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

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday, May 3

Game Score Status Pick Amount

St. Louis - 1:05 PM ET Chi. Cubs +165 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Chi. Cubs - Over 8 500

Tampa Bay - 1:05 PM ET Tampa Bay +174 500 *****
NY Yankees - Under 8.5 500

Oakland - 1:35 PM ET Boston -140 500 *****
Boston - Under 9.5 500

Baltimore - 2:10 PM ET Minnesota +117 500
Minnesota - Under 8.5 500

Seattle - 4:10 PM ET Houston +116 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Houston - Under 8 500

Chi. White Sox - 6:05 PM ET Cleveland -160 500
Cleveland - Over 8.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Short Sheet

Saturday, May 3

St Louis at Chicago Cubs, 1:05 ET
Wacha: ST LOUIS 26-3 SU revenging a loss vs opponent as a road favorite
Arrieta: CHICAGO 7-20 SU in home games after having won 2 of their last 3 games

Washington at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
Roark: WASHINGTON 4-21 SU as a road underdog of +100 to +125
Burnett: 69-35 TSR at home when the total is 7 to 8.5

San Francisco at Atlanta, 7:05 ET
Vogelsong: SAN FRANCISCO 19-31 SU after having won 4 or 5 of their last 6
Teheran: ATLANTA 17-4 SU revenging a one run loss to opponent

LA Dodgers at Miami, 7:10 ET
Maholm: 22-55 TSR in road games in night games
Turner: MIAMI 8-1 SU in home games after 3 straight games without a stolen base

Milwaukee at Cincinnati, 7:10 ET
Gallardo: MILWAUKEE 10-3 SU as a road underdog of +100 or higher
Cueto: CINCINNATI 8-20 SU after a game with a combined score of 3 runs or less

NY Mets at Colorado, 8:10 ET
Mejia: NY METS 17-11 SU in road games after batting .225 or worse over a 15 game span
Morales: COLORADO 37-53 SU after a win

Arizona at San Diego, 8:10 ET
Mccarthy: ARIZONA 5-14 SU when the total is 7 to 8.5
Kennedy: SAN DIEGO 14-5 SU after a game with a combined score of 2 runs or less

Tampa Bay at NY Yankees, 1:05 ET
Odorizzi: TAMPA BAY 43-21 UNDER after 3 or more consecutive wins
Tanaka: NY YANKEES 8-20 SU line after allowing 8 runs or more

Oakland at Boston, 1:35 ET
Milone: OAKLAND 12-6 SU as a road underdog of +125 to +175
Lester: BOSTON 4-11 SU after a win

Baltimore at Minnesota, 2:10 ET
Chen: BALTIMORE 77-46 SU after 3 straight games without a stolen base
Correia: MINNESOTA 4-16 SU in home games against AL East opponents

Seattle at Houston, 4:10 ET
Iwakuma: IWAKUMA 25-17 TSR when the total is 7 to 8.5
Keuchel: HOUSTON 12-35 SU in home games against division opponents

Chicago at Cleveland, 6:05 ET
Carroll: CHI WHITE SOX 8-25 SU as a road underdog of +125 to +150
Masterson: CLEVELAND 28-9 SU as a home favorite of -125 to -175

Detroit at Kansas City, 7:10 ET
Smyly: DETROIT 20-30 SU in road games after allowing 3 runs or less 2 straight games
Duffy: KANSAS CITY 51-30 SU when the money line is -100 to -150

Texas at LA Angels, 9:05 ET
Harrison: TEXAS 40-26 SU in road games in night games
Richards: LA ANGELS 11-17 SU in home games off a loss to a division rival as a home favorite

Toronto at Pittsburgh, 7:05 ET
Dickey: 18-10 TSR as an underdog of +100 or higher
Liriano: 9-24 TSR against AL East opponents

[StarDust Bum]

Evening Plays:


Washington - 7:05 PM ET Philadelphia -108 500
Philadelphia - Over 7.5 500

Toronto - 7:05 PM ET Toronto +117 500 *****
Pittsburgh - Over 7.5 500

San Francisco - 7:10 PM ET Atlanta -172 500
Atlanta - Under 7.5 500

Milwaukee - 7:10 PM ET Cincinnati -141 500
Cincinnati - Under 7 500

Detroit - 7:10 PM ET Kansas City +104 500 *****
Kansas City - Over 8.5 500

LA Dodgers - 7:10 PM ET LA Dodgers -117 500
Miami - Over 8.5 500

NY Mets - 8:10 PM ET NY Mets +115 500
Colorado - Over 10.5 500

Arizona - 8:40 PM ET Arizona +116 500 *****
San Diego - Under 6.5 500

Texas - 9:05 PM ET Texas +128 500 DOUBLE PLAY
LA Angels - Over 8 500

[StarDust Bum]

MLB Record as of Saturday Night :

6- 6 .......................+ 1.63

3- 3 ....................... + .83

1 - 1 ........................- 0.72

[StarDust Bum]

Cubs look to sweep Cards

May 3, 2014


St. Louis (15-16) at Chicago Cubs (11-17)

First pitch: Sunday, 8:05 p.m. ET

Sportsbook.ag Line: St. Louis -130, Chicago +110, Total: NA

An NL Central rivalry heats up on Sunday night as the Cardinals and Chicago wrap up a three-game series at Wrigley Field. The Cubs will be looking for a three-game home sweep after earning a 6-5 win on Friday and a 3-0 victory on Saturday against the Cardinals. Chicago hasn't swept anybody all season at home or on the road.

St. Louis has been one of the premier franchises in baseball for over a decade now, but has started out this season with underwhelming performances so far. The club enters the series with a 4-7 record in its past 11 games, including a home series loss to the NL Central-leading Brewers. Milwaukee took both of the first two games in extra innings while the Cardinals avoided the sweep on Wednesday with a decisive 9-3 win. They finally got their offense going in that victory, cranking out eight extra-base hits (2 HR) while getting a big performance from OF Allen Craig (4-for-5, 1 HR, 2 doubles, 3 RBI).

