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**Udog** · 08-26-2013, 07:29 AM

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

-- 1,086,627 kids played high school football in this country last year.

-- Texans' DE Antonio Smith's one-game suspension costs him $353,000.

-- 7-footer DJ Haley has transferred to USC; he gives Trojans a bigger body inside to compete in the Pac-12. He has one year left to play.

-- 6-foot-10 Aaric Murray has washed out of LaSalle/West Virginia, now he tries it at Texas Southern, where he'll play for Mike Davis, the old Indiana coach. Murray's talent should dominate the SWAC.

-- TCU has some good freshmen coming in, but they lost junior forward Devonta Abron to a torn achilles. He started 15 games, averaged 7.4 ppg.

-- This was second Saturday in a row with no 1:00 baseball games; with the college football starting this week, baseball definitely takes a back seat.

*****

Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports weekend.........

13) Super Bowl champs are 6-2-2 vs spread in their first game the next year, but are 2-8 vs spread in Game 2 the following year. Champs are 5-1 SU in Week 2 the last six years, but only one of those five wins was by more than seven points, and defending champs tend to be big favorites.

12) Golfer Kevin Chappell led by two strokes after 10 holes Sunday, then shot +7 over his last eight holes; Matt Kuchar was -11 and a contender thru eight holes, then shot +6 over his last ten holes. Golfers=mentally fragile.

11) Will the Dodgers' amazing mid-season run make teams more hesitant to fire skippers who are struggling? LA could have canned Mattingly back in June, but they didn't, and now they're a playoff team.

10) Red Sox took two of three in LA this weekend, first time Dodgers lost a series since June 14-16 in Pittsburgh. Boston went 4-2 in California this week, scoring 31 runs in the four wins, 0-2 in the two losses. They were a lucky team, missing Greinke-Kershaw-Cain-Bumgarner on the trip.

9) Nationals traded David DeJesus to Tampa Bay, Kurt Suzuki to the A's, helping two teams that are fighting local rival Baltimore for a playoff spot. You think Washington would rather the Orioles miss the playoffs?

8) Jets' QB situation is a disaster, could they be waiting for the Eagles to cut Dennis Dixon so they can pick him up and make him their starter? Philly has Vick-Foles-Barkley-Dixon, so Dixon figures to go.

7) Buffalo Bills' QB situation is a disaster; they signed Matt Leinart and traded for Thaddeus Lewis, who played for David Cutcliffe at Duke. Lewis used to be the Rams' 3rd-string QB, I always thought he had lot of promise, was upset when they let him get away to Cleveland. Cutcliffe is a QB guru who worked with both Manning brothers in college.

In any case, its not good when you're trading for QBs on August 25.

6) Lot of major league teams have fantasy football leagues; someone posted a picture of the setup for the Diamondbacks' draft on Twitter, in the ballroom of a hotel- it looked like the NFL Draft. Three big screens, multiple laptops, tables with tablecloths. Looked like serious stuff.

5) Prince Fielder has played in 473 consecutive games, and he DH'd in only 17 of those games. He is listed at 5-11, 275. Baseball players overtrain, which is why so many of them get hurt. Fielder doesn't get hurt, and he sure as hell doesn't overtrain. There's a lesson in there somewhere.

4) Bronx Bombers have spring training in Tampa and have lot of fans in that bay area, but they're 13-23 in their last 36 games at Tropicana Field.

3) When dust settles in Jacksonville, I'm thinking Chad Henne will start at QB for the Jaguars. Maybe not right away, but I think he's better than Blaine Gabbert and that will play out, over time.

2) SMU beat Kentucky for a hoop recruit UK really wanted? Emmanuel Mudiay picked SMU over Baylor, Kansas, Kentucky and Oklahoma State. He is the highest-rated player (#5 in ESPN's top 100) to ever choose the Mustangs. NCAA enforcement staff will be heading to Dallas soon. :-)

SMU also gave Mudiay's older brother a scholarship, which didn't hurt, since the kid is an ordinary player at a junior college. They got a star recruit by using two scholarships instead of one, which struggling teams have to do.

1) Golfer Erik Compton advanced to the next round of the Fed Ex Cup playoffs, continuing a tremendous sports story that is largely ignored by mainstream media. Compton has had two heart transplants-- the guy is on his third freakin' heart!!!! Truly an amazing story.

**Udog** · 08-26-2013, 07:29 AM

NFC South preview: Will Falcons soar again?

Atlanta Falcons (2012: 13-3 SU, 9-6-1 ATS)

Odds to win division: +140
Season win total: 10.0

Why to bet the Falcons: Once again, Atlanta cruised through the regular season with a 13-3 SU record. The Falcons are now 36-12 over the last three years. Their offense is set with Matt Ryan at quarterback and all of the weapons at his disposal. You can normally expect a solid regular season from the Falcons, but playoff success has been a different story.

