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**Udog** · 06-12-2011, 09:36 AM

Sunday's betting tips: LBJ not getting to foul line

Weather to watch

Cleveland Indians at New York Yankees – The forecast calls for a 40 to 50 percent chance of scattered thunderstorms, with temperatures in the high 70s.

Who’s hot

NBA: The road team is 12-3-2 ATS in the last 17 Dallas-Miami meetings.

MLB: The Red Sox are 8-2 in Jon Lester’s last 10 starts.

MLB: The Over is 8-2 in St. Louis pitcher Jake Westbrook’s last eight road starts.

Who’s not

NBA: The Under is 1-7-1 in Miami’s last nine games as a favorite.

MLB: The Rays have lost Wade Davis’ last five starts.

MLB: The Over is 2-9 in White Sox pitcher Phil Humber’s last 11 starts.

Key stat

16 – That’s how many free throws LeBron James has attempted in the NBA Finals, a steep drop from the previous two playoff series. LBJ went to the line 44 times in the five-game win over Chicago, 42 times in the five-game win over Boston. Whether he’s not being aggressive or just not getting the calls, James’ inability to get to the line is a big reason why Miami trails 3-2 heading into Game 6 Sunday night.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Giants second baseman Freddy Sanchez dislocated his shoulder making a backhand grab Friday night, becoming the fifth member of San Francisco’s Opening Day lineup to go on the DL. The team signed free agent infielder Bill Hall, who was released by Houston earlier this year. Sanchez is a solid all-around performer who was hitting .289 with three homers and 24 RBIs.

Game of the day

Dallas Mavericks at Miami Heat (-5.5, 187)

Notable quotable

“I’ll be totally fine with it.” – Miami guard Dwyane Wade on the status of his bruised hip for Game 6 of the NBA Finals Sunday night. Wade, who suffered the injury in Game 5, was held out of most of Saturday’s light practice as a precaution. Wade walked without a noticeable limp and will keep getting treatment leading up to the game.

Notes and tips

Umpire Greg Gibson will be behind the plate Sunday when the Royals visit the Angels. The Under is an impressive 34-12-6 in his last 52 games behind home plate, and 4-0-3 in his last seven games involving the Halos. Get all the umpire stats on Covers.com’s Umpires page.

The Houston Astros could move to the American League under a realignment plan floated during recent MLB labor talks, according to reports. The National League currently has 16 teams, the American League 14. Moving the Astros would help build a rivalry with the Texas Rangers, two executives told ESPN The Magazine’s Buster Posey.

The last 21 times the Stanley Cup Finals were tied going to Game 5, the winner went on to win the series 15 times. That bodes well for Vancouver, which leads the finals 3-2 heading into Monday’s Game 6 in Boston. However, three of those six exceptions occurred in the last decade. Pittsburgh (2009), Tampa Bay (2004) and Colorado (2001) all bounced back from Game 5 losses to hoist the Cup. The Bruins are favored Monday at -135, with the total set at 5.

**Udog** · 06-12-2011, 09:40 AM

Sunday's six-pack

-- Did you read DDLohaus' Belmont predictions on this site Saturday? He gave you two key horses, and one of them came in at 24-1, which is great handicapping!!!! Freakin' horse paid $51 to win.......

-- For second Saturday night in a row, Pirates had an overflow crowd of 39,273; good to see the fans appreciate the Bucs' improved play.

-- Matt Holliday's brother Josh is the hitting coach at Vanderbilt, which is still alive in the NCAA baseball tournament.

-- Someone has to explain to me why the Orioles pitched to Longoria in the 11th inning, with a guy on 3rd and one out. he already had two hits in the game. Was happy they let him it, but it was a bad decision, even though Kotchman has been hot hitting behind him.

-- Washington Nationals scored only 10 runs in their last five games, but are 3-2 in those games, with all three wins by 2-1 scores.

-- Former Arizona guard MoMo Jones transferred to Iona; he should be a major force in the MAAC starting in 2012-13.

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

Sunday's List of 13: Random weekend stuff...........

13) Someone needs to tell the NHL that it’ll never be considered a major league again until all of its Stanley Cup Finals games are on national TV. Versus isn’t national TV; I don’t know of any hotels that carry Versus, so people who are travelling (media members who can promote the league for free) don’t get to see the games. Having Games 3-4 on Versus was stupid. This is why they need at least a minimal presence on ESPN, so this never happens again.

12) Louisville’s basketball program is so deep with talent, their leading returning scorer gave up his scholarship for next season; of course, it helps that the kid’s father is a brain surgeon, so not like he’s under any financial hardship, but still, the Cardinals are loaded.

11) In 1968, a 32-year old Bob Gibson made 34 starts for the Cardinals and threw 13 shutouts; somehow, his record was only 22-9. How does a guy with a 1.12 ERA lose nine games?

10) If I hear one more nitwit on TV talk about parity in baseball, I'll lose my freakin' lunch. Red Sox are averaging 8.6 runs/game during their 8-game winning streak, and are 36-16 since starting season 2-10. If they keep up at this pace, they'll win 104 games.

9) I say this a few times a year, but the most exciting play in baseball is when an outfielder reaches over the fence to rob a hitter of a HR, unless it was Gabe Kapler robbing Russell Martin in 2008, which cost me a title in fantasy baseball, not that I'm bitter about it.

Anyway, more fences in big league parks need to be nine feet high, so we can see more of these exciting plays.

8) Tony LaRussa managed his 5,000th major league game Friday night; only Connie Mack (7,755) has managed more and he owned the ballclub. Only Mack (3,731) and John McGraw (2,763) have won more games than LaRussa (2,676).

7) Local TV sportscasters acted like world had ended when announcing Joba Chamberlain’s arm surgery this week. The guy isn’t a starter, isn’t a closer and when Soriano was healthy, he wasn’t even their main setup guy. He’s got a catchy name; other than that, he’s very overrated.

