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

[StarDust Bum]

Diamond Trends - Friday

April 11, 2014


TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Blue Jays are 0-13 since June 28, 2013 within 20 cents of pickem after allowing 6+ runs for a net profit of $1300 when playing against.

Advertisement
PITCHER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- Felix Hernandez has produced a team record of 8-0 (+$880) in his career vs a team on a 3-7 game winning streak and it is the first game of the series.

ACTIVE TREND:

-- The Marlins are 0-9 ($+1,040) since 2010 if their opponent has allowed at least 11 hits in each of the last three games.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Twins are 0-15 since April 28, 2011 at home within 20 cents of pickem after a loss in which they allowed 5+ walks for a net profit of $1505 when playing against.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- When Yu Darvish starts the Rangers are 0-6 since May 21, 2013 as a favorite when the bullpen has allowed at least one run for two straight games for a net profit of $1048 when playing against.

[StarDust Bum]

Nats, Braves meet again

April 11, 2014


Washington (7-2) at Atlanta (6-4)

First pitch: Friday, 7:35 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line Atlanta -125, Washington +115, Total: 7

A great National League East battle continues on Friday night as the top two teams from the division last season meet up for the second time in 2014.

Many picked the Nationals as not only the team to win the NL East this season, but also go to the World Series for the first time since the team moved to Washington in 2005. The Nats have run off four straight wins by a combined score of 24 to 9, wrapping up a three-game sweep of the Marlins on Thursday with a 7-1 rout. Strong starts from Gio Gonzalez (6 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 5 K’s) and Stephen Strasburg (6.2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 12 K’s) earned two of the wins, while the team’s offense backed a poor start by Jordan Zimmermann with 10 runs in Wednesday's win.

Atlanta has set the bar high after taking the division in 2013 but has faltered of late and cannot be happy after losing 2-of-3 games at home against the Mets. The Braves lost the rubber match of the series on Thursday night by a score of 6-4 as they were shut down by the Mets bullpen. Looking to extend the Nationals winning streak to five games will be RHP Tanner Roark (1-0, 3.00 ERA) who will be starting only his seventh career game and will be matched up against one of the most promising young pitchers in the game, RHP Julio Teheran (1-1, 2.77 ERA).

These two clubs already played a series this season, as Atlanta took 2-of-3 games on the road and held the potent Nationals offense to just four total runs in the three contests. Going back to the beginning of 2012, Atlanta holds a 23-17 record in this matchup, but is surprisingly only 10-9 when playing at home.

Some trends to keep an eye on include the fact that Washington is 72-49 (.595) in road games versus teams whose hitters strike out seven or more times per game since the start of the 2012 season. Also, the Braves have gone 21-5 (.808) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since the start of last year.

Tanner Roark was never a top prospect, so his strong numbers since starting for the Nationals last year has been a pleasant surprise. He will not blow anyone away with his fastball -- averaging just over 91 MPH in his season debut -- and depends on the defense behind him to be on their toes. Roark had a successful start to 2014 when he took on the Mets, going six frames while allowing six hits, two runs and striking out five (3 walks). Roark did have one start against the Braves last season and they had no answer for him as he went seven scoreless innings while giving up just two hits and fanning six batters (1 walk).

The only starters on Atlanta who have a hit against the 27-year-old are 2B Dan Uggla (1-for-3) and OF B.J. Upton (1-for-2), and those two have combined to go 11-for-67 (.164) with 24 strikeouts to start the 2014 campaign. Roark will need to be careful when facing 1B Freddie Freeman (.419 BA) though, as he leads the Braves in hits (13) with two of them leaving the yard, and has walked six times compared to whiffing in just four at-bats.

One of the reasons many pundits like Washington so much this season is because of its strong bullpen, which has allowed just six runs in 34 innings (1.59 ERA) and has an incredible 48 strikeouts in that time (12.7 K/9). The Nats continued their success on Thursday night, backing Strasburg’s great start with 2.1 frames of scoreless pitching while mowing down five. Closer Rafael Soriano (0.00 ERA, 2 saves) already has six strikeouts in just three innings of work, and has been perfect in his two save opportunities.

Julio Teheran has been one of the Braves top prospects for years now and will look to improve in his sophomore season after going 14-8 with a 3.20 ERA (1.17 WHIP) and striking out 170 batters last year. He pitched well in each of his first two outings of the year (13 IP, 10 H, 4 ER, 8 K’s), but is only 1-1 as his offense gave him no run support in the season opener. He’s already faced Washington six times in his young career, compiling a 3-1 record (5-1 team record) with a 2.92 ERA (1.32 WHIP). His three victories came over his past three starts against them, where he lasted an average of 6.1 innings while giving up just three runs (2 HR) and getting five strikeouts per contest.

His biggest challenge in the Nationals’ lineup has been OF Bryce Harper (5-for-13, 2 doubles, 2 HR, 3 RBI), while SS Ian Desmond (6-for-17) and OF Denard Span (7-for-18) have also had their way against Teheran. One of Washington’s hottest hitters this season, OF Jayson Werth, is only 2-for-13 (.154) with six strikeouts against the 23-year old ace.

Unlike the Nationals, the Braves relievers have not been effective, pitching to a 4.09 ERA while getting a save in four of their five chances. Craig Kimbrel (2.45 ERA, 4 saves) is arguably the best closer in baseball and has gone 4-for-4 in save chances while striking out eight batters in 3.2 innings on the mound this season.

