The Bum's Wild Card-NLDS-ALDS Best Bets !

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Baltimore at Texas
The Orioles look to build on their 19-7 record in their last 26 games following an off day. Baltimore is the pick (+170) according to Dunkel, which has the Orioles favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+170). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5

Game 901-902: St. Louis at Atlanta (5:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Lohse) 15.754; Atlanta (Medlen) 15.828
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1; 6
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-170); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-170); Under

Game 903-904: Baltimore at Texas (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Saunders) 15.698; Texas (Darvish) 14.866
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Texas (-200); 9
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+170); Over




MLB
Long Sheet

Friday, October 5

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ST LOUIS (88 - 74) at ATLANTA (94 - 68) - 5:05 PM
KYLE LOHSE (R) vs. KRIS MEDLEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 88-74 (-5.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 7-15 (-10.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
ST LOUIS is 38-43 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ST LOUIS is 9-17 (-13.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday this season.
ST LOUIS is 88-74 (-5.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 57-57 (-14.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 25-35 (-18.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ATLANTA is 94-68 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 18-6 (+12.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday this season.
ATLANTA is 30-18 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
ATLANTA is 92-67 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 64-37 (+22.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 59-35 (+17.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ATLANTA is 46-37 (+9.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MEDLEN is 12-0 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
MEDLEN is 14-0 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MEDLEN is 12-0 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
MEDLEN is 13-1 (+12.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MEDLEN is 10-0 (+11.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 71-47 (+24.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 38-51 (-32.4 Units) against the money line in October games since 1997.
ATLANTA is 14-21 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in home games in playoff games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 5-1 (+4.7 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
6 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+6.0 Units)

KYLE LOHSE vs. ATLANTA since 1997
LOHSE is 3-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 4.97 and a WHIP of 1.583.
His team's record is 4-6 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-4. (+1.9 units)

KRIS MEDLEN vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
No recent starts.

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BALTIMORE (93 - 69) at TEXAS (93 - 69) - 8:35 PM
JOE SAUNDERS (L) vs. YU DARVISH (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 5-2 (+1.9 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.8 Units)

JOE SAUNDERS vs. TEXAS since 1997
SAUNDERS is 3-7 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 6.48 and a WHIP of 1.491.
His team's record is 4-7 (-3.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-8. (-6.5 units)

YU DARVISH vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

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MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, October 5

Today's games are one-game, winner-move-on scenarios........

Braves won five of six games vs St Louis this year, but all six games came in May; all six games went over the total. Cardinals lost two of three here in last week in May. Overall, St Louis won 12 of its last 16 games, five of last seven on road. Braves won 10 of last 11 home games, eight of last 11 overall. Lohse is 2-0, 3.32 in his last three starts; he lost 10-7 here May 30, giving up five runs in five IP. Atlanta won Medlen's last 23 starts; he is 9-0, 1.18 in his 12 starts this season. He didn't start against St Louis in 2012.

Texas won five of seven vs Baltimore this year, winning two of three here in late August. Five of the seven games went over total, with two of three going under in this park. Rangers lost seven of last nine games to lose division title, they lost six of last ten home games. Orioles went 12-5 in last 17 games, 5-2 in last seven. Saunders is 1-2, 3.58 in his last four starts; he didn't pitch against the Rangers this year. Darvish cost the Rangers $100M to sign; he is 4-0, 2.06 in his last six starts. He didn't pitch against Baltimore.




MLB

Wednesday, October 3

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Trend Report
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5:07 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
St. Louis is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing St. Louis
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing St. Louis

8:37 PM
BALTIMORE vs. TEXAS
Baltimore is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games when playing Texas
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Baltimore's last 8 games when playing Texas
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Texas's last 8 games
Texas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Baltimore

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Short Sheet

Friday, October 5

NL Wild Card (Best-of-One)

(TC) St. Louis at Atlanta, 5:05 ET TBS
Lohse: St. Louis 9-18 SU away with a total of 7.5 runs or less
Medlen: 14-0 TSR in home games


AL Wild Card (Best-of-One)

(TC) Baltimore at Texas, 8:35 ET TBS
Saunders: Baltimore 14-44 SU off BB games having 5 or less hits
Darvish: Texas 16-2 SU at home off BB losses


(TC) = Time Change

[StarDust Bum]

Amazing Athletics Look To Tame Tigers In ALDS

The reward for the Oakland Athletics’ extended and very stirring run to the American League West crown might not be as pleasant as Oakland fans envisioned.

Then again, we’ve learned to never underestimate this battling bunch of A’s.

Awaiting Oakland in the playoffs are the Detroit Tigers, who enter the postseason very hot themselves after putting away the White Sox in the last two weeks to draw clear in the AL Central. The A’s also get the chance to face the first Triple Crown winner in 45 years, Miguel Cabrera, and the pleasure of dealing with Detroit ace Justin Verlander in Game 1 and perhaps once again later in this series.

Action commences on Saturday at Comerica Park in Detroit as the Tigers host Game 1 of the ALDS. The Tigers will also host Game 2 before the remainder of the best-of-five series moves west to the Bay Area and the O.co Coliseum.

The aforementioned Verlander goes for Jim Leyland’s Detroit bunch in the Saturday opener, with Oakland manager Bob Melvin still deciding upon his starter as we go the press late in the week. Verlander will be a sizable favorite whichever pitcher Melvin decides to use, and a check with the Don Best MLB odds screen notes Detroit priced at -185/-190 on the win with Verlander, with the ‘under’ at 7½ and shaded to the ‘under’ at most Nevada wagering outlets.

