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Thursday's MLB Best Bets !
Thursday, August 12Game Score Status Pick Amount

Colorado - 12:10 PM ET NY Mets -150 500
NY Mets - Over 7 500 ****

Boston - 12:37 PM ET Toronto -105 500
Toronto - Under 9 500 *****

Arizona - 2:10 PM ET Milwaukee -142 500 *****
Milwaukee - Under 9 500

Chi. Cubs - 3:45 PM ET San Francisco -175 500
San Francisco - Over 7 500 *****

Pittsburgh - 6:35 PM ET Pittsburgh +187 500 *****
San Diego - Under 7 500

Baltimore - 7:05 PM ET Baltimore +132 500 *****
Cleveland - Under 9 500

Florida - 7:05 PM ET Washington -103 500 *****
Washington - Under 8 500

LA Dodgers - 7:05 PM ET Philadelphia +118 500 *****
Philadelphia - Under 8.5 500

Minnesota - 8:10 PM ET Chi. White Sox -108 500
Chi. White Sox - Under 7.5 500 *****

NY Yankees - 8:10 PM ET Kansas City +206 500 *****
Kansas City - Over 9 500
 

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Thursday, August 12

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Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
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Streakers

Gavin Floyd, Chicago White Sox (8-8, 3.49 ERA)


Floyd went two months without giving up a home run before that streak ended at 77 1/3 innings in his last start against the Orioles. Even with that longball, hit by Baltimore's Adam Jones, Floyd's ERA is an impressive 1.19 in the 12 starts between dingers.

"He has got good stuff - fastball, slider, curveball," Jones said of Floyd after the White Sox's 4-2 victory. "He basically has been throwing like he's been throwing the past two months."

Floyd has been exceptionally hot in his last three outings, going 3-0 with a 1.29 ERA during that span. He is 6-1 over his past eight starts and has lasted fewer than seven innings only twice in that stretch.

Livan Hernandez, Washington Nationals (8-7, 3.03 ERA)

He shall be Livan, and he shall be a good man ... to send to the mound in the month of August.

The 35-year-old righthander is 1-0 in his two starts this month, allowing only one earned run in more than seven innings of work in both outings.

With Stephen Strasburg suddenly struggling and Craig Stammen sent to the bullpen, the Nats need a crafty veteran like Livan they can lean on.


Slumping

John Lackey, Boston Red Sox (10-7, 4.60 ERA)


After posting three strong outings to open to the second half, Lackey has returned to his unsteady form by suffering back-to-back bad losses.

The righthander was shelled by the Yankees and Indians in his last two appearances, allowing 17 hits and 11 earned runs in those 11 2/3 innings.

"He's been that guy at times this year, like today, they bunched four hits together," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. "Or he's left the game (with runners on base) and given up a couple of extra runs. No, we love him to death. He just got outpitched today - or we got outplayed."

Perhaps the skipper had it right the first time.

Randy Wells, Chicago Cubs (5-10, 4.37 ERA)

Wells has lost has last three starts with a 6.48 ERA during that span and it appears the lack of offensive support from the Cubs' bats is starting to take a toll on the righthander.

"You can't really change your approach based on what kind of run support you're getting or not," Wells said. "Even if you have a 15-0 lead, you're still going out there trying to get quick outs and have us score more. It's the same thing - just be aggressive, throw strikes."

Easier said than done. Wells has allowed three or fewer runs in seven of his last nine starts but is just 2-5 in those games. The Cubs scored only one run in five of those games and three or less in all but one.


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Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets
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Boston Red Sox at Toronto Blue Jays (-110, 9)

There will be a lot of strained necks leaving the Rogers Centre by the time the Red Sox and Jays wrap up their three-game set Thursday.

Boston opened the series with a 7-5 win Tuesday night, in a game that featured five home runs including three from the home side. Toronto tops the bigs in dingers this season, sending 178 balls over the fence, heading into Wednesday’s Game 2, with 102 of those coming at home.

"It definitely was a dog fight out there -- a tough one to lose for us," Blue Jays outfielder Travis Snider told reporters following Tuesday’s loss. "I think we showed some heart down the stretch and had a few opportunities we weren't able to take advantage of. It was one of those games.”

The Red Sox are no slouches at the plate either. Despite injuries to some of their star players, the BoSox have rocked 149 home runs, which ranks second in the majors.

Baseball bettors should expect more fireworks in the final game of this series. Toronto sends some fresh meat to the mound in youngster Brad Mills, who gave up four dingers over his four 2010 starts. Boston goes with John Lackey, who has allowed 11 total runs in his last two outings.

Pick: Over


Colorado Rockies at New York Mets (-165, 7)


The timing couldn’t be any worse for Johan Santana.

