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**StarDust Bum** · 10-23-2012, 10:07 PM

World Series Game 1 betting preview: Tigers at Giants

Detroit Tigers at San Francisco Giants (+153, 7)

Series prices: Detroit -160, San Francisco +140

Neither the Cincinnati Reds nor the St. Louis Cardinals were able to put away the San Francisco Giants when they had the chance. The American League champion Detroit Tigers get their opportunity beginning Wednesday, when they take on the National League champion Giants in Game 1 of the World Series at AT&T Park.

San Francisco was on the verge of being swept by Cincinnati in the best-of-five NL Division Series before rallying to win the final three contests. St. Louis captured three of the first four games of the NL Championship Series before the Giants went on to become the 12th team in major league history - and fifth NL club - to overcome a 3-1 series deficit as they won the franchise's 22nd NL pennant. San Francisco's starting pitchers were outstanding during the comeback, allowing only one run in 20 1/3 innings over the final three NLCS games. The Giants, who are appearing in their 19th overall World Series, fifth since moving from New York to San Francisco and second in three years, will face a Tigers team that has been resting since completing a four-game sweep of the New York Yankees in the ALCS on Thursday.

Detroit is making its 11th trip to the Fall Classic and first since 2006, when it lost to St. Louis. The Tigers have not won a championship since defeating the San Diego Padres in 1984. Manager Jim Leyland, whose roster includes reigning AL MVP and Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander and 2012 Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera, said ALCS MVP Delmon Young will play left field in Game 1 with no designated hitter in the NL park. Young, who appeared in left field in only 31 regular-season games, batted .353 (6-for-17) with two home runs and six RBIs in the ALCS, recording the game-winning RBI in all four contests.

San Francisco's Marco Scutaro was named the NLCS MVP as he went 14-for-28 (.500) after hitting only .150 (3-for-20) in the NLDS. Scutaro, who was acquired from the Colorado Rockies on July 26, tied the LCS record with his 14 hits while setting an LCS mark with six multi-hit performances.

TV: 8:07 p.m. ET, FOX

WEATHER: There is a 54 percent chance of rain Wednesday with temperatures in the high 50s. Winds are expected to blow WSW at 5 mph.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Justin Verlander (3-0, 0.74 ERA) vs. Giants LH Barry Zito (1-0, 1.74)

Verlander is looking to remain perfect this postseason as he was dominant in his first three starts, allowing 10 hits and two runs over 24 1/3 innings with five walks and 25 strikeouts. The 29-year-old was less than impressive as a rookie in his first World Series, going 0-2 with a 5.73 ERA in two starts against St. Louis in 2006. Verlander's lone career outing against the Giants came on June 16, 2008, when he yielded three runs - two earned - and five hits with a walk and seven strikeouts in a no-decision.

San Francisco will counter with veteran Barry Zito, who came up with a huge effort in Game 5 of the NLCS to keep the Giants' hopes alive. The left-hander tossed 7 2/3 scoreless innings against St. Louis, allowing six hits and one walk while striking out six and delivering an RBI bunt single. Zito, who was kept off San Francisco's postseason roster during its run to the 2010 world championship, is 8-6 with a 2.91 ERA in 16 career starts against the Tigers.

TRENDS:

* Tigers are 6-0 in their last six playoff games as favorites.
* Giants are 4-0 in their last four World Series home games.
* Under is 5-0 in Tigers' last five interleague games.
* Under is 8-2-1 in Giants' last 11 interleague home games.

WALK-OFFS:

1. On the three previous occasions when one LCS lasted seven games and the other ended in a sweep, the team that went the distance went on to win the World Series.

2. The Giants have won six world championships while the Tigers have captured four.

3. San Francisco outscored its opponents 36-9 while going 6-0 in elimination games and routed St. Louis 20-1 over the final three NLCS contests. The Giants posted the first Game Seven victory in franchise history Monday against the Cardinals.

**StarDust Bum** · 10-23-2012, 10:16 PM

Breaking down the World Series: Tigers vs. Giants

TIGERS VS. GIANTS

Detroit: 88-74, won AL Central, beat A's in ALDS (3-2), beat Yankees in ALCS (4-0)

San Francisco: 94-68, won NL West, beat Reds in NLDS (3-2), beat Cardinals in NLCS (4-3)

2012 meetings: Did not play

Postseason meetings: None

Matchups

Offense: The Giants are where they are, and yet two of their biggest threats — Buster Posey and midseason pickup Hunter Pence — have yet to really bust out in the postseason (though Pence did have a nice night in Game 7 of the NLCS on Monday). That's scary. Also, keep in mind, their pitchers can hit a little, which is a lot more than the Tigers'. The Tigers will need a bit more from Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder than they have seen so far, but leadoff man Austin Jackson remains the key. The Tigers go as he goes. Edge — Tigers

