Announcement

**Udog** · 08-11-2011, 08:03 AM

Thursday’s betting tips: Cardinals-Raiders odds moving

Who’s hot

MLB: The over is 9-1-1 in San Diego’s last 11 games overall.

NFL: Jacksonville Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio is 20-10-1 against the spread in the preseason.

WNBA: The under is 11-2-1 in San Antonio’s last 14 games.

CFL: Montreal has covered in four of its last five games against Edmonton.

Who’s not

MLB: The under is 4-20-3 in the last 27 meetings between the Royals and Rays.

NFL: Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid is just 19-27-2 against the spread in preseason games.

NFL: Dallas is 8-17 against the spread in its first game of the preseason.

CFL: The under is 1-5 in Montreal’s last six games.

WNBA: Tulsa is 1-20 straight up this season and is 4-9-1 against the spread in its last 14.

Key stat

4.96 - The Toronto Blue Jays continue to face allegations that they are stealing signs when playing at home at the Rogers Centre. For the record, they’re averaging 4.96 runs per game at home this year, which is up from their overall average of 4.65 runs per game. Their team home batting average is .258, up from .215 overall. The Jays host the Athletics Thursday as a -135 favorite with a 9-run total.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Matt Holliday, St. Louis Cardinals – Holliday tweaked a muscle in his back while lifting weights Wednesday and is expected to be out of action for a few days. The veteran slugger doesn’t think the injury is serious, but doesn’t want to aggravate it now. Holliday is hitting .319 with 18 homers and 62 RBIs.

Game of the day

Baltimore Ravens at Philadelphia Eagles (-3, 34)

Notable quotable

"Over time, you kind of lose sight of certain things and you forget what you were doing and you sometimes can't put your finger on what you're doing with regard to the mental side of the game and you just need jogging a bit, so that made sense to go see Bob." - Lee Westwood on meeting with noted sports psychologist Bob Rotella ahead of the PGA Championship. Westwood, set at +1400 to win the tournament, is still searching for his first career major title.

Notes and tips

Preseason football is upon us, which means you’d better get ready for a ton of 3-point lines on the board. All five of Thursday’s matchups are currently hovering between 3-4 points. The Oakland Raiders have been listed as high as 4.5-point favorites in recent days for their game against Arizona, but they’re now sitting around -3, while the total has dropped from 34.5 points to 32.5.

With Wednesday's win over the St. Louis Cardinals, the Milwaukee Brewers opened up a five-game lead over the red birds in the NL Central heading into Thursday's series finale. The Cardinals are currently set as -130 favorites to avoid a series sweep with the total at 7.5. Yovani Gallardo takes the hill for Milwaukee against St. Louis' Chris Carpenter.

**Udog** · 08-11-2011, 08:06 AM

Thursday's six-pack

CBSSports.com had an article this week saying that of the 24 kids who were McDonald's high school All Americans in 2002, only five are still in the NBA. These six either aren't in the NBA, or never were........

-- Dee Brown (Illinois)—Has played for three NBA teams, going to play for team in Italy this year. Played in China/Puerto Rico LY.

-- Evan Burns (San Diego State)—Flunked out of both UCLA, San Diego State, playing one uneventful season for the Aztecs. Played in D-League in ’08, hurt his knee, is out of basketball. A cautionary tale.

-- DeAngelo Collins (none)—Has played in eight different countries after being undrafted out of Inglewood HS; averaged 24 ppg, 14 rpg in China LY, still has hopes of living the dream. Lockout ain’t helping him any.

-- Paul Davis (Michigan State) – Played four years at Michigan State, three years with Clippers, now plays in Spain. Even did a stint on Millionaire Matchmaker, where he came across as, how can we say this nicely, not very smart.

-- Jason Fraser (Villanova)—Had seven surgeries in four years of college, played a year in New Zealand, now works as an admissions rep for a college in New York.

-- Sean May (North Carolina)—Played four injury-plagued years with Charlotte, played in Turkey LY, is now down to 260 pounds and hopes to get back in NBA. Was even injury-prone playing the shorter college season.

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

Thursday's List of 13: Doing some thinking out loud.......

13) I wonder if switching from an Android phone to the IPhone5 next month is smart; any input from you guys on this subject is welcome. You all like the IPhone? Let me know.

12) I wonder if the 6-man pitching rotation is the wave of the future; they do it that way in Japan. Less starts, but hopefully higher quality starts.

11) Are the Red Sox at a disadvantage being in first place in the AL East? Because of the way waiver pickups work (in reverse order of standings) Bronx Bombers can block any pitchers from being traded to Beantown. Both Boston/Bronx are going to make playoffs anyway, so being able to block trades, in long run, may actually be a strategic advantage to being in first place.

10) Is Dan Uggla the most unlikely player ever to have a 30-game hit streak? Before this streak, his career-long hitting streak was 12 games.

9) I wonder if kids playing college hoop these days look at Dick Vitale and realize that this guy was an excellent coach, one that recruited the nucleus of the ’76 Rutgers Final Four team and a coach good enough that the NBA Pistons hired him, before ulcers forced him to quit? And yes, Rutgers really did make the Final Four in 1976.

8) “Show up, keep up, shut up.” For decades, that has been the unspoken caddy credo on the PGA Tour. I wonder if anybody has ever told Steve Williams that.

7) I wonder if there is anyone who roots for both Tampa Bay Lightning and the Oklahoma City Thunder? A meteorologist, maybe?

6) I wonder if its difficult for guys to come over from Asia and play in the big leagues, especially if they don’t speak English very well. I wouldn’t want to go to Japan/Korea if I didn’t know the language; actually, I don’t want to go there anyway.

5) Saddened to read that the great punter Ray Guy declared bankruptcy and had to sell his three Super Bowl rings (for a total of $96,216). For lot of athletes, life after the spotlight has been tough- I wonder if the players’ unions do enough to prepare these guys for life after they’re no longer stars?

4) I wonder how Mets’ trainer Ray Ramirez keeps his job; every key Met has been injured for an extended time. Jose Reyes has missed 199 days over the last three seasons, with the meter running on his latest injury. I’m not saying its Ramirez’ fault, I don’t know if it is or not, but the A’s have had lot of injuries; they’re on their third trainer in five years.

