CNOTES Monday's MLB Best Bets !

A rough two days over the weekend in baseball....Time go get back on track...........

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record
08/15/10 12-18-0 40.00% -3405 Detail
08/14/10 12-18-0 40.00% -4650 Detail
08/13/10 17-11-2 60.71% +2940 Detail
08/12/10 10-10-0 50.00% -215 Detail
08/11/10 14-15-1 48.28% -575 Detail
08/10/10 16-13-1 55.17% +1530 Detail
08/09/10 9-8-0 52.94% +405 Detail
08/08/10 11-14-2 44.00% -1720 Detail
08/07/10 19-8-1 70.37% +6000 Detail
08/06/10 14-13-1 51.85% +425 Detail
08/05/10 7-12-1 36.84% -3050 Detail
08/04/10 13-16-0 44.83% -1395 Detail
08/03/10 16-14-0 53.33% +1195 Detail
08/02/10 10-10-0 50.00% -250 Detail
08/01/10 8-21-1 27.59% -7790 Detail
Totals 188-201-10 48.33% -10555

Monday, August 16Game Score Status Pick Amount

Seattle - 7:05 PM ET Seattle +120 500 *****
Baltimore - Over 8.5 500

Detroit - 7:05 PM ET NY Yankees -178 500
NY Yankees - Under 9 500

Florida - 7:05 PM ET Florida -106 500
Pittsburgh - Under 8.5 500 *****

Texas - 7:10 PM ET Tampa Bay -106 500
Tampa Bay - Over 7 500 *****

LA Dodgers - 7:10 PM ET LA Dodgers +143 500 *****
Atlanta - Under 7 500

San Diego - 8:05 PM ET Chi. Cubs +101 500
Chi. Cubs - Under 8.5 500 *****

NY Mets - 8:05 PM ET Houston -116 500
Houston - Over 7.5 500

Toronto - 10:05 PM ET Oakland -131 500
Oakland - Over 7 500 *****

MLB


Monday, August 16

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Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets
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Texas Rangers at Tampa Bay Rays (100, 7)

Offense is something the Texas Rangers haven’t had to worry about this season. Their .275 team batting average ranks third in the show, while their 4.98 runs per game average is good for fourth overall in the league. But at least recently that potent attack hasn't looked quite as menacing.

Outfielder Nelson Cruz left Saturday’s game with a left hamstring problem. The team hasn’t released any information about the injury, but will certainly miss his bat if he’s out for a while. Cruz was hitting .320 with 16 homers and 64 RBIs.

Meanwhile, Vladimir Guerrero is sputtering at the dish and Ian Kinsler is still on the DL, so the timing of this latest injury is far from ideal. Texas has managed more than four runs just twice over its last six games.

And to make matters worse, Texas will spend the night dealing with David Price’s nasty stuff. The 6-foot-6, 255-pound lefty was a little off in his last start, going just five innings on 115 pitches, but did strike out nine Tigers and picked up his 15th win of the year.

Pick: Rangers


Toronto Blue Jays at Oakland Athletics (-140, 7)

If the Toronto Blue Jays are going to have any hope keeping pace with the rest of the beefed-up AL East, they’re going to need Shaun Marcum at the top of his game.

Unfortunately for Jays bettors, Marcum’s picked a terrible time for a slump. He allowed four dingers against the Boston Red Sox in Wednesday’s 10-1 blowout loss as a -110 favorite and has now given up 13 runs over his last two outings.

“It was one of those days when I didn’t locate anything at all,” Marcum told reporters after Wednesday’s game. “My mechanics felt off a little bit, but that’s no excuse. I’ve still got to make pitches and try to find out a way to grind out innings and limit those guys to a lower amount of runs over there.

Apparently, Marcum’s surgically reconstructed elbow doesn’t have anything to do with his recent struggles, but it’s definitely something Toronto brass will keep an eye on.

The Jays have handled the A’s pretty well this year and Marcum’s in a good spot to bounce back against Oakland’s brutal offense. The A’s average just over four runs per game.

Pick: Blue Jays


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Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
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Streaking

Wandy Rodriguez, Houston Astros (9-11, 4.18 ERA)

Wandy Rodriguez had a rough start to the year, winning just three of his first 14 starts. Now he’s doing his best to make everyone forget all about that by losing just once over his last nine trips to the hill. Over that span he allowed more than three runs only once while blanking his opposition three times.


Slumping

Tom Gorzelanny, Chicago Cubs (6-6, 3.65 ERA)

Gorzelanny hasn’t been terrible lately, but he hasn’t pitched the Cubs into the win column in any of his last three starts, sporting a 5.59 ERA over that stretch. Giving up big innings continues to plague the Cubs’ lefty. He gave up three runs in the first inning against the Giants last week before eventually taking the no-decision in a 5-4 loss. On the bright side, Gorzelanny has thrown at least six innings in each of his last half dozen starts.

Shaun Marcum, Toronto Blue Jays (10-6, 3.87 ERA)

Marcum was roughed up in each of his last two outings, allowing 13 runs over that span and had an awful night against the Red Sox last Wednesday. He needed 36 pitches just to get out of the first inning and allowed four dingers – the most he’s ever given up in a single start in the bigs. He leads the Jays with 10 wins after missing all of last season as he rehabbed his surgically reconstructed elbow.


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This Day in Baseball
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On August 16 in Baseball History...

1873 - At Baltimore's Newington Park, Baltimore Canaries outfielder Lip Pike races against a horse. Pike has a short lead after 75 yards when the trotter breaks into a run. Pike holds on to win in 10 seconds flat.