First pitch on Saturday is slated for 6:05 p.m. (ET) with TBS providing the TV coverage.

Verlander presents quite a hurdle for the A’s, especially considering his recent form chart which includes not only four straight wins but an ERA of 0.64 in the process, allowing just two runs in his last 28 IP. Included in that recent stretch of success was a solid six innings of work vs. Oakland on September 19 at Comerica Park, allowing just five hits and no runs in the process as the Tigers went on to a 6-2 win.

Verlander also handcuffed the A’s on May 13 at Oakland, allowing just one run and two hits over seven innings of work in a 3-1 Tigers win. Over his career, Verlander is 7-5 with a 2.38 ERA in 13 starts against the A’s.

Leyland will pitch Doug Fister in Game 2 on Sunday. Max Scherzer, who got a four-inning tuneup Wednesday to see if his right deltoid and right ankle were OK, will probably start Tuesday's game in Oakland. Anibal Sanchez will likely go if a Game 4 is necessary, with Verlander, if needed, either going in Game 5 or starting the opener of the ALCS if Detroit advances beyond this round.

Rick Porcello has not been included in Leyland’s four-man rotation, and whether he gets included on the divisional round roster could depend on whether manager Jim Leyland wants to carry two left-handed relievers or three. Leyland is scaling back from 12 pitchers to 11, opting for an extra position player because days off mean he can get by with four starters.

Leyland was looking ahead with his rotation more that a week ago, setting it up so Verlander could start either a 163rd game against the White Sox to determine the Central champ or the first game of the divisional playoff round. It also lets him pitch a fifth game, if one is necessary.

The combination of Cabrera’s Triple Crown numbers, and slugging 1B Prince Fielder batting behind him, creates a menacing look for the Tigers in the 3-4 spots in the batting order.

But the concerns for Detroit continue to involve defense, especially some shaky work around the infield, which proved costly on occasion, including the last time these teams faced on September 20 at Comerica. The Tigers were denied a three-game sweep due in part to shoddy defense, including 2B Omar Infante’s throwing error that gifted the A’s a run in the third inning, and a misplayed fly ball by CF Austin Jackson in the sixth inning that resulted in a two-run triple for George Kottaras. Oakland salvaged the final game of that series with a 12-4 win after being outscored 18-4 in the first two games of the set.

The A’s, however, are red-hot, having swept Seattle and Texas at home to conclude the regular season to dramatically collarthe Rangers at the wire to steal the AL West title and avoid the wild card play-in game. Oakland is an astounding 72-38 since June 1, when the A’s began their unlikely turnaround after entering that month with a 22-30 record...the same as the Houston Astros.

Manager Melvin, however, might be a bit reluctant to go with with starter Tommy Milone, who would figure to be up in the rotation but was ineffective in his last start on Sunday vs. the Mariners, allowing nine hits in 4 2/3 IP, after also allowing the same number of hits in the same number of innings in that recent September 20 game at Comerica Park vs. the Tigers.

Melvin’s other likely option appears to be Jarrod Parker, who last pitched on Monday in the 4-3 win over Texas that at the time clinched a wild card berth for the A’s. Parker lost his only start vs. the Tigers back on May 13 (vs. Verlander) but was not terribly ineffective, allowing two runs and six hits in 5 2/3 IP of an eventual 3-1 loss.

But May was a long time ago for the A’s, who became a different team once the calendar turned to June. They enter the postseason with an underrated bullpen having spun 22 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings. Meanwhile, Oakland’s jerry-rigged lineup featuring career spare parts such as Brandon Moss, Seth Smith, Josh Reddick plus electric Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes, cracked 114 homers after the All-Star break, the best such mark in the majors as the A’s became known for their big-inning outbursts.

Indeed, the current Oakland edition might be the greatest masterpiece of GM Billy Beane’s well-documented career.

These sides have met in the postseason before, most recently in 2006, when Detroit swept the A’s in four straight to advance to the World Series. That was also Oakland’s last playoff appearance until this season.

There was also a memorable ALCS back in 1972, when Oakland’s Campy Campaneris was suspended after throwing his bat at Tiger pitcher Lerrin LaGrow in Game 2 at the Coliseum. The series went the full five games before the A’s pulled it out despite also losing Reggie Jackson at the end of the series due to a torn hamstring on a bang-bang play at the plate against Tiger C Bill Freehan as Reggie dramatically stole home base in a daring double steal ordered by manager Dick Williams. Oakland went on to its first of three straight World Series wins by beating the Reds in the World Series.

The teams met seven times this season, with the Tigers winning four of those, including two of three in the mid-September series at Comerica Park. The sides split a four-game set at Oakland between May 10-13.

[StarDust Bum]

Reds Begin Playoffs At San Francisco Giants

Cincinnati Reds at San Francisco Giants MLB Betting Preview
Date: 10/06/2012, 9:37 p.m. (ET) TBS
Opening Lines: Giants -111, O/U 6½

Cincinnati Reds: Dusty Baker and the Reds (97-65, +17.4 units) hope for better results than their last trip to the postseason in 2010 when Philadelphia swept three straight. That all started with Roy Halladay throwing a no-hitter in Game 1, and Cincinnati will now face San Francisco's Matt Cain who authored a perfect game earlier this season. The Redlegs have a fine arm of their own for Saturday's matchup in Johnny Cueto. Cincinnati went 22-11 behind Cueto in 2012 (+7.1 units), one of the defeats coming in late-June at San Francisco where he pitched six and surrendered three runs for the loss. The Reds are 21-26 all-time at AT&T Park, but have won five of their last nine on this diamond.

