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**Udog** · 06-09-2012, 07:46 AM

Saturday's betting tips: Dice-K makes BoSox return

Weather to watch

Chicago Cubs at Minnesota Twins - 17 mph winds are expected to blow in from right-centerfield.

Who’s hot

NBA: Celtics are 13-3-1 ATS in their last 17 games following a straight up loss.

NHL: Kings are 24-8 in their last 32 overall

Euro 2012: Denmark has won six of its last eight official matches.

Euro 2012: Germany is 8-5-3 in 17 matches against Portugal and won all 10 of their qualifers, netting 34 goals.

MLB: Marlins are 6-1 in Carlos Zambrano's last seven starts.

WNBA: Minnesota Lynx are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games as a favorite.

Who’s not

NBA: The under is 7-19 in the last 26 meetings between the Celtics and Heat in Miami.

NHL: Over is 0-8-1 in the last nine meetings between New Jersey and Los Angeles.

Euro 2012: The Netherlands has won just three of its last seven official matches (W3, D1, L3).

Euro 2012 :Portugal have won just one of their last six matches (W1, D3, L2).

MLB: Angels are 3-10 in Dan Haren's last 13 starts.

WNBA: San Antonio Silver Stars are 1-10-1 ATS in their last 12 meetings with Seattle.

Key stat

5 minutes, 32 seconds – The New Jersey Devils have held the lead for just 5:32 in the Stanley Cup finals as they get set to host the Los Angeles Kings in Saturday’s Game 5. The Devils, trailing 3-1 in the series, are set between -105 and -115.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Joris Mathijsen, Netherlands - The Dutch defense is preparing to play Denmark without the services of center back Joris Mathijsen, who is battling a hamstring problem. The 32-year-old is a veteran on the team, having been a big part of the 2010 side that played in the World Cup final.

Game of the day

Boston Celtics at Miami Heat (-7.5, 178)

Notable quotable

“It wasn’t the end of the world. Nobody likes getting dirt thrown on your face before you’re not even dead.” – Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra on how his team responded to Game 5’s loss in Miami. The Heat bounced back to drill Boston 93-79 as 2-point favorites, after many people had already written the team off.

Notes and tips

Tennis analyst Martina Navratilova dubbed Saturday's Women's final between Maria Sharapova and Sara Errani as a "bad matchup" for Errani, explaning that Sharapova's serve could be too much for her to handle."Errani, as amazingly and bravely as she'd played, I just don't see how it can be enough for Maria's return of serve," explained 18-times grand slam singles champion Navratilova."(The return) is her best shot, and Errani's serve is her worst shot."Sharapova is set as a -500 favorite against Errani (+305).

Daisuke Matsuzaka is set to take the mound for the Boston Red Sox Saturday, a day short of a year since undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. Dice-K was 0-2 with a 3.37 ERA (11 earned runs in 29 1/3 innings) in his six rehab starts for Triple-A Pawtucket. He looked strong, hitting 94 mph on the gun in his last outing. Matsuzaka was 3-3 with 5.30 ERA in 2011 before his injury.

Jeff Francis is back with the Colorado Rockies and will take the ball Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels. Francis was granted a release from his minor-league contract with the Cincinnati Reds and signed immediately with Colorado, where he began his MLB career. He was posted a 3.72 ERA and 65/18 K/BB ratio in 77 innings with Cincinnati’s Triple-A club.

**Udog** · 06-09-2012, 07:46 AM

Armadillo: Saturday's six-pack

-- Seattle Mariners used six pitchers to no-hit the Dodgers late Friday; starter Kevin Millwood left after six innings with a leg injury.

-- Tampa Bay Rays have used six third basemen, nine cleanup hitters in the 35 games since Evan Longoria got hurt, but they've gone 18-17.

-- 36,069 fans showed up in Pittsburgh for Royals-Pirates Friday night, as the hot Bucs are now 30-27 and threatening to contend.

-- Mets gave Johan Santana two extra days of rest after his 134-pitch no-hitter last week, not letting him pitch against division leader Wasnhington; he gave up four HRs in five IP in a 9-1 loss to Bronx Friday.

-- Bryce Harper is hitting .288 with six HRs; he's 19 years old. Harper hit a HR into the CF seats at Fenway Friday. Nationals won 7-4.

-- Stephen Strasburg induced 20 swings/misses Friday; none of the other 29 starting pitchers in the majors last night had more than 13.

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Armadillo: DDLohaus handicaps the Belmont Stakes..........

Can you say “Disappointed”???

Someone should also check on NYRA to make sure the leadership doens’t do anything drastic. That group just can’t seem to catch a break and this is sure to cost them millions.

The recent scratch of Triple Crown hopeful I’ll Have Another has left this race very boring (No Triple Crown Chance)…. And looking more and more like a just another stakes race…. And not even a very good one at that. While all solid performers, their collective credentials are not very impressive. However, that makes it wide open and there is certainly value to be found if you fancy one specific runner.

Now that I’ll Have Another is out, the favorite will be Dullahan; and rightfully so. After a solid third in the Derby, he has been rested and appears ready to claim the last leg of the Triple Crown.

Union Rags, while a distant 7th in the Derby, certainly fits here and would not surprise however his workouts have not been all that impressive.

Paynter is coming into this race razor sharp. His latest workout suggests he will be ok with the mile and a half. Baffert deserves respect.

Street Life is an interesting youngster who has been impressive in the morning and he is my outsider with this group.

Listen, the race is pretty wide open and I am sad to say one that really has lost my interest; I really thought there was a chance to break the streak… well we’ll have to wait at least one more year.

