CNOTES Monday's MLB Best Bets !

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Date WLT Pct Net Units Record
09/20/10 2-0-0 100.00% +1125 Detail
09/19/10 12-16-2 42.86% -3535 Detail
09/18/10 10-16-0 38.46% -3985 Detail
09/17/10 12-18-0 40.00% -4425 Detail
09/16/10 7-4-1 63.64% +1795 Detail
09/15/10 17-13-0 56.67% +2260 Detail
09/14/10 21-9-0 70.00% +7085 Detail
09/13/10 9-11-0 45.00% -1310 Detail
09/12/10 16-8-1 66.67% +4295 Detail
09/11/10 15-15-0 50.00% -965 Detail
09/10/10 11-17-2 39.29% -3535 Detail
09/09/10 7-1-0 87.50% +3060 Detail
09/08/10 10-14-2 41.67% -2145 Detail
09/07/10 11-18-0 37.93% -3180 Detail
09/06/10 14-13-0 51.85% -310 Detail
09/05/10 16-13-0 55.17% +1485 Detail
09/04/10 18-14-0 56.25% +2045 Detail
09/03/10 11-16-0 40.74% -2650 Detail
09/02/10 7-3-0 70.00% +2020 Detail
09/01/10 8-19-0 29.63% -5910 Detail
Totals 234-238-8 49.58% -6780

Monday, September 20Game Score Status Pick Amount

Kansas City - 7:05 PM ET Kansas City +110 500 *****
Detroit - Over 7.5 500

Tampa Bay - 7:05 PM ET Tampa Bay +110 500 *****
NY Yankees - Under 9 500

Atlanta - 7:05 PM ET Philadelphia -155 500
Philadelphia - Under 8 500

Houston - 7:05 PM ET Houston +122 500 *****
Washington - Over 8 500

Baltimore - 7:10 PM ET Baltimore +141 500 *****
Boston - Under 9 500

Cleveland - 8:10 PM ET Minnesota -203 500
Minnesota - Over 8.5 500

Cincinnati - 8:10 PM ET Cincinnati -113 500
Milwaukee - Under 9 500

Chi. White Sox - 10:05 PM ET Chi. White Sox +132 500 *****
Oakland - Under 7 500

Texas - 10:05 PM ET Texas +136 500 *****
LA Angels - Over 7.5 500


Good Luck Gang !
 

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Underdogs worth a look for Monday's key baseball games

A pair of important matchups in baseball’s Eastern divisions get underway Monday night when then Rays and Yankees meet in the Bronx for a four-game series. While over in the National League, the Braves and Phillies open up a three-game set in Philadelphia. The Yankees enter the night with a slim half-game lead on Tampa. Atlanta currently sits three games behind the Phillies.
TAMPA BAY RAYS (89-59)
at NEW YORK YANKEES (90-59)


First pitch: Monday, 7:05 p.m. EDT
Sports.com Line: New York -121, Tampa Bay +111 Total: 9.5

The Rays look to once again leapfrog the Yankees for first in the AL East when they send Matt Garza (14-8, 3.88 ERA) to the hill Monday. The Yankees counter with Ivan Nova (1-0, 4.30 ERA) in a rematch of starters from last Tuesday that resulted in a wild 8-7 Yankee win in Tampa. Garza was tagged for six runs on nine hits in that game and failed to make it out of the fifth inning. Nova wasn’t much better, giving up six runs of his own over 4.2 IP.

It’s been a bit of struggle recently for Garza, who also gave up six runs on nine hits to the Red Sox on September 8. He’s surrendered six home runs over his last two starts, both Tampa losses. Prior to that, he had been tremendous, allowing just three runs combined over four starts.

Last Tuesday marked the first time Nova had been knocked around in his big-league career. The six earned runs were the most he’s allowed in any of his five starts this year. He’s been effective in the rotation, however, as the Yankees have won his last four starts with three of them being one-run games.

Despite Nova’s perfect record, the FoxSheets like the Rays on Monday night:

Play On - All teams when the money line is +125 to -125 (TAMPA BAY) - with a good bullpen whose ERA is 3.75 or better on the season against opponent with a starting pitcher who is undefeated after 5 or more starts. (36-19 over the last 5 seasons.) (65.5%, +19 units. Rating = 2*).

ATLANTA BRAVES (86-64)
at PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (89-61)


First pitch: Monday, 7:05 p.m. EDT
Sports.com Line: Philadelphia -154, Atlanta +144 Total: 8

Philadelphia hopes left-hander Cole Hamels (11-10, 3.01 ERA) continues his hot streak when the Phillies open up a three-game series with the Braves Monday night. Hamels has been terrific as of late, going 3-0 with an ERA of 0.44 over his last three starts. He hasn’t allowed more than two earned runs in any of his past five outings. He’s had mixed success in his career against the Braves, going 8-5 with a 4.25 ERA in 17 lifetime starts. The Phillies are 9-8 in those games.

Jair Jurrjens (7-6, 4.64 ERA) will counter for Atlanta. Unlike Hamels, Jurrjens has struggled lately, going 1-2 over his last three starts with a 6.32 ERA. He’s been a victim of the long-ball, giving up two home runs in each of last two outings, losses to Washington and St. Louis. He has pitched well against the Phillies in his career, going 3-3 with a stellar 2.56 ERA. However, the Braves are just 4-5 in Jurrjens nine starts against Philadelphia.

Even though Hamels and Jurrjens appear headed in opposite directions, the FoxSheets think the Braves offer good value:

Play Against - Home favorites with a money line of -150 or more (PHILADELPHIA) - starting a pitcher who gave up <=2 earned runs in his last 2 outings against opponent with a cold starting pitcher- ERA >= 7.00 over his last 5 starts. (142-157 since 1997.) (47.5%, +102.7 units. Rating = 4*).
 

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Rays and Yankees top Monday MLB odds

The final two weeks of baseball's regular season begin with a bang in the Bronx where the New York Yankees host the Tampa Bay Rays for a four-game series beginning Monday evening. The AL East title will be on the line with a more favorable ALDS matchup the prize for the eventual winner.

New York carried a half-game lead over the Rays into Sunday. The Yankees were finishing a series in Baltimore with Andy Pettitte making his first start in over two months against Chris Tillman and the O's. Meanwhile down in the Sunshine State, Tampa Bay was closing out its six-game homestand with Randy Niemann taking on former Rays hurler Scott Kazmir and the Angels.

The Yanks were decided 160 favorites in their contest at Camden Yards with the Rays thick 200 chalk against the Halos.

This four-game set is obviously important to both clubs, but especially critical for the Yankees' chances to win the division. Once this series ends New York will close out its season with six games versus the Red Sox and three against the Blue Jays. The Yankees will be on the road for the final six battles of their regular season slate.

Tampa Bay will leave New York after this series for a six-game homestand against the Mariners and Orioles before closing the season with four in Kansas City. The schedule definitely favors the Rays.

Monday's pitching matchup is a sequel to the Sept. 14 game at Tropicana Field with Matt Garza (17-12, 3.88) in line for the Rays opposite New York's Ivan Nova (4-1, 4.30).

New York pulled that game out in 10 innings by an 8-7 count with neither Garza nor Nova lasting five innings. Both hurlers worked 4 2/3 innings while allowing six earned runs. Garza, a 135 MLB odds favorite, served up a pair of dingers to Robinson Cano and Alex Rodriguez with Nova touched for a long ball off Carlos Peña's lumber.

