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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Blue Jays (57-73) at Astros (43-85)
Game: 3
Venue: Minute Maid Park
Date: August 25, 2013 2:10 PM EDT


Excellent production at the plate has the Houston Astros in position to sweep a series at home for the first time in 15 months.

The Toronto Blue Jays are hoping Mark Buehrle can prevent that from happening.

The Astros will attempt to solve Buehrle for the first time and sweep this three-game set from the struggling Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday.

Houston (43-85), owner of the worst record in baseball, have totaled 20 runs in winning the first two games after Saturday's 8-5 victory.

The Astros had dropped 17 of their previous 20 at Minute Maid Park, batting .213 while averaging 3.4 runs.

Houston has a .329 average over the last two games, with four home runs among its 14 extra-base hits and 23 overall. Now, the Astros are trying to sweep a series at home for the first time taking three games from the Chicago Cubs from May 21-23, 2012.

Sweeping the Blue Jays (57-73), however, may be a tall task since they're giving the ball to Buehrle (9-7, 4.23 ERA).

The veteran left-hander started the season 1-3 with a 6.33 ERA through his first nine starts, but he's 8-4 with a 3.19 ERA in 17 games since. He's won his last four decisions behind a 2.41 ERA in six outings.

Buehrle seemed to be headed for another win Tuesday, but gave up a game-tying homer before exiting with two outs in the seventh of a 3-2 loss at the New York Yankees.

"One too many bad pitches, I guess," Buehrle told the team's official website.

Buehrle has won both of his starts against the Astros, yielding one run in 17 innings. He was masterful while tossing a two-hitter with nine strikeouts in a 4-0 home win July 25.

This will be his first appearance at Minute Maid Park since getting a save with the Chicago White Sox in Game 3 of the 2005 World Series.

Buehrle held Jason Castro hitless in four at_bats - fanning him twice - last month. However, the catcher enters this matchup hitting .371 with five homers and 16 RBIs in 19 games.

Castro has four hits in this series after going 3 for 3 with two homers and three RBIs Saturday. His 17 homers have matched the team's single-season record for a catcher, set by John Bateman in 1966.

"The biggest thing that I've really been trying to do this year is stay as consistent as possible and really not deviate from my approach," Castro said. "I've tried to be as simple as possible and it's worked out so far."

The Astros will send Dallas Keuchel (5-7, 5.11) to the mound, and the left-hander is 0-1 over his last two outings, allowing 10 runs in 12 2-3 innings.

He was pulled after four-plus frames Aug. 17, allowing four runs with three walks while not getting a decision in a 6-5 road defeat to the Los Angeles Angels.

Keuchel surrendered six runs and three homers in 7 1-3 innings in an 8-6 victory in his only career start versus Toronto on July 27.

The Jays have dropped seven in a row, matching their season worst from July 14-24, and are on the cusp of their longest slide since a nine-game stretch from May 19-27, 2009.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Blue Jays at Astros
Fri, Aug 23 Final 4 to 12
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Blue Jays at Astros
Sat, Aug 24 Final 5 to 8
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Blue Jays at Astros
Sun, Aug 25 - 2:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Braves (77-52) at Cardinals (76-53)
Game: 4
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: August 25, 2013 2:15 PM EDT


Lance Lynn and Mike Minor may be among the NL leaders in wins, but they're both seeking improvement.

Success from Lynn could be just what the St. Louis Cardinals need to gain sole possession of the NL Central lead.

Lynn attempts to avoid a fourth straight start without a win, while Minor attempts to rebound from the shortest outing of his career in Sunday's finale of this four-game set with the Cardinals and Atlanta Braves.

Lynn (13-7, 3.97 ERA) is following up his career-best 18-win season with another impressive one, while Minor (12-5, 3.06) has set a personal-best in wins and his 145 strikeouts match his career high from last year.

Both pitchers are playing a key role in St. Louis and Atlanta, respectively, bidding to return to the postseason.

The Cardinals (76-53) are tied with Pittsburgh atop the Central, while the Braves (7-52) are comfortably leading the East by 12 games on second-place Washington.

St. Louis has surged into the dead heat by winning seven of eight games, including the first three of this series following Saturday's 6-2 victory.

Despite Lynn and Minor ranking among the league leaders in wins, both have struggled of late.

Lynn is 0-2 with a 5.50 ERA over his last three starts, losing his most recent 6-3 at Milwaukee on Tuesday. He allowed six runs and nine hits in six innings, but five of those runs came in the fifth.

"When you have that kind of stuff and you give up five runs on all singles - they don't get any extra-base hits - it's tough to swallow," Lynn told the team's official website.

He's split his two career starts with Atlanta last year, allowing five runs with 15 strikeouts in 13 innings.

Minor has won three straight decisions over his last five starts. However, he's scheduled to take the mound for the first time since Aug. 17, when he was battered for four runs while issuing four walks before getting pulled with two outs in the second inning of an 8-7 loss to Washington.

The left-hander has a 2.73 ERA over his last four road outings, but is 0-1 thanks in large part to being backed by an average of 2.4 runs.

He was hit hard in his only visit to Busch Stadium, surrendering three home runs among his six runs and eight hits with seven strikeouts in 4 2-3 innings of a 9-7 victory.

Minor, though, was superb against the Cardinals on July 26, outpitching Adam Wainwright while yielding one run in seven innings of a 4-1 win.

The Braves may need another gem from Minor since they've totaled five runs while batting .220 in this series.

"It's a combination of tough pitching and we're not swinging it really well," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "Sometimes you run into a hot team like they are right now."

Freddie Freeman can't be blamed for Atlanta's recent offensive issues. The All-Star first baseman is 13 for 30 (.433) with two homers and five RBIs during a seven-game hitting streak.

He has four hits in this series after hitting a solo shot Saturday.

The Cardinals are getting strong production from Carlos Beltran and Matt Carpenter. Beltran is 13 for 27 (.481) with three homers and six RBIs in six games, while Carpenter has a .459 average with 11 runs in the past eight contests at home.

That success may only continue since Beltran is 4 for 10 with two doubles, a triple and a homer off Minor, and Carpenter has a double and a homer in five at_bats.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Braves at Cardinals
Thu, Aug 22 Final 2 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Braves at Cardinals
Fri, Aug 23 Final 1 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Braves at Cardinals
Sat, Aug 24 Final 2 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Braves at Cardinals
Sun, Aug 25 - 2:15PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Pirates (76-53) at Giants (57-72)
Game: 4
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: August 25, 2013 4:05 PM EDT


Though Pittsburgh's latest defeat dropped it into a tie for first in the NL Central, the Pirates should feel confident they can bounce back and conclude an already successful California trip on a positive note.

The Pirates look to regroup and take this four-game set from the San Francisco Giants on Sunday.

After Pittsburgh (76-53) opened the series with a pair of wins to improve to 4-1 on this seven-game trip through San Diego and San Francisco, Francisco Liriano allowed four first-inning runs en route to Saturday's 6-3 loss.

That defeat coupled with St. Louis' 6-2 victory over Atlanta left the Pirates and Cardinals tied atop the division. However, Pittsburgh has played too well to allow one loss to linger.