[StarDust Bum]

RECORD AS OF THURS. NIGHT:

15 - 18 .......................- . 94

9 - 5 ..........................- 3.82

4 -7 ........................... - 13.77


Friday, April 11

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Toronto 0 Bot 0 Baltimore -145 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Baltimore 0 Under 8.5 500

Boston 0 Bot 0 Boston -123 500
NY Yankees 0 Over 8.5 500

Miami 0 Bot 0 Philadelphia +121 500 *****
Philadelphia 0 Over 6.5 500

Tampa Bay 0 Bot 0 Cincinnati +104 500
Cincinnati 0 Over 7 500

Washington - 7:35 PM ET Atlanta -120 500
Atlanta - Under 7 500

Houston - 8:05 PM ET Houston +201 500 *****
Texas - Over 8 500

Cleveland - 8:10 PM ET Cleveland +141 500 *****
Chi. White Sox - Under 7.5 500

Kansas City - 8:10 PM ET Kansas City -127 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Minnesota - Under 8 500

Pittsburgh - 8:10 PM ET Pittsburgh +104 500
Milwaukee - Over 8 500

Chi. Cubs - 8:15 PM ET St. Louis -142 500 TRIPLE PLAY
St. Louis - Under 7 500

LA Dodgers - 9:40 PM ET Arizona +104 500
Arizona - Over 8.5 500

NY Mets - 10:05 PM ET LA Angels -155 500 *****
LA Angels - Under 8 500

Detroit - 10:10 PM ET San Diego -104 500
San Diego - Under 6.5 500

Oakland - 10:10 PM ET Seattle -145 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Seattle - Over 6.5 500

Colorado - 10:15 PM ET San Francisco -158 500 DOUBLE PLAY
San Francisco - Under 7 500

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Saturday's six-pack

-- Padres' Andrew Cashner one-hit Detroit 6-0, looked totally dominant.

-- Miami beat the Pacers by 12, took over the top spot in the East.

-- Fred Hoiberg banks a $600,000 raise from Iowa State, undoubtedly making him the highest-paid mayor in America since Clint Eastwood. (Hoiberg's nickname at Iowa State has always been "The Mayor").

-- Hard to believe Duke's Jabari Parker still hasn't decided whether he is leaving for the NBA. If its true, someone influential is in his ear to stay in school.

-- Bubba Watson has a 3-shot lead halfway thru The Masters in Georgia.

-- Mets lost 5-4 in 11 innings at Anaheim, losing on a walk-off hit batter.

*****

Armadillo: Saturday's List of 13: Clearing out a cluttered mind.......

13) Watching the highlights of Minnesota-North Dakota hockey game Thursday, when the Gophers won on a goal with 0:00.6 left, just feel terrible for the North Dakota kids; a season like that is so long, you come so close to a championship, to lose like that is painful. Its something they’ll never, ever forget.

12) Dallas Mavericks’ PA guy got suspended by the NBA for tweeting critical comments about the officiating in Mav games. Hard to believe a certain team owner didn’t put him up to it.

11) Denver’s Timofey Mozgov had 23 points, 29 rebounds, three assists in Denver’s win over the Warriors Thursday; he was a throw-in to Denver in the Carmelo Anthony trade, another blunder by the Knicks. Phil Jackson has a lot of stuff to undo in his new job in Manhattan.

10) Nuggets got rid of George Karl, their GM went to Toronto after a series of first round exits from the playoffs; they won’t have to worry about getting ousted in the first round this year, because they didn’t make the playoffs. Change isn’t always positive change; things can always get worse.

9) Arkansas State’s football team is auctioning off a chance for a booster to coach one of the teams in its spring football game; last I heard, the high bid was $9,500. Apparently they used to do this at Southern Miss, only it wasn’t publicized; new coach Blake Anderson was an assistant in Hattiesburg, and he’s brought this to Jonesboro with him. Anderson better be careful, the kids might not know who the real coach is, since he is the RedHawks’ fifth head coach in the last five years.

8) Last Masters champ who had the lead by himself after the first round? Ben Crenshaw, in 1984.

7) Jon Bon Jovi is part of a Toronto group that is trying to buy the Buffalo Bills; Bon Jovi owns the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena League (Ron Jaworski is his GM) so he has NFL connections.

6) Indiana Pacers inked a 10-year, $160M deal with the city of Indianapolis to stay there, first good news they’ve had in a few weeks.

5) NFL pundits are surprised by Johnny Manziel’s 32 on the Wonderlic test; only QB who scored higher is some kid who played at Cornell. Only perfect 50 ever recorded on the Wonderlic was by a punter/TE named Pat McInally who punted for the Bengals from 1976-85.

4) Cleveland’s Danny Salazar allowed five runs in 3.2 IP to the White Sox Thursday; he had 10 strikeouts, didn’t record any outs on a batted ball.

He is the first pitcher ever to allow more than four runs while facing less than 20 hitters and striking out 10+.

3) Record for least batters faced while striking out 10+ batters goes to the Angels’ Dan Osinski, who struck out 10 of 18 batters in five shutout IP against the Orioles in May, 1964.

2) Memphis-Phoenix are tied for 8th spot in West with three games to go; Hawks lead New York by two games with three to play in the East.

1) Koji Uehara (shoulder) was scratched Friday for Boston; Edward Mujica got the save for the Red Sox. Boston will need Uehara to defend its title.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Kansas City at Minnesota
The Royals look to bounce back from last night's loss to the Twins and come into today's contest with a 15-3 record in James Shields' last 18 starts as a favorite. Kansas City is the pick (-145) according to Dunkel, which has the Royals favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-145). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, APRIL 12

Game 901-902: Chicago Cubs at St. Louis (2:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Villanueva) 14.029; St. Louis (Wainwright) 15.667
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-220); 7
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-220); Under

Game 903-904: Colorado at San Francisco (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Anderson) 15.844; San Francisco (Cain) 14.950
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 9
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-135); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+115); Over

Game 905-906: Miami at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (Eovaldi) 14.989; Philadelphia (Pettibone) 12.886
Dunkel Line: Miami by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-125); 8
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-105); Over

Game 907-908: Pittsburgh at Milwaukee (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Volquez) 14.983; Milwaukee (Gallardo) 17.424
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 2 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-155); 8
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-155); Under

Game 909-910: Washington at Atlanta (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Jordan) 16.263; Atlanta (Wood) 15.280
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-125); 7
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+105); Over