Garza's only other outing versus New York this season was July 31, also at the Trop. The right-hander went seven frames and allowed four runs, leaving the game in a 4-4 deadlock. Cano's solo blast in the top of the ninth off Rafael Soriano won it for the Yanks who closed plus 105 on the money line.

The 2009 season saw Garza get in two starts at Yankee Stadium. Tampa Bay lost both despite Garza's strong efforts, a combined 12 innings with only one earned run scoring. The former Fresno State star no-decisioned in each contest.

Nova's only experience against the Tampa Bay lineup was the game last week. This will be his third start in front of the home fans. New York won the previous two with Nova not figuring into the decisions.

Monday's Big Apple weather is looking nice, though a bit cool. Sunny skies are forecast throughout the day with a game-time temp in the upper-60s. Winds are currently listed out of the north around 10 mph (3B across to 1B).

The series continues Tuesday with James Shields (16-14, 4.86) on the mound for Tampa Bay against New York's Phil Hughes (18-9, 4.31). All four games this week are 4:05 p.m. PT first pitches.
 

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MLB Betting: Braves open set in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Phillies have had a hot September, going 14-3 in their first 17 games of the season’s homestretch month. Monday night’s MLB slate has Charlie Manuel’s club opening a three-game set against the Atlanta Braves, who hope to pick up ground on the NL East Division leaders.

Phillies southpaw Cole Hamels (11-10, 3.01 ERA) is listed to start against Atlanta’s right-hander Jair Jurrjens (7-6, 4.64 ERA). The two hurlers squared off in a July 6 meeting between the rivals, won by Atlanta, 6-3, in 11 innings as a 124 road dog.

Hamels allowed three runs in seven innings (117 pitches) while Jurrjens gave up two hits over six frames (89 pitches). Neither starter got a decision in the marathon, which saw Atlanta’s three 11th-inning runs lift the matchup ‘over’ its ‘total’ of 8 ½.

Hamels picked up a fourth straight victory in Tuesday’s 2-1 win for Philadelphia as a 153 road favorite against the Florida Marlins. The 26-year-old notched 13 strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings (127 pitches) while allowing five hits.

Philly’s Jayson Werth brought in his squad’s go-ahead run with a ground out that scored Shane Victorino. Werth finished with a 0-for-4 night while Victorino went 2-for-4.

The duel’s combined three runs plunged below the ‘total’ of eight, bringing the ‘under’ to 7-1 in Hamels’ last eight starts. Philadelphia’s three relievers allowed one hit in the final 2 1/3 innings, with closer Brad Lidge earning a save.

The Phillies are 8-7 in Hamels’ 15 home outings, with the MLB odds ‘under’ cashing at 10-5. The California native has allowed a stingy .287 OBP and 1.11 WHIP in that stretch.

Jurrjens suffered a second straight loss in Tuesday’s 6-0 defeat for Atlanta as a 198 home favorite against the Washington Nationals. The 24-year-old gave up four runs in five innings (89 pitches), including two long balls.

Braves catcher Brian McCann hit 2-for-4, striking out twice. The five-time All-Star has gone 8-for-35 in 11 games against the Phillies.

The shutout’s six runs ducked below the ‘total’ of eight. The ‘under’ is 10-7 in Atlanta’s first 17 games of September.

The Braves are 4-6 in Jurrjens’ 10 road starts, with the baseball betting ‘total’ an even 5-5. Atlanta has given up six RPG in that span, with the Curacao native allowing a .315 OBP and 1.31 WHIP.

Bobby Cox’ crew is 5-1 in its last six games against the Phillies, with the ‘over’ going 4-2. Atlanta has outscored Philly, 32-18, in that stretch.

Philadelphia is 47-27 in its first 74 home dates, with the ‘under’ cashing at 39-34-1. The Braves are 33-41 in their first 74 road games, with the ‘over’ going 36-35-3.

Monday’s first pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. (PT). The weather forecast in Philadelphia calls for a 65-degree night, with 14 mph winds blowing inward.
 

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Preview: Rays (89-59) at Yankees (90-59)

Game: 1
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: September 20, 2010 7:05 PM EDT

The Tampa Bay Rays say they're concentrated on winning the AL East, while the New York Yankees seem to be more interested in opening the postseason at full strength - wherever they may have to travel.

For now, they're glad to be home.

A 3-6 road trip has sliced the Yankees' lead over the Rays to one-half game heading into the rivals' final regular season series, a four-game showdown that begins Monday night in the Bronx.

New York (90-59) and Tampa Bay (89-59) have boasted baseball's two best records all summer, yet both have shown signs of weakness as the postseason draws closer.

But an 8-9 September for the Yankees and an 8-8 month for the Rays did little to affect them in the standings. Barring a miraculous turnaround by Boston - currently 6 1/2 games back of Tampa Bay - they'll both be headed to the playoffs.

Even with baseball's best road record (43-30), the Rays want to make sure any potential decisive game is at Tropicana Field.

"We want home-field advantage for all the reasons," manager Joe Maddon told the Rays' official website. "If you get there and end up playing Minnesota, their home record is (outstanding). And you don't want to have to play an extra game up there - you'd rather play it down here. Yankee Stadium is the same way. Texas. Whatever way it shakes out, you'd rather play that extra game (at home)."

The Yankees' three previous wild-card entries in the playoffs have resulted in immediate exits, but general manager Brian Cashman doesn't seem concerned.

"You want to be macho and say, 'American League East at all costs,'" Cashman told MLB.com. "Over time, you get educated. ... I've been beaten by a wild-card Red Sox team in '04. I've been beaten by the wild-card Florida Marlins in the World Series in '03. I'm not saying, 'Give me the wild card.' I'm just saying we have to realize perspective. We're in this to try to win a World Series."

New York hasn't looked too prepared for the postseason lately. The Yankees have lost 9 of 13 after falling 4-3 in 11 innings Sunday at Baltimore, where Mariano Rivera blew his second save in nine days.

The 3-6 trip cut two games off New York's division lead.

"This was a tough road trip,' manager Joe Girardi said. "We have to go home, and that's a good thing.'

Both Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira were held out of the starting lineup Sunday, though the stars figure to be back to face Matt Garza (14-8, 3.88 ERA).

The right-hander has plenty to prove after surrendering six homers over his last two starts. Rodriguez and Robinson Cano took him deep Tuesday, when Garza allowed six runs over 4 2-3 innings in an 8-7, 10-inning loss.

Rodriguez is 9 for 20 with two home runs off Garza, while Nick Swisher is 6 for 13 with three homers.

The Yankees and Rays played three one-run games in St. Petersburg last week, none as controversial as Wednesday's finale. Shortstop Derek Jeter sold to the umpires that a Chad Qualls pitch in the seventh inning had hit him, later admitting that it struck his bat.

Maddon was ejected for arguing the call, and while Curtis Granderson's ensuing two-run homer gave the Yankees a one-run lead, Tampa Bay rallied to win 4-3.

Maddon was more calm after the game.

"There's several thespians throughout baseball," Maddon said. "I thought Derek did a great job, and I applaud it, because I wish our guys would do the same thing."

Maddon's club is hitting .212 over its last seven games, an eight-day stretch that concluded with a 6-3 home loss to the Angels on Sunday.

