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**Udog** · 05-31-2014, 07:40 AM

Armadillo: Saturday's six-pack

-- Red Sox beat Tampa Bay 3-2 in 10 innings; Boston had four different managers during this game; two were ejected for arguing, one was ejected when a pitcher was tossed for throwing at Evan Longoria's head.

-- Houston Astros have now won seven games in a row.

-- Six of nine players who started for Philly Friday are 34+ years old.

-- Toronto's Jose Bautista threw out a batter 9-3 going to first base on a hit for the second game in a row- that doesn't happen much.

-- Giants won in St Louis, have a 7.5-game lead in the NL West. Dodgers lost again to Pittsburgh, are 29-27, 11-16 at home.

-- Phil Mickelson is being investigated by the FBI for insider trading. Uh oh.

**********

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

13) Other than their baseball box scores, which are tremendous, ESPN’s website has been passed by CBS Sports’, in my opinion; I just think CBS' site has more interesting stories and less self-serving content. Definitely love the ESPN box scores though.

12) OK, so you spend $2B on a basketball team that is already pretty good; what changes, if any, do you make to the infrastructure of the organization? The coach is safe, for sure, the GM probably is too.

Maybe not being Donald Sterling is enough for the organization to become revitalized after a traumatic spring. Maybe the best thing to do is nothing at all, just show your employees appreciation for what they do.

11) Buffalo Bills have already sold 44,000 season tickets for this coming season, the most they’ve sold since 2010.

10) CBS replaced Tim Brando as host of its college football studio show; always thought he did a fine job and knew a ton about the college game. They replaced him with a younger (and probably cheaper) guy, which is the way of the world, I guess.

9) Arizona signed hoop coach Sean Miller to a nifty little contract extension; he gets a $500K bonus if he wins the national title, $200K if his team has a cumulative GPA of 3.0. I’d be getting me some bookworm benchwarmers to inflate the team’s GPA, but that’s just me.

8) Kyler Murray, the #1 QB recruit in the nation for next year, committed to Texas A&M, where his dad played. Good get for the Aggies, as they capitalize on the celebrity of Johnny Manziel.

7) Its not easy to hit a round ball squarely, but Astros’ slugger George Springer is the first rookie since 1937 to hit seven home runs in seven games; Rudy York was the last rookie to do that.

6) Now that Steve Masiello has his college degree and is back in good graces at Manhattan, I’m thinking Cal, Marquette, Boston College and Washington State would’ve been smarter to hire him than the guys they hired. Who really cares if the guy got his degree? His job is to coach and he’s very good at it.

5) Ole Miss coach Andy Kennedy suggested the old ABA rule be adopted, where players do not foul out, but for every foul they get after #5, the other team gets two shots and the ball. ABA’s rule was a team technical for every foul after #6, but it’s the same idea. Fans pay to watch players play; if they are in foul trouble, the fans supposedly get cheated. It makes some sense.

4) I had absolutely no idea Nolan Richardson wound up coaching in the WNBA. Wonder how he liked it. Do WNBA coaches make a lot of money?

3) Dodger OF Matt Kemp looks like he is mailing it in, that he doesn’t care anymore; other night, he struck out on a ball in the dirt and made zero effort to run to first base. None. He was obviously going to be out, but that’s not the point. Make an effort, for Pete’s sake; he is getting paid a fortune and not only have his skills declined, he doesn’t appear to care that much. Guaranteed contracts can do that to you.

2) Syracuse Orangemen played 9th-slowest tempo in America last year, which is a little surprising; their defensive possessions lasted an average of 21.1 seconds, longest in the country- they don’t pressure the ball very much, just sit back and defy teams to make long jumpers. Playing in a dome, its an effective strategy.

1) Since the Clippers fetched $2B in a sale, you wonder if the Lakers would bring back even more? I have no idea, just asking.

**Udog** · 05-31-2014, 07:45 AM

NBA
Dunkel

San Antonio at Oklahoma City
The Thunder look to stay alive in the series as they host a San Antonio team that is 1-10 ATS in its last 11 games at Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City is the pick (-3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Thunder favored by 8. Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-3 1/2). Here are all of today's playoff picks.

SATURDAY, MAY 31

Game 523-524: San Antonio at Oklahoma City (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 124.640; Oklahoma City 132.444
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 8; 203
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 3 1/2; 207
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-3 1/2); Under

NBA

Saturday, May 31

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Trend Report
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8:30 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
San Antonio is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing at home against San Antonio
Oklahoma City is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Antonio

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NBA

Saturday, May 31

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Game of the Day: Spurs at Thunder
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San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City (-3.5, 206.5)

San Antonio leads series 3-2.

The San Antonio Spurs are one victory away from returning to the NBA Finals but have a dubious streak to overcome if they are to end the Western Conference finals on Saturday. San Antonio owns a 3-2 lead in the series as it returns to Oklahoma City, where the Spurs have lost nine consecutive games dating back to March 16, 2012. The Thunder easily won Games 3 and 4 at home and look to force a Game 7 in San Antonio.

The Spurs rolled to a convincing 117-89 victory in Game 5 as the home venue continues to be the most important facet of the series. San Antonio has won its three home games by an average of 26.7 points and lost the two outings in Oklahoma City by an average of 11. Thunder star Kevin Durant isn’t looking at a Game 6 win as a mere formality despite Oklahoma City’s long home-court domination of the Spurs. “We’re guaranteed 48 more minutes,” Durant told reporters. “It’s been an up-and-down series but we’ve got to find a way to come with it in Game 6.”

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, TNT

LINE HISTORY: Oklahoma City opened as low as -3 and jump to -3.5. The total opened 206.5 and jumped to 207 before quickly dropping back down to 206.5.