The Selections:

Dullahan
Paynter
Street Life

The Bets:

$30WP Street Life (Value Play)
$20Ex Dullahan/Street Life
$5ExBX Dullahan/Street Life/Paynter

Good Luck
See you at Saratoga!

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

13) Rangers/Cardinals leads MLB with 24 wins each by 3+ runs, with Toronto next at 23; those three teams are combined 22-43 in games decided by 1 or 2 runs.

12) Three teams that do worse in close games than in games decided by 3+ runs: Cardinals 6-15/24-14 Rangers 9-14/25-11 Blue Jays 7-14/23-14

11) Three teams that do better in close games than in games decided by 3+ runs: Indians 18-7/13-19 Orioles 19-9/13-17 Pirates 21-12/9-15

10) A 6-year old Giant fan sent Brandon Jacobs $3.36 in the mail last week (well, his parents did), when his mother told him Jacobs left the Giants over money-related issues. Jacobs said he cried when he got the letter.

9) If the Patriots don’t want Chad85Johnson, why should any other NFL team? I’m told Saskatchewan is nice in the summer.

8) NBA prospect Andre Drummond has a 7-6 ¾ wingspan; not sure he can play, but if he’s awful, at least he’ll cover a lot of ground being awful.

7) After watching Moneyball for the 23rd time on Starz the other night, had to look up Billy Beane’s playing career; he played small parts of six seasons in the big leagues, getting a total of 319 major league AB's for four different teams. Odd thing is, two of his last three years, the teams he played for (’87 Twins, ’89 A’s) won the World Series that year, so he might actually have two World Series rings as a player, despite playing less than the equivalent of a whole season in the majors.

6) Speaking of those ’87 Twins, they won the World Series despite giving up 20 more runs than they scored during the regular season, winning the AL West with an 83-79 record.

5) Japanese import Yu Darvish is 1-3, 7.40 in his last four starts; its still too early to tell, but the Rangers have to be at least a little concerned about a guy they spent over $100M to sign last winter.

4) RA Dickey hasn’t allowed a run in his last 24.2 IP; would be nice if he started the All-Star Game. He’s come out of nowhere to be one of the game’s best pitchers.

3) Say what you want about the Miami Heat, but they’re polarizing and therefore good for business. Game 6 of Miami-Boston series did an 8.2 rating Thursday, NBA’s best-ever rating for a cable game.

2) By the way, if I haven’t mentioned this before, the in-game interviews with NBA coaches during playoff games are hideous and unnecessary. The league is hurting its product for no reason by having these guys bite their tongues for 60 seconds, so they don’t lose their mind at the stupidity of having to give inane answers to vanilla questions by a terrified interviewer during a high-pressure game.

If the Spurs had gotten to the Finals, Gregg Popovich might have ripped one of Craig Sager’s sportscoats off his back and and shredded it into 20 pieces like Captain Lou Albano used to do on pro wrestling 30 years ago.

1) Tough break for Belmont Park and the NYRA, with 4-5 favorite I’ll Have Another scratched from the Belmont; will probably cost them 30-40,000 admissions Saturday, maybe more. Horse racing may never have another Triple Crown winner; thoroughbreds are no longer able to withstand three tough races in five weeks.

**Udog** · 06-09-2012, 07:47 AM

Public opinion: Celtics-Heat bettors riding over trend

Odds and consensus percentages current as of 8 p.m. ET, Friday.

NBA:

Boston Celtics at Miami Heat (-7.5, 178)

If the Boston Celtics are going to have a chance in Game 7’s date in Miami, they’re going to need more from Kevin Garnett. The veteran was held to 12 points and five rebounds in Game 6’s loss, but you have to figure he and the Celtics bounce back with a better effort. This series might go down to the last shot. Four of the last five meetings have played over.

Consensus: Over, 73 percent

NHL:

Los Angeles Kings at New Jersey Devils (-110, 4.5)

When the Kings put a strong push to tie the contest late in Game 4, it was Martin Brodeur who shut the door. If the Devils are going to extend the series, the veteran netminder is going to have to lead the way. The under is 8-0-1 in the last nine meetings between these two teams and that’s the way early bettors are leaning for Game 5.

Consensus: Under, 63.6 percent

MLB:

Detroit Tigers at Cincinnati Reds (+135, N/A)

Justin Verlander has dropped three straight starts, so you have to figure it’s only a matter of time before he snaps out of it. This is the second cheapest line Detroit’s ace has seen all season, but the Tigers are just 6-6 in his starts and his supporters are down 4.46 units.

Consensus: Tigers, 59 percent

WNBA:

Seattle Storm at San Antonio Silver Stars (-3, 142.5)

The Silver Stars head into this matchup having covered the number in four of their last five, but have had problems with Seattle over the years. The Storm are 10-1-1 in the last 12 meetings between the two clubs, but early handicappers are siding with the home team.

Consensus: Silver Stars, 64.8 percent

**Udog** · 06-09-2012, 07:47 AM

NASCAR betting: Pocono 400 preview and picks

The summer stretch for NASCAR begins in earnest this week as the Sprint Cup Series heads to Pocono Raceway for Sunday’s Pocono 400 presented by #NASCAR.

Pocono is a 2.5-mile track unique to any other on the schedule with three distinctly different turns and three straightaways of varying lengths and top speeds.

Sunday, however, there are new challenges to deal with. Pocono’s surface has received a new coat of asphalt - the first since 1995. And for the first time in the track’s history, neither 2012 race will be a 500-miler. Instead, both have been shortened to 400 miles.

The track is holding an open test this week to get ready for Sunday’s race on the new surface and Goodyear Tire engineers expect speeds to be higher than years past.