The Rays didn't have much trouble offensively against Ivan Nova (1-0, 4.30) in Tuesday's loss, however. Tampa Bay roughed up the rookie for six runs over 4 2-3 innings, including a fifth-inning homer by Carlos Pena.
 

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Preview: Braves (86-64) at Phillies (89-61)

Game: 1
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: September 20, 2010 7:05 PM EDT

With a three-game lead in the NL East, the Philadelphia Phillies have a chance to make their grip on the division much stronger when they open up a three-game series against the visiting Atlanta Braves on Monday.

Philadelphia (89-61) is the hottest team in baseball at the right time, having won seven straight and 19 of 23 since Aug. 27 - the best record in the majors over that span.

Jason Werth's two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth Sunday gave the Phillies a 7-6 win over Washington and their second consecutive series sweep.

A big part of the Phillies' recent success is due to their trio of aces. Roy Oswalt, Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels are a combined 16-6 since Philadelphia acquired Oswalt from Houston on July 29. All three top starters are scheduled to pitch in this series.

Hamels (11-10, 3.01 ERA) will take the mound Monday, looking to win a career-best fifth consecutive start.

The left-hander didn't allow a run in any of the first three starts of his win streak. He yielded a first-inning run to Florida on Tuesday, snapping his scoreless streak at 25 innings. However, that was the only run Hamels allowed in 6 2-3 innings of Philadelphia 2-1 victory.

He struck out a season-high 13, continuing his bounce-back season from a 2009 in which he posted a career-worst 4.32 ERA.

"He definitely feels much better about himself,' manager Charlie Manuel said. "Last year, one of his biggest problems was he had high expectations on himself and he never went through adversity where he struggled and didn't pitch good, but that's part of growing up at the major league level."

Despite his strong overall turnaround, Hamels has had a hard time against the Braves this season, posting a 1-1 record with a 6.39 ERA over three starts.

Atlanta (86-64) has taken seven of 12 from the Phillies in 2010, including five of the last six.

Jair Jurrjens was expected to oppose Hamels, but a sore knee is forcing him to sit out and that has prompted the Braves to start a pitcher who has never appeared in the majors.

Brandon Beachy was at the team's instructional league program in Florida when he got the call to start this game.

The 24-year-old right-hander was 5-1 with a 1.73 ERA as a starter and reliever for Triple-A Gwinnett and Double-A Mississippi this season.

Beachy takes the mound with Atlanta leading the wild-card race after Derrek Lee hit a go-ahead grand slam in a 6-3 victory over the Mets on Sunday.

"There's no secret. These are big games," Lee said. "This is the best part of baseball."
 

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Preview: Rangers (83-65) at Angels (73-76)

Game: 1
Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Date: September 20, 2010 10:05 PM EDT

As they close in on their first AL West title in 11 years, the Texas Rangers probably aren't too thrilled to face Jered Weaver on the road.

The right-hander will try to keep the Rangers from moving a step closer to the postseason by maintaining his perfect record against them in Anaheim on Monday night.

Texas (83-65) has a nine-game lead over Oakland, but continued its recent struggles away from home in the start of a 10-game swing against its three divisional foes.

The Rangers dropped two of three last-place Seattle over the weekend, and are 7-15 on the road since Aug. 7. In Sunday's 2-1 defeat, Texas had 10 hits but left 11 runners on base.

"We just couldn't get the big hit to score runs today," second baseman Ian Kinsler said.

The Rangers' chances of bouncing back don't appear strong against Weaver (12-11, 2.96 ERA), who has a major league-best 1.56 ERA at home this season. The right-hander, though, is 3-3 in his past 10 starts there despite a 1.23 ERA, and he's received no more than three runs of support per outing.

Weaver appears to have a better chance to collect a victory with the Rangers arriving. He's 5-0 with a 2.40 ERA in nine career home starts against Texas, and has won four consecutive matchups there including two this season.

Weaver has given up one unearned run, six hits and five walks in those two starts, and is 2-1 with a 3.65 ERA in four meetings this season. He's 6-4 with a 3.44 ERA entering his 19th career start against the Rangers, the most versus an opponent.

Weaver is coming off one of the best performances of his career, a 7-0 victory Wednesday in Cleveland. He retired 21 of 22 batters and struck out seven while snapping his career-worst slide at four.

Another strong outing from Weaver could give the Angels their season-high fifth straight home victory after a 1-8 stretch there. Los Angeles enters this series after taking two of three over AL wild-card leader Tampa Bay to finish off a six-game trip.

In Sunday's 6-3 victory, Bobby Abreu had a pair of home runs and rookie Peter Bourjos hit a tiebreaking three-run shot.

"Right now we're playing our game," Abreu said. "We're pitching good and we're scoring some runs. The whole thing."

The Angels will try to keep rolling against Derek Holland (3-3, 4.12), who has struggled on the road throughout his brief career but was impressive in his previous outing there.

The left-hander is 2-9 with a 5.72 ERA in 13 lifetime starts away from home over the last two seasons, but allowed three hits over five scoreless innings in an 8-1 win over Toronto on Sept. 8. Holland followed by giving up four runs - one earned - and four hits over four frames Tuesday in an 11-4 win against Detroit.

Holland is 2-2 with a 4.44 ERA in four career starts against the Angels, and earned a 4-3 win on May 17 at home by allowing three runs over 5 1-3 innings.

Los Angeles has won four of six at home over its AL West rivals, but trails the season series 7-5.

Nelson Cruz, who is 7 for 29 against Weaver, is batting .391 for five homers and seven RBIs in an 11-game hitting streak.
 

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Preview: Reds (84-66) at Brewers (69-79)

Game: 1
Venue: Miller Park
Date: September 20, 2010 8:10 PM EDT

The Cincinnati Reds have dropped four of five series and are four games below .500 in September, yet they'd need to completely collapse over the final two weeks to fail to win the NL Central.

Facing the Milwaukee Brewers will likely bring them a step closer to their first division title in 15 years.

The Reds have won seven of eight against the Brewers - success they'll hope to continue Monday at Miller Park in the opener of a three-game series.

Cincinnati (84-66) has the NL's most productive offense (4.91 runs per game), but had averaged just 3.54 runs while dropping nine of 13 prior to an 11-1 victory Saturday in Houston.

The Reds had 11 hits Sunday - just two fewer than they had the night before - but couldn't make them count in a 4-3 loss.

"It still hurts today but we gotta move on to Milwaukee and play them tougher than we played today,' manager Dusty Baker said.

The loss dropped Cincinnati to 7-11 in September, but Baker's club has a six-game lead over St. Louis in the Central as it seeks its first playoff appearance since 1995.

The Reds have six games left against the Brewers (69-79), and that's great news for the division leaders - particularly that slumping offense. Cincinnati has averaged 6.75 runs while going 7-1 in the season series versus Milwaukee, with Joey Votto (.484, 10 RBIs) and Scott Rolen (.500, 10 RBIs) leading the charge.

Rolen and Votto went a combined 4 for 4 against probable Monday starter Chris Capuano (3-4, 4.11 ERA) on July 27, when the left-hander gave up four runs and six hits over three innings out of the bullpen in a 12-4 Milwaukee loss.

Capuano has since moved to the Brewers rotation, an excellent chance for the former All-Star to prove himself after a second Tommy John surgery.