News broke on Wednesday that a woman who claims she was raped by Santana at a golf course in Florida last fall filed a civil suit against him and the Mets ace takes the mound on Thursday.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Department told the New York Daily News last year that there wasn’t enough evidence to press charges against Santana. The case hinged too heavily on the victim’s word against Santana.

And while the married southpaw pitch admits to having sex with the woman, he argues it was consensual.

“It’s still the same, I won’t comment,” Santana told reporters. “It’s a legal matter. The truth will come out. I’m just gonna wait and see but I can’t give any further comment at this time.”

Will Santana be able to focus on keeping Colorado hitters off the bases on Thursday or will his mind be on other things?

Pick: Rockies


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This Day in Baseball
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On August 12 in Baseball History...

1887 - At the Metropolitans' grounds on Staten Island, Athletic batter Gus Weyhing hits an apparent triple that right fielder Eddie Hogan kicks onto the stage of the play The Fall of Babylon. Since the ground rules at the park call for a double on hits into the theatrical set, the American Association umpire orders Weyhing back to second. After a futile argument, the Athletics leave and forfeit the game.

1921 - Philadelphia's George Smith gave up 12 hits and still pitched a shutout as the Phillies beat the Boston Braves 4-0.

1934 - Making a farewell appearance in Boston, Babe Ruth draws a record 46,766 fans, with an estimated 20,000 turned away, at Fenway Park, the place where he began his career as a pitcher twenty years earlier. Ruth leaves the field to standing cheers in the eighth inning of the second game of the doubleheader.

1936 - The largest crowd ever to watch a baseball game, between 90,000 and 125,000, sees a demonstration game at the Berlin Olympics. The world amateurs beat the U.S. amateurs 6-5.

1948 - The Cleveland Indians beat the St. Louis Browns 26-3 with a 29-hit barrage. The Indians set a major league record as 14 different players had hits.

1954 - Eddie Yost of the Senators draws his 100th walk for the fifth year in a row.

1963 - Stan Musial announces he will retire at the end of the year.

1964 - Mickey Mantle homers from each side of the plate in the same game for the tenth and final time, a major league record, as New York beats Chicago 7-3 at Yankee Stadium.

1966 - Art Shamsky of the Cincinnati Reds hit three home runs in a 14-11, 13-inning loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates at Crosley Field. Two of the homers came in the 10th and 11th innings. The game featured 11 homers by both clubs. Shamsky entered the game in the eighth inning for defensive purposes. In the bottom of the eighth, Shamsky hit a two-run homer to put the Reds ahead 8-7. Shamsky hit a solo shot to tie the game 9-9 in the 10th. He came back the in 11th inning with a two-run homer to tie the game again, 11-11. The Pirates scored three runs in the 13th to win.

1970 - Curt Flood loses his $4.1 million antitrust suit against baseball, as Federal Judge Irving Ben Cooper upholds the legality of the sport's reserve clause. Cooper does recommend changes in the reserve system, to be achieved through negotiation between players and owners. In fewer than six years, this recommendation would become a reality.

1974 - Nolan Ryan strikes out 19 and walks only two as the Angels top the Red Sox 4-2.

1977 - For the second straight day, Oakland's Manny Sanguillen foils a no-hit bid. Today's single is off the Orioles' Jim Palmer, who settles for a two-hit 6-0 victory. Yesterday's hit was off Mike Torrez, who finished with a 3-0 two-hitter for the Yankees.

1984 - Harmon Killebrew, Rick Ferrell, Don Drysdale, Pee Wee Reese, and Luis Aparicio are inducted into the Hall of Fame at Cooperstown, New York.

1986 - Don Baylor of the Boston Red Sox set an American League record when he was hit by a pitch for the 25th time for the season, breaking the record he had shared with Bill Freehan (1968) and Kid Elberfeld (1911). Kansas City's Bud Black was the pitcher as the Royals completed a doubleheader sweep with a 6-5 victory.

1987 - The Braves send veteran pitcher Doyle Alexander to the Tigers in exchange for minor leaguer John Smoltz. Alexander will help lead the Tigers to the American League East title by posting a perfect 9-0 record.

1988 - The Red Sox beat the Tigers 9-4 for their 23rd consecutive win at home, breaking the American League record held by the 1931 A's. Boston has not lost at Fenway Park since June 24.

1994 - The players went on strike for the sport's eighth work stoppage since 1972.
 

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Write-Up


Thursday, August 12

Hot pitchers
-- Mets are 10-2 with Santana if they score 3+ runs, 2-10 if they don't.
-- Wolf is 1-0, 2.13 in his last couple starts.
-- Cain is 3-1, 2.08 in his last five starts.
-- Garland has a 3.20 RA in his last three starts.
-- LHernandez is 2-1, 2.28 in his last four starts.
-- Blanton is 1-0, 3.79 in his last three starts.

