a WHIP of 1.853.
His team's record is 7-11 (-4.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-11. (-5.0 units)

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

SAN DIEGO (23 - 31) at ATLANTA (30 - 25) - 7:10 PM
MAT LATOS (R) vs. MIKE MINOR (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 8-24 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 6-16 (-10.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ATLANTA is 29-10 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 57-47 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 38-27 (+12.1 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 26-21 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 113-104 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 18-10 (+10.7 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 59-48 (+21.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 44-40 (+19.5 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 2-2 (+0.8 Units) against ATLANTA this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.8 Units)

MAT LATOS vs. ATLANTA since 1997
LATOS is 1-2 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 2.28 and a WHIP of 1.098.
His team's record is 2-2 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

MIKE MINOR vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.

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

MILWAUKEE (29 - 25) at CINCINNATI (28 - 27) - 7:10 PM
ZACK GREINKE (R) vs. CHAD REINEKE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 8-18 (-10.1 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 35-45 (-24.4 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -150 since 1997.
MILWAUKEE is 8-18 (-10.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
GREINKE is 33-38 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 3-14 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 2-13 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 9-17 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 40-66 (-29.0 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 4-15 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 120-101 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 70-42 (+21.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 120-101 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 267-298 (-73.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 6-1 (+5.5 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
GREINKE is 1-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 0.556.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.1 units)

CHAD REINEKE vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
No recent starts.

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

PITTSBURGH (24 - 28) at NY METS (25 - 28) - 7:10 PM
JAMES MCDONALD (R) vs. R.A. DICKEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 32-78 (-24.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 18-55 (-23.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 55-102 (-25.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 36-93 (-33.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 15-43 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 32-78 (-24.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

JAMES MCDONALD vs. NY METS since 1997
MCDONALD is 0-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.46 and a WHIP of 1.385.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

R.A. DICKEY vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
DICKEY is 1-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.68 and a WHIP of 0.886.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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

HOUSTON (20 - 34) at CHICAGO CUBS (23 - 29) - 8:05 PM
JORDAN LYLES (R) vs. CARLOS ZAMBRANO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 4-15 (-10.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 18-10 (+9.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
ZAMBRANO is 21-7 (+13.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 14-6 (+9.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 55-50 (+16.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 47-54 (-21.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 99-116 (-22.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 142-119 (-49.2 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 48-63 (-30.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 42-59 (-26.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 99-116 (-22.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 15-24 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 7-14 (-9.8 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
ZAMBRANO is 71-64 (-27.6 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 71-64 (-27.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 2-2 (+0.4 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.0 Units)

JORDAN LYLES vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

CARLOS ZAMBRANO vs. HOUSTON since 1997
ZAMBRANO is 14-8 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.80 and a WHIP of 1.135.
His team's record is 19-11 (+5.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-21. (-15.0 units)

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

SAN FRANCISCO (29 - 24) at ST LOUIS (32 - 23) - 7:05 PM
RYAN VOGELSONG (R) vs. CHRIS CARPENTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 16-7 (+9.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
ST LOUIS is 32-11 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 21-10 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 131-97 (+26.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 90-60 (+25.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 158-127 (+25.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 132-99 (+24.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 56-35 (+17.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 65-57 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 115-98 (-18.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CARPENTER is 2-9 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
CARPENTER is 2-9 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 3-1 (+2.2 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)

RYAN VOGELSONG vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
VOGELSONG is 0-4 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 11.12 and a WHIP of 1.824.
His team's record is 0-4 (-4.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

CHRIS CARPENTER vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
CARPENTER is 4-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.56 and a WHIP of 1.271.
His team's record is 5-2 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-3. (+0.6 units)

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

FLORIDA (30 - 22) at ARIZONA (30 - 24) - 9:40 PM
ANIBAL SANCHEZ (R) vs. IAN KENNEDY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 30-24 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 21-15 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 22-16 (+9.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 15-7 (+10.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ARIZONA is 30-24 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
FLORIDA is 15-6 (+9.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
FLORIDA is 549-609 (+45.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
FLORIDA is 83-65 (+18.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 16-10 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
FLORIDA is 16-10 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
FLORIDA is 24-14 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against FLORIDA this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

ANIBAL SANCHEZ vs. ARIZONA since 1997
SANCHEZ is 1-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 4.19 and a WHIP of 1.242.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

IAN KENNEDY vs. FLORIDA since 1997
KENNEDY is 1-0 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 3.38 and a WHIP of 1.313.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

COLORADO (25 - 28) at LA DODGERS (25 - 30) - 10:10 PM
CLAYTON MORTENSEN (R) vs. TED LILLY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 41-49 (-27.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 25-28 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 43-63 (-24.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 80-88 (-27.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 25-28 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 65-78 (-32.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 15-24 (-11.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA DODGERS are 8-15 (-9.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
LA DODGERS are 107-112 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 107-112 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

CLAYTON MORTENSEN vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.