INJURY WATCH: N/A

ABOUT THE SPURS: Veteran power forward Tim Duncan was back on his game with 22 points and 12 rebounds after averaging 12.5 points and seven boards in the two losses in Oklahoma City. He shot a series-best 8-of-13 from the field in Game 5 and played with an extreme level of determination. “Just wanted to put a better one on the floor and, obviously, didn’t want to go down three games in a row,” Duncan said afterward. Duncan had more room to operate inside due to the decision to stretch the floor by starting perimeter-oriented Matt Bonner over center Tiago Splitter.

ABOUT THE THUNDER: Oklahoma City’s longtime home dominance means nothing when the ball tips off in Game 6, and failing to win a 10th straight time would equate to a disappointing end to the season. The Thunder looked bad in Games 1 and 2 but bounced back, and coach Scott Brooks is at a loss to grasp the one-sided nature of each contest in the series. “It’s interesting, you really can’t explain it because both teams are really good and both teams compete, but it’s the way it is,” Brooks said after Game 5. “We have to regroup and come back better in a few days. We’ve always had a great comeback with better energy and better defensive attitude, and that’s what we’re going to have to come back with.”

TRENDS:

* Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
* Favorite is 16-5-1 ATS in the last 22 meetings.
* Spurs are 4-12-1 ATS in the last 17 meetings.
* Spurs are 1-10 ATS in the last 11 meetings in Oklahoma City.

CONSENSUS: 59 percent of bets are on Oklahoma City -2.5. 71 percent of bets are on Over 206.5

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**Udog** · 05-31-2014, 07:50 AM

WNBA
Dunkel

New York at Indiana
The Liberty (2-3) head to Indiana tonight to take on a Fever team that is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games against a team with a losing record. New York is the pick (+4) according to Dunkel, which has the Liberty favored by 2. Dunkel Pick: New York (+4). Here are all of today's WNBA picks.

SATURDAY, MAY 31

Game 601-602: New York at Indiana (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New York 109.407; Indiana 107.423
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 2; 138
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 4; 142 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New York (+4); Under

WNBA

Saturday, May 31

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. INDIANA
New York is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 15 of New York's last 23 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Indiana's last 8 games at home

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**Udog** · 05-31-2014, 08:26 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Saturday, May 31

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SAN FRANCISCO (36 - 19) at ST LOUIS (29 - 26) - 2:15 PM
MATT CAIN (R) vs. MICHAEL WACHA (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-0 (+2.8 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

MATT CAIN vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
CAIN is 3-6 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 5.84 and a WHIP of 1.413.
His team's record is 4-8 (-4.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-7. (-3.4 units)

MICHAEL WACHA vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

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NY METS (25 - 29) at PHILADELPHIA (24 - 28) - 3:05 PM
JACOB DEGROM (R) vs. KYLE KENDRICK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 53-52 (+20.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 21-15 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 53-52 (+20.6 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 97-117 (-24.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 70-88 (-23.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 45-53 (-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
PHILADELPHIA is 3-3 (-0.1 Units) against NY METS this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

JACOB DEGROM vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.

KYLE KENDRICK vs. NY METS since 1997
KENDRICK is 8-6 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.21 and a WHIP of 1.347.
His team's record is 9-8 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-7. (+2.2 units)

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ATLANTA (29 - 25) at MIAMI (28 - 26) - 4:10 PM
ERVIN SANTANA (R) vs. JACOB TURNER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SANTANA is 1-9 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MIAMI is 20-9 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MIAMI is 18-11 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 20-9 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
TURNER is 8-1 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 106-64 (+27.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 47-32 (+13.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 4-3 (+1.5 Units) against ATLANTA this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.6 Units)

ERVIN SANTANA vs. MIAMI since 1997
SANTANA is 0-2 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 5.95 and a WHIP of 1.729.
His team's record is 0-4 (-6.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

JACOB TURNER vs. ATLANTA since 1997
TURNER is 1-2 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.80 and a WHIP of 1.352.
His team's record is 1-3 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.1 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (19 - 33) at MILWAUKEE (33 - 22) - 4:10 PM
JASON HAMMEL (R) vs. WILY PERALTA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 85-130 (-26.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 36-68 (-20.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 39-67 (-23.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 85-130 (-26.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 13-29 (-14.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 40-75 (-20.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 33-22 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 33-22 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 81-78 (+9.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HAMMEL is 10-4 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HAMMEL is 9-3 (+7.3 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MILWAUKEE is 19-36 (-20.3 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 13-24 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 4-3 (+0.4 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

JASON HAMMEL vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
HAMMEL is 4-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.219.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.1 units)

WILY PERALTA vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
PERALTA is 2-3 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.22 and a WHIP of 1.321.
His team's record is 2-4 (-2.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-1. (+2.7 units)

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PITTSBURGH (25 - 29) at LA DODGERS (29 - 27) - 7:15 PM
BRANDON CUMPTON (R) vs. HYUN-JIN RYU (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 237-463 (-98.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
RYU is 20-9 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
RYU is 14-3 (+9.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 122-100 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 49-35 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 122-100 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 81-57 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 11-16 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
LA DODGERS are 24-32 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 11-16 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

BRANDON CUMPTON vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
CUMPTON is 0-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.600.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

HYUN-JIN RYU vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
RYU is 1-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 2.84 and a WHIP of 0.790.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.2 units)

