CnoThe Bum's MLB May's News-Notes-Trends & Best Bets !!

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Twins (20-28) at Brewers (19-30)

Game: 2
Venue: Miller Park
Date: May 28, 2013 8:10 PM EDT


Times are tough for the Milwaukee Brewers.

It's unclear if slugger Ryan Braun will be in the lineup Tuesday night, and the Brewers will be using a pitcher who failed to win a game in Japan last season in a home matchup with the Minnesota Twins.

Milwaukee (19-30) has lost 19 of 24 after falling 6-3 on Monday. Braun was held out of the lineup with a nagging right thumb injury, although he lined out as a pinch-hitter to end the game.

The former NL MVP also says he has been bothered by a stiff neck, but the thumb injury is affecting his ability to hold the bat.

"It's not getting any better at all, so it's just at the point where I need to take the time to get it close to being healthy so I can contribute and do the things I'm used to doing," he told the Brewers' official website.

Aramis Ramirez will be back in the lineup Tuesday after a planned day off by manager Ron Roenicke, who met with general manager Doug Melvin on Sunday to discuss the team's woes.

Roenicke will give Alfredo Figaro (0-0, 3.46 ERA) his first start of 2013. Figaro was a starter the last two seasons for Orix in Japan, going 0-5 with a 3.09 ERA in 11 outings last season for the last-place Buffaloes.

Figaro last started in the majors in 2010 with Detroit, and owns an 8.31 ERA in four career big-league starts. The right-hander has never faced any of the current hitters on the Twins.

"He's extended enough, and he's got his pitch count up there," Roenicke said. "He's a strong guy."

Making matters worse for the Brewers is their major league-worst 4-17 record against left-handed starters as they get ready to face Scott Diamond (3-4, 4.96), who won his lone start against them last May 18 when he allowed three runs over 5 1-3 innings in an 11-3 road victory.

Diamond is also 3-0 with a 2.19 ERA in four road starts compared to 0-4 with an 8.27 mark in four at home. He's 0-2 with an 8.62 ERA in his last three outings overall after yielding three runs over 5 2-3 innings as he failed to receive a decision in Thursday's 7-6 defeat at Detroit.

Minnesota (20-28) is wrapping up a nine-game trip, winning two of three following a 10-game slide.

Joe Mauer scored three runs Monday, homering in the seventh inning on a long fly to left field that was initially ruled a double before umpires went to video replay.

"I'm just glad they went and reviewed it and got it right," Mauer said. "Nobody wants a homer taken away from them like that."

Former Twins outfielder Carlos Gomez homered twice for the second time in three games. Gomez is hitting .432 in 12 meetings with Minnesota since being traded to Milwaukee before the 2010 season for J.J. Hardy.

The Twins aren't surprised by what they are seeing from Gomez.

"He's got all the tools," manager Ron Gardenhire told the Twns' official website. "It's just a matter of harnessing it all and putting it to work in the right way."

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Twins at Brewers
Mon, May 27 Final 6 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Twins at Brewers
Tue, May 28 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Brewers at Twins
Wed, May 29 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Brewers at Twins
Thu, May 30 - 8:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Giants (28-22) at Athletics (28-23)

Game: 2
Venue: O.co Coliseum
Date: May 28, 2013 10:05 PM EDT


With an injury disrupting the San Francisco Giants' rotation, they'll have to rely on a rookie left-hander in his first big league start.

It's a matchup Oakland Athletics slugger Josh Donaldson - who has excelled against southpaws during a breakout season - is likely looking forward to.

San Francisco hopes starter Mike Kickham can help it rebound Tuesday night after a 4-1 loss in Oakland on Monday.

Ryan Vogelsong was set up to be Tuesday's starter, but a fractured right hand forced him to the disabled list last week, changing plans for the Giants (28-23). Now they'll start the 24-year-old Kickham, who will be recalled from Triple-A Fresno prior to the game.

"He's been throwing the ball as well as anybody down there - better, really," manager Bruce Bochy told the team's official website. "He's a young kid that just settled in at Triple-A. We need some help here."

One of the organization's top young arms, Kickham posted a 3-4 record and 4.33 ERA over 10 starts in Triple-A with 54 strikeouts in as many innings. He had really begun to settle in lately, going 3-1 with a 1.72 ERA over his last five starts for the Grizzlies.

"His stuff is good," San Francisco catcher Guillermo Quiroz, who caught Kickham during spring training, told the team's official website. "He was working on a changeup in spring and has a good fastball and slider."

Donaldson's penchant for hitting left-handers continued Monday as he connected for his eighth home run of the season off of Madison Bumgarner. Donaldson is 23 for 58 (.397) against lefties this year with an OPS of 1.220.

Manager Bob Melvin told the team's official website he thinks Donaldson, batting a team-best .324 with 33 RBIs, is deserving of an All-Star selection. He would be the first Oakland position player since catcher Ramon Hernandez was an All-Star in 2003. Eleven Athletics pitchers have been named All-Stars since 2004.

Five of Donaldson's homers have come in the last 17 games as he's slugging .726 during that stretch.

"He continues to swing the bat well, and his confidence continues to grow," Melvin said.

Oakland (29-23) will send Jarrod Parker (2-6, 5.76) to the mound. Though the right-hander has disappointed after a strong rookie season, he showed good resolve his last time out. After spotting Texas three runs on two homers in the first inning Wednesday, he retired 11 of the next 12 batters he faced. He allowed no more runs while giving up six hits over seven innings, but wasn't able to avoid his sixth loss.

"He threw a couple of early-count heaters that they squared up," Melvin said. "In the past, early in the season, that game gets away from him. It looks like he's more comfortable now."

Parker saw mixed results in two starts versus San Francisco last season. He yielded six runs and walked four in two innings of an 8-6 loss May 18, then held the Giants to one run over six innings June 22 before leaving without a decision in a 5-4 loss.

