Announcement

**Udog** · 07-04-2012, 08:47 AM

Betting tips: Three over umps scheduled to work Wednesday

Who’s hot

MLB: Angels are 16-5 in their last 21 road games.

MLB: Tigers are 44-14 in Verlander’s last 58 home starts.

MLB: Over is 13-5 in the Giants’ last 18 road games.

Who’s not

MLB: Padres are 19-39 in their last 58 road games.

MLB: Dodgers are 3-13 in their last 16 overall.

MLB: Rockies are 2-9 in their last 11 meetings with St. Louis.

Key stat

5 – Andy Murray has advanced to the Wimbledon quarterfinals in each of the last five years. England hasn’t produced a Wimbledon winner since Fred Perry won in 1936. Murray is set as a -222 favorite Wednesday against David Ferrer.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings – Peterson is reportedly on track to start Week 1, but it sounds more like the team is going to be very careful with his surgically repaired knee. "He's so valuable to our organization that we have to be smart,” Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier told USA Today. “We'll tread lightly as far as Week 1 and how much he'll contribute on the field.” The Vikes are set as 4.5-point favorites at home to Jacksonville in Week 1.

Game of the day

New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays (-140, 8)

Notable quotable

"You can't play a defending Wimbledon champion or Grand Slam champion and not elevate your game. I had to weed out the riffraff and just get serious.” – Serena Williams after ousting former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova to advance to the semifinals.

Notes and tips

Three of MLB’s most prominent over umpires are scheduled to work behind the plate Wednesday. Jim Reynolds is set to work the Cubs-Atlanta matchup and has seen the over go 15-5 in his last 20. Jim Wolf will call balls and strikes for the Angels-Indians tilt and the over is 24-9-6 in his last 39. Meanwhile the over is 24-9 in Chris Guccione’s games as he gets ready to work the Reds-Dodgers meeting.

Roger Goodell is standing by the NFL's investigation into the Saints' bounty system, informing the four players who received suspensions as a result of the alleged pay-for-play setup that their discipline has been upheld. That means a season-long suspension without pay for Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma. Also suspended without pay current Packers defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove (first eight games of 2012), Saints defensive end Will Smith (four games) and current Browns linebacker Scott Fujita (three games).

Travis Hafner is now expected to be activated from the disabled list Wednesday, instead of Tuesday as originally planned. Cleveland’s DH was hitting .242 with six homers and 23 RBI before hitting the shelf with a knee injury.

The New York Mets are reportedly interested in reacquiring their former closer, Francisco Rodriguez, from the Milwaukee Brewers. New York is looking to improve its bullpen and Rodriguez is one of the players it is targeting, a source told the New York Post on Monday. Rodriguez, also known as "K-Rod," has 292 career saves, including 83 in three seasons with the Mets (2009-11). He sets up John Axford in Milwaukee.Rodriguez has a 4.11 ERA this season and is making $8 million, which could make him expendable to the struggling Brewers.

**Udog** · 07-04-2012, 08:47 AM

Armadillo: Wednesday's six-pack

-- Rashard Lewis, whose middle name is Quovon (20 points in Scrabble) has earned $138,881,127 in salary in his 14-year NBA career. Wow.

-- Why is Toronto’s AAA farm team in Las Vegas? Wouldn’t it be easier for them to have it in Buffalo or Syracuse?

-- How often do hockey players skate during the summer?

-- We need a new TV reality show that chronicles travels of the Stanley Cup, especially during summer, when each member of the championship team gets it for a day.

-- This is the first year of the 4-day All-Star break, where all 30 teams get four days without games. I’m guessing it means that pretty soon they’ll move the All-Star Game to Wednesday.

-- I’m still baffled as to why any baseball player would bat right-handed. If you hit lefty, you’re two steps closer to first base. What advantage is there to hitting from the other side?

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

Armadillo: Wednesday's List of 13: Happy Birthday, America.......

13) Since 1918, only one pitcher has allowed 0 or 1 run in 10 of his first 14 major league starts. Clemens? Koufax? Seaver? Marichal? No, Oakland’s Jarrod Parker. Dwight Gooden allowed 0 or 1 in nine of his first 13 starts in ’84, but allowed two runs in his 14th start. Impressive kid, this Parker.

12) Last December 9, the A’s traded starter Trevor Cahill and reliever Craig Breslow to Arizona for Parker, reliever Ryan Cook and OF Colin Cowgill. Cahill is pretty good and signed a big contract, so he can’t play for Oakland, since the A’s are allergic to big contracts until they get a new stadium.

Arizona was glad to get him, but Parker is better, Cook has been terrific since being inserted as the Oakland closer, and Cowgill is pretty good as a spare outfielder. Breslow is alright as a situational lefty.

Say what you will about Billy Beane, but this was highway robbery. Now hopefully the A’s will get the go-ahead to build a stadium in San Jose and the A’s can keep some of these guys for a change.

11) SI.com reports that in 1991, 24M people watched the All-Star Game, last year, 11M watched it. Great idea by MLB, making FOX their broadcast partner.

10) Red Sox traded Kevin Youkilis to Chicago, paving the way for Will Middlebrooks to be their every day 3B; took Middlebrooks less than a week to tweak his hammy, and now Nick Punto mans the hot corner in Boston. Youkilis is 9-32 so far for the White Sox.

9) White Sox scored a total of two runs in Jake Peavy’s last four starts; Mariners were outscored 15-1 in Hector Noesi’s last four.

8) President Obama attended 33 re-election fundraising events in June, a month with 30 days in it. Doesn’t leave all that much time for being President. The amount of money these two candidates are raising is staggering, and not in a good way. Going to be a lot of favors to pay off when one of them wins in November.

7) Reds have a minor league SS named Billy Hamilton who stole his 100th base Monday night; that’s 100 stolen bases, this year. Its not even July 4 yet. Wow.

6) #125 on the PGA Tour money list is Gary Woodland, with $376,974 in earnings this season; #126 is DJ Trahan, with $373,367. Top 125 keep their card for next season. Billy Hurley jumped up to #135 with his top 10 at Congressional last weekend.

5) Dwight Howard probably doesn’t care much, but his actions over the last few months make him look like a spoiled brat, or worse. He needs to take a Dale Carnegie course, or hire a PR person to advise him.

Actually its too late for that. Hopefully he’s at least practicing his foul shooting this summer.

4) Is July 3rd the worst day to have a birthday? Worse than December 26 or September 11?

3) A woman named Jeneba Tarmoh thought she finished 3rd in the Olympic trials, I think it was the 100 meters; 3rd place would’ve gotten her into the London Olympics, obviously a huge accomplishment.

Imagine her disappointment/anger when US Track officials told her she finished in a dead heat and as it turns out, there is no protocol for breaking a dead heat, other than a runoff or a coin flip. Outstanding.

2) Apparently everyone agreed the coin flip was incredibly stupid, but Ms Tarmoh, convinced she finished 3rd in the original race, refused to race in a run-off and forfeited her chance to go to the Olympics—she’ll be an alternate if one of the top three can’t go.

1) My question is this: who, if anyone, is advising this woman? What does she gain by not running? If she runs again and loses, she gets publicity, maybe an endorsement or two, maybe a spot on Letterman or Jimmie Kimmel’s show. If she runs, she comes out of it looking good.

Maybe she beats the woman again and goes to London, then her star is brighter than ever. She gained nothing by sitting it out, and she may have tossed away a small fortune in the process. Why?

