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

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

-- Former Texas football coach Mack Brown is joining ESPN as an analyst.

-- NBA Finals are back to a 2-2-1-1-1 format, after years of 2-3-2.

-- Mets/Phillies played 14-14-11 innings the last three days. Puts a lot of strain on both pitching staffs, with teams playing again on Monday.

-- Last time teams played consecutive 14+ inning games against each other was in 2003, when Indians-Pirates did it.

-- Phillies lost seven of Cole Hamels' eight starts this season.

-- In Chris Sale's last four starts, opposing hitters are 4-78 against him.


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Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports weekend.........

13) Los Angeles Kings win Game 7 in OT at Chicago; they're first team in NHL history to get to the NHL Finals after winning three seven-game series.

12) Nothing in sports is as dramatic as overtime in Game 7 of an NHL series.

11) There was an earthquake (3.8) in the Los Angeles near the end of the hockey game; ESPN announcers at the Pirate-Dodger game said they didn't feel it.

10) Think about Milwaukee Bucks selling for $550M, the Clippers for $2B; only three years ago, the Philadelphia 76ers sold for $280M. What a bargain.

9) I'm not fond of Phillies batting Ben Revere leadoff; he's walked four times in 194 plate appearances. Leadoff hitters have to get on-base. Revere's OB% is .299.

8) Former LSU backup QB Hayden Rettig is transferring, leaving Les Miles with only two QBs on his roster; Philip Rivers' brother also transferred out of Baton Rouge earlier this spring. Rettig could wind up at Boston College, where his brother Chase just graduated after playing QB for the Eagles.

7) Kyle Lohse is 7-1, 2.60 this season, headed to the All-Star Game; he threw a 93-pitch complete game against the Cubs Sunday.

6) Under was 14-1 in the Brewers' first 15 home games this season; it is 3-11-1 in the last fifteen games at Miller Park. Go figure.

5) TCU beat San Houston State in 22 innings in the NCAA baseball tournament late Saturday night; both teams lose there-- lot of strain on the pitchers.

4) Dr James Andrews probably cringed when he heard that the kid who threw 99 pitches for Sam Houston Saturday also pitched in relief Sunday. Oy.

3) Hideki Matsuyama birdied 18th hole at Muirfield Village all four days of the Memorial tournament, first-ever player in 39 years to do that, but his par on 18 on the first playoff hole won him his first tournament on American soil.

2) Matsuyama broke his driver teeing off on 18 first time he played it Sunday, he used a 3-wood on the playoff hole. Kevin Na then hit his tee ball in the water, which was the deciding mistake in the tournament.

1) PGA Tour was saying yesterday that this week was the first time in the last 40 years that the final twosome on a Sunday (Bubba Watson/Scott Langley) were both lefthanded. Neither played very well Sunday.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Boston at Cleveland
The Red Sox head to Cleveland tonight to open a series against a Cleveland team that is 1-7 in Justin Masterson's last 8 starts versus AL East opponents. Boston is the pick (-120) according to Dunkel, which has the Red Sox favored by 2. Dunkel Pick: Boston (-120). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, JUNE 2

Game 951-952: Pittsburgh at San Diego (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Morton) 17.129; San Diego (Stauffer) 14.697
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 2 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego (-110); 7
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-110); Over

Game 953-954: Boston at Cleveland (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lackey) 15.916; Cleveland (Masterson) 13.731
Dunkel Line: Boston by 2; 7
Vegas Line: Boston (-120); 8
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-120); Under

Game 955-956: Tampa Bay at Miami (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Cobb) 18.143; Miami (Wolf) 15.125
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 3; 7
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-150); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-150); Under

Game 957-958: Minnesota at Milwaukee (7:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Gibson) 16.881; Milwaukee (Garza) 15.996
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-150); 8
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+130); Over

Game 959-960: Kansas City at St. Louis (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Duffy) 17.616; St. Louis (Miller) 16.769
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 8
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-150); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+130); Over

Game 961-962: Chicago White Sox at LA Dodgers (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Quintana) 15.680; LA Dodgers (Kershaw) 16.738
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1; 6
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-210); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-210); Under

Game 963-964: NY Mets at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Colon) 16.289; Philadelphia (Hernandez) 15.353
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-110); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-110); Over

Game 965-966: Seattle at NY Yankees (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Hernandez) 15.860; NY Yankees (Phelps) 14.196
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Seattle (-130); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-130); Under

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, June 2

Hot pitchers
-- Colon is 2-0, 1.86 in his last three starts. RHernandez is 1-1, 1.85 in his last four outings.

-- FHernandez is 4-0, 2.30 in his last four starts.
-- Lackey is 2-1, 2.81 in his last four starts.