Buster Posey, whose hitting streak ended at 10 games Monday, is 0 for 3 against Parker.

Yoenis Cespedes doubled Monday to extend his streak to nine games, during which he has seven RBIs.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Giants at Athletics
Mon, May 27 Final 1 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Giants at Athletics
Tue, May 28 - 10:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Athletics at Giants
Wed, May 29 - 10:15PM EDT

GAME 4
Athletics at Giants
Thu, May 30 - 3:45PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Padres (22-27) at Mariners (21-29)

Game: 2
Venue: Safeco Field
Date: May 28, 2013 10:10 PM EDT


After being blanked in the series opener Monday, the San Diego Padres' lineup may see a valuable addition Tuesday night.

With a 50-game suspension over, Yasmani Grandal will rejoin the team as it tries to rebound against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field.

The Padres (22-28) fell for the fifth time in six games Monday in a 9-0 loss, shut out by Seattle starter Aaron Harang while allowing a four-run first. San Diego managed only four hits off of Harang.

"They're an aggressive team," Harang said. "They're going to go out swinging and I was able to get them to put the ball into play within the first couple of pitches a few times and didn't get into the count too much early on."

The potential season debut of Grandal might help spark the offense. Grandal was suspended for the season's first 50 games after a November announcement that he tested positive for elevated testosterone.

"I understand the question related to his performance," Byrnes said. "He has a long career ahead of him. Hopefully this was a lesson learned, and he can quiet any skepticism with quality play."

San Diego's catchers haven't provided much of a lift. Nick Hundley and John Baker are a combined 10 for 74 (.135) in the month of May, though Hundley has hit safely in five straight games. Grandal's .297 batting average ranked fourth among rookies who played in at least 50 games last season and he also had eight homers and 36 RBIs over 60 contests.

The Mariners (22-29) would like to see more of what their lineup showed Monday. Jason Bay, Michael Morse and Kelly Shoppach all homered while Kendrys Morales was 3 for 5 with a double.

"You jump out early like that, Jason Bay did a great job of being aggressive and staying the middle of the field and just good at_bats after that from (Kyle) Seager to Morales and the big shot by Morse," Seattle manager Eric Wedge said.

Prospect Nick Franklin also made his major league debut, walking in his lone plate appearance after entering the game as a late substitute at second base. The 22-year-old - the 27th overall pick in the 2009 draft was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma prior to the game as Dustin Ackley - the No. 2 selection in the same draft - was sent down. Franklin will start Tuesday's game, according to the team's official website.

He was hitting .324 with a .440 on-base percentage in 39 games with Tacoma this season.

Both teams' starting pitchers - Edinson Volquez for San Diego and rookie Brandon Maurer for Seattle come in trying to right their struggles this season, particularly recently.

Volquez (3-5, 5.76 ERA) received losses in his last two starts while allowing 10 runs over 11 innings. He mostly cruised for the first four innings versus St. Louis last Tuesday, then gave up four runs and six hits in the fifth inning alone.

"His first three innings, he pitched extremely well," Black said. "First-pitch strikes, ahead in the count, good ball-strike ratio. They just strung some hits together in the fifth."

Perhaps facing Seattle can help Volquez turn things around, as he's 3-0 with a 2.67 ERA in six games against the Mariners.

Maurer (2-6, 6.80), meanwhile, is 0-3 with an 8.36 ERA in his last three starts. He was tagged for seven runs and 11 hits over three innings in a 7-1 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Padres at Mariners
Mon, May 27 Final 0 to 9
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Padres at Mariners
Tue, May 28 - 10:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Mariners at Padres
Wed, May 29 - 10:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Mariners at Padres
Thu, May 30 - 3:40PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Phillies (24-27) at Red Sox (32-20)

Game: 2
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: May 28, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


Though the Boston Red Sox stayed hot with a big win in the series opener, they might have a tough time extending their run with Cliff Lee taking the ball for the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Red Sox look to stay on top in the AL East with their 11th win in 14 games Tuesday night when they host a Philadelphia team looking to win its fifth straight game with Lee on the mound.

Boston (32-20), which has won four in a row, grabbed a one-game lead in the division Monday when Dustin Pedroia and Mike Napoli homered to key a 9-3 win while the New York Yankees lost.

"We're just trying to come out and win every day," Napoli told the team's official website. "We're not looking at the standings. We're worried about the team that's in there right now. We're just trying to win every day."

Jacoby Ellsbury added three hits as the Red Sox earned their ninth win in 11 home games against the Phillies (24-27), who need a win Tuesday to split their eight-game road trip.

"When you really think about it, a loss is a loss,' manager Charlie Manuel said. "We come back out tomorrow and it's still 0-0.'

Manuel's club appears to be in a better spot with Lee (5-2, 2.48 ERA) before the series moves to Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday and Thursday.

Since going 0-2 with a 6.00 ERA over a three-start stretch, Lee is 3-0 with a 1.16 ERA over his last four - all Phillies victories.

The left-hander had his best performance Wednesday, firing a three-hitter in a 3-0 win at Miami.

"I felt like I got better as the game went on," said Lee, who has allowed three or fewer runs in eight of 10 starts.

Lee, however, hasn't had that kind of success against the Red Sox, going 3-5 with a 3.81 ERA in 12 career starts. He allowed five runs and nine hits - two homers - over seven innings in a 5-1 home loss to Boston on May 20, 2012.

However, several of Boston's key hitters have struggled against Lee, including Ellsbury (1 for 12), Jonny Gomes (2 for 29), Stephen Drew (1 for 9) and David Ortiz (6 for 29). Napoli, though, is 5 for 16 with a homer and a double.

The Red Sox counter with struggling right-hander Ryan Dempster (2-5, 4.69), who seeks his first win in five starts.

Dempster hasn't made it to the sixth inning in each of his last three starts, allowing 15 runs and 20 hits over 12 2-3 innings over that span. He had his worst start yet Thursday, walking four and giving up four runs over three innings in a 12-3 loss to Cleveland.