Why not to bet the Falcons: When the games matter the most, the Falcons crumble. Atlanta is just 1-3 SU in the playoffs over the last three seasons, and they actually should be 0-4 but they miraculously won their game against Seattle last year. The Falcons only played two teams that made the playoffs last season, so their gaudy win/loss record wasn’t accumulated by beating good teams. Atlanta plays my 11th toughest schedule this season.

Season win total pick: Under 10.0

Carolina Panthers (2012: 7-9 SU, 9-7 ATS)

Odds to win division: +510
Season win total: 7.0

Why to bet the Panthers: Last year, Carolina appeared to be a below average team because of their losing record. However, the Panthers overall stats show they were a much better team than their record indicated, and since seven of their nine losses came by 6 points or less, there’s a lot of upside coming into 2013. The offense has talent and as long as QB Cam Newton continues to improve, the Panthers will be a tough out.

Why not to bet the Panthers: Carolina’s defense needs help, especially their weak secondary which faces Matt Ryan and Drew Brees in four games each year. They also have to face Tom Brady and Eli Manning this year which makes improving their win/loss record a little more difficult.

Season win total pick: Over 7.0

New Orleans Saints (2012: 7-9 SU, 8-8 ATS)

Odds to win division: +170
Season win total: 9.0

Why to bet the Saints: Head coach Sean Payton was missed by New Orleans last season. Payton served his one year suspension, and he’ll be back on the sidelines for 2013. His return will rejuvenate this Saints team, and we expect them to return to the playoffs. Drew Brees and the Saints’ offense will be potent as usual, and they will apply a lot of pressure on their opponents to trade points with them.

Why not to bet the Saints: New Orleans must get better on defense if they want to improve upon last year’s disappointing season. In 2012, the Saints allowed 28.4 points per game and a whopping 440 yards per game. If their defense fails to improve, the Saints will be mediocre once again this season. New Orleans plays a tough schedule this year as well; No. 9 based on my ratings.

Season win total pick: Over 9.0

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2012: 7-9 SU, 10-5-1 ATS)

Odds to win division: +570
Season win total: 7.5

Why to bet the Buccaneers: Tampa Bay made a big trade with the Jets to get cornerback Darrelle Revis, and he’s a major addition for their defense. Teams couldn’t run on the Bucs last season; they had the No. 1 rush defense and held opponents to just 82.5 yards per game. With “Revis Island” in the defensive backfield, the Bucs’ defense may be tough to score on this season.

Why not to bet the Buccaneers: They finished right where they should have in 2012 as a mediocre 7-9 SU team. Their offense needed to out-score their opponents to win because their pass defense was a sieve. The Bucs allowed 24.6 points per game and 380 yards of offense per game. QB Josh Freeman is wildly inconsistent, and he throws a lot of unnecessary interceptions which really hampers Tampa Bay drives. The Buccaneers also play the No. 1 toughest schedule in the league this season based on my ratings.

Season win total pick: Under 7.5

**Udog** · 08-26-2013, 07:29 AM

NHL betting: Atlantic division odds

Don't look now, but the NHL regular season is fast approaching. We thought it would be a good time to look at the four new divisions and the odds for each team to be crowned division champion in the new-look set up, starting with the Atlantic Division.

Boston Bruins (+225)

The B's are coming off a great playoff run that ultimately ended in heartache as the Chicago Blackhawks prevailed in six grueling games in the Stanley Cup finals. Priority No. 1 was to reup with star goaltender Tuukka Rask, which the franchise promptly did. They also offloaded Tyler Seguin to Dallas in return for proven commodity Loui Eriksson.

In: Jarome Iginla, Loui Eriksson
Out: Rich Peverley, Tyler Seguin, Nathan Horton, Jaromir Jagr

Montreal Canadiens (+400)

A very successful regular season ended abruptly with the Habs ousted by the Ottawa Senators in the opening round of the playoffs. Defenseman P.K. Subban had a monster season and won the Norris Trophy as the league's top d-man and could be on the verge of superstardom.

In: Danny Briere, Douglas Murray
Out: Blake Geoffrion

Detroit Red Wings (+450)

The Wings will finally play in a conference geographically suited to the city. Detroit squeaked its way into the postseason in 2013 and with the new division and conference, will look for the lighter travel schedule to aid the team into the playoffs a lot easier this time around.

In: Daniel Alfredsson, Stephen Weiss
Out: Valtteri Filppula

Toronto Maple Leafs (+450)

The Leafs had an excellent season and were cruelly eliminated from the postseason by the Bruins in a series that could only be seen to be believed. With that memory suppressed, the Leafs are ready to improve on last season's showing and play deeper into the playoffs. The offense is loaded and the squad got a boost between the pipes with Jonathan Bernier coming over from Los Angeles.

