CNOTES RED HOT Friday's MLB Best Bets !

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record
07/08/10 15-8-1 65.22% +3970 Detail
07/07/10 17-12-1 58.62% +2265 Detail
07/06/10 16-12-1 57.14% +1835 Detail
07/05/10 12-10-0 54.55% +690 Detail
07/04/10 13-16-0 44.83% -1735 Detail
07/03/10 12-17-0 41.38% -2600 Detail
07/02/10 17-11-1 60.71% +3290 Detail
07/01/10 12-9-0 57.14% +220 Detail
Totals 114-95-4 54.55% +7935

Friday, July 9Game Score Status Pick Amount

Minnesota - 7:05 PM ET Detroit -128 500
Detroit - Under 7.5 500

Cincinnati - 7:05 PM ET Cincinnati +107 500 *****
Philadelphia - Over 9.5 500

San Francisco - 7:05 PM ET San Francisco +141 500 *****
Washington - Over 6.5 500 *****

Boston - 7:07 PM ET Toronto +123 500 *****
Toronto - Under 7.5 500

Cleveland - 7:10 PM ET Tampa Bay -219 500
Tampa Bay - Over 8.5 500

Atlanta - 7:10 PM ET NY Mets +107 500 *****
NY Mets - Over 7.5 500

Baltimore - 8:05 PM ET Baltimore +206 500
Texas - Over 10 500 *****

St. Louis - 8:05 PM ET Houston +162 500 *****
Houston - Over 7.5 500

Kansas City - 8:10 PM ET Kansas City +136 500 *****
Chi. White Sox - Under 9 500

Pittsburgh - 8:10 PM ET Pittsburgh +142 500 *****
Milwaukee - Under 9 500

San Diego - 9:10 PM ET San Diego +156 500 *****
Colorado - Under 9.5 500

Florida - 9:40 PM ET Arizona -139 500
Arizona - Over 8.5 500 *****

LA Angels - 10:05 PM ET Oakland -103 500
Oakland - Under 8 500*****

NY Yankees - 10:10 PM ET NY Yankees -104 500
Seattle - Under 7 500

Chi. Cubs - 10:10 PM ET Chi. Cubs +144 500 *****
LA Dodgers - Over 7 500 *****

MLB


Friday, July 9

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

San Francisco Giants at Washington Nationals (-145, 6.5)

What should a team do when facing the most lauded pitcher in baseball – K.I.S.S.

No, they shouldn’t get all lovey-dovey and start locking lips but instead – Keep It Simple Stupid. And that will be the Giants’ approach when facing Stephen Strasburg on Friday.

"You don't want to look into the hype and mentally defeat yourself before you get in the box," Travis Ishikawa said.

"Sometimes I try to be more patient. But with guys like him, who come with the fastball, I'm not going to think too much. Just let it go," added Andres Torres.

Strasburg has not received any run support from the offense over his last three starts. The hard-throwing righty is 0-2 in that stretch and the Nats have scored a total of five runs. All five of those runs came in his last outing but only after Strasburg had left the game.

San Francisco is coming off a three-game road sweep of the Brewers and isn’t intimidated by starting pitchers of deity status. The Jints have already defeated Roy Halladay and Ubaldo Jimenez this season as well as Roy Oswalt three times.

Pick: Giants


Pittsburgh Pirates at Milwaukee Brewers (-145, 9.5)

Brewers outfielder Corey Hart earned the second All-Star selection of his career behind a .285 average, 48 RBI and 12 home run first half in 2010.

But with Milwaukee 12 games back in the NL Central division, the club is shopping around Hart in hopes of trading he young outfielder for some starting pitching.

"I would be disappointed to be traded away from the Brewers, because this is the only team I know," said Hart. "I would like to stick it out here and help to turn things around, but I can't control what happens.”

The Brew Crew’s other All-Star outfielder, Ryan Braun, is slumping going into the break with zero hits in his last 17 at-bats. Manager Ken Macha gave Braun the day off Thursday but called on him to pinch-hit with the bases loaded in a key situation and the slugger grounded out to second base.

The Brewers have lost five in a row and eight of last their last 10 games. As bad as Pittsburgh has been on the road this year, it took two out of three games in Milwaukee earlier this season and has won three of the last four against the Brew Crew.

Pick: Pirates


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Streaking

Joel Pineiro (9-6, 3.96 ERA), Los Angeles Angels

This 31-year-old righty was 3-6 with a 5.16 ERA on June 2. Things have gone much better for Pineiro and Angels backers since. The Halos are 6-0 in Pineiro’s last six outings and he delivered quality starts in five of those six trips to the bump.

He sports a tidy 1.45 ERA since June 11 and he hasn’t been priced higher than -181 over the hot streak.

Cliff Lee (8-3, 2.34 ERA), Seattle Mariners

You can almost hear the faint sound of cha-ching with each pitch Lee throws. That’s because the price tag for the soon to be free agent is growing with every one of his masterful outings – and there’s been a lot of them lately.

The southpaw hurler was in line for his fourth straight complete game this season but was pulled for being too awesome.

“He gave us eight tough innings on a hot day, and that was enough,” M’s manager Don Wakamatsu told reporters after Lee did his part in an 8-1 win over Detroit. “If the score was different, or it was a little cooler, he would have completed that game.”

Lee allowed one run and struck out 11 batters compared to one batter but was attacked for his overload awesomeness.

"I was definitely not getting the same strike zone as [Lee] did, but I obviously didn't throw the ball well, so I'm not going to make excuses," Tigers starting pitcher Jeremy Bonderman, who was ejected for arguing ball and strikes, told reporters. "It gets in your head, but I'm not going to sit in here and say it was his fault I got beat, because it wasn't."

Not only is Lee using the force against opposing batters, he’s also using Jedi mind tricks to eff up rival hurlers. Now that’s the type of pitcher you wanna back.

By the way, Seattle is 8-1 in Lee’s last nine trips to the hill.


Slumping

Phil Hughes (10-2, 3.83 ERA), New York Yankees

The man starting opposite Lee hasn’t been enjoying the same type of success lately. Hughes got off to a remarkably hot start and was even the Yanks most consistent performer in the rotation for the first month and change of the season.