3) I wonder how much money Reyes has lost being on the DL twice this summer? If he played 150+ games this year, he was almost guaranteed to get a $100M contract this winter. Now? Not as likely.

2) I wonder how many NBA players will wind up playing overseas this winter and how many try to make some cash this winter by getting analyst jobs on college games for ESPN?

1) When MLB expands instant replay, and they will, I wonder if they’ll get it right like the NHL did and let the league office in New York City make calls on replays, taking the heat off umpires? The NHL system works really well, and its quick. They don’t need to add a fifth umpire to each crew; an umpire is less likely to overturn his buddies’ calls.

**Udog** · 08-11-2011, 08:08 AM

NFL Preseason
Dunkel

Seattle at San Diego
The 2011 preseason begins with the Chargers hosting Seattle. San Diego is the pick (-4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Chargers favored by 5. Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-4 1/2). Here are all of this week's picks.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11

Game 251-252: Baltimore at Philadelphia (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore 125.734; Philadelphia 118.551
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 7; 31
Vegas Line: Philadelphia by 3; 34
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+3); Under

Game 253-254: Jacksonville at New England (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Jacksonville 120.851; New England 126.147
Dunkel Line: New England by 5 1/2; 38
Vegas Line: New England by 4; 35 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New England (-4); Over

Game 255-256: Seattle at San Diego (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 120.446; San Diego 125.535
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 5; 33
Vegas Line: San Diego by 4 1/2; 36
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-4 1/2); Under

Game 257-258: Denver at Dallas (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 121.361; Dallas 121.395
Dunkel Line: Even; 38
Vegas Line: Dallas by 3; 36
Dunkel Pick: Denver (+3); Over

Game 259-260: Arizona at Oakland (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona 120.948; Oakland 122.740
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 2; 37
Vegas Line: Oakland by 3 1/2; 33 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+3 1/2); Over

Game 261-262: Cincinnati at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 116.840; Detroit 124.333
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 7 1/2; 31
Vegas Line: Detroit by 4 1/2; 35 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-4 1/2); Under

Game 263-264: Miami at Atlanta (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 118.382; Atlanta 123.408
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 5; 30
Vegas Line: Atlanta by 3; 33 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-3); Under

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12

Game 265-266: Pittsburgh at Washington (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 124.320; Washington 119.504
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 5; 37
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 1; 33
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-1); Over

Game 267-268: Tampa Bay at Kansas City (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 120.662; Kansas City 119.170
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 35
Vegas Line: Pick; 33
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay; Over

Game 269-270: San Francisco at New Orleans (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco 124.633; New Orleans 129.440
Dunkel Line: New Orleans by 5; 35
Vegas Line: New Orleans by 3; 36
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-3); Under

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13

Game 271-272: Green Bay at Cleveland (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Green Bay 121.566; Cleveland 120.407
Dunkel Line: Green Bay by 1; 40
Vegas Line: Green Bay by 1 1/2; 35 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+1 1/2); Over

Game 273-274: NY Giants at Carolina (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Giants 120.677; Carolina 119.973
Dunkel Line: NY Giants by 1; 31
Vegas Line: Carolina by 1 1/2; 33
Dunkel Pick: NY Giants (+1 1/2); Under

Game 275-276: Buffalo at Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 117.977; Chicago 118.698
Dunkel Line: Chicago by 1; 35
Vegas Line: Chicago by 3; 33 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+3); Over

Game 277-278: Indianapolis at St. Louis (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indianapolis 116.347; St. Louis 125.977
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 9 1/2; 30
Vegas Line: St. Louis by 6 1/2; 34
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-6 1/2); Under

Game 279-280: Minnesota at Tennessee (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 125.326; Tennessee 125.717
Dunkel Line: Even; 35
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 3; 33
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+3); Over

MONDAY, AUGUST 15

Game 281-282: NY Jets at Houston (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Jets 117.538; Houston 120.797
Dunkel Line: Houston by 3 1/2; 32
Vegas Line: Houston by 2 1/2; 34 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-2 1/2); Under

**Udog** · 08-11-2011, 08:08 AM

NFL Preseason
Long Sheet

Thursday, August 11

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BALTIMORE at PHILADELPHIA - 8/11/2011, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 11-27 ATS (-18.7 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 since 1993.
PHILADELPHIA is 21-38 ATS (-20.8 Units) in non-conference games since 1993.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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JACKSONVILLE at NEW ENGLAND - 8/11/2011, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
JACKSONVILLE is 17-4 ATS (+12.6 Units) in road games in games played on a grass field since 1993.
JACKSONVILLE is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in road games since 1993.
JACKSONVILLE is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in road lined games since 1993.
JACKSONVILLE is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in a road game where the total is between 35.5 and 38 points since 1993.
JACKSONVILLE is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) in all games where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points since 1993.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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SEATTLE at SAN DIEGO - 8/11/2011, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 1-0 against the spread versus SAN DIEGO over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 1-0 straight up against SAN DIEGO over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DENVER at DALLAS - 8/11/2011, 8:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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ARIZONA at OAKLAND - 8/11/2011, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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Friday, August 12

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CINCINNATI at DETROIT - 8/12/2011, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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MIAMI at ATLANTA - 8/12/2011, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) in games played on turf since 1993.
ATLANTA is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all games where the total is 35 or less since 1993.
MIAMI is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) as an underdog since 1993.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 1-0 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 1-0 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PITTSBURGH at WASHINGTON - 8/12/2011, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 1-0 against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 1-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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TAMPA BAY at KANSAS CITY - 8/12/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in home games in games played on a grass field since 1993.
KANSAS CITY is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 1-0 against the spread versus KANSAS CITY over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 1-0 straight up against KANSAS CITY over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SAN FRANCISCO at NEW ORLEANS - 8/12/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in a home game where the total is between 35.5 and 38 points since 1993.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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Saturday, August 13