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CINCINNATI (24 - 29) at ARIZONA (23 - 34) - 10:10 PM
JOHNNY CUETO (R) vs. BRANDON MCCARTHY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 56-59 (-20.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 669-743 (+53.4 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 606-687 (+37.4 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 434-484 (+31.1 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 483-533 (+45.3 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 374-324 (+64.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
ARIZONA is 9-18 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ARIZONA is 9-18 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 68-71 (-22.7 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 43-51 (-22.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
MCCARTHY is 2-9 (-8.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
MCCARTHY is 5-13 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MCCARTHY is 2-9 (-8.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)

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

JOHNNY CUETO vs. ARIZONA since 1997
CUETO is 5-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 2.98 and a WHIP of 1.110.
His team's record is 6-1 (+5.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-5. (-3.2 units)

BRANDON MCCARTHY vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
MCCARTHY is 0-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 27.04 and a WHIP of 3.863.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)

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KANSAS CITY (26 - 28) at TORONTO (32 - 24) - 1:05 PM
AARON BROOKS (R) vs. MARCUS STROMAN (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 4-1 (+3.4 Units) against TORONTO this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

AARON BROOKS vs. TORONTO since 1997
No recent starts.

MARCUS STROMAN vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

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MINNESOTA (25 - 27) at NY YANKEES (28 - 25) - 1:05 PM
KEVIN CORREIA (R) vs. MASAHIRO TANAKA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 43-29 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 25-23 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 43-53 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CORREIA is 101-98 (+24.3 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 48-38 (+17.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 99-96 (+23.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 123-114 (-71.7 Units) against the money line in home games in May games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 1-0 (+1.3 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

KEVIN CORREIA vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.

MASAHIRO TANAKA vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
No recent starts.

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BALTIMORE (26 - 27) at HOUSTON (24 - 32) - 4:10 PM
CHRIS TILLMAN (R) vs. DALLAS KEUCHEL (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 184-308 (-102.6 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 208-176 (+40.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 103-94 (+32.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 39-29 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 188-152 (+39.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 99-76 (+29.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
TILLMAN is 30-15 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 7-1 (+7.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 26-14 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 13-4 (+9.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 30-79 (-35.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 36-72 (-25.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 18-43 (-20.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 36-72 (-25.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 3-2 (+1.8 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.9 Units)

CHRIS TILLMAN vs. HOUSTON since 1997
TILLMAN is 1-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

DALLAS KEUCHEL vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
KEUCHEL is 1-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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TAMPA BAY (23 - 32) at BOSTON (25 - 29) - 7:15 PM
JAKE ODORIZZI (R) vs. RUBBY DE LA ROSA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 23-32 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 15-22 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 531-613 (+19.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997.
BOSTON is 25-30 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 13-18 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BOSTON is 44-47 (-19.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 10-18 (-11.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BOSTON is 13-18 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 70-69 (-20.7 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 13-23 (-14.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 479-359 (-58.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.
BOSTON is 6-13 (-9.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 5-2 (+3.1 Units) against BOSTON this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

JAKE ODORIZZI vs. BOSTON since 1997
ODORIZZI is 0-0 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 1.54 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.1 units)

RUBBY DE LA ROSA vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.

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LA ANGELS (30 - 24) at OAKLAND (33 - 22) - 10:05 PM
TYLER SKAGGS (L) vs. TOM MILONE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 42-57 (-28.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 100-106 (-26.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 75-81 (-22.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 45-64 (-20.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 131-91 (+22.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 119-74 (+27.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 126-83 (+26.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 79-51 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 137-88 (+43.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 58-42 (+16.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MILONE is 29-15 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 719-703 (+65.8 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 17-6 (+10.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 3-1 (+2.0 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.8 Units)

TYLER SKAGGS vs. OAKLAND since 1997
SKAGGS is 0-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.667.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.4 units)

TOM MILONE vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
MILONE is 5-2 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.17 and a WHIP of 1.390.
His team's record is 5-3 (+3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+2.0 units)

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

DETROIT (31 - 20) at SEATTLE (26 - 28) - 10:10 PM
DREW SMYLY (L) vs. CHRIS YOUNG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 12-16 (-11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
DETROIT is 13-5 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 48-60 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 106-121 (-46.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday since 1997.
SEATTLE is 48-60 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 33-43 (-19.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.

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

DREW SMYLY vs. SEATTLE since 1997
SMYLY is 0-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 0.667.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

CHRIS YOUNG vs. DETROIT since 1997
YOUNG is 0-0 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 1.80 and a WHIP of 0.867.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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TEXAS (28 - 27) at WASHINGTON (26 - 27) - 12:05 PM
NICK TEPESCH (R) vs. DOUG FISTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 90-61 (+29.2 Units) against the money line in home games in an inter-league game since 1997.
TEXAS is 8-2 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in road games in day games this season.
WASHINGTON is 112-103 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 5-11 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 35-38 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 112-103 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 78-77 (-19.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 9-16 (-11.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
WASHINGTON is 37-50 (-17.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

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

NICK TEPESCH vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.

DOUG FISTER vs. TEXAS since 1997
FISTER is 4-4 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 5.28 and a WHIP of 1.402.
His team's record is 4-6 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-3. (+1.7 units)

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SAN DIEGO (25 - 30) at CHI WHITE SOX (28 - 28) - 2:10 PM
TYSON ROSS (R) vs. ANDRE RIENZO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
RIENZO is 6-1 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
RIENZO is 6-1 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
CHI WHITE SOX are 91-127 (-25.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 36-49 (-18.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 0-8 (-8.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 46-78 (-25.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 40-55 (-17.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

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

TYSON ROSS vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
ROSS is 1-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 2.46 and a WHIP of 0.955.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

ANDRE RIENZO vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.