But batters are now catching up with the Georgia native and making him pay for his mistakes. Hughes has surrendered six homers in his last three starts and carries a bloated 7.03 ERA over his last four outings.

The Bronx Bombers are still 8-2 over his last 10 starts, so fading him might not be the best strategy, especially with the way Alex Rodriguez is hitting these days.

Wagering on the total seems like a better play. The over is 8-1 in Hughes’ last nine trips to the bump.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Day in Baseball
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On July 9 in Baseball History...

1946 - With seven Red Sox teammates on the A.L. squad, Ted Williams stages a power show with two home runs, two singles, a walk, four runs scored, and four RBI to lead the A.L. to a 12-0 laugher over the N.L. at Fenway Park. The highlight of the All-Star Game is Williams's homer off a Rip Sewell blooper pitch.

1957 - At Sportsman's Park in St. Louis, the A.L. nips the N.L. 6-5 in the 24th All-Star Game. Both teams score three in the ninth inning, but Minnie Minoso's running catch with the bases loaded chokes off the N.L.'s last rally.

1962 - At a meeting held in conjunction with the All-Star Game, the major league players request a reduced schedule for the 1963 season. They also vote unanimously to continue playing two All-Star Games each year.

1963 - Willie Mays is held to a single, but dominates a 5-3 N.L. win in the All-Star Game. He also walks, steals twice, scores twice, bats in a pair, and makes a great catch. It is Stan Musial's 24th All-Star appearance, a record.

1965 - Senators left fielder Frank Howard ties a major-league record with seven strikeouts in Washington's twin-bill split with the Red Sox.

1968 - Appropriately for 1968, pitching dominates the All-Star Game. Willie Mays, playing in place of injured Pete Rose, tallies an unearned run in the first inning against A.L. starter Luis Tiant to complete the scoring for the day. It is the first All-Star effort to end 1-0. Don Drysdale, Juan Marichal, Steve Carlton, Tom Seaver, Ron Reed, and Jerry Koosman hold the A.L. to three hits.

1976 - Astros pitcher Larry Dierker no-hits the Expos 6-0 and evens his record at 8-8. Houston is fourth in the West.

1986 - Atlanta's Dale Murphy does not play in the Braves 7-3 win over the Phillies, ending his consecutive-game streak at 740. Murphy hadn't missed a game since September 1981.

1988 - Chris Speier hits for the cycle and Ernest Riles hits the 10,000th home run in Giants history to lead San Francisco to a 21-2 rout of the Cardinals. The 21 runs are a San Francisco record.

1988 - Nolan Ryan wins his 100th game as an Astro 6-3 over the Mets, becoming the seventh pitcher in Major League history to win 100 for two different clubs. Ryan won 138 games for the Angels in the 1970s.

1991 - At Toronto's SkyDome, the A.L. wins the All-Star Game 4-2 on Cal Ripken, Jr.'s three-run home run off Montreal's Dennis Martinez. The Baltimore shortstop earns MVP honors.

1996 - The N.L. blanks the AL 6-0 in the All-Star Game at Veterans Stadium. Pennsylvania native Mike Piazza is MVP in his hometown return, Cal Ripken, Jr. plays despite having his nose accidentally broken prior to the game, and the N.L. blanks the powerful A.L. bats. However, the TV ratings are the worst since Nielson began tracking the All-Star Game in 1967.

1997 - Kansas City's Bob Boone becomes the first managerial casualty of the year when he is fired during the All-Star break. The Royals, losers of eight straight games, hire Tony Muser as their new skipper and lose four more in a row before finally ending the skid.

MLB
Write-Up


Friday, July 9

Hot pitchers
-- Strasburg is 2-2, 2.70 in his last six starts.
-- Braves are 12-2 with Hanson if they score more than one run. Dickey is 3-0, 1.27 in three home starts.
-- Wainwright is 4-1, 2.62 in his last five starts.
-- Nolasco is 3-0, 3.86 in his last three starts.
-- Lilly has 2.22 RA in his last four road starts. Billingsley has 2.25 RA in his last couple starts, since coming off the DL.

-- Romero is 2-0, 0.79 in his last four home starts. Lester is 3-1, 1.55 in his last four starts overall.
-- Verlander is 5-1, 4.03 in his last six starts.
-- Matusz has a 2.03 RA in his last couple starts.
-- Buehrle is 4-1, 2.70 in his last five starts. Chen is 2-0, 2.19 in his last couple starts.
-- Pineiro is 6-0, 2.08 in his last six starts. Mazzaro is 2-1, 1.77 in his last three outings.
-- Lee is 4-0, 1.54 in his last four starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Cain is 0-3, 6.85 in his last four starts.
-- Leake is 1-1, 6.35 in his last five starts. Phillies are 1-9 with Blanton if they score less than nine runs.
-- Norris is 0-3, 9.14 in five home starts this year.
-- Maholm is 1-3, 9.64 in his last four starts. DDavis comes off DL to start for first time since May 10; he is 1-3 in his last four starts, with a 6.65 RA.
-- de la Rosa comes off DL to make first start since April 25; he is 3-1 in four starts this year, with a 4.30 RA. Correia is 0-2, 6.30 in his last six starts, but Padres are 5-0 in his no-decisions this season.
-- Haren is 0-2, 4.88 in his last four starts.

-- Liriano is 0-3, 4.68 in his last four starts.
-- Feldman is 0-2, 7.64 in his last three starts.
-- Shields is 1-7, 7.74 in his last eight starts. Carmona is 1-2, 7.27 in his last three starts.
-- Hughes has a 6.82 RA in his last five starts.

Totals
-- Seven of last ten San Francisco road games went over.
-- Under is 13-4-1 in last 18 Cincinnati road games, but Blanton's last seven starts all went over the total.
-- Under is 9-3-2 in last fourteen Atlanta games.
-- Under is 4-0-2 in last six Houston games.
-- Under is 6-0-2 in last eight Pittsburgh road games.
-- Seven of last nine games at Coors Field went over the total.
-- Last eleven Arizona home games went over the total.
-- Four of Cubs' last five road games went over the total.

