Saturday's MLB Best Bets !

........ Just when i thought i had this turned around..... looking for a better day....

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record
08/27/10 11-17-1 39.29% -4525 Detail
08/26/10 12-5-1 70.59% +4315 Detail
08/25/10 9-13-0 40.91% -740 Detail
08/24/10 13-14-1 48.15% +215 Detail
08/23/10 8-11-1 42.11% -2380 Detail
08/22/10 11-16-1 40.74% -2710 Detail
08/21/10 15-16-0 48.39% -845 Detail
08/20/10 13-13-0 50.00% +120 Detail
08/19/10 14-10-1 58.33% +1820 Detail
08/18/10 17-12-0 58.62% +2835 Detail
08/17/10 12-18-0 40.00% -2950 Detail
08/16/10 5-10-1 33.33% -3305 Detail
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 328-356-17 47.95% -18705

Saturday, August 28Game Score Status Pick Amount

Detroit - 1:07 PM ET Toronto -150 500 *****
Toronto - Under 9 500

Minnesota - 4:10 PM ET Minnesota -107 500
Seattle - Over 8 500

Philadelphia - 4:10 PM ET Philadelphia +119 500 *****
San Diego - Under 7.5 500 *****

NY Yankees - 7:05 PM ET Chi. White Sox +129 500 *****
Chi. White Sox - Over 8 500

Kansas City - 7:05 PM ET Cleveland +115 500 *****
Cleveland - Over 7.5 500

St. Louis - 7:05 PM ET Washington +102 500
Washington - Under 9 500 *****

Boston - 7:10 PM ET Boston +136 500 *****
Tampa Bay - Over 7.5 500

Florida - 7:10 PM ET Florida +175 500 *****
Atlanta - Over 7.5 500

Chi. Cubs - 7:10 PM ET Cincinnati -192 500
Cincinnati - Over 8.5 500

Houston - 7:10 PM ET NY Mets -172 500
NY Mets - Over 6.5 500

Pittsburgh - 7:10 PM ET Pittsburgh +157 500
Milwaukee - Over 9 500

Oakland - 8:05 PM ET Oakland +136 500 *****
Texas - Under 9 500

LA Dodgers - 8:10 PM ET LA Dodgers +113 500 *****
Colorado - Under 8.5 500

Baltimore - 9:05 PM ET Baltimore +161 500 *****
LA Angels - Over 9 500

Arizona - 9:05 PM ET San Francisco -147 500
San Francisco - Over 7.5 500 *****

MLB


Saturday, August 28

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Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets
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Florida Marlins at Atlanta Braves (-180, 7.5)

The Braves are coming off a woeful series in which they were swept in three games at Colorado. But don’t be fooled into thinking that the NL East-leading Braves are suddenly playing bad baseball. They simply aren’t that good on the road; 29-37 to be exact.

For this series, though, Atlanta is back at home where it is by far the best team in baseball. The Braves are a daunting 44-17; no other team in the majors has fewer than 20 losses at home (ironically, that’s Colorado).

Atlanta is batting .269 as a team at Turner field compared to .250 on the road. The Braves score 4.87 runs at home while getting 4.51 across the plate as visitors. Their home ERA: 2.97. Their road ERA? Well, that balloons to 4.06.

The Marlins have won two in a row and seven of their last 10 heading into this series. Hanley Ramirez had 10 hits in a three-game series at the Mets earlier this week (the most of his career in such a span), but he will be hard-pressed to duplicate that feat with Tim Hudson going for Atlanta on Saturday.

Pick: Braves


Boston Red Sox at Tampa Bay Rays (-125, 7.5)

The Red Sox are 5.5 games out in the AL East with Tampa Bay and New York tied atop the division, so this might as well be a must-win series for Boston.

Easier said than done, of course, for the Sox. Kevin Youkilis is out for the year, Mike Cameron is having surgery on Friday, Dustin Pedroia is about to have season-ending surgery, and Jacoby Ellsbury might be out for the season as well.

The Rays, on the other hand, are flying high and invoking memories of 2008 when they made it to the World Series.

“It's exciting,” Matt Joyce said of the current pennant race. “Every day means something. You know you're playing for something. This is the way the game is supposed to be played. This makes it fun and enjoyable.”

One piece of good news for the Sox is that Clay Buchholz is taking the mound on Saturday, but the Rays are countering with Matt Garza, of no-hit fame.

Pick: Rays



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Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
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Streaking

Clay Buchholz (15-5, 2.26 ERA) Boston Red Sox

We'd love to tell you Buchholz's ERA over his last three games, but the truth is he doesn't have one. That's right, it's 0.00 over his last 21 innings of work.

Buchholz has four straight wins and hasn't allowed an earned run since Aug. 6, thrusting himself prominently into the AL Cy Young Award conversation.

Perhaps most impressively, the Red Sox are 9-1 in his last 10 starts.

John Garland (13-8, 3.25 ERA) San Diego Padres

Garland has been hotter than Hades in the month of August, going 4-1 with an 0.98 ERA. Two of his last three outings were shutouts over six and seven innings.

The 6-foot-6 right-hander has been especially strong this season at home (7-2 with a 2.49 ERA), where he will face the Phillies today.

One word of caution: Garland is 0-4 lifetime with a 7.94 ERA against Philadelphia.

CC Sabathia (17-5, 3.02 ERA) New York Yankees

CC has won his last four starts, including a 10-0 shutout victory over the Seattle Mariners in six shutout innings, and he only left early because of a rain delay.

His previous starts have lasted 7, 8 and 8 2/3 frames - all for more than 100 pitches - so his durability seems to be a non-issue.

Sabathia has a 24/6 strikeout-to-walk ration during that span and he's 15-4 lifetime against the Chicago White Sox.


Slumping

Livan Hernandez (8-9, 3.36) Washington Nationals

Hernandez is showing all the signs of a tired pitcher. He is 0-2 and the Nationals are 0-4 in his last four starts, none of which have lasted more than seven innings.

The right-hander has thrown more walks (13) than strikeouts (11) during that span and has been working from behind in the count on numerous occasions.