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COLORADO (28 - 26) at CLEVELAND (25 - 30) - 3:05 PM
FRANKLIN MORALES (L) vs. TREVOR BAUER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 171-247 (-54.2 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
COLORADO is 559-856 (-153.6 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
COLORADO is 91-177 (-67.5 Units) against the money line in road games in May games since 1997.
COLORADO is 12-33 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 45-54 (-17.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 117-101 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 67-42 (+18.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 23-10 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in home games in May games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 67-42 (+18.1 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 45-22 (+18.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 17-8 (+10.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

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

FRANKLIN MORALES vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
MORALES is 0-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 5.07 and a WHIP of 1.126.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

TREVOR BAUER vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

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**Udog** · 05-31-2014, 08:32 AM

MLB

Saturday, May 31

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Trend Report
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12:05 PM
TEXAS vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Texas's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Washington is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games

1:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. NY YANKEES
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
Minnesota is 7-18 SU in their last 25 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 3-8 SU in their last 11 games at home
NY Yankees are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota

1:07 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. TORONTO
Kansas City is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Kansas City is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing at home against Kansas City

2:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. CHI WHITE SOX
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games when playing San Diego

2:15 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. ST. LOUIS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games
San Francisco is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of St. Louis's last 7 games when playing San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games at home

3:05 PM
NY METS vs. PHILADELPHIA
NY Mets are 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of NY Mets's last 8 games
Philadelphia is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing NY Mets
Philadelphia is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against NY Mets

3:05 PM
COLORADO vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Colorado's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Colorado's last 10 games on the road
Cleveland is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing Colorado

4:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. HOUSTON
Baltimore is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Baltimore is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Houston is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing at home against Baltimore

4:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. MILWAUKEE
Chi Cubs are 4-15 SU in their last 19 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Chi Cubs are 4-9 SU in their last 13 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 15-4 SU in their last 19 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games at home

4:10 PM
ATLANTA vs. MIAMI
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 8 games
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Miami is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Miami is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games at home

7:15 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. BOSTON
Tampa Bay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Tampa Bay is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Boston's last 20 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
Boston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay

7:15 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. LA DODGERS
Pittsburgh is 6-16 SU in their last 22 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 8 of LA Dodgers's last 10 games at home
LA Dodgers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games at home

10:05 PM
LA ANGELS vs. OAKLAND
LA Angels are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Oakland
The total has gone OVER in 9 of LA Angels's last 11 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Oakland is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Oakland's last 11 games when playing at home against LA Angels

10:10 PM
CINCINNATI vs. ARIZONA
Cincinnati is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Cincinnati is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games on the road
Arizona is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Cincinnati
Arizona is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home

10:10 PM
DETROIT vs. SEATTLE
Detroit is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games on the road
Seattle is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
Seattle is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit

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**Udog** · 05-31-2014, 08:36 AM

MLB

Saturday, May 31

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MLB Midweek Series – Five Key Takeaways
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It is time to once again round the bases of the MLB Weekday Series from Point Blank range, isolating key edges that can put you far ahead of the game in the days ahead.

Dodgers – Josh Beckett, and what’s next

While Beckett’s no-hitter at Philadelphia on Sunday certainly came as a surprise, he has been around long enough that not many will be in a hurry to adjust their power ratings. He is not going to be considered a “find”. If anything, there are some metrics that will lead some in the marketplace to want to play against him, with a .211 BABIP and 85.4 percent LOB rate that are extreme baseball fortune through his nine starts, and especially on Friday, off of those 128 no-no pitches. But there is genuinely something good going on here that shows evidence of being sustainable, which will matter over the course of the season.

Beckett was on a Hall of Fame arc until 2010, when injuries began to take a toll. Injuries can wreck the career of a pitcher in The Show, and after he underwent surgery last July for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (a rib was removed that had been pressuring a nerve), the Dodgers were not entirely optimistic (hence, Dan Haren and Paul Maholm). But Beckett worked hard to rehab, and his velocity counts show him to be at full health – his last pitch that struck out Chase Utley on Sunday was clocked at 94 mph. Not bad, as the 128th offering.

Here is the key – because of a couple of trips to the DL, Beckett only worked 534 1/3 innings from 2010-2013. In that same span, there were 21 starters that worked over 800, and Beckett’s count checks in at #85. Could that lighter workload have actually enhanced his ability to pitch longer into his career, instead of the injuries short-circuiting it? It is an intriguing notion. And from a statistical standpoint it might be savvy to hit “delete” for 2013, with his last five starts tangling up data-bases with an 0-3/6.75 when he was clearly damaged goods (as a rule of thumb, bad outings by a pitcher before he goes on the DL need to be discounted in your data-bases).

Beckett has a lot of savvy on the mound, including the pressure of 13 post-season starts at 7-3/3.07. That understanding has him using his curveball more, and his sinker less, at this stage, and while the draining pitch count at Philadelphia could be a short-term issue, the confidence gained from that outing could be a major plus over time. Yes, the ensuing BABIBP and LOB rates will not allow his ERA to stay where it is. But there is another statistical takeaway that adds legitimacy to what he has accomplished so far – of the 108 pitchers that have worked 50 IP or more, his difficulty of batters faced (“DBF”) is #3. He has faced a collective OPS of .744, with only six teams posting a mark above that.

Red Sox – John Lackey, and another tale of Beckett

No, this is not going to be a tale of the Red Sox right-hander in a “Waiting for Godot” scenario, but instead a comparison with Josh Beckett, because there is much in common, and each could bring some value over the course of the summer. Both are veteran right-handers with a lot of savvy through their experience (Lackey has 104 innings over 19 post-season appearances), but may have had the rare fortune of injuries pro-longing their careers, instead of shortening hem. And again there is a case of discarding some counter-productive statistics from a time in which someone was pitching hurt, in order to have a better database.

