The Bum's Aug. MLB Best Bets + Pod's !

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Mariners (55-63) at Rays (66-51)
Game: 2
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: August 14, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


Although the rotation recently carried the Tampa Bay Rays through their best stretch of the season, it has let the team down during its worst.

Giving the ball to David Price should give the Rays a good chance to turn things around.

Price looks to maintain his elite form and help Tampa Bay avoid its longest losing streak in nearly four years Wednesday night against the visiting Seattle Mariners.

While their starters posted a major-league best 2.17 ERA during a 23-4 stretch from June 29-July 30, the Rays (66-51) have gotten a 7.11 ERA from that group during the current six-game skid.

Chris Archer became the latest Tampa Bay starter to get knocked around, surrendering five runs and nine hits over five-plus innings in Tuesday's 5-4 loss to Seattle (55-63).

"I was hoping to go out there and reverse the fortune that we've been having," Archer said. "Hopefully (Price) can go out there and do his thing and get us a win."

Price (6-5, 3.17 ERA) will try to help the Rays avoid losing seven straight for the first time since an 11-game slide Sept. 3-13, 2009.

The 2012 AL Cy Young Award winner has the team's lone quality start during the losing streak, giving up one unearned run over seven innings before the bullpen blew a late five-run lead in Friday's 7-6 loss at Dodger Stadium.

Price walked one, snapping his run of 35 1-3 consecutive innings without a walk, the longest such streak in Rays' history.

"I didn't feel as good as I felt in my six other starts that I've had off the DL," Price said. "This was the most erratic I was and it was the worst command I've had."

The left-hander, however, is 5-1 with three complete games and a 1.40 ERA in eight starts since missing six-plus weeks with a triceps strain.

Price has never faced the Mariners, who will try to win three in a row for the first time since a season-best eight-game run July 12-23.

Seattle batted .216 over its previous six games before pounding out 12 hits in Tuesday's series opener, with leadoff man Brad Miller hitting two home runs.

Justin Smoak went 2 for 4 with two RBIs, leaving him with a .375 average and 10 RBIs since Aug. 1. Dustin Ackley added three hits and is 8 for 14 in his last four games.

That kind of success has escaped Mariners scheduled starter Aaron Harang (5-10, 5.79) of late.

He's been tagged for 14 runs and 12 hits - four homers - over seven-plus innings in his last two outings. He gave up seven runs for the third time in five starts last Wednesday, pitching a season-worst two-plus innings in a 9-7 win over Toronto.

"I felt like in the first inning I came out throwing strikes," Harang told the league's official website. "In the second inning, I was just missing with pitches, felt I made a couple good pitches, but the ball just fell in."

Harang hasn't started against Tampa Bay since 2002 while with Oakland. This time, he faces a Rays team that is batting .204 with runners in scoring position during its skid.

Evan Longoria has been scuffling with a .136 average in his last 11 games, but Ben Zobrist is hitting .356 over that same span after homering twice Tuesday.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Mariners at Rays
Tue, Aug 13 Final 5 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Mariners at Rays
Wed, Aug 14 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Mariners at Rays
Thu, Aug 15 - 7:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Brewers (52-67) at Rangers (69-51)
Game: 2
Venue: Rangers Ballpark in Arlington
Date: August 14, 2013 8:05 PM EDT


The Texas Rangers haven't experienced many setbacks over the last two weeks, but Matt Garza hasn't exactly been at his best during that stretch.

He hasn't had much trouble against the Milwaukee Brewers in recent years, though.

After having its winning streak snapped, Texas sends Garza to the mound as he seeks another solid outing against the visiting Brewers on Wednesday night.

The Rangers (69-51) had won eight straight games and 13 of their last 14 before falling 5-1 to Milwaukee on Tuesday. Mitch Moreland's third-inning homer accounted for their only run, and they've scored three times over their last two.

Texas averaged 6.7 runs over its previous seven contests.

"There was no lack of energy or lack of enthusiasm or lack of anything,' said catcher A.J. Pierzynski, who went 0 for 4. "It just didn't work out. Those games happen sometimes.'

One of the Rangers' defeats during their hot stretch came with Garza (2-1, 3.38 ERA) on the mound, as he suffered a 4-2 loss to Oakland on Aug. 3 after giving up four runs in eight innings.

He also allowed four runs Friday against Houston, but received plenty of run support over his seven innings and recorded a 9-5 win. Garza has allowed 11 runs over his last three starts after giving up only eight combined over his previous seven outings.

"Great team win,' said Garza, 7-1 with a 2.10 ERA dating back to June 16 when he was still with the Chicago Cubs. "I stayed long enough in there to let the boys come back and pick it up. Sometimes you give up four and you get a win.'

It has taken the right-hander his last five starts combined against the Brewers to give up four earned runs, as he's 3-0 with a 1.01 ERA in that stretch. Garza allowed one run and struck out 10 in seven innings of a 7-2 win June 27 while with the Cubs.

Milwaukee third baseman Aramis Ramirez, another former Cub, on Tuesday ended a five-week stint on the disabled list due to patellar tendinitis in his left knee, but he went 0 for 3. He homered May 7 in a 6-3 win over Texas for the Brewers (52-67), who have won five of their last seven.

Rookie Scooter Gennett, the No. 9 hitter, homered twice and is 7 for 16 with three home runs and six RBIs over his last four. He was hazed a bit after each of his homers Tuesday.

"The silent treatment, it was actually a really good one," Gennett said. "It's all fun, it's always good to give a few people some laughs."

Milwaukee, which has a 1.57 ERA over its last eight, will turn to another youngster in pitcher Tyler Thornburg on Wednesday.

Thornburg (1-0, 1.72) has been very solid in both of his starts this season, allowing four hits in six scoreless innings of Milwaukee's 3-2 win over the Cubs on July 30 before giving up an unearned run in six frames of the Brewers' 4-2 loss at San Francisco on Aug. 5.

He came out of the bullpen Saturday for his seventh relief appearance to pitch a scoreless inning in a 10-0 win over Seattle. The right-hander has never faced Texas and has no record with a 2.77 ERA in five career starts.