1890 - It's a bad day for Pittsburgh's Bill Phillips as he becomes the only pitcher in major league history to give up two grand slams in one inning. Tom Burns and Malachi Kittridge each hit one in the fifth inning en route to an 18-5 victory at Chicago's West Side Park.

1920 - At the Polo Grounds Cleveland shortstop Ray Chapman, 29, is beaned by a Carl Mays pitch. A right-handed batter who crowds the plate, Chapman freezes and fails to get out of the way of the submarine delivery. He is carried from the field and he dies the next day from a fractured skull.

1927 - Babe Ruth inaugurates the newly-constructed Comiskey Park grandstand roof by cranking a Tommy Thomas pitch over the addition.

1947 - Ralph Kiner hits three successive home runs for the Pittsburgh Pirates, for a 12-7 win over the Cardinals in a game in which the two clubs bang out 10 homers. Kiner matches the major league marks of seven home runs in four games, six in three games, five in two games, and four in consecutive at bats.

1950 - Hank Thompson hit two inside-the-park home runs in the Giants' 16-7 rout of the Brooklyn Dodgers at the Polo Grounds.

1954 - In a throwing contest between Jim Piersall and Willie Mays before a Red Sox-Giants charity game in Boston, Piersall hurts his arm. He starts the game but leaves midway. He wakes up the following morning with a sore arm that stays with him a year, and he will never throw quite as well again.

1964 - Curt Flood of the St. Louis Cardinals had eight straight hits in a doubleheader against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers won the first game 3-0 and the Cardinals took the second, 4-0.

1964 - Sandy Koufax (19-5) hurts his elbow sliding into second base in a 3-0 win against St. Louis. He will miss the rest of the season. In the nightcap, Curt Simmons matches Sandy Koufax with a 4-0 shutout of the Dodgers. Cards center fielder Curt Flood has eight straight hits in the doubleheader split.

1966 - Willie Mays hits his 534th home run, matching Jimmie Foxx's record for right-handed batters, as Gaylord Perry beats the Cardinals 3-1.

1967 - Jim Maloney of Cincinnati retired 19 consecutive Pirates but had to leave the game after he injured his ankle by stepping in a hole at Forbes Field. Billy McCool allowed two hits over the final 2 2/3 innings to complete a 4-0 victory over Pittsburgh.

1976 - With the help of three picked-off Oakland runners at first base, the first such occurrence in the American League since 1910, the Brewers beat Oakland 4-3. Another oddity happens when Oakland's Billy Williams is called out on strikes after refusing to enter the batter's box. He is then thrown out of the game.

1984 - After nearly six years, Pete Rose is reunited with his hometown Cincinnati Reds when the Expos trade him for infielder Tom Lawless. The Reds immediately name him player-manager, replacing Vern Rapp.

1996 - The Padres and Mets play the first regular season major league game ever played in Mexico, and it isn't pretty. The Padres take a big lead in support of Mexican native and starting pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, but the Mets close the gap with seven runs in the ninth inning in a 15-10 Padres triumph. The series is moved from San Diego because of a perceived conflict with the Republican National Convention. The Padres take two of three games in "La Primera Serie" in Monterrey, Mexico.

MLB


Monday, August 16

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Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets
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Texas Rangers at Tampa Bay Rays (100, 7)

Offense is something the Texas Rangers haven’t had to worry about this season. Their .275 team batting average ranks third in the show, while their 4.98 runs per game average is good for fourth overall in the league. But at least recently that potent attack hasn't looked quite as menacing.

Outfielder Nelson Cruz left Saturday’s game with a left hamstring problem. The team hasn’t released any information about the injury, but will certainly miss his bat if he’s out for a while. Cruz was hitting .320 with 16 homers and 64 RBIs.

Meanwhile, Vladimir Guerrero is sputtering at the dish and Ian Kinsler is still on the DL, so the timing of this latest injury is far from ideal. Texas has managed more than four runs just twice over its last six games.

And to make matters worse, Texas will spend the night dealing with David Price’s nasty stuff. The 6-foot-6, 255-pound lefty was a little off in his last start, going just five innings on 115 pitches, but did strike out nine Tigers and picked up his 15th win of the year.

Pick: Rangers


Toronto Blue Jays at Oakland Athletics (-140, 7)

If the Toronto Blue Jays are going to have any hope keeping pace with the rest of the beefed-up AL East, they’re going to need Shaun Marcum at the top of his game.

Unfortunately for Jays bettors, Marcum’s picked a terrible time for a slump. He allowed four dingers against the Boston Red Sox in Wednesday’s 10-1 blowout loss as a -110 favorite and has now given up 13 runs over his last two outings.

“It was one of those days when I didn’t locate anything at all,” Marcum told reporters after Wednesday’s game. “My mechanics felt off a little bit, but that’s no excuse. I’ve still got to make pitches and try to find out a way to grind out innings and limit those guys to a lower amount of runs over there.

Apparently, Marcum’s surgically reconstructed elbow doesn’t have anything to do with his recent struggles, but it’s definitely something Toronto brass will keep an eye on.

The Jays have handled the A’s pretty well this year and Marcum’s in a good spot to bounce back against Oakland’s brutal offense. The A’s average just over four runs per game.

Pick: Blue Jays


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Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
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Streaking

Wandy Rodriguez, Houston Astros (9-11, 4.18 ERA)

Wandy Rodriguez had a rough start to the year, winning just three of his first 14 starts. Now he’s doing his best to make everyone forget all about that by losing just once over his last nine trips to the hill. Over that span he allowed more than three runs only once while blanking his opposition three times.