Game 911-912: LA Dodgers at Arizona (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Greinke) 16.163; Arizona (Miley) 14.021
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 2; 7
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-125); 8
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-125); Under

Game 913-914: Boston at NY Yankees (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lackey) 15.805; NY Yankees (Kuroda) 14.985
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1; 9
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (+100); Over

Game 915-916: Kansas City at Minnesota (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Shields) 15.966; Minnesota (Nolasco) 14.549
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-145); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-145); Under

Game 917-918: Cleveland at Chicago White Sox (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Masterson) 14.850; White Sox (Paulino) 13.356
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-130); 8
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-130); Under

Game 919-920: Toronto at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Hutchison) 15.842; Baltimore (Norris) 14.776
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+110); Over

Game 921-922: Houston at Texas (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Feldman) 15.337; Texas (Scheppers) 14.302
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Texas (-175); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+155); Over

Game 923-924: Oakland at Seattle (9:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Gray) 17.551; Seattle (Ramirez) 16.191
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Oakland (-120); 7
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-120); Under

Game 925-926 Tampa Bay at Cincinnati (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Cobb) 15.078; Cincinnati (Simon) 16.122
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-125); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+105); Over

Game 927-928: Detroit at San Diego (8:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Verlander) 15.747; San Diego (Kennedy) 14.233
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-145); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-145); Under

Game 929-930: NY Mets at LA Angels (9:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Niese) 15.337; LA Angels (Weaver) 16.852
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-170); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-170); Under

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, April 12

Hot pitchers
-- Wainwright has a 2.14 RA in his last three starts. Villanueva is 1-1, 3.18 in his last three starts.
-- Eovaldi is 2-1, 2.02 in his last four starts.
-- Wood is 1-1, 1.93 in two starts so far this season. Jordan is 1-0, 3.77 in his last five starts.
-- Gallardo is 2-0, 0.00 (12.2 IP) in two starts this season. Volquez is 0-1, 2.65 in his last three starts.
-- Greinke is 4-2, 2.07 in his last ten starts. Miley is 2-1, 3.00 in his last five.

-- Lackey is 3-0, 1.93 in his last three starts; Kuroda is 1-1, 2.92 in his first two starts this season.
-- Paulino is 2-1, 3.03 in his last seven starts.
-- Shields is 3-1, 1.70 in his last six starts.
-- Gray is 1-0, 2.25 in his first two '14 starts.

-- Cobb is 3-1, 1.85 in his last six starts. Simon allowed one run in seven IP in his first '14 start, his first MLB start since '11 (4-9, 4.90).
-- Verlander is 1-2, 1.10 in his last seven starts. Kennedy is 2-1, 3.00 in his last three outings.
-- Niese is 1-1, 2.89 in his last three starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Cain is 0-2, 5.00 in his last three starts. Anderson is 0-2, 6.75 in his first two starts for Colorado.
-- Pettibone is 0-1, 5.06 in his last three starts.

-- Masterson is 1-2, 3.66 in his last six starts.
-- Nolasco is 0-1, 9.00 in his first two starts for Minnesota.
-- Hutchison is 1-2, 6.32 in his last four starts. Norris is 0-2, 8.10 in his last three outings.
-- Scheppers is 0-1, 9.00 in his first two MLB starts. Cosart is 1-2, 3.94 in his last six starts.
-- Ramirez is 1-2, 8.03 in his last three starts.

-- Weaver is 0-2, 6.75 in his first two '14 starts.

Totals
-- Last five Philly games went over the total.
-- Last three Washington games went over the total.
-- All four games at Miller Park stayed under total; three of last four Pittsburgh games went over.
-- Last five Cub games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Arizona games went over total; five of six Dodger road games stayed under.
-- Ten of eleven Giant games went over the total.

-- All five Boston road games stayed under the total.
-- All four games at Camden Yards stayed under.
-- Under is 5-1-1 in last seven Texas games.
-- All five White Sox home games went over total.
-- Nine of ten Minnesota games went over total.
-- Four of last five Oakland games went over total.

-- Four of last five Tampa Bay games stayed under.
-- Eight of ten Angel games went over the total.
-- Eight of ten San Diego games stayed under.

Hot teams
-- Nationals won four of their last five games.
-- Milwaukee won its last seven games.

-- White Sox won four of their first five home games.
-- Blue Jays won three of their last four games.
-- Rangers won their last three home games.
-- Oakland won four of its last five games. Mariners won six of first nine.

-- Tampa Bay won five of its last eight games.
-- Angels both won five of their last seven games.

Cold teams
-- Miam lost its last five games; Phillies lost four of last five.
-- Arizona lost four of its five home games.

-- Red Sox lost five of their last eight games. Bronx lost three of last four.
-- Orioles lost three of their four home games.
-- Astros lost seven of their last nine games.
-- Indians lost five of their last seven games.
-- Minnesota lost three of its first four home games. Kansas City lost its first three away games.

-- Cincinnati lost seven of its first ten games. Rays lost three of last five.
-- San Diego lost six of its last nine games; Detroit lost three of last four.

Umpires
-- Chi-StL-- Under is 11-2-2 in last fifteen Estabrook games.
-- Col-SF-- 10 of last 14 Hudson games went over total.
-- Mia-Phil-- Underdogs won four of last five Barksdale games.
-- Pitt-Mil-- Four of last five Miller games stayed under.
-- Wsh-Atl-- Eight of last twelve Vanover games went over.
-- LA-Az-- 10 of last 14 Timmons games went over the total.

-- Bos-NY-- Underdogs won seven of last ten Tumpane games.
-- KC-Min-- Under is 5-2-2 in last nine Nelson games.
-- Cle-Chi-- Five of last seven Wolcott games went over.
-- Tor-Blt-- Underdogs won nine of last 14 Emmel games.
-- A's-Sea-- Hoberg's first two games both went over total.
-- Hst-Tex-- Five of last six Drake games went over total.

