The Bum's Major League Baseball Best Bets-News,Trends For April

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Saturday, April 26

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Game of the Day: Angels at Yankees
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Los Angeles Angels at New York Yankees (-109, 9)

Coming off a disappointing 2013 season, Albert Pujols has been anything but a letdown so far in 2014. The Los Angeles Angels' slugger aims to become the first player to reach double-digit home runs on the season when he takes on the New York Yankees on Saturday afternoon. Pujols' ninth homer was one of four hit by Los Angeles in Friday's 13-1 triumph in the opener of the three-game series.

Pujols has never faced Yankees starter Vidal Nuno, nor has any current member of the Angels. Nuno will be making just his fifth career start and his second of the season, but he is coming off a scoreless outing last Sunday against Tampa Bay. Los Angeles will give the ball to Hector Santiago, who is 0-3 due in large part to the dreadful run support he has received over the season's first month.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

LINE HISTORY: The Yankees opened as -109 home faves. The total opened at 9.

POWER RANKINGS: Angels (-151), Yankees (-186)

INJURY REPORT: Los Angeles: OF Kole Calhoun - out (ankle), OF Josh Hamilton - out (thumb). New York: C Francisco Cervelli - out (hamstring).

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Hector Santiago (0-3, 3.68 ERA) vs. Yankees LH Vidal Nuno (0-0, 6.75)

Santiago has received a total of eight runs of support in his four starts, including Sunday's 2-1 loss to Detroit in which he took the loss despite allowing only two unearned runs over 5 2/3 innings. Control has been an issue for the 26-year-old New Jersey native, who has walked 12 batters in 22 innings, including a season-high five walks against the Tigers. The current Yankees have a collective .310 lifetime average against Santiago, led by Alfonso Soriano (3-for-7, two home runs).

Nuno has made one start and three relief appearances, including a 3 1/3-inning relief outing against Baltimore on April 8 in which he was torched for seven runs and eight hits. He joined the rotation this week when Ivan Nova landed on the disabled list and blanked the Rays over five innings in his first starting nod of 2014. Despite that performance, opponents still are batting .324 against Nuno this season.

TRENDS:

* Under is 7-3 in Gibson IIIs last 10 games behind home plate.
* Over is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
* Angels are 5-0 in their last five vs. American League East.
* Over is 4-1 in Angels last five vs. American League East.

CONSENSUS: 59 percent of wagers are on the Yankees.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Saturday, April 26


Chris Davis, Baltimore - Out Sat

Davis left Friday's game with a strained left oblique and will not play Saturday against the Royals.


Showers scheduled to hit Camden Yards

Weather could play a factor in Saturday's game between the Kansas City Royals and Baltimore Orioles. Forecasts are calling for a 40 percent chance of showers at Camden Yards with wind blowing from left field to right field at 11 mph.

The Orioles are currently -131 home faves with a total of 9.


Wheeler shows a breakthrough in win over Marlins

Zack Wheeler got a tough luck no-decision Friday night, but was solid in what could be a breakthrough outing. He held the Marlins to a run through six strong innings, allowing just four singles and three walks, while striking out 10. It was only his second career double-digit strikeout performance, after striking out a dozen last Aug.


Garza bounces back with landmark win against Cubs

Matt Garza told reporters in March that he enjoyed playing for the Chicago Cubs, but he wanted to "kick their teeth in every time" he got to pitch against his former team. In what likely was the first of many battles against the Cubs over the next four years, Garza allowed just two earned runs on four hits in seven innings, earning his first win with the Brewers in Milwaukee's 5-2 victory at Miller Park.


Diamondbacks' Trumbo expected to be out six weeks with foot injury

Mark Trumbo was told Friday that he should expect to miss six weeks with a stress fracture in the third metatarsal of his left foot, a blow to an Arizona lineup that acquired Trumbo to add some pop behind Paul Goldschmidt.

"You're probably talking about 40 homers and 100 ribbies, so I think the question to ask is, can we replace him?" D-backs third baseman Eric Chavez said. "We can't replace him. We just collectively have to be better."

Trumbo said he first felt the injury when he jogged out to left field for the last of the seventh inning after homering in the top half of the inning in a 5-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Monday at Wrigley Field.


Harper hurt in Nats win over Padres

There were many sighs of relief coming out of the Washington clubhouse late Friday night. And it wasn't just because the Nationals had a rare laugher, beating the San Diego Padres 11-1 with 17 hits one night after going 0-for-16 with runners in scoring position in a 12-inning loss.

The Nationals were glad to hear that X-rays were negative on the left thumb of left fielder Bryce Harper, who began grimacing after he hit the third-base bag in the third inning.

[StarDust Bum]

UPDATED THRU FRIDAY Night:


42 - 49 .......................- 10.22

24 -17 ..........................+ 10.29

22-31 ........................... - 34.48 ( THOSE HEAVY FAVORITES R KILLING ME )


Saturday, April 26

Game Score Status Pick Amount

LA Angels - 1:05 PM ET NY Yankees -113 500
NY Yankees - Under 9 500

San Diego - 1:05 PM ET San Diego -101 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Washington - Over 7 500

Boston - 1:07 PM ET Boston -102 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Toronto - Over 9 500

Detroit - 2:10 PM ET Detroit -141 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Minnesota - Under 8.5 500

Cleveland - 4:05 PM ET San Francisco -113 500 *****
San Francisco - Under 7.5 500

Pittsburgh - 4:05 PM ET St. Louis -101 500 *****
St. Louis - Under 7.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

Evening games:


Kansas City - 7:05 PM ET Kansas City +124 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Baltimore - Over 8.5 500

Cincinnati - 7:10 PM ET Cincinnati +112 500 *****
Atlanta - Over 7.5 500

Tampa Bay - 7:10 PM ET Tampa Bay -102 500
Chi. White Sox - Over 8.5 500

Chi. Cubs - 7:10 PM ET Chi. Cubs +153 500 *****
Milwaukee - Over 7.5 500

Oakland - 7:10 PM ET Oakland -145 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Houston - Under 9 500

Miami - 7:10 PM ET NY Mets -141 500
NY Mets - Under 7 500

Philadelphia - 8:10 PM ET Philadelphia -137 500 *****
Arizona - Under 8.5 500

Colorado - 9:10 PM ET Colorado +119 500 DOUBLE PLAY
LA Dodgers - Over 7 500

Texas - 9:10 PM ET Seattle -174 500
Seattle - Under 7 500

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday's MLB betting cheat sheet


Here's a comprehensive look at betting notes for Sunday's MLB betting action:

Tanaka loves New York

The New York Yankees have one of the most favorable home lines of the day at -153 thanks to probable starter Masahiro Tanaka. The 25-year-old Japanese sensation is 3-0 with a 2.15 ERA and 35 strikeouts through his first 29 1/3 major-league innings.