6) Why would the A's draft Bob Geren's son a day before they fired him? Kid was going to Princeton either way; why waste a draft pick?

5) When the Miami Heat traded for Mike Bibby, he took a lot of Eddie House’s playing time, which has to be at least a little awkward, since the two are brothers-in-law.

4) Texas Rangers fired hitting coach Thad Bosley after ten weeks; doesn’t seem like a lot of time, especially for a team in first place. Somebody didn’t do their homework when they hired the guy, since the players went to management to get Bosley ousted.

3) The NHL stands to gain if NBA lockout cancels the 2011-12 season; look at my situation. I always buy the NBA Full Court package, but if there’s no season, I’m a lot more likely to buy the Center Ice package with that money. No way will I buy the NHL package if the NBA has a full season. You wonder how many other people feel the same way.

2) What exactly are employees of the NFL Network going to do if the NFL lockout continues into the fall? I’m guessing none of those people are wealthy, and they’ll be taking a serious financial hit because people who are rich can’t/won’t figure out how to divvy up $9B. Pathetic.

1) I’m 100% serious when I say that Terrelle Pryor could really use one year playing in the Arena League; the fast nature of the game promotes quick decision-making and tight quarters promote accurate passing. Plus, a QB can’t tuck it and run in Arenaball, so you have to commit to being a passer. It really would help him. (see Warner, Kurt)

**Udog** · 06-12-2011, 11:11 AM

Guys,

It's a major struggle getting this stuff gathered and posted this morning. I'm trying hard but keep losing the connection. I'm about to make the fifth attempt to get it done. If this one fails, there will be no trends today.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-12-2011, 11:26 AM

Pro Baseball Trend Report
ARIZONA (35 - 30) at FLORIDA (32 - 31) - 1:10 PM
DANIEL HUDSON (R) vs. BRAD HAND (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 41-70 (-27.7 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 44-71 (-28.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 70-99 (-30.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 35-30 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 35-30 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 17-9 (+10.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
FLORIDA is 27-35 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 28-41 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 6-21 (-14.4 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 55-60 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 55-60 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 70-90 (-20.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 3-2 (+0.7 Units) against FLORIDA this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.1 Units)

DANIEL HUDSON vs. FLORIDA since 1997
HUDSON is 0-0 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 5.14 and a WHIP of 1.429.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

BRAD HAND vs. ARIZONA since 1997
No recent starts.

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NY METS (31 - 33) at PITTSBURGH (31 - 32) - 1:35 PM
CHRIS CAPUANO (L) vs. KEVIN CORREIA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 38-29 (+16.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 32-23 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
CORREIA is 9-4 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 8-1 (+9.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 9-4 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 68-121 (-40.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 3-3 (-0.0 Units) against NY METS this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

CHRIS CAPUANO vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
CAPUANO is 3-7 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 6.66 and a WHIP of 1.655.
His team's record is 6-8 (-4.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-6. (+0.9 units)

KEVIN CORREIA vs. NY METS since 1997
CORREIA is 2-2 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.19 and a WHIP of 1.258.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.1 units)

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ATLANTA (37 - 28) at HOUSTON (24 - 41) - 2:05 PM
TOMMY HANSON (R) vs. BRETT MYERS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 13-32 (-15.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 22-40 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 4-0 (+4.0 Units) against HOUSTON this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

TOMMY HANSON vs. HOUSTON since 1997
HANSON is 2-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 0.90 and a WHIP of 0.567.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.3 units)

BRETT MYERS vs. ATLANTA since 1997
MYERS is 4-9 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 4.39 and a WHIP of 1.323.
His team's record is 9-14 (-9.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-9. (+0.0 units)

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ST LOUIS (38 - 28) at MILWAUKEE (37 - 28) - 2:10 PM
JAKE WESTBROOK (R) vs. SHAUN MARCUM (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 121-103 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 13-25 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 54-63 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 55-51 (-23.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 19-7 (+13.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 25-7 (+13.6 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 24-9 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 24-9 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 19-9 (+10.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MILWAUKEE is 57-75 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 3-2 (+1.2 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)

JAKE WESTBROOK vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
WESTBROOK is 0-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

SHAUN MARCUM vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
No recent starts.

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LA DODGERS (30 - 36) at COLORADO (31 - 33) - 3:10 PM
RUBBY DE LA ROSA (R) vs. UBALDO JIMENEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 15-23 (-9.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LA DODGERS are 112-118 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 64-68 (-25.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 112-118 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 19-28 (-10.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
COLORADO is 46-52 (-26.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 31-33 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 0-5 (-9.5 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -175 to -200 this season.
COLORADO is 86-93 (-27.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 31-33 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 19-24 (-13.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
JIMENEZ is 2-9 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
JIMENEZ is 2-9 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 5-3 (+1.6 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.0 Units)

RUBBY DE LA ROSA vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

UBALDO JIMENEZ vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
JIMENEZ is 7-6 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.64 and a WHIP of 1.392.
His team's record is 8-8 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-4. (+6.9 units)

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CINCINNATI (34 - 32) at SAN FRANCISCO (36 - 29) - 4:05 PM
EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R) vs. JONATHAN SANCHEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 62-40 (+20.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 139-104 (+26.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 124-75 (+30.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 138-102 (+27.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 163-132 (+24.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 126-106 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 272-283 (+53.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 126-106 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 543-624 (+52.1 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
VOLQUEZ is 23-12 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 2-1 (+1.4 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
VOLQUEZ is 2-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 8.31 and a WHIP of 2.077.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

JONATHAN SANCHEZ vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
SANCHEZ is 2-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.91 and a WHIP of 1.217.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (+0.0 units)

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WASHINGTON (29 - 36) at SAN DIEGO (29 - 37) - 4:05 PM
JORDAN ZIMMERMANN (R) vs. TIM STAUFFER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 6-23 (-16.2 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 119-110 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 16-8 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 60-49 (+13.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 14-25 (-12.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 14-25 (-12.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less this season.
SAN DIEGO is 14-25 (-12.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN DIEGO is 9-21 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 3-3 (-0.2 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.7 Units)