"People were worried about us being a .500 ballclub and the next thing you know we're neck and neck going into the end of the season,' center fielder Andrew McCutchen said. "The expectations, we exceeded those. Now we the opportunity to do even more.'

A.J. Burnett (6-8, 3.09 ERA) will try to win consecutive starts for the first time since early May when he takes the mound for the Pirates. The right-hander gave up 11 runs and 16 hits over 10 innings in his previous two starts before holding San Diego to a solo homer and three other hits over seven innings Tuesday in an 8-1 win.

"He had pitches to work with," manager Clint Hurdle said. "He was able to reboot (Tuesday). Very good outing for him.'

Burnett is 6-2 with a 1.95 ERA in eight starts against the Giants (57-72), but the two runs he gave up in 6 1-3 innings to beat them last year came in his first meeting versus San Francisco since 2007.

Jose Tabata had three hits and backup catcher Tony Sanchez added his first career homer Saturday as Pittsburgh dropped to 6-9 since winning five in a row.

Tabata's nine hits in his last 25 road at_bats have come via three three-hit games.

Teammate Pedro Alvarez is 3 for 9 with three doubles in the series, but 2 for 10 with a double and six strikeouts versus San Francisco starter Ryan Vogelsong (2-4, 6.29).

The right-hander has a 3.78 ERA while not factoring in the decisions of three starts since spending more than two months on the disabled list with a broken hand. His outing Tuesday against Boston was the best of that stretch, as he allowed two runs in seven innings of a 3-2 win.

"The way he was throwing was the way he threw last year," teammate Marco Scutaro told the Giants of Vogelsong, who won a career-high 14 games in 2012 and three in the postseason. "He was painting the corners and mixing his pitches. He was very good."

The ex-Pirate is 1-3 with a 4.50 ERA against his former team.

He won't have to face Pittsburgh leadoff hitter Starling Marte, who was placed on the disabled list Saturday with a bruised right hand. Marte was batting .282 with 11 home runs, 33 RBIs and 35 stolen bases.

Buster Posey had three hits and Pablo Sandoval drove in two runs Saturday as the Giants snapped a three-game skid to win for the second time in seven contests.

Posey is 9 for 21 with six RBIs in his last five games versus Pittsburgh.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Pirates at Giants
Thu, Aug 22 Final 10 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Pirates at Giants
Fri, Aug 23 Final 3 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Pirates at Giants
Sat, Aug 24 Final 3 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Pirates at Giants
Sun, Aug 25 - 4:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Angels (57-71) at Mariners (59-69)
Game: 3
Venue: Safeco Field
Date: August 25, 2013 4:10 PM EDT


Aaron Harang finally put up a solid performance in the month of August.

Now, the right-hander seeks his first win in more than a month as his Seattle Mariners try to avoid being swept by the visiting Los Angeles Angels in Sunday's finale.

Harang (5-10, 5.49 ERA) got off to a terrible start in August, posting a 12.75 ERA through his first three starts. He suffered from forearm tightness in his third outing.

On Monday, Harang showed a different side, allowing one run in seven innings against the A's before Oakland won 2-1 in walk-off fashion.

"(Harang) was good, his elbow was fine, no tightness," said Robby Thompson, who served as the interim manager while Eric Wedge recovered from a stroke. "He mixed in his breaking ball and moved his fastball around. A very nice outing for him. Too bad it was spoiled at the end."

Looking for his first win since July 22, Harang can't be too thrilled to see the Angels (57-71) on Sunday. He's 0-3 with a 10.03 ERA against Los Angeles this season and has allowed five homers in 11 2-3 innings.

Josh Hamilton has hit two of those, and is 5 for 7 against Harang in 2013. Erick Aybar (3 for 6) and Mike Trout (4 for 6) have also fared well versus Harang this season.

Trout's homer in the first inning was all the Angels needed on Saturday. He hit a two-run blast off Erasmo Ramirez and J.B. Shuck added three hits in Los Angeles' 5-1 win.

The Angels now turn to Jered Weaver (7-7, 3.62) as they look for their first sweep since taking all three in Houston in the final three days of June.

Weaver went 4-0 with a 1.49 ERA during a five-start stretch from July 19 through Aug. 9, but he's been hit hard in his last two outings. The right-hander surrendered nine runs in five innings at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 14, then allowed four in six frames of a 5-2 loss to Cleveland on Monday.

All four runs and five of the eight hits came in the fourth inning.

"Things just got away from me a little bit," Weaver said. "I was feeling good all night, and my location was good, but I just had one blowup inning and it ended up being the difference in the game."

Weaver has finally gotten a bit of run support in the second half - 4.56 per nine innings in seven starts as opposed to 2.42 in 11 outings before the All-Star break - but he hasn't gotten much help recently against Seattle. He's lost four straight starts to the Mariners (59-69) with just one total run to back him up.

He's given up five homers over 19 innings in that skid, including one to Justin Smoak in a 6-0 defeat at Safeco Field on July 13- his only start versus Seattle this season.

Raul Ibanez is a career .455 hitter (15 for 33) with four homers off Weaver.

The Mariners have hardly looked like an offensive threat in this series, though, having scored a single run in the first two games.

"We spread out some hits here and there, but we never really put anything together," Wedge said. "You got to put more heat on them offensively."

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Angels at Mariners
Fri, Aug 23 Final 2 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Angels at Mariners
Sat, Aug 24 Final 5 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Angels at Mariners
Sun, Aug 25 - 4:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Cubs (55-74) at Padres (58-71)
Game: 3
Venue: PETCO Park
Date: August 25, 2013 4:10 PM EDT


Although an unexpected outburst helped end their losing streak, the Chicago Cubs have been plagued by their inconsistency at the plate in key situations.

They might continue to scuffle against a former Cub who has pitched well at home for the San Diego Padres.

Andrew Cashner looks to hold an opponent to two earned runs or less for a sixth straight home start while dealing Chicago its 11th loss in 14 games Sunday.

Following a 3-for-19 stretch, Darwin Barney broke out with three hits - including his first home run since July 14 - and two RBIs to help the NL Central-worst Cubs (55-74) snap a four-game skid with Saturday's 3-2 victory.

"Tip my hat to Barney for giving me those two runs,' said Jeff Samardzija, who has Chicago's two wins over the past eight games.

While the Padres (58-71) went 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position and have a .191 average in those situations since July 19, the Cubs are batting a major league-worst .180 over that span. Barney (5 for 27), Starlin Castro (3 for 31) and Anthony Rizzo (6 for 36) are among those who aren't coming through in clutch moments.

Chicago has gone 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position while scoring three runs in 17 innings in this series since a six-run first in an 8-6 loss in Friday's opener.

Castro (4 for 46) and Rizzo (12 for 79) have also struggled overall as of late, though Junior Lake (13 for 30) and Dioner Navarro (8 for 22) have tried to pick up the slack.

The Cubs, who snapped a five-game skid in San Diego, look to win consecutive games for the first time since Aug. 9-10 in St. Louis. They'll take on a familiar face in Cashner (8-8, 3.74 ERA), who was sent to San Diego in exchange for Rizzo in January of 2012.

Since posting a 3.79 ERA and getting 20 runs of support in three straight victories, the right-hander has a 3.32 ERA and received three total runs while losing his last three starts. He's pitched particularly well at home, however, going 2-2 with a 2.06 ERA in his last five starts there.