CarGo Vroom

The Los Angeles Dodgers (-185) have to be confident with left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu on the mound, but he has yet to solve Carlos Gonzalez. The Colorado Rockies outfielder has faced Ryu three times, and has a solo homer and a pair of walks against him.

Well played, Mauer

Expect the Detroit Tigers (-148) and right-hander Justin Verlander to get creative when facing Joe Mauer. The Minnesota Twins star boasts a .371/.473/.581 slash line against Verlander, with four doubles and three home runs in 62 all-time at-bats.

Pitching notes

* Boston Red Sox left-hander Jon Lester is 15-7 with a 3.55 ERA and two of his 10 career complete games in 28 all-time starts versus the Toronto Blue Jays.

* Kansas City Royals right-hander James Shields has allowed exactly one earned run in each of his last four starts, lowing his ERA from 4.26 to 1.91.

Hitting notes

* Chicago White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko is 10-for-20 with two home runs against Tampa Bay Rays lefty David Price, who gets the call Sunday.

* Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks has gone 3-for-8 with a homer in the first two games of Boston's three-game set in Toronto, and is 3-for-6 with a pair of home runs lifetime versus Sunday starter R.A. Dickey.

Total streaks

Toronto Blue Jays (5-0-1 O/U): The pitching staff has been even shakier than expected of late, allowing an average of 7.5 runs over the past six games.

Injury Watch

* Minnesota Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe (left triceps contusion) left Saturday's game and is considered day-to-day.

* Cincinnati Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco (left hamstring strain) was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday and is out until mid-May.

* Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Russell Martin (left hamstring strain) has been placed on the 15-day disabled list and will likely be out until mid-May.

Weather watch

* Fans at Turner Field face a 31 percent chance of thunderstorms for Sunday's game between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds, with temperatures expected to be in the high-70s.

* Thundershowers are even more likely at Busch Stadium, with a 77 percent chance in the forecast for the St. Louis Cardinals' tilt with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Hot and cold betting trends

* Angels at Yankees: New York is 10-2 in its last 12 games as a favorite between -151 and -200.

* Rockies at Dodgers: Over is 7-1-2 in Colorado hurler Jorge De La Rosa's last 10 starts as an underdog.

* Athletics at Astros: Over is 7-1 in umpire Paul Emmel's last eight games behind home plate involving Oakland.

Stat of the Day

Opposing hitters are batting just .150 the first time through the order against Toronto knuckleballer R.A. Dickey this season - but that number jumps to .237 the second time through and .433 on the third pass.

** Odds, stats, weather forecast and probable pitchers as of 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday.

[StarDust Bum]

Five key takeaways from weekday series


It is time to once again study the weekday MLB results from Point Blank range, examining key emerging issues that can have you a step ahead of the game in the days ahead.

Rays – Joe Maddon’s biggest challenge

Maddon has done quite a job of making good things happen despite a small-market bankroll, with Tampa Bay having had four consecutive seasons of 90 or more wins. He will have to be a magician to get the Rays anywhere near that this summer, and a telling sign came in a game in which you might not have taken a second look.

David Price went the distance an easy 7-3 win against Minnesota on Tuesday, a result that would not set off many alarms – as a -225 favorite it was business as expected. But the complete game aspect is worth examining. With the difficult AL East schedule ahead, do you send out your ace with a four-run lead in the 9th against what will be one of the AL’s weaker teams? Every pitch saved by Price would be a way of keeping him fresher for those tougher challenges. But these days Maddon may have to lean on him to an extreme, saving a bullpen that could work more innings than any in the Majors in 2014. By far.

Injuries to Matt Moore, Jeremy Hellickson and Alex Cobb have decimated the Tampa starting rotation, and the patching process is not working – over the past 10 games, only Price and Chris Archer have gone more than five innings. Thursday brought the second straight disappointment from Erik Bedard, who could be on the verge of being released (his start at Fenway on Tuesday could be his last). Jake Odorizzi has managed only 19 1/3 IP over four starts, with a 6.52 ERA and 1.71 WHIP. Cesar Ramos had only started three games in his career until being penciled into the rotation the past two times through. This is not a case of the lower end of the rotation being off their game, but rather what can happen to a low-budget team when a cluster of injuries strike. The Rays simply do not have the depth.

At least Maddon is honest about it, with these comments to the Tampa Tribune - "Sometimes you've just got to be patient, and sometimes patience is rewarded. I don't think we're normally a knee-jerk kind of a group, so just keep working the plan and see how it plays out on the back side. For right now it obviously hasn't been fun." And for right now your own philosophy should be to double check the bullpen availability charts when breaking down any Tampa game, while also looking for signs that Price could be getting overworked.

Dodgers – Zack Greinke may just be this good…

Since the 4th of July last year Greinke has made 24 starts, including three in the post-season. He has worked to a 14-3/1.87, allowing more than two runs just one time, and even that lone failure was not awful – he was trailing the Reds 2-1 in the 6th inning when Jay Bruce hit a two-run HR off of him. A run like that begs close inspection, since it is so strong that there is usually some good fortune involved that calls for a correction. But it is that scrutiny that makes Greinke so fascinating - he really has been all that.

There are no flaws to be found in his secondary numbers. A WHIP of .9 through that stretch supports the run allowances, while 5.3 K’s-per-walk reflects his outstanding command. The latter is only getting batter, with 40 K’s vs. only five walks so far this season. The geometry of baseball has also not played a major role, with a .273 BABIP this season, following the .276 of 2013.

If anything there is one category that might begin to regress in his favor, instead of against him – he has allowed four HR’s over his first 19 IP at home this season, and also gave one up at Petco Park. Those are high counts for those parks given his stuff, and for the season 26.3 percent of fly balls against him have left the yard, compared to a 9.3 career rate in that category (hence, his xFIP of 1.86, compared to that 2.45 ERA, for his first five 2014 starts). And it is not a result of more balls being hit in the air – 31.9 percent this season, compared to a 36.6 career rate. Greinke is earning every bit of that impressive bottom line, and that way that Don Mattingly is using him (only twice over those last 24 starts has he thrown more than 110 pitches), he could have his effectiveness stay at that high level indefinitely.

Rockies – A Justin Morneau resurgence?

You have to be extremely careful with all of the early Colorado offensive numbers, even moreso than in the past, because of the way Coors Field played in April. The Rockies have scored 89 runs over 12 home games, but just 37 on the road in 11 outings, and the path to the runs shows the glaring gap - it has been a .346/.398/.586 line at home, vs. .249/.300/.362 on the road. Which should naturally make us skeptical about Morneau’s vastly-improved numbers, as he dons his third different uniform over a short period of time. But take a closer look.

