Announcement

**Udog** · 10-02-2012, 08:39 AM

Armadillo: Tuesday's six-pack

-- Dodgers stayed alive by beating the Giants; St Louis can clinch a spot in the playoffs by beating Cincinnati on Tuesday.

-- Bronx now has a half-game lead over Baltimore in the AL East; doubt Red Sox can win a game, so looks like Orioles will be a Wild Card team.

-- Washington Nationals clinched the NL East, so the Braves will host a Wild Card game Friday.

-- Detroit won the AL Central by beating the Royals, so the five playoff teams in the AL are set; I heard a rumor last night the A's made it!!!!

-- A's are only a game behind Texas; if they beat Matt Harrison Tuesday, it sets up a winner-takes-all game for the division Wednesday afternoon.

-- Its hard to describe how much fun this baseball season has been for me as an A's fan. A friend of mine bet me back in March that the A's would lose 100 games. Now they're in the playoffs. Outstanding.

*********

Armadillo: Tuesday's List of 13: Random thoughts on a very happy day.......

13) I mentioned this last year, I think, but it must be very exciting to be an NFL coach, since you can make such a difference from week-to-week. The margin between victory/defeat seems to be thinner in the NFL than any other pro leagues, so a trick play here or an adjustment there can win you a ballgame. Has to be very challenging.

12) Redskins traded a king’s ransom to St Louis for the draft pick that became Robert Griffin III, and I bet they’re damn glad they did, he’s been that good so far. Rams are happy too, since they’ve got their franchise QB and they need those extra draft picks to replenish what had become a talent-poor roster. Win-win situation, the way trades are supposed to be.

11) Young Griffin led the game-winning drive in Tampa Sunday, despite the radio in his helmet not working; funny how that happens on the road, Kid is bright, though and can actually call his own plays. Imagine that? What if all QBs did that? What do you mean they used to? Cool.

By the way, Tampa coach Greg Schiano is a Belichick disciple; funny how the radio technology went out with the Redskins on their last drive. Just an odd coincidence, I'm sure.

10) Underdogs are 27-14 against spread this year in NFL non-divisional games, 12-0 in games involving NFC East teams.

9) Carolina Panthers have to be sick that they lost in Atlanta; they lost the game-clinching first down when Cam Newton fumbled on 3rd down and the ball went backwards (Carolina recovered, but short of the line to make), then after pinning Atlanta inside its own 5-yard line, they let the Falcons drive into FG range. A bitter defeat in such a short season, and a divisional game, to boot.

8) Same thing for Miami, which had the ball around midfield with under 3:00 left when rookie QB Taneyhill got hit and fumbled. Arizona then converted two 4th-down plays, including the winning TD on a 4th-and-10 play. On the bright side for the Fish, Taneyhill had a huge day throwing the ball; WR Hartline is leading the NFL in receiving yardage. That’s an upset. Dolphin lost their last two games in OT; they're well-coached.

7) Rams’ rookie kicker Greg Zuerlein hit four FGs Sunday, including bombs from 58-60 yards. He’s quite a weapon; Tucker kid on Baltimore is also a very good rookie kicker.

6) NFL paid replacement refs for Week 4, even though they didn’t work. Cost the league $332,500, by my count, which is chicken feed for them but probably means a lot to some of the refs. Hope one of the replacement refs writes a long article about the experience.

5) SEC teams are 6-13 vs spread as non-conference favorites, Pac-12 teams 3-7. Big-name teams are struggling to put up big numbers early on.

4) Four games into this season, and Michael Vick has three-game-winning drives in the last 2:00, with two of them against the Ravens/Giants. He has his flaws, but at the end of the day, he’s pretty damn good.

3) Angels can thank a cruddy bullpen and 1-9 record against Tampa Bay for missing the playoffs; CJ Wilson has been pitching with a bum elbow that needs to be scoped. They'll be a formidable foe next season.

2) Mets’ 1B Ike Davis has 11 homers on the first pitch of an AB this season, most in the major leagues.

1) Our thoughts and prayers go out to Colts’ coach Chuck Pagano, who is taking a leave of absence to battle leukemia. Get well soon, coach.

**Udog** · 10-02-2012, 08:40 AM

WNBA
Dunkel

Atlanta at Indiana
The Dream look to bounce back from their 103-88 loss in Game 2 and build on their 8-1 ATS record in their last 9 games following a SU defeat. Atlanta is the pick (+4) according to Dunkel, which has the Fever favored by only 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+4). Here are all of today's picks

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2

Game 671-672: Atlanta at Indiana (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 115.332; Indiana 116.660
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 1 1/2; 160
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 4; 154
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+4); Over

Game 673-674: Seattle at Minnesota (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 109.563; Minnesota 121.044
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 11 1/2; 143
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 10 1/2; 147 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-10 1/2); Under

WNBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, October 2

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ATLANTA (20 - 16) at INDIANA (23 - 13) - 10/2/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 16-27 ATS (-13.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 31-20 ATS (+9.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 15-8 ATS (+6.2 Units) after a division game this season.
ATLANTA is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent since 1997.
ATLANTA is 28-11 ATS (+15.9 Units) in road games revenging a loss versus opponent since 1997.
ATLANTA is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more this season.
INDIANA is 55-85 ATS (-38.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15+ games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 12-7 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 11-8 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
10 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SEATTLE (17 - 19) at MINNESOTA (28 - 8) - 10/2/2012, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 55-80 ATS (-33.0 Units) in road games after a division game since 1997.
SEATTLE is 21-40 ATS (-23.0 Units) off an upset win as an underdog since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 45-32 ATS (+9.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 45-27 ATS (+15.3 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 10-4 against the spread versus SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 8-6 straight up against SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
8 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WNBA

Tuesday, October 2

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. INDIANA
Atlanta is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing Indiana
Indiana is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing Atlanta

9:00 PM
SEATTLE vs. MINNESOTA
Seattle is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Seattle is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Minnesota is 15-4 SU in its last 19 games

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**Udog** · 10-02-2012, 08:43 AM

