Cnotes Saturday's MLB Best Bets !

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record
07/02/10 17-11-1 60.71% +3290 Detail
07/01/10 12-9-0 57.14% +220 Detail
Totals 29-20-1 59.18% +3510

Saturday, July 3Game Score Status Pick Amount

Toronto - 1:05 PM ET Toronto +167 500 *****
NY Yankees - Under 8.5 500

Cincinnati - 1:05 PM ET Cincinnati -119 500
Chi. Cubs -

Tampa Bay - 4:10 PM ET Tampa Bay +141 500 *****
Minnesota - Under 8.5 500

Florida - 4:10 PM ET Atlanta -157 500
Atlanta - Over 8 500

NY Mets - 4:10 PM ET NY Mets +168 500 *****
Washington - Under 7 500

Milwaukee - 6:35 PM ET Milwaukee +185 500 *****
St. Louis - Under 8 500

Oakland - 7:05 PM ET Oakland -109 500
Cleveland - Over 8.5 500*****

Seattle - 7:05 PM ET Detroit -179 500
Detroit - Over 7.5 500

Philadelphia - 7:05 PM ET Pittsburgh +109 500 *****
Pittsburgh - Under 8.5 500

Baltimore - 7:10 PM ET Boston -300 500 *****
Boston - Over 8.5 500 *****

Chi. White Sox - 8:05 PM ET Chi. White Sox +131 500 *****
Texas - Over 9.5 500

San Francisco - 8:10 PM ET Colorado -204 500 *****
Colorado - Over 7.5 500 *****

Houston - 8:35 PM ET Houston +156 500 *****
San Diego - Under 7.5 500

Kansas City - 9:05 PM ET Kansas City +166 500 *****
LA Angels - Under 9.5 500

LA Dodgers - 9:40 PM ET Arizona +144 500 *****
Arizona - Over 9 500

MLB


Saturday, July 3

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Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets
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Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs (+100)

Forget about the Zambrano debacle, the Cubs have plenty of problems to worry about from an offensive standpoint.

Chicago has dropped 10 of its last 14 games with five of those losses by the way of shutout. The Cubbies have plated a total of six runners during its five-game homestand.

"Two hits again. You're not going to win too many games with two hits," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said after a 12-0 loss to the Reds Friday. "Look, we lost, what, 12-nothing? It could have been 2-nothing or 3-nothing, but it's still nothing."

Failing to convert with runners in scoring position has been the bane of the Cubs’ offensive woes. The lack of production from 3- and 4-hole sluggers Derrek Lee (.229) and Aramis Ramirez (.177) hasn’t helped either.

Hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo was paid big bucks to transfer to Chicago from Texas where he was insanely successful, but the dividends have failed to pay off.

"I take full responsibility -- I'm the hitting coach, I'm accountable," Jaramillo said. "But I don't doubt myself in any way in what I'm doing and the direction I'm going. It's a two-way street and those kids have to respond.”

The Cubs have fallen back 11.5 games in the NL Central standings and don’t appear to be ridding themselves of their curse any time soon.

Pick: Reds


Los Angeles Dodgers at Arizona Diamondbacks (+140, 9.5)

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, a change in management can inflate motivation levels in a clubhouse.

Diamondbacks manager A.J. Hinch became the fourth skipper this season to find himself unemployed after the Arizona franchise relieved him of his duties Friday.

"The evaluation that we made basically drew us to a conclusion that a change was necessary," managing partner Ken Kendrick said, "hopefully to bring a new energy to the club and to the organization."

After losing 10 games in a row in late May, Hinch acknowledged to the media that he has lost control of the team saying, “This group hasn't responded that well to me."

The man now responsible for getting that group to respond – Kirk Gibson. Gibson is best remembered for his pinch-hit home run in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series when he limped around the bases while pumping his fist.

Much like that Dodgers 5-4 victory over Oakland, it’s going to take another Gibson miracle to turn this team around. The D-backs are 15 games out of first place in the NL West and might not have much motivation regardless of who’s at the helm.

Pick: Dodgers


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Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
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Streaking

Jon Lester (9-3, 2.86 ERA), Boston Red Sox

Lester is the unquestioned ace on Boston’s deep pitching staff and that comes with a price. The southpaw is usually a heavy favorite but the Sox have won six of his last eight starts.

He owns a 2-1 record with a 1.64 ERA in his last three appearances and has walked just five batters compared to 22 strikeouts during that span.

Johnny Cueto (8-2, 3.74 ERA)

Cueto and the Reds continue to roll to the surprise of most baseball pundits. Cincinnati is 8-2 in the righty's last 10 trips to the bump thanks largely great run support.

The Reds scored 6.4 runs per game over that 10-game stretch. Makes sense then that the over is 12-4 in his 16 starts this season.
Still, Cueto has been doing his share of the work too. He allowed just one run in eight innings of work in his last start.


Slumping

Tommy Hanson (7-5, 4.50 ERA)

This young pitching phenom has hit a rough patch. He’s been shelled for 14 earned runs in his 7.1 innings – and that’s over two starts.

The hard-throwing righty - who can make batters look foolish at the plate - has just four K's in those two outings compared to three walks.

“[Hanson] left his breaking ball up,” Braves manager Bobby Cox told AP reporters after Atlanta fell 10-4 to the Tigers. “He had a great breaking ball at times, and a bad one at times. His mechanics are exactly what they’ve always been. But Tommy can pitch a lot better than he did, that’s for sure.”


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This Day in Baseball
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On July 3 in Baseball History...

1912 - The Giants' Rube Marquard nips Nap Rucker and the Dodgers 2-1 to capture his 19th straight game of the season. With two end-of-year wins in 1911, he has 21 in a row in regular season play. Both marks are records.