Cashner is 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA in three career appearances versus the Cubs. He allowed four walks and five runs over four innings in his only start against them, a 6-2 loss at Wrigley Field on May 1.

Chicago starter Chris Rusin (2-3, 3.08) has a 2.04 ERA in his last three starts, but has dropped his last two while receiving only one run of support. He yielded two runs but matched a career high by allowing 10 hits over 5 2-3 innings in a 4-2 loss to Washington on Tuesday.

"I couldn't find my two-seam (fastball) but I was able to find some other pitches to get me out of jams," Rusin said.

The left-hander is 2-0 with a 1.00 ERA in his last three road starts and hasn't allowed a run there in 13 innings.

He could have his hands full with Will Venable, who is 6 for 8 with two home runs in this series. He's also batting .391 with seven homers over his last 22 games overall.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Cubs at Padres
Fri, Aug 23 Final 6 to 8
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Cubs at Padres
Sat, Aug 24 Final 3 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Cubs at Padres
Sun, Aug 25 - 4:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Red Sox (76-55) at Dodgers (76-53)
Game: 3
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: August 25, 2013 8:05 PM EDT


After slowing down baseball's hottest team, the Boston Red Sox are looking for more.

Boston tries to become the first team since mid-June to take a series from the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday night at Chavez Ravine.

While the Red Sox (76-55) were held to a pair of singles in Friday's 2-0 loss, they got going right away in a 4-2 victory Saturday. Jonny Gomes' three-run homer capped a four-run first inning, and Jon Lester pitched effectively into the eighth.

"If you've got a good aggressive hitter like Jonny who can hit the ball out of the ballpark and he jumps on that first pitch, it's huge," catcher David Ross said.

Boston has now won three of five, a stretch in which its rotation has posted a 1.21 ERA.

"Our starting pitching has been absolutely grinding and keeping us in the game," said Gomes, who has seven RBIs in his last four games.

The Dodgers (76-53), meanwhile, saw their four-game winning streak come to an end after going 1 for 6 with runners in scoring position. Los Angeles is still 46-11 dating to June 22, by far the best record in the majors over that stretch, but on Sunday it'll be in danger of losing its first series since dropping two of three in Pittsburgh from June 14-16.

Yasiel Puig, third in the NL with a .345 average since getting called up June 3, collected two of the team's five hits Saturday.

"More times than not with our offense we're going to be able to get back in the game all the way, but (Lester) didn't allow it," catcher A.J. Ellis said.

The Dodgers will try to bounce back against Jake Peavy (9-5, 4.25 ERA), who has allowed one or two runs in three of his four starts since being traded to the Red Sox on July 30. The right-hander yielded one run and five hits in 5 2-3 innings in a 3-2 walkoff loss at San Francisco on Tuesday.

"You don't ever like to come out of a game," Peavy, who was removed after throwing 92 pitches, told MLB's official website. "It was tough coming out. But that's the way the game goes."

Peavy hasn't faced the Dodgers in more than four years, but he gave them fits while with San Diego from 2002-09. The former NL Cy Young Award winner is 13-2 in 24 career starts versus Los Angeles while compiling a 2.27 ERA - his second-lowest mark against any NL club.

Andre Ethier is 5 for 33 (.152) with 10 strikeouts versus Peavy, and Hanley Ramirez is 1 for 13. Former Padres teammate Adrian Gonzalez, though, is 3 for 7 with a homer.

Gonzalez drove in both Dodgers runs Saturday, giving him 14 RBIs in his last 17 games.

Los Angeles tries to get back on track behind Chris Capuano (4-6, 4.70), who has compiled a 7.53 ERA over his last three starts. The Dodgers, though, have won each of his last seven outings, including Tuesday's 6-4 victory at Miami after the left-hander gave up three runs and six hits in five innings.

Capuano now returns home, where he is 2-4 with a 6.23 ERA in nine outings, for his first career start against the Red Sox.

Boston, which has outscored opponents 79-30 during an 11-3 stretch in interleague play, is 1-4 all-time at Dodger Stadium.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Red Sox at Dodgers
Fri, Aug 23 Final 0 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Red Sox at Dodgers
Sat, Aug 24 Final 4 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Red Sox at Dodgers
Sun, Aug 25 - 8:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Boston at LA Dodgers
The Red Sox look to build on their 14-6 record in their last 20 interleague road games. Boston is the pick (-110) according to Dunkel, which has the Red Sox favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Boston (-110). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25

Game 901-902: Milwaukee at Cincinnati (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Estrada) 15.111; Cincinnati (Reynolds) 16.747
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-200); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-200); Under

Game 903-904: Colorado at Miami (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (De La Rosa) 14.919; Miami (Turner) 13.851
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Miami (-110); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-110); Over

Game 905-906: Arizona at Philadelphia (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Corbin) 15.781; Philadelphia (Halladay) 14.168
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Arizona (-150); 8
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-150); Under

Game 907-908: Atlanta at St. Louis (2:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Minor) 16.118; St. Louis (Lynn) 15.209
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1; 8
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-135); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+115); Over

Game 909-910: Pittsburgh at San Francisco (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Burnett) 15.936; San Francisco (Vogelsong) 14.354
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-135); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-135); Under

Game 911-912: Chicago Cubs at San Diego (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Rusin) 14.843; San Diego (Cashner) 13.961
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1; 8
Vegas Line: San Diego (-150); 7
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+130); Over

Game 913-914: Minnesota at Cleveland (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Pelfrey) 14.935; Cleveland (Kazmir) 16.504
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-180); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-180); Under

Game 915-916: Oakland at Baltimore (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Gray) 15.495; Baltimore (Feldman) 14.389
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-130); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+110); Over

Game 917-918: NY Yankees at Tampa Bay (1:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Nova) 15.530; Tampa Bay (Cobb) 14.654
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-145); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (+125); Over

Game 919-920: Toronto at Houston (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Buehrle) 15.487; Houston (Keuchel) 14.112
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Toronto (-140); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-140); Under

Game 921-922: Texas at Chicago White Sox (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Garza) 17.314; White Sox (Danks) 16.039
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Texas (-155); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-155); Under

Game 923-924: LA Angels at Seattle (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Weaver) 14.915; Seattle (Harang) 15.898
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1; 8
Vegas Line: LA Angels (140); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+120); Over

Game 925-926: Detroit at NY Mets (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Porcello) 15.411; NY Mets (Gee) 16.616
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Detroit (-145); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+125); Over

Game 927-928: Washington at Kansas City (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Haren) 15.999; Kansas City (Santana) 17.432
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-120); 8
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-120); Under

Game 929-930: Boston at LA Dodgers (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Peavy) 17.362; LA Dodgers (Capuano) 16.373
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1; 8
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-110); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-110); Over

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, August 25

Hot pitchers
-- Cingrani is 2-2, 2.33 in his last five starts. Estrada is 1-0, 2.65 in three starts since coming off the DL.
-- de la Rosa is 3-0, 2.95 in his last three starts.
-- Corbin is 4-2, 2.38 in his last eight starts.
-- Minor is 3-0, 3.45 in his last eight starts.
-- Burnett is 2-1, 3.82 in his last five starts.
-- Rusin is 1-2, 2.04 in his last three starts.

