Announcement

**Udog** · 05-09-2012, 07:47 AM

Wednesday’s betting tips: Starter makes MLB debut for Rockies

Who’s hot

NBA: The Knicks are 20-9 ATS in their last 29 games overall.

NBA: The over is 6-1 in the Clippers’ last seven overall.

NHL: The New York Rangers are 7-3 in their last 10 road games.

MLB: Tampa Bay had won seven straight meetings with the Yankees heading into Tuesday's action.

Who’s not

NBA: The under is 22-6 in Miami’s last 28 games as a home favorite.

NBA: The Grizzlies are 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 games as a favorite.

NHL: The over is 0-3-3 in the Capitals’ last six overall.

MLB: San Francisco is 3-9 in Tim Lincecum's last 12 starts.

Key stat

1 – Just one of the Washington Capitals’ 12 playoff games have been decided by more than one goal and the club has already gone to overtime six times. They are 0-5 when allowing the first goal in the postseason.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Jeremy Lin, New York Knicks – There was some talk that Lin (knee) might be able to return to the lineup at some point in the club’s opening-round series with the Miami Heat, but that’s not going to happen. The club ruled him out of action Tuesday, a day before the team looks to avoid elimination down 3-1 in its series with Miami.

Game of the day

Los Angeles Clippers at Memphis Grizzlies (-6, 183.5)

Notable quotable

“We’ve got to knock those free throws down when we get to the line. Maybe it’s good for us to really sulk on this loss for the next two days and really focus on where we need to be. We’re not there right now.” – Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh following Game 4’s loss to the New York Knicks. Miami shot 68.8 percent from the line with Dwyane Wade struggling in a big way. He hit just four of his 11 attempts from the charity stripe.

Notes and tips

The Rockies are turning to youth in an attempt to stabilize a rotation that has been highly unreliable and a major weakness. Right-hander Alex White was activated to start Tuesday at San Diego. And left-hander Christian Friedrich will be activated to start there Wednesday in his major league debut. White, 23, has made 10 starts in the majors, including seven with the Rockies last year following a trade from Cleveland. White went 2-4 with an 8.42 ERA in those seven Rockies starts. Friedrich, 24, was the Rockies' first pick and the 25th player taken overall in the 2008 draft. Colorado opened as a +115 underdog for Wednesday’s afternoon affair.

As of Tuesday evening, about 62 percent of *********** Consensus bettors were supporting the Los Angeles Clippers as they head into Wednesday’s Game 5 against the Memphis Grizzlies as 6-point road underdogs. The Clippers are 2-1-1 against the spread in the series but are only 1-3-1 against the spread in their last five road games.

Three blown saves and a recent spate of poor outings have cost Javy Guerra his role as the Los Angeles Dodgers' closer. Manager Don Mattingly made the change Monday, meeting with Guerra before the game against the San Francisco Giants.Kenley Jansen, who is tied for the major league lead with 16 appearances and leads all relievers with 27 strikeouts, is the new Dodgers closer.

Texas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton became the 16th player to hit four home runs in a game Tuesday. He went 5-for-5 with eight RBI and his 18 total bases were an AL record. Hamilton is now hitting .406 with an AL-leading 14 homers and 36 RBIs.

**Udog** · 05-09-2012, 07:47 AM

Armadillo: Wednesday's six-pack

Betting odds for the Players' Championship this weekend.......

10-1-- Rory McIlroy

12-1-- Lee Westwood

15-1-- Luke Donald

20-1-- Eldrick Woods, Phil Mickelson

30-1-- Stricker-Mahan-Scott-Garcia-Simpson

40-1-- Dufner-Kuchar-Oosthuizen-Fowler-Day-Watney-Rose-Furyk

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

Armadillo: Wednesday's List of 13: Random midweek stuff..........

13) We mentioned last week how Sean Green holds the record with 19 total bases in one game, and how hard it would be to break that record. Then we sat and watched Josh Hamilton hit four homers and a double, missing that great record by one base. Tremendous exhibition of hitting.

12) Someone has to make a movie out of Hamilton's life; part tragedy, part triumph, the ending yet to be written. He's playing for his next contract in 2012, and right now (.406, 14 HR, 36 RBI), he's a dominant hitter. Going to be fascinating to see where he winds up next season.

11) Interesting prop wager here at the Las Vegas Hilton: You can bet on if the teams (either one) will score in the first inning. Lot of knowledge to use as fodder; pitchers' records, umps' record. Something for me to chart on the plane ride home Tuesday.

10) When Travis Hafner hit a triple Monday, it was his first triple in 1,711 ABs, dating back to 2007. He gets paid to hit, not run.

9) Should Nationals pare an inning or two off of Stephen Strasburg's starts now, so that he hits his innings limit later in the season? How will they go about shutting Strasburg down in August if they're a contending team?

8) Cardinals scored 8+ runs in four of six games vs lefthanded starters.

7) Nationals lost their last five road games by a combined total of six runs.

6) You wonder if this Middlebrooks kid keeps hitting for Boston, if they will consider dumping Kevin Youkilis for pitching help this summer. They are in last place, 3.5 games out of 4th place. The bullpen has been awful. They need help and they need it fairly soon.

5) Why does ESPN have Stephen A Smith and Skip Bayless on the air? Is it a rule that you have to be a jerk to be on those shows? Horrible television.

4) As close as Jack Nicholson sits to the visiting bench at Laker games, isn't it overdue for him to play a basketball coach in a movie? Someone with a lot of demons but who wins, so those demons are tolerated. This would work.

3) 16 times a major leaguer homered four times in same game; there have been 21 perfect games, only five 20-strikeout pitching performances.

2) Compare that to 296 cycles, 252 no-hitters, and you realize how rare a performance Josh Hamilton put on Tuesday night.