TED LILLY vs. COLORADO since 1997
LILLY is 5-2 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 4.47 and a WHIP of 1.353.
His team's record is 6-2 (+4.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (+0.1 units)

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

TEXAS (29 - 25) at TAMPA BAY (28 - 25) - 6:40 PM
C.J. WILSON (L) vs. ALEX COBB (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 258-278 (+23.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
TAMPA BAY is 69-57 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

C.J. WILSON vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
WILSON is 2-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 2.38 and a WHIP of 1.236.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

ALEX COBB vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

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

CLEVELAND (31 - 20) at TORONTO (28 - 26) - 7:07 PM
MITCH TALBOT (R) vs. BRANDON MORROW (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 20-11 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TORONTO is 92-75 (+21.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 58-52 (+16.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 113-104 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 21-11 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 23-13 (+12.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 31-20 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

MITCH TALBOT vs. TORONTO since 1997
TALBOT is 0-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 5.63 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

BRANDON MORROW vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
MORROW is 0-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.77 and a WHIP of 1.677.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.1 units)

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

MINNESOTA (17 - 35) at DETROIT (27 - 26) - 7:05 PM
BRIAN DUENSING (L) vs. MAX SCHERZER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 15-30 (-12.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 12-27 (-13.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 10-24 (-12.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MINNESOTA is 17-35 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 8-20 (-12.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
DETROIT is 118-71 (+27.4 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 38-25 (+14.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 43-19 (+18.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 118-71 (+27.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 98-59 (+26.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 229-249 (-61.1 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
SCHERZER is 11-20 (-12.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SCHERZER is 33-43 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 3-0 (+3.1 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

BRIAN DUENSING vs. DETROIT since 1997
DUENSING is 1-2 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.70 and a WHIP of 1.479.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.2 units)

MAX SCHERZER vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
SCHERZER is 0-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 1.588.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

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

CHI WHITE SOX (25 - 31) at BOSTON (30 - 24) - 7:10 PM
PHILIP HUMBER (R) vs. ALFREDO ACEVES (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 53-44 (+16.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 52-46 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 48-42 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 9-13 (-11.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
BOSTON is 53-53 (-16.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 3-8 (-10.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 1-0 (+1.8 Units) against BOSTON this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

PHILIP HUMBER vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

ALFREDO ACEVES vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
ACEVES is 0-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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

LA ANGELS (29 - 27) at KANSAS CITY (23 - 30) - 8:10 PM
JOEL PINEIRO (R) vs. JEFF FRANCIS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 48-59 (-20.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 100-108 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 69-82 (-22.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 55-35 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 44-30 (+14.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 30-15 (+13.2 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 102-95 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 25-17 (+11.5 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 4-17 (-11.7 Units) against the money line after allowing 10 runs or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 3-2 (+1.5 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

JOEL PINEIRO vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
PINEIRO is 5-4 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.62 and a WHIP of 1.120.
His team's record is 5-5 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-4. (+1.7 units)

JEFF FRANCIS vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
FRANCIS is 0-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 2.70 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 3-0 (+4.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.0 units)

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

NY YANKEES (29 - 23) at OAKLAND (27 - 28) - 10:05 PM
FREDDY GARCIA (R) vs. BRETT ANDERSON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 16-20 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
NY YANKEES are 70-55 (-13.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
GARCIA is 21-11 (+12.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997. (Team's Record)
GARCIA is 97-59 (+30.4 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
GARCIA is 82-49 (+26.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
OAKLAND is 60-80 (-24.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 17-24 (-10.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against OAKLAND this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

FREDDY GARCIA vs. OAKLAND since 1997
GARCIA is 6-7 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 5.30 and a WHIP of 1.450.
His team's record is 11-10 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-11. (-2.3 units)

BRETT ANDERSON vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
ANDERSON is 0-3 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.68 and a WHIP of 1.520.
His team's record is 0-4 (-4.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.0 units)