-- Over is 4-0-1 in last five Toronto games.
-- Over is 8-4 in last dozen games at Comerica Park.
-- Six of last nine Cleveland road games went over the total.
-- Over is 13-5 in last 18 Baltimore games.
-- Under is 7-2 in White Sox' last nine home games.
-- Six of last eight Angel games stayed under the total.
-- Last four Bronx road games stayed under the total.

Hot Teams
-- Giants won last four games, outscoring Milwaukee 34-7. Washington is 10-3 in its last 13 home series openers.
-- Reds won eight of their last eleven road games.
-- Mets are 11-3 in home series openers. Braves won five of their last seven games.
-- Astros won their last five home games.
-- Rockies won 13 of their last 16 home games. Padres won six of their last nine on the road.
-- Dodgers are 7-3 in their last ten games. Cubs won three of their last four games.

-- Toronto is 18-9 in its last 27 home games.
-- Tigers won five of their last six games.
-- Rays won eight of their last nine games.
-- Rangers are 5-0 in second game of home series if they lost opener.
-- White Sox won last five games, allowing total of eight runs. Royals are 8-2 in their last ten games, 6-1 in last seven on road.
-- Bronx won eight of its last nine road games.

Cold Teams
-- Phillies lost six of their last nine games.
-- Cardinals lost six of their last seven road games.
-- Brewers lost their last five home games. Pirates lost 18 of their last 20 road games, scoring five runs in last three.
-- Diamondbacks lost five of their last six games. Florida is 7-9 in second game of series if they lost the opener.

-- Red Sox lost last four games, outscored 21-12.
-- Twins lost four of their last five games.
-- Indians lost their last three games, outscored 21-6.
-- Orioles lost six of their last eight games.
-- Angels lost six of last seven games, scoring five runs in last four. A's lost their last three games, scoring total of four runs.
-- Mariners lost their last five home games.

MLB


Friday, July 9

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

7:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. DETROIT
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

7:05 PM
CINCINNATI vs. PHILADELPHIA
Cincinnati is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Cincinnati is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games
Philadelphia is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Philadelphia is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games

7:05 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. WASHINGTON
San Francisco is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Washington
San Francisco is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Washington's last 24 games when playing at home against San Francisco
Washington is 3-13 SU in its last 16 games when playing San Francisco

7:07 PM
BOSTON vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Boston's last 13 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing Boston

7:10 PM
ATLANTA vs. NY METS
Atlanta is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Mets's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Mets's last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta

7:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. TAMPA BAY
Cleveland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Tampa Bay is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

8:05 PM
BALTIMORE vs. TEXAS
Baltimore is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
Baltimore is 4-17 SU in its last 21 games on the road
Texas is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games at home
Texas is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games

8:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. HOUSTON
St. Louis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
St. Louis is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Houston's last 16 games when playing St. Louis

8:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. CHI WHITE SOX
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Kansas City's last 9 games on the road
Kansas City is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 6 games when playing Kansas City
Chi White Sox are 15-8 SU in their last 23 games when playing at home against Kansas City

8:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Pittsburgh is 2-21 SU in its last 23 games on the road
Milwaukee is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
Milwaukee is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Pittsburgh

9:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. COLORADO
San Diego is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
San Diego is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Colorado is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Colorado is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home

9:40 PM
FLORIDA vs. ARIZONA
Florida is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Arizona
Florida is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Arizona is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Florida
Arizona is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games

10:05 PM
LA ANGELS vs. OAKLAND
LA Angels are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games on the road
LA Angels are 11-3 SU in their last 14 games when playing on the road against Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games
Oakland is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing LA Angels

10:10 PM
NY YANKEES vs. SEATTLE
NY Yankees are 17-8 SU in their last 25 games when playing Seattle
NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
Seattle is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
Seattle is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home

10:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. LA DODGERS
Chi Cubs are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
LA Dodgers are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games at home
LA Dodgers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs

MLB


Friday, July 9

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tips and Trends
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

San Francisco Giants at Washington Nationals [7:05 PM ET]

Giants: San Francisco has won their past 4 games, as they attempt to keep pace in the hotly contested National League West standings. San Francisco is 45-40 SU this season, including 20-23 SU on the road. The Giants offense has finally woke up, as they have been plating runs after runs of late. The Giants are -0.95 and -4.06 units both SU and on the RL respectively this season. San Francisco has dominated the Nationals over the past few years, so confidence certainly won't be an issue as this weekend series gets under way. The Giants are 20-6 in their last 26 games against a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. San Francisco is 7-3 in their last 10 during game 1 of a series. The Giants are 2-7 in their last 9 road games against a team with a winning home record. San Francisco is 2-7 in their last 9 games against a right-handed starter.

Giants are 9-4 last 13 games against the National League East.
Over is 10-4 last 14 games against a team with a losing record.

Key Injuries - 3B Juan Uribe (finger) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 4

Nationals (-145, O/U 6.5): Washington is certainly enjoying the hype surrounding P Stephen Strasburg. Strasburg has been a strikeout machine since being called up to the team, and is pitching better than his record would indicate. Strasburg is only 2-2, despite an ERA of 2.45 and a WHIP of 1.06. Washington has enjoyed the spike in national interest as well as ticket sales when Strasburg takes the mound. Washington had been struggling until they welcomed the Padres to town. The Nationals won that series, a huge step up in compettion sure to give this team such much needed confidence. Washington is +0.28 and -6.13 units both SU and on the RL respectively this year. The Nationals are 16-35 in their last 51 Friday games. The Nationals are 3-13 SU in their last 16 games against San Francisco.

Nationals are 7-3 last 10 home games against a team with a losing road record.
Over is 4-0 last 4 home games against a team with a winning record.