-- Toronto won both Mills starts (1-0, 4.09) scoring 22 runs.
-- Indians are 3-0 when Gomez starts (2-0, 2.60).
-- Chen is 2-0, 3.00 in his last couple starts.
-- Liriano is 3-0, 1.40 in his last four starts. Floyd is 3-0, 0.96 in his last four starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Hammel is 1-3, 5.45 in his last five starts.
-- Lopez is 0-3, 5.70 in his last five starts.
-- Wells is 0-3, 7.02 in his last three starts.
-- Duke is 1-3, 7.59 in his last four road starts.
-- Nolasco is 0-2, 8.68 against the Nationals this year.
-- Kershaw is 1-3, 4.88 in his last five starts.

-- Boston is 4-11 with Lackey if it scores less than seven runs.
-- Millwood is 0-3, 8.59 in his last six starts.
-- Sabathia is 2-2, 4.37 in his last five starts.

Totals
-- Four of last five games at Citi Field went over the total.
-- Over is 7-3 in last ten games at Miller Park.
-- Six of last seven Cub road games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Pittsburgh games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Florida road games went over the total.
-- Five of Phillies' last seven games went over the total.

-- Three of last four Toronto games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Baltimore games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 9-2 in Kansas City's last eleven games.
-- Five of last six White Sox games stayed under the total.

Hot Teams
-- Marlins are 11-6 in their last seventeen road games.
-- Phillies are 14-2 in their last 16 home games. Dodgers won three of their last four games, but are 2-10 on road since All-Star break. .
-- Rockies are 8-4 in their last twelve games overall, but 3-9 in last 12 on road. .
-- Arizona won six of its last seven games.
-- Padres are 11-3 in their last fourteen home games.
-- Giants won seven of their last nine home games.

-- Red Sox won seven of last nine road games.
-- Orioles won eight of their last nine games.
-- Twins are 13-4 in their last seventeen games.

Cold Teams-- Nationals lost five of their last six games.
-- Mets are 3-6 in their last nine games; their closer got arrested at the stadium last night, after apparently beating up his father-in-law.
-- Pirates lost their last six road games.
-- Cubs lost 12 of their last 14 games.

-- Blue Jays are 2-9 vs Boston this year, allowing 17 runs in last two.
-- Indians lost five of their last six games.
-- White Sox lost four of their last six games.
-- Royals lost their last four games, scoring eight runs. Bronx is 4-6 in its last ten games.
 

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Thursday, August 12


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Trend Report
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12:10 PM
COLORADO vs. NY METS
Colorado is 5-10-1 SU in its last 16 games ,when playing NY Mets
Colorado is 1-7-1 SU in its last 9 games ,when playing on the road against NY Mets
NY Mets21-3-1 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Colorado
NY Mets are 8-16-1 SU in its last 25 games ,

12:37 PM
BOSTON vs. TORONTO
Boston9-1-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Boston8-2-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 2-8-1 SU in its last 11 games ,when playing Boston
Toronto is 1-9-1 SU in its last 11 games ,when playing at home against Boston

2:10 PM
ARIZONA vs. MILWAUKEE
Arizona4-1-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Arizona is 8-15-1 SU in its last 24 games ,when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee7-2-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing Arizona
Milwaukee10-4-1 SU in its last 15 games at home

3:45 PM
CHI CUBS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Chi Cubs are 2-11-1 SU in their last 14 games ,
Chi Cubs are 1-6-1 SU in their last 8 games ,on the road
San Francisco is 2-4-1 SU in their last 7 games ,when playing at home against Chi Cubs
San Francisco4-1-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

6:35 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. SAN DIEGO
Pittsburgh is 0-4-1 SU in its last 5 games ,on the road
Pittsburgh is 4-10-1 SU in its last 15 games ,when playing on the road against San Diego
San Diego10-3-1 SU in its last 14 games at home
San Diego10-4-1 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

7:05 PM
LA DODGERS vs. PHILADELPHIA
LA Dodgers are 1-3-1 SU in their last 5 games ,when playing on the road against Philadelphia
LA Dodgers are 1-3-1 SU in their last 5 games ,when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia10-3-1 SU in their last 14 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
Philadelphia14-4-1 SU in its last 19 games

7:05 PM
FLORIDA vs. WASHINGTON
Florida is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games ,when playing on the road against Washington
Florida is 2-5-1 SU in its last 8 games ,
Washington is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games ,when playing Florida
Washington is 1-4-1 SU in its last 6 games ,

7:05 PM
BALTIMORE vs. CLEVELAND
Baltimore is 2-5-1 SU in its last 8 games ,when playing Cleveland
Baltimore is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games ,on the road
Cleveland is 1-5-1 SU in its last 7 games ,at home
Cleveland14-6-1 SU in its last 21 games when playing at home against Baltimore

8:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Minnesota5-1-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Minnesota13-3-1 SU in its last 17 games
Chi White Sox are 1-4-1 SU in their last 6 games ,
Chi White Sox are 0-4-1 SU in their last 5 games ,when playing Minnesota

8:10 PM
NY YANKEES vs. KANSAS CITY
NY Yankees are 1-3-1 SU in their last 5 games ,on the road
NY Yankees14-6-1 SU in their last 21 games on the road
Kansas City is 4-10 SU in their last 14 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
Kansas City is 1-5-1 SU in its last 7 games ,
 

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Dunkel



LA Dodgers at Philadelphia
The Phillies look to follow up yesterday's 2-0 win over the Dodgers and build on their 8-0 record in their last 8 games when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in the previous game. Philadelphia is the pick (+115) according to Dunkel, which has the Phillies favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+115). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 12

Game 901-902: Colorado at NY Mets (12:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Hammel) 14.145; NY Mets (Santana) 14.941
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1; 8
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-155); 7
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-155); Over

Game 903-904: Arizona at Milwaukee (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Lopez) 14.768; Milwaukee (Wolf) 15.413
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-155); 9
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-155); Under

Game 905-906: Chicago Cubs at San Francisco (3:45 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Wells) 13.803; San Francisco (Cain) 14.140
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-175); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-175); Over

Game 907-908: Pittsburgh at San Diego (6:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Duke) 13.354; San Diego (Garland) 16.356
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 3; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego (-200); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-200); Under

Game 909-910: Florida at Washington (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Nolasco) 14.485; Washington (Hernandez) 14.575
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Washington (-110); 8
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-110); Over

Game 911-912: LA Dodgers at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Kershaw) 15.435; Philadelphia (Blanton) 16.348
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 8
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-135); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+115); Under

Game 913-914: Boston at Toronto (12:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lackey) 16.732; Toronto (Mills) 15.606
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Toronto (-110); 9
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-110); Under

Game 915-916: Baltimore at Cleveland (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Millwood) 15.006; Cleveland (Gomez) 15.443
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-145); 9
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-145); Over

Game 917-918: NY Yankees at Kansas City (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Sabathia) 15.664; Kansas City (Chen) 13.540
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 2; 10
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-225); 9
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-225); Over

Game 919-920: Minnesota at Chicago White Sox (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Liriano) 16.018; White Sox (Floyd) 16.736
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-120); 8
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-120); Under
 

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Long Sheet


Thursday, August 12


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COLORADO (59 - 54) at NY METS (56 - 57) - 12:10 PM
JASON HAMMEL (R) vs. JOHAN SANTANA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 26-31 (-13.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
COLORADO is 23-24 (-10.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
COLORADO is 23-35 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
COLORADO is 23-35 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 34-20 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
NY METS are 34-20 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 25-15 (+7.4 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 16-5 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 2-3 (+0.1 Units) against COLORADO this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

JASON HAMMEL vs. NY METS since 1997
HAMMEL is 0-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 33.83 and a WHIP of 5.263.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

JOHAN SANTANA vs. COLORADO since 1997
SANTANA is 1-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.714.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

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ARIZONA (46 - 69) at MILWAUKEE (53 - 62) - 2:10 PM
RODRIGO LOPEZ (R) vs. RANDY WOLF (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 16-30 (-15.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ARIZONA is 13-25 (-12.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ARIZONA is 46-70 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 47-71 (-26.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 86-131 (-37.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 9-22 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
ARIZONA is 44-69 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 30-48 (-20.1 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
WOLF is 125-99 (+25.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
LOPEZ is 88-83 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
MILWAUKEE is 15-27 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 52-63 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 16-21 (-9.9 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 25-35 (-9.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MILWAUKEE is 63-72 (-20.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 52-63 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 22-33 (-14.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
MILWAUKEE is 21-26 (-14.7 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 27-31 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 31-39 (-17.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 3-3 (+0.1 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)

RODRIGO LOPEZ vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
LOPEZ is 1-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.84 and a WHIP of 0.895.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

RANDY WOLF vs. ARIZONA since 1997
WOLF is 9-3 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 4.39 and a WHIP of 1.325.
His team's record is 12-5 (+8.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-7. (+0.9 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (48 - 66) at SAN FRANCISCO (65 - 50) - 3:45 PM
RANDY WELLS (R) vs. MATT CAIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 49-63 (-15.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 49-66 (-29.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 21-34 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 14-25 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 12-20 (-13.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 26-32 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 49-66 (-29.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 30-43 (-18.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 64-49 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 113-91 (+17.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 73-46 (+18.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 12-3 (+7.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 65-51 (+7.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 87-50 (+24.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-1 (+0.0 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

RANDY WELLS vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
WELLS is 0-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 8.44 and a WHIP of 2.251.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