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

BALTIMORE (24 - 28) at SEATTLE (27 - 26) - 10:10 PM
JEREMY GUTHRIE (R) vs. ERIK BEDARD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 8-18 (-10.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 155-281 (-109.5 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 4-17 (-12.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BALTIMORE is 286-401 (-111.9 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters since 1997.
SEATTLE is 20-9 (+11.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
SEATTLE is 86-120 (-31.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 34-51 (-20.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 89-126 (-33.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 3-1 (+2.2 Units) against SEATTLE this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. SEATTLE since 1997
GUTHRIE is 2-4 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 4.32 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 4-4 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (+0.1 units)

ERIK BEDARD vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
BEDARD is 1-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 2.61 and a WHIP of 0.968.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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

**Udog** · 05-31-2011, 10:28 AM

MLB
Write-Up

Tuesday, May 31

Hot pitchers
-- Lee is 2-0, 2.25 in his last couple starts.
-- Latos is 2-1, 3.20 in his last three starts.
-- McDonald is 3-1, 2.60 in his last six starts. Dickey is 1-0, 1.04 in his last two starts.
-- Vogelsong is 2-1, 0.68 in his last four starts.
-- Florida won last four ASanchez starts (2-0, 0.87). Kennedy is 5-0, 1.88 in his last eight starts.

-- Humber is 2-1, 2.16 in his last six starts. Aceves is 1-0, 1.64 in two starts this season.
-- Anderson is 1-1, 1.83 in his last three starts.
-- Bedard is 3-0, 1.36 in his last five starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Marquis is 1-1, 7.02 in his last three starts.
-- Minor is 0-1, 5.40 in two starts this season.
-- Greinke has a 6.11 RA in five starts, but Brewers won his last four outings, scoring 26 runs. Reineke is 5-2, 2.52 in nine AA starts; he has a 2-1, 5.48 mark in four big league starts (Padres/A's).
-- Zambrano is 1-1, 5.63 in his last four starts. Lyles is 3-3, 3.20 in ten AAA starts this season.
-- Carpenter is 0-3, 6.10 in his last three starts.
-- Mortensen is 1-2, 4.74 in four starts this season. Lilly is 0-1, 3.79 in his last three starts.

-- Talbot is 1-1, 5.87 in three starts this season. Morrow is 0-2, 5.40 in his four home starts.
-- Wilson is 1-2, 4.68 in his last four starts. Cobb allowed four runs in 4.1 IP in his only '11 start.
-- Scherzer is 0-2, 11.74 in his last couple starts. Duensing is 0-5, 6.84 in his last five starts.
-- Francis is 1-5, 6.02 in his last eight starts. Pineiro is 0-1, 5.03 in his last three outings.
-- FGarcia is 2-4, 4.41 in his last six starts.
-- Guthrie is 1-3, 5.56 in his last five starts.

Totals
-- Seven of last eight Philly games went over the total.
-- Six of last seven San Diego games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last ten games at Wrigley Field went over.
-- Seven of last eight St Louis home games stayed under the total.
-- Five of Pirates' last seven games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of Reds' last eleven games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Colorado road games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 6-3-2 in last eleven Florida games.

-- Three of last four Minnesota games went over the total.
-- Three of Floyd's last four road starts stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Francis starts stayed under the total.
-- Under is 17-7 in Tampa Bay's last 24 home games.
-- Six of last eight Toronto games went over the total.
-- Over is 7-1-1 in last nine Bronx games.
-- Over is 10-3-1 in last fourteen Baltimore games.

Hot Teams
-- Phillies won eight of their last eleven games.
-- Atlanta won six of its last eight home games. Padres won four of their last five games.
-- Cardinals are 9-5 in their last fourteen games.
-- Pirates won seven of their last eleven games.
-- Milwaukee won eight of its last ten games.
-- Arizona won 15 of its last 17 games.
-- Dodgers won three of last four games, allowing four runs.

-- Rangers won six of their last eight games.
-- Toronto won its last four games, scoring 37 runs.
-- Red Sox won 16 of their last 22 games.
-- Angels won three of their last four games.
-- A's won five of their last seven games. Bronx is 9-4 in its last 13.
-- Mariners won ten of their last twelve games.

Cold Teams
-- Washington lost eight of its last nine games.
-- Cubs are 6-12 in their last eighteen home games. Astros lost 10 of their last 15 games.
-- Giants lost five of their last seven games.
-- Mets lost six of their last nine games.
-- Reds lost nine of their last twelve games.
-- Florida lost three of its last four games, outscored 22-5 in last two.
-- Colorado lost nine of its last thirteen games.

