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Roy Oswalt And Phillies Battle Washington Nationals

Another key Saturday NL battle is in Miami where Tim Lincecum and the San Francisco Giants collide with Javier Vazquez and the Florida Marlins.Davey Johnson has the Washington Nationals playing pretty well – especially on their home turf – and possibly headed for a finish out of last place in the NL East for just the second time since the franchise moved from Montreal. That's the good news.

The bad news is the Nats are not at home this weekend and will be taking on three tough pitchers from the top team in the major leagues when they visit the Philadelphia Phillies. Game 2 of the series takes place Saturday night (4:05 p.m. PT) at Citizens Bank Park and is a rematch between starting pitchers from a June 1 clash in DC.

Washington headed into Friday's series opener just five games under .500 at 56-61 and a game ahead of the cellar-dwelling Florida Marlins in the division standings. It will take a 25-20 mark over their final 45 games for the Nationals to match their 81-81 record in 2005, their first season in Washington and best record since relocating from Canada.

They will play seven more games at home than on the road the rest of the way, more good news for the Nationals who are 24-38 away from DC and 6-10 on the highway since the all-star break. Washington opened this road trip by dropping two of three in Chicago.

Charlie Manuel's Phillies are coming off a sweep of the Dodgers to conclude a 9-1 trek through the NL West, and have played better than .750 baseball (20-6, .769) since the break. Philadelphia was enormous 280 chalk Friday night when Cole Hamels was slated to face Washington's Livan Hernandez. That result was still pending and carried an 8-run total.

Saturday's contest has lefty John Lannan (15-9, 3.56) squaring off against Roy Oswalt (5-9, 3.84). The two met to open the month of June at Nationals Park with Lannan the victor in the 2-1 outcome. He surrendered just four hits and a run while working into the sixth inning as a 130 home 'dog, and Washington's bullpen did the rest of the job.

That was at home, however, and Lannan's road ERA is about 1.5 runs higher with batters hitting about 50 points better. This will be his fourth start vs. the Phils this campaign, and the only one here at Citizens Bank Park resulted in a sound whipping (2 IP, 6 ER). The win over Oswalt in June was his very first ever against the Phillies, leaving Lannan 1-10 for his career with a 5.96 ERA. The Phillies also sport a 22-9 overall this season vs. southpaws.

This is Oswalt's second start since coming off the DL and he's been red ink on the MLB betting charts all season with the Phils down 6.5 units on the year, the only hurler in their rotation not to be break-even or better.

Oswalt fell 3-1 to Tim Lincecum and the Giants as a 130 road 'dog last Sunday. He's been a better pitcher at home statistically (3.38 ERA, 1.18 WHIP), yet the Phillies have only won two of his five starts here and those came against the dregs of the National League, Houston and Chicago.

Weather shouldn't be a factor with the forecast calling for a clear evening and a first-pitch temperature in the upper-70s.

Texas Rangers Take On Trevor Cahill And A's

The Texas Rangers will look to continue their recent dominance of the Oakland Athletics on Saturday and keep plugging away toward their second straight American League West title. The Rangers had beaten the A’s five straight times and won five of seven overall heading into Friday’s series opener at the Coliseum.

Opening pitch for the second game of three games in the series is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. (PT) with television coverage provided by FOX.

Texas opened a 10-game road trip in Oakland on Friday and must be careful not to look past the A’s and ahead to a critical four-game set against the Los Angeles Angels beginning Monday.

Oakland won four of the first five meetings this season before Texas reeled off its five consecutive victories. The Rangers won 10 of the 19 meetings in 2010, and the teams split their 10 games in Oakland.

The Rangers will send Colby Lewis (10-8, 4.12 ERA) to the mound in search of his first win in four starts. The big righty is 0-1 during that stretch, but Texas has lost two of those games after winning five straight with him on the hill.

He has surrendered 12 runs and 23 hits in 18 innings over his past three outings, walking six and striking out 11.

Lewis has pitched better on the road this season with a 6-4 mark in 11 starts to go along with a solid 3.08 ERA.

He is also 5-3 lifetime against the A’s with a 3.25 ERA and has been favored in seven of his last eight outings overall. This will be his third start vs. Oakland this season with Texas winning the previous two. Lewis worked a combined 13 1/3 innings in the other two and allowed five earned runs (3.37).

Oakland’s Trevor Cahill (9-10, 3.93) has enjoyed past success against his opposition as well, going 8-3 against the Rangers with an impressive 2.19 ERA. All three of his starts vs. Texas this season have eben solid with Oakland winning twice and Cahill's ERA at 1.24 in the 21 2/3 combined innings.

The main problem for Cahill this year has been a lack of run support, although his pitching lately has also left a lot to be desired.

Two of Cahill’s worst starts of the year have come over the past three weeks, although both of them came on the road. He gave up a season-worst 10 runs in a 17-7 loss to the New York Yankees on July 22 and then gave up a season-high 12 hits and seven runs in an 8-4 setback at Seattle on August 1.

However, Cahill was outstanding in his last home start on July 27, allowing only four hits in seven scoreless innings of a 13-4 win over Tampa Bay. That remains his lone victory since June 25. The ‘over’ has cashed in each of Cahill’s last four outings, and he has been an underdog in three of those games with the A’s winning twice.

The weather forecast for Saturday afternoon in Oakland calls for a high temperature of 74 degrees under partly sunny skies.

Tampa Bay Rays At NY Yankees MLB Betting preview

The New York Yankees have a stranglehold on the AL wild card and can continue strengthening their grip this weekend when hosting the Tampa Bay Rays. Saturday’s first pitch at Yankee Stadium is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. (PT) and will be televised on FOX.

New York took two of three games against the Los Angeles Angels leading into this series, the a club that sits directly behind the Yankees in the wild-card race. The third-place team in that group is Tampa Bay.

The Yankees were just a game back in the American League East entering Friday's series opener that matched up left-handers David Price for Tampa Bay and CC Sabathia for New York. MLB betting lines were -175 on the Yankees with a 7½-run total.

Phil Hughes (2-4, 7.11 ERA) is scheduled to make his 10th appearance (ninth start) of the season, picking up a 3-2 loss in relief against the Red Sox last time out. He is aiming to record his first home victory of the season, coming in with an 0-2 mark and 9.16 ERA, with opponents are hitting .366 against him at Yankee Stadium.

The right-hander has registered an even 3-3 record and 4.50 ERA in 10 lifetime outings (five starts) versus the Rays, including a 1-2 mark and 4.74 ERA in three starts in 2010. He has kept Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria relatively quite, allowing three hits in 10 at bats with just a single RBI.

Bettors have been expecting the former first-round selection to turn things around in front of the home faithful, as the Yankees have won 24 of his last 32 starts in the Bronx. He may gain confidence in knowing the Bronx Bombers own a major league-best 32-8 record in day games this year.

Tampa Bay knows it will be a steep climb at this point to make the postseason, but the team is not going to give up without a fight under manager Joe Maddon. The Rays just picked up their eighth four-game sweep in club history against the Kansas City Royals.

Longoria has been leading the charge offensively, hitting safely in eight straight games, including six RBIs over the last three. He is a career .271 hitter against the Yankees.

Jeremy Hellickson (10-7, 3.05 ERA) has led the club to wins in four of his last five outings. That includes a no-decision in his last start, a 2-1 home victory over the Royals when he surrendered just a single run and six hits over 7 1/3 innings.

Hellickson proved victorious in his only career start against New York four starts back, giving up two runs and five hits in seven frames of a 3-2 win at Tropicana Field. In three lifetime outings versus the pinstripes, the rookie is 2-0 with a 3.38 ERA.

Total players will find that the ‘over’ is 9-3 in his last 12 road starts.

It should be a perfect day in the Bronx with game-time temperatures in the mid-80s. A slight south breeze of 5-10 mph will also be present throughout the contest (right to left). The ‘over’ is 6-2 at Yankee Stadium under those conditions.