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

PROJECTED SCORE: 5 (OVER - Total of the Day)



Chicago Cubs at Los Angeles Dodgers [10:10 PM ET]

Cubs: Don't look now, but Chicago is on a winning streak! The Cubs have won 4 of their past 5 games, with 3 of those wins coming as the listed underdog. Chicago is only 38-47 SU on the year, yet the team certainly isn't short on confidence. Despite being 10.5 games behind in the National League Central, the Cubs still feel they can make the playoffs. Against the National League West, Chicago has gone 10-2 SU this year. P Ted Lilly will start against the team that originally drafted him tonight. Lilly is 3-7 this year, with an ERA of 3.76 and a WHIP of 1.10. The Cubs are 4-0 in their last 4 games as an underdog. The Cubs are 4-1 in their last 5 games against a right-handed starter. Chicago is 5-12 in their last 17 road games against a right-handed starter. The Cubs are 0-8 in their last 8 Friday games. Chicago is 2-5 in Lilly's last 7 starts as a road underdog of +110 to +150. The Cubs are 1-6 in Lilly's last 7 road starts with the total set between 7 and 8.5 runs. The Cubs are 0-5 in Lilly's last 5 road starts against a team with a winning record.

Cubs are 10-1 last 11 games against the National League West.
Over is 4-0 last 4 road games.

Key Injuries - LF Alfonso Soriano (elbow) is probable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 4 (Side of the Day)

Dodgers (-140, O/U 7.5): Los Angeles has learned to deal with Manny Ramirez being out of their lineup, as they've actually performed well in his absence. The Dodgers are a solid 46-38 SU this year, including 25-17 SU at home. Despite their success, the Dodgers are still looking up at San Diego in the National League West standings. Los Angeles is +0.78 and -1.10 units both SU and on the RL respectively this season. P Chad Billingsley will take the mound tonight, as he is 6-4 with an ERA of 4.06 and a WHIP of 1.38 this year. The Dodgers are 5-1 in their last 6 games against the National League Central. The Dodgers are 5-2 in their last 7 games against a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. Los Angeles is 0-4 in their last 4 home games against a left-handed starter. The Dodgers are 4-0 in Billingsley's last 4 starts against a team with a losing record. Los Angeles is 19-7 in Billingsley's last 26 home starts against a team with a losing record. The Dodgers are 5-2 in Billingsley's last 7 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. Los Angeles is 1-5 in Billingsley's last 6 starts as a favorite of -110 to -150.

Dodgers are 21-9 last 30 games as a favorite.
Over is 4-0 in Dodgers last 4 games as a favorite of -110 to -150.

Key Injuries - LF Manny Ramirez (hamstring) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 3

MLB
Dunkel


Atlanta at NY Mets
The Braves look to build on their 7-1 record in their last 8 starts against teams with a winning record. Atlanta is the pick (-105) according to Dunkel, which has the Braves favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-105). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, JULY 9

Game 951-952: San Francisco at Washington (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Cain) 13.559; Washington (Strasburg) 14.051
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Washington (-145); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-145); Under

Game 953-954: Cincinnati at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Leake) 14.624; Philadelphia (Blanton) 15.039
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-110); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-110); Over

Game 955-956: Atlanta at NY Mets (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Hanson) 16.236 ; NY Mets (Dickey) 15.830
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-115); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-105); Over

Game 957-958: St. Louis at Houston (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Wainwright) 14.568; Houston (Norris) 14.673
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-200); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+170); Under

Game 959-960: Pittsburgh at Milwaukee (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Maholm) 13.672; Milwaukee (Davis) 14.864
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-150); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-150); Over

Game 961-962: San Diego at Colorado (9:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Correia) 15.673; Colorado (De La Rosa) 17.012
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Colorado (-170); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-170); Over

Game 963-964: Florida at Arizona (9:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Nolasco) 14.219; Arizona (Haren) 15.302
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Arizona (-135); 9
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-135); Under

Game 965-966: Chicago Cubs at LA Dodgers (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Lilly) 15.326; LA Dodgers (Billingsley) 14.896
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-140); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+120); Under

Game 967-968: Boston at Toronto (7:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lester) 16.743; Toronto (Romero) 16.892
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-140); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+120); Over

Game 969-970: Minnesota at Detroit (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Liriano) 17.240; Detroit (Verlander) 16.862
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Detroit (-130); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+110); Under

Game 971-972: Cleveland at Tampa Bay (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Carmona) 14.823; Tampa Bay (Shields) 16.304
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-210); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-210); Under

Game 973-974: Baltimore at Texas (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Matusz) 14.089; Texas (Feldman) 16.232
Dunkel Line: Texas by 2; 9
Vegas Line: Texas (-230); 10
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-230); Under

Game 975-976: Kansas City at Chicago White Sox (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Chen) 15.320; White Sox (Buehrle) 16.406
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-155); 9
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-155); Under

Game 977-978: LA Angels at Oakland (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Pineiro) 14.539; Oakland (Mortensen) 15.983
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-120); 8
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+100); Over

Game 979-980: NY Yankees at Seattle (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Hughes) 17.342; Seattle (Lee) 16.987
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Seattle (-110); 7
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-110); Over

MLB
Long Sheet


Friday, July 9

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

SAN FRANCISCO (45 - 40) at WASHINGTON (38 - 48) - 7:05 PM
MATT CAIN (R) vs. STEPHEN STRASBURG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CAIN is 2-10 (-9.4 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 25-21 (+9.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 132-112 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 744-629 (+87.7 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 98-81 (+13.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 65-43 (+14.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 133-114 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 38-82 (-25.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 5-15 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 62-106 (-26.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 1-2 (+0.3 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

MATT CAIN vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
CAIN is 4-2 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 2.67 and a WHIP of 1.037.
His team's record is 6-2 (+3.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-6. (-4.4 units)

STEPHEN STRASBURG vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

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


CINCINNATI (49 - 38) at PHILADELPHIA (44 - 40) - 7:05 PM
MIKE LEAKE (R) vs. JOE BLANTON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BLANTON is 16-6 (+10.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 49-38 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CINCINNATI is 33-24 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CINCINNATI is 33-26 (+7.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CINCINNATI is 22-15 (+7.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CINCINNATI is 49-38 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 9-2 (+8.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 this season.
CINCINNATI is 60-62 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 24-19 (+10.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 90-85 (+27.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 31-34 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 2-2 (+0.1 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

MIKE LEAKE vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
LEAKE is 0-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

JOE BLANTON vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
BLANTON is 2-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.92 and a WHIP of 1.209.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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


ATLANTA (50 - 35) at NY METS (47 - 38) - 7:10 PM
TOMMY HANSON (R) vs. R.A. DICKEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 47-38 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 29-14 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
NY METS are 23-16 (+10.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 22-11 (+11.8 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 47-38 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 34-27 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
NY METS are 33-28 (+4.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 50-35 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 36-22 (+10.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 17-9 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 50-35 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 107-66 (+27.2 Units) against the money line in road games in July games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 4-1 (+3.7 Units) against ATLANTA this season
5 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+5.0 Units)

TOMMY HANSON vs. NY METS since 1997
HANSON is 1-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.083.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

R.A. DICKEY vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.