Moreland has homered in all three meetings this season versus the Brewers, who have won two.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Brewers at Rangers
Tue, Aug 13 Final 5 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Brewers at Rangers
Wed, Aug 14 - 8:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Pirates (70-48) at Cardinals (68-50)
Game: 2
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: August 14, 2013 8:15 PM EDT


After rallying to win a marathon contest against the NL Central leaders, the St. Louis Cardinals might have found the boost they need to make a run and catch the slumping Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Cardinals look for a third straight victory while trying to hand the Pirates a season-high fifth consecutive defeat Wednesday night at Busch Stadium.

St. Louis (68-50) dropped four of five at Pittsburgh from July 29-Aug. 1 to fall out of first place. It then lost six of 10 before moving within two games of the Pirates (70-48) after overcoming an early 3-0 deficit to beat Pittsburgh 4-3 in 14 innings Tuesday.

"We had a lot of guys step up,' St. Louis manager Mike Matheny said. "That was a big, big win. It was one of those ones you just felt you had to win somehow.'

The Pirates have totaled 10 runs during a four-game skid that followed a five-game stretch in which they averaged 4.6. They've also dropped five straight and seven of eight on the road.

St. Louis' Jon Jay, who scored the winning run on Adron Chambers' single Tuesday, had four hits and Matt Carpenter added three. Daniel Descalso scored the tying run in the ninth after he reached second base on a dropped fly ball by Pittsburgh left fielder Starling Marte.

"We got nicked for a run. We had to play five more after that,' Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "We threw everything out there, they threw everything out there.

"We let one probably get away from us.'

Jay is 10 for 22 in his last five games versus Pittsburgh, while Carpenter is 8 for 15 with four doubles in the last three overall.

St. Louis' Shelby Miller (11-7, 2.89 ERA) will make this start after he was struck on the right elbow with a ball on his second pitch of last Wednesday's 13-4 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"To stay out there for 100 pitches (Wednesday) night, my arm would probably feel worse than it does," Miller told the Cardinals' official website the day after the injury. "That's something to be happy about. I got lucky there."

The Cardinals have been outscored 14-0 while Miller's gone 0-2 with a 3.86 ERA against the Pirates this season. The right-hander gave up two of his three runs on solo homers while striking out seven in 5 2-3 innings of a 9-0 home loss to Pittsburgh on April 28.

He'll be opposed by Francisco Liriano (12-5, 2.83), who improved to 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA against the Cardinals when he gave up a run, four hits and fanned eight in seven innings of a 9-2 victory July 29.

The left-hander allowed one run and struck out 22 over 21 2-3 innings during a three-start winning streak that ended Friday when he was roughed up for 10 runs and 12 hits in 2 1-3 frames of a 10-1 loss at Colorado.

"This is the big leagues, and every once in a while you have those kind of nights, unfortunately," Hurdle told the Pirates official website. "Nobody likes it; he doesn't like it. You don't psychoanalyze it, you don't overcook it."

Pittsburgh's Andrew McCutchen hit a two-run homer Tuesday, and is 16 for 32 with nine RBIs in the last 10 games.

Teammate Pedro Alvarez, however, is batting .182 in his last 25 games and is 3 for 20 with six strikeouts in the last five versus St. Louis.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Pirates at Cardinals
Tue, Aug 13 Final 3 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Pirates at Cardinals
Wed, Aug 14 - 8:15PM EDT

GAME 3
Pirates at Cardinals
Thu, Aug 15 - 1:45PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Astros (38-80) at Athletics (67-51)
Game: 2
Venue: O.co Coliseum
Date: August 14, 2013 10:05 PM EDT


Losing to the lowly Houston Astros is something the Oakland Athletics likely can't afford during their quest to regain the top spot in the AL West.

The A's look to bounce back from their first-ever home defeat to the Astros on Wednesday night.

Oakland (67-51) leads the wild-card race, but blew a chance to move into a tie with Texas for first place in the division with a 5-4 loss to Houston on Tuesday. The A's had won three of four at Toronto over the weekend, but have dropped eight of 12 overall.

They scored three times in the eighth and Chris Young just missed hitting a game-winning two-run homer in the ninth before he fanned for the final out.

"That's how the game goes sometimes,' said Young, who went 0 for 5 with three strikeouts Tuesday. "It goes from extremely crappy to amazing to unbelievable to crappy again.'

Owners of the majors' worst record, the Astros (38-80) had dropped 11 of the first 12 meetings this season with Oakland before Jordan Lyles allowed a run through seven innings and they chased Bartolo Colon with five runs in four innings. Brandon Barnes had two RBIs for Houston, which snapped a six-game skid to win for the first time in seven games at the Coliseum.

"Jordan pitched a great game and the offense did just enough to win the game,' manager Bo Porter said. "It's a big boost for the club."

Ex-Athletic Chris Carter added an RBI double. He has five RBIs this season against his former team, but is 6 for 47 (.128) with 17 strikeouts in those games.

Oakland's Yoenis Cespedes had three hits, including a two-run homer Tuesday. He's 10 for 24 with four RBIs his last six games against the Astros.

After being stymied by Lyles in the opener, Cespedes and the A's could face another stiff challenge against highly-touted Houston rookie Jarred Cosart (1-0, 1.36 ERA). The right-hander has allowed five earned runs but walked 17 in 33 innings of his first five career starts.

Cosart, who has yet to give up a homer, allowed two runs in five innings of a 7-5 loss to Boston last Wednesday.

In his second career start, Cosart yielded two runs - one earned - and seven hits in seven innings while not factoring in the decision of a 5-4 home win over Oakland on July 23.

He'll be opposed by Jarrod Parker (8-6, 4.04), who gave up two runs in seven innings of that contest.

The right-hander went 2-6 with a 5.76 ERA in his first 10 starts, but is 6-0 with a 2.92 ERA during the last 13. He'll try to win three straight starts for the second time this season after giving up three runs in six innings of a 14-6 win at Toronto on Friday.

It's uncertain if Oakland center fielder Coco Crisp will be back in the lineup after he was limited to pinch-running because of a sore left wrist hurt diving for a catch Sunday.