MLB
Dunkel

Houston at Chicago Cubs
The Cubs look to build on their 4-0 record in Chris Volstad's last 4 home starts. Chicago is the pick (-115) according to Dunkel, which has the Cubs favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (-115). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2

Game 901-902: Atlanta at Pittsburgh (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Hanson) 15.079; Pittsburgh (Correia) 15.580
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 903-904: Philadelphia at Washington (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Rosenberg) 15.700; Washington (Gonzalez) 15.157
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 905-906: NY Mets at Miami (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Dickey) 14.837; Miami (Turner) 14.107
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-145); 7
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-145); Over

Game 907-908: Houston at Chicago Cubs (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Norris) 14.091; Cubs (Volstad) 14.331
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-115); No Run Total
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (-115); N/A

Game 909-910: San Diego at Milwaukee (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Bass) 14.716; Milwaukee (Thornburg) 15.829
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-160); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-160); Under

Game 911-912: Cincinnati at St. Louis (8:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Latos) 15.828; St. Louis (Carpenter) 15.345
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 913-914: Colorado at Arizona (9:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Chacin) 15.797; Arizona (Corbin) 14.682
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 11
Vegas Line: Arizona (-150); 10
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+130); Over

Game 915-916: San Francisco at LA Dodgers (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Zito) 16.089; LA Dodgers (Capuano) 16.678
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 917-918: Chicago White Sox at Cleveland (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Peavy) 15.156; Cleveland (Masterson) 14.713
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 919-920: Minnesota at Toronto (7:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Swarzak) 14.464; Toronto (Jenkins) 14.872
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 921-922: Boston at NY Yankees (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lester) 14.606; NY Yankees (Phelps) 14.306
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-160); 9
Dunkel Pick: Boston (+140); Over

Game 923-924: Baltimore at Tampa Bay (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Gonzalez) 15.644; Tampa Bay (Shields) 16.590
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 925-926: Detroit at Kansas City (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Fister) 14.544; Kansas City (Guthrie) 15.078
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 927-928: Texas at Oakland (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Harrison) 16.280; Oakland (Blackley) 15.647
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 929-930: LA Angels at Seattle (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Haren) 15.034; Seattle (Iwakuma) 15.585
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

**Udog** · 10-02-2012, 08:43 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Tuesday, October 2

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ATLANTA (93 - 67) at PITTSBURGH (78 - 82) - 7:05 PM
TOMMY HANSON (R) vs. KEVIN CORREIA (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 3-2 (+2.1 Units) against ATLANTA this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

TOMMY HANSON vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
HANSON is 1-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

KEVIN CORREIA vs. ATLANTA since 1997
CORREIA is 2-2 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.94 and a WHIP of 1.618.
His team's record is 2-4 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.2 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (81 - 79) at WASHINGTON (96 - 64) - 7:05 PM
B.J. ROSENBERG (R) vs. GIO GONZALEZ (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 9-7 (+2.2 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
8 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-1.1 Units)

B.J. ROSENBERG vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.

GIO GONZALEZ vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
GONZALEZ is 3-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 2.52 and a WHIP of 1.080.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

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NY METS (73 - 87) at MIAMI (68 - 92) - 7:10 PM
R.A. DICKEY (R) vs. JACOB TURNER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 73-87 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 69-85 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 40-59 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
NY METS are 36-49 (-14.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MIAMI is 35-19 (+24.0 Units) against the money line in October games since 1997.
NY METS are 40-33 (+12.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 80-80 (+22.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 52-49 (+3.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 36-28 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 21-13 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DICKEY is 22-10 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
DICKEY is 17-7 (+10.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DICKEY is 19-11 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DICKEY is 21-10 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
DICKEY is 11-3 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MIAMI is 68-92 (-26.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 3-16 (-11.9 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 37-42 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MIAMI is 26-44 (-16.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
MIAMI is 67-90 (-25.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MIAMI is 46-60 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MIAMI is 44-63 (-20.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 11-5 (+6.5 Units) against MIAMI this season
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.2 Units)

R.A. DICKEY vs. MIAMI since 1997
DICKEY is 9-2 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 2.67 and a WHIP of 1.148.
His team's record is 10-2 (+8.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-5. (+0.5 units)

JACOB TURNER vs. NY METS since 1997
TURNER is 0-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.800.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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HOUSTON (54 - 106) at CHICAGO CUBS (60 - 100) - 8:05 PM
BUD NORRIS (R) vs. CHRIS VOLSTAD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 54-105 (-30.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 19-60 (-28.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 54-105 (-30.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 39-74 (-21.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 39-79 (-24.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 7-30 (-20.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
HOUSTON is 8-34 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 60-100 (-25.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 671-634 (-146.7 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 8-16 (-17.4 Units) against the money line in home games in October games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 14-34 (-18.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 64-96 (-25.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 60-100 (-25.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 26-53 (-18.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 42-74 (-20.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 36-63 (-19.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 26-46 (-18.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
VOLSTAD is 14-29 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 7-6 (+0.6 Units) against HOUSTON this season
9 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.5 Units)

BUD NORRIS vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
NORRIS is 3-4 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 4.31 and a WHIP of 1.563.
His team's record is 3-4 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-3. (+0.7 units)

CHRIS VOLSTAD vs. HOUSTON since 1997
VOLSTAD is 4-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 4.43 and a WHIP of 1.352.
His team's record is 5-2 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-5. (-3.8 units)

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SAN DIEGO (75 - 85) at MILWAUKEE (82 - 78) - 8:10 PM
CASEY KELLY (R) vs. TYLER THORNBURG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 20-44 (-17.1 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 88-127 (-29.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 110-57 (+35.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 57-43 (+7.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 61-29 (+21.5 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.
SAN DIEGO is 75-85 (+4.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 75-85 (+4.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN DIEGO is 50-54 (+6.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN DIEGO is 25-24 (+9.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 82-78 (-9.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 82-78 (-9.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 56-58 (-11.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 39-40 (-13.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 4-3 (-0.3 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.6 Units)

CASEY KELLY vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
No recent starts.

