The Bum's MLB News-Stats and POD'S Thru The World Series !

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

NY Yankees at Toronto
The Yankees look to build on their 6-2 record in Andy Pettitte's last 8 road starts against the Blue Jays. New York is the pick (+100) according to Dunkel, which has the Yankees favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (+100). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Game 951-952: Atlanta at Washington (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Garcia) 15.442; Washington (Roark) 14.398
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Washington (-125); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+105); Over

Game 953-954: Miami at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (Flynn) 13.167; Philadelphia (Halladay) 15.215
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 2; 7
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-170); 8
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-170); Under

Game 955-956: San Diego at Pittsburgh (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Stults) 14.553; Pittsburgh (Locke) 15.988
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-170); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-170); Over

Game 957-958: San Francisco at NY Mets (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Petit) 14.597; NY Mets (Wheeler) 15.578
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1; 6
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-125); 7
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+105); Under

Game 959-960: Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Samardzija) 15.566; Milwaukee (Estrada) 14.656
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-140); 8
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+120); Under

Game 961-962: St. Louis at Colorado (8:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Kelly) 15.896; Colorado (Nicasio) 14.306
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 11
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-140); 10
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-140); Over

Game 963-964: LA Dodgers at Arizona (9:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Greinke) 15.316; Arizona (Corbin) 14.437
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Arizona (-120); 8
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (+100); Over

Game 965-966: Seattle at Detroit (7:08 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Maurer) 13.753; Detroit (Sanchez) 16.106
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 2 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Detroit (-270); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-270); Under

Game 967-968: NY Yankees at Toronto (7:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Pettitte) 15.705; Toronto (Dickey) 14.827
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Toronto (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (+100); Over

Game 969-970: Baltimore at Boston (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Feldman) 15.319; Boston (Dempster) 17.788
Dunkel Line: Boston by 2 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Boston (-140); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-140); Under

Game 971-972: Texas at Tampa Bay (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Ogando) 13.836; Tampa Bay (Hellickson) 15.604
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 2; 9
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-140); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-140); Over

Game 973-974: Minnesota at Chicago White Sox (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Pelfrey) 14.813; White Sox (Quintana) 13.914
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-140); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+120); Under

Game 975-976: Cleveland at Kansas City (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Kluber) 16.933; Kansas City (Ventura) 15.727
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-125); 8
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+105); Over

Game 977-978: LA Angels at Oakland (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Richards) 15.056; Oakland (Gray) 16.733
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 979-980: Cincinnati at Houston (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Leake) 15.935; Houston (Lyles) 14.390
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-170); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-170); Over

Game 981-982: Atlanta at Washington (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Minor) 15.717; Washington (Haren) 14.888
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1; 8
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, September 17

Hot pitchers
-- Roark is 2-0, 1.50 in two starts this season. Garcia allowed one run in six IP in his first '13 start.
-- Petit is 3-0, 2.36 in four starts. Wheeler is 3-3, 2.66 in his last seven.
-- Estrada is 1-0, 2.18 in his last three starts.
-- Kelly is 5-1, 2.31 in his last six starts.
-- Greinke is 6-0, 1.44 in his last eight starts. Corbin is 1-1, 2.51 in his last couple starts.

-- Leake is 2-0, 1.35 in his last couple starts. Lyles is 3-1, 3.58 in his last five.

-- Pettitte is 3-0, 2.84 in his last six starts. Dickey is 3-0, 3.81 in his last four.
-- Sanchez is 7-0, 2.53 in his last ten starts. Feldman is 3-1, 1.78 in his last five.
-- Hellickson is 1-0, 2.53 in his last couple starts.
-- Quintana has a 2.78 RA in his last four starts.
-- Kluber is 2-0, 2.08 in his last three starts.
-- Gray is 2-1, 2.29 in his last three starts. Richards is 3-0, 2.89 in his last three.

Cold pitchers
-- Haren is 1-2, 7.71 in his last four starts. Minor is 0-2, 4.95 in his last three.
-- Flynn allowed nine runs in eight IP in two MLB starts. Halladay has a 5.48 RA in four starts since coming off the DL.
-- Stults is 0-6, 6.33 in his last ten starts. Locke is 1-2, 7.71 in his last five.
-- Samardzija is 0-1, 8.66 in his last three starts.
-- Nicasio is 1-1, 5.06 in his last three starts.

-- Maurer is 0-5, 9.45 in his last six starts.
-- Dempster has a 6.05 RA in his last seven starts.
-- Tepesch is 1-2, 7.49 in his last seven starts.
-- Pelfrey is 0-2, 13.00 in his last couple starts.
-- Ventura is making MLB debut; he was

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........
-- Flynn 0-2; Halladay 7-11 (6 of last 6)
-- Garcia 0-1 Minor 11-29 (5 of last 10); Roark 1-2 Haren 6-27
-- Stults 9-30 (0 of last 4); Locke 6-28
-- Petit 1-4; Wheeler 5-16 (1 of last 9)
-- Samardzija 7-30 (1 of last 11); Estrada 4-18 (1 of last 6)
-- Kelly 1-13; Nicasio 12-28 (4 of last 6)
-- Greinke 8-25; Corbin 6-29 (1 of last 7)

-- Leake 7-29; Lyles 7-21

-- Maurer 4-11 (1 of last 5); Sanchez 9-26 (4 of last 6)
-- Pettitte 10-27 (0 of last 6); Dickey 7-31 (1 of last 11)
-- Feldman 8-27 (3 of last 4); Dempster 8-27 (1 of last 8)
-- Tepesch 3-18; Hellickson 11-29 (3 of last 5)
-- Pelfrey 11-27 (4 of last 7); Quintana 11-30 (3 of last 6)
-- Kluber 3-21 (0 of last 7); Ventura 0-0
-- Richards 5-14 (4 of last 4); Gray 3-7

Totals
-- Five of last six Miami games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Met games stayed under the total.
-- 10 of last 11 Atlanta games stayed under the total; 11 of last 15 Washington games went over..
-- Seven of last ten San Diego games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last ten Cub games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six Colorado games.
-- Five of last seven Arizona games went over the total.

-- Seven of last ten Houston games stayed under the total.

-- Seven of last nine Detroit games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six Bronx games.
-- Under is 9-3-1 in last thirteen Baltimore games.
-- Under is 6-3-1 in last ten Tepesch starts.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six Cleveland games.
-- 11 of last 15 Minnesota games went over the total.
-- Over is 7-3-1 in last eleven Angel games.

Hot teams
-- Phillies won seven of their last ten games.
-- Washington won ten of its last twelve games.
-- Giants won six of their last eight games. Mets won three of last four.
-- Pirates won six of their last eight games. San Diego won seven of last ten.
-- Brewers won four of their last five games.
-- Cardinals won seven of their last ten games.
-- Diamondbacks won four of their last five games.