Starting pitching: This will be a riveting matchup, precisely because of this starting pitching. The bad news for the Giants is they had to burn ace Matt Cain, who twirled another gem Monday. But Tim Lincecum might finally be rounding into form after a rough season, and crafty Barry Zito is the type of lefty who can give the Tigers fits (think Bruce Chen). In comparison, though, Detroit's core four has been brilliant this postseason, and there's no reason to think that can't continue. Edge — Tigers

Relief pitching: The Giants bullpen is solid, even with All-Star closer Brian Wilson (Tommy John) missing most of the season. They have a couple guys who can close, and while they aren't all overpowering, they throw strikes — kind of like those Twins teams from a few years back. The Tigers won't say it, but the bullpen is likely to continue going closer-by-committee, with Jose Valverde's role still a mystery. Edge — Giants

Defense: The gloves aren't a particular strong suit for either team — especially on the corners of the infield, with Pablo Sandoval for the Giants, and Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder for the Tigers. That said, Detroit's defense has been stunningly superb this postseason, especially the work of shortstop Jhonny Peralta, who practically is unrecognizable. Edge — Giants

Bench: With the brilliant midseason addition of Marco Scutaro — a middle infielder the Tigers, no question, had some interest in, too — Ryan Theriot got pushed to the bench, and he's quite a nice pinch-hit threat there. After that, it's a steep drop-off (Aubrey Huff, anyone?). The Tigers, meanwhile, have had big returns from speedy rookies Avisail Garcia and Quintin Berry. Edge — Tigers

Manager: Both of them are graybeards — San Francisco's Bruce Bochy is in his 19th year, and Jim Leyland in his 21st, and seventh with Detroit. Both have a World Series title under their belt, Bochy just two years ago and Leyland in 1997 with the Marlins. Leyland managed circles around Bob Melvin and Joe Girardi in the first two rounds, but this should be a more intriguing matchup of the minds. Edge — Tie

Prediction

With the rotations both these teams feature, we should be in for a good, clean, old-school series — perhaps with a bundle of low-scoring games. That means timely hitting (Tigers might be favored there) and late-inning relief (Giants probably have that edge ) just might decide who's the champ in 2012. Tigers in seven

Game 1: Tigers at Giants

First pitch: 8:07 Wednesday, AT&T Park in San Francisco

TV/radio: Fox/97.1 FM

Probable starters

RHP Justin Verlander (3-0, 0.74), Tigers: He also started Game 1 in '06, against the Cardinals, as a rookie. This start should go better (six earned runs in five innings).

LHP Barry Zito (1-0, 1.74), Giants: Zito's been mostly a disappointment since arriving in San Francisco in 2007, but enjoyed a 15-win season in 2012. He was stellar in Game 5 of the NL CS, starting the Giants' comeback.

World Series schedule

Game 1

at San Francisco
8:07 p.m., Wednesday
TV: Fox Radio: 97.1

Game 2

at San Francisco
8:07 p.m.. Thursday
TV: Fox Radio: 97.1

Game 3

at Detroit
8:07 p.m. Saturday
TV: Fox Radio: 97.1

Game 4

at Detroit
8:07 p.m., Sunday
TV: Fox Radio: 97.1

Game 5*

at Detroit
8:07 p.m. Monday
TV: Fox Radio: 97.1

Game 6*

at San Francisco
8:07 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 31
TV: Fox
Radio: 97.1

Game 7*

at San Francisco
8:07 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 1
TV: Fox Radio: 97.1
*If necessary

**StarDust Bum** · 10-23-2012, 10:36 PM

MLB

Long Sheet

Wednesday, October 24

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DETROIT (95 - 76) at SAN FRANCISCO (101 - 73) - 8:05 PM
JUSTIN VERLANDER (R) vs. BARRY ZITO (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
VERLANDER is 0-0 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

BARRY ZITO vs. DETROIT since 1997
ZITO is 8-7 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.24 and a WHIP of 1.268.
His team's record is 9-8 (-5.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-7. (+1.3 units)

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MLB

Wednesday, October 24

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Trend Report
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8:07 PM
DETROIT vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Detroit is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games on the road
San Francisco is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Francisco's last 9 games

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**StarDust Bum** · 10-23-2012, 10:43 PM

World Series Game 1 preview: Barry Zito vs. Justin Verlander

Game 1 of the 2012 World Series features one former Cy Young award winner making $20 million against another former Cy Young award winner making $19 million. A pretty even match-up, right?

Oh, right, maybe not. It's going to be Detroit's Justin Verlander against San Francisco's Barry Zito.