In Monday's game against the light-hitting Cubs, Livan needed 121 pitches to get through 4 1/3 innings. The Cubs knocked him around for 10 hits and seven runs.

Barry Zito (8-9, 3.78) San Francisco Giants

Zito hasn't picked up a since July 16 and hasn't lasted seven innings since Aug. 6. Still, his recent outings qualify him as a slumper even by last month's standards.

The left-hander has worked just 16 innings over his last four appearances, allowing 28 hits and 14 runs during that stretch. In fairness, one was a relief appearance in which he let the Reds score the winning run.



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This Day in Baseball
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On August 28 in Baseball History...

1884 - Mickey Welch of the New York Gothams sets the all-time major league record by fanning the first nine Philadelphia batters he faces. Welch wins 39 games this year and in just 13 seasons will win 307.

1921 - Babe Ruth starts a record streak in which he gets at least one extra-base hit in nine straight games.

1926 - Dutch Levsen of the Cleveland Indians pitched two complete-game victories over the Boston Red Sox, 6-1 and 5-1. He did not strike out a batter in either game. The Indians used the identical lineup in both games.

1932 - The Red Sox eclipse the Indians in the second game of a doubleheader 4-3 in 11 innings. The game was previously scheduled for August 31, but a solar eclipse was due and blackened the ballpark for twenty minutes, so the game is played today instead.

1938 - On Connie Mack Day at Shibe Park, the A's win a doubleheader from the White Sox, setting a league record by playing their seventh successive twinbill in eight days.

1950 - Earle and Roy Mack, Connie's sons by his first marriage, purchase 54 percent interest in the Athletics from Connie Mack, Jr., their younger brother from a second marriage. Earle, Roy and Connie Mack now own the club outright.

1951 - The Braves sell pitcher Johnny Sain to the Yankees for $50,000 and a young pitcher named Lew Burdette. It is another late-season insurance measure for the New Yorkers.

1951 - The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the New York Giants 2-0, snapping the Giants' 16-game winning streak. The streak enabled the Giants to cut the Dodgers 13 1/2-game lead to six.

1958 - White Sox second baseman Nellie Fox sets a record for consecutive games without striking out (98).

1967 - Boston signs free-agent outfielder Ken Harrelson. Harrelson reportedly receives a $75,000 bonus and salary package for 1967 and 1968. Harrelson will homer in his first Boston at bat but will hit just .200 for the Red Sox in 1967. The next year, however, he will become an All-Star and lead the American League with 109 RBI.

1971 - Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Rick Wise hit two home runs to help himself to a 7-3 victory over the San Francisco Giants.

1977 - Steve Garvey hit three doubles and two home runs in five at-bats, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to an 11-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. One of Garvey's homers was a grand slam.

1977 - In a 6-1 loss to the Baltimore Orioles, Nolan Ryan of the California Angles struck out 11 batters to pass the 300-strikeout plateau for the fifth time in his career.

1983 - Greg Luzinski becomes the first player to park three home runs onto the roof at Comiskey Park, connecting off Boston's Oil Can Boyd in a 6-2 Chicago victory. Jimmie Foxx and Ted Williams each accomplished the feat twice.

1987 - Mike Schmidt continues to climb baseball's all-time home run list, passing both Ted Williams and Willie McCovey with the 522nd of his career in an 8-1 win over San Diego.

1989 - Frank Viola and the Mets outduel Orel Hershiser and the Dodgers 1-0 in the first-ever regular-season matchup of defending Cy Young Award winners.

1990 - Ryne Sandberg homers in the Cubs' 5-2 win over the Astros to become the first second baseman ever to post back-to-back 30-home run seasons. He will finish the year with 40 home runs to become the first second baseman since Rogers Hornsby in 1925 to lead the league in that category.

1992 - The Milwaukee Brewers set an American League record with 31 hits and 26 singles in a 22-2 rout of the Toronto Blue Jays.

1996 - The Cleveland Indians finished the season 12-0 against Detroit Tigers to become the seventh team to sweep a season series since 1900.

MLB
Write-Up


Saturday, August 28

Hot pitchers
-- THudson is 6-1, 1.43 in his last nine starts. Nolasco is 5-1, 2.95 in his last six starts, but is now pitching with torn meniscus in his knee.
-- Garland is 3-1, 1.42 in his last four starts. Blanton is 1-0, 3.12 in his last four starts.
-- Arroyo is 4-1, 2.70 in his last five starts.
-- JSantana is 2-2, 1.67 in his last four starts. Myers is 1-0, 2.14 in his last three starts.
-- Billingsley has 1.75 RA in his last seven starts. Chacin is 3-2, 3.73 in his last five starts.
-- DHudson is 3-1, 1.72 in five starts for Arizona.

-- Greinke is 1-0, 1.64 in his last three starts.
-- Sabathia is 4-0, 2.12 in his last four starts. Danks is 1-0, 2.89 in his last four starts.
-- Buchholz is 5-0, 1.45 in his last six starts. Garza is 2-2, 1.91 in his last four starts.
-- Braden is 2-1, 2.45 in his last three starts. Harden is 2-1, 2.25 in his last three starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Lohse is 2-4, 8.77 in his last six starts. LHernandez is 0-2, 6.11 in his last three starts.
-- Wells is 0-5, 7.27 in his last six starts.
-- Duke is 1-3, 5.46 in his last five starts. Capuano is 1-1, 4.15 in two starts this season.
-- Zito is 0-4, 4.43 in his last seven starts.

-- Figaro is 2-3, 6.23 is 21 big league IP; he started three games LY. He is 10-6, 4.14 in 23 AAA starts this season.
-- Blackburn is 0-3, 8.87 in his last four starts. Fister is 1-3, 7.00 in his last five starts.
-- Gomez is 0-2, 10.00 in his last couple starts.
-- Millwood is 0-6, 6.18 in his last nine starts. Kazmir is 0-2, 5.51 in his last three starts.

Totals
-- Over is 10-4 in last fourteen Washington home games.
-- Over is 10-4-1 in Cubs' last fifteen road games.
-- Under is 12-3 in last fifteen Houston games.
-- Five of last seven Florida games went over the total.
-- Over is 11-4-1 in last sixteen games at Miller Park.
-- Over is 9-3-1 in last thirteen games at Coors Field.
-- Phillies' last six games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 14-5-1 in last twenty Arizona road games.