MATT CAIN vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
CAIN is 5-2 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.41 and a WHIP of 0.929.
His team's record is 5-3 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-2. (+3.8 units)

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PITTSBURGH (39 - 74) at SAN DIEGO (66 - 46) - 6:35 PM
ZACH DUKE (L) vs. JON GARLAND (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 28-59 (-23.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 13-44 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 22-55 (-23.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PITTSBURGH is 22-51 (-18.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
PITTSBURGH is 25-54 (-20.0 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 15-40 (-16.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PITTSBURGH is 81-193 (-62.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 101-172 (-38.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 13-44 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 39-92 (-38.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Thursday since 1997.
DUKE is 20-54 (-23.3 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
DUKE is 20-53 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 22-12 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 64-46 (+20.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN DIEGO is 20-11 (+10.9 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
SAN DIEGO is 72-67 (+15.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 30-16 (+12.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN DIEGO is 66-47 (+22.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 35-22 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
GARLAND is 43-50 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 5-0 (+5.0 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

ZACH DUKE vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
DUKE is 2-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.58 and a WHIP of 1.265.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

JON GARLAND vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
GARLAND is 1-2 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 1-2 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

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FLORIDA (56 - 56) at WASHINGTON (49 - 65) - 7:05 PM
RICKY NOLASCO (R) vs. LIVAN HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 24-16 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 34-30 (+11.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
WASHINGTON is 21-17 (+10.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
HERNANDEZ is 25-17 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 12-7 (+8.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FLORIDA is 42-34 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 227-209 (+28.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 71-62 (+21.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 34-23 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 67-60 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 21-16 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
NOLASCO is 52-34 (+20.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 9-3 (+7.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 12-5 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 9-2 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 17-5 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 10-2 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 10-2 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 112-192 (-48.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 7-4 (+1.7 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.2 Units)

RICKY NOLASCO vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
NOLASCO is 6-3 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 4.52 and a WHIP of 1.103.
His team's record is 7-4 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-7. (-3.4 units)

LIVAN HERNANDEZ vs. FLORIDA since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 13-9 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 3.42 and a WHIP of 1.263.
His team's record is 18-12 (+4.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 13-15. (-3.0 units)

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LA DODGERS (59 - 55) at PHILADELPHIA (63 - 50) - 7:05 PM
CLAYTON KERSHAW (L) vs. JOE BLANTON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 10-19 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
LA DODGERS are 54-51 (-20.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
KERSHAW is 1-7 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KERSHAW is 17-24 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 76-47 (+21.2 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.
BLANTON is 18-7 (+11.9 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)
LA DODGERS are 116-82 (+19.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
KERSHAW is 0-4 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 7.20 and a WHIP of 1.640.
His team's record is 1-4 (-3.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.3 units)

JOE BLANTON vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
BLANTON is 1-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.50 and a WHIP of 1.556.
His team's record is 4-2 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.2 units)

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


BOSTON (66 - 49) at TORONTO (59 - 54) - 12:37 PM
JOHN LACKEY (R) vs. BRAD MILLS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 32-41 (-15.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LACKEY is 10-16 (-14.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LACKEY is 3-10 (-9.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 59-55 (+7.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 31-21 (+14.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
TORONTO is 28-15 (+11.6 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 280-197 (+49.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
TORONTO is 25-20 (+9.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TORONTO is 51-40 (+13.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 19-14 (+7.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 9-2 (+7.2 Units) against TORONTO this season
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

JOHN LACKEY vs. TORONTO since 1997
LACKEY is 4-4 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.29 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 6-7 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-7. (-2.2 units)

BRAD MILLS vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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


BALTIMORE (40 - 74) at CLEVELAND (47 - 67) - 7:05 PM
KEVIN MILLWOOD (R) vs. JEANMAR GOMEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 10-29 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 105-172 (-37.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 41-96 (-29.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 23-59 (-23.2 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 38-28 (+18.9 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 9-2 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
CLEVELAND is 103-147 (-28.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 39-56 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 79-122 (-35.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 113-164 (-32.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 81-121 (-35.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 10-17 (-13.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 59-77 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 3-2 (+1.1 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

KEVIN MILLWOOD vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
MILLWOOD is 4-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.163.
His team's record is 4-1 (+2.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+1.8 units)

JEANMAR GOMEZ vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

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


NY YANKEES (70 - 43) at KANSAS CITY (47 - 67) - 8:10 PM
C.C. SABATHIA (L) vs. BRUCE CHEN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 146-94 (-50.2 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -175 or more since 1997.
CHEN is 16-8 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 148-79 (+36.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
SABATHIA is 39-15 (+22.0 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 103-147 (-29.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 62-86 (-27.3 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 29-54 (-22.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 30-49 (-21.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 19-36 (-15.4 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 112-164 (-31.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 56-77 (-23.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 206-309 (-90.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 3-1 (+0.8 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