TYLER THORNBURG vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.

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CINCINNATI (96 - 64) at ST LOUIS (87 - 73) - 8:15 PM
MAT LATOS (R) vs. CHRIS CARPENTER (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 7-6 (+0.5 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.1 Units)

MAT LATOS vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
LATOS is 1-4 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 10.24 and a WHIP of 1.966.
His team's record is 2-4 (-2.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-4. (-3.8 units)

CHRIS CARPENTER vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
CARPENTER is 14-4 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 2.48 and a WHIP of 0.912.
His team's record is 16-7 (+4.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-14. (-6.0 units)

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COLORADO (63 - 97) at ARIZONA (80 - 80) - 9:40 PM
JHOULYS CHACIN (R) vs. PAT CORBIN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 63-97 (-20.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 18-43 (-18.4 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 94-149 (-43.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 55-88 (-35.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 63-97 (-20.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 15-34 (-17.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
COLORADO is 56-77 (-26.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CHACIN is 18-26 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHACIN is 18-26 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 81-62 (+12.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 80-80 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 40-39 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ARIZONA is 80-80 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 56-57 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 19-24 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 16-24 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 7-9 (+0.1 Units) against ARIZONA this season
8 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.7 Units)

JHOULYS CHACIN vs. ARIZONA since 1997
CHACIN is 3-2 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.18 and a WHIP of 1.279.
His team's record is 5-3 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-5. (-2.5 units)

PAT CORBIN vs. COLORADO since 1997
CORBIN is 0-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 11.00 and a WHIP of 2.222.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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SAN FRANCISCO (93 - 67) at LA DODGERS (85 - 75) - 10:10 PM
BARRY ZITO (L) vs. CHRIS CAPUANO (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 9-7 (+2.2 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
9 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.4 Units)

BARRY ZITO vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
ZITO is 8-10 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.64 and a WHIP of 1.201.
His team's record is 10-14 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 14-7. (+6.4 units)

CHRIS CAPUANO vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
CAPUANO is 1-5 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 5.21 and a WHIP of 1.428.
His team's record is 3-5 (-1.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-2. (+3.9 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (84 - 76) at CLEVELAND (67 - 93) - 7:05 PM
JAKE PEAVY (R) vs. JUSTIN MASTERSON (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 10-6 (+2.9 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
12 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+8.6 Units)

JAKE PEAVY vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
PEAVY is 4-3 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.32 and a WHIP of 1.114.
His team's record is 4-5 (-3.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-4. (-0.7 units)

JUSTIN MASTERSON vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
MASTERSON is 4-5 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 2.85 and a WHIP of 1.383.
His team's record is 6-8 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-7. (-1.4 units)

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MINNESOTA (66 - 94) at TORONTO (71 - 89) - 7:05 PM
ANTHONY SWARZAK (R) vs. CHAD JENKINS (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 3-2 (+0.2 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

ANTHONY SWARZAK vs. TORONTO since 1997
No recent starts.

CHAD JENKINS vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
No recent starts.

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BOSTON (69 - 91) at NY YANKEES (93 - 67) - 7:05 PM
JON LESTER (L) vs. TOMMY PHELPS (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 11-5 (+4.7 Units) against BOSTON this season
8 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.5 Units, Under=-1.0 Units)

JON LESTER vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
LESTER is 9-4 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.27 and a WHIP of 1.431.
His team's record is 12-9 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-9. (+0.6 units)

TOMMY PHELPS vs. BOSTON since 1997
PHELPS is 0-0 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 11.11 and a WHIP of 2.469.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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BALTIMORE (92 - 68) at TAMPA BAY (89 - 71) - 7:10 PM
MIGUEL GONZALEZ (R) vs. JAMES SHIELDS (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 9-7 (+4.4 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
11 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+5.1 Units)

MIGUEL GONZALEZ vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
GONZALEZ is 0-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 5.17 and a WHIP of 1.659.
His team's record is 2-1 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
SHIELDS is 9-6 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.70 and a WHIP of 1.285.
His team's record is 13-10 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 11-10. (-0.1 units)

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DETROIT (87 - 73) at KANSAS CITY (71 - 89) - 8:10 PM
DOUG FISTER (R) vs. JEREMY GUTHRIE (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 12-4 (+4.9 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
9 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.1 Units)

DOUG FISTER vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
FISTER is 1-2 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.02 and a WHIP of 1.066.
His team's record is 3-3 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-4. (-2.6 units)

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. DETROIT since 1997
GUTHRIE is 4-3 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.98 and a WHIP of 1.374.
His team's record is 5-5 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-4. (+1.9 units)

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TEXAS (93 - 67) at OAKLAND (92 - 68) - 10:05 PM
MATT HARRISON (L) vs. TRAVIS BLACKLEY (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 9-8 (+4.4 Units) against TEXAS this season
9 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.5 Units)

MATT HARRISON vs. OAKLAND since 1997
HARRISON is 6-1 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.33 and a WHIP of 1.407.
His team's record is 7-2 (+5.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+1.9 units)

TRAVIS BLACKLEY vs. TEXAS since 1997
BLACKLEY is 2-2 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 6.84 and a WHIP of 1.563.
His team's record is 3-2 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.9 units)

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LA ANGELS (89 - 71) at SEATTLE (73 - 87) - 10:10 PM
DAN HAREN (R) vs. HISASHI IWAKUMA (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 6-11 (-1.0 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
10 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.5 Units)

DAN HAREN vs. SEATTLE since 1997
HAREN is 12-7 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 2.59 and a WHIP of 1.127.
His team's record is 13-10 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-11. (-3.7 units)

HISASHI IWAKUMA vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
IWAKUMA is 3-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 1.77 and a WHIP of 0.935.
His team's record is 3-0 (+5.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

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**Udog** · 10-02-2012, 08:44 AM

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, October 2

Hot pitchers
-- GGonzalez is 4-1, 2.32 in his last five starts.
-- Dickey is 5-2, 2.28 in his last eight starts.
-- Norris has a 3.23 RA in his last five starts.
-- Latos is 2-0, 2.27 in his last five starts. Carpenter has a 3.27 RA in his two starts this season.
-- Chacin is 3-2, 3.43 in his last eight starts.
-- Zito is 4-0, 2.19 in his last four starts.