-- Over is 7-2-1 in last ten Toronto games.
-- Six of last nine Cleveland home games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Boston road games went over the total.
-- 10 of last 11 Oakland road games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Bronx games went over the total.
-- Seven of last nine Baltimore road games stayed under total.
-- Five of last seven Minnesota road games stayed under the total.

Hot Teams
-- Astros won five of their last six games.
-- Reds won 10 of their last 13 games. Cubs won four of six.
-- Dodgers won five of their last six games. Colorado won six of its last eight home games.
-- Braves are 10-3 in last thirteen home games. Marlins won seven of their last ten games.
-- Padres are 14-5 in their last nineteen home games.
-- Giants are 11-6 in their last seventeen home games.

-- Toronto is 14-8 in its last 22 home games. Tigers won six of their last eight games.
-- Boston won five of its last six games; Rays won four of last six.
-- White Sox won three of their last four games.
-- Rangers are 12-5 in their last seventeen home games.
-- Minnesota is 15-8 in its last 23 road games.

Cold Teams
-- Phillies lost five of their last seven games.
-- Since All-Star break, Mets are 2-13 in game following a win.
-- Brewers lost four of their last five games. Pirates have now lost 11 in a row on the road.
-- Nationals are 5-14 in their last nineteen games. Cardinals lost eight of their last twelve games.
-- Arizona is 5-9 in its last fourten games.

-- Indians lost ten of their last thirteen games. Royals lost seven of their last eight road games.
-- Bronx is 5-8 in its last thirteen road games.
-- Angels lost eight of their last eleven games. Orioles are 5-8 in their last thirteen contests.
-- Oakland lost eight of its last eleven road games.
-- Mariners lost five of their last six games.

Umpires
-- Fla-Atl-- Five of last six Everitt games stayed under the total.
-- Phil-SD-- Over is 6-2-1 in last nine Diaz games.
-- StL-Wsh-- Home side won 10 of last 12 Bellino games.
-- Chi-Cin-- Under is 12-1-1 in last fourteen Gibson games.
-- Hst-NY-- Home team won 14 of last 16 Demuth games.
-- Pitt-Mil-- Five of last six Fairchild games went over the total.
-- LA-Col-- Favorites won last six Foster games behind plate.
-- Az-SF-- Over is 7-3 in last ten Meals games.

-- Det-Tor-- Under is 6-1-1 in last eight Cuzzi games.
-- Min-Sea-- Five of last six Kulpa games stayed under the total.
-- KC-Clev-- Last three Joyce games stayed under the total.
-- NY-Chi-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six Timmons games.
-- Bos-TB-- Road team won last six Dreckman games.
-- A's-Tex-- Four of last five TWelke games stayed under the total.
-- Blt-LA-- Under is 7-3 in last ten Nauert games.

MLB


Saturday, August 28

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Trend Report
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1:07 PM
DETROIT vs. TORONTO
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Detroit is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

4:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. SAN DIEGO
Philadelphia is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Diego
San Diego is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing Philadelphia
San Diego is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

4:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. SEATTLE
Minnesota is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games on the road
Minnesota is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Seattle is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Seattle is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Minnesota

7:05 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. CLEVELAND
Kansas City is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Kansas City is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Kansas City
Cleveland is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games at home

7:05 PM
NY YANKEES vs. CHI WHITE SOX
NY Yankees are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing Chi White Sox
NY Yankees are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 18-6 SU in their last 24 games at home
Chi White Sox are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games

7:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. WASHINGTON
St. Louis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
St. Louis is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
Washington is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing St. Louis
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:10 PM
BOSTON vs. TAMPA BAY
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Boston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
Tampa Bay is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games

7:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. MILWAUKEE
Pittsburgh is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
Milwaukee is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Pittsburgh

7:10 PM
HOUSTON vs. NY METS
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Houston is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
NY Mets are 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
NY Mets are 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Houston

7:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. CINCINNATI
Chi Cubs are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Chi Cubs are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games on the road
Cincinnati is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
Cincinnati is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs

7:10 PM
FLORIDA vs. ATLANTA
Florida is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Florida is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
Atlanta is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Florida
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Florida

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

8:10 PM
LA DODGERS vs. COLORADO
LA Dodgers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games
LA Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
Colorado is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
Colorado is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

9:05 PM
ARIZONA vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Arizona is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing San Francisco
Arizona is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
San Francisco is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Arizona
San Francisco is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Arizona

9:05 PM
BALTIMORE vs. LA ANGELS
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Angels
Baltimore is 5-13 SU in their last 18 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
LA Angels are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Baltimore
LA Angels are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games at home

MLB
Dunkel


Minnesota at Seattle
The Mariners look to take advantage of Minnesota's 3-13 record in Nick Blackburn's last 16 starts against the AL West. Seattle is the pick (-110) according to Dunkel, which has the Mariners favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-110). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28

Game 901-902: Florida at Atlanta (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Nolasco) 15.068; Atlanta (Hudson) 15.127
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-180); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-180); Under

Game 903-904: Philadelphia at San Diego (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Blanton) 15.811; San Diego (Garland) 14.736
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 8
Vegas Line: San Diego (-135); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+115); Over

Game 905-906: St. Louis at Washington (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Lohse) 13.494; Washington (Hernandez) 14.655
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Washington (-110); 9
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-110); Under

Game 907-908: Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Wells) 15.637; Cincinnati (Arroyo) 14.765
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-185); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+165); Over

Game 909-910: Houston at NY Mets (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Myers) 15.187; NY Mets (Santana) 14.622
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-170); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+150); Under

Game 911-912: Pittsburgh at Milwaukee (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Duke) 13.536; Milwaukee (Capuano) 14.991
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-165); 9
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-165); Over

Game 913-914: LA Dodgers at Colorado (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Billingsley) 15.662; Colorado (Chacin) 15.728
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Colorado (-135); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-135); Under

Game 915-916: Arizona at San Francisco (9:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Hudson) 15.305; San Francisco (Zito) 14.271
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 8
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-155); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+135); Over

