Sunday's Trends and Indexes - 9/28 (MLB, CFL, Misc.)

[Udog]

Trends and Indexes

Sunday, September 28

Good Luck on day #271 of 2014!

At this time, the sports menu in this thread consists of MLB 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.

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

Matchup Links

MLB Matchups

MLB Previews

MLB Hot or Not

MLB Umpires

MLB Trends

MLB Weather


CFL Matchups

CFL Stats Center

CFL Hot or Not

CFL Trends

CFL News and Weather


NASCAR Schedules

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

[Udog]

Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack

Six most popular picks in the Westgate Hotel handicapping contest, where some of the best handicappers in
America put up $1,500 apiece, pick 5 games a week:

6) Jets, +1.5-- 'cappers skeptical of Detroit on the road.

5) Saints, -3-- Dallas seems to play better on the road.

4) Eagles +5.5-- 49ers been outscored 52-3 in second halves.

3) Falcons, -3-- Atlanta gets boost with Roddy White's return.

2) Chiefs, +3.5-- Monday night home underdogs always popular.

1) Packers, -1.5-- Hard to envision Green Bay starting 1-3. .

Season record of six most popular picks each week: 11-7

2013 season record of six most popular picks each week: 42-57-4


**********

Armadillo: Sunday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports Saturday.......

13) Minnesota 30, Michigan 14-- First it was RichRod, now Brady Hoke who figures to have a short tenure in Ann Arbor; the guy had an unbeaten season at Ball State, for chrissakes, he is a good coach, but its not working at Michigan. The next coach needs to recruit a good passer (10-25 for 88 yards passing in this game).

The guy who played QB for Hoke at Ball State (Nate Davis) was ten times better than his QBs now. Think about that; players win games, and get coaches fired.

12) More attention needs to be paid to National Signing Day in February; that is where future games are won and lost, but it gets buried in the headlines. Texas took a pass on RGIII, Aaron Rodgers had no D-I offers out of high school. Oy.

11) Texas A&M 35, Arkansas 28 OT-- Razorbacks have lost 14 consecutive SEC games; Bret Bielema is great for hanging 73 points on Nicholls State or 81 on Indiana, but how about winning a close game? Beat a quality opponent.

10) Akron 21, Pitt 10; Colorado State 24, Boston College 21. Syracuse lost to Notre Dame. Tough day for the ACC, a day that could hurt them when the teams for the national championship playoff are announced.

9) Washington State 28, Utah 27-- Utes won at Michigan last week, had 24-7 lead at half in this one, as Twitterverse was crushing Mike Leach, but his Coogs rallied to win, hitting an 81-yard TD pass with 4:58 left for the winning score. First two Utah scores were by the defense and a punt return.

8) Missouri 21, South Carolina 20-- Gmecocks took 20-7 lead with 7:20 left, then gave up two TDs in last 6:49 for a really bad home loss. Mizzou was just 2-16 on third down, completed 12 of 34 passes- those aren't winning numbers.

7) Peter Kostis of CBS points out that since PGA Tour/TV created the President's Cup, which runs in years where there is no Ryder Cup, Europe has won seven of nine Ryder Cups. Maybe they just take it more seriously.

6) Bowling Green 47, UMass 42-- Both QBs threw 60+ times, the video board at UMass collapsed, total of 200 offensive plays were run. UMasss passed for 589 yards and lost. Bowling Green was 10-23 on third down. Fun game.

5) California 59, Colorado 56 OT-- Golden Bears gave up 36 points in fourth quarter at Arizona last week; their fans are aging rapidly, but less so when you win. Colorado had 39 first downs but lost; don't see that a lot.

4) Clemson 50, North Carolina 35-- Tar Heels gave up 120 points in their last two games, giving up 50 here to a freshman QB. I hope LT isn't betting on his alma mater; Tar Heels also had 130 yards in penalties.

3) Georgia 35, Tennessee 32-- Better kick the Vols this year, because this team is a power in the making; would've won this game if Worley hadn't missed a quarter-- as soon as he came back, they moved the ball again.

2) Western Kentucky 36, Navy 27-- Hilltoppers threw ball 54 times, Navy only 15, in battle of opposite styles. Navy ran for 412 yards but lost.

Why do teams have so many different styles of uniforms? Nebraska had god-awful throwback uniforms on this week-- where does the money for that come from?

1) Florida State 56, NC State 41-- Wolfpack led 24-7 early, 38-28 in third quarter, but Seminoles have too many good players right now. Winston isn't ready for the NFL yet, but it is easy to visualize bolting school as soon as he can. Hope not.

[Udog]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, September 28

Marlins-Nationals
Alvarez is 2-0, 1.31 in his last three starts.
Zimmerman is 5-0, 2.77 in his last six starts.

Marlins lost seven of their last ten games.
Washington won 12 of its last 15 games.