-- TB-Cin-- Underdogs are 10-6 in last sixteen TWelke games.
-- Det-SD-- First game behind plate in MLB for rookie ump Buckminster.
-- NY-LAA-- Barber has worked two games behind plate; no trends yet.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Saturday, April 12

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1:05 PM
BOSTON vs. NY YANKEES
Boston is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of NY Yankees's last 20 games
NY Yankees are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Boston

1:10 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. CINCINNATI
Tampa Bay is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games
Cincinnati is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Cincinnati's last 11 games at home

2:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Cleveland is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games when playing Cleveland

2:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. MINNESOTA
Kansas City is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Kansas City is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Minnesota's last 10 games
Minnesota is 5-16 SU in its last 21 games

2:15 PM
CHI CUBS vs. ST. LOUIS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games
Chi Cubs are 7-18 SU in their last 25 games
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs

4:05 PM
COLORADO vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Colorado is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games on the road
San Francisco is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games
San Francisco is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games at home

7:05 PM
MIAMI vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Miami is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 8 games when playing at home against Miami

7:05 PM
TORONTO vs. BALTIMORE
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Toronto's last 11 games on the road
Baltimore is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games at home

7:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. ATLANTA
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Atlanta's last 8 games at home
Atlanta is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games

7:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 7 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games

8:05 PM
HOUSTON vs. TEXAS
Houston is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Houston's last 12 games when playing on the road against Texas
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Texas's last 12 games when playing at home against Houston
Texas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Houston

8:10 PM
LA DODGERS vs. ARIZONA
LA Dodgers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games at home
Arizona is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home

8:40 PM
DETROIT vs. SAN DIEGO
Detroit is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Detroit's last 16 games on the road
San Diego is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
San Diego is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games

9:05 PM
NY METS vs. LA ANGELS
NY Mets are 2-3-1 SU in their last 6 games ,when playing LA Angels
NY Mets8-2-1 SU in its last 11 games on the road
LA Angels are 1-3-1 SU in their last 5 games ,when playing at home against NY Mets
LA Angels are 1-3-1 SU in their last 5 games ,at home

9:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Oakland's last 9 games on the road
Oakland is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Seattle is 7-14 SU in its last 21 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing at home against Oakland

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Saturday, April 12

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday's MLB American League betting cheat sheet
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Toronto Blue Jays at Baltimore Orioles (-117, 9)

Hot pitching stat: Under is 5-2 in Drew Hutchison's last seven starts for Toronto.

Cold batting stat: Blue Jays outfielder Colby Rasmus is just 4-for-22 with six strikeouts lifetime versus Norris.

Weather: Another cool affair on the East coast with weather hovering between the high fifties and low sixties.

Key betting note: Over is 4-0 in games following a Blue Jays win.


Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees (-109, 8.5)

Cold pitching stat: Boston are 3-8 in John Lackey's last 11 games as an underdog.

Cold batting stat: Red Sox are 1-4 in their last five games against right handed starters.

Weather: Partly cloudy with a low wind of just 6 MPH.

Key betting note:The under is 4-1 in Kuroda's last five starts against the rival Red Sox, Kuroda also has a record of 7-1 at home when the total is set between 7.0-8.5. Kuroda is also boasting an 8-0 record on Saturday's as a starter.


Houston Astros at Texas Rangers (-159, 9.5)

Cold pitching stat: Jared Cosart struggled in his second start of the season, allowing a career high five runs.

Hot batting stat: Rangers Adrian Beltre welcomed Cosart to the big leagues in his first matchup with the Astros pitcher, taking him yard. Beltre has two hits in three at bats against the newcomer.

Weather: High winds at 17 mph.

Key betting note: Astros are 5-1 in their last six as road underdogs of +110 to +150


Kansas City Royals at Minnesota Twins (133, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Jake Shields is 9-0 as a road favorite in his last nine starts with the Royals.

Cold batting stat: Twins star Joe Mauer is just .227 lifetime against Shields.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low 60's.

Key betting note: Kansas City are 7-1 in their last eight meetings against their division rivals.


Cleveland Indians at Chicago White Sox (113, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Cleveland are 8-1 in Justin Masterson's last nine starts as a road favorite.

Hot batting stat: Chicago have had a high powered offense through their first 11 games of the season, the White Sox are averaging 6.36 runs per game with the Over going 8-3 as well.

Weather: Calm winds and cool weather at 57 degrees.

Key betting note: Masterson has six wins in a row against the White Sox as a starter and 5-0 in road starts.


Oakland Athletics at Seattle Mariners (108, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Oakland are 6-2 in Sonny Gray's last eight starts.

Cold batting stat: Mariners are 2-7 in their last nine home games against right handed starters.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-50s with partly cloudy skies and wind blowing in at 8 mph.

Key betting note: Over is on a seven game streak in meetings between Oakland and the Mariners in Seattle.



Interleague

Tampa Bay Rays at Cincinnati Reds (119, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Rays' starter Cobb has four straight wins coming off a quality start.

Hot batting stat: Evan Longoria is sixth in the AL in batting average with a .356 mark.

Weather: Weather information is currently unavailable.

Key betting note: Under is 10-3 in the Rays last 13 interleague games.


Detroit Tigers at San Diego Padres (134, 6.5)

Hot pitching stat: Tigers are 20-6 in Verlander's 26 interleague starts.

Cold batting stat: Under is 5-1 in the Tigers last six interleague games.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-60s.

Key betting note: Tigers are 3-12 in Verlander's last 15 starts.


New York Mets at Los Angeles Angels (-171, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Angels are 8-1 in ace Jared Weaver's last nine interleague starts.

Hot batting stat: Curtis Granderson will be hoping to rely on his American League experience against Weaver as the outfielder has three home runs against the Angels starter.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-60s.

