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  • Saturday's Trends and Indexes - 10/6 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

    Trends and Indexes

    Saturday, October 6

    Good Luck on day #280 of 2012!

    At this time, the sports menu in this thread consists of MLB, CFL and WNBA until their seasons are played out. Also, general sports news and notes will be posted.

    NOTE:
    As information becomes available, we will attempt to post the trends and indexes as soon as possible.
    Information is posted from what we believe are reliable sources.
    Any opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the posting member or BettorsChat.


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

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    NASCAR Schedules

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

  • #2
    Armadillo: Saturday's six-pack

    -- Both road teams won Wild Card games Friday, so Cardinals-Nationals and Bronx-Baltimore series start Sunday.

    -- Infield fly rule was result of having too many umpires; why put umps down each foul line, when they never work there during the season?

    -- Syracuse beat Pitt 14-13; not a game to make ACC fans excited about their league's future on the gridiron.

    -- Celtics lost an exhibition game in Turkey; think one of the guys on the other team played at Xavier. Why are the Celtics in Turkey?

    -- Kentucky landed the Harrison twins, ranked #2/#4 in recruiting circles for the Class of 2013. Anybody surprised? Didn't think so.

    -- Not the best salary drive by Josh Hamilton, ya think?


    ********


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

    13) I’ve been complaining for awhile about Saturday afternoon baseball games getting blacked out during the 3-hour FOX window, even if you have the Extra Innings package; well, starting in 2014, no more blackouts, so one for the good guys. For the money we pay, should get to see every game and now we will.

    12) A’s first playoff game in Detroit is Saturday at 6; Game 2 is Sunday at noon, which of course is 9am local time for fans out in Oakland. Must be a rule that the Bronx Bombers have to play every playoff game at night.

    11) Speaking of which, Bronx game Monday night is at 8:07; Jets play Houston at 8:30 on ESPN, so if you root for both those teams, its head to a sports bar or line up two TVs in your living room.

    10) San Jose State’s football team is off to a 4-1 start under coach Mike McIntyre, whose dad George was also a very good coach, having brought Vanderbilt to a bowl in 1982, their last bowl until four years ago. If you bring Vandy to a bowl game, you can coach.

    9) Solid road win for USC Thursday, winning 38-28 at Utah, in game they trailed 14-0 less than 6:00 in. Conference road games always have the potential to get dicey, so this wound up as a solid effort by Trojans (-14), who didn’t sit on the ball in the last minute, after recovering an onside kick. They actually tried two running plays; trying to cover the spread for the alumni?

    8) Northwestern is 5-0 as it heads to Penn State Saturday; they’ve run the ball like crazy in wins over BC/Indiana and have also covered 10 of last 13 tries as a road underdog. Penn State outscored its opponents 76-9 in first half of games this season, but still lost two of the five games.

    7) Arizona Cardinal QB Kevin Kolb has been sacked 17 times in last two games; kind of hard to utilize your best weapon (WR Fitzgerald) when the passer is being treated like a piñata.

    6) Rams/Titans are only two NFL teams without a rushing TD this year, which is odd, considering Rams have Steven Jackson, Titans have Chris Johnson. Cool thing about the 3-2 Rams is they already have more wins this year than they’ve had in two of last three seasons. However…….

    5) ……..Rams need to find WR Givens a new number; #13 needs to be retired and put in the rafters in the Jones Dome. Not sure if they’re waiting until Kurt Warner gets put in the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2014), but it really needs to happen soon. Its just weird seeing someone who can run really fast wear #13 for the Rams.

    4) Popeye Jones was a very good basketball player at Murray State and had a decent NBA career as a role player; he’s now an assistant coach with the Nets. His son is going to be one of the top two picks in the 2013 NHL Draft, yes NHL, not NBA. Kid lives in Dallas, too.

    3) Hubie Brown’s son Brendan is replacing John Andareise as radio analyst on Knick games; Andareise has been working Knick games almost as long as I can remember. Hope it was his choice to leave.

    2) There’s a 1993 San Antonio Spurs’ championship ring on EBay for $3,200. Apparently front office people don’t value these rings as much as players, they use them as a way to get a cash bonus and they sell ‘em.