After a rough first start, he's been solid. Capuano has a 2.45 ERA in his last three outings, but a first-inning, three-run homer from Houston's Chris Johnson was enough to hand him a 3-2 loss Tuesday.

From there, Capuano pitched 5 1-3 scoreless innings.

"It all came down to one pitch,' Milwaukee manager Ken Macha said. "I think Cappy was trying to go away, and it wound up being a homer."

The Brewers have totaled only 21 runs over their last nine games, but two excellent pitching performances in San Francisco gave them a shot at a road sweep Sunday. Chris Narveson couldn't follow Randy Wolf and Yovani Gallardo's efforts, though, getting chased in the fifth inning of a 9-2 loss.

The lineup's overall slump hasn't extended to Ryan Braun. Milwaukee's left fielder is hitting .357 (15 for 42) with four homers and 11 RBIs over his last 10 games.

He's batting only .226 this season against Cincinnati and is 3 for 14 lifetime against Homer Bailey (3-3, 4.85), but it's no certainty the Reds right-hander will even take the ball for Monday's opener. Bailey left his start Wednesday against Arizona after three innings with dizziness, and Baker wants to talk to trainer Paul Lessard before giving the 24-year-old the green light for Monday.

"I don't know yet," Baker said. "I haven't talked to him yet about Homer. He says he's doing better. I hope (he can pitch)."

Bailey is 0-2 with a 6.44 ERA in five career starts versus Milwaukee. Prince Fielder is 4 for 10 with three extra-base hits and four walks off Bailey.
__________________
 

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Preview: White Sox (79-70) at Athletics (74-74)

Game: 1
Venue: Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
Date: September 20, 2010 10:05 PM EDT

The Oakland Athletics and Chicago White Sox are both in second place in their respective divisions, virtually eliminated from playoff contention. The Athletics, though, have played much better over the last month.

After splitting a six-game road trip, Oakland returns home Monday to open a three-game series against Chicago, which will try to avoid a seventh straight loss.

The Athletics (74-74) have a nine-game deficit in the AL West while the White Sox (79-70) are 10 games out in the Central after losing six straight, including a 9-7 loss to Detroit in 11 innings Sunday.

Oakland, meanwhile, has won nine of 15 after taking two of three at Minnesota over the weekend. Mark Ellis hit a two-run homer and Bobby Cramer picked up his second major league win in a 6-2 victory Sunday.

"We're still going out playing like (winning the AL West) is still a possibility," manager Bob Geren told Oakland's official website. "We want to win every game we can when we step on the field."

Geren's club has been especially good at home, going 20-10 there since July 10. It won two of three in Oakland against the White Sox from July 23-25. The teams have split six meetings overall this season.

The Athletics look to continue finishing strong when they hand the ball to Gio Gonzalez (14-9, 3.47 ERA), who will try a second time for his 15th win.

Gonzalez suffered his first loss in six starts Tuesday against Kansas City, giving up a season-high seven runs in two innings of an 11-3 defeat.

The left-hander is 8-3 with a 2.70 ERA at home, where he has won his last four decisions. However, he is 0-3 with an 8.82 ERA in three career starts against the White Sox, including a loss Aug. 1 at Chicago in which he allowed four runs but struck out 11 in eight innings of a 4-1 defeat.

The White Sox, who have been outscored 50-23 during their six-game losing streak, will open the series by sending slumping Gavin Floyd (10-13, 4.08) to the mound.

The right-hander is 2-5 with a 6.07 ERA and a .347 opponent batting average in his last seven starts. He gave up six runs in 5 1-3 innings of a 9-3 loss to Minnesota on Wednesday.

Floyd also opposed Gonzalez last month, and picked up the win after yielding one run in seven innings to improve to 3-0 with a 1.32 ERA in five career starts against the Athletics.

The White Sox haven't lost seven in a row since April 28-May 5, 2008. They have hit .179 with runners in scoring position during their current losing streak, including 4 for 24 Sunday when they rallied for four runs in the ninth but fell short in extra innings as they finished a homestand that included sweeps at the hands of Central rivals Minnesota and the Tigers.

"We came in against Minnesota, everything on the line, and they beat us," catcher A.J. Pierzynski said. "Then, this series we were playing hard, everyone's giving what they got, it's just not working out. That's the frustrating part."
 

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MLB


Monday, September 20

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Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
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Streaking

Cole Hamels (11-10, 3.01 ERA), Philadelphia Phillies


This former World Series MVP is peaking at just the right time for the Phillies. Hamels is 4-0 in his last four starts and he struck out 13 in 6 2/3 innings his last time out on the bump.

"He's locked in right now. It's fun to see," Phillies closer Brad Lidge told the Associated Press. "He has complete command and confidence with all his pitches."

Oddsmakers are pricing Hamels pretty high these days, so a look at the under might be the better option. The Phils have played below the total in seven of the southpaw’s last eight appearances.

Jered Weaver (12-11, 2.91 ERA), Los Angeles Angels

Weaver entered the season as a questionable No. 1 but he’s proven he’s a bona fide ace. The slumping Halos don’t always cash in when he takes the hill. The team is just 5-5 in his last 10 starts even though he allowed two runs or less in seven of those games.

A play on the total seems like another good option here. The under is 14-0-2 in Weaver’s last 16 starts.


Slumping

Gavin Floyd (10-13, 4.01 ERA), Chicago White Sox


Everything smells bad in the south side of Chicago these days and Gavin Floyd is no different. The White Sox are 2-5 in Floyd's last seven starts. The big righty has given up 22 hits and 11 earned runs in his last 11 1/3 innings pitched.



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Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets
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Atlanta at Philadelphia (-165, 8)

The Atlanta Braves finally got the clutch hitting they thought they were getting when they traded for Derrek Lee. The first baseman hit a two-out grand slam in the seventh inning to give the Braves a 6-3 win over the Mets on Sunday afternoon. The win moved Atlanta three games back of the Phillies heading into this week’s huge series.

"It's always nice when you feel one come off the bat like that," Lee told reporters. "It's no secret. These are big games. We need them all. It feels nice to contribute. This was a nice start to the road trip, these three games, but we've got to keep it going."

It was only Lee’s second home run since joining the Braves on Aug. 18.

Pick: Braves


Texas at Los Angeles Angels (-145, 7.5)


Texas slugger Josh Hamilton said his bruised ribcage was feeling a bit better on Sunday, but there’s still no timetable for his return. The Rangers should know more Monday when Hamilton has another examination.

"It feels better as far as everyday stuff like rolling over in bed and getting out of bed,” Hamilton told reporters Sunday. “This is the first day since I ran and swung a little bit [on Tuesday] that I've started feeling better. But it’s one of those things that when I start to feel better, if I try to do something, I have a setback.”

Hamilton is hitting .361 with 31 homers and 97 RBIs this year.

Pick: Angels



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This Day in Baseball
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On September 20 in Baseball History...

1902 - Chicago's Jim Callahan tossed the White Sox's first no-hitter, beating Detroit 2-0.

1905 - Chicago White Sox president Charles Comiskey orders a houseboat built for the express purpose of transporting and housing the team during spring training.

1908 - Frank Smith of the Chicago White Sox threw his second career no-hitter for a 1-0 victory over the Philadelphia Athletics.