Overall in the series, Craig was 7-for-13 with two homers and 5 RBI, but is still hitting only .220 on the season. Chicago has continued its losing ways and is once again at the bottom of the division, but after losing four in a row, the club did win two of its final three games of April.

The Cubs offense came alive late against the Reds bullpen on Wednesday, scoring six runs over five innings against their relievers in a 9-4 victory. SS Starlin Castro (.308 BA) continued his hot season with a 3-for-4 game and leads the team with 14 RBI while tying 1B Anthony Rizzo, C Wellington Castillo and 3B Mike Olt with four homers. Sunday night should be a good pitching matchup, as St. Louis sends out RHP Lance Lynn (4-1, 3.60 ERA) and RHP Jason Hammel (4-1, 2.08 ERA) gets the call for Chicago. Coming into this series, St. Louis is 8-9 when playing on the road, but the Cubs are only 5-8 at Wrigley Field this year.

This has been a one-sided matchup since the start of 2012, with the Cardinals holding a 24-15 edge coming into this series, but are just 9-9 when playing on the road. In the first series of this year when these teams played each other, St. Louis took 2-of-3 at home.

Lance Lynn has been one of the more consistent starters in the league so far, lasting at least five innings in each of his six starts while having an impressive 40:11 K/BB ratio in 35 innings of work. He has not earned a win in his past two starts, but has pitched effectively, combining for 11.1 IP while allowing nine hits and six runs (5 ER). Over his career, Lynn has 10 appearances (9 starts) against the Cubs, going 6-3 with a 3.20 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and impressive 8.3 K/9 rate. He shut them out in his most recent outing last year, going six innings while allowing just four hits with zero walks and striking out nine Chicago hitters.

SS Starlin Castro has been in top form so far this year, and may be in line for another big game as he is 10-for-27 (.370) against Lynn in his career with three doubles, a triple and 3 RBI. C Wellington Castillo has also performed well in limited at-bats, going 4-for-6 against him with a solo homer. On the other hand, 1B Anthony Rizzo (4-for-19, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 4 K’s) and OF Nate Schierholtz (1-for-11, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 3 K’s) have had some power in the matchup, but have hit poorly otherwise.

The Cardinals’ bullpen enters this series winless (0-5), but has a respectable 3.73 ERA and an excellent 1.11 WHIP while converting 9-of-11 save chances. Closer Trevor Rosenthal (4.73 ERA, 7 saves) has been perfect in his seven save chances this season, but already has seven walks in 13.1 innings on the bump.

Jason Hammel has had better than a 4.30 ERA in just one of his previous eight seasons, but has been one of the league's biggest surprises in his first year with the Cubs, as he leads the majors in WHIP (0.69). He has thrown quality starts in all five of his outings in 2014, and has not allowed more than five hits in a game despite throwing at least 6.2 innings in each start. His control has been outstanding as well, allowing just seven free passes in 34.2 innings. Hammel’s last outing was his best so far, as he went seven scoreless innings last Sunday while allowing just three hits and two walks while striking out seven against a hot Brewers club. He’s started just two times against the Cardinals in his long career, putting together a 1-1 record with a 5.79 ERA and 1.71 WHIP, and has more walks (3) than strikeouts (2) in these poor 9.1 innings.

There are only six players on the Cardinals roster who have faced Hammel before, and they have combined to go 15-for-34 (.441) against him with two home runs, four doubles and 9 RBI, while striking out just three times. C Yadier Molina has been the best of the bunch with seven hits in 15 at-bats while going deep twice and amassing 8 RBI.

Chicago’s bullpen has been mediocre this year, as coming into their series the unit is 1-5 with a 3.62 ERA and 1.34 WHIP, while saving just 2-of-6 games. They are much worse at home though, with a 5.60 ERA and 1.64 WHIP, and have allowed seven home runs in just 35.3 frames. Hector Rondon (0.68 ERA, 1 save) looks to be the closer of choice for the Cubs now and has 15 strikeouts in his first 13.1 innings through Thursday.

[StarDust Bum]

Diamond Trends - Sunday

May 4, 2014


SU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Marlins are 0-12 since August 11, 2004 as a favorite after a loss in which they had at least five more team-left-on-base than their opponent as a dog for a net profit of $1382 when playing against.

PITCHER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- When Jose Fernandez starts the Marlins are 13-0 since April 13, 2013 at home after more strike outs than hits allowed for a net profit of $1364.

MLB BIBLE ACTIVE TREND:

-- The Indians are 17-0 (+$1,700) since 2013 as a 130+ favorite vs a team that has lost at least their last three games.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Giants are 0-12 since June 26, 2008 as a road dog after playing as a dog it is the last game of a three game series when they won the first two for a net profit of $1200 when playing against.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Brewers are 8-0 since July 14, 2013 as a dog after a loss it is the last game of the series for a net profit of $1127.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack

-- Doc Rivers makes $7M a year to coach the Clippers; he earned every penny this week, keeping a fractured franchise pasted together.

-- Vince Neil of Motley Crue is part-owner of the Jacksonville Sharks of Arena Football; Jon Bon Jovi and Gene Simmons also own AFL teams.

-- NFL should move its draft around the country, just like the NHL does.

-- California Chrome is first California-bred horse to win the Kentucky Derby since all the way back in 1962. Big day for California racing.

-- Since 2003, under is 28-16-1 in 7th game of an NBA playoff series.

-- Next article I read about the NFL Draft will be about a trade or a draft pick; I'm seriously tired of all the speculation. Enough already.

*****

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

13) I miscounted the bowls earlier this week; there will be 38 bowls, plus the new national title game, meaning 76 of 125 eligible teams will go bowling. UNLV, Penn State and Idaho are ineligible for bowl games this coming season.

12) Maryland’s basketball team has five freshmen coming in this fall, but they’ve also lost four transfers since last season ended, as they venture into the Big 14 for the first time. I still wonder if coach Mark Turgeon would’ve left Texas A&M for Maryland had he known the Terps were bolting the ACC.