Yes, Morneau has enjoyed Coors much like the other hitters have so far - .364/.408/.659, with three HR’s and 12 rbi’s. But he has also not been a slouch from the visiting dugouts - .324/.314/.559 (yes the OBP looks odd because he has not drawn a walk in 34 road at-bats). He has hit home runs in Petco Park and AT&T Park, the latter venue rating dead last in the Majors for them so far.

Morneau’s confidence is showing in his strikeout rate, which currently matches his career-low, and is a full 50 percent lower than it was the past two seasons. Should that continue, there could be a strong summer ahead for a guy that only turns 33 in a couple of weeks, and the Rockies may have stumbled into an inexpensive bonus, especially with his glove work an additional plus.

Miami Offense - Those Home/Away splits

There is another ballpark that has led to major offensive numbers in April, and it has come as a surprise. Miami games had hovered around average at Marlins Park, but so far this season the Marlins have been raking from the home batting boxes, with a Park Factor that is 24 percent above previous seasons. And it really has been the ballpark that has told the tale.

Miami may look like a surprise in rating #2 in the National League in runs-per-game, and the overall .263/.331/.393 would rate #2, #2 and #7 across those categories. Yes, Giancarlo Stanton will be an MVP candidate throughout his career, but is this an indication that the others might bring some potential? Perhaps not.

Miami has scored 76 runs over 13 home games, off of a .293/.360/.437 line. But on the road that falls down to 22 runs over nine games, at .220/.290/.331. It is a young team that has lacked confidence from the visitor dugouts, and the only win through a 1-8 road slide came as a result of brilliant work from Jose Fernandez in shutting the Braves out 1-0, getting little offensive support behind him.

For now, the overall numbers of the Miami offense are of little relevance when the Marlins are on the road, and you need to adjust accordingly.

Diamondbacks – And what a “Bounce” can mean

A week ago in this spot there was a reflection on just how flat Arizona was playing, using weak defense as a key focus point. In baseball, as in all sports, a team will obviously fare poorly when the defense is bad. But the numbers have to be thought through carefully, because it also can mean that the defensive issues are magnified because they are faring poorly. When taking the field for too many innings in one-sided games, players lose their concentration and energy levels. Hence, the defense becomes even worse. Following that take, the negative flow continued - when the Diamondbacks came to bat in the 9th inning at Wrigley on Tuesday they were down 5-2, on the verge of falling to 5-19, and had only been in the lead in nine of their previous 101 innings.

Then came a fortunate bounce, something they had not had in a long time. A ground ball up the middle by Martin Prado hit second base and took a ricochet into right-center, becoming a two-run single and igniting a rally to win the game. It might have seemed trivial at the time, but for a team that has much better talent than the 5-18 record at first pitch, it may have been a cathartic moment. They responded on Thursday with a 5-2 win in which they never trailed, and while beating the Cubs in one game will mean next-to-nothing in the cold realm of statistics, for the Arizona attitude it could be an entirely different story.

The Diamondbacks played with the lead as long on Thursday as they had in their previous dozen games. That can matter in a sport in which mental focus and anticipation play as big of a part as the physical skills involved in reaction. Moments like this can be labeled as “Buy Signals”, and while this is still nothing more than a .500 team at best, getting a bounce to go their way can have them playing with far more positive energy than the numbers behind their 7-18 opening would indicate that they possess.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB teams with the biggest betting home/away split


For a handful of major-league teams, game location has played a significant role in their early-season fortunes. Some clubs are off to incredible starts at home but have struggled to maintain that momentum on the road. Others have succeeded away from their own stadium but have disappointed the locals.

Here are five teams with the largest home/road splits (units in parentheses):

Milwaukee Brewers (+32 at home, +978 on road)

Bet you didn't see this coming. The Brewers have been the major leagues' road warriors, becoming the first team to win nine of its first 10 games away from home since the 1994 Atlanta Braves. The offensive numbers - Milwaukee is batting .306 with a league-best 60 runs and 15 homers in 10 road games - are too good to sustain, and Milwaukee's next seven road games are against division power St. Louis and formidable Cincinnati.

Miami Marlins (+481 at home, -631 on road)

The Marlins are doing exactly what's expected of most major league teams, triumphing in their own stadium while scuffling on the road. Miami's splits are more pronounced than the others, with a 9-4 record at Marlins Park and an 0-6 mark everywhere else. Apparently Miami's pitching staff enjoys the comforts of home, posting a 2.54 ERA in 117 innings in Miami, good for fifth-best in the league, but a 6.16 ERA outside Florida which ranks second-worst.

Los Angeles Dodgers (-142 at home, +500 on road)

Fans supporting the team with the highest payroll in the majors probably wouldn't mind seeing more victories in their home park. Los Angeles has scuffled to a 4-4 home record but has thrived away from Dodger Stadium, posting an 8-3 mark with a 2.35 ERA that ranks second in the majors. The Dodgers have a great chance to pad their home record this week, welcoming the Philadelphia Phillies for four games before facing Colorado in a three-game set.

New York Mets (-290 at home, +479 at home)

New York has brought great woe to Citi Field so far in 2014, winning just three of its first nine games there while posting a 6-3 mark on the road. The home struggles can be explained, at least in part, by an opening schedule that includes series against Washington, Philadelphia and Atlanta. Add in the fact that the Mets caught the host Arizona Diamondbacks in the throes of a terrible slump, and the early-season wins disparity makes even more sense.

Detroit Tigers (+304 at home, -173 on road)

The defending Central Division champions racked up 51 home wins last season and are well on their way to repeating the feat, winning seven of their first 10 games at Comerica Park. That hot home start has masked a sub-par road showing, with the Tigers going 2-3 - a stretch that includes two one-sided losses to lowly San Diego. Detroit has eight straight games against divisional opponents beginning Friday. It went 47-29 against the AL Central last year.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack

-- Thunder 92, Grizzlies 89 ot-- Third straight overtime game in series.

-- Mavericks 109, Spurs 108-- Vince Carter hit 3-ball from left corner for win.

-- Pacers 91, Hawks 88-- Lakers once won NBA title going 16-12 in playoffs.

-- UCLA's Jordan Adams changed his mind, will enter NBA Draft; all these kids leaving early can't possibly be drafted where they've been told they'll be drafted.

-- If the NBA suspends Donald Sterling, they're doing him a favor. Franchise is much better off is he isn't around it-- he will still reap the profits.

-- Saturday's baseball injuries: Hanley Ramirez, Juan Segura, Ryan Braun, Anibal Sanchez. Segura got hit in the face with a bat, needs plastic surgery.

*****

Armadillo: Sunday's List of 13: Going thru AFC schedules.........

Baltimore-- First three games are vs divisional rivals; have only one home game in October. Week 11 bye is late; both Steeler games are in primetime, two of their three night games, other one being at New Orleans, where they won Super Bowl 47.

Buffalo-- Have only one December home game; league did Miami/San Diego a favor and sent them to Buffalo in September. Bills' visit to Miami is a night game, their one road game in November. Bye is in Week 9, good place for it.