This week’s favorite is again Jimmie Johnson. The Covers favorite last week delivered, scoring a dominating win at Dover. Now that the fuse seems lit, Johnson is ready to go to the front again Sunday.

Johnson said the repaving shouldn’t be a radical departure from the past because the same kinds of materials were used in both old and new asphalt.

“Normally, it’s an edgy race track regardless of the tire that you come with on a new repave,” said Johnson, whose two Pocono victories came in 2004. “It sounds like we didn’t have that (during the test) and Pocono made sure they used the same mix, the same asphalt that we were racing on.”

“I would imagine that it’s going to be super smooth and really fast,” he added.

Jeff Gordon needs to turn his luck around and Pocono might be the place he does just that. Johnson’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate has shown moments of competitive fire this season, but has run into terrible luck.

However, Gordon is the defending winner of this race and finished sixth in the August event. He leads all active drivers here with five wins and if Gordon hopes to turn around his season and get back to Victory Lane, Sunday could be his best chance. Wednesday Gordon was one of the first drivers to hit the newly repaved track.

“They did a great job; (the) track was really nice and smooth (with) good grip,” said Gordon. “We have had some repaves where it is a handful and pretty slick. That was not the case at all today.”

Kyle Busch has never won here, but with second and third-place showings here last season, he will look to rebound after being sidelined by mechanical issues last Sunday. With the kind of strong season he’s having, Busch could spoil the Hendrick party and score his first career win at Pocono Sunday.

Johnson was third fastest during the first test session Wednesday, Busch was ninth and Gordon eleventh.

Head–to-head

Denny Hamlin vs. Greg Biffle: Both drivers are recent winners at Pocono. Biffle won in August of 2010, while Hamlin swept both races in August 2009 and June 2010. Hamlin also swept the races in 2006, giving him four wins overall. He also has the highest driver rating among all active drivers. You might think that would give him the edge to take it all, but in the last few races here, Hamlin has struggled while Biffle comes into Pocono wanting to protect his points lead. Look for Biffle to prevail in this matchup.

Tony Stewart vs. Brad Keselowski: Stewart has two wins here, the last coming in July 2009. Keselowski scored his lone Pocono victory the last time the series visited here in August. Both have struggled at times the season, but Stewart has been able to put together more solid finishes. Look for Smoke to come out ahead of Keselowski Sunday.

Bottom Line

Thirteen of the 68 races have been won from the pole, Bill Elliott (1985, 2002) and Denny Hamlin (2006 sweep) are the only drivers to have done it twice. Tony Stewart is the most recent driver to win from the pole in 2009. Forty-seven of the 68 Pocono races have been won from a Top-10 starting position. The June 2005 race was won by Carl Edwards from the 29th starting position - the deepest in the field that a race winner has started.

Picks

Jimmie Johnson (+484)
Jeff Gordon (+825)
Kyle Busch (+950)

**Udog** · 06-09-2012, 07:48 AM

Belmont Stakes betting: Horse-by-horse preview and picks

The drought continues.

Friday’s shocking news that I’ll Have Another has been scratched due to tendinitis surely confirms how difficult it is to win the Triple Crown.

It’s been 34 years and counting since Affirmed won the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes.

Belmont officials expected over 100,000 fans for Saturday’s spectacle, which has suddenly become a little more interesting than an allowance race. Still, 11 horses will go to the post in the grueling Test of Champions.

Here is a look at the Belmont Stakes entries and the wild swing in odds:

1. Street Life (+800); Jockey: Jose Lezcano

This one is the flavor of the day and deservedly so. Street Life rallied for a third in his last outing, the Peter Pan Stakes, on this race course. He seems to like the distance and is quietly a contender at least to hit the board.

2. Unstoppable U (+2000); Jockey: Junior Alvarado

Has won his only two races but they’re against much weaker fields. Unstoppable U appears to be the cheap speed horse in the field and, even if he jumps out to big lead, probably won’t pose much of a threat.

3. Union Rags (+250); Jockey: John Velazquez

Rags has more excuses than a teenager after curfew. He was bumped at the start of the Kentucky Derby and fell too far behind. Some people still believe that Union Rags is one of the best three-year-olds in training and he’s got an impressive win over this surface. Trainer Michael Matz blamed his poor Derby journey on jockey Julien Leparoux, so he’s going with Velazquez here. He surely moves up with I’ll Have Another to contend with.

4. Atigun (+2000); Jockey: Julien Leparoux

Has had no success against graded competition but if you’re looking for a long-shot consider that trainer Ken McPeek saddled Sarava, who won the Belmont in 2002 and paid $142.00 to win. Atigun won’t pay that much but it would still be a nice score.

5. Dullahan (+200); Jockey: Javier Castellano

If any horse was clearly poised to play the role of spoiler it was Dullahan. Trainer Dale Romans has been red hot and he skipped the Preakness with this spot in mind. Over the past decade, very few horses have run in the Preakness and still been sharp in the Belmont. Romans is banking that Dullahan, who has great late speed, will be fresh enough. Without I’ll Have Another he is the deserving favorite.

6. Ravelo’s Boy (+4000); Jockey: Alex Solis

Has not run in nearly three months and has had no success against the likes of these hard hitters. Ravelo’s Boy, however, was injured in his last start and, despite tearing off part of his front heel, he still mounted a gritty rally to finish fifth. He’s got the guts to close out the trifecta here.

7. Five Sixteen (+6600); Jockey: Rosie Napravnick

The hottest thing about this entry is the jockey. Napravnick is trying to become the first female to win the Belmont Stakes since Julie Krone won aboard Colonial Affair in 1993. If you like a chick that uses the whip then Napravnick is your girl. But Five Sixteen has just a maiden win in six starts on his resume. Pass.