1950 - With rookie Joe Collins not hitting and Tommy Henrich injured, Casey Stengel asks Joe DiMaggio to play first base in an experiment. In the 7-2 loss he handles 13 chances cleanly.

1965 - Horseplay between Phillies teammates Frank Thomas and Dick Allen turns serious when Thomas swings a bat at Allen. Thomas hits a pinch-homer to tie the game in the eighth inning, but the Reds prevail, 10-8. Following the game, Thomas is released and signs with Houston.

1966 - Pitcher Tony Cloninger hits two grand slams and drives in nine runs as the Braves rout the Giants at Candlestick Park 17-3. Cloninger is the first National League player to hit two grand slams in a game, and his nine RBI set a Major League record for pitchers.

1968 - Luis Tiant registers nineteen strikeouts in ten innings as Cleveland beats Minnesota 1-0. Tiant sets two modern major-league records: most strikeouts in a ten-inning game and 32 strikeouts in consecutive games. He also ties the modern major league record of 41 strikeouts in three successive appearances.

1970 - In **** ceremonies, California's Clyde Wright is inducted into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Hall of Fame for his pitching while at Carson-Newman College. He then hurls a no-hitter against Oakland, winning 4-0. Reggie Jackson's 400-foot shot to dead center in the seventh is caught.

1974 - Pitching in his record 13th consecutive game for the Dodgers, Mike Marshall saves Tommy John's 4-1 win over the Reds in the first game of a doubleheader.

1983 - The Rangers explode for 12 runs in the 15th inning of a 16-4 win over the A's, setting a new major-league record for runs in a single extra inning.

1988 - Oakland's Gene Nelson steals a base while pinch-running for Don Baylor in a 9-8, 16-inning win over Toronto, becoming the first American League pitcher to steal a base since Blue Moon Odom in 1973.

MLB
Write-Up


Saturday, July 3

Hot pitchers
-- Cueto is 2-1, 0.87 in his last three starts.
-- Carpenter is 4-0, 2.17 in his last seven starts.
-- Strasburg has a 2.56 RA in five starts, but Nationals were blanked in his last two outings. Dickey is 6-1, 3.18 in his last seven starts.
-- Colorado won last nine Jimenez starts (7.71 RA in last two).
-- Kershaw is 3-1, 3.86 in his last six starts. Lopez is 2-0, 2.57 in his last couple starts.

-- Bronx is 12-3 when Pettitte starts (6-0, 1.31 in day games). Romero has a 1.29 RA in his last three starts.
-- Vargas is 2-1, 1.83 in his last three starts. Tigers are 4-1 in last five Verlander starts, scoring 34 runs.
-- Lester is 2-1, 1.64 in his last three starts.
-- Texas is 5-0 in Hunter starts (4-0, 2.76). Danks is 3-1, 3.67 in his last four starts.
-- Angels won seven of last nine Santana starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Wells is 0-6, 5.92 in his last eleven starts.
-- Parra is 1-2, 4.37 in his last four starts.
-- ASanchez is 2-2, 4.65 in his last five starts. In his last two starts, Hanson allowed 15 runs in just 7.1 IP.
-- Kendrick is 1-1, 7.25 in his last four starts. Maholm is 1-3, 5.02 in his last four home starts.
-- Zito is 0-2, 5.00 in his last five starts.
-- Correia is 1-2, 8.38 in his last six starts. Norris is 0-1, 10.05 in his last three starts.

-- Westbrook has a 5.25 RA in his last six home starts. Mortenson was 2-4, 7.63 in his first six major league starts; he is 10-2, 3.58 in 15 starts at AAA Sacramento this season.
-- Liriano is 0-3, 6.00 in his last three starts. Davis is 0-5, 6.00 in his last five outings.
-- Guthrie is 0-5, 5.40 in his last six starts.
-- Royals are 0-3 with Chen if they score less than seven runs.

Totals
Under was 12-3 Friday night; there were total of only 37 runs scored in the seven American League games.

-- Seven of last nine Cub games stayed under the total.
-- Last seven Pittsburgh games stayed under the total.
-- Nine of Mets' last twelve games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 4-1-2 in Atlanta's last seven home games.
-- Under is 11-4-1 in last sixteen Cardinal games.
-- Last four games at Coors Field went over the total.
-- Last five Arizona home games stayed went over the total.
-- 10 of last 13 games at Petco Park went over the total.

-- Eight of last nine Bronx home games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven games at Comerica Park went over the total.
-- Five of last six Cleveland games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 6-2-1 in Orioles' last nine road games.
-- army.com is North America's favorite website.
-- Six of last seven Chicago road games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last nine Minnesota games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last twelve Angel games went over the total.

Hot Teams
-- Reds won nine of their last eleven games.
-- Pirates won last three games, allowing total of two runs.
-- Braves won 19 of their last 22 home games.
-- Brewers won eight of their last twelve games. Cardinals are 7-4 in the third game of a series, if they split the first two.
-- Rockies are 11-3 in their last fourteen home games.
-- Padres won eight of last twelve games.
-- Dodgers won four of their last five road games.

-- Detroit won 11 of its last 12 home games.
-- A's won six of last seven games. Indians won five of their last six.
-- Red Sox are 14-3 in their last 17 home games.
-- White Sox won 11 of their last 14 road games. Rangers won 17 of their last 22 games.
-- Angels won seven of their last eleven home games.