Cincinnati-- Team with two new coordinators opens with its division rival Ravens; they don't play Steelers until Week 14. Week 4 bye is very early; they're one of four teams with three straight road games: Saints-Texans-Bucs in weeks 11-13.

Cleveland-- Play Steelers twice in first six weeks, with early Week 4 bye stuck in middle there. Play four of last six games on road- their only night game is Week 10 in Cincinnati. "New" Browns have still only opened 1-0 once in fifteen years.

Denver-- Three of first seven games are at night, as are two of last five; Week 4 bye is very early. Have three straight road games (Pats-Raiders-Rams) in weeks 9-11. Manning plays his old team in opener. Super bowl losers have struggled in openers the next season, though 49ers bucked that trend last year.

Texans-- Visit old friend Matt Schaub in Oakland in Week 2; open at home, also got last two games at home. Play only one division game in first seven weeks. Week 10 bye is in a good place. Two games with Jacksonville are in weeks 14-17.

Colts-- First two games (@ Denver, vs Philly) are in primetime; have only one road game in November, but play three of last four on road. Week 6 Thursday game down in Houston will be tough spot, after hosting Ravens. Have chance to avenge loss to Patriots in playoffs when New England visits in Week 11.

Jaguars-- Play three of first four games on road, but two of last three road games are in domes; only possible cold weather game is Week 15 in Baltimore. Have a Week 16 Thursday night home game with Titans-- good night to go Christmas shopping??

Chiefs-- Play all three divisional road games before any of the three home games; Week 12 Thursday night game at Oakland is tough spot, tucked in between games with LY's Super Bowl teams. Play Broncos-Patriots-49ers in Weeks 2-4-5- tough.

Dolphins-- Play three of last four at home, but have three potential cold weather games, at Denver-Jets-Patriots in weeks 12-13-15, with visit to Swamp a Monday tilt on Dec 1st. Week 5 bye is early-- they open season with Patriots/Bills, but do not play Jets until weeks 13-17.

Patriots-- Play three of first four on road, have post-Thanksgiving trips to Green Bay-Jersey- they could freeze in five of last six games. Both their short week games are at home, which helps. Week 10 bye is in good place, in between tough games vs Denver/Indianapolis.

Jets-- Three of first four at home, three of last four on road, with Dec 7 visit to Minnesota, which is playing home games outdoors now. Go to Foxboro on a short week in Week 7 for Thursday game- both their Monday night games are at home.

Raiders-- Come to Jersey/Foxboro in first three weeks, then Cleveland in Week 8; their only night game is Thursday night home game in Week 12 with Chiefs. Week 5 bye is early; their home opener is with Houston, Matt Schaub's old employers.

Steelers-- Open at home, also play last two games at home, but in weeks 2-6, are on road four times in five weeks, with weeks 2-3 consecutive primetime road games, at Ravens/Panthers. Don't play Bengals until weeks 14-17, also play Saints, Chiefs and Falcons in last five weeks, very tough closing stretch.

Chargers-- Last five games: Ravens-Pats-Denver-49ers-Chiefs. Open on road and have last two games on road. Week 10 bye is ideal- they open season with couple of NFC West teams, but catch Seattle in Week 2, coming off long week after Thursday opener that Super Bowl champ almost always hosts.

Titans-- Host Jets/Giants on consecutive December Sundays; odd. Play three of four on road to open season; home opener is rare visit by Dallas. Writeups like this are harder to do for teams that were bad the year before; lot less quirks in schedules of teams not perceived to be contenders.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

LA Angels at NY Yankees
The Yankees look to close out the series tonight and come into the contest with a 10-2 record in their last 12 games as a favorite of -151 to -200. New York is the pick (-165) according to Dunkel, which has the Yankees favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-165). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, APRIL 27

Game 951-952: Miami at NY Mets (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (Koehler) 15.124; NY Mets (Gee) 16.720
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-120); 7
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-120); Under

Game 953-954: Cincinnati at Atlanta (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Cueto) 15.883; Atlanta (Teheran) 16.795
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-115); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-105); Over

Game 955-956: San Diego at Washington (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Kennedy) 16.178; Washington (Jordan) 15.113
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Washington (-110); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-110); Over

Game 957-958: Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Hammel) 4.146; Milwaukee (Peralta) 15.614
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-155); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-155); Under

Game 959-960: Pittsburgh at St. Louis (2:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Volquez) 16.343; St. Louis (Wainwright) 15.130
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1; 6
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-170); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+150); Under

Game 961-962: Colorado at LA Dodgers (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (De La Rosa) 14.388; LA Dodgers (Ryu) 15.899
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-200); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-200); Over

Game 963-964: Philadelphia at Arizona (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Burnett) 14.276; Arizona (McCarthy) 15.107
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-115); 9
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-105); Over

Game 965-966: Boston at Toronto (1:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lester) 14.489; Toronto (Dickey) 16.018
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Toronto (-110); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-110); Under

Game 967-968: Kansas City at Baltimore (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Shields) 14.833; Baltimore (Gonzalez) 15.775
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-125); 8
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+105); Over

Game 969-970: Oakland at Houston (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Milone) 15.560; Houston (McHugh) 13.938
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Oakland (-145); 9
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-145); Under

Game 971-972: Detroit at Minnesota (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Verlander) 15.681; Minnesota (Gibson) 15.031
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Detroit (-150); 8
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-150); Under

Game 973-974: Tampa Bay at Chicago White Sox (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Price) 14.634; White Sox (Carroll) 15.780
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-155); 8
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+135); Over

Game 975-976: Texas at Seattle (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Harrison) 15.536; Seattle (Maurer) 14.738
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Seattle (-115); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-105); Over

Game 977-978: LA Angels at NY Yankees (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Richards) 15.371; NY Yankees (Tanaka) 16.939
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-165); 8
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-165); Under

Game 979-980: Cleveland at San Francisco (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Salazar) 15.495; San Francisco (Vogelsong) 14.532
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1; 8
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-110); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-110); Under

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, April 27

Hot pitchers
-- Koehler is 2-1, 2.13 in four starts this season. Gee is 1-1, 1.38 in his last two starts.
-- Teheran is 1-0, 0.56 in his last two starts. Cueto is 2-2, 1.38 in five starts; he is 2-0, 0.50 in his last two.
-- Peralta is 3-0, 2.75 in his last three starts. Hammel is 3-1, 2.60 in four starts this month.
-- Wainwright is 3-0, 1.57 in his last three starts. Volquez is 1-1, 2.42 in four starts this season.
-- Burnett is 1-0, 1.32 in his last couple starts.
-- Ryu is 2-0, 0.90 in his last three starts.

