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**Udog** · 07-26-2012, 08:31 AM

Thursday's betting tips: Astros calling up the kids

Weather to watch

Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Indians: A 50 percent chance of thunderstorms could put a damper on Justin Verlander’s quest for his 12th win of the season.

Who’s hot?

The Oakland Athletics are riding a six-game winning streak heading into Wednesday night’s tilt with the Blue Jays. The over is 3-0-1 in Oakland’s last four road games.

Who’s not?

The New York Mets have dropped 12 of 13 overall and six straight at home. Now the Mets travel to Arizona to face 11-game winner Wade Miley on Thursday.

Key Stat

The Washington Nationals are 19 games above .500 for the first time since July 5, 2005. The Last time the franchise was 20 games above .500 was in 1994 as the Expos.

Game of the day

Tigers at Indians

Injury not to be overlooked

Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez could miss the next six to eight weeks after suffering a non-displaced fracture of the fifth metacarpal in his left hand. A-Rod was beaned by Seattle hurler Felix Hernandez in the eighth inning of a 4-2 loss to the Mariners on Tuesday.

Notable quotable

"I learned in economics there's no such thing as a free lunch."-Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels after signing a six-year, $144 million contract extension.

Notes and tips

-Things can't possibly get worse for the Houston Astros. They've dropped eight straight and 21 of their last 23 games overall. They've traded veterans and now GM Jeff Luhnow is hinting they'll be calling up minor leaguers to give the prospects a major league look. The kids could serve as a positive injection of youth and excitement or they could be over matched against big league talent. We'll have to wait and see.

-The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired infielder Hanley Ramirez in a four-player trade from the Miami Marlins early Wednesday morning. Despite the addition of Ramirez Los Angeles’ World Series futures odds aren’t flying up the board. According to Jeff Stoneback, race and sportsbook manager at the MGM Mirage in Las Vegas, the Dodgers are staying put at their current price of 10-1.

-White Sox 3B Kevin Youkilis left Wednesday's game against the Minnesota Twins with a left ankle sprain. Youkilis is batting .277 with five home runs and 20 RBIs in 25 games since joining Chicago from Boston.

**Udog** · 07-26-2012, 08:31 AM

Armadillo: Thursday's six-pack

-- Hanley Ramirez played 3B Wednesday but apparently is moving back to SS for the Dodgers.

-- Milwaukee bullpen allowed 13 runs in nine IP in losing all three games in its series at Philly. Three brutal losses in a row.

-- Max Scherzer is averaging 11+ strikeouts/9 innings, second to Stephen Strasburg in the major leagues.

-- Giants are in first place despite Tim Lincecum's 4-11, 5.88
record.

-- Blue Jays lost C JC Arencibia with a broken hand Wednesday; backup Jeff Mathis pitched the top of the 9th in an ugly 16-0 loss.

-- Reds have won seven straight games, are now 58-40. Dusty Baker is a very good manager, probably an underrated one.

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

13) New Orleans Saints’ interim coach Joe Vitt was talking to the press Tuesday; when he started yammering about “….what a great summer we’ve had…..” I stopped listening and turned the channel.

Lets see, the coach got suspended for the season, the interim coach (Vitt) got a 6-game suspension, the GM is suspended and the star QB held out for more money, which he eventually got, but not without acrimony.

When a guy is just blatantly lying just to give the media its quotes, its definitely time to stop listening to him.

12) Cole Hamels gets six years, $144M from Philly. Makes you wonder if the Phils will call Texas and see if the wealthy but pitching-short Rangers want to take Cliff Lee off their hands.

11) Kendry Morales, Yeonis Cespedes both hit 3-run singles this week; before that, the last 3-run singles in the big leagues were in 2009.

10) Back in April, considering that I had four Marlins on my fantasy team, I told someone Miami better be good this year, or I was going to have a long summer. Well, Miami is selling off players at the trade deadline and my team is in 11th place in a 16-team league. Good times. Not.

9) NC State is 18-1 to win the national title in college hoop next spring; Wolfpack has a trip to Spain later this summer. Those trips (allowed once every four years) are pretty good as far as chemistry/bonding go, but they also allow the coaches to have ten extra practices before the trip. Can do a lot of teaching in those ten practices, and thats the main appeal.

8) Went to see the Blue Jays’ AAA team play Friday night; keeping in step with the parent club, the 51’s starting pitcher got hurt after one batter and had to leave the game. Las Vegas wound up winning in extra innings. Because of the half-mile high altitude, centerfield fence at Cashman Stadium is 433 feet away from home plate, and is two billboards high.

7) As for possible prospects for Toronto, Cuban SS Hechavarria, who got $10M from the Jays two years ago, is hitting over .300 and showed good range in the field. OF's Thames/Sierra both homered, 1B Cooper has done all he can do at AAA, but doesn't have enough power to stick as a 1B in the bigtime. Not sure why Thames hasn't stuck with the Jays.