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


ST LOUIS (45 - 40) at HOUSTON (35 - 51) - 8:05 PM
ADAM WAINWRIGHT (R) vs. BUD NORRIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 45-40 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 18-25 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ST LOUIS is 43-39 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 10-18 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 101-93 (+21.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 40-39 (+16.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 18-12 (+12.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
WAINWRIGHT is 50-23 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WAINWRIGHT is 11-1 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WAINWRIGHT is 50-22 (+18.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WAINWRIGHT is 25-7 (+16.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 4-2 (+6.3 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

ADAM WAINWRIGHT vs. HOUSTON since 1997
WAINWRIGHT is 8-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 1.54 and a WHIP of 0.986.
His team's record is 9-1 (+7.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-7. (-4.6 units)

BUD NORRIS vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
NORRIS is 4-0 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 0.35 and a WHIP of 1.038.
His team's record is 4-0 (+8.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-4. (-4.4 units)

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


PITTSBURGH (30 - 55) at MILWAUKEE (37 - 49) - 8:10 PM
PAUL MAHOLM (L) vs. DOUG DAVIS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 11-35 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 22-61 (-25.0 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 52-101 (-30.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 8-30 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 43-78 (-25.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 12-30 (-18.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 92-154 (-32.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 25-51 (-20.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 8-26 (-15.1 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 11-35 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 10-36 (-21.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MAHOLM is 15-8 (+12.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MILWAUKEE is 37-49 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 7-14 (-9.4 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
MILWAUKEE is 8-13 (-9.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 37-49 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 14-24 (-12.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
MILWAUKEE is 2-8 (-9.2 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 this season.
MILWAUKEE is 17-26 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 24-36 (-20.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 11-23 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 5-3 (+0.0 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

PAUL MAHOLM vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
MAHOLM is 3-6 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.66 and a WHIP of 1.446.
His team's record is 6-10 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-7. (+0.7 units)

DOUG DAVIS vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
DAVIS is 8-6 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 4.82 and a WHIP of 1.654.
His team's record is 13-9 (+2.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-11. (-0.6 units)

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


SAN DIEGO (50 - 35) at COLORADO (47 - 38) - 9:10 PM
KEVIN CORREIA (R) vs. JORGE DE LA ROSA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 30-18 (+11.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLORADO is 21-5 (+13.2 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 48-34 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN DIEGO is 34-24 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 17-9 (+9.9 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
SAN DIEGO is 63-60 (+13.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 23-15 (+12.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SAN DIEGO is 50-35 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 23-16 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CORREIA is 29-20 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 13-8 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 28-20 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 38-28 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 15-8 (+11.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 82-96 (-26.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 6-3 (+2.8 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.8 Units)

KEVIN CORREIA vs. COLORADO since 1997
CORREIA is 1-4 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 4.47 and a WHIP of 1.470.
His team's record is 5-5 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-5. (-0.7 units)

JORGE DE LA ROSA vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
DE LA ROSA is 1-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 5.30 and a WHIP of 1.366.
His team's record is 4-3 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-3. (+0.7 units)

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


FLORIDA (40 - 45) at ARIZONA (33 - 53) - 9:40 PM
RICKY NOLASCO (R) vs. DAN HAREN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 24-35 (-11.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
FLORIDA is 46-37 (+18.5 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 106-89 (+23.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 211-197 (+22.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 111-86 (+30.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 63-58 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 30-21 (+13.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 19-13 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 59-56 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NOLASCO is 48-32 (+17.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 17-9 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 14-6 (+11.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 16-8 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 14-5 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 15-5 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 37-64 (-29.5 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 7-20 (-12.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ARIZONA is 33-53 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 38-65 (-29.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 56-67 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 24-38 (-20.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 31-52 (-19.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 136-163 (-36.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 2-1 (+1.4 Units) against FLORIDA this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

RICKY NOLASCO vs. ARIZONA since 1997
NOLASCO is 4-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.53 and a WHIP of 0.925.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.3 units)

DAN HAREN vs. FLORIDA since 1997
HAREN is 1-2 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 2.86 and a WHIP of 1.094.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.3 units)

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


CHICAGO CUBS (38 - 48) at LA DODGERS (47 - 38) - 10:10 PM
TED LILLY (L) vs. CHAD BILLINGSLEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 38-48 (-21.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 57-67 (-22.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 24-33 (-15.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 38-48 (-21.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 28-35 (-16.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 28-11 (+12.8 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 2-2 (+0.0 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

TED LILLY vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
LILLY is 3-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 2.58 and a WHIP of 1.070.
His team's record is 4-2 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.4 units)

CHAD BILLINGSLEY vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
BILLINGSLEY is 2-3 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.50 and a WHIP of 1.472.
His team's record is 2-4 (-2.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-3. (-0.7 units)

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


BOSTON (49 - 36) at TORONTO (43 - 43) - 7:07 PM
JON LESTER (L) vs. RICKY ROMERO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 26-29 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 54-49 (+24.4 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +125 to +150 since 1997.
BOSTON is 42-24 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LESTER is 60-25 (+28.3 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 77-120 (-34.4 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 5-1 (+4.0 Units) against TORONTO this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.6 Units)

JON LESTER vs. TORONTO since 1997
LESTER is 5-3 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 2.71 and a WHIP of 1.085.
His team's record is 6-4 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-6. (-2.3 units)

RICKY ROMERO vs. BOSTON since 1997
ROMERO is 1-3 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 7.66 and a WHIP of 2.284.
His team's record is 1-4 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.9 units)