-- Gonzalez is 1-0, 2.53 in his last couple starts.
-- Shields is 2-0, 1.93 in his last couple starts.
-- Verlander is 3-0, 3.32 in his last three starts. Gibson is 3-1, 3.63 in four starts this year.
-- Price is 2-1, 4.03 in his last three starts.
-- McHugh threw 6.2 shutout innings, struck out 12 in first '14 start.
-- Tanaka is 3-0, 2.45 in his first four American starts. Richards is 2-0, 2.52 in four starts this month.

Cold pitchers
-- Jordan is 0-3, 10.57 in his last three starts. Kennedy is 0-2, 3.79 in his last three starts.
-- McCarthy is 0-4, 7.61 in his last four starts.
-- de la Rosa is 1-3, 7.13 in five starts this season.

-- Lester is 2-3, 4.54 in five starts. Dickey is 0-2, 6.75 in his last three starts.
-- Carroll is making first '14 start; he was 3-1, 1.57 in four AAA starts.
-- Oakland is 0-3 when Milone starts (0-1, 5.82).
-- Harrison is making first '14 start; he was 0-3, 7.56 in his last three starts before getting hurt LY. Maurer allowed one run in 4.1 IP in his only '14 start.

-- Salazar is 0-3, 10.66 in his last three starts. Vogelsong is 0-1, 7.11 in his last three starts.

Pitchers allowing runs in first inning:
-- Koehler 0-4; Gee 1-5
-- Cueto 1-5; Teheran 1-5
-- Kennedy 2-5; Jordan 3-4
-- Hammel 1-4; Peralta 0-4
-- Volquez 2-4; Wainwright 1-5
-- de la Rosa 1-5; Ryu 1-6
-- Burnett 1-5; McCarthy 1-5

-- Lester 1-5; Dickey 1-5
-- Shields 1-5; Gonzalez 0-4
-- Milone 2-3; McHugh 0-1
-- Verlander 2-5; Gibson 2-4
-- Price 2-5; Carroll 0-0
-- Harrison 0-0; Maurer 0-1
-- Richards 0-4; Tanaka 1-4

-- Salazar 1-4; Vogelsong 1-4

Totals
-- Seven of lasr eight San Diego road games stayed under.
-- Six of last seven Miami games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last ten Atlanta games stayed under.
-- 13 of 14 games at Miller Park stayed under total.
-- Six of last seven Pirate gamaes stayed under.
-- Over is 5-1-1 in last seven Arizona home games.
-- Last four Dodger games went over the total.

-- 15 of 22 Angel games went over the total.
-- Six of last nine Baltimore games went over; seven of Royals' last ten games stayed under. .
-- Last seven Toronto home games went over total.
-- Eight of twelve White Sox home games went over.
-- Last five Oakland road games went over total.
-- 18 of 23 Minnesota games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Texas away games went over total.

-- Under is 8-2-1 in last eleven San Francisco games.

Hot teams
-- Mets won five of their last seven games.
-- Nationals won three of their last four games.
-- Braves won seven of last eight home games.
-- Brewers won seven of their last eight games.
-- Phillies won five of their last seven games.
-- Colorado won six of its last nine games.

-- Bronx won nine of last 13 games. Angels are 8-6 away from home.
-- Red Sox won their last four road games.
-- Orioles won three of their last four games.
-- Oakland won six of its last eight road games.
-- Twins won six of last eight home games. Detroit is 6-2 in game following a loss.
-- Rangers won nine of their last eleven games.

-- San Francisco won five of its last six home games.

Cold teams
-- San Diego is 4-8 on the road.
-- Marlins lost nine of their last eleven road games.
-- Cubs lost their last seven away games.
-- Pirates lost seven of their last nine games. St Louis lost five of last seven.
-- Arizona lost ten of their last eleven home games.
-- Dodgers lost four of their last six games.

-- Toronto lost five of its last six games.
-- Royals lost three of their last four games.
-- White Sox lost three of their last four home games. Tampa Bay lost four of its last five road games.
-- Astros lost nine of their last eleven home games.
-- Mariners lost nine of their last eleven games.

-- Cleveland lost its last three road games.

Umpires
-- SD-Wsh-- Four of five Hudson games stayed under total.
-- Pitt-StL-- Underdogs won six of last ten Carlson games.
-- Chi-Mil-- Underdogs won five of last seven Barksdale games.
-- Mia-NY-- Four of five Muchinski games went over total.
-- Cin-Atl-- Under is 7-3-2 in Hamari's last twelve games.
-- Phil-Az-- Last five Davidson games stayed under total.
-- Col-LA-- Rookie ump Scheurwater is umping first game behind plate.

-- LA-NY-- Last three BWelke games went over the total.
-- Bos-Tor-- Five of last seven Foster games went over.
-- Det-Min-- This is rookie ump Woodring's second game behind plate.
-- KC-Balt-- Underdogs won six of last ten Reynolds games.
-- A's-Hst-- Three of four Emmel games stayed under total.
-- TB-Chi-- Four of last five Johnson games went over total.
-- Tex-Sea-- Underdogs won three of four Morales games.

-- Cle-SF-- Underdogs won three of four Barry games.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Sunday, April 27

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Trend Report
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1:07 PM
BOSTON vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Boston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games
Toronto is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home

1:10 PM
MIAMI vs. NY METS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games on the road
Miami is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Mets's last 7 games at home
NY Mets are 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home

1:35 PM
CINCINNATI vs. ATLANTA
Cincinnati is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games
Atlanta is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

1:35 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. WASHINGTON
San Diego is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games on the road
San Diego is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Washington's last 18 games
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Diego

1:35 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. BALTIMORE
Kansas City is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kansas City's last 7 games on the road
Baltimore is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore's last 5 games when playing at home against Kansas City

2:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chi Cubs's last 8 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Milwaukee's last 14 games at home

2:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
Oakland is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 7 games when playing Oakland
Houston is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing Oakland

2:10 PM
DETROIT vs. MINNESOTA
Detroit is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Detroit's last 20 games on the road
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit

2:10 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Tampa Bay is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Chi White Sox's last 12 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games

2:15 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. ST. LOUIS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Pittsburgh's last 24 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
St. Louis is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 5 games

4:05 PM
CLEVELAND vs. SAN FRANCISCO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
Cleveland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
San Francisco is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of San Francisco's last 9 games when playing Cleveland

4:10 PM
COLORADO vs. LA DODGERS
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Colorado's last 8 games when playing LA Dodgers
Colorado is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games
LA Dodgers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Colorado

4:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Philadelphia is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Arizona is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games at home
Arizona is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Philadelphia

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

8:05 PM
LA ANGELS vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 5 games when playing LA Angels
NY Yankees are 9-4 SU in their last 13 games