San Francisco Giants: Bruce Bochy and the Giants (94-68, +19.3 units) have much fonder memories of the 2010 playoffs with World Series rings to show for their effort. San Francisco streaks into this postseason having won 39 of its last 60, including a 19-8 month of September when the Giants cemented their claim to the NL West title. They went 21-11 (+6.0 units) behind Saturday's starter Cain, 8-2 over his last 10 assignments. Two of those losses did come against the Reds, one in each park and Cain's ledger totaling 13 innings with eight runs charged to him. Two batters in Cincy's lineup who have hurt him over the years are Jay Bruce and Ryan Ludwick, a combined 14-for-35 (.400) with Ludwick taking him deep three times. The 'under' was 3-0-1 in the Giants' four games vs. Cincinnati played in San Francisco this year.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Saturday, October 6

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ALDS Gm.1 betting preview: Athletics at Tigers
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Oakland Athletics at Detroit Tigers (-187, 7.5)

The Oakland Athletics have been in playoff mode for the better part of the last six weeks and needed a three-game sweep of the Texas Rangers to complete a comeback from 13 games out to win the American League West. The Detroit Tigers wrapped up the Central a little earlier and have had a chance to rest and line up the rotation for the Division Series. The Tigers will send reigning Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander in Game 1.

Verlander has been arguably the best pitcher in the AL during the regular season for the last handful of years but has never pitched well in the postseason, owning a 3-3 record with a 5.57 ERA in eight total starts. But at least Verlander has some playoff experience, whereas the Oakland staff is full of playoff first-timers. The Athletics cruise into the series having won six straight and eight of their last nine. They did hit a rough stretch on a road trip a couple weeks back, dropping six of 10 - including two of three at Detroit. Oakland was outscored 18-4 in the first two games of that series but bounced back to take the rubber game 12-4.

TV: 6:07 p.m. ET, TBS

WEATHER: Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the high-40s under partly cloudy skies. Winds will blow out to left field at 12 mph.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Jarrod Parker (13-8, 3.47 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Justin Verlander (17-8, 2.64)

Parker, like most of his teammates, is new to the playoff experience but was a big part of the surge the carried the team through the month. The rookie right-hander showed few signs of fatigue in his first full season, going 4-1 with a 2.63 ERA over his final six starts. Parker faced Detroit at home on May 13 and suffered the loss after allowing two runs on six hits in 5 2/3 innings. Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera went 2-for-3 with an RBI off Parker in that contest.

Verlander again has a strong case for the Cy Young Award after leading the majors with 239 strikeouts. He finished the campaign by going 4-0 with a 0.64 ERA in his final four turns. One of those wins came against Oakland on Sept. 19, when he scattered five hits over six scoreless innings while striking out five. Verlander has fared well against the A’s in his career, owning a 7-5 record with a 2.38 ERA in 13 career starts - including two wins in as many outings this season.

TRENDS:

* Over is 5-0 in the last five meetings in Detroit.
* Tigers are 6-1 in their last seven games vs. a right-handed starter.
* Athletics are 7-1 in their last eight Saturday games.
* Over is 5-0 in Athletics last five vs. American League Central.

WALK-OFFS:

1. The Oakland lineup led the major leagues in strikeouts with 1,387 and will be going against the two starting pitchers (Verlander and Max Scherzer) who punched out the most batters during the regular season.

2. Cabrera went 14-for-29 (.483) with three homers and 14 RBIs in seven games against the A’s this season.

3. The Tigers took four of the seven meetings during the regular season and swept the A's in the 2006 ALCS - Oakland's last trip to the playoffs.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Saturday, October 6

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NLDS Gm.1 betting preview: Reds at Giants
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Cincinnati Reds at San Francisco Giants (-119, 6.5)

Runs figure to be at a premium when the San Francisco Giants and Cincinnati Reds meet in Game 1 of the best-of-five National League Division Series at AT&T Park. Both teams relied heavily on their pitching to win their divisions by a wide margin, and the opener features a matchup of Cy Young award candidates Matt Cain and Johnny Cueto. Cincinnati went 4-3 against San Francisco this season, with three of the seven games decided by one run. While the Reds have Bronson Arroyo and Mat Latos lined up to start the next two games, the Giants haven’t announced who will follow Madison Bumgarner in Game 2. Manager Bruce Bochy said it’s possible that regular starters Tim Lincecum, Barry Zito or Ryan Vogelsong could be used in relief in the first two games.

The series marks a postseason return to San Francisco for Reds manager Dusty Baker, who managed the Giants from 1993-2002. Baker, who led the Giants to the 2002 World Series, is back in the dugout after being treated for an irregular heartbeat and a mini-stroke in September. The Giants’ offense revolves around MVP candidate Buster Posey, who hit .336 to win the first batting title by an NL catcher since 1942. Bochy did a masterful job handling his relief corps this season, but the Reds had the best bullpen ERA in the majors this season at 2.65. Jonathan Broxton and Sean Marshall provide a solid bridge to closer Aroldis Chapman, who converted 38 of his 43 save opportunities with a 1.51 ERA.