1) I was 8 years old on May 8, 1968; remember getting up to go to school on May 9, and seeing a note next to my lunch: "Catfish pitched a perfect game. Won 4-0, knocked in three of the four runs". How lucky was I to pick such a great pitcher as my favorite player when I was five years old.

**Udog** · 05-09-2012, 07:48 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

Wednesday, May 9

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

NY RANGERS (58-27-0-9, 125 pts.) at WASHINGTON (48-34-0-12, 108 pts.) - 5/9/2012, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 19-7 ATS (+26.0 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
NY RANGERS are 58-35 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all games this season.
NY RANGERS are 29-20 ATS (+49.1 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 2-11 ATS (-9.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders this season.
WASHINGTON is 9-15 ATS (-13.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 12-10-0 straight up against NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.1 Units)

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

NHL
Short Sheet

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

EC Semifinals, Game Six (New York Leads, 3-2)
NY Rangers at Washington, 7:35 ET NBCSN
NY Rangers: 15-5 SU away off a home game
Washington: 2-11 SU off 3+ Unders

NHL

Wednesday, May 9

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

7:30 PM
NY RANGERS vs. WASHINGTON
NY Rangers are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games
NY Rangers are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games on the road
Washington is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against NY Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Washington's last 18 games when playing at home against NY Rangers

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

NHL

Wednesday, May 9

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What bettors need to know: Wednesday's NHL playoff action
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New York Rangers at Washington Capitals (-110, 5)

THE STORY: In one of the most closely contested matchups of the entire Stanley Cup playoffs, a high-sticking double minor has changed the entire complexion of the series. The New York Rangers used a late man advantage to post a stunning Game 5 win over Washington, and will look to eliminate the Capitals when the teams meet in Game 6 Wednesday night in the U.S. capital. New York is seeking its first berth in the Eastern Conference finals since 1994 - the last time it won the championship.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBCS, CBC

ABOUT THE RANGERS: New York was just 6.6 seconds away from returning to Washington down 3-2 in the best-of-seven - and even netminder Henrik Lundqvist said he was mentally preparing for that fate. But Brad Richards' late goal sent the game to overtime and, with the Rangers still on a power play, veteran defenseman Marc Staal unleashed a shot from the point that caromed past Capitals netminder Braden Holtby for the winning goal. "It wasn't a set play or anything off the draw," Staal noted after the game. "Just a good clean draw, and guys went to the net, and (Holtby) couldn't see it."

ABOUT THE CAPITALS: Joel Ward has known how it feels to be the hero - he scored the overtime goal in Game 7 that moved Washington past Boston in the opening round. But it was his four-minute high-sticking penalty on the Rangers' Carl Hagelin. "This definitely stings," Ward said. "It was a hard-fought battle. It's tough when you let the team down on a play like that." Capitals head coach Dale Hunter stuck by his player. "It was an accident," Dale Hunter said. "Those are the breaks of hockey. It accidentally came up. It's just a hockey play." Washington has yet to win a postseason game (0-5) when the opponent scores first.

TRENDS:
- The under is 5-0-6 in New York's last 11 overall.
- The under is 3-0-3 in Washington's last six.
- The Rangers are 2-5 in their last seven games in Washington.

OVERTIME:

1. Staal has five points in the playoffs after registering just five in 46 regular-season games.

2. New York dominated the physical play in Game 5, finishing with a 29-14 edge in hits.

3. Washington had held the Rangers without a shot on their first three man-advantage chances before Ward's late double minor.

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

**Udog** · 05-09-2012, 07:50 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Wednesday, May 9

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

NEW YORK (37 - 33) at MIAMI (49 - 21) - 5/9/2012, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 84-69 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 44-28 ATS (+13.2 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 44-31 ATS (+9.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in home games when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 9-5 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 11-3 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
10 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

LA CLIPPERS (43 - 27) at MEMPHIS (42 - 28) - 5/9/2012, 9:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 7-7 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 9-6 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
9 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

NBA
Short Sheet

Wednesday, May 9

EC Quarterfinals, Game Five (Miami Leads, 3-1)
New York at Miami, 7:05 ET TNT
New York: 6-0 Under off a home win by 3 points or less
Miami: 11-2 Under off a loss as a 7-point road favorite or higher

WC Quarterfinals, Game Five (LA Clippers Lead, 3-1)
LA Clippers at Memphis, 9:35 ET TNT
LA Clippers: 18-40 ATS away off an Over
Memphis: 17-6 ATS after losing 3 of their last 4 games

NBA

Wednesday, May 9

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

7:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. MIAMI
New York is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami
Miami is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing at home against New York

9:30 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. MEMPHIS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 6 games on the road
LA Clippers are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games on the road
Memphis is 2-3-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Memphis is 2-4-1 ATS in their last 7 games when playing LA Clippers

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

NBA

Wednesday, May 9

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What bettors need to know: Wednesday's NBA playoff action
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New York Knicks at Miami Heat (-11, 183)

THE STORY: Carmelo Anthony put the New York Knicks on his back on Sunday and made sure that they would not be swept out of the playoffs. But the win came at a cost, with point guard Baron Davis the latest to be lost with an injury. The Miami Heat are healthy, heading home and enjoying a 3-1 lead in the series. LeBron James and company will try to finish out the series in Game 5 on Wednesday.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, MSG (New York), SUN (Miami), TNT

ABOUT THE KNICKS: Anthony scored 12 of his 41 points in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s Game 4 and New York still had to sweat out a last-second miss by Dwyane Wade before celebrating. That 89-87 win snapped a 13-game postseason losing streak for the franchise. Amar'e Stoudemire, who sat out Game 3 after cutting his hand, recorded 20 points and 10 boards despite playing with a heavy wrap on the hand. But the Knicks suffered another blow in the third quarter when Baron Davis tore two knee ligaments and his patella tendon driving to the basket. Already without starting guard Iman Shumpert, New York will break in a new backcourt in Game 5. Jeremy Lin, who underwent knee surgery five weeks ago, has been practicing with the team but has yet to play.