C.C. SABATHIA vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
SABATHIA is 16-10 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.30 and a WHIP of 1.252.
His team's record is 20-13 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 19-14. (+3.7 units)

BRUCE CHEN vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
CHEN is 1-4 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 6.29 and a WHIP of 1.675.
His team's record is 3-8 (-3.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-4. (+2.5 units)

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MINNESOTA (64 - 50) at CHI WHITE SOX (64 - 50) - 8:10 PM
FRANCISCO LIRIANO (L) vs. GAVIN FLOYD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 11-22 (-16.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 32-23 (+12.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 64-50 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 60-46 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
FLOYD is 31-12 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
FLOYD is 31-12 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 49-41 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 76-44 (+21.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 101-79 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 7-4 (+2.1 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.5 Units)

FRANCISCO LIRIANO vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
LIRIANO is 1-3 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 6.67 and a WHIP of 1.588.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.9 units)

GAVIN FLOYD vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
FLOYD is 4-5 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.04 and a WHIP of 1.330.
His team's record is 4-6 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-4. (+1.7 units)
 

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MLB
Short Sheet


Thursday, 8/12/2010


COLORADO at NY METS, 12:10 PM ET
HAMMEL: COL 8-20 as a road underdog of +100 to +150
SANTANA: NYM 16-5 at home after a loss

ARIZONA at MILWAUKEE, 2:10 PM ET
LOPEZ: ARI 15-2 OVER after having won 4 or 5 of their last 6
WOLF: MIL 2-11 revenging BB home losses

CHICAGO CUBS at SAN FRANCISCO, 3:45 PM ET
WELLS: CHC 8-16 after 2+ consecutive overs
CAIN: SF 21-8 against NL Central

PITTSBURGH at SAN DIEGO, 6:35 PM ET
DUKE: PIT 1-15 after 3 straight games with no home runs
GARLAND: SD 17-5 against NL Central

FLORIDA at WASHINGTON, 7:05 PM ET
NOLASCO: 8-1 TSR Away when working on 5 or 6 days rest
HERNANDEZ: WAS 16-28 when the money line is +125 to -125

LA DODGERS at PHILADELPHIA, 7:05 PM ET
KERSHAW: 1-7 TSR in August
BLANTON: PHI 39-13 at home against NL West

BOSTON at TORONTO, 12:37 PM ET
LACKEY: 3-10 TSR on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5
MILLS: TOR 26-16 at home when the total is 8.5 to 10

BALTIMORE at CLEVELAND, 7:05 PM ET
MILLWOOD: BAL 9-2 in August
GOMEZ: CLE 10-17 as a home favorite of -125 to -150

NY YANKEES at KANSAS CITY, 8:10 PM ET
SABATHIA: NYY 21-7 Away after one or more consecutive overs
CHEN: KC 1-12 after allowing 3 runs or less in BB games

MINNESOTA at CHI WHITE SOX, 8:10 PM ET
LIRIANO: MIN 11-22 on Thursday
FLOYD: 11-0 TSR at home after giving up <=2 earned runs in his last 2 outings

** (TC) Denotes Time Change
 

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Daily Sports Roundup: August 12
Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The National Football League begins its first week of exhibition play, and golfers hit the links at Whistling Straits in the PGA Championship.

Colliding on the gridiron . . .

There are three games on the NFL's preseason schedule for Thursday as the league gets its exhibition slate underway in earnest: Carolina at Baltimore, Oakland at Dallas, and New Orleans at New England. The oddsmakers expect that the Saints and Patriots will play the tightest game of the three, with New England set as a slim 1.5-point home favorite against the defending champs (and the total at 35.5 points). The Ravens and Cowboys are then both pegged as 3.5-point home favorites, with the total for both of those contests sitting at 34 points. Dallas will play without injured rookie WR Dez Bryant.

As well, there's a single Canadian Football League game on tap for Thursday, with British Columbia at Saskatchewan. The Lions (1-5 SU, 2-4 ATS) have lost five games in a row heading into this game, while the Riders (4-2 SU, 4-2 ATS) beat B.C. 37-18 on the road in Week 2. Saskatchewan is an 8.5-point home favorite for Thursday's contest.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

The American League has just four games on the schedule for Thursday, with Boston at Toronto, Baltimore at Cleveland, the Yankees at Kansas City, and Minnesota at the White Sox. Francisco Liriano (10-7, 3.33 ERA) will take on Gavin Floyd (8-8, 3.49 ERA) in that Twins/White Sox matchup. Lefthander Liriano beat the ChiSox back on July 16, surrendering just two runs on six hits over 7 2-3 innings of work. Righthander Floyd has won three straight starts, allowing three runs on 15 hits over his last 21 innings pitched.