**Udog** · 07-04-2012, 08:48 AM

Public opinion: Bettors not afraid of Verlander’s price tag

MLB:

Minnesota Twins at Detroit Tigers (-244, N/A)

Justin Verlander went through a rough patch a few weeks ago, losing three straight starts. Since then he’s mostly been back to his usual routine by leading Detroit to four wins in his last five trips to the mound. However, he did serve up three homers in a 4-2 loss to Tampa Bay last week as a -123 favorite. Still, Minnesota’s Brian Duensing isn’t exactly the most imposing starter in the bigs and it looks like early bettors aren’t afraid of the big price tag.

Consensus: Tigers, 69 percent

**Udog** · 07-04-2012, 08:48 AM

MLB
Dunkel

Texas at Chicago White Sox
The White Sox look to take advantage of a Texas team that is 1-8 in Scott Feldman's last 9 road starts against a team with a winning record. Chicago is the pick (-105) according to Dunkel, which has the White Sox favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-105). Here are all of today's picks.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4

Game 901-902: San Francisco at Washington (11:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Bumgarner) 14.883; Washington (Jackson) 14.449
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Washington (-110); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-110); Under

Game 903-904: Philadelphia at NY Mets (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Lee) 13.246; NY Mets (Young) 16.195
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 3; 7
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-130); 8
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+110); Under

Game 905-906: Houston at Pittsburgh (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Keuchel) 13.936; Pittsburgh (Correia) 13.468
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-140); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+120); Over

Game 907-908: Miami at Milwaukee (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (Johnson) 14.804; Milwaukee (Wolf) 15.831
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Miami (-125); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+105); Under

Game 909-910: Chicago Cubs at Atlanta (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Maholm) 14.871; Atlanta (Delgado) 15.568
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-160); 9
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-160); Over

Game 911-912: Colorado at St. Louis (7:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Guthrie) 15.271; St. Louis (Wainwright) 13.790
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-230); 9
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+190); Over

Game 913-914: Cincinnati at LA Dodgers (9:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Leake) 15.034; LA Dodgers (Harang) 14.486
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-130); 7
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-130); Over

Game 915-916: San Diego at Arizona (9:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Marquis) 14.483; Arizona (Kennedy) 14.730
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona (-180); 9
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-180); Under

Game 917-918: NY Yankees at Tampa Bay (3:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Phelps) 15.178; Tampa Bay (Price) 14.798
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-145); 8
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (+125); Under

Game 919-920: Boston at Oakland (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Cook) 15.668; Oakland (Griffin) 16.240
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Boston (-115); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-105); Under

Game 921-922: LA Angels at Cleveland (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Santana) 16.115; Cleveland (Lowe) 15.820
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-115); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-115); Over

Game 923-924: Baltimore at Seattle (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Tillman) 13.866; Seattle (Noesi) 14.842
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Seattle (-110); 8
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-110); Over

Game 925-926: Kansas City at Toronto (7:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Mendoza) 14.261; Toronto (Villanueva) 14.969
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 11
Vegas Line: Toronto (-140); 10
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-140); Over

Game 927-928: Minnesota at Detroit (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Duensing) 15.547; Detroit (Verlander) 14.608
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-250); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+210); Under

Game 929-930: Texas at Chicago White Sox (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Feldman) 15.157; White Sox (Axelrod) 16.451
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Texas (-115); 10
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-105); Under

**Udog** · 07-04-2012, 08:49 AM

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, July 4

Hot pitchers
-- Bumgarner is 5-0, 2.62 in his last six starts. Jackson has a 2.57 RA in his last three home starts.
-- Young is 2-1, 3.90 in five starts for the Mets.
-- Keuchel is 1-0, 1.35 in his first three starts. Correia is 2-0, 3.86 in his last three outings.
-- JJohnson is 2-2, 1.87 in his last five starts.
-- Leake is 1-0, 1.50 in his last three starts.

-- Price is 3-0, 3.00 in his last three starts.
-- Griffin is 0-0, 1.50 in two starts for Oakland. Cook is 2-0, 1.93 in his last couple starts.
-- Mendoza is 1-1, 2.96 in his last four starts.
-- Verlander is 3-1, 3.30 in his last four starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Lee is winless in 13 starts, 0-2, 7.30 in his last four.
-- Wolf is 0-1, 9.77 in his last three starts.
-- Delgado is 0-3, 6.38 in his last four starts. Maholm is 0-3, 10.38 in his last three road starts.
-- Guthrie is 0-3, 14.30 in his last three starts. Wainwright is 2-3, 5.21 in his last six starts.
-- Kennedy is 1-2, 5.76 in his last four starts. Marquis is 0-3, 5.85 in his last three outings.
-- Harang is 0-2, 6.46 in his last three starts.

-- Bronx lost both Phelps starts (0-1, 2.08); he didn't finish 5th inning in either one of them.
-- Lowe is 0-3, 8.68 in his last five starts. ESantana is 2-2, 6.18 in his last five outings.
-- Noesi is 0-4, 5.25 in his last four starts; Mariners scored one run total in the four games. This is Tillman's first '12 start; he is 7-15, 5.58 in 36 starts from 2009-11. He is 8-8, 3.63 in AAA this season.
-- Villanueva allowed three runs in five IP in his first '12 start.
-- Duensing is 0-2, 9.00 in two starts this season.
-- Feldman is 2-5, 9.00 in his last seven starts. Axelrod is 0-1, 4.86 in three starts this season.

Hot Teams
-- Pirates won six of their last seven games.
-- Mets won five of their last six games.
-- Cubs won six of their last eight games.
-- Milwaukee won five of its last six games. Miami won four of six.
-- Cardinals won seven of their last eleven games.
-- Padres are 10-5 in their last fifteen road games.

-- Angels won 11 of their last 16 games.
-- Twins won their last five games, scoring 36 runs.
-- Tampa Bay won its last nine home games vs Bronx Bombers.
-- Texas won five of its last seven games. White Sox won four of their last five home games.
-- Oakland won six of its last eight home games.

Cold Teams
-- Nationals lost five of their last eight home games. San Francisco is 3-6 in its last nine road games.
-- Houston was outscored 52-19 in losing its last eight road games.
-- Phillies lost their last six games, allowing 41 runs.
-- Atlanta lost ten of its last fourteen home games.
-- Colorado lost 19 of its last 26 games.
-- Arizona lost six of its last eight games.
-- Dodgers lost 13 of their last 17 games. Reds lost six of their last nine on foreign soil.

-- Indians lost seven of their last eleven games.
-- Tigers are 6-8 in their last fourteen games.
-- Royals are 6-9 in their last fifteen road games. Toronto is 4-6 in last 10.
-- Bronx Bombers lost four of their last six games.
-- Red Sox lost four of their last six games.
-- Mariners lost 15 of their last 23 games; Baltimore lost seven of its last ten games.

Totals
-- Eight of last nine games at Miller Park went over.
-- 14 of last 18 Houston road games went over the total.
-- Under is 5-1-1 in last seven San Francisco games.
-- Eight of last ten Atlanta games went over the total.
-- Six of last nine games at Citi Field stayed under.
-- Seven of last eleven St Louis games went over the total.
-- Over is 3-1-1 in Kennedy's last five starts, 0-3-1 in Marquis' last four.
-- Under is 11-2-1 in last fourteen Cincinnati games.

