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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Diamondbacks (65-59) at Reds (71-55)
Game: 3
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: August 21, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


Though there's plenty of work left for the Arizona Diamondbacks to catch the Cincinnati Reds for the final NL wild-card spot, Paul Goldschmidt gave them something to build on.

The visiting Diamondbacks and their All-Star first baseman look to further cut into the Reds' lead Wednesday night.

One night after losing 5-3 in the opener of this four-game set, Arizona (65-59) received a complete game from Patrick Corbin and an eighth-inning grand slam from Goldschmidt in Tuesday's 5-2 victory.

The Diamondbacks, who began a nine-game trip by taking two of three from Pittsburgh, are five back of Cincinnati (71-55) in the wild-card race.

"There's some good teams ahead of us. It's not like we're one game behind," Goldschmidt said.

With his 31st homer, Goldschmidt set a franchise record with his third grand slam of the season and became the first NL player to record 100 RBIs. He needs one more RBI to claim sole ownership of the club record for a first baseman.

"I hope he's got a big run left in him," manager Kirk Gibson said. "The team feeds off Patrick (Corbin) and Goldy. They've been our most consistent guys all year."

Goldschmidt is 7 for 18 with two homers and seven RBIs in the last four contests, and he's batting .421 (8 for 19) with three home runs and seven RBIs in five games against the Reds this season.

After Corbin recorded his first win in five starts, the Diamondbacks hope Brandon McCarthy (2-7, 4.84 ERA) also can get back on track Wednesday.

The right-hander has dropped four straight starts and is 0-3 with a 4.24 ERA since he returned from a two-month stint on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation.

McCarthy yielded two runs in each of his first two outings since the return, but he gave up four in 5 2-3 innings of a 6-2 loss at Pittsburgh on Friday.

"He threw some really good pitches but the consistency wasn't there and he made some mistakes they got on," Gibson said. "Overall, he's pitching really good for us."

This will be McCarthy's first start against the Reds. He pitched two-thirds of an inning for the Chicago White Sox at Cincinnati in 2006.

He'll be opposed by Mike Leake (10-5, 3.01), who tries to bounce back from his second rough outing in three starts. Leake is 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA in his last four outings, alternating good and bad starts during that span.

He yielded an earned run in seven innings of a 3-2, 13-inning win over San Diego on Aug. 11 but gave up four with nine hits in five innings while not factoring in the decision of a 7-6 loss at Milwaukee on Friday.

The right-hander has a 6.12 ERA while going 1-0 in four starts against the Diamondbacks. He allowed a two-run homer to Gerardo Parra and three other hits over eight innings of a 4-3 loss at Arizona on June 22.

Aaron Hill, 3 for 6 with a homer against Leake, is batting .426 during a 13-game hitting streak.

Cincinnati star Joey Votto went 0 for 4 with two strikeouts Tuesday. He's 2 for 15 with seven strikeouts in the last five games.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Diamondbacks at Reds
Mon, Aug 19 Final 3 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Diamondbacks at Reds
Tue, Aug 20 Final 5 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Diamondbacks at Reds
Wed, Aug 21 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Diamondbacks at Reds
Thu, Aug 22 - 12:35PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Astros (41-84) at Rangers (73-53)
Game: 3
Venue: Rangers Ballpark in Arlington
Date: August 21, 2013 8:05 PM EDT


Derek Holland will take aim at Rick Helling's mark once again.

The left-hander seeks to become the first pitcher to record double-digit wins for the Rangers in three consecutive seasons since Helling did so from 1998-2001 when Texas hosts the Houston Astros on Wednesday night.

Holland (9-6, 2.95 ERA) held the opposition scoreless for the second time in three starts Friday, limiting Seattle to two hits in seven innings before leaving without a decision in a 3-1 loss.

The Astros, who reached the left-hander for three runs in six innings on August 10, are the only team to score off Holland over his last three starts. He has allowed three-plus runs in all four of his starts against the Astros, posting a 5.25 ERA in those games.

Holland's third attempt at 10 wins could be fueled by a clutch Texas offense. The Rangers (73-53), leading the AL West by a game and a half, have won 17 of 21 behind a lineup that is batting .304 with runners in scoring position during that span.

"Every game means something from here on out," Holland told the team's official website. "We're in a close race with Oakland. We need to gain ground and win as many games as we can."

Adrian Beltre, who belted the go-ahead two-run homer in Texas' 4-2 victory Tuesday, is batting .373 against Houston this season, with 11 of his 22 hits going for extra bases.

"This is what I'm supposed to be doing, right?" Beltre said. "I've been feeling better lately. Definitely."

He is 33 for 77 (.429) with 20 RBIs and 16 runs scored over the Rangers' current streak. He is one shy of Miguel Cabrera for the major league lead in hits.

"The only way I can really describe it, he's the MVP," Ian Kinsler said. "He's having an MVP-caliber season."

Beltre's power has been complemented by plenty of speed, as Texas leads the majors with 29 stolen bases in August. Elvis Andrus leads baseball with nine this month, while Leonys Martin and Alex Rios have seven apiece.

Tuesday's win was the Rangers' 13th in 14 games against the Astros since an opening-night loss.

Texas, which put former Houston reliever Travis Blackley on the hill Tuesday night, will face another potential target Wednesday in Erik Bedard.

Bedard (3-9, 4.49), a 34-year-old left-hander, doesn't quite fit in on Houston's youth-dominated roster. Rumors have circulated about Texas acquiring a pitcher, particularly since Alexi Ogando went on the disabled list Tuesday for the third time this season.

"I am comfortable with what we've got," Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. "You are always looking around, but I don't anticipate anything."

Bedard, for his part, would simply like to pick up his first win since June 26. The Astros (41-84) have lost his last eight starts, due in no small part to the paltry 14 runs they have provided him with.

Bedard has lost a career-worst six consecutive decisions, walking 27 over his last 45 1-3 innings. He walked four-plus batters for the fourth time in eight starts Thursday, allowing five runs in a 5-0 loss at Oakland.

Bedard went 4-1 with a 2.50 ERA against Texas through 2007, but is 1-4 with a 4.13 ERA since. Beltre has two home runs off him this year but is 5 for 27 (.185) overall.

Houston catcher Max Stassi had two hits in his major league debut Tuesday. Stassi is filling in for Carlos Corporan, who was placed on the seven-day concussion disabled list Tuesday.