-- Phelps is 1-0, 1.46 in his last couple starts.
-- Shields is 3-1, 2.21 in his last five starts. MGonzalez is 2-0, 2.79 in his last three starts.
-- Fister is 3-1, 2.86 in his last five starts. Guthrie is 0-0, 2.79 in his last four outings.
-- Harrison is 3-1, 2.54 in his last four starts.
-- Haren is 4-2, 3.22 in his last six starts. Iwakuma is 5-2, 2.81 in his last eight outings.

Cold pitchers
-- Hanson is 1-4, 6.00 in his last seven starts. Correia is 0-2, 8.71 in his last couple starts.
-- Cloyd is 1-1, 6.30 in his last four starts.
-- Turner is 0-2, 8.18 in his last couple starts.
-- Volstad is 0-1, 11.37 in his last three starts.
-- Thornburg is 0-0, 6.30 in two starts this season. Bass is 0-2, 7.59 in his last four starts, last of which was June 20.
-- Corbin is 1-2, 7.40 in his last five starts.
-- Capuano is 1-1, 5.52 in his last five starts.

-- Masterson is 0-3, 7.36 in his last four starts. Peavy is 1-2, 4.50 in his last four starts.
-- Jenkins is 0-2, 4.15 in two starts this season. Swarzak is 0-4, 8.35 in four starts last year; last start was May 25.
-- Lester is 0-3, 4.62 in his last four starts.
-- Blackley allowed nine runs in three IP in his last two starts.

Hot Teams
-- Atlanta won 11 of its last 15 games.
-- Astros are 6-4 in their last ten games.
-- Cincinnati won nine of its last thirteen games. Cardinals won 11 of their last 14 games.
-- Giants won 14 of their last 18 games. Dodgers won their last six.

-- Indians won five of their last eight games.
-- Orioles won 11 of their last 15 games. Tampa Bay won 11 of its last 12.
-- Bronx won 14 of its last 19 games.
-- Detroit won seven of its last eight games.
-- A's won 16 of their last 21 home games.
-- Angels won 12 of their last 17 games.

Cold Teams
-- Pirates lost 16 of their last 23 games.
-- Phillies lost five of their last eight games. Washington lost three of four.
-- Marlins lost ten of their last thirteen games. Mets lost last three games.
-- Cubs lost 11 of their last 13 games.
-- San Diego lost five of their last six games. Brewers are 3-5 in last eight.
-- Arizona is 3-5 in its last eight games. Rockies lost three of their last four.

-- White Sox lost ten of their last thirteen games.
-- Blue Jays lost 14 of their last 21 games. Minnesota lost four of five.
-- Red Sox lost ten of their last eleven games.
-- Royals lost eight of their last nine games.
-- Rangers lost five of their last seven games.
-- Mariners lost 13 of their last 17 games.

Totals
-- Under is 17-7-2 in Atlanta's last 26 games.
-- Over is 8-1-1 in last ten Washington games.
-- Under is 8-3-1 in Miami's last twelve games.
-- Six of Cubs' last nine games went over total.
-- Over is 19-11-1 in last 31 Milwaukee games.
-- 16 of last 20 Cincinnati games stayed under the total.
-- 17 of last 22 Colorado games went over the total.
-- Nine of last thirteen Giant games went over the total.

-- Seven of last eight Cleveland games went over total.
-- Over is 8-5 in last thirteen Toronto games.
-- Over is 3-1-1 in last five Baltimore games.
-- Over is 6-2-2 in last ten Bronx games.
-- Over is 7-1-1 in last nine Kansas City games..
-- Over is 10-4-1 in last fifteen Oakland games.
-- Over is 6-0-1 in Angels' last seven games.

Umpires
-- Atl-Pitt-- 10 of last 14 BWelke games went over the total.
-- Phil-Wsh-- Home team won 10 of last 11 Gonzalez games.
-- NY-Mia-- Over is 5-1-1 in last seven Drake games.
-- Hst-Chi-- Four of last five Bell games stayed under the total.
-- SD-Mil-- Nine of last 12 Reynolds games stayed under.
-- Cin-StL-- Under is 5-2-1 in last eight Fairchild games.
-- Col-Az-- Last six Meals games went over the total.
-- SF-LA-- Over is 27-4-1 in Emmel's 32 games this year.

-- Chi-Cle-- Eight of last nine Schrieber games went over total.
-- Min-Tor-- Last three Fagan games stayed under total.
-- Bos-NY-- Seven of last nine Miller games went over.
-- Blt-TB-- Home side won nine of last ten Hickox games.
-- Det-KC-- Five of last six Knight games stayed under.
-- Tex-A's-- 17 of last 19 Culbreth games stayed under total.
-- LA-Sea-- Four of last five Tichenor games went over total.

**Udog** · 10-02-2012, 08:45 AM

MLB

Tuesday, October 2

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Trend Report
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7:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. CLEVELAND
Chi White Sox are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Chi White Sox's last 8 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Cleveland's last 8 games when playing Chi White Sox

7:05 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. WASHINGTON
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
Philadelphia is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Washington
Washington is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington's last 8 games

7:05 PM
BOSTON vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games on the road
Boston is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 8-1 SU in their last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 5 games at home

7:05 PM
ATLANTA vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Atlanta's last 23 games when playing Pittsburgh
Atlanta is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Pittsburgh's last 23 games when playing Atlanta

7:07 PM
MINNESOTA vs. TORONTO
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Minnesota's last 9 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Minnesota is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games

7:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. TAMPA BAY
Baltimore is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 6 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games at home

7:10 PM
NY METS vs. MIAMI
The total has gone OVER in 18 of NY Mets's last 23 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Mets's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games
Miami is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing NY Mets

8:05 PM
HOUSTON vs. CHI CUBS
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 9 games on the road
Houston is 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games when playing Houston
Chi Cubs are 1-8 SU in their last 9 games