Still, looking at their most recent starts, it doesn't seem like there's a big difference. Verlander allowed just three hits and a run over 8 1/3 inning in Game 2 of the ALCS against the Yankees. Zito threw 7 2/3 scoreless with six hits and six strikeouts in his victory over the Cardinals in Game 5 of the NLCS. Verlander only struck out three in his win.

Of course, there are some differences. Verlander was 17-8 with a 2.64 ERA during the season, and his 239 strikeouts led the majors. He also throws 100 mph. Zito was 15-8, his first winning season in six seasons in San Francisco, with a 4.16 ERA. According to BrooksBaseball.net, Zito's fastball and sinker both averaged 84 mph.

Zito vs. Tigers

The Tigers and Giants didn't face each other this season. Zito has faced the Tigers 16 times in his career, going 8-6 with a 2.91 ERA, although 14 of those starts were during his days with the A's from 2000-06. He did face them once as a Giant last season, beating them with six shutout innings. The Tigers managed just five hits. He walked two and struck out one at Comerica Park on July 2, 2011.

Zito was 8-5 with a 4.00 ERA in 17 home starts this season and 7-3 with a 4.34 ERA on the road.

Only five Tigers batters have 10 or more plate appearances against Zito. Omar Infante is just 3-for-20 and Prince Fielder is 3-for-18 with a home run. Jhonny Peralta is 3-for-14 with a homer, and Gerald Laird is 3-for-15 with two doubles. Miguel Carbera is 2-for-8 with two walks against the lefty.

Verlander vs. Giants

Verlander has faced the Giants only once -- June 16, 2008 at AT&T Park. That Giants lineup was Fred Lewis, Ray Durham, Randy Winn, Bengie Molina, Aaron Rowand, John Bowker, Rich Aurillia, Omar Vizquel and Tim Lincecum. Fernando Rodney blew the save for the Tigers, and Keiichi Yabu picked up the win for the Giants. That tells you all you need to know about that game.

The Giants have just seven players who have faced Verlander in a non-exhibition, with Marco Scutaro having seen Verlander the most. In 26 plate appearances, he has five hits, including a double and triple. Aubrey Huff is 3-for-17 against Verlander, and no other Giant has more than five plate appearances against him.

The Giants' Pablo Sandoval hit a bases-loaded triple off Verlander in the All-Star Game this July in Kansas City, while Buster Posey walked against him in that first inning as well. Melky Cabrera, the game's MVP, also singled and scored against Verlander in the All-Star Game but is not on the Giants' postseason roster.

**StarDust Bum** · 10-24-2012, 07:11 PM

World Series Tips

October 23, 2012

The Tigers and Giants begin the World Series on Wednesday night in San Francisco as the NL champions look to keep up their comeback story after rallying to win six consecutive elimination games. Detroit has been resting comfortably since sweeping New York in the ALCS last Thursday, while winning all four home games in the postseason. We'll take a look at the Fall Classic and what can help you win in this series.

-- Tigers vs. LHP (29-25)
-- Giants vs. LHP (40-19)

The problem with indicating San Francisco's prowess against southpaws this season is the fact the Giants haven't faced a left-handed starter since the regular season finale against the Dodgers. The Giants will not face a lefty starter in the World Series since the Tigers throw out all right-handers in their rotation. However, Detroit owned a miserable 9-16 record away from Comerica Park against left-handers, as Barry Zito takes the mound in the series opener. The former Cy Young Award winner is on fire with the Giants winning each of his last 13 starts overall, including the last six at home.

-- Tigers vs. RHP (66-49)
-- Giants vs. RHP (61-54)

This number will be more telling for Bruce Bochy's club, who finished the season at 33-26 against right-handed starters at AT&T Park. Justin Verlander gets the start in Game 1, as the Tigers have won each of his previous seven outings. The reigning MVP and Cy Young Award winner has dominated in Interleague action, posting a 16-4 record the last 20 starts against National League opponents, including nine consecutive victories. The Tigers put together a 32-20 mark at home against right-handed starters, as Matt Cain and Ryan Vogelsong will likely get the nod in two of three middle games in Detroit.

-- Tigers 4-9 on West Coast

Detroit had it struggles playing in the Pacific Time Zone, dropping nine of 13 contests. Two of those defeats came in the ALDS at Oakland, as the Tigers are making their first trip to San Francisco since 2008. The Tigers took two of three in that series, but Verlander lost the opener to Tim Lincecum and the Giants, 8-6. Zito dropped the finale of that series, as the left-hander rebounded in 2011 by beating the Tigers at Comerica Park as $1.80 road underdog, 15-3.

-- Days of the Week

Take it for what it's worth, but the Giants played below .500 baseball on Wednesdays (12-15) and Sundays (13-15) this season. On the flip side, the Tigers played their best ball on Thursdays (14-8), Saturdays (18-11), and Sundays (20-9). Game 2 takes place on Thursday in San Francisco, while Game 3 is Saturday in Detroit and Game 4 comes up on Sunday.