JORDAN ZIMMERMANN vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
ZIMMERMANN is 0-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

TIM STAUFFER vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
STAUFFER is 2-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 2.45 and a WHIP of 1.431.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (25 - 38) at PHILADELPHIA (39 - 26) - TBA
DOUG DAVIS (L) vs. ROY OSWALT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 25-38 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 17-30 (-13.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 25-38 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 19-2 (+15.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -200 to -225 over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 6-12 (-10.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 2-1 (+0.6 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

DOUG DAVIS vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
DAVIS is 2-2 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.71 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 4-4 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-5. (-2.6 units)

ROY OSWALT vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
OSWALT is 13-13 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.257.
His team's record is 14-17 (-8.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 14-17. (-5.2 units)

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SEATTLE (33 - 32) at DETROIT (35 - 29) - 1:05 PM
FELIX HERNANDEZ (R) vs. RICK PORCELLO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 23-45 (-24.3 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 92-126 (-32.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 49-83 (-31.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 95-132 (-33.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 71-42 (+19.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 53-27 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 71-42 (+19.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 45-20 (+19.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 60-37 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 28-20 (+10.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HERNANDEZ is 30-13 (+15.6 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
SEATTLE is 5-4 (+2.0 Units) against DETROIT this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)

FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. DETROIT since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 7-2 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 2.71 and a WHIP of 1.143.
His team's record is 7-3 (+3.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-4. (+0.9 units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. SEATTLE since 1997
PORCELLO is 3-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 2.96 and a WHIP of 1.027.
His team's record is 4-0 (+4.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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CLEVELAND (34 - 28) at NY YANKEES (35 - 27) - 1:05 PM
JOSH TOMLIN (R) vs. FREDDY GARCIA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 16-3 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
GARCIA is 23-15 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 34-28 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 31-25 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 25-19 (+7.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NY YANKEES are 10-16 (-11.9 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

JOSH TOMLIN vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
TOMLIN is 1-0 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.429.
His team's record is 1-0 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

FREDDY GARCIA vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
GARCIA is 7-7 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.14 and a WHIP of 1.417.
His team's record is 12-9 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-11. (-4.2 units)

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BOSTON (38 - 26) at TORONTO (32 - 33) - 1:07 PM
JON LESTER (L) vs. KYLE DRABEK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 54-54 (-17.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 12-15 (-11.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
TORONTO is 294-206 (+54.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
TORONTO is 58-51 (+12.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 16-6 (+11.8 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 58-56 (+11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 117-111 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 55-42 (+19.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 58-51 (+27.7 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +125 to +150 since 1997.
DRABEK is 7-1 (+7.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 27-11 (+12.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
LESTER is 11-1 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 5-3 (+0.5 Units) against TORONTO this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)

JON LESTER vs. TORONTO since 1997
LESTER is 8-4 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.59 and a WHIP of 1.273.
His team's record is 9-6 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-7. (-0.5 units)

KYLE DRABEK vs. BOSTON since 1997
DRABEK is 0-0 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 7.20 and a WHIP of 2.200.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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TAMPA BAY (34 - 30) at BALTIMORE (30 - 32) - 1:35 PM
WADE DAVIS (R) vs. BRIAN MATUSZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MATUSZ is 24-19 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MATUSZ is 21-16 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MATUSZ is 17-12 (+15.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 39-23 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 23-9 (+14.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 69-48 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 30-18 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 62-41 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 265-337 (-97.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 7-19 (-11.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BALTIMORE is 122-122 (-45.5 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 201-280 (-84.3 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 6-5 (+3.2 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.5 Units)

WADE DAVIS vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
DAVIS is 4-3 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.46 and a WHIP of 1.327.
His team's record is 4-4 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-7. (-6.2 units)

BRIAN MATUSZ vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
MATUSZ is 3-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.71 and a WHIP of 1.291.
His team's record is 3-2 (+3.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+1.0 units)

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OAKLAND (28 - 38) at CHI WHITE SOX (32 - 35) - 2:10 PM
GUILLERMO MOSCOSO (R) vs. PHILIP HUMBER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 27-36 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 18-30 (-15.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 28-38 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 48-32 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 24-32 (-15.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 5-4 (+0.9 Units) against OAKLAND this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

GUILLERMO MOSCOSO vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.

PHILIP HUMBER vs. OAKLAND since 1997
HUMBER is 1-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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TEXAS (36 - 30) at MINNESOTA (25 - 39) - 2:10 PM
MATT HARRISON (L) vs. FRANCISCO LIRIANO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 10-20 (-12.9 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
LIRIANO is 6-14 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 2-1 (+1.5 Units) against TEXAS this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

MATT HARRISON vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
HARRISON is 0-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 14.40 and a WHIP of 2.400.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

FRANCISCO LIRIANO vs. TEXAS since 1997
LIRIANO is 2-1 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.364.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

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KANSAS CITY (28 - 37) at LA ANGELS (31 - 35) - 3:35 PM
VIN MAZZARO (R) vs. TYLER CHATWOOD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 77-45 (+33.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 27-34 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 5-11 (-9.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a win this season.
LA ANGELS are 58-57 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 6-3 (+4.0 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

VIN MAZZARO vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
MAZZARO is 1-2 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 5.92 and a WHIP of 1.685.
His team's record is 2-3 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-4. (-3.7 units)

TYLER CHATWOOD vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
CHATWOOD is 0-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.913.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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**Udog** · 06-12-2011, 11:27 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Dallas at Miami
The Heat look to stay alive in the series and build on their 5-0 ATS record in their last 5 home games as a favorite from 5 to 10 1/2 points. Miami is the pick (-5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Heat favored by 7 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Miami (-5 1/2). Here are all of today's picks