    1) Going to be very odd seeing the Nationals play in playoffs this weekend, knowing their best pitcher is healthy but not active. How will TV handle it? Will they keep a camera on him? Will he be in the dugout or the bullpen or the clubhouse? One thing I’d love to know is what Davey Johnson thinks of all this. He can’t be real happy.

    Comment


    • #3
      NLDS series preview and pick: Reds vs. Giants

      Check out our breakdown of the NL Divisional Series between the Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants.

      Cincinnati Reds (97-65) vs. San Francisco Giants (94-68)

      Regular season head-to-head: The Reds won the season series 4-3. Three of the seven contests were decided by one run.

      Series odds: N/A

      PITCHING


      The Reds’ starting rotation boasts four pitchers with ERAs under 4.00. The five starters were incredibly durable during the regular season, making every start except one. But the real strength of the Cincinnati ball club is its bullpen. Fireballer Aroldis Chapman leads a deep relief corps that registered a league-low 2.65 ERA this season.

      Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain had a combined 6-1 record during San Francisco’s unforgettable championship run in 2010 and they’ll be joined by Madison Bumgarner and Ryan Vogelsong down the stretch this year. The bullpen will certainly miss the playoff experience and swagger of closer Brian Wilson, but the group still features some power arms in Sergio Romo and Santiago Casilla that should be able to close out games.

      Edge: Giants


      HITTING


      The Cincinnati offense ranked 21st in the majors in runs per game (4.13) and 17th in team batting average (.251) this season. Slugger Joey Votto batted just .227 against Giants pitching this season and also injured his left knee sliding into third base on June 30 at San Francisco, which led to a six-week stint on the disabled list. The Reds still managed to put up runs in Votto’s absence because of other offensive contributors like Jay Bruce (34 homers, 99 RBIs) and Ryan Ludwick (26 homers).

      San Francisco has an impressive 30-14 record since OF Melky Cabrera was suspended for using performance-enhancing drugs. Buster Posey has been a monster at the plate, becoming the first catcher to lead the NL in hitting (.336 BA) since Ernie Lombardi in 1942.

      Edge: Reds


      INTANGIBLES


      Cincinnati put up the second best record in baseball, just a single game behind the Nationals. The Reds finished the campaign with 97 victories – their most in the regular season since the tail end of the Big Red Machine days in 1976.

      The Giants finished with 94 wins, the most the franchise has had since 2003, when they won 100 games. Cain gets the ball for Game 1 on Saturday. He has surrendered a run in 21 1/3 innings postseason innings, all during the 2010 championship campaign.

      Edge: Giants


      PREDICTION: Giants in five games.

      Comment


      • #4
        ALDS preview and pick: Athletics vs. Tigers

        Check out our breakdown of the AL Divisional Series between the Oakland Athletics and Detroit and Tigers.

        Oakland Athletics (94-68) vs. Detroit Tigers (88-74)

        Regular season head-to-head: The Tigers won the season series 4-3.

        Series odds: N/A

        PITCHING


        Oakland’s young pitching staff is no doubt the backbone of the ball club. The A's are set to make history by fielding an all-rookie starting rotation this postseason. Travis Blackley, A.J. Griffin, Tom Milone, Jarrod Parker and Dan Straily are all likely to make their postseason debuts after impressive rookie campaigns. Oakland’s bullpen has been equally as impressive, posting a 2.94 ERA, the fourth-best mark in the league.

        Nobody wants to face 2011 MVP Justin Verlander multiple times in a short series. With AL strikeout leader Max Scherzer factoring into the equation and feeling good after a return from shoulder fatigue, the Tigers have a potent one-two punch at the front of the rotation. Closer Jose Valverde has converted all four of his career save opportunities in the postseason.

        Edge: Athletics


        HITTING


        The A’s, whose 14 walkoff victories lead baseball, won their seventh game this year after trailing by four or more runs Wednesday over the Rangers in the AL West clincher. Oakland’s .238 team batting average was one of the worst marks in the league, but its hitters ranked seventh in the majors with 195 home runs, 32 of those coming off the bat of OF Josh Reddick.