Teammate Matt Dominguez is 10 for his last 22 with three home runs, including a two-run shot Tuesday.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Astros at Rangers
Mon, Aug 19 Final 5 to 16
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Astros at Rangers
Tue, Aug 20 Final 2 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Astros at Rangers
Wed, Aug 21 - 8:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Nationals (61-64) at Cubs (54-71)
Game: 3
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: August 21, 2013 8:05 PM EDT


When the Washington Nationals have had any success at the plate lately, they've generally been able to win.

Jake Arrieta hasn't given up many hits at all in his first two starts with the Chicago Cubs.

Arrieta has delivered a pair of outstanding outings at Wrigley Field since being traded from Baltimore, and he'll try to continue that trend Wednesday night against the Nationals.

The Cubs got Arrieta (1-0, 0.69 ERA) from the Orioles last month in a four-player deal that sent Scott Feldman to Baltimore, and the early returns on the right-hander - who was once a top prospect - have been good.

Arrieta held Milwaukee to two hits and a run as he debuted for the Cubs (54-71) on July 30 while starting one game of a doubleheader. He was back in the minors until Friday, when he held the Cardinals to two hits and struck out seven over seven innings of a 7-0 win at Wrigley.

"That's what I'm capable of," Arrieta said. "It's just a matter commanding the ball and limiting my walks. That's really what's gotten me in the past was too many free passes, letting guys get away when I'm in favorable counts and pretty much keeping my foot on the gas and staying on the attack.

"I've made a conscious effort to get better at certain things and it's starting to show."

Arrieta had a 5.46 ERA in parts of four seasons with Baltimore, the second-highest in the majors of any pitcher to throw at least 350 innings since he initially came up in 2010.

"For me, there's no question that this change of scenery and this trade was huge for me in my career - not only for me, but for the Cubs as well," Arrieta said. "I couldn't be more excited to be here and I'm thankful to the front office for wanting me and bringing me into this organization."

Washington (61-64) had lost four of five before Tuesday's 4-2 victory, when it finally got some hits with runners in scoring position. The Nationals had been 7 for 49 (.143) in such situations over their previous five games before going 4 for 14 on Tuesday.

Washington has won the last seven times it's scored at least four runs and lost its last four when putting up three or fewer.

Bryce Harper is 0 for 11 with runners in scoring position over his last nine games, but he's been getting on base lately. He's 6 for 12 with two doubles and two walks in his last three games after getting two hits and scoring a run Tuesday.

The All-Star outfielder's recent surge may continue since he's 10 for 23 (.435) with five extra-base hits - two homers - and seven runs in seven career meetings with the Cubs.

Harper is also 4 for 5 with a double off Arrieta.

The Nationals will counter by activating Ross Ohlendorf (2-0, 1.85) from the disabled list after shutting down rookie Taylor Jordan (back) for the season.

Ohlendorf suffered right shoulder inflammation during a relief outing in a loss at Detroit on July 31.

The right-hander allowed four runs and 13 hits in seven innings over a pair of starts during a rehab stint in the minors.

He's 1-0 with a 1.38 ERA in two starts with the Nationals this year, and is 2-0 with a 2.75 ERA in six career starts versus the Cubs. However, he has a 5.06 ERA in three visits to Wrigley Field.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Nationals at Cubs
Mon, Aug 19 Final 1 to 11
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Nationals at Cubs
Tue, Aug 20 Final 4 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Nationals at Cubs
Wed, Aug 21 - 8:05PM EDT

GAME 4
Nationals at Cubs
Thu, Aug 22 - 2:20PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: White Sox (50-74) at Royals (64-60)
Game: 2
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: August 21, 2013 8:10 PM EDT


The Kansas City Royals' slump has dropped them further back in the playoff race, and their postseason hopes likely will continue fading unless their suddenly stagnant offense can get back on track.

An improved pitching performance from Jeremy Guthrie wouldn't hurt matters, either.

Kansas City looks to avoid a fourth straight loss Wednesday night as it hosts the last-place Chicago White Sox, who are seeking a season-best fifth consecutive win.

The Royals (64-60) were four games out of the AL's second wild-card spot and 6 1/2 back of Central-leading Detroit before dropping six of eight.

They've averaged 2.0 runs during their cold stretch and are now 8 1/2 games out of the division lead with their wild-card chances also slipping away. Kansas City had problems again Tuesday, falling 2-0 in the series opener.

"We're just not swinging the bats real well right now," manager Ned Yost said. "We're going to have to find a way to swing the bats better."

Alex Gordon went 1 for 4 and is hitting .143 during the team's slump.

"We weren't doing anything offensively, and then (John Danks) got ahead of us," Gordon said. "Give credit to him, but we just didn't do a very good job offensively."

Guthrie (12-9, 4.15 ERA) has struggled as well lately. He's dropped two straight starts after winning his previous four, allowing five runs in six innings of a 5-3 loss to Boston on Aug. 10 before giving up four runs and a career-worst 13 hits in Thursday's 4-1 defeat at Detroit.

The right-hander had gone 3-0 with a 0.40 ERA in his last six starts against the White Sox, including a four-hit shutout May 4, but gave up six runs in 2 1-3 inning of a 9-1 defeat the last time he faced them June 21.

"He has tremendous stuff, and we did a good job of making him throw it over the plate," Chicago's Adam Dunn said after that contest. "He threw some good pitches and we were able to lay off them."

Avisail Garcia had three hits Tuesday and is batting .429 during a seven-game hitting streak for the White Sox (50-74), who have won four straight for the first time since May 14-17.

The final victory in that streak, 3-0 over the Los Angeles Angels, marked Chicago's last shutout prior to Tuesday.

"Hopefully this will get us on a little streak to finish the season on a high," Danks said.

White Sox starters have a 1.95 ERA during the team's run as rookie Andre Rienzo takes the hill Wednesday.

Rienzo (0-0, 3.70) has been solid in four starts since being called up July 30. He allowed two runs and four hits in six innings before Minnesota rallied to beat the White Sox 4-3 on Thursday.

The right-hander didn't walk a batter after issuing at least three free passes in each of his first three outings.

"I tried to give the team a chance to win," Rienzo said. "That's my job. I was so-so, but giving the team a chance to win is my focus."