-- Over is 10-3-1 in last fourteen Angel games.
-- Nine of last thirteen Kansas City road games stayed under.
-- Ten of last fourteen Detroit games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Bronx games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 9-4 in last thirteen White Sox games.
-- Under is 12-3-1 in last sixteen Oakland games.
-- Eight of last ten Seattle games stayed under the total.

Umpires
-- Mia-Mil-- Eight of last ten Bellino games stayed under.
-- SF-Wsh-- Underdogs are 8-6 in last fourteen Meals games.
-- Hst-Pitt-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six Cuzzi games.
-- Phil-NY-- Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Timmons games.
-- Chi-Atl-- Six of last eight Reynolds games went over total.
-- Col-StL-- Road team won eight of last ten Porter games.
-- SD-Az-- Nine of last ten Barksdale games stayed under.
-- Cin-LA-- Eight of last eleven Guccione games went over.

-- LA-Cle-- Over is 11-6 this season with Wolf behind plate.
-- Min-Det-- Five of last seven Eddings games went over total.
-- KC-Tor-- Over is 7-1-1 in last nine Conroy games.
-- NY-TB-- Road team is 7-3 in Estabrook games this year.
-- Tex-Chi-- 10 of last 13 Miller games stayed under the total.
-- Bos-A's-- Baker's only previous game behind plate stayed under.
-- Balt-Sea-- 10 of last 14 Wegner games stayed under the total.

**Udog** · 07-04-2012, 08:49 AM

MLB

Wednesday, July 4

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Trend Report
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11:05 AM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. WASHINGTON
San Francisco is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
San Francisco is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Washington
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Francisco
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Francisco

1:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. NY METS
Philadelphia is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of NY Mets's last 9 games at home
NY Mets are 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home

1:35 PM
HOUSTON vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Houston's last 18 games on the road
Houston is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 9 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games

3:10 PM
NY YANKEES vs. TAMPA BAY
NY Yankees are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
NY Yankees are 4-11 SU in their last 15 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 11-4 SU in their last 15 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing at home against NY Yankees

4:05 PM
LA ANGELS vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone OVER in 7 of LA Angels's last 8 games
LA Angels are 16-4 SU in their last 20 games on the road
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Cleveland's last 8 games when playing LA Angels

4:05 PM
BOSTON vs. OAKLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Oakland's last 9 games at home
Oakland is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games at home

4:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games
Baltimore is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Seattle's last 11 games
Seattle is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games

4:10 PM
MIAMI vs. MILWAUKEE
Miami is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Miami is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami

7:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. DETROIT
Minnesota is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games when playing Detroit
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota

7:07 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. TORONTO
Kansas City is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Kansas City is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Toronto is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Kansas City
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games at home

7:10 PM
TEXAS vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Texas is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Texas's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Chi White Sox's last 16 games when playing Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Chi White Sox's last 13 games

7:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Chi Cubs are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs

7:15 PM
COLORADO vs. ST. LOUIS
Colorado is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games on the road
St. Louis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
St. Louis is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Colorado

9:10 PM
CINCINNATI vs. LA DODGERS
Cincinnati is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Cincinnati is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 2-8 SU in their last 10 games
LA Dodgers are 5-11 SU in their last 16 games at home

9:40 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. ARIZONA
San Diego is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Arizona's last 10 games when playing at home against San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Arizona's last 11 games when playing San Diego

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**Udog** · 07-04-2012, 08:50 AM

MLB

Wednesday, July 4

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Wednesday's streaking and slumping starting pitchers
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Streaking

Madison Bumgarner, San Francisco Giants (10-4, 2.85 ERA)

Bumgarner was almost perfect in his last outing, allowing just one hit and two walks in a complete-game 5-0 shutout of Cincinnati. He needed just 107 pitches to get the 27 outs and has now won five of his last six starts. He has thrown at least six innings in each of his last 15 trips to the mound.

David Price, Tampa Bay Rays (11-4, 2.92 ERA)

Price has won three consecutive starts, firing seven solid innings in each. He was cruising along in his last start against Detroit, having allowed just two runs on five hits over seven innings, but was forced to hit the showers with tightness in his lower back. The Rays expect him to be fine to climb the hill Wednesday against the Yanks.

Slumping

Hector Noesi, Seattle Mariners (2-10, 5.96 ERA)

Just when you thought Noesi might be ready to turn it around, he goes out and allows a season-high four home runs. He held San Diego to two runs over six innings in a tough 2-0 loss on June 24, but then was hammered for five runs over five innings while the Boston Red Sox repeatedly took him deep. The Mariners have lost each of his last four outings.

Jeremy Guthrie, Colorado Rockies (3-7, 6.56 ERA)

Guthrie comes out of the bullpen to make his first start since June 17. He allowed at least five runs in four of his first six starts before being bumped from the rotation and wasn’t all that dependable coming on in relief either. He was spanked for three earned runs and two homers in just two innings of work in giving up a lead against San Diego last week.

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**Udog** · 07-04-2012, 10:57 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Wednesday, July 4

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SAN FRANCISCO (45 - 36) at WASHINGTON (46 - 32) - 11:05 AM
MADISON BUMGARNER (L) vs. EDWIN JACKSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 123-114 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 69-56 (+16.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 61-51 (+21.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 46-32 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 468-463 (+42.9 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 23-13 (+11.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 36-20 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.

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

MADISON BUMGARNER vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
BUMGARNER is 1-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 0.69 and a WHIP of 0.923.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

EDWIN JACKSON vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
JACKSON is 1-2 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.32 and a WHIP of 1.526.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (36 - 46) at NY METS (44 - 37) - 1:10 PM
CLIFF LEE (L) vs. CHRIS YOUNG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 18-26 (-13.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 16-26 (-16.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 36-46 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 10-18 (-13.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 8-19 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 36-43 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LEE is 3-10 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
LEE is 3-9 (-10.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
LEE is 1-7 (-8.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 44-37 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 17-11 (+10.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
NY METS are 21-12 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
NY METS are 40-35 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 63-58 (+10.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 13-3 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 46-20 (+20.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 3 seasons.
LEE is 17-5 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Wednesday since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 7-3 (+7.2 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
9 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+7.9 Units)

CLIFF LEE vs. NY METS since 1997
LEE is 2-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.050.
His team's record is 3-3 (-2.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+2.0 units)

CHRIS YOUNG vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
YOUNG is 3-2 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.35 and a WHIP of 1.289.
His team's record is 5-2 (+4.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-5. (-4.4 units)

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HOUSTON (32 - 49) at PITTSBURGH (44 - 36) - 1:35 PM
DALLAS KEUCHEL (L) vs. KEVIN CORREIA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 89-156 (-42.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 9-30 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 6-23 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 22-52 (-25.8 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 9-30 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 56-117 (-45.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 24-63 (-26.8 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 44-36 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 25-13 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 18-11 (+10.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
PITTSBURGH is 16-11 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 44-36 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 36-30 (+11.0 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 19-10 (+9.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CORREIA is 78-67 (+27.2 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 14-6 (+11.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 76-67 (+24.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 34-28 (+14.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 4-1 (+2.6 Units) against HOUSTON this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

DALLAS KEUCHEL vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

KEVIN CORREIA vs. HOUSTON since 1997
CORREIA is 0-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 4.11 and a WHIP of 1.272.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.3 units)

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

MIAMI (38 - 42) at MILWAUKEE (38 - 42) - 4:10 PM
JOSH JOHNSON (R) vs. RANDY WOLF (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