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Sunday, April 27

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MIAMI (11 - 13) at NY METS (13 - 11) - 1:10 PM
TOM KOEHLER (R) vs. DILLON GEE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 7-27 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in road games in April games over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 24-61 (-24.5 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 90-147 (-43.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 40-56 (-20.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 285-305 (-91.5 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
NY METS are 40-56 (-20.9 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 1-1 (+0.3 Units) against NY METS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

TOM KOEHLER vs. NY METS since 1997
KOEHLER is 1-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.42 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 2-2 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.2 units)

DILLON GEE vs. MIAMI since 1997
GEE is 2-0 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 3.09 and a WHIP of 1.586.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.0 units)

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CINCINNATI (11 - 13) at ATLANTA (16 - 7) - 1:35 PM
JOHNNY CUETO (R) vs. JULIO TEHERAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 207-145 (+32.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 8-0 (+8.5 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 65-29 (+20.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 16-6 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in April games this season.
ATLANTA is 65-29 (+20.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 149-95 (+31.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 32-11 (+17.3 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
TEHERAN is 9-0 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 664-734 (+55.4 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 601-678 (+39.4 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 479-528 (+45.1 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

JOHNNY CUETO vs. ATLANTA since 1997
CUETO is 1-2 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 4.15 and a WHIP of 1.286.
His team's record is 2-3 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.3 units)

JULIO TEHERAN vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
TEHERAN is 0-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 8.44 and a WHIP of 1.689.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.4 units)

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SAN DIEGO (11 - 14) at WASHINGTON (14 - 11) - 1:35 PM
IAN KENNEDY (R) vs. TAYLOR JORDAN (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 2-1 (+0.5 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

IAN KENNEDY vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
KENNEDY is 2-2 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 2.53 and a WHIP of 1.094.
His team's record is 2-3 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.4 units)

TAYLOR JORDAN vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.

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CHICAGO CUBS (7 - 16) at MILWAUKEE (18 - 6) - 2:10 PM
JASON HAMMEL (R) vs. WILY PERALTA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 73-113 (-24.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 29-62 (-24.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 33-61 (-25.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 73-113 (-24.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 48-88 (-33.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 11-34 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 33-67 (-20.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 18-6 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 17-6 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in April games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 18-6 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 71-65 (+12.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 13-4 (+9.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
HAMMEL is 12-3 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HAMMEL is 9-2 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HAMMEL is 11-4 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MILWAUKEE is 11-21 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

JASON HAMMEL vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
HAMMEL is 3-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.88 and a WHIP of 1.360.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)

WILY PERALTA vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
PERALTA is 2-2 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.07 and a WHIP of 1.329.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-1. (+1.7 units)

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PITTSBURGH (10 - 15) at ST LOUIS (13 - 12) - 2:15 PM
EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R) vs. ADAM WAINWRIGHT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 95-54 (+26.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 58-26 (+27.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
WAINWRIGHT is 62-29 (+22.0 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 107-86 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 107-86 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 3-2 (+1.2 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.7 Units)

EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
VOLQUEZ is 3-5 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 5.19 and a WHIP of 1.368.
His team's record is 5-7 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-6. (-0.7 units)

ADAM WAINWRIGHT vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
WAINWRIGHT is 11-5 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 4.10 and a WHIP of 1.301.
His team's record is 13-8 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 14-3. (+11.2 units)

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COLORADO (13 - 12) at LA DODGERS (14 - 11) - 4:10 PM
JORGE DE LA ROSA (L) vs. HYUN-JIN RYU (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 552-845 (-150.7 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
COLORADO is 37-73 (-33.3 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 53-46 (+11.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
DE LA ROSA is 23-12 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 9-0 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 23-11 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 15-0 (+16.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 21-25 (-18.9 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 1-1 (+0.3 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

JORGE DE LA ROSA vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
DE LA ROSA is 2-8 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 5.84 and a WHIP of 1.622.
His team's record is 2-10 (-9.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-5. (+1.3 units)

HYUN-JIN RYU vs. COLORADO since 1997
RYU is 1-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.400.
His team's record is 1-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.2 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (12 - 12) at ARIZONA (8 - 19) - 4:10 PM
A.J. BURNETT (R) vs. BRANDON MCCARTHY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 166-182 (-36.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 60-78 (-22.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 39-47 (-16.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BURNETT is 82-116 (-41.1 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 67-97 (-35.8 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 36-59 (-28.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 4-11 (-11.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 8-19 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 2-10 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ARIZONA is 2-9 (-8.5 Units) against the money line in home games in April games this season.
ARIZONA is 8-19 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 38-47 (-23.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
MCCARTHY is 8-19 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MCCARTHY is 4-11 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MCCARTHY is 8-20 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in April games since 1997. (Team's Record)
MCCARTHY is 8-19 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

A.J. BURNETT vs. ARIZONA since 1997
BURNETT is 3-3 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 4.93 and a WHIP of 1.617.
His team's record is 3-3 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+1.9 units)

BRANDON MCCARTHY vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
MCCARTHY is 0-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.875.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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BOSTON (12 - 13) at TORONTO (11 - 13) - 1:05 PM
JON LESTER (L) vs. R.A. DICKEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 120-84 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 104-118 (-42.6 Units) against the money line in home games in April games since 1997.
TORONTO is 10-15 (-10.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against TORONTO this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

JON LESTER vs. TORONTO since 1997
LESTER is 15-7 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.55 and a WHIP of 1.078.
His team's record is 17-11 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 15-12. (+2.1 units)

R.A. DICKEY vs. BOSTON since 1997
DICKEY is 1-3 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 5.29 and a WHIP of 1.453.
His team's record is 1-4 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.8 units)

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KANSAS CITY (11 - 12) at BALTIMORE (12 - 11) - 1:35 PM
JAMES SHIELDS (R) vs. MIGUEL GONZALEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 194-160 (+41.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 79-63 (+18.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 42-31 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 63-49 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 177-136 (+44.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 138-110 (+36.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 47-44 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 45-35 (+16.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SHIELDS is 25-13 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 24-13 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 88-133 (-67.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Sunday since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
SHIELDS is 9-7 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.55 and a WHIP of 1.226.
His team's record is 13-11 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 12-10. (+0.9 units)

MIGUEL GONZALEZ vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
GONZALEZ is 1-1 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.97 and a WHIP of 1.263.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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OAKLAND (15 - 9) at HOUSTON (8 - 17) - 2:10 PM
TOM MILONE (L) vs. COLLIN MCHUGH (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 113-78 (+21.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 55-28 (+25.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 54-41 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 30-18 (+14.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 22-7 (+14.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 47-30 (+24.3 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 110-74 (+22.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 138-95 (+43.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 101-59 (+29.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
MILONE is 41-25 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
MILONE is 40-23 (+17.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 114-234 (-61.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 25-70 (-32.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 28-66 (-28.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 107-116 (-38.8 Units) against the money line in home games in April games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 10-35 (-21.9 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 12-40 (-21.3 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 56-121 (-30.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 19-73 (-35.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 5-1 (+3.6 Units) against HOUSTON this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.9 Units)

TOM MILONE vs. HOUSTON since 1997
MILONE is 1-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 4.26 and a WHIP of 1.184.
His team's record is 4-0 (+4.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

COLLIN MCHUGH vs. OAKLAND since 1997
No recent starts.