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


MINNESOTA (45 - 40) at DETROIT (46 - 37) - 7:05 PM
FRANCISCO LIRIANO (L) vs. JUSTIN VERLANDER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LIRIANO is 23-31 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 30-12 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 29-9 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 34-18 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 30-12 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
VERLANDER is 34-14 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 27-12 (+14.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 65-37 (+19.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 91-70 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 42-35 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 80-95 (-34.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 6-3 (+2.1 Units) against DETROIT this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.5 Units)

FRANCISCO LIRIANO vs. DETROIT since 1997
LIRIANO is 4-2 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.49 and a WHIP of 1.011.
His team's record is 5-4 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-4. (-0.7 units)

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
VERLANDER is 5-7 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.03 and a WHIP of 1.365.
His team's record is 6-9 (-5.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-8. (-3.4 units)

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


CLEVELAND (33 - 52) at TAMPA BAY (52 - 33) - 7:10 PM
FAUSTO CARMONA (R) vs. JAMES SHIELDS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 62-93 (-27.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 70-110 (-37.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 17-33 (-17.1 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 50-90 (-30.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 98-149 (-41.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 95-47 (+24.4 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 82-75 (+20.2 Units) against the money line in home games in July games since 1997.
TAMPA BAY is 2-10 (-16.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday this season.
SHIELDS is 23-27 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 12-15 (-13.0 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 13-16 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

FAUSTO CARMONA vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
CARMONA is 2-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 6.17 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-1. (+2.9 units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
SHIELDS is 0-3 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.73 and a WHIP of 1.213.
His team's record is 1-4 (-3.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

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


BALTIMORE (26 - 59) at TEXAS (50 - 35) - 8:05 PM
BRIAN MATUSZ (L) vs. SCOTT FELDMAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 19-56 (-25.6 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 11-41 (-23.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BALTIMORE is 26-59 (-23.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 10-34 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BALTIMORE is 25-54 (-20.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 17-44 (-21.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MATUSZ is 1-12 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 102-77 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 105-89 (+18.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 39-15 (+19.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
TEXAS is 137-110 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 33-12 (+18.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 134-101 (+23.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 1-2 (+0.3 Units) against TEXAS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

BRIAN MATUSZ vs. TEXAS since 1997
MATUSZ is 1-1 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 10.61 and a WHIP of 1.715.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

SCOTT FELDMAN vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
FELDMAN is 4-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.42 and a WHIP of 1.394.
His team's record is 4-0 (+4.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.0 units)

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


KANSAS CITY (39 - 46) at CHI WHITE SOX (46 - 38) - 8:10 PM
BRUCE CHEN (L) vs. MARK BUEHRLE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 202-163 (+23.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 11-3 (+8.8 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 46-38 (+6.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 13-3 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in home games in July games over the last 2 seasons.
BUEHRLE is 112-58 (+32.1 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 112-58 (+32.1 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 27-25 (+12.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
KANSAS CITY is 9-4 (+8.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday this season.
KANSAS CITY is 42-44 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CHEN is 34-21 (+15.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 5-4 (+1.9 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.6 Units)

BRUCE CHEN vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
CHEN is 0-2 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 4.96 and a WHIP of 1.225.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

MARK BUEHRLE vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
BUEHRLE is 20-11 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.67 and a WHIP of 1.246.
His team's record is 29-14 (+5.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 21-21. (-2.2 units)

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


LA ANGELS (46 - 42) at OAKLAND (41 - 45) - 10:05 PM
JOEL PINEIRO (R) vs. VIN MAZZARO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 40-19 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 205-152 (+43.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 42-26 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 138-103 (+21.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 80-66 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 163-123 (+23.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 103-70 (+26.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 66-37 (+19.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 18-6 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 148-111 (+24.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 21-9 (+13.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
LA ANGELS are 23-11 (+10.6 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 71-58 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 13-6 (+8.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
OAKLAND is 22-35 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
OAKLAND is 55-90 (-22.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 6-4 (+1.0 Units) against OAKLAND this season
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.4 Units)

JOEL PINEIRO vs. OAKLAND since 1997
PINEIRO is 8-8 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 4.47 and a WHIP of 1.455.
His team's record is 9-9 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-7. (+2.3 units)

VIN MAZZARO vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
MAZZARO is 1-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 5.54 and a WHIP of 1.923.
His team's record is 2-1 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.1 units)

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


NY YANKEES (54 - 31) at SEATTLE (34 - 51) - 10:10 PM
PHIL HUGHES (R) vs. CLIFF LEE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 33-49 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 15-35 (-21.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SEATTLE is 34-51 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 2-2 (+1.0 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

PHIL HUGHES vs. SEATTLE since 1997
HUGHES is 0-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 6.17 and a WHIP of 1.628.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

CLIFF LEE vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
LEE is 7-4 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.32 and a WHIP of 1.363.
His team's record is 7-5 (+5.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-6. (-0.1 units)

MLB
Short Sheet


Friday, 7/9/2010

SAN FRANCISCO at WASHINGTON, 7:05 PM ET
CAIN: 12-2 TSR against NL East opponents
STRASBURG: WASHINGTON 17-56 after scoring 1 run or less

CINCINNATI at PHILADELPHIA, 7:05 PM ET
LEAKE: CINCINNATI 18-6 after allowing 4 runs or less 3 straight games
BLANTON: PHILADELPHIA 32-28 as a favorite of -110 or higher

ATLANTA at NY METS, 7:10 PM ET
HANSON: ATLANTA 35-48 after 2 or more consecutive overs
DICKEY: NY METS 7-0 in home games after scoring 1 run or less

ST LOUIS at HOUSTON, 8:05 PM ET
WAINWRIGHT: ST LOUIS 6-13 revenging 2 straight home losses vs opponent
NORRIS: HOUSTON 10-3 after 3 or more consecutive unders

PITTSBURGH at MILWAUKEE, 8:10 PM ET
MAHOLM: 15-8 TSR against division opponents
DAVIS: MILWAUKEE 2-9 in home games after 2 or more consecutive overs

SAN DIEGO at COLORADO, 9:10 PM ET
CORREIA: 7-1 TSR in road games when working on 5 or 6 days rest
DE LA ROSA: COLORADO 24-11 OVER in home games after allowing 2 runs or less