11) If I was making out a major league lineup card, I’d always want my three best hitters batting 1-3, since they get the most at-bats, especially in the AL, where a position player bats ninth. Not fond of putting a lesser hitter at #2, so he can get better pitches to hit, hitting in front of the best hitter, who usually hits third. Stat mavens are arguing the best hitter should bat second. As long as the best guy bats in the first inning, to put immediate pressure on the pitcher, I’m good with that.

10) Tampa Bay starting pitchers lasted past the 6th inning twice in their last 19 games, which if it continues, will burn their bullpen out before football season starts. Grant Balfour has already thrown two innings in two games, which he never did in Oakland.

9) If I lived in Chicago, I’d be at Wrigley Field for every Friday afternoon home game; what better way to start the weekend?

8) Met starting pitchers should definitely bat ninth; they’re 0-47 this season, the worst hitting start of a season by any pitching staff since 1900.

7) In their long history, the Hawks are now 0-9 in Game 7’s that were played on the road; Atlanta was only sixth #8 seed ever to get to a Game 7, but that doesn't mean much if you don't win that seventh game

6) Lakers leaked an odd set of names as coaching possibilities; Thibodeau, Calipari, Kevin Ollie. I’m thinking Thibodeau isn’t Showtime-enough for the LA crowd. The basketball scene in LA is chaotic, with the Clippers’ mess and the Lakers in transition.

5) I'm not in favor of the Warriors firing Mark Jackson, but if they do, and all the TV types seem to think they will, how about Mike D’Antoni moving to Oakland while Jackson replaces Steve Kerr at TNT? That makes some sense; D’Antoni’s system with Curry/Thompson would be excellent.

4) Vendors at the Kentucky Derby are charging $8 for a Bud Light. One beer, not a six-pack. Sounds like the prices at Saratoga here in the summer.

3) Kansas PG Naadir Tharpe is transferring, with one year left to play, which leads us to…….

2) Kansas signing point guard recruit Ahmaad Rorie to take Tharpe’s place. Guess Mr Tharpe didn’t want to spend his senior year sharing the position with a freshman.

1) Read an article about how Doc Rivers had to spend a morning this week with non-basketball employees of the Clippers (salespeople, administrative staff), who were distraught and angry by events that were taking money out of their pockets, as lot of those sales people probably work at least partly on commission.

Hopefully the NBA can rid itself of Donald Sterling soon, and a franchise that has finally come of the NBA's best teams can provide a positive experience for fans.

Quick story you may already know: 10-12 years ago, a Clippers' assistant coach named Kim Hughes (he works for Portland now) had prostate cancer. Sterling would not pay for his medical coverage, saying, "If I do it for you, I have to do it for everyone." Four Clipper players chipped in to pay the $70,000 tab.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Milwaukee at Cincinnati
The Brewers look to bounce back from yesterday's loss to the Reds and come into today's contest with a 6-0 record in Kyle Lohse's last 6 starts as a road underdog. Milwaukee is the pick (+105) according to Dunkel, which has the Brewers favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+105). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, MAY 4

Game 901-902: Washington at Philadelphia (3:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Gonzalez) 16.334; Philadelphia (Burnett) 14.786
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Washington (-125); 7
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-125); Under

Game 903-904: LA Dodgers at Miami (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Fife) 16.697; Miami (Fernandez) 15.788
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Miami (-200); 7
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (+170); Over

Game 905-906: San Francisco at Atlanta (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Bumgarner) 15.138; Atlanta (Wood) 16.425
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-145); 7
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-145); Over

Game 907-908: Arizona at San Diego (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Miley) 14.919; San Diego (Ross) 14.341
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: San Diego (-120); 7
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+100); Under

Game 909-910: Milwaukee at Cincinnati (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Lohse) 15.407; Cincinnati (Simon) 14.210
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-125); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+105); Under

Game 911-912: NY Mets at Colorado (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Gee) 15.330; Colorado (Chacin) 16.558
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 12
Vegas Line: Colorado (-150); 10
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-150); Over

Game 913-914: St. Louis at Chicago Cubs (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Lynn) 16.057; Cubs (Hammel) 14.611
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-145); No Run Total
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-145); N/A

Game 915-916: Tampa Bay at NY Yankees (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Bedard) 15.475; NY Yankees (Sabathia) 14.480
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1; 8
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-160); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+140); Under

Game 917-918: Chicago White Sox at Cleveland (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Rienzo) 14.918; Cleveland (Kluber) 14.099
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-155); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+135); Over

Game 919-920: Oakland at Boston (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Gray) 16.762; Boston (Lackey) 15.450
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Oakland (-115); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-115); Under

Game 921-922: Seattle at Houston (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Maurer) 13.895; Houston (McHugh) 14.912
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Houston (-115); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-115); Over

Game 923-924: Detroit at Kansas City (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Verlander) 15.142; Kansas City (Vargas) 16.115
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-140); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+120); Under

Game 925-926: Baltimore at Minnesota (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Gonzalez) 15.606; Minnesota (Hughes) 14.552
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-110); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-110); Over

Game 927-928: Texas at LA Angels (3:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Darvish) 16.489; LA Angels (Skaggs) 14.827
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Texas (-120); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-120); Under

Game 929-930: Toronto at Pittsburgh (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (McGowan) 15.603; Pittsburgh (Volquez) 14.773
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-135); 8
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-135); Under

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, May 4

Hot pitchers
-- Washington won last three Gonzalez starts (1-0, 3.00).
-- Fernandez is 2-0, 1.17 in his last three starts.
-- Simon is 3-0, 2.41 in his last three starts. Lohse is 4-1, 3.27 in his last five.
-- Gee is 2-1, 0.86 in his last three starts.
-- Ross is 3-1, 3.42 in his last four starts.
-- Hammel is 4-1, 2.08 in five starts this season. Lynn is 2-1, 2.63 in his last four starts.

-- Rienzo has a 4.97 RA in two starts, but White Sox both games, scoring total of 13 runs. Kluber is 1-2, 4.43 in his last three starts.
-- Gray is 4-1, 2.20 in six starts this season. Lackey is 2-0, 1.69 in his last two starts.
-- Detroit won last four Verlander starts (3-0, 3.46). Vargas is 2-0, 2.53 in three home starts this season.
-- Hughes is 2-0, 3.43 in his last couple starts.
-- McHugh is 2-0, 0.59 in two starts for Houston.
-- Angels are 4-0 when Skaggs starts (2-0, 3.54).