8:10 PM
DETROIT vs. KANSAS CITY
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Kansas City
Detroit is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Kansas City is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Kansas City's last 9 games at home

8:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. MILWAUKEE
San Diego is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Milwaukee's last 14 games when playing at home against San Diego
Milwaukee is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games at home

8:15 PM
CINCINNATI vs. ST. LOUIS
Cincinnati is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 5 games on the road
St. Louis is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of St. Louis's last 9 games when playing at home against Cincinnati

9:40 PM
COLORADO vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing Arizona
Colorado is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing Colorado

10:05 PM
TEXAS vs. OAKLAND
Texas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 5 games on the road
Oakland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games when playing at home against Texas

10:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. LA DODGERS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
San Francisco is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of LA Dodgers's last 21 games

10:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. SEATTLE
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
LA Angels are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games
Seattle is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games

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**Udog** · 10-02-2012, 08:45 AM

MLB

Tuesday, October 2

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

STREAKING

Barry Zito, San Francisco Giants (14-8, 4.19)

Zito pitched six innings of three-run ball against Arizona to record his 14th victory of the season last time out. The veteran left-hander has only surrendered six earned runs over this last four starts, all wins. He takes the hill against the Dodgers next.

Miguel Gonzalez, Baltimore Orioles (8-4, 3.45)

Gonzalez gave up two earned runs in seven innings as the Orioles prevailed over the Blue Jays 12-2 on Wednesday. The rookie continues to impress, giving up just two earned runs in three straight starts. He takes the ball against the Rays as Baltimore continues its quest for the AL East title.

SLUMPING

Carlos Villanueva, Toronto Blue Jays (7-7, 4.16)

Villanueva pitched 4 2/3 innings and gave up six earned runs on four home runs in a Blue Jays' loss to the Orioles on Wednesday. The righty has been blasted in September, yielding 24 earned runs in just 26 2/3 innings in the month. His final start of the year comes against the lowly Twins.

Patrick Corbin, Arizona Diamondbacks (6-8, 4.77)

Corbin was lit up for six runs in just three innings at San Francisco on Thursday. The young left-hander has lasted just three frames in each of his last two outings and makes one more start against Colorado on Tuesday.

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**Udog** · 10-02-2012, 10:16 AM

MLB

Tuesday, October 2

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MLB Tuesday: Previewing the games that still matter
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A brief look at all the games Tuesday that still have something on the line in terms of playoff qualification and placement. The odds listed below are the suggested overnight lines. Most sportsbooks have delayed the odds for these games as oddsmakers wait on lineups and other key info, as per usual at this time of year.

Boston at NY Yankees 7:05 PM ET (-130, O/U 9)

The Boston Red Sox are showing more interest in development than winning at this point, leaving the New York Yankees with a clear path to the American League East title. The Red Sox started a lineup that included only two players from the opening day roster in Monday’s series opener and ended up getting crushed, 10-2, for their sixth straight loss. With the Orioles losing, the Yankees now lead the East by one game with two left. The total salary for Boston’s starting lineup on Monday was $12.5 million, about $136 million less than New York’s.

The Boston Red Sox are showing more interest in development than winning at this point, leaving the New York Yankees with a clear path to the American League East title. The Red Sox started a lineup that included only two players from the opening day roster in Monday’s series opener and ended up getting crushed, 10-2, for their sixth straight loss. With the Orioles losing, the Yankees now lead the East by one game with two left.

The total salary for Boston’s starting lineup on Monday was $12.5 million, about $136 million less than New York’s. The Yankees looked like the clearly superior team, putting up nine runs in the second inning and cruising to the win. New York got Mark Teixeira back after a two-week absence and the slugger contributed a home run during the second-inning barrage. The hottest player for the Yankees lately has been Robinson Cano, who has multiple hits in seven straight games and homered among three extra-base hits Monday. The Red Sox are giving time to everyone on the 40-man roster at this point. Four players in Monday’s lineup came in batting less than .200.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Jon Lester (9-14, 4.94 ERA) vs. Yankees RH David Phelps (4-4, 3.34)

Lester, like most of the team, is coming to the end of a disappointing campaign. The former All-Star has suffered the loss in each of his last three starts and has allowed at least three runs in seven consecutive turns. Lester is guaranteed to finish with his highest full-season ERA, WHIP and batting average against. He issued seven walks in 5 1/3 innings against the Yankees on Sept. 11 and is 1-1 with a 4.76 ERA in four starts against the rivals this season.

Tuesday would be Ivan Nova’s normal spot in the rotation, but New York has decided to skip the struggling right-hander in favor of Phelps, who has had two strong starts against Boston since Aug. 18. Phelps has bounced between the bullpen and the rotation this season, posting a 2-2 record with a 3.81 ERA in 10 starts. The rookie allowed one run in 5 2/3 innings to beat the Red Sox on Sept. 12 and turned in a quality start in a losing effort Aug. 18.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox 2B Dustin Pedroia (finger) and CF Jacoby Ellsbury (unspecified injury) both sat out on Monday. Both could return Tuesday.

2. New York 3B Alex Rodriguez snapped an 11-game streak without an RBI with a sacrifice fly Monday.

3. Boston would clinch its first last-place finish since 1992 with a loss Tuesday.

Philadelphia at Washington 7:05 PM ET (-200, O/U 8)

The Washington Nationals have clinched the National League East and the next task is earning the top record in the league. Washington is tied with the Cincinnati Reds for the best mark entering Tuesday’s game against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies, but holds the tiebreaker edge on the Reds. Philadelphia will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2006 and needs to win one of its final two games for its 10th straight winning season. The Nationals plan to start ace Gio Gonzalez to keep him on normal schedule for a probable Game 1 start in the postseason. Gonzalez leads the majors with 21 victories and is among the top candidates for the NL Cy Young Award.

The Washington Nationals have clinched the National League East and the next task is earning the top record in the league. Washington is tied with the Cincinnati Reds for the best mark entering Tuesday’s game against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies, but holds the tiebreaker edge on the Reds. Philadelphia will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2006 and needs to win one of its final two games for its 10th straight winning season.