Game 917-918: Detroit at Toronto (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Figaro) 15.871; Toronto (Morrow) 15.187
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 919-920: Minnesota at Seattle (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Blackburn) 15.051; Seattle (Fister) 16.167
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Seattle (-110); 8
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-110); Over

Game 921-922: Kansas City at Cleveland (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Greinke) 13.633; Cleveland (Gomez) 14.334
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-130); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+110); Under

Game 923-924: NY Yankees at Chicago White Sox (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Sabathia) 16.325; White Sox (Danks) 15.029
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-135); 8
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-135); Over

Game 925-926: Boston at Tampa Bay (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Buchholz) 15.853; Tampa Bay (Garza) 16.800
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-125); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-125); Under

Game 927-928: Oakland at Texas (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Braden) 16.391; Texas (Harden) 15.096
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-145); 9
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+125); Over

Game 929-930: Baltimore at LA Angels (9:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Millwood) 15.853; LA Angels (Kazmir) 14.966
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 10
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-175); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+155); Over

MLB
Long Sheet


Saturday, August 28

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FLORIDA (65 - 62) at ATLANTA (73 - 55) - 7:10 PM
RICKY NOLASCO (R) vs. TIM HUDSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 38-52 (-13.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 45-19 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ATLANTA is 45-19 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 52-33 (+12.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 16-3 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
ATLANTA is 23-9 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HUDSON is 121-52 (+36.1 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 42-15 (+21.9 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 204-118 (+42.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 54-21 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
FLORIDA is 152-139 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 34-32 (+6.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
FLORIDA is 69-53 (+16.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 74-66 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 28-21 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
FLORIDA is 83-69 (+13.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 58-61 (+19.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 21-16 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NOLASCO is 54-34 (+22.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 11-3 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 9-2 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 11-2 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 9-2 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 11-2 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 10-14 (-16.1 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -175 to -200 over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 10-18 (-16.6 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 5-5 (+1.5 Units) against ATLANTA this season
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.9 Units)

RICKY NOLASCO vs. ATLANTA since 1997
NOLASCO is 4-5 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.540.
His team's record is 5-8 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-8. (-4.0 units)

TIM HUDSON vs. FLORIDA since 1997
HUDSON is 8-3 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 3.02 and a WHIP of 1.256.
His team's record is 12-5 (+4.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-10. (-5.4 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (71 - 57) at SAN DIEGO (76 - 51) - 8:35 PM
JOE BLANTON (R) vs. JON GARLAND (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 76-52 (+27.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 80-63 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 74-51 (+25.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN DIEGO is 49-38 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 51-39 (+13.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN DIEGO is 33-19 (+16.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SAN DIEGO is 32-26 (+12.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
GARLAND is 18-9 (+11.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 36-24 (+16.6 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 46-34 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 47-29 (+12.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BLANTON is 56-43 (+15.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
BLANTON is 20-7 (+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. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 2-3 (-0.3 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.8 Units)

JOE BLANTON vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
BLANTON is 1-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 1.625.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.4 units)

JON GARLAND vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
GARLAND is 0-4 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 7.94 and a WHIP of 1.694.
His team's record is 0-5 (-5.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-1. (+2.8 units)

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ST LOUIS (69 - 57) at WASHINGTON (54 - 75) - 7:05 PM
KYLE LOHSE (R) vs. LIVAN HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 66-56 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 18-24 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
ST LOUIS is 34-33 (-13.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ST LOUIS is 39-33 (-14.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ST LOUIS is 68-57 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 28-34 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LOHSE is 12-21 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LOHSE is 12-21 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LOHSE is 3-14 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 39-35 (+11.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
WASHINGTON is 23-51 (-22.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 75-127 (-33.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 73-149 (-44.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 114-178 (-33.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 17-35 (-15.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 3-1 (+1.3 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

KYLE LOHSE vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
LOHSE is 3-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 4.82 and a WHIP of 1.259.
His team's record is 6-1 (+4.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-3. (+0.6 units)

LIVAN HERNANDEZ vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 5-7 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.462.
His team's record is 7-12 (-4.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-9. (-2.0 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (54 - 75) at CINCINNATI (74 - 54) - 7:10 PM
RANDY WELLS (R) vs. BRONSON ARROYO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 55-75 (-29.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 19-25 (-11.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 20-34 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 23-37 (-24.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 55-75 (-29.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 26-38 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 35-50 (-18.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 52-72 (-19.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 23-42 (-14.8 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.
WELLS is 9-17 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
WELLS is 9-17 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 75-54 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 17-7 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
CINCINNATI is 35-21 (+14.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CINCINNATI is 75-54 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CINCINNATI is 50-35 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CINCINNATI is 50-36 (+13.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CINCINNATI is 44-30 (+11.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CINCINNATI is 46-21 (+22.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CINCINNATI is 17-5 (+11.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
ARROYO is 17-9 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
ARROYO is 16-8 (+9.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARROYO is 17-9 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
ARROYO is 24-15 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARROYO is 20-8 (+12.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 71-68 (-37.3 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 11-3 (+8.5 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.7 Units)

RANDY WELLS vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
WELLS is 3-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.05 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 4-2 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.1 units)

BRONSON ARROYO vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
ARROYO is 9-6 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.81 and a WHIP of 1.126.
His team's record is 11-8 (+5.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-10. (-1.7 units)

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HOUSTON (58 - 70) at NY METS (64 - 64) - 7:10 PM
BRETT MYERS (R) vs. JOHAN SANTANA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 4-18 (-12.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
HOUSTON is 14-32 (-19.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 38-24 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
NY METS are 11-2 (+8.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less this season.
NY METS are 38-24 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 27-17 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
SANTANA is 56-18 (+28.5 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 58-70 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 47-36 (+25.1 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 58-70 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 21-14 (+12.9 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
MYERS is 15-11 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
MYERS is 8-2 (+10.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 since 1997. (Team's Record)
MYERS is 15-11 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
MYERS is 12-7 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 55-81 (-30.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 3-2 (+0.5 Units) against HOUSTON this season
5 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+5.0 Units)