Lackey’s career could have been over after 2011, a 12-12/6.41 campaign for the Red Sox that should have ended much earlier than it did – an elbow that was going to need Tommy John surgery had nothing left down the stretch, with an 0-3/8.22 over his last six starts that was keyed by 43 hits vs. only 17 K’s. Highlight those games in your data-base, then hit delete, because they do not measure his ability in any meaningful way.

Going through rehab at the age of 33 is not easy. But Lackey did that in 2012, and for as arduous as those processes are, at the same time it was saving his arm from a year of MLB innings. He was slow out of the gate in his 2013 return, opening 1-4/4.05, but then regained the form of his best years, and it was capped by a 2.77 over 25 post-season frames. Counting that October run he is at 3.39 over 286 IP since his return, with 249 K’s vs. only 60 walks. Only once in his 10 pre-surgery seasons did he sport a lower ERA.

The key is that there is evidence that Lackey may be getting even better. His K’s-per-9 are at 8.5 so far, compared to a career 6.8. His walks-per-9 are 1.8, vs. a 3.0 previously. A .322 BABIP tells us that there has not been any geometry in his allowance, although that does factor this misfortunate of pitching in front of a Boston defense that is dead last at .318 in the category. And he has been doing this against a high level of competition – of the 50 pitchers that have thrown at least 50 IP, his DBF is #18. The latter lends added weight to a current xFIP of 3.13 that is a career best, yet something the markets are not appreciating.

Rays – Evan Longoria’s power decline

The Rays have made this column several times already, all for the wrong reasons, and it has added up to a 23-31 mark through the first third of the season. Much of that has been about the injuries that hampered the starting rotation in the early going, which was forcing Joe Madden to deftly juggle his bullpen, and also to occasionally have to use David Price too long in games (his follow-ups from high pitch counts remain problematical). The last thing they needed were problems at the plate, and while the good news is that Ben Zobrist returns this weekend, the bad is that Longoria’s power has been missing.

Longoria was sensational in 2013, a .269/.343/.498, with 32 home runs, plus superb defense. It was a Top 10 campaign among position players through just about any of the advanced WAR-type metrics. At only 28 entering this season, one could make a case that his best was still ahead. But at the one-third mark of the 2014 schedule here are the numbers - .264/.325/.377, with only five HR’s. The .264 would be his career low, despite being amped a bit by a .319 BABIP. The on-base is far below his career .355, with a 7.7 percent walk rate drastically off of the 10.7 precedent.

But the real issue is the power. Longoria’s career SLG’s have been .531, .526, .507, .495, .527 and .498. That is a model of consistently, so the current .377 is a cause for alarm this deep into a season – slap hitters like Brett Gardner (.384) and Dee Gordon (.378 to Thursday) are right above him! And it is not as though there have been any recent positive signs – he has one extra base hit, a solo HR, over his last 17 games, and outside of that blast only one other rbi.

Longoria is not protected well by a mediocre lineup, but the problem with that conventional thinking is the walk rate – one would expect it to be higher, as pitchers worked around him. It isn’t. The power drainage comes from the nature of his contact to this point. While his line drive rate has been solid, the 44.8 percent ground-balls are a career high (no other season above 39.1), while the 32.1 percent fly-balls are by far a career low, with no other season below 40.5. Those tables bear watching closely – until there is more elevation, those power counts are going to remain low. And the Rays simply can’t afford that these days.

Marlins – Steve Cishek (quietly) rolls on

Even without Jose Fernandez the Marlins have a legitimate chance to hang around in the N.L. East, largely because the Braves lack the punch, and the Nationals the health, to establish any distance in the standings. And with Memorial Day having passed it is time to look at a guy that will make a significant difference in their playoff chase, yet one that remains remarkably under the radar.

Memorial Day was used as the reference point, because it was at that time last season that Cishek settled in to his groove, and what a groove is has been – over a full 162-game cycle he has worked to a 1.41 tune, with 40 saves in 42 chances. If you do that in an individual season you are in the Cy Young race; do it over a different calendar cycle and not many notice.

Cishek’s career allowance is now at 2.41 over 206 appearances, backed up by three prime peripherals – a 9.6 K’s-per-9; 52.8 percent ground ball rate; and only 0.3 HR’s-per-9, at a 4.3 ratio of HR’s per FB. Consider where that puts him - of the pitchers that have worked at least 200 innings since he came up in 2010, how many others have more than 9.0 K’s-per-9 and a GB rate over 50 percent? Only Johnny Venters. Yes, the HR rates might seem to be outliers, but his style could keep it at that level – of 81 batters faced this season there have only been 14 fly ball outs. It is tough to square the ball up against him and get it in the air.

The Marlins are not a deep team, and as such there is not much margin for error – 11 of their wins have come by a single run. But while they can make them appearing unimposing, the ability of Cishek to cement those close wins needs to be factored carefully in your processes.

Royals – The Hitting Coach Carousel

Early in the season there was a take here on the continued lack of development of the Kansas City offense, despite having a cluster of talented young players all come up through the system around the same time (http://www.***********/articles/arti...?theArt=368665). After 52 games of continued misery at the plate it was time for a change on Thursday, with hitting coach Pedro Grifol being “reassigned”, and Dale Sveum promoted to the role. That continued a bizarre shuffle that makes Sveum the sixth to take on that role since the end of the end of the 2012 season, when Kevin Seitzer was fired. And it almost assuredly has played a part in the lack of development of those young hitters.

First note that the firing of Seitzer not only started the chain reaction, but may have been the worst move of all. His current job? Hitting coach in Toronto, where the Blue Jays are bashing the ball better than anyone else in the Majors. There was some concern when the OPS fell off from .744 (#7) to #.716 (#15) from 2011 to 2012, which led to his dismissal, but since then it has been a free fall – the Royals only managed a .694 LY, rating #21, and so far this season they are tied for #29 at .659, with a .352 SLG that is dead last.