Crisp is batting .386 with four homers, 10 RBIs and 12 walks against the Astros in 2013.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Astros at Athletics
Tue, Aug 13 Final 5 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Astros at Athletics
Wed, Aug 14 - 10:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Astros at Athletics
Thu, Aug 15 - 3:35PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Mets (54-63) at Dodgers (69-50)
Game: 3
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: August 14, 2013 10:10 PM EDT


The Los Angeles Dodgers appear to be practically unstoppable, and now they may be getting one of their top hitters back.

Baseball's hottest team expects to get Hanley Ramirez back Wednesday night when the Dodgers seek an eighth straight win and a three-game sweep of the New York Mets.

Los Angeles (69-50) is on a staggering 39-8 run, going from the NL West cellar to a 7 1/2-game lead on second-place Arizona.

The remarkable turnaround has showed few signs of waning with the Dodgers winning seven straight, their longest streak since a nine-game run May 9-18, 2010.

"The Dodgers are having a lot of fun right now," Los Angeles' Nick Punto said.

Ramirez's return may only add to the enjoyment.

A sore right shoulder has keep the shortstop out of the lineup for eight of the past nine games. He's hitting .359 with 11 homers and 37 RBIs in 56 games, but he's mustered only a .122 average over his last 11 meetings with the Mets (54-63).

"I feel like there are no issues at this point," manager Don Mattingly told the team's official website.

It's unclear how Ramirez's return will impact Punto, who is 11 for 24 (.458) with four doubles and eight RBIs over the past nine games, starting seven at short.

Punto had an RBI double in Tuesday's 4-2 victory, a day after hitting a solo homer in a victory by the same score.

He's capable of playing third and second, but Juan Uribe is 8 for 17 in five games and Mark Ellis is 10 for 22 in his last five games.

The Dodgers have won eight of nine against New York, which hasn't been swept at Chavez Ravine since May 18-20, 2009.

"You've got to play a perfect game to beat them right now, and we're not doing that," Mets manager Terry Collins said.

Los Angeles looks to win for the sixth consecutive time with Chris Capuano (4-6, 4.50 ERA) on the mound. He's 2-0 with a 3.21 ERA over that stretch, holding opponents scoreless three times in that span.

That wasn't the case Friday, however, when the left-hander gave up six runs and 10 hits in 4 1-3 innings of a 7-6 come-from-behind win over Tampa Bay.

Capuano, who spent 2011 with the Mets, is 1-5 with a 5.53 ERA in seven starts against them.

New York counters with Dillon Gee (8-8, 3.82), who has a 1.53 ERA over his last five starts. However, he just 2-1 in those games while receiving one or two runs of support in his past four outings.

Gee, though, didn't need much help from his offense Thursday, yielding one run and scattering eight hits in 7 2-3 innings of a 2-1 win over Colorado.

"Dillon Gee is a prototypical pitcher," manager Terry Collins said. "He's got four quality major league pitches and when he's using all four he's tough to hit because he has the knack to throw those pitches at any time."

Gee hasn't fared well at Dodger Stadium, losing both starts while allowing 10 runs in 11 2-3 innings.

New York's Wilmer Flores may be headed to the disabled list after sitting out Tuesday with an injured right ankle. The rookie third baseman has been a pleasant surprise filling in for David Wright (hamstring), collecting nine RBIs in seven games.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Mets at Dodgers
Mon, Aug 12 Final 2 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Mets at Dodgers
Tue, Aug 13 Final 2 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Mets at Dodgers
Wed, Aug 14 - 10:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Pittsburgh at St. Louis
The Pirates look to bounce back from last night's 4-3 loss and take advantage of a St. Louis team that is 0-6 in its last 6 games as a favorite of -110 to -150. Pittsburgh is the pick (+105) according to Dunkel, which has the Pirates favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+105). Here are all of today's picks.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14

Game 951-952: Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs (2:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Arroyo) 14.185; Cubs (Rusin) 14.842
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-145); No Run Total
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+125); N/A

Game 953-954: San Diego at Colorado (3:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Cashner) 14.314; Colorado (De La Rosa) 15.784
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Colorado (-155); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-155); Under

Game 955-956: San Francisco at Washington (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Lincecum) 15.856; Washington (Zimmermann) 14.939
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Washington (-150); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+130); Under

Game 957-958: Philadelphia at Atlanta (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Lannan) 14.005; Atlanta (Beachy) 16.200
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 2; 9
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-230); 8
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-230); Over

Game 959-960: Pittsburgh at St. Louis (8:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Liriano) 15.173; St. Louis (Miller) 14.082
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1; 6
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-125); 7
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+105); Under

Game 961-962: NY Mets at LA Dodgers (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Gee) 15.714; LA Dodgers (Capuano) 17.421
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-165); 7
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-165); Over

Game 963-964: Cleveland at Minnesota (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Carrasco) 15.997; Minnesota (Gibson) 15.103
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-115); 9
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-115); Over

Game 965-966: Detroit at Chicago White Sox (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Porcello) 15.591; White Sox (Danks) 16.477
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Detroit (-155); 9
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+135); Under

Game 967-968: LA Angels at NY Yankees (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Weaver) 16.459; NY Yankees (Nova) 15.575
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1; 7
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-125); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (+105); Under

Game 969-970: Boston at Toronto (7:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lester) 16.977; Toronto (Rogers) 15.326
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Boston (-130); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-130); Over

Game 971-972: Seattle at Tampa Bay (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Harang) 13.835; Tampa Bay (Price) 15.302
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-270); 7
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-270); Under

Game 973-974: Houston at Oakland (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Cosart) 15.710; Oakland (Parker) 14.877
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Oakland (-240); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+200); Over

Game 975-976: Miami at Kansas City (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (Turner) 15.294; Kansas City (Santana) 16.240
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 6
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-200); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-200); Under

Game 977-978: Baltimore at Arizona (3:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Tillman) 14.963; Arizona (Corbin) 13.892
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Arizona (-130); 8
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+110); Over

Game 979-980: Milwaukee at Texas (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Thornburg) 15.038; Texas (Garza) 16.529
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Texas (-230); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-230); Over

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Short Sheet

Wednesday, August 14

National League

Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs, 2:20 ET
Arroyo: Reds 6-2 SU last eight times Arroyo has started a road series finale during the day
Rusin: Under is 11-3 last 14 times the Cubs play the first of two consecutive road games