1919 - Babe Ruth ties Ned Williamson Major League mark of 27 home runs with a game-winner off Lefty Williams of the White Sox. Four days later he will hit number 28 over the roof of the Polo Grounds.

1922 - Rogers Hornsby is stopped by Burleigh Grimes of Brooklyn after hitting in 33 straight games.

1924 - Grover Alexander won his 300th game as the Chicago Cubs beat the New York Giants 7-3 in 12 innings.

1927 - Babe Ruth of the New York Yankees hit his 60th home run of the season, breaking the record he set in 1921. Ruth homered off Washington's Tom Zachary.

1931 - Lou Gehrig drives in four runs to break his old American League RBI mark of 175, set in 1927. By the season's end he will have a total of 184.

1951 - The owners elect National League President Ford Frick as the third commissioner of baseball for a seven-year term at $65,000 per annum.

1953 - Ernie Banks of the Cubs hits his first Major League home run against Gerry Staley, but the Cards win 11-6.

1955 - Giants slugger Willie Mays poles two home runs against the Pirates, giving him 50 for the year, making him the seventh player in history to accomplish this.

1958 - Hoyt Wilhelm of the Baltimore Orioles pitched a 1-0 no-hitter against the New York Yankees at Memorial Stadium, with the only run coming on a home run by Gus Triandos.

1961 - The 155th Yankees game of 1961 (including a tie) is Roger Maris' last chance to beat Babe Ruth, in compliance with Commissioner Ford Frick's statement that, for the record to be broken, Maris must do it in the same number of games as Ruth. Maris' 59th home run of the year, off Jack Fisher, is short of the record, but helps New York beat Baltimore 4-2 as the Yankees clinch their 26th American League pennant.

1968 - Mickey Mantle hit his last home run in the Major Leagues, a solo shot against Boston's Jim Lonborg. Mantle had 536 homers.

1969 - Bob Moose of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitched a 4-0 no-hitter against the New York Mets at Shea Stadium.

1980 - George Brett goes 0-for-4 in a 9-0 loss to the A's to drop his average below .400 for good. He is now hitting .396 and will finish the season at .390.

1984 - The Padres clinch their first National League West title since entering the league in 1969 with a 5-4 win over the Giants. The key blow is winning pitcher Tim Lollar's three-run home run, his third home run of the season.

1988 - Wade Boggs became the first player this century to get 200 hits in six consecutive seasons as the Boston Red Sox pounded Toronto 13-2. Boggs also joined Lou Gehrig as the only players to get 200 hits and 100 walks in three consecutive years.

1992 - Philadelphia second baseman Mickey Morandini made the first unassisted triple play in the National League in 65 years, just the ninth in Major League history, in the Phillies' 3-2, 13-inning loss to Pittsburgh.

1998 - Cal Ripken, Jr. took himself out of the starting lineup and did not play in the Baltimore Orioles' loss to the New York Yankees, ending his consecutive-game streak at 2,632 games. After nearly 16 years, Ripken said he decided the time was right to end the streak, which began on May 30, 1982.
 

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Dunkel



Atlanta at Philadelphia
The Phillies look to take advantage of an Atlanta team that is 2-7 in its last 9 road games against teams with a winning record. Philadelphia is the pick (-160) according to Dunkel, which has the Phillies favored by 3. Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-160). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

Game 951-952: Atlanta at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EST)

Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Jurrjens) 14.151; Philadelphia (Hamels) 17.110
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 3; 7
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-160); 8
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-160); Under

Game 953-954: Houston at Washington (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Norris) 15.003; Washington (Hernandez) 14.625
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Washington (-140); 8
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+120); Over

Game 955-956: Cincinnati at Milwaukee (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Bailey) 14.611; Milwaukee (Capuano) 14.967
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+100); Under

Game 957-958: Tampa Bay at NY Yankees (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Garza) 15.214; NY Yankees (Nova) 15.644
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-125); 9
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-125); Over

Game 959-960: Kansas City at Detroit (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Greinke) 14.839; Detroit (Porcello) 16.112
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-120); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-120); Over

Game 961-962: Baltimore at Boston (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Matusz) 16.271; Boston (Matsuzaka) 15.679
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-155); 9
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+135); Under

Game 963-964: Cleveland at Minnesota (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Gomez) 15.100; Minnesota (Duensing) 16.374
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-210); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-210); Over

Game 965-966: Chicago White Sox at Oakland (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Floyd) 14.787; Oakland (Gonzalez) 14.081
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Oakland (-150); 7
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+130); Under

Game 967-968: Texas at LA Angels (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Holland) 16.692; LA Angels (Weaver) 15.504
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1; 8
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-150); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (+130); Over

Game 969-970: St. Louis at Florida (3:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Carpenter) 15.248; Florida (Volstad) 13.597
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-140); 8
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-140); Under
 

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Write-Up



Monday, September 20

Hot pitchers
-- Hamels is 4-0, 0.76 in his last five starts.
-- Astros are 9-1 in last ten Norris starts (2-0, 2-0, 2.03 last two). LHernandez is 1-1, 1.88 in his last two starts.
-- Capuano has a 2.45 RA in his last three starts.

-- Matusz is 4-0, 1.93 in his last five starts.
-- Porcello is 4-0, 2.48 in his last four starts.
-- Duensing is 2-0, 2.61 in his last three starts.
-- GGonzalez is 3-0, 1.30 in his last four home starts.
-- Weaver has a 1.50 RA in his last four starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Jurrjens is 2-2, 7.09 in his last five starts.
-- Bailey is 0-1, 5.60 in his last five starts.
-- Carpenter is 1-3, 6.82 in his last five starts. Volstad has a 9.82 RA in his last three starts.

-- Nova is 1-1, 4.79 in five starts for Bronx. Garza is 0-1, 12.00 in his last couple starts.
-- Greinke is 1-1, 4.30 in his last four starts.
-- Matsuzaka is 1-2, 7.32 in his last six starts.
-- Gomez is 0-4, 7.99 in his last five starts.
-- Floyd is 2-5, 6.28 in his last seven starts.
-- Holland is 1-1, 6.41 in his last six starts.

Totals
-- Under is 3-1-1 in last five Jurrjens road starts.
-- Six of last seven Norris starts stayed under the total.
-- Under is 7-2-1 in last ten Bailey starts.
-- Six of last eight Volstad starts went over the total.

-- tb-ny
-- Under is 5-2 in last seven Grienke starts.
-- Last five Matusz starts stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Gomez starts stayed under the total.
-- Under is 3-1-1 in Floyd's last five road starts.
-- Under is 15-0-1 in Weaver's last sixteen starts.

Hot Teams
-- Phillies won last seven games, scoring 47 runs. Braves won last four road games, scoring 25 runs.
-- Astros are 13-6 in their last nineteen games.
-- Brewers won three of their last four games.

-- Tampa Bay is 5-0 in game following its last five losses.
-- Orioles are 10-4 in their last fourteen games. Red Sox won five of their last seven games.
-- Indians won four of their last six games. Twins won 17 of their last 22 games.
-- Tigers are 7-4 in their last eleven games.
-- Oakland won six of its last nine home games.
-- Rangers won eight of their last ten games. Angels won seven of their last ten games.

Cold Teams
-- Nationals lost nine of their last eleven games.
-- Reds are 5-10 in their last fifteen games.
-- Cardinals lost 17 of their last 26 games. Marlins lost last six games, allowing 43 runs.