FLORIDA at ARIZONA, 9:40 PM ET
NOLASCO: 14-5 in road games in night games
HAREN: ARIZONA 21-41 after 4 or more consecutive home games

CHICAGO CUBS at LA DODGERS, 10:10 PM ET
LILLY: CHICAGO CUBS 18-29 after 1 or more consecutive unders
BILLINGSLEY: LA DODGERS 28-11 as a home favorite of -125 to -150

BOSTON at TORONTO, 7:07 PM ET
LESTER: 60-25 TSR in night games
ROMERO: TORONTO 116-151 after a game where they had 6 or more extra base hits

MINNESOTA at DETROIT, 7:05 PM ET
LIRIANO: MINNESOTA 27-12 when playing on Friday
VERLANDER: DETROIT 25-34 after having won 3 of their last 4 games

CLEVELAND at TAMPA BAY, 7:10 PM ET
CARMONA: CLEVELAND 17-33 after 3 or more consecutive losses
SHIELDS: TAMPA BAY 71-40 on a good fielding streak, 10 straight games with one or less errors

BALTIMORE at TEXAS, 8:05 PM ET
MATUSZ: 1-12 TSR in night games
FELDMAN: TEXAS 51-30 when the total is 10 or higher

KANSAS CITY at CHI WHITE SOX, 8:10 PM ET
CHEN: KANSAS CITY 18-7 after batting .290 or better over a 20 game span
BUEHRLE: CHI WHITE SOX 13-17 as a favorite of -150 or more

LA ANGELS at OAKLAND, 10:05 PM ET
PINEIRO: LA ANGELS 13-6 on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5
MAZZARO: OAKLAND 22-35 in night games

NY YANKEES at SEATTLE, 10:10 PM ET
HUGHES: NY YANKEES 75-31 in the second half of the season
LEE: SEATTLE 0-12 after a game where their bullpen blew a save

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

Daily Sports Roundup: July 9

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Canadian Football League kicks off its second week of action, while the Nats get a visit from the Giants, and the Twins take on Detroit.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

The National League slate for Friday has Cincinnati at Philadelphia, Atlanta at the Mets, St. Louis at Houston, Pittsburgh at Milwaukee, San Diego at Colorado, Florida at Arizona, the Cubs at the Dodgers, and San Francisco at Washington. Matt Cain (6-7, 2.98 ERA) will go up against Stephen Strasburg (2-2, 2.45 ERA) in that last matchup. Righthander Cain had to settle for a no-decision last time out, allowing three runs over seven innings of work against the Rockies; San Francisco is 0-4 in Cain's last four starts. Righthander Strasburg will be looking for his first victory since June 13; Strasburg picked up a no-decision against the Mets last time out, giving up two runs in five innings.

Meanwhile, the American League offers up Boston at Toronto, Cleveland at Tampa Bay, Baltimore at Texas, Kansas City at the White Sox, the Angels at Oakland, the Yankees at Seattle, and Minnesota at Detroit. Fernando Liriano (6-6, 3.32 ERA) will take on Justin Verlander (10-5, 3.85 ERA) in that battle between AL Central clubs. Lefthander Liriano took a no-decision against the Rays in his last start (one run over seven innings), and he was beaten by the Tigers in his June 28 outing (six runs over six innings). Righthander Verlander is coming off back-to-back wins over the Mariners and Braves, surrendering five earned runs on 13 hits over 14 innings of work in the victories.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

Finally, the second week of the Canadian Football League season gets underway on Friday night, with Toronto at Winnipeg. The Argonauts were pounded 30-16 on the road by the Stampeders in their first game of the season last week, while the Blue Bombers are coming off a 49-29 home win over the Tiger-Cats. Oddsmakers have pegged Winnipeg as the big 11.5-point home favorite for Friday night, with the total listed at 46.5.

Friday's six-pack

-- Paul Goydos shot 59 Thursday, the 4th-ever 59 on Pro Tour, first one ever in the first round of a tourney. He was -8 on the back nine.

-- Costs $85 to play at TPC Deere Run, where the Quad Cities Open is played; would be fun to see if you could go there and shoot 59. I know I could, but I'd have to skip the back nine.

-- Tennessee turned down chance to play USC next season in Kickoff Classic in Atlanta. Am guessing Vols want their program to be back on full upswing before they tackle Coach Kiffin's Trojans. It'll take awhile.

-- Florida Gators are only SEC hoop team with all five starters back this fall; Gators, therefore, are going to be preseason SEC favorites.

-- Looks like Jake Peavy is out for year, since there is no precedent for someone needing surgery for this type of injury. Too bad.

-- David Lee got shipped off to Golden State in sign-and-trade; not the news Knick fans wanted to hear, but they're building their team, and by the end of the process, in a year or two, they'll be pretty good, just not as good as they hoped to be.


*****************************************


Friday's List of 13 (+3): Our weekly look at NL teams........

I'm a little braindead; vacation is one day away, Vegas awaits next week, so the comments with this week's rankings will serve to clear a cluttered mind. It was certainly a very unusual Thursday, especially for July........

16) Pirates-- Check out the letter Cavaliers' owner Dan Gilbert posted on the team's website; he doesn't pull any punches. The quote up above was only the tip of the iceberg of his rant. Am guessing Miami-Cleveland tilts will all be on national TV next season, maybe even Opening Night.

15) Arizona-- Miami sent Michael Beasley to Minnesota, to clear salary cap room for Lebron; I'm sure Beasley is thrilled to be leaving Miami for the frozen north. Timberwolves get a guy with potential pretty much for free, but not really sure how much he'll help.

14) Brewers-- Giants came to Miller Park on a 2-10 skid, then outscored the Brew Crew 36-7 in four games. Its time for Ken Macha to go away.

13) Astros-- Total of 7,319 entrants in this year's World Series of Poker Main Event, so first place will be a hefty $8,944,138. Everyone who gets to the November Nine will become a millionaire. Will be fun to see all this activity in person next week.

12) Cubs-- Are umpires graded on how they call check swings from first or third base? This is like the block/charge in basketball; every umpire has his own interpretation of what is/isn't a swing. In my humble opinion, too many checkswings are called swings. I look at the hands, not the bat, but I'm thinking the rule is to look at how far the bat goes. Go figure.