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, TBS

WEATHER: Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the mid-50s under clear skies. Winds will blow out to right field at 10 mph.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Johnny Cueto (19-9, 2.78 ERA) vs. Giants RH Matt Cain (16-5, 2.79)

Cain took two of his five losses this season against the Reds, allowing eight earned runs in 13 innings - including four home runs. Cain, who threw the first perfect game in franchise history on June 13, set career bests in ERA, wins and strikeouts (193). He’s hoping to continue his success from the 2010 postseason, when he pitched 21 1/3 innings without allowing an earned run.

Cueto lost his only start against the Giants this season on June 28, when he gave up three runs and six hits over six innings. Hunter Pence is 8-for-29 (.276) with 11 strikeouts against Cueto, who is the first pitcher since Luis Tiant in 1968 with 200 innings pitched not to allow a runner to steal second or third base. He allowed three runs (one earned) over seven innings last Sunday against Pittsburgh.

TRENDS:

* Under is 4-0-1 in the last five meetings in San Francisco.
* Under is 4-1 in Cain’s last five home starts vs. Reds.
* Giants are 2-6 in Cain’s last eight starts vs. Reds.
* Reds are 4-1 in Cueto’s last five Saturday starts.

WALK-OFFS:

1. Reds 1B Joey Votto batted .227 (5-for-22) against the Giants this season, while OF Jay Bruce was 11-for-26 (.423) with a homer and seven RBIs.

2. Giants 2B Marco Scutaro finished the regular season with a 20-game hitting streak, batting .436 with five doubles and 17 RBIs during that stretch.

3. Scott Rolen will likely start Game 1 at third base for the Reds over Todd Frazier, who was 13-for-72 (.181) with three RBIs in September.

[StarDust Bum]

Playoff Record:

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

10/05/12 3-*1-*0 75.00% +*1610 Detail


Saturday, October 6

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Oakland - 6:00 PM ET Oakland +179 500
Detroit - Over 7.5 500

Cincinnati - 9:30 PM ET San Francisco -120 500
San Francisco - Over 6.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

NY Yankees at Baltimore
The Orioles look to build on their 6-0 record in their last 6 games as a home underdog. Baltimore is the pick (+140) according to Dunkel, which has the Orioles favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+140). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7

Game 909-910: Washington at St. Louis (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Gonzalez) 16.882; St. Louis (Wainwright) 15.266
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-110); 7
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-110); Over

Game 911-912: Cincinnati at San Francisco (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Arroyo) 14.759; San Francisco (Bumgarner) 16.320
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-140); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-140); Under

Game 913-914: Oakland at Detroit (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Milone) 16.537; Detroit (Fister) 15.656
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Detroit (-160); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+140); Under

Game 915-916: NY Yankees at Baltimore (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Sabathia) 15.385; Baltimore (Hammel) 17.050
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-160); 8
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+140); Over




MLB
Long Sheet

Sunday, October 7

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WASHINGTON (98 - 64) at ST LOUIS (89 - 74) - 3:05 PM
GIO GONZALEZ (L) vs. ADAM WAINWRIGHT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 17-8 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in October games over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 49-36 (+13.5 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.
WASHINGTON is 98-64 (+22.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 48-33 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
WASHINGTON is 95-64 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 69-45 (+16.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 59-38 (+13.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
WASHINGTON is 47-35 (+10.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WASHINGTON is 39-30 (+13.5 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.
GONZALEZ is 24-8 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 14-4 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 25-10 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 24-8 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 16-5 (+9.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 89-74 (-3.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 8-15 (-9.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
ST LOUIS is 89-74 (-3.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 26-35 (-16.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WAINWRIGHT is 10-16 (-13.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 4-3 (+1.0 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
6 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.0 Units)

GIO GONZALEZ vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
GONZALEZ is 1-0 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.889.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.1 units)

ADAM WAINWRIGHT vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
WAINWRIGHT is 4-3 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.78 and a WHIP of 1.447.
His team's record is 4-4 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-3. (+0.4 units)

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CINCINNATI (98 - 65) at SAN FRANCISCO (94 - 69) - 9:35 PM
BRONSON ARROYO (R) vs. MADISON BUMGARNER (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 5-3 (+2.5 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.6 Units)

BRONSON ARROYO vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
ARROYO is 3-5 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 2.93 and a WHIP of 1.415.
His team's record is 4-7 (-3.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-1. (+7.8 units)

MADISON BUMGARNER vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
BUMGARNER is 1-2 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 5.16 and a WHIP of 1.279.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)

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OAKLAND (94 - 69) at DETROIT (89 - 74) - 12:05 PM
TOM MILONE (L) vs. DOUG FISTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 37-17 (+16.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 31-14 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 94-69 (+36.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 44-38 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
OAKLAND is 96-79 (+19.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 88-66 (+31.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 62-40 (+31.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 36-32 (+11.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
OAKLAND is 49-39 (+20.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OAKLAND is 27-20 (+12.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
MILONE is 20-11 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
MILONE is 19-10 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 89-74 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
DETROIT is 85-71 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 46-43 (-12.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 5-3 (+1.1 Units) against OAKLAND this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

TOM MILONE vs. DETROIT since 1997
MILONE is 1-0 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.08 and a WHIP of 1.542.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.2 units)