JOSH JOHNSON vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
JOHNSON is 3-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 3.06 and a WHIP of 1.268.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.6 units)

RANDY WOLF vs. MIAMI since 1997
WOLF is 4-12 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 5.98 and a WHIP of 1.504.
His team's record is 8-13 (-7.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-15. (-10.8 units)

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

CHICAGO CUBS (30 - 50) at ATLANTA (42 - 38) - 7:10 PM
PAUL MAHOLM (L) vs. RANDALL DELGADO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 11-30 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 30-50 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 896-965 (-165.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 7-20 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 30-50 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 354-398 (-96.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
MAHOLM is 2-16 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MAHOLM is 2-15 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MAHOLM is 6-20 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 12-4 (+9.8 Units) against the money line after allowing 10 runs or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 3-2 (+2.0 Units) against ATLANTA this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.9 Units)

PAUL MAHOLM vs. ATLANTA since 1997
MAHOLM is 2-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 1.34 and a WHIP of 1.234.
His team's record is 3-4 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-7. (-7.4 units)

RANDALL DELGADO vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
DELGADO is 0-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 1.59 and a WHIP of 1.058.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

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COLORADO (31 - 49) at ST LOUIS (42 - 39) - 7:15 PM
JEREMY GUTHRIE (R) vs. ADAM WAINWRIGHT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 31-43 (-17.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 79-122 (-40.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 13-30 (-17.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 62-137 (-62.0 Units) against the money line in road games in July games since 1997.
COLORADO is 31-49 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 125-148 (-41.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 71-101 (-38.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 42-59 (-26.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 41-65 (-22.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 31-49 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 103-75 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 125-110 (-33.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 1-1 (+0.6 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
No recent starts.

ADAM WAINWRIGHT vs. COLORADO since 1997
WAINWRIGHT is 2-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 1.67 and a WHIP of 1.185.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.1 units)

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CINCINNATI (44 - 36) at LA DODGERS (45 - 37) - 9:10 PM
MIKE LEAKE (R) vs. AARON HARANG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 79-57 (+17.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 54-34 (+14.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
HARANG is 25-11 (+17.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday since 1997. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 587-671 (+49.6 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 524-615 (+33.6 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 386-432 (+38.5 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 431-487 (+45.2 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 67-49 (+13.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 11-25 (-15.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 1-1 (+0.1 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

MIKE LEAKE vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
LEAKE is 1-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 6.92 and a WHIP of 1.615.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

AARON HARANG vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
HARANG is 1-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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SAN DIEGO (32 - 50) at ARIZONA (39 - 41) - 9:40 PM
JASON MARQUIS (R) vs. IAN KENNEDY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 40-65 (-20.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 103-142 (-25.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 60-99 (-34.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 40-61 (-18.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 103-142 (-25.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MARQUIS is 72-92 (-37.9 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
MARQUIS is 74-80 (-33.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 136-113 (+21.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 59-44 (+13.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 136-113 (+21.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 97-73 (+26.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 81-53 (+20.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
KENNEDY is 32-19 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KENNEDY is 18-2 (+17.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KENNEDY is 32-19 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KENNEDY is 39-23 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 70-67 (+21.7 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 24-32 (-10.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 4-4 (+0.8 Units) against ARIZONA this season
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.8 Units)

JASON MARQUIS vs. ARIZONA since 1997
MARQUIS is 2-7 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 4.22 and a WHIP of 1.358.
His team's record is 4-9 (-5.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-7. (-3.0 units)

IAN KENNEDY vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
KENNEDY is 6-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 1.95 and a WHIP of 0.928.
His team's record is 7-1 (+6.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.3 units)

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NY YANKEES (48 - 32) at TAMPA BAY (43 - 38) - 3:10 PM
DAVID PHELPS (R) vs. DAVID PRICE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 0-7 (-7.9 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf this season.
TAMPA BAY is 67-45 (+15.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 96-83 (+24.0 Units) against the money line in home games in July games since 1997.
TAMPA BAY is 455-545 (+28.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997.
PRICE is 36-15 (+18.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 39-19 (+18.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 59-21 (+30.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 50-26 (+16.4 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 7-4 (+3.8 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.1 Units)

DAVID PHELPS vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
PHELPS is 0-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.499.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

DAVID PRICE vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
PRICE is 6-3 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.06 and a WHIP of 1.355.
His team's record is 10-5 (+7.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-4. (+6.9 units)

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BOSTON (42 - 39) at OAKLAND (40 - 42) - 4:05 PM
AARON COOK (R) vs. A.J. GRIFFIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 24-29 (-12.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 58-56 (-19.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 40-42 (+6.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 22-19 (+7.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 4-1 (+4.4 Units) against BOSTON this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.8 Units)

AARON COOK vs. OAKLAND since 1997
COOK is 1-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 1.13 and a WHIP of 0.938.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

A.J. GRIFFIN vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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LA ANGELS (45 - 36) at CLEVELAND (41 - 39) - 4:05 PM
ERVIN SANTANA (R) vs. DEREK LOWE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SANTANA is 5-11 (-9.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 124-121 (+7.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 121-118 (+6.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 33-23 (+11.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 645-631 (+66.3 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 382-314 (+55.7 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 534-518 (+68.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 636-544 (+70.6 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 626-614 (+45.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
CLEVELAND is 97-102 (-33.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Wednesday since 1997.
LOWE is 10-19 (-11.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 3-2 (+1.5 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.9 Units)

ERVIN SANTANA vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
SANTANA is 1-7 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.13 and a WHIP of 1.278.
His team's record is 3-9 (-8.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-3. (+5.7 units)

DEREK LOWE vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
LOWE is 5-8 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 3.71 and a WHIP of 1.265.
His team's record is 5-10 (-7.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 12-3. (+9.0 units)

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

BALTIMORE (43 - 37) at SEATTLE (35 - 48) - 4:10 PM
CHRIS TILLMAN (R) vs. HECTOR NOESI (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 43-37 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 19-10 (+12.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
BALTIMORE is 21-17 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BALTIMORE is 15-9 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
BALTIMORE is 40-31 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 17-13 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 24-18 (+9.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SEATTLE is 102-144 (-30.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 53-69 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 7-22 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 43-80 (-34.9 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 53-69 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 91-151 (-50.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against SEATTLE this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

CHRIS TILLMAN vs. SEATTLE since 1997
TILLMAN is 1-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

HECTOR NOESI vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

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KANSAS CITY (36 - 43) at TORONTO (41 - 40) - 7:05 PM
LUIS MENDOZA (R) vs. CARLOS VILLANUEVA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 162-143 (+18.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 13-8 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
KANSAS CITY is 22-20 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TORONTO is 150-172 (-54.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 5-1 (+3.4 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

LUIS MENDOZA vs. TORONTO since 1997
MENDOZA is 1-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 5.28 and a WHIP of 1.892.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

CARLOS VILLANUEVA vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
VILLANUEVA is 1-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 5.14 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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MINNESOTA (35 - 45) at DETROIT (39 - 42) - 7:05 PM
BRIAN DUENSING (L) vs. JUSTIN VERLANDER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 98-145 (-26.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 66-109 (-28.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
VERLANDER is 26-6 (+15.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 69-29 (+27.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 11-6 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 9-4 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
DETROIT is 39-42 (-17.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
DETROIT is 17-20 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
DETROIT is 2-10 (-12.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday this season.
DETROIT is 253-264 (-62.0 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
DETROIT is 36-41 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 18-27 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
DETROIT is 7-11 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 4-3 (+3.5 Units) against DETROIT this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.8 Units)