Cold pitchers
-- Hernandez is 0-1, 6.86 in his last four starts.
-- Fife is making first '14 start; he was 1-2, 6.00 in his last three '13 starts.
-- Bumgarner is 0-3, 4.76 in his last three starts. Wood is 0-3, 3.86 in his last three starts.
-- Chacin is making first '14 start; he was 1-3, 6.43 in his last five '13 starts.
-- Miley is 0-2, 7.36 in his last four starts.

-- Bedard is 0-1, 6.39 in three starts this season. Sabathia is 0-2, 6.00 in two home starts this season.
-- MGonzalez is 0-1, 5.40 in his last two starts.
-- Maurer is 0-0, 3.86 in two starts this season.
-- Darvish is 0-1, 6.75 in his last couple starts.

-- Volquez is 0-2, 5.68 in his last couple starts. McGowan is 0-2, 10.29 in his last three starts.

Pitchers allowing runs in first inning:
-- GGonzalez 2-6; Hernandez 2-5
-- Fife 0-0; Fernandez 1-6
-- Bumgarner 1-6; Wood 3-6
-- Miley 2-7; Ross 2-6
-- Lohse 4-6; Simon 1-5
-- Gee 1-6; Chacin 0-0
-- Lynn 2-6; Hammel 1-5

-- Bedard 1-3; Sabathia 2-6
-- Rienzo 1-2; Kluber 2-6
-- Gray 2-6; Lackey 2-6
-- Maurer 0-2; McHugh 0-2
-- Verlander 2-6' Vargas 1-6
-- MGonzalez 1-5; Hughes 2-5
-- Darvish 0-5; Skaggs 2-4

-- McGowan 3-5; Volquez 3-5

Totals
-- Nine of last thirteen games at Wrigley Field went over.
-- Ten of thirteen Washington road games went over.
-- Seven of last eleven Cincinnati games stayed under total.
-- Eight of last ten Dodger games went over the total.
-- Seven of last eight Atlanta home games stayed under.
-- Eight of last ten Colorado games went over total.
-- Under is 6-0-2 in San Diego's last eight home games.

-- Four of last five Pittsburgh games went over total..

-- 12 of last 16 Tampa Bay games went over total.
-- Five of last seven White Sox road games went over.
-- Six of last nine games at Fenway Park went over.
-- Six of Kansas City's last seven home games went over.
-- Nine of last eleven Baltimore road games went over.
-- Six of last seven Seattle games went over the total.
-- Under is 9-3-1 in last thirteen Angel home games.

Hot teams
-- Cubs won four of their last five games.
-- Nationals won five of their last seven games.
-- Milwaukee won 12 of its 16 road games.
-- Dodgers won 12 of their 16 road games. Miami won six of its last eight home games.
-- Giants won eight of their last nine games.
-- Colorado won eight of its last ten home games.
-- Arizona won its last four road games.

-- Pirates won last two games in last at-bat, scoring 14 runs.

-- Tampa Bay won three of its last four games.
-- Red Sox won five of their last eight games.
-- Indians won six of their last seven home games.
-- Detroit won six of its last seven games.
-- Orioles won seven of their last eleven games.
-- Mariners won six of their last eight games.
-- Angels won five of their last six home games.

Cold teams
-- St Louis lost seven of its last nine road games.
-- Phillies lost four of their last six home games.
-- Cincinnati lost five of its last eight games.
-- Braves lost their last five games.
-- Mets lost last three nights, giving up 28 runs.
-- Padres lost nine of their last thirteen games.

-- Toronto lost eight of its last ten games.

-- Bronx lost three of its last four games.
-- White Sox are 5-10 on the road.
-- Oakland is 5-7 in its last twelve games.
-- Minnesota lost five of its last seven games.
-- Kansas City is 5-8 in its last thirteen games.
-- Astros lost 12 of their last 16 home games.
-- Rangers lost six of their last eight games.

Umpires
-- Wsh-Phil-- Last four Barber games went over total.
-- LA-Mia- Three of last four Bucknor games stayed under.
-- SF-Atl-- Last three Porter games stayed under total.
-- Az-SD-- Home teams won last four Rackley games.
-- Mil-Cin-- Underdogs won five of last six Wendelstedt games.
-- NY-Col-- Underdogs won four of six Schrieber games.
-- StL-Chi-- Three of four Hernandez games went over.

-- TB-NY-- Five of six Hudson games stayed under total.
-- A's-Bos-- Under is 3-1-1 in Ripperger games this year.
-- Chi-Clev-- Favorites won last four Hoberg games.
-- Sea-Hst-- All five Wegner games stayed under total.
-- Det-KC-- Home teams won last four Morales games.
-- Blt-Min-- Three of four Pattillo games stayed under.
-- Tex-LA-- Three of four Demuth games stayed under the total.

-- Tor-Pitt-- Six of seven Gibson games stayed under total.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Sunday, May 4

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

1:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. CLEVELAND
Chi White Sox are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cleveland's last 7 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox

1:05 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. NY YANKEES
Tampa Bay is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games on the road
NY Yankees are 5-11 SU in their last 16 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of NY Yankees's last 23 games at home

1:10 PM
LA DODGERS vs. MIAMI
LA Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games
Miami is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games at home

1:35 PM
OAKLAND vs. BOSTON
Oakland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Boston's last 21 games when playing at home against Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games

1:35 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing at home against San Francisco
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

1:35 PM
TORONTO vs. PITTSBURGH
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games when playing Toronto

2:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore's last 7 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Baltimore is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing Baltimore

2:10 PM
DETROIT vs. KANSAS CITY
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Detroit's last 20 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Detroit's last 24 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Kansas City's last 7 games at home
Kansas City is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit

2:10 PM
SEATTLE vs. HOUSTON
Seattle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Seattle is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Seattle
Houston is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games