-- Starting Rotations

Past Verlander and Zito in the series opener, there are other starting pitchers to consider. Doug Fister is set to start Game 2 for Detroit, as the Tigers own a 5-3 record in his last eight road outings following an 0-6 run to begin the season on the highway. Madison Bumgarner has struggled down the stretch for the Giants, as San Francisco won just three of his final nine starts. The 'over' is a strong 6-1 in Bumgarner's previous seven outings, while the Giants are 3-1 his last four starts against American League opponents. Vogelsong is 5-1 in his last six trips to the mound, while Max Scherzer was on the wrong side of that 15-3 rout to Zito and the Giants last season at home.

-- Interleague Play

The Tigers won 11 of their 18 games against National League competition this season, even though Detroit faced Colorado, Pittsburgh, and Chicago in 12 of those contests. Detroit cashed the 'under' in seven of nine Interleague contests at Comerica Park, which including several low-scoring games against the NL runner-up in St. Louis. San Francisco put together a pedestrian 7-8 record against their counterparts from the American League, but the Giants did face the Athletics six times and three matchups each with the Rangers and Angels.

The Tigers are listed as $1.70 favorites to win the World Series, while the Giants are set at a nice price of $1.50 (Bet $1.00 to win $1.50) to take home their second title in three years.

**StarDust Bum** · 10-24-2012, 07:14 PM

Verlander, Zito open World Series Wednesday

DETROIT TIGERS

at SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

World Series Game 1
First pitch: Wednesday, 8:05 p.m. EDT
Line: Detroit -165, San Francisco +155, Total: 6.5

The 2012 Fall Classic will begin Wednesday night with the Tigers as heavy road favorites behind ace Justin Verlander, who will square off against Giants southpaw Barry Zito.

This will be just the fourth matchup of former Cy Young Award winners in Game 1 of the World Series. As unhittable as Verlander was all season long, he has been even better this postseason He has thrown 24.1 innings over three 2012 playoff starts (all wins), giving up just two runs and 10 hits with 25 strikeouts for a 0.74 ERA and 0.62 WHIP. It will be interesting to see how the right-hander deals with the time off after the Tigers swept the Yankees, not having pitched since October 16. In his career, he is just 6-5 on more than six days of rest, with 7.1 strikeouts per nine innings, well below his 8.4 overall rate. And even though Zito has been a giant disappointment with his hefty contract in the eyes of San Francisco fans, he has earned his paycheck down the stretch, leading his team to 13 straight wins, including a stellar 1.74 ERA this postseason. He is coming off a 7.2-inning gem in Game 5 of the NLCS in which he held the Cardinals scoreless and allowed just seven base runners. Although Verlander is easily the superior pitcher here, Zito appears to be in top form and could outduel a rusty foe in an unfamiliar ballpark. Take SAN FRANCISCO as the home underdog here.

This rare four-star FoxSheets also trend also likes Zito and the Giants:

ZITO is 9-1 (+11.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season. (Team's Record). The average score was ZITO 5.2, OPPONENT 2.8 - (Rating = 4*).

Verlander (20-8, 2.47 ERA, 1.02 WHIP in 2012) has not been as dominant on the road, where he has a 3.32 ERA and 1.12 WHIP, carrying a pedestrian 9-6 record (team is 10-9). He has faced San Francisco just once in his career, an 8-6 loss in 2008 in which he allowed three runs (2 ER) in six innings with 7 K's and one walk. And, playing on the road against an NL team could present issues for the Tigers, who have relied on the DH as one of their most constant sources of production. Delmon Young was named MVP of the ALCS at that position and he will start in left field in Game 1. Overall, the Tigers were 11-7 in interleague play this year, but the offense averaged just 3.9 runs per game on offense, well below their 4.5 run-per-game average. So they may need another classic Verlander gem to win this one, especially given that their bullpen has a 3.92 ERA in the playoffs so far and has converted on just 50 percent of its save opportunities. Those are too many concerns to play on Detroit as such heavy road favorites here.

In his career, Zito is 8-7 (team 9-8) against the Tigers with a 3.24 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. He has faced them just once in the past four seasons though, throwing six shutout frames in a 15-3 win in July 2011. Zito was inconsistent during the regular season in 2012, compiling a 4.15 ERA and 1.39 WHIP, numbers that were slightly better at home (4.00 ERA) than on the road (4.34 ERA). But he capped off the regular season by winning his final five starts, posting a 2.35 ERA and 1.34 WHIP. A big key to success has been pitching just 5.7 innings per start this year, leaving room for his stellar bullpen to operate. Giants relievers have a 3.06 ERA at home in 2012 and have been phenomenal in the playoffs with a 2.57 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. They had a 1.93 ERA in the seven-game LCS. And after the offense put up a combined 20 runs in the past three games to complete the comeback against St. Louis, they should be in great shape to win this one.