BRIAN DUENSING vs. DETROIT since 1997
DUENSING is 2-3 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 5.90 and a WHIP of 1.689.
His team's record is 3-4 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-3. (+0.8 units)

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
VERLANDER is 10-7 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.52 and a WHIP of 1.304.
His team's record is 12-9 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 13-6. (+7.1 units)

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

TEXAS (50 - 31) at CHI WHITE SOX (43 - 37) - 7:10 PM
SCOTT FELDMAN (R) vs. DYLAN AXELROD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 35-24 (+10.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 578-588 (+41.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
TEXAS is 157-103 (+18.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 150-96 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 116-69 (+19.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 113-68 (+21.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 66-34 (+24.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 56-66 (-27.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 56-66 (-27.1 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 36-45 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 27-34 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 2-2 (+0.6 Units) against TEXAS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)

SCOTT FELDMAN vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
FELDMAN is 2-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.98 and a WHIP of 1.168.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.0 units)

DYLAN AXELROD vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

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

**Udog** · 07-04-2012, 12:09 PM

MLB
Short Sheet

Wednesday, July 4

National League

San Francisco at Washington, 11:05am ET MLB
Bumgarner: 10-1 TSR as a favorite
Jackson: Washington 1-6 SU as a home underdog

Philadelphia at NY Mets, 1:10 ET
Lee: 1-7 TSR pitching off a team loss
Young: Mets 21-12 SU in day games

Houston at Pittsburgh, 1:35 ET
Keuchel: Houston 3-18 SU away off 3+ road games
Correia: Pittsburgh 13-3 SU as a home favorite

Miami at Milwaukee, 4:10 ET
Johnson: Miami 5-1 SU after scoring 12+ runs
Wolf: Milwaukee 28-12 Over in home games

Chicago Cubs at Atlanta, 7:10 ET
Maholm: 2-16 TSR as a road underdog
Delgado: Atlanta 12-2 SU after scoring 8+ runs

Colorado at St. Louis, 7:15 ET
Guthrie: Colorado 15-32 SU after allowing 2 runs or less
Wainwright: St. Louis 24-12 Over off a loss by one run

Cincinnati at LA Dodgers, 9:10 ET
Leake: Cincinnati 21-11 SU away after scoring 2 runs or less
Harang: Dodgers 11-25 SU on Wednesdays

San Diego at Arizona, 9:40 ET
Marquis: 12-2 Over as an underdog of +150 or higher
Kennedy: 18-2 TSR vs. division opponents

American League

NY Yankees at Tampa Bay, 3:10 ET MLB
Phelps: Yankees 0-7 SU playing on artificial turf
Price: 36-15 TSR vs. division opponents

Boston at Oakland, 4:05 ET MLB
Cook: Boston 6-12 SU after losing 3 of their last 4 games
Griffin: Oakland 44-21 Under off 3+ Unders

LA Angels at Cleveland, 4:05 ET
Santana: 5-11 TSR in all starts this season
Lowe: Cleveland 18-10 SU after winning 2 of their last 3 games

Baltimore at Seattle, 4:10 ET
Tillman: Baltimore 19-10 SU with a total of 8 to 8.5 runs
Noesi: Seattle 7-22 SU in July

Kansas City at Toronto, 7:05 ET
Mendoza: Kansas City 2-14 SU away after the bullpen allowed 0 runs in BB games
Villanueva: Toronto 30-14 SU off 5+ home games

Minnesota at Detroit, 7:05 ET
Duensing: Minnesota 16-5 Over in July
Verlander: 39-9 SU as a favorite of -150 or higher

Texas at Chicago White Sox, 7:10 ET ESPN
Feldman: Texas 29-10 SU off an Over
Axelrod: White Sox 8-16 SU at home off a win by 4+ runs

**Udog** · 07-04-2012, 12:13 PM

Guys,

The NCAAF info is starting to trickle in. Here's what we have so far. I'll post it as it comes out and it will all be posted again as we get closer to the season's start.

College football Top 3: Last year’s best under bets

Last year’s BCS title game was certainly evidence that defense definitely can win championships.

Two of the nation’s best collided in January when Alabama shut out LSU 21-0, easily playing under the 41-point total. However, neither LSU nor Alabama were great under bets throughout the season, despite their excellent defenses.

Let’s take a quick look at the three best under bets in college football last year to see if their supporters might be cashing in on low scores again this season.

Boston College Eagles – Over/Under: 1-10-1

After struggling through a four-win season, it looks like it will be tough sledding for Boston College again. The Eagles ranked 112th in total offense and 70th in total defense last season and now have to replace possibly their best players on both sides of the ball – Montel Harris on offense and Luke Kuechly on defense. With Doug Martin in as the club’s second offensive coordinator in two years, BC is expected to lean heavily on the running back tandem of Rolandan "Deuce" Finch and Andre Williams without Harris. They’re hoping one of those juniors turns into a game-breaker, but all in all, Frank Spaziani has his work cut out for him with this bunch again.

Penn State Nittany Lions – Over/Under: 2-9-1

After all of last year’s controversy, it’s hard to know what to expect from the Nittany Lions this year but head coach Bill O’Brien is doing his best to get everybody back concentrating on football. Whether his pro-style offense works with what he has is still up in the air, but he has named senior Matthew McGloin the club’s starting quarterback. Penn State managed just 19.3 points per game last year. Meanwhile, the defense that allowed just 16.8 points last year (fifth nationally) will be without coordinator Tom Bradley, who led the group for 12 years as well as Devon Still and Jack Crawford up front.

Virginia Cavaliers – Over/Under: 3-10

Virginia had played over the total just twice until the Cavaliers were spanked 43-24 in the Chick-fil-A Bowl in a terrible defensive performance. However, the defense should be better this season with another year under its belt in the 4-3. Mike London is heading into his third year at the helm and has made significant strides with the defense already. The Cavs finished with the No. 39 total defense in the nation last year but will be looking for more from the offense. After scoring just 23.2 points per game last season, the club looks to have a bit of a quarterback controversy ahead of them with Michael Rocco and Alabama transfer Phillip Sims battling for the No. 1 spot.

**Udog** · 07-04-2012, 12:14 PM

NCAAF betting preview: Big 12 Conference

After nearly suffering total dissolution prior to the 2011 campaign, when Colorado and Nebraska bolted, the Big 12 is back for another season.

And as improbable as it may seem after losing Missouri and Texas A&M to the SEC, the conference is arguably stronger than ever. That’s because the Big 12 inked a reported $1.3 billion contract with ESPN and lured TCU and West Virginia into the fold.

That means the conference will operate as 10-team league for the second straight year as it continues to explore options to expand back to 12 teams or beyond. It also means that each school will play a round-robin regular season schedule among its members, providing a true league champion. That move contributed to the Big 12 members having the nation's top-ranked strength of schedule last season.

A quick recap shows the Big 12 participated in eight bowls games for the third consecutive season, and the ninth time in the past 16 years. Its 6-2 record last season was the best in conference history.

In addition, the Big 12 completed its non-conference schedule with the nation’s best non-conference win percentage at .868 (33-5). The conference also led the country in regular season non-conference win percentage at .900 (27-3).

Big 12 teams went 11-3 against bowl-bound teams in 2011 regular season play. The .900 mark in regular season non-league games is not only a Big 12 record, but also the best among all conferences since 1996 - topping the .882 (30-4) recorded by the SEC in 1997. The previous Big 12 best occurred during the 2001 season when the league compiled a .868 (33-5). The league also tallied its best non-conference record in the month of September at 26-2.