"My command has been terrible,' said Dempster, who has walked 10 over his two outings. "Bottom line is I've got to fix that. I can't get myself in that kind of trouble.'

Dempster hasn't had much success versus the Phillies, going 1-4 with a 7.01 ERA in his last 11 starts.

Ryan Howard, who has been battled a sore left knee, is 5 for 14 with two homers lifetime against Dempster. He's hitting .348 with three doubles and three RBIs on the road trip but hasn't homered since May 7.

Domonic Brown, who hit a two-run shot Monday, is batting .333 with three homers and nine RBIs over his last seven games.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Phillies at Red Sox
Mon, May 27 Final 3 to 9
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Phillies at Red Sox
Tue, May 28 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Red Sox at Phillies
Wed, May 29 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 4
Red Sox at Phillies
Thu, May 30 - 7:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Yankees (30-20) at Mets (19-29)

Game: 2
Venue: Citi Field
Date: May 28, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


Although Matt Harvey and Hiroki Kuroda have had stretches when they've appeared to be almost unhittable, both will be looking to bounce back following pedestrian performances their last time out.

Harvey will try to lead the New York Mets to rare consecutive wins against the New York Yankees on Tuesday night at Citi Field.

After snapping an eight-game home skid with Sunday's win over Atlanta, the Mets (19-29) rallied for a 2-1 win in the opening game of this year's Subway Series on Monday. A third straight victory would match a season high for the Mets, who haven't won two in a row against their crosstown rivals since a three-game run in 2010.

Monday's loss dropped the Yankees (30-20) to 3-4 on an eight-game road trip and into second place in the AL East, one game behind surging Boston.

David Wright hit his first home run at Citi Field this year and Daniel Murphy delivered the winning hit in the eighth as the Mets won for only the fourth time in 15 meetings in the Subway Series since that three-game streak.

The third baseman is 9 for 23 with two homers in his last six games against the Yankees, and is hitting .353 in 17 career at_bats against Kuroda.

"We Harv going tomorrow, it provides us some momentum,' Wright said. "If we're going to climb our way back into the thing and start heading towards .500 we're going to have to win these close games ... hopefully we can ride this momentum into tomorrow with Matt's start.'

Harvey (5-0, 1.93 ERA) has been one of baseball's best pitchers, but only has one win in his last six starts with the Mets providing 11 total runs of support during that span.

He had his worst outing of the season Wednesday against Cincinnati, allowing four runs and nine hits over 6 1-3 innings before leaving without a decision in a 7-4 loss.

The right-hander has been outstanding against AL opponents this season, striking out 18 and yielding one run and three hits in 17 innings while leading the Mets to wins over Minnesota and Chicago.

Opponents are batting a major league-worst .169 versus Harvey.

Kuroda (6-3, 2.67) has been the Yankees' most reliable starter, though his most recent outing was one he'd rather forget.

He was hit in the right calf by a Manny Machado line drive in the second inning of a 6-3 loss at Baltimore on Wednesday. Kuroda, who stayed in the game before leaving in the third, allowed a season-high five runs and eight hits - including two homers - over two-plus innings.

"When I tried to move my feet, I felt it a little bit,' said Kuroda, who had gone 6-1 with a 1.73 ERA over his previous eight starts.

Kuroda pitched seven scoreless innings in a 9-1 win over the Mets in the Bronx on June 8, but is 0-4 with an 8.20 ERA in four career road starts against them.

Shortstop Jayson Nix went 2 for 4 with an RBI in the opener and is 6 for 10 in his last five games against the Mets.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Yankees at Mets
Mon, May 27 Final 1 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Yankees at Mets
Tue, May 28 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Mets at Yankees
Wed, May 29 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 4
Mets at Yankees
Thu, May 30 - 7:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Angels (23-28) at Dodgers (21-28)

Game: 2
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: May 28, 2013 10:10 PM EDT


This season's meetings between the Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers were expected to pit teams among the best in their respective leagues.

The clubs haven't lived up to expectations, and neither has Joe Blanton since signing with the Angels after spending the latter part of 2012 with the Dodgers.

Blanton faces his former team Tuesday night when the visiting Angels look to bounce back from their first loss in nine games.

The Angels (23-28) and Dodgers (21-28) each spent hundreds of millions of dollars in free agency in hopes of competing for a World Series crown, but both are simply hoping to turn around their disappointing starts to reach the .500 mark in the near future.

An eight-game winning streak helped the Angels build some confidence, but they blew a five-run lead in the series opener Monday as the Dodgers rallied for an 8-7 win.

``Hopefully we'll start a new streak tomorrow,' Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. ``Although we didn't win, there were a lot of good things that happened on the field. We've just got to carry that into tomorrow and start all over again.'

Albert Pujols and Howie Kendrick each had three hits for the Angels, while Mark Ellis and Scott Van Slyke each drove in two runs before Jerry Hairston Jr.'s RBI single broke a tie in the seventh inning for the Dodgers.

Hairston was activated from the disabled list prior to the game after missing the previous 18 with a strained groin.

``It can definitely be a momentum builder, but you can't have momentum unless you come out tomorrow and play hard,' said Adrian Gonzalez, who had four hits and is 9 for 11 with seven RBIs over his last three games.

Matt Kemp, though, continued to struggle and went hitless in five at_bats with four strikeouts, one day after being benched. He's 0 for 12 with eight strikeouts over his last four games.

``When things aren't going your way you try harder,' Gonzalez said. ``He's trying too hard for the team and the fans.'

Blanton (1-7, 6.19 ERA) spent the last part of 2012 with the Dodgers after being acquired from Philadelphia, going 2-4 with a 4.99 ERA in 10 starts. He signed a two-year, $15 million deal with the Angels in December, but he's mainly struggled.

The right-hander picked up his first win with the Angels on Thursday, giving up two runs in 6 1-3 innings of a 5-4 victory over Kansas City. He gave up 11 runs in nine innings over his previous two starts.