The White Sox have a 2.16 ERA against Kansas City this season, but they're 6-7 in the series.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
White Sox at Royals
Tue, Aug 20 Final 2 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
White Sox at Royals
Wed, Aug 21 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 3
White Sox at Royals
Thu, Aug 22 - 8:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Tampa Bay at Baltimore
The Orioles look to salvage a game in the series and build on their 5-0 record in Wei-Yin Chen's last 5 starts against a team with a winning record. Baltimore is the pick (-120) according to Dunkel, which has the Orioles favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-120). Here are all of today's picks.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21

Game 901-902: Atlanta at NY Mets (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Wood) 16.710; NY Mets (Niese) 15.429
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-145); 7
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-145); Under

Game 903-904: St. Louis at Milwaukee (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Westbrook) 15.027; Milwaukee (Gorzelanny) 16.165
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1; 10
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-125); 9
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+105); Over

Game 905-906: Pittsburgh at San Diego (6:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Cole) 15.470; San Diego (Kennedy) 13.859
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-130); 7
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-130); Under

Game 907-908: Colorado at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Nicasio) 15.138; Philadelphia (Lee) 14.027
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-170); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+150); Over

Game 909-910: Arizona at Cincinnati (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (McCarthy) 16.081; Cincinnati (Leake) 15.764
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-170); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+150); Over

Game 911-912: LA Dodgers at Miami (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Greinke) 16.413; Miami (Eovaldi) 14.830
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-175); 7
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-175); Under

Game 913-914: Washington at Chicago Cubs (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Ohlendorf) 15.006; Cubs (Arrieta) 13.570
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-110); No Run Total
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-110); N/A

Game 915-916: Seattle at Oakland (3:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Iwakuma) 14.742; Oakland (Griffin) 16.299
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Oakland (-145); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-145); Under

Game 917-918: Toronto at NY Yankees (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Dickey) 15.464; NY Yankees (Warren) 14.350
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1; 10
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-125); 9
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+105); Over

Game 919-920: Tampa Bay at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Hellickson) 15.137; Baltimore (Chen) 16.648
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-120); Under

Game 921-922: Minnesota at Detroit (7:08 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Correia) 14.836; Detroit (Sanchez) 16.480
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Detroit (-260); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-260); Under

Game 923-924: Cleveland at LA Angels (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Masterson) 14.622; LA Angels (Williams) 15.682
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-140); 8
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (+120); Over

Game 925-926: Houston at Texas (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Bedard) 14.201; Texas (Holland) 15.768
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Texas (-300); 9
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-300); Under

Game 927-928: Chicago White Sox at Kansas City (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Rienzo) 16.731; Kansas City (Guthrie) 15.639
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-170); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+150); Over

Game 929-930: Boston at San Francisco (3:45 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Doubront) 14.695; San Francisco (Zito) 15.724
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Boston (-130); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+110); Over

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Wednesday, August 21

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ATLANTA (76 - 49) at NY METS (58 - 66) - 1:10 PM
ALEX WOOD (L) vs. JON NIESE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 8-14 (-10.6 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -150 this season.
ATLANTA is 76-49 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 19-7 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
ATLANTA is 75-48 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 60-30 (+18.7 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.
NY METS are 62-77 (-27.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 278-291 (-83.9 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
NY METS are 62-77 (-27.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 19-32 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 39-63 (-24.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 19-41 (-18.0 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
NY METS is 8-7 (+4.3 Units) against ATLANTA this season
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.4 Units)

ALEX WOOD vs. NY METS since 1997
WOOD is 0-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 6.14 and a WHIP of 2.046.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

JON NIESE vs. ATLANTA since 1997
NIESE is 6-4 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.83 and a WHIP of 1.513.
His team's record is 8-6 (+3.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-5. (+3.0 units)

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ST LOUIS (72 - 53) at MILWAUKEE (55 - 71) - 2:10 PM
JAKE WESTBROOK (R) vs. TOM GORZELANNY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 13-19 (-12.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
WESTBROOK is 53-69 (-28.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
MILWAUKEE is 110-62 (+32.8 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 32-25 (+11.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 36-17 (+14.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MILWAUKEE is 55-71 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 5-17 (-13.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
MILWAUKEE is 2-11 (-11.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
MILWAUKEE is 13-28 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 55-71 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 9-3 (+4.7 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
8 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.9 Units)

JAKE WESTBROOK vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
WESTBROOK is 3-4 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.89 and a WHIP of 1.375.
His team's record is 4-5 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-4. (+0.8 units)

TOM GORZELANNY vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
GORZELANNY is 2-5 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.85 and a WHIP of 1.616.
His team's record is 3-6 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-2. (+3.6 units)

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PITTSBURGH (74 - 51) at SAN DIEGO (56 - 70) - 6:40 PM
GERRIT COLE (R) vs. IAN KENNEDY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 28-48 (-21.8 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 35-40 (-16.4 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.
SAN DIEGO is 28-19 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 132-153 (+2.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 74-51 (+25.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 28-18 (+11.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
PITTSBURGH is 32-29 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 15-4 (+12.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday this season.
PITTSBURGH is 30-25 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 74-51 (+25.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 62-39 (+26.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PITTSBURGH is 43-30 (+14.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PITTSBURGH is 45-21 (+22.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.2 Units)

GERRIT COLE vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.

IAN KENNEDY vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
KENNEDY is 1-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.75 and a WHIP of 1.083.
His team's record is 1-3 (-3.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.3 units)

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COLORADO (59 - 68) at PHILADELPHIA (55 - 70) - 7:05 PM
JUAN NICASIO (R) vs. CLIFF LEE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 123-166 (-30.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 196-254 (-59.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 32-63 (-28.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 82-110 (-37.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 28-32 (-11.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 55-70 (-20.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 71-71 (-20.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 5-15 (-11.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 55-70 (-20.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 65-82 (-25.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 24-33 (-15.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LEE is 23-30 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEE is 23-29 (-15.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEE is 15-22 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEE is 12-19 (-12.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 3-2 (+0.8 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

JUAN NICASIO vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
NICASIO is 0-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 7.94 and a WHIP of 1.587.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

CLIFF LEE vs. COLORADO since 1997
LEE is 2-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 1.77 and a WHIP of 1.094.
His team's record is 4-1 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-1. (+2.9 units)

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ARIZONA (65 - 59) at CINCINNATI (71 - 55) - 7:10 PM
BRANDON MCCARTHY (R) vs. MIKE LEAKE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 170-123 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 170-123 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 18-2 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
ARIZONA is 65-59 (+4.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 80-73 (+19.7 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 24-30 (-10.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LEAKE is 20-29 (-17.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 3-2 (+1.3 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

BRANDON MCCARTHY vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

MIKE LEAKE vs. ARIZONA since 1997
LEAKE is 1-0 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 6.12 and a WHIP of 1.360.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