-- Bronx is 4-9 in its last thirteen games.
-- White Sox lost ten of their last twelve games.
-- Royals are 5-11 in their last 16 games.
 

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Monday, September 20


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Trend Report
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7:05 PM
HOUSTON vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 18 of Houston's last 25 games
Washington is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing at home against Houston

7:05 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. DETROIT
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Kansas City's last 7 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Kansas City is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing at home against Kansas City

7:05 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. NY YANKEES
Tampa Bay is 3-8 SU in their last 11 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 5 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
NY Yankees are 4-9 SU in their last 13 games

7:05 PM
ATLANTA vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Atlanta's last 11 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

7:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. BOSTON
Baltimore is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Baltimore is 7-16 SU in its last 23 games when playing Boston
Boston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games

8:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Cleveland is 7-16 SU in its last 23 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games

8:10 PM
CINCINNATI vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games on the road
Cincinnati is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing at home against Cincinnati

10:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. OAKLAND
Chi White Sox are 8-15 SU in their last 23 games when playing on the road against Oakland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oakland's last 7 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
Oakland is 15-8 SU in their last 23 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox

10:05 PM
TEXAS vs. LA ANGELS
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Texas's last 8 games when playing LA Angels
Texas is 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Angels's last 8 games when playing Texas
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home
 

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Monday, September 20

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Tips and Trends
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Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees [7:05 PM ET]

RAYS: Tampa Bay has gone 8-6 SU this year against the Yankees, with six of those wins coming as the listed underdog. The Rays have been alternating wins and losses of late, and stand 89-59 SU on the year. Tampa has played exceptionally well on the road this season, going 43-30 SU. Tampa is +7.78 and -1.96 units both SU and on the RL overall this year. Pitcher Matt Garza will make the road start tonight, as he looks to get back into his typical fine form. Garza is 14-8 SU on the season, with an ERA of 3.88 and a WHIP of 1.24 this season. The Rays are 9-1 in their last 10 Monday games overall. The Rays are 23-9 in their last 32 games against a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. Tampa is 1-4 in their last 5 road games against a right-handed starter. The Rays are 13-3 in Garza's last 16 starts with 5 days of rest. The Rays are 2-5 in Garza's last 7 starts against the American League East. Tampa is 2-9 in Garza's last 11 road starts against a team with a winning record.

Rays are 13-6 last 19 games against a team with a winning record.
Over is 8-2-1 last 11 games against the American League East.

Key injuries - RF Gabe Kapler (ankle) is out.

Projected Score: 5 (SIDE of the Day)

YANKEES: (-125, O/U 9) New York has the best record in baseball at 90-59 SU this season. The bad news is the simple fact that they play in the American League East. New York is being pushed by their opponent today, the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays are only 0.5 games behind for the AL East division lead. The Yankees have been on the road for their past 9 games, so they are no doubt excited to be back at home. The Yankees are +1.75 and +18.22 units both SU and on the RL respectively this year. Righty Ivan Nova will take the mound tonight, as the Yankees gone 4-1 SU in games started by him this year. The Yankees are 90-35 in their last 125 home games overall. The Yankees are 8-3 in their last 11 games against a right-handed starter. New York is 42-18 in their last 60 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days. The Yankees are 4-11 in their last 15 during game 1 of a series. New York is 1-6 in their last 7 Monday games. The Yankees are 4-0 in Nova's last 4 starts.

Yankees are 41-17 last 58 home games against a team with a winning road record.
Under is 6-2 last 8 games against the American League East.

Key injuries - 3B Alex Rodriguez (rest) is probable.

Projected Score: 4
 

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Long Sheet


Monday, September 20

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ATLANTA (86 - 64) at PHILADELPHIA (89 - 61) - 7:05 PM
JAIR JURRJENS ® vs. COLE HAMELS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 34-41 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ATLANTA is 12-21 (-12.5 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
ATLANTA is 34-41 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 10-17 (-10.1 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 36-34 (-11.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 67-38 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 99-72 (+15.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 27-8 (+18.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
HAMELS is 35-31 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HAMELS is 19-20 (-13.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HAMELS is 6-12 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 7-5 (+2.1 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.3 Units)

JAIR JURRJENS vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
JURRJENS is 3-3 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 2.56 and a WHIP of 1.022.
His team's record is 4-5 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-6. (-3.4 units)

COLE HAMELS vs. ATLANTA since 1997
HAMELS is 8-5 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 4.25 and a WHIP of 1.318.
His team's record is 9-8 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-8. (-1.3 units)

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HOUSTON (72 - 77) at WASHINGTON (62 - 87) - 7:05 PM
BUD NORRIS ® vs. LIVAN HERNANDEZ ®
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 7-25 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 72-77 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 25-23 (+7.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
HOUSTON is 31-40 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 72-77 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 48-54 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 37-34 (+16.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
NORRIS is 19-15 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NORRIS is 19-15 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 122-190 (-36.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 122-187 (-33.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 79-135 (-36.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 73-116 (-28.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 3-1 (+1.7 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

BUD NORRIS vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.

LIVAN HERNANDEZ vs. HOUSTON since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 10-5 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 4.23 and a WHIP of 1.426.
His team's record is 10-6 (+5.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-7. (+1.3 units)

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CINCINNATI (84 - 66) at MILWAUKEE (69 - 79) - 8:10 PM
HOMER BAILEY ® vs. CHRIS CAPUANO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 43-27 (+14.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CINCINNATI is 85-66 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CINCINNATI is 58-41 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CINCINNATI is 37-28 (+10.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CINCINNATI is 55-27 (+21.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CINCINNATI is 26-11 (+10.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
CINCINNATI is 85-66 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 37-18 (+15.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CINCINNATI is 39-36 (+5.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CINCINNATI is 227-243 (+27.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
MILWAUKEE is 69-80 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 28-40 (-14.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
MILWAUKEE is 36-38 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 35-41 (-15.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 69-80 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 22-27 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 13-21 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
MILWAUKEE is 12-26 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season 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
CINCINNATI is 7-1 (+6.5 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)

HOMER BAILEY vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
BAILEY is 0-2 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 6.44 and a WHIP of 1.432.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-1. (+2.8 units)

CHRIS CAPUANO vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
CAPUANO is 2-3 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 4.86 and a WHIP of 1.420.
His team's record is 2-6 (-5.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-5. (-2.6 units)

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TAMPA BAY (89 - 59) at NY YANKEES (90 - 59) - 7:05 PM
MATT GARZA ® vs. IVAN NOVA ®
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 29-48 (-22.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 10-27 (-20.0 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.
GARZA is 11-15 (-10.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GARZA is 11-19 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GARZA is 3-12 (-12.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GARZA is 9-17 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GARZA is 6-13 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GARZA is 4-12 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GARZA is 3-11 (-10.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GARZA is 0-7 (-8.4 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. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 126-90 (+29.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 39-25 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY YANKEES are 34-33 (-10.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 8-6 (+2.5 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
10 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.9 Units)

MATT GARZA vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
GARZA is 1-3 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.25 and a WHIP of 1.331.
His team's record is 1-9 (-9.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-6. (-2.7 units)