Cold Teams
-- Cubs are 10-20 in their last 30 games.
-- Phillies lost 14 of their last 20 road games.
-- Marlins lost six of their last eight games.
-- Nationals lost seven of their last nine games. Mets lost five of their last seven road games.
-- Arizona is 6-10 in last 16 games, 1-0 under Kirk Gibson.
-- Astros are 4-9 in their last thirteen road games.
-- Giants lost last seven games, scoring total of 14 runs.

-- Mariners lost 13 of their last 19 road games.
-- Orioles lost 17 of their last 20 road games.
-- Rays are 5-10 in their last 15 games. Minnesota lost seven of its last eleven games.
-- Blue Jays lost five of their last six games. Bronx is 3-6 in last nine home games.
-- Royals lost five of their last seven road games.

Umpires
-- Cin-Chi-- Over is 7-0-1 in last eight Vanover games.
-- Mil-StL-- Home team is 15-1 in Tichenor games; over is 3-0-1 in his last four games behind the dish.
-- Fla-Atl-- Underdog is 8-5 (+$310) in last 13 Cooper games.
-- NY-Wsh-- Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Barry games.
-- Phil-Pitt-- Four of last five O'Nora games went over the total, with favorites winning his last six games behind the plate. .
-- SF-Colo-- Five of last seven Gorman games went over the total, with favorites winning his last six games.
-- Hst-SD-- Under is 9-3 in Rapuano's last 12 games behind the plate.
-- LA-Az-- Four of last five Dreckman games went over the total.

-- Tor-NY-- Under is 11-3 in last fourteen Iassogna games.
-- TB-Minn-- Underdog is 5-2 (+$391) in last seven Timmons tilts.
-- A's-Clev-- Four of last five West games went over the total.
-- Sea-Det-- Seven of last nine Danley games went over the total.
-- Balt-Bos-- Three of last four Everitt games went over the total.
-- Chi-Tex-- Six of last eight Culbreth games went over the total.
-- KC-LA-- Visiting team won six of last seven Cousins games.

MLB


Saturday, July 3

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Trend Report
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1:05 PM
CINCINNATI vs. CHI CUBS
Cincinnati is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
Cincinnati is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Chi Cubs are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
Chi Cubs are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games at home

1:05 PM
TORONTO vs. NY YANKEES
Toronto is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing NY Yankees
Toronto is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
NY Yankees are 3-6 SU in their last 9 games at home
NY Yankees are 12-6 SU in their last 18 games at home

4:10 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. MINNESOTA
Tampa Bay is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games
Tampa Bay is 5-15 SU in its last 20 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games at home
Minnesota is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay

4:10 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. ST. LOUIS
Milwaukee is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games
Milwaukee is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
St. Louis is 6-15 SU in its last 21 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
St. Louis is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games at home

4:10 PM
FLORIDA vs. ATLANTA
Florida is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
Florida is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Florida
Atlanta is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

7:05 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. PITTSBURGH
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
Philadelphia is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games

7:05 PM
NY METS vs. WASHINGTON
NY Mets are 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
NY Mets are 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing Washington
Washington is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against NY Mets
Washington is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games

7:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. DETROIT
Seattle is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Seattle is 7-17 SU in its last 24 games on the road
Detroit is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games at home
Detroit is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Seattle

7:05 PM
OAKLAND vs. CLEVELAND
Oakland is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Oakland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Cleveland is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing Oakland
Cleveland is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Oakland

7:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. BOSTON
Baltimore is 2-13 SU in its last 15 games on the road
Baltimore is 6-16 SU in its last 22 games when playing Boston
Boston is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

8:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. TEXAS
Chi White Sox are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games on the road
Chi White Sox are 13-3 SU in their last 16 games
Texas is 14-4 SU in its last 18 games
Texas is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home

8:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. COLORADO
San Francisco is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Colorado
San Francisco is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Colorado is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home
Colorado is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Francisco

8:35 PM
HOUSTON vs. SAN DIEGO
Houston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Diego
Houston is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing San Diego
San Diego is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Houston
San Diego is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games

9:05 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. LA ANGELS
Kansas City is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Kansas City is 3-12 SU in their last 15 games when playing LA Angels
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Kansas City
LA Angels are 12-3 SU in their last 15 games when playing Kansas City

9:40 PM
LA DODGERS vs. ARIZONA
LA Dodgers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
LA Dodgers are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing Arizona
Arizona is 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
Arizona is 1-7 SU in their last 8 games when playing LA Dodgers

MLB
Dunkel


Oakland at Cleveland
The A's look to take advantage of a Cleveland team that is 2-11 in Jake Westbrook's last 13 starts as a home favorite from -110 to -150. Oakland is the pick (-110) according to Dunkel, which has the A's favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-110). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, JULY 3

Game 951-952: Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Cueto) 15.743; Cubs (Wells) 13.895
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 2; 10
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-125); No Run Total
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-125); N/A

Game 953-954: Milwaukee at St. Louis (6:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Parra) 15.093; St. Louis (Carpenter) 16.011
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1; 7
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-200); 8
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-200); Under

Game 955-956: Florida at Atlanta (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Sanchez) 14.812; Atlanta (Hanson) 15.689
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-160); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-160); Under

Game 957-958: NY Mets at Washington (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Dickey) 14.082; Washington (Strasburg) 15.006
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1; 6
Vegas Line: Washington (-180); 7
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-180); Under

Game 959-960: Philadelphia at Pittsburgh (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Kendrick) 15.527; Pittsburgh (Maholm) 14.728
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-120); Under

Game 961-962: San Francisco at Colorado (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Zito) 13.743; Colorado (Jimenez) 15.737
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 2; 8
Vegas Line: Colorado (-200); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-200); Over