MLB Series Outlook: Chicago Cubs at Atlanta

CHICAGO CUBS (51-67, -13.7 Units)

at ATLANTA BRAVES (69-49, +9.0 Units)


Sportsbook.com Series Line: TBD

Like every year, the Cubs seem to be a disappointment and the Braves are at the center of the playoff picture. At 51-67, Chicago sits 16 games behind the N.L. Central lead while Atlanta sits comfortably atop the N.L. Wild Card race at 69-49. The Cubs have been hot however, entering the weekend with an 8-2 record in August. With the trade deadline addition of speedy Michael Bourn in center field, the Braves have a true leadoff presence to jump-start them now.

Play on favored ATLANTA to take this series, with too much of a starting pitching and lineup edge in this series to give the lovable loser Cubs a chance. Chicago has the second-fewest road wins in the NL (22), while the Braves have been dominant against N.L. Central teams this year, winning 62.1% of the games (18-11).

The FoxSheets give another reason to take the Braves, who are not facing a lefty starter this weekend.ATLANTA is 51-32 (61.4%, +11.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season. The average score was ATLANTA 4.2, OPPONENT 3.4 - (Rating = 1*).

Pitching Probables for Saturday, August 13 - 7:10 EDT
Saturday line: TBD
CHC: 5-9 (-3.25 Units) when Randy Wells starts
ATL: 13-12 (-0.05 Units) when Derek Lowe starts
Wells (3-4, 6.05 ERA) has been a disaster for the Cubs, evidenced by his last start. In that outing he allowed six runs over seven innings, serving up three home runs. In just 77.1 innings this year, he’s allowed 15 long balls (including 9 HR in past six starts), something the Braves lineup should be licking their chops over.
Lowe (7-10, 4.78 ERA) finally ended his string of six straight non-quality starts, with a strong outing in Florida his last time out (6 IP, 6 H, 2 ER). He’s also had success against the Cubs, going 3-0 with a 3.00 ERA in nine starts against them since 2006. Although Turner Field has not been a safe haven for Lowe this year (5.07 ERA), he is still the favorable play over the struggling Wells.

Pitching Probables for Sunday, August 14 - 1:35 EDT
Sunday line: TBD
CHC: 8-14 (-7.65 Units) when Matt Garza starts
ATL: 9-8 (-0.55 Units) when Brandon Beachy starts
Garza (5-9, 3.81 ERA) has been the lone Cubs starter to be in the rotation the entire year and pitch with a strong level of consistency. He’s far worse away from Wrigley Field though, with a 5.20 road ERA. Against the K-machine Beachy, play against the Cubs’ ace.
Beachy’s (5-2, 3.43 ERA) last start embodied his entire season: he allowed two runs over 6.2 innings with 10 K in a no-decision. He is averaging 9.74 K per 9 innings, but only has seven decisions in 17 starts this year. Although not nearly as bad as the Braves, the Cubs are strikeout-prone as well, ranking tied for 10th in the majors with 860 whiffs. Beachy has never faced the Cubs in his career.

MLB Series Outlook: Boston at Seattle

BOSTON RED SOX (72-44, +6.7 Units)

at SEATTLE MARINERS (50-66, -13.6 Units)


Sportsbook.com Series Line: TBD

The Red Sox and Mariners are heading in opposite directions right now, with Boston fighting to keep the A.L. East lead and the Mariners sinking to the bottom of the A.L. West. Their deadline deal together embodied that, with the Red Sox receiving starting pitcher Erik Bedard as a part of a three-team trade. Although he does not pitch this series, the Red Sox will aim to build on their one-game lead over the Yankees with a sweep over a weaker opponent.

Bet on SEATTLE to win the series as heavy underdogs who should receive great lines against the juggernaut Red Sox. The Mariners have strong pitching matchups in the first two games of the series, and despite their division-worst record, play near .500-ball at home (27-28) and are 5-4 in August.

The FoxSheets show another trend siding with the Mariners to take two out of three games.

TERRY FRANCONA is 66-77 (-25.3 Units) against the money line in road games against AL West opponents as the manager of BOSTON. The average score was BOSTON 4.4, OPPONENT 4.6 - (Rating = 1*).

Pitching Probables for Saturday, August 13 - 10:10 EDT
Saturday line: TBD
BOS: 16-6 (+7.25 Units) when Josh Beckett starts
SEA: 13-12 (-1.40 Units) when Felix Hernandez starts
Beckett (9-4, 2.17 ERA) has returned to elite status this year and is the favorable play against almost any pitcher. Unfortunately, Felix Hernandez may be one of those exceptions. Still, the Boston right-hander has been consistently dominant, never allowing more than three earned runs in any of his seven starts since July (2.11 ERA, 0.96 WHIP). This will be a great pitcher’s duel.
Hernandez (10-10, 3.31 ERA) has been slightly less consistent than Beckett, but is unhittable when he’s on top of his game. He has six starts this year with 10 or more strikeouts, and in his past 14.1 innings over two starts he’s fanned 21 and allowed just four runs. “King Felix,” how he is affectionately known, is 4-2 with a 3.39 ERA in 10 career starts versus Boston.

Pitching Probables for Sunday, August 14 - 4:10 EDT
Sunday line: TBD
BOS: 11-5 (+4.85 Units) when Tim Wakefield starts
Team: 1-3 (+1.60 Units) when Charlie Furbush starts
Never spectacular, the 45-year-old Wakefield (6-4, 4.92 ERA) is a reliable veteran who should be counted on to grind out this matchup. He’ll be trying to win his 200th career game on Sunday. Still, he has struggled against the Mariners with a 6.00 ERA in 12 innings against them this year, and is no sure thing, with nine straight starts of allowing at least three earned runs (5.43 ERA in this span).
Furbush (2-4, 4.46 ERA) excelled in 26 innings as a reliever with a 2.42 ERA but has struggled in the rotation with a 7.71 ERA and .343 opponents’ BA in four starts. He’s also a lefty, which doesn’t bode well for him on Sunday because the Red Sox are one of three teams in baseball with an OPS above .800 against left-handed pitching.

MLB Series Outlook: Tampa Bay at N.Y. Yankees

TAMPA BAY RAYS (63-54)

at NEW YORK YANKEES (71-45)


Sportsbook.com Series Line: TBD

The Yankees can all but officially knock Tampa Bay out of playoff contention when they host the Rays for a three-game set starting Friday night.

New York enters the weekend with an 8½-game lead over Tampa for the A.L. Wild Card spot. But the Rays are an even 6-6 over the past two years at the new Yankee Stadium, and they have clear advantages in the Saturday and Sunday pitching matchups. Plus, at 32-26 (+7.5 Units), Tampa has the third-best road record in the American League. The FoxSheets provide another trend about the Yankees that sides with TAMPA BAY to steal the weekend series:

TAMPA BAY is 32-20 (61.5%, +13.2 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. The average score was TAMPA BAY 6.2, OPPONENT 4.7 - (Rating = 1*).

Pitching Probables for Saturday, August 13 - 4:10 ET
Saturday line: TBD
TB: 11-9 (+1.0 Units) when Jeremy Hellickson starts
NYY: 4-4 (-1.1 Units) when Phil Hughes starts
Hellickson (10-7, 3.05 ERA) has quality starts in seven of his past eight outings, and is coming off back-to-back gems (albeit against weak opponents), holding the Mariners to one run over seven innings and the Royals to one run over 7.1. He was excellent in his only career start against the Yankees, holding them to two runs and five hits over seven innings, striking out seven and walking one on July 19.
Manager Joe Girardi has said he’d like to go back to a five-man rotation, so Hughes (2-4, 7.11 ERA) is likely pitching for his rotation spot. He pitched out of the bullpen in their 10-inning loss in Boston on Sunday (taking the loss by allowing a run in the 10th), but he threw a rain-shortened, six-inning shutout against the White Sox in his previous start. His velocity is better than it was early in the year, and he’s 2-2 with a 4.28 ERA as a starter since returning from the minors, allowing more than two runs just once in five starts.