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DETROIT (12 - 9) at MINNESOTA (12 - 11) - 2:10 PM
JUSTIN VERLANDER (R) vs. KYLE GIBSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 110-84 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 89-93 (-25.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 106-81 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
VERLANDER is 19-23 (-20.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 18-22 (-20.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 69-104 (-29.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 69-104 (-29.8 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 13-37 (-20.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 1-1 (+0.3 Units) against DETROIT this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
VERLANDER is 14-7 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.12 and a WHIP of 1.263.
His team's record is 16-11 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 15-10. (+4.7 units)

KYLE GIBSON vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.

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TAMPA BAY (11 - 13) at CHI WHITE SOX (12 - 13) - 2:10 PM
DAVID PRICE (L) vs. SCOTT CARROLL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 20-8 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 75-112 (-30.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 30-54 (-20.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 32-45 (-19.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 73-107 (-27.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 46-74 (-22.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 2-13 (-11.8 Units) against the money line after getting shut out over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 39-70 (-27.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 29-46 (-20.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 1-1 (+0.3 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

DAVID PRICE vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
PRICE is 4-4 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.11 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 4-4 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-6. (-4.2 units)

SCOTT CARROLL vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.

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TEXAS (15 - 9) at SEATTLE (9 - 14) - 4:10 PM
MATT HARRISON (L) vs. BRANDON MAURER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 29-10 (+18.0 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 32-16 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 62-26 (+26.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 40-51 (-21.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 77-102 (-23.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 4-2 (+2.5 Units) against SEATTLE this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.0 Units, Under=-0.6 Units)

MATT HARRISON vs. SEATTLE since 1997
HARRISON is 10-2 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 2.17 and a WHIP of 1.107.
His team's record is 10-4 (+5.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-10. (-6.5 units)

BRANDON MAURER vs. TEXAS since 1997
MAURER is 1-1 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 2.84 and a WHIP of 0.868.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.0 units)

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LA ANGELS (11 - 12) at NY YANKEES (14 - 10) - 8:05 PM
GARRETT RICHARDS (R) vs. MASAHIRO TANAKA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 89-96 (-24.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 28-43 (-26.5 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 10-19 (-13.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 84-95 (-29.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 62-72 (-25.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 40-54 (-23.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 712-698 (+63.5 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 182-160 (+34.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 1-1 (+0.1 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.1 Units)

GARRETT RICHARDS vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
RICHARDS is 0-2 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 5.54 and a WHIP of 1.231.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

MASAHIRO TANAKA vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
No recent starts.

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CLEVELAND (11 - 13) at SAN FRANCISCO (14 - 10) - 4:05 PM
DANNY SALAZAR (R) vs. RYAN VOGELSONG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 103-84 (+20.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 100-81 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 35-49 (-26.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.1 Units)

DANNY SALAZAR vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

RYAN VOGELSONG vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
VOGELSONG is 0-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 12.60 and a WHIP of 2.600.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Sunday, April 27


Under bettors happy when Teheran takes the mound

he Atlanta Braves are the third best under play so far in the MLB this season, O/U record of 8-13-1. This can be heavily attributed to their surprisingly stellar starting rotation and no Braves starter has been strong for under bettors than Julio Teheran.

Teheran has an O/U record of 9-21 in his past 30 starts, which includes 4-13 at Turner Field. With the Braves favored, Teheran has been just as lights-out against opponents going under in 20 of his passed 28 starts when Atlanta is favored.


Harrison first start back comes on strongest day

Matt Harrison is expect to take to the mound for the Texas Rangers Sunday. It is Harrison's first start since spending time on the DL to start the season and he could not have picked a better day of the week to start.

Harrison is a ridiculous 16-4 in his last 20 Sunday starts. Harrison has not been strong so far this season starting 0-2 with an 8.44 ERA.

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday, April 27

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Boston - 1:07 PM ET Toronto -108 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Toronto -

Miami - 1:10 PM ET Miami +106 500 *****
NY Mets -

Kansas City - 1:35 PM ET Kansas City -119 500
Baltimore -

Cincinnati - 1:35 PM ET Cincinnati -101 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Atlanta -

San Diego - 1:35 PM ET San Diego +101 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Washington -

Tampa Bay - 2:10 PM ET Chi. White Sox +156 500
Chi. White Sox -

Chi. Cubs - 2:10 PM ET Chi. Cubs +136 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Milwaukee -

Detroit - 2:10 PM ET Detroit -153 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Minnesota -

Oakland - 2:10 PM ET Houston +138 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Houston -

Pittsburgh - 2:15 PM ET Pittsburgh +161 500
St. Louis -

Cleveland - 4:05 PM ET Cleveland -104 500 DOUBLE PLAY
San Francisco -

Philadelphia - 4:10 PM ET Arizona -108 500
Arizona -

Colorado - 4:10 PM ET LA Dodgers -164 500 *****
LA Dodgers -

Texas - 4:10 PM ET Texas -108 500 *****
Seattle -

LA Angels - 8:05 PM ET LA Angels +154 500
NY Yankees -

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

-- Warriors 118, Clippers 97-- Vegas sportsbooks have to take Clippers off the board until they win a game, or at least look like they're trying to win.

-- Raptors 87, Nets 79-- Toronto's first road playoff win since 2001.

-- Five of seven National League games Sunday were shutouts.

-- Argument for DH: Mets' pitchers are 0 for 41 this season.

-- Speaking of the Mets, they're 6-0 when Anthony Recker is the catcher.

-- Rookie ump Chris Segal's first three games behind plate: 10-9/10-9/9-6; going out on a limb to say he's a hitters' umpire?

*****

Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Going thru NFC schedules..........

Arizona-- Play 11 of 16 games in domes, with opener and two of last three at night. Have one division game in first half of season; finish with three in row. Week 4 bye is too early, Play consecutive road games only once-- this is a really good schedule.

Atlanta-- All three divisional road games are in second half of season; they open at home, finish at home, have only two night games one of which is hideous Monday night game at Lambeau, on Dec 8. Week 8 game in London is on at 9:30am ET. Oy.

Carolina-- Cam Newton gets them three night games, including home games with Steelers/Saints. Play outdoors at Vikings Nov 30, but last two away games are both in domes. Week 12 bye is late but if they're contending, That could be a big help.

Chicago-- First two road games, 49ers/Giants in Weeks 2-3 are both on road; also play consecutive primetime games at home in December, not great for people who buy tickets to games. Old friend Lovie Smith's Bucs come to town in Week 12.

