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**Udog** · 06-23-2014, 07:59 AM

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

-- Cardinals put starting pitchers Wacha/Garcia on DL with shoulder issues; it'll be hard for them to keep pace with Milwaukee in the NL Central.

-- Arizona State football coach Todd Graham bought a house owned by Poison’s Bret Michaels for $2.4M; Graham hasn't often stayed long enough in one place to own a house, so this is good news for ASU fans.

-- Texas Rangers have used the disabled list 20 times this season; no one else has used it more than 14 times.

-- In the 50's, Detroit Lions once won three NFL titles in six years; they've won one playoff game since then.

-- Samford transfer Tim Williams (17.6 ppg LY) will transfer to New Mexico.

-- Dodgers are now 9-0-2 in their last eleven series at Petco Park.

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

13) Golfer Kevin Streelman birdied the last seven holes to win the Hartford Open by a stroke; its hard to birdie seven holes in a row in mini-golf. Last time a guy had a run like that was 1956, when Mike Souchak birdied the last six holes in St Paul.

12) Evan Gattis had his 20-game hitting streak ended Sunday, longest by a guy who caught all those games since Jason Kendall's 20-game streak in 2004.

11) Saturday night was the Indians' first sellout since Opening Day.

10) San Diego Padres fired GM Josh Byrnes Sunday, amidst rumors that they'll bring back former GM Kevin Towers once he parts ways with the Diamondbacks, which he almost certainly will since Tony Larussa now runs things there.

9) Angels' pitcher Matt Shoemaker made the big leagues despite not being one of the 1,504 players picked in the 2008 draft.

8) Bronx Bombers are 22-11 in games decided by 1 or 2 runs, 17-24 in games won by 3+ runs. Everyone has injuries, but Joe Girardi is getting a lot out of a roster with lot of older, fading, oft-injured players.

7) Over 60% of American-born players in major leagues played college baseball.

6) Virginia-Vanderbilt play best-of-3 for the national baseball title this week. This is the 7th year in a row an SEC team is the College World Series. Its been 58 years since an ACC team won the championship (Wake Forest).

5) NBA prospect Isaiah Austin (from Baylor) won't play ball any more after a routine physical discovered Marfan Syndrome, which can lead to heart problems if not dealt with. Sad thing for the kid; we wish him well.

4) NHL season just ended, but they've already announced the schedule for next season; Toronto Maple Leafs have 18 sets of back/backs, which is a lot. Reason is said to be that Rogers Communications played a small fortune for TV rights and they want the Leafs on a lot of Saturday/Sunday telecasts, so thats that.

3) Sonny Gray will get his turn skipped Tuesday and will pitch Saturday, just to lighten his workload over the course of the season. This is his first full year in major leagues and they don't want him throwing much more than 200 innings this season.

2) No pitcher should ever bat in an All-Star Game; its a game the DH was made for. They have so many guys in the game to begin with; why should pitchers bat?

1) Home field in World Series should be determined by who wins interleague play. It is still stupid that the result of the All-Star Game means anything, and I'll rant more about this in next three weeks, since the A's have a shot to get to the World Series.

**Udog** · 06-23-2014, 07:59 AM

Edwards rolls to first road-race win in Sonoma

SONOMA, Calif. -- Carl Edwards savored his first career road-course victory Sunday.

Edwards took the lead from Marcos Ambrose on a late restart, then went on to win the Toyota Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway.

"That's a moment I'll never forget, to be standing in victory lane and to have held off Jeff Gordon with all the success he's had here and in our sport," Edwards said. "It's just really, really special. I'm living proof that whatever it is you're doing, just keep doing it and don't ever give up, because somehow things can work out."

Edwards passed Ambrose following a lap-82 caution in the 110-lap event, and he held off Jamie McMurray and then Gordon in the final laps to claim his second win of the season.

"We had a lot of problem in the middle of corners, but I knew if it came down to a real fight at the end, we'd be hard to beat through the breaking points," Edwards said.

Hendrick Motorsports teammates Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished second and third.

Soon after Edwards took the lead from Ambrose, Gordon moved into third. Gordon moved into second with eight laps to go. Earnhardt took third with about five laps remaining, and a couple of laps later was logged as the fastest car on the race track, but he ran out of time before he was able to catch Gordon or Edwards.

"It was, actually, maybe five or six laps to go. I was making some ground up on Carl," Gordon said. "I was good in the fast sections, and he was pretty good in the slow seconds. So I was having to hit everything so perfect, and I just overdrove it into (turn) four one time and went real wide off and that gave him enough of a gap that I had to close it back in, and I just couldn't put enough pressure on him."

McMurray started on the pole, and he and AJ Allmendinger battled for the lead in the early laps. Allmendinger was able to go in front on lap nine, and he ran up front until Kevin Harvick took the top spot around lap 20.

Harvick, like Edwards, planned a two-stop strategy while many planned on pitting three times throughout the race. With that strategy, both hit pit road for the first time when the first caution of the race came out on lap 30.

Allmendinger was back up front, with McMurray in second, on the restart that followed, having pitted before the caution because he was on a three-stop strategy. As drivers on the three-stop strategy peeled off the track for their second stops around the halfway point of the race, Harvick worked his way back up toward the lead.

A few laps after a lap-62 caution, Harvick lost the lead to Jimmie Johnson and eventually dropped to fourth by the time the third yellow flag waved just past lap 70. Able to go the remaining distance on fuel, Harvick and Johnson were among those who pitted during the caution.

Both drivers were mired back in the field for the restart behind drivers who stayed out. Things then went from bad to worse for Harvick when he hit a spinning Clint Bowyer on lap 82. In the end, Harvick wound up 20th. Bowyer was also hit by McMurray but was able to continue on to finish 10th.

"We had a fast 5-Hour Energy Camry this weekend," Bowyer said. "We got ourselves in position and had a flat. It was going down, and I was all over the place. Jamie just kind of finished me up and got me out of the way, I guess."

Earnhardt was also caught up in an incident, getting into Matt Kenseth's car on lap 76 and sending Kenseth hard into the wall. Kenseth was unable to continue.

"I got into Matt and jumped that curb and just jumped in there and ran into him; it was totally my fault," Earnhardt said. "Just racing a little too hard through there with him and probably should have let him have the spot."

McMurray finished fourth, and Paul Menard was fifth. Kasey Kahne finished sixth, Johnson was seventh, Ambrose eighth, and Greg Biffle finished ninth.

NOTES: Carl Edwards' win was the first for Ford at Sonoma since Ricky Rudd's win in 2002. ... Jeff Gordon is the all-time wins leader at Sonoma with five. ... Edwards becomes the 10th different winner at Sonoma in the last 10 races. ... Edwards' win snapped a snapped a five-race winning streak by Hendrick Motorsports and a two-race winning streak at Sonoma for Michael Waltrip Racing. ... The Sonoma race is the first of two road course races this year, with the second being Aug. 10 at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International. ... Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s third-place finish is his first-ever top-10 at Sonoma Raceway and his best-ever finish on a road course.

**Udog** · 06-23-2014, 08:00 AM

CFL season betting preview: How to bet the East Division

The 2014 CFL season will kick off on Thursday night in Winnipeg as the Blue Bombers host the Argos. There will be nine teams competing for the ultimate prize this year, as Ottawa has re-joined the fold.

Here’s a look at how the East Division teams stack up entering the new campaign.

East Division

Montreal Alouettes (2013: 8-10 SU, 11-7 ATS)

Odds to win division: +250
Odds to win Grey Cup: +706

Why to bet the Alouettes: Montreal might possess the best receiving corps in the CFL, led by Jamel Richardson, S.J. Green and emerging young talent Duron Carter. Former Heisman Trophy winner, QB Troy Smith has big shoes to fill, but does have the pedigree to succeed, and he’ll get plenty of help. The East Division might be a little watered down with the addition of expansion Ottawa, perhaps opening the door for an Als bounce-back year.

Why not to bet the Alouettes: The Anthony Calvillo era has come to an end, and that obviously leaves more questions than answers. That’s not to mention the fact that the Als lost a pair of offensive line standouts to retirement in the offseason, and did little to improve their team by way of free agency or the draft.

Grey Cup outlook: Poor. Inconsistency will plague the Als on both sides of the football, leading to a likely third place finish in the East Division.

Toronto Argonauts (2013: 11-7 SU, 9-8-1 ATS)

Odds to win division: +150
Odds to win Grey Cup: +639

Why to bet the Argos: The face of the league is also the face of the Argos in QB Ricky Ray. While health has been an issue in recent years, if Ray can stay on the field, the Argos will be among the best offensive teams in the league once again.

Why not to bet the Argos: Toronto will be forced to go with a running back by committee approach after Chad Kackert’s sudden retirement. Losing cornerback Patrick Watkins and versatile QB Zach Collaros won’t help matters either. It remains to be seen whether the Argos have enough depth to contend in the East.

Grey Cup outlook: Average at best. Scott Milanovich has proven to be a first class head coach, but he’ll need to do some of his best work to get the Argos back to the Grey Cup this year.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2013: 10-8 SU, 9-9 ATS)

Odds to win division: +200
Odds to win Grey Cup: +700

Why to bet the Ti-Cats: Credit Ti-Cats management for shaking things up after reaching last year’s Grey Cup. Henry Burris wasn’t getting any younger, and the move to a younger, more versatile QB in Zach Collaros should give the offense another shot in the arm. In fact, most of Hamilton’s offseason focus was placed on improving the offense.

Why not to bet the Ti-Cats: How long will it take Collaros to get up to speed with the offense? There are also a number of questions on the defensive side of the football, where the Ti-Cats did little to improve prospects in the offseason.

Grey Cup outlook: Good. The Ti-Cats will be hungry to get back after getting embarrassed by the Riders last November.

Ottawa Redblacks (2013: N/A)

Odds to win division: +500
Odds to win Grey Cup: +1800

Why to bet the Redblacks: There’s reason for optimism in Ottawa, even if it is the Redblacks inaugural campaign. While they are starting from scratch, the cupboard is by no means bare. Henry Burris will start the season under centre, while RB Chevon Walker and WR Paris Jackson give them much needed explosiveness all over the field. Ottawa’s defensive roster is filled with veterans.

Why not to bet the Redblacks: It’s obviously going to take some time for the roster to mesh. We did see some promising signs in the preseason, but it’s important not to get too carried away with those exhibition results. Ottawa may contend with its Eastern counterparts, but the West will be another story.

Grey Cup outlook: Not a chance. The Redblacks will simply be looking to build toward the future this year. As long as the product they put on the field is entertaining, it’s a win for the city of Ottawa.

**Udog** · 06-23-2014, 08:01 AM

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, June 23

Marlins-Phillies
Eovaldi is 0-1, 5.47 in his last four starts.
Hernandez is 1-3, 6.86 in his last four starts.

Marlins lost four of their last five games.
Phillies won five of last seven games, but lost last two.

Four of last five Hernandez starts went over total.

Reds-Cubs
Simon is 4-0, 3.37 in his last four starts.
Samardzija is 1-2, 6.95 in his last four starts.

Cincinnati won eight of its last eleven games.
Cubs lost three of their last four home games.
Four of last five Samardzija starts went over total.

Nationals-Brewers
Gonzalez is 0-3, 7.78 in his last four starts.
Garza is 2-0, 3.67 in his last four starts.

Washington lost its last four road games.
Brewers won six of their last seven games.

Over is 7-2-1 in last ten Garza starts.

Cardinals-Rockies
Lynn is 1-2, 1.89 in his last three starts.
Chacin is 1-1, 2.84 in his last three starts.

Cardinals won ten of their last fourteen games.
Colorado lost its last six games.

Over is 9-1-2 in last twelve Colorado games; under is 5-0-1 in Cards' last six.

Padres-Giants
Cuban rookie Despaigne is making MLB debut; he was 1-3, 7.61 in five AAA starts; PCL batters hit .356 against him.
Cain is 1-2, 7.41 in his last three starts.

San Diego lost eight of its last nine games.
Giants lost nine of their last twelve games.

Five of last seven Cain starts went over the total; eight of last nine San Diego games stayed under.

Bronx-Blue Jays
Whitley is 3-0, 2.75 in his last three starts.
Stroman is 0-2, 4.66 in his last couple starts.

Bronx won eight of last twelve games, but lost last two.
Blue Jays lost five of their last six games.

Under is 6-1-1 in last eight Toronto home games.

White Sox-Orioles
Sale is 3-1, 2.37 in his last six starts.
Chen is 2-0, 2.13 in his last four starts.

White Sox lost their last seven road games.
Baltimore is 8-5 in its last thirteen home games.

Five of last seven Sale starts stayed under total.

Red Sox-Mariners
Lackey is 1-0, 2.28 in his last three starts.
Hernandez is 5-1, 1.78 in his last eight starts.

Red Sox lost ten of their last thirteen road games.
Seattle won six of its last eight games.

Under is 12-2-1 in last fifteen Boston games.

Pirates-Rays
Volquez is 1-2, 7.04 in his last three starts.
Cobb is 1-1, 1.32 in his last two starts.

Pirates won eight of their last twelve road games.
Tampa Bay won three of its last four games.

Under is 6-2-1 in Cobb's starts this season.

Dodgers-Royals
Greinke is 1-1, 2.25 in his last two starts.
Guthrie is 2-0, 2.19 in his last two starts.

Dodgers won seven of their last nine games.
Kansas City lost its last four games.

Six of last seven Guthrie starts stayed under total.

Pitchers allowing runs in first inning:
-- Eovaldi 6-15; RHernandez 6-13 (4 of last 7)
-- Simon 5-14; Samardzija 7-18
-- Gonzalez 5-10 (3 of last 4); Garza 7-15
-- Lynn 4-15; Chacin 3-9
-- Despaigne 0-0; Cain 5-11

-- Whitley 1-7; Stroman 2-4
-- Sale 0-10 (batters 1-31); Chen 5-14
-- Lackey 4-15; FHernandez 1-16

-- Volquez 5-14; Cobb 2-9
-- Greinke 3-15; Guthrie 4-15

**Udog** · 06-23-2014, 08:02 AM

MLB

Monday, June 23

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Trend Report
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7:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. BALTIMORE
Chi White Sox are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore's last 5 games at home
Baltimore is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi White Sox

7:05 PM
MIAMI vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Miami is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing Miami

7:07 PM
NY YANKEES vs. TORONTO
NY Yankees are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
NY Yankees are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games at home
Toronto is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Yankees

7:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. TAMPA BAY
Pittsburgh is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 8 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games

8:05 PM
CINCINNATI vs. CHI CUBS
Cincinnati is 17-2 SU in their last 19 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Cincinnati's last 13 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 9-4 SU in their last 13 games at home
Chi Cubs are 6-16 SU in their last 22 games when playing Cincinnati

8:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Milwaukee is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Milwaukee's last 11 games at home

8:10 PM
LA DODGERS vs. KANSAS CITY
LA Dodgers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games
LA Dodgers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Kansas City
Kansas City is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games

8:40 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. COLORADO
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of St. Louis's last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games at home
Colorado is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

10:10 PM
BOSTON vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Boston's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 7 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing at home against Boston

10:15 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. SAN FRANCISCO
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of San Diego's last 11 games on the road
San Diego is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Francisco's last 5 games at home
San Francisco is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games

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**Udog** · 06-23-2014, 08:04 AM

MLB

Monday, June 23

Rockies all offense, Over bettors not complaining

The Colorado Rockies have proven they're an offensive powerhouse this season, and it's showing in their lines. Through Sunday, the Over is 8-1-2 in their last 10 games.

The Rox host the St. Louis Cardinals Monday at hitter-friendly Coors Field. BetOnline.com currently has the Cards as -112 faves with a total of 10.5.

This team keeps cashing in for under bettors

The Baltimore Orioles have been one of the top under teams in baseball recently, evidenced by 10 of their last 12 games going under the total as of Sunday. The O's take on the Chicago White Sox Monday at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

BetOnline.com currently has the ChiSox as -125 faves with a total of eight.

Reds, Simon fantastic on the road

Alfredo Simon gets the nod for the Cincinnati Reds Monday against the lowly Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The Reds have been road warriors as of late with Simon starting, posting a 7-1 record in his last eight road starts.

BetOnline.com currently has the Cubbies as -108 faves for the NL Central matchup.

Royals red-hot in interleague play

The Kansas City Royals have dominated interleague play recently, winning seven out of their last eight games against the National League through Sunday. They'll have another opportunity to keep that trend going when they host the Los Angeles Dodgers at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium Monday.

BetOnline.com currently has the Royals as -150 faves with a total of 7.5.

**Udog** · 06-23-2014, 08:56 AM

MLB
Dunkel

Washington at Milwaukee
The Brewers (47-30) open their series against a Nationals team that is 1-6 in Gio Gonzalez' last 7 road starts versus a team with a winning record. Milwaukee is the pick (-130) according to Dunkel, which has the Brewers favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-130). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, JUNE 23

Game 901-902: Miami at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (Eovaldi) 16.263; Philadelphia (Hernandez) 13.476
Dunkel Line: Miami by 3; 7
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-115); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-105); Under

Game 903-904: Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Simon) 16.360; Cubs (Samardzija) 14.696
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-115); No Run Total
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-105); N/A

Game 905-906: Washington at Milwaukee (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Gonzalez) 15.502; Milwaukee (Garza) 17.123
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-130); 8
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-130); Over

Game 907-908: St. Louis at Colorado (8:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Lynn) 16.545; Colorado (Chacin) 15.079
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 12
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-120); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-120); Over

Game 909-910: San Diego at San Francisco (10:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Despaigne) 15.429; San Francisco (Cain) 14.604
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 7
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-135); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+115); Over

Game 911-912: NY Yankees at Toronto (7:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Whitley) 16.810; Toronto (Stroman) 15.152
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Toronto (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (+100); Over

Game 913-914: Chicago White Sox at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Sale) 16.231; Baltimore (Chen) 14.593
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-135); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-135); Under

Game 915-916: Boston at Seattle (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lackey) 15.986; Seattle (Hernandez) 17.631
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line: Seattle (-160); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-160); Under

Game 917-918: Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Volquez) 17.132; Tampa Bay (Cobb) 16.047
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-150); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+130); Under

Game 919-920: LA Dodgers at Kansas City (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Greinke) 14.715; Kansas City (Guthrie) 15.955
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 7
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-145); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+125); Under

**Udog** · 06-23-2014, 09:10 AM

MLB

Monday, June 23

Brewers continue to rule on the road

Riding some early offense, a solid performance from their bullpen and another miraculous gift from the baseball gods — this time in the form of a ninth-inning Corey Dickerson pratfall — the Milwaukee Brewers closed out a tremendous road trip with a wild 6-5 victory over the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Sunday afternoon.

It was just the second sweep of the Rockies ever on their home field by the Brewers and their first since 2004. It also came as little surprise considering how well the team continues to do away from Miller Park.

The Brewers concluded their seven-game trip to Arizona and Colorado with a 6-1 record, upping their major-league-leading road record to 27-15. They're also a season-best 17 games over .500 at 47-30, tops in the National League, and just a half-game behind the Oakland A's for best overall record.

Three saves in three days for Mariners' Rodney

Before the game Sunday, Seattle Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon said he was unsure whether he would use closer Fernando Rodney that day.

Rodney pitched in each of the three previous games, recording saves in the latter two, making his services questionable for the series finale at Kauffman Stadium.

However, with the Mariners clinging to a one-run lead in the ninth, McClendon dialed Rodney's number again. Rodney got two quick outs, yielded a pinch single Mike Moustakas, then struck out Pedro Ciriaco to preserve the Mariners' 2-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals and complete the series sweep.

"I had a talk with him, and he felt good," McClendon said. "He's worked very, very efficiently, and he was very efficient today as well. He has not thrown a lot of pitches."

McClendon told Rodney he definitely would not pitch Monday.

Injuries leave Cardinals rotation shorthanded

The team that seemed to have all the starting pitching anyone could want now doesn't know who will take its start in Colorado Wednesday.

In the wake of general manager John Mozeliak's post-game announcement Sunday that Jaime Garcia (shoulder) and Michael Wacha (stress reaction in scapula) are headed for the disabled list, St. Louis is now in search mode.

Mozeliak said that Joe Kelly, who will start a rehab assignment Friday night in Memphis, will need at least two minor league starts before returning to the big club. Recently farmed out left-hander Tyler Lyons is a candidate, although an 0-3 record and a 6.12 earned-run average earlier this year can't inspire a whole lot of confidence there.

Triple-A lefty Tim Cooney might also be a possibility, but does the team really want his first big league start to be in Coors Field? Other internal options are relievers Seth Maness and Nick Greenwood, although Greenwood's reliance on a breaking ball might not make him ideal in conditions where the ball simply doesn't break as much.

Another thing for certain is that Carlos Martinez, who's ached to be a starter all along, is staying in the rotation. He was effective in Sunday's 5-3 win over the Phillies after a rough second inning and will be stretched out to around 90 pitches Friday night at the Los Angeles Dodgers.

But who will join him in the rotation, at least for Wednesday? That's a question for manager Mike Matheny and Mozeliak to figure out.

X-rays are negative on Teixeira's foot

In the eighth inning of a game that already turned out of hand against the New York Yankees, Mark Teixeira was hit in the left foot by a pitch Sunday.

His first thought was that he would require a fourth disabled-list stint in the past two years due to his sixth major injury as a Yankee. He previously sustained two wrist injuries and two hamstring injuries, and he missed most of the final month of 2012 with a left calf strain.

That was why he flung his batting helmet in the style of Paul O'Neill when he walked off the field with manager Joe Girardi and trainer Steve Donahue.

The good news was that it doesn't sound serious, and a DL stay will not be required.

Lawrie, Bautista hurt in Jays’ loss to Reds

The Blue Jays limped out of Cincinnati beaten and depleted. And the news doesn’t get any better with Jose Bautista and Brett Lawrie injured and out of the lineup as they open a key three-game series against the New York Yankees at the Rogers Centre. After Sunday’s 4-3 loss to the Reds — one that capped a 3-7 road trip and left the team 4-11 in its last 15 games — the Jays didn’t say anything officially about Lawrie’s broken right index finger or Bautista’s tender left hamstring.

With or without Bautista, the Blue Jays face a tough test as they try to hold on to first place in the American League East. They have enough depth with Juan Francisco taking Lawrie’s spot at third, and outfielders Anthony Gose and Kevin Pillar one call away at Triple-A Buffalo to fill in for Bautista as needed.

Toronto will likely open the series against the Yankees — stinging from an 8-0 loss to the Orioles on Oldtimers Day at Yankee Stadium on Sunday — with a lineup featuring Francisco at third, Mune Kawasaki or Steve Tolleson at second and Gose or Pillar filling in the outfield.

**Udog** · 06-23-2014, 09:13 AM

MLB

Monday, June 23

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MLB roundup: Padres fire GM Byrnes
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The San Diego Padres fired general manager Josh Byrnes just before the start of Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"The search for a new general manager begins immediately," said Padres president and CEO Mike Dee. "We are looking for someone who can define, direct and lead this franchise's baseball philosophy for years to come."

In the interim, three existing Padres executives will share the position of Padres general manager -- senior vice president of baseball operations Omar Minaya and assistant general managers AJ Hinch and Fred Uhlman Jr.

Byrnes had served the Padres as general manager since October, 2011. Byrnes joined the Padres in December of 2010 as senior vice president of baseball operations. He became the general manager when then-GM Jed Hoyer was allowed to take the same position with the Chicago Cubs.

Expected to contend for a National League wild-card berth by many experts before the season, the Padres entered Sunday with a 32-43 record and were fourth in the National League West.

---Outfielder Yoenis Cespedes and catcher Derek Norris of the Oakland Athletics continue to climb the American League rankings in fan balloting for the 85th All-Star Game, to be played on Tuesday, July 15 at Target Field in Minnesota.

Cespedes and Norris, two players who have filled pivotal roles in leading Oakland to the best record in the majors at 47-28, are aiming to join their teammate Josh Donaldson among the AL leaders.

Cespedes has received 1,511,838 votes, which ranks fourth among AL outfielders behind leaders Jose Bautista (3,665,208) of the Toronto Blue Jays, Mike Trout (3,286,511) of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Melky Cabrera (1,674,232) of the Blue Jays.

Norris, also bidding for his first All-Star appearance, surpassed Brian McCann (1,344,076) of the New York Yankees for second place among AL catchers. The 25-year-old Norris, in his third season, trails Baltimore's Matt Wieters (1,852,770) by less than 400,000 votes.

---Shortstop Carlos Correa, considered the Houston Astros' top prospect, may have sustained a serious leg injury during a minor league game on Saturday night.

Correa, who plays for Class A Lancaster of the California League, was carried off the field and carted to the clubhouse after he got hurt sliding into third base during a game.

The team did not announce the exact nature of the injury but the Antelope Valley Press reported that Correa may have broken his right fibula.

---The Chicago Cubs activated catcher Welington Castillo from the 15-day disabled list.

In a corresponding move, the club designated catcher Eli Whiteside for assignment to make room for Castillo on the active roster.

Castillo was out for three weeks with a rib cage injury. In two rehab games with Triple-A Iowa, he went 3-for-10 with two walks.

---San Diego Padres reliever Alex Torres was the first pitcher to wear a protective padded cap during Saturday night's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Major League Baseball approved the caps in January after testing several prototypes.

---San Francisco Giants center fielder Angel Pagan missed his sixth straight start with lower back soreness. Pagan is considered day-to-day, Giants manager Bruce Bochy said, although the disabled list remains a possibility. Pagan could be reactively put on the DL to June 15 and would be eligible to return July 1.

---The Kansas City Royals optioned right-hander Louis Coleman to Triple-A Omaha. Without Coleman, the Royals will carry a seven-man bullpen.

---The Seattle Mariners have three players -- first baseman Justin Smoak, designated hitter Corey Hart and outfielder Michael Saunders -- rehabbing with Triple-A Tacoma. In a Saturday night 4-3 victory over Oklahoma City, Saunders homered and is hitting .571 in two games, Hart went 1-for-4 in his initial rehab game, while Smoak went 2-for-3 with a double.

---Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Neil Walker, on the disabled list since June 8 following an appendectomy, was scheduled to play at Class A Bradenton on Sunday and rejoin the Pirates on Monday in Tampa Bay.

---St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Trevor Rosenthal's 21st save Saturday tied last year's closer, Edward Mujica, for third-most by a Cardinal in the team's first 75 games. Lee Smith (29 in 1993) and Jason Isringhausen (24 in 2006) rank 1 and 2, respectively.

---The Miami Marlins promoted second baseman Derek Dietrich from Triple-A New Orleans and immediately inserted him into the lineup. He hit .340 with 15 RBIs in the 13 games since the Marlins sent him to New Orleans.

---X-rays revealed a fractured right index finger for Blue Jays second baseman Brett Lawrie after he was struck by a pitch in the second inning.

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**Udog** · 06-23-2014, 09:15 AM

NASCAR Notebook: Earnhardt leaves Sonoma with mixed feelings

SONOMA, Calif.--Clearly, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was elated with his third-place finish in Sunday's Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway--and with good reason.

Never before had Earnhardt posted a top five in a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at a road course, so it was only natural for the driver of the No. 88 Chevrolet to enjoy the moment.

Tempering Earnhardt's enthusiasm was an accident on lap 71 that eliminated Matt Kenseth from the race. Earnhardt hit the curbing in the esses, and his car bounced into Kenseth's No. 20 Toyota, sending Kenseth out of control into a tire barrier.

"I had an eventful race, and I tore Matt Kenseth's car up pretty bad jumping that curb," Earnhardt said. "I was racing him a little hard there coming out of Turn 7. He probably had the preferred line, and I probably should have yielded to him, but I was--I thought I was a little bit faster than him and didn't want to be stuck behind him.

"I straddled a curb, and it just launched my car in the air right into his car. I hope he's not too sore today."

Earnhardt's regrets over the Kenseth incident, however, couldn't keep him from smiling at his own result.

"Well, aside from holding a trophy, this is like a win for us," Earnhardt said.

MORE AMBIVALENCE

You could say polesitter Jamie McMurray was experiencing mixed emotions after the race, too, but no one, including McMurray was certain what the driver of the No. 1 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet was feeling when he climbed from his car.

McMurray ran fourth, after runner-up Jeff Gordon and third-place finisher Dale Earnhardt Jr. passed him in the closing laps.

"I'm happy that I'm mad that I finished fourth, if that makes any sense," McMurray said. "I thought I had a chance to win, but when the last caution came out (on Lap 90), I was working (race winner) Carl (Edwards) there a little bit, and I was just waiting on him to make a mistake. I felt like I was better than he was.

"And when we went back to green, after the caution, I just used up too much car in (Turns) 1 and 2 and spun the tires really bad and paid the penalty for that the remainder of the run. But it was a really good day. Our pit crew did a really good job. We had a huge group of people with (sponsor) Cessna here today.

"So overall, I'm mad that we finished fourth, but we had a great weekend."

DINGER DINGED UP

AJ Allmendinger qualified second for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 and led a race-high 35 laps, but that was the end of the good news for the driver of the No. 47 JTG/Daugherty Racing Chevrolet.

Contact from Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Chevy sent Allmendinger spinning into the frontstretch wall late in the race, and the resultant damage dropped him to 37th at the finish.

"We led a lot of laps today, and we were good enough to win the thing--no doubt," Allmendinger said. "It's just disappointing the way our day ended ... and to leave Sonoma with a car that's torn up.

"I'm proud of my guys and all the hard work they put in this weekend. It's just tough. We were hoping to bring home a win today for (sponsor) Kingsford and all our partners."

**Udog** · 06-23-2014, 10:24 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, June 23

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MIAMI (37 - 38) at PHILADELPHIA (34 - 40) - 7:05 PM
NATHAN EOVALDI (R) vs. ROBERTO HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 30-56 (-24.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 3-18 (-13.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 27-22 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 188-210 (-40.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 65-70 (-22.7 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 50-61 (-20.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
HERNANDEZ is 6-16 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 4-2 (+2.2 Units) against MIAMI this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)

NATHAN EOVALDI vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
EOVALDI is 2-4 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 4.00 and a WHIP of 1.489.
His team's record is 3-5 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-5. (-2.6 units)

ROBERTO HERNANDEZ vs. MIAMI since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 1-1 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 1.72 and a WHIP of 0.511.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

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CINCINNATI (37 - 37) at CHICAGO CUBS (31 - 42) - 8:05 PM
ALFREDO SIMON (R) vs. JEFF SAMARDZIJA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 206-198 (+35.3 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 675-745 (+58.1 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 325-343 (+36.2 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 612-689 (+42.1 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 438-485 (+34.5 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 488-534 (+49.9 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 338-351 (+46.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 73-45 (+19.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
SIMON is 12-3 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 8-1 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 12-3 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 8-1 (+8.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 9-0 (+10.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 158-240 (-48.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 47-67 (-20.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 39-74 (-22.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 47-67 (-20.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 202-216 (-72.9 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 67-112 (-36.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAMARDZIJA is 3-13 (-10.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 0-6 (-6.8 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 this season. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 7-18 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 4-19 (-14.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 3-13 (-10.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 2-3 (+0.0 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

ALFREDO SIMON vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
SIMON is 2-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.083.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.0 units)

JEFF SAMARDZIJA vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
SAMARDZIJA is 1-5 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 4.25 and a WHIP of 1.509.
His team's record is 2-7 (-4.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-4. (+0.5 units)

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WASHINGTON (39 - 35) at MILWAUKEE (47 - 30) - 8:10 PM
GIO GONZALEZ (L) vs. MATT GARZA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 9-27 (-16.9 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 88-83 (-16.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 43-56 (-18.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 47-30 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 47-30 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 30-19 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
GONZALEZ is 50-26 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 27-13 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 50-26 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 20-7 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 16-4 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

GIO GONZALEZ vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
GONZALEZ is 1-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.77 and a WHIP of 1.077.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

MATT GARZA vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
GARZA is 0-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 6.41 and a WHIP of 1.729.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.4 units)

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ST LOUIS (41 - 35) at COLORADO (34 - 41) - 8:40 PM
LANCE LYNN (R) vs. JHOULYS CHACIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 18-22 (-9.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ST LOUIS is 116-71 (+24.8 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.

LANCE LYNN vs. COLORADO since 1997
LYNN is 1-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 1.96 and a WHIP of 1.309.
His team's record is 1-2 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

JHOULYS CHACIN vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
CHACIN is 0-2 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.91 and a WHIP of 1.727.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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SAN DIEGO (32 - 44) at SAN FRANCISCO (45 - 30) - 10:15 PM
ODRISAMER DESPAIGNE (R) vs. MATT CAIN (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 3-3 (+0.7 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.8 Units)

ODRISAMER DESPAIGNE vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

MATT CAIN vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
CAIN is 7-12 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.04 and a WHIP of 1.147.
His team's record is 12-20 (-11.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 13-17. (-6.4 units)

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NY YANKEES (39 - 35) at TORONTO (42 - 35) - 7:05 PM
CHASE WHITLEY (R) vs. MARCUS STROMAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 11-3 (+9.3 Units) against the money line after getting shut out over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 5-1 (+4.1 Units) against TORONTO this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

CHASE WHITLEY vs. TORONTO since 1997
WHITLEY is 1-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

MARCUS STROMAN vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
STROMAN is 0-1 when starting against NY YANKEES 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 UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (35 - 41) at BALTIMORE (39 - 35) - 7:05 PM
CHRIS SALE (L) vs. WEI-YIN CHEN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 98-140 (-29.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 40-78 (-24.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 15-31 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 96-135 (-27.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 50-87 (-30.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 40-35 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 199-159 (+43.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 149-126 (+28.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
CHEN is 39-25 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHI WHITE SOX are 25-23 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 4-11 (-8.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a win this season.

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

CHRIS SALE vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
SALE is 0-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 2.250.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

WEI-YIN CHEN vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
CHEN is 1-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 2.60 and a WHIP of 1.096.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

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BOSTON (35 - 41) at SEATTLE (40 - 36) - 10:10 PM
JOHN LACKEY (R) vs. FELIX HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 35-42 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 33-38 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 21-29 (-12.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 8-1 (+7.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday this season.
SEATTLE is 14-23 (-18.2 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 8-14 (-14.7 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 53-65 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 53-65 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 35-48 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 31-43 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 20-32 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 15-23 (-11.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
HERNANDEZ is 14-20 (-18.3 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 9-13 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 9-13 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 25-32 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

JOHN LACKEY vs. SEATTLE since 1997
LACKEY is 15-10 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.61 and a WHIP of 1.329.
His team's record is 20-11 (+4.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 17-13. (+2.7 units)

FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. BOSTON since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 7-2 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.242.
His team's record is 9-5 (+4.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-7. (-0.2 units)

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PITTSBURGH (37 - 38) at TAMPA BAY (31 - 46) - 7:10 PM
EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R) vs. ALEX COBB (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 38-87 (-38.3 Units) against the money line in road games in an inter-league game since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 134-109 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 29-17 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 90-61 (+23.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 111-92 (+17.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 31-46 (-27.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 18-23 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 8-13 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 18-23 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome this season.
TAMPA BAY is 20-29 (-16.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 18-26 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf this season.
TAMPA BAY is 24-31 (-16.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

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

EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
VOLQUEZ is 1-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.65 and a WHIP of 1.135.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

ALEX COBB vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

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LA DODGERS (42 - 35) at KANSAS CITY (39 - 36) - 8:10 PM
ZACK GREINKE (R) vs. JEREMY GUTHRIE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 18-23 (-13.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
GREINKE is 5-12 (-11.5 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 55-83 (-32.0 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 65-52 (+18.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
GUTHRIE is 43-34 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 27-18 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 25-15 (+16.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 53-38 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
GREINKE is 32-14 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 32-14 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 38-15 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 3-12 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.

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

ZACK GREINKE vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
GREINKE is 0-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 1.17 and a WHIP of 0.848.
His team's record is 0-2 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.

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**Udog** · 06-23-2014, 12:27 PM

MLB

Monday, June 23

Cashner scratched from start with shoulder soreness

Andrew Cashner will not be taking the mound for the San Diego Padres as they take on the San Francisco Giants Monday. Cashner has been scratched from his start with shoulder soreness according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.

Cashner's replacement has yet to be officially announced for Monday.

**Udog** · 06-23-2014, 12:31 PM

MLB

Monday, June 23

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Monday's MLB betting cheat sheet: Cardinals averse to high totals
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Yankees Blanked as Big Faves

The New York Yankees (-208) ended their weekend series against Baltimore with a thud, dropping an 8-0 decision Sunday afternoon. It's the first time the Yankees have been shut out as a favorite of -200 or greater since August 15, 2010, when they fell 1-0 to Kansas City despite being installed at -210.

Cardinals Undercut High Totals

The St. Louis Cardinals face their largest total of the season in their series opener with the host Colorado Rockies. St. Louis has one of the lowest average totals in baseball and is 1-9-2 O/U so far this year in games with totals of eight or higher.

Kershaw's Encore

Clayton Kershaw will try to follow up on his first career no-hitter Tuesday as he leads the Los Angeles Dodgers into Kansas City for an interleague date with the Royals. Kershaw has allowed just four runs over his last four starts, going 4-0 SU and 3-1 O/U over that stretch.

Pitching Notes

* Seattle ace Felix Hernandez has been red-hot of late, allowing two runs or fewer in seven consecutive starts. The Mariners are 5-2 SU and 2-4-1 O/U over that stretch but have lost back-to-back Hernandez starts entering Monday's game against visiting Boston (+136, 6.5).

* Oakland left-hander Scott Kazmir looks to continue his recent Under trend as he faces the host New York Mets on Tuesday. Kazmir is 1-5 O/U over his last six starts, with the Athletics a sizzling 5-1 SU in that stretch thanks to Kazmir allowing just eight combined runs in those games.

Hitting Notes

* Chicago Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro has 11 home runs in just 293 at-bats so far this season, three shy of his career high set in 646 at-bats in 2012. The Cubs are 5-4 SU and 7-2 O/U in games in which Castro goes deep entering Monday's game against visiting Cincinnati (+104).

* Detroit slugger Miguel Cabrera has been one of the catalysts for the team's four-game winning streak, batting .400 with a home run and five RBIs over that span. Cabrera and the Tigers face Texas on Tuesday; the reigning AL MVP is a .379 hitter with 63 RBIs in 63 career games versus the Rangers.

Totals Streak

Seattle Mariners (3-14-1 O/U): Seattle's pitching staff has been as good as any in the majors over the past eight games, allowing exactly one run in five of the Mariners' last eight games en route to a 6-2 record over that stretch. Seattle is 31-41-4 O//U for the season.

Prop of the Day

The Mariners are a strong play at -2.5 runs (+275). In addition to Hernandez being at his stingy best, the Red Sox haven been dreadful away from Boston of late, scoring just seven runs over a six-game road stretch before erupting for seven in a narrow win over Oakland on Sunday afternoon.

Injury Notes

* Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun has an ankle injury and is questionable for Monday's game against Washington (+109, 8). The Brewers are 9-8 SU, 12-5 O/U and +159 units in 17 games without Braun in 2014.

* Toronto infielder Brett Lawrie is out indefinitely after suffering a fractured finger in Sunday's loss to Cincinnati. The Blue Jays are 3-4 SU, 5-2 O/U and -134 units in seven games with Lawrie on the shelf so far this season.

Weather Watch

* Wind at Camden Yards will blow out to left field at 8 mph for Monday's game between host Baltimore (+108, 7.5) and the Chicago White Sox. Teams averaged a combined 10.89 runs and 3.56 home runs over nine games in similar conditions last season - well above stadium averages.

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**Udog** · 06-23-2014, 12:32 PM

MLB
Short Sheet

Monday, June 23

Miami at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
Eovaldi: MIAMI is 19-11 TSR after 3 or more consecutive home games
Hernandez: 6-16 TSR in night games

Cincinnati at Chicago, 8:05 ET
Simon: 7-0 TSR on the road when the money line is +125 to -125
Samrdzija: 1-7 TSR when the money line is -100 to -150

Washington at Milwaukee, 8:10 ET
Gonzalez: 16-4 TSR in road games after a win
Garza: 25-10 OVER in night games

St Louis at Colorado, 8:40 ET
Lynn: ST LOUIS 11-19 after a game where the bullpen gave up no runs
Chacin: COLORADO 23-13 after a one run loss

San Diego at San Francisco, 10:15 ET
Cashner: n/a
Cain: n/a

NY Yankees at Toronto, 7:05 ET
Cashner: NY YANKEES 7-0 in road games after 2 or more consecutive losses
Cain: TORONTO 38-46 when the money line is -100 to -150

Chicago at Baltimore, 7:05 ET
Sale: CHI WHITE SOX 26-36 when the money line is -100 to -150
Chen: 21-14 TSR as an underdog

Boston at Seattle, 10:10 ET
Lackey: 17-6 UNDER in road games
Hernandez: SEATTLE 6-14 after scoring and allowing 3 runs or less

Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay, 7:10 ET
Volquez: PITTSBURGH 48-32 after 3 or more consecutive road games
Cobb: TAMPA BAY 18-23 in home games

LA Dodgers at Kansas City, 8:10 ET
Greinke: 5-12 TSR as a road favorite of -125 to -150
Guthrie: 26-15 TSR when the money line is +125 to -125

Announcement

Monday's Trends and Indexes - 6/23 (MLB, WNBA, Misc.)

Monday's Trends and Indexes - 6/23 (MLB, WNBA, Misc.)

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