Oklahoma State won last year's Big 12 title, even after losing offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen to West Virginia. The Cowboys ranked third in total offense and second in passing offense. With Holgorsen, West Virginia adds a dynamic wrinkle to the league.

Holgorsen's playbook at Oklahoma State led the nation in total offense in 2010. His offenses at Houston led the nation in 2009 and finished second in 2008. From 2005 to 2007, Holgorsen was at Texas Tech when the Red Raiders offense was ranked No. 2, No. 6, and No. 4 in 2007, 2006 and 2005 respectively. His passing offenses were No. 1, 3, 1, 2, 1, and 2 from 2005 through 2010, and No. 6 in his first season at West Virginia last year.

West Virginia and Holgorsen’s hurry-up attack fits like a glove in a conference that still suffers from an age-old Indian disease that continues to affect most teams in the league: Lack-a-defense.

Along with TCU’s always-potent offense, it’s bombs away in the born-again Big 12.

Note: Team writeups excerpted from the 2012 PLAYBOOK Football Preview magazine. Numbers following team name represent the amount of returning starters on offense and defense, with an asterisk (*) designating a returning quarterback. Designated ‘Play On’ and ‘Play Against’ Best Bets follow each team’s preview.

Baylor Bears – (6 offensive starters returning, 8 defensive starters returning)

Team Theme: RG3 UNPLUGGED

A historic effort, behind a Heisman-winning campaign by QB Robert Griffin III, took the Bears to new heights last season. When the dust settled, 10 wins matched a school record, Baylor won a bowl game for the first time since 1992, and snapped a 20-game losing skid (as 17-point home dogs) to Oklahoma. It’s uncertain what happens to this high-powered offense this season. This much we know for sure: Defensive coordinator Phil Bennett was brought in last year to tighten the screws on a unit that has now regressed each of the last three seasons. Without RG3 around to ignite the offense, Baylor can ill afford continued slippage from its stop unit. It needs to step up.

Stat You Will Like:] The Bears faced only one defense (Texas) ranked in the nation’s Top 40 last season.

PLAY AGAINST: at Oklahoma (11/10)

Iowa State Cyclones - (*7,5)

Team Theme: ON THE RIGHT RHOAD

Props to Paul Rhoads, who has taken a two-win team he inherited in 2008 to bowl games in two of the past three seasons. Not only did his Cyclones snap a 36-game road-losing skid when they beat the Longhorns in Austin as 21-point dogs, they also drilled the Red Raiders as 15.5-point dogs in Lubbock last year. More amazingly, he guided his team to a bowl game last season despite being an underdog in 10 of 11 lined games. The excitement has also hit Ames as ISU had more than 50,000 fans in attendance for every home game for the first time in school history. The best linebacker duo in the land, A.J. Klein and Jake Knott (231 combined tackles), should keep this team on the winning road.

Stat You Will Like: Rhoads is 15-1 SU in games when ISU allows less than 24 points and 3-19 SU in games when ISU allows 24 or more points.

PLAY ON: vs. Kansas State (10/13)

Kansas Jayhawks – (6,6)

Team Theme: WEIS INVESTMENT?

Don’t feel sorry for college football’s most renowned coaching vagabond. Charlie Weis still bleeds green – as in the color of money. Not only does Weis’ fourth coaching job in as many years guarantee him $2.5 million annually plus incentives over the next five years, he is still collecting from his days at Notre Dame and Kansas City. His new contract also allocates $2.1 million for a coaching staff, thus the hiring of defensive coordinator Dave Campo, an 18-year veteran with the Dallas Cowboys. He’ll also have the services of fifth-year Irish transfer QB Dayne Christ with former BYU signal-caller Jake Heaps taking over in 2013. The receiving corps are thin but don’t expect Weis to lose $leep anytime soon.

Stat You Will Like: The Jayhawks are 1-20 SU from Game 6 out the last three years.

PLAY AGAINST: at Northern Illinois (9/22)

Kansas State Wildcats – (*8,6)

Team Theme: GRAND SURPRISE

Not many great-grandfathers can lay claim to winning Coach of the Year honors unless, of course, your name is Bill Snyder and you captured that distinction in the Big 12 last season. Thanks to a bevy of close calls (nine games decided by one score or less in which KSU went 8-1), the Wildcats somehow won 10 games despite being outgained by 57 yards per game. The offense is in good hands as first-team All-Big 12 QB Collin Klein (FBS record 27 rushing TD’s last year) returns for his senior season following his Tebowesque performance. However, the Wildcats are at the top of our fade list after accomplishing so much while doing so little in the stats.

Stat You Will Like: The Wildcats have gone bowling 14 of the last 17 years head coach Bill Snyder has been on the sidelines.

PLAY AGAINST: vs. Texas (12/1)

Oklahoma Sooners – (*8,7)

Team Theme: THE OLD GANG IS BACK TOGETHER

The highest-scoring program in NCAA annals, Oklahoma has averaged 27.03 points per game in its 1,182-game history. And it should go higher now that Bob Stoops has convinced Landry Jones, the all-time yardage and touchdown leader in OU lore, to return for his senior season. Having all but one of his protectors from a two-deep offensive line – including six who have totaled 102 starts – may have been all the convincing Jones needed. On the other side of the ball, “Big Game” Bob will rely on little brother Mike to call the shots as he makes his second stint in Norman after getting bounced from the Arizona sidelines midway through the 2011 season.

Stat You Will Like: Oklahoma’s 15 returning starters this year missed 32 combined games last year.

PLAY ON: at Texas Tech (10/6) - *KEY

Oklahoma State Cowboys – (6,8)

Team Theme: GUNNING FOR MORE

En route to winning their first outright conference title since the 1940’s, the Cowboys started the 2011 campaign with 10 wins in a row for the first time in school history. Despite the loss of NFL first-rounders WR Justin Blackmon and QB Brandon Weeden, head coach Mike Gundy is ecstatic that 36 of his top 51 players on last year’s depth chart – including his top four RB’s and six of his top seven tacklers – return to Stillwater. The Cowboys led the nation in forced turnovers with 44 and will need more of the same in 2012, as five opponents with 10 or more wins grace the slate. Gundy returns both coordinators for the first time in six years.

Stat You Will Like: Mike Gundy was 12-15 in his first 27 games with the Cowboys. He’s 47-15 since.

PLAY ON: vs. Iowa State (10/20)

TCU Horned Frogs – (*5,4)

Team Theme: UP IN SMOKE

When four football players were named among the 17 students arrested on campus for buying and selling dope, it left a heavy stain on this once squeaky-clean program. Here’s a squad that heads into the Big 12 after bullying the MWC (38-1), owning the best record (77-13) in the state of Texas since 2005 and registering 11 wins in six of the last seven years. We could go on about the amazing numbers that Gary Patterson’s troops have posted but we’d run out of space. Record-setting QB Casey Pachall is back but this inaugural season in Big 12 land could go up in smoke if the defense doesn’t return to the form that led the nation five of the past 12 years.

Stat You Will Like: The Frogs have scored 27 or more points in 31 consecutive regular season games.