-- Detroit is 5-8 in its last 13 games. Minnesota lost eight of its last ten.
-- Orioles lost their last four games, scoring eleven runs.
-- Kansas City lost eight of its last nine games.
-- Tampa Bay lost seven of its last ten games.
-- Indians lost five of their last six games.
-- White Sox lost four of their last six games.

Umpires
-- Phil-Wash-- Favorites won six of seven Knight games.
-- SD-Atl-- Favorites won the last five Vanover games.
-- Mil-Cin-- Four of last five Cooper games went over the total.
-- Pitt-NY-- Six of last nine Eddings games went over the total.
-- Hst-Chi-- Underdog won seven of nine Guccione games.
-- SF-StL--Four of last five Dimuro games went over the total.
-- Fla-Az-- Home team won last nine Tichenorgames; under is 4-1-1 in his last six games behind the dish.
-- Colo-LA-- Underdogs are 10-2 in Hernandez games, with last three staying under the total.

-- Tex-TB-- Four of last five Meals games went over the total.
-- Clev-Tor-- Underdogs won four of last six Everitt games.
-- Minn-Det-- Six of last seven Emmel games stayed under total.
-- Chi-Bos-- Home teams won last five BWelke games.
-- LA-KC-- Three of last four Culbreth games stayed under total.
-- NY-A's-- Underdogs won six of last eight Cousins games.
-- Balt-Sea-- Home team won three of last four Muchinski games.

**Udog** · 05-31-2011, 10:40 AM

MLB

Tuesday, May 31

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

6:40 PM
TEXAS vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
Texas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Texas
Tampa Bay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Texas

7:05 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. ST. LOUIS
San Francisco is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
San Francisco is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
St. Louis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 6 of St. Louis's last 9 games when playing at home against San Francisco

7:05 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. WASHINGTON
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Philadelphia's last 25 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Washington's last 20 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

7:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. DETROIT
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing Minnesota

7:07 PM
CLEVELAND vs. TORONTO
Cleveland is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cleveland's last 9 games on the road
Toronto is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 8 games

7:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. BOSTON
Chi White Sox are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games
Chi White Sox are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games
Boston is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox

7:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. NY METS
Pittsburgh is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Pittsburgh's last 15 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
NY Mets are 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
NY Mets are 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh

7:10 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. CINCINNATI
Milwaukee is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Cincinnati is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

7:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. ATLANTA
San Diego is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games on the road
Atlanta is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Atlanta's last 16 games when playing at home against San Diego

8:05 PM
HOUSTON vs. CHI CUBS
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 8 games on the road
Houston is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games when playing Houston

8:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. KANSAS CITY
LA Angels are 11-5 SU in their last 16 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
LA Angels are 18-7 SU in their last 25 games when playing Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Kansas City's last 13 games when playing at home against LA Angels
Kansas City is 5-11 SU in their last 16 games when playing at home against LA Angels

9:40 PM
FLORIDA vs. ARIZONA
No trends available
Arizona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Arizona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

10:05 PM
NY YANKEES vs. OAKLAND
NY Yankees are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of NY Yankees's last 10 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Oakland's last 10 games when playing NY Yankees
Oakland is 1-8 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against NY Yankees

10:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. SEATTLE
Baltimore is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Baltimore is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Seattle
Seattle is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Seattle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Baltimore

10:10 PM
COLORADO vs. LA DODGERS
Colorado is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Colorado is 6-14 SU in their last 20 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing at home against Colorado
LA Dodgers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games

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

**Udog** · 05-31-2011, 10:44 AM

MLB

Tuesday, May 31

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rounding the bases: This week's MLB betting trends
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Every week, we update you on who's hot, who's not and situational betting spots in Major League Baseball.

HOT TEAM: Milwaukee Brewers

THIS SEASON: 29-24.

LAST WEEK: 5-1.

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE: At the Reds for three, at the Marlins for four.

THE SKINNY: Milwaukee received the gift every slumping offense needs last week - a series against the Nationals. The Brewers, who were eventually going to snap out of their surprising slump, scored 24 runs in three games against Washington, all wins. They carried that into a nice series vs. the Giants, in which they took two of three and entered Monday’s action just 2.5 games behind St. Louis in the NL Central. The regular names you’d expect to hear from here apply. Ryan Braun (.320 average, 12 home runs through Sunday), and Prince Fielder (11 home runs, 42 RBIs) have been good. But the Brewers also owe a ton to Rickie Weeks, who missed most of last season. Weeks has been special this season, as he finished Sunday’s action with a .288 average, nine homers and 21 RBIs. He has indeed been the catalyst that gets this offense going. As long as that trifecta of hitters continues its pace, the Brewers will be right in the mix with the Cardinals the rest of the way.