DOUG FISTER vs. OAKLAND since 1997
FISTER is 5-4 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 2.45 and a WHIP of 1.212.
His team's record is 5-6 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-4. (+1.5 units)

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NY YANKEES (95 - 67) at BALTIMORE (94 - 69) - 6:05 PM
C.C. SABATHIA (L) vs. JASON HAMMEL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 27-31 (-9.8 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
NY YANKEES are 67-74 (-23.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
SABATHIA is 4-8 (-8.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 94-69 (+38.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 36-22 (+17.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
BALTIMORE is 47-34 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BALTIMORE is 23-13 (+10.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
BALTIMORE is 15-4 (+14.3 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off this season.
BALTIMORE is 43-29 (+21.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BALTIMORE is 86-59 (+37.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 62-54 (+17.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 27-18 (+11.9 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 54-39 (+20.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BALTIMORE is 54-41 (+28.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BALTIMORE is 26-22 (+13.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
HAMMEL is 13-7 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
HAMMEL is 7-1 (+7.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season. (Team's Record)
HAMMEL is 12-6 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
HAMMEL is 27-17 (+12.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 89-55 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 167-246 (-76.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 9-9 (+4.1 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
9 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.7 Units, Under=-1.1 Units)

C.C. SABATHIA vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
SABATHIA is 16-4 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.12 and a WHIP of 1.136.
His team's record is 19-6 (+8.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 14-9. (+4.4 units)

JASON HAMMEL vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
HAMMEL is 1-3 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 5.53 and a WHIP of 1.574.
His team's record is 3-5 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (-0.4 units)

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MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, October 7

Detroit is 5-3 vs Oakland this year, but Verlander is three of the five wins; A's have won eight of last ten games, Tigers nine of last 11. Winning team scored 10+ runs in four of eight series games. Milone is 2-0, 3.58 in last five starts; he was 1-0, 3.86 in two starts vs Detroit this year-- he started only game the A's won here, back on Sept 20. Fister is 1-2, 3.96 in his last four starts-- Detroit won his last four home starts. Fister lost 3-1 in Oakland May 12, allowing one run in six IP. A's are only road team to lose in first four playoff games.

Washington is 4-3 vs World Champ Cardinals this year, with home side 5-2 in those games; six of the seven games went over total. Not sure if Strasburg not pitching matters here, but he is Washington's best pitcher and he is inactive. Gonzalez won 21 games, is 5-1, 1.80 in his last six starts; om August 31, he threw 5-hit shutout vs St Louis (won 10-0). Just for the record, Strasburg blanked the Cards on two hits over six innings on Sept 2nd. Wainwright is 1-3, 6.34 in his last six starts, but the win was Sept 28 against Washington- they KO'd him in 3rd inning of that August 31 game.

Bronx-Baltimore split 18 games this year, with road team winning 12 of the 18 games (6-3 in each park). Last five series games all went over total. Hammel (knee) hasn't pitched since Sept 11; he had a 3.09 RA in his last three starts, and was 0-1, 4.50 in three starts vs Bronx this season. Sabathia is 2-0, 1.50 in his last three starts, going 8 innings in all three; he is 0-2, 6.38 in three starts against Baltimore this year. Keep in mind this is first time in years Bombers don't have Rivera to lean on to close out a playoff game.

Arroyo is 0-3, 4.32 in his last four starts; he allowed four runs in 11 IP in his two no-decisions against Giants this year. Bumgarner was 2-2, 6.15 in his five September starts; he threw one-hitter vs Cincinnati here June 28. Reds/Giants are both 11-6 in last 17 games- Reds are 5-3 against SF this year, with 5-2 win last night first of the five games here to go over total. Cueto got back spasms after eight pitches last night, had to leave, which fouled up rotation but Latos bailed them out with stellar effort in long relief.




MLB

Sunday, October 7

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Trend Report
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12:07 PM
OAKLAND vs. DETROIT
Oakland is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Oakland is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games on the road
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Detroit's last 23 games at home

3:07 PM
WASHINGTON vs. ST. LOUIS
Washington is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games on the road
St. Louis is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing at home against Washington

6:07 PM
NY YANKEES vs. BALTIMORE
NY Yankees are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of NY Yankees's last 7 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Baltimore is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games

9:37 PM
CINCINNATI vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Cincinnati is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing San Francisco
Cincinnati is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games on the road
San Francisco is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing at home against Cincinnati

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday, October 7

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Oakland - 12:00 PM ET Detroit -149 500
Detroit - Under 7.5 500

Washington - 3:00 PM ET Washington -107 500
St. Louis - Over 7 500

[StarDust Bum]

Howzit going gang....Am a work and won't be able to post my normal stuff....Hell i shouldn't even be on this at work doing this...These fuckers are strict.....They are NOOOOOOOOOOO Fun.....but this is what i have for this evening.....

Monday, October 8

Game Score Status Pick Amount

NY Yankees - 8:00 PM ET Baltimore +122 500

Baltimore - Under 8 500

[StarDust Bum]

Amazing Athletics Look To Tame Tigers In ALDS

The reward for the Oakland Athletics’ extended and very stirring run to the American League West crown might not be as pleasant as Oakland fans envisioned.

Then again, we’ve learned to never underestimate this battling bunch of A’s.