SUNDAY, JUNE 12

Game 711-712: Dallas at Miami (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 125.057; Miami 132.641
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 7 1/2; 191
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 5 1/2; 187
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-5 1/2); Over

NBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, June 12

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

DALLAS (72 - 30) at MIAMI (72 - 30) - 6/12/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 60-40 ATS (+16.0 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) as an underdog this season.
DALLAS is 33-17 ATS (+14.3 Units) in road games this season.
DALLAS is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in road games after a non-conference game this season.
DALLAS is 16-4 ATS (+11.6 Units) in all playoff games this season.
DALLAS is 40-20 ATS (+18.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DALLAS is 27-12 ATS (+13.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
DALLAS is 37-23 ATS (+11.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
DALLAS is 24-14 ATS (+8.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
MIAMI is 11-25 ATS (-16.5 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 185 and 189.5 points over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in home games when playing with 2 days rest this season.
MIAMI is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in home games after a non-conference game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 7-4 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 9-2 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NBA
Short Sheet

Sunday, June 12

NBA Finals - Game 6 - DAL 3-2
DALLAS at MIAMI, 8:05 PM ET ABC
DALLAS: 7-0 ATS Away if home favorite each of L3 games
MIAMI: 0-7 ATS at home playing w/ 2 days rest

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

NBA
Write-Up

Sunday, June 12

Miami-Dallas both shot over 52% in Game 5, first game to go over total. Now Mavericks can win first NBA title with win here; key for them has been for bench to minimize damage when they're in game. Dallas bench was -15/-23 in Miami's two series wins. Mavs made ridiculous 13-19 on arc last game; their bench was 11-16 from floor, difficult numbers to do again. James has taken total of only 14 foul shots in five games, as Mav defense has stressed keeping him on perimeter at expense of giving Bosh (15-31 last two games) good looks on jumpers. Immense pressure on Miami; they lost last home game, their first loss in last nine home tilts. Am guessing Wade's hip is good to go.

NBA

Sunday, June 12

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

8:00 PM
DALLAS vs. MIAMI
Dallas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Miami
Dallas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Miami is 1-6-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Dallas
Miami is 2-13 SU in its last 15 games when playing Dallas

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NBA

Sunday, June 12

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mavericks at Heat Game 6: What bettors need to know
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dallas Mavericks at Miami Heat (-5.5, 187)

Dallas leads series 3-2

THE STORY: LeBron James called Game 5 of the NBA Finals the biggest of his career. His performance would suggest otherwise. James had another dismal fourth quarter, and now his Miami Heat are on the brink of losing the NBA title as they host Game 6 of the best-of-seven series against the surging Dallas Mavericks Sunday night.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ABC, TSN

ABOUT THE HEAT: With superstar teammate Dwyane Wade hobbled by a hip contusion suffered in the first quarter, James was saddled with the responsibility of carrying Miami to the Game 5 win. But the former league MVP couldn't hit shots down the stretch, finishing with two points in the fourth quarter after being held scoreless in the final period in Game 4. He had his first career playoff triple-double in the defeat (17 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) but those stats masked another sub-par effort from James, who will need to be better if Miami hopes to extend the series to a seventh game. Wade had a team-high 23 points but predictably struggled with his mobility.

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS: When Dallas is making 3-pointers the way it did in Game 5, there are few teams in the league that can compete. The Mavericks used a long-range barrage to get just one win away from a championship, hitting 13 of 19 3-point attempts on the way to a nine-point win and a series high in points scored. Dirk Nowitzki, no longer feeling the effects of an illness that plagued him, had 29 points in 9-for-18 shooting while Jason Terry added 21 points in a reserve role. The Mavericks allowed Miami to shoot 53 percent from the floor but forced 16 turnovers.

GAME 6 HISTORY: Going back to the 1993-94 season, teams down 3-2 heading into Game 6 of the NBA Finals are just 3-7 SU with a 4-6 record against the spread in those games.

WHO'S HOT/WHO'S NOT: Wade has shot 50 percent or better in each of the last four games, and was just a shade below that mark in Game 1. Mavericks G J.J. Barea finally had the breakout game Dallas fans were waiting for, scoring 17 points after managing just 21 in the first four games of the series.

KEY STATISTIC: 14 - James' scoring average in the three games in Dallas. He averaged 26.7 points in the regular season and is at nearly 24 points per game in the postseason, even with his struggles in Texas.

TRENDS:

* Mavericks are 12-3-1 ATS in the last 16 meetings in Miami.
* Over is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings in Miami.
* Under is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings.
* Road team is 12-3-2 ATS in the last 17 meetings.

LAST WORD: "Nothing we achieved this year has been easy, so it's no time to start now." - Heat head coach Eric Spoelstra.

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

NBA
Write-Up

Sunday, June 12

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mavericks at Heat Game 6: What bettors need to know
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dallas Mavericks at Miami Heat (-5.5, 187)

Dallas leads series 3-2

THE STORY: LeBron James called Game 5 of the NBA Finals the biggest of his career. His performance would suggest otherwise. James had another dismal fourth quarter, and now his Miami Heat are on the brink of losing the NBA title as they host Game 6 of the best-of-seven series against the surging Dallas Mavericks Sunday night.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ABC, TSN

ABOUT THE HEAT: With superstar teammate Dwyane Wade hobbled by a hip contusion suffered in the first quarter, James was saddled with the responsibility of carrying Miami to the Game 5 win. But the former league MVP couldn't hit shots down the stretch, finishing with two points in the fourth quarter after being held scoreless in the final period in Game 4. He had his first career playoff triple-double in the defeat (17 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) but those stats masked another sub-par effort from James, who will need to be better if Miami hopes to extend the series to a seventh game. Wade had a team-high 23 points but predictably struggled with his mobility.