-- Gibson is 1-1, 3.00 in his last three starts.
-- Cobb is 1-1, 2.05 in his last four starts.
-- Kershaw is 1-1, 2.07 in his last two starts. Quintana is 2-2, 3.16 in his last five starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Morton is 1-3, 4.50 in his last four starts. Stauffer is 1-1, 11.81 in his two starts this season.

-- Phelps is 0-2, 4.85 in his last two starts.
-- Masterson is 0-3, 5.89 in his last four starts.

-- Garza is 0-1, 5.76 in his last four starts.
-- Wolf allowed six runs in five IP in his first '14 start.
-- Miller/Duffy are both 0-2, 9.90 in their last two starts.

Pitchers allowing runs in first inning:
-- Lackey 3-11; Masterson 2-11
-- Hernandez 1-12; Phelps 0-5

-- Colon 3-11; Hernandez 4-9
-- Morton 2-11; Stauffer 1-2

-- Gibson 3-10; Garza 5-11
-- Cobb 1-5; Wolf 1-1
-- Quintana 1-11; Kershaw 2-6
-- Duffy 1-5; Miller 0-11

Totals
-- Seven of last ten Met games stayed under total.
-- Under is 8-4 in Pittsburgh's last twelve road games.

-- Eight of last nine Cleveland home games went over; last five Boston games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 5-0-1 in last six Bronx home games.

-- Last six games at Miller Park went over the total.
-- Eight of last eleven Tampa Bay road games stayed under.
-- Four of last five St Louis games went over the total.
-- Ten of last twelve Dodger home games went over total.

Hot teams
-- Mets won five of their last six games.
-- Pittsburgh won three of its last four games.

-- Cleveland won its last six home games. Red Sox won last seven games, after losing their previous ten.
-- Mariners are 8-3 in their last eleven series openers.

-- Brewers won four of their last five games.
-- White Sox are 8-5 in their last thirteen games.

Cold teams
-- Phillies lost three of their last four games.
-- Padres are 5-8 in their last thirteen games.

-- Bronx lost nine of its last thirteen home games.

-- Marlins lost their last four home games. Tampa Bay lost its last eight games on foreign soil.
-- Minnesota lost seven of its last ten games.
-- Cardinals lost four of their last five games. Kansas City lost five of its last seven games.
-- Dodgers are 8-13 in their last 21 home games.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Monday, June 2

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Trend Report
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7:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 6 games on the road
Seattle is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
NY Yankees are 4-9 SU in their last 13 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of NY Yankees's last 17 games

7:05 PM
NY METS vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone OVER in 18 of NY Mets's last 25 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
NY Mets are 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 18 of Philadelphia's last 25 games when playing at home against NY Mets

7:05 PM
BOSTON vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Boston's last 8 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Cleveland's last 8 games when playing Boston
Cleveland is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Boston

7:10 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. MIAMI
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing Miami
Tampa Bay is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami
Miami is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
Miami is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games at home

7:20 PM
MINNESOTA vs. MILWAUKEE
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:15 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. ST. LOUIS
Kansas City is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing St. Louis
Kansas City is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games at home
St. Louis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home

10:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. LA DODGERS
Chi White Sox are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Chi White Sox's last 8 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 7 of LA Dodgers's last 8 games when playing Chi White Sox
LA Dodgers are 5-12 SU in their last 17 games when playing Chi White Sox

10:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. SAN DIEGO
Pittsburgh is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Pittsburgh's last 12 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games
San Diego is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Monday, June 2

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Game of the Day: Mariners at Yankees
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Seattle Mariners at New York Yankees (+123, 7.5)

Felix Hernandez attempts to continue his stellar pitching as the Seattle Mariners return to New York for one contest against the Yankees on Monday to make up a rained-out game from April 30. Hernandez has won four consecutive starts and fared well in six previous outings at the new Yankee Stadium with a 4-1 mark and 1.18 ERA. Former New York star Robinson Cano (hand) has missed Seattle’s past four games and is questionable for Monday.

The Yankees suffered a devastating loss on Sunday as closer David Robertson blew his second save of the season and Minnesota scored six times in the ninth for a 7-2 victory. New York lost both home games against the Mariners earlier this season when the fans booed Cano every time he batted. Seattle took two of three from the Detroit Tigers over the weekend at home and is making the cameo in New York prior to playing two games in Atlanta and four more at the Tampa Bay Rays.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle), YES (New York)

LINE MOVES: The Yankees opened as +111 home dogs and are currently +123. The total is 7.5.

INJURY REPORT: Mariners - 2B Robinson Cano (Questionable, illness). Yankees - 1B Mark Teixeira (Questionable, wrist), RF Carlos Beltran (Indefinitely, elbow).