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

LA DODGERS (73 - 52) at MIAMI (48 - 76) - 7:10 PM
ZACK GREINKE (R) vs. NATHAN EOVALDI (R)
Top Trends for this game.
GREINKE is 48-76 (-30.5 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
MIAMI is 23-23 (+8.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
MIAMI is 335-376 (+44.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
LA DODGERS are 73-52 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 130-89 (+24.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 36-27 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA DODGERS are 16-3 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
LA DODGERS are 70-52 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 25-17 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 50-33 (+10.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA DODGERS are 43-29 (+8.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
LA DODGERS are 37-16 (+14.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LA DODGERS are 20-6 (+12.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
GREINKE is 16-4 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 10-1 (+9.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 16-4 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 13-2 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
MIAMI is 117-169 (-33.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 97-125 (-34.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 12-26 (-16.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Wednesday over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 116-165 (-30.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 43-60 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 76-118 (-30.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 100-155 (-43.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 42-69 (-25.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 3-2 (+0.5 Units) against MIAMI this season
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.4 Units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. MIAMI since 1997
GREINKE is 2-0 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 5.25 and a WHIP of 1.667.
His team's record is 4-0 (+4.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-0. (+4.1 units)

NATHAN EOVALDI vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
EOVALDI is 0-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 18.00 and a WHIP of 3.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)

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

WASHINGTON (61 - 64) at CHICAGO CUBS (54 - 71) - 8:05 PM
ROSS OHLENDORF (R) vs. JAKE ARRIETA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 61-64 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 56-75 (-27.4 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 61-64 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 41-48 (-19.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 29-31 (-10.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
WASHINGTON is 31-15 (+15.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 115-172 (-32.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 25-39 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 13-34 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 25-39 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 195-207 (-70.4 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 81-127 (-28.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 648-639 (-147.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 3-2 (+2.8 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

ROSS OHLENDORF vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
OHLENDORF is 2-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.75 and a WHIP of 1.139.
His team's record is 5-1 (+5.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.4 units)

JAKE ARRIETA vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
ARRIETA is 0-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 5.57 and a WHIP of 1.571.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.0 units)

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SEATTLE (58 - 67) at OAKLAND (71 - 54) - 3:35 PM
HISASHI IWAKUMA (R) vs. A.J. GRIFFIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 71-54 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 45-20 (+17.4 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 90-55 (+25.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 271-200 (+62.8 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
OAKLAND is 65-48 (+19.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 68-50 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 112-78 (+36.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 80-49 (+23.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 41-19 (+13.1 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.
GRIFFIN is 28-13 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GRIFFIN is 17-4 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GRIFFIN is 26-13 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 30-26 (+8.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
IWAKUMA is 25-17 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
IWAKUMA is 14-7 (+11.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
IWAKUMA is 24-16 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 9-6 (+5.4 Units) against OAKLAND this season
9 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.3 Units)

HISASHI IWAKUMA vs. OAKLAND since 1997
IWAKUMA is 2-3 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 4.71 and a WHIP of 1.081.
His team's record is 2-3 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-5. (-5.4 units)

A.J. GRIFFIN vs. SEATTLE since 1997
GRIFFIN is 3-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.13 and a WHIP of 1.391.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+1.8 units)

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

TORONTO (57 - 69) at NY YANKEES (66 - 59) - 7:05 PM
R.A. DICKEY (R) vs. ADAM WARREN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 57-69 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 21-35 (-12.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TORONTO is 32-45 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TORONTO is 8-22 (-13.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
NY YANKEES are 66-59 (+4.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
DICKEY is 13-4 (+10.7 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 10-1 (+9.2 Units) against TORONTO this season
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.7 Units)

R.A. DICKEY vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
DICKEY is 1-2 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.34 and a WHIP of 1.138.
His team's record is 2-3 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.1 units)

ADAM WARREN vs. TORONTO since 1997
No recent starts.

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TAMPA BAY (72 - 52) at BALTIMORE (67 - 58) - 7:05 PM
JEREMY HELLICKSON (R) vs. WEI-YIN CHEN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 163-130 (+41.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 76-55 (+21.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 69-57 (+21.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 62-50 (+5.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 30-16 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 49-36 (+11.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 34-23 (+9.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 36-27 (+9.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CHEN is 19-9 (+12.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 120-104 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 508-589 (+25.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 9-5 (+2.6 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
8 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.7 Units)

JEREMY HELLICKSON vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
HELLICKSON is 8-3 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 2.94 and a WHIP of 1.015.
His team's record is 9-5 (+2.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-10. (-6.8 units)

WEI-YIN CHEN vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
CHEN is 1-3 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.154.
His team's record is 2-4 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.6 units)

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

MINNESOTA (55 - 69) at DETROIT (73 - 52) - 7:05 PM
KEVIN CORREIA (R) vs. ANIBAL SANCHEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 45-86 (-21.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 32-33 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 54-63 (+6.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CORREIA is 97-85 (+31.6 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 46-28 (+25.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 44-45 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 20-13 (+13.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 21-10 (+16.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday since 1997. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 95-83 (+30.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 65-57 (+23.1 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 168-132 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 9-13 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 160-126 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SANCHEZ is 26-29 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SANCHEZ is 25-28 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 6-8 (+2.2 Units) against DETROIT this season
10 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+6.5 Units)

KEVIN CORREIA vs. DETROIT since 1997
CORREIA is 1-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.16 and a WHIP of 1.013.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.3 units)

ANIBAL SANCHEZ vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
SANCHEZ is 1-2 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 2.80 and a WHIP of 1.302.
His team's record is 2-4 (-4.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-2. (+1.8 units)

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

CLEVELAND (68 - 58) at LA ANGELS (55 - 70) - 7:05 PM
JUSTIN MASTERSON (R) vs. JEROME WILLIAMS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 14-34 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 10-22 (-12.5 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.
CLEVELAND is 68-58 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 26-17 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
CLEVELAND is 65-55 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 44-40 (+6.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 39-27 (+11.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CLEVELAND is 39-21 (+16.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LA ANGELS are 55-70 (-32.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 33-37 (-14.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
LA ANGELS are 31-36 (-21.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
LA ANGELS are 20-27 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 55-70 (-32.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 43-49 (-18.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 26-43 (-27.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
LA ANGELS are 25-40 (-18.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WILLIAMS is 12-21 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WILLIAMS is 2-9 (-9.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season. (Team's Record)
WILLIAMS is 2-8 (-9.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season. (Team's Record)
WILLIAMS is 2-8 (-9.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 3-2 (+1.0 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

JUSTIN MASTERSON vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
MASTERSON is 3-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 1.94 and a WHIP of 1.334.
His team's record is 6-2 (+5.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (-0.3 units)