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GREEN BAY at CLEVELAND - 8/13/2011, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 1-1 against the spread versus GREEN BAY over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 1-1 straight up against GREEN BAY over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NY GIANTS at CAROLINA - 8/13/2011, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY GIANTS is 1-0 against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
NY GIANTS is 1-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BUFFALO at CHICAGO - 8/13/2011, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 1-0 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 1-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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INDIANAPOLIS at ST LOUIS - 8/13/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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MINNESOTA at TENNESSEE - 8/13/2011, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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Monday, August 15

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NY JETS at HOUSTON - 8/15/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY JETS are 28-12 ATS (+14.8 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 since 1993.
NY JETS are 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) as a road underdog of 3 points or less since 1993.
NY JETS are 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) in road games since 1993.
NY JETS are 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) in road lined games since 1993.
NY JETS are 12-1 ATS (+10.9 Units) in a road game where the total is between 32.5 and 35 points since 1993.
HOUSTON is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) as a home favorite of 3 points or less since 1993.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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**Udog** · 08-11-2011, 08:09 AM

NFL Preseason
Short Sheet

Thursday, 8/11/2011

BALTIMORE at PHILADELPHIA, 7:30 PM ET
BALTIMORE: 21-8 Under in road games
PHILADELPHIA: 11-27 ATS if line is +3 to -3

JACKSONVILLE at NEW ENGLAND, 7:30 PM ET
JACKSONVILLE: 21-9 ATS in road games
NEW ENGLAND: 2-8 ATS vs. conference

SEATTLE at SAN DIEGO, 8:00 PM ET ESPN
SEATTLE: 4-0 ATS vs. AFC West
SAN DIEGO: 37-24 Over vs. non-conference

DENVER at DALLAS, 8:30 PM ET
DENVER: 34-21 ATS vs. non-conference
DALLAS: 17-29 ATS as favorite

ARIZONA at OAKLAND, 10:00 PM ET
ARIZONA: 4-0 Under in road games
OAKLAND: 7-0 Over on grass field

Friday, 8/12/2011

CINCINNATI at DETROIT, 7:30 PM ET
CINCINNATI: 3-0 Under as an underdog
DETROIT: 10-3 Under as a home favorite of 3.5 to 7 points

MIAMI at ATLANTA, 7:30 PM ET
MIAMI: 9-1 Under Away vs. NFC South
ATLANTA: 13-4 ATS if total is 35 or less

PITTSBURGH at WASHINGTON, 7:30 PM ET
PITTSBURGH: 1-6 ATS vs. Washington
WASHINGTON: 27-13 Under in games where the line is +3 to -3

TAMPA BAY at KANSAS CITY, 8:00 PM ET FOX
TAMPA BAY: 26-13 Under as favorite
KANSAS CITY: 0-7 ATS in all preseason games

SAN FRANCISCO at NEW ORLEANS, 8:00 PM ET
SAN FRANCISCO: 4-7 ATS as road dog of 3 pts or less
NEW ORLEANS: 5-15 ATS at home if total is 35.5 to 38

Saturday, 8/13/2011

GREEN BAY at CLEVELAND, 7:30 PM ET NFL
GREEN BAY: 27-12 Over as favorite
CLEVELAND: 7-1 ATS as home underdog

NY GIANTS at CAROLINA, 8:00 PM ET
NY GIANTS: 5-1 Over vs NFC South
CAROLINA: 1-7 ATS in all games

BUFFALO at CHICAGO, 8:00 PM ET
BUFFALO: 5-1 Over as underdog
CHICAGO: 5-1 Over vs. non-conf

INDIANAPOLIS at ST LOUIS, 8:00 PM ET
INDIANAPOLIS: 6-0 Over as underdog
ST LOUIS: 6-0 ATS in non-conference

MINNESOTA at TENNESSEE, 8:00 PM ET
MINNESOTA: 9-2 ATS as as a road underdog of 3.5 to 7 points
TENNESSEE: 8-0 Over if total is 35 or less

Monday, 8/15/2011

NY JETS at HOUSTON, 8:00 PM ET ESPN
NY JETS: 14-1 ATS Away if total is 35 or less
HOUSTON: 0-7 ATS as home favorite of 3 pts or less

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 08-11-2011, 08:21 AM

NFL Preseason

Thursday, 8/11/2011

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NFL preseason Thursday: What bettors need to know
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Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots (-3.5, 35.5)

Starter Report

Jaguars: Rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert will start for the Jags against the Patriots Thursday. Gabbert gets the nod because first-string QB David Garrard is out with a stiff back. Veteran backup Luke McCown will run out with the second team and Jags coach Jack Del Rio says Gabbert and McCown should split the majority of snaps.

Recently signed 39-year-old Todd Bouman will lead the Jags’ scrub offense in the latter parts of Thursday’s game.

Starting running back Maurice Jones-Drew, tight end Marcedes Lewis and defensive end Aaron Kampman all will not play Thursday.

Patriots: New England head coach Bill Belichick isn’t talking about his player rotations for Thursday, although he did hint that players who didn’t practice on Tuesday would most likely not suit up for the team’s first preseason game.

That would rule out defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth, tight end Rob Gronkowski, offensive linemen Dan Connolly and Chris Morris, and linebacker Brandon Spikes.

If we follow Belichick’s past rotation patterns for the first week of the preseason, we can expect to see Tom Brady and the rest of the first-string offense in for most, if not all, of the first quarter.

Things to remember: This is the first preseason meeting between these two teams since 2004 when the Jaguars ran roughshod over the Patriots on this field in a 31-0 victory… Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio is 20-12 SU and 20-10-1 ATS during the preseason, including 10-1-1 ATS as a dog… Bill Belichick is 36-29 SU and 33-26-6 ATS in the preseason, including 20-11-1 ATS when seeking revenge from a preseason loss.

Baltimore Ravens at Philadelphia Eagles (-3, 34)

Starter Report

Ravens: Starting quarterback Joe Flacco will play the entire first quarter with backups Tyrod Taylor and Hunter Cantwell playing the rest of the game. Rookie QB Taylor is expected to get the bulk of the action. The Baltimore Sun reports the rookie from Virginia Tech will play for two and a half quarters before giving way to Cantwell midway through the fourth quarter.

The Ravens will be missing a few starters from the lineup Thursday. Center Matt Birk will not play due to a sore knee while corners Jimmy Smith and Domonique Foxworth are both doubtful.