PLAY ON: as a dog at Baylor (10/13) – *KEY

Texas Longhorns (*9,7)

Team Theme: WE’RE HOOKED

Texas bounced back off a disastrous five-win effort in 2010 to win eight games last year, including a satisfying win over California in the Holiday Bowl. The Longhorns are no longer mentioned among the nation’s elite but they own seven Top-10 finishes since 2002. Prior to Mack Brown’s arrival in 1998, the Horns last appeared in the Top 10 in 1983. Quarterbacks David Ash and Case McCoy welcome the return of their top three wideouts but the question becomes can a 39-9 SU record in true Big 12 road games under Brown offset a salty schedule that finds opponents tallying an 87-65 record – including six that won 10 or more games?

Stat You Will Like: Over the last four years, Texas has held 43 of its 51 opponents under their scoring average.

PLAY ON: as a dog at Oklahoma State (9/29) - *KEY off win

Texas Tech Red Raiders – (*9,9)

Team Theme: LUBBOCK OR LEAVE IT

The hiring of Tommy Tuberville by Texas Tech two years ago appeared a genius move for a program that flirted with BCS bowl contention under Mike Leach. Two years later, though, win totals and offensive production are way down while losses and defensive yield are spinning out of control. Tuberville looks to reverse those outcomes with three new defensive coaches, including a fourth coordinator in as many years, and arguably the strongest compliment of returning starters in the Big 12. Senior QB Seth Doege and main target Eric Ward lead the charge, making the Red Raiders a full-fledged, highly capable “Mission Team” in 2012 while erasing last year’s 0-5 finish.

Stat You Will Like: The Red Raiders have had two losing seasons in conference play since 1991 – both of which have occurred the last two years.

PLAY ON: at Kansas State (10/27) - *KEY

West Virginia Mountaineers (*9/7)

Team Theme:CHANGING PONDS

A psych question often asked is would you rather be a big fish in a little pond or a little fish in a big pond? While it’s up for debate, the WVU brass opted to swim with the big boys when they said goodbye to the Big East and hello to the Big 12. With fellow newcomer TCU also debuting, the league is back and as strong as ever. And head coach Dana Holgorsen should fit in well, having been a coordinator with Oklahoma State. While everyone remembers the 70-point outburst dynamic QB Geno Smith put on Clemson in last year’s Orange Bowl, it’s easy to forget the Hillbillies’ struggles against Big East foes (only two of seven games resulted in wins of more than three points). Be careful.

Stat You Will Like: After being the only team in the nation to not allow 24 points in any game in 2010, the Mountaineers surrendered more than 24 points on seven occasions last year.

PLAY AGAINST: vs. Marshall (9/1)

**Udog** · 07-04-2012, 12:14 PM

NCAAF conference preview: CUSA team-by-team breakdown

The new four-team playoffs is now the talk of college football, and it appears the evolution of the proposed 16-team league ‘Super Conferences’ is more up in the air than ever before.

One thing is certain: the BCS remains intact through the 2013 season and, like it or not, it’s their world and they still rule. A misnomer commonly associated inside the bizarre-world of the BCS is that only six major conferences carry the handle of being a ‘BCS conference’.

Actually there are 11 BCS conferences in all, six who qualify with automatic berths (AQ) into BCS bowl games for their conference champions, and five who do not (non-AQ). The current Conference USA being among the latter.

Despite its non-AQ status, the CUSA has more than held its own of late with 10 different teams from the conference participating in 40 bowl games over the last seven years. And they’ve held their own in these post-season affairs, going 18-22 SU and 19-20-1 ATS. Interestingly, in that span against .666 or greater bowl opponents the CUSA is 13-8 SU and 15-6 ATS, while just 5-14 SU and 4-14-1 ATS versus sub .666 foes.

Go figure.

Houston’s 13 wins tied LSU for most in FBS last season while the CUSA posted a sterling 4-1 bowl record in the 2011 campaign.

The CUSA will lose Houston, Memphis, SMU and UCF to the Big East next season. Meanwhile the CUSA imports Charlotte, FIU, Louisiana Tech, North Texas, Old Dominion and Texas-San Antonio in 2013 – although it’s unclear at this point which teams will be football member of the new-look CUSA.

If talk like this isn’t dizzying enough, the loop welcomes five new head coaches in 2012 while breaking in six new starting quarterbacks as well.

Stepping outside the conference, members will take on 15 foes that finished in the Top 25 last season, including 18 games against foes from the Big Ten, the Big12 and the SEC. In head-to-head games against these three super conferences, the CUSA stands 45-187 SU and 97-124-5 ATS since it formed the conference, including a super-scary 2-110 SU and 33-77-2 ATS in games in which its teams fail to score 17 points.

Scarier, perhaps, is the fact many of the teams hanging on in this conference are uncertain which neighborhood league they will be calling home by the time the new NCAA Championship playoff format debuts in 2014.

Talk about sacrificial lambs.

Note: Team writeups excerpted from the 2012 PLAYBOOK Football Preview magazine by the same author. Numbers following team name represent the amount of returning starters on offense and defense, with an asterisk (*) designating a returning quarterback. Designated ‘Play On’ and ‘Play Against’ Best Bets follow each team’s preview.

East Division

EAST CAROLINA – (7/7)

Team Theme: OVER THE TOP

The Pirates witnessed an abundance of players (25) making their first-ever collegiate start last season, one more than the previous year. This forced-maturity, coupled with a roster featuring over 50 percent upper classmen, makes for exciting times in Greenville.

The loss of QB Dominique Davis hurts but the return of WR Justin Hardy, the Pirates leading reception and yardage receiver in 2011, along with four starting offensive linemen, should aid an attack that slipped substantially in 2011.

More importantly, a defense that was last in the loop in 2010 improved by 102.5 YPG after switching to a 3-4 formation and returns 70 percent of its production in 2012.

Stat You Will Like: The Pirates have appeared in seven bowl games since 2000, including five the last six years.

PLAY ON: vs. Marshall (11/23)

MARSHALL – (*8/5)

Team Theme: IN THE HERD

The Herd benefited last year from having played 28 freshmen in 2010 as they made it to – and won – a bowl game in Doc Holliday’s second season in Huntington. They did it while facing the nation’s second strongest slate of non-BCS opposition, while squaring off against three ranked foes for the first time ever in one season.

Unfortunately, they ride a 0-13 SU streak against ranked opposition heading into this season. The good doctor, however, will once again have QB Rakeem Cato as well as a defense that ranked in the Top 20 in tackles for loss, fumble recoveries, fourth-down and red-zone efficiency at his disposal.

Stat You Will Like: Marshall is 8-0 SU at home and 0-8 SU away versus teams hailing from the state of Texas.

PLAY AGAINST: at Rice (9/22)

MEMPHIS – (*9/8)

Team Theme: ALL SHOOK UP

After winning five games the last three years, the Memphis brass decided it was time to turn a Frog into a Tiger. New HC Justin Fuente arrives from TCU where he served as QB coach and co-offensive coordinator. In his three years at Fort Worth, the Frogs set single-season records for TDs, points scored and first downs.

“Our players have to become more comfortable with how we do things… because it’s going to be different from anything they have done before,” contends Fuente.

Fortunately, what won’t be much different is an offensive line that returns four starters. However, the rest of the unit just may get a Memphis makeover.

Stat You Will Like: No wide receiver caught more than one touchdown for the Tigers last season.

PLAY ON: as a dog vs. UAB (11/17)

SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI - (6/4)

Team Theme: AND THE BEAT GOES ON

When the Golden Eagles defeated Nevada in last year’s Hawaii Bowl, it marked the first time in school history a Southern Miss team had won 12 games in the same season. It also marked the end of a terrific four-year run by HC Larry Fedora, who takes his entire staff to Chapel Hill.