3B McCoy looks like a slick fielder, but if you hit .248 in the PCL, you're not a serious prospect. Chavez got hurt after the first batter, was replaced by Carreno (8.92 ERA), who doesn't have major league command.

6) Mets head to Arizona on a 1-11 skid, turn to highly touted prospect Matt Harvey, who will be making his MLB debut in a park where the home team scores a lot of runs.

5) Orioles are 51-47, but allowed 57 more runs than they've scored. Boston is 49-50, but scored 34 more runs than they've allowed. Go figure.

4) Wednesday afternoon's crowd of 33,935 was largest weekday crowd for a home matineee in Pirate history. Friend of mine left his hotel near the ballpark at 11am, got to his seat until 1:15. The bandwagon is growing.

3) Who Wants to Be a Millionaire held tryouts at the Elara Hotel in Las Vegas Wednesday, two days after I checked out of there, after an 11-day stay. That could’ve been my chance to be rich. Oh well…….

2) Just think, only six months left of Peyton Manning’s interminable Buick commercials. I'm going to look back fondly at 2011, when he didn't do commercials. Will be fun to see him play again.

1) NBA schedule is getting released Thursday night at 7 on NBA TV. Wonder if Knicks-Houston will play Opening Night or on Christmas?

**Udog** · 07-26-2012, 08:32 AM

NFL training camp: QB battles bettors should follow

No position in sports can ruin a coach’s career or kill a bettor’s bankroll as quickly as an NFL starting quarterback.

That’s why it’s important to know as much as possible about the 32 first-string QBs in the league and that’s why we decided to look at the handful of teams who’ve yet to announce who’ll be under center in September.

Here are four teams with QB position battles worthy of watching as training camps open this week:

Miami Dolphins

Quarterbacks in contention for first-string duty: David Garrard, Matt Moore, Ryan Tannehill

Odds to win the Super Bowl: +4500. Season win total: 7.5 (Over +149, Under -175)

Matt Moore’s got to be wondering if Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland has a grudge against him. The Fish went 4-3 over their final seven games last season and covered the spread in seven of their last eight. Moore finished the year with an 87.1 QB rating and a 60.5 percent pass completion rate. Not too shabby for an offense lacking receiving weapons.

But Ireland drafted Tannehill with his first round draft pick and signed veteran Garrard in the offseason. Garrard, by all accounts, is leading this position battle by a landslide and barring an injury or an awful preseason, he’ll be the starter in Week 1.

Remember he sat out all of the 2011 season after the Jacksonville Jaguars cut him in training camp. He’s made Pro Bowls in the past, but he’s 34 years old.

Sounds like Tannehill is locked in as the No. 3 QB this season. Don't feel bad for him. His wife is really hot.

Arizona Cardinals

Quarterbacks in contention for first-string duty: Kevin Kolb, John Skelton

Odds to win Super Bowl: +6300. Season win total: 7 (Over +126, Under -148)

This is a coin flip, plain and simple. Head coach Ken Whisenhunt has been telling reporters that all offseason. He wants to give Kolb and Skelton an equal opportunity to win the job.

Give the slightest edge to Kolb just because of his contract and what the Cardinals had to trade to the Eagles to get him to the desert in the first place. The problem is that the team seems to respond better with Skelton under center.

Arizona went 5-2 in games Skelton started last season and 3-6 with Kolb at the helm. Still, it’s probably too early to bail on "Corn on Kolb" just yet. He’d help his case a lot more if he could stay healthy.

Cleveland Browns

Quarterbacks in contention for first-string duty: Brandon Weeden, Colt McCoy

Odds to win the Super Bowl: +20,000. Season win total: 5.5 (Over +131, Under -154)

Unlike fellow first-round rookie Ryan Tannehill, it sounds like Brandon Weeden will get first crack as the starting QB for his team. Then again, Weeden isn’t like most NFL newbies. The former Oklahoma State star enters the pros as a 28-year-old rookie.

Weeden signed with the Browns Tuesday and head coach Pat Shurmur hinted, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, he’d announce Weeden as his starting quarterback early in training camp.

You’ve got to figure McCoy lost his chance for the keys to the car after an underwhelming – and I think that’s being kind – campaign last year.

Seattle Seahawks

Quarterbacks in contention for first-string duty: Matt Flynn, Tarvaris Jackson, Russell Wilson

Odds to win the Super Bowl: +5300. Season win total: 7 (Over -154, Under +131)

Pete Carroll is the NFL’s new Jon Gruden. His quarterback crushes are more fickle than Madonna’s fads. He’s moved on from Charlie Whitehurst but he’s got three different signal callers fighting it out for his love this summer.

Flynn is the clubhouse leader but Jackson isn’t too far behind and Wilson, the rookie out of Wisconsin, definitely isn’t a distant third. And don’t think the position is settled as soon as Carroll announces the starter heading into the season. Carroll has shown he’s not afraid of making midseason switches under center.