Awaiting Oakland in the playoffs are the Detroit Tigers, who enter the postseason very hot themselves after putting away the White Sox in the last two weeks to draw clear in the AL Central. The A’s also get the chance to face the first Triple Crown winner in 45 years, Miguel Cabrera, and the pleasure of dealing with Detroit ace Justin Verlander in Game 1 and perhaps once again later in this series.

Action commences on Saturday at Comerica Park in Detroit as the Tigers host Game 1 of the ALDS. The Tigers will also host Game 2 before the remainder of the best-of-five series moves west to the Bay Area and the O.co Coliseum.

The aforementioned Verlander goes for Jim Leyland’s Detroit bunch in the Saturday opener, with Oakland manager Bob Melvin still deciding upon his starter as we go the press late in the week. Verlander will be a sizable favorite whichever pitcher Melvin decides to use, and a check with the Don Best MLB odds screen notes Detroit priced at -185/-190 on the win with Verlander, with the ‘under’ at 7½ and shaded to the ‘under’ at most Nevada wagering outlets.

First pitch on Saturday is slated for 6:05 p.m. (ET) with TBS providing the TV coverage.

Verlander presents quite a hurdle for the A’s, especially considering his recent form chart which includes not only four straight wins but an ERA of 0.64 in the process, allowing just two runs in his last 28 IP. Included in that recent stretch of success was a solid six innings of work vs. Oakland on September 19 at Comerica Park, allowing just five hits and no runs in the process as the Tigers went on to a 6-2 win.

Verlander also handcuffed the A’s on May 13 at Oakland, allowing just one run and two hits over seven innings of work in a 3-1 Tigers win. Over his career, Verlander is 7-5 with a 2.38 ERA in 13 starts against the A’s.

Leyland will pitch Doug Fister in Game 2 on Sunday. Max Scherzer, who got a four-inning tuneup Wednesday to see if his right deltoid and right ankle were OK, will probably start Tuesday's game in Oakland. Anibal Sanchez will likely go if a Game 4 is necessary, with Verlander, if needed, either going in Game 5 or starting the opener of the ALCS if Detroit advances beyond this round.

Rick Porcello has not been included in Leyland’s four-man rotation, and whether he gets included on the divisional round roster could depend on whether manager Jim Leyland wants to carry two left-handed relievers or three. Leyland is scaling back from 12 pitchers to 11, opting for an extra position player because days off mean he can get by with four starters.

Leyland was looking ahead with his rotation more that a week ago, setting it up so Verlander could start either a 163rd game against the White Sox to determine the Central champ or the first game of the divisional playoff round. It also lets him pitch a fifth game, if one is necessary.

The combination of Cabrera’s Triple Crown numbers, and slugging 1B Prince Fielder batting behind him, creates a menacing look for the Tigers in the 3-4 spots in the batting order.

But the concerns for Detroit continue to involve defense, especially some shaky work around the infield, which proved costly on occasion, including the last time these teams faced on September 20 at Comerica. The Tigers were denied a three-game sweep due in part to shoddy defense, including 2B Omar Infante’s throwing error that gifted the A’s a run in the third inning, and a misplayed fly ball by CF Austin Jackson in the sixth inning that resulted in a two-run triple for George Kottaras. Oakland salvaged the final game of that series with a 12-4 win after being outscored 18-4 in the first two games of the set.

The A’s, however, are red-hot, having swept Seattle and Texas at home to conclude the regular season to dramatically collarthe Rangers at the wire to steal the AL West title and avoid the wild card play-in game. Oakland is an astounding 72-38 since June 1, when the A’s began their unlikely turnaround after entering that month with a 22-30 record...the same as the Houston Astros.

Manager Melvin, however, might be a bit reluctant to go with with starter Tommy Milone, who would figure to be up in the rotation but was ineffective in his last start on Sunday vs. the Mariners, allowing nine hits in 4 2/3 IP, after also allowing the same number of hits in the same number of innings in that recent September 20 game at Comerica Park vs. the Tigers.

Melvin’s other likely option appears to be Jarrod Parker, who last pitched on Monday in the 4-3 win over Texas that at the time clinched a wild card berth for the A’s. Parker lost his only start vs. the Tigers back on May 13 (vs. Verlander) but was not terribly ineffective, allowing two runs and six hits in 5 2/3 IP of an eventual 3-1 loss.

But May was a long time ago for the A’s, who became a different team once the calendar turned to June. They enter the postseason with an underrated bullpen having spun 22 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings. Meanwhile, Oakland’s jerry-rigged lineup featuring career spare parts such as Brandon Moss, Seth Smith, Josh Reddick plus electric Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes, cracked 114 homers after the All-Star break, the best such mark in the majors as the A’s became known for their big-inning outbursts.

Indeed, the current Oakland edition might be the greatest masterpiece of GM Billy Beane’s well-documented career.

These sides have met in the postseason before, most recently in 2006, when Detroit swept the A’s in four straight to advance to the World Series. That was also Oakland’s last playoff appearance until this season.

There was also a memorable ALCS back in 1972, when Oakland’s Campy Campaneris was suspended after throwing his bat at Tiger pitcher Lerrin LaGrow in Game 2 at the Coliseum. The series went the full five games before the A’s pulled it out despite also losing Reggie Jackson at the end of the series due to a torn hamstring on a bang-bang play at the plate against Tiger C Bill Freehan as Reggie dramatically stole home base in a daring double steal ordered by manager Dick Williams. Oakland went on to its first of three straight World Series wins by beating the Reds in the World Series.