8. Guyana Star Dweej (+6600); Jockey: Kent Desormeaux

Desormeaux had to pass another drug test to get this mount and it will take a good dose of meds to get this horse in the winner’s circle. Another decided long shot, Guyana is making his stakes debut in the Belmont and could have been purchased for $5,500 at the yearling sales. Dave Hester pays more for storage lockers nowadays.

9. Paynter (+450); Jockey: Mike Smith

Bodemeister is skipping this race (look for him to shine in the Haskell), so trainer Bob Baffert is sending his stablemate Paynter to the post in his place. Baffert is hoping that a fresh horse with some talent will be enough to steal this race, but I think he’ll come up a bit short.

10. Optimizer (+1600); Jockey: Corey Nakatani

Six weeks ago, trainer D. Wayne Lukas felt that Optimizer was best suited for the Belmont Stakes but he still entered him in both the Kentucky Derby (11th) and Preakness (sixth). Lukas was kicked in the head by a horse earlier in the week requiring hospitalization. He’ll saddle Optimizer Saturday but this horse certainly won’t be fresh. Maybe Lukas should have his head examined.

12. My Adonis (+1800); Jockey: Ramon Dominguez

Owner George Hall entered My Adonis Wednesday hoping to relive the magic he had last year when his horse, Ruler On Ice, won the Belmont at 24-1. The last owner to win back-to-back Belmont Stakes owned Riva Ridge and Secretariat. This one clearly isn’t in that class.

Picks: 1. Dullahan, 2. Paynter 3. Ravelo’s Boy

**Udog** · 06-09-2012, 07:50 AM

NHL
Dunkel

Los Angeles at New Jersey
The Kings look to build on their 6-0 record in their last 6 games as a road underdog. Los Angeles is the pick (-105) according to Dunkel, which has the Kings favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-105). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, JUNE 9

Game 9-10: Los Angeles at New Jersey (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 13.617; New Jersey 11.951
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 1 1/2; 3 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-115); 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-105); Under

NHL
Long Sheet

Saturday, June 9

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LOS ANGELES (55-30-0-15, 125 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (61-34-0-9, 131 pts.) - 6/9/2012, 8:20 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 10-16 ATS (-9.8 Units) on Saturday games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 61-42 ATS (+14.7 Units) in all games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 40-27 ATS (+4.8 Units) second half of the season this season.
NEW JERSEY is 32-16 ATS (+13.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 3 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 20-9 ATS (+10.8 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
NEW JERSEY is 32-25 ATS (+6.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NEW JERSEY is 21-16 ATS (+39.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
LOS ANGELES is 20-13 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games second half of the season this season.
LOS ANGELES is 56-46 ATS (+112.6 Units) in road games when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
LOS ANGELES is 11-3 ATS (+7.3 Units) when leading in a playoff series this season.
LOS ANGELES is 23-12 ATS (+35.1 Units) in road games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 35-26 ATS (+5.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LOS ANGELES is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
NEW JERSEY is 5-12 ATS (-12.8 Units) in home games on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 5-3 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 5-3-0 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
7 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+7.1 Units)

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NHL
Short Sheet

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Stanley Cup Finals, Game Five (Los Angeles Leads, 3-1)
Los Angeles at New Jersey, 8:05 ET NBC
Los Angeles: 11-3 SU when leading in a playoff series
New Jersey: 17-5 Under in the Stanley Cup Finals

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, June 9

Kings (3-1) @ Devils—LA is 15-3 in these playoffs, 1-3 in Game 4’s, 14-0 in all other games; they won 4-3 in OT, 2-1 in OT in game 5’s following their previous two playoff losses. Kings are an amazing 10-0 on road in playoffs, outscoring foes 30-13. That said, Devils have new life after scoring with 4:31 left to win Game 4, and keep season alive. New Jersey is just 5-4 at home in playoffs, losing both games in this series in OT. Kings are 3-9 on power play so far in series, Devils 0-16. Seven of last eight LA games stayed under the total.

NHL

Saturday, June 9

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Trend Report
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8:20 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. NEW JERSEY
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 5 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
Los Angeles is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
New Jersey is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games at home
New Jersey is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Los Angeles

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NHL

Saturday, June 9

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Hockey Night In Canada: Kings at Devils Game 5
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Los Angeles Kings at New Jersey Devils (-111, 4.5)

(Kings lead series, 3-1)

When New Jersey forward Adam Henrique deposited a wrister past Jonathan Quick in the third period on Wednesday night in Los Angeles, the pending party in what they’re calling “Hockeywood” was put on hold. Where this series goes from here, is anyone’s guess, but one thing is for sure. This is the last Saturday night special of the season.

Driven DeBoer

The Devils have a long way to go, and history says they won’t come back from an 0-3 hole, but don't tell coach Peter DeBoer that. After all, the first-year leader who orchestrated upsets of the team’s two biggest rivals -- the Flyers and Rangers -- has built up some bravado this postseason.

Although New Jersey is already 0-2 at home in the Finals, DeBoer believes the best is yet to come for his Devils. “I really believe it's easy,” he said Friday. “We know every time we can win a game and chip away, that goal gets a little closer. I know it's a cliché, but I think we win Saturday night, the series maybe takes a turn.”

Maybe he’s onto something. After all, New Jersey dictated large pockets of play in the first two home games and lost both in overtime. Now, after a third period in which the Devils scored three goals to win Game 4 in Los Angeles, maybe there’s a little confidence in the locker room.

“We don't know what they are saying in their locker room or anything,” New Jersey captain Zach Parise said. “But in our minds, we hope.” It would help, of course, if Parise got on the scoreboard. Though he has 12 shots on net, he’s yet to register a point against the Kings.