COLD TEAM: Cincinnati Reds

THIS SEASON: 27-27.

LAST WEEK: 2-5.

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE: Home to the Brewers for three, home to the Dodgers for three.

THE SKINNY: This is a tricky team to track. As you know - based on last year’s division title - they have the talent to compete all summer, but they seem to be fragile in the mental part of the game. Brandon Phillips, for instance, getting caught napping at second base last Wednesday in extra innings vs. Philadelphia. Phillips could have been the winning run, instead he was an out, and the Phillies won in 19 innings. The Reds went on to lose three more games last week and if it wasn’t for a surge from Jay Bruce, the week would have been a complete loss. Bruce ripped through the Phillies and Braves and began this week with some impressive numbers on his ledger: .285 average, 15 homers, 40 RBIs and 36 runs. It just shows you the kind of talent that is up and down Dusty Baker’s lineup. Still, it’s clear they have some mental makeup issues to solve, before they make a true run at St. Louis and Milwaukee.

OVER TEAM: Toronto Blue Jays

O/U THIS SEASON: 27-24-2.

O/U LAST WEEK: 5-2.

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE: Home to the Indians for three, at the Orioles for three.

THE SKINNY: The same deal as always applies with the Blue Jays as we near the heart of summer. They have some quality bats that are entertaining to watch, but as the dog days approach, it’s clear they won’t have the pitching to hang with the Red Sox, Yankees and Rays in the AL East. That’s not a problem for over bettors though. The Jays scored 22 runs in the final two games of a series against the White Sox last week and threw up 43 in the seven games leading up to Monday’s series opener vs. Cleveland. Jose Bautista (.350 average, 20 home runs, 36 RBIs through Sunday) has proven last year was no fluke, but don’t leave out Yunel Escobar. Left for dead by the Braves, Escobar has found a home in Toronto’s lineup and has been a bit of a catalyst. He took a .289 average into Monday, but more importantly, he scored 31 runs and posted a .363 on-base percentage. Keep in mind, the Blue Jays are doing their damage without Adam Lind, who has been on the disabled list since May 8. When he comes back, expect more overs.

UNDER TEAM: Pittsburgh Pirates

O/U THIS SEASON: 19-29-3.

O/U LAST WEEK: 1-4.

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE: At the Mets for four, home to the Phillies for three.

THE SKINNY: We won’t mess with success here, as the Pirates continue to prove their worth in under-land. Clint Hurdle deserves credit, as Pittsburgh is still flirting with the .500 mark as we hit June. the Pirates just don’t have enough offense to consider them as anything but an under buy moving forward. On Monday, Hurdle put Ryan Doumit’s efficiency (15 RBIs in just 93 at-bats) and Steve Pearce’s consistency (.291 average in just 55 at-bats) on the disabled list, and had to call up minor leaguers to fill in. Not good news for Pirates fans but great news for under bettors. Pittsburgh had scored four or fewer runs in five of six games headed into Monday’s series opener at New York. Included in that run was two shutouts. Hard to see that changing anytime soon. Plus, the pitching staff posted a 3.47 team ERA through Sunday, so the hurlers are doing more than their share, as well.

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

**Udog** · 05-31-2011, 10:46 AM

MLB

Tuesday, May 31

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MLB money arms: Best and worst pitching bets this week
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Welcome to another edition of ‘Money Arms’, a bi-weekly look around the majors at starting pitchers that are hot, and those that are not.

I’ll try to avoid isolating perennial Cy Young candidates such as Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay. Those pricey pitchers rarely boast value when you’re backing them, and let’s face it, fading them is rarely a good idea.

Here’s a look at this week’s list.

Moneymakers

Alexi Ogando, Texas Rangers

Ogando has had only two bad starts in his first season as a major league starting pitcher, and one of those came in his most recent outing.

Even though he allowed five earned runs over six innings against the Royals on Friday, Ogando didn’t actually pitch all that poorly. He recorded four strikeouts compared to one walk, and gave up only seven hits.

In five May starts, Ogando was tagged for only 26 hits and nine earned runs in 34 1/3 innings of work. He also recorded a strong 26:7 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The Rangers have won each of his last four trips to the hill.