-- Gee is 2-0, 1.59 in his last four starts.
-- Haren is 4-0, 1.36 in his last five starts. Santana is 0-1, 2.25 in his last two.
-- Peavy is 0-1, 2.31 in his last two starts.

-- Gray is 1-0, 1.20 in his last two starts.
-- Cobb is 2-0, 2.45 in his last two starts. Bronx won last four Nova starts (3-0, 2.60).
-- Buehrle is 2-0, 2.84 in his last three starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Halladay is making first start since May 5; he allowed 17 runs in six IP in his last two starts before going on DL.
-- Turner is 0-3, 4.70 in last seven starts (11 walks, 0 K's in last two).
-- Lynn is 0-2, 6.50 in his last three starts.
-- Cashner is 0-3, 5.21 in his last three starts (SD scored five runs).
-- Vogelsong is 0-0, 3.78 in three starts since coming off DL.

-- Porcello is 1-1, 6.46 in his last three starts.
-- Dodgers won Capuano's last seven starts, but he is 0-0, 8.16 in last three.

-- Kazmir is 0-2, 11.25 in his last couple starts. Pelfrey is 1-2, 5.67 in his last five starts.
-- Feldman is 1-2, 5.40 in his last four starts.
-- Garza is 2-1, 5.60 in his last four starts (Texas scored 30 runs in his last three starts). Danks is 0-3, 6.51 in his last four home starts.
-- Keuchel is 1-1, 7.20 in his last three starts.
-- Weaver is 0-2, 11.64 in his last two starts. Harang is 0-1, 8.53 in last four.

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........
-- Estrada 4-15 (3 of last 5); Cingrani 4-16
-- de la Rosa 4-26 (0 of last 8); Turner 4-15 (3 of last 4)
-- Corbin 5-25 (2 of last 14); Halladay 3-7
-- Minor 9-25 (3 of last 6); Lynn 6-26 (0 of last 4)
-- Burnett 5-23 (0 of last 5); Vogelsong 6-12
-- Rusin 3-7; Cashner 8-21

-- Porcello 5-23; Gee 4-25 (0 of last 10)
-- Haren 4-23 (0 of last 5); Santana 11-26 (3 of last 5)
-- Peavy 2-17; Capuano 3-16 (1 of last 7)

-- Pelfrey 9-23; Kazmir 7-21 (3 of last 4)
-- Gray 1-3; Feldman 5-23 (0 of last 7)
-- Nova 4-13 (0 of last 5); Cobb 3-15 (1 of last 8)
-- Buehrle 6-26; Keuchel 2-16
-- Garza 1-18; Danks 6-17
-- Weaver 3-18 (1 of last 14); Harang 8-21

Totals
-- Under is 10-2-1 in last thirteen Philadelphia games.
-- Under is 4-0-1 in last five Colorado games.
-- Seven of last eight Milwaukee games went over the total.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six St Louis games.
-- Four of last six Cub games went over the total.
-- Over is 6-2-1 in last nine San Francisco games.

-- Four of last five Met games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 9-4-2 in last fifteen Kansas City games.
-- Under is 8-3-1 in last twelve Boston games.

-- Under is 12-5-2 in last nineteen Minnesota games.
-- Eight of last twelve Baltimore games went over the total.
-- You're reading ***************.com. Have a nice day.
-- Five of last seven Tampa Bay games stayed under total.
-- Nine of last thirteen Toronto games stayed under total.
-- Seven of last nine White Sox games stayed under the total.
-- Last five Angel games stayed under the total.

Hot teams
-- Phillies won five of their last seven games.
-- Reds won 10 of their last 14 games.
-- St Louis won 10 of its last 13 games.

-- Detroit won five of its last seven games.
-- Nationals won 11 of their last 15 games.
-- Dodgers are 46-11 in their last 57 games.

-- Indians won seven of their last ten games.
-- Tampa Bay won eight of its last ten games.
-- Texas won 19 of its last 24 games. White Sox won seven of last eight.
-- Astros scored 20 runs last two games, are 6-5 in last 11 games.
-- Angels won their last two games, allowing one run.

Cold teams
-- Diamondbacks lost four of their last six games.
-- Milwaukee lost four of its last six games.
-- You're reading www.***************.com.
-- Miami lost eight of last ten home games. Colorado lost six of its last eight games overall.
-- Braves lost four of their last five games.
-- Cubs lost 14 of their last 21 games. San Diego is 4-6 in its last ten.
-- Pirates lost nine of their last 14 games. Giants are 5-8 in their last 13.

-- Mets lost five of their last seven games.
-- Kansas City lost nine of their last eleven games.
-- Red Sox are 6-9 in their last fifteen games.

-- Minnesota lost eight of its last twelve games.
-- Oakland is 5-6 in its last 11 games, Orioles are 4-7.
-- Bronx lost three of its last four road games.
-- Blue Jays lost 12 of their last 16 games.
-- Seattle lost eight of its last eleven home games.

Umpires
-- Az-Phil-- Home team won six of last seven Foster games.
-- Mil-Cin-- Under is 11-5-1 in last seventeen TBarrett games.
-- Col-Mia-- Underdogs are 9-1 last ten Drake games; under is 11-3 last 14.
-- Atl-StL-- Under is 10-3-1 in last fourteen Muchlinski games.
-- Chi-SD-- Underdogs are 7-6 in last thirteen Schrieber games.
-- Pitt-SF-- Favorites won 10 of last 14 Barksdale games (+417).

-- Det-NY-- Nine of last eleven Wolf games stayed under total.
-- Bos-LA-- Underdogs won nine of last thirteen Knight games.
-- Wsh-KC-- Five of last six Everitt games stayed under total.

-- A's-Balt-- Eight of last eleven Baker games stayed under total.
-- Min-Clev-- Under is 9-4-1 in last fourteen Hoye games.
-- NY-TB-- Under is 6-2-1 in last nine Conroy games.
-- Tor-Hst-- Five of last seven Winters games stayed under.
-- Tex-Chi-- Under is 5-2-1 in last eight Porter games.
-- LA-Sea-- Six of last seven Hallion games stayed under the total.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Sunday, August 25

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Trend Report
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1:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Minnesota's last 21 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota

1:10 PM
COLORADO vs. MIAMI
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing Miami
Miami is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Miami is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home

1:10 PM
DETROIT vs. NY METS
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Detroit's last 8 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of NY Mets's last 8 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Mets's last 5 games

1:10 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Milwaukee's last 20 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Cincinnati is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games

1:35 PM
OAKLAND vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oakland's last 7 games when playing Baltimore
Baltimore is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Baltimore's last 7 games when playing Oakland

1:35 PM
ARIZONA vs. PHILADELPHIA
Arizona is 1-4-1 SU in its last 6 games ,
Arizona is 2-12-1 SU in its last 15 games ,when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 8-14-1 SU in its last 23 games ,
Philadelphia5-1-1 SU in its last 7 games

1:40 PM
NY YANKEES vs. TAMPA BAY
NY Yankees are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
NY Yankees are 2-7 SU in their last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Tampa Bay's last 19 games at home
Tampa Bay is 16-5 SU in their last 21 games when playing at home against NY Yankees