Eleven of last fourteen Washington games stayed under total.

Braves-Phillies
Bullpen game for the Braves, as they play out the string. .
Hamels is 2-2, 1.56 in his last six starts.

Braves lost 12 of their last 15 games.
Philly lost nine of their last thirteen games.

Three of last four Atlanta games went over the total.

Pirates-Reds
Cole is 4-0, 3.81 in his last four starts.
Cueto is 4-1, 2.45 in his last five starts.

Pirates won nine of their last twelve games.
Cincinnati lost seven of their last eleven games.

Five of last six Cueto starts stayed under the total.

Cubs-Brewers
Turner is 0-3, 9.98 in his last three starts.
Fiers is 2-2, 2.28 in his last four starts.

Cubs lost eight of their last ten road games.
Milwaukee lost seven of its last ten games.

Nine of last eleven Milwaukee games stayed under total.

Cardinals-Diamondbacks
Wainwright is 5-0, 1.38 in his last five starts.
Collmenter is 2-1, 1.65 in his last four starts.

St Louis lost four of its last six games.
Diamondbacks lost nine of their last eleven games.

Eight of last twelve Cardinal games stayed under the total.

Rockies-Dodgers
Bergman is 1-2, 5.40 in his last three starts.
Greinke is 3-0, 2.88 in his last four starts.

Colorado won seven of its last eleven games.
Dodgers won seven of their last nine games.

Over is 9-1-1 in last eleven Dodger games.

Padres-Giants
Erlin is 3-0, 2.95 in his last four starts.
Heston is making first MLB start; he was 12-9, 3.38 in 28 AAA starts this year-- he's pitched 1.1 scoreless innings in relief in the majors.

San Diego won nine of its last thirteen games.
Giants lost nine of their last fourteen games.

Under is 7-3-1 in last eleven San Francisco games.

Rays-Indians
Cobb is 3-2, 1.55 in his last nine starts.
House is 2-0, 1.38 in his last four starts.

Tampa Bay lost six of its last nine games.
Indians won seven of their last eleven games.

Under is 7-2 in last nine House starts.

Orioles-Blue Jays
Gonzalez is 0-2, 4.63 in his last two starts.
Dickey is 4-0, 3.10 in his last five starts.

Baltimore lost six of its last nine games.
Blue Jays won five of their last six games.

Seven of last ten Dickey starts went over the total.

Twins-Tigers
Gibson is 2-0, 3.46 in his last couple starts.
Price is 1-2, 4.11 in his last four starts.

Minnesota won four of its last five games.
Detroit lost its last two games, allowing 23 runs.

Under is 5-2-1 in last eight Detroit games.

Bronx-Red Sox
Pineda is 2-3, 2.29 in his last six starts.
Buchholz is 0-2, 7.71 in his last two starts.

Bronx won seven of its last eleven games.
Red Sox lost six of their last nine home games.

Four of last five Boston games went over the total.

A's-Rangers
Gray is 0-3, 5.06 in his last five starts.
Holland is 4-0, 1.65 in his last four starts. Martinez is 2-0, 1.46 in his last two. Not sure which guy is starting.

A's lost 16 of their last 24 games.
Rangers won 13 of their last 15 games.

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

Royals-White Sox
Ventura is 5-1, 2.06 in his last six starts.
Bassitt is 1-0, 2.08 in his last three starts.

Kansas City won five of its last seven games.
White Sox lost four of their last five games.

Four of last five Kansas City games went over the total.

Angels-Mariners
Rasmus is 0-0, 1.69 in five starts, throwing 16 innings; this is a bullpen game for the Halos.
Hernandez is 0-1, 3.65 in his last four starts.

Angels lost seven of their last eleven games.
Seattle won its last three games, allowing nine runs.

Four of last five Hernandez starts stayed under the total.

Astros-Mets
Tropeano is 1-2, 4.32 in three MLB starts.
Colon is 2-3, 5.34 in his last five starts.

Houston lost eight of its last eleven games.
Mets lost three of their last five games.

Nine of last twelve Houston games stayed under the total.

Teams' record when this starting pitcher starts:
-- Cole 15-6; Cueto 21-12
-- Alvarez 20-9; Zimmerman 22-9
-- Russell 0-0; Hamels 15-14
-- Turner 6-6/1-4; Fiers 6-3
-- Erln 4-6; Heston 0-0
-- Bergman 5-6; Greinke 18-13
-- Wainwright 23-9; Collmenter 17-10

-- Gibson 13-17; Price 14-9/5-5
-- Cobb 13-14; House 12-5
-- Gonzalez 13-12; Dickey 15-17
-- Pineda 5-7; Buchholz 11-16
-- Ventura 17-12; Bassitt 3-1
-- Gray 17-15; Martinez 8-15
-- Rasmus 3-2; Hernandez 21-12