In: Jonathan Bernier, Dave Bolland, David Clarkson
Out: Matt Frattin, Ben Scrivens, Mikhail Grabovski

Ottawa Senators (+650)

To improve on a very good 2012-13 season - which saw the franchise win a playoff series - the Sens must remain healthy. The franchise was bitten hard by the injury bug as Erik Karlsson, Craig Anderson and Jason Spezza each missed huge chunks of time. The squad is young, deep and progressing game in, game out. A swap with Anaheim, which brought sniper Bobby Ryan to the team, could be just what the offense needs.

In: Bobby Ryan, Clarke MacArthur
Out: Daniel Alfredsson, Jakob Silfverberg, Sergei Gonchar

Tampa Bay Lightning (+750)

The Lightning finished second last in the Eastern Conference, but the poor season enabled the team to draft the highly touted Jonathan Drouin with their first pick in the draft. But scoring was never the problem. Keeping the puck out of the net is the Achilles heel with this team. Hopefully, a full season out of goalie Ben Bishop and some improved blueline play moves the team in the right direction.

In: Valtteri Filppula, Jonathan Drouin
Out: N/A

Buffalo Sabres (+3300)

Could things be any worse for the Buffalo Sabres? When Terry Pegula bought the franchise in 2010, many thought it was the start of something special. They spent money, but seemingly in all the wrong areas, or on players that just didn't fit. They failed to make the postseason for the second-straight season and are now in rebuild mode.

In: Cynicism
Out: Hope

Florida Panthers (+5000)

The Panthers finished last in the Eastern Conference last season, but boast the 2012-13 rookie of the year Jonathan Huberdeau. The Panthers had the second pick in the draft and took a mini gamble on Aleksander Barkov instead of taking Drouin or Seth Jones. The Panthers are young and frisky, but a long way away from making any real noise in the division.

In: Aleksander Barkov, Scott Gomez
Out: Stephen Weiss, George Parros

**Udog** · 08-26-2013, 07:30 AM

MLB
Dunkel

Cincinnati at St. Louis
The Reds look to build on their 8-3 record in Mike Leake's last 11 road starts. Cincinnati is the pick (-110) according to Dunkel, which has the Reds favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-110). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, AUGUST 26

Game 951-952: Cincinnati at St. Louis (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Leake) 15.774; St. Louis (Lyons) 14.782
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1; 9
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-110); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-110); Over

Game 953-954: Philadelphia at NY Mets (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Lee) 15.837; NY Mets (Wheeler) 14.140
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-130); 7
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-130); Under

Game 955-956: San Francisco at Colorado (8:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Zito) 14.965; Colorado (Nicasio) 14.408
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1/2; 12
Vegas Line: Colorado (-160); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+140); Over

Game 957-958: San Diego at Arizona (9:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Ross) 14.019; Arizona (McCarthy) 15.552
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Arizona (-140); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-140); Under

Game 959-960: Chicago Cubs at LA Dodgers (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Arrieta) 13.484; LA Dodgers (Greinke) 15.838
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 2 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-260); 7
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-260); Under

Game 961-962: Oakland at Detroit (7:08 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Griffin) 15.995; Detroit (Sanchez) 15.466
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Detroit (-170); 8
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+150); Over

Game 963-964: NY Yankees at Toronto (7:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Hughes) 15.301; Toronto (Dickey) 13.925
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Toronto (-110); 9
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-110); Over

Game 965-966: Houston at Chicago White Sox (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Oberholtzer) 14.674; White Sox (Rienzo) 16.476
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 2; 8
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-150); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-150); Under

Game 967-968: Texas at Seattle (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Blackley) 15.877; Seattle (Saunders) 13.167
Dunkel Line: Texas by 2 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Texas (-135); 8
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-135); Under

Game 969-970: Tampa Bay at Kansas City (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Hellickson) 15.383; Kansas City (Guthrie) 16.342
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+100); Over

**Udog** · 08-26-2013, 07:38 AM

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, August 26

Hot pitchers
-- Wheeler is 2-0, 2.37 in his last three starts.
-- Nicasio is 1-0, 3.78 in his last three starts.
-- Ross is 3-2, 2.23 in his last five starts.
-- Greinke is 4-0, 0.94 in his last four starts. Arrieta is 1-0, 3.71 in three starts for the Cubs.

-- Sanchez is 4-1, 1.71 in his last seven starts.
-- Oberholtzer is 3-1, 1.69 in four starts this season. Rienzo is 1-0, 3.86 in five starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Leake is 1-1, 6.65 in his last four starts. Lyons is 0-4, 8.03 in his last five starts, last of which was July 30.
-- Lee is 0-4, 4.85 in his last six starts.
-- Zito is 0-3, 10.07 in his last five starts.
-- McCarthy is 0-4, 6.98 since coming off the DL.