San Diego at Colorado, 3:10 ET MLB
Cashner: Over is 7-1 in last eight Cashner road starts
De La Rosa: Rockies 19-3 SU in De La Rosa's last 22 home starts

San Francisco at Washington, 7:05 ET
Lincecum: Giants 7-17 SU over past two years when Lincecum starts a night game on trhe road
Zimmermann: Nationals 14-1 SU in Zimmermann's last 15 home starts at night

Philadelphia at Atlanta, 7:10 ET
Lannan: Phillies 3-8 SU in last 11 road series finales
Beachy: Under is 6-3 last nine home games in which Braves have faced a southpaw

Pittsburgh at St. Louis, 8:15 ET ESPN
Liriano: Pirates 7-1 SU in 2013 road games in which team lost in starter's last outing
Miller: Under is 6-2 last eight home games in which Cardinals have faced a southpaw

New York Mets at Los Angeles Dodgers, 10:10 ET
Gee: Mets 4-1 SU in road games when facing a southpaw for the second consecutive game
Capuano: Under is 5-1 in last six Dodgers' home series finales


American League

Cleveland at Minnesota, 1:10 ET
Carrasco: Under is 10-3-1 in last 14 when Indians play a road series getaway day game in middle of a road trip
Gibson: Twins 1-12 SU in last 13 in home series getaway game in the middle of a homestand

Detroit at Chicago White Sox, 2:10 ET
Porcello: Tigers 0-6 SU in Porcello's last six road starts during the day.
Danks: Under is 20-7-2 when Danks pitches at home during the day

Los Angeles Angels at New York Yankees, 7:05 ET
Weaver: Angels 2-6 SU when Weaver starts on the road after the team won in his last outing
Nova: Under is 6-2-1 in Nova's last nine home starts

Boston at Toronto, 7:07 ET
Lester: Over is 10-5 when Lester makes a start in Toronto
Johnson: Over is 12-2 in last 14 Blue Jay home games versus a southpaw

Seattle at Tampa Bay, 7:10 ET
Harang: Under is 10-4-1 in last 15 road games in which Mariners have faced a southpaw
Price: Under is 15-1-1 when Price pitches as a home favorite of more than -200

Houston at Oakland, 10:05 ET
Cosart: Over is 4-1 last five times Astros have played a road night game that precedes a day game
Parker: Athletics 7-2 SU in Parker's last nine home starts


Interleague

Miami at Kansas City Royals, 2:10 ET
Turner: Marlins 1-8 SU in Turner's last nine road starts
Santana: Under is 9-3 when Santana starts at home in 2013

Baltimore at Arizona, 3:40 ET MLB
Tillman: Orioles 6-2 SU in last eight getaway day games on the road
Corbin: Under is 10-3 when Corbin starts at home in 2013

Milwaukee at Texas, 8:05 ET MLB
Thornburg: Brewers 3-16 SU in final game of a road series in 2013
Garza: Under is 6-2 in 2013 when Rangers are a home favorite of more than -200

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, August 14

Hot pitchers
-- Arroyo is 2-1, 1.69 in his last three road starts. Rusin is 1-1, 2.00 in his last three starts overall.
-- de la Rosa is 2-1, 1.17 in his last four home starts. Cashner is 3-1, 4.88 in his last four starts overall.
-- Lincecum is 1-1, 1.23 in his last three starts.
-- Beachy is 1-0, 2.51 in his last two starts.
-- Gee is 2-1, 1.78 in his last five starts. Capuano is 1-0, 3.12 in his last three home starts.

-- Santana is 3-0, 3.38 in his last five starts.
-- Thornburg allowed one run in 12 IP in his first two '13 starts. Garza is 2-1, 3.68 in four starts for the Rangers.
-- Orioles won last five Tillman starts (4-0, 3.15). Corbin is 3-2, 2.21 in his last six starts.

-- Weaver is 4-0, 1.49 in his last five starts. Nova is 3-2, 1.60 in his last six.
-- Price is 2-0, 1.11 in his last four starts.
-- Porcello is 4-0, 2.33 in his last six starts.
-- Cosart is 1-0, 1.64 in five starts this season.

Cold pitchers
-- Zimmerman is 1-3, 5.76 in his last five starts.
-- Lannan is 1-2, 8.41 in his last four starts.
-- Liriano allowed ten runs in 2.1 IP in last start at Denver, after going 3-0 in his previous three starts, with a 0.42 RA. Miller is 1-1, 5.06 in his last three.

-- Turner is 0-3, 4.45 in his last five starts.

-- Rogers is 0-3, 16.05 in his last three starts. Lester is 1-3, 3.91 in his last four road starts.
-- Harang is 0-2, 11.25 in his last three starts.
-- Danks is 0-4, 4.86 in his last seven starts.
-- Gibson is 0-1, 7.90 in his last three starts. Carrasco is 0-4, 9.42 in six starts, last of which was July 6.
-- Parker has a 5.82 RA in his last three starts.

Starting Pitchers/First Inning
You can wager on whether teams will score in the first inning. Below is how often a starting pitcher has allowed 1+ runs in first inning in one of his starts........
-- Arroyo 4-23; Rusin 1-5
-- Cashner 7-19; de la Rosa 4-24 (0 of last 6)
-- Lincecum 9-23 (1 of last 6); Zimmerman 4-23
-- Lannan 4-13 (1 of last 8); Beachy 2-3
-- Liriano 4-17; Miller 5-21
-- Gee 4-23 (0 of last 8); Capuano 2-14 (0 of last 5)

-- Turner 3-13; Santana 10-24
-- Tillman 4-23 (1 of last 12); Corbin 5-23
-- Thornburg 0-2; Garza 1-16

-- Carrasco 2-6; Gibson 2-8
-- Porcello 4-21 (1 of last 10); Danks 6-15
-- Weaver 3-16 (0 of last 5); Nova 4-11
-- Lester 8-24; Rogers 5-13 (3 of last 3)
-- Harang 8-19 (4 of last 7); Price 5-17 (0 of last 4)
-- Cosart 2-5; Parker 8-23

Totals
-- Under is 8-2-1 in San Francisco's last eleven games.
-- Eight of last ten Atlanta games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last eight Cincinnati road games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 3-1-1 in last five Pittsburgh games.
-- Four of last five Colorado games went over the total.
-- Under is 13-4-1 in last eighteen Dodger games.