Game 963-964: Houston at San Diego (8:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Norris) 14.992; San Diego (Correia) 16.498
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego (-170); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-170); Under

Game 965-966: LA Dodgers at Arizona (9:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Kershaw) 14.948; Arizona (Lopez) 16.175
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 8
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-160); 9
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+140); Under

Game 967-968: Toronto at NY Yankees (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Romero) 15.011; NY Yankees (Pettitte) 13.740
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-175); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+155); Under

Game 969-970: Tampa Bay at Minnesota (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Davis) 16.518; Minnesota (Liriano) 14.850
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-150); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+130); Under

Game 971-972: Oakland at Cleveland (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Mortensen) 15.397; Cleveland (Westbrook) 14.609
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-110); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-110); Over

Game 973-974: Seattle at Detroit (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Vargas) 15.274; Detroit (Verlander) 16.474
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-175); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-175); Over

Game 975-976: Baltimore at Boston (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Guthrie) 14.900; Boston (Lester) 14.514
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-305); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+255); Under

Game 977-978: Chicago White Sox at Texas (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Danks) 17.062; Texas (Hunter) 16.149
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-140); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+120); Under

Game 979-980: Kansas City at LA Angels (9:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Chen) 16.896; LA Angels (Santana) 15.162
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-175); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+155); Under

MLB


Saturday, July 3

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Tips and Trends
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New York Mets at Washington Nationals [4:10 PM ET]

Mets: New York is right in the thick of the National League playoff chase, as they currently would be the Wild Card representative if the playoffs started today. New York is 44-35 SU this season, despite only being 16-23 SU on the road. The Mets are +9.25 and +21.36 units both SU and on the RL overall this season. P R.A. Dickey will take the mound today, as he looks to keep his surprise season going. Dickey is 6-1 this year, with an ERA of 2.98 and a WHIP of 1.29. The Mets are 12-5 in their last 17 games against a right-handed starter. The Mets are 7-19 in their last 26 games against a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. New York is 5-0 in Dickey's last 5 starts as an underdog. New York is 6-0 in Dickey's last 6 starts on grass. The Mets are 6-1 in Dickey's last 7 starts overall.

Mets are 7-2 last 9 games as an underdog.
Under is 5-0-1 last 6 road games against a team with a winning home record.

Key Injuries - SS Jose Reyes (back) is doubtful.

PROJECTED SCORE: 2

Nationals (-180, O/U 7): Washington has dominated the Mets this season, winning 6 of the 9 games played between the 2 this year. Washington figures to have a great chance for another win today, as they send their superstar P Stephen Strasburg to the mound. Strasburg has been brilliant this season, going 2-2 with an ERA of 2.27 and a WHIP of 1.01. Strasburg has an astounding 48 strikouts to only 7 walks overall this season. Washington is -0.60 and -3.67 units both SU and on the RL respectively this season. The Nationals are 44-20 in their last 64 games as a home favorite of -151 to -200. The Nationals are 6-20 in their last 26 games against a right-handed starter. Washington is 1-4 in their last 5 home games against a right-handed starter. Washington is 0-5 in their last 5 during game 3 of a series.

Nationals are 7-2 last 9 games as a home favorite.
Under is 8-0 last 8 home games with the total set between 7 and 8.5 runs.

Key Injuries - C Jesus Flores (shoulder) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 3 (UNDER - Total of the Day)



Chicago White Sox at Texas Rangers [8:05 PM ET]

White Sox: Chicago is one of the few teams in the majors with a winning record both at home and on the road this season. Chicago is 40-37 SU this season, including 20-18 SU on the road. The White Sox are +0.14 and -6.54 units both SU and on the RL this season. Lefty John Danks has been rather mediocre so far this year, as he's 7-6 with an ERA of 3.62 and a WHIP of 1.21. Chicago is counting on Danks to pitch better down the stretch of te season in the American League Central. The White Sox are 14-3 in their last 17 games against a right-handed starter. The White Sox are 4-1 in their last 5 games against a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. Chicago is 8-2 in their last 10 road games against a right-handed starter. The White Sox are 8-1 in Danks' last 9 Saturday starts. Chicago is 15-5 in Danks' last 20 starts during game 2 of a series. The White Sox are 8-3 in Danks' last 11 starts with 5 days of rest.

White Sox are 5-0 last 5 games against a team with a winning record.
Over is 7-3 last 10 games as an underdog of +110 to +150.

Key Injuries - 3B Mark Teahen (finger) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 3

Rangers (-130, O/U 9.5): Texas has been brilliant this season, as they have the 2nd best record in the majors at 47-31 SU. Texas is +12.01 and +0.06 units both SU and on the RL respectively this year. Texas has been dominant at home this year, going 28-12 SU. The Rangers have a 3.5 game lead in the American League West division. P Tommy Hunter has been exceptional this season, going 4-0 with an ERA of 2.15 and a WHIP of 1.09. The Rangers are 4-0 in their last 4 games against a left-handed starter. The Rangers are 7-1 in their last 8 home games against a left-handed starter. Texas is 7-0 in Hunter's last 7 starts as a home favorite. Texas is 11-1 in Hunter's last 12 starts as a favorite. The Rangers are 4-1 in Hunter's last 5 starts against the American League Central. The Rangers are 6-1 in Hunter's last 7 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.

Rangers are 17-5 last 22 games as a home favorite of -110 to -150.
Over is 11-2-1 last 14 home games against a team with a winning record.