Eagles: Philadelphia coach Andy Reid says Michael Vick and the rest of the first-team offense will play the first 12 minutes, while Vince Young and the backup unit will play the second and some of the third quarters. That leaves third stringer QB Mike Kafka with the mop-up duties.

Receivers Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson both won’t play Thursday. Maclin is dealing with an undisclosed illness and Jackson just reported to camp Monday after ending a brief holdout.

Things to remember: The Ravens defeated the Eagles 29-3 and 20-10 in the two most recent preseason meetings between these teams in 2007 and 2006… Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh is 8-4 SU and 7-5 ATS in the preseason, including 3-0 SU and ATS in the first game… Andy Reid is 18-30 SU and 19-27-2 ATS in exhibition games, including 8-15 ATS at home and 3-9 SU and 2-9-1 ATS in lid lifters.

Seattle Seahawks at San Diego Chargers (-3.5, 35.5)

Starter Report

Seahawks: Coach Pete Carroll refuses to reveal his playing time schedule for Thursday’s preseason opener but he has told reporters all healthy and available players will see the field.

We know Seattle will start Tavaris Jackson under center followed by Charlie Whitehurst and Josh Portis. Receiver Mike Williams will not play because of a toe sprain.

Chargers: Norv Turner is just as wishy-washy discussing preseason playing time as he making tough calls in big games. The Chargers coach told reporters earlier in the week that running back Ryan Matthews likely wouldn’t play Thursday because of a strained muscle in his leg but wouldn’t rule out the second-year pro taking the field in the preseason opener after a good Tuesday practice.

The Bolts aren't elaborating on playing time for their starters either but bettors can assume Philip Rivers and the rest of the first-string offense will play the majority of the first quarter. Billy Volek will take over the reins after Rivers, while Scott Tolzien will finish the game off under center.

Things to remember: Rivers played just one quarter in 2010 with top targets Vincent Jackson, Malcom Floyd and Antonio Gates all healthy and available.

Denver Broncos at Dallas Cowboys (-3, 34)

Starter Report

Broncos: The early talk was on whether Tim Tebow would win the starting quarterback job in Denver but things have changed pretty quickly. Quarterback Kyle Orton will lead the Broncos first-team offense onto the field Thursday and is expected to stay for 12 offensive snaps.

Tebow is listed as the second-string QB right now, but, from the way Denver writers are talking, Brady Quinn is playing well enough to push Tebow all the way to the bottom of the depth chart. Quinn and Tebow should split the last three quarters against Dallas.

Cowboys: Coach Jason Garrett says his starters will see between eight to 12 plays before turning the ball over to his backup players.

Tony Romo will lead the first-string offense followed by Jon Kitna and Stephen McGee. Tom Brandstater, last on the team’s depth chart at quarterback, will likely get some action at the end of the game as well.

Dallas will be missing a few starters because of injuries: G Montrae Holland, CB Mike Jenkins and NT Jay Ratliff all won’t suit up Thursday.

Things to remember: Dallas is 9-16 SU and 8-17 ATS in the first game of the preseason… Fox is 19-17 SU and 16-19-1 ATS during the preseason, including 3-0 SU and ATS as a pick or underdog of less than three points.

Arizona Cardinals at Oakland Raiders (-3.5, 32.5)

Starter Report

Cardinals: Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt wouldn’t go into specifics about how long his starters would play but he did say newly acquired quarterback Kevin Kolb would play more than starting QBs typically play in the first preseason game of the year.

Max Hall and John Skelton will get the majority of action under center once Kolb leaves the game.

Arizona Republic reporter and Cardinals beat writer Kent Somers

had a beautiful line talking about the high-turnover this past

offseason in Arizona and how it might affect the Cards game plan:

“Coach Ken Whisenhunt cares little about winning in the preseason, but

that has to be especially true this year.”

Raiders: New coach Hue Jackson said he’ll use Thursday night's exhibition opener against Arizona to evaluate his players.

“I want our guys to get used to when we step out on the field we’re playing to win," Jackson told the media. "Some people use it for evaluation and I do, too. That’s part of it. But it’s also about winning.”

Oakland’s top three quarterbacks, Jason Campbell, Kyle Boller and Trent Edwards, are all former starters in the NFL. Raiders running back Darren McFadden is still recovering from a broken orbital bone and won't play Thursday.

Things to remember: The Cardinals have not made winning a priority during the preseason since the arrival of Whisenhunt four years ago, going 5-11 SU and 6-10 ATS, including 1-3 SU and ATS in the first preseason games of the season.

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**Udog** · 08-11-2011, 08:23 AM

NFL Preseason

Thursday, 8/11/2011

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NFL preseason betting: Coaches to follow and fade
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The NFL preseason is a month-long opportunity for sports bettors to exploit generic lines that can offer plenty of value if you're paying attention.

While teams' against the spread numbers tend to fluctuate from year to year during the regular season, that often isn't the case in the preseason, where most coaches have very pronounced histories and ATS trends.

Unlike in the regular season, many coaches will reveal to the media details about their upcoming game, such as who will play and how long, what their intentions are, what areas of improvement they'll try to identify, and so on.

With that in mind, here is a look at coaches you should consider betting on or against in the 2011 preseason, which kicks off Thursday:

COACHES TO FADE

Jim Caldwell, Indianapolis Colts

In reality, this isn't a fade on Caldwell, the Colts' third-year coach, but rather on Bill Polian, the team's president. As an organization, the Colts don't believe there is any correlation between preseason and regular season success. They are routinely among the league's worst preseason teams both straight up and against the spread but still find themselves in the playoffs every year.

The Colts pamper their veterans and give Peyton Manning extremely limited action, often times looking for reasons to avoid playing him at all. Manning is expected to miss the Colts' first preseason game, and it's a safe bet he'll play just a series or two at most in the other three.

Caldwell is 1-7 straight up and 2-6 ATS in his two seasons as coach, continuing the Colts' tradition of preseason ineptitude that began with Tony Dungy. Since 2005, the Colts are 4-22 straight up and 7-18-1 ATS, which includes a 1-3 ATS mark last year, in which the Colts lost games by 20, 13 and 35 points.