Pitching Probables for Sunday, August 14 - 1:05 ET
Sunday line: TBD
TB: 15-9 (+3.4 Units) when James Shields starts
NYY: 11-9 (+0.3 Units) when Freddy Garcia starts
Shields (11-9, 2.80 ERA) has bounced back strong since a disastrous start in Oakland to close out July (10 runs, 14 base runners in four innings). He held the Blue Jays to one run over 7.1 innings on August 3, then threw a six-hit shutout, striking out eight, against the Royals on Tuesday. Despite a 6-5 record at home (Tampa is 8-5 in his starts), Shields has been magnificent at Tropicana Field, posting a 2.15 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and recording quality starts in 11 of his 13 outings. He beat the Yankees at home on July 21, holding them to one run over 7.2 innings. In three starts against New York in 2011, he has a 1.59 ERA and 1.02 WHIP over 22.2 innings.
Garcia (10-7, 3.16 ERA) is chugging along nicely of late, going 3-0 with a 2.13 ERA in his past four starts. He threw 6.2 shutout innings, striking out seven and walking none, in a victory in Tampa on July 20. He’s won both of his starts against the Rays over the past two seasons, allowing just two runs, striking out 14 and walking only two over 13.2 innings.

MLB Series Outlook: San Francisco at Florida

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (64-54, +3.0 Units)

at FLORIDA MARLINS (55-62, -7.8 Units)


Sportsbook.com Series Line: TBD

The streaky Marlins are on a bad run again, while the Giants are struggling themselves. Florida will be trying to snap a seven-game losing streak when it hosts San Francisco for a three-game set starting Friday night. Meanwhile, the Giants are just 4-10 since adding Carlos Beltran, who is now battling a wrist injury, to their lineup.

Florida pulled off a sweep in San Francisco the last time these teams met, back in May, and took out star catcher Buster Posey in the process. It took the Giants some time to recover then, just as they’re adjusting to the arrival of Beltran now. They pulled off a three-game sweep the last time they visited Miami, in May 2010, and they’ll have their three best pitchers on the mound this weekend: Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and Ryan Vogelsong. That, plus this pair of three-star trends from the FoxSheets, is enough to make SAN FRANCISCO the pick to win the series.

FLORIDA is 20-35 (36.4%, -20.8 Units) against the money line in home games vs. teams averaging 2.75 or less extra base hits per game this season. The average score was FLORIDA 3.9, OPPONENT 4.5 - (Rating = 3*).

JACK McKEON is 1-12 (7.7%, -13.3 Units) against the money line in home games vs. a good bullpen whose WHIP is 1.350 or better as the manager of FLORIDA. The average score was FLORIDA 2.8, OPPONENT 6.3 - (Rating = 3*).

Pitching Probables for Saturday, August 13 - 7:10 ET
Saturday line: TBD
SF: 14-10 (-0.5 Units) when Tim Lincecum starts
FLA: 11-12 (+1.0 Units) when Javier Vazquez starts
Lincecum (10-9, 2.69 ERA) has been lights out over the past month, posting a 1.36 ERA over his past six starts and allowing more than one run in just one of them (2 ER vs. Arizona). However, his K-to-BB ratio is a surprisingly middling 39-to-19 over 39.2 innings during that span. He’s faced the Marlins only twice, both times in Miami, posting a 3.14 ERA and .160 opponents’ BA as the Giants won both of those outings.
Despite a weak stat line for the season, Vazquez (7-9, 4.72 ERA) has been much better over his past 10 starts: 4-3, 2.19 ERA (though six unearned runs allowed as well), 47 strikeouts and only 13 walks over 61.2 innings. He was a little shaky against St. Louis on Sunday, allowing four runs (one earned) over six innings. He has only faced the Giants once since 2005, when he allowed five runs in 5.2 innings during his Cy Young-caliber 2009 season for Atlanta.

Pitching Probables for Sunday, August 14 - 1:10 ET
Sunday line: TBD
SF: 12-7 (+4.3 Units) when Ryan Vogelsong starts
FLA: 10-10 (+0.5 Units) when Chris Volstad starts
He’s been one of the surprise stories of 2011, but Vogelsong (9-2, 2.48 ERA) is coming off a brutal outing against the Phillies. He struck out eight in five innings on Monday, but also gave up five runs and 11 base runners. He’s also been a little shakier in road starts this year, where he’s 3-0, but has a 3.55 ERA and 1.45 WHIP (as opposed to 1.82 ERA and 1.18 WHIP at home). He pitched very well against Florida in May, holding them to one run over eight innings in a tough loss.
The struggles continue for Volstad (5-8, 5.58 ERA). After posting an 8.50 ERA over four starts in July, he was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans where he threw seven shutout innings in his first start, but allowed nine runs and 22 base runners over 11.1 innings in his next two. He has a strong track record against the Giants (1.71 ERA, 17 K, 3 BB over three career starts), including six innings of two-run ball in a no-decision at San Francisco in May (a Florida win).

Cape Blanco Morning-Line Favorite For Arlington Million

The 29th running of the Grade I Arlington Million is set for Saturday, August 13. WGN America will be providing live television coverage of the event from Arlington Park Racetrack with the post time set for 3:15 p.m. (PT).

Ten horses are currently entered for the 1 1/4-mile grass event that is part of the Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” series, as the winner gains an automatic spot in the Breeders Cup’ Turf at Churchill Downs Nov. 5.

A familiar face is currently the second-choice on the morning line, as Gio Ponti (2/1) is making his record-tying third Million start. The six-year-old is aiming for his second career victory in the prestigious race and has drawn the No. 5 post position.

The Christophe Clement-trained horse finished second in a six-wide trip in last year’s event, losing to winner Debussy by a half length.

If he happens to turn the tables and hit the wire first this weekend, the Kentucky-bred will join John Henry as the only horses to have won the Million twice.

Cape Blanco (9/5) has been established as the early favorite and will be making his second trip to the United States in as many months after capturing the Grade I Man o’ War at Belmont Park on July 9. The son of Galileo defeated Gio Ponti by 2 1/4-lengths in that particular race and has won seven times in 13 starts.

Trainer Aiden O’Brien led the four-year-old colt to victories in the Irish Derby and Irish Champion Stakes last year. Jockey Jamie Spencer will be aboard for the fifth-straight time and will be breaking from the gate out of the No. 7 post.

Mission Approved (6/1) is the third-choice and will be making his first career start over this turf course. He finished a well-beaten fourth behind the two main betting favorites of this race in the Man o’ War and pilot Jose Espinoza will be onboard for a fourth consecutive time.

The son of Canadian Triple Crown winner With Approval could turn the tables in this particular race, defeating Gio Ponti in the Grade I Manhattan Handicap at Belmont June 11 on Belmont Stakes Day.

Tajaaweed (12/1) deserves some betting attention due to finishing in the money four of five races when racing around Chicago’s famed track. He was the winner of this season’s Arlington Handicap July 9 and finished sixth in last year’s Arlington Million.

He beat a field of 10 horses in the Grade III event last month, shifting out four-wide and making a move down the homestretch with jockey James Graham aboard. The six-year-old out of Dynaformer is trained by Daniel Peltz and has taken a picture in all three starts this year.

The race continues to attract the best grass runners in the world and has drawn three European entries to cement that fact. Along with the morning-line favorite, Europe will be represented by another Irish-bred Wigmore Hall (8/1) and French-bred Zack Hall (10/1).

Books, Bettors excited with NFL

August 12, 2011

The first day of football in Las Vegas sports books made it feel like fall, despite the 100 degree temperature outside. Between the lines at the window to make wagers and the sounds of bettors ‘ohhing’ and ‘awing’ with each play, it was clear that a season has definitely passed.
In the pro basketball preseason, or the pro baseball training camps, the games go off in the sports books without much of a peep. But this is the NFL, a much different element and America’s favorite betting pastime.

“It was Unbelievable!“ said Cantor Gaming Sports Book Director Mike Colbert from his M Resort office. “I expected the action and excitement to be better than the last two years just because of the anticipated season with all the surrounding labor issues, but it even surpassed those expectations. The volume was crazy and we only took one sharp high limit bet.”

The sports books had mixed results after the first day of football action was posted, but all will be in the same boat with plenty of spillover parlay risk through Mondays Jets-Texans game. Even though two underdogs won outright with another covering among of the five games on Thursday, the two favorites that did cover seemed to be a key link for most of the bettors and their parlays.