JEROME WILLIAMS vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
WILLIAMS is 0-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 6.35 and a WHIP of 0.882.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

HOUSTON (41 - 84) at TEXAS (73 - 53) - 8:05 PM
ERIK BEDARD (L) vs. DEREK HOLLAND (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 96-190 (-43.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 67-159 (-44.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 94-185 (-43.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 100-195 (-48.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 16-51 (-18.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BEDARD is 11-22 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BEDARD is 13-34 (-22.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 225-185 (+38.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday since 1997.
TEXAS is 40-16 (+15.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
HOLLAND is 47-21 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 12-7 (+13.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday this season.
TEXAS is 89-76 (-18.5 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 13-2 (+8.2 Units) against HOUSTON this season
8 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.5 Units)

ERIK BEDARD vs. TEXAS since 1997
BEDARD is 5-5 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 3.66 and a WHIP of 1.228.
His team's record is 8-10 (-3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-8. (-0.6 units)

DEREK HOLLAND vs. HOUSTON since 1997
HOLLAND is 1-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 5.25 and a WHIP of 1.208.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-4. (-4.7 units)

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

CHI WHITE SOX (50 - 74) at KANSAS CITY (64 - 60) - 8:10 PM
ANDRE RIENZO (R) vs. JEREMY GUTHRIE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 50-74 (-23.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 19-37 (-17.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 22-42 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 19-36 (-16.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 48-69 (-20.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 29-48 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 38-56 (-16.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 7-27 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 64-60 (+2.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 68-61 (+15.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 28-20 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 16-6 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 96-96 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 48-40 (+8.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
GUTHRIE is 31-23 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 13-4 (+11.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 14-2 (+13.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 18-8 (+11.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 15-9 (+7.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 25-17 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHI WHITE SOX are 346-340 (+33.3 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 104-85 (+28.2 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 7-6 (-0.3 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
10 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+6.7 Units)

ANDRE RIENZO vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
GUTHRIE is 6-6 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.40 and a WHIP of 1.123.
His team's record is 10-7 (+4.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-10. (-3.5 units)

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

BOSTON (74 - 54) at SAN FRANCISCO (56 - 69) - 3:45 PM
FELIX DOUBRONT (L) vs. BARRY ZITO (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-1 (+0.5 Units) against BOSTON this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

FELIX DOUBRONT vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

BARRY ZITO vs. BOSTON since 1997
ZITO is 6-7 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.90 and a WHIP of 1.449.
His team's record is 6-10 (-4.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-7. (+0.3 units)

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Short Sheet

Wednesday, August 21

National League

Atlanta at New York Mets, 1:10 ET
Wood: Over is 12-4-1 in last 17 road day games for Braves
Niese: Mets 2-7 SU last nine times Niese has started a home day game

St. Louis at Milwaukee, 2:10 ET
Westbrook: Over is 8-3 when Westbrook starts on road in 2013
Gorzelanny: Brewers 4-14 in last 18 home day games

Pittsburgh at San Diego, 6:40 ET
Cole: Under is 7-3-1 in Pirates' last 11 road series finales during the day
Kennedy: Padres 4-11 SU last 15 times it has faced a RHP in a home day game

Colorado at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
Nicasio: Over is 6-1-1 last eight times Rockies have faced a southpaw on the road
Lee: Phillies 1-7 SU in last eight home starts for Lee

Arizona at Cincinnati, 7:10 ET
McCarthy: Diamondbacks 1-6 SU last seven times playing a road night game prior to a day game
Leake: Reds 4-0 SU last four times Leake has started home night game after team lost in his last outing

Los Angeles Dodgers at Miami, 7:10 ET
Greinke: Under is 7-1 when Greinke starts a road night game for Dodgers
Eovaldi: Under is 5-1 in Eovaldi's last six starts

Washington at Chicago Cubs, 8:05 ET
Ohlendorf: Under is 9-3 in last 12 road night games for Nationals
Arrieta: Cubs 3-13 SU at home since the All-Star break


American League

Seattle at Oakland, 3:35 ET MLB
Iwakuma: Over is 4-2 when Iwakuma starts a road day game
Griffin: Athletics 18-8 SU in 2013 home day games

Toronto at New York Yankees, 7:05 ET
Dickey: Under is 9-4 when Dickey starts on the road for Blue Jays
Pettitte: Yankees 2-5 SU last 7 times Pettitte has started a home night game

Tampa Bay at Baltimore, 7:05 ET
Hellickson: Rays 2-6 SU last eight times Hellickson has started a road series finale
Chen: Orioles 10-3 SU in last 13 home series finales

Minnesota at Detroit, 7:08 ET
Correia: Twins 2-8 in last 10 starts for Correia
Sanchez: Tigers 9-2 SU when Sanchez starts at home

Cleveland at Los Angeles Angels, 7:05 ET
Masterson: Under is 4-0-1 in Masterson's last five road starts
Williams: Angels 2-8 SU when Williams starts at home in 2013

Houston at Texas, 8:05 ET
Bedard: Astros 1-4 SU when Bedard starts a road series finale
Holland: Under is 10-2 when Holland starts at home in 2013

Chicago White Sox at Kansas City, 8:10 ET
Rienzo: White Sox 6-17 SU in last 22 road night games
Guthrie: Royals 16-5 SU when Guthrie starts at home


Interleague

Boston at San Francisco, 3:45 ET MLB
Doubront: Red Sox 5-1 SU when Doubront starts a road series finale
Gaudin: Under is 5-1 when Gaudin starts at home for Giants

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, August 21

Hot pitchers
-- Wood is 2-0, 1.78 in his last four starts. Niese is 2-0, 3.75 in two starts since he came off the DL.
-- You're reading ***************.com
-- Greinke is 3-0, 1.30 in his last four starts.
-- Ohlendorf is 1-0, 1.38 in two starts this season. Arrieta is 1-0, 0.69 in two starts for the Cubs.

-- Dickey is 1-0, 3.25 in his last four starts.
-- Hellickson is 0-3, 8.00 in his last four starts.
-- Sanchez is 4-0, 1.54 in his last five starts.
-- You're reading ***************.com.
-- Holland is 1-0, 1.29 in his last three starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Westbrook is 0-3, 8.64 in his last three starts. Gorzelanny is 2-1, 5.32 in his last five.
-- Cole is 1-2, 4.63 in his last four starts. Kennedy is 1-1, 4.42 in three starts for San Diego.
-- Lee is 0-4, 5.34 in his last five starts. Nicasio is 1-2, 7.65 in his last four.
-- McCarthy is 0-4, 6.41 in his last four starts. Leake is 0-1, 6.88 in his last three starts.
-- Former Dodger Eovaldi is 0-3, 5.45 in his last six starts.