Pete Carroll, Seattle Seahawks

Carroll is 11-10 straight-up and 12-8-1 ATS all-time in the preseason, a record that includes his first two head coaching jobs in the 1990s with the New York Jets and New England Patriots. But now, more than a decade later, it seems Carroll has mellowed with age.

Carroll's Seahawks went 1-3 SU and 0-3-1 ATS last year during the preseason, and this year, despite the layoff from the lockout, it doesn't appear that Carroll is approaching these games with any level of seriousness. The second-year Seahawks coach has been on Twitter all week imploring fans to send in their suggestions for Seattle's first play call, and it's become a bit of a circus act.

With so much uncertainty surrounding the Seahawks already, it might not be a bad idea to fade Carroll's club.

COACHES TO FOLLOW

Jack Del Rio, Jacksonville Jaguars

If Del Rio's teams performed as well in the regular season as they do in the preseason, then perhaps he wouldn't find himself on the hot seat every year. But unfortunately for Del Rio, his preseason success rarely carries over, as he's led the Jaguars to just two playoff appearances in eight seasons as a head coach.

Del Rio is 20-12 SU and 20-11-1 ATS since 2003, including a 5-2-1 ATS mark the last two seasons. Overall, Del Rio has never finished worse than 2-2 ATS in the preseason, posting a 3-1 record four times, a 2-1-1 record once and a 2-2 record three times.

This preseason might offer Del Rio his biggest challenge yet, as he'll be up against two organizations — the Patriots and Falcons — who take the preseason seriously. However, he'll also be up against one of the worst preseason coaches, Chan Gailey of the Bills, who is 4-10 ATS all time.

Mike Shanahan, Washington Redskins

Expect the Redskins to play with a real sense of urgency during the preseason, since these exhibition games will represent the team's four best opportunities to win a game this season.

Shanahan has always played to win in the preseason, and that's apparent when looking at his 44-28 SU mark, which is far and away the best of any active head coach. More impressive is Shanahan's ability to cover the spread, as he's posted a 39-31-2 ATS mark all time, including a 2-2 ATS mark last year.

With many people questioning the direction of the Redskins franchise, Shanahan will be looking to deliver reasons for optimism throughout the month of August.

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**Udog** · 08-11-2011, 08:28 AM

CFL
Dunkel

Week 7

Edmonton at Montreal
The Eskimos look to take advantage of a Montreal team that is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 home games. Edmonton is the pick (+6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Alouettes favored by only 4. Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (+6 1/2). Here are all of this week's CFL picks.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11

Game 491-492: Edmonton at Montreal (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 112.450; Montreal 116.340
Dunkel Line: Montreal by 4; 51
Vegas Line: Montreal by 6 1/2; 54 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (+6 1/2); Under

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12

Game 493-494: Calgary at Saskatchewan (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 115.665; Saskatchewan 108.504
Dunkel Line: Calgary by 7; 52
Vegas Line: Calgary by 3 1/2; 49
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (-3 1/2); Over

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13

Game 495-496: Toronto at Hamilton (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 106.996; Hamilton 117.051
Dunkel Line: Hamilton by 10; 47
Vegas Line: Hamilton by 7 1/2; 50
Dunkel Pick: Hamilton (-7 1/2); Under

Game 497-498: Winnipeg at BC (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Winnipeg 116.711; BC 113.497
Dunkel Line: Winnipeg by 3; 54 1/2
Vegas Line: BC by 1 1/2; 49 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Winnipeg (+1 1/2); Over

CFL
Long Sheet

Week 7

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Thursday, August 11

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EDMONTON (5 - 1) at MONTREAL (4 - 2) - 8/11/2011, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 3-1 against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 3-1 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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Friday, August 12

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CALGARY (4 - 2) at SASKATCHEWAN (1 - 5) - 8/12/2011, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 60-36 ATS (+20.4 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 100-62 ATS (+31.8 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 86-54 ATS (+26.6 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
CALGARY is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 6-3 against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
SASKATCHEWAN is 5-3 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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Saturday, August 13

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TORONTO (1 - 5) at HAMILTON (3 - 3) - 8/13/2011, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
HAMILTON is 5-3 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
HAMILTON is 5-3 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WINNIPEG (5 - 1) at BRITISH COLUMBIA (1 - 5) - 8/13/2011, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WINNIPEG is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in all games this season.
WINNIPEG is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
WINNIPEG is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in games played on turf this season.
WINNIPEG is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 over the last 2 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in a home game where the total is between 49.5 and 52 over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 4-1 against the spread versus BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG is 3-2 straight up against BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CFL
Write-Up

Week 7

Edmonton (5-1) @ Montreal (4-2)-- Eskimos turned ball over five times in Winnipeg last week, losing first game of year; they're 2-1 on foreign soil, winning SU as dogs in Regina/Calgary. Five of six Alouette games went over total; four of last five Edmonton tilts stayed under. Montreal is 2-3 vs spread as a favorite, but their last three wins are by 14-23-13 points- they're 4-0 allowing less than 27 points.

Calgary (4-2) @ Saskatchewan (1-5)-- Surging Stampeders won four of last five games, including 22-18 (-2.5) decision here two weeks ago, as Calgary outrushed Riders 140-79 in tight game. Saskatchewan is already 0-3 at home, losing by 14-14-4 points- their last four games went under the total. Three of last four Calgary games stayed under. Road team won five of six Calgary games; Stamps are 3-0 on road, winning by 2-1-4.

Toronto (1-5) @ Hamilton (4-2)-- Argonauts haven't won since opener, losing last five games by average score of 31-21, with three of last four losses by 9+ points. TiCats won three of last four games; they're 2-0 at home, scoring 33-34 points in wins by 30-8 points. Hamilton was held to 10-20 points in its two losses; they scored 32.5 ppg in four wins this season. TiCats won 33-3 the only time they were favored this year.

Winnipeg (5-1) @ BCLions (1-5)-- Bombers are 6-0 vs spread this year, handing Edmonton its first loss last week, week after they beat this foe 25-20 (-3.5) at home two weeks ago. Winnipeg won last three games, but trailed at half in all three games; they had six sacks vs Lions in game two weeks ago, but were outrushed 145-105. Five of six Winnipeg games, three of last four BC games stayed under total.