        Tigers’ first baseman Miguel Cabrera became the first Triple Crown winner in 45 years, finishing the season with a .330 batting average, 44 home runs and 139 RBIs. But he isn’t the only big bat Oakland pitchers should be worried about. Slugger Prince Fielder eclipsed the 30-home run mark for the sixth consecutive season, while racking up 108 RBIs.

        Edge: Tigers


        INTANGIBLES:


        Oakland came from 13 games back to capture the AL West title and become the most improbable $59.5-million payroll division winners you’ll ever see. Two of the four teams in MLB history to previously come from 13-or-more games back went on to win the World Series.

        The Tigers also had to come from behind to clinch a division title and have been hot down the stretch, going 15-7 over their final 22 games.

        Edge: Athletics


        PREDICTION:
        A’s in five games.

        Comment


        • #5
          CFL
          Dunkel


          Calgary at BC
          The Stampeders look to build on their 4-1 ATS record in their last 5 road games. Calgary is the pick (+4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Lions favored by only 1. Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+4 1/2). Here are all of this week's CFL picks.

          SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6

          Game 493-494: Calgary at BC (10:00 p.m. EST)

          Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 118.550; BC 119.761
          Dunkel Line: BC by 1; 54
          Vegas Line: BC by 4 1/2; 49
          Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+4 1/2); Over

          MONDAY, OCTOBER 8

          Game 495-496: Winnipeg at Montreal (1:00 p.m. EST)

          Dunkel Ratings: Winnipeg 103.568; Montreal 121.222
          Dunkel Line: Montreal by 17 1/2; 50
          Vegas Line: Montreal by 14; 53
          Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-14); Under

          Game 497-498: Saskatchewan at Toronto (4:30 p.m. EST)
          Dunkel Ratings: Saskatchewan 116.208; Toronto 113.404
          Dunkel Line: Saskatchewan by 3; 51
          Vegas Line: Toronto by 1 1/2; 47 1/2
          Dunkel Pick: Saskatchewan (+1 1/2); Over




          CFL
          Long Sheet


          Week 15

          Saturday, October 6

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

          CALGARY (8 - 5) at BRITISH COLUMBIA (9 - 4) - 10/6/2012, 10:00 PM
          Top Trends for this game.
          BRITISH COLUMBIA is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 9 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
          CALGARY is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games versus division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
          BRITISH COLUMBIA is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest this season.

          Head-to-Head Series History
          BRITISH COLUMBIA is 4-4 against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
          BRITISH COLUMBIA is 5-3 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
          4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

          Monday, October 8

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

          WINNIPEG (3 - 10) at MONTREAL (8 - 5) - 10/8/2012, 1:00 PM
          There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

          Head-to-Head Series History
          WINNIPEG is 5-3 against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
          MONTREAL is 6-2 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
          4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

          SASKATCHEWAN (7 - 6) at TORONTO (7 - 6) - 10/8/2012, 4:30 PM
          There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

          Head-to-Head Series History
          TORONTO is 2-2 against the spread versus SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
          TORONTO is 2-2 straight up against SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
          4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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




          CFL
          Armadillo's Write-Up

          Week 15


          Calgary (8-5) @ BCLions (9-4)-- Lions went to McMahon and drilled Stampeders 34-8 (+2.5) back in Week 5, outrushing Calgary 161-29 with +2 turnover ratio. BC is 5-1 at home, winning last three home games by 19-33-5 points; they've won seven of last nine games, are 3-3 as home favorites. Stamps are 6-2 since BC loss- they're 3-3 on road, 4-0 vs spread as road underdogs. Calgary is 6-0 when it allows less than 22 points; BC scored 24+ in five of its six home games. Under is 6-3 in last nine Calgary games, 1-3-1 in Lions' last five.