Kansas City is not just last in HR’s with 22, but last by a wide margin. Salvador Perez leads the team with five; 93 other players have that many. And Sveum understands where the problem is, as he told the Kansas City Star – “Elevation. We’ve swung at pitches down in the zone way too much. And from thigh high to the top of the strike zone, we’re not doing enough damage.” The numbers back that up – while they do have the best strikeout rate in the Majors (only 15.3 percent), it has come from putting too many ground-balls into play, a 49.6 rate (only Pittsburgh has done it at a higher clip).

How much difference can Sveum make? Having been a manager he is aware of how massaging egos is a big part of the process. But with so many different hitting coaches over such a short cycle, it is going to take a lot of skill to sort through what has been baseball chaos. Perhaps some of these players are not as bad as they have shown, but the team simply has not created the atmosphere for development. This will be a good place to focus your handicapping microscopic as the season progresses.

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**Udog** · 05-31-2014, 08:40 AM

MLB
Dunkel

Atlanta at Miami
The Marlins look to bounce back from their 3-2 loss to the Braves last night as they host an Atlanta team that is 0-5 in its last 5 games after allowing 2 runs or less in the previous game. Miami is the pick (+100) according to Dunkel, which has the Marlins favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Miami (+100). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, MAY 31

Game 951-952: San Francisco at St. Louis (2:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Petit) 14.823; St. Louis (Wacha) 16.321
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-150); 7
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-150); Over

Game 953-954: NY Mets at Philadelphia (3:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (deGrom) 13.676; Philadelphia (Kendrick) 15.286
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-130); 8
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-130); Under

Game 955-956: Atlanta at Miami (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Santana) 14.773; Miami (Turner) 16.036
Dunkel Line: Miami by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-120); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+100); Over

Game 957-958: Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Hammel) 15.576; Milwaukee (Peralta) 14.549
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-150); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+130); Under

Game 959-960: Pittsburgh at LA Dodgers (7:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Cumpton) 15.498; LA Dodgers (Ryu) 14.648
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1; 6
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-160); 7
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+140); Under

Game 961-962: Cincinnati at Arizona (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Cueto) 15.378; Arizona (McCarthy) 14.826
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-115); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-115); Over

Game 963-964: Kansas City at Toronto (1:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Brooks) 15.871; Toronto (Stroman) 15.266
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 965-966: Minnesota at NY Yankees (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Correia) 15.155; NY Yankees (Tanaka) 16.789
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-250); 8
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-250); Over

Game 967-968: Baltimore at Houston (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Tillman) 15.886; Houston (Keuchel) 15.148
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Houston (-125); 8
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+105); Under

Game 969-970: Tampa Bay at Boston (7:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Odorizzi) 14.773; Boston (De La Rosa) 15.263
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Boston (-115); 9
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-115); Over

Game 971-972: LA Angels at Oakland (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Skaggs) 16.198; Oakland (Milone) 14.479
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Oakland (-130); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (+110); Under

Game 973-974: Detroit at Seattle (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Smyly) 15.683; Seattle (Young) 14.679
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Detroit (-135); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-135); Over

Game 975-976: Texas at Washington (12:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Tepesch) 15.403; Washington (Fister) 14.676
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Washington (-145); 7
Dunkel Pick: Texas (+125); Over

Game 977-978: San Diego at Chicago White Sox (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Ross) 14.558; White Sox (Rienzo) 15.621
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+100); Under

Game 979-980: Colorado at Cleveland (3:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Morales) 13.903; Cleveland (Bauer) 15.429
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-120); Under

**Udog** · 05-31-2014, 08:44 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, May 31

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SAN ANTONIO (73 - 26) at OKLAHOMA CITY (69 - 31) - 5/31/2014, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) in road games against Northwest division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 103-86 ATS (+8.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 88-72 ATS (+8.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 56-40 ATS (+12.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 34-18 ATS (+14.2 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 53-46 ATS (+2.4 Units) in all games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 69-50 ATS (+14.0 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 52-35 ATS (+13.5 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 89-69 ATS (+13.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 14-7 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 13-9 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
12 of 22 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WNBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, May 31

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

NEW YORK (2 - 3) at INDIANA (2 - 3) - 5/31/2014, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 5-4 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 6-3 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**Udog** · 05-31-2014, 09:40 AM

MLB

Saturday, May 31

Underdogs solid against the runline Friday

It was another good night to back underdogs against the runline in major league baseball action Friday.

Underdogs put up a solid 10-5 record against the runline last night, good for a success rate of almost 67 percent. Road dogs were a serviceable 7-4, but home dogs were even better, going 3-1.

Underdogs are coming in at just about 62 percent against the runline for the season.

Athletics 1B Brandon Moss, questionable Saturday

Moss left Friday's game with tightness in his right calf and is questionable to play Saturday against the Angels.

NBA

Saturday, May 31

Heat advance to Finals, make it 10 straight ATS for faves

The Miami Heat dominated the Indiana Pacers 117-92 in Game 6 Friday night, easily covering the 8-point spread and extending the hot streak of favorites in the conference finals.

Thanks to the big win, the Heat not only advanced to their fourth straight NBA Finals, they made it 10 wins row for favorites against the spread in both conference finals. Favorites are now 10-1 ATS in the conference finals with the lone loss being when Miami lost to Indiana in Game 1 as slight 1.5 point faves.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are hoping to keep the trend alive as they host the San Antonio Spurs in Game 6 Saturday night as 3.5-point faves. They trail the series 3 games to 2.