-- Doubront is 0-1, 11.25 in his last two starts. Zito is 0-3, 7.46 in his last six starts, last of which was July 30.

-- Griffin is 2-2, 4.54 in his last six starts. Iwakuma is 1-2, 3.71 in his last four.
-- Pettitte is 1-3, 5.18 in his last six starts.
-- WChen is 0-3, 4.66 in his last three starts.
-- Correia is 1-3, 7.13 in his last five starts.
-- Angels lost last seven Williams starts (0-2, 7.04 in last three). Masterson is 0-2, 6.05 in his last three starts.
-- Houston lost last eight Bedard starts (0-6, 5.40).
-- Guthrie is 0-2, 6.23 in his last couple starts. Rienzo is 0-0, 4.07 in four starts this season.

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........
-- Wood 1-6; Niese 6-16
-- Westbrook 7-17 (3 of last 3); Gorzelanny 2-8
-- Cole 3-12; Kennedy 9-24
-- Nicasio 10-23 (3 of last 4); Lee 4-23 (3 of last 7)
-- McCarthy 4-14 (0 of last 7); Leake 5-24 (1 of last 6)
-- Greinke 6-20; Eovaldi 3-11
-- Ohlendorf 0-2; Arrieta 2-7

-- Doubront 5-22 (1 of last 8); Zito 8-21 (4 of last 7)

-- Iwakuma 5-26 (0 of last 10); Griffin 3-25
-- Dickey 6-26 (1 of last 14); Pettitte 10-22 (8 of last 9)
-- Hellickson 9-25; Chen 3-15 (1 of last 9)
-- Correia 6-24 (0 of last 10); Sanchez 6-21
-- Masterson 5-26; Williams 5-18 (1 of last 6)
-- Bedard 12-22; Holland 3-25 (1 of last 8)
-- Rienzo 0-4; Guthrie 7-25

Totals
-- Eight of last nine Philly games stayed under total.
-- Five of last seven McCarthy starts stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven games at Citi Field stayed under the total.
-- Last five Miami games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Cub games stayed under the total.
-- Four of Milwaukee's last five games went over.
-- Three of last four San Diego games went over the total.

-- Over is 4-2-1 in last seven San Francisco games.

-- Seven of last nine Toronto games stayed under total.
-- Under is 10-3-2 in last fifteen Minnesota games.
-- Seven of last nine Baltimore games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Houston games went over the total.
-- Under is 7-2-2 in last eleven Kansas City games.
-- Under is 4-2-1 in last seven Oakland games.
-- 14 of last 19 Angel games went over the total.

Hot teams
-- Reds won seven of their last ten games. Arizona won six of its last eight. .
-- Braves won four of their last six games.
-- Dodgers are 43-10 in their last 53 games.
-- Cardinals won six of their last nine games.

-- Bronx Bombers won eight of their last ten games.
-- Tampa Bay won six of its last seven games.
-- White Sox won their last four games, scoring 20 runs.
-- Texas won 12 of their last 15 games.
-- A's won four of their last six games.
-- Indians won five of their last seven games.

Cold teams
-- Phillies lost seven of their last eleven games. Colorado lost three of its last four games.
-- Miami lost five of its last six home games.
-- Mets are 4-5 in their last nine games.
-- Milwaukee lost four of its last seven games.
-- Cubs lost seven of their last eight games. Washington lost four of last six.
-- Pittsburgh lost seven of its last ten games. Padres are 4-7 in their last eleven home games.

-- Red Sox lost five of their last seven games. Giants are 4-5 in last nine.

-- Blue Jays lost nine of their last thirteen games.
-- Orioles lost six of their last eight games.
-- Minnesota lost six of its last nine games. Detroit is 5-7 in its last 12.
-- Kansas City lost six of its last eight games.
-- Astros lost three of last four games, allowing 31 runs.
-- Mariners lost four of their last seven games.
-- Angels lost eight of their last ten games.

Umpires
-- Atl-NY-- Favorites won seven of last eight Gibson games.
-- Col-Phil-- Nine of last eleven Wolf games stayed under.
-- LA-Mia-- Underdogs won four of last seven Hoye games.
-- Az-Cin-- Under is 6-1-1 in last eight Conroy games.
-- Wsh-Chi-- Five of last six Winters games stayed under.
-- StL-Mil-- Five of last six Hudson games went over total.
-- Pitt-SD-- Under is 7-1-1 in last nine Muchinski games.

-- Bos-SF-- Underdogs won 11 of last 12 Bellino games; four of last five went over the total.

-- Tor-NY-- Under is 10-5-1 in last sixteen TBarrett games.
-- TB-Balt-- Under is 9-3-1 in last thirteen West games.
-- Min-Det-- Seven of last ten Baker games stayed under total.
-- Hst-Tex-- Home side won seven of last nine Barksdale games.
-- Cle-LA-- Underdogs won nine of last fifteen Carlson games.
-- Sea-A's-- Five of last six Fairchild games went over the total.
-- Chi-KC-- Five of last six Hallion games stayed under the total.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Wednesday, August 21

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Wednesday's MLB betting notes and tips
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NATIONAL

Atlanta Braves at New York Mets

Hot pitching stat: Braves lefthander Alex Wood is 2-0 with a 1.78 ERA in four starts since his last encounter against the Mets, during which he was tagged for four runs on eight hits over 4 1/3 innings.

Hot hitting stat: Mets outfielder Marlon Byrd went 3-for-4 with a pair of RBIs against Wood in New York's 7-4 win over the Braves back on July 25.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-90s under clear skies. Wind will blow out toward center field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: New York is 1-6 in right-hander Jonathan Niese's last seven home starts.

St. Louis Cardinals at Milwaukee Brewers

Cold pitching stat: Cardinals right-hander Jake Westbrook has lost four straight decisions, surrendering 25 runs while walking 15 over 21 1/3 innings over that stretch.

Hot hitting stat: St. Louis OF Matt Holiday is 5-for-10 with a home run and three walks in his career against Brewers starter Tom Gorzelanny.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-80s with sunny skies. Wind will blow from right to left field at 11 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 8-2 in Westbrook's last 10 road starts.

Pittsburgh Pirates at San Diego Padres

Hot pitching stat: Pirates right-hander Gerrit Cole is 2-1 with a 2.66 ERA in three road starts.

Hot batting stat: Pittsburgh 2B Neil Walker is 6-for-12 with a pair of home runs and 7 RBIs lifetime against Padres right-hander Ian Kennedy.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s under sunny skies. Wind will blow in from left field at 8 mph.