"Joe has pitched some strong games and maybe hasn't benefited from run support," said Scioscia, whose lineup has provided Blanton with just 10 runs of support over his last six starts. "There's no doubt that getting him pitching to his capabilities is important to us. It's good for him to get the first win."

Blanton is 2-0 with a 3.26 ERA in six career starts against Dodgers, who will counter with Hyun-Jin Ryu.

Ryu (5-2, 3.30) has allowed two or fewer runs in five of his last six outings, and he's 2-0 with a 2.37 ERA over his last three. He gave up two runs in a season-high 7 1-3 innings of Wednesday's 9-2 win over Milwaukee.

The rookie left-hander is 3-1 with a 2.13 ERA in four starts at home, striking out 26 in 25 1-3 innings.

Despite Monday's win, the Dodgers have lost 13 of 19 to the Angels and nine of the last 13 meetings at home.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Angels at Dodgers
Mon, May 27 Final 7 to 8
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Angels at Dodgers
Tue, May 28 - 10:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Dodgers at Angels
Wed, May 29 - 10:05PM EDT

GAME 4
Dodgers at Angels
Thu, May 30 - 10:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Tuesday's six-pack

-- LVH has Miami Dolphins' win total at 7.5; Cantor has it at 6.5. Play the under at LVH, over at Cantor and hope Miami goes 7-9.

-- Giants/Steelers/Saints all have win totals of 9 or 9.5, despite fact that all three teams missed the playoffs LY.

-- Minnesota has win totals of 7 or 7.5, the only team that made playoffs LY that has a win total of less than 8.

-- Atlanta/Denver were both 13-3 LY; Broncos' win total is either 11 or 11.5, while Atlanta's is only 10, despite adding Steven Jackson.

-- Jaguars/Chiefs were both 2-14 LY; Jags' win total is only 5, lowest in the NFL. Kansas City's is 6.5 or 7; is it faith in Andy Reid?

-- Eagles were 4-12 under Reid LY; their win total is 7 in their first year under Chip Kelly.


*****

Armadillo: Tuesday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but...........

13) Lot of college basketball players transfer, but usually because of a lack of playing time or they don't shoot as much as they would like. UNLV had a kid transfer this weekend who was second in minutes played and second in shots taken. He wants to play point guard, since he (or his father) see that as his meal ticket to the NBA. Interesting story to follow.

12) Problem for the kid is this: UNLV didn't have a true point guard this past season, and they still wouldn't use him there; what does that say about his floor general skills? Two of his three landing spots are USC/Oregon; if UNLV didn't want to play him at the point, why would a Pac-12 team?

11) Kid's name is Katin Reinhardt, and he played high school ball at Mater Dei HS in southern California, a perennial basketball power; NBC Sports reports that since 2007, of the nine Mater Dei alums who were ranked in the top 150 nationally, eight of them transferred from their original college.

Kid at Colorado named Xavier Johnson is the exception, and he's only been in Boulder for one season. Plenty of time for him to make it 9-for-9.

10) USC/Oregon both have good coaches, smart guys. Andy Enfield was a celebrity this past March because he's smart; his offense requires a point guard who can play fast and distribute the ball. Guy worked in the NBA and on Wall Street; he went to college at Johns Hopkins, he's not going to play a kid at PG unless he's really good at it.

Dana Altman has won everywhere he's been; he already has PGs on his roster, so why would he play Reinhardt there, if Dave Rice wouldn't?

9) Reinhardt's best bet to play point guard in college is to go to Cal-Irvine and play for former Golden State assistant Russell Turner, but in the Big West, a lesser league than the Pac-12 or Mountain West.

8) One other transfer story; kid named Sheldon Jeter wants to transfer from Vanderbilt to Pitt (he is from Beaver Falls, PA), but Vandy won't sign his release to go to Pitt. he could still go there, but would have to pay his way next season, before going on scholarship in 2014-15.

Sometimes a coach gets annoyed with how the kid breaks the news about his transferring, or thinks the kid was tampered with; curious to find out how this winds up. Coaches can look bad when they block a transfer request.

7) Charlotte Bobcats hired Steve Clifford as head coach; not that long ago, the guy was coaching at Woodland HS in Maine and later spent a year as an assistant coach at Siena College here in Albany. Quite a leap to the NBA, where he's been an assistant for well over a decade.

6) Mariners sent 2B prospect Dustin Ackley down to the minors, based on his anemic .206 batting average. The way the Mets treat Ike Davis, if Ackley was on the Mets, they'd give him a contract extension and a raise.

5) Beating a dead horse: Davis is hitting .155; not only should he be sent to Las Vegas, the Mets' AAA team, maybe he should be parking cars at Bellagio instead of playing baseball for a living.

Seriously, the Mets are doing him a disservice by not putting him on the DL, at least. He needs some time off to clear his head.

4) Tony Parker dismantled the Grizzlies and Spurs swept Memphis four straight, with Games 2-3 in overtime. Seeing how Memphis traded Rudy Gay to get under the tax threshold, not sure how they get better this summer- it had a good enough team to win the NBA title before they traded Gay.

3) Blackhawks scored three third period goals, beat Detroit 4-3, forced a Game 7 in the Windy City Wednesday night; good deal for the NHL, which also has a Game 7 in the Staples Center tonight.

2) NL teams are now 9-24 at AL teams in interleague play, where they have to use the unfamiliar DH; interesting to see if that trend holds up.

1) I like interleague play in baseball, but I'd like geographic realignment a lot better; less travel, more rivalry games. Just think it would be better.

[StarDust Bum]

See spot. See spot bet: This week's best spot bet opportunities

Spot bets are a classic handicapping practice that have proven profitable no matter what sport you’re betting. Whether it’s a team looking past this week’s opponent, one coming off a hard-fought victory, or a rough patch of schedule, bettors can find value picking their spots.