          CFL

          Week 15


          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Trend Report
          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

          Saturday, October 6

          10:00 PM
          CALGARY vs. BRITISH COLUMBIA
          Calgary is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
          The total has gone OVER in 18 of Calgary's last 24 games on the road
          The total has gone OVER in 4 of British Columbia's last 5 games when playing at home against Calgary
          British Columbia is 4-12 ATS in its last 16 games when playing Calgary


          Monday, October 8

          1:00 PM
          WINNIPEG vs. MONTREAL
          Winnipeg is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Montreal
          Winnipeg is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Montreal
          Montreal is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games at home
          Montreal is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games

          4:30 PM
          SASKATCHEWAN vs. TORONTO
          The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Saskatchewan's last 12 games when playing on the road against Toronto
          The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Saskatchewan's last 5 games when playing Toronto
          The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games at home
          Toronto is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Saskatchewan


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




          CFL

          Week 15


          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Canadian Bacon: Week 15 CFL betting preview
          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

          Four teams are set to do battle on a holiday Monday in Canada as clubs in both divisions jockey for position in the standings with only five games remaining on the regular season schedule.

          Calgary Stampeders at B.C. Lions (-4.5, 49)

          The fight for first in the West heats up Saturday night at B.C. Place when the Calgary Stampeders visit the B.C. Lions. Calgary trails B.C. by two points for top spot in the division after its convincing win over the Eskimos last week. The victory was the fifth in the last six games for the Stampeders, who are 8-0 ATS in their last eight contests in B.C.

          The Lions were held to a single point through the first 30 minutes of last week’s six-point loss at Saskatchewan. But to make matters worse, WRs Geroy Simon (hamstring) and Arland Bruce (concussion) fell to injuries in the defeat and are doubtful versus Calgary. The Lions have only covered once in their last six games overall.

          Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Montreal Alouettes (Odds N/A)

          The Blue Bombers dropped a 29-10 decision to the Argonauts last week and lost QB Buck Pierce (concussion) in the process after he took a hit under the chin from Toronto LB Brandon Isaac. Joey Elliott will assume the starting QB role Monday if Pierce isn’t cleared to play. Elliot was picked off three times in relief of Pierce last week, thwarting Winnipeg’s comeback attempt. The Blue Bombers have played under the total in four consecutive games.

          Montreal sits alone in first place in the East and enjoys a two-point cushion over the Argonauts with five games to play. The Als fell 41-28 to the Tiger-Cats last Sunday, but have won two straight meetings and seven of the last nine clashes with the Bombers.

          Saskatchewan Roughriders at Toronto Argonauts (Odds N/A)

          The Roughriders have won back-to-back games thanks to another impressive outing from QB Darian Durant. The signal-caller threw for 371 yards and three touchdowns to help guide the Riders to a thrilling 6-point win over B.C. at Mosaic Stadium last week.

          The good news for the Argos at this point in the season is that all but one of their final five games will be played at home. Jarious Jackson is likely to make his second consecutive start at QB for the injured Ricky Ray (knee). Jackson tossed for a modest 155 yards and a score in the club’s win over the lowly Bombers last week. The under is 4-0 in the last four meetings between the clubs and Saskatchewan has failed to cover in its last four road games.


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

          Comment


          • #6
            MLB
            Dunkel


            Oakland at Detroit
            The A's look to build on their 8-2 record in Jarrod Parker's last 10 road starts. Oakland is the pick (+170) according to Dunkel, which has the A's favored by 2. Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+170). Here are all of today's picks.

            SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6

            Game 905-906: Cincinnati at San Francisco (9:30 p.m. EST)

            Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Cueto) 15.119; San Francisco (Cain) 15.960
            Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 6
            Vegas Line: San Francisco (-125); 6 1/2
            Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-125); Under

            Game 907-908: Oakland at Detroit (6:00 p.m. EST)
            Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Parker) 17.061; Detroit (Verlander) 15.133
            Dunkel Line: Oakland by 2; 8
            Vegas Line: Detroit (-200); 7 1/2
            Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+170); Over