-- Reds are 9-5 in their last fourteen games.

-- Detroit won five of its last six games.
-- Red Sox won eight of their last ten games.
-- Tampa Bay won four of its last five games.
-- Kansas City won eight of its last ten home games. Indians won nine of their last thirteen games overall.
-- A's won eight of their last ten games; Angels won nine of last twelve.

Cold teams
-- Miami lost nine of its last eleven games.
-- Braves lost seven of their last eleven games.
-- Cubs are 11-23 in their last 34 games.
-- Colorado lost nine of its last thirteen games.
-- Dodgers lost nine of their last eleven games.

-- Houston lost nine of its last eleven home games.

-- Mariners lost seven of their last eight games.
-- Blue Jays lost five of their last six games. Bronx lost last three games, allowing 22 runs.
-- Orioles lost four of their last six games.
-- Texas lost 10 of its last 11 games.
-- Twins lost nine of their last twelve games; White Sox lost 15 of last 18.

Umpires
-- Mia-Phil-- Four of last five Eddings games went over the total.
-- SD-Pitt-- Home teams won five of last six Everitt games.
-- Chi-Mil-- Over is 12-3-1 in last sixteen Kellogg games.
-- StL-Col-- Under is 3-1-1 in last five Barksdale games.
-- LA-Az-- Road team won last eight Drake games; six of his last nine games stayed under the total.

-- Cin-Hst-- Seven of last ten Hudson games went over the total.

-- Sea-Det-- Nine of last eleven Hallion games stayed under total.
-- Tex-TB-- Home team won six of last seven Gonzalez games.
-- Min-Chi-- Five of last six TBarrett games stayed under total.
-- Cle-KC-- Under is 5-0-1 in last six Culbreth games.
-- LA-A's-- Six of last eight Darling games went over the total.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Tuesday, September 17

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Trend Report
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1:05 PM
ATLANTA vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Atlanta's last 12 games on the road
Atlanta is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Washington
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Washington is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games at home

7:05 PM
MIAMI vs. PHILADELPHIA
Miami is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games at home
Philadelphia is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Miami

7:05 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone OVER in 7 of San Diego's last 9 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
San Diego is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Pittsburgh's last 9 games when playing at home against San Diego
Pittsburgh is 5-20 SU in its last 25 games when playing San Diego

7:05 PM
ATLANTA vs. WASHINGTON
Atlanta is 4-7-1 SU in its last 12 games ,on the road
Atlanta7-0-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington11-4-1 SU in its last 16 games at home
Washington is 1-7-1 SU in its last 9 games ,when playing Atlanta

7:07 PM
NY YANKEES vs. TORONTO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 6 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing NY Yankees
Toronto is 2-11 SU in their last 13 games when playing NY Yankees

7:08 PM
SEATTLE vs. DETROIT
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Seattle's last 12 games on the road
Seattle is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Seattle
Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

7:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. BOSTON
Baltimore is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
Baltimore is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games on the road
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Baltimore
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. NY METS
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
San Francisco is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing NY Mets
NY Mets are 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Mets's last 6 games

7:10 PM
TEXAS vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Texas's last 7 games when playing Tampa Bay
Texas is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games when playing Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Tampa Bay's last 25 games at home

8:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. MILWAUKEE
Chi Cubs are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games on the road
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Milwaukee is 10-2 SU in their last 12 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs

8:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CHI WHITE SOX
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Minnesota's last 14 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games

8:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. KANSAS CITY
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games on the road
Cleveland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Kansas City's last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Kansas City is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Cleveland

8:10 PM
CINCINNATI vs. HOUSTON
Cincinnati is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games when playing Houston
Houston is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games when playing Cincinnati

8:40 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. COLORADO
St. Louis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
St. Louis is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing St. Louis
Colorado is 6-15 SU in its last 21 games when playing St. Louis

9:40 PM
LA DODGERS vs. ARIZONA
LA Dodgers are 17-8 SU in their last 25 games on the road
LA Dodgers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Arizona is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing LA Dodgers
Arizona is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

10:05 PM
LA ANGELS vs. OAKLAND
The total has gone OVER in 8 of LA Angels's last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of LA Angels's last 8 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Oakland is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Oakland's last 8 games when playing at home against LA Angels

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Tuesday, September 17

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Tuesday's MLB betting notes and tips
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NATIONAL

Atlanta Braves at Washington Nationals (Game 1) (OFF, OFF)

Hot pitching stat: Nationals right-hander Dan Haren is coming off one of his best outings of the season, allowing one hit over six shutout innings en route to a 3-0 triumph over the New York Mets.

Hot batting stat: Washington C Wilson Ramos has dominated the all-time matchup with Atlanta starter Mike Minor, going 6-for-8 with a homer against him.

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

Key betting note: Atlanta is 12-2 in Minor's last 14 starts against teams with winning records.


Miami Marlins at Philadelphia Phillies (-163, 8)

Cold pitching stat: Phillies right-hander Roy Halladay has a 5.06 ERA and 14:14 walk-to-strikeout ratio in four starts since coming off the disabled list.

Hot batting stat: Marlins OF Giancarlo Stanton is 7-for-22 with a pair of home runs in his career against Halladay.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-50s with clear skies. Wind will blow from right to left field at 4 mph.

Key betting note: The Phillies are 9-1 in their last 10 games as a favorite.


San Diego Padres at Pittsburgh Pirates (-170, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Pirates lefty Jeff Locke allowed a run on three hits over seven innings in his last start, a 3-1 win over the Chicago Cubs.

Hot/Cold batting stat: Pittsburgh OF Marlon Byrd is 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI all-time versus Padres starter Eric Stults.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-60s with sunny skies. Wind will blow in from center field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: The Padres are 1-7 in Stults' last eight road starts.


Atlanta Braves at Washington Nationals (Game 2) (-125, 8.5)

Hot pitching stat: Nationals rookie right-hander Tanner Roark threw four scoreless innings in his only previous meeting with Atlanta, allowing one hit while striking out six.

Hot/Cold batting stat: Nationals OF Denard Span is just 2-for-18 in his career against Braves right-hander Freddy Garcia.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-60s with sunny skies. Wind will blow in from right field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: Washington has won five consecutive Tuesday games.


San Francisco Giants at New York Mets (+111, 7)

Cold pitching stat: Mets right-hander Zack Wheeler is 2-4 with a 4.43 ERA in seven home starts in 2013.

Cold batting stat: Members of the San Francisco roster are just 2-for-19 with five strikeouts against Wheeler.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-50s with clear skies. Wind will blow out to left field at 4 mph.

Key betting note: New York is 3-13 in its previous 16 games following an off-day.


Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers (-135, 8)

Cold pitching stat: Cubs right-hander Jeff Samardzija is 3-3 with a 5.09 ERA in 11 starts since the All-Star break.

Hot batting stat: Chicago SS Starlin Castro is hitting 6-for-15 with two doubles and a triple against Brewers starter Marco Estrada.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-60s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow in from center field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: Milwaukee is 13-3 in Estrada's last 16 starts versus a division foe.


St. Louis Cardinals at Colorado Rockies (+123, 10)

Hot pitching stat: Cardinals right-hander Joe Kelly is 4-0 with a 2.02 ERA in five starts and 12 relief appearances on the road.

Cold batting stat: Members of the Colorado roster are a collective .222 with six strikeouts in 18 at-bats against Colorado starter Juan Nicasio.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-70s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will be calm.

Key betting note: The Rockies are 2-10 in their last 12 Tuesday games.


Los Angeles Dodgers at Arizona Diamondbacks (-110, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Dodgers right-hander Zack Greinke is 6-1 with a 1.90 ERA and .217 opposition batting average in 11 second-half starts

Cold batting stat: Los Angeles OF Andre Ethier has just one hit and five strikeouts in 11 all-time at-bats against Arizona starter Patrick Corbin.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-90s under clear skies. Wind will be calm.

Key betting note: The under is 8-1-1 in Corbin's last 10 games against teams with winning records.


AMERICAN

New York Yankees at Toronto Blue Jays (-107, 8.5)

Hot pitching stat: Blue Jays right-hander R.A. Dickey is 3-0 in his last four starts, including a 6 1/3-inning gem in a 5-2 win over the Yankees on Aug. 26.

Hot batting stat: New York OF Alfonso Soriano is 4-for-12 with a pair of homers and six RBIs in his career against Dickey.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-50s with sunny skies. Wind will blow from right to left field at 7 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 15-3 in Toronto's last 18 games against a division foe.


Seattle Mariners at Detroit Tigers (-270, 8.5)

Cold pitching stat: Mariners right-hander Brandon Maurer is 1-3 with a 7.71 ERA and seven home runs allowed in 32 2/3 road innings as a rookie.

Cold batting stat: Seattle 1B Justin Smoak is hitless with three strikeouts in six all-time at-bats versus Detroit right-hander Anibal Sanchez.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-50s with clear skies. Wind will blow in from left field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: Detroit is 7-0 in Sanchez's last seven starts on five days' rest.


Baltimore Orioles at Boston Red Sox (-140, 9.5)

Cold pitching stat: Orioles right-hander Scott Feldman was lit up in his previous start against Boston, allowing four runs on six hits over five innings en route to a 7-3 loss back on July 27.

Cold batting stat: Baltimore slugger Chris Davis has just two hits, including a homer, with six strikeouts in 11 at-bats against Red Sox starter Ryan Dempster.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-50s with clear skies. Wind will be calm.

Key betting note: Boston is 9-1 in Dempster's last 10 starts.


Texas Rangers at Tampa Bay Rays (-140, 8.5)

Cold pitching stat: Rays right-hander Jeremy Hellickson has won just one of his last eight starts, giving up four or more runs four times in that span.

Hot batting stat: Tampa Bay 3B Evan Longoria is 4-for-6 with one home run in his career against Rangers starter Alexi Ogando.

Weather: Dome.

Key betting note: The under is 13-2-2 in Hellickson's last 17 starts against the American League West.


Cleveland Indians at Kansas City Royals (-123, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Indians right-hander Corey Kluber was sensational in his previous start against the Royals, limiting them to three hits while fanning eight over 7 2/3 innings of a 3-0 victory.

Cold batting stat: Kansas City 1B Eric Hosmer and DH Billy Butler are a combined 2-for-24 with eight strikeouts against Kluber.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-70s with a 65 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms. Wind will blow out to left field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 5-1 in Kluber's last six road starts against teams with winning records.


Minnesota Twins at Chicago White Sox (-130, 8.5)

Cold pitching stat: Twins right-hander Mike Pelfrey has dropped back-to-back decisions, surrendering 13 runs over nine innings in that span.

Hot batting stat: White Sox 1B Paul Konerko is 5-for-8 with a double and two RBIs against Pelfrey.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-60s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow in from center field at 9 mph.

Key betting note: Minnesota is 3-13 in Pelfrey's last 16 starts as an underdog.


Los Angeles Angels at Oakland Athletics (OFF, OFF)

Hot pitching stat: Athletics right-hander Sonny Gray is 2-1 with a 1.21 ERA and 30 strikeouts in four road starts.

Cold batting stat: The six active Angels hitters who have faced Gray are a collective 0-for-6 against him.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-50s under clear skies. Wind will be calm.

Key betting note: The over is 7-1-1 in the Angels' last nine Tuesday games.


INTERLEAGUE

Cincinnati Reds at Houston Astros (-156, 8.5)

Hot pitching stat: Reds right-hander Mike Leake is 7-2 with a 3.05 ERA and just six home runs allowed in 94 road innings this season.

Hot batting stat: Cincinnati 1B Joey Votto has five hits, including two doubles and a homer, in seven at-bats against Astros starter Jordan Lyles.

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

Key betting note: Houston is 4-24 in Lyles' last 28 starts against teams with winning records.


** Odds, stats, weather forecast and probable pitchers as of 11:43 p.m. ET Monday.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Tuesday, September 17

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ATLANTA (89 - 60) at WASHINGTON (79 - 70) - 7:05 PM
FREDDY GARCIA (R) vs. TANNER ROARK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 100-70 (+29.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 121-87 (+18.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 89-60 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 24-9 (+14.4 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 23-11 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
ATLANTA is 88-59 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 129-83 (+25.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 30-17 (+12.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
GARCIA is 26-14 (+15.2 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997. (Team's Record)
GARCIA is 111-71 (+32.2 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
GARCIA is 39-18 (+20.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
GARCIA is 93-56 (+30.1 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
GARCIA is 57-33 (+29.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
GARCIA is 30-19 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 79-70 (-6.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 79-70 (-6.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 56-52 (-9.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 4-12 (-9.7 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
ATLANTA is 12-4 (+8.5 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
10 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.1 Units)

FREDDY GARCIA vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
GARCIA is 2-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 1.80 and a WHIP of 0.667.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.0 units)

TANNER ROARK vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.

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MIAMI (55 - 95) at PHILADELPHIA (70 - 80) - 7:05 PM
BRIAN FLYNN (L) vs. ROY HALLADAY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 55-95 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 6-21 (-13.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
MIAMI is 2-15 (-12.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
MIAMI is 55-93 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MIAMI is 36-65 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MIAMI is 35-67 (-19.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MIAMI is 31-64 (-20.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MIAMI is 107-108 (+25.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Tuesday since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 70-80 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 70-80 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 31-39 (-12.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 32-38 (-12.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 10-4 (+2.9 Units) against MIAMI this season
8 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.1 Units)

BRIAN FLYNN vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.