Lookahead spot

Boston’s Big Apple dreams

Boston and Philadelphia have a long and heated sports history but nothing holds a candle to Boston vs. New York, more specifically Red Sox versus Yankees. The two AL East powers are scheduled to clash for the first time since a season-opening, three-game set beginning Friday in New York.

The Red Sox, who are locked with the Yankees atop the division, have a four-game interleague set against the Phillies before making the trip to the Big Apple. Philadelphia is a shell of its former self, at 24-26 heading into Monday, but could hold value as Boston’s series with New York draws closer. The BoSox were 1-5 in the final game of a series before playing the Yankees last season.

Letdown spot

Pens, Bruins' long layoff

The Pittsburgh Penguins are enjoying their extended break after eliminating the Ottawa Senators in the second round of the NHL playoffs last Friday. After a compacted regular season and the grind of postseason hockey, the Pens can lick their wounds for at least four days before opening the Eastern Conference final versus the Boston Bruins.

Things aren’t settled in the West and Pittsburgh and Boston could be sitting around for a while before the puck drops. Boston knocked off the New York Rangers in five games Saturday and also gets some much-need downtime after a seven-game, first-round series with Toronto. Both teams could be a little rusty when the East championship finally gets underway, giving value to the under.

Schedule spot

Shock to the system

The Tulsa Shock are hoping to avoid another season in the WNBA basement and have high hopes after adding college standout Skylar Diggins. The Notre Dame product was shaky in her debut, scoring 15 points on 4-of-12 shooting while coughing the ball up five times in a 98-81 loss at Atlanta Saturday. The Shock failed to cover as 8.5-point road underdogs.

Tulsa hosts Washington Monday, then hits the highway for four straight road games starting Friday. The Shock visit New York and Chicago on the weekend, then go west to Seattle and Los Angeles the next week. Tulsa was one of the worst road teams in the league last season, going 3-14 SU (9-7-1 ATS), and isn't getting those beefy road spreads like last year.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, May 28

Hot pitchers
-- Maholm is 3-1, 5.01 in his last four starts.
-- de la Rosa is 4-0, 2.31 in his last four starts. Lyles is 1-0, 2.45 in his last couple starts.
-- Pirates are 5-0 when Gomez starts (2-0, 3.63). Detroit won four of last five Porcello starts (2-0, 4.20).
-- Kuroda is 5-2, 2.17 in his last eight starts. Harvey is 1-1, 2.35 in his last five.

-- Reds won last six Latos starts (4-0, 3.69). Indians won McAllister's last five outings (3-0, 2.73).
-- Phillies won Lee's last four starts (3-0, 1.16).
-- Lyons won his first MLB start, allowing one run in seven IP.

-- Sale is 4-0, 1.18 in his last five starts.
-- Parker is 1-1, 3.10 in his last three starts (1-5, 7.60 in previous seven).
-- Ryu is 2-0, 2.37 in his last three starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Morrow has a 6.63 RA in his last six starts.
-- Karns is 4-2, 4.60 in nine starts in AA Eastern League this year; this is his MLB debut- he's never pitched above AA. Gausman allowed four runs in five IP in losing his MLB debut.

-- Dempster is 0-3, 8.69 in his last four starts; he's thrown 212 pitches in just 7.2 IP over his last two starts.
-- Slowey is 0-3, 8.53 in his last three starts. Hellickson has a 6.57 RA in his last six outings.
-- Santana is 0-3, 4.67 in his last four starts.

-- Diamond is 0-2, 8.62 in his last three starts. Figaro was 2-4, 6.54 for Detroit in '09-'10, making four starts; he has a 3.46 ERA in 15 relief appearances so far this season.
-- Jackson is 1-4, 7.66 in his last five starts.
-- Seattle lost last four Maurer starts (0-3, 8.50). Volquez is 0-2, 6.35 in his last three starts.
-- Blanton is 1-4, 5.34 in five road starts.

Starting Pitchers/First Inning
You can wager on whether teams will score in first inning. Below is how often a starting pitcher has allowed 1+ runs in first inning in one of his starts........
-- Maholm 1-10; Morrow 3-9
-- de laRosa 3-10; Lyles 3-5
-- Gomez 2-5; Porcello 2-8
-- Gausman 0-1; Karns 0-0
-- Kuroda 5-10; Harvey 2-10

-- McAllister 2-9; Latos 4-10 (3 of last 3)
-- Lee 0-10; Dempster 3-10
-- Slowey 3-10; Hellickson 7-10
-- Lyons 0-1; Santana 5-10

-- Diamond 4-8 (3 of last 3); Figaro 0-0
-- Jackson 5-10; Sale 5-9
-- Kickham 0-0; Parker 3-10
-- Volquez 3-10 (0 of last 6); Maurer 4-9
-- Blanton 5-10 (1 of last 6); Ryu 3-10

Totals
-- Over is 9-2-1 in Baltimore's last twelve games.
-- Six of last nine Pirate games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 7-3-2 in last twelve Cleveland games.
-- Three of last four Minnesota games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last eleven Kansas City games stayed under the total.

-- Six of last eight Colorado games stayed under the total.
-- 11 of last 14 Tampa Bay home games went over the total.
-- Eight of last eleven Oakland games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Seattle games went over the total.

-- Over is 15-4-1 in Atlanta's last twenty road games.
-- Under is 7-3-2 in last twelve Philly road games.
-- Eight of Mets' last eleven games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 3-0-3 in White Sox' last six games.
-- Five of last six Dodger games went over the total.

Hot teams
-- Orioles won five of their last seven games.
-- Pirates won 10 of their last 13 games. Detroit won six of its last seven.
-- Reds won 13 of their last 16 games.
-- Cardinals won 19 of their last 25 games.
-- A's won nine of their last ten games.
-- Atlanta won eight of its last ten games. Toronto won eight of its last eleven home games.
-- Red Sox won five of their last six games.
-- White Sox won nine of their last thirteen games.
-- Angels won eight of their last nine games.