CFL

Week 7

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Trend Report
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Thursday, August 11

7:30 PM
EDMONTON vs. MONTREAL
Edmonton is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games on the road
Edmonton is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Montreal
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Edmonton
Montreal is 22-3 SU in its last 25 games at home

Friday, August 12

9:00 PM
CALGARY vs. SASKATCHEWAN
Calgary is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Saskatchewan
Calgary is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Saskatchewan's last 6 games at home

Saturday, August 13

7:00 PM
TORONTO vs. HAMILTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games
Toronto is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Hamilton's last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Hamilton's last 5 games when playing Toronto

10:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. BRITISH COLUMBIA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Winnipeg's last 6 games
Winnipeg is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games
British Columbia is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Winnipeg
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of British Columbia's last 5 games when playing at home against Winnipeg

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CFL

Week 7

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Canadian bacon: CFL Week 7 betting preview and picks
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Edmonton Eskimos at Montreal Alouettes (-6.5, 54.5)

The Eskimos have performed way above expectations in the first third of the CFL schedule, mainly because of the extraordinary play of their young linebackers, who have excelled at man-to-man coverage.

This defensive squad often rolls the dice and goes for those high risk/high reward plays by constantly blitzing the opposing quarterback. However, that could prove costly against Montreal's powerful offense.

Edmonton's offense just isn't the same without WR Fred Stamps who was the best receiver in the CFL as of last week. Stamps is out until September with an abdominal injury and the Eskimos will struggle to fill the void no matter how good QB Ricky Ray is even if WR Andrew Nowacki returns from injury.

The Eskimos will need to overuse versatile RB Jerome Messam and that may not be a very good idea against Montreal. Another poor idea was to have the Eskimos spend the week in Winnipeg before flying to Montreal instead of going back home to enjoy their fabulous facilities in Edmonton.

As for the Alouettes, they will be playing at home with the support of their fans and are recharged after a convincing win against the Argonauts in Toronto. Anthony Calvillo has more options in front of him than Ray and he’ll take full advantage of them in Week 7.

Pick: Montreal

Calgary Stampeders vs Saskatchewan Roughriders (+3.5, 49)

According to DE Luc Mullander, who was acquired by the Als from the Riders earlier this week, team morale is at an all-time low in Saskatchewan. Mullander admitted on Twitter that he’s stunned by the contrast in attitudes between Regina and Montreal.

Even at home, with the support of the greatest fans in CFL, the Roughriders are more vulnerable than ever against the Stampeders, who have regained their poise, unity and confidence after a slow start to the season.

And let’s not forget that even when the Stamps lost, they been dominant in the fourth quarter. Ken-Yon Rambo may return after missing last week’s game against Hamilton with an Achilles injury. But with or without Rambo, Henry Burris has the tools to pick apart the Roughriders secondary.

The acquisition of WR Dallas Baker (from the Alouettes in return for Mullander) will give another prime target for QB Darian Durant, but the Roughriders still lack depth in too many key positions.

Pick: Calgary

Toronto Argonauts at Hamilton Tiger-Cats (-7.5, 50)

This will be the first showdown of the year between these great East Division rivals - just don’t expect it to be the intense affair that fans dream of.

The first chunk of the 2011 season has clearly shown one thing: The Tiger-Cats have a much better team than the Argonauts. The Tabbies have greatly improved offensively, in part to the acquisition of RB Avon Cobourne. They are also much better defensively, where they proved to be more aggressive and more creative than their Ontario rivals.

Toronto QB Cleo Lemon will need all the protection he can get from his offensive line Saturday. You can expect the Tiger-Cats to get their claws out after losing to Calgary.

Of course, new defensive coordinator Orlondo Steinauer will bring some fresh ideas to the table. He will need time before changing the philosophy and work habits of a defense that is coming off a brutal loss to the Alouettes in Week 6.

Pick: Hamilton

Winnipeg Blue Bombers at B.C. Lions (-1.5, 49.5)

Against all odds, the Blue Bombers have become one of the most frightening teams in the league. They are a legit threat to overthrow the Alouettes as the top team in the East.

The defensive unit, led by brilliant coordinator Tim Burke, has proved lethal. They lead the CFL in sacks while forcing their opponents to commit turnovers and must be considered among the best defenses in the league.

Unfortunately for the Bombers, they will play against the Lions, who are much better than their record indicates. These Leos are hungrier than ever and can’t afford to drop another game at home.

The Lions’ acquisitions of DB Tad Kornegay and WR Arland Bruce (aka Runako “Babe” Reth) could pay off this week. Wally Buono also made changes on defense, reuniting Korey Banks and Dante Marsh, two defensive backs that gave him excellent performances from 2007 to 2009.

Banks, who has been seeing less action recently for the benefit of Ryan Phillips, won’t need extra motivation to prove to coach Buono that he can still contribute in the secondary.

Pick: B.C.

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**Udog** · 08-11-2011, 08:39 AM

WNBA
Dunkel

Atlanta at Phoenix
The Dream look to build on their 7-2-2 ATS record in their last 11 Thursday games. Atlanta is the pick (+6) according to Dunkel, which has the Mercury favored by 4 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+6). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11

Game 601-602: San Antonio at Connecticut (7:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 109.490; Connecticut 113.708
Dunkel Line & Total: Connecticut by 4; 153
Vegas Line & Total: Connecticut by 6; 151
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (+6); Over

Game 603-604: Tulsa at Seattle (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tulsa 97.460; Seattle 114.595
Dunkel Line & Total: Seattle by 17; 136
Vegas Line & Total: Seattle by 13; 141 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-13); Under

Game 605-606: Atlanta at Phoenix (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 111.859; Phoenix 116.182
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 4 1/2; 180
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 6; 186
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+6); Under

WNBA

Thursday, August 11

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Trend Report
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7:30 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. CONNECTICUT
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of San Antonio's last 10 games when playing Connecticut
San Antonio is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Connecticut
Connecticut is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Connecticut is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home

10:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. PHOENIX
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing Phoenix
Atlanta is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Phoenix's last 12 games at home

10:00 PM
TULSA vs. SEATTLE
Tulsa is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Seattle
Tulsa is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Seattle
Seattle is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Tulsa
Seattle is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

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WNBA

Thursday, August 11

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Lady luck: Thursday's best WNBA bets
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San Antonio Silver Stars at Connecticut Sun (-6, 151)

All of a sudden, the San Antonio Silver Stars are in desperation mode.