NHL

Saturday, May 31

Blackhawks force a Game 7 versus the Kings

There is no quit in this team.

The defending Stanley Cup champions proved that once again when they traveled to the hostile environs of Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday night and skated away with a scintillating 4-3 victory over the Kings in Game 6 of the Western Conference finals.

The triumph was the Hawks' second consecutive in the series when facing elimination and tied the best-of-seven slate at 3-3 with Game 7 scheduled for Sunday night at the United Center.

Patrick Kane continued his amazing run of clutch goals with the game-winner late in the third period as the Hawks denied the Kings a date with the Rangers in the Stanley Cup Final and kept their own hopes alive of becoming the first team since the 1998 Red Wings to repeat as Cup champions.

**The Game** · 05-31-2014, 10:01 AM

Must read for me everyday. Keep up the great work!!!

**Udog** · 05-31-2014, 11:31 AM

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, May 31

Hot pitchers
-- Wacha is 1-0, 2.25 in his last three starts.
-- deGrom has a 1.83 RA but no wins in his first three MLB starts.
-- Peralta has a 1.97 RA but only one win in his last five starts.
-- Ryu is 2-0, 3.38 in two starts since coming off the DL.

-- Tanaka is 4-1, 2.57 in his last five starts.
-- Odorizzi is 1-1, 1.66 in his last four starts.
-- Keuchel is 4-0, 1.31 in his last four starts.
-- Milone is 3-0, 1.03 in his last four starts.

-- Tepesch is 2-0, 2.95 in three starts. Fister is 1-1, 1.86 in his last three starts.
-- Ross is 2-1, 2.77 in his last four starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Petit is 0-1, 10.68 in his last three starts.
-- Kendrick is 1-3, 4.55 in his last five starts.
-- Santana is 0-2, 9.00 in his last three starts. Turner is 1-2, 5.61 in six starts.
-- Hammel is 1-2, 4.86 in his last three starts.
-- Cumpton is 0-1, 3.86 in three starts this year.
-- Cueto is 0-2, 9.26 in his last couple starts. McCarthy is 0-1, 5.40 in his last four starts.

-- Brooks is making first MLB start; he was 4-1, 3.12 in seven AAA starts; he allowed six runs in two IP in his only MLB appearance. Stroman is also making his first MLB start; he was 2-4, 3.03 in seven AAA starts- he's allowed ten runs in 6.1 IP in five relief appearances.
-- Correia is 1-3, 6.65 in his last four starts.
-- Tillman is 0-0, 18.90 in his last two starts.
-- de la Rosa is making first '14 start; he was 2-3, 3.04 in ten AAA starts. In 2011, he was 4-5, 3.71 in 11 big league starts- this is his first start since then.
-- Skaggs is 1-1, 4.95 in his last three starts.
-- Young is 1-2, 4.58 in his last three starts. Smyly is 0-2, 5.49 in his lst four.

-- Rienzo is 1-1, 4.67 in his last three starts.
-- Morales is 0-3, 7.06 in his last four starts. Bauer is 1-2, 4.41 in three starts.

Pitchers allowing runs in first inning:
-- Petit 1-4; Wacha 3-11
-- DeGrom 0-3; Kendrick 5-10 (4 of last 5)
-- Santana 3-9; Turner 2-6
-- Hammel 1-10; Peralta 1-10
-- Cumpton 0-3; Ryu 1-9
-- Cueto 1-11; McCarthy 2-11

-- Brooks 0-0; Stroman 0-0
-- Correia 2-10; Tanaka 2-10
-- Tillman 5-11 (5 of last 6); Keuchel 1-10
-- Odorizzi 0-10; de la Rosa 0-0
-- Skaggs 5-9; Milone 4-9
-- Smyly 3-7; Young 2-9

-- Tepesch 1-3; Fister 2-4
-- Ross 3-11; Rienzo 2-7
-- Morales 2-10; Bauer 2-3

Totals
-- Six of Mets' last eight games stayed under total.
-- Under is 6-2-1 in last nine Atlanta road games.
-- Nine of last thirteen Cub games stayed under total.
-- Five of six Wacha home starts went over total.
-- 12 of last 16 Arizona games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last ten Dodger home games went over; eight of last ten Pirate road games stayed under.

-- Last four Bronx home games stayed under total.
-- Over is 7-4-1 in last twelve Kansas City games.
-- 11 of last 14 Boston home games stayed under.
-- Four of last six Baltimore road games went over.
-- Over is 9-4-1 in last fourteen Oakland home games.
-- Ten of last twelve Detroit games went over total.

-- Under is 5-2-1 in last eight Washington games.
-- Three of last four Colorado games went over the total.
-- Eight of last ten White Sox home games stayed under.

Hot teams
-- Mets won three of their last four games.
-- Milwaukee won seven of its last nine home games.
-- Giants won eight of their last nine games.
-- Arizona won five of its last seven home games.
-- Pittsburgh won seven of its last ten games.

-- Red Sox won their last five games, after losing previous ten.
-- Toronto won seven of its last nine home games, but lost last two.
-- Houston won its last seven games.
-- Angels are 7-0 in game following their last seven losses.

-- Rangers won seven of their last ten games.
-- White Sox won seven of their last eleven games.

Cold teams
-- Phillies lost six of their last ten games.
-- Braves lost five of their last seven games. Miami lost three of its last four home games.
-- Cubs lost ten of their last fourteen road games.
-- Cardinals lost four of their last five games.
-- Reds lost eight of their last thirteen games.
-- Dodgers are 7-12 in their last 19 home games.