-- Last three Texas games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 10-3-1 in last fourteen Miami games.
-- Four of last six Arizona games went over the total.

-- Nine of last twelve Angel games went over the total.
-- Over is 8-3-1 in last twelve Toronto games.
-- Five of last six Seattle games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Detroit games went over the total.
-- Under is 6-1-1 in last eight Minnesota games.
-- Five of last seven Houston games went over the total.

Hot teams
-- Washington won its last four games, scoring 27 runs.
-- Braves won 16 of their last 18 games.
-- Cincinnati won six of its last seven games.
-- Colorado won six of its last eight home games.
-- Dodgers are 39-8 in their last 47 games.

-- Rangers won 13 of their last 15 games. Milwaukee won five of last seven.
-- Kansas City won 17 of its last 21 games.
-- Diamondbacks won five of their last seven games.

-- Bronx Bombers won four of their last five games.
-- Mariners won last three road games, scoring 16 runs.
-- Minnesota won eight of its last twelve games.

Cold teams
-- Giants lost seven of their last ten games.
-- Phillies lost 18 of their last 22 games.
-- Cubs lost ten of their last eleven home games.
-- Pirates lost their last four games, scoring ten runs. St Louis lost four of its last six games.
-- Padres lost six of their last nine games.
-- Mets lost eight of their last twelve road games.

-- Marlins lost eight of their last ten games, scoring 20 runs.
-- Orioles lost three of their last four games.

-- Toronto lost five of its last six games. Red Sox lost three of last five.
-- Angels lost 13 of their last 18 games.
-- Rays lost last six games, outscored 40-22.
-- White Sox lost 13 of their last 19 games. Detroit lost four of last five.
-- Indians lost seven of their last nine games.
-- Oakland is 3-5 in last eight games. Astros lost 24 of their last 30 games.

Umpires
-- Cin-Chi-- Six of last nine Culbreth games went over the total.
-- SD-Col-- Last three Bucknor games stayed under the total.
-- SF-Wsh-- Last eight Estabrook games stayed under the total.
-- Phil-Atl-- Nine of last eleven Darling games stayed under total.
-- Pitt-StL-- Last four Wendelstedt games went over the total.
-- NY-LA-- Last five Cooper games stayed under the total.

-- Mia-KC-- Nine of last twelve LBarrett games stayed under.
-- Blt-Az-- Under is 7-2-2 in last eleven Barry games.
-- Mil-Tex-- Six of last nine Davidson games stayed under.

-- Cle-Min-- Five of last seven Fletcher games stayed under.
-- Det-Chi-- Favorites won five of last seven Reyburn games.
-- LA-NY-- Six of last eight Vanover games stayed under total.
-- Bos-Tor-- Under is 7-1-1 in last nine Cuzzi games.
-- Sea-TB-- Over is 3-1-1 in last five Bell games.
-- Hst-A's-- 11 of last 13 Hernandez games went over total.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Wednesday, August 14

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Trend Report
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1:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Cleveland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Minnesota is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Cleveland

2:10 PM
MIAMI vs. KANSAS CITY
The total has gone UNDER in 18 of Miami's last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Miami's last 16 games on the road
Kansas City is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games at home
Kansas City is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Miami

2:10 PM
DETROIT vs. CHI WHITE SOX
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games on the road
Detroit is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games when playing Detroit
Chi White Sox are 7-16 SU in their last 23 games when playing Detroit

2:20 PM
CINCINNATI vs. CHI CUBS
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Cincinnati's last 9 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Cincinnati is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games at home

3:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. COLORADO
San Diego is 8-16 SU in its last 24 games on the road
San Diego is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Colorado is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Colorado's last 6 games when playing at home against San Diego

3:40 PM
BALTIMORE vs. ARIZONA
Baltimore is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Baltimore is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing Arizona
Arizona is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Arizona is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Baltimore

7:05 PM
LA ANGELS vs. NY YANKEES
LA Angels are 2-7 SU in their last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of LA Angels's last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 6 games
NY Yankees are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against LA Angels

7:05 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of San Francisco's last 12 games
San Francisco is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Washington is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing San Francisco

7:07 PM
BOSTON vs. TORONTO
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston's last 9 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Toronto's last 12 games

7:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. ATLANTA
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 16-2 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games

7:10 PM
SEATTLE vs. TAMPA BAY
Seattle is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Tampa Bay's last 12 games at home
Tampa Bay is 14-4 SU in its last 18 games at home

8:05 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. TEXAS
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Milwaukee's last 10 games on the road
Milwaukee is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Texas's last 7 games at home

8:15 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. ST. LOUIS
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 9 games when playing St. Louis
Pittsburgh is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing St. Louis
St. Louis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
St. Louis is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games at home

10:05 PM
HOUSTON vs. OAKLAND
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 7 games
Houston is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Oakland is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games when playing Houston
Oakland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Houston

10:10 PM
NY METS vs. LA DODGERS
NY Mets are 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of NY Mets's last 14 games
LA Dodgers are 8-1 SU in their last 9 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 9 games when playing NY Mets

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Wednesday, August 14

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MLB Top 3: Hot 'under' pitchers on the mound Wednesday
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Looking play some totals? Wednesday's Major League Baseball action features a trio of pitchers that have trended toward scorelines finishing under the total.

Here is a look at three pitchers to consider if you're looking to play totals.

Jered Weaver, Los Angeles Angels (7-5, 2.87 ERA)

The 'under' is 9-1 in Weaver's previous 10 trips to the mound and 13-3 on the season overall. The righty had a stellar July as he posted an ERA of 1.32 and his August isn't so bad either. He's 2-0 with a 3.07 ERA for the month.

The Angels continue a four-game series with the Yankees Wednesday.

Tim Lincecum, San Francisco Giants (6-11, 4.18)

It hasn't been the best season for the former two-time Cy Young award winner, but he's put in performances that harken back to better days recently. Over his last three starts, in which the 'under' is 3-0, the righty has an ERA of 1.23. Perhaps he's turning his season around.

The Giants are in Washington to face the Nationals Wednesday.