Over in the National League on Thursday it's then Colorado at the Mets, Arizona at Milwaukee, the Cubs at San Francisco, Pittsburgh at San Diego, Florida at Washington, and the Dodgers at Philadelphia. Clayton Kershaw (10-7, 3.19 ERA) gets the ball for Los Angeles on Thursday, while Joe Blanton (4-6, 5.65 ERA) takes the hill for the Phillies. Lefthander Kershaw was beaten by the Nationals last time out, giving up six runs over six innings. Righthander Blanton is coming off a no-decision against the Mets in which he gave up two runs on seven hits over seven innings, while striking out four.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

The PGA Tour gets its fourth major event of the season underway on Thursday morning, with the world's top golfers teeing off in the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin. Tiger Woods is pegged as the 11/1 sportsbook co-favorite to win this week, but he might struggle to find support after his ugly showing at Firestone last week. Phil Mickelson is also at 11/1 on that odds list heading into the tournament, with Rory McIlroy at 16/1, and both Padraig Harrington and Steve Stricker at 22/1. Y.E. Yang won the PGA Championship over Woods last year when it was played at Hazeltine National Golf Club, but he's well back at 150/1 odds to win this week.

Finally, there's one game on the WNBA's schedule for Thursday, with Los Angeles at Minnesota. The Sparks (10-19 SU, 8-21 ATS) were beaten 82-76 by Indiana last time out, while the Lynx (11-17 SU, 15-13 ATS) are coming off a 73-66 win over San Antonio. The Sparks and Lynx met in Minnesota back on July 27, with Los Angeles rolling to a 71-58 road win. Tina Thompson was good for 24 points in that Sparks victory.
 

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Thursday's six-pack

-- Florida rookie Stanton went 5-5 with two doubles and a homer. Guys on west coast are comparing Stanton to a young Dave Winfield.

-- Adrian Gonzalez is 9-17 in his last four games, with five runs scored, five RBI, now that he has quality protection (Ludwick) behind him.

-- Bobby Abreu is 9-24 with four walks, seven runs scored, six RBI as a leadoff hitter. Thats a .464 on-base percentage.

-- Arizona became 7th team ever to hit four HRs in a row, in an 8-2 win at Miller Park. Kirk Gibson's team is 9-4 in its last thirteen games. Just for the record, Dave Bush became just third pitcher ever to give up four HRs in a row.

-- Roy Oswalt got 30 called strikes from umpire Fairchild as he blanked the Dodgers for seven innings. Phillies continue to hang in there.

-- Met closer Francisco Rodriguez was arrested at Citi Field last night in wake of an incident where he apparently beat up his father-in-law after the Mets' loss to Colorado. He is being arraigned Thursday morning.


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


Thursday's List of 13: Overrated/underrated things........

13) Underrated-- Henry Aaron. You rarely hear his name mentioned as the game's greatest player, but who was better? 755 homers, never hitting more than 47 in one season, a .305 career BA, .928 OPS, 240 steals. Oh, he also knocked in 2,297 runs. Still, he remains underappreciated.

12) Overrated-- Batting Average-- One of the most misleading stats in all of baseball. Royals are second in major leagues in BA, but 22nd in runs scored, and runs are what win games, obviously. On-base percentage is an important stat, as is how you do with two outs, with men on base.

11) Underrated-- Tom Flores won two Super Bowls as a head coach, with a 8-3 career record in playoff games. You could probably win a bet with a buddy on that one-- ask him to name coaches who won 2+ Super Bowls.

10) Overrated-- Long hitting streaks-- One hit a game; whats the big deal? Oh yeah, a guy that played in New York City holds the record. 190 RBI is a great record, but no one knows who Hack Wilson is. Ted Williams is record-holder of a more important record, most games in a row reaching base safely-- thats a more important record than longest hitting streak.

9) Underrated-- NHL-- Best playoffs, do their draft the best, moving it around the league. Pro hockey in person is tremendous. Too bad the guys who run the NHL don't see fit to have games on ESPN for more exposure.

8) Overrated-- NBA-- Its a hybrid of streetball/real basketball, the league seems obsessed with international play and promoting stars, yet the NBA doesn't use international rules, which makes for more attractive games to watch. Go figure. Allowing teams to play any type of zone would help.

7) Underrated-- San Antonio Spurs-- Originally were Dallas Chapparals in ABA, moving west after six years in Dallas, were 4th team NBA let in via '76 merger, have now won 4 NBA titles in last dozen years. Name the owner, or pick the GM out of a lineup. They're selfless, they win a lot.

6) Overrated-- New York Knicks-- Last won a title in 1973, owned by the biggest moron of any sports franchise in America, and that includes the nitwit who owns the Clippers. Have record of 269-450 since they let Jeff Van Gundy walk out the door, ending a decade of winning records.