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS: When Dallas is making 3-pointers the way it did in Game 5, there are few teams in the league that can compete. The Mavericks used a long-range barrage to get just one win away from a championship, hitting 13 of 19 3-point attempts on the way to a nine-point win and a series high in points scored. Dirk Nowitzki, no longer feeling the effects of an illness that plagued him, had 29 points in 9-for-18 shooting while Jason Terry added 21 points in a reserve role. The Mavericks allowed Miami to shoot 53 percent from the floor but forced 16 turnovers.

GAME 6 HISTORY: Going back to the 1993-94 season, teams down 3-2 heading into Game 6 of the NBA Finals are just 3-7 SU with a 4-6 record against the spread in those games.

WHO'S HOT/WHO'S NOT: Wade has shot 50 percent or better in each of the last four games, and was just a shade below that mark in Game 1. Mavericks G J.J. Barea finally had the breakout game Dallas fans were waiting for, scoring 17 points after managing just 21 in the first four games of the series.

KEY STATISTIC: 14 - James' scoring average in the three games in Dallas. He averaged 26.7 points in the regular season and is at nearly 24 points per game in the postseason, even with his struggles in Texas.

TRENDS:

* Mavericks are 12-3-1 ATS in the last 16 meetings in Miami.
* Over is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings in Miami.
* Under is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings.
* Road team is 12-3-2 ATS in the last 17 meetings.

LAST WORD: "Nothing we achieved this year has been easy, so it's no time to start now." - Heat head coach Eric Spoelstra.

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**StarDust Bum** · 06-12-2011, 11:28 AM

Sunday Night Baseball: Reds at Giants

Cincinnati Reds at San Francisco Giants (-120)

The World Series champion San Francisco Giants go under ESPN’s Sunday night spotlight when they take on the Cincinnati Reds.

ON THE ROAD, SLEEPING AT HOME

Cincinnati manager Dusty Baker is no stranger to the city of San Francisco or AT&T Ballpark. After all, he spent a decade as Giants skipper, leading them to the National League pennant in 2002, which was his final season by the bay.

Although he followed that stint with four years managing the Cubs and is now in his fourth year with the Reds, Baker still has strong ties to San Francisco, where he has a house a mere 10 minutes from the ballpark. He’s looking forward to that, particularly as he suffers through allergy season in Cincinnati.

“I’ll be better (in San Francisco), because my allergies have bothered me,” Baker told YahooSports on Friday, before Game 2 of this four-game weekend set. “I’ll be in my own bed and with my family – and I’ll get to go fishing Saturday afternoon after the game.”

But as much as he enjoys the homecoming, he’s hardly discounting the games.

“It’s nice to go home, but I want to leave home with some victories,” he said.

He certainly needs to, with the defending NL Central champion Reds sitting third in the division right now. Cincy opened the series with a 3-0 win Thursday, then lost 3-2 Friday night before rebounding with a 10-2 win Saturday.

It’s also a sort of homecoming for Edgar Renteria, who is now with the Reds. Renteria had a clutch three-run homer off Cliff Lee to lift the Giants over the Rangers in Game 5 of the World Series last year. The World Series MVP got his ring before Thursday’s game.

INJURY BUG BITES AGAIN

The Giants, already on the short end of catcher Buster Posey’s gruesome injury and third baseman Pablo Sandoval’s fractured right hand, took another hit in Friday’s victory. This time, standout second baseman Freddy Sanchez dislocated his right shoulder trying to make a diving stab at a grounder.

Sanchez not only plays Gold Glove-caliber defense, he’s the one position player for San Francisco who has a legitimate chance at an All-Star slot and also leads the Giants with a .289 BA. The team has now lost its No. 2, 3 and 4 hitters to injury.

Sanchez had an MRI Saturday.

“How severe, how long… obviously it’s not good news,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy told YahooSports. “We feel horrible for Freddy. A great player who we’ll certainly miss. But (we’ll) keep fighting.”

RETURN OF VOLQUEZ

Edinson Volquez (4-2, 5.74 ERA) will start for the Reds Sunday -- his second outing since returning from a two-week stint at Triple-A Louisville. Apparently, the demotion worked. On Tuesday, the right-hander had his best effort of the season, allowing one run on seven hits in seven innings of an 8-2 home rout of the Cubs.

Volquez has three career starts against the Giants, and on the plus side, he’s gone 2-1. On the minus side, he’s got a whopping 8.31 ERA in 13 innings pitched.

His counterpart Sunday is San Francisco southpaw Jonathan Sanchez (4-4, 3.51 ERA), who has four career starts against Cincinnati, going 2-1 with a 3.91 ERA. In his last 10 starts, the Giants have alternated wins and losses, most recently falling to Washington 2-1 at home Tuesday. So in keeping with that streak, perhaps San Francisco is due to win today.

NOTEWORTHY NUMBERS

The Reds are on slides of 4-10 on the highway and 19-41 in roadies against winning teams. And with Volquez throwing, they are in ruts of 1-5 against winning teams, 1-4 on the road and 1-4 on Sundays. And Game 4s haven’t really agreed with Cincy lately. The squad has dropped the finale of its last six four-game series.

On the flip side, the Giants are on upswings of 7-4 overall, 14-7 at home and 7-2 at AT&T when Sanchez takes the ball.

**Udog** · 06-12-2011, 11:29 AM

Good morning, Bum! Thank you, buddy!

It looks like whatever the problem was is cleared up.