-- Griffin is 0-2, 4.24 in his last four starts.
-- Hughes is 0-5, 6.30 in his last eight starts. Dickey is 0-1, 4.50 in last three.
-- Hellickson is 0-4, 8.06 in his last five starts. Guthrie is 0-3, 6.63 in his last three starts.
-- Saunders is 1-4, 9.50 in his last six starts. Blackley allowed two runs in four IP (66 PT) in his first '13 start.

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........
-- Leake 5-25 (1 of last 7); Lyons 2-7
-- Lee 10-24; Wheeler 4-12 (0 of last 5)
-- Zito 8-22 (5 of last 10); Nicasio 11-24 (4 of last 5)
-- Ross 4-9; McCarthy 5-15 (1 of last 8)
-- Arrieta 2-8; Greinke 7-21 (3 of last 6)

-- Griffin 3-26; Sanchez 6-22
-- Hughes 8-24 (3 of last 3); Dickey 6-27 (0 of last 7)
-- Oberholtzer 1-4; Rienzo 0-5
-- Blackley 0-1; Saunders 8-26
-- Hellickson 10-26 (3 of last 5); Guthrie 7-26 (1 of last 6)

Totals
-- Three of last four Cardinal games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 10-3-1 in last fourteen Philadelphia games.
-- Under is 5-0-1 in last six Colorado games.
-- Over is 3-1-1 in last five Arizona games.
-- Under is 6-3-1 in last ten Dodger games.

-- Four of last five Oakland games went over the total.
-- 10 of last 14 Toronto games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last ten White Sox games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Seattle home games stayed under.
-- Six of last eight Tampa Bay games stayed under total.

Hot teams
-- Reds won 10 of their last 15 games. St Louis won seven of its last nine.
-- Phillies won six of their last eight games.
-- Giants won three of their last four road games.
-- Padres won three of their last four games.
-- Dodgers are 46-12 in last 58 games, 4-4 in last eight.

-- Detroit won six of its last eight games.
-- Bronx won six of its last eight games.
-- White Sox won eight of their last nine games.
-- Texas won 19 of its last 25 games, but lost last two.
-- Tampa Bay won eight of its last eleven games.

Cold teams
-- Mets lost six of their last eight games.
-- Colorado lost six of its last nine games.
-- Diamondbacks lost five of their last seven games.
-- Cubs lost 15 of their last 22 games.

-- Oakland is 5-7 in its last 12 games.
-- Blue Jays lost 12 of their last 17 games.
-- Astros lost four of their last six games.
-- Mariners lost their last three games, outscored 14-2.
-- Kansas City lost nine of their last twelve games.

**Udog** · 08-26-2013, 07:45 AM

MLB

Monday, August 26

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Trend Report
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2:10 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. KANSAS CITY
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games when playing Kansas City
Tampa Bay is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Kansas City's last 7 games when playing Tampa Bay
Kansas City is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games

7:05 PM
CINCINNATI vs. ST. LOUIS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Cincinnati's last 13 games on the road
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:07 PM
NY YANKEES vs. TORONTO
NY Yankees are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games at home
Toronto is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games at home

7:08 PM
OAKLAND vs. DETROIT
Oakland is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing at home against Oakland
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Oakland

7:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. NY METS
Philadelphia is 1-13 SU in its last 14 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Philadelphia's last 22 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Mets's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
NY Mets are 5-11 SU in its last 16 games when playing Philadelphia

8:10 PM
HOUSTON vs. CHI WHITE SOX
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games on the road
Houston is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Chi White Sox's last 12 games when playing at home against Houston

8:40 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. COLORADO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games on the road
San Francisco is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Colorado's last 22 games when playing San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing at home against San Francisco

9:40 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. ARIZONA
San Diego is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Arizona is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Arizona is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home

10:10 PM
TEXAS vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 5 games on the road
Texas is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Seattle is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Texas
Seattle is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home

10:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. LA DODGERS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
Chi Cubs are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of LA Dodgers's last 20 games at home
LA Dodgers are 11-4 SU in their last 15 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs

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**Udog** · 08-26-2013, 07:48 AM

MLB

Monday, August 26

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Monday's MLB betting notes and tips
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NATIONAL

Cincinnati Reds at St. Louis Cardinals (-110, 8)

Cold pitching stat: Reds right-hander Mike Leake is 2-4 with a 5.77 ERA in seven starts and one relief appearance against St. Louis.

Cold batting stat: Cardinals OF Carlos Beltran is just 2-for-18 in his career versus Leake.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-80s under partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow from right to left field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: Cincinnati is 13-3 in its last 16 Monday games.

Philadelphia Phillies at New York Mets (+114, 7)

Hot pitching stat: Mets right-hander Zack Wheeler has surrendered five runs over his last three starts, a span of 19 innings.

Hot batting stat: New York OF Marlon Byrd is a .357 career hitter in 28 at-bats against Phillies starter Cliff Lee.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-70s with a 45 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms. Wind will blow out to right field at 7 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 13-3 in Lee's last 16 starts against the National League East.