The Nationals plan to start ace Gio Gonzalez to keep him on normal schedule for a probable Game 1 start in the postseason. Gonzalez leads the majors with 21 victories and is among the top candidates for the NL Cy Young Award. First baseman Adam LaRoche needs one RBI to reach 100 for the second time in his career. Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman (2006, 2009) and former Nationals outfielder Adam Dunn (2009-10) are the only Washington players to reach 100 RBIs. Philadelphia plans to use an all-relievers pitching alignment with B.J. Rosenberg opening the contest.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, CS Philadelphia, MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH B.J. Rosenberg (1-2, 6.86 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (21-8, 2.89)

Rosenberg has pitched 21 innings in 21 appearances and has never started a major league game. He has pitched 3 1/3 hitless innings against Washington this season. The decision to pitch a bullpen game was made when Tyler Cloyd was shut down with a tired arm. Tyson Brummett was recalled Sunday and will pitch in Tuesday’s contest.

Gonzalez has been strong all season but is finishing with a flourish. He is 5-1 with a 1.35 ERA over his last six outings, allowing only 24 hits in 40 innings during the stretch. Gonzalez is 3-1 with a 2.52 ERA in four starts against the Phillies. He beat Philadelphia on Thursday when he allowed three runs and six hits in six innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals C Kurt Suzuki is batting .393 with seven RBIs over his last eight games.

2. Phillies SS Jimmy Rollins (calf) missed the opener and also might be sidelined for the final two games.

3. Washington 2B Danny Espinosa is batting only .167 with no homers and one RBI in 16 games against Philadelphia this season.

Baltimore at Tampa Bay 7:10 PM ET (-150, O/U 7)

The Rays, despite winning 11 of their last 12 games, were eliminated from postseason contention Monday night when the Oakland Athletics beat Texas to clinch the last playoff spot and move into a tie with the Orioles for the American League wild card lead. Monday's 5-3 loss snapped a four-game winning streak for Baltimore, which is one game behind the division-leading New York Yankees in the AL East. Division title aside, the Orioles have tons of incentive to win their last two games, particularly with the possibility of having to fly to Oakland for a one-game playoff because the Athletics hold the tiebreaker.

The hottest team in baseball has nothing to play for, but it remains to be seen if that will help the visiting Baltimore Orioles when they face the Tampa Bay Rays in the second of a three-game series Tuesday. The Rays, despite winning 11 of their last 12 games, were eliminated from postseason contention Monday night when the Oakland Athletics beat Texas to clinch the last playoff spot and move into a tie with the Orioles for the American League wild card lead.

Monday's 5-3 loss snapped a four-game winning streak for Baltimore, which is one game behind the division-leading New York Yankees in the AL East. Division title aside, the Orioles have tons of incentive to win their last two games, particularly with the possibility of having to fly to Oakland for a one-game playoff because the Athletics hold the tiebreaker. Baltimore will send right-hander Miguel Gonzalez to the mound to oppose Tampa Bay's James Shields.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN 2 (Baltimore), Sun Sports (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Miguel Gonzalez (8-4, 3.45 ERA) vs. Rays RH James Shields (15-9, 3.62)

Gonzalez won his second straight start last time out, holding Toronto to two runs on five hits in seven innings. He has pitched at least six innings in nine of his last 10 starts and has gone 6-2 in that span. Gonzalez earned a no-decision against the Rays on Sept. 12, giving up two runs and six hits while walking a season high-tying five in six innings. He is 5-2 away from home in his rookie campaign.

Shields is seeking to match his career-high win total set last year. He did not factor in the decision last time out despite limiting the Chicago White Sox to two runs in 6 1/3 innings. Shields has won five consecutive starts at Tropicana Field, allowing a total of seven runs in that span. He is 9-6 in 23 career starts against the Orioles, but has split of pair of decisions this year, yielding 11 runs in 12 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Orioles RF Chris Davis has gone deep six times during a five-game home streak, the longest in franchise history since Reggie Jackson homered in six straight games in 1976.

2. Rays closer Fernando Rodney earned his 47th save with another scoreless appearance and his 0.61 ERA remains tied with the record set by Dennis Eckersley of the 1990 Oakland Athletics for lowest ERA by a reliever who pitched at least 50 innings.

3. Orioles C Matt Wieters hit his career-high 23rd home Monday, surpassing his previous high set last year

Cincinnati at St. Louis 8:15 PM ET (-125, O/U 7.5)

The St. Louis Cardinals can clinch a National League wild card berth by beating the Cincinnati Reds for the second consecutive night on Tuesday. The Cardinals are one win or one Los Angeles Dodgers loss away from returning to the postseason. The defending World Series champions have played superb baseball down the stretch and Monday’s victory was their 11th in 14 games. Cincinnati is tied with the Washington Nationals for best record in the National League. Manager Dusty Baker was back in the dugout for the Reds after missing 11 straight games because of a minor stroke and irregular heartbeat. Cincinnati needs to finish ahead of Washington to claim the top seed because the Nationals won the season series.

The St. Louis Cardinals can clinch a National League wild card berth by beating the Cincinnati Reds for the second consecutive night on Tuesday. The Cardinals are one win or one Los Angeles Dodgers loss away from returning to the postseason. The defending World Series champions have played superb baseball down the stretch and Monday’s victory was their 11th in 14 games. Cincinnati is tied with the Washington Nationals for best record in the National League.

Manager Dusty Baker was back in the dugout for the Reds after missing 11 straight games because of a minor stroke and irregular heartbeat. Cincinnati needs to finish ahead of Washington to claim the top seed because the Nationals won the season series. Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips (groin) was in the lineup and had a run-scoring single one day after leaving a game early. St. Louis outfielder Carlos Beltran remains three short of his eighth 100-RBI campaign but has three homers in eight career at-bats against Reds starter Mat Latos.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), FS Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Mat Latos (13-4, 3.52 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Chris Carpenter (0-1, 3.27)

Latos has won three straight decisions and his last loss came when he was roughed up by the Cardinals on Aug. 24. He gave up seven runs and nine hits in five innings and that was only his second-poorest outing against St. Louis this season. He gave up eight runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings against the Cardinals on April 18. Latos is 1-4 with a 10.24 ERA in six career starts against St. Louis. He is 0-2 with a 9.77 ERA in three starts this season.