11) Nationals-- Won Livan Hernandez' last eight home starts. Forgot that Reggie Jackson once made All-Star Game 13 times in 14-year span (1971-84) with only year he missed the only year he played for Orioles ('76).

10) Marlins-- Pitcher named Mike Kilkenny pitched for four teams in '72 season; both Tigers/A's traded him after he pitched one inning for both, he then pitched four innings for San Diego, got traded to Cleveland, where he threw 58 innings, then he was out of baseball the next year, at age 28. One of the strangest career lines in history. Why was he traded so much?

9) Cardinals-- St Louis media isn't happy with the Redbirds after a brutal week in Denver; blowing 9-3 lead in 9th inning Tuesday was bad enough, then they lost game Wednesday after they led 5-0. Holliday killed ball in his old home park, but they're still looking up at the Red Legs.

8) Phillies-- Am writing this while trying to decide what I thought of the whole Lebron thing. I like Lebron, he seems like a good guy, but this era seems to be one where celebrities are becoming attention junkies. Would it have been too much trouble just to send out a press release announcing he was signing with Miami? Lebron is being advised by amateurs.

7) Giants-- The hotel I'm staying at next week had a concert tonight; lot of the spectators were in the pool, listening to music. Many of them had a beverage in their hand. I'm thinking next week is going to be fun.

6) Dodgers-- One thing I'm looking for next week is umpire Miller; in last 18 games he umpired, under is 14-4. Lot of strikes, lot of batters behind in count, lot of low-scoring games. He umpired in Chicago Thursday, so he probably has first game of a series next week, which will make it harder to identify which game he has. I'll be on the case, though.

5) Mets-- 1,125 poker players started in World Series of Poker Monday, the first day of Main Event; it took nine hours to get down to 766, which is a long day of playing cards. One of many reasons I don't play poker is that I could never sit there for nine hours. Lot of people love it, though.

4) Rockies-- There is a basketball player at Erie CC in western PA named God's Gift Achiuwa; thats right, kid's first name is God's Gift. He's pretty good player too, with Kansas-Pitt-St John's-Tennessee interested.

3) Reds-- Just heard Mike Miller got $30M for five years from Miami, as the Beasley money they freed up gets used quickly. When Heat wins the NBA title, does Minnesota GM Kahn get a championship ring?

2) Padres-- Adrian Gonzalez is hitting .250 with 34 walks at home, .340 with 13 walks on the road. You'd think pitchers would challenge him lot more in the bigger ballpark, but apparently not. Mat Latos missing out on All-Star Game is another reason Bud Selig has to pick these teams, not a manager who has other agendas. Latos is a definite All-Star.

1) Braves-- Atlanta is 10-1 in Medlen starts; return of Jurrjens makes the pitching staff even stronger. Am wondering what kind of prop bets there are for All-Star Game; will have to report back to you on that next week.

Bettor's best friend: Friday's wagering tips

Lines to keep an eye on

Marlins at Diamondbacks – The total for this game has dropped to 9 on most boards after opening at 9.5.

Orioles at Rangers – Texas opened as a -230 favorite but a few markets have moved that moneyline down to -215.

Alabama Vipers at Orlando Predators – The home team surfaced as 3-point favorites but that number has jumped to 6. The total in the game has also moved from an opener of 104 down to 101.5.

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

Orioles at Rangers – The forecast calls for a 60-70 percent chance of rain throughout the game.

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

Who’s hot

Houston has won four of its last five home games.

Ten of the Giants’ last 13 road games went over the total.

Winnipeg (CFL) is 4-1 ATS in its last five games versus Toronto.

Who’s not

The Brewers have lost five in a row.

Anaheim has dropped six of its last seven games and is 3-7 over a 10-game stretch.

Alabama (AFL) is 0-3 ATS in its last three games.

Key stat

47 – Number of home runs hit by MLB players on Wednesday, the over/under went 8-6-1. They say this is the year of the pitcher but hitters are starting to heat up, having blasted 42 bombs on Tuesday.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano is day-to-day with an ailing back. He was not in New York’s lineup Wednesday or Thursday and the team may end up resting him through the All-Star break. The Yanks’ brass already informed Cano that he could not participate in the Home Run Derby. Cano is batting .337 with 16 home runs and 55 RBIs.

Game of the day

Alabama Vipers at Orlando Predators

Notable quotable

“Honestly, [LeBron] would make the Timberwolves contenders. He only needs a couple players around him. Whether they mesh or not is out of my hands as an oddsmaker.

-- Director of race and sports operations at Wynn Las Vegas John Avello said of the LeBron James’ free agency saga.

Tips and notes

- With the All-Star Break just around the corner, bettors really need to start monitoring lineups before placing a wager. Overnight betting lines are precarious at this point in the season because key players can be absent from a lineup card for no reason the next day. Pitching rotations are being shuffled around and search MLB news and you will see a handful big name hitting being rested on different teams every night. With the three-day break from Monday to Wednesday coming up, managers are parlaying off days with that to maximize recuperation time for their players heading into the second half of the 2010 campaign.

- Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Paul LaPolice and offensive coordinator Jamie Barresi vowed to open up the offensive playbook this season. The Bombers had traditionally been a run-heavy offense in the past but installed a five-receiver system going into 2010. Tailback Fred Reid said the “offense has opened up now” where he is in motion out of the backfield a lot. Winnipeg throttled Hamilton, 49-29, in Week 1 while posting 502 yards of offense and the game easily sailed over the total of 50.5. The Bombers face Toronto on Friday with a total of 46.5.

- In case you hadn’t heard, Cliff Lee is being courted by just about every contending MLB team. And with every quality outing Lee puts together, the asking price for the southpaw elevates another million. Lee is well aware that he is being scouted during every start and is pitching like he’s in a final audition for American Idol. The lefty has won four straight starts and is 7-1 over his last eight outings. He has four complete games in his last six starts. Roy Oswalt, who is also on the trading block, tossed a complete game, one-hitter so these guys are definitely doling out their best stuff to land on a contender and get paid. Lee and the Mariners are priced at -110 at home versus the Yankees Friday.

GL mang...