San Francisco Giants at Colorado Rockies (-158, 10.5)

Hot pitching stat: Giants left-hander Barry Zito has enjoyed plenty of success in his career against the Rockies, going 8-4 with a 2.98 ERA in 22 starts and two relief appearances.

Cold batting stat: Members of the San Francisco roster are hitting a collective .246 with zero home runs in 61 at-bats against Rockies starter Juan Nicasio.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-70s with a 30 percent chance of a shower or thunderstorm. Wind will be calm.

Key betting note: The over is 7-1 in Nicasio's last eight home starts against a team with a losing record.

San Diego Padres at Arizona Diamondbacks (-110, 8)

Cold pitching stat: Arizona right-hander Brandon McCarthy has dropped five straight starts and has been particularly bad in his last two turns, allowing 11 runs over eight innings in that span.

Hot batting stat: Diamondbacks OF A.J. Pollock broke out of a prolonged slump Sunday against Philadelphia, going 3-for-4 with a three-run homer.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-90s with a 35 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms. Wind will be calm.

Key betting note: Arizona has lost seven of its last nine games against division foes.

Chicago Cubs at Los Angeles Dodgers (-110, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Dodgers right-hander Zack Greinke is 4-0 with a 1.29 ERA over his last five starts.

Hot batting stat: Cubs SS Starlin Castro is 4-for-12 with three walks in his career against Greinke.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-70s under cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to center field at 3 mph.

Key betting note: The Dodgers have won seven straight meetings.

AMERICAN

Tampa Bay Rays at Kansas City Royals (+110, 8.5)

Cold pitching stat: Rays right-hander Jeremy Hellickson is 0-4 in his last five starts and surrendered eight runs over 5 2/3 innings in his last encounter with the Royals.

Hot batting stat: Tampa Bay OF Matt Joyce is 11-for-30 with two home runs and seven RBIs against Royals starter Jeremy Guthrie.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-90s with sunny skies. Wind will blow out toward center field at 11 mph.

Key betting note: Kansas City is 12-1 in Guthrie's last 13 home starts against a team with a winning record.

New York Yankees at Toronto Blue Jays (-107, 9)

Cold pitching stat: Yankees right-hander Phil Hughes is 0-5 in his last eight starts, including a no-decision in his last meeting with Toronto six days ago.

Hot batting stat: New York OF Alfonso Soriano has homered twice in nine career at-bats against Toronto knuckleballer R.A. Dickey.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with a 30 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms. Wind will blow out to right field at 7 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 10-2 in Toronto's last 12 games against the American League East.

Oakland Athletics at Detroit Tigers (-165, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Tigers right-hander Anibal Sanchez has allowed just one home run in 70 1/3 innings at Comerica Park.

Hot batting stat: Miguel Cabrera has a double and a homer in his only two at-bats against Athletics righty A.J. Griffin.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-80s with a 35 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms. Wind will blow from right to left field at 9 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 10-1 in Griffin's last 11 starts against teams with winning records.

Houston Astros at Chicago White Sox (-150, 8.5)

Hot pitching stat: Astros left-hander Brett Oberholtzer has recorded four straight quality starts since entering the rotation July 31.

Cold batting stat: Houston OF Chris Carter is 2-for-20 with 14 strikeouts over his last six games.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-80s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow from right to left field at 9 mph.

Key betting note: Chicago is 2-8 in its last 10 games against opponents who scored two or fewer runs in their previous game.

Texas Rangers at Seattle Mariners (+117, 8)

Cold pitching stat: Mariners left-hander Joe Saunders is 4-9 with a 6.17 ERA in 15 career starts against the Rangers.

Hot batting stat: Texas 2B Ian Kinsler is 11-for-33 with four home runs against Saunders.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-60s with a 40 percent chance of rain. Wind will blow out to right field at 8 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 11-0 in Seattle's last 11 games as a home underdog.

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

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**Udog** · 08-26-2013, 07:50 AM

MLB

Monday, August 26

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White Sox rewarding bettors over past nine games
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Don't look now, but the Chicago White Sox are cashing in for backers after a torrid nine-game stretch.

The Pale Hose defeated the Texas Rangers 5-2 Sunday to take two of the three-game series and improve to 8-1 over the past nine ball games.

Any $100 bettor would be up $991 if they had wagered on the South Siders in each of their previous nine ball games.

They were favored just once in those wins. They defeated the Minnesota Twins 8-5 back on August 17 as -125 faves.

White Sox pitching has been sparkling during their eight victories posting an ERA of 2.04 in those wins.

The Sox open a three-game series at home versus the Houston Astros Monday. Chicago is currently a -150 fave in Monday's opener.