-- Tropeano 1-2; Colon 16-14

Pitchers allowing runs in first inning:
-- Cole 7-21; Cueto 7-33
-- Alvarez 6-29; Zimmerman 4-31
-- Russell 0-0; Hamels 3-29
-- Turner 6-17; Fiers 1-9
-- Erln 4-10; Heston 0-0
-- Bergman 4-11; Greinke 7-31
-- Wainwright 4-32; Collmenter 9-28

-- Gibson 8-30; Price 12-33
-- Cobb 4-27; House 5-18
-- Gonzalez 5-25; Dickey 9-32
-- Pineda 2-12; Buchholz 10-27
-- Ventura 7-29; Bassitt 0-4
-- Gray 12-32; Martinez 7-23
-- Rasmus 1-5; Hernandez 5-33

-- Tropeano 1-3; Colon 10-30

Umpires
-- Mia-Wsh-- Three of last four Porter games went over.
-- SD-SF-- Eight of last eleven Knight games stayed under.
-- Pitt-Cin-- Seven of last eight Hudson games stayed under.
-- Atl-Phil-- Ten of last twelve Iassogna games stayed under.
-- Chi-Mil-- Eight of last ten Nelson games stayed under.
-- StL-Az-- Under is 5-2-2 in last nine Baker games.
-- Col-LA-- Five of last six Estabrook games stayed under.

-- Balt-Tor-- Gosney is a rookie ump; his only game went over.
-- NY-Bos-- Seven of last ten Vanover games went over .
-- TB-Clev-- Underdogs won six of last eight Kellogg games.
-- Min-Det-- Eight of last eleven Hickox games stayed under.
-- KC-Chi-- Last seven TBarrett games stayed under total.
-- A's-Tex-- Home side won last six Carlson games.
-- LA-Sea-- Six of last nine Johnson games stayed under.

-- Hst-NY-- Home side won both Byrne games this season.

[Udog]

MLB

Sunday, September 28

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

1:05 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games
Cleveland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 18 of Cleveland's last 24 games at home

1:07 PM
BALTIMORE vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Baltimore's last 23 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Baltimore's last 7 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Baltimore
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

1:08 PM
MINNESOTA vs. DETROIT
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Minnesota's last 14 games
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Detroit's last 10 games when playing Minnesota

1:10 PM
HOUSTON vs. NY METS
Houston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Houston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Mets's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of NY Mets's last 9 games at home

1:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. CINCINNATI
Pittsburgh is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Pittsburgh is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
Cincinnati is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

1:35 PM
ATLANTA vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games at home

1:35 PM
MIAMI vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games when playing Washington
Washington is 18-6 SU in its last 24 games at home
Washington is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games

1:35 PM
NY YANKEES vs. BOSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of NY Yankees's last 11 games on the road
NY Yankees are 3-8 SU in their last 11 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games at home

2:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. CHI WHITE SOX
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games when playing Chi White Sox
Kansas City is 10-3 SU in their last 13 games when playing Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
Chi White Sox are 3-14 SU in their last 17 games when playing at home against Kansas City

2:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chi Cubs's last 9 games when playing Milwaukee
Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Milwaukee's last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs

3:05 PM
OAKLAND vs. TEXAS
Oakland is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Texas
Oakland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Texas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Oakland
Texas is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Oakland

4:05 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. SAN FRANCISCO
San Diego is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Francisco
San Diego is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
San Francisco is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Diego
San Francisco is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games

4:10 PM
COLORADO vs. LA DODGERS
Colorado is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
Colorado is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of LA Dodgers's last 12 games
LA Dodgers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games

4:10 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of St. Louis's last 16 games
St. Louis is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Arizona is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona's last 7 games when playing at home against St. Louis

4:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone OVER in 9 of LA Angels's last 12 games on the road
LA Angels are 10-3 SU in their last 13 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Seattle's last 9 games
Seattle is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Angels


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

[Udog]

MLB
Dunkel

Minnesota at Detroit
The Twins look to follow up yesterday's 12-3 win over the Tigers and come into today's contest with a 4-1 record in their last 5 games after scoring 5 or more runs in the previous game. Minnesota is the pick (+250) according to Dunkel, which has the Twins favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+250). Here are all of today's MLB picks.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

Game 951-952: Pittsburgh at Cincinnati (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Cole) 15.607; Cincinnati (Cueto) 17.113
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-120); 6
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-120); Under

Game 953-954: Miami at Washington (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (Alvarez) 15.728; Washington (Zimmermann) 14.668
Dunkel Line: Miami by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Washington (-180); 7
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+160); Over

Game 955-956: Atlanta at Philadelphia (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Russell) 13.449; Philadelphia (Hamels) 16.997
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 2 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-130); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-130); Over

Game 957-958: Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Turner) 15.332; Milwaukee (Fiers) 14.498
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1; 6
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-175); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+155); Under

Game 959-960: San Diego at San Francisco (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Erlin) 13.552; San Francisco (Heston) 15.109
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 961-962: Colorado at LA Dodgers (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Bergman) 16.339; LA Dodgers (Greinke) 15.421
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 6
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-230); 7
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+195); Under

Game 963-964: St. Louis at Arizona (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Wainwright) 16.887; Arizona (Collmenter) 14.224
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 2 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-185); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-185); Over

Game 965-966: Minnesota at Detroit (1:08 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Gibson) 15.769; Detroit (Price) 14.649
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Detroit (-300); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+250); Under

Game 967-968: Tampa Bay at Cleveland (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Cobb) 15.664; Cleveland (House) 14.139
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-115); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-115); Under

Game 969-970: Baltimore at Toronto (1:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Gonzalez) 16.509; Toronto (Dickey) 15.110
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Toronto (-130); 8
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+110); Over

Game 971-972: NY Yankees at Boston (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Pineda) 15.895; Boston (Buchholz) 14.338
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-125) 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-125); Over

Game 973-974: Kansas City at Chicago White Sox (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Ventura) 14.337; White Sox (Bassitt) 15.201
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-170); 8
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+150); Under

Game 975-976: Oakland at Texas (3:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Gray) 15.739; Texas (Martinez) 14.288
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Oakland (-200); 8
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-200); Under

Game 977-978: LA Angels at Seattle (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Rasmus) 16.449; Seattle (Hernandez) 15.523
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Seattle (-205); 7
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (+175); Over

Game 979-980: Houston at NY Mets (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Tropeano) 14.898; NY Mets (Colon) 13.908
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 7
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-150); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+130); Under

[Udog]

MLB
Long Sheet

Sunday, September 28

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

PITTSBURGH (88 - 73) at CINCINNATI (75 - 86) - 1:10 PM
GERRIT COLE (R) vs. JOHNNY CUETO (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 11-7 (+4.7 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
9 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.4 Units, Under=-0.9 Units)

GERRIT COLE vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
COLE is 0-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 7.50 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)

JOHNNY CUETO vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
CUETO is 17-5 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 2.37 and a WHIP of 1.033.
His team's record is 19-8 (+7.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 14-11. (+2.1 units)

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

MIAMI (77 - 84) at WASHINGTON (95 - 66) - 1:35 PM
HENDERSON ALVAREZ (R) vs. JORDAN ZIMMERMANN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 95-66 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 95-66 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ZIMMERMANN is 44-19 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZIMMERMANN is 24-7 (+16.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZIMMERMANN is 44-19 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZIMMERMANN is 28-9 (+14.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MIAMI is 77-84 (+0.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 363-412 (+45.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
ALVAREZ is 20-9 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
ALVAREZ is 12-5 (+8.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)
ALVAREZ is 20-9 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 12-6 (+3.9 Units) against MIAMI this season
9 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.4 Units, Under=-1.6 Units)

HENDERSON ALVAREZ vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
ALVAREZ is 1-3 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 2.60 and a WHIP of 1.368.
His team's record is 2-5 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-5. (-4.6 units)

JORDAN ZIMMERMANN vs. MIAMI since 1997
ZIMMERMANN is 6-3 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 3.68 and a WHIP of 1.122.
His team's record is 9-7 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-4. (+5.4 units)

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

ATLANTA (78 - 83) at PHILADELPHIA (73 - 88) - 1:35 PM
JAMES RUSSELL (L) vs. COLE HAMELS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 78-83 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 36-44 (-9.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ATLANTA is 14-25 (-11.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less this season.
ATLANTA is 6-18 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in September games this season.
ATLANTA is 19-26 (-10.9 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
ATLANTA is 78-83 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 41-48 (-20.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ATLANTA is 24-28 (-13.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
ATLANTA is 45-30 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 28-37 (-22.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 31-48 (-21.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 62-85 (-26.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 64-80 (-26.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
HAMELS is 66-64 (-27.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
HAMELS is 10-18 (-16.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 8-10 (+0.3 Units) against ATLANTA this season
9 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.2 Units)

JAMES RUSSELL vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.

COLE HAMELS vs. ATLANTA since 1997
HAMELS is 16-8 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.21 and a WHIP of 1.122.
His team's record is 20-13 (+4.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 16-15. (-1.8 units)

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

CHICAGO CUBS (72 - 89) at MILWAUKEE (82 - 79) - 2:10 PM
JACOB TURNER (R) vs. MICHAEL FIERS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1386-1553 (-282.2 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 57-95 (-22.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 742-787 (-150.2 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1329-1466 (-257.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 100-146 (-31.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 82-79 (-5.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 79-82 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 9-16 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in September games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 46-62 (-20.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 79-82 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 12-22 (-18.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 10-8 (+3.5 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
10 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.3 Units)

JACOB TURNER vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
TURNER is 2-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.19 and a WHIP of 1.257.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.3 units)

MICHAEL FIERS vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
FIERS is 2-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 0.68 and a WHIP of 0.675.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

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

SAN DIEGO (77 - 84) at SAN FRANCISCO (87 - 74) - 4:05 PM
ROBBIE ERLIN (L) vs. CHRIS HESTON (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 10-8 (+3.3 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
11 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.0 Units)

ROBBIE ERLIN vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
ERLIN is 0-2 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.278.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

CHRIS HESTON vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.

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

COLORADO (66 - 95) at LA DODGERS (93 - 68) - 4:10 PM
CHRISTIAN BERGMAN (R) vs. ZACK GREINKE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 66-95 (-27.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 8-24 (-14.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
COLORADO is 21-59 (-32.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
COLORADO is 8-24 (-14.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less this season.
COLORADO is 7-33 (-22.0 Units) against the money line in road games in September games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 66-95 (-27.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 43-72 (-28.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
COLORADO is 37-58 (-19.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
COLORADO is 94-173 (-49.2 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
COLORADO is 2-17 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
LA DODGERS are 49-26 (+16.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
LA DODGERS are 102-58 (+20.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
GREINKE is 37-14 (+17.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 23-6 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 21-5 (+13.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 23-6 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 49-18 (+27.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 46-46 (-10.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
LA DODGERS are 5-13 (-10.7 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 12-6 (+4.5 Units) against COLORADO this season
9 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.6 Units)

CHRISTIAN BERGMAN vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
BERGMAN is 0-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 10.80 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. COLORADO since 1997
GREINKE is 5-2 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.72 and a WHIP of 1.418.
His team's record is 8-4 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-6. (-1.1 units)

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

ST LOUIS (89 - 72) at ARIZONA (64 - 97) - 4:10 PM
ADAM WAINWRIGHT (R) vs. JOSH COLLMENTER (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 4-1 (+2.5 Units) against ARIZONA this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

ADAM WAINWRIGHT vs. ARIZONA since 1997
WAINWRIGHT is 6-3 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 2.15 and a WHIP of 1.142.
His team's record is 6-3 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-8. (-8.1 units)

JOSH COLLMENTER vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
No recent starts.

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

MINNESOTA (70 - 91) at DETROIT (89 - 72) - 1:05 PM
KYLE GIBSON (R) vs. DAVID PRICE (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 10-8 (+6.3 Units) against DETROIT this season
11 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.7 Units)

KYLE GIBSON vs. DETROIT since 1997
GIBSON is 2-2 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 6.86 and a WHIP of 1.881.
His team's record is 2-2 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

DAVID PRICE vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
PRICE is 4-3 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 2.87 and a WHIP of 1.053.
His team's record is 4-5 (-4.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-3. (+2.5 units)

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

TAMPA BAY (77 - 84) at CLEVELAND (84 - 77) - 1:05 PM
ALEX COBB (R) vs. T.J. HOUSE (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 3-2 (+0.8 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

ALEX COBB vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
COBB is 3-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 1.93 and a WHIP of 1.457.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.2 units)

T.J. HOUSE vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.

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

BALTIMORE (95 - 66) at TORONTO (83 - 78) - 1:05 PM
MIGUEL GONZALEZ (R) vs. R.A. DICKEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 186-308 (-100.6 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
TORONTO is 83-78 (+2.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 52-38 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf this season.
TORONTO is 19-8 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BALTIMORE is 96-66 (+35.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 45-34 (+8.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
BALTIMORE is 21-16 (+7.6 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 this season.
BALTIMORE is 46-35 (+20.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BALTIMORE is 23-15 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 47-29 (+20.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BALTIMORE is 50-37 (+22.1 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 74-47 (+31.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 42-24 (+20.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 44-27 (+22.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BALTIMORE is 30-15 (+18.6 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
BALTIMORE is 10-8 (+1.6 Units) against TORONTO this season
12 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.9 Units)

MIGUEL GONZALEZ vs. TORONTO since 1997
GONZALEZ is 5-2 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 2.88 and a WHIP of 0.976.
His team's record is 5-4 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-4. (+0.5 units)

R.A. DICKEY vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
DICKEY is 2-4 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 4.18 and a WHIP of 1.226.
His team's record is 4-5 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-3. (+2.5 units)

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

NY YANKEES (83 - 78) at BOSTON (71 - 90) - 1:35 PM
MICHAEL PINEDA (R) vs. CLAY BUCHHOLZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 59-58 (-7.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NY YANKEES are 42-44 (-10.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
PINEDA is 4-15 (-12.6 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 27-19 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 71-91 (-27.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 34-47 (-25.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BOSTON is 247-236 (-50.7 Units) against the money line in September games since 1997.
BOSTON is 31-45 (-15.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BOSTON is 9-15 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in home games in day games this season.
BOSTON is 63-79 (-24.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 49-63 (-16.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 30-42 (-17.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BOSTON is 39-54 (-14.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 7-19 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
BUCHHOLZ is 3-10 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season. (Team's Record)
BUCHHOLZ is 12-20 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
BUCHHOLZ is 8-15 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 11-7 (+3.1 Units) against BOSTON this season
9 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-1.2 Units)

MICHAEL PINEDA vs. BOSTON since 1997
PINEDA is 1-2 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 7.50 and a WHIP of 1.583.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

CLAY BUCHHOLZ vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
BUCHHOLZ is 5-6 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 5.61 and a WHIP of 1.633.
His team's record is 5-9 (-4.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-7. (-2.1 units)

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

KANSAS CITY (88 - 73) at CHI WHITE SOX (73 - 88) - 2:10 PM
YORDANO VENTURA (R) vs. CHRIS BASSITT (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 12-6 (+3.1 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
10 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)

YORDANO VENTURA vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
VENTURA is 1-2 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 4.76 and a WHIP of 1.118.
His team's record is 1-2 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-3. (-3.3 units)

CHRIS BASSITT vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
BASSITT is 0-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 7.36 and a WHIP of 2.725.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

OAKLAND (87 - 74) at TEXAS (67 - 94) - 3:05 PM
SONNY GRAY (R) vs. NICK MARTINEZ (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 10-8 (+8.4 Units) against OAKLAND this season
11 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.4 Units)

SONNY GRAY vs. TEXAS since 1997
GRAY is 3-2 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 2.60 and a WHIP of 1.183.
His team's record is 3-2 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.6 units)

NICK MARTINEZ vs. OAKLAND since 1997
MARTINEZ is 1-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.37 and a WHIP of 1.406.
His team's record is 2-0 (+4.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.1 units)

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

LA ANGELS (98 - 63) at SEATTLE (86 - 75) - 4:10 PM
CORY RASMUS (R) vs. FELIX HERNANDEZ (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 11-7 (+5.6 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
10 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.7 Units)

CORY RASMUS vs. SEATTLE since 1997
RASMUS is 0-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.250.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 10-13 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.214.
His team's record is 18-21 (-5.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 20-15. (+2.6 units)

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

HOUSTON (70 - 91) at NY METS (78 - 83) - 1:10 PM
NICK TROPEANO (R) vs. BARTOLO COLON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 78-83 (+2.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 30-22 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
NY METS are 78-83 (+2.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 43-27 (+15.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
NY METS are 26-13 (+12.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
COLON is 37-24 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLON is 37-24 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLON is 20-6 (+10.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 70-91 (+2.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 68-86 (+4.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 72-89 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 108-128 (-48.4 Units) against the money line in home games in September games since 1997.
NY METS are 53-67 (-20.5 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 27-46 (-23.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
COLON is 20-27 (-16.9 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 since 1997. (Team's Record)
COLON is 70-64 (-25.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 1-1 (+0.4 Units) against NY METS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

NICK TROPEANO vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

BARTOLO COLON vs. HOUSTON since 1997
COLON is 7-3 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.36 and a WHIP of 1.177.
His team's record is 7-4 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-4. (+2.3 units)

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

[Udog]

Drama of Game 163 looms in three races

Bucs would head to St. Louis and Royals to Detroit on Monday, if necessary

With just one day to go in the season, the possibility of a one-game playoff on Monday -- or perhaps even two or three of them -- to determine a division winner, and possibly the second American League Wild Card, remains very much alive.

That's right. In its history, Major League Baseball has never had a regular season that required more than one tiebreaker, and now there's a chance we could see three of them in one day. How's that for drama?

Not to mention, there's plenty going on across the entire baseball landscape, including the final game for Derek Jeter, and not one, but two down-to-the wire batting title races. These are just a couple more twists to this already scintillating Sunday.

Saturday was all about the underdogs playing the role of spoiler -- and reinforcing the notion that nothing is ever certain in this great game. The Mariners scraped and clawed their way to a walk-off win over the Angels in 11 innings to stay one game behind Oakland for the second AL Wild Card.

The Twins routed the Tigers for the second night in a row, but the Royals could not capitalize, as the White Sox honored Paul Konerko in the best way possible -- with a thrilling 5-4 victory. The Pirates were dealt what could have been a crushing blow on Saturday afternoon, losing on a walk-off grand slam in Cincinnati, but they got some help from the D-backs, who knocked off St. Louis, 5-2, behind two home runs from Mark Trumbo. Meanwhile, Oakland could have clinched the second Wild Card, but the Rangers, relishing their role as spoiler, gave Seattle life by staving off a furious A's comeback for a 5-4 victory.

So, with just one game separating two teams in both the AL and NL Central divisions and also for the final AL Wild Card spot, a loss by the hunted and a win by the hunter today will necessitate a one-game playoff on Monday to decide a division winner and/or the final Wild Card.

Here are the probable starters for today's all-important games (all times Eastern):

1:08 p.m.: Twins (Gibson, 13-11, 4.50) at Tigers (Price, 14-12, 3.36)

1:10 p.m.: Pirates (Cole -- subject to change -- 11-5, 3.78) at Reds (Cueto, 19-9, 2.29)

2:10 p.m.: Royals (Ventura, 14-10, 3.07) at White Sox (Bassitt, 1-1, 3.65)

3:05 p.m.: Athletics (Gray, 13-10, 3.21) at Rangers (Martinez, 5-11, 4.61)

4:10 p.m.: Angels (Rasmus, 3-1, 2.38) at Mariners (Hernandez, 14-6, 2.18)

4:10 p.m.: Cardinals (Wainwright, 20-9, 2.38) at D-backs (Collmenter, 11-8, 3.57)

As you can see, today will be loaded with aces pitching for both team and personal accomplishment. Felix Hernandez will hope to make an emphatic AL Cy Young Award statement while extending Seattle's season, while Adam Wainwright will be trying to clinch a division for the Cardinals while winning a career-high 21st game.

David Price, the 2012 AL Cy Young Award winner, is taking the hill for the Tigers with the AL Central on the line in a start that could go a long way toward justifying the July trade that brought him to Detroit. And then there is Johnny Cueto, who is gunning for his 20th win while aiming to crush Pittsburgh's NL Central dreams.

But this afternoon won't be all about pitching. Houston's Jose Altuve (.340) is seeking the first batting crown in Astros history, but Detroit's Victor Martinez is hot on his heels at .337. And the National League race is even tighter, with the Rockies' Justin Morneau (.319) one point ahead of the Pirates' Josh Harrison.

Tiebreakers and clinch scenarios

For the Tigers, Cardinals and Athletics, it's simple: A win or a loss by the Royals, Pirates or Mariners, respectively, and they're set. In the case of the Tigers and Cardinals, they're division winners. For the A's, it would give them the second AL Wild Card. The Royals and Pirates need a win and a loss by the Tigers and Cardinals, respectively, to force a one-game playoff for the division title, otherwise they are Wild Cards. The Mariners need a win and an A's loss to force a one-game playoff for the final AL Wild Card, or they're out.

There cannot be a three-way tie for the AL Wild Card, as only an Oakland loss and Seattle win today would keep the Mariners alive at 87 wins. The Royals already have 88 wins and thus the top Wild Card position, even if they lose today.

The rest of the playoff field is set:

• The Angels, with the best record in the AL, hold home-field advantage through the World Series (by virtue of the AL's win in the All-Star Game) and will host the winner of the AL Wild Card Game, beginning Thursday in Anaheim.

• The Orioles are the AL's second seed and as such will play the winner of the AL Central, whether that is decided today or Monday, beginning Thursday in Baltimore.

• The Nationals hold home-field advantage through the NLCS and will host the winner of the NL Wild Card Game, beginning Friday in Washington.

• The Dodgers are the NL's second seed and will host the winner of the NL Central division, which also could be decided today or Monday, beginning Friday in Los Angeles.

Should there be a one-game playoff for the second AL Wild Card or the AL or NL Central races (or all three), here is what you need to know:

• A playoff for the second AL Wild Card between the Athletics and Mariners would take place in Seattle based on a head-to-head tie-breaker. The winner would advance to play the AL Wild Card Game in either Kansas City or Detroit on Wednesday. The loser goes home.

• A one-game playoff for the AL Central crown would be played in Detroit based on the Tigers' edge in the head-to-head tiebreaker. The winner would take the division and advance to play the Orioles.

• The loser of the one-game playoff would then have yet another one-game test -- a Wild Card Game the next day vs. the Athletics or Mariners, whoever claims the second Wild Card, either today or Monday. Based on record or head-to-head tiebreaker, both hold the advantage on both Oakland and Seattle and will host the game. The winner then flies out West to face the AL-best Angels. The loser goes home.

• A one-game playoff for the NL Central title would be played in St. Louis, again based on the Cardinals' edge in head-to-head games vs. the Pirates during the regular season. The winner heads to Los Angeles to face the Dodgers in the NLDS.

• The loser would have one day of rest before playing the Giants in a Wild Card Game on Wednesday. Both teams, either by record or tie-breaker, hold the edge over San Francisco and would host the game. The winner of the NL Wild Card game advances to face the Nationals in the NLDS, also beginning Friday, in DC. The loser goes home.

A one-game playoff will put any participating team in a precarious situation regarding starting pitching, as that club would have to burn a starting pitcher that otherwise might have been slated to start a Game 1 of a Division Series. But the stakes are very high, because winning the division offers such a large advantage over just earning a Wild Card. The loser will have to win a one-game playoff (and use another starting pitcher in the process) just to advance to a Division Series.

The Pirates will announce this morning whether or not Gerrit Cole will go this afternoon. The question manager Clint Hurdle must answer is this: Does his team have a better chance of advancing further by using Cole today and hoping to force a Game 163 on Monday or by saving Cole and having him start the NL Wild Card game at home on Wednesday? If they use Cole today and force a 163rd game, they would have to use another starter -- likely left-hander Jeff Locke or right-hander Edinson Volquez on short rest -- on Monday. The upside is that Cole would line up for a potential NLDS Game 1 on Friday, but should they lose on Monday, they'd have to decide between Locke or Volquez, whoever didn't start Game 163, or perhaps Vance Worley, in the do-or-die NL Wild Card Game on Wednesday. In that scenario, left-hander Francisco Liriano would be set up for a potential NLDS Game 1, should they get that far. It's not an easy choice.

The Tigers would have Justin Verlander lined up to go in a 163rd game, while the Royals would have right-hander James Shields, who would be on short rest. The Cardinals would have a choice between Shelby Miller or John Lackey, both of whom would be on normal rest or better.

There has not been a divisional tie through the regular season since the Twins and Tigers tied for the AL Central in 2009. It was the third consecutive season in which it happened in the Majors, and the Twins had a thrilling 12-inning victory at the Metrodome in one of the all-time great games in baseball history.

The year before it was the White Sox who beat the Twins on a Jim Thome homer, and Hurdle's Rockies downed the Padres the season before that on their stunning run to the NL pennant.

[jt4545]

Thanks and good luck

[Udog]

MLB
Short Sheet

Sunday, September 28

Miami at Washington, 1:35 ET
Alvarez: 16-8 TSR when the total is 7 to 8.5
Zimmerman: 22-8 OVER in home games against division opponents

Atlanta at Philadelphia, 1:35 ET
Russell: ATLANTA is 44-46 after 1 or more consecutive unders
Hamels: 17-23 TSR as a favorite of -110 or higher

Chicago at Milwaukee, 2:10 ET
Turner: CHICAGO CUBS are 63-59 OVER against right-handed starters
Fiers: MILWAUKEE is 10-1 UNDER in home games off a one run win over a division rival

San Diego at San Francisco, 4:05 ET
Erlin: SAN DIEGO is 20-32 after 3 consecutive game versus a division rival
Heston: SAN FRANCISCO is 15-24 after 2 straight games with no home runs

Colorado at LA Dodgers, 4:10 ET
Bergman: COLORADO is 37-58 after a loss
Greinke: 32-9 TSR as a home favorite of -110 or higher

St Louis at Arizona, 4:10 ET
Wainwright: 30-9 TSR as a favorite of -150 or more over
Collmenter: 13-7 TSR when the total is 7 to 8.5

Minnesota at Detroit, 1:05 ET
Gibson: 19-7 OVER when the total is 7 to 8.5
Price: DETROIT is 22-11 OVER after 2 or more consecutive losses

Tampa Bay at Cleveland, 1:05 ET
Cobb: 25-11 UNDER as a favorite of -125 to -175
House: CLEVELAND is 62-47 OVER after 3 or more consecutive home games

Baltimore at Toronto, 1:05 ET
Gonzalez: BALTIMORE is 45-31 UNDER when the total is 8 to 8.5
Dickey: TORONTO is 37-29 OVER when the money line is -100 to -150

NY Yankees at Boston, 1:35 ET
Pineda: NY YANKEES are 59-58 against the money line against right-handed starters
Buchholz: 14-4 OVER when the total is 7 to 8.5

Kansas City at Chicago White Sox, 2:10 ET
Ventura: KANSAS CITY is 79-51 UNDER after one or more consecutive overs
Bassitt: CHI WHITE SOX are 48-30 UNDER after having lost 3 of their last 4 games

Oakland at Texas, 3:05 ET
Gray: OAKLAND is 37-38 against division opponents
Martinez: TEXAS is 28-17 UNDER when the total is 8 to 8.5

LA Angels at Seattle, 4:10 ET
Rasmus: LA ANGELS are 15-5 after 2 or more consecutive losses
Hernandez: SEATTLE is 22-30 in home games against right-handed starters

Houston at NY Mets, 1:10 ET
Tropeano: HOUSTON is 23-9 UNDER on the road when the total is 7.5 or less
Colon: NY METS are 27-15 when the money line is -100 to -150

TSR = Team Start Record

[Kaptain]

Thanks U DOG..........appreciate your hard work.....you and Star Dust Bum supply us with enough info to write a daily Sports Update Sheet........