The second part of this equation is the team itself. Texas is getting back to full strength, having welcomed both Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz back to the lineup in the past week. They appear poised to go on a run, and Ogando should be a big part of their success.

Ian Kennedy, Arizona Diamondbacks

The D’Backs are red hot at the moment, and their best starter to date has been Ian Kennedy. He continues to fly well beneath the radar, despite posting a 6-1 record and 3.01 ERA.

Kennedy has allowed two earned runs or fewer in four of his last five outings, giving up only 27 hits and eight earned runs over 35 2/3 innings of work.

If you’re an Arizona pitcher, you have to be able to keep the ball in the yard, as Chase Field can be a launching pad at times. Kennedy has been excellent in that regard, allowing only five home runs in 74 2/3 innings pitched this season.

I don’t believe that Arizona’s recent surge has been a fluke. This is a team playing excellent baseball in all aspects of the game right now, and I’m confident we’ll see them continue to push forward. Look for opportunities to back Kennedy as an underdog or short favorite in the next couple of weeks.

Bankroll Burners

Brian Duensing, Minnesota Twins

You would be hard-pressed to find a Twins pitcher worth backing these days, and Brian Duensing certainly doesn’t fall into that category.

The Twins have lost each of Duensing’s last five starts, by a combined 37-12 margin. Even when he does manage to hold the opposition in check, as he did against the Mariners last time out, there’s no guarantee the Twins bats can give him enough support to earn a victory.

Duensing has allowed 33 hits and 20 earned runs over his last 27 innings of work. He’s posted a mediocre 20:13 strikeout-to-walk ratio over that stretch, and has been tagged for a home run in each of his last three outings.

It seems like an eternity ago that Duensing started the season 2-0, with the Twins winning each of his first four starts. Minnesota has fallen on hard times since, and I don’t see things improving in the near future.

Keep an eye out for opportunities to fade the Twins left-hander in the favorite role in the coming weeks.

Matt Cain, San Francisco Giants

The injury-ravaged Giants are reeling right now, and Matt Cain isn’t doing them any favors.

Cain has been rocked in his last two starts, allowing 17 hits and nine earned runs over 12 innings. He’s been laboring for an extended period, having posted just one victory since April 20th.

We’re still able to find considerable value fading Cain for a couple of reasons.

Most still consider him to be an elite pitcher in the National League, and while that may be the case, he’s not in solid form right now.

The Giants are struggling, and will continue to do so until they get healthy, or get into a groove at the plate, but they’re still the defending World Series champs. For the time being, they’ll continue to be priced accordingly.

We’ll look to fade Cain on the road, where his ERA stands north of 4.00, and opponents are hitting .262 against him this season.

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

**Udog** · 05-31-2011, 10:48 AM

MLB

Tuesday, May 31

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hot lines: Tuesday's best MLB bets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

San Diego Padres at Atlanta Braves (-120, 7)

Kyle Phillips picked a great time to crank the first jack of his MLB career, taking a George Sherrill offering deep in the 10th inning to give the San Diego Padres a 3-2 win over the Atlanta Braves.

The victory was San Diego’s third win four games into the club’s current road trip and the team has now won six of its last eight road games.

“I think we’ve got a pretty good thing starting to go,” right fielder Chris Denorfia told reporters recently. “We got off to a rough start offensively, but our pitching’s always going to be something we can fall back on that will keep us in a lot of games.”

The Padres had better hope that continues because they’ve managed to push across five runs in a game just once in the last two weeks. Still, you can get some solid value betting Mat Latos against Mike Minor.

We’ll ride the Padres’ momentum.

Pick: Padres

Philadelphia Phillies at Washington Nationals (+165, 7)

As good as Philadelphia’s starting rotation is, the club’s bettors can’t count on lights-out pitching every day.

Roy Halladay gave up three home runs on Monday, but Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez provided some major offensive support to help Philly to a 5-4 win over Washington.

"This is hitting season," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel told reporters. "It's hot, it's warm, they're swinging. Teams get up for Roy, which is good. He likes that. That's part of competing, and part of who he is. ... Some days you're going to get hit, and he passed the test pretty good today."

Howard and Ibanez hit back-to-back home runs in the third inning and Howard now has at least a hit in eight of the last nine games, raising his average to .252 with 12 home runs and 42 RBIs.

Philadelphia’s bats should be able to rake a bit against Jason Marquis, but at this price we’ll stick with the over.