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**Udog** · 08-26-2013, 11:00 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, August 26

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

CINCINNATI (74 - 57) at ST LOUIS (76 - 54) - 7:05 PM
MIKE LEAKE (R) vs. TYLER LYONS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 61-34 (+16.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 37-17 (+15.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
ST LOUIS is 204-133 (+49.2 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.
CINCINNATI is 173-125 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 648-718 (+56.7 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 310-331 (+33.4 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 173-125 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 422-466 (+35.8 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 78-45 (+25.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 61-69 (-22.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 8-4 (+3.9 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.7 Units)

MIKE LEAKE vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
LEAKE is 2-4 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 5.87 and a WHIP of 1.539.
His team's record is 3-4 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-4. (-1.8 units)

TYLER LYONS vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
LYONS is 0-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 1.313.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (59 - 71) at NY METS (58 - 70) - 7:10 PM
CLIFF LEE (L) vs. ZACK WHEELER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 59-71 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 12-19 (-10.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 59-71 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 26-33 (-13.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LEE is 24-30 (-15.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEE is 24-29 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEE is 16-22 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEE is 3-11 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WHEELER is 9-3 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
WHEELER is 9-3 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
WHEELER is 6-1 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
WHEELER is 6-1 (+7.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 19-27 (-12.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
NY METS are 26-36 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
NY METS are 278-292 (-84.9 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
NY METS are 26-36 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 33-49 (-23.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 19-33 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 33-47 (-22.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 7-5 (+1.0 Units) against NY METS this season
8 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.8 Units)

CLIFF LEE vs. NY METS since 1997
LEE is 5-2 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.55 and a WHIP of 1.047.
His team's record is 6-4 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-4. (+1.9 units)

ZACK WHEELER vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
WHEELER is 0-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.85 and a WHIP of 1.927.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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SAN FRANCISCO (58 - 72) at COLORADO (61 - 71) - 8:40 PM
BARRY ZITO (L) vs. JUAN NICASIO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 58-72 (-25.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 57-68 (-22.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 35-46 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 41-46 (-13.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 24-37 (-23.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 174-112 (+58.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 74-48 (+20.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 19-9 (+10.2 Units) against the money line after shutting out their opponent over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 26-11 (+14.2 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.
ZITO is 33-24 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZITO is 16-7 (+11.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZITO is 33-23 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZITO is 21-11 (+12.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 125-169 (-31.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 109-116 (-30.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 198-257 (-60.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 32-64 (-29.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 82-112 (-39.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 30-35 (-12.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 7-6 (+0.3 Units) against COLORADO this season
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.8 Units)

BARRY ZITO vs. COLORADO since 1997
ZITO is 8-4 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.02 and a WHIP of 1.226.
His team's record is 15-7 (+11.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-11. (-2.6 units)

JUAN NICASIO vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
NICASIO is 1-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.68 and a WHIP of 1.455.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)

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SAN DIEGO (59 - 71) at ARIZONA (66 - 63) - 9:40 PM
TYSON ROSS (R) vs. BRANDON MCCARTHY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 135-157 (+1.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 135-154 (+4.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 442-509 (+34.2 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
SAN DIEGO is 67-66 (+12.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 31-35 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
MCCARTHY is 15-27 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 8-4 (+5.3 Units) against ARIZONA this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

TYSON ROSS vs. ARIZONA since 1997
ROSS is 1-0 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.500.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

BRANDON MCCARTHY vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
MCCARTHY is 1-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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

CHICAGO CUBS (55 - 75) at LA DODGERS (76 - 54) - 10:10 PM
JAKE ARRIETA (R) vs. ZACK GREINKE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 116-176 (-34.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 14-38 (-19.4 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 116-176 (-34.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 81-131 (-32.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 24-47 (-14.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LA DODGERS are 76-54 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 132-90 (+25.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 19-5 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
LA DODGERS are 73-54 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 53-34 (+12.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA DODGERS are 39-16 (+16.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LA DODGERS are 22-6 (+14.8 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 17-4 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 11-1 (+10.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 20-5 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 17-4 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 14-2 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 11-0 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 4-0 (+4.0 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

JAKE ARRIETA vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
ARRIETA is 0-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 11.25 and a WHIP of 1.750.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.4 units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
GREINKE is 3-2 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 4.45 and a WHIP of 1.187.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.7 units)

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OAKLAND (72 - 57) at DETROIT (77 - 53) - 7:05 PM
A.J. GRIFFIN (R) vs. ANIBAL SANCHEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 168-128 (+42.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 36-23 (+11.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
OAKLAND is 77-71 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 272-203 (+60.4 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
OAKLAND is 159-121 (+37.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 110-75 (+37.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 113-81 (+33.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 82-68 (+24.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 37-31 (+10.4 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.
GRIFFIN is 28-14 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GRIFFIN is 18-6 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 172-133 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 164-127 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 43-34 (-13.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SANCHEZ is 41-47 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SANCHEZ is 40-46 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 2-1 (+0.9 Units) against OAKLAND this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