ABOUT THE HEAT: Miami cruised through the first three games because their stars played like stars and the role players stepped up. In Game 4, Wade went 4 for 11 from the free throw line and lost his handle driving the lane on the final play. James committed five turnovers but ended up with a team-high 27 points. Mario Chalmers, Mike Miller and Shane Battier, who had taken turns stepping up in the first three games, combined for 11 points on 4-of-17 shooting in Game 4. Heat coach Eric Spoelstra made the decision to put Battier on Anthony in the fourth quarter and the veteran forward could not contain the Knicks’ star. Previously, James had gotten the bulk of the time on Anthony.

TRENDS:
- The Knicks are 1-5 ATS in the last six meetings.
- The Heat are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 playoff games as a favorite.
- The under is 22-6 in the Heat's last 28 home games.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. The Knicks are bidding to become the first NBA team to overcome a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series.

2. Davis, 33, had an MRI reveal the massive damage. He will be out about a year.

3. Wade has been playing with a dislocated left index finger.

Los Angeles Clippers at Memphis Grizzlies (-6, 183.5)

THE STORY: Losing the series opener after blowing a 27-point lead at home was an ominous sign for the Memphis Grizzlies, who will look to stave off elimination when they host the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night in Game 5 of their Western Conference first-round series. The Grizzlies have not found a way to solve the Clippers down the stretch, with their three losses coming by a total of six points. Memphis had won 11 consecutive home games before collapsing in Game 1.

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT, FSTN

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS: Blake Griffin had been held pretty much in check until busting out with a 30-point performance in Game 4. Despite the brilliant performance, All-Star point guard Chris Paul continues to be the difference-maker in the series. Paul is averaging 26.7 points in the last three games, but it’s his play with the game on the line that has separated the clubs. Case in point: Los Angeles blew a 10-point fourth-quarter lead and Paul bungled the final possession in Game 4. No matter. He responded by scoring eight points in overtime to snuff out the Grizzlies’ last-gasp comeback.

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES: Memphis has been unable to find a consistent No. 2 scoring option to go with Rudy Gay, who is averaging a shade under 22 points in the series. Center Marc Gasol, a 14.6-point scorer in the regular season, has attempted only nine shots in the past two games. Sixth-man O.J. Mayo also has careened off the radar, scoring a total of 11 points on 1-of-14 shooting in the two losses in Los Angeles. Nonetheless, Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins is more concerned with one area: defending Paul. “He’s the problem, and we’ve got to solve the problem.”

TRENDS:
-The Grizzlies are 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 games as a favorite.
- The Clippers are 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight games overall.
- The over is 6-1 in Clippers' last seven overall.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. There are only eight teams in NBA history that have rebounded from a 3-1 deficit to win a seven-game series.

2. Los Angeles is looking to win its first postseason series since beating the Denver Nuggets in the first round in 2006.

3. Memphis had an 18-0 edge in second-chance points in regulation Monday, but the Clippers scored all of their five second-chance points in overtime.

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

**Udog** · 05-09-2012, 07:50 AM

MLB
Dunkel

Texas at Baltimore
The Orioles look to bounce back from last night's 10-3 loss and take advantage of a Texas team that is 1-6 in its last 7 games after scoring 5 runs or more in the previous game. Baltimore is the pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Orioles favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+110). Here are all of today's picks.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9

Game 901-902: Cincinnati at Milwaukee (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Cueto) 15.174; Milwaukee (Greinke) 15.600
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-120); 7
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-120); Over

Game 903-904: Atlanta at Chicago Cubs (2:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Hudson) 14.653; Cubs (Maholm) 16.196
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-130); No Run Total
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+110); N/A

Game 905-906: Colorado at San Diego (3:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Friedrich) 13.660; San Diego (Bass) 14.250
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: San Diego (-125); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-125); Under

Game 907-908: Washington at Pittsburgh (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Detwiler) 15.887; Pittsburgh (Bedard) 14.222
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-115); 7
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-105); Over

Game 909-910: NY Mets at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Gee) 14.462; Philadelphia (Lee) 15.418
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 6
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-200); 7
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-200); Under

Game 911-912: Miami at Houston (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (Johnson) 14.633; Houston (Harrell) 16.152
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Miami (-150); 8
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+130); Over

Game 913-914: St. Louis at Arizona (9:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Lohse) 14.575; Arizona (Miley) 14.932
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-125); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+105); Under

Game 915-916: San Francisco at LA Dodgers (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Lincecum) 14.443; LA Dodgers (Billingsley) 15.304
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1; 7
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-130); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-130); Over

Game 917-918: Toronto at Oakland (3:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Morrow) 16.765; Oakland (Ross) 15.848
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Toronto (-140); 7
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-140); Over

Game 919-920: Chicago White Sox at Cleveland (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Peavy) 16.171; Cleveland (Gomez) 15.275
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-110); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-110); Under

Game 921-922: Texas at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Lewis) 16.338; Baltimore (Chen) 16.794
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Texas (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+110); Over

Game 923-924: Tampa Bay at NY Yankees (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Niemann) 15.437; NY Yankees (Phelps) 16.589
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1; 9
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-130); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-130); Under

Game 925-926: LA Angels at Minnesota (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Santana) 14.098; Minnesota (Pavano) 14.605
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-135); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+115); Over

Game 927-928: Boston at Kansas City (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lester) 14.681; Kansas City (Chen) 13.940
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Boston (-145); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-145); Under

Game 929-930: Detroit at Seattle (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Smyly) 14.388; Seattle (Vargas) 15.874
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Detroit (-130); 7
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+110); Under