Cold teams
-- Nationals lost six of their last nine games.
-- Indians lost six of their last seven games.
-- Minnesota lost eleven of its last thirteen games. Brewers lost ten of their last thirteen games.
-- Royals lost ten of their last eleven games.
-- Giants lost their last four road games, allowing 29 runs.
-- Astros lost three of their last four games. Colorado is 6-11 in its last 17 road games.
-- Tampa Bay lost four of its last seven games. Marlins lost 16 of their last 19.
-- Padres lost five of their last six games. Mariners lost eight of last ten.
-- Phillies lost three of their last four games.
-- Mets lost five of their last seven games; Bronx lost four of last six.
-- Cubs lost eight of their last twelve games.
-- Dodgers are 2-8 in game following their last ten wins.

Umpires
-- Atl-Tor-- Over is 6-1-2 in last nine Hirschbeck games.
-- Col-Hst-- Over is 6-2-1 in last nine McClelland games.
-- Pitt-Det-- Underdogs won five of last six Vanover games.
-- Blt-Wsh-- Favorites won eight of last ten Hallion games.
-- NY-NY-- Home team won five of last six O'Nora games.

-- Cle-Cin-- Five of last six Fairchild games stayed under total.
-- Phil-Bos-- Favorites won last four Tichenor games.
-- Mia-TB-- Seven of last eight Wendelstedt games went over.
-- StL-KC-- Underdogs are 13-6 in last nineteen West games.

-- Min-Mil-- Home team is 20-8 in last 28 Eddings games.
-- Chi-Chi-- Road team won seven of last ten TWelke games, with last three staying under the total.
-- SF-A's-- Four of last five Davis games stayed under the total.
-- SD-Sea-- Six of last eight TBarrett games stayed under total.
-- LA-LA-- Over is 30-8-4 in last 42 Emmel games.
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MLB

Tuesday, May 28

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Trend Report
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12:37 PM
ATLANTA vs. TORONTO
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Atlanta's last 19 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games
Toronto is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing Atlanta
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

2:10 PM
COLORADO vs. HOUSTON
Colorado is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Colorado's last 8 games on the road
Houston is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Houston's last 12 games when playing at home against Colorado

7:05 PM
BALTIMORE vs. WASHINGTON
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Baltimore's last 5 games
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Baltimore
Washington is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games

7:08 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. DETROIT
Pittsburgh is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Pittsburgh's last 15 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Detroit's last 8 games when playing Pittsburgh
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:10 PM
NY YANKEES vs. NY METS
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of NY Yankees's last 10 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 7 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Mets's last 7 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
NY Mets are 2-5 SU in its last 7 games

7:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games on the road
Cleveland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 7 games when playing Cleveland

7:10 PM
MIAMI vs. TAMPA BAY
Miami is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Miami's last 9 games
Tampa Bay is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games at home
Tampa Bay is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Miami

7:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. BOSTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia

8:10 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. KANSAS CITY
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Kansas City is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Kansas City's last 5 games when playing at home against St. Louis

8:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Chi Cubs are 7-15 SU in their last 22 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 15-7 SU in their last 22 games when playing Chi Cubs
Chi White Sox are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games

8:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. MILWAUKEE
Minnesota is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Minnesota is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games
Milwaukee is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

10:05 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. OAKLAND
San Francisco is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of San Francisco's last 22 games when playing on the road against Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 5 games at home
Oakland is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games

10:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. LA DODGERS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 6 games
LA Angels are 8-1 SU in their last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 17 of LA Dodgers's last 23 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games when playing at home against LA Angels

10:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. SEATTLE
San Diego is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Seattle
San Diego is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Seattle is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Seattle's last 10 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

NY Yankees at NY Mets
The Yankees look to build on their 6-1 record in Hiroki Kuroda's last 7 starts as a road underdog. The Yankees are the pick (+120) according to Dunkel, which has the Yankees favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (+120). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, MAY 28

Game 951-952: Atlanta at Toronto (12:37 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Maholm) 15.087; Toronto (Morrow) 16.259
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+100); Over

Game 953-954: Colorado at Houston (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (De La Rosa) 14.928; Houston (Lyles) 13.778
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 2; 8
Vegas Line: Colorado (-165); 9
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-165); Under

Game 955-956: Pittsburgh at Detroit (7:08 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Gomez) 15.169; Detroit (Porcello) 16.593
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Detroit (-160); 9
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-160); Under

Game 957-958: Baltimore at Washington (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Gausman) 16.240; Washington (Karns) 15.075
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 10
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 959-960: NY Yankees at NY Mets (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Kuroda) 15.455; NY Mets (Harvey) 14.618
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1; 8
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-140); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (+120); Over

Game 961-962: Cleveland at Cincinnati (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (McAllister) 15.026; Cincinnati (Latos) 16.733
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-155); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-155); Under

Game 963-964: Philadelphia at Boston (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Lee) 15.009; Boston (Dempster) 14.398
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Boston (-130); 8
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+110); Over

Game 965-966: Miami at Tampa Bay (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (Slowey) 13.236; Tampa Bay (Hellickson) 16.016
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 3; 6
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-210); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-210); Under

Game 967-968: St. Louis at Kansas City (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Lyons) 14.176; Kansas City (Santana) 14.750
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-110); 9
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-110); Under

Game 969-970: Minnesota at Milwaukee (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Diamond) 14.090; Milwaukee (Figaro) 13.269
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-125); 9
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+105); Over

Game 971-972: Chicago Cubs at Chicago White Sox (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Jackson) 15.716; White Sox (Sale) 13.923
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 2; 9
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-185); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+165); Over

Game 973-974: San Francisco at Oakland (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Kickham) 15.191; Oakland (Parker) 16.556
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Oakland (-130); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-130); Under

Game 975-976: San Diego at Seattle (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Volquez) 14.402; Seattle (Maurer) 15.895
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Seattle (-110); 8
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-110); Under

Game 977-978: LA Angels at LA Dodgers (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Blanton) 16.344; LA Dodgers (Ryu) 15.310
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1; 9
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-140); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (+120); Over
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MLB
Long Sheet

Tuesday, May 28

First Post

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ATLANTA (30 - 20) at TORONTO (22 - 29) - 12:35 PM
PAUL MAHOLM (L) vs. BRANDON MORROW (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MORROW is 19-2 (+17.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 124-89 (+22.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 83-52 (+23.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MORROW is 1-10 (-12.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday since 1997. (Team's Record)

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

PAUL MAHOLM vs. TORONTO since 1997
MAHOLM is 1-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.21 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

BRANDON MORROW vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.