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (7-1, 2.57 ERA) vs. Yankees RH David Phelps (1-2, 3.38)

Hernandez has worked eight or more innings in each of his last three starts, allowing only four runs and 16 hits during the stretch. He struck out nine and gave up one run and four hits in 8 2/3 innings against the Los Angeles Angels in his last turn. Hernandez is 8-5 with a 2.89 ERA and two shutouts in 16 career starts against the Yankees.

Phelps has lost consecutive starts to the Chicago White Sox and St. Louis. He gave up five runs (three earned) and eight hits in six innings against the Cardinals on Tuesday in his last turn. Phelps is 1-0 with a 1.23 ERA in two career appearances (one start) against Seattle.

TRENDS:

* Mariners are 4-0 in the last four meetings in New York.
* Under is 15-4-2 in the last 21 meetings.
* Mariners are 5-0 in Hernandezs last five starts as a favorite.
* Yankees are 0-7 in their last seven games as a home underdog.

CONSENSUS: Fifty-five percent of wagers on Consensus are on the Mariners.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Monday, June 2


Thunderstorms, high winds could affect Indians/BoSox matchup

High winds and scattered thunderstorms are heading to Progressive Field for Monday's meeting between the Cleveland Indians and the Boston Red Sox.

Forecasts are calling for a 60 percent of precipitation at gametime with gusts of up to 14 mph. The wind will be blowing out to right field, giving hitters a boost and pitchers a headache.

Veteran John Lackey (6-3, 3.27 ERA) gets the start for Boston facing off against Cleveland's Justin Masterson (2-4, 5.21 ERA).

The Red Sox are currently -115 faves with a total of eight.


Abreu set to return to White Sox

ose Abreu's impending return could not be better timed for the Chicago White Sox.

Abreu is expected to be activated from the 15-day disabled list on Monday, the first day he is eligible to return after missing time due to posterior tibia tendonitis in his left ankle. It would be silly to assume Abreu will pick up where he left off before his ankle became more than a nuisance.

Abreu, who named the American League player and rookie of the month for April, was hitting .260 with 15 home runs and 42 RBIs when he landed on the DL. The Cuban slugger gets a nice welcome back to the lineup gift too. He will get to face Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw on Monday.


Mike Trout, LA Angels - Ques Tues

Trout is dealing with a stiff back and did not play Sunday. He is questionable for Tuesday against the Astros.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, June 2

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PITTSBURGH (26 - 30) at SAN DIEGO (26 - 31) - 10:10 PM
CHARLIE MORTON (R) vs. TIM STAUFFER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 123-101 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 18-9 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 123-101 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 82-58 (+19.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 102-85 (+15.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

CHARLIE MORTON vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
MORTON is 2-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 1.33 and a WHIP of 0.935.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-3. (-3.0 units)

TIM STAUFFER vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
STAUFFER is 0-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 2.667.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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BOSTON (27 - 29) at CLEVELAND (27 - 30) - 7:05 PM
JOHN LACKEY (R) vs. JUSTIN MASTERSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 14-23 (-13.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 119-101 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 69-42 (+20.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 113-95 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 47-22 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 67-36 (+25.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 111-112 (-41.4 Units) against the money line in home games in June games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

JOHN LACKEY vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
LACKEY is 7-7 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.98 and a WHIP of 1.399.
His team's record is 9-8 (-2.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-8. (-2.5 units)

JUSTIN MASTERSON vs. BOSTON since 1997
MASTERSON is 3-3 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.23 and a WHIP of 1.142.
His team's record is 4-3 (+3.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-1. (+3.9 units)

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TAMPA BAY (23 - 34) at MIAMI (28 - 28) - 7:10 PM
ALEX COBB (R) vs. RANDY WOLF (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 23-34 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 15-23 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 2-11 (-11.0 Units) against the money line after getting shut out over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 13-21 (-11.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MIAMI is 20-11 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MIAMI is 20-11 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
MIAMI is 103-159 (-41.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

ALEX COBB vs. MIAMI since 1997
COBB is 2-0 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 1.35 and a WHIP of 0.600.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

RANDY WOLF vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
WOLF is 0-2 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 6.58 and a WHIP of 1.756.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.3 units)

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MINNESOTA (26 - 28) at MILWAUKEE (34 - 23) - 7:20 PM
KYLE GIBSON (R) vs. MATT GARZA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 34-23 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 34-23 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 22-13 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 82-79 (+9.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 35-32 (+15.7 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 44-54 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

KYLE GIBSON vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
No recent starts.