Key betting note: The Pirates have won 14 of their last 17 Wednesday games.

Colorado Rockies at Philadelphia Phillies

Cold pitching stat: Rockies right-hander Juan Nicasio was shelled in his only previous outing against the Phillies, allowing five runs on seven hits over 5 2/3 innings back on June 14.

Hot batting stat: Colorado OF Michael Cuddyer is a .306 career hitter with three home runs and eight RBIs in 36 at-bats against Phillies starter Cliff Lee.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-70s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to right field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 12-2 in Lee's last 14 starts taking place in the third game of a series.

Arizona Diamondbacks at Cincinnati Reds

Hot pitching stat: Cincinnati right-hander Mike Leake limited Arizona to a pair of runs over eight innings in their last encounter June 22.

Hot batting stat: Arizona hitters are a combined .297 with three home runs in 74 at-bats against Leake.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-70s with a 55 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms. Wind will blow from right to left field at 4 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 6-1-1 in umpire Chris Conroy's last eight games behind home plate.

Los Angeles Dodgers at Miami Marlins

Hot pitching stat: Dodgers right-hander Zack Greinke hasn't allowed a run in his past two starts, and is 5-1 with a 1.28 ERA in his previous eight outings.

Hot batting stat: Los Angeles OF Andre Ethier has a single and a home run in his only two career at-bats against Miami starter Nate Eovaldi.

Weather: With a 40 percent chance of a shower or thunderstorm, the roof at Marlins Park may be closed. Temperatures will be in the high-80s with wind blowing from right to left field at 9 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 7-0-1 in Greinke's last eight starts.

Washington Nationals at Chicago Cubs

Hot pitching stat: Nationals right-hander Ross Ohlendorf is 2-0 with a 2.75 ERA in six career starts against the Cubs.

Cold batting stat: SS Starlin Castro has just three hits in 15 at-bats against Ohlendorf, though two of them are triples.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-80s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to center field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: Washington has won seven straight games with umpire Mike Winters behind home plate.


AMERICAN

Seattle Mariners at Oakland Athletics

Hot pitching stat: Mariners right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma bounced back nicely from a rough outing against Milwaukee, limiting the Texas Rangers to one run over seven innings in his last start.

Hot batting stat: Athletics OF Yoenis Cespedes is one of the few major-leaguers to have solved Iwakuma, hitting 6-for-15 with three home runs against him.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-60s under sunny skies. Wind will blow from left to right field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: The Athletics are 17-4 in right-hander A.J. Griffin's last 21 home starts.

Toronto Blue Jays at New York Yankees

Cold pitching stat: Blue Jays knuckleballer R.A. Dickey has coughed up 27 home runs in 2013 - three more than he surrendered all of last season.

Hot batting stat: Toronto RF Jose Bautista is 10-for-31 lifetime against Yankees starter Andy Pettitte, with five walks, three home runs and 7 RBIs.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-80s with sunny skies. Wind will blow from right to left field at 7 mph.

Key betting stat: The under is 4-0 in Dickey's last four starts on grass.

Cleveland Indians at Los Angeles Angels

Hot pitching stat: Indians right-hander Justin Masterson is 3-0 with a 2.59 ERA in eight starts and three relief appearances against Los Angeles.

Cold batting stat: Cleveland hitters have just four hits in 24 combined at-bats against Angels starter Jerome Williams.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-70s with sunny skies. Wind will blow out to center field at 6 mph.

Key betting stat: Los Angeles has won just three of Williams' last 16 starts against teams with winning records.

Tampa Bay Rays at Baltimore Orioles

Hot pitching stat: Tampa Bay right-hander Jeremy Hellickson is 8-3 with a 3.09 ERA in 15 career appearances against Baltimore.

Cold batting stat: Orioles C Matt Wieters is just .222 with zero home runs in 27 lifetime at-bats versus Hellickson.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-80s under mostly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to left field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: The road team is 11-1 in umpire Joe West's last 12 Wednesday games behind home plate.

Minnesota Twins at Detroit Tigers

Hot pitching stat: Tigers right-hander Anibal Sanchez has been red-hot at home, going 7-2 with a 1.98 ERA in nine starts at Comerica Park.

Cold batting stat: Twins 3B Trevor Plouffe is the only member of the Minnesota roster to have hit a home run against Sanchez.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-80s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow in from right field at 12 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 4-0-1 in the Tigers' last five home games.

Houston Astros at Texas Rangers

Hot pitching stat: Rangers left-hander Derek Holland has surrendered just three runs over his last three starts, though he only has one win to show for it.

Hot batting stat: Texas became the first team in 2013 to score double-digit runs in an inning, erupting for 11 in the third frame of a 16-5 win over the Astros in Monday's series opener.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-90s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow in from center field at 7 mph.

Key betting note: The Rangers have won six straight games against a left-handed starter.

Chicago White Sox at Kansas City Royals

Cold pitching stat: Royals right-hander Jeremy Guthrie has dropped two straight decisions since tossing a complete-game shutout against Minnesota, allowing nine runs on 23 hits over 13 innings in that stretch.

Cold batting stat: White Sox DH Adam Dunn is hitting .130 with 11 strikeouts in 23 career at-bats against Guthrie.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-80s with sunny skies. Wind will blow out to left field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: Road teams are 5-0 in umpire Tom Hallion's last five games behind home plate.


INTERLEAGUE

Boston Red Sox at San Francisco Giants

Cold pitching stat: Giants right-hander Chad Gaudin had his worst start of the season last time out, charged with eight runs on 11 hits in four innings against Miami.

Hot batting stat: Red Sox C Mike Napoli has dominated the head-to-head matchup with Gaudin, going 7-for-16 with two doubles, three homers and seven RBIs.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-60s under sunny skies. Wind will blow out to center field at 9 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 4-1 in Doubront's last five interleague starts.


** Odds, probable starters and weather forecast as of 6:30 p.m. ET.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Wednesday, August 21

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MLB Top 3: Hot 'over' 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 over the total.

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

Jake Westbrook, St. Louis Cardinals (7-8, 4.35 ERA)

Westbrook has been one of the top 'over' pitchers in the majors to date, with the 'over' going 13-5 in his 18 starts. The veteran right-hander has fallen on hard times of late, allowing 20 earned runs over his previous 16 1/3 innings.

The Cardinals take on the Brewers in Milwaukee on Wednesday.