BRETT MYERS vs. NY METS since 1997
MYERS is 8-6 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 4.95 and a WHIP of 1.358.
His team's record is 11-10 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 13-7. (+5.1 units)

JOHAN SANTANA vs. HOUSTON since 1997
SANTANA is 1-2 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.21 and a WHIP of 1.393.
His team's record is 1-3 (-3.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.5 units)

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PITTSBURGH (43 - 85) at MILWAUKEE (60 - 68) - 7:10 PM
ZACH DUKE (L) vs. CHRIS CAPUANO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 43-84 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 28-56 (-20.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 8-30 (-19.1 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 13-49 (-24.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 12-40 (-21.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 1-17 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in road games in August games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 7-29 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Saturday over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 48-89 (-25.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 43-84 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 31-61 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 16-46 (-19.6 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 25-59 (-21.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
PITTSBURGH is 7-25 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
PITTSBURGH is 0-10 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
DUKE is 1-12 (-10.6 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DUKE is 20-55 (-24.3 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
DUKE is 9-27 (-15.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DUKE is 20-54 (-23.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
MILWAUKEE is 29-18 (+13.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 60-69 (-9.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 25-36 (-13.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
MILWAUKEE is 31-35 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 33-40 (-16.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 60-69 (-9.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 65-72 (-18.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CAPUANO is 13-29 (-21.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 11-5 (+3.5 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
9 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.8 Units)

ZACH DUKE vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
DUKE is 4-7 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 6.10 and a WHIP of 1.690.
His team's record is 4-12 (-7.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-9. (-4.1 units)

CHRIS CAPUANO vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
CAPUANO is 3-6 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 6.06 and a WHIP of 1.607.
His team's record is 5-7 (-3.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-4. (+3.0 units)

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LA DODGERS (67 - 62) at COLORADO (66 - 61) - 8:10 PM
CHAD BILLINGSLEY (R) vs. JHOULYS CHACIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 57-53 (-19.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 13-1 (+12.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
COLORADO is 25-10 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LA DODGERS are 31-16 (+14.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
LA DODGERS are 123-89 (+19.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 67-62 (-7.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 88-103 (-29.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 67-62 (-7.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 40-45 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 7-3 (+4.5 Units) against COLORADO this season
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.6 Units)

CHAD BILLINGSLEY vs. COLORADO since 1997
BILLINGSLEY is 2-3 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.97 and a WHIP of 1.456.
His team's record is 3-5 (-4.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-3. (+0.7 units)

JHOULYS CHACIN vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
CHACIN is 1-2 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.59 and a WHIP of 1.529.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

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ARIZONA (51 - 78) at SAN FRANCISCO (71 - 58) - 9:05 PM
DANIEL HUDSON (R) vs. BARRY ZITO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 51-79 (-23.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 89-136 (-38.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 16-33 (-15.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
ARIZONA is 49-78 (-26.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 30-53 (-25.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 18-33 (-15.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ARIZONA is 85-132 (-41.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 159-133 (+17.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 91-54 (+22.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 158-131 (+19.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 49-35 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 117-96 (+16.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 16-5 (+12.5 Units) against the money line after getting shut out over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 76-56 (+18.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 74-47 (+17.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ZITO is 33-26 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZITO is 82-51 (+29.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
ZITO is 33-25 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZITO is 16-6 (+13.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZITO is 17-25 (-16.3 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 7-3 (+2.7 Units) against ARIZONA this season
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.9 Units)

DANIEL HUDSON vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

BARRY ZITO vs. ARIZONA since 1997
ZITO is 3-6 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 4.70 and a WHIP of 1.638.
His team's record is 6-6 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-5. (+0.3 units)

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DETROIT (64 - 65) at TORONTO (67 - 61) - 1:07 PM
ALFREDO FIGARO (R) vs. BRANDON MORROW (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 225-231 (-35.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 13-34 (-16.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 22-40 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
DETROIT is 28-49 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 45-50 (-8.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TORONTO is 19-9 (+10.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
TORONTO is 56-45 (+14.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TORONTO is 67-62 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 34-21 (+17.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
MORROW is 10-2 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season. (Team's Record)
MORROW is 10-1 (+9.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MORROW is 10-3 (+7.6 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 3-3 (+0.2 Units) against TORONTO this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.7 Units)

ALFREDO FIGARO vs. TORONTO since 1997
No recent starts.

BRANDON MORROW vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.

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MINNESOTA (74 - 55) at SEATTLE (50 - 78) - 4:10 PM
NICK BLACKBURN (R) vs. DOUG FISTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BLACKBURN is 14-33 (-19.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BLACKBURN is 2-12 (-10.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BLACKBURN is 13-31 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
BLACKBURN is 1-10 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 97-96 (+5.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 74-55 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 70-50 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 106-81 (+11.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 51-77 (-25.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 50-75 (-25.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 25-53 (-27.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
FISTER is 2-12 (-11.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 5-3 (+1.9 Units) against SEATTLE this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

NICK BLACKBURN vs. SEATTLE since 1997
BLACKBURN is 1-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 4.08 and a WHIP of 1.535.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.5 units)

DOUG FISTER vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
FISTER is 0-2 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.97 and a WHIP of 1.105.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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KANSAS CITY (54 - 74) at CLEVELAND (52 - 76) - 7:05 PM
ZACK GREINKE (R) vs. JEANMAR GOMEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 119-171 (-29.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 13-34 (-17.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 110-154 (-27.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 78-118 (-26.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 48-68 (-17.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
GREINKE is 10-16 (-9.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 25-52 (-25.1 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 5-17 (-12.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday since 1997. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 9-15 (-9.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 5-11 (-8.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 36-61 (-27.0 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 118-174 (-37.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 63-82 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 108-157 (-34.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 77-113 (-25.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 84-128 (-36.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 5-4 (+1.3 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
7 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.9 Units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
GREINKE is 7-7 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.15 and a WHIP of 1.308.
His team's record is 10-10 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 14-5. (+8.3 units)