Slumping

Tom Gorzelanny, Chicago Cubs (6-6, 3.65 ERA)

Gorzelanny hasn’t been terrible lately, but he hasn’t pitched the Cubs into the win column in any of his last three starts, sporting a 5.59 ERA over that stretch. Giving up big innings continues to plague the Cubs’ lefty. He gave up three runs in the first inning against the Giants last week before eventually taking the no-decision in a 5-4 loss. On the bright side, Gorzelanny has thrown at least six innings in each of his last half dozen starts.

Shaun Marcum, Toronto Blue Jays (10-6, 3.87 ERA)

Marcum was roughed up in each of his last two outings, allowing 13 runs over that span and had an awful night against the Red Sox last Wednesday. He needed 36 pitches just to get out of the first inning and allowed four dingers – the most he’s ever given up in a single start in the bigs. He leads the Jays with 10 wins after missing all of last season as he rehabbed his surgically reconstructed elbow.


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

On August 16 in Baseball History...

1873 - At Baltimore's Newington Park, Baltimore Canaries outfielder Lip Pike races against a horse. Pike has a short lead after 75 yards when the trotter breaks into a run. Pike holds on to win in 10 seconds flat.

1890 - It's a bad day for Pittsburgh's Bill Phillips as he becomes the only pitcher in major league history to give up two grand slams in one inning. Tom Burns and Malachi Kittridge each hit one in the fifth inning en route to an 18-5 victory at Chicago's West Side Park.

1920 - At the Polo Grounds Cleveland shortstop Ray Chapman, 29, is beaned by a Carl Mays pitch. A right-handed batter who crowds the plate, Chapman freezes and fails to get out of the way of the submarine delivery. He is carried from the field and he dies the next day from a fractured skull.

1927 - Babe Ruth inaugurates the newly-constructed Comiskey Park grandstand roof by cranking a Tommy Thomas pitch over the addition.

1947 - Ralph Kiner hits three successive home runs for the Pittsburgh Pirates, for a 12-7 win over the Cardinals in a game in which the two clubs bang out 10 homers. Kiner matches the major league marks of seven home runs in four games, six in three games, five in two games, and four in consecutive at bats.

1950 - Hank Thompson hit two inside-the-park home runs in the Giants' 16-7 rout of the Brooklyn Dodgers at the Polo Grounds.

1954 - In a throwing contest between Jim Piersall and Willie Mays before a Red Sox-Giants charity game in Boston, Piersall hurts his arm. He starts the game but leaves midway. He wakes up the following morning with a sore arm that stays with him a year, and he will never throw quite as well again.

1964 - Curt Flood of the St. Louis Cardinals had eight straight hits in a doubleheader against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers won the first game 3-0 and the Cardinals took the second, 4-0.

1964 - Sandy Koufax (19-5) hurts his elbow sliding into second base in a 3-0 win against St. Louis. He will miss the rest of the season. In the nightcap, Curt Simmons matches Sandy Koufax with a 4-0 shutout of the Dodgers. Cards center fielder Curt Flood has eight straight hits in the doubleheader split.

1966 - Willie Mays hits his 534th home run, matching Jimmie Foxx's record for right-handed batters, as Gaylord Perry beats the Cardinals 3-1.

1967 - Jim Maloney of Cincinnati retired 19 consecutive Pirates but had to leave the game after he injured his ankle by stepping in a hole at Forbes Field. Billy McCool allowed two hits over the final 2 2/3 innings to complete a 4-0 victory over Pittsburgh.

1976 - With the help of three picked-off Oakland runners at first base, the first such occurrence in the American League since 1910, the Brewers beat Oakland 4-3. Another oddity happens when Oakland's Billy Williams is called out on strikes after refusing to enter the batter's box. He is then thrown out of the game.

1984 - After nearly six years, Pete Rose is reunited with his hometown Cincinnati Reds when the Expos trade him for infielder Tom Lawless. The Reds immediately name him player-manager, replacing Vern Rapp.

1996 - The Padres and Mets play the first regular season major league game ever played in Mexico, and it isn't pretty. The Padres take a big lead in support of Mexican native and starting pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, but the Mets close the gap with seven runs in the ninth inning in a 15-10 Padres triumph. The series is moved from San Diego because of a perceived conflict with the Republican National Convention. The Padres take two of three games in "La Primera Serie" in Monterrey, Mexico.

MLB
Dunkel


San Diego at Chicago Cubs
The Padres look to build on their 12-3 record in Kevin Correia's last 15 road starts. San Diego is the pick (-110) according to Dunkel, which has the Padres favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-110). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, AUGUST 16

Game 901-902: Florida at Pittsburgh (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Volstad) 13.872; Pittsburgh (McDonald) 13.934
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Florida (-125); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+105); Over

Game 903-904: LA Dodgers at Atlanta (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Billingsley) 14.899; Atlanta (Hanson) 15.863
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-145); 7
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-145); Under

Game 905-906: NY Mets at Houston (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Niese) 14.367; Houston (Rodriguez) 15.191
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Houston (-110); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-110); Over

Game 907-908: San Diego at Chicago Cubs (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Correia) 16.280; Cubs (Gorzelanny) 15.054
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-110); No Run Total
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-110); N/A

Game 909-910: Seattle at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Fister) 14.621; Baltimore (Bergesen) 15.512
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-125); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-125); Under

Game 911-912: Detroit at NY Yankees (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Scherzer) 15.387; NY Yankees (Vazquez) 16.197
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-175); 9
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-175); Over

Game 913-914: Texas at Tampa Bay (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Lee) 16.036; Tampa Bay (Price) 16.976
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-115); 7
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-105); Under

Game 915-916: Toronto at Oakland (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Marcum) 15.688; Oakland (Anderson) 16.493
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Oakland (-130); 7
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-130); Under

MLB
Write-Up


Monday, August 16

Hot pitchers
-- McDonald is 1-1, 3.38 in his first two starts for the Pirates.
-- Hanson has a 1.69 RA in his last three starts. Billingsley has a 1.34 RA in his last five outings.
-- WRodriguez is 2-0, 1.27 in his last four starts. Niese is 1-1, 2.08 in his last four road starts.
-- Correia is 4-1, 3.90 in his last five starts.