**StarDust Bum** · 10-24-2012, 07:16 PM

MLB
Short Sheet

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

World Series, Game One (Series Tied, 0-0)
Detroit at San Francisco, 8:05 ET FOX
Verlander: Detroit 2-11 SU away off BB home games
Zito: 15-3 TSR in the second half of the season

**StarDust Bum** · 10-24-2012, 07:38 PM

MLB Playoff Record:

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

10/22/12 1-1-0 50.00% -50 Detail
10/21/12 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail
10/19/12 1-*1-*0 50.00% +*175 Detail
10/18/12 1-*1-*0 50.00% 0 Detail
10/17/12 0-*2-*0 0.00% -*1050 Detail
10/16/12 1-*1-*0 50.00% 0 Detail
10/15/12 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail
10/14/12 4-*0-*0 100.00% +*2225 Detail
10/13/12 0-*2-*0 0.00% -*1225 Detail
10/12/12 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1110 Detail
10/11/12 5-*3-*0 62.50% +*1220 Detail
10/10/12 5-*0-*1 100.00% +*2520 Detail
10/09/12 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*240 Detail
10/08/12 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1110 Detail
10/07/12 4-*4-*0 50.00% +*55 Detail
10/06/12 1-*3-*0 25.00% -*1150 Detail
10/05/12 3-*1-*0 75.00% +*1610 Detail

Total: 35-21 64.28% +8526

Wednesday, October 24

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Detroit - 8:00 PM ET San Francisco +154 500

San Francisco - Under 7 500

**StarDust Bum** · 10-25-2012, 07:28 PM

MLB
Dunkel

Detroit at San Francisco
The Tigers look to bounce back from last night's loss and take advantage of a San Francisco team that is 2-8 in Madison Bumgarner's last 10 starts as an underdog. Detroit is the pick (-120) according to Dunkel, which has the Tigers favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-120). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25

Game 903-904: Detroit at San Francisco (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Fister) 17.953; San Francisco (Bumgarner) 17.033
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-120); No Run Total
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-120); N/A

MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, October 25

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

DETROIT (95 - 77) at SAN FRANCISCO (102 - 73) - 8:05 PM
DOUG FISTER (R) vs. MADISON BUMGARNER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 95-77 (-8.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
DETROIT is 8-17 (-12.3 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
DETROIT is 41-46 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
DETROIT is 91-74 (-8.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 55-51 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
DETROIT is 9-17 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters this season.
FISTER is 11-29 (-17.4 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 19-9 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in playoff games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 62-35 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 102-73 (+23.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 102-73 (+23.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 65-41 (+21.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
DETROIT is 56-35 (+17.7 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.
FISTER is 14-6 (+8.5 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. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-0 (+1.6 Units) against DETROIT this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

DOUG FISTER vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

MADISON BUMGARNER vs. DETROIT since 1997
BUMGARNER is 0-0 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 1.23 and a WHIP of 0.819.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, October 25

Detroit is 29-26 vs lefty starters this year, so they're way better when righty is on hill. Fister is 1-1, 2.10 in last five starts, 0-0, 1.35 in two playoff starts, 1-1, 3.00 in two interleague starts. Bumgarner is 2-4, 7.34 in his last seven starts, 0-2, 11.25 in playoffs, 1-1, 3.21 in two interleague starts.

Tigers are 15-5 in last 20 games, 7-3 in playoffs, 3-3 on road; this is first time this fall they've been behind in a series. Giants were down 2-0/3-1 in first two series; they are 8-5 in playoffs, 4-3 at home. Remember, no DH in games played in NL parks. Under is 8-4-2 in last 14 Detroit games, 3-9-1 in last thirteen Giant games.

MLB

Thursday, October 25

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Trend Report
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8:07 PM
DETROIT vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Detroit is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 9 games when playing San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Francisco's last 9 games when playing Detroit
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

**StarDust Bum** · 10-25-2012, 07:30 PM

MLB

Thursday, October 25

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World Series Game 2 betting preview: Tigers at Giants
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Detroit Tigers at San Francisco Giants (113, OFF)

One night after Pablo Sandoval put his name in the record book, the San Francisco Giants attempt to take a 2-0 lead in the World Series as they host the Detroit Tigers at AT&T Park on Thursday. Sandoval belted a career-high three home runs, including two off reigning American League MVP and Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander, and added a single to complete a 4-for-4 performance in San Francisco's 8-3 triumph in the Series opener Tuesday. Sandoval joined Babe Ruth (1926 and 1928), Reggie Jackson (1977) and Albert Pujols (2011) as the only players to hit three homers in a World Series game.