I've got WNBA gathered and ready. I'll put it in now then resume baseball/

**Udog** · 06-12-2011, 11:29 AM

WNBA
Dunkel

Tulsa at Connecticut
The Shock look to take advantage of a Connecticut team that is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games against a team with a losing SU record. Tulsa is the pick (+16) according to Dunkel, which has the Sun favored by only 15. Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (+16). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, JUNE 12

Game 651-652: Tulsa at Connecticut (3:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tulsa 100.756; Connecticut 115.532
Dunkel Line & Total: Connecticut by 15; 158
Vegas Line & Total: Connecticut by 16; 162
Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (+16); Under

WNBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, June 12

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

TULSA (0 - 3) at CONNECTICUT (1 - 1) - 6/12/2011, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TULSA is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TULSA is 11-21 ATS (-12.1 Units) after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

WNBA

Sunday, June 12

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

3:00 PM
TULSA vs. CONNECTICUT
Tulsa is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games
Tulsa is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Connecticut
Connecticut is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Connecticut is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Tulsa

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

WNBA

Sunday, June 12

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lady luck: Sunday's best WNBA bet
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tulsa Shock at Connecticut Sun (-13.5, 160.5)

The Tulsa Shock were hoping to improve from a dismal 6-28 season last year. But, three games into the 2011 WNBA schedule, the Shock remain winless.

Tulsa's predominant trend is its lack of scoring punch. Through the first three games, the Shock are scoring 66.7 points per game – 12th in the league. Those offensive troubles have led to three straight Unders heading into Sunday’s tilt with the Sun.

"We just need to do the little things. This is frustrating," Tulsa center Liz Cambage told reporters about the losing skid.

Connecticut should add to those frustrations Sunday. The Sun are among the WNBA’s defensive elite, giving up 75.5 points per game and limiting opponents’ second-chance buckets with dominant work on the glass. Connecticut is coming off a loss to Chicago Friday and will be determined to lock down on defense.

"I think we need to have a better presence on defense," Sun forward Asjha Jones told the media after Friday’s loss. "There were flashes but we didn't play 40 good minutes of defense. That's our goal, to let our defense win games for us."

The Under is 4-1 in the Sun's last five home games, spanning back to last season.

Pick: Under 160.5

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**StarDust Bum** · 06-12-2011, 11:30 AM

Sunday's streaking and slumping starting pitchers

Streaking

Jake Westbrook, St. Louis Cardinals

Westbrook has been stellar since a beating from the Cubs on May 11, in which the righty allowed five runs in just over two innings of work. Putting that performance behind him, Westbrook is 4-0 since and hasn’t given up more than three runs in each of his last five starts. However, he hasn’t gone deep in his last three games, failing to reach the sixth inning in those starts.

Jordan Zimmermann, Washington Nationals

Usually for Streaking and Slumping we try to stick with pitchers who are on an extended winning/losing streak. But when you pitch for the Nationals, you deserve a little slack. Zimmermann has been sensational for Washington, despite just a 3-2 record in his last seven outings. He hasn’t allowed more than three runs in a single game during that stretch and is coming off back-to-back wins in which he allowed only two runs on 11 total hits.

Slumping

Josh Tomlin, Cleveland Indians

The Tribe are falling back to earth faster than those nuts who thought the world was going to end last month. Tomlin is among the reasons for the free fall. After starting the year with seven wins and only one loss, the right hander is 1-2 in his last three outings with an unsightly 8.00 ERA. It seems batters have caught up to Tomlin, who told the media this week that he must get better at mixing up his pitches in the strike zone. He was lit up for a combined 12 runs on 17 hits in his last two outings.

Kyle Drabek, Toronto Blue Jays

After a terrific run in May, the Jays’ young pitching prospect is beginning to feel the heat as the summer draws closer. The righty was chased from the hill after allowing four runs in just two-thirds of an inning against the Indians on June 1 and was knocked around for five runs on nine hits in 5 1/3 innings of work against the Royals Tuesday. Drabek was all over the place against Kansas City, walking three batters and throwing four wild pitches. If you have any feedback or suggestions for our Editorial Team, please contact us at Editorial

**StarDust Bum** · 06-12-2011, 11:30 AM

Hot lines: Sunday's best MLB bets

Cleveland Indians at New York Yankees (-145, 10)

The Indians send Josh Tomlin to the mound Sunday hoping he can spark a turnaround, as Cleveland has dropped 13 of its last 17 games.

But the 26-year-old righty has been battered for 16 runs over his last three starts.

New York counters with Freddy Garcia, who lasted less than two innings in a loss to the Red Sox last Tuesday. Garcia has a 6.00 ERA over his last three starts, with 21 hits and five walks allowed over 15 innings. Lifetime he’s a decent 6-6 with a 4.06 ERA against the Tribe.

The Over is 9-2-1 in the Yankees’ last 11 home games, and 37-18-3 in New York’s last 58 games against winning teams.

Pick: Over

Texas Rangers at Minnesota Twins (111, 8)

Minnesota has won eight of 10 after Saturday’s 8-1 rout of the Rangers.

The even better news is that Francisco Liriano looked strong in his return last Tuesday from a shoulder injury that sent him to the DL. Liriano allowed one run and three hits over five innings, striking out seven, in a 1-0 loss to Cleveland. He was removed only because he was on a pitch count.

"My arm didn't bother me, so everything felt the way I wanted to," Liriano said. "I was rushing a couple times, but other than that I was making very good pitches when I needed to. Everything went the way I wanted."

Texas starter Matt Harrison has been dealing with a kidney stone and a blister. He gave up four runs and eight hits in four innings last time out. The Rangers are 2-6 in his last eight starts.

Pick: Minnesota

**StarDust Bum** · 06-12-2011, 11:32 AM

Betting MLB domination as much mental as statistical

The baseball season is just over one third complete and, like the weather, it's time for a hot stretch. Fortunately for baseball bettors skilled in unearthing the mountain of statistical data available, there is always a place to find information that can build a bankroll.

Too often sports bettors sift through material attempting to find the one gold nugget that leads to riches, when sometimes the simplest of sports betting info is more readily obtainable than a Groupon coupon.

Here is one angle that arrives each season and is a consistent winner for a certain period of time.

There are two aspects to this angle and they are as follows:

- Play on home teams that have defeated an opponent better than .667 percent of the time with a minimum of a dozen games to qualify.