IVAN NOVA vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
NOVA is 0-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 11.56 and a WHIP of 1.927.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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KANSAS CITY (61 - 87) at DETROIT (75 - 74) - 7:05 PM
ZACK GREINKE ® vs. RICK PORCELLO ®
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 117-167 (-31.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 82-128 (-31.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 126-184 (-33.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GREINKE is 11-19 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 3-11 (-9.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 10-18 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 6-14 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 4-14 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 98-59 (+22.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 98-59 (+22.8 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 56-31 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 38-32 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 8-16 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 100-110 (-31.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 52-56 (-8.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
DETROIT is 74-69 (-12.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 7-8 (+0.9 Units) against DETROIT this season
10 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+6.1 Units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. DETROIT since 1997
GREINKE is 10-5 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 2.72 and a WHIP of 1.153.
His team's record is 12-9 (+4.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-12. (-3.8 units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
PORCELLO is 3-1 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.03 and a WHIP of 1.053.
His team's record is 3-3 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-1. (+4.1 units)

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

BALTIMORE (59 - 90) at BOSTON (83 - 66) - 7:10 PM
BRIAN MATUSZ (L) vs. DAISUKE MATSUZAKA ®
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 13-50 (-23.7 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MATSUZAKA is 45-21 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MATSUZAKA is 33-14 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 58-80 (+2.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 28-32 (+9.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BALTIMORE is 24-24 (+14.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
MATUSZ is 15-9 (+13.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MATUSZ is 11-4 (+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)
BOSTON is 35-38 (-13.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
BOSTON is 107-91 (-33.4 Units) against the money line in home games in September games since 1997.
BOSTON is 72-60 (-8.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 346-317 (-57.3 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 7-8 (+2.4 Units) against BOSTON this season
8 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.4 Units)

BRIAN MATUSZ vs. BOSTON since 1997
MATUSZ is 2-0 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 2.55 and a WHIP of 1.176.
His team's record is 3-1 (+3.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.3 units)

DAISUKE MATSUZAKA vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
MATSUZAKA is 4-2 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 5.74 and a WHIP of 1.677.
His team's record is 5-3 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-5. (-2.6 units)

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CLEVELAND (62 - 87) at MINNESOTA (89 - 60) - 8:10 PM
JEANMAR GOMEZ ® vs. BRIAN DUENSING (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 128-185 (-37.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 118-168 (-34.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 89-60 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 49-25 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 60-29 (+20.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 43-20 (+15.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
MINNESOTA is 85-55 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 59-39 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 57-38 (+9.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 37-23 (+12.5 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CLEVELAND is 71-46 (+35.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Monday since 1997.
CLEVELAND is 47-55 (+6.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 9-6 (-0.5 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
9 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.5 Units)

JEANMAR GOMEZ vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
GOMEZ is 0-0 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 1.69 and a WHIP of 1.126.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

BRIAN DUENSING vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
DUENSING is 1-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.68 and a WHIP of 1.228.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

CHI WHITE SOX (79 - 70) at OAKLAND (74 - 74) - 10:05 PM
GAVIN FLOYD ® vs. GIO GONZALEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 52-53 (-7.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
OAKLAND is 74-74 (+0.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 44-30 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
OAKLAND is 73-69 (+4.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 34-21 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 39-36 (+7.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 66-65 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 22-39 (-22.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less since 1997.
OAKLAND is 40-57 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 3-3 (-0.1 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

GAVIN FLOYD vs. OAKLAND since 1997
FLOYD is 3-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 1.32 and a WHIP of 1.118.
His team's record is 4-1 (+2.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.1 units)

GIO GONZALEZ vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
GONZALEZ is 0-3 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 8.82 and a WHIP of 1.776.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

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

TEXAS (83 - 65) at LA ANGELS (73 - 76) - 10:05 PM
DEREK HOLLAND (L) vs. JERED WEAVER ®
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 26-29 (-18.8 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.
LA ANGELS are 563-555 (+47.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
TEXAS is 170-140 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 165-126 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 67-41 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 117-90 (+14.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 44-30 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 73-77 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 68-76 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 47-58 (-17.8 Units) a
 

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MLB
Short Sheet



Monday, 9/20/2010

National League

ATLANTA at PHILADELPHIA, 7:05 PM ET MLB

JURRJENS: 22-11 UNDER when the total is 8 to 8.5
HAMELS: 18-8 UNDER as a favorite of -110 or higher

HOUSTON at WASHINGTON, 7:05 PM ET
NORRIS: HOUSTON is 17-6 UNDER off 3 or more consecutive overs
HERNANDEZ: WASHINGTON 8-0 UNDER in home games after a one run loss

CINCINNATI at MILWAUKEE, 8:10 PM ET
BAILEY: CINCINNATI 43-27 against division opponents
CAPUANO: MILWAUKEE 6-13 after allowing 9 runs or more

American League

TAMPA BAY at NY YANKEES, 7:05 PM ET MLB

GARZA: 4-12 TSR in road games off a loss
NOVA: NY YANKEES 62-21 in home games after 1 or more consecutive unders

KANSAS CITY at DETROIT, 7:05 PM ET
GREINKE: 3-11 TSR in road games
PORCELLO: DETROIT 56-31 in home games off a win

BALTIMORE at BOSTON, 7:10 PM ET
MATUSZ: 11-3 TSR in the second half of the season
MATSUZAKA: BOSTON 11-2 OVER after shutting out a division rival

CLEVELAND at MINNESOTA, 8:10 PM ET
GOMEZ: CLEVELAND 10-24 off 2 straight games where they committed no errors
DUENSING: MINNESOTA 31-13 at home when the total is 7 to 8.5

CHI WHITE SOX at OAKLAND, 10:05 PM ET
FLOYD: CHI WHITE SOX 19-26 off 3 consecutive game versus a division rival
GONZALEZ: 12-1 TSR as a favorite of -110 or higher

TEXAS at LA ANGELS, 10:05 PM ET
HOLLAND: TEXAS 13-22 on the road when the total is 7 to 8.5
WEAVER: 9-1 UNDER as a favorite of -125 to -175

ST LOUIS at FLORIDA, 3:10 PM ET
CARPENTER: 12-4 OVER as a favorite of -125 to -175
VOLSTAD: FLORIDA 7-16 in home games off 2 or more consecutive losses

** (TC) Denotes Time Change
 

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Daily Sports Roundup: September 20

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Braves begin a series in Philadelphia, the Yankees play the Rays again, and Monday Night Football takes place in San Francisco.

Colliding on the gridiron . . .

Monday Night Football this week sees the defending-champion Saints hitting the road for a game against the Niners in San Francisco. The Saints (1-0 SU, 0-1 ATS) picked up a 14-9 home win over Minnesota in their first game of the season, with Drew Brees going 27-of-36 for 237 yards passing with one touchdown strike. Pierre Thomas rushed for 71 yards and a score for New Orleans in that game. The Niners (0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS) were throttled 31-6 on the road by Seattle in their Week 1 contest, with Alex Smith good on 26-of-45 pass attempts for 225 yards and two interceptions. Frank Gore ran for just 38 yards on 17 carries in that defeat. Oddsmakers have the Saints pegged as the 5.5-point road favorites for Monday night's game, with the total for the matchup at 44 points.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

The American League schedule offers up six games on Monday, with Kansas City at Detroit, Baltimore at Boston, Cleveland at Minnesota, the White Sox at Oakland, Texas at the Angels, and Tampa Bay at the Yankees. The Rays' Matt Garza (14-8, 3.88 ERA) is expected to take on the Yankees' Ivan Nova (1-0, 4.30 ERA) in that last contest. Righthander Garza was knocked around by New York in his last trip to the mound, surrendering six runs on nine hits over just 4 2-3 innings of work in a no-decision. Righthander Nova was Garza's opposition in that contest, and he also picked up a no-decision after allowing six runs on six hits over 4 2-3 innings. Nova struck out two hitters.