Mike Leake, Cincinnati Reds (10-5, 3.01 ERA)

Leake has seen the 'over' in four of his last six starts, and the 'over' is 7-4 in his 11 home starts. The 26-year-old is winless in his last four starts and surrendered four runs on nine hits over five innings in his last appearance.

The Reds entertain the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday.

Juan Nicasio, Colorado Rockies (7-6, 4.94 ERA)

When Nicasio pitches, runs are often plentiful. The 27-year-old right-hander has hit the 'over' in 15 of his 22 starts, and has had 12 'overs' compared to just three 'unders' when pitching at night.

The Rockies visit the Phillies in Philadelphia on Wednesday night.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Wednesday's six-pack

-- White Sox acquired Avisail Garcia in the Peavy-Iglesias three-team deal; he is 12 for his last 28 for the Pale Hose.

-- Paul Goldschmidt is the first Diamondback with three grand slams in one season; if he played home games in Cincinnati, he'd put up huge numbers.

-- Reds' P Tony Cingrani left last night's start with a strained back, not the best news for Cincinnati fans.

-- Marlins' P Jacob Turner has done well this year, but in his last couple starts, he's had 11 walks, zero strikeouts. This is not good.

-- Toronto's Jose Bautista was put on the DL Tuesday night with left hip soreness, as the Jays' season from hell continues.

-- Late night update: Indians scored three runs in the 14th inning and beat the hapless Angels 4-1 in Anaheim early Wednesday morning. Game ended at 3:25am here in upstate New York.


*****

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

13) Dennis Eckersley is filling in for Jerry Remy on Red Sox’ telecasts this week; late in Boston’s 7-0 win Monday night, Eck leveled some fairly harsh criticism of Ryan Dempster in wake of Sunday's ARod/beanball kerfuffle.

Eck’s point was that winning the game (there is a pennant race, ya know??) should’ve been priority #1, but he also took the chance to call Dempster “……pretty mediocre at this point in his career.”

Pretty interesting TV, considering it was 1am and a 6-0 game at the time.

12) Dempster got a 5-game (paid) suspension which is really a one-gamer; he appeals, makes his regular turn, then drops the appeal and can pitch in the sixth game after that. Former used car dealer Selig would’ve taken a lot of grief if he hadn’t suspended him, so he did, but Dempster still gets paid.

11) There are high school football games on ESPN’s airwaves this weekend, real games played before either college or the NFL play real games. Good exposure for the kids, but the hot weather can’t be great to play in. Not sure if I’ll watch or not.

10) Did golfer Tom Lehman really once call President Clinton “….a draft dodging baby-killer”? I’m told this was back in the mid-90’s, but geez, the guy was president of the country. Pretty strong words. OK to call him a draft dodger, but a baby killer?

9) Montreal Alouettes lost QB Anthony Calvillo (concussion) last week; will Montreal turn to former Ohio State/Ravens’ backup Troy Smith as its starter, or stick with backup Neiswander, who was 12-30/147 with two picks in relief of Calvillo last week? Smith hasn’t been on the squad that long, but his mobility should play well on the bigger Canadian field.

8) Speaking of Canadian football, Toronto QB Ricky Ray, who spent a year as a Jets’ backup, was 31-36 for 458 yards in Toronto’s 36-33 win over Edmonton last week. That’s 12.7 yards per attempt in a league where a lot of shorter passes are thrown.

7) Chip Kelly did the smart thing and named Michael Vick his starting QB for the Eagles’ season opener. Kelly’s team will be one of the more interesting studies early this season.

6) Two historical things I’ve seen in person that I was surprised how small both of them were: the Liberty Bell and the Alamo. Alamo looks like a tiny convenience store, it is that small. San Antonio is an underrated town, by the way; good place to visit.

5) There are four MLB players with 20+ HR in each of last eight years: Alfonso Soriano, David Ortiz, Prince Fielder, Miguel Cabrera.

4) There are places in this country where they put corn dogs on a stick, then dip the stick in chocolate. I'd like to visit these places.

3) Yasiel Puig showed up 35-40 minutes late for Tuesday night's game in Miami, and got benched; will be interesting going forward to see how he handles his increasing fame, because he does have a flair for the dramatic.

Puig pinch-hit in the 8th inning and hit the game-winning homer in LA's 6-4 win at Miami. So much for being benched.

2) I don’t trust people who use paper shredders; I know they’re useful in preventing identity theft now, but I lived through the Nixon years, so when I hear something being shredded, my first thought is that the person shredding stuff has something to hide.

1) Congrats to Dwayne Davis of Southern Miss for landing a contract with Murcia of the Spanish ACB. Dwayne is a good kid who has overcome more than his share of hardship—he is due for some great things now, so good luck to him in Spain. I’m guessing that a couple years from now, he’ll find his way onto an NBA roster.

[StarDust Bum]

Wednesday, August 21

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Atlanta - 1:10 PM ET Atlanta -150 500

NY Mets - Over 7 500

St. Louis - 2:10 PM ET Milwaukee +106 500 POD # 3

Milwaukee - Over 9 500

Seattle - 3:35 PM ET Seattle +120 500 POD # 2

Oakland - Under 7.5 500

Boston - 3:45 PM ET San Francisco +142 500 POD # 1

San Francisco - Under 8 500 POD # 4

Pittsburgh - 6:40 PM ET Pittsburgh -128 500

San Diego - Over 7 500 POD # 5

[WThotrod]

Good luck today, my friend! I am on all 5 POD's for $300 a piece. Let's make some cash, BUM!

[StarDust Bum]

The Giants are pityfull............

[StarDust Bum]

Evening Pod's:


Tampa Bay - 7:05 PM ET Tampa Bay +115 500 POD # 1
Baltimore - Under 8.5 500

Cleveland - 7:05 PM ET Cleveland -151 500
LA Angels - Under 8 500

Colorado - 7:05 PM ET Philadelphia -175 500
Philadelphia - Under 7.5 500

Toronto - 7:05 PM ET NY Yankees -117 500
NY Yankees - Under 9 500

Minnesota - 7:08 PM ET Minnesota +219 500 POD # 3
Detroit - Under 8 500

Arizona - 7:10 PM ET Arizona +140 500 POD # 2
Cincinnati - Over 8.5 500

LA Dodgers - 7:10 PM ET LA Dodgers -180 500
Miami - Over 7 500

Washington - 8:05 PM ET Chi. Cubs -108 500
Chi. Cubs - Over 9 500

Houston - 8:05 PM ET Houston +271 500 POD # 4
Texas - Over 8.5 500

Chi. White Sox - 8:10 PM ET Kansas City -171 500
Kansas City - Over 8 500