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COLORADO (27 - 24) at HOUSTON (15 - 36) - 2:10 PM
JORGE DE LA ROSA (L) vs. JORDAN LYLES (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 84-158 (-46.1 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
COLORADO is 164-213 (-46.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 29-52 (-29.1 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 4-18 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 24-49 (-24.9 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 164-213 (-46.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 31-79 (-36.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 70-142 (-42.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 4-25 (-16.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 70-142 (-42.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 1-0 (+1.3 Units) against COLORADO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

JORGE DE LA ROSA vs. HOUSTON since 1997
DE LA ROSA is 0-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 1.876.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)

JORDAN LYLES vs. COLORADO since 1997
LYLES is 0-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 7.20 and a WHIP of 1.600.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.1 units)

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Tuesday, May 28

Update

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PITTSBURGH (31 - 20) at DETROIT (29 - 20) - 7:05 PM
JEANMAR GOMEZ (R) vs. RICK PORCELLO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 303-539 (-115.5 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 220-439 (-94.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 28-83 (-47.4 Units) against the money line in road games in an inter-league game since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 31-20 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 26-14 (+15.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PITTSBURGH is 13-6 (+8.5 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
PITTSBURGH is 31-20 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 31-21 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
GOMEZ is 21-12 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GOMEZ is 21-12 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 120-97 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

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

JEANMAR GOMEZ vs. DETROIT since 1997
GOMEZ is 2-2 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 8.52 and a WHIP of 1.973.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-1. (+3.0 units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
PORCELLO is 2-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 0.60 and a WHIP of 0.667.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

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BALTIMORE (28 - 23) at WASHINGTON (26 - 25) - 7:05 PM
KEVIN GAUSMAN (R) vs. NATE KARNS (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 1-0 (+1.1 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

KEVIN GAUSMAN vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.

NATE KARNS vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

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NY YANKEES (30 - 20) at NY METS (19 - 29) - 7:10 PM
HIROKI KURODA (R) vs. MATT HARVEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 4-13 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Tuesday over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 30-20 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 9-23 (-14.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 89-115 (-27.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 50-77 (-26.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 18-34 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 93-117 (-23.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 47-62 (-25.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.1 Units)

HIROKI KURODA vs. NY METS since 1997
KURODA is 2-5 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 4.81 and a WHIP of 1.512.
His team's record is 3-5 (-2.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-5. (-2.8 units)

MATT HARVEY vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.

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CLEVELAND (27 - 23) at CINCINNATI (32 - 19) - 7:10 PM
ZACH MCALLISTER (R) vs. MAT LATOS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 131-87 (+23.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 131-87 (+23.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 34-17 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
LATOS is 31-13 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LATOS is 10-1 (+10.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
LATOS is 31-13 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LATOS is 19-6 (+10.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 27-23 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 319-341 (-79.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

ZACH MCALLISTER vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

MAT LATOS vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
LATOS is 1-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 7.36 and a WHIP of 1.455.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (24 - 27) at BOSTON (32 - 20) - 7:10 PM
CLIFF LEE (L) vs. RYAN DEMPSTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 49-56 (-16.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 52-65 (-22.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 105-108 (-24.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 7-16 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 105-105 (-21.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LEE is 18-22 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 18-5 (+12.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
DEMPSTER is 62-47 (+19.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 101-113 (-31.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 51-58 (-27.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 85-102 (-38.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 66-82 (-31.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.

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

CLIFF LEE vs. BOSTON since 1997
LEE is 3-5 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 3.81 and a WHIP of 1.232.
His team's record is 4-8 (-4.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-4. (+3.6 units)

RYAN DEMPSTER vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
DEMPSTER is 4-5 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 5.52 and a WHIP of 1.624.
His team's record is 7-10 (-2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 13-3. (+9.7 units)

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MIAMI (13 - 38) at TAMPA BAY (26 - 24) - 7:10 PM
KEVIN SLOWEY (R) vs. JEREMY HELLICKSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 6-18 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 54-88 (-30.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 9-28 (-14.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MIAMI is 38-68 (-23.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 13-38 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 37-70 (-24.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 104-102 (+27.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Tuesday since 1997.

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

KEVIN SLOWEY vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
SLOWEY is 0-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 1.417.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

JEREMY HELLICKSON vs. MIAMI since 1997
HELLICKSON is 0-0 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 2.08 and a WHIP of 2.771.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

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ST LOUIS (33 - 17) at KANSAS CITY (21 - 27) - 8:10 PM
TYLER LYONS (L) vs. ERVIN SANTANA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 20-11 (+14.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 33-17 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 19-9 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ST LOUIS is 18-6 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in May games this season.
ST LOUIS is 33-17 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 27-11 (+14.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 248-363 (-103.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
KANSAS CITY is 7-17 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in May games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 11-18 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

TYLER LYONS vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

ERVIN SANTANA vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
SANTANA is 1-0 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.2 units)

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MINNESOTA (20 - 28) at MILWAUKEE (19 - 30) - 8:10 PM
SCOTT DIAMOND (L) vs. ALFREDO FIGARO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 66-25 (+29.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 19-30 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 4-17 (-14.9 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 9-20 (-11.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MILWAUKEE is 19-30 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 5-19 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in May games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 1-0 (+1.1 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

SCOTT DIAMOND vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
DIAMOND is 1-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 5.07 and a WHIP of 1.689.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

ALFREDO FIGARO vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
No recent starts.