Dillon Gee New York Mets (8-8, 3.82 ERA)

The Mets righty has been putting in some fine performances if you haven't noticed. The under is 5-0 in his previous five start and Gee owns an ERA of 1.53 over that stretch. Over those five games, Gee has allowed zero earned runs twice and one earned run twice.

The Mets finish up their series with the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Wednesday, August 14

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CINCINNATI (67 - 52) at CHICAGO CUBS (52 - 67) - 2:20 PM
BRONSON ARROYO (R) vs. CHRIS RUSIN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 6-11 (-10.8 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
CINCINNATI is 166-120 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 645-716 (+56.6 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 307-329 (+33.3 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 166-120 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 323-335 (+48.8 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 96-54 (+19.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 205-165 (+46.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 113-168 (-30.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 23-35 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 11-30 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 18-34 (-11.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 12-22 (-10.5 Units) against the money line in home games in day games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 23-35 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 79-123 (-27.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 23-44 (-12.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 137-181 (-60.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 12-3 (+7.3 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
10 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.9 Units)

BRONSON ARROYO vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
ARROYO is 12-9 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.09 and a WHIP of 1.168.
His team's record is 15-12 (+3.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 12-15. (-4.0 units)

CHRIS RUSIN vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
RUSIN is 0-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 2.400.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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SAN DIEGO (54 - 65) at COLORADO (56 - 65) - 3:10 PM
ANDREW CASHNER (R) vs. JORGE DE LA ROSA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 5-18 (-11.1 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 this season.
DE LA ROSA is 14-2 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 29-11 (+15.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 10-0 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 7-0 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in day games this season. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 15-8 (+7.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 9-0 (+10.5 Units) against the money line after a loss this season. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 130-151 (+3.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 22-16 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 130-148 (+6.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 22-18 (+9.0 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
SAN DIEGO is 65-63 (+13.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 120-163 (-31.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 108-116 (-31.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 37-58 (-22.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 193-251 (-59.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 26-31 (-12.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 11-4 (+6.7 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
8 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.8 Units)

ANDREW CASHNER vs. COLORADO since 1997
CASHNER is 0-2 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 6.32 and a WHIP of 1.851.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-3. (-3.7 units)

JORGE DE LA ROSA vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
DE LA ROSA is 6-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 5.28 and a WHIP of 1.383.
His team's record is 11-3 (+7.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-6. (+1.6 units)

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SAN FRANCISCO (52 - 66) at WASHINGTON (58 - 60) - 7:05 PM
TIM LINCECUM (R) vs. JORDAN ZIMMERMANN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 52-66 (-25.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 51-62 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 31-42 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 36-43 (-16.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 25-39 (-21.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 21-35 (-23.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 8-13 (-10.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
LINCECUM is 23-34 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LINCECUM is 23-33 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LINCECUM is 15-25 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LINCECUM is 1-12 (-13.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season. (Team's Record)
ZIMMERMANN is 13-3 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
LINCECUM is 16-3 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 58-60 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 58-60 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 40-45 (-16.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 2-2 (+0.5 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.1 Units)

TIM LINCECUM vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
LINCECUM is 1-4 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 5.68 and a WHIP of 1.602.
His team's record is 3-5 (-4.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-6. (-4.5 units)

JORDAN ZIMMERMANN vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
ZIMMERMANN is 3-2 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.19 and a WHIP of 1.173.
His team's record is 3-3 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+2.0 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (53 - 66) at ATLANTA (73 - 47) - 7:10 PM
JOHN LANNAN (L) vs. BRANDON BEACHY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 53-66 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 5-14 (-10.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 53-66 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 64-79 (-23.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 64-81 (-24.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 73-47 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 41-17 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ATLANTA is 78-44 (+24.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 72-46 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 104-63 (+25.9 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 57-28 (+18.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 365-336 (+41.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 7-4 (+1.9 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

JOHN LANNAN vs. ATLANTA since 1997
LANNAN is 9-5 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.24 and a WHIP of 1.480.
His team's record is 10-7 (+8.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-10. (-4.2 units)

BRANDON BEACHY vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
BEACHY is 0-3 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.77 and a WHIP of 1.256.
His team's record is 1-7 (-6.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-3. (+1.4 units)

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PITTSBURGH (70 - 48) at ST LOUIS (68 - 50) - 8:15 PM
FRANCISCO LIRIANO (L) vs. SHELBY MILLER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 127-191 (-46.2 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 24-45 (-22.0 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 224-447 (-96.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 95-223 (-69.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
ST LOUIS is 200-131 (+47.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 70-48 (+25.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 24-16 (+9.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
PITTSBURGH is 14-4 (+11.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday this season.
PITTSBURGH is 30-19 (+13.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
PITTSBURGH is 70-48 (+25.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 45-29 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 58-37 (+25.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PITTSBURGH is 28-19 (+10.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
ST LOUIS is 12-18 (-12.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 34-32 (-9.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ST LOUIS is 57-67 (-24.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 7-4 (+4.0 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.2 Units)

FRANCISCO LIRIANO vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
LIRIANO is 2-0 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 1.93 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

SHELBY MILLER vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
MILLER is 0-2 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.457.
His team's record is 0-2 (-3.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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NY METS (54 - 63) at LA DODGERS (69 - 50) - 10:10 PM
DILLON GEE (R) vs. CHRIS CAPUANO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 18-40 (-18.4 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.
LA DODGERS are 69-50 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 12-1 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
LA DODGERS are 66-50 (+6.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 47-32 (+8.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA DODGERS are 89-63 (+16.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 33-14 (+12.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LA DODGERS are 16-4 (+10.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
CAPUANO is 17-7 (+9.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 67-74 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 22-12 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Wednesday over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 106-110 (+24.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 22-17 (+9.4 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 56-54 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
GEE is 19-14 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GEE is 8-1 (+9.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 2-7 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Wednesday this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 4-1 (+3.0 Units) against NY METS this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.2 Units)

DILLON GEE vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
GEE is 0-2 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.76 and a WHIP of 1.353.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

CHRIS CAPUANO vs. NY METS since 1997
CAPUANO is 1-5 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 5.53 and a WHIP of 1.347.
His team's record is 2-5 (-3.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-4. (-2.6 units)

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CLEVELAND (64 - 56) at MINNESOTA (53 - 64) - 1:10 PM
CARLOS CARRASCO (R) vs. KYLE GIBSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 10-32 (-20.9 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 7-22 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 53-64 (+5.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 25-22 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
MINNESOTA is 52-58 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 64-56 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 25-16 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
CLEVELAND is 61-53 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 37-25 (+11.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CLEVELAND is 36-21 (+13.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MINNESOTA is 91-127 (-35.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 9-25 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in home games in August games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 60-92 (-32.9 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 30-49 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 19-40 (-12.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 5-6 (+0.0 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
8 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.5 Units)

CARLOS CARRASCO vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
CARRASCO is 1-2 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 2.45 and a WHIP of 1.330.
His team's record is 1-4 (-3.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-0. (+5.0 units)

KYLE GIBSON vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
No recent starts.