JEANMAR GOMEZ vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
GOMEZ is 0-1 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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NY YANKEES (78 - 50) at CHI WHITE SOX (70 - 58) - 7:05 PM
C.C. SABATHIA (L) vs. JOHN DANKS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 70-59 (+6.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 26-9 (+18.5 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 31-17 (+13.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 226-184 (+23.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 34-26 (+11.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SABATHIA is 42-15 (+25.0 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 2-2 (+0.7 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.0 Units)

C.C. SABATHIA vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
SABATHIA is 15-4 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.72 and a WHIP of 1.246.
His team's record is 19-9 (+9.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-16. (-6.6 units)

JOHN DANKS vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
DANKS is 2-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 5.49 and a WHIP of 1.735.
His team's record is 3-1 (+3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

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BOSTON (74 - 55) at TAMPA BAY (78 - 50) - 7:10 PM
CLAY BUCHHOLZ (R) vs. MATT GARZA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 153-81 (+32.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 51-26 (+20.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 116-83 (+28.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 154-84 (+29.6 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 152-81 (+31.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on artificial turf over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 104-52 (+25.1 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 143-153 (+22.6 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.
BOSTON is 60-37 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BUCHHOLZ is 17-5 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
BUCHHOLZ is 15-4 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUCHHOLZ is 14-4 (+9.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUCHHOLZ is 14-3 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
BUCHHOLZ is 16-4 (+10.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUCHHOLZ is 11-2 (+9.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 69-71 (-15.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 8-5 (+2.6 Units) against BOSTON this season
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.5 Units)

CLAY BUCHHOLZ vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
BUCHHOLZ is 3-2 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 1.93 and a WHIP of 1.152.
His team's record is 4-2 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.1 units)

MATT GARZA vs. BOSTON since 1997
GARZA is 9-3 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 3.40 and a WHIP of 1.177.
His team's record is 14-4 (+11.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-9. (-1.5 units)

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OAKLAND (63 - 64) at TEXAS (73 - 55) - 8:05 PM
DALLAS BRADEN (L) vs. RICH HARDEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 34-51 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 160-130 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 32-12 (+14.8 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 157-118 (+20.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 122-91 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 43-21 (+10.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
OAKLAND is 44-43 (+13.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 33-33 (+13.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 232-162 (+65.0 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
OAKLAND is 62-59 (+3.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 103-102 (+13.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 18-28 (-16.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 7-11 (-15.4 Units) against the money line in home games 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
TEXAS is 7-6 (-0.6 Units) against OAKLAND this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.6 Units)

DALLAS BRADEN vs. TEXAS since 1997
BRADEN is 1-4 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 4.62 and a WHIP of 1.615.
His team's record is 3-4 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-1. (+5.0 units)

RICH HARDEN vs. OAKLAND since 1997
HARDEN is 1-1 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 2.89 and a WHIP of 0.965.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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BALTIMORE (46 - 83) at LA ANGELS (63 - 66) - 9:05 PM
KEVIN MILLWOOD (R) vs. SCOTT KAZMIR (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 111-181 (-38.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 11-38 (-20.7 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 44-101 (-29.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 276-385 (-109.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 11-30 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MILLWOOD is 27-36 (-20.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday since 1997. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 15-5 (+11.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.
LA ANGELS are 115-83 (+25.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 75-46 (+17.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
KAZMIR is 17-2 (+13.7 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997. (Team's Record)
KAZMIR is 14-3 (+12.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 15-11 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
LA ANGELS are 63-67 (-8.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 24-31 (-12.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
LA ANGELS are 106-103 (-59.5 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 60-67 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 41-50 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 4-0 (+5.3 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

KEVIN MILLWOOD vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
MILLWOOD is 5-5 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.29 and a WHIP of 1.351.
His team's record is 7-9 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-8. (-0.7 units)

SCOTT KAZMIR vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
KAZMIR is 5-4 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 4.69 and a WHIP of 1.564.
His team's record is 6-8 (-3.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-9. (-5.4 units)

MLB
Short Sheet


Saturday, 8/28/2010

FLORIDA at ATLANTA, 7:10 PM ET (TC)
NOLASCO: Fla 26-6 Over off BB wins
HUDSON: Atl 11-1 at home revenging loss as home favorite

PHILADELPHIA at SAN DIEGO, 4:10 PM ET FOX
BLANTON: PHI 6-1 at San Diego
GARLAND: SD 28-6 as a favorite of -125 to -175

ST LOUIS at WASHINGTON, 7:05 PM ET
LOHSE: 3-14 TSR Away off team win
HERNANDEZ: 21-4 Under in all starts

CHICAGO CUBS at CINCINNATI, 7:10 PM ET
WELLS: 9-17 TSR in all starts
ARROYO: 13-3 Under as favorite

HOUSTON at NY METS, 7:10 PM ET
MYERS: 8-2 TSR as a road underdog of +150 to +175
SANTANA: NYM 13-28 off one run win

PITTSBURGH at MILWAUKEE, 7:10 PM ET
DUKE: Pit 4-30 as a road underdog of +125 to +175
CAPUANO: MIL 26-9 Over off 6+ home games

LA DODGERS at COLORADO, 8:10 PM ET
BILLINGSLEY: LAD 15-7 at Colorado
CHACIN: COL 13-1 at home when the total is 8 to 8.5

ARIZONA at SAN FRANCISCO, 9:05 PM ET
HUDSON: ARI 76-47 Over on grass
ZITO: SF 16-5 off shutout loss

American League

DETROIT at TORONTO, 1:07 PM ET
BONDERMAN: DET 28-49 in road day games
MORROW: 9-0 TSR as home favorite

MINNESOTA at SEATTLE, 4:10 PM ET FOX
BLACKBURN: MIN 47-14 when the money line is -100 to -150
FISTER: SEA 25-53 off a loss

KANSAS CITY at CLEVELAND, 7:05 PM ET
GREINKE: 36-61 TSR off team loss
GOMEZ: CLE 13-3 Under after scoring 8+ runs

NY YANKEES at CHI WHITE SOX, 7:05 PM ET WGN
SABATHIA: NYY 7-1 Under at Chicago
DANKS: CWS 23-13 as home underdog

BOSTON at TAMPA BAY, 7:10 PM ET MLB
BUCHHOLZ: 6-0 TSR as a road underdog of +100 to +150
GARZA: 32-35 TSR as favorite

OAKLAND at TEXAS, 8:05 PM ET
BRADEN: 12-1 Under vs. division opponents
HARDEN: TEX 32-12 as a home favorite of -125 to -150

BALTIMORE at LA ANGELS, 9:05 PM ET
MILLWOOD: BAL 44-101 in road games
KAZMIR: 14-3 TSR on Saturday

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

Daily Sports Roundup: August 28

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Yankees play on the road against the White Sox, the Astros take on the Mets, and the Giants continue their preseason in Baltimore.