Kings of the power play

Los Angeles played well in Game 4, and may have deserved a better fate than a 3-1 loss. But as the Kings searched for positives on the six-hour flight back to Newark, it could certainly begin with the power play. Drew Doughty beat Martin Brodeur from the point with the man advantage in the third period on Wednesday night, continuing the power play's surge.

“Our power play has moved around pretty good,” Los Angeles forward Justin Williams said. “We had ample opportunities to score. The power play's going well.” The Kings actually have nine postseason power-play goals.

Of course, New Jersey was the league’s top penalty-killing unit in the regular season this year. If the Devils ever find their groove again with a man down, the Kings’ success might reach an end in a hurry.

Just not himself

New Jersey forward Ilya Kovalchuk scored an empty netter on Wednesday to finally dent the scoresheet in the Finals, but it’s clear he’s not himself. Bruised and battered throughout the postseason, Kovalchuk is still bothered by a back issue.

Kovalchuk is coming off his best game of the series. In addition to the goal, he finished with four shots, just one fewer than he had in all of the first three games combined. He’s still not grinding it out like he has most of the season -- he only has two hits all series -- but he’s getting there.

“It's important for players' confidence,” Parise said of Kovalchuk’s empty netter. “Of course, whether it's an empty net or the goalie is in there, it's important for a player to get on the board and just feel better. For us, that's going to go a long way when he's feeling good about his game.”

Looking at the lineups

Kings coach Darryl Sutter is likely to keep his standard-fare lineup and not make any changes for Game 5. DeBoer, who inserted defenseman Henrik Tallinder and forward Petr Sykora for Game 4, is likely to use both players again, in place of Peter Harrold and Jacob Josefson, respectively.

History

The Kings are 10-0 away from Staples Center this postseason, and are 2-0 in Game 5s when having lost Game 4 at home with a chance to end a series this spring. Los Angeles won at Phoenix and Vancouver in closeout Game 5s. The Devils have won 10 of their last 14 home games, but have lost two in a row in Newark. The under is a perfect 4-0 this series.

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**Udog** · 06-09-2012, 07:52 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Boston at Miami
The Heat look to build on their 10-4 ATS record in their last 14 games as a home favorite. Miami is the pick (-7 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Heat favored by 9 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Miami (-7 1/2). Here are all of today's picks

SATURDAY, JUNE 9

Game 727-728: Boston at Miami (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 122.705; Miami 132.140
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 9 1/2; 183
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 7 1/2; 178
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-7 1/2); Over

NBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, June 9

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BOSTON (50 - 35) at MIAMI (57 - 26) - 6/9/2012, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) against Southeast division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 18-9 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 17-10 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
16 of 27 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NBA
Short Sheet

Saturday, June 9

Stanley Cup Finals, Game Five (Los Angeles Leads, 3-1)
Los Angeles at New Jersey, 8:05 ET NBC
Los Angeles: 11-3 SU when leading in a playoff series
New Jersey: 17-5 Under in the Stanley Cup Finals

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, June 9

Celtics @ Heat (3-3)-- Lebron James was 19-26 from floor as he pulled Heat into series tie with dominating game, becoming 2nd player ever to score 45 points, with 15 boards/5 assists in playoff game; Chamberlain was the other. Problem for Miami in Game 6 was that rest of team was 18-50 (36%) from floor; they'll need more in this game, since expecting James to repeat that performance is unfair. Rondo had seven turnovers last game, while Pierce was 4-18 from floor. James took total of 30 foul shots in last four games, after taking 24 in Game 2. Over is 8-3 in 11 Celtic playoff wins; under is 5-2-1 in their losses, so containing Rondo is still job #1. How Boston defends James will determine flow of game.

-- Celtics' points in wins: 101-93-94.....losses: 79-111(ot)-79

NBA

Saturday, June 9

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Trend Report
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8:30 PM
BOSTON vs. MIAMI
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Boston's last 8 games when playing on the road against Miami
Boston is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Miami's last 25 games at home
Miami is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games

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NBA

Saturday, June 9

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Celtics at Heat Game 7: What bettors need to know
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Boston Celtics at Miami Heat (-7.5, 178)

THE STORY: LeBron James has a tough act to follow when the Miami Heat host the Boston Celtics in Saturday’s Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals. James had 45 points and 15 rebounds in a terrific performance as Miami staved off elimination in Game 6 to even the best-of-7 series at 3-3. Boston won Game 5 in Miami but needs a second road breakthrough to advance to the NBA Finals. The winner meets the Oklahoma City Thunder.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

ABOUT THE CELTICS: Boston will rely on its veterans to quickly put the 98-79 home beatdown behind them with an NBA Finals berth on the line. Forward Paul Pierce will be under the microscope after a poor Game 6 in which he scored just nine points on 4-for-18 shooting. Pierce has connected on just 33.6 percent of his field-goal attempts in the series while playing on a gimpy knee. Forward Kevin Garnett had his worst contest of the series with 12 points and five rebounds after being a resounding force with four double-doubles over the first five games. Point guard Rajon Rondo has committed 12 turnovers over the past two games.

ABOUT THE HEAT: James had a focused approach in Game 6 while becoming just the second player in NBA playoff history to have a game of at least 45 points, 15 rebounds and five assists. Wilt Chamberlain had 50 points, 15 rebounds and six assists back in the 1964 playoffs against the St. Louis Hawks. James made 19 of 26 shots and dominated from the outset under the pressure of the win or go home stage. “I didn’t use any motivation,” James said. “I just went to my habits. I went to what I built over the course of the season, over the course of the years, and just went out and played.” James is averaging 34 points and 10.8 rebounds in the series.