ROY HALLADAY vs. MIAMI since 1997
HALLADAY is 8-5 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 3.65 and a WHIP of 1.109.
His team's record is 9-7 (-2.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-10. (-5.4 units)

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SAN DIEGO (69 - 80) at PITTSBURGH (87 - 63) - 7:05 PM
ERIC STULTS (L) vs. JEFF LOCKE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 87-63 (+23.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 33-23 (+9.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
PITTSBURGH is 48-27 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 16-6 (+11.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday this season.
PITTSBURGH is 87-63 (+23.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 59-37 (+19.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 37-25 (+13.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
PITTSBURGH is 53-29 (+19.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN DIEGO is 69-80 (+0.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 69-77 (+3.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN DIEGO is 11-4 (+10.1 Units) against the money line after shutting out their opponent over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 72-71 (+13.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 39-44 (-30.6 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 15-28 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 43-48 (-19.9 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.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 2-2 (+0.8 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.7 Units)

ERIC STULTS vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

JEFF LOCKE vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.

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SAN FRANCISCO (69 - 81) at NY METS (67 - 82) - 7:10 PM
YUSMEIRO PETIT (R) vs. ZACK WHEELER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 69-81 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 32-39 (-15.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 4-13 (-10.0 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 68-77 (-19.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 41-54 (-19.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 47-53 (-14.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 28-42 (-24.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
NY METS are 19-11 (+10.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 84-80 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 28-14 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 20-30 (-14.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
NY METS are 31-43 (-16.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
NY METS are 100-117 (-44.0 Units) against the money line in home games in September games since 1997.
NY METS are 31-43 (-16.9 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 36-54 (-25.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 71-87 (-30.1 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 10-20 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 3-0 (+4.0 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.2 Units)

YUSMEIRO PETIT vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

ZACK WHEELER vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
WHEELER is 1-0 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (63 - 87) at MILWAUKEE (66 - 83) - 8:10 PM
JEFF SAMARDZIJA (R) vs. MARCO ESTRADA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 63-87 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 13-27 (-11.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 27-61 (-25.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 21-50 (-24.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 23-44 (-14.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 63-87 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 42-66 (-17.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 10-31 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 653-649 (-153.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
MILWAUKEE is 31-18 (+14.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 49-50 (+5.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 53-56 (+3.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 24-26 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 149-162 (-21.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 34-41 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 34-41 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 71-74 (-16.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 11-5 (+6.1 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.1 Units)

JEFF SAMARDZIJA vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
SAMARDZIJA is 0-3 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.90 and a WHIP of 0.968.
His team's record is 1-4 (-3.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.2 units)

MARCO ESTRADA vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
ESTRADA is 4-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.10 and a WHIP of 1.100.
His team's record is 4-1 (+2.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-1. (+3.0 units)

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ST LOUIS (87 - 63) at COLORADO (69 - 82) - 8:40 PM
JOE KELLY (R) vs. JUAN NICASIO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 47-58 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 19-10 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ST LOUIS is 69-40 (+17.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 43-20 (+18.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
COLORADO is 69-82 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 133-177 (-31.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 28-40 (-15.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 2-2 (+0.9 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

JOE KELLY vs. COLORADO since 1997
KELLY is 0-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

JUAN NICASIO vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
NICASIO is 1-0 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.143.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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LA DODGERS (86 - 64) at ARIZONA (76 - 73) - 9:40 PM
ZACK GREINKE (R) vs. PAT CORBIN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 31-33 (-13.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
GREINKE is 49-77 (-30.5 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 18-9 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CORBIN is 22-7 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
CORBIN is 22-7 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
CORBIN is 14-4 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
CORBIN is 12-1 (+12.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 86-64 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 40-32 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA DODGERS are 37-28 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
GREINKE is 20-5 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 31-10 (+18.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 20-5 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 16-2 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 46-55 (-18.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 30-35 (-15.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 9-7 (+3.3 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
9 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.2 Units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. ARIZONA since 1997
GREINKE is 1-3 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 5.83 and a WHIP of 1.532.
His team's record is 3-5 (-2.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+1.7 units)

PAT CORBIN vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
CORBIN is 3-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 2.20 and a WHIP of 1.291.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.1 units)

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SEATTLE (66 - 84) at DETROIT (87 - 63) - 7:05 PM
BRANDON MAURER (R) vs. ANIBAL SANCHEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 66-84 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 63-81 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 24-24 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
DETROIT is 87-63 (-6.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
DETROIT is 83-60 (-7.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 111-91 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 48-39 (-15.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 3-1 (+1.4 Units) against SEATTLE this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.7 Units)

BRANDON MAURER vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.

ANIBAL SANCHEZ vs. SEATTLE since 1997
SANCHEZ is 0-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.167.
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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NY YANKEES (79 - 71) at TORONTO (68 - 81) - 7:05 PM
ANDY PETTITTE (L) vs. R.A. DICKEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 50-63 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 79-71 (+5.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 68-81 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 36-39 (-9.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
TORONTO is 17-31 (-15.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 24-40 (-13.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TORONTO is 38-53 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TORONTO is 40-45 (-10.9 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf this season.
TORONTO is 15-29 (-11.7 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 13-3 (+9.7 Units) against TORONTO this season
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.2 Units)

ANDY PETTITTE vs. TORONTO since 1997
PETTITTE is 20-12 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.11 and a WHIP of 1.383.
His team's record is 25-15 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 16-20. (-7.1 units)

R.A. DICKEY vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
DICKEY is 2-3 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.95 and a WHIP of 1.154.
His team's record is 3-4 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-5. (-4.2 units)

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BALTIMORE (79 - 70) at BOSTON (92 - 59) - 7:10 PM
SCOTT FELDMAN (R) vs. RYAN DEMPSTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 36-42 (-11.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
FELDMAN is 5-11 (-11.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FELDMAN is 3-12 (-11.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FELDMAN is 14-21 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FELDMAN is 12-19 (-13.9 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FELDMAN is 5-16 (-12.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FELDMAN is 2-9 (-9.3 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)
BOSTON is 92-59 (+21.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 50-25 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BOSTON is 40-27 (+8.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BOSTON is 81-52 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 65-45 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BOSTON is 59-40 (+11.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 175-142 (+39.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 79-62 (+15.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 10-5 (+8.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 this season.
BALTIMORE is 85-74 (+30.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 34-24 (+17.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 43-29 (+23.2 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 29-18 (+14.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 25-12 (+15.1 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 75-65 (+18.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 160-123 (+40.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 119-100 (+23.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 122-97 (+32.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 43-37 (+6.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 61-66 (-19.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 39-42 (-17.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 25-42 (-24.9 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 45-48 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 182-177 (-46.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 7-6 (+1.6 Units) against BOSTON this season
9 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+5.5 Units)