Key betting note: Angels are 44-15 in Weaver's 59 games as a home favorite.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Saturday, April 12

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday's MLB National League betting cheat sheet
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Miami Marlins at Philadelphia Phillies (-114, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Phillies are 6-0 in Pettibone's last six starts in the division.

Cold batting stat: Ryan Howard is .167 lifetime against Nathan Eovaldi.

Weather: Weather information is currently unavailable.

Key betting note: Marlins are 7-3 in their last ten games as an underdog.


Washington Nationals at Atlanta Braves (-134, 7)

Cold pitching stat: Washington are 1-4 in Taylor Jordan's last five road starts.

Hot batting stat: Anthony Rendon is batting 1.000 in four career at bats against Alex Wood.

Weather: Potential high of 79.

Key betting note: Atlanta own the Nationals in recent history, holding a 20-7 record over the last 27 games.


Pittsburgh Pirates at Milwaukee Brewers (-155, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Milwaukee are 6-2 against the NL Central in Gallardo's last eight starts.

Hot batting stat: Rickie Weeks has a lifetime .353 average against Edison Volquez.

Weather: Chance at rain with a 60% projected humidity.

Key betting note: Milwaukee are 6-0 this season following a win.


Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals (-214, 7)

Hot pitching stat: St. Louis are 6-1 in ace Adam Wainwright's last seven home starts.

Cold batting stat: Only one member of the Cardinals lineup has a career home run over project Cubs starter Carlos Villenueva.

Weather: Partly cloudy with a potential high of 79.

Key betting note: Cardinals are 4-1 in Wainwright's last five starts against the Cubbies.


Los Angeles Dodgers at Arizona Diamondbacks (115, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Dodgers Zach Grienke owns division opposition as he has Los Angeles holding an 11-1 trend in his last 12 starts against NL West ballclubs.

Hot batting stat: Arizona slugger Paul Goldschmidt is on fire, batting .340 with 8 RBI's already this season.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high 80's.

Key betting note: Los Angeles are currently on a four game win streak in Arizona.


Colorado Rockies at San Francisco Giants (-137, 7.5)

Cold pitching stat: Giants are 5-16 in Matt Cain's last 21 starts.

Hot batting stat: Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has four career dingers against Matt Cain.

Weather: Partly cloudy with a potential high of 62.

Key betting note: Giants are 7-0 in Cain's last seven road starts in Colorado.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Saturday, April 12

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What's behind MLB's best Over bets?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Baseball bettors are warned to take the first month of the MLB season with a grain of salt. Surprise trends tend to even themselves out over the course of the schedule but sometimes these trends are so impressive, bettors can’t help but jump all over them.

One of the most shocking trends showing its face in April is the Over explosion involving three clubs: the San Francisco Giants (9-1 Over/Under), Arizona Diamondbacks (9-3 O/U) and Minnesota Twins (8-1 O/U).

This quick lean to the Over is so surprising since these three clubs have notoriously sided with the Under in past seasons. Minnesota finished at 70-87-5 O/U last season – the third best Under bet in baseball – while Arizona (71-84-7 O/U) and San Francisco (73-80-9 O/U) both paid out for Under bettors more often than not in 2013.

We ask some of the top baseball handicappers and oddsmakers in the industry which one of these three teams can continue to top the totals and which ones is destined for a drop off:

San Francisco Giants

The Giants have been known for their championship-caliber pitching staff in recent seasons, but also for a lineup that couldn’t hit water if it fell out of a kayak in McCovey Cove. San Francisco, which plated only 629 runs last season, has flipped that reputation in 2014.

It’s scoring 5.5 runs a night and ranks third in the bigs in home runs (14) while the staff boasts a ho-hum 3.94 collective ERA. The lineup added some important bats, like Michael Morse, and the play of a healthy Angel Pagan at the top of the order has helped the Giants generate more runs. San Francisco’s star-studded rotation is another year old with Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum showing a decline.

“The Giants staff is much better (than the Twins or Diamondbacks), coughing up just 4.6 RPG,” says Covers Expert Marc Lawrence. “On the flip side, only the White Sox and the Rockies are averaging more offensive RPG than San Francisco. Frisco's Over run is largely attributable to its hitting as opposed to its pitching.”

Arizona Diamondbacks

The D-backs sit at the bottom of the National League West, with their 5.86 ERA as much to blame for their 4-8 start as their 9-3 Over/Under record. However, Arizona did take two of three against the Giants this week, outscoring San Francisco 16-15 over three games – topping the total in all three.

Mark Trumbo has been at the wheel of this recent power surge for the Diamondbacks, hitting five home runs with 13 RBIs. Paul Goldschmidt is benefitting from having that pop behind him in the order, putting up a .370 BA with two home runs and eight RBIs. But those improving scores can’t make up for the lack of talent in the rotation.

“Pitching has been the killer for the D-backs,” Steve Mikkelson, sportsbook director at the Atlantis Casino in Reno, tells Covers. “Losing (starter Patrick) Corbin for the season really hurt, and they were expecting much more from their bullpen than they have received so far. Being in a hitters’ ballpark hasn’t helped, but their pitching has been terrible so far this season.”

Minnesota Twins

The Twins fall into a similar situation as Arizona, lugging an embarrassing 6.31 ERA – worst in the majors – into Friday’s action. Minnesota has given up seven or more runs six times already this year and has one quality start among its starters.

The Twins were doing their best to combat those pitching woes with offense, averaging 5.11 runs per game. However, the well may be running dry. Minnesota managed to score just eight runs over its three-game series sweep at the hands of the Oakland A’s this week and now take on an improved Kansas City rotation that is giving up only three runs an outing.

“They went out and signed starting pitchers Phil Hughes, Ricky Nolasco, Mike Pelfrey over the last season or two as they realize they have no pitching,” says Mikkelson. “In addition, their only young pitcher who is decent – Samuel Deduno - got moved to the pen. Until this team can find some pitching, they will remain terrible and give up a ton of runs.”