The Patriots blew out the Jaguars 47-12 as three-point favorites while everyone’s favorite new NFL topic, the Philadelphia Eagles, won 13-6 as three-point favorites against the Ravens. The Eagles definitely have the look and feel of a champion. It’s not only them, but the fans as well. You can sense a buzz of sorts that something special may be happening. The Eagles displayed a confident, cocky arrogance that is seen with quite a few teams who eventually win it all.

The one big sharp bet Colbert alluded to was on the Cardinals-Raiders game and the individual took the Arizona and the 3 ½-points, winning 24-18 outright on the road.

Helping parlays on the day was also four of the five totals going OVER the number. Most respected limit players bet the majority of all Week 1 preseason games UNDER the numbers, but the casual bettors with parlays always play the OVER no matter what the number is.

The total that moved the most was the Broncos-Cowboys game which moved from an opener of 37 to closing at 34. The Cowboys won a thriller 24-23, a game that Denver led 9-3 at halftime.

The M sports book was just like everywhere else in the city where the first glimpse of football bumped it up as the lead house sound. Football, preseason or not, is now priority one over major league baseball and it will stay that way all season when comes to baseball vs. the NFL. “The only thing I could see where baseball was shown over football is if it was the Red Sox-Yankees against a bad pre-season game with little betting interest,“ explained Colbert.

Colbert will have to come to that decision on Sept. 1, the last week of preseason, when the Red Sox welcome the Yankees. However, each of the preseason games will have considerable betting interest helping Colbert to an easy decision.

Las Vegas Hilton Super Book Executive Director Jay Kornegay says he’s got that portion figured out already. “I’d say that over 90% of all preseason games will be showing will sound on in our book, but we have the option of also sending those people who want to hear baseball, or the game not being shown with sound, in the non-smoking ’man cave’.”

The ‘man cave’ is a segment in the casino bigger than a lot of Nevada sports books which is adjacent and in full view of the large Super Book. If viewers bring their own ipod or radio ear piece, they can tune into any game they want this season. The Hilton will have all the games posted on an FM frequency giving sound for any game to those that want it.

Also, it's fair to point out that the NFL Network did a terrific job of coverage of all five games giving bettors at home and in the book all the relevant information of each game they waned to see. They tried to ensure that each team’s first-team offense was shown and they had all the key moments fans wanted to see live, such as Tim Tebow’s first half and the Eagles as a unit in general.

Saturday's betting tips: Cuddyer hurt

Who’s hot

MLB: The over is 9-0-2 in Oakland’s past 11 home games.

NFL: The over was 4-0 in the Indianapolis Colts’ four preseason games last year.

WNBA: Washington is 4-0 ATS in its past four games overall.

CFL: Winnipeg is 5-0 ATS in its past five road games.

Who’s not

MLB: The Giants are 3-10 in their past 13 games.

NFL: The Chicago Bears went 0-4 SU and ATS in the preseason last year.

WNBA: Atlanta is 0-3-1 ATS in its past four road games.

CFL: Toronto has seen the over go 4-0 in its past four games overall.

Key stat

0 – Losses for Tampa Bay starting pitcher Jeff Niemann since coming off the disabled list. In early May, he was 1-4 with a 5.74 ERA and suffering back problems. Six weeks later he returned to the mound and has been dominant. Since coming off the DL he is 6-0 with a 2.71 ERA.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Michael Cuddyer – The third baseman tweaked a neck muscle during batting practice and is listed as day-to-day. "He popped something in his neck on his last swing," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire told reporters. "He was hurting. He was in a lot of pain." Cuddyer is hitting .295 and leads Minnesota with 18 homers and 61 RBI.

Game of the day

Green Bay Packers at Cleveland Browns (-2, 35.5)

Notable quotable

"When he got out of the car, we're talking, and the crowd started to build and his bravery started to build. I walk away and he keeps talking. That's the part that frustrates me. That's when you saw me engage like that. If you're going to say something, say it to a man's face. I don't know about you, but that really makes me mad. He just started running his mouth." – Jimmy Johnson on his altercation with Kurt Busch following last week’s race at Pocono.

Notes and tips

Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks confirmed he is ahead of schedule to return from a third-degree ankle sprain and surrounding ligament damage. However, he still is expected to miss another 2-4 weeks with the injury. He has only been able to run in the pool but has put weight on the ankle. Weeks is batting .272 with 19 homers and 43 RBI.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said the team will make a decision no later than Monday about which pitchers will make the cut to a 5-man rotation. "It's either somebody going to the pen or somebody going to Triple-A,” Cashman told reporters. “We'll make that call soon enough.” The team is expected to choose between Phil Hughes and A.J. Burnett for the final spot.

The Panthers (-2, 33) are favorites against the visiting Giants but will be without a slew of players on Saturday. Carolina will miss receiver Steve Smith and guard Geoff Schwartz on offense and defensive ends Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy, linebackers Jon Beason and Thomas Davis and cornerbacks Chris Gamble and Captain Munnerlyn on defense. On Friday, receiver David Gettis and defensive tackle Ron Edwards were placed on IR.

Saturday's six-pack

-- Arizona's Ian Kennedy has thrown 100+ pitches in each of his last 22 starts; he's been eating a lot of innings for an improved Arizona team.

-- Diamondbacks are trying very hard to gets fans to the ballpark; they are offering upper deck seats for only $4 for Saturday night's game.

-- Vin Scully pointed out Friday night that the last 11 hitting streaks of 30+ games were all accomplished by National League players.

-- Johnny Damon has hit as many doubles as Babe Ruth did.

-- CC Sabathia had only allowed eight HRs all season before the Rays hit five solo homers against him Friday night.

-- Texas Longhorns turned a $68M profit with their football program last year; the entire athletic budget at Texas A&M was $66.8M, which is a big reason why A&M might bolt the Big 12 for the SEC.


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


Saturday's List of 13: Clearing out a cluttered mind.........

13) 77-year old Howard Schnellenberger is expected to step down as the football coach at Florida Atlantic after this season; the man with the pipe and very deep voice has had an exceptional career- he played and coached under Bear Bryant (he recruited Joe Namath for the Crimson Tide).

He coached under George Allen with the Rams and under Don Shula with the undefeated '72 Dolphins; he was head coach of the Baltimore Colts for only 17 games, but turned Miami Hurricanes into a national power at the college level, winning the '83 national title. He rebuilt Louisville's program to the point where they whipped Alabama 34-7 in the '91 Fiesta Bowl.

Schellenberger started the Florida Atlantic program from scratch and he won two bowls with the Owls. His career bowl record is 6-0, the most bowl wins of any coach who never lost one. Its fair to say that he's had one of the most underrated coaching careers in football history.

12) Boise State fired its athletic director over NCAA rules violations; the AD worked for the school for 30 years, oversaw the move from I-AA to national prominence, and now he gets fired? What did he do that was so bad? Either there is stuff left unsaid or the punishment in no way fits the crime. Seems like the guy has done a great job for the Broncos, just not a perfect one.

11) Florida Marlins are 51-41 when Hanley Ramirez plays, 5-21 when he doesn’t. That speaks for itself.

10) Arkansas Razorbacks lost star RB Knile Davis for the season with an ankle injury, big blow for a team breaking in a new QB this year.

9) Tennessee has a new basketball coach and he has huge shoes to fill, because before Bruce Pearl got to Knoxville, Tennessee basketball was only relevant when the women’s team played. Now Pearl is in coaching limbo and Cuonzo Martin, who did well at Missouri State but never made the NCAA’s, will try to win games with an extremely inexperienced team in a very tough SEC East. Good luck there.

8) According to espn.com, as of Friday morning, there had been 58 HR’s of 450+ feet this season; 11 of those 58 were at Chase Field in Arizona.

7) Pirates announced this week they’re going to raise ticket prices next year for the first time in 10 years. Team has lost 14 of 17 games since briefly being in first place; this probably wasn’t the best time to announce the price increase, not that there is ever a good time.

6) In 1999, Mavericks’ owner Mark Cuban sold his Internet startup company for $5.9B worth of Yahoo! stock. That’s billion, with a B. Baseball would be more interesting if Cuban bought the Dodgers.

5) How good has Cole Hamels been this season? Phillies have scored two runs in eight of his 25 starts this season, and they’re 4-4 in those games.