-- Twins lost six of their last eight games. Bronx lost eight of last 11 at home.
-- Tampa Bay lost its last six away games.
-- Kansas City lost four of its last six games, but won last two.
-- Orioles lost eight of their last nine road games.
-- Oakland lost six of its last nine games.
-- Detroit lost eight of its last twelve games. Mariners are 5-8 in their last 13 home games.

-- Nationals lost six of their last eight games.
-- Colorado lost six of its last eight games. Cleveland lost five of last seven.
-- Padres are 0-6 in game following their last six wins.

Umpires
-- SF-StL-- Five of seven Pattillo games stayed under total.
-- NY-Phil-- Seven of ten Hudson games stayed under total.
-- Atl-Mia-- Underdogs won four of last seven Wolcott games.
-- Chi-Mil-- Over is 55-36 in Campos games, since 2008.
-- Pitt-LA-- Over is 6-1-1 in last eight Cooper games.
-- Cin-Az-- Last four Danley games stayed under total.

-- KC-Tor-- Home side won seven of last nine Morales games.
-- Min-NY-- Underdogs won six of seven Wolf games.
-- Blt-Hst-- Under is 6-1-1 in last eight Fletcher games.
-- TB-Bos-- Five of six Woodring games went over total.
-- LA-A's-- Underdogs are 5-4 in last nine Knight games.
-- Det-Sea-- Over is 4-0-1 in last five Estabrook games.

-- Tex-Wsh-- Five of last seven Diaz games went over total.
-- SD-Chi-- Over is 7-4 in HGibson games this season.
-- Col-Cle-- Eight of last ten Davidson games stayed under.

**Udog** · 05-31-2014, 11:33 AM

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, May 31

Oklahoma City is 6-3 vs Spurs this year, 6-1 when Ibaka plays, 0-2 if he does not; Spurs shot 39.6%/39.8% in their two losses, 58-50-51% in the three wins, two of which came with Ibaka out. OC has now won 12 of last 17 games with San Antonio, is 9-0 in last nine series games played here. Ten of last thirteen series games, including last four in row, stayed under total. Home team covered ten of eleven games in this round of the playoffs so far. Spurs scored 122-112-117 in its series wins, 97-92 in its losses, with home side winning/covering all five series games.

Over is 47-36 in playoffs this season, 5-6 in this round..
Favorites are 34-49 in playoffs this season, 10-1 in this round.

**Udog** · 05-31-2014, 01:37 PM

MLB
Short Sheet

Saturday, May 31

San Francisco at St Louis, 2:15 ET
Cain: SAN FRANCISCO 17-10 against the money line in road games
Wacha: ST LOUIS 79-58 OVER in day games

NY Mets at Philadelphia, 3:05 ET
Degrom: NY METS 17-9 in road games after a one run loss
Kendrick: PHILADELPHIA 1-9 in home games after having won 2 of their last 3 games

Atlanta at Miami, 4:10 ET
Santana: ATLANTA 22-30 on the road with a money line of -100 to -150
Turner: MIAMI 20-9 in home games

Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee, 4:10 ET
Hammel: 10-4 TSR in road day games
Peralta: MILWAUKEE 13-24 in home day games

Pittsburgh at LA Dodgers, 7:15 ET
Cumpton: PITTSBURGH 29-16 after a game with a combined score of 4 runs or less
Ryu: LA DODGERS 11-16 in home games

Cincinnati at Arizona, 10:10 ET
Cueto: CINCINNATI 31-18 OVER after a win by 2 runs or less
McCarthy: ARIZONA 20-12 OVER after a loss

Kansas City at Toronto, 1:05 ET
Brooks: KANSAS CITY 3-10 after 2 straight games where they committed no errors
Stroman: TORONTO 13-4 OVER as a home favorite

Minnesota at NY Yankees, 1:05 ET
Correia: MINNESOTA 123-76 UNDER as an underdog of +175 to +250
Tanaka: NY YANKEES 71-47 UNDER in home games against right-handed starters

Baltimore at Houston, 4:10 ET
Tillman: 7-0 TSR in road games against AL West opponents
Keuchel: HOUSTON 7-26 in home games after scoring 3 runs or less 2 straight games

Tampa Bay at Boston, 7:15 ET
Odorizzi: 1-8 TSR when the total is 8.5 to 10
De La Rosa: BOSTON 59-37 UNDER as an underdog of +100 to +150

LA Angels at Oakland, 10:05 ET
Skaggs: LA ANGELS 49-31 OVER as an underdog
Milone: OAKLAND 58-44 OVER against division opponents

Detroit at Seattle, 10:10 ET
Smyly: DETROIT 70-44 UNDER after allowing 4 runs or less 3 straight games
Young: 26-11 UNDER in home games after a loss

Texas at Washington, 12:05 ET
Tepesch: TEXAS 8-2 in road day games
Fister: WASHINGTON 9-16 after a win

San Diego at Chicago White Sox, 2:10 ET
Ross: SAN DIEGO 4-13 after having won 2 of their last 3 games
Rienzo: 6-1 TSR as an underdog

Colorado at Cleveland, 3:05 ET
Morales: COLORADO 12-33 in an inter-league game
Bauer: CLEVELAND 42-15 as a favorite of -125 to -175

**Udog** · 05-31-2014, 01:39 PM

NBA
Short Sheet

Saturday, May 31

San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder, 8:35 ET
San Antonio: 34-21 UNDER in road games after a game where they covered the spread
Oklahoma City: 9-0 UNDER in home games revenging a blowout loss vs opponent of 20 points or more

Announcement

Saturday's Trends and Indexes - 5/31 (MLB, NBA, NHL, WNBA Misc.)

Saturday's Trends and Indexes - 5/31 (MLB, NBA, NHL, WNBA Misc.)

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