-- Bergesen is 1-0, 1.57 in his last three starts.
-- Scherzer is 4-3, 2.19 in his last ten starts.
-- Price is 3-0, 2.84 in his last four starts. Lee is 2-1, 2.59 in his last six starts.
-- Anderson is 1-1, 1.93 in his last couple starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Volstad is 2-2, 5.88 in his last eight starts.
-- Gorzelanny is 0-1, 5.59 in his last three starts.

-- Fister is 1-7, 5.81 in his last dozen starts.
-- Vazquez is 0-1, 9.00 in his last three starts.
-- Marcum is 0-2, 11.70 in his last couple starts.

Totals
-- Seven of last nine Pittsburgh home games went over the total.
-- Seven of last ten Atlanta home games stayed under total.
-- Under is 9-4 in last thirteen Houston home games.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in Cubs' last six games.

-- Eight of last ten Baltimore games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 9-3-3 in last fifteen Bronx home games.
-- Under is 8-2-1 in last eleven Texas road games.
-- Under is 5-0-1 in last six Oakland home games.

Hot Teams
-- Braves are 10-4 in their last 14 home games.
-- Astros won ten of their last twelve home games.
-- Padres won last seven games, allowing thirteen runs.

-- Mariners are 4-2 since changing managers. Orioles are 9-4 since they changed managers.
-- Tigers won three of their last four games.
-- Tampa Bay is 16-5 in its last 21 home games.
-- Blue Jays are 8-4 in their last dozen games.

Cold Teams
-- Pirates lost their last seven games. Marlins lost their last six games, scoring a total of six runs.
-- Dodgers are 3-13 on the road since the All-Star break.
-- Mets are 9-18 in their last 27 games.
-- Cubs lost 14 of their last 18 games.

-- Bronx is 7-9 in its last sixteen games.
-- Rangers are 4-6 in their last ten road games.
-- A's are off 1-5 road trip; they're 8-3 in last 11 home games.

MLB


Monday, August 16

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Trend Report
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7:05 PM
DETROIT vs. NY YANKEES
Detroit is 8-17 SU in their last 25 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games on the road
NY Yankees are 17-8 SU in their last 25 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit

7:05 PM
FLORIDA vs. PITTSBURGH
Florida is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida's last 7 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games

7:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Seattle's last 8 games
Seattle is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games when playing Seattle

7:10 PM
TEXAS vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Texas's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Texas's last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games

7:10 PM
LA DODGERS vs. ATLANTA
LA Dodgers are 2-9 SU in their last 11 games on the road
LA Dodgers are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Atlanta's last 9 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
Atlanta is 7-3 SU in their last 10 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers

8:05 PM
NY METS vs. HOUSTON
NY Mets are 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 6 of NY Mets's last 7 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Houston's last 9 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 9 games at home

8:05 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. CHI CUBS
San Diego is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
San Diego is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Chi Cubs are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing San Diego
Chi Cubs are 4-14 SU in their last 18 games

10:05 PM
TORONTO vs. OAKLAND
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 6 games at home
Oakland is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto

MLB


Monday, August 16

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Tips and Trends
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Toronto Blue Jays at Oakland Athletics [10:05 PM ET]

Blue Jays: Toronto is 62-55 SU this season, yet are only 4th in the American League East division. Welcome to life in the AL East! Toronto even has a winning record on the road this year at 30-29 SU. The Blue Jays are +9.88 and +22.50 units both SU and on the RL respectively this year. Toronto has dominated the Athletics this season, thanks to an offense that has been dynamic. Pitcher Shaun Marcum will take the mound tonight, as he is 10-6 with an ERA of 3.87 and a WHIP of 1.22 this year. The Blue Jays are 5-2 in their last 7 Monday games. The Blue Jays are 1-6 in their last 7 games against a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. Toronto is 6-1 in Marcum's last 7 road starts against a team with a losing record. Toronto is 10-4 in Marcum's last 14 road starts overall. The Blue Jays are 2-8 in Marcum's last 10 starts against the American League West.

Blue Jays are 5-1 last 6 games during game 1 of a series.
Over is 4-1 last 5 games played on grass.

Key Injuries - C John Buck (thumb) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 5 (Side of the Day)

Athletics (-130, O/U 7): Oakland has been all but eliminated from the American League playoff picture with their current 3 game losing streak. Oakland is 57-59 SU this season, which places them 10 games behind the AL West division lead. The A's can now focus on playing their younger players, with an eye on the future. Oakland is +0.11 and -9.34 units both SU and on the RL respectively this year. Lefty Brett Anderson will make the start tonight, as he is 3-3 with an ERA of 2.88 and a WHIP of 1.06 this season. The Athletics are 4-1 in their last 5 home games against a team with a winning record. Oakland is 1-5 in their last 6 Monday games overall. The Athletics are 8-1 in their last 9 home games against a right-handed starter. Oakland is 4-0 in Anderson's last 4 Monday starts overall. The Athletics are 5-2 in Anderson's last 7 home starts.

Athletics are 1-7 last 8 games during game 1 of a series.
Under is 10-0-1 last 11 games against a right-handed starter.