Pick: Over

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

**Udog** · 05-31-2011, 11:14 AM

MLB
Short Sheet

Tuesday, May 31

National League

PHILADELPHIA at WASHINGTON, 7:05 PM ET
LEE: PHILADELPHIA 101-59 against the money line in night games
MARQUIS: WASHINGTON 17-46 after 2 straight one run losses

SAN DIEGO at ATLANTA, 7:10 PM ET
LATOS: SAN DIEGO 18-10 as a road underdog of +100 to +125
MINOR: ATLANTA 6-12 after 2 or more consecutive unders

MILWAUKEE at CINCINNATI, 7:10 PM ET
GREINKE: MILWAUKEE 19-33 on the road when the money line is +125 to -125
REINEKE: CINCINNATI 10-1 at home when the money line is +125 to -125

PITTSBURGH at NY METS, 7:10 PM ET
MCDONALD: PITTSBURGH 13-33 against NL East opponents
DICKEY: NY METS 60-49 when the money line is +125 to -125

HOUSTON at CHICAGO CUBS, 8:05 PM ET
LYLES: HOUSTON 4-15 after a win
ZAMBRANO: 21-7 TSR against division opponents

SAN FRANCISCO at ST LOUIS, 7:05 PM ET
VOGELSONG: SAN FRANCISCO 56-35 line when the total is 7 or less
CARPENTER: 0-5 TSR as a favorite of -150 or more

FLORIDA at ARIZONA, 9:40 PM ET
SANCHEZ: FLORIDA 16-10 in road games
KENNEDY: ARIZONA 70-101 when the money line is +125 to -125

COLORADO at LA DODGERS, 10:10 PM ET
MORTENSEN: COLORADO 23-14 OVER when the total is 7 to 8.5
LILLY: LILLY 15-5 UNDER against division opponents

American League

TEXAS at TAMPA BAY, 6:40 PM ET
WILSON: 24-7 TSR as a favorite of -110 or higher
COBB: TAMPA BAY 26-15 OVER as an underdog of +100 to +150

CLEVELAND at TORONTO, 7:07 PM ET
TALBOT: CLEVELAND 6-21 after allowing 7 runs or more 2 straight games
MORROW: TORONTO 19-12 when the total is 7 to 8.5

MINNESOTA at DETROIT, 7:05 PM ET
DUENSING: MINNESOTA 10-24 after a loss
SCHERZER: DETROIT 43-19 in home games after a win

CHI WHITE SOX at BOSTON, 7:10 PM ET
HUMBER: CHI WHITE SOX 44-31 OVER after having lost 2 of their last 3 games
ACEVES: BOSTON 50-36 OVER at home when the total is 8.5 to 10

LA ANGELS at KANSAS CITY, 8:10 PM ET
PINEIRO: LA ANGELS 30-15 on the road with a money line of -100 to -125
FRANCIS: KANSAS CITY 4-17 after allowing 10 runs or more

NY YANKEES at OAKLAND, 10:05 PM ET
GARCIA: 21-11 TSR as a road underdog of +100 to +125
ANDERSON: OAKLAND 17-24 against right-handed starters

BALTIMORE at SEATTLE, 10:10 PM ET
GUTHRIE: BALTIMORE 8-18 after a loss
BEDARD: SEATTLE 20-9 when the total is 7 or less

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 05-31-2011, 11:23 AM

NHL
Dunkel

Boston at Vancouver

The Bruins look to open up the series and build on their 4-1 record in their last 5 games in Vancouver. Boston is the pick (+170) according to Dunkel, which has the Bruins favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Boston (+170). Here are all of today's picks.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1

Game 1-2: Boston at Vancouver (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 13.155; Vancouver 12.322
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-200); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (+170); Over

NHL
Long Sheet

Wednesday, June 1

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

BOSTON (58-31-0-11, 127 pts.) at VANCOUVER (66-23-0-11, 143 pts.) - 6/1/2011, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 66-34 ATS (+19.5 Units) in all games this season.
VANCOUVER is 42-19 ATS (+4.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
VANCOUVER is 30-13 ATS (+11.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
VANCOUVER is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest this season.
VANCOUVER is 13-4 ATS (+13.0 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent this season.
VANCOUVER is 53-26 ATS (+21.6 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 124-111 ATS (+248.0 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
BOSTON is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games when playing with 3 or more days rest this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 2-1 (+1.8 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 2-1-0 straight up against VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.0 Units)

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

NHL

Wednesday, June 1

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

8:00 PM
BOSTON vs. VANCOUVER
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Vancouver
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games when playing Vancouver
Vancouver is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Vancouver's last 14 games at home

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

NHL

Wednesday, June 1

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stanley Cup Final series preview and pick
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No. 1 (West) Vancouver Canucks vs. No. 3 (East) Boston Bruins

SERIES PRICE: Vancouver -225, Boston +201

SEASON SERIES: Boston won the only meeting with Vancouver, 3-1, as a +134 road underdog on February 26.