4) When the Rams beat 49ers in Week 16 LY, it ended a 7-year long, 0-9 streak as a divisional home favorite against the spread.

3) Ohio State had to eat 7,517 tickets to the Sugar Bowl LY? That’s over 40% of their allotment. Seems like the BCS bowl setup is only a good deal for the BCS itself.

2) Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy must be quite a character; he fired a carpenter who came to his house wearing an Oklahoma baseball shirt. Now the carpenter is suing Gundy for $30,000 in lost earnings. Lot of hard feelings could've been avoided if Gundy had just laughed it off.

1) So Eldrick Woods shot +10 at the PGA and missed the cut; he's also out of the PGA Tour "playoffs" that were originally designed to get him and other stars to play more in the fall. He's ranked 30th in the world and falling fast, he's not in the top 100 on this year's money list and he's not scheduled to play again until November. Juat proves once again that real life is a lot stranger than fiction.

MLB
Dunkel


Kansas City at Chicago White Sox
The White Sox look to bounce back from yesterday's 5-1 loss to KC and build on their 5-1 record in Jake Peavy's last 6 starts when their opponent scores 5 or more runs in the previous game. Chicago is the pick (-155) according to Dunkel, which has the White Sox favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-155). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13

Game 901-902: Colorado at St. Louis (7:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Hammel) 15.579; St. Louis (Garcia) 17.265
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-180); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-180); Over

Game 903-904: Washington at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Lannan) 16.319; Philadelphia (Oswalt) 14.774
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-200); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+170); Under

Game 905-906: Pittsburgh at Milwaukee (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Correia) 13.859; Milwaukee (Estrada) 16.585
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 2 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-160); 9
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-160); Under

Game 907-908: Chicago Cubs at Atlanta (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Wells) 14.653; Atlanta (Lowe) .964
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-170); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+150); Over

Game 909-910: San Francisco at Florida (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Lincecum) 14.624; Florida (Vazquez) 13.716
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-165); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-165); Under

Game 911-912: San Diego at Cincinnati (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Stauffer) 15.417; Cincinnati (Bailey) 16.372
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-130); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-130); Over

Game 913-914: NY Mets at Arizona (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Pelfrey) 15.709; Arizona (Hudson) 13.967
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Arizona (-170); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+150); Under

Game 915-916: Houston at LA Dodgers (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Rodriguez) 14.175; LA Dodgers (Kershaw) 15.344
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-210); 6
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-210); Over

Game 917-918: LA Angels at Toronto (1:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Weaver) 14.614; Toronto (Romero) 15.437
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-120); 7
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+100);

Game 919-920: Texas at Oakland (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Lewis) 16.862; Oakland (Cahill) 15.252
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-115); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-115); Over

Game 921-922: Tampa Bay at NY Yankees (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Hellickson) 16.862; NY Yankees (Hughes) 15.723
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-140); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+120); Under

Game 923-924: Minnesota at Cleveland (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Duensing) 14.211; Cleveland (Tomlin) 15.657
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-140); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-140); Over

Game 925-926: Detroit at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Scherzer) 15.102; Baltimore (Guthrie) 14.168
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-130); Over

Game 927-928: Kansas City at Chicago White Sox (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Hochevar) 14.453; White Sox (Peavy) 15.553
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-155); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-155); Under

Game 929-930: Boston at Seattle (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Beckett) 15.705; Seattle (Hernandez) 15.190
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-140); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-140); Under

MLB
Write-Up


Saturday, August 13

Hot pitchers
-- Lannan is 1-0, 2.84 in his last couple starts.
-- Lincecum is 4-2, 1.36 in his last six starts. Vazquez is 1-0, 2.70 in his last three starts.
-- Stauffer is 1-0, 2.70 in his last couple starts.
-- Pelfrey is 2-1, 2.33 in his last four road starts.
-- Kershaw is 5-1, 2.40 in his last six starts. WRodriguez is 2-1, 2.25 in his last three road starts.

-- Weaver is 7-1, 1.18 in his last ten starts. Romero is 3-0, 1.11 in his last three outings.
-- Hellickson is 3-0, 2.67 in his last five starts. Hughes is 1-1, 1.50 in his last couple starts.
-- Hochevar is 2-0, 2.11 in his last three starts. Peavy has a 1.80 RA in his last couple starts.
-- FHernandez is 2-1, 2.11 in his last three starts. Beckett has a 2.12 RA in his last five starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Hammel is 1-3, 9.69 in his last five starts. JGarcia is 0-1, 7.88 in his last three starts.
-- Oswalt is 0-3, 6.91 in his last three starts.
-- Correia is 1-4, 9.21 in his last six starts. Estrada is 1-2, 5.18 in four starts, last of which was May 4.
-- Lowe is 1-3, 7.65 in his last four starts. Wells is 1-1, 5.68 in his last three starts.
-- Bailey is 1-1, 9.00 in his last three starts.
-- DHudson is 1-3, 6.56 in his last four starts.

-- Cahill is 1-5, 6.31 in his last eight starts, but is 2-1, 1.25 in three starts vs Texas this season. Lewis is 0-1, 5.89 in his last three starts.
-- Duensing is 1-3, 7.15 in his last four starts. Tomlin is 1-1, 5.21 in his last six starts.
-- Scherzer is 0-2, 4.24 in his last three starts. Guthrie is 1-2, 4.82 in his last four starts.

Totals
-- Eight of last nine Washington road games stayed under total.
-- Over is 9-4 in San Francisco's last thirteen road games.
-- Nine of last eleven San Diego road games went over the total.
-- Seven of Cubs' last eight road games went over the total.
-- Over is 11-3 in Pittsburgh's last fourteen games.
-- Under is 5-1-1 in last seven St Louis games.
-- Over is 7-4 in Mets' last eleven road games.
-- Five of Dodgers' last seven home games went over the total.

-- Six of last seven Minnesota games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight Tampa Bay road games went over the total.
-- Seven of last eight Detroit road games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 14-2 in Weaver's last sixteen starts.
-- Six of Royals' last seven road games stayed under the total.
-- Last nine Oakland home games went over the total.
-- Over is 5-1-1 in last seven Seattle home games.

Hot Teams
-- Phillies are 20-7 in their last 27 home games.
-- Padres won six of their last nine road games. Cincinnati won six of its last eight home games.
-- Cubs won nine of their last twelve games. Atlanta won seven of eight.
-- Brewers won 14 of their last 16 games.
-- Cardinals won six of their last eight home games.
-- Arizona won its last four games, scoring 29 runs.

-- Tampa Bay won five in row, eight of last ten games. Bronx won ten of its last fourteen games.
-- Tigers are 7-4 in their last eleven games.
-- Angels are 6-4 in their last ten road games.
-- White Sox won six of their last eight games.
-- A's won four of their last six games.
-- Boston won five of its last six games overall. Mariners won four of their last sixi home games.

Cold Teams
-- Washington is 7-13 in its last 20 road games.
-- Florida lost seven of its last eight games. Giants lost 11 of their last 14 games.
-- Pirates lost 14 of their last 17 games.
-- Colorado lost nine of its last thirteen games.
-- Mets lost nine of their last twelve games.
-- Dodgers lost five of their last six home games. Houston lost seven of their last eight games overall.

-- Minnesota lost seven of its last eight games. Indians are 5-10 in last 15 home games.
-- Blue Jays lost six of their last nine games.
-- Baltimore lost eight of its last ten games.
-- Kansas City lost six of its last eight games.
-- Rangers lost six of their last nine road games.

Umpires
-- Col-StL-- Six of last nine Schrieber games stayed under total.
-- Wsh-Phil-- Over is 9-4-1 in last fourteen Wendelstedt games.
-- Pitt-Mil-- Over is 9-2 in last eleven Hirschbeck games.
-- Chi-Atl-- Favorites won six of last seven Kellogg games.
-- SF-Fla-- Under is 8-4 in last twelve Kulpa games.
-- SD-Cin-- Favorites won last eight Bucknor games.
-- NY-Az-- Over is 6-4-1 in last eleven Barksdale games.
-- Hst-LA-- Under is 8-3 in last eleven Campos games.