3:05 PM
WASHINGTON vs. PHILADELPHIA
Washington is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Philadelphia is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Washington

3:33 PM
TEXAS vs. LA ANGELS
Texas is 9-4 SU in their last 13 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Texas's last 24 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 16 of LA Angels's last 24 games when playing Texas
LA Angels are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games when playing Texas

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

4:10 PM
NY METS vs. COLORADO
NY Mets are 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 10 of NY Mets's last 11 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games at home
Colorado is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

4:10 PM
ARIZONA vs. SAN DIEGO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona's last 7 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Diego's last 7 games when playing Arizona
San Diego is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

8:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. CHI CUBS
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 7 games on the road
St. Louis is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games when playing at home against St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games when playing St. Louis

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Sunday, May 4

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May Good Month Pitchers
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

*Buchholz, Clay • 11-5

Like the Red Sox themselves, Buchholz has not had the kind of success early in the season one might expect, with opposing teams hitting .333 against him in April. But like the weather in the Northeast, this is when the Boston right-hander starts warming up and victories follow.

*Buehrle, Mark • 13-3

Yes, the crafty Toronto lefty had a last rough outing, but he finished the first month 4-1 with a 2.16 ERA. His command since the middle of last season has been impeccable and he gives the Blue Jays a shot at a victory, literally every time out. How durable is this pitcher? Since 1980, who besides Greg Maddux has thrown 200 or more innings in 13 consecutive seasons? You just figured it out!

*Cain, Matt • 13-4 (10-0 L10)

For a pitcher making ace money like San Francisco is paying him, his career record of 93-91 does not suggest a top line hurler. However, his 3.37 lifetime ERA is certainly sharp and the fact opposing clubs have only .227 against him at least suggests he’s earning his keep. As the numbers show, Matt has been raising cane with the opposition in the second month of the season.

*Cobb, Alex • 7-3

Suffered oblique injury in April and expects to return in late May or early June.

*Gee, Dillon • 12-5

Gee’s success has never been predicated on velocity, but all his pitches have good movement and he’s been particularly effective in the front part of the season and at Citi Field. With last year’s elbow issues behind him, expect more success from him this month.

*Gonzalez, Gio • 12-3

The Washington lefty is wild enough with all of his pitches, which never allows opposing hitters to feel comfortable in the batter’s box. Throughout his career he’s always allowed fewer hits than innings pitched and his breaking pitches have featured sharp downward movement or big sweeping action. GG’s tough to get a read on as a hitter.

Greinke, Zack • 11-4

Has the complete toolbox of pitches and can throw a strike with any of them on any count. Now that Greinke’s mastered the mental aspect of pitching, he’s as good a No. 2 pitcher as there is in baseball and would an ace on most staffs.

Latos, Mat • 8-3

Had off-season knee surgery and developed elbow problems likely trying to compensate for the knee in mid-April and was shutdown. Started playing catch again at the end of April, but no specific time has been set for his return.

Leake, Mike • 8-4

Since further developing his curveball last season, this Cincinnati pitcher is no longer two bad outings away from Triple-A like in the past. He’s not been quite as good as last year to date, leaving too many pitches in the zone and has been taken yard six times already. With warmer days ahead and chance to have a better grip on the baseball, his numbers should match last year if not improve.

*Peavy, Jake • 10-4

While Peavy does not throw in the mid-90’s like he used to in San Diego, he become a smarter ball-chucker and still is averaging a punch-out per inning with Boston. Peavy still hides the ball well with his unique delivery and is expected to a real positive for Boston looking ahead.

Scherzer, Max • 12-6

The 29-year old from Missouri is picking up where he left off from his Cy Young campaign, with better than a strike out an inning and a 5-to-1 K-to-walk ratio. And remember, he turned down a $144 million offer from the Tigers. Dating back to his Arizona days, the talent was in place with all the pitches, but the confidence has grown and hanging around Justin Verlander did not hurt. Scherzer’s WHIP of 1.05 is on pace for a career-low thus far in 2014.

Vargas, Jason • 12-5

The left-hander looks far more comfortable in Kansas City than he ever did last year in his one season in Anaheim. Vargas relies a lot on deception and he’s been a magician thus far with the Royals in posting a 2.40 ERA and opponents hitting only .240 against his tosses. He’s also cashed 7 straight tickets in May.

Vogelsong, Ryan • 11-5

Since returning to the big leagues in 2011, the Giants No. 4 or 5 starter has faced the critics just waiting for him to fail. Last season he gave them plenty to chirp about and 2014 began in much the same way with a series of poor outings before a fine performance against Cleveland his last time on the mound. Let’s see if Vogelsong can build on this and has a typical May.


BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

Chacin, Jhoulys • 4-8

After hurting shoulder in spring training was shutdown. Chacin is coming of off good effort in rehab start and if all continues to go well should be back with Colorado this month. Given his past this month, this could be viewed a couple of ways.

*Fister, Doug • 4-12

Fister is slated to make one more rehab start on May 2 and if that goes well will be called up by Washington.

Garza, Matt • 3-7

While Garza’s record has never matched his ego (68-70 lifetime), he’s a steady contributor in the middle to back end of the rotation. Playing on a much improved Milwaukee club thus far in 2014, lets see if he can overcome past difficulties like he had in May previously.

*Jackson, Edwin • 4-11

If you could make the “perfect” Chicago Cubs pitcher that personifies them, Jackson is the guy. Seldom successful on any of the nine major league teams he’s played for (79-91 record); he’s an innings-eater on a bad team and is easily replaceable for a younger and less expensive pitcher, which evidently the Cubs do not have.

Lohse, Kyle • 5-12

Milwaukee has two starters that fit the “bad” mold, but Lohse has a real chance to turn the tide. Thus far he’s 4-1 and foes are swinging and missing frequently (40 K’s in 40 innings) and making feeble contact when they do strike the horsehide (.207 BA). It seems very likely his losing streak will end soon. FYI: he’s dropped 8 straight team starts in May.