National League Championship Series MVP Marco Scutaro continued his torrid pace, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs. After going 0-for-8 over his first two playoff games, Scutaro has hit safely in each of his last 11 contests and collected two or more hits in seven of his last eight. Jhonny Peralta went deep for Detroit, giving him three home runs in his last two games after belting 13 over his previous 158 contests - including the playoffs. Tigers reliever Jose Valverde, who had not pitched since blowing a save opportunity in the ALCS opener against the New York Yankees, continued to struggle as he surrendered two runs and four hits while retiring one of the five batters he faced. Meanwhile, San Francisco's Tim Lincecum continued to excel in a relief role, recording five strikeouts in 2 1/3 perfect innings. Lincecum has yielded one run over 10 2/3 frames in four appearances out of the bullpen this postseason.

TV: 8:07 p.m. ET, FOX

WEATHER: Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the high-50s under clear skies. Winds will blow out to right field at 9 mph.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Doug Fister (0-0, 1.35 ERA) vs. Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (0-2, 11.25)

Fister has not pitched since scattering six hits over 6 1/3 scoreless innings against the Yankees in the opener of the ALCS on Oct. 13. The 28-year-old settled for a no-decision, as he did versus the Oakland Athletics in Game Two of the AL Division Series, when he yielded two runs and six hits in seven frames. Fister, who went 4-7 in 13 road starts during the regular season, will be facing San Francisco for the first time in his career.

Bumgarner has been inactive nearly as long as Fister, last pitching in the opener of the NLCS against St. Louis on Oct. 14, when he was tagged for six runs and eight hits in just 3 2/3 innings. The 23-year-old also did not fare well versus Cincinnati in the NLDS as he surrendered four runs over 4 1/3 frames in a Game Two loss. Bumgarner, who went 10-3 in 15 starts at home in the regular season, did not figure in the decision in his only career start against the Tigers on July 1, 2011 despite allowing only one run in 7 1/3 innings at Detroit.

TRENDS:

* Over is 4-0 in Giants’ last four World Series home games.
* Over is 4-1-1 in Tigers’ last six games vs. a left-handed starter.
* Giants are 5-0 in their last five World Series home games.
* Tigers are 1-7 in Fister’s last eight starts as a road favorite of -110 to -150.

UMP TRENDS- Dan Iassogna:

* Tigers are 5-1 in their last six games with Iassogna behind home plate.
* Road team is 4-1 in Iassogna’s last five Thursday games behind home plate.
* Over is 5-1-2 in Iassogna’s last eight games behind home plate vs. San Francisco.
* Over is 4-1 in Iassogna’s last five Thursday games behind home plate vs. San Francisco.

WALK-OFFS:

1. Fister has not won since tossing his first career shutout against Minnesota on Sept. 22, going 0-1 in four starts despite allowing three runs or less in each outing.

2. The winner of Game One has gone on to capture the World Series eight of the last nine years.

3. San Francisco's starting pitchers have allowed a total of two runs over 26 innings in the club's last four games.

**StarDust Bum** · 10-25-2012, 07:31 PM

MLB
Short Sheet

Thursday, October 25

World Series, Game Two (San Francisco Leads, 1-0)
Detroit at San Francisco, 8:05 ET FOX
Fister: Detroit 8-17 SU as a road favorite of -125 or less
Bumgarner: 20-6 TSR off BB starts allowing 1 or 0 walks

**StarDust Bum** · 10-25-2012, 07:32 PM

Giants seek 2-0 World Series lead Thursday

DETROIT TIGERS

at SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

World Series Game 2 - San Francisco leads series 1-0
First pitch: Thursday, 8:05 p.m. EDT
Line: Detroit -120, San Francisco +110, Total: 7

On the back of Pablo Sandoval’s three home runs, the Giants took a 1-0 lead in the Fall Classic and will look to expand that cushion Thursday night against the Tigers.

Detroit’s Game 2 starter Doug Fister has had a strong 2012 season, combining for a 10-10 record, 3.29 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. This includes a pair of no-decisions in his two playoff starts, but led the Tigers to victory in each of them with a 1.35 ERA, after most recently tossing 6.1 scoreless against the Yankees in Game 1 of the ALCS. And the Tigers can expect him to keep it up as he licks his chops facing NL teams—in two interleague starts this year he had a 1.50 ERA and 1.08 WHIP. Taking the mound against Fister is Madison Bumgarner, who has been dreadful as of late. In his two postseason starts he has lasted a total of eight innings while giving up 10 runs and 15 hits for an 11.25 ERA and 2.13 WHIP. And it’s not as if Bumgarner finished the regular season any better, going 2-4 with a 5.89 ERA and 1.69 WHIP in his final seven starts. Play on DETROIT to take advantage of this southpaw’s struggles and even this series at one apiece.