**Udog** · 05-09-2012, 07:52 AM

MLB

Wednesday, May 9

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

1:10 PM
CINCINNATI vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cincinnati's last 7 games
Cincinnati is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cincinnati
Milwaukee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cincinnati

2:20 PM
ATLANTA vs. CHI CUBS
Atlanta is 8-3 SU in their last 11 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chi Cubs's last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games when playing Atlanta

3:35 PM
COLORADO vs. SAN DIEGO
Colorado is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Colorado is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
San Diego is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Colorado
San Diego is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Colorado

3:35 PM
TORONTO vs. OAKLAND
Toronto is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Toronto's last 9 games on the road
Oakland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Oakland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto

7:05 PM
NY METS vs. PHILADELPHIA
NY Mets are 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of NY Mets's last 8 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Philadelphia's last 15 games when playing NY Mets

7:05 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. NY YANKEES
Tampa Bay is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 5 games at home
NY Yankees are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay

7:05 PM
TEXAS vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Texas's last 7 games
Texas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Baltimore
Baltimore is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Baltimore's last 12 games at home

7:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. CLEVELAND
Chi White Sox are 13-5 SU in their last 18 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Chi White Sox are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Cleveland's last 10 games at home
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi White Sox

7:05 PM
WASHINGTON vs. PITTSBURGH
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Pittsburgh's last 25 games

8:05 PM
MIAMI vs. HOUSTON
Miami is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Houston's last 21 games at home
Houston is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home

8:10 PM
BOSTON vs. KANSAS CITY
Boston is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games
Kansas City is 7-17 SU in its last 24 games
Kansas City is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Boston

8:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone OVER in 10 of LA Angels's last 14 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of LA Angels's last 8 games on the road
Minnesota is 3-12 SU in its last 15 games
Minnesota is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games at home

9:40 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. ARIZONA
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Arizona is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against St. Louis
Arizona is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games at home

10:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. LA DODGERS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 9 games when playing at home against San Francisco

10:10 PM
DETROIT vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing on the road against Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Seattle's last 7 games when playing at home against Detroit
Seattle is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games

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

**Udog** · 05-09-2012, 07:53 AM

MLB

Wednesday, May 9

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday's streaking and slumping starting pitchers
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Streaking

Johnny Cueto, Cincinnati Reds (4-0, 1.31 ERA)

Cueto always had a ton of movement, but now he has it under control. He fired a complete game in his last outing, allowing one run and seven hits while walking none. That run was the only score he has allowed in his last 16 innings on the mound and he has given just one free pass to first base over that span.

Brandon Morrow, Toronto Blue Jays (3-1, 2.38 ERA)

Morrow was even more impressive than Cueto in his last start, throwing a complete-game shutout while striking out eight Angels. It was the second complete game of his career. Morrow has allowed just one earned run over his last three starts, yielding only one walk. His early success has been attributed to mixing in more curveballs and changeups this year.

Slumping

Ervin Santana, Los Angeles Angels (0-6, 5.59 ERA)

Santana became the first Angels pitcher to lose six straight starts to begin the season and continues to search for answers. "I don't know how to explain it," Santana told reporters after dropping a 4-0 decision to the Jays last week. "I don't care about my record right now, I just care about pitching well. That's my goal right now. If I don't win it doesn't matter. I want to pitch at least seven innings every time." He went eight innings in that start, but L.A. has been shut out in each of his last five trips to the hill.

Josh Johnson, Miami Marlins (0-3, 6.61 ERA)

The Marlins spotted Johnson a five-run lead in the first inning of his last start and he promptly gave up six in the third inning before hitting the showers. He’s allowed 11 runs and five walks in his last two appearances and can’t seem to keep the ball out of the middle of the strike zone.

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

MLB

Wednesday, May 9

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Using FIP to find value backing or fading MLB pitchers
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FIP sounds like the name of a new energy drink.

But it’s actually a statistic that stands for Fielding Independent Pitching, one of the new advanced metrics in baseball that does a better job of determining how well a pitcher is performing than such standard statistics as earned run average and winning percentage. Seamheads love it as we discussed at the start of the season.

FIP, as explained here by the folks at Baseball Prospectus, takes into account only home runs allowed, walks, hit batters and strikeouts. The theory behind FIP is that pitchers have no control over what happens to balls put into play other than home runs.

Why should we give a flip about FIP? Because it can help identify pitchers who are performer better or worse than their traditional statistics indicate, which can make for potential value plays.

Let's look at a look at two starting pitchers who are pitching better than it appears on the surface and two who aren't:

READY TO RISE

Josh Johnson

The initial reaction is to look at Miami Marlins right-hander Josh Joshson’s 0-3 record and 6.61 ERA in his first six starts and assume he is hurt. After all, Johnson made just nine starts last year before missing the rest of the season because of should tendinitis.

However, you don't need an MRI to see it's not a balky pitching arm that's bothering Johnson. Instead, a statistical examination shows Johnson has been more a victim of bad luck as his FIP is just 2.54. He has yet to allow a home run in 31 1/3 innings while striking out 26 and walking 12.

Johnson is scheduled to pitch Wednesday night at Houston. Perhaps he will begin turning around a season in which the Marlins are 2-4 and -$361(down 3.61 units) when he is on the mound.

Chris Volstad

Righty Chris Volstad was Johnson's teammate with the Marlins until he was traded to the Chicago Cubs for Carlos Zambrano during the offseason. Volstad is 0-4 with a 6.55 ERA in his first six starts for the Cubs and has gone 17 starts since his previous win last July 10. The Cubs have lost all six games and are -$600 in them.

Volstad's 3.38 FIP is an indicator that his dry spell should end soon. In 33 innings, he has given up 36 hits and one home run with 21 strikeouts and 10 walks.