Key Injuries - 3B Adam Rosales (ankle) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 3



Texas Rangers at Tampa Bay Rays [7:10 PM ET]

Rangers (-120, O/U 7): Texas simply keeps winning, and as a result they still own the largest division lead in baseball. The Rangers are 67-49 SU this season, which gives them an 8.5 game cushion in the American League West standings. Texas does have a winning record on the road this year at 28-26 SU. Texas is +2.41 and -9.78 units both SU and on the RL respectively this season. The Rangers have faced the cream of the crop of late, as they are battling nearly the entire American League East. Ace pitcher Cliff Lee will make the road start tonight, as he is 10-5 with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 0.93 this year. The Rangers are 7-2 in their last 9 games during game 1 of a series. Texas is 6-2 in their last 8 road games against a left-handed starter. The Rangers are 2-5 in their last 7 road games against a team with a winning home record.

Rangers are 3-7 last 10 games on fieldturf.
Under is 7-3 last 10 games against the American League East.

Key Injuries - RF Nelson Cruz (leg) is questionable.

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

Rays: Tampa has struggled of late, as they've lost 6 of their past 10 games. Despite the mediocre stats of late, the Rays are still within 1 game of the major league leading New York Yankees. Tampa is 71-46 SU this season, including 36-24 SU at home. The Rays are +3.80 and 0.25 units both SU and on the RL this season. Lefty David Price will take the mound tonight, as he is 15-5 with an ERA of 2.84 and a WHIP of 1.24 this season. The Rays are 5-0 in their last 5 Monday games overall. The Rays are 13-3 in their last 16 home games against a left-handed starter. Tampa is 27-13 in their last 40 games against a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. The Rays are 4-0 in Price's last 4 starts with 6 days of rest. Tampa is 8-1 in Price's last 9 starts during game 1 of a series. The Rays are 6-1 in Price's last 7 home starts against a team with a winning record. The Rays are 19-7 in Price's last 26 starts overall.

Rays are 6-1 last 7 home games against a team with a winning road record.
Under is 7-1 last 8 games during game 1 of a series.

Key Injuries - 1B Carlos Pena (ankle) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 2

MLB
Long Sheet


Monday, August 16

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FLORIDA (57 - 59) at PITTSBURGH (39 - 78) - 7:05 PM
CHRIS VOLSTAD (R) vs. JAMES MCDONALD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 36-49 (-13.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
VOLSTAD is 19-29 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VOLSTAD is 12-22 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VOLSTAD is 5-13 (-11.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 21-15 (+12.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
PITTSBURGH is 399-381 (+45.7 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
FLORIDA is 228-213 (+24.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 72-66 (+17.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 68-64 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 53-43 (+20.6 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 28-15 (+16.1 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 39-77 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 19-51 (-25.4 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 39-77 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 22-58 (-26.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PITTSBURGH is 22-55 (-22.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
PITTSBURGH is 10-30 (-15.9 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
PITTSBURGH is 47-86 (-29.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 16-38 (-22.0 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.

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

CHRIS VOLSTAD vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
VOLSTAD is 0-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 12.00 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

JAMES MCDONALD vs. FLORIDA since 1997
No recent starts.

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

LA DODGERS (60 - 58) at ATLANTA (68 - 49) - 7:10 PM
CHAD BILLINGSLEY (R) vs. TOMMY HANSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 62-58 (-7.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 62-58 (-7.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 69-50 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 42-17 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ATLANTA is 69-50 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 48-30 (+12.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 22-8 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LA DODGERS are 118-85 (+18.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 4-3 (+1.0 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.6 Units)

CHAD BILLINGSLEY vs. ATLANTA since 1997
BILLINGSLEY is 1-3 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 4.28 and a WHIP of 1.464.
His team's record is 1-4 (-3.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-4. (-3.5 units)

TOMMY HANSON vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
HANSON is 1-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.583.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

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

NY METS (58 - 59) at HOUSTON (51 - 65) - 8:05 PM
JON NIESE (L) vs. WANDY RODRIGUEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 16-32 (-20.7 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 50-89 (-27.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 15-30 (-20.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 51-90 (-27.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 30-69 (-36.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 211-228 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 40-31 (+18.5 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 17-13 (+8.1 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 26-24 (+11.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
HOUSTON is 20-10 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
HOUSTON is 14-7 (+8.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
RODRIGUEZ is 19-9 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
RODRIGUEZ is 19-9 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

JON NIESE vs. HOUSTON since 1997
NIESE is 1-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

WANDY RODRIGUEZ vs. NY METS since 1997
RODRIGUEZ is 2-2 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.68 and a WHIP of 1.227.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.9 units)

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

SAN DIEGO (69 - 47) at CHICAGO CUBS (50 - 68) - 8:05 PM
KEVIN CORREIA (R) vs. TOM GORZELANNY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 69-48 (+25.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 33-26 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 67-47 (+23.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN DIEGO is 45-35 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 22-12 (+11.9 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
SAN DIEGO is 37-30 (+8.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SAN DIEGO is 31-16 (+13.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CORREIA is 33-22 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 15-9 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 32-22 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 24-18 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 20-7 (+13.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 51-68 (-27.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 28-32 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 16-27 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 51-68 (-27.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 23-35 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 32-45 (-17.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 17-32 (-21.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 115-140 (-46.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
GORZELANNY is 3-10 (-9.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)

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

KEVIN CORREIA vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
CORREIA is 0-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 6.19 and a WHIP of 1.875.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.2 units)

TOM GORZELANNY vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
GORZELANNY is 1-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 4.24 and a WHIP of 1.765.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.4 units)