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Saturday, April 12

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

CHICAGO CUBS (4 - 6) at ST LOUIS (5 - 5) - 2:15 PM
CARLOS VILLANUEVA (R) vs. ADAM WAINWRIGHT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 131-203 (-42.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 28-55 (-18.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 32-53 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 131-203 (-42.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 46-78 (-25.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 22-47 (-23.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 87-50 (+22.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 53-24 (+24.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 1-0 (+1.3 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

CARLOS VILLANUEVA vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
VILLANUEVA is 3-3 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.88 and a WHIP of 1.181.
His team's record is 5-5 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-4. (+1.0 units)

ADAM WAINWRIGHT vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
WAINWRIGHT is 8-6 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 4.24 and a WHIP of 1.304.
His team's record is 13-9 (-0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-10. (-0.6 units)

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

COLORADO (5 - 6) at SAN FRANCISCO (7 - 4) - 4:05 PM
BRETT ANDERSON (L) vs. MATT CAIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 164-239 (-54.1 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
COLORADO is 140-253 (-61.6 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 since 1997.
COLORADO is 548-841 (-151.5 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
ANDERSON is 5-16 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in April games since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 51-36 (+13.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 227-143 (+49.8 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 34-46 (-23.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CAIN is 11-21 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 14-27 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in April games since 1997. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 2-9 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 11-21 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 3-10 (-12.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against COLORADO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

BRETT ANDERSON vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
ANDERSON is 0-2 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 7.00 and a WHIP of 1.667.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

MATT CAIN vs. COLORADO since 1997
CAIN is 17-7 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.21 and a WHIP of 1.176.
His team's record is 20-11 (+7.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 12-19. (-8.5 units)

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

MIAMI (5 - 6) at PHILADELPHIA (4 - 6) - 7:05 PM
NATHAN EOVALDI (R) vs. JONATHAN PETTIBONE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 27-51 (-23.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 5-22 (-15.4 Units) against the money line in road games in April games over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 86-140 (-41.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 158-176 (-39.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 99-103 (-34.6 Units) against the money line in home games in April games since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 19-34 (-19.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 158-173 (-36.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 55-72 (-22.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 36-45 (-17.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 1-0 (+1.3 Units) against MIAMI this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

NATHAN EOVALDI vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
EOVALDI is 1-4 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 4.13 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 2-4 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-5. (-4.6 units)

JONATHAN PETTIBONE vs. MIAMI since 1997
PETTIBONE is 1-0 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 1.46 and a WHIP of 1.135.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.3 units)

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

PITTSBURGH (6 - 4) at MILWAUKEE (8 - 2) - 7:10 PM
EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R) vs. YOVANI GALLARDO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 60-54 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 63-61 (+9.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
GALLARDO is 20-5 (+14.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 103-75 (+25.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 24-12 (+15.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 47-41 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 54-38 (+15.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 103-75 (+25.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 67-44 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 84-62 (+21.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 45-28 (+17.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
VOLQUEZ is 40-27 (+17.3 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.1 Units)

EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
VOLQUEZ is 5-3 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 5.05 and a WHIP of 1.416.
His team's record is 9-3 (+7.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-3. (+5.0 units)

YOVANI GALLARDO vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
GALLARDO is 11-3 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 2.42 and a WHIP of 1.170.
His team's record is 15-4 (+10.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-13. (-8.2 units)

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

WASHINGTON (7 - 3) at ATLANTA (6 - 4) - 7:10 PM
TAYLOR JORDAN (R) vs. ALEX WOOD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 4-21 (-16.3 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 97-58 (+25.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 35-23 (+12.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 3-1 (+3.1 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

TAYLOR JORDAN vs. ATLANTA since 1997
JORDAN is 0-0 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 0.73 and a WHIP of 1.460.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.0 units)

ALEX WOOD vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
WOOD is 0-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 0.944.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

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

LA DODGERS (7 - 4) at ARIZONA (4 - 9) - 8:10 PM
ZACK GREINKE (R) vs. WADE MILEY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
GREINKE is 11-21 (-17.7 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -150 since 1997. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 13-25 (-15.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday since 1997. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 27-12 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
GREINKE is 25-8 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 25-8 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 18-5 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against ARIZONA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. ARIZONA since 1997
GREINKE is 2-3 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 5.50 and a WHIP of 1.491.
His team's record is 4-5 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-3. (+2.7 units)

WADE MILEY vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
MILEY is 3-2 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.48 and a WHIP of 1.277.
His team's record is 4-4 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (-0.6 units)

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

BOSTON (5 - 6) at NY YANKEES (5 - 6) - 1:05 PM
JOHN LACKEY (R) vs. HIROKI KURODA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 113-76 (+21.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.

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

JOHN LACKEY vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
LACKEY is 10-11 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.67 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 17-14 (+4.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 15-16. (-2.1 units)

HIROKI KURODA vs. BOSTON since 1997
KURODA is 3-5 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.05 and a WHIP of 1.282.
His team's record is 5-7 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-4. (+3.3 units)

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

KANSAS CITY (4 - 5) at MINNESOTA (4 - 6) - 2:10 PM
JAMES SHIELDS (R) vs. RICKY NOLASCO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SHIELDS is 9-21 (-18.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday since 1997. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 37-30 (+13.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 37-24 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 24-17 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
SHIELDS is 23-12 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 64-102 (-33.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 213-229 (-53.1 Units) against the money line in home games in day games since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 64-102 (-33.8 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 44-72 (-25.6 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 1-0 (+1.2 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
SHIELDS is 7-3 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.20 and a WHIP of 1.422.
His team's record is 9-6 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-7. (+0.5 units)

RICKY NOLASCO vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

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

CLEVELAND (5 - 6) at CHI WHITE SOX (6 - 5) - 2:10 PM
JUSTIN MASTERSON (R) vs. FELIPE PAULINO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 97-77 (+21.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 94-74 (+19.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 69-104 (-30.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 25-51 (-25.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 11-23 (-14.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 31-53 (-19.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 67-99 (-28.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 27-42 (-19.3 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 2-0 (+2.2 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