Volstad's turn in the rotation next comes up Friday night when the Cubs play at Milwaukee.

READY TO FALL

Jeremy Hellickson

The Tampa Bay Rays' Jeremy Hellickson continues to defy the FIP odds. The right-hander was the American League Rookie of the Year last season when he outpitched his 4.44 FIP by going 13-10 with a 2.95 ERA in 29 starts.

Hellickson's FIP is even higher this season through six starts yet his ERA is even lower. He is 3-0 with a 2.75 ERA and the Rays are 4-2, $175 in his starts. Hellickson has allowed just 32 hits in 36 innings, but six of them have been home runs and his strikeout/walk ratio is a pedestrian 23/15.
Hellickson's luck is seemingly due to run out at some point. Maybe it will begin Friday when he makes a road start against surprising Baltimore.

Barry Zito

On the surface, San Francisco Giants left-hander Barry Zito seems to finally being living up to his seven-year, $126-million contract in the sixth year of the deal. Though he is just 1-1 through six starts, he has a fine 2.21 ERA and the Giants are 3-3 in those games and provided a $71profit.

Yet FIP indicates Zito is ready to turn back into the pitcher who has had losing records in each of his first five seasons with the Giants anytime now. He has a 4.62 mark. Though Zito has allowed just three home runs and 29 hits in 36 2/3 innings, he barely has more strikeouts (19) than walks (17).
Zito's next scheduled start is Sunday at Arizona.

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

**Udog** · 05-09-2012, 08:16 AM

NHL
Dunkel

NY Rangers at Washington
The Capitals look to bounce back from their loss in Game 5 and take advantage of a Rangers team that is 2-6 in its last 8 games following a win. Washington is the pick (-110) according to Dunkel, which has the Capitals favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Washington (-110). Here are all of today's picks.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9

Game 65-66: NY Rangers at Washington (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 11.898; Washington 12.657
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-110); 5
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-110); Under

**Udog** · 05-09-2012, 08:17 AM

NBA
Dunkel

LA Clippers at Memphis
The Grizzlies look to take advantage of a Clippers team that is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games as a road underdog. Memphis is the pick (-6) according to Dunkel, which has the Grizzlies favored by 8. Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-6). Here are all of today's picks

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9

Game 723-724: New York at Miami (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New York 117.038; Miami 125.798
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 9; 180
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 11; 183
Dunkel Pick: New York (+11); Under

Game 727-728: LA Clippers at Memphis (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 118.816; Memphis 127.011
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 8; 186
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 6; 182 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-6); Over

**Udog** · 05-09-2012, 09:12 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Wednesday, May 9

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

CINCINNATI (15 - 14) at MILWAUKEE (13 - 17) - 1:10 PM
JOHNNY CUETO (R) vs. ZACK GREINKE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 93-96 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 69-33 (+25.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 69-33 (+25.9 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 55-23 (+25.0 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
GREINKE is 28-9 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 20-0 (+20.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 11-0 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 28-9 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 14-0 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 13-1 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 573-659 (+46.7 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 423-478 (+46.0 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 31-18 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 310-283 (+50.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
CUETO is 21-9 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CUETO is 21-8 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MILWAUKEE is 3-11 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in day games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

JOHNNY CUETO vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
CUETO is 2-2 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.25 and a WHIP of 1.340.
His team's record is 5-4 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-5. (-2.5 units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
GREINKE is 3-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.21 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 4-0 (+4.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.1 units)

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

ATLANTA (19 - 12) at CHICAGO CUBS (12 - 18) - 2:20 PM
TIM HUDSON (R) vs. PAUL MAHOLM (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1199-1284 (-237.4 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 83-98 (-29.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 652-660 (-125.6 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 83-98 (-29.0 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 883-946 (-162.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 1-1 (+0.1 Units) against ATLANTA this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

TIM HUDSON vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
HUDSON is 2-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.94 and a WHIP of 1.348.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.9 units)

PAUL MAHOLM vs. ATLANTA since 1997
MAHOLM is 1-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 1.58 and a WHIP of 1.300.
His team's record is 2-4 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-6. (-6.3 units)

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

COLORADO (12 - 17) at SAN DIEGO (11 - 20) - 3:35 PM
CHRISTIAN FRIEDRICH (L) vs. ANTHONY BASS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 85-108 (-37.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 22-42 (-17.4 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 70-105 (-37.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 9-27 (-24.3 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 35-52 (-24.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 23-39 (-24.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 85-108 (-37.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 57-79 (-33.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 72-148 (-53.6 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
COLORADO is 78-87 (-32.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 36-29 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 82-112 (-21.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 57-83 (-24.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 44-59 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 44-57 (-15.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 33-58 (-21.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 82-112 (-21.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 21-41 (-18.8 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 13-27 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 3-2 (+1.1 Units) against COLORADO this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.9 Units)

CHRISTIAN FRIEDRICH vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.

ANTHONY BASS vs. COLORADO since 1997
BASS is 2-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 2.40 and a WHIP of 1.267.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-3. (-3.3 units)

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

WASHINGTON (18 - 11) at PITTSBURGH (13 - 16) - 7:05 PM
ROSS DETWILER (L) vs. ERIK BEDARD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 44-64 (-27.1 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 441-420 (+53.6 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 302-319 (+42.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 98-93 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 98-93 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

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

ROSS DETWILER vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
DETWILER is 0-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 0.800.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

ERIK BEDARD vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
BEDARD is 0-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 1.42 and a WHIP of 1.158.
His team's record is 0-3 (-4.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

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

NY METS (17 - 13) at PHILADELPHIA (14 - 17) - 7:05 PM
DILLON GEE (R) vs. CLIFF LEE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 41-17 (+19.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 628-599 (+38.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
NY METS are 23-17 (+10.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 50-45 (+20.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 12-5 (+10.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
NY METS are 50-45 (+20.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 35-31 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
GEE is 11-5 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GEE is 11-5 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEE is 24-28 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 4-1 (+5.4 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.8 Units)