**Udog** · 07-26-2012, 08:32 AM

NFL preview: AFC East Pats' division to lose

The East is the NFL Beast when it comes to conference championship game appearances this new millennium.

NFL East division teams lead the charge with a combined total of 16 games played in conference title tilts since 2000, including a league high six championship game appearances games by squads located in the AFC East, it speaks to the strength of this group.

Like turn signals on an automobile, coaches and ownership are major indicators when determining which direction teams in this division are often headed.

Leading the charge is Mr. Personality himself, Bill Belichick and his New England Patriots. While his persona is creepy, his manhandling of AFC East division foes that are off back-to-back losses is downright sinister, going 22-3 SU and 21-4 ATS in his NFL career in these affairs.

The Jets managed to win 24 games in Rex Ryan’s first two years at the helm. That total was severed to eight last season as they spent the holidays at home for the first time in Ryan’s tenure. They will need to sweeten a sour 1-7 SU and ATS mark in games off a double-digit loss under Ryan should they look to gain their winning ways.

Meanwhile, Miami treads on under owner Stephen Ross as the Dolphins are a dismal 9-15 SU and ATS in games at Sun Life Stadium since Ross became majority owner of the squad in 2009. As a result Tony Sparano was dispatched in favor of Joe Philbin as Miami’s new head coach.

And then there’s Buffalo, a team that has enjoyed only one winning season since 1999. Chan Gailey’s 10-22 straight up win-loss record with the Bills put him on the hot seat in 2012.

When it comes to deciding which road to travel with this division, it would serve you well to remember this powerful stat from our database: Since 2000, the AFC East division’s 159-107-5 ATS mark away from home in games versus sub .667 opposition, including a sterling 18-5 ATS record in this role when taking eight or more points.

Note: Team writeups by this author were excerpted from the 2012 PLAYBOOK Football Preview magazine. Designated ‘Play On’ and ‘Play Against’ Best Bets follow each team’s preview.

BUFFALO BILLS

Team Theme: WANNA TASTE

A defense that has declined each of the last three years – and allowed a league-high 5,938 yards last season – got the message and took major steps to rectify the situation this offseason. New defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt was brought in to orchestrate a makeover.

It started with the signing of pass rushers Mario Williams (Texans) and Mark Anderson (Patriots) and continued with four defensive player selections in the first five rounds of this year’s draft. Additionally, continued improvement from DL Marcell Dareus, the No. 3 overall pick in last year’s draft, is also being anticipated.

With the offense making huge strides in yards gained and points scored under head coach Chan Gailey, retaining WR Stevie Johnson was critical to its success. None of it works, however, unless the offense finds a way to better protect Ryan Fitzpatrick, the human piñata playing quarterback.

It’s been 12 years since the Bills last had a taste of playoff water, the longest dry spell in the NFL. With the positive offseason moves, fans are drinking the Kool-Aid in Buffalo this year.

PLAY ON: at New York Jets (9/9)

Stat You Will Like: The Bills own four divisional wins the last four seasons.

IN THE STATS: The Bills allowed more than 400 yards in half their games last season.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Team Theme: SHUFFLE THE DECK AND DEAL

To understand the importance Don Shula and Dan Marino had on this franchise, mull this over: since Shula retired in 1995 and Marino in 1999, the Dolphins have had eight head coaches and 16 different starting quarterbacks, while going 1-3 SU and ATS in four playoff games.

The latest coach is Joe Philbin, most recently OC with Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. The newest quarterback is (take your choice) David Garrard, Matt Moore and/or Ryan Tannehill. Philbin’s new offensive coordinator is Mike Sherman, former head coach with the Packers from 2000-05, and most recently Texas A&M where he worked with Tannehill. The backfield features Reggie Bush, Daniel Thomas and rookie speedster Lamar Miller from Miami.

On the defensive front, former coordinator Mike Nolan headed off to Atlanta, with Kevin Coyle replacing Nolan’s 3-4 defense with a 4-3. While it’s doubtful Philbin and Tannehill will ever be mentioned in the same breath with Shula and Marino, those are the cards this team has been dealt. Go Fish.

PLAY ON: at Cincinnati (10/7)

Stat You Will Like: The Dolphins host only one team this year that made the playoffs last season.

IN THE STATS: The Dolphins are 16-5-1 ATS in their last 22 road games.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Team Theme: EASY DOES IT

Last year the Patriots advanced to their fifth Super Bowl in 12 seasons under Bill Belichick (thanks to QB Tom Brady’s 5,235 passing yards) and they came within a whisker of hoisting the trophy despite a defense that was as bad as the offense was good. The Pats are rewarded with the softest schedule of all teams this season with 2012’s foes going 116-140 (.452) overall last season.