Carpenter is making his third start since returning from major shoulder surgery. He has allowed two runs in each of his previous two outings. Carpenter has dominated Cincinnati over his career, compiling a 14-4 mark and 2.48 ERA in 23 starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cincinnati 1B Joey Votto is batting .400 with two homers in 35 career at-bats against Carpenter.

2. Cardinals OF Matt Holliday had two hits Monday and is batting .345 against Cincinnati this season.

3. Reds OF Ryan Ludwick (groin) was in the starting lineup for the first time since Sept. 19 but left in the sixth inning during a double switch.

Texas at Oakland 10:05 PM ET (+150, 7.5)

The Texas Rangers have enjoyed sole possession of first place in the American League West since April 9, but that could change if they lose a second straight game to the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday. Oakland won the series opener Monday to clinch a postseason berth and move within a game of the Rangers for the division title. The Athletics, who must win the remaining two games to win the division, also climbed into a tie with Baltimore for the wild card lead. Oakland has won four straight and six of seven. The Rangers have a decided edge in the pitching matchup, sending 18-game winner Matt Harrison to the mound against Travis Blackley, who has pitched a total of three innings in his last two starts.

The Texas Rangers have enjoyed sole possession of first place in the American League West since April 9, but that could change if they lose a second straight game to the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday. Oakland won the series opener Monday to clinch a postseason berth and move within a game of the Rangers for the division title. The Athletics, who must win the remaining two games to win the division, also climbed into a tie with Baltimore for the wild card lead.

Oakland has won four straight and six of seven. The Athletics trailed the Rangers by 13 games on June 2 but have posted a major league-best 70-38 record since that time. Texas has lost five of its last seven but will wrap up its third straight AL West crown with one win. The Rangers have a decided edge in the pitching matchup, sending 18-game winner Matt Harrison to the mound against Travis Blackley, who has pitched a total of three innings in his last two starts.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), CS California (Oakland)
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PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Matt Harrison (18-10, 3.26 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Travis Blackley (5-4, 4.25)

Harrison beat Blackley and Oakland in his last start, although he was not exceptionally sharp in giving up four runs on seven hits in six innings. He is 2-0 in three starts against the Athletics this season to improve to 6-1 with a 4.13 ERA in 12 appearances (nine starts) against them. Harrison has been outstanding on the road this season, logging a 10-6 record and 3.03 ERA in 17 starts.

Blackley's last two spot starts have been a disaster. He lasted only one inning against the Rangers on Thursday, giving up five runs on five hits - including two homers. He wasn't much better in his previous outing against the New York Yankees, getting yanked after surrendering four runs on five hits in only two innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Harrison can become the first left-hander in franchise history to win 19 games.

2. The Athletics are a season-high 24 games over .500. They haven't been that many games over .500 since the end of the 2006 season - the last time they made the playoffs..

3. Oakland RHP Grant Balfour has converted 16 consecutive save opportunities since reclaiming the closer's role in mid-August.

San Francisco at LA Dodgers 10:10 PM ET (-140, O/U 7.5)

The Los Angeles Dodgers will learn early in their game Tuesday whether they still have a shot at the second National League wild card spot. The Cardinals clinched at least a tie for the second NL wild card with a 4-2 win over Cincinnati on Monday, which means Los Angeles will be eliminated from the postseason with one more loss or a St. Louis victory. The Cardinals’ game Tuesday against the Reds begins approximately two hours before the Dodgers face the visiting San Francisco Giants.

The Los Angeles Dodgers will learn early in their game Tuesday whether they still have a shot at the second National League wild card spot. The Cardinals clinched at least a tie for the second NL wild card with a 4-2 win over Cincinnati on Monday, which means Los Angeles will be eliminated from the postseason with one more loss or a St. Louis victory. The Cardinals’ game Tuesday against the Reds begins approximately two hours before the Dodgers face the visiting San Francisco Giants. Los Angeles has matched its longest winning streak of the season at six games, while the Giants are merely getting ready for the postseason after clinching the NL West last week.

After slumping in early September, Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez has been on a tear in recent weeks. He went 2-for-4 on Monday to extend his hitting streak to 13 games, and he has exactly two hits in seven of his last eight games. The Giants are in danger of losing their first road series since July 6-8, but they’re more focused on preparing for the first game of the NL Division Series against either Washington or Cincinnati. Matt Cain will start game one on his normal four days of rest after pitching five innings on Monday.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, CS Bay Area (San Francisco), KCAL (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Barry Zito (14-8, 4.19 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Chris Capuano (12-11, 3.69)

Zito is making a strong push for the Giants’ postseason rotation, allowing six runs over 24 2/3 innings through his last four outings. He is 8-10 with a 3.74 ERA in 25 career games against the Dodgers, including 2-2 with a 2.55 ERA in four outings this season. Andre Ethier is 7-for-41 (.171) with nine strikeouts against Zito in his career.

Capuano recorded his first win since Aug. 12 on Thursday against the Padres, giving up one run in 5 1/3 innings. The strong outing was a surprise for Capuano, who was 0-3 with a 6.13 ERA in his previous seven starts. He is 0-1 with a 6.00 ERA in two starts against San Francisco this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Giants 2B Marco Scutaro has hit safely in a career-best 18 games, giving him the longest active hitting streak in the majors.

2. Los Angeles starters have allowed only two runs in their last 26 innings and have posted a 1.24 ERA in the team’s last 10 games dating to Sept. 21.

3. Giants catcher Buster Posey, who leads the NL in batting with a .336 average, left Monday’s game as a precaution with back spasms.

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**Udog** · 10-02-2012, 01:04 PM

MLB
Short Sheet

Tuesday, October 2

National League

Atlanta at Pittsburgh, 7:05 ET
Hanson: Atlanta 6-14 SU revenging a loss as a road favorite
Correia: 26-10 Over in home games

Philadelphia at Washington, 7:05 ET
Rosenberg: Philadelphia 19-28 SU off 3+ division games
Gonzalez: 15-5 TSR in night games

NY Mets at Miami, 7:10 ET
Dickey: 9-2 TSR away pitching off BB team losses
Turner: Miami 3-16 SU as a home udnerdog of +125 to +150

Houston at Chicago Cubs, 8:05 ET
Norris: Houston 7-31 SU off 4+ road games
Volstad: 9-1 Over after allowing 0 walks last start

San Diego at Milwaukee, 8:10 ET
Kelly: San Diego 14-5 Over away revening BB losses
Thornburg: Milwaukee 26-8 SU at home off BB Unders

Cincinnati at St. Louis, 8:15 ET
Latos: 14-4 TSR on Tuesdays
Carpenter: 6-14 TSR pitching off BB team wins

Colorado at Arizona, 9:40 ET
Chacin: Colorado 15-34 SU vs. left-handed starters
Corbin: Arizona 15-6 Over at home revenging a loss as a home favorite

San Francisco at LA Dodgers, 10:10 ET
Zito: San Francisco 32-13 SU after scoring 2 runs or less
Capuano: Dodgers 8-2 Under off 4+ division wins

American League

Chicago White Sox at Cleveland, 7:05 ET
Peavy: White Sox 10-0 SU off a division win by 6+ runs
Masterson: Cleveland 1-6 SU off a division loss by 8+ runs

Minnesota at Toronto, 7:05 ET
Swarzak: Minnesota 1-6 SU in October
Jenkins: Toronto 44-25 Over on Tuesdays

Boston at NY Yankees, 7:05 ET
Lester: Boston 6-19 SU revenging 3+ losses
Phelps: Yankees 10-2 SU after hitting 6+ extra-base hits

Baltimore at Tampa Bay, 7:10 ET
Gonzalez: 7-2 TSR vs. division opponents
Shields: 25-9 Under on Tuesdays

Detroit at Kansas City, 8:10 ET
Fister: 12-31 TSR in road games
Guthrie: Kansas City 12-4 SU revenging 5+ losses

Texas at Oakland, 10:05 ET
Harrison: 13-5 Under in night games
Blackley: Oakland 9-2 SU off 6+ division games

LA Angels at Seattle, 10:10 ET
Haren: 14-23 TSR vs. division opponents
Iwakuma: Seattle 19-6 SU after losing 6 or 7 of their last 8 games

**Udog** · 10-02-2012, 08:11 PM

NFL odds: Week 5 opening line report

There are three undefeated teams left standing after four weeks of football. The Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans improved to 4-0 this past Sunday, but books are treating them all very differently heading into Week 5 of the NFL schedule.

The Falcons (3-1 ATS) are 3-point road favorites in D.C. Sunday, taking on the Washington Redskins. The Sports Club, a Nevada-based odds service, originally sent out Atlanta -2. But sportsbooks tabbed on an additional point, making the spread a clean field goal and forcing bettors to take a long look at the underdog.

“We're definitely low here and we like the higher number we see out there,” Peter Korner, founder of The Sports Club, says. “After a lot of hype, the Skins have settled down to the team we had medium expectations for. The Falcons are every bit as good as they appear.”

The Cardinals nearly lost their first game of the season against the Miami Dolphins last Sunday, needing overtime to stay perfect. Arizona (3-1 ATS), a profitable underdog through the first three weeks, is again the betting favorite, sitting as slight 1-point chalk in St. Louis Thursday night. The Sports Club suggested an opening number of Cardinals -2. Online books opened with Arizona as high as -2.5 which has since been bet down as low as pick'em.

"We're right there with this line. In fact, we're a little higher and that's where we prefer to be," says Korner. "Entering undefeated, the Cardinals are the better team and we recommend to keep the parlay cards above the current line as well."

As for the Texans (4-0 ATS), some books are dealing Houston -9 heading to the Meadowlands to face the New York Jets on Monday Night Football. The Sports Club originally suggested Texans -7 and many books followed suit, opening the spread around a touchdown.

However, with the Jets’ dismal offensive effort against the San Francisco 49ers – another stout defensive team like Houston – early money is fading the home side and has driven the spread as high as -9 at some online markets.

Korner has suggested his clients stay high on this game and expects the sharp money to lay the big favorite for this prime time matchup. The Jets have a loyal public following and the murmurs surrounding a QB switch from Mark Sanchez to Tim Tebow will only fuel the fire.

Here are the opening odds for some of the biggest NFL games on the Week 5 schedule:

Denver Broncos at New England Patriots (-7, 51.5)

This game will get a ton of media coverage thanks to the Manning vs. Brady angle. The early money has moved this spread from as low as 6.5 to as high as 7.5. The Sports Club sent out a suggested spread of -8 on Sunday and expects to see a lot of parlay cards tied into this game.

“This is a no-brainer with the -7.5. Being a late game with few options for bettors at this point, (books should) stay clear of Patriot money as much as (they) can,” says Korner. “Denver has shown they are Jekyll-and-Hyde at home versus the road.”

Philadelphia Eagles at Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5, 44)

The Battle for Pennsylvania is leaning slightly in favor of the Steelers, who welcome their state rivals to Heinz Field Sunday. The Sports Club’s oddsmakers sent out Pittsburgh -4, however, some online books are already down to a field goal with money on Philadelphia.

Korner says the numbers are pretty solid for this AFC North-NFC East showdown. The Steelers are coming off the bye while the Eagles escaped with a home win against the New York Giants in Week 4 to lead the division at 3-1 (0-3-1 ATS).

Philadelphia is 5-2 SU and 4-3 ATS in its last seven meeting with Pittsburgh, going back to 1988.

Announcement

Tuesday's Trends and Indexes - 10/2 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

Tuesday's Trends and Indexes - 10/2 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

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