After tearing up the league early this season, the Silver Stars have dropped four of their last five straight up, covering only twice during the slide.

On Tuesday, it got downright ugly. San Antonio was outscored 20-5 in the second quarter against Indiana en route to an 81-68 loss as a 6.5-point underdog.

"We didn't come out aggressive," Sophia Young, who had 13 points but hit just three of 10 on free throws, told reporters. "You can't expect to win when you don't come out hard. We have to get ready for Connecticut ... We have to get one of the (next) two on the road."

That’s going to be difficult unless the team’s offense comes around. The Silver Stars are averaging fewer than 72 points per game since starting the season 7-1, when they put up more than 90 points per contest.

The Sun have covered in five straight and should keep that run going against San Antonio.

Pick: Sun

Atlanta Dream at Phoenix Mercury (-6, 186)

The Dream have been on a nice run after opening the season with a bunch of injuries. They have won seven of their last nine games to pull within a game of .500 but Thursday’s date with the Mercury will be a major test.

Phoenix was mired in a rotten stretch that saw the club go 1-5 both straight up and against the spread before dropping the surging Minnesota Lynx 85-80. Diana Taurasi stepped up with 26 points and had a key steal in the final minute to secure the victory.

"We usually like to fight (defensively)," Taurasi told reporters. "We have to get that fighting spirit back and I think tonight we gained that back."

That’s bad news for Atlanta visiting a rejuvenated Mercury club.

Pick: Mercury

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**Udog** · 08-11-2011, 08:44 AM

MLB
Dunkel

San Diego at NY Mets
The Mets look to take advantage of a San Diego team that is 2-9 in its last 11 road games against a left-handed starter. New York is the pick (-125) according to Dunkel, which has the Mets favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-125). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11

Game 901-902: San Diego at NY Mets (12:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Luebke) 14.787; NY Mets (Niese) 15.804
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1; 9
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-125); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-125); Over

Game 903-904: Colorado at Cincinnati (12:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Chacin) 15.174; Cincinnati (Cueto) 14.820
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-135); 8
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+115); Under

Game 905-906: Milwaukee at St. Louis (8:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Gallardo) 15.928; St. Louis (Carpenter) 16.223
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-130); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-130); Under

Game 907-908: Houston at Arizona (9:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Myers) 14.185; Arizona (Saunders) 15.840
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona (-180); 9
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-180); Over

Game 909-910: Kansas City at Tampa Bay (12:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Duffy) 15.870; Tampa Bay (Niemann) 14.955
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-175); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+155); Over

Game 911-912: Oakland at Toronto (12:37 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Moscoso) 15.259; Toronto (Mills) 15.676
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Toronto (-135); 9
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-135); Under

Game 913-914: LA Angels at NY Yankees (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Chatwood) 15.179; NY Yankees (Colon) 16.471
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-200); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-200); Over

Game 915-916: Detroit at Cleveland (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Verlander) 15.687; Cleveland (Carmona) 15.118
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-180); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-180); Under

Game 917-918: Chicago White Sox at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Buehrle) 15.064; Baltimore (Tillman) 14.441
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-130); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-130);

Game 919-920: Washington at Chicago Cubs (2:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Zimmermann) 15.753; Cubs (Dempster) 14.276
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-115); No Run Total
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-105); N/A

**Udog** · 08-11-2011, 08:47 AM

MLB
Write-Up

Thursday, August 11

Hot pitchers
-- Gallardo is 3-1, 2.25 in his last four starts. Carpenter is 3-1, 3.38 in his last five outings.
-- Zimmerman is 3-2, 2.08 in his last seven road starts. Dempster is 3-1, 3.24 in his last four home starts.
-- Saunders is 2-1, 2.79 in his last four starts.

-- Niemann is 4-0, 1.90 in his last six starts.
-- Colon is 2-0, 3.24 in his last three starts.
-- Verlander is 4-0, 2.90 in his last four starts.
-- Buehrle is 3-0, 3.00 in his last four starts. Tillman is 2-1, 3.69 in his last six starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Niese has a 7.17 RA in his last four starts. Luebke is 1-3, 4.62 in his last four starts.
-- Cueto is 1-2, 5.60 in his last three starts. Chacin is 0-4, 5.48 in his last four road starts.
-- Myers is 0-6, 5.72 in his last eight starts.

-- Duffy is 1-3, 6.07 in his last five starts.
-- Moscoso is 1-2, 7.84 in his last four starts. Mills is 1-1, 3.65 in his two starts for Toronto this season.
-- Chatwood is 1-3, 6.08 in his last four starts.
-- Carmona is 0-1, 5.27 in his last couple starts.

Totals
-- Six of last nine Cincinnati home games went over the total.
-- Padres' last nine road games went over the total.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in Cardinals' last six home games.
-- Under is 6-1 in Dempster's last seven home starts.
-- Six of last seven Houston games went over the total.

-- Under is 13-3 in White Sox' last sixteen road games.
-- Seven of last ten games in Bronx went over the total.
-- Over is 13-1-2 in last sixteen Oakland games.
-- Under is 11-6 in Kansas City's last seventeen road games.
-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six Carmona starts.

Hot Teams
-- San Diego won five of its last seven games.
-- Cubs won eight of their last ten games.
-- Colorado won five of its last seven road games.
-- Brewers won 13 of their last 14 games. Cardinals won four of their last six games.
-- Arizona won three of its last four games.

-- Bronx won nine of its last twelve games. Angels won four of their last six games.
-- Blue Jays won five of their last seven home games. A's won three of their last four games.
-- Tampa Bay won six of its last eight games.
-- Indians won three of their last four games.
-- White Sox won five of their last six games.