The teams met seven times this season, with the Tigers winning four of those, including two of three in the mid-September series at Comerica Park. The sides split a four-game set at Oakland between May 10-13.

[StarDust Bum]

Reds And Tigers Look To Complete LDS Sweeps

Don Best's Pat Williams and Kenny White look ahead to Tuesday's ALDS Game 3 in Oakland where the Athletics are on the brink of elimination against the Detroit Tigers.

San Francisco Giants at Cincinnati Reds
MLB Betting Preview
Date: 10/09/2012, 5:37 p.m. (ET) TBS
Opening Lines: Reds -140, O/U 8
(click here for latest odds)

Series So Far: The Giants have been no match for the Reds who come home to Cincinnati with a 2-0 lead. Cincinnati overcame the injury to Johnny Cueto one batter into Saturday's series opener to post a 5-2 triumph as a +115 underdog, then routed San Francisco 9-0 in Game 2 behind Bronson Arroyo who was getting +135 from the oddsmakers. Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce have provided a big chunk of Cincy's offense with six extra base hits between them, and Dusty Baker's relievers have come through with 10-2/3 innings while allowing only two runs. The Reds won two of three against San Fran when the clubs met at Cincinnati's Great American Ball Park in late-April, the 'over' also going 2-1.

Pitching Matchup: Both managers used their potential Game 3 starters out of the bullpen during the first two games, forcing them to reshuffle their rotations as the series shifts to Cincinnati. Bruce Bochy will give the ball to Ryan Vogelsong in hopes of staving off elimination for the Giants. Vogelsong closed strong in his final three starts of the regular season (17 IP, 1 ER), and helped pitch San Fran to two wins over the Reds this year, including the Giants' only win in the series at GABP. Baker turns to Homer Bailey to deliver the club's first postseason series win since the 1995 NLDS. Bailey posted a 1.84 ERA over his final seven assignments, but Cincinnati was only able to win three of the games. His only appearance of 2012 vs. the Giants was against Vogelsong, a 6-5 San Francisco victory with the Reds laying $1.15 in the contest.


Detroit Tigers at Oakland Athletics MLB Betting Preview
Date: 10/09/2012, 9:07 p.m. (ET) TBS
Opening Lines: A's -135, O/U 7
(click here for latest odds)

Series So Far: The Athletics return home pushed to the brink after losing both games in Detroit. Oakland was never able to solve Tigers ace Justin Verlander in Saturday's 3-1 setback with Detroit decided -185 chalk. The A's were unable to hold three different 1-run leads on Sunday as the Tigers rallied to post a 5-4 dubya of the walk-off variety, this time as $1.60 favorites. Four games between the clubs at the Coliseum in May resulted in a split (Detroit favored in all four) while totals wagers also were halved 2-2.

Pitching Matchup: Anibal Sanchez makes his postseason debut in a contest that could send the Tigers to their third ALCS in seven years. Detroit was 5-7 in his starts after the trade from Miami, with Sanchez posting a 3.74 ERA. Oakland roughed him up at Comerica Park on Sept. 20, plating six runs (5 earned) and chasing the right-hander in the sixth inning of an eventual 12-4 triumph. Lefty Brett Anderson is charged with sending this ALDS to a fourth game, and will be making his first start in nearly three weeks after being sidelined at the end of the regular season with an oblique strain. Anderson began the season on the DL rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and didn't make his debut until late-August. His most recent start came Sept. 19 in Detroit where he allowed three runs before leaving the game in the third with the oblique issue. The Tigers won that contest as $1.75 favorites behind Verlander.

[StarDust Bum]

Yankees And Nationals Favored To Win LDS Game 3's

Brian Blessing and Todd Fuhrman preview a couple of Game 3's on Wednesday when the Cardinals and Nationals move to Washington while the Orioles and Yankees shift to the Bronx.

St. Louis Cardinals at Washington Nationals MLB Betting Preview
Date: 10/10/2012, 1:07 p.m. (ET) TBS
Opening Lines: Nationals -110, O/U 7½
(click here for latest odds)

Series So Far: The series goes to Washington even at one win apiece after St. Louis exploded for a 12-4 decision on Monday. The Cardinals slugged four homers in the rout, two by Carlos Beltran to increase his career postseason count to 13 long balls. The game closed as a pick 'em, and St. Louis' victory might have come at the expense of losing starting pitcher Jaime Garcia for the rest of the postseason with a shoulder injury. Washington took Game 1 of the set on Sunday, 3-2, as a +105 underdog, and the totals split the first two games. The clubs played a 4-game series in DC about six weeks ago, the Nats winning three and the 'over' also going 3-1.

Pitching Matchup: Game 3 will find a couple of veteran right-handers on the hill as Chris Carpenter gets the call for the visiting Redbirds against Edwin Jackson, a teammate of Carpenter's last October during St. Louis' run to the World Series Championship. Carpenter missed almost all of 2012 with a shoulder injury, coming back to make three starts at the end of the regular season, each going into the loss column for the Cards. Jackson faced his former teammates two times this year, tossing eight strong innings for a win at home in late-August and then getting blasted by the Cardinals in St. Louis during the final weekend of the schedule when he couldn't make it through the second inning and allowing eight earned runs. He was 1-1 with a 5.60 ERA in four postseason starts for the Cards last year.