OFFENSE

Now that the Sedin twins, Henrik and Daniel, are awake and fully engaged in the playoffs, there is little doubt that the Canucks have an edge in firepower with one big caveat. Make that one giant caveat in the form of hulking Boston defenseman Zdeno Chara, who plays havoc with skill players, especially Europeans.

Remember when the Sedins struggled mightily against Nashville’s Shea Weber and Ryan Suter in the second round? That’s old news for Canucks supporters. However, as the pair combined for 18 points against the Sharks in the Western final and the Canucks will need more of that against the Bruins. Center Ryan Kesler has been a stud throughout and leads the team with 18 points (fourth overall in the playoffs), including 14 points in his previous 11 games.

The Canucks have been getting contributions from all four lines and may have the added benefit of Manny Malhotra’s return later in the series.

The Bruins had a couple of breakout games offensively in the Eastern Conference final, most notably with big efforts from Nathan Horton, David Krejci and the one-game breakthrough by rookie Tyler Seguin. The problem with the Bruins is that their scoring has been mainly limited to that one line.

EDGE: Canucks

DEFENSE

The Bruins pride themselves on their defense - a point of emphasis in head coach Claude Julien’s philosophy. With Chara as the anchor, the B’s have the potential to be a shutdown unit but have lacked the consistency during the playoffs. While there have been some good efforts, like the 1-0 series clincher against Tampa Bay, on too many nights goaltender Tim Thomas has had to make up for some of the sloppiness in front of him.

While Chara is a legitimate Norris Trophy finalist, he could use some help beyond his partner, Dennis Seidenberg. That pairing did an excellent job in quieting Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis in the previous series but will face an even stouter test this time from the varied Canucks attack.

The Vancouver defense is known for two things: Its ability to help out the offence and its depth. That depth will get a nice boost with the return of Christain Ehrhoff, who was injured early in the Western final.

EDGE: Bruins

SPECIAL TEAMS

This is perhaps the greatest mismatch NHL bettors have seen in these playoffs. You can argue quite forcefully that the Canucks’ power play was the key to their win over San Jose in the Western Conference final. With Kessler and the twins, and a back end not afraid to jump into the play, they are a threat

The Bruins, meanwhile, have been horrid with the extra man.

The acquisition of defenseman Tomas Kaberle at the trade deadline to help boost the power play has been a disaster. The Bruins connected on just 5 of 61 attempts in the postseason for a shameful 8.2 success rate - more than 20 points lower than the Canucks, who were 17 for 60 (28.3 percent).

On the kill, the teams are virtually equal: 80.6 for the Canucks, 79.4 for the Bruins.

EDGE: Canucks

GOALTENDING

What more can you ask for than a matchup of Vezina Trophy finalists?

For Boston, Tim Thomas has been spectacular at times, erratic at others but has established himself as a truly elite netminder. Thomas had a league-best 2.00 goals against average in the regular season and a monster .938 save percentage. Luongo, on the other hand, had more wins than any other netminder with 38 and put up a 2.11 GAA - the best in his career.

In the playoffs, there hasn’t been much to choose between either as both advance to the final with a 2.29 GAA and both have a pair of shutouts. While Thomas has been spectacular at times, Luongo seems to have settled into a consistent playoff performer, which was the biggest knock on him in the past. He outplayed the Sharks Antti Niemi dramatically in the last round, which will help his confidence.

EDGE: Even

It’s a Stanley Cup Final that has a little bit of everything. In the Bruins, we have an Original Six franchise that hasn’t won the Cup since 1972.

The Canucks, who have never won since joining the league in 1970, are attempting to become the first Canadian-based team to hoist the Cup since the Montreal Canadiens in 1993.

Each team struggled early in the postseason: Vancouver against the defending champion Chicago Blackhawks and Boston against the Canadiens. But, they are both deserving conference champions.

As the best team in the regular season and with a deeper, more consistent roster, the Canucks are favorites and will provide the toughest test yet for the Bruins.

PICK: Canucks in seven

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

Announcement

Tuesday's Trends and Indexes - 5/31 (NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

Tuesday's Trends and Indexes - 5/31 (NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment