Monday's Trends and Indexes - 7/28 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

[Udog]

Trends and Indexes

Monday, July 28

Good Luck on day #209 of 2014!

At this time, the sports menu in this thread consists of MLB, WNBA and CFL until their seasons are played out. Also, general sports news and notes will be posted.

NOTE:
As information becomes available, we will attempt to post the trends and indexes as soon as possible.
Information is posted from what we believe are reliable sources.
Any opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the posting member or BettorsChat.

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[Udog]

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

-- Jason Lane is the Padres' starting pitcher today; he played in 499 games as an outfielder in the big leagues from 2002-07, mostly with Houston. Quite a story.

-- Ump Alfonso Marquez had a rough game behind the plate Sunday night; he had both sides mad at him, pretty early in the game.

-- Giancarlo Stanton went 0-4 with four Ks as a DH Sunday, in same game where Jose Altuve went 3-4, seeing a total of eight pitches in his four ABs.

-- Tim Clark birdied five of his last six holes, rallied to win the Canadian Open on a day when Jim Furyk started out with a three-stroke lead.

-- Indians' catcher Carlos Santana has six home runs in his last six games.

-- Why would the Red Sox trade Jon Lester and if he says he'd be willing to return to Boston as a free agent this winter, why would anyone trade for him?


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

13) Want to speed up baseball games? Ban coaches from visiting the mound during an innng; that'll chop ten minutes off a game right there.

12) The Bronx Bombers' home stadium is a joke; pop ups go over the fence in right-center field. How are they ever go recruit a decent free agent pitcher when they play in such a hitter's paradise?

11) Bombers are 54-50 this season, but if you stopped all their games after the fifth inning, they'd be 57-31-16; their middle relief has hurt them, hampered by their starters' inability to go deeper into games to ease the bullpen's burden.

One more Bronx stat; they're 29-19 when a rookie pitcher starts, 25-31 otherwise.

10) Dan Shulman/John Kruk are broadcasting next Sunday's Bronx-Boston game on ESPN from the Monster Seats in left field in Boston. Too bad for them there is an NFL exhibition game on another channel, so not many people will watch.

9) When you hear teams talk about "innings limits" for young pitchers, generally they don't want a young pitcher throwing more than 20% more innings than he pitched the year before-- that has been proven to be an indicator of future injuries.

8) If I'm pitching for the Mets, the first thing I do on gameday is to check whether or not Juan Lagares is playing CF when I pitch; he's that good with the glove.

7) Mets have been calling so many guys up from AAA Las Vegas, the AAA 51's have used 26 different pitchers this year, including SS Omar Quintanilla for two innings. Manager Wally Backman has had an ever-changing roster this season.

6) Kid named Ryan Cline put on a shooting clinic at the adidas Super 64 tourney in Las Vegas Sunday; his Indiana Elite team won the tourney. Cline is heading to Purdue next season- the Boilers could use some shooters.

5) Detroit Tigers won in Anaheim Thursday, then lost next three games, scoring a total of two runs. Angels sure have shored up their pitching the last few weeks.

4) Batters who have come to the plate with the most runners on base this year: Casey McGehee 327, Albert Pujols 318, Ryan Howard 312, Marlon Byrd 303. it is a little weird that Phillies are #3-4 on this list.

3) Batters who have knocked in highest %age of their baserunners (minimum 150 PA): Miguel Cabrera, 27.5%, Ryan Braun 24.2%, Chris Colabello 22.4%.

2) Clint Hurdle's Pirates are 35-24 in games decided by 1-2 runs, 20-25 in games decided by 3+ runs. Hurdle is getting the most out of his team.

1) Simple fact: Pete Rose should be in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

[Udog]

C-USA college football betting preview: Marshall mighty, but not smart money

Conference USA undergoes a facelift with three programs bailing for bigger and better things in the AAC and two new teams joining the ranks in 2014.

At the top of the C-USA sits Marshall, which is not only a big favorite to win the conference crown but also a sleeper Cinderella to sneak into the new four-team national title playoff system.

Marshall Thundering Herd (2013: 10-4 SU, 9-5 ATS)

Odds to win conference: -200
Season win total: 10.5

Why bet the Thundering Herd: Marshall is the clear-cut favorite in C-USA East this season, and the favorites to win the overall conference championship. The Thundering Herd return 14 starters, including quarterback Rakeem Cato. They play an extremely easy schedule and there’s a real possibility they go undefeated in 2014.

Why not bet the Thundering Herd: It’s no secret that Marshall will be very good this season, and you’ll have to pay a tax to bet it. The Thundering Herd may be double-digit favorites in every game and there will likely be a spot or two to fade Marshall as the pointspreads get inflated.

Season win total pick: Over 10.5


UTSA Roadrunners (2013: 7-5 SU, 7-5 ATS)

Odds to win conference: +300
Season win total: 8.5

Why bet the Roadrunners: UTSA returns one of the most experienced teams in the country with 20 starters coming back. The Roadrunners have won 15 games over the last two seasons and they are set to breakout in 2014. Head coach Larry Coker won a national championship at Miami and has a great shot of getting the Roadrunners to the C-USA title game.

Why not bet the Roadrunners: Despite 20 returning starters, UTSA does not return its quarterback. Eric Soza was a three-year starter and his loss leaves a major hole to fill. The Roadrunners need to find a suitable replacement, but that’s not a given with inexperienced players battling for the all important QB spot.

Season win total pick: Over 8.5


North Texas Mean Green (2013: 9-4 SU, 10-3 ATS)

Odds to win conference: +500
Season win total: 8

Why bet the Mean Green: North Texas has a solid foundation with this being head coach Dan McCarney’s fourth year on the job. The Mean Green possess a strong offensive line and their ability to run the ball and control the clock may be enough to keep them competitive.

Why not bet the Mean Green: The team had a breakout season in 2013 when it went 9-4 and won the Heart of Dallas Bowl. But North Texas will be hard-pressed to repeat last year’s success as it returns just nine starters while playing a tough schedule with five of its final eight games on the road.

Season win total pick: Under 8


Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (2013: 8-5 SU, 5-8 ATS)

Odds to win conference: +750
Season win total: 7.5

Why bet the Blue Raiders: Middle Tennessee has been a solid team over the last two years, winning eight games each season. It wouldn’t be a stretch for it to repeat that success in 2014, especially since it will have one of the best defenses in the conference.

Why not bet the Blue Raiders: Offense. MTU returns just five starters on offense and the quarterback situation is up for grabs. Head coach Rick Stockstill said he won’t name a starter until the Friday before the season opener and that doesn’t show much confidence in the players battling for the job.

Season win total pick: Under 7.5


Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2013: 8-4 SU, 5-7 ATS)

Odds to win conference: +1,000
Season win total: 7

Why bet the Hilltoppers: Western Kentucky’s offense projects to be explosive this season with eight starters returning, including QB Brandon Doughty. The new head coach is Jeff Brohm, who was the offensive coordinator last year, so the transition should be a bit smoother than normal.

Why not bet the Hilltoppers: The team is in flux right now with their third new head coach in three years and moving from the Sun Belt to C-USA. The defense also figures to regress sharply with just four starters returning. Western Kentucky lost conference players of the year on both offense and defense to graduation. That leaves the Hilltoppers without their best players on both sides of the ball.

Season win total pick: Under 7


Rice Owls (2013: 10-4 SU, 8-6 ATS)

Odds to win conference: +1,500
Season win total: 6.5

Why bet the Owls: Rice won the C-USA title last season, so it comes into 2014 with a lot of momentum. The Owls return only 12 starters but they have an experienced roster overall. Rice’s best attribute is its running game and its ability to possess the ball and control the clock make the Owls very competitive in this conference.

Why not bet the Owls: It’s hard to envision Rice repeating the 10-win season of 2013. Rice’s defense also tends to get overwhelmed by strong offenses and that will be the case once again this season. The Owls also must keep QB Driphus Jackson healthy because if he goes down, the season is likely doomed.

Season win total pick: Over 6.5


Florida Atlantic Owls (2013: 6-6 SU, 9-3 ATS)

Odds to win conference: +2,500
Season win total: 5.5

Why bet the Owls: The team showed a tremendous amount of resiliency after its head coach and defensive coordinator quit midseason. Florida Atlantic won its last four games, so that was positive momentum heading into the offseason. Only 11 starters return, but the Owls could surprise in 2014.

Why not bet the Owls: Florida Atlantic has major question marks along its offensive and defensive lines coming into this season. The Owls lost a total of six starters on those two units, so the line of scrimmage is a big area of concern. The schedule is also tough with their strongest opponents all coming on the road.

Season win total pick: Over 5.5


Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (2013: 4-8 SU, 4-8 ATS)

Odds to win conference: +2,500
Season win total: 5.5

Why bet the Bulldogs: Louisiana Tech should improve in its second year under head coach Skip Holtz. The Bulldogs also have a new defensive coordinator, Manny Diaz, who did good things at Texas and Mississippi State. The stop unit projects to be very good this year and that makes Louisiana Tech a sleeper in C-USA.

Why not bet the Bulldogs: Last season, Louisiana Tech relied too heavily on running back Kenneth Dixon. The quarterbacks were terrible in 2013 and the Bulldogs must get better production from that unit. The early schedule is brutal with four of their first five games on the road, including non-conference trips to Oklahoma and Auburn.

Season win total pick: Over 5.5


Old Dominion Monarchs (2013: 8-4 SU, 3-3 ATS)

Odds to win conference: +7,500
Season win total: 5

Why bet the Monarchs: Old Dominion is making the jump from FCS to FBS this season. The Monarchs return 17 starters from their eight-win team of 2013, so a successful transition isn’t out of the question, especially since they possess a potent offense that has averaged 36.7 points per game or more over the last three seasons.

Why not bet the Monarchs: With the move up in divisions, Old Dominion will face stronger opponents week in and week out. And that’s not a good thing for a poor defense. Over the last two seasons, Old Dominion has allowed an average of 32.3 points and 436 yards of offense per game.

Season win total pick: Over 5


UTEP Miners (2013: 2-10 SU, 2-10 ATS)

Odds to win conference: +15,000
Season win total: 4

Why bet the Miners: UTEP returns 15 starters in 2014 and the Miners will be in the second year of head coach Sean Kugler’s system. The team is built to be a physical running team and if the change in style takes another step forward, UTEP could be a litter better this season.

Why not bet the Miners: There’s still a lot of work ahead of UTEP, especially its implemented 4-2-5 defensive scheme. The defensive line is a key element for that type of defense, but the Miners will have three new starters along the line. The schedule will be difficult to navigate and while UTEP is better than last year, it may not be reflected in the win/loss column.

Season win total pick: Under 4


Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (2013: 1-11 SU, 3-9 ATS)

Odds to win conference: +20,000
Season win total: 3

Why bet the Golden Eagles: There’s nowhere to go but up for Southern Miss in 2014 and big improvement is expected. The Golden Eagles return 16 starters and they will be in the second year of head coach Todd Monken’s system. Injuries decimated this team last season but if they stay healthy, they could pull a big upset or two.

Why not bet the Golden Eagles: Southern Miss is an ugly 1-23 SU over the last two years. The offense has been pitiful while only averaging 18.4 points per game and the defense has been a sieve, allowing 39.9 points per game during the long losing slump. The Golden Eagles are also minus-35 in turnover differential the last two years. It’s tough to back a losing team like Southern Miss until it shows improvement on the field.

Season win total pick: Over 3


UAB Blazers (2013: 2-10 SU, 4-8 ATS)

Odds to win conference: +25,000
Season win total: 2.5

Why bet the Blazers: Sometimes a new voice and a different perspective can change the fortune of a team, and that’s what UAB hopes will happen. The Blazers return 15 starters from a team that was competitive at times last season. UAB has underachieved in recent years, so maybe this is the year it can turn things around.

Why not bet the Blazers: UAB has won three games or less in each of the last three seasons. With new head coach Bill Clark short on experience (Jackson State last year), expectations are extremely low for the Blazers once again. Unless the defense shows significant improvement, UAB will repeat what it’s done over the last three years.

Season win total pick: Under 2.5


Florida International Golden Panthers (2013: 1-11 SU, 4-8 ATS)

Odds to win conference: +30,000
Season win total: 2

Why bet the Golden Panthers: Florida International was embarrassingly bad in head coach Ron Turner’s first season. However, with 17 returning starters, the Panthers have the experience to improve in 2014. The early schedule is favorable with their first four games at home, including a pair of FCS opponents to begin the season.

Why not bet the Golden Panthers: They lost by an average of 27 points per game last season, so they were hardly competitive. Florida International’s offense averaged a ridiculously low 9.8 points per game in 2013 and they were shutout three times.

Season win total pick: Over 2

[Udog]

WNBA
Dunkel

Indiana at Los Angeles
The Sparks play host to an Indiana team that is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 games in Los Angeles. LA is the pick (-5) according to Dunkel, which has the Sparks favored by 10. Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-5). Here are all of today's WNBA picks.

MONDAY, JULY 28

Game 601-602: Indiana at Los Angeles (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 107.703; Los Angeles 117.698
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 10; 144
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles by 5; 150
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-5); Under




WNBA

Monday, July 28

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Trend Report
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10:30 PM
INDIANA vs. LOS ANGELES
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Indiana's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing Los Angeles
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Los Angeles's last 8 games
Los Angeles is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games at home


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[Udog]

MLB
Dunkel

Toronto at Boston
The Red Sox open a series at home tonight against at Toronto team that is 0-7 in R.A. Dickey's last 7 starts as a road underdog of +110 to +150. Boston is the pick (-135) according to Dunkel, which has the Red Sox favored by 4 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Boston (-135). Here are all of today's MLB picks.

MONDAY, JULY 28

Game 951-952: San Diego at Atlanta (12:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Lane) 14.473; Atlanta (Santana) 16.338
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 2; 8
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-165); 7
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-165); Over

Game 953-954: Arizona at Cincinnati (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Anderson) 13.911; Cincinnati (Bailey) 15.647
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-140); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-140); Over

Game 955-956: Philadelphia at NY Mets (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Burnett) 15.402; NY Mets (Colon) 14.089
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-145); 7
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+125); Over

Game 957-958: Washington at Miami (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Zimmermann) 15.188; Miami (Eovaldi) 16.023
Dunkel Line: Miami by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Washington (-145); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+125); Over

Game 959-960: Colorado at Chicago Cubs (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Flande) 13.306; Cubs (Wada) 17.064
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 4; 10
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-145); No Run Total
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (-145); N/A

Game 961-962: Pittsburgh at San Francisco (10:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Worley) 15.761; San Francisco (Bumgarner) 17.378
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-175); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-175); Under

Game 963-964: Toronto at Boston (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Dickey) 13.415; Boston (Buchholz) 18.117
Dunkel Line: Boston by 4 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Boston (-135); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-135); Under

Game 965-966: NY Yankees at Texas (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Phelps) 11.688; Texas (Darvish) 17.729
Dunkel Line: Texas by 6; 9
Vegas Line: Texas (-160); 8
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-160); Over

Game 967-968: Oakland at Houston (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Chavez) 15.244; Houston (Oberholtzer) 16.431
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Oakland (-185); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+165); Over

Game 969-970: Milwaukee at Tampa Bay (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Lohse) 15.333; Tampa Bay (Odorizzi) 13.772
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-145); 7
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+125); Over

[Udog]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, July 28

Padres-Braves
Former big league OF Lane is making first MLB start on mound; he played 499 games as an outfielder ('02-'07), has thrown 4.1 scoreless innings this year. He was 6-8, 4.67 in 19 AAA starts this year.
Santana is 4-1, 3.41 in his last five starts.

San Diego are 4-8 in their last dozen road games.
Braves are 10-6 in their last sixteen home games.

Over is 8-4-1 in last thirteen Atlanta games.

Diamondbacks-Reds
Anderson is 1-0, 2.25 in his last two starts.
Bailey is 1-1, 2.25 in his last four starts.

Arizona lost nine of its last thirteen road games.
Reds lost eight of their last nine games.
Under is 3-1-1 in last five Anderson starts.

Phillies-Mets
Burnett is 1-2, 4.01 in his last five starts.
Colon is 1-3, 5.13 in his last five starts.

Phillies won five of their last seven road games.
Mets won seven of their last eight home games.

Nine of last twelve games at Citi Field went over the total.

Nationals-Marlins
Zimmerman is 0-1, 8.64 in his last couple starts.
Eovaldi is 0-3, 6.39 in his last five starts.

Washington won eight of its last eleven games.
Marlins won seven of their last eight games.

Seven of last ten Miami home games went over.

Rockies-Cubs
Colorado is 0-4 when Flande starts (0-2, 7.20).
Cubs lost both Wada starts (0-1, 6.00).

Colorado lost 12 of their last 13 road games.
Cubs lost nine of their last eleven games overall.

Over is 9-3-1 in last thirteen games at Wrigley Field.

Pirates-Giants
Worley is 1-1, 5.50 in his last three starts.
Bumgarner is 3-0, 2.21 in his last three starts.

Pittsburgh lost eight of its last eleven road games.
Giants lost 19 of their last 25 home games.

Last three Worley starts went over the total.

Blue Jays-Boston
Dickey is 2-6, 4.47 in his last eight starts.
Buchholz is 3-2, 3.89 in six starts since coming off the DL.

Blue Jays won seven of their last nine games.
Red Sox lost five of their last six games.

Seven of last nine Dickey starts stayed under total.

Bronx-Texas
Phelps is 2-0, 2.59 in his last four starts.
Darvish is 1-2, 5.32 in his last four starts.

Bronx lost three of its last four road games.
Rangers lost 30 of their last 37 games overall.

Under is 5-1-1 in last seven Texas games.

A's-Astros
Chavez is 2-1, 2.60 in his last three starts.
Oberholtzer is 2-1, 3.23 in his last six starts.

A's won four of their last five games.
Astros lost seven of last eight home games.

Over is 14-8 in last 22 Houston games.

Brewers-Rays
Lohse is 2-0, 1.32 in his last two starts.
Odorizzi is 3-1, 3.75 in his last four starts.

Milwaukee won five of its last seven games.
Tampa Bay won nine of its last ten games

Six of last seven Milwaukee games stayed under.

Teams' record when this starting pitcher starts:
-- Lane 0-0; Santana 9-9
-- Anderson 7-4; Bailey 9-11
-- Burnett 10-11; Colon 10-9
-- Zimmerman 12-8; Eovaldi 7-13
-- Flande 0-4; Wada 0-2
-- Worley 3-3; Bumgarner 11-9

-- Dickey 10-11; Buchholz 6-9
-- Phelps 4-10; Darvish 11-7
-- Chavez 14-6; Oberholtzer 4-9

-- Lohse 14-6; Odorizzi 8-12

Pitchers allowing runs in first inning:
-- Lane 0-0; Santana 7-18
-- Anderson 3-12; Bailey 6-20
-- Burnett 6-21; Colon 7-20
-- Zimmerman 1-20; Eovaldi 8-20
-- Flande 0-4; Wada 1-2
-- Worley 0-6; Bumgarner 4-21

-- Dickey 5-21; Buchholz 5-15
-- Phelps 1-14; Darvish 3-17
-- Chavez 5-20; Oberholtzer 6-13

-- Lohse 8-20; Odorizzi 9-20

[Udog]

MLB

Monday, July 28

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Trend Report
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12:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Diego's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of San Diego's last 10 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Atlanta's last 13 games

7:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. MIAMI
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
Miami is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington

7:10 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. TAMPA BAY
Milwaukee is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
Milwaukee is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games

7:10 PM
ARIZONA vs. CINCINNATI
Arizona is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Arizona is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Cincinnati is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games at home
Cincinnati is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games

7:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. NY METS
Philadelphia is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Philadelphia's last 14 games
NY Mets are 5-11 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Mets's last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

7:10 PM
TORONTO vs. BOSTON
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 7 games when playing Toronto
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:05 PM
NY YANKEES vs. TEXAS
NY Yankees are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 5 games when playing Texas
Texas is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
Texas is 4-21 SU in its last 25 games

8:05 PM
COLORADO vs. CHI CUBS
Colorado is 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Colorado's last 7 games when playing Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 2-9 SU in their last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Chi Cubs's last 10 games at home

8:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. HOUSTON
Oakland is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Oakland's last 16 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games when playing Oakland
Houston is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

10:15 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. SAN FRANCISCO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games
Pittsburgh is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
San Francisco is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Pittsburgh
San Francisco is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh


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[Udog]

MLB

Monday, July 28


Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado - Ques Mon

Gonzalez has an ankle injury and has missed the last two games. He is questionable for Monday against the Cubs

[Udog]

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, July 28

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SAN DIEGO (46 - 58) at ATLANTA (57 - 48) - 12:10 PM
JASON LANE (L) vs. ERVIN SANTANA (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 2-1 (+0.4 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

JASON LANE vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.

ERVIN SANTANA vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
SANTANA is 1-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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ARIZONA (45 - 60) at CINCINNATI (52 - 52) - 7:10 PM
CHASE ANDERSON (R) vs. HOMER BAILEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 45-60 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 2-9 (-8.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday this season.
ARIZONA is 45-60 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CINCINNATI is 39-15 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
BAILEY is 32-12 (+16.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 354-317 (-75.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 3-1 (+2.5 Units) against ARIZONA this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)

CHASE ANDERSON vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

HOMER BAILEY vs. ARIZONA since 1997
BAILEY is 0-0 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.625.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (46 - 59) at NY METS (50 - 55) - 7:10 PM
A.J. BURNETT (R) vs. BARTOLO COLON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 119-148 (-28.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 119-146 (-26.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 86-114 (-29.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 53-66 (-22.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BURNETT is 85-121 (-42.2 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 11-28 (-26.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 70-101 (-35.8 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 55-86 (-33.7 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 39-59 (-24.5 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 7-14 (-11.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 28-21 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 30-19 (+15.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
COLON is 32-19 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLON is 32-19 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLON is 29-17 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 10-4 (+7.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 this season.
NY METS are 44-63 (-20.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 94-116 (-34.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 293-308 (-86.8 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
NY METS are 94-116 (-34.3 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 51-73 (-28.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 21-35 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
COLON is 18-27 (-18.9 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 since 1997. (Team's Record)
COLON is 69-61 (-23.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 6-3 (+2.9 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

A.J. BURNETT vs. NY METS since 1997
BURNETT is 5-6 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.55 and a WHIP of 1.170.
His team's record is 10-11 (-3.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 11-10. (+0.1 units)

BARTOLO COLON vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
COLON is 2-2 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 4.26 and a WHIP of 1.421.
His team's record is 3-3 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-4. (-2.5 units)

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WASHINGTON (57 - 45) at MIAMI (51 - 53) - 7:10 PM
JORDAN ZIMMERMANN (R) vs. NATHAN EOVALDI (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 37-32 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MIAMI is 54-56 (+11.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 348-394 (+44.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
ZIMMERMANN is 44-16 (+24.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZIMMERMANN is 35-12 (+18.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MIAMI is 120-179 (-43.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 5-3 (+1.0 Units) against MIAMI this season
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.8 Units)

JORDAN ZIMMERMANN vs. MIAMI since 1997
ZIMMERMANN is 5-3 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 3.93 and a WHIP of 1.178.
His team's record is 8-6 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-3. (+5.5 units)

NATHAN EOVALDI vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
EOVALDI is 2-2 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 5.06 and a WHIP of 1.360.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

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COLORADO (43 - 61) at CHICAGO CUBS (42 - 61) - 8:05 PM
YOHAN FLANDE (L) vs. TSUYOSHI WADA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 43-61 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 145-262 (-63.6 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 since 1997.
COLORADO is 45-85 (-28.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 24-47 (-21.5 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 43-61 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 9-25 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
COLORADO is 49-85 (-31.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 48-62 (-25.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 108-158 (-28.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 7-16 (-14.2 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 53-77 (-25.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 108-158 (-28.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 205-221 (-75.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 78-108 (-39.6 Units) against the money line after getting shut out since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 671-675 (-158.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 200-174 (-45.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.

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

YOHAN FLANDE vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

TSUYOSHI WADA vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

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PITTSBURGH (55 - 49) at SAN FRANCISCO (57 - 48) - 10:15 PM
VANCE WORLEY (R) vs. MADISON BUMGARNER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 242-470 (-99.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 105-234 (-69.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 205-101 (+43.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 179-120 (+54.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 152-120 (+26.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 150-119 (+24.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 39-28 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 65-74 (-22.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 69-68 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 17-22 (-9.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 19-29 (-15.4 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 69-68 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 38-44 (-17.4 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BUMGARNER is 9-13 (-11.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

VANCE WORLEY vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
WORLEY is 2-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 4.09 and a WHIP of 0.955.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

MADISON BUMGARNER vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
BUMGARNER is 1-2 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 1.71 and a WHIP of 1.048.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

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TORONTO (56 - 50) at BOSTON (48 - 57) - 7:10 PM
R.A. DICKEY (R) vs. CLAY BUCHHOLZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BUCHHOLZ is 13-4 (+9.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 48-58 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 26-27 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BOSTON is 18-28 (-13.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BOSTON is 44-49 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 34-40 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BOSTON is 31-38 (-14.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 192-183 (-44.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 7-3 (+4.6 Units) against BOSTON this season
7 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.0 Units)

R.A. DICKEY vs. BOSTON since 1997
DICKEY is 3-3 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.84 and a WHIP of 1.388.
His team's record is 3-4 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-3. (+0.6 units)

CLAY BUCHHOLZ vs. TORONTO since 1997
BUCHHOLZ is 10-7 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 2.82 and a WHIP of 1.214.
His team's record is 11-9 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 12-8. (+3.2 units)

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NY YANKEES (54 - 50) at TEXAS (41 - 64) - 8:05 PM
DAVID PHELPS (R) vs. YU DARVISH (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 21-27 (-11.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
NY YANKEES are 27-31 (-9.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
TEXAS is 41-64 (-24.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 19-32 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
TEXAS is 4-19 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in July games this season.
TEXAS is 39-60 (-22.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 27-48 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 30-44 (-14.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 25-38 (-15.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
TEXAS is 21-37 (-13.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TEXAS is 3-15 (-11.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 3-1 (+1.6 Units) against TEXAS this season
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.0 Units)

DAVID PHELPS vs. TEXAS since 1997
PHELPS is 2-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 2.70 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

YU DARVISH vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
DARVISH is 2-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 1.85 and a WHIP of 1.069.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-4. (-4.2 units)

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

OAKLAND (65 - 39) at HOUSTON (42 - 63) - 8:10 PM
JESSE CHAVEZ (R) vs. BRETT OBERHOLTZER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 65-39 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 23-7 (+15.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
OAKLAND is 76-60 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 14-5 (+9.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
OAKLAND is 48-23 (+22.0 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 54-36 (+24.4 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 63-35 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 98-65 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 98-63 (+20.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 121-70 (+32.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
CHAVEZ is 13-2 (+10.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 148-280 (-63.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 18-37 (-15.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
HOUSTON is 45-88 (-31.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 26-54 (-22.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 3-15 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in home games in July games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 16-42 (-21.3 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 45-88 (-31.9 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 31-59 (-18.9 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 29-59 (-21.8 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 54-118 (-35.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 32-97 (-41.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 10-48 (-26.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 7-3 (+1.6 Units) against HOUSTON this season
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.9 Units)

JESSE CHAVEZ vs. HOUSTON since 1997
CHAVEZ is 2-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.78 and a WHIP of 1.380.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

BRETT OBERHOLTZER vs. OAKLAND since 1997
OBERHOLTZER is 0-2 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 4.03 and a WHIP of 1.567.
His team's record is 1-3 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.4 units)

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

MILWAUKEE (59 - 47) at TAMPA BAY (51 - 54) - 7:10 PM
KYLE LOHSE (R) vs. JAKE ODORIZZI (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 2-7 (-9.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
TAMPA BAY is 15-5 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in July games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 25-14 (+16.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 24-15 (+12.2 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 29-21 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 23-14 (+14.5 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 93-81 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 48-46 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 35-31 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 39-28 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
LOHSE is 15-6 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
LOHSE is 7-0 (+8.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season. (Team's Record)
LOHSE is 6-0 (+7.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less this season. (Team's Record)
LOHSE is 24-13 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 51-54 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 24-29 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 24-29 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome this season.
TAMPA BAY is 31-36 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 24-32 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf this season.
TAMPA BAY is 22-31 (-17.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
TAMPA BAY is 12-18 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

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

KYLE LOHSE vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
LOHSE is 5-3 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 2.94 and a WHIP of 1.135.
His team's record is 7-3 (+3.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-6. (-4.4 units)


JAKE ODORIZZI vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
No recent starts.

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

[Udog]

WNBA
Long Sheet

Monday, July 28

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

INDIANA (12 - 13) at LOS ANGELES (11 - 14) - 7/28/2014, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 103-137 ATS (-47.7 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
INDIANA is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
LOS ANGELES is 25-37 ATS (-15.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 10-21 ATS (-13.1 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 this season.
LOS ANGELES is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in home games in July games over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games against Eastern conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 15-26 ATS (-13.6 Units) after scoring 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 5-0 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 5-0 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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[Udog]

MLB

Monday, July 28


Kennedy to miss Monday’s start with injury

Dennis Lin of U-T San Diego reports that Padres right-hander Ian Kennedy won’t make Monday’s scheduled start against the Braves due to left oblique soreness. Jason Lane will start in his place opposite Ervin Santana at Turner Field.

[Udog]

MLB

Monday, July 28


Road teams roll into Monday's action

Home-field advantage meant nothing in the MLB Sunday. Visiting teams went on an impressive 11-4 run on the diamond.

Road teams managed to hold the home side to under five runs scored in 13 of the 15 games.

[Udog]

MLB

Monday, July 28

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game of the Day: Blue Jays at Red Sox
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Toronto Blue Jays at Boston Red Sox (-135, 8.5)

The Toronto Blue Jays look to take advantage of the sinking Boston Red Sox for the second time in a week as they open a three-game series in Boston on Monday. Toronto took three of four at home against the Red Sox to begin last week before winning two of three at the New York Yankees over the weekend, pulling to within three games of first-place Baltimore in the American League East. Overall, the Blue Jays have won seven of nine following a 2-9 stretch.

After dropping the final three games in Toronto, Boston lost two of three at Tampa Bay to extend its misery. The defending world champs scored 14 runs over the final six games of their road trip after producing 14 in the opener of the trek. The Blue Jays swept three straight by a combined score of 20-10 in their last visit to Boston in May.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ESPN, SNET (Toronto), NESN (Boston)

LINE HISTORY: The line opened at Boston -135 and with some early action on the Red Sox, jumped as high as -139 before settling back down at the opening number. The total currently sits at 8.5.

INJURY REPORT: N.A.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH R.A. Dickey (8-10, 4.04 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Clay Buchholz (5-6, 5.50)

Dickey got the win after allowing four runs and nine hits in six innings against Boston on Wednesday, just the second victory in his last eight decisions. The knuckleballer has worked at least six innings in eight consecutive starts while striking out at least five in each of his last seven outings. Dickey also let up a run in 6 1/3 solid innings to defeat the Red Sox at home on April 27 but he is 0-1 with a 6.91 ERA in five career games (one start) at Fenway Park.

Buchholz had seemingly turned a corner after a rocky, injury-marred start to his season, but has been more pedestrian in his last two starts. He has given up eight earned runs on 16 hits and four walks over 12 innings in those outings, including six frames opposite Dickey last week. The 29-year-old has a 6.32 ERA in seven home starts, allowing 52 hits in 37 innings.

CONSENSUS: Fifty-four percent of wagers are backing the Blue Jays at +125.


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

[Udog]

MLB

Monday, July 28

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MLB betting cheat sheet: Dickey lacking road run support
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's a comprehensive look at betting notes for the early-week major league games:

Total Stunner

The San Diego Padres and Atlanta Braves have been the best Under bets in the National League to date - but you wouldn't know it from the way they played this past weekend. Atlanta beat visiting San Diego 8-3 Sunday to make it a 2-0-1 O/U stretch entering Monday's finale of the four-game set.

Dickey Down on the Road

R.A. Dickey will be hoping for a little more road run support than he usually gets as the Toronto Blue Jays (+123, 8.5) open a series against the Boston Red Sox on Monday. Dickey is just 2-7 despite a 3.77 ERA in 10 starts away from Toronto; the Jays are averaging just 2.8 runs in those outings.

Mr. Dependable

Jered Weaver will look to continue his consistent play of late as he leads the Los Angeles Angels into Baltimore on Tuesday. Weaver has allowed exactly two runs in each of his last four appearances and is riding a four-game Under streak dating back to early July.

Pitching Notes

* Jordan Zimmermann tries to avoid a third straight shaky outing Monday as his Washington Nationals (-148, 7.5) visit the Miami Marlins. Zimmermann has allowed eight runs over his past two starts after surrendering just seven runs over his previous seven outings combined.

* Edwin Jackson has been ice-cold of late as he and the Chicago Cubs face off against the visiting Colorado Rockies on Tuesday. Jackson has thrown just 14 total innings over his previous three starts, allowing 17 runs - all earned - while going 0-2 with a no-decision in that span.

Hitting Notes

* It'll be a battle of Japanese countrymen Monday as Texas ace Yu Darvish leads the host Rangers (-143, 8) against Ichiro Suzuki and the New York Yankees. Ichiro has dominated his much younger compatriot in their major-league encounters, batting .368 with just two strikeouts in 19 at-bats.

* Tampa Bay catcher Jose Molina has struggled for most of the season - and likely won't get much relief Tuesday as the Rays face Milwaukee. Molina is 0-for-14 with three strikeouts in his career against Brewers starter Matt Garza.

Totals Streak

Los Angeles Angels (3-10 O/U): The Angels have been one of the strongest Under plays in the league so far this month, and have been especially stingy of late - surrendering just two runs over their last three games, all victories over Detroit. Los Angeles is 52-47-5 O/U for the season.

Prop of the Day

The payout may not be great, but the Oakland Athletics (-140) are a strong bet to score last in their game against Houston. The Astros have the third-worst bullpen ERA in baseball (4.47), while the Athletics have scored the third-most runs in the league after the sixth inning (157).

Injury Notes

* Oakland outfielder Coco Crisp continued to deal with a neck injury and will not play Monday night against Houston (+176, 8.5). The Athletics haven't missed a beat with Crisp out of the lineup, going 17-3 SU for a whopping +1,305 units.

* Chicago Cubs outfielder Justin Ruggiano is questionable for Monday's game against Colorado (+126) with a groin injury. The Cubs are 12-21 SU, 14-17-2 O/U and -666 units with Ruggiano on the shelf so far in 2014.

Weather Watch

* Wind at Fenway Park will blow out to center field at 11 mph for Monday's series opener between host Boston and Toronto. The Red Sox went 4-2 SU but just 1-5 O/U in six games under similar conditions in 2013, with teams combining for 8.5 runs - slightly below the stadium average.

Umpire Note of the Day

Over is 8-2 in umpire Gabe Morales' last 10 games behind home plate. Morales will call the balls and strikes for Monday's series finale between the Braves and Padres.


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[Udog]

Biffle re-signs with Roush, but Edwards won't be back

INDIANAPOLIS -- The good news for Roush Fenway Racing is that Greg Biffle will remain with the team as the organization's veteran leader, after re-signing with RFR.

On the flip side, Carl Edwards told the team more than a month ago, according to owner Jack Roush, that he will drive elsewhere next year.

The high likelihood is that Edwards will join former RFR teammate Matt Kenseth at Joe Gibbs Racing, though both Edwards and JGR brass have been mum on the subject.

The reality for Roush Fenway is that the organization will have lost two championship-caliber drivers in quick succession, as both Kenseth, the 2003 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champ, and Edwards, the 2011 title runner-up in a tiebreaker to Tony Stewart, have opted for other rides.

On the grid before Sunday's Crown Royal 400, Edwards preferred to focus on the task at hand, rather than his departure from Roush at the end of the season.

"We've just got to get everything together, and then we'll make the announcement when it's the right time," said Edwards, who acknowledged in a television interview that he already has his next deal "worked out."

"Trust me, we'll do it as soon as we can. But like I said, the focus is today and winning this race. I'll talk about it in the next couple weeks when we kind of finalize everything. I think right now is not the right time to reflect on it, because we've still got a championship to win."

There was no announcement on Sunday regarding an extension for Biffle's primary sponsor 3M. However, Roush did announce that Fastenal, which primarily has sponsored Edwards during a long relationship with RFR, would anchor Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s No. 17 Ford next year.

Biffle, Stenhouse and Trevor Bayne will constitute RFR's Sprint Cup lineup next year and beyond.

GIBBS HINTS OF FOURTH TEAM IN 2015

Team owner Joe Gibbs has a son named Coy, and perhaps there's a message in that, given the deft way the former NFL Super Bowl-winning coach side-stepped questions about Carl Edwards' expected move to his race team.

"We don't have anything right now to announce," Gibbs said on pit road before Sunday's race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "Anything that we're going to do will be coming up in the future. I'm not sure exactly what the time line is."

Gibbs did allow that his organization is making a more concerted effort this year to field a fourth team in 2015 than has been the case in the past.

"We've been (preparing for a fourth team) each and every year," Gibbs said. "But it's so hard to do that, we haven't been able to get it done. But I think we're taking a serious look at it this year."

Asked if those efforts involved signing a serious driver, Gibbs replied, "You've got to have a serious sponsor."

But he did acknowledge Edwards' star power.

"When Carl's name came up during this year ... almost everybody recognizes Carl as being somebody I think is a star," Gibbs said. "Because of that, there are a lot of teams that have tried to entice him."

KAHNE SEES SILVER LINING

Sometimes the outcome of a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race comes down to something as simple as choosing the right lane for a restart.

Second-guessing himself after losing the lead on a restart with 17 laps left in the Crown Royal Presents The John Wayne Walding 400 at The Brickyard and finishing sixth, Kasey Kahne said his choice of the inside lane was probably a mistake.

Starting to Kahne's outside, Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jeff Gordon took the lead through the first two corners and never looked back, leaving Kahne to ponder his lane selection.

"Looking back, I probably should have chosen the top, and that would have put us in a better place," said Kahne, who was trying to conserve fuel during the final run, having made his final pit stop two laps before Gordon did. "But we ended up sixth. Because of that, I was able to save fuel and make it. If I had beat him (on the restart), I would have had to race the heck out of him.

"He was faster than I was. So, we probably would have finished a lot worse. So, I guess, for points, it was good. I would have loved to win at the Brickyard. We had a good car. I thought I gave it all I had. The team gave it all they had, and we just came up a little short."

Kahne didn't have to be reminded that a win almost certainly would have earned him a spot in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

"Yeah, no kidding," Kahne said. "I know that. We have five more good tracks for us and six more races, so hopefully we can get one."

INSPECTION REVEALS POSSIBLE ISSUES WITH NO. 11 TOYOTA

During post-race inspection, NASCAR found what the sanctioning body called "possible issues" with several rear firewall block-off plates on the third-place No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota driven by Denny Hamlin.

The parts were confiscated and taken to NASCAR's research-and-development center in Concord, North Carolina, for further inspection and evaluation.

If penalties are warranted, they are likely to be announced during the coming week, as is NASCAR's custom.