            MLB
            Long Sheet

            Saturday, October 6


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

            CINCINNATI (97 - 65) at SAN FRANCISCO (94 - 68) - 9:35 PM
            JOHNNY CUETO (R) vs. MATT CAIN (R)
            Top Trends for this game.
            CINCINNATI is 8-22 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in October games since 1997.
            SAN FRANCISCO is 94-68 (+19.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
            SAN FRANCISCO is 94-68 (+19.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
            SAN FRANCISCO is 60-37 (+20.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
            SAN FRANCISCO is 43-25 (+17.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
            CINCINNATI is 42-22 (+16.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
            CINCINNATI is 97-65 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
            CINCINNATI is 47-34 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
            CINCINNATI is 97-65 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
            CINCINNATI is 402-445 (+38.8 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
            CINCINNATI is 443-497 (+44.3 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
            CUETO is 38-19 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
            CUETO is 38-18 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

            Head-to-Head Series History
            CINCINNATI is 4-3 (+1.4 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
            4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

            JOHNNY CUETO vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
            CUETO is 2-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 1.93 and a WHIP of 1.107.
            His team's record is 2-2 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)

            MATT CAIN vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
            CAIN is 4-5 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.54 and a WHIP of 1.325.
            His team's record is 4-6 (-4.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-4. (+1.2 units)

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

            OAKLAND (94 - 68) at DETROIT (88 - 74) - 6:05 PM
            JARROD PARKER (R) vs. JUSTIN VERLANDER (R)
            Top Trends for this game.
            VERLANDER is 38-11 (+18.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
            VERLANDER is 38-11 (+18.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
            VERLANDER is 24-6 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
            VERLANDER is 14-0 (+14.0 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 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
            OAKLAND is 58-35 (+27.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
            OAKLAND is 22-11 (+11.6 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
            OAKLAND is 49-38 (+21.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
            OAKLAND is 27-19 (+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.
            OAKLAND is 94-68 (+37.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
            OAKLAND is 38-36 (+33.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +175 to +200 since 1997.
            OAKLAND is 44-37 (+17.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
            OAKLAND is 88-65 (+32.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
            OAKLAND is 64-41 (+31.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
            OAKLAND is 62-39 (+32.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
            PARKER is 12-5 (+7.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)
            PARKER is 11-5 (+7.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
            DETROIT is 45-43 (-13.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
            DETROIT is 88-74 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
            DETROIT is 84-71 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
            DETROIT is 51-48 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

            Head-to-Head Series History
            DETROIT is 4-3 (+0.1 Units) against OAKLAND this season
            5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.1 Units)

            JARROD PARKER vs. DETROIT since 1997
            PARKER is 0-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.17 and a WHIP of 1.764.
            His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

            JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. OAKLAND since 1997
            VERLANDER is 8-5 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 2.63 and a WHIP of 1.148.
            His team's record is 8-6 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-9. (-4.9 units)

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




            MLB
            Armadillo's Write-Up

            Saturday, October 6


            A's won last six games and eight of last nine to win AL West. Tigers are 8-2 in last 10 games (all vs Royals/Twins), were beneficiaries of White Sox' collapse to win AL Central. Detroit won season series 4-3; winning team scored 10+ run in four of seven games- Tigers won two of three here Sept 18-20; teams split four games in Oakland in May. Parker is 4-0, 2.65 in his last five starts; he allowed two runs in 5.2 IP in 3-1 loss to Tigers in May, which was his first MLB loss. Verlander is 4-0, 0.96 in his last four starts; he beat Oakland twice this year, allowing one run in 13 IP. He had to throw 122 pitches in only six inning against the A's Sept 19.

            Reds-Giants both jogged into playoffs, weren't stressed much in September-- Reds are 10-6 in last 16 games- they were 4-3 against SF this year, splitting a four game series in late July, after winning two of three at home in April. All four games here stayed under total; two of three in Ohio went over. Cueto is 2-0, 2.25 in his last three starts; he allowed three runs (two ER) in six IP in losing his only start against Giants this season. Cain is 3-0, 1.67 in his last five starts; he was 0-2, 5.54 in two starts against the Reds this season. Giants are 11-5 in their last 16 games.