This two-star FoxSheets also trend also expects the Tigers to prevail:

Play On - All teams with a money line of -100 to -150 (DETROIT) - allowing 4.7 or less runs/game on the season (AL) against opponent starting a over rested pitcher who is working on 7 or more days rest. (181-100 over the last 5 seasons.) (64.4%, +57.4 units. Rating = 2*).

After sweeping the Yankees and taking care of business against the A’s, Wednesday’s loss brought the Detroit pitching staff back down the earth after they had given up a total of six runs in the previous five games. And after Justin Verlander went just four innings Wednesday, they will be hoping Fister (2-0, 1.75 ERA in four career playoff starts) can spare the bullpen of some duty on Thursday. Detroit relievers have a 3.82 ERA in 2012 and a 4.38 ERA in the playoffs, but did quite well in interleague play with a 2.33 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 58 K's in 54 IP. Fister is averaging a decent 6.2 innings per start in 2012, but does much better in night games, where he has a 2.66 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and averages 6.6 innings per start. And it will be interesting to see how he reacts to not having pitched since October 13. He has never started on more than six days of rest in his career. Fister has never faced the Giants, but has held red-hot Marco Scutaro (.432 BA during 11-game hit streak) to just one hit in 11 at-bats against him.

Maybe Bumgarner can find his form by trying to replicate his one career start against the Tigers, a no-decision victory for the Giants last year in which he tossed 7.1 innings and allowed just one run on five hits, while striking out nine. The surprising part about Bumgarner’s late-season struggles is how well he pitched in the 2010 playoffs, when he registered a 2-0 record, 2.18 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in four appearances (three starts). If Bumgarner continues to just make it four innings, his only hope is the dominant San Francisco bullpen that has a 3.09 ERA and 1.19 WHIP at home in 2012. More impressive than that split, however, is their 2.78 ERA and 0.99 WHIP in the postseason, striking out 45 and allowing just one home run in 45.1 innings of work. Bumgarner also knows he'll likely get some run support considering his Giants teammates have scored 28 runs in the past four games, batting .316 with runners in scoring position.
__________________

**StarDust Bum** · 10-25-2012, 07:36 PM

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

10/24/12 1-*1-*0 50.00% +*220 Detail
10/22/12 1-*1-*0 50.00% -*50 Detail
10/21/12 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail
10/19/12 1-*1-*0 50.00% +*175 Detail
10/18/12 1-*1-*0 50.00% 0 Detail
10/17/12 0-*2-*0 0.00% -*1050 Detail
10/16/12 1-*1-*0 50.00% 0 Detail
10/15/12 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail
10/14/12 4-*0-*0 100.00% +*2225 Detail
10/13/12 0-*2-*0 0.00% -*1225 Detail
10/12/12 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1110 Detail
10/11/12 5-*3-*0 62.50% +*1220 Detail
10/10/12 5-*0-*1 100.00% +*2520 Detail
10/09/12 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*240 Detail
10/08/12 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1110 Detail
10/07/12 4-*4-*0 50.00% +*55 Detail
10/06/12 1-*3-*0 25.00% -*1150 Detail
10/05/12 3-*1-*0 75.00% +*1610 Detail

Totals 36-22-0 62.06% +8476

Thursday, October 25

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Detroit - 8:00 PM ET San Francisco +113 500

San Francisco - Over 7 500

**StarDust Bum** · 10-27-2012, 06:41 PM

MLB
Dunkel

San Francisco at Detroit
The Tigers look to bounce back from their 2-0 loss in Game 2 and build on their 9-2 record in their last 11 games after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Detroit is the pick (-145) according to Dunkel, which has the Tigers favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-145). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27

Game 905-906: San Francisco at Detroit (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Vogelsong) 17.125; Detroit (Sanchez) 17.861
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-145); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-145); Under

MLB
Long Sheet

Saturday, October 27

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

SAN FRANCISCO (103 - 73) at DETROIT (95 - 78) - 8:05 PM
RYAN VOGELSONG (R) vs. ANIBAL SANCHEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 60-34 (+18.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 20-7 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 103-73 (+24.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 66-41 (+22.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 484-475 (+48.4 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 20-9 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in playoff games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 57-44 (+7.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 40-36 (+6.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 38-32 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 103-73 (+24.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 50-37 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
VOGELSONG is 22-12 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
VOGELSONG is 13-6 (+8.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season. (Team's Record)
VOGELSONG is 22-12 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
VOGELSONG is 16-5 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 91-75 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 55-52 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
DETROIT is 95-78 (-9.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SANCHEZ is 14-19 (-9.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
SANCHEZ is 13-18 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
SANCHEZ is 16-29 (-15.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SANCHEZ is 4-13 (-10.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
SANCHEZ is 3-13 (-9.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-0 (+2.6 Units) against DETROIT this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