Better news is the return of OC Josh McDaniels, who will be reunited once again with Brady where together they were last seen constructing an NFL record 18-win season in 2007. He’ll work with Pro Bowl WR Wes Welker, record-setting TE Rob Gronkowski and fellow TE Aaron Hernandez. Add newly acquired free agent WR’s Brandon Lloyd and Jabar Gaffney, and the Pats own as lethal a passing attack as the league will allow.
PLAY ON: at Miami (12/2)

Stat You Will Like: Tom Brady is 11-1 SU and ATS as an underdog off a loss in his NFL career.

IN THE STATS: The Pats allowed season-high, or second-high, yards to six opponents last season.

NEW YORK JETS

Team Theme: NO HARD KNOCKS

After reaching the AFC title game each of the previous two seasons, the Jets were home for the holidays last year. That’s not to say they weren’t in position to attempt the hat-trick as they were the wild-card leader with three weeks remaining in the season before a 0-3 collapse sealed their fate.

A big part of the cave-in was a sharp decline in the passing game - QB Mark Sanchez, in particular. Further complicating matters was the decline (38 YPG) of the ground game as opponents generated more rushing attempts than the Jets last year.

FYI: Rex Ryan’s teams had 189 and 126 more rushing attempts than the opponent in his first two years with the team. Rex recognized the deficiencies and immediately acquired the services of backup Broncos QB Tim Tebow the day after Peyton Manning tied the knot with Denver. It wasn’t a knock on Sanchez, winked Ryan. Instead, it was the opportunity to address glaring weaknesses and iron out dissension among the ranks.

It remains to be seen whether Sanchez or Tebow becomes the big apple, but much like when Adam took the first bite, nothing was the much the same thereafter.

PLAY ON: at Miami (9/23)

Stat You Will Like: The Jets allowed 127 more points last season than they did in Ryan’s first year with the team.

IN THE STATS: The Jets held five foes to season-low, or second-low, yards last season.

**Udog** · 07-26-2012, 08:33 AM

Bettors beware these college coaches on the hot seat

Do you smell something burning? It must be the searing rear-ends of college football coaches sitting on the hot seat heading into the 2012 season.

College football blog Coaches Hot Seat 2012 conveniently ranks every single FBS coach by temperature of their seat and currently has 15 head coaches marked with a red label, indicating that they may want to wear some fire-retardant boxers this fall.

We take a look at which hot-seat head coaches are also being grilled by NCAAF bettors, who are sick of being burned by these programs.

Mike Riley, Oregon State Beavers

Riley ranks No. 2, behind Boston College coach Frank Spaziani, on Coaches Hot Seat after poor efforts in the last two seasons. The Beavers are 8-16 SU in that span but didn’t really get in bad with bettors until last year’s 4-7-1 ATS record. In the four previous seasons, OSU combined to go 30-17-1 ATS.

Riley is promising a return to bowl season behind a revamped running game. Oregon State has some tough non-conference foes in Wisconsin and BYU but avoids facing Pac-12 favorite USC and gets Cal and Oregon in Corvallis.

Randy Edsall, Maryland Terrapins

Edsall was under fire before he even took the sidelines for the Terps and didn’t help his cause by going 2-10 SU and ATS in his first season with Maryland. Rumors about losing his locker room have been defused by returnees this summer, who are defending Edsall’s strict coaching style which reportedly rubbed 20 departed players the wrong way.

The Terrapins swapped out the staff around Edsall this offseason, bringing in offensive coordinator Mike Locksley and defensive coordinator Brian Stewart, who has the job of retooling the ACC’s worst stop unit. That might not be enough for a team projected to finish last in the ACC at +80,000 odds to win the conference.

Dan Enos, Central Michigan Chippewas

The Chippewas have suffered a two-year hangover since the departure of “Baby Tebow” Dan LeFevour, who single-handedly made CMU a contender in the MAC. Over the past two seasons, Enos hasn’t been able to get Central Michigan back on track, going just 6-18 SU and 7-17 ATS, including a 1-11 ATS mark last season – the worst in college football betting.

Things don’t appear to be turning around any time soon. Most publications have picked the Chippewas to finish at the bottom of the Mid-American Conference once again. Sure, injuries played a big part in CMU’s dismal 2011 campaign, with 24 different players making their first NCAAF starts. But that freshman heavy-roster is still wet behind the ears in 2012.

Mack Brown, Texas Longhorns

From a betting point of view, Brown gets little help from the oddsmakers when it comes to covering for the Longhorns’ boosters. Due to the public appeal of the program, Texas’ spreads are always a bit skewed. It’s a wonder the Horns went 7-6 ATS in 2012 after combining for an 8-17-1 ATS mark the two previous seasons.

This season, expectations are high in a diluted Big 12. Texas is the second-overall favorite to win the conference crown behind rival Oklahoma (+120). The Horns had a solid defense last year, ranking 11th in average yards against. But the offense is still a mess and Brown needs to put his foot down on who will be the starting QB - David Ash or Case McCoy - before “Hook ‘Em Horns” backers start pushing to give him the hook.