TRENDS:

- Heat are 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall
- Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
- Celtics are 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. James is the first player to score 25 or more points in six consecutive playoff games against the Celtics since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did it seven straight times for the Milwaukee Bucks in 1974.

2. Pierce, Garnett and Ray Allen had a combined 31 points in Game 6, their lowest in a playoff game as a trio in five seasons since becoming teammates.

3. Miami forward Chris Bosh (lower abdominal strain) played 28 minutes in Game 6 and is expected to see his minutes increase for the finale.

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**Udog** · 06-09-2012, 07:56 AM

WNBA
Dunkel

Minnesota at Tulsa
The Shock look to build on their 3-0-1 ATS record in their last 4 games as an underdog of 11 points or greater. Tulsa is the pick (+13) according to Dunkel, which has the Lynx favored by just 11 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (+13). Here are all of today's picks

SATURDAY, JUNE 9

Game 651-652: Seattle at San Antonio (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 108.348; San Antonio 110.269
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 2; 137
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 4; 141
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+4); Under

Game 653-654: Minnesota at Tulsa (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 117.263; Tulsa 105.633
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 11 1/2; 159
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 13; 154 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (+13); Over

WNBA

Saturday, June 9

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Trend Report
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8:00 PM
SEATTLE vs. SAN ANTONIO
Seattle is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of San Antonio's last 9 games at home
San Antonio is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Seattle

8:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. TULSA
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Tulsa
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games
Tulsa is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tulsa's last 6 games when playing Minnesota

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**Udog** · 06-09-2012, 07:56 AM

MLB
Dunkel

Washington at Boston
The Nationals look to build on their 5-1 record in Gio Gonzalez' last 6 road starts. Washington is the pick (-110) according to Dunkel, which has the Nationals favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: Washington (-110). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, JUNE 9

Game 951-952: San Diego at Milwaukee (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Cashner) 12.655; Milwaukee (Fiers) 15.423
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 3; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-140); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-140); Over

Game 953-954: Chicago Cubs at Minnesota (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Samardzija) 15.098; Minnesota (Diamond) 14.159
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-120); 8
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+100); Under

Game 955-956: Texas at San Francisco (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Feldman) 14.407; San Francisco (Vogelsong) 14.961
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-110); 8
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-110); Under

Game 957-958: Washington at Boston (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Gonzalez) 15.799; Boston (Matsuzaka) 15.178
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Boston (-110); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-110); Over

Game 959-960: Philadelphia at Baltimore (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Worley) 14.883; Baltimore (Hunter) 13.961
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 961-962: Toronto at Atlanta (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Hutchison) 16.511; Atlanta (Hanson) 17.542
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-145); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-145); Over

Game 963-964: Detroit at Cincinnati (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Verlander) 14.262; Cincinnati (Arroyo) 15.131
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-145); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+125); Over

Game 965-966: LA Angels at Colorado (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Haren) 16.274; Colorado (Francis) 14.128
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 2; 9
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-135); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-135); Under

Game 967-968: Houston at Chicago White Sox (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Lyles) 14.262; White Sox (Sale) 15.227
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-220); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-220); Over

Game 969-970: NY Mets at NY Yankees (7:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Gee) 16.155; NY Yankees (Hughes) 15.659
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-155); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+135); Under

Game 971-972: Kansas City at Pittsburgh (7:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Mazzaro) 15.435; Pittsburgh (McDonald) 14.921
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-150); 7
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+130); Over

Game 973-974: Cleveland at St. Louis (7:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Masterson) 14.118; St. Louis (Lohse) 15.008
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1; 8
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-140); 9
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-140); Under

Game 975-976: Tampa Bay at Miami (7:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Moore) 16.579; Miami (Zambrano) 14.743
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 2; 7
Vegas Line: Miami (-130); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+110); Under

Game 977-978: LA Dodgers at Seattle (7:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Kershaw) 15.832; Seattle (Vargas) 16.500
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-140); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+120); Over

Game 979-980: Oakland at Arizona (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Parker) 16.469; Arizona (Cahill) 14.782
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona (-140); 9
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+120); Over

**Udog** · 06-09-2012, 07:56 AM

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, June 9

AL teams were 7-7 last night; they're 31-25 in interleague play this season, with over 27-28-1; 15-16-1 in NL parks, 12-12 in AL stadiums. Last night, over was 7-7. Remember there are DHs in games in American League parks, no DHs in National League parks.

Hot pitchers
-- Samardzija is 3-2, 2.26 in his last eight starts.
-- Giants won last six Vogelsong starts (3-0, 1.73).
-- GGonzalez is 5-1, 2.70 in his last six starts.
-- Hutchison is 4-1, 2.32 in his last five starts. Hanson is 3-1, 3.81 in his last five starts.
-- Haren is 2-1, 1.29 in his last three starts.
-- Sale is 4-0, 1.26 in his last four starts.
-- Gee is 1-0, 2.61 in his last three starts. Hughes is 2-0, 1.98 in his last two home starts.
-- McDonald is 5-1, 2.09 in his last eight starts. Mazzaro is 2-0, 2.45 in his two starts this season.
-- Zambrano is 2-0, 2.63 in his last couple starts. Moore is 1-1, 2.77 in his last couple starts.
-- Parker is 1-0, 0.43 in his last three starts. Cahill is 1-0, 2.14 in his last three starts; these two were traded for each other last winter.