2:10 PM
TEXAS vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Texas is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Texas is 3-8 SU in their last 11 games when playing Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games
Chi White Sox are 8-3 SU in their last 11 games when playing Texas

2:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. KANSAS CITY
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games on the road
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Kansas City's last 18 games at home
Kansas City is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

2:10 PM
TORONTO vs. HOUSTON
Toronto is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Houston's last 8 games
Houston is 5-17 SU in its last 22 games at home

2:15 PM
ATLANTA vs. ST. LOUIS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 7 games when playing at home against Atlanta
St. Louis is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home

4:05 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Pittsburgh is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Francisco's last 9 games
San Francisco is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games

4:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. SAN DIEGO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games
Chi Cubs are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Diego's last 7 games when playing Chi Cubs
San Diego is 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing Chi Cubs

4:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games when playing Seattle
LA Angels are 6-13 SU in their last 19 games on the road
Seattle is 8-3 SU in their last 11 games when playing at home against LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 6 games

8:05 PM
BOSTON vs. LA DODGERS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Boston's last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 9 games
LA Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Boston

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Sunday, August 25

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Sunday's MLB betting notes and tips
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NATIONAL

Colorado Rockies at Miami Marlins (-102, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Rockies left-hander Jorge De La Rosa has won three consecutive starts, surrendering five runs in 18 1/3 innings over that stretch.

Cold batting stat: Members of the Rockies roster are a collective 5-for-21 with zero home runs against Miami starter Jacob Turner.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-80s with a 50 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms, so the roof at Marlins Park may be closed. Wind will blow from right to left field at 9 mph.

Key betting note: The Marlins have won seven of their last eight games with umpire Rob Drake behind home plate.

Milwaukee Brewers at Cincinnati Reds (-195, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Reds left-hander Tony Cingrani has allowed more than three runs just once in 16 starts and five relief appearances this season.

Hot batting stat: Cincinnati OF Jay Bruce, who enjoyed Saturday off after making 90 straight starts, is 6-for-14 with four homers and eight RBIs lifetime against Milwaukee starter Marco Estrada.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-80s with sunny skies. Wind will blow from right to left field at 4 mph.

Key betting note: Milwaukee is 12-2 in Estrada's last 14 starts against the NL Central.

Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies (+131, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Diamondbacks left-hander Patrick Corbin tossed 6 1/3 innings of one-run, four-hit ball in his previous outing against Philadelphia back on May 9.

Cold batting stat: Eric Chavez and Cody Ross are the only members of the Arizona roster with hits off Phillies starter Tyler Cloyd.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-80s with sunny skies. Wind will blow ut to center field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: Arizona is 22-4 in Corbin's last 26 starts.

Atlanta Braves at St. Louis Cardinals (-133, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Braves left-hander Mike Minor is 6-2 with a 2.51 ERA and just five home runs allowed in 11 road starts.

Hot batting stat: Cardinals OF Carlos Beltran is 4-for-10 with a homer against Minor.

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

Key betting note: The over is 6-1 in Minor's last seven road starts against a team with a winning record.

Pittsburgh Pirates at San Francisco Giants (+120, 7.5)

Cold pitching stat: Giants right-hander Ryan Vogelsong is 1-3 with a 4.50 ERA in four career starts against the Pirates.

Hot batting stat: Pirates 2B Neil Walker has had Vogelsong's number, going 7-for-13 with four doubles against him.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-60s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to left-center field at 12 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 8-0 in Pittsburgh's last eight Sunday games.

Chicago Cubs at San Diego Padres (-152, 7)

Cold pitching stat: Padres right-hander Andrew Cashner is 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA in one start and two relief appearances against the Cubs.

Hot batting stat: Members of the Cubs roster have a .304/.448/.609 slash line in 23-at bats versus Cashner.

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

Key betting note: The Cubs have lost the third game of a series seven straight times.


AMERICAN

Minnesota Twins at Cleveland Indians (-175, 8.5)

Hot pitching stat: Indians left-hander Scott Kazmir has registered quality starts in all three meetings with Minnesota in 2013, allowing three earned runs over 19 innings in that span.

Cold batting stat: Twins 1B Justin Morneau is hitting .217 in 23 career-at bats against Kazmir, but does have a pair of home runs.

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

Key betting note: Minnesota has won eight of its last 11 home games with umpire James Hoye behind home plate.

Oakland Athletics at Baltimore Orioles (-122, 9)

Cold pitching stat: Orioles right-hander Scott Feldman is 4-6 with a 6.37 ERA in 12 career starts and nine relief appearances against the Athletics.

Cold batting stat: Athletics 2B Alberto Callaspo has one hit in 15 at-bats against Feldman.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-80s with sunny skies. Wind will blow from right to left field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: The Athletics are 7-1 in their last eight Sunday games.

New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays (-143, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Rays RH Alex Cobb is 3-1 with a 2.21 ERA in five career starts against the Yankees, highlighted by 8 1/3 sensational innings in an 8-3 win on May 26.

Cold batting stat: Tampa Bay OF Matt Joyce is 3-for-23 with eight strikeouts lifetime against Yankees starter Ivan Nova.

Weather: Dome.

Key betting note: The under is 7-1 in Nova's last eight starts against the Rays.

Toronto Blue Jays at Houston Astros (+125, 8.5)

Hot pitching stat: Blue Jays LH Mark Buehrle spun a two-hit shutout against the Astros in their previous encounter July 25.

Cold batting stat: Members of the Astros roster are a combined 6-for-45 with zero home runs and zero RBIs against Buehrle.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-80s with a 50 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms. Wind will blow from right to left field at 11 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 12-3-1 in Buehrle's last 16 starts on four days' rest.

Texas Rangers at Chicago White Sox (+142, 7.5)

Cold pitching stat: Texas right-hander Matt Garza has allowed six home runs in six starts since joining the Rangers in a trade with the Cubs.

Hot batting stat: Rangers 2B Ian Kinsler has dominated Chicago starter John Danks, hitting .393 with four home runs in 28 at-bats against him.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-80s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow from right to left field at 8 mph.

Key betting note: The White Sox are 0-6 in Danks' last six starts on four days' rest.

Los Angeles Angels at Seattle Mariners (+117, 7.5)

Cold pitching stat: Angels right-hander Jered Weaver has been pounded in consecutive losses to the Yankees and Indians, coughing up 13 runs on 17 hits in 11 innings over that stretch.

Hot batting stat: Angels OFs Josh Hamilton and Mike Trout are a combined 11-for-19 with two homers and six RBIs against Seattle starter Aaron Harang.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s under mostly cloudy skies. Wind will blow in from left field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 8-1-2 in Weaver's last 11 starts versus the Mariners.


INTERLEAGUE

Detroit Tigers at New York Mets (+126, 7.5)

Cold pitching stat: Detroit right-hander Rick Porcello's only career start against the Mets was a forgettable one, as he was torched for seven runs on 11 hits over 3 2/3 innings.

Hot batting stat: Tigers 3B Miguel Cabrera is on his way to becoming the first player in league history to win two of the three Triple Crown categories the year after leading in all three. Cabrera sits first in average and RBIs and ranks second to Chris Davis in home runs.