MATT GARZA vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
GARZA is 0-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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KANSAS CITY (26 - 30) at ST LOUIS (30 - 27) - 8:10 PM
DANNY DUFFY (L) vs. SHELBY MILLER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 68-31 (+29.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 73-28 (+27.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 33-23 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 55-46 (+14.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 27-35 (-18.4 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

DANNY DUFFY vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
DUFFY is 0-0 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.90 and a WHIP of 1.907.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

SHELBY MILLER vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

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CHI WHITE SOX (29 - 29) at LA DODGERS (30 - 28) - 10:10 PM
JOSE QUINTANA (L) vs. CLAYTON KERSHAW (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 92-128 (-25.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 9-19 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 20-16 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 353-348 (+35.3 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
LA DODGERS are 12-17 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
LA DODGERS are 12-17 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
KERSHAW is 6-9 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

JOSE QUINTANA vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
QUINTANA is 0-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.625.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
KERSHAW is 0-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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NY METS (27 - 29) at PHILADELPHIA (24 - 30) - 7:05 PM
BARTOLO COLON (R) vs. ROBERTO HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 55-52 (+22.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 55-52 (+22.8 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 63-64 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 30-22 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
COLON is 40-25 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLON is 32-15 (+15.0 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 since 1997. (Team's Record)
COLON is 19-11 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLON is 9-1 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLON is 39-25 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLON is 14-3 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 97-119 (-26.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 95-97 (-25.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 22-35 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 97-117 (-24.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 70-89 (-24.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 45-55 (-19.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
HERNANDEZ is 6-14 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 5-3 (+1.9 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

BARTOLO COLON vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
COLON is 1-2 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 4.65 and a WHIP of 1.452.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.5 units)

ROBERTO HERNANDEZ vs. NY METS since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 0-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 1.80 and a WHIP of 1.800.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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SEATTLE (28 - 28) at NY YANKEES (29 - 26) - 7:05 PM
FELIX HERNANDEZ (R) vs. DAVID PHELPS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HERNANDEZ is 24-30 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 2-0 (+3.0 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.0 Units)

FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 8-5 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 2.89 and a WHIP of 1.257.
His team's record is 9-7 (+3.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-10. (-5.7 units)

DAVID PHELPS vs. SEATTLE since 1997
PHELPS is 0-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Monday, June 2

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Monday's MLB betting cheat sheet: Marlins struggling at home
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Mets Rally to Push (Again)

The New York Mets once again left totals bettors frustrated, rallying for two runs in the ninth while allowing one of their own to settle for a push in a 4-3 win over Philadelphia. The Mets already have 10 pushes in 2014; only two teams reached double digits (Miami, New York Yankees) all of last season.

Marlins Swimming in Reverse

Miami began the season as one of the hottest moneyline and Over plays at home, but those numbers have cooled of late. The Marlins are 1-4 SU and 1-3-1 O/U in their last five games at Marlins Park entering Monday's home tilt with the in-state rival Tampa Bay Rays (-142, 7.5).

Kershaw Comes Through

Clayton Kershaw is the favorite of the night on Monday's eight-game sked, coming in at -207 as his Dodgers face Jose Quintana and the Chicago White Sox. Kershaw has been dominant in the role, allowing just three earned runs in his last four starts as a fave of -185 or better.

Pitching Notes

* Cleveland right-hander Justin Masterson has struggled as an underdog of late, going 0-4 in his last five starts in the role. Masterson and the Indians (+103, 8) open a three-game set Monday afternoon against his former team, the Boston Red Sox.

* Seattle hurler Felix Hernandez has quelled one of the league's stronger Over trends, allowing just two runs over his last two starts to go 0-1-1 O/U following six straight Overs. Hernandez and the Mariners (-129, 7.5) visit the New York Yankees on Monday.

Hitting Notes

* Minnesota star Joe Mauer looked like a shell of his former self in May, batting just .258 with a .290 OBP for the month. That contributed to the Twins' 11-17-1 O/U record for May, a trend they hope to see halted as they visit the Milwaukee Brewers (-155, 8).

* Philadelphia first baseman Ryan Howard is heating up, with four homers and 14 RBIs over his last seven games. The Phillies are 6-5 S/U and 7-2-2 O/U in games where Howard goes deep entering Monday's showdown with the visiting Mets (-105, 7.5).

Totals Streak

Boston Red Sox (0-5 O/U): Boston has followed a nine-game losing skid with a seven-game winning streak on the strength of some sensational pitching. The Red Sox have allowed just six runs over their last five games, including a sweep of Tampa Bay in which the Rays scored just three times.

Prop of the Day

The St. Louis Cardinals could be a strong play at +800 to beat the Kansas City Royals by exactly three runs. The Cardinals are 11-5 against their geographical rivals over the past three seasons, with four of the last seven victories coming by three runs.

Injury Notes

* Baltimore Orioles outfielder Nelson Cruz is considered day-to-day after he was hit in the hand by a pitch Sunday. Cruz leads the majors with 20 home runs; the Orioles are 9-9 S/U and 11-7 O/U in games in which Cruz has gone deep at least once.

* Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout is expected to return Tuesday from a back injury after sitting out the entire weekend. The Angels were 1-1 S/U, 1-1 O/U and +100 units without Trout, who has three homers and 10 RBIs over his last nine games.

Weather Watch

* The wind at Yankee Stadium will be blowing out to left field at 10 mph for Monday's game between the Yankees and Mariners. Teams averaged 8.6 runs and a whopping 3.6 homers in five games under similar wind conditions last season.

Umpire Note of the Day

Under is 12-3-1 in umpire Doug Edding's last 16 games behind home plate. Eddings will call the balls and strikes for Monday's series finale between the Mets and Phillies.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Short Sheet

Monday, June 2

Pittsburgh at San Diego, 10:10 ET
Morton: 15-36 TSR as an underdog of +100 to +150
Stauffer: SAN DIEGO after scoring 1 run or less

Boston at Cleveland, 7:05 ET
Lackey: 16-5 UNDER in road games
Masterson: 13-6 UNDER after 2 or more consecutive wins

Tampa Bay at Miami, 7:10 ET
Tampa Bay: TAMPA BAY 6-13 after 2 straight games where they committed no errors
Miami: 23-9 TSR at home when the total is 7.5 or less

Minnesota at Milwaukee, 7:20 ET
Gibson: MINNESOTA 20-9 OVER as an underdog of +125 to +175
Garza: MILWAUKEE 32-18 OVER as a favorite of -150 or more

Kansas City at St Louis, 8:10 ET
Duffy: KANSAS CITY 42-20 UNDER as a road underdog
Miller: ST LOUIS 51-28 UNDER in home games against AL Central opponents

CHI White Sox at LA Dodgers, 8:10 ET
Quintana: CHI WHITE SOX 3-12 after having won 4 or 5 of their last 6 games
Kershaw: LA DODGERS 17-5 OVER as a home favorite

NY Mets at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
Colon: 32-15 TSR on the road with a money line of -100 to -125
Hernandez: 6-14 TSR in night games

Seattle at NY Yankees, 7:05 ET
Hernandez: SEATTLE 3-18 after allowing 2 runs or less 2 straight games
Phelps: NY YANKEES 12-4 after scoring 2 runs or less

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Record As of Sunday Night :

*****....................+1.12

DOUBLE PLAY............+4.74

TRIPLE PLAY.............-3.78


Monday, June 2

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Boston - 7:05 PM ET Boston -115 500 *****
Cleveland - Under 8 500

NY Mets - 7:05 PM ET Philadelphia -108 500
Philadelphia - Under 7.5 500

Seattle - 7:05 PM ET Seattle -132 500 DOUBLE PLAY
NY Yankees - Over 7.5 500

Tampa Bay - 7:10 PM ET Miami +131 500
Miami - Under 7.5 500

Minnesota - 7:20 PM ET Minnesota +140 500 *****
Milwaukee - Under 8 500

Kansas City - 8:10 PM ET Kansas City +136 500 DOUBLE PLAY
St. Louis - Over 7.5 500

Chi. White Sox - 10:10 PM ET Chi. White Sox +192 500 TRIPLE PLAY
LA Dodgers - Under 6.5 500

Pittsburgh - 10:10 PM ET Pittsburgh +101 500 *****
San Diego - Over 7 500

[StarDust Bum]

San Francisco at Cincinnati

Time: 07:10 P.M. EST

Venue: Great American Ball Park


Homer Bailey's last start against the San Francisco Giants ended with his Cincinnati Reds celebrating the second no-hitter of his career and a victory over Tim Lincecum.

The right-handers will meet again Tuesday night in Cincinnati to begin a three-game series, and it's Lincecum who has most recently displayed unhittable stuff.

Lincecum (4-3, 4.18 ERA), who followed Bailey with a no-hitter 11 days later July 13, made it through five innings without issuing a hit in Wednesday's 5-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs. He walked four and didn't get the decision, getting removed with the no-hitter intact after throwing 96 pitches and developing a blister.

The two-time NL Cy Young Award winner has gone 2-1 with a 2.19 ERA and 26 strikeouts in his last four starts, though his control has been poor with 17 walks in 24 2-3 innings.

Heading into his next start, he's less concerned with the blister than the strike zone.

"The blister is something I can't control, but my pitch count is something I can," Lincecum told the team's official website.