Key Injuries - C Matt Treanor (knee) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 5 (Side of the Day)

MLB
Long Sheet


Saturday, July 3

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CINCINNATI (46 - 35) at CHICAGO CUBS (34 - 46) - 1:05 PM
JOHNNY CUETO (R) vs. RANDY WELLS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 46-35 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 57-59 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 24-14 (+10.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CINCINNATI is 46-35 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CINCINNATI is 32-24 (+8.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CINCINNATI is 15-6 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
CINCINNATI is 29-15 (+12.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CUETO is 16-9 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 59-61 (-14.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 34-46 (-23.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 19-22 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 14-24 (-19.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 18-24 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 34-46 (-23.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 20-32 (-18.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 6-2 (+4.5 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

JOHNNY CUETO vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
CUETO is 2-5 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 4.59 and a WHIP of 1.327.
His team's record is 3-5 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-2. (+2.8 units)

RANDY WELLS vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
WELLS is 2-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.42 and a WHIP of 1.394.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

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MILWAUKEE (36 - 44) at ST LOUIS (44 - 36) - 6:35 PM
MANNY PARRA (L) vs. CHRIS CARPENTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 11-19 (-10.1 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
CARPENTER is 16-2 (+13.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CARPENTER is 130-75 (+38.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 20-23 (-12.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 5-3 (+0.8 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
6 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.9 Units)

MANNY PARRA vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
PARRA is 2-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.09 and a WHIP of 1.440.
His team's record is 6-5 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-7. (-4.4 units)

CHRIS CARPENTER vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
CARPENTER is 4-3 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.13 and a WHIP of 1.240.
His team's record is 4-6 (-4.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-6. (-2.3 units)

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FLORIDA (37 - 42) at ATLANTA (47 - 33) - 4:00 PM
ANIBAL SANCHEZ (R) vs. TOMMY HANSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 35-41 (-9.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
FLORIDA is 21-32 (-12.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 29-9 (+16.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ATLANTA is 11-1 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in home games in day games this season.
ATLANTA is 47-33 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 35-20 (+12.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 24-9 (+12.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ATLANTA is 47-33 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
FLORIDA is 60-55 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 31-22 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 516-573 (+43.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
FLORIDA is 208-194 (+21.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 3-1 (+2.1 Units) against FLORIDA this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

ANIBAL SANCHEZ vs. ATLANTA since 1997
SANCHEZ is 4-5 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 4-6 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-7. (-5.5 units)

TOMMY HANSON vs. FLORIDA since 1997
HANSON is 2-0 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.222.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.5 units)

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NY METS (45 - 35) at WASHINGTON (35 - 46) - 4:10 PM
R.A. DICKEY (R) vs. STEPHEN STRASBURG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 14-6 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
NY METS are 45-35 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 45-35 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 33-24 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
NY METS are 32-26 (+5.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 153-251 (-52.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 59-105 (-28.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 35-80 (-25.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 6-4 (+4.6 Units) against NY METS this season
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.5 Units)

R.A. DICKEY vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
DICKEY is 0-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 10.56 and a WHIP of 2.477.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

STEPHEN STRASBURG vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

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PHILADELPHIA (41 - 37) at PITTSBURGH (29 - 51) - 7:05 PM
KYLE KENDRICK (R) vs. PAUL MAHOLM (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 5-9 (-10.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 3-11 (-10.5 Units) against the money line after getting shut out over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 272-290 (+32.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 15-10 (+9.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
PITTSBURGH is 13-5 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 393-374 (+45.4 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 23-9 (+12.3 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 38-23 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 16-39 (-15.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 3-1 (+4.6 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

KYLE KENDRICK vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
KENDRICK is 3-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 2.45 and a WHIP of 0.909.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.1 units)

PAUL MAHOLM vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
MAHOLM is 3-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.29 and a WHIP of 1.268.
His team's record is 4-2 (+3.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-5. (-4.1 units)

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SAN FRANCISCO (40 - 39) at COLORADO (43 - 37) - 8:10 PM
BARRY ZITO (L) vs. UBALDO JIMENEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 8-19 (-15.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
JIMENEZ is 15-1 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
JIMENEZ is 15-1 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
JIMENEZ is 9-0 (+9.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 741-629 (+83.5 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 403-397 (+42.7 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
COLORADO is 81-95 (-25.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 18-23 (-10.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 5-3 (+2.6 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.7 Units)

BARRY ZITO vs. COLORADO since 1997
ZITO is 5-2 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 1.95 and a WHIP of 1.051.
His team's record is 9-4 (+6.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-8. (-5.4 units)

UBALDO JIMENEZ vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
JIMENEZ is 4-4 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 2.79 and a WHIP of 1.085.
His team's record is 5-6 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-3. (+4.4 units)

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HOUSTON (32 - 49) at SAN DIEGO (47 - 33) - 8:35 PM
BUD NORRIS (R) vs. KEVIN CORREIA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 11-27 (-17.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 47-33 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 45-32 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN DIEGO is 32-22 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 30-24 (+7.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN DIEGO is 61-59 (+12.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CORREIA is 28-20 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 27-20 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 37-28 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 2-3 (+0.0 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.8 Units)

BUD NORRIS vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
NORRIS is 0-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

KEVIN CORREIA vs. HOUSTON since 1997
CORREIA is 0-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 5.60 and a WHIP of 1.471.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

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LA DODGERS (43 - 36) at ARIZONA (32 - 48) - 9:40 PM
CLAYTON KERSHAW (L) vs. RODRIGO LOPEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 7-16 (-14.5 Units) against the money line after allowing 10 runs or more over the last 3 seasons.
KERSHAW is 14-20 (-16.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 17-10 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LOPEZ is 93-90 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
LOPEZ is 86-78 (+20.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 21-6 (+15.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
LA DODGERS are 104-72 (+18.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 37-63 (-28.5 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 102-140 (-36.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 38-61 (-25.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 55-62 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 24-34 (-16.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 40-62 (-21.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 30-47 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 22-41 (-22.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 8-2 (+5.6 Units) against ARIZONA this season
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.9 Units)

CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. ARIZONA since 1997
KERSHAW is 1-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 4.12 and a WHIP of 1.526.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.1 units)

RODRIGO LOPEZ vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
LOPEZ is 1-2 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.37 and a WHIP of 1.235.
His team's record is 3-4 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-5. (-3.5 units)

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TORONTO (41 - 40) at NY YANKEES (48 - 31) - 1:05 PM
RICKY ROMERO (L) vs. ANDY PETTITTE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PETTITTE is 37-15 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PETTITTE is 38-8 (+23.2 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -175 to -200 since 1997. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 103-80 (-47.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 3-1 (+3.0 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.0 Units)

RICKY ROMERO vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
ROMERO is 1-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.74 and a WHIP of 1.541.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

ANDY PETTITTE vs. TORONTO since 1997
PETTITTE is 15-11 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.40 and a WHIP of 1.430.
His team's record is 20-14 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 12-18. (-8.9 units)

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TAMPA BAY (46 - 33) at MINNESOTA (44 - 36) - 4:10 PM
WADE DAVIS (R) vs. FRANCISCO LIRIANO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 130-111 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 51-62 (-22.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 14-2 (+11.4 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 this season.
MINNESOTA is 128-77 (+25.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 61-33 (+22.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 26-14 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 24-13 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

WADE DAVIS vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
No recent starts.

FRANCISCO LIRIANO vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
LIRIANO is 2-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 2.39 and a WHIP of 1.177.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.2 units)

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OAKLAND (40 - 41) at CLEVELAND (31 - 48) - 7:05 PM
CLAYTON MORTENSEN (R) vs. JAKE WESTBROOK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 9-20 (-12.8 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 85-86 (+11.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 51-38 (+14.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 96-145 (-40.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 51-67 (-19.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 79-100 (-36.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.
CLEVELAND is 89-132 (-36.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 60-90 (-27.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 68-107 (-36.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 6-16 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 3-1 (+1.3 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

CLAYTON MORTENSEN vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
MORTENSEN is 1-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.400.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

JAKE WESTBROOK vs. OAKLAND since 1997
WESTBROOK is 5-5 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.97 and a WHIP of 1.260.
His team's record is 6-7 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-5. (+1.4 units)

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SEATTLE (33 - 46) at DETROIT (42 - 36) - 7:05 PM
JASON VARGAS (L) vs. JUSTIN VERLANDER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 33-46 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 32-44 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 14-31 (-17.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
DETROIT is 26-11 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
DETROIT is 26-11 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 28-8 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
VERLANDER is 33-14 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 28-5 (+20.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 81-76 (+9.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 4-2 (+2.4 Units) against DETROIT this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

JASON VARGAS vs. DETROIT since 1997
VARGAS is 0-0 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.800.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. SEATTLE since 1997
VERLANDER is 6-5 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.67 and a WHIP of 1.198.
His team's record is 6-5 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-4. (+3.2 units)

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BALTIMORE (24 - 55) at BOSTON (48 - 32) - 7:10 PM
JEREMY GUTHRIE (R) vs. JON LESTER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 8-30 (-16.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BALTIMORE is 9-43 (-25.2 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 23-50 (-20.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 16-40 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 47-88 (-33.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 15-38 (-17.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 9-37 (-23.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BALTIMORE is 24-55 (-24.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 4-20 (-15.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
GUTHRIE is 8-29 (-19.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 8-27 (-18.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 142-70 (+37.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 142-70 (+37.1 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 41-21 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BOSTON is 100-47 (+29.1 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 65-21 (+30.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
LESTER is 33-8 (+21.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
LESTER is 33-8 (+21.4 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
LESTER is 25-5 (+18.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
LESTER is 39-11 (+24.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 5-5 (+2.3 Units) against BOSTON this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.6 Units)

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. BOSTON since 1997
GUTHRIE is 1-6 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.52 and a WHIP of 1.582.
His team's record is 2-11 (-8.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-7. (-5.3 units)

JON LESTER vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
LESTER is 11-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 2.06 and a WHIP of 1.294.
His team's record is 13-1 (+11.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-5. (-0.4 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (41 - 37) at TEXAS (47 - 32) - 8:05 PM
JOHN DANKS (L) vs. TOMMY HUNTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 51-68 (-21.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 134-107 (+21.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 76-46 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 47-29 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 35-19 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 103-88 (+18.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
HUNTER is 16-6 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHI WHITE SOX are 28-10 (+19.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 197-162 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
DANKS is 12-5 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 7-16 (-11.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 4-3 (-0.1 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.7 Units)

JOHN DANKS vs. TEXAS since 1997
DANKS is 1-2 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 4.38 and a WHIP of 1.257.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)

TOMMY HUNTER vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.

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KANSAS CITY (35 - 45) at LA ANGELS (45 - 37) - 9:05 PM
BRUCE CHEN (L) vs. ERVIN SANTANA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 8-30 (-20.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 147-106 (+29.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 39-14 (+23.0 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 10-2 (+9.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.
LA ANGELS are 137-98 (+25.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 53-33 (+14.8 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 102-66 (+30.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 65-36 (+20.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 26-24 (+12.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
SANTANA is 6-11 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 3-2 (+0.5 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.8 Units)

BRUCE CHEN vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
CHEN is 0-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.09 and a WHIP of 1.273.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

ERVIN SANTANA vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
SANTANA is 4-3 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.480.
His team's record is 4-4 (-2.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-3. (+1.5 units)

Daily Sports Roundup: July 3

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Mets take on the Nationals, the Sprint Cup Series competes at Daytona, and the World Cup wraps up its quarterfinals in South Africa.