Colliding on the gridiron . . .

A busy NFL preseason schedule for Saturday offers up Cleveland at Detroit (-2.5), Cincinnati (-3) at Buffalo, Jacksonville (-2.5) at Tampa Bay, Dallas at Houston (-3), Tennessee at Carolina (-3), Seattle at Minnesota (-5.5), Arizona at Chicago (-3.5), San Francisco at Oakland (-1), and the Giants at Baltimore (-4). The Ravens are undefeated so far during the preseason, beating Carolina 17-12 at home in Week 1 and bouncing Washington 23-3 on the road last week. The Giants beat the Jets 31-16 in their exhibition opener, then lost 24-17 to Pittsburgh last week. Giants quarterback Eli Manning will return from his facial injuries to start the game for his team Saturday night.

There's also one Canadian Football League game on tap for Saturday, with Saskatchewan at Edmonton. The Roughriders (5-2 SU, 5-2 ATS) blasted the Lions 37-13 last time out, while the Eskimos (1-6 SU, 2-5 ATS) are riding a two-game losing streak. Oddsmakers have Saskatchewan pegged as a 7-point road favorite for Saturday.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

The American League schedule for Saturday has Detroit at Toronto, Minnesota at Seattle, Kansas City at Cleveland, Boston at Tampa Bay, Oakland at Texas, Baltimore at the Angels, and the Yankees at the White Sox. CC Sabathia (17-5, 3.02 ERA) is set to take on John Danks (12-8, 3.31 ERA) in that last matchup. Lefthander Sabathia has picked up the win in each of his past four starts, blanking the Mariners on three hits over six innings of work last time out. Lefthander Danks had to settle for a no-decision against the Royals in his last trip to the mound, surrendering two runs over six innings.

Over in the National League on Saturday it's then Philadelphia at San Diego, St. Louis at Washington, the Cubs at Cincinnati, Florida at Atlanta, Pittsburgh at Milwaukee, the Dodgers at Colorado, Arizona at San Francisco, and Houston at the Mets. Brett Myers (9-7, 3.08 ERA) is slated to pitch for the Astros on Saturday, while the Mets give the ball to Johan Santana (10-8, 2.94 ERA). Righthander Myers got back into the win column last time out, holding the Phillies to two runs on nine hits over his seven innings of work. Lefthander Santana lost to the Astros on August 17, giving up four runs in eight innings.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

Finally, the WNBA playoffs continue with two games on Saturday: Seattle at Los Angeles, and Phoenix at San Antonio. The Storm rolled over the Sparks in Game 1 of their first-round series on Wednesday night, winning 79-66 at home behind 17 points and nine rebounds from Lauren Jackson. Marie Ferdinand-Harris tossed in 18 points for Los Angeles in that loss. As well, the Mercury won the opener of their best-of-three series with the Silver Stars by a score of 106-93 at home on Thursday. Candice Dupree had 32 points for Phoenix in the win, while Becky Hammon had 19 points for the Sparks.

Bettors' best friend: Saturday's wagering tips

Lines to keep an eye on

Giants at Ravens: Ravens opened as -7 favorotes but are down to -4 after the Giants announced that QB Eli Manning will start with a lacerated forehead.. The total skyrocketed from 27 to 37,5 at most books.

Jaguars at Buccaneers: Jags opened as -1.5 favorites but are now listed as high as -3 at most books.

Titans at Panthers: Panthers opened as -7 favorites but are now -3. The total leaped from 27 to 36.5.

Cowboys at Texans: Total opened at 38.5 but has climbed to as high as 40.5 at most books.

Cardinals at Bears: Bears opened as -7 faves but that number has been halved to -3.5. Total opened at 27 and has ballooned to as high as 38 at most books.

49ers at Raiders: Raiders opened as -2.5 faves but have slipped to -1.

Roughriders at Eskimos (CFL): Roughriders opened at -6 but have been bet up to -7. Total also has climbed from 56.5 to 57.5.

Mercuty at Silver Stars (WNBA): Mercury opened as -1 favorites but are now -3.5.

Weather to watch

49ers at Raiders: 20 percent chance of showers.

Jaguars at Buccaneers: 30 percent chance of thunderstorms.

Who's hot

Tigers are 7-1 in their last eight.

Astros have won five in a row.

Storm (WNBA) are 7-1 in last eight vs. Sparks

Who's not

Indians are 1-5 in their last six.

Phillies are 1-5 in their last six.

Eskimos (CFL) are 1-7 in their last eight.

Key stat

0 - Combined number of wins between pitchers Zach Duke of the Pirates and Chris Capuano of the Brewers in recent meetings entering tonight's game. Milwaukee is 0-9 in Cappy's last 10 starts at home while the Pirates are 0-10 in Duke's last nine starts in Milwaukee. Something's got to give tonight.

Injury that shouldn't be overlooked

The Cincinnati Reds placed star rookie Mike Leake on the 15-day disabled list Friday with a tired right shoulder. The team was preparing to cut back his innings, contemplating a move to the bullpen as to not overwork his arm, but opted for the DL. He is currently 8-4 with a 4.23 ERA in 22 starts and two relief appearances. Cincinnati expects Leake to return before the regular season ends.

Game of the day

Red Sox at Rays (-125, 7.5)

Notable quotable

"I think that it's asking too much of the women. They shouldn't be playing as many events as the men. ... you shouldn't push them to play more than they're capable of. ... It seems it takes an actual meltdown on the court or women quitting the game altogether before they realize there's a need to change the schedule."

Former four-time U.S. Open champion and CBS TV analyst said of the women's game during a conference call for next week's U.S. Open.