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

Key betting note: The under is 10-3 in umpire Jim Wolf's last 13 games behind home plate.

Boston Red Sox at Los Angeles Dodgers (+100, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Red Sox right-hander Jake Peavy has victimized the Dodgers in his career, sporting a 13-2 mark with a 2.27 ERA in 24 starts.

Cold batting stat: Dodgers OF Andre Ethier is 5-for-33 with 10 strikeouts against Peavy.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-80s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to center field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: The Dodgers are 7-0 in lefty Chris Capuano's last seven starts.

Washington Nationals at Kansas City Royals (-120, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Nationals right-hander Dan Haren is 4-0 with a 1.09 ERA in his last five starts.

Cold batting stat: Royals OF Alex Gordon is 2-for-13 lifetime against Haren.

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

Key betting note: The under is 5-1-1 in Royals right-hander Ervin Santana's last seven home starts.


** Odds, probable starters and weather forecast as of 8:34 p.m. ET Saturday.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Sunday, August 25

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Top 3: Sunday pitchers facing former division foes
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Starting pitchers never forget a former division rival - even after moving on to another team. Some have gone on to fare well against their one-time foes, while others have struggled.

Here are three Sunday pitchers who have had varying degrees of success against their ex-nemeses:

Scott Feldman, Baltimore Orioles (10-9, 3.94 ERA)

Feldman broke into the majors with the Texas Rangers - making him all-too-familiar with Sunday's opponent, the Oakland Athletics. The towering right-hander would probably rather face a different club; he's just 4-6 with a 6.37 ERA in 12 starts and nine relief appearances against the A's.

The Orioles and Athletics wrap up a three-game series at Camden Yards Sunday.

Matt Garza, Texas Rangers (9-2, 3.59 ERA)

Garza spent his first two big-league seasons with the Minnesota Twins, and will face a former rival in the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. Garza is 3-3 with a 4.17 ERA in eight career starts against the White Sox, but limited them to two runs on five hits over seven innings in their last encounter July 8.

The Rangers and White Sox conclude a three-game set in Chicago on Sunday.

Jake Peavy, Boston Red Sox (9-5, 4.25 ERA)

Peavy was one of the top pitchers in the National League with the San Diego Padres a few years back - a fact that isn't lost on the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 32-year-old right-hander has crushed the Dodgers over his career, going 13-2 with a 2.27 ERA in 24 starts.

The Red Sox and Dodgers finish their three-game interleague series Sunday night in Los Angeles.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Sunday, August 25

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Sunday Night Baseball: Red Sox at Dodgers
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Boston Red Sox at Los Angeles Dodgers (+100, 7.5)

PEAVY PITCHING FOR BOSTON

Jake Peavy is making his fifth start for the Red Sox on Sunday night. Three of those five starts have been on the road with the righty giving up 9 runs and 20 hits to the Giants, Blue Jays, and Royals. Peavy is making his eighth start against the National League this season despite playing for two different American League squads. He has allowed 4 earned runs or more in five of his last eight starts and he only has eight strikeouts in his last three outings. Peavy has not made it past the 7th inning in eight straight starts.

CAPUANO CONTINUES TO STRUGGLE

Chris Capuano is 4-6 with a 4.70 ERA and 1.44 WHIP this season for the Dodgers. He has allowed 13 runs and 26 hits in his last three starts against the Marlins, Mets, and Rays. He is making his fifth start against the American League this season. Capuano got rocked by the Blue Jays, Angels, and Rays in two of those outings while beating the Yankees in New York. The southpaw is on an incredibly odd run of either giving up 3 runs or more or allowing zero runs in 11 straight starts.

INJURY REPORT

The Dodgers are a pretty healthy team, however they are without Josh Beckett and Chad Billingsley for the rest of the season. Beckett is dealing with a neck issue, while Billingsley had Tommy John surgery. Matt Kemp will likely rejoin the team sometime in September due to a left ankle sprain.

Boston’s injury list is a lot longer with Matt Thornton, Clay Buchholz, Andrew Bailey, Andrew Miller, and Joel Hanrahan all missing right now. Buchholz is expected back next month, while Thornton is out with a right oblique strain and currently on the 15-day disabled list.

TRENDS

Red Sox are 6-2 their last 8 in Game 3 of a series
Red Sox are 6-2 Under in their last 8 Sunday games

Dodgers are 7-0 in Capuano’s last 7 starts
Dodgers are 7-2 Under in their last 9 Sunday games

HITTERS TO WATCH

Andre Ethier 5-for-33 vs. Peavy
Hanley Ramirez 1-for-13 vs. Peavy

Shane Victorino 3-for-8 vs. Capuano
Jonny Gomes 2-for-9 vs. Capuano

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Sunday, August 25

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MILWAUKEE (56 - 73) at CINCINNATI (74 - 56) - 1:10 PM
MARCO ESTRADA (R) vs. GREG REYNOLDS (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 9-6 (-0.1 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
10 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.8 Units)

MARCO ESTRADA vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
ESTRADA is 0-2 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 4.33 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-0. (+4.0 units)

GREG REYNOLDS vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
REYNOLDS is 1-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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

COLORADO (60 - 71) at MIAMI (49 - 79) - 1:10 PM
JORGE DE LA ROSA (L) vs. JACOB TURNER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 124-169 (-32.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 83-106 (-35.2 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 since 1997.
COLORADO is 23-49 (-30.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 38-59 (-22.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 124-166 (-29.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 29-35 (-13.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MIAMI is 11-6 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in home games in day games this season.
DE LA ROSA is 17-9 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 8-0 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in day games this season. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 17-8 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 11-0 (+12.5 Units) against the money line after a loss this season. (Team's Record)
MIAMI is 118-172 (-35.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 26-47 (-18.4 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 98-128 (-36.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 117-168 (-32.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 4-2 (+3.5 Units) against COLORADO this season
6 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+6.0 Units)

JORGE DE LA ROSA vs. MIAMI since 1997
DE LA ROSA is 4-4 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 5.17 and a WHIP of 1.574.
His team's record is 4-5 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-6. (-4.1 units)

JACOB TURNER vs. COLORADO since 1997
TURNER is 0-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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

ARIZONA (66 - 62) at PHILADELPHIA (58 - 71) - 1:35 PM
PAT CORBIN (L) vs. ROY HALLADAY (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 3-3 (+0.2 Units) against ARIZONA this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

PAT CORBIN vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
CORBIN is 1-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 1.42 and a WHIP of 0.948.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

ROY HALLADAY vs. ARIZONA since 1997
HALLADAY is 4-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 2.21 and a WHIP of 0.900.
His team's record is 4-1 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.9 units)

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

ATLANTA (77 - 52) at ST LOUIS (76 - 53) - 2:15 PM
MIKE MINOR (L) vs. LANCE LYNN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 204-132 (+50.4 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.
ATLANTA is 77-52 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 76-51 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 119-77 (+25.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 66-35 (+29.4 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
ATLANTA is 72-55 (+16.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 15-19 (-10.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 90-79 (-12.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 61-68 (-21.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 3-3 (+0.1 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
5 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.8 Units)

MIKE MINOR vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
MINOR is 1-0 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 5.94 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

LANCE LYNN vs. ATLANTA since 1997
LYNN is 1-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.46 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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