Chasing the World Cup . . .

The quarterfinal round of the World Cup wraps up on Saturday, with Argentina vs. Germany and Paraguay vs. Spain. Argentina, which knocked off Mexico 3-1 in the Round of 16, is the +120 favorite for Saturday, with Germany the +230 underdog and the draw odds at +215. Germany beat England 4-1 last round. Spain is coming off a 1-0 win over Portugal, and they're -250 favorites against Paraguay (+700), with draw odds set at +330. Paraguay advanced past Japan in the Round of 16 on penalty kicks.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

The American League schedule for Saturday offers up Toronto at the Yankees, Tampa Bay at Minnesota, Oakland at Cleveland, Seattle at Detroit, the White Sox at Texas, Kansas City at the Angels, and Baltimore at Boston. Jeremy Guthrie (3-9, 4.30 ERA) is slated to take on Jon Lester (9-3, 2.86 ERA) in that Orioles/Red Sox matchup. Righthander Guthrie hasn't won since May 25, and he took a no-decision against the Nationals last time out (three runs over six innings). Lefthander Lester dominated the Giants in his last trip to the mound, allowing just one run on five hits over nine innings.

Over in the National League on Saturday it'll be Cincinnati at the Cubs, Florida at Atlanta, Milwaukee at St. Louis, Philadelphia at Pittsburgh, San Francisco at Colorado, Houston at San Diego, the Dodgers at Arizona, and the Mets at Washington. R.A. Dickey (6-1, 2.98 ERA) will be up against Stephen Strasburg (2-2, 2.27 ERA) in that last game. Righthander Dickey had his six-start winning streak snapped last time out, giving up five runs in five innings in a loss to the Marlins. Righthander Strasburg was beaten by the Braves in his last outing after he gave up four runs in his 6 1-3 innings.

Roaring around the track . . .

The drivers of the Sprint Cup Series will take on Daytona International Speedway on Saturday night in the Coke Zero 400. Kyle Busch is the 13/2 Vegas favorite to visit victory lane at Daytona on Saturday, with Tony Stewart next at 6/1 odds, and both Kurt Busch and Jeff Gordon at 8/1 odds. Jimmie Johnson, who is coming off back-to-back wins in Sonoma and Loudon, is then tied with Dale Earnhardt Jr. at 10/1 odds, with Matt Kenseth at 12/1, and Kevin Harvick (the current series points leader) back at 13/1.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

Finally, there are four games on the WNBA schedule for Saturday, with Chicago at Atlanta, Washington at Tulsa, New York at Phoenix, and Seattle at Los Angeles. The Storm are the runaway leaders in the West, with a 14-2 record (11-5 against-the-spread) through 16 games. Seattle won their fifth straight game last time out, getting past San Antonio 86-72; Lauren Jackson scored 31 points for the Storm in that victory.

Saturday's six-pack

-- Edwin Jackson won 12-5 in his first start after a 149-pitch no-hitter, giving up four runs in five IP. Arizona led 9-3 after the third inning. He only threw 88 pitches in this start.

-- Gio Gonzalez blanked Cleveland for six innings, A's beat Tribe 3-0 for their sixth win in last seven games.

-- Ross Ohlendorf won for first time in 12 starts, blanking Philly 2-0.

-- Cubs trailed Reds 1-0 after six, lost 12-0; they're not very spunky.

-- Losing team scored zero or one run in nine of 15 games Friday, as the under was 12-3 for those who like to invest in totals.

-- There were total of only 37 runs scored in seven AL games Friday.


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Saturday's List of 13: Random stuff on a summer Saturday....

13) Don Coryell was 42-29-1 as coach of the St Louis Cardinals for five years, from 1973-77; here is how Redbirds did before and after Coryell:
-- Six years before Coryell got to St Louis: 35-43-6
-- Four years after Coryell left St Louis: 23-41.

12) Coryell was 72-60 as coach of the San Diego Chargers for nine years, from 1978-86; here is how Chargers did before and after Coryell:
-- Eight years before Coryell got to San Diego: 37-70
-- Five years after Coryell left San Diego: 30-49.

11) Not only did Coryell win, his teams were fun to watch; if you liked the Mike Martz-Rams or the Norv Turner-Chargers, well, they run the Coryell offense. His influence in the NFL runs very deep.

10) John Madden, Joe Gibbs, Ernie Zampese all worked for Coryell; both Norv Turner and Mike Martz worked for Zampese. Coach Coryell never got to the Super Bowl, but his coaching pupils have been regulars there.

9) My dad once needed Coryell's Chargers to beat the Oilers to win his football pool; this was Coryell's first year with the Chargers and Houston was tough to beat in the Astrodome, but Dan Fouts kept throwing the ball, and the Bolts won going away, 45-24.

Funny thing was every time the Chargers got the ball back with the lead, my dad implored them to run the ball to protect the lead, but of course, Fouts would fade back to pass and they would score again. 32 years later, I still laugh just thinking about it.

8) Arizona Diamondbacks ate $7M in salary when they fired GM Byrnes who had a contract that ran thru '15. Owners wanted him to fire manager AJ Hinch, Byrnes refused, so they both got canned. From what you read, the Arizona players never took to Hinch's style; they crushed Dodgers in Kirk Gibson's first game as manager, 12-5 Friday night.