Dallas-- Most overrated franchise in sports is in primetime five times, plus annual Thanksgiving Day game; they're going to freeze late in season, four of last six games are in potential wintry weather. Home five out of six weeks from Weeks 4-9.

Detroit-- Week 1 Monday night home opener with Giants, Week 8 game in London; host Bears on Thanksgiving, but close with cold weather games at Bears/Packers. If my favorite team hired Jim Caldwell as coach, I'd just be a grumpy middle aged man, and it would depress me to look at their schedule.

Green Bay-- Start with three road games in first four weeks; three of their five night games are at home. Have five of last eight games at home, plsu outdoor games in cold weather (Vikings/Bills)- they're going to have a very cold second half this season.

Minnesota-- They're playing home games outdoors this year/next; two road games in December are in Detroit's dome/Miami. Only one night game, Week 5 at Lambeau on a Thursday. Don't play Chicago until Week 11, then again in season finale.

New Orleans-- Play three of first four games, three of last five games on road, with a nasty Week 15 Monday night game in Chicago. Have three in row at home Weeks 10-12, Four of their first six games are against teams with new coaches this season.

Giants-- First three road games are in primetime: Lions-Redskins-Eagles- their three divisional home games are in last six weeks. Have Week 8 bye, which is good, but in first three games after that bye, they play Colts-Seahawks-49ers. Not good.

Philadelphia-- Close season with three divisional games, last two on road- their games vs Dallas are two weeks apart, weeks 13-15. Three of four night games are at home-- their two games with old friend DeSean Jackson/Redskins are in weeks 3-16.

Rams-- Two night games, both at home; their first two games are vs teams with new coaches. One of four teams to play three straight road games; weeks 8-10, at Chiefs, 49ers-Cardinals. Meet old friend RGIII Week 14 in Maryland- they will have finally used all the draft picks they got for trading Griffin to the Redskins.

San Francisco-- Don't leave west coast after Week 11; have consecutive primetime night games in Weeks 6-7 (Rams/Broncos), then play Rams again in Week 9. Have a Thanksgiving night game with Seattle in their new stadium, then visit Seahawks two weeks later. They only have one trip to eastern time zone.

Seattle-- Three of four primetime games are on road; NFL said it is because Seattle has beaten teams so badly in primetime home games, TV ratings were low, and that isn't acceptable. Five of their six divisional games are in last six weeks of season.

Tampa Bay-- Finally have competent head coach after Morris/Schiano-- they open and close with two home games, but are on road three weeks in row (weeks 3-5) and four times in five weeks from weeks 11-15. Only three games on artificial turf are all in domes- their two December road games are Detroit's dome/Carolina.

Washington-- Play three night games in five-week stretch (weeks 5-8); finish with three divisional games, last two at home. Week 3 visit to Philly with be good theater, with DeSean Jackson facing old team. Jay Gruden is a rookie NFL head coach, but he was a head coach for several years in the Arena League.

Sunday's List of 16: Going thru AFC schedules.........
Baltimore-- First three games are vs divisional rivals; have only one home game in October. Week 11 bye is late; both Steeler games are in primetime, two of their three night games, other one being at New Orleans, where they won Super Bowl 47.

Buffalo-- Have only one December home game; league did Miami/San Diego a favor and sent them to Buffalo in September. Bills' visit to Miami is a night game, their one road game in November. Bye is in Week 9, good place for it.

Cincinnati-- Team with two new coordinators opens with its division rival Ravens; they don't play Steelers until Week 14. Week 4 bye is very early; they're one of four teams with three straight road games: Saints-Texans-Bucs in weeks 11-13.

Cleveland-- Play Steelers twice in first six weeks, with early Week 4 bye stuck in middle there. Play four of last six games on road- their only night game is Week 10 in Cincinnati. "New" Browns have still only opened 1-0 once in fifteen years.

Denver-- Three of first seven games are at night, as are two of last five; Week 4 bye is very early. Have three straight road games (Pats-Raiders-Rams) in weeks 9-11. Manning plays his old team in opener. Super bowl losers have struggled in openers the next season, though 49ers bucked that trend last year.

Texans-- Visit old friend Matt Schaub in Oakland in Week 2; open at home, also got last two games at home. Play only one division game in first seven weeks. Week 10 bye is in a good place. Two games with Jacksonville are in weeks 14-17.

Colts-- First two games (@ Denver, vs Philly) are in primetime; have only one road game in November, but play three of last four on road. Week 6 Thursday game down in Houston will be tough spot, after hosting Ravens. Have chance to avenge loss to Patriots in playoffs when New England visits in Week 11.

Jaguars-- Play three of first four games on road, but two of last three road games are in domes; only possible cold weather game is Week 15 in Baltimore. Have a Week 16 Thursday night home game with Titans-- good night to go Christmas shopping??

Chiefs-- Play all three divisional road games before any of the three home games; Week 12 Thursday night game at Oakland is tough spot, tucked in between games with LY's Super Bowl teams. Play Broncos-Patriots-49ers in Weeks 2-4-5- tough.

Dolphins-- Play three of last four at home, but have three potential cold weather games, at Denver-Jets-Patriots in weeks 12-13-15, with visit to Swamp a Monday tilt on Dec 1st. Week 5 bye is early-- they open season with Patriots/Bills, but do not play Jets until weeks 13-17.

Patriots-- Play three of first four on road, have post-Thanksgiving trips to Green Bay-Jersey- they could freeze in five of last six games. Both their short week games are at home, which helps. Week 10 bye is in good place, in between tough games vs Denver/Indianapolis.

Jets-- Three of first four at home, three of last four on road, with Dec 7 visit to Minnesota, which is playing home games outdoors now. Go to Foxboro on a short week in Week 7 for Thursday game- both their Monday night games are at home.

Raiders-- Come to Jersey/Foxboro in first three weeks, then Cleveland in Week 8; their only night game is Thursday night home game in Week 12 with Chiefs. Week 5 bye is early; their home opener is with Houston, Matt Schaub's old employers.

Steelers-- Open at home, also play last two games at home, but in weeks 2-6, are on road four times in five weeks, with weeks 2-3 consecutive primetime road games, at Ravens/Panthers. Don't play Bengals until weeks 14-17, also play Saints, Chiefs and Falcons in last five weeks, very tough closing stretch.

Chargers-- Last five games: Ravens-Pats-Denver-49ers-Chiefs. Open on road and have last two games on road. Week 10 bye is ideal- they open season with couple of NFC West teams, but catch Seattle in Week 2, coming off long week after Thursday opener that Super Bowl champ almost always hosts.

Titans-- Host Jets/Giants on consecutive December Sundays; odd. Play three of four on road to open season; home opener is rare visit by Dallas. Writeups like this are harder to do for teams that were bad the year before; lot less quirks in schedules of teams not perceived to be contenders.