Bobby Hauck, UNLV Runnin’ Rebels

It stings extra bad that Las Vegas’ college football team can’t cover a spread. Hauck is 4-21 SU and 8-16-1 ATS in his two years in the desert after coming over from a successful FCS Montana program. Runnin’ Rebels fans have been patient with the team’s potential resurrection but if Hauck can’t improve on a 2-10 season, fire shows won’t be reserved to the Vegas stage acts.

UNLV has seven returning starters on offense, which is good and bad. The Rebels averaged just 273.8 yards per game – fourth lowest in the land. The rushing game will eat up the majority of the playbook again with questions surround the QB position. Hauck and offensive coordinator Brent Myers, who was promoted from assistant this offseason, must find ways of mixing up the plays and not telegraphing the run.

**Udog** · 07-26-2012, 08:33 AM

CFL
Dunkel

Edmonton at Winnipeg
The Eskimos look to take advantage of a Winnipeg team that is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games as an underdog. Edmonton is the pick (-2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Eskimos favored by 9. Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (-2 1/2). Here are all of this week's CFL picks.

THURSDAY, JULY 26

Game 121-122: Edmonton at Winnipeg (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 118.235; Winnipeg 109.012
Dunkel Line: Edmonton by 9; 44
Vegas Line: Edmonton by 2 1/2; 46 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (-2 1/2); Under

FRIDAY, JULY 27

Game 123-124: Toronto at Montreal (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 110.047; Montreal 112.134
Dunkel Line: Montreal by 2; 59
Vegas Line: Montreal by 4; 56 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+4); Over

SATURDAY, JULY 28

Game 125-126: Hamilton at Saskatchewan (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Hamilton 114.571; Saskatchewan 119.399
Dunkel Line: Saskatchewan by 5; 58
Vegas Line: Saskatchewan by 3 1/2; 55 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Saskatchewan (-3 1/2); Over

Game 127-128: BC at Calgary (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: BC 112.688; Calgary 118.828
Dunkel Line: Calgary by 6; 54
Vegas Line: Calgary by 2; 58
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (-2); Under

CFL
Long Sheet

Thursday, July 26

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EDMONTON (3 - 1) at WINNIPEG (0 - 4) - 7/26/2012, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 63-89 ATS (-34.9 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
EDMONTON is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) as a road favorite of 3 points or less since 1996.
EDMONTON is 25-42 ATS (-21.2 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins since 1996.
WINNIPEG is 21-6 ATS (+14.4 Units) as a home underdog of 3 points or less since 1996.
WINNIPEG is 91-65 ATS (+19.5 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.

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

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Friday, July 27

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TORONTO (2 - 2) at MONTREAL (2 - 2) - 7/27/2012, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 5-3 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 6-2 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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Saturday, July 28

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HAMILTON (2 - 2) at SASKATCHEWAN (3 - 1) - 7/28/2012, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 45-24 ATS (+18.6 Units) in July games since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) off a loss against a division rival over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-1 against the spread versus HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-1 straight up against HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BRITISH COLUMBIA (2 - 2) at CALGARY (2 - 2) - 7/28/2012, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in July games over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 over the last 3 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 74-49 ATS (+20.1 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 53-30 ATS (+20.0 Units) in road games off a division game since 1996.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 23-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) in road games in weeks 5 through 9 since 1996.

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

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CFL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Week 5

Home 1-3 (10-6). Favorites 1-3 (8-8), Over 2-2 (9-7). West 6-2 vs the East.

Edmonton (3-1) @ Winnipeg (0-4)-- Home opener for Blue Bombers after they allowed 35.3 ppg in hideous 0-4 start, which included 42-10 pasting two weeks ago in Edmonton (+1). Backup QB Brink was 9-34 (9-34!!!) passing in a 25-22 loss at Toronto, closest Bombers have come to winning this year. Edmonton has yet to allow more than 17 points in a game (14 ppg); they won 27-14 last week at BC, despite being outgained by 116 yards. Eskimos trailed 6-1/7-6 at half in their two road games. Three of their four games stayed under the total.

CFL

Week 5

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Trend Report
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Thursday, July 26

8:30 PM
EDMONTON vs. WINNIPEG
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Edmonton's last 6 games when playing on the road against Winnipeg
Edmonton is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Winnipeg is 7-2-1 ATS in its last 10 games at home
Winnipeg is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Edmonton

Friday, July 27

7:30 PM
TORONTO vs. MONTREAL
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing Montreal
Toronto is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Montreal is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Toronto
Montreal is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games at home

Saturday, July 28

6:00 PM
HAMILTON vs. SASKATCHEWAN
Hamilton is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Hamilton's last 8 games on the road
Saskatchewan is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Saskatchewan's last 6 games when playing at home against Hamilton

9:00 PM
BRITISH COLUMBIA vs. CALGARY
British Columbia is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of British Columbia's last 20 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Calgary's last 7 games
Calgary is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games

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CFL

Week 5

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CFL preview and pick: Eskimos at Blue Bombers
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Edmonton Eskimos (-2.5, 46) at Winnipeg Blue Bombers

After beginning the season on a four-game road trip, the Blue Bombers return home in search of their first win against the 3-1 Eskimos. Edmonton crushed Winnipeg at Commonwealth Stadium in Week 3, 42-10, in the only previous meeting between the clubs this season.