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

SEATTLE (46 - 72) at BALTIMORE (41 - 77) - 7:05 PM
DOUG FISTER (R) vs. BRADLEY BERGESEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 47-71 (-24.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 18-40 (-19.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SEATTLE is 46-69 (-24.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 23-48 (-24.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SEATTLE is 16-24 (-11.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SEATTLE is 264-245 (-72.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 10-5 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
SEATTLE is 93-91 (+6.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 106-175 (-39.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 7-24 (-13.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
BALTIMORE is 3-10 (-10.5 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 530-586 (-118.9 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 70-104 (-43.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 6-22 (-16.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 530-586 (-118.9 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 23-52 (-19.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 4-2 (+1.7 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.6 Units)

DOUG FISTER vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
FISTER is 1-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.571.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

BRADLEY BERGESEN vs. SEATTLE since 1997
BERGESEN is 2-2 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 2.87 and a WHIP of 1.244.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.2 units)

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

DETROIT (57 - 60) at NY YANKEES (72 - 45) - 7:05 PM
MAX SCHERZER (R) vs. JAVIER VAZQUEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 218-226 (-37.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 20-36 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
DETROIT is 17-29 (-17.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 49-68 (-19.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 133-145 (-28.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 40-46 (-9.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
DETROIT is 4-17 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
SCHERZER is 8-14 (-8.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
SCHERZER is 1-10 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
SCHERZER is 1-9 (-9.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
SCHERZER is 2-9 (-8.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 98-48 (+25.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
VAZQUEZ is 10-14 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VAZQUEZ is 10-14 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 3-1 (+2.9 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.0 Units)

MAX SCHERZER vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.

JAVIER VAZQUEZ vs. DETROIT since 1997
VAZQUEZ is 6-8 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 4.26 and a WHIP of 1.242.
His team's record is 6-8 (-4.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-4. (+4.5 units)

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

TEXAS (67 - 49) at TAMPA BAY (71 - 46) - 7:10 PM
CLIFF LEE (L) vs. DAVID PRICE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 150-80 (+30.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 149-80 (+29.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played in a dome over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 149-80 (+29.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on artificial turf over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 154-124 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 106-110 (+17.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 117-87 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 40-29 (+14.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LEE is 67-45 (+24.2 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 65-70 (-17.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 28-37 (-15.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 2-1 (+1.3 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.8 Units)

CLIFF LEE vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
LEE is 6-4 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 2.51 and a WHIP of 0.993.
His team's record is 6-6 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-7. (-3.5 units)

DAVID PRICE vs. TEXAS since 1997
PRICE is 0-2 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 9.45 and a WHIP of 1.650.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.4 units)

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

TORONTO (62 - 55) at OAKLAND (57 - 59) - 10:05 PM
SHAUN MARCUM (R) vs. BRETT ANDERSON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 226-157 (+64.1 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
OAKLAND is 98-98 (+12.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 62-56 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MARCUM is 25-15 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
OAKLAND is 6-18 (-13.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 29-47 (-18.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
OAKLAND is 65-101 (-23.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 3-1 (+1.9 Units) against OAKLAND this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

SHAUN MARCUM vs. OAKLAND since 1997
MARCUM is 2-1 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.54 and a WHIP of 1.393.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.7 units)

BRETT ANDERSON vs. TORONTO since 1997
No recent starts.

MLB
Short Sheet


Monday, 8/16/2010

FLORIDA at PITTSBURGH, 7:05 PM ET
VOLSTAD: FLORIDA 28-15 after 3 or more consecutive losses
MCDONALD: PITTSBURGH 10-30 after 3 or more consecutive losses

LA DODGERS at ATLANTA, 7:10 PM ET
BILLINGSLEY: LA DODGERS 54-34 after having lost 2 of their last 3 games
HANSON: ATLANTA 8-14 after allowing 1 run or less

NY METS at HOUSTON, 8:05 PM ET
NIESE: NY METS 12-5 after 2 straight games with 1 or less extra base
RODRIGUEZ: 11-26 TSR after giving up <=2 earned runs in his last 2 outings

SAN DIEGO at CHICAGO CUBS, 8:05 PM ET
CORREIA: SAN DIEGO 22-12 against left-handed starters
GORZELANNY: 3-10 TSR after a win

SEATTLE at BALTIMORE, 7:05 PM ET
FISTER: SEATTLE 11-34 as a road underdog of +100 or higher
BERGESEN: BALTIMORE 10-5 in August games

DETROIT at NY YANKEES, 7:05 PM ET
SCHERZER: DETROIT 4-17 in road games after a win
VAZQUEZ: NY YANKEES 46-13 in home games with a hot bullpen whose WHIP is under 1.000 the last 5 games

TEXAS at TAMPA BAY, 7:10 PM ET
LEE: TEXAS 12-18 against AL East opponents
PRICE: TAMPA BAY 40-15 in home games with a hot bullpen whose ERA is under 1.50 the last 5 games

TORONTO at OAKLAND, 10:05 PM ET
MARCUM: TORONTO 47-71 after 2 or more consecutive road games
ANDERSON: OAKLAND 16-8 against the money line after a game where they had 4 or less hits

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

Daily Sports Roundup: August 16

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Giants and Jets meet on their shared gridiron, while the Dodgers look for a win in Atlanta, and the Rangers begin a set in Tampa Bay.

Colliding on the gridiron . . .