-- LA-Tor-- Underdogs are 12-8 in last twenty Darling games.
-- Tex-A's-- Over is 8-4-1 in last thirteen Hudson games.
-- TB-NY-- Road team won four of last five Hallion games.
-- Min-Cle-- Under is 11-1-1 in last thirteen Eddings games.
-- Det-Balt-- Over is 6-3-1 in last ten BWelke games.
-- KC-Chi-- Over is 7-2-1 in last ten Guccione games.
-- Bos-Sea-- Favorites won three of last four Ripperger games.

MLB


Saturday, August 13

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
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1:07 PM
LA ANGELS vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games when playing Toronto
LA Angels are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Toronto is 4-9 SU in their last 13 games when playing LA Angels

4:05 PM
TEXAS vs. OAKLAND
Texas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Texas's last 6 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Oakland is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home
Oakland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Texas

4:10 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Tampa Bay's last 13 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 6 games

4:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. MILWAUKEE
Pittsburgh is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Pittsburgh is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Milwaukee's last 11 games

7:05 PM
DETROIT vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Detroit's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Detroit's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Baltimore's last 6 games at home
Baltimore is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CLEVELAND
Minnesota is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
Minnesota is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games

7:05 PM
WASHINGTON vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games
Philadelphia is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games

7:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Kansas City is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Kansas City's last 7 games on the road
Chi White Sox are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Kansas City
Chi White Sox are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games at home

7:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. ATLANTA
Chi Cubs are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Atlanta's last 12 games when playing Chi Cubs
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

7:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. FLORIDA
San Francisco is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing on the road against Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Florida's last 6 games when playing at home against San Francisco
Florida is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Francisco

7:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone OVER in 9 of San Diego's last 11 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Diego's last 8 games
Cincinnati is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
Cincinnati is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

7:15 PM
COLORADO vs. ST. LOUIS
Colorado is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of St. Louis's last 9 games when playing Colorado
St. Louis is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Colorado

8:10 PM
NY METS vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Mets's last 6 games when playing on the road against Arizona
NY Mets are 3-9 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Arizona's last 16 games
Arizona is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

10:10 PM
BOSTON vs. SEATTLE
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston's last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games at home
Seattle is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

10:10 PM
HOUSTON vs. LA DODGERS
Houston is 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Houston's last 9 games
LA Dodgers are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games at home
LA Dodgers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games

MLB
Long Sheet


Saturday, August 13

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

COLORADO (55 - 65) at ST LOUIS (64 - 55) - 7:15 PM
JASON HAMMEL (R) vs. JAIME GARCIA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 55-65 (-23.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 58-84 (-29.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 55-65 (-23.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 92-98 (-26.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 69-143 (-52.1 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
COLORADO is 13-33 (-19.0 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 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 150-131 (-22.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 6-11 (-14.5 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -175 to -200 over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 147-128 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 76-71 (-18.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 81-74 (-24.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 27-35 (-26.5 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.
GARCIA is 11-18 (-16.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 3-1 (+2.6 Units) against COLORADO this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.0 Units)

JASON HAMMEL vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
HAMMEL is 0-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 15.00 and a WHIP of 2.667.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

JAIME GARCIA vs. COLORADO since 1997
GARCIA is 0-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 13.51 and a WHIP of 2.887.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.3 units)

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

WASHINGTON (57 - 61) at PHILADELPHIA (77 - 41) - 7:05 PM
JOHN LANNAN (L) vs. ROY OSWALT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 18-44 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 77-41 (+19.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 21-2 (+17.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -200 to -225 over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 75-40 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 127-72 (+27.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 31-9 (+19.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 41-19 (+12.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
WASHINGTON is 57-61 (+4.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 57-61 (+4.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 39-36 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 28-24 (+10.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LANNAN is 15-9 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
LANNAN is 14-10 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LANNAN is 15-9 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
LANNAN is 20-13 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LANNAN is 9-3 (+8.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 4-6 (+0.3 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

JOHN LANNAN vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
LANNAN is 1-10 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 5.96 and a WHIP of 1.690.
His team's record is 2-12 (-9.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-7. (-0.6 units)

ROY OSWALT vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
OSWALT is 5-4 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.07 and a WHIP of 1.035.
His team's record is 7-9 (-6.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-7. (+0.9 units)

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PITTSBURGH (56 - 61) at MILWAUKEE (68 - 51) - 4:10 PM
KEVIN CORREIA (R) vs. MARCO ESTRADA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 17-53 (-25.3 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 25-66 (-24.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 75-127 (-28.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 195-402 (-95.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 87-205 (-64.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
MILWAUKEE is 68-51 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 37-21 (+14.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
MILWAUKEE is 28-7 (+16.6 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 42-15 (+22.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 23-6 (+15.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
MILWAUKEE is 23-6 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season.
MILWAUKEE is 68-51 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 55-37 (+15.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 23-5 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
PITTSBURGH is 56-61 (+6.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 30-29 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 25-21 (+8.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
PITTSBURGH is 14-8 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in road games in day games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 54-60 (+4.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 17-13 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
CORREIA is 29-21 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 18-8 (+14.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 12-6 (+10.2 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 11-2 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 9-1 (+11.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 6-1 (+7.1 Units) against the money line in road games in day games this season. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 10-2 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 7-1 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 20-12 (+14.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 6-0 (+6.0 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.6 Units)

KEVIN CORREIA vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
CORREIA is 2-5 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 6.37 and a WHIP of 1.488.
His team's record is 3-5 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-5. (-2.9 units)

MARCO ESTRADA vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

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CHICAGO CUBS (51 - 68) at ATLANTA (70 - 49) - 7:10 PM
RANDY WELLS (R) vs. DEREK LOWE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 51-68 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 51-68 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 859-913 (-158.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
WELLS is 8-19 (-11.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 70-49 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 92-50 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 70-49 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 52-32 (+12.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

RANDY WELLS vs. ATLANTA since 1997
WELLS is 2-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 2.88 and a WHIP of 1.120.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)

DEREK LOWE vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
LOWE is 4-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.52 and a WHIP of 1.228.
His team's record is 7-4 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-5. (+0.6 units)

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SAN FRANCISCO (64 - 55) at FLORIDA (56 - 62) - 7:10 PM
TIM LINCECUM (R) vs. JAVIER VAZQUEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 72-63 (+11.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 301-320 (+51.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 167-130 (+23.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 81-56 (+15.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 78-71 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 166-128 (+24.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 46-32 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 448-439 (+49.2 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 118-85 (+28.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
LINCECUM is 21-9 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LINCECUM is 21-9 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FLORIDA is 24-37 (-19.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
FLORIDA is 24-37 (-19.4 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
FLORIDA is 19-30 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
FLORIDA is 17-28 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
FLORIDA is 10-23 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
VAZQUEZ is 8-13 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VAZQUEZ is 8-13 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VAZQUEZ is 10-15 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
VAZQUEZ is 6-14 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 4-0 (+4.5 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

TIM LINCECUM vs. FLORIDA since 1997
LINCECUM is 1-0 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 3.14 and a WHIP of 0.907.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

JAVIER VAZQUEZ vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
VAZQUEZ is 5-7 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.65 and a WHIP of 1.399.
His team's record is 7-8 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-8. (-3.5 units)

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SAN DIEGO (53 - 67) at CINCINNATI (58 - 61) - 7:10 PM
TIM STAUFFER (R) vs. HOMER BAILEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 27-50 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CINCINNATI is 26-13 (+10.6 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 58-33 (+18.4 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.
BAILEY is 19-5 (+13.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
BAILEY is 12-1 (+10.9 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)
SAN DIEGO is 143-140 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 27-18 (+13.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 30-31 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 39-34 (+17.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 30-31 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN DIEGO is 23-18 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
SAN DIEGO is 36-31 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 58-61 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 24-28 (-11.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CINCINNATI is 21-26 (-15.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 56-60 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CINCINNATI is 35-40 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CINCINNATI is 44-47 (-10.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CINCINNATI is 22-35 (-18.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CINCINNATI is 24-27 (-12.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 3-1 (+2.0 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

TIM STAUFFER vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
STAUFFER is 2-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 2.60 and a WHIP of 1.385.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