5) Underrated-- Your five starters on an NFL offensive line are a lot like a starting five on a baseball pitching staff; without a solid group there, your team is not going to win. Yet no one knows who offensive linemen are.

4) Overrated-- New Giants Stadium-- $1.6B so Woody Johnson and the Maras can get wealthier. Fantastic. They knocked down the 33-year old stadium that held so many great memories, just so more luxury boxes get sold, and amazingly loyal fans can get extorted out of thousands. Great.

3) Minute Maid Park-- Ballpark with a retractable dome is in downtown Houston; easy parking, good sight lines, can stand in area above the fence in leftcenter field. Lot of concession stands, they sing Deep in the Heart of Texas at the 7th inning stretch. Loudly. An underrated experience.

2) New Year's Day-- What used to be THE DAY for college football is a jumble of meaningless games now, rendered meaningless by a goofy BCS system that no one understands. If there was a playoff and damn it, there should be, New Year's could be the cornerstone, with four games all going to fill in the brackets leading to a huge payday and a national title game.

1) Thanksgiving weekend- They've extended college football season to get even more TV money, making Thanksgiving Day weekend new Rivalry Saturday which combined with college hoop starting and NFL/NBA/NHL going on, well, Thanksgiving weekend is probably best sports weekend all year. Depends on your preferences, but is sure is a busy time.
 

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Bettors' best friend: Thursday's wagering tips

Lines to keep an eye on

Dodgers at Phillies: Total opened at 8 but has climbed to 8.5.

Royals at Yankees: Total opened at 8.5 but has jumped to 9 at most books.

Saints at Patriots: Total opened at 36 but has dropped to 35 at most books.

Panthers at Ravens: Ravens opened as -1.5 favorites but are now listed at -3.5 at most books.

Raiders at Cowboys: Cowboys opened as -1.5 faves but have moved to -3.5 at most books.

Sparks at Lynx (WNBA): The total opened at 154.5 but has fallen to 153.5 at most books.

Weather to watch

Rockies at Mets: 30 percent chance of thunderstorms.

Orioles at Indians: 30 percent chance of showers.

Dodgers at Phillies: 40 percent chance of thunderstorms.

Who's hot

Diamondbacks are 5-1 in their last six.

Brewers are 7-2 in their last nine vs. Diamondbacks.

Orioles are 7-1 since the hiring of manager Buck Showalter.

Who's not

Cubs are 2-11 in their last 13.

Pirates are 7-22 in their last 29 vs. Padres.

Royals are 1-6 in their last seven.

Key stat

40 - Total number of runs the Dodgers have scored over the past seven games. They scored a total of 41 runs in their previous 18 games.

Injury that shouldn't be overlooked

Indianapolis Colts Pro Bowl center Jeff Saturday had arthroscopic surgery to remove a loose body from his knee and has begun rehabilitation. Saturday missed this week's workouts, but the team did not specify how long he will be out. The four-time Pro Bowler has been with the Colts since 1999, serving as four-time MVP quarterback Peyton Manning's center for 11 seasons and makes all the offensive-line audible calls in the Colts' complex offense.

Game of the day

Twins at White Sox (-125, 7.5)

Notable quotable

"He went nuts when he came in here. He said, 'You're going down,' then he turned around and walked away and I'm like, 'Down for what? You making stuff up?' "

U.S. Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin said Wednesday of The Golf Channel reporter Jim Gray, who quoted Pavin as saying he would extend an invitation to Tiger Woods to join the team.

Tips and notes

New Orleans Saints running back Lynell Hamilton suffered a season-ending ACL injury one day before tonight's preseason opener against the New England Patriots. Hamilton, who was expected to be the goal-line back for the Saints, suffered the knee injury during a joint morning practice with the Pats. Mike Bell served in that role last season, but he to sign the Philadelphia Eagles. The Saints will be forced to use the speedy Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas when they get close to the goalline

After Minnesota Lynx star Seimone Augustus scored a season-high 36 points on July 24, she was held to a season-low six three days later in her next game against the L.A. Sparks' stingy zone defense. Augustus and the Lynx shot less than 26 percent from the field in that game and struggled with their perimeter shooting. The Lynx are 0-5 when held to 70 points or fewer this season. With both team trying to steal a longshot playoff spot, look for the Sparks to crank up the defensive intensity and at least keep this one close.

England coach Fabio Capello's P.R. problems were compounded Wednesday when he declared that midfielder David Beckham is too old to be playing for the national team. The 35-year-old Beckham has played 115 times for England - second only to goalkeeper Peter Shilton's 125 appearances - and is one of the nation's most popular sports figures. Capello was booed last week before a friendly after the national team's poor World Cup showing and veteran stars Wes Brown and Paul Robinson announced their retirements from international soccer, further damaging the team's experience and 8/1 odds in the upcoming 2012 Euro Cup.
 

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