A.J. GRIFFIN vs. DETROIT since 1997
GRIFFIN is 0-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 6.51 and a WHIP of 1.655.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

ANIBAL SANCHEZ vs. OAKLAND since 1997
SANCHEZ is 1-2 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.79 and a WHIP of 1.158.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

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NY YANKEES (69 - 61) at TORONTO (58 - 73) - 7:05 PM
PHIL HUGHES (R) vs. R.A. DICKEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 46-58 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 69-61 (+5.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 58-73 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 21-37 (-14.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TORONTO is 32-48 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TORONTO is 35-38 (-9.1 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf this season.
TORONTO is 42-55 (-11.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TORONTO is 84-119 (-23.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 8-24 (-15.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 12-1 (+11.2 Units) against TORONTO this season
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.5 Units, Under=-0.7 Units)

PHIL HUGHES vs. TORONTO since 1997
HUGHES is 5-5 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.97 and a WHIP of 1.362.
His team's record is 13-5 (+5.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-7. (+1.5 units)

R.A. DICKEY vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
DICKEY is 1-3 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.38 and a WHIP of 1.108.
His team's record is 2-4 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.1 units)

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HOUSTON (43 - 86) at CHI WHITE SOX (54 - 75) - 8:10 PM
BRETT OBERHOLTZER (L) vs. ANDRE RIENZO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 98-192 (-43.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 18-46 (-17.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
HOUSTON is 67-160 (-45.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 20-61 (-25.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 96-187 (-42.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 107-222 (-66.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 32-77 (-29.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 12-42 (-24.2 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 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 54-75 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 21-37 (-14.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 111-114 (-25.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 7-17 (-11.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 52-70 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 32-49 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 22-37 (-18.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 1-7 (-8.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 3-1 (+3.0 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

BRETT OBERHOLTZER vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.

ANDRE RIENZO vs. HOUSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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TEXAS (75 - 55) at SEATTLE (59 - 70) - 10:10 PM
TRAVIS BLACKLEY (L) vs. JOE SAUNDERS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAUNDERS is 55-41 (+18.1 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 41-16 (+16.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TEXAS is 29-17 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 31-35 (-10.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SEATTLE is 31-35 (-10.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 20-25 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 7-9 (+0.6 Units) against TEXAS this season
8 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

TRAVIS BLACKLEY vs. SEATTLE since 1997
BLACKLEY is 0-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

JOE SAUNDERS vs. TEXAS since 1997
SAUNDERS is 5-9 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 5.87 and a WHIP of 1.511.
His team's record is 6-10 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-10. (-5.9 units)

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TAMPA BAY (74 - 54) at KANSAS CITY (65 - 64) - 2:10 PM
JEREMY HELLICKSON (R) vs. JEREMY GUTHRIE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 69-63 (+13.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 49-42 (+6.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 31-29 (+8.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
KANSAS CITY is 26-18 (+12.6 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.
GUTHRIE is 31-24 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 13-5 (+9.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 14-3 (+11.8 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 31-23 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 20-10 (+15.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 13-6 (+10.9 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. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 38-21 (+12.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
TAMPA BAY is 13-3 (+9.5 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 5-1 (+5.3 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
5 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.1 Units)

JEREMY HELLICKSON vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
HELLICKSON is 1-1 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 5.04 and a WHIP of 1.440.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.3 units)

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
GUTHRIE is 6-11 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.12 and a WHIP of 1.396.
His team's record is 7-13 (-3.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-10. (-1.6 units)

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**Udog** · 08-26-2013, 11:30 AM

MLB

Monday, August 26

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MLB Top 3: Monday starters who struggle at home
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The majority of starting pitchers post stronger overall numbers in their home park than on the road. Yet, every season a handful of hurlers wind up struggling in front of their home crowd.

Here are three Monday starters who have fared better in enemy territory:

R.A. Dickey, Toronto Blue Jays (9-12, 4.49 ERA)

Dickey's first season in Toronto has been an unmitigated disaster. The defending National League Cy Young Award winner has failed to live up to the lofty expectations of Blue Jays fans - particularly at the Rogers Centre, where he's 4-6 with a 5.79 ERA and has surrendered 19 home runs in just 82 1/3 innings.

The Blue Jays open a three-game series with the New York Yankees on Monday.

Zach Wheeler, New York Mets (6-2, 3.49 ERA)

While Wheeler's entire body of work during his rookie season has been impressive, his home resume has not. The highly-touted 23-year-old is a pedestrian 2-2 with a 5.67 ERA at Citi Field - compared to a 4-0, 2.11 mark on the road - and has allowed six home runs in 27 innings in his own stadium.

The Mets entertain the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday in the opener of a four-game set.