            MLB

            Saturday, October 6


            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Trend Report
            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

            6:07 PM
            OAKLAND vs. DETROIT
            The total has gone OVER in 7 of Oakland's last 10 games on the road
            Oakland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
            The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing Oakland
            Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

            9:37 PM
            CINCINNATI vs. SAN FRANCISCO
            The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
            The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 5 games
            San Francisco is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Cincinnati
            San Francisco is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home


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

            Comment


            • #7
              MLB

              Saturday, October 6


              ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              ALDS Gm.1 betting preview: Athletics at Tigers
              ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

              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.


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

              Comment


              • #8
                MLB

                Saturday, October 6


                ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                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.


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                • #9
                  MLB
                  Short Sheet

                  Saturday, October 6

                  National League


                  NL Division Series, Game One (Series Tied, 0-0)
                  (TC) Cincinnati at San Francisco, 9:35 ET TBS
                  Cueto: Cincinnati 8-22 SU in October
                  Cain: San Francisco 33-13 SU after scoring 2 runs or less


                  American League

                  AL Division Series, Game One (Series Tied, 0-0)
                  (TC) Oakland at Detroit, 6:05 ET TBS
                  Parker: Oakland 11-2 SU off 6+ division games
                  Verlander: Detroit 8-0 Over at home off 5+ road games


                  (TC) = Time Change

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                  • #10
                    NLDS preview and pick: Nationals vs. Cardinals

                    Check out our breakdown of the NL Divisional Series between the Washington Nationals and St. Louis Cardinals.

                    Washington Nationals (98-64) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (88-74)

                    Regular season head-to-head: Washington won the season series 4-3.

                    Series odds: Nationals -135, Cardinals +115 - Bet365.com

                    PITCHING

                    It’s time to find out whether the decision to shut down ace Stephen Strasburg in early September will come back to haunt the Nationals. Team management believes that 21-game winner Gio Gonzalez and righty Jordan Zimmermann can lead the charge and with good reason. Both of the young hurlers had better ERAs (2.89 and 2.94) than Strasburg (3.16) this season. Drew Storen and Tyler Clippard form a formidable one-two punch late in games and Sean Burnett is one of the most effective lefty specialists in the bigs.

                    The Cardinals are the defending World Series champs and boast a pitching staff that’s playoff proven. Chris Carpenter has rejoined the rotation just in time for the playoff run after finally dealing with a nerve ailment. The battle-tested veteran was untouchable in October last year, posting a perfect 4-0 record. Adam Wainwright missed last year’s storybook run because of Tommy John surgery, but he isn’t a stranger to the postseason. Remember, he closed out Game 5 against the Tigers during the club’s 2006 title run. Kyle Lohse and up-and-comer Lance Lynn round out a rotation that can most certainly repeat as champions. Closer Jason Motte proved last year he’s a playoff performer, closing out five games.

                    Edge: Nationals


                    HITTING


                    First baseman Adam LaRoche matched a career high with 100 RBI and he and the rest of the infield - Ryan Zimmerman, Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa - combined for 100 homers this season. Oh yeah, and don’t forget about Bryce Harper. The rookie phenom led the NL in runs (27) in September and ranked in the top five in slugging percentage (.643) and batting average (.330) down the stretch.

                    Carlos Beltran was brought in to replace Albert Pujols' numbers this season and he didn’t disappoint. The veteran outfielder hit .269 with 32 home runs, while driving in 97 runs. Catcher Yadier Molina, who is renowned for his game-calling abilities, should receive some consideration for the league MVP after also putting up big offensive numbers (.315 BA, 22 HRs, 76 RBIs) this season.

                    Edge: Cardinals


                    INTANGIBLES


                    The Nationals return to the postseason for the first time since 1981, back when they were the Montreal Expos. The club posted the best record in the bigs this year, but have 11 regulars who will be making their playoff debuts Sunday. They'll have little margin for error in a shortened five-game series against a Cardinals squad loaded with postseason experience.

                    St. Louis overcame a 9 1/2-game deficit last season to nab a playoff spot on the season's final day and rode that momentum to claim its 11th World Series title. The Cardinals were once again strong down the stretch this year, taking 12 of their final 16 regular-season to build some serious momentum heading into the play-in game against Atlanta.

                    Edge: Cardinals

                    PREDICTION: Cardinals in five games.

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