The National Football League wraps up its first week of exhibition action on Monday night when the Giants battle the Jets at their new stadium in the Meadowlands. The Jets might be more concerned with their contract negotiations with cornerback Darrelle Revis than with the outcome of Monday's contest, but the oddsmakers still have them pegged as 2-point favorites to draw first blood at the stadium. The total for the game sits at 33.5.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

There are just four games on the American League schedule for Monday, with Seattle at Baltimore, Detroit at the Yankees, Toronto at Oakland, and Texas at Tampa Bay. Cliff Lee (10-5, 2.57 ERA) will take on David Price (15-5, 2.84 ERA) in that Rangers/Rays matchup. Lefthander Lee had to settle for a no-decision against the Yankees in his most recent trip to the mound, surrendering four runs on eight hits over 6 1-3 innings of work (and striking out 11). Lefthander Price beat the Tigers in his last start, allowing just two runs on five hits in five innings pitched. Price walked four and fanned nine that day.

As well, there are four games on the National League schedule for Monday, with Florida at Pittsburgh, San Diego at the Cubs, the Mets at Houston, and the Dodgers at Atlanta. Chad Billingsley (9-7, 3.78 ERA) will take the mound for Los Angeles in that last contest, while the Braves are expected to go with Tommy Hanson (8-8, 3.51 ERA). Righthander Billingsley was tagged with a hard-luck loss last time out against the Phillies, giving up just two runs on five hits over his six innings of work. Righthander Hanson is coming off a no-decision against the Astros in which he gave up one unearned run on two hits over seven innings pitched. Hanson last got a win on July 3.

Monday's six-pack

Statistical leaders/standings with seven weeks left in the season

-- BA-- Hamilton .362, Cabrera .341, Mauer .331, Beltre .328.

-- RBI-- Rodriguez 97, Cabrera 95, Bautista 88, Guerrero 87.

-- Runs-- Teixeira 86, Jeter 84, Phillips/Votto both with 82.

-- OB%-- Cabrera .433, Votto, .421, Hamilton .412, Youkilis .411.

-- SB-- Pierre 45, Crawford/Bourn 39, Davis 36, Podsednik 34.

-- If the playoffs started today, these would be the teams.......

AL-- Bronx-Minnesota-Texas-Tampa Bay

NL-- Atlanta-Cincinnati-San Diego-Philadelphia


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


Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports weekend.......

13) No shortage of drama at the PGA, where Dustin Johnson lost out on a chance to win his first major because of a mixup involving bunkers and rules sheets and players not reading those rules sheets. Its too bad a great event was marred by an administrative foulup.

12) I mean, this all happened because of a similar foulup at a tournament in 2004, when Stuart Appleby got a 4-stroke penalty. If you're going to make millions in a business, its smart to know the rules of the business, and it sounds like none of these guys are sticklers for knowing the rules. Unfortunately, it might've cost Dustin Johnson a million bucks Sunday.

I'm guessing next time the PGA is at Whistling Straits, in 2015, there will be clear markings of what is and isn't a bunker.

11) Just for the record, Bubba Watson earned $810,000, while Johnson is going to get a check for $270,833, so Johnson's mistake cost him at least $540,000, a lot more if he had actually won the playoff, because Martin Kaymer is getting a check for $1,350,000 for winning.

10) Tigers had a little fracas in their dugout Sunday, before exploding late in the game for a 13-8 win over the fading White Sox. Detroit is heading to New York this week as their season slips away, mainly due to injuries. Lot of frustration at this time of year for teams falling out of contention.

9) Does anyone like Joe West? His one-man crusade to speed up games seems to be annoying just about everyone, especially the TV people. He got into a couple arguments with Mike Scioscia in Anaheim Saturday.

8) Carlos Beltran isn't a major league centerfielder right now; guy is really having trouble with anything not hit right at him.

7)Tim Tebow was 8-13/105, ran for a TD in his pro debut for Broncos, who lost 33-24 in Cincinnati. He also had a fumble returned for a TD, but that fumble and the TD were oveturned by replay.

6) Trevor Cahill tied a modern major league record with his 20th start in a row with 5+ innings pitched, six or less hits allowed. Nolan Ryan has the other part of the record, so its a prestigious one.

5) Texas Rangers lowered parking/concession prices in the first days with Chuck Greenberg as the new owner; they're selling out games now and it looks like the team is headed to the playoffs, giving Michael Young his first experience in the postseason, which will be well-deserved.

Odd that Greenberg and Mark Cuban, Dallas Mavericks' owner, are both from the Pittsburgh area. Greenberg seems like a regular guy, and its good for the Rangers that Nolan Ryan will still be running the baseball end.

4) Phil Dawson made a 58-yard FG for the Browns at Lambeau Field in Cleveland's 27-24 win Saturday; you'd be surprised at how few FGs that long have been made in NFL history. Not many. Actually surprised the Browns tried one that long int he preseason with a veteran kicker.

3) Improved Astros are 9-6 since trading away veteran stars Oswalt and Berkman........Mariners scored 8 runs in last seven starts by King Felix.

2) Giants have to be concerned that Tim Lincecum is 1-3, 6.15 in his last six starts; they'll need him at full strength to make the playoffs.

1) Its not an exaggeration to say that Bubba Watson will probably re-live that shot he hit in the water every day the rest of his life, or at least until he wins a major. With his talent, it might not be too much longer, but for sure, it'll be at least until next April.

Bettors' best friend: Monday's wagering tips

Lines to keep an eye on

Giants at Jets: Jets opened as 1-point favorites and now sit at -2.5 at most books.

Weather to watch

Jets at Giants: 40 percent chance of thunderstorms or showers.

Mariners at Orioles: 40 percent chance of thunderstorms.

Tigers at Yankees: 40 percent chance of scattered thunderstorms.

Dodgers at Braves: 30 percent chance of isolated thunderstorms.

Who’s hot

Atlanta Braves are 40-16 at home.