SCOTT FELDMAN vs. BOSTON since 1997
FELDMAN is 1-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 1.909.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

RYAN DEMPSTER vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
DEMPSTER is 2-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 2.01 and a WHIP of 1.053.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.3 units)

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TEXAS (81 - 68) at TAMPA BAY (82 - 67) - 7:10 PM
ALEXI OGANDO (R) vs. JEREMY HELLICKSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 81-68 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 2-12 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in September games this season.
TEXAS is 53-49 (-11.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 68-70 (-15.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 10-22 (-15.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
TAMPA BAY is 78-51 (+18.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 32-20 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 33-42 (-18.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 2-2 (+0.1 Units) against TEXAS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

ALEXI OGANDO vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
OGANDO is 1-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.625.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

JEREMY HELLICKSON vs. TEXAS since 1997
HELLICKSON is 0-3 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-3. (-3.1 units)

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MINNESOTA (64 - 85) at CHI WHITE SOX (59 - 91) - 8:10 PM
MIKE PELFREY (R) vs. JOSE QUINTANA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PELFREY is 31-55 (-27.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 28-25 (+13.1 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 33-42 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MINNESOTA is 34-37 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 63-79 (+5.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 20-20 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
MINNESOTA is 36-29 (+13.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 59-91 (-29.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 22-46 (-22.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 5-11 (-9.9 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 34-40 (-8.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 8-21 (-14.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 14-30 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 23-42 (-17.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 57-86 (-26.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 36-61 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 47-68 (-16.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 25-38 (-16.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 22-28 (-17.5 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.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 10-7 (+4.3 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
8 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

MIKE PELFREY vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
PELFREY is 0-2 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 1.735.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

JOSE QUINTANA vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
QUINTANA is 1-2 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 7.52 and a WHIP of 1.633.
His team's record is 2-3 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.5 units)

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CLEVELAND (81 - 69) at KANSAS CITY (79 - 71) - 8:10 PM
COREY KLUBER (R) vs. YORDANO VENTURA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 20-38 (-15.7 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 37-72 (-26.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 79-71 (+4.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 40-30 (+8.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
KANSAS CITY is 75-68 (+2.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 57-48 (+8.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 38-33 (+11.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
KANSAS CITY is 22-17 (+8.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
CLEVELAND is 81-69 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 37-31 (+7.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CLEVELAND is 78-66 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 52-49 (+3.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 9-8 (+1.5 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
9 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

COREY KLUBER vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
KLUBER is 2-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.44 and a WHIP of 1.192.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

YORDANO VENTURA vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
No recent starts.

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LA ANGELS (73 - 77) at OAKLAND (88 - 62) - 10:05 PM
GARRETT RICHARDS (R) vs. SONNY GRAY (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 9-5 (+4.4 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
10 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+6.1 Units)

GARRETT RICHARDS vs. OAKLAND since 1997
RICHARDS is 0-1 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 5.90 and a WHIP of 1.406.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.3 units)

SONNY GRAY vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
No recent starts.

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CINCINNATI (85 - 66) at HOUSTON (51 - 99) - 8:10 PM
MIKE LEAKE (R) vs. JORDAN LYLES (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 43-41 (-12.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CINCINNATI is 184-134 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 652-724 (+53.6 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 184-134 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 425-470 (+34.1 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 470-520 (+44.5 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 58-35 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 211-171 (+44.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.
HOUSTON is 106-205 (-44.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 21-52 (-19.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
HOUSTON is 24-52 (-20.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
HOUSTON is 24-52 (-20.3 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 113-229 (-64.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 105-205 (-52.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 17-56 (-21.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 8-30 (-17.9 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.
LYLES is 4-23 (-15.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

MIKE LEAKE vs. HOUSTON since 1997
LEAKE is 5-3 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.69 and a WHIP of 1.323.
His team's record is 5-4 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-4. (+0.8 units)

JORDAN LYLES vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
LYLES is 2-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

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ATLANTA (89 - 60) at WASHINGTON (79 - 70) - 12:05 PM
MIKE MINOR (L) vs. DAN HAREN (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 12-4 (+8.5 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
10 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.1 Units)

MIKE MINOR vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
MINOR is 3-2 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 5.03 and a WHIP of 1.627.
His team's record is 4-4 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (-0.1 units)

DAN HAREN vs. ATLANTA since 1997
HAREN is 5-2 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 5.23 and a WHIP of 1.442.
His team's record is 5-2 (+3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-2. (+3.0 units)

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Short Sheet

Tuesday, September 17

National League

Atlanta at Washington, 7:05 ET Game Two
Garcia: 39-18 TSR away with a total of 8 to 8.5 runs
Roark: Washington 27-13 Over in September

Miami at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
Flynn: Miami 12-32 SU off 4+ games scoring 3 runs or less
Halladay: 14-4 Over pitching off a team win

San Diego at Pittsburgh, 7:05 ET
Stults: San Diego 11-31 SU away with a total of 7 to 7.5 runs
Locke:

San Francisco at NY Mets, 7:10 ET
Petit: San Francisco 4-13 SU playing with rest
Wheeler: 9-4 TSR in the second half of the season

Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee, 8:10 ET
Samardzija: Cubs 16-8 SU off 7+ road games
Estrada: Milwaukee 14-24 SU off 4+ home games

St. Louis at Colorado, 8:40 ET
Kelly: St. Louis 19-2 SU revenging a loss as a road favorite
Nicasio: Colroado 18-9 Over vs. NL Central opponents

LA Dodgers at Arizona, 9:40 ET
Greinke: Dodgers 0-9 SU off 3+ division losses
Corbin: 12-1 TSR with a line of +125 to -125


American League

Seattle at Detroit, 7:05 ET
Maurer: Detroit 36-16 SU after losing 6 or 7 of their last 8 games
Sanchez: 2-10 TSR vs. AL West opponents

NY Yankees at Toronto, 7:05 ET
Pettitte: Yankees 11-3 Over in September
Dickey: Toronto 14-31 SU off 3+ division games

Baltimore at Boston, 7:10 ET MLB
Feldman: 3-12 TSR vs. division opponents
Dempster: Boston 49-22 SU as a home favorite

Texas at Tampa Bay, 7:10 ET MLB
Ogando: Texas 2-12 SU in September
Hellickson: 8-0 Under vs. AL West opponents