Nicasio, Juan • 4-8

After making a career-high 31 starts a season ago, the Rockies righty has a 5.27 ERA to begin the year, surrendering a .300 batting average. He’ll need to fix this fast or memories of past May’s will happen again.

Nolasco, Ricky • 6-12

Nolasco used to be a bettor’s favorite on the road. Now he’s a slump-buster with a Big Gulp ERA of 6.67 and is being racked for a .347 batting average. How long will Minnesota tolerate this?

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Sunday, May 4


Hitters' wind at Yankee Stadium

According to the weather forecasts on DailyBaseballData.com, wind will blow out at Yankee Stadium to right-center field at 12 mph Sunday afternoon.

The Rays will send Erik Bedard to the mound, while CC Sabathia gets the ball for the Yankees.

The Yanks are -153 faves with a total of 9.


Mets pitchers set record starting season 0-for-46

When Jenrry Mejia grounded out to end the third inning Saturday night, he helped Mets pitchers make history. Said Mets pitchers have, at this writing, begun the 2014 season by going 0-for-46 at the plate. That's a modern-day record (i.e., from 1900 onward).


Masterson gets first win as Indians blank White Sox

Right-hander Justin Masterson was a 14-game winner last season, but through six games this season the Cleveland Indians' No. 1 starter was still looking for his first win.

Masterson's drought ended Saturday night at Progressive Field as he pitched 7 1/3 scoreless innings in a 2-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox.

"It's nice to pitch well and for us to get the win. It was a great team effort today," Masterson said.

Cleveland's opening day starter, Masterson had a record of 0-1 in his first six starts of the season. Saturday night, however, Masterson looked more like the All-Star selection he was last season.

Masterson gave up four hits, with six strikeouts and one walk.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Sunday, May 4

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

WASHINGTON (17 - 13) at PHILADELPHIA (14 - 14) - 3:05 PM
GIO GONZALEZ (L) vs. COLE HAMELS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 147-87 (+37.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Sunday since 1997.
GONZALEZ is 49-23 (+21.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 27-11 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 49-23 (+21.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 168-184 (-36.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 42-58 (-27.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
HAMELS is 13-22 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HAMELS is 0-6 (-8.6 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HAMELS is 59-55 (-24.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
HAMELS is 13-22 (-15.7 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
PHILADELPHIA is 1-1 (-0.1 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

GIO GONZALEZ vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
GONZALEZ is 5-2 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 2.66 and a WHIP of 1.145.
His team's record is 6-2 (+3.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+1.5 units)

COLE HAMELS vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
HAMELS is 15-6 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 2.58 and a WHIP of 1.078.
His team's record is 21-7 (+9.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-17. (-7.0 units)

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

LA DODGERS (18 - 13) at MIAMI (15 - 15) - 1:10 PM
STEPHEN FIFE (R) vs. JOSE FERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 40-42 (+10.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 13-5 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MIAMI is 28-17 (+16.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 13-5 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
FERNANDEZ is 22-12 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FERNANDEZ is 17-7 (+11.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FERNANDEZ is 16-3 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FERNANDEZ is 13-3 (+10.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FERNANDEZ is 22-11 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 45-28 (+17.8 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 93-148 (-41.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

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

STEPHEN FIFE vs. MIAMI since 1997
No recent starts.

JOSE FERNANDEZ vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
FERNANDEZ is 2-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.417.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.3 units)

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

SAN FRANCISCO (19 - 11) at ATLANTA (17 - 12) - 1:35 PM
MADISON BUMGARNER (L) vs. ALEX WOOD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 66-31 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 20-5 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 66-31 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 25-7 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 38-25 (+12.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 95-85 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 90-79 (+15.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-0 (+2.8 Units) against ATLANTA this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

MADISON BUMGARNER vs. ATLANTA since 1997
BUMGARNER is 3-3 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 2.93 and a WHIP of 1.070.
His team's record is 3-4 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.3 units)

ALEX WOOD vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

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

ARIZONA (11 - 22) at SAN DIEGO (13 - 18) - 4:10 PM
WADE MILEY (L) vs. TYSON ROSS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 11-22 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 11-22 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN DIEGO is 20-9 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 37-28 (+16.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 21-14 (+11.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 2-0 (+2.5 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

WADE MILEY vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
MILEY is 1-6 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 5.26 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 3-6 (-4.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-6. (-3.6 units)

TYSON ROSS vs. ARIZONA since 1997
ROSS is 1-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 2.05 and a WHIP of 0.864.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

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

MILWAUKEE (21 - 10) at CINCINNATI (14 - 16) - 4:10 PM
KYLE LOHSE (R) vs. ALFREDO SIMON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 7-24 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 81-145 (-47.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Sunday since 1997.
MILWAUKEE is 50-73 (-30.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 21-10 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 17-7 (+12.2 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 12-4 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 21-10 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 74-69 (+12.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 26-22 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 100-119 (-41.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Sunday since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 336-364 (-96.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 2-1 (+0.8 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

KYLE LOHSE vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
LOHSE is 5-4 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 2.89 and a WHIP of 1.168.
His team's record is 8-7 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-8. (-2.5 units)

ALFREDO SIMON vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
No recent starts.

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

NY METS (15 - 14) at COLORADO (19 - 13) - 4:10 PM
DILLON GEE (R) vs. JHOULYS CHACIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 27-16 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 48-46 (+20.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 19-13 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 48-46 (+20.1 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 59-58 (+18.0 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
GEE is 13-5 (+12.6 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 since 1997. (Team's Record)
GEE is 26-16 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
GEE is 25-16 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
GEE is 15-8 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 38-53 (-18.9 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against NY METS this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.2 Units)

DILLON GEE vs. COLORADO since 1997
GEE is 2-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 4.19 and a WHIP of 1.344.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

JHOULYS CHACIN vs. NY METS since 1997
CHACIN is 1-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 1.89 and a WHIP of 1.053.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

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

ST LOUIS (15 - 16) at CHICAGO CUBS (11 - 17) - 8:05 PM
LANCE LYNN (R) vs. JASON HAMMEL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 97-57 (+23.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 60-28 (+25.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 138-215 (-45.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 38-59 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 33-63 (-19.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 38-59 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 198-212 (-72.8 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 51-89 (-29.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 34-49 (-32.5 Units) against the money line in home games after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 25-51 (-23.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 140-151 (-40.7 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 658-658 (-156.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 3-2 (+2.5 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