PITTSBURGH (76 - 53) at SAN FRANCISCO (57 - 72) - 4:05 PM
A.J. BURNETT (R) vs. RYAN VOGELSONG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 30-50 (-22.2 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 37-42 (-16.7 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.
BURNETT is 79-111 (-39.7 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 149-148 (-30.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
VOGELSONG is 29-18 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VOGELSONG is 29-17 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 76-53 (+25.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 34-31 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 48-40 (+22.8 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 76-53 (+25.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 63-41 (+25.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PITTSBURGH is 32-20 (+13.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
PITTSBURGH is 47-23 (+22.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 57-72 (-26.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 32-35 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 17-27 (-21.4 Units) against the money line in home games in August games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 56-68 (-23.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 40-46 (-14.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 4-2 (+2.0 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.3 Units)

A.J. BURNETT vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
BURNETT is 6-2 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 1.95 and a WHIP of 1.012.
His team's record is 6-2 (+4.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-5. (-2.1 units)

RYAN VOGELSONG vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
VOGELSONG is 1-3 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.375.
His team's record is 1-3 (-3.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-0. (+4.0 units)

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

CHICAGO CUBS (55 - 74) at SAN DIEGO (58 - 71) - 4:10 PM
CHRIS RUSIN (L) vs. ANDREW CASHNER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 116-175 (-33.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 14-37 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 23-37 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 81-130 (-31.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 19-35 (-14.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SAN DIEGO is 29-19 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 134-154 (+3.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 30-33 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 11-6 (+9.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 30-33 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 17-12 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 3-3 (-0.1 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)

CHRIS RUSIN vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.

ANDREW CASHNER vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
CASHNER is 0-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 2.500.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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MINNESOTA (57 - 71) at CLEVELAND (70 - 59) - 1:05 PM
MIKE PELFREY (R) vs. SCOTT KAZMIR (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PELFREY is 31-54 (-26.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 70-59 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 39-26 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 27-17 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
CLEVELAND is 67-56 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 46-41 (+7.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 40-28 (+10.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CLEVELAND is 41-22 (+17.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MINNESOTA is 64-84 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 34-35 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 26-25 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
MINNESOTA is 56-65 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 42-42 (+23.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 16-35 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 8-6 (-0.3 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
9 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.2 Units)

MIKE PELFREY vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
PELFREY is 1-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 2.31 and a WHIP of 1.028.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

SCOTT KAZMIR vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
KAZMIR is 4-4 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.32 and a WHIP of 1.140.
His team's record is 4-5 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-5. (-1.3 units)

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OAKLAND (72 - 56) at BALTIMORE (69 - 59) - 1:35 PM
SONNY GRAY (R) vs. SCOTT FELDMAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 69-59 (+4.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 64-51 (+6.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 51-37 (+11.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 35-23 (+10.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 38-28 (+10.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OAKLAND is 168-127 (+43.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 36-22 (+12.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
OAKLAND is 77-70 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 272-202 (+61.4 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
OAKLAND is 159-120 (+38.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 113-80 (+34.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 101-66 (+34.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 82-67 (+25.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 37-30 (+11.4 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.
BALTIMORE is 86-131 (-66.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Sunday since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 5-13 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in home games in day games this season.
FELDMAN is 25-37 (-23.7 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
FELDMAN is 25-37 (-23.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
FELDMAN is 4-14 (-11.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FELDMAN is 1-7 (-8.0 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. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 4-2 (+2.7 Units) against OAKLAND this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.2 Units)

SONNY GRAY vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

SCOTT FELDMAN vs. OAKLAND since 1997
FELDMAN is 4-6 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 7.22 and a WHIP of 1.588.
His team's record is 4-8 (-5.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-5. (+0.4 units)

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NY YANKEES (68 - 61) at TAMPA BAY (74 - 53) - 1:40 PM
IVAN NOVA (R) vs. ALEX COBB (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 32-14 (+14.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 510-590 (+26.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997.
COBB is 8-0 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 68-61 (+4.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 29-16 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 9-6 (+1.0 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.4 Units, Under=-1.4 Units)

IVAN NOVA vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
NOVA is 5-3 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.09 and a WHIP of 1.187.
His team's record is 7-3 (+4.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-7. (-5.0 units)

ALEX COBB vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
COBB is 3-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 2.21 and a WHIP of 0.736.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.2 units)

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TORONTO (57 - 73) at HOUSTON (43 - 85) - 2:10 PM
MARK BUEHRLE (L) vs. DALLAS KEUCHEL (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 57-73 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 16-29 (-12.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
TORONTO is 70-79 (-37.1 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -150 since 1997.
TORONTO is 67-94 (-22.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
BUEHRLE is 50-38 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 45-20 (+25.7 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 98-191 (-42.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 69-141 (-48.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 18-55 (-28.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 24-60 (-22.7 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 96-186 (-41.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 3-3 (+1.6 Units) against TORONTO this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

MARK BUEHRLE vs. HOUSTON since 1997
BUEHRLE is 2-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 1.88 and a WHIP of 0.750.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

DALLAS KEUCHEL vs. TORONTO since 1997
KEUCHEL is 1-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 7.37 and a WHIP of 1.501.
His team's record is 1-0 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.1 units)

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

TEXAS (75 - 54) at CHI WHITE SOX (53 - 75) - 2:10 PM
MATT GARZA (R) vs. JOHN DANKS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 22-13 (+11.1 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.
TEXAS is 121-72 (+31.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
GARZA is 13-4 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
GARZA is 13-4 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
CHI WHITE SOX are 53-75 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 20-37 (-16.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 110-114 (-27.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 6-17 (-13.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 51-70 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 20-28 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 3-2 (+2.1 Units) against TEXAS this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

MATT GARZA vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
GARZA is 3-4 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 4.56 and a WHIP of 1.441.
His team's record is 3-6 (-4.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-5. (-1.5 units)

JOHN DANKS vs. TEXAS since 1997
DANKS is 1-5 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 3.88 and a WHIP of 1.259.
His team's record is 4-5 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-1. (+6.9 units)

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

LA ANGELS (57 - 71) at SEATTLE (59 - 69) - 4:10 PM
JERED WEAVER (R) vs. AARON HARANG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 57-71 (-30.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 6-14 (-12.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday this season.
LA ANGELS are 21-35 (-24.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
LA ANGELS are 57-71 (-30.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 44-50 (-17.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 31-14 (+13.4 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.
LA ANGELS are 691-684 (+55.5 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 254-210 (+73.0 Units) against the money line in road games in day games since 1997.
WEAVER is 55-26 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WEAVER is 54-25 (+19.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WEAVER is 71-36 (+23.6 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 2-9 (-10.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 8-7 (+0.0 Units) against SEATTLE this season
10 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.1 Units)

JERED WEAVER vs. SEATTLE since 1997
WEAVER is 12-8 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.32 and a WHIP of 1.228.
His team's record is 16-10 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 12-10. (+1.3 units)

AARON HARANG vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
HARANG is 0-4 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 6.83 and a WHIP of 2.126.
His team's record is 1-5 (-4.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-4. (-3.9 units)

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

DETROIT (76 - 53) at NY METS (58 - 69) - 1:10 PM
RICK PORCELLO (R) vs. DILLON GEE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 171-133 (-16.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 76-77 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 163-127 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 42-34 (-14.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
GEE is 15-9 (+9.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PORCELLO is 16-5 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 26-35 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
NY METS are 10-18 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in home games in day games this season.
NY METS are 26-35 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 67-82 (-28.9 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 33-46 (-21.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 28-45 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 19-44 (-21.0 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
DETROIT is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against NY METS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. NY METS since 1997
PORCELLO is 0-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 17.17 and a WHIP of 2.997.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

DILLON GEE vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.