Cold Teams
-- Mets lost seven of their last ten games.
-- Washington is 6-9 on the road since the All-Star break.
-- Reds lost six of their last eight games, allowing 42 runs.
-- Astros lost nine of their last twelve games.

-- Detroit lost its last three games, scoring eight runs.
-- Orioles lost 11 of their last 15 games.
-- Royals lost five of their last six games.

Umpires
-- SD-NY-- Five of last seven Carapazza games went over the total.
-- Col-Cin-- Over is 11-5 in last sixteen Johnson games.
-- Mil-StL-- Under is 10-0-1 in last eleven Gibson games.
-- Hst-Az-- Five of last six Scott games stayed under the total.
-- Wsh-Chi-- Under is 12-5-1 in Porter games this season.

-- Chi-Balt-- Home teams won last eight Conroy games.
-- LA-NY-- Under is 5-1-1 in last seven Winters games.
-- A's-Tor-- Over is 7-1-1 in last nine Danley games.
-- Det-Clev-- Underdogs won last five Carlson games, with four of those five going over the total.
-- KC-TB-- Road team won ten of last thirteen Reyburn games.

**Udog** · 08-11-2011, 08:50 AM

MLB

Thursday, August 11

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Trend Report
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12:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. TAMPA BAY
Kansas City is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Kansas City is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Kansas City

12:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. NY METS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Diego's last 5 games
San Diego is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Mets's last 5 games
NY Mets are 3-7 SU in its last 10 games

12:35 PM
COLORADO vs. CINCINNATI
Colorado is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Cincinnati is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

12:37 PM
OAKLAND vs. TORONTO
Oakland is 6-16 SU in its last 22 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Oakland's last 13 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Toronto's last 15 games when playing Oakland
Toronto is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home

1:05 PM
LA ANGELS vs. NY YANKEES
LA Angels are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Angels

2:20 PM
WASHINGTON vs. CHI CUBS
Washington is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games
Chi Cubs are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Chi Cubs's last 12 games

7:05 PM
DETROIT vs. CLEVELAND
Detroit is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing Cleveland
Detroit is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing Detroit
Cleveland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

7:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. BALTIMORE
Chi White Sox are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Chi White Sox's last 23 games
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Baltimore's last 17 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Baltimore's last 8 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox

8:15 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. ST. LOUIS
Milwaukee is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
St. Louis is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 7 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

9:40 PM
HOUSTON vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Houston's last 24 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Houston's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Arizona's last 14 games
Arizona is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games when playing at home against Houston

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**Udog** · 08-11-2011, 08:52 AM

MLB

Thursday, August 11

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Thursday's streaking and slumping starting pitchers
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Streaking

Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers (16-5, 2.30 ERA)

Verlander pulled into a tie with CC Sabathia for the MLB win lead at 16 by picking up his fourth straight victory the last time he took the ball, downing the Royals 4-3.

"He was drained," Leyland said of Verlander after that win. "He was spent, I could see that. But I thought he pitched great.”

Verlander has thrown at least seven innings in each of those wins while striking out at least seven batters. The big righty sits just inside the top 20 in MLB’s money starters, earning just over six units for his supporters.

Yovani Gallardo, Milwaukee Brewers (13-7, 3.56)

Gallardo has allowed just four runs over his last four outings and has given up just eight hits during his last 15 innings on the mound.

Gallardo cruised past Houston as a -200 favorite in his last start, yielding a single run over eight innings while striking out six and walking one.

Slumping

Tyler Chatwood, Los Angeles Angels (6-8, 4.10 ERA)

Chatwood has just one win on his resume since Jun 24 and his last two outings weren’t pretty. He allowed 11 runs over 11 2/3 innings combined over those two starts.

Still, he has been pretty solid most of the time. The Angeles have failed to score a run while the rookie has been in the game in eight of his starts this season.

“Once we give him a little bit more support, he'll feel more comfortable on the mound,” teammate Bobby Abreu told reporters of Chatwood. “The more times he goes out there the better he'll be and his command is going to help him stay in the game longer."

Brett Myers, Houston Astros (3-12, 4.76 ERA)

These are tough days to be a starting pitcher for the Houston Astros. Myers leads the club with 14 quality starts, but is mired in a career-high six-game losing skid.

Myers allowed five earned runs on 11 hits over six innings of work during a 7-5 loss to Milwaukee his last time out.

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**Udog** · 08-11-2011, 08:54 AM

MLB

Thursday, August 11

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Hot lines: Thursday's best MLB bets
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Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds (-135, 8)

Johnny Cueto had everything the Reds were looking for when he broke into the league – a great delivery, excellent movement on his pitches, and some swagger on the hill.

His problem was always consistency. He often spoiled solid outings with one bad inning.

This season Cueto’s shown maturity, keeping himself out of those big innings while posting a sparkling 2.06 ERA and three complete games to date. However, he had a rough outing in his last trip to the hill, getting drilled for seven hits and five earned runs over 3 2/3 innings in a blowout loss to the Cubs.

Cueto also hit a couple of batters and walked three others.

"He wasn't sharp early in the count," Reds manager Dusty Baker told reporters. "He was spinning off. We were hoping he'd get sharp. We didn't make a couple of defensive plays.”

In all, it was one of those games you just throw out the window. We’re betting Cueto will bounce back strong.

Pick: Reds

San Diego Padres at New York Mets (-120, 7.5)

With two lefties sharing the hill, many bettors begin their handicapping by taking a long look at the under. Thursday’s matchup between the Padres and Mets could be a major exception.

Despite and offense that’s producing only 3.72 runs per game (27th in MLB) and a .237 team batting average, the Padres are hammering the over.

They had the over on a 9-1-1 run heading into Wednesday’s action, moving the team’s season over/under record to 60-52-5. On Thursday they’ll start Cory Luebke, who has seen each of his last three outings play over as well.

Meanwhile, the Mets counter with Jon Niese who has been very good to over bettors as well. He has seen 14 of his last 19 home starts and 21 of his last 30 trips to the hill overall play above the posted total.

Pick: Over

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Announcement

Thursday's Trends and Indexes - 8/11 ( MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

Thursday's Trends and Indexes - 8/11 ( MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

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