LANCE LYNN vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
LYNN is 6-3 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.31 and a WHIP of 1.215.
His team's record is 6-3 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-6. (-4.2 units)

JASON HAMMEL vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
HAMMEL is 1-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 5.79 and a WHIP of 1.715.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

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

TAMPA BAY (14 - 17) at NY YANKEES (16 - 13) - 1:05 PM
ERIK BEDARD (L) vs. C.C. SABATHIA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BEDARD is 37-68 (-29.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 527-606 (+23.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 121-109 (-66.8 Units) against the money line in home games in May games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 3-3 (+0.9 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.2 Units)

ERIK BEDARD vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
BEDARD is 4-5 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.35 and a WHIP of 1.339.
His team's record is 6-9 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-5. (+2.7 units)

C.C. SABATHIA vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
SABATHIA is 12-13 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.71 and a WHIP of 1.219.
His team's record is 16-19 (-8.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 16-18. (-4.2 units)

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

CHI WHITE SOX (14 - 17) at CLEVELAND (13 - 17) - 1:05 PM
ANDRE RIENZO (R) vs. COREY KLUBER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 77-116 (-31.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 31-58 (-23.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 8-25 (-14.2 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 31-65 (-24.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 34-60 (-22.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 75-111 (-29.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 40-73 (-28.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 31-48 (-20.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 105-88 (+18.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 16-5 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in home games in May games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 102-85 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 63-29 (+29.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 30-42 (-24.7 Units) against the money line in home games after shutting out their opponent since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 3-3 (+0.2 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.8 Units)

ANDRE RIENZO vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
RIENZO is 0-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.09 and a WHIP of 1.727.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.4 units)

COREY KLUBER vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
KLUBER is 2-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.74 and a WHIP of 1.099.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.6 units)

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

OAKLAND (18 - 12) at BOSTON (15 - 16) - 1:35 PM
SONNY GRAY (R) vs. JOHN LACKEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 123-87 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 116-81 (+21.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 58-28 (+28.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 57-44 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 9-1 (+8.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
OAKLAND is 113-77 (+22.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 139-97 (+42.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 7-13 (-9.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 2-8 (-8.5 Units) against the money line in home games after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against OAKLAND this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

SONNY GRAY vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

JOHN LACKEY vs. OAKLAND since 1997
LACKEY is 19-6 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 2.90 and a WHIP of 1.151.
His team's record is 21-13 (+5.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 14-20. (-7.5 units)

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

SEATTLE (13 - 15) at HOUSTON (10 - 20) - 2:10 PM
BRANDON MAURER (R) vs. COLLIN MCHUGH (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 3-10 (-10.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
HOUSTON is 61-131 (-30.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 25-73 (-35.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 30-69 (-28.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 16-41 (-20.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 12-36 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 13-41 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 58-124 (-30.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 38-91 (-27.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 3-2 (+3.5 Units) against SEATTLE this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.9 Units)

BRANDON MAURER vs. HOUSTON since 1997
MAURER is 0-2 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 26.98 and a WHIP of 4.087.
His team's record is 0-2 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

COLLIN MCHUGH vs. SEATTLE since 1997
MCHUGH is 1-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.450.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

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

DETROIT (16 - 9) at KANSAS CITY (14 - 15) - 2:10 PM
JUSTIN VERLANDER (R) vs. JASON VARGAS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 21-33 (-18.0 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 85-87 (-21.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 62-52 (-20.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
VERLANDER is 20-23 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 19-22 (-19.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 11-17 (-19.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 4-11 (-16.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 46-37 (+14.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
VARGAS is 19-8 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in May games since 1997. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 8-23 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 5-12 (-9.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 4-0 (+4.2 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
VERLANDER is 16-5 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 2.85 and a WHIP of 1.163.
His team's record is 19-11 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 15-12. (+1.1 units)

JASON VARGAS vs. DETROIT since 1997
VARGAS is 2-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.96 and a WHIP of 1.239.
His team's record is 3-3 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.3 units)

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

BALTIMORE (15 - 13) at MINNESOTA (13 - 15) - 2:10 PM
MIGUEL GONZALEZ (R) vs. PHIL HUGHES (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 197-162 (+42.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 81-64 (+19.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 96-86 (+31.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 64-51 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 180-138 (+45.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 141-112 (+37.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 53-37 (+13.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 70-108 (-32.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 70-108 (-32.9 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 48-78 (-27.0 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 34-72 (-19.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA 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)

MIGUEL GONZALEZ vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
No recent starts.

PHIL HUGHES vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
HUGHES is 6-5 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 5.13 and a WHIP of 1.484.
His team's record is 9-9 (-3.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-6. (+3.7 units)

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

TEXAS (16 - 14) at LA ANGELS (15 - 14) - 3:35 PM
YU DARVISH (R) vs. TYLER SKAGGS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 113-94 (+29.9 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 421-350 (+51.7 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
TEXAS is 63-31 (+22.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 93-98 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 46-49 (-20.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 10-20 (-14.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 38-52 (-26.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 88-97 (-27.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 1-1 (+0.2 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

YU DARVISH vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
DARVISH is 6-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 3.77 and a WHIP of 1.274.
His team's record is 8-2 (+6.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-2. (+6.1 units)

TYLER SKAGGS vs. TEXAS since 1997
SKAGGS is 1-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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

TORONTO (13 - 17) at PITTSBURGH (12 - 18) - 1:35 PM
DUSTIN MCGOWAN (R) vs. EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 109-89 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 36-24 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 17-7 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 109-89 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 62-38 (+16.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against TORONTO this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.2 Units)

DUSTIN MCGOWAN vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
MCGOWAN is 1-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. TORONTO since 1997
VOLQUEZ is 0-2 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 8.16 and a WHIP of 1.884.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Sunday, May 4

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday's MLB betting cheat sheet
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Over and Then Some

The Colorado Rockies and New York Mets combined for 21 runs in a wild Saturday night showdown; that doubled the 10.5-point total while ending a streak of three straight "unders" in Coors Field games featuring a total in double digits. Colorado (-144, 10) hosts the Mets in Sunday's series finale.