Bettors have no reason to believe the result should be any different this time around. Blue Bombers head coach Paul LaPolice has announced that Alex Brink will make his second consecutive start at QB Thursday. Brink started his first game of the season in Week 4 and only completed nine of his 34 pass attempts in a 25-22 loss to the Toronto Argonauts.

The Eskimos defense has been downright nasty so far this season and bettors can expect another spirited effort. The stop unit has only allowed five touchdowns, 56 total points and has sacked opposing quarterbacks a CFL-best 12 times. Add to that the fact that the under is 4-1 in the Blue Bombers’ last five games as underdogs of three points or less.

Edmonton’s first-string pivot, Steven Jyles, returned to practice Monday after taking a hit to the head late in the third quarter of Friday’s 27-14 victory over the B.C. Lions and will be under center for the Eskimos.

Pick: Almost 64 percent of Covers Contest players like Edmonton to cover Thursday.

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**Udog** · 07-26-2012, 08:34 AM

MLB
Dunkel

Tampa Bay at Baltimore
The Orioles look to take advantage of a Tampa Bay team that is 1-5 in James Shields' last 6 starts as a favorite. Baltimore is the pick (+100) according to Dunkel, which has the Orioles favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+100). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, JULY 26

Game 901-902: LA Dodgers at St. Louis (1:45 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Capuano) 15.518; St. Louis (Westbrook) 16.709
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1; 8
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-140); 9
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-140); Under

Game 903-904: Pittsburgh at Houston (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Burnett) 15.166; Houston (Keuchel) 12.941
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 2; 9
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-155); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-155); Over

Game 905-906: Washington at Milwaukee (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Jackson) 15.174; Milwaukee (Gallardo) 15.605
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-130); 8
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-130); Under

Game 907-908: NY Mets at Arizona (9:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Harvey) 13.559; Arizona (Miley) 15.771
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 2; 10
Vegas Line: Arizona (-160); 9
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-160); Over

Game 909-910: Tampa Bay at Baltimore (12:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Shields) 14.358; Baltimore (Tillman) 14.878
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+100); Over

Game 911-912: Oakland at Toronto (12:37 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Milone) 17.532; Toronto (Laffey) 15.381
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Toronto (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+100); Under

Game 913-914: Detroit at Cleveland (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Verlander) 16.380; Cleveland (McAllister) 14.706
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Detroit (-170); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-170); Under

Game 915-916: Kansas City at Seattle (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Mendoza) 14.105; Seattle (Vargas) 15.469
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Seattle (-115); 7
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-115); Over

**Udog** · 07-26-2012, 08:34 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, July 26

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LA DODGERS (53 - 46) at ST LOUIS (52 - 46) - 1:45 PM
CHRIS CAPUANO (L) vs. JAKE WESTBROOK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CAPUANO is 17-33 (-20.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 33-22 (+13.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 10-21 (-16.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WESTBROOK is 1-8 (-9.6 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 4-2 (+2.5 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

CHRIS CAPUANO vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
CAPUANO is 5-5 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.494.
His team's record is 9-5 (+6.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-7. (-0.8 units)

JAKE WESTBROOK vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
WESTBROOK is 0-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.27 and a WHIP of 1.106.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

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PITTSBURGH (55 - 42) at HOUSTON (34 - 65) - 8:05 PM
A.J. BURNETT (R) vs. DALLAS KEUCHEL (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 37-61 (-24.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
BURNETT is 72-99 (-33.4 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 48-72 (-27.5 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 31-51 (-26.0 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 55-42 (+20.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 18-9 (+10.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
PITTSBURGH is 59-71 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 22-15 (+9.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
PITTSBURGH is 55-42 (+20.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 33-30 (+6.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 29-25 (+7.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PITTSBURGH is 28-15 (+13.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
BURNETT is 14-3 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 14-3 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 34-65 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 38-70 (-25.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 2-19 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in July games this season.
HOUSTON is 41-73 (-22.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 34-65 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 68-115 (-27.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 23-50 (-21.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 20-44 (-18.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
HOUSTON is 41-85 (-28.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 6-1 (+4.6 Units) against HOUSTON this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.6 Units)

A.J. BURNETT vs. HOUSTON since 1997
BURNETT is 2-5 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 5.37 and a WHIP of 1.615.
His team's record is 4-5 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-5. (-1.4 units)

DALLAS KEUCHEL vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
KEUCHEL is 0-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 6.35 and a WHIP of 1.940.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