Tips and notes

The Arizona Cardinals will feature a new starting quarterback against the Bears tonight after two poor offensive showings in the preseason. Matt Leinart is upset with his demotion to second string behind Derek Anderson after he has directed the Cardinals to just three first downs and no points. Anderson is 24-of-41 for 193 yards, one TD and has directed the team to 15 first downs. Coach Ken Whisenhunt has said Leinart also will start the third quarter.

Injuries continue to alter the Red Sox's lineup and rotation. Boston second baseman Dustin Pedroia likely will have season-ending foot surgery next week and be done for the season, He is among a handful of key Red Sox players to miss significant time this season with injuries. Lefthanded reliever Hideki Okajima rejoined the team Friday in Tampa but may not be activated from the diabled list while still rehabilitating a hamstring injury. And righthander Daisuke Matsuzaka, who was scratched from Friday's start vs. Tampa Bay with lower back soreness, may not make his rescheduled turn next week.

The new NFL rule that moves the umpire to behind the center on the offensive line before the snap appears to be having an impact on up-tempo teams. Thursday night's game between the Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers was particularly telling with Peyton Manning often bumping into the official while running the Colts' hurry-up attack. He was often delayed at the line of scrimmage while waiting for the umpire to back into position and has openly complained about the rule change. We'd like to say this new rule could impact scoring this season but this game saw a total of 83 points scored. It may, however, hurt teams with no-huddle offenses.

Saturday's Tip Sheet

Phillies at Padres**

--Most betting shops have installed San Diego (76-50, +2996) as a minus-120 favorite with a total of eight ‘under’ (minus-120). Gamblers can take the Padres on the run line (minus 1 ½ runs) for a plus-160 return (risk $100 to win $160).

--Philadelphia (70-57, -707) had a golden opportunity to gain ground on the first-place Braves this week. However, while Atlanta was getting swept at Colorado, the Phillies were taking broom treatment at home against Houston in a four-game set. They went into Friday’s action trailing the Braves by three games in the National League East.

--San Diego has been the best story in baseball all year. For our purposes, the same can certainly be said. In fact, the Padres have produced way more profit than any other club. Going into Friday’s play, San Diego had brought home its backers nearly 30 units of profit, while the second-best money team (Cincinnati) had earned 12 less units.

--Jon Garland (13-8, 3.25) will get the starting nod in this spot. The veteran right-hander owns a 7-2 record and 2.49 ERA in 13 home assignments this year. He has won three consecutive starts, going 4-1 with a 2.01 ERA in five starts in August. However, Garland has struggled mightily against Philadelphia with a 0-4 record and 7.94 ERA in five lifetime starts.

--Charlie Manuel will give the ball to Joe Blanton, who is 5-6 with a 5.32 ERA in 2010. The righty has been awful in nine road starts, posting a 1-4 record and 6.55 ERA. For his career, Blanton is 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA against the Padres.

--Philadelphia’s regulars have enjoyed roaring success against Garland. For instance, Jayson Werth has a .429 batting average with a double and two homers in just seven at-bats versus the righty. Ryan Howard is 3-for-9 (.333) off Garland with a double and a homer. Most notably, Placido Palanco is hitting .390 off Garland in 41 career at-bats, while Raul Ibanez has a .333 average with five doubles, one triple and two homers in 66 lifetime ABs. Finally, Mike Sweeney has a .293 average off Garland with three doubles and five homers in 58 at-bats.

--Before Friday’s games went final, San Diego had a commanding six-game advantage over second-place San Francisco in the NL West race.

--San Diego has cashed tickets at a 38-23 clip in its home games, while the Phillies are 30-32 on the road.

--The ‘under’ is 66-59-2 overall for the Phils. Meanwhile, the Padres have watched the ‘under’ go 60-58-8 overall. However, the ‘over’ is on a 5-1 run in San Diego’s last six games.

--Fox will have the telecast at 4:10 p.m. Eastern.

**Red Sox at Rays**

--Most books are listing Tampa Bay (78-49, +830) as a minus-125 ‘chalk’ with a total of 7 ½ ‘over’ (minus-120). Bettors can back the Rays on the run line for a generous plus-170 payout (paid $170 on $100 wagers).

--Boston (73-55, +220) went into Friday’s play trailing the Rays and Yankees, who are the AL East’s co-leaders, by 5 ½ games. The Red Sox had won four in a row before dropping a 4-2 decision to Seattle on Wednesday night.

--Matt Garza (13-7, 3.62) has been extremely sharp in the month of August, compiling a 2-2 record and 1.27 ERA with opposing batters hitting just .190 against him. For the season, Garza owns a 7-2 record and 3.42 ERA in 13 home appearances (12 starts). The right-hander has a 7-3 record and 3.62 lifetime ERA against the Red Sox.

--Clay Buchholz (15-5, 2.26) has not allowed a run in 23 1/3 consecutive innings pitched. The 26-year-old righty has won five straight decisions. Buchholz is 8-2 with a 2.23 ERA in 11 road assignments this year.

--Buchholz is 3-2 with a 1.93 career ERA against Tampa Bay.

--Tampa Bay has feasted on southpaws all year, going 30-13 in 43 games against left-handed starters.

--Tampa Bay slugger Carl Crawford was a late scratch from the lineup in Friday’s series opener. His status for Saturday is “questionable” due to flu-like symptoms. Crawford is hitting .297 with 14 homers and 68 RBIs.

--The ‘over’ is 63-57-8 overall for Boston, 30-27-5 in its road games.

--The ‘under’ is 62-60-5 overall for the Rays, 34-27-2 in their home games at The Trop.

--The first pitch from Garza is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. Eastern.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

--Atlanta RHP Tim Hudson owns an 8-3 record and 3.02 ERA in 17 career starts against Florida.

--San Francisco LHP Barry Zito is 3-6 with a 4.70 ERA in 12 lifetime starts against Arizona.

--Joe Girardi will give C.C. Sabathia the starting nod Saturday against the White Sox in the Windy City. Sabathia has a 15-4 record and 3.72 ERA in 28 lifetime starts against Chicago.

GL. Love the Orioles OVER 9 tonight.