Over in the National League on Monday it's then St. Louis at Florida, Houston at Washington, Cincinnati at Milwaukee, and Atlanta at Philadelphia. The Braves are slated to send Jair Jurrjens (7-6, 4.64 ERA) to the hill in that key divisional clash, with the Phillies countering with Cole Hamels (11-10, 3.01 ERA). Righthander Jurrjens is coming off a loss to the Nationals in which he gave up four runs on nine hits over just five innings of work. Lefthander Hamels dominated the Marlins in his most recent trip to the mound, surrendering just one run on five hits over his 6 2-3 innings while fanning 13.
 

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Monday's six-pack

-- You might see call for elimination of maple bats in big leagues after Cubs' Tyler Colvin was impaled in chest by a broken bat Sunday.

--Casper Wells of Schenectady hit his 3rd HR Sunday night; so far, he is hitting .344 for the Tigers, with a .391 on-base %age.

-- Joe Mauer's left Sunday's game with a sore knee, very bad news for the Twins, as they march towards the playoffs.

-- Houston Cougars lost their top two QBs for season Saturday night at UCLA. Case Keenum tore his ACL, his backup broke a collarbone.

-- SMU football coach June Jones still coaches with a Hawai'an floral thing around his neck, just like when he was at Hawai'i.

-- With two weeks to go, here are how baseball playoffs shape up:
NL: Phillies-Cincinnati-San Francisco-Atlanta, but Giants only lead Padres by half-game in NL West.
AL: Bronx-Minnesota-Texas-Tampa Bay


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


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

13) Weird stat of the week, maybe of the year; three teams didn't score an offensive TD Sunday. Three out of 30. They all won.

12) Patriot offense in 1st half: 35 plays, 216 yards, 14 points.
Patriot offense in second half: 23 plays, 98 yards, no points, turned ball over three times on five drives.

11) Bears averaged 9.3/9.0 yards per pass attempt in first two games-- the difference between Weeks 1 and 2? They didn't turn the ball over in Dallas Sunday, and scored 27 points. They turned ball over four times against Detroit, and damn near lost at home to the Lions.

10) 11 teams turned ball 3+ times Sunday; of the 11, only the Chargers won, and that was because they forced six Jacksonville turnovers. San Diego averaged 10.9 yards/pass attempt on a dry field at home.

9) Tampa Bay is 2-0 because they were plus in turnovers in both games, and moved chains enough (13-31 on 3rd down) to win field position. In last week's game, they won field position by 13 yards; yesterday, +9.

8) Ravens have two TDs on 24 drives, scoring 10 points in both games so far this season. Flacco completed only 17 of 39 passes yesterday, in a dreadful performance (averaged only 3.8 yards/pass attempt).

7) Road teams that won in Week 1 were 6-6; road teams that lost were 1-2, with only the Eagles winning. Favorites were 5-9-1 vs spread, with over 8-7 (four of five 4:00 games and the Sunday night game went over).

6) In the first 0:37 of Steeler-Titan game, Pittsburgh ran a kickoff back for a TD, Tennessee fumbled the ball back to the Steelers and there was a fairly big scuffle between the teams. All in 37 seconds. It was then you knew the day was going to be a long one for Jeff Fisher.

5) Steelers had 21 yards passing; Dixon left on a cart, so Charlie Batch is the man in Pittsburgh for two more weeks, unless they bring Leftwich back Monday, which they probably will.

4) Lions were down 35-17 with 5:00 left, but scored 15 points to cover spread, and even recovered an onside kick to have shot at the unlikely win. Rookie RB Jahvid Best has been terrific for Detroit team that has gotten better, just not good enough to win a game yet.

3) Interesting to see if Minnesota coaches can keep the ship afloat after the Vikings' 0-2 start. Two TDs on 20 drives (with five turnovers) won't endear teammates to QB who basically refused to come to training camp to practice. They had ball in Miami red zone five times Sunday, scored only 10 points. Not good.

2) Game of the Day was undoubtedly Houston-Washington, first game since 1994 where both teams passed for 400+ yards. Matt Schaub was 38-52 for 497 yards for the Texans, who were down 20-7 at the half.

1) NFL has baby-fied pro football to point where you can't touch QB once he throws the ball; QB's routinely flop every time they're touched now, and referees are only so glad to toss a flag for roughing. Football is a violent game; take that away, and the game suffers.
 

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Bettors’ best friend: Monday’s wagering tips

Lines to watch
San Francisco 49ers opened as a 4.5-point underdog but are now listed as high as +6.

Weather to watch
No current weather concerns for Monday’s action.

Who’s hot
New Orleans Saints are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 meetings with the San Francisco 49ers.
St. Louis Cardinals are 12-4 in their last 16 meetings in Florida.
Philadelphia Phillies are 40-15 in their last 55.
Tampa Bay Rays are 10-1 in their last 11 Monday games.
Cincinnati Reds are 11-1 in their last 12 meetings with Milwaukee Brewers.
Minnesota Twins are 38-13 in their last 51.
Texas Rangers are 8-1 over their last nine.

Who’s not
Washington Nationals are 2-8 in their last 10.
Kansas City Royals are 6-22 in their last 28 road games.
Boston Red Sox are 2-7 in their last 9 road games.
Chicago White Sox are 15-37 in their last 52 meetings in Oakland.

Key stat
252 – Career home runs for Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard through 863 games. That is more dingers than anyone has had through that span in MLB history. Howard has 30 homers in 131 games this season.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked
Joe Mauer (knee) Minnesota Twins – Mauer left Sunday’s game with a jammed left knee and is considered day-to-day. Mauer sits second in the AL with a .331 batting average.

Game of the day
New Orleans at San Francisco 49ers (+5.5, 44)

Notable quotable
“I don’t know who’s gonna play quarterback next week. It won’t be me.” – Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin following Sunday’s 19-11 win over Tennessee. Denis Dixon fumbled twice before leaving the game with a knee injury. He’s scheduled for an MRI this week. Veteran Charlie Batch came into the game after Dixon left.

Tips and notes
The New Orleans Saints are 5-2 on Monday Night Football since Sean Payton came to town in 2006 and have won their last three MNF appearances dating back to 2008. This season’s schedule has been pretty sweet to the Saints so far. They haven’t played since the season opener on Sept. 9, leading some of the Saints to dub this stretch their bonus bye week.

San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis has given the New Orleans Saints some bulletin board material. “"I strongly believe we have the better team going into this game,'' Davis told reporters Saturday. “It's exciting because we know that they're competitive. But we're not worried about them being Super Bowl champion or anything like that." However, Saints are 10-2 against the spread in their last 12 matchups with the 49ers.

The Colorado Rockies have strengthened their bullpen by acquiring Octavio Dotel from the L.A. Dodgers for a player to be named later. Dotel had 22 saves in 28 opportunities with a 3.99 ERA this season. He won’t be on the club’s playoff roster, but should be a big help for the stretch run.
 

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