While he's gotten away with it in recent outings, he hasn't been as fortunate against the Reds with a 0-3 record and 8.65 ERA in five starts. After watching Bailey's no-hitter July 2 in Cincinnati, Lincecum lost a third straight start against the Reds on July 22, allowing eight runs in 3 2-3 innings of an 11-0 loss.

After Sunday's 8-0 victory in St. Louis, the MLB-leading Giants (37-20) have won five of six thanks in part to the rotation posting a 1.17 ERA.

San Francisco's offense has also excelled, as the club scored at least five runs for the fourth time in five games. The Giants are third in the NL with 250 runs.

Pablo Sandoval extended his hitting streak to 12 on Sunday while Buster Posey went 3 for 5 after suffering through a 5-for-45 stretch in his final 12 games in May.

Since last homering May 3, Posey has one extra-base hit in 19 contests. He had missed three games with tightness in his lower back before collecting three singles.

"I feel pretty good," Posey said. "Hopefully, it is something I can manage."

San Francisco was without Michael Morse after he fouled a ball off his left foot in batting practice, but he's expected back in the lineup against the Reds (26-29).

Cincinnati is after a season-best four-game winning streak and has won 10 of the last 11 meetings with the Giants at Great American Ball Park.

Cincinnati's pitching has also been strong lately. Including Bailey's last start, the Reds have won four of five with a 2.25 ERA.

That stretch began Wednesday with Bailey (5-3, 5.04) allowing two runs in seven innings of a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Bailey has gone 2-0 with a 4.26 ERA in six starts against the Giants. The no-hitter included one walk and nine strikeouts after he posted a 6.56 ERA in his previous four starts in the series.

Posey is 0 for 8 against Bailey, while Sandoval is 3 for 14 and Hunter Pence 2 for 14. Pence, though, is 10 for his last 16 against Cincinnati.

The Reds won the final three games of a four-game set in Arizona, taking Sunday's contest by a 4-3 score. The run has followed a four-game losing streak that saw the Reds dip to a season-worst six games under .500.

"You have to show a little gusto, and I think we've been doing that," third baseman Todd Frazier said after hitting his 10th home run. "The energy is there, the fun is starting to come back. We're just happy we're playing good ball right now."

Cincinnati's Billy Hamilton was out of the lineup Sunday with a sore right elbow, but the center fielder expects to return to the lineup against the Giants.

Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco is hitting .462 with two home runs and eight RBIs in 26 career at-bats against San Francisco.

[StarDust Bum]

Toronto at Detroit

Time: 07:08 P.M. EST

Venue: Comerica Park

Although most of Detroit's heralded rotation has been scuffling, Anibal Sanchez is enjoying his best stretch since coming off the disabled list for the Tigers.

Now he'll try to contain one of baseball's top offensive clubs for the second time in as many starts.

The powerful Toronto Blue Jays look to extend an outstanding stretch with their 17th victory in 21 games Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game set between first-place clubs at Comerica Park.

Detroit starters have posted a 6.78 ERA while the team has dropped 10 of 14, but Sanchez (2-2, 2.49 ERA) has gone 2-0 with a 1.77 ERA in three starts since missing three weeks due to a blister on his right middle finger.

Sanchez pitched well Wednesday against an Oakland team which leads the majors with 296 runs, allowing only one run and three hits with a season-high nine strikeouts over 8 1-3 innings. The bullpen, however, couldn't hold his one-run lead in the ninth as the Athletics rallied for a 3-1 victory.

The right-hander will try to put up another strong performance versus Toronto (34-24), which is second in the majors with 291 runs and leads baseball with 82 homers. The Blue Jays have also averaged 5.8 runs and hit .310 with 23 homers while winning 11 of 13.

Sanchez just might be equipped to handle the AL East leaders since he's yet to allow a homer in his eight starts.

"We'll have to keep the ball down, mix up speeds and hopefully keep them off-balance enough so we can score more runs than them," former Blue Jays outfielder Rajai Davis told the team's official website.

Sanchez has given up three earned runs with 14 strikeouts over 13 2-3 innings to win his last two starts against the Blue Jays. Melky Cabrera has gone 10 for 18 when facing Sanchez and is 14 for 29 in his last seven games versus Detroit (31-22).

Edwin Encarnacion, 3 for 10 with a homer off Sanchez, hit his 19th home run in Sunday's 4-0 victory over visiting Kansas City. Encarnacion finished one shy of the major league record for home runs in a month with 16 in May.

Toronto starter Drew Hutchison (4-3, 3.88) should be well-rested after having his start pushed back two days after the club recalled Marcus Stroman for his first big-league start Sunday.