DILLON GEE vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
GEE is 2-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 6.48 and a WHIP of 1.860.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

CLIFF LEE vs. NY METS since 1997
LEE is 2-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 1.61 and a WHIP of 0.964.
His team's record is 2-2 (-1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)

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

MIAMI (15 - 15) at HOUSTON (14 - 16) - 8:05 PM
JOSH JOHNSON (R) vs. LUCAS HARRELL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 105-145 (-39.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 42-61 (-19.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 9-3 (+8.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
HOUSTON is 7-1 (+7.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
HOUSTON is 31-23 (+16.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 18-7 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in road games in May games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 38-32 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 71-123 (-31.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 198-233 (-55.3 Units) against the money line in May games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 69-122 (-33.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 46-92 (-32.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 2-3 (+0.0 Units) against MIAMI this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

JOSH JOHNSON vs. HOUSTON since 1997
JOHNSON is 0-2 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 5.87 and a WHIP of 1.631.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.4 units)

LUCAS HARRELL vs. MIAMI since 1997
HARRELL is 0-0 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 2.750.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

ST LOUIS (19 - 11) at ARIZONA (14 - 17) - 9:40 PM
KYLE LOHSE (R) vs. WADE MILEY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 65-86 (-31.3 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997.
ST LOUIS is 110-100 (-34.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 111-89 (+22.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 39-24 (+14.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 111-89 (+22.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 81-62 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 82-60 (+24.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 62-47 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 61-45 (+17.1 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 88-55 (+24.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 2-0 (+2.3 Units) against ARIZONA this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

KYLE LOHSE vs. ARIZONA since 1997
LOHSE is 2-2 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 5.36 and a WHIP of 1.438.
His team's record is 3-5 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (-0.3 units)

WADE MILEY vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
No recent starts.

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

SAN FRANCISCO (15 - 15) at LA DODGERS (19 - 11) - 10:10 PM
TIM LINCECUM (R) vs. CHAD BILLINGSLEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 70-72 (-17.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 64-41 (+19.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 44-24 (+16.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 856-712 (+105.7 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-1 (+0.9 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.0 Units)

TIM LINCECUM vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
LINCECUM is 4-4 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 2.88 and a WHIP of 1.213.
His team's record is 8-6 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-6. (+1.3 units)

CHAD BILLINGSLEY vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
BILLINGSLEY is 6-5 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 2.97 and a WHIP of 1.254.
His team's record is 10-9 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-9. (-1.6 units)

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

TORONTO (16 - 14) at OAKLAND (16 - 14) - 3:35 PM
BRANDON MORROW (R) vs. TYSON ROSS (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 1-0 (+1.2 Units) against TORONTO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

BRANDON MORROW vs. OAKLAND since 1997
MORROW is 3-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.99 and a WHIP of 1.262.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)

TYSON ROSS vs. TORONTO since 1997
No recent starts.

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

CHI WHITE SOX (14 - 17) at CLEVELAND (17 - 12) - 7:05 PM
JAKE PEAVY (R) vs. JEANMAR GOMEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 72-89 (-30.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 100-94 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 97-91 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 74-59 (+19.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 13-5 (+9.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 51-45 (+11.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
GOMEZ is 11-4 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GOMEZ is 10-2 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GOMEZ is 7-0 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GOMEZ is 11-4 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GOMEZ is 12-5 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHI WHITE SOX are 53-47 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 51-41 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 78-64 (+22.5 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 36-31 (+17.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
PEAVY is 9-2 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PEAVY is 9-2 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 94-100 (-34.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Wednesday since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 4-4 (+0.3 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.8 Units)

JAKE PEAVY vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
PEAVY is 2-3 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.00 and a WHIP of 1.111.
His team's record is 2-5 (-5.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-2. (+1.6 units)

JEANMAR GOMEZ vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
GOMEZ is 2-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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

TEXAS (20 - 10) at BALTIMORE (19 - 11) - 7:05 PM
COLBY LEWIS (R) vs. WEI-YIN CHEN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 19-11 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 17-10 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 16-9 (+10.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 11-3 (+10.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TEXAS is 127-82 (+21.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 120-75 (+21.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 93-55 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 278-354 (-98.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

COLBY LEWIS vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
LEWIS is 1-2 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 4.91 and a WHIP of 1.480.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.0 units)

WEI-YIN CHEN vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

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

TAMPA BAY (19 - 11) at NY YANKEES (16 - 13) - 7:05 PM
JEFF NIEMANN (R) vs. DAVID PHELPS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 441-536 (+23.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997.
NIEMANN is 17-8 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NIEMANN is 23-10 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 108-96 (-59.4 Units) against the money line in home games in May games since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 66-64 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 3-1 (+2.2 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

JEFF NIEMANN vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
NIEMANN is 3-0 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.10 and a WHIP of 1.414.
His team's record is 4-1 (+4.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.2 units)

DAVID PHELPS vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.