Tampa Bay is 15-5 in its last 20 home games.

Under is 20-7-2 in Texas’ last 29 games

Who’s not

Detroit Tigers are 18-36 on the road.

Pittsburgh Pirates are 16-45 in their last 61 overall.

Seattle Mariners are 17-42 in their last 59 road games.

New York Mets are 7-19 in their last 26 road games.

Key stat

.237: The Seattle Mariners are hitting just .237 as a team this year, which has helped under bettors cash in big. The Mariners have played under the total 63 times, just one fewer than the Baltimore Orioles’ league-leading 64. The M’s and O’s kick off a three-game set Monday.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Nelson Cruz: The Texas Rangers’ outfielder left Saturday’s game with a hamstring problem and will have an MRI Monday for precautionary reason. Cruz was hitting .320 with 16 homers and 64 RBIs. The team hopes he’ll be back in the lineup Monday following the MRI.

Game of the day

New York Giants at New York Jets (-2.5, 33.5)

Notable quotes

"I'm looking forward to being a better person. Right now, the plan is I'm going to be going to [an] anger management program. And I cannot speak about the legal stuff that we're going through right now. I just want to apologize."

New York Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez told reporters after he was arrested last week for an incident involving his girlfriend's father.

Tips and notes

Rays rookie righthander Jeremy Hellickson improved to 3-0 in as many starts on Sunday but will not be a permanent part of the Tampa Bay starting rotation, manager Joe Maddon told the St. Petersburg Times on Sunday. Hellickson will be moved to the bullpen when injured starters Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann return from the 15-day disabled list later this month. Hellickson will likely start again Friday.

The Boston Red Sox are slowly but surely getting healthy. Second baseman Dustin Pedroia will return to the big-league team on Tuesday after a brief rehab stint at Triple-A Pawtucket, according to WEEI.com. Pedroia, who is recovering from a broken foot, told the web site: "We don't have time for [making sure everything's perfect]. We're in a pennant race. I've got to try to get back in there, and I'll figure it out." Pedroia was batting .292 with 12 home runs and 41 RBIs for the Red Sox this season before suffering the injury.

A two-week study by ESPN's "Outside the Lines" showed that one in every five close calls were missed by Major League Baseball umpires. The study reviewed every umpire's call in all 184 games from June 29-July 11, excepting balls and strikes, and found that an average of 1.3 calls per game were close enough to require replay review. Of those calls, replay showed 65.7 percent were made correctly, 13.9 percent remained too close to call and 20.4 percent of those calls were shown to be incorrect. Bettors probably know this stat all too well.

Bettors' best friend: Monday's wagering tips

Lines to keep an eye on

Giants at Jets: Jets opened as 1-point favorites and now sit at -2.5 at most books.

Weather to watch

Jets at Giants: 40 percent chance of thunderstorms or showers.

Mariners at Orioles: 40 percent chance of thunderstorms.

Tigers at Yankees: 40 percent chance of scattered thunderstorms.

Dodgers at Braves: 30 percent chance of isolated thunderstorms.

Who’s hot

Atlanta Braves are 40-16 at home.

Tampa Bay is 15-5 in its last 20 home games.

Under is 20-7-2 in Texas’ last 29 games

Who’s not

Detroit Tigers are 18-36 on the road.

Pittsburgh Pirates are 16-45 in their last 61 overall.

Seattle Mariners are 17-42 in their last 59 road games.

New York Mets are 7-19 in their last 26 road games.

Key stat

.237: The Seattle Mariners are hitting just .237 as a team this year, which has helped under bettors cash in big. The Mariners have played under the total 63 times, just one fewer than the Baltimore Orioles’ league-leading 64. The M’s and O’s kick off a three-game set Monday.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Nelson Cruz: The Texas Rangers’ outfielder left Saturday’s game with a hamstring problem and will have an MRI Monday for precautionary reason. Cruz was hitting .320 with 16 homers and 64 RBIs. The team hopes he’ll be back in the lineup Monday following the MRI.

Game of the day

New York Giants at New York Jets (-2.5, 33.5)

Notable quotes

"I'm looking forward to being a better person. Right now, the plan is I'm going to be going to [an] anger management program. And I cannot speak about the legal stuff that we're going through right now. I just want to apologize."

New York Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez told reporters after he was arrested last week for an incident involving his girlfriend's father.

Tips and notes

Rays rookie righthander Jeremy Hellickson improved to 3-0 in as many starts on Sunday but will not be a permanent part of the Tampa Bay starting rotation, manager Joe Maddon told the St. Petersburg Times on Sunday. Hellickson will be moved to the bullpen when injured starters Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann return from the 15-day disabled list later this month. Hellickson will likely start again Friday.

The Boston Red Sox are slowly but surely getting healthy. Second baseman Dustin Pedroia will return to the big-league team on Tuesday after a brief rehab stint at Triple-A Pawtucket, according to WEEI.com. Pedroia, who is recovering from a broken foot, told the web site: "We don't have time for [making sure everything's perfect]. We're in a pennant race. I've got to try to get back in there, and I'll figure it out." Pedroia was batting .292 with 12 home runs and 41 RBIs for the Red Sox this season before suffering the injury.

A two-week study by ESPN's "Outside the Lines" showed that one in every five close calls were missed by Major League Baseball umpires. The study reviewed every umpire's call in all 184 games from June 29-July 11, excepting balls and strikes, and found that an average of 1.3 calls per game were close enough to require replay review. Of those calls, replay showed 65.7 percent were made correctly, 13.9 percent remained too close to call and 20.4 percent of those calls were shown to be incorrect. Bettors probably know this stat all too well.