Though he didn't have his best stuff, the right-hander picked up his third straight win last Monday after surrendering five runs over five innings in a 10-5 home win over Tampa Bay.

"It was just one of those games you have to grind through," Hutchison said. "But I've been keeping my normal routine, with a few tweaks, and I'll be ready to take the ball on Tuesday."

Hutchison has never faced the AL Central leaders, though he's pitched well with a 3-1 record and 2.33 ERA in seven road starts.

Detroit totaled 20 runs and batted .213 during a 3-4 road swing that concluded with Sunday's 4-0 loss at Seattle. Ian Kinsler (4 for 32), Austin Jackson (3 for 29) and Alex Avila (2 for 28) are among the slumping Tigers.

Miguel Cabrera, however, is batting .404 with four homers and 14 RBIs in his last 16 contests. The star slugger went 7 for 14 with a home run to help Detroit take two of three against visiting Toronto from April 9-11, 2013.

The Tigers have won the season series in each of the last three years, including 5-2 in 2013.

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday's Interleague Action

June 3, 2014

Since the start of last season with the Astros moving to the American League, interleague play takes place every day. At this point of the season, every team has taken part in at least one series against the opposite league, as five interleague series are currently ongoing. We’ll take a look at who’s been the best and worst when battling these unfamiliar opponents.

The Best

Pretty much every California team has dominated in interleague play so far, with four of the five Golden State clubs putting together terrific records.

Giants: 6-0
Brewers: 8-2
Angels: 6-2
Dodgers: 5-1
Athletics: 3-0

Of these four squads, the Dodgers are currently the only team playing an interleague series, coming off a 5-2 victory over the White Sox on Monday as a -200 home favorite. The Giants face the Athletics in a Bay Area showdown from July 7 through July 10, while the Freeway Series between the Dodgers and Angels will commence from August 4 through August 7.

The Worst

Phillies: 1-8
Twins: 2-7
Tigers: 2-4
Braves: 0-4

The Twins dropped their seventh interleague game in nine tries in Monday’s blowout loss at Milwaukee. Minnesota has faced the class of the National League in its seven losses, facing Milwaukee, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, while the only two victories came against the offensive-challenged Padres. The Phillies won their first interleague game in the season opener at Texas, but have lost eight straight to American League opponents, including four to Toronto. Philadelphia doesn’t face another AL team until early August when the Phillies host the Astros.

Tonight’s action

Mariners at Braves – 7:05 PM EST

Probable Pitchers:
SEA: Ramirez (1-4, 6.00 ERA)
ATL: Floyd (0-2, 2.37 ERA)

What to watch for: The Mariners are playing their third game in their third different city after beating the Tigers at home on Sunday and the Yankees in New York last night. The Braves return home following a three-game sweep of the Marlins in South Florida, but Atlanta has failed to win an interleague game in four tries.

Rays at Marlins – 7:10 PM EST

Probable Pitchers:
TB: Archer (3-2, 4.00 ERA)
MIA: Alvarez (2-3, 2.97 ERA)

What to watch for: The Rays have hit the skids with seven straight losses, while the ‘under’ has hit in five consecutive contests. The Marlins have been solid all season at home, as Miami owns a spectacular 8-2 record in Game 2’s at Marlins Park. Since May 1, the Marlins have won five of the last six starts made by Alvarez.

Royals at Cardinals – 7:15 PM EST

Probable Pitchers:
KC: Shields (6-3, 3.36 ERA)
STL: Garcia (1-0, 4.12 ERA)

What to watch for: The Royals picked up their fifth win in 14 tries as a road underdog in last night’s 6-0 shutout of the Cardinals. Since losing his first two starts on the road, Kansas City has won each of the past six away starts made by Shields, while the ‘over’ has cashed in seven of his previous eight outings. This has been a homestand to forget for the Cardinals, who are 2-6 through the first eight games of this nine-game stand at Busch Stadium.

Twins at Brewers – 8:10 PM EST

Probable Pitchers:
MIN: Deduno (1-3, 3.86 ERA)
MIL: Gallardo (3-3, 3.56 ERA)

What to watch for: Minnesota owns the second-worst interleague record in baseball, while losing five of its past seven road games overall. The Brewers have won nine of their last 12 games at Miller Park, while the ‘over’ has hit in six of the last seven home contests.

White Sox at Dodgers – 10:10 PM EST

Probable Pitchers:
CHW: Noesi (0-4, 5.83 ERA)
LAD: Haren (5-3, 3.28 ERA)

What to watch for: The Dodgers rallied past the White Sox last night for just their second win in the last six tries. After Los Angeles won five of Haren’s first six starts this season, the Dodgers have dropped four of his past five trips to the hill. Chicago has compiled a 3-6 record in Game 2’s on the road this season, while the ‘under’ has cashed in six of the last seven overall for the Sox.