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

WASHINGTON (65 - 64) at KANSAS CITY (64 - 64) - 2:10 PM
DAN HAREN (R) vs. ERVIN SANTANA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 65-64 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 4-15 (-10.3 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 this season.
WASHINGTON is 20-27 (-10.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 21-24 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
WASHINGTON is 65-64 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 43-48 (-17.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 9-19 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
HAREN is 8-15 (-9.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
HAREN is 8-15 (-9.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
HAREN is 15-25 (-20.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 68-63 (+12.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 48-42 (+5.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 30-29 (+7.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
KANSAS CITY is 25-18 (+11.6 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.
SANTANA is 43-25 (+20.1 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)
WASHINGTON is 93-69 (+23.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 15-25 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 12-19 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
KANSAS CITY is 2-9 (-8.7 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

DAN HAREN vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
HAREN is 5-2 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 2.53 and a WHIP of 1.138.
His team's record is 5-5 (-4.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-4. (+1.6 units)

ERVIN SANTANA vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
SANTANA is 0-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.10 and a WHIP of 1.131.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

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

BOSTON (76 - 55) at LA DODGERS (76 - 53) - 8:05 PM
JAKE PEAVY (R) vs. CHRIS CAPUANO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 20-31 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 126-134 (-35.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 98-110 (-31.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 72-93 (-28.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 29-52 (-23.9 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.
PEAVY is 5-15 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 76-53 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 19-4 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
LA DODGERS are 73-53 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 53-33 (+13.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA DODGERS are 15-4 (+11.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 76-55 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 1-1 (+0.1 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

JAKE PEAVY vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
PEAVY is 13-2 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 2.27 and a WHIP of 0.992.
His team's record is 16-8 (+9.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 12-12. (-1.6 units)

CHRIS CAPUANO vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack

Six QBs taken ahead of Tom Brady in the 2000 NFL Draft......

-- Chad Pennington, NYJ (Marshall), 1st round

-- Giovanni Carmazza, SF (Hofstra), 3rd round

-- Chris Redman Balt (Louisville), 3rd round

-- Tee Martin Pitt (Tennessee), 5th round

-- Marc Bulger, NO (West Virginia), 6th round

-- Spergon Wynn Clev (Texas State), 6th round


*****

Armadillo: Sunday's List of 13: Stuff I learned from reading Sports Illustrated...

Stuff I learned or was reminded of by reading the Sports Illustrated college football preview issue:

13) Nine Alabama players were drafted last spring; add up the contracts they signed and those contracts are worth $51.8M, a figure that you can bet is tossed around a lot when Tide coaches go recruiting.

12) John Elway might be the best QB I’ve ever seen but he never played in a college bowl game. Stanford would’ve made a bowl Elway’s senior year, but the Stanford band’s debacle in their loss to Cal ended those hopes and Elway’s career.

11) Over the last five years, Big X games have averaged 73 plays per team per game, the most action in the country; Conference USA ranks next, at 70.8. SEC teams average only 66.2 plays per game, least in the country, but they’ve won the last seven national titles, so there’s that.

10) Think about Louisiana Tech’s team last year: They went 9-3, averaged 87.7 plays per game and 6.58 yards/play, yet they didn’t go bowling in a year where I think 68 of the 125 D-I teams went bowling. How is this possible? And you wonder why their coach bolted for Cal? If Cal goes 6-6 they’re in a freakin’ bowl. Amazing.

9) Shortstop Adam Rosales started this year with the A’s, but was recently cut three times in 11 days, twice by Oakland, once by the Rangers, who then picked him up again when the A’s dropped him the second time. Rosales is versatile and sound on defense but he’s not a great hitter.

8) Former NHL star Doug Gilmour is now the GM of Kingston Frontenacs’ junior team in the OHL; he recently traded a 16-year old named Jake to the Niagara team. Jake’s last name is Gilmour, he is Doug’s son. How do you tell your wife you just traded her kid to Niagara?

7) Want to win a bar bet? Marshall QB Rakeem Cato led D-I football in passing yards per game (350.1) last year.

6) Golfer Jason Dufner has an Economics degree from Auburn, so he’s no dummy; his favorite meal is fried mozzarella, with a dozen chicken wings and three Cokes. He's also older (36) than he looks.

5) You hear players talk a lot about “all I care about is winning….” Then there is NBA player Kevin Martin, whose actions speak very loudly: he bolted Oklahoma City, a strong contender for the NBA title, to go play with Minnesota, a perennial doormat. Give me more playing time, more shots and more money and I’ll be just fine. Who cares if we go 30-52?

4) Minnesota Twins’ Class A farm team is the Fort Myers Miracle, managed by former big league 1B Doug Mientkiewicz; when he was in high school, Mientkiewicz was a high school QB on a team where one of the receivers was Alex Rodriguez. Yes, him.

3) An 8-year old named Allen Kournikova recently won the US Kids’ golf tournament, held at Pinehurst; have no idea why 8-year olds play in national-level golf tournaments, but young Allen has a very attractive older sister, tennis pro Anna Kournikova.

2) If I was a major league baseball manager, I’d use one winter to become fluent in Spanish, as a sign of respect to your Latin players. Think about it: it has to be really hard to come to a country where you barely know the language. Having a manager who speaks your language would go a long way towards making the player feel more at ease, so he can play better. Right?

1) Former Kentucky coach Hal Mumme is an assistant football at SMU this year; teaming with June Jones is going to make the Mustangs’ offense a lot of fun to watch. Mumme made QB Tim Couch a 1st-round pick in the NFL; it’ll be interesting to see what changes SMU makes this year, as they compete in the first season of the new AAC.

[StarDust Bum]

Diamond Trends - Sunday

August 25, 2013


SU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Tigers are 12-0 since October 14, 2006 as a 140+ favorite after scoring 3 runs or less and winning as a favorite and it is not the first game of a series for a net profit of $1200.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Athletics are 0-10 OU since May 12, 2013 after a win and it is the last game of a series of less than four games for a net profit of $1000 when playing the under.

PITCHER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- When Ivan Nova starts the Yankees are 9-0 since September 08, 2010 after the team lost their last two games and scored three or fewer runs last game for a net profit of $940.

MLB BIBLE ACTIVE TREND:

-- The Phillies are 0-10 (+$1,105) since 2005 after a game where they struck out at least 15 times.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Yankees are 9-0 since September 01, 2008 as a dog after a loss in which they drew 1 or fewer walks and it is the last game of a series for a net profit of $1195.

-- The Marlins are 0-10 since May 18, 2008 at home within 20 cents of pickem when they are off a win in which they scored in at most two separate innings and it is the last game of a series for a net profit of $1005 when playing against.