Minnesota at Chicago White Sox, 8:10 ET
Pelfrey: 7-27 TSR away with a total of 7 to 8.5 runs
Quintana: White Sox 11-2 SU off a division win by 6+ runs

Cleveland at Kansas City, 8:10 ET
Kluber: 8-2 Over in road games
Ventura: Kansas City 28-12 SU as a favorite of -125 to -175

LA Angels at Oakland, 10:05 ET
Richards: 6-1 Under in road games
Gray: Oakland 5-1 SU revenging a home loss by 6+ runs


Interleague

Cincinnati at Houston, 8:10 ET
Leake: Cincinnati 27-10 Under in September
Lyles: Houston 9-24 SU at home after losing 3 of their last 4 games


Write-In Game

Atlanta at Washington, 1:05 ET Game One
Minor: 7-1 TSR after allowing 0 walks last start
Haren: 3-11 TSR with a line of +125 to -125

[StarDust Bum]

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

Spot bets are a classic handicapping practice that has 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

The Cleveland Browns may be one of the few teams in the NFL the Minnesota Vikings can overlook after starting the season 0-2. The Vikings, who are 4.5-point favorites hosting the Browns in Week 3, could be busy planning and packing for their trip to “Jolly Ole” England to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4.

While team arrangements are handled by the front office, plenty of players will be more than distracted this week, lining up tickets and travel plans for friends and family or making sure things are sorted out at home before jumping the pond. Don’t think this off-field business distracts from on-field play? The last 12 teams to play in London (2007-2012) are a combined 5-7 SU and 4-8 ATS in the week previous to making the trip to England.

Letdown spot

The wheels have fallen off the “Johnny Football” hype wagon after the Texas A&M Aggies’ 49-42 loss to Alabama Saturday. The Aggies hung tough with the Crimson Tide, but couldn’t pull off the comeback in the end. This game was the "be-all and end-all" for the Aggies’ BCS title hopes, leaving them seriously deflated – like their BCS odds (20-1 to 100-1) – for Week 4’s date with SMU.

The Mustangs attempt to kick their state rivals while they’re down Saturday, opening as 28.5-point underdogs. SMU QB Garrett Gilbert is no stranger to Texas A&M, having faced the Aggies during his time at Texas and won't be overwhelmed by a BCS opponent. The Mustangs have the big-play ability to keep this one closer than the spread indicates, averaging 352.5 passing yards and facing an Aggies defense with some looming question marks.

Schedule spot

The opening leg of the Champions League slate makes for a busy week for many of Europe’s top soccer clubs. Not only will teams take the field Tuesday and Wednesday, but must turn around for respective league games on the weekend. The Arsenal Gunners have perhaps the toughest schedule this week.

Arsenal drew what many have dubbed the “Group of Death” for the Champions League and faces the feisty French club Marseille Wednesday (+140 to win). The Gunners are limping into this match with Olivier Giroud hurting and Santi Cazorla out of action. Following Wednesday, Arsenal is back on the pitch at Stoke Sunday. Stoke is picking up steam after a win over West Ham and a 0-0 draw with Manchester City

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Tuesday's six-pack

-- Rangers lost in St Pete 6-2, their 7th loss in row, as Tampa Bay is now in the #1 Wild Card slot, at least for tonight. Texas hasn't hit a home run during this 7-game skid.

-- How does the NFL preach about player safety but allow cut blocks? It seems like cut blocks cause a lot of serious leg injuries.

-- With all the touchbacks, wonder how much less time football teams are spending practicing kickoffs? You don't see many returns anymore......

-- White Sox scored seven runs in the first inning Monday; they had scored a total of seven runs in their previous six games.

-- Cleveland QB Weeden (thumb) will probably miss this week's game and be replaced by Jason Campbell or Brian Hoyer, most likely Campbell.

-- Through two weeks, 22 of 32 NFL games were won by 7 or less points.


*****

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

13) Eagles start season with Monday-Sunday-Thursday games, meaning Weeks 2-3 are both on short rest, albeit at home; tough way to break into pro ball for Chip Kelly, whose defense allowed 53 points in its last six quarters.

12) So much fuss has been made about the Eagles’ offense, but thru two games, the Jets (144) have run more plays than Philly (136). If the Eagle defense can’t get the other team off the field, the pace of the Philly offense won’t matter that much.

11) Also, it would be nice if Kelly knew the rules regarding QB injuries and using a timeout to keep your QB in the game if he gets banged up late in the game. Kelly admitted he didn’t know the rule, which isn’t good.

10) Minnesota has to get better in the red zone; in their 31-30 loss to the Bears, Vikings had the ball in the red zone three times, and kicked three FGs which proved decisive in a one-point loss.

Obviously, going home to play after starting with a pair of divisional road games will help, but not often you lose when your defense/special teams score a TD in the same game, like the Vikings did in Chicago. Not good

9) Forbes Magazine does a top 400 of the wealthiest people in America; Angels’ owner Arte Moreno just missed, coming in at #404, but at $1.25B or something like that, his family will still be able to get by for the foreseeable future.

8) Oklahoma oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens, who gives Oklahoma State so much money they named their football stadium after him, isn’t a billionaire anymore; poor guy is only worth $950M. Guess the price of gas will be going up again soon, if he wants to get back over the $1B mark.

7) A homeless guy in Boston found $42,000 in a backpack and turned it into police; most of it was in traveler’s checks and there was also a Chinese passport in the pack, so hopefully word of this will at least get back to China, so they know not all of us over here are greedy bastards.

Also it would be nice if someone gave the homeless guy a chance to somehow get back on his feet, since he is obviously an honorable human.

6) Denver Broncos scored 11 offensive TDs in their first two games, but only four of those 11 TDs came on drives longer than 63 yards, so the defense, special teams are doing their part, too. Broncos outscored their first two opponents (Ravens/Giants) 61-24 in second half, so John Fox is making solid halftime adjustments.

5) Over last four years ('09-'12), 30 NFL teams started season 0-2; none of those 30 teams made the playoffs.

4) VCU beat UConn for a top 50 basketball recruit; Terry Larrier, ranked #42 in his class, also had Florida-Florida State-Miami-Seton Hall on his list, so this is a good get for an Atlantic 13 team, beating Big East/ACC teams.

3) Braves’ OF Justin Upton is 19-59 against Washington this year with four HRs; half of the 40 outs he made were strikeouts, so he is hitting .322 against them, despite having more strikeouts than hits.

2) Braves-Nationals game got postponed Monday since the Washington ballpark is close to the Navy yards where the shootings took place. Teams will play a doubleheader today (Tuesday).

1) I don’t like to talk too much about political/social stuff, but there are too damn many shootings in this country. To me, that means too many people have guns. I know a lot of responsible people like to hunt and all that, but you can’t have stuff like this happening a few times every year. That’s just my opinion, I could be wrong, but 12 innocent people died Monday. Why?