HOMER BAILEY vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
BAILEY is 2-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 4.05 and a WHIP of 1.163.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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NY METS (58 - 60) at ARIZONA (66 - 53) - 8:10 PM
DILLON GEE (R) vs. IAN KENNEDY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 66-54 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 66-54 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 50-37 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 49-37 (+14.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 37-29 (+8.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
KENNEDY is 18-7 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
KENNEDY is 18-7 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
KENNEDY is 15-5 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 58-60 (+2.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 33-28 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
NY METS are 58-60 (+2.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 41-40 (+4.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
NY METS are 27-22 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 31-24 (+15.5 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.
GEE is 13-6 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
GEE is 9-3 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GEE is 13-6 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
GEE is 12-4 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 51-62 (-15.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 3-1 (+2.0 Units) against ARIZONA this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

DILLON GEE vs. ARIZONA since 1997
GEE is 1-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 4.91 and a WHIP of 1.091.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

IAN KENNEDY vs. NY METS since 1997
KENNEDY is 3-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.50 and a WHIP of 1.222.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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HOUSTON (38 - 81) at LA DODGERS (53 - 64) - 10:10 PM
WANDY RODRIGUEZ (L) vs. CLAYTON KERSHAW (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 38-81 (-34.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 14-34 (-17.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 36-80 (-36.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 28-55 (-19.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 28-52 (-17.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
HOUSTON is 38-57 (-22.3 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.
RODRIGUEZ is 6-22 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 43-37 (+15.9 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 53-64 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 29-34 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
LA DODGERS are 53-64 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 37-45 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 19-25 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KERSHAW is 31-34 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 4-3 (+1.8 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)

WANDY RODRIGUEZ vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
RODRIGUEZ is 4-3 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 2.44 and a WHIP of 1.265.
His team's record is 4-5 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-4. (-1.8 units)

CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. HOUSTON since 1997
KERSHAW is 1-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.91 and a WHIP of 1.174.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)

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LA ANGELS (65 - 54) at TORONTO (59 - 59) - 1:07 PM
JERED WEAVER (R) vs. RICKY ROMERO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 66-77 (-21.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 59-59 (+1.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 71-64 (+13.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 75-77 (+9.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 65-54 (+6.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 38-18 (+17.6 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 119-110 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 51-36 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 10-2 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 16-28 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
TORONTO is 19-24 (-10.1 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 3-1 (+1.9 Units) against TORONTO this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)

JERED WEAVER vs. TORONTO since 1997
WEAVER is 7-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 2.68 and a WHIP of 0.988.
His team's record is 7-1 (+5.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.3 units)

RICKY ROMERO vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
ROMERO is 2-2 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 3.76 and a WHIP of 1.519.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

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TEXAS (67 - 52) at OAKLAND (53 - 65) - 4:10 PM
COLBY LEWIS (R) vs. TREVOR CAHILL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 15-26 (-14.7 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 57-42 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CAHILL is 32-21 (+14.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
OAKLAND is 53-65 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 48-61 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 34-48 (-16.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 7-4 (+3.1 Units) against OAKLAND this season
8 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.0 Units)

COLBY LEWIS vs. OAKLAND since 1997
LEWIS is 5-3 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.52 and a WHIP of 1.361.
His team's record is 7-6 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-6. (-0.8 units)

TREVOR CAHILL vs. TEXAS since 1997
CAHILL is 8-3 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 2.19 and a WHIP of 1.128.
His team's record is 9-3 (+6.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-6. (-0.2 units)

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TAMPA BAY (64 - 54) at NY YANKEES (71 - 46) - 4:10 PM
JEREMY HELLICKSON (R) vs. PHIL HUGHES (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 24-30 (-10.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NY YANKEES are 32-8 (+21.3 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 33-26 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 12-5 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
TAMPA BAY is 30-24 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TAMPA BAY is 47-30 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 34-39 (-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.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 5-5 (+0.7 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.5 Units)

JEREMY HELLICKSON vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
HELLICKSON is 1-0 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

PHIL HUGHES vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
HUGHES is 2-3 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.45 and a WHIP of 1.253.
His team's record is 2-3 (-2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.3 units)

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MINNESOTA (52 - 66) at CLEVELAND (59 - 57) - 7:05 PM
BRIAN DUENSING (L) vs. JOSH TOMLIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 24-40 (-11.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CLEVELAND is 60-57 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 57-54 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 47-37 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 37-23 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
TOMLIN is 13-4 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TOMLIN is 13-4 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 69-46 (+16.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 6-4 (+2.5 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.4 Units)

BRIAN DUENSING vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
DUENSING is 3-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.10 and a WHIP of 1.230.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

JOSH TOMLIN vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
TOMLIN is 0-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 7.50 and a WHIP of 1.417.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.5 units)

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DETROIT (63 - 55) at BALTIMORE (45 - 71) - 7:05 PM
MAX SCHERZER (R) vs. JEREMY GUTHRIE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 36-62 (-23.7 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 39-63 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 45-72 (-23.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 38-67 (-27.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 30-53 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 24-45 (-17.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 16-46 (-28.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BALTIMORE is 6-19 (-12.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
GUTHRIE is 6-15 (-9.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 19-44 (-20.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 2-2 (+0.0 Units) against DETROIT this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

MAX SCHERZER vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
SCHERZER is 1-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.46 and a WHIP of 1.615.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. DETROIT since 1997
GUTHRIE is 3-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 2.62 and a WHIP of 1.136.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.2 units)

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KANSAS CITY (50 - 69) at CHI WHITE SOX (58 - 60) - 7:10 PM
LUKE HOCHEVAR (R) vs. JAKE PEAVY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 30-65 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 25-60 (-25.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 26-33 (-13.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 3-8 (-9.5 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 24-33 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 11-18 (-13.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 51-62 (-22.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 24-33 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 15-23 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 15-22 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 26-31 (-11.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 6-3 (+3.9 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.7 Units)

LUKE HOCHEVAR vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
HOCHEVAR is 3-3 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 4.33 and a WHIP of 1.269.
His team's record is 4-4 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-2. (+3.0 units)

JAKE PEAVY vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
PEAVY is 4-4 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.44 and a WHIP of 1.222.
His team's record is 4-4 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+1.9 units)

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BOSTON (73 - 44) at SEATTLE (50 - 67) - 10:10 PM
JOSH BECKETT (R) vs. FELIX HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 73-44 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 36-22 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BOSTON is 50-23 (+15.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SEATTLE is 50-67 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 109-158 (-45.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 81-113 (-25.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 61-106 (-41.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 20-39 (-17.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SEATTLE is 4-20 (-14.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 5-2 (+1.4 Units) against SEATTLE this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)

JOSH BECKETT vs. SEATTLE since 1997
BECKETT is 6-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 2.87 and a WHIP of 1.087.
His team's record is 7-1 (+4.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-5. (-2.3 units)

FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. BOSTON since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 4-2 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 3.39 and a WHIP of 1.304.
His team's record is 6-4 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-6. (-2.2 units)

NFL Preseason
Dunkel


SATURDAY, AUGUST 13

Game 271-272: Green Bay at Cleveland (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Green Bay 121.566; Cleveland 120.407
Dunkel Line: Green Bay by 1; 40
Vegas Line: Green Bay by 1 1/2; 35 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+1 1/2); Over

Game 273-274: NY Giants at Carolina (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Giants 120.677; Carolina 119.973
Dunkel Line: NY Giants by 1; 31
Vegas Line: Carolina by 1 1/2; 33
Dunkel Pick: NY Giants (+1 1/2); Under

Game 275-276: Buffalo at Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 117.977; Chicago 118.698
Dunkel Line: Chicago by 1; 35
Vegas Line: Chicago by 3; 33 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+3); Over

Game 277-278: Indianapolis at St. Louis (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indianapolis 116.347; St. Louis 125.977
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 9 1/2; 30
Vegas Line: St. Louis by 6 1/2; 34
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-6 1/2); Under

Game 279-280: Minnesota at Tennessee (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 125.326; Tennessee 125.717
Dunkel Line: Even; 35
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 3; 33
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+3); Over


MONDAY, AUGUST 15

Game 281-282: NY Jets at Houston (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Jets 117.538; Houston 120.797
Dunkel Line: Houston by 3 1/2; 32
Vegas Line: Houston by 2 1/2; 34 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-2 1/2); Under

NFL Preseason
Long Sheet


Saturday, August 13

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GREEN BAY at CLEVELAND - 8/13/2011, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 1-1 against the spread versus GREEN BAY over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 1-1 straight up against GREEN BAY over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NY GIANTS at CAROLINA - 8/13/2011, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY GIANTS is 1-0 against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
NY GIANTS is 1-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BUFFALO at CHICAGO - 8/13/2011, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 1-0 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 1-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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INDIANAPOLIS at ST LOUIS - 8/13/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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MINNESOTA at TENNESSEE - 8/13/2011, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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Monday, August 15

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NY JETS at HOUSTON - 8/15/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY JETS are 28-12 ATS (+14.8 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 since 1993.
NY JETS are 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) as a road underdog of 3 points or less since 1993.
NY JETS are 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) in road games since 1993.
NY JETS are 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) in road lined games since 1993.
NY JETS are 12-1 ATS (+10.9 Units) in a road game where the total is between 32.5 and 35 points since 1993.
HOUSTON is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) as a home favorite of 3 points or less since 1993.