- Play on road teams that have won over .610 percent of the time against opposing club in their own ballpark, with a minimum of nine games played.

Since discovering this perspective five years ago, the window of opportunity is a moving target, and baseball bettors not only have to be aware, but be ready to fire. This trend can start anytime and end abruptly.

From 2007-10, the record is 360-212 (62.9 percent) from the actual starting point until it starts to level off the past four seasons. Unfortunately, like any research, the precise beginning isn’t known until the winning has begun and the exact end only manifests itself with uneven results.

Based on prior years, there is still ample opportunity to profit, as we are now at 32 days of the cycle that has lasted anywhere from six and a half weeks to two months. The results to date this season have been even better than in the past at 73-42, and up 27.42 units (Thru June 8, 2011).

Last weekend was a perfect example of how quickly the profits can mount. Texas and Minnesota were both on the road and going into a four-game series from opposite points of view. The Rangers were on a 6-3 run, having won three consecutive series and arrived in Cleveland feeling spry. Texas had been the victor in seven of its last nine meetings with the Indians in Ohio.

The Twins headed to Kansas City in a season-long funk. Because of injuries, poor pitching and a lack of offense, Minnesota came to beef country on a four-game losing skid and towing the worst record in baseball. The Twinkies’ one potential saving grace was that they had won 13 of the past 21 conflicts at Kauffman Stadium.

By Sunday night, Texas and Minnesota had each pulled a rare feat - winning four straight times at a visiting ballpark. However, they both started with a feeling of confidence since they had been victorious there before. Wagering on every contest yielded profits of 9.40 units.

Those are extreme cases and a more likely scenario was what happened in San Francisco. The Giants’ offense has been below average all season, yet they were probably feeling better with Colorado coming into town. They had a 15-6 record against the Rockies at AT&T Park the last few campaigns. It turned out San Fran’s offense would still struggle, scoring only six runs in three games. Nonetheless, that was enough to take the series and followers of this wagering method picked up an extra unit.

This type of domination happens in all sports in short windows, but why? Sometimes the talent differential can explain why this occurs, but it’s not the only reason. Texas is a better overall team than Cleveland, but the Tribe have the best home record in the big leagues. Minnesota clearly has not been better than Kansas City and the difference in talent between San Francisco and Colorado is minimal at best.

“I would say it's all about levels of comfort and acceptance,” explained Covers Expert Marc Lawrence. “Teams that have dominated an opponent in the recent past have that ‘been there, done that’ confidence. On the flip side, the opponent has become accustomed to losing and as a result develops a demeanor that prepares them to accept, and expect, defeat. It's all a mind game, but the power of the mind can be a decisive edge with talent at this level.”

This upcoming weekend presents wagering opportunities, though bettors need certain outcomes to set the wheels into motion. Minnesota has taken eight of nine when Texas hits the Twin Cities and this might be too good to wait on. If Seattle and Oakland both win the first game of their four-game series, they are play-on material since they began the road series with a 7-5 edge.

Plays that are already featured are the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are 13-7 at Coors Field, and San Diego, which is 22-6 versus Washington on its home turf. In addition, we have Tampa Bay with a 13-8 record at Baltimore.

Happy hunting with baseball domination. If you have any feedback or suggestions for our Editorial Team, please contact us at Editorial

**Udog** · 06-12-2011, 11:33 AM

MLB
Dunkel

LA Dodgers at Colorado
The Dodgers look to take advantage of a Colorado team that is 2-12 in Ubaldo Jimenez' last 14 starts. LA is the pick (+170) according to Dunkel, which has the Dodgers favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (+170). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, JUNE 12

Game 951-952: Arizona at Florida (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Hudson) 15.407; Florida (Hand) 14.245
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Arizona (-115); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-115); Over

Game 953-954: NY Mets at Pittsburgh (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Capuano) 16.141; Pittsburgh (Correia) 15.126
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-120); 8
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+100); Under

Game 955-956: Atlanta at Houston (2:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Hanson) 15.120; Houston (Myers) 13.383
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-160); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-160); Under

Game 957-958: St. Louis at Milwaukee (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Westbrook) 15.593; Milwaukee (Marcum) 14.961
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-160); 8
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+140); Over

Game 959-960: LA Dodgers at Colorado (3:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (De La Rosa) 15.804; Colorado (Jimenez) 14.919
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Colorado (-190); 8
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (+170); Over

Game 961-962: Cincinnati at San Francisco (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Volquez) 14.691; San Francisco (Sanchez) 15.083
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-125); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-125); Under

Game 963-964: Washington at San Diego (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Zimmermann) 15.083; San Diego (Stauffer) 15.998
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego (-115); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-115); Under

Game 965-966: Chicago Cubs at Philadelphia (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Davis) 14.413; Philadelphia (Oswalt) 14.131
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-210); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+180); Over

Game 967-968: Seattle at Detroit (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Hernandez) 16.445; Detroit (Porcello) 16.230
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-110); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-110); Under

Game 969-970: Cleveland at NY Yankees (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Tomlin) 14.375; NY Yankees (Garcia) 16.010
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1 1/2; 11
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-155); 10
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-155); Over

Game 971-972: Boston at Toronto (1:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lester) 14.793; Toronto (Drabek) 15.422
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-160); 9
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+140); Over

Game 973-974: Tampa Bay at Baltimore (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Davis) 15.003; Baltimore (Matusz) 15.357
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-130); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-130); Under

Game 975-976: Oakland at Chicago White Sox (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Moscoso) 14.389; White Sox (Humber) 15.460
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-155); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-155); Over

Game 977-978: Texas at Minnesota (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Harrison) 16.255; Minnesota (Liriano) 17.444
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-130); 8
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+110); Under

Game 979-980: Kansas City at LA Angels (3:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Mazzaro) 14.868; LA Angels (Chatwood) 14.031
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 10
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-155); 9
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+135); Over

**StarDust Bum** · 06-12-2011, 11:33 AM

Ok DOG.......take it over...cuz i was about to freak to find the other stuff.....