Cold pitchers
-- Fiers is 1-1, 3.75 in his first two big league starts. Cashner is making his second MLB start; he won't pitch long here- they're converting him from a reliever to starter-- three innings is likely his limit today. He was 10-8, 2.82 in 42 minor league starts.
-- Diamond has a 5.11 RA in his last four starts.
-- Feldman is 0-4, 11.15 in his last four starts.
-- Matsuzaka is making first '12 start; over last three years, he is 16-15, 5.04 in 44 starts, after going 18-3 in '08. He is 0-3, 3.65 in eight outings in minor leagues this season.
-- Worley is 1-1, 6.19 in his last three starts. Hunter is 0-2, 7.52 in his last five starts, last of which was May 28.
-- Verlander is 0-3, 5.31 in his last three starts. Arroyo is 0-3, 5.46 in his last five starts.
-- Francis is making first '12 start; he was 6-16, 4.82 in 31 starts for Kansas City LY. This will be his 181st big league start.
-- Houston lost four of five Lyles starts (1-1, 6.21).
-- Masterson is 1-3, 5.63 in his last five starts. Lohse is 0-0, 5.16 in his last five starts.
-- Kershaw is 0-2, 5.21 in his last three starts. Vargas has a 5.01 RA in his last five starts.

Hot Teams
-- Brewers won eight of their last eleven games.
-- Pirates won 10 of their last 13 games. Kansas City won four of its last six road games.
-- Bronx won six of its last eight games.
-- Nationals won three of their last four games, but lost three of last four on road.
-- Reds won nine of their last twelve home games.
-- Braves won their last five games, allowing eight runs.
-- White Sox won 11 of their last 15 games.
-- Minnesota won eight of its last ten games.
-- Colorado won six of its last eight home games.
-- Arizona won five of its last six home games.
-- Dodgers won five of their last seven games.
-- Giants won six of their last eight games.

Cold Teams
-- San Diego lost 13 of its last 16 games.
-- Baltimore lost seven of its last ten home games. Phillies six of their last seven games.
-- Mets lost four of their last five games.
-- Boston lost four of its last five games.
-- Tigers lost eight of last 11 games.
-- Toronto is 3-4 in last seven games, losing last two nites on walkoffs.
-- Marlins lost their last four games, scoring four runs. Tampa Bay is 3-7 in its last ten games.
-- Astros lost ten of their last thirteen games.
-- Cubs lost 14 of their last 15 road games.
-- Cleveland is 5-8 in its last thirteen games. Cardinals lost seven of their last ten games.
-- Mariners are 4-5 in their last nine home games.
-- Angels lost three of their last five games.
-- Rangers lost seven of their last ten games.
-- Oakland lost eight of its last ten road games.

Totals
-- 13 of last 16 games at Miller Park went over the total.
-- Under is 21-7-1 in Pittsburgh's home games.
-- 12 of Phillies' last 13 road games went over the total.
-- Over is 18-5-1 in Mets' last 24 road games.
-- Six of last eight games at Fenway park went over the total.
-- Last seven Cincinnati home games went over the total.
-- Over is 15-5-1 in last twenty-one Miami home games.
-- Eight of last ten Atlanta home games went over the total.
-- Six of last seven Houston road games went over the total.
-- Under is 8-4-1 in Cubs' last thirteen road games.
-- Four of last six St Louis home games went over.
-- Over is 14-7-1 in last 22 games at Coors Field.
-- Eight of last eleven Arizona games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last nine Seattle games went over the total.
-- Under is 7-0-1 in Giants' last eight home games.

Umpires
-- SD-Mil-- Last four Dimuro games stayed under the total.
-- Chi-Min-- Nine of ten Emmel games went over the total.
-- Tex-SF-- Four of last five Randazzo games went over total.
-- Wsh-Bos-- Over is 7-3-1 in last eleven Demuth games.
-- Phil-Blt-- Six of last seven Cederstrom games went over.
-- Tor-Atl-- Underdogs are 5-4 in last nine Bellino games.
-- Det-Cin-- Underdogs are 8-6 in last fourteen Hallion games.
-- LA-Col-- Favorites are 5-2 (+$180) in Gonzalez games.
-- Hst-Chi-- Last four Diaz games went over the total.
-- NY-NY-- Home team won ten of thirteen Tschida games.
-- KC-Pitt-- Underdogs won four of last five Wolf games.
-- Clev-StL-- Seven of last ten Wegner games stayed under total.
-- TB-Mia-- Eight of eleven O'Nora games went over the total.
-- LA-Sea-- Favorites won seven of last nine (+$455) TBarrett games.
-- A's-Az-- Underdog won eight of last eleven McClelland games.

**Udog** · 06-09-2012, 07:57 AM

MLB

Saturday, June 9

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Trend Report
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2:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. MINNESOTA
Chi Cubs are 1-14 SU in their last 15 games on the road
Chi Cubs are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs

4:05 PM
TEXAS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Texas is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Texas's last 10 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of San Francisco's last 8 games at home
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

4:05 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. BALTIMORE
Philadelphia is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Philadelphia is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Baltimore is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Baltimore is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games

4:05 PM
TORONTO vs. ATLANTA
Toronto is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Toronto's last 8 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

4:05 PM
WASHINGTON vs. BOSTON
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games on the road
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Boston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
Boston is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing Washington

4:10 PM
DETROIT vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Detroit's last 11 games
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Cincinnati is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 6 games

4:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. COLORADO
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of LA Angels's last 10 games on the road
LA Angels are 12-4 SU in their last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games when playing LA Angels
Colorado is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Angels

4:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games
San Diego is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games
Milwaukee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games at home

4:10 PM
HOUSTON vs. CHI WHITE SOX
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Houston's last 11 games
Houston is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games
Chi White Sox are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Chi White Sox's last 16 games at home