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WASHINGTON (58 - 39) at MILWAUKEE (44 - 53) - 8:10 PM
EDWIN JACKSON (R) vs. YOVANI GALLARDO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
JACKSON is 5-12 (-8.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
JACKSON is 14-23 (-14.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MILWAUKEE is 88-49 (+25.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 39-17 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
GALLARDO is 18-3 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GALLARDO is 11-1 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 58-39 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 56-41 (+20.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 30-20 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
WASHINGTON is 55-39 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 38-23 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 42-27 (+11.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 76-61 (+16.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 44-53 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 13-22 (-13.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
MILWAUKEE is 22-35 (-18.0 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 7-17 (-12.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 44-53 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 32-40 (-14.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

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

EDWIN JACKSON vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
JACKSON is 2-2 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.93 and a WHIP of 1.487.
His team's record is 4-3 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.3 units)

YOVANI GALLARDO vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
GALLARDO is 3-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 4.15 and a WHIP of 1.319.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.9 units)

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NY METS (47 - 51) at ARIZONA (49 - 49) - 9:40 PM
MATT HARVEY (R) vs. WADE MILEY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 4-15 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in July games this season.
ARIZONA is 146-121 (+20.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 146-121 (+20.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 102-79 (+24.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 86-58 (+18.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 41-20 (+16.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MILEY is 13-3 (+10.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 64-63 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 8-1 (+7.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday this season.
NY METS are 60-61 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 32-36 (-9.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against ARIZONA this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

MATT HARVEY vs. ARIZONA since 1997
No recent starts.

WADE MILEY vs. NY METS since 1997
MILEY is 0-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

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TAMPA BAY (51 - 47) at BALTIMORE (51 - 47) - 12:35 PM
JAMES SHIELDS (R) vs. CHRIS TILLMAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 51-47 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 19-11 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
BALTIMORE is 48-41 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 32-26 (+13.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 68-60 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 34-25 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 62-47 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 218-300 (-81.7 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 287-365 (-101.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 173-297 (-101.5 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 5-3 (+1.2 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.3 Units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
SHIELDS is 9-5 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.54 and a WHIP of 1.263.
His team's record is 13-9 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-10. (-1.0 units)

CHRIS TILLMAN vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
TILLMAN is 0-2 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 5.06 and a WHIP of 1.425.
His team's record is 3-2 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.3 units)

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OAKLAND (53 - 44) at TORONTO (48 - 49) - 12:35 PM
TOM MILONE (L) vs. AARON LAFFEY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 316-227 (+51.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
OAKLAND is 53-44 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 16-2 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in July games this season.
OAKLAND is 84-67 (+19.8 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 31-21 (+14.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
MILONE is 17-7 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MILONE is 9-3 (+7.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 3-1 (+2.4 Units) against TORONTO this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

TOM MILONE vs. TORONTO since 1997
No recent starts.

AARON LAFFEY vs. OAKLAND since 1997
LAFFEY is 1-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.857.
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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DETROIT (53 - 45) at CLEVELAND (49 - 49) - 7:05 PM
JUSTIN VERLANDER (R) vs. ZACH MCALLISTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 25-29 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
DETROIT is 24-28 (-12.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CLEVELAND is 132-131 (+4.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 126-124 (+3.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 34-25 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 39-29 (+9.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 27-21 (+6.5 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
DETROIT is 72-37 (+23.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
VERLANDER is 20-4 (+13.8 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 28-6 (+17.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 60-27 (+21.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 108-116 (-36.9 Units) against the money line in home games in July games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 6-2 (+5.5 Units) against DETROIT this season
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.6 Units)

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
VERLANDER is 13-12 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.70 and a WHIP of 1.230.
His team's record is 14-14 (-3.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 12-16. (-6.6 units)

ZACH MCALLISTER vs. DETROIT since 1997
MCALLISTER is 0-0 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 1.59 and a WHIP of 1.324.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

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KANSAS CITY (41 - 56) at SEATTLE (43 - 57) - 10:10 PM
LUIS MENDOZA (R) vs. JASON VARGAS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 14-39 (-18.9 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
VARGAS is 24-18 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VARGAS is 10-3 (+9.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 110-153 (-29.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 18-29 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SEATTLE is 21-52 (-29.6 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 11-30 (-20.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 18-29 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 97-154 (-47.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 4-11 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SEATTLE is 285-278 (-84.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 3-1 (+2.2 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

LUIS MENDOZA vs. SEATTLE since 1997
MENDOZA is 0-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 8.44 and a WHIP of 1.689.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

JASON VARGAS vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
VARGAS is 3-1 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.32 and a WHIP of 1.400.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)

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**Udog** · 07-26-2012, 08:35 AM

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, July 26

Hot pitchers
-- Westbrook is 3-2, 2.79 in his last six starts.
-- Pirates won 13 of last 14 Burnett starts (2-1, 3.00 last three).
-- Gallardo is 2-1, 2.13 in his last four starts.
-- Miley is 2-0, 2.84 in his last couple starts.