**Udog** · 06-12-2011, 11:36 AM

MLB
Write-Up

Sunday, June 12

Hot pitchers
-- Hand lost his first start 1-0, allowing one run in six IP.
-- Correia is 3-0, 2.84 in his last four starts.
-- Hanson is 2-0, 1.50 in his last couple starts.
-- Marcum is 2-1, 2.38 in his last five starts. Westbrook is 4-0, 2.90 in his last five starts.
-- Jimenez has a 1.13 RA in his last couple starts. RDe la Rosa won his first big league start, allowing one run in five IP at Philly.
-- Zimmerman is 2-2, 2.05 in his last four starts. Stauffer is 2-1, 3.60 in his last three starts.
-- JSanchez is 1-1, 3.09 in his last four starts.

-- Porcello is 6-1, 2.60 in his last nine starts.
-- Lester has a 6.17 RA in his last six starts, but Boston won eight of his last ten starts, scoring 76 runs.
-- FGarcia is 2-3, 5.60 in his last five starts.
-- Matusz is 1-0, 2.45 in two starts this season.
-- Humber is 3-0, 2.72 in his last six starts. Moscoso is 2-1, 3.38 in his three starts for the A's.
-- Liriano has a 2.00 RA in his last three starts. Harrison is 2-1, 1.96 in his last three outings.
-- Chatwood is 1-1, 3.29 in his last four starts.

Cold pitchers
-- DHudson has a 5.85 RA in his last three starts, but Arizona is 7-2 in his last nine outings.
-- Capuano is 1-2, 5.40 in his last four starts.
-- Oswalt is 0-4, 4.22 in his last six starts. DDavis is 0-5, 7.88 in five starts for the Cubs.
-- Myers is 1-5, 4.23 in his last eight starts.
-- Volquez has an 8.83 RA in his last four road starts.

-- FHernandez is 2-3, 4.17 in his last six starts.
-- Drabek is 1-2, 6.75 in his last four starts.
-- Tomlin is 1-2, 8.00 in his last three starts.
-- Tampa Bay lost last five WDavis starts (0-3, 7.53).
-- Mazzaro is 0-1, 8.00 in his last couple starts.

Totals
-- Over is 11-4 in Mets' last fifteen road games.
-- Over is 8-4 in Cubs' last twelve games.
-- DHudson's last three starts went over the total.
-- Seven of last eleven Atlanta road games stayed under total.
-- Five of last seven games at Miller Park stayed under the total.
-- Over is 11-3-2 in last sixteen games at Coors Field.
-- Under is 13-7 in last twenty games at Petco Park.
-- Under is 16-4 in San Francisco's last twenty home games.

-- Six of last eight Seattle road games stayed under the total.
-- Ten of last eleven Boston games went over the total, as did the last seven Lester starts.
-- Five of last seven games at Camden Yards stayed under total.
-- Over is 9-4 in Cleveland's last thirteen road games.
-- Nine of White Sox' last thirteen home games went over the total.
-- Five of Twins' last six home games went over the total.
-- Seven of Kansas City's last eight road games went over the total.

Hot Teams
-- Phillies won nine of their last thirteen home games.
-- Mets won six of their last nine games. Pirates won seven of eleven.
-- Braves won eight of their last ten road games.
-- Milwaukee won 16 of its last 21 games.
-- Giants won seven of their last eleven games.

-- Red Sox won ten of their last eleven road games.
-- Bronx won eight of its last twelve games.
-- Tampa Bay won four of its last five games. Orioles won five of their last seven games.
-- Twins won eight of their last ten games. Texas won six of its last eight road games.
-- White Sox are 10-5 in their last fifteen home games.
-- Detroit won ten of its last thirteen games. Mariners are 8-1 in games after their last nine losses.

Cold Teams
-- Arizona lost four of its last five games, allowing 31 runs. Marlins lost ten of their last twelve games.
-- Cubs lost 12 of their last 14 games.
-- Astros lost seven of their last nine home games.
-- Cardinals lost three of their last four games.
-- Washington lost 10 of its last 15 road games. Padres lost three of last four games overall.
-- Colorado lost 14 of its last 21 games. Dodgers are 5-8 in their last 13 road games.
-- Reds lost five of their last seven road games.

-- Blue Jays are 4-7 in their last eleven games.
-- Indians lost eight of their last nine games.
-- Oakland lost 11 of its last 12 games.
-- Angels lost six of their last seven games. Royals lost seven of ten.

Umpires
-- Chi-Phil-- Seven of eight Porter games stayed under the total.
-- NY-Pitt-- Underdogs are 8-4 in last dozen Davidson games.
-- Atl-Hst-- Seven of last nine Emmel games stayed under total.
-- Az-Fla-- Nine of last eleven Hoye games stayed under total.
-- StL-Mil-- Home team won seven of last nine Fletcher games; three of his last four games went over the total.
-- LA-Col-- Favorites won five of last six Hudson games, with last three going over the total.
-- Wsh-SD-- Over is 9-1-2 in Barry's games behind the plate.
-- Cin-SF-- Four of last five Estabrook games went over the total.

-- Clev-NY-- Seven of last nine Bucknor games stayed under total.
-- Bos-Tor-- Over is 3-0-1 in last four Kellogg games.
-- Tex-Minn-- Four of last five Eddings games stayed under total.
-- TB-Balt-- Seven of last nine Wolf games stayed under the total.
-- Sea-Det-- Three of last four Tumpane games went over the total.
-- A's-Chi-- Road team won four of last five Rapuano games.
-- KC-LA-- Six of last eight Gibson games stayed under the total.

Announcement

Sunday's Trends and Indexes - 6/12 (NBA, NHL, MLB, WNBA, Misc.)

Sunday's Trends and Indexes - 6/12 (NBA, NHL, MLB, WNBA, Misc.)

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