[StarDust Bum]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

09/16/13 13-*9-*0 59.09% +*1900 Detail
09/15/13 16-*14-*0 53.33% +*565 Detail
09/14/13 18-*13-*1 58.06% +*2395 Detail
09/13/13 18-*9-*1 66.67% +*4900 Detail
09/12/13 7-*8-*1 46.67% -*1300 Detail
09/11/13 18-*11-*1 62.07% +*3520 Detail
09/10/13 16-*14-*0 53.33% +*890 Detail
09/09/13 12-*9-*1 57.14% +*875 Detail
09/08/13 18-*11-*0 62.07% +*2015 Detail
09/07/13 13-*15-*1 46.43% -*2350 Detail
09/06/13 20-*8-*0 71.43% +*5945 Detail
09/05/13 10-*3-*1 76.92% +*4390 Detail
09/04/13 15-*15-*0 50.00% -*760 Detail
09/03/13 11-*18-*1 37.93% -*4115 Detail
09/02/13 13-*16-*1 44.83% -*1875 Detail
09/01/13 16-*11-*1 59.26% +*1985 Detail

Totals 234-*184-*10 55.98% +18980



Tuesday, September 17

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Atlanta - 7:05 PM ET Washington -138 500
Washington - Under 8 500

Miami - 7:05 PM ET Philadelphia -158 500
Philadelphia - Over 7.5 500

San Diego - 7:05 PM ET San Diego +166 500 POD # 5
Pittsburgh - Over 7 500

NY Yankees - 7:07 PM ET NY Yankees -106 500
Toronto - Under 8 500

Seattle - 7:08 PM ET Seattle +236 500 POD # 4
Detroit - Under 8 500

Baltimore - 7:10 PM ET Baltimore +110 500 POD # 3
Boston - Over 9 500

San Francisco - 7:10 PM ET San Francisco -120 500
NY Mets - Under 7 500

Texas - 7:10 PM ET Texas +114 500 POD # 2
Tampa Bay - Under 7.5 500

Minnesota - 8:10 PM ET Chi. White Sox -136 500
Chi. White Sox - Over 7.5 500

Chi. Cubs - 8:10 PM ET Chi. Cubs +126 500 POD # 6
Milwaukee - Under 7.5 500

Cleveland - 8:10 PM ET Cleveland -102 500
Kansas City - Over 8 500

Cincinnati - 8:10 PM ET Cincinnati -179 500
Houston - Under 8 500

St. Louis - 8:40 PM ET Colorado +124 500 POD # 1
Colorado - Under 10 500

LA Dodgers - 9:40 PM ET Arizona -115 500
Arizona - Under 7.5 500

LA Angels - 10:05 PM ET Oakland -146 500
Oakland - Over 7.5 500

[gimmemoney]

Bum the Man. Do you have a record for the each of the POD's?

[StarDust Bum]

No i don't......but maybe Rod knows......i know there has been very successful days and not so good days....but thats gambling.

[StarDust Bum]

Diamond Trends - Wednesday

September 18, 2013


SU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Dodgers are 10-0 since June 07, 2013 within 20 cents of pickem when they are off a win in which they never trailed and it is not the last game of a series for a net profit of $1011.

PITCHER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- When Justin Verlander starts the Tigers are 0-6 since July 9, 2013 as a 140+ favorite vs a team that has averaged 7+ strikeouts per game for a net profit of $1035 when playing against.

MLB BIBLE ACTIVE TREND:

-- The Tigers are 31-8 since July 05, 2012 at home after a regulation win in which they allowed 6 or fewer hits.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Rockies are 12-0-1 OU since May 28, 2011 as a home dog after a 5+ run loss and it is not the first game of a series for a net profit of $1200 when playing the over.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Marlins are 0-11 since August 23, 2013 when they are off a loss in which they never led for a net profit of $1100 when playing against.

-- The Dodgers are 11-0-1 OU since May 22, 2013 and season=2013 on the road when they lost the last time they faced this starting pitcher for a net profit of $1100 when playing the over.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Twins (64-86) at White Sox (60-91)
Game: 3
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: September 18, 2013 2:10 PM EDT


The Chicago White Sox have won five straight over the Minnesota Twins and will try to complete a three-game home sweep as a pair of struggling left-handed starters match up.

Minnesota's Scott Diamond is 2-0 this year against the White Sox, who will counter with John Danks on Wednesday in Chicago.

The Twins (64-86) took 10 of the first 13 meetings between the AL Central's worst teams before this streak by the White Sox.

Although Diamond (5-11, 5.61 ERA) owns a worse ERA than Danks (4-13, 4.73), the Twins starter could have an edge Wednesday since he has posted a 3.18 ERA in two starts against the White Sox (60-91) this year.

Danks, in contrast, is 0-1 with a 7.36 ERA in two outings versus the Twins in 2013. Chicago has lost 16 of his 23 starts against Minnesota - the opponent he has faced the most.

Mirroring the play of their teams, neither starter is closing out the year in strong fashion.

Since Diamond beat Danks on June 20, he is 0-5 with a 6.20 ERA in eight starts for the longest winless stretch of his career. Diamond's ERA in day games is at 6.82 compared to a 4.11 mark at night.

Danks has posted a 9.42 ERA in losing his last three starts, and called his four-inning stint last Thursday in which he surrendered seven runs in a 14-3 loss to Cleveland "embarrassing."

"If I had a reason I would've fixed it," Danks said. "I just couldn't do what I wanted to do."

Diamond faces a tough matchup against Dayan Viciedo, who is 8 for 19 with a homer against him. Viciedo is 5 for 9 with four RBIs in this series while Alexei Ramirez is 5 for 7 and has also driven in four runs.

Ramirez is 4 for 20 against Diamond, who has limited Gordon Beckham to one hit in 12 at_bats.

One player who Danks has never faced is Alex Presley, who will likely be back in the lineup. Manager Ron Gardenhire chose not to start him Tuesday after the center fielder started his first 15 games with the Twins, who acquired him Aug. 31 from Pittsburgh in the Justin Morneau deal.

Presley batted .302 in those 15 starts, although he struck out 14 times in 63 at_bats.

"I'm pretty impressed with him," Gardenhire told the Twins' official website. "He's done a real nice job for us. He's swinging the bat and hanging in there against tough pitchers he hasn't faced before. He's had some big hits for us."