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DETROIT (69 - 49) at CHI WHITE SOX (46 - 72) - 2:10 PM
RICK PORCELLO (R) vs. JOHN DANKS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 164-129 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 23-28 (-14.0 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 73-77 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 156-123 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 47-44 (-18.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 21-11 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PORCELLO is 28-11 (+13.3 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 46-72 (-26.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 109-112 (-26.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 15-34 (-19.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 44-67 (-24.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 35-54 (-18.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 5-7 (+1.1 Units) against DETROIT this season
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.8 Units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
PORCELLO is 7-5 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 4.22 and a WHIP of 1.171.
His team's record is 9-5 (+3.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-9. (-4.9 units)

JOHN DANKS vs. DETROIT since 1997
DANKS is 4-9 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 5.42 and a WHIP of 1.533.
His team's record is 8-10 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-7. (+2.1 units)

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LA ANGELS (53 - 65) at NY YANKEES (61 - 57) - 7:05 PM
JERED WEAVER (R) vs. IVAN NOVA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 53-65 (-27.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 53-65 (-27.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 35-51 (-29.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA ANGELS are 42-45 (-14.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 24-40 (-26.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
LA ANGELS are 24-37 (-16.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LA ANGELS are 688-683 (+52.9 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
WEAVER is 33-13 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WEAVER is 33-13 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WEAVER is 13-2 (+10.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 3-2 (+1.3 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

JERED WEAVER vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
WEAVER is 6-3 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 5.21 and a WHIP of 1.386.
His team's record is 9-4 (+5.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-8. (-5.3 units)

IVAN NOVA vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
NOVA is 3-2 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 5.87 and a WHIP of 1.630.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-1. (+3.0 units)

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BOSTON (72 - 49) at TORONTO (54 - 65) - 7:05 PM
JON LESTER (L) vs. JOSH JOHNSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 52-62 (-22.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 16-25 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 97-104 (-23.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 92-100 (-24.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LESTER is 44-45 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LESTER is 17-23 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LESTER is 17-21 (-15.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 72-49 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 19-12 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 37-17 (+14.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
TORONTO is 54-65 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 29-32 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
TORONTO is 18-31 (-11.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TORONTO is 29-43 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TORONTO is 32-36 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf this season.
TORONTO is 5-18 (-13.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
JOHNSON is 4-12 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 9-5 (+1.8 Units) against TORONTO this season
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.9 Units, Under=-0.9 Units)

JON LESTER vs. TORONTO since 1997
LESTER is 14-7 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.67 and a WHIP of 1.074.
His team's record is 16-10 (+2.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 14-11. (+2.2 units)

JOSH JOHNSON vs. BOSTON since 1997
JOHNSON is 1-0 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.63 and a WHIP of 1.457.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.4 units)

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SEATTLE (55 - 63) at TAMPA BAY (66 - 51) - 7:10 PM
AARON HARANG (R) vs. DAVID PRICE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 109-60 (+29.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
HARANG is 17-8 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in road games in August games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 29-16 (+17.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday since 1997. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 36-25 (+22.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 20-16 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
PRICE is 8-14 (-15.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
PRICE is 19-21 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
PRICE is 8-14 (-15.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less since 1997. (Team's Record)
PRICE is 19-21 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
PRICE is 19-21 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on artificial turf over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 1-0 (+1.7 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

AARON HARANG vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
HARANG is 1-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

DAVID PRICE vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.

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

HOUSTON (38 - 80) at OAKLAND (67 - 51) - 10:05 PM
JARRED COSART (R) vs. JARROD PARKER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 93-186 (-45.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 39-98 (-26.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 7-32 (-20.1 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 91-181 (-44.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 68-139 (-34.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 15-48 (-17.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OAKLAND is 67-51 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 86-52 (+27.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 267-197 (+64.8 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
OAKLAND is 63-46 (+21.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 64-47 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 42-28 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
OAKLAND is 110-76 (+38.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 64-56 (+12.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 78-47 (+25.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 39-17 (+15.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 11-7 (+11.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 11-2 (+6.7 Units) against HOUSTON this season
9 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.0 Units)

JARRED COSART vs. OAKLAND since 1997
COSART is 0-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 1.429.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

JARROD PARKER vs. HOUSTON since 1997
PARKER is 0-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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

MIAMI (45 - 73) at KANSAS CITY (62 - 55) - 2:10 PM
JACOB TURNER (R) vs. ERVIN SANTANA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 114-166 (-35.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 14-30 (-16.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 15-39 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 113-162 (-32.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 75-116 (-31.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 62-55 (+6.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 26-15 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 8-0 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Wednesday this season.
KANSAS CITY is 47-36 (+11.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SANTANA is 11-2 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MIAMI is 333-375 (+41.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 1-1 (+0.3 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.1 Units)

JACOB TURNER vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
TURNER is 0-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 12.47 and a WHIP of 1.617.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

ERVIN SANTANA vs. MIAMI since 1997
SANTANA is 0-2 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 10.56 and a WHIP of 2.086.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

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

BALTIMORE (65 - 54) at ARIZONA (61 - 57) - 3:40 PM
CHRIS TILLMAN (R) vs. PAT CORBIN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 6-0 (+6.6 Units) against the money line in home games in an inter-league game this season.
CORBIN is 19-4 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
CORBIN is 19-4 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
CORBIN is 9-1 (+9.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 65-54 (+6.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 57-47 (+13.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 80-66 (+33.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 24-14 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 51-37 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 60-46 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 33-20 (+11.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 36-24 (+13.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TILLMAN is 18-5 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 9-1 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 16-5 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 10-3 (+8.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 11-2 (+10.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 8-2 (+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
ARIZONA is 2-0 (+2.1 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.1 Units)

CHRIS TILLMAN vs. ARIZONA since 1997
No recent starts.