JUSTIN MASTERSON vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
MASTERSON is 8-5 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 2.27 and a WHIP of 1.236.
His team's record is 11-8 (+3.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-11. (-4.4 units)

FELIPE PAULINO vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
PAULINO is 0-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 1.42 and a WHIP of 1.263.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

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

TORONTO (6 - 5) at BALTIMORE (4 - 6) - 7:05 PM
DREW HUTCHISON (R) vs. BUD NORRIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 185-155 (+36.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 170-132 (+41.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 125-108 (+21.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 129-107 (+29.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 87-66 (+26.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 105-88 (+33.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 1-0 (+1.4 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

DREW HUTCHISON vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
HUTCHISON is 1-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.083.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

BUD NORRIS vs. TORONTO since 1997
NORRIS is 0-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 2.250.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

HOUSTON (4 - 7) at TEXAS (5 - 5) - 8:05 PM
JARRED COSART (R) vs. TANNER SCHEPPERS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 110-224 (-57.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 204-248 (-63.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday since 1997.
HOUSTON is 107-217 (-57.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 69-152 (-45.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 54-23 (+21.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 51-44 (-22.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS 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)

JARRED COSART vs. TEXAS since 1997
COSART is 0-1 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

TANNER SCHEPPERS vs. HOUSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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

OAKLAND (6 - 4) at SEATTLE (6 - 3) - 9:10 PM
SONNY GRAY (R) vs. ERASMO RAMIREZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 104-73 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 92-78 (+27.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 41-28 (+20.7 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 101-69 (+20.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 30-20 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 46-34 (+14.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 105-118 (-43.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday since 1997.
SEATTLE is 374-343 (-65.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 2-2 (+0.0 Units) against OAKLAND this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.1 Units)

SONNY GRAY vs. SEATTLE since 1997
GRAY is 2-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-0. (+3.1 units)

ERASMO RAMIREZ vs. OAKLAND since 1997
RAMIREZ is 0-3 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 5.49 and a WHIP of 1.424.
His team's record is 0-4 (-4.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.3 units)

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

TAMPA BAY (6 - 5) at CINCINNATI (3 - 7) - 1:10 PM
ALEX COBB (R) vs. ALFREDO SIMON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 24-7 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

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

ALEX COBB vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

ALFREDO SIMON vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
SIMON is 0-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 5.03 and a WHIP of 1.322.
His team's record is 1-2 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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

DETROIT (5 - 3) at SAN DIEGO (4 - 6) - 8:40 PM
JUSTIN VERLANDER (R) vs. IAN KENNEDY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 9-17 (-14.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 87-91 (-24.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 12-22 (-16.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 79-85 (-25.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 57-64 (-22.1 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
VERLANDER is 16-23 (-23.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 15-22 (-23.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 7-12 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 3-11 (-17.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 12-5 (+10.8 Units) against the money line after shutting out their opponent over the last 3 seasons.

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

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
VERLANDER is 1-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.38 and a WHIP of 1.876.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

IAN KENNEDY vs. DETROIT since 1997
KENNEDY is 0-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 5.56 and a WHIP of 1.235.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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

NY METS (4 - 6) at LA ANGELS (5 - 5) - 9:05 PM
JON NIESE (L) vs. JERED WEAVER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 20-8 (+11.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
WEAVER is 81-33 (+27.8 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
WEAVER is 81-33 (+27.8 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
WEAVER is 74-37 (+25.1 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 43-42 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 43-42 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 83-89 (-22.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 136-127 (-68.4 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 40-45 (-21.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 22-36 (-25.1 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 78-88 (-27.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 57-68 (-25.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 10-16 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against NY METS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

JON NIESE vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
NIESE is 0-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

JERED WEAVER vs. NY METS since 1997
WEAVER is 0-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 8.53 and a WHIP of 1.422.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

[StarDust Bum]

RECORD AS OF THURS. NIGHT:

16 - 20 .......................- 3.03

11 - 6 ..........................- 2.72

4 -9 ........................... - 21.84


Saturday, April 12

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Boston - 1:05 PM ET NY Yankees -110 500
NY Yankees - Under 8.5 500

Tampa Bay - 1:10 PM ET Tampa Bay -125 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Cincinnati - Over 7.5 500

Cleveland - 2:10 PM ET Chi. White Sox +126 500 *****
Chi. White Sox - Under 8.5 500

Kansas City - 2:10 PM ET Minnesota +131 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Minnesota - Over 7.5 500

Chi. Cubs - 2:15 PM ET Chi. Cubs +203 500 *****
St. Louis - Under 7 500

[StarDust Bum]

EVENING PLAYS:


Toronto - 7:05 PM ET Baltimore -110 500 *****
Baltimore - Under 9 500

Miami - 7:05 PM ET Miami +101 500
Philadelphia - Under 8 500

Washington - 7:10 PM ET Atlanta -139 500
Atlanta - Over 7 500

Pittsburgh - 7:10 PM ET Milwaukee -135 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Milwaukee - Under 8.5 500

Houston - 8:05 PM ET Houston +156 500 *****
Texas - Over 9.5 500

LA Dodgers - 8:10 PM ET LA Dodgers -119 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Arizona - Over 8 500

Detroit - 8:40 PM ET San Diego +124 500 *****
San Diego - Under 6.5 500

NY Mets - 9:05 PM ET NY Mets +148 500
LA Angels - Over 7.5 500

Oakland - 9:10 PM ET Seattle +117 500 *****
Seattle - Under 7.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack

If the NHL playoffs started today (they start Wednesday), the matchups would look like this........