-- Milone is 1-0, 1.35 in his last three starts. Laffey is 2-0, 3.00 in his last couple starts.
-- Verlander is 6-1, 2.29 in his last seven starts. McAllister is 1-1, 2.63 in his last couple outings.
-- Vargas is 3-0, 1.86 in his last four starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Capuano is 1-2, 5.79 in his last three starts.
-- Keuchel is 0-2, 11.00 in his last couple starts.
-- Jackson is 1-2, 7.40 in his last four starts.
-- Highly-touted rookie Harvey makes his MLB debut here; he was 7-5, 3.68 in 20 starts at AAA Buffalo.

-- Shields is 1-2, 6.18 in his last six starts. Tillman has a 5.74 RA in his three starts, all of which were on the road.
-- Mendoza is 2-3, 3.66 in his last five starts.

Hot Teams
-- Pirates won six of their last eight games.
-- Nationals are 9-4 in their last thirteen road games.
-- Cardinals won five of their last six games. Dodgers won five of last seven.
-- Arizona won eight of its last nine home games.

-- Tampa Bay won four of its last five away games.
-- A's won seven in row, 16 of their last 18 games.
-- Detroit won 14 of its last 17 games.

Cold Teams
-- Brewers lost their last six games, allowing 32 runs.
-- Mets lost twelve of their last thirteen games.
-- Astros lost 22 of their last 24 games.

-- Indians lost eight of their last twelve games.
-- Blue Jays are 4-6 in their last ten home games.
-- Baltimore lost its last three games, outscored 16-3.
-- Seattle lost six of its last eight home games. Royals lost 12 of their last 15 games overall.

Totals
-- Nine of last eleven St Louis games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 6-2-1 in last nine Houston games. Nine of last ten Pittsburgh tilts stayed under.
-- Under is 11-5-1 in last seventeen Washington games.
-- Over is 13-5-1 in Mets' last nineteen games.

-- Seven of last nine Tampa Bay games stayed under.
-- Six of last eight Oakland games stayed under the total.
-- Nine of last eleven Cleveland games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 21-7 in last twenty-eight Seattle games.

**Udog** · 07-26-2012, 08:35 AM

MLB

Thursday, July 26

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Trend Report
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12:35 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 8 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Tampa Bay's last 11 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games
Baltimore is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home

12:37 PM
OAKLAND vs. TORONTO
Oakland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Oakland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Toronto is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Oakland
Toronto is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Oakland

1:45 PM
LA DODGERS vs. ST. LOUIS
LA Dodgers are 8-17 SU in their last 25 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
LA Dodgers are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games when playing St. Louis
St. Louis is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

7:05 PM
DETROIT vs. CLEVELAND
Detroit is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Detroit's last 9 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games
Cleveland is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Detroit

8:05 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games
Houston is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home

8:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. MILWAUKEE
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Washington is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Milwaukee's last 23 games at home
Milwaukee is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

9:40 PM
NY METS vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Mets's last 7 games on the road
NY Mets are 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing at home against NY Mets
Arizona is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing NY Mets

10:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. SEATTLE
Kansas City is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Seattle
Kansas City is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games
Seattle is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 6 games when playing at home against Kansas City

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**Udog** · 07-26-2012, 08:35 AM

MLB

Thursday, July 26

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Thursday's streaking and slumping starting pitchers
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Only eight games on the Thursday schedule and we had a hard time handing any of the 16 slated starters as “slumping”. So, we present the four hottest hurlers scheduled to take the bump on Thursday.

STREAKING

Tommy Milone, Oakland Athletics (9-6, 3.34 ERA)

Two months ago, the Gio Gonzalez trade looked like a slam dunk win for the Washington Nationals. But the rapid progress of Tommy Milone, one of the pieces Oakland got back in the Gonzalez trade, makes the deal seem a bit better by the Bay.

The A’s are 6-1 in Milone’s last seven starts and the young lefty carries a 1.35 ERA and a 23-2 strikeout to walk ratio over his last three appearances.

Jason Vargas, Seattle Mariners (10-7, 3.91 ERA)

Vargas should be given a medal for winning 10 decisions with an offense this crappy behind him. The Mariners are 3-0 in his last three starts and he’s allowed two or fewer runs in four of his last five outings.

Best thing about that three-game win streak with Vargas on the road: they all came on the road with the M’s priced at plus-money each time.

Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers (11-5, 2.42 ERA)

OK, nothing groundbreaking here. Justin Verlander is still really effing good. How good? Well, the Tigers are 7-1 in his last eight appearances.

Of course the fat price oddsmakers make bettors pay takes out a lot of the fun of backing Verlander. Who wants to bet $300 to win $100? A better way of doing would be looking at the total. The under is 5-0 in the flame-throwing righty’s last five starts.

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Announcement

Thursday's Trends and Indexes - 7/26 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

Thursday's Trends and Indexes - 7/26 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

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