Fear not, Eagles enthusiasts. New boss Ellis Johnson, the defensive coordinator at South Carolina the past four seasons, hits Hattiesburg with some strong pedigree himself, as former college head coaches Rickey Bustle and Tommy West head the offensive and defensive units, respectively.

Stat You Will Like: The Eagles have enjoyed a winning season each of the last 18 years. Only Florida, Florida State and Virginia Tech have more.

PLAY ON: vs. Marshall (10/20)

UAB – (*7/4)

Team Theme: BLAZING COLD

One of five new head coaches this season in C-USA – and only the fourth in UAB history – former Arkansas offensive coordinator Garrick McGee looks to halt a seven-year losing skid in Birmingham.

QB Jonathan Perry is back after getting the starting nod midway through last season and leading the Blazers to their only three wins in 2011, but he’ll have to operate behind an offensive line that loses four starters. A more inspired effort will be needed from a stop-unit that was torched for more than 500 yards on seven different occasions but it probably won’t be enough as four of UAB’s six road games are against bowlers.

We don’t see a quick cure for this seven-year itch.

Stat You Will Like: The Blazers’ defense ranked dead last in the nation in sacks (8) last season.

PLAY AGAINST: at Southern Mississippi (11/3)

UCF – (6/8)

Team Theme: STORM’S A BREWING

Last year we lauded the talents of QB Jeffrey Godfrey and he promptly proceeded to lay an egg on our face (and his) when the pressure to perform on the field and in the classroom proved too much for the talented signal-caller to handle. After threatening to transfer, Godfrey agreed to rejoin the team as a receiver and part-time QB in UCF’s version of a Wildcat package.

Bigger news is the addition of Miami (Fla.) transfer Storm Johnson, a RB who made a huge impression in spring camp. QB Blake Borties is back after beating out Godfrey and topping C-USA in passing efficiency. Don’t be (O)Leary – the Knights have enough weapons to return to the roundtable.

Stat You Will Like: The Knights tied Miami Florida for most losses (6) by eight or fewer points last season.

PLAY ON: vs. UAB (11/24)

West Division

HOUSTON – (5/6)

Team Theme: CASE CLOSED

After the final dust settled in last year’s bowl games, C-USA finished with the best percentage of all conferences, posting a 4-1 mark. New HC Tony Levine did his part as he guided the Cougars to a win over Penn State in the Ticket City Bowl when Kevin Sumlin jumped ship knowing NCAA career passing yards leader Case Keenum’s eligibility was about to run out.

Sumlin did lead the Coogs to an unbeaten regular season but that was due to an incredibly soft schedule that featured only one foe with a winning record from the previous year. It looks like Levine may go ‘ground’ in 2012 as All C-USA RB Charles Sims (1,396 combined yards, 7.5 YPR) returns for his junior year.

Stat You Will Like: The Cougars are 1-19 SU and 3-17 ATS as dogs off back-to-back conference losses.

PLAY AGAINST: at UCLA (9/15)

RICE – (*5/5)

Team Theme: NO SNAP, CRACKLE OR POP

It seems like eons ago, but it has actually been only four years since the Owls recorded a 10-win season. They’ve gone 10-26 since, with one glaring common denominator over that span: a rotten defense. Sixth-year boss David Bailiff realizes his fanny is getting warm so he’ll need to improve on the Owls’ 467.5 YPG annual-yield since he’s been on the Rice sidelines.

Bailiff will count heavily on CB Bryce Callahan, whose six interceptions is tops among C-USA returnees. The keys to the offense will be given to QB Taylor McHargue but things won’t change until the Owls wake up on the road and improve on a 1-17 SU and 5-13 ATS mark since 2009.

Stat You Will Like: Under Bailiff, the Owls are 2-15 ATS versus opponents off back-to-back wins, including 0-11 ATS away.

PLAY ON: as a dog vs. SMU (11/17) - *KEY off win

SMU (3/7)

Team Theme: TOUGH TO FACE

On the heels of seven-plus wins over the last three years for the first time since 1982-1984, the Mustangs made their biggest score when HC June Jones stayed put in Dallas rather than jump ship for Arizona State. QB J.J. McDermott has graduated and Kyle Padron has transferred, opening the door for former Texas starter Garrett Gilbert.

RB Zach Line returns off a pair of 1,000-yard rushing efforts, as does star WR Darius Johnson – the MVP in each of the Ponies’ last two bowl games. However, if an offensive line is truly the ‘face of the team’, then SMU is faceless as the trenches must be rebuilt.

One ray of light is a defense that has improved each and every year under Jones.

Stat You Will Like: June Jones is 5-0 ATS as a dog of fewer than 20 points versus undefeated opposition.

PLAY ON: as a dog vs. Texas A&M (9/15) - *KEY if A&M is undefeated

TULANE – (*7/7)

Team Theme: C.J. TO THE RESCUE

After nine straight losing seasons, including the last five in a row under Bob Toledo, the Green Wave placed a 911 call to New Orleans native Curtis ‘C.J.’ Johnson and he responded. Johnson brings 25 years of coaching experience, along with some pretty nice hardware: a Super Bowl trophy during his stint with the Saints and a national championship ring as an assistant at Miami.

And though a glossy resume won’t win games, it’s a good start towards recovery. So, too, is the return of senior QB Ryan Griffin, who has started 30 games the last three seasons, and RB Orleans Darkwa, who has rushed for 1,849 yards in 17 career starts.

Stat You Will Like: Five of the Green Wave’s final six games are versus foes that finished the 2011 season with a losing record.

PLAY ON: at Memphis (11/10)

TULSA – (6/7)

Team Theme: CATEGORY 8

The eight wins registered by Bill Blankenship in his first year at the Tulsa helm was really no surprise considering the Hurricane has logged eight or more wins in six of the last seven seasons since exiting the WAC in 2005.

Blankenship’s biggest challenge in 2012 will be replacing all-conference QB G.J. Kinne and the entire left side of an OL that has started 83 games over the past four seasons. Hulking Nebraska transfer Cody Green won the starting QB job in spring camp and he’ll be joined by a pair of backs who each rushed for more than 800 yards in 2011 and a set of receivers who each reeled in more than 850 yards.

With an easier slate, is eight enough in 2012?

Stat You Will Like: Tulsa faced the toughest strength of schedule of all non-BCS teams last year.

PLAY AGAINST: as a favorite at Iowa State (9/1)

UTEP – (*7/4)

Team Theme: THE PRICE IS NOT RIGHT

Six in a row… and counting. That’s how many consecutive losing seasons the Miners have encountered under Mike Price after he was inked to a contract extension in 2005 following back-to-back bowl appearances. What seems like eons ago actually is if you apply a dose of daily math to the numbers – meaning it’s been 2,190 days since UTEP last struck bowl gold.

The good news is the top three tacklers are back from last year’s defense. The bad news: all three starting LBs depart meaning the secondary will be busier than usual. With Price’s contract up at the end of the year, can you say, “Come on down… you’re the next coach in the unemployment line.”

Stat You Will Like: Price is 43-83 SU and 41-82 ATS from Game Seven out in his career.

PLAY AGAINST: as a favorite vs. Tulane (10/20)

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Wednesday's Trends and Indexes - 7/4 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

Wednesday's Trends and Indexes - 7/4 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

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