[StarDust Bum]

Diamond Trends - Tuesday

June 3, 2014


SU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Rockies are 12-0 since September 01, 2012 as a favorite after a loss in which they used 5+ pitchers for a net profit of $1200.

PITCHER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- When Gerrit Cole starts the Pirates are 10-0 since June 21, 2013 when the bullpen has allowed at least one run for two straight games for a net profit of $1138.

MLB BIBLE ACTIVE TREND:

-- The Indians are 0-13 OU since April 09, 2006 as a home dog when they are off two wins in which they never trailed and it is not the first game of a series.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Nationals are 0-15-1 OU since August 24, 2011 when they were shutout last game with 3-6 hits while allowing less than nine runs.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- When Jordan Zimmermann starts the Nationals are 11-0 since July 18, 2012 as a 140+ favorite vs a team that has lost at least their last two games for a net profit of $1100.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Tuesday's six-pack

-- Yet another Dukie, this time Shane Battier, will be on ESPN as a college hoop analyst starting next season. They have a broadcast major at Duke?

-- Josh Donaldson leads the 3B voting in the AL; last Oakland position player to get voted in as a starter was Jason Giambi in 2000.

-- Astros brought 1B prospect Jonathan Singleton up, signed him to a five-year contract that you would assume is team-friendly.

-- DePaul-Northwestern agreed to a 5-year basketball series that will be good for college hoop in the Windy City.

-- Davidson jumps from Southern Conference to Atlantic 10 next year, thats a big jump, from the 30th-ranked league to the 8th-ranked one.

-- Maryland pulled out of a non-league game with Villanova next year; curious to see who they fill that spot in their schedule with.


**********

Armadillo: Tuesday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports weekend.......
13) FOX Sports1 is thinking of running a gambling-themed college football pregame on Saturday mornings, to compete against ESPN’s GameDay. The show FS1 aired last year got pounded so badly in the ratings, FOX execs are thinking only something that is a lot different can challenge ESPN’s pregame show.

12) In-game betting is tremendous; Twins trailed 2-1 after eight innings in the Bronx Sunday. If you took Minnesota to win at that point, you risked $100 to win $721, and you were damn happy when the Twins scored six runs in the ninth inning. As Rick Pitino might’ve said, “Mariano Rivera isn’t walking thru that door.”

11) Odd stat: Stanley Cup Finals will be only second time in last 22 playoff series that the LA Kings had home ice advantage. Hard to believe, but they won the Stanley Cup two years ago as an 8-seed.

10) Pepperdine’s baseball team beat Cal Poly Sunday, is headed to its first-ever Super Regional this weekend; this much make Pamela Anderson’s sons happy- they used to be Pepperdine bat boys.

9) Another odd stat: under is 28-21 in interleague games played with a DH, in AL parks. Under is 25-33 in interleague games without a DH, played in NL parks. Go figure.

8) Angels are getting Mike Trout/Josh Hamilton back this week, should start scoring a lot more runs.

7) Road teams are 6-1 in NHL Game 7’s this spring; you battle all season for home ice, then you get it and that happens. There have been 39 Game 7’s to go OT in NHL history; road team is 20-19 in those games.

6) Coaching in the NBA has to be nutty; four coaches have been canned in the last two years after winning 51+ games that season; now Frank Vogel and Scott Brooks both had to answer questions about their job security after making the NBA’s Final Four. Until you win an NBA championship, you’re attached to the hot seat.

5) Odd career path of the day: Detroit Pistons are hiring Marist head coach Jeff Bower as their new GM; he went from being GM of the New Orleans Hornets to head coach at Marist (he used to be an assistant there) to GM of the Pistons.

4) You’ll hear the name Mike Backman some this week; he scored three goals in 28 games for the New York Rangers in the 80’s, once scored 28 goals in a season for the minor league Tulsa Oilers. He is more famous this week for being the father-in-law of Kings’ goalie Jonathan Quick. Quick by the way, has never played a game in Madison Square Garden.

3) Golfer named Erik Compton made a 6-foot putt on the last hole to qualify for the US Open Monday. Normally you'd think that was a pressure putt, but Compton has had two heart transplants-- he is on his third heart, so a 6-foot putt isn't that big a deal.

2) Tim Hudson has faced 294 batters this season, has only gone to a 3-0 count on two of those hitters.

1) MLB didn't want a rookie ump doing the plate for the volatile Tampa-Boston series this weekend, so they moved Ted Barrett in from a replay booth in New York to work the plate for a game. Unseen value of instant replay; they wouldn't be bringing a guy back from vacation like that.