Padres Spoil the Under

San Diego may be the best "under" play in the majors to date at 7-22-2, but a late rally Saturday ruined the party for "under" bettors. The Padres scored three runs in the ninth inning against visiting Arizona, falling short in a 4-3 defeat but pushing the total over 6.5.

Jose a Safe Bet at Home

No pitcher has been more of a sure bet at home over the past season-plus than Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez. The 21-year-old is a perfect 12-0 in 19 career starts at Marlins Park, while Miami has gone 17-2 against the moneyline in those outings. Miami is -170 Sunday against the visiting Dodgers.

Pitching Notes

* The Washington Nationals are an amazing 18-4 in left-hander Gio Gonzalez's last 22 starts as a road favorite, including his last three outings in Philadelphia. Gonzalez and the Nationals are a -112 fave for Sunday's game against the host Phillies.

* Texas Rangers fireballer Yu Darvish is 4-0 in his last four starts as a favorite of -120 or less. Darvish and the Rangers have a slight -114 edge for Sunday's showdown with the host Los Angeles Angels.

Hitting Notes

* Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has multi-hit efforts in five of his last six games, raising his average to .400 for the season; the Rockies are 5-1 against the moneyline and 6-0 O/U over that stretch, and are -144 favorites with the total set at 10 for Sunday's game against visiting Arizona.

* The New York Yankees lead the majors with a .289 batting average against left-handed pitching, and will look to improve that mark as a -153 home favorite in Sunday's matchup with southpaw Erik Bedard and the Tampa Bay Rays.

Total Streaks

Los Angeles Dodgers (8-1-1 O/U): The Dodgers have been hot of late, averaging better than six runs per game while winning four of their last five outings. Los Angeles faces a challenge to keep that stretch alive against Fernandez and the Marlins.

Prop of the Day

Think the Yankees will get the early jump on Bedard? Oddsmakers certainly do, making them a +135 play to lead the Rays after two innings; the Rays are a +200 longshot to own a lead after two frames.

Injury Watch

* The Toronto Blue Jays placed starter Brandon Morrow on the 60-day disabled list with a torn tendon sheath in his pitching hand. The news is a major blow to "over" bettors, as Morrow had gone 6-0 O/U this season and was "over" in 13 consecutive outings.

* Cleveland Indians outfielder Michael Bourn is expected to miss time with tightness in his left hamstring. The Indians are 6-7 and have lost 236 units so far this season with Bourn sidelined; they're -150 for Sunday's game against the visiting Chicago White Sox.

Weather Watch

* Expect plenty of offense at Fenway Park between the Boston Red Sox (+100, 8.5) and the Oakland Athletics. Teams averaged nearly 11 combined runs in 15 games last season with the wind out to right field at greater than 10 miles per hour

Umpire Stat of the Day

Under is 8-1-2 in umpire Mark Wegner's last 11 games behind home plate. Wegner will call the balls and strikes for Sunday's series finale between the Blue Jays and the host Pittsburgh Pirates.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Short Sheet

Sunday, May 4

Washington at Philadelphia, 3:05 ET
Gonzalez: 10-1 TSR as a road favorite
Hamels: 0-6 TSR in May game

LA Dodgers at Miami, 1:10 ET
Fife: LA DODGERS 11-2 UNDER in road games after a game where their bullpen blew a save
Fernandez: MIAMI 27-11 UNDER after 5 or more consecutive home games

San Francisco at Atlanta, 1:35 ET
Bumgarner: 5-13 TSR after 2 or more consecutive wins
Wood: ATLANTA 40-15 in home games after scoring 2 runs or less

Arizona at San Diego, 4:10 ET
Miley: ARIZONA 16-28 after having won 3 of their last 4 games
Ross: SAN DIEGO 11-4 revenging 2 straight home losses vs opponent

Milwaukee at Cincinnati, 4:10 ET
Lohse: 46-28 UNDER in all games
Simon: 18-7 UNDER after 3 straight games where the bullpen gave up no runs

NY Mets at Colorado, 4:10 ET
Gee: 16-10 TSR as a road underdog of +125 to +175
Chacin: COLORADO 14-4 OVER after a win

St Louis at Chicago, 8:05 ET
Lynn: ST LOUIS 60-28 after a loss
Hammel: CHICAGO CUBS 15-45 after allowing 2 runs or less

Tampa Bay at NY Yankees, 1:05 ET
Bedard: TAMPA BAY 6-19 after a loss by 6 runs or more
Sabathia: 158-57 TSR as a favorite of -150 or more

Chicago White Sox at Cleveland, 1:05 ET
Rienzo: CHI WHITE SOX 7-29 after scoring 1 run or less
Kluber: CLEVELAND 29-9 as a home favorite of -125 to -175

Oakland at Boston, 1:35 ET
Gray: OAKLAND 11-1 on the road when the total is 7 to 8.5
Lackey: BOSTON 4-11 after having won 2 of their last 3 games

Seattle at Houston, 2:10 ET
Maurer: SEATTLE 27-15 OVER after a win by 2 runs or less
Mchugh: HOUSTON 13-41 in day games

Detroit at Kansas City, 2:10 ET
Verlander: 18-22 TSR as a favorite of -110 or higher
Vargas: 19-8 TSR in May games

Baltimore at Minnesota, 2:10 ET
Gonzalez: BALTIMORE 35-23 OVER as a road underdog of +100 to +150
Hughes: MINNESOTA 9-2 OVER after a win

Texas at LA Angels, 3:35 ET
Darvish: TEXAS 63-31 against division opponents
Skaggs: LA ANGELS 17-25 after having won 3 of their last 4 games

Toronto at Pittsburgh, 1:35 ET
Mcgowan: TORONTO 42-65 when the money line is +125 to -125
Volquez: PITTSBURGH 17-7 in an inter-league game