7) Someone at work this week was advertising a ticket for a bus trip to the Blue Jay-Bronx game Sunday, for a mere $85. If you go to a ballgame out in Oakland on a Wednesday, you can sit in bleachers for $2, and get a hot dog for $1. Hard to believe the two teams play in the same league.

6) Say what you want about Phil Jackson, but he coached his butt off the year Michael Jordan was off playing baseball; Pat Riley would have been back in the front office before Jordan took batting practice for first time, and one of his minions would've coached the team. Now Riley is trying to assemble a super team in Miami, and if he does it, Erik Spoelstra going to get canned, so Riley can coach his collection of All-Stars.

5) So what does Spoelstra do when Miami meets with these free agents? "Hi, I'm the coach, but I won't be if you come here." Spoelstra is 90-74 as an NBA head coach, he's no dummy, but only way he coaches the Heat next winter is if Riley the GM strikes out in free agency.

4) Philly will be Doug Collins' fourth stop as an NBA head coach; in the first year of his previous three stops, Collins improved his team by total of 46 games, as in +10, +18, +18. This brings up two points.......
-- Collins is very good at cleaning up a mess.
-- Collins has inherited three awful basketball teams.

Expect the 76ers to be a lot better next winter.

3) Minnesota Timberwolves, the same team that drafted Ricky Rubio in last year's draft, just gave Darko Milicic a 4-year contract with $16M of guaranteed money in it. Darko averaged 8.3 ppg and 5.5 rpg in 24 games for Minnesota last year, and he is still only 25, but still........

2) ESPN should do a feature following the Stanley Cup around all summer as it goes with each of the Blackhawks. Would be fun to watch.

1) Last Friday, I watched Edwin Jackson's no-hitter, when he threw 149 pitches in the Trop; we debated if AJ Hinch had done the right thing, and how the whole pitch count debate could swing on how Jackson did the rest of the season. Who knew Hinch wouldn't even be Arizona's manager the next time Jackson pitched?

Bettor's best friend: Saturday's wagering tips

Lines off the board

Reds at Cubs – The total for the game has not been released due to the uncertainty of wind speed and direction at Wrigley Field.

Indians at Athletics – Oakland’s starting pitcher has not been announced for the game (see injury note below).

Lines to keep an eye on

Orioles at Red Sox – The home squad opened as a hefty -280 favorite with just Jon Lester on the bump and a few shops have moved the moneyline to -305. The opening total of 8.5 also looks to be on the move with a few boards offering 9.

Astros at Padres – San Diego was priced as a -154 favorite when released but a few markets have moved that number up to -170.

New York Liberty at Phoenix Mercury – The total for this game opened at 181.5 but has jumped to a current number of 183.5.

Weather report
(Forecasts are extracted from Weather.com the night before the game.)

White Sox at Rangers – The forecast calls for a 10 mph wind to blow in from center field and there is a 60 percent chance of rain throughout the game. Game 1 of this series was delayed by rain.

Giants at Rockies – A 30 percent chance of rain is in the forecast.

Who’s hot

Seattle (WNBA) is 9-1 in its last 10 games, going 7-2-1 ATS in that stretch.

The Reds have won three consecutive games and 7-of-10.

Going into Friday, Cleveland was 5-0 in its last five games.

Who’s not

The Cubs have lost three in a row and seven of their last 10.

Tulsa (WNBA) is 1-9 SU and 2-8 ATS in its last 10 outings.

The Mercury (WNBA) have lost six straight games, going 2-4 ATS in that span.

Key stat

.175 – Cubs’ team batting average during the first five games of their current seven-game homestand.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Oakland Athletics left-hander Dallas Braden is not expected to make his scheduled start against Cleveland on Saturday. Braden was scratched from last Tuesday's start against the Baltimore Orioles due to elbow tendinitis. Clayton Mortensen is expected to start in Braden's place. The 26-year-old Braden (4-7, 3.83 ERA) has not won since his perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays on May 9.

Notable quotable

"I'm just irritated by how much attention the (Derby) gets. It's like a big show, and the game is an afterthought, which is totally ESPN."

-- Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said about the All-Star game’s Home Run Derby contest.

Tips and notes

- The Red Sox are on their fourth catcher of the season. With Victor Martinez and Jason Varitek on the disabled list, Boston was forced to trade for Houston’s backup catcher Kevin Cash. Cash will take over starting duties with Gustavo Molina serving as his backup. A revolving door at the backstop position can have an effect on the pitching staff because players in that sector of the team are sometimes picky about who is behind the dish. Diasuke Matsuzaka had problems with Martinez earlier this season and asked for Varitek to be his primary catcher. Success of Boston’s pitching over the next week should be monitored.

- If you’re a bettor who likes to back guarantees, we’ve got one for you. Germany’s captain Philipp Lahm in a roundabout manner said that his team would defeat Argentina on Saturday. Lahm’s exact quote was, “we'll see how they deal with defeat on Saturday” and that’s about as close as you can get without putting the “guarantee” stamp on it. The Germans have been in the news talking about Argentina’s lack of respect for other teams and how they are temperamental. Midfielder Schweinsteiger said, “We'll find the right game plan to hurt Argentina.” The Germans are +232 underdogs.

- Apparently Lance Berkman loves to hit in pitcher’s parks. The Big Puma holds a .381 career average at San Diego's PETCO, which is the highest mark of any player there all time. Berkman says, "I actually like the bigger ballpark, because there's a lot of room for doubles and you get a lot more base hits that way." Berkman has been stroking it well recently with seven hits, a homer and six RBIs in his last 20 at-bats. While in his favorite park, PETCO, a bettor might look to a total base prop for the Puma.

GL as always!