Baltimore Orioles at New York Yankees MLB Betting Preview
Date: 10/10/2012, 7:37 p.m. (ET) TBS
Opening Lines: Yankees -180, O/U 8½
(click here for latest odds)

Series So Far: Baltimore evened the ALDS with a 3-2 triumph on Monday. Wei-Yin Chen pitched into the seventh before turning it over to the Orioles bullpen who completed the win by holding the Yankees to one hit and no runs over the final eight outs. The O's were +120 underdogs in Game 2 after dropping Game 1 on Sunday, 7-2, as +150 'dogs. In the opener, New York broke open a 2-2 game with a 5-run outburst in the ninth, all of the runs charged to Baltimore closer Jim Johnson who led the majors with 51 saves during the regular season. The teams split their regular season battles 9-9, with each squad winning six of nine on the road. Baltimore won all three series in the Bronx where six of the nine games stayed 'under' the total.

Pitching Matchup: The Orioles turn to a second-straight rookie to start Game 3 as Miguel Gonzalez has been tabbed by manager Buck Showalter. Gonzalez saw the Yanks twice in the regular season, both games taking place in New York and both going into the win column for the O's. Gonzalez allowed four earned runs in a combined 13-2/3 innings. Joe Girardi hands the ball to another veteran in Hiroki Kuroda whose previous MLB postseason experience came in 2008-09 with the Dodgers. Kuroda split his two starts vs. the Orioles this year (15-1/3 IP, 5 ER), the loss coming at home on Aug. 31 when Gonzalez was the winning hurler for Baltimore.

[Letswinalot]

Reds to win World Series. I'm feeling it. Bet it haha.

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday LDS Tips

October 8, 2012

A pair of divisional series shift venues as the action heads to Cincinnati and Oakland on Tuesday night. The underdogs won six of the first nine games in the postseason (including Wild Card play-in games), but the A's failed to cash as a 'dog against the Tigers. We'll begin in southern Ohio with the Reds looking to eliminate the 2010 World Series champions.

Giants at Reds - 5:35 PM EST

Cincinnati basically punched San Francisco in the mouth twice at AT&T Park, outscoring the Giants by a combined 14-2 in the first two victories of this series. The Reds followed up a 5-2 triumph in the series opener with a 9-0 rout of the NL West champions, as the Giants try to pick themselves off the mat heading back to the Great American Ballpark.

San Francisco has the inevitable task of winning three straight road games to advance to the NLCS for the second time in three years. Bruce Bochy's team pulled off just three road sweeps all season, while losing two of three meetings in Cincinnati back in late April. However, the Giants avoided the sweep with a 6-5 comeback victory in a contest started by Ryan Vogelsong and Homer Bailey, both who will take the mound in Game 3.

Bailey (13-10, 3.68 ERA) received plenty of accolades recently by tossing a no-hitter against the Pirates on September 28, while striking out 10 for his career-best 13th win on the season. The 26-year old's home-road splits are a concern for potential Cincinnati backers on Tuesday, as Bailey finished just 4-8 in 17 starts at the Great American Ballpark, including losses in five of his final six starts. Bailey allowed three runs (two earned) in 6.1 innings of that one-run loss to the Giants in April, as San Francisco scored three runs in the ninth to strip the right-hander of a possible victory.

Vogelsong (14-9, 3.37 ERA) limped down the stretch following a 7-3 start, delivering quality starts in only three of his final nine outings. The Giants put together a 1-3 record in his last four road starts (all against NL West opponents), but San Francisco managed to beat Cincinnati in both of his outings. In Vogelsong's most recent start against the Reds at AT&T Park in early July, the righty scattered three hits and two earned runs in seven innings of a 4-3 victory. This will be Vogelsong's first career playoff start, as he joined the Giants several months following their championship in 2010.

Tigers at Athletics - 9:05 PM EST

Oakland hopes its magical season won't come to an end on its home field as the A's trail the Tigers, 2-0. The A's have been known for not going away, while erasing a 13-game deficit inside the AL West in late June en route to knocking off the Rangers for the division title. However, Oakland fell short in each of the first two games at Comerica Park, including a 5-4 defeat on Sunday as the Tigers scored a pair of runs in the final two innings to take the commanding series lead.

Mid-season acquisition Anibal Sanchez (9-13, 3.86 ERA) toes the rubber in the potential close-out game for the Tigers, going for just his fifth win in 13 starts with Detroit. Following two shaky outings at Toronto and Minnesota as a favorite, Sanchez has put together four straight quality starts on the highway, but the Marlins and Tigers are just 2-5 in his seven outings as a road underdog. Sanchez was knocked around by Oakland last month at home, allowing six runs in 5.2 innings as the A's pounded by the Tigers, 12-4.

Brett Anderson counters for the Athletics (4-2, 2.57 ERA), making his first start since straining his oblique in a 6-2 loss at Detroit on September 19. The Oakland southpaw dropped a pair of decisions to the Tigers and Angels following a tremendous run of allowing just two earned runs in 26 innings of action. In two of those starts at home, Anderson shut down the Red Sox and Twins as a favorite of at least -160, while the A's own a 6-1 record dating back to last May in the 'chalk' role.

Oakland won eight of its final nine home games of the regular season, including the crucial three-game sweep of Texas to claim the AL West crown. The A's and Tigers split four contests at O.Co Coliseum in mid-May, but Oakland was listed as an underdog each time.