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CHICAGO CUBS (20 - 30) at CHI WHITE SOX (24 - 25) - 8:10 PM
EDWIN JACKSON (R) vs. CHRIS SALE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 81-131 (-33.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 38-67 (-20.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 55-75 (-34.6 Units) against the money line after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 57-94 (-29.9 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 34-55 (-21.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 81-131 (-33.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 33-74 (-27.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 17-39 (-20.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday over the last 3 seasons.
JACKSON is 14-28 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JACKSON is 13-28 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JACKSON is 5-14 (-11.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHI WHITE SOX are 171-125 (+40.3 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 32-21 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 44-51 (-25.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
0 of 0 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

EDWIN JACKSON vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
JACKSON is 1-4 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 6.60 and a WHIP of 1.791.
His team's record is 2-6 (-4.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-2. (+2.9 units)

CHRIS SALE vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

[StarDust Bum]

SAN FRANCISCO (28 - 23) at OAKLAND (29 - 23) - 10:05 PM
MIKE KICKHAM (L) vs. JARROD PARKER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 93-50 (+33.8 Units) against the money line in home games in an inter-league game since 1997.
OAKLAND is 119-88 (+40.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 87-55 (+42.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 19-9 (+11.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
OAKLAND is 31-16 (+17.4 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 64-54 (+20.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 125-94 (+42.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 40-28 (+14.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 65-41 (+22.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 133-94 (+29.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 84-54 (+26.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 494-486 (+47.2 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 31-19 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 57-44 (+13.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 133-96 (+27.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 61-51 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.

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

MIKE KICKHAM vs. OAKLAND since 1997
No recent starts.

JARROD PARKER vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
PARKER is 0-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 7.88 and a WHIP of 1.750.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

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

SAN DIEGO (22 - 28) at SEATTLE (22 - 29) - 10:10 PM
EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R) vs. BRANDON MAURER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 22-4 (+17.8 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 435-492 (+42.3 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
VOLQUEZ is 34-21 (+15.9 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. SEATTLE since 1997
VOLQUEZ is 3-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 2.43 and a WHIP of 1.416.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.7 units)

BRANDON MAURER vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.

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LA ANGELS (23 - 28) at LA DODGERS (21 - 28) - 10:10 PM
JOE BLANTON (R) vs. HYUN-JIN RYU (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 10-17 (-11.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
LA ANGELS are 23-28 (-10.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 23-28 (-10.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 12-23 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BLANTON is 2-8 (-7.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
BLANTON is 2-8 (-7.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
BLANTON is 1-7 (-7.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 676-665 (+58.3 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 84-65 (+26.4 Units) against the money line in road games in an inter-league game since 1997.
LA DODGERS are 7-13 (-8.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
LA DODGERS are 21-28 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 8-15 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in May games this season.
LA DODGERS are 10-22 (-18.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 21-28 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 13-23 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 13-19 (-10.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 1-0 (+1.1 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

JOE BLANTON vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
BLANTON is 2-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.62 and a WHIP of 1.490.
His team's record is 6-2 (+4.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (-0.2 units)

HYUN-JIN RYU vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
No recent starts.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Short Sheet

Tuesday, May 28

Interleague

Atlanta at Toronto, 12:35 ET
Maholm: Atlanta 12-4 Over away with a line of +125 to -125
Morrow: 19-2 TSR at home with a total of 9 to 9.5 runs

Colorado at Houston, 2:10 ET
De La Rosa: 21-2 TSR as a favorite of -150 or higher
Lyles: Houston 9-28 SU vs. NL West opponents

Pittsburgh at Detroit, 7:05 ET
Gomez: 12-4 TSR as an underdog of +150 or less
Porcello: Detroit 16-8 Over in home games

Baltimore at Washington, 7:05 ET
Gausman: Pittsburgh 14-8 SU off BB road games
Karns: Washington 1-5 SU on Tuesdays

NY Yankees at NY Mets, 7:10 ET ESPN
Kuroda: Yankees 6-0 SU off BB losses
Harvey: Mets 10-27 SU at home after scoring 2 runs or less

Cleveland at Cincinnati, 7:10 ET
McAllister: Cleveland 15-6 Over off a loss
Latos: 19-6 TSR pitching off a team win

Philadelphia at Boston, 7:10 ET
Lee: Philadelphia 7-16 SU in interleague games
Dempster: Boston 12-1 SU off BB Overs

Miami at Tampa Bay, 7:10 ET
Slowey: Miami 3-13 SU vs. AL East opponents
Hellickson: Tampa Bay 14-3 SU off a combined score of 15+ runs

St. Louis at Kansas City, 8:10 ET
Lyons: St. Louis 19-9 SU in road games
Santana: Kansas City 0-6 SU off 10+ games hitting 1 or 0 home runs

Minnesota at Milwaukee, 8:10 ET
Diamond: Minnesota 27-14 Over after losing 12+ of their last 15 games
Figaro: Milwaukee 4-17 SU vs. left-handed starters

Chicago Cubs at Chicago White Sox, 8:10 ET
Jackson: 7-18 TSR in the first half of the season
Sale: 15-6 TSR pitching off a team loss

San Francisco at Oakland, 10:05 ET MLB
Kickham: San Francisco 18-10 Over with a line of +125 to -125
Parker: Oakland 14-4 SU off BB wins

San Diego at Seattle, 10:10 ET
Volquez: San Diego 30-9 Over after scoring 1 or 0 runs
Maurer: Seattle 22-4 SU as a home favorite of -125 or less

LA Angels at LA Dodgers, 10:10 ET ESPN
Blanton: 1-7 TSR in night games
Ryu: Dodgers 13-5 Over at home vs. right-handed starters
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