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

LA ANGELS (13 - 18) at MINNESOTA (8 - 21) - 8:10 PM
ERVIN SANTANA (R) vs. CARL PAVANO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 13-18 (-12.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 66-68 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SANTANA is 0-6 (-7.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
SANTANA is 8-16 (-14.0 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -150 since 1997. (Team's Record)
PAVANO is 152-132 (+25.6 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
PAVANO is 7-0 (+9.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PAVANO is 105-91 (+23.1 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 626-622 (+57.3 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 153-137 (+28.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 517-511 (+58.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 623-539 (+63.9 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 71-121 (-35.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 30-60 (-26.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 37-58 (-21.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 68-114 (-32.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 20-36 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 47-90 (-33.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 5-3 (+0.4 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.5 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)

ERVIN SANTANA vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
SANTANA is 3-3 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.55 and a WHIP of 1.355.
His team's record is 5-4 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-3. (-0.3 units)

CARL PAVANO vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
PAVANO is 4-2 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.61 and a WHIP of 1.097.
His team's record is 6-2 (+5.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-2. (+3.8 units)

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

BOSTON (12 - 17) at KANSAS CITY (10 - 19) - 8:10 PM
JON LESTER (L) vs. BRUCE CHEN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 104-89 (-20.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 44-48 (-22.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 3-13 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 3-13 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 27-55 (-23.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 1-1 (+0.1 Units) against BOSTON this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

JON LESTER vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
LESTER is 5-1 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 1.30 and a WHIP of 0.952.
His team's record is 5-2 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-0. (+5.0 units)

BRUCE CHEN vs. BOSTON since 1997
CHEN is 2-5 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 6.65 and a WHIP of 1.800.
His team's record is 2-7 (-4.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.2 units)

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

DETROIT (15 - 14) at SEATTLE (14 - 18) - 10:10 PM
DREW SMYLY (L) vs. JASON VARGAS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 143-214 (-60.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 139-196 (-49.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 14-33 (-16.4 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 76-136 (-53.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 4-1 (+4.9 Units) against DETROIT this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)

DREW SMYLY vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.

JASON VARGAS vs. DETROIT since 1997
VARGAS is 1-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 5.91 and a WHIP of 1.594.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-3. (-2.4 units)

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

**Udog** · 05-09-2012, 12:12 PM

MLB
Short Sheet

Wednesday, May 9

National League

Cincinnati at Milwaukee, 1:10 ET
Cueto: Cincinnati 5-1 Over off 5+ road games
Greinke: 14-0 TSR at home with a total of 7.5 runs or less

Atlanta at Chicago Cubs, 2:20 ET
Hudson: Altanta 34-20 SU away off 3+ road games
Maholm: Cubs 7-20 SU at home off BB games allowing 3 runs or less

Colorado at San Diego, 3:35 ET
Friedrich: Colorado 4-13 SU with a line of +125 to -125
Bass: San Diego 17-7 Over as a favorite of -125 to -175

Washington at Pittsburgh, 7:05 ET
Detwiler: Washington 18-8 Over away with a total of 7 to 7.5 runs
Bedard: Pittsburgh 23-40 SU at home off BB home games

NY Mets at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
Gee: 13-4 TSR in the first half of the season
Lee: Philadelphia 18-8 Over playing with double-revenge

Miami at Houston, 8:05 ET
Johnson: Miami 18-7 SU away in May
Harrell: Houston 7-20 SU at home off 5+ home games

St. Louis at Arizona, 9:40 ET
Lohse: St. Louis 30-15 SU away after winning 3 of their last 4 games
Miley: Arizona 28-14 Over at home after scoring 2 runs or less

San Francisco at LA Dodgers, 10:10 ET
Lincecum: San Francisco 26-12 Under off a win by one run
Billingsley: Dodgers 18-8 SU after the bullpen worked 1 inning or less

American League

Toronto at Oakland, 3:35 ET
Morrow: 6-1 TSR pitching off 3+ team losses
Ross: Oakland 14-34 SU after winning 5 or 6 of their last 7 games

Chicago White Sox at Cleveland, 7:05 ET
Peavy: 9-2 TSR in road games
Gomez: Cleveland 9-20 SU at home off 6+ home games

Texas at Baltimore, 7:05 ET
Lewis: Texas 28-11 SU as a road favorite of -125 to -175
Chen: Baltimore 33-17 Over after winning 4 or 5 of their last 6 games

Tampa Bay at NY Yankees, 7:05 ET ESPN
Niemann: 18-6 TSR away in the first half of the season
Phelps: Yankees 17-7 Over at home with a line of -125 to +125

LA Angels at Minnesota, 8:10 ET
Santana: Angels 41-21 SU after scoring 2 runs or less
Pavano: Minnesota 2-14 SU with a total of 8.5 to 10 runs

Boston at Kansas City, 8:10 ET
Lester: Boston 14-5 Over as a favorite of -150 or less
Chen: Kansas City 1-10 SU off 3+ home games

Detroit at Seattle, 10:10 ET
Smyly: Detroit 20-7 Over off 4+ games allowing 4 runs or less
Vargas: Seattle 9-21 SU at home vs. AL Central opponents

**Udog** · 05-09-2012, 12:14 PM

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, May 9

Hot pitchers
-- Cueto is 3-0, 1.23 in his last four starts. Greinke is 2-0, 3.33 in his last four outings.
-- Maholm is 3-0, 1.47 in his last three starts.
-- Detwiler is 2-1, 1.96 in his last three starts. Bedard is 2-0, 2.70 in his last two outings.
-- Lee has a 2.17 RA in his last four starts before going on DL.
-- Lohse is 4-1, 2.44 in his last seven starts. Miley is 2-0, 2.45 in three starts this season.
-- Lincecum is 2-0, 2.50 in his last three starts. Billingsley has a 2.77 RA in his last two starts.

-- Morrow is 3-0, 0.42 in his last three starts.
-- Peavy has a 1.40 RA in his last three starts. Gomez is 2-1, 3.10 in his last four outings.
-- Lewis is 3-1, 2.97 in his six starts this season. WChen has a 2.95 RA in his last three starts.
-- Smyly is 1-0, 1.93 in five starts this season. Vargas is 2-1, 2.84 in his last four starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Hudson allowed nine runs in 11 IP in his first two '12 starts.
-- Bass is 1-2, 4.32 in his last four starts. Friedrich i making his first start in MLB; he was 2-1, 3.00 in five starts at AAA.
-- Gee is 1-1, 5.95 in his last three starts.
-- JJohnson allowed 11 runs in eight IP in his last two starts. Harrell is 1-2, 8.27 in his last three outings.