7:10 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. MIAMI
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing Miami
Tampa Bay is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Miami is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Miami's last 18 games

7:15 PM
CLEVELAND vs. ST. LOUIS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 7 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
Cleveland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing Cleveland
St. Louis is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing Cleveland

7:15 PM
NY METS vs. NY YANKEES
NY Mets are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Mets's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of NY Yankees's last 10 games when playing NY Mets
NY Yankees are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Mets

7:15 PM
LA DODGERS vs. SEATTLE
LA Dodgers are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing Seattle
LA Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
Seattle is 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing LA Dodgers

7:15 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Kansas City's last 7 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Pittsburgh is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Kansas City

10:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games
Arizona is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games when playing Oakland

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**Udog** · 06-09-2012, 07:57 AM

MLB

Saturday, June 9

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Saturday's streaking and slumping starting pitchers
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Streaking

Ryan Vogelsong, San Francisco Giants (4-2, 2.38 ERA)

Vogelsong has allowed more than two runs just once over his last seven trips to the hill and has been charged with only nine earned runs over that span. The Giants have won each of his last six starts, including a 3-2 win over the Cubs Monday that saw him go seven innings, allowing two runs. After the game he said it was his best game “stuff-wise” all year.

Chris Sale, Chicago White Sox (7-2, 2.30 ERA)

Sale is riding an impressive four-game stretch that has seen him allow just four runs. He tossed his first complete-game of his career last weekend, holding the Mariners to two runs while striking out eight. In his outing before that, the 6-foot-6 lefty struck out 15 Rays over 7 1/3 innings to help the ChiSox to a 2-1 win. He was recently named the AL Pitcher of the Month for May.

Slumping

Scott Feldman, Texas Rangers (0-4, 7.01 ERA)

Feldman’s holding on to his rotation spot by a thread after being drilled for eight runs in less than two innings against the Athletics Monday. Feldman said he felt fine after the beating, but he’ll need to pull it together in a hurry. He hasn’t lasted five innings in any of his four starts and is working on a 12.66 ERA over his last three.

Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers (5-4, 2.67 ERA)

This might be one of Verlander’s first appearances in the Slumping section, but that’s what happens when a pitcher of his caliber losses three straight starts. He allowed three earned runs and two homers in 6 1/3 innings of work in Sunday’s loss to the Yankees and yielded five runs in a loss to the Red Sox before that. While he’s had his problems, the Tigers have averaged only 1.7 runs of support for him during the skid.

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**Udog** · 06-09-2012, 01:43 PM

MLB
Short Sheet

Saturday, June 9

National League

San Diego at Milwaukee, 4:10 ET
Cashner: San Diego 1-11 SU as a road underdog of +125 to +150
Fiers: Milwaukee 34-13 SU at home off 4+ home games

Interleague

Chicago Cubs at Minnesota, 2:10 ET
Samardzija: Cubs 7-24 SU in road games
Diamond: Minnesota 35-11 SU as a home favorite of -125 to -150

Texas at San Francisco, 4:05 ET
Feldman: Texas 4-12 SU after allowing 2 runs or less
Vogelsong: 16-6 TSR in the first half of the season

Washington at Boston, 4:05 ET
Gonzalez: 33-11 TSR as a favorite
Matsuzaka: Boston 12-3 Over after losing 4 or 5 of their last 6 games

Philadelphia at Baltimore, 4:05 ET
Worley: Philadelphia 8-1 Over after scoring 8+ runs
Hunter: 30-17 TSR with a total of 8.5 to 10 runs

Toronto at Atlanta, 4:05 ET
Hutchison: Toronto 6-18 SU off BB road games
Hanson: 13-2 TSR in June

Detroit at Cincinnati, 4:10 ET
Verlander: 14-2 TSR as a road favorite of -125 to -175
Arroyo: 18-32 TSR in June

LA Angels at Colorado, 4:10 ET
Haren: Angels 21-9 SU awya in June
Francis: 0-10 TSR in day games

Houston at Chicago White Sox, 4:10 ET
Lyles: Houston 11-32 SU away after the bullpen allowed 0 runs
Sale: White Sox 29-11 SU in interleague games

NY Mets at NY Yankees, 7:15 ET Fox
Gee: Mets 13-3 SU away after scoring 1 or 0 runs
Hughes: Yankees 15-6 Under at home vs. right-handed starters

Kansas City at Pittsburgh, 7:15 ET
Mazzaro: 0-8 TSR in interleague games
McDonald: Pittsburgh 10-2 SU after hitting 0 home runs in BB games

Cleveland at St Louis, 7:15 ET Fox
Masterson: 11-3 SU off 3+ road games
Lohse: St. Louis 1-7 SU as a home favorite of -125 to -150

Tampa Bay at Miami, 7:15 ET Fox
Moore: 5-1 Under pitching off a team win
Zambrano: Miami 7-28 SU in June

LA Dodgers at Seattle, 7:15 ET Fox
Kershaw: Dodgers 9-0 SU on Saturdays
Vargas: Seattle 7-20 SU at home vs. left-handed starters

Oakland at Arizona, 10:10 ET
Parker: Oakland 8-26 SU away in June
Cahill: 13-3 Under as a home favorite of -150 or less

**Udog** · 06-09-2012, 01:46 PM

Guys,

There's still nothing showing in long sheets for MLB or WNBA yet. I guess we won't have them in time for early baseball. I'll get them as soon as they come up.

Announcement

Saturday's Trends and Indexes - 6/9(NBA, NHL, MLB, WNBA, Misc.)

Saturday's Trends and Indexes - 6/9(NBA, NHL, MLB, WNBA, Misc.)

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