Tyler Lyons, St. Louis Cardinals (2-4, 5.09 ERA)

While Lyons' sample size is small, the results have been downright dreadful so far. The 25-year-old has surrendered eight runs on 11 hits over eight innings in two starts at Busch Stadium, walking five batters and allowing the opposition to hit .344.

The Cardinals welcome the Cincinnati to town for a three-game series beginning Monday.

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**Udog** · 08-26-2013, 11:35 AM

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

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

Lookahead spot

Week 1 of the college football season has featured some close calls for BCS contenders in recent years, and this week’s slate of games will be no different. One potential stunner could come when the No. 16 Oklahoma Sooners host the UL Monroe Warhawks as 23.5-point favorites Saturday. The Sooners are trying to budge their way to the front of the crammed Big 12 and have a huge game against West Virginia, which could help determine the final pecking order, in Week 2.

The Warhawks, who return 17 starters – including dual-threat QB Kolton Browning - and will contend for the Sun Belt crown, have a taste for early upsets. They started Arkansas’ 2012 tumble with a Week 1 upset and covered in three straight versus the Hogs, Auburn and Baylor to open last season. The 23.5 points are an awful lot with OU potentially looking past UL Monroe in the opener.

Letdown spot

The Montreal Alouettes can breathe a little easier after a thrilling come-from-behind win over the BC Lions last week. The Als earned just their third win of the summer and the first since firing head coach Dan Hawkins, despite missing veteran QB Anthony Calvillo as well as many other key players to injury.

That victory takes a lot of pressure off GM/interim coach Jim Popp but sets Montreal up for a big fall when it travels to Toronto September 3. The Als will likely send rookie QB Tanner Marsh out as the starter after a surprise showing versus the Lions, hoping for a repeat performance. The Argonauts spanked the Als 38-13 as 2-point road faves in early August, limiting Calvillo to 16-of-30 passing for 202 yards and an interception.

Schedule spot

The Connecticut Sun have a West Coast road trip at the worst possible time. The team has lost four straight and has just one win in its last eight outings, posting a depressing 2-6 ATS mark in that stretch. The Sun play three in a row against Western Conference foes, starting in Los Angeles Tuesday, then heading to Seattle and Phoenix before the month is through.

Connecticut is just 3-9 ATS on the road with plenty of that damage coming versus the West, who have dealt Sun backers a 2-7 ATS count this season. The Sun are scoring an average of 68.1 points away from home – almost six points less than as hosts – and have averaged 67.2 points in losses compared to a lofty 82.0 points in their seven wins.

**Udog** · 08-26-2013, 12:02 PM

MLB
Short Sheet

Monday, August 26

National League

Cincinnati at St. Louis, 7:05 ET ESPN
Leake: Reds 7-2 SU in first game of a 2013 road divisional series
Lyons: Under is 5-0 in last five Cardinals home series openers

Philadelphia at New York Mets, 7:10 ET
Lee: Phillies 1-5 SU in last six road starts for Lee
Wheeler: Over is 7-3 when Mets face a southpaw in a 2013 home night game

San Francisco at Colorado, 8:40 ET
Zito: Giants 1-9 SU when Zito starts a 2013 road game
Nicasio: Over is 5-1 in Nicasio�s last six home starts

San Diego at Arizona, 9:40 ET
Ross: Padres 6-14 SU in first game of a 2013 road series
McCarthy: Under is 9-0 in first game of a 2013 homestand for Diamondbacks

Chicago Cubs at Los Angeles Dodgers, 10:10 ET
Arrieta:
Over is 5-2 last six times Cubs have faced a righthander on the road
Grienke: Dodgers 9-1 SU when Greinke starts at home

American League

Oakland at Detroit, 7:08 ET
Griffin: Under is 6-2 in last eight road starts for Griffin
Sanchez: Tigers 8-2 SU when Sanchez starts at home in 2013

New York Yankees at Toronto, 7:07 ET
Hughes: Yankees 2-9 SU in last 11 road series openers
Rogers: Blue Jays 7-3 SU in first game of a 2013 homestand

Houston at Chicago White Sox, 8:10 ET
Oberholtzer: Astros 6-14 SU in last 20 road series openers
Rienzo: Over is 10-2 in last 12 White Sox home series openers

Texas at Seattle, 10:10 ET
Holland: Rangers 8-3 last 11 games versus a southpaw
Saunders: Over is 8-2-1 when Mariners start another series within a 2013 homestand

Write-In Game:

Tampa Bay at Kansas City, 2:10 ET
Hellickson: Under is 7-1 in last eight road starts diuring day for Hellickson
Guthrie: Royals 16-6 SU when Guthrie starts at home

**WThotrod** · 08-26-2013, 12:24 PM

Thanks for the info, Udog! Good luck tonight!

Announcement

Monday's Trends and Indexes - 8/26 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

Monday's Trends and Indexes - 8/26 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

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