East #1-8--- Boston-Detroit........West #1-8-- Anaheim-Dallas

East #2-7--- Montreal-Tampa Bay.....West #2-7-- San Jose-LA Kings

East #3-6--- Pittsburgh-Columbus.....West #3-6-- Colorado-Minnesota

East #4-5--- Rangers-Philadelphia........West #4-5-- Chicago-St Louis

*****

Armadillo: Sunday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports Saturday........

13) Congrats to Union College on their first national title in hockey; they're not D-I in any other sports, so beating a school like Minnesota in any sport is a big deal. Union is in Schenectady, NY (Pat Riley's hometown); if you remember the movie The Way We Were, with Robert Redford, part of it was filmed at Union.

12) NDBL playoffs started this week; they've got a cool way of deciding who plays whom in the playoffs. In the D-League, highest seeded team picks who they want to play first, then the #2 seed picks its opponent and so on.

11) Oklahoma Sooners drew 43,500 to their spring football game; they charged either $5 or $10 to get in, so they raised over a quarter of a million dollars, before selling a hot dog or a t-shirt at the concession stands. College sports is big money.

10) Scary thing: Alabama draws more than twice that for its spring games.

9) Lot of rookie umpires are working this weekend because veteran umps are at the funeral of umpire John Hirschbeck's son, who passed away at age 27.

8) Speaking of umps, the first base ump in Seattle called A's 3B Josh Donaldson out on a checked-swing/third strike call Saturday night. Just a terrible call, but before Donaldson got too aggravated, he caught himself.

The first base ump does the plate the next day; don't want to have an enemy calling balls and strikes when you bat in today's game. It was still a bad call, though.

7) A's DFA'd OF Sam Fuld Saturday so Craig Gentry could come off the DL, which means they'll lose him to another team on a waiver claim. Fuld played his butt off for the A's in the season's first ten days; he'll help a big league club.

6) TV trivia: actress Peri Gilpin, who played Frasier Crane's radio engineer in the Cheers spinoff Frasier, plays Ted Danson's seldom-seen wife in CSI. Danson became famous as the bartender Sam Malone in Cheers.

5) Raul Ibanez got his 2,000th hit Saturday night, a game-tying three-run blast in the bottom of the 9th inning, pretty neat way to do it. Angels lost 7-6 to the Mets in 13 innings, but still a great moment for Ibanez.

4) Notre Dame is putting down artificial turf for this season, part of the $400M refurbishing project on its football stadium. $400M refurbishing project; wow.

3) Major league teams routinely carry 12 pitchers now, meaning they obviously have fewer position players, which has resulted in less pinch runners being used. As recently as 1974, the A's kept a track star named Herb Washington on their roster the whole year-- he did nothing but pinch run. Seriously.

Washington appeared in 92 games in '74, 13 more in '75 (he was released on May 5) and never once batted or played the field. He was 31-48 stealing bases, scored 33 runs and was famously picked off first in the ninth inning of a World Series game.

Point is, Mariner catcher John Buck wasn't pinch-run for in the 7th inning last night in Seattle, when he was the tying run. Deeper bullpens mean shorter benches.

2) Diamondbacks are 4-10, 1-5 at home; I'm guessing if you're around Kirk Gibson these days, its probably a bad idea to say the word "Australia", seeing how this all started with losing two games to the Dodgers down under.

1) Eight Swedish golfers have won on the PGA Tour, but none have won a major; can Jonas Blixt end the drought today? Golfer that wins will be wearing clothing that matches an ugly green sportscoat-- he expects to win.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Boston at NY Yankees
The Red Sox look to earn a split in the series tonight and come into the contest with a 6-0 record in Felix Doubront's last 6 road starts. Boston is the pick (-105) according to Dunkel, which has the Red Sox favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Boston (-105). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, APRIL 13

Game 951-952: Miami at Philadelphia (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (Alvarez) 13.725; Philadelphia (Kendrick) 15.341
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-135); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-135); Over

Game 953-954: Washington at Atlanta (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Gonzalez) 16.732; Atlanta (Harang) 15.104
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Washington (-120); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-120); Over

Game 955-956: Pittsburgh at Milwaukee (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Morton) 16.143; Milwaukee (Lohse) 15.264
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-130); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+110); Over

Game 957-958: Chicago Cubs at St. Louis (2:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Jackson) 14.354; St. Louis (Wacha) 15.941
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-240); 7
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-240); Under

Game 959-960: Colorado at San Francisco (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Chatwood) 14.861; San Francisco (Hudson) 16.332
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-170); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-170); Over

Game 961-962: LA Dodgers at Arizona (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Haren) 14.259; Arizona (Cahill) 15.326
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 9
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-115); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-105); Over

Game 963-964: Toronto at Baltimore (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Buehrle) 15.792; Baltimore (Jimenez) 14.486
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-115); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-105); Under

Game 965-966: Kansas City at Minnesota (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Vargas) 14.197; Minnesota (Correia) 14.718
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+100); Over

Game 967-968: Cleveland at Chicago White Sox (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Kluber) 14.684; White Sox (Quintana) 16.122
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-130); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-130); Over

Game 969-970: Houston at Texas (3:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Oberholtzer) 13.854; Texas (Perez) 15.421
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Texas (-180); 9
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-180); Under

Game 971-972: Oakland at Seattle (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Kazmir) 15.734; Seattle (Young) 16.809
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Oakland (-120); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+100); Over

Game 973-974: Boston at NY Yankees (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lackey) 16.035; NY Yankees (Kuroda) 14.685
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-115); 9
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-105); Over

Game 975-976: Tampa Bay at Cincinnati (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Ramos) 14.162; Cincinnati (Cingrani) 15.762
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-135); 8
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-135); Over

Game 977-978: NY Mets at LA Angels (3:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Colon) 15.532; LA Angels (Wilson) 15.104
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-150); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+130); Under

Game 927-928: Detroit at San Diego (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Scherzer) 15.690; San Diego (Ross) 14.780
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1; 6
Vegas Line: Detroit (-150); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-150); Under