RYAN VOGELSONG vs. DETROIT since 1997
VOGELSONG is 0-0 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 2.70 and a WHIP of 1.199.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

ANIBAL SANCHEZ vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
SANCHEZ is 3-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 1.98 and a WHIP of 0.881.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.8 units)

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

MLB
Short Sheet

Saturday, October 27

World Series, Game Three (San Francisco Leads, 2-0)
San Francisco at Detroit, 8:05 ET FOX
Vogelsong: 13-3 TSR after allowing 1 or 0 ER's last start
Sanchez: 1-9 TSR after allowing 1 or 0 ER's last start

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, October 27

Sanchez is 1-1, 1.35 in two postseason starts, allowing two runs in 13.1 IP; he is 2-1, 0.94 in his last four starts overall, and was 1-1, 4.38 in two starts vs the Giants while pitching for Miami this year. Vogelsong is 2-0, 1.42 in his three postseason starts this year, 4-0, 1.50 in his last six starts overall, allowing one run in all six games. Detroit won its last eight home games, and is 4-0 at home in postseason, allowing total of seven runs. Giants won their last five games by combined score of 30-4. Under is 8-3-1 in last dozen Detroit games, 4-9-1 in last fourteen San Francisco games.

MLB

Saturday, October 27

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

8:07 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. DETROIT
San Francisco is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
San Francisco is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Detroit is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

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

MLB

Saturday, October 27

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
World Series Game 3 betting preview: Giants at Tigers
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

San Francisco Giants at Detroit Tigers (-145, 7)

Giants lead series 2-0.

Series odds: Giants -333, Tigers +270

The Detroit Tigers are hoping a return to the Motor City helps change their fortune as they find themselves in a 2-0 hole when they host the San Francisco Giants in Game Three of the World Series at Comerica Park on Saturday. Detroit had five days off before suffering an 8-3 loss in the series opener, but its bats were even quieter in Game Two on Thursday as the club managed only two hits in a 2-0 setback at AT&T Park. The Tigers, who were shut out only twice during the regular season, have been blanked two times in 11 postseason games.

Game Two marked the second time Detroit was held to two hits or less in a playoff game. The Tigers recorded only one hit in Game Three of the 1945 World Series. Detroit is looking to become the first team since the 1996 New York Yankees to win the Fall Classic after losing the first two games. The Giants have recent history on their side as the last eight teams to take a 2-0 lead have gone on to win the championship. However, San Francisco faces a difficult task as the series shifts to Comerica Park, where the Tigers are 4-0 this postseason.

TV: 8:07 p.m. ET, FOX

WEATHER: Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the mid-40s under partly cloudy skies. Winds will blow out to right field at 10 mph.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Ryan Vogelsong (2-0, 1.42 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Anibal Sanchez (1-1, 1.35)

Vogelsong has been dominant this postseason, allowing a total of three runs and 11 hits over 19 innings in three starts. The 35-year-old settled for a no-decision in Game Three of the National League Division Series against Cincinnati despite yielding just one run and three hits in five frames as he helped keep San Francisco's season alive. Vogelsong was even better versus St. Louis in the NL Championship Series, giving up only one run and four hits over seven innings in both Game Two and Game Six, striking out nine in the latter.

Sanchez pitched well in his postseason debut but took the loss after yielding two runs and five hits over 6 1/3 innings in Game Three of the ALDS against the Athletics in Oakland. The 28-year-old was magnificent in Game Two of the ALCS versus the Yankees in New York as he scattered three hits and struck out seven in seven scoreless frames en route to victory. Sanchez had gone 3-0 with a 0.87 ERA in four career starts against San Francisco before surrendering five runs in 5 1/3 innings in a loss on May 24 while with Miami.

TRENDS:

* Under is 4-0 in Sanchez’s last four starts overall.
* Under is 7-0-1 in Tigers’ last eight games vs. a right-handed starter.
* Under is 4-0 in Giants’ last four World Series road games.
* Tigers are 5-0 in their last five playoff home games.

UMP TRENDS- Fieldin Culbreth:

* Under is 20-6 in Culbreth’s last 26 games behind home plate.
* Giants are 5-2 in their last seven games with Culbreth behind home plate.
* Home team is 5-2 in Culbreth’s last seven Saturday games behind home plate.

WALK-OFFS:

1. Vogelsong's only career start against the Tigers came in Detroit on July 3, 2011, when he allowed three runs and four hits over 6 2/3 innings in a no-decision.

2. San Francisco has won five straight postseason games for the first time in franchise history.

3. The Giants' starting pitchers have allowed a total of two runs over 33 innings in the club's last five contests.

Announcement

The Bum's MLB World Series Best Bets !

The Bum's MLB World Series Best Bets !

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