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

NFL Preseason
Short Sheet


Saturday, 8/13/2011

GREEN BAY at CLEVELAND, 7:30 PM ET NFL
GREEN BAY: 27-12 Over as favorite
CLEVELAND: 7-1 ATS as home underdog

NY GIANTS at CAROLINA, 8:00 PM ET
NY GIANTS: 5-1 Over vs NFC South
CAROLINA: 1-7 ATS in all games

BUFFALO at CHICAGO, 8:00 PM ET
BUFFALO: 5-1 Over as underdog
CHICAGO: 5-1 Over vs. non-conf

INDIANAPOLIS at ST LOUIS, 8:00 PM ET
INDIANAPOLIS: 6-0 Over as underdog
ST LOUIS: 6-0 ATS in non-conference

MINNESOTA at TENNESSEE, 8:00 PM ET
MINNESOTA: 9-2 ATS as as a road underdog of 3.5 to 7 points
TENNESSEE: 8-0 Over if total is 35 or less


Monday, 8/15/2011

NY JETS at HOUSTON, 8:00 PM ET ESPN
NY JETS: 14-1 ATS Away if total is 35 or less
HOUSTON: 0-7 ATS as home favorite of 3 pts or less

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

NFL Preseason


Saturday, August 13

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NFL preason Saturday: What bettors need to know
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Green Bay Packers at Cleveland Browns (-1.5, 35.5)

Starter report

Packers: As has been the case throughout head coach Mike McCarthy’s tenure, Packers starters aren’t expected to play more than a few series Saturday. It’s unlikely that Aaron Rodgers will be on the field for more than 12 plays. Matt Flynn and Graham Harrell will see the bulk of the action under center.

Browns: The Browns have a new head coach in Pat Shurmur and while he hasn’t laid out his gameplan in regard to playing time, he has indicated that he “won’t deviate from the original plan”. Way to be vague, coach.

Several Browns insiders believe that Colt McCoy and the rest of the starters will be on the field for the majority of the first quarter.

Things to remember: This game marks the first time the Packers will open the preseason away from Lambeau Field since 2007… The Browns edged the Packers 27-24 in last year’s preseason opener… The Packers are 9-11 SU and 11-9 ATS in the preseason under Mike McCarthy.

Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans (-3, 33)

Starter report

Vikings: The winds of change have blown through Minnesota, with Donovan McNabb taking over the reins at quarterback. However, he won’t make much more than a cameo appearance Saturday, before giving way to rookie Christian Ponder and Joe Webb.

Ponder has struggled at his first NFL training camp, but head coach Leslie Frazier doesn’t seem overly concerned.

"It's called being a rookie in the National Football League,” Frazier told reporters. “There's going to be some other days like that. That's part of it. He's going to have a lot of good days, too."

Titans: For the first time in what seems like an eternity, Jeff Fisher won’t be roaming the Titans sideline. Mike Munchak is the new man in charge, and while he hasn’t indicated his plan of attack for the preseason opener, we know that Chris Johnson (holdout) and Kenny Britt (injury) won’t be taking the field.

We can expect to see Matt Hasselbeck make a cameo appearance before Jake Locker makes his much-anticipated debut. Rusty Smith and Brett Ratliff should also see time in the second half.

Things to remember: This matchup features a pair of head coaches getting their first taste of preseason action… The Vikings haven’t posted a losing preseason record since 2003… Tennessee is a perfect 7-0 SU in its last seven preseason home games.

Indianapolis Colts at St. Louis Rams (-7, 34)

Starter report

Colts: In case you haven’t been paying attention, Peyton Manning won’t be ready for the Colts preseason opener. He isn’t expected to see any action until Week 1.

Based on Jim Caldwell’s history, the rest of the Colts starters likely won’t get more than a series or two of action.

Curtis Painter is expected to start Saturday’s game and play the entire first half. Dan Orlovsky and Nate Davis will share duties in the second half, while Mike Hartline may have to wait until next week to make his preseason debut.

Rams: Rams head coach Steve Spanguolo has indicated that his starters will see 12-15 plays before exiting. That includes QB Sam Bradford. Veteran A.J. Feeley should play the rest of the first half before giving way to a pair of undrafted rookies, Thaddeus Lewis and Taylor Potts.

St. Louis is a little banged up with no fewer than 12 players expected to miss Saturday’s game due to injury.

Things to remember: The Rams are 6-2 SU and ATS in preseason action since Steve Spagnuolo took over coaching duties two years ago… St. Louis has given up at least 20 points in seven of its last nine preseason tilts… Colts head coach Jim Caldwell doesn’t put much stock in preseason results. His team has gone 1-7 SU and 2-6 ATS under his guidance.

New York Giants at Carolina Panthers (-2.5, 33)

Starter report

Giants: Giants head coach Tom Coughlin says that his starters will see between 15 and 18 plays on Saturday night. He’s also confirmed that only three of the four quarterbacks on the roster will get action. Chances are, that leaves Ryan Perriloux as the odd man out, with Sage Rosenfels and David Carr following Eli Manning.

Osi Umenyiora has been cleared to practice, but has yet to do so and obviously won’t be on the field in the opener.

Panthers: Saturday marks the much-anticipated debut of Panthers first-overall pick Cam Newton. However, fans may have to wait to catch their first glimpse of Newton in game action. Ron Rivera hasn’t indicated who will start Saturday, but has listed Jimmy Clausen ahead of Newton on the depth chart.

Veteran Derek Anderson and second-year man Tony Pike will also see time in the opener, likely splitting the final quarter and a half.

Things to remember: Tom Coughlin has steered the Giants to a 33-28 SU and 30-27-4 ATS mark in the preseason… The Panthers are a miserable 1-7 SU and ATS in the preseason over the last two years… Ron Rivera makes his coaching debut for Carolina.

Buffalo Bills at Chicago Bears (-3, 34.5)

Starter report

Bills: Bills boss Chan Gailey hasn’t said what he has in store for Saturday, but if last year is any indication, we can expect all four quarterbacks to see the field at some point.

Ryan Fitzpatrick is the starter, but he’ll be pushed by Tyler Thigpen. Levi Brown and Josh Nesbitt will be assigned mop-up duty in the second half.

Bears: Lovie Smith likes to give his starters a series of action in the preseason opener, and that trend should continue in 2011. After Jay Cutler makes a cameo appearance, Caleb Hanie will likely play two quarters. That leaves the remainder of the game to fifth-round pick Nathan Enderle.

Matt Forte remains a question mark after he hinted that he may not play in the preseason until he has a long-term contract extension in place.

"I expect all the guys to be ready to play if we tell them,” Smith told reporters. “We'll make those decisions a little bit later. But you just look at what Matt is doing. You love everything he's done. And why wouldn't he be ready to go?''

Things to remember: Chan Gailey-coached teams have gone 3-11 SU and 4-10 ATS in the preseason… The Bears are 14-15 SU and 12-16-1 ATS in exhibition contests under Lovie Smith… Chicago went winless in last year’s preseason… The Bills won 27-20 when these teams met in the 2009 preseason.