Minnesota starters are 0-8 with a 7.47 ERA in 15 games since Kevin Correia won at Texas on Sept. 1. Twins starters have been tagged for 10 runs over five innings in this series, with Chicago winning 12-1 on Monday and 4-3 the next night.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Twins at White Sox
Mon, Sep 16 Final 1 to 12
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Twins at White Sox
Tue, Sep 17 Final 3 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Twins at White Sox
Wed, Sep 18 - 2:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Angels (73-78) at Athletics (89-62)
Game: 3
Venue: O.co Coliseum
Date: September 18, 2013 3:35 PM EDT


Oakland Athletics starter A.J. Griffin has allowed more homers than any pitcher in baseball.

That's a distinction Los Angeles Angels starter Jason Vargas nearly had a year ago.

There's a chance the baseballs could be flying out of the Coliseum on Wednesday when these division rivals complete a three-game set.

Oakland (89-62) has a magic number of six to win the AL West and five to gain at least a postseason spot as it turns to Griffin (14-9, 3.81 ERA), who has surrendered 34 homers - the most by an Athletics pitcher since Curt Young gave up 38 in 1987.

Vargas (8-7, 4.20) can probably relate since he gave up 35 homers in 2012 to tie for baseball's second-highest total when he threw a career-high 217 1-3 innings with Seattle. He has been limited to 21 starts this year after missing nearly two months with a blood clot in his throwing arm.

The propensity for yielding longballs doesn't mean that Griffin hasn't been effective. He is limiting hitters to a .230 average, and has gone 4-0 with a 3.60 ERA while striking out 28 over his last four starts.

Griffin gave up two hits - one being a solo homer - over seven innings with eight strikeouts in last Thursday's 8-2 win at Minnesota.

"I feel like I can throw any pitch in any count and throw them effectively," Griffin said. "It's a lot more fun when that's going on."

Griffin has faced the Angels (73-78) three times in his career, yielding one run over 16 innings with no homers in victories April 11 and Sept. 12, 2012. Mike Trout, Erick Aybar and Albert Pujols all went deep off him in the most recent one, as Griffin was charged with four runs in five innings in a 4-1 defeat July 19.

Vargas fell to 0-2 with a 9.42 ERA in his last three starts after giving up a season-high eight runs over 4 1-3 innings in Friday's 9-7 loss at Houston. The left-hander went 2-0 with a 1.63 ERA last year at the Coliseum, where he has yet to pitch in 2013.

Josh Donaldson's third hit of the game was a bases-loaded game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning as Oakland won for the 17th time in 22 games with a 2-1 victory Tuesday. It was Donaldson's third walk-off hit this season.

"I guess I have success in that situation,' said Donaldson, 8 for 11 with 16 RBIs when the bases are loaded. "I think a big part of it is allowing the ball to get deeper to me and hitting the ball up the middle to right-center."

The Athletics improved to an AL-best 30-19 in one-run games and remained one game ahead of AL Central-leading Detroit in the race for home-field advantage in a division series.

Los Angeles scored its run on Trout's 25th homer. He has gone deep in both games of this series and has reached base in 24 straight games.

Trout is the first player in AL history with 25 home runs, 30 stolen bases and 100 walks.

Oakland shortstop Jed Lowrie missed his second straight start with a tight right hamstring, but is expected to start Wednesday even though he is 2 for 10 off Vargas.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Angels at Athletics
Mon, Sep 16 Final 12 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Angels at Athletics
Tue, Sep 17 Final 1 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Angels at Athletics
Wed, Sep 18 - 3:35PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Mariners (66-85) at Tigers (88-63)
Game: 3
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: September 18, 2013 7:08 PM EDT


After struggling through a rough patch, Justin Verlander appears to have found his form with October fast approaching.

Looking to build on his first win in over a month, Verlander tries to move the Detroit Tigers closer to their third straight AL Central title Wednesday night against the hapless Seattle Mariners.

Verlander (13-11, 3.66 ERA) had gone 0-3 with a 4.17 ERA during a six-start stretch before bouncing back Friday against Kansas City. The 2011 MVP and Cy Young Award winner yielded three runs and struck out seven without a walk over 6 2-3 innings in a 6-3 victory.

"It seems like the whole year has been tinkering," he said. "I feel like I'm pretty doggone close. I think my stuff's been a lot better. Tonight I made a little bit of an adjustment with my grip on my curveball and that seemed to be working really well for me."

The Tigers (88-63) would like to see Verlander recapture his 2011 form and have him and Max Scherzer at the top of a very potent rotation for the postseason. They are six games ahead of second-place Cleveland in the division with 11 to go.

Having won six of seven by a combined 29-11 score, the Tigers stayed hot in Tuesday's 6-2 victory. Miguel Cabrera and Don Kelly both homered and Austin Jackson added two hits and two RBIs. Detroit was without closer Joaquin Benoit and reliever Drew Smyly, who were both given the night off.

"We need everybody here on our ballclub," said Cabrera, who leads the majors with 134 RBIs. "I think everybody here stepped up tonight and did their jobs. It's what we need to still win our games, what we need if we go to the playoffs."

Detroit has limited the Mariners (66-85) to nine runs in taking four of five in the season series. Seattle has also dropped eight of nine overall, including three in a row by a 22-6 margin.

While the Mariners are 2-8 on the road this month, scheduled starter Hisashi Iwakuma (12-6, 2.87) has strung together 17 consecutive scoreless innings away from home. The All-Star right-hander is 3-0 with a 1.55 ERA in his last six outings in opposing stadiums.

Iwakuma threw seven innings of three-hit ball in Friday's 2-1, 10-inning loss at St. Louis.

"Iwakuma has been nasty all year," Cardinals' starter Adam Wainwright told MLB's official website. "He has good stuff, a very deceptive delivery and keeps guys off balance."

With a team-leading 203 2-3 innings, Iwakuma has joined Hideo Nomo, Hiroki Kuroda and Daisuke Matsuzaka as the only Japanese pitchers to exceed 200 in a season.

"I'm very happy about that because this is one of my goals, to stay healthy and stay in the rotation for a long time," he said through translator Antony Suzuki.

In his lone start versus Detroit, Iwakuma allowed three hits in six innings opposite Verlander but didn't factor in the decision of a 2-0 win April 18. Verlander surrendered both runs and struck out 12 in seven innings in that game, dropping to 3-6 with a 3.68 ERA in his last nine starts in the series.

Verlander, though, is 5-2 with a 2.23 ERA in seven career home outings versus Seattle.

Raul Ibanez is 3 for 29 in their matchups, and Michael Saunders is 2 for 14. Ibanez, who hit his team-leading 28th homer Tuesday, is 6 for his last 38 against the Tigers.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Mariners at Tigers
Mon, Sep 16 Final 2 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Mariners at Tigers
Tue, Sep 17 Final 2 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Mariners at Tigers
Wed, Sep 18 - 7:08PM EDT

GAME 4
Mariners at Tigers
Thu, Sep 19 - 1:08PM EDT