-- Ross allowed 16 runs in 7.1 IP in his last two starts.
-- Niemann has a 5.40 RA in his last five starts. Phelps gave up two runs in four IP (85 PT) in his first MLB start.
-- ESantana is 0-6, 5.82 in his last six starts; Angels were blanked in each of his last five starts, an MLB record. Pavano is 2-2, 5.08 in six starts.
-- Lester is 1-2, 5.40 in his last five starts. BChen is 0-4, 6.56 in his last four outings.

Hot teams
-- Mets won their last four games, allowing 10 runs.
-- Marlins won seven of their last eight games. Houston won six of its last eight games.
-- Cubs are 7-0 in game following their last seven losses. Braves won nine of their last twelve road games.
-- Cincinnati won six of its last nine road games.
-- Cardinals won four of their last five road games.
-- Padres won their last couple games, allowing three runs.
-- Dodgers won their last five home games.

-- Cleveland won seven of its last ten games.
-- Bronx Bombers won three of their last four games. Tampa Bay won four of its last six road games.
-- Rangers won three of last four games, scoring 24 runs in last two.
-- Angels won six of their last nine games.
-- A's won four of their last five games.

Cold teams
-- Pirates are 1-7 in game following their last eight wins. Nationals lost their last five road games.
-- Phillies are 3-6 in their last nine home games.
-- Brewers lost eight of their last twelve games.
-- Arizona lost six of its last seven games.
-- Colorado lost eight of its last ten games.
-- Giants lost five of their last eight games.

-- Toronto lost its last three games, allowing 17 runs.
-- White Sox lost 11 of their last 15 games.
-- Orioles lost last two games, allowing 24 runs.
-- Boston lost six of its last seven games. Royals lost 13 of their 16 home games, but are 3-3 in last six.
-- Minnesota lost 12 of its last 15 games.
-- Mariners lost eight of their last 11 games. Detroit lost 10 of last 16.

Totals
-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six Pittsburgh games.
-- Eight of Mets' last eleven games went over the total.
-- 12 of last 14 Miami road games stayed under total. Five of Houston's last seven home games went over.
-- 12 of Cubs' last 14 games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 5-1-1 in Cincinnati's last seven road games.
-- Ten of last fourteen St Louis road games stayed under total.
-- Five of last eleven San Diego home games stayed under total.
-- Five of last seven games at Dodger Stadium stayed under.

-- Under is 10-4-1 in Cleveland's last fifteen home games.
-- Under is 10-5 in last fifteen Baltimore games.
-- Last five Bronx games stayed under total.
-- Under is 8-4-1 in Royals' last thirteen home games.
-- Under is 13-3 in Angels' last sixteen games.
-- Five of last seven Oakland home games stayed under total.
-- Under is 8-3 in Detroit's road games this season.

Umpires
-- Wsh-Pitt-- Over is 20-16 in last 36 Davis games.
-- NY-Phil-- Three of last four Kulpa games stayed under.
-- Mia-Hst-- Under is 4-1-1 in Timmons games this season.
-- Atl-Chi-- Home team won last four Layne games.
-- Cin-Mil-- Under is 3-0-1 in Bucknor games this season.
-- StL-Az-- Favorites won four of five Diaz games.
-- Col-SD-- Underdogs are 4-3 in last seven Hallion games.
-- SF-LA-- Favorites won five of six Cederstrom games.

-- Tex-Blt-- Three of last four Barry games stayed under.
-- Chi-Clev-- All five Vanover games stayed under total.
-- TB-NY-- Over is 5-1-1 in Reynolds games; dogs won last four.
-- Bos-KC-- Six of eight Nelson games stayed under total.
-- LA-Min-- All four Holbrook games went over the total.
-- Tor-A's-- Road team won four of five Hickox games.
-- Det-Sea-- Five of seven Winters games stayed under.

**Udog** · 05-09-2012, 04:59 PM

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, May 9

Rangers (3-2) @ Capitals-- Washington killed 32 of 36 penalties in playoffs this spring, until Rangers scored twice on same 5:00 major late in Game 5, getting the tying goal with 0:06 left, winner 1:35 into OT. Last four games were decided by one goal each, with two of last three decided in OT. Caps have played six OT games in playoffs. Rangers are 4-17 on power play in last in series. Rangers had 39-18 edge in shots on goal last game, and Caps blocked 25 more. Rangers are 3-2 on road in playoffs, with all five games decided by one goal. Caps are just 2-3 at home in playoffs. Seems like this series is destined to go OT in Game 7.

**Udog** · 05-09-2012, 04:59 PM

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, May 9

Knicks @ Heat (3-1)-- Stat analysts swear Anthony does better when Battier is guarding him, but Miami seems eager to have Battier check him anyway; this series would be over had Wade not gone 4-11 from foul line Sunday. New York avoided sweep last game, got first playoff game win since 2001 Sunday- they're 1-6 vs Miami this season, losing by 10-8-14-33-10-17 points- they're 3-13 overall in last 16 series games. Eight of last nine series games stayed under the total.

Clippers (3-1) @ Grizzlies-- Memphis outscored Clippers 386-385 so far in series, but lost three of four games, with two 1-point losses and a loss in OT. Clippers won seven of last nine series games-- home team is 8-2 in last ten series games, 6-2 this year. Gutty Butler (broken hand) played 22-26 minutes last two games; hard to put a value on that kind of toughness. LA point guard Paul is best player on floor; he takes over the cloe games at the end-- he had 8 points in OT in Game 4.

Announcement

Wednesday's Trends and Indexes - 5/9(NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

Wednesday's Trends and Indexes - 5/9(NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment