Monday's MLB Best Bets + Pod's !

<TABLE class=data cellSpacing=0><TBODY><TR class=datahead><TD class=left>Date</TD><TD class=center>WLT</TD><TD>Pct</TD><TD>Net Units</TD><TD>Record</TD></TR><TR><TD class=left>04/11/10</TD><TD class=center>17-13-0</TD><TD>56.67%</TD><TD>+2635</TD><TD>Detail</TD></TR><TR><TD class=left>04/10/10</TD><TD class=center>17-13-0</TD><TD>56.67%</TD><TD>+2220</TD><TD>Detail</TD></TR><TR><TD class=left>04/09/10</TD><TD class=center>15-13-2</TD><TD>53.57%</TD><TD>+1115</TD><TD>Detail</TD></TR><TR><TD class=left>04/08/10</TD><TD class=center>10-11-1</TD><TD>47.62%</TD><TD>+85</TD><TD>Detail</TD></TR><TR><TD class=left>04/07/10</TD><TD class=center>14-14-2</TD><TD>50.00%</TD><TD>-799</TD><TD>Detail</TD></TR><TR><TD class=left>04/06/10</TD><TD class=center>9-5-0</TD><TD>64.29%</TD><TD>+1509</TD><TD>Detail</TD></TR><TR><TD class=left>04/05/10</TD><TD class=center>10-14-2</TD><TD>41.67%</TD><TD>-1743</TD><TD>Detail</TD></TR><TR><TD class=left>04/03/10</TD><TD class=center>9-3-1</TD><TD>75.00%</TD><TD>+3490</TD><TD>Detail</TD></TR><TR><TD class=left>04/02/10</TD><TD class=center>8-3-2</TD><TD>72.73%</TD><TD>+2560</TD><TD>Detail</TD></TR><TR><TD class=left>04/01/10</TD><TD class=center>1-8-0</TD><TD>11.11%</TD><TD>-3680</TD><TD>Detail</TD></TR><TR class=highlight><TD class=left>Totals</TD><TD class=center>110-97-10</TD><TD>53.14%</TD><TD>+7392
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


Monday, April 12

<TABLE class=thepicks><TBODY><TR class=datahead><TD width="32%">Game</TD><TD width="15%">Score</TD><TD width="15%">Status</TD><TD width="29%">Pick</TD><TD width="9%">Amount</TD></TR><TR class=firstline><TD>Kansas City </TD><TD>- </TD><TD>1:05 PM ET</TD><TD>Detroit -185</TD><TD>500</TD></TR><TR><TD>Detroit </TD><TD>- </TD><TD> </TD><TD>Over 8</TD><TD>500</TD></TR><TR class=firstline><TD>Milwaukee </TD><TD>- </TD><TD>2:20 PM ET</TD><TD>Chi. Cubs -145</TD><TD>500</TD></TR><TR><TD>Chi. Cubs </TD><TD>- </TD><TD> </TD><TD> </TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR class=firstline><TD>Texas </TD><TD>- </TD><TD>3:05 PM ET</TD><TD>Cleveland +102</TD><TD>500</TD></TR><TR><TD>Cleveland </TD><TD>- </TD><TD> </TD><TD>Over 8.5</TD><TD>500</TD></TR><TR class=firstline><TD>Washington </TD><TD>- </TD><TD>3:05 PM ET</TD><TD>Washington +237</TD><TD>500</TD></TR><TR><TD>Philadelphia </TD><TD>- </TD><TD> </TD><TD>Over 9.5</TD><TD>500</TD></TR><TR class=firstline><TD>Boston </TD><TD>- </TD><TD>4:10 PM ET</TD><TD>Boston -145</TD><TD>500</TD></TR><TR><TD>Minnesota </TD><TD>- </TD><TD> </TD><TD>Under 9</TD><TD>500</TD></TR><TR class=firstline><TD>Houston </TD><TD>- </TD><TD>4:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Houston +196</TD><TD>500</TD></TR><TR><TD>St. Louis </TD><TD>- </TD><TD> </TD><TD>Over 7.5</TD><TD>500</TD></TR><TR class=firstline><TD>Atlanta </TD><TD>- </TD><TD>6:35 PM ET</TD><TD>Atlanta -150</TD><TD>500</TD></TR><TR><TD>San Diego </TD><TD>- </TD><TD> </TD><TD>Under 7.5</TD><TD>500</TD></TR><TR class=firstline><TD>Oakland </TD><TD>- </TD><TD>6:40 PM ET</TD><TD>Oakland +107</TD><TD>500</TD></TR><TR><TD>Seattle </TD><TD>- </TD><TD> </TD><TD>Over 8</TD><TD>500</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Monday Afternoon Tips

The Monday baseball card involves eight teams playing their home openers, including five during the day. The Phillies will raise their NL pennant flag against the Nationals while the Twins open up Target Field against the Red Sox. We'll begin on the North Side of Chicago with the Cubs and Brewers renewing acquaintances at Wrigley Field.

Brewers at Cubs - 2:20 PM EST

These NL Central rivals have been inconsistent out of the gate, as the Cubs head back to the Friendly Confines following six games on the road. The Brewers began the season facing a pair of playoff teams from a season ago by taking a series from the Rockies while dropping a series to the Cardinals.

Ryan Dempster has seen plenty of success when taking the home mound, but ran into some problems in day starts as a huge favorite. The Cubs dropped three of Dempster's outings under the sun last season as 'chalk' of at least $1.45, including a pair of losses to the White Sox. Dempster opened the season with a solid start against the Braves, scattering three hits in six innings, but the Cubs fell by a 3-2 count. The Cubs won three of Dempster's four starts against the Brewers last season, including both at Wrigley.

Doug Davis looks to bounce back from a shaky Brewers debut. The veteran lefty lasted just four innings while allowing four earned runs and six hits, but the offense bailed out Davis by beating Colorado, 5-4. The southpaw hasn't been afraid of pitching at Wrigley, racking up three quality starts in his last three trips to the North Side. Davis gave up just two earned runs in two outings last season as a member of the Diamondbacks against the Cubs, while winning each time.

The Cubs took 10 of 17 meetings against the Brewers last season, including five of eight matchups at home. Chicago is set as a $1.50 home favorite, but the Cubs are 2-4 the last six home openers.

Nationals at Phillies - 3:05 PM EST

The defending NL Champion Phillies have barely broken a sweat through their first two series, easily taking care of the Nationals and Astros. Washington lost two of the first three to Philadelphia at home to start the season, as the Nats look to avenge that series defeat.

Cole Hamels has owned the Nationals over his career with the Phillies winning six consecutive starts the lefty had made against Washington. The former World Series MVP lasted only five innings in his season debut at Nationals Park by scattering five hits and three runs, but the Phillies came out on top, 8-4. Philadelphia was a money-burning 10-9 last season when Hamels started as a home favorite, losing bettors 7.8 units when backing the lefty.

Jason Marquis was roughed up in his Washington debut, allowing eight hits and six earned runs in four innings of that loss to Hamels and the Phillies. Marquis has always been known as a solid day pitcher, as his teams (Rockies and Cubs) are 5-1 the last six as a road underdog in matinee action.

The Phillies have dominated the Nationals with 16 victories in the last 19 meetings. Washington has had little luck at Citizens Bank Park by dropping eight of the previous nine road meetings in this series, but seven of the last eight have finished 'under' the total. Philadelphia opened as a steep $2.60 home 'chalk,' while the total sits at 9 ½ (Bet $1.20 to win $1.00 on the 'under').

Red Sox at Twins - 4:10 PM EST

With the Metrodome era now done for the Twins, Minnesota moves into brand-new Target Field and will open up hosting Boston. The Twins have opened the season with five wins in their first seven games, while the Red Sox have split their opening six contests.

Boston will send lefty Jon Lester to the mound, who has struggled against this Twins lineup in his career. Lester has yielded 13 earned runs in three career starts versus Minnesota, while dropping a pair of road starts. The southpaw didn't begin the season strong by lasting just five innings and allowing four earned runs in a 6-4 home loss to the Yankees.

Carl Pavano will christen the mound at Target Field as the Twins' righty was superb in his first start of the season. The veteran gave up six hits and one earned run in seven innings of work as the Twins beat the Angels, 4-2. Pavano was reborn in Minnesota after spending the first half of last season in Cleveland, as the Twins won five of his final seven starts. Pavano shut down the Red Sox at Fenway last May as a member of the Indians with a 9-2 victory as a $1.50 underdog.

The Red Sox claimed four of six meetings last season as the two clubs split four games in Minneapolis. Boston is listed as a $1.45 road favorite while the total is set at 9.

Astros at Cardinals - 4:15 PM EST

Houston is the lone winless team in baseball at 0-6 after getting swept by both San Francisco and Philadelphia at home. The road may be the cure for the Astros, but ending their losing ways won't be easy against the defending division champion Cardinals.

Staff co-ace Adam Wainwright takes the mound for the Redbirds, as the righty looks to capitalize following a 6-3 victory over Cincinnati last Wednesday. Wainwright has been automatic against the Astros in his career with St. Louis winning nine of his last ten starts in this series. The 28-year old finished last season with three consecutive losses at Busch Stadium, despite each start being a quality one.

Wandy Rodriguez is known to struggle on the road, as the Astros went 4-8 in the lefty's 12 away underdog starts in 2009. The Houston southpaw was out-dueled by Barry Zito in his last start as the Astros were shut out by the Giants, 3-0. Rodriguez allowed seven hits and three earned runs in six innings, but received no support from his offense. The Astros were a dreadful 1-4 in Rodriguez's five starts against the Cardinals last season, Houston tallied just two runs in three road losses.

St. Louis captured nine of 15 meetings last season, including a 7-2 mark at home. The Cardinals are a hefty $2.20 favorite with the total set at 7 ½.

MLB Evening Picks:

Tampa Bay - 7:05 PM ET Baltimore +132 500 ( POD )
Baltimore - Over 9 500

Cincinnati - 7:10 PM ET Florida -138 500
Florida - Under 7.5 500

Chi. White Sox - 7:20 PM ET Toronto +119 500
Toronto - Under 8 500

Pittsburgh - 10:15 PM ET San Francisco -155 500
San Francisco - Under 8.5 500 ( TOTAL )

MLB


Monday, April 12

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Trend Report
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1:05 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. DETROIT
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Kansas City's last 9 games
Kansas City is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
Detroit is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Kansas City
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

2:20 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. CHI CUBS
Milwaukee is 3-6 SU in their last 9 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 3-8 SU in their last 11 games
Chi Cubs are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games at home

3:05 PM
WASHINGTON vs. PHILADELPHIA
Washington is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games
Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 8 games when playing at home against Washington

3:05 PM
TEXAS vs. CLEVELAND
Texas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Texas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games at home
Cleveland is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games

4:10 PM
BOSTON vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games on the road
Boston is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Minnesota is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing at home against Boston

4:15 PM
HOUSTON vs. ST. LOUIS
Houston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing St. Louis
Houston is 2-13 SU in its last 15 games on the road
St. Louis is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 5 games when playing at home against Houston

6:35 PM
ATLANTA vs. SAN DIEGO
Atlanta is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games at home

6:40 PM
OAKLAND vs. SEATTLE
Oakland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Oakland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Seattle is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 6 games when playing at home against Oakland

7:05 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. BALTIMORE
Tampa Bay is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore's last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
Baltimore is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games

7:10 PM
CINCINNATI vs. FLORIDA
Cincinnati is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games when playing Florida
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Cincinnati's last 10 games when playing on the road against Florida
Florida is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida's last 6 games when playing Cincinnati

7:20 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. TORONTO
Chi White Sox are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chi White Sox's last 9 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games at home

10:15 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games when playing San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Francisco's last 7 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
San Francisco is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

MLB


Monday, April 12

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Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets
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Chicago White Sox at Toronto Blue Jays (105, 8)

Is it a career revival or just a hot start?

That’s the question Jays backers are asking themselves about centerfielder Vernon Wells after watching him club four homers and drive in seven runs in his first five games this season.

You have to understand the early skepticism. The Jays would have traded away Wells, one of the most highly paid players in the majors, for a bun-less hot dog last season.

Wells dealt with shoulder and wrist injuries in 2009 and saw his homer total drop to 15.

"He's been awesome, absolutely great," Toronto manager Cito Gaston told the Canadian Press. "It's just what we needed. You don't expect him to hit home runs like that, but something close would be nice."

While Wells and the Jays are sure to come back down to Earth soon, expect the high to carry over into its home opener.

Pick: Jays


Boston Red Sox at Minnesota Twins (130, 9)

Weren't the Twins supposed to miss All-Star closer Joe Nathan? New ninth-inning man Joe Rauch is four for four in save opportunities and the Twins are 5-1 entering Sunday’s finale vs. the White Sox.

"No surprise," Nathan told the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "As long as (Rauch) can get off to a good start and get his head right, anything can happen. And this is just about as good a start as he could have to get his confidence and mind right to get a tough out when it comes."

Yes it’s early, but you have to love the early numbers if you’re a Minnesota fan: Bullpen ERA of 1.47 and 10 homers off Twins bats in just six games.

Boston’s relievers haven’t been nearly as good and the group has cost Sox backers a few winning tickets already this season.

It’ll be difficult for Terry Francona’s boys to stop Minnesota’s early season momentum playing against them in the Twins’ home opener and first-ever game at the new Target Field.

Pick: Twins

MLB
Dunkel


Boston at Minnesota
The Twins look to build on their 8-2 record in their last 10 games as an underdog of +110 to +150. Minnesota is the pick (+130) according to Dunkel, which has the Twins favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+130)

Game 951-952: Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Davis) 15.029; Cubs (Dempster) 14.349
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-155); No Total
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+135); N/A

Game 953-954: Washington at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Marquis) 15.031; Philadelphia (Hamels) 15.558
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-275); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-275); Under

Game 955-956: Houston at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Rodriguez) 13.886; St. Louis (Wainwright) 14.793
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1; 8
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-205); 7
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-205); Over

Game 957-958: Atlanta at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Jurrjens) 15.050; San Diego (Correia) 14.684
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-155); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-155); Under

Game 959-960: Cincinnati at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Cueto) 15.094; Florida (Nolasco) 15.206
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida (-155); 8
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-155); Under

Game 961-962: Pittsburgh at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Ohlendorf) 15.298; San Francisco (Zito) 14.753
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-200); 8
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+170); Over

Game 963-964: Kansas City at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Hochevar) 15.066; Detroit (Scherzer) 14.699
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-200); 8
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+170); Over

Game 965-966: Texas at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Harden) 14.576; Cleveland (Carmona) 15.100
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-110); 8
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-110); Over

Game 967-968: Boston at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lester) 15.902; Minnesota (Pavano) 16.373
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Boston (-150); 9
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+130); Over

Game 969-970: Oakland at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Duchscherer) 15.211; Seattle (Rowland-Smith) 15.380
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Seattle (-120); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-120); Over

Game 971-972: Tampa Bay at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Garza) 14.769; Baltimore (Guthrie) 14.616
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-155); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-155); Over

Game 973-974: Chicago White Sox at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago White Sox (Peavy) 16.089; Toronto (Tallet) 15.413
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-125); 8
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-125); Under
<!-- / message -->

MLB
Long Sheet


Monday, April 12

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MILWAUKEE (3 - 3) at CHICAGO CUBS (2 - 4) - 2:20 PM
DOUG DAVIS (L) vs. RYAN DEMPSTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DEMPSTER is 68-41 (+26.5 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 68-41 (+26.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 63-54 (+16.2 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 85-82 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 559-504 (-117.0 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 409-366 (-74.4 Units) against the money line in home games in day games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 85-82 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

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

DOUG DAVIS vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
DAVIS is 10-6 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.36 and a WHIP of 1.181.
His team's record is 10-7 (+4.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-9. (-1.5 units)

RYAN DEMPSTER vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
DEMPSTER is 11-2 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 3.10 and a WHIP of 1.244.
His team's record is 12-5 (+6.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-6. (+3.5 units)

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WASHINGTON (3 - 3) at PHILADELPHIA (5 - 1) - 3:05 PM
JASON MARQUIS (R) vs. COLE HAMELS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 121-208 (-49.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 27-63 (-21.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HAMELS is 1-8 (-10.9 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 2-1 (+0.5 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.1 Units)

JASON MARQUIS vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
MARQUIS is 5-4 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 4.89 and a WHIP of 1.786.
His team's record is 6-7 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-8. (-3.5 units)

COLE HAMELS vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
HAMELS is 8-3 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 2.37 and a WHIP of 1.110.
His team's record is 12-4 (+4.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-11. (-6.7 units)

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HOUSTON (0 - 6) at ST LOUIS (4 - 2) - 4:15 PM
WANDY RODRIGUEZ (L) vs. ADAM WAINWRIGHT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 38-20 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 3 seasons.
WAINWRIGHT is 39-17 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
WAINWRIGHT is 39-17 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
WAINWRIGHT is 18-5 (+12.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

WANDY RODRIGUEZ vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
RODRIGUEZ is 3-9 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.84 and a WHIP of 1.110.
His team's record is 4-10 (-6.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-4. (+3.2 units)

ADAM WAINWRIGHT vs. HOUSTON since 1997
WAINWRIGHT is 7-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 1.74 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 8-1 (+6.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-6. (-3.4 units)

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ATLANTA (3 - 3) at SAN DIEGO (2 - 4) - 6:35 PM
JAIR JURRJENS (R) vs. KEVIN CORREIA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 161-169 (-35.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 160-167 (-34.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 36-34 (-14.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CORREIA is 13-6 (+10.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

JAIR JURRJENS vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
JURRJENS is 1-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 1.32 and a WHIP of 1.244.
His team's record is 1-1 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.0 units)

KEVIN CORREIA vs. ATLANTA since 1997
CORREIA is 0-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.575.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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CINCINNATI (3 - 3) at FLORIDA (4 - 2) - 7:10 PM
JOHNNY CUETO (R) vs. RICKY NOLASCO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 175-154 (+30.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 414-379 (+47.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.
FLORIDA is 33-21 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 171-149 (+30.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 67-52 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
NOLASCO is 40-24 (+19.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 38-24 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 31-18 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 487-566 (+50.1 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 426-511 (+35.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 323-367 (+38.0 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 359-415 (+40.6 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 241-255 (+49.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.

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

JOHNNY CUETO vs. FLORIDA since 1997
CUETO is 1-0 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.833.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.1 units)

RICKY NOLASCO vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
NOLASCO is 1-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 4.56 and a WHIP of 1.267.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.4 units)

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PITTSBURGH (3 - 3) at SAN FRANCISCO (5 - 1) - 10:15 PM
ROSS OHLENDORF (R) vs. BARRY ZITO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 3-18 (-13.4 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 23-60 (-24.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 22-58 (-24.7 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 10-33 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 177-361 (-85.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 93-75 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 54-30 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 136-82 (+54.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 93-75 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 718-606 (+87.7 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 69-54 (+14.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ZITO is 22-15 (+14.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

ROSS OHLENDORF vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

BARRY ZITO vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
ZITO is 0-3 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.13 and a WHIP of 1.435.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-0. (+4.0 units)

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KANSAS CITY (2 - 4) at DETROIT (5 - 1) - 1:05 PM
LUKE HOCHEVAR (R) vs. MAX SCHERZER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 67-101 (-26.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 61-88 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 5-11 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 71-80 (-26.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 109-124 (-35.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 54-68 (-29.6 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 2-1 (+0.9 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

LUKE HOCHEVAR vs. DETROIT since 1997
HOCHEVAR is 1-2 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 5.16 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)

MAX SCHERZER vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
SCHERZER is 1-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

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TEXAS (3 - 3) at CLEVELAND (2 - 4) - 3:05 PM
RICH HARDEN (R) vs. FAUSTO CARMONA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 90-78 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 87-72 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 60-48 (+13.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 67-101 (-33.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 35-46 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 71-88 (-34.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.
CLEVELAND is 43-66 (-24.9 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 60-90 (-30.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 50-77 (-27.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

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

RICH HARDEN vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
HARDEN is 1-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 5.19 and a WHIP of 1.423.
His team's record is 4-1 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-3. (-2.4 units)

FAUSTO CARMONA vs. TEXAS since 1997
CARMONA is 2-6 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 6.02 and a WHIP of 1.537.
His team's record is 2-6 (-5.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-5. (-2.5 units)

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BOSTON (3 - 3) at MINNESOTA (5 - 2) - 4:10 PM
JON LESTER (L) vs. CARL PAVANO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 31-51 (-21.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 102-62 (+22.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 38-17 (+18.5 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
PAVANO is 118-94 (+27.4 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
PAVANO is 20-11 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
LESTER is 60-25 (+29.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)

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

JON LESTER vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
LESTER is 0-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 6.27 and a WHIP of 1.608.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

CARL PAVANO vs. BOSTON since 1997
PAVANO is 2-3 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 7.07 and a WHIP of 1.857.
His team's record is 3-3 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-5. (-4.7 units)

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OAKLAND (5 - 2) at SEATTLE (2 - 5) - 6:40 PM
JUSTIN DUCHSCHERER (R) vs. RYAN ROWLAND-SMITH (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 87-82 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 17-6 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 82-74 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 58-50 (+11.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 46-36 (+12.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 21-13 (+13.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 34-24 (+13.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 3-1 (+2.0 Units) against SEATTLE this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

JUSTIN DUCHSCHERER vs. SEATTLE since 1997
DUCHSCHERER is 1-3 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 5.27 and a WHIP of 1.170.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-4. (-3.5 units)

RYAN ROWLAND-SMITH vs. OAKLAND since 1997
ROWLAND-SMITH is 2-1 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 2.97 and a WHIP of 1.349.
His team's record is 4-2 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+1.9 units)

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TAMPA BAY (3 - 3) at BALTIMORE (1 - 5) - 7:05 PM
MATT GARZA (R) vs. JEREMY GUTHRIE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 32-49 (-19.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 25-44 (-21.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 19-31 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
GARZA is 10-23 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GARZA is 2-11 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GARZA is 5-14 (-10.5 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GARZA is 2-11 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GARZA is 10-16 (-11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 505-555 (-119.0 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 47-103 (-39.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 505-555 (-119.0 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 240-304 (-94.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 136-253 (-107.1 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
GUTHRIE is 6-19 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 2-1 (+0.5 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

MATT GARZA vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
GARZA is 7-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 2.67 and a WHIP of 1.134.
His team's record is 7-2 (+3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-7. (-6.5 units)

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
GUTHRIE is 2-6 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.60 and a WHIP of 1.551.
His team's record is 3-7 (-4.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-5. (-1.0 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (2 - 4) at TORONTO (5 - 1) - 7:20 PM
JAKE PEAVY (R) vs. BRIAN TALLET (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 9-30 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 20-10 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons.

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

JAKE PEAVY vs. TORONTO since 1997
No recent starts.

BRIAN TALLET vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
TALLET is 1-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.48 and a WHIP of 1.451.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

MLB
Short Sheet


Monday, 4/12/2010

MILWAUKEE at CHICAGO CUBS, 2:20 PM ET WGN
DAVIS: Milwaukee 4-15 SU after blowing a save
DEMPSTER: 14-2 TSR at home in the first half of the season

WASHINGTON at PHILADELPHIA, 3:05 PM ET
MARQUIS: Washington 17-6 Under away in day games
HAMELS: 1-8 TSR in day games

HOUSTON at ST LOUIS, 4:15 PM ET
RODRIGUEZ: Houston 0-6 SU this season
WAINWRIGHT: St. Louis 20-3 SU as a favorite of -175 to -250

ATLANTA at SAN DIEGO, 6:35 PM ET
JURRJENS: Atlanta 20-39 SU off BB Overs
CORREIA: 13-6 TSR pitching off a team loss

CINCINNATI at FLORIDA, 7:10 PM ET MLBTV
CUETO: 11-2 Over off a win as a home division underdog
NOLASCO: 31-18 TSR in night games

PITTSBURGH at SAN FRANCISCO, 10:15 PM ET
OHLENDORF: Pittsburgh 3-18 SU as a road underdog of +150 to +175
ZITO: 36-10 TSR as a home favorite of -150 to -200

KANSAS CITY at DETROIT, 1:05 PM ET
HOCHEVAR: Kansas City 2-12 SU off BB games allowing 8+ runs
SCHERZER: Detroit 26-11 SU at home in the first half of the season

TEXAS at CLEVELAND, 3:05 PM ET
HARDEN: Texas 15-5 Under away vs. AL Central opponents
CARMONA: 2-10 TSR vs. AL West opponents

BOSTON at MINNESOTA, 4:10 PM ET ESPN
LESTER: Boston 18-8 Over in April
PAVANO: 21-12 TSR as a home underdog

OAKLAND at SEATTLE, 6:40 PM ET
DUCHSCHERER: Oakland 23-41 SU away with a line of +125 to -125
ROWLAND-SMITH: Seattle 17-6 SU at home in day games

TAMPA BAY at BALTIMORE, 7:05 PM ET
GARZA: Tampa Bay 9-0 SU off 3+ games with 2+ stolen bases
GUTHRIE: 6-19 TSR in night games

CHI WHITE SOX at TORONTO, 7:20 PM ET
PEAVY: White Sox 9-30 SU playing on artificial turf
TALLET: Toronto 20-10 SU in April

** (TC) Denotes Time Change
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MLB
Write-Up


Monday, April 12

Hot pitchers
-- Dempster is 2-1, 1.88 in his last six starts.
-- Hamels is 3-0, 3.86 in last four starts vs Washington.
-- Wainwright was 2-1, 0.90 against the Astros LY.
-- Jurrjens is 4-0, 1.50 in his last six starts.
-- Nolasco is 2-0, 3.21 in his last four starts. Reds won five of last seven Cueto starts.
-- Giants won seven of last ten Zito home starts.

-- Scherzer has a 3.13 RA in his last four starts.
-- Carmona is 3-0, 2.89 in his last three starts.
-- Rowland-Smith is 1-0, 3.00 in his last three starts.
-- Peavy is 3-0, 2.16 in four starts for the White Sox. Toronto won five of last six Tallet starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Davis is 2-4, 6.00 in his last nine starts.
-- Marquis is 0-4, 8.01 in his last six starts.
-- Correia is 0-2, 6.75 in his last two starts.
-- Astros lost last seven Rodriguez road starts.
-- Ohlendorf is 0-2, 3.49 in his last six starts.

-- Royals lost five of last six Hochevar road starts.
-- Harden has a 6.97 RA in his last five starts.
-- Lester is 1-2, 5.49 in his last four starts. Twins won six of last seven Pavano starts.
-- Duchscherer allowed five runs in 5.2 IP in his first start since '08.
-- Rays lost Garza's last five road starts. Guthrie is 0-5, 5.72 in his last six starts.

Totals
-- Cubs' last five games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Hamels starts went over the total.
-- Three of last four Cardinal games stayed under the total.
-- Last three Atlanta games went over the total.
-- Reds' last four games stayed under the total.
-- Five of six Pirate games went over the total.

-- Three of last four Kansas City games went over the total.
-- Five of six Cleveland games stayed under the total.
-- Four of six Boston games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Oakland games went over the total.
-- Under is 4-1-1 in Oriole games this season.
-- Five of six White Sox games stayed under the total.

Hot teams
-- Marlins won four of their last five games.
-- Cardinals won four of their first six games.
-- Phillies won five of their first six games. Nationals won three of four.
-- Marlins won four of their last five games. Reds won three of their last four games.
-- Giants won five of their first six games.

-- Tigers won five of their first six games.
-- Twins won five of their last six games.
-- Oakland won five of its last six games.
-- Blue Jays won their last five games.

Cold teams
-- Cubs lost four of their first six games.
-- 0-6 Astros are only winless team in baseball.
-- Braves, Padres both lost three of their last four games.
-- Pirates lost three of their last four games.

-- Royals lost three of their last four games.
-- Indians lost last three games, allowing 18 runs.
-- Mariners lost five of their first seven games.
-- Orioles lost four of their first five games. Rays lost three of four.

-- White Sox lost four of their last five games.

MLB


Monday, April 12

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Tips and Trends
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Boston Red Sox at Minnesota Twins [ESPN | 4:10 PM ET]

Red Sox (-145, O/U 9): Boston just put the finishing touches on their first series win of the season. The Red Sox won their final 2 games against the Royals, scoring 8 runs in each contest. With the Red Sox offense heating up, it's quite likely the Red Sox will go above .500 for the 1st since Opening Day. Despite their recent success in Kansas City, the Red Sox are only 2-6 in their last 8 road games. The Red Sox are 7-2 in their last 9 games against the Twins, yet they are only 6-13 over their last 19 games in Minnesota. The Red Sox are one of many teams in the AL that are happy to see the Metrodome as a thing of the past. Boston will have their ace, Jon Lester on the mound today. Lester struggled a bit in his season debut against the Yankees, so he will be anxious to get back out on the mound for redemption. The Red Sox are 19-7 in Lester's last 26 starts following a team loss in their previous game.

Red Sox are 0-7 last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 7-1 last 8 games as a road favorite.

Key Injuries - SS Jed Lowrie (sickness) is out.
CF Jacoby Ellsbury (ribs) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 7 (Side of the Day)

Twins: It will be a historic event today, as Minnesota welcomes in Target Field. The world famous Metrodome is a venue that is merely history now, so no more fly balls lost in the sky. The Twins lost yesterday, ending a 5 game winning streak. Minnesota is 5-2 SU this year, winning both series so far this year. The Twins will send Carl Pavano to the mound to face the Red Sox. Pavano beat the Red Sox last year in his only start against the Red Sox over the past 5 years. Pavano was brilliant against in his season debut, only allowing 1 run over 7 innings against the Angels. Minnesota is 10-2 in their last 12 games at home, back in the Metrodome days. The Twins are 37-15 in their last 52 home games when facing a left-handed starter.
.

Twins are 7-0 last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
Under is 6-1-1 last 8 games as a home underdog.

Key Injuries - CL Joe Nathan (elbow) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 3

A Plateful of Baseball Home Openers

The Major League Baseball season may be a week old, but for several teams the joy of playing before the home fans begins today. Whether the results have been fruitful (Philadelphia 5-1) or less than desirable (Seattle 2-5), for the home town fans, all is forgiven because the boys of summer are back.

Target Field - 4:10E ESPN

The most anticipated home opener is in Minnesota, where the Twins return to the great outdoors after 28 seasons in the Metrodome. The Twins enjoyed as good as home field advantage as any team in baseball, with its speedy carpet and intimidating sound when the joint was two-thirds full or more.

Part of Minnesota’s edge was opposing teams had no use for the place. “I hated that dome,” Red Sox manager Terry Francona said, whose team will be the first opponent in the new park, adding: “You couldn’t see the ball when it went up. You had those speakers hanging off the thing. I felt like I was in an office building.”

Minnesota won five of their first seven games on the road, thanks to outstanding pitching that has allowed just three runs per game. Carl Pavano makes his second start of the year, being a +140 underdog according to Sportsbook.com to Jon Lester and the Red Sox. Pavano is 11-4 as an underdog of +100 to +150 over the last two seasons (Team's Record), while Lester and Boston is 60-25 on grass fields.

One difficulty the Red Sox have endured is 3-14 record in road games vs. a very good bullpen whose WHIP is 1.250 or better over the last three seasons.

Wrigley Field – 2:20E WGN

Baseball returns to the North Side of Chicago at the Friendly Confines for a 95th season. The Cubs are 2-4 to begin 2010 with offense lacking punch and bullpen more giving than a philanthropist. Chicago is batting Mendoza-like .197 as a team and all four losses have come after leading in the game, the last three given away by the bullpen.

Ryan Dempster is a noted fast starter, as he and Cubs teammates are 14-2 at home in the first half of the season the last two years. Chicago is a -155 money line choice and is National League best 145-97 at home since 2007. The Cubs will try to get into Milwaukee’s bullpen, which blew two saves over the weekend to St. Louis, at least coming back to win yesterday 8-7. The Brewers are 4-15 after a blown blew a save since last year.

Citizens Bank Park -3:05E MASN

The Phillies look every bit as good as the team that has made consecutive World Series appearances, winning it all in 2008, with 5-1 start. They open up before their adoring fans as a decisive -275 money line favorite against everyone’s punching bag Washington. Cole Hamels will get the start against the free-swinging Nationals and the Phils are 51-26 vs. teams whose hitters strike out seven or more times a contest.

Maybe this won’t be as easy as it appears for Philadelphia as Washington is still .500 this late in the season (good for them) and Hamels and the Phillies are 1-8 in days games dating back to the start of last year. With the total at Un.9.5, the defending National League champs are 15-3 UNDER at home vs. NL teams allowing 5.3 or more runs a game.

Progressive Field - 3:05E

Cleveland started just about as expected with 2-4 record on the road and seeks better results against a Texas team that has been a nemesis. The Indians lost eight of nine to the Rangers in 2009 and hope Fausto Carmona can provide another early season victory. Cleveland blew a five run lead in losing to Detroit yesterday 9-8 and is 10-24 after scoring eight runs or more. The Tribe is +110 underdog in their home opener.

Busch Stadium - 4:15E

The St. Louis Cardinals are showing real offensive firepower the first week of the new campaign, scoring 6.2 runs per game on the way to 4-2 record. They will finally get to show the home folks just how explosive they are against a Houston club the has not scratched in the win column in 2010 and is off to their worst start in 27 years at 0-6.

The middle of the line-up has been especially potent with Albert Pujols batting .375 with four home runs and 10 RBIs and Matt Holiday hitting .423 with three home runs and six RBIs. If Adam Wainwright continues to pitch like he has since last year, the -230 ML is well justified for Cards team that is 20-3 a favorite of -175 to -250 over the last two seasons.

PETCO Park – 6:35E Sports South

A home opener means different things to different players. The Padres Kevin Correia grew up in San Diego and used to attend games at Qualcomm Stadium as a kid. In 2008 he signed a minor league contract with San Diego after five years in the San Francisco organization and is on the big club, making the start today in the team’s initial home game of the season.

“It’s exciting to be able to pitch at home and have it be opening day,” Correia told the Padres’ official Web site. “It’s going to be something to look back on and remember.” The Friars are +145 home dogs to Atlanta; however Correia and Pads are 13-6 (+10.4 Units) against the money line after a loss since he became starting pitcher.

Safeco Field – 6:40E

This year is supposed to be different for Seattle, a contender in the AL West, but a 2-5 start has them tied for last in the division and they take on Oakland in their first homestand of the season, the surprising leader out West. The offense was the deepest concern coming into 2010 and those beliefs have founded to be true, batting .230 as a team with .303 on-base percentage and totaling three runs a game. Having lost the last three of four games in series to the A’s, the Mariners are 12-3 in the Great Northwest with double revenge on their minds and are a -120 betting choice.

Rogers Centre – 7:20E RSN

Expectations are very low for the Blue Jays this upcoming season, but at least for the moment those thoughts have given way to optimism with Toronto of to flying 5-1 start. With a rejuvenated pitching staff that was ravaged by injures a year ago, Toronto has permitted 18 runs in first six outings. Brian Tallet will take a second turn this season for Blue Jays squad that is 20-10 in April since 2009 and face Chicago team that is 0-10 in Canada. The White Sox will start Jake Peavy and are -125 ML faves against Toronto team that have won last hour home openers.
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