PAT CORBIN vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

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MILWAUKEE (52 - 67) at TEXAS (69 - 51) - 8:05 PM
TYLER THORNBURG (R) vs. MATT GARZA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 52-67 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 52-67 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 85-50 (+25.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 224-185 (+37.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday since 1997.
GARZA is 11-4 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
GARZA is 11-4 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
MILWAUKEE is 29-21 (+11.9 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.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 2-1 (+1.7 Units) against TEXAS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

TYLER THORNBURG vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

MATT GARZA vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
GARZA is 4-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.66 and a WHIP of 1.141.
His team's record is 4-3 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.2 units)

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Wednesday, August 14

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pitcher's wind expected at Wrigley this afternoon
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The wind at Wrigley Field in Chicago is expected to blow in toward home plate at 7 mph for this afternoon's 2:10 p.m. ET game against the Cincinnati Reds.

As usual for Cubs home games, the over/under was delayed Wednesday morning and no total had been posted by 8:30 a.m. ET.

The Cubs opened as +125 underdogs after losing three in a row including the first two games of the series against the Reds.

The over/under is 2-4 when the wind blows in from center at Wrigley this season. The Cubs and their opponents combine for 7.83 runs per game and a .245 batting average.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Wednesday's six-pack

13 golfers who made the cut in all four majors this year.........

cumulative score
Adam Scott, +2
Jason Day, +2
Jason Dufner, +4
Henrik Stenson, +4
Lee Westwood, +10
Eldrick Woods, +14
Matt Kuchar, +15
Brandt Snedeker, +19
Phil Mickelson, +21
Dustin Johnson, +22
Sergio Garcia, +27
KJ Choi, +33
Martin Kaymer, +34


*****

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

13) In some parts of the country (Los Angeles for one, I think) kids went back to school this week. Here in upstate New York, little people don’t go back to school until after Labor Day.

My question: Would you rather have the next three weeks off, or the first three weeks in June? I’d kind of prefer these next three weeks off, but maybe that’s because I grew up here and am used to that schedule.

12) Former NBA star Jerry Lucas (now age 73) is selling off his memorabilia via auction, some of which is classic stuff: an Olympic gold medal, an NCAA championship ring, some jerseys.

Its going to net him a lot of money, but its kind of sad. You’d think he’d want to keep stuff like that in his family. Lucas’ best days were at Ohio State and with the Cincinnati Royals (now the Sacramento Kings) but he was also a key sub on the Knicks’ 1973 title team.

11) CBSSports.com did a poll this week on which mid-major college basketball coach would be next year’s Andy Enfield, parlaying two good weekends into a million-dollar plus payday. They got 19 different answers; Enfield had an NBA coaching pedigree to his name, and that helped him land the USC job, since he was already on some schools’ (Old Dominion for one) search list before Florida Gulf Coast made their NCAA run.

Manhattan’s Steve Masiello (former Pitino assistant) was one of the poll’s leaders, by the way. The next NYC-area college hoop team that wins big is going to get A LOT of attention.

10) Early returns on Tigers’ new SS Jose Iglesias have been very positive; he’s been a defensive upgrade and he can hit some. Defense is one area where Detroit needed improvement.

9) From the department of actions speak louder than words: Phoenix Suns’ rookie Archie Goodwin was running his mouth this week about making teams that passed him in the draft pay for their mistake of not picking him. Just play well and others will do your talking for you. Goodwin did look good out in the Las Vegas summer league, but shut up and play already.

8) Through Monday’s games, Minnesota Twins’ last 22 runs scored via home runs, the longest such major league streak since 2002. Twins put Justin Morneau on waivers too—if they sell him off, it ain’t going to help that offense any. The accountants will be happy, though.

7) 13 golfers made the cut at all four majors this summer; the list is in the table up above. Its not as easy as it sounds.

6) Dwight Howard is working out with Hakeem Ojajuwon this summer; we can only hope that Hakeem is making him work on his foul shooting. That’s 3-4 points a game he could add to his average without doing one other thing better. It might actually add more points, because teams wouldn’t defend him as aggressively if they knew he was knocking down free throws.

To be specific, Howard missed 366 foul shots LY, 4.82 per game, missing more than half his FTs for the second year in a row.

5) Raiders’ new QB Matt Flynn has two career starts, the same number Matt Schaub had in Atlanta, before he went to the Texans.

Flynn can only hope this move works out as well for him as Schaub’s to Houston has worked out.

4) Speaking of the Texans, they play San Diego in the late ESPN Monday Night game September 9; announce team is Chris Berman/Trent Dilfer, which means an early call for the mute button. I like Dilfer, but Berman is nails on a chalkboard. His self-serving act is tired, annoying and lame.

3) Dan Uggla is having Lasik surgery, as if the rest of us who used to have him on our fantasy teams didn’t know he can’t see. He should be back in time for the playoffs. If he crushes the ball when he gets back, lot of people are going to want to know what took him so long (3-4 years?) to get the surgery?

2) There are five active NBA head coaches who once worked for Gregg Popovich; hopefully they’ll all be nicer than Pop to sideline reporters during those unneeded in-game interviews.

1) Was reminded today of meeting Dusty Baker when I was 15; had him sign this small baseball handbook that had bios of the teams’ best players. Problem was, I didn’t read his bio before having him sign it; the book’s author crushed Baker for being hurt a lot.

Dusty read the paragraph and laughed; he had a broken wrist at the time. Signed the book, gave it back to me and was as nice as could be. To this day, still root for the guy.

[WThotrod]

Nice comeback last night, Bum. Boy did I pick the right night to go heavy on your POD's! Let's keep it going today! BOL!

[StarDust Bum]

Those Giants blew many